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.
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.
If you are reading this article, it means that you are a writer or want to become one.
Congratulations on following your writing dreams! So many people desire to write and never get around to actually doing it.
Let’s talk about the first draft of your book. What is the first draft? It is the original manuscript. You may be thinking… Now that I have written my book it is ready to be submitted to agents and publishers. Well…hold on just a minute. Before you click send, print out your pages and let them sit on your desk for a day or three. Yup…just let them sit there staring you in the face!
After a few days go back, begin to read your book. Have a red pen handy because there are going to be story, grammatical, and spelling changes that you are going to make.
After you read through your book, mark your changes, and then apply them to your computer document.
After this step is complete you have two choices:
Move forward with your submissions
Have someone else proofread it for you
If you are looking for a copy editor, please reach out to me! book.writer.deanna@gmail.com
In addition to being an author and blogger, I am a copy editor and social media manager for authors!
To answer the question that I proposed at the beginning of this article…What is the first draft, it is just that, the FIRST draft, not the final copy.
Have you ever seen, Funny Farm? It stars Chevy Chase and Madolyn Smith and was released in 1988.
Basically, it is about a couple who moves to "the country" so that the husband can write a novel. They have a variety of strange events that occur and make them second guess their decision of moving from the city to the country. The move pushes them apart and then ultimately pulls them back together.
I said all this to say, that for some odd reason, this movie encourages me as a writer. I'm sure we all have certain music, movies, and books that encourage us to do what we do and this is my movie of encouragement.
One of my friends on Instagram proposed a question yesterday, "What songs do you listen to when you write?" To her question, I responded that I will often have, Funny Farm playing in the background, but I prefer to write in silence.
Now it is out...I'm apparently a quirky writer. But aren't we all?
You may be wondering right now... What is the purpose of this post? And to you I say... I have no idea!
Do you realize that the detailed living space of a character speaks volumes about the type of person they are? Allow me to explain:
Dynamic extrovert:
A character with this personality type will typically live in a vibrant space.
Scatterbrained:
Your flighty or flaky character may have a messy, yet cozy living space.
Lonely introvert:
A loner will most likely live in a crisp, clean, non-cluttered environment.
I'm sure you can see where I am going with this. Your characters' personalities will determine the type of space where they live, work, or spend their time.
These spaces do not simply serve as a backdrop, they are scenes in your story and need to be treated as such.
Example:
Susan walked into her living room and dropped her keys and briefcase onto the couch, after scooting the flannel blanket aside. As she sat, she glanced around the room and realized it had been weeks since she picked up or cleaned the place. Dustbunnies were gathered at her feet and take-out boxes from last week still sat on the coffee table.
Does this scene make you think that Susan is a straight-laced professional who has her life together? Nope. It sounds like Susan falls in line with a scatterbrained character, right?
Houses, rooms, workspaces, and hangouts can show the reader into the life and personality of your character.
Always remember to set reasonable goals for yourself. The keyword in that sentence is,
you guessed it: Reasonable!
Writing a two hundred and fifty to a three hundred page novel is going to take you more
than a week to write.
It is good to have goals, but make sure they are suitable for your life. If after looking at
your calendar you feel that you will be able to dedicate three hours a week to writing, set
your goals accordingly.
For some, writing every day is a reasonable goal. If this is a possibility for you, decide if
you are able to dedicate 30 minutes a day to writing your book or 3 hours a day. Always
remember that something is better than nothing. So, 20 minutes a day or every couple of
days is better than going 2 weeks without writing at all.
For others, every other day or twice a week may be attainable.
Sit down and take a few minutes to write out your daily schedule. Then, decide when you
can fit in time to write.
It is really that simple.
After you set your writing goals, strive to attain them. But, do not beat yourself up if
sometimes you do not reach the goals you have set for yourself. Just decide to start back
up tomorrow and try again.
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.
Have you always dreamed about becoming an author in the fiction genre? Do you sit and daydream about doing book signings and seeing your handiwork being sold in book stores all across the world? If you answered yes to any of these questions, this article will help get you on the path to obtaining your goals!
Writing Down Your Ideas
Go out today and buy yourself a notebook that will only be used for your story ideas. While you are at it, buy the matching pens, sticky notes, and page tab holders to go with it. Set Aside Some Time
After you have your notebook and accessories all set and ready to go, pencil in about thirty minutes to an hour on your busy calendar to sit down and write out your story ideas.
Consider Taking a Free Writing Course Online
Chances are you already have some type of writing skills or you would not be interested in writing a fiction book. However, one is never too old or established to learn! Take an online writing course to sharpen up your writing skills. One course in particular that will get you ready to write is The Crafty Writers Creative Writing Course. This course will teach you how to take your story ideas and turn them into the fiction novel you are dreaming about. Creating Your Characters
This is a very important part of creating an enjoyable novel. You have to breathe life into each character as if they are real people living real lives. A good idea to achieve this task is to take bits and pieces about people you know and combine those traits with your fictional characters.
Not all characters can be good guys. You should have your “good guy” characters, but you also need to have the antagonistic characters (the “bag guys”). The antagonist will help to bring the struggle into your story.
Proper Story Layout
A book, as well as a movie, should have three main sections: The introduction, the struggle and the overcome. Think about your favorite movie. It has a short beginning, a lot of drama in the middle and the happily ever after in the end. Now, think about a movie that you did not like, chances are this movie started off way too slow and that made it feel boring. Ever watch a movie and after it ended you thought, “It ended just as it was getting good?” The reason for that is because the introduction was way too long and the struggle and overcome were way too short. Writing books work the same way. The introduction and the overcome are to be shorter than the actual struggle (the meat of the story).
Now that you have some really good and basic ideas about how to write a fiction book, take them and run with them. Get started today. Do not delay. The quicker you get started, the quicker you will get your first book completed. Setting Reasonable Goals
Always remember to set reasonable goals for yourself. Writing a two hundred and fifty to a three hundred page novel is going to take you more than a week to write. It is good to have goals, but make them reasonable. If after looking at your calendar you feel that you will be able to dedicate three hours a week to writing, set your goals accordingly.
Some of the bold headlines in this article have links attached. Click on the links to learn more about that particular subject.
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.
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.
I have been reading an excellent book about how to make money blogging. I plan on writing a post about it in the near future.
In addition to blogging, the author suggests writing books about what you know and self-publishing said books on Amazon.
I have 3 novels published through a traditional publisher. But, I have been doing everything this book suggests and it seems to be working. With that said, I am in the process of self-publishing non-fiction / self-help books.
My hope is to have my first one ready to publish within the next week. I have just finished creating the cover and have already edited the book as it needed some love because I originally wrote it years ago.
I will give you a hint as to what it is about...Organizing and Recipes! That is all I will say at this time. haha
You will see a new post about this book very soon...including the cover, which I am in LOVE with!
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!
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.
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!
Well... what do you think? This is the cover I created with Canva for my new book release! I tried using the Amazon cover creator, but it did not come easy for me.
So, I did a Google search and Canva popped up. I had used this free site before to create some book promotional materials and some Instagram posts for my baking events (Yes, I bake too: www.thefierywhisk.com)
Here is a brief description of what this book is about:
Do you find yourself dreading the Holiday season? Does the word Christmas make you cringe?
Christmas…Get It Organized by Deanna Martinez provides easy steps to be ready for the Holiday without all the stress, crowds and expenses.
Learn easy ways to stay organized, spend less and have more time to spend with the people you love, doing the things you love.
Deanna will show you how to make lists, shop ahead of time, have parties, bake treats, create drinks, add new family traditions and much more. Gifts do not have to be things we buy. They can be things we make or time we can give. Put Deanna’s organizing ideas into practice this year and find yourself laughing instead of crying this Christmas.
I will post as soon as it is ready to be purchased!
It's New Years Eve and I can not allow this year to go by without posting my annual "Resolutions vs. Goals" post. I always find it encouraging and I hope you do to! I am all about offering encouragement as I appreciate when encouragement is offered to me. 2018 Is your year to move forward with creating your perfect life. Leave the past behind and move forward into a happy, healthy new year.
Resolution: A promise we make to ourselves and declare to others that we are going to make a positive change for the new year.
Goals: A plan we put into place to move forward towards a better life.
Do you see the difference? A resolution is a promise, but a goal is a plan. Let’s set goals for ourselves this year. Make a plan, write a list of steps to get you to where you want to be: financially, physically, emotionally, relationally. Set reasonable goals. Take baby steps towards your new future, your new life.
Let’s turn our dreams into reality for 2018!
Meditate on your goals and the changes you want to make, see yourself living the life that you desire. Talk about your dreams and goals with people who will build you up and encourage you. Make your plan and work towards it each day, little by little, taking baby steps.
They say, "Rome wasn't built in a day". How true that is! Let's make the changes within ourselves to become the people we want to be this year. It can be done and WE are the only ones who can make it happen; join a gym, write a book, change the things we don't like about ourselves/our lives. Let's make this our year!
Let me preface the following book trailer by stating that my publisher must live within my head! She hit the nail SQUARE on its head with this one! I LOVE the way it has turned out.
Please take a brief look at what Stephanie's story (our domestic violence survivor) has to tell...
Stephanie
had been held hostage in an abusive marriage for nearly twelve years. She was
manipulated, controlled and abused by her mentally unstable husband. The last
physical altercation drove Stephanie to begin a new life, alone, just her and
her ten-year-old son, Ray.
Stephanie
made an exit plan. She would find a new school for Ray, a full-time job and a place
to live and just when she thought that life would be calm and peaceful, her
monster of a husband, soon to be ex-husband would rear his ugly head.
Stephanie
winds up meeting a new friend through work. As time passes, they find that they
are developing feelings for one another. After the divorce is final her
ex-husband stirs up trouble yet again.
Would
Stephanie and her new friend become an item or would all the trouble from her
ex-monster have him packing his bags and running? Would Stephanie finally be
awarded full custody of her son or would her ex sabotage that from ever
happening?
Hot Cocoa, Green Tea, And the Man Who
Sweetened My Heart, is a compelling story of love, fear, hatred and
self-transformation with a touch of humor, intimacy and a hint of the
paranormal.
Deanna
has always aspired to be a writer. She started writing poetry and short stories
and the young age of seven.
Born in New
Jersey, Deanna currently lives in a suburb of
Raleigh, North
Carolina. She says. “I will always be a Jersey girl at
heart.” Which is why she came up with her own recipe for, New Jersey coffee cake, that she
shares at the end of this book. She has had several of her original recipes
published over the years. They have been featured in publications such as:
Taste of Home Magazine, Taste of Home “Best Of” cookbooks, Gooseberry Patch
cookbooks, local magazines and Women’s Day online, to name a few.
We are officially in October now and the leaves are starting to fall. Cool mornings are a welcome treat as are the pumpkin spice offerings being sold in stores.
I decided to host my photo shoot for the back cover of my new book, OUTSIDE this time. I do not regret this decision!
Check out what I have to say about the photo shoot and a few added bits about the next book in the making...
PS...the picture you see is one of the photos taken during the photo shoot! (But, not the one chosen for the back cover.)
