If you would've told me four years ago I'd sell my first novel before I turned thirty, I'd have called you a liar.
A little over two years ago, I started to write fanfiction. No, I won't tell you what characters it was based around, but I will tell you it was horrible. Like AWFUL. I'll never forget this one "comment" I received from a reader. It crushed me, to the point my writing career almost came to a grinding halt before I could ever get into fourth gear.
Because I'd never been to college, I felt embarassed of my writing. I mean, I truly believed I couldn't write a book unless I'd at least obtained my Associates Degree. Add to it I write romance, albeit sweet romance, but romance none-the-less...I hung my head at the thought of anyone unearthing my secret. So, when Josh found out what I'd been up to, I was mortified. There the chips lay of my emotional stability, displayed on the table for Josh to see.
But to my surprise, Josh only encouraged me to keep writing, and to find a group I could join. By having his blessing, my confidence began to grow. Though my stuff was nowhere near the caliber it needed to be for him to read it, the fact he supported me was, not to sound corney, but the wind beneath my wings. He helped guide me on my first flight into the wonderful world of writing. Two nights later I discovered a national organization called the Romance Writers of America, and the local chapter was only a city away.
So, the following week, I packed my computer and headed into the unknown. I had no idea what to expect and could only hope that the women and men attendees would welcome me with open arms. I hadn't even gotten a chance to set down my bags before Christine, a sweet woman, introduced herself to me. It felt great, to not have been there five minutes and to have made a friend. I got so much out of the lecture that day. When I left, I felt energized to write. Most importantly, I left with a belief that "I can do this".
My drive started out with the desire to finish a book. Halfway through the novel, it changed to wanting to show my children you can do anything you put your mind to. Towards the end, it evolved into "I can make a living at this".
The following month I went to the RWA meeting and met my now good friend, Erin. Between her pushing me in my writing, and RWA challenging me to think outside of the box, the next year was spent in growing my craft. This year promised new and exciting things on the horizon. I felt the book I'd started the previous July would be "the one". Little did I know that, by the end of the year, how true my premonition would be.
Now here I sit, having my first book published, and in the sequel submitted to my publisher. It's been a crazy three years and I'm thankful for my journey along the way. There has been some amazing women in my life who have helped me grow in ways I couldn't have without them. Erin and Laura are two of the many of those wonderful women.
Thank you to my husband, my friends, and everybody who has been a continuous support to me. Without you, I'd still be saying "One day I'll write a book."
Blessings,
Erin Pryor
Friday, April 5, 2013
Wednesday, April 3, 2013
"Editing yourself is like an irksome coin toss. You've got to strip yourself of super ego and operate from id." Vera Farmiga
Being in the final editing phase of my book, I'm realizing how much fun it is. It's fun to read the book allo the way through and make subtle edits along the way. How I write, I try and do so clean the first time, so I don't have many edits to go back through on the final edit. I typically edit as I go, counting as my first round pass. Then, I do one last round of edits.
Edits shouldn't be that thing that we as writers look at with disdane. It's something that we can get the overall picture of our writing, and see the story in its entirety. I look back, and go over certain sentences thinking 'wow, I wrote that?' and it is fun to see where my head was at the time of writing scenes.
For those of you who dispise editing, I suggest you try and edit as you write. You will write slower, but in the long run, for editing purposes, it makes your movement of the overall story that much quicker. As far as writing the story, it all depends if you write by the seat of your pants, or if you are a plotter. Personally, I'm between both.
I typically mull over a story for a month or two before I even do any writing. I get the overall story mapped out in my head, and then I write one sentence scenes, and build my book around them. So, for example, one of my scenes in my published novel was that my hero got poisoned, so I wrote "poisoning" for my one sentence scene. I knew in my mind where I wanted to go with it, and wrote the scene around the one word. I do this for the whole book. I write the one word, phrase, or sentence scene, and build around it. I have the ability to do this because I've spent a month or so mulling over the story in my mind and I know where I want to go. By doing this, I can write a book, including edits as I go, within a month, and depending on the time I have, maybe two.
I challenge you, as a writer, to try writing like this. It may or may not work for you, but if it does, it will change your writing. You always stay on point, and never drift off when writing your manuscript.
Happy writing!
Erin Pryor
Edits shouldn't be that thing that we as writers look at with disdane. It's something that we can get the overall picture of our writing, and see the story in its entirety. I look back, and go over certain sentences thinking 'wow, I wrote that?' and it is fun to see where my head was at the time of writing scenes.
For those of you who dispise editing, I suggest you try and edit as you write. You will write slower, but in the long run, for editing purposes, it makes your movement of the overall story that much quicker. As far as writing the story, it all depends if you write by the seat of your pants, or if you are a plotter. Personally, I'm between both.
I typically mull over a story for a month or two before I even do any writing. I get the overall story mapped out in my head, and then I write one sentence scenes, and build my book around them. So, for example, one of my scenes in my published novel was that my hero got poisoned, so I wrote "poisoning" for my one sentence scene. I knew in my mind where I wanted to go with it, and wrote the scene around the one word. I do this for the whole book. I write the one word, phrase, or sentence scene, and build around it. I have the ability to do this because I've spent a month or so mulling over the story in my mind and I know where I want to go. By doing this, I can write a book, including edits as I go, within a month, and depending on the time I have, maybe two.
I challenge you, as a writer, to try writing like this. It may or may not work for you, but if it does, it will change your writing. You always stay on point, and never drift off when writing your manuscript.
Happy writing!
Erin Pryor
Monday, April 1, 2013
"There are three different difficulties in authoriship: to write anything worth publsihing, to find honest people to publish it, and to find sensible people to read it." Charles Caleb Coulton
Recently, I posted on my Facebook account, asking for ideas on what to post on my blog. Only one person responded, and asked me to talk about the pitfalls of publishing and doing your research when choosing to go with a publisher.
In this person's instance, they accepted a contract from a publisher about a year ago. It took the publisher almost a year to edit, then they published it, without going back to the writer to review edits. Then, when the author purchased a copy of their book for their e-reader, they found major gramatical errors littered throughout the first 20 pages, and so on throughout the rest of the book.
Let me start off by saying that any publisher that takes almost a year to edit should raise red flags. Editing, from start to finish, shouldn't take more than a month, maybe two. That is including the time that it goes back to you as a writer to review, accept, decline, or change any edits or story content. It is your job as a writer to stop everything you are doing when you get your edits (no matter what round) and really go through the manuscript. IT IS YOUR BABY. Treat it as such. You DO NOT want work with your name out there that has issues, gramatically, plot wise, or character wise. It is your job to see to it that the story is well rounded, that the characters are diverse, and that it is readible.
Do your research on the publisher you are offered a contract with. Google is such an amazing tool. Just type in the name of the publisher and you will be able to find different conversations about that publisher the deeper you go. Research their other books, are they quality? Is it the kind of publisher you want representing your book? As a writer, you hold all of the cards prior to getting published. Don't be so quick to jump on the bandwagon of being a published author. Having a quality product is worth the wait.
I personally got offered for a contract at a smaller publisher house for my first book, Kismet. It is too long for my current publisher, and I didn't feel like taking out 20k words, so I was excited. Then, I got back my first round of edits. There were NO edits. No line edits, content edits, etc. I told the publisher that I wasn't interested in working with them any longer. They asked me to give them one more shot, and so I did. When it came back, there were like 3-4 edits per page, and that was it!! Keep in mind, this is my first book, so I know a LOT of editing needs to be done. I ended up telling the publisher that I was cutting ties. Now, I'm back on editing the book, working on cutting out 20k words, and sticking with my current publisher. My current publisher, Decedent Publishing, is AMAZING. I don't plan on going anywhere any time soon.
In short, do your research when deciding to go with a publisher. Putting your name on crappy work is NOT how you want to get your name out there. Multi-Published Author's get away with a LOT more than what newbies can get away with.
Best of luck in your endeavors!
Blessings,
Erin Pryor
In this person's instance, they accepted a contract from a publisher about a year ago. It took the publisher almost a year to edit, then they published it, without going back to the writer to review edits. Then, when the author purchased a copy of their book for their e-reader, they found major gramatical errors littered throughout the first 20 pages, and so on throughout the rest of the book.
Let me start off by saying that any publisher that takes almost a year to edit should raise red flags. Editing, from start to finish, shouldn't take more than a month, maybe two. That is including the time that it goes back to you as a writer to review, accept, decline, or change any edits or story content. It is your job as a writer to stop everything you are doing when you get your edits (no matter what round) and really go through the manuscript. IT IS YOUR BABY. Treat it as such. You DO NOT want work with your name out there that has issues, gramatically, plot wise, or character wise. It is your job to see to it that the story is well rounded, that the characters are diverse, and that it is readible.
Do your research on the publisher you are offered a contract with. Google is such an amazing tool. Just type in the name of the publisher and you will be able to find different conversations about that publisher the deeper you go. Research their other books, are they quality? Is it the kind of publisher you want representing your book? As a writer, you hold all of the cards prior to getting published. Don't be so quick to jump on the bandwagon of being a published author. Having a quality product is worth the wait.
I personally got offered for a contract at a smaller publisher house for my first book, Kismet. It is too long for my current publisher, and I didn't feel like taking out 20k words, so I was excited. Then, I got back my first round of edits. There were NO edits. No line edits, content edits, etc. I told the publisher that I wasn't interested in working with them any longer. They asked me to give them one more shot, and so I did. When it came back, there were like 3-4 edits per page, and that was it!! Keep in mind, this is my first book, so I know a LOT of editing needs to be done. I ended up telling the publisher that I was cutting ties. Now, I'm back on editing the book, working on cutting out 20k words, and sticking with my current publisher. My current publisher, Decedent Publishing, is AMAZING. I don't plan on going anywhere any time soon.
In short, do your research when deciding to go with a publisher. Putting your name on crappy work is NOT how you want to get your name out there. Multi-Published Author's get away with a LOT more than what newbies can get away with.
Best of luck in your endeavors!
Blessings,
Erin Pryor
Friday, March 29, 2013
"We worry about what a child will become tomorrow, yet we forget that he is someone today." ~Stacia Tauscher
I still cannot believe that I am a mother to a nine year old and a five year old. Where has the time gone?
I remember bringing home my oldest from the hospital as if it were only a year or so ago, not over nine years ago. It's crazy to think that little black haired, tan infant would turn out to be this stunning young girl. She now has blonde hair with blue eyes, and looks a lot like me. People always call her the "minny Erin". She's an amazing little girl. She excells at anything she puts her mind to. I cannot say enough about her. She does her homework without asking, picks up her room when asked, and is a well-rounded young girl. She makes me proud every day.
Not until I put a picture of myself in Kindergarten next to a picture of my son in Kindergarten did I think we looked alike. Then, seeing those two pictures next to one another, I realized how much he looks like me. I always told people that he looks like my husband, but man, is he a spitting image of me at that age. He's a little shit, but I love him with all of my heart. When he's hungry - watch out! He is a holy-terror. But when he is fed, oh my goodness, he is the most sweet/angelic little boy. There is nothing like the times we spend together cuddling.
I'm blessed to have two beautiful children. As I've mentioned in a blog previous to this one (written about a year or two ago), I grew up in a house where my mom had to go through invitro-fertilization four times in order to get pregnant with my brother. Going through that with her makes me appreciate my children all that much more.
Like I said, I'm blessed to have two beautiful children.
I remember bringing home my oldest from the hospital as if it were only a year or so ago, not over nine years ago. It's crazy to think that little black haired, tan infant would turn out to be this stunning young girl. She now has blonde hair with blue eyes, and looks a lot like me. People always call her the "minny Erin". She's an amazing little girl. She excells at anything she puts her mind to. I cannot say enough about her. She does her homework without asking, picks up her room when asked, and is a well-rounded young girl. She makes me proud every day.
I'm blessed to have two beautiful children. As I've mentioned in a blog previous to this one (written about a year or two ago), I grew up in a house where my mom had to go through invitro-fertilization four times in order to get pregnant with my brother. Going through that with her makes me appreciate my children all that much more.
Like I said, I'm blessed to have two beautiful children.
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
"You must stay drunk on writing so reality cannot destroy you." ~Ray Bradbury
So often, my writing has taken me places where I've dreamed of going, or where it is impossible to go. I dream of things that could happen, things beyond the realms of reality, and I put it on paper.
As most of you know, I write time-travel romance to fourteenth century Scotland. I chose it because of my favorite author, Lynn Kurland. She inspired me to write the time travel. Not Diana Gabbledon (sp?). I didn't particularly like her books, but Lynn Kurland delivers on so many levels. She writes sweet, just like I do. Unlike Lynn, I use a bench as my time gate. She uses fairy rings.
I don't know why I chose the bench to be the time portal, but I did. The bench is white stone, smooth to the touch, and a solid piece. The couple inch side has an intricate pattern that leads down into the posts that are leaf-shaped. The first person to use this time gate is Collin Kincaid, brother to Nicholas Kincaid, my hero in my first novel, Pillars in Time. Collin doesn't know how it works, and is forced to stay in present-day Scotland and make a life for himself.
Cadence, my heroine in Pillars in Time, was the second person to use it. She didn't know how she'd been transported back into time, but knows that it has something to do with the bench. At one point, she is on the bench, repeating just as Dorothy did, "there's no place like home". Of course, the bench doesn't work for her and she is forced to stay back in the fourteenth century. Oh how I do awful things to my characters to make a book. *Evil Laugh*
I know that the possibility of time travel is impossible, but I like to explore if it did happen, what would people do. I've always dreamed of going to Scotland, England, and Ireland, and one day I will go, but until then, I live through my characters experiences. I've always wondered what would happen if I were transported back in time, and I try to live that out through my characters.
I'm addicted to writing time-travel romance. I won't stop. I plan on having several more books published by the end of next year, taking myself on the journey of writing them, and my readers on the journey of reading them. My only goal is to deliver to the readers something that is of quality that they don't regret picking up one of my novels.
As most of you know, I write time-travel romance to fourteenth century Scotland. I chose it because of my favorite author, Lynn Kurland. She inspired me to write the time travel. Not Diana Gabbledon (sp?). I didn't particularly like her books, but Lynn Kurland delivers on so many levels. She writes sweet, just like I do. Unlike Lynn, I use a bench as my time gate. She uses fairy rings.
I don't know why I chose the bench to be the time portal, but I did. The bench is white stone, smooth to the touch, and a solid piece. The couple inch side has an intricate pattern that leads down into the posts that are leaf-shaped. The first person to use this time gate is Collin Kincaid, brother to Nicholas Kincaid, my hero in my first novel, Pillars in Time. Collin doesn't know how it works, and is forced to stay in present-day Scotland and make a life for himself.
Cadence, my heroine in Pillars in Time, was the second person to use it. She didn't know how she'd been transported back into time, but knows that it has something to do with the bench. At one point, she is on the bench, repeating just as Dorothy did, "there's no place like home". Of course, the bench doesn't work for her and she is forced to stay back in the fourteenth century. Oh how I do awful things to my characters to make a book. *Evil Laugh*
I know that the possibility of time travel is impossible, but I like to explore if it did happen, what would people do. I've always dreamed of going to Scotland, England, and Ireland, and one day I will go, but until then, I live through my characters experiences. I've always wondered what would happen if I were transported back in time, and I try to live that out through my characters.
I'm addicted to writing time-travel romance. I won't stop. I plan on having several more books published by the end of next year, taking myself on the journey of writing them, and my readers on the journey of reading them. My only goal is to deliver to the readers something that is of quality that they don't regret picking up one of my novels.
Monday, March 25, 2013
Dispicable service to our Vets by the VA Hospital
Okay, I'm an American, born and raised. I'm also a major Patriot. I get my patriotism from those years that I stood by my husband's side while he went away on "field ops", on his six month deployment, or over in Iraq. I was always patriotic before being with him, but became a true patriot when I married him.
I remember, when Josh was in Iraq, I took on a second job at Barnes and Noble just to keep my mind occupied while he was gone. This was at the very beginning of the war and I worked at a Barnes and Noble by the mall. One night, one of the guys I worked with said "Hey, Erin. My wife and I are going to picit the protestors, care to join us?". I very cooly said "No thanks." When he asked why I told him, "my husband and his men are fighting for our freedoms right now, one of them being freedom of speech, so I'm not going to take away someone's freedome of speech." The guy, as I remembered it, was taken aback by my words.
When my husband was discharged, they did a medical evaluation before he separated from the service, and found him to be rated 40% disabled. He has various things wrong with him, but the biggest of all is his back (which he was only rated 20% disabled for). He has five degenterive disks, three hurniated disks, a buldging disk, and a torn spinal sack. To say his back is messed up is an understatement.
Josh can be fine for months, then, out of nowhere, he steps the wrong way, and is down for the count for at least two weeks. No joke. He can barely move to get into bed, and it pains him beyond anything to help with the kids and do meanial things.
A recent bout of this came like a month ago. Josh was playing basketball, stepped, and tweeked it to where he could barely walk. FINALLY, after begging with him to go to the VA several times, he decided to go.
Not that it mattered.
He couldn't stand straight, nor sit straight, but what did the VA Hospital do? They gave him a heating pad and told him that they could see him in May. Like WTH? Josh was in pain then, excrutiating pain. So, instead of covering medication for a military related disability, the VA sent Josh on his way with a heating pad and told him to come back in May. Of course, Josh couldn't wait that long, so he had to dish out over $100 for a doctor's visit and three different medications from his primary doctor.
Bottom line - the VA Hospital SUCKS. You would think that they take care of their own, but, by their actions to Josh this past February, they couldn't care less what he did for this country. Such a sad thing to second-hand witness. A sad thing that the VA Hospital represents vets at all.
I remember, when Josh was in Iraq, I took on a second job at Barnes and Noble just to keep my mind occupied while he was gone. This was at the very beginning of the war and I worked at a Barnes and Noble by the mall. One night, one of the guys I worked with said "Hey, Erin. My wife and I are going to picit the protestors, care to join us?". I very cooly said "No thanks." When he asked why I told him, "my husband and his men are fighting for our freedoms right now, one of them being freedom of speech, so I'm not going to take away someone's freedome of speech." The guy, as I remembered it, was taken aback by my words.
When my husband was discharged, they did a medical evaluation before he separated from the service, and found him to be rated 40% disabled. He has various things wrong with him, but the biggest of all is his back (which he was only rated 20% disabled for). He has five degenterive disks, three hurniated disks, a buldging disk, and a torn spinal sack. To say his back is messed up is an understatement.
Josh can be fine for months, then, out of nowhere, he steps the wrong way, and is down for the count for at least two weeks. No joke. He can barely move to get into bed, and it pains him beyond anything to help with the kids and do meanial things.
A recent bout of this came like a month ago. Josh was playing basketball, stepped, and tweeked it to where he could barely walk. FINALLY, after begging with him to go to the VA several times, he decided to go.
Not that it mattered.
He couldn't stand straight, nor sit straight, but what did the VA Hospital do? They gave him a heating pad and told him that they could see him in May. Like WTH? Josh was in pain then, excrutiating pain. So, instead of covering medication for a military related disability, the VA sent Josh on his way with a heating pad and told him to come back in May. Of course, Josh couldn't wait that long, so he had to dish out over $100 for a doctor's visit and three different medications from his primary doctor.
Bottom line - the VA Hospital SUCKS. You would think that they take care of their own, but, by their actions to Josh this past February, they couldn't care less what he did for this country. Such a sad thing to second-hand witness. A sad thing that the VA Hospital represents vets at all.
Friday, March 22, 2013
"If your're 'interested' in balancing work and pleasure, stop trying to balance them. Make your work more pleasurable." Donald Trump
I wear so many hats that it is hard to keep them all straight. I'm a wife, a mother to two, a full time employee, and a full time writer. And, strangly enough, I devote myself to each one with individual passion.
It's crazy to think that in September, my husband and I will have been married for thirteen years. The clock is ticking down to the point where I will have been with him just as long as I was alive before I met him. Make sense? It does in my mind. ;-) We've gone through so much in the thirteen years, including ten years of my undiagnosed Bipolar Disorder. I look back and still can't believe that he stuck by me the entire time while I went "crazy". Our love now is deeper than it's ever been. He is my rock, my everything. With him by my side, there is nothing I can't accomplish.
And our two beautiful children - oh my. They are such little blessings. Katelyn recently turned nine, but is going on nine-teen. She is SUPER responsible, articulate, and independant. It's hard to look at her and remember those times without her. She is such an amazing little girl. She makes me proud every day. She's makes the right decisions, gets straight A's, and is such a light to everybody she encounters. Jackson, oh my little boy, Jackson. When he isn't being a monster (when he gets hungry), he is the sweetest little boy you will encounter. His smile and laugh brighten every room he enters. He is my everything, my heart. I'm in trouble where he is concerned. I look forward to the day they both move out and are on their own, but at the same time, I want to put Jackson in a time capsule and keep him this small forever. I love his five year old age. We have a blast with him!
How amazing is it that I LOVE my job?!?! I love what I do, helping other people in their refinance or purchase transactions. I love the number crunching, the interaction I get with both clients and Loan Officers, and that my husband has joined work with me. I look forward to the new adventure of having him be my assistant. So far, it's been a week that we've been working together, an amazing week. We know how to keep business business, and personal personal. We have a perfect working relationship. I'm excited for what the year holds for us in a professional sense.
Last, but not least, my writing. It's crazy to think that I only started to write a short four years ago. Since then, I've been published, and am working on publishing my next book. I'm super excited about what lies ahead of me in my writing career. My goal is to have 3 more books published by the end of next year. So, I'm busy working on two stories at the moment. One, I need to cut 20,000 words and submit to my publisher. The other, I need to revise, expand, and submit. I should hopefully have both off to my publisher, Bono Books (aka Decadent Publishing - www.bonobookstore.com), within the next month.
Again, so many hats to wear, but I have equal passion for all of them. All four points carry such a significant impact on my life. Without even one, I wouldn't be the complete person I am today. I have to have them all in my life, or nothing. Thankfully, my husband has never made me choose him over my hobbies, or my kids over my husband. There is a beautiful balance to my life that I love.
I live such a blessed life and I try not to take one day for granted.
Have a fabulous weekend, everybody!
Sincerely,
Erin Pryor
It's crazy to think that in September, my husband and I will have been married for thirteen years. The clock is ticking down to the point where I will have been with him just as long as I was alive before I met him. Make sense? It does in my mind. ;-) We've gone through so much in the thirteen years, including ten years of my undiagnosed Bipolar Disorder. I look back and still can't believe that he stuck by me the entire time while I went "crazy". Our love now is deeper than it's ever been. He is my rock, my everything. With him by my side, there is nothing I can't accomplish.
And our two beautiful children - oh my. They are such little blessings. Katelyn recently turned nine, but is going on nine-teen. She is SUPER responsible, articulate, and independant. It's hard to look at her and remember those times without her. She is such an amazing little girl. She makes me proud every day. She's makes the right decisions, gets straight A's, and is such a light to everybody she encounters. Jackson, oh my little boy, Jackson. When he isn't being a monster (when he gets hungry), he is the sweetest little boy you will encounter. His smile and laugh brighten every room he enters. He is my everything, my heart. I'm in trouble where he is concerned. I look forward to the day they both move out and are on their own, but at the same time, I want to put Jackson in a time capsule and keep him this small forever. I love his five year old age. We have a blast with him!
How amazing is it that I LOVE my job?!?! I love what I do, helping other people in their refinance or purchase transactions. I love the number crunching, the interaction I get with both clients and Loan Officers, and that my husband has joined work with me. I look forward to the new adventure of having him be my assistant. So far, it's been a week that we've been working together, an amazing week. We know how to keep business business, and personal personal. We have a perfect working relationship. I'm excited for what the year holds for us in a professional sense.
Last, but not least, my writing. It's crazy to think that I only started to write a short four years ago. Since then, I've been published, and am working on publishing my next book. I'm super excited about what lies ahead of me in my writing career. My goal is to have 3 more books published by the end of next year. So, I'm busy working on two stories at the moment. One, I need to cut 20,000 words and submit to my publisher. The other, I need to revise, expand, and submit. I should hopefully have both off to my publisher, Bono Books (aka Decadent Publishing - www.bonobookstore.com), within the next month.
Again, so many hats to wear, but I have equal passion for all of them. All four points carry such a significant impact on my life. Without even one, I wouldn't be the complete person I am today. I have to have them all in my life, or nothing. Thankfully, my husband has never made me choose him over my hobbies, or my kids over my husband. There is a beautiful balance to my life that I love.
I live such a blessed life and I try not to take one day for granted.
Have a fabulous weekend, everybody!
Sincerely,
Erin Pryor
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
“Before I die I'd love to see my name on the Famous Bi Polar list I'm not ashamed of my Illness I believe most of my talent comes from it.” - Stanley Victor Paskavich
As I sit back and reflect where life has taken me over the past year, I'm astounded by all that has transpired, all that I've accomplished.
For years, over a decade, I felt like I was going crazy. Legitimately crazy. I had mood swings like a woman going through menapause, or one that is eight months pregnant and ready to get the ordeal over with. Don't get me wrong, I had my GREAT moments, moments where I felt to be on top of the world, but when that world came crashing down around me, I was incapable of handling it. Funny thing is: It was I who caused the distruction and chaos of the world that I lived in. Looking back, and reflecting on those many moments, I couldn't blame anybody but myself for the misery I lived in.
A year and a half ago a light went off and I realized that it wasn't the people around me that had the issue, and being honest with myself for the first time in my entire adult life, I realized I was the one with the issues and I needed to seek help for it.
I went online and searched the insurance website for a phsychologist in my area. I picked up the phone and began to dial. I probably left at least half a dozen messages, and by the end of my phone calling expedition, I realized I wouldn't get the answers I sought right away. But then, thirty minutes later, I got a phone call from one of the women I called. I calmly walked downstairs and outside of my office building so I could devote the time I needed in such a short conversation to spill all of my inside turmoils and nightmares to her. It took less than three minutes before she asked me if I was BiPolar. Of course, I knew of people who were BiPolar, but surely I couldn't be one of them, could I?
She refered me to a Phsychiatrist then we ended the phone call. I went back to my desk and started researching BiPolar Disorder and the different symptoms. Surely, I couldn't be BiPolar? The symptoms seemed all off, like they didn't quite fit. But, because I was hurting so bad, I was willing to try out this doctor and see what her medical opinion was.
Well, once we met, it didn't take long for her to diagnose me as having BiPolar Disorder. Looking back, and remembering all of the material I read up on, I realize how much in denial I was.
Since then, we've found the right dosage of medication, and I'm happily living my life with my husband by my side, and our two kids. Since then, I've grown in my writing (getting a book published) and am working on getting more published. I only wish more people would be as outspoken about it. Recently, a big actress came out that she has it, and it made me feel even more normal. One in four people are bipolar, they just go untreated. I'm lucky to be one of those ones that sought help, and conquered (and on a daily basis conquer) this disease.
I've embraced this side of me, it is a part of who I am, and I love it. I am Bipolar and PROUD.
For years, over a decade, I felt like I was going crazy. Legitimately crazy. I had mood swings like a woman going through menapause, or one that is eight months pregnant and ready to get the ordeal over with. Don't get me wrong, I had my GREAT moments, moments where I felt to be on top of the world, but when that world came crashing down around me, I was incapable of handling it. Funny thing is: It was I who caused the distruction and chaos of the world that I lived in. Looking back, and reflecting on those many moments, I couldn't blame anybody but myself for the misery I lived in.
A year and a half ago a light went off and I realized that it wasn't the people around me that had the issue, and being honest with myself for the first time in my entire adult life, I realized I was the one with the issues and I needed to seek help for it.
I went online and searched the insurance website for a phsychologist in my area. I picked up the phone and began to dial. I probably left at least half a dozen messages, and by the end of my phone calling expedition, I realized I wouldn't get the answers I sought right away. But then, thirty minutes later, I got a phone call from one of the women I called. I calmly walked downstairs and outside of my office building so I could devote the time I needed in such a short conversation to spill all of my inside turmoils and nightmares to her. It took less than three minutes before she asked me if I was BiPolar. Of course, I knew of people who were BiPolar, but surely I couldn't be one of them, could I?
She refered me to a Phsychiatrist then we ended the phone call. I went back to my desk and started researching BiPolar Disorder and the different symptoms. Surely, I couldn't be BiPolar? The symptoms seemed all off, like they didn't quite fit. But, because I was hurting so bad, I was willing to try out this doctor and see what her medical opinion was.
Well, once we met, it didn't take long for her to diagnose me as having BiPolar Disorder. Looking back, and remembering all of the material I read up on, I realize how much in denial I was.
Since then, we've found the right dosage of medication, and I'm happily living my life with my husband by my side, and our two kids. Since then, I've grown in my writing (getting a book published) and am working on getting more published. I only wish more people would be as outspoken about it. Recently, a big actress came out that she has it, and it made me feel even more normal. One in four people are bipolar, they just go untreated. I'm lucky to be one of those ones that sought help, and conquered (and on a daily basis conquer) this disease.
I've embraced this side of me, it is a part of who I am, and I love it. I am Bipolar and PROUD.
Monday, March 18, 2013
"The better part of one's life consists of his friendships." Abraham Lincoln
Okay, okay, I know. I haven't written in a long while. It has been a rough year.
But now, on the cusp of this weekend, I feel the need to write. You see, I went to a writer's conference for the Southern California RWA. It was all it was cracked up to be and more.
First, I made my way to my hotel room, where I saw one of my friends in the hallway. I hadn't seen her in a while and she didn't recognize me with all of the weight I loss (score one for the home team). Standing at her door to her hotel room, we chatted about life, and about what the conference would bring each of us individually. It was great to see her. Throughout the entire conference we would see one another, say hi, give a hug, and be on our merry way.
Then, as more and more people came to the hotel, the more friends that I saw. Each asked how life was treating me and the family, and I asked the same question in return. It felt good to be amongst so many of my peers, people that understood where I come from in regards to my writing.
The first night was packed with different workshops, all the way up until 9pm, and then we had a desert reception. I learned a few good tips in those workshops about plotting and developing a well-rounded character. The first workshop I went to was "Book Camp" and that lasted four hours. We took totally new concepts and developed them from scratch. I was able to come up with a complete new concept for a book, which was exciting. I can't wait to start it.
Now, I have a book that I'm ready to start, and I also submitted my sequel to my publisher. I have one short story that I need to finish, and one manuscript that I need to work on editing for submission. I have a packed few months ahead of me. I'm hoping to get all three stories done and submitted by the end of summer.
I also saw my publisher, Decadent Publishing (Heather Bennett) there. It is always a good thing to see her. She is such a nice person and I love working with her publishing house. My editor there is A-MAZING!
I got a lot out of this weekend, seeing friends I've known for a while, or friends I've known for a little bit. I also made new friends, which is always an exciting thing to do. I worked on some projects, and found out some new tips in being more efficient on the current projects I have in my bag.
All-in-all, it was a fabulous weekend. One that I cannot wait to repeat in two years from now when they have the conference again. Long story short, when you are a writer, going to a conference is totally worth the money! I look forward to my next one.
But now, on the cusp of this weekend, I feel the need to write. You see, I went to a writer's conference for the Southern California RWA. It was all it was cracked up to be and more.
First, I made my way to my hotel room, where I saw one of my friends in the hallway. I hadn't seen her in a while and she didn't recognize me with all of the weight I loss (score one for the home team). Standing at her door to her hotel room, we chatted about life, and about what the conference would bring each of us individually. It was great to see her. Throughout the entire conference we would see one another, say hi, give a hug, and be on our merry way.
Then, as more and more people came to the hotel, the more friends that I saw. Each asked how life was treating me and the family, and I asked the same question in return. It felt good to be amongst so many of my peers, people that understood where I come from in regards to my writing.
The first night was packed with different workshops, all the way up until 9pm, and then we had a desert reception. I learned a few good tips in those workshops about plotting and developing a well-rounded character. The first workshop I went to was "Book Camp" and that lasted four hours. We took totally new concepts and developed them from scratch. I was able to come up with a complete new concept for a book, which was exciting. I can't wait to start it.
Now, I have a book that I'm ready to start, and I also submitted my sequel to my publisher. I have one short story that I need to finish, and one manuscript that I need to work on editing for submission. I have a packed few months ahead of me. I'm hoping to get all three stories done and submitted by the end of summer.
I also saw my publisher, Decadent Publishing (Heather Bennett) there. It is always a good thing to see her. She is such a nice person and I love working with her publishing house. My editor there is A-MAZING!
I got a lot out of this weekend, seeing friends I've known for a while, or friends I've known for a little bit. I also made new friends, which is always an exciting thing to do. I worked on some projects, and found out some new tips in being more efficient on the current projects I have in my bag.
All-in-all, it was a fabulous weekend. One that I cannot wait to repeat in two years from now when they have the conference again. Long story short, when you are a writer, going to a conference is totally worth the money! I look forward to my next one.
Sunday, June 24, 2012
A fun day of swimming in the backyard
Today didn't start like any average day. I woke up late, and had to go into work. Sucks for a Sunday, right? Well, I have to do what needs to be done. So, after being there for a few hours, I came home to my wonderful family.
My husband, who'd preformed a wedding ceremony yesterday, was beat and ready for a nap. The kids are excited about going to Chuck E Cheese tonight so I had to think of something to do to keep them occupied until the time came to leave for a night out. So, I took Katelyn and Jackson out to our pool.
I began to sunbathe while the kids switched from swimming in the shallow end of the pool to going in the jacuzzi. Then, I watched, as my four year old inched around the step that goes to the halfway marker of the pool. We always tell him that he cannot go back the first of three waterfalls because he cannot touch, nor can he swim. So, when he began to venture out towards the middle of the pool, I sat up and paid more attention.
Then, just when I thought he couldn't get any braver, he got out of the pool and jumped in. I sat up and watched as he kicked and swam back to the step. He made a proud mother of me as I sat and watched him do this over and over again, at least a dozen times. Each time, he'd venture farther out on the ledge, jump, and swim his way back to the step.
Watching him gave me an idea. I left the lawn chair and jumped into the pool next to him. I encouraged him to go to the very far deep end of the pool. I tread water and encouraged him to jump off the edge and into my arms. We did this for about 5 minutes, each time I would swim back to a ledge located in the deep end of the pool.
Then, we tried something new. I swam out a little bit to where he'd have to swim to get to me. This went on for another 5 minutes and got to the point where I was standing at the half way marker for the pool and he was swimming the entire way. It was such a neat experience to start the day off with him only swimming a couple of feet to swimming at least ten feet. He even knew how to take a breath, put his head back down, and swim again.
I began this day thinking nothing special would happen. Never in my wildest dreams did I expect to find out my 4 year old could swim half the pool length with ease.
Talk about a good day.
My husband, who'd preformed a wedding ceremony yesterday, was beat and ready for a nap. The kids are excited about going to Chuck E Cheese tonight so I had to think of something to do to keep them occupied until the time came to leave for a night out. So, I took Katelyn and Jackson out to our pool.
I began to sunbathe while the kids switched from swimming in the shallow end of the pool to going in the jacuzzi. Then, I watched, as my four year old inched around the step that goes to the halfway marker of the pool. We always tell him that he cannot go back the first of three waterfalls because he cannot touch, nor can he swim. So, when he began to venture out towards the middle of the pool, I sat up and paid more attention.
Then, just when I thought he couldn't get any braver, he got out of the pool and jumped in. I sat up and watched as he kicked and swam back to the step. He made a proud mother of me as I sat and watched him do this over and over again, at least a dozen times. Each time, he'd venture farther out on the ledge, jump, and swim his way back to the step.
Watching him gave me an idea. I left the lawn chair and jumped into the pool next to him. I encouraged him to go to the very far deep end of the pool. I tread water and encouraged him to jump off the edge and into my arms. We did this for about 5 minutes, each time I would swim back to a ledge located in the deep end of the pool.
Then, we tried something new. I swam out a little bit to where he'd have to swim to get to me. This went on for another 5 minutes and got to the point where I was standing at the half way marker for the pool and he was swimming the entire way. It was such a neat experience to start the day off with him only swimming a couple of feet to swimming at least ten feet. He even knew how to take a breath, put his head back down, and swim again.
I began this day thinking nothing special would happen. Never in my wildest dreams did I expect to find out my 4 year old could swim half the pool length with ease.
Talk about a good day.
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Vist me at Louisa's Blog today
Come over and see what Nicholas is all about at Louisa's blog - http://louisabacio.blogspot.com/2012/03/hero-with-rough-edge-debut-author-erin.html
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Author interview with Kacey Hammell
Tell us a bit about yourself.
I’m a bookaholic, have been since about the age of thirteen. I found Nora Roberts, Debbie Macomber and Joan Johnston and never looked back. About seven years ago, at the encouragement of my husband, I sat down to write my first story. After a personal hiatus after a tragedy, I’m back to the keyboard and listening to the voices in my head.
I’m a mom of three socially active children who has learned to balance writing with their schedules.
What book are you reading now?
I’m nearly finished Cynthia Eden’s Deadly Fear – she’s a new author for me. I hate to put the series aside, but I must!! I received JD Robb’s latest In Death book, Celebrity in Death, and I have to read it before continuing Cynthia’s series. I’m addicted to JD Robb’s In Death series!
What did you want to be when you grew up?
A Mom—that was all that I wanted to be. I love kids, was the neighbourhood babysitter growing up and wanted a houseful of my own one day. After three, I was blessed and we decided not to have any more. However, all of my kids’ friends call me Mom as well, so I have my houseful. *g*
What do you like to do for fun and relax?
Long walks/hikes with the family. Plus my daughter and I, since she’s the only girl, do a lot of fun things together—weekends away and such. Reading for pleasure is my best relaxation—sitting in the bathtub for about an hour, washes the craziness of the week behind.
Now, about your story. What can you tell us about it? What influenced the idea for this story?
Illusions is a romantic suspense with erotic romance interwoven. Isabella & Brady, the main characters, are friends who became lovers and fight commitment every step of the way. Neither believes that love is for them and they do everything possible to avoid it. However, as their secret relationship gets deeper, and a psychotic killer is inching his way closer to home, both of them realize that they can’t control everything. No matter how much they’d like to…
Which character gave you the most trouble when writing?
Isabella. She’s stubborn, opinionated, seems entitled to hold onto her grief forever. At the original time I wrote this story, I’d only ever lost my brother. Since, I also lost my dad so I understood her a lot better and she seemed to become more real to me. However, she was still stubborn, something many people say that I am. So, she and I butted heads… A LOT !!
What makes your characters a perfect match for one another?
Brady and Isabella are very perfect together. She understands his “gift” and he knows how to let her vent and still there for her when she’s done. They simply understand one another, love passionately and unconditionally, and the friendship they had first, tightens their bond as lovers.
Are you actively working on a new WIP?
The sequel to Illusions is submitted to Decadent, I’m waiting to hear about that.
The finished WIP, titled Dare, is also submitted to a few publishers that I’m waiting to hear about.
I am doing my read through/self-edits for another WIP (yet untitled) that I wrote within a week. A tortured heroine who’s had some horrible tragedies in her life. It was a gut-wrenching story to write but she wormed her way into my heart and thoughts and wouldn’t let go. Once I’m done my polishing, I’ll submit it to a few publishers and see what happens.
I have the paranormal/ménage series started and about to focus on that.
Things are never quiet in my head. LOL
Where can readers contact you? (Social networks, site, email, etc.)
Website/Blog -- http://kaceyhammellkreations.blogspot.com/
Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100002653925340
Twitter
http://twitter.com/#!/KaceyHammell
Amazon
http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B002BLQ3UM
Email
mailto:kaceyhammell@gmail.com
Goodreads
http://www.goodreads.com/kaceyhammell
ILLUSIONS
By Kacey Hammell
Book 1: In the Arms of the Law
Publisher: Decadent Publishing
http://www.decadentpublishing.com/product_info.php?products_id=489&osCsid=534ladib313mjfmjbr83bc7e47
Protection. Adventure. Love.
It's all found within The Arms of the Law...
Detective Isabella Knowles, a tough-as-nails cop, lives by the law, and knows what she wants out of life. And it doesn't include marriage or all that comes with it. Everything Isabella has ever known seems like an illusion when a new relationship makes her feel more alive than ever before. She isn’t happy about it and fights it every step of the way.
Burned by his fiancée years ago, seer and P.I., Brady Jacobs never wants another commitment in his life. But his bachelorhood and heart are threatened when he has one of his visions and see a killer striking too close to the woman he has recently come to love.
Danger lurks close to home and neither Brady nor Isabella like that they can’t control every situation…especially matters of the heart.
Giveaway---To win a copy of one of Kacey’s backlist titles, simply leave a comment with your name and email address. One random winner will be drawn tomorrow, using Random.org, and announced here.
I’m a bookaholic, have been since about the age of thirteen. I found Nora Roberts, Debbie Macomber and Joan Johnston and never looked back. About seven years ago, at the encouragement of my husband, I sat down to write my first story. After a personal hiatus after a tragedy, I’m back to the keyboard and listening to the voices in my head.
I’m a mom of three socially active children who has learned to balance writing with their schedules.
What book are you reading now?
I’m nearly finished Cynthia Eden’s Deadly Fear – she’s a new author for me. I hate to put the series aside, but I must!! I received JD Robb’s latest In Death book, Celebrity in Death, and I have to read it before continuing Cynthia’s series. I’m addicted to JD Robb’s In Death series!
What did you want to be when you grew up?
A Mom—that was all that I wanted to be. I love kids, was the neighbourhood babysitter growing up and wanted a houseful of my own one day. After three, I was blessed and we decided not to have any more. However, all of my kids’ friends call me Mom as well, so I have my houseful. *g*
What do you like to do for fun and relax?
Long walks/hikes with the family. Plus my daughter and I, since she’s the only girl, do a lot of fun things together—weekends away and such. Reading for pleasure is my best relaxation—sitting in the bathtub for about an hour, washes the craziness of the week behind.
Now, about your story. What can you tell us about it? What influenced the idea for this story?
Illusions is a romantic suspense with erotic romance interwoven. Isabella & Brady, the main characters, are friends who became lovers and fight commitment every step of the way. Neither believes that love is for them and they do everything possible to avoid it. However, as their secret relationship gets deeper, and a psychotic killer is inching his way closer to home, both of them realize that they can’t control everything. No matter how much they’d like to…
Which character gave you the most trouble when writing?
Isabella. She’s stubborn, opinionated, seems entitled to hold onto her grief forever. At the original time I wrote this story, I’d only ever lost my brother. Since, I also lost my dad so I understood her a lot better and she seemed to become more real to me. However, she was still stubborn, something many people say that I am. So, she and I butted heads… A LOT !!
What makes your characters a perfect match for one another?
Brady and Isabella are very perfect together. She understands his “gift” and he knows how to let her vent and still there for her when she’s done. They simply understand one another, love passionately and unconditionally, and the friendship they had first, tightens their bond as lovers.
Are you actively working on a new WIP?
The sequel to Illusions is submitted to Decadent, I’m waiting to hear about that.
The finished WIP, titled Dare, is also submitted to a few publishers that I’m waiting to hear about.
I am doing my read through/self-edits for another WIP (yet untitled) that I wrote within a week. A tortured heroine who’s had some horrible tragedies in her life. It was a gut-wrenching story to write but she wormed her way into my heart and thoughts and wouldn’t let go. Once I’m done my polishing, I’ll submit it to a few publishers and see what happens.
I have the paranormal/ménage series started and about to focus on that.
Things are never quiet in my head. LOL
Where can readers contact you? (Social networks, site, email, etc.)
Website/Blog -- http://kaceyhammellkreations.blogspot.com/
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100002653925340
http://twitter.com/#!/KaceyHammell
Amazon
http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B002BLQ3UM
mailto:kaceyhammell@gmail.com
Goodreads
http://www.goodreads.com/kaceyhammell
ILLUSIONS
By Kacey Hammell
Book 1: In the Arms of the Law
Publisher: Decadent Publishing
http://www.decadentpublishing.com/product_info.php?products_id=489&osCsid=534ladib313mjfmjbr83bc7e47
Protection. Adventure. Love.
It's all found within The Arms of the Law...
Detective Isabella Knowles, a tough-as-nails cop, lives by the law, and knows what she wants out of life. And it doesn't include marriage or all that comes with it. Everything Isabella has ever known seems like an illusion when a new relationship makes her feel more alive than ever before. She isn’t happy about it and fights it every step of the way.
Burned by his fiancée years ago, seer and P.I., Brady Jacobs never wants another commitment in his life. But his bachelorhood and heart are threatened when he has one of his visions and see a killer striking too close to the woman he has recently come to love.
Danger lurks close to home and neither Brady nor Isabella like that they can’t control every situation…especially matters of the heart.
Giveaway---To win a copy of one of Kacey’s backlist titles, simply leave a comment with your name and email address. One random winner will be drawn tomorrow, using Random.org, and announced here.
Sunday, February 19, 2012
But the power of science lies in open publication, which, with the rise of the Internet, is no longer constrained by the price of paper. - M. Shermer
As the time draws nearer that my first book will be released, I reflect back on what it’s taken me to get here, and who’s helped me along the way.
This blog entry comes off the heels of my interview with my idol, Lynn Kurland.
When I very first began my journey four years ago, I reached out to Lynn for any advice she could give me. I wanted to know of good research books and other tidbits I needed in order to launch my career as an author. I couldn’t believe it when she wrote back to me a couple days later, referencing a list of books and giving me small pieces of advice of writing in the sub-genre. I knew I wanted to write time travel and I view Lynn Kurland as the best out there in executing in the niche market. But, such as life happens, shortly after getting all of the information I needed from Lynn, half of our apartment complex burned down in a wildfire. Add to that my son was constantly sick, I put writing on the back burner. It wasn’t until a year later, when the dust of life settled, that I finally picked up my computer and started to write. I went back to the email Lynn sent me, bought a few of her book recommendations, and started writing. Most of my journey you already know from a previous post so I won’t bore you to death with the same old tale, just on a different day.
What I will tell you is I’m beside myself with excitement. It’s so crazy for me to know that, in less than two weeks, my very first book will hit the internet, ready for readers to buy and dive in. Of course, I wonder what others will think and how they will react to my version of storytelling. For instance, there is a guy that I went to junior high and high school with, and he is all about buying to read. It’s weird for me to have somebody I’ve known for so long pick up my book, and to read something so close to me.
Of course, I know that there will be people out there that will not go crazy over it, but I hold to the fact that if it wasn’t good, it wouldn’t have been picked up. I cannot help but wonder if anybody in another country will buy it. What will they think? What will all readers think? Good, or bad, this is such an exciting event for me. I’ve loved the journey I’ve been on, starting with Lynn, moving my way through the RWA, to my publisher, Decadent, and now onto publication.
I’ve a total of over twenty blogs I will be featured on starting on March 2nd, and going through the end of the month. I will post here on what days I’m going to be on what blogs. I’d love it if you
joined me, and be a part of this experience with me. Without the support of people like you, I wouldn’t be where I am today.
I hope everybody has a happy President’s Day. I will be working, but I hope others enjoy the day off.
Ciao,
Erin
This blog entry comes off the heels of my interview with my idol, Lynn Kurland.
When I very first began my journey four years ago, I reached out to Lynn for any advice she could give me. I wanted to know of good research books and other tidbits I needed in order to launch my career as an author. I couldn’t believe it when she wrote back to me a couple days later, referencing a list of books and giving me small pieces of advice of writing in the sub-genre. I knew I wanted to write time travel and I view Lynn Kurland as the best out there in executing in the niche market. But, such as life happens, shortly after getting all of the information I needed from Lynn, half of our apartment complex burned down in a wildfire. Add to that my son was constantly sick, I put writing on the back burner. It wasn’t until a year later, when the dust of life settled, that I finally picked up my computer and started to write. I went back to the email Lynn sent me, bought a few of her book recommendations, and started writing. Most of my journey you already know from a previous post so I won’t bore you to death with the same old tale, just on a different day.
What I will tell you is I’m beside myself with excitement. It’s so crazy for me to know that, in less than two weeks, my very first book will hit the internet, ready for readers to buy and dive in. Of course, I wonder what others will think and how they will react to my version of storytelling. For instance, there is a guy that I went to junior high and high school with, and he is all about buying to read. It’s weird for me to have somebody I’ve known for so long pick up my book, and to read something so close to me.
Of course, I know that there will be people out there that will not go crazy over it, but I hold to the fact that if it wasn’t good, it wouldn’t have been picked up. I cannot help but wonder if anybody in another country will buy it. What will they think? What will all readers think? Good, or bad, this is such an exciting event for me. I’ve loved the journey I’ve been on, starting with Lynn, moving my way through the RWA, to my publisher, Decadent, and now onto publication.
I’ve a total of over twenty blogs I will be featured on starting on March 2nd, and going through the end of the month. I will post here on what days I’m going to be on what blogs. I’d love it if you
joined me, and be a part of this experience with me. Without the support of people like you, I wouldn’t be where I am today.
I hope everybody has a happy President’s Day. I will be working, but I hope others enjoy the day off.
Ciao,
Erin
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Interview with NY Times Bestselling Author, Lynn Kurland
ERIN:
Welcome to Ramblings of a Writer, Lynn. Will you share a little bit about
yourself?
Lynn:
I'm just your average wife/mother/laundress trying to keep up with a family while getting to spend all kinds of times taking notes about the activities of characters in a far different situation and typing them up into books. I love my family, love to laugh, wish I could live on chocolate and sharp cheddar (not together), and am amazed at the really wonderful people I've gotten to "meet" on this journey--like you, Erin! :)
ERIN:
Tell me about your newest release and where it is available:
Lynn:
GIFT OF MAGIC is out right now and is available either through your local bookseller or any online book site. It’s the third book in a trilogy about Ruith of Ceangail and Sarah of Doíre who are off on a rather difficult quest to clean up the mess Ruith’s late father made of quite a few things. Only what they find at the end of the road is not exactly what they were expecting to
find . . .
Erin:
Where do you like to write? Is there a specific place that inspires you?
Lynn:
I'm not very picky about place or time. I spend lots of time working in the car while waiting for kids or surreptitiously scribbling notes on pieces of paper I have in the past resorted to borrowing from others when I had nothing with me.
If I were to write in my dream spot, it would be the Washington coast in a beach house with a fire in the fireplace and glorious views available thanks to big picture windows. I suppose I could, if I had to, make do with a cute little bed and breakfast in the Lake District or in a handy car park near any number of castles in the UK.
Erin:
When/how did you decide you wanted to write for a living?
Lynn:
I had actually planned on being as professional a musician as preferring to be home at night in my pjs would allow, but apparently that wasn't in the master plan. Once I tried my hand at writing, though, I was hooked. I was very blessed to get picked up at just the right time by the right editor at the right publisher. It's been bliss ever since!
Erin:
What inspired you to write time travel and fantasy romance?
Lynn:
I would have to say it was Constance O'Day-Flannery's books that got me hooked on time travels, and Tolkien who gave me my first love of fantasy. Couple all that with not enough romance in Lord of the Rings to suit me and a completely unhealthy relationship with Mad Magazine in high school and I think you pretty much have all my biggest influences right there. I love a good love story, a good laugh, and things that take me away to another place where anything's possible. Time travel and fantasy fit the bill for both.
ERIN:
Are you a plotter or pantser?
Lynn:
A little of both, probably, but not really wedded to either. I find the longer I do this, the less time I have to spend tossing out entire chunks of books and rewriting them, so I try to have some vague idea of where the story is going before I start. Sometimes I'll just create a big synopsis file and jot down ideas for plot points (which sometimes morphs into entire chapters or big chunks of the book if I get inspired), but the real joy of it all for me is starting with a blank page and just watching the story unfold. I don't think I'm a very good writer (you should see my first drafts--no, on second thought, you really shouldn't!!), but I think I'm an okay rewriter, and I do a LOT of rewriting no matter how detailed my big synopsis files get.
ERIN:
How do you develop your characters?
Lynn:
I always feel a little dorky saying this, but I honestly think they're just there. I don't know if Michaelangelo really said this, but he is credited with saying, "I saw the angel in the marble
and carved until I set him free." I'm hardly in his league, but I completely understand what he's saying. The characters are just there, waiting for me to dig around enough, write them and rewrite them enough until they are on the page how they are on my mental stage. I don't do character interviews, but I will sit down and write and rewrite their backstory until I think I know them well enough to either begin or continue on. Most of that stuff just hits the cutting room floor, but it helps me figure out who they are.
ERIN:
What do you do to keep things new and fresh?
Lynn:
If I manage either, it's from the sheer terror of possibly having every review begin with "it's the same old stuff all over again!" I guess there's a point where you could drive yourself crazy trying to keep everything new and different and original. How many variations can you make of the plot line "boy meets girl, stuff happens, boy gets girl and they live happily ever after?" Throw a little time travel in there and you have my stuff in a nutshell.
The saving grace for me is just the characters and how they linger in my mind. I find that with books that were really memorable for me, it's characters who I can call to mind years later, not the plot. My characters are going to fall in love, stuff is going to happen to keep them apart, there's going to be a resolution, but how that all happens for that particular collection of people
is going to be specific to them. Hopefully that's enough originality to make the books worth reading!
ERIN:
Do you have a favorite quote you’d like to share?
Lynn:
I love Coco Channel: "How many cares one loses when one decides not to be something, but to be someone."
ERIN:
Did any music inspire your book? Do you have a playlist?
Lynn:
I've just now been working (in the car, waiting for a kid, as usual) and in the past twenty minutes I've listened to Corinne Bailey Rae, Vladimir Horowitz, Grieg's piano concerto, the Rachmaninoff Vespers, Taxman (the Beatles), Shining Star (Earth Wind and Fire), Take 5 by some quartet I've never heard of, 5-o'clock-world by Hal Ketchum, some Enya, Duran Duran's title song from The Saint, something by Kurt Elling . . . I listen to a lot of classical just because I love it, but there's no rhyme or reason to it. I don't know why, but I write twice as fast and at least twice as smart when I have some sort of instrumental something going on as background noise. I am currently loving Keira Knightley's Pride and Prejudice.
ERIN:
Which of your characters would you most/least like to invite to dinner, and
why?
Lynn:
(Is my husband going to read this?) Um, Patrick MacLeod would be first on my list--if we were both single, I was a little younger, and didn't have dark circles and bags under my eyes--followed closely by Robert Cameron (same caveats) for the men, Jennifer McKinnon, Sunshine Phillips or Peaches Alexander for the women. I think the person I would least like to have dinner with would be Bentley from A Garden in the Rain. I'd probably push his soup off into his lap.
ERIN:
What's next for you?
Lynn:
I'm finishing up the first book of a new fantasy trilogy right now, then turning to the romance for 2013. I don't think I can give away any details about the characters yet . . . too soon for that!
ERIN:
What’s the most challenging aspect of writing? Most rewarding?
Lynn:
The most challenging is probably maintaining an uncluttered enough mental space to create easily--let's not talk about an uncluttered physical space! The most rewarding is definitely the emails I get from people who've found something useful in my books. What a gift!
ERIN:
What’s the most interesting comment you have received about your books?
Lynn:
Early on I got an email from a gal who told me the story of her experience with two of my books. Stardust of Yesterday she had loathed with a white-hot passion and vowed never to read anything I wrote ever, ever, ever again. Fast forward a couple of years, she picks up a book with a cool cover (I think it was This Is All I Ask), starts it, then shoots me a furious email that said, paraphrased, "I was only a couple of pages into it before I realized it was YOU!" Book met wall. I'm imagining there was swearing involved. I was frankly thrilled that someone could pick up my book while obviously forgetting my name yet still be able to recognize my voice. Yippee! It was probably the highest compliment anyone has ever paid me, but I'm pretty sure that wasn't how she meant it! :)
ERIN:
Who are some of your favorite authors and books? What are you reading now?
Lynn:
I loved Elizabeth Peter's Emelia Peabody series, Dorothy Cannell's The Thin Woman, Dick Francis' To The Hilt (well, I own his entire backlist and love them all, but that's my favorite), Anne George's mysteries. John Prebble's Lion in the North is probably my favorite non-fiction historical work. I have an enormous romance and fantasy pile that I’ll get to when I’m not writing either! Right now I'm reading P.G. Wodehouse's Blandings castle series, which I'm liking a little less than the Jeeves books.
ERIN:
What is your favorite color?
Lynn:
Blue. When it's not green.
ERIN:
What is your favorite food?
Lynn:
Chocolate
ERIN:
Who is your favorite author?
Lynn:
Tolkien. He's the master.
Thank you very much, Lynn, for taking the time to do this interview. I know you are a busy woman and fitting me into your schedule means more than you know. I wish you the best and cannot wait to read your next release.
You can find Lynn at www.LynnKurland.com
Welcome to Ramblings of a Writer, Lynn. Will you share a little bit about
yourself?
Lynn:
I'm just your average wife/mother/laundress trying to keep up with a family while getting to spend all kinds of times taking notes about the activities of characters in a far different situation and typing them up into books. I love my family, love to laugh, wish I could live on chocolate and sharp cheddar (not together), and am amazed at the really wonderful people I've gotten to "meet" on this journey--like you, Erin! :)
ERIN:
Tell me about your newest release and where it is available:
Lynn:
GIFT OF MAGIC is out right now and is available either through your local bookseller or any online book site. It’s the third book in a trilogy about Ruith of Ceangail and Sarah of Doíre who are off on a rather difficult quest to clean up the mess Ruith’s late father made of quite a few things. Only what they find at the end of the road is not exactly what they were expecting to
find . . .
Erin:
Where do you like to write? Is there a specific place that inspires you?
Lynn:
I'm not very picky about place or time. I spend lots of time working in the car while waiting for kids or surreptitiously scribbling notes on pieces of paper I have in the past resorted to borrowing from others when I had nothing with me.
If I were to write in my dream spot, it would be the Washington coast in a beach house with a fire in the fireplace and glorious views available thanks to big picture windows. I suppose I could, if I had to, make do with a cute little bed and breakfast in the Lake District or in a handy car park near any number of castles in the UK.
Erin:
When/how did you decide you wanted to write for a living?
Lynn:
I had actually planned on being as professional a musician as preferring to be home at night in my pjs would allow, but apparently that wasn't in the master plan. Once I tried my hand at writing, though, I was hooked. I was very blessed to get picked up at just the right time by the right editor at the right publisher. It's been bliss ever since!
Erin:
What inspired you to write time travel and fantasy romance?
Lynn:
I would have to say it was Constance O'Day-Flannery's books that got me hooked on time travels, and Tolkien who gave me my first love of fantasy. Couple all that with not enough romance in Lord of the Rings to suit me and a completely unhealthy relationship with Mad Magazine in high school and I think you pretty much have all my biggest influences right there. I love a good love story, a good laugh, and things that take me away to another place where anything's possible. Time travel and fantasy fit the bill for both.
ERIN:
Are you a plotter or pantser?
Lynn:
A little of both, probably, but not really wedded to either. I find the longer I do this, the less time I have to spend tossing out entire chunks of books and rewriting them, so I try to have some vague idea of where the story is going before I start. Sometimes I'll just create a big synopsis file and jot down ideas for plot points (which sometimes morphs into entire chapters or big chunks of the book if I get inspired), but the real joy of it all for me is starting with a blank page and just watching the story unfold. I don't think I'm a very good writer (you should see my first drafts--no, on second thought, you really shouldn't!!), but I think I'm an okay rewriter, and I do a LOT of rewriting no matter how detailed my big synopsis files get.
ERIN:
How do you develop your characters?
Lynn:
I always feel a little dorky saying this, but I honestly think they're just there. I don't know if Michaelangelo really said this, but he is credited with saying, "I saw the angel in the marble
and carved until I set him free." I'm hardly in his league, but I completely understand what he's saying. The characters are just there, waiting for me to dig around enough, write them and rewrite them enough until they are on the page how they are on my mental stage. I don't do character interviews, but I will sit down and write and rewrite their backstory until I think I know them well enough to either begin or continue on. Most of that stuff just hits the cutting room floor, but it helps me figure out who they are.
ERIN:
What do you do to keep things new and fresh?
Lynn:
If I manage either, it's from the sheer terror of possibly having every review begin with "it's the same old stuff all over again!" I guess there's a point where you could drive yourself crazy trying to keep everything new and different and original. How many variations can you make of the plot line "boy meets girl, stuff happens, boy gets girl and they live happily ever after?" Throw a little time travel in there and you have my stuff in a nutshell.
The saving grace for me is just the characters and how they linger in my mind. I find that with books that were really memorable for me, it's characters who I can call to mind years later, not the plot. My characters are going to fall in love, stuff is going to happen to keep them apart, there's going to be a resolution, but how that all happens for that particular collection of people
is going to be specific to them. Hopefully that's enough originality to make the books worth reading!
ERIN:
Do you have a favorite quote you’d like to share?
Lynn:
I love Coco Channel: "How many cares one loses when one decides not to be something, but to be someone."
ERIN:
Did any music inspire your book? Do you have a playlist?
Lynn:
I've just now been working (in the car, waiting for a kid, as usual) and in the past twenty minutes I've listened to Corinne Bailey Rae, Vladimir Horowitz, Grieg's piano concerto, the Rachmaninoff Vespers, Taxman (the Beatles), Shining Star (Earth Wind and Fire), Take 5 by some quartet I've never heard of, 5-o'clock-world by Hal Ketchum, some Enya, Duran Duran's title song from The Saint, something by Kurt Elling . . . I listen to a lot of classical just because I love it, but there's no rhyme or reason to it. I don't know why, but I write twice as fast and at least twice as smart when I have some sort of instrumental something going on as background noise. I am currently loving Keira Knightley's Pride and Prejudice.
ERIN:
Which of your characters would you most/least like to invite to dinner, and
why?
Lynn:
(Is my husband going to read this?) Um, Patrick MacLeod would be first on my list--if we were both single, I was a little younger, and didn't have dark circles and bags under my eyes--followed closely by Robert Cameron (same caveats) for the men, Jennifer McKinnon, Sunshine Phillips or Peaches Alexander for the women. I think the person I would least like to have dinner with would be Bentley from A Garden in the Rain. I'd probably push his soup off into his lap.
ERIN:
What's next for you?
Lynn:
I'm finishing up the first book of a new fantasy trilogy right now, then turning to the romance for 2013. I don't think I can give away any details about the characters yet . . . too soon for that!
ERIN:
What’s the most challenging aspect of writing? Most rewarding?
Lynn:
The most challenging is probably maintaining an uncluttered enough mental space to create easily--let's not talk about an uncluttered physical space! The most rewarding is definitely the emails I get from people who've found something useful in my books. What a gift!
ERIN:
What’s the most interesting comment you have received about your books?
Lynn:
Early on I got an email from a gal who told me the story of her experience with two of my books. Stardust of Yesterday she had loathed with a white-hot passion and vowed never to read anything I wrote ever, ever, ever again. Fast forward a couple of years, she picks up a book with a cool cover (I think it was This Is All I Ask), starts it, then shoots me a furious email that said, paraphrased, "I was only a couple of pages into it before I realized it was YOU!" Book met wall. I'm imagining there was swearing involved. I was frankly thrilled that someone could pick up my book while obviously forgetting my name yet still be able to recognize my voice. Yippee! It was probably the highest compliment anyone has ever paid me, but I'm pretty sure that wasn't how she meant it! :)
ERIN:
Who are some of your favorite authors and books? What are you reading now?
Lynn:
I loved Elizabeth Peter's Emelia Peabody series, Dorothy Cannell's The Thin Woman, Dick Francis' To The Hilt (well, I own his entire backlist and love them all, but that's my favorite), Anne George's mysteries. John Prebble's Lion in the North is probably my favorite non-fiction historical work. I have an enormous romance and fantasy pile that I’ll get to when I’m not writing either! Right now I'm reading P.G. Wodehouse's Blandings castle series, which I'm liking a little less than the Jeeves books.
ERIN:
What is your favorite color?
Lynn:
Blue. When it's not green.
ERIN:
What is your favorite food?
Lynn:
Chocolate
ERIN:
Who is your favorite author?
Lynn:
Tolkien. He's the master.
Thank you very much, Lynn, for taking the time to do this interview. I know you are a busy woman and fitting me into your schedule means more than you know. I wish you the best and cannot wait to read your next release.
You can find Lynn at www.LynnKurland.com
Thursday, February 9, 2012
"Since there is nothing so well worth having as friends, never lose a chance to make them." - Francesco Guicciardini
Two years ago this past January I attended my very first Orange County Chapter of the Romance Writers of America. As I said in a blog before, the very first person I met was Christine. A couple weeks after that first meeting, a "Bootcamp" class started. It was my very first experience, outside of the normal OCC RWA meeting I had attended, to sit in a class setting and learn more about the craft of writing. Our first assignment was to bring the pages one through twenty of our manuscript.
So, of course like any green writer, I polished the first twenty pages to the best of my ability, took them in hand and practically skipped the fifteen miles to the hotel where we met. I remember being so proud to show off my amazing work to the published instructor, Shannon Donnelly. But, instead of her reading and critiquing, I soon found out we'd be separated into groups of three and reading our pieces out loud to our peers. I thought "Great! I'll show these ladies what a marvelous writer I am.". The first woman, Julie, read her piece. My confidence waned ever so slightly listening to her speak. Her story telling ability was amazing. I could totally picture what transpired on paper in my mind. When it came to be my turn to read, I grabbed all twenty pages in both of my hands, sat up straight, and began to read aloud.
Four pages in, I started to seriously doubt my earlier beliefs. Julie and Christine's (the other woman) eyes glossed over and they slumped in their chairs. By page ten, I began to receive audible sighs. It didn't help that Shannon would come over from time to time, listen to me receit my story, and scribble notes on the already-read pages. Soon, I no longer believed the beginning of my novel to be a masterpiece, but a masterful mess.
Yet, through it all, I learned a valuable lesson that day. To always be humble, and to admit when I know I need work in whatever area I choose to perfect myself in. As writers, we pour our emotions into our writing. Our stories become a part of us. To open ourselves up for criticism, even constructive, is a hard pill to swallow.
Over the course of the next six months, I attended this class six times. I typed pages upon pages of notes. When I was called upon in class for participation, I was determined not to let my emotions overrule sound reasoning. Looking back, the expierence was just what I needed in order to become a successful as an author.
I learned that when one person disagrees with me on something, I look at it as advice. When two people disagree with me, I need to look it over. When three people disagree, it is time for serious attention to the problem at hand. I recite this logic to myself every time I have someone critique my work. Without it, I wouldn't be the writer I am today.
This coming up Saturday is our monthly OCC RWA meeting. I'm looking forward to meeting with some girlfriends I met at OCC before the meeting starts for some good breakfast. I'm thankful to the organization in more ways than one.
So, of course like any green writer, I polished the first twenty pages to the best of my ability, took them in hand and practically skipped the fifteen miles to the hotel where we met. I remember being so proud to show off my amazing work to the published instructor, Shannon Donnelly. But, instead of her reading and critiquing, I soon found out we'd be separated into groups of three and reading our pieces out loud to our peers. I thought "Great! I'll show these ladies what a marvelous writer I am.". The first woman, Julie, read her piece. My confidence waned ever so slightly listening to her speak. Her story telling ability was amazing. I could totally picture what transpired on paper in my mind. When it came to be my turn to read, I grabbed all twenty pages in both of my hands, sat up straight, and began to read aloud.
Four pages in, I started to seriously doubt my earlier beliefs. Julie and Christine's (the other woman) eyes glossed over and they slumped in their chairs. By page ten, I began to receive audible sighs. It didn't help that Shannon would come over from time to time, listen to me receit my story, and scribble notes on the already-read pages. Soon, I no longer believed the beginning of my novel to be a masterpiece, but a masterful mess.
Yet, through it all, I learned a valuable lesson that day. To always be humble, and to admit when I know I need work in whatever area I choose to perfect myself in. As writers, we pour our emotions into our writing. Our stories become a part of us. To open ourselves up for criticism, even constructive, is a hard pill to swallow.
Over the course of the next six months, I attended this class six times. I typed pages upon pages of notes. When I was called upon in class for participation, I was determined not to let my emotions overrule sound reasoning. Looking back, the expierence was just what I needed in order to become a successful as an author.
I learned that when one person disagrees with me on something, I look at it as advice. When two people disagree with me, I need to look it over. When three people disagree, it is time for serious attention to the problem at hand. I recite this logic to myself every time I have someone critique my work. Without it, I wouldn't be the writer I am today.
This coming up Saturday is our monthly OCC RWA meeting. I'm looking forward to meeting with some girlfriends I met at OCC before the meeting starts for some good breakfast. I'm thankful to the organization in more ways than one.
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Interview with author Christine Rice
ERIN: Welcome to Ramblings of a Writer, Christine. Will you share a little bit about yourself?Christine: Absolutely. I’m the author of three books: Poetry for the Heart, Essays for the Soul, and My Not-So-Ordinary Life. I’ve been a published writer and author since 2007 and I’ve been a freelance writer and editor since 2011.
ERIN: Tell me about My Not-So-Ordinary Life (http://www.lulu.com/product/paperback/my-not-so-ordinary-life-an-autobiography/18835054) and where it's available.
Christine: My Not-So-Ordinary Life is an autobiography of my life up to age 28. It tells my story of growing up in a small town with only the desire for happiness and independence, and after discovering who I was, and struggling through adolescence, I finally chose a healthy and wholesome life, and decided to further my education so that I could pursue my dream of becoming a writer. It is available at the Apple iBookstore, the Nook Bookstore, Amazon (Kindle), Lulu, and Smashwords.
ERIN: Where do you like to write? Is there a specific place that inspires you?
Christine: Just recently I converted a spare bedroom into an office, and that is where I do most of my writing. I write on the computer at my desk, and I get a lot accomplished, because I have lots of privacy and quiet, which I like. I also have a bookshelf in my office with all of my favorite books, and a bed in the corner where I can comfortably read and do research.
ERIN: When/how did you decide you wanted to write for a living?
Christine: In 2005, I read The Weight Loss Diaries by Courtney Rubin, who is a journalist for Shape magazine. The book is a collection of articles from her column in which she writes about her yearlong experiences with losing weight and getting fit. I loved the idea of writing about an interest for a career. That was the first time I seriously considered being a writer, and I began pursuing my dream immediately.
ERIN: What do you do to keep things new and fresh?
Christine: My interests change quite often, so I’m always reading about new topics or stories. I incorporate the ideas I get when I read into my writing, so I’ve written about a lot of different topics and a variety of books.
ERIN: Do you have a favorite quote you’’d like to share?
Christine: Yes. “The scariest moment is always just before you start.” – Stephen King, On Writing. For me, it’s not easy making sure I write every day, but it’s easier to do that than to skip days. Because if a day has passed since the last time I’ve written, it is difficult to begin. That is where the quote comes in. So I end up just doing it – sit down and begin writing – and it goes well and I feel great afterwards.
ERIN: What's next for you?
Christine: I’m planning on publishing two books this year – a reference book for freelance writers new to the industry, and a compilation of all my past journal entries. After that, I don’t have a plan as to what’s next, but something always comes up. And I’m sure I’ll be writing about it.
ERIN: What’’s the most challenging aspect of writing? Most rewarding?
Christine: Editing a book is the most challenging, because it takes a long time and it’s detailed work. The most rewarding part of writing is the completion of each writing session, because I feel good that I completed my purpose for the day; and also, after publication, when I know that people are reading my books and, therefore, are seeing into the depths of my heart.
ERIN: Who are some of your favorite authors and books? What are you reading now?
Christine: For fiction, I like Dan Brown’s Angels and Demons, Jim Butcher’s The Dresden Files, Ernest Hemingway’s The Snows of Kilimanjaro, and Ray Bradbury’s Fahrenheit 451. For nonfiction, I like health, psychology, self-help, memoirs, and reference books, and some of my favorite authors are Geneen Roth, Robert Bly, Mary Pipher, and Anne Lamott. I’m currently reading The Indie Journey: Secrets to Writing Success by Scott Nicholson.
Thank you, Christine, for taking the time to do this interview. I really appreciate it. I wish you the best in publishing the two books you spoke of, a reference book for freelance writers new to the industry, and a compilation of all your past journal entries. You can find Christine on Twitter. @Christine_Rice
ERIN: Tell me about My Not-So-Ordinary Life (http://www.lulu.com/product/paperback/my-not-so-ordinary-life-an-autobiography/18835054) and where it's available.
Christine: My Not-So-Ordinary Life is an autobiography of my life up to age 28. It tells my story of growing up in a small town with only the desire for happiness and independence, and after discovering who I was, and struggling through adolescence, I finally chose a healthy and wholesome life, and decided to further my education so that I could pursue my dream of becoming a writer. It is available at the Apple iBookstore, the Nook Bookstore, Amazon (Kindle), Lulu, and Smashwords.
ERIN: Where do you like to write? Is there a specific place that inspires you?
Christine: Just recently I converted a spare bedroom into an office, and that is where I do most of my writing. I write on the computer at my desk, and I get a lot accomplished, because I have lots of privacy and quiet, which I like. I also have a bookshelf in my office with all of my favorite books, and a bed in the corner where I can comfortably read and do research.
ERIN: When/how did you decide you wanted to write for a living?
Christine: In 2005, I read The Weight Loss Diaries by Courtney Rubin, who is a journalist for Shape magazine. The book is a collection of articles from her column in which she writes about her yearlong experiences with losing weight and getting fit. I loved the idea of writing about an interest for a career. That was the first time I seriously considered being a writer, and I began pursuing my dream immediately.
ERIN: What do you do to keep things new and fresh?
Christine: My interests change quite often, so I’m always reading about new topics or stories. I incorporate the ideas I get when I read into my writing, so I’ve written about a lot of different topics and a variety of books.
ERIN: Do you have a favorite quote you’’d like to share?
Christine: Yes. “The scariest moment is always just before you start.” – Stephen King, On Writing. For me, it’s not easy making sure I write every day, but it’s easier to do that than to skip days. Because if a day has passed since the last time I’ve written, it is difficult to begin. That is where the quote comes in. So I end up just doing it – sit down and begin writing – and it goes well and I feel great afterwards.
ERIN: What's next for you?
Christine: I’m planning on publishing two books this year – a reference book for freelance writers new to the industry, and a compilation of all my past journal entries. After that, I don’t have a plan as to what’s next, but something always comes up. And I’m sure I’ll be writing about it.
ERIN: What’’s the most challenging aspect of writing? Most rewarding?
Christine: Editing a book is the most challenging, because it takes a long time and it’s detailed work. The most rewarding part of writing is the completion of each writing session, because I feel good that I completed my purpose for the day; and also, after publication, when I know that people are reading my books and, therefore, are seeing into the depths of my heart.
ERIN: Who are some of your favorite authors and books? What are you reading now?
Christine: For fiction, I like Dan Brown’s Angels and Demons, Jim Butcher’s The Dresden Files, Ernest Hemingway’s The Snows of Kilimanjaro, and Ray Bradbury’s Fahrenheit 451. For nonfiction, I like health, psychology, self-help, memoirs, and reference books, and some of my favorite authors are Geneen Roth, Robert Bly, Mary Pipher, and Anne Lamott. I’m currently reading The Indie Journey: Secrets to Writing Success by Scott Nicholson.
Thank you, Christine, for taking the time to do this interview. I really appreciate it. I wish you the best in publishing the two books you spoke of, a reference book for freelance writers new to the industry, and a compilation of all your past journal entries. You can find Christine on Twitter. @Christine_Rice
Sunday, January 29, 2012
I'm a big fan of editing and keeping only the interesting bits in. - Sarah Vowell
If only completing the task of editing could be a simple one.
Working with my Content Editor, whom I absolutely adore (Ciar Cullen), with Decadent Publishing, I've learned a lot about both myself and my writing. When I received the first round of edits back from her, she was kind enough to write a really long and encouraging email, bracing me for the cold hard truth of the edits to come. After reading the email twice in its entirety, I took a deep breath and opened my manuscripts.
There were most likely thousands of edits, and almost four hundred comments. Talk about a daunting task. But instead of pouting as we are prone to do, I held my head high and dove in with both hands. Some of the comments stung, some made me laugh, but more than anything, reading them made me grow as a writer. I know I'm not perfect, nor do I pretend to be, but the whole experience was very humbling.
It took me three solid days of mulling over every comment, making corrections where needed, adding in places, and as an overall beefing up my manuscript. To say the least, the entire experience was exhausting, yet a good road to travel. I learned more about myself and my writing than I ever hoped to know. Afterwards, it only took one small final round before the manuscript went to my Line Editor.
Two small rounds of edits with my Line Editor later, Pillars In Time is now with the Sr. Editor for final review. I've been given a release date of March 2nd. It's so close I can taste it. It makes all the hard work with my editor pay off. I cannot wait for Pillars In Time to be released to the public, and am looking forward to the feedback I'll receive.
In the end, I think the only reason why I survived the daunting task of editing is because I went in with an open mind. My Editor does what she does for a reason and I'm glad for her pushing me as far as she did.
So, when faced with the overwhelming task of editing, remember it will serve to only keep the interesting bits in, and throw out the garbage. You're manuscript will be better for it.
Working with my Content Editor, whom I absolutely adore (Ciar Cullen), with Decadent Publishing, I've learned a lot about both myself and my writing. When I received the first round of edits back from her, she was kind enough to write a really long and encouraging email, bracing me for the cold hard truth of the edits to come. After reading the email twice in its entirety, I took a deep breath and opened my manuscripts.
There were most likely thousands of edits, and almost four hundred comments. Talk about a daunting task. But instead of pouting as we are prone to do, I held my head high and dove in with both hands. Some of the comments stung, some made me laugh, but more than anything, reading them made me grow as a writer. I know I'm not perfect, nor do I pretend to be, but the whole experience was very humbling.
It took me three solid days of mulling over every comment, making corrections where needed, adding in places, and as an overall beefing up my manuscript. To say the least, the entire experience was exhausting, yet a good road to travel. I learned more about myself and my writing than I ever hoped to know. Afterwards, it only took one small final round before the manuscript went to my Line Editor.
Two small rounds of edits with my Line Editor later, Pillars In Time is now with the Sr. Editor for final review. I've been given a release date of March 2nd. It's so close I can taste it. It makes all the hard work with my editor pay off. I cannot wait for Pillars In Time to be released to the public, and am looking forward to the feedback I'll receive.
In the end, I think the only reason why I survived the daunting task of editing is because I went in with an open mind. My Editor does what she does for a reason and I'm glad for her pushing me as far as she did.
So, when faced with the overwhelming task of editing, remember it will serve to only keep the interesting bits in, and throw out the garbage. You're manuscript will be better for it.
I make my weaknesses my strengths and my strengths stronger. - Lisa Fernandez, Pitcher, Team USA
Today is Katelyn's first day of her softball team's practice. Well, that's not entirely true. It is the first day that Katelyn will be attending. We signed her up two days ago and yesterday, she was assigned to the team Pink Jaguars.
This will be her second year playing the sport. She has height to her advantage and a rocket for an arm. It has been neat for the past two days to go out to the greenbelt in our apartment community and toss the ball back and forth with her. I love watching her try to pick the ball up off the ground with her mit (it isn't broken in yet, so it's hard for her to do so). Throwing back and forth with her brings back memories of my short career as a child playing softball and it makes me even happier knowing my daughter is entering the sport so young.
To see my daughter's face light up at the prospect of playing softball brings on the warm and fuzies. I love it that she wants to be an active participant in a team sport.
As parents, all we ever want is the best for our children. We want them to explore this world and have fun doing so. I try and teach both of my kids that they can be whatever they want to be, they just need to put the work in to get there.
This is part of the reason why realizing my dream of being a published author is so prevalent. Katelyn has watched me pound away at my keyboard, or heard me talking about my book. For her, she sees the hard work I put into something I wanted, and how I'm rewarded in the end.
This will be her second year playing the sport. She has height to her advantage and a rocket for an arm. It has been neat for the past two days to go out to the greenbelt in our apartment community and toss the ball back and forth with her. I love watching her try to pick the ball up off the ground with her mit (it isn't broken in yet, so it's hard for her to do so). Throwing back and forth with her brings back memories of my short career as a child playing softball and it makes me even happier knowing my daughter is entering the sport so young.
To see my daughter's face light up at the prospect of playing softball brings on the warm and fuzies. I love it that she wants to be an active participant in a team sport.
As parents, all we ever want is the best for our children. We want them to explore this world and have fun doing so. I try and teach both of my kids that they can be whatever they want to be, they just need to put the work in to get there.
This is part of the reason why realizing my dream of being a published author is so prevalent. Katelyn has watched me pound away at my keyboard, or heard me talking about my book. For her, she sees the hard work I put into something I wanted, and how I'm rewarded in the end.
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
"There is no other way of writing a novel than to begin at the beginning and to continue to the end." - C.S. Forester
If you would've told me three years ago I'd sell my first novel before I turned thirty, I'd have called you a liar.
A little over two years ago, I started to write fanfiction. No, I won't tell you what characters it was based around, but I will tell you it was horrible. Like AWFUL. I'll never forget this one "comment" I received from a reader. It crushed me, to the point my writing career almost came to a grinding halt before I could ever get into fourth gear.
Because I'd never been to college, I felt embarassed of my writing. I mean, I truly believed I couldn't write a book unless I'd at least obtained my Associates Degree. Add to it I write romance, albeit sweet romance, but romance none-the-less...I hung my head at the thought of anyone unearthing my secret. So, when Josh found out what I'd been up to, I was mortified. There the chips lay of my emotional stability, displayed on the table for Josh to see.
But to my surprise, Josh only encouraged me to keep writing, and to find a group I could join. By having his blessing, my confidence began to grow. Though my stuff was nowhere near the caliber it needed to be for him to read it, the fact he supported me was, not to sound corney, but the wind beneath my wings. He helped guide me on my first flight into the wonderful world of writing. Two nights later I discovered a national organization called the Romance Writers of America, and the local chapter was only a city away.
So, the following week, I packed my computer and headed into the unknown. I had no idea what to expect and could only hope that the women and men attendees would welcome me with open arms. I hadn't even gotten a chance to set down my bags before Christine, a sweet woman, introduced herself to me. It felt great, to not have been there five minutes and to have made a friend. I got so much out of the lecture that day. When I left, I felt energized to write. Most importantly, I left with a belief that "I can do this".
My drive started out with the desire to finish a book. Halfway through the novel, it changed to wanting to show my children you can do anything you put your mind to. Towards the end, it evolved into "I can make a living at this".
The following month I went to the RWA meeting and met my now good friend, Erin. Between her pushing me in my writing, and RWA challenging me to think outside of the box, the next year was spent in growing my craft. This year promised new and exciting things on the horizon. I felt the book I'd started the previous July would be "the one". Little did I know that, by the end of the year, how true my premonition would be.
Now here I sit, on the eve (so to speak) of having my first book published, and in the beginning stages of planning my next one. It's been a crazy two years and I'm thankful for my journey along the way. There has been some amazing women in my life who have helped me grow in ways I couldn't have without them. Erin and Laura are two of the many of those wonderful women.
Thank you to my husband, my friends, and everybody who has been a continuous support to me. Without you, I'd still be saying "One day I'll write a book."
Blessings,
Erin Pryor
A little over two years ago, I started to write fanfiction. No, I won't tell you what characters it was based around, but I will tell you it was horrible. Like AWFUL. I'll never forget this one "comment" I received from a reader. It crushed me, to the point my writing career almost came to a grinding halt before I could ever get into fourth gear.
Because I'd never been to college, I felt embarassed of my writing. I mean, I truly believed I couldn't write a book unless I'd at least obtained my Associates Degree. Add to it I write romance, albeit sweet romance, but romance none-the-less...I hung my head at the thought of anyone unearthing my secret. So, when Josh found out what I'd been up to, I was mortified. There the chips lay of my emotional stability, displayed on the table for Josh to see.
But to my surprise, Josh only encouraged me to keep writing, and to find a group I could join. By having his blessing, my confidence began to grow. Though my stuff was nowhere near the caliber it needed to be for him to read it, the fact he supported me was, not to sound corney, but the wind beneath my wings. He helped guide me on my first flight into the wonderful world of writing. Two nights later I discovered a national organization called the Romance Writers of America, and the local chapter was only a city away.
So, the following week, I packed my computer and headed into the unknown. I had no idea what to expect and could only hope that the women and men attendees would welcome me with open arms. I hadn't even gotten a chance to set down my bags before Christine, a sweet woman, introduced herself to me. It felt great, to not have been there five minutes and to have made a friend. I got so much out of the lecture that day. When I left, I felt energized to write. Most importantly, I left with a belief that "I can do this".
My drive started out with the desire to finish a book. Halfway through the novel, it changed to wanting to show my children you can do anything you put your mind to. Towards the end, it evolved into "I can make a living at this".
The following month I went to the RWA meeting and met my now good friend, Erin. Between her pushing me in my writing, and RWA challenging me to think outside of the box, the next year was spent in growing my craft. This year promised new and exciting things on the horizon. I felt the book I'd started the previous July would be "the one". Little did I know that, by the end of the year, how true my premonition would be.
Now here I sit, on the eve (so to speak) of having my first book published, and in the beginning stages of planning my next one. It's been a crazy two years and I'm thankful for my journey along the way. There has been some amazing women in my life who have helped me grow in ways I couldn't have without them. Erin and Laura are two of the many of those wonderful women.
Thank you to my husband, my friends, and everybody who has been a continuous support to me. Without you, I'd still be saying "One day I'll write a book."
Blessings,
Erin Pryor
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