Category Archives: Writer

NaNoWriMo, Writer, Writing frenzy

NaNoWriMo 2014

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November is approaching which for writers mean NaNoWriMo. Those not familiar with it the concept is simple. You are to write 50,000 words in one month. In 2011 I embarked on doing this frenzy for the first time. Without planning for this I had the amount of words needed to win by week three. I was thrilled and extremely tired. I ran myself ragged and ended up aggravating my illnesses. But I won.winner

In 2012 I decided to go for back to back wins and show that I can do this. I did a bit of planning this time around, though not much. By the 14th day I had written over 50,000 words and had won yet again.winner-180x180

I was extremely happy and proud of myself though knowing there would be no way to top it by less days. I told myself in 2013 I would go for the trifecta and get a three-peat. But something happened along the way from November 2012 to November 2013. My first book was picked up by a traditional publishing house. While the previous years I could easily put aside projects to do this November frenzy this year has been different.

My time has not really been my own. Especially since the book was released in September of this year. I really want to do NaNoWriMo. The main reason I do it is simple. I want to win. Anything else is unacceptable. This is something I have taken upon myself. I can make the effort and I feel positive it can be done but at what cost? My health has taken a dip in 2013 and apart from that other factors has climbed aboard the train of things I need to do and work on.

The books that won in 2011 and 2012 are still in the process of being revised and edited. To do yet another book seems crazy. But I still considered it. However my book needs my attention if I want it to do well. It needs for me to show it the love that I have given to Nano the last two years.

NaNoWriMo will still be there next November and the one after that. I can get my three-peat then.

Celebration, Published, Writer

My Coming Out Party: Author Style

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My launch celebration will be small. For until the books arrive for me to have book signings there is not much hoopla I can do. I chose to keep it light. I will be having lunch at a place in town I enjoy and raise a wine glass in the air as a way of saying, “Job well done, Sharon.” I have invited some writers from my groups, I have three, and some friends. I am sure what will ensue will be chatter, laughter and some good cheer and well wishes. Writers are awesome and as a norm are truly happen when one from the collective does well. I know I sure am when a fellow writer has taken the next step. It is a great fraternity to belong in. No dues required.

I can’t believe that on Saturday, Sept 7th, my book will be released. Something I have been working on for the last few years. Something that I have been determined and motivated to get done regardless of what obstacles has come my way. I was focused on having a publisher pick up my book. Those obstructions were just stepping-stones and learning opportunities. I never once entertained the thought my book was not going to be published.

As my mantra went, when I was submitting this novel, “ All I need is one yes, just one.” A phrase that I have taped to my monitor. I kept at it for one is such a low number there was bound to be someone who would love my book as much as I did. Someone who envisioned where I wanted it to go.

The time has arrived. The feelings are so amazing. I wish that for all of you who are writers. It can not be described accurately even for someone who writes. This is a major event in my life and I will enjoy it as much as I can.

Editor, Freedom, Writer

Editor:Why I Need One

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I know there are tons and tons of links about why authors need to get an editor. Today’s post is why I need one. I am fortunate to have an amazing woman as my editor. She works tirelessly fixing my bunch of words to where they sparkle.  I will be perfectly honest. I am not a fan of commas. I don’t know where to put them with accuracy. I wrote once on my FB something along the line to how I was sure glad as punch that she knew where they went for I sure as hell did not. I don’t. Something so simple but if you do it wrong it will completely mess up a paragraph, page and eventually a chapter if you make enough mistakes.

I am not always sure when to make a chapter break. I get these right a good portion of the time but not always. Nancy will swoop in and leave in the margins where one should be and I am grateful for that.  There has been times I have not made any chapters at all. A great example of this was NaNoWriMo 2012 where I have 60k plus works but no chapters. I did separate them so it did not look like a hot mess. The sad part is I am still adding to this story I fear what it will look like when I am finally done and have to hand it over to her. I will do my best to separate it where it should be. I had gotten so wrapped up in this story, I wrote the required 50k words in two weeks.  I just wrote and wrote not caring about editing but about the words.

Nancy has spoiled me plan and simple. She lets me be an author without worrying about edits as I am writing down the latest story or MS. Knowing that about her I can be free and just work on my craft. I know a lot of editors heck majority of editors would probably kick me to the curb and say I need to find someone else. At which point I would have to man up and do a better job.

She has polished my query letter and my MS so well that publishing houses even in the rejection letters are saying how polish my work is in content, yeah me, and in edit which is yeah Nancy.  We make a good team. She allows me to write without worry about what I am going to do after. I am so grateful for her. I hope my fellow writers have a great person in their corner. It truly makes a huge difference in where I started to where I am at now.