I decided to continue with the goodies theme for another post. Why not grab a popsicle and join me!
If you have time, check out the comments from Monday's Writing Goodies post. There are lots of good writng sources from my faithful blogging gang. Thanks, guys! :D
Agent Myths
Jennifer Lawler responds to misconceptions that writers often have in the article Five Myths You Shouldn't Believe About Agents. Lawler addresses things like: Can I ask them questions? If I don't hear anything, does that mean they don't want to represent me? When on the agent quest, we might as well be informed, don't you think?
WriteOnCon
WriteOnCon is a free online writing conference for children's writers. Scheduled for August 10-12, 2010, it is the brainchild of Elana Johnson, Jamie Harrington, Casey McCormick, Shannon Messenger, Lisa and Laura Roecker, and Jen Stayrook. There will be workshops, chats, contests, and a lot of good stuff. Did I mention that it was free? Click here for more info.
Excellence in Writing
In her post Raising the Bar to Excellence, Kathryn Lang discusses things writers can do for greater success and productivity. Her tips are aimed at freelancers, but I thought that they have a general writer appeal with points such as "Today is the time to pursue the dream." Kathryn also had interesting things to say in a recent interview on Susan J. Reinhardt's blog Christian Writer/Reader Connection.
Speaking of excellence in writing, what do you consider key elements to writing success?
Happy writing, and happy weekend!
Karen
Definitely persistence but just as important - the striving to improve from ms to ms.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the links.
ReplyDeleteAnd the key is to keep writing.
Great links. Thanks :O)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the time you spent researching and sharing, Karen.
ReplyDeleteI believe key elements to success in any endeavor must include prayer, committment and perseverance in the face of trials. Which will come--count on it.
But with Jesus' power in us, we have what it takes to overcome.
Love,
Jen
Thanks. I need to check out the time management one. I'm such a slacker lately.
ReplyDelete~Britt Mitchell
Laura,
ReplyDeleteGood points. I agree, we need to continue to aim higher and move ahead.
Alex,
Yes, for without that, where would we be? We cannot move ahead without making the effort.
Diane,
Thank you and you are welcome:)
Jeanette,
Amen. Well said! I agree, we will get there if we persevere.
Britt,
In some ways I've feeling like a slacker. Time to get moving, right? :)
Thanks and blessings to all of you,
Karen
Oh the ice cream did me in. I want one!!
ReplyDeleteI plan to check out that first link--always interested in what agents think:)
I agree with those who said persistence, but for me, solitude is also important. My productivity went up when I began locking myself in the office for dedicated writing time. I couldn't do it if I didn't have my husband here to watch our disabled son, though.
ReplyDeleteBy the way, I like the new look of your blog. However, the pictures are making me hungry. Maybe you could include some broccoli or brussel sprouts to counteract the photos triggering my sweet tooth ;)
Barb
www.barbarafrankonline.com
Sounds like some good stuff to check out. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteLee
Tossing It Out
Barbara,
ReplyDeleteThat's another good point. I prefer solitude too. Seems that I can get more done and focus better. Sorry that I distracted you with the food. Perhaps broccoli and brussels sprouts would be good next time! :)
Lee,
Hope that you find some of it helpful!
Thanks and blessings to both of you,
Karen
When you say writing success, do you mean personally or as in books, etc.?
ReplyDeleteI agree that persistence is key.
Thanks for the links!
Liking the new look of your blog, Karen! Always great to stop by and come away with such helpful info. Thanks for the heads-up on the free conference in August. I'll be checking it out! Have a blessed weekend, friend! :)
ReplyDeleteI think the key to excellence is being realistic about our strenths and weaknesses and letting go of ego to be our optimal best.
ReplyDeleteIt also helps to constantly hone our craft.
Love the new blog look!
Love this post, by the way!
ReplyDeleteOoh I like these links! I'm eating a cold, sugary watermelon and it is so yummy! God really new what he was doing when he made those!
ReplyDeleteJessica,
ReplyDeleteEither one, or both! I figure both can play an important part for us. :)
Maria,
Thank you! Always appreciate when you all stop by! Hope you find that link helpful:)
Jennifer/Pen and Prosper,
Thank you; glad you like the new look and the post! Good points, all. Being realistic and always learning are good things. :)
Anne,
Watermelon sounds good about now! Glad you like the links:)
Have a wonderful weekend all!
Blessings,
Karen
Great post! (Like the new look here!)
ReplyDeleteI think honest feedback from experience writers is vital.
Have a great weekend!
Cool new look!
ReplyDeleteLove the sites you scope out for us.
Hmmm.
Whispering of the Spirit, perseverance, and His timing.
It doesn't help to devour books and have a killer writer's voice and practice, practice, practice!!
Blessings,
Patti
Jill,
ReplyDeleteThank you! Honest feedback IS a great thing,isn't it? :)
Patti,
Thank you:) Practice does make us better, that's for sure!
Blessings to both of you,
Karen
I want THAT ice cream popsicle!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the links. I'm going to check out that first one right now.
:)
Nurturing our spirit, quiet time with God.
ReplyDeleteDiscipline.
Teachable spirit.
Resting in His timing.
Now I want a popsicle.
Oops. Reading backwards, that's kind of what Patti said.
Lydia,
ReplyDeleteWill mail you a popsicle, watch for the drippy package in your mailbox. You are most welcome to the links!
Sandra,
Will send you one as well. Maybe I should use dry ice? :) Good points, all!
Thanks and blessings to both of you,
Karen
Hi Karen -
ReplyDeleteOh...must have chocolate!
Thanks for the link to my blog. I always enjoy Kathryn's insightful writing. The article on agent myths piqued my interest.
Blessings,
Susan :)
I want a chocolate ice-cream popsicle now!
ReplyDeleteGreat links, as usual, Karen! I wouldn't say I'm a successful writer yet, but the key element for me is to just keep learning and pushing my limits beyond what I believe I can only do.
Aarrgghh! Left a lengthy response and it didn't post. Suffice to say, research is the key. Cities, restaurants, pubs, and such need to be described in such a way that readers familiar with these places will immediately relate.
ReplyDeleteStephen Tremp
Susan,
ReplyDeleteWeather forecast is too high to mail the chocolate so will give you a raincheck for that! Hope the agent info is helpful:)
Lynn,
You are welcome. I agree, a key is for us to keep learning. I think no matter where we are in this writer's journey, we can always learn something.
Stephen,
Sorry the first post didn't come through. Good advice - it is important to place the readers there and have them relate well.
Thanks and blessings to each of you,
Karen
I enjoyed hearing what Kathryn Lang had to say. It convicted me on one point especially, something that the Lord's been telling me recently. Guess I'd better listen!
ReplyDeleteRhonda,
ReplyDeleteKathryn's stuff is really good. I'm needing to listen to some things too.
Thanks for coming by and commenting!
Blessings,
Karen