L.M. Sherwin's Blog, page 7

Staying Productive During Writer’s Block

We’ve all been there. Writer’s block is a very real situation for many authors and I’ll be the first to tell you that I definitely experience it from time to time. Lately, I’ve been in an INSANE writer’s block. It’s totally bad. Instead of letting it hinder my progress, I’ve focused primarily on other tasks that are required in writing/editing.

>> I’ve Worked On Other Manuscripts — Since my primary manuscript is giving me issues, I’ve been editing/revising other stories.

>> I’ve Brainstormed fo...

I Still Love the Library

Today, I went to the library to pick up some books and I was sooooo happy to see TONS of children and their parents shuffling between the stacks and grabbing books here and there. I asked the circulation assistant why they were so busy and she smiled and said, “It’s the first day of Summer Reading.” I remember those days. I remember days when my mom would drive us to the county library and we would spend what felt like hours there! I love the smell of libraries. I love the stillness and the h...

What You Might Have Missed

Ohmahgosh…this is the cake the Philosopher and I ate when we celebrated his birthday on Wednesday. Can you say, “YUM!!!!!” I love strawberry cake. Don’t quite know why, but it’s always been one of my favorite tastes. I truly hope you had a terrific week! In case you were busy, here are the posts you might have missed:

>> The Dreaded “Did Not Finish” Shelf

>> What to Blog About on Days When You Have Nothing to Blog About

>> Wednesday Wanderment

>> It’s Handy Having a Systems Specialist as a Husban...

How Important are Reviews to You When You’re Considering a Book to Read?

Lately, I’ve noticed something about myself. I’ve been scouring reviews before trying a book. In the past? Not so much. I used to just grab a book, read the blurb, and go to town. I kind of miss that. I’ve gotten into the habit of religiously reading reviews before picking up a book. Even if I’m feeling adventurous and grab a new book from the library or used bookstore on a whim, I’ll still go home and check out the reviews.

Not sure how I feel about this.

I miss the days when I’d just give a b...

Leaves Talk: There’s Nothing Quite Like Spring

They’re definitely right, you know. There’s nothing quite like spring of the year… Last night, I went for a walk at about 8:15 PM or so and walked for about an hour and still had plenty of daylight. The temperature was PERFECT, too. Spring in the south can often look like “cool summer”, but I’ll take it. My unfortunate bout of writer’s block is still persisting, but I’m sure I’ll get through it, soon. I’ve been having lots of random life stuff to sort through and take care of, but it’s all go...

It’s Handy Having a Systems Specialist as a Husband

So, I’m getting stuck in my current story. Like…REALLY stuck. I’m starting to envy co-authors and their writing process, because sometimes, it is just immensely helpful having two heads corroborating on a story. I’m personally strong in writing character-driven stories. I love character-driven stories, so it is natural that I’d focus most on my characters when writing. This can be great. It can also be BAD. I’m not the best when it comes to plot–especially when that plot becomes very complex...

Wednesday Wanderment

Isn’t this a cool picture of wilted peonies’ petals? SO cool! Love that rich magenta coloring. This is from the peonies in my front yard. So weird that it’s already Wednesday. (O_O) I’ll be honest. I haven’t actually read a lot of cool blog posts lately–not because there aren’t any out there, but because I’ve been really busy with other things. I’ve also been in a super intense period of writer’s block. ARG! I’ll get through it, though. Writer’s block seems to be cyclical for me, after all....

What to Blog About on Days When You Have Nothing to Blog About

That’s right. I went there. Seriously, folks. Today, I woke up andnothing popped into my head when I thought, “What will I blog about today?” Granted, I try to blog every single day of the week, which is already pretty ambitious, but still. I like to keep productive and I want my blog to always have new content for readers who stop by! I might not always post every day, but for the time being it works for me. Except on days when it doesn’t. So, what can you blog about on days when you have n...

The Dreaded “Did Not Finish” Shelf…

I hate to be the sort of reader to do this…but I actually “shelved”The Mists of Avalonon the dreaded “Did Not Finish” shelf on my Goodreads account. I never thought I’d do it. I honestly thought I’d be able to get through it and enjoy it. But…I could only make it through the first chapter before I had to lay it aside. It was a bit too “judgy” for me. I respect Marion Zimmer Bradley’s talent, but there’s only so much Christian-bashing I can take. Now don’t get me wrong. I LOVE Juliet Marillier...

What You Might Have Missed!

Look at this little beauty that’s growing in my front yard! I just LOOOOOOVE peonies! Aren’t they beautiful? Ahhh….It has been such a glorious week. I’m very glad of it, too. May got off to a rocky start with various “tough” things happening. I had to say farewell to a beloved pet and life was just generally stressful with busyness and such. I’m pleased to say that this week was AMAZING. Got a lot done, felt good while I did it all, and I’m getting to see friends today!Here’s what you might h...