February 5th, 2009
Today I’m over at eHarlequin contributing to the “Yes We Can” marathon. Please stop by and don’t forget to read the other authors.
February 2nd, 2009
This month the Harlequin Community celebrates Black History Month with twenty-eight Kimani authors sharing their interpretation of the “Yes We Can” message every day. Please stop by and get inspired.
January 27th, 2009
Today I’m over at Access Romance talking about getting out of reading ruts.
January 22nd, 2009
If you’re feeling frustrated about the publishing industry I hope these will give you a good chuckle.
From the Typewriter to the Bookstore: A publishing story
And if you’re bored, I’ve add another jigsaw puzzle for Body Chemistry on my Black Stockings Society Page.
January 13th, 2009
Oops! In my last blog I forgot to mention my January release. So for those of you who haven’t gotten your copy of the third book in The Black Stockings Society,Body Chemistry is now out! I was thrilled to discover that it received a 4 1/2 star Top Pick from Romantic Times magazine.
January 7th, 2009
Sometimes a New Year is difficult to face because you feel it will be more of the same. Some people eagerly write out their resolutions and goals while others don’t know what they want. They just know it’s not what they have. So if you’re one of the people who don’t know what they want try this exercise.
What would you want your tombstone to say? How about your obituary? Would you want it to be three lines or half a page with a picture of you at the peak of your glory? Go ahead and dream. Imagine the plays you’ve written, the bookshelf crammed with your books, the awards you’ve won, the lives you’ve changed or the charities you’ve helped and/or created. Let your mind run free and write it down.
Then step back and look at what it reveals. Perhaps from that you can find a kernel of what your destiny is. Now take a deep breath and have the courage to go for it. You want to be a playwright? Type the name of your first play or write an outstanding review. Design the book cover for your book, sketch the painting you’ve always wanted to try. It doesn’t matter if you just put your toe in the water or jump in. Go for it, you don’t have forever.
An article of interest:
Seven Things I’ve Learned about Writing Part II
Make 2009 your year!
December 31st, 2008
I don’t believe in New Year’s Resolutions because they leave most people disillusioned by February therefore I’m a goal setter instead. However, that’s enough about me. If you want to make resolutions for the New Year here are five to consider.
1. I resolve not to send out a terrible query letter like this.
2. I resolve not to be self destructive (i.e. turning to the bottle, drugs or that bag of double stuffed Oreos) if I get a rejection(s), a nasty review or any type of discouraging news.
3. I resolve not to compare my first draft efforts to that of a bestselling published book (I will remember that published books have been rewritten and edited many times to be polished for public viewing).
4. I resolve to do my research so I don’t fall prey to scams like these.
5. I resolve to be proactive. To take responsibility of my career. I will know my priorities (emailing is not writing, it’s chatting; blogging is fun, but manuscripts mean money).
That’s it. Have fun and create your own resolutions if you wish or create one solid goal that you intend to accomplish.
Happy New Year! I wish you a 2009 filled with contracts, royalties and riches.
December 23rd, 2008
I’d never be bold enough to show you what my office looks like, but I can describe it. Picture a bird’s nest of paper and books and you’ll get the general idea.
If you’d like to see what some writers’ rooms look like check out this wonderful link from the BBC.
And don’t forget, the deadline is approaching for my Goodies Page offer.
December 12th, 2008
Money seems to be the topic of discussion for many groups. Writers are no different. However, I will not depress you with the tales of authors looking for 9-5 jobs, editors getting fired and publishers shrinking. There’s enough doom and gloom out there and you don’t need that.
However, if you want to groan and laugh at the same time read Bail Out the Writers.
On a more serious note Cait London has a great post called Writer’s Survival Guide Part 1 and Part 2 with excellent links to keep you going.
More good news agents are still looking for clients. From December 15- January 15 Firebrand Literary is offering a Query Holiday. During this time you don’t have to send them a query, but instead the first chapter of your manuscript. This is a great opportunity if your sales letter is weak, but your work shines.
Also New Agency Alert is a great way to do an agent search because they’re usually actively building their lists.
For the freelance writer here are three keys to writing success.
If you’re a children’s author Kristin Nelson has some notes that will interest you about what editors are looking for.
I could go on, but my point is that there’s hope. Don’t let the doom and gloom around you affect your aspirations.
December 3rd, 2008
Don’t know what to give yourself or the favorite writer in your life? Here are some sites that might interest you.
The romance community has come together to form a fundraiser for author Jo Leigh who recently lost her husband. To help her cope with the medical cost, authors have banded together for an auction. Check out the items here.
Holly Lisle is donating all the proceeds from her shop for authors to help fellow author Lazette Gifford make critical house repairs. Find out more here.
At Boxing the Octopus they are talking about Gift Ideas for your Favorite Writer.
And Ninth Moon also has lovely gifts.
Have fun!
