Psst...Is that a 100 follower contest I see?

Well, well, well, I hit the big one.  Wa-hoo! party time.  Turn up the music, dance and break out the martinis. I really wish we could all meet and celebrate. Why is reaching 100 followers so important? I don't know it just is. It may be because I still can't believe that 100 people think I'm that  interesting or think that I can call myself a writer.  When I first started, I thought no one would want to even look at my blog--except for Kelly (Kelly Compositions--who is awesome and told me to start this.) Thanks Kelly!

I guess I thought people might laugh at my work and tell me I have no business even trying to pursue publishing anything I wrote but you guys have told me differently. So I believe you and trust me I have a fire that is burning in my gut to keep going.

You want to know about the contest, right? Oh yeah, the contest. Since I'm so not qualified to host a writing contest (which I think are really cool), I'll be giving away some great stuff.

Before I tell you the prizes let me just say I want to change the word followers to something different.  I'm not sure to what yet and if you have suggestions please tell me.

Right prizes--it's killing you isn't it.

O.k. So I have never done this before so I tried to pick up ideas from other contests. 

Are you ready--

The winner will receive:

1. Your choice of one of these fine prints (8" x 10")  from Kaitlyn McCane (Check out her blog, website, and ETSY site).  She is a super cool illustrator and her work  is adorable. I thought one of these could decorate your favorite writing spot (I'm an interior designer hence the decoration).

Option 1

Option 2

2. To help get your reader "hooked"--You will receive a copy of Hooked by Les Edgerton.

3. I'm also including a $10 gift card to Barnes and Noble or Amazon (your choice).

4. To help cure your munchies --a bag of M & M's (dark or regular your choice).

Well, what do you think? You even get to choose some of your prizes.

Rules:

1. Leave a comment (Let me know what inspires you to write). +1

2. If you are a old follower of the blog (Follower before March 31st)  +2

3. New follower +1

4. Bring a friend to this blog (they have to mention you in their comment) +1

5. Blog about this contest (leave a link in your comment) +2

6. Blab about this on other sites - Twitter, FB, etc. (leave a link in your comment) +1

7. Add to your sidebar +1

8. Total your score in your comment +1

Contest ends: April 7th at 11:59 pm and I'll use random.org for the drawing.
 
Any questions just let me know. 
 
Thank you to Michelle McLean for taking my count to the big 100.
 
Thank you for all your thoughtful words yesterday.  I'm thankful for all of you.
 
Good luck! (Boy, that's a lot of thank yous).

Dear friends...

Wow! Let me just tell you I was not going to post today--honest.  I needed a break to finish some things and spend some time with the kiddos to clear my head. I had another post ready to go and I was going to post it today instead of Friday and take Friday off but something blew me away.

As you know I was a complete downer on Monday.  I have had my moments as we all have and this journey will be no picnic but something happened this week something that should have not surprised me so much because deep down I felt it all along.

When I decided to pursue putting my work "out there" with the hopes of getting published I never knew I would meet the most inspirational and supportive group of people. Quite frankly, I didn't know what I would find. 

After posting on Monday and emailing one of my CP's in my desperate hour, I received the best feeling of inspiration and support I could ever ask for-- the comments that flooded in, the inspirational poems and quotes that were posted on blogs brought tears to my eyes. To be quite honest, I couldn't believe it. I couldn't believe that so many people who have never met face to face could show so much compassion for someone they barely knew all because I posted my feelings. I will say it again --I was blown away.

Yesterday, I was quite honored to receive a new award developed by E. Elle. Go check out her site because she writes awesome posts.  The Sure Fire Winner Award.

Below is what is posted on E. Elle's blog:
The description: Sure Fire Winner Award: an award to be given to a fellow writer who is staring down the barrel of writer's misery. We all need a little bump once in a while, a reminder that we've been given this gift for a reason and we don't have deep-seeded desires to put ourselves through such torture without good cause.

The rules:
1) You can only bestow this honor on one fellow writer at a time.


2) You can only pass it on to someone who has shown signs of recent struggle.

3) You do not have to have received it to pass it on.

4) When you pass it on, you must provide a word or two of encouragement to the receiver.

5) As awesome as this award is, you can't write a post with the intention or hope of getting this award. I mean, we struggle, yes, but we aren't needy.

6) When you receive this award, you have to state one positive thing about your writing ability. After all, the best kind of encouragement is the kind that comes from within ourselves.

So E.Elle thank you for this.  It has made the sun shine on my journey and made me realize that I have not only have such amazing supporters but I having an amazing group of friends. I will not quit and I will support those who have 'one of those days' in the best way I can. So I promise not to be so down and if I do get this way I know you will listen, slap some sense into me and then I will look at this award to remind me of all you great people out there.

O.k. so I guess I have to pass this along to someone else. I really would love to pass it on to so many of you because as I floated around the blogging world on Monday it seemed everyone was in the same boat.  But I have to pick one so this award goes to Kelly from Kelly's Compositions. Kelly was having the same feelings as me last week.  She is always there when I need her and she has pushed me to keep going before the whole blogging thing started.  Kelly you are an amazingly talented writer and I know you will go far. You can do it Kelly!

The positive thing about my writing ability--I can express my feelings better when I write than when I talk. The post on Monday seems to prove that. It helps you guys understand me and-- well --writing just completes me.

I printed out my first draft and just staring at the stack of papers makes me smile. I actually completed it and  it can only get better --right? ;)     I think I just made this whole week --inspiration and support week!

Before I go I wanted everyone to know that I read all your comments.  I don't always get around to addressing them in the comment box.  So sorry about that --I'm trying to divide my time.  I do read each and every one. Thanks!

I will post again on Monday but look out because I will be commenting.  Have a great weekend!

Blogs..blogs ..blogs

Oh blogging-- how I love thee. I started blogging not knowing where it would take me or if I could even get the hang of it. I was told it will help get my name out there-- more of a marketing tool.  To be honest my eyes opened wide when I realized it is not only a marketing tool but a classroom.  I have been a crazy blogger for about a month and I have learned way more than I could have ever imagined.  You can ask anyone your biggest fear or how to cure you biggest writing flaw and --wah la --you have an answer.  You really do get a response in the blink of an eye.
The other little nugget I did not expect is how many supportive people I would meet.  Really, I can't believe it.  All I have to do is write about my mood and my fellow bloggers lend a tissue when I am sad or rejoice when I am celebrating.  They give the best advice because they are in the same boat.  Writing is not easy but it is what we all love.  So keep it coming!  I will do my best to return the support. 

Again a short blog-- I know-- but I have been finishing up some writing on my WIP so my brain is not firing on all cylinders. 

Question: What have you gotten out of blogging? Was it what you expected? What attracts you to a blog? What makes you follow a blog? Are there changes you think I should make on my blog?

Have a good day!

Critiques...Therapy?

Here is a subject I have posted about before but I felt like expanding on it.
I met with my critique partner last night and realized how important it is to have someone really look at what you are writing.  I was not sure if having someone critique a first draft was a great idea because it is in no shape to be read but now I think it has helped me in more ways than one.  I have learned so much in the past few months that I already know what to change and how to change my WIP--yes Kelly I know finish it first :)
Having a critique partner(s) helps in more ways than just making sure your I's are dotted and your T's crossed.  I know this is CP's job --to make sure your WIP is the best it can be but I have learned that a CP helps in getting to the heart and soul of your story --

Does it make sense?

Is it consistant?

What do you want the reader to feel?

What is the family tree of your chracters?

and the list goes on (endless questions are discussed and answered)


Having a CP is great for getting feedback whether it is good or bad.  I believe this is helping me become better at what I am trying to achieve.  Accepting the good is easy and the bad --well--sometimes strikes the ego but I take it for all it is worth.  I find the negative feedback (not hurting someone's feeling here--more on the stuff that needs work) helps me really look at my WIP and really try to figure out how to make it better.  I am sure this is all common knowledge to someone who is more of an expert than I am but I thought I needed to share.

My tip--Get feedback no matter where you are in you WIP.

Another helpful tip I have learned is that having a CP is like having a therapist.  Writing is an emotional rollercoaster. Finishing your novel, trying to get an agent, and getting your baby published can break even the most strong hearted down to tears but having support and someone who can listen and understand where you are coming from is priceless. I have been dabbling in writing for over ten years and never had the guts to let anyone read anything I have written but here I am putting myself out there. My family supports me too and they are pretty critical but it is also nice to talk to others apart from my personal life who cheer me on and teach me how to be a better writer.  So thank you Kelly, and my loyal fellow bloggers. 

So that is it--my son is rising from his nap and my time is up.

What characteristics do you look for in a critique partner? How has your critique partner helped you? How has blogging helped you? And a question out of the blue--how have you gained more followers on your blog?