Welcome back everyone! Well, I guess welcome back mostly to me. I took last week off of blogging so that I could concentrate on enjoying the holiday with my family, and my soon to be husband. We all had such a wonderful time, and I hope that you had a good week as well.
Lately I've been doing a lot of thinking on how I want this blog to appear in the new year. Not only its aesthetic, or its message, but what kind of posts I want to have on it. I really like the idea of a series. Currently I do a "Whats up Wednesday", and then most times a random post on Friday. I think I will continue posting on Wednesdays and Fridays, and make it a goal to put out at least two posts a week through 2016. Wednesdays may become "Writer-ly Wednesdays", but we'll see what I ultimately decide.
I really would like to build this into a bigger and broader community. To promote that I want to bring on some guest bloggers as well as encourage you lovely readers to comment on the blogs. Let's start a conversation or three and get to know one another. Even if we're just "Internet friends".
Something that I would also like to add monthly to the blog is a book review. I really want to showcase self published authors, but there will probably be some traditionally published ones as well. I am thinking of having it on the first Sunday of the month.
My hope is not only to share my journey with writing and life, but to encourage others in their walks.
If you have any suggestions on topics you would like to see, would like to be involved in the guest blogging, or have suggestions on self published authors for review, please feel free to comment down below or message me using my email: andrewsmalinda@gmail.com
I pray that everyone has a blessed new year! See you in 2016 ;)
Wednesday, December 30, 2015
Friday, December 18, 2015
Dealing with your inner "nay-sayer"
During NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) writers are told to lock up their inner editor, and to throw caution, and negative thoughts, to the wind and just get your words on paper.
But what happens the other elven months of the year if you are a serious writer? How do you deal with the negativity that often comes from your own mind when you don't have the huge community behind you?
This is such a critical element for many writers. Especially writers that may just be getting started on their journey. Often they are left staring at the blank screen, or page, and are intimidated by it. What if their work isn't good? What if no one likes their story or characters?
If you are really serious about your work, you simply cannot let this be the end of the road.
Fortunately, thanks to NaNoWriMo, and the tag #amwriting (Twitter and Instagram)many people are able to find, and build, an online community of writers. Many of these writers write not only during the month of NaNo, but throughout the year! They can be an invaluable source of commiseration and support. Each person helps to hold the others accountable. Sometimes you literally have to build your cheerleading section yourself! Just remember to be just as supportive to the others as they are to you! Everyone needs help and cheer every now and then.
But what happens if your cheering section grows dim, and the negative thoughts about your work creep in?
Reading about other writer's struggles can actually help. Often it helps to know that you are NOT alone in these feelings. They are completely valid, and everyone has them. The trick is to get them to be silent long enough to get words down on the page.
I will let those thoughts out only in small doses. I acknowledge them, validate what I am feeling, and then tell them to kindly go away, I'm working. That little negativity can actually help me be a better writer, it forces me to pay attention to certain aspects of my writing. However, the negativity that I allow back in during the editing and rewriting process HAS to be CONSTRUCTIVE.
Any thoughts that just claim that you suck, your writing is uninspired, and that your plot is uninteresting are not allowed. Maybe you do have those problems, but the comments must be able to be used for bettering the work. Not to bring you down. In order to have the best story you could, sometimes things need to be changed or altered. There is nothing wrong in this. I had completely re-written Through the Mountains at least three times before it was where I wanted it to be.
You cannot only listen to the negative. You must work to turn it into a situation where good can come of it. And you need that person in your corner that is going to support you, and you will at times need to lean on them. There is nothing wrong with that. Just keep moving forward, even if it's a baby step. It's a step in the right direction.
If you need someone in your corner, or are just building your online writing community, feel free to add me on Twitter and/or Instagram, my handle is @OnADragonsWing2.
Until next time, keep writing my friends!
But what happens the other elven months of the year if you are a serious writer? How do you deal with the negativity that often comes from your own mind when you don't have the huge community behind you?
This is such a critical element for many writers. Especially writers that may just be getting started on their journey. Often they are left staring at the blank screen, or page, and are intimidated by it. What if their work isn't good? What if no one likes their story or characters?
If you are really serious about your work, you simply cannot let this be the end of the road.
Fortunately, thanks to NaNoWriMo, and the tag #amwriting (Twitter and Instagram)many people are able to find, and build, an online community of writers. Many of these writers write not only during the month of NaNo, but throughout the year! They can be an invaluable source of commiseration and support. Each person helps to hold the others accountable. Sometimes you literally have to build your cheerleading section yourself! Just remember to be just as supportive to the others as they are to you! Everyone needs help and cheer every now and then.
But what happens if your cheering section grows dim, and the negative thoughts about your work creep in?
Reading about other writer's struggles can actually help. Often it helps to know that you are NOT alone in these feelings. They are completely valid, and everyone has them. The trick is to get them to be silent long enough to get words down on the page.
I will let those thoughts out only in small doses. I acknowledge them, validate what I am feeling, and then tell them to kindly go away, I'm working. That little negativity can actually help me be a better writer, it forces me to pay attention to certain aspects of my writing. However, the negativity that I allow back in during the editing and rewriting process HAS to be CONSTRUCTIVE.
Any thoughts that just claim that you suck, your writing is uninspired, and that your plot is uninteresting are not allowed. Maybe you do have those problems, but the comments must be able to be used for bettering the work. Not to bring you down. In order to have the best story you could, sometimes things need to be changed or altered. There is nothing wrong in this. I had completely re-written Through the Mountains at least three times before it was where I wanted it to be.
You cannot only listen to the negative. You must work to turn it into a situation where good can come of it. And you need that person in your corner that is going to support you, and you will at times need to lean on them. There is nothing wrong with that. Just keep moving forward, even if it's a baby step. It's a step in the right direction.
If you need someone in your corner, or are just building your online writing community, feel free to add me on Twitter and/or Instagram, my handle is @OnADragonsWing2.
Until next time, keep writing my friends!
Wednesday, December 16, 2015
Being a "Reader"
So the other day I had someone come up to me say, "You read a lot, don't you? I always see you with a book."
Again, as with other things that people have come up to me just blurted out, I wasn't sure how to respond. Thankfully in this instance that moment passed within a few seconds, because I was reading this book with a purpose, and not just to enjoy the story.
At that moment I happened with be reading The Silver Chair by C.S. Lewis. Now I have read all of the Narnia books many times, years before. Like in elementary/middle school, so I was pretty familiar with the stories. My purpose in reading them around this time was because I had had an idea for a middle grade/YA Christian fiction, and I wanted to be sure that it was significantly different than Lewis' stories. Thankfully they are, and I am excited to start brainstorming for a new project.
So I explained that to him, and he seemed satisfied with that answer and we moved onto other topics.
But what got to me is that his tone seemed different. Not condescending, but rather like he didn't understand why I would want to read so much. Or why I always have a book with me.
I love to read. Since my mother taught me at a young age, I have loved it. In school I always excelled at the reading and comprehension classes. I can read something and retain it, which is pretty cool. I like getting lost in the worlds that the authors create. Caring about the characters, and what happens to them in their fictional lives. It doesn't matter if I'm reading about children in Narnia, Dragons that speak, mice and woodland creatures that fight, or a detective and her case. Getting out of my head into someone else's has always been fun.
I always carry a book with me. You never know when something may come up that you have to wait for. Be it a doctor visit, a bus, before church service. I even read on lunch and before work if I'm early enough. It takes me to another place, and gives me time to escape from my life. It gets my imagination going, and inspires me to write better. To craft better characters or plots, to be better not only for myself but for my readers.
There is a love of books that some people have, and some don't. And not all readers are writers. But we share a common love for the written word, and that makes us into something larger than ourselves.
Let me know if you agree, disagree, or just if you love books too!
Again, as with other things that people have come up to me just blurted out, I wasn't sure how to respond. Thankfully in this instance that moment passed within a few seconds, because I was reading this book with a purpose, and not just to enjoy the story.
At that moment I happened with be reading The Silver Chair by C.S. Lewis. Now I have read all of the Narnia books many times, years before. Like in elementary/middle school, so I was pretty familiar with the stories. My purpose in reading them around this time was because I had had an idea for a middle grade/YA Christian fiction, and I wanted to be sure that it was significantly different than Lewis' stories. Thankfully they are, and I am excited to start brainstorming for a new project.
So I explained that to him, and he seemed satisfied with that answer and we moved onto other topics.
But what got to me is that his tone seemed different. Not condescending, but rather like he didn't understand why I would want to read so much. Or why I always have a book with me.
I love to read. Since my mother taught me at a young age, I have loved it. In school I always excelled at the reading and comprehension classes. I can read something and retain it, which is pretty cool. I like getting lost in the worlds that the authors create. Caring about the characters, and what happens to them in their fictional lives. It doesn't matter if I'm reading about children in Narnia, Dragons that speak, mice and woodland creatures that fight, or a detective and her case. Getting out of my head into someone else's has always been fun.
I always carry a book with me. You never know when something may come up that you have to wait for. Be it a doctor visit, a bus, before church service. I even read on lunch and before work if I'm early enough. It takes me to another place, and gives me time to escape from my life. It gets my imagination going, and inspires me to write better. To craft better characters or plots, to be better not only for myself but for my readers.
There is a love of books that some people have, and some don't. And not all readers are writers. But we share a common love for the written word, and that makes us into something larger than ourselves.
Let me know if you agree, disagree, or just if you love books too!
Friday, December 11, 2015
Being a Writer means...
Listening to other people's conversations and taking notes!
Carrying around sticky notes, or little notebooks every where! (or using your phone)
Literally jumping over obstacles to jot down an idea before it vanishes into the vapor of life.
Flipping through magazines or Pinterest for inspiration.
Piles of books, everywhere!
You have apps on your phone that may include, but are not limited too: baby names, thesaurus, dictionary, Goodreads, Twitter, and Pinterest.
Seeing an interesting name, and writing it down for a later character/place name.
Twitter becomes an important networking tool to meet fellow writers, not just to "Keep up with the..." well you know who...
You pay attention to cover art on recent best sellers, and the ones that didn't make the list. Even when walking in the grocery store...
Flipping on the light and writing down notes in the middle of the night because something came to you. (Sorry hunny!)
Anything and everything people do and say around you may end up in a novel at some point.
It becomes difficult to read for pleasure as you are now evaluating plot, character development, and grammar choices in everything you read.
You observe how different weather feels, just so you can later describe it in detail later.
Your search history may have the government wondering what you're up to. But hey you're a writer, and just want to get the details correct!
Writing anywhere. Bus, train, car, plane, on lunch, at breakfast, during a TV commercial, before Sunday church service. ANYWHERE.
Getting amped about your characters and plot, and just want to share with someone. Though you often don't get the words right in explaining why you're so excited.
And you wouldn't have your life any other way. :)
Carrying around sticky notes, or little notebooks every where! (or using your phone)
Literally jumping over obstacles to jot down an idea before it vanishes into the vapor of life.
Flipping through magazines or Pinterest for inspiration.
Piles of books, everywhere!
You have apps on your phone that may include, but are not limited too: baby names, thesaurus, dictionary, Goodreads, Twitter, and Pinterest.
Seeing an interesting name, and writing it down for a later character/place name.
Twitter becomes an important networking tool to meet fellow writers, not just to "Keep up with the..." well you know who...
You pay attention to cover art on recent best sellers, and the ones that didn't make the list. Even when walking in the grocery store...
Flipping on the light and writing down notes in the middle of the night because something came to you. (Sorry hunny!)
Anything and everything people do and say around you may end up in a novel at some point.
It becomes difficult to read for pleasure as you are now evaluating plot, character development, and grammar choices in everything you read.
You observe how different weather feels, just so you can later describe it in detail later.
Your search history may have the government wondering what you're up to. But hey you're a writer, and just want to get the details correct!
Writing anywhere. Bus, train, car, plane, on lunch, at breakfast, during a TV commercial, before Sunday church service. ANYWHERE.
Getting amped about your characters and plot, and just want to share with someone. Though you often don't get the words right in explaining why you're so excited.
And you wouldn't have your life any other way. :)
Wednesday, December 9, 2015
3 Biggest Distractions from Writing- WuW
Who here seems to struggle with getting distracted from writing?
*raises both hands*
Some days I can come to the computer with laser like focus and within seconds (at least it feels like) I have whole chapters written and things are going smoothly. Then other days its like nails on a chalkboard getting myself to focus. Everything is suddenly more interesting than my characters, world, and plot.
But the top 3 things that are the worst for distraction for me even on a good writing day are:
Movies! I just want to sit and watch movies, this includes TV shows on Netflix. I love them, I think that there is so much, both positive, and negative that writers can learn from watching movies and TV shows. Especially if a writer marathons a series. You get to see the whole story arc and character development! That is something that writers need to see and understand well.
Other Books! I literally own about 40 books that I haven't read yet. They cry and call out to me, begging to be picked up and loved. I recently started using Goodreads, and I love updating my progress when I'm reading a book. There is such a sense of accomplishment to it. And when you get to mark it as read? Oh it's just so exciting, I want to do it again and again and again!
The internetz. It is every writers friend until it comes time to actually write a book. Then it becomes this rabbit hole of YouTube, blogs, memes, and cat videos. And yes, I have been known to go down that rabbit hole a time or two. It's just entertaining to see what is out there; what people like you and me are creating and sharing with the world.
So with these three big distractions, how do I ever get anything accomplished?
I work hard at making time for everything. When I'm really buckling down and writing or editing, like during a NaNo month (November, April, and July) I won't read at all. I also severely limit my time watching TV or movies. In fact I often use them as a reward for getting my words, or pages edited in.
And how do I tackle the internetz? A lot of my friends use programs to turn off the internet for a set amount of time during the day. But I find that too restricting. Often I need to look something up quickly for reference, so I don't like the idea that I'd have to have a place holder until later. What I do instead is set a block amount of time for work, and then I allow myself to check/cruise the internet for a few minutes before going back to work. Usually I am most productive in 30 minute chunks.
What works for you? Do you have the same distractions? How do you handle them?
Comment and share below!
*raises both hands*
Some days I can come to the computer with laser like focus and within seconds (at least it feels like) I have whole chapters written and things are going smoothly. Then other days its like nails on a chalkboard getting myself to focus. Everything is suddenly more interesting than my characters, world, and plot.
But the top 3 things that are the worst for distraction for me even on a good writing day are:
Movies! I just want to sit and watch movies, this includes TV shows on Netflix. I love them, I think that there is so much, both positive, and negative that writers can learn from watching movies and TV shows. Especially if a writer marathons a series. You get to see the whole story arc and character development! That is something that writers need to see and understand well.
Other Books! I literally own about 40 books that I haven't read yet. They cry and call out to me, begging to be picked up and loved. I recently started using Goodreads, and I love updating my progress when I'm reading a book. There is such a sense of accomplishment to it. And when you get to mark it as read? Oh it's just so exciting, I want to do it again and again and again!
The internetz. It is every writers friend until it comes time to actually write a book. Then it becomes this rabbit hole of YouTube, blogs, memes, and cat videos. And yes, I have been known to go down that rabbit hole a time or two. It's just entertaining to see what is out there; what people like you and me are creating and sharing with the world.
So with these three big distractions, how do I ever get anything accomplished?
I work hard at making time for everything. When I'm really buckling down and writing or editing, like during a NaNo month (November, April, and July) I won't read at all. I also severely limit my time watching TV or movies. In fact I often use them as a reward for getting my words, or pages edited in.
And how do I tackle the internetz? A lot of my friends use programs to turn off the internet for a set amount of time during the day. But I find that too restricting. Often I need to look something up quickly for reference, so I don't like the idea that I'd have to have a place holder until later. What I do instead is set a block amount of time for work, and then I allow myself to check/cruise the internet for a few minutes before going back to work. Usually I am most productive in 30 minute chunks.
What works for you? Do you have the same distractions? How do you handle them?
Comment and share below!
Friday, December 4, 2015
How NaNoWriMo went this year for me. . .
Happy Post Nano!
Hopefully everyone made their goal for the month, either by hitting that 50k goal, or simply writing everyday. To me everyone who participates in NaNo comes away a winner.
This was my third year participating, and it was one of the most challenging thus far! The first two days I tried to get ahead as much as possible, but it wasn't much of a lead. I'm not sure if it was doubt about my self published book not really selling, my doubt in my writing abilities, or the story itself. But getting those 1,667 words in every day was like pulling teeth on most days. Some scenes flew by, and were easy to write. I also had fun with some of the characters. But most of the time it was hard to put myself in the midset to write.
I really think it had to do with my own doubts, and not as much to do with the story itself. Honestly I had a bit of a break down and a cry one of the last few days. My fiancé was wonderful and put things into perspective once again with a steady shoulder for tears, and words of encouragement. If not for him I would probably have quit this year.
The end of the story was easily the best part about this book. It's the second in a trilogy, so almost every scene attempts to increase the tension for the third book while building on the themes and events from the first. I really am excited to continue to work on the trilogy...after a break so I can come back with fresh eyes.
During that break, I am going to be working on things for this blog. New series, possible writer interviews, reviews of books, just a lot of ideas that I have for this blog for the new year.
If you have any ideas, or things that you would like to see happen on this blog, please let me know!
How did NaNoWriMo go for you? Did you hit the full 50K? Or did have you a different goal? Please share in the comments below!
Hopefully everyone made their goal for the month, either by hitting that 50k goal, or simply writing everyday. To me everyone who participates in NaNo comes away a winner.
This was my third year participating, and it was one of the most challenging thus far! The first two days I tried to get ahead as much as possible, but it wasn't much of a lead. I'm not sure if it was doubt about my self published book not really selling, my doubt in my writing abilities, or the story itself. But getting those 1,667 words in every day was like pulling teeth on most days. Some scenes flew by, and were easy to write. I also had fun with some of the characters. But most of the time it was hard to put myself in the midset to write.
I really think it had to do with my own doubts, and not as much to do with the story itself. Honestly I had a bit of a break down and a cry one of the last few days. My fiancé was wonderful and put things into perspective once again with a steady shoulder for tears, and words of encouragement. If not for him I would probably have quit this year.
The end of the story was easily the best part about this book. It's the second in a trilogy, so almost every scene attempts to increase the tension for the third book while building on the themes and events from the first. I really am excited to continue to work on the trilogy...after a break so I can come back with fresh eyes.
During that break, I am going to be working on things for this blog. New series, possible writer interviews, reviews of books, just a lot of ideas that I have for this blog for the new year.
If you have any ideas, or things that you would like to see happen on this blog, please let me know!
How did NaNoWriMo go for you? Did you hit the full 50K? Or did have you a different goal? Please share in the comments below!
Wednesday, December 2, 2015
Now that NaNo is over...-WuW
Welcome to the post NaNo slump. A time to not only slack off, but to *gasp* make plans to review your monstrosity that is a first draft. It's okay if you fear going back to look at the hideous beast you've created; the goal of NaNoWriMo is to tell your inner editor "see you later", not to banish him/her forever. Eventually you want to let them out of the cage, and release them on your manuscript.
Just don't be afraid to look back, you might be surprised at what you've put down on the page. But don't be too hard on yourself. The whole job of that first draft is simply to exist. It doesn't have to be perfect, or even OK. You can only edit words on a page; you can't fix something that isn't there.
Usually after NaNo, I let the manuscript rest, at least until the new year. I go away and work on something else for awhile to gain perspective. And the first time I read it through, I only fix the obvious errors, like a missing word, or simple spelling. Or maybe I couldn't remember the name of something in the middle of a word war and need to look it up after having a place holder. But regardless, the first read through is to reacquaint myself with the book, and usually I have a glass of wine when I start. It makes the process more fun. It is actually FUN to see what you had to come up with in a short amount of time.
The next pass through is when I break out the red pen. And I am brutal to my own work. It's actually amazing I've "finished" editing a piece at all! This is the part where I get picky about details, about events, plot lines, and characterization. I make sure all of that lines up, and that there aren't any scenes missing. Once I fix all of that, then I let it rest for a little while before giving it another look over. After a third time, then it's ready for my editor, and my first beta reader.
Writing, I have found, is the easy part. After writing, most authors give their manuscript up. Saved to their hard drive, it collects electronic dust. Don't let it! Editing and revising is all a part of the writing process. Is it a lot of work? Yes. Is it worth is? Yes. Will it force you to be a better writer? YES!
So please, please, please, don't let this happen to you. Give it some time, and then go back and see what your wonderfully creative mind has discovered. Grow in the skills that writing requires, get a critique partner, or 5. You all will benefit. Even if you never publish it. You are building your craft and honing skills.
Plus, it's just fun. Until next time, keep writing! (Well, at least working on your writing ;) )
Just don't be afraid to look back, you might be surprised at what you've put down on the page. But don't be too hard on yourself. The whole job of that first draft is simply to exist. It doesn't have to be perfect, or even OK. You can only edit words on a page; you can't fix something that isn't there.
Usually after NaNo, I let the manuscript rest, at least until the new year. I go away and work on something else for awhile to gain perspective. And the first time I read it through, I only fix the obvious errors, like a missing word, or simple spelling. Or maybe I couldn't remember the name of something in the middle of a word war and need to look it up after having a place holder. But regardless, the first read through is to reacquaint myself with the book, and usually I have a glass of wine when I start. It makes the process more fun. It is actually FUN to see what you had to come up with in a short amount of time.
The next pass through is when I break out the red pen. And I am brutal to my own work. It's actually amazing I've "finished" editing a piece at all! This is the part where I get picky about details, about events, plot lines, and characterization. I make sure all of that lines up, and that there aren't any scenes missing. Once I fix all of that, then I let it rest for a little while before giving it another look over. After a third time, then it's ready for my editor, and my first beta reader.
Writing, I have found, is the easy part. After writing, most authors give their manuscript up. Saved to their hard drive, it collects electronic dust. Don't let it! Editing and revising is all a part of the writing process. Is it a lot of work? Yes. Is it worth is? Yes. Will it force you to be a better writer? YES!
So please, please, please, don't let this happen to you. Give it some time, and then go back and see what your wonderfully creative mind has discovered. Grow in the skills that writing requires, get a critique partner, or 5. You all will benefit. Even if you never publish it. You are building your craft and honing skills.
Plus, it's just fun. Until next time, keep writing! (Well, at least working on your writing ;) )
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