An Unyielding Devotion to Write...

I think we have all heard of the phrase ‘starving artist.’ I would be lying if I said, 'I know what it feels like to be hungry and not have food to eat,’ but we all know what it is like to be hungry. Chances are you will not get rich by writing novels but when you are passionate about something, it can consume your life. Artists and authors are not strangers to struggle or ridicule. Overtime your skin will toughen; but if writing is your passion, you are not alone.

 

 

 

It is important to have your book reviewed. If you get a favorable review, it is a gift. Every best seller has readers who love or hate the book. Listen to constructive criticism and ignore destructive criticism. Sometimes people will tear your dreams down when they do not have the means to pursue their own.

 

When you have conflicting emotions use those feelings as a crutch. If the phone is disconnected and you feel isolated from the world, do not worry, you are not alone. Stephen King’s landline phone was disconnected when he got an offer for Carrie. If you are passionate about writing and others validate your ability, improve your technique and let your passion fuel your creativity.

What Happens...While Rebels Sleep?

Last year, the first words of the story were written and three months later, the manuscript was finished. In reality, it was the beginning of an adventure. Rewriting the story took me on a treacherous journey of altering sentences and rearranging sections to improve the flow of the story.

I was in a field of tall razor-sharp grass with a machete in hand, cutting a path through the landscape. Paper cuts littered my flesh. I found bones in the landscape and things that were out of place. When it was over I saw the difference in the rhythm and sentiment of the story.

It is a bittersweet moment when an author releases a book but I am excited to share my story with the world! My new mystery thriller While Rebels Sleep will be available on Tuesday October 16, 2012. 

 

The Blurb:

There is no medical explanation that can explain the reason why Anya Polanski lived. Some would say it’s a miracle and others would say it’s a curse.  She struggled with accepting a past that she knows little about and an unyielding desire to change the future. 

 

Everything changes when she encounters a mysterious young man.  Together they embark on an adventure of a lifetime and put all the puzzle pieces of the past together in the process. 

The Book Trailer:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Picture This, Eat That!

I don’t know of anyone who can live without it. When the aroma fills the room, it seduces our mind and body. It’s an out of body experience when it graces the tongue and our taste buds express disgust or delight. We all share a fondness for food!

We need food for nourishment but it’s also an aphrodisiac. It can explain why food magazines invest money in food photography. The reader cannot smell it; so they create an unbelievable visual experience. There is a science to it but it’s not my expertise. I specialize in eating and writing.

I was fortunate to come across an author who blends the best of both worlds, food and writing. Author Genevieve Scholl allowed me to read a scene from her upcoming novel. I was impressed with her ability to invoke similar feelings that one experiences when eating food. The way she wrote about food made my taste buds salivate. It was like reading a scratch and sniff book.

So, I challenged myself to write about food. The following passage is my attempt.

Kelley cut into the center of the turf. Steam rose from the plate releasing a whiff of pepper, garlic and bacon around her.  The hearty surf oozed melted butter and a hint of melon. She cringed at the thought of the juices colliding. Kelley liked her food untainted, but he took the liberty to order for her. She glanced at him and hoped he did not notice her discomfort.

Writing about food seems easy but it is harder than you think. I did a decent job but there is always room for improvement. It’s clear Genevieve Scholl has perfected the art of writing about food and I suspect she may be a great cook!

The following books were written by Author Genevieve Scholl.     A Mother's Day Murder: Donna's Story and A Father's Day Fatality: Tigria's Story

 

I Write My Heart, You Edit My Soul!



★★★★★

What would you do if you found an editor who finds all of the errors in your manuscript? I know what I would do. A special room awaits my editor. All of his or her basic needs would be met. He or she will enjoy secluded five star meals with a glass of wine. If it is a woman, I will do her hair and nails. On the other hand, if it is a man, I will order pay per view sport events to keep him happy and wax his back hair. Did I mention the door of the room would be replaced with bars?  An evil laugh echoes as I dangle the key on my finger.   Good editors are hard to find!

 

 

 

An editor is every author’s secret weapon. Depending on the length of your manuscript, it can cost $0.50 cents per page or $0.022+- per word to have it edited.  Therefore, I have tested three editing tools to help with the process.

 

Step one          http://www.spellchecker.net/

·         The program has thesaurus, spell, and grammar check.

·         It will not catch missing words.

Step two          http://www.paperrater.com/

·         It provides grammar, spell check and proofreader.

·         You can select the education level and type of document.

·         The software grades the document.

·         It will not catch missing words.

Step three     http://www.naturalreaders.com/download.htm

 

                 ·         Set the speed at negative one or less for clarity. 

 

                 ·         It reads text from documents and WebPages.

 

                 ·         You will notice missing words and discover plot holes!

 

    

Step four            Read your manuscript!

 

                ·           You will notice missing words! 

 

Step five            Repeat step one through four.

 

Using these programs will not take the place of an editor. It is important to familiarize yourself with these programs before you rely on them. Once you have mastered them, you will see the difference. Whether you have an editor or not these tools are helpful. By minimizing errors, an author can increase their chances of having an error free novel.

Sunday News, Author’s Muse.

The Sunday newspaper are a great resource for bargain shoppers and authors. I did not always think that way. When I saw the sale circulars, I was excited. I looked through them and circled the items I wanted. Then, I embarked on an exciting shopping spree.

 

Somehow, after braving the rain, snow or heat to shop, the items spent months or years in my closet with tags attached. I know I’m not the only one. By now, you are probably wondering, what does this have to do with writing? Have you ever introduced a main character and lost sight of, or mixed up their features? Yes?

Then, sale circulars are your new best friend. I use pictures of the models as identification photos for the characters. Did I hear someone say, you can make a chart! Charts are great but they do not work for everyone. I have found a new use for the sale circulars. Instead of using them to put a dent in my finances, I use them to keep my characters feature in order.

How do you keep things in order?

 

Write or Flight?

Things have been strange between us for the past few months and I’m starting to wonder if I have offended him. I am confused. A million things go through my mind. Is he seeing someone else? Does he still love me? One question lingers… Do I really love him?

I do. He saved me from myself. I know it sounds cheesy but he completes me. Please allow me to explain. When he’s with me, I smile, laugh and breathe easier. He’s my oxygen. I am torn and I can’t bear to lose him. He comes home when he feels like it and I am tired of waiting! We’re a team. I cannot do what I do without him. I calm myself and brainstorm for ideas to win him back. I have to make him want me, as I want him.

Everyone appreciates coming home to a calm environment and he is no different. I clean the house, put on some smooth Brazilian jazz and place scented candles in our room. I’m not a drinker but I’m nervous. A glass of wine might take the edge off. Fifteen minutes into the retreat, he arrives. My heart is racing. The closer he get’s I can feel a wave of light current passing through my body and it lingers on my fingertips. I exhale and allow him to caress me.

He’s back! I’m glad we’re working on our relationship. When I say ‘he,’ I’m referring to writing. Writing is my companion. We don’t always see eye to eye but we’re a team. I realize that sometimes he’ll need his space but when I need him I try to do the things that will bring him to the surface. I engage in activities that evoke his spirit. For instance, I take a scenic drive, visit a park, listen to music or attend cultural festivals. Sometimes, inspiration comes from the things that fascinate us. A writer is never short on creativity. Sometimes we are trying to find the right way to express our ideas.

 

I'm curious...how do you set the mood for writing?

Chirp Tweet Retweet

Twitter is a great tool to connect with people across the globe and circulate information. Recent changes have made the experience less enjoyable.   Free advertisement is priceless and companies are in business to make money.  If they can’t make money, they will limit what you can do with their product.   The explanation for the changes is anything but the truth. It all boils down to the loss of potential advertising dollars.



Twitter is not only a way to advertise for free, it is also a means of networking. The new limitation on Twitter can be discouraging if you have not networked in your core group. For example, if you’re an artist, most of your followers may be in that profession, individuals who appreciate art and others related to the field.   We all know how important networking is in the real world and it’s no different in the virtual world.    When I joined, I followed users who shared my interests whether it was professional or personal. 

There is a lot of information shared on twitter. I noticed a tweet that said, gain 5000 followers in a day.  It sounds great, but I think it’s more rewarding when someone follows you voluntarily.   Another tweet advertised a Tweeting Service. I wonder is there a team retweeting their customer’s information or an individual? Are they forming relationships or networking with your audience? Do they retweet your follower’s messages?  

In my profile, I let potential followers know that I retweet!  I let them know that retweeting their information is as important as tweeting my information.   For example, I did what I call a Retweet Blitz. I retweeted literary tweets and the user did not have to be a follower.  I got followers and non-followers attention. This was not a calculated move. I did it to support other authors. As a result, I gained more followers and a dedicated group of retweet buddies!  It’s a group of thirty plus followers who retweet each other’s tweets. When I go to bed at night my tweets are still chirping on Twitter. It motivates me and I faithfully retweet their tweets. 

Despite the changes in Twitter, it is possible to make connections and reach your target audience.  Twitter is a powerful tool but as it continues to change, users will have to make genuine connections that will continue to blossom.