Should a writer be a reader?

 

What are your thoughts on reading books? Should a writer/author be a reader as well? 

I think so. Please allow me to explain why:

1. It helps us to know what has already been written

2. It keeps us up to date on current plot trends

3. Reading will help keep us inspired

4. The more we read, the more we can learn about the craft of writing

 

For me personally, reading takes me away to a far-off place. It allows me to escape my current reality, even if it's for 15 or 20 minutes. That reason in itself keeps me turning the pages.

Sometimes we all need to escape for a while...do you agree? 

Do you write when you're not in the mood?

Family history and traditions with Author Deanna Martinez-Bey

 

 

Writers: Let's get rid of the word very

 

 

The word, “very” rarely belongs in the vocabulary of a writer. There are other creative words that can be used in its place.

The word, “very” is an overused adjective. The word is used to emphasize the word it is describing. Often times, adjectives, such as the word, “very”, can be left out of the sentence. If you are trying to say that someone is “very hungry”, take out the word “very” and your point will still come across to the reader. 

Or, substitute the word “very” and the word it is describing with another creative word (See, I could have said “more” creative word right there, but I left out the word “more” and my point still came across properly).

Let’s take a look at some substitutions:

1.Very angry / fuming

2. Very big / gigantic or huge

3. Very clean / spotless, immaculate or spick and span

4. Very cold / freezing or Very cold / icy or hard hearted

5. Very fast / immediate

6. Very fat / large

7. Very good / suitable

8. Very happy / joyful, delighted or ecstatic

9. Very hateful / repulsive

10. Very hot / broiling

11. Very hungry / famished

12. Very loving / affectionate

13. Very mean / nasty or cruel

14. Very nice / lovely

15. Very old / ancient or antiquated

16. Very pretty / beautiful or attractive

17. Very poor / underprivileged

18. Very quiet / silent or peaceful

19. Very rude / offensive

20. Very sad / miserable

21. Very silly / ridiculous

22. Very skinny / lean or malnourished

23. Very small / miniature

24. Very smart / clever

25. Very soft / spineless

26. Very sore/ excruciating, tender or painful

27. Very strong / muscular

28. Very stupid / senseless

29. Very tasty / scrumptious

30. Very tired / exhausted

31. Very ugly / horrid

 

 Do you write when you're not in the mood?

Write It! podcast: The place for writers 

Let's discuss outlining books

Do you write when you're not in the mood?

 

Maybe a more direct question would be: Do you write when you don't feel like it? 

If only there was a direct answer to that question...

I would have to say: Yes and No.

The key to completing a writing project is to plan for time to write each day or week. However, what if you are sick or going through a difficult time in your life? Do you write anyway, regardless of your circumstances?

Well...sometimes I do and sometimes I don't.
I find that if I am feeling icky, as in not feeling 100% in my physical body, I can still write and write well.
I have also found that if I'm REALLY sick, I can not by any means put the words together to write at all!

In addition, if I have something really heavy weighing on my mind, I have a hard time writing. If I have minor things on my mind, I have no problem setting them aside to write and sometimes, just sometimes, writing will help me get through the circumstances and I will feel better as a result.

Only you truly know if you are capable of writing according to how you are feeling. What is right for me may not be right for you. You may find that writing will help you feel better no matter what you are going through in your life.

The only way to know for sure is to give it a try.

Tips:

• Always stick to your writing schedule.
• If you are unable to write because of sickness, rest and try again tomorrow.
• If you are dealing with an emotional issue, try to write. It may help you through.  

 

Let's discuss outlining books 

Book release: The Ultimate Guide To Cookies 

Family history and traditions with Author Deanna Martinez-Bey 

Book review: Point Of View

Write It! Podcast: The place for writers

 

Have I mentioned that I have a podcast for writers? I do!

It is called Write It! and I talk about all kinds of valuable information for writers. You should check it out:

WRITE IT! 

Write It!

By Deanna Martinez-Bey

 

Write It, is the place for writers. We will talk about writing techniques, tips, and tricks. All authors, writers, editors, and bloggers are welcome! 

 

 

 Book release: The Ultimate Guide To Cookies

Book review: Point Of View 

Best hashtags for authors on Twitter 

Author Deanna Martinez-Bey on TicTok

 

 

Having kept a photography channel on TicTok, I decided to start an author channel too! I have to say, it has been fairly successful so far.

Here is a link to my channel, I would love to have you follow me there (I will follow you back):

Author Deanna Martinez-Bey

I found a Facebook page specifically for authors on TicTok and have found a great deal of support there:

Authors of TicTok 

Between the Facebook group and the apps algorithms, it has not been difficult to find other authors to support. The writing/reading community on social media is one of the most supportive I have found! 

Picture This book review: On Janine's Cool Cats and Reviews

Author interview with GKJ Publishing  

Resolutions Vs. Goals

COVID-19 writing

 

I have a question...have any writers found that they have been more productive through the pandemic? 

I for one, have definitely found myself writing and creating more. I am up earlier in the morning and find myself staying up later at night. Which may or may not require more coffee. I often wonder if coffee sales have skyrocketed through this thing! 

I have published 3 new books and started writing 2 more. 

Picture This, is my new novella, The Ultimate Guide to Cheesecakes, is my new cookbook, and Step Out and Invite Them Anyway, is a guide to hospitality. 

In addition, I have been blogging with a dash of podcasting thrown into the mix.

I would say, I am staying productive with my writing. All this in addition to having a family and 2 home businesses! I offer social media management and copy editing for authors. I have just put together a photography we4bsite as well, where I am selling digital photos for authors to use on their projects. I love doing all I can to help fellow authors!

I have a home bakery as well and have been taking orders, orders, and more orders! 

Just like you, I have a lot on my plate...but, I am thankful for it all!

New release: Picture This 

Writers Corner: Fall writing tips  

What is the first draft?

Christmas in July tips for writers

Happy Christmas in July, authors! I have come up with a July to-do list for writers. Here you will see things that we can do now to prepare for the upcoming Holidays.

1. Start writing your Holiday e-books now. These can be fiction or non-fiction books that pertain to the Holidays. Create, edit, design them, and get them uploaded into KDP (or platform of your choice) to release in time for the Holidays. (I am a copy editor, so please reach out for your editing needs.)

2. Develop a Holiday themed blog, Facebook group, or website. By creating these now, you will have time to grow your following for when you start posting Holiday related posts. These sights will help you share the Holiday e-books you have for sale.

3. For freelance writers, start sending queries to magazines and websites. It is time to send in your Holiday themed articles and material.

Christmas in July: Christmas Folders

COVID-19 Decluttering: Organize your books

Wordy Writer Workbook: Great Christmas gift

Christmas in July: Christmas folders

It is that time of the year again...Christmas in July! This craft idea is perfect for writers because it requires research and we all love research, right? In all fairness, I do! It is one of my favorite parts of the writing process.

You can make the folders by yourself or with your children. I made mine with my daughter and bought all our supplies from The Dollar Tree. I may have spent $8 on our supplies, but you can get more elaborate with your folders if you want to.

Supplies:

• Pocket Folder
• Stickers
• Old magazines
• Scissors
• Computer and printer, optional
• Markers, optional

Fortunately, I have a collection of Holiday magazines, ranging from Good Housekeeping to Women's Day and then some.

First, we decorated our folders with a Christmas theme.
Then, we flipped through the pages of the magazines and clipped Christmas ideas. We clipped recipes, decorating ideas, gift ideas, and anything else we wanted to try out this Christmas.

If you don't have magazines, you can search for ideas online and print them out.

Then, add all of your clippings to your folder. It's that simple. 

Fiction writing: Character living space

Fiction writing: Nature settings