FOR WRITERS•
on November 7th, 2011•
What do you mean, don’t edit? Okay, let me explain the title. When a writer is writing a rough draft, like I’m currently doing for my second WIP, you might want to turn off the inner editor. The part of you that ones to hone this piece of work until it sings. It is absolutely perfect and the BEST thing you’ve ever written.
Don’t do that!
It took me two years to finish my first manuscript mainly because, (1) I asked for too much feedback and (2) I over-edited the first part of the book. In some ways, I lost my passion for the characters and started trying to re-work the WIP to please others. I know I started the manuscript over about three times, lost a few characters and totally confused myself with the plot. I started off writing suspense and then was convince, my writing was Women’s fiction. I went to mystery and now I’m back to suspense. Woah!
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Victory Gospel Series•
on October 21st, 2011•
I want to express my thanks to Katrina Burchett for posting a review on GoodReads.com. Katrina is the author of CHOICES, a young adult novel intended for mature readers.
Katrina’s Review …
Candace Johnson was only twelve when she lost her mother. After seventeen years of marriage, she lost her husband. Now her best friend, Pamela Coleman, has been killed. Losing so many loved ones has caused Candace to put her faith in God on the back burner. Will she ever be able to connect with the heavenly Father again?
I liked Candace. She was a strong, independent woman and a good mother to two teens – Rachel (16) and Daniel (14). I also liked Beulah and Mrs. Roberts, and some of the conversations Candace had with them.
Candace stopped attending church regularly after her husband’s death, but even though she was struggling with her faith, she did not forget where her help came from. Candace knew how to call on God in times of need.
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FOR WRITERS•
on October 18th, 2011•
What are the five most important things an author must know when considering writing and publishing a book? I put together this list about two years ago. I decided to review what I wrote based on how life has changed for me now.
1. Time management.
If you are going to write a book, you have to set aside the time to do it. You also have to guard that time with your life. Okay, that’s a bit extreme! LOL! You have to be flexible because things do happen, but you definitely need to get out a calendar and set some personal deadlines.
2. Study.
Writers have a natural desire to write, but like any talent, you have to practice and master new skills. Study the craft of writing.
3. Marketing
People have asked me why I think so far ahead. You have to! It has appeared to me, writing the book is half the battle. No matter how the book is published (traditional or self-published), the other half of the process is truly the marketing side.
4. Support
I have three great critique partners who don’t mind telling me when something doesn’t sound write (I mean right) and that has made a huge difference in my growth as a writer.
5. Write. Write. Write.
I’m not always working on a manuscript, but I’m writing as much as I can during the week. Whether it’s a devotion, an article or a book review. The more you write, the more you learn how keep the writing tight or write with a purpose.
Do you agree with my list? What would you add?
Devotions•
on October 9th, 2011•
It’s been yet another year of transitions. I don’t think you can expect to NOT have some significant changes in a year. 365 days is a long time. Still, the last two-three years, change has come hard and fast. Some days, I’m still reeling as I continue to stick with my motto, “Keep it Movin’.” During the seasons of what appear to be rapid changes, I like to mediate on Psalm 1.
… like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither— whatever they do prospers. Psalm 1:3 NIV
September 23 marked another change in season during the year. The slightly cooler weather is a relief from the hot, scorching days of summer. In a couple of weeks, the most noticeable changes will occur in the trees. The leaves seem to almost magically transform to orange, yellow, and red. One day you may be driving or walking and all of a sudden you’ll notice the colorful array of trees along the road, in the park or around your house. Gradually one by one each leaf will make it’s way to the ground and some of us will have to dig out the rake from the back of the garage. read more
Articles by Tyora Moody•
on September 27th, 2011•
Writing can be a lonely activity. The loneliness may not necessary end after the book is published. Hours of travel, sitting at book signing tables, setting up booths, and hotel rooms may take a toil on a writer, may even steal some of the joy from the publishing process. With the current economy, authors have to be careful with funds. It’s imperative to include a combination of traditional and online ideas in book marketing plans.
I’ve found the best teachers when it comes to marketing are those who are veterans or who have a creative spirit when it comes to book promotion. What makes the Internet such an awesome place is the willingness of so many who don’t mind sharing tips.
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FOR WRITERS•
on September 20th, 2011•
National Punctuation Day is September 24, 2011. The purpose is to draw attention to the importance of proper punctuation. It’s a day for librarians, educators, parents and anyone interested in teaching and promoting good writing skills to students and children. It’s also a day to remind business people that others judge them based on how they present themselves in writing.
As a writer or a reader, spread the word and visit the Web site at .
FOR WRITERS•
on August 30th, 2011•
I’m continuing my serious on tools for writers this week. If you are reading this blog post, it’s safe to say, you obviously read and like to consume information online via blogs. Reading blogs can be time-consuming. The best way to keep up with your favorite blogs is to gather the RSS feeds in one central location.
When I mention RSS feeds to some people, their first reaction is What is an RSS feed? Well, RSS stands for Really Simple Syndication. There are different types of feeds, but RSS is the most popular. If you manage a blog or platform (audio, video) that is updated frequently, the RSS feed provides a quick way for your visitors to subscribe to your content.
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