Wednesday, August 26, 2009

To those of you looking for a writing contest...

Here's one I think you would do well to enter and the best part is it doesn't take long at all. Just enough time to throw 25 words together so do it and you could end up published in an anthology! I know I'm entering...
here's the link with all the information on rules, guidelines, winners from past years, and how to enter.

http://www.robertswartwood.com/?page_id=8

but hurry! the deadline is August 30th which is creeping up fast!

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Editing is Painful

especially when u have gozze (sp?) in your mouth because you just got all four wisdom teeth out today. Nevertheless editing waits for no man it must be done. still, it hurts to see all those crossed out paragraphs and circled words. So how do you deal with the pain of having to edit? What do you tell yourselves? here's what I suggest.
*give yourself some time (the longer the better) before starting to edit once you've finished your first draft. This will create space between you and "your baby" so you can see more clearly.
* Once you've done that, especially if it is your first time seriously editing a novel, do some research so you know what to look for and what editors and agents will be looking for when/if you pitch it to them. I know it's hard to wait but space is crucial.
*get someone else (beta readers, a trusted writer pall) to read it and make suggestions. No matter how much time you give your writing before you edit you will still be very close to it. After all, you've spent a long time writing it, dedicated hours of your life. That's competely normal. Which is why you need someone with a less biast eye who can honestly look at your work and tell you what's good about it and what stinks. It hurts, but it'll be better in the end and you'll thank yourself.
*give editing the time it deserves. Don't be fooled. Editing is just as important as the writing itself. It can be the difference between another rejection or finally becoming published.

Editing can be hard, make sure you have a strong suport team going into it who will be there to support you when you need it and also give you the strengh to be ruthless in ripping you novel to shreds and piecing it back together again. Good Luck.

Monday, August 10, 2009

whirlwind blows the house down

okay not really but now that I have your attention. My 10 year old cousin arrived yesterday and he does NOT sit still. If you can get him to stay in one room for more than 5 minutes then you're doing well. We had planned to take him to an amusement park today to get all that whirly energy out but of course the clouds have decided to open up and pour their contents out on Vancouver so we won't be going anywhere today. WHAT DO WE DO! if we have to try and house him inside our house for a day there won't be any house left but what do you do with a ten year old boy if you can't take him outside? My family is out of ideas so if anyone has any let me know. He's supposed to be here for a week and it's supposed to rain almost every day! HELP!
















Thursday, August 6, 2009

SIWC 2009

Yes, it's almost that time again! I attended the Surry International Writer's Conference for the first time last year and found it invaluable on my way to becoming a writer. I am ecstatic to be going back again this year and for anyone who has not gone yet or isn't sure I fully encourage you to go. No matter what your age or level of experience it is an amazing conference that is well worth the money spent on it. For me, being 15 when I went last year, the whole thing was a huge learning experience. It gave me a chance to experience what it was like for people who are actually writers on a day to day basis and it made me realise that this can in fact happen. If I work hard it is not an impossible goal. It also gave me advice that has forever improved the state of my writing. It's strange, I can't believe it's almost been a year since I last went. The moment my friend and I left last year we said we wished it was time for next years already and it looks like we're finally getting our wish.