Way back when, when I first ventured into the world of writing, I knew I needed a guide. A mentor, if you will. How did I know this? Well, it's a simple rule of business to surround yourself with like-minded people. And so I went on my quest to find writer friends.
The first place I searched was twitter and google. Lo and behold, I found Mary Lindsey. We live in the same city, both have legal backgrounds, both write paranormal. It was a perfect match! I emailed her right away, she responded right away, and we met for lunch. I can't tell you how much she helped me improve my craft and how she integrated me into the Houston writing community. I am so glad I found her!
Mary introduced me to Jessica Capelle and Iona McAvoy- more up-and-coming Houston writers! Together, the three of us formed the Houston YA/MG group. It was at one of these meetings that I met the amazing Rachel Harris. We hit it off right away and went to DFWCon together. (Along with her amazing hubs =)). She helped me with my pitch, gave me some great advice on my book, and slammed down some beers with me. She is AWESOME, and I am eternally grateful that we have connected! Her insights and advice are INVALUABLE!!
Another amazing person I have recently connected with is Diane Holmes of Pitch University. I sought her out for advice on self-publishing. She introduced me to a few folks who could help me e-pub, and now I am working with the super incredible Alicia Rasley. You may know her from the Editorrent blog. I am loving working with her!!!
So my point here with all this is...GET CONNECTED! STAY CONNECTED! RETURN THE FAVOR! BE OPEN! Writer friends can help you in so many ways!
Showing posts with label writing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label writing. Show all posts
Sunday, April 29, 2012
Thursday, January 7, 2010
A Look Back on 2009
Right Now: The Arctic blast is moving into Houston. So windy and cold outside! Listening to Let Go by Frou Frou.
I've always been the kind of person who looks at my circumstances and my experiences for a message--a lesson if you will. In order to keep moving forward, it's necessary to make such reflections. And so, that's what this post is all about, a look back at 2009. Here we go...
1. The biggest part of 2009 was, for me, spent on writing. I love my story, my characters, my setting. It was such an incredible experience for me, living in another world that was so vivid that I even dreamed about it. And even though the experience was positive, I learned something...see below.
2. As good as I thought my writing was, I needed help. Enter the critique group. Having your "baby" critiqued isn't easy, but boy was it good for me. Show, don't tell. Add some sensory perception to your story. Less dialogue please, more action. These are just a few of the things I learned, and I'm so grateful!!
3. Revisions are just as important as the initial writing. I've got some more to do before I plunge back into the hunt for an agent, and I'm cool with that. It's all about producing the best possible story, right? Revisions are just part of the game.
4. Another important lesson I've learned is to NOT put all your eggs in one basket. To that end, I've written a PB and I'm currently writing another YA book that I'm really crazy about based on a short story I wrote for a competition. I'm only on the first chapter, but my brain is busily plotting out the entire book.
I'm sure I could say more, but that's really the most important things I learned in 2009. As for 2010? All I have to say is this, 2010 is going to be MY YEAR. You just wait!
I've always been the kind of person who looks at my circumstances and my experiences for a message--a lesson if you will. In order to keep moving forward, it's necessary to make such reflections. And so, that's what this post is all about, a look back at 2009. Here we go...
1. The biggest part of 2009 was, for me, spent on writing. I love my story, my characters, my setting. It was such an incredible experience for me, living in another world that was so vivid that I even dreamed about it. And even though the experience was positive, I learned something...see below.
2. As good as I thought my writing was, I needed help. Enter the critique group. Having your "baby" critiqued isn't easy, but boy was it good for me. Show, don't tell. Add some sensory perception to your story. Less dialogue please, more action. These are just a few of the things I learned, and I'm so grateful!!
3. Revisions are just as important as the initial writing. I've got some more to do before I plunge back into the hunt for an agent, and I'm cool with that. It's all about producing the best possible story, right? Revisions are just part of the game.
4. Another important lesson I've learned is to NOT put all your eggs in one basket. To that end, I've written a PB and I'm currently writing another YA book that I'm really crazy about based on a short story I wrote for a competition. I'm only on the first chapter, but my brain is busily plotting out the entire book.
I'm sure I could say more, but that's really the most important things I learned in 2009. As for 2010? All I have to say is this, 2010 is going to be MY YEAR. You just wait!
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Divisionals Yesterday
Yesterday was a very long day of divisionals for swim team. We got to the pool at 7am and stayed until 5 pm. Wheww... a long and hot day.
Olivia and Jake swam great, and now we've got one more week of training for Red White and Blue for Olivia. After that, swimming will be over and we can enjoy the rest of the summer. And I can continue writing and querying agents.
Monday, June 15, 2009
Welcome to My Blog!
I've been wanting to do this for a long time and finally it's done--my literary blog! Most of you know that I've been spending lots of time writing my book and now finding an agent, but several of you have no idea why I've chosen this path. Well, this blog will detail my journey, beginning with why decision to start writing and continuing through the process of finding an agent.
So please stay tuned, okay? Thanks!
So please stay tuned, okay? Thanks!
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