Editing
I have learned a great deal about writing and about myself from completing my first novel. When I wrote ‘The End’, I thought I was done, but it was just the beginning. After a few rounds of editing though, I was a little discouraged. I edited Silent Stalker about twenty-five or thirty times. It went from 141,000 words to 80,000 words. It’s sharper and tighter. It flows better and portrays the story I want to tell.
During the editing process, I consulted grammar books, books on verb usage, dictionaries, a thesaurus and a book on ‘word painting’. At the conferences I attended, I took notes diligently devouring the advice of professional writers and editors. While attending a conference last August, I had an editing session with one of the speakers, a professional editor. She gave me invaluable information and tips.
I can’t remember who told me this, but I believe it was a speaker at one of my workshops. When you write – you write and when you edit – you edit. So remember, don’t stifle your writing by worrying about your grammar. The time for editing will come. Good luck.
Publishing Credits
In the past several months, I have completed the final editing of my first novel, Silent Stalker, attended a few writer’s workshops, and submitted a short story into a contest.
The following are the reasons I chose to write and enter my story into a contest.
First, it was great practice in meeting deadlines. Up until now I set my own schedule and revised it at will. Entering the contest pushed me to buckle down and get it done. In the beginning, I was stressed, but after a while I felt exhilarated. I rose to the challenge and was victorious.
Second, I was writing for an audience other than my family and friends. It was nerve-wracking knowing that professionals were going to read and judge my story. In this industry that I have whole heartedly chosen, it’s par for the course and I need to get use to it.
Finally and most importantly, I chose to enter the contests to have the opportunity to earn the honor of becoming a published author. Receiving this honor would validate my passion and prove I am serious about my writing.
I highly recommend that you take the time to enter contests. It’s a great way to get experience and another way to network in the industry.
Staying Focused
These past several months have been extremely hectic. I have had a hard time keeping focused. I was multi-tasking and not very well. I sent out several query letters in search of an agent, continued writing on my second book, decided to rewrite and edit my first book – again, enjoyed the holidays, and somehow I didn’t finish everything that I started. It’s easy to dish out advice and sometimes extremely difficult to follow.
The one thing in my life that is completely spontaneous is my writing and I don’t want to suffocate or stifle my creativity by setting up a structured plan that I am sure not to follow. However it has occurred to me that some structure is good and even needed especially in times like these. So for my benefit and maybe yours, I want to lay out some ideas for staying focused.
First, don’t take on too much. If you are consistent with your writing, things will fall into place. If you overwhelm ourself, nothing will get done.
Second, set short-term goals. They will be easier to keep and easier to measure. If they aren’t working, set new ones.
Finally, don’t feel guilty if you take a break. Your writing will still be there and maybe you will come back with a fresh new perspective.
And as always have fun, let your words give you joy. Until next time, happy writing.
Promoting Your Work
You are almost finished with your book. What do you do now? You continue to write and finish it but in the meantime you should be promoting your book.
It is now the responsibility of the author to market their work. The following is a list of ways to get started.
First, you need an email address. If you have an internet provider, you probably already have one. But if you don’t, there are a few free ones available, try Hotmail or Yahoo. Keep in mind that they are free and you can expect to receive a ton of junk mail.
Second, you will need a domain name and website. GoDaddy.com is the most recognized provider of domain names. Once you secure your domain name you need to design your website. There are three primary ways to do it.
A. Do it yourself. This cost money for the software and you need basic knowledge of scripts and meta tags.
B. Pay someone to design it. It can be very expensive depending on how detailed you want to go.
C. GoDaddy.com has has a program called Website tonight that starts at around five dollars a month for the templates and to host your website.
Once your website is created, you will need a company to host it or post it on the internet. In most cases this is separate from the design and creating of your website.
Third, you can create a blog. A blog keeps friends, family and those in your target market updated. Make sure you post ‘how to’ not just ‘what you are doing’ comments.
Next, you need to gain an on-line presence by joining and utilizing facebook, myspace and/or twitter. You can add people as your friends that are your target audience and keep them posted on your book. But beware… Anything posted on the internet reflects on you as a person and as a future writer so be careful. Also, there are viruses out there designed to target these sites, so make sure your antivirus is updated and working.
Publishers and agents expect you to have an email, website and be on facebook or myspace, but anything else you can do to pre-market and get the word out will only help you in the long run. So be careful and have fun.
Scheduling Your Time
I attended an Arizona’s Authors workshop on Monday, February 8, 2010, and one of the attendees asked a question that prompted this post. She asked, “How do you motivate yourself to stick to a writing schedule?” I, like most writers, struggle with this as well, so I decided to tell her what works for me.
First, there is no definitive answer. Through trial and error you have to decide the best way for you.
Second, set attainable goals. I find that setting a weekly goal is more realistic and satisfying for me. If I set daily goals and don’t reach them, I feel disappointed and frustrated. When setting your goals, remember to consider all aspects of your life: family, work, health, and me time.
Third, revise your goals. If you find after a couple of weeks that your goals aren’t working, change them. Nothing is more stifling than putting yourself under pressure; it squashes your creativity and adds more stress to your life.
Finally, as I have said and will continue to say. Write, write and keep writing.
Good Luck!
Writing Set Backs
Every writer, at some point, experiences set backs. Whether it be writer’s block, work issues or family tragedies. This past Friday, January 15th, I was notified that one of my high school friends had passed away. It knocked the wind out me and gave me the opportunity to reflect back on life and how short it really is. It also brought back some very painful personal and writing set backs that I have experienced.
As far back as I can remember, it has been my dream to write a book and get it published. I toyed with the idea for decades. On April 8, 2002, I sat down at my country kitchen table in my small one bedroom apartment and wrote twenty double-spaced hand-written pages. I felt an enormous sense of accomplishment. I continued to write in my notebook for two weeks, then tragedy struck.
My father suffered a massive and fatal heart attack at work. I spiraled out of control for weeks, then months. I was lost in my grief. My new found focus and drive were gone. My passion withered up and died.
From 2002 to 2009, I suffered several more personal and family tragedies and I had all but given up my hope to finish my book. In January 2009 my friend convinced me to read a book which led me to read another and then another. I enjoyed them immensely. And then one day at work I had a life-changing epiphany: if this author could do it, then so can I. It took me seven years to type seventy double-spaced pages, but once my motivation returned, it only took me three months to type four hundred double-spaced pages. I finished my book in June of 2009. I have been editing, rewriting and taking all the necessary steps to get my book published.
Life can’t be predicted. There will be good times and bad. And sometimes the bad times will derail you and knock you for a loop, but that doesn’t mean that you have to forfeit your dreams. Deal with your loss and grief the best you can. The key is to stay focused and continue to write. One day, your loss may be the source of strength that helps another survive their loss.
Rest in Peace Darol.
Setting Goals
The holiday season has come and gone and all of my planned work did not get done. I had great expectations for finishing my editing and rewriting of my book. Now I’m left with a sense of disappointment. This isn’t the first time that I’ve set a goal regarding my book and didn’t reach it. I guess in my desire and excitement to move to the next stage, searching for an agent, I have lost sight of some important details.
The most important aspect to remember is that I’m trying to produce a quality product, an exciting well-written book. So in my haste to move forward, I set goals that are unrealistic and leave me feeling frustrated and annoyed. This is what I’ve learned about setting goals in general.
The first thing to consider is the duration of the goal; is it long-term or short-term? This will help you set a schedule or make a plan to execute your goals. When setting up a plan be realistic; consider time for work, family and yourself. Neglecting these areas will also leave you feeling discouraged or upset.
Next, make sure you have a place to work and the appropriate materials. This makes completing your goal a little smoother.
And finally, keep track of your progress and make adjustments in your schedule/plan as needed. Don’t worry if you don’t meet your initial goal, just keep working on it and modify it as you have to. Getting it done right is just as and maybe more important than getting it done quickly.
Writer’s Dream
I have finished my first book, Silent Stalker, and I am currently working on getting it published. I have learned a great deal in the last six months and I would like to share that information.
First, if you write then you are a writer. Start thinking like a writer. Identify yourself as a writer. I am a writer and have been for years, I just haven’t published my first book yet…
Second, I highly recommend joining a writing organization. There are many to choose from. You don’t have to join an organization in your genre, but find one that offers workshops, mentoring and critique groups. Here are just a few that I have joined: Arizona Authors, Mystery Writers of America, Sisters In Crime, and Desert Sleuths. I’m considering joining Romance Writers of America both the national and local chapter. Check out Arizona Authors’ events calendar. Both members and nonmembers are welcome to attend their workshops and seminars. When choosing an organization to join consider the following: cost of membership and membership benefits.
Third, attend as many workshops and seminars as possible. Not only is it a great way to network and meet new friends, but the information is invaluable. If possible, get a business card or contact information from the speakers. Most of them are happy to share their writing experiences and answer questions.
Fourth, continue to read in and out of your genre. This keeps you current with the types of books that are being published and read.
And Finally, don’t give up. Write, write and keep writing.
Writing is a process, learn as I learn 