Do movies about authors and writers inspire you?

I do enjoy watching movies about authors, journalists, and writers.

I find myself drawn to them just as much as I am drawn to movies that revolve around baking or bakeries. 

I have a few favorites... Funny Farm, The Christmas Edition, and Julie and Julia, to rattle off a few.

They have all provided me with inspiration, the desire to not give up, and an open mind.

Sometimes the universe has a different plan than we have, and it's important to be open to those plans.

I highly recommend watching all three movies. 

I know they are all available to rent or buy on Amazon prime. 

So, when you need a little encouragement, just hit play. 

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

Our trip to Snowshoe, WV part 2: The walk for coffee

 

Yesterday, I mentioned that today, I would be venturing out into the cold. Well, this morning, that is exactly what I did!

 If you have TicTok...

Watch me walk though the snow...

I bundled up, which you can see in the above photo and ventured out. It has been snowing for hours and has yet to let up. The icy snow was pelting me in the face at one point and made me giggle while recording my video.

I walked over to the Starbucks, that I point out in my recording, and got cup of decaf to warm me up. They have no tables and only allow 8 people in at a time. But, I got my coffee!

 

More fun news... I completed writing my WIP which was a novella. I will do the final edit when I get back home. Today, I am starting on the outline for another book. 

This trip has been relaxing and productive so far! 

My tall, decaf, caramel macchiato with almond milk. 

 

Our trip to Snowshoe, WV part 1 The drive

Last years weekend in Snowshoe post

 

 

Book review: Point of View (Writing Lessons from the Front Book 3)

 

I have been reading books about writing and when I found this one on Amazon, it caught my eye. 

I have to say,  Point of View (Writing Lessons from the Front Book 3), was a fantastic book. It explained the different POV's in which one can write and it explained them in great detail so everyone can understand. 

I rated this book on Amazon and Goodreads and gave it 5 stars! 

Here is the Amazon link and description:

Point of View (Writing Lessons from the Front Book 3)

 Unlocking the mystery behind POINT OF VIEW: why is point of view important to a novelist, and how can we make sure we're using it correctly? Which serves the story better--first person, third person, omniscient, or the quirky second? Using thirty years of writing experience, Angela Hunt presents a brief lesson on point of view that should answer all your questions in practical, simple terms. You don't need an entire book to understand it--you only need these thirty pages. These lessons, Hunt says, "are brief for a reason—I don’t want you to spend most of your time reading how-to books. I will give you what you need so you can put what you’ve learned into practice. That’s the best way to improve." Enjoy this writing lesson for a fraction of the cost of attending one of Angela's writing classes--your writing will never be the same.

Best hashtags for authors on Twitter  

Book review: Picture This 

2021 Resolutions Vs. Goals 

Book review: How To Make A living With Your Writing

 

I purchased: How to Make a Living with Your Writing: Books, Blogging and More (Books for Writers Book 3) by Joanna Pen, in hopes of learning tips and tricks of the trade.

Unfortunately, that is not what I found. I am not saying that this was a terrible book. I am saying that the information it contained was basic and rather than delve into details as to the, "how to's" it quickly skimmed through the basic ideas with minimal explanation as to how to make them happen. 

I was looking for more in depth information.

If you are a beginning writer, it is a great book to give you ideas as to how to make money. But, be prepared to do research as to how to make them happen. 

Picture This book review

Resolutions Vs. Goals 

Author interview with GKJ Publishing

What is Blogmas?

 

I have recently learned about Blogmas. It is when a blogger writes on their blog every day for the month of December...much like an Advent Calendar! Only, there is no candy involved. 

So, here I am, making a solid effort to participate this year. I may be a few days late, but I have always said...Better late than never!

Who's in? Will you join me?

When we share our Blogmas posts on social media, we must add the hashtag #Blogmas, this way we can all support one another. 

Covid 19 writing 

Writers Corner: Fall writing tips 

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?

Writers Corner: Fall writing tips

Fall is officially here! I have put together some fall-inspired tips and ideas to help us get into the season.


Seasonal tips:

• Dress for success: Get out your comfy sweaters, pants, and socks, it's time to write
• Hot drinks: Stock up on coffee, hot cocoa, and teas... these are a must when writing in autumn
• Writing outdoors: Take it outside...write with your laptop on the porch or in the park
• Writing from home: No porch or park available? Open the house windows and enjoy the fresh air while writing
• Reading: Take your book and a blanket outside and enjoy the sun

Topic and computer tips:

• Change your background picture on your computer to something fall-related
• Take fall-inspired photos to post on social media
• Start a blog and write fall-related posts: weather, clothing, books, and foods
• If you write articles online, write a few fall-related articles

Now, grab some friends or family and go pick a pumpkin! (Take a picture for social media!)

Book release: Picture This

What is the first draft?

Author organization tips: Writing down your book ideas

Wordy Writer: Workbook review

Wordy Writer sent me a copy of their workbook: Wordy Writer - The Bones of your Story.

This workbook was designed to help authors create an extensive outline for their book. It contains sheets such as Story and Structure Development, Character Chart, Character Development, Chapter Outlines, and Notes.

Basically, what it does is lead you through the entire writing process of your book, allowing you to keep track of all the important details. It even has a chapter entitled: Kill Your Characters!

The workbook is approximately 122 pages, is geared towards fiction writing, and is well thought out and put together. The cost, including tax, is $26.56 and worth every penny.

I am working on my fourth novel, and when I start preparing for number five, I will be using this workbook. I suggest using a new workbook for each book you write.

Please visit their website for more information: www.wordywriterorganizer.com

More from Author Deanna Martinez:

Flannery O'Connor: How she impacted my life

Spreading cheer and encouragement during COVID-19

Easy book writing tips

Should you follow your heart when writing?

Do you think that a writer should follow their heart when writing books?

Have you ever got that feeling way down in your stomach that made you know that you must do something? I once heard it referred to as knowing in your knower.
Some call it listening to your heart, and others say it is following your gut. Whatever you call it, refer to it as or have heard it called, we all know that feeling. It is almost like you just can not carry on with anything else in your life until you give in to that nagging feeling or those persistent thoughts.

As writers, we need to pay close attention to this feeling. There may be something that we need to add to our book or delete from our book. If you get the feeling that there are changes that need to be made to your book, go with it and make the changes. Chances are it will make for better reading and an all around better book!

It is important that as writers, we pay attention and listen to our thoughts and feelings. If we want to write the best book, we need to make necessary changes at the exact time they are needed. If we ignore the feelings, it just may keep us from getting offered a publishing contract or that offer to write another book from our publisher!

Tip: Listen to those persistent thoughts and/or feelings that you need to make changes to your story and/or book!

More writing articles:

To outline or not to outline

Coming up with new story ideas

To outline or not to outline

Should writers write books by following an outline? This seems to be a great debate among writers. Some writers swear by using outlines and others would rather fly by the seat of their pants.

I prefer to make and use an outline when I am writing my books. I like to form a basic outline that lays out the gist of what the book will be about and the character’s names and personalities. I also prefer to lay out the basics of each chapter. I do feel that if the outline contains too much information, meaning details, that it will constrict the writer. We still need to have the freedom to add characters and events as we see fit. Often times if an outline contains too many details, it prevents us from being able to be creative with our book.

Let’s compare the two options. Reasons to outline:
Gives us direction
Helps us glide through writing the chapters
Gives us a goal
Helps us remember character names and details (we can refer back to our written outline)
Keeps us on track
Reasons not to outline:
I can’t think of any
I don’t know
Oh, here is one: It can be fun not to have clear direction?

The bottom line is I recommend a simple outline. They are helpful to me and I think it would be helpful to you as well. Let me give you an example of what an outline can consist of:
Basic details of the book (What it is about, the character details, certain points you want to be sure to touch upon, each chapter name (this will guide you what to write in each chapter) and any other details you want to include.

Details you may not want to include in the outline:
Every detail as to what the character says, does and feels.

Let me tell you about outlining....

Coming up with new story ideas...

How do you come up with twists and turns and new story ideas?
Use your own life!
Use problems you have overcome or some that you haven’t and use them in your book. The best part about using your own obstacles in your book is that you can have the outcome turn out however you would like.

If you are happy with the way you have overcome obstacles in your life, then use it exactly how it played out for you. If you are not happy with the outcome of certain events, change them and write them to end the way you would have liked them to. This can also be therapeutic for you, the writer.

You can also take a slight twist or turn in your life and enhance it to become something major! For example, you changed your major in college…something fairly minor, right? Now, enhance it. You started with a major in computers, your Grandmother came down with cancer and you love her so much you will do whatever you can to help her get and stay well. You change your major to chemistry so that you can work on strains of cancer treatments. Sounds much more involved and interesting, right?
Basically, take lemons and make lemonade!

Another great way to find ideas for your novel would be to take a trip to Barnes and Noble. Go to the section of the store where they sell the same genre books that you are writing. Read the backs of the books in search of an idea that can spur you to a story idea or plot twist of your own.

More from Author Deanna Martinez:

Preparing your writing environment

Resolutions Vs. Goals

Self publishing: yes or no?

Preparing your writing environment

Something I do each night before I head to bed is clean my kitchen! My mom always used to say, “If the kitchen is clean, the whole house looks clean”. Depending on the layout of your house, this can ring true. I have an open concept in my house, meaning the kitchen is open to the dining room and the living room. So, if my kitchen is clean, it really does make the rest of my downstairs look clean too!

Why have I gone on this clean kitchen tangent you may ask; it is also true when it comes to our writing environment. If we have a special routine we create when it comes to writing it will help us look forward to it and feel comfortable and at ease when we do it.
Just as waking up to a clean house can make you feel good, creating a special place to write can make you feel good too!

A few things to try:

• Create a clean work space
• Make it comfortable by using a comfortable chair
• Decorate with pictures and items that bring you joy
• Keep it clutter free
• Make a space separate from other spaces in your home

Can earbuds save lives?

Have you ever thought about my proposed title question? Believe it or not, I have! We have all heard about how people have escaped danger by the skin of their teeth because of these little gadgets... walking down the street with them in and nearly getting side swiped by a moving vehicle or someone driving a car couldn't hear sirens or car horns because of them.

Let's take this to a different level...

Does music calm your nerves? Have you ever put your earbuds in to get yourself through a project? Whether it be to help you concentrate or simply not be disturbed by outside distractions? How about at the gym? Do you plug up in order to get through a workout routine? I can answer yes to all of the above.

Now, let's take it to an even greater level...

Do you work or live with someone who gets on your last known nerve? How about a coworker who won't stop talking or a roommate that feels they have to talk to you every waking second of every single day? Yeah, it doesn't get more annoying than that. Or maybe it does?

Do you have a loud obnoxious spouse or children who thoroughly enjoy using their outdoor voices in the house?

Invest in a good, sound reducing pair of earbuds. They just may spare the lives of those around you!

More from Author: Deanna Martinez

Resolutions Vs. Goals

Lilac Sand book review

Self publishing: yes or no?

New approach to writing a plot and creating a protagonist

See my toesies? 

Novel #4

I have decided to take a slightly new approach when creating my plot and main character for this book.

What is different is how I am specifically creating my plot prior to my character development. In the past I would create my characters first and then put together the story line. For novel #4, I have created my story line before the characters! It is a different approach for sure, but it seems to be working smoothly.

In addition to this change, I have decided to create my main character to be the complete opposite of me. I would often take a little part of me to create my main character. I would then elaborate to make her fictional. This time around, I am trying something different...which also seems to be working!

I am having fun writing, isn't that what it is all about?

Here's hoping for a successful and fun filled 2019!

Baking cookies and writing a plot

Changes coming for 2019

Interview with Chef Duff

Photo taken from Food Network (click pic for link)

I remember it clearly...back in 2009, I spoke with Duff Goldman over the phone for nearly an hour. He was the kindest, most down to earth celebrity!

I wrote an article about him and published it to Examiner.com, where I was writing at the time. The site closed down and gave us very short notice to get our articles saved before they were gone for good.

One of the articles I failed to save was the one I wrote about Chef Duff. How sad, right? So, 2 nights ago, I decided to reach out to him again and ask if I can rewrite the article.

I am happy to announce, I have been given permission to do so! I will be publishing it very soon. Squeeee.... (probably not even a word, but it is my happy emotion)

More articles:

My trip to Colorado

Started novel #4

Self publishing...yey or nah?

My trip to Colorado...lots of writing!

I heard that March was a great month to visit Colorado because they tend to get a lot of snow...This proved true for me.

For four days, I took in the most breathtaking views I have ever laid my eyes upon. Everywhere I looked I saw something beautiful. From snow covered mountains to the bright sunlight bursting through the clouds.

I could easily live in such an amazing state. The clean, crisp, cold air proved good for my health and I felt fantastic while I was there. No daily migraines, no fibromyalgia  pain. Colorado was good to me.

I had two full days to write novel number 4! I was just shy of my 10,000 word goal. But, I am happy with the progress I made. I sat by a warm fireplace with a view of the snow capped mountains. Talk about inspiration!

I have included a couple pictures from my trip. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do.

More articles:

Started novel number 4

New approach to creating a plot and creating a protagonist 

Baking cookies and writing a plot

Started novel #4

The writing of novel #4 has begun! First, I put together my plot, then my character development, next a bit of research and then my rough outline. 

The camera you see pictured above will be placed on the chapter page for each chapter in the book. The photo may change if needed, but as of now, this is the one.

I hate giving away book details, because they will often change along the way. But I can tell you this, my main character is NOTHING like me! I am excited to write about a character that I do not know. I have to create her from beginning to end. 

I wrote an article entitled: Writing a novel: How to come up with story ideas and plot twists If you are writing your first novel, you may find this helpful. I keep my articles brief and to the point. There is nothing worse than when I click on a post to see a recipe and there is paragraph after paragraph of useless info before the recipe is posted. Well, except people who hold up traffic to back into a parking spot...but, I digress. 

My point is, my blog posts and articles cut to the chase. 

Thank you for visiting my blog! 

Baking cookies and writing a plot...

Well, my title is fairly explanatory of what I have been working on in my spare time these days! As per my last post, I have decided to blog for pleasure and not income. I have also decided that in order to maintain my sanity, I need to be writing books. So, I started novel number 4. I have been studying what it takes to create a great plot and began working on mine.

Since the Holidays are here, I have also been spending time baking cookies with my daughter. Just the other night the 4 of us had our annual Christmas cookie decorating contest and we all had a blast creating crazy cookies together.

Thank you to those who reached out with encouragement after my previous post. I am truly thankful for those who care.

Now, go bake some cookies! Here are a couple pictures of mine to help inspire you..

Christmas Organizing book

Changes are coming for 2019

Book trailer: Hot Cocoa, Green Tea and the Man Who Sweetened My Heart

Changes are coming for 2019...I could use your opinions!

Sometimes we take a side road off our best path. Meaning... I have not written books in several months because I was focused on making a go with blogging. I purchased a book that outlined specifically how to make money blogging. I followed the steps exactly how they were presented. The only thing I did not do was start a pod cast.

I blogged daily, applied for and added advertising to the blog, started a second blog, self published a book and mini books. Spent countless hours reaching out to companies trying to gain connections and generate money with blog posts and blog advertising...the list goes on and on. And, as I took it to that next level; from hobby to career, I noticed that my numbers began to grow. I was happy with what I was seeing. Then, BAM! It ended. My numbers began to decrease.

In all honesty, I do not understand what happened. I do not know why or how this transpired. I just know that I feel like I wasted many months of my time and energy. I gave up on writing my books (with an exception of the one I self published...which was a brutal experience in itself. But, I will save that for another day.) and this alone makes me sad.

I could have gotten so much writing done and maybe even finished the book I had in the works. I still wonder if I should continue to push through or stop. I am not one to give up. I keep pushing and pushing until I see the desired result I have in my mind. However, I am beginning to wonder if that is not the path for me...the road I am supposed to be taking.

I was working on a novella series prior to my detour. Now, I want to scrap it and start fresh. This could possibly be the reason or part of the reason I got off track. Maybe I am not supposed to move forward with that series of books.

All this being said, I do not currently have a clear direction for my writing. I would love to somehow combine writing, food and photography into one package. I just don't know how.

2018 was a difficult year for me in many ways, in may areas of my life. I will spare you the details but I am looking forward to and hoping for a year of clarity and peace in 2019.

I am open to all and any ideas you may have on combining my passions into one (as I stated a few sentences ago). Please feel free to share your thoughts if you have any for me.

I am leaning towards letting the blogging go and focusing on writing books once again. Stay tuned for more...

Thank you all for your support. Thank you to each and every person who has purchased one of my books. Thank you for your encouragement, positive energy and compassion. Here's to a fabulous 2019!

More from me:

Self publishing books: yey or nah?

Goals vs. Resolutions

Book trailer for: Hot Cocoa, Green Tea and the Man Who Sweetened My Heart