Wow! I attended Thrillerfest V in NYC last week and it was fantastic! It doesn't get much better than meeting Harlan Coben and sitting in on interviews with Ken Follett, Sandra Brown, Lisa Scottoline, and David Morrell! Plus many more.
Panels discussed everything from how to avoid cliches to the best/worst advice you've ever gotten. The most inspiring part for me was the Debut Author breakfast where the people of Thrillerfest spotlight all the new authors from the past year. Each one was given a moment to stand up, talk about their book, and tell a little about their journey to publication. Every one had the same message. Don't give up! I hope to be sitting at that table some day inspiring others.
But nothing was more inspiring than NY Times Bestselling Author Brad Meltzer tell the story of Harper Lee having doubts about To Kill A Mockingbird and throwing the manuscript out the window. It's okay to doubt, but never give up.
I met some wonderful people and saw a few familiar faces. Everyone there was so welcoming no matter where they are in their publishing journey. I highly recommend, if you write thrillers, becoming a member of this organization. Thank you to the people of the International Thriller Writers for coordinating such an event. And as a past events planner I know how hard it was. I'll definitely be back next year.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Beat the Heat
Summer is fully upon us. It makes me think of those Country Time Lemonade commercials when I was a kid. I always invision a tire swing under the big oak tree, the sun setting in the front yard while you push yourself in the wooden rocker on the wrap around porch and a tall glass of cold lemonade filled with tinkling ice cubes like the sounds of summer wind chimes.
Summer should be about slowing down and enjoying the moment with friends and family. Unfortunately, since I've become an adult I haven't been able to slow down to the pace I imagine in those lemonade commercials. This week is no different. I'm heading off to a writer's conference I hope will advance my writing journey and I'm working my tail off to get ready and the hours are slipping by and all I can see are the things I didn't get to. Even my sentences sound like an endless "to do" list.
I'd like nothing more than to take my kids to the beach, get lost in a book by a favorite author and forget about the tasks hanging over my head. But the drive to be a published author burns in me like the summer heat. Instead, I'll turn up the AC, pour myself a tall glass of lemonade and get to work.
Talk to you later. Much later...
Summer should be about slowing down and enjoying the moment with friends and family. Unfortunately, since I've become an adult I haven't been able to slow down to the pace I imagine in those lemonade commercials. This week is no different. I'm heading off to a writer's conference I hope will advance my writing journey and I'm working my tail off to get ready and the hours are slipping by and all I can see are the things I didn't get to. Even my sentences sound like an endless "to do" list.
I'd like nothing more than to take my kids to the beach, get lost in a book by a favorite author and forget about the tasks hanging over my head. But the drive to be a published author burns in me like the summer heat. Instead, I'll turn up the AC, pour myself a tall glass of lemonade and get to work.
Talk to you later. Much later...
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Congratulations, M. Kate Quinn
I'm proud to tell you about the new release Summer Iris by M. Kate Quinn. She is a fantastic author and my critique partner!! That's us holding the new release. Marykate in the middle and Shari on the right. They are the best critique partners in the world!
You can purchase the Summer Iris from Barnes & Noble.com or her website http://www.mkatequinn.com/. It makes a great summer read, gift for a friend, or book group discussion.
Summer Iris is a funny, poignant romance that takes a stunted, middle-aged woman, transplants her to a cottage by the sea for a summer and cultivates her into her true self.
Everyone can relate to the need to find themselves. You'll laugh along with Iris as she journeys to her heart's true desire. Pick up a copy now and tell me what you think.
Talk to you later...
Summer Iris is a funny, poignant romance that takes a stunted, middle-aged woman, transplants her to a cottage by the sea for a summer and cultivates her into her true self.
Everyone can relate to the need to find themselves. You'll laugh along with Iris as she journeys to her heart's true desire. Pick up a copy now and tell me what you think.
Talk to you later...
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Your Life's Purpose
Have you ever read The Alchemist by Paulo Coehlo? It's a fantastic book about a young man's journey to find his personal legend. My book group read it recently and a question that came up in discussion was "is it narcissistic to pursue your personal dreams?"
I say no. It's our responsibility to fulfill our life's purpose. But what about the people who step on others along the way? You know the type. They're only concerned with their own interests. They don't open their hearts and minds to the people and the world around them. As I like to put it, "Life in the Key of Me."
Being a writer on the path to publication teaches you a very valuable lesson. Other writers will have success when you aren't. It's like when all your friends are getting married and you have to keep going to those puffy, frilly, cake eating, weddings alone. What do you do? You certainly don't make it about yourself.
What has led so many to turn their focus on the world inward? I have my opinion on it, of course. We live in a society where everyone is a winner and no one can come in second place because it might hurt their feelings. We've become so worried about boosting self-esteem all we've done is create mediocrity and people (children and adults) who think the world should revolve around them.
Technology has added to this interior spiral. Don't get me wrong the advancement of technology is a great and needed thing, but now we are bombarded with ways people can tell you about their trips to the bathroom, their need to have a drink because the day was too difficult, or their crush on the neighbor's cousin's, father's uncle's spouse. Way too much information if you ask me.
Let's go back to that young boy in The Alchemist. He pursued his personal legend, his life's purpose, with his eyes and heart open so he could receive the signs telling him how to continue on his path. When you shut down you miss grace operating in your life, your actions are driven by negativity, and your piano is stuck in the key of "Me."
Your life's purpose waits for you. Open your heart and your mind and when you ask someone how they're doing, really listen. This time it might need to be about them.
Talk to you later...
I say no. It's our responsibility to fulfill our life's purpose. But what about the people who step on others along the way? You know the type. They're only concerned with their own interests. They don't open their hearts and minds to the people and the world around them. As I like to put it, "Life in the Key of Me."
Being a writer on the path to publication teaches you a very valuable lesson. Other writers will have success when you aren't. It's like when all your friends are getting married and you have to keep going to those puffy, frilly, cake eating, weddings alone. What do you do? You certainly don't make it about yourself.
What has led so many to turn their focus on the world inward? I have my opinion on it, of course. We live in a society where everyone is a winner and no one can come in second place because it might hurt their feelings. We've become so worried about boosting self-esteem all we've done is create mediocrity and people (children and adults) who think the world should revolve around them.
Technology has added to this interior spiral. Don't get me wrong the advancement of technology is a great and needed thing, but now we are bombarded with ways people can tell you about their trips to the bathroom, their need to have a drink because the day was too difficult, or their crush on the neighbor's cousin's, father's uncle's spouse. Way too much information if you ask me.
Let's go back to that young boy in The Alchemist. He pursued his personal legend, his life's purpose, with his eyes and heart open so he could receive the signs telling him how to continue on his path. When you shut down you miss grace operating in your life, your actions are driven by negativity, and your piano is stuck in the key of "Me."
Your life's purpose waits for you. Open your heart and your mind and when you ask someone how they're doing, really listen. This time it might need to be about them.
Talk to you later...
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
To Edit or not to Edit
Hello to All! I apologize for being inconsistent with my blog posts lately. I've been up to my eyeballs in edits. I'm trying to get my latest work in progress Don't Play With Fire ready for a huge conference I'm attending in July. I've been making major changes to the plot. I think I have it all figured out now. The only thing left is the fine tuning which is easier said than done. All my writer friends know about that!
So, I got to thinking - What the heck am I going to write about on the blog? Might as well talk about the importance of editing. I mean, we could talk about the NJEA again or bad parenting (I could go on about that forever) or children who don't know how to play nicely, (wait a sec, that goes under the bad parenting column!) But since editing is on my mind it might as well be on yours too.
How often do you edit your work? You don't have to be writing novels to do editing. You could be writing notes to your children's teachers. Everything needs to be rewritten at least once.
In the day and age of emails and texts do you even bother to look over what you've put down? I bet a lot of you don't. I edit everything now. I even edit television commercials and other people's conversations! Scary, I know. But I can't help it.
You may be saying, "Stacey, I'm a great writer. I don't need to edit. It's you who suck." And my response to that is (after I stick my tongue out at you) "Stephen King you ain't!" And even he edits!
So, where am I going with all this? Good question. When writing it's important to slow down and spend some time with it. Think of editing like hanging out with a good friend. You want the time to last. After you've written something you should put it down and walk away from it. The longer time you can put between you and the piece the better. You'll come back with fresher eyes and you'll see things you've missed.
You may not have made your point as clearly as you would've liked. You might have mispelled a few words. And please, for the love of Pete do not rely on spell check! Give your piece to someone else to read. They will bring a different perspective to what you've written.
If you're doing creative writing learn your craft. There are tons of books out there to help you. Or attend writing workshops about character, plot, conflict. Read your favorite authors and see what they've done then go back and reread your work.
Because of emails and texts I think the art of writing (and it is an art) is becoming a thing of the past. Many can't even put a complete sentence together and it's sad. Call me old fashioned, but I think everyone should take pride in the words they put down whether on paper or screen. Remember the old adage: It's not what you say, but how you say it? If you can't write well then you sound plain old dumb.
Talk to you later...
So, I got to thinking - What the heck am I going to write about on the blog? Might as well talk about the importance of editing. I mean, we could talk about the NJEA again or bad parenting (I could go on about that forever) or children who don't know how to play nicely, (wait a sec, that goes under the bad parenting column!) But since editing is on my mind it might as well be on yours too.
How often do you edit your work? You don't have to be writing novels to do editing. You could be writing notes to your children's teachers. Everything needs to be rewritten at least once.
In the day and age of emails and texts do you even bother to look over what you've put down? I bet a lot of you don't. I edit everything now. I even edit television commercials and other people's conversations! Scary, I know. But I can't help it.
You may be saying, "Stacey, I'm a great writer. I don't need to edit. It's you who suck." And my response to that is (after I stick my tongue out at you) "Stephen King you ain't!" And even he edits!
So, where am I going with all this? Good question. When writing it's important to slow down and spend some time with it. Think of editing like hanging out with a good friend. You want the time to last. After you've written something you should put it down and walk away from it. The longer time you can put between you and the piece the better. You'll come back with fresher eyes and you'll see things you've missed.
You may not have made your point as clearly as you would've liked. You might have mispelled a few words. And please, for the love of Pete do not rely on spell check! Give your piece to someone else to read. They will bring a different perspective to what you've written.
If you're doing creative writing learn your craft. There are tons of books out there to help you. Or attend writing workshops about character, plot, conflict. Read your favorite authors and see what they've done then go back and reread your work.
Because of emails and texts I think the art of writing (and it is an art) is becoming a thing of the past. Many can't even put a complete sentence together and it's sad. Call me old fashioned, but I think everyone should take pride in the words they put down whether on paper or screen. Remember the old adage: It's not what you say, but how you say it? If you can't write well then you sound plain old dumb.
Talk to you later...
Friday, May 21, 2010
Critique Partners
Writers work in a vacuum most of the time. We sit alone at our desks with only the voices of our characters in our heads. That's not always a bad thing, but every once in awhile we need to get out from behind the computer screen and interact with other writers.
Getting feedback on your writing is a necessary part of the process and a very frightening part. For months sometimes years we sit alone crafting a story pouring our souls into it. Now we have to give it to someone to read and tell us what they think? For many writers we'd rather poke our eyes out.
What are we to do? Find critique partners of course, but not just any critique partner. A bad critique partner can make you want to give up writing for good. I know I had some once.
You must find partners who write on the same level you do. This doesn't mean the more experienced shouldn't help the beginner starting out on their journey. It takes time to learn the craft of writing and how to edit. You may not be getting the best feedback from someone who hasn't learned as much yet. But when they do, by all means think about becoming writing partners.
Your critique partners should be nice people. That sounds like an obvious one, but not everyone is nice about how they edit. There's a better way to say your piece needs some work than, "I hate your prologue." You want your critique partners to care about your work as much as you do. If they're vested in your work too they won't be jealous when you get "the call" before they do. They'll be proud of you and stand up and cheer because your characters are real for them too.
How do you find a good critique partner? Unfortunately, sometimes it's trial and error. Join a writing organization in your area. There's plenty in all different genres. Start asking around and talking to people in the group. Really pay attention to the vibes you're getting. Your instincts know when you've met the right person.
When I was looking for new critique partners I received an email from a woman who sounded like I did. She seemed to be at the same writing level I was. We agreed to meet. Another woman joined us. I knew instantly these were the right women for me. I felt the energy around us like a lightning bolt. They have been invaluable to me on my writing journey. I couldn't have accomplished all that have without them. I am as committed to their work as they are to mine. I owe a world of gratitude to Marykate and Shari. Not only are they wonderful writers, but they are fantastic people. (Okay, enough gushing. I'm going to make their heads huge! LOL!!! Just kidding ladies. I love you!)
Talk to you later...
Getting feedback on your writing is a necessary part of the process and a very frightening part. For months sometimes years we sit alone crafting a story pouring our souls into it. Now we have to give it to someone to read and tell us what they think? For many writers we'd rather poke our eyes out.
What are we to do? Find critique partners of course, but not just any critique partner. A bad critique partner can make you want to give up writing for good. I know I had some once.
You must find partners who write on the same level you do. This doesn't mean the more experienced shouldn't help the beginner starting out on their journey. It takes time to learn the craft of writing and how to edit. You may not be getting the best feedback from someone who hasn't learned as much yet. But when they do, by all means think about becoming writing partners.
Your critique partners should be nice people. That sounds like an obvious one, but not everyone is nice about how they edit. There's a better way to say your piece needs some work than, "I hate your prologue." You want your critique partners to care about your work as much as you do. If they're vested in your work too they won't be jealous when you get "the call" before they do. They'll be proud of you and stand up and cheer because your characters are real for them too.
How do you find a good critique partner? Unfortunately, sometimes it's trial and error. Join a writing organization in your area. There's plenty in all different genres. Start asking around and talking to people in the group. Really pay attention to the vibes you're getting. Your instincts know when you've met the right person.
When I was looking for new critique partners I received an email from a woman who sounded like I did. She seemed to be at the same writing level I was. We agreed to meet. Another woman joined us. I knew instantly these were the right women for me. I felt the energy around us like a lightning bolt. They have been invaluable to me on my writing journey. I couldn't have accomplished all that have without them. I am as committed to their work as they are to mine. I owe a world of gratitude to Marykate and Shari. Not only are they wonderful writers, but they are fantastic people. (Okay, enough gushing. I'm going to make their heads huge! LOL!!! Just kidding ladies. I love you!)
Talk to you later...
Friday, May 14, 2010
Just Do It
First off I want to thank everyone for their comments on the No Toys in the Happy Meals post. Whether you spoke here, emailed me or called we kicked up quite a discussion! I'll be sure to find more things we can discuss like that!
Today I want to talk about pursuing your dreams. I encourage everyone to go after the thing they're most passionate about. I'm trying out on you an article I'm submitting to the LSFW newsletter.
"Just Do It." The marketing people at Nike really had their acts together when they came up with that one. "Just Do It" is my absolute favorite slogan. I say it to myself and my children all day. Three simple words that say it all: stop talking about it - take action. Words that help me achieve my goals.
The phrase applies to every aspect of our lives. Writing - just do it. We all know books don't' get written without putting words on paper. How many people have you bumped into that say they want to be a writer, but never write a single word? A mother in my town just told me that the other day! I said to her, "if you want to be a writer then write." You can dream about writing bestselling novels, but if you don't take acton, actually do it, then being an author is nothing more than a passing thought.
Just do it applies to goal setting. Whip out a piece of paper and jot down your wishes, hopes, and dreams. (Go ahead. I'll wait.) The list alone isn't enough. You have to do something to accomplish those goals. Take the steps necessary to make your goals a reality.
Women nurture by nature. We take care of everything and everyone else first. That leaves little time for ourselves and then add in the much needed time to write. Finding space to write among the "to do" list is a daunting task, I know. But you know what I say? Just Do It! You owe yourself those three little words. I promise you - no one will give you the power to just do it, but you. You'll be glad you did.
Appropriately, just do it applies to exercising. I'm an avid exerciser. It gives me the energy to keep up with my hectic life. It clears my head of white noise so I can be present for my family and importantly my writing. When my rapid thoughts are quiet my creativity flows. I find myself putting words on paper and completing manuscripts. I'm doing it!
Maybe you already find the time for physical activity. Maybe you meditate daily. What's on that bucket list of yours? Getting an agent? Signing with a bigger publisher? Finishing your first manuscript? Finding a critique partner? Figure out what steps you need to take, research, learn your craft. Just Do It! I know you can.
Talk to you later...
Today I want to talk about pursuing your dreams. I encourage everyone to go after the thing they're most passionate about. I'm trying out on you an article I'm submitting to the LSFW newsletter.
"Just Do It." The marketing people at Nike really had their acts together when they came up with that one. "Just Do It" is my absolute favorite slogan. I say it to myself and my children all day. Three simple words that say it all: stop talking about it - take action. Words that help me achieve my goals.
The phrase applies to every aspect of our lives. Writing - just do it. We all know books don't' get written without putting words on paper. How many people have you bumped into that say they want to be a writer, but never write a single word? A mother in my town just told me that the other day! I said to her, "if you want to be a writer then write." You can dream about writing bestselling novels, but if you don't take acton, actually do it, then being an author is nothing more than a passing thought.
Just do it applies to goal setting. Whip out a piece of paper and jot down your wishes, hopes, and dreams. (Go ahead. I'll wait.) The list alone isn't enough. You have to do something to accomplish those goals. Take the steps necessary to make your goals a reality.
Women nurture by nature. We take care of everything and everyone else first. That leaves little time for ourselves and then add in the much needed time to write. Finding space to write among the "to do" list is a daunting task, I know. But you know what I say? Just Do It! You owe yourself those three little words. I promise you - no one will give you the power to just do it, but you. You'll be glad you did.
Appropriately, just do it applies to exercising. I'm an avid exerciser. It gives me the energy to keep up with my hectic life. It clears my head of white noise so I can be present for my family and importantly my writing. When my rapid thoughts are quiet my creativity flows. I find myself putting words on paper and completing manuscripts. I'm doing it!
Maybe you already find the time for physical activity. Maybe you meditate daily. What's on that bucket list of yours? Getting an agent? Signing with a bigger publisher? Finishing your first manuscript? Finding a critique partner? Figure out what steps you need to take, research, learn your craft. Just Do It! I know you can.
Talk to you later...
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