Alrighty, it has been *months* since I last posted anything. I know, it's unforgivable, and regrettably a trend with me. Yet even as I type this now, I have no idea what I'm going to say. I could do a book review, but really, what does that have to do with my journey to publication? Unless my favorite author decides to look me up at random and offer to show her agent my writing, probably not much. I have other ideas which involve things that take time to research. While I'd love to blog about these, the lack of time is what has my posts two months apart. Yikes. Maybe this should be a "catch up" post. All in favor? I'll take your silence as confirmation.
So, turns out writing a novel single-handed is tough. You guys, if you've followed me at all, know where I stand on writing groups and having support. If you don't know, I whole-heartedly recommend it and encourage you to your various social media sites. Having said that, I am now proud to announce (for the time being) that my MS is COMPLETE! I've edited and added, taken away and revised the living daylights out of the thing, and now I'm finished.
That sound you just heard was my supersonic squeee from KY.
I have to say though, the things I struggled with in the past, while not totally resolved, are much more easier to recognize. Thanks to Chi (AKA Elizabeth Isaacs), I can spot a passive sentence a mile away. I still write them, but they're more apparent in *your* work, so heads up ;)Dizz (AKA Megan Curd), you're the comma police and you have a knack for not making me feel DUH! when you leave your funny comments about the huge mistake I just made. Rennie (AKA Italia Trent), you have an amazing eye for making things fit together. Your ideas and the way you bring stuff together are enviable! Jenn (AKA Jenn_BookCrazy), you are a flipping genius! When it comes to knowing your stuff, you are so on top of it! Ray (AKA Regan Coomer), your knowledge of the English language is fabulous. I appreciate you keeping me consistent. Feel free to correct this post. We're all here to learn ;)Thanks for not changing your cell numbers or blocking me when I pester you with endless questions and rants. I owe each of you more than I can ever pay you back. You're patience and vast knowledge are the main reason I'm finished!
So, where does that leave me now? Well, pretty much back where I should've been a long time ago had I taken the advice of the countless others in my position. Querying! ::insert massive groan here::<< Yeah, I feel ya. I'm in a holding pattern until I hear something back from an individual who has more power over my future than any one person should. Whew! I can guarantee, however, that good things are just around the corner. How do I know this? It isn't because I'm psychic and definitely not because I'm cocky. The reason I know good things are coming is because I refuse to quit or get discouraged. Yeah, rejections suck, but they don't have to. Learn from them. This is easy to say right now because I haven't received any yet. You guys be sure and remind me of my positive attitude right now when the time comes ;)
Keep writing!
Showing posts with label Italia Trent. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Italia Trent. Show all posts
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Monday, July 19, 2010
Social networking: Marketing your mad skills
All right, so mad skills might be pushing it in my case. Perhaps I should say mediocre talent yet rapacious ambition. Less catchy though more fitting.
I mentioned in a previous post ( http://lilliputianjourney.blogspot.com/2010/03/killing-time ) that I wasn't part of a writing group because I'm a loner. While I still consider myself an introvert, I have come to discover that a writing group (when comprised of a few, knowledgeable members) is indispensable! Man, I wish I'd met these ladies a year ago. I could have been finished much sooner. Not to mention the fact that they have become wonderful friends! I admire and appreciate these amazing women more than they'll ever know.
Though it pains me to admit, it was through Twitter that I met my cohorts. I will forever be grateful to my new social networking addiction. Together Italia and Beth (or as I like to call them, Rennie and Chi) have filled in the missing pieces to make me a better writer. They are my yin and yang, so to speak, generously allowing me to serve as the curvy line in the middle, as Chi likes to say. I can only hope that one day I will be as helpful and supportive as they are.
So where does this leave Marketing your mad skills? Do it. Put yourself out there. Get on Twitter (as adverse to the idea as you might be) and search the tags for writers, readers, bloggers, and editors. Throw yourself into every conversation you can find. Stalk the boards! Befriend people as often as possible. You never know when your Chi or Rennie might show up and change your life! Not to mention, a lot of high powered and much needed individuals are on there. Those connections are very helpful when it comes time to start querying. It helps to have ties well before you actually need them, believe me.
I have met such an amazing and *talented* group of people on Twitter and Facebook. People I will never forget and will forever appreciate. People who have supported me and my efforts to become a better writer. People who have never met me yet go out of their way to help. The writing community is a tight-knit group and always open and welcoming to those who share a similar ambition. You will always be able to find someone in the same place you are--struggling to learn--as well as those who have been in your shoes and want to encourage you through the process. Don't worry about your awkwardness. I'm about as socially inept as they come. I think you will find that any writer worth knowing has their own little eccentricities. It's what drives our creative minds. :D
So keep writing. Find a few friends that share your interest and passion for growth. Listen to what others have to say, but think with your own head.
I hope you all find some writerly type group of friends. You're always welcome to be part of mine. Look for us on Twitter. Beth is @kailmeyra She is one of those most brilliant and emotional authors you will ever come across. I love her dearly and I'm so grateful for her favorite words--chuck, restructure, and write with your senses. She has an outstanding eye for voice and structure. You can also catch Beth on her blog. www.thelightofasteria.blogspot.com
You can find Italia on Twitter as @ItaliaTrent Her character and storyline development is insane! More than once, she's solved my dilemmas with her ingenious insight. She's also a fountain of useful information. Listen to her! She knows what she's talking about.
I mentioned in a previous post ( http://lilliputianjourney.blogspot.com/2010/03/killing-time ) that I wasn't part of a writing group because I'm a loner. While I still consider myself an introvert, I have come to discover that a writing group (when comprised of a few, knowledgeable members) is indispensable! Man, I wish I'd met these ladies a year ago. I could have been finished much sooner. Not to mention the fact that they have become wonderful friends! I admire and appreciate these amazing women more than they'll ever know.
Though it pains me to admit, it was through Twitter that I met my cohorts. I will forever be grateful to my new social networking addiction. Together Italia and Beth (or as I like to call them, Rennie and Chi) have filled in the missing pieces to make me a better writer. They are my yin and yang, so to speak, generously allowing me to serve as the curvy line in the middle, as Chi likes to say. I can only hope that one day I will be as helpful and supportive as they are.
So where does this leave Marketing your mad skills? Do it. Put yourself out there. Get on Twitter (as adverse to the idea as you might be) and search the tags for writers, readers, bloggers, and editors. Throw yourself into every conversation you can find. Stalk the boards! Befriend people as often as possible. You never know when your Chi or Rennie might show up and change your life! Not to mention, a lot of high powered and much needed individuals are on there. Those connections are very helpful when it comes time to start querying. It helps to have ties well before you actually need them, believe me.
I have met such an amazing and *talented* group of people on Twitter and Facebook. People I will never forget and will forever appreciate. People who have supported me and my efforts to become a better writer. People who have never met me yet go out of their way to help. The writing community is a tight-knit group and always open and welcoming to those who share a similar ambition. You will always be able to find someone in the same place you are--struggling to learn--as well as those who have been in your shoes and want to encourage you through the process. Don't worry about your awkwardness. I'm about as socially inept as they come. I think you will find that any writer worth knowing has their own little eccentricities. It's what drives our creative minds. :D
So keep writing. Find a few friends that share your interest and passion for growth. Listen to what others have to say, but think with your own head.
I hope you all find some writerly type group of friends. You're always welcome to be part of mine. Look for us on Twitter. Beth is @kailmeyra She is one of those most brilliant and emotional authors you will ever come across. I love her dearly and I'm so grateful for her favorite words--chuck, restructure, and write with your senses. She has an outstanding eye for voice and structure. You can also catch Beth on her blog. www.thelightofasteria.blogspot.com
You can find Italia on Twitter as @ItaliaTrent Her character and storyline development is insane! More than once, she's solved my dilemmas with her ingenious insight. She's also a fountain of useful information. Listen to her! She knows what she's talking about.
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