#WriterWednesday - June 13th 2018

In case you missed last week's post: "The Ocean's Lullaby And Other Poems" is now available in audio from Audible, Amazon, and iTunes, read for you by Carol Weakland, who has narrated and produced two previously completed poetry collections for me, and is working on more of my poetry collections right now. Click on the post I just linked to from last week for more details, as well as for purchase links for all available formats. As suggested by the title, this is one of my themed poetry collections, where the ocean is the theme of the bulk of the poems.

Speaking of my books becoming available in audio: I ended up dissolving the audio production contracts for the books in my "Zeena Dragon Fae" series,since things weren't working out with the original narrator any more, so we both agreed it would be for the best. Basically, to cut a long story short, she didn't feel she could complete the project with its original terms any more, and I didn't feel I could meet her new ones. I could have done without this on top of everything else I'm dealing with, but never mind. At least the process of dissolving the contract was - thankfully - faster and easier than expected, so it's already done, and I've even taken auditions and lined up a new narrator for the series. If you're interested, the new narrator for my Zeena books is Ella Lynch.

In other news: a notice has now been added to my website about how any cookies that end up on your browser as a result of browsing it aren't my doing, are needed to run the site - because the domain that hosts it says so - and aren't being used to gather any of your data. Additionally, any data we end up with from you as a result of you contacting us via any of the methods listed on the website will not be used in any way without your permission.

***~~~***

Are you feeling overwhelmed? I get it, and so does the author of the post I just linked to. Sometimes you just can't do everything. I know, I should take my own advice, especially given my determination to avoid missing a single posting slot even while I'm struggling with real life stuff (as I mentioned Sunday, I am trying to accept I might miss a post slot, and it will be OK if I do, but finding that hard to accept for some reason, despite the fact I really don't feel well, and know I should rest more). But it's always easier to give advice than to take it. Try to do a better job at taking the advice than I am.

Speaking of everything a writer like me tries to fit in to their day: if you think all a writer does all day is write, you might want to think again. Here's an example of what a self-published author does all day. One of these days, when things settle down as regards the medical stuff and moving, I'll tell you about all the things I do in what passes for a "normal" day for me as a self-published author. Even now though, when writing time is so thin on the ground as to be almost non-existent, I'm still dealing with the social media stuff, the blogging stuff, audio book production, filing paperwork, as well as reading and reviewing books. All while dealing with medical issues, preparing for a move in the near future, and general day to day houshold tasks... And this is when I'm not working much due to health issues and real life demands. Yes, really!

Although, if your reasons for not managing to get everything done is because you're traveling, these tips on how to write effectively while you are traveling may at least help you get your writing time in. Oh, and here's what to do when you're motivated to write right now, but literally can't.

Remember though: writers are allowed to take vacations.

No matter your current situation though, here's some advice on taking time for your writing, and the guilt that comes with it.

Anyway...

Here's an interesting post about the novelist's conundrum: to lie for truth's sake, which contains some tips on dealing with the "write what you know" thing without just writing your own life story, and can potentially help you create more relatable characters.

Speaking of the kind of lie it's OK to use when you're writing: here's a post on how to use red herrings to your advantage, which will especially proove useful to any mystery writers reading this.

Another post that mystery writers especially may be interested in is this one that answers the question, "does your mystery novel need to have a solution?" Personally, I find those where you have no idea at all who did it frustrating, but don't mind the other options so much.

On the other hand, if you write historical stories - be they fiction or non-fiction - you may like to check out this post on historical research for writers and enthusiasts, so you can have the best chance of getting your historical facts right.

Anyway, going back to your characters for a moment: should there be a reason for all your character's actions? The simple answer is, "Yes," but read the post I just linked to for a more detailed answer to that question.

Next, let's take a look at types of conflict, and some examples of how to use them.

OK... You've written your story, and now you want to publish it, right? Of course you do! So... Indie or traditional - how does an author pick the right direction? Well, there's no right or wrong answer to that question. But check out the post I just linked to in order to see the pros and cons one author used to make the choice.

Regardless of your chosen method of publication though, here's an excellent post containing some tips on self-editing: tightening the story and cutting costs, as well as one you may like to check out about common consistency errors you might be making.

Finally, as a writer, do you make time to read? If not, you should!