tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51675966465740047692023-06-20T06:15:25.527-07:00Getting Close to the Crazy!Just a Blog following another writer on another day in another world. Oh and stuff about writing....sorta. About my writing. Well about what happens to me when promoting my writing. Or really the comments I receive. Not really comments more like statements a.k.a sighs and eye rolls.MJ Grothoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17178009153665034384noreply@blogger.comBlogger48125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5167596646574004769.post-35444529308736555072011-02-24T17:52:00.000-08:002011-02-24T17:53:56.535-08:00I AM MOVING.....I am posting the last time to this blogspot. :( WHY?? I have had issues with blogspot through these years with posting mistakes I did not enter, broken posts and the latest broken comments field. No one can post a comment right now to this blog. I also have several broken "gadgets" that I cannot fix and it is making the management of this blog IMPOSSIBLE.....<br />
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So I have moved here - <a href="https://mjgrothoff.wordpress.com/">http://mjgrothoff.wordpress.com/</a><br />
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I am sorry to my current blogspot followers but I ask for your forgiveness. I will continue to update my new blog like this one and will continue to promote writers in the twitterverse! ;)<br />
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Come on by!MJ Grothoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17178009153665034384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5167596646574004769.post-7075622974935392942011-02-23T19:48:00.000-08:002011-02-23T19:48:08.275-08:00Why I #WW all of those Writers <b>***The following is a REPOST from an earlier post I wrote about those I follow on Twitter. I am posting again because I decided to do some #WW and I really want those writers to know I am out here and listening. I love being part of this community! You all rock!!!!!*** </b><br />
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Writing for me is a place where I allow complete freedom of my senses and feelings. I found it many many many years ago to be my bless, my awareness and often not, my meditation. These similar connections follow me when I fall into a book. Yes, I did say fall since this is the sensation I often get when I am reading a great book or enjoying a good tale. <br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal"> Through these many years of participating in this writing thing I do and being part of the writing community, I found myself desiring the need for more information about it. I read periodicals, magazines, blogs, tweets, forums, websites, etc… to gain this knowledge. This need grows my energy and experience with it every day to the point now where I have become a picky writer. Picky in the sense of where I get this information (often find the same thing repeated in several different platforms) and with who is releasing this material.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"> This brings me to twitter and blog following and why I recommend those #WW. I carefully peruse twitter and follow those writers, agents and publishers who are sending out good, no great information about the world of writing. I do not just follow someone because they follow me. My time spent reading and learning the ways of this writing world, to me, is precious because it has the ability to intervene between what is really important to me. MY FAMILY. <span style="font-family: Wingdings;">:)</span> I do not take it lightly when I follow someone and I certainly read the material they are writing and handing over to this world for consumption. It was important to them to share so I find it important to read.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"> I love this writing thing we do and will ALWAYS promote and market every person in this writing world of ours! </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Happy #WW writers, agents and publishers!</div>MJ Grothoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17178009153665034384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5167596646574004769.post-33142633158206301612011-02-22T10:24:00.000-08:002011-02-22T10:24:42.495-08:00Hello is this Mic on? It has been a while since I entered something in this beautiful blog of mine. I am working on a new writing adventure, besides the novel series, and it is consuming a major piece of my time. I wish I could write about it right now but "hush" is the word on it. There is a new market out there for writers and it will become a lucrative one by the end of this year. Not keeping it on the wraps to avoid sharing. No not at all since this is not what I am about. I feel like the more writers providing this service the more jobs will be produced. The demand is so great that there is enough for everyone. I must keep at a hush for other aspects, not the writing side.....<br />
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I can tell you though it is a lot of fun and you use your creative senses through out the process. I hope by end of March or beginning April I may share it all. It is GREAT to be a writer. Our industry is changing so quickly with Borders filing Chapter 11, publishing industry trying to get a handle on self publishing and the ebook thing and the social networking becoming the most important thing you can do as a writer. ALL GREAT STUFF and feel great to be part of it at the beginning. Twenty years from now what will your story be on going through this writing reface. Mine, BUSY and LOSS OF SLEEP. :) :) <br />
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Happy writing writers!<br />
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Now stop surfing the web and write something!MJ Grothoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17178009153665034384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5167596646574004769.post-33337691967334177472011-02-07T10:12:00.000-08:002011-02-07T10:12:25.194-08:00Marketing Mania<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style>
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<div class="MsoNormal"><span> </span>This writing gig has a part which I found to be bigger than the writing.<span> </span>What’s this you say?<span> </span>If I am a writer wouldn’t the writing be by far the biggest?<span> </span>You would think, but a writer writing and no one listening is similar to a body builder in the gym everyday and not wanting any results.<span> </span>Now I am not saying write just for profitable results, no not at all.<span> </span>The first result should be in the happiness of writing because if you are not happy when writing, why write.<span> </span>What I am speaking about is in the art of marketing and making this part of the result.<span> </span>I say part because really good writing or maybe even great writing should be the end result.<span> </span>We strive to ensure our words tell the tale (but not too much), be the voice and carry your reader into another place -- IF you have someone reading!<span> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span> </span>How does a writer get people to listen?<span> </span>MARKETING!<span> </span>And a lot of it……</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span> </span>Well duh, you say?<span> </span>You would be surprised how many people do not consider this faction in the writing gig.<span> </span>After all, isn’t it enough just to write?<span> </span>Ok enough rambling about how important and what it means to market your work.<span> </span>It is important, so how or where do we go?<span> </span>Here are some many places I visit on a weekly basis (some daily) and push to make contacts, connections, friends and a name.<span> </span>These are just some of the places and often not known by writers.<span> </span>I will not name the usual Twitter, Facebook and MySpace since these are in society’s mainstream.<span> </span>I will showcase the possible unknown or little known which will and can help your marketing…… (Disclaimer:<span> </span>I have no affiliation with any of these groups and have gathered them over time.)</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Holding an event?<span> </span>Here is a great online organizer - <a href="http://www.eventbrite.com/">http://www.eventbrite.com/</a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal">Talk about your stuff and create a show (podcast) - <a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/">http://www.blogtalkradio.com/</a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal">Create a teleconference allowing readers to talk with you - <a href="http://www.talkshoe.com/">http://www.talkshoe.com/</a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Setup a book tour - <a href="http://booktour.com/">http://booktour.com/</a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Get some PR Buzz going and use the leader in this area (this has a cost) - <a href="http://www.prbuzz.com/">http://www.prbuzz.com/</a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Build a profile and learn a lot - <a href="http://www.authors.com/">http://www.authors.com/</a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Find reading groups to read your work! - <a href="http://www.readinggroupguides.com/content/index.asp">http://www.readinggroupguides.com/content/index.asp#</a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Oh and if you need to find it… - <a href="http://carolkluz.homestead.com/index1.html">http://carolkluz.homestead.com/index1.html</a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Find the next workshop or author events - <a href="http://www.everywritersresource.com/literarymagazines/">http://www.everywritersresource.com/literarymagazines/</a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span> </span>Again these are just a few I have come across through these years and have used them in some sort of fashion.<span> </span>It is up to you to sell your work.<span> </span>No one else will because no one else cares about it as much as you do!<span> </span>Now do some marketing and help your writing to be heard.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span> </span>Oh yeah, do not forget to break up your week and do some writing already!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Happy Writing! </div>MJ Grothoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17178009153665034384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5167596646574004769.post-47110042843572356512011-02-03T09:41:00.000-08:002011-02-03T09:41:07.242-08:00Head Buried in the Words<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style>
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<div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span> </span>I am buried in words right now and happy to be covered.<span> </span>This covering means my mind is racing with story(s) and I have little time to look up.<span> </span>This also means I have little time to post a blog.<span> </span>I took 30 minutes from my day and sat back to figure out a clever quip or some great writing information you MUST have<laughing here is appropriate>, but alas I do not for now. <span> </span>I hope to have some great marketing links listed and remarked by next week with some things I have learned over the past month on what is working or NOT with social media.<span> </span>It has been an interesting start for 2011.<span> </span>I am excited to get deeper into the year with this latest writing endeavor.<span> </span>To me, it is some real cool stuff and I believe a new avenue for writers to venture towards.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Happy Writing! </div>MJ Grothoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17178009153665034384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5167596646574004769.post-77275561421547554022011-01-19T18:53:00.000-08:002011-01-19T18:53:23.511-08:00Expand Beyond Comfort<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style>
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<div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span> </span>One thing I have learned about being a writer is you must be able to expand beyond one particular area or writing technique.<span> </span>Huh?<span> </span>I shall explain.<span> </span>In my quest in becoming what I call a full time/all the time writer, I have come to the understanding you MUST have a lot of great products to sell.<span> </span>If you are not selling, you are starving.<span> </span>Problem here!<span> </span>As one who writes novels and still holds a day job this meant I was going to starve for a LONG time before making this dream come true.<span> </span>Understanding this dilemma, I took it upon myself to expand my comfort zone.<span> </span>Oh and believe me it went well beyond this zone and I dove head long into it.<span> </span>Comic book writing!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span> </span>WHAT??<span> </span>How did this happen?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span> </span>One of my closest friends who I am collaborating with on MANY adventures is also the artist behind my novel series EVERWING (artist - @gregeales).<span> </span>He is originally a comic book artist and took it upon himself many years ago to expand his technique into my favorite world, the fantasy realm. <span> </span>This world I created has many stories to be told and in particular, there is a smaller series which I always felt would be a great comic book.<span> </span>Greg felt the same after hearing the story and he challenged me about a year ago to venture down this path and start working it.<span> </span>I agreed.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span> </span>What a great path it has been!<span> </span>Here is what an artist would expect from you if you ever have the desire to try this type of writing because one thing to remember, most of the story is told in the art with the words just enhancing the surrounding.<span> </span>Yes, this was a big change in thought since the words are everything in what I have created.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span> </span>Artists work in panels (where we writers work in scenes) and these panels have limited space so less is better when it comes to words. <span> </span>The panels work like this…..</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 12pt;"><b>Comic Book #1</b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 12pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 12pt;"><b><u>PAGE ONE</u> – <2 Panels></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 12pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 12pt;"><b>PANEL 1:<span> </span>THREE SHOT – Character 1, Character 2, Character 3.</b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 12pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 12pt;"><span> </span>The setting in the background is a forest. The characters are standing on a small cliff overlooking a lake. <b>Character 1</b> is fishing.<span> </span><b>Character 2</b> is reading and <b>Character 3</b> is pointing and laughing.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 12pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 12pt; margin-bottom: 6pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><b>Character 3</b>:<span> </span>I don’t think you are catching anything today.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 12pt; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span> </span><b>Character 1</b>:<span> </span>Yes I will! You watch! (Excitedly)</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 12pt; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span> </span><b>Character 2</b>:<span> </span>Shhh, I am trying to read!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 12pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 12pt;"><b>PANEL 2:<span> </span>TWO SHOT: Character 1, Character 3. </b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 12pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 12pt;"><b><span> </span></b>The focus is on <b>Character 1 & Character 3.<span> </span>Character 3 </b>is now looking over the small cliff and shaking his head.<span> </span><b>Character 1 </b>wears a scowl. </div><div class="MsoBodyText" style="line-height: 12pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 12pt; margin-bottom: 6pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><b>Character 3</b>:<span> </span>I’m waiting…</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 12pt; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span> </span><b>Character 1</b>:<span> </span>Just get away from me.<span style="font-size: 10pt;"></span></div><div class="MsoBodyText" style="line-height: 12pt;"><br />
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</style> <![endif]--> </div><div class="MsoNormal"><span> </span>As you can see it is close to screenplay writing (close but not exactly) and when it comes to the writing few words.<span> </span>The description allows the artist to understand the scene you are working to portray.<span> </span>It also helps to cut down on the redraws or rejections on the artwork plus keeps things happy between the partnership of the writer and artist. Very Important! </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span> </span>I hope this helps if you ever desire to expand beyond your style or area of writing.<span> </span>Remember to always push yourself as a writer.<span> </span>It will only make you a better one. </div><div class="MsoNormal">Greg and I are working on three different comic books.<span> </span>Something I never expected to do! I love this writing stuff!<span> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Happy Writing Writers!<span> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Go Writer Go!</div><div class="MsoBodyText" style="line-height: 12pt;"></div>MJ Grothoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17178009153665034384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5167596646574004769.post-59384326681787168952011-01-16T20:39:00.000-08:002011-01-16T20:39:35.346-08:00When You Go Without<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style>
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<div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span> </span>Over ten days ago I had a tragedy, wherein, my laptop made a decision to shutdown and not power back up.<span> </span>Now you may think the tragedy could be the loss of items I had on this machine but oh no, I had everything I needed (my day job is in I.T. and I should be ashamed of myself if I ever lose items in such manner).<span> </span><span> </span>The tragedy was also not the inability to cohort with others on Twitter, Facebook or other social media (I quickly put together an old pc and got it running to give me Internet access).<span> </span>My tragedy or shall I say my calamity, fell into the inability to do what I have done every day of my life (includes holidays, vacations, birthdays, anniversaries, etc…) for the past six years! <span> </span>WRITE!<span> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span> </span>You may say to yourself this should be a good time for this writer to read since the only way to be a great writer is to read.<span> </span>Well I already read and often, so catching up in this department was not a positive and relaxing direction (in fact, it performed the opposite by reminding me what I should be doing).<span> </span>Sigh.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span> </span>Writers are like any obsessive compulsive, nail biting, caffeine binging, must be sitting in MY chair and drinking from MY cup group of people (oh look a shiny penny).<span> </span>Hhmm where was I?<span> </span>Oh yeah, so for a writer to be frozen from their ability to do what they MUST do is well, close to removing the air from your lungs and asking you to speak (had to do this in Navy bootcamp and was a chiller I wish upon no one.<span> </span>Well, I can think of a few people…anywho). <span> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span> </span>What am I getting at????<span> </span>I learned a lot about myself and what writing really means to me.<span> </span>I found how important the ability to express myself and these inner voices by inking the words upon a blank canvass really is to my whole SELF.<span> </span>I learned as an I.T. person, how dare I allow my world to come down to one computer and put my life in such duress and horror.<span> </span>Shameful! </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span> </span>The event I am now calling “LaptopGate” made this writer fall deeper in love with this world of writing and made me realize I don’t write because I have a passion for writing. Oh no, I write because letters, words, sentences, paragraphs, chapters, novels, characters, plots and voices mean life.<span> </span>They mean love, energy, source and any other analogy or synonym you may find.<span> </span>This writer loves writing and is happy to be back with his love. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;"><span> </span>Happy Writing Writers.<span> </span>Go Writer Go! <span> </span><span> </span></span>MJ Grothoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17178009153665034384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5167596646574004769.post-81084190865153365172011-01-09T19:57:00.000-08:002011-01-09T19:57:39.820-08:00Oh to have rhythm... A glancing blow is all it took to down the rhythm. A sudden shutdown sent my writing vibe into a screaming panic and the voices feeding the story blabbering with emptiness. I lost a friend, confidant, therapist, scribe and partner. My laptop crashed! You always ask why! You always blame yourself for the loss and wonder what you could have done differently but know in your heart you did everything to prevent the madness. Oh the last moments were sweet. The writing was pure and unleashed. The rhythm and speed in tune and blinding. I was in my writing zenith and feeling the keys tap ever so lightly when it all ended. The lights went out. Silence stung the air. Panic rushed my skin and my thoughts went numb.<br />
<br />
Here I sit on a borrowed machine. An unfamiliar partner. A cold feel and passionless. Unless....<br />
<br />
Is there a voice I hear? I think I need to write down what they are saying..... Oh, well hello new friend. Let us begin and I will show you how this writing thing is done. Happy Writings. I think. <br />
<br />
I'm gonna need a lot of pudding.<br />
MJ Grothoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17178009153665034384noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5167596646574004769.post-89300637971058811792011-01-04T13:39:00.000-08:002011-01-04T13:39:10.289-08:00Some say Stigma, I say Writer<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style>
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<div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span> </span>Oh the so called stigma that comes with being a Self-Published Author has been an interesting or shall I say an eye opening awareness.<span> </span>The change in peoples faces when they find my books are self published depends on who they are and how they really approach life.<span> </span>You have two camps in this department: those who smile with great excitement and want to hear the story about how it was written and what it takes to write a novel and those who grin with a questionable eye and a quick comment, “Oh so you’re not really published.”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span> </span>They both come with challenging answers but invites new followers to my writing.<span> </span>How could the latter bring in new followers?<span> </span>It is all in the delivery….<span style="font-family: Wingdings;"><span> :)</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span> </span>I answer their statement with a question, “Why do you say this?” (I often know what the answer will be so really I am bating them at this point) and the answer, “Because anyone can self publish but not everyone is published.”<span> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span> </span>I have a quick retort, “Define published for me?”<span> </span>At this point the answer is often the same; one who is paid for their work to be published not one who pays to have it published is a published author.<span> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span> </span>My answer, “Says who?” </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span> </span>Now often a questionable brow comes across their stumped expression because they are really just going by what the press is pushing or what they have heard from a journalistic article in a magazine UNLESS I am speaking with someone in the writing world (this debate goes in a different direction). <span> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span> </span>I draw them in by answering in this matter, “The definition of published work is to issue in print, a written or graphical work for sale to the public for consumption. <span> </span>The definition does not define by whom or how but rather it is for sale.”<span> </span>Ahh the expression changes now back to a smile and they answer with, “I didn’t know that, I just thought it was always this way.”<span> </span>I have them now and show them my work.<span> </span>The smile of a new fan! </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span> </span>They are correct though, it is this way because of those spinning the tale with their words to define who is allowed to be a member and who is not welcomed.<span> </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings;"><span>:)</span></span><span> </span>The SFWA is a fine example of the haves and have not’s….</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span> </span>One of my best friends is an artist (in fact, he has done both of my book covers and we are working on several projects together) and is a freelancer with his work.<span> </span>He picks up jobs here and there and he laughs at the have and have not attitude in the writing world.<span> </span>He tells me in the graphical / artistic world there are no have / have not’s, everyone who draws is considered an artist.<span> </span>He has worked with many big names in the art community and not one of them asked if he has been published or require he is published before working with him.<span> </span>All they ask is for his work.<span> </span>They assess his ability by his provided work and not the awards, articles written about him, how he has gone about making his work available or question is technique.<span> </span>It is solely on his provided work. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span> </span>I have another good friend who has his own gaming studio where he writes his own video games available for download on various platforms.<span> </span>His studio is his own creation and he does this from his house in hopes some day that his company takes off by his games becoming bigger and better.<span> </span>In his community of game programmers, there are no have / have not’s.<span> </span>It is solely based on your work provided.<span> </span>Does your game grab the interest of those playing it!<span> </span>Yes, another world where it is about your work and not how you go about providing it for consumption.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span> </span>Yet here I sit as a writer who is working his third novel and writing in various other areas but considered “not published” because it is not in the “traditional” standards.<span> </span>Again I question the word traditional because really what is traditional?<span> </span>If we say traditional is the mainstream of how work is being pushed for sale these past eighty years are so I would argue this way to be mislabeled.<span> </span>Since we are talking about a process of the written word, eighty years does not make tradition for the written word has been around for a long time.<span> </span>Tradition is the ability to make your work available in print for anyone to read not how but the ability to make it available.<span> </span>The past eighty years I say it has become more “mandated” so for me there is published and mandated published. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span> </span><span> </span>The mandate is driven by --> $$$.<span> </span>Shocking I know!<span> </span>But even as an Independent Writer I drive for my work to bring in the mighty $$$ to help offset the costs of publishing and marketing plus fill the coffers so I may buy a coffee somewhere or more pudding.<span> </span>Pudding is delicious and just saying the word makes you smile.<span> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span> </span>I guess really the juxtapose will remain for now and many doors will be shut due to my direction BUT it does not knock the fact I love writing and love the many conversations I have with the writing community.<span> </span>They are a fickle group these writers and they challenge me to write more for those listening.<span> </span>My goals for this upcoming year will “bridge the gap” or bring a “positive eye” to all writing directions, styles and methods.<span> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span> </span>My friends shake their heads at the notion of a hierarchy and wonder what would happen in their communities if a Stigma like this attached itself to their world. <span> </span>Each one of these communities welcomes the independents and searches these areas as a great place to find a wealth of great work NOT a place of STIGMA.<span> </span>How much innovation or beautiful artwork would be missed?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Happy writing……(now where is the pudding!)</div>MJ Grothoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17178009153665034384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5167596646574004769.post-47412207432694172632010-12-28T20:23:00.000-08:002010-12-28T20:23:49.782-08:00Trying to De-scramble<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style>
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<div class="MsoNormal"><span> </span>My mind is scrambling!<span> </span>It is a nonstop scramble that is keeping me up at night. <span> </span>The scrambling is with the endless short stories I have rattling about, my novel series I desire to keep moving ahead and the several comic book series I am writing with my artist.<span> </span>Trying to maintain some sort of focus is becoming difficult and I do not have ADHD or any other form of concentration issues.<span> </span>In fact, I have great concentration and can sit for hours keeping my focus on one thing.<span> </span>Technically, I am doing this now since all of the above is considered writing but really I am scrambling.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span> </span>I have a schedule and each night is dedicated to accomplish one item but as I begin the inking an idea will creep in around one of the other stories.<span> </span>How frustrating!<span> </span>The real issue is my desire to have them all done and NOW.<span> </span>I must take a writer’s moment, look at my outline I have before me and push the other voices to the side allowing the one with the conch to have their voice. <span> </span>Easier said….</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span> </span>Am I complaining here?<span> </span>Nah, I am just in a moment where my ideas are scrambling my attention.<span> </span>This is a great thing to have by the way since writer’s block seems to happen to other writers.<span> </span>I am fortunate enough to not experience this lack of idea or motivation to ink it out. <span> </span>I get to deal with the scramble. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span> </span>Now if I can find a way to put the egg back into the shell whole again I think I will be okay or maybe just stop complaining and write already.<span> </span>I do enjoy this writer angst though!<span> </span>I want to be no where else but with the words during these moments. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span> </span>I hear my novel calling me back and really want to be there for her.<span> </span>Happy writings….. </div>MJ Grothoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17178009153665034384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5167596646574004769.post-72972868145604365392010-12-22T19:25:00.000-08:002011-02-23T19:46:01.476-08:00Why I #WW those writers I follow! <b>***The following is a REPOST from an earlier post I wrote about those I follow on Twitter. I am posting again because I decided to do some #WW and I really want those writers to know I am out here and listening. I love being part of this community! You all rock!!!!!*** </b><br />
<br />
Writing for me is a place where I allow complete freedom of my senses and feelings. I found it many many many years ago to be my bless, my awareness and often not, my meditation. These similar connections follow me when I fall into a book. Yes, I did say fall since this is the sensation I often get when I am reading a great book or enjoying a good tale. <br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"> Through these many years of participating in this writing thing I do and being part of the writing community, I found myself desiring the need for more information about it. I read periodicals, magazines, blogs, tweets, forums, websites, etc… to gain this knowledge. This need grows my energy and experience with it every day to the point now where I have become a picky writer. Picky in the sense of where I get this information (often find the same thing repeated in several different platforms) and with who is releasing this material.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"> This brings me to twitter and blog following and why I recommend those #WW. I carefully peruse twitter and follow those writers, agents and publishers who are sending out good, no great information about the world of writing. I do not just follow someone because they follow me. My time spent reading and learning the ways of this writing world, to me, is precious because it has the ability to intervene between what is really important to me. MY FAMILY. <span style="font-family: Wingdings;">:)</span> I do not take it lightly when I follow someone and I certainly read the material they are writing and handing over to this world for consumption. It was important to them to share so I find it important to read.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"> I love this writing thing we do and will ALWAYS promote and market every person in this writing world of ours! </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Happy #WW writers, agents and publishers!</div>MJ Grothoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17178009153665034384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5167596646574004769.post-47201056029186147762010-12-16T17:12:00.000-08:002010-12-16T17:12:25.440-08:00Run Forrest Run!<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style>
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<div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal"> I found my writing doing something it had not done in a long time. I was chasing it AND it was running; really fast! <span> </span>It has been awhile since the last time I caught myself chasing after this story but sure enough there I was forcing it. <span> </span>As a writer, the story should always flow from your mind to your fingertips and float onto the paper.<span> </span>This is easy to do with your first piece of work since there really are no expectations and the freedom to write is all yours.<span> </span>The chase begins, often not, when you get a fan base or following and the demand to have a sequel to the last masterpiece is sitting next to you screaming - </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: red;"><b>“ARE YOU DONE YET?”</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span> </span>I am in the midst of my 3<sup>rd</sup> masterpiece and now with my readership having the true taste of my series they are wanting more and <b style="color: #351c75;">NOW</b>.<span> </span>They have dropped down their hard earned money for 2 pieces and are willing to depart with more if I can provide the goods.<span> </span>Oh yeah, this monkey is jumping and screaming (plus throwing some pooh). </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span> </span><b style="color: #bf9000;">I must stop!</b><span style="color: #bf9000;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span> </span>For the grace of the story and respect of my characters, I must stop the chase and allow it to come when it is ready.<span> </span>I do not speak of writer’s block.<span> </span>No, writer’s block is not having anything next in thought.<span> </span>The chase is where I have the story, outline and the feel of where it is going but chasing the story to be written.<span> </span>I cannot rush to get it finished and have it available for sale, what a rip off!<span> </span>I know as a reader I am willing to wait for the next in line if it means the story continues to be inviting and adventurous to my imagination. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span> </span>So I have put it down for the week and shall pick it up a week from today.<span> </span>This gives me enough time to shake the chase away and smile when I begin plucking at the keys.<span> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span> </span>Happy Writing and remember this is not a race.<span> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span> </span>Unless your book is about racing, in this case type faster.<span style="font-family: Wingdings;"><span> :)</span></span> </div>MJ Grothoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17178009153665034384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5167596646574004769.post-40905176538557367132010-12-08T09:56:00.000-08:002010-12-08T09:57:07.104-08:00Why does this writer #WW those he follows?<div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal"> Writing for me is a place where I allow complete freedom of my senses and feelings. I found it many many many years ago to be my bless, my awareness and often not, my meditation. These similar connections follow me when I fall into a book. Yes, I did say fall since this is the sensation I often get when I am reading a great book or enjoying a good tale. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"> Through these many years of participating in this writing thing I do and being part of the writing community, I found myself desiring the need for more information about it. I read periodicals, magazines, blogs, tweets, forums, websites, etc… to gain this knowledge. This need grows my energy and experience with it every day to the point now where I have become a picky writer. Picky in the sense of where I get this information (often find the same thing repeated in several different platforms) and with who is releasing this material.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"> This brings me to twitter and blog following and why I recommend those #WW. I carefully peruse twitter and follow those writers, agents and publishers who are sending out good, no great information about the world of writing. I do not just follow someone because they follow me. My time spent reading and learning the ways of this writing world, to me, is precious because it has the ability to intervene between what is really important to me. MY FAMILY. <span style="font-family: Wingdings;">:)</span> I do not take it lightly when I follow someone and I certainly read the material they are writing and handing over to this world for consumption. It was important to them to share so I find it important to read.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"> I love this writing thing we do and will ALWAYS promote and market every person in this writing world of ours! </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Happy #WW writers, agents and publishers!</div>MJ Grothoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17178009153665034384noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5167596646574004769.post-86742661599965344012010-12-07T10:16:00.000-08:002010-12-07T10:16:20.816-08:00When the Crazy gets me to pause and sigh.<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style>
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<div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span> </span>So here I am well into my third novel with my writing in full energy and this ecstatic pulse on each keystroke pumping into the story when I come across a conversation an agent is having with a writer.<span> </span>The agent states she is often turned off by writers who carry a series with them and have several books already written.<span> </span>I found this as an odd statement.<span> </span>She goes on to say the publisher often will have some rewrites with this first novel which could change the outcome and change the fabric around novel two.<span> </span>There is no reason to write your novels until the first one is picked up.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span> </span>What?!?!?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 24pt;">Quick series background: </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 42pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span>·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>There will be 8 novels. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 42pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span>·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>They are outlined and are consistent with the next novel in line. <span> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 42pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span>·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>There is a full story board on the characters. <span> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 42pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span>·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>I have created a 3,000 yr lineage on each clan involved (10 total). </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 42pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span>·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>There is a full back story on how the 5 islands (this is my fantasy play land) was created.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 42pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span>·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>This series is a smaller series within the larger story (Oh the endless drama). </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 42pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span>·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>I also have 4 other series spawning from this initial series.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span> </span>I know there is a lot, but I am a fantasy writer and not just a fantasy writer, a fantasy geek.<span> </span>I love full series novels containing history, side stories/novels and a complete breakdown of the story environment.<span> </span>It makes for an exciting read and I cannot wait to see how it will grow.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span> </span>So back to my story… All of the above is in my head, in my journals, on paper and in notes (organized actually so not scattered brain).<span> </span>Even if parts of book one must change or must be removed, I am fine with it and as a writer I can easily adjust to the request.<span> </span>I would think being this far ahead will give us an advantage and allow us to turn over the next novel faster.<span> </span>Maybe I am wrong.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span> </span><span> </span>Does this mean my luck with finding an agent is almost zero?<span> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span> </span>Do I continue my current course with finding an agent / traditional publisher or the one I set sail on many years ago and take care of it all on my own?<span> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span> </span>I have been at this crossroad for a while and the questions continue to rise. <span> </span>I jumped into this for fun but found people enjoyed my story and so I went with it. <span> </span>But I cannot stop writing.<span> </span>Sorry, this is just like asking you not to walk until someone comes along and says I approve your first 20 steps so go ahead and step them now plus 5 more for good measure. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span> </span>Oh the drama of writing.<span> </span>I love it. <span> </span>I really do.<span> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span> </span>Where else do you get a bunch of critics and naysayers all wanting to be your friend until your novel tanks?</div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span> Happy Writing! :) </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings;"><span></span></span> </div>MJ Grothoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17178009153665034384noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5167596646574004769.post-22848307993008594422010-12-06T10:00:00.000-08:002010-12-06T10:05:12.544-08:00And the Query goes on.<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> I have sent <span style="color: blue;">49</span> queries so far with <span style="color: red;">14</span><b> </b>responses. Here is the break down:</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="color: red;">8</span> </b>sound like this - <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">"Many thanks for your query, but I'm afraid that your project doesn’t sound like the right fit for the list I’m building."</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="color: red;">5</span> </b>sound like this – <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">"We are n</span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">ot the right fit for your project."</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: red;">1</span> </b>sounds like this – <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">"Good luck but I am no longer accepting Fantasy queries."</span></span> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> So far no blast or hidden laughter inside which brings a smile on where I am with my project. I will continue to search for this right person who will assist me in becoming a famous and lasting author. <-- yeah laughter there. In previous posts I listed the following websites I am using with my search but I have found a few others and want to list all of them below. I find these very useful and easy to use. (I have no affiliation with any of them by the way)</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://pred-ed.com/peala.htm">Preditors & Editors</a> (of course)</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.agentquery.com/writer_hq.aspx">Agent Query</a>.com </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://aaronline.org/MAgents">AAR</a> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.agentresearch.com/">AR&E</a> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.1000literaryagents.com/index.php">1000 Literary Agents </a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> Good luck if you are in a similar process. I have a few other sites saved off but have not used them yet. I will try them coming up and let everyone know what I find. (Hopefully there will not be a need for it - *wink* *wink) </div>MJ Grothoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17178009153665034384noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5167596646574004769.post-80463459322335471452010-12-02T11:04:00.000-08:002010-12-02T11:04:18.569-08:00Sprinting in place! This is how I feel right now with my life as a writer. I am working on several projects which are spinning and driving my attention but are still in the stall. Bleh. Now the spinning is not for naught because the efforts are building to become something but exhaustion is rising. Here are a few items I have missed this past month I should have accomplished: <br />
<br />
<ul><li>Website is still behind and out of date. It should be rewritten as my resume versus my project.</li>
<li>I only hit 40 agents for query versus the 100 I had listed.</li>
<li>We did not get the first comic book out. We have it completed but not finalized. :( </li>
</ul> I did finalize though the following things so things were accomplished:<br />
<ul><li> A synopsis I am happy with and feel tells the story (of course, next week this will change)</li>
<li>A series of query letters are finalized.</li>
<li>A complete edit/revision of Book 1 "EverWing" completed and happy! <-- IMPORTANT.</li>
</ul> I also figured out my dilemma with Twitter and how to send out my thanks to those writers I follow by using #WW and include those non writer's I follow because of their great info by using #FF. You may be asking what is the amazement behind this since these tags were created just for this purpose (DUH)?? When I sent out the #WW last night I was afraid to loose followers because I flooded their tweet view or in particular, PHONES! This did not happen and my efforts were well taken with no issues from anyone asking why did I flood them. I am using Twitter as a real go to informational thing and not just as a popularity contest.<br />
<br />
There is also a new item which was created last night that shall spin my head BUT be extremely productive for all writing ventures going forward. HAPPY TIMES.<br />
<br />
Happy Writings!MJ Grothoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17178009153665034384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5167596646574004769.post-50315268255995562692010-11-29T15:04:00.000-08:002010-11-29T15:07:44.869-08:00To #FF or not to #FF is thy question (maybe I should just #WW).<div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal"> I come to a Twitter quandary and must decide how to handle thy madness. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"> What is thy madness? </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"> My follower list has grown and if I #FF everyone I believe tweet’s good information, it would do the opposite of what I am trying to accomplish and push people away. Since Twitter is still a growing community and we are all still learning its abilities for us as writers, I will try this week to #WW just the writers and #FF the non-writers. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"> Unfortunately, my writer list is growing faster than the non-writers (which is what I wanted) so we shall see if this idea will eliminate losing connections to other writers. My entire purpose of Tweeting is connecting with the writing community and sharing our crazy experiences. So far it is working…. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Sigh, if things backfire. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Oh if you want a great Twitter Do’s/Don’ts take a look at Roni Loren’s Blog:</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://fictiongroupie.blogspot.com/2010/11/twelve-ways-to-scare-away-twitter.html">http://fictiongroupie.blogspot.com/2010/11/twelve-ways-to-scare-away-twitter.html</a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">By the way, she is part of the Crazy People I follow. :) </div>MJ Grothoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17178009153665034384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5167596646574004769.post-56116165427056295972010-11-23T14:42:00.000-08:002010-11-23T14:42:08.019-08:00Same gig, different requirements. I am disappointed. No, very disappointed. I had a small window this afternoon around lunch to begin my "Query Bonanza" to the selected few. I began with all the hopes and dreams on getting out 25 within that hour. Oh how wrong I truly was on this concept. I finished only 10! How could this possibly be since I have fine tuned my query with the wording I wanted and just had to add the Dear such and such. You would not believe it but every single query I sent was different than the last. Each agent desired something different with the synopsis or the chapters wanted or the bio or just the query alone.<br />
<br />
How could the same job require so different techniques. I guess in the agent world it really comes down to personal preference and how they determine what is a good fit for them. I get this but drastically underestimated what it would take to get the "bonanza" off the ground. I now have a folder called Query and it currently contains 10 different possibilities on what an agent may want or need. I am still in amazement I created 10 different ways to sell a book.<br />
<br />
No worries I am ready for the next 10. <br />
<br />
Me thinks.....MJ Grothoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17178009153665034384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5167596646574004769.post-78767147921378285982010-11-22T12:15:00.000-08:002010-11-22T12:15:29.237-08:00My life wrapped in a Query. Here it is my life's work wrapped in a Query letter. It seems a bit sad really to have all of this hard work and effort down to a couple of paragraphs and a single page. I begin my first wave tonight but struggling to come up with a second wave (another 25 agents) since many agents do not carry the Fantasy genre. I am also narrowing my search down to those that will take an email Query since I would find it hard to work with anyone who does not use technology. <br />
<br />
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<div class="MsoNormal"> <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> "</span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">I am about to send you into a new fantasy adventure called EVERWING. This 130,000 word story introduces a new creature forged forth from a unique blend of Elvin heritage and Eagle kind, creating the race called Masu¨ra. These Masu¨ra differ little from their Elvish brethren except they possess wings on their backs and talons for feet. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> EVERWING, a historical adventure, brings us along with a young royal Masu¨ra named Gavee who discovers his understanding between right and wrong differs from his clans. He finds himself torn between what he was trained to become and what he feels in his heart to be right. This first book sends us into the Masu¨ra world and how Gavee answers the question on how he follows his heart versus the demands from his family. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span> </span>EVERWING is just the beginning for Gavee and his travels. Our adventurer is sent into the struggles of his region and forced to watch one Masu¨ra, his brother, destroy a thousand year alliance and send his world into war. EVERWING captivates you into a wonderful far away world of exciting and memorable characters with each having their own story to tell. This is my first book which kicks off the series of eight.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span> </span>Now a little about myself, I have been wrapped inside the fantasy world since receiving my first Dungeon&Dragons book many ages ago and find my imagination overflowing with stories and ideas wrapped deep in magical lands. I found myself creating and placing these short stories on paper for others to enjoy. These short stories allowed me to perfect my art and turn them into a novel series called THE SAGA OF EVERWING.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;"><span> </span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I am inviting you along on my journey in creating EVERWING a household name and look forward to hearing from you soon. I hope you enjoy.</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">"</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Short and sweet but to the point, I believe. Happy writing! </div>MJ Grothoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17178009153665034384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5167596646574004769.post-46463511238745864842010-11-18T09:39:00.000-08:002010-11-18T09:52:31.390-08:00How would you like to be addressed? I am gathering what I call the magic 50. This magic 50 ties into the last post I made about querying 50 agents by Thanksgiving. I am carefully perusing the agent listings out at <a href="http://pred-ed.com/peala.htm">P&E</a>, <a href="http://www.1000literaryagents.com/literary-agents-us.php">1000literary Agents</a> and <a href="http://www.publishersmarketplace.com/">Publishers Marketplace</a> to pick the chosen ones. There are many other sites carrying agent lists but found these three are pretty reliable and I am familiar with them. So back to my point.....I came across an agent who is accepting queries and important enough, email queries that has the following information within their website and it confuses me a little.<br />
<br />
"We also do not respond to emails that are not addressed to us personally (i.e.: we will NOT respond to: "Dear Agent", "Dear Editor", "Dear ***** Agency" or "Hi" etc.)"<br />
<br />
I understand this point of view BBBUUUTTT the different agent profiles are not listed anywhere giving me no names nor who accepts what genre. If I sent it snail mail, which is another option, they request the same respect so either way I have no idea who I am sending it to in order to fulfill their request. :) I take this as a sign stating they are not part of the chosen few.<br />
<br />
It is also amazing that I still come across many agents who do not accept email queries. For me, as a technical person, they are immediately removed from my list. Why kill a tree for someone to say no and throw it in the trash, ending the cycle in a dumpster. In today's age, everyone should participate in the electronic phenomenon we call email. <br />
<br />
Well wish me luck and once I said out my first batch of 25 you will be certain I will post my query letter along with many other things on my mind.MJ Grothoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17178009153665034384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5167596646574004769.post-69129943132543758292010-11-16T12:52:00.000-08:002010-11-16T12:52:51.959-08:00Time to hit the street againI took a small hiatus from querying agents so I could spend more time focusing on some marketing ideas and more writing. Now that I have finished what I wanted to accomplish it is time to hit the streets. I am completing the agent list now and intend to hit up those just waiting for my manuscript. :) You know who you are so stop being so bashful. I figured a good round number like 50 should do me well on my first swing of things. I have never sent this many prior so it shall be a somewhat interesting return. I will keep you abreast of how it goes and what the answers are as they are returned (or not returned).<br />
<br />
It feels like I am about to jump off a very high diving board into a pool that is still being filled...a.k.a they just turned on the water. :|<br />
<br />
But wait, maybe I should end this on a positive note. I am about to find the one person who is willing to take my work and present it. They are so lucky. :)MJ Grothoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17178009153665034384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5167596646574004769.post-82232404501926207732010-11-15T13:34:00.000-08:002010-11-15T13:34:37.814-08:00Tweet your Friday Followers.<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style>
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<div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span> </span>I started something new last week on Twitter and found it an interesting event.<span> </span>I actually participated in the #FF or “Friday Follows” by listing out everyone following me.<span> </span>I have been watching many others do this and in fact, may participate in the #WW or “Writer Wednesdays”.<span> </span>How did I do this you may be asking?<span> </span>How do I grab everyone following and send out a massive tweet or series of tweets?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span> </span>Well, there is no magical way except patience and the use of copy/paste.<span> </span>I copied the names into a document and created a line similar to below.<span> </span>Yep!<span> </span>It took me a while to structure this but I figured out a scheme and once I hit a rhythm it became pretty easy.<span> </span>I created a document called Twitter Followers and placed it in my marketing directory since to me Twitter is nothing but marketing.<span> </span>Here is an example of a few lines and yes these are real people following me and I, in turn, am following them.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Writers to #FF: @Sandra_Gulland @EmperorFranzen @JRobinsonAuthor @LornaSuzuki <span class="tweet-user-name">@ninatypewriter </span>@jamesrollins</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span> </span>I have also created a line for those that are not writers and are friends with their own business or followers who also tweet good information.<span> </span>To me this key, I really use Twitter as a pot to grab great ideas, new techniques or tricks and information about the writing world so if your info is what I need I will follow you. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">#FF: <span class="user-name">@STLconciergeGuy @gregeales @RossPR @Tekwani</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span> </span>Remember you may only have 140 characters (this includes spaces) so you will need to adjust each line accordingly. I would create the line, copy it into a “Tweet feed” and it would tell you if it falls within the Twitter magic number.<span> </span>This led to having 15 individual groupings to copy/past into Twitter and will make future tweets easy to handle.<span> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span> </span>Why would I do this???<span> </span>Good question since it took a lot of work and I have few followers compared to most tweeters.<span> The answer lies within the numbers! W</span>hen I sent this out my follower list contained 180 names BUT after it contains 197.<span> </span>I gained 17 more people following by a simple process.<span> </span>It may seem like a small victory but if I do this twice a week and average 15 – 20 people each time this is an additional 40 people a week. Average this through the entire year you are talking roughly an additional 2100 people I would never have had prior to putting together this list. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span> </span>One thing….do not forgot the new people who came along after you send your initial sweep.<span> </span>Each time a person follows me I get an email and I do not delete this email until this person is added to my twitter follower list.<span> </span>I want to make sure I miss no one because this could lead to a domino affect of losing followers. <span> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span> </span>Now the key to this success is how many will eventually buy my series and become a fan? <span style="font-family: Wingdings;"><span>:)</span></span><span> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span> </span>Still working this statistic! Happy Writing! </div>MJ Grothoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17178009153665034384noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5167596646574004769.post-86826176449947508102010-11-11T12:35:00.000-08:002010-11-11T12:35:38.147-08:00The Writing Industries Upgrade X.x<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style>
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<div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span> </span>I feel like I have been sucked into the start of the writing industries latest and greatest upgrade where the Internet and access to books or e-books are changing it forever.<span> </span>The writing world has done a few other big upgrades through the years, but often it appeared to be in a controlled manner.<span> </span>This time around, the upgrade has not been tested, evaluated or “approved” by the current industry and this makes this industry angry.<span> </span>It is why I give the upgrade not a number but letters indicating the unknown. </div><div class="MsoNormal"> <span> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span> </span>The e-book debate about how much should be charged is a stickler because many traditional publishers are charging the same or in some cases, more for the e-book. <span> </span>It makes little sense to me since it cost them nothing to provide a document that is saved on a computer somewhere. <span> </span>On a computer they already probably had in the first place.<span> </span>Example, I charge $6 a copy because my publisher has made this a mandatory minimum even though I pay a yearly charge for them to host it on a server somewhere.<span> </span>They are double dipping by charging my customers again for this availability. <span> </span>I call foul to this practice and I am working to fix it.</div><div class="MsoNormal"> </div><div class="MsoNormal"><span> </span>Another practice, which has turned the sour heads of the traditional world and many, many of its writers, is the “self published” author or “self published” works.<span> </span>I chuckle at being scoffed because of this notion since prior to the last industry upgrade all authors were self published.<span> </span>It was not until the publishing world realized they could control the masses and the price point on its items did they than quickly “banish” the self published writer. <span> </span>It did this banishment by raising the so called few and placing them on a pedestal and announcing these are your real authors; not them over there. Oh and they quietly started raising their prices. <span> </span>I believe Dr. Seuss and his book “The Sneetches” fill this idea fully. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span> </span>But here we are today and in what some call the “Wild Wild West”, the www or Internet. <span> </span>It has given everyone access to everything. <span> </span>No longer do you need a mass amount of money and industry pull to enter this playing field.<span> </span>It has unleashed and given us the ability to read GREAT works that in the old way would have never left the writers notepad.<span> </span>How sad. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span> </span>Someone said the other day they only follow established authors. <span> </span>I wonder what established means to them? <span> </span>To me, established means one who has been working in a field of work for a period of time and has come to an understanding of their subject due to their length and involvement in their work. <span> </span>I have been part of the writing community and doing my writing thing for the past 5 years, selling roughly 300 books without even trying. <span> </span>Does this make me established or poor because it is only 300 books? <span> </span>I consider it awesome because I sold one. <span> </span>I feel established because I work on my craft every day along with the business side of things and have been for these past 5 years.<span> </span>I understand what makes it tick and what makes it angry. <span style="font-family: Wingdings;"><span>:)</span></span> </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span> </span>So my rant today is telling everyone to watch and learn right now.<span> </span>Learn by following.<span> </span>Learn by reading.<span> </span>Learn by participating.<span> </span>Be a part of the X.x and you will be welcomed with open arms by this writer.</div>MJ Grothoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17178009153665034384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5167596646574004769.post-55302712194108143732010-11-08T16:43:00.000-08:002010-11-08T16:43:11.056-08:00Edit me one more time pleeaassee.....<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style>
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</style> <![endif]--> Oh yeah I hear both manuscripts calling me everyday when I go to write: <br />
<br />
"Edit me. No, edit me. Me! No ME!”<br />
<br />
So when should you go back and do the dirty deed aka "editing the older work"? <span> </span>When ever possible! <span> </span>Yep, I fit my old stuff in with my monthly editing schedule and do the dirty dance continuous with this previous work. <span> </span>I consider myself a serious writer (I say this with a slight giggle but I really do) and like any professional, a schedule is a MUST. <span> </span>I have a monthly schedule which is broken into sections: <span> </span>Create Me, Editing Brain Hour, Review It and Eat Pudding. <span> </span>Okay maybe the last one is not officially on the calendar but I guarantee it is in the plans and is not missed. :)<br />
<br />
The Create Me hour is my day to just write and write and write. <span> </span>I turn off everything and sit down and allow my characters to follow the so-called outline and create the story they live in. <span> </span>It is such a release and I find my bliss with each moment. <span> </span>I also miss it when the time is gone and want to live in it ALWAYS. <span> </span>But alas, I have creditors who wish to be paid so I must venture into the real world and deal with it too.<br />
<br />
The Editing Brain Hour is just it, time to edit. <span> </span>Time for the spell check, grammar check, bad word check and time line check. <span> </span>It is my time to get in deep with the story and make it pretty.<span> </span>This time period does NOT necessarily mean editing in Book 3 (this being the current manuscript I am writing now) but often I will take a chapter or three from Book 1 and edit. <span> </span>And yes, sometimes I feel a little queasy wondering if I am just wasting my time with this whole passion of mine when I am finished. I hate thinking I have done a wonderful writing job to find out I missed something simple. UGH. <span> </span>I also edit the other writing ventures I am looped into such as the comic books and video games. It is a writer’s life. <br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">Review It is my nights where I sit with the “outline” (I use “” because this outline does not follow a traditional rule of thumb) and take a look at where the characters have decided to bring the story. <span> </span>I enjoy these night just as much as Create Me because my mind tunnels its way into the future and new ideas often “light bulb” their way in. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">So remember your old work and make sure you give it some love often for it will only improve what you will be writing tomorrow. <span> </span>And oh yeah, save some time for pudding because pudding…well, it’s just plain good. </div>MJ Grothoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17178009153665034384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5167596646574004769.post-84693652474579222922010-11-01T09:55:00.000-07:002010-11-01T09:59:15.923-07:00Good Luck NaNoWriMo…<div class="MsoNormal"> I wish everyone in the NaNoWriMo community good luck this month in their challenge. I have a few friends participating and I know how difficult the pace can be when you hold a day time gig that is not writing nor at home. Keep the gentle sprint of 2k words a day and success shall be yours. Oh yeah 2k a day is a great challenge to anyone who does this as a side event in their lives. I wanted to participate this year but I must keep with my own calendar and it did not chime with it. I have marked next November and want to do it next year.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I think all writers should participate in this exercise and not for practice but to show one self you can do this thing. Oh and if you do write full time, the writing you do for this full time gig does not count. It must be separate and on its own record just for NaNoWriMo. Oh by the way, if you do have a wonderful writing day gig, congratulations. Enjoy each letter. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">What is my average a day?? 1K but often only 600. :(<br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal">If you are wondering what the heck NaNoWriMo is just look a the Crazies I follow and select National Novel Writing Month. It will explain it better than I could ever. </div><div class="MsoNormal"></div>MJ Grothoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17178009153665034384noreply@blogger.com0