Tagged: encouragement

Writers VS Editors ? I Think Not!

editing / musings / writing / writing process

Writers VS Editors ? I Think Not!

Authors may feel the relationship between themselves and their editors are contentious times. I’ve had only great experiences so far. For me, the time I spend with my editors is invigorating. We share our concerns about my work: word choices, punctuation errors, pacing on the page as well as whether a sentence or paragraph progresses the story. We discuss my ‘why’ verses their ‘concern’. Often I concede that what I meant and what I wrote are not in harmony. Then we work through the section, make adjustments to help the reader understand my meaning, and move on. In the process...

Computers and Internet

computers and internet / musings

Computers and Internet

It’s a love-hate relationship! I love all the (basic) ways I can use them, but when they run into problems (or when I run into problems) I turn to an expert. My web person, Julie, is a true gift. She’s set up and manages my website, helps me add new skills, and lately she’s been the person to rescue me when my website was hacked and rehacked this past month. I have a total awe at what she can do. She knows what an old-lady I am about the bells and whistles online, so she graciously assists me. THIS time,...

Resolutions

book reviewing / details in writing / musings

Resolutions

Resolution: a resolve, a declaration, a decision to make a change. Authors make resolutions every day as they develop and write their character’s lives. True, they are not usually to lose weight or read a certain number of books; they revolve around day-to-day decisions with the intent of moving their stories forward. Will Marta recover from her injury? Will Steve get a job? Will Lynne keep her position with the Intermountain Ballet Company? Will Madame ever explain to Marta or Lynne why she was hard on them? Those are the fun elements in stories that need to be shared before...

Replenishment

musings

Replenishment

Writing books is a solitary activity. It’s easy to get ‘in the groove’ and become a hermit. That’s why it’s important to step away from work often and return to life in the real world. I have several ways to replenish myself; many are related to writing but a few take me to distinct alternatives. 1. I read books from a variety of genres, discuss them with my book club and friends and write down sentences or paragraphs that stop me and request I consider their images/sentence structure/loveliness. 2. I visit with fellow writers. I know, that like a bus...

On Being a Groupie

musings / writer reminders

On Being a Groupie

I admit it; I’m a groupie! When it comes to writing, I believe every author needs at least one group with whom to share their words and stories. As much as we strive to write our best, our attempts will fall short without the input of others. Sure it can be frustrating to think I’ve done a fantastic job only to discover that much of what I thought I said got stuck in my head and didn’t make it to the page. I have the good fortune to belong to two critique groups and also have writer-readers who give me feedback. I...

Contest Winners Announced

84 Ribbons / giveaway

Contest Winners Announced

Congrats to the following contest winners (selected randomly by binkd). Heather from South Carolina – an author-graphed copy of 84Ribbons Pati from Oregon – a Starbucks card Liz from Washington – dancer notecards Carrie from Michigan – writing tools Linda from Washington – ballet ornaments Each gift is valued at $15.00 or more. I appreciate everyone’s entry and hope you will tell your friends that my blog is a user-friendly place. Stay tuned for future contests as well as new ideas about writers and writing. I hope to see you at one of my book events or on Skype! Stay...