February 26, 2018:

So many projects, so little time. After my first book was published, it warmed my heart to hear comments back about how much someone enjoyed reading it, but to see my first legit review on Goodreads, was in the neighborhood of amazing. Now, I’m being asked when will the sequel come out. Never did I ever think I would be slammed with writing projects, but fast-forward to 2018, and I am. I keep a submissions spreadsheet and, looking back, I realized I sent my first submission to a publisher in 2000. The existence of that spreadsheet is worth its weight in gold. It simply states the title, the date submitted, the publisher, by what method (i.e., online form, snail mail or email) and how long I should expect to wait. 

When I hear back, I do not delete, but strike-through the line (if it’s a no). By doing so, I maintain a record. Over the next seventeen years, I had a couple of magazine publications, one poem, and a few near-misses. No wonder I was on the verge of giving up! I took a year off from writing, but the pull was always there in the back of my mind. My critique partner kept me involved by sending me her work, all the while, encouraging me to write. I owe the success of my first book to her. I may not be an overnight wonder, but I’ve clearly proved perseverance pays off. 

Remember to set goals for yourself and strive to meet them. This week, I’m finishing up the 2^nd revision of Blood Money. My goal is to return it to the editor this weekend. While I’m waiting for the next phase, I plan to revise my story on the life of Davy Crockett. 

Always grow as a writer. Always strive to become better at your craft, no matter what it may be. Always learn, always try, and always submit--or here’s how I sign the majority of my books: Always Believe!

February 20, 2018:

Thursday evening at 6:52 p.m., I received the next revision of Blood Money. I read the editor’s comments, and was both overwhelmed with happiness and gobsmacked with anxiety at the same time. While the editor was very encouraging in saying I did a good job on the first revision, she also stated this would be the last opportunity I would see the manuscript in editable form. She encouraged me to take my time and do my best revising without changing the format. Once she receives it back, the story goes into production.  Once in production, there will be very little opportunity for changes. Wow. The pressure. I’m questioning every word, comma and period. That’s a big responsibility. What if the book comes out and it’s full of mistakes? I’m sure a copy editor (or two) will go through it with a fine-tooth comb, but I’m also sure every writer goes through the nervous stage and the “what ifs?” Saturday, I spent eight hours on this revision and only got through page 101 of 338.  My house needed cleaning, clothes overflowed the hamper, and there was no food in the house. Also, I would have loved being out and about, after a long work-week; but I hunkered down and concentrated on editing. However, Gus received his normal belly rubs at his command. I do have my priorities in order, after all. The payoff of another book to hold in my hands will be worth it. That’s why I do this.

 Five weeks until spring!!

February 12, 2018: What exactly is a first draft? Did you know there are some successful writers out there who can churn out a novel in three-four weeks? According to a chat room in which I recently participated, the best way to do this is to plot the story from beginning to end before you write the first word. Once plotted, write the first draft−completely mindless of typos, misspellings and format. The person conducting the chat stated without plotting the story, her last novel took over a year to write the first draft. Oh my, I thought this was normal; but then again, my adult novel coming out sometime this year (I hope!) was written during my one and only NANO Challenge−where I finished the rough draft (40 thousand words) in one month. Talk about rough copy, it sincerely was. I didn’t stress over typpos, misspeled wordes or fragaments--no matter how hard Word tried to get me to correct them. Lol! 

So for all those of you who ask for my writing advice on how to get started: BIC (butt in chair) and just write that first draft. Worry about how it looks later. My current writing goal, is to find a home for ON A SCALE OF ONE TO TEN−my MG novel on child abuse. This story (along with MOUNTAIN LAUREL−a story about my parents) is dear to my heart, and I hope to find a home for it soon. However, I know all too well if I do not submit to publishers, my chances of failure are 100%.

 Bo watching the dog show. Nothing to do with writing. It just makes me happy. 😆

February 5, 2018:    My wish is to grow as a writer. With every blog I read, every revision from an editor, every rejection from a publisher − these are all opportunities for improvement. In my last revision (BLOOD MONEY - due out sometime in 2018), I learned not all editors appreciate the MC talking to herself. I received the same bit of advice through a rejection of my YA story about abuse. A few words, here or there, work; but telling the story through the MC’s thoughts does not work. Instead, my editor suggested I write the sentence in past tense about her. So ‘not everyone cares what I think, I guess’; becomes ‘not everyone cared about her opinion, apparently.’

There are some helpful blogs out there to aid you in your quest to be a better writer. Unfortunately, you might need to wade through some mediocre ones before you find the jewels. When you find one dedicated to helping writers become better writers, you’re in luck. Take Nancy Kelly Allen’s blog (http://nancykellyallen.blogspot.com); her purpose is to provide tips to writers and those who teach writing. I recommend this blog because I can speak personally about how it has helped me. Anything that helps me grow as a writer, I’m going back for more.

Parting words: revise, revise, and revise some more − then put your manuscript up for a week or so. Look at it once more with fresh eyes before you ship it off to a publisher.