IWSG: The Writing Life

Much thanks to Alex Cavanaugh for being the creative mastermind of this wonderful, very active group called the Insecure Writer's Support Group. You'll find lots of support, advice and the chance to offer support to other writers. Also, you can join the blog or facebook group belonging to the IWSG.

Most writers also hold days jobs, busy earning money to pay the bills. A few of my writer friends are stay at home moms which is a very demanding job choice. I've been fortunate to take on the title of full time writer for the last few months. It's the best job I've ever had. And like most careers, the longer I'm at it, the better I get at it. I'm not talking about my writing, though I hope it is continually improving.

One thing I've learned to do is set personal goals. I've never participated in NaNo and probably never will, but I set writing goals for each week and determine an end date for each project. Sometimes a deadline from one of my editors determines my goal. Having a very specific goal insures I'll sit down and write because that is my job.

I've learned that despite all the actual time I get for writing, I can still resent interruptions. But I've also learned to fit many other chores in while I'm writing. I can toss a load of laundry over to the dryer at the end of a page. I run the vacuum when I'm working through a scene that's giving me fits. I ponder my promotional efforts while I'm jogging. And I have all day.

When I first started writing and dreamed of doing it full time, I entertained fantasies of what that would be like. A pot of tea at my elbow, just me and the computer, perhaps in a cozy cottage in the woods with gardens of flowers lining the bricked patio. Well the pot of tea sometimes sits on my desk. But the flowers surrounding my sprawling country home need weeding. And my office sometimes looks like a bus depot there are so many people walking through. But it's still wonderful.

What expectations or dreams did you have of the writing life that have not come true or that have? Is it better than you hoped or hasn't it measured up to those early fantasies? Do you set personal goals or do you prefer something like NaNo that challenges you to  a level of achievement? Have you visited other IWSGers? Did you check out the IWSG blog?

IWSG: Happy Aniversary

It's that time of month. No, not that time, it's the first Wednesday and that means the Insecure Writers Support Group post time. Two years ago, Alex J. Cavanaugh, started this wonderful group where writers offer support, advice and generally help each other through the wonderful, confusing and sometimes lonely business of being a writer. You can find an entire list of participating writers on this list.

Two years is a long time for a blogging group like this to continue on and on. I believe it does continue to grow stronger and sturdier for a couple of reasons. Number one is our tireless leader, Alex Cavanaugh. Alex sends reminders, encourages members and welcomes the newbies. There are also so many experienced and talented writers on this list that every month I learn something or find a link to someplace I need to be. In any given month, there were be a wide variety of posts, some asking for help and others offering assistance even if it's just advice. Yes, this group is strong because of its members are.

Enough cheerleading for today. Recently I read an interview in a writer's magazine that really struck a note with me. The article caught my eye because I personally know the writer. I don't know Jonathan Maberry well but we belong to the same writer's group and I've spoken with him and heard him speak at conferences. He's a very prolific writer and I've enjoyed many of his books. But to the point, Jonathan was questioned in the interview about writer's block. He doesn't believe in it. He thinks that people struggle to put words on the paper(computer screen) because they're 'trying too hard to write a perfect first draft.' He recommends getting that first draft done and then fixing it. His philosophy works for him and he writes fast.

I personally have never experienced writer's block so I'm not sure if Jonathan is correct or not. But if you are having some difficulty getting those words from your mind to your computer, perhaps you should consider his theory.

I'm not sure if I've been here since the start of IWSG but I think I have. How long have you been a member? Do you know Jonathan Maberry or have you read any of his books? Have you ever suffered from writer's block? What do you think causes it and how would you recommend someone overcomes it?

Don't forget to visit other blogs in the IWSG.

IWSG: Where Are We Headed?

Welcome to August's edition of the Insecure Writers' Support Group. This awesome group help each other out with advice, support and sometimes just by listening to each other vent. Alex Cavanaugh is the brain behind this endeavor. You can get an entire list of participants on his blog.

My inspiration for this post came to me when I visited my local Barnes and Noble this past Sunday. My daughter and I went, not because either of us intended or even wanted to purchase a book, but because we love hanging out in bookstores. We arrived around ten in the morning, shortly after they opened. The parking lot was already filling up as we made our way inside. We parted ways inside the door and then met in the café a short time later, each of us with a stack of magazines and books that caught our interest. Of course, we had to get a drink. Like many B&N, maybe all, the café is actually a Starbucks. I stood in line behind six other customers and there were that many more behind me when I ordered. Every seat in the café was filled when we decided on one book to purchase and went to the checkout. At the checkout, no one was in line. No one was buying books.

Where is our industry going? The book I bought at B&N was the first 'real' book I've purchased in at least two months. All my other purchases have been ebooks. I'm sure many of us started out writing hoping to see our books on the shelves at a bookstore one day. Maybe going on a promotional tour. But more and more, writers have their books come out only as ebooks. And in my personal experience, if you're working with a small press, as an author, you're going to make most of your sales and your money from ebooks.

How long until all books, except from a few select writers, are paperless? How long until bookstores close their doors? Will I ever go to Starbucks again if they aren't located inside a bookstore?

Don't forget to visit more blogs here and share the joys and miseries of being a writer.

IWSG: Balance

Can it really be the July version of the Insecure Writers Support Group? Many thanks to the creator of this monthly blog fest, Alex Cavanaugh. Visit his website for more links to this informative and supportive group of writers.

This month I'd like to share something I'm struggling with in my current WIP. If you visit me here or know me on facebook, you know I've been thrilled with my most recent release, The Marine's Queen, and the sales it's generated. I've been surprised and happy with the categories on Kindle where it lingers in the top 100.

The book was published as a science fiction romance and spend nearly two months in the top 100 in that category but then a few weeks later it reached the top 100 in two different scifi areas. It's doing best in genetic engineering and remains as a best seller.

Some readers have criticized the books for too much romance, others for not enough and still others have written me letters to say it's just right. Now as I write the follow up book, should I put in more science since the first one is still doing well in those categories. So now what do I do in my WIP? I'm trying to keep it the same amount as the first book but am I balancing it correctly?

How do you know if you're getting the balance correct? What is more important to you when reading a book? The relationships between characters? The personal growth of characters? Exciting action in the plot line? Which parts are easiest for you to write?

Full Time !

Yes, the countdown clock is going. I'm officially retired after 34 years of teaching high school. Those last days were hectic and lots of fun. The four younger teachers in my department took my fellow retiree and me out to lunch one day, gave us wonderful cards and gifts. I have a stack of cards and letters from my students, many that choked me up but none that could wipe the grin from my face. On that last day I received lots of calls from my family, hugs from my peers, including the school superintendent, and walked out of that school building with no regrets and lots of plans.

During that last hectic week at school, I also received the (hopefully) last round of edits for First Dragon from my editor at Crescent Moon Press. So between all the smiling and hugging, I worked on those edits, tried to keep up on blogging, facebooking and get in a few new pages on The Queen's Heiress, the follow up book to The Marine's Queen. 

In fact, I spent the last week fulfilling one of my retirement intentions. Keeping multiple projects in the air. And I loved it. Writing easily could have captured more than forty hours during that time. It was wonderful. So edits are done and sent back, 5K done on WIP, and blogs are ready for the week. I have a lot of little things to accomplish but also time for the WIP.

Besides all the in person kindness I received on retirement, Alex Cavanaugh kindly congratulated me on his blog. It was like another hug just to make the day complete. Thanks, Alex.

I know many people will be taking holidays over the  next few months as will I. I'm looking forward to a quick, trip to the Jersey Shore next week. The second week of July, we're heading to Colorado. I'm not sure how much I'll be in touch. Now that I'm a full time writer, I have to wonder when exactly the days off are.

What are your plans for summer vacations? We did stay-cations last year, very cheap. Are you setting some writing goals for the summer months?

InSecure Writers Support Group

Thanks to Alex Cavanaugh for starting the IWSG. The first Wednesday of every month, a feisty group of bloggers share ideas, hopes, a few cheers and other tidbits to help each other along.

Though I'm retiring soon and hope to have lots of writing time, I think every person trying to make it in this often frustrating business has to address the problem of time management. As a teacher, I always expected myself to get lots of writing done during the summer months. But last year was the first summer when I actually fulfilled that expectation. The previous years, it seemed the more time I had the less I accomplished. I've heard other writers say the same thing. They do better when they know they only have a few hours rather than the entire day.

Full time writers I've spoken to have described how they establish a regiment of how much time they spend on social media, on email, on promotion and then actual writing time. Some set aside certain times of day to do each thing. It works for them.

I recently read an article in a writing publication from a very successful author where she spoke about how to manage your writing time. She believes in the 'lock the door and stay in the chair' philosophy. Her one statement was to never leave the keyboard to do the laundry. It stuck in my mind because I do the laundry while I'm writing on the time. Some is in the dryer as I write this post. And that works for me. When I'm not sure how I want to say something, I go throw the towels from the washing machine into the dryer. Or I may go chop some veggies or make a cup of tea. I step away from the keyboard and do mindless chores that allow me to ponder.

My point is that reading all the opinions and advice articles in the world, including mine, may not solve your time management problems. You have to find the method that works for you, in your situation, with your personality, your outside responsibilities and that will help you meet your goals.

Have you tried following someone else's advice on time management? Did it work for you? Is time management a problem for you?

Get Healthy Blogfest

Thanks to these great bloggers who are hosting this Get Healthy blogfest. I'm hoping to learn a lot and you can too. Visit any of the hosts and find full lists of participants there.

Alex Cavanaugh
Stephen Tremp
L. Diane Wolfe
Michael Di Gesu

To be a successful writer, you have to spend hours with your butt in a chair unless you're lucky enough to have one of those desks that set on your treadmill. I still want one of those. Especially when you're on a deadline, personal or set by someone else, you'll find yourself relatively immobile for long periods.

I like to jog for my main workout though I'm much slower than I used to be. When I was younger, jogging meant five miles in about forty minutes, but it takes me a lot longer now.  My jogging now is rather pathetic but I enjoy it. The problem with slower paces is the lower level of intensity. Orthopedically, I just can't run like I used to. Too many knee surgeries, so I have to find different ways to keep the intensity up. I do that outside by heading for the hills. Up hill is so much harder than level, whether jogging or walking. But at my pace, I still need to spend a lot of time out there to get the workout I used to get by going faster. Being a writer, I don't always have that hour or hour and a half I need to get a good workout.   The answer, intensity. I can't go faster, so I climb those dang hills.  On the treadmill in bad whether, I really crank up the height angle so I burn a lot of calories.

Time limits on your workout = increase your intensity. You can burn more calories in a shorter period of time.

Do you make changes in your workout when time is short? Do you have a helpful hint to stay healthy? Have you changed how you work out as you get older or do you still go as hard as you did years ago?

Best and Worse Movie Remake Blogfest

Today we have another great idea from a group of hosts to have some fun around the blogosphere. Today the participants in this blogfest will highlight the best and worse movie remakes. There are lots of them going on and many to chose from. For a full list and to meet our wonderful hosts, check out these famous bloggers.

Alex Cavanaugh
Stephen Tremp
Father Dragon Al
Livia Peterson

I'm dealing with my daughter's wisdom tooth surgery which didn't go as smoothly for her as it did for her five older brothers. No details but if you're a parent you've probably had that image of your child falling just out of your reach so you can't catch them. So I didn't catch her when she passed out right after we got home. Anyway, movies...

It's so easy to think of some good movies that have been remade lately and I'll have to go with Batman Begins, The Dark Knight, and The Dark Knight Rising for the best remakes compared to those yawning earlier attempts which never had any emotional depth or psychological examination of the Batman.  I just watched The Dark Knight Rising again with my daughter today while I tried to push fluids past her numb lips.

Worst remakes are more difficult though I'm sure I'll read about lots of them around the fest. Though I didn't hate it was the most recent remake of Pride and Prejudice. Kiera Knightly is very talented but the previous version that stared Colin Firth stayed very true to the book and the stiffness of the social interactions of the day. I can't come up with anything really, really bad that I have actually seen.

Do you wonder sometimes if they'll remake some of the movies we love so much like Batman Begins and do it even better? I kind of hope not.  So go visit some more movie lovers and not so much loves. I didn't do the music bonus. Do you see any of those old Batman movies? Remember Arnie as the freeze guy? Do you think yanking out wisdom teeth is somewhat barbaric?

And thanks to everyone keeping The Marine's Queen at the top of the lists in three categories now.

Insecure Writers Support Group: Juggling

After the busy month of April with the A to Z blogging challenge, we jump right into May with Alex Cavanaugh's IWSG. Visit lots of supportive people on this list. Some will gift you with words of wisdom and others could use your voice of experience.

During April, a lot of writers used 'juggling' for their "J" word. Most writers I know work a day job and write in whatever other hours they can manage. And since only energetic people try to make it in the writing life, most of us have many other interests and demands on our time. Somehow we juggle family, day job, household chores, other hobbies, exercise and sleep around to make it work. The A to Z challenge adds one more demand to the load.

During the month of April, throughout the A to Z, I managed to complete a rough draft of the second book of The Morbunda Saga. I also completed the first round of edits for First Dragon, the lead off book in that series. I love my editor from Crescent Moon Press. She caught onto all my bad habits and found places where I could make my story stronger and my characters more consistent. I'm looking forward to the next round. I also kept up with the day job including signing those official retirement papers. I juggled everything and made it work. Two years ago, or even one year ago, I couldn't do that. Also over the past weekend, I finally published the final book in The Futhark Chronicles, Heir of Futhark. It's now available on Smashwords and Amazon.

So my support today is to encourage you not to get frustrated when you drop a few things in you own juggling act. You get better at it. You'll learn to prioritize and to use your time to the best productive advantage you can.

How are you at juggling? Which ball do you usually drop first?

Top Ten Movie Blogfest

What a challenge issued by Alex Cavanaugh. Today in his latest blogfest, we're all going to list our top ten movies.  Check in on Alex's blog and find lots more links to great movie lists. You may find some you want on your Netflix Que.

1) I'm going to list these in no particular order. Let me start with an older movie, The Outlaw Josie Wales. This movie is classic Clint Eastwood. I grew up on westerns but this one is more than that. It takes place in the aftermath of the Civil War and the lingering resentments that dogged the people of that time. The book was great too.

2) Going with my cowboy love, I have to add a John Wayne. Big Jake takes place at the turn of the century when the eastern part of the country was becoming civilized and the west was still wild.

3) The Count of Monte Cristo is on my watch once a month list. I love it even though it's nothing like the book.

4) Staying with historical, I also rewatch The Last of the Mohicans on a regular basis. So what if it veers from the book. I still love it.

5) Pirates of the Caribbean, Curse of the Black Pearl, is the best of that bunch. The others never quite lived up to it.

6) I'm going to lump all three movies from the Lord of the Rings into one selection. About nine hours of video to enjoy.

7) A more recent pick is The Avengers. Tony snarky Stark is too fun to skip. Can't wait for the next Iron Man.

8) Probably cheating again, but I'm putting all three Batman movies here though I liked the second and third better than the first.

9) My favorite musical is The Sound of Music. It has everything, action, adventure, love and great voices.

10) And to round out my list of ten, I'm adding Megamind as my favorite animated movie.

Did I hit any of your favorites? Hop over to Alex's and see what lots of other bloggers picked. Thanks again to Alex.

Indie Life

It's the second Wednesday which means it's time for Indie Life blogfest. Thanks to the Indelibles for starting and running this group. Once a month we reach out to each other to give and receive support. There are many more writers publishing by themselves or working with a small, independent press than there are traditionally published authors.

Don Helin at BAM

If you've been in this field for long, you'll either experience for yourself or know someone who has worked with a publisher who either goes belly up or that changes their course. Changing course is publisher speak for dumping an author. I've experienced both. Having a publisher you've signed a contact with go bankrupt is a long, drawn out headache as you try to get your rights back. It can take years. It took me nearly a year to get my two books back, neither had made it as far a being released, and I did find a home for that series with another publisher. I've also had the misfortune to have a publisher 'change course' to concentrate on celebrity books and books written by celebrities. It was infuriating but that's another story. I self-published that series after I had my rights returned. But an author friend of mine for the same company rewrote the second book in his series and started a brand new thriller series with a new publisher.

Don Helin, author of Devil's Den, is a perfect example of an author who had a setback but instead of giving up, he reached out and took control. Don found an independent press who he was comfortable working with and who had the professional reputation he sought to bring his work to the world. I recently attended one of Don's booksigning at the local BAM. He's a happy writer, doing what he loves.

I also found a new publisher for my newest fantasy series not too long after Don found his. We had talked many times about what we should do after that first publisher kicked us to the curb. What we both agreed on was not to give up. There are lots of wonderful indie presses out there run by talented publishing professionals. If you are looking for a publisher, talk to other writers, investigate your options and never, ever give up.  Don didn't and he's smiling with success.

Today is also Movie quote day at Alex Cavanaugh's fun blog. The focus today is computer-animated movies. I'm without an idea. I'll probably see lots of good candidates when I check out others' offerings but I seldom watch any animation since my kids are grown. But you can check it out or give me some suggestions.

Have you ever had a publisher go bankrupt or drop your line or genre? What animation are you watching?

Insecure Writer

Thanks to Alex Cavanaugh for starting this first Wednesday Blog Hop called The Insecure Writer's Support Group, where lots of bloggers share their worries, victories and advice. It's a great place to spent a few minutes away from the solitary life of being a writer.

Rolling, rolling, rolling, keep those doggies rolling. I guess I'm showing my age by remembering the theme for Rawhide. I loved that theme song and cowboy shows were huge when I was a little girl. We all wanted to be cowboys. And if you ever saw that show, there was a new plot every week, but the show nearly aways started with the cowboys getting the herd moving and the show ended that way too. No matter what other trouble or responsibility distracted them, they kept those doggies moving.

Writing when you're working another job is like that. Writing when you're raising a family is like that. Writing when you have lots of chores around the house is like that. Writing when you have family responsibilities is like that. Writing when you want to read a new book, bake a new bread, or watching a new movie is like that. Despite everything else, you have to keep those doggies rolling, I mean you have to keep writing.

All distractions aside, keep writing, keep working. Take care of all those subplots in your life, but keep those words rolling. I've found a new ability to keep my focus on my writing this year. With my youngest child now away at college, there are less subplots in my life. Those pages are rolling better and faster than ever.

Are you keeping your doggies rolling? Do you remember Rawhide? What subplots are you dealing with?

CassaStorm Cover Reveal!

In a galaxy far away ... no not that story but it's nearly as big. Today is the long awaited first look at the cover and blurb for CassaStorm by Alex Cavanaugh. I'm so honored to be part of the early excitement surrounding Alex's third book in his series that started with CassaStar, continued in CassaFire and now brings us to the 'Storm.'

I know Alex will make a big deal of thanking everyone for helping in this reveal and all those who stop by and visit. But compared to the promotion and attention he gives to others every week on his blog, this is so little to give back to him.

This blurb is going to make you want the book right now.

A storm gathers across the galaxy…

Byron thought he’d put the days of battle behind him. Commanding the Cassan base on Tgren, his only struggles are occasional rogue pirate raids and endless government bureaucracies. As a galaxy-wide war encroaches upon the desert planet, Byron’s ideal life is threatened and he’s caught between the Tgrens and the Cassans.

After enemy ships attack the desert planet, Byron discovers another battle within his own family. The declaration of war between all ten races triggers nightmares in his son, shaking Bassan to the core and threatening to destroy the boy’s mind.

Meanwhile the ancient alien ship is transmitting a code that might signal the end of all life in the galaxy. And the mysterious probe that almost destroyed Tgren twenty years ago could be on its way back. As his world begins to crumble, Byron suspects a connection. The storm is about to break, and Byron is caught in the middle…

Release date: September 17, 2013

Science Fiction - Space Opera/Adventure

Print ISBN 9781939844002

E-book ISBN 9781939844019

 

If you've been living in an Internet free zone and have never heard of Alex visit him here on his blog.

 

Don't you want this book now? How many places have you seen the cover so far today? If you're Alex, don't even say thanks. This is my pleasure.

 

Writers 4 Writers

It's time for another round of writers helping other writers. Stephen Tremp started this clever program as a way for us to help each other with some promotion. This month Writers4Writers is highlight two authors.

Gwen Gardner is offering her book, Giving Up the Ghost for free on Amazon today and tomorrow. Check it out and give her some shout outs on Facebook and Twitter.


Melissa Bradley is an multipublished author and an awesome blogger. Check out her books here and give her some shoutouts all over the sphere.

Want to win a $100 Amazon gift card. Who doesn't? Visit Rebecca Trogner's blog tour lasting from today through March 18th. Someone has to win that generous prize. It might be you.

In more news around the writing world, don't forget The Level Up Blogfest sponsored by Jamie at Mithril Wisdom. Hope you all don't think I'm boring when you find out my favorite game. Still time to join.

On Friday, I'm going to be part of world-wide event, I kid you not. I'll be one of thousands participating in the cover release for Alex Cavanaugh's third book, CassaStorm.

February has been much more exciting for events than I had planned. I knew there was a lot going on in March and April, but this month took my by surprise. Have you heard of Writers4Writers? Did you sign up for Jamie's Level Up fun? Do you need an Amazon gift card?

Insecure Writers Support Group

Thanks to Captain Alex Cavanaugh for organizing this fun group. The first Wednesday of every month a large group of bloggers (can't keep up with the numbers) share a short post about something they worry about or want to share to help other writers. Get the entire list over at Alex's blog.

Recently I heard the news that Barnes and Noble were going to close up to one third of their stores. Their sales numbers were way down over the recent holidays. I guess they'll keep their college affiliated stores open but if you've ever been in those, you know they're not like regular B&N stores. I'm still mourning the closing of Borders and the BAM that moved in to replace isn't soothing the grief.  What will disappear next? The local library? The book isle in Target and Walmart?

I buy lots of ebooks but I still love visiting the brick and mortar stores. I love browsing the new arrivals and searching the shelves for an author I've never read before. I like  carrying an armful of books into the cafe and skimming a few pages of each to see if I enjoy the author's voice. Will I always be able to do that?

When I started writing I dreamed of having my books filling a shelf in Borders. I have had the chance to see my books on the Barnes and Noble shelves but will my next book end up there? Will my B&N be there? Where's it going? Traditional dreams of success may have to change whether I want them to or not. I often wonder where the industry is going and the only way to measure success is in the sales report from online retailers.

Do you wonder where things are going in the industry? Do you feel confident in your ability to predict what will happen next?

Alex is also featuring movie quotes every Wednesday with a different genre highlighted. This week is Crime/Thriller quote week. I hope I'm not showing my age with this one, but is there anything more classic than Clint Eastwood as Harry Callahan in Sudden Impact saying "Go ahead, make my day."

Please go visit Alex for more great quotes and to share your insecurities.

Share the Fun

The week is wrapping up but I'll be back on Sunday with a little help from a friend.

Most writers can think of one of their colleagues who are just dazzling with promotion and impressive with their prolific creativity. For me, that person is Cate Masters. Cate seems to always have a new novel or novella being published. She writes faster than anyone I know. Where does she get all those ideas?

And not only that, but Cate is extremely generous in promoting other authors. You can see her creativity in the ideas she comes up with for promotions and blogging ideas. I'm thrilled to be included in her Celebrate Amore two week promotion where various authors will offer a bit of info about their latest book and an interview. I'm also giving away a book and some sweet stuff to commenters. I'll be Cate's guest, this Sunday, February 3rd. Hope you stop in before the Super Bowl.

I also want to offer my congratulations to David Powers King on his recent wonderful news. His YA fantasy novel, Woven, will be released in November of this year by Cedar Fort Publishing and Media.  David is also super generous with helping other authors with promotion and his blog is always interesting and informative. Please stop by and leave a good word for David and his writing partner, Michael on their success.

Next week will be busy with my first Monday health tip, Alex Cavanaugh's Insecure Writers on Wednesday and the release of L. Diane Wolfe's newest book later in the week. A must have for published writers. An exciting start to the month.

So do you know Cate, David or L. Diane? Do you know another blogger who is super helpful? Thinking of some insecurity for next week?

Sign Up and Fantasy Quote

An exiting mid week day. Wednesday means the week is half over. Not that I'm counting down the weeks until retirement. I think from now on, I'm going to write that word in all caps. RETIREMENT! Yes, I'm counting days and weeks. But I'm also counting down to April and 2013's A to Z challenge. I might be doing a theme this year. Other years I did post on general writing thingies. Something more specific this year.

Go over to the A to Z blog and sign up or visit the blog of any of the many wonderful, energetic hosts and sign up. Sign up. It's a great way to grow your followers, meet some very clever bloggers and gain a wonderful feeling of personal accomplishment. When you're finished, you also find yourself more efficient at posting and visiting other bloggers.

Another thingy going on today is Alex Cavanaugh's newest brainstorm, Wednesday Movie Quotes. Today the quote is supposed to come from light fantasy. I'm sure I won't be the only one quoting this movie and this character.

You keep using that word. I do not think it mean what you think it means.

Inigo Montoya

(The Princess Pride)

 

Did you visit Alex Cavanaugh for more fantasy quotes? Have you signed up for the A to Z yet? Are you glad it's Wednesday?



Happy New Insecure Year

Happy New Year to all. I've been looking forward to the start of the 2013. As I've reminded you again and again, and will again and again over the next few months, this is the year of my retirement from teaching.  I'm looking forward to the being a full time writer and that leads me to my first post of the year for The Insecure Writers Support Group. This wonderful group was started by Alex Cavanaugh and one only has to post the first Wednesday of every month to be part of the terrific network of like-minded bloggers.

I know many of my blogger buddies took some time off over the holidays from their usual blogging schedule. Today if my first post in some time, as I busied myself with family obligations and worked on a manuscript that has needed my attention for a few weeks now. And guess what.

My blog didn't disappear. I didn't lose any followers. Blogger didn't shut down because I didn't have three new posts per week. My friends didn't abandon me because I didn't visit their blogs everyday. The blogosphere went on without me. It was the least amount of time I spent reading blogs in the last two years. And it was okay.

What I learned is that it's okay to take some time off. It's all right to concentrate on one project at a time or spend extra hours with your family. I've worked hard on my blogging over the past year, but it didn't all fall apart because I took some time off. I didn't even feel guilty. And I got so much other writing done. And I have two publishers sending me edits for rewrites sometime in the next two months so I might have to take some more time off. And it's okay.

Don't be afraid to relax and focus on the immediate demands of your life, personal or professional, and slack off on others. That's my advice for today.

Did you take some time off over the holidays from writing or blogging? What's the longest break you ever took? Did you feel guilty?

Cheers, Cavanaugh Blogfest

It happens. You can famous and people want to take some shots at you. In my little world of blogging, there's no one more famous than Alex Cavanaugh. And thanks to Stephen Tremp, David King, Morgan Shamy and Mark Koopmans, today is the massive blogging roast of Alex Cavanaugh.

1. In twenty words or less, describe what Alex looks like.

2.In twenty words or less, who would play Alex in a documentary?
I'm going to cheat and combine my words to answer both these questions. Alex not only looks like Wesley, but Gary Elwes, in his youth will play Alex in the docu-drama. Oh, and there's Mrs. Alex. It is trueeeeee love.

3. In twenty words or less, who does Alex remind you of?
When it comes to blogging, Alex is Tony Stark, a generous genius, making everything look easy compared to us regular folks.

4. In a 100 word flash fiction, use these words: Cavanaugh, Ninja, IWSG, Cosbolt, Guitar For.
The word spread round the cyber kingdom, December 21st marked the end of the world. Nothing could save us except support of the Ninja Cavanaugh and his gang known as IWSG. Using a guitar for inspiration, the captain traveled like a Cosbolt and wove a power through the space time continuum some refer to as the internet. And the world survived, living to write another day.

5. In +/- 40 words, thank Mrs. Cavanaugh for loaning Alex to us.
Thank you, Mrs. C., for allowing us some quality time with dear Alex. We adore him nearly as much as he does you.

Thanks for joining. This is a blogfest and remember to visit the rest of the participants.

Insecure Writer: Likes and Reviews

Thanks again, as I say every month on the first Wednesday, to Alex Cavanaugh for starting this monthly get together where writers can encourage each other and ask for help. Every month I meet a few bloggers who are new to me and learn something from nearly everyone I visit. I'm always jotting notes down, buying a few new books, and finding some interesting blogs to follow.

This month I collecting opinions on 'likes' as well as reviews and those little golden rating stars. Many authors I know ask, politely, for their friends on facebook or readers of their blogs to 'like' their books on Amazon. And of course, hoping and requesting your friends to write a review, no matter how short is not too much to ask. Is it?

I have never done anything like this. I hope readers of my books would feel motivated to 'like' or review my books but I never specifically asked them to take the moment needed to click on a button. I 'like' other people's books all the time and about once a month I take the time to write some reviews. I'm pretty far behind on that but I have hopes to catch up on it over the holiday break.

So, I'm wondering, do you ask this of your readers and friends? Do you do it? Is it acceptable? Should I request it? Would you go to this link and click 'like' if I asked it of you? Does it help book sales?