It's time...

I've been watching things here a while and most of those who stop by are also faithful followers over at The Troll's Bridge so for now, I'm going to be posting there instead of here and there. No need for y'all to stop by both places.

The Bridge is where most things are happening anyway. I've spotlighted authors and will continue to do so, there's guest posts, markets, contests and all sorts of other info there so join us there.

I'll leave things up here in the archive.

The Writer's Toolbox

Imagine you're browsing along the how-to write shelves of your favorite bookstore. Now, as you trail your fingers across the spines of the books lined there, you come across one called "The Writer's Toolbox."

Intrigued, you slide it off the shelf and make your way over to the chairs where you settle in with whatever "chino" your drinking. You open the book and start to read.

What do you want to find there? What would you hope to see?

Let me know in the comments.

In the news...

Publish America will now send your PA book to Random House.  I'm sure Random House is thrilled.

See why this is not a good thing here.

Be sure to check out the comments along with the link to the original source at the bottom of the post.    Then tell your friends.

And while you're at it...bookmark Janet Reid's blog.  It's a great place to spend a few minutes each day catching up on things.

Ooops!

Somehow I totally spaced out the last four or five days.  I'm guess I need to write myself a daily checklist so I won't forget to stop by and blog. 

So...for starters...

Thanks for the recommendations.  It's always interesting to see what others like.  Don't know if I've mentioned it or not, but if you like fantasy...check out the Green Rider series by Kristin Brittain.

Next...what did y'all get accomplished this week? What have y'all written or submitted?

Not only did I get some writing done, I just sold another short story.  Mirror, Mirror will be in an upcoming issue of Bewildering Stories.  I'll  let you know more soon as I do.   Needless to say, I'm excited.

And finally, what's on the agenda for this coming week?  What are you planning on getting written?  Where are you planning on submitting, if you are that is?

Now, I'm off to write myself a note to be sure to check in here more often.:-)

Have a great week y'all.

Let's talk books...

Okay guys...

I'm in the mood to read so...what do you suggest and why?

And if you happen to know a good steampunk novel...or even a bad one, mention it. 

My suggestion is Steamed by Katie MacAlister.  It's a steampunk romance...  Not my usual fare but I liked the world.

Goals for the Week

Time to get our week planned. 

What y'all got on the agenda?

Me, I have to tweak story I sold Friday and send it back to editor, and work on novel.  But I also want to work on a short and get it sent out. 

Do tell....

Friday...

It's been a strange week here but I have made more progress on novel revisions.

Plus, Tuesday night while chatting with my publisher we happened to get on the topic of romance novels and I had to whine about the one I have languishing away because it doesn't follow the typical "romance" formula required by the vast majority of romance publishers.    Wow, what a run on sentence!  Should I fix it or not???  Nah...not this time.  

Anyway, after much discussion I pulled out the old synopsis for it and sent it to her.  Not long after, I got a definite, "Yes, I want this book." from her.  So...since it's been sitting for about 4 years it needs to be worked on but at least it now has a home.  Needless to say, I'm quite happy.

I've also been working on getting some short stuff out...love that market research.

Now, tell me about your week!

P.S. - I just sold a short story today.  It's been a really good week.:-)

Don't forget...

Find more videos like this on AdGabber

Procrastination

That's right, we all do it sometimes...and sometimes it's fine. Just as long as you don't over do.

Stop by Under the Troll's Bridge for some new ways to procrastinate.  And while you're there...share your favorite method of procrastination with us.

Another Monday...

Time to set goals for the coming week.  So, what do you have planned? 
I've been doing research but plan to get lots of writing done this week. 

Share with us.

Free Romance Writer's Course

I got this in an email today and thought y'all might be interested.  If so, hurry and sign up, there is a limit to the number of students.


Romance Writing Workshop

Also...sign up for a free newsletter and email alerts for when things like this show up unexpectedly.  I promise not to give out your personal info even under threat of chocolate deprivation.:-)

Back it up...

Today's "Back Up Your WIP" day.  So, if you haven't yet, take a few minutes to back up all those things you need to take care of.  You don't want to loose them do you?

Monday...

Time to get started with the week.  And while I seem to be always running behind, I am making progress.

First, some news.

I'm guest blogging over at The Wulver's Stane about writing lessons from pirates.  Stop by, say hi and check out his blog.  I think you'll enjoy it.

Next, stop by Under the Troll's Bridge.  I posted some really nice markets this past Saturday.  I think you'll enjoy them.  One is an anthology, another is a spec. fic. poetry mag.

Now, what do you have on your platter for this week?  Working on anything special?

Me, I'm still writing and revising dragon novel for my May deadline.  Plus, I've got a short story to ponder and critiques to do for Abandoned Towers.  (I'm on the Editorial Team there.)  (If your short stories are getting rejected and you don't know why, submit to Abandoned Towers.  Each story gets editorial feedback even if we don't accept them.)

Have a great week y'all.

Weekend Update...

Make progress this week?  Get anything written, revised or sent out?  Did you get an acceptance letter or even a rejection letter?

Tell us about it.

Me, I finished my very first ever zombie romance flash fic piece and sent it out to Dreams & Nightmares.  Special thanks go out to my readers and critiquers and the certain individual who shall remain nameless for urging me to send it out.

I also managed to get quite a bit of revision done on the dragon novel.  And that's a good thing since my deadline is the end of May. 

And, while I didn't make it to the final round of the Reading Writer's contest, I'm still happy with where I ended up.  There were 388 entries and my piece made it to the second round with the best 40.

Now, what about you?

Revisions...

I spent most of today either writing or revising.  So, in honor of all that revision, here's some revision links.

10 Helpful Editing Tips

Fiction Editing

Line Editing in 10 Easy Steps

Even if you aren't revising something big, these are some nice tips that apply to short stories also.

Enjoy!

And when you take a break today, stop by the Troll Bridge for a brainstorming guest post from The Wulver's Stane.

Monday, Monday...

Time to prepare for the coming week.   And I totally spaced on the Friday praises post so be sure to let us know what you managed to get accomplished last week.

I found this great link on twitter today and thought y'all might like it.   

Show up as your own project manager, by Marla Beck. 

Friday Free For All

Today's all about links. 
This one starts today so if you're interested, hurry on over.  It's a five day email thing on preparing a great book proposal.  Even if you don't have anything ready now, you might want to save the info for later.

Here's a very nice "Dos & Don'ts for Online Publicity." 

And, in case you missed the Book Trailer Workshop, here it is again.

Ten Mistakes Writers Don't See

Ten Top Writing Tips

And, since it's Friday... Write Naked!

Rules for Writing

"There are three rules for writing the novel. Unfortunately, no one knows what they are."

  Somerset Maugham

The last couple days I've connected in some form or fashion with several writers who have said their story isn't going the way they planned.  And boy do I understand that!!!    There are a couple things to remember though.

First...you have to do what works for you.  Some of us are plotters.  Some of us write without a idea of where we are going or where the story will end up.  And that's cool.   Whatever gets your story written is what you need to do.

Some folks like long drawn out character profiles filed in before they start writing.  Others like to get to know their characters as the story happens.  Again, whatever works and gets the story on the page.

Some writers come up with a bare glimmer of an idea and write not knowing what they'll end up with.  Others worry about word counts and genres before putting a word down.

Most writers write a rough first draft without editing any at all. Others, like myself, have to edit and revise as we go along.  Again, it's whatever works and gets the story written.

Second...no matter how you work...it's the story that's important.    The story you are trying to tell is more important than how you get it on the page.

I say don't worry about how others write.  Write the way that works best for you.  Sure, when it comes time to market the piece, there are some general principles that have to be observed but that's for another post.:-)

New Week - New Goals

What are your plans for this week?

I'll be writing like crazy, I am to get at least 2,500 words on dragon novel.   I'll also be blogging, and getting some stuff together to learn how to make book trailers.

Stop by the Troll's Bridge for links to a free "how to" workshop for book trailers, conference info and lots more.

It's Friday...

Time to update us on how you did this week.  So, let's hear it.

Bonus links...

Here's a very cool post about steampunk.  And while I couldn't do it, steampunk romance anyone?

I love this post on infusing your life with positive energy.  I seriously need a "No Energy Vampires Allowed" sign.