Hey All!!!
A few days ago, someone very dear to me told me that if you want to make a change in your life you have to commit to it and put the actions into motion. He's told me this before, mind you, but I don't think it really took root until that day. When it comes down to it, changing seems so much more complicated than that.
In previous conversations, the entire time, all I kept thinking and saying was, "It's not that simple! This is who I've been my entire life. It's impossible to just up and change my entire being?!! It takes time." But when we talked this week, I realized an important piece of what he was telling me. He wasn't telling me that I HAD to change. That was an important piece I had to catch onto, because without that small piece of intel I was more on the defensive and unable to really hear what he was telling me. What he was saying was that IF - and that's a big IF - I truly wanted to make a change, then I had to buckle down, commit to the work, and just do it!
Now, this conversation had more to do with my own personal crap, but I realized that it's a tid-bit we can all take and put in place for other areas in our lives, especially with writing. Writing is not something you can do as a side, this-is-just-sorta-fun hobby. Well, let me re-phrase that, you can do it as a side hobby, but to be successful, to really obtain the dream of publication and maybe even the illusive writing as a full-time gig, you have to be committed. You have to put in the work.
I often tell people I know that I'm working two jobs - because that's the honest truth. Yes, I'm an HR professional who spends my days helping employees with their benefits and other HR related needs. But I'm also a writer. When I'm not doing HR duties, I'm thinking of writing, I'm reading blogs and posts on it, I'm sending submissions, I'm editing my work, and I'm plotting and writing new material. That's my life folks! And I'm not playing around with it.
I'm committed. And not in the sort of, kind of, I'll get to it when I can sort of way, either. I'm all the way in, and I will make it to the finish line one day!
Oh, and I did decide to be comitted to make the changes to my personal crap as well...if you all were wondering =).
Happy Writing!!!
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
Thursday, December 13, 2012
MAKING LEMONADE FROM LEMONS
Hello All!!!
I've done a post before about using the deep emotional periods in your life to make your writing better and more realistic, and wanted to touch a bit more on that today. You know that old saying, about taking the lemons of your life and making lemonade. Well I've always been a person who's taken that saying to heart. The title of my blog says it all - I'm an eternal optimist who's decided, against my better judgment and in spite of my sensitive nature, to trudge in the swampy waters that are the writing business. And I feel that you have to be able to take everything in your life - all the good, the bad, and the ugly - and use it for the greater good that is your writing.
Would you have rather not gone through the dark and twisty times in your life, of course! But when it comes down to it, how can you write about real life, whether you're writing a contemporary tale or putting a paranormal twist on it, without having experienced all that life has to offer.
So don't regret those bad decisions you've made. Try not to push away the anger and hurt of your past. Embrace the best you've been and the absolutely, positively, most stupid ideas you've ever put into action (we all have those, I promise you). Use it. Use all of it to create the most realistic characters that have real emotions and deal with situations that we all can relate to. Use it to make your writing even better.
Happy Writing!!!
I've done a post before about using the deep emotional periods in your life to make your writing better and more realistic, and wanted to touch a bit more on that today. You know that old saying, about taking the lemons of your life and making lemonade. Well I've always been a person who's taken that saying to heart. The title of my blog says it all - I'm an eternal optimist who's decided, against my better judgment and in spite of my sensitive nature, to trudge in the swampy waters that are the writing business. And I feel that you have to be able to take everything in your life - all the good, the bad, and the ugly - and use it for the greater good that is your writing.
Would you have rather not gone through the dark and twisty times in your life, of course! But when it comes down to it, how can you write about real life, whether you're writing a contemporary tale or putting a paranormal twist on it, without having experienced all that life has to offer.
So don't regret those bad decisions you've made. Try not to push away the anger and hurt of your past. Embrace the best you've been and the absolutely, positively, most stupid ideas you've ever put into action (we all have those, I promise you). Use it. Use all of it to create the most realistic characters that have real emotions and deal with situations that we all can relate to. Use it to make your writing even better.
Happy Writing!!!
Sunday, December 9, 2012
OH THAT SILVER LINING!!!
Hello All!!!
So my submissions have been going pretty well. I've received my first full request from a really good independent publisher! Add to that finding out that I'm a semi-finalist for a contest with another independent publisher, which could result in the publication of my book, and I'm a happy camper.
Though it looked bleak for a while - with me having to re-do my query after being oh-so-sure that I was done with it - I'm feeling that all of the hard work is starting to pay off.
I'll keep you all posted!
Happy Writing!!!
So my submissions have been going pretty well. I've received my first full request from a really good independent publisher! Add to that finding out that I'm a semi-finalist for a contest with another independent publisher, which could result in the publication of my book, and I'm a happy camper.
Though it looked bleak for a while - with me having to re-do my query after being oh-so-sure that I was done with it - I'm feeling that all of the hard work is starting to pay off.
I'll keep you all posted!
Happy Writing!!!
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
GETTING THAT SECOND WIND
Hello All!!!
In the race that is the publishing process, we all come to a point where we can get tired. It makes perfect sense when you think about it. Even a professional runner can only go for so long before exhausting him or herself. The trick in any race is to have a carefully thought out plan of action for dealing with the many hurdles and hills that you're bound to encounter.
I've been thinking of that lately and in my query plan of action I've decided to place in brief moments of rest so I can get a second wind. Rest and encouragement from my loved ones really help me to stay focused and on track, something invaluable to every writer.
This week I had a point where I became tired, so last night I took a break and just relaxed a bit. I talked with my bestie, who just happened to remind me of how awesome I am (no kidding, she literally just happened to call to tell me how she'd read this book and how mine is just as great and it's only a matter of time for me). That small amount of encouragement and rest was exactly what I needed to get back on my grind. And today I researched at least two independent publishers that I feel Cursed will be a great addition to, and have even had a spark of an urg to write again.
Since my new story has a shiny, new outline it might be time to get my writing hat on!!! All in all, I'm feeling refreshed and ready to go!!!
How do you all get your second wind?
Happy writing!!!
In the race that is the publishing process, we all come to a point where we can get tired. It makes perfect sense when you think about it. Even a professional runner can only go for so long before exhausting him or herself. The trick in any race is to have a carefully thought out plan of action for dealing with the many hurdles and hills that you're bound to encounter.
I've been thinking of that lately and in my query plan of action I've decided to place in brief moments of rest so I can get a second wind. Rest and encouragement from my loved ones really help me to stay focused and on track, something invaluable to every writer.
This week I had a point where I became tired, so last night I took a break and just relaxed a bit. I talked with my bestie, who just happened to remind me of how awesome I am (no kidding, she literally just happened to call to tell me how she'd read this book and how mine is just as great and it's only a matter of time for me). That small amount of encouragement and rest was exactly what I needed to get back on my grind. And today I researched at least two independent publishers that I feel Cursed will be a great addition to, and have even had a spark of an urg to write again.
Since my new story has a shiny, new outline it might be time to get my writing hat on!!! All in all, I'm feeling refreshed and ready to go!!!
How do you all get your second wind?
Happy writing!!!
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
KEEPING THE CRAZINESS AT BAY
Hello All!!!
So, I've continued to submit Cursed to varying independent publishing houses and agents. The process reminded me of the fact that so much of this business is a waiting game. One of the major parts of a writer's job is to keep calm as s/he waits for the jury to come back with the verdict as to whether their manuscripts are worthy.
And in that waiting, craziness can surely set in.
I go from moments of great optimism where I think it's only a matter of time before someone discovers my overall awesomeness, to moments when I feel my writing's complete crap and I should give up now. In those moments, I find that keeping myself busy helps the most.
So, what do I do to keep my brain from overheating and exploding? I read. I finished the outline for my new book. I write. I ponder the unknown questions the universe has to offer to me. I keep on trucking.
My boyfriend actually spouted some profound wisdom to me last night on waiting - though it had nothing to do with me waiting on agents/publishers. He explained that I have to live in the now and stop fantasizing about what will be, because all that fantasizing will ultimately make me crazy.
So that's what I'm doing. I wrote a list of all of the things I have to be thankful for - the things that make me happy overall. And I'm going to keep focused on that list and try my best not to get caught up in the waiting game and fantasizing on what will be once I "make it". Only time will tell how it will work.
Happy Writing!
So, I've continued to submit Cursed to varying independent publishing houses and agents. The process reminded me of the fact that so much of this business is a waiting game. One of the major parts of a writer's job is to keep calm as s/he waits for the jury to come back with the verdict as to whether their manuscripts are worthy.
And in that waiting, craziness can surely set in.
I go from moments of great optimism where I think it's only a matter of time before someone discovers my overall awesomeness, to moments when I feel my writing's complete crap and I should give up now. In those moments, I find that keeping myself busy helps the most.
So, what do I do to keep my brain from overheating and exploding? I read. I finished the outline for my new book. I write. I ponder the unknown questions the universe has to offer to me. I keep on trucking.
My boyfriend actually spouted some profound wisdom to me last night on waiting - though it had nothing to do with me waiting on agents/publishers. He explained that I have to live in the now and stop fantasizing about what will be, because all that fantasizing will ultimately make me crazy.
So that's what I'm doing. I wrote a list of all of the things I have to be thankful for - the things that make me happy overall. And I'm going to keep focused on that list and try my best not to get caught up in the waiting game and fantasizing on what will be once I "make it". Only time will tell how it will work.
Happy Writing!
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
KEEP ON TRUCKING
Hey All!!!
So, I found out today that the query letter I thought was ready for submissions wasn't all that ready. To say that I'm heartbroken is a bit of an understatement. I'd sent it to various sites and had many folks look it over, and thought I finally had gotten it right, only to find that it still isn't there. It's not even close to being there.
In the pursuit of my writing career and the skills needed to succeed with it, writing query letters is my one big Achilles' Heel.
I'm going back to the drawing board with this one...though I have to say that I'm not feeling very hopeful right now. We'll see.
Happy Writing Everyone!!!
So, I found out today that the query letter I thought was ready for submissions wasn't all that ready. To say that I'm heartbroken is a bit of an understatement. I'd sent it to various sites and had many folks look it over, and thought I finally had gotten it right, only to find that it still isn't there. It's not even close to being there.
In the pursuit of my writing career and the skills needed to succeed with it, writing query letters is my one big Achilles' Heel.
I'm going back to the drawing board with this one...though I have to say that I'm not feeling very hopeful right now. We'll see.
Happy Writing Everyone!!!
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
MOTIVATION, PERSEVERANCE, AND THE QUERYING GAME
Hey All!!!
So, I recently read a really amazing post on YA Highway about how trying to get published is like hoping for one of the seats to turn around for you when competing on The Voice. It rang so true for me when I read it, especially given one of the recent rejections I'd received from an agent I queried.
See, I've been making the rounds in the querying game. I've done this dance before, mind you, but not with as much determination and resolve. The two previous times I tried to query, I found myself sending letters to about twenty or so agents. Each time I at least got one or two requests for pages, which eventually ended in rejection. Now I've always had good encouragement from those who've asked me for pages - responses such as, "I really like your writing, but I don't think the concept is unique enough for this packed market." Or, "You have great descriptions, but the market is too crowded." But there was always something - most likely my lack of true determination - that would cause me to immediately stop and decide to either do a major re-write or to shelve the story all together due to thinking the timing wasn't right.
This time, when I entered the querying fighting ring, I told myself that I'd be bold. I wasn't leaving this fight until I'd submitted to darn near every agent and publishing house I could, or die trying! But, unlike my other two attempts, I'm not really getting any bites - and that scares me a little. And there's nothing in form rejections that let you know if it's just that the book isn't in their tastes, or if you're a terrible writer and should throw your hands up now and quit forever (or just write for your kiddos and loved ones). So it's hard to navigate the ups and downs of the querying process and not get discouraged.
This changed for me a bit on last Friday, when I received what felt like my millionth rejection. I opened the email, waiting for the punch to the gut I'd come to expect, and found a light at the end of my tunnel. She explained that she liked my writing, but isn't a big fan of urban fantasy. She also encouraged me to continue and stated that she felt sure I'd have representation in no time!
So when I read the post on YA Highway about how querying is all about tastes, and how it's rare that every agent you submit to will ask for pages, or will offer representation, it really hit home for me. Even though this dream seems impossible at times, I have to know in my heart and gut that I'm good. It's all a matter of time, folks. One of these days, one of these agents or editors is going to recognize my awesomeness for what it is and will help me to make my dream into a reality. It might take time, and a hell of a lot of hard work, but I'm in for the long haul. And I WILL. NOT. GIVE. UP!!!
How do you all handle the querying dance? What motivates you to keep going?
Happy Writing!!!
So, I recently read a really amazing post on YA Highway about how trying to get published is like hoping for one of the seats to turn around for you when competing on The Voice. It rang so true for me when I read it, especially given one of the recent rejections I'd received from an agent I queried.
See, I've been making the rounds in the querying game. I've done this dance before, mind you, but not with as much determination and resolve. The two previous times I tried to query, I found myself sending letters to about twenty or so agents. Each time I at least got one or two requests for pages, which eventually ended in rejection. Now I've always had good encouragement from those who've asked me for pages - responses such as, "I really like your writing, but I don't think the concept is unique enough for this packed market." Or, "You have great descriptions, but the market is too crowded." But there was always something - most likely my lack of true determination - that would cause me to immediately stop and decide to either do a major re-write or to shelve the story all together due to thinking the timing wasn't right.
This time, when I entered the querying fighting ring, I told myself that I'd be bold. I wasn't leaving this fight until I'd submitted to darn near every agent and publishing house I could, or die trying! But, unlike my other two attempts, I'm not really getting any bites - and that scares me a little. And there's nothing in form rejections that let you know if it's just that the book isn't in their tastes, or if you're a terrible writer and should throw your hands up now and quit forever (or just write for your kiddos and loved ones). So it's hard to navigate the ups and downs of the querying process and not get discouraged.
This changed for me a bit on last Friday, when I received what felt like my millionth rejection. I opened the email, waiting for the punch to the gut I'd come to expect, and found a light at the end of my tunnel. She explained that she liked my writing, but isn't a big fan of urban fantasy. She also encouraged me to continue and stated that she felt sure I'd have representation in no time!
So when I read the post on YA Highway about how querying is all about tastes, and how it's rare that every agent you submit to will ask for pages, or will offer representation, it really hit home for me. Even though this dream seems impossible at times, I have to know in my heart and gut that I'm good. It's all a matter of time, folks. One of these days, one of these agents or editors is going to recognize my awesomeness for what it is and will help me to make my dream into a reality. It might take time, and a hell of a lot of hard work, but I'm in for the long haul. And I WILL. NOT. GIVE. UP!!!
How do you all handle the querying dance? What motivates you to keep going?
Happy Writing!!!
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