This is a completely biased list, based on the books I read in 2010, and based on only my opinion. And I am lumping various sub-genres together under their main category (i.e. all kinds of Fantasy go under Fantasy)
Best Classic
The Great Gatsby - F. Scott Fitzgerald
Best Crime
Execution Dock - Anne Perry
Best Fantasy
Anansi Boys - Neil Gaiman
Best Mainstream
Love Story - Erich Segal
Best Memoir
The Diary of a Young Girl - Anne Frank
Best Science/Psychology
Proust was a Neuroscientist - Jonah Lehrer
Best Science Fiction - It's a TIE
Journey Into Space - Toby Litt
Fountains of Paradise - Arthur C. Clarke
Book Abandoned
I don't make a habit of abandoning half-read books, and I don't list them on my book list, because if it is not finished, it doesn't count as read. But I wanted to keep track of the ones I abandoned, and why.
Next - Michael Crichton (at about page 150).
This had a good premise. I really would have liked to read this story, and if it was a movie, I would have enjoyed it. But the writing was just a torture. I get it that we need more than usual amount of exposition for science-heavy subjects, but this goes beyond torture, and a lot of it quite frankly was unnecessary. A thriller is supposed to be...well...thrilling. You shouldn't be able to put it down. It should be fast paced read, not something that makes you feel like you are sitting in a science class with a droning teacher. So I finally gave up.
Friday, 31 December 2010
Thursday, 30 December 2010
2010 Reading Challenge - How did you do?
I am happy to say, I reached my goal of 75 books much earlier than anticipated. Currently, I have finished 98 books this year, and still hoping to finish two more by end of tomorrow to reach a neat 100, but even if I don't, I am happy with 98.
And I hope you will join me for 2011 Reading Challenge too.
Friday, 24 December 2010
Merry Christmas
Merry Christmas to all my wonderful blog friends. Thank you for taking the time to read and comment, and even if you haven't made your presence known, I appreciate you being here.
I wish all of you a wonderful Christmas.
I wish all of you a wonderful Christmas.
Dolly
xx
Wednesday, 1 December 2010
Thoughts at the End of NaNoWriMo 2010
Another NaNo finished. This was my second NaNo, slightly less successful than the first one, but more productive.
Now to explain that contradictory statement - doing my first NaNo in 2009, I was super-excited, and determined to finish an entire first draft. I obsessed over it entire month. I took my netbook with me to work, so I could write in the mornings and evenings during bus journeys. I made NaNo the prime focus of my life. So I did finish the whole first draft - around 87K, I believe - on 28th of November.
This year, I did not succeed in that goal - to finish the entire draft. I have gotten to about 81500, or somewhere there abouts, and there are still several scenes to go, so looking at probably another 10K. Yet, this year's NaNo was more productive, because this month, it wasn't possible for me to obsess only over NaNo. I wrote almost every day - though granted, large chunk of this word count is due to complete obsession in the first week when I wrote a lot - but I didn't write during the bus rides, and didn't spend entire evenings writing either. Since I am going abroad next week, I had far too many things to do for that, and for Christmas, so basically, I did NaNo while continuing with other priorities in my life. I think that's more productive, because it is also more realistic look at writer's life.
If I am fortunate enough to be a full-time writer one day, I won't be able to simply chuck away all other responsibilities to just write obsessively - or if I do, then I will be spending next couple of months, not writing, and catching up on everything I didn't do. I think it's far more useful to be able to write, while living your life, to make writing a part of regular life rather than temporary obsession.
I still love NaNo, and I would still participate, because November certainly gets me going, and I do like to win the official NaNo - which I will admit, I have no problems with, that's why I set myself higher goal to finish the whole draft. But it does make me write, and it does make me focus, and it does make me want to push myself more to see what I can do better while I knock out a lot of words.
So YAY NaNoWriMo!! And now - I have decided very unrealistically to keep working on my draft while I am on my hoilday in Tenerife (and if you know me at all, you may know that my vacations are never about sitting by the pool and relaxing - so when actually I will accomplish that, I have no idea). I am sure you will hear all about the progress or lack-of-it of this new scheme upon my return. ;)
How was your NaNoWriMo? And if you didn't do NaNo, how was your November? Did you accomplish what you set out to accomplish?
Now to explain that contradictory statement - doing my first NaNo in 2009, I was super-excited, and determined to finish an entire first draft. I obsessed over it entire month. I took my netbook with me to work, so I could write in the mornings and evenings during bus journeys. I made NaNo the prime focus of my life. So I did finish the whole first draft - around 87K, I believe - on 28th of November.
This year, I did not succeed in that goal - to finish the entire draft. I have gotten to about 81500, or somewhere there abouts, and there are still several scenes to go, so looking at probably another 10K. Yet, this year's NaNo was more productive, because this month, it wasn't possible for me to obsess only over NaNo. I wrote almost every day - though granted, large chunk of this word count is due to complete obsession in the first week when I wrote a lot - but I didn't write during the bus rides, and didn't spend entire evenings writing either. Since I am going abroad next week, I had far too many things to do for that, and for Christmas, so basically, I did NaNo while continuing with other priorities in my life. I think that's more productive, because it is also more realistic look at writer's life.
If I am fortunate enough to be a full-time writer one day, I won't be able to simply chuck away all other responsibilities to just write obsessively - or if I do, then I will be spending next couple of months, not writing, and catching up on everything I didn't do. I think it's far more useful to be able to write, while living your life, to make writing a part of regular life rather than temporary obsession.
I still love NaNo, and I would still participate, because November certainly gets me going, and I do like to win the official NaNo - which I will admit, I have no problems with, that's why I set myself higher goal to finish the whole draft. But it does make me write, and it does make me focus, and it does make me want to push myself more to see what I can do better while I knock out a lot of words.
So YAY NaNoWriMo!! And now - I have decided very unrealistically to keep working on my draft while I am on my hoilday in Tenerife (and if you know me at all, you may know that my vacations are never about sitting by the pool and relaxing - so when actually I will accomplish that, I have no idea). I am sure you will hear all about the progress or lack-of-it of this new scheme upon my return. ;)
How was your NaNoWriMo? And if you didn't do NaNo, how was your November? Did you accomplish what you set out to accomplish?
Saturday, 27 November 2010
Official NaNo Winner
Current word count 78362. Not sure if I'll finish the book in November, but hopefully soon.
Saturday, 20 November 2010
NaNoWriMo 2010 - WINNING WORD COUNT
Word count is now 50210 - so officially I have won NaNo :-) Of course I am happy about that.
Overall, I am behind my goal. I should have really finished the whole draft by now, but you know things happened, and I haven't been in very obsessive mood, so on some days it's been hard to get into writing a lot. However, I found that forcing the word count isn't very productive, so I gave myself permission to relax a little.
I am still hoping to complete the whole draft by end of November, so we shall see how it goes.
How is your NaNo going? And if you are not doing NaNo, how are your projects going?
Overall, I am behind my goal. I should have really finished the whole draft by now, but you know things happened, and I haven't been in very obsessive mood, so on some days it's been hard to get into writing a lot. However, I found that forcing the word count isn't very productive, so I gave myself permission to relax a little.
I am still hoping to complete the whole draft by end of November, so we shall see how it goes.
How is your NaNo going? And if you are not doing NaNo, how are your projects going?
Saturday, 13 November 2010
Why you should always buy a good quality dining table?
Yes, this is actually my dining table. "Food for thought" is not a cliché for anyone brave enough to be a guest in my house!
Friday, 12 November 2010
Your Writing Journey: Guest Post - Rhaina Randell
What do you write?
Primarily I write in three genres, romance, horror and what I describe as gritty literary fiction. Yes, I’m a bit random like that. I find it keep the creation juices flowing and while some find it hard switching from one WIP to another I find it refreshing. I like to keep busy.
Primarily I write in three genres, romance, horror and what I describe as gritty literary fiction. Yes, I’m a bit random like that. I find it keep the creation juices flowing and while some find it hard switching from one WIP to another I find it refreshing. I like to keep busy.
How long have you been writing?
I’ve wrote on and off since around the age of ten. I’ve had a love of books every since I learned to read. Back then, the small town library was a place of wonderment for me. I remember sitting there at a table in awe looking at the shelves piled high with books, and the smell… Well you know how that is.
I started to get back to it in 2006. I finished a novel and sent it out. It was rejected and I was shocked. After all it was a great novel! In retrospect it wasn’t and at that moment I was determined to work hard to perfect the craft.
What got you started?
Honestly, it was the hopes of publication along with all the crazy stories and characters that floated around inside my head, begging to get out. I feel I have a unique outlook and perspective on life. I want to share that with others and writing is the perfect outlet.
A Few important lessons you have learned along the way
I think every writer starting out should learn the craft. It isn’t as easy as you may think. There is a lot more too writing then just sitting at a keyboard and plonking away. Also, determine the goals you have set forth for yourself. If it’s publication then you will also have to learn about the industry. It really is a business.
What priority writing is in your life at the moment?
It’s not my first priority but it’s way up there. Of course I still have to work a day job to pay the bills and live. Also, my fiancé, family and friends play a huge role in my like. I also indulge my creative side with a few other hobbies.
Is it a hobby, career, potential career? Right now writing for me is definitely a potential career. I just sold my first novella this month, a historical romance set in the Victorian era. I’m working on three other WIP’s at I hope to seek an agent when I get to the point of submitting my literary novel. One never knows the future, and I will take it as it comes.
Can you see yourself writing for the rest of your life, regardless of financial / popular success?
Yes, most definitely. Even if I enjoy moderate success in my career, that would make me happy.
Most of dream of becoming ‘the next best thing’, but the fact is, it may never happen. Writing is a very competitive business. Many get lost along the way. You have to learn to separate the dreams from the reality.
Anything else you may want to add:
My first release, A Sordid Situation will come out in November 2010. The actual release date hasn’t been announced yet. You will also note in the link coming up that I do use a pen name.
If interested you may purchase it direct from the publisher at http://www.evernightpublishing.com/a-sordid-situation.html . You will also find the novella for sale at Amazon Kindle and every other online retailer of e romance.
It’s been wonderful answering these questions and has given me time to reflect, I thank you for the opportunity Dolly.
Rhaina Randell
Sunday, 7 November 2010
NaNoWriMo 2010 - End of the First Week
I know it's very good, but it's still lower than what I had planned, because frankly the working week has been completely rubbish in terms of writing, because on most days I was too tired to manage much. This weekend wasn't very high in terms of word count either because I spent all day Saturday at BristolCon (which was different kind of productive, and a post about that soon), and today just felt bit blah, so didn't do 10K I had planned.
However, now that little moan is over, I am actually quite happy with 25323. And determined to make the second week more productive.
Outline is certainly has been extremely useful, though it doesn't mean I rigidly follow it. I've already cut out two scenes from outline, and changed sequence of few events, however even then outline helps considerably, because when I decide to change something, I can go through rest of the outline and make sure that everything else will still make sense despite that change.
Again, first person POV for this novel is definitely the right way to go. MCs voice comes out much more clearly. I am aware that during revisions, I will certainly need to add more setting details, but that's how I write, so I have given up on doing otherwise now. But no doubt there will be lots of places to cut words, so overall things should balance out.
Still hoping to attend at least one write-in this year, if only to make my local NaNo group, which I have been told is very friendly.
So that's my progress for first week of NaNoWriMo. How are things going for you?
Friday, 5 November 2010
Your Writing Journey: Guest Post - Heidi Sutherlin
What do you write?
I write Romantic Suspense, and Paranormal Romance. I'm also a hack for hire and write many an internet article that is probably holding up the fabric of the web as we speak. I doubt anyone is really reading my fascinating rundown of Husqvarna chainsaws, but it's out there, being dependable.
How long have you been writing?
I've been writing for as long as I can remember. It's always been one of those things that has come easy to me. So easy, that for a long time I took it for granted. It wasn't until a couple of years ago that I was goaded into settling down to write seriously by the simple and age old question, "Why not?" My mom has been telling me all along that I should write books, but like most people, I didn't take her advice until I'd exhausted my excuses. I'm a veracious reader and have always felt the characters and the stories swimming about in my mind, but never thought to let them wander around on their own. I suppose, it was either write them down or explode. An easy decision when you think about it.
What got you started?
Honestly, I may not have started when I did if it wasn't for my sister in law. She has written three novels while raising her two children. My dad and I had one of those lazy conversations that people do during the commercial breaks. I think it went something like this...
"I could write a book."
"Why don't you?"
*silence*
That, my friends, was my illustrious beginning. Of course, my mom was ecstatic and after the initial eye roll, which all mothers have mastered in direct relation to the difficulty that their children have in absorbing their particular brand of wisdom, she became my first beta.
A Few important lessons you have learned along the way?
1. You are not an island.
Write on your island. Dream, and plot, and scheme on your island, but when the time comes, leave it and gain the perspective that only interaction with other writers, readers and editors can give you. Writers cannot exist in a vacuum. While that glorious silence is an important part of the process, it shouldn't be the only part you experience.
2. Be careful who you allow behind the curtain.
It's important to have beta readers and input and editors (oh my!), but it is also important to be selective about who you allow to read your work and infiltrate that inner circle. It's never comfortable to think the worst of people, but unfortunately, not everyone is out there to make you a success. While, luckily, I haven't experienced this first hand, being lucky in my fantastic inner circle, I know that there are some who may not have had such luck as mine.
3. Edit, edit, then edit some more.
I've come to realize that a polished manuscript is a beautiful one. We've all written the greatest story on Earth, but if you don't make it shine, no one will notice through the typos and awkward sentences, funky transitions and plot holes. Spend the time to make your work flawless, then ship it off to an editor. Think about your own reading habits. Have you ever read a book that felt awkward, had annoying typos or uncomfortable scenes? Chances are you avoided that author in the future.
4. Craft what you would read yourself.
Write what you know. Love what you write. It's been said a billion times. Duh.
5. Stay flexible.
This was a tough one to learn for me. I was a "write one and ONLY one novel at a time" kind of gal. To me, working on more than one wasn't productive, it was a failure to complete any of them. I've since realized that once you open the gate, things are going to come through in their own time and at their own pace. While we have to take the reins, it's important to let those stories, outlines and characters out. Again, it's that possible explosion issue. It happens to me sometimes. (There's a Snickers bar in it for anyone who can tell me what that is a reference to.)
What priority writing is in your life at the moment?
Right now, I'm starting my business and have been devoting most of my time to that. However, I am in the middle of editing my first novel which will be self-published hopefully in November. I have two that are started, and one outlined and ready for NaNo. Unfortunately, I understand that right now my focus needs to be my business, but I'm slowly seeing more time coming free for new words. Luckily, my characters are still whirling about behind my eyeballs and we get along pretty well for now. It's a bit cramped in my brain, but hopefully in the next month or so, we can get them a place of their own.
Is it a hobby, career, potential career?
For me, it's just another aspect of my career. It's always been that. I'm hoping that one day, I can put the other sides of my business to rest and focus on writing. I know that I will always need the variety that I have now, I but I'm looking forward to having a little more choice in how I split my time between all of the pieces.
Can you see yourself writing for the rest of your life, regardless of financial / popular success?
Absolutely. No doubt. It really comes down to exploding. I don't think I really have a choice in the matter.
Anything else you may want to add:
Just, thanks for having me. I love these blog series that open up the curtain just a bit, so we can catch a glimpse of how our fellow writers work. Many of us have blogs (erm, sometimes we even post, er, sporadically) and we can catch glimpses there, but these posts really bring writers together. Thank you for taking on this series.
Just one more thing, and it's a big one. Remember that you like to write. It may make you furious, despondent, elated, dejected, confounded, confused, frantic, and often ridiculously distracted but at the end of the day you write because you have to, because it is a part of who you are. I would even go so far as to say for ninety nice percent of us that it is often the very best part of us, too. The next time you contemplate throwing your computer, laptop, kindle or legal pad out the window, remember that you like to write. It's what you do for fun...twisted, but true.
I write Romantic Suspense, and Paranormal Romance. I'm also a hack for hire and write many an internet article that is probably holding up the fabric of the web as we speak. I doubt anyone is really reading my fascinating rundown of Husqvarna chainsaws, but it's out there, being dependable.
How long have you been writing?
I've been writing for as long as I can remember. It's always been one of those things that has come easy to me. So easy, that for a long time I took it for granted. It wasn't until a couple of years ago that I was goaded into settling down to write seriously by the simple and age old question, "Why not?" My mom has been telling me all along that I should write books, but like most people, I didn't take her advice until I'd exhausted my excuses. I'm a veracious reader and have always felt the characters and the stories swimming about in my mind, but never thought to let them wander around on their own. I suppose, it was either write them down or explode. An easy decision when you think about it.
What got you started?
Honestly, I may not have started when I did if it wasn't for my sister in law. She has written three novels while raising her two children. My dad and I had one of those lazy conversations that people do during the commercial breaks. I think it went something like this...
"I could write a book."
"Why don't you?"
*silence*
That, my friends, was my illustrious beginning. Of course, my mom was ecstatic and after the initial eye roll, which all mothers have mastered in direct relation to the difficulty that their children have in absorbing their particular brand of wisdom, she became my first beta.
A Few important lessons you have learned along the way?
1. You are not an island.
Write on your island. Dream, and plot, and scheme on your island, but when the time comes, leave it and gain the perspective that only interaction with other writers, readers and editors can give you. Writers cannot exist in a vacuum. While that glorious silence is an important part of the process, it shouldn't be the only part you experience.
2. Be careful who you allow behind the curtain.
It's important to have beta readers and input and editors (oh my!), but it is also important to be selective about who you allow to read your work and infiltrate that inner circle. It's never comfortable to think the worst of people, but unfortunately, not everyone is out there to make you a success. While, luckily, I haven't experienced this first hand, being lucky in my fantastic inner circle, I know that there are some who may not have had such luck as mine.
3. Edit, edit, then edit some more.
I've come to realize that a polished manuscript is a beautiful one. We've all written the greatest story on Earth, but if you don't make it shine, no one will notice through the typos and awkward sentences, funky transitions and plot holes. Spend the time to make your work flawless, then ship it off to an editor. Think about your own reading habits. Have you ever read a book that felt awkward, had annoying typos or uncomfortable scenes? Chances are you avoided that author in the future.
4. Craft what you would read yourself.
Write what you know. Love what you write. It's been said a billion times. Duh.
5. Stay flexible.
This was a tough one to learn for me. I was a "write one and ONLY one novel at a time" kind of gal. To me, working on more than one wasn't productive, it was a failure to complete any of them. I've since realized that once you open the gate, things are going to come through in their own time and at their own pace. While we have to take the reins, it's important to let those stories, outlines and characters out. Again, it's that possible explosion issue. It happens to me sometimes. (There's a Snickers bar in it for anyone who can tell me what that is a reference to.)
What priority writing is in your life at the moment?
Right now, I'm starting my business and have been devoting most of my time to that. However, I am in the middle of editing my first novel which will be self-published hopefully in November. I have two that are started, and one outlined and ready for NaNo. Unfortunately, I understand that right now my focus needs to be my business, but I'm slowly seeing more time coming free for new words. Luckily, my characters are still whirling about behind my eyeballs and we get along pretty well for now. It's a bit cramped in my brain, but hopefully in the next month or so, we can get them a place of their own.
Is it a hobby, career, potential career?
For me, it's just another aspect of my career. It's always been that. I'm hoping that one day, I can put the other sides of my business to rest and focus on writing. I know that I will always need the variety that I have now, I but I'm looking forward to having a little more choice in how I split my time between all of the pieces.
Can you see yourself writing for the rest of your life, regardless of financial / popular success?
Absolutely. No doubt. It really comes down to exploding. I don't think I really have a choice in the matter.
Anything else you may want to add:
Just, thanks for having me. I love these blog series that open up the curtain just a bit, so we can catch a glimpse of how our fellow writers work. Many of us have blogs (erm, sometimes we even post, er, sporadically) and we can catch glimpses there, but these posts really bring writers together. Thank you for taking on this series.
Just one more thing, and it's a big one. Remember that you like to write. It may make you furious, despondent, elated, dejected, confounded, confused, frantic, and often ridiculously distracted but at the end of the day you write because you have to, because it is a part of who you are. I would even go so far as to say for ninety nice percent of us that it is often the very best part of us, too. The next time you contemplate throwing your computer, laptop, kindle or legal pad out the window, remember that you like to write. It's what you do for fun...twisted, but true.
Tuesday, 2 November 2010
NaNoWriMo 2010 - Update on 1st Day
I am just starting my second day of NaNoWriMo. It's my last day off, so determined to make the best of it, but whether or not I make it to another 10K remains to be seen.
Yesterday, I managed to do 10004 words precisely by 11:58 pm, so that was close :P
Here are a few things I have noticed so far:
- Still love NaNo
- First person was definitely the right choice for this novel. I like the voice much better.
- 10K in a day is A LOT if you have to think. When I am writing scenes where I know exactly what has to happen, it's easy. Words flow, and I can do at least 1000 words in 30 minutes. But when I have to stop and think, decide what might make it better, or consider word choices, or in my case, also consider the outline, it takes longer. Then, 10K feels a lot, because I am sitting at my computer for about 10 hours a day.
- Another thing I have to do is make sure that anything good that I liked from the previous version is included in this one. Unfortunately, due to the nature of complete POV change and all the scenes places, it's a nightmare, so I have decided not to worry about it for this draft, and go through it during revision, otherwise I would end up spending half-a-day just trying to read the old draft, which would not be following NaNo spirit. So more revisions ahead.
- One of my 10K day (next Saturday) is gone, because I've realised I am attending my first ever Science Fiction and Fantasy Convention. We have it local in Bristol. It's only the second year, so it's affordable and easy to get to, but there are some exciting people coming, including Joe Abercrombie, so looking forward to that. But losing that Saturday means I am less confident of finishing my 90K by 15th. So I'll have to see if I can squeeze more words into week days.
- But, I still love NaNoWriMo, and achieving 10K has been a new success for me, since my previous highest about about 7 or 8K.
How are you folks getting on with your NaNoWriMo projects, or your writing projects, or with other goals?
Friday, 29 October 2010
Guest post - Your Writing Journey: Elana Johnson
What do you write?
I write young adult novels. Sometimes there’s magic, sometimes there’s mind reading, sometimes there’s kissing. Okay, who am I kidding? There’s always kissing!
How long have you been writing?
I began writing just after Thanksgiving in 2007.
What got you started?
I’d just experienced something really traumatic in my life. I disappeared inside myself. I lived in grays and passing time. When people would ask me how I was, I couldn’t answer, because it was just another day and I had made it through.
I started writing by penning the story of the first 30 years of my life. All the dark emotion seeped out of me. And naturally, I poured all that angst and loss and darkness into a teenager. Aren’t they just the angstiest?
A Few important lessons you have learned along the way:
1. Writing is hard.
2. I can do hard things.
3. Publishing a book takes patience.
4. Writing and publishing both take perseverance.
5. The blogging community is extremely supportive and lovely and made of all things worth having.
I write young adult novels. Sometimes there’s magic, sometimes there’s mind reading, sometimes there’s kissing. Okay, who am I kidding? There’s always kissing!
How long have you been writing?
I began writing just after Thanksgiving in 2007.
What got you started?
I’d just experienced something really traumatic in my life. I disappeared inside myself. I lived in grays and passing time. When people would ask me how I was, I couldn’t answer, because it was just another day and I had made it through.
I started writing by penning the story of the first 30 years of my life. All the dark emotion seeped out of me. And naturally, I poured all that angst and loss and darkness into a teenager. Aren’t they just the angstiest?
A Few important lessons you have learned along the way:
1. Writing is hard.
2. I can do hard things.
3. Publishing a book takes patience.
4. Writing and publishing both take perseverance.
5. The blogging community is extremely supportive and lovely and made of all things worth having.
What priority writing is in your life at the moment?
Well, writing always comes after job and family. And maybe a few other things. Maybe like 5th? 6th?
Is it a hobby, career, potential career?
I’m definitely hoping for a career. I also teach in my real life, and I’d love for writing to replace teaching. But teaching provides a steady income, and so far, writing hasn’t done that. But I’m hoping it will. Or rather, I’m working toward that.
Can you see yourself writing for the rest of your life, regardless of financial / popular success?
I think so. I do believe that a person has to experience some measure of success or they’ll quit. I mean, you can’t just keep doing the same thing over and over. If you want something to change (go from failure to success, for example), you have to change. Do something different. Learn something more. Hit the market at the right time (okay, so you have no control over this). Something.
Anything else you may want to add.
My debut novel, POSSESSION, comes out next summer from Simon & Schuster. There’s mind reading! Escapes! Cute boys! And kissing, always kissing. J
Well, writing always comes after job and family. And maybe a few other things. Maybe like 5th? 6th?
Is it a hobby, career, potential career?
I’m definitely hoping for a career. I also teach in my real life, and I’d love for writing to replace teaching. But teaching provides a steady income, and so far, writing hasn’t done that. But I’m hoping it will. Or rather, I’m working toward that.
Can you see yourself writing for the rest of your life, regardless of financial / popular success?
I think so. I do believe that a person has to experience some measure of success or they’ll quit. I mean, you can’t just keep doing the same thing over and over. If you want something to change (go from failure to success, for example), you have to change. Do something different. Learn something more. Hit the market at the right time (okay, so you have no control over this). Something.
Anything else you may want to add.
My debut novel, POSSESSION, comes out next summer from Simon & Schuster. There’s mind reading! Escapes! Cute boys! And kissing, always kissing. J
Thursday, 28 October 2010
NaNoWriMo 2010 - How to Make It To the End Line?
Here is a list of my tips to survive NaNoWriMo when you still have life beside writing. I do NaNoWriMo alongside my day job, so believe me, it's not all sitting at home writing while my butler gives me fresh cup of coffee every hour (Hey, if I am dreaming, I am having a butler.)
These tips may work for you or may not, and if they don't, rest assured there are techniques for you that you just haven't found yet. So let's get cracking...
You have to start. No, I am not being sarcastic. You need to start on November 1st, or if you are as excited and crazy about this as many of us - precisely at 12:01 am. While many people do NaNoWriMo by writing in weekends, or few days a week, or BEST CHANCE OF SUCCESS is by writing every day, even if only a few hundred words. It will also give you confidence to know that you can do it outside November too.
Personally, I set word goals for everyday, but not the same word count. For example, I set highest goal for myself during the weekend, slightly less on Friday because I finish work early, and much much lower on Monday to Thursday because I don't have much time left after work. So set your goals according to your schedule. Even in your busiest day, you have time for 100 words. Yes you do.
Have a plan. If you are not an outliner - that's fine. You don't need to have a detailed outline, but at least spend time thinking about your project, doodling, making a big word cloud - whatever. Have some sort of idea of what you are going to write. I am assuming here that at the end of the month you want to have at least a rough draft of a novel - not just a jumble of 50K words. If you know what you want to write about - even if it's something as basic idea as: Jerry goes on a quest to find the most precious cheese in the world, and Tom is determined to stop him and tries to set up all kinds of ways to kill him on the way. Jerry succeeds, gets the cheese, and Tom goes to the Cat Prison where his punishment is to watch Mouse TV all day, every day. There you go - even for a complete pantser - this is not an outline. It is a brief idea of your story. But it gives you direction. So you are not just sitting there on November 1st, wondering whether you should write about Donald Duck or Jerry - because you know that Donald doesn't belong in Jerry' story.
Play to Your Strengths. Make sure your goal suits your temperament. We are all different people. Some people thrive under pressures and deadlines, and others have a nervous breakdown. Know your strengths and use them. If you write good quality 500 words every day, but will have a writer's block for a year if you cranked out 10K in a day - don't do it. It's more important to enjoy the process than to follow the crowd. Just because some crazy woman decides to do 90K in two weeks, doesn't mean you have to. On the same principle, if you write better while with other people, then join a writing group in your area. If other people are distraction, stay clear of them, lock yourself in your room, and get on with typing.
Regulate your Forum Trolling. Okay, let's face it - one of the great things about NaNoWriMo is that it is a group effort. It's fabulous to go into this madness with all the other mad people across the globe. It's fun to see who is writing what, who is doing how many words, and what crazy things people are doing to get through. Forums on NaNo (whether official or any other boards you frequent) are a great temptation, because we also want to keep boasting or complaining about our own progress. This is what I do - and it works for me. Pick 2 or 3 threads that you like the most. Last year, I picked one or two on AW, and Regional Thread on NaNoWriMo board. Do regular posts only on them. This is when you are writing, and need a few moments of distraction or just social contact - use them. But DO NOT browse on any others. The best way to regulate that is to keep your threads open, not the main Forum Index. When you are done with your word count, then you may browse the whole thing through your heart's content. But otherwise, stick to your couple of threads.
Make your priority known. If you have family or social life or whatever obligations - learn to say no to things you don't have to do. And plan in advance for things you do have to do. For example, I placed a large grocery order yesterday online so that at least for next three weeks, I won't need to do more than minimal shopping for basics. That saves me time and hassle. That allows me to come straight home from work and get on with writing. Do your chores in advance, delegate them, or just leave them. The world is not going to end just because you didn't scrub the floors this month. You need to relax where it doesn't matter, so you can focus on meeting your word count.
Have Fun. Yes - this is a MUST. This is an amazing experience. Whether or not you do 50K, you can take a lot out of this process. So enjoy it. If it seems like a constant stress that has you in tears, then perhaps it is not for you. Little bit of stress is fine. After all, we have to push ourselves to broaden our capability, but you should know when it's too much for you. So Have Fun. Enjoy the process. Share your triumphs and your woes, and know that there are thousands of people right alongside you, going through the same thing.
And if you are on NaNoWriMo - find me and say hi :-) My username is Lost Wanderer
These tips may work for you or may not, and if they don't, rest assured there are techniques for you that you just haven't found yet. So let's get cracking...
You have to start. No, I am not being sarcastic. You need to start on November 1st, or if you are as excited and crazy about this as many of us - precisely at 12:01 am. While many people do NaNoWriMo by writing in weekends, or few days a week, or BEST CHANCE OF SUCCESS is by writing every day, even if only a few hundred words. It will also give you confidence to know that you can do it outside November too.
Personally, I set word goals for everyday, but not the same word count. For example, I set highest goal for myself during the weekend, slightly less on Friday because I finish work early, and much much lower on Monday to Thursday because I don't have much time left after work. So set your goals according to your schedule. Even in your busiest day, you have time for 100 words. Yes you do.
Have a plan. If you are not an outliner - that's fine. You don't need to have a detailed outline, but at least spend time thinking about your project, doodling, making a big word cloud - whatever. Have some sort of idea of what you are going to write. I am assuming here that at the end of the month you want to have at least a rough draft of a novel - not just a jumble of 50K words. If you know what you want to write about - even if it's something as basic idea as: Jerry goes on a quest to find the most precious cheese in the world, and Tom is determined to stop him and tries to set up all kinds of ways to kill him on the way. Jerry succeeds, gets the cheese, and Tom goes to the Cat Prison where his punishment is to watch Mouse TV all day, every day. There you go - even for a complete pantser - this is not an outline. It is a brief idea of your story. But it gives you direction. So you are not just sitting there on November 1st, wondering whether you should write about Donald Duck or Jerry - because you know that Donald doesn't belong in Jerry' story.
Play to Your Strengths. Make sure your goal suits your temperament. We are all different people. Some people thrive under pressures and deadlines, and others have a nervous breakdown. Know your strengths and use them. If you write good quality 500 words every day, but will have a writer's block for a year if you cranked out 10K in a day - don't do it. It's more important to enjoy the process than to follow the crowd. Just because some crazy woman decides to do 90K in two weeks, doesn't mean you have to. On the same principle, if you write better while with other people, then join a writing group in your area. If other people are distraction, stay clear of them, lock yourself in your room, and get on with typing.
Regulate your Forum Trolling. Okay, let's face it - one of the great things about NaNoWriMo is that it is a group effort. It's fabulous to go into this madness with all the other mad people across the globe. It's fun to see who is writing what, who is doing how many words, and what crazy things people are doing to get through. Forums on NaNo (whether official or any other boards you frequent) are a great temptation, because we also want to keep boasting or complaining about our own progress. This is what I do - and it works for me. Pick 2 or 3 threads that you like the most. Last year, I picked one or two on AW, and Regional Thread on NaNoWriMo board. Do regular posts only on them. This is when you are writing, and need a few moments of distraction or just social contact - use them. But DO NOT browse on any others. The best way to regulate that is to keep your threads open, not the main Forum Index. When you are done with your word count, then you may browse the whole thing through your heart's content. But otherwise, stick to your couple of threads.
Make your priority known. If you have family or social life or whatever obligations - learn to say no to things you don't have to do. And plan in advance for things you do have to do. For example, I placed a large grocery order yesterday online so that at least for next three weeks, I won't need to do more than minimal shopping for basics. That saves me time and hassle. That allows me to come straight home from work and get on with writing. Do your chores in advance, delegate them, or just leave them. The world is not going to end just because you didn't scrub the floors this month. You need to relax where it doesn't matter, so you can focus on meeting your word count.
Have Fun. Yes - this is a MUST. This is an amazing experience. Whether or not you do 50K, you can take a lot out of this process. So enjoy it. If it seems like a constant stress that has you in tears, then perhaps it is not for you. Little bit of stress is fine. After all, we have to push ourselves to broaden our capability, but you should know when it's too much for you. So Have Fun. Enjoy the process. Share your triumphs and your woes, and know that there are thousands of people right alongside you, going through the same thing.
And if you are on NaNoWriMo - find me and say hi :-) My username is Lost Wanderer
Tuesday, 26 October 2010
NaNo 2010 - Bending The Rules AND all about WIP
As most of you are probably aware (at least those on facebook) I've been wondering whether to do NaNo or not, since I was also wondering what direction revisions in my current WIP were going to take.
Well, now all decisions have been made, and you are the first to know :-)
This year, I'll be bending the rules of NaNo. Instead of writing a new project, I'm going to rewrite my current one. It requires a complete rewrite, and here is why:
There are a few things I still have to sort through in the new outline - again, result of all these changes, so I've decided to make this my NaNo 2010 project.
Because this is not a brand new project, I will be aiming higher than just first draft. So this is my goal:
Looking forward to sharing NaNo experience with many of you again.
Well, now all decisions have been made, and you are the first to know :-)
This year, I'll be bending the rules of NaNo. Instead of writing a new project, I'm going to rewrite my current one. It requires a complete rewrite, and here is why:
- Change of POV - instead of multiple third person, now it will be first person. That not only means a complete rewrite just because of that - but also because any essential information that was given to the reader during other people's POV while MC was absent, now need to be delivered through MC.
- Plot - while main plot remains the same, due to POV change, and just few other ideas, several things change
- Character Cutting - I've gotten rid of few of the minor characters, and reassigned new roles to some of the existing characters. As a result, their scenes change.
There are a few things I still have to sort through in the new outline - again, result of all these changes, so I've decided to make this my NaNo 2010 project.
Because this is not a brand new project, I will be aiming higher than just first draft. So this is my goal:
- Complete rewrite of the whole draft (current version which is multiple POV stands at just over 98K words. This one should be at least 90K)
- Clean rewrite. Not just superfast mad race, but as good draft as possible
- Finish the rewrite by/before 15/11 and start revision
- Second half of NaNo month should be spent on revision
Looking forward to sharing NaNo experience with many of you again.
Sunday, 24 October 2010
The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy Series
My introduction to The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy was through the movie - which I found to be totally not-funny, and a waste of time. So I was put off by bothering with books as well. But recently when I was at a library, I decided to try it, because it is supposed to be one of the SF Masterworks books, which is a pretty decent list. And to my surprise, I really enjoyed it. It was funny, unusual, but more importantly it was an achievement as a writer (I'll come back to that in a minute.)
So I got the second and third book too. And as I am not that great at reviews without spoilers, I will share one paragraph, and if you find it funny, you will enjoy the book. This is from the second book, The Restaurant at the End of the Universe.
Excerpt
Population: NoneIt is known that there are an infinite number of worlds, simply because there is an infinite amount of space for them to be in. However, not everyone one of them is inhabited. Therefore, there must be a finite number of inhabited worlds. Any finite number divide d by infinity is as near to nothing as makes no odds, so the average population of all the planets in the Universe can be said to be zero. From this it follows that the population of the whole Universe is also zero, and that any people you may meet from time to time are merely the products of a deranged imagination.
To come back to it from a writer's point-of-view. This series is completely unorthodox. It is crazy, full of exposition, and let's not even talk about POV shifts. My point is that all the rules of writing that you have ever been told, are all broken. Except one. It's a great story.
Terry Jones said in the introduction of the book, "He's (Adams) the only novelist I know who can make ideas a page-turner."
And that's the key. This is not a plot driven or even character driven book. I wouldn't know how to define it. It simply is what it is. But it works, because of Douglas Adams' mastery of the writing craft. There may be exposition, but there are no wasted words. Every sentence serves the purpose of the story. Rules are broken but the story works, because it is handled by a writer who knows what he is doing.
Friday, 22 October 2010
Your Writing Journey: Guest Post - Karin Eider
I'm an owl. I like the night. Nights are quite and peaceful. During these late night hours my brain seems to be the most productive. I'm a bit nervous about that interview thing, so my dear friend Dolly had friendly agreed to do it on my terms.
On a Friday night, about 11 p.m. Dolly enters the door to my private Room of Requirement. It seems to be a library, because of all the book shelves. To your right a huge glass front opens an amazing view over the gardens, but now you can only see the reflections of the room and my desk stuffed with papers, colors and lots of other material for my art (journals). I lead Dolly to the left, where two red, cozy leather armchairs are waiting for us. Because of the inappropriate time I'd ordered a little midnight snack. A big tray full with finger food, fruits and sweets covers the little table between the chairs. It's late October, the perfect excuse to light the fireplace. The flickering flames enlighten the scene magically. The crackle of the wood suits perfectly to the sound of a soft piano in the background. Chopin is playing. I don't know, what Dolly prefers to drink, so I prepared several refreshments. The room is filled with the aromatic smell of fresh coffee, but there's also a decent whiff of wine, which was allowed to breathe in its decanter.
We both sit down, enjoy our late meal. Some light conversation smoothes down my nervousness. But I know it's time to get serious, when Dolly puts her cup of coffee on the table and prepares here pen and paper, I lean back and wait for Dolly to start her questionnaire:
We both sit down, enjoy our late meal. Some light conversation smoothes down my nervousness. But I know it's time to get serious, when Dolly puts her cup of coffee on the table and prepares here pen and paper, I lean back and wait for Dolly to start her questionnaire:
D.G.: "What do you write?"
Ah well, a fully grown author can answer that question straight away. But I'm just a student, who's still matriculated in the big school of writing:
You know, Writing-Kindergarten taught me the basic abilities of writing and reading. In Writing-Primary-School I've discovered that words are more than just plain reading, they are the entrance to whole new worlds. Reaching the level of Writing-High-School marked the beginning of my own writing. Experimenting with words and styles of writing formed my first short stories. Now, I'm a Writing-College-student, who learns about writing-theory, makes her practical writing-exercises, discusses with fellow students and authors about writing-topics. I guess I'm about to graduate. There's a novella called 'Voodoo Island
To cut a long story short, with that story in mind, you will find my books in the shelves entitled with 'Adventure' or 'Mystery' or 'Fantasy'.
To cut a long story short, with that story in mind, you will find my books in the shelves entitled with 'Adventure' or 'Mystery' or 'Fantasy'.
D.G.: "How long have you been writing?"
The better question would be 'How long have you been telling stories?'. I have that very strong memory, sitting right next to my grandfather, in his car. He'd just picked me up from Kindergarten and I was talking and talking and talking. So eager to tell him the latest news and stories, discussing with him all my important issues. He was so patient with me and I loved it!
Writing simply gave me the opportunity to use another media with the advantage to make my stories a bit more permanent. And, who knows, maybe even eternal.
D.G.: "What got you started?"
It's very obvious, isn't it? Nothing but the desperate need to tell stories.
D.G.: "A Few important lessons you have learned along the way."
For quite a while now I ponder over the question, if destiny and muse are two fancifully, unpredictable women or if goddesses really just move in mysterious ways.
Look, I've been given those fantastic images in my head. Some beautiful become alive in my travel-journals. Some weird find their way into my dream-diary. Some funny just bust out while composing my emails. I also dare to say, that muse was so nice to grant me a quantum talent to bring those images properly to paper.
Alas, I'm still missing this one special thought. That one unique idea, that ignites me to develop an adventurous plot and great heroes and evil villains and passionate woman and exotic places - everything exciting and big enough for a complete book.
I'm frightened that I've maybe already been given this one special thought, but I've literally missed it! That I haven't paid enough attention, haven't noticed it!
So, my advice to myself and everybody else: Pay attention to your senses. Everything you can see, hear, smell, taste or feel could be the sparkle of inspiration. Let these sparkles swirl around your head, transform and develop. Listen to your inner voices. Destiny and muse will let you know, when it's the right time for creativity!
D.G.: "What priority writing is in your life at the moment? Is it a hobby, career, potential career?"
Well, I was not destined to become one of those natural-born-writers, no professional author the caliber of a Stephen King. I'm totally fine with that. Lucky me, I love the job I have already ... or instead. So, this little girl still dreams the writers' fairytale, to have one day that unique idea and write a brilliant book. I don't need to be Germany
Until this miracle happens, I'll keep on writing down the images and voices in my head for my own enjoyment. Now and then, but as regularly as I'm used to do now.
D.G.: "Can you see yourself writing for the rest of your life, regardless of financial / popular success?"
'Can I see myself NOT writing?' I don't think so. Sometimes I feel like a schizophrenic, who has to write down the stories to ban them out of my head. Else it would become very crowded in there!
D.G.: "Anything else you may want to add?"
What could I say, that hasn't been said before? What could I say, that you haven't heard before?
What could I say, that hasn't been written about?
Even these words have been said before, I just say: Thank you for having me on the show. You've been very gracious with your time and patience. Thank you, Dolly, my dear friend.
Friday, 15 October 2010
Your Writing Journey: Guest Post - C. R. Ward
What do you write?
I’ve tried my hand at pretty much every kind of writing there is over the years, but I keep coming back to poetry and romance novels. I also do the odd flash fiction story or non-fiction piece just to keep myself honest.
How long have you been writing?
I’ve been writing for enjoyment most of my life, and I’ve been writing seriously for about ten years now. And by seriously I mean seriously thinking of submitting it, selling it, and making money with it. :-)
What got you started?
What got me started was Grade 8 Language Arts. Friday was anthology day, where we’d be given a prompt (usually a picture) and we were encouraged to write an original poem or story. We were also given the option of copying a non-original piece if we weren’t feeling creative, but I always managed to come up with something original. Thanks to Mrs. Latchford, I learned to love poetry and creative writing.
A Few important lessons you have learned along the way
- Just because you love the way something’s written doesn’t mean it’s good.
- If you’re going to post a serial, even in draft form, you really need an outline.
- Welsh poetry forms are not for the faint of heart!
- All the advice or writing instruction in the world doesn’t equal the simple act of sitting down and just writing.
- Writing groups can be a great source of inspiration and support.
What priority is writing in your life at the moment?
Writing is a pretty high priority in my life right now, second only to the business I’m starting up. When I’m not working on business stuff, I’m writing. As a matter of fact, my writing will be incorporated into my business, which gives it top priority.
Is it a hobby, career, potential career?
I’d love for writing to be my career. Who wouldn’t? But I’m also realistic enough to understand that very few of us will be able to support ourselves solely through our written work.
Can you see yourself writing for the rest of your life, regardless of financial / popular success?
Most definitely! As long as there’s breath in my body, I’ll be writing.
Anything else you may want to add:
Friday, 8 October 2010
Your Writing Journey: Guest Post - Kaitlyn Hall
What do you write?
I write mostly YA fiction, with some dabbling in short stories and poetry.
How long have you been writing?
Just this side of forever! I started out drawing out stories and explaining them in great detail to anyone who would listen. I was also a very dramatic child, improvising my own stories to my adoring fans (uncles, grandparents, etc). Then I learned this wondrous art of forming letters to make words that grew into sentences, then paragraphs...you get the picture. That was about age 5. And I've been going ever since!
What got you started?
My grandmother encouraged my creativity my whole life. She taught me how to write before I started school (which, by the way, caused NO END of grief from my peers when I started kindergarten...and never stopped until I was out of High School!!!). My nana and I were inseparable for most of my life and I owe a lot to her.
A Few important lessons you have learned along the way:
Is it a hobby, career, potential career?
I would say that writing is more than a hobby, but definitely less than a career at the moment. Most definitely a potential career. I have to write. When I don't, I feel like I'm going to burst, characters, poems, story ideas all spinning around in my brain, clamoring for attention. If I don't write, I really will go mad. It's not a hobby, because hobbies are optional activities. Writing is not optional. But it's not a career, because I've yet to make any money on anything I've written (with the exception of a few writing competitions in school). So, definitely a potential career.
Can you see yourself writing for the rest of your life, regardless of financial / popular success?
Most definitely. See the above ramble, so I don't incessantly repeat myself. ;)
Anything else you may want to add:NaNoWriMo is one of the best exercises in commitment and practice a writer can have. DO IT!!! (Shameless NaNo promo (; )
Check out my really cool, if sadly neglected (need. home. internet. access!!!) blog: http://kaitywrites.blogspot.
I write mostly YA fiction, with some dabbling in short stories and poetry.
How long have you been writing?
Just this side of forever! I started out drawing out stories and explaining them in great detail to anyone who would listen. I was also a very dramatic child, improvising my own stories to my adoring fans (uncles, grandparents, etc). Then I learned this wondrous art of forming letters to make words that grew into sentences, then paragraphs...you get the picture. That was about age 5. And I've been going ever since!
What got you started?
My grandmother encouraged my creativity my whole life. She taught me how to write before I started school (which, by the way, caused NO END of grief from my peers when I started kindergarten...and never stopped until I was out of High School!!!). My nana and I were inseparable for most of my life and I owe a lot to her.
A Few important lessons you have learned along the way:
- Never, never, never, never, NEVER give up. Distractions, discouragement, writer's block, everything that life throws at you can make you just want to give up and quit. But I can't give up. I can't quit. Writing is my life-blood. When I stop, my life ceases to have meaning and importance. It's what I was born to do, whether I make any money at it or not, I will ALWAYS write.
- If I am meant to become successful, published, rich and famous, whatever, it will happen in its own good time. Patience is key.
- Surrounding yourself with support is vital. I'm a very emotionally needy person, always looking for reassurance, and having a support system keeps me going.
- I love, love, love my alphas and betas. I would not survive without them.
- Write what you love. If you don't love your MS, story, poem, article, whatever, it won't love you back.
Is it a hobby, career, potential career?
I would say that writing is more than a hobby, but definitely less than a career at the moment. Most definitely a potential career. I have to write. When I don't, I feel like I'm going to burst, characters, poems, story ideas all spinning around in my brain, clamoring for attention. If I don't write, I really will go mad. It's not a hobby, because hobbies are optional activities. Writing is not optional. But it's not a career, because I've yet to make any money on anything I've written (with the exception of a few writing competitions in school). So, definitely a potential career.
Can you see yourself writing for the rest of your life, regardless of financial / popular success?
Most definitely. See the above ramble, so I don't incessantly repeat myself. ;)
Anything else you may want to add:NaNoWriMo is one of the best exercises in commitment and practice a writer can have. DO IT!!! (Shameless NaNo promo (; )
Check out my really cool, if sadly neglected (need. home. internet. access!!!) blog: http://kaitywrites.blogspot.
Friday, 1 October 2010
Your Writing Journey: Guest Post - Jamie Debree
What do you write?
I write romantic suspense under my name, and erotica under a pen name. I'm also plotting a thriller/horror novel that will be written under another pen name. Gotta have variety.
How long have you been writing?
On and off since high school...seriously for about 2 years or so.
What got you started?
Giving up, actually. I was going through a particularly rough spot with regards to my writing and serious self-confidence issues, and I decided to walk away from writing altogether since I couldn't seem to get my act together and polish anything up to submit. I couldn't stay away though, and decided to just start a web serial on my blog and write purely for fun, with no pressure to publish. Ironically, taking the pressure off opened the gates, so to speak, and I've been writing regularly ever since.
A few important lessons you have learned along the way:
Writing rules are just guidelines. It's good to know what they are, but there's room to wiggle.
A story always benefits from another set of eyes for editing/proofreading.
Different publishing methods all lead to the same result – readers get the story. Options are best left open when it comes to getting your work out to people.
Too much pressure to write for a specific market can kill a story. Better to let it be what it needs to be, and worry about how to get it out after it's done.
What priority writing is in your life at the moment?
Very high – right up there with the day job and the hubby, though Halloween is sort of getting in the way at the moment.
Is it a hobby, career, potential career?
A second job at the moment, and definitely a potential career. With any luck, it will turn into a bonefide career in five years or so.
Can you see yourself writing for the rest of your life, regardless of financial / popular success?
Yep – absolutely. Since I'm self-publishing, my work will always go out no matter how much/little money I make on it, or how successful I am. There are people out there who read/like my work, and that's who I'll keep writing for, no matter how small the audience is.
Anything else you may want to add:
I'm incredibly grateful to be part of the online writing community. The people I've met and connected with have really made a huge difference in not only my motivation, but the quality of my writing and my overall confidence in it. It's an amazing group, and one I hope I can give back even a fraction of what I've gotten out of it.
Thanks for having me, Dolly – this was a really fun interview!
Jamie DeBree
Author of Tempest (romantic suspense)
Available in ebook and paperback from Amazon& other online retailers.
http://jamiedebree.com
I write romantic suspense under my name, and erotica under a pen name. I'm also plotting a thriller/horror novel that will be written under another pen name. Gotta have variety.
How long have you been writing?
On and off since high school...seriously for about 2 years or so.
What got you started?
Giving up, actually. I was going through a particularly rough spot with regards to my writing and serious self-confidence issues, and I decided to walk away from writing altogether since I couldn't seem to get my act together and polish anything up to submit. I couldn't stay away though, and decided to just start a web serial on my blog and write purely for fun, with no pressure to publish. Ironically, taking the pressure off opened the gates, so to speak, and I've been writing regularly ever since.
A few important lessons you have learned along the way:
Writing rules are just guidelines. It's good to know what they are, but there's room to wiggle.
A story always benefits from another set of eyes for editing/proofreading.
Different publishing methods all lead to the same result – readers get the story. Options are best left open when it comes to getting your work out to people.
Too much pressure to write for a specific market can kill a story. Better to let it be what it needs to be, and worry about how to get it out after it's done.
What priority writing is in your life at the moment?
Very high – right up there with the day job and the hubby, though Halloween is sort of getting in the way at the moment.
Is it a hobby, career, potential career?
A second job at the moment, and definitely a potential career. With any luck, it will turn into a bonefide career in five years or so.
Can you see yourself writing for the rest of your life, regardless of financial / popular success?
Yep – absolutely. Since I'm self-publishing, my work will always go out no matter how much/little money I make on it, or how successful I am. There are people out there who read/like my work, and that's who I'll keep writing for, no matter how small the audience is.
Anything else you may want to add:
I'm incredibly grateful to be part of the online writing community. The people I've met and connected with have really made a huge difference in not only my motivation, but the quality of my writing and my overall confidence in it. It's an amazing group, and one I hope I can give back even a fraction of what I've gotten out of it.
Thanks for having me, Dolly – this was a really fun interview!
Jamie DeBree
Author of Tempest (romantic suspense)
Available in ebook and paperback from Amazon& other online retailers.
http://jamiedebree.com
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