Finally finding calm

Whoops. It's been a few weeks but I have good reason. Life took over again, plus let's face it, holiday madness. Anyway, this time of year I tend to reflect and regroup. I over think a lot. My mind, as you know, doesn't stop. For once in this writer journey, I'm at ease. I can't really describe it. I feel like I've found my place and am set to move forward. Part of it may be that my skin has become quite thick (rejection tends to roll off), but I also am ready to challenge myself even more to grow. I'm not in a hurry and I'm not seeking validation, I'm just being. I'm proud how far I've come and am eager to move forward, but in a way that's real. It sounds strange, I know. It's like new wisdom is seeping into me, calming me down and allowing me to open and think about things in a whole new way. Not only in my writing but in everything I do.

It's like I've opened my eyes and realized that where I am is exactly where I'm supposed to be. Weird, I know. The bumps in life are there because we have to learn, grow and gain that experience. Maybe because I'm getting older. I don't know. I also have been watching Sonic Highways on HBO. It's all about the Foo Fighters and making their new album, but Dave Grohl's wisdom is what I've been taking from it. How he's looking at his past and other's and talking about how they came to be. What they went through and how they now realize why. It's interesting.

It's a crazy little thing . . . life. Learning how to not only deal with yourself but with others. What's proper, what isn't, and all along we hope to learn from it and grow, not go backwards.

So that's where I'm at. A peaceful part. A part where I'm working towards something without all that anxiety and competition. I'm not letting doubt eat at me. I'm doing it for me.

Have you found the peace in your journey?

I may be gone again for another couple of weeks, depending on the life part.

I hope you have a wonderful holiday and a fantastic new year! Eat lots of cookies!!

Cover addiction

 

I have to say, I'm addicted to beautiful covers. I know, it sounds shallow, but I have to admit it. I'm drawn to them. It's like my chocolate problem. It doesn't mean I don't read books that don't have a sweeping jacket. It's just an interesting cover catches my attention. Of course, the premise of the story has to fit my liking too. I don't buy them to sit on the shelf and look pretty, they must do their job and live up to what their shell is exposing.

I just finished RUIN AND RISING by Leigh Bardugo (yep, I'm a big fan). The writing is gorgeous as well as the story is interesting. It takes a lot for me to stay with a series. The cover is pretty, but it's not what drew me to the book first. Between reviews and word of mouth that's it's super awesome, I had to dive into the world of the Fold and the Darkling.


I just picked up SNOW LIKE ASHES by Sara Raasch. The cover is what drew me to the book first. Then after I read the premise, the purchase was made. A first person, present tense fantasy--sold.



(Very pretty.)

Maybe it's the design gene in me to be visual first, but covers are important after the story of course. 
Then again, this whole business is subjective so this is my opinion and I hope I'm not coming off as stuffy. It's just an addiction of mine.

As you can see, I'm reading fantasies. It's not only for pleasure, but research. The book I'm writing now is, well, a fantasy. If you are writing or about to take that first step, don't forget to read, read, read. Know what's out there in the genre you want to be in and how others do it. They are an incredible teaching tool.

What is your favorite cover?

Am I the only one with this problem?

Have a great weekend!!

Pump it up

Well, I'm holding to my promise. I'm slowly getting back into this one day a week. I'm not guaranteeing me commenting  a whole lot yet, but I'll get there.

Last weekend, I went to the SCBWI of Eastern PA Fall Philly. I was only able to make it to one day of the two day event and had a critique with an agent, which was helpful. The one thing that this conference did was get me pumped. I've been up and down with my writing (sometimes to very extreme levels) and this gathering of writers put it all in perspective. I also went to the conference with a more seasoned mind. I'm not new to this so those dream expectations were held at bay. I went to learn, not to be discovered. That sort of mentality can overshadow what the purpose of going is. Not to mention a total downer because I'm not that lucky. Let's just say, I was being realistic.

I enjoyed myself and took in what the speakers had to say. Even though the agent I was paired with didn't represent scifi, she had some great points on why I wasn't getting great responses from agents. In the end, it was a help.

It's always great to hear inspiring stories. Kit Grindstaff won the Crystal Kite Award for her book--THE FLAME IN THE MIST. Kit is a wonderful lady. I was lucky to have the chance to speak with her.

The other thing I really enjoyed was the Keynote speaker, Regina Brooks of Serendipity Literary Agency. She was a wonderful speaker and her speech included lots of encouragement and inspiration.

My point is this. We writers need to venture out into the world of other writers that we don't know. It's not easy. I get caught up into life, wishes, hopes, dreams, expectations, and stories. But sometimes, especially when we are stuck or down, we need to get out and share. You might find out there are others just like you.

Have you been to any writer events lately?

What inspires you?

Have a wonderful weekend!

Dipping my toe in the water.

So I'm trying to get back on a blogging schedule. I might go for once a week. Friday perhaps. I don't know, we'll see. I think I needed a break to find out how to balance things. I'm getting there. I don't thing you fully balance anything. It's a cycle of what you can deal with and how you can change.

As you can see, I'm sprucing up the old blog. This process will be slow, but I'm cleaning it up and getting it back in order. I think holding myself to a post once a week will get some of my practice back in. I feel a little rusty but that's okay. Some say blogging is dead, but I found the motion of blogging something little like a journal entry can't hurt the old writing wheels.

I also slowed down so I could read more. I'm a slow reader just like I'm a slow writer, but I'm beginning to fit it in here and there so I'm confident I'm going to make it work.

Right now, I'm reading RUIN AND RISING by Leigh Bardugo. I like it. This is the last book in Grisha Trilogy. I'm anxious to see how it all ends.

It's a part of a writer's life to read. To me the books are a teacher. I'm always trying to see how the author accomplished what they set out to do and if it worked.

I'll also post about different blogs or sites you can go to that will strengthen your writing. Currently, I have a piece up for critique at Dianne Salerni's and Marcy Hatch's Mainewords blog. It's called First Impressions. Every month they critique the first page of a writer's work. It's extremely helpful. Check it out if you haven't done so already. I think this is the third time I'm participating.

That's it for today.

What are you reading?

What are your favorite ways to strengthen your craft?

Have a great day!

Learning from something unexpected

Hey there. Yep, I'm still here. I haven't figured out how to fit in the blogging lately. Between drafting, querying, and the whole living life, it's been a struggle. But my blog is still here, and hopefully soon, I will make some changes and liven it up. One thing that happened is I'm going to be a part of THE BEST OF VINE LEAVES LITERARY JOURNAL 2014. To be released December 1, 2014. How? I don't know. I'm honored to be a part of. I think I'm still in shock over it.

It's nice to have things come unexpectantly. It keeps me going.

We have to learn from the little things that pop up. It does something to us, helps us grow. Sometimes we don't realize it till later. Over the past few months, I've been contemplating and debating on where I fit in in the writing world. I've said in past posts, I was always focused on one way to get to be published. Recently, I've been opening up to other ideas. Let's face it, my work (so I've been told) isn't sellable or just not the right fit. The subjective thing. It's not the story or the writing, it's simply not the time. The luck isn't there. I've become more of a patient person through this crazy world, but still, the waiting isn't the easiest. Publishing is a snail pace process. The thing is there are other avenues. I was so blinded by my one-way-for-me path, I never considered them. So like I said, other roads are looking a little bit more inviting. It doesn't mean I'm going to stop querying agents. It means I might try another direction on a manuscript that isn't working in the traditional path.

A couple things are sealing that thought and making me learn that I need to do what is right for me. If one door closes, open another. So here's what happened.

One: I've been watching Sonic Highways on HBO. It's Foo Fighters and how they made their recent album. Each week they go to a different recording studio to record one song for their album. They discuss the music history of that city. Last week was Washington D.C. They  went to Dischord Records and interviewed people who started that label and what went into it. The thing is they didn't care about what the big guns thought, they did what they wanted to do and started something as well as exposed people to bands that would've never been heard. They did their way. Handmaking album covers and recording in a house in the burbs. It was about getting the music to the public that wanted to hear it and exposing it to those who may have never gotten a chance to hear.

Two: My daughter has been writing little stories and books for a while now. She recently wrote a story in her journal. Her confidence and the sheer proud look she gets on her face when she talks about it is mesmerizing to me. I get happy watching her write her acknowledgements, summary, and her just going through the whole process. Today, she asked to make copies for her friends, which we did. It made me realize that you can do it yourself. She is so into what she did, she wants to share it. She's not worried about what anyone says (at least not yet). It's hard not to get caught up in her enthusiasm.

If you believe in something that much, who cares what the others think. There are other ways to get our work out there. So what, if it's not the in thing. I get that this is a business and with that money needs to be made, but for those stories that need to be told and waiting for the right time may never come. Keep writing and strengthening your craft, make it the best you can and share it with the world. I don't know where my stories will be or if they will ever be in print, but I have options and I plan to keep that in mind. I also will keep my eyes open and learn from those places I never thought would influence me.

So what's new with you guys?

What are your plans with your manuscripts?

Have you learned from something you didn't expect?

Have a great day!!

Yep, I'm still here.

Wow! It's been a while. I'm still here though. I'm still writing and putting my work out there. There isn't anything really exciting going on so I haven't posted. I could talk about the craft, which I will try to do. I know I've said this before, but then life takes over and my writing takes over blogging.

I did take a break over the summer. Not by choice, though. Kids schedules were more demanding now than ever. My alone time was extremely limited. I was always anticipating one monster or the other needing something. "Mom!" was a common word in my house and there were times I'd rather be in a padded room.

I wanted to write and be into it like I was. I searched for that feeling. You know the one where you're super excited even in the tough time of slapping words on paper or even revising. But that feeling wasn't there. I thought it was gone for good. I also limited myself from the world of social media. It was making me feel unaccomplished.

I was burned out, tired of the whole game. I was dealing with emotional junk that was the aftermath of it all. I thought I battled through the demons, when in fact, they were just waiting to strike. In their path, they sucked the life out of me, taking creativity and confidence with it. I had more confidence when I knew nothing a few years back and that's not saying much. I let it all get to me even though I said it didn't. But I put on a smile and said everything was fine. My life itself was, but my writing life was not. A piece was missing . . .lost and confused. That was the writing. It was being held hostage and tortured, making me doubt everything.

All along, I've been fighting them and repressing these dark demons, but I needed a break from all that got me here so I could  clear my head and start over. I stopped sending out queries as well. I wasn't hearing back from any agent and I was tired. My steam faded. Why was I doing this? I do want an agent. I still do. I know that's the path I want to go down. But something kept fluttering along with that reason. I also wanted an agent to prove that I'm worthy. That I can be an equal. That I am a writer. I wanted to be in the club. I wanted to say, yep someone in the biz finds me "good enough." Acceptance.

But is that what makes you accepted and seen as a writer? There are so many other opportunities to prove that. Right? At least, that's what I'm aiming towards now. There are options. An agent isn't the only thing that gains you respect. Excellent writing does. Whether it's published or not. I know and have been told so many stories of the life after signing that piece of paper. Some really fantastic and some total suckage.

I would like to aim for the fantastic side, but that might require a dozen manuscripts before one is good for the market. That's the main reason I get rejections. It's not sellable. But I'm not going to write stuff for the market. We are told to write what we want. Now, it's up to the writing gods to sprinkle a little luck my way.

That feeling has sparked back inside me. I have revisions to finish on a manuscript that I want to query. Yep, I said query. This will be the third one that I will send to trenches. I have to have hope or the demons will win. I can't let them. I'm better than that. Over the summer, I grew that thick skin everyone talks about, and so far, the rejection I just received didn't bother me as much. Sure it was bittersweet, but for once, I have hope that the next manuscript could be the one that grabs more attention. Maybe it will be better for the market. If not, I'll swallow it down and chalk it up with strengthening the craft.

I am also eager to work on something new, which I'm pretty excited about.

So, why tell you all this? These moments come and you may feel like you don't belong or are not accepted, don't, you're writing. If you continue, you will grow. It might take time or you might have great luck. I know I say all of this in one form or another, but I'm human. I give in to the dark side now and again because I get tired of the fight. The negatives win. But we only have one life (I do like to think there are other things going on after it, but I have to be realistic here. Let's leave that for my stories), we only get one shot to enjoy it. I see what the demons can do to people. And to me it's not worth giving in.

Although, I wish I had a superpower or was alien. But that's for my stories to tell.

So, how is everyone?

 What are you working on?

Have a great day!!

How I Found The Write Path Blogfest

Today, I'm taking part in How I Found the Write Path Blogfest. A big thanks to Carrie Butler for putting all of this together. Check out the other amazing participants here.

 

 

Dear Past Self,

Hey there! It’s me, you, but in the future. Crazy, right? Anyway, this journey you’re about to embark on is crazy hard. Deep down, I think you know that, but you have to face it and embrace it. There will be a ton of rejection and heartache. Lots of tears and those demons that like to make you feel like you’re not worth much. Yep, they’ll come. When you query, they’ll double, well, triple in size.

Stay strong. I know it’s easy for me to say, but you must. You need to take the support when others offer. It’s okay. It’s doesn’t make you weak. You know the people I’m talking about. They’ll guide you and help you in so many ways. So listen to them.

And don’t compare yourself to anyone. ANYONE. Everyone’s path is different.  It’s true. I know you’ll try and ignore me, but it’s really true. All the feedback you get will be left up to you to determine. That whole follow-your-gut thing. Yep. It’s true. You need to keep writing everyday and taking the opportunities that you know are good for you. Trust me.

When you query, let things slide off. Rejection only makes you stronger. I know that’s something everyone tells you, but it’s true. It still hurts, but you'll learn how to channel the hot pokers that strike your heart. Always be aware that there are options in publishing so keep an open mind. Success is only what you make it. And opinions are just that—opinions. Throw them up and let them fly like petals on the wind. Make sure to keep the ones you cherish close to your heart. You’ll know who means well.

The confidence you have now will fade in and out. It may even get crushed. Don’t let it. Remain strong and believe in yourself. If you don’t believe in yourself, it’ll show. Never EVER think you’re below anyone. Your path is different from the others. That’s all. When you’re at the point where it seems like everyone in the world is published or has an agent but you, you’re still not below anyone. So please, don’t think that.

Patience is also key. Now I know you pretty much have none so figure out how to deal with waiting months and months (possibly never) from agents. It’s how this all works. There are no short cuts. Everything takes time so distract yourself by writing something else. It’ll do you good. Think about it, the more you write the stronger you become.

And the biggy--this is all subjective. Not everyone is going to like your stuff. You don’t like every book you read so not everyone will like yours. All you need to do is keep writing and enjoying the process of creating magic. All those characters in your head need a life on paper; otherwise, they’ll drive you nuts when they talk all at once. No sense in that. You don’t want to look crazy.

So keep going. You’re on the right track. One day things will happen and some people will love your stories. Just believe in yourself and crush the doubting demons. They aren’t kind and only hold you back. You are amazing and you will get there.

Love,

Your Future Self

Christine Danek
Blog: www.christinedanek.blogspot.com
Twitter @christinedanek

"I give permission for my entry to be included in the e-book compilation without royalties and/or separate compensation."

 

 

Social media--blessing or curse?

Social media. Is it a blessing or a curse? I'm not sure if it's either. Actually, it depends on how you look at it and really how you use it. At one point, my journey towards publication relied on it. I craved it. I looked forward to it--everyday. It was a community for me. I can't say it's entirely bad. I've made a ton of connections and friends to which I'm so so grateful for.  I've learned tons and tons. And have gotten so much support from many folks I've never met. A blessing. Plus, you can find anything you need without leaving your house--research. Bonus.

On the other hand, social media can bring you down. For a few years, I was on it a lot and what I began to realize is social media became more like a cursed object. So much information was thrown at me I didn't know what to process. It awoke some things in me. My depression demons would whisper negative thoughts into my head. It brought me down. Way down. I would compare myself and see tons of things happening to others and nothing was happening in my corner of the world. What was wrong with me? Could I not learn? Or even keep up?  I became numb and distant. I was angry at writing when it should make me happy. I got frustrated and fed up. I pushed myself but what I was writing was forced and not thought through. I wasn't enjoying it. Any of it. I wanted something, badly, and I was so caught up in social media, I couldn't focus on me. It definitely held me back. It created a mindset that spiraled me backwards. Confidence dropped and I felt that I was so below everyone, I'm never going to get there.

So what happened. I stopped. I stopped blogging, I limited my FB time, twitter time and all around email. I stopped checking my email every five seconds for responses from agents. I didn't want that to rule my life. I can't control what they want so I shut it off. It can be a distraction and overwhelming. I wanted to keep up but I kept putting myself below everyone because I wasn't there. Why would I be accepted if I'm just a writer? Bad thoughts from not so nice demons. Once I limited things, the weight on my shoulders started to lift. I stepped back and instead of trying to keep up with everyone else, I'm only trying to please myself. It's okay to say no and it's okay to take your time. It's okay to limit things, and guess what, it's okay shut it off for a while. The whole world doesn't need to know every single thing you do. You're writing. That what counts. You're thinking about how to change a problem child in your story. That counts too. There's nothing to keep up with only with yourself.

So where am I now. Still querying and not trying to think about it too much. I'm also revising my fourth novel and prepping it to query one day. And writing my fifth novel. Keeping busy and keeping me happy. I've decided to take my time with this next manuscript and see where it goes. I write because it helps me escape and one day I would love to share it with others, but I need to think clearly and move forward with out looking back and to the side.

I think in the end, social media is what you make it. I think you have to decide the best way to use it and focus on it. I think for the longest time, I did, but got lost, and now, I'm jumping back on the tracks and moving forward.

Hope everyone is well!

What are you working on?

Have a great day!!

Check this out!

Hi everyone!
Just a quick plug from me. Yes, me. Check out this issue of Vine Leaves Literary Journal. I have some free verse poetry in there. Yes, me! Thanks to the everyone at Vine Leaves especially Jessica Bell. This would've never happened without her. ;) Go check out all the wonderful talent.

Thanks and have a great day!!

http://www.vineleavesliteraryjournal.com/issue-10-jan-2014.html

My Writing Process Blog Tour

Hi everyone! It's been a while, but I've been writing lots so one thing has to be limited for me to focus.

Thanks to the lovely Ilene Gregorio (NONE OF THE ABOVE  Balzer
& Bray/ HarperCollins 2015) for tagging me in the My Writing Process Blog Tour! Go check out her site and make sure you check out her debut NONE OF THE ABOVE in 2015. Thanks Ilene. Also, check her out on twitter @IWGregorio.

1)      What am I working on?

I’m currently working on revisions for COURIER my fourth novel. It’s a YA light scifi. I’m really excited about it because in takes place in a city I adore, Munich, Germany. Although, I’m always starting new ideas and tweaking other manuscripts. My brain never stops. For instance, I'm starting to brainstorm a new fantasy novel, but the MC is a little shy.

2)      How does my work differ from the others of its genre?

Oh good question.  I tend to write with a contemporary feel but throw in something that isn’t of this world. Maybe because I wish that’s how real life should be--a little unpredictable and mysterious. I also would love to have a super power, but I have a hard time limiting it to just one.

 

3)      Why do I write what I do?

I’m stuck in the mindset of a seventeen-year-old so I think it was inevitable that I gravitate towards YA. The paranormal and scifi stuff is what I wish would happen in everyday life. Hey, you never know. There are a lot of unsolved mysteries out there. It helps me escape the everyday hum drum.

 

4)      How does my writing process work?

I have to say, I'm always discovering my writing process. I know when I started out, I was a total pantser. I wrote what came to me with no real direction so that led to many, many, many revisions. Now, I like to call myself an organized pantser. I usually start out knowing the beginning, some of the middle and end, and then write those scenes that I visualize in my head.  Lately though, I’ve made sure once that’s done, I go through and get the character arc down and the plot just so I have something to follow. It's not fully detailed just general ideas. Once I start writing the whole thing though, it can change. I like getting to know the character through writing it. This process has its cons but it’s comfortable for me.

Well, that's my crazy process. What's yours? Thanks again to Ilene for tagging me. And now I must tag two more fine writers. So go check them out.

Kim Chance is writer of YA Supernatural/Paranormal fiction and is currently working on her first novel, KEEPER, which she is hoping (and praying!) will one day be on bookshelves everywhere! When she isn't writing, she's busy being a full time mommy to twin girls and a high school English teacher.  You can find her blog at: kimchance.com  Twitter: @_KimChance            

Ashley Zarzaur writes Harry Potter fan fiction, and has delved into that world since early 2003.  When she's not writing, she's involved in the ever impressive MMORPG World of Warcraft, playing with her two nephews and one niece, and enjoys reading, watching "The Big Bang Theory", and laying around in pajamas to do absolutely nothing! Her blog: http://ashleyfanfic.livejournal.com/

Twitter: @ashleyfanfic

 

Have a great day!!

 

 

Snack Time

I'm definitely a snacker when I write. I find it interesting what writers snack on while producing magic. What fuels the fire so to speak. Of course, we should be thinking healthy, but sometimes that doesn't happen.

For me, I tend to go to the granola bar or Cheez-its. Every so often, grapes get involved or Leibniz mini's sneak in. I do try to stay away from chocolate. Let's face it, beach body 2014 isn't going to look too good with a bag of Hershey kisses around the middle. I save the hard chocolatey stuff for the frowny face times.

I have discovered this awesome recipe for a granola banana cookie that I've been making. My kids love them too. http://www.recipebyphoto.com/2-ingredient-cookies/
They are ridiculously easy to make and taste really good. I add chocolate chips. It's the chocoholic in me. I get chocolate and some healthy stuff while snacking. Score.

Whatever you pick it's helps the juices flow, doesn't it? I don't know what it is. Or Maybe I'm a loner in this department. Either way, we all have different ways to produce our pride and joys.

If you snack while writing, what is your go to food?

Have a great day!!

Ban the email

You're querying. Fantastic. Good for you. Best of luck. Your baby is polished and your query is sparkling. You have a list of agents and you carefully followed the submission guidelines. So now what?

This is the part where you must learn patience. As you know, I'm not. But I've learned to become more tolerant. I let things roll more often than I used to. Querying is that moment that defines where your path might go. It puts you on the edge of your seat and your insides squirm. After you hit send, the build up to the moment . . . goes and now you must wait.

I know, not easy. As much as we don't like to admit it, we've hit the refresh button shortly after sending even though you know you're not getting a response any time soon. Most agents takes from two weeks to four months, some even longer. I know most of my email is advertisements. So why do we do it? Why torture ourselves? Why is that urge to continually hit the refresh button on our email so tempting and addicting? A society of instant gratification? Possibly. The want to know whether you make the cut? Sure. To some it's a test of whether you pass. But is it? Writing is highly subjective. That's the part that's hard to swallow. Not only do you have to have the strength of a great writer, personal taste and what sells comes into play. It may not be the right time. And sometimes being the best at your craft gets pushed aside just for a money maker. The factors of all this can make your head spin and create emotions you never knew you had. But it's the nature of the beast. You have to accept this will happen and some will get there quicker than others. Right now, I think I'm on the ten year plan, but even that can change. Nothing is set in stone, and even after you get that agent, there's no guarantee.

So send those queries but do something else while you wait. Go outside (if it's not bitter cold like it is here), write another book, make new friends, find other writers. Go out and live. Don't let the email be your crutch.

Lessons to learn and one I must follow. I've been shutting off email and all other social media when I write, and even though the urge is there, I plug forward and do my best to do something else.

Have a great day!!

Limbo

No, I'm not throwing a tropical dance party to see how low you can go. Although with the winter I've been having I would love to. I'm talking about those times when you feel like you're going no where. The life of a writer seeking publication can go from very high to the depths of the deepest ocean. It's not easy and can be a completely frustrating process. The whole one step forward twenty steps backward thing. There are times when you are getting closer (creates smiles) and times when you fall hard and it takes you down so many levels you're not sure if you can climb out (frowny faces). There are times when you don't know where you stand. You celebrate other's victories but feel almost like a wannabe because you have nothing important to share. The whole left out feeling because you're not there yet. You yearn to be a part of something. Anything. To be included and respected. Yet all doors say closed.

All of this can eat at you. It does. As much as it sucks, it's the demon of doom if you let it continue and influence you. Now, I could sit here and tell you what to do, and I have in past posts. I've dealt with this for years. But the only way to cure it is to deal. There's no real answer other than to keep going.  It's what I have to remind myself when the going gets tough. Sure, there are suggestions like working on something else, get outside, clean, blah, blah, blah. These are great and do help, but when you can't--getting rejections and simply waiting for an answer can mask over the creativity. These thoughts lead to even more character stabbing ideas like--maybe publication for my novels is not in my future and what am I doing? You have to counteract that no matter how much it weighs you down. Move forward and shut off everything around you. Work and work. Look for support. Use what you have and seek new. Keep going and never give up. I have to remind myself always.

So, move forward. It's something I'm going through and must push on regardless of my want to back away.

Where do you go to for support?

Are you seeking new betas and CPs? Where do you search?

Have a great day!! Happy writing!!

There's always light

I can't believe I'm posting again. Well, I am. I have to say things always have a bright side. It's something I'm learning to turn to. I'm quick to write my feeling down and post them though sometimes embarrassing. I think a lot. Trust me, my brain never shuts off. My outlook this year was to let everything go and move on, be more positive, because that's all you can do. Things happen for a reason. Some of which we may not like, but they are done for a purpose. Whether it's to make us stronger or show us how to improve. There are reasons.
My eyes have been opened and I'm finally at peace with who I am. I know where I want to be and I'm fine with where I am. My past is that--my past. Who I was and what I did only proves that I'm better person now and will be.
So look to the lighter side of things. . .always. People don't want to be around negatives. Trust me, I know.
Happy writing and have a great day!!

A public service announcement from the socially awkward.

I will admit it--I'm socially awkward. There. I said it. Many people find me strange. I know they do. The thing is--there are times, I just don't know what to say or how to even approach certain situations. It's a battle that I've had throughout my life. Mostly on the outside I can pull it off, but inside I'm cringing that I said something stupid or wrong. It's not that I don't like to talk to people, in fact over the years, I've gotten better, but I know there are times where I'm sure people think, "There's something wrong there." They retreat and become silent.

Another problem is trust. In the past, I put my trust into a lot of people only to be let down in the end. So I approach carefully to every encounter I have and when I feel threaten I go silent. It's not that that person is the problem or even did anything wrong, I curl up worried I'll be hurt again. So I stop and go into a dark cave.

I'm not sure how to cure it or even how to move ahead, but it's a battle and in the end I'm embarrassed and ashamed and lose many friends over the process.

Last year, I retreated, curling up in my hole. I tried to be silent because I was scared and embarrassed at my own writing. Why would anyone want to read my stuff? I can't get a request. But the thing is-- it's all in my head. I'm my own worst enemy. I worry too much how others see me than how I should see me. I follow the rules and I'm learning that it's not always necessary. This business is subjective so no matter how perfect I try to make my stuff, it may not get there because it wasn't liked due to personal preference.

I've been trying to break open my shell this year and throw all my worries to the wind, renewing old friendships and hoping I didn't lose too many. I'm approaching writing differently too. I focus on me. I try not to stay on social media too much and worry that I'm far behind and all the questions that come with it--why can't I catch up? Why can't I just get there? Where is that sign of progress? I will put that aside, the best I can, and move forward. Not letting what others say bother me, but take it as a lesson. Let it roll off as they say. I will put my needs first and not just please. I will because I know I can. I can't thank those who have supported me enough. They have been there through it all and my gratitude and support for them is all I can give.

I know I've been posting about my feelings a lot on this journey, and well, I don't have much to report so I'm trying to figure out how to proceed with this blog. I can't devote as much time as I once did. I will update on other events and writer stuff, but I had meant for this to be a place where other writers could come and maybe find that they are not alone. To share their experiences through this process.

I don't want to keep posting things over and over again because let's face it--that's writing. It has ups and downs and ins and outs. Things take forever and they repeat, it doesn't always have happy endings that continue. So I will be thinking of ways to change a little but keep the essence of what I started with. I'm in a quiet period. I have some things in the works, which are great and have me smiling and I will talk about soon, but on the whole querying front, the crickets are chirping and maybe this book isn't it, which is fine. I'll move on quietly. Here's my motto for the year. :) Write on people.



Are you socially awkward too?

Have a great day!!

A book to check out

Wow. I've been a bad blogger. Today, I will have two posts. The other post will explain a few things. This one is a book you must check out.

Pretty isn't it.

Title: CONTROL

Author: Lydia Kang

Pages: 400

Publisher: Dial Books for Young Readers

Blurb:

When a crash kills their father and leaves them orphaned, Zel knows she needs to protect her sister, Dyl. But before Zel has a plan, Dyl is taken by strangers using bizarre sensory weapons, and Zel finds herself in a safe house for teens who aren’t like any she’s ever seen before—teens who shouldn't even exist. Using broken-down technology, her new friends’ peculiar gifts, and her own grit, Zel must find a way to get her sister back from the kidnappers who think a powerful secret is encoded in Dyl’s DNA.

A spiraling, intense, romantic story set in 2150—in a world of automatic cars, nightclubs with auditory ecstasy drugs, and guys with four arms—this is about the human genetic “mistakes” that society wants to forget, and the way that outcasts can turn out to be heroes.

 

 

I thought this book was awesome!! Loved the voice and the whole world that was created. If you haven't checked this out, please do. It has a great pace and keeps twisting and turning with suspense.

 

Thoughts?

What are you reading now? Any recommendations?

 

Have a great day!!

Happy release day!!

The lovely Stina Lindenblatt is releasing her debut New Adult novel today. Isn't it pretty?

The stats:

Title: Tell Me When

Author: Stina Lindenblatt

Pages: 245

Publisher: Carina Press

 

Blurb:

Amber Scott should be enjoying life as a college freshman. She should be pursuing her dream of becoming a veterinarian. She should be working hard to make sense of her precalculus math class.
She shouldn’t be waking up her college roommate with screaming nightmares. She shouldn’t be flashing back, reliving the three weeks of hell she barely survived last year. And she definitely shouldn’t be spending time with sexy player Marcus Reid.
But engineering student Marcus is the only one keeping Amber from failing her math course, so she grudgingly lets him into her life. She never expects the king of hookups will share his painful past. Or that she’ll tell him her secrets in return, opening up and trusting him in a way she thought she’d never be able to again.
When their fragile future together is threatened by a stalker Amber thought was locked away for good, Marcus is determined to protect her—and Amber is determined to protect Marcus…even if that means pushing him away.

 

 

 

Congrats Stina!! Can't wait to read it!!

 

Go check it out! Also, she has some giveaways on her blog.

 

Have a great day!!