S.A. Crow's Blog, page 7

Why Should Authors Try Quarter Planning?

What is "quarterly planning?

Quarterly planning is the process of setting goals and outlining strategies for people, employees, and businesses for the upcoming quarter. This involves reviewing past performance, analyzing trends, and identifying areas for improvement, goals, and tasks for the upcoming quarter. It is a way to keep yourself and others on the same page and ensure that resources are allocated effectively in pursuit of common objectives. While quarterly planning is typically associated with business operations, writers can also benefit from the practice by setting writing goals and tracking their progress over time. Which leads us to why and how to use quarterly planning as a writer, author, blogger, or writing coach.

Why might writers want to get in on it?

Writers might want to use quarterly planning to set concrete goals and track their progress over time. By analyzing their past performance and identifying areas for improvement, they can ensure that they are making the most of their time and resources. Quarterly planning can also keep writers motivated because it gives them a clear plan for how to reach their goals. Additionally, it can be a useful tool for writers who work in a team or manage a group of writers, as it helps ensure that everyone is working towards the same goals and priorities. Dividing up your writing projects into quarters helps you maximize your efforts towards that goal.

I take part in NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month organization) events throughout the year, giving me three major writing project months to rotate my writing project goals around April (Q2), July (Q3), and November (Q4). This April, I’m drafting the fifth book in my Fire Series; you can learn more about that series here, and you can add me as a writing buddy on NaNoWriMo under the handle SACrow.

How to use quarterly planning as a writer, author, blogger, and/or writing coach.

You don’t have to start at the start of the year, any time is a perfect time to start quarterly planning, just remember how much time you have left in the present quarter or start at the beginning of the next quarter. A quarter consists of 3 months of the year, consisting of around 90 days. You will sometimes hear this method called “90-day planning” too.

Quarter 1 or (Q1) is January to March Quarter 2 or (Q2) is April to June Quarter 3 or (Q3) is July to September Quarter 4 or Q4 is October to DecemberIf you are starting in the middle of a quarter- Map out how many months, weeks, and days you have left till the end of the quarter you’re in. This will give you an idea of the time frame you are working with so you can set SMART goals. Learn more about SMART goals. Then pick a goal you would like to achieve in the quarter. Map out the tasks necessary to achieve this goal and break those tasks into weeks and days tasks.If you are waiting to start at the start of a quarter- Review your accomplishments and disappointments in the last quarter Pick your top 3 goals for the upcoming quarter Make a vision board for the quarter if you are creative and like having an image to remind you of what you are working towards. (optional) Map out your important events, appointments, and celebrations. Take time off for self-care, family time, friends, refresh, and reflection. Make tasks for your goals and break them up over the time periods, remembering the SMART goals process we talked about earlier.Join me for my plan with me video coming upCheck out my planners that divide the year into quarters.Q1 is coming to an end.

The first quarter was difficult, to say the least, with migraines, mental health issues, and more. We’ve made it despite it all. You can find out how my months went by watching my Author wrap-up videos for this year and my book talk videos.

Author wrap up videos.

January

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tAc03sXgAGw

February

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h-kkD7LsgGUMarch is coming soon so subscribe so you don't miss itWhat I accomplished in the first quarter. Got Love Rules to Alpha readers in February A coaching Client Edited and published the writing groups Charity Cookbook you can get your copy here Got my first book off of IngramSparks Did personal and business audits New desk set up Hung with friends a lot and I’m making it a goal to continue to do it all year Launched the Writing buddy program and the Authorworks Creative Mastermind group Asked to review a author tool more on that coming soon so subscribe to my newsletter and keep an eye on my blogs Spring Gardening plan started Learning about my migraines and what might be triggering them Learned a new streaming software for fun and experimental use. I’m currently prewriting, outlining, and plotting my fifth book of the Fire Series[image error][image error][image error][image error][image error][image error][image error][image error][image error][image error][image error][image error]Let’s ring in Q2. Second Quarter planningWhat are my goals for the 2nd quarter Drafting Book five of the Fire Series Fire from Ashes during Camp NaNoWriMo in April Researching Amazon’s Kindle Vella in May for my other pen name Ann Crow More business items Prewriting, outlining, and plotting for July CampHow you can plan with me.

Check out the upcoming video on YouTube and mark your calendar

You can also grab a planner and start planning with us check out the planners here

The Ultimate Writers Planner 2023

The Pagan Journal and Planner 2023

The Blog Planner 2023

And the free Monthly blog tracker

Current Project

I'm prewriting, plotting, and outlining the fifth book in my Fire Series

Fire from Ashes

Nate's story.

Nate is not adjusting well to his civilian life as part owner of Bastion Securities with his friends and former SEAL team. When he’s reluctantly made lead on a new client’s case. He’d much prefer to stay in the shadows. Emily fled Texas and her stalker for the green land of Oz, Seattle, Washington. It seems her stalker has found her again. On the advice of a local detective, she hires Bastion Security to help bring her stalker to justice.

Curious Minds on Curiosity Stream

Leverage Redemption S1

Beyond Shame

The Good Neighbors

Essence of Elements- Leir

Letters to the Universe

American Hauntings Podcast

Morbid Podcast

Five Finger Death Punch Radio

I'm playing Skyrim on Steam

Packing for Writing Camp

Packing for a Writing Camping Trip

If you've been around for a while, you know that I often take part in Camp NaNoWriMo in both April and July. I'm preparing to draft the fifth novel in my Fire series. Today I'm going to chat with you about the writing software I'm going to use, the settings, the characters, the plot, and more. Enjoy getting to know Nate and Emily.

Camp NaNoWriMo

NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) is a non-profit organization that holds three events a year to encourage writers to write. The first event of the year is camp in April, then July camp, and lastly the big 50k word November event. You can learn more about NaNoWriMo here. Find me here and add me as a writing buddy.

My writing group, On the Wings for Writers, is doing Prep March to help writers get prepared for camp next month, with daily prompts on both our Discord and Facebook group.

The Series

The Fire series is a contemporary romance suspense series. Each novel is a stand-alone, non-cliffhanger focusing on one couple. I love to read series and follow the other couples and their lives. If you read the books in order, you get the whole picture of the group involved.

You can get book 1, "Into the Fire," here.

Book 2: The Fire Inside is here.

Free novella "Home Fires" by signing up for my newsletter.

Book 3: If the Seas Catch Fire is in developmental edits and will be published in December.

Book 4 was drafted last year.

The software

I'll be switching from my favorite writing software (yWriter) to WaveMaker Novel Writing Software.

I also use Notion, where I house my writer's notebook, to keep track of all the notes for this book and the series.

The plot

Fire from Ashes

Book 5

Nate is not adjusting well to his civilian life as part owner of Bastion Securities with his friends and former SEAL team. When he’s reluctantly made lead on a new client’s case. He’d much prefer to stay in the shadows. Emily fled Texas and her stalker for the green land of Oz, Seattle, Washington. It seems her stalker has found her again. On the advice of a local detective, she hires Bastion Security to help bring her stalker to justice.

The Characters

Nate: A former Navy SEAL, he has recently quit the Navy and is part owner of Bastin Securities with his old SEAL team, Tony, Walt, Eliot, and Malcolm. Nate's looks are based on those of Jason Mamoa.

Emily: A famous mystery author's personal assistant. She has a past she doesn't talk about but that impacts her life in so many ways. She's found herself halfway across the country, and yet her troubles have found her again.

The settings

Seattle, Washington, neighborhoods

Bastian Securities building and offices

Tony's office, Nate's office, and Eliot's office

Emily's apartment

and of course, Travis and Raven's home is the hub for the group.

Camp NaNoWriMo is a non-profit group that encourages writers to write. I'm getting ready to write the fifth book in my Fire series for Camp NaNoWriMo. My writing group, On the Wings for Writers, is doing Prep March to help writers get prepared for camp. A free novella, "Home Fires," is available by signing up for my newsletter. Book 3: If the Seas Catch Fire is in developmental edits and will be published in December. I'm so looking forward to bringing this story to you. If you would like to know more or ask questions, check out Tea Time with S. A. Crow on YouTube on Monday mornings. I have a playlist for each book I've been reading for you. You can start with Into the Fire or book two, The Fire Inside.

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

The Housemaid by Freida McFadden our book club book for March

The Good Neighbors, Book One: Kin by Holly Black Graphic Novel

Essence of Elements: Leir by MirandaMagick Wattpad

Letters to the Universe by Kelsey Aida Roualdes

The Last of Us

Leverage Redemption Season 1

Black Books Season 2

Suspect Podcast

The Deck 4 of Hearts' Podcast season

Morbid

Would you like to head off to writing camp but have no idea where to start get a free writing coaching consultation with me here

Social Media: Creating a Brand and How to Use It

Social media can be a powerful tool for creating and developing a brand. My workshop, Social Media for Authors, Part 1, covers how to build a brand and strategies to deal with social media if you are an introvert and/or feel cringy about selling your services. If you've taken this workshop before, get prepared to take it again, as I've added new information and researched the new changes to social media. More information on how you can sign up for the workshop is below.

Author Brand

What is an author brand, and why do I need one? Usually an author picks one of two options for their first release: use their own name or a pseudonym, a.k.a. a pen name. No matter which way you go, you want to build a persona and a brand for your author business.

The use of a brand for your name and persona is important for consistency and making your brand easy to find. You want to use the same username across all platforms of social media. You want to be easily found anywhere you post content; you want your followers, readers, and potential readers to find it.

Example: If I come across a post by Ann Crow on Instagram and think I'll like her books, I'll want to look them up on Goodreads or Amazon. Using the same handles makes this so much easier. If there are too many Ann Crow authors, which happens from time to time, I want to search for their names on a search engine. Having an online presence is so important for new readers to find you and for followers to find out more about your work.

Oh, I can hear the cries now. I don't want to use social media. Why do I have to make a website? If I get traditionally published, don't they cover this stuff for you?

Here is the best equation for you:

author = entrepreneur

Whether you are an indie author, a.k.a. self-published," or get traditionally published, you will have to run your own social media and web site. They don't do marketing for you.

You could make some of this easier on yourself if you have the budget. You can hire a media manager, a social media and branding developer, or get yourself a virtual personal assistant (V.P.A.) to handle these things for you. On day one, my workshop goes into questions and ideas on how to create your own brand with a fun exercise.

Starlight Fairie Design

Your Author Persona

Why does an author need a persona? It is important to have a personal life and a business. Remember that earlier equation? Having a person can also help introverts deal with the public. The other reason you want a persona is to connect with your ideal reader. How do you create a persona? Sign up for the workshop here.

Finding Your Ideal Reader

What is your ideal reader? This answer is largely based on your genre and subgenre.

The reader of romance contemporary could be completely different from the reader of romance dark mafia.

We talk about doing research on the statistics of readers and their demographics. Where to best focus your social media efforts.

Scheduling Posts

Knowing your ideal reader also allows you to prioritize your social media efforts. Not every social media platform will work for you and get your novels to the right readers. We discuss how to post on social media to save you time. Along with other information on the following topics:

Gaining Followers How much time does it take? What do I post? I'm an introvert, and I don't like social media. SEO, hashtags, and videos

Social media can be a powerful tool for creating and developing a brand. My workshop, Social Media for Authors, Part 1, covers how to build a brand and strategies to deal with social media if you are an introvert and/or feel cringy about selling your services. An author's brand is a key reason to use a brand for their name and persona, as it allows them to be easily found and searched by their name on search engines. Having an online presence is important for new readers to find you and for followers to find out more about your work. This workshop discusses the importance of creating an author persona, finding your ideal reader, conducting research on the statistics of readers and their demographics, scheduling posts, and getting your novels to the right readers. It also discusses how to post on social media to save time and how to create your own brand. Sign up for the workshop here.

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Essence of Elements Leir by MirandaMagick

Bound to the Bikers by Stephanie Brother

Letters to the universe by Roualdes

The Last of Us season 1

Leverage Redemption season 1

Critical Roll

I'm taking part in PrepMarch if you are an author and want to get some encouragement to be prepared for April Camp NaNoWriMo join the Writing group On the Wings for Writers

Join the Facebook group because I'm going to have some swag and books that I'll be giving away. Mark your calendar!

Are you a blogger. Check out this free month tracker a great companion to the Blog Planner.

Self Care for Authors

Authors should make self-care a top priority for maintaining their mental and physical health while working towards their writing ambitions. Taking time to look after oneself is essential for any creative endeavor, and it can help to ensure that authors remain energized and focused on their creative goals. Self-care practices such as regular exercise, proper nutrition, adequate sleep, and engaging in enjoyable activities can all help to maintain both mental and physical wellbeing. Finding time for relaxation and reflection can help to promote clarity and mental focus, allowing authors to perform better and stay productive while they pursue their writing goals.

Why is Self-Care Isn’t Selfish?

Self-care is often misunderstood as being selfish. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Taking time for yourself is an act of self-love and can actually improve how you interact with those around you. It can also increase productivity and help you stay focused and organized. Practicing self-care is a necessary part of living a healthy and balanced life. Here are some misconceptions about self-care.

The effects are temporary. If you don’t do self-care regularly, the effects will be temporary and seem unnecessary. When you make a habit of self-care, it becomes more effective. Like any habit, it will become a part of your life and you can see benefits. It’s just for women. This is sadly a single view of self-care. Some of this comes from the photos attached to self-care articles and media. They often contain a woman in a spa like setting getting pampered. Self-care is more than just taking care of your skin or getting a massage. It includes mental health care, physical health, keeping your space clean, making a plan to reduce stress, taking time off to do what makes you happy, and so much more. Takes too much time. Self-care takes various amounts of time. From reading while you drink your coffee to making a home cooked meal once a week. You can start small with little micro habits and before you know it, you will feel effects. That it’s doing anything that soothes you. This is the most popular aspect of self-care, because we are often overworked, stressed, and overwhelmed by our hustle culture. Especially authors because author = entrepreneur, we are our own boss, public relations managers, customer support, creative department, and so much more. There is nothing wrong with things that soothe you. Self-care, of course, is so much more than that as we’ve been talking about in this article. It’s the same for everyone. What works for me might not work for you. My self-care includes making lists and organizing. I love all the girly ideas of self-care, but I also love getting dirty in my garden. I’m an extrovert and love to people watch and met up with friends. These things might not work for you, and that is completely understandable. You might be a gamer and need to escape into a game to reduce stress. Ask yourself some questions about what works for you.

Self-care is also doing things that need to be done for your health and environment. Make doctor’s appointments, check your prescriptions, do the dishes, laundry, and eat regularly.

Having a full cup of creativity to draw from can help foster creativity and innovation.

Some of you might be familiar with the “Prioritizing Your Life” a.k.a. “Is the Jar Full?”) metaphor, where the professor tries to make an example to students using rocks, pebbles, and sand. Here is a simple video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cPgMeKfQFq8

The metaphor of the rock, pebbles, and sand in a jar story is that if you prioritize the small and insignificant things in life, you will not have room for the important things. To have a more effective and efficient life, focus on the “rocks”—your priorities—such as building a career, paying attention to your health, spending time with family, exercising, and keeping in touch with relatives. Have a maximum of five rocks in the jar at any given time.

Experience can refill your creative well, so take time off.

Inspiration can come from amazing and small places. How many times have you been out and heard a conversation or saw a person whose story you wanted to know? Have you ever watched a movie and thought of a twist the writers hadn’t, or in my case, writing a story about a side character or minor character in a movie or show? Take some time off and watch a show, people watch, go on vacation somewhere new, or take a staycation where you learn about your area’s history. You’ll be surprised at what you get from it.

Ask for help, especially if you work full time and write part time.

So often we take on jobs in our work and home lives that others could do or help with. We do this for a variety of reasons, including social, economic, and environmental concerns.

What can you do with all this information now?

Reevaluate your prioritizing your life “the rocks in your jar”. Create at home self-care retreats. Create at home writing retreats. Try a staycation. Ritualize your writing time. Create writing rituals Delegate jobs around work or home Fill your inspirational cup Make your health a priorityCurrent projects

Body of Work workbook

Developmental editing for If the Seas Catch Fire book 3 of the Fire Series

The Legend of Vox Maxima

The Last of Us

Leverage Season 5

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Kushiel's Dart by Jaqueline Carey book 1 of the Kushiel Legacy

Mental Wellness

Painless Writing by Jeffrey Strausser

The Butcher and the Wren by Alaina Urquhart

Dinner for Two by Christina Lane

Leir by Miranda Paige

Check this outWhere we can hang outYoutube Monday Tea Time 10am CST Friday 9am CSTSaturday 9am CST

Do you celebrate your novel's birthday?

Absolutely! Every year I mark the anniversary of when I published my novel. It’s a great reminder of how far I’ve come as an author and how my business has grown since I first started. You can make a special card for the occasion, or maybe even throw a small celebration. It’s a great way to honor all the hard work that went into creating this story.

Into the Fire is turning 2 years old.

Into the FireBook 1 of the Fire SeriesRaven, a chef who longs to get out of the high-pressure environment of Seattle’s high-end restaurants. It might be the career path she chose, but it isn’t the right fit. While searching out a new path, she happens to meet her favorite actor and gets to cook for him. Confident about her cooking and little else, she finds herself falling in love with him. Is her attraction to her famous boss worth the risk of killing everything she has worked for and gained? Travis is regretting his decision to date his co-star Jessica and breaks things off. When he runs into Raven at a convention, he is in awe of her talent. He hires her to be his personal chef. Jaded about romance, especially after how toxic the end of his relationship with Jessica has become. Travis finds himself caring more and more for his new personal chef. But another workplace relationship could blow up in his face again. Raven’s life becomes endangered by Travis’ stalker, so he pushes her away for her own safety. He discovers with the help of his friends that what he feels for Raven is real for the first time.

Can he get her back before it’s too late?

Can Raven and Travis escape the obsession that follows him?

Can they find the courage to fight for what could be the best for both of them?

Into the Fire Book One of The Fire Series Is the first novel in the episodic contemporary romance suspense series, following a group of friends. Set mostly in Seattle, Washington. Each novel focuses on one couple of the group. Into the Fire is the story of Raven and Travis, how they meet and fall for each other while an obsession follows Travis and endangers Raven. Can they find the courage to fight for what could be the best thing for both of them?

The journey to publication

The year I wrote this story, our lives had been tossed into the air. We lost two close family members, two incomes, and they asked us to move out of our home by the end of that year. While I was in survivor mode, I found a story idea that blossomed fully fledged. Travis is based on the actor Christian Kane.

Sadly, I was new to the writer game and did a similar newbie problem. I set unrealistic goals for revision, editing, and formatting. This, of course, sent me into a cycle of anxiety and depression.I found my way back to the project by developing a new revision technique that works well for my dyslexia. You can learn more about The Bookend Revision Technique writing craft book, and/or workshop.

You can get the book on AmazonYou can book the workshop anytime.

The next hurdle on the path to publication happened while the book was in developmental edits with my favorite developmental editor, Karena Van Horn. She’s touched all the novels in this series so far and will do the audio book for this novel. While we were working back and forth on Google Drive happily, it didn’t last long. When we were halfway through the draft, Google held my book hostage. They blocked me from the file, calming I didn’t own my document. We looked up the problem, and it is a problem that other Google users have encountered. I tried so many fixes but didn’t find a solution before it threw me into another bought of depression.

I was so lucky that my editor found a loophole around the problem and we could get back to working on the novel. I know the novel has issues and I will update the novel soon. You can chalk a lot of this up to the depression and difficulty.

Next I printed two copies of the novel out and me and a friend marketed it up with pens trying to catch as much as we could. Everything went well until the next hurdle.

Uploading the novel to Ingramsparks. I wanted to go wide with my debut novel so I uploaded the novel on Amazon so easily and then my writing buddy suggested I try Ingramsparks. This was a nightmare to upload, even just the ebook there. I was prepared to toss my computer out the window so my writing buddy helped me set things up to keep me from committing “technocide” meaning murder of technology.

I bought a plant (bamboo) to celebrate the novel going live. I could also do a book tour to California to give my grandmother a signed copy of the book.

1 year out and the new baby

The next year I celebrated, knowing that I would publish my second novel a month later. I attempted to do a giveaway or sale of the novel. Sadly, I learned that because my book was on other sites, I couldn’t do some promotions on Amazon. I also learned that I hadn’t sold more than one copy on the other sites through Ingramsparks.

It feels like someone else it holding my baby hostage.

I’ve attempted three times to remove this novel from Ingramsparks and delete my account. Each time I message them (believe me, I’ve looked for a number to call.) They have informed me that my request is under review. Thank goodness I didn’t use this company again. I’ll be working with Draft to Digital and Amazon KDP from now on. If you would like to learn more about publishing to these, here are a few great videos on this topic.

What I’m doing to combat this?

I will release a box set in 2024 that will include Into the Fire, Home Fires, The Fire Inside, and Code of Fire. I will also do a new release of Into the Fire will updates and more. Keep your eyes open.

How I would love to celebrate?

I would love to throw a party and invite some of the beta and ARC readers that made the novel possible.I will do something on my Tea Time since I’ve been reading the novel there.

Why you should do what you can do something special?

If you have published a piece of work, celebrate this achievement and the novel. Because like a child, once it is out in the world, it grows with each reader and how they respond to your characters and more. It will be some readers’ favorite novel.

What would you do to celebrate your novel’s anniversary? Tell us in the comments below.

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I finished Netflix’s WednesdayI’m watching Markiplier’s play through of The Last of Us

MorbidCrimejunkie

Check this out[image error][image error]

Books by Brandy Bullock on Amazon here

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https://video.wixstatic.com/video/edf6c5_7feb158506ca4d01bd9ffb800e7beb51/1080p/mp4/file.mp4

What is a Writers' Notebook?

The Writers' Notebook

The most important tool in your writer’s toolboxA.K.A. the writers bible, a series bible, writers journal, writers bullet journal and more. For the sake of this article, I’m going to call it a notebook because that is also what I call it in my workshop.

About the workshop

Recently, I added more information and recorded the workshop for the writing community to view the entire year on my YouTube channel. In the workshop, we go over what a writers’ notebook is, digital and physical options, notebook ideas, and how to get over the fear of a pretty notebook.

What is a writer's notebook?

Having your writing life in a central location helps your mental health and decreases anxiety. A writer’s notebook is a way to keep track of all the important information for your novel, writing projects, poems, series, serial project, author collaborations, and your writing yearly plan.

Why do I need one?

When working on a project, it helps to keep all of your ideas, information, and plans in one place. Especially if you are a world building, or writing a serial or series of books.

How do I make one?

Physical or Digital?Physical examples:Composition style notebooksSpiral notebooksJournalsPlannersThree-ring binders with loose-leaf sheets

Digital examples:Documents on Google Drive, Microsoft Word, and others.PowerPoint or Google SlidesExcel or Google SheetsCampfire BlazeWiki pages like PB

Do I have to write it all down on paper?

No, you don’t, but I recommend you keep your information in either a physical or digital location for easy reference.I keep hard copies of information and tracking of a project these along with the first draft go in a folder as a physical backup for any reasons that might come up.

Do I only want one notebook?

If having a master notebook works for you and you have the space for it, that is a great idea. You can also have as many as you like, but have a system that makes finding what you need easily.

I have a workbook for each series I work on, along with a main writer’s dashboard in my Notion.

Want to see my notebooks?

Fire Series Google Docs

You can take this workshop for free all year at my YouTube channel playlist.

I love your workshops. I love that you continue to improve and add to them each time you host them. ~ workshop attendee

Amazing Ideas and they are helpful! ~workshop attendee

I love your upbeat voice and the information you covered. I had no idea I've been essentially keeping writer's notebooks all this time, but I never really called it that! Everything else was very nice and easy to follow. ~workshop attendee

What other workshops do I offer?

1.Social Media for Authors part 1 and 2. I’ll be hosting part 1 for free in March. You can request your seat today here.2.Trello for Authors3. The Bookend Revision Technique4. Ywriter for Beginners

Also, if you would like to take a private Writers’ Notebook class with me, you can also book that here.

Go forth and be creative.

Current projectBody of Work WorkbookDevelopmental edits on If the Seas Catch Fire book 3 of the Fire SeriesUpdates

I'm now not only selling on Buymeacoffee I'm also on Gumroad.

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Ghost Brothers Lights Out

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How to make a Editing Playlist?

Why do we use music when we write?

Music can be a great tool to help us stay focused when we write. It can also be used to evoke certain emotions that can help enhance our writing. Music can provide a rhythmic structure that can make it easier to organize our thoughts and create a flow for our writing. Additionally, listening to music can be a great way to relax and give us a creative outlet for our ideas.For some more information on how music enhances and affects us check out these articles:Why is Music Important to Us 9 Potent Ways to Use Music to Enhance your Writing Why Is Music Important?

What is the difference between a drafting playlist and an editing playlist?

You might have used music to draft a novel before or made a playlist for yourself and/or readers. Have you tried to use that same music while revising or editing? Did you find that you couldn't focus the same on the project with music playing?

Why does some music work better for drafting but others work better for revising and/or editing?

What works for me as a dyslexic author? I find that personally music with lyrics and intense beats work well for drafting. The same type of music is difficult for me to revise and/or edit a project. The only music I can listen to while doing something like editing is study playlists, or classical music, something that doesn't have lyrics and a slower calmer beat. You'll find that my music choices switch depending on what stage I'm in on the project at hand. I use Chillhop or Lofi Girl.I'm not sure why this is true for me, the only other thing that is similar is when some people turn down music when they are lost or concentrating.

How do you make or find a revision/editing playlist?

You can search on YouTube, Amazon music, or somewhere like Spotify for ChillhopLofi GirlStudy musicmood playlistsor lofi playlists

Make sure that you notice what works for you and your revision or editing needs. If something isn't working for you remove it from your playlist. Just because I need nonverbal calming music to edit doesn't mean you will too. This is only a suggestion on how to build a editing and revising work playlist.I personally have a playlist for working vs. writing here.

What about you? Have you tried to see what kind of music works best for you when you are revising or editing? What is your writing or editing playlist? Feel free to comment below and share it with us.

Current project update

I've been revising this month to prepare this novel for alpha readers. Do to some unforeseen complications I had to revise my revising plan. Readers will get this book to read but they will only be getting a few chapters to see what they think about the characters, and story idea.

Upcoming project

Next month I'm taking a semi-break. I'll still be working on the revision of Love Rules and the developmental edits on If the Seas Catch Fire but I'll be taking it easy as much as I can. Check out my Tea time weekly authortube videos for more updates every Monday soon to be at 10am CT.

Wednesday

Ghost Brother's Lights Out on Discovery +

Bratva Darling

Letters to the Universe

The Medicine Way

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How can you support both the hungry and authors at the same time?

Raven Cookbook 2, that is how! This is On the Wings for Writers’ second cookbook for charity. Our first came out last year and supports Feeding America. That book will always support Feeding America as long as it is active. Let me tell you more about this cookbook.Get a cookbook with recipes from authors and do some good for charity at the same time.Get a cookbook with recipes from authors and do some good for charity at the same time.Consider purchasing a copy of the “Raven’s Cookbook 2” cookbook. We filled this cookbook with recipes from our authors and all proceeds from the sale of the book go to charity. It’s a great way to support a good cause while also getting some delicious recipes to try out in your kitchen.

Where are the proceeds going?Meals on Wheels America.

Meals on Wheels America.

NEARLY 7.4 MILLION SENIORS HAVE INCOMES BELOW THE POVERTY LINEThat’s an income of $240 a week or less, which, after housing, utility and medical expenses, leaves very little for food.Half of seniors living alone lack the financial resources to pay for basic needs.DELIVERING SO MUCH MORE THAN JUST A MEALMeals on Wheels has been guided by a single goal since the first known U.S. delivery by a small group of Philadelphia citizens in 1954–to support our senior neighbors to extend their independence and health as they age. What started as a compassionate idea has grown into one of the largest and most effective social movements in America, currently helping nearly 2.4 million seniors annually in virtually every community in the country. I was so happy when this charity was picked as I volunteer for them in my area.

Who’s Raven?

Raven Moore is a character in my first romance suspense novel in my Fire series. She is a chef and leaves the rat race of high-end restaurants to being a personal chef and cookbook writer.Into the Fire (The Fire series #1)

Into the FireBook 1 of the Fire SeriesInto the Fire Raven, a chef who longs to get out of the high-pressure environment of Seattle’s high-end restaurants. It might be the career path she chose, but it isn’t the right fit. While searching out a new path, she happens to meet her favorite actor and gets to cook for him. Confident about her cooking and little else, she finds herself falling in love with him. Is her attraction to her famous boss worth the risk of killing everything she has worked for and gained? Travis is regretting his decision to date his co-star Jessica and breaks things off. When he runs into Raven at a convention, he is in awe of her talent. He hires her to be his personal chef. Jaded about romance, especially after how toxic the end of his relationship with Jessica has become. Travis finds himself caring more and more for his new personal chef. But another workplace relationship could blow up in his face again. Raven’s life becomes endangered by Travis’ stalker, so he pushes her away for her own safety. He discovers with the help of his friends that what he feels for Raven is real for the first time. Can he get her back before it’s too late? Can Raven and Travis escape the obsession that follows him? Can they find the courage to fight for what could be the best for both of them? Into the Fire Book One of The Fire Series Is the first novel in the episodic contemporary romance suspense series, following a group of friends. Set mostly in Seattle, Washington. Each novel focuses on one couple of the group. Into the Fire is the story of Raven and Travis, how they meet and fall for each other while an obsession follows Travis and endangers Raven. Can they find the courage to fight for what could be the best thing for both of them?You can hear me reading this novel on YouTube (Tea Time with S. A. Crow) every Monday.

How is Raven’s cookbook made?

Every month, our authors submit recipes to be voted on for the recipe of the month and added to our cookbook. At the end of the year, we compile them and create the cookbook. The group also votes for our food related charity the years cook book will benefit.Where can I get both the 1st and this cookbook?Amazon

Raven’s Cookbook 1D. C. Sadie, Celeste Thrower, Lyncee Shillard, S. A.Crow

Raven’s Cookbook 2Rachel Adams, Brandy Bullock, Jenn Haun/D. C. Sadie, S. A. Crow

Will the money still go to Meals on Wheels if I get a copy after this year?

Yes, this cookbook will always go to Meals on Wheels as long as it is live.

What more can you do to help?

Get your copy of Raven’s Cookbook 2 today and help support a good cause! For every purchase of this cookbook, all the proceeds go towards the charity that works to end food insecurity in communities around the United States. With 12 delicious recipes from around our authors, you can make a difference while enjoying a variety of tasty dishes. So don’t wait - get your copy of Raven’s Cookbook 2 today and make a positive impact!Or donate through our special link.

Currently

I'm revising Love Rules so Alpha readers can give me some feed back

I'm also working with my Developmental Editor If the Seas catch Fire for publication later this year

And working on a Paperback version of the latest cookbook

Wednesday on Netflix

Leverage Season 5

Letters to the Universe

Bratva Darling our Book club book for January

The Medicine Way

S. A. CrowIndigenous, indie, LGBTQ+,author, writing coach and mentor, writing group owner, co-owner to both the ACM Authorworks Creative Mastermind group and The Writing Buddy program.

Why writers should read

2022 Read Battle and the Winner is!!!

The Head, the Heart, and the Heir (The Head, the Heart, and the Heir #1) by Alice Hanov

Princess Elizabeth wants nothing more than to be reunited with her father, her kingdom, and her people. Instead, she’s spent the last twelve years in the forest, hiding from her grandfather who killed her mother while she looked on. Then the only heir to the Kingdom of Warren is discovered by her childhood playmate and crush, now the Crown Prince of the allied Kingdom of Datten, and everything changes. Her grandfather has died which means it’s safe for her to return to her kingdom in advance of her seventeenth birthday…when sorcerers like her manifest their powers. But the girl who now calls herself Alex is nothing like the lost princess the kingdom remembers. She’s headstrong, fearless–and already wields powers beyond their wildest imaginations. She can predict the future, control the weather, make plants magically grow, and manipulate fire, causing unusual things to happen when her emotions are heightened. As she struggles to gain control of her powers, Alex causes chaos in the castle, where she’s never quite the princess they want her to be. When she uncovers the secret behind the murder of her mother and her own lineage, Alex’s powers threaten to destroy everyone around her including her father who hid the truth from her for so long. Alex doesn’t want to be feared or controlled. She’s not the type to stand by and let someone else decide her fate–but is she strong enough to turn her back on the only family and friends she has left?

Here is why it won:

Review: The Head the Heart and the Heir By Alice Hanov. I’m very picky about my epic fantasy reads and this read met all of my boxes. Strong characters, grounded world-building, and intrigue. I love political intrigue and family secrets and this novel gives me just what I want. Don’t pass this novel up, grab it today. You won’t regret it. One Princess Secreted Away. Two Kingdoms in Peril. Three: Will Rise. Princess Elizabeth wants nothing more than to be reunited with her father, her kingdom, and her people. Instead, she’s spent the last twelve years in the forest, hiding from her grandfather, who killed her mother while she looked on. Then the only heir to the Kingdom of Warren is discovered by her childhood playmate and crush, now the Crown Prince of the allied Kingdom of Datten, and everything changes. Her grandfather has died, which means it’s safe for her to return to her kingdom in advance of her seventeenth birthday..when sorcerers like her manifest their powers. But the girl who now calls herself Alex is nothing like the lost princess the kingdom remembers. She’s headstrong, fearless-and already wields powers beyond everyone’s wildest imaginations. She can predict the future, control the weather, make plants magically grow, and manipulate fire, abilities which cause unusual things to happen when her emotions are heightened. As she struggles to gain control of her powers, Alex causes chaos in the castle where she’s never quite the princess they want her to be. When she uncovers the secret behind her lineage and the murder of her mother, Alex’s powers threaten to destroy everyone around her, including her father, who hid the truth from her for so long. Alex doesn’t want to be feared or controlled. She’s not the type to stand by and let someone else decide her fate-but is she strong enough to turn her back on the only family and friends she has left?

My year in books

Every year for the last few years, I’ve taken part in Goodreads’s Yearly Reading challenge. This year I made the goal of reading 100 books. I didn’t make it but I did this!

The bracket

My 2023 reading goal is 100 books again and I’m happy to report that my first review of 2023 went out last week.

I also love Bookish’s monthly bingo cards. Here is how I’m doing so far in January.

I recently reviewed Unlife by Selina Fenech (Heartsblood #1)

Unlife Heartsblood #1 audio book review Selina A. Fenech’s 1st novel in the Heartsblood series Unlife. Held captive by a vampire in love with her blood… Kaitlyn knows her new role as a vampire’s victim is dodgy, but as an out of work actress, she needs the cash. She never thought it would leave her at the mercy of a real vampire… A vampire who thinks she’s the tastiest of them all. She’ll do anything to escape his cold lips alive, because being part of a blood-sucker’s ongoing meal plan isn’t high on her list of life goals. She’s playing a dangerous game, but she’s in too deep to stop. Learning vampires are real is one thing. What happens after that she would never see coming… Unlife is the first book in the Heartsblood series by Selina A. Fenech. If you love brooding vampire men, sassy, food-obsessed heroines, and a happily ever after with a twist, sink your teeth into this fresh and fun vampire series today. I was lucky enough to review the new audio book for this title. Last year (2022) I got the chance to interview Selina A. Fenech. She’s an amazing artist and I’m delighted to say fantastic story teller. This audiobook is 5 stars, the reader did a wonderful job conveying all the emotions of Kaitlyn has in her sticky situation. She handled the confusion of Owen beautifully well. I highly recommend this audio book to anyone who loves paranormal romance with a kiss of blood.

I’ve also finished Raven’s Cookbook 2, a charity cookbook for Meals on Wheels America, you can preorder it here.

Letters to the Universe by Kelsey Aida Roualbes

A Year of Writing Dangerously by Barbara Abercrombie *Finished yesterday

Run Rose Run by Dolly Parton and James Patterson on audio book

It Ain’t Me, Babe (Hades Hangmen #1) by Tillie Cole

The Medicine Way by Kenneth Meadows

How I’m keeping track of my reads besides on Goodreads this year I keep a reading journal on my Notion.

Keeping track of your goals and tasks made easier with Notion!

Notion allows you to create a custom workspace to organize all of your information. To keep track of what you need to do, you can create kanban boards, to-do lists and project timelines. You can also add notes and documents, so everything you need is in one place. You can set reminders to help you stay on track and make sure you don’t miss any deadlines. With Notion, everything you need to accomplish this year.

I like to share something with you!

A giveaway this month featuring Rachel D. Adams novel

A friend has a Wattpad story to share at Miranda Magic

The Write Notebook Subscription Box

Starlight Fairie Design Company, who did my beautiful branding

Don’t miss out on our spring Mad Hatter Book Party where you can meet some new authors, win books, swag, and maybe some gift cards. Head over to our Facebook group and join today so you don’t miss the event on March 22nd, 2023.

Why writers should read especially novels in their genre

Writers should read especially novels in their genre because it helps them become more familiar with the conventions of the genre, the common themes and topics, the typical structure, the language used, and the typical character types. Reading novels in your genre can help you identify which elements work well and which do not, as well as what resonates with readers. It can also help you develop a better understanding of the genre, which can give you an edge when it comes to creating stories that stand out. Reading novels in your genre can also help you develop your writing skills by exposing you to different writing styles, techniques, and ideas. Ultimately, reading novels in your genre can help you become a better writer.

Do you want to learn more about the genre? Are you not sure if you're writing in either? Book a free consult today! We’ll get your answers and inspire you.

Free consultation for As the Crow Flies Writing Coaching and Mentor.

What is your reading goal this year? Simply comment below with your reading goal, or reading challenge.

Leverage Season 5

Wednesday on Netflix

What is an Alpha Read?

Love Rules in this story

I’m so excited to bring this story to you and get your feedback before it goes onto its next stages. This is my first ever reverse harem novel, and it’s up for Alpha read in February 2023.

What is the difference between and Alpha read, Beta read, and ARC read?

An Alpha read is the first draft of a book that is read by a few select readers who provide feedback and constructive criticism to the author. A Beta read is the second read of a book that is read by a larger group of readers and focuses on general impressions and feedback. An ARC (Advance Reader Copy) read is the final draft of a book that is read by a select group of reviewers and media professionals prior to the book’s release in order to generate pre-release buzz and reviews.

Love Rules is a reverse harem novel, set in Southern Louisiana, featuring a motorcycle club ran by our main female lead Bee.

Bee grew up on the wrong side of her small town with a strung out mother in the town’s only trailer park. After she loses her sister, Bee swears she will do everything in her power to protect the kids in the park from the same and worse fate. She’s helped by her best friend Quinn and together they build a motorcycle club that soon protects the town from collapse and outside drug pushers.

Quinn is her right-hand man and the motorcycle club’s Vice President.Quinn has been in love with Bee since the day they met, running barefoot and skinny through the dirty streets of the towns trailer park. When they graduated high school and needed more money to keep up with the kids that no one cares about, he ships off to the military to send her steady money. While there, he confesses his love for Bee with Jack.

Jack is Quinn’s military buddy.Jack longs to change his life. The same routine of drifting from town to town, sleeping with a different woman every night, isn’t the life he wants anymore. So he recalls a slow night when he Quinn talked about what they wanted in life someday when they got out of the military. It’s time Quinn got his heart’s desire, Bee and maybe, just maybe, there is a place for him too.

How to sign up to be an Alpha reader?

Simply click this link and fill out the form. You will receive an email around the middle of January with more information. At the end of January, you will receive an email with the link to download the read onto your favorite reader.

What happens after you read the novel?

After you read the novel, you’ll click the link provided to answer some questions about the read and space to give your personal feedback. I can’t wait to hear what you think about this project.

Current Project

Revising Love Rules for you! I'm three chapters in so far. Nothing was more interesting than trying to write a steamy scene while the neighbors rooster screams every few minutes.

Finishing up Raven's Cookbook 2 which is available for preorder on Amazon at this point

The start of 2023 is going? 3 chapters into the revision doing audits and assessments working my plan if you would like to learn more about that and see what some of the planner pages look like, enjoy this video!https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XSRdCTWD1h0Don't miss my Monday Tea Times to learn more Every Monday at 11am CT. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HTB7zVPBr0E

Last Tea Time 1/2/23

The Medicine Way by Kenneth Meadows

A Year of Writing Dangerously by Barbara Abercombrie

It Ain't Me, Babe by Tillie Cole

Unlife by Selinda A. Fenech

Season 5 of Leverage

[image error][image error][image error][image error]Merch of the week

15% Off with code ZNEWYEAR2023

Are you stuck on the draft your working on? Have you always wanted to write a novel? Do you have a story banging around in your mind? Need some idea of where to start? Do you need to outline this story?Get a Free consultation today!