Archive for November, 2009

Success in Writing

Monday, November 30th, 2009

Here’s today’s Thought.

Success is blocked by concentrating on it and planning for it… Success is shy – it won’t come out while you’re watching. Tennessee Williams

So, when will you consider yourself a success as a writer? When you see that first newspaper or article byline? When you open a magazine and see your name on a story? When you receive that first check? I guess it’s different for everyone but I considered myself a success the first time I published something. Why? It’s not that easy!

You get an idea, write, polish, rewrite and do the best you can and, with fingers crossed, you send it off. Then you wait. Of course, while you’re waiting you ARE working on the next project, right? Then that wonderful day arrives. Your article, story or book is published. Most stories are turned down by editors, so if you’re one of the lucky ones, celebrate. But when the champagne bottle is empty, or the cookie jar, depending on your proclivities, then get back to work. Success if fleeting and you have to keep writing and publishing to maintain that status.

I’ve been extremely lucky in my writing career because I’ve had a LOT of help. Writing is the one profession where basically everyone is competing for a few slots, yet they are all willing to help emerging writers. Can I help you? Send me your questions and I’ll try.

Yesterday I finished reading the galley’s of my paranormal romantic suspense Novel, MIND ECHOES. I’m sure I’ve read this manuscript at least 50 times, but I still love the story – and I think you will too!

MIND ECHOES will be published in January, 2010 by www.whiskeycreekpress. Check it out!

Happy Writing.

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Don’t talk, write!

Sunday, November 29th, 2009

Here’s today’s thought.

If you want to write, write it. That’s the first rule. And send it in, and send it in to someone who can publish it or get it published. Don’t send it to me. Don’t show it to your spouse, or your significant other, or your parents, or somebody. They’re not going to publish it.”
Robert B. Parker

So, what does it mean? Basically when you get an idea for a novel, short story, article – whatever, do not talk about it! Start doing research, outline, whatever your process is, but start. I’ve been in the writing game for a long time and I’ve heard it over and over. A neophyte writer comes to me, all excited and says, “Carlene! I have a marvelous idea for a book. It’s all about a dragon who lives in the forest….” I stop him before he can continue. Why? Because, it you tell everyone your story, you will empty the well! By the time you’ve told your spouse, best friend, parents and cousin Tillie, the story will either be completely gone from your head and imagination or so watered down it will never be good. I’ve seen it happen over and over. You tell your story to everyone, then when you sit down to write – it’s gone.

Does that mean you can never have anyone read your pre-published work? Of course not. Just wait until you’ve written, re-written and done your best, then get a beta reader or join a good critique group. That way your story will still be fresh to the readers and they will be able to give you good feedback.

If you have a good idea, start today. Make notes, scribble scenes, create characters, then when you’re ready write. But, whatever you do, keep the plot a secret until you’re finished.

Questions? Comments? Shoot them to me. In the meantime, Happy Writing!

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Writing success

Saturday, November 28th, 2009

What is a successful writer? I would say it’s a very individual thing – you have to determine what success is. When I start writing, I way happy to see my byline on the local newspaper. Then I evolved into wanting to see my name in a national magazine. I accomplished that and went on to publish fiction in magazine. I had to give up my writing for ten years – and it was hard, very, very hard. When I was able to take up pen again – or I should say, put hands on computer keys – I decided I’d TRY to write a book. Well, I succeeded in that too. In 2010 I will have two novels and a non-fiction book published, brining my total to eight published books in a little under ten years! Yup, I consider myself a success. So, today, think about it. What do you consider success?

Here’s your Thought for the Day

“Success isn’t a result of spontaneous combustion. You must set yourself on fire.” 
Arnold H. Glasow

Mind Echoes -coming soon from Whiskey Creek Press

FINDER! – coming soon from Wild Child Publishing

An Extra Pair of Eyes – coming soon from Write Words, Inc.

Happy writing!

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Have you written anything today?

Friday, November 27th, 2009

I know it’s hard. We’re all sitting around, bloated from all that food yesterday and probably tired from getting to bed late, maybe a bit hungover but…..writers write. Doesn’t matter if it’s a paragraph, a page or a chapter, writers write. It’s a habit we all need to develop if we are to succeed. I can hear your question singing across cyberspace now and the answer is yes. I wrote and submitted an article today and it’s only 11:30. Stephen King has been phenomenally successful and he writes something every day except Christmas and his birthday! Not a bad example to follow.

Always remember the more you write, the better you become. I’ve been writing for over 30 years and look back at some of my earlier efforts and cringe. It shows me that I’ve developed as a writer and get better and better the more I do. I don’t plan on stopping any time soon.

Okay, sermon over for today. Here as promised is your Thought for the Day.

“It is excellent discipline for an author to feel that he must say
all that he has to say in the fewest possible words, or his readers is sure to
skip them.”

John Ruskin

Happy Writing!

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A little inspiration for all writers

Thursday, November 26th, 2009

In an ongoing effort to inspire writers, I post a Thought for the Day on my RWA loop. I figured I might as well post it here too. Wider audience, more writers.

“If all difficulties were known at the outset of a long journey, most of us would never start out at all.”

- Rather, Dan -

How true is that? When I first started writing novels, I dreamed of HUGE book signings, with people lined up out the door of the bookstore, waiting for a change to meet a “real” author and get a signed copy of her book! The reality is quite different. Book signings no longer command large crowds – unless you’re Sarah Palin or Bill O’Reilly. I also used to believe I’d make tons of money! HA! The average writer/novelist has to have a second, paying job or he/she would starve. Unless your name is Stephen King or James Patterson – and heck, he doesn’t even write the darn books anymore.

So, why do I spend countless hours at my computer, making up people, putting the into situations and then….killing them? Because I”m a writer. It’s what I do. If I had to stop, I’d die.

Hope you all have a marvelous Thanksgiving.

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Lots to be Thankful for

Wednesday, November 25th, 2009

Beyond the usual good family, good health, good friends, I have a lot to be thankful for this holiday season. I have not one, not two but THREE books coming out the beginning of 2010! Yup, three. I’ll talk more about them as the time for publication nears but today I walk to talk briefly about how I did it.

I’ve been a writer for over 30 years with many, many published credits to my name. So far, I have published every novel I’ve written – except for the first one! Those of you who write novels know the one I mean – it’s under your bed gathering dust. You know it’s not good but….you just can’t throw it away! Don’t. You might want to re-write it someday.

Anyhow, I only started writing novels about 10 years ago. I finished a novel, let it sit for a while, went back to edit and polish it the best I could then I started trying to sell it BUT while that was happening, I started another book. That’s the secret to my success, I have a lot of product on hand. Never forget, publishing is a business and now more than ever, publisher want a career not a book. Most big NY publishers will give you a two-book deal, so wouldn’t it be nice to have that second book already complete and almost ready to go? So far I haven’t been lucky enough to snag one of the big boys, but I never give up. Yes, like most people I’d LOVE to see my name on the NYTimes bestseller list. While I’m waiting for that to happen I like to have people read my work so , I’ll publish my books and let folks read my stories.

As I mentioned, I’ve been in this writing business a long time. About a year ago, I started a free Writing Workshop at my local library. I thought it would be fun to share what knowledge I have with neophyte writers. Well, I was astonished when at the Workshop, 15 people showed up! And, I was floored at the mis-information and lack of  writing knowledge my students showed. It got me thinking. If I can help 15 people in a class by disseminating facts and helpful hints, think how many I can assist on the Internet!

So, that’s going to be the main thrust of this blog – writers coming together to share information and help one another. I’ll try to post some of the questions and solutions from my class, as well as assignments and other pertenint information. Send me your questions and concerns and I’ll do my best to help. I feel it’s the least I can do because so many writers have helped me in my career.

Hope you all have a marvelous Turkey Day!

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