Monthly Archives: March 2015

The Trouble With Writing

30 Monday Mar 2015

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Another Monday, another time to look at what the trouble with writing is.

Last week, I talked about how much of a pain it can be to work with professionals. Necessary, but a huge pain sometimes.

One of the many reasons that it’s a pain to work with them, like I mentioned last week, is you never know when you’re getting it back. Well, I got mine back on Thursday, so I’m happy about that.

This week, we’re looking at another big pain of working with professionals — the payment.

Writing isn’t cheap. I wish someone had told me that back when I first started talking about getting published. It’s also not easy. Oh, yeah, I wish someone had told me that, too.

You have to choose a professional based on what you think would be a good fit for you. I’m personally a big fan of Thumbtack right now. I’m getting a lot of emails in the next 24 hours about editors. I’ve gotten five from editors just since I started this post!

Again, the big problem with finding the right editor is also based on your budget. I’m going to have to wait for a while and see if I can reach up to what the payment would be based on who I decide would be good for me. The last editor I had, although amazing and a lot less expensive than what it would normally be, pretty much cleaned me out. It’s a good thing I got paid the day after she got it back to me!

So, what are you doing to make sure you can afford the editors? I’m pretty much just waiting to get paid and buy as little as possible otherwise. Feel free to let me know what you do in the comments!

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Lesson 48

25 Wednesday Mar 2015

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Another Wednesday, another lesson. This week, we’re looking at working with professionals.

I touched on this on Monday, but this time, we’re looking at it from a viewpoint that’s not complaining. This time, is should actually be helpful. Monday is just my complain day, remember.

As  I mentioned before, I’ve been working with an editor. I was going to email her by this weekend if I hadn’t heard from her. I did actually get an email just as I submitted my last post. It wasn’t to give me a completed version, but it was to tell me that it was almost done. She was supposed to get back to me yesterday, but didn’t. So, I’ll give her another week.

It’s important to keep in contact with the professional you’re working with. I’ve found that out. While I trust my editor, I want to make sure she’s doing what she needs to be doing with my book.

I also found it’s important to keep in contact with the professional you’re working with because of my publicist. She’s amazing. Seriously. She has gotten in contact with many reviewers and had gotten them to accept reviewing my book! I’m honestly amazed at how well this is going… I didn’t talk to her for nearly a month (not intentionally, just didn’t know what to say and didn’t want to bug her), and I start up a conversation once again and find out that there’s a lot of reviewers out there that want to read it! Also, I found out from her that my editor sent her a well-written pitch for my book that they’ll use to contact more reviewers. I’m not surprised that it was well-written, but yay anyway!

I’m finding out more and more that it’s important to keep in contact with these professionals. Yes, coming across a review for your book an be a pleasant surprise, but what if your publicist (if you have one) set it up for you? Don’t you want to be able to thank them?

You also need to keep in touch with your editor. I know, you don’t want to bother them and slow them down in their work. I totally get that, believe me. But, guess what? If you want to know how far along they are in your work, ask them. It’s okay to ask, believe it or not.

I know there are other professionals involved in the mix, but those are the two that I’m working with currently. Just keep in mind, if you want to know what the progress is, keep in close contact with the professionals.

So, if you haven’t kept in contact with the editor and you haven’t heard from your editor in a few weeks, you might want to see how he or she is doing. Ready? Go.

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The Trouble With Writing

23 Monday Mar 2015

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Technically, it’s Monday. So what if it’s the middle of the night? Time to look at another angle of what the trouble with writing is. This week, we’re looking at waiting for a response.

I’m just as anxious as anyone to get a response from anyone that’s looking at our work. I’m currently waiting for a response from my editor. And waiting, and waiting, and waiting… Where was I going with this?

Oh, right, it’s difficult to wait. You know when they’re supposed to get back to you, but I can tell you first hand that they don’t always get back to you when they’re supposed to.

I did hear from her, though, when I didn’t get it the day I was originally supposed to get it. She said that she’s been trying to get it done, but she’s taking her time to get it done so it can get the best treatment possible. I was supposed to get it back yesterday. Of course, I didn’t. Still, it is the middle of the night. Maybe she lives in California. It’s not quite midnight there yet…

If I don’t hear from her by next week, I’ll be emailing her. You can bet on that. I’m hoping to hear from her, though. She did email me once apologizing for the delay. Maybe she will again. This is my first time working with any editor, but I trust her. I got a little snippet from her about what she’s done so far, and it’s been a big help.

But that’s the trouble with writing, isn’t it? We’re working with professionals, and we’re anxious to get a response of them. Sometimes, there’s a delay. Don’t worry, just keep in contact with the professional, but don’t bug them too much.

There’s also the fact that you have to pay them, but we’ll save that for another day. Watch for that subject next week!

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Lesson 47

18 Wednesday Mar 2015

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Another Wednesday, another lesson. I admit, I wasn’t sure if I was going to be able to do this or not at first. But since I did, this week, we’re looking at getting yourself known.

Lately, I’ve seen a lot of writers ask more well-known authors, “How do I make myself known?” Now, I admit, I’m not the most popular person out there, but as someone that has almost 3,000 likes on Facebook in under two months, I have a few tricks under my sleeve. I even got asked by someone what my secret was.

My answer? Promotion, promotion, promotion.

You have got to promote your work, but don’t just bang everyone over the head with it. (That could end badly…).

So, how do you promote without hitting anyone over the head and spamming them with a bunch of links? Interaction!

I admit, I spent quite a bit of money on Facebook ads, but not everyone does that, and still become popular.

How do they do that? They interact with their fans.

Respond to comments, whether it’s on Facebook or your website, or whatever. People like to see that. It shows that you like to get to know your readers. But guys, come on, use some common sense, don’t be rude. That will only make you less popular. Don’t do that.

Be polite. Use your inside voice. Make readers want to keep reading. If they don’t like you, they won’t buy your book. You want your book to sell, don’t you? Well, you know what you should do.

So, you haven’t been polite, or haven’t been interacting, start doing so. The more you interact, the more popular you become. Ready, set, go.

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The Trouble With Writing

16 Monday Mar 2015

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Before we get started today, I want to say that prompts will be making a return! Eventually. You would think it would be easier now that the time has changed…but things keep coming up. Anyway…

It’s another Monday, so it’s time to look at another reason why writing is nothing but trouble. This weeks, we’re looking at nervousness.

We all get nervous when someone gives us feedback on our book. Heck, I experienced that this morning when I discovered there was a snippet of edits from my editor. You could say my heartbeat sped up more than just a little. Not cool, but perfectly normal.

We all get nervous, right? I got nervous when a couple beta readers got back to me, and I got nervous again when my editor got back to me. But you know what? Anyone who gives you criticism is trying to help you. Believe me, I would know. My manuscript is sounding so much better after the editor has gotten a hold of it. I love the way it’s sounding now. She even figured out a lot of the sentences that were bothering me!

I guess that’s what the trouble with writing is, though. We get nervous, even though we know it’s to help us. We also get discouraged when someone doesn’t like the way we did something. I know I did… I may or may not have shed a couple tears when one beta reader gave it to me how it was, even though I fully expected it (you know who you are).

So, what do you struggle with when it comes to writing? Let me know what you would like to see posted about in the comments!

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Lesson 46

11 Wednesday Mar 2015

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Another Wednesday, another lesson. I love these. 🙂 This week, we’re looking at discouragement.

A lot of times, as writers, we get discouraged. Someone doesn’t support our dream, sometimes we don’t believe our own dream. It’s hard, I get it.

So, what do we do when someone doesn’t support our dream? Take it from someone who’s entire family isn’t behind her: Just keep writing.

Now, I know what you might be thinking. It’s not that simple, right? Wrong. It’s very simple. You can’t let it get to you. Block out what they say and keep writing. If you ever want that book out, keep writing. Get to it.

Now, what do you do when you don’t believe in your own dream? I’ve been there, done that, too. You go through a time of discouragement and you wonder if you’re actually any good, right? Yup, I’ve done that.

So, what do you do?

That’s simple, too. You take a break. You don’t write for a while. You shut down the computer or put the pen down, and you take a break from writing. How long you take is up to you. I recommend at least a week.

Maybe you have other remedies for discouragement that you use, and that’s fine. Really, when it comes down to it, we all have our own ways of dealing with discouragement. What I wrote about is what usually works for me.

So, what do you do when you feel discouraged? Let me know in the comments!

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The Trouble With Writing

09 Monday Mar 2015

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It’s another Monday, so it’s time to look at another way writing is trouble. This week, we’re looking at the best times to write.

Sometimes, the time you write the best isn’t always the most convenient time to write. For example, I get my best ideas at night. And I’m talking late really late at night. When most people are asleep. You get the picture. But, if you’ve been reading for any length of time, you know that I have a day job, and can’t always write at night. Not if I want any hope of staying awake during the day and keeping my job, anyway.

So, what do I do when I can’t write at my best time? I try to make myself write during the day. Kind of like what I’ll be doing after I finish this post. While avoiding homework. As usual. Sigh, I’m such a slack off when it comes to school…

Wait, what were we talking about? Oh, yeah. Writing.

So, you’re making yourself write, then you run into a different problem. No muse! Isn’t that the most frustrating thing? Here you are, trying to be productive, and then absolutely nothing comes to you. Nothing. Nada. Nope. You get the picture.

I guess that’s the big problem with being a writer. We all have other commitments in life that prevent us from writing when we have our best ideas. That’s why I like to keep a journal in my purse. It keeps me sane. I put ideas down while I’m at work so I don’t forget them.

So, when is your best time to write, and what do you do when you can’t write at the time? Comment below!

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Lesson 45

04 Wednesday Mar 2015

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Another Wednesday, another lesson. I have to say, I kind of use these to rant sometimes. So, naturally, I love them. Of course, I hope they help you, too. This week, we’re looking at procrastination.

I know, procrastination seems like it belongs more in The Trouble With Writing section, but bear with me. We’re going to be talking about NOT  procrastinating.

We’re all bad with procrastination. Admit it, you procrastinate all the time, don’t you? I know I do, and I actually like writing.

For example, I procrastinated a lot on Days of the Kill edits, and that’s no good. I have a deadline to get to. Today. And I still have a couple hours worth. Along with a ton of homework. I’m just full of good news. I know.

So, how do we not procrastinate? Well, I find rewards help. If I get so much done a day, I have a right to be unhealthy. It doesn’t do much for my figure, but hey, that just means it’s a really good motivator.

There’s something for everyone. I don’t know what works for everyone, but hey, there’s a lot of things to help a writer actually get things done on time.

Procrastination is a big problem, and we always have to be on the lookout for ways to not procrastinate. I’ll be stressing over getting Days of the Kill done today…

Don’t end up in my position, though I’m sure you have at one point or another. Whether it’s for school or writing or whatever, everyone procrastinates. It’s time for that to stop. Find your motivator. It’s out there somewhere. I promise.

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The Trouble With Writing

02 Monday Mar 2015

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It’s another Monday, so it’s time to look at what the trouble with writing is once again. This week, we’re looking at blank screens. I give credit to my conversation last night with one of my Twitter friends for this topic.

Blank screens are the enemy of every writer. I don’t care how experienced you are. It doesn’t matter if you’re completely new to writing, or if you’ve been writing for years and have several books out. A blank screen is still you’re enemy.

It freaked me out when I started a second book. The first book (okay, I guess it’s technically my second, but the first one didn’t go anywhere so I’m calling this first) I didn’t really think about it. I was just some kid (okay…legal adult. I was 19. I still consider myself a kid) with this great idea completely different from anything I had every heard before. So, I began writing without stopping to think about the blank screen.

Then came November. You know what that means, right? Of course you do. NaNoWriMo came around. At first, I wasn’t going to do it. I really wasn’t. Then it filled my Twitter page. That was all I saw. So, guess what I did? I gave into peer pressure. Sigh.

The blank screen for my NaNoWriMo project freaked me out. It was the first time I really realized that I was looking at a blank screen that I was expected to fill with words that people would read. You can imagine how much that made my anxiety go up!

Then came my third book. Again, the blank screen freaked me out. I didn’t know how I was going to fill that entire screen up… I’m managing, though. Somehow.

That’s the trouble with writing, though, isn’t it? We all look at blank screens and they can intimidate us.

I use deadlines to overcome the blank screens. What do you use? Feel free to let me know in the comments!

 

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