An Author's Blog

What a Writer's Life is Really Like

Not romantic, I can assure you . It's hard work, tons of it, and just when you think you're done you're really only 25% there. I'm starting to buckle under the pressure of having my first draft done for my novel, Scared, due by November 15th. So in the midst of taking care of my responsibilities at my day job, going to soccer games and basketball practices and so forth, I sneak away every chance I get to write. That's what I did all day today. In the office, in the corner of Borders for a bit, and now late into the night at home. I'm sitting on the couch, feet propped up on the coffee table, listening to my Itunes so I can tune out the world, and going for it!

I must admit I have a bad habit of surfing the internet when I get bored or the plot gets stuck. Tonight, I'm glad I did because I read my good friend, Claudia Mair Burney's blog. This is what the life of a writer is all about after finishing a novel. Read this: (By the way, don't let her fool you. She's brilliant, amazing, and an accomplished writer!)

"Sometime just before 7pm I sent The Exorsistah to my developmental editor. I can honestly say that I have never struggled so hard, or felt so completely lost during the writing of a book.

Maybe some of you will write and say, "You feel that way every time. I can show you transcripts of our chats." But you'd have to show me, because it always feels like this was the worse one ever.

Some of you have read my rough drafts, and you know they are unapologetically rough. It's in writing like a nut job that I find the startling and surprising. I have to allow myself to go wherever I want to go. Sometimes I have to see how a scene feels, even if I will likely scrap it. In my drafts a whole lotta scrapping goes on.

I couldn't grasp this story though. It slipped out of my hands whenever I tried to hold it. Characters walked around confused, wondering what to do, and I couldn't tell them. I wished I could. I'm not joking when I say I have no skill. I'm a cheap story teller that has found myself in a world that I'm certain I don't belong in.

I feel awful.

There's like this tremendous crash, and a mild hysteria that takes hours to dissipate. Maybe days. I think, "This one will ruin me." At some point tonight I will cry my eyes out. I may be crying right now. I won't say. Read the rest by clicking here."

Writer's Block

Having a tough time getting creative during your writing? It happens so all of us. Sometimes you just need a kick start. A key that sparks something internally and will lead you to an entirely different trend of thought. Check out this website called, Creative Writing Prompts. It will be a great help in time of need!

How to Write a Novel in 100 Days or Less

How many times have you finished reading a novel and said, “I could have written that book.” You know what? You’re right. All of us, I believe, carry at least one novel around in our heads or our hearts. Novelist Toni Morrison put it this way: “If there’s a book you really want to read but it hasn’t been written yet, then you must write it.” Writing a book is no easy task. Nevertheless, every day another book is published.

Let us begin
Sinclair Lewis was invited to talk to some students about the writer’s craft. He stood at the head of the class and asked, “How many of you here are really serious about being writers?” A sea of hands shot up. Lewis then asked, “Well, why aren't you all home writing?” And with that he walked out of the room.
So now it is time for you to be writing. Read the article here

How to Write

A great article from the BBC on how to write. Click here to read it.

More Advice on Getting Published

Getting published is easier than you might think. There are steps a writer can take to increase their chance of getting their work into print. Here are some basic tools.

The publishing world is like most other businesses, sometimes success is a matter of being in the right place at the right time. Or, in the case of magazines, having your submission cross the right person’s desk at the best possible moment. But there are things you can do to increase the odds of getting published.

Research the Publication: Study the magazine and understand their philosophy, audience and style. Make sure you read the publication before trying to fib your way through offering to be part of their viewpoint. Review their guidelines and submission process. Follow it to the letter.

Write for Free: If you haven’t been published yet, donate your work to local or regional papers, magazines, organizational newsletters; anywhere that you can make a knowledgeable contribution. You won’t make money, but you will earn writing credits. And in the publishing world, that’s better than money. It’s validation. Proof that your work is credible. The more writing experience on your resume, the better. Read the rest of the article here.

The Writing Life

I'm up late again tonight, under another writing deadline. I knew this year would be a year of major adjustment. See, I'm a people person, high-energy, and a bit ADD. The transition for me is learning how to be a writer. Making the time, being consistent, and finding the creativity.

After quite some time of wondering if I'd ever get a book contract, about a year ago four came flying through the door. No kidding. It's quite the lesson on never giving up. I'm really loving writing because I'm writing about my passion, not what someone else wants me to be passionate about. That gives me the energy to make time to do the above. If you're on the writing journey, a little advice: write, write, write! No matter how bad your writing seems, or how little creativity flows. Writing is an art form, like great wine it gets better with time. The character begins to emerge, the flavors become smoother and more succulent, and the fruit leaps when it hits your palate! There are many "wanna-be" writers, but only true artists take the time to learn the craft, be consistent, and go to their writing caves in order for something great to emerge. All the best to you on the journey. Now go write!

Getting Your Words Read Part 5

Make it Easy for People to Connect with You

• Whenever you send an email, make sure your webpage or blog is listed at the bottom.      Think of it as a return address.

• Create a ‘blogroll’ on your blog with other friends who are seasoned blogging      veterans. Chances are they will add you to their ‘blogroll’ and new people      will click through to check you out. Add me, let me know, and I'll add you!
• Leave comments on strangers blogs and other forums.
• Invite other bloggers to review your blog. Do the same for them which will cause      them to post your review on their site.
• Come up with creative ways and reasons for people to return to your blog.

 

Getting Your Words Read Part 4

A Page on Amazon 

Amazon has several features that are useful as you build your name as an author. Amazon.com/connect allows published authors (including self-published) to set up a bio page and a blog. People who have purchased your books or writings in the past will be alerted by Amazon when you have a new title that releases. Amazon.com/shorts allows people to download a short story you have written for only 49 cents. This is another unique way to allow people to follow your work and let curious readers engage with your writing inexpensively. Another bonus is that you make money, 20 cents per download, not bad since you’ll typically make less than a dollar on a published manuscript.

Getting Your Words Read Part 3

You and Facebook

Facebook is the most advanced relationally connected site on the web and a great way for others to find out what you are doing. When you connect with an existing friend on Facebook, you have the opportunity to connect with their entire network. You can invite them to be your friend, post articles or notes that are instantly read by those in your network, create photo albums, include your webpage(s), post video, “SuperPoke” people, create causes for others to join, just about whatever your mind can imagine. You can find my profile here and invite me as a friend: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=791064551

 

Getting Your Words Read Part 2

Build a Personal WebPage

A personal webpage can be a powerful tool to help people connect with you. It great for personal information, each book you write, a short story or article, or for a campaign you start. The idea behind these types of pages is simple. The more information there is about you on the web, the better. I’ve done this with one of my self-published books now picked up by a publisher (www.fieldsofthefatherless.com) and with a campaign from my newest book (www.5for50.com). TL Hines has done a great job creating a webpage for his fiction books, (www.tlhines.com). Lisa Samson also has a fantastic idea. She started a blog for a new book she is writing. Here, she keeps all of her research and documentation for the project and allows other readers to follow her steps as the book progresses. It’s called Kingdom Come check it out – http://lisasamson.typepad.com/kingdomcome.