Monday, September 26, 2011

It's Monday, Are You Awake?



So are you? Awake, that is? Not sure I am just yet...

Have had a busy weekend (you too, right?) and cannot seem to muster any creative thoughts for this post. Had a few gems I've been meaning to share, so figured there's no time like the present. Here goes:

Talk about a smart idea, author Alex Cavanaugh recently started the The Insecure Writer's Support Group. The purpose is to "share and encourage" and "express doubts  and concerns without appearing foolish or weak." So who couldn't use a little support along those lines, right? Click here for more details.

Think I need to add another book to my TBR pile -  Hope Clark's review of Living Write by Kelly L. Stone is to blame, but in a good way of course. Stone's book deals with a writer's self image and offers tips on how to improve this often neglected facet of the writer's life.
 
"Ditch the Pitch" - Jennifer Brown Banks of Pen and Prosper offers savvy advice for making the most of our time in this post. Whether you write fiction or non fiction, you'll probably find something to help streamline the writing process. And you know what that means, right? More time to go out and buy chocolate.

So what's on the writing schedule this week?

Happy writing,
Karen

Photo credit: Stock Exchange

30 comments :

  1. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  2. I like the idea of streamlining my writing time and then going out to buy chocolate. On my schedule this week is a work-for-hire children's book.

    Blessings,
    Jean

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  3. Well, I'm plotting this week and doing a little editing and hopefully a few critiques. Then come October I'm starting a new story.

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  4. Thanks for mentioning the support group! And I'm not awake yet either. Maybe by lunchtime.

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  5. Where's my coffee?

    I'm revising a picture book and critiquing a picture book. You could call this picture book week. Couldn't ya?

    Love the gems. Gems from a gem. See how creative I can be at this time of day? Uh-huh. I'm in trouble. Thanks for the linkage, amigo. Can't wear my shades today. It's raining. Again. :( (((hugs)))

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  6. Jean,
    See, I knew you would agree! Wish you the best with the book!

    Jennifer,
    Have fun! A new book, huh? Will have to convince you to give us a sneak peek! :)

    Alex,
    You are welcome! Have been meaning to mention it but kept forgetting. I think it is a great idea!

    Robyn,
    Yes, I would say it is a picture book week! That sounds like fun, amigo! Maybe shades tomorrow? Will send sunshine your way.

    Blessings,
    Karen

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  7. I think you are more up then I am - good morning!
    sandie

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  8. How can you do such a great post, with links galore, when you aren't even awake? I'm impressed!

    I need to develop a message for the Two women's groups I'm speaking for in October, and continue editing Susan Reinhardt's book.

    Thanks for asking!

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  9. Thanx for the links. Glad I found your Blog.

    My books are usually short as I tend to fall asleep half way through a ... ... ZZZZ ZZZZ ZZZZ.

    God bless.

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  10. Sandie,
    Good morning to you! It took me a little while to actually feel awake this morning. It's after noon here now, so I'm good to go. lol

    Jen,
    Well, I did have these in mind for future posts, so I didn't pull them out of thin air...:) I forgot you were editing Susan's book. Keep her in line, will you? :D

    Victor,
    It's nice to meet you. Thanks for taking a moment to comment!

    Blessings,
    Karen

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  11. I have been seriously procrastinating on my current WIP and have to get back to business!

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  12. I'm diving back into my manuscript after some time away...praying for inspiration to strike. :)

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  13. Lydia,
    I've been doing some serious procrastinating myself. Think I need a stunt double that doesn't procrastinate! LOL :)

    Sarah,
    Yes, and I imagine your time at the ACFW conference was fruitful! Will pray you have the inspiration you need!

    Blessings,
    Karen

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  14. Awesome, awesome, awesome!

    I'm going to read this week. No writing. Maybe some brainstorming, tho. I need to settle on a story.

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  15. I just sent my current WIP to my critique partner. Get this: he's reading while on his Hawaii vacation. Lucky guy, eh!

    In 10 sleeps we off on a plane for New Brunswick to see our newest grandson Blake. I haven't seen my son since his wedding in Jamaica in 2009. The country is just too darn big.

    Anyway, I'm going to clean my house then start work on my 6h manuscript. Wish me luck.

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  16. I am NOT awake.

    For about 3 hours, I edited my short story for the upcoming Tiny Dancers anthology. Editing is exhausting!

    Thanks for providing the links.

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  17. Laura,
    Thanks! Glad to know that I can be a little helpful even when asleep! :)
    Yes, brainstorming, I need to do some of that too.

    Joylene,
    Cheering you on my friend! :) Bet you can't wait to hold that little one! I'm excited for you! Take pics, okay?

    Theresa,
    Good going, sounds like you made some progress! Yes, editing isn't the top on my favorites list! lol

    Blessings,
    Karen

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  18. Still asleep. Oh, the body is moving about and performing tasks, but the brain is in la la land.

    "Ditch the Pitch" caught my eye. I'm all for getting rid of that exercise.

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  19. I'm hoping to go deeper into character sketches for the new project :-) Thanks for the links!

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  20. I am plotting my new series and tweaking the one I have started querying and also working on a Picture Book.

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  21. Excellent! Inspirational!
    Thanks, Karen!

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  22. Susan,
    Ah yes, I know the feeling! I operate that way many days. :) Hope you enjoyed "Ditch the Pitch"!

    Kenda,
    Sounds like an adventure! Wish you well with it!

    Rachna,
    Sounds like your plate is full. Have fun!

    Tame Lion,
    Hope you find something useful here!

    Blessings,
    Karen

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  23. The Usual - that's what's on the schedule. Although I do have to tweak my query letter and get to sending those packets. They're taking up an awful lot of space in my head! :(

    How's your manuscript coming?

    Hugs,

    R.

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  24. Groovy post, Karen. Thanks for the links and the link love. :-)

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  25. I think the upcoming cooler weather will be waking all of us up at some point. And thank you Karen for your blog visits to Amish Stories and for your comments. I wish i could write like all of you guys do, but I'm afraid i don't have the imagination required to be a writer. So i admire that and consider writing a gift. Richard from Amish Stories.

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  26. Rhonda,
    I hear ya! Lots of usual stuff happening here, like grocery shopping and whatnot. Fun stuff! Yes, tweak that query and send it to the masses! :D

    Jennifer,
    Thanks a bunch! Happy to pass along good resources. Your blog is always a good resource! :)

    Richard,
    Yes, the chilly weather will do that, I'm thinking! Love the fall! It's a pleasure to stop at your blog when I can. Don't underestimate your skills, you know, you are communicating through your blog!

    Blessings,
    Karen

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  27. Thanks for the nice comment on Family Fountain.

    Writing this week ... two term papers.

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  28. I heard about that group awhile back and think it's a terrific idea!

    Angela @ The Bookshelf Muse

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  29. Lovely list... I'm blogging, doing press releases and may have had a breakthrough on my novel.

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  30. Warren,
    You are welcome; I always enjoy my visits there. Wish you the best with your writing this week!

    Angela,
    I know, I do too! Alex is full of great ideas. One of these days I am hoping to join in on it!

    Anne,
    Nice to meet you, Anne! Appreciate you stopping by. Let me know the address your blog. Would love to stop by and say hello!

    Blessings,
    Karen

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Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts. Have a blessed day!