This weekend, I chilled out with my husband and the fur-kids. Absolutely glorious! We cooked, barbecued, and ate leftovers. Yummm.
But tomorrow it'll be time to buckle down and start pumping my brain cells to work overload. Time to refresh and go over a short story I want to put up on Kindle. It's about two dogs who end up in the home of their dreams. And the humans end up with two dogs that wrecks their house! (I love this story!! It sounds VERY familiar-lol)
So I'm wrapping up this weekend wearing a large grin--even got a little sun. Hoping everyone has a productive week planned ahead.
Happy Trails,
Cherri
Monday, August 16, 2010
Friday, August 13, 2010
Another cool writer's night out
Had a great writer's night out with D. Nathan Hilliard (Nate), where we resolved the writing industry's problems-- once again! lol. We were both so caffeinated that by the time I dropped him off at his house, we were still laughing and being goofy. I doubt we'll sleep for three days. At least I'm pretty sure I won't. I drank at least 2 pots of coffee all by myself.
We went over my current short story that is finished, but needs some fine tuning and tweaking. After I battle the "world of art" and learn how to do a decent book cover, it'll be ready to upload directly to Kindle
.
But the highlight of our meeting came when Nate's short story, titled, SHADES: DEATH IN WHITE SATIN
came live on Amazon! I'd brought my Kindle along and was able to load it on right there sitting in the booth. Fireworks like the Forth of July shot out of the corners of Nate's eyes as he watched his "baby" come up! It's pretty exciting seeing your work, your name, and your cover right there for all the world to explore.
Tomorrow is going to be a busy one for me--I've gotta get to tweaking on that short story and then try to come up with a color scheme that I can live with for its cover. But before I throw on my gown for the night, there's a scene I've been playing with on the current novel, title unknown as of yet, to get out of my head. Then off to bed.
Happy Friday everyone,
Cherri
We went over my current short story that is finished, but needs some fine tuning and tweaking. After I battle the "world of art" and learn how to do a decent book cover, it'll be ready to upload directly to Kindle
. But the highlight of our meeting came when Nate's short story, titled, SHADES: DEATH IN WHITE SATIN
came live on Amazon! I'd brought my Kindle along and was able to load it on right there sitting in the booth. Fireworks like the Forth of July shot out of the corners of Nate's eyes as he watched his "baby" come up! It's pretty exciting seeing your work, your name, and your cover right there for all the world to explore. Tomorrow is going to be a busy one for me--I've gotta get to tweaking on that short story and then try to come up with a color scheme that I can live with for its cover. But before I throw on my gown for the night, there's a scene I've been playing with on the current novel, title unknown as of yet, to get out of my head. Then off to bed.
Happy Friday everyone,
Cherri
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Getting her done!
Recently, I was asked, "how do you get published?"
It took me a full day to think this answer over. And believe it or not, but it's complicated. I remember all too well what it felt like going through the frustration years ago of wanting to find time to write a book, then when it was finished, what next? The process of finding that time alone can make someone almost give up hope in not wanting to complete their manuscript. But, if you prevail, and write even just a little bit every day, the ideas keep flourishing till one day, you actually write those crucial words, "The End."
Why am I talking about writing the book instead of publishing a finished product? Ah, the answer is coming. See, if you're savvy enough to do the research to write an entire novel, stay with it and see it through the end, you'll find the hard part much easier to handle. The "getting published" part.
The hard part is learning HOW to write, then put on the walking shoes (figuratively) and doing lots of homework. Join a critique group (many are free) or hire an editor. Seek out the best to show you how to make your words come alive on the page. Learn the writing business from the ground up. Search the internet for tips on writing--in this case, since I write fiction, that's where I'm directing my advice. Look up agents, publishers, etc. Find out what genre you're book is classified and submit to the proper agents and publishers. Not all agents and publishers will publish but certain genres. Follow their guidelines to the "T" when submitting. Each publisher has a separate set of rules.
But before you submit anywhere, make absolutely certain that your work is edited, has tight writing, and zings with a good story!
If you're going the Indie pubbed route, then skip the submission part of my advice, BUT, do not publish anything until it's been critiqued or edited by the best!
It takes a strong willed person to accomplish a novel. It takes a heart of a writer to continue writing.
Finish the novel. Do your homework. Study hard. Then the rest is up to you!
Happy Trails,
Cherri
It took me a full day to think this answer over. And believe it or not, but it's complicated. I remember all too well what it felt like going through the frustration years ago of wanting to find time to write a book, then when it was finished, what next? The process of finding that time alone can make someone almost give up hope in not wanting to complete their manuscript. But, if you prevail, and write even just a little bit every day, the ideas keep flourishing till one day, you actually write those crucial words, "The End."
Why am I talking about writing the book instead of publishing a finished product? Ah, the answer is coming. See, if you're savvy enough to do the research to write an entire novel, stay with it and see it through the end, you'll find the hard part much easier to handle. The "getting published" part.
The hard part is learning HOW to write, then put on the walking shoes (figuratively) and doing lots of homework. Join a critique group (many are free) or hire an editor. Seek out the best to show you how to make your words come alive on the page. Learn the writing business from the ground up. Search the internet for tips on writing--in this case, since I write fiction, that's where I'm directing my advice. Look up agents, publishers, etc. Find out what genre you're book is classified and submit to the proper agents and publishers. Not all agents and publishers will publish but certain genres. Follow their guidelines to the "T" when submitting. Each publisher has a separate set of rules.
But before you submit anywhere, make absolutely certain that your work is edited, has tight writing, and zings with a good story!
If you're going the Indie pubbed route, then skip the submission part of my advice, BUT, do not publish anything until it's been critiqued or edited by the best!
It takes a strong willed person to accomplish a novel. It takes a heart of a writer to continue writing.
Finish the novel. Do your homework. Study hard. Then the rest is up to you!
Happy Trails,
Cherri
Sunday, August 8, 2010
A much needed break
Tonight, I spent the evening with fellow friend and author, D. Nathan Hilliard at Denny's. He's still officially on vacation so he ate accordingly. (go Nate!)
We discussed our future works in progress and laughed through the hours. It was quite refreshing to get another's view point on my current work, Title Unknown at this time, but the story is unfolding. We read each other's work and I must say, Nate is one heck of a great writer. His enthuseasm and cheerful disposition really keeps my interest peaked. He's produced a new cover for his The Barrow Wolf
. Be sure to check it out!
Met a lady who is an avid reader as well as her son. Hi Terry! For your son, tell him to keep his dreams alive about becoming a writer and that the story he's writing--to stay with it!
The environment tonight was especially lively which gave us both ideas for future scenes to implement in our stories. LOL! (a commotion is always good for a writer to take note of, except Nate and I were so busy yakking that we didn't know anything had happened till after it was over!) Yep, we're real observant!
Other news--Hannah, our little Dutch shepherd is still a little pistol that thinks she's the ONLY one who should be living here...nevermind her brother and two sisters. That's our Hannah. As for Brie, Yadar, and Cheyenne--they are wonderful and ignore Hannah's antics. Hopefully Hannah will outgrow some of her insecurities. Afterall, it's ONLY been two years! Every day is whole new world for Hannah. We love her dearly--just wished she felt she belonged to the pack. One day...........
I'm anxious to write down a scene before retiring tonight, so I bid ado--
Happy Trails,
Cherri
We discussed our future works in progress and laughed through the hours. It was quite refreshing to get another's view point on my current work, Title Unknown at this time, but the story is unfolding. We read each other's work and I must say, Nate is one heck of a great writer. His enthuseasm and cheerful disposition really keeps my interest peaked. He's produced a new cover for his The Barrow Wolf
. Be sure to check it out! Met a lady who is an avid reader as well as her son. Hi Terry! For your son, tell him to keep his dreams alive about becoming a writer and that the story he's writing--to stay with it!
The environment tonight was especially lively which gave us both ideas for future scenes to implement in our stories. LOL! (a commotion is always good for a writer to take note of, except Nate and I were so busy yakking that we didn't know anything had happened till after it was over!) Yep, we're real observant!
Other news--Hannah, our little Dutch shepherd is still a little pistol that thinks she's the ONLY one who should be living here...nevermind her brother and two sisters. That's our Hannah. As for Brie, Yadar, and Cheyenne--they are wonderful and ignore Hannah's antics. Hopefully Hannah will outgrow some of her insecurities. Afterall, it's ONLY been two years! Every day is whole new world for Hannah. We love her dearly--just wished she felt she belonged to the pack. One day...........
I'm anxious to write down a scene before retiring tonight, so I bid ado--
Happy Trails,
Cherri
Friday, August 6, 2010
History has been made in 2010
In 2010, this year has made history in the publishing industry. From NY to small press, to indie writers--ebooks has finally rose to the top!
Everyday since February, I've watched with a close eye at how this phenomenal publishing world has evolved before our eyes. Wonderful doesn't come close to how I feel right now. Incredible is more like it!
Won't be long till all NY goes POD/ebooks. Dorchester announced their move today and got on the band wagon with the rest of the small presses. Harlequin did so a long time ago. What does this mean for bookstores? Well, I think the answer is staring them in the face. (they shouldn't have dissed the indie/small press authors--now it's come back to bit them on them on the backside)
I still say right now is the best time in the world to be a writer! For the first time in history, THE WRITER has full control of their own work. The choices are many and the avenues are wide open.
Now, that I've skipped and cheered to this morning's news, I have some news of my own to announce-- The edits for IMPACT FOR MURDER are complete and yesterday I was privileged to see from my publisher what it'll look like on the inside. I'm thrilled and have spent more time yesterday and today dancing than I have in a long, long time!
I love being a writer!
Happy Trails,
Cherri
Everyday since February, I've watched with a close eye at how this phenomenal publishing world has evolved before our eyes. Wonderful doesn't come close to how I feel right now. Incredible is more like it!
Won't be long till all NY goes POD/ebooks. Dorchester announced their move today and got on the band wagon with the rest of the small presses. Harlequin did so a long time ago. What does this mean for bookstores? Well, I think the answer is staring them in the face. (they shouldn't have dissed the indie/small press authors--now it's come back to bit them on them on the backside)
I still say right now is the best time in the world to be a writer! For the first time in history, THE WRITER has full control of their own work. The choices are many and the avenues are wide open.
Now, that I've skipped and cheered to this morning's news, I have some news of my own to announce-- The edits for IMPACT FOR MURDER are complete and yesterday I was privileged to see from my publisher what it'll look like on the inside. I'm thrilled and have spent more time yesterday and today dancing than I have in a long, long time!
I love being a writer!
Happy Trails,
Cherri
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)