Strictly in the writing category, this has been a month of critical and excellent reviews on my debut novel. I was thrilled to read Lynda Youngs recent blog post on how to approach our book reviews. She helped me with an attitude adjustment and to put them in prospective.
Also, I don't hear trumpets or horns blowing on becoming an author. I feel exactly the same. Inept and still floundering through my writing.
Needless to say I am very happy to have experienced my very first book signing and a a full page article in our local Bee Newspaper, picture and all. I was actually quite relaxed for the signing. Except, if it wasn't for my remarkable large family and friends, I believe only two unknown people showed for the signing.
I am excited about my new wip. By setting goals for myself I've reached the halfway point in one month's time and hoped to finish the first draft by November 1st. This is my problem, I'm one of those weird people who needs complete quiet to concentrate. And I can't just sit down and start typing away, I need to reread some of the manuscript and adjust my brain for the chapters ahead.
I need to lock myself away into a log cabin somewhere in the wilderness to be alone for a week to get something done. How do author's who have full time jobs and young families find the time to pump out books. These author's truly amaze me.
What's your writer's insecurities?
Congratulations on your book signing and local article, that's fantastic. You've got so many great things going on, it's great you're excited about the new WIP. Good luck with meeting your Nov. 1 goal!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Julie. I need all the luck I can get.
ReplyDeleteExciting! Congrats on the signing.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Rebecca.
DeleteYay for your first book signing. That is a wonderful milestone.
ReplyDeleteI also need quiet to write and it can sometimes be difficult to come by... so I find myself becoming annoyed at the people who love me most. The job of a writer is simply not an easy one. Sometimes I will put headphones on and not listen to anything... just attempt to block out the noise around me. Another writer whose blog I follow said that - in the past - she felt like she needed absolutely quiet. However, recently she has started to listening to music while she writes and it has actually enhanced her writing process. So, maybe specific noise (like music) can prompt creativity. I have yet to try it myself... but I think I will:)
Thanks you the advice, Robin. I'm glad to hear I'm not the only one who needs complete quiet to write.
DeleteShall I loan you my teleportation device?
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you've survived the "review" process. You'll have to walk me through that in a month here. *getting out paper bag, anxiety meds and stack of cheese*
Thanks, Crystal. paper bag could work and definitely some meds, haha. Of course cheese is the ultimate reliever.
DeleteCongratulations on your book signing. A supportive family is extraordinary.
ReplyDeleteYes, family is everything!
DeleteCongratulations on your first book signing. Who better to share that moment with you than your family? :D
ReplyDeleteI have little twins so... I write throughout the night, how others do it? I do not know lol. It seems you'll meet your November goal, that is awesome. Keep on writing!
Twins!! How wonderful!! Thanks SK. And congrats on Kinetic
DeleteCongratulations Cathrina on your book signing, newspaper article and WIP. You've got a lot going on! I think that's fabulous. I'm also one that likes to have quiet when I write. Unfortunately, nowadays I get distracted a bit too easily. Good luck to you and I hope you meet you November 1 goal. Lily
ReplyDeleteI get distracted too easily, too. Another big problem. Thanks for stopping by Lily.
DeleteThree books in and I still don't know what I am doing!
ReplyDeleteLynda's approach to handling reviews was great. The bad ones you just have to let go. And learn from them if they were constructive.
Everyday is a learning experience. Thanks for the advice, Alex.
DeleteA book signing? That's all kinds of coolness! And two strangers showed up, at that.....awesome :)
ReplyDeleteI look forward to that day....
Thank you, Mark. All kinds of coolness, I like that!
DeleteOoh, how exciting...a book signing. And the article in the paper is awesome. Congrats!
ReplyDelete-Ilima Todd (IWSG co-host)
Thank you ilima!
DeleteWow, you already did a book signing? Go you! As shy as I am, that kind of thing would've stressed me out beyond belief, haha. Very cool about the newspaper article, too! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Heather. It was more stressful thinking about it then it actually was.
DeleteBooks signings are awesome! I've only done one, but had a blast! Good for you putting yourself out there!!
ReplyDeleteIt was more relaxing then I anticipated, due to the fact I had family backing me up.
DeleteOhhhhh... was the signing fun??? You're living the dream! When I'm on fire, I can pop in and out of my manuscript regardless of the chaos around me, but right now, I'm having to read and get in the right mindset before writing... so I understand what you're talking about!
ReplyDeleteIt's good to be on fire, right, Morgan?! When it comes to writing that is.
DeleteCongrats! How exciting :D I am like you I need quiet. I can do small things, but my muse likes calm n' quiet. My family is loud n' fun-great over all, but I struggle with all things creative~
ReplyDeleteNice to meet you!
Nice to meet you Ella, and thank you for joining my blog!
DeleteCongrats Cathrina! SO glad your book signing went well!
ReplyDeleteI honestly don't know how they do it either. I can write easily, but I do get distracted just as easily... LIKE with a ding from my email, a telephone call, or city noise outside my office windows... But, thankfully I can jump back into writing.
So excited for you and your new WIP... Now that's impressive... jumping right into your next book. I am so all over the place these days, I haven't written anything new for a while. I need to get back to my noir novella... it's time.
Have a great weekend...
Thanks you coming by, Michael. Your writing is fantastic by the way!
DeleteCongrats on your new novel. Enjoy the journey. I know I don't get a whole lot done because I think I don't have time, but when I have deadlines, I don't have any other choice but to get stuff done.
ReplyDeleteDeadlines can be tough to handle. Thanks for stopping by JL.
Delete