Browsing
Tag: #writerslife
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2017, I await
For a construct created by human minds at a random location in our orbit around the sun, there is something magical about a new year. Hope. A chance to refresh and renew. A new start into the next big adventure. I LOVE beginnings, as the myriad pieces of stories in my to-be finished folder will…
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Back in the Saddle…Okay, on the Keyboard, Again.
Wow. Last post was in June. Summer got a hold of me and did not let go until this week. I know many moms who can’t wait for school to start so their little ones are not at home running around all day. I couldn’t wait because I need the enforced schedule. I don’t know…
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World Building: Animal Companions
I brought home a puppy recently. Isa is a 12-week-old Rhodesian ridgeback / hound mix I found at petfinder.com. I had searched for months for the perfect large breed to add to our menagerie. My husband has been traveling more often than usual and I did not feel safe without a large dog to scare…
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Writing Ruins Reading
Are you telling me the teenage empath can’t tell how the other teenager feels about her? Um, no. The boy’s entire family blows up and he shows no emotion. The perspective is first person, right? When does this story actually begin? Oh, here’s the beginning…on page 182. I am an avid reader. I taught myself…
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Query Away
My first query letter has been sent. It took me hours to construct as I continuously consulted Query Shark to see if I was making any huge blunders. If you have not visited Query Shark, you must visit. Even if you’re not a writer or plan on self publishing, it is an entertaining site. The…
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Pitching, a First Time
I am no longer a pitch virgin. On Saturday at the Houston Writers Guild April Conference, I had my first experience with a professional agent. And it was good. When I registered for the conference, Amy Boggs was the first agent on the list. As an agent with the Donald Maass Literary Agency, I found…
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First Writer’s Retreat…and I think I’m addicted
Last weekend, I attended my first writer’s retreat. Four story tellers gathered at a lake view property in Rancho Viejo, TX. We left friends, with better stories and shared camaraderie. I think I’m addicted. Just outside of South Padre Island put the house five hours from my home in Houston. Too close to fly (or…
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That’s What She Said
As I approach revising my second novel, I’m eager to be efficient as well as thorough. I have high hopes for this story and I want to make sure my writing brings out the world and characters I see in my head. One focus is style. For this post, I want to explore dialogue notation.…
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Writing is a Business
I took Friday off. It was grand. I binge watched Louie CK’s show on Netflix. I highly recommend using your vacation days, even if it’s one day for no reason, except that you need to breathe a little, because it’s become difficult to catch your breath in the world you’ve chosen of responsibilities and obligations…
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First draft of Gabriella and Periwinkle Complete
Drum roll, please! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3R5gHF0vzew I made it!!! The first draft of Gabriella and Periwinkle is complete. Not only did I get those five chapters written, I added another chapter earlier to explain how magic works in this world. How did I do this thing I was convinced I couldn’t do? My amazing, awesome, supportive family.…