Category Archives: tips

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5 December, 2016

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resources, storyteller, tips, writing

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Keeping it Real

It’s December, and here in the northeastern U.S., that means it’s winter, whether we like it or not. (I don’t do winter. My summer soul can’t handle the cold.) But at least it’s Christmas season and that’s pretty rad.

How did you all do with NaNoWriMo last month? I didn’t write a whole novel, which I knew I wouldn’t, but I did complete that short story I told you about. And *drumroll*, I finished my short story collection! Yeah, bbbbooooiiii. It’s just about 50,000 words, total. It’s eight stories, which I’m a bit disappointed in. I’d like to have 10. I’m currently editing the thing, but if another story just suddenly strikes my fancy, well then I’ll probably end up adding it. It’s all speculative fiction—sci-fi, specifically.

I’ve sent several of the stories off to some magazines, too, in hopes of getting them published. I’d like to have some published in magazines or journals before I compile and self-publish the collection. Cross your fingers. I’ve already been rejected by one. Looking good already, folks! -.-

I’m starting to look at indie book publishers again, too. That old familiar feeling about my novel is coming back. You know: the one where you think “Well, god dammit, this is good! Why did I stop sending it out? I’ll try again!” before you again decide it’s complete shite and let it sit, buried beneath the piles of self-loathing and bitter cynicism, for a few more months before the whole damn cycle of pessimism-then-egoism starts over again…

*ehem

The problem with indie book publishers is that a lot of them started out indie and have since become, dare I say it, mainstream. (THE SHAME.) Many no longer accept unsolicited mss, or they now require agented communication. I understand why they’ve turned that route, but it’s awfully damn discouraging. Below are some of the lists I’ve been looking through. Maybe your pub. company match is on here…

Poets and Writers: http://bit.ly/2gVGlis

Independent Publisher: www.independentpublisher.com/gbpublishers.php

Every Writer’s Resource:  www.everywritersresource.com/bookpublishers/

Stay real, kids.

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26 July, 2016

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storyteller, tips, writing, WTT

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WTT: Mind Your Space

Hey guys. I’m busy working on the remaining short stories for my short story collection. I’m currently stuck on one in particular; I’m working out the plot details right now. I’ll be starting a new day job in a couple weeks, so that’s pretty exciting. Means less time for personal writing, though! I’ve given myself the goal to complete my short story collection (not necessarily all the editing) by the end of the summer. Let’s see if I can do it. 😉

Well, today is Writing Tip Tuesday. Today, I want to talk about space. I’m sitting here in my homemade cozy library/study and I’m realizing that where you write is very important …

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Tip: Sure, as writers ideas can come to us anywhere–bars, parks, the mall, whatever–but it’s a good idea to have a designated spot where you do your serious writing and editing. A cozy armchair, a study, a corner of your local library. Just pick a place where you feel most comfortable and creative; this way you are not distracted by outside man-made and/or environmental factors.

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8 July, 2016

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prompts, resources, tips, tutorials, writing

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Back Again…I Pinky Swear

I was back…and then I disappeared again. I had a big health scare in the family. (The past two weeks have been crazy.) Everything seems to be on a good path now. *thumbs up*

But now I’m back. I pinky swear promise. Next week it’s back to our regularly scheduled program of tips and tutorials and prompts (oh my!). I’m also working on a new short story, too, so that’s pretty exciting.

Stay tuned…

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31 May, 2016

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resources, tips, writing, WTT

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WTT: Blocked?

It’s Writing Tip Tuesday (and I almost forgot it was Tuesday!). Let’s talk about writer’s block.

Writer’s block isn’t any fun. When it happens to a writer, they’ll tell you it feels like they can’t put anything on paper at all. But that’s the precise moment you must! Even if it’s just a few sentences, you must write. Keeping those creative channels open is very important. Keep that pen moving!