How Much Can an Old Dog Learn in Six Years?

About six years ago, I was eagerly awaiting the cover for my first book. After two completed, gawd-awful manuscripts on dusty floppy discs, I was finally going to be published (insert happy dance). Now, here I am, twelve active titles later, three books back in my possession for self-publication, an inclusion in a romance bundle with four other authors,  and I'm waiting for cover number seventeen. Frankly, I'm just as excited as I was back in 2010.

I never knew how much I had to learn until I--a self-proclaimed know-it-all--started writing on a serious daily level. Thank goodness for RWA online classes and those conducted by state and online branches. What they taught me was invaluable. In fact, I'm taking one on deep point of view as a refresher course. After all, a writer's learning curve is continual.

That's one thing this old dog has learned. I forget things. I slip into old patterns and my writing suffers. Deadlines loom and, in my rush to meet them, I turn out crapola. I get sick. So does Calvin. Life happens, as we say, and once again my writing weakens. I need to keep the basics fresh in my mind.

Before I start a new book, I read over those basics.

I need to plot more. Gone are the days where I can just type Chapter One and keep on going, making up names and characters as I go along. My "beginner's luck" has run out. Now I need to display more professionalism. Plan. Get my GMC straight for both the hero and heroine. Nail down the basic plot. I've yet to reach the place where I list the main points of each chapter, but I do have a clearer vision of the storyline.

And then there's time management. Now there's a concept for writers. We've got emails, facebook, tweets, chores for our street team to do (and boy, oh boy, am I grateful for mine!). As a member of other writers' street teams, I have things to do for them to help with their promo. A couple blogs to visit and comment on and--SNAP!--a few hours have evaporated.

Frankly, I'd sooner be writing. But, we have to keep our media platform strong and our brand (our writing names) in front of readers. I'm still learning how to do that. And darn it, as soon as I get a grasp on things, they become passé and something else is all the rage. Meanwhile, this ol' dawg keeps limping along.

But I've learned for the sake of my husband's happiness and my health, I need to balance my time better. I need to stop and smell the roses. In short, I need to be Vonnie, the person, more often and give Vonnie, the writer, a mental rest.

I'm still perfecting my opening hook. My characters need more development, especially my heroines. Sometimes my plots, like my hips, are too heavy. My endings need more emotion and resolution. ACK! The list goes on.

Basically, I've learned to keep on learning, experimenting, and deleting. Not only do I write a shitty first draft, but the second and third have a foul odor, too. As Hemingway said, "Writing is rewriting." I'm going to have to use the patience word here, aren't I? I've got to patiently fiddle with my manuscript until I work out the kinks, the faults.

FIRST, I'VE GOT TO IDENTIFY AND FACE MY FAULTS!

Why am I so concerned about all this? I read new authors. I feel their energy, sense their burgeoning talent, and think gosh how many years do I have to write to catch up? I read authors who take their time to write a deeply emotional book and turn pea-green with envy.

A writer needs to realize there's an unattainable goal ahead of her or him. It's called perfection. Few of us, if any, will reach it. For what one reader adores, another refers to as "Meh."

So I've learned I can't write to please everyone. It'll never happen. My goal? Write to please myself and my editor.

Those one and two star reviews glaring neon orange among the pretty yellow four and five stars will have to shine on.

We all enjoy reading different things written in various styles. But, please, please let my stories be well-written.

What have you learned in your writing career?

HELPING AUTHORS ACHIEVE THEIR DREAMS

Folks, I've got two special ladies here today to share the news of their new enterprise. Exciting times are ahead for them...and, perhaps, for those of you who take advantage of the services they provide. Listen up, y'all!

Greetings and Salutations!

 

Many thanks to Vonnie for hosting us on her blog today! We’ve got some really exciting news to share with everyone so grab that cuppa and let the blogging begin!

 

 

September 1-15^th marks the official

Grand Opening of Mystical Press Services!!!

This means 50% Off all our classes

and services through September 15^th!

http://mysticalpress.com

 

In case you haven’t yet heard about our website, allow me to introduce you to a place where you just might find the fulfillment of your dreams. That’s right! The talented folks at Mystical Press want to help you reach your publishing goals! 

How do we do that? I’m glad you asked!

 

ARIAL BURNZ

 

Mystical Press is the culmination of an idea that came from two authors and professionally trained editors—Arial Burnz and AJ Nuest—where we help authors bridge the gap between the form rejection letter and publication. In fact, we believe in this venture so passionately, our tagline is “Helping authors achieve their dreams.”

AJ NUEST

 

At Mystical Press our primary goal is to help writers. As authors, we understand the frustration of not receiving constructive and useful feedback, the aggravation of navigating the murky depths of the publishing industry and that, sometimes, authors just need a place to vent. Well, we’re here to tell you, the insanity can end!

 

Like-minded individuals can gather online at Mystical Press to work one-on-one with professional editors who help authors prepare their manuscripts for submission. Whether you are looking for a Manuscript Evaluation, Submission Evaluation, or a full story edit, we will give you honest, encouraging feedback and work diligently with you on your story to make sure it’s ready to land on an editor’s desk. No project is too big or too small and all receive the same precise attention to detail.

Perhaps your submission is ready but you need assistance with smaller editing projects like a query letter and synopsis? Have no fear! Mystical Press is here! We offer a full edit of query letters and synopses with comments and suggestions that come directly from AN EDITOR! TAH-DAH!

 

And don’t worry! If your goal is to write your very own dynamite synopsis, at Mystical Press we believe in “teaching a man to fish”. Our Power Class, How to Write a WINNING Synopsis, is designed to easily guide you through the process of crafting your very own synopsis! Yes, that’s right. I used “easily” and “synopsis” in the same sentence!

 

 

The self-paced course curriculum at Mystical Press can assist in tackling those pesky problem areas as well (e.g., show vs. tell, POV shifts, realistic character and story development, etc.). If you’ve read books, articles and/or taken workshops and are still in search of that elusive contract offer, perhaps Mystical Press can help. Take one class or take a whole series—our online classes are designed to meet each writer’s individual needs.

 

Is your next project of the self-publishing variety? Mystical Press has a selection of pre-made covers we guarantee will only be used once! No one will have the same cover! Or, if you’d like, we can design a cover specifically tailored to your vision—you will work one-on-one with our talented cover artists! We are also happy to edit your baby and can even format the document to meet the specifications of most popular self-publishing platforms. 

 

Remember to mention Mystical Press to all your friends and fellow writing pals – here’s why. Mystical Press offers a free Referral Program. Just register on the site and we will assign you a Referral ID. If anyone clicks on your link and makes a purchase, you earn a referral fee! Whether you choose cash or a credit for products or services on the site, consider this our thank you for helping us spread the word. 

 

 

 

Oh! And before I forget…we offer a wide range of gift certificates designed specifically with the writer in mind. Tired of searching for the “write” present for your author pals? Maybe that next birthday calls for an eGift from Mystical Press!

 

So now that you know all about us, please tell us all about you! Head on over to Mystical Press and register free on the site. Everyone who does will be entered into our drawing for fabulous gifts and prizes! Join our celebration and together we will strive to get your voice heard!