Hello followers and visitors!
After a very long time agonizing over how to run this blog, I believe I've finally found my place. I've never written a blog, and I'm new to the blogging community, so none of this is coming easily or naturally to me. But after months (no exaggeration!) of trying (and failing) to come up with a topic to build my blog posts around, I think I've finally got it.
I was cleaning house without a single thought about blogging (confession: I haven't thought about blogging in weeks) when it (cliche alert!) hit me out of the blue. I'm going to blog about the process of writing and what I've learned and what I learn as I continue to grow into a better, stronger writer. That's an easy enough topic since I'm constantly striving to learn as much as I can about the craft of writing, and I'd be happy to share my knowledge. Remember, about 10% of writing is talent, the rest is hard work.
I write fiction with an emphasis on women's romantic contemporary fiction, but the advice and knowledge I share will be helpful to writers across the board, all genres, because writing is writing.
There is a basic knowledge and understanding we all need for success in writing as a career, then there is all the other stuff we as creative individuals will add. I'll have bits of both here for you.
Now, all that said and done, I'd like to begin with my first "tidbit": Write with the intent to place your reader into your world, or story (fiction or non-fiction).
Yes, I realize how obvious my above statement sounds, but really think about it. You might be surprised to find part - or possibly even all - of the above mentioned message got lost or misplaced when you sat down and "put pen to paper".
We as writers are not responsible for whether or not people like our work (this is important to remember), but we are responsible for getting them to "feel" the story. They should feel present, pulled into the story from beginning to end. If you've managed that, you've managed true success.
I know for myself, I was unconsciously too aware of trying to convince my readers to like the story that I lost sight of the true goal. Not totally or completely lost, but enough that I can feel the difference in myself and my writing now that my focus is better aligned.
If you are writing anything you want to have read, you'll always want the reader's pov in the back of your mind, but your best work will come through if you keep your story (and all that it embodies) in the front of your mind.
And that's it! The first post of this new blog form. I'm ready for the new year and all the success it has for me. I wish the best for all of you, too. Happy New Year!
*Please leave a comment with your thoughts or your own words of advice. ;)
Saturday, January 5, 2013
Monday, October 22, 2012
Curse or Blessing?
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!
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!
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? ;)
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