Facebook kindly reminded me today is the eight year anniversary of me receiving the proof copy of my first original novel. Before then, I'd only ever written fan fiction. But in November 2010, I took part in NaNoWriMo for the first time, and then spent the following months getting the story to just under 70k, then editing and formatting it ready to take advantage of my prize for winning NaNoWriMo, which was a free proof copy of my book.
You can read the original post here (pics of the proof copy included).
I was so excited and full of plans for the future, and seeing this now, eight years later, has really inspired me.
Back then I was determined to be traditionally published, with an agent. Now I think there's advantages to traditional publishing, but also advantages to self-publishing, and honestly there's no one right answer for each author. Plus what's best to do greatly varies from book to book.
In the eight years since my first novel, I've written many more and played around with fantasy, paranormal and romance. I've come to accept I will always love and want to write multiple genres, just as I love and enjoy reading multiple genres.
I've published one full book and one short-story, as well as having one ghost-written story published, with a second in the works.
To some people that might not seem like a lot, and there are authors who've been writing for the same amount of time as me, or for less time than me, who've written and published more.
But that's something else I learned along the way. You shouldn't compare yourself to others. Be inspired and motivated by others, of course, but everyone is different, and all you can strive to do is focus on becoming the best version of yourself you can be.
For me, that's trying different stories, re-writing stories, jumping from project-to-project, but always learning and improving.
Right now I'm happy with my writing life - guys, I get paid to write books. How awesome is that? - but I've been inspired to do more.
If you've read my blog you'll know I've had health issues for a while, and I'm still dealing with those, as well as mental health issues, but things are getting better and I'm hoping I can devote time to my own writing, as well as ghostwriting. I have so many stories I want to share with the world.
It might take another eight years, it might take less (maybe even more - who knows?) but I'm never going to stop writing, and working toward finishing something I feel is worth putting out there in the world.
So, to all my fellow writers out there, don't give up. Keep chasing your dream, and never lose sight of that excitement that first inspired you to put words on a page.
Showing posts with label motivation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label motivation. Show all posts
How I Found The Write Path Bloghop
Happy Monday, Folks!
Today I'm taking part in the How I Found The Write Path bloghop, hosted by the awesome Carrie Butler, who is celebrating her third blogiversary! Congratulations, Carrie!!
The idea for this bloghop is to create a free ebook to help new self-publishers on their journey to publication. Which is a fantastic idea, and I'm sure will help not only self-publishers, but those seeking traditional publication, too.
THE PROMPT:
Please write a letter/note to yourself when you first started writing toward publication.
The only thing I ask is that you keep it under 800 words, including as many (or as few) of these elements as you like:
- A lesson you learned the hard way
- Something you didn’t expect about the industry (positive/negative)
- A writing-related resource you could never do without now
- One thing you’d change about your journey
- One thing you’re glad you did
- Your number one tip for pursuing publication
- Anything else you feel is worth passing on
INFORMATION:
- The name you wish to be credited as
- The title (if any) you wish to follow your name, i.e. author of the series
- One major link where people can find you, i.e. website, blog, Twitter, etc.
PLEASE INCLUDE:
- Whether or not you give me permission to use your entry in the e-book compilation. Don’t feel bad if you don’t want in. We’d still love to read what you have to say!
Hey 2010 Clare,
Even though you're still unpublished, you're getting ever closer. But more importantly, you're happy where you are as a writer. So here's my advice to you, gained from the experiences of the last three and a half years, since you moved away from fan-fic and started branching out with your own original stories, and NaNoWriMo.
First and foremost ... don't rush and don't compare yourself to others. This isn't a race to see who in the blogging world can be published first. Just because some of your writing friends publish before you, that doesn't mean you're not as good, or that you're lacking in skills. Your time will come when you and your stories are ready, so don't sweat it.
Accept that your first story will suck. Hell, even your second and third won't be perfect. But no words are wasted words - those shelved manuscripts can be resurrected, and even if you decide not to, every novel is experience. Every MS is another step towards honing your skills. So, keep at it. And if you have to start over a bunch of times, don't worry, eventually all the aspects you're seeking will fall into place.
Never discount an opportunity. If there's a contest, or a blog hop, or a job opening, go for it. Even if you don't think you'll get it. Putting your name out there not only builds confidence, and connects you with awesome writerly people, but the end results might just surprise you.
Just because something worked/ didn't work for someone, doesn't mean it's right or wrong for you. Sure, ask other writers for their opinions based on their experiences, but know everyone's path is different. Seek your own truths by doing your own research and looking deeply at all aspects of something. Couple your own instinct with the advice of trusted friends, and you're sure to find the right way.
Hang in there, and know that in 2014, you're happier with your writing, and closer to publication than ever before.
Love,
2014 Clare
(Carrie, please feel free to include this in your book if you'd like, with a link back to my blog. Thanks. ^_^)
Today I'm taking part in the How I Found The Write Path bloghop, hosted by the awesome Carrie Butler, who is celebrating her third blogiversary! Congratulations, Carrie!!
The idea for this bloghop is to create a free ebook to help new self-publishers on their journey to publication. Which is a fantastic idea, and I'm sure will help not only self-publishers, but those seeking traditional publication, too.
THE PROMPT:
Please write a letter/note to yourself when you first started writing toward publication.
The only thing I ask is that you keep it under 800 words, including as many (or as few) of these elements as you like:
- A lesson you learned the hard way
- Something you didn’t expect about the industry (positive/negative)
- A writing-related resource you could never do without now
- One thing you’d change about your journey
- One thing you’re glad you did
- Your number one tip for pursuing publication
- Anything else you feel is worth passing on
INFORMATION:
- The name you wish to be credited as
- The title (if any) you wish to follow your name, i.e. author of the series
- One major link where people can find you, i.e. website, blog, Twitter, etc.
PLEASE INCLUDE:
- Whether or not you give me permission to use your entry in the e-book compilation. Don’t feel bad if you don’t want in. We’d still love to read what you have to say!
Even though you're still unpublished, you're getting ever closer. But more importantly, you're happy where you are as a writer. So here's my advice to you, gained from the experiences of the last three and a half years, since you moved away from fan-fic and started branching out with your own original stories, and NaNoWriMo.
First and foremost ... don't rush and don't compare yourself to others. This isn't a race to see who in the blogging world can be published first. Just because some of your writing friends publish before you, that doesn't mean you're not as good, or that you're lacking in skills. Your time will come when you and your stories are ready, so don't sweat it.
Accept that your first story will suck. Hell, even your second and third won't be perfect. But no words are wasted words - those shelved manuscripts can be resurrected, and even if you decide not to, every novel is experience. Every MS is another step towards honing your skills. So, keep at it. And if you have to start over a bunch of times, don't worry, eventually all the aspects you're seeking will fall into place.
Never discount an opportunity. If there's a contest, or a blog hop, or a job opening, go for it. Even if you don't think you'll get it. Putting your name out there not only builds confidence, and connects you with awesome writerly people, but the end results might just surprise you.
Just because something worked/ didn't work for someone, doesn't mean it's right or wrong for you. Sure, ask other writers for their opinions based on their experiences, but know everyone's path is different. Seek your own truths by doing your own research and looking deeply at all aspects of something. Couple your own instinct with the advice of trusted friends, and you're sure to find the right way.
Hang in there, and know that in 2014, you're happier with your writing, and closer to publication than ever before.
Love,
2014 Clare
(Carrie, please feel free to include this in your book if you'd like, with a link back to my blog. Thanks. ^_^)
April IWSG: Onward and Upwards
Wednesday 2nd April means it's time for April's Insecure Writer's Support Group!
Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!
Posting: The first Wednesday of every month is officially Insecure Writer’s Support Group day. Post your thoughts on your own blog. Talk about your doubts and the fears you have conquered. Discuss your struggles and triumphs. Offer a word of encouragement for others who are struggling. Visit others in the group and connect with your fellow writer - aim for a dozen new people each time.
Let’s rock the neurotic writing world!
Our Twitter hashtag is #IWSG
This month, I'm one of the IWSG co-hosts for the April 2 posting, along with Hart Johnson, Chemist Ken, Candilynn Fite, Terri Rochenski, Lilica Blake and of course Ninja Captain Alex!
Make sure you head on over to each of the co-hosts' blogs and show them some love!
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I thought long and hard about my insecurity for April, and I'm happy to say, I just haven't got one ... I'm in a good place with my writing right now.
I've managed to find a good balance between work and writing, which has allowed me to finish the first draft of my NA urban-fantasy, paranormal-romance The Order of the Ancile: Book One (I totes need an actual title!)
I'm now headed to revisions land, but I'm not as daunted by the prospect as I have been with previous projects.
The encouragement I got on my January IWSG post is still motivating me, along with the support of my hubby and beta readers. :)
So instead, I want to offer support and encouragement to those who are struggling this month, and I'll be trying to visit as many new blogs as possible.
If you've got something on your mind, please feel free to leave a comment or point me in the direction of your blog, and I'll come pay a visit, and bring some words of encouragement.
I'll end this post with inspirational, motivational graphics.
Good luck to everyone in their writing endeavors this month! ^_^
ISWG: Never Forget How Far You've Come
Happy Wednesday, and happy February, everyone! And Happy 11th Birthday to my oldest.
I'm here today with February's edition of Alex J. Cavanaugh's IWSG! I greatly enjoyed my first ever ISWG post, and want to thank everyone for the support and encouragement that they gave me regarding what to do when I grow bored of a story. I think, for me, the best thing to do is remind myself why I loved the story in the first place, and then push through until the words are flowing again.
Since last month's post, I've been thinking long and hard about what I wanted to post for February, and although a few topics entered my mind, one really stuck out for me.
Remembering How Far You've Come
While I was trying to re-inspire myself last month, I took to reading my old novels - that are now shelved, to be looked at in the future - and I realized how far I've come. Sure, my writing still isn't perfect, but in the past two years, I've learned a lot about what I'm capable of; where my strengths and weaknesses lie.
I think everyone should do this from time to time. It's a great source of motivation, inspiration and encouragement. It's so easy to get caught up on the woes of the here and now - to focus on the current negatives - that you forget the past positives.
I've seen so many awesome writers in the blogosphere achieve things that awe me, and you guys should never forget how far you've come.
Each success, whether big or small, is inspiration for yourself and others, showing everyone out there that writers can succeed. For every rejection letter or abandoned project, there's a book release, a finished manuscript or something else worth celebrating.
So, if you're feeling down about your writing, or doubting yourself, just remember how far you've come, and all you've achieved up until this point. It's something to be very proud of!
Thanks for visiting this month. And thanks to the fantastic ISWG hosts, Alex Cavanaugh, Julie Musil, Jamie Ayres, Mike Swift, and Sheena-kay Graham.
And before I go, don't forget that there's still a week left to enter my two-year blogaversary giveaway, and there's still time to sign up for Kyra Lennon and Rachel Schieffelbein's WIP: The Movie Bloghop!
Insecure Writer's Support Group: What do you do when you grow bored of a story?
I know I haven't been around much since I started working for CQ, but I'm aiming to rectify that this year.
2013 was an awesome year for me - love and thanks to all that helped make that happen <3 - and I hope 2014 is even better. One of the ways I want to improve on last year is by creating a better work/ writing/ blogging balance.
I don't want to make promises I won't keep, but I am going to try my hardest to keep up with blogging, and find time to work on my novel, while continuing my CQ work.
To that end, I'll be back next week with a proper update about work and writing, but today, I wanted to take part in my first ever IWSG!
I'm a long-time lover of Alex J. Cavanaugh's IWSG, I think it's an amazing concept, and the things Alex and the IWSG team have done with the group in the last year awe me. You guys rock. I hope your success continues and you know where I am if you ever need any help! <3
As for my own insecurity about writing, over the holiday break, I got to wondering, what do you do when you grow bored of a story?
For the past year, I've been working on a new-adult paranormal-romance. I've written about 40k, and had most of that critiqued by a few trusted writer friends, while I continue writing the rest, and making revisions as they suggested.
For the most part, it's being going okay. When I have time between work, I've enjoyed writing the story. But ever now and again, I have moments when I just don't want to continue. I think it's too hard to get over these mountains, and I want to create something new.
I worry I'm addicted to the buzz of creating characters and worlds.
I have countless stories I've started and never completed. Most of them have been written during NaNoWriMo, and many are in different states; from complete and needing revising, to an unfinished mess.
I wonder if part of the problem is editing. I hate the process and find it really difficult. And when I find it difficult, I get bored. I start telling myself if I start a new project, I'll prepare and plan better and it will need less editing. But that's not true. No amount of preparing will create a perfect first draft. Editing is part of the growing process.
Then I start wondering should I just write for fun, for myself. Not caring if it's perfect or not, and never showing it to anyone. But I think no, a story that is never read isn't a real story. I want my story to have life outside my computer. It deserves that much.
I feel like I can't turn my back on these characters. I owe it to them to finish their story.
So for now, I'm back in that world, and enjoying it once again.
But I wonder, what do I do the next time this feeling inevitably creeps back? Go through the motions of wanting to give up and write something new until it passes and I fall in love with my original story again, and keep repeating that process until the novel actually gets finished?
Or is there something else I can do to keep me focused and on track?
I'd love to hear your tips and advice if you have them.
I hope everyone has an excellent week, and I will try to pop in on some of you to read your IWSG posts, and see what you've been up to recently.
Update, Triberr and Work In Progress Madness
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| from http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/ |
Last week Oldest broke my old one! I've been using Hubby's laptop since then, but my new one arrived today. I'm so happy to be back on my system. Even though I created a user account on Hubby's laptop, it just didn't feel right.
Despite the week of borrowed computer, I still managed to be productive. I've given my WiP a couple of read troughs, made some revisions, and made some notes on what still needs improving. All in all, my editing of Act One is going great.
I saw on Twitter earlier the WiPMadness tag. I'm still not 100% sure what WiP Madness is, I think it ties into Camp NaNo, but I'm going to use it to motivate me with my Act One revisions.
Anyone else doing WiP Madness? Let me know and we can encourage each other.
I also started my marketing internship for Curiosity Quills today. I get to play on Twitter, Facebook & Pinterest all day. GREATEST.JOB.EVER! Seriously though, I'm really enjoying learning about the social media marketing aspect of being a published writer, and learning about new sites etc.
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| triberr.com/ |
What's everyone's plans for the week? What are you working on? Are you taking part in Camp NaNoWriMo? Any releases/ cover reveals etc. I might have missed? Let me know, I'd love to hear all about it.
Overcoming Adversity Launch
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Last month, you may remember me taking part in Nick Wilford's Overcoming Adversity bloghop, a bloghop where participates wrote a small piece - either fictional or real life - about overcoming adversity. Nick then compiled the entries into an anthology, the proceeds of which are going towards the college fund of his stepson Andrew, who has cerebral palsy.
Well, the anthology is now live, so you can all check it out!
Blurb: A collection of seventy moving and uplifting original pieces - real life, flash fiction, and poetry - about battling against the odds and the ultimate triumph of the human spirit. The contributors include Amazon bestselling authors Alex J. Cavanaugh and Kyra Lennon, and the cream of upcoming talent.
The anthology is part of a fundraising effort to send the editor's stepson, Andrew McNaughton, to a specialist college in England. Andrew has cerebral palsy, and is a remarkable young man with a promising future. However, the free further education options offered in his own country of Scotland will not challenge him and allow him to progress. In order to access the education he deserves, Andrew will have to pay exorbitant fees, thus creating a situation of discrimination.
Help us get Andrew to college by buying a book that runs the full gamut of human emotions, ultimately leaving you inspired and glad to be alive. Whatever struggles you are going through, our sincere hope is that this book will help.
The cover was designed by D.R. Cartwright (DRC) from a concept by Ella Wilson - two awesomely creative ladies!
Purchase Links:
Amazon UK | Amazon US
| Smashwords | Goodreads
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Editor Bio: Nick Wilford is a writer and stay-at-home dad. Once a journalist, he now makes use of those rare times when the house is quiet to explore the realms of fiction. When not writing he can usually be found spending time with his family or cleaning something. He has four short stories published in Writer’s Muse magazine. Nick is also co-running a campaign to get a dedicated specialist college built in Scotland. Visit him at http://nickwilford.blogspot.co.uk/.
2013 Update
As you may have noticed, aside from cover reveals, blog tour stops and bloghops, I’ve been pretty
much missing in action since mid-November.
Long story
short, a lot of personal stuff has gone down; a combination family
related events and overworking myself by taking on too much writing/ blogging
wise, left me feeling overwhelmed. If you want more details, or to know how my
Christmas and New Year was, please feel free to hop on over to my personal
blog, The
Life and Loves of ClareDugmore.
I’ve done some soul searching
since then. But with some help and
guidance, I feel like things are back on track, and I’m positive 2013 is going
to be great.
Now that I’m feeling like myself again, I’ll be around a lot
more, and I’d like to take this chance to thank the people who nudged me while
I was away. Karen, Kim, Christine and Jaybird, your messages checking up on me,
reminding me you’re here and that you loved me, really helped me through some
tough times. Thank you. <3
Everyone else who frequently reads and comments on this
blog, thank you for your continued support too. I hope you’ll continue to join
me in 2013 as I carry on my writing journey. And look out for a special blogoversary
post on the 21st January.
I’m not one to set New Year’s resolutions – I find that kind of pressure
sometimes sets you up for failure, plus why should you only make positive
changes at the start of the year? Why not throughout the whole year? But I do
have some goals I hope to achieve in 2013.
I want to get a story completed in its fullest – i.e drafted, critiqued,
revised, edited etc. – and then get it out in the world, either as a self-published
novel or querying agents and small presses.
Some may think this might be easy for me, as last year I spoke about
making a lot of progress on both Sibylline Nights and Cupid. However, during my
time off, I’ve realised a lot about myself as a writer, and areas I need to
improve on.
I still love Sibylline Nights, and believe that one day it will be
published. BUT, the draft I wrote last year, isn’t what I’d originally envisioned
for the story – among other the focus and main antagonist were not as I
intended. Hubby and I spent a lot of time over Christmas discussing ideas, and
I have a whole new direction for the story and in the future I intend to do a complete
rewrite. However, I’ve also come to realise, that as of right now, I’m not
ready for a story so big, with three protagonists and a lot of world building
to do. I need to learn a lot more about pacing and structure, before I’m ready
to tackle Sibylline Nights again, and I want to give myself time to grow as a
writer so it can be the best freaking book I’m capable of.
Cupid … I don’t know how I feel about. I love the first half, that’s
been critiqued, but the second half that I began durning November NaNo felt
flat, and flakey and full of filler. Thinking of starting it up again makes me
feel sick. I don't know if I've run out of steam for it, or I've some how
connected it to the stress I was under before Christmas, or what but it makes
me anxious and blocks me. I think trying to complete the story for NaNo was
actually a big mistake, as there wasn’t really 50k of the story left to tell,
so I was forcing something that wasn't meant to come.
I’ve also come to think that NaNo is no longer a good thing for me. I
need to focus on quality rather than quantity. Instead of writing 8000 words a
day or whatever, if I can get 100 perfect words, that's better, so that what is
in my head I can put down on paper. I’ve noticed from critiques, and discussing
my work with my hubby that sometimes my descriptions are lacking, and I don’t
fully explain to the reader everything I’ve got inside. I don’t know if that’s because
I don’t plot strongly enough, or because I’m rushing to make a certain word
count goal a day, but something isn’t right.
I’ve also found myself running out of steam with stories, and finding
myself three-quarters of the way through, with no idea how to bring it to an
end, and instead filling it with pointless fluff.
To that ends, I’m taking some time to brush up on writing skills, and am
currently reading “Fiction Writing Fiction For Dummies” by Randy Ingermanson. I
then intend to start a new project – which is a combination of ideas I’ve had
swirling around in my head for a few months now – but to approach it more
slowly, and plot it out using one of the methods from Ingermanson’s book, so
that I have a clear end point and direction of where I’m going. Hopefully that
will help eliminate needless fluff, and enable me to keep on track.
We’ll see how it goes, and I’ll keep you updated.
Some other writing goals I’d like to achieve is writing every day, be
that blog posts, something towards a story, or just little practice exercises
to improve on my weak points. I’d also like to write some short stories, and
see about submitting them to anthologies. It’s something I wanted to do last
year, and never got around to, so hopefully I can improve on that this year.
I don’t think I’ll be taking part in either Camp NaNo or November NaNo
this year. While it is a shame, because I love the event, I think at this point
for me it’s more than a hindrance than a help. I gained a lot doing it the
first few times, and still think it’s a great experience, especially for people
wanting something to give them a boost into getting a long dreamed about novel
onto paper.
The A-Z challenge I’m still up in the air about. I greatly enjoyed last
year’s challenge, and think it’s a fab way of meeting new people. But as of
yet, I’ve got nothing in mind, and I also doing want to put too much pressure
on myself. I guess we’ll see closer to the time.
And that’s everything! Now that I’m feeling more like my old self again,
I hope to be around more often, and able to participate in tours and hops. If
anyone has got anything coming up, please point me in the direction of it. I
also hope the get around to all of your blogs, and catch up on the news I’ve
missed whilst I was away; I’ve seen a few announcements here and there, but
please let me know if anything major has happened in your life – I’d love to
hear all about it!
Happy 2013 everyone, I hope the coming year is an excellent
one for you.
Clare
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