I used to think that I was pretty good with multitasking. I was regularly able to both chew gum AND walk at the same time. Often out of rhythm with each other. That’s why I get so frustrated with my writing. There are lots of things I can be doing to improve my craft and increase my chances at getting published. I could be: sending queries/submissions to agents and publishers; researching markets; making new contacts; working on my podcast (Get Published); plotting my next story; writing a new blog entry; doing a critique (for Critters.org); editing one of my stories; and/or I could actually be writing. Lots to chose from, right? If I get bored with one thing I can […]
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The Writing Life – Throwing up Obstacles
One of my unfortunate work habits is that when I’m focused on something, everything else seems to take a back seat. Case in point is the recent launch of my new podcast. When I was writing, recording and mixing the podcast, my novel writing (and editing) came to a screeching halt. I suppose I could be forgiven that minor sin considering I had never done a podcast before. Everything was (and still is) new. That being said, if I were to prioritize everything a little more evenly, I could probably get more done. It got me thinking about how many self-imposed obstacles have slowed my writing and eventual publication. Self-imposed because I am obviously an overachiever; simply overcoming the odds […]
Read moreRamping Up
It’s no secret that I’m getting my new podcast ready. As with anything new, it has been a big learning curve. First, how to record, then edit, then cut a promo. Now I’m working on getting the RSS feed ready for the first episode. All that and a new job to deal with. It has been hectic, to say the least. It’s amazing how much time creating a podcast takes. The recording itself is relatively quick, but there’s the scripting (unless you adlib it), editing and mixing. They all take time. I know, my 1 minute promo took me almost 2 hours to finish. That could be because I’m a rookie or it could be par for the course. Time […]
Read moreThe Writer’s Life – How to Avoid the Threat of Publication
One of the problems with being a writer is the ever-present threat of publication. You never know when an agent or publisher might turn up wanting to take your writing and get it published. I know! The very thought sends chills up and down my spine too. I mean, who needs the hassle and potential fame of a published work, be it short story or novel? There are several tried and true ways to avoid the problem, however. For the sake of brevity I have placed these methods into one of three different classifications. Avoid Sending Work In Entirely This is perhaps my favorite way to keep my own work from ever seeing the inside of a book cover. Never […]
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