...because every author wants to feel like a goddess!
In honor of making it through the week, I thought it would be fun to write about something other than writing. I’m calling it “Fun Friday!” These blogs will be anything from celebrities, sports, products I love/hate…the list goes on and on.
I’ll be posting my first “Fun Friday” very soon!
I love sports! Whether it’s Hockey, Baseball, or Basketball, they all can be like writing or editing. However, Football, my favorite sport, I think is most similar. With all the “Offside,” “Penalty,” “First/Second/Third downs,” “Interception” and “Touchdown” calls during the game, doesn’t it make sense? Here let me explain: You, the writer and editor, are the Quarterback and/or Coach. You get to decide what direction your story goes. You get to decide what stays in, or what should be taken out. Football has beginning, middles and ends. Football has “characters” who play a very important part. You need a Hero in each game and book. The character can be anyone in your book, (preferably a MC), and it’s usually the QB, combined with one or two team players, (a MC Heroine and an inner conflict). By the end of the game, no matter how long it is, you’ll have written a book.
So, the next time you’re watching a football game, and are in the middle of writing or editing, pay attention to their similarities.
So, right now I’m a quarter in of editing my first book, Redefined Dreams, and so far, it’s going good. When I began a few weeks ago, it took me twenty minutes to just do the first page! (I think that’s only because I was so focused on perfect editing, as I am a perfectionist at things I’m passionate about). Once I got going, I was soon on page ten, and so on and on, and on. It surprised me that I am really enjoying the editing process, almost more than writing the book.
The one thing that took so long to understand were the editing symbols. It seems like it would be simple to understand, right? Wrong! I found it funny that I became frustrated by the fact that my symbols on paper, didn’t look like how they are supposed to — RELAX, I told myself, and just edit! It’s been a few weeks since I started editing, and so far so good — that’s because I’ve started using Isabella Symbols, which are basically the same thing — at least I understand what they all mean, right?
When I get my computer back, which will hopefully be soon, I’m very eager to start editing and changing the story all around — oh, what fun will that be, but for now, editing on paper isn’t so bad!
So, I ask you, which way to you prefer to edit, on paper or on the computer?
Writers all start with a blank page, but how do we get from there to writing the words, THE END? We write, word after word, and page after page. As the page count goes up, most times, so does the writer’s confidence about their story and that’s when we seem to be more productive, at least that’s how it is when I write. (Yes, I know I should focus more on the story itself, rather than the page count, but it’s just one more way the helps keep me motivated).
Of course, every writer has problems with the blank page, when it stares back at you, as long as the blinking cursor, like I’ve mentioned in several other blogs. Writer’s Block can instantly sneak up behind you. It’s like amnesia taking over your brain, right in the middle of a brilliant thought. I don’t know about you, but I hate when this happens — my brain can only think so fast, with my fingers following behind, which can cause Internet Distractions.
In the end, once you get past Writer’s Block, will be your next enemy, will be the Blank Page, and I wish you luck. HERE is a blog that I recently wrote that I think might help you.
Good luck on your writing journey!
My Guest Author page is up on my website, and I couldn’t be more thrilled!
As a writer, I think that it is very important to support one another, which is one reason I decided to do a Guest Author section. While the writing business can be competitive, I don’t see it that way. We are all artists who are just trying to make a living, doing what we love! I also did this section because it’s a good way to help publicize their name and their work, no matter where they are at, on their writing journey.
I’d love for you to look at my first featured Guest Author! She’s an incredible writer!
This morning, I had no idea what to write about, so I decided to read other writing blogs to get inspired. After reading THIS blog, finally I was motivated to write.
One of the main reasons why your article or book takes forever to write, is mainly because you’re allowing the internet to distract you, everything from celebrity gossip, news, blogging websites, games, and even email — it’s all a huge distraction.
You think to yourself, “Just write,” but it isn’t always that simple, though I really wish it could be. I wish I could tell you what I do to help me not be distracted from the internet, but I can’t, because every single day is different, some days I’m focused and some days, I’m not.
Here is some advice, that no matter what distracting mood I’m in, this works:
SET A DEADLINE: When I was writing my first book, this was a big motivator. There were days, and sometime weeks, that I wouldn’t write, but knowing the fact that I had a deadline looming over me, was thrilling in a way. I did change the deadline for the book to be finished, but I moved it up, which made me focus even more.
WRITE EVERY SINGLE DAY: Whether it be a page or a certain amount of words, it’s best to write — anything. Now, I’m not talking about making it a perfect scene, but at least you’ve written something, and that’s better than nothing. Also, writing notes, or working on your plot and storyline does count.
HAVE A WRITING BUDDY: Having a writing friend is such an amazing thing! It’s funny, because my writing pal is my husband’s best friend, who was also the Best Man in our wedding, and sometimes when we’re together we talk about writing, and my husband doesn’t understand out language. I love how he and I can discuss our different types and styles of writing with one another. We are honest when critiquing each other’s work, which I am very thankful for. We’ve had only one meeting and thanks to his brilliant suggestion, he played a major part in me finishing my book. (Thank you, Wade). Also, taking writing classes are a great way to meet new friends. When I was taking online classes at Gotham Writers’ Workshop, I met a lot of great people, who I’m still friends with today. (One of them will be my first Guest Author on my blog, which I will share next week! Thank you, Elke!).
TREAT WRITING LIKE A JOB: By treating your writing like a job, you’re more likely to take it more seriously. For example: Would you rather work on your novel, or would you rather watch reruns of “Friends?” Would your boss allow you to watch TV on the clock? Probably not. Also, find someone who can check on your daily/weekly/monthly progress. (I had my husband check my status at least two to three times a week, which was also a huge motivator).
If you are having trouble knowing how to get started with your writing goals, here are a few websites that I thought were helpful.
In the end, when you’ve written the words THE END, know that it was all worth it, to stay focused and not get distracted by the INTERNET!
Yesterday, I went to B&N to get a few children’s books for a friend of mine. I stumbled upon the writing section of the store, which I found to be in an odd place (right next to the kid’s books), but didn’t think too much of it, because I was at another B&N than I’m accustomed to.
I began looking through the reference writing books, and came up on this, the Tarot for Writers book. Now, I’ve never been one who really believes in the “Tarot” world, but am intrigued by it. This book by Corrine Kenner, is filled with creative ways to write, whether it be fiction or non-fiction. The book describes how to use your Tarot cards (which are sold separately, and I haven’t bought yet), guide you through your book, with setting up your characters, helping you with a plot, coming up with a point of view, settings and descriptions. HERE is the book’s website.
I’m not sold completely on this book, but when I do buy my Tarot cards, I think that it will come to good use, especially when Mr. Writer’s Block greets me.
I’ve already mentioned that I’m writing my second book, and like you know, I’ve decided to write it in a different way — by keeping it all organized by using the Scrivener writing program. Well, last night, I was at a MLB game and out of nowhere, ideas began filling my head. Instantly, I reached for my phone, which was almost dead, so I quickly typed my thoughts into my iPhone “Notes” application.
I’ve often heard that people carry notebooks, a tape recorder, index cards, their laptop with them wherever they go, (this list could go on and on). How you keep it all together, like from paper/phone/voice to computer, or vice versa, how do you manage to get all your notes down, without losing your mind, or you notes?
I have written a similar blog about this, but now that I’m writing my second book and am even more confidant in my writing, I’m really wanting to get away! (HERE is the other blog).
I’ve always just wanted to go on vacation but not just any vacation, a writing vacation. It would be thrilling to know that I could be away from home for a straight 7 days, writing and working, on my own schedule, without any interruptions. Seven full days focusing 100% on my work would give me the time and the motivation I need to get a serious amount of pages written.
Whether your vacation be beach, country or hotel themed, imagine how accomplished you would feel. Wouldn’t it give you that sense of motivation to make your writing dream a reality?
Across the world, there are thousands of retreats especially for this, to encourage and help you along your journey. I don’t know if I’ll ever go to one, but this year, I am going to go on a vacation, alone, and just write…wish me luck!
