For the Writers: staring Anne Rice

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!

Smelling The Roses

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. :)

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.

Family support for my career as a writer, a must!

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.

In The Eyes Of An Unwanted Child: A mothers love is always needed in a child life. by Lawanda L Yarber(Dec 29, 2012)

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.

From Those Before Us!

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!

Starting over, again!

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!!!