Paula R.C. Readman's Blog, page 90

Another Dark Moment

This morning I received a small payment for a Dark Moment. These drabble (a brief tale told in a 100 words) are a way I’m earning something for my writing. Okay, so its not a taxable amount and I’m not about to buy a Manor House in the rolling English countryside with the money I’m making.

I couldn’t even pay for a box of green tea with the sum I’m earning, so why am I so excited?

It’s quite simple. Someone is willing to pay me for my words. In a world where most people are not aware that writing takes time and energy to produce something of real value a small payment is better and more rewarding than nothing.

At times, I’m shocked by others attitude to what I do. It is as though they believe that writing magically produces itself onto my computer. That each word comes fully formed from my head into a story on the screen. In reality, even a 100 words can take time to write as it goes through many rewrite to create the impact in the final draft. You’ll be surprised by how many rewrites, edits and read through a short story or novel goes through.

It all takes time. I’m in the process of writing my second horror story. So far I’ve started the story with three different beginning as I search for the best hook to get the reader interested enough to stay with my main character. I’ve cut it about and change the main character twice. At the moment I’m not even sure it reach the point I want for it to fit in with what the publisher is wanting from me.

Yes, I may work from home. My darling husband does support me, but when I finished full-time work in the factory to take up writing full-time it was with the understanding that I did write. Life can be such a bitch full of many distractions. Of course my husband does need feeding and his clothes washed, and live in a clean house. Also he does like me to spent time with him to, and not just be a voice that calls to him from another room.

I take my writing seriously, it is my passion. Since June 2019 it has really taken off. Black Hare Press has given me the opportunity to shine at my chosen career. The small payments make me feel appreciated that my writing, ideas and stories have some real value to them.

There are many paying publishers out there, but far more expect to have your work for free. No other form of employment would expect you to put in the hours for nothing.

The most heartbreaking thing I hear from others, (and I’m sure if I was to point it out to them, they would say they didn’t realise,) is when they expect to read your work for free.

Buying a book is the only way writers earn their living. You can order books online, or through a bookshop on a high street. All you need to know is the title, author’s name and the ASIN number which you can find on Amazon by putting in the book title and author’s name in to their search engine.

Just because a writer is a friend of yours you shouldn’t just expect them to give you their book for free, unless they are giving you it as a gift.

Most writer don’t receive free copies of their books. Normally they have to buy them themselves. If you want to reward your writing friends for all the long hours they put in to creating their works of art, then leave them an honest review on Amazon, Goodreads or any other reviewing sites. Better still, contact the author of the book and ask them where you can leave them an honest review.

Reviews help us to know what we got wrong or right. Did the story stay with you, long after you had finished reading it? Did the characters stand out from the crowd? Was it easy to follow? Did the flow of the story carry you along, or jar you out of the flow? Were you disappointed, shocked or amazing by the twist at the ending?

This week has started with two of my stories being published. First you can read The Power of Love’ here.

Also you can buy ‘ Under Her Black Wings’ here

Right time to get my head down and sort out the problem I’m having with my 5k word story ‘Too Cold For Hell’

Have a great week, and happy writing

Paula R. C.

[image error]My story is called ‘Cold Calling’

Another Dark Moment

This morning I received a small payment for a Dark Moment. These drabble (a brief tale told in a 100 words) are a way I’m earning something for my writing. Okay, so its not a taxable amount and I’m not about to buy a Manor House in the rolling English countryside with the money I’m making.

I couldn’t even pay for a box of green tea with the sum I’m earning, so why am I so excited?

It’s quite simple. Someone is willing to pay me for my words. In a world where most people are not aware that writing takes time and energy to produce something of real value a small payment is better and more rewarding than nothing.

At times, I’m shocked by others attitude to what I do. It is as though they believe that writing magically produces itself onto my computer. That each word comes fully formed from my head into a story on the screen. In reality, even a 100 words can take time to write as it goes through many rewrite to create the impact in the final draft. You’ll be surprised by how many rewrites, edits and read through a short story or novel goes through.

It all takes time. I’m in the process of writing my second horror story. So far I’ve started the story with three different beginning as I search for the best hook to get the reader interested enough to stay with my main character. I’ve cut it about and change the main character twice. At the moment I’m not even sure it reach the point I want for it to fit in with what the publisher is wanting from me.

Yes, I may work from home. My darling husband does support me, but when I finished full-time work in the factory to take up writing full-time it was with the understanding that I did write. Life can be such a bitch full of many distractions. Of course my husband does need feeding and his clothes washed, and live in a clean house. Also he does like me to spent time with him to, and not just be a voice that calls to him from another room.

I take my writing seriously, it is my passion. Since June 2019 it has really taken off. Black Hare Press has given me the opportunity to shine at my chosen career. The small payments make me feel appreciated that my writing, ideas and stories have some real value to them.

There are many paying publishers out there, but far more expect to have your work for free. No other form of employment would expect you to put in the hours for nothing.

The most heartbreaking thing I hear from others, (and I’m sure if I was to point it out to them, they would say they didn’t realise,) is when they expect to read your work for free.

Buying a book is the only way writers earn their living. You can order books online, or through a bookshop on a high street. All you need to know is the title, author’s name and the ASIN number which you can find on Amazon by putting in the book title and author’s name in to their search engine.

Just because a writer is a friend of yours you shouldn’t just expect them to give you their book for free, unless they are giving you it as a gift.

Most writer don’t receive free copies of their books. Normally they have to buy them themselves. If you want to reward your writing friends for all the long hours they put in to creating their works of art, then leave them an honest review on Amazon, Goodreads or any other reviewing sites. Better still, contact the author of the book and ask them where you can leave them an honest review.

Reviews help us to know what we got wrong or right. Did the story stay with you, long after you had finished reading it? Did the characters stand out from the crowd? Was it easy to follow? Did the flow of the story carry you along, or jar you out of the flow? Were you disappointed, shocked or amazing by the twist at the ending?

This week has started with two of my stories being published. First you can read The Power of Love’ here.

Also you can buy ‘ Under Her Black Wings’ here

Right time to get my head down and sort out the problem I’m having with my 5k word story ‘Too Cold For Hell’

Have a great week, and happy writing

Paula R. C.

[image error]My story is called ‘Cold Calling’

Another Dark Moment

This morning I received a small payment for a Dark Moment. These drabble (a brief tale told in a 100 words) are a way I’m earning something for my writing. Okay, so its not a taxable amount and I’m not about to buy a Manor House in the rolling English countryside with the money I’m making.

I couldn’t even pay for a box of green tea with the sum I’m earning, so why am I so excited?

It’s quite simple. Someone is willing to pay me for my words. In a world where most people are not aware that writing takes time and energy to produce something of real value a small payment is better and more rewarding than nothing.

At times, I’m shocked by others attitude to what I do. It is as though they believe that writing magically produces itself onto my computer. That each word comes fully formed from my head into a story on the screen. In reality, even a 100 words can take time to write as it goes through many rewrite to create the impact in the final draft. You’ll be surprised by how many rewrites, edits and read through a short story or novel goes through.

It all takes time. I’m in the process of writing my second horror story. So far I’ve started the story with three different beginning as I search for the best hook to get the reader interested enough to stay with my main character. I’ve cut it about and change the main character twice. At the moment I’m not even sure it reach the point I want for it to fit in with what the publisher is wanting from me.

Yes, I may work from home. My darling husband does support me, but when I finished full-time work in the factory to take up writing full-time it was with the understanding that I did write. Life can be such a bitch full of many distractions. Of course my husband does need feeding and his clothes washed, and live in a clean house. Also he does like me to spent time with him to, and not just be a voice that calls to him from another room.

I take my writing seriously, it is my passion. Since June 2019 it has really taken off. Black Hare Press has given me the opportunity to shine at my chosen career. The small payments make me feel appreciated that my writing, ideas and stories have some real value to them.

There are many paying publishers out there, but far more expect to have your work for free. No other form of employment would expect you to put in the hours for nothing.

The most heartbreaking thing I hear from others, (and I’m sure if I was to point it out to them, they would say they didn’t realise,) is when they expect to read your work for free.

Buying a book is the only way writers earn their living. You can order books online, or through a bookshop on a high street. All you need to know is the title, author’s name and the ASIN number which you can find on Amazon by putting in the book title and author’s name in to their search engine.

Just because a writer is a friend of yours you shouldn’t just expect them to give you their book for free, unless they are giving you it as a gift.

Most writer don’t receive free copies of their books. Normally they have to buy them themselves. If you want to reward your writing friends for all the long hours they put in to creating their works of art, then leave them an honest review on Amazon, Goodreads or any other reviewing sites. Better still, contact the author of the book and ask them where you can leave them an honest review.

Reviews help us to know what we got wrong or right. Did the story stay with you, long after you had finished reading it? Did the characters stand out from the crowd? Was it easy to follow? Did the flow of the story carry you along, or jar you out of the flow? Were you disappointed, shocked or amazing by the twist at the ending?

This week has started with two of my stories being published. First you can read The Power of Love’ here.

Also you can buy ‘ Under Her Black Wings’ here

Right time to get my head down and sort out the problem I’m having with my 5k word story ‘Too Cold For Hell’

Have a great week, and happy writing

Paula R. C.

[image error]My story is called ‘Cold Calling’

More Than I Could Hope For….

I’m busy editing and rewriting. My mind is always one step ahead of me, as my plans jump about from one story to the next. I’ve already sent off four submissions this year.

This year has begun with a bang! So many exciting projects already in the pipeline from last year. I’m looking forward to seeing my children’s story in print. Having kept a detailed record of everything I’ve send out, I’m able to look back at what is outstanding.

This morning I received an acceptance from Black Hare Press for my drabble ‘Coral Garden’. It’s my fourth one in their ‘Oceans’ collection and I have sent off my fifth one. If they accept it, it will be the first time I’ve had five in a collection.

I’ve been busy writing and editing an idea I have for my entry in the Waterloo London Arts Festival short story competition. I had a story selected last year and the year before. I want to make it three in a row, but who knows.

I’m half way through my second horror story. I’m finding it tough going. My idea is too big for a short story, so my plan is to get it down, and then edit it into shape.

I’m trying to get as much done as I can, because I sure my two writing projects will soon be sending edits back to me. I do hope there won’t be too much to do, but you never can tell.

Have a great week with your writing.

Happy writing

Paula R.C.

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Brilliant Start To 2020

I’ve just signed the contract for my single collection of short stories. My collection has been with the publisher Bridge House since 2017. I have been watching my name move slowly up the ‘To-Be-Published list.

Just when I thought it going to be another two years, I received an email last night to say I was being offered a contract. I only found the email this morning.

Gill asked me to send the latest version of my collection which I did this afternoon. This evening, I’ve just signed the contract for my ‘Days Pass Like Shadows’ collection.

In the book there’s thirteen beguiling twists tales which tell an array of dark stories from a dark soul.

I’m hoping the book will be ready by Christmas so my family and friends will be able to buy it and make me very happy. The best present I could wish for.

Have a great weekend.

I must get back to my writing

Paula R.C.

[image error]St Mary Church, Whitby, North Yorkshire.

What a year!

If anything this year I feel that I have been very productive. I’ve suffered 11 rejections, 28 acceptances and failed to get anywhere in the three competitions I entered.

Having learnt that I can spread my wings, and dip my toes in fresh waters, so I’m very please that I stepped outside my comfort zone. Having so much success with the Australian Publishers Black Hare Press has been a huge confidence boost.

Their submission call outs for 2020 already look very exciting. My writing diary is filling up fast with new writing projects. So for me, 2020 is already going to be a busy year.

This coming new year, I hoping to get much fitter too. Sitting for long hours in front of a computer isn’t good for one’s health so more exercise for me is on the cards too.

Have a wonderful New Year everyone. I look forward to seeing you all in 2020.

Happy writing

Paula R.C.

[image error]Have a wonderful 2020, Everyone

Have a Wonderful Holiday Everyone!

I’ve had some wonderful news about my writing, which I will be sharing with you in more details in the New Year.

At the moment I’m busy writing and editing three stories for Black Hare Press.

2019 has been an amazing year for my writing even though my crime novel ‘Stone Angels’ was rejected 37 times. I’m hoping in the near future that I can take time out from writing short stories to spend more time editing my novel down to a lower word count.

Please allow me to wish you all a wonderful Christmas and a brilliant New Year for you, your family and your writing too.

I look forward to catching up with you all again soon.

Best wishes,

Paula R.C.

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All in a day’s work

Writing for me is a 24/7 job. There is no days off. I’m thinking about it all the time, even when I’m not at my keyboard.

This morning I was late getting up. Instead of quarter to four in the morning, it was quarter past. As soon as my husband was off to work I was back at my keyboard.

Writing isn’t just about the process of putting words on paper/ screen but about knowing what words you’re going to put down in the first place. One needs time to develop an idea, before you have the right starting point for the tale.

To do this you have to think about what you’re going to be writing about. You need to think about your characters, plot line, settings etc. After that you spent a huge amount of time developing your idea, which entails a lot of rewriting, and more thinking.

Yesterday I finished a short story I’d been working on. Though all the components of the story came quite quickly to me, it was putting them in the right order which was the toughest part. Looking at it this morning, I’ve decided I’m not happy with the end. So more thinking is needed to give it a much stronger bite at the end.

Yesterday evening I’ve gave the story to my friend, Joan to read, so I will see what she thinks of it, before I start editing it and reworking the ending.

Time to start work today.

My plan is to spend time developing an idea I have to link the first story to the second, though they are both standing alone tales.

The first tale has an element of time slip to it. The second story journeys further back in time, but is linked to the first by its setting. A busy few weeks ahead of me, I think, before I can write the final tale.

Have a wonderful new week of writing.

Paula R.C.

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Swings and Roundabouts.

Writing has its highs and lows especially when you submit your work as much as I have been doing just later.

For quite awhile now, all I wrote was golden. It seems that everything I submitted was just what the publishers were looking for.

This morning I received my first rejection in a long time. Initially, it side-swiped me, but I had taken a gamble with it, so even though it didn’t pay off, I had a place for my story to go.

In 2017 I wrote the story for a single collection I had put together. This year I decided that the collection was too long, so I set about reducing its word count as it was still no where near the top of the publisher’s list for publication.

Just because a story isn’t accepted in one place it doesn’t mean it won’t find a home elsewhere. In my case, the story had a home wait for it. Now the word count has been reduced, my single collection is much tighter.

Nothing goes to waste when you’re a writer.

Happy writing everyone

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Three Dimensional Writing

Now that 2020 is within touching distance, I’m getting ready to start planning next year’s challenges. I like to set a target. It doesn’t really matter to me if things don’t go to plan.

Of course, I try hard to achieve them, but I don’t allow them to break my spirit, or send me into a deep depression.

Life is about enjoyments. Take every small success and build on it. Yes, count the number of ticks you get, and forgot about the number of crosses. Rejection isn’t an ending its just a new beginning.

Remember an massive oak tree didn’t happen overnight, like everything it started with a small acorn and grew.

We all seem to forget that most successful people all suffered the same doubts about their craft. The ones that made it to the top are the ones that didn’t give up.

Over the last few days I’ve received news that four submissions I sent out all came back as acceptances. I’m just as excited as I was when I received my very first one, ten years ago.

[image error]Black Hare Press anthology cover

You always like to feel you have written your very best, that the story is your finest work ever, but doubt always creeps in when you least expect it. Having someone say ‘yes, we like this enough to publish it,’ is wonderful!

At the moment I’m still editing a story I’ve been working on for some time. I really cannot afford to spend any more time on it, but it is starting to speak back to me. The writing has become three dimensional. When this happens I get a real buzz, and my excitement reaches a higher plane.

The problem is when you have written your first draft, you have only just got your idea down. This is where the real magic of writing begins. It’s like taking a piece of coal and chipping away at it until it becomes a diamond