Well here I sit at the public library writing this short post.
I did the unthinkable and moved this week…yikes!
The phone company won’t be able to install a DSL jack until next Wed. and
it’s amazing how much I need the internet for my writing everyday.
Limited to 1 hr. of free library internet, I sit and wait impatiently for my hook up.
How much do you rely on the internet?
Writers write for many different reasons. I’m guessing that one of the most common, however, is to see their work in print…published.
The road to publication is often a long one, filled with many bumps and detours along the way. But let’s say you’ve finally polished that manuscript and started subbing it out. You’re now playing The Waiting Game.
I just received my complimentary copy of Hopscotch for Girls, a U.S. magazine. In it, is a non-fiction poem I wrote called “The Marsupial Family”.
Now here’s where you’ll see what I mean by The Waiting Game.
I subbed the poem in October of 2005. It was accepted for publication in November of 2005. (Actually a quick response) But alas, it took nearly four years before I got the thrill of seeing one of my pieces published.
The publishing business works very far into the future. Having a turnaround of three or four years between an acceptance and publication is the norm. In fact, right now, the Bluffton Group, who publishes Hopscotch for Girls, Boys Quest and Fun for Kidz is looking at obtaining suitable material for themes all the way to 2014.
So that’s why, as a writer, it’s important for you to get those subs out there. And nowadays, most publications understand that you are likely going to sub your piece to simultaneous markets. As long as you inform everyone that your submission is a simultaneous one, usually they do not need exclusivitiy. The publishers only ask that you inform them if your piece is accepted by someone else.
A writing friend has a book coming out this year. She got her acceptance three years ago. Again, it;s The Waiting Game. But had she not subbed out her piece, the day of seeing her first book in print would never have come.
So, rather than be discouraged by the long turnaround times in the publishing business, get writing…get revision…and get subbing.
Maybe some of you would like to create a writing group, but just don’t know how to go about doing it. Here are a few tips and ideas to get you started:
1. Pick a location (often local libraries, community centres and
bookstores have rooms available at no cost for such an activity)
2. Decide on an itial meeting time (this can change once members get
together and provide feedback on available times)
3. Advertise the first meeting. Make a poster with pertinent information
(date/time/place/how to contact you/cost to join…free) and hang it
on any free bulletin boards in your community (malls/library/
bookstores/local establishments). Advertise it online for FREE at
kijiji.com. Seems most cities in N. America have a Kijiji site.
4. Make up a name for the group – something catchy & writing related.
5. Make sure to have contact info. (phone number/email) in case
people have questions before coming out to the meeting.
6. Have an agenda for the first meeting – be organized if you want to
attract others. Most likely the first meeting will be about everyone
getting to know each other, telling a bit about their writing interests
and deciding on what the group wants to get out of the meetings.
7. Plan how often to meet. (once or twice a month is probably best)
8. Set up a free website or blog so everyone can keep in touch in
between meetings.
Remember, you don’t have to be a writing expert to set up a writing group.
Some writing groups are very specific, ie, for those who write rhymes for kids or those who write novels. But remember, if you advertise for only one type of writing, you may not get many (or any) members. It’s probably best to start out welcoming any styles and genres. If enough writers join, eventually they might branch off into their own sub-groups.
Good luck with your new groups.
A while back I posted on the topic of critique groups and asked the question: Which is better – online or in person?
I still say there are benefits to each scenerio and what’s most important is what the group has to offer and whether or not it’s going to be something that helps and encourages you with your writing.
I do belong to two fantastic online groups and will continue to stay an active member of each. The contacts and friendships I’ve made are invaluable.
But a happy circumstance came my way, in the form of a brand new writing group called The Write Way, formed by two gals who’ve written a couple of short stories together. The group turned out to be an ecclectic mix of writers interested in a variety of genres and styles. Our first meeting was a lot of fun. We filled out “all about me” sheets, shared information and talked about challenges we all face as writers.
So once a month, we will meet at our local book store. We’ll take turns reading our work and offering critiques and suggestions. We’ve already begun to share resources and celebrate each other’s successes.
The energy sparkled with the excitement each individual brought to the group and it really is nice to be able to talk face-to-face to others bitten by the writing bug.
So if you’re sitting in front of your computer wishing you could go and talk writing with other writers, you can do a couple of things:
1. Check with your local library and bookstore(s) for groups that
already exist. Go to a meeting and see what happens.
2. Set up your own writing group. It’s easier than you think.
So remember, although the act of writing is a solitary activity, you don’t have to feel isolated and alone.
Most aspiring writers put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard) whenever they can schedule in writing time around their full-time jobs. Finding time to write can be a daunting task and most writers would encourage any time saving tips and devices.
Common sense tips:
1. During your writing time, don’t check email or surf the net
2. Turn off all chat software so you aren’t interrupted
3. Just get the words down (don’t edit or revise until later)
4. Have a dictionary & thesaurus handy
5. Don’t answer the phone – let the machine take messages
But is there more the writer can do to maximize the output of a single writing session?
Some writers swear by software programs.
But what makes a good writing software?
1. Personally, I think “ease of use” and being able to learn the program
quickly are most important.
2. Cost of the program versus your budget
3. Does the program actually help you save time
4. Is there online help for troubleshooting
5. Can you basically do the same tasks by using Word
Below are the names of some of the more popular, highly rated writing programs. Do the research and decide for yourself…DO YOU NEED A WRITING SOFTWARE PROGRAM?
Dramatica Pro http://www.dramatica.com/
Power Writer http://www.write-brain.com/power_writer_main.htm
Story View http://www.amazon.com/Write-Brothers-StoryView-2-0/dp/B00007K3A7
Writer’s Blocks http://www.writersblocks.com/
New Novelist http://www.newnovelist.com/
Character Pro http://www.characterpro.com/characterpro/index.html
Final Draft http://www.finaldraft.com/
Many writing programs offer free demos of their actual programs so that you can try them out before you buy. Here’s one link that offers several choices: http://storymind.com/store/info/downloads.htm
My Personal Choice:
I have tried a couple of writing programs over the years but remain most comfortable using Microsoft Word. I think it’s because I’m so much more familiar with this word processing software that I continue to use it as my first preference. I’m also still somewhat of an old fashioned writer in that I enjoy using pen and paper when I’m thrashing out ideas. I get inspired by a wall full of sticky notes and I love to draw plot points and timelines by hand.
Now…it’s up to you. DO YOU NEED A WRITING SOFTWARE PROGRAM?
Are you a writer? Whether an aspiring newbee or a seasoned professional, I firmly believe that belonging to a critique group (at least for certain projects), is invaluable.
Where else can you find a group of likeminded individuals, all striving toward the same types of goals, with knowledge and expertise in a wide variety of different areas?
Currently, I belong to two online critique groups. One is a group that writes everything in rhyme, called “Rhyming Critters 2″. The group got together years ago on MSN and has become an independant group of ten. Yes members come and go, but a consistent group has remained. Most of the members are published and many did not pursue this avenue until they had actively participated in the group.
My second critique group, “The Blue Quills”, formed on the old BOOST for writers site. Eventually, the six of us moved to a private group and the same six members have been together since that time. This group focuses on novels (MG/YA/adult) and non-fiction. We do, from time to time, also focus on PBs or articles in the kidlit markets as well as playwriting. One of our members secured a book deal for her MG novel, set to come out in 2009. Many others have published in recognized children’s magazines and the SCBWI bulletin. All of us are very actively writing, submitting and publishing.
I have made amazing friends in both of my online critique groups, but I do sometimes feel that being able to get together in person would offer other experiences that I can’t get online, like reading my work aloud and engaging in discussions (although the latter can be achieved through emails quite sufficiently).
My biggest problem, until now, has been that the local writing group meets at a time that I cannot attend, due to my work.
But an exciting proposition has come my way, through the website, Kijiji.com. It seems that a new, local writer’s group is about to form, with its first meeting scheduled for the last Sunday of May. And as luck would have it, Sundays are a great day for me to indulge in such an activity.
How many of you are involved in critique groups?
Do you prefer “face to face” encounters with local writers or do you find “online” groups your preference?
I’ll keep you posted on my experiences.
It’s taken a while to get what I believe is a solid, polished suspense novel. I’ve revised, rewritten and reviewed. I’ve read and re-read. I’ve had a professional critique done by a published author in my genre. And I’ve sent my final revision through my long time, online critique group.
I’ve even decided to try publishers first, instead of agents. Why? Well, that’s another post.
So what did I learn?
As I continue writing my second suspense novel, I cannot believe how much more critically I’m analyzing my writing. My characters are stronger and I’m really enjoying finding new ways to make my readers want to turn the pages. I’m seeing the big picture from the book and not just one chapter at a time.
I don’t believe that my revision process on this second book will need to be as extensive as it was on my first book. I’ve learned so much. In fact, although I enjoyed writing the first book, I have to admit, it was a lot of work. Now, I’m not saying the second book won’t be work, but my first draft of this book is already far ahead of my first book. I’ve already eliminated much of the revising I had to do on the first book just by knowing more as I write this second manuscript.
What is the most important thing I’ve learned from this experience so far?
Never give up!
I’ve found my niche. I love suspense. I want to make my readers jump. I want to hit my characters with obstacles and situations that cause them to really have to think. And I have to admit, I love writing the villains.
No writing you ever do, whether it’s published or not, is ever a waste. Just keep writing and honing your craft and enjoying the journey along the way.
As I sat working on my second suspense novel, I got bogged down verifying some of the details. Whenever I hit a hump during my creative writing time, I surf other blogs and articles related to what I’m writing.
I found an interesting, yet over simplified article written by a man who claims that suspense novels are the easiest type to write because they just follow a simple formula:
1: Decide on your topic
2: Start at the end, rather than the beginning
3: Wait as long as possible to reveal the bad guy/killer
Although these ideas are all good ones, I don’t believe that just by doing these three things a writer is guaranteed a great suspense novel without too much trouble. In fact, I think this is a major oversimplification of the entire process.
Yes, you have to decide on the type of suspense novel you want to write, ie “woman in peril”, “a whodunnit”, “psychological thriller”, “the killer is someone you know and you don’t suspect” etc. etc. etc.
And yes, knowing how everything should end can be helpful when putting together your plot points and ensuring that you dangle tidbits of evidence throughout the chapters to entice the reader to continue turning the pages.
I had trouble with number three. Some of the best suspense novels begin with us already knowing the killer.
But I had the most trouble believing that by doing these three things, it would be easy to create suspense novels.
What about the characters? We have to have a reason to care what happens to the protagonist and we won’t care if that character doesn’t engage us in some way. We also have to believe that the antagonist is really a source of danger to the protagonist.
Then there’s the matter of the plot. Just by choosing the type of suspense novel, we do not have a well thought out plot that dangles bits of information cleverly throughout the chapters so that the smart reader can perhaps guess the identity of the antagonist even before we’ve revealed it. And we do not have a series of events that all move our plot forward.
Anyone who’s ever attempted to write a suspense novel knows that they must research any relevant procedures, ie police, medical, legal etc. Readers aren’t stupid. They won’t fall for plots with holes in them because the writer didn’t do the research.
Then, there’s the setting. Having someone follow your protagonist is suspenseful, however, if it’s in a department store in broad daylight while surrounded by other shoppers it’s not nearly as frightening as if it’s down a dark alley at 2:00 a.m. during a rain storm.
So my advice is this: Don’t believe everything you read and don’t think that writing a novel of any kind is going to be easy.
But, with hard work, dedication and a great deal of revising, you could be the next Mary Higgins Clark.
If you’d like to read the article to which I refer, here’s the link:
http://ezinearticles.com/?Suspense-Novels-Made-Easy&id=18583
You be the judge!
With income tax returns due in North America in the month of April, March is a good time to go over your writing records and see if you have income to claim.
If you freelance full time, then your writing is a business and you claim all income and expenses from it. But did you know that even if you only earn a small amount from your writing, you must not only claim that income in your tax return but that you can also claim a portion of many of your household expenses?
Many writers, probably the vast majority, write around their actual full-time job. Or perhaps you’re a stay-at-home parent who writes to supplement your household’s income.
You definitely need to keep records of all “writing related” income and expenses. And remember, the simpler, the better.
I keep two files:
INCOME (cheque stubs, paid invoices,deposit slips and any other record of monies I’ve received from writing)
EXPENSES (paper, printer ink, long distance phone calls, postage and mailing supplies, computer/internet costs, and even mileage)
Whenever I receive a cheque from having sold a piece of writing, I tear off the bottom portion, write what the money was from, and pop it into my INCOME file. After I deposit the cheque, I staple the deposit slip to my cheque stub as a confirmation. If I’ve done a freelance job that requires invoicing my client, then I staple the payment info. to the invoice.
Expenses are harder to calculate because if you don’t work full-time as a writer, then you can only claim a portion of the items mentioned above. For example, if you are using your home computer, you can’t claim all of the paper, ink, internet fees etc. because you are only using the computer part of the time for your writing. Figure out what percentage of your time is actual “working writing” time. Knowing an accountant or bookkeeper is an asset as they can help you calculate these expense percentages.
All postal expenses you incur for mailing out queries, manuscripts, returning contracts, etc. can be claimed.
Keep a log book in your vehicle. If you are driving to go interview someone for an article, you can claim that portion of your vehicle expenses.
I’m not an accountant, nor am I an expert in this field so before you claim any expense related to writing, check with your internal revenue department to make sure that it’s an allowable expense, or better yet, have an accountant do your taxes for you.
Above all, keep impeccable records so that you can defend any inquiries regarding your freelance income or expenses.
Now I’m off to get out my files and take stock of my 2008 writing income and expenses.
I’m finished my adult suspense novel. It’s been workshopped through my online critique group, read and critiqued by a couple writing friends and professionally critiqued by a published author from the same genre.
So now I’m crafting my query letter and getting ready for the first round of subbing. I’m going to try agents first and see if I get any requests. After that, I’ll target some publishers I’ve been collecting that seem suited to my book’s genre.
But something inside tells me the story isn’t over yet. (In order not to spoil the ending of the first book, I can’t elaborate at this time.)
So I’ve begun a sequel. Interestingly, it’s much easier to write than the first book. I know the characters so well they feel like old friends. The setting is comfortable and I can picture everything as if I’d lived there myself.
But I’ve read a lot of articles and posts that indicate publishers are not all that jazzed about sequels, especially from first-time authors.
So what to do, right?
Well, I’m going to run with this sequel idea and see where it takes me.
What am I not going to do?
I’m definitely not going to mention it when I query agents and/or publishers regarding the first book.
But I’m going to write it. I feel the same adrenaline rush of brainstorming start to flow when I open up the sequel document as I did when I worked on the original book.
I have no idea what will happen with the sequel. Maybe half-way through I’ll run out of ideas and stop. Maybe I’ll resolve things for myself by writing more for these characters and decide that I’m happy knowing the “rest of the story” but that it doesn’t qualify for a second book.
OR
Maybe I’ll have a second book ready when that agent or editor asks.
Sequels have a lot to live up to. Look at the movies. How many times have you seen “name of movie” 2 and thought, “That wasn’t as good as the first one.”
But many kidlit writers have found sequels to be their claim to fame. Look at the Twilight series – kids are devouring it right now. JK Rowling didn’t have trouble selling six sequels to the original HP book.
All I know is that I will definitely have to be honest and ask myself one question when I finish this 2nd book: Is it as good as the first one?
If I can truly answer “yes”, then maybe I just might have something.
How many of you have a sequel brewing? What are you going to do about yours?
Sometimes, winning a writing contest can be an amazing way to get exposure, prize money, and if you’re lucky, a contract.
But more and more contests are charging entry fees…and I don’t mean $5.00, either. Recently I’ve seen novel contests that were charging as much as $50.00 to enter.
Now think about it for a minute. What if you enter four contests a year? Each one costs $50.00. Personally, I think the $200.00 in entry fees would be put to much better use buying paper, printer ink, stamps and envelopes for subbing to editors and agents.
Whenever entering a contest, please do your research. Paying an entry fee isn’t always a bad thing but there are factors to consider:
Let’s face it, a fifty dollar entry fee for an entire novel, where the prize is a publishing contract with an established, well-known publisher, would be $50.00 well spent. However, that same fee, where the prize was a vanity press contract, would be, in my opinion, a waste of $50.00. I wouldn’t even pay $5.00 if I was entering a poem on a site where the winners were chosen by online voting. The fee has to reflect the prize.
So how do you find out which contests to enter?
To get you started, here’s a shortlist of contests. Some charge fees – others don’t. You decide.
http://www.writersdigest.com/annual
Writer’s Digest’s contest fees are small in relation to the prizes.
http://www.randomhouse.com/kids/writingcontests/
Both for MG and YA first novels. NO FEE.
http://www.writersofthefuture.com/rules.htm
For writers of fantasy and sci-fi. NO FEE
http://www.pioneerdrama.com/stuff/contest.html
Contest for playwrights – doesn’t appear to have a fee.
http://www.writers-editors.com/Writers/Contests/contests.htm
This site lists a ton of contests. At the bottom of the site they tell you the types of contests they will not list, so they’ve done a bit of the research for you.
TO PAY OR NOT TO PAY.
When it comes to writing contests, that really is the question.
It’s been a busy month and I’ve had a few projects on the go, including writing a futuristic play for our intermediate drama class and a play about chefs for our junior class.
Last Monday, as I realized that I was trying to research and write on about three different projects at once, I stopped and took stock of my small but cozy writing office in my house. I have an addiction and it’s time I admitted it.
I’m obsessed with hard cover journal books!
From the serious, business type to the whimsical, bright colored ones with jems glued on them or fun fur trimming their edges, I have a huge collection of these books. But what surprised me the most was the number of them that are filled with ideas and beginnings of writing projects.
There’s a chapter book in one, a few PBs, some new play ideas, several books in different genres and even a crack at a one woman play. And as I spent a nostalgic couple of hours browsing through all of them (instead of working on one of the plays that I needed for Saturday), I realized that I will never own enough of these books to cover all the ideas I continue to generate.
I’ve always enjoyed writing on thin lined paper with a medium tip pen and it’s inside of these books that I’ve created so many characters and worlds. The blinking curser has never inspired me to create, but these colorful, hardcover books with their neatly bound lined pages call to my creative muse and draw out all sorts of ideas.
On Monday evening I went in to work and took stock of at least a dozen more journal books there. Again, almost every one had scribblings of new characters, worlds, plots or ideas for a book or play.
Is there a support group for a journal junkee?
On Tuesday morning, for one brief moment, I got the notion to take stock of all my writing utensils. But as I lifted the lid on the shiny green box that houses a great deal of my unique or fancy pens and pencils, I stopped myself. Maybe one obsession is enough?
If you’re still reading, you’re probably wondering why I would choose to write a blog topic on my obsession with journal books. What relevance or signifigance does it have for my readers?
Believe it or not, it’s given me a jumpstart to get cracking on some projects that had to take a back seat for one reason or another. It’s reminded me that if I block on one project, there are others waiting in the wings.
So why not take stock of your old files, or notebooks, or folders on your computer’s desktop. You never know what you might find that you’d completely forgotten about.
Believe it or not, I even found one journal book that I actually had begun using as a personal journal.
So whenever I lose my muse and need some inspiration, I’ve only got to shift my eyes to my bookshelf and scan the colorful piles of journal books beckoning for their chance.
I’m obsessed with journal books …and proud of it!
