Build Your Writers Website!

Websites are very important for an author.  Please do one to showcase your work.  Here's my newly updated website to showcase my books & works.  There are many website builders on the web, some free, some require a fee, depending on how experience you want your site to be.    Check out the link below to view mine!




https://the-simp-y-pure-sweet-uncompleted-christian-romance-writer.ueniweb.com/

Editing & Proofreading Symbols All Writers Should Know!

     If you are a writer, here are symbols every writer should know about.    Editors, and proofreaders use certain  symbols when they are correcting your written piece, unless you've written a perfect piece, with no mistakes (and that's not likely!)  But if your  manuscript comes back to you with numerous marks that you don't understand, then this blog is for you.  So in this blog I am posting common marks used by Editors, and proofreaders to help you get a better understanding of what they say is wrong with your writing, so you can better correct it.  Often when we write, the words flow so fast that we don't even see the mistakes.  We're on a "Roll" and nothing can stop us until we see the mistakes highlighted by the Editor, or Proofreader.  So buckle up and learn these important symbols.  They will make you a better writer.  For more information on this subject check the web, it would be worth you time & effort!

Writing About Race & Other Cultures!

                         

            With all that's happening in the world today, it's common to see, and read  stories about the race problems that face us all.   Its all on television, in the news, movies, and novels.   Race and different cultures is one of the biggest problems on the scene today.  Everyone has their own opinions which influence their thoughts, and ultimately their writing on these subjects.  I am not going to deal with these issues, but I will deal with them in regards to writing about them. If you are entertaining the thought of writing about some of these issues, then there are certain rules you should follow.  Definitely research the race of culture you will be writing about.  Each race has different beliefs, are raised differently, backgrounds differ too, as well as religion, cultural foods, dress and so much more.  If you want to write about these, then you must be up close and personal.  Spend time with the race or culture you will be writing about.  Don't go on "Hear Say" from other opinions, or your own upbringing ,which often are bias.  The old saying goes "Walk a mile in my Moccasins," which means, you'll never understand me unless you get to know me, then you will have a better understanding of me, and where I've, been, and where  I want to go.  Lack of communication is the main problem with the race relationships across the world.   Each race is shouting "Can you hear me?" If you are a writer, race and cultural differences is a field wide open for writers to discuss, and write about in their novels today. Just  make sure you do your homework, and not gather all your findings from the news, television, of from those around you  Then you will have a clearer view of  the people and their culture, which will show in your finished piece.  A Piece that may open your own eyes, as well as the eyes of others, because you got "Up close & personal!"

Writing Flash Fiction!

Before you can write it, you must know what Flash Fiction is.  Here's a definition., from of the web that says it well.

"In brief, flash fiction is a short form of storytelling. Defining it by the number of words or sentences or even pages required to tell a story, however, is impossible, for it differs from writer to writer, editor to editor. Some purists insist that it is a complete story told in less than 75 words; others claim 100 should be the maximum. For less-rigid flashers, anything under 1,000 words can be considered flash-worthy. And there are even a few who stretch their limits to 1,500 words"

In our world today we hear about the novels, short stories, but not to much about Flash Fiction.  It's the underdog that is usually left out of the conversation.  You might be thinking, maybe that's for you because it sounds more simple.  Hold on.  Writing flash fiction isn't easy.  You still must have a story line, plot, action, characters and an ending.  If you don't know how to write it, then you are venturing into dangerous territory.  Flash fiction originated from folklore, and children fairy tales that have been passed down through generations, that told a complete story in very few sentences.  Flash fiction can go by other names as well as stated in this quote from off the web below.

""Other names for it include short-short stories, sudden, postcard, minute, furious, fast, quick, skinny, and micro fiction. In France such works are called nouvelles. In China this type of writing has several interesting names: little short story, pocket-size story, minute-long story, palm-sized story, and my personal favorite, the smoke-long story (just long enough to read while smoking a cigarette)"

Flash fiction must have a hard story line that hits hard at the reader, and makes an emotional impact.  Every word must be essential to the story.  It's not like a novel where you can take time on description, setting, and background .  Each sentence, and word must be sharp and necessary to the story.  It must tell a complete story in the least amount of words, and sentences, but be structured well. Flash fiction is a great way to engage readers who are short on time.  It's also a great way to build your fan base, as a beginning writer.  Flash fiction isn't an easy write, but its not like writing a novel which takes more time.  If this sounds good to you, then go for it.  But be sure you understand all that goes into writing Flash Fiction before you start!

Below is a link to stories of flash fiction.  read them, study them, and see how it's done.  Then try yourRhand at it!

https://lithub.com/11-very-short-stori/

es-you-must-read-immediately

Here are some short stories I wrote in my Romance4you68 Magazine. None more than 23 pages long. Available on Amazon.  Short fiction, that can be read in less than an hour, while at lunch, or on the bus home, or, if you just love short stories!

 

 

Cliffhangers, Why Writers Use Them!

Cliffhanger definition
"A cliffhanger is a plot device that is used to keep the audience intrigued and anxious to find out what happens next. Essentially, the cliffhanger puts the protagonist or the lead character in a precarious situation and leaves them in that situation, which creates enough suspense to compel the reader to read the next chapter or book to see how the story unfolds."

           Cliffhangers, I'm sure you've all heard about them, and have experienced them.  If you watch television you see cliffhangers all the time.  Take you favorite shows .  At the end of each season you see them.  The writer leaves you hanging just when the action gets good, and you become so drawn into to the story line that you can't wait to see what's next.  Awe! but you'll have to wait until the next season starts, which could be on a month of two.  That's a cliffhanger, and exactly what the writers and producers want to do, keep you watching the show no matter now long it takes to get all the answers you want. They know you'll be back, because you have to know!  I remember watching "Batman" on television.  There were always cliffhangers at the end of each show.  They were tied up, ready to be boiled in oil, the clock was ticking, one minute to go, then suddenly the words appear..."To be continued"...My students couldn't wait to know if  Batman & Robin lived or died.  Cliffhangers are purposely put there to make you come back, or continue reading, or watching the story, until you get to the end.  It's the excitement that fuels the watchers/ or readers mind while waiting for the climax, when it's all resolved, one way or another.  It's good to have cliffhangers at each chapters end, so that your reader wants to keep on to the next chapter to see if it gets resolved there.  Cliffhangers can be many things.  Like unexpected news.  In my newest novel "More precious Than Gold" divorce papers arrive out of the blue, just when she thought, she and her husband had reconciled.  Or potentiate danger for someone your character loves.  Perhaps a reoccurring dream that begins to come true, What should she do?   such cliffhangers are page turners for your reader.  They want to know what's going to happen next, and you want to keep them guessing, and reading at the same time, until the end.  Cliffhangers are a useful literary device, and you should learn how to use them to you advantage.

Seasonal Writer's !

     I was asked this question by a person at a book signing recently.  It surprised me, because I never thought about it.  She continued to say that she noticed that a lot of my stories took place during the holiday months. Like around Thanksgiving, Christmas, or early Fall.  As I searched back through my stories. I think she was right, to a certain point.  I did seem to focus on those seasons.  I love the holidays, and although I don't go into details in my stories. I do seem to talk about the character's feelings about the holidays. Holidays seem to inspire me, and may others with stories.  Some writers, write more in certain seasons than others.  Many are Winter writers, because they love the outside, the snow, and all the winter activities. Some like Fall, just before Winter hits the earth  They like the crisp feeling of a cool day.  The leaves falling, feeling them crunch under their feet as they walk. And the ideas that Fall seems to invoke  of the time's pass, when they  were young.  Then, we have  those who remember holidays, like Thanksgiving, going to relatives homes, big meals, and the closeness of family. And of course, there's Christmas, the biggest holiday of all.  So many stories are written about this season.  Many writers are more inspired during certain seasons than others, and some, I recently discovered only write during certain seasons, and just rest on their off season.  It's like their mind is a thermostat set at a certain level and knows just when to kick in when the time is right, to foster inspiration. Being a seasonal writer has benefits.  You only write when the season moves you, and you take time off when it doesn't.   You don't feel the pressure to crank out story, after story, since you know what season inspires you.   I'm not a total seasonal writer because, I write throughout the year, and usually don't take a break for months like they do.  Are you a seasonal writer?  Only you can answer that question, but if you are, you're not alone!

Empty-Nest-Syndrome!

As a writer, did you know that you can suffer from the "Empty-nest-Syndrome"  You might be saying, "What's she talking about, never heard of such a thing"  Well it exist.  You've finished your book, it's now published, you're so happy about it.  But what now.  You begin to feel lost, sad.  You've spent so much on this piece.  The characters have become like your children, you know everything about them, and have grown to love them.  Now they are gone,,, and you miss them so much.  This has becoming a trying time in your life. What do you do now?  Realize that your feelings are shared by many after they publish a book.  Its natural, but you don't have to feel sad.  There are so many possibilities open to you.  Take a break and just enjoy the fact that your book baby is on it's own now.  Sit back now and watch your baby shine in the eyes of the world.  It's also a time to take a break, enjoy life,  Travel, see the sights.  Often this will be the time new ideas will grace your mind for your next story.  Often sights, sounds, pictures, scenery, will come alive to you as never before, because your mind is now free to think about other things . It's a time of growth for you. to venture into different genres.  Maybe you've always want to try writing fantasy, non-fiction, children stories.  Now's a great time to do it. Move on with your writing knowing your prepared your book to hold it's own in the world. You'll always be the proud parent of that book that's out there.   Now, start another and give it the same chance to succeed, and make you a proud parent again.  Don't let the Empty-Nest- Syndrome make you feel depressed, instead let it make you thrive!

The Happy Writer...ME!

You're probably wondering by my title, why I'm so happy as a writer.  Is it because I've sold  thousands of books,and made lots of money... NO.  Is it because I have loads of followers on Twitter and Facebook, NO.  Is it because I get good reviews, NO.  So what makes me a happy writer, if these things are not in my portfolio. I'm not on television, or have lines of readers waiting for me to autograph my book for them at well known bookstores.  Well I'll tell you.  Of course I want to be noticed, have followers, do many book signings, tell the world about my books and other writings.  But that's not what makes a happy writer at all.  A Happy Writer is one who has passion for their work.  They write because they have a story to tell.  Now, not all people will want to read that story, but they must write it for those who will.  A happy writer is one who feels complete when someone say's they loved the story, it moved them.  They brought a smile of happiness to that writers face, even if their story wasn't on the New York Times best seller list.  To hear someone say "What's your next book about, or when is it coming out.  To hear that, is like walking the red carpet.  You feel honored, that they want to hear more from you as a writer.  A fire ignites inside you to write more.  A Happy writer doesn't   compare himself / or herself to other writers, because each writer is an individual, with a distinct voice.   A Happy writer just loves to write.  It's like breathing. You must breath, and you must write.  It's a part of you.  And with each word, sentence, or paragraph you write, a joy flows inside of you that's overwhelming.  You are creating something, breathing life  into your characters, and watching them come to alive in the eyes, and minds of your readers..  I have met so many people on my writing journey who read, and have read my books.  Most don't leave reviews.  I don't mind that at all. It's nice to speak face to face with them and hear them talk about my characters, and how the story impacted their lives in some special way, and hear them tell me, that they can't wait for my next one.  Many have asked for my business cards so they can check online for more of my books.  Happiness comes from enjoying your writing journey and all the people you meet along the way who make you feel special about your gift, and not letting yourself stop to feel defeat by the world, and other's  expectations.  That's what makes me a happy writer, and continues me on my writing journey.   Be proud of your work  It' will make you a happy writer too! 

Here is my latest Christian Romance Novel, out now on Amazon

"More precious Than Gold"

Just to see it in print, makes me a very Happy Writer!

Reviews, The Silent Killer!

 Today I read where so many writers are thinking about leaving the craft of writing.  They are frustrated, upset from bad reviews, or they get no reviews at all.  So they feel, why should they write when no one is reading their stuff!  First off "get that thought out of your mind."  That's not the way to go.  First off many writers make the mistake of asking readers to review their books who have no interest in the genre they are writing in.  That's like asking a race car driver to read a romance book when all he cares about is fishing and cars.  He may read it just to please you, but he has no interest in it at all.  So how do you think he will review your book?  I can tell you it won't be a true review.  You must think about those who you ask to read your work.  Seek readers who love what you love.  If you love traveling, then seek readers who love to travel, they will be able to appreciate your book more than a romance book, or Science Fiction.  Your reviews will be better.  Always remember to do research on your readers, just like you do for your story, before you ask someone to be a reader of your work. This will not guarantee a good review, but your chances will be much better if you do.  Now you must also consider that when your book is posted to bookstores like Amazon, Barnes & Noble and other places, you will get many people who are asked to review your work that you do not know.  Take this into consideration when you read their reviews.  They are from all different backgrounds, and you do not know their reading preferences.  Don't get upset if the review is bad. Just take it with a grain of salt, and read the review, but don't get upset about.  These readers are asked by these companies to do a review, and are paid for it.  They may read hundreds a day, yours just happens to be one of them.  Reviews can be silent killers. Don't let yourself be one of it victims!

Writing, A Dangerous Game!

            Did you know that writing is a dangerous game?  Think about it.  As a writer the world is an open book to you, and everyone in it. There are so many stories waiting to be told, and you want to be the one telling it.  Nothing is private.  A writer is always on the look out for inspiration.  He

becomes an avid listener to the conversations around him. A photographer to the images he sees in his world.  Often a counselor to  his  friends, hearing

all their private emotions and feelings.  Nothing is off  limits to you, nothing, and no one.  Often this can be dangerous.  People who know you will watch what they say when they know you're around.   They don't want to see their life in print, and their secrets revealed.  Of course you would use fictitious names, but they would  still know you were describing them, by the truths you reveal.. Often this can kill a relationship, and leave you left out, and  lonely.  You see so many story possibilities right before your eyes, and want to tell the world these wonderful, inspiring stories. Stories that you know would be really good set  down in print.  This can often be the reason a writer uses a pen name, changes the setting of his story, the town, or the city.   Or he may use different character names.  As a writer,you must be careful when around others, and often turn off your writer's mind, and just enjoy the company of those around you, no matter how the inspiration hits you, of what they say, reveal, or do. Your family and friends trust you.  Don't break that trust just to write a best seller.  It's not worth it.    That's playing a dangerous game.   Their world is an open book, but do you have the right to tell it!