Tag: #Writing

Who Believed in Me? #OpenBook Blog Hop

  By Open Book

Oct 2, 2023

Who was the first person who ever believed in you?

I grew up in the shadow of my genius older sister. She was a year ahead of me in school, and I ended up with many of the same teachers. Comparisons were inevitable. Although I was a good student, I was a different person. My mother saved many of my report cards, and many say the same thing. “P.J. does not live up to her potential.”

The truth is, I was an odd mix of personalities. Part bookworm, part outdoorsman, part creative, part scientist. It wasn’t until I was middle-aged that I was I realized I was a computer geek. (Personal computers didn’t exist when I was a child. Does that mean I was born too soon?)

Back to the original train of thought. Once I got to high school, I had to prove myself to a whole new batch of teachers. Even though many of them had taught my sister, and a few of them my older brothers, they seemed more willing to view me as an individual. I flourished in that atmosphere.

I still disappointed my teachers. They thought that with my grades and the classes I took, I should aim for a career in one of the sciences. Physics, to be precise. But I had no desire to pursue that field. Of course, the world of computers still existed on only punch cards, and no one ever suggested that might be a potential career to pursue.

But several of the teachers took an interest in helping me find myself. I should mention this was a Catholic school, with both priests and nuns on the faculty. Unlike the stereotypes, the nuns were kind and caring. Several of them took me under their wings. The two most notable were Sister Lois Marie and Sister Mary Andrew. Sister Lois guided my love of the English language, and Sister Mary Andrew shepherded me through my math courses. Both nurtured my love of learning and went beyond their job duties to guide my personal growth.

I think they would have been surprised at how things turned out for me. Retired as a computer server administrator (computer geek) with nearly a dozen published books (indie author). They would have approved at the mix of my creative and my mathematical sides, working in a field that didn’t exist when they knew me, and publishing books in a way that also didn’t exist back then.

In my WIP, I’m writing a scene that may be a tribute to them. Well, not exactly them, but to the love and kindness they showed me and many others. Thanks, Sisters!

Who believed in our other authors? Follow the links below to find out.

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

 

Oct 2, 2023

Who was the first person who ever believed in you?

Rules:
1. Link your blog to this hop.
2. Notify your following that you are participating in this blog hop.
3. Promise to visit/leave a comment on all participants’ blogs.
4. Tweet/or share each person’s blog post. Use #OpenBook when tweeting.
5. Put a banner on your blog that you are participating.

 

Attack of the Publisher: Writing Freedom vs Money #OpenBook Blog Hop

  By Open Book

Sept 25, 2023

If you were given a large advance by a traditional publishing company and told to produce a series of books in a certain amount of time that obviously you would have to give up the rights to (maybe they would alter your writing too) and do all your own marketing, would you take them up on the offer?

Over a decade ago, When I first contemplated releasing a book, I did my research. Should I try for a traditional publisher or go independent, which was at the time, not quite new anymore? Ultimately, I chose to go indie, for many reasons.

First, I wanted to write a book that went against some of the genre rules. I was writing a wolf-shifter book that included romance, but no sex scenes. I had researched the market, and everything I found included erotic action. I simply had no interest in including those in my story. (Although it could have been done. There are several places where it would have been easy to add in one.)

Then I looked into payment. Sure, some authors get a big advance, but they are rare. What the normal author gets per each book sale is a fraction of the book’s cost. What I didn’t realize back then was how much publicity can cost for an indie author, but many signed authors still have to do all the groundwork to sell their writing.

Writing as an indie, I can also write at my own pace and not be beholden to someone else’s schedule. I’d be in a world of hurt if I had to write my current WIP based on a tight timeline. I’m at 35000 words, and I’ve written more words than that in one month, but not for this story. A publisher would be nagging me daily at this point. (And that wouldn’t help my motivation!)

But the major point in my choice to go indie was my age. I’m not a young thing, and I know finding an agent and selling a book to a publisher and getting a manuscript through editing and production can take years. And years. Like I said, I’m old. I didn’t want to wait that long.

Would I change my mind if I was offered a large sum of money?

They say that everyone and everything has a price. While that may be true, I don’t know mine. I write for the joy of writing, (even when it gives me grief). How can a price be put on that?

I’m looking forward to seeing how the other authors in this hop respond to this question. Find out by following the links below.

As always, until next time, please stay safe.

Sept 25, 2023

If you were given a large advance by a traditional publishing company and told to produce a series of books in a certain amount of time that obviously you would have to give up the rights to (maybe they would alter your writing too) and do all your own marketing, would you take them up on the offer?

Rules:
1. Link your blog to this hop.
2. Notify your following that you are participating in this blog hop.
3. Promise to visit/leave a comment on all participants’ blogs.
4. Tweet/or share each person’s blog post. Use #OpenBook when tweeting.
5. Put a banner on your blog that you are participating.

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

From One to Infinity #OpenBook Blog Hop

  By Open Book

Sept 18, 2023

Do you keep track of your word count on a daily basis? What’s your record for most and least words? (Not including those days when you don’t write anything.)

In the past, I’ve obsessed over the numbers of words I’ve written in the day as a measure of my productivity. I got into the habit when I participated in (NaNoWriMo) National Novel Writer’s Month. The goal is to write 50,000 words during the month of November. It’s a way to force myself to not obsess over the nitpicky bits of writing and just get words on paper.

Can I remember how many words I wrote daily during my last Nano? The goal is about 1660, The best I remember is around 2000. The worst during a sprint was less than 400. No, I no longer know the exact counts.

Now? I don’t keep count of exactly how many words I write when I write. I’m not even writing every day because of the projects I want to finish outside before cold weather moves in. I’m more focused on getting the story right. If that means I slow down and pay attention to word choice, so be it. The story I’m writing is darker than my normal style, and I’m crafting it versus just writing it. Some days I may write 500-700 words, other days squeak out 100. Then there are the days when I strip out 300 words and replace them. It’s a slow process.

Yes, I am still obsessing over my work-in-progress, but not its word count. I’m currently around 33,000 words, which I figure is about half the book. I have loose ends all over the place, but plenty of time to tie things together. I’m obsessing about the balance between action and emotions, and how to tie the two together. Nothing is simple. Everything and everyone is suspect. It slows down word count and for this book, that’s okay.

I’m making guesses on who among the authors on this hop count words. (I got a sneak peek at one of the posts, so I’m cheating!) Find out with me by following the links below.

Until next time, please stay safe.

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

Sept 18, 2023

Do you keep track of your word count on a daily basis? What’s your record for most and least words? (Not including those days when you don’t write anything.)

Rules:
1. Link your blog to this hop.
2. Notify your following that you are participating in this blog hop.
3. Promise to visit/leave a comment on all participants’ blogs.
4. Tweet/or share each person’s blog post. Use #OpenBook when tweeting.
5. Put a banner on your blog that you are participating.

 

Happy Birthday Insecure Writer’s Support Group! #IWSG

  By IWSG
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 – and return comments. This group is all about connecting.
Let’s rock the neurotic writing world!
Our Twitter handle is @TheIWSG and hashtag is #IWSG.
The awesome co-hosts for the September 6 posting of the IWSG are Sonia Dogra, J Lenni Dorner, Pat Garcia, Sarah – The Faux Fountain Pen, and Meka James! HAPPY TWELTH BIRTHDAY INSECURE WRITER’S SUPPORT GROUP!!!
🎈✨🎉🎊🎁🎂🍰

September 6 question: The IWSG celebrates 12 years today! When did you discover the IWSG, how do you connect, and how has it helped you?

I’ve been participating in this hop for a long time, off and on. I’m not sure when I started. The oldest post I can find was back in 2019, so four years ago. I think I ran across the group from through another author, when she posted about it on FB. (She doesn’t take part anymore.)
I’m not very good at the connected part, and that’s my fault. Although I read lots of interesting posts, I’m bad at commenting or following those blogs. I try to tweet (is that the right term anymore!) posts I’ve read but I don’t know how many views that gets for the other authors.
Why do I stick with it? It forces me to step away from whatever project I’m working on and think about something new, depending on what the topic of the month is. When I return to my WIP, I can look at it with a fresh eye.
So, Happy Birthday, #IWSG, and thank you to Captain Alex Cavanaugh, our founder.

Snack of the Day #OpenBook Blog Hop

  By Open Book

August 28, 2923

What snack do you like with your cuppa (coffee/tea?)?

Many of you may know that I don’t drink coffee. Not that I have any objection to it, I just don’t like it. I tried to learn to appreciate the flavor so I could have a cup of coffee in the morning with my husband, but it never happened. I’d still make him a pot, but I wouldn’t drink it. Now that we are retired and have a single-serve coffee maker, he makes his own.

Tea is different. I enjoy the occasional cup. Flavors may vary, depending on my mood, the weather, and what is currently in my cupboard. But a morning cup isn’t part of my daily routine. When I have a cup, it is a treat by itself and I don’t have snacks to go with it. Water, plain, boring water is my current daily drink.

That’s not to say I don’t give in to the munchies during my day. As much as I like to pretend I eat healthy, chocolate in various forms is my downfall. Yes, I keep my fridge stocked with a variety of cheeses, but they aren’t as satisfying as good ‘ol chocolate.

Although I’ve gotten choosy about my chocolate. No more of the big US brands. The market has become saturated with at least one of my old favorites, and I rarely buy it anymore. It feels like the quality has gone done. Or I’ve become pickier. I’m even tired of some of the better quality brands—or my willpower is getting stronger.

I’ve never been much for salty snacks, either. Chips don’t thrill me. I’m okay with pretzel sticks in limited amounts.

But I’m no saint. I eat what is handy. The trick is buying only the ‘good’ stuff. I fail at that regularly.

Oh, I don’t limit my characters to my beverage peculiarities. Coffee earns frequent mentions in my stories. For example, from “Her Ladyship’s Ring”

It threw me for a loop when I woke to the smell of freshly brewed coffee. Even in the days when Jake and I were together, I’d always been the first one up. I pulled on my robe, put my hair into a ponytail, and went to see what he was up to.

Greeted by a scene of domestic tranquility, I wondered if Jake had been replaced by a house brownie in the middle of the night. Last night’s dishes, including the cups we’d used for hot chocolate were washed and drying in the rack. Two mugs sat on the table, along with the sugar, and a spoon neatly placed on a napkin beside each. Jake was nowhere to be found.

 

How about you? Do you have a snack to go with your daily beverage? Let’s see what the other authors on this hop drink by following the links below.

Until next time, please stay safe!

August 28, 2923

What snack do you like with your cuppa (coffee/tea?)?

Rules:
1. Link your blog to this hop.
2. Notify your following that you are participating in this blog hop.
3. Promise to visit/leave a comment on all participants’ blogs.
4. Tweet/or share each person’s blog post. Use #OpenBook when tweeting.
5. Put a banner on your blog that you are participating.

 

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

 

Beta Readers – Another Step in the Process #OpenBook Blog Hop

  By Open Book

August 21, 2923

Do you use beta readers? Have they been useful in improving your writing?

My books get seen by lots of eyes before I ever release them to the world. And some of the eyes are beta readers. 

But they are more than readers. I am part of an on-line group that critique each other’s works. Not the same people all the time, and some of them may read several selections and not stick around for an entire book. The setup can be both enlightening and frustrating.

Enlightening because it’s helpful to get fresh eyes on your writing in the middle of the book. If the new readers don’t get the gist of your story from a synopsis and the selection itself, it may indicate the plot needs tightened. If those new readers fall in love with the writing, it can be a great compliment.

Another benefit is that the site attracts users from a variety of skill levels, different writing types, and from around the world. So, while getting a variety of opinions, there is also the opportunity to learn from the stories that the others share.

The frustrating part is finding someone whose opinion you respect and they disappear after a few chapters. It’s the nature of the platform—people come and go as they have their own work that needs critiqued, and don’t stick around at other times.

What I don’t have are readers that I can send a complete manuscript to for general impressions. I’m not sure how useful that would be. It’s just not my style.

How about our other authors? Do they use beta readers? Find out by following the links below.

As always, until next time, please stay safe.

 

August 21, 2923

Do you use beta readers? Have they been useful in improving your writing?

Rules:
1. Link your blog to this hop.
2. Notify your following that you are participating in this blog hop.
3. Promise to visit/leave a comment on all participants’ blogs.
4. Tweet/or share each person’s blog post. Use #OpenBook when tweeting.
5. Put a banner on your blog that you are participating.

 

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

 

Sunflowers In A Full Moon #OpenBook Blog Hop

  By Open Book

July 31, 2023

A field full of sunflowers on a bright morning? Or rolling hills on a clear, full moon night?

I hate these kinds of questions. I don’t believe in shades of black or white. Well, they exist, but answers to problems often aren’t strictly defined.

Have you ever seen a field of sunflowers in the light of a full moon? A lifetime ago, I was on a bus trip halfway across the United States when I woke in the middle of the night. I’m not even sure what state we were driving through, and it took me a while to figure the scene outside the windows, but on either side, there were fields of sunflowers. The moon was playing hide-n-go seek in the clouds, and, aided by the bus’s headlights, I’d catch glimpses of individual flowers.

It was a long trip, and before too long, I drifted back to sleep. I slept a lot on that trip, in the days before cell phones and tablets, especially thru desolate landscape of Nebraska. But I ended up in the foothills of the Big Horn Mountains., so it was worth the trip.

I once came across a cluster of wild sunflowers in the mountains of Colorado after a rainstorm, their heads rotating to seek out the sunshine as the storm clouds moved away. I guess I’ve been honored to experience several versions of the answer.

Now I have returned to the rolling hills of Pennsylvania, where the trees can get in the way of the scenery. I don’t do much driving at night anymore, because my eyes aren’t as good as they used to be. But I love the soft sounds of the night. The quiet bird calls, the soft hum of insects, the whisper of the evening breeze. 

Back to the original question—a field of sunflowers or rolling hills? I’ve made my choice. How about our other authors? Check the links below to see what they choose.

Until next time, please stay safe. 

P.S. Don’t forget I will be at the Pleasantville PA Community Festival Aug 3-5. If you are joining the fun, stop by and say hi!

 

July 31, 2023

A field full of sunflowers on a bright morning? Or, rolling hills on a clear full moon night?

Rules:
1. Link your blog to this hop.
2. Notify your following that you are participating in this blog hop.
3. Promise to visit/leave a comment on all participants’ blogs.
4. Tweet/or share each person’s blog post. Use #OpenBook when tweeting.
5. Put a banner on your blog that you are participating.

 

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

 

Chug Chug! Puff Puff! Ding Ding! #OpenBook Blog Hop

  By Open Book

July 24, 2023

If you were a beloved children’s character, which one would you be?

There’s an entire world of beloved children’s characters that I know nothing about. Many have been added in the last decade. So, I am going to go old school. Really old school.

Sometimes, I’m the one everyone depends on. Getting things organized, making sure there’s food in the house, and bills get paid. Even when I’m burnt out, I keep pumping. Yep, I’m The Little Engine That Could.

The basis for the most popular version of the story was written in 1902, although the book most if us are familiar with was published in 1930. That predates even me. The story has gone through many revisions to bring it up-to-date, and I have, too.

Like the Little Engine, sometimes I get tired and want to give up, but with another Chug and Puff, somehow I keep going.

What children’s character are you? Tell us in the comments. And don’t forget to check out the other authors on this hop by following the links below.

As always, until next time, please stay safe.

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

 

July 24, 2023

If you were a beloved children’s character, which one would you be?

Rules:
1. Link your blog to this hop.
2. Notify your following that you are participating in this blog hop.
3. Promise to visit/leave a comment on all participants’ blogs.
4. Tweet/or share each person’s blog post. Use #OpenBook when tweeting.
5. Put a banner on your blog that you are participating.

 

 

My Dream Writing Space #OpenBook Blog Hop

  By Open Book

June 26, 2023

Describe what your dream writing space would look like.

There’s a log cabin with a wrap-around porch facing a lake near the top of a mountain. The bedroom-turned-office has a picture window facing the lake, and deer and elk wander by. Two of the walls are lined with bookshelves that are overflowing. My cup of hot chocolate never goes dry-at least, when I empty it, my husband brings me more. When it snows, the roads don’t close and the high-speed internet never goes down. Of course, the words flow like water in the springtime snowpack melt..

Okay, so that will never happen. But I’m pretty darn happy with what I have right now.

We’re living in a small town- more like a village-in the hills of Appalachia in northwestern PA. I have a room all to myself as an office. It’s on the second floor, and the two windows overlook our yard and the well-maintained empty lot next door. There are no elk, but deer drop by for a visit sometimes. Then, there is a nice assortment of birds. Plus, I’ve counted over fifteen varieties of wildflowers on the properties.

The room itself is comfy and peaceful. It’s like a warm blanket I can wrap up in on a chilly day. Everything I need is handy, from a bookshelf for reference materials and whatever books I am reading,  and a stereo for background music. The two windows face east, flooding the room with light on a sunny day.

Best part is the quiet. No constant sirens. Little traffic. It’s rare to hear an airplane. I can actually hear the birds sing.

Oh, and the internet connection, while not perfect, is somewhere between pretty darn good and excellent.

(I took this picture before I’d finished decorating, but this is close to what it looks like now- just add dragons.)

Words still aren’t flowing like the springtime snowmelt in the Rockies, but I’m moving along on my WIP.

To read bout more dream writing spaces, check out the other authors on this hop. Just follow the links below.

And, as always, please stay safe until the next time.

June 26, 2023

Describe what your dream writing space would look like.

Rules:
1. Link your blog to this hop.
2. Notify your following that you are participating in this blog hop.
3. Promise to visit/leave a comment on all participants’ blogs.
4. Tweet/or share each person’s blog post. Use #OpenBook when tweeting.
5. Put a banner on your blog that you are participating.

 

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

 

What Subjects Am I Good At? #OpenBook Blog Hop

  By Open Book

 

June 19, 2023

Besides writing, what other ‘subjects’ are you good at?

Now that I am retired, there are a lot of things I don’t care as much about as I used to. Math is one of those. I used to be a math whiz – I could do fairly complicated mathematical problems in my head. Now, my needs are more basic and I rely on a calculator for most of them. Shoot, the program I use for taking credit cards at book signings will calculate sales tax for me now, instead of me having to figure it out. I prefer making my prices a round number. That way I don’t have to deal with change!

On the other hand, I am learning and relearning skills I had when I was younger regarding gardening and nature. I never knew that robins sunbathe (It’s good for their wings) or that blue jays eat butterflies. But the butterflies know, because I’ve watched them try to hide when a blue jay is nearby. Other birds don’t like the blue jays either, and larger ones will chase them off.

Spring was a joy. I spent a lot of time wandering my yard to find out what new flowers popped up. At one point, I counted over fifteen varieties of wildflowers – and then I lost track. If you follow me on Instagram, I posted them on that platform. I don’t remember seeing that many kinds when I lived in this area growing up.

But the number one subject I’m getting better at? The art of relaxation.  I’m no subject matter expert yet, but I’m learning to take more moments to just breathe.

pink forget-me-nots

What subjects are the other writers on this blog good at? Find out by following the links below.

Until next time, please stay safe

June 19, 2023

Besides writing, what other ‘subjects’ are you good at?

Rules:
1. Link your blog to this hop.
2. Notify your following that you are participating in this blog hop.
3. Promise to visit/leave a comment on all participants’ blogs.
4. Tweet/or share each person’s blog post. Use #OpenBook when tweeting.
5. Put a banner on your blog that you are participating.

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter