New Years Resolutions

The realization that today is the last day of 2012 hasn't quite sunk in yet, though I have started to think about all the things that I've done and want to continue on improving for 2013. New Year Resolutions always are the topic of this time of year and for me personally I feel like so many people set goals that are unattainable because either they give themselves too many goals it's impossible to reach them all, they set the few goals they have to high they can't reach or they put too much pressure on them that if they don't reach one of the goals the year is a complete failure.

Well this year I've decided that I'm going to give myself a few goals that I know I can reach as long I keep put them into my weekly routine and not use excuses to cut them out, as well as looking at all the small things that I have been able to accomplish along the way. Without recognizing accomplishments, no matter how small, I think is key to staying motivated as if it were day one. It means that you can see the light at the end of the tunnel no matter how far away it might be. You're making progress and that's an amazing accomplishment in itself, rather than having never started or giving up in the end.

So to begin in saying farewell to 2012 I want to look back all the things that I have accomplished.
- I went to my very first writers conference.
- I created a general game plan for my writing career and I'm happy with it. (Note: I have not set a timeline for myself as to when I'm going to be published. I'm going to keep creating new work while putting finished work out there and making edits on them to make them better. I don't think I will become a big famous writer overnight and I'm fine with that as long as I'm trying.)
- I've started a complete rewrite of my first novel having completed 50,000 words in a month.
- I attempted my first National Novel Writing Month (on the rewrite) and plan on making this a tradition (Not necessarily on the rewriting part)
- I've been keeping up with my personal blog, missed a few weeks but have been doing a thousand times better than I have in the past.
- I've started Novelous Ladies and have some amazing friends to have joined me in talking about the books we are reading.  (and I've only missed my weekly posting goal maybe twice. I call that a win)
- I had my first in person pitch to an agent and learned more than if I hadn't put myself out there.
- I've sent my query letter to several agents and have even had a partial request. Still haven't found the right person to be my agent yet, but I'm still positive of all the things I'm learning along the way.
- In my day job I've been given more responsibilities and we are all ready talking about my future in the company. Happy dance I'm not going to be a clerk for the rest of my life.
- I  made my very first big purchase as an adult. That's right people, I bought myself a car. One that I chose on my own and with an amazing mom to give me a loan to help me keep the APR super low I was able to reach this goal. (Thanks MOM!)
- I paid off all my credit cards. That's right people I'm starting off 2013 with no credit card dept, school loans. I only got my car loan. I think that alone deserves a happy dance.

Now with 2013 coming in less than 24 hours it's time to come up with all the things I would like to accomplish in the upcoming year.
- Put in a workout routine into my week. It doesn't have to be anything big but at least get out for a walk/jog 2-3 times a week. It's time to focus on my health just as much as I do into my writing.
- Limit the amount of junk food that I consume. Personally the word diet freaks me out. More times than not people who diet end up putting so many restrictions on themselves that they end up failing. So, what does that mean for me? Well, it's about moderation. No rushing through a meal that only turns into over eating and feeling like crap. It also means eating smaller portions and stopping when satisfied. Snacking is fine, having sweets every once and a while is fine. It's making more healthy food a staple rather then junk food. Meaning I have to cook more times than not. I'm not the best cook in the world but the food I make is a thousand times more healthy than if I did fast food. That alone will help in the desire to get healthy, ie loosing weight.
- Keep up with the weekly posts on Novelous Ladies and coming up with more ways to interact and grow it's presence on Facebook.
- Keep up with my weekly personal blog.
- Go to at least the Romance Writers of America Conference in Atlanta this year, and if possible make it out to the RT Book Lovers Conference in  Kansas City as well.
- Keep sending out query letters to literary agents the meet my personal expectations of what I want in a person who will eventually work hand in hand with me to reach all my publishing goals.
- Finish my rewrite and keep working on, potentially finishing Blue Moon.
- Do another edit of Mackenzie Falls now that I have Scrivener to help break it down.
- Take on NaNoWriMo

Yup, those sound pretty good to me and I think that they are all possible to accomplish in the next 365 days.

For those who are going out for New Years stay safe and have a good time bringing in the New Year. Good luck on all your new resolutions and see you all on the other side of the year. May your  2013 be a thousand times better than your 2012. :)

Distractions

I'm sitting here wondering what to write about until it hit me distractions and how to battle them. Or at least try to.

I still have a rewrite in process but have been about a week since I've actually done any writing in a week. With the holidays right around the question is how to battle distractions, missing muse, and yet still making some progress on your work.

Well here is what I figured out. Editing notes! With one finished novel and another in a work in progress I have figured out how I can keep working on one when I stall on the other...editing notes. As I was reading notes from other published authors as well as editors in the aftermath of National Novel Writing Month to see about getting some tips on writing and editing I came across the blog Pub(lishing) Crawl's post on revisions. (http://www.publishingcrawl.com/2012/12/07/tackling-revisions/) And it's amazing advice.

I've tried using index cards in the past but never utilized them to there potential. I've always gone right into line edits and taking things by chunks to help with fixing story issues and I'm sure I've missed more story line and character issues by not utilizing index cards.

*flops head on desk* Okay, I know I want to be the best author I can be so it's time to try to use everything possible on my own to make my book as best as it can be until I get the best editor possible who is just as passionate about my work as I am to only make it that much better.

So use your distracted brain that can't seem to focus on writing and start making your index cards to help edit your other works that are finished yet still in need of a good polishing. I highly recommend reading this article on revisions from someone who has more experience in writing than me. It's all about finding what works for you and where do you start to find that you ask? Find those you have succeeded in what you want to do and learn from them. Not everything works for everyone. It's trial and error but it will only make you the better writer.

So use those distractions of not being able to focus on your writing by getting ready for editing and starting writing notes and outlines for work that's in need to be edited or for a project that you want to work on in the future. Just cause your distracted away from one project doesn't mean that you can't still make some progress in other ways.

Fight Scenes

You would be amazed just how many fight scenes end up in Romance Novels yet not all of them are as well written as the rest of the novel. When I went to the RWA conference this past summer I had attended a self defense class to help write fight scenes and practically every woman in there cringed at the thought of watching fighting. Yet they will end up having a fight scene in one way or another in a book. Yet, how is it possible to write an accurate scene if you don't know how the attacker and the victim might feel or react.

So, here I am doing my research (and watching for fun) a UFC fight and am so amazed by these fighters. They have so much heart and determination in the ring. Other than getting in a gym to learn how to fight I know this will help my writing in my action scenes. Seeing as my WIP has a lot of action I know this will make my writing so much stronger.

Having played rugby though out college and sisters who skate Roller Derby, violent sports aren't something to be feared or disgusted by. Playing rugby was such a release and so much fun I can see why people get into these sports or become fans. Don't get me wrong I'm not a violent person but when put into a structured sport I get it. Give it a try before you turn your head in disgust. Personally I'd rather watch UFC/MMA (mixed martial arts) than boxing as I think it's the closest thing you'd see in a real life fight. When it comes to my writing I'd want it to be as real as possible and well, people don't just throw punches.

I seriously suggest trying to watch even one bout to help writing fight scenes. Even listening to some of the interview some of the fighters. Especially Rhonda Rousey the top female MMA fighter at age 26. You would be amazed at just how sweet some of these people are.

Anyways, I'm going to go focus one watching some fights. You'd be amazed just how fast some of these fights can go. These athletes amaze me.

Life after NaNoWriMo

Not sure about everyone else, but I've officially survived my first National Novel Writing Month. It was a blur of time and at times a little painful at times. While I've reached the 50,000 word mark, my work is far from completed for my comfort for a first draft. It literally was a boot-camp for good writing habits. As hard as it was working on getting that word count each day, fighting for each and every word, seeing the word count grow was satisfying. With a few moments of pure bliss of the words flowing without having to even think about it was, I had to fight for the word count this month. And let me tell you that when you step back after fighting for words to see how much you achieved is a feeling that I am most proud of. I still have a few thousand words until I have the completed story before the editing begins. And I'm so excited to see how this story has evolved.

This year's project is a complete rewrite of my very first novel I had written while in College. It's crazy to see it change over time and I'm still in love with the story and characters.

Now that NaNoWriMo is over it's time to keep up those good habits you stuck with over the last thirty days. If you can't keep up to that intense schedule then find one that works for you and stick with it. I'm going to be doing this as well. As soon as I find a calendar to update with what I've been doing on my writing on this blog, I will keep everyone up to dated on the wonders of making my way towards authorhood.

High fives to everyone who's stuck with NaNo and for those who weren't able to make the word count keep writing. Remember there is always next year to help strengthen your writing muscles for NaNoWriMo.

Now that December is here it's time to get back to work and get ready for the Holidays.

Oh, before I forget remember to check out Novelous Ladies at www.novelousladies.blogspot.com for book reviews and maybe a few book ideas for gifts. We post new articles every Weekend.

Happy Holidays everyone!

Holiday Travels

In an early attempt to keep up on all the things that I have going this week with the Thanksgiving Holidays, I send you all in the State a Happy Turkey Day a day early. For the rest of you, happy rest of the day of the week.

For those who are in the throws of National Novel Writing Month dont let the distraction of family and other activities to distract you. For me I'm taking the time I'm waiting in airports (like now) to play catch up and hopefully get a head of the curve. If you are ahead in the word count front, don't get lazy. Stay ahead. Taking a day off in this month of testing your writing muscles will make it harder to jump back into the writing flow. (Trust me on this last part, I've fallen to this and am now fighting an uphill battle to get back on track on my word count.) Make sure to set time aside to get that word count in. I've already informed family that if we are just sitting around the house or watching a movie that I will be breaking out the computer to get something written.

Yup, that also means that if you have to wake up early to get those pages in then do it. Even in all the maddness that is the holidays you can find an hour here or there to get your words down.

That being said, don't stress. I'm trying not to about my writing. There are too many other things going on that you don't have control over this holiday season, don't let your writing take that roll. This is one thing that you do have conrol over. So go...write. Let this be a stress releif from travel and family.

Also remember to break out those stretchy pants for your turkey day dinners. Those pesky pants that have no give will find it's way to be as uncomfortable as possible the more you.

Happy Holidays and Happy Turkey Day. Keep up those writing habits and don't overly stress too much over the season. Enjoy having the family you have around you no matter how much they may annoy you at times.

The Power Half Hour

This phrase I had learned from a sibling in reference to an after party so that you don't spend four hours of drinking and dealing with a hangover. Instead you limit yourself to only half an hour of drinks and then cut yourself off for the rest of the night. Doesn't always mean that you're not going to get drunk or have a hangover or overdoing it a little, but it does limit how much you can consume in one night. I mean seriously you can only drink so much in 30 minutes.

Anyways I distract myself from how I've evolved the power half hour into writing. No booze involved in this at all.

With only having an hour lunch break at work I pondered just how I can take advantage of this time for National Novel Writing Month and not be forced to dread getting home for my much needed word count. If I already a few hundred words under my belt by the time I get home then getting that 2,000 words wasn't quite as daunting when you only a few hours to do so. Thus comes in the Power Half Hour. While most people I work with either eat at there desk while working or actually use the lunch room, I decided that I would do a combination taking my full lunch break to eat at my desk while working on my novel.

Thus came the idea of the Power Half Hour. I gave myself 30 minutes at my day job to try to ignore the people who happened to pass my desk (yeah I'm a bit of a talker so easily distracted) and get some writing done. This also came about from the wonderful person, whoever they may be, of the twitter hashtag #1k1hr. Knowing that I don't have that full time to accomplish this task while on my lunch break I made it my own.

For one reason or another the novel I'm working on for National Novel Writing Month is kicking my behind. I was able to stay above the word count curve just barely, till now, as I fight for every work. When at home I can't get close to being able to focus for even just an hour. My  mind wonders off in different directions. I get distracted by mindless wondering around the internet or catching up to roommates I haven't seen all week. And for that I've been trying to put the Power Half Hour to the test at home as well.

If I can focus on getting multiple chunks of the Power Half Hour done in a night or all through out the weekend then I call that a win. It's all about adapting to how your brain and focus is working on a specific book. Since I want to make this into a career I have to start putting in the work to make it a job and not just work when the muse is willing to put in the time. I've had novels flow and get thousands of words done in one sitting, but this novel? It's a fight and I have to admit that I feel accomplished that I'm putting so much into it to get what I have. When I can finally type THE END I know I have done something that not everyone is able to do. I will have fought to get over that vicious wall of writers block or distraction or whatever you want to call it, to be able to finish another novel.

Perfection it may not be, but it will be done and a place to start when it comes to editing.

With that being said, I have a fight with this novel to take on and get a word count done. Wish me luck and I hope everyone is able to find a way to make their writing work for them. Let it be #1k1hr or a Power Half Hour, I wish you all luck!

One day at a time

Ten days into National Novel Writing Month, I'm sitting here in my weekend writing nook looking back on the things I've learned and what I've got laying ahead of me.

As much as I try have written every single day even if it's a paragraph or edit one sentence, I'm realizing that it's not enough. Thank goodness I've decided to take on the NaNoWriMo challenge this month cause it is teaching me more about my writing habits than I thought I knew.

First off, it's impossible to write the same number of words each day, but it is good to set goals that push your limits. Limits that you have to work for yet, here's the big things, they are still obtainable.

Second, having a writing buddy/a little competition helps (or does for me). This way you have to check in with someone at some point to talk about your word count. This person is in the same boat as you and can sympathize with the good, the bad, and the ugly that comes along with writing. Not everyone goes through the same things and it helps having that person to push you to get that word count even if it's a lot less than what you had wanted to get.

Third, stop over thinking things and just get it down on the page. Having too many insecurities over which word to choose or when you realize it's the 5th time you've used the same word on the page doesn't mean you should stop right then and have a break down. It's your first draft. NO ONE IS PERFECT ON THERE FIRST DRAFT. And if you or anyone thinks that I'm sorry but you're lying to yourself and everyone else. There are always things you can do to improve your story, your characters, and whatnot. Take a deep healing breath and know that you can come back to fix things later. If you have a blank page you don't have anything to come back to when it's time to edit. From the short time I've been taking my writing seriously, I've learned this big thing about writing....ready for it.....the real writing is in the editing. Whooo I know. That was a big one. Here's another tidbit I've already said but will repeat that falls into the whole editing thing....ready? If you don't have anything written down you have no where to go. No place to improve. You're just stuck.

Fourth, the more I write my story (currently doing a full rewrite on a paranormal romance) the more my characters surprise me. Like in life these fictional characters are evolving, keeping me on my toes.

Fifthly, no matter if you are a writing machine busting out thousands of words and hour or if, like me right now, you are fighting for every single word, congratulate yourself. You are writing a mother fing book people! That is something that not everyone can do and it's hard. Really hard to keep right at it.

I know I had a list in my last couple of blogs and some of them are repetitive. Yet, here I am doing it again. Here's the thing...I've said it out loud and I need to keep saying. I'm still learning these lessons myself. Saying them and repeating the good habits are hard and important to me. If you want to become a full time author, and I do, then these are things you have to do, or so I'm learning from watching those who are doing what I will one day join the ranks in.

Lesson of the day? Write, write, write, write, and don't stop. Keep putting yourself out there and honing your craft. One day you will be the published author you want to be. One day you will have the career with the good habits that will keep you going even when you are fighting for every word on the book you're working on.

Good luck my fellow NaNoWriMos! Twenty more days to go! Just take it one day at a time and you will be surprised at what you have accomplished.

November is here!

It's amazing just how fast time goes sometimes. November is here already leaving Halloween in its wake and the challenge of NaNoWriMo for writers around the world laying in front of us. Day 1 is past and I was able to just squeak past the goal of 2 thousand words a day. Day 2? Not so much. After a long day at work and getting home late the words are flowing as well as I had wished, but I'm getting something down and that's the main goal.

NaNo is definatley a challenge and one that I'm finding interesting so far. With the few (2) novels I've written so far and the several dozen summaries I've done have been in the first person point of view. In the full rewrite that I'm doing of my first novel I ever wrote for NaNo I found myself writing in 3rd person. This is a new adventure and I only hope that it turns out better than my original first draft. Great story idea, but all telling a very little showing.

Learned my lesson on with that and now I'm putting what I've spent the last year or so into place. I know I'm not the best writer in the world, but it's all about putting in the work and continuing to hone your craft and with the challenge of 50,000 words in 30 days and changing my preference of narration is going to be fun to see how it turns out.

Yes, I know how the story ends, but so far my characters are already evolving more than they have since the last time I'm spent any significant amount of time with them. They are becoming more distinct and individualized than I had thought they were. So, who knows where they will end up pushing the story.

Don't know about you guys, but I'm excited to see where they will end up taking me by the end of the month.

Here are a few tips that I've learned so far with NaNo:
1. Just write! Don't go back and self edit. Save that for December. Even if it's 1 word put it down on paper. You've already done more than those who have signed up but keep finding excuses to not put those words down on paper.
2. Set a timer. I find 30 min to 1 hour nonstop writing time works well for me. In that time close all internet windows, turn off all TVs and if need avoid being around people who might distract you. Most of all turn your phone OFF. Not distractions and spend that amount of time getting as many words down as possible.
3. It doesn't have to be perfect. First drafts are never perfect. Far from it in fact. There is a quote that I'm not sure where it's from that says "The real writing comes in the editing." You are laying the foundation of your story in your first draft. It's in the editing later on that you and really build and decorate your house of a story. Don't stress about getting it right. Just get something down first.
4. Don't worry what everyone else thinks about  your story or what you are trying to do. I've found that only other writers can really understand what we are doing. If you love your story and your characters then tell there story. It's not about what everyone else wants to hear, it's about what you want to tell us. If you're passionate about then they we will want to hear you talk about it and it will come across on the page.
5. Breathe. In the end if you don't reach those 2,000 word goal or the day or if it takes don't everyone the same amount of time to write the same number of words. Also others have more time or better focus or can type faster or whatever else you want to think of. Breathe! Know two people are the same. So do what you can and pat yourself on the back for being able to do what you can. There is no need to stress or beat yourself up if a road block pops up. Some times you have to stop. Other times you can smash through those roadblocks and are able to by pass your goals like they were the easiest thing on earth. Don't stress, and breathe.

Well I still have some time to try to get some words done for the day, but I'm exhausted. I'm thinking that a goodnight sleep is needed and can start the day off fresh and knock out the remainder of today's word count along with tomorrows as well.

Good luck in NaNoWriMo everyone! And keep writing!

NaNoWrMo

For those that don't know what NaNoWrMo is, it's National Novel Writing Month. Novel writing month? Isn't every month novel writing month for authors? Yes it is, but in the last few years this new craze has taken over where the month of November the masses gather to get a novel, 50,000 words, done. That means no editing just non-stop writing.

I've never participated in NaNo. Last year I was in the middle of typing up and editing Mackenzie Falls and didn't want to stop to start a new project. This year things are different.

In need of a desperate need of a break from Mackenzie Falls (also have a friend beta reading it for feedback from someone who doesn't know a lot about the story) and I'm revisiting my very first manuscript. Going through the pages with multicolored pens like a mad women I realized one thing. This draft sucks! Don't get me wrong every first draft is always bad, but with this being my first attempt ever at writing a novel. Mistakes were bound to be made.

And I made them. 

Now a little bit wiser and a little bit more experience under my belt, I'm now ready to retake on the task of a full rewrite.

With NaNo right around the corner I've been diligently rereading my little seed of a good idea piled in crap that is waiting to grow into a strong beautiful plant, reintroducing myself to the characters, the plot, the world I'd created. The second time round I know what to the faults are of the story and know that it will go better this time.

That all being said, I've still got a lot of work to do in prep for November 1 and the challenge of getting close to 2 thousand words each day. A challenge I'm willing to try.

For those who are going to try NaNo I wish you luck in your adventure into 50,000 words in a month.

Rambelings of a Friday

A few weeks ago Carina Press held a great opportunity for a short time for there submissions that if you wanted feedback they would would provide it. For those that don't know if you get a rejection from an agent or a publishing house for slush pile (unsolicited submissions) submissions it's usually a form letter. The fact that they were willing to give some feedback with a shorter turn around then they normally have is an amazing feat, and one that I couldn't turn down.

At this early of a stage of my writing career (shoot anytime in a writing career) good constructive criticism is always a good thing. And well I got my feedback the other day, and yes it's with a rejection letter, and it had some info that I wasn't too surprised to get. Good to know that what I see as my own weakness isn't just me being nit-picky and insecure about my craft. Yup, the interact rules of grammar is my major down fall. Which in the end causes my writing to be a little choppy at times.

How do I fix that problem you ask? Keep writing and refreshing my knowledge on grammar. Good thing I've taken the 'Before You Hit Send' workshop, taking plenty of notes. It does mean that I have to keep reading and going over my notes to improve, but if I want be a published author (which I do) I've got to keep moving forward.

So, what's my plan? I'm going to keep to my goals. I'll be rewriting my first paranormal manuscript during National Novel Writing Month this November, keeping my grammar notes close by. As well as going back over my manuscript Mackenzie Falls later on. Yes I've been working on and putting out submissions with that particular MS, but I think I've been over thinking the edits. How to fix this you ask? Put it away for a short while and come back to it with new eyes.

With my fourth (I know crazy it's such a small number for know and I expect it to grow) under my belt, I dove in to my Friday work day a little bummed, but good things I knew were coming that day. First off it's been employee appreciation week at my office so we got breakfast. Later we were going to have our fire extinguisher training session. You know what that means? Firemen!

The Redwood City Firemen of the ladder truck came to teach us some fire safety tips and let us play with some fire. And yes they were all cuties. What can I say Firemen no matter what are HOT and they were all really nice too. Wish I wasn't so shy so I could have talked to them more and got some good stories from them. But they did make a little fire for us and showed us how to put it out with a fire extinguisher. Yup I even put it out too! And it was a blast, leaving me wanting to know more about the ins and outs of being a firemen. Future book? I think so.

With a smile plastered on my face from playing with fire supervised by the great local firemen, our CFO took my accounting dept to a new local restaurant that was super tasty Italian Pizza that from what I'm told by those who've been to Italy rivals that real thing. What can I say, I still have the instinct of a poor college student. Free food is always a good thing. Oh and to top it off, it's pay day!

Yeah yesterday didn't suck.

And now it's back to the grind stone and hone my craft. Nothing happens overnight and when it does happen (and it will eventually) it will be that much a sweeter reward.

Something Different

I sit here and wonder sometimes if I'm the only one that gets the random urge to pack up your car with every single thing that you care about most, sell everything else, and just move to the first place that sounds like heaven? I'm sure there are some people out there that can afford, or have the guts, to do this. I am not one of those people. As much as of late I have the urge to do this every so often my responsible self kicks in. There is no way to that my responsible side would let me do this.

First things first before moving anywhere...find a job. Then nothing else matters as to how or what I bring with.

For the time being I will fight the urge to move by saving up and keeping an eye out for new opportunities and save up for when the times come to move. Oh and can't forget I will keep writing and keep putting my work out there till I reach that goal....being a full time author.

Till then I will just have to write all my adventures.

Behind Schedule

For the past few weeks I've been trying to stick to a new writing schedule to be able to accomplish everything. You know with the editing of two books, writing a third as well as keeping up two blogs, while being able to read a book to review for said second blog. Yeah that's a lot to do on top of a full time job.

Anyways, it had been going great. I got a book read and was making some great progress on the writing and editing front. Then my discipline was put to a real test. I got a rejection letter and I had family in town for a roller derby tourney my sister was skating in for three days. And it all went to crap.

I got some pages read in between bouts, but productivity was very low. Total bummer, but I did have a good time watching my sister skate and her team getting a bid to nationals.

So, now it's time to get back into action and focus. That means getting back on schedule, sticking to the plan and getting it done, even if it is the busiest time of the month at my day job which means staying late.

Yikes!

Ok taking a deep breath. Writing is fun and I don't have a real deadline for any of my novels, but that doesn't mean that I don't want to get into the good habits of a full time novelist. And to do that means that you have to put in the time and effort into it. But it also means that I need to also find a way to balance real life into a busy work schedule. Which is harder than it sounds.

With that being said...I'm back at it.

Lessons leaned about Publishing World

As I make my way into the publishing world I've been learning a lot an am amazed by all the wonderful people that are in this industry. And yet I find it interesting just how many people who want to be authors don't take advantage of the FREE information that is out there to help make your way from the aspiring author to the published author to the published category.

So, here is a break down of the things I've learned in my last year of serious pursuing of Authorhood (Don't think that is a real word, but it works for now)

1. You only fail as an author if you never start and/or stop writing

2. Write every day. Even if your muse isn't wanting to work you need to learn how to work without her sometimes. If you want to be a full time writer that has a book come out a year that means working without your muse. That means taking full advantage of when she is around. Being disciplined will help your writing career and help your writing grow.

3. Know your genre. This means make sure that you know where your book will sit in the bookstores. This will help make sure that you will pitch it to the right agents and editors.

4. Read your genre. This also goes with #3 but if you know what others are writing and selling it will help your own writing. I'm not saying that you need to use other others ideas and writing styles, but like any business it's good to know what is out there in what you are writing.

5. This is a business. What you put out there in social media and in person does affect if people want to work with you. You can be friendly with the people you want to work with and those that you are working with, but in the end they can it comes down to business. You may talk kids and family trips and other personal things, but editor and agents are there to work with you and aren't your BFF. It's about getting your work out there to the right people and in the best shape possible. That means that sometimes you have blunt feed back or hear things you don't like. But it's a business not about making friends. Harsh, yet true.

6. Nothing happens overnight. It might seem like it to the outside world, but it doesn't. Put your work out there to agents and editors while you are working on a new work. That way you always have time to be continuing to grow your resume. If you wait till your one work gets out then you might never write that second book that you've always wanted to write. Just know it's about finding the right people who love your work as much as you do. Don't rush it just to be able to say you're published. It will happen.

7. This is an industry about rejections. You will get hundreds of nos before you get that one yes that get's your work published.

8. Hone your craft. To do this you have to write. And keep writing. Pick one genre or two to start out in. That way your writing can grow within that genre. If you are all over the place you will never be able to improve than if you focus on one or two things.

9. Do your research. Find the agents, publishing houses, and editors that focus on the genres you write. Then read the submission guidelines and FOLLOW them. By following them you are more likely to get a request for pages. I'm amazed at how many stories I hear about people who get things sent to them in genres that they don't represent. It takes two minutes to check what people are looking for and how they want it sent.

10. Social Media is an amazing tool. I've learned a lot from just using Twitter. Tons of publishing people post pet peeves, what they are looking for in queries, tips and a ton of other good advice. Also DONT query them on social media! That is a big no and an annoyance. Go their website and follow there directions. Social media is a great way to make new connections and to start branding yourself. It's never too soon to start branding yourself. Just remember the 80/20 rule. 20% self promotion 80% interaction. It's also not about the quantity of followers you have but the quality. Use Social media as a tool for research.

11. Only send email to agents and editors business accounts. Showing that you can find their personal information is creepy and sends up red flags. This will not get their attention in a good way. Follow the sub guidelines.

12. Write what you enjoy writing. Don't let the market dictate what you need to be writing. If you don't like the genre then don't do it.

Okay that is all I can think of off the top of my head right now. There are still a ton of lessons I've learned and still need to learn.

Even with all the struggles and hard ships in the end writing is worth it to me. Even if I don't get published, writing is a release and fun. Keep doing what you love doing. I know I am.

Evolution of a Story

As I'm sitting here typing chapter notes for a new work in progress, I'm amazed where my characters are taking me. This is the first book that has a lot of characters right off the bat, and I'm trying to find a way to not overwhelm the reader, as well as myself with all the information. Not everyone is needing to be introduced by name, but it doesn't mean that I don't know each and everyone personally.

But, as I'm trying to get my notes all in one place I'm realizing that my characters are evolving to more than what I thought they were. They do know each other than I do at the moment and what I had orginially thought of them and their place in the story has changed.

Don't get me wrong this isn't a bad thing. I'm only about 20 pages in to the first draft and hand a general idea of where the story is going with a shadow of an idea of who the antagonist is. But the more I sit down and listen to my characters the more the story is growing and they are get strong.

Every time something new pops up I have to take a step back and go, "Oh, I didn't know that about you. That changes everything!" All in a good way of course. If I had forced all these characters in to doing something that isn't in their nature then it wouldn't read as natural. If it means I have to go back and change something then so be it.

With each book I seem to go about it differently. Let it be from creating the characters first to having a scene and then the characters come from that. One thing is always the same. None of my characters end the way that I had orginally pictured them. For example in my first paranormal romance, both the main characters were in high school. When I had finished the story one they were both in college and one of the protagonists turned out to be a bad guy. It was a completely different story I had thought of, but it still held the core I'd wanted, but the characters evolved enough to make the story adapt and evolve.

Seeing this is an amazing thing to me. It's one of the many reasons I love to write. Not only do I get to create these wonderful worlds, but these people I get to meet and experience is mindbogglingly wonderful.

Anyways, I'm going to go back to meeting my characters, and hopefully one day you will meet them too. :)

I'll always remember my first....

No matter how good or how bad something, you always remember the first time you do something.

For my writing career it's my first writers conference at RWA in SoCal. My first pitch to an agent in person. My first rejection from the first pitch in person. My first novel I wrote. My first novel I finished the edits on. My first query letter I mailed.

And to this week I get to add to my firsts. My first request for pages from an agent from that second query letter I sent on a whim to an agent I respect, but hadn't really planned on sending it in quite yet.

When I got that email I had to read it twice to make sure my imagination wasn't playing tricks on me. It wasn't. The agency wants to read 30 pages of my work. AAAHHHHHH. I was at my day job and gave my boss a high five cause I was so excited.

Now what?

I did a quick read through out loud to catch any last little errors and saved those pages in a separate file. Following their directions to a T I sent in what they asked as tears of joy and excitement and utter horror that this is actually happening.

After I hit the send button I made a little hysterical giggle and let out a sigh. I did it. There is no turning back and I feel like I can call my self a writer.

No this doesn't mean that I'm going to be represented by this particular agency. But it means that I have gotten that one step closer to making it happen. Would I love to be represented by this agency? Hell yes. But right now it's about waiting to hear back if they want to read more pages after this. And after that if they want to read the whole thing. If they like my and they sent me an offer of representation then the real work begins.

That's when we really see if what I want and what they want match up. If it does then EPIC win. If not then I'm off to find someone who is just as passsionate of my work as I am and can help me make myself a better writer and help my career grow in an industry that I'm still learning about.

But for right now I'm celebrating the fact that I made it this far. I got my manuscript done. WIN. I sent out a query letter. WIN. I was asked to have pages sent to someone in the industry that can quite possibly be a business partner. WIN.

I will take those 3 wins, pat myself on the back and see where it will go from there.

Good luck to everyone else in their firsts and always remember to embrace those wins and not let those rejections bring you down. You made it this far don't stop now. I'm not. And I'm loving every second of the journey.

Edit two weeks later: I get to ad to another of my firsts. My first emailed rejection letter. Yes, I'm bummed, but hey I got a request of pages from my query and that's the farthest I've ever gotten so far. So, I'm taking this experience as a win, and moving on to find another agent that I would want to represent me and my work. And then the process starts over again. And again. And again if it has to. Until I find that right agent that see my potential and loves my work and my ideas. Then the real work begins. Trying to sell my work to publishers. Till then I'm going to keep writing and keep sending my work out. This business is about rejections till you get that one yes. And I'm going to celebrate every little win I can to get me through the rejections. I love writing and I'm not going to stop. Ever.

Novelous Ladies

Not like I needed to add any more to my already busy plate, but I decided that nope I'm a crazy lady and going to do more.

That means I have two announcements to make.

1. I've started my second paranormal romance, about a human raised in a werewolf pack.

2. I've started a book review blog that two of my good friends and fellow avid readers will help me run. At the moment it is still a work in progress as we will be reviewing all the books that we've been wanting to read. What does this mean? It means that we don't get ARC and all have a different taste for books than the other. Thus we will be posting both newly released books and older novels that we have discovered. None of us are getting paid for this, as it is a fun project to share with others our thoughts of our current reads and in hope to inspire others to enjoy an author they might not have known about before. Check it out at www.novelousladies.blogspot.com

We will be posting on Novelous Ladies as much as possible. Translation hopefully once a week, if not every two weeks. As of the moment it's still at the basics and will be developed more as soon as I get more time.

Anyways, as I've got a new schedule to stick to I've got one thousand words on my new project to write in a next hour. I also have to finish my next book to read for Novelous Ladies.

Hope you all will come and check out the new blog. Later days and keep writing!

Editing! Will it ever end?

After taking a workshop in self editing for a few weeks a while ago, it got me thinking about something. Am I spending too much time editing? When looking at how long it's taken me to get through a round of edits in my Contemporary work got me worried. It's been close to six months to get through it once.

YIKES!

Yes that is a long time but let's do a break down of exactly just how long I'm able to work on it.

So I work a full time day job. That's 40 or more hours a week I'm not able to even tough my manuscript. Add on an hour commute by car one way that's 10 hours a week I can't work on it. Though I do think about things I might want to tweak or whatnot. That leave me oh say if I get home at 6 o'clock on week nights about 3 hours to get some work done. Oh wait, can't forget time to cook dinner and clean up a bit before I need to get to bed. Personally I need a full nights sleep to be able to function properly. So I make sure that I get that 6-8 hours a night. That means on average I can get maybe 2 hours a night if I don't get distracted by real life. In reality that's not a lot of time. But it is something. Then can't forget the weekends. Oh, sweet sweet weekends.

I've cut out a lot of distractions on weekends, i.e going out drinking or clubbing with friends to be able to make the time to get some writing and editing done. This has helped some on the writing front, but not so much in the friend front. Life goes on and that's okay.

Back to the numbers on average in a week I can get maybe 20 hours of editing time. Wow, that is actually a lot of time now that I've broken it down. Grammar not being my forte editing can sometime be a slow process for me. In order for me to be able to get more time with my work since I'm not around a computer all the time, I've printed out my work and make notes by hand. Yup I go old school on my manuscripts before I go back and type up my changes.

Does that count of two rounds of edits? Maybe. I do seem to catch more things while I'm typing up my original changes and now that I have a new list of things to look for and actually reading my work out loud I'm finding that my writing skills are improving. Not drastically but enough that I can notice when I go back to my past works. Put happy dance here. :)

When it comes to my writing and editing I don't set page goals or word counts. Yes, it's nice to be able to bust out ten pages in a day. In reality that isn't always possible and I don't want to get myself down in not being able to reach my goals.

Here are my reasonable workday goals. Get at least one sentence done. Then after that one sentence go to the next one. Even if I can't get one page done I made a baby step. A baby step may be small, but it is progress. Progress is the goal. Large or small it is something. Something that not everyone is able to do.

Weekend goals are larger than workday ones. Get pages. That's right pages done. If I can get more then one page done pat yourself on the back. Personally I want to make more than that, but I'm working on how to work around my focus issues trying to use them to my advantage then against me. One solution to this is that first thing in the morning on weekends I make a pot of tea and sit in the front room before my roommates wake up and get to editing. Little or no music playing. No TV or movies playing, but my full attention to my work. As of late I'm finding that this is working. I've been able to bust out 10 pages on a good morning. 5 on others.

I'm also going to start taking advantage of my old University's library that with the school year has a 24 hour study area for people to use. Not living too far from there and a roommate that still is in school I'm going to use this on weekend, maybe even workdays for a few hours in hope that my productivity will keep rising.

Trial and error is what it's going to take to be able to find the right timing for making my pages faster than what I am doing now. Also the realization that I'm NOT a full time writer means I can't bust out a full edit in a day or month. My skills aren't to that level as of at. It will be. Just not tomorrow.

Realizing your short comings and where you excel. Don't let what other people can do bring you down. I don't. Or try not to. My situation is different from every other writers and as long as I don't over edit that that's all that matters to me. Let it take a long time, but in the end you need to set a limit and just get it done. Get your work out there and see if you can get it published.

Good luck in your editing endeavors! I can't wait to read everyone's work.

Before You Hit Send Workshop

For the last few weeks I've been attending an online workshop on self editing, Before You Hit Send, by the wonderful Angela James of Carina Press, and I suggest that everyone take it. New writer, experienced writer, writer with little confidence and writers with more confidence then what they know what to do with should eventually take this course.


Yes, this means that you are going to have to take time out of your busy schedule of day jobs and writing to go over some basics of grammar and then going into more detail of more complex topics that us writers might forget about when it comes to our editing process. You know the little thing called backing up your work? Yes, the thing we all forget to do. She talks about and give some great suggestions and websites that will help you be able to do so.

With Angela having years of experience of editing in the publishing world she gets straight to the point with each of the lessons, even giving mini assignments to help us writers put that lesson to work. As someone who is a bit ADD, okay I'm alot ADD at times, the classes are easy to read and follow along. Yes, grammar can be tedious and frustrating as hell, but Angela does a great job with making it a bit more easy to understand. I know that I struggle with some more of the intricate rules in grammar. With the review I admit I'm still boggled by them, but do feel more comfortable that they wont be running awry everywhere in my writing. At least I hope they wont. :)

Think you know it all? Well guess what we don't. Sorry to burst your bubble, but it's true. Writing is an ever growing craft that the more you do it, the more you improve. This also means taking classes or workshops to help flush out some things your might have forgotten over time. So, take advantage of the classes that experienced professionals put on. Though I'm sure that there are more than a few smucks out there posing as them. Do your research! But, I promise you think one thing if you take this serious. You will come out learning ten fold what you thought you would. Plus Angela does interact with her students in the forum. Have a question? Ask and it will be answered. With other people posting questions as well you might also learn from others as well.

Who knew right? Learning from others questions? Odd concept right. ;)

Anyways, as an aspiring author I'm glad I threw down the few bucks (yes it cost money, but trust me it's worth every cent. PS it's really, really, really, affordable)

Having been in the editing process for two different books, I'm glad I took the class. I've always been nervous about letting other read my work, but honestly now with an established list of things I need to be looking for I'm more comforatble in my writing and putting it out there. That is what it is to be a writer right? To have others be able to enjoy our work. No matter how many works you might have, no one will be able to enjoy the hours of hard work you put into it if you don't feel as if you've cleaned it up enough for other to read.

I know this post is a rant about how you should take this class, and you should, but it's up to you to take the incentive to learn from others and grow in your craft. No, no one asked me to write this post to try to get people to take the class, but if I really enjoy something then I'm going to talk about it. Let it be a book, a blog, a movie, a class, or some really funny joke a friend told me once, I'm going to blog about it.

But seriously learn from those who are in the industry that you want to be in. Twitter and blogs have been an amazing tool for me to find publishing houses, agents, and editors that focus in my genres. Believe it or not they actually talk about things that as a writer that wants to be published one day are amazing tips to be able to get yourself to your goal.

So here are Angela James and Carina Press' sites that I suggest you check out:

-Angela James' website: http://nicemommy-evileditor.com/
-Carina Press's blog: http://carinapress.com/blog/

One last thing: Thanks, Angela, for helping me feel more confident my a craft that I hope to be able to make a full time career and not just the little hobby that my friends like to think this as. I'm glad I took the class and can't wait to put it to work. But really, I am a lot more confident in my editing skills because of this class.

Letters

Today I got in the mail a letter from my grandmother who will occasionally send me a letter every couple of months to catch up. Including a few dollars for an ice cream cone, so that if we were together she'd be the one to take me out for a treat. It's cute and makes me feel like I'm a bit of a kid a again. Being the youngest granddaughter I'll always be a child in her eyes, even if she does now have a dozen or so great grand babies as well. No none are from me.

Any ways, as I was musing over the lovely update of everything that is happening in my grandmother's life, and family farm, it got me thinking. People don't get enough mail. No, I'm not talking about junk mail and bills. I'm talking actual letters. Every rare occasion I get a letter or package in the mail from someone it brightens my day. With technology and instant gratification rampart no one takes the time to write anything by hand, it's all email and instant messages and text messages.

It brought back a memory from when I was a child going to a great aunts house where she brought out boxes of letters between her and her husband from when they met throughout their marriage. Decades of letters in boxes. Including when he was gone to war, yup during WWII.

 The fact that they kept writing letters even through there is amazing. This is what love stories are made of. And why us writers try to grasp in our novels. Here's my question, do people still write love letters or even real letters?

Men gripe over women wanting romance. The thing that they don't realize is that something so simple and easy to do, like a letter or hand written note can do the job. A simple I'm thinking of you, I miss you, even an I love you does the trick.

With that being said, I think I'm going to start writing more letters. Even just a simple note to a family member instead of a email or text. When surprise mail arrives it always makes my day, so why not do the same with others. I suggest everyone do the same. Seriously why not take the time to make someone you care about, friend or family by doing something so small as a simple note.

RWA12

RWA12, Romance Writers of America 2012 National Conference, has now officially come and gone. I was hoping to get this blog written sooner, but playing catch up at the day job as well as trying to work out some of my own writing schedule has put updating my blog behind what I would have liked. Well, I'm here now. :)

This years RWA conference was my first conference I've ever attended. It was a big step for me. A scary big step, since I'm still starting the beginning of my journey of navigating my way into the publishing world, both as an aspiring author and hopefully one day as an editor or agent (still trying to figure out that last part). Before I filled out my registration back in April I had a rather intense debate with myself. The conference was during the busiest time of the month at my day job and it's a big no no to take time off then. So, after talking to my boss and him pretty much giving me the go ahead, I had to really think about it. Can I afford it? Yes. Is this going to be a big investment into my future? Yes. Will I know anyone there? Hell no. Will I learn a lot from people who've had hands on experience? Yes. And the big question...Will I regret it if I don't go? Yes. 100% yes I will.

With all my fears and excitement in check, I did it. I dove in and singed up. And in the end the conference was more than what I expected. I've made a few friends, which wasn't too hard. Most of the people I'd talk to were really sweet and gave me some amazing advice. I even wore an epic onezie to the Harlequin PJ party. FYI...It's a great conversation starter if you don't know any one.  Not to mention I ended up coming home with a grand total of 69 books. Ummm for all that is holy! You don't even know how excited I got when I found out about the author signings that were publisher sponsored. Thank you, thank you, thank you Publishers. You made it possible for this little broke aspiring author to get new books from authors I've never read before without having to break my bank account. I'm so excited to go and enjoy the worlds that they had created and share them with everyone.

With all the great goodies set aside, this conference wasn't about free stuff for me, it was about learning about the industry and how to better hone my craft. And I did just that. By attended as many of the workshops as I could with out exhausting myself and overloading my brain with all the great information, I've come home with a notebook full of great notes and plenty of handouts to review again. Some workshops stood out over others, and some weren't quite what I had expected (which is normal) but in the end every speaker knew their craft and could have kept talking for more than the allotted hour. And that alone gets me excited about what they were talking about. People who are truly passionate about their craft is awe-inspiring. Not everyone can write a book, but those of us who can not only do it once but keep doing it with all the struggles that are involved in it, not doing it for the money, but for the joy of bringing people into the worlds they had created, is amazing. These are my people.

Kind of nerdy but true. Not once did I have to explain why I write the genres I do. Not once did I have to explain why I write period. Not once did I have to explain why I carry a pen, notebook, and novel in my purse. Not once did I have to explain the characters that live in my head and talk to me. Why didn't  I have to do this? Because, in one way or another everyone else in attendance are like me. Don't get me wrong, not one of use are the same, but the experiences and struggles we all go through are similar for the most part. We all have ups and downs, and we all get writers block at times.

For me going to RWA12 was a way to for me to step out of my comfort zone and put myself as a writer out there. And I'm more than thrilled I did. My once hesitation about joining RWA and my local chapter is gone, and I'm going to start going to meetings and join up. Being able to talk to and be around like minded people when I'm trying to pursue a new career is exactly what I need. To be able to not have to try to explain myself for a much needed peptalk from nonwriter friends can be done so in this group.

I also got my first rejection from an agent and I'm oddly happy about it. It was my first time pitching and her remarks about my work were some things I've been thinking of changing. It also made me realize my one rather large mistake. I've put my work in the wrong genre. It doesn't have the level of suspense that is needed to be in that genre. It does have a good amount, but it's just not right. Thank you agent! You made me realize my mistake and confirm the changes I want to make in the manuscript. So back to the drawing board, I go.

Why am I so happy about a rejection? Well this industry is full of them and to have the first one done and over with just makes me realize that I can do this. It didn't kill me or make me want to stop writing. It made me want to become a better writer and wait till I find the right agent/editor for my work. I got time and I'm sure as hell not going to stop writing in the process.

Any ways I'm in this for the long haul and will keep writing and putting myself out there for as long as it takes. Who knows I might be the next lightening bolt star author out there. Or I'll just slowly get my name out there and gain a good reputation. Either way works for me. I'm just happy to write and have people enjoy the worlds and characters I've had the pleasure of exploring myself. This is not a make it big rich industry. Some do, but not everyone. And that is fine with me.

I'm off to go do some editing and writing with this renewed excitment of I can do this. I can really put my work out there and call myself an author...not just a hobby. :) Thanks for all the wonderful people I met at RWA12 and those who put it together. You have done more for me than you can ever know. And I thank you for that. I'll see you all again next year at RWA13 in Atlanta!

Count down to RWA12

On July 25-28 Romance writers, agents and publishers will be gathering together in Southern California for the annual Romance Writers of America conference, and for the first time ever I will will be joining in the fun. Yup that is right people I'm calling it fun. For the first time I will be surrounded by like minded people who I don't have to explain why I write or why I like writing romance or even reading it. I do so because I love it and there is so many things that can be done within the genre, not to mention that it is the highest grossing genre that is out there. Don't mock the romance. It's the most popular genre out there and you can't argue with numbers.

Any ways RWA12 is now about 16 days away and I'm buzzing with nervous excitement. As of last Friday I've made two agent appointments to pitch my novel Mackenzie Falls to, and now the real work has to happen. I've got ten minutes with each agent and in that time have to be able to summarize my book in a way that describes the characters and the basics of the story that leave the agent wanting to read some pages. Easy right? Not to me. I've spent over a year with these characters and I tend to want to go on and on and on about them. So, trying to get it into several sentences is a challenge. A challenge I'm more than willing to take on.

For this conference I'm not going in expecting to come out with an agent. While that would be amazing, things just don't happen that fast. I'm going into this conference as a learning experience and to meet people who are already established or pursuing writing in the publishing world. For the last year or so I've been doing my research and been sending out resumes as to find my niche in this industry. The more I learn the more I want to be involved in the agenting process; as well as continuing my own writing. With all the wonderful workshops that RWA is providing, I have so many wonderful choices of what to attend and learn for those who are actively doing what they are teaching. I'm not sure about you guys, but I'm more than excited to learn about this industry that has peaked my interest for the last several years.

Why has it taken me so long to realize that I want to be involved in publishing? No clue. I've always wanted to be apart of the entertainment industry, and it wasn't until my producing class that we dove in to literary rights that I really started to be come interested in how the two industries overlap. In the end wanting to help authors get their books made in to movies while not losing all their rights is what really got me into looking into agenting. Not to mention I love books!

Anyways, now that my little rant is over, I've got my work cut out for me before the conference starts. But in the end all things that are worth it in the end, is worth all the hard work and time that goes into it. I'll make sure to keep everyone posted on my adventures of RWA this month and in my search for the right agent, not just for me but for my work. AND that is worth taking the time for.

Distraction in Research

For the past few weeks have been a bit crazy, as well as my focus has been off kilter, making it difficult to write. But with the lack of focus and time on writing I have used some distractions in time to do research on some other books ideas I've been mulling around with.

Pray-tell what am I researching you ask?

Well, I've now a ton of new pages to read on werewolf lore, lyconthropy, other kin, and a lot of information on different government agencies (what can I say I can't remember all things I leaned when in polisci classes in school).

The government research is for an idea about s girl who has known nothing but being a spy. Not being one to follow politics, it's key to make sure that I know which agency does what and who's involved. Just maybe I should have kept my Politic Science text books from college. Opps. I'll survive and still be able to write this book. That is with the help of some research.

As for the werewolf lore and lyconthropy? Well I have a two different works that have weres in them. One that is the center of the story, the other one minor character is a wereleporad. The more I look up on lore I'm finding it more and more interesting. For example did you know that it wasn't until the 19th century that werewolves lore began to change so that it was spread by bite/scratch, can be hurt by silver and have a human/wolf form. In the weres were curses for 7 years and can be associated to witchcraft, etc. It's all rather interesting if you ask me.

Anyways it's getting late, and I've been really enjoying reading up on all the different stuff I want to use as reference in future books. Some times I forget that I can count research as working for writing. It's just one of the first steps to getting to the finished project. And reading them is almost as fun as writing if you ask me. Though I have to admit it would be nice to be able to already know things before I go into writing mode. Unfortunately I'll stick to doing research the old fashion way...with books and the internet.

Have fun with your writing and research! I know I am!

Romance, Erotica & Women

Ever since 50 Shades of Gray going around my day job I've made a few observations that I find rather amusing that some people haven't come to the same conclusion. For one of them Women are sexual creatures. This should not be a shocking thing but it is.

One of the man reasons women read romance novels or watch romantic comedies, or at least from my observations, is not in hopes that their significant other or lack of would be like the men in the books. But the fact is that romance books have other elements to it that make it exciting. For the case in this matter sex. Sex isn't the horrible taboo thing that society has made people to believe. Novels let you experience things that you might personally be able to experience. Let it be a fantasy, suspense, mystery, romance, or erotica. It's a way that you can do something without doing something and be judged for it. If you know what I mean.

Not to mention that men, if you don't mind my bluntness, should be happy that women read erotic, cause well for the many who don't get it very often will get some after their ladies read a good book with some steamy scenes. Not one of the women I work with, and friends, didn't admit that their significant others were very happy with the after effects of them reading 50 Shades of Gray or watching Magic Mike, that just came out into theaters.

So my question is why do people mock those of us who embrace the taboo side of culture. Sex, romance and erotic aren't things that should be feared in my opinion. They are apart of you and how you choose to have them apart of your life should be up to the individual. If you love reading or writing 'dirty' stories, then do it. If you want something more tame then go for the more subtle romance that's out there. Want something more extreme then there is all types of well written erotica in all shapes and sizes.

Why people are amazed that people are shocked that women are going crazy over the movie Magic Mike or the book 50 Shades of Gray is beyond me. It's just showing that women aren't always the innocent little things that society thinks we should be.

That's my little rant about my amazement that people find it so weird that women are going all crazy for 50 Shades and Magic Mike. Believe it or not people, this is nothing new. Go explore all that the literary world has to offer and don't let anyone make you feel bad about what you enjoy.

ADHD's Emotional Distress Syndrome

I'd thought I'd share an article that my sister's therapist shared wrote. It really hit a spot with me when I read it. It really enlightened a lot of things for me. Read and enjoy on a out look of ADD/ADHD.

Coping with ADHD’s “Emotional Distress Syndrome”© by James Ochoa, LPC Director, The Life Empowerment Center Austin, TX

Written for Counseling Today magazine

The driving force behind my mission to mentor, coach and counsel individuals with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) began in 1989 when I had the opportunity to work with bright, vibrant ADHD children. The caveat, however, was my realization that these children, living within their own chaotic ADHD world, were at risk of losing something very precious; a connection to their unique passions, interests and talents. This insight launched my journey as a counselor to empower those with ADHD to recognize and reach their greatest potential. Helping my clients overcome the risk of what I call the “emotional distress syndrome” is an important first step and key therapeutic component to their success. I use this term to describe the cumulative effect of neurological processing differences and behavioral challenges that can break down a person’s emotional tolerance, stamina, and ability to maintain a strong sense of spiritual well-being and emotional health. This remains a factor even after one has been diagnosed, engaged in sound treatment options, and learned effective strategies to compensate for their ADHD. As counselors, if we hope to lay out a plan to manage this long-term risk, I believe it is vital for us to be cognizant of the ways in which ADHD creates a higher risk of distress for our clients’ emotional and spiritual lives. Most adults are capable of handling a significant amount of daily stress, yet because the neurological differences and behavioral characteristics of ADHD are chronic and life-long, one’s emotional distress tends to increase to such a level that it becomes a syndrome, or symptomatic of the chronic emotional distress akin to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD.) For individuals who have been living under chronic low-grade emotional distress their entire lives as a result of ADHD, that stress level can negatively impact their ability to reach their potential, feel good about themselves, and create the resilience and stamina necessary to thrive in today’s world. ADHD and PTSD has been researched along the lines of comorbidity, Cuffe, S. P., McCullough, E. L., and Pumariega, A. J. (1994), Fischer et al., 2007, Sarkis et al.( 2005), yet none of the research directly addresses the theory that the disruption of ADHD creates an emotional distress syndrome. This emotional distress is also an exponential factor that multiplies throughout an adult’s life as similar stressful events are linked together, creating a long-term erosion of a person’s ability to cope emotionally, mentally, spiritually and physically. Scenarios such as these can lead to an emotional distress syndrome that potentially develops into a covert form of PTSD; covert because there is no specific trauma that can be clinically cited as precipitating the syndrome, unless one wants to characterize ADHD as the precipitating event. The rate of this decline in functioning depends upon variables such as the severity of the individual’s ADHD, the environment in which they were raised, pre-existing conditions, and an array of other factors. For adults diagnosed with ADHD later in life, being unaware of the true nature of their problems for so many years is often a major factor contributing to the emotional distress syndrome. The mystery of not understanding why they couldn’t focus, finish projects, or remember simple things, is a constant source of frustration. This slowly erodes their confidence and courage along with putting significant stress on their character development along the lines of their self esteem and identity. After many years of untreated ADHD, the anxiety and life disruption a person experiences becomes chronic, and the emotional distress syndrome takes on a life of its own, often evolving into as big of a challenge as the ADHD itself. For many of my adult clients, this syndrome is the single most destructive factor in their lives. I often believe that if I could somehow magically eliminate this distress, many of my clients would live happier, more productive lives. The Educational/Directive Action Approach One of my goals as a therapist is to address the emotional distress syndrome by taking clients beyond a diagnostic understanding of ADHD and educating them on how it affects their lives and by helping personalize life-long strategies to cope with their challenges. This education and strategy development allows the client to better understand the basis of their emotional distress and dramatically lessens their anxiety. Rote strategies routinely given to those diagnosed with ADHD have a tendency to become mere exercises in futility. Without a personalized approach, it is very likely that clients will disconnect from these techniques and risk adding to their emotional distress. This personalization factor is vital in helping clients to create their own unique strategies, structures and routines. Personalized strategies can be as small as choosing a roller ball pen because of the feel of the ink flow, or as large as hiring an executive assistant to help manage the underactive neurology of a client’s prefrontal cortex, the part of the brain necessary in planning, prioritizing and evaluating. Routines, such as listening to certain types of music while studying different subjects, or while engaging in monotonous tasks, is often an effective strategy. One client relied on heavy metal music to keep his mind “geared up” when reviewing detailed schematics, yet another chose to listen to jazz because it gave him a sense of “rhythm and flow” to stay connected while reading historical documents. Our sensory pathways allow natural strategies to develop. A client’s attraction to visual, auditory, or kinesthetic environments often creates connections to effectively discover techniques if we help them recognize and develop these areas. When a client’s interest is sparked you’ll know you’re guiding them in the right direction. ADHD and Character Development In addition to education and personalized strategies, character development is potentially the most critical long-term issue for clients to address. Character development is defined as the two pillars of self-esteem and self-identity, where clients metaphorically stand, to have the courage, confidence and risk-taking ability needed to reach their potential long- term. Helping a client further develop their self-esteem and self-identity is necessary in strengthening their character. There is no doubt that the unconditional love received growing up allows for development of self-esteem, and that unconditional positive regard develops self-identity. In order to strengthen character, it is vital to deal with the emotional distress that adults with ADHD experience because it is a direct stressor on these pillars. If your client has been seen as impulsive and unreliable, or one who comes up with wild ideas and never finishes tasks, they have likely received negative feedback from others, putting them at a much greater risk of having an interrupted sense of esteem and identity. Your client may have grown up not loving or believing in themselves and not seeing their value in the world. If this feeling state carries into adulthood, they will tend to lack the confidence, courage and ability to take the necessary risks to reach their potential. What evolves out of “being different,” more times than not, is ADHD’s emotional distress syndrome. One technique I have found effective in clinically addressing the emotional distress of ADHD is with Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR,) developed in the early 1990s by Francine Shapiro, PhD, to treat PTSD. I use this process to desensitize the emotional distress of ADHD and also to help clients strengthen their self- esteem and self-identity and assist them in developing a strong vision of themselves reaching future success. Renee, a 46-year old client in my practice is an excellent example of how EMDR successfully helps adults struggling with the emotional distress of ADHD. Diagnosed with ADHD in 2001, Renee participated in an ADHD educational group and a long-term process group which I facilitated. Renee recently reconnected with me for counseling when her state-agency job finally took its toll, both emotionally and physically, and she was once again at a career crossroads. Her passion since childhood had always been theatre and she aspired to be a professional actor, so our work became centered on taking steps toward building her acting career. She enrolled in an acting class and was asked to name her three greatest fears about becoming an actor, a task that would cause some level of anxiety for many of us. However, Renee’s anxiety peaked because her fears about acting were so closely connected to her ADHD and past career struggles. The emotional distress caused by her ADHD had always created problems, such as memorizing lines (due her distractibility,) being on time (based on her skewed time-orientation,) and being caught up in the stress of the moment (becoming frozen or defensive in over-personalizing feedback.) EMDR helped Renee cope with the heightened emotional distress she experienced whenever she made strides towards becoming an actor and was key in helping to desensitize her past life experiences, her fear of failure, and her inability to memorize her lines. Renee focused on the distress in the acting class, and through the EMDR desensitizing process, was able to considerably lower her distress levels. Prior to this, Renee knew on a certain level that all actors experienced some degree of fear, but because of her low self-esteem and self-identity, coupled with the distress of ADHD, she was convinced that feeling that fear meant she was not truly an actor. Renee’s fears did not entirely dissipate, but her anxiety did become more manageable and she completed the acting class. The diagnostic process of adult ADHD is only the tip of the iceberg. An educational, directive approach to assist clients with developing personalized strategies, coupled with EMDR, will allow them to reach their potential. As clients begin to restructure their lives and understand their neurology, a transformational shift will begin to occur as they gain insight into who they can become in the next five to ten years. This growth will inevitably create some periods of disruption, so be cognizant of the level of nurturing and encouragement your clients will require. This support needs to be deeply rooted in unconditional love and unconditional positive regard. The vital key is to empower clients to create a stronger connection to themselves that will continue to naturally develop. Once empowered more effectively, a diagnosis of ADHD is no longer a sign of dysfunction. Instead, this empowerment allows the client to understand how to live fully and reach incredible potential within the beautiful chaos and intensity of their lives.

Follow Your Gut

When it comes to making decisions I like hearing people opinions, but in the end you have to follow your gut feeling. Cause when it comes down it, it's your decision to follow through with your decision. What am I talking about exactly? Well, here is the basis of what I'm talking about. Every year or so I get an itch to move or do something drastically different that most people think I'm insane for donig. At the moment it's an itch to move out of California to Portland or Seattle. What? Are you crazy? It's always raining there! Yup I know. I like the cold and love the rain. But unlike my itch to move, I'm not going to get up and go right away. Nope. I'm not crazy. Believe it or not I'm pretty responsible. Before going anywhere I will make sure that I have a job that can support me. With having a car payment, this is very important. So why the interest in the Pacific Northwest? Well, about 6 years or so ago, my sister had lived in Portland and the few other times I've visited I've fallen in love with the place. In fact one of my novels takes place just outside of Seattle. I love all the green, water, and bridges. Plus my all time favorite book store is there. This past weekend I did a drive north to watch two of my sisters skate and it was just cemented that I have to start doing some research in to potentially moving up there. Even my good friend that went with me fell in love with the state and is even looking to make a move as well. So, I'm fallowing my gut that this would be a great move. Especially if I'm able to get a job in a field that I love, ie publishing or film. These are two of my greatest passions and have had the hardest of times finding work in them. Hence me being stuck in accounting. Weither it comes to what you are writing or if you want to make a major life change, follow your gut. More times than not it will lead you in the right direction. Now that I've had my little rant on the fact that I want to make a move in my life out of the Bay Area, I have to get back to reality...at least for while I'm at my day job. Gotta pay my bills. :) Good luck in your writing all! I sure know we could all use a little more luck in our lives.

Last minute

I'm the youngist of four girls and two of my sisters have been skating Roller Derby for the last six years. And from the beginning they were naturals at it and have excelled in the Derby world to be some of the top skaters, traveling around the country to compete as well as coach. So when I heard that this weekend would be the last time that Team Legit (flat track skaters from different leagues across the nation) will be skating at Battle on the Bank V, I knew I had to go. With my sisters being in different leauges in different states, it's rare for them to skate with each other competeively let alone against eachother. My mission is set. Find a way to get to the Seattle area this coming up weekend so that I can spend some time with my family cheering them on in doing something that they love to do. Team Legit is currently the reigning champs on the bank track tourniment, so I have to find a way to get there. And I did. With a new car I know that I have a reliable car to get me there, its going to be long drive. Around 14 to be exact. So why not fly? Well it's just cheaper to drive then fly. With a fantastic boss that is letting me take monday off in order not have to rush back right back. The drive is going to be a long drive and I'm super excited about seeing my family, so it's 100% worth it. Sometimes you have to take your plans to relax at home and trash it, in order to go enjoy time with your family no matter how far it is. I know it will be fun. No matter how exhausted I will be from a long drive, seeing my sisters do something they love means the world to me. It's been weeks since I've been able to sit down for a long period of time to write and I have alot of travel plans this summer, so it's going to be hard to find the time to fit it in to that time. It's frustrating cause I get itchy to write, but it's not always possible. But when I do get the time I find that I'm more productive than other times. I guess it's a blessing in disguise. It makes me wonder if I'd get more work done if I had time to work every day instead of every few days. Guess I'll never know. As long as I keep taking baby steps forwards to finishing a work then I'm a happy camper. Would I like to finish faster? Hell to the yes. But if that means that I have to give up time to spend with my family then I rather spend time with my family. So Im happy that I'm able to go on a road trip to see my sisters. Even if that means that I have to put my writing time to the side. I'll find some time some where and I'm still making progress, but family is important to me and I'd do anything for them. Well I got to go get some writing done while I can. I'll post later how my weekend went next week. Keep making progess in your goals and I'll do the same. Laters!

Weddings

This weekend was the first of my friends to get married. Well, technically it's two of my friends who married each other. It was am amazing wedding with small touches that screamed my friends. The man who officated was another of our friends who was the one who introduced the two back in college. Between the three of them they had started the Men's and Women's rugby team at our school. In omage to them being rugby players the cake topper was a bride tackling the goom who is wearing rugby shorts running with a rugby ball. The bride's mother was horrified about. Other than the open bar and none stop dancing after the ceramony, everything was more her parents style then both the bride and groom. Which brought up the topic of what people say about weddings. That the day isn't about the groom, you just have tell him what to wear and when to show up. It's also not so much about the bride either. Though it is alot more so about her then the groom. But it is about the brides mother. Now don't get me wrong the wedding I went to was beautiful. Both friends were happy and everyone had a blast. The ceremony was short and sweet. And the weather was perfect for an outdoor wedding. And yes I did cry. Guess that means I 'm more of a sap than I thought. Like all weekends that involved weddings converstations of our own weddings were talked about as my roommates and one of their mother's. The three of us sat talking about our nonexistant men in our lives and what we would want on our big days when they come. Which really go me thinking. As much as I want to have the big wedding the whole thought terrifies me to be honnest. While I may write romance the whole thing really does scares me. Having grown up in a divorced family since I was 2 all I know is disfunctional relationships. Not to mention that I have a tendency to run from men who actually show interest. So, when it cames to talking about getting married and starting a family it hit me...As much as I want to have those things that everyone else has/wants I feel a bit ashammed to want it when most of my family doesn't have the same warm fuzzy feelings that most people have. That shouldn't be an issue in life but I guess it is. When it comes down to it, I'm more than happy being independent and I don't want to lose that, even if I do end up with someone. In the end if I find the right guy, then I find the right guy. If that includes merrage and kids then so be it. In the end I refuse to let what society's standards define if I'm happy or not. In the end weddings should be a happy event with no drama that celebrates two people's lives coming together. And that was excatly how it was yesterday. It doesn't matter how the wedding goes. What you're wearing or what the food is like or what music is playing. As long as the bride and groom are happy together that is all that matters. And that right there is why I write romance. It's about the struggles and insecurites and fears and finding that person that makes facing all of that worth it. They might not end up always being happy endings, but it's those times that end up making the person you are. And there is nothing wrong with falling in love. Cause it's in thouse times that you learn more about yourself and the world then one might think. Congrats to all the love birds out there and the newly weds. Starting a life together may be tough, but well worth it.

That Just Happened

Today's blog is just going to be a quick update about things that have been happening in my life, instead of just focusing on writing. So, lets get to it shall we? For the past month I've been looking into replacing my old car. A car that the passenger door that wont open unless you turn the key in the lock while lifting the door handle, drivers window that is stuck open an inch, no stereo and so much more. Well after more research than I know what to do with I've finally figured out what car I was going to go with. Being as this would be the first time I've bought a car, and I'm doing it alone the whole process was stressful and overwhelming. So after bribing a guy friend of mine to go test drive a car during my lunch break on Friday, I knew I could do the rest alone. And well I did. Saturday I test drove my second choice of a car and did a breakdown of cost. With the help of the awesome Esther I was able to walk out of there with a new car. Let me tell you people who are car hunting go with the internet sales person for as long as you can. I ended up getting a more than amazing price, while helping keep my nerves about the whole process to a minimum. I can now say that I've bought a car that I wanted, by myself, and have no regrets on the big purchase. It's still a bit surreal that I bought a brand new 2012 Hyundai Elentra Touring. And yes I did squeal in the car when I was driving home. Now I just have to come up with a name for the dark granite grey hatch back. I like Jax, but still open to other names. Along with a new car in the garage I now have to call the charity that I'm donating my old car to, I had finished the first through edit of Mackenzie Falls. On top of that a good friend helping me edit by going through to make sure that it flows just right. already I've sent her the first three chapters that I've already went through for what I'm sure wont be the last time. This round of edits has definitely gone faster than the last. ok....so I lied about not talking about writing. I'm finally keeping up with the work hard play hard. And with everyday we are getting one step closer to the RWA 2012 conference and I can't wait to go. Now I'm off back to work...and maybe go drive me new car. It still hasn't sunk in yet that it's mine. But it is. =)

Burn out

This weekend happened to be my old rugby teams third annual Alumni game (or is it for the boys) so catching up with old college friends took priority over working on writing. Yes, I say my old team even though it's a mens club. Quick explanation...when the team was originally founded while I was in school there wasn't enough men or women to have separate teams so we were co-ed. That's right. I learned to play rugby side by side with the men. Us girls who stuck it out were pretty bad ass. We loved playing the sport and being held to the standards that the guys had only made up better players when we split off to play with the girls. Still we practiced with the boys then. This doesn't happen any more since both teams have enough players. So I still call them my team even though it's all men. lol. For the first time in a couple of months I set my writing a side while I'm still at home and decided that I need to not worry about the RWA conference coming up and getting my writing ready for my first conference and agent pitches. I admit only a few times did I get twitchy about putting pen to paper, but I'm starting to realize that you really do need to find a way to balance out the work with the play. Working a full time day job takes a lot of energy out of you, but when you put on top pursuing a writing career it takes even more time. Especially when you are serious about it. I know that it will take years to get to my goals and I'm trying to start good habits that I'd want to have when I'm able to write full time. That means writing every day. Or at least setting a schedule and sticking to it. Unfortunately with my stubborn determination I've become a bit of a hermit. Ok, maybe a bit more than a hermit. While my roommates and friends go out on weekdays I'm home working and trying to get a good nights sleep so that I can function properly while at the day job the next. Lack of sleep and working with numbers don't really mix. Add in being grumpy on top of that and it doesn't make for a good day. As for weekends well I'm in the more low key nights, where my roommates have different ideas of what to do. That being the case I usually decide to stay home and you guessed it work or read a good book. Which I guess you can say is a form of work (but is it still work if you enjoy what you are doing?). Upside it means that I'm also saving money so that I an afford a car that isn't as old as I am. So, with this weekend, being full of friends in town as well as a book sale at the Center for Sex & Culture with my sister, there would be little time to work on edits or a new manuscript. Now I'm sitting here feeling poorer from going out, but refreshed. It was amazing seeing my old group of friends that we would hang out practically every weekend at my old apartment. Though I now remember why I don't drink so much and that rugby players can definitely hold the mass quantities of booze that they drink. Realization had struck that if I keep up this pace of hermithood then I'm going to end up burning out. And my writing career is only just starting. I don't want to end up hating something that I love doing. No matter how long and hard it might be at times, I love every second of it. Writing is a labor of love that us writers get to share with the rest of the world. With that realization that some times it's good to walk away and take a break, I've decided to start doing that more often. Plus watching rugby had me missing it like crazy and once again confirm that I need to get my butt back in shape. That being said I'm making a belated new years resolution. Find a balance of work and play. So on weekends I'm allowed to go out and have fun. Just means that I'm going to start waking up early to work out and write. What better way to start the day by getting the blood pumping while clearing your head to create worlds for people to enjoy. Not sure yet how I'm going to balance this during the work week yet, but weekends are for fun, working out and in the down time writing. It's possible to do it all! I know it is. Just have to do some trial and error to find out what will work best for me. And with that I'm off to make some more edits. Feels like that's all I'm doing, but in the end the edits is where the book takes shape. The rough draft is just the foundation. I'm going to take all the time I need to get my work, not perfect, but feeling right. As of right now Mackenzie Falls is starting more and more to feel right. That means it's almost done. Till next time! And get to writing! I know I am.

Step 2: Following Through

So, you've done step one in doing what you want. You've set your goals. Let's just say that it's to be published, seeing as that is one of my goals in life.

Now what?

Well you actually have to follow through with all the work that it takes to get to that final goal. You can rarely go from A to Z without going through the rest of the alphabet first.

This is what I do. Break down all the steps it will take get to that final goal. In a way each step is a different goal with in itself. What? You're telling me is that I went from one bullet point on my to do list to like a hundred? Ugh your killing me here.

That is exactly what I'm telling you. Yet I'm also giving you a path you can take where you actually get to cross things off that dreaded to do list. Just so that you don't feel a lone in the length of your long list here is mine that I've come up with working on Mackenzie Falls.

1. Come up with a solid idea - Check Done
2. Come up with a background for my characters, so that I know why they are making the choices they do or will make, and what made the the way that they are - Check Done
3. Come up with a story arch that has the main character grow - Check Done
4. Start writing the actual story till I feel that I've got a good ending, while keeping up a list of new characters that I didn't know would pop up - Check Done
5. Editing. Editing. Editing. Oh wait more editing. (This is where the story really comes to life. It's here that you can clean up the story, the characters and the setting. The things you thought worked once really don't. This is the time that the story really comes to life.) - Not done. Still working on. No matter how frustrating it gets at times. Yes I do want so scream at the computer screen "Why can't you be finished yet!" Well, it's not done yet cause you're not done with it yet. Editing takes time and not over thinking things too much. Yes there is such thing as over editing.
6. Writing the summery to send out with queries to Lit Agents and Editors. What's this? I just finished writing 300 pages now you want me rewrite it in one page? Yup I do. - I've not quite gotten to this yet.
7. Researching Literary Agents that rep the genre you write. See what they require for submissions and make a query for each rep, making sure to include everything they request so that you don't get thrown out because of being lazy. - I'm currently in the process of doing this. I have to say it's fun to research the authors you enjoy to see what agents they work with, and what is out there.
8. Sending out your queries to the agents that fit with what you are looking for. - Not there yet, but getting closer every day.
9. The waiting game. This is where you are waiting to hear if you get represented. This isn't the time to twiddle your thumbs in boredom. This is where you can keep sending your work to more agents, while working on your next idea. Always, always, always, keep working on your next idea as soon as you finish the first. That way you have more stuff to get your name out there to sell once you do get representation. Waiting and getting rejections isn't the most fun, but it's a learning experience. Don't get down on yourself if people say no. Just find out ways to become a better writer.
10. You find an agent that want to rep you. - One day I will get this happy phone call. It's just a matter of putting in the hard work.
11. You get the phone call from your agent. They sold your book! You are getting published! Your big goal is now accomplished. Now it's time to do it all again. Though now that you have an agent you get to skip a few steps. Whoooo! - This is my big goal and it will happen. Time people. It just takes time and determination. I'm willing to put the work in to make this happen. If it takes then years. Then it takes ten years. If it happens over night? Well...I just might be a little skeptical of that to be honest.


See I have a long list to do too. Now don't get me wrong, I'm still learning about how to make myself a better writer, and about the publishing world. This just happens to be the steps that I'm taking. If you're in the publishing world, and know Im wrong, well please tell me. I want to learn from those that have the experience that I don't have.

Take the time to break down all the steps you need to take to reach your goals to make it easier to see that you are following through. It might be a long ways away till you get there, but if you follow through with each step one at a time, then you will get to your big goal. At times where you get discouraged take a moment to look at all the things you were able to cross of your list.

See all those crossed out? Your that much closer than you were before. Take a deep breath and keep taking those baby steps.

It's easier concurring the smaller goals than just a huge one. But all of the sudden you realize...I did it. I followed through on one of the biggest goals you've made.

Now go out and follow through on all your goals whatever they might be. Good luck and keep up the hard work. You're not alone in your journey to reaching your far off goals. I'm right there with you.