Writing a Book vs. an Article

Before I got into bed last night I was thinking about the difference between writing a book vs. an article.

I know that when you want to write an article (most times) you have to query a magazine first and make sure you land that commission or you’re wasting your time. But, usually, we write a book and then we look for a publisher. Isn’t that blind writing? I get that we want to write from the heart but what happens when there is “no” market for it? I guess that’s why there’s self-publishing. Other well-known Authors have done it in the past only to have traditional publishers pick it up after. But what I really question is, how many writers write popular fiction because the market is calling for it? It would stand to reason that the hope of getting one’s work out is what drives a person. Eh hmm… I must say I have certainly thought about.

I’ve seen many calls (especially on Twitter) for certain type of fiction work and wonder if I should write something just because and maybe use an alias. Would I be wrong to do that? I’m not totally sure but in any case the work of art must go on.

I’m still editing my book and it’s taking a very… long… time… so much longer than I expected. Grrr! But it’s worth it.

I’m just waiting for the day I can say that part is finished.

Until then I continue to edit…

Just Finished Reading ‘Blah, Blah, Blah’ #Amazing

The above is a tweet from someone on twitter about a book they had finished reading. One day I hope for someone to say that about mine.

Even if just one person is blown away I would have done my job as a writer.

For now, I’m gladly putting in that work and am quietly looking forward to finally getting out there..

Happy writing or editing, bloggers!

Editing: A Labour of Love

Editing is hard work. It entails more that just deleting, replacing or adding words. There’s the whole framework to think about. Each scene, character, etc. but, the more you stick at it the better you get. How do I know? Never mind that I can now say I have the experience of editing furiously under my belt, but it’s as the saying goes, “The only way to learn something is by doing it”.

And, I’m enjoying it every last bit of it, so I’m not complaining.😜

The Mark of a Writer

I like watching reality TV… always have. I’m the listener in conversations. I can retell a story years later when everyone has forgotten.

I was once asked why I’m obsessed with people’s lives and my response has and will always be the same: I’m intrigued by the inner workings of people – why people do what they do. It’s the mark of a writer, no? We’re wired to want to know more about others.

At the beginning of university we were told by our lecturer to always carry a notebook to recall everything that caught our attention, and that book served me very well, especially with those 10 minute writing assignments.

What do you see as the mark of a writer?

Writing Goals: Measuring Success

How do you measure that you’ve been successful?

Is writing posts on WordPress your goal? Writing everyday? Completing a novel? Publishing a novel(s)? The financial payoff?

So, I’ve been thinking about what success looks like. What would be my ultimate goal?

I’ve written for various platforms and enjoyed every moment of it but still wouldn’t say I was successful. Maybe I’m just not living in the moment and constantly looking ahead – the glass half empty person. Does that mean if I get to publish my novel I won’t be satisfied, because my line of success keeps moving?

I think I’m realizing that I don’t actually have an ultimate goal. Hmm. Something to think about. 🙆

Submission Rejection

What I’ve (re)learned...

I’m a writer, and a pretty good one (according to my own standards). We have to believe that about ourselves or just maybe we’re in the wrong profession.

Anyway, where am I going with this… Here’s where: In between editing my novel I decided I’d try my hand at writing for a magazine that has often come in the post. As you can see from the title, epic fail.

It’s not like submitting to a magazine’s my first rodeo but the “good writer” thought winging it would suffice. Boy, was I wrong. It’s almost laughable now that I’m over the rejection.

So, here they are:

Study. Yep. Poor lil ol’ me had to relearn the hard way. Flicking through the mag and skimming a few articles just isn’t enough. I’ve been humbled.

Query. Haha. I know, I know, I only have myself to blame. Nothing like writing the whole piece and receiving a generated email rejection. Oops!

The negative is that first impressions count but the positive is, “if at first you don’t succeed try, try again” but start on the right foot, by doing the necessary legwork.

The End.

(Ego bruised but it’s not the end of writing.)

Thoughts On Editing

I had big plans for this year because I really thought editing was going to be straightforward. Boy, was I wrong.

I’m still editing, of course. I’m halfway through, but on the plus side I’m enjoying the story. And, maybe a little too much, sometimes. Hee hee.

One thing I’ve noticed along the way, is that even when I finish editing, I still have to go back and edit again. So, my work is not done.

How many times do you (propose to) edit?

Manuscript Rejection

How many agent/publisher rejections is too many? And, when does, ‘if at first you don’t succeed, try, try again’ fall short?

I’m not sure I have the resilience needed for those letters, emails or no replies but fully expect that I’d have to dig deep to rise above them.

Let’s not forget famous authors have been through it. From Sylvia Plath, to JK Rowling, to Stephen King. Now, I’m sure they’re laughing all the way to the bank.

There are so many more who bare the rejection scars. We only have to do a quick Google search if ever we feel stuck in a rut and need that extra motivation. I’ll be sure to check them out when I need that push upwards.

Right, now it’s back to work for me. My novel sure isn’t going to edit itself.

Childhood Book Memories

What child didn’t enjoy reading or being read to?

There are a few books I still remember reading as a child.  Here’s a list of ten (in no particular order):

1. Mama, Sugar Falling Down by Trish Cooke
2. Where’s Spot? by Eric Hill
3. Peace at Last by Jill Murphy 
4. Roger Red-hat by Sheila McCullagh
5. Funnybones by Allen Ahlberg
6. The Cat in the Hat by Dr . Seuss 
7. Avocado Baby by John Burningham
8. Not Now, Bernard by David McKee
9. The Jolly Postman by Janet and Allen Ahlberg
10. The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle

What books do you have fond memories of?

Editing: Every. Single. Chance.

I have realized that editing everyday isn’t possible right now. So, I’ve combat that by making sure I take advantage of every single chance I get. It’s less pressure and more productive because when the chance comes around, even if it’s ten minutes, I make sure I put everything into it. 

Yes, it’s taking a lot longer than I imagined but slow progress is still progress, and the way I see it is I’m doing, not getting in rut because things aren’t going my way.

How are you making things work for you?