Jacqui Murray's Blog, page 156

Guest Blogger Day - Russell Blake on How To Be a Prolific Writer

I am proud to be the one who has Russell Blake explaining how anyone can become a prolific author. Maybe not as good as he is. His Jet Series for example is outstanding, but at least you won't have to suffer from a perceived writer's block.

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I was asked to write a blog about how to be prolific. I suppose I’m guilty of putting out a lot of product, so if not an authority on the topic, I can at least speak to it.

Writers Tip #63: Take Your Time

When you read your story, does it sound off, maybe you can’t quite put your finger on it, but you know you’ve done something wrong? Sometimes–maybe even lots of times–there are simple fixes. These writer’s tips will come at you once a week, giving you plenty of time to go through your story and make the adjustments.

Today’s tip: Take Your Time

“The beautiful part of writing is that you don’t have to get it right the first time unlike, say, brain surgery.”

Good advise from Robert Cormier. Getting it right the first time is as common as the fact that the average American has one testicle and one ovary. There’s no American THAT average and there are no writers who hit a home run the first time.

Well, there is Craig Osso (pen name: Russell Blake). I read about him on the front page of the Wall Street Journal. He wrote 25 books in 30 months–all self-published. I bet he gets it right the first time pretty often.

But I digress..

For most people, writing always takes longer than expected. It took mankind 358 years to solve Fermat’s Last Theorem. And the man who finally accomplished the undo-able–Andrew Wiles–took eight years of his life to do it.

Keep fighting the good fight. You’ll make it. I’ll keep the light on for you.

More writing tips:

Top 10 Tips for Writers in 2013

Writers Tip #61: Advice From Elmore Leonard

11 Tips on Writing Thrillers

Click to have Writer’s Tips delivered to your email box

Questions you want answered? Leave a comment and I’ll answer it within the next thirty days.

Jacqui Murray is the author of the popular Building a Midshipman , the story of her daughter’s journey from high school to United States Naval Academy. She is webmaster for six blogs, an Amazon Vine Voice book reviewer, a columnist for Examiner.com and TeachHUB, Editorial Review Board member for Journal for Computing Teachers, monthly contributor to Today’s Author and a freelance journalist on tech ed topics. In her free time, she is editor of technology training books for how to integrate technology in education. Currently, she’s editing a techno-thriller that should be out to publishers next summer.

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Published on January 12, 2014 23:00

Am I good enough? Does it matter?–#IWSG

This post is for Alex Cavanaugh’s Insecure Writers Support Group (click the link for details on what that means and how to join). Once a month we all post our thoughts, fears or words of encouragement for fellow writers.

My insecurity this month: Am I good enough? Does it matter? By whose measure? At what point in time? Charity inspired my thinking back in October–and I’m still insecure about it!

Becoming a writer should carry a warning label: Beware–dangerous terrain ahead. As writers, we’re always breaking new ground. We write stories no one’s ever read about people who don’t exist. We have no idea if they are intriguing enough for Joe Reader, but we have to put them out there. It’s like wearing a red hat because it feels good (in my case, a black Ugg hat). You have to be ready to stand out, ignore the people who whisper behind hands that you don’t fit in. You must NOT care while you paint a positive face no matter that everyone sports suits and ties–or evening gowns.

I have had mixed success with my writing, making me wonder–am I good enough? The story I wrote years ago from my soul–about early man’s struggle to survive a world where s/he wasn’t king, based on the infamous Lucy–was of no interest to anyone. Agents rejected it. A preview on Scribd got few readers. Serializing it on my science blog (Sizzling Science) went nowhere. I should give up, shouldn’t I? Any sane person would. It’s clear the biography in my head resonates with no one.

But I can’t. It doesn’t matter that no one feels about Lucy as I do. I’m writing her story because I must. Though she lived 1.8 million years ago, she’s me. In fact, her experiences, emotions, thought processes, are so autobiographical, I’m going to rewrite the book in first person. When it’s done, I’ll self-pub.

By any measure, I should not waste the time. I should move on, leave Lucy to be remembered solely by a few ancient bones and artifacts, but my muse won’t allow it. I’ve been writing Lucy for 15 years and I’m not done. I’ve written two other fiction books and over a hundred non-fic, and I still can’t let her go.

In this one effort: I am good enough. No one cares as much as I do to eulogize Lucy’s long-lost life so she is not forgotten. I can do it. I hope when I’m done, I can rest.

Here are some pictures from Lucy’s life. Tell me she doesn’t pull you in (click picture for caption):

Homo erectus--searching for Lucy and Raza

Do you have a story like that you can’t let go? That speaks to your soul, your essence?

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Jacqui Murray is the author of the popular Building a Midshipman , the story of her daughter’s journey from high school to United States Naval Academy. She is webmaster for six blogs, an Amazon Vine Voice book reviewer, a columnist for Examiner.com and TeachHUB, Editorial Review Board member for Journal for Computing Teachers, a freelance journalist on tech ed topics, and monthly contributor to Today’s Author. In her free time, s he is the editor of a K-8 technology curriculum, K-8 keyboard curriculum, K-8 Digital Citizenship curriculum, and creator of technology training books for how to integrate technology in education. Currently, she’s editing a thriller that should be out to publishers next summer.

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Published on January 07, 2014 23:40

10 Hits and Misses for 2013

Hits and Misses

Since I started this blog fifty-four months ago, I’ve had over 685,000 visitors, 3300 on my busiest day, visiting the 948 articles I’ve written on

every facet of writing. As with most bloggers, I write what’s on my mind 3-4 times a week. It may be about the craft of writing, trends in the industry, or how my writing business is doing. I have regular features, like Tech Tips for Writers and Writing Tips as well as irregular ones like Book Reviews. It’s a fast changing writing world. I’m just trying to hang on and share the ride.

It always surprises me what readers find to be the most provocative–as intriguing as what holds no interest for anyone but me! The latter is usually a post I put heart and soul into, sure I was sharing VII (Very Important Information), and I get three readers who slog their way through it. Talk about humility.

Here they are–my top 10 and bottom 10 of 2013:

Top Ten Hits

51 Great Similes to Spark Imagination–up from third last year
178 Ways to Describe Women’s Clothing–up one from last year. It describes the varieties in women’s clothing is challenging. Based on the comments, readers like it for the same reasons I wrote it–it explains what-the-heck we-all women wear
35 Weird Traits Your Characters May Have–didn’t even rank last year. I love this one for its uniqueness. These are some great traits to add to your characters to make them stand out
How to Describe a Landscape–didn’t even rank last year. I love nature writers and this list has some great descriptions. I’m glad readers discovered it.
How to Describe Nature–didn’t even make the list in 2012. Again–read this just for the poetic beauty some great fellow writers use to describe the power of nature.
Characteristics That Make Your Character Memorable–memorable characters are unusual, with quirky habits or appearances, or unique approaches to living life. Here are a few for you to ponder.
One-Word Characteristics to Spice Up Your Writing–I am pleased this one’s so popular. It has a few gems
How to Describe Dogs–dropped from 1st place. Oh, you have to visit this post. I love dogs and an awful lot of great writers have clever words to share about man’s best friend
How to Describe an American–if You Aren’t–this was my Freshly Pressed winner. It’s difficult to describe your own countrypeople. This was my effort. Lots of great comments.
Word Count by Genre–bookmark this one so you can refer to it as you write. Good information on writing by the numbers.

Overall, the craft of writing was more popular than the business end of the job.

Top Ten Misses

Forget Summer Reading. The Classics are Timeless–surprised me. I thought this would be more appealing
Writers Tip #37: Don’t be Afraid to Tell the Truth–maybe this is too obvious.
Writers Tip #62: It’s Not What Happens. It’s Your Character’s Reaction That Matters–again, I wonder if this was a ‘duh’ moment. I confess–it wasn’t to me!
Character Actions and POV–They Gotta Be Believable
21 Tips for Writers
Book Review: 12-21–less book reviews on the Ten Misses than last year, but overall, I don’t think readers come to my blog for my book reviews.
Writer’s Tip #22: When to Use Said as a Tag
Tech Tips for Writers #1: Create a Blog–I often wonder if readers like the Tech Tips. I try to focus on writerly tech, but I wonder if I’m missing the mark…
Writers Tip #98: 18 Tips from William Safire–Safire is brilliant. This should have ranked better!
Writer’s Tip #23: The Use of ‘Lay’

What were your most popular posts on your writer blog? Give me some topic hints for this year!

Jacqui Murray is the author of the popular Building a Midshipman , the story of her daughter’s journey from high school to United States Naval Academy. She is webmaster for six blogs, an Amazon Vine Voice book reviewer, a columnist for Examiner.com and TeachHUB, Editorial Review Board member for Journal for Computing Teachers, a freelance journalist on tech ed topics, and a monthly contributor to Today’s Author. In her free time, she is editor of a K-8 technology curriculum and technology training books for how to integrate technology in education. Currently, she’s editing a thriller that should be out to publishers next summer. Contact Jacqui at her writing office or her tech lab, Ask a Tech Teacher.

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Published on January 06, 2014 23:01

Top 10 Tips for Writers in 2013

Top tips of 2013

Every week, I share a tip with writers, a trick you forget to use in your own manuscript, but makes a big difference in the rhythm and feel of a novel. Some, you can

make use of immediately. Others, file away for that cranky day when your writing limps along and you don’t know why.

Here are the Top Ten according to my readers:

17 Tips on How to Market Your Books Online
Writers Tip #5: Beware the gerund
How do you get readers to trust you?
10 Tips Guaranteed to Rescue Your Story
Writer’s Tip #95: 8 Tips from Janet Burroway
12 ways Twitter Makes You a Better Writer (and Person)
4 Tips for Writing Humor
The 15 Biggest Writing Blunders (And How To Avoid Them)
6 Things I Wish I’d Known When I Started Blogging
10 Tips from David Gerrold

Please share: If you were asked to give a new writer one tip, what would that be?

Jacqui Murray is the author of the popular Building a Midshipman , the story of her daughter’s journey from high school to United States Naval Academy. She is webmaster for six blogs, an Amazon Vine Voice book reviewer, a columnist for Examiner.com and TeachHUB, Editorial Review Board member for Journal for Computing Teachers, a freelance journalist on tech ed topics, and a monthly contributor to Today’s Author. In her free time, she is editor of a K-8 technology curriculum and technology training books for how to integrate technology in education. Currently, she’s editing a thriller that should be out to publishers next summer. Contact Jacqui at her writing office or her tech lab, Ask a Tech Teacher.

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Published on January 05, 2014 23:03

Happy Holidays!

I’ll be taking a week (or so) off–until after the New Year–to prepare for my son (visiting from Kuwait), edit/format my website, work on writing projects with a deadline, prioritize life. I may drop in on you-all as you enjoy your holidays, but mostly I’ll be regenerating.

I wish you a wonderful season, safe and filled with family.

See you shortly!

Photo credit: Nemo

Jacqui Murray is the author of the popular Building a Midshipman , the story of her daughter’s journey from high school to United States Naval Academy. She is webmaster for six blogs, an Amazon Vine Voice book reviewer, a columnist for Examiner.com and TeachHUB, Editorial Review Board member for Journal for Computing Teachers, a freelance journalist on tech ed topics, and a monthly contributor to Today’s Author. In her free time, she is editor of a K-8 technology curriculum and technology training books for how to integrate technology in education. Currently, she’s editing a thriller that should be out to publishers next summer. Contact Jacqui at her writing office or her tech lab, Ask a Tech Teacher.

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Published on December 19, 2013 23:50

Once a Year Blog Maintenance–Are You Up to Date?

Keep your blog up to date–photo credit: Nemo

This week, I’m providing tips for end-of-year technology maintenance. Sure, you should do it once a month if you’re active on your computer, but AT LEAST do it yearly.

Like today.

For most writers I know, life zooms by with few breaks to pause, glance around at the surroundings and clean up the clutter and confusion that grows like mold from our everyday authorial life. The end of the calendar year is a good time to do that, when many of us are blogging less, posting almost nothing, and have less commitments and obligations to fill our usual week.

Here’s my short list–one I hope is do-able during the Holidays:

Update my profile. Have I changed my focus? Changed jobs? Adding new pieces readers would like to know about? This, btw, should be done regularly, but at the new year–it’s critical.
Check old posts for grammar and spelling. I start with the most-visited articles (under Site Stats) and work my way down (in case I run out of time). I’m always surprised what I catch with a fresh eye.
Check individual post tags and categories to see if I can whittle down the options while still clearly cataloging my writing. Sometimes, I haven’t even added a category–fix all those, too.
Check sidebar for out-of-date and no-longer-relevant widgets and links. Add new pieces (like awards and links) that add to the blog’s utility. Move pieces around to give a fresh look.
Check list of ‘pages’. Sure, I’m on top of the Home page, but are the others still relevant? Up to date? Like my WIP page? Hmm…
Check appearance on a smart phone and iPad to see if they require adjustments to display better. I recently switched my blog theme (you probably noticed) to respond to the fact that so many people read blogs on iPads and smartphones now, rather than desktops and laptops.
Check blog in different browsers to see if I should recommend one over the other for best-viewing.

That’s it from my end. Do you have any maintenance issues you suggest for the new year? I’d love to hear them.

Jacqui Murray is the author of the popular Building a Midshipman , the story of her daughter’s journey from high school to United States Naval Academy. She is webmaster for six blogs, an Amazon Vine Voice book reviewer, a columnist for Examiner.com and TeachHUB, Editorial Review Board member for Journal for Computing Teachers, a freelance journalist on tech ed topics, and a monthly contributor to Today’s Author. In her free time, she is editor of a K-8 technology curriculum and technology training books for how to integrate technology in education. Currently, she’s editing a thriller that should be out to publishers next summer. Contact Jacqui at her writing office or her tech lab, Ask a Tech Teacher.

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Published on December 18, 2013 23:26

End-of-year Tech Tips: Image Your Computer

This week, I’m providing tips for end-of-year technology maintenance. Sure, you should do it once a month if you’re active on your computer, but AT LEAST do it yearly.

Like today.

Tech Tips for Writers is an occasional post on overcoming Tech Dread. I cover issues that friends, both real-time and virtual, have shared. Feel free to post a comment. I’ll cover your Tech Dread in a future Tip.

Q: I hate reformatting my computer. I lose all the extras I added (like Jing) I forget which software I have on there (sure, I remember MS Office, but what about Google Earth? Celestia?) And then there are all the personalizations that get lost with the reformat. Is there any way to make that process easier?

A: Glad you asked. Yes–create an image of your hard drive. This is a picture of what your hard drive looks like, including all the programs and extras, that is saved in a secure back-up area. When you reformat, all you have to do is copy the image back to the computer. Mine is on a terabyte external drive. Even if my two internal drives explode, I’m good.

Here’s what you do:

Click the start button.
Go to Control Panel
Select ‘Backup and Restore’
On the left sidebar, you’ll see an option for ‘create a system image’. Select that.
Follow directions (it’ll ask which drive to use for the image–stuff like that)

From there, you select a drive with sufficient space and start. Be forewarned: If you have a lot of data, it takes a while. You can work on your computer while it’s backing up; it’ll just be slower.

A note: This is the same location you’ll go to restore from back-up if you have a problem.

Jacqui Murray is the author of the popular Building a Midshipman , the story of her daughter’s journey from high school to United States Naval Academy. She is webmaster for six blogs, an Amazon Vine Voice book reviewer, a columnist for Examiner.com and TeachHUB, Editorial Review Board member for Journal for Computing Teachers, a freelance journalist on tech ed topics, and a monthly contributor to Today’s Author. In her free time, she is editor of a K-8 technology curriculum and technology training books for how to integrate technology in education. Currently, she’s editing a thriller that should be out to publishers next summer. Contact Jacqui at her writing office or her tech lab, Ask a Tech Teacher.

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Published on December 17, 2013 23:14

End-of-year tech tips: Back up Your Computer

This week, I’m providing tips for end-of-year technology maintenance. Sure, you should do it once a month if you’re active on your computer, but AT LEAST do it yearly. Like today.

Tech Tips for Writers is an occasional post on overcoming Tech Dread. I cover issues that friends, both real-time and virtual, have shared. Feel free to post a comment about questions. I’ll cover it in a future Tip. Today: How to prepare for the new year:

Q: I’ve had some virus problems and it reminds me that I need to back-up my computer for the new year. I have all of my writing on there–what if I lost it? What’s the easiest way?

A: There are many ways–and I use all of them because I am truly paranoid about losing my work. Here are some ideas:

use a back-up service like Carbonite. They automatically and continuously backup to the cloud so even if you forget to do this, they don’t. Even better, you can access your work from anywhere with an internet connection. I love that.
email copies of your most important writing to yourself. For WIP, I do it constantly. Every day. If you use Gmail, you can email up to 20 mb. If your file is larger than that (which some of mine are–and my RTFs definitely are) just upload them to the Google Drive associated with your Gmail.
Use Windows Backup function. Here’s what you do:

Click the start button.
Go to Control Panel
Select ‘Backup and Restore
Select ‘Backup Now’

From there, you’ll select a drive with sufficient space and start. Be forewarned: If you have a lot of data, it takes a while. You can work on your computer while it’s backing up; it’ll just be slower.

A note: This is the same location you’ll go to restore from back-up if you have a problem.

Jacqui Murray is the author of the popular Building a Midshipman , the story of her daughter’s journey from high school to United States Naval Academy. She is webmaster for six blogs, an Amazon Vine Voice book reviewer, a columnist for Examiner.com and TeachHUB, Editorial Review Board member for Journal for Computing Teachers, a freelance journalist on tech ed topics, and a monthly contributor to Today’s Author. In her free time, she is editor of a K-8 technology curriculum and technology training books for how to integrate technology in education. Currently, she’s editing a thriller that should be out to publishers next summer. Contact Jacqui at her writing office or her tech lab, Ask a Tech Teacher.