Due to copyright I cannot show the song.

Resolutions for 2012

Okay every year I make resolutions and every year I break them here is my resolutions from last year in regards to writing but I will add some personal goals.

*Polishing my manuscript. (I have retained an amazing editor so I am on the right path.) I am on chapter 10 revising its been a difficult process as I hone my craft but my editor is supportive and pushes me to get better so this has been very positive and I won't rush my revision the key is having a polished mss and agents/publishers will always be around
* Finishing two WIP (rough draft) I have written four (well finishing up third and fourth will be done towards the ending of January)
*Tone my body (long term goal since I was fifteen years old)Well I joined the gym I was going faithfully and then winter arrived work got stressful and you can guess the rest I stopped going regularly so I will make a huge effort to go since I am paying a membership.
*Writing for me and don't think about anything else relating to publishing biz
*decreasing my stress (this is a hard goal cuz I freak out a lot)Getting better to manage my stress and refrain from internal monologues of should've would've could've
*Write for two hours everyday as per my writing calender I have become obsessed with writing in the summer my darling girls ban me from writing during the day, as I write this blog I am writing been at it on and off since the morning give and take I take breaks to be a Mom and a spouse house work, errands but my dear husband believes in my hard work and takes the girls to his mother so I have uninterrupted writing time (twitter name too I gotta keep it real LOL)

2012 Goals
* Hone, hone, craft
*Finish edit first novel PNR
*Edit of one of four WIP to query with above manuscript
*Finish writing YA Sci-Fi
*Continue at the gym
*Don't let others negative energy sway me into a negative zone
*be respectful to others even when they don't deserve it
*Read more books hoping 25-50 books this New Year
*Be a better spouse and parent more patience when my girls are trying to tear each other's heads off
*Laugh more instead of moping about things that don't deserve attention to if it won't further me to be a better person
*Appreciate other authors that have made it, don't waste energy getting in that negative zone why they made it I have to believe one day I will get the opportunity for my dreams to come true and I would want others to appreciate my hard work no matter how that hard work came

That's all I hope that I achieve most of what I have set for myself and I am happy that I am able to experience another year with people that love me.

Book Extraordinaire of 2011

Okay I too will jumping on the bandwagon of listing my best YA books of 2011 this is the books I have read that I like firstly I will start with YA the stars beside the books are the ones that are still on my huge TBR pile and lastly I will list few books I am looking forward to for 2012 and adult books I have read or looking forward to read.

Cannot show image of books due to potential copyright. I won a book from Scholastic Press I love to support authors I adore but winning books is neat too.HUNGER GAMES I never knew about this series until a few months before the last book came out, everyone on twitter was telling me to get it and that I won't be disappointed. They were right, I loved the entire series and the only critique is that I wish the writer wrote one more book, I am looking forward to how the movie studio will adapt the first book when it comes out later this year I will be getting advanced tickets because I have a feeling the theatre will be jam packed.I read the first book last summer PARANORMALCY and loved the quirky voice of the writer and the main character, I have not gotten to the second book but what captivated when I read the first book was the amazing covers and which showcase the character who loves girlie things whilst being fierce heroine when she is capturing fugitives and other missions looking forward to following Kiersten White and what else she will write after the series wraps up.
Since I also write for adults these are authors that I adore Megan Hart ( I read NAKED and TEMPTED which hooked me to be a life long fan and my decision to also write for adults but it mainly Roni Loren who introduced me to this amazing writer and responsible for me making my decision to try writing a ERom which I completed and cannot wait to get it edited. I love Megan voice she is amazing the way she writes her steamy scenes but the core of her novels is the love story and the genuine characters that are beyond three-dimensional. As per my previous post blogger extraordinaire Roni Loren debut novel CRASH INTO YOU will be out January 3 2012

So that's it yes there are plenty of books that could have been on my list I am looking forward to 2012 firstly my journey towards publishing and of coarse no writer can be a better writer without reading a ton of books, so I look forward to reading more books from my fave authors and I like to challenge myself by reading books from authors that I may have never read.

RONI LOREN EPIC CONTEST-Show your Blue Steel look.

Here are the deets to participate in the amazing Roni Loren contest hop to her blog, laugh and join.

Don't forget this date: January 3rd 2012 CRASH INTO YOU release date go out and get this smexy book and tuck yourself away until you finish it I cannot wait, this book is on top of my TBR stack.

*With permission from author I am permitted to use image for contest.

Blog hopping I came across author multi-tasker extraordinaire Elana Johnson I first knew about Elana via writeoncon 2010 I received so much advice and it was also what helped solidify that my dream of getting published was serious and I was going to work hard. It was difficult reading her post although quite honest I felt like I wanted to reach out to her and give her a big hug, she has made it the 1% author who had beat the odds firstly gaining an agent and then getting published her first debut POSSESSION. The path I am at right now is still filled with dreams such as my first book will sell gazillion dollars, yes I have slapped myself a few times to shake out of that delusion reading Elana's post again reaffirmed the reality sometimes getting published things don't always go the way we planned, I also have read recently authors, writers leaving their agents or realizing after few books have been sold a publishing company wasn't right for them. I loved reading POSSESSION I have to admit though Suzanne Collins HUNGER GAMES trilogy made me appreciate Dystopia but as I was reading Elana's post a thought came to me timing is so crucial to writers and so many books debut on the same day some of the books have similar themes, does that affect the destiny of writers books? Competition is very hard and at times I say perhaps pursuing writing would be too much for me, (but that thought is quickly rebuttal)pouring my heart out writing a book and the expectations of what I wanted does not become what was imagined. I can only put myself in sympathising what Elana is going through but I believe if I endured what she was feeling at that time when she wrote her post and continued to write that is what it means to be a writer, because sometimes after the glamour of rock star authors has faded its all back to the beginning, so although its okay to feel down from time to time, I am learning no matter what I will dust myself off and keep trying to get better at honing the craft, and I believe Elana has done that as well, so fellow writers support this amazing writer and go buy her amazing debut POSSESSION>

A mental health moment

Today I am taking a mental health day off, to unwind, reflect, yesterday was an epic bad day in which I was the target of an unfortunate outburst from someone I will not mention on this blog. In regards to writing it does mess up my schedule and my muse when I am upset, last year weird as this may sound when I was upset, or had a stressful day at work I would still write it was my escape, when I began writing it wasn't to pursue my publishing dream it was simply an outlet, when I realized that outlet was indeed my desire to get published and finally I found something that made me so happy I merged into an obsessive zone, in which I read a lot about writing, novels in the genre I write, but emotions play a huge part this year has been difficult I had to try really hard to simmer my emotions and still write because that is what it means to be fully dedicated, sometimes that dedication only allows me to write two pages other times over 1K words
I am also proud that I have written four wip(finishing up third will be done fourth around January 2012 hopefully) all I am going through now I believe will make my skin much tougher because emotions is guaranteed to change sometimes in the same day, same hour, but also I also learn too that its okay to take a break I have been awful maintaining going to the gym so I have made an early New Year's resolution to continue one:so I am not wasting my money, and two it enables me to also think my best ideas come when I am driving to and from work and when I work out and although I don't have a handy writing pad, it normally stays long enough for me to jot it down when I get home. I am going to get a lot of me time and it will make me a better person and a better writer.

Deep Confessions

I am coming out of my blogging respite to address a painful confession...drum roll I am jealous of a particular author I will not mention, I fume into the zone of jealously because this author had the easiest publishing experience ever, and I believe the series of books are not worth that amount of success and then I looked in the mirror and noticed my dark brown eyes had changed, now glowing emerald green, in the zone of my jealousy I began to notice my writing suffered I also googled this author hoping and praying a bad review or worse dare I say he/she was fat I am ashamed of myself but I was able to gain perspective after I read a article by href="http://absolutewrite.com/novels/conquer_jealousy.htm">Noelle Sterne, Ph.D. I was able to breathe this is what I was feeling for so long and I felt awful and as I was driving today I told myself it was okay to feel this way but I had to stop, and I pictured myself successful and how it would feel to have people ridicule me, and that made me feel the hurt, and ashamed of the zone and crazy things I had done. In regards to my feelings I know what my goal are toward my publishing goal and one of those is to appreciate other's success because sometimes I believe fate could happen in which that author may give me a blurb,a referral so that is it no more bashing another writer for making it, things happen for a reason and everyone deserves there own success to make there life and the life of their love ones better. I will keep this article to remind me when I get in the zone, has anyone felt like this and how do you get out of that dark zone?

Writer spotlight

Nina graciously requested me to be a guest on her blog, and I decided to return the favor and have her on my blog, so without further adieu I Introduce you to her take it away Nina.

Firstly, when did you realise that you were a writer?

I've actually always been a writer, or ar least one for as long as I can recall. I always wrote short stories and I've kept from the time I was old enough to write coherant sentences. I was about 16 when I started thinking being an author would be an amazing job, but considered it a pipedream. It wasn't until I was 26 and realised Journalism wasn't keeping my interest as much as I thought it would, I started playing with the idea of writing a novel.

It's only been over the last few years I've thought about it seriously and in the last year, it's become my sole goal to finish the first draft of nowhere to run and go from there.

Do you have a specific writing style?

My writing style tends to be that I write in the style of a movie. From scene to scene. I cover the thoughts of each character and want to project the feeling that my readers are watching a movie inside of their head. It comes from being a huge movie buff and in some ways the influence of Quintin Tarrentino.

Can you tell me a little about the current projects you are working on and what stage of finish they are at?
I'm currently working on Nowhere to Run. It's the first draft (although I have edited it about five times to ensure it is perfect) and I'm 285 pages into it. It's about 98,000 words so far and I'm close to the end of it. The idea is to finish it by the end of December, so I can do a first edit, a rewrite and then a second edit and then if needed another rewrite.

on top of that I have started writing Live and Let Die, but have pushed it aside for now. I've got a million and one ideas for novels and want to work on a few character's I have developed within my head. If I have my way, I will be a very prolific writer.
Is there a specific genre that you prefer to write for, and if so what is it and why?

I'm currently writing crime, but I'd like cross over every genre. A Million to one is also a crime novel but I have a vampire series in the works as well and I'd like to try my hand at romance. One thing that has started to intrigue me is the many crime writers who actually start as romance writers.

When did you start playing with the idea of writing a novel and what inspired it?

I don't think I consciously started thinking about writing a novel so much as I was playing around on a Saturday night and started writing, What started off as something that came to mind turned into a prologue and then a chapter and then two chapters and so forth. The inspiration came from reading too many James Patterson and Patricia Cornwell novels.

How hard has the journey been - both emotionally and mentally, on yourself as a writer?

Emotionally and mentally a writer's job is always hard. People who don't write don't understand the days you have bursts of writing when it consumes you and all you can think about it getting those words out. Then there are the days where you stare at the blank screen for hours on end, not knowing what to write. Add in the juggling a 'day' job because you can't afford to stay at home and write just yet (Isn't that every writer's ultimate fantasy), time restraints and the constant self-criticism and uncertainty as to whether you will be published, and you've got a basketcase waiting to happen.

Can you tell me what you've learnt so far?

If you don't try, you will never get anywhere. It's taken me a long time to realize I have to try my hand as an author, otherwise I will drive myself crazy with all the what ifs. I've learnt I need to have a thick skin. I'm not sure if I am there yet, but I am trying to develop one. I have learnt that it's ok to self-doubt as long as you don't allow you to cripple it.
I've also learnt that there are a lot of terrible novels out there from writers who probably should never have been published. If they can get published, then there is hope for me.
I've learnt you need a great editor. You need patience, tolerance and a certain amount of insanity to stay sane.

I've learnt that I am a stronger writter that I would have thought of myself. That, there are so many other writers out there trying to make it and unless you do something different, your novel wil just be one of many agents see. You need to make it special and stand out from others. On top of that, I've learnt write everyday. Even if it is one sentence. Write. The more you write, the easier it becomes. The more you write, the better you will become.

And read. Read the genre you want to write for. Read the hottest books out there at the moment just so you know the market that is appealing to readers. If you're writing crime, read books about crime procedures. Read true crime. Read novels about profilers. If you're writing a medical drama, read about medical procedures.

Research, research, research. Research your market. Research so when you write, your scenes are accurate.

Some writers prefer to write in the morning, locked away in the study. Others at night. What is your own writing process and are there certain quirks you have that are uniqely you?

I prefer to write at night, but it does not always happen. I do have a day job, which means that night is the only time I can write. I try and write at least a couple of thousand words a night, but it doesn't always happen. Sometimes, I am so drained, I don't feel like it. Weekends are my writing time and the nights become my haven. Throw in music and coffee, and you have my idea of pure heaven.

I don't think I have certain quirks when it comes to writing. I tend to have a notepad by my laptop when I write so I can add notes to the notepad about what needs to be written further down the track. I have to listen to music when I write, simply because it inspires me and I need the ability to block out noise yet have noise at the same time.

Which writers inspire you?

I read a lot. Every genre. I'm the original book whore. I'll try any novel at least once. Writers that currently inspire me are Beverly Barton, J.T Ellison and Tess Gerritsen. They are all amazing crime writers, with exceptionally strong characters. When I first realized I loved writing and wanted to be one I was about 16 and I was reading Jackie Collins. I wanted to be the next Jackie Collins. I still admire her writing and her characters. I think James Patterson is someone to be admired. His novel Kiss the Girls is one of my favorites. It's very well written and just twisted in the same twisted way I'd like to write. On top of that he is the king of self marketing. He controls every aspect of his novel- from the PR, the advertising, the writing, the marketing - everything - It's not something all writers have the pleasure of and it's admirable.

other writers that inspire me are Stephen King, Anne Rice, JR Ward, Julie Kagawa, Meg Cabot, Lori Foster, Norah Hess, Madeline Baker, Hannah Howell, F Scott Fitzgerald, Cassandra Claire, and Ilona Andrews. I could name a million and one ways.

How do you think they have influenced your own writing?

James Patterson and Patricia Cornwell definitely influenced my genre of choice. Jackie Collins has influenced the use of strong female characters are with Patterson have influenced me to write with plenty of twists and turns. I think a lot of the time we are influenced by writers without realizing it.

Is there anything you find particularly challenging when writing (Research, psychological, literary etc?

Staying dedicated is tough. Psyching yourself up to believe that you can do this, that success is just around the corner can be a challenge. Researching for me is fun. I've been lucky enough to read enough books to know that certain aspects of my novel already but I enjoy other aspects. It's amazing how much research you can require at one time and then how little you require at others. I tend to choose places I have either been to or lived at, so it makes the experience of writing about it more surreal and more realistic. The current novel is in Los Angeles, where I've previously lived and been back plenty of times since.

My biggest self challenge is pushing self-doubt aside. It can hold me back. I feel as if I am doing it all for nothing but also know that even if I am not published through a big publishing firm or picked up by an agent, I am ultimately writing for myself. I write because I enjoy writing. I write because I don't know how not to and I write for friends and family, who want to read my writing.

You're currently working with an editor to complete your novels and make them agent worthy - what tips would you give other writers searching for a good editor?
I'm currently not looking for an editor, but that is a process I will be taking up soon. There are associations within Australia where I can find professional editors and I will look into them. I also have friends who are editors from my time studying Professional Writing and Editing. In my experience you need an editor you feel that you can trust and one you are going to like and who is going to like you. You need an editor who is going to be firm but gentle. Whether we believe it or not, all writers including myself - have egos and our novels are our babies. They need to be truthful and brutal but gentle and prepared to hold your hand at times.

I think it's important to get referrals from other people who have used an editors services. Get examples of their editing style and see if it will work for yourself. Get an editor who is going to be willing to go the long haul with you. That means going through many rewrites with you, what is and what is not working. Get an editor who is prepared to tell you what is not working but is willing to accept that you are the writer and ultimately you will know what works for you. You may not always agree with each other but you need to find a common ground with each other. If an editor works for you, then stick with them. What can make a career for you, can also make a career for an editor.

Research prices. I have not had the chance to do this yet myself, but it's important to find out what is the best cost and compare it to other editors. You don't want to underpay an editor but you don't want to overpay them either.

Ultimately they may edit your work, but you need to remember you are the one in control. You just need to be prepared to let your novel be culled sometimes it will be done brutally and other times not so much. See it as a process that will help reshape your novel into the best it can be.

In your opinion what makes a book worth reading?

Strong characters, a well developed plot and a writing style that flows effectively. I am very dialogue driven, so I enjoy novels that are the same. I hate novels that are overly descriptive and underly descriptive. For me, I need to be able to lose myself in the novel completely. The novel - even if it is fantasy needs to be completely believable to me. If it is not, then it is not working.

As a writer, the changes to technology have both open and closed a number of literary doors. What do you think are both the good and bad points of the introduction of e-books?

The new technology is both exciting and scary. I'd prefer to be published in hard copy but if it's e-book format then I would be ok with that too. The ideal would be to be published in both. I recently read an interview with a series of book store owners who say that as much as people are increasingly buying ebooks, they believe hard copy novels will never go out of style. People have the need to read hard copy. They love the feel of a fresh new book and the smell. There is something soothing in owning book physically. From my point of a view as a reader, I never go anywhere without my kindle. I read prolifically and quickly. I can read a 300 page book in 90 minutes. It makes more sense for me to carry a kindle. Having said that, I still buy hard copy books to read at home because I like being able to curl up with a book and flip the pages. It is less clinical than reading a kindle at home.

The good point with the new technology is that it does open more doors and allows us as writers to have a foray in many different writing markets. However, the bad points are it can make it tougher to break into the writers market. E-books are the latest trend but I think this new technology can disconnect readers from writers.
What's your next project?
the Next project is Live and Let Die but I also plan on making Nowhere to Run as part of a series. I have ideas for at least 15 novels based on this series. I also have a short story called The Perfect Crime I'd like to turn into a full fledged novel. A vampire/fallen angel/witch apocalypse series to write and a handful of romance idea including a series about a family. Basically, I have a lot of ideas that need to be developed.
And last Where do you see yourself in 5 years time?

Published, with an amazing agent. I'd like to be back in the States, particularly because most of my novels are set there. For me, I am no longer thinking if I get published and now when I get published.

You can contact Nina D'Angelo through her blog http://ninadangelo.blogspot.com or through twitter janinedangelo and her facebook page Nina D'Angelo- author) All the links you can find on my contact me page as well as a generic bio with additional details.

The future of publishing, discussion with my spouse

Yesterday my husband for the first time weighed in on my journey towards getting a agent and publication, since I decided I was going to pursue this journey 2009, which so far is the most epic venture I've ever taken on, my husband had not weighed in on it, just the good for you...follow your dream type of thing but last night he gave me a huge picture what the future of publishing will look like.

The premise of this discussion was us watching a news coverage on a publishing house in Canada that is still doing well with a few authors books selling, in addition having a wealthy owner is also the icing on the cake so to speak, so this contributed to the discussion about what path I may take, my husband believes the future will no longer have any publishing house's. (eeek Armageddon) okay maybe not that dramatic but what he said is not that scary but there is some truth to that, e-books are selling quite well and he used a good example of getting music, off the net he will never pay for music because disclaimer I don't support piracy...but the truth is people are getting music and movies for free, I won't delve into this discussion that will be in another post.

Anyways he believes that will be the same thing for books, people won't buy books when they can get it cheaper and download it to for example on there Kindle etc, more writers are choosing to skip trying to get an agent, publisher an doing it themselves, now that I have more insight about the biz I cannot say which is the best route because it is a decision an individual has to come to terms with.

Most of us that are writers know of a few writers who have done well going that route so I ask myself where does that leave me? I feel like a chicken without its head, crossing the street as a truck is speeding down the same road...okay again not that dramatic but it made me think I have to figure out what I want to do, my goal has always been to go the traditional route, some how I feel that will validate me as a writer...even though I know now that's not the truth what validates me is everyday sitting down and making the time to write..even if it sucks I am getting better because I'm writing everyday and I still believe I can still at least try.

I feel there will be always a need for books, will the business change of course and will adapt to growth of technology, so for now I look at my paths this way I will continue to write and also be educated about the changing business, I cannot control that, all I can control is hopefully writing good enough books to get an agent interested in my voice, not my real voice that is nervous that all the publishing houses will have out of business signs...again very dramatic...I think.

I finished another book, world can you hear me.

I am so happy I have finished technically my third book,(NEW MOON adult ER) the first draft is never the best, but the fact I now have something to work with brings me immense joy, writing is not easy like anything in life worth striving for its always harder, but when that struggle is something that you are passionate about then it makes it worth while.

I will post some excerpts in a few months I have to finish the edits of my first novel and then get this one edited and hopefully 2013-14 I will have four books that are well written and ready to query as well I am estimating I don't know that it will take that long right now that is not something I can control all I can control is simply writing.

Now I have two books left of 2011 that I will finish both YA they are at a half way point so hopefully I will be done one of them in a month and the last one before the spring.

Quickie interview with my ten year old daughter

Q Who are your favorite authors?

I have many the main authors that inspire me are Bronte, Shakespeare, Edgar Allan Poe, Jane Austen

Q What do you like best about writing?

There are so many things I like, most of all I love when you and your little sister are sleeping, the house is quiet and the voices in my mind are transferring onto the computer screen.

Q Can we stop this interview now?

Okay you've had enough, back to playing thank you Jaeana for my first interview I hope in the near future you can read one of my books.

HOMAGE TO JARED LETO

Blogger extraordinaire Roni Loren inspired me to pay homage, on top of being so hawt Jared is also a great artist.

Perception (its my first long post)

Perusing a few blogs lately, I found a few discussions relation to blogging and getting tired, of it Natalie Whipple had a post in which she discussed how exposed she now felt since getting the news she will be published, people assumptions of her etc. Then I read Amanda Hocking Blog in which she spoke about the frustration when in interviews the question focused on how much she made off her e-published books she would like people to focus on the fact she was in love with her novel from its inception. Both discussions are different but not really much of a stretch because both situations relates to the perception of people, the more I learn about the business the more I realize there are things that will be out of my control, and from the experiences I read of other writers/authors the control gets less when they are published, such as deals, an author obviously wants the best advance possible come on we all have to be honest, the flip side of this is that the more you get the more books you'll have to sell to enable the publisher to earn back the advance, its not guaranteed that will happen and only a handful of writers have surpassed the expectations of their debut book, i.e. J.K Rowling, Stephenie Meyer there are plenty more but these are the two presently most people recall.

I believe the key to surviving in the business is trust. First trust in your dream and willingness to never give up, I have been pursuing my dream since June 2009, back then like most aspiring writers I didn't take it serious and queried way too early, you can check previous post how this went, you will likely guess right, it didn't go good.

Secondly if and when I am agented/published I plan continuing trusting the people around me that will help me at my dream, in addition, focus on the pro and cons so speak of decisions that come your way, the fact of human nature is that no one can control what a person says, if you are in a setting in which you can fake smile and then walk away without giving the person the satisfaction is sweet but rare. For writers that too is rare you can't control assumptions or bad reviews, I recently got upset when I read a review for an awesome upcoming writer if you haven't checked her out do so she also talked about blogging and other perspectives on this topic as well. Roni Loren

I finally did it added my signature this took so long to figure out, I am working on epilogue of my first novel, ten pages almost at my goal, but its not easy writing a epic fight scene, I had to have one antagonist I had two basically the first one was giving orders to the antagonist of the main character, it didn't work for my story so I had to finish him off.

Nanowrimo novel/SUBHUMANS

Man time flies, soon Nanowrimo, I have done the outline of the story that will be difficult for me to write because of the premise but I am so passionate about it, so hopefully this year I will get to the goal of 50K and who knows maybe in the future I'll query it. Okay I am still on my blog respite but I had to announce this, if you are participating this year good luck, have fun writing.

Playlist for this novel.
30 Seconds To mars-Closer The Edge
30 Seconds To Mars-A Call To Arms
30 Seconds To Mars-Beautiful Lie

Character Cars

I came out of my blog respite to talk about cars, those that know me cannot deny my love of cars, this post is dedicated to the FAST AND THE FURIOUS my husband and I favorite movie although my reason for loving it is this piece of manhood (shhh don't reveal my secret)

Now for the cars/Motorcylce in my book
STEPHEN'S CARS/MOTORCYCLE

(MAIA)

(Elizabeth's car after she's ...



Image source: Google images I didn't put the model of the vehicles this may change so for now thses are the inspiration for my characters

Blog respite

I am on a blog break, I won't be gone long, I need the break to finish hopefully four books, or realistically one book before the Christmas break, I struggled with this decision because blogging is integral for writers, but my distractions of wanting to conclude my wip (adult ER) had been taking that time and I cannot blame my muse because it has been awesome for me and my ten plus pages per night.

Back to reality

My last long weekend...well until Thanksgiving, I've been burning the midnight oil writing as the days of going back to work gets shorter. This summer I did a lot of writing/editing/revisions yesterday I did revisions for a few hours, and then looked outside and when I saw my girls playing I stopped.

Those moments I cherish, although my dear husband didn't mind watching them I didn't go back and write, Tuesday I go back to work and my new routine in which I will not write during the week its hard on my system because I have to get up at 5:00a.m. each ,morning and on the highway before 7:00a.m. and get to work for 8:15a.m. Its 3:15 a.m. I cannot sleep so I am writing this blog and I will feel it later on so I bid you good morning, good night.

One step back...few steps forward

I have mentioned a few times about my decision to rewrite my entire novel, I did so because I love it so much, I know most writers fall in love with their first WIP and sometimes its hard to let go and scrap a novel but I believe in the story the character emotional arc and I hope that the fantasy elements in my paranormal romance is slightly different than whats on the shelves. At the time I decided to rewrite my novel it was emotional because I felt like a failure but after some time had passed I am able to see the growth of my journey, I am no longer in a fantasy of getting a book deal, making it huge like the notables best sellers, nope the reality is that I will not give up but also still realize its the hardest goal I have ever embarked on and just when I think I have a solution to the journey the truth is I don't know, I have never been the type of person that had good luck, so I am holding onto the hope that one day everything will fall into place and I will get good luck for now I will continue to learn and challenge myself.

My journey progress report

I woke up this morning wondering this strange question, does the length of a writers journey towards publication determine the yearning for the goal, and I don't think so, some writers gain an agent fast, get a book deal after that again I believe its luck, good timing but more important the writer honed her craft.

I will use the journey of Stephenie Meyer who I believe had the easiest journey, finishing a book in three months gaining an agent shortly afterwards and few months after that landed a nice deal with her publisher, and most people in the world knew what happened after that TWILIGHT exploded into the hands of preteens, their mothers and every one's else curiosity.

I won't Lie I fell for TWILIGHT because all my students were talking about it, I liked the first it was cute, safe and the rest may not be my cup of tea but it was still a pleasant read. What people may not understand is perhaps her journey included compacting huge hours to research, to finish her drafts which I don't think is a easy feat on top of being a mother, I am a mother too and juggling duties is hard, but we do it anyways.

What I know for a fact is that each writers journey will be different and most of us will have to write several books before we get an agent,published, I don't feel bad about that the key is to believe in yourself. When I began to have moments which I broke down because I want to be published so bad I knew at that point my goal was real to me, and I made a goal of working on my goal seriously which meant going on a query hiatus to hone my writing, fix the plot issues etc.

I am still on a query hiatus but I have finished the rewrite of my first novel, I have passed the 100 page mark on three various WIP that scare but thrill me because I am writing out of my comfort zone, I also read like crazy I hate to hear when big time authors state they don't have time to read that could be true if they have a demanding schedule but reading is joint with writing and it supports other authors.

I recently purchased two of Megan Hart's books DEEPER and NAKED I finished NAKED in three hours that's how amazing it was but I am partial to erotic romance about interracial couples, and I am reading DEEPER which is different not what I expected at first i.e plot caught me by surprise which is great that's what great writing should do make the reader on edge not knowing what will happen. Reading helps hone the craft but also writing which right now is the only thing I can control, the sacrifices I have to make though is to organize my writing time, I cannot write during the week because I have to work, and then in the evening I go to the gym so the weekends is when I will cram (that's why outlining comes in handy) I have a week before I go back to work so I am cramming now like I was given a sentence of a week to write.

As always write with joy and plenty of chocolate

Reviews

Reviews is one of the scary things for writers, its subjective just like most things i.e agents wish list/publishers wish list what I don't understand is why someone would critique an arc? An arc still needs tweaking before the release date, and arcs can work or go against a writer.

Since deciding I wanted to become a writer my skin is thick like an alligator's skin, when I resume querying (and resume the turbulence in my stomach) eventually hopefully before I am forty I will get my yes.

Back to my topic on reviews, the only thing an author can do is to take it with a grain of salt and move on and write, and write not everyone in the world will like a book and that's why book stores are flooded with a eclectic array of books, the journey is rough but the great moments should be savoured and always repeat the reason you chose to be a writer is because you love it with your heart and soul.

Self actualization

List of anxieties

Quitting career and write all day (I haven't lost it yet this will not happen because its not realistic)
I wish I had more eyes to read my TBR pile of books ( I don't feel so bad I think many writers feel this way)
I wish I was a vampire so I never have to sleep
Published then become mega superstar writer (ZZZZZZZ)
Find mega superstar agent (hone my craft, polish, polish, polish)
Chillax and take time to learn, to grow and hope for the best
PRICELESS

So no more stress I will make it work I always do and the point of my journey is to enjoy the love of writing without that it won't be worth it.

Birthday and dreams

This Sunday is my birthday, I am not a huge birthday person meaning I don't go crazy for gifts, rather spending time with my family, watching movies or getting some rest and relaxation while the hubby takes the kids out means more. But I did get gifts that meant a lot because my kids and husband understood me, by getteing me the latest adaptation of Jane Eyre, few other romance movies, and Adele CD to refresh my muse and the gift of time to write to read to sleep.

Tomorrow I will have a fun filled day with my family at Canada's Wonderland I have taking a pause at the gym because I always breach my diet when I go there the funnel cake is the most naughtiest treat but its the best.

Monday I am back on track and look forward to another year where there is endless possibilities for my dreams.

WRITEONCON

Last year I signed up for WriteOnCon. I learned so much from amazing writers/authors and got my query critique which helped me realize I was not ready to submit my manuscript, the query was good, and I still have it, and will only make a few tweaks to make it sparkle. The problem was my opening and at that time I had the dreary prologue so a year has passed I cannot believe it and the conference is back so check it out. I have been busy trying hard to finish the transfer of ECLIPSE which I rewrote last year and I am so happy revisions really work, no book can be truly great without several revisions. I am also happy that I have the most amazing editor that is tough but is so smart at times I am scared because I let myself get overwhelmed and have to talk myself into calming down and stop stressing about things I cannot control like the publishing biz/gaining a agent what I can control right now is honing my craft and having faith my dream will come true one day. Goals for Fall/Winter is to get in a reasonable schedule with my critique partners so that I can get feedback and I hope 2012 I will be able to submit it and also start the revisions on my adult WIP. It feels good to attain goals and as a writer any level of accomplishment is worthy of self praise. Write with joy and if need be plenty of chocolate.

In the wrath of stress

This week has been an epic stressful week, starting with blogger having a hiccup which made me think that my blog was hacked into so I created a new blog and email.

My life felt even worse when Thursday I was upstairs in my bedroom and logged onto my old email which is saved and surprise I was able to get back into my email and 1oo+ messages, this got me thinking I am pursuing a new career into a life that can get pretty stressful deadlines, pressures and the ultimate stress if a book doesn't sell well that may impact an author's career or advance with their second book.

I am no where near that point because I have not gained an agent yet, and on a query hiatus so that I could polish my first novel and write a few more.

On Thursday when I was at the mall with my girls and a man came behind me and covered my face with his hands, my heart shot out of my mouth and so many thoughts went through my head which was kick the SOB in the area where the sun don't shine, and also my precious girls, when the idiot took his hand off my face which seemed like an eternity he looked at me and then his eyes widened and he said repeatedly how sorry he was he thought I was someone else I could not talk I was so shaken up I walked with my legs that felt like jelly, the man kept apologising and I told him it was fine meaning get the hell away from me.

I am still frazzled then I got mad at myself for not reporting him to security but after I calmed down I believed the man was telling the truth and its not the first time someone has mistaken me I guess I am a doppelganger for a lot of people particularly black Nigerian women. So I survived and after all that I still have the strength to write.

Inspiration

The greatest joy that I have experienced lately is my ten year old telling me she wants to become a writer, even discussing querying (I almost fell to the floor) and started writing a middle grade book (I fell to the floor.) I have always been the type of mother that encouraged my children to believe in themselves and they can do whatever they set their heart to, and although they know I am obsessively at times working on honing my craft I never pressure them to follow my path or let writing get in the way of spending time with them. My writing time is on weekend after everything is done and during the ten months I work it's at night when they are in bed. I am thrilled and I don't think its something she is focus on now I really believe she is serious about writing her first book.

So have you inspired anyone to write?

Traditional versus Indie Publishing

Recently I was snooping on the web as all writers should do, whether its for research or simply to procrastinate which sometimes is my worst habit , anyways back on topic I came upon a well known author who I will not mention even though their decision was made public I choose not to place that info on my blog, not that what I am about to say is demeaning but I do not want to possibly offend this author.So the author after years of publishing his/her books he/she decided to go the self publishing route I must say my head did turn all the way, she/he explained about back listed books that had ran its course and he/she wanting more freedom so to speak to write what he/she wants to write without the constraints of publisher. Right now as an aspiring writer it would be a dream come true to get an agent and then published but there are many facets of the business that I have to consider one: not all the books I will love will also be adored by potential agent/publisher I may be rejected on all my concept and will have to write a book that potential publisher suggest. Then we get into what the he/she author discussed back list now unless you are J.K Rowling or Stephenie Meyer back listed books that publishers utilize to gain more income is very difficult presently. I think it is because only the latter authors that I mentioned have the good luck, fame to still profit after years of their books being published most new authors may not get that opportunity. Knowing all this and many more information each day does that change my route, right now it doesn't because I am still being patient, still honing my craft and still stubborn that one day an awesome agent will love my first maybe tenth book and even better a awesome publisher will love my 11th or 20th book no one knows what will happen its a dash of luck, timing, a great concept, and execution of right publisher etc but I will never shun those writers that decide to take the indie route there have been many successful stories of indie authors getting recognition and publishing deals from major publishing houses. If another author/writer ever asked me what I think I will say for them to do what they feel is right and to weigh the good and the bad because that's what life is about.

Silent Lake Respite

Silent Lake the most beautiful park in Ontario, I went there so many times as a child, although my kids do not share the same adoration as I do for nature, my oldest daughter complained about the bugs, the heat, and the fact we were roughing it without showering everyday the youngest got sick and so one of the three days I was holding a bucket by her mouth. I feel as a parent the more I expose my daughters to many different things they will be able to hopefully be able to appreciate the many wonderfully choices life has to offer, and its nice to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Juggling needs and wants

On Friday it is the annual camping trip with my family, its the cheapest vacation trip, last year my husband and I decided to go to Jamaica with our girls, I was born there and did not return for over thirty years, so for me it was special to return back to the place I was born, I did not return to my hometown it has changed so much, now its quite violent I won't mention the name of the town so that no one is offended if they are from that place.

We will be heading up to Balsam Lake and once again I am banned from writing it was a treaty I made with my kids last year or perhaps it was when they realized I was serious about my writing, I love to write when I am looking out at the lake, or the beautiful trees but I also have to realize writing has to take a pause when it comes to creating special memories with my family.

The treaty however, does not include books though, so I will get inspiration from Jane Austen I recently wrote a outline for a new WIP which is frightening because I am inspired by the author Gothic theme.

Choosing to pursue my writing dream comes with many sacrifices and I feel sometimes time is not on my side, working a full time job, mommy duty during the school year, trying to get healthy by going to the gym and fitting in my writing can get overwhelming so my focus is to try my best prioritize my routine which in the end will still result in me writing into the wee hours on the weekend and reducing when I write during the week so that I am rested for work the next day.

Dreams will come true...it happens when the timing is right.

Somewhere over the rainbow
Way up high,
There's a land that I heard of
Once in a lullaby.

Somewhere over the rainbow
Skies are blue,
And the dreams that you dare to dream
Really do come true.

Someday I'll wish upon a star
And wake up where the clouds are far
Behind me.
Where troubles melt like lemon drops
Away above the chimney tops
That's where you'll find me.

Somewhere over the rainbow
Bluebirds fly.
Birds fly over the rainbow.
Why then, oh why can't I?

If happy little bluebirds fly
Beyond the rainbow
Why, oh why can't I?

Judy Garland

source Google

I really like this song, on my journey towards my dream its quite easy to settle with the fact I may never get published, but then I go into the bookstores, libraries even my local dollar stores and there are so many books. There are many books that I don't like versus there are books I adore and that's the joy of having such an eclectic mix of genres so that everyone can choose what they like, and if I am published the same will be true for me but right now I enjoy the quiet moments I have to write and to dream and never give in to failure.

HUNGER GAMES

I have never been so anxious for a movie I fell in love with the HUNGER GAMES BOOKS way after the fact the last book peaked my interest because so many people was tweeting about it, I never thought I would like dystopia but Suzanne Collins spin made me adore the genre.

When I read the trilogy I did recognize the possible influence; Greek Mythology and Stephen's King The Running Man, the movie's I think will meet the expectation of the well plotted series although I hated the cliff hangers, but it was done so well because many people purchased the books.

MARKETING 101

Editor extraordinaire Lynnette Labelle will be offering Hook, Line, and Sinker: How to Hook Readers and Reel Them In? She will be teaching the course in September registration is now open.

And that leads me into author self promotion, again I was stalking the amazing Nathan Brandsford
a few of his comments were people disgruntled because he was self promoting his book

I don't understand what the problem is, if I get published you best believe I will pimp my novel marketing I believe is a huge aspect of the publishing world its competitive and on top of writing and selling a marketable book you have to make sure that other books that may be similar will not gain the upper hand. A blog is a good way to market and although its not the only way its a start especially for Nathan who has a great following but he has earned that by offering useful advice to aspiring writers and because part of the journey is appreciating authors and helping build word a mouth for them I am recommending to check his book out.

As always right with joy (and I ate chocolate today the travesty.

Panster/Plotter.

An email from my editor encouraged this post, I never thought about what I am in regards to the way I write, so when she mentioned that I am a panster I researched and concluded that I am both a panster and a plotter.

When I have a shiny new idea that sticks in my mind for more than two weeks I start to research, first I need to know the characters, setting, and the conflict even if the conflict is not fully fleshed out I at least need to know vaguely what I want it to be about.

In my handy character notebook which I have for each book I write
(dollar stores are my bff) I write maybe a paragraph or two of the intro so that when I do go back to the wip I am already at the starting line.

I am a panster because I would say 70% of the time I wing it at this point I am just writing not worrying about editing, however, I'm still focused on the plot.

Con of a panster
The problem with this is that when it comes to revisions you will likely have more revising/cutting to do and you should have had a notebook that has relevant facts or else it will be a daunting task to back track these information.

Thank goodness I did that but I still have a huge mss to reorganize. ECLIPSE is a novel I wrote last year if you have read my previous post I queried too early and even though I got a few agents request for partials and couple fulls it fizzled because it had numerous holes in it, so I decided to rewrite my novel, using some of the scenes from the old mss and revised according to the changes in the rewritten book.

Plotter
You must know all the details, the good thing is that your revisions may not be as long because you structered your novel according to your outline, so I thought about this more and came to the conclusion I am, both a panster and a plotter and I feel that being both enables me to get the advantage and disadvantage of both, that's the key to anything that you want to do in regards to the journey of becoming published I think each person has to evaluate how they write.

I think as well one should be flexible maybe there will be a time I have to solely be a panster or a plotter so the point is to expand your horizon out of your comfort zone which will enable you to continue your growth as a writer.

As always write with plenty of joy and chocolate or whatever else helps you quiet the voices in your mind.

Putting back my words

What was I freaking thinking? I rewrote my novel in sections, thinking it would be easier to do so, I was so wrong because when I put it back it was a catastrophe the scenes were scattered and did not flow the way I plotted them to. I was worried initially that the effort to try and make sense of what I wrote will be a daunting task.

So I sat and stared at my computer screen and then the solutions trickled in my thoughts ways I can rectify my mistake. I printed out all 428 pages (word count should be 100,000 obviously with that page number I am way above that number so plenty will be on the cutting room floor so to speak)then separated my manuscript in sections 1A etc I also wrote a memo to myself that if the scenes did not advance the plot, conflict etc it will cut.

In addition, I wrote all major scenes that have to be kept doing this has made me feel much better.This is also what the journey is about making mistakes can be a good thing as a writer I hope to learn from my mistakes and this is just one out of many I am sure will occur, mistakes are not bad they enable growth and also it enables an individual to evaluate what type of write they are, in my previous post I mentioned knowing your unique voice and not trying to mimic another writer to expand on that ,it also includes habits how you revise, how you sit down to write, for me I have to hear quiet music, I used to write listening to head phones but that changed and I have no reason why that is. I stopped snacking because I was eating junk food in the wee hours of the morning and since I am on my diet I munch on carrots, so back to my point although I was slightly overwhelmed because of my blunder I accept it and happy that I once again wrote a book that still makes me giddy although my book has a specific target audience in mind right now I am writing for me that's the best you can do so that you stay true to your true self.
Write with joy.

Revision Checklist

Stalking the awesome Nathan Bransford today I found another useful list that I taped to my desk to help me as I enter revision zone.

The main plot has to stay consistent:

I have had issues with a few books I read recently in which the plot shifted into unknown territory which left me with so many questions and I am the type of reader if something doesn't make sense I look back to see if I missed something,that's just me other readers may say bye bye to your book.

Characters experience's has to seem like a roller coaster: Nathan explains the character has to go through up and down moments that's why readers read books they don't want MC to have things work out nice and fluffy like cotton candy they want to be on that journey, to feel satisfied that the MC achieved her goals.

CONFLICT:
conflict is the heart and soul of a good book show the good the bad and the ugly of your MC back stories, histories digging deep will ensure the reader further understands why they should care about your character because back to plot it will help it

Pacing:
I am currently rewriting my YA PNR I struggled with the consistency of the pacing in my original version. The truth of the genre I am writing in is that teens don't want to be bored they want there quick fix and move on or if they love the book they may read it again.

Tense:
This is one of the known suspects for me I always slip, in addition the POV I am writing is in first person but my awesome beta catches me when I use we etc

Ground the reader:
Basically keep the scenes tight, give as much information that is needed for the scene

Voice:
I don't think I need to go in depth about this one most writers understand yet they struggle with gaining their unique writing voice, which I did as well. What is so unique about your writers voice that will sets you apart from other writers? I have engraved this on my desk to never try and write like another writer its one thing to get inspired its something totally different to mimic. I think it also has a lot to do with self esteem too so believe in yourself and your voice will shine through your words, descriptions, emotions etc

Too much description:
Climatic events should be given priority pay attention to chapters, editing out what doesn't advance the plot, conflict etc reflect if the plot still makes sense if you delete a chapter scene etc ( I advise though to have a outtakes file you never know when you might need that for another scene I learned the hard way)

Relationship of the characters:
This has to get more complex, evolve as the novel progresses

GMC:
Know your main characters internal external goals so that when you are in revisions you can answer this question: Is it clear to audience the unconscious motivations

Tics:
I call them known suspects, mine are short scenes which doesn't leave reader grounded


Dialogue and other mention-ables:
He said/She said dialogue tags when there doesn't need to be if the dialogue is rocking then don't go a tagging (I just made that up nerd muse is on fire )
Can I get a ADVERBS INTERJECTIONS press the delete button now, I was told by my beta I had too many adverbs and when I checked oh yeah taking a few out made a huge difference.Gestures my editor told me one of my crutches was characters running fingers through hair now I stray away from that crutch sparingly. Repetition when I wrote this word for some strange reason I had Aretha Franklin RESPECT song in my head

The End:
I am almost there *squee* according to Nathan it cannot sound rushed, it has to tie up all loose ends although I have written the second book in my potential series guess what agent/big editor at nice pub house may not give a hoot so I have to write my baby as if I will never get opportunity for a series pack the juice it but it has to be a satisfactory conclusion.

Final thoughts:
The whole point of a story IMHO is to identify the changes the character makes I hate to use this example but I must BELLA in TWILIGHT series I did not get the sense that she evolved I wanted her to kick some Vulturi butt, I wanted her to go off to study maybe somewhere like Paris, I wanted her to be her own women without living for Edward even though he was the love of her forever.
Kiersten white author of Paranormalcy and soon to be released SUPERNATURALLY
commented that minor characters can be combined I personally have not done this but it is an interesting thought I have a character book and organized MC and minor characters if a character becomes one of the main characters I think about that for a while because most of the time it just happens, for example I had a main character initially be the secondary love rival for my MC with the rewrite and new plot that is not possible he will still however be a really good friend.
Scenes:
must be dramatic on their own as well as contribute to overall plot -

So that's all folks its 1:57 in Toronto my girls are in my bed my husband is sleeping in younger daughter room and I can't sleep which is why I cannot have a consistent day to blog when the idea for post comes I am on fire now I will write another hour.
Write with joy (and plenty of chocolate)

Lyrics to Sex On Fire :

Lay where you're laying
Don't make a sound
I know they're watching
They're watching

All the commotion
the kiddie like play
Has people talking
Talking

You
Your sex is on fire

The dark of the alley
The break of the day
Head while I'm driving
I'm driving

Soft lips are open
Them knuckles are pale
Feels like you're dying
You're dying

You
Your sex is on fire
Consumed
With what's just transpired

Hot as a fever
Rattling bones
I could just taste it
Taste it

But it's not forever
But it's just tonight
Oh we're still the greatest
The greatest
The greatest

You
your sex is on fire

You
Your sex is on fire

Consumed
With what's just transpired

And You
Your sex is on fire

Consumed
With what's just transpired
Lay where you're laying
Don't make a sound
I know they're watching
They're watching

All the commotion
the kiddie like play
Has people talking
Talking

You
Your sex is on fire

The dark of the alley
The break of the day
Head while I'm driving
I'm driving

Soft lips are open
Them knuckles are pale
Feels like you're dying
You're dying

You
Your sex is on fire
Consumed
With what's just transpired

Hot as a fever
Rattling bones
I could just taste it
Taste it

But it's not forever
But it's just tonight
Oh we're still the greatest
The greatest
The greatest

You
your sex is on fire

You
Your sex is on fire

Consumed
With what's just transpired

And You
Your sex is on fire

Consumed
With what's just transpired

[ These are Sex On Fire Lyrics on http://www.lyricsmania.com/ ]

Breaking Down

Today I had another cry fest t I was thinking about my journey and the fact I am taking my dream of getting published/agented serious I am finding that the road to that goal is hard. When I am in that zone I hear that awful voice telling me to quit (my stubbornness is way stronger so I could never quit.) Feeling like I needed a break I hopped over to blogger extraordinaire Roni Loren and after reading her post I tweeted to her its like she writes her post with me in mind because they generally seem to relate what I am experiencing at the moment. Check out the post its amazing how she comes up with the most useful post, the post also gave me a boost making me reaffirm to myself I don't totally suck I have come a long way I believe I will gain the understanding of the craft and I am also determined to keep learning because learning never stops no matter how amazing someone gets. So I have put my tears away and smiling and back to work on my wip that's almost done *squee*
Write with joy.

Summer Time

Its finally here my summer break the time in which as a mother I work even harder trying to keep my children busy with their programming routine but also *squee* I have more time to write.

My plan is to get ECLIPSE finished by this weekend and then work on my erotic romance NEW MOON I am so excited for both, especially the rewrite of my first novel I believe in it and even though the genre I am writing in is inundated, I don't care but to be honest it took a while for me to come to that point, it helped when editors/ agents tweet about not thinking about trends just write a darn good book, I added the darn part. My style of writing is to incorporate the seasons and its no coincidence that summer makes me feel more inspired or it could be because I am a leo (tomato tamato) funny thing though when I started writing last year in the winter I felt my muse was was happy but I eventually realized the story sucked and needed major revamping (anytime I get to use this word I get giddy.)So that is my plans, so what are you plans for the summer in regards to writing and do you feel inspired particular times during the year?

Write with joy.

Last bit of novel

The beginning, middle of novel I sailed through even though I have been cutting, pasting relevant stuff from the old manuscript formerly known as COVE AWAKENING and rewriting the scenes to reflect the changes it has been a wonderful experience until I hit finishing up the novel I am not in a snag because I know how the book will end its just filling in the sections of the story before the grand finale and also realizing this is a stand-alone even though it has series potential. So what I have been doing is writing at a decent pace last night I only wrote couple paragraphs which is normally not the goal I set for myself on a good night I normally write a few chapters 1200-2000 words but I didn't want to push myself so today I have a day off I will get back in the zone so to speak and hopefully get closer to the finish line.

Reality Check

It is a truth universally acknowledged that a writer in possession of an awesome manuscript will find her agent, get published and have a successful career.



I wrote a previous post about my goals for the new year, thinking about my goals and the expectations in regards to my publishing journey I had an awakening. Firstly the surest thing I know is that I am in love with my first novel Ecliptic Dreams more so since I have started with revisions and rewrites which resulted in better ideas that heighten my plot and the variety of conflicts. In addition, I won’t give up I have gone this far it’ll be pointless to stop when I have invested in my writing, and I have set a round off number of 300 agents I will query when my manuscript is polished. Now I will move on to talking about expectations.



The expectations are brutal but again this is the reality that I have come to terms with.

Agents are not obliged to love my manuscript
Publishers have to fall in love with my manuscript to offer their investment to my product
I may never get on the bestseller list
I may never get appreciated by my target market
I may have to write plenty of novels before I reach the first step of getting representation


However….



I am not alone, many writers are striving up the same mountain as me and that is something which is comforting and helps with my tenacity to continue.

The final point that is important for writers is to focus on your realistic goals and put up a barrier so to speak blocking your expectations for the publishing industry.

Song Inspiration--Tom Petty Free Falling

She's a good girl, loves her mama
Loves Jesus and America too
She's a good girl, crazy 'bout Elvis
Loves horses and her boyfriend too

It's a long day livin' in Reseda
There's a freeway runnin' through the yard
And I'm a bad boy, 'cause I don't even miss her
I'm a bad boy for breakin' her heart

And I'm free, I'm free fallin'

All the vampires walkin' through the valley
Move west down Ventura Blvd
And all the bad boys are standing in the shadows
All the good girls are home with broken hearts

And I'm free, I'm free fallin'

I wanna glide down over Mulholland
I wanna write her name in the sky
I wanna free fall out into nothin'
Gonna leave this world for awhile

Source: Google

Late night cravings...and I am dieting

Since April 11Th 2011 I have been on a diet. First thing your probably asking yourself is what does this post have to do with writing? Well it has plenty to do with writing, sitting by a computer working away I get so many cravings, (mainly for chocolate)its like I can't write without a handy snack, and all that snacking made me pay the price, tonight for instance I went to the gym had a awesome workout and close to midnight I fell for the temptation and made Mr. Noodles, and I told my dear husband the worst lie ever that my throat was hurting when really I was starving. I am trying to find a balance by not holding back eating the right foods but also being strong and sticking to my cut off time to eat which is nine o'clock or snacking on foods that are healthy snacks like a fruit. Dinner hour is another crucial time because by then I am starving as well due to only eating salads at lunch and filling up on water. Perhaps writing this post was more so me dealing with my guilt, I will get there and I will tell myself its okay once and a while to fall off the wagon the key is getting back on it.

CRAPSTASTIC WIP TITLES/BOOK DESIGN

ECLIPSE

Flight Risk

Eternally

NEW MOON(ADULT EROTIC ROMANCE)

Source: Google Images

Self esteem

Choosing to become a writer never happened suddenly, I have written few post about the moment I decided that I wanted to write and take the brave leap and see what happens. Things continue to surprise me about the business but the one thing that is a must is self esteem.I queried too early last year which reulted in a few request that later turned into rejections because my book needed a fair bit of polishing especially the plot holes so I held my chin high and told myself I was so wrong about the journey and I am going to have to work extremely hard to get to the finish line so I hired a wonderful editor and rewrote my paranormal romance novel.
Another thing that caught me off guard is networking its a competitive journey and therefore its difficult at times to find the right person that will get my vision I am talking about Beta/critique partners since choosing the dream of getting published one day, I have gone through a few some have called it quits with me others ignored me never swapped and a few I politely told it wasn't working. Back to self esteem if I let those snags keep me down okay honestly it did but I am so resilient I was able to dust myself off, there are many things that can work for a writer, right moment, great, agent, publisher but a writer must always have self esteem to stand against the various curve balls of the journey.

Blogging schedule

I am trying so hard to have a consistent schedule when I blog but honestly rewriting my novel has taking up my time and the reality is I am also a mother to two girls , so what has worked for me is simply writing my blog before the ending of the week that's the best I can do in regards to being consistent. I check out other writer's blogs and some are so amazing they blog consistently three times a week maybe even more and come up with great topics but I am not there yet, during the summer I have couple months off so I am hoping my blogging entries will get more consistent.