All posts by NewEngland_Muse

I'm a traditionally and self published author. I write in the genre of children and YA at the moment but working my way up to adults. I'm a sports loving, photo taking gal who loves to sing/dance to my own enjoyment. I love to laugh even at myself. I am also owned by 8 birds and 2 hamsters, and yes they know it. :)
2014, Resolutions, Writing goals

2014:Writing Resolutions

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It is now 2014 and the start of a new journey. Last year was pretty amazing as I learned and grew as an author. But there is so much more to do and so much more to discover. It’s a marathon not a sprint as the saying goes. Which brings us to the art of making a list of things to improve on. Resolutions are made every year. It varies how long I’m able to maintain them. I have never made one for writing. This year it will be different.

I will try to:

1. Revise Jasper 2

2. Write Jasper 3

3. Edit my NaNo book from 2011, “ A Woman of Color” which is a true story.

4. To cross promote with other authors as we help each other get the word out

5. To write at least 3-4 days a week. It may only be a paragraph but it is one more than I had the day before. I’m realistic. November is bad enough as it is when it comes to NaNoWriMo and that is a wear and tear that I willingly put myself through. But for the other months I will be happy with 3-4 days a week.

That makes five which is probably a few too much. I will be happy if I can accomplish at least three. For if I do so it means I was writing, a hobby turned craft, and a state of mind that I am very happy to be in.

May you all have a great 2014 as it starts to develops in your lives in a way that no one can see coming, until it has passed you by.

2013, Author

2013: My Writing Journey

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The year 2013 will soon be behind us. It’s time to reflect on how it treated us and to gather new hopes and dreams for 2014. I was fortunate as an author, 2013 was my best year since I started this venture.

March– My book, “Jasper, Amazon Parrot: A Rainforest Adventure” was picked up by a publisher.

April– Attended a conference in Wadesboro which left me with contacts.

May– I released my short story, “Root Canal” which was my first attempt at self publishing.

September– My book was released on the market.

November– Volunteered at a writer’s conference in town. The first of its kind.

November– I received my first royalty check as an author.

November– I completed NaNoWriMo successfully for the third straight year

November– I was one of seven people in my county to win a literary grant from the local arts council.

December– The Wonder Chicks, a writing group I formed, released the anthology, “Dragons In The

Attic” which was amazing.

December– My book, “Jasper, Amazon Parrot: A Rainforest Adventure was featured with local artists at a small theater in town. The new project for them.

My Jasper has been sold in Denmark, England, Scotland and the US. The reviews have made me feel I did good when it comes to this book. I’m not sure how I can improve on this. What I do now is I won’t be slowing down. My projects for 2014 that I know of are:

-Edit and revise the sequel to my Jasper series

-Edit and revise my NaNoWriMo book that won in 2011

-Start writing volume three to my Jasper series

-Release my true story, “Squirrel Mafia” in Feb/March

-………………(Always have writing projects)

I will be attending a conference in February and April if all goes according to plans and possibly one in November if funding comes through. I’m not sure about NaNoWriMo for I have three books that have won and are all waiting impatiently for me to edit them for submission. I will see as November comes closer.

It has been a hectic year between health issues, family, and life in general. But it has been amazing when I think of how far I have come and how fortunate I have been. Oddly it took all of this for me to say to myself. “You’re an author.” And for me to actually believe it.

Marketing, Published, Writing

Marketing: Small Places

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When you’re starting out as an author the idea of marketing yourself, whether you are self published or traditionally published, can get a bit scary. One has to think of anything that can help. A local theater in town is now hosting local writers in their lobby. All that is required is a few copies of one’s book and a framed picture. Fortunately I knew one of the actress who is also a fellow author. I was able to showcase my book for a few weeks to the patrons of the arts.

This is a different avenue and one that would never have come across my desk if I didn’t know my friend. But it just shows to think outside the box and don’t strictly go with conventional marketing. Every piece that can give the opportunity to show your works should be considered, even the ones that you have not thought of yet.