10 Ways to Beat the Winter Weather Blues in Halifax

In all, the winter hasn't been that bad in Eastern Canada...and then March came along and ruined everything. Although, if we didn't have the weather I don't know what would talk about.

"Isn't this awful, I'm ready to move."
"Why did our ancestors settle so early?"
"I think I've got scurvy."
"Did you hear the forecast? We're getting more snow!"

March has finally left, but yes, there is another snow storm coming. I don't know about you, but storm chips aren't the happy cure they used to be (probably because I've eaten my weight in storm chips this year and my cholesterol is in the red zone.)

Anyway, since the only way to get to summer is to keep slogging through this weather, here's a list of substitutes for storm chips that will help ease the winter blues—or at least distract you from it.

10 Ways To Beat The Unending Winter Weather Blues

1. Grab yourself a cinnamon roll from The Old Apothecary Bakery.

2. Stroll through the Central Library, then grab a coffee from Pavia and settle into one of the spacious seating areas bathed in sunlight ont he top floor.

3. Go to a movie! Beauty and the Beast will make your heart full enough to melt away any bitter resentment.

4. Read a good murder mystery set in the summer. Okay, any book set in the middle of a sultry summer would be fine.

Death on the Nile by Agatha Christie

Deja Dead by Kathy Reichs

The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency Series by Alexander McCall Smith

A Demon Summer by G.M. Malliet

5. Go outside. Yes, I know this flies in the face of distracting you from the weather, but nature and fresh air do wonders.

6. Hot Yoga! Take a drop in class at Halifax Yoga. "I regret going to yoga," said no one ever. 

7. Do something crafty! Pinterest if full of easy DIY guides. Here are some easy peasy projects to do today.

Remake an old t-shirt into an infinity scarf!

Instantly freshen the air!

Spray glitter paint inside your lamp shade!

8. De-clutter your closet! Oh my nerves, it's time to get rid of all the winter clothes you DIDN'T wear this season.

9. Make a lemon meringue pie. It's sunshine for your mouth. Here's a recipe or just buy the speedy quick from a box version.

10. Buy yourself fresh flowers. Nothing puts a smile on your face faster than a bouquet of blooms.

What are your tips for surviving the winter blues?

I Am Currently...

Loving: That my garden is producing the most tasty peas, beans, and carrots. I can't wait for the tomotoes. It's a universal truth that a toasted bacon and tomato sandwich enjoyed with a cup of tea can fix anything. 


Reading: Reader, I Married Him. A collection of short stories edited by Tracy Chevalier, inspired by that epic line from Jane Eyre.  



Watching: I just finished season one of STRANGER THINGS. My thirteen-year-old son and I made a ritual of watching one episode (okay maybe two) every night. I loved the 80's references (JAWS poster, Tupperware, music...) and my son liked the sci-fi angle stating, "This is better than X-Files." 

The kids steal the series. They have cool bikes with lights and walkie talkies and play Dungeons and Dragons in the basement and call each other jerk face. And holy Hannah, everybody smokes! And don't even get me started on the fabulous hair and clothes. I miss the 80's, a time when people weren't bent over their cell phones. The series ends with some lingering questions, leaving room for a second season. I'll be listening to Duran Duran while I wait.


Thinking about: What to make for supper. Seriously. Every single night. Why is meal planning so hard? Please send me your 'family favourite' recipes.


Anticipating: Launching BLACK FRIDAY, the sequel to NIGHT SHIFT, my YA paranormal mystery series. I've been working on these books for eight years and I finally decided to self-publish the trilogy. It's been a sharp learning curve as an Indie author, but totally worth the result. My heart is so happy they're finally real books out in the real world. Check out the Pinterest board.

Here's the cover I made for Wattpad, the official fancy pants one from the designer will be revealed in style in a few weeks!

When a shocking letter of confession from beyond the grave makes Daniel and Mary question everything they thought was true, he desperately enlists assistance from a dubious source. However, his hope is soon shattered when new clues reveal the disturbing truth of Mary’s past—a truth that may destroy them both.

Wishing: Netflix would make a series out of the Night Shift. But who would play Daniel? Any suggestions?


Making me happy: Yoga. It helps my writer brain, plus my hip flexors have never had so much attention.

How about you?

How Yoga Saved My Writing

I've been going to Halifax Yoga for almost three months and I'm completely in love with the classes. No matter how busy my day, I always make time for a trip to my mat.

But it's not only the physical benefits I enjoy (I can finally do The Crow Pose and it makes me feel like a superhero), it's the philosophy as well. During class the instructor will give encouragement to help you keep hold of a difficult pose by sharing certain yoga values. I believe I was trying not to fall out of Reverse Warrior when I heard this one...

Be present. This is your pose. Take what you need.

A lightbulb went off inside my heart (a true a-ha! moment). I relaxed, I focused, I let go of the fear, I reached higher...and then I fell to the floor. But that's okay because it meant I was going for what I needed. There was no sense of failure and when I did the pose on the other side, I totally nailed it.

The real epiphany though, happened on the walk home afterwards. I'd been wrestling with my writing career and felt like I was at a crossroads. Do I keep writing? Am I justified in giving so much of my free time to something that wasn't meeting my (or the publishing world's) expectations? There was a sense of panic I couldn't explain.

However, after that class, I felt a connection between the message to help me embrace the pose and how it crossed over into my everyday life. I'd forgotten how writing used to fulfill me. I was concerned with the opinions of strangers. Success seemed elusive. But once I was able to fully realize this truth and face the fear behind it, the worry and urgency slipped away.

I will write for enjoyment. I will take as long as I want to write the book of my heart. That will be my success. I will take what I need.
  
Since that class I've been cataloging some of my favourite a-ha! moments from yoga. I hope these little nuggets of inspiration help you with your writing—or whatever you are needing guidance with.



Your bliss is where your mind wanders, where your energy is focused. Follow that.

Trust that where you are is the right place for you at this moment.

You become what you judge.

If you're not getting back the energy you give, drop what isn't working and let it go.

Find that place of peace, that place of stillness inside you. It's always there.

It takes mindfulness to be still and in the moment.

Give gratitude for your abilities and rise to the possibilities.

All your energy should give back.

Force is fleeting. Power is courage. And courage is following your bliss when everyone else is doing something different.

Embrace challenges by knowing that even if you don't achieve your goal, you expand and are forever changed.

The light in me acknowledges and is grateful for the light in you.

Even in chaos there is opportunity to nurture and be grateful.

Know that seeds of future happiness have been planted for you already.

Imagine, wish, dream. Send out the vibration and you'll attract what you desire.


~Thank you for reading. If you enjoyed this post please share! Namaste.

Bad Writing Advice From Non-Writers

If you do something well, it looks effortless to others.

Juggling is a perfect example. However, most non-jugglers don't offer advice to someone, who say, is struggling with a new move or having difficulty earning a living at juggling.

Not writers, though. Holy Hannah!

All you have to do is mention that you're 1 (querying for an agent) 2 (trying to finish a book) or 3 (looking for a new way to promote your book to improve sales) and the knowledge that spouts forth from the milkman to the barista will knock you off your feet.

And what do I do with this advice?

I usually smile and say, "Good idea. I'll think about that." Because where on earth do you start to explain why their advice is so asinine?

Here are a few pearls of wisdom I've heard from non-writers...

1. "Why don't you write a screenplay instead?"

2. "Don't lose faith, JK Rowling had twelve rejections before she was published."

3. "Erotica is hot now. Write that instead."

4. "Put a vampire in it."

5. "Send a copy to Ellen, maybe she'll invite you on the show."

6. "Open your own publishing company then you can publish all your own books."

7. "Can't you buy an agent?"

8. "It can't be that hard. My sister-in-law wrote a book and sold it to Harlequin. She paid off her house in the first six months...and my sister-in-law isn't that smart."

9. "Books aren't really selling these days. Why don't you send in some funny jokes for Reader's Digest?"

10. "People are hooked on Netflix. Write something kind of like Game of Thrones or The Walking Dead."

Any of these sound familiar? Do you have any to share?

How to Deal with Jealousy

Does this sound familiar?

You're about to go to bed, but you decide to check your email one more time to see if the agent you queried has responded.

Nope.

It's okay, you rally your sprits, there's still hope. Just for kicks, you check out Twitter...and there it is.
Someone has just signed a three book deal *gasp* at auction.

Someone who isn't you.

You scroll down your Twitter feed a bit more, and wowzers, someone has been nominated for a book award in your genre.

Someone who isn't you.

And then—and this is the killer—someone announces a movie deal.

Someone who isn't...okay, I think you know where I'm going with this. You lean back from the computer and swallow your tears whispering, "Why not me?"

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But that's okay. Jealousy is normal. It means you're still hungry for your dream, and that you're willing to keep working at it because you think about it every day. Still, you don't want to crumble every time you read your Twitter feed, so...

How can you deal with jealousy?

First: Forgive yourself for wishing it was you making that announcement. Wishing is awesome! You're hopeful! You still have that burning desire...keep that shit lit, man.




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Second: Take a break from social media to concentrate on other awesome aspects of your world; like dancing in the kitchen, eating Lucky Charms for supper, and how your friends will always have your back and bring you chicken soup when you're sick.

Writing is part of your life, but it shouldn't be your ENTIRE life. 

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Third: Now that you've connected with the other things in your daily life that bring you happiness think about the news on Twitter that made you feel jealous; a major book deal, an award nomination, a movie adaptation.

These announcements should always be celebrated because the writer has probably worked their fingertips to the bone for years and had their heart broken a thousand times to make this happen. Plus, all of these accomplishments benefit the publishing industry.

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 DING! DING! DING! *light bulb moment* And um...dude, you're a writer so this is big important stuff. This means the publishing industry is ALIVE and well. (Just like yogurt) Holy heck, it's flourishing!


Fourth: After you've counted your blessings and realized that good news for one author is good news for ALL writers, get back on social media. Send a big congratulations to the people who are basking in their happy news. Everyone loves a big party and the writing community is outstanding at supporting one another. So remember...

Success by others in this industry doesn't diminish your chances, it increases them. 

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I hope this helps you on your own writing journey. Positive thoughts and high word counts, my friends.

If you enjoyed this post please share!

Five Things Every Writer Should Know

With NaNoWriMo breathing down our necks  in full swing, I thought a little motivation was in order. Writing is a solitary activity (thank god) and while we love those quiet moments when we're completely submersed with our characters, it also leaves us vulnerable to self-doubt.

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So here's a little pick me up for those of you feeling a bit like Eeyore, moody and glum, hunched over the keyboard.


#1. Every first draft is garbage, but keep that crap coming because you can't edit a blank page.

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#2. Stop comparing yourself to the writer who just got a movie deal. Television is where the big money can be made—aim for that instead.

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#3. If you don't write this story, no one else will. Imagine if other writers gave up.

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#4. What you're doing takes tremendous skill, concentration and heart, most will fail, but you will triumph.  

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#5. You can do this. You've got this. You've come this far, just a little further until you reach the finish.

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Congratulations! You made it to the end of this post.

Now go tackle that manuscript like the bad mother fuc*er you are!

A Reminder For Every Writer...

So keep on blooming, keep on writing!

Official Playlist for Butterflies Don't Lie

Music is magic.

I love how an old song takes me back to a moment and makes me feel like I'm reliving the memory.

Or sometimes I'll hear lyrics that are so heartbreakingly perfect for one of my characters it gives me goosebumps.

Music inspires me everyday.

Here are a few of my favourite picks from the Official (because anything sounds better when you put 'official' in front of it) Playlist for Butterflies Don't' Lie.

"One Way Or Another" by Blondie

If there was only one song I could pick for this book, it would be this one. Perfect for chapter one.

"Paradise" by Coldplay

Stuck in a job she's terrible at with a boss who is constantly on her case, Kelsey hopes once she captures Blaine's attention everything will fall into place and her miserable life will suddenly be perfect.

"I Was A Fool" by Tegan and Sara

Oh, boy. Kelsey hits rock bottom in after a nasty revelation one night. (Chapter twenty for those of you reading along at home.)

"Starry Eyed" by Ellie Goulding

That moment when the guy you can't stand becomes the guy you can't stop thinking about. This song is perfect for Chapter Twenty-two.

"No One Is To Blame" by Howard Jones

I like to think of this song as Luke's theme. It's important because it has a significant impact on the storyline. Plus it's one of my favourites from my high school days...long, long, long ago.

"Stay" by Rhianna featuring Mikky Ekko

You should listen to this while reading chapter Twenty-nine. Really, I'm not kidding.

"I Feel You" by Sam Roberts

Feel all the feels of Chapter Thirty-two.

"So Close" by Shawn Hook

Perfect song for the epilogue.

The entire playlist is available here. Go knock yourself out. Also, check out the Pinterest board with character images, quotes and more good stuff.

Which songs inspire you to write?

How To Decipher A Rejection

We've all been there...

One finger hovers over the mouse, ready to click open the e-mail that just popped up in your inbox from an agent you've queried. Your heart is hammering against your ribs.

Maybe it's a partial request! Maybe it's full request! Maybe it's an invitation to set up a call!!!

Or maybe *sad violin music* it's a rejection.

And when someone tells you they don't like your heart and soul, and all the blood, sweat and tears that go with it, you want a good reason, don't you?



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Dude, I feel you pain. I'm somewhat of an expert on rejections. Suffice to say, I've racked up my fair share. And with that experience comes wisdom.

Here are some actual rejections I've received over the years and what they really mean.


#1. Rejection on JUST JESSE from editor.

Thanks for sending this my way, but I'm afraid the story didn't hook me like I had hoped. Keep in mind another agent may feel differently.

What it means: Keep writing. Keep sending out queries.



#2. Rejection on JUST JESSE from editor.

I loved the setting and the pacing of the story, but I didn't fall in love with the main character to my satisfaction. Thanks for thinking of me and please keep me in mind for future projects.

What it means: Keep writing. Keep sending out queries.


#3. Rejection on query for NIGHT SHIFT by agent.

A YA paranormal from a male POV isn't selling well in this genre. Most readers are girls and want to live the experience through the protagonist. If you consider changing the POV to a girl, I'd be willing to take a look at the first three chapters.

What it means: Keep writing. Keep send out queries. Also, HARRY POTTER and PERCY JACKSON.


#4. Rejection on query for THE ASP by agent.

This is a unique premise and I love the unexpected twist, but unfortunately my client case load is such that I'm no longer looking for YA writers at this time.

What it means: Keep writing. Keep sending out queries.


#5. Rejection on query for JUST JESSE by agent.

Sorry, but your work isn't the right fit for our agency. Please forgive the impersonal nature of this email, but it is necessary to send a form rejection if we strive to respond to every query.

What it means: Keep writing. Keep sending out queries.


Hm...it looks like they're all saying the same thing, keep writing, keep sending out queries. And here's a bonus. DON'T GIVE UP!!!

Treasure in the Trash

Personally speaking, I hate writing the first draft of any story because I know it's going to be garbage. I fight each sentence, wishing I could toss it in the rubbish and start fresh. I have to keep reminding myself to turn off the inner editor and just get the damn words on the paper.

After all, I can't edit a blank page. Garbage can always be thrown out.

However, I've recently learned to be careful not to lose the treasure hidden among the trash.

Let me explain...
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Before all the snow came, making Halifax look like a living Christmas card, I prepared my garden for the winter. An old wooden bird house my father had made for me many years ago, finally succumbed to the elements and was basically rotting off its spot on my backyard fence.

My dad is a retired Mountie, but he's also a jack of all trades. I've never known him not to be tinkering with some broken appliance or out in his workshop. The only thing he can't do is cut his own hair, this is a task he hands over to me.

FYI, I don't know how to cut hair, but I have electric clippers and that's good enough for my dad.

I suspect he's so proficient at fixing/making things because he's too cheap to buy something new. A quality that's endearing, actually...unless you mind waiting weeks for the toaster to work again.

In all its time on the fence, I've only ever seen one chickadee perched on top of the bird house. To my knowledge, no birds ever found refuge in the little box with its circular opening, promising shelter from the rain and neighbourhood cats.

Even though its purpose was unfulfilled, I kept it up on the fence for its aesthetic appeal—nothing like a weathered bird house to invoke the imagination.

Once, two years ago, a family of bees set up shop, buzzing in and out of the opening like a well organized flight deck. I imagined splitting open the old bird house to find honeycombs dripping with sweet honey. But the house remained intact, I didn't have the heart to disrupt what they might have created.

And so the little house stayed in place, facing the elements of each season. Until finally, this fall, the small crack in the front spilt wide open and the whole thing sagged away from the fence.

Did I look inside?

Of course I did.

The wood was so pliable, I pulled it apart with my bare hands. When the sunlight shone on the contents, I was amazed at what I found.

Sitting in a cloud of brown leaves was a soft, perfectly round bird's nest. I could see where the twine we used to secure some of the larger plants in the garden had been painstakingly pulled apart, creating thin stripes of silky thread to line the nest.

There was a red strand of yarn from a school project that must have been discarded with the leftover craft supplies.

And when I looked closer, I found tufts of grey fluffy hair—my dad's hair to be exact. The cuttings from his regular visits that gathered on the towel around his neck and then shook free in the backyard, had also found a purpose.

Archaeological layers of my family's life had been braided into this little nest; tiny bits of garbage that the birds had turned into treasure.

So don't turn your nose up at the stink of your first draft, instead relish the icky, sloppiness of it and know that you're getting closer to the treasure hidden within.

Happy writing! And Happy New Year!

Stop Thinking

Do you keep editing stuff you've just written before going on to the next scene?

Are you stuck on dialogue that seems to be going nowhere?

Not sure how to connect the B storyline to the main plot in the A storyline?

Here's my advice...

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 And just write.


It won't be great. It won't even be good. In fact, it will probably be garbage. But it will be done and you'll edit it brilliantly later.

Be The Caterpillar

"Writing is like driving at night in the fog. You can only see as far as your headlights, but you can make the whole trip that way." - E.L. Doctorow

The key is to keep moving forward. A lot of times in writing we hit a wall; some call it writer's block, I call it fear.

"Will anyone like this?"

"Is it too much like that other book everyone is talking about?"

"I know nothing about this genre, why am I thinking of starting this story?" 

And my personal favorite, "I have no idea what will happen after this scene!" 

Fortunately, there is a cure. Be the caterpillar.

Let me explain...

A caterpillar begins life having no idea that it's going to be a beautiful butterfly one day. It just eats, and eats, and eats until it starts to make a cocoon.

What the heck is going through it's head during this nonstop feast?

Oh my, God! I'm so hungry. Like ALL the the time. What is wrong with me?

Does it worry that it doesn't have time to talk with other caterpillars. And if it did, what would they say to each other?

"I know, me too!" Munch. Munch. "And now I have this intense desire to wrap myself in thread spun from my butt. It's starting to become more important than eating."

It goes through this cycle completely loyal to its needs spurned on by natural instincts.

Until one day...


"I can't believe I slept so long.  What day is it? And now I'm hungry for flower nectar. What is flower nectar? Holy shit! The ground is so far below! How can I move around. Whoa, I have wings. Check me out! I'm beautiful!"

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When writers block gets in your way, be like the caterpillar and let instinct take over.


Now go write something without caring why you're doing it, but trust that one day, it will be beautiful.

Writer Of The Week!

You may have seen my post when I announced my two book deal with Nimbus Publishing. I've been writing for five years...FIVE years, people. Anywho, becoming a writer seemed like the logical thing to do after nursing for over twenty years (which I still do, by the way).

My mom, who has been tremendously supportive of every story and every character I've ever put on paper, tells anyone who will listen that she's not surprised, since I've been writing from an early age.

I don't remember this. I don't remember making exceptionally good marks in English, either. In fact, I was a lousy speller...still am.

What I do remember is Travis F. throwing up in grade two—he had hot dogs and grape juice for lunch that day, apparently. And I remember when the boy I had a huge crush on actually made eye contact during History class.

But, the writing stories bit? Not so much.

I always thought my mom was biased and exaggerated the degree of my talents, as good mom's usually do...until the other day when she sent me this.

Okay, actually my dad scanned it and e-mailed it to me, but it was my mom who had kept it all these years, stashed away in her cedar chest of treasures.

Oh my nerves.  This newspaper article is over thirty years old, folks.

Let the prophecy be fulfilled!!!

I have no idea what "The Rock Collection" was about, but I'm guessing from the genre it was short and spooky. It was probably also riddled with spelling mistakes. I'm glad I earned points for my house team, it kind of makes me feel a bit like Harry Potter, but without all the cool magic and stuff.

I guess it shows that even though I wasn't paying attention, my mom was.

Thanks, Mom.

Book Deal!!!

Yes, it's true, I'm going to be an author.

I have a two book deal with Nimbus Publishing.

BUSGIRL BLUES will be published in the Fall 2014 and JUST JESSE will follow in 2015.

Oh my, where to begin. Well, certainly not at the beginning because that's way too boring.

Here are the dirty details...

JUST JESSE was on submission with two different agents for a combined total of sixteen months.

I received over twenty rejections from publishers.

I had two editors ask for a revise and resubmit (neither led to the above deal).

I had one YES!

If you feel like you've been on submission forever and you think no one is ever going to like your work, I'm here to tell you it will happen. IT WILL HAPPEN.

Keep writing. Join a critique group. Keep writing. Enter contests. Keep writing. Send your work out into the world. Keep writing.

It's okay to get rejections. It's okay for editors not to fall in love with your work. It's okay to feel crappy about it sometimes. It only means that your book hasn't met the right editor yet. There is a lid for every jar, my friend. 

My recent success with BUSGIRL BLUES on Wattpad was a turning point. It gave me the confidence I needed to actually try and get myself published.

I sent BUSGIRL BLUES to Nimbus, hoping a small publisher who focuses on Atlantic Canada might be interested in my coming of age novella set in my home town of Chester, Nova Scotia.

A view of the front harbour in Chester. Isn't it gorgeous!
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Penelope J., an editor from Nimbus (and my new bff) called me the end of May (on my niece's fifteenth birthday to be exact). She'd spent the day reading BUSGIRL BLUES and had just finished. She then proceeded to talk about the characters like they were real people who lived down the street and sometimes popped in to borrow sugar. She used words like; thrilled, excited, loved...

Then she made an offer to publish! I almost dropped the phone into the soapy sink full of dishes. Next we talked about JUST JESSE, so she asked for that too.

The next week I had a two book offer staring at me in the face.

That's right, people, my jar had found its lid.

Thank you so much to everyone who has ever read this blog, or read one of my stories on wattpad, or favorited one of my tweets, or smiled at me, or shared their Oreos at recess when my mom sent me with yogurt, or breathed oxygen...I think you see where I'm going with this.

Yes, I'm in love with the world.

Keep writing. Keep hoping. Keep dreaming. 

IT WILL HAPPEN!

And for God's sake, buy my books when they come out.

Enough talk, time to celebrate!

How To Make Art

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I saw this quote the other day on Pinterest and fireworks went off in my head...and my heart.

It reminded me of finger painting in kindergarten. As a kid, I could care less about structure or balancing the color wheel, I just went for it—globs and all. I used to mix every color together, ending up with swirls of greyish green, like a tornado that just hit a green pepper farm.

As a non-published writer (or as I like to say, 'pre-published' writer) the hardest thing about writing is wondering if what I've created is any good.

Are the characters believable?

Is the plot moving forward?

Will anyone care if I kill off the love interest?

Self doubt is the killer of all joy...no wait, that's comparison. Self doubt is the enemy of creativity.

I'm not going to say it's easy to write without caring about how you're work will be received, especially when the tower of rejections grows steadily higher. I think self doubt will always creep into a writer's conscience (even the post-published ones)!

What I'm suggesting is that you read this quote every time you're about to write.

Imagine the freedom to create when you don't care about landing an agent or a publishing deal.

Go ahead, use all the colors you want—make your tornadoes.

Write without fear.

If you're looking for some more inspirational quotes, check out my Pinterest boards!

Four Hard Lessons That Changed How I Write

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I've been writing for five years. I've completed seven novels, and four short stories. I've had two agents. And I've been on submission longer than anyone else on the planet ;)

If you need some tips on surviving submission click here and here.

My writing has come a long way since I wrote that first sentence; "Willard's department store was very old and very grand."

Whoa—who farted, right?

It's much better now, and for that I'm eternally grateful.

And my philosophy has improved as well. When I first started querying, I was so full of confidence, imagining three book deals with movie adaptations, I only sent out two queries.

What an idiot I was.

Imagine my shock when I received a form rejection the next day.

After many, many, many—okay you get the picture, rejections (and years) I realized my attitude toward writing needed to evolve as well as my skill with storytelling.

 

#1. I can't quit.   

Writing can be thrilling, exhausting, gratifying and frustrating. But we continue, even on the hardest days and after the toughest rejections because we're writers, it's what we do.

#2. My novels may never be published.

This was a tough one to swallow. Recently I made the decision to take one of my projects off submission. It is my favorite story and one that I've worked on the longest (see above opening line).

It's going to have another life, and I'll blog more about that later, but the important thing is to ask yourself why you started writing. Is it to share your stories, or to be published? Sometimes it can't be both ways and you have to figure out what you're willing to give up.

#3. Treat writing like a job.

Schedule yourself time to write. Did you get that? TO WRITE. Not to go on twitter, Pinterest, tumblr, facebook, or wattpad. It's amazing how much you can accomplish in an hour. Writing requires discipline.

#4. Write without fear.

So many times I pause during a scene, second guessing if what I'm doing is worthy of someone else's eyes. Who cares?! Keep it going. Don't leave your characters hanging! Besides, you can edit later.


I hope this resonates and helps you in your writing journey.

Many times I've wanted to quit, but I'm still writing, and I'm still hoping for that book deal. (Notice I didn't mention the movie thing).

Are there any epiphanies you'd like to share?

Make Your Own Writer's Survival Kit

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Every writer should have a proper work area just for them, with everything they need only an arms length away. I prefer my big comfy couch in the living room with lots of pillows. By the time I've surrounded myself with a few essentials, I have a nest that would make Big Bird green with envy.

Here's my list of essentials:

1. Java. And lots of it, sister. Whether it be latte, espresso or americano, everyone knows a cut writer bleeds coffee.

2. Dish full of CHOCOLATES. Goes well with above mentioned java. Even a bag of baking chips will do.

3. Woolly socks. When the butt is in the chair, the blood flow can be compromised to the lower extremities. And everyone knows cold feet inhibit imagination.

4. Picture of Alex Pettyfer. We all imagine him as our MC...right?

beastlytrailertheater.com

5. iPod and ear buds. Soundtracks are great inspiration for specific scenes. Here are a few of my favorites.

Mysterious scene.

Chase scene.

Scary scene.

Smooching scene.


6. Hand wipes. See #2.

7. Lucky Troll Doll Necklace. Don't judge me. It works for BINGO.  

8. Pizza Delivery on speed dial. You've hit your word count for the day, hooray! But now it's supper time and the kids are starving.

BONUS! Elastic band. Wear it around your wrist. When self doubt creeps in, SNAP it, then keep writing.


What's in your writer's survival kit?

Why Bother Writing If I'm Never Going To Be Published?

I asked myself this question out loud in my empty kitchen the other morning while scraping the hardened bits of scrambled egg from the frying pan.

Are we there yet?
photo credit, de.fotolia.com

Being on submission is thrilling, but it's also quite boring and depressing at times. They say the road to publication is different for everyone.

I confess I've begun to feel like I'm stuck on a banana seat bike puffing out, I think I can. I think I can. I think I can... as I watch everyone else is fly past me in a Ferrari. It seems to happen to other people much faster and always overnight.



I flipped back through my mental calendar and did the calculation. I started writing three years ago, during March break of 2009. No, way. Really? That long? The math was like a school yard bully, thumbing his nose at me.

I dropped the scraper and stared out the kitchen window. Three years. If it was meant to be, it shouldn't take this long, I reasoned. If it was meant to be, it should be effortless. The answer was like a punch to my gut.

Why am I subjecting myself to rejections from strangers whose opinions can ruin a lovely sunny day? Why? WHY did I ever start writing?

I wiped my hands dry and slumped in front of my computer. I checked my e-mail folder for NIGHT SHIFT. I went to the first draft and the date was confirmed. Yup, three years. I began reading the first chapter. I hadn't seen this version for awhile. I cringed. Ew...so bad. I used up two pages describing the Confectionery.

Then I clicked on an e-mail dated a week after I finished that first draft. It was from one of my close friends. She'd read the first chapter and wanted more. After I had sent her the whole thing, she asked, “What happens next?”

Only a writer knows how amazing it feels to have someone ask you that question.

Gradually, I added two more friends to the weekly chapter e-mail deliveries. With their encouragement the series grew. By the fourth book, the story had became theirs as well. I'll always remember one of my friends congratulating me, “You wrote four books! FOUR!”

“But they're not real books,” I had said. She shot me a look, and then uncorked the wine.

Reading those three-year-old e-mails gave me my answer. I started writing NIGHT SHIFT because I had this story in my head and I wanted to see where it would go. I kept writing because I loved how it felt for other people to know the characters and care what happened to them. And I continue to write because it is a wonderful and powerful thing to create brand new characters and share their stories.

I now realize that as long as I'm sharing it doesn't matter if the book is hardcover or a stack of looseleaf, hole punched and tied with red yarn.

Taking the scenic route.
photo credit, travelzone.com

Writing is a journey. And while pedalling up hill is tough when everyone else is already celebrating at the finish line, I'll rest on my banana seat and enjoy the view.

So...why bother writing?

Because I can.

Why do you write? What inspires you?

Next Monday I'll be blogging the SEASON FINALE of Once Upon A Time. Eek!!!

Cheers!