Fourteen poems for Valentine

My main focus recently has been job hunting as I was made redundant on 13 February 2017.  I didn't want to lose touch with my writing so I set myself a challenge for Valentine day. 

The Challenge

Starting from 14 February 2017, for fourteen days, I would post a love poem.  It involved reading some of my old work and editing to publish one each day.  I posted the poems to Wattpad. 

I discovered poems I had forgotten about.  Some of these, I am really proud of and others just needed a little editing (and some were so cringe worthy that we shall not speak of). 

Next year, I plan to set myself the challenge again and I plan on creating more poetry books in future.

Click here if you'd like to read the 2017 Valentine edition.

Organising Writing

The unexpected reward was how amazing it felt to organise my work.  I've written so much, in various stages of edits, it is hard to keep track of it all. Sorting them into a novel and posting online not only enables me to get the feedback I need but also is an easy way of organising my work.

I have written so much that my MS Office OneDrive has exceeded the space limit!  I remember my IT Department thinking I was nuts when I said I need to buy a 128gb USB to free up space on my computer by moving my writing. 

If anyone has any tips on how to organise writing (with multiple versions), please let me know. 

The Habit Of Writing

The new year is a time when many people stop to reflect on the past year and make plans for the year ahead.  They quit anything that is not adding value to their life and set goals to achieve their aspiration.

For me, my goal was to write more.

1. To keep on track you need a plan.
2. You break your overall goal into realistic steps.
3. You reflect throughout the year at suitable intervals
4. You adjust your plan when required

Many people give up when they  feel like they've failed but just because you didn't meet a target doesn't mean you failed.  Reflect on what went wrong and how you can approach it differently.  Most importantly, if you really want to succeed, never give up.

Many writers struggle to find the time they need to dedicate to their writing.  Often, this is because they have other full time commitments in their life.  I combat this by allocating an hour a day for my writing  (8pm to 9pm).  It might not sound like much but it is better than nothing.

Even so, real life can still get in the way.  Today, my writing time went to an emergency waiting room to check my son didn't have Meningitis - he didn't *phew*.  Sometimes I'm tired after work, my husband wants to spend time with me, I'm ill or I want to socialise.  Despite all the demands of my life, I never give up.

January, I set myself the target to write a chapter a day.  When I've not been able to I've tried to make up for it the next day (writing two chapters).  I wondered if the target was too ambitious and then I remembered, I set it to try and get myself into the habit of allowing myself time to write and to write more.  When I look at what I've achieved this month, I've written a lot, so it worked.

If you ever feel like your not achieving your goals, remember to keep going.  If you keep trying you have a better chance of success than if you just quit.

Drift is complete?

Finally, January 2017, I think Drift is complete.  I started writing it in December 2009.  I remember the way the story grabbed my imagination and I had to write it.  I woke early, went to bed late and snuck around like I was having an affair so my husband didn't catch me 'writing again'.  

Then I edited it, got friends and people online to read it, followed their feedback and edited some more.  Then, in the summer of 2010, I sent it out to agents. 

Luckily, I got some interest but it never went any further. Now, looking back at it, I can clearly see why it didn't get published. 

I've always loved writing but this novel will always be special.  It is the first one I believed good enough to seek publication.

For me editing was a real chore.  It killed my passion to write as I began overthinking every paragraph, sentence and word.  The skills required for editing are very different to those used to produce a raw draft. 

I attended local workshops, writers groups, networked online and attended speakers at Felixstowe Book Festival.  I paid for online courses like Write Story Books for Children and Curtis Brown's Start Writing Your Novel.  All in the hope that I could improve my writing and get Drift finished to a suitable standard. 

Finally, January 2017, I think my new polished version of Drift is finally good enough... 
Although, one thing I have learnt from the experience is to leave it a few weeks and then view it again with fresh eyes.  Tomorrow, I might see a need to edit again.

To read Drift, please visit Wattpad:  https://www.wattpad.com/story/69950568-drift-book-1-of-the-merallo-series


In this 'fishy tail' Mariah's complicated love life is just the 'spark' of her troubles!

One kiss is all it took to wake Mariah's storm summoning powers.

"Don't kiss him!"  Warned Gwyn, a famous psychic.  But fate has a funny way of making things happen that even magic cannot stop. 

Mariah is crushing on her best friend Jace who has a hot new girlfriend.  The hot new girlfriend's brother is Murray the swim team star and Mariah's rival.  With an unusual offer from Murray she has the chance to ruin the blossoming romance.

But, with no idea she's a mermaid, strange things begin to happen and soon Mariah is shooting off a storm.  Can she gain control of her powers before someone gets hurt or worse?

Is it only me?

Throughout my life and in everything I do, I worry about being judged.  What will they think of me?  

This is the hardest part of writing.  You want to be well received but the only way to learn if what you are doing is right or wrong is to put your work out there for criticism or praise.  

At work, during my lunch break, I have a good half hour where I could get on with my writing but paranoia kicks in.  What if somebody sees what I'm writing? I imagine people laughing behind my backs at the soppy lines in a romance or thinking I need to be locked up for a dark and twisty horror.  

At home, there are so many distractions during the day.  My toddler demanding my attention and a ton of housework that is constantly put off.  Then in the evenings, I am either shattered or feel I should invest sometime in my husband because... Well, if we didn't want to spend time together then we may as well be divorced.  On top of that I try to fit my friends in.  It doesn't leave much scope in my schedule for writing.  

I don't know about you but once I finally sit at a computer i find that a distraction in itself. My online friends pop up on instant messenger and I start researching to get facts right or build inspiration.  I can spend a good 20 minutes choosing a character name or over an hour on a book cover.  Then there is re-reading what I last wrote to get myself back into the story and next I catch myself editing and cutting stuff out!  If I get the chance to write, I could end up with less text than I started!  

Maybe it all still counts as writing.  It's all part of the process but if just doesn't feel productive.  

I wonder if other writers suffer the same lack of confidence that I do.  If they too are shy of people knowing about their passion and imagination.  Do they find themselves desperate to write but conflicted by other commitments and lost to procrastination.  

Writing is a lonely hobbie.  I've joined several social communities but feel like a fraud to admit my struggles. Like I've failed before even getting published.  I never approach the subject with them and they never raise it either.  Maybe they feel ashamed too and fear the torches and pitch forks if they were ever discovered.  But it leaves me wondering "Is it only me?"

Writing Experiment

When I started Drift in December 2010 I found WeBook to be incredibly active.  It was my first experience of an online writing community.  The feedback I received on the project was extremely useful and motivating.  Once my manuscript was complete, I worked on editing to get it suitable to send out to agents/publishers.  After polishing it up, I hoped to get feedback again on what required further improving.  Each time I returned, there was less and less activity.

Is it because I no longer have the same volume of free time to dedicate to the community so my contacts have waned.

OR

Is it because readers have moved on to other websites that are more in tune with their evolving needs such as those with mobile applications.  

I decided to conduct an experiment starting from the first Bank Holiday in May to the last. 

I have picked four websites to post my writing to.  These sites are:

WeBook

Figment

Wattpad

Movella

Each day I aim to contribute at least 500 words to the project.

Each site has the same novel image, the same blurb and the same chapters. The chapters are uploaded almost simultaneously.  

The goal is to identify which website is most active and achieves the best outcome (i.e feedback). 

At the end of the experiment I will share my findings and review the four sites.  

In addition, I finally will have started a novel I've been wanting to write for years but never been sure how to begin.  

Word Count

Story Length 

Word count is extremely important, especially for novels.  It is generally not profitable for a publisher to produce a book that is twice the average size and will take up twice the average space in a store.  If your story is outside the standard length then you best have a good reason.  Generally, the only writers that can get away with breaking the rules are authors that have a fan base (i.e. longer for sequels). 

It is important to establish the correct word count for your writing project.  You can determine this by the type of story you are writing.  See the table below:

Novel Length

In addition, genre can influence the expected word count.  Agents who specialise in your genre will have up-to-date information on the current word count trend as these figures can fluctuate.  

 

Children's fiction will have different word counts depending on the age of the reader.

Chapter Length

The truth is that there is no rule on how long a chapter should be. You should write until the chapter comes to a natural end.  Most novels have on average 30 to 40 chapters and an average length of 2,500 words.  However, use common sense when deciding on the length. 

Keep in mind that many agents will request to view the first three chapters of your novel.  Therefore it is always important to make sure these initial chapters are edited well to grab their attention but you also need to keep a careful eye on the length.  If the chapters are too long then they won't have time to read them to see if you are worth investing in.  If the chapters are too short then they won't get a decent feel for the book.   
Here is some excellent advice quoted from Writing World (link at the bottom):

"Page Counts: In most cases, industry standard preferred length is 250 words per page... so a 400 page novel would be at about 100,000 words. If you want to see what size book is selling in your genre, take a look on the shelves. If the average length is 300 pages, you're looking at a 75,000 word manuscript (approximately)"

Therefore, it is a good idea to find an already published novel that you feel has the same target audience as you book (i.e. genre and age group). Then calculate number of pages * 250 = approximate word count

Links

Please see below some useful sites that I read for this article:  

• http://www.writersdigest.com/editor-blogs/guide-to-literary-agents/word-count-for-novels-and-childrens-books-the-definitive-post
• http://theswivet.blogspot.co.uk/2008/03/on-word-counts-and-novel-length.html
• http://writeforkids.org/2014/02/understanding-childrens-book-genres/
• http://www.writing-world.com/fiction/length.shtml
• http://litreactor.com/columns/ask-the-agent-your-novel-word-count-guide-and-more

Groupon - Write Story Books for Children

A groupon for an online writing course came up.  The voucher only cost £12.  If I paid for the course in full it would normally cost £249.  That's a whopping £237 saving!

I've always wanted to do a writing course but what has put me off ins the past is the price and I'm unsure whether I would have the time.  Twelve pounds is a much easier amount to afford and not such a huge waste of money if I discover that it is not suitable for me.

The Write Story Books for Children online course had the following 12 modules:

1. Introduction to writing children's story books
2. Age groups and story types
3. Choosing and developing your setting
4. Developing credible characters
5. Writing dialogue
6. Plotting, storyline and theme
7. Writing for the under sevens
8. Writing for seven to twelve year olds
9. Writing for teenagers
10. Writing fantasy and science fiction
11. Writing non-fiction
12. Writing drama and screenplays

The course is very flexible.  You can start when you like and work at your own pace.  I'm hoping to find time to do at least one module a month.  The website is easy to log in and navigate.  You can even download an app for the iPad (if you have one).

Course Review - Only completed module 1 so far!
I wasn't sure what to expect when I gave module one a go.  It was much more in depth than I expected.  A lot of what I read were things I already knew.  Still, it was good to refresh my memory and build on my knowledge.

At the end of the module, I had to take a short multiple choice test.  I was disappointed that I only scored 80%.  It was still a pass but this is my passion so I had been striving for perfection.  However, I must admit I hadn't been making notes or taking it that seriously. I was just bumbling a long to get a feel for the course.  I will put more effort into the other units as I now realise that this isn't a flyby course.  I was able to review my wrong answers which was enlightening.

After passing the module, I was excited to progress onto the next module but decided it was best to wait until another day to dedicate more time to it.  Fingers crossed, if I do it properly I can achieve a perfect score next time.   In addition, as I've thought it over I have been compelled to re-read module one, more than once.  There is just so much information to think about.

There is also more reading resources available to students too that are separate from the course.  The wealth of information available on the site it extensive.

If you see a groupon for this course it is worth so much more than the cost.  The first module covered so much content that it alone was worth the money paid.  If someone was delivering that one module locally as one day course, I suspect they'd charge a lot more than £12.  I feel so lucky that I got this groupon.

The biggest challenge will be finding the time.  I've already learnt so much and can't wait to start module 2.  I am so pleased I treated myself to this course.

http://www.groupon.co.uk/
http://www.writestorybooksforchildren.com/

Dead Man's Hand

Please come back in September to see my interview with Luke Murphy on his journey to publication.  He is the first author I have featured on my blog.

If you are a published author and willing to share your experience, then please let me know.  I would love to hear from you.

In the meantime, please go check out Luke's début novel... 

Dead Man's Hand

What happens when the deck is stacked against you…

From NFL rising-star prospect to wanted fugitive, Calvin Watters is a sadistic African-American Las Vegas debt-collector framed by a murderer who, like the Vegas Police, finds him to be the perfect fall-guy.

…and the cards don't fall your way?

When the brutal slaying of a prominent casino owner is followed by the murder of a well-known bookie, Detective Dale Dayton is thrown into the middle of a highly political case and leads the largest homicide investigation in Vegas in the last twelve years.

What if you're dealt a Dead Man's Hand?

Against his superiors and better judgment, Dayton is willing to give Calvin one last chance. To redeem himself, Calvin must prove his innocence by finding the real killer, while avoiding the LVMPD, as well as protect the woman he loves from a professional assassin hired to silence them.

Short Bio:

Luke Murphy lives in Shawville, Quebec with his wife, three daughters and pug.

He played six years of professional hockey before retiring in 2006. Since then, he’s held a number of jobs, from sports columnist to radio journalist, before earning his Bachelor of Education degree (Magna Cum Laude).

Murphy`s debut novel, Dead Man`s Hand, was released by Imajin Books on October 20, 2012.

For more information on Luke and his books, visit: www.authorlukemurphy.com, ‘like’ his Facebook page www.facebook.com/#!/AuthorLukeMurphy and follow him on Twitter www.twitter.com/#!/AuthorLMurphy

 

Review Blurbs:

"You may want to give it the whole night, just to see how it turns out."

—William Martin, New York Times bestselling author of The Lincoln Letter

"Dead Man's Hand is a pleasure, a debut novel that doesn't read like one,

but still presents original characters and a fresh new voice."

—Thomas Perry, New York Times bestselling author of Poison Flower

"Part police procedural, part crime fiction, Dead Man's Hand is a fast, gritty ride."

—Anne Frasier, USA Today bestselling author of Hush

Interview with Luke Murphy

Author Luke Murphy was kind enough to let me interview him about his debut novel Dead Man's Hand to give an insight into his experience trying to get published:

• What inspired you to write Dead Man's Hand?

I never thought much about writing when Iwas growing up but I was always an avid reader, which Iowe to my mother. She was a librarian, and although I lost her when I wasyoung, I will always remember a stack of Danielle Steele books on her bedsidetable, and a lot of books lying around the house at my disposal.

My first chapter books were the Hardy Boystitles, so they are the reason I love mysteries. As an adult, some of myfavorite authors are Harlan Coben, Michael Connelly and Greg Iles, so naturallyI write what I love to read – mystery/suspense novels. DEAD MAN`S HAND has beencompared to James Patterson books, which to me is an honour. Maybe in style(short chapters, a quick read), as I have read many of his books.

Plot: I get my ideas from stories I hearabout, whether through reading (newspapers, magazines, etc.), what I hear(radio) or what I see (TV, movies, internet, etc.). The plot is completelyfictional. I wouldn't say that one thing or person influences my writing, but avariety of my life experiences all have led to my passion in the written word.There is not a single moment in time when this idea came to be, butcircumstances over the years that led to this story: my hockey injuries,frequent visits to Las Vegas, my love of football, crime books and movies. DeadMan’s Hand became real from mixing these events, taking advantage of experts intheir field, and adding my wild imagination. The internet also provides awealth of information, available at our fingertips with a click of the mouse.

Setting: I usually set my stories in citiesI`ve visited and fell in love with. Las Vegas was the perfect backdrop for thisstory, glitz and glamour as well as an untapped underground.

Characters: I have never been involved in ahomicide investigation, LOL. Although I am not a 6’5”, 220 poundAfrican-American, I’ve used much of my athletic background when creating myprotagonist Calvin Watters. Watters past as an athlete, and his emotionalroller coaster brought on by injuries were drawn from my experiences. His motherdied of cancer when he was young, as mine was. There are certainly elements ofmyself in Calvin, but overall, this is a work of fiction. I did not base thecharacters or plot on any real people or events. Any familiarities are strictlycoincidence.

I’ve always been a self-motivated person,and my harshest critic. Whether it was in school, hockey or writing, I’ve beenthe one to put the most pressure on myself to succeed, to be the best ineverything I try.

• What was the most difficult part in trying to get published?

Every step of the way, through the wholepublishing journey, is a challenge.

Step one: writing that great novel. Manypeople have actually started writing novels, but very few finish. So congratulateyourself, you have done something that most people only think about doing. Toactually have the patience, persistence and determination to complete amanuscript is a huge accomplishment. It’s time consuming and sometimes justplain discouraging. Kudos.

Step two: finding that agent who will sellyour book. Talk about a long process. Query letter after query letter, rejection after rejection, it seems like there is no light at the end of thetunnel. But you have to stay positive and truly believe that there is someoneout there who will fall in love with your book and writing. The key is toresearch which agent is looking for what, and be at the right place at the righttime. To be honest, there is some luck involved.

Step three: finding a publisher to printyour book. If you were lucky enough to find an agent to represent your work,way to go, you’re halfway home. Signing an agent doesn’t guarantee youpublication, but it sure makes life easier. Now you just have to wait it out,and trust me, this can be agonizing. Let your agent do the work, just startwriting that next book.

The main thing is to be patient. It can betough. You’re excited about your book and you want to see it in print, but itall takes time. I started writing DEAD MAN’S HAND in 2005, and it was releasedin October 2012. That’s seven years of waiting, but man, has it been worth it.

So if you think that one month you’ve beenwaiting since sending out query letters is a long wait, just think of my sevenyear publishing journey.

Nowadays, for me, the most difficult thingabout writing has nothing to do with actual writing (ideas, flow, writer`sblock, etc.), but it`s finding the time.

Between teaching and tutoring, with threesmall children and a wife at home, finding the time to sit down at a computerand have serious, quality writing time is almost impossible.

But I love my girls and spending qualitytime with them is a great feeling. I wouldn’t give up my games ofring-around-the-rosie and duck-duck-goose for anything in the world. It justputs writing my next novel behind a bit.

• Obviously, playing for theNational Hockey League helped with writing the weekly sports column.  Do you feel that playing for the NHL hasgifted you with experiences that have benefited your fiction writing?

The term “practice makes perfect” canbasically relate to anything you do. Hockey and writing are no different.  Many people might not see a connectionbetween writing and hockey, but there are many similarities in not only yourpreparation, but “musts” once you’re there.

In both hockey and writing, you need threethings: patience, persistence and thick skin.

My transition from professional hockeyplayer to published author was surprisingly smooth.  They have have many things in common.  For both, it takes hard work and practice.There are many critics, and you need to be thick-skinned. Both the hockey andwriting worlds are small communities, filled with people who want to help yousucceed. In order to find success, in both you need to be persistent andconfident.

•       Your website says that yourtrue love is fiction.  Would you say thatwriting for your local newspaper helped you get recognised by agents/publishersas a professional writer?

I don’t think my column helped me getnoticed by agents and publishers, but it probably added to the credibility ofmy writing. I wrote for a very small, rural newspaper with a small circulation,so I don’t think the “big boys” in NYC saw it. But it did give me the chance towrite every day, which has certainly benefited my writing, allowing me thetime and practice to hone my craft.

• You are clearly an ambitiousperson who never gives up on their dreams. Have you got any tips to helpwriters battling the slush pile and getting rejections?

Get a part-time job to pay the bills(ha ha). Just kidding. Honestly, for anyone who wants to be a writer, you needto have three things: patience, determination and thick skin. You can`t letanyone or anything get in the way of your ultimate goal. You will hear a lot of“no`s”, but it only takes one “yes”. The writing industry is a slow-movingmachine, and you need to wait it out. Never quit or give up on your dreams.

•  Holding qualifications inmarketing and education, you seem to be in a suitable position to teach us howto promote our writing.  What lessons wouldyou like to share?

A platform is crucial for a writer thesedays. I hate to say it, but sometimes your platform is more important than thequality of your writing. Just look at how many celebrities are having bookspublished.

Once my publishing contract was signed,then the real work began, building my “platform”. I knew that when I signed onwith a smaller publisher that the bulk of the promotion load would fall on myshoulders, and I accepted that.

I did four things quickly: created my ownwebsite, started a blog, and opened a Facebook page and Twitter account.

Now, I have been fortunate to have had manyjobs in my life, jobs that have created interest in not only myself, but what Ido.

Here are some things I did next:

• Iscribed a letter to all of my email contacts (2500) and all of my FB friends(2500).
• Iscribed a letter for all of the media outlets (radio, TV, print) in the citieswhere I played hockey, or have contacts. One of the benefits of playingprofessional hockey was that I went through a lot of interviews withpersonalities in all forms of media.
• Ipicked out the site for my launch party and spoke with the owner about it.
• Iplayed hockey for teams and leagues all over North America, creating a fan basein a variety of cities, and also worked in hockey camps, so I already had somefollowers that I contacted.
• Iwas a reporter on the radio for a couple of years after retiring from hockey,and my radio reporting was a presence on the web as well as in radio.
• Mysports column (2006-2009), Overtime, which was a main feature in The PontiacEquity, not only had a following but helped in writing concise and excitingprose.
• Icomposed a list of local stores for potential book signings
• Icompiled a list of local stores to sell my book
• I started creating relationships on theinternet through Facebook and Twitter. I met not only authors, but fans of thegenres I write.  

When my book was released in October, 2012,I felt I had a solid foundation to stand on, but I still had a long way to go.

I contacted media for interviews, held booksignings, joined shows and blog toured. I contacted anyone who wrote a blog andasked about being a guest. I joined Pinterest, Linkedin, and Google +, as wellas sites created to support Indie authors. I did anything I could to get myname out there and get my book in front of readers.

My publisher set up special promotionswhere my book was FREE on Amazon for certain periods of time. All of this wasdone to increase my following, and expand the awareness of my book on aworldwide scale. This will hopefully lead to future sales with not only mydébut novel, but subsequent books if I’ve fortunate enough to write more.

I’ve been happy with the result thus far,but I don’t have anything to compare it to. I feel that the more books I write,the more success I will have. The more I get out there, the more excitement andinterest is garnered.

It’s a marathon, not a sprint. J

• Have you got any advice on whatpotential authors should do or should look out for?

Times are changing. Guilty as charged,okay, I admit it, I don’t have an ereader. There is just something aboutholding a book in my hands, the smell and the feel. I can’t explain it but forme I love holding an actual book. That being said, I sell a ton more ebooksthan I do paperback, so I appreciate where society is taking us into apaperless future. As for publishing, I’ve always been a traditional kind ofguy, but I realize times have changed, and more writers are gaining anopportunity, exposure and a chance to get their books in front of readersthough self-publishing and PODs. I think I just enjoy the challenge of beingevaluated by my peers, and I think that it is more fulfilling when you realizethat a publisher wants to take a chance on your work, rather than you paying tohave it done. But I have heard very positive things about self-publishing. It’sdifferent for everyone.

• Spoiler alert!  What can we hope to see from you in thefuture?

I’m currently working on my second novel,another crime-thriller, following the career of rookie, female LAPD detectiveCharlene Taylor.

I would love to write another book. Rightnow, I have a full time job (teaching), a part-time tutoring job, and threesmall children (all girls, YIKES!!).

I don`t have much time to write, but when Iget a chance, I do all I can. It could take some time, but eventually I wouldlove to write a series of novels featuring Calvin Watters. But I will not limitmy novels to Calvin Watters, as I would like to write a variety of novels, allin the crime-thriller genres.

For more information on Luke and his books,visit: www.authorlukemurphy.com,‘like’ his Facebook page www.facebook.com/#!/AuthorLukeMurphyand follow him on Twitter www.twitter.com/#!/AuthorLMurphy

Modelgateway.net

Feb to April, I was very busy moving house.  During this time I also discovered I was pregnant.  It's been a very exciting 6 months, my mind has been all over the place and writing has taken a back seat - I never thought I'd say that.  Keeping my blog up-to-date... well, there has been no time for that either.

Pregnancy has meant that my modelling has come to a standstill too.  My really cute bump isn't quite the ethereal look I'm famous for.  However, the agency I worked for has decided to go in a new direction and has become a fashion industry consultancy for models and aspiring models.  Their change of direction meant they were looking for writers for their blog.  This sounded like a perfect opportunity for me and they were willing to give me a try.

Writing for someone else is a brand new challenge.  My writing has always been for myself and my personal enjoyment.  A lot of what I write is never seen by anyone.  I tweet'd the news to share with my followers.  I am followed by a number of writers and models who I thought may be interested in giving it a go too.

I now have written some of my first articles for the blog which have been published:

My first article was on make-up brand Illamasqua.  I love the morals they've built their company on varying from the typical animal friendly products to supporting the charity S.O.P.H.I.E.  Their ideals are aspiring and they embrace the unique beauty of all their customers:  http://www.modelgateway.net/post/54297799068/morals-by-brand-this-is-not-an-advertorial-an

Using my experience from trying to conceive I next wrote a piece on how sex can be used to keep fit.  I've written one based on a different position for each month.  For July I based it on the good old traditional missionary position.  Sexercise:  http://www.modelgateway.net/post/54753578626/sexercise-in-july-by-mg-female-interest-editor

My last entry for July was about the power of getting some shut eye.  A simple beauty secret neglected by many creative geniuses.  We're all guilty of burning the candle at both ends but I thought I'd share how simply going to sleep can make you look more beautiful:
http://www.modelgateway.net/post/55340904895/beauty-sleep-by-mg-female-interest-editor-alison

I have some ideas for my August pieces so be sure to check out modelgateway.net to see more and contributions by other writers.

New Year Resolution

We made it to the end of 2012 and survived the end of the world.  It's an ideal time to reassess whether we have achieved our goals for this year and draw up a new plan for 2013.

Last year my resolution was very cryptic "Make Lemonade".  Basically it was just to stay strong despite anything life threw at me.  I didn't set off to a good start but I'm definitely in a better place emotionally now.  In fact, I am feeling more focused and more determined to achieve my goals so my resolutions this year will be more SMART (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant and Time-sensitive)

My plan it to improve Mind, Body, Soul & Writing.  It sounds a bit hippy but I think they are all things that are healthy and will make my life more positive.  There is no harm in that.

Mind

There are so many resources online that I can read but often when I have the urge I over do it.  I read so much that by the end I've forgotten it all and becomes a waste of time.  I shall set aside time and this will include time for editing and critiquing - honing the craft. It also includes working on my blog.

Measure:  At least two blog entries a month, five critiques a month, edited at least one chapter and read a resource  

Body

We all need to exercise and keep fit.  I'm going to try and do something every other day.  I have a skipping rope, a hula hoop and Wii Fit - they are all fun things so it shouldn't feel too hard.  I have a Pilates DVD I've never used and would like to learn yoga, Tai Chi, Belly Dancing or some other dance craze.  I will start with my Pilates DVD and to keep it fresh get a new DVD each month.  My friend does teaches a fitness class on Friday's that I will stop skiving off.  

Measure:  Managed to turn up to at least 2 classes a month, the Wii is out (and been used) and the Pilates DVD has been introduced to the DVD player.

Soul

I need to relax - people who know me deep down will know that's an understatement.   It's mainly my minds fault, it just won't switch off.  I over think things and my imagination can be a curse.  My plan is to enjoy more long baths, do my nails (got a gel kit for Christmas), perhaps do a face pack, snuggle up in bed with a book, watch TV and do nothing but chill.  Seeing my friends is good for my soul so I'll definitely make time for them.  

Measure:  My nails look good, I'm smiling and I've seen at least one friend every week

Writing

I will make sure I spend at least 15 minutes a day writing and make sure time is spent on my novels.  I write snippets all the time, throughout the day.   My novels are taking the real punch. I'm so distracted with improving my writing (editing) that I've lost time for what I enjoy.  I love my imagination and it needs to be watered regularly otherwise it will wilt and die.  

Measure:  A daily Opuss and I should be able to easily produce a whole chapter in a month (ideally 4 but I don't want to get over ambitious when I'm still struggling to switch off my internal editor).

Schedule

Monday:  A random mini-workout followed by writing (body & write)

Tuesday:  Write for 15 minutes, then, an hour of research followed by an hour of editing or critiquing (write & mind) 

Wednesday:  Wii Fit workout, then relaxing long bath, followed by TV (body & soul)

Thursday:  Write for 15 to 30 minutes before seeing best friend (write & soul)

Friday:  Go to fitness class, hang out with  best friend afterwards. (body & soul)

Saturday:  Some type of pampering, then work on whatever area I feel like, i.e writing or mind (soul)

Sunday:  Work on the blog/website and then work on novel (mind & write)

Smarter

To make my resolution smarter, I will also evaluate and reevaluate.  

I'm going to assess how I am getting on at the end of January and then adjust my schedule accordingly.  I don't want the scheduled to hinder me but structure my life enough to maintain my focus.  I don't want to feel unmotivated if I can't keep to it (life happens) and I haven't forgotten how to make lemonade.    

Target Date:  31 December 2013

Target Goal:  I will have a schedule that works for me even if I re-write it every month.  I will have a sense of achievement and success that I am moving in the direction that ideally will take me closer to publication.  

Thoughts In The Night

My best ideas always seem to run into my mind just as my head hits the pillow.  There has been many times that I've woke and picked up my mobile to quickly record an idea.

It's not a good experience for my husband who is soundly asleep beside me and suddenly feels the bright light glare of the electronic screen shining in the dark on his face.  He usually makes a strange grumbling noise which signals  that I need to go back to sleep.  My husband has suffered a lot as a result of my writing but I tolerate his obsession for online gaming so it seems a fair compromise.

My dreams have always been very vivid.  Sometimes they are so real that I wake in tears or the other end of the spectrum, which isn't sexy when you are doing it alone and looks more like I'm being possessed than... you know.  If you don't "you know" what the other end of the spectrum is then you'll need to read 50 Shades of Grey because I'm not sharing.  Sometimes my dreams actually make sense and its like watching my own personal Blockbuster movie.

As I wake, I feel all the emotions, characters and locations wash out of me.  No matter how good the idea, like water I can't grasp them and pull them back.  Then they are lost in the pool of my imagination which is a shame because the small snippets I have are a great source of inspiration for my stories.

I read that when we first wake we can only recall half of our dream, then after 5 minutes its almost completely forgotten.  I feel blessed that often get flashes or reminders about my dreams - it feels a bit like Dejavu.

I wish there was an easy way to remember the ideas that I have when I'm meant to be sleeping.  Perhaps one day there will be be a way of recording our dreams so we can play them back.  For now, I will just have to try to note them down without disrupting my husband or my sleep too much.

Next time I get writers block, I'm going to just sleep it off.

Writers iPhone4

<This was originally posted in January 2012 - when I added labels it updated the date.  I plan on writing a more current post regarding the apps I use now and most often>

I've had an iPhone now for just over a year. Before that my previous mobile allowed me to make and take calls and send and recieve text messages. The iPhone was a long over due upgrade. I always said I couldn't see point of buying an expensive mobile that didn't do everything I wanted but the iPhone4 sounded like the handheld PC that I'd always dreams of. My passion is my writing so I really hoped I could get an app on my phone for writing and this brief list are some of my favourites: Dictionary.com This app comes with word of the day. Today's word in Profluent (flowing smoothly or abundently forth). You can email, twitter of facebook the word if you like or star it to add to your favourites. There are other daily news articles about the English language. Then there is the whole point I downloaded this app in the first place - the dictonary (gives the meaning of the word and how to pronouce it). It also has a Theasauraus that suggest more words for you. Wikipedia Basically, exactly the same as the website. The app has a daily featured article. Today's article is The Battle of Barrosa. This app is handy for research or inspiration. My Writing Allows you to colour code writing projects and edit chapters. The work is backed up online so you can work from your PC or your mobile. It has a very plain enterface, however, it is free. SkyDrive If you have a hotmail or live account, then you can upload documents to your skydrive to work on at another PC. Having the app on your iPhone only allows you to read and email the document as an attachment - you cannot edit on your phone. Maybe if I bought the Microsft Word for iPhone package I would be able to but its quite pricey and I worried it would take up to much room on my phone.

Dictionary App

This is one the applications on my mobile that I frequently use.  Every writer should have a dictionary app on their phone and there is no excuse not to as there are loads of free options to download.  The version I have is by Dictionary.com.  This was the website I generally used before when working at my PC but now I have the site with me when I am on the go. My app is on the iPhone but I just checked their website and it is now available for iPad and Android mobiles too.

Word Search

On my bookshelf I do have a dictionary and a thesaurus but I must admit I lazily enjoy just tapping my phone and typing a search word in to find what I'm looking for, rather than going upstairs to retrieve a large book and flicking through pages.  I like that the app remembers all the words I've previously looked up in the past where as with a manual book, I'd have to fold down a page and I hate doing that.  

In addition, you can save your Favourite words and you can retrieve your list at the click of a button (profluent, pachyderm, paramour) and if you want to check the meaning of a word on your list just tap it.  

You can check "Trends" to see what words other people are searching on today (meta, diocese, postpone), the overall most popular words searched for (decorum, egregious, austerity).  You should be able to see what people nearby are searching on.  For some reason the app thinks I'm in Oakland, USA which I'm sure is a lovely place but I'm nowhere near there - I feel like a ninja that's dropped off their radar, he he.  

Articles

Every day, I get an alert for 'Word of the Day'.  The little prompt helps increase your vocabulary and consider words you've forgotten on never knew about.  The words can prompt your imagination, for example, today's word is Matrilineal (inheriting or determining descent through the female line) which has got me thinking about a world where procreation has became a problem and wars break out to protect fertile women, treated like goddesses, caused by the break out of a matrilineal virus.  I'm not sure why but there is always a 'Spanish Word of the Day' too. 

The app has a sporadic article (appears roughly every other day).  Today's article is about the meanings behind flowers.  The articles are varied, informative and always well written.  You can read back past articles too.  There is a daily questions "What is the origin of grinder, as in sandwich?" and then the answer.   The daily questions are usually about where words or phrases have originated from.

Thesaurus

At the top of each page, you can switch to thesaurus and get a choice of other words and then you can switch back to dictionary to check their meaning is what you want.

Links
http://dictionary.reference.com/

Butterfly

Be a butterfly and embrace change.
Find the beauty in what it brings.
Fly with silver tipped wings.

http://opuss.com/s/1m2v

Download the Opuss app FREE on the App Store
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/opuss/id473948939?ls=1&mt=8

Giddy News

Struggling to think straight. My hardwork writing has paid off:

1. I get asked to be a regular... http://opuss.com/s/1jfj

Download the Opuss app FREE on the App Store
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/opuss/id473948939?ls=1&mt=8

Top Today - Opuss

I've never been competitive as I always want to see everyone do well but I can't help but feel rewarded when people like my posts on Opuss.  Yesterday night, I checked the Top list and to my surprise and joy, I was number 1.  The next morning I checked my News Feed and found the alert confirming that I had really made it.

I've also been amazed that I've made it to Rank 12 on the top authors list (currently #19).  It's really encouraging to have people not only want to read my writing but also like it.  Currently I have three posts in the top 20 for the week and month chart (but we are only in week 1).  My highest rated posts is "Words" which is currently at position 5 (but did make it to #3).

I'll give an update at the end of the month as to whether I made any more #1s and where my posts sit in the chart.

Opuss

1. Send out a query letter for Drift. Just cause the last agent wasn't interested doesn't mean nob... http://opuss.com/s/1grv

Download the Opuss app FREE on the App Store
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/opuss/id473948939?ls=1&mt=8

Driven

Obviously, I don't know but I honestly believe that being a writer is harder than being an author.

At least as an author you've achieved your goal and you've had your work valued, recognised, printed and read.  Maybe when I become an author I'll find that untrue.  Maybe once you've made it the goal posts move and suddenly you find yourself needing to achieve more and work harder to maintain your position.  I won't know until I become an author, so for now, I will share with you why today I feel hopeless.

Some days the need to be read is overwhelming, almost as if the air has been taken from my lungs and I'm suffocating with the need to breathe, the need to be read.  I can't settle at my desk to write, I'm pacing around with tears in my eyes frustrated that there is very little I can do about it but wait.

The voices in my head want to be heard and the worlds I've created need to be seen.  It sounds crazy but its something that only those who've truly been there have experienced.  I know my characters like real people and I've visited my worlds like true places.

Luckily, I am a good self motivational speaker.  I tell myself that I am good which I know I am.  I remind myself that I'm not NEVER going to be published it's just a matter of time.  Whilst I wait I should be entering competitions or submitting stories or articles to magazines or anthologies and continue working on my novels.  I have a plan, I just have to stick to it and be patient.

It's okay that sometimes I don't want to be patient, we all have moments.  We all sometimes need reassurance that we are good, that we're not delusional.  I network with other writers who share my experiences, my feelings, my ambition and for no reason they encourage me and help me no longer feel alone as I wait in line for luck and fate to find me.  I want to see them do well, they have so much talent and people are missing out on experiencing their words.

One day I will make it into print.  I know this because I will never give up.  I will never stop believing, dreaming, imagining and it is this drive that what will carry me to success.

Opuss

"READ, WRITE & SHARE BEAUTIFUL WORDs" by opuss

This week I discovered Opuss in the App store and already (despite a few connection problems), I would say it is the best writing app ever!  It is currently App of the Week in the UK.

What is it?

It's a bit like how Instagram is the Twitter for photos, except this is for writers.  Initially, you think, how is that different to Twitter?  Well, Twitter is for short status updates and often full of links to external sites.  Opuss allows you to write more and  everything is contained in one place - no external links.  Also, it's got a quirky cat and wood themed design that looks really smart.

 

Write it

To write a post is easy; you just click on the paw print in the middle of the icons list.  This the large one labelled 'Compose' at the bottom of the screen.  Then you title you piece and write away, add some tags, post and your done.  Alternatively, when you signed up, you will have received an email address to send your posts too and these will be uploaded but tends to be slightly slower.  Therefore, you can easily post to Opuss from your mobile or PC.

Read it

The left hand icon 'Feed' with a picture on a dinner bowl is where all the posts submitted by yourself and people you are following will appear.  This feed will become more active as you start subscribing to others.

The 'Top' icon with a picture of a collar on takes you to the screen picture on the left.  This lists all the most highly rated posts for the day, week, month and year.  This is handy for discovering what others are enjoying on Opuss and you may discover somebody new to follow.

The 'Find' button with a little mouse on it is where you can run searches to find things that will interest you.  Click in the search bar to type your criteria (i.e. 'Holidays') and decide if you want it to find Opusses (posts), Authors or Tags.  Then you can search to read something choosing from Everything to something more specific like a poem or a quote.  These categories are then broken down into even more specific criteria (i.e. Joke that is Adult, Animal, Food, Geek, etc).

Account it

The 'Profile' button is all about you.  On this page you can see an overview of your Opuss posts count to date, number of people following you and number you're following.  If you are competitive, there is also a rank number.  Beneath this you can see a News feed, which is worth checking to see if anyone has commented on your work or chosen to follow you (good etiquette is to follow back).  Then there is a Liked feed so you can find posts that you enjoyed reading to read again.  Then there is a Friends page where you can link your Opuss to Facebook, Twitter or your email account to find your friends and get them to join the fun too.  

When you get a notification the app makes a cute 'Meow' noise.  I didn't realise this and spent some time looking for my cat only discover I had a number of notifications on my Opuss.  

The app has also got some entertaining 404 error messages for when connections are lost.  It's not often that an app gets praised for not working but these do make me chuckle and I know the app is fairly new so I just take a break and come back later.  Other members have logged in and out (standard IT reboot) which also seems to fix this.  

The Future

Currently, Opuss is only available on the iphone and ipad (and maybe the iTouch).  There is talk about it being rolled out onto other platforms for everyone to enjoy.  The poll currently is in favour of it being developed for PC use but plans are that it will be available for all mobiles in the future.

Find out more at:

Opuss Website

Opuss Facebook

Opuss Twitter @OpussApp