Actually, it's Happy Birthday to ME today, but in the spirit of giving and gifts, I'm passing on a present to you!
Have you finished that manuscript and are now hemming and hawing about the next step? Are you ready to publish but not completely satisfied with your completed book? Waiting for an opportunity to have another pair of eyes take a look? Well, now's your chance to move forward toward your dream of being a published author!
To celebrate my birthday, I'm giving a 25% discount on a proofreading or copyediting service to the next three people to sign a work agreement with me*!
So what are you waiting for? Let's celebrate together!
*Offer extends to the next three separate work agreements signed with Tanya Saari, Fiction Editor, or June 30, 2012, whichever comes first.
Tuesday, 8 May, 2012
Thursday, 3 May, 2012
Spring Has Sprung!
Hello, everyone!
My apologies for the lack of recent posts. Our family suffered with some serious illnesses over the last couple of months and that set me back with a few things, including blogging.
However, here I am and I'm curious how all of you who made writing resolutions back in January are faring now? Any successes? Setbacks (we won't call them failures!)? I'd love to hear how things are going.
For those who've suffered setbacks, what happened? Was it a change in routine? Writer's block? Perhaps the challenge was overwhelming? Regardless of the reason, I hope you've found a way to make writing a part of your life. If you want to be successful at this endeavor, you need to treat it as a job -- not a hobby.
Remember, as cliched as it is, tomorrow truly is another day. It's a chance to start fresh. So if that story is still rattling around in your brain, not leaving you alone, then perhaps it's a sign to sit down at your desk and give it another shot. The only person stopping you is you!
Good luck!
My apologies for the lack of recent posts. Our family suffered with some serious illnesses over the last couple of months and that set me back with a few things, including blogging.
However, here I am and I'm curious how all of you who made writing resolutions back in January are faring now? Any successes? Setbacks (we won't call them failures!)? I'd love to hear how things are going.
For those who've suffered setbacks, what happened? Was it a change in routine? Writer's block? Perhaps the challenge was overwhelming? Regardless of the reason, I hope you've found a way to make writing a part of your life. If you want to be successful at this endeavor, you need to treat it as a job -- not a hobby.
Remember, as cliched as it is, tomorrow truly is another day. It's a chance to start fresh. So if that story is still rattling around in your brain, not leaving you alone, then perhaps it's a sign to sit down at your desk and give it another shot. The only person stopping you is you!
Good luck!
Tuesday, 7 February, 2012
Getting Started
Good morning!
So. How are things going now? What have you accomplished thus far on your journey to publication?
Not much? A few words? Nothing at all?
You know what? That's okay. The most important thing here is to not chastise yourself or give up on your idea entirely. "Life" can very often get in the way of our goals and dreams, and it happens to the best of us. The biggest challenge I know of is the time when "life" isn't actually standing in your way. Yes, those times do exist. It's when you hit the snooze button on the alarm for the sixth time. Or you refresh Facebook and skim through the timeline again, even though you just read everything a minute ago. Maybe you're sitting through a marathon of TV show reruns that you've already seen.
This is the biggest challenge: Defeating the "Oh, I'll do it later" voice in the back of your head. This means getting out of bed. Closing your internet browser. Turning off the TV. Because we know writing is hard, don't we? Trying to put those words down on-screen or on paper when your brain decides it has better things to do is akin to water torture.
So here's your morning challenge. Open up Word (or whichever word processing program you use) or grab your notebook and pen. Go ahead, I'll wait.
Ready? Now think about that idea you had. The one that got you all fired up and excited.
Write one sentence.
Just one. That's all. It doesn't have to be the first sentence of the story, it could be a phrase or piece of dialogue that's been floating around in your head.
And just like that, you've started! Your next option is to write two or three more sentences, or perhaps use a timer. Give yourself ten minutes to focus only on your story.
Your new challenge? Do this again tomorrow and add a few more sentences or do as much as you can for another ten minutes. I know, the idea puts a little bit of dread in your belly, doesn't it? It should. This isn't easy. If you really want to get that story into print, you have to work for it. That's all there is to it.
Good luck!
So. How are things going now? What have you accomplished thus far on your journey to publication?
Not much? A few words? Nothing at all?
You know what? That's okay. The most important thing here is to not chastise yourself or give up on your idea entirely. "Life" can very often get in the way of our goals and dreams, and it happens to the best of us. The biggest challenge I know of is the time when "life" isn't actually standing in your way. Yes, those times do exist. It's when you hit the snooze button on the alarm for the sixth time. Or you refresh Facebook and skim through the timeline again, even though you just read everything a minute ago. Maybe you're sitting through a marathon of TV show reruns that you've already seen.
This is the biggest challenge: Defeating the "Oh, I'll do it later" voice in the back of your head. This means getting out of bed. Closing your internet browser. Turning off the TV. Because we know writing is hard, don't we? Trying to put those words down on-screen or on paper when your brain decides it has better things to do is akin to water torture.
So here's your morning challenge. Open up Word (or whichever word processing program you use) or grab your notebook and pen. Go ahead, I'll wait.
Ready? Now think about that idea you had. The one that got you all fired up and excited.
Write one sentence.
Just one. That's all. It doesn't have to be the first sentence of the story, it could be a phrase or piece of dialogue that's been floating around in your head.
And just like that, you've started! Your next option is to write two or three more sentences, or perhaps use a timer. Give yourself ten minutes to focus only on your story.
Your new challenge? Do this again tomorrow and add a few more sentences or do as much as you can for another ten minutes. I know, the idea puts a little bit of dread in your belly, doesn't it? It should. This isn't easy. If you really want to get that story into print, you have to work for it. That's all there is to it.
Good luck!
Tuesday, 24 January, 2012
Goal Setting
Hello again!
Well, the New Year is well under way. Did you make any resolutions for this year? How about setting some goals?
I'm certain you're aware that a large step toward success with any project is setting achievable, manageable goals -- and this is no different with writing a book. You may be familiar with the SMART system for goal setting. SMART is an acronym which stands for:
...and stare, increasingly disheartened, at the blank page.
This is where the goal setting comes in. What is it specifically that you want to write (bullet #1!)? A 75,000-word science fiction novel. Now if I were to ask you how long you thought it would take you to write this novel, what would you say?
A month?
Six weeks?
Half a year?
The answer here depends on a few things, namely how quickly you type, how much planning you've done, and your goals. For most people, 1,000 words a day is quite manageable (bullet #2!). That equates to four typewritten pages (double spaced), and most can even do this in an hour or so. So if you estimate that you'll write five days a week, that gives you 5,000 words in that length of time, and approximately 20,000 words in a month.
Does that seem a little more realistic (bullets 3 and 4!)? Sure it does, right? At that rate, your novel could be complete in three and a half months. You could even be generous and give yourself four or four and a half months, but if you're serious about this novel and about writing books as more than a fun hobby, you certainly wouldn't want your goal to be a year or more (bullet 5!).
What if you don't type that quickly, or don't think you could manage 1,000 words a day? That's not a problem, as long as you take the other factors into account. Only 500 words a day? Seven months to your novel. Or maybe you're envisioning a sweeping epic saga of 150,000 words or more, or a novella of 25,000. Whatever it is, tailor your goals to your skills and you'll be more likely to achieve success.
Good luck!
Next time we'll talk about other types of goals, and other things such as pre-writing material and plotting, and when life gets in the way!
Well, the New Year is well under way. Did you make any resolutions for this year? How about setting some goals?
I'm certain you're aware that a large step toward success with any project is setting achievable, manageable goals -- and this is no different with writing a book. You may be familiar with the SMART system for goal setting. SMART is an acronym which stands for:
- Specific
- Measurable
- Attainable
- Realistic and
- Timely
...and stare, increasingly disheartened, at the blank page.
This is where the goal setting comes in. What is it specifically that you want to write (bullet #1!)? A 75,000-word science fiction novel. Now if I were to ask you how long you thought it would take you to write this novel, what would you say?
A month?
Six weeks?
Half a year?
The answer here depends on a few things, namely how quickly you type, how much planning you've done, and your goals. For most people, 1,000 words a day is quite manageable (bullet #2!). That equates to four typewritten pages (double spaced), and most can even do this in an hour or so. So if you estimate that you'll write five days a week, that gives you 5,000 words in that length of time, and approximately 20,000 words in a month.
Does that seem a little more realistic (bullets 3 and 4!)? Sure it does, right? At that rate, your novel could be complete in three and a half months. You could even be generous and give yourself four or four and a half months, but if you're serious about this novel and about writing books as more than a fun hobby, you certainly wouldn't want your goal to be a year or more (bullet 5!).
What if you don't type that quickly, or don't think you could manage 1,000 words a day? That's not a problem, as long as you take the other factors into account. Only 500 words a day? Seven months to your novel. Or maybe you're envisioning a sweeping epic saga of 150,000 words or more, or a novella of 25,000. Whatever it is, tailor your goals to your skills and you'll be more likely to achieve success.
Good luck!
Next time we'll talk about other types of goals, and other things such as pre-writing material and plotting, and when life gets in the way!
Friday, 13 January, 2012
Friday Reads
Hello again!
I hope you all had a lovely, restful holiday. Things were crazy as usual in our household, but much fun was had by all!
Fortunately, I was able to spend some time reading over Christmas and New Year's, and I finished a rather interesting book by Sarah Winman called When God Was a Rabbit. Truthfully, my reading tastes tend toward genre fiction (fantasy, sci-fi, romance, etc.) rather than literary projects, but I always find myself intrigued by the occasional title that causes a stir in whichever circles. I usually find these books difficult to read because the characters are so broken and damaged, or are put through such horrible events that they remind me too much of real-world events. I prefer a healthy dose of escapism with my fiction, thank you!
Regardless of all that, the one thing that happens with these stories is I find myself thinking about them at random moments, long after the cover has been closed. So it can't be said that these books don't have an effect!
This story recounts Elly's childhood in '70s England and the way she, her brother Joe, and her friend Jenny Penny deal with various traumatic events and secrets that lie just beneath the surface of their lives. They navigate a path through a world full of loss and heartache, the dark and damaging side of love and sex, and the ties -- however twisted sometimes -- that bind a family together. The characters' actions sometimes frustrated or confused me, but people in real life don't always act the way we want them to, either. I can't say I liked or disliked the book, only that it left me feeling somewhat ambivalent. I did find myself at times unable to put the book down, which is a good thing, and the characters were quite well drawn. I can't quite put my finger on what I would have liked done differently, however.
If you like coming-of-age stories that are slightly askew, this one is for you.
Have you read When God Was a Rabbit? What did you think of it?
I hope you all had a lovely, restful holiday. Things were crazy as usual in our household, but much fun was had by all!
Fortunately, I was able to spend some time reading over Christmas and New Year's, and I finished a rather interesting book by Sarah Winman called When God Was a Rabbit. Truthfully, my reading tastes tend toward genre fiction (fantasy, sci-fi, romance, etc.) rather than literary projects, but I always find myself intrigued by the occasional title that causes a stir in whichever circles. I usually find these books difficult to read because the characters are so broken and damaged, or are put through such horrible events that they remind me too much of real-world events. I prefer a healthy dose of escapism with my fiction, thank you!
Regardless of all that, the one thing that happens with these stories is I find myself thinking about them at random moments, long after the cover has been closed. So it can't be said that these books don't have an effect!
This story recounts Elly's childhood in '70s England and the way she, her brother Joe, and her friend Jenny Penny deal with various traumatic events and secrets that lie just beneath the surface of their lives. They navigate a path through a world full of loss and heartache, the dark and damaging side of love and sex, and the ties -- however twisted sometimes -- that bind a family together. The characters' actions sometimes frustrated or confused me, but people in real life don't always act the way we want them to, either. I can't say I liked or disliked the book, only that it left me feeling somewhat ambivalent. I did find myself at times unable to put the book down, which is a good thing, and the characters were quite well drawn. I can't quite put my finger on what I would have liked done differently, however.
If you like coming-of-age stories that are slightly askew, this one is for you.
Have you read When God Was a Rabbit? What did you think of it?
Tuesday, 27 December, 2011
2012: What Does It Mean To You?
Do you see the changing of the calendar year as a chance for a new start, or a time to try something new? Maybe this year will be your year! Will you finish that book? Maybe actually sit down and start one?
Let's talk in January about goal-setting. Think about what you want to do, and just how you're going to do it. In the meantime, enjoy this holiday season with your family and friends. Recharge and refill your creative well. Read, watch movies. Get out and enjoy the outdoors. Have some fun! Relax and rest, because all too soon it'll be time to get back into routine.
So however you celebrate it, have a safe New Year's Eve and we'll get down to business in the New Year!
Cheers!
Let's talk in January about goal-setting. Think about what you want to do, and just how you're going to do it. In the meantime, enjoy this holiday season with your family and friends. Recharge and refill your creative well. Read, watch movies. Get out and enjoy the outdoors. Have some fun! Relax and rest, because all too soon it'll be time to get back into routine.
So however you celebrate it, have a safe New Year's Eve and we'll get down to business in the New Year!
Cheers!
Tuesday, 20 December, 2011
Tuesday Tips: Take a Break
As you're all aware, the holiday season is upon us. Suddenly our days seem to be filled with concerts, parties, shopping, baking and cleaning. During all this hustle and bustle it can sometimes be difficult to keep up with your daily or weekly writing goals*. And you know what? That's okay. Don't beat yourself up about missing a day or two of writing. You should be taking time to spend with your family and friends. Go sledding with the kids. Curl up in front of the TV with hot chocolate and watch a favorite family classic. Build a gingerbread house. Go look at Christmas lights.
In other words, look at these moments as refilling your creative well. Use the time you're not at your desk to take in the world around you and enjoy it. And if you really feel the need to add to your word count, ask for an hour or two of quiet time. Send the family out shopping or to the movies, and take advantage of that break.
As with goal-setting in general, it shouldn't be an "all or nothing" attitude. Flexibility is key, especially if you do have a family and commitments outside of the home. Keeping this sort of attitude will reduce your stress levels and help you to be more productive. After all, how creative can you be if you've continually got one eye on the calendar?
Good luck, and Happy Holidays!
*Don't have goals or know about goal setting? We'll be talking about that in January!
In other words, look at these moments as refilling your creative well. Use the time you're not at your desk to take in the world around you and enjoy it. And if you really feel the need to add to your word count, ask for an hour or two of quiet time. Send the family out shopping or to the movies, and take advantage of that break.
As with goal-setting in general, it shouldn't be an "all or nothing" attitude. Flexibility is key, especially if you do have a family and commitments outside of the home. Keeping this sort of attitude will reduce your stress levels and help you to be more productive. After all, how creative can you be if you've continually got one eye on the calendar?
Good luck, and Happy Holidays!
*Don't have goals or know about goal setting? We'll be talking about that in January!
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