Hey All!!!
So, I've transitioned over into my new HR role and was thinking on how difficult change and taking chances can be - both when it comes to your everyday life and your writing life.
Change is scary. Hell, fear of change or of taking chances is often the reason a person decides to pull out on a work project, promotion, on selling a writing project, or anything else that could have a positive impact. This is especially difficult when that change carries a certain amount of risk with it. But what most individuals don't remember when in the midst of change is that even though it's difficult to go through the fire - to willingly submit yourself to the harsh realities of the world - the end result is so worth it.
I didn't go searching for this new role, it just fell into my lap. But it did take a leap of faith and persistence on my part to get it. I had four different interviews. And I was sure, more than sure, that I had completely bombed each of those meetings. There were more than a few times when I wanted to give up and stay where I was comfortable, to stop pursuing something that I knew would make me happy for fear of failure and of how it would change my life. Now that I'm here and can look back on my journey, I can't help but to feel extremely lucky that I didn't give up.
I'd like to believe that my writing journey will be the same. It's scary to work towards publication, to really strive for it in spite of the likelihood of failure. But I know that the rewards I'll get for all of my hard work will be more than worth it. I just have to get through and keep at it - and to not be afraid of the changes and transitions along the way.
Happy Writing!!!
Saturday, February 16, 2013
Monday, February 4, 2013
DIET COKE VS. PEPSI
Hey All!!!
In the past week I've had two different responses to my story from editors for independent presses. These got me thinking on just how subjective this whole writing business is.
On the one hand, an editor decided to pass on my work. The email was full of praise for my writing ability and skill, but the editor didn't fully connect with my main character. She felt that Jazz was a bit too reckless for her liking and not well-rounded enough. All in all the email was a good one. I mean, if you're going to get rejected you want to hear that you're doing good job at your craft while experiencing it. But in the end it still was a no.
Not even twenty-four hours later I got notes from a different editor. In this case, I'm a finalist in a contest for Children's Brains Are Yummy books and a part of that process involves having one of their editors do line edits on your entire manuscript before posting a portion of it to be voted on by the public. At the beginning of my editorial letter, one of the first things he said was how he enjoyed the fact that Jazz was such a well-rounded character and how he could relate to her conflict.
Two editors.
Both specialize in Young Adult/Middle Grade fiction.
Both read the same book.
Two differing reactions to my main character and the conflict she faces throughout my story.
When it comes down to it, a large part of making it in this business is being lucky enough to find the editor or agent who can understand the particular song you're singing. Sure, having the talent and a killer storyline is also key, but that lucky meeting with someone who can see your story for the awesomeness that it is...well, that's like finding a long buried treasure.
So when you get those rejections don't fret. It may having nothing to do with your actual writing ability - and everything to do with the fact that you sent the editor/agent a story that was Diet Coke, when s/he prefers Pepsi.
Happy Writing!!!
In the past week I've had two different responses to my story from editors for independent presses. These got me thinking on just how subjective this whole writing business is.
On the one hand, an editor decided to pass on my work. The email was full of praise for my writing ability and skill, but the editor didn't fully connect with my main character. She felt that Jazz was a bit too reckless for her liking and not well-rounded enough. All in all the email was a good one. I mean, if you're going to get rejected you want to hear that you're doing good job at your craft while experiencing it. But in the end it still was a no.
Not even twenty-four hours later I got notes from a different editor. In this case, I'm a finalist in a contest for Children's Brains Are Yummy books and a part of that process involves having one of their editors do line edits on your entire manuscript before posting a portion of it to be voted on by the public. At the beginning of my editorial letter, one of the first things he said was how he enjoyed the fact that Jazz was such a well-rounded character and how he could relate to her conflict.
Two editors.
Both specialize in Young Adult/Middle Grade fiction.
Both read the same book.
Two differing reactions to my main character and the conflict she faces throughout my story.
When it comes down to it, a large part of making it in this business is being lucky enough to find the editor or agent who can understand the particular song you're singing. Sure, having the talent and a killer storyline is also key, but that lucky meeting with someone who can see your story for the awesomeness that it is...well, that's like finding a long buried treasure.
So when you get those rejections don't fret. It may having nothing to do with your actual writing ability - and everything to do with the fact that you sent the editor/agent a story that was Diet Coke, when s/he prefers Pepsi.
Happy Writing!!!
Thursday, January 17, 2013
THE BALANCING GAME
Hey All!!!
So, I've been thinking about the balancing game that every writer who works a 9 to 5 has to play - the one where you divvy out time to work your full-time job, while making time to write, eat, workout, and live life all in one crammed day.
For some it's an up and down roller coaster ride, filled with irritation. There are few out there who can afford to write full-time, and having to wake up every morning and go to a J-O-B can be really difficult when all you want to do is spend your time with your nose in a good book, or creating a fantastic story of your own.
But for others, yours truly included, it's a rewarding venture that keeps life interesting. I have a good career in HR, which provides me with more than my share of interesting war stories to keep my creative juices flowing. I also have a passion for writing, which makes me happy overall. I can do both. I just have to plan like a crazy person to make sure that everything gets done that has to get done.
So how do I do it? Well, it's not without some sacrifices. I go to work and do my thing for 8 hours. Then I make sure to write, edit, or submit for at least half an hour during my lunch break. I have an hour set aside for working out when I get off. And then I make sure to schedule at least an hour of writing in the evenings when I get home. Not to mention that I try to spend a big chunk of my weekend being productive with my craft as well. There are a lot of fun things that I don't get to do every day, but the fulfillment I get when I finish a new tale more than makes up for it.
When it comes down to it, working while writing is a difficult juggle to perform, but if you plan correctly and are diligent about it, it's more than doable.
Happy Writing!!!
So, I've been thinking about the balancing game that every writer who works a 9 to 5 has to play - the one where you divvy out time to work your full-time job, while making time to write, eat, workout, and live life all in one crammed day.
For some it's an up and down roller coaster ride, filled with irritation. There are few out there who can afford to write full-time, and having to wake up every morning and go to a J-O-B can be really difficult when all you want to do is spend your time with your nose in a good book, or creating a fantastic story of your own.
But for others, yours truly included, it's a rewarding venture that keeps life interesting. I have a good career in HR, which provides me with more than my share of interesting war stories to keep my creative juices flowing. I also have a passion for writing, which makes me happy overall. I can do both. I just have to plan like a crazy person to make sure that everything gets done that has to get done.
So how do I do it? Well, it's not without some sacrifices. I go to work and do my thing for 8 hours. Then I make sure to write, edit, or submit for at least half an hour during my lunch break. I have an hour set aside for working out when I get off. And then I make sure to schedule at least an hour of writing in the evenings when I get home. Not to mention that I try to spend a big chunk of my weekend being productive with my craft as well. There are a lot of fun things that I don't get to do every day, but the fulfillment I get when I finish a new tale more than makes up for it.
When it comes down to it, working while writing is a difficult juggle to perform, but if you plan correctly and are diligent about it, it's more than doable.
Happy Writing!!!
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
THE AWESOMENESS OF A GREAT CRITIQUE GROUP
Hey All!!!
I'd been writing the first draft of my new book (currently untitled, but I have a few ideas that are bouncing around in my brain), while submitting and now editing my third book (Cursed). And I'd found that I was having a difficult time connecting with my main character. It wasn't like it had been with Jazz in Cursed. Jazz was hard core and such a loud voice in my head that writing in her point of view was easy for me. Alana, on the other hand, is more of a quiet being - softer. And after the clarity of Jazz I found it difficult to adjust to the quiet subtleties of Alana.
So, what did I do...I brought my problems to my critique group.
Some of the things that my group does for me (and that I do for them) are:
-They keep me focused/motivated on writing.
-They help me to keep on track with plot, structure, and pacing.
-They point out things in the story that don't make sense.
One of the great benefits of having a group of fellow writers who surround and support you on a consistent basis is that you can go to them when those writing blocks take hold. Maybe it's just me, but talking out my blocks is what helps me get to the other side.
To make a long story short, I was able to get past my distance with Alana and get a better understanding of who she is as a person. And getting past that blockade also helped me to understand her world and the background of her people better as well. So, it was a win-win.
Every writer comes to a point in their career where they need to engage with others who are on this crazy writing roller coaster. Not only has my group helped me to spot points in my stories where my plot wasn't where it needed to be or grammar mishaps, but they also support and motivate me in times when I need that extra push. All in all, my critique group makes me a better writer.
Do you have a critique group? What made you decide to get one or not? What makes your group great?
Happy Writing!!!
I'd been writing the first draft of my new book (currently untitled, but I have a few ideas that are bouncing around in my brain), while submitting and now editing my third book (Cursed). And I'd found that I was having a difficult time connecting with my main character. It wasn't like it had been with Jazz in Cursed. Jazz was hard core and such a loud voice in my head that writing in her point of view was easy for me. Alana, on the other hand, is more of a quiet being - softer. And after the clarity of Jazz I found it difficult to adjust to the quiet subtleties of Alana.
So, what did I do...I brought my problems to my critique group.
Some of the things that my group does for me (and that I do for them) are:
-They keep me focused/motivated on writing.
-They help me to keep on track with plot, structure, and pacing.
-They point out things in the story that don't make sense.
One of the great benefits of having a group of fellow writers who surround and support you on a consistent basis is that you can go to them when those writing blocks take hold. Maybe it's just me, but talking out my blocks is what helps me get to the other side.
To make a long story short, I was able to get past my distance with Alana and get a better understanding of who she is as a person. And getting past that blockade also helped me to understand her world and the background of her people better as well. So, it was a win-win.
Every writer comes to a point in their career where they need to engage with others who are on this crazy writing roller coaster. Not only has my group helped me to spot points in my stories where my plot wasn't where it needed to be or grammar mishaps, but they also support and motivate me in times when I need that extra push. All in all, my critique group makes me a better writer.
Do you have a critique group? What made you decide to get one or not? What makes your group great?
Happy Writing!!!
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
IT'S ALL ABOUT COMMITMENT FOLKS
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!!!
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!!!
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!!!
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