Drip, Drip, Drip.....

How many raindrops does it take to make a puddle? 

I ask this of myself while writing one day. You hear all the time, write, write, write. 

My problem isn't writing, it's finishing what I've started. 

I am constantly adding new story ideas, plots, brainstorming, etc. But to what end?

Looking at my library at home, I gaze at countless books filled with hundreds, thousands of words like mine. The difference is, they're complete. 

What will it take from me to take all my words (raindrops) and turn them into a finished piece of work (novel)?

I suppose.....patience! :)

How does one stop themselves.

This a question that I have.

I have been an advid reader my whole life. I enjoy books from different genres. And therfore, it would hopefully explain to those who really know me, why I insist on reading several books at a time.

I, Never, and I mean Never mix up the plots, nor the characters.

I enjoy being able to move around into different worlds on a whim. It''s actually exciting!

True like my husband pointed out: it takes me longer to finish reading 1, when I'm reading 5 or more at a time. Currently - 8.

Somewhere along my writing journey, that habit has bleed into my writing as well. (Writing several stories at a time).

Now, I've read from many a well-published author how that is a No-No! How are you supposed to ever finish anything, if you have your hands in so many projects?

And so that is my delima. While I'm working on my first children's picture book, I'm also working on a middle-grade novel.

Dare I say, I need help. Counsel?

Webinar: Self Publishing a Children's Book

I think I found a new friend!

Okay, so maybe I need to hop on over to YouTube a little bit more.

I usually am not a YouTuber, but the other day it had occurred to me of all the priceless, and free information that is stored, and up-loaded there every second of the day. Since I'm currently working on my first children's picture book, I decided to see what kind of help I could possible find there. Boy did I hit the "mother load"!

I typed in: How to self publish children picture books, and one of the very first vids I saw was from an author of children picture books by the name of Jo Linsdell. Her vid was almost an hour long. Well with kids needing to be picked up from school, and house-hold chores that were being neglected, I had to save it in my "watch later" history. Since then I've been watching it, taking notes and finding new reassurances that I'm on the right path with my writing career.

She has also helped me to understand a few operations when it comes to using certain sites such as Amazon's Kindle (CreateSpace), Smashwords. etc.

Now I'm looking into print and eBook options for my books. Not to mention going either self published or sticking with the original traditional. Must admit, her success with self publishing is sounding taster by the minute. Although I do realize that one person's success is no guaranteed for another's. You only get out, what you put in.

So off I go, putting in the time and effort, now let's see what hatches!!!

2014 - What cha' got!?

2014. It's a new year for inspiration, new ideas, new writing tips, new industry changes, but mostly..... new goals and dreams to make happen. To cut to the point of it all, I've made a small list of things I'm wanting, needing and hoping to accomplish this year.

• Self-publish my very first children's picture book.
• Learn more about the changes the writing industry has coming.
• Query like crazy to small and big Presses, agents and editors.
• Cut my reading amount down in order to finish the books I'm currently reading.
• Increase traffic to my social medias.

2014 has a lot to bring to it. I believe with less procrastination this year, I'll see over the rainbow!
                                                     

Back to the drawing board on revising

Over this past week, I was asked by a dear friend, how my writing was going. I answered her by mentioning that I had completed the editing process on my first children's picture book that will be self-published. Little did, I know the next words that came out of her mouth would send me right back to the editing process. I mean after-all, I was completely done with my book. I have to admit that I couldn't believe it was all that easy. (Really it was not, it was surprisingly more difficult and involved than I realized, yet I enjoyed the journey nonetheless.) All I was waiting on was to present a complete lay-out to my hubby, who so happened to be my illustrator for the book.

When I told her the name I was set-on, her immediate response was not what I expected. I loved the title I choose...it was very catchy, but it was also ill-placed. So after I slept on it, I came to realize, she was right. I couldn't believe I had actually missed an extremely important rule that comes when writing for children. I made the mistake of seeing my story in real world application, when I should have been thinking along the lines of what is suitable and not suitable for children, even by today's standards.

So, I eventually ended up needing to change the name, at least a certain portion of it. I believe the book and I will both benefit from the corrected change. Thank you, honest friends! 

Quoted for Life



 

Today, seemed like a perfect 2nd day to welcome in the Autumn season. As I was sorting through my various files containing some wonderful inspiring quotes, I came upon this on.

 

Someone once said that: "The graveyard is filled with people who had great and wonderful ideas."

 

Why is that?

 

This quote made me think about where I intend to go with my writing. What is it that I hope to accomplish? Who do I want to reach?

 

 

Surprisingly, I discovered, that I would like to go down in history with a title to my name. I want to leave a legacy for my children and their children to be proud of.

 

Anne Rice even asked one time: "What do you want to be known for?"

 

I may be just starting out with my career, but I already know that I want to make a difference in the lives of others with my writing.

 

I think that's where you can not only find success, but fulfillment in life as well.

 

T.T.F.N.

 

Carmen