Just getting back into town after visiting a new nephew and his family. He's a keeper! :) Thought it would be a good time to share a few links.
Ever visit Daily Blog Tips? It's a great site that offers posts like Seven Reasons to Keep Blogging (Even When You feel Like Quitting). Ali Luke reminds us of the perks blogging offers to keep us going during the tough stretches.
Gotten any criticism (constructive or otherwise) lately? Check out Linda Formichelli's 5 Ways to Deal With People Who Hate What You Write. Honesty, kindness, and humor help, Ms. Formichelli says, as she shares the feedback she's gotten during her writing career.
C.S. Lakin explains how to Show, Don't Tell, How Time is Passing at Live Write Thrive. Don't write fiction? No worries, this insightful bit of info sheds light on improving non fiction too. After all, our writing can have personality in any format, right?
7 Things I've Learned So Far is a regular feature at Chuck Sambuchino's Guide to Literary Agents. In this post, author Chuck Greaves shares his insight into the writing and publishing process. My favorite was point #3 - Write Now, Edit Later, where Mr. Greaves tells us that "when it comes to your first draft, okay is good enough".
Have you wanted to write for anthologies? Jennifer Brown Banks at Pen and Prosper discusses the ins and outs in this helpful post. From ideas about what to submit and how to increase your odds for acceptance to what to expect as a contributor, Ms. Banks covers it all.
In Other News
Congrats to author Becky Povich, whose new memoir is out! Here is a sneak peek:
In "From Pigtails to Chin Hairs: A Memoir & More," Becky Lewellen Povich takes us from her young Midwestern childhood in the 1950s to present day. Each chapter is a scene from everyday life, and/or unexpected events, written in the way only Povich can, with humor and poignancy woven into them. She relates tales of Christmases, summertime fun, selling homemade potholders and putting on parades, the kids next door, classmates, her fear of the dentist and her parents’ scheme to help, plus long car rides visiting grandparents in small town Iowa.
Check out Becky's book on Amazon, or stop by her website. FYI: Becky will stop by in 2014 for an interview and giveaway.
What do you think is the most challenging aspect of writing? How do you work through it?
Have a great week!
Happy writing,
Karen
Photo Credit: Stock Exchange
Hi Karen! I love the beautiful snow scene! Thank you for sharing all the wonderful writers' links. I'll definitely check out all of them. AND thank you so much for mentioning my new memoir! I truly appreciate it! I posted snippets of it last night on my blog. www.beckypovich.blogspot.com
ReplyDeleteGlad you spent time with family!
ReplyDeleteExcellent links and tips.
Most difficult is just getting started. And that dratted first draft.
Becky,
ReplyDeleteI am happy to share your news! Looking forward to having you visit in 2014. :)
Alex,
Thanks, we had a good time. Thought of you as my sister lives in NC, north of Charlotte. Keep thinking I might run into the Captain in Walmart. lol :)
Happy writing,
Karen
Thanks, Karen. Interesting goodies here today. Can't wait to sink my teeth in them. And thanks much for mentioning Pen & Prosper. Keep warm. :-)
ReplyDeleteThose look like great links, Karen! THANK YOU
ReplyDeleteThe most difficult thing as a writer for me is starting. And not just the beginning of the book. But making myself tune everything else out and just write.
There is always someone who will hate what we write.
ReplyDeleteEnjoyed the Seven Reasons to Keep Blogging. Although #6 is not why I Blog I can see how it is helpful to those that do. Congrats to Becky on her new memoir.
ReplyDeleteJennifer B.,
ReplyDeleteYou are very welcome! The post was an excellent one! :) No surprise there!
Jennifer S.,
You are welcome. Hope they are helpful. :) I have trouble starting too sometimes. I am a master at procrastination! :)
Diane,
Well this is true, isn't it? Our writing will not be everyone's cup of tea, and that should be okay when we keep it in perspective. :)
David,
Glad you enjoyed the link. Wishing Becky all the best as well!
Happy writing,
Karen
Hi Karen! Thank you for your helpful links. I will check them out for sure. All the titles really called to me! I'll have a little time soon for pleasure reading. My daughter is due with baby #2 on 12/19. I'll take a little blog break, and I can hunker down with these links, in between babysitting the new baby's older sister.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the new nephew! Nothing beats seeing new life...gives us all hope!
Ceil
Congrats on your new nephew! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for posting so many helpful links. I like the one about how to deal with people who hate what you write! Chuck's site sounds very interesting. I like the idea of writing now and editing later. I am working on that because it does make sense to me and I think it will help my speed. So many great sites to check out.. Thanks!
Best of luck to Becky!
~Jess
Oh- and I love the picture you included too! :)
ReplyDelete~Jess
Ceil,
ReplyDeleteWishing you and your family all the best with the new baby! :) Chuck's site has all sorts of good posts. Have fun checking them all out!
Jess,
Thank you!. :) Hope you find these links useful. I loved this picture - it seems so fitting now that we've had some snow here.
Happy writing,
Karen
Showing, not telling, is so important! Trying to work on that...
ReplyDeleteAwesome you got to meet your new nephew. Thanks for the links.
ReplyDeleteThe biggest challenge about writing? For me, it's dragging myself away from the Internet . I know. Shameful.
ReplyDeleteGreat resources Karen, thanks for all the links. I already have Daily Blog Tips on my blog roll, they always offer quick reads and good useful tips!
ReplyDeleteMaryanne,
ReplyDeleteIt is, you're right! Working on getting better at that one all the time! :)
Natalie,
It was great fun! He is a sweetheart. I miss him and his brother and sisters already. :)
Susan,
It's nice to meet you! Thanks for coming by. I have that issue too - so many things to keep up with online. Self discipline is key, and some days I don't have it! lol :)
Marja,
Thank you! Hope you can use one or two. DBT is a great site, I agree! :)
Happy writing,
Karen
Thanks for the links, off to check them out.
ReplyDeletemood
Moody Writing
Wow, so many great links to check out! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteMood,
ReplyDeleteYou are welcome. Hope they are helpful! :) Enjoyed your post the other day.
Connie,
I love to pass these goodies along. Hope they are helpful! :)
Happy writing,
Karen
Thank you for sharing these excellent links!! I will check them out! :)
ReplyDeleteFeel free to visit my blog as well! You will find topics such as health, self-image, personal growth and motivation between others! <3
Diana
www.ManhattanImageandStyle.com
New Video Post: NYC Holiday Window Tour
Hi Karen, To me the most challenging is writing through the self doubt.
ReplyDeleteHi Karen, thank you for sharing the tips and links. They sure will come in handy. Have a wonderful day!
ReplyDeleteMadison
Diana,
ReplyDeleteIt was a pleasure to stop at your blog! Looking forward to hopping over again soon. :)
Sandra,
I fight that too. I try and push through and get feedback from writer friends. That helps ease it for me. :)
Madison,
It's nice to meet you! Hope you find something helpful here. Have a great weekend!
Happy writing,
Karen
Congrads to Becky and to you amigo. Glad the little tyke's a keeper. *wink*
ReplyDeleteI love these links. Thanks for posting. Hugs and smooches!
Robyn,
ReplyDeleteThanks bunches, amigo! Hope you find a useful link or two to check out in your spare time!
Hugs and smooches back,
Karen