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Editing

I Have a Confession to Make…

November 26, 2013 Leave a Comment

I'm a 2013 NaNoWriMo Winner!
I’m a 2013 NaNoWriMo Winner!

I wrote another book.

November is my favorite month. I love the changing of temperatures, colors, and of course, Thanksgiving. It’s only the beginning of a stressful time, which is one reason I wasn’t going to participate in NaNoWriMo (where you write a book in 30 days). With editing and getting ready to publish my debut book, The Right Design, in January, there was no time.

Wrong!

Outlining2
Outlining

So, on November 1st, I began to outline a book that I was going to try to write. I’m a huge planner, but as a writer I’m a panster. However, when I tried to outline, something about it was different this time. It came easy to me and before I knew it, I was writing away. 1,667 words a day for 30 days, isn’t so bad. When the hubby came home from work I told him what I’d be up to, he was a little weary of the way I was going to challenge myself. (I was one stressed woman when I wrote “The Right Design” during NaNoWriMo in 2011). This time was different, so when he challenged me to write 3,000 words a day, I thought he was crazy.

…CHALLENGE ACCEPTED…

I hadn’t planned on doing something, but I did it. Surprisingly, it wasn’t as difficult as I thought, thanks to my trusty outline.

Screen shot 2013-11-26 at 11.29.24 AM
NaNoWriMo 2013 stats

Just by looking at the stats, it’s really shocking to know that I did this, and in the short amount of time. 19 days! (Yes, you read that right!) The best part was that I had only one breakdown, which happened the day before I wrote the words, The End.

Here are a few tips that kept me focused:

  • Don’t stress! Now, I know it’s easier said than done, but not stressing about writing is a huge part of writing 50,000 words!
  • Use a timer! With all the distractions that our phones and computer gives us, I bought a kitchen timer at my grocery store and set it on 35 minutes. This means that I solely focus on my WIP, even when I sat there staring at the blinking cursor. Using increments of a little over half an hour, helped me stay focused, but also allowed me to take breaks. When I came back, I felt refreshed and ready to set the timer again. As long as I got my 3,000 words a day in, I was good. 🙂
  • Just write! When writer friends of mine gave me this advice, I really wanted to roll my eyes and say, “Whatever!” However, the reality of it is, their advice is so right on! No matter if it’s good or bad, just get it down. Know that you can always go back and change it later.
  • Have fun with it! While I outlined this time around, don’t feel pressured to follow any kind of outline. There were several times when I had my characters talking to me, and telling me what direction their character wanted to go. I didn’t hesitate or question them, I just kept writing. Have fun with your characters or story-lines.

FlaggedBookHere’s a look of the book after I printed it all out and flagged the characters with colored stickers (which I loved working with). Doesn’t it look pretty?

Right now, I have two working titles. They are either “Cards From Khloe’s Flower Shop” or “Khloe’s Flower Shop.”

Here is a little blurb:

Khloe Harper owns a flower shop and sends deliveries to other characters in the book. There’s a woman who’s 60, who is learning to love again, a dirty old man who sends flowers to his wife and mistress, a thirty-something woman who sends flowers to herself, just to receive attention at work, and then there’s a man who proposes to his girlfriend (only because she finds the ring), but he’s having second thoughts because he has his eyes on the flower shop owner.

**Thank you to all my family and friends who helped me survive those 19 days!

What am I working on now? Edits for the above WIP will be held off until after my book is published. in the meantime, I’m working on my last round of edits for “The Right Design” and working on promotion, along with formatting.

Filed Under: Isabella Tagged With: Books, Chick-Lit, Editing, NaNoWriMo, NaNoWriMo winner, Writing tips

Why I’ve Decided To Self-Publish

November 2, 2012 21 Comments

On my blog post yesterday (click HERE to read it), I happily announced that I’ve decided to self-publish my books.  I’m very excited about this journey and know it will be hard work, but the end will be worth it because I will be a published author!

While Indie/Self-published authors sometimes get a bad wrap because of bad editing, bad formatting, cheesy book covers…the list could go on, I support them because they’ve made their dreams come true of becoming an author.  However, those who do follow the rules of self-publishing seem to have a greater chance of becoming a #1 Bestseller on Amazon, for example.  (I have a friend who has a screen shot of her book being at #1, which is right beside Stephen King).  I’ve had the pleasure of reading and reviewing quite a few self-published books and while there’s been a lot of wonderful stories with great characters, it’s how the book was formatted that I paid most attention to, only because I have a tendency to be OCD about layouts, (here’s to hoping that when my books are published there won’t be any formatting issues).

Some might even say that they decide to self-publish because they’re afraid of rejection.  Am I afraid of rejection?  Yes, but in a good way.  I think being rejected (in any form) is just another sign of getting to where your meant to be.  Isn’t like breaking up with someone (rejection), only to find “the one” (published)?  My fear of rejection has nothing  to do with rejection.

Back to why I want to self-publish…I want to be in charge!  From formatting, cover design, and marketing, I want it all!  I want to learn the self-publishing business (yes, it’s a business within itself), so isn’t self-publishing a book the best way to do it?  Yes!

How do I plan on going about it?  I’ve purchased books (the “Self-Publishing for Dummies” book is a great resource that I will probably read at least five times), and I have huge support from my Twitter and Facebook friends, especially those in my Chick Lit Goddesses group.

Will this be a tough task, absolutely!  I know that I’ll be so OCD that I’ll probably have my husband look over it a hundred times before the release date, just to make sure that I did it right.  I know that I’ll be stressed, won’t sleep, and will have butterflies in my stomach through the process, but there is a positive side to all of this.

While I’ve had a wonderful life (a delightful and happy childhood, my family is supportive of everything that I do, I’m married to the love of my life, and I have true friends), I can’t remember being happier with this decision to self-publish.  And, with everything I’ve been through (I won’t bore you with the ups and downs), I was meant to be a writer, no, make that an author.  I was meant to be an author.

Pop open the Veuve Cliquot, because it’s time to celebrate!

Filed Under: Isabella Tagged With: Books, Chick-Lit, Editing, Images, Isabella, Self-publishing, Writing

Why I’m Not Participating In NaNoWriMo!

November 1, 2012 8 Comments

Happy November!

The past few months have had their ups and downs, but beginning today, things will be back to normal…thank goodness!

This is my favorite month – the cool weather (not cold because I live in Texas), snuggling with my hubby and cat, Thanksgiving (my favorite holiday), and usually a good football game, though the Cowboys aren’t doing so well…but that’s for another blog post – I love it all!

For writers all across the world, November 1st is the beginning of National Novel Writing Month, (NaNoNoWriMo).  This is where one writes a complete book in 30 days.  To find out more about my first experience with NaNoWriMo, click HERE.

Anyway, while I want desperately to take part in NaNo, I know I can write a book – in fact, I’ve written two of them – it’s time for me to focus on my next step, becoming a published author.  This means that I need to focus on the editing process, which at times can be very tedious, but there’s good news!  As of next week, I will have an office – one I’ll have to drive to – and will be able to center my complete attention on work.  My goal is to have edits finished with at least one book by the end of the year!  Wish me luck!

**Now, for a little announcement:  I’ve decided to self-publish!

**Why?  Come back for a new blog post tomorrow morning!

Filed Under: Isabella Tagged With: Books, Chick-Lit, Editing, Images, NaNoWriMo, National Novel Writing Month, Self-publishing, Writing

Some Days I Just Want To Write

August 16, 2012 6 Comments

Now that I’ve written two books and am in the editing process of both of them, I just want to write!  Don’t get me wrong, I love editing and always have.  There are days where I just want to wake up, fix a cup of tea and spend time creating all the ideas I have in my mind!  I’ve spent so much time with the characters in the first two books that I’m wanting to make new friends.  I know that some writers are talented enough to do both, edit and write, but when I tried last week to start another book, that darn blinking cursor stared back at me.  (I guess you could say that my inner goddess was not happy with what I had written), so I deleted all two and a half pages.  Looking back on it, I can say it was the right thing and that what I wrote was in fact not good!

But, there’s some good news — November is just around the corner.  That means once again, I’ll be participating in National Novel Writing Month!  Last year was my first year to participate and I loved it!  I loved the way that I was so invested in it, not with only my characters, but the story, too.  While it was difficult timing wise (Thanksgiving and getting ready for Christmas and my wedding anniversary), somehow I made it work (thanks to my amazing husband who supported me along the way — I couldn’t have done it without him).  As for what I’m going to write this year, I have part of it already outlined and I’m really excited about it.  Also, if you’ve not done NaNoWriMo before, I highly recommend it.  It’s changed my life in the way I think of writing a book.  Apparently, I can write a book in 30 days! 🙂

Filed Under: Isabella Tagged With: Books, Chick-Lit, Editing, Isabella, NaNoWriMo, National Novel Writing Month, Writing

A Quick Update!

July 26, 2012 4 Comments

It’s been a long time since I’ve blogged, so thank you to my loyal followers for being patient with me.  I hope I haven’t let any of you down.

  • First of all, can you believe summer is almost over?  Thank goodness, because it’s hot in Texas!
  • If you’ve been keeping up with my BOOK REVIEWS, TOURS and GUESTS pages, then you know I’ve been busy reading and getting to know a lot of wonderful and inspiring authors!
  • As far as edits on my two books, Redefined Dreams and The Right Design, things are going great!  I have two amazing editors who are helping me create two books that I’ve put my heart and soul into.
  • Happy Friday!
  • Oh, and I have a HUGE announcement coming on Monday, so stay tuned!

Filed Under: Isabella Tagged With: Book Reviews, Books, Chick-Lit, Editing, Guest Author, Isabella, Link, Random, Romance Books, Writing

50 Shades of Grey

June 13, 2012 5 Comments

As promised, here is my review of “50 Shades of Grey,” by E. L. James.

Out of curiosity and wanting to see what all the hype was about, I began this book in April.  Just this past Saturday, I finally finished it — WHEW!

Getting through the first 150 pages was so hard, which was one reason why it took so long to finish.  E.L. James has admitted that she’s not a good writer and I agree with her!  While not only is she not a good writer, neither did she have a good editor.  The editor could have done a better job, making the writing stronger, especially for such a popular book.  Isn’t that an editor’s job?

While the storyline was good, with very enjoyable characters, dominate Christian Grey and submissive, Anastasia Steele, I expected more from the so-called “mommy porn.”  In Megan Hart’s books, the sex scenes had me blushing, but as I was reading “50 Shades,” I kept rolling my eyes.  I’ve even written stuff more sexual!  The sex scenes were laughable, but I see why so many are rushing out to buy this book.  James has stated in multiple interviews that this book is written on her fantasies and I can see why; she’s a married mom of two.  This book is for moms who have traded whips and handcuffs for bottles and bibs.  As a married woman without children, I was more swept away with Christian’s dominance than with the sex.  It was Christian who had my toes curling, along with his mysterious ways…Damn, he’s a sexy Hero!

There is talk about “50 Shades” being a movie which I would be interested in, especially if they get my imagination of Christian right.  (Who do you recommend playing him?)

While I do plan on reading the other books, Fifty Shades Darker and Fifty Shades Freed, I’m really in no hurry to start them.

I give this book 3 out of 5 stars, based on the characters and plot, not the writing or the sex scenes.

Filed Under: 50 Shades of Grey, Book Review, Isabella Tagged With: 50 Shades of Grey, Book Reviews, Books, Chick-Lit, E L James, Editing, Erotica, Hot Men, Isabella, Link, Megan Hart, Random, Reading, Romance Books, Sex, Writing

Chick Lit

June 6, 2012 2 Comments

Do you like Chick Lit books?  Well tonight, I created a Facebook group called Chick Lit Goddesses…

I’d love if you’d join!

Filed Under: Isabella Tagged With: Book Reviews, Book tours, Books, Chick Lit Group, Chick Lit Plus, Chick-Lit, Editing, Facebook, Guest Author, Isabella, Random, Romance Books, Self-publishing, Writing

I’ve Been Busy…

June 5, 2012 Leave a Comment

Last night was my first post in a long time!  Whew!  It’s been a busy few weeks since I’ve blogged, but it’s all been for a good reason!  With editing books one and two, hosting guests, reading for tours and writing my contribution articles for GHG, life gets busy.  Add a loving husband and very needy cat to the mix and it’s even more hectic (but only some of the time).

Here’s a small summary of in detail what’s been going on…

–Editing: I’m still in the process of editing my first and second book.  Book one, Redefined Dreams, needed A LOT of work, but I’m seeming a glimmer of light.  With my other book, The Right Design, I just finished the first quick run through, but now it’s time to focus on making this what I want it to be!

–Guests: I’ve had the pleasure of having Guests stop by Chick Lit Goddess, (click HERE to see all their posts).  Like I’ve mentioned before, all of them inspire me.

–Reading and Tours: When I was asked to take part in my first Chick Lit Plus Blog Tour, I jumped at the chance. I’ve been a huge fan of CLP for quite long time, and I love Samantha — she’s an awesome woman!  If you ever want to take part of a tour, I recommend it!  (Let me know if y’all have any questions if you’re interested in more information on these tours).

–Contributions for GHG: If you’ve not checked out my contributing articles at Good Humor Girl, come check it out!  You won’t want to miss out!

Filed Under: Isabella Tagged With: Book Reviews, Books, Chick Lit Plus, Chick-Lit, Editing, Guest Author, Images, Isabella, Link, Random, Redefined Dreams, The Right Design, Writing

Do You Like Your Characters?

May 10, 2012 6 Comments

Have you ever been in the writing or editing process and haven’t liked you main (or any) characters?  Well, beginning to strongly dislike my Hero.  I’m in the editing process of my first book and I’m wanting to delete him all together.  He’s the main Hero, so this means creating a new character — maybe even a guy with a heart towards his pregnant girlfriend and the baby he helped to create!

Let me explain:

Nathan really is a nice guy.  His girlfriend is pregnant and he doesn’t want to be a father.  She wants to keep it, but he had major daddy issues.  His dad wasn’t there for him, so he’s afraid of repeating the pattern.  While he love Lucy (my Heroine), being a father part of the plan.  Lucy prepares to become a mother on her own and she’s okay with that decision.

Nice guy, right?  Ha!  I know that this might be a realty for some, but this guy is a jerk!  He’s a handsome jerk, one that could easily be described as an innocent Christian Grey of “50 Shades of Grey.”  When I wrote this two years ago, the only conflict I could think of was pregnancy because I didn’t want to write about love triangles.  (I have before in a book that I didn’t finish, but might continue with that sometime in the future).  Maybe I don’t like Nathan because I have trouble writing from a male POV!

::::::Sigh::::::

Have you ever written a book, then want to get rid of a character because you don’t like him or her?  What do you do to get your characters likable?

Filed Under: Isabella Tagged With: Books, Characters, Chick-Lit, Editing, Isabella, Likable characters, Link, Random, Redefined Dreams, Relationships, Romance Books, Sex, Writing

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