Translation for your convience

Thursday, May 31, 2012

Not much time for writing

I uploaded my story No Laughing Matter to the Women on Writing contest and paid extra for a critique. As a beginning writer I want as much help as I can get and this certainly is one way to get it. I'm really glad they offer this service. (It's too short a piece for my instructor so this is the next best thing)

I worked, very little, on Second Chances. Can't believe how the day got away. I'm amazed how well authors can keep their pieces going from beginning to end. I have so much trouble writing a short piece and here I'm working on a piece I expect to be about 90,000 words and wonder if I'm duplicating, missing important pieces of information, etc.

Discovered some really great articles on dialogue. I'll update you once I've digested the information. (yes, I'm thinking I have to start at the beginning of Second Chances, again, and make sure I'm not making the same pitfalls. Will I ever finish this novel?)

Happy writing, revising, submitting, learning and growing.

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Looking to raise funds?

Sent in Assignment 5, Rage of a Storm, today. Still a lot of research so I'll continue that tomorrow.

Finished my flash fiction for the Women on Writing contest. Couldn't have done it without the help of my editor. I need lots of time to write a piece and I managed to get this one done in a couple of weeks.

I worked most of yesterday afternoon on Second Chances. Glad to have felt like working on it. It needs to be finished and on it's next leg in the publishing process.

Spent Monday in the Everglades. Decided to close the store and take the day off with Thom. Land Rover was closed, so he had the day off with me.

Found a really interesting site for raising funds for various projects. Check it out: kickstarter.com

Have fun researching, revising, submitting and working on your project

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Rage of a Storm is not creative nonfiction

I received an email response from the Creative Nonfiction Foundation--"Thank you for your message. I asked around the CNF office, and unfortunately no one can think of any nonfiction pieces where a natural force is personified. It seems, in my opinion, that to give a hurricane a voice would be more of a fiction piece than nonfiction."

So there we have it, Rage of a Storm is fiction. Will attempt creative nonfiction another time. I've put too much time and effort into this one to drop it just to satisfy a specific category of writing. I've plenty of time to get it  right on another story. In the meantime I'll continue learning about this elusive category and maybe an idea will surface.

I want to read one more small piece that I think fits Rage of a Storm before I submit it to my instructor. Then I can put all my efforts into Assignment 6.

I've a really bad headache today and yesterday so I didn't do too much research, but I read some insights from creative nonfiction writers in the Telling True Stories: A nonfiction Writers' Guide from the Nieman Foundation at Harvard University.

I will try to work on my flash fiction I'd like to enter into WOW contest. Hopefully I'll get if finished before the end of the month. If not, it'll be good for another one later on. I get too stressed when a deadline looms, so I'm not going to put too much pressure on myself to meet it. I learned about the contest last Wednesday and knew at the time it would be really close. Most of the time, even short stories take me months to perfect to my satisfaction.

Happy writing, revising, submitting and researching.

Monday, May 21, 2012

Despite my exhaustion, I had an interesting weekend

As you read, I accomplished quite a bit on Saturday. Reading through Jeff Master's Blog took a lot of time for only one day, but it is extremely necessary for Article 5 & 6.

Sunday I was unable to get up for church. Headache and exhaustion kept me in bed. I managed to get up for food about mid-day and wrote down the storyline for a story that's been in my head for several months. Guess it will be the next one I work on. Maybe for Assignment 8. I have plans for Assignment 7. I promptly went back to bed. You'd think after sleeping all day Sunday, I'd be off and running. Not so. Maybe I have something else going on.

Today, I have accomplished what I need done and will, again, attack Jeff Master's Blog so I can continue taking notes for Article 5. I still haven't received an answer from the creative nonfiction writing expert, but will give a little more time before trying to find the answer elsewhere. I'm still concerned I may not be able to call Assignment 5 , Rage of a Storm, creative nonfiction. Already have a couple of magazines chosen that don't care what type of story, but would really like to know and understand this category. When I have time, I'll try to learn this from reading such stories as well.

Happy researching.

Saturday, May 19, 2012

Still reading

I spent most of yesterday preparing the contest entry for WOW. It's a flash fiction of 500-750 words. Not sure if the format I used will be acceptable. I'll be sending it off to my editor soon.

Received Assignment 4. Just as I suspected, it's very dry. I'm so glad I have an instructor that can help me remove the dust and turn it into a more interesting article. What was written needs to be brought to light, or at least become a reminder. I plan to submit this to the local paper.

Yesterday and today, I reread the articles and parts of  lesson 5 my instructor recommended. At the same time, I revised my three papers that are part of Assignment 5. 1) Article Summary-I expanded the summary to ensure I met Ms. Clayton's requirement of  "Don't be vague." 2) Article Opening-I revised it to tighten it and make sure the questions or hick-ups I noticed were gone. 3) Name two possible magazine markets. I will actually turn in three. One takes fiction, but I queried them about creative nonfiction and they said they'd accept it, but will call it fiction. I chose them for their entrepreneurial spirit. The second is a creative nonfiction magazine. The third, a weather magazine.

Not sure how much I'll get done today. I plan to:
  • revise my contest entry
    • done and sent to my editor
  • begin revision on Assignment 4 
    • I did all I'm going to do today
  • research and take notes for Assignment 5
    • managed to get through a lot of pages of research. Lots more to go, but very interesting. I hope this article is as interesting as my mind has been making it.
  • not work on Second Chances. I've not been sleeping well this week so I've put this novel off until I can find my energy. I'm exhausted and unsure as to whether or not I'll accomplish the small tasks I've given myself let alone conquer the needs of the novel.
Or maybe, I'll just read a good book.

Happy writing, revising and submitting.

Thursday, May 17, 2012

Wow, to write creative nonfiction

I'm going to need to not be working. Lots of research and paying close attention to detail. I highly recommend Writing Creative Nonfiction by Carolyn Forche and Philip Gerard. Very informative. The book even has some exercises and stories for examples. I now understand many forms of writing in this category.

I discovered it's important to be extremely observant. Since creative nonfiction is the truth and nothing but the truth, not only do you need to write down your quotes or record your conversations if you are interviewing, you need to note and write down everything you observe:
    • what do you see?
    • what do you feel?
    • what nuances do you notice about your interviewee?
    • the voice?
    • what noises are present?
    • any touch things you can note?
    • smell?
    • taste?
    • emotional responses


The stories in this book are great examples to draw from. I cried when I read the story What They Don't Tell You About Hurricanes by Philip Gerard. I knew what he was going through and he reminded me of the many hurricanes I've trembled through with the house breathing and shuddering. The darkness of shuttered windows and the stillness just before and after and the constant roar in between. Nature, my favorite creation gone. Some in hiding, some blown away. (Those who know me are probably nodding their heads. I monitor hurricanes and weather from June 1st to November 30th and watch weather and research hurricanes the rest of the year.)

A really good example of noticing everything is in the prologue of Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese. I'm really getting into this story and love the descriptions that have me right there. Haven't really felt this excited about a book since I read The Awakening by Kate Chopin. Sure, I've read many good books, but their words didn't invigorate me like these and a few others.


Assignment 5 is a personification and I'm trying to find out if I can do that and still call the story nonfiction. So far I haven't come up with an answer. Hopefully my continued research will answer the question.

I'll continue to update you on what I find. In the meantime, if you're interested, check out this  Creative Nonfiction site Lots of great information, back and current issues of the Creative Nonfiction Magazine, classes and more.

Just found out Jean Craighead George died Tuesday, May 15th. I'm re-reading My Side of the Mountain again for the umpteenth time. (yes, I tend to read more than one book at a time)

Happy writing and researching

Condolences to to Jean's family and friends

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Smiling Ear to Ear

Welcome to our newest follower: adele1phil2

I have finished Assignment 5. So much research, but it's done.

I decided to enter a contest by Women on Writing     Today I described the characters and wrote the story plan.

To perfect Assignment 6, I'm reading Writing Creative Nonfiction by Carolyn Forche and Philip Gerard. Will let you know how it helps me later.

I know I haven't worked on Second Chances for awhile, but I don't feel pressured to do so, so I'm taking a break.

Have fun relaxing when it's needed or when it comes along.

Happy writing, reading and learning

Monday, May 14, 2012

Creative Non-Fiction

Welcome to Terri Bailey, our latest follower.

I'm reading and working really hard to perfect this category in my writing. I spent most of the day checking sites to better understand creative non-fiction.

A fellow student felt the same about trying to place his creative non-fiction piece. As stated earlier, I know I'll find a place even if I have to be creative in my query. Anyway, here are some links to consider as offered by the Long Ridge Writer's Group Newsletter:

Yesterday's MagazineMidwest TodayThemed Publications,  BrevityThe Sun

Contests to consider in the future:

Fourth genreGulf Coast

And, as before, we must stay with our intended program-growth in the field of writing. So here's an excellent article on Writing Articles That Sell at the Expert-Editor.com site by Donna Ippolito. The book Writing Creative Nonfiction by Philip Gerard, published by Story Press was also a recommended read.

Now to continue checking, one by one, each magazine in The Best Magazine Markets for Writers 2012

Happy writing, revising, researching and submitting 

Saturday, May 12, 2012

How can contests help authors submission chances?

Use Contests as a Stepping Stone, is an excellent article by C. Hope Clark, published May 8th 2012. I also receive a regular email from her Funds for Writers and she lists contests there as well.

C. Hope writes,

"I learned that contest submissions are read in greater depth than slush-pile queries to publishers and agents. That alone should motivate you to submit. And rather than butting up against an editorial assistant, your work is critiqued by serious writers, agents and editors serving as judges"

In the past I've given you a few contests.Excited to check out more contests? There are many sites that let you know about contests. Here's the latest one I've found the Writer MagazineFreelance Writing , Poets & Writers , Be a Better Writer , Writers - Editors and many more.

Yesterday I finished my 200 words for Assignment 5 and my synopsis.

I've spent the day doing stuff I wanted and then I went to work and started my research for magazines to query Assignments 5 & 6. As you can see above, I've had quite an enlightening evening. I've been deciding on what piece to send to what contest. I even found one or two for this assignment. Still need to find some magazines. A fellow student gave me a site DuoTrope for finding magazines in the fiction, non-fiction or poetry and then in the genre or category. A pretty sizable list was found. I'll begin researching them next week.

One of the biggest things I accomplished is to get back with the Children's Gallery and Art Center  and discuss the illustrations for my children's picture book. (I'm sitting here with a big smile that this book is on it's next leg toward publication) Watch for my announcement of it's very own facebook page.

To all the mother's and mother's to be, Happy Mother's Day.

Happy writing, researching, submitting and/or entering.

Friday, May 11, 2012

Discouraged by what you are hearing or not hearing

from your submissions. Here's some help from Suzanne Lierance from the Morning Nudge:

Many times I coach clients who are ready to give up when they experience a single negative comment from a publisher, editor, another writer, or simply someone who visits their website or blog and makes an unfavorable remark.

Here's what I tell those clients:

You can't please everyone. In fact, you shouldn't even try.

Instead, you're out to appeal to your niche market.

But even then, you can't please every single person within that market every single time.

In fact, you need to EXPECT a few unfavorable comments or remarks now and then. That's just part of the BUSINESS of writing. Those comments help you learn and grow.

As long as your intentions are good, kind, and true, keep writing.

Over time your work will have a stronger voice, style, and tone.

The people who understand and admire that voice, style, and tone will crave more and more from you.

Others may criticize you, but that doesn't matter. It simply tells you they are NOT part of your niche market, and that's a good thing to know.

Today, get busy writing for the people who ARE your niche market. They're the ones you're out to serve. Let the others go.

Try it! 

Don't forget to check out her website:


Happy writing and submitting

Thursday, May 10, 2012

Research, research and more research

Last summer I wrote a story as part of a daily writing exercise. It has never left my mind. It's been waiting it's turn to resurface. Took me quite a bit to find the original hand written story.  Anyway, Assignment 5 seems to be the perfect time to finish it. I don't know why this particular story has hung around the hallways of my mind, but it has and is now determined to get out. I've spent the last few days, since my last update, researching archives. Trying to find the proof of the stuff that came out in the story. I'm trying, again, to write creative non-fiction. The first two attempts, Assignment 3 and 4, didn't stay in that format. Although I'm pleased with their eventual format, I'd really like to get creative with non-fiction. I've struggled all my life to create beautiful things through the arts and so far I see it in my sisters, nieces and children through their art and fashion abilities, but not in mine. Writing is such a struggle for me. So many say I have great ideas, but they are difficult to get on paper in a form that captivates.

I have the first 50 words of my 200 word assignment. I'm thrilled to no end to have the proof that those words are non-fiction and hopefully they will intrigue enough for continued reading.

The assignment also requires me to find two to three magazines to publish said story. Well, so far, that's been difficult, too. Seems my subject is not common. So I'm letting my brain work on a creative way of presenting the story so that more choices of magazines will be before me.

I'm also discouraged I haven't had much time to work on Second Chances. The only good news is my brain constantly works on the stories. I've put quite a bit of new stuff into Chapter 11 and I'm really pleased to add it there. Seems to answer some questions I wanted answered earlier than the previous drafts. It's going to be a while before this one is finished. Maybe by the end of summer. Wanted it done now, but, I've been told, you can't rush perfection.

Well, it's getting late and I need to get home and into bed. Let my brain work some more on its stories.

Happy researching, writing, contemplating, revising and submitting.

Saturday, May 5, 2012

Learned a new word

and the importance of looking for them.

Filter words are words or phrases you tack onto the start of sentence that show the world as it is filtered through the main character’s eyes.

Here's a partial list:

  • to see
  • to hear
  • to think
  • to touch
  • to wonder
  • to realize
  • to watch
  • to look
  • to seem
  • to feel (or feel like)
  • can
  • to decide
  • to sound (or sound like)
This list and above definition come from the following article: Are These Filter Words Weakening your Fiction?

Here are a few more I found in another really great article: The Reason Editors Reject Manuscripts

thought, wondered, considered, hoped, realized

And you were thinking you finally knew enough to produce the perfect manuscript. At least I did.

Happy learning, writing, revising and submitting.

Friday, May 4, 2012

Busy, Busy, Dreadfully Busy

Much much to busy for you. (Veggie Tales)

Not really. Catching up some work stuff I let go too long. Then son is ill. No internet at home.

Welcome to our latest followers: Nancy Coppola and Marcy

Still more catch up to get to, then I need to start Assignment 5. I'll try to squeeze in some Second Chances revising too. Have you checked out the Second Chances facebook page?

Here's some great idea, (gotta keep us in the writing mode)

Those are the only 3 actions you need to take:

1. Write. Work on your novel or other work-in-progress. Complete any current writing jobs.

2. Search for more writing jobs. Keep the work coming in.

3. Promote yourself as a writer. Get known as a writer so editors, publishers, and others know what you have to offer.


This is from Suzanne Lieurance in her Morning Nudge. For other great ideas, check out her website The Working Writer's Club

Happy writing, revising and submitting.

Tuesday, May 1, 2012

It's the first of May

Where is the year going?

I finished listening to the first ten chapters of "Second Chances" and am working on chapter 11. I got caught up at Book Country  and Long Ridge Writer's Group's forum  and facebook. I've learned lots from both places. I'm almost caught up after taking off Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Tomorrow I hope to present "Ten Little Gator Babes" to the illustrator so they can get started. Illustrations take time and the sooner they start the sooner this book can be published.

Want to make money as a writer? Here's a great article to get you motivated with some ideas

Happy writing, revising and submitting.