Wednesday, June 27, 2007

Depths of My Soul

"Writing lets me soar into depths of my soul that I never knew existed!" ~ Donna M. McDine

Sometimes no matter how much we brainstorm and outline for an idea your end product turns out to be something totally unexpected.

As writer's we need to keep our thoughts and visions open for new ideas. But most of all we should listen to what our heart and soul guides us to. More often than not when we do, we will turn out our best manuscript.

May your direction be well guided!

Friday, June 22, 2007

School's Out for Summer!

Ugh! I'm not sure if I should be thrilled or overwhelmed that School's Out for Summer.

With the demands of my regular job and family, I have resolved myself to the fact that I must get up early before my girls rise...so that I can get my writing in for the day. Whether it be actual writing, posting to my blog, researching, learning and studying the "tricks of the trade", etc...I know this time will be valuable and it will put me at ease even if I just get in an hour or two.

I just hope my best laid plan works!

Happy Summer time to you all!

Saturday, June 16, 2007

A Meme - Seven Random Facts

I'm new to memes, but Suzanne from The Working Writer's Coach tagged me to write 7 random things about myself so readers can get to know me a little better.

So here goes:

1. I have a fraternal twin sister...we always seem to buy each other the same gifts for birthdays and Christmas.

2. My girlfriends are a strong support system and we always have the best chuckles together.

3. Pilate's has been key in strengthening my neck and back. This has prevented me from getting surgery on my herniated disc.

4. Italian is my favorite food and I love to cook it for my family.

5. I love to entertain at home with friends and/or family...almost 3 out of 4 Sunday's a month.

6. My husband has been very supportive of my writing career and actually started helping more around the house, because he sees how happy I am when I'm writing.

7. I suffered with migraines for 15+ years, but have finally been able to prevent them with a strict diet of no sodium phosphate and meditation.

Here are the rules to play this meme:

Each player starts with 7 random facts/habits about themselves. People who are tagged need to then report this on their own blog with their 7 things as well as these rules. They then need to tag 5-7 others and list their names on their blog.I would like the following bloggers to tell us a little about themselves.

Tag your it?

Jan Fields - http://www.livejournal.com/users/cute_n_cranky

Sue Richards - http://troymiddleschool.blogspot.com/

Rosemary - http://rosemarywritings.blogspot.com/

Pat McCarthy - http://www.patmccarthysauthorblog.blogspot.com/

Linda Kuzyk - http://lindakuyzk.livejournal.com/

Wednesday, June 13, 2007

The 101 Best Websites for Writers by Writers Digest

Visit Writers Digest at http://www.writersdigest.com and view their list of "The 101 Best Websites for Writers"

It's a fantastic resource! The list can be viewed either alphabetically or by category.

Happy surfing!

Tuesday, June 12, 2007

Middle Grade Historical Fiction Novel in the Works

Joining the Children's Writers Coaching Club has been one of most valuable steps I have taken in pursuing my writing dream. The weekly critique sessions have been amazing! The atmosphere is very comfortable and encouraging.

The group truly has been key in keeping me on track and fine-tuning my first three chapters of my middle grade historical fiction novel, which was requested by an agent at the Writer's Digest Writers Conference in May. I finished up the edits on the first two chapters today and plan on completing the edits on the third chapter tomorrow and resend it to the group for a re-critique before mailing out.

More on my progress later...

Friday, June 8, 2007

Published!

Hello All...my article "Trouble in the Park," has been published on the writer's ezine: Long Story Short - http://www.longstoryshort.us

Click: For and About Children
Click: Trouble in the Park

Have a wonderful weekend!

Thursday, June 7, 2007

Hooked...

I picked up the book, "Hooked..write fiction that grabs readers at page one and never lets them go," by Les Edgerton at the Writer's Digest Writers Conference and what a treasure it has become.

We all seek, talk about, and try to invoke the best "hook" in our writing. Whether it be for a query, short story or novel. This particular book is appropriately titled and I'm sure you will find yourself immediately immersed from the beginning. Fabulously written and humorous along the way you will not be able to put this book down. And when you do you, will find yourself running back to the computer or notepad to put your next best idea to work.

I have highlighted and earmarked the book extensively for constant referral. It has become my "bible" of sorts in giving me the moral support and guidance in my writing.

I highly recommend this book for any writer!

Monday, June 4, 2007

Sum.sum.Summer Time!

I always enjoy this time of the year!

It is always a welcome change when my daughter's schedules start winding down.

However, this year I will need to be diligent in setting boundaries to continue my writing and scheduling around my regular day job.

I hope to have the energy to rise early to get in a couple of hours of writing, researching, marketing and contact with fellow writers to keep the rhythm and creative energies going.

If only it was a perfect world for our perfect plans!

Friday, June 1, 2007

Writer's Digest Books Writer's Conference - NYC

What a day I had at the Writer's Digest Conference in NYC (the publishing capital of the world)!

The day was filled with a dynamic keynote speech by Jodi Picoult and the day continued with breakout sessions of your choosing throughout the day.

Thanks to Maria Schneider, editor, Writer's Digest magazine; Linda Swanson-Davies, co-editor of Glimmer Train Stories and K.L. Going, Award-winning YA novelist. Each session I walked away with pages of notes that I plan on implementing in my writing.

Lunch consisted of an Address from New York Editors Panel that was very informative.

Writer's Digest had a bookstore setup in the lobby with considerable discounts on WD books and presenting author books.

To add to the excitement of the day an Author Book Signing session was conducted. I was able to obtain authographs for four books:

Christina Katz, Writer Mama (I had corresponded with her about a month ago about her book and had a delightful conversation with her)

Jodi Picoult, Nineteen Minutes (her line was very long and only had a chance for a quick introduction).

Les Edgerton, Hooked (very personable person and spent 3-4 minutes with each person). I started reading his book today and could hardly put it down to post to my blog. Highly recommended reading!

Linda B. Swanson-Davis, The Glimmer Train, Guide to Writing Fiction (attended her session on Pointers, learn about all things related to short stories)

The Pitch Slam went better then I ever expected! I had the opportunity to pitch to two agents and one requested that I send a query and the second requested the first three chapters of the manuscript that I pitched. I'm in the process of fine-tuning my query and going over my first three chapters with a fine-tooth comb and creating my cover letter before I submit.

I met fabulous people throughout the day.

I would highly recommend you attend a Writer's Digest Conference if the opportunity ever presents itself, its well worth the investment in your writing career!