JUGGLING

Juggling? What is this woman talking about? Well I am talking about working a full time job while still trying to fit in things like family and writing. At times I feel like a crazy person. But I have assured myself that it will all be worth it someday.

But speaking of juggling…there are quite a few bloggers out there who do an amazing job of juggling. You live crazy hectic lives and then you still manage to write great posts. You guys are awesome! So this post is for you fantastic people who do such an amazing job with juggling life and its many priorities that you make me look like an amateur. You are great role models for the rest of us and your message of “No matter what gets thrown your way, keep going” is well received and I admire you for it. I take my hat off to you.

INSPIRATION STATION

I don’t know about the rest of you but the idea’s for this week’s posts have been few. Though, I wish to thank each and every one who stopped by to leave a comment the past week. I am grateful.

I also wish to thank all the awesome people who decided to follow my blog. I hope I can keep you entertained. You guys are a wonderful source of inspiration. You guys are the fuel that keeps me going. Thank you.

HATE

No I am not going to write a crazy ranting post while cussing continuously. But what I am going to do is tell you what I seriously hate.

1. I hate it when my different food groups touch on my plate.

2. I hate it when other people pour sauce over my food. If there is any sauce to be added, I will do so myself.

3. I hate evil people. Yes, they are out there, beware.

4. I hate crowds.

5. I hate rude people.

6. I hate being the youngest in my family. Torture!

7. I hate it when people stare at me.

8. I hate gelatin! Animal hooves and joints anyone? Ew!

9. I hate going to funerals.

10. I hate it when I gain weight. Duh, who doesn’t?

11. I hate it when I buy a book that has gotten great reviews, but when I read it, I can’t get past chapter two.

Wow! I hate a lot of things and I am sure there are a ton of other things I hate too, but I won’t bore you with the rest. So what do you hate and makes your blood boil?

GNOMES

I know this is a weird post title but I really like gnomes. I am thinking of creating an interesting gnome character in one of my future novels.

I am seriously considering buying me one (or a few more) of those garden gnomes and putting it on my desk. They always seem so mysterious. Don’t their expressions make you wonder what they are thinking, while standing in that constant pose?

Don’t look at me like that, it’s not like I answer them when they speak to me or anything. I just ‘’smile and wave.’’

FIRST CHAPTER

I have decided to read as many first chapters of bestselling authors, as I can find and see if I can learn how to write a good, if not great first chapter.

Why? Because I know my book is good, it has potential. But I also know that my first chapter does not really pull the reader in. And with querying you only have a few sentences to get that agent to like your work or they will politely say ‘’No’’ and send you a nice rejection letter.

So that is my plan. What about you? Do you have the magic first chapter or are you looking for the secret magic formula too?

EDITING

A year ago editing was new to me and fun. Fast forward a year and suddenly editing is the devil. Crucifix anyone?

Though, I have come to accept editing. It is necessary even though it is painful and appears time consuming. But it is important to take your time editing. Do not rush to finish.

I have 8 drafts to date of my first novel. So perhaps if I had given it to my strictest critique partner (brother) in the beginning, then I would have spent a year editing one draft instead of a year editing 8 different drafts. I would have saved myself a lot of time, effort and patience.

I have found that editing can be very draining and thus you should find a way to make editing fun. Fun? Are you insane woman? No, but seriously. You have to find an approach that doesn’t leave you gloomy. Find or do something that lifts your spirits, like a reward system. I personally love using different coloured stationary when I edit, like bright pink post it’s and multi coloured highlighters and stuff like that. I don’t know why but stationary makes me happy.

So basically take your time with editing, even if it takes a year. Rather focus on doing a good job then finishing quickly. And don’t forget to make it fun.

DARKNESS

The darkness comes into my life and takes me. Every fibre of my being is chilled and I can feel nothing but emptiness.

Loved ones appear distant and unapproachable. All wish to help, but instead aids the darkness in its powers.

The darkness easily consumes me. I can no longer see light anymore. My mind has darkened to thoughts of anger and despair. My heart blackened like tar.

The darkness takes me and I know that this time I will not return. Every breath I take feels like torture. The darkness takes me and I can fight no more.