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Saturday, November 5, 2011

A Wonderful Retreat!

I am part of a wonderful writer's group called ANWA (American Night Writer's Association). The group is expanding all the time and is currently in Utah, Arizona, and Washington.
This past weekend was the North West Writer's Retreat sponsored by the "Round Tuit" chapter of ANWA. What a wonderful experience it was! I was able to meet fellow writer's, take informative & inspirational classes, and be around a group of women who are there for support! You can learn more about this retreat by visiting the website at www.nwwr.wordpress.com.
I am excited to take what I have learned and apply it to my writing. I am hoping to have my manuscript ready to submit soon and have a "game plan" in place to make that happen!
A big THANK YOU goes out to my friend and author, Jennifer Wolf (www.wolftalez.blogspot.com) for her help and support on my writing journey!
I will be posting a book critique soon of a book series that I am just finishing up. And I plan to post more book reviews going forward. 

Sunday, June 19, 2011

Reading about Writing!

I am currently reading a wonderful book that is helping me to write the best novel that I can. It was suggested to me by my friend and newly published author, Jennifer Wolf. (Thanks Jennifer for your support!)
The book is called "Story Engineering: Master the 6 Core Competencies of Successful Writing" by Larry Brooks. I know that the title is a mouth full, but believe me it is worth the read!
For those of you, like me, who are just starting out in the big world of writing, or even for those who have written a bunch, there is much to learn here! I have not finished the book yet but can already say that it has me fired up to get back to writing.
I stopped writing for the time being- to focus on this book and to learn more so that I can avoid any more mistakes. I already know that I will need to make changes; but it's better better now than after draft #6!!
I wanted to share this information and to offer my support as a writer. I know I am still learning myself but as I learn and grow, I want to share with others!

Happy Reading!

Monday, May 16, 2011

Writer's Block!!

I used to think that "Writer's Block" was such a funny phrase! How does one get a block from writing I wondered! But now, I have had my first experience with it! It's rather hard to describe since I am not sure why or how this came about! It started a few weeks ago as I was working on my manuscript.
I was finishing up a chapter, about to begin another when I suddenly had no idea what to write. I didn't know what to do with my characters next! It is weird because I have an outline that I follow to keep me on track. I just didn't know what I was going to do with my characters to get them to the next step of the story.
What could be the cause?
As I have thought about this situation and trying to break through, I think I must be going through something that a lot of writers experience. Sheer panic and FEAR!!
I can't help but think about all the things that are "wrong" so far. Then I begin to worry about the pace and if people will get bored while reading.
Why do I make it so hard on myself?! I know the story, I just need to sit down and write it!
So I have made a goal to write- every day- for at least an hour, no matter what! I think this will help break through the fear and frustration I am feeling...
Off to write now. Wish me LUCK!! ;)

Monday, April 4, 2011

Writing, Writing, Writing...

I am in the process of writing my first Young Adult book. I have had this story in my head since High School (nearly sixteen years ago) and now finally taking the time to get it down onto paper.

Now that I am nearing the end of my manuscript, the nerves are setting in! People are actually going to read it??!! I know, this is probably a natural feeling that most writer's experience. I am still in the stage where I am nervous about admitting that I am writing.

I had a wonderful experience a few weeks ago: I was at my church doing a youth activity. When the girls found out I was writing a book, they all said they wanted to read it! It made me feel good and motivated me to keep going.

I would like to post different aspects of my book as they come about. Maybe even post Chapter One (when my nerves settle down). I would love feed back and would love to hear about other books and projects out there too!

Have a wonderful day!

Sarah