What is the first draft?

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.

More from Author Deanna Martinez:

Preparing your writing environment

Can earbuds save lives?

New approach to writing a plot and creating an antagonist 

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

Fiction writing: Nature settings

Think about the climate of where our story is going to be set. Do you have a clear image in your mind? Is it sweltering or frigid, do you see cactus or snow piled mountains? Is it raining cats and dogs or is the sun shining bright in the sky without a cloud in sight?

These facts are more important than you may think when writing your novel. Why? Because the reader has to be transformed to where your story is being told.

Before you begin describing the natural aspects of your setting, decide on the geographical location. By doing this, it will make the details of describing much easier.

If you have never been to the geographical location of your story, be sure you do plenty of research before you begin writing about it. You have to know enough about the climate and visuals in order to take the reader away to that place.

Questions to ask yourself about the climate of your story location:

1. Is it hot or cold
2. What will people wear (coats or bathing suits)
3. Is everything green and lush or brown and barren
4. Will there be high rises and apartments or white houses with picket fences
5. Concrete patios or miles of grassy land
6. Rain, snow, sunshine, tornadoes, hurricanes, avalanches 

I think I proposed enough questions to get you thinking about the natural details.

Tip: Be sure to transport your reader to the setting of your story.

Writing and editing tips: Keeping your body comfortable

How to start your fiction writing career

Easy book writing tips

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

Easy book writing tips

For those who are at the beginning stages of writing their book...here are some helpful tips to help guide you through the writing process:

Beginning tips

Start writing an outline
(Writing an outline for your book will help you stay on track and organized through the writing process)

Make up a writing schedule
(Set aside time to write each day or at least every other day)

Pick a place to write
(Find a quiet place in your home as well as another location to write)

Set deadlines
(Start with daily, then weekly, monthly then a completion deadline)

Along the way tips

Research
(Research the details)

Think about your book
(Think about your book when you are not writing and make notes)

Create notes
(Carry a notebook or note app on your phone. You do NOT want to forget a good idea)

Edit as you go
(when you get to a stopping point, go back and edit what you wrote)

Ending tips

Editing
(Go back and edit at the end)

Take a rest
(Set the completed book down for 2 weeks and then edit it again)

More from Author Deanna:

How to stay accountable to your writing 

Using owned media as an author

My social media course: reveal

Social media course reveal...

Hello, everyone! I have some exciting news to share...

Guess who wrote an online social media course? This girl. It took me months to write it and complete all the videos. However, it took YEARS of research to obtain all the information I share in the course.

As a published author, I had to learn how to successfully network myself online. The course is written, NOT just for authors, but for everyone who needs to network themselves, their business or their brand online.

All you have to do, is email me: book.writer.deanna@gmail.com and I will send you pricing and details about the course. I can tell you this: the course contains videos, PDF documents and on screen tutorials...everything you need to network!

Check out this video I made on Facebook live when I revealed my course:

More from Author Deanna Martinez:

Should you follow your heart when writing?

To outline or not to outline...

Coming up with new story ideas

What is the first draft?

Preparing your writing environment 

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?

Self publishing books...yey or nah?

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!

If you would like to check out my novels, here is a link to my Amazon Author Page: Deanna Martinez

Helpful information:

Resolutions vs. Goals

Create a personal planner / organizer

Follow your heart, even if the world doesn't look at you as being "normal"

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

2018 Resolutions vs. Goals...make this your year!

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! 

A great first read of 2018!

Blog Tour for: Hot Cocoa, Green Tea and the Man Who Sweetened My Heart

Happy December everyone! I am thrilled to announce that my new novel was released on December 1, 2017!

I am in the midst of a blog tour and would like to share it with you.

Deanna Martinez-Bey: Blog Tour For, Hot Cocoa, Green Tea and the Man Who Sweetened My Heart

The schedule is as follows:

December 1st: Starter Day Party @ I Heart Reading

December 3rd: Promo Post @ Lisa Queen of Random

December 5^th: Author Interview @ Cassidy Crimson’s Blog

December 7^th: Promo Post @ Nesie’s Place

December 8^th: Promo Post @ Indy Book Fairy

Here is the book trailer that is loaded with information about the book...

Ready to purchase your copy of my book...

New book release and domestic violence volunteering

Happy Autumn! I am excited about cool weather and changing leaves! I am also excited to share that novel number three will be released before Christmas this year.

I have created a new video with more information...

Please take a few minutes to listen to me share about the new book and domestic violence. I have decided to share a piece of my heart with the world!

Thank you for your support :)

My new YouTube Channel...Featured on the website of Diane Morasco, Best Selling Author!

Diane apparently loved the welcome video I posted on my new YouTube channel, so she featured it on her website!

I am beyond thankful for this opportunity! Diane, I appreciate you so much! Thank you for taking your time to share my life with your audience.

Please check out her website and her work as an author: Author Deanna Martinez-Bey Shares Her Writing Life...

As I mentioned, you can see my welcome video by following the link I posted to Diane's website. Here, I will share my second video about creating your own writing space as my new YouTube channel is about writing and life as an author...

 I hope you enjoy what I have to share! Please like and subscribe to my channel so I know you are there! Thank you for your time and support...I appreciate each and every one who supports me and what I love.

My newest feature at the Writer's Corner and Page158 Books

Hello, all! Check this out... Jencey, author of Writer's Corner has featured me on her blog!

Start Your Spring Right With Deanna Martinez-Bey! 
Thank you Jencey! I appreciate your time and your investment in me, as an author.


In addition to this fantastic news, my book, "When Life Gives You Lemons, Drink Coffee!", is also for sale at a local bookstore! Page158 Books is located in downtown Wake Forest, NC!

Lots of good things going on!

I have recently began my own YouTube channel about writing books. I will be posting about that very soon!

Follow your heart...even if the world doesn't think of you as "normal"

For many years I often thought that because I enjoyed many different things, that made me different and not normal. What is normal, anyway? That question is loaded and sounds like an entirely different blog post.

I have been thinking and have come to the conclusion that if I am not what this world considers, "normal" then I am one step ahead of the game when it comes to being happy and reaching my goals. Let me explain...

I enjoy writing, baking, cosmetology and personal training as well as being an administrative individual. I have always said, and I quote, "I don't like putting all of my eggs into one basket". I have noticed that so many people place all of their eggs into one basket when it comes to their income. Most people have one job that they depend on to pay the bills. Not me! I have three or four different avenues that bring income to our family. Know what? I love it this way!

For so many years I thought that something was wrong with me because I was not conforming to the standard, "normal" in this area. But, I am thankful now, for who I am and what I have chosen to do with my life.

Ultimately, my goal is to be a full time author. I will get there, but in the meantime I am having fun doing ALL of the things that I love.

Follow your heart and do you...no matter what the world may have to say about it.

 

 Click here to purchase: When Life Gives You Lemons, Drink Coffee!