Monday 30 March 2015













Alluring Song coming Spring 2015!

Wonderful Opportunity!

On Friday I had the wonderful opportunity to speak to J.L. Drake, author of Broken. She is the first author I've had the privilege to speak to about the journey into the published world.

She took the time out of her very busy schedule to give me invaluable information and guidance. It was an amazing opportunity and she was extremely helpful.

I just downloaded Broken and look forward to reading it!!

Friday 27 March 2015

Happy!

Now that I sent my manuscript off, I am a very happy girl. My theme song today definitely has to be "Happy" by Pharrell Williams.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y6Sxv-sUYtM

Top of the world! I think I deserve some chocolate now ;)
...and yes I am a nerd :)

Next Step

I just sent my manuscript to my editor!

I went through it again from beginning to end before I gave it to him. This time I only made minor adjustments. Though, I think I could read through it a hundred times and still find something to correct or change. I'm so nervous and I want it to be perfect.

Thursday 26 March 2015

Music Inspiration

I love when I see a book that has a list of songs that provided inspiration to the writer. I always have music on when I write. I find it invokes more emotion and passion into my words.

One day I would actually like to write a book inspired by Ed Sheeran's song "Give Me Love"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FOjdXSrtUxA
Love this song!

Wednesday 25 March 2015

Left Brain, Right Brain















I am fairly confident I spend most of my time using the right side of my brain. It is simply more beautiful.

My left brain only kicks in when necessary :)

Tuesday 24 March 2015

Benefit of an ebook

Even though I still enjoy reading a good old fashion book, there are many great things about ebooks. One is the fact that no one can tell when you are reading smut. No more trying to hide naked people on the cover of your book when reading in public...we can be sneaky ;)
Have you ever read a book and completely fallen in love? I have, many times. I love books and the freedom your imagination gives you to put your own perspective into play.

I am excited for the possibility that someone will read my book and fall in love!

I am biased because I created all my characters but I love everyone of them, even the dark twisted Prince that craves blood and demise. A good story always needs some dark to set off the light.

Monday 23 March 2015

Unpublished

An unpublished writer is someone with a hobby to the rest of the world. You do not gain any credit until you are validated by having something published.

I want that validation. Want it! I want it so that after spending countless hours pouring myself into the words I write, I will be able to hold my book in my hands, and prove to myself that I can do it. I want to be able to look that doubt in the face that has been hovering over me this entire process and say "I told you so!"


Friday 20 March 2015

May is the month!

I am optimistic that May is going to be the month that I send my ebook off into the world. I can actually visualize the finish line for this goal. Hopefully, this will only be one of many adventures I will take part in as I continue as an Author.  A few months ago this process was so new to me. I was completely in the dark, with no direction. The first time for everything can be scary because there are so many unknown factors involved. When I first started this process I read so many things online that it made my head spin but with persistence pieces started to fall into place.

One of the most beautiful things about people is that there is always someone willing to offer help to those who need it. If you put yourself out there you will get a response, sometimes it takes a little searching but you will find it. There are so many wonderful people that lend a hand to those who reach out.


Along with my editor, who I am very excited to work with, I have also found a very talented graphic designer that is going to make my book cover look beautiful! I am so excited to be on this journey.

Tuesday 17 March 2015

Mistakes Aspiring Creative Writers Make


I came across this list today. I am only knowingly making one of these 10 mistakes, #9. I have not actually taken a writing course or read a book about fiction writing...Oops. Out of the 10, it may possibly be the most important. Good thing I don't always like to play by the rules or this may be discouraging :)

Monday 16 March 2015

Yay! Feedback

I received some very encouraging feedback for my novel. A few minor things were brought to my attention that I'm going to address as I give my manuscript a final polish. My plan is to hand it over to a professional editor by April 1st. I found a wonderful editor who has agreed to take on the challenge of getting my book ready for the publishing stage.

So for the next two weeks, I am breaking out the scissors and glue and taking my book back to the art table for a few final modifications. Then I will hand it over to my editor to work his magic.

Friday 13 March 2015

Patience


Well...progress on my Alluring Song novel is temporarily out of my hands.

While I am waiting for the next step, I am brainstorming the outline for my new novel. My mind refuses to let me have downtime after completing my book. I already am lying awake at night developing characters and plots. No rest for the wicked ;)

Though, I don't want to get ahead of myself. Once I get some feedback I most likely will still have some polishing to do on Alluring Song. 

This stage of the game is new to me. I am uncertain and excited about what the future holds.

Tuesday 10 March 2015

Leading By Example

When I decided that I was going to invest time into my writing, taking it from a beloved hobby into something I could actively pursue as a possible career endeavour, I had no idea that it would have such a positive effect on my children.

Until recently my writing has always been done when I had spare time. After I sent my children off to school, started the laundry, cleaned, grocery shopping, planned meals, organized schedules... I would not sit down until I knew everything else was taken care of. I am a perfectionist when it comes to running my household and at first it was a struggle to let things go a bit so I could invest the time needed. I felt guilty allowing myself to devote that much time into something just for me, when I had a family to think about.

Once I decided I needed to do this, allowing myself to explore something I had entertained in my mind for as long as I could remember, I found the time. I made the time. Now, I wonder why I did not do it sooner. I am excited with the possibilities that lay before me and am happier because of it.

I can see my own excitement reflected in my children. My boys ask me about my book all the time. My oldest son even wrote his own book, complete with wonderful pictures. It made me so proud when I saw him put so much time and effort into it. My daughter told me the other day that I was her role model! For anyone who has a teenage daughter that is a rare and valuable treasure.

Even if this path does not lead me to success, the benefits have already made it all worth while. My children can see me following my heart. The best thing we can do as parents is lead by example.


Monday 9 March 2015

Done!

I have finally completed the lengthy process of chopping, modifying and restructuring my novel to a finished product that I am confident will transfer in the minds of the readers.

I cannot begin to even express the feeling of excitement when I finished. I am pretty sure I scared my cat when I screamed out in victory :)

This is not the first book that I have written to completion but it is the first time I have spent so much time grooming the finished product to a point I feel confident taking to the next step.

Now I am ready for reviews! I need to get some feedback before I can entertain self-publishing.



 

Almost Showtime

I started the weekend with the delusional belief that I would be able to steal away for a few hours and finish the last few touches on my novel. I came so close on Friday, just a handful of pages left. Needless to say that after hockey, birthday parties, errands...It did not get done. By the time I sat down in front of my computer after my children went to sleep, I did not have the brain power to even read let alone try and edit the finale of my book. It is too important to me to force my way through when I know it would not be my best.

I am so close to the finish line now for this stage in the process. Today I am focused and making it happen.

Friday 6 March 2015

Good Progress

I am unstoppable today. It's one of those days when I sit down and actually feel like I am making substantial progress. I love being productive. I have not moved from this spot since my children left for school, other than to refill my cup.
I lost count of how many teas I have consumed so far but don't worry, I switched to decafe :)

Can't Stop Rewriting!

This is what I feel like! I had originally planned to have all my own editing done today. There are a few wonderful people that have offered to read my book for me and give much desired feedback. I desperately want feedback!...but I want it to be the best it can be so it is taking me longer than I had originally planned. I'm almost there, I just want it to be perfect!
Oh and there is also the fact that I keep getting interrupted from my progress...who do these children think I am, there mother? :))

Thursday 5 March 2015

Slow But Steady

I am a complete nerd when it comes quotes. I love how a handful of words can invoke so much emotion, understanding and/or motivation. 
This quote describes perfectly what I am doing to my novel. I have finished restructuring the majority of my book now. As I read through it I have to pretend someone else wrote it so I can see what is actually on the page and not what I believe is there. There are so many elements involved in formulating a complete idea that it is important to make sure that I do not leave any holes in the story line. All of the characters I have created are so clear in my mind, I need to make sure I project that vision into words for readers. Slow but steady personifies my progress.

Wednesday 4 March 2015

Thank you

I want to say thank you to everyone who has taken the time to read my blog. Your comments are very encouraging and keep me motivated. Your support means a lot.

Tuesday 3 March 2015

Finding My Voice Took Time

Aging is beautiful, I love how dynamic we become as we get older. How life experience has a way of shaping us into pieces of art, we slowly become better versions of ourselves as we learn from our mistakes and gain knowledge. When we are born we are like a blank canvas, every memory is like a stroke of a brush until one day we can look at ourselves and really appreciate the beauty of what we have become.

One of the things I like about myself as I get older is the confidence I have gained. I no longer fear the opinions of others or the rejection that my writing may receive as I continue forward. I appreciate the good as well as the bad. I choose what I let affect me. I have a better understanding of the differentiating views of people. We all have so much history that shapes us into who we become, none of it makes us any better than the other, just unique. Life is an emotional journey and I have gotten a lot of things wrong along the way but what is most important is that I achieve my goals.

It may have taken many years but I finally found my voice in my writing. I found a way that I can express myself to the world. I hope I can inspire others to have confidence in their abilities, to take a leap of faith and belief in themselves, and of course, entertain them with my stories :)


Monday 2 March 2015

Getting My Book Ready To Share

You know when you are getting ready for a first date, you take your time picking out an outfit that makes you look irresistible, style your hair just right, take your time applying make up so it is flawless. Every detail is important, even adding a little shimmer to you skin should not be overlooked. It's all about the details to make sure your first impression is perfect. Even after spending all that time primping you still have to double check that everything is just so.

That is exactly how I feel about my book. I am putting lots of effort into getting it ready for the perfect first impression. Although, I think I could go over it countless times and still find something to tweak or change but eventually the time comes when your date arrives and you have to hope for the best.

Sunday 1 March 2015

Cover Page

I am making changes to my cover page. There is something I want to add to make it portray the book better. When I get it done I will post the revised version.

A Definition of a Writer

I found this definition today and it made me laugh. If I think about how much tea I consume as I sit in front of my computer screen letting the creative thoughts flow, it's crazy.