I thought I'd provide an update on my writing life for all of you fellow writers out there who may (hopefully) be interested. I imagine you'll find similarities in our perspectives.
At this point, I find myself working tirelessly to keep a good, optimistic attitude about my "choice" of craft. It's not an easy task to constantly fight the hag and her sister the nag who love to tell me I'm fooling myself, I don't have what it takes and I never will. Thankfully, it seems I have an even stronger voice (I believe from God) that always manages to talk over Hag and Nag, pounding them pack into place, allowing me to continue to move forward without quitting.
Sometimes I wonder if it's even possible to quit writing. I honestly don't think it is. Can any of us truly walk away (without a heavy spirit) from what is quite possibly a gift given to us before we ever thought to ask for it? For me, it would be akin to quitting eating, or drinking, or breathing. It's oddly a part of me, almost like a lung. I can survive without it, but it's not ideal. It's not easy to explain, this overpowering desire to write and to learn as much about the craft as I can possibly absorb into my little brain. Grammar, spelling (I mean, where would I be without spell check?!), voice and talent; these are among the things I strive passionately to strengthen and nurture.
This "calling" to write is both a blessing and a curse.
I call it a curse because no matter how frustrated or down I get about my abilities, I can't walk away. I just can't. Something always pulls me back to writing, to working more and working harder. I can suffer a less than glowing review of my novel, spiral into a state of depression or melancholy over it, but without fail, before I even realize what's happened, I'm right back writing again. The perpetual "getting back on that horse".
For good or bad, through ups and downs, here I am, a writer always in the making. Just as being human is always a work in progress, so is becoming, or being a writer. We do what we have to do, like it or not. It's just not a choice, is it? Saying it's a choice to write when every fiber of you craves the craft would be like claiming you have a choice to breathe.
Curse or blessing, I'm in it for the long haul. And the bottom line is . . . I love it!! And I hate it!
Monday, October 22, 2012
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
George R.R. Martin writing habits...
I had a wonderful moment of discovery and validation this weekend as an author. On reading this month's edition of Writer's Digest magazine, I ran across an author I was unfamiliar with, but who I connected with in a surprising way.
Although George R.R. Martin writes fantasy (he's the author of the Game of Thrones as well as many others) and I write romantic women's fiction, we have very similar writing habits. What a fun (and I'll admit, validating) discovery!
So often I've come across authors who can release a new novel every year, or authors who say they write every day, usually completing a chapter a day. I do neither of these things. And I was beginning to think I was alone . . . until now.
In an interesting interview with Mr. Martin, I discovered it takes him a good five years between novels, even his sequels! He admits he's a slow writer, and his reasons are the same as mine. When he writes, he begins by going over what he wrote the previous day both to do a little editing and to build momentum. I do exactly the same thing. It may slow things down, but it works for some of us very well. He "admits" to only completing maybe 5-10 new pages a day (or when he writes) at most! That was wonderful to hear! I tire of hearing how some people complete a chapter a day, or more! No way. I just don't work that way, and now I feel a whole new freedom to comfortably be who I am, write how I write. It's wonderful.
We writers have all kinds of styles and habits, all of which are perfectly wonderful . . . IF they work for us. That's all that matters. If it works, it's perfect . . . for you, or me. Speed of writing isn't important, quality is. How we get there doesn't matter in the least, it's only that we get there.
So take comfort, we have much in common with one another and much that is not, but it's all just fine. We can celebrate together our differences, our outcome and our craft. ;)
Although George R.R. Martin writes fantasy (he's the author of the Game of Thrones as well as many others) and I write romantic women's fiction, we have very similar writing habits. What a fun (and I'll admit, validating) discovery!
So often I've come across authors who can release a new novel every year, or authors who say they write every day, usually completing a chapter a day. I do neither of these things. And I was beginning to think I was alone . . . until now.
In an interesting interview with Mr. Martin, I discovered it takes him a good five years between novels, even his sequels! He admits he's a slow writer, and his reasons are the same as mine. When he writes, he begins by going over what he wrote the previous day both to do a little editing and to build momentum. I do exactly the same thing. It may slow things down, but it works for some of us very well. He "admits" to only completing maybe 5-10 new pages a day (or when he writes) at most! That was wonderful to hear! I tire of hearing how some people complete a chapter a day, or more! No way. I just don't work that way, and now I feel a whole new freedom to comfortably be who I am, write how I write. It's wonderful.
We writers have all kinds of styles and habits, all of which are perfectly wonderful . . . IF they work for us. That's all that matters. If it works, it's perfect . . . for you, or me. Speed of writing isn't important, quality is. How we get there doesn't matter in the least, it's only that we get there.
So take comfort, we have much in common with one another and much that is not, but it's all just fine. We can celebrate together our differences, our outcome and our craft. ;)
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
Reading Ken Follett
Calling all readers! Any fans of Ken Follett? I've only read one book of his (The Pillars of the Earth), and it was wonderful. I admit his novels are loooonnnggg, but they are engrossing. Right now I'm reading "Fall of Giants", the first in his Century Trilogy. It's 985 pages long! I'm hoping it's a great book, or I'll be in for a frustrating read. So far, so good!
If anyone else has read or is reading this book, I'd love to hear from you!
I just finished "The Russian Concubine", so I'd say that after "Fall of Giants", I'll need to mix it up a bit and go to something lighter before tackling the second book of the trilogy. Thankfully, there's no shortage of books to choose from.
I may exclusively write romantic women's fiction, but I'm an eclectic reader. I love all kinds of books, including some memoirs and biography's, but mostly I enjoy fiction (with that ever important element of romance).
I've heard on more than one occasion that reading fiction in particular is a wonderful brain exercise. Reading is good on many levels, but apparently reading fiction adds another element. I would imagine it's due to the use of our imaginations, stretching them. We have to visualize and feel what the author is describing, unlike lazily having all that done for us in movies and television. Don't get me wrong, I love movies! It's just not a brain stimulating activity. ;)
Well, happy reading! May you always have a book at hand, even if it takes you many weeks to finish it. ;)
If anyone else has read or is reading this book, I'd love to hear from you!
I just finished "The Russian Concubine", so I'd say that after "Fall of Giants", I'll need to mix it up a bit and go to something lighter before tackling the second book of the trilogy. Thankfully, there's no shortage of books to choose from.
I may exclusively write romantic women's fiction, but I'm an eclectic reader. I love all kinds of books, including some memoirs and biography's, but mostly I enjoy fiction (with that ever important element of romance).
I've heard on more than one occasion that reading fiction in particular is a wonderful brain exercise. Reading is good on many levels, but apparently reading fiction adds another element. I would imagine it's due to the use of our imaginations, stretching them. We have to visualize and feel what the author is describing, unlike lazily having all that done for us in movies and television. Don't get me wrong, I love movies! It's just not a brain stimulating activity. ;)
Well, happy reading! May you always have a book at hand, even if it takes you many weeks to finish it. ;)
Friday, September 14, 2012
Finding your writing style
As a new author with her first novel out, I spend a lot of time continually learning and growing so the following work will be even stronger. As with anything in life, practice makes perfect (or close enough to perfect while still being human). Writing is no exception. The more we write, the better writers we become. And the more we read, the stronger grasp we'll have on the craft.
Recently, I've had a huge brain fart. If that's a good thing, because this lightbulb-moment is a good thing, huge for me. Now, what to do about it. What was the discovery, you ask? I'll tell you.
As most writers do, I read a lot. I read what I love, but I also step outside that box and dip into new adventures. Being part of a book club helps with this as we can't pick and choose what we read. Anyway, back to my "discovery". In my reading a new favorite author (Jill Mansell), I found that I'm completely taken with not just her stories, but with her style of writing. She bravely allows her personality to play a starring role in her characters lives. In particular, I love her humor!
The big difference between her writing and mine (besides the fact she's written MANY novels and I'm on my second) is she's (fearlessly) clearly comfortable with her style. In reading her wonderful work, I've discovered that I've found my style, but haven't completely let it shine through. Not even my humor, which is very similar to Ms. Mansell's. I've done well, but know I've held back, mostly out of my trepidation as a new author. But not anymore! I get it! Let go and be me, bravely. I get it!
I'm happy to say that as I continue through this journey as a budding author, and as I learn so much every day and with every experience, I'm getting stronger and braver. It's not that I haven't been true to myself in my writing up to this point, I'd say it's more a matter of holding back a bit, unsure how to let go. Finally, I see the light.
We, fellow writers, must always be taking a close look into ourselves and overcome our fears so we can blossom into the flowers (or for males, the . . . I don't know, something masculine) we are meant to become. Be true to ourselves, true to our own individual writing style.
So, be brave, ask questions constantly, and never stop learning, changing and growing.
Happy writing and reading!
Recently, I've had a huge brain fart. If that's a good thing, because this lightbulb-moment is a good thing, huge for me. Now, what to do about it. What was the discovery, you ask? I'll tell you.
As most writers do, I read a lot. I read what I love, but I also step outside that box and dip into new adventures. Being part of a book club helps with this as we can't pick and choose what we read. Anyway, back to my "discovery". In my reading a new favorite author (Jill Mansell), I found that I'm completely taken with not just her stories, but with her style of writing. She bravely allows her personality to play a starring role in her characters lives. In particular, I love her humor!
The big difference between her writing and mine (besides the fact she's written MANY novels and I'm on my second) is she's (fearlessly) clearly comfortable with her style. In reading her wonderful work, I've discovered that I've found my style, but haven't completely let it shine through. Not even my humor, which is very similar to Ms. Mansell's. I've done well, but know I've held back, mostly out of my trepidation as a new author. But not anymore! I get it! Let go and be me, bravely. I get it!
I'm happy to say that as I continue through this journey as a budding author, and as I learn so much every day and with every experience, I'm getting stronger and braver. It's not that I haven't been true to myself in my writing up to this point, I'd say it's more a matter of holding back a bit, unsure how to let go. Finally, I see the light.
We, fellow writers, must always be taking a close look into ourselves and overcome our fears so we can blossom into the flowers (or for males, the . . . I don't know, something masculine) we are meant to become. Be true to ourselves, true to our own individual writing style.
So, be brave, ask questions constantly, and never stop learning, changing and growing.
Happy writing and reading!
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
Finding an artist for e-book cover images
You've written a book and now you need the artwork for the e-book cover done. Where to turn?
Here's a start:
You can send an e-mail to Mark Coker (of smashwords.com) at list@smashwords.com to request Mark's list of fellow Smashwords authors you can hire to create ebook covers. Prices range from $40 to $100. Through this list, I found Joleene Naylor (joleene@joleenenaylor.com). Her website is http://coverart.joleenenaylor.com/ if you'd like to take a look. She did a fantastic job on my cover, and was easy and comfortable to work with.
I recommend you look through the list by Mark and check each person's website/portfolio then go from there. Find your fit!
Good luck and happy hunting! ;)
Here's a start:
You can send an e-mail to Mark Coker (of smashwords.com) at list@smashwords.com to request Mark's list of fellow Smashwords authors you can hire to create ebook covers. Prices range from $40 to $100. Through this list, I found Joleene Naylor (joleene@joleenenaylor.com). Her website is http://coverart.joleenenaylor.com/ if you'd like to take a look. She did a fantastic job on my cover, and was easy and comfortable to work with.
I recommend you look through the list by Mark and check each person's website/portfolio then go from there. Find your fit!
Good luck and happy hunting! ;)
Sunday, August 5, 2012
Back in town!
Hi all! Sorry to have been MIA for such a long period, but I've been doing the summer thing. I was out of town for nearly 2 weeks enjoying sun and fun with family and friends.
I wish I had some deep and insightful thing to say right now, but my brain is still in summer-jell-o-mode. How's that for invoking an image??!
I will say, however, I've been keeping up with my reading better than my writing, and that is not something that feels good. Like needing food or water, I need to write to feel my healthiest and to survive. Okay, maybe a slight exaggeration with the survival statement, but I do feel at my best when I'm writing productively. I can't wait to get back into my writing groove!! School starts in 2 weeks on my end, so kids will be off for the days and I'll be busy writing my heart out.
But back to the reading end of things for me. Right now I'm reading a book that's based during a time period and a country I rarely ever read about. It's quite an interesting change for me, and the book is good so far. It's called The Red Scarf by Kate Furnivall, and it's a story about a young women who has lived then escaped life in a Labor camp in Siberia in 1933 (Stalin's rule). I have a passion for stories (mostly based on true events) that rise from the concentration camps during Hitler's period. This passion comes from my intense fascination of the story of human survival in unbelievable circumstances. I can't seem to get enough of these heartbreaking yet triumphant story lines. Keep in mind, it's not the mistreatment of humans I like to read about, it's their triumphant survival I thrive on.
It's disgusting and surprising how many stories throughout history and the world so closely simulate the "Jewish story" of opression and survival.
Here is a description of what the Red Scarf is about:
Davinsky Labor Camp, Siberia, 1933: Only two things in this wretched place keep Sofia from giving up hope: the prospect of freedom, and the stories told by her friend and fellow prisoner Anna, of a charmed childhood in Petrograd, and her fervent girlhood love for a passionate revolutionary named Vasily.
After a perilous escape, Sofia endures months of desolation and hardship. But, clinging to a promise she made to Anna, she subsists on the belief that someday she will track down Vasily. In a remote village, she?s nursed back to health by a Gypsy family, and there she finds more than refuge?she also finds Mikhail Pashin, who, her heart tells her, is Vasily in disguise. He?s everything she has ever wanted?but he belongs to Anna.
After coming this far, Sofia is tantalizingly close to freedom, family?even a future. All that stands in her way is the secret past that could endanger everything she has come to hold dear?
I'm looking forward to reading another book from Kate Furnival called The Russian Concubine, however, for right now, I plan to read something far lighter. I like to alternate heavy and light.
What books are you reading now? And why? ;)
I wish I had some deep and insightful thing to say right now, but my brain is still in summer-jell-o-mode. How's that for invoking an image??!
I will say, however, I've been keeping up with my reading better than my writing, and that is not something that feels good. Like needing food or water, I need to write to feel my healthiest and to survive. Okay, maybe a slight exaggeration with the survival statement, but I do feel at my best when I'm writing productively. I can't wait to get back into my writing groove!! School starts in 2 weeks on my end, so kids will be off for the days and I'll be busy writing my heart out.
But back to the reading end of things for me. Right now I'm reading a book that's based during a time period and a country I rarely ever read about. It's quite an interesting change for me, and the book is good so far. It's called The Red Scarf by Kate Furnivall, and it's a story about a young women who has lived then escaped life in a Labor camp in Siberia in 1933 (Stalin's rule). I have a passion for stories (mostly based on true events) that rise from the concentration camps during Hitler's period. This passion comes from my intense fascination of the story of human survival in unbelievable circumstances. I can't seem to get enough of these heartbreaking yet triumphant story lines. Keep in mind, it's not the mistreatment of humans I like to read about, it's their triumphant survival I thrive on.
It's disgusting and surprising how many stories throughout history and the world so closely simulate the "Jewish story" of opression and survival.
Here is a description of what the Red Scarf is about:
Davinsky Labor Camp, Siberia, 1933: Only two things in this wretched place keep Sofia from giving up hope: the prospect of freedom, and the stories told by her friend and fellow prisoner Anna, of a charmed childhood in Petrograd, and her fervent girlhood love for a passionate revolutionary named Vasily.
After a perilous escape, Sofia endures months of desolation and hardship. But, clinging to a promise she made to Anna, she subsists on the belief that someday she will track down Vasily. In a remote village, she?s nursed back to health by a Gypsy family, and there she finds more than refuge?she also finds Mikhail Pashin, who, her heart tells her, is Vasily in disguise. He?s everything she has ever wanted?but he belongs to Anna.
After coming this far, Sofia is tantalizingly close to freedom, family?even a future. All that stands in her way is the secret past that could endanger everything she has come to hold dear?
I'm looking forward to reading another book from Kate Furnival called The Russian Concubine, however, for right now, I plan to read something far lighter. I like to alternate heavy and light.
What books are you reading now? And why? ;)
Thursday, July 12, 2012
The importance of romance novels
I find it odd that so many people associate romance novels with sex, or sex scenes. To me, that association belongs to the erotica category, romance belongs to the romance category. Not that some romance novels don't call for some sex scenes, or provide some great ones! I'm simply saying I have an entire different association when I hear the word romantic novel, one that can actually be accredited with being good for your health. Why? Happiness is very good for ones health.
I think romantic novels play an important role for most of their readers. I believe reading a romance novel should be a heartwarming experience for the reader. Yes, I'm talking happy endings, endorphin releasing joy that comes after the storm.
People have different ideas of what falling-in-love should look like, but the bottom line is that it should conclude with a happy ending, however you get there. In my opinion as a reader of all categories of writing as well as an author of a romantic-suspense novel.
Yes, real life doesn't always offer happy endings, but that's exactly why I (and most readers of romance) turn to the romantic novel. We are looking for our heartstrings to be pulled in all different directions then gently put back in place. This leads me to my title statement. I think romance novels are an important outlet for people to escape the sting of reality and be submerged in a world where the ending will leave us light on our feet. An escape from reality, from daily news and all the horrors of the world.
I'm not saying a romantic novel should be, or need be, fluffy and light at all. Personally, I love it when a story is going sour between the two lovers, my heart aches for them, but I fully expect for things to turn around before the end, so I can walk away filled with a completeness only a happy ending can provide.
People need (crave) romance and happy endings in a world filled with so many other endings. We thrive on the feeling of fulfillment a romantic novel can provide. So read them without guilt or embarrassment. The classics are good, memoirs are good, and so many other categories, but if you want to rest assured your reading journey into another life, another world, will leave you with a high only happiness can provide, pick up a romantic novel now and again. It's good for you! ;)
This is why I'm such a fan of Jane Austen. I admit I find reading books from that time-period a little on the difficult side, but I adore her sense of what falling in love looks like in all its glory and all its pain. I absolutely believe Ms. Austen told love stories as they should be told, for pure pleasure of the reader.
What do you think? Do you agree? Disagree? Why? And what are your favorite reading categories, and why?
But whatever you read and for whatever reasons you have, happy reading!! A well-rounded reader is a healthy reader. ;)
I think romantic novels play an important role for most of their readers. I believe reading a romance novel should be a heartwarming experience for the reader. Yes, I'm talking happy endings, endorphin releasing joy that comes after the storm.
People have different ideas of what falling-in-love should look like, but the bottom line is that it should conclude with a happy ending, however you get there. In my opinion as a reader of all categories of writing as well as an author of a romantic-suspense novel.
Yes, real life doesn't always offer happy endings, but that's exactly why I (and most readers of romance) turn to the romantic novel. We are looking for our heartstrings to be pulled in all different directions then gently put back in place. This leads me to my title statement. I think romance novels are an important outlet for people to escape the sting of reality and be submerged in a world where the ending will leave us light on our feet. An escape from reality, from daily news and all the horrors of the world.
I'm not saying a romantic novel should be, or need be, fluffy and light at all. Personally, I love it when a story is going sour between the two lovers, my heart aches for them, but I fully expect for things to turn around before the end, so I can walk away filled with a completeness only a happy ending can provide.
People need (crave) romance and happy endings in a world filled with so many other endings. We thrive on the feeling of fulfillment a romantic novel can provide. So read them without guilt or embarrassment. The classics are good, memoirs are good, and so many other categories, but if you want to rest assured your reading journey into another life, another world, will leave you with a high only happiness can provide, pick up a romantic novel now and again. It's good for you! ;)
This is why I'm such a fan of Jane Austen. I admit I find reading books from that time-period a little on the difficult side, but I adore her sense of what falling in love looks like in all its glory and all its pain. I absolutely believe Ms. Austen told love stories as they should be told, for pure pleasure of the reader.
What do you think? Do you agree? Disagree? Why? And what are your favorite reading categories, and why?
But whatever you read and for whatever reasons you have, happy reading!! A well-rounded reader is a healthy reader. ;)
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