Meeting Challenges

It’s hard to really keep to a writing schedule when life gets in the way. I went away to a conference over the weekend (not a writing one) and found too many distractions. However, I did find time to get caught up until I came home. The hardest part is making up time lost because of driving long distances. Those hours in the car were precious writing hours I lost.

Have I gotten back on track with my writing now that I’m home? No. I can’t seem to find my feet. The words I’m putting in this blog are in the hopes to get that spark back, to find my rhythm.

The best thing to come from participating in the NaNoWriMo is the new direction my third book is taking. It’s not a complete new direction, just a slight sway. I do like it though. Now I’m beginning to understand what other writers talk about. How their stories speak to them, keep them awake at night.

Even the title has changed. It’s something I have to accept. My books are not always going to come out the way I expect them to. They’ll be what they want to be, what they tell me they will be. How did I really think I was the one writing them? That’s a laugh.

On the drive home, my book wanted me to keep writing. It kept playing scenes in my head. Hopefully I’ll be able to get them down on the computer later tonight, after dinner. My competitive streak is itching to get up-to-date on my challenge if not further ahead to give me some wiggle room.

Balance

This past week has shown me I need to have balance in my life to be a good writer. I heard back from the editor assigned my three chapter submission. She asked for the complete manuscript to make a final decision.

I panicked. The manuscript isn't finished. Scrambling, I hurried to edit and transcribe everything I have written. Then I talked with a couple of published author friends. Their kind words helped slow me down and think things through.

My family has been warned finishing this book is a priority for me. However, I'm learning I can still work in time for them as well as make time to write. As of last night, I've finished the transcription. I'm at the pivotal point in the suspense and need to see it through and write the ending.

My panic is subsiding, but it hasn't gone away. Should it? No, but now I know that I will get it done, just at the predestined time, not my time.

Write On Rochester Kicks off!

Last night was So you wanna meet an Author... The room was full, the people were engaged and the speaker...charismatic. Jessica Andersen brought the attendees into a world of publishing and craft. Exploring the possibilities and rationalities of why author's write. Seeing old friends, making new and networking, networking, networking. The pitch sessions went off well, Rhonda Penders from the Wild Rose Press made the experience simply and enriching.  If you are still on the fence about what this conference can offer you think again, come down before 9 am Radisson RIT, Rochester, NY for the all day workshop today. www.lcrw.org.  I can't wait to get into the workshops. If they are half of as interesting as last nights getting to know you, then today with be mind blowing.
Write On Rochester!

Where does the time go?

In the mad rush of summer, realizing the time is slipping away is always a disappointment. Here we are in mid-august, school will be starting soon and for some of us lucky the Write On Rochester! Conference is right around the corner.


Jessica Andersen is scheduled to give two workshops for LCRW on Sept 17&18 and I'm thrilled. The workshops are on World Building and Pumping up your writing. As a paranormal fiction writer these topical are right up my avenue. But this could be for any genre in any style from children's to YA to Adult to... the spectrum is broad.

If you think it's not worth it, think again. This conference isn't about an all day workshop; it's about networking. There will be editors, writers, readers and such. Support, information on what to do and what's going on. At one conference I went to in the past, they were saying it's about the elevator time. Normally you run into editors, publishers and the like at Conferences and it's the elevator time, that is important. You have 25 words to get your point across. 25 words, commercial to say what you need to say for that one person to remember your book.
Conferences are more than just the speakers, it's the experience, the knowledge you gain from going. So if you are in the Rochester area,and are a writer come out for the weekend. Find out how Jessica Andersen went from a PHD in genetics to an award winning Author and her secrets. Find out what it's like to have elevator time, to network, to pitch your ideas. Come have an experience you'll remember always.

Check out LCRW.org for more information.