Thursday, December 31, 2015

Classics Challenge: "Little Women"

The end of the month is upon us, and I've finished "Little Women."

Actually, I finished the book in the middle of December, I've just waited to do this post.

If you've never read "Little Women" before, let me give you some quick facts in the form of Goodreads' summary:

"Classic novel of 19th-century family life during and after the Civil War, in a household with four sisters. Alcott based the March family largely on her own real-life family."

Furthermore, "Little Women" is broken into two parts: the girls' childhood and the girls' adulthood. I have to say, my favorite part was when the girls were younger. Something about them growing up and getting married felt very bittersweet to me. There was a great loss, as if I were losing cherished friends.

Okay, maybe I was tying in my own three sisters into this story. It was inevitable!

But aside from my personal sadness and disgruntlement, I really loved "Little Women." The story was so warm and inviting. Despite the poverty of the March family, they were rich in what truly mattered. The girls heralded distinct and enjoyable personalities. I found myself relating to each one of them in their own regard.

And Laurie, ah, Laurie! How could I not fall for the boy with sweet, endearing charm. I am still to this day (two weeks after finishing) still displeased he didn't end up with Jo. And I don't think I'll ever come to terms with the idea that he married Amy.


Oops--spoiler! Sorry.

Alas, my romantic heart had to settle for the much older Professor Baer for Jo. At least I was prepared for this, having seen the movie.

Ah, the movie vs the book. The century old debate. Which was better?

The book--obviously!

Other than that, December is over and January is blowing in. Up next, Wuthering Heights!



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Tuesday, December 29, 2015

Momentary Setback

In case you've noticed (or in case you haven't), writing hasn't been a huge topic around the blog lately. Mostly because I haven't been doing much of it. 

After I completed SECOND-HAND SCAVENGERS, I hit a major rut. We're talking at least six feet deep here. It wasn't a "writer's block" rut. I'm not going to be writing for awhile--I've got too many books waiting to be edited!

I've been extremely (and quietly) discouraged. I've questioned question my talent, ideas, and if my voice even needs to be heard.

The thing is, guys, my books are just a few in a infinite shelf of books. 

Which led me to the inevitable: What's the point?


Since I crashed into this rut--more like a pit--I've stayed away from all things writing. Sometimes a break helps gain perspective. I am happy to say that I miss writing and my characters a lot. The time away also helped me come to one major conclusion as to my down-in-the-dumpsness.

I'm lazy.

Seriously! Part of what has me so "blah" is the fact that my books need major work. And I don't want to do it. I want them to be 101% perfect from idea to keystroke. Unfortunately I'm human, so they're not.

I'm working to get over this aspect. The "infinite shelf of books" thing? Well, that's something I'll just have to accept as part of the writing world.

Time to yank myself up by my hypothetical bootstraps and get to work.

If you're feeling discouraged about your work, here's a message just for you.

You can do it. Your voice matters. I want to read your story.




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Thursday, December 24, 2015

Christmas Eve

Christmas books abound, from Dickens' A Christmas Carol to Clement Moore's A Visit From Saint Nicholas ('Twas the night before Christmas...)
But as we celebrate and anticipate the joys tomorrow will bring, it's important to remember a true story. The greatest story ever told.

Luke 2:1-20

In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to their own town to register.

So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.


As you enter the joy of Christmas Day, filled with presents, good food, and family/friends, keep the reason for our celebration close to your hearts.
With that, I bid you adieu, borrowing from Clement Moore's Santa Claus:

Happy Christmas to all and to all a good night!

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Tuesday, December 22, 2015

Double Dipping

If you ever hop on my website (or my goodreads) at any given moment, you might find I've got two books on my "Currently Reading" list.

I'll admit, that title is deceptive. Why? Well, yes, one of the books I am reading

But the other I am listening

I'm actually an ardent fan of audiobooks (see me confess my love here). Which is why I usually read a book and listen to a book at the same time. 

Unlike reading two print books, I don't get confused on plot/characters. Maybe because it's two different mediums, I'm not sure.

Side note: if you can avoid it, don't read two print books at the same time. Speaking from someone who has, it involves a round of high-cardio mental aerobics to piece out which plot string goes where and which character belongs to whom.

I won't delve into my praising of audiobooks--since I've done that already. But I will mention that if you're reading a print book and getting a little tired of it, consider listening to an audiobook to break up the monotony (or vice versa). 


One thing I've noticed while reading a classic novel and listening to a modern audiobook, is how differently our stories are told today. Back then it was either all dialog or large chunks of description. Whereas in the 21st Century we meld them together into an attention-grabbing conglomeration of words.

Very interesting. Very interesting, indeed.



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Friday, December 18, 2015

Thursday, December 17, 2015

Christmas Traditions

"Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel." ~Isaiah 7:14
Christmas day is fast approaching. The radios have been blasting Christmas-y songs. "Just hear those sleigh bells ring-a-ling..." Christmas presents have been purchased--or are still being purchased--and wrapped. And, most importantly, the story of Jesus' miraculous birth is proclaimed in the form of sermons, nativities, and music.

It's truly the most wonderful time of the year.

Especially for my family! The Layne Family has lots of much-anticipated traditions throughout the month of December. 

In honor of the season (and the reason), I figured I'd deviate from my normal writerly posts and dish on a few of my family's favorite traditions. You don't mind, do you?

1. Decorating. We're not too specific on the when of decorating. Sometimes we manage the beginning of December or the middle (this year we had everything up before December, woot!). But four things are always the same. We put up our nativity scene, stockings, my mom's Christmas village, and then the Christmas tree. Decorating the tree is filled with laughter and reliving memories. This year I did a timelapse!

2. Baking. Usually we only manage to squeeze this in a few days before Christmas, but this year we were on top of it! Just this weekend my talented sister Becky whipped out her mixer and helped us make delicious gingerbread cookies (a new tradition!). Sugar cookies are next on the menu!


3. Chinese Food. That's right. Christians buying Chinese food for Christmas. This has been a Christmas Eve tradition for as long as I can remember. Maybe it comes from my dad's Jewish heritage, or maybe it's because Chinese food is inexpensive, yummy, and open on Christmas Eve. Either way, we love it. This year we're going to try a healthier, half-homemade alternative. I make a mean fried rice, guys!

4. "The Nativity Story." This is probably one of the most emotional moments of the Christmas season. With Chinese on our plates and snuggled on the couch, we watch "The Nativity Story," a adaptation of the story of Mary and Joseph. 

5. Exchanging Gifts. Christmas morning! After my dad reads us a portion of scripture, it's time for presents. Since the days of Santa are long past (my youngest sister being 15), my family has started a new tradition. We all buy gifts for each other. My parents have always done this, but now us girls have hopped on the bandwagon. The best part is the anticipation leading up to and the excitement when the recipient tears open the wrapping paper! I'm super excited for my sisters' and parents' gifts this year!


So, those are a few of my familial Christmas traditions. What about yours?


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Tuesday, December 15, 2015

Mid-Month Update: "Little Women"

It's officially the 15th of December, which marks the halfway point of my Classics Challenge.

How's it going you ask?

Wonderfully! I'm right on track and enjoying every page. It's so embarrassing that I've owned Little Women for years and am just now starting to read it. Kid Emily must've thought classics were boring and dumb.

She was very, very wrong.

Mind you, I haven't reached the already spoiled, much debated Certain Someone love rejection *hint, hint*). So that might spoil things for me. We'll see.


Something I didn't know, when I first started, is that Louisa May Alcott wrote Little Women in two parts. The girls when they're young, for a span of about a year. Then there's a three year gap between sections. It made me sad that the March girls are growing up, but also excited to see what life has in store for them.

One of the things I love most about Little Women besides the four sisters (I'm one of four--the eldest. That'd make me Meg.), is that the book is so quotable. In fact, I've been blowing up my Facebook Page the last few days with Little Women posts.

But just for the sake of you and convenience, here are a few of my favorite short quotes:

"The more you love and trust Him, the nearer you will feel to Him, and the less you will depend on human power and wisdom. His love and care never tire or change, can never be taken from you, but may become the source of lifelong peace, happiness, and strength." 
“Love is a great beautifier.”
“Every few weeks she would shut herself up in her room, put on her scribbling suit, and fall into a vortex, as she expressed it, writing away at her novel with all her heart and soul, for till that was finished she could find no peace.” 
“When you feel discontented, think over your blessings, and be grateful.”
"The best of us have a spice of perversity in us, especially when we are young and in love." 
Have I convinced you to start reading yet? It's not too late. Go at your own pace! Take the entirety of 2016 to read Little Women. But you must, must, must read it!

Especially if you have little girls/sisters at home!


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Thursday, December 10, 2015

You Don't Have What?

The modern age has spoiled us writers. And also created endless ways to feed our procrastinator minds. 

By why not take advantage of the good (and procrastinate a little)?

This is where I ask you a simple question, but an important one.

Do you have a Pinterest?

If your answer is no and you're a writer--what are you doing?! You're missing out on prime inspiration and organization. Let me lay it out for you.

I use Pinterest constantly before/while planning my books. I honestly don't know how I managed in the Dark Days prior to it. The pins help me to visualize characters, places, and objects--while keep it organized on one special board.

See Exhibit A: Second-Hand Scavengers Board.

If you prowl around my page a bit more, you'll stumble upon other boards I've created. Seeing a trend here? All of the books I'm proud enough to put on my website have a Pinterest board. Coincidence? I think not.

So, writer, what are you waiting for, sign up for Pinterest. Trust me, you won't regret it!

Besides, where else would you find cute gifs like this?


Foxes are totally my favorite animal, by the way...


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Tuesday, December 8, 2015

*Cringe*


I'm venturing into embarrassing waters.

I'm traveling back in time.

I'm probably going to regret this.

Commencing Friday, December 18, I'm starting a new vlog series that will last for...quite awhile. Okay, you might be thinking: Why so many series? You're already doing the Classics Challenge. (Which you're free to take part in, by the way)

Well, dear, this is on an entirely different platform. Plus, it's going to be a fun experiment. For you, at least. I'm pretty sure I'll die of mortification before it's over.

Introducing: Elementals: A First Novel Dramatic Reading.

In case you don't know, Elementals was my first ever full-length, finished, queried book. *Cringe*

I haven't read or even touched the manuscript in at least three years, maybe more (I wrote it back in 2010) so you'll get my first-hand reaction to newbie Emily's blunders.

Just to whet your appetite, scrolling through (without reading), and clicking on random lines produces the following teasers:

“Anna, get yourself together.” He shook my shoulders, pulling me out of my semi-conscious state. 

I unhooked the bow from its binding and held it up triumphantly. “Bristan, look, I can use my bow.”

She looked like she had died not five minutes ago…then why was her dress so rotten?

Oh, my. This is going to be worse than I thought...

Make sure you subscribe to my YouTube page so you don't miss one embarrassing post.
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Thursday, December 3, 2015

The Writer's Raincloud

Every once in awhile I get what I now call The Writer's Raincloud. Like this week, for example.

What is The Writer's Raincloud? Allow me to illustrate:

It's this:


And this:


And also this:


Get my drift?

In non-gif format, The Writer's Raincloud is period of time where you (a writer) feels like:

1. There is no point to writing; the odds of being successful or even getting published are tinier than--well, you're too melancholy to be creative enough to think of something "tinier than."

2. All of your books are terrible. Awful, even.

3. There are so many amazing novels and novelists out there, you're just a sneeze at a concert.

What triggers The Writer's Raincloud? Maybe a mental recovery period from NaNo-ing? Or the realization that tons of work (editing and query-writing lies ahead)? I have no idea. I just know it takes awhile to get over.

And that's okay.

Though my mental timeline had me start editing this week, I'm going to push it off until my fervor returns. That's what writing is supposed to be after all: fun! 

Once my self-esteem recharges, I know it will be again


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Tuesday, December 1, 2015

Classics Challenge: Louisa May Alcott

"Money is the root of all evil, and yet it is such a useful root that we cannot get on without it any more than we can without potatoes." ~ Louisa May Alcott

Today is December 1st which marks the start of my year-long Classics Challenge. To kick things off, I'm starting with a book I own (but have never read) Little Women by Louisa May Alcott.

Who counted Henry David Thoreau and Ralph Waldo Emerson as family friends?

Ms. Alcott.

Yes, miss. Louisa never married. Instead, she devoted her life and love to her writings. Though she wasn't always serious about her literary career. In fact, she dabbled in the published world for awhile, using pen names like Flora Fairfield and A.M. Barnard. It was the account of her experiences as a nurse in the Civil War that fortified her love for writing.

And Louisa May Alcott, the author, was born.

Louisa's most famous works are Little Women, Little Men, Eight Cousins, and Jo's Boys. She tried her hand at adult novels, but they didn't garner as much attention as her other writings. 

She lived to be 55 years old, dying almost the same day as her father.

Writerly Things to Learn from Louisa May Alcott:

1. Writing as a career can work, even for a woman in the 19th century.

2. Switching audiences is a difficult task for any writer, i.e. YA to Adult (and some are more successful than others).

3. Our lives make great fodder for our writing. The character Beth in Little Women was based of Louisa's sister, Elizabeth Alcott, who died at the age of 22. In an even broader spectrum, Little Women was Louisa's idealized version of her family. 

4. After death, every famous writer's works will be published. In other words, if you don't want some manuscripts to ever see the light of day, either burn them or put it in your will with capital letters. Louisa's first novel, The Inheritance, based strongly off Jane Eyre was published after someone discovered it posthumously, wherever Louisa had hidden it. I wonder if she'd be happy about that!

I look forward to reading Little Women for the first time. Hopefully watching the movie won't spoil it for me.

You're welcome to join in! Classics Challenge is fun, impromptu book club for all. See you at the end of December!

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Thursday, November 26, 2015

Happy Thanksgiving!

To everyone in the USA (and those elsewhere who are celebrating)...

Happy Thanksgiving! 

Whether you're spending time with family members, friends, or going solo, I hope you're enjoying delicious food and counting the blessings we Americans take advantage of every day.


I wish all of you a safe, yummy, and warm holiday.
 "Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms. For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods."
~ Psalm 95:2-3


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Tuesday, November 24, 2015

The End of a Novel

20 days of writing...

4,000 words/day (give or take)...

88,451 words later...

And SECOND-HAND SCAVENGERS is complete! 


Well, as complete as the first draft of a novel can get. Trust me when I say that this book will need a lot of work. But not this week! This week I'm taking off writing as a sort of Thanksgiving break.

Editing picks up again on November 30th (that's a Monday).

Final thoughts about NaNoWriMo?

Phew.

Oh, and yay. Because I now have my seventh book completed. It's such an amazing and rewarding feeling.

Okay, okay, I know I should probably be more chatty about how NaNo's been for me this time around and my feelings about it... But I'm kind of talked out. If you want to know the ins and outs (day by day, nonetheless!), click here.

Finished NaNoWriMo too? Not sure of what to do next?

First on the list should be a delicious Thanksgiving meal and well-deserved rest. Second (after said rest) will be lots of editing. Third, if you're feeling particularly crazy Camp NaNoWriMo picks up in April...

I'll just leave that tidbit of information with you. I'm not feeling particularly crazy at the moment.

Keyword: at the moment.

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Thursday, November 19, 2015

18 Confessions of a (Young Adult) Reader

1. I'm not in high school. I'm not even in college. I'm as adult as it gets (without a husband, mortgage, or baby).

2. Sometimes I want to yell at characters for acting so immature. Then I realize they're 16. I'm 23. Ohhhh...

3. Getting close to the end of a book, while worse thing upon worse thing happens, sends me fleeing to Goodreads, hoping for a spoiler.

4. Oh, you're a three book series? Let me wait to read until all of you come out so I don't have to deal with cliff hangers.

5. This book is really popular. Seriously. Like everyone loves it... I vow to never read it.

6. Then, unable to resist, I pick up the book.

7. And am annoyed that it's totally good.

8. So obviously I have to pick it apart with criticism in private to make myself feel better.

9. Audiobooks and showers are a greater duo than macaroni and cheese.

10. Printed books will forever outrank eBooks. Sorry, trees.

11. When I attempt to read eBooks I feel like I'm doing beta critiques. Refer to Number 10.

12. Books and chips are the best things in life, especially when they're combined.

13. If things get too intense, I skim the last few pages to check for a character's name. Oh, good. You didn't die after all!

14. Some ridiculous names exist in YA books. I once tried to replicate this trend (as a kid) and named my MC Suave. Yes, after the hair product company. *cringe*

15. I've picked up so many books just for the cover. And usually end up very disappointed. Curse, you pretty girl in a pretty dress with a pretty background!

16. Stories that don't have some hint of romance aren't my cup of tea.

17. Books without a female lead tend to get overlooked by me. Except for a rare few. Yes, I waited years to read Harry Potter because it was about a boy.

18. I love books. And always will.



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Tuesday, November 17, 2015

How Growing Out Bangs is Like Writing

I've decided to grow out my bangs. A hairstyle I've sported for almost ten years. TEN YEARS.

At the same time I've been slogging through NaNoWriMo, trying to hit my 80,000 word goal before December 1st arrives.

Combine the two and what do you get? This post.

How Growing Out Bangs is Like Writing:

1. It seems like a great idea at first. You're excited.
    Bangs: Woo-hoo! I've been waiting too long for this!
    Writing: This is an AWESOME idea!


2. Then a few days later you just can't handle it and want to give up.
    Bangs: They're all over the place, but I can't pin them up. My forehead is so naked!
    Writing: Why. Is. This. So. HARD?!


3. Finally relent and hear a joyful chorus. 
    Bangs: Pinning bangs so awesome. And easy! Low maintenance hair, here we come!
    Writing: The words are flowing, things are happening. 80,000 words, I'm on my way!


4. The mistake: looking back.
    Bangs: But I looked so cute with bangs (and they're so good at hiding blemishes). Maybe this was a bad idea...
    Writing: Eek. There are so many mistakes and inconsistencies. I should an edit.


5. Determination sets in.
   Bangs: Look at all these people without bangs. They're goregous. I can do this.
   Writing: Everyone is hitting their word counts, and I'm ahead. No editing. Just writing!


See what I mean? So much in common!


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Friday, November 13, 2015

Thursday, November 12, 2015

Pantsless for Words

Ahem. By "pantsless" I mean skirts and dresses. Not, well, you know...

Because of church and work I have a huge collection of dresses and skirts in my closet. Coincidentally more for summer than fall/winter. But I digress. 

In this video I discussed ways to get inside the mind of your main character. Well, today I'm doing some more of the same. Except in an extreme way.

Guys, wearing a dress/skirt every day takes some serious logistical planning. Way more than is involved with pants. Not only do I need to have a matching shirt and bottom, but there are tights and shoes to think about. Everything must tie together!


To be honest, it's been a lot of fun. It's opened up my outfit creativity in ways wearing jeans hasn't. I don't even miss wearing pants. I've actually kind of fallen in love with leggings. I need to get more in my closet (and the tops that go with them). But that's another story...

If you're wondering if this style change has helped me understand Jane (my MC) any better, the answer would be a resounding YES.

Not only do I know how to write her movements (there are just some things you can't do in dresses), but there's a greater feeling of femininity sans pants. Jane's voice is able to fly from my fingers, loud and clear.

But the skirts/dresses isn't where it ends. I've donned my glasses too (Jane wears glasses, fyi). At times I feel like it makes me look more artsy and smart. Other times I swear it enhances the size of my nose... The sacrifices I make for writing.


It's so much fun guys. If you're participating in NaNoWriMo, or just writing in general, I highly recommend getting into character in whatever ways you can. Sometimes, it's fun to slip into another personality.

Just don't stay there!

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Tuesday, November 10, 2015

Classics Challenge

I'm taking a swerve from the more writerly aspects of this blog and delving into reader-infested waters. That is, I'm starting a public book club. Of sorts. Keep reading, I'll explain.

Outside of high school English class, I've rarely read classics (excluding The Scarlet Pimpernel and Kidnapped). For good reason. I don't enjoy them. Or, didn't.

As a newly turned twenty-three-year-old (yikes!), it's time to expand my horizons by reading some of the greatest works mankind can boast. Or so the "classic" namers claim. We'll see how right they are.

For the next twelve months, starting December 1st, I'm going to be reading one classic each. The beginning will detail some information about the author/authoress while I update you on my progress throughout.
Now back to that bookclub business. Want to join in? Check the list below for the books per month and read them right along with me. Make sure you follow my Twitter and Goodreads page so we can stay connected with our progress.


Look forward to Tuesday, December 1st as I--we--begin THE CLASSICS CHALLENGE (imagine in booming announcer voice)!!!


Classics Month-By-Month

2015

December: Little Women

2016

January: Wuthering Heights

February: Pride & Prejudice

March: The Great Gatsby

April: A Tale of Two Cities 

May: Gone With the Wind

June: Lorna Doone

July: The Lord of the Flies

August: The Time Machine

September: The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde

October: Jamaica Inn

November: The Scarlet Letter

December: Moby Dick
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Friday, November 6, 2015

Thursday, November 5, 2015

Drawing a Blank

The title says it all. And, no, I don't mean a blank in a gun. Though I am missing something vital.

Like a topic for this post.

I know! This hasn't happened in a long time. The I don't know what to write syndrome. I blame NaNoWriMo. And my (processed) sugar-free diet. It's really done a number on my thinking capabilities. All you have to do is check out my NaNo vids at the end of each day. I'm pretty sure I look more and more ragged as the days go on.

I'm tiiiired. Critics might say: why are you tired? You just sit at a desk all day typing. It's not like you even do any real work.

Oh, boy are you critics wrong.

We writers aren't just typing. We're battling foes, traveling through time, suffering a life-shattering heartbreak. Do endure all these things in less than 24 hours?

Let me say this again: I'm tiiiired!

I don't think I've ever been this wiped out when writing a manuscript before. But then I suppose with THESE WICKED WATERS and WISHES, MAYBE, I wasn't employed...

Sorry to have such a pointless post for you guys. We all have those days you know? Where you just feel...




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Tuesday, November 3, 2015

Idea to Pages: Wading In

Step One: The Inspiration & Jewelry
Step Two: Prepping My Muse
Step Three: Building My World (Part 1 & Part 2)
Step Four: Let the Plotting, Begin!
Step Five: Wading In

Ladies and gentlemen, this is the final part to my Idea to Pages blog series. It's bittersweet, but also very exciting.

From July through November, you loyalists have followed me through the process of going from getting an idea to developing a story. 


And now?

Now I'm writing that story.

In fact, I plan to have said story finished by the end of November. Different writers have different ways of getting their story written. As I've learned and grown in my craft, I've learned that the more writing done in less time, the better. Which is why my last two books have been finished in one month. The same will happen with SECOND-HAND SCAVENGERS (I hope!).

Furthermore, if you too are intigued by the idea of getting a novel written in a month (or two weeks!) and want to know how... Well, just take a look up at the beginning of this post and follow the five steps above.

Thanks for joining me on the ride. I haven't quite decided, but later on I might just unearth this post from retirement by adding a Step Six.

We'll see...

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