Renee Miller's Blog, page 42

This Week....

So, in On Fiction Writing's July Writing Challenge, Rita Webb and I came up with a challenge for a little prize. Ever heard of a Drabble? They're great fun. 100 words exactly to tell an entire story. Yes, it really is possible. In fact, it's so much fun that the Goddess of the Corn even posted her own little challenge using Drabbles. If you want the chance to win the book of your choice, check it out.



This week has started off at a sprint for me. Along with my regular writing, editing proje...

Editing Etiquette

When I saw this post on Victoria Strauss's blog, I decided that yes, I would post something about it too. Editing etiquette, or the lack of, has caused me to pause and rethink how I've been doing things many times.



So, what's my problem? Pull up a seat. This might be a long discussion.



I often read other writer's work and critique or edit. I do this first because it helps me to learn. Sometimes I recognize issues in their writing that I struggle with and it's easier to look at it and learn...

Juggling

This week's post is less to do with writing and more to do with "how the heck do you juggle everything". I was recently given the opportunity to write for money. Twice. Gasp! Someone is willing to pay for my words? Cool. I'll do both. And I'll continue with my 'day job' and keep a clean house, happy kids and hubby, and my sanity. Turns out that might be a hard trick to pull off.



Here's a look at my day, and this is not to complain, but to give a better picture of what I'm talking about.



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Book Review: Mistress of Rome

Okay, I once said I wouldn't do book reviews on my blog. I had many reasons and all of them make sense only to me. But, I'm making an exception this time. Why? I found a book that gave me such an amazing reading experience, by a NEW author, that I had to share this. A lot of times new authors or authors with only one book published aren't picked up by new readers simply because they aren't sure. Well, I'm here to make you sure of this book. Not because I'm a friend, not because I got this boo...

Making things happen.

For a long time I've been the type of person who waited for life to happen. I'd be angry, frustrated, and even depressed because nothing good ever seemed to happen to me. I'd wait, trying to be positive, and believing that eventually my turn would come. Life just kept kicking me in the ass though and I often thought that I was just unlucky. Nothing good would ever happen to me.





A couple of years ago, I picked up my passion for writing, dusted it off and made the decision that I would...

A Lost Art?

Short stories seem to be a thing that not a lot of writers tackle anymore. What used to be the sure-fire way for beginners to practice and hone their craft has become something only seasoned writers do, writers who enjoy the challenge of fitting the basic elements of a story into a few thousand words. And many don't consider that many authors make a living, and pay their bills, writing only short stories. Wow, amazing, eh?



Stephen King has stated in interviews that writers have a tendency i...

Let's be honest.

So, I'm just going to throw something out there for you to chew on, savor, spit back out if you want to and see what happens. It's something that's been bothering me for a while, a little thing that makes me want to shake people silly. A claim made by many authors seeking publication that I don't buy for a second in most cases. Actually, it's a couple of claims.



What the heck am I talking about? I'll tell you, of course. I read a lot of blogs by agents, publishers and authors. Nearly every ...

What did you say about my genre?

I've noticed a certain sensitivity among some authors about the genre in which they write. It's difficult to say anything critical or to remark on 'clichés' that are evident in each without a few authors getting their underwear in a bunch. What's this about? Have we become so obsessed with ourselves that we can't handle a little bit of honest criticism or friendly teasing? Even if the criticism leans toward nasty; should it really bother us so much? What does it matter to us as long as we kno...

Paper or Electronic?

I read an article on a friend's blog today that pondered the future of books. I'm talking about real, hold in your hands, coffee stained, dog eared (or chewed) books that you carry to the beach, the doctor's waiting rooms or wherever it is that you need a little something to keep you occupied, made of paper and whatnot. Read her post here. Pages For Small Wages



I know this topic has probably been discussed to death, but still I'm curious. I'm wondering what the masses, the real live readers ...

New Release by Kate Quinn

It's here! It's finally here! Mistress of Rome is available now. Check out the debut novel of fellow Menage-a-20 author, and all around fantastic person, Kate Quinn. I'm getting my copy today, you should check it out too.









First century Rome: a world of depravity, blood, and secrets. The enigmatic Emperor Domitian watches over all, fearing murder from every side . . . except from the woman who fascinates him most.



Thea is a slave girl from Judaea; musical, wary, and passionate...