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! :)
Wednesday, April 2, 2014
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.
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. 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!
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!
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.
Okay, so here we are. My 1st Friday, starting anew!
I've decided to do this the same way I do my personal writing- journals. It's very effective, keeps me on my toes, too. The only difference is, I try to journal daily. With this blog, I'm shooting for Monday, and Friday.
So, today, I thought I'd start out by asking: WHEN DID I KNOW THAT I WANTED TO WRITE PROFESSIONALLY?
Major question.
Our youngest child was starting kindergarten, and what that meant to me was - Alone Time. But seriously, that's as far as I got, besides sleeping in later.
So the hubby, noticed that I had started writing lately, and asked the question, that changed my life forever. "Have you ever thought about trying to get your stories published?"
Now I knew how much I loved the written word, but it honestly never dawned on me to take it to the next level. So I started thinking - well why not? What can it hurt?
Next, I grabbed an unused notebook and a nice pen and started editing what I had already written. Little did I know that my horse was before my carriage. I had to back track and make a trip to Barnes & Noble and purchase my very first writing reference.
On Monday, come back to see which one I choose and what I got out of it!
Starting over, is NOT one of the easiest things to do!
It means that you have to admit that you've made a mistake. It may not be grave, but it is a mistake nonetheless.
And that brings me to the present. I could not understand why this site that I had worked so hard on, was not generating any sort of traffic. I knew that it had nothing to do with people's lack of reading, rather it was or is, lack of interest.
I was so excited to begin a blog, that I had not done enough homework, to see how to properly construct one up. What all it takes to keep interest.
So, I did the smart thing. I researched!
Yes, I did. Lots and lots of popular, and frequented author's blogs/websites. This helped me tremendously! When I look back at my prior blogs, I noticed how much they lacked, in humour, insightful information, and engaging topics. I needed to fix all of that.
And so, I came up with a game-plan that will hopefully shoot me in the right direction in achieving my goals.
I plan to blog about things that have helped me with my writing. How-To's, Blogging, Platforming , the Stress of Finding the Time to Write, Querying, Rejection slips,Making other writer/author friends, and anything else that I can think of, that I as a writer would find very beneficial.
I'm as always, open to helpful suggestions, not only in my writing, but in building a web presence, tips and tricks on writing ..... you name it.
I'm looking at trying to blog every Monday to start. And on Fridays to close.
Well, today as I went about checking my e-mail, I stumbled across a video that was created by one of my favorite writers: Anne Rice.
While the video was created last year, I still found the content most helpful and timely. In her video she not only answered a lot of common questions that she receives from writers such as myself looking for tips and such as to how to break into the writing industry..., but wonderful and inspiring advice as well.
I took notes and plan to use that video to come back to often as a reminder for when I have a bad writing day. But most importantly, something that struck my heart was something she said: THE ONLY THING STANDING BETWEEN ME AND REALIZING MY DREAMS IS: USUALLY MYSELF! I needed that kick in the pants!
Today, I did something very important concerning my writing career. I learned some new tricks. First, I met a very helpful woman on Twitter who gave me some very helpful advice about my writing. She noticed that I had several spelling and punctuational errors. I intend to heed her advice. I have been focusing more so on getting my words out, that I failed to follow one of the most basic of writing rules, when trying to build a writer's platform: checking my spelling. Secondly, I signed up for a free writing course with Lisa Tener (Author/Book Coach). Today, was my first day of the 7-Day course. The lesson for today was: Make Time For Your Writing. So before I am allowed to press forward, I had to actually schedule some time for writing, nothing else. Not checking e-mails, Facebook, Twitter or any other social site. Actual writing. And so I did. I plan on starting no later that 11am-1pm. Now with my kids out for the summer, that schedule will be altered at times. But I will do my utmost to stay on task! Just accomplishing that little bit, has given me hope that I can actually focus more and do what I plan - write and finish a book.
P.S. I just used my spellcheck for the first time. And found errors. :)
Tuesday, July 23, 2013
Lakeside Retreat a True Treat!
Over this past weekend, my family and I were invited out with another family to their family's lakehouse. Although, I was extremely excited about going, this made our second family vacation-ever, I was also not sure how to handle seperation from my laptop. Ever since I received my laptop back in April, we have been inseperable. How was I to handle, not being able to practice-write or revise a story idea? But then it dawned on me, how many wonderful ideas would come to me going to the lakehouse? So , I decided to bring along a new journal and several pens. I took over 100 pictures and had the time of my life. I became so busy that I had almost completely forgotten to jot down ideas. Once, I did, I couldn't stop! The traquility of the water, the trees, and the scenery was priceless. I wrote, and wrote, and wrote. Soon I was so at ease with my surroundings, that when it came time to leave, I realized that I couldn't wait to get back. If I get the chance, I would love to get our family our own lakehouse ...... for fun, and my own personal writing retreat.
A few days ago, I decided to do my very first self-published children's pic book, "Red Hot Pepper". All four of my children love art and and pretty good at it, like my husband who is a graphic design artist by trade. Ever since I stated that I was striving to become a published author, they all wanted to jump on the band-wagon and assist me. I even had to explain to them that while I am constructing stories I am considered a writer. However, when the day comes that I become published, then and only then will I be able to adorn the name author. So my first project is with my 10-year-old daughter being my illustartor. My children may be doing it for fun, but they may never ever realize how their support of my career is to me. I am very grateful to them. One thing I learned coming into this profession is that receiving the right kind of support is vital to one's success.
I recently met an amazing woman. Our main common interest is that we are writers. She never intended to become a writer, but rather one day was compelled. Her first self-published book will have you hold on tight, until the last page. She spoke of how people who have read her true-life story, ask her "Why aren't you angry?" She'd then reply: "I was ...... for a very long time. But I've grown and moved on. You can forgive the pain done, but you will never forget it." She has inspired many in such a short time. I feel priviledged to have made her acquaintence.
So today was wonderful for me! Several things unfolded that will change my writing for the better. First off, I ended up having a meeting with a fellow writer/author. I had been told about her as she was told about me as well. Speaking to her for the limited time that we had, gave me that feeling like we've known each other so for time. She took me through her journey to self-publishing using CreateSpace with Amazon. She also gave me pointers and tricks that helped her, as well as the reason why one evening she couldn't sleep and had to write.
I learned from the beginning that being a writer is not a socialable career choice. However today, being able to speak with that other author gave me a different out-look. That we as writers do not have to shut out the world. We can help one another, if we are not selfish, in obtaining and securing our own careers. I believe with my whole being that: we become better writers, by learning from those who have come before us!
Okay, so blogging ended up being my somewhat arc-nemesis. I never thought for even the slightest moment, that it would take me this long to finally figure it out. I have been asking folks to please check it out and shoot me a few pointers, but sadly - nothing. And that's actually okay. My hopes were 50/50. But, here I am! I did it all by myself. Now on to the real purpose of this blog . . . . .to write!!!
I really have no idea what I'm supposed to be doing!
Have you ever thought or said that? I know I have, and still do. One of the first things I learned about writing is that it's a very lonely process. Even if your in a book club or a writer's group, your still alone. I've found it very difficult when asking for advice from other authors as far as "How to Write My Author's Bio", or "How Can I Get Other Authors to Follow Me On My Site", etc. It just honestly feels like authors just don't care to offer you any advice, or that they are afraid you will still some of their secrets. That's why I'm learning how important self- promotion is to up-and-coming writers. You can only depend on what you do for yourself. Even editor's and publishers expect for you do have at least half of your homework done before they will even look at you. And I get that, I really do. As a writer my career advancement is based off of how much effort I put into it. It just would really be benefical to aspiring writers as well as seasoned veterans to offer helpful advice. I happened to luck up when cruising my favorite home-away-from-home, Barnes and Noble and my eye caught on a book by Janet Evanovich: "How I Write." That book was exactly what I had been searching for. Now if only even half of successful authors did what Mrs. Evanovich did, we'd be able to produce better books, and take half of the work load off of our already overworked agents, editors, and publishers.
