I was invited to be a contributor to this devotional and I am so excited to see it in print this summer!
Songs of Hope: 31 Days in the Psalms, “Be reminded of what is true in the chaos of life.”
I’ll share more about this devotional once it is released. Stay tuned!
One of the exciting things about being a writer is the adventures you get to have while doing research for a book. I was having difficulty finding needed information for one of the children’s book manuscripts I’m working on and decided I needed to talk to a park ranger at the coast. I ended up going to the Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area Interpretative Center near Newport, Oregon.
I had my manuscript with me and scheduled a meeting with one of the park rangers. She was very familiar with natural attractions, as well as man-made attractions, along the Oregon coast. She reviewed my information and was able to point out things that needed to be corrected. She also opened up several maps and showed me areas I hadn’t considered for my project.
She was very accommodating and seemed happy to help. Afterwards, a friend went with me to walk around the lighthouse there and we soaked in all the goodness the sea has to offer.
While you are researching a writing project, don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone and go to the locations you are referencing. Talk to people who are knowledgeable about your topics. Seek out additional information that may not be found online. But most of all, have fun in the process and make it an adventure!
As a working, single mom of four kids, I slip in precious moments of writing time whenever I can. It’s the weekend writing retreats that have enabled me to get large chunks of writing completed in just a few days. Getting away from household chores, the never-ending to-do list, and the needs of my family in order to have uninterrupted, focused writing time is priceless.
I’ve experienced a variety of different writing retreats and they are all beneficial in different ways.
As a Group
With my critique group we rent a beach house together for a long weekend every year. We plan ahead for meals (who will prepare meals on which days) and create a schedule to ensure we not only have plenty of writing time but also time for critiqueing each others work, a walk on the beach together, sharing what we’ve learned about the writing industry, as well as a time of group prayer for our writing goals. There’s lots of inspiration, motivation and encouragement at these fantastic retreats.
One on One
I’ve gone with another writing friend, or with my mom or my oldest daughter. I’ve stayed in a variety of locations – in an RV in a wooded park, on the beach, or at the mountains. I’ve also stayed at a friend’s in-law’s home, utilizing their guest room. When it’s one on one, the schedule is a bit looser as we simply accommodate each other’s needs, checking in now and then to see if we should take a break and go eat, or if we should review each other’s work.
This one on one time allows for extended brainstorming with each other, presenting ideas for feedback, strengthens friendships, and allows us to dig deep into sharing the heart and goals of our writing.
Alone
I’ve gone for weekends alone to a beach studio. This results in the highest volume of writing, but I’ve learned I need to ensure I have plenty of snacks, ready and nearby, otherwise I’ll get so immersed in my writing that I will forget to eat!
Regardless of the amount of people or the location of the retreat, the result is always the same. I return home refreshed, content with the progress I’ve made and eager to schedule the next one. Find a way to schedule your writing retreat, you’ll be glad you did.
It’s very exciting when your book is finally published and you are holding it in your hands. You put a lot of time and effort into this project and now it’s time to let others know about it! One way to get the word out about your book is to enter contests. There are so many contests available, it’s just a matter of sifting through them to determine the best fit. Benefits of entering your book into contests:
Be aware that most contests have fees and specific guidelines to follow when submitting your book.
I’ve included links to a variety of contests, however, some may have closed, changed names, etc. Take some time to research and determine which contests are the best fit for your book:
There are many, many more you can find by doing an online search. Best wishes in submitting your book!
In 2009 I was working steadily on two middle grade novels, all the while mulling over a science fiction story idea. I had already done quite a bit of research, staying up late at night reading books on dinosaurs, Creation, Genesis, and space travel. But I was hesitant to begin the story as my plot wasn’t fully developed and honestly, science fiction isn’t really my thing. Besides, I was determined to get my two other middle grade novels completed first.
Then our world was turned upside down. My extended family had an emergency, which resulted in my young cousin coming to live with us. We knew it would be temporary, we just didn’t know how long. We welcomed him with open arms and enjoyed having him in our home. And through each day, every moment of his time with us, there was this quiet fierceness emanating from him with determination to get back to his mom, no matter what.
It occurred to me that this is the same goal of the main character, Logan, in my science fiction story, to get back to his mom. And Logan is close to the same age as my cousin. I decided this was the time to write Cosmic Chaos, not later. I needed to write while I could see and experience the intensity and longing coming from this young man so I could accurately apply it to my story.
My cousin ended up staying with us for a year and we were very sad when it was time for him to go, but also rejoicing with him that his greatest heart’s desire was being fulfilled. I continued to write Cosmic Chaos and each time I would see my cousin during holidays and family gatherings, he would ask me with a smile, “Have you finished that book yet?” I would return the smile and say, “No, not yet.”
I finally completed the first draft about two years after he returned to his mom and the book was published just a few years later in 2015. I’m so thankful for my cousin – that science fiction story idea may have never been written without his inspiration.
Have you completed your manuscript? Congratulations, that’s a fantastic milestone!
Now that your manuscript is complete and polished, it can be hard waiting to hear back from publishers about your queries. While you are starting your next writing project, you can also submit your completed manuscript to contests. There are several great reasons to do so. If you are a winner or finalist:
Many contests will offer feedback on your strengths and weaknesses (even if you didn’t win), enabling you to learn and grow as a writer, as well as giving you an opportunity to strengthen your manuscript.
Be aware that most contests have fees and a specific format they want you to follow when submitting your manuscript.
My favorite is the Cascade Writing Contest – I enter every year, usually in different categories, depending on the genre of my manuscripts. You’re allowed up to three submissions and they provide valuable feedback from professionals on every entry. Finalists have their manuscripts read by top editors and agents.
I’ve included links to a variety of contests, however, some may have closed, changed names, etc. Take some time to research and determine which contests are the best fit for your manuscript.
Links with lists of contests:
Best wishes as you send in your submissions!
I’m so excited to announce the completion of the Breaking Into Print course with Institute for Writers. It’s a two year course – but due to many life-obstacles thrown into my path it took eighteen years (the course was put on hold a few times). I’m so grateful to the school and my instructor for their patience and encouragement through the years. With this course complete, more time is now available for other writing projects and adventures. Stay tuned… there’s more good news coming!
I am very pleased to announce that Cosmic Chaos is the 2016 winner of the Bookvana Award in the Children’s Fiction category!
The Book Launch Party for Cosmic Chaos was fabulous! So many wonderful people came to celebrate with me. We enjoyed fine chocolates from The Chocolate Box, listened to a book excerpt reading by one of my critique group members, colored dinosaurs, took photos, and my daughter and I signed lots of books. It was a great night. Special thanks to every person who helped to make it special and memorable!
