Last minute contest info...

You still have time to enter the current Reading Writers contest.  Deadline is Jan. 15th so hurry.

I'm just curious...

Last year, I focused on working on my novel.  And only had two short stories published, which had been written the year before. 

This year, I want to do both.  Here's why...

Writing short stories teaches how to write tight and to a word count.

Having several short stories publishes is a nice thing to add to you query letter when you contact that agent.

Sometimes, being focused so intensely on one project gets old so having something short in the works is a nice change of pace.

So, how many of you are focused on writing novels only or, are writing only short stories?
And...how many of you are trying to do both?

Calling bloggers...

I need several (6 or 12 or so) serious bloggers who want to build a author platform by promoting their blog to contact me.

Y'all can email me here.

In or Out?

A friend and I were chatting today and he commented something to the effect that I like a pov that involves the reader, that puts the reader in the middle of the action verses one that sorta leaves the reader on the outside looking in.

And I had to admit he's very right. When I read a book, I want to be smack dab in the middle of the action. I want to feel the wind blowing, smell the smoke, hear the birds chirping or whatever is happening in the scene. I want to be taking part of the Main Character's adventure.

And isn't that why most people read? They (I) want to forget the jog, any troubles, the laundry and dishes for just a bit and live in someone else's world.

I think one reason mystery stories are so popular is because the bad guy gets what he deserves and good triumphs over evil.

Same thing with romance, there's a happy ever after ending that often the reader might not have.

Fantasy and science fiction take us out of our mundane daily grind and takes us to new worlds and adventures.

So, the question is, how do we apply this knowledge to our own writing?  I think it's a matter of being aware of the reader as we revise, that for a moment we look at our story not with the eyes of a writer but with the eyes of a reader.

What about y'all?  Do you want to be in the middle of the action or do you prefer the sidelines when you read?

Note on Goal Setting

"I will get published this year."

Many writers set this as one of their goals, however this is one of the things they really have no control over. We are not the ones who decides which piece gets published and when or where.

I've seen it in several places and even been guilty of saying something similar myself and I know better.

However, we do control the sending of that piece out and we can do a lot of things to give it the best chance of publication possible. Here are a couple things you can do...

1) Make your piece the best it can be. Polish each word/sentence until they shine. Have another writer read and critique it. Let it sit a couple days while you work on something else then go back and look at it with fresh eyes to catch anything that's been overlooked.

2) Do your market research. For speculative fiction, browse Ralans. Most everything else can be found over at Duotrope. Be sure to check out the publication websites. Read sample issues if possible. If it's an online publication, read their archives to see if your story will fit there.

3) Follow the submission guidelines. And please, no swirly pink font.

4) Keep learning and improving your craft. Keep writing.

5) Be persistent! When you get a rejection letter, and you will sooner or later, send the piece back out the same day. A writer friend of mine has a list of at least five places for each piece she is sending out and when it comes back from one, she immediately sends it to the next place on the list. You have to do the same thing.

Here's the thing. There are a lot of things you do control with your writing career. You have to seize that control and never let it go.

Now, I'm off to exert some control:-)

Monday's Goals

Writer's need to set weekly goals. And then work toward achieving them By sharing these goals with others we share our journey and can receive encouragement, support and share our successes.

So, take a few minutes this weekend, plan your writing week and share your goals with us in the comment section.

Here's mine...

Polish the three short stories I have ready and get them sent out.

Get at least another 2k on mystery novel. (I'm going to change my progress meter so y'all can keep up.)

Plot out at least one short story.

Writerly Resolutions

Well, here it is, the first day of a brand new year. And that means time to plan all those things we want to get accomplished. So, here's a list of some of my new year's resolutions. (Stolen from J.A. Konrath's Blog.)

Finish the blasted book and its sequel. (First draft is almost done.)

Get and keep at least five short pieces out on submission. (Have three ready to go now, need to tweak a couple others.)

Finish every story I start. (I'm so bad about starting something and not finishing.)

Update my website. (Boy, do I NEED to do this!!!)

I will attend as many writing conferences as I can afford (at least one) and won't hide in the corner. I'll introduce myself to other writers, agents and editors. (I love writer's conferences so this won't be hard.)

Keep up this blog. (I've never been a journal/diary person so it's hard but I'll suck it up and just do it.) Each week day (I get Sat. & Sun. off.)you'll find something of interest. Whether it's contest info, writing tips and links or markets...there'll be something here.

On a more personal note...I plan to learn American Sign Language this year. This is something I've wanted to do for a long time but kept putting it off.

I've come across two really nice sites. One, has a "sign of the day" and a "phrase of the week." Today's sign is "sweetheart."

The other site, ASL University, has a really great fingerspelling gadget. I'm still on "slow" but I'm getting much better.

Now, what about you? Got some resolutions you'd like to share with us?

Remember, we'll be starting our Monday Goals soon so decide what you'd like to accomplish during the upcoming week and be ready to share it with us.

And, by the way...Happy New Year Y'all!!! May all your publishing dreams come true this year.