I know what your thinking. Just give a number to GoodReads and call it a day.
No.
I'm not worried about quantity this year. Heck, I have plenty sleepless nights where a good book comes in hand. I'm talking about quality (not that the YA/NA books I devour are not quality because they are unless I get a stinker). Books that enrich my mind and offer up knowledge.
For example, I'm hooked on the show Reign. It has everything I love: drama, romance, history. But as I'm watching and the show goes to credits, I'm curious about what really happened. So, to start things off, I've marked to read a book, mixed with a little fiction but based on actual events, about Mary Stuart.
I'm currently reading On Writing by Stephen King, which doesn't feel like a teachy book but a interesting perspective on writing.
In 2014, I'll still read my full of YA and NA but to break up the drama and lust, I plan to mix in a dollop of real drama or tips of the trade.
Do you have any suggestions? What Non-Fiction or How To books changed your life? Share away!
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
Thursday, December 26, 2013
You take one down and pass it around...
When I started out writing, I asked a writer friend, "What do I do now?" And lucky for me, she didn't ignore my email but replied with a novel of advice.
Recently, my FIL informed me he'd like to write a book. An inspirational bit based on what he's learned from life and business. Seeing as how I often turned to him for advice, I found it to be a grand idea. And with this new adventure, I feel the need to pass along some writerly advice.
1. Keep writing. If you have the time, put yourself on a writing schedule. But learn when you feel most productive. For me, its at night. Trust, when times get busy, you'll thank yourself for making it a priority.
2. Keep learning. Whether you're poor at grammar or your characters are tech savvy, you need to stay sharp and focused. Your info needs to be current and readers need to relate. Learning can be as simple as reading more books. Writers are readers first. We love books. So do something you love. Read.
3. You're not perfect. That first draft will be bad. Confront that realization now and learn from it. I have several manuscripts sitting in my computer that are dying a slow death. They are not great. That first sentence you write will need improvement. But as along as you realize that editing is a must and move on, you will survive. Get the words out. They are not set in stone. You can change them and mold them into something great.
4. Make writer friends. This is a tough business and the more writer people you surround yourself with, the better the journey can be. I was lucky to start out with a writer friend but per her advice, I put myself out there. Twitter, The Writing Cooler, FB. There I met some great people who I not only talk to today on a daily basis but we share our stuff and learn from each other.
5. Become a beta reader. I know, in your spare time when you're not trying to have a life, work, and write, I'm now telling you to read other peoples' work. Yes. I learn so much by reading and helping others. Sure, my first time out was TERRIBLE! The author was mean, arrogant and basically told me I sucked. But, I moved on and found better people. And you can, too.
6. Finish your manuscript. You can't share your work with the world unless you finish it.
7. Edit and then edit again. I have read a manuscript for a writer bestie of mine like 4 times! Granted, the story changed a few times but each round made it stronger and stronger. You know where that manuscript is now? Sitting in hardback form on my book shelf!
8. Know when to take a step back. I'll say this everyday of my life. Writing is hard. There are days when words will not flow. Characters will not cooperate and life takes the wheel. When this happens, step back from your writing. You need to live a life in order to write about life. So live it. Then pull your big girl panties back on (or boxers!) and write. Getting frustrated will only lead to anger and an unfinished manuscript.
I hope this little bit has inspired you. I know I feel recharged after writing it. Share what you learn with others and have a happy, productive, writery New Year!
Recently, my FIL informed me he'd like to write a book. An inspirational bit based on what he's learned from life and business. Seeing as how I often turned to him for advice, I found it to be a grand idea. And with this new adventure, I feel the need to pass along some writerly advice.
1. Keep writing. If you have the time, put yourself on a writing schedule. But learn when you feel most productive. For me, its at night. Trust, when times get busy, you'll thank yourself for making it a priority.
2. Keep learning. Whether you're poor at grammar or your characters are tech savvy, you need to stay sharp and focused. Your info needs to be current and readers need to relate. Learning can be as simple as reading more books. Writers are readers first. We love books. So do something you love. Read.
3. You're not perfect. That first draft will be bad. Confront that realization now and learn from it. I have several manuscripts sitting in my computer that are dying a slow death. They are not great. That first sentence you write will need improvement. But as along as you realize that editing is a must and move on, you will survive. Get the words out. They are not set in stone. You can change them and mold them into something great.
4. Make writer friends. This is a tough business and the more writer people you surround yourself with, the better the journey can be. I was lucky to start out with a writer friend but per her advice, I put myself out there. Twitter, The Writing Cooler, FB. There I met some great people who I not only talk to today on a daily basis but we share our stuff and learn from each other.
5. Become a beta reader. I know, in your spare time when you're not trying to have a life, work, and write, I'm now telling you to read other peoples' work. Yes. I learn so much by reading and helping others. Sure, my first time out was TERRIBLE! The author was mean, arrogant and basically told me I sucked. But, I moved on and found better people. And you can, too.
6. Finish your manuscript. You can't share your work with the world unless you finish it.
7. Edit and then edit again. I have read a manuscript for a writer bestie of mine like 4 times! Granted, the story changed a few times but each round made it stronger and stronger. You know where that manuscript is now? Sitting in hardback form on my book shelf!
8. Know when to take a step back. I'll say this everyday of my life. Writing is hard. There are days when words will not flow. Characters will not cooperate and life takes the wheel. When this happens, step back from your writing. You need to live a life in order to write about life. So live it. Then pull your big girl panties back on (or boxers!) and write. Getting frustrated will only lead to anger and an unfinished manuscript.
I hope this little bit has inspired you. I know I feel recharged after writing it. Share what you learn with others and have a happy, productive, writery New Year!
Wednesday, December 11, 2013
Jingle Balls...I mean Bells
Sorry I've been away for a bit. Honestly, I'm trying to do more with my family and holiday stuff. In keeping with the mood, I'm sure you saws the Kmart Jingle "Bells" commercial. If not, take a gander.
When I saw this commercial for the first time, I went to FB to make sure others saw, as well. Days later, the media was all over it, with claims of people feeling offended. Really? And while I'm not offended, nor, do I feel like the male movement has received any blows, I can understand how one might feel "offended" or put off.
1. Jingle Bells? Sure, try those moves with like 12 Days of Christmas.
2. Women everywhere flocked to Kmart to buy Joe Boxers only to find their husbands were still uncoordinated.
3. Excited for musical pants, men across the country were disappointed to find that they still didn't have rhythm and their pants didn't "ding" when they walked.
4. Tuxedo manufactures were outraged because their sales of pants declined.
5. Tie manufactures boycotted the commercial because it promotes bow ties.
6. Victoria Secret models were a little miffed with the competition demanding bells on their boobs.
7. Hand bell choirs are feeling the pressure.
8. We won't be able to look at a yellow smiley face again.
9. Lovers of the Hershey Kisses playing We Wish You a Merry Christmas are upset causing them to stuff their faces with the chocolately goodness.
10. Santa isn't happy because the number one item on many female (and male) Christmas lists is a Joe Boxer Jingle Balls performer.
Happy Holidays!
When I saw this commercial for the first time, I went to FB to make sure others saw, as well. Days later, the media was all over it, with claims of people feeling offended. Really? And while I'm not offended, nor, do I feel like the male movement has received any blows, I can understand how one might feel "offended" or put off.
1. Jingle Bells? Sure, try those moves with like 12 Days of Christmas.
2. Women everywhere flocked to Kmart to buy Joe Boxers only to find their husbands were still uncoordinated.
3. Excited for musical pants, men across the country were disappointed to find that they still didn't have rhythm and their pants didn't "ding" when they walked.
4. Tuxedo manufactures were outraged because their sales of pants declined.
5. Tie manufactures boycotted the commercial because it promotes bow ties.
6. Victoria Secret models were a little miffed with the competition demanding bells on their boobs.
7. Hand bell choirs are feeling the pressure.
8. We won't be able to look at a yellow smiley face again.
9. Lovers of the Hershey Kisses playing We Wish You a Merry Christmas are upset causing them to stuff their faces with the chocolately goodness.
10. Santa isn't happy because the number one item on many female (and male) Christmas lists is a Joe Boxer Jingle Balls performer.
Happy Holidays!
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