Blogging is something at the bottom of my list. Sorry, it's been too long.
Some folks feel blogging is the way to go. I spend tons of time with family, friends, and readers, so by way of posting once in a while, will be the way I go.
Experience has taught me that time well spent keeps me out of trouble and in touch with my writing. Soooo, for the good news, I am writing. I am working on a goal of getting two novels finished this year and submitted. The first one, "Tracking On Borrowed Time" is half way finished. The second one, "The Scent of Silence" is two-thirds of the way completed. "The Scent of Silence" will be the second novel in the American Service Searchers series, starring, Tasha. (believe me, I thought that novel was ready to roll this past year, and no, it wasn't. It needed re-writing desperately and I'm thrilled to have taken some good advice.
Character strength gives depth to my novels, something in the beginning I struggled with until, like a bulb flash, the characters began 'talking' to me. They let me listen in on their conversations, giving their point of view and perspectives. I love the people and the animals in my novels and hope you will come to know them as I have...with a full sense of humor.
Happy Trails and Tails,
Cherri
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Anthology Excitement
Every once in a while, something comes along causing flutters in the belly. I'm there! The Final Twist, writing group's Anthology, "A Death In Texas" has arrived.
We have 15 murders and 16 authors filling page after page of delectable killings!
My story, "Conner Creek Fog" will show you what fun I can have using Tasha, a brilliant German shepherd along with my other shepherd, Norggin's long deceased spirit, to see how a killer meets his well deserved fate. This story won't let you down!
If you are in the Katy area on FRIDAY, OCTOBER 10TH, 2008, all sixteen authors will be at KATY BUDGET BOOKS, 2450 Fry Rd., Katy, Texas, 77084 from 5pm-8pm.
Come see how a room full of murdering minds have the best time ever...only on the page, mind you.
Happy Trails to all-
Cherri
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Coming Up For Air
Writing can fill your every moment and then you stretch your arms above your head, look out the window, and go blind. Too bright. Searching for the calendar, your realize the entire month of June came and went. And what's this? We're in mid-July?
Ahhh, but the novel is finished...time to begin on the editing and submit.
I lost over an entire month of my life writing. But, I do have something to show for it! Title is "Tracking Thanatos," a murder mystery which led me to some characters that are as close to me as life-long friends. Friends, I'm certain will have more to say in future novels.
Also, on October 10th, our writing group, The Final Twist will launch our Anthology, A DEATH IN TEXAS, at Katy Budge Books in Katy, Texas. My story titled, Conner Creek Fog will be in this Anthology and I am so proud to be published alongside so many talented writers. More to come on this at a future date.
Tonight, I'll start the revisions necessary and will pop my head back up for air in about a week!
Till then, my friends--Happy Trails,
Cherri
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Things Are A Changin'
Somewhere between sunrise and sunset, the publishing world changed directions. Totally.
I'd like to say these changes are for the good, and in some perspectives, they are. BUT, for many others, no. As a new author in this field of cat and mouse play, like a sponge I'm soaking in the information being thrown at me from every direction.
To say I'm quiet, reserved, dedicated, and well, shy...is an understatement. All my life all I wanted to do is write. And now, I'm watching the writing world spinning in circles around me as I try every day to do the one thing I love doing. Seems big promotions, gathering blurbs, and running all over the planet is expected now of writers. The constant promoting is what boils my blood, the rest of it I can take it or leave it.
Promoting requires one to get their face out there. I hear it time and time again, how only the "pretty people" get noticed. Not true. Promoting requires one to get noticed...period. And for someone like me who likes sitting on the back row, rarely raising her hand, promoting myself probably won't happen very often. Being upfront-on-stage is NOT in my DNA. It's like this, I'll never audition for a part in a play.
So why am I talking about promoting and the publishing world? Limitations. Whether you are an up-front-in-your-face type gal/guy, or not -- bookstores, access to books, and now avenues to getting in libraries are now LIMITED. Your average writer is not published out of New York, we are published in what the writing world terms, small press. And doors for the small press are being slammed shut every day lately. Yes, my publishers have won some worthy battles, but why should they have to struggle so hard to stay afloat?
Folks who love to read are only getting to know a tiny portion of authors through large promotional pockets and the stigma coming out of certain publishing houses out of NY. Yes, they are good writers, but what would the average reader think if they knew they could have access to millions of books in any genre they enjoy reading by well written authors they've never heard about? If I were still a kid, I would have thought I had died and gone to heaven. Literally!
I wish I could direct them to the local library, but unfortunately they seem to have changed their policies also. For me, this is a sad day in America. Times are a changin'.
Get on the internet, Google "small press/and or/ publishers" and gander through all the many wonderful authors out there writing stories to fill every soul. You'll be amazed!
Now, it's time for me to climb down from the podium before I faint,
Cherri
I'd like to say these changes are for the good, and in some perspectives, they are. BUT, for many others, no. As a new author in this field of cat and mouse play, like a sponge I'm soaking in the information being thrown at me from every direction.
To say I'm quiet, reserved, dedicated, and well, shy...is an understatement. All my life all I wanted to do is write. And now, I'm watching the writing world spinning in circles around me as I try every day to do the one thing I love doing. Seems big promotions, gathering blurbs, and running all over the planet is expected now of writers. The constant promoting is what boils my blood, the rest of it I can take it or leave it.
Promoting requires one to get their face out there. I hear it time and time again, how only the "pretty people" get noticed. Not true. Promoting requires one to get noticed...period. And for someone like me who likes sitting on the back row, rarely raising her hand, promoting myself probably won't happen very often. Being upfront-on-stage is NOT in my DNA. It's like this, I'll never audition for a part in a play.
So why am I talking about promoting and the publishing world? Limitations. Whether you are an up-front-in-your-face type gal/guy, or not -- bookstores, access to books, and now avenues to getting in libraries are now LIMITED. Your average writer is not published out of New York, we are published in what the writing world terms, small press. And doors for the small press are being slammed shut every day lately. Yes, my publishers have won some worthy battles, but why should they have to struggle so hard to stay afloat?
Folks who love to read are only getting to know a tiny portion of authors through large promotional pockets and the stigma coming out of certain publishing houses out of NY. Yes, they are good writers, but what would the average reader think if they knew they could have access to millions of books in any genre they enjoy reading by well written authors they've never heard about? If I were still a kid, I would have thought I had died and gone to heaven. Literally!
I wish I could direct them to the local library, but unfortunately they seem to have changed their policies also. For me, this is a sad day in America. Times are a changin'.
Get on the internet, Google "small press/and or/ publishers" and gander through all the many wonderful authors out there writing stories to fill every soul. You'll be amazed!
Now, it's time for me to climb down from the podium before I faint,
Cherri
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Writing For Life
Whenever I think I'm not quite good enough to be a writer, I remember something "snippety" another writer said to me several years ago. Her lack of encouragement and uppity attitude changed a few things in the way I thought about becoming a published writer. And I held back when I should have moved forward.
But everything happens for a reason at the right time, being in the right place. As I look forward to having my SECOND novel published later this year, I walk without fear, without that dreaded trepidation in the pit of my stomach. The momentum is in full swing, and I am moving forward.
For anyone out there who wants to write that novel, but can't find the time, let me tell you, that's all right. Just keep trying to get a few words down every day. (that really is the key to finishing a novel.) I know from experience that life can certainly get in the way of your goals. When the time is right, you'll know and the curtains will part, giving you center stage to complete all those wonderful words you just have to get out. As time keeps interrupting your writing goals, lending you one tragedy after the other, keep in mind that the word "goals" simply means something is unobtainable at the moment, but not lost forever.
If for some reason you encounter a writer with attitude and he/she tells you, "if you ever find the time to write and you do get a contract, call me," walk away and smile knowing your ship is about to sail home. No one has the right to discourage another writer from doing what they love passionately.
Keep on writing,
Cherri
But everything happens for a reason at the right time, being in the right place. As I look forward to having my SECOND novel published later this year, I walk without fear, without that dreaded trepidation in the pit of my stomach. The momentum is in full swing, and I am moving forward.
For anyone out there who wants to write that novel, but can't find the time, let me tell you, that's all right. Just keep trying to get a few words down every day. (that really is the key to finishing a novel.) I know from experience that life can certainly get in the way of your goals. When the time is right, you'll know and the curtains will part, giving you center stage to complete all those wonderful words you just have to get out. As time keeps interrupting your writing goals, lending you one tragedy after the other, keep in mind that the word "goals" simply means something is unobtainable at the moment, but not lost forever.
If for some reason you encounter a writer with attitude and he/she tells you, "if you ever find the time to write and you do get a contract, call me," walk away and smile knowing your ship is about to sail home. No one has the right to discourage another writer from doing what they love passionately.
Keep on writing,
Cherri
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