Networking in the Park

breakfast stack

By Keith N Fisher

Because of difficult circumstances for the past few years, I came up short when it came time to register for the LDStorymakers Writer’s Conference this year. I planned to cook a Dutch oven dinner to pay my way, but somebody beat me to the punch. They announced a get together pizza party on Thursday night before the conference.

After retracting my intention on Facebook, J Scott Savage suggested I cook breakfast on one of the days. I chose Thursday morning.

I planned to make three new dishes, along with one I’ve made for years, but settled for one. Everything turned out great and tasted delicious. As the time came and went, nobody came. I wondered what to do with the food when people began to arrive. I was relieved.

Those who came enjoyed Dutch toast, breakfast stacks, and fruit salad. I also made five gallons of TangÒ . Although, nobody left hungry, the food wasn’t the big story. Networking with my fellow writers was priceless. Even the kids had fun, and some of the writers set up a printer to make copies for the boot camp.

Everyone was pleased and I promised to do it again next year. Hopefully, I’ll be in a better financial position and offer breakfast for free. I hope the attached pictures will inspire you for next year.

Good Luck with your writing—see you next week.

Dutch Toast

It's On a Shirt!

by G.Parker

Okay, I have to tell you, the funniest thing happened to me this week!  I've been on vacation with my hubby, and we happened across a little independent bookstore with some t-shirts for sale.  Since they were exactly what I'd been talking about last week, I had to take a picture!!

and then I found this one:

I thought this one was hilarious because I love the word ambiguity, and I thought the twist on Vegas was great.  

Anyway, I also bring up the independent bookstore because they had a sign posted in the re-sale book section that said - If you like independent bookstores, don't purchase a Kindle - because it's an Amazon only publishing.  If you want to support independent publishers, writers and bookstores, it's best to purchase an ebook reader that supports many formats.  

I thought that was interesting and notable.  I personally have published an ebook through Smashwords and it develops the book in ALL ebook formats so that anyone can purchase and download it.  Once I read this little sign, I felt much better about that effort.  It reminds me of big business and the small businessman.  It very much reminds me of the move You've Got Mail.

Don't get me wrong, I happen to like the big book stores, because I can invariably find something I can afford there.  I only wish I could find more of the independent ones, because they are a dying breed.  The only independent in my hometown is a small buy/trade store.  Used to be you could find a bookstore every town you went.

My husband and I used to have a dream of opening our own little bookstore with a cafe attached that sold Postum and hot chocolate with your choice of flavorings.  ;)  We'd still like to, but that's another matter.  The point was to create a place where someone could come and browse and read and have a moment of peace.

Those days are long going the way of the dodo, and I hope that when my grandchildren get old enough to read there is something left for them.

Until then, remember - what starts out as vagueness, stays as vagueness, lol.

Better Late than Never, Right?

Hello!

I'm Weston Elliott and I'm the newest (and one of the oldest) contributors. I was one of the original Writers Blogck bloggers when it first started, and I was absolutely thrilled when they asked me to come back! So, here I am, the new Sunday blogger! Glad to be back in such good company.

I know it's a late hour for such a post (10 pm on a Sunday) but please forgive me as I've been super sick all weekend.

Next week, I promise that I'll have a post up and ready to read first thing in the morning.

A little about me by way on introduction for those who I haven't met yet.

I was an avid writer, attended every Storymakers conference until a few years ago when we adopted a little boy. He came with a lot of challenges, so my writing and all the perks that went along with it, got set off to the side so I could dedicate my time to this precious, injured soul.  Now, years later, he's doing great and he's in school all day so I have time and a renewed desire to get back to my love of storytelling.

It's almost like starting over, but more like riding a bike. I'm a little wobbly, but the knowledge is still there. So if you find yourself asking "who the heck is this and what does she know", trust me, for all the study on writing I've done in the past, I should have a masters degree. I have been published - The Complete Novel Plotting Workbook is available on Amazon.com, and so is Checkin' It Twice, a Christmas Anthology that I was privileged to be part of.

I'm a happily married mother of one 9 year old son and two cats (both boys - I'm the only girl in the house!). Oregonian by birth, Californian by marriage, Utahan by sheer dumb luck. Anything else you'd like to know - just ask.

Glad to be back! See you next Sunday!

Intellectual Property Rights. Are We Milking the Lightbulb?

By Keith N Fisher

Do you remember last week when I told you about the cookbook I’m writing? I talked about the memories associated with each recipe. In recollection, A great debate came up so I’m going to ask your opinion.

Part of Dutch oven cooking has always been about sharing. Recipes get passed around and techniques get shared at every event. Ethics, however, have prevented us from taking credit for another person’s work. We passed other people’s recipes around but always gave credit to the creator. In competitions we always put the source on each recipe.

A few years ago, one of our Dutch oven associates called, asking for permission to include one of our recipes in his cookbook. Two things crossed my mind. During that time, we were all making staple bound, recipe sheets (not cookbooks) to pass out. I thought he was talking about one of those. The other thing I thought about, was the ethical code I spoke of. I expected to get credit.

When the bound and published, cookbook came out, there was no credit. We didn’t even get a mention.

Because of that experience, I quit handing out recipes. I’d always planned on doing a cookbook sometime, and I didn’t need any more friends stealing my recipes. Recently, I received an email from a good friend asking for permission to use one of my breakfast recipes in something he was doing. I’m grateful he asked, but I told him no, since I’m going to include it in my own cookbook.

The breakfast recipe I spoke of, as with most of my cookbook are my creations. I want credit and the chance to sell my cookbook.

With that being said, you should know, many of our competition recipes were created from bits and pieces we found in other, non-Dutch oven sources. We adapted and changed each recipe. Now they are ours. I once heard a comment from a famous rock musician, who said: "Every rock and roll song has already been written. Anything new is just a variation of what came before." Such is the case with a lot of recipes and most software, poetry, and even movies.

Which brings us to the point. In the news the other day, a story about litigation over rights to use a certain technology caught my eye. It seems two gaming companies use the Internet to control the use of the games users play. Although users purchase the games and the equipment, one of the companies will not allow users to sell games or equipment to others . . .

Now, wait a minute. I admit I haven’t researched the whole story, but that’s like Ford or Chrysler saying, you can’t resell one of our cars because it will cut into our new car sales. The game developers want to force every user to buy their software.

I agree. Every creator, whether they paint, write, make music, or software, deserves high praise and much more money than they will ever get. I know it takes a lot of time and energy to develop software. It takes years, and a lot of sweat, to write a book. Writing music can be hard, but the creators of all of those media, chose their occupation. Holding readers, listeners, viewers, and users hostage, is not the way to get compensation.

After several years of writing fiction and hoping to make a lot of money, (someday) I learned the facts. I learned that writing, especially in the LDS market will probably never make me a millionaire. Making a living might not happen either. Intellectually, that sucks, but I still choose to write.

How would you feel if while I signed your copy of my book I said, "Now, you can’t lend this out for others to read. They must purchase their own."?

Yes, there are copyright problems in all the creative industries. As a writer, I worry about piracy. I don’t want others stealing my creation and making a profit from that theft. I could sell each book for double the price to make up for the theft. I could keep selling my first book for the same price after my fourth and fifth books are released, or I could be grateful that somebody still wants to buy my first book, and offer to sell it to them for a discount. Piracy will always be a problem and holding honest customers over a barrel will not solve it.

As a writer, I’d like everyone to buy a copy of my book. As a consumer, I bristle when I’m told what I can and cannot do with a product I have purchased. I resent a license that tells me the new software I purchased can only be installed on one computer, even though I own five computers. I wonder about the greed of a company who wants to make a profit on an obsolete operating system that has been superseded at least four times. Shouldn’t some things be relegated to public domain?

Maybe I can make a living on the sell of one book or maybe, I can touch a heart. Microcomputers and the software we use on them have made the world a better place. Recorded music can inspire souls to reach great heights. How can you nit pick and put a price on that? I remember an era when musicians got a thrill out of hearing their song on the radio for the first time. I don’t care if my Dutch oven associate makes a bundle on my recipe, but I do want credit.

What do you think?

Good luck with your writing—see you next week.

Synomynously

by G.Parker

Okay - last week I talked a little about using a thesaurus and the idea of multiple words with same meanings.  I thought I'd continue the discussion, with an emphasis on the different types of words...or what it's called.  For those of you who are like me and didn't get much out of your high school english class, or your college courses that you were required to take, I thought this would be an interesting subject.

I always just look at a thesaurus when I'm trying to find a specific word for something or another word for something.   It doesn't really matter to me that they are called different things.  But, I thought it was worth mentioning, so here you go. (I got these from wikipedia, so they get the credit...lol)

Synonyms are words with the same or similar meanings.  This would be the words I used last week as examples.

Antonyms are words with opposite or nearly opposite meanings.  I think that's odd...I'll have to think of the words for this.  My brain isn't quite up to that yet today.

Homonyms are words that have the same pronunciation and spelling, but have different meanings.  That would be the one most common in the english language.  One of the things that drives those who come here from other countries crazy.  Personally I like teasing people with those kind of words.  

What words do you use most in your writing?  When you are looking things up in a thesaurus, do you note as to which type of word it is?  I'm thinking I'll be doing that for the next little while.  Perhaps it will drill those words into my brain...lol

Have  good one.

Who is that Old Guy, Anyway?

By Keith N Fisher

I keep thinking about my life before the "old guy", kidnapped my body. In those days, I maintained my garden with ease, and didn’t grunt when I moved. I had hair. I see that "old guy" in my mirror a lot and I wonder who invited him into the room.

One of these days I’m going to grab him by the throat and force that old guy to give back what he stole from me.

I was thinking of posting this on Facebook and realized there’s a blog post in there. Life is grand. There is sadness in seeing others face the trials you once had, but there is joy in seeing them overcome.

This has been the season of reinvention in my life. I’m forced to analyze and find a new path to follow. I remember doing the same thing at eighteen, when I realized it was time to grow up. High school was behind me and I would have to go to work every day, for the rest of my life.

It’s also been a time of great celebration for my friends who’ve gotten books published. There is a lot of joy in seeing them overcome adversity and achieve their goals. I’m finishing my cookbook at a publisher’s request.

Speaking of which, It’s been both a pain, and a joy. During all those years of Dutch oven competition, I thought I’d written my recipes in the same format. I discovered I was wrong. Also, I’ve lost copies and just never got around to writing some of them down.

My writing time these days is spent reformatting and remembering recipes. I’m also inventing new dishes, but I’ve come to realize, there’s a story behind each recipe. Both good and bad stories and I’ve been reliving both.

Through it all, I stare at that "old man" and curse him for stealing some of the good things in my life. Then, after I admit the "old man" is me, I think of all the blessings I’ve enjoyed. I’m grateful for the journey, and I’m excited to be on the road. I also notice that "old man" looks kind of wise. Well, at least he looks that way.

Good luck with your writing—see you next week.

Got Words?

by G.Parker

Well, I'm running a little behind today.  Or should I say astern?  Perhaps hindmost would work?

As a writer, I love words.  I like knowing there are sooo many different ways of putting or saying things.  I would hope you have a thesaurus sitting on your desk.  I do, but I always go to one online because it's easier to search that way.

Using different words for something makes your brain work.  Gives the reader something other than "said" to look at, and enlarges the vocabulary.  Of course, that isn't necessarily our job as a writer, but it does help.

And so, since I am running a bit - latterly - than normal, (okay, who am I kidding?  I'm always running a bit late on the blog...but anyway) it's going to be short.  But I did want to encourage the looking into alternatives for words.  You never know when you're going to find a good one.

Have a great weekend!  Or should I say, tarriance.  ;)

Jack of All Trades

By Keith N Fisher

There is a saying I remember from childhood. I’m not sure where I heard it, or what the context was, but it’s Jack of All Trades, Master of None. I’ve always interpreted it as a man who can do many things, but nothing to perfection. I look at my long work career and figure I took the saying to heart.

As a writer, I’m still trying to master the craft, but my experience in life helps me plot stories. A thought occurred to me the other day as I watched two of my friends. One taught, and the other learned, while they went through an aspect of a certain computer program.

I thought about the saying and all the bits of knowledge a writer collects while applying their craft. Also, the hands on experiences they have while trying to describe something, are invaluable. I have another friend who probably wouldn’t have learned about computers and the Internet, if it hadn’t been for her writing career. Some writers do ride alongs trying to learn about police procedure.

We interview people who’ve had the experience in an effort to describe it. We research historical events in order to give our characters an accurate plot. Some people sit in courtrooms, some in hospitals. Others make notes at baseball games. During the course of our research, writers become Jack of all trades, but never master any of them. Some know all the procedures of heart surgery without ever getting near a patient.

For these reasons, I think writers would make great quiz show contestants. More than that, however. Writers who research can weave a tale of intrigue that rings true to those who read. Those writers become a Jack of all trades, masters of writing.

Good luck mastering your craft—see you next week.

D-Day

by G.Parker

Okay - today isn't D-day - that happened yesterday, 69 years ago.  But I wanted to mention how there was just a small blurb in the local paper about it, which is very disappointing.  Since my father was part of that whole activity, I'd like to honor him an all the others who have served our country and preserved the freedoms of others over the years.  I'd also like to point out that as writers, its an opportunity for us to help people remember things.

The original story tellers told stories to help the children remember history or family lines.  They didn't have books or writing materials.  A lot of them didn't know how to write unless they were wealthy up until the last century or so.  Our country has been blessed with technology and ability to remember and learn from the past.  Unfortunately, I'm not sure we get it.

I also remember when there was a small commemoration for 9/11 and someone was complaining that it was five years ago, weren't we going to let go and move on?  My first thought was does letting go mean we forget?  Because most people have already forgotten Pearl Harbor.  9/11 is just another step away.

I feel that forgetting what we've accomplished or the actions that were taken by our forefathers makes us less.  When we forget what was done for us by those who gave so much, we lessen that sacrifice.  My father was part of the initial beach invasion that they show in the movie Saving Private Ryan.  He was a Ranger in the 2nd battalion.  He received a medal because he and another member of his unit were trapped on the beach without any guns.  They managed to scrounge up a large gun, but the bullets they had didn't fit.  So down on the beach, my dad created bullets to fit the gun so they could get men onto the beach.  It amazes me every time I hear the story.  Talk about determination and grit!

When you hear the stories of these men and their brave acts, doesn't it make you ashamed when you complain about your day?  When you gripe because your computer is slow, your email won't come up, or you have to drive to the store because you ran out of milk?  Granted, we have stress in our lives, and I don't discount that.  Our stress is totally different from what our parents and grand parents went through.  We all have the lives we lead.

But when you think about what these people did to make it possible for others to be free, including yourself, does it make you cherish your life a little more?  Want to tell your loved ones how much you love them and not wait till a special moment?  Give hugs a little more frequently and remember to visit the graves on memorial day?

Personally, I want to make my dad proud of me.  I haven't had him in my life since I was 7.  He was a big man, strong and I knew he loved me.  I still miss him.  I keep hoping that my writing is something he'd be proud of, as well as my other talents.  Perhaps even, or more importantly, my family.

But I also think that he is an inspiration to me.  When I think of him and his determination to get the men safely up the beach, how can I so easily become discouraged in my writing or anything else?  I picture him on a beach like the one in the movie, with gun fire, people dying all around, and he's refitting bullets.  Amazing.

So...this weekend as we start the summer months, take the opportunity to reconnect with your roots.  Your family, yourself.  We write from what we know best.  So, get to know it.

And never forget.

Time to Open the Store

By Keith N Fisher

Have I mentioned I’m at a point in my writing career when I have several books in different stages of submission? I feel like a merchant who’s been building an inventory, getting ready to open the store.

In my writing, rather than concentrating on one book at time, I’ve kept a project file. Whenever I got bored with a plot, or it just wasn’t working, I’d turn to another plot and write it for a while. It’s a good way of avoiding writer’s block, but it also allowed me the freedom to follow the muse. Like when I submit a manuscript, and forget it while I move on to something else.

Now, a lot of those projects are drawing near to publication. I’m waiting to hear from a publisher on one. Another, is with beta readers, another is going to critique, and so on. Part of the reason for all the books, is the length of time publishers are taking in the submission process. Time is valuable and it’s difficult to get through the stack.

Still, I wish it went quicker. It’s been a year since I submitted, The Hillside, to the current publisher. It was two years at another one before that. (Long story.) I’ve almost forgotten what I wrote about.

With that kind of track record, and the number of manuscripts I have ready, I could be submitting for the next several years. Not to mention my Dutch oven cookbook.

"What do you do for a living?"

"I submit manuscripts to publishers."

However, there are many plots in my project file. Some are half-written. I will be writing into my nineties and beyond. Nice to have your career all laid out for you. I just hope I get published soon.

Good luck with your writing—see you next week.

Training the Mind

by G.Parker

A mind is a terrible thing to waste.  Right?  Well, I've already confessed that I'm a procrastinator, have swiss cheese for a brain and get too wordy for my own good, so what else could be wrong?  Sometimes I have a hard time coming up with ideas of what to write about for this blog.  I admit it.  I'm not a walking encyclopedia of writing knowledge.  I was so impressed with Keith's blog a week or so ago where he mentioned he has a back log of articles ready to go.  I've only had that happen once or twice in the many years I've been a part of this blog.  I guess that's average...but I also think it's pathetic.

I've even asked for subject suggestions from the reader base, but those that read my blog days have apparently shrunk, so there hasn't been anything forthcoming.  I could take that as a hint, perhaps.  Maybe my years here as a writer have come to an end.  I will give it a thought over this next month and see how it feels.  It's actually been a source of pride for me, that I've been able to come up with something pretty much every week for years.  It may not always be inspiring, it may not always be the most witty or thought provoking, but at least I got something out there.

Which is kind of my subject for this week.  (I know - took me long enough.)  I've been writing some articles for a website that I might get paid for (which is part of my goal in life) and realized that sometimes what I think someone is wanting is not necessarily what they are really requesting.  I was writing an article about cost effective repairs for the home and got carried away with the whole gamut.  I had my daughter read through it, and she was like, "So, what was it you were supposed to write about?  Because that doesn't sound like the subject you gave me."

Sigh.

So, it's back to square one.  I'm used to that though, and generally I write it better the second time around.  I just wish I could get it right on the first try.  I've also done that when giving talks in church, but at least that's a little more forgiving.  ;)

So my point is that if you choose to try and do freelance writing where you are given a subject, be sure you are clear as to what they want and what the subject really is.  It will save you a lot of time in the long run, and hopefully any embarrassment.

See you next week!

Writing on the Roof

By Keith N Fisher

As many of you know, because I work at night, it’s hard to make daytime connections. I have to adjust my schedule and sleep at odd hours. When I woke at five a.m. for the LDStorymakers Writer’s conference this year, I decided to get ready anyway.

I figured I could stop somewhere along the way and get some writing time in at a restaurant or something. On the way, I realized that I intended to park in the garage at the hotel anyway, and many of you also know, I like to write while sitting behind the wheel of my parked truck. So, I headed to the conference.

It suddenly dawned on me how cool it would be to park on the top of the parking garage and write while watching the sunrise. I drove up there, parked, pulled out my work in progress, and took a breath.

Writing is a good way to release tension but the early morning light and fresh air made it all the better. I caught movement in the corner of my eye and looked up. There were two birds standing on the hood of my truck talking to each other. It would’ve been a great picture but I reached into my bag and couldn’t find my camera. The birds flew away and I kept my eye on the impending moment when the sun would peek over the mountains. I went back to my writing and didn't get the camera out.

I had a specific moment in mind, but I got caught up in my story. Oh yeah, the words were flying off my fingertips and I wrote terrific paragraphs. While writing one of those thoughts, my perfect moment came. I finished the sentence, and reached into my bag. Yep, you guessed it. I couldn’t find my camera. I tore the bag apart looking. The moment passed, but I took pictures anyway.

The conference was terrific and I even got some writing done. I got reacquainted with old friends, made new ones, and passed the hugs around. (you’ve gotta give them to get them). The Authors Incognito mix and mingle was great. So many new faces, I want to apologize to the organizers, however. I really hate get acquainted games.

Next morning, I rose early. (Occupational hazard). I decided to try for that perfect picture again. Downtown Provo, Utah, on a Saturday morning, before sunrise, is a different world. I’ve been in other places where the hustle and bustle never quits, but the quiet on that morning, impressed me. I got some quality writing done and I was ready for the moment. What do you think of the pictures? Yeah, good thing I’m a writer and not a photog.

Good luck with your writing—see you next week.

Economy of Word

by G.Parker

I've been doing a lot of flash fiction lately.  Most of you are familiar with mad-libs, mad-writes, etc.  It's all the same thing.  Write on a subject, use a sentence, limited word count, limited time, any way you slice it, it's about word usage.

The ones I've been doing have a maximum limit of 400 words.  Coming from someone who does NaNo every year, that's straining the capabilities.  400 words?  That's like taking the food out of my mouth as I'm about ready to chew.  Initially I thought there was a limit of 1500 when I started one, and that was going to be difficult, but doable.  I got it finished and tried to submit the story, and it came back with, duh, your word count is wayyy too high.

Great.

Have you ever tried to cut out words from a story?  I know sometimes I've had to cut entire chapters out that didn't really work, but to cut that much out of something you've managed to put on paper?  It's difficult.  I had to basically start over.  At least I still had the same story idea in mind an it was easier to do the second time, but it made me think of a contest I've heard of where they want a story in one sentence.

A full story.  I wish I could tell you the name of the contest, or send you to the link - but remember the swiss cheese brain??  It's still there.

Anyway, while we deal with large amount of words, sometimes we do have to cut back.  We live and die by the word count.  Every editor/publisher is going to want to know how many words are in your novel, article or story.  Sometimes we get wordy and have to cut back.  Sometimes we have a hard time putting the right words in.  It can go both ways.

I find that I tend to be verbose.  I like to describe in as much detail as I can, because I want the reader to have the whole picture.  But one of the things I've discovered is the little words; and, had, that, said, but, etc.  They don't always add to the story, and are usually easy to weed out.  It usually takes someone else helping me because I don't see them.  That's why we have readers and editing!

Anyway, if you really want an exercise in word usage, having to choose quality over quantity, give a flash fiction a try.  It will work the grey matter in your head - which I understand is always a good thing.  Especially for swiss cheese people, like me.

Traditional versus Self in the publishing world. And why can't we all just get along?

by C. Michelle Jefferies

Don't read this wrong. I support both traditional and self publishing. I have many books on my book shelves that are amazing. Some are trad some are self.

Just today I was accused of thinking that everything that is self published is trash and that I am a snob because I am traditionally published. They couldn't be more wrong.

I have many many author friends. Some are self published some traditional.  Regardless of how they are getting their words seen, I love them and support them.

If I can be accused of being a snob about anything. It would be in the fact that any work that is worth getting out there for others to read, needs to be pretty darn close to perfect.

This is why I am vocal about some voices in the self published world. They run around the internet saying that the traditional publishing industry is evil and that self publishing is the ONLY way to go. That all you need to do is write a book and slap it on KDP and become famous and rich. (if only it worked that way)

You see, in my opinion writing is an ART. And like any other art like music, acting, visual art, and photography, becoming good enough to be heard, seen etc and to get paid for it, it requires training, practice, and skills.  If you want readers to enjoy your book and come back for a second and third book it needs to be good. It needs to be edited and the story needs to be plausible and understandable.

How do we create good books?

Time to learn how to write, and lots of practice.

I can guarantee you that most (prodigy excluded) artists or musicians or actors (et all) didn't just step into their desired art untrained or unpracticed and start cranking in the big bucks. It just doesn't happen.

While I am an passable visual artist and an average seamstress, as well as a published author. I would never attempt to sell my clothes or artwork thinking I am as good as someone who has spent their lives training in that world. I have however, spent years writing and practicing to become published.

Perhaps we traditional authors according to self published authors seem snobbish. Maybe the self published authors according to the traditional published authors seem to have a chip on their shoulders.

Maybe if everyone understood were all in this together and that the ART of being an author is worth the time and years it takes to become publishable there wouldn't be this huge divide between us.

The path to wisdom is not always straight~

Getting Caught Up & Your Public You

By Keith N Fisher

In 2006, after accepting the invitation to post on this blog, I started writing my articles with a vengeance. I had a backlog. It was a matter of picking and choosing which one to post. I never missed a week. Over the years, I’ve gotten behind.

I’ve got a backlog again. I didn’t know why at the time, but I sat down one day and wrote one post after another. I have a backlog again and now I know why. There are big things in the works and I'll tell you about it later. This post was originally written May first.

Your Public You

How is your writing coming? I have a friend in the retail side of publishing. She lives down the street. She asks me how my writing is going. I tell her fine. I don’t tell her about the times when I get discouraged.

As a purveyor of writing wisdom, (I write for a blog about writing), I want to offer advice you can use. I want to put concepts in your head that will help you in your writing endeavor.

As such, let me suggest keeping it to yourself. Discouragement will come. Trust me, it will come. You can tell your close, writing friends because they care about you and will understand, but if it all possible try to present an image of yourself complete with living the dream.

Why? You ask.

In the nineteen seventies, when I first started to write, authors were a reclusive bunch. They were never expected to promote anything. Publishers did that. Those days have passed into the dark ages, along with the twentieth century. Now you must promote yourself and your work. If you don’t, there are many writers who will pass you by.

You must promote your brand, and discouragement is never part of that brand. Would you purchase a house from someone who told you about how hard it had been to pay the mortgage? Would you buy a car from someone who told you how they couldn’t make the payments. The answer to both these questions is no. You want to hear how cool it would be to drive that car up highway 101 on the California Coast.

You want to hear about the backyard parties, and Family barbecues you could have in your new house. You want to hear about how easy it would be to add a swimming pool, and how the snow practically removes itself.

I’m not talking about misrepresentation. I’m talking about presenting your brand in a positive light. How you see yourself is how agents and publishers will see you. Like when you ask the seller of that house, "Then why are you selling?" Agents will know you suffer from discouragement. It’s part of the job. Readers on the other hand, are drawn to writers who are positive and make people feel good about themselves.

I don’t want you think it will be easy. It’s excruciatingly difficult sometimes, but its easier if you remember there is a public you, and a private you. Make sure the public you is living the dream. In reality, that’s what you’re selling anyway. A bag full of beautiful dreams bound in a cool cover.

Good luck with your writing—see you next week.

Time

by G.Parker

Hello.  My name is Gaynell.  I'm a procrastinator.  How are you?

I have heard that there is actually a support group for about anything under the sun, including procrastinators.  My son-in-law was talking about it the other day, and joking with my husband.  How he probably drove his group leader crazy with statements like "we'll talk about it later, etc."  We procrastinators are always putting things off.  It's not intentional, it just happens.  We let life get in the way.

Such is today.  I have sooo many things on my plate, I'm just not going to be able to write anything of great imparting of knowledge, so hopefully you had a chuckle.  It's been a great week.  It's going to be a wet weekend.  I hope you enjoy.

I'll try to do better next week...no promises though - what's that phrase?  "Don't make promises you can't keep."  Well...usually.  ;)

The Ability to Touch Someone

by C. Michelle Jefferies

I just spent about 24 hours in the presence of other writers. This last weekend was the LDStorymakers Conference. Oh my Gosh! Talk about the most energizing, uplifting, happy and exhausting hours I've had this year.

I met new friends, saw old friends and made connections. I learned so much and had so much fun. It was awesome.

I'm not here today to brag about it though. I'm here today to tell you one of the reasons I go to these conferences.

I'm sure some people think that there's no reason to go to more than a few of these. That is the worst idea. Ever. While learning things is important, especially in this ever changing world of publishing. There's something important about writers meetings and conferences that is often overlooked.

Connections.

Every single success I've had in the publishing world has been because of a connection I've made at a meeting, workshop, or conference. Every. Single. One.

Winning contests, (the ability to call myself an award winning author). Requests from publishers, edits and crit partners, successful and not successful (but taught me some valuable lessons) pitch sessions, author pictures by professional photographers. Friends and amazing books that I've learned from. Every single moment that has brought me here. To the point of being published and maybe having an agent has been because of connections.

So next time your tempted to think that you don't need to go to the next conference or meeting you hear about. . . Stop. Think about the connections you could be making and sign up. I promise its worth it.

The path to wisdom is not always straight. 

Reunions and Writer's conferences

Authors incognito group 2012

By Keith N Fisher

Several years ago, while camping out with my extended family, I heard my younger cousin say, "What I want to know is when do I start making the really big money?" He’d been talking to somebody else about his Engineering degree and the new job he had.

At the time I was lucky to be making about $30 per year including benefits. He was making $48 – 49 K plus benefits. I’d been in the workforce for over twenty years. I’d gone to college and my younger cousin outdid me right out of the box.

Reunions are like that. It’s hard to not compare yourself to your more successful peers or family members.

Although there is much to learn at writer’s conferences, they’re a lot like reunions. I get to reconnect with all the friends I’ve made over the years. I get to meet new friends and finally shake hands with those I’ve met online in social media or from blogs.

Also, like the family camping trip I mentioned, there are numerous opportunities for comparison. Especially when you’ve been working as long as I have. It seems there is always someone new who never attended a single conference, has only been writing for a year, and they announce their new publishing contract.

I admit, I’m jealous. I would’ve loved to have that happen to me. The truth, however, is I wasn’t good enough. I’ve gotten better as the years have passed, but my first manuscript just wasn’t what I wish it had been. My first submission was rejected with a note that suggested I attend some workshops and writer’s conferences.

If I had, already, been doing that, I might’ve gotten that book published. Then, again, I’m a much better writer now, and I might’ve regretted having a lower quality book in my list of accomplishments.

So, having said all that about jealousy. You should know that some of my best close friends were published with (what seemed to be) little effort, but I know the real stories. Before we make judgements, consider we all have different struggles. Some things are easier for some than for others. The things that come easy to us totally devastate others.

I’ve also considered the possibility that I might be doing more good through supporting others. Simply put, there are players and there are cheerleaders. Each role is necessary, and everybody plays a part, even the spectators.

I know my publishing goals will someday be realized. At that time, I will have more cheerleaders than I deserve. Simply because I’ve been a friend. The truth is I’ve gotten more from our friendship than I ever gave.

At this writing, I look forward to the 2013 LDStorymakers Writer’s Conference. I can’t wait to renew my friendships with my writing family. I hope there are many who realized their publishing goals over the past year. I applaud those who continue to work day after day. To be fair about my cousin, he felt insecure in spending so much time in college. He had a family to support and loans to pay off. He felt he was being judged.

See you at the reunion . . . uh conference. Good luck with your writing—see you next week.

Critique: noun, verb, cri·tiqued, cri·ti·quing.

by G.Parker

cri·tique

  [kri-teek]  Show IPA noun, verb, cri·tiqued,cri·ti·quing.

noun

1.

an article or essay criticizing a literary or other work; detailedevaluation; review.

2.

a criticism or critical comment on some problem, subject, etc.

3.

the art or practice of criticism.

verb (used with object)

4.

to review or analyze critically.

I was sitting in an elementary school library last week, listening to the lesson prepared by the librarian for a young class.  She was asking them what they thought 'critique' meant.  I leaned over, interested to hear what the response would be.

Surprising both her and myself, a young girl said it was to be perfectionist about something.  Critical of your own work, per se.  I was really impressed.  The first thing that comes to my mind is to be critical of someone.  I guess that says a lot about my mentality...sigh.  The above definition comes from an online definition, not Wikipedia.

Most of us belong to a critique group.  That group serves as a very large part of our editing and writing process.  You may not call it a critique group, it doesn't matter.  If they are reviewing your writing and giving suggestions for it to be better, that's what it's all about.  Keith talked about a little bit in his blog on Saturday, so you see how our lives are intertwined with the idea.

I belonged to a group for almost four (?) years, and then it disbanded.  At first I didn't think it was that big of a deal, but lately I've realized that I need to find another group and get going with it, because I'm too close to my work.  I need a fresher perspective, and from someone who is not related to me.  ;)  So, I'm going to be putting out the word and seeing what I can find out.

It's my understanding that Nichole (our wonderful own published person herself) is going to be teaching at class at LDStorymakers conference about critique groups.  You might want to attend (if you don't already have your schedule full) and see what she has to add to the thoughts.  Because of course your attending, right?  I mean, silly question.  Everyone who is anyone is going to be there...unless they tried to register after it already filled up...sigh.  (which would be my case...)

Anyway - enjoy the fun filled hours of craziness and rubbing elbows with the talented.  Remember you are a great writer in your own right and can still learn much.  I'll be looking for a new group.

I might have to sit outside the library and flag people down.  "Hey, do you write?  Want to be in a critique group?"

A Joyful Refrain

By Keith N Fisher

One of my best friends is having a party. After suffering discouragement and going through extreme rewrites, Nichole Giles is launching her book, Descendant, today. It’s actually been available for a while, but it’s time for the big party at King’s English Bookstore 1511 South 1500 East Salt Lake City, Utah from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm.

The book, published by, Rhemalda, has gone through many changes since Nichole brought it to critique group. Nichole has, too.

This is not meant to be a book review. I do those on another blog. I want to tell you something about the author, and provide food for thought about your writing.

As I mentioned above, Nichole is one of the original members of the Super Edits critique group. We all came together when I realized my need for help in my writing and I sought out a few of my friends at an LDStorymakers Writer’s Conference, the rest is history.

Anyway, I hope my story doesn’t embarrass her, but there is a valuable object lesson. While waiting for the others to arrive at critique group one time, Nichole and I, chatted about her projects. I asked her why she didn’t pursue the LDS market and she looked thoughtful, and told me about her goals.

She is a very talented organizer and directed many of the activities of Author’s Incognito for years, but she gave it up to concentrate on her writing goals. Her writing talents are evident with publishing credits in the LDS market, including The Friend magazine. She even wrote on this blog for a while, but all those things were distracting. She wanted to get published in the national market.

Over the time I’ve known Nichole, rejections have piled up, but she kept rewriting and resubmitting. In 2012, she taught a class at Storymakers in which she presented:


The only way to truly find success as a writer is to finish what we start, believe in ourselves, our abilities, and our work, and to never, ever give up. In this industry, the path of persistence and perseverance is the only one that ends in publication. In the words of Master Yoda, "There is no try, only do, or do not.

Nichole taught that rejections will come. Someone asked her how many she’d had and wondered how she felt about that. She battled her emotions and answered the question. She continued to apply the principles she taught and landed the publishing contract she wanted, with others to follow.

Now the lesson here is obvious. Nichole believed in her dream and herself. She had obligations and family to take care of and she persisted. I’m looking forward to visiting with her and her family in one of the many beach houses she dreams of owning. Its part of the vision, and I’m sure she won’t rest until she achieves her goals.

Good luck with your writing—see you next week.