What I've Learned So Far

Last weekend, I was at a writers' retreat with my writing group, Heartland Romance Authors. We stayed at a nice hotel and spent a lot of time intensely focused on our craft. I learned more about the technical tools of the trade, using the most effective point of view for the story, storytelling that features criminal minds and hunting criminals, using better dialogue, marketing and building a brand as a writer, and understanding the male viewpoint. 

Basically, I have to ask myself one major question when I work on my writing. Will what I'm doing make me a better writer? I've decided that having a web presence is important. I have this blog and I post my stories online for the wonderful people who help me out by critiquing my chapters. I’m lucky to have them in my corner.

I met Claire Ashgrove, who is an amazing writer and editor. Her company, Finish the Story, works with authors to help get their stories ready for independent online publishing.  You can find out more about this company by going to the website at: http://www.finish-the-story.com/index.html. Ms. Ashgrove will also be appearing at the Kansas City Renaissance Festival during the last weekend of September to promote her historical romance “Immortal” books. Yes, I realize that this is a plug. I promise that she is experienced at her craft. She was an editor at Wild Rose Publishing before striking out on her own. Feel free to check out any of her stories at: http://www.amazon.com/Claire-Ashgrove/e/B0040UFCR2.

I have learned quite a bit about budgeting my time between work, family, and writing. This is hard considering that I’m still working more than one job. I do spend a lot of time jotting things down when I can and a lot of time thinking about my characters and story for the chapter that I’m working on. This helps things to flow better when I sit down in front of the computer. I have a lot mapped out by that point.

I have a link with information to help my fellow writers. I want to thank all of you for your support by offering a resource. The article is called The Essential Invisible Thing by Molly O’Neill at: http://writeoncon.com/2012/08/the-importance-of-craft-by-editor-molly-oneill/.

Last weekend was also special because my friend, Angela got married. She is living her own real-life romance story. She has written a story titled An Unlikely Friendship that would make a wonderful novella. I hope that she considers developing it for Amazon through the Kindle Singles program.

For more information about this program, check it out at: http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=amb_link_354802082_7?ie=UTF8&docId=1000700491&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=browse&pf_rd_r=0MN2R9G1T8VT52YD4XND&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1387185262&pf_rd_i=2486013011

As you know, I am working on finishing Come Back to Me. I am on chapter nine and halfway through writing the book. That is really exciting. I also have another story called Dreamscape that I am excited about, but I am working on that very slowly. I want to get Come Back to Me and Welcome to Cambridge House finished first. I will get back to working on Welcome to Cambridge House when Come Back to Me is sent off for editing.

So that’s where I am in my writing process so far this year. I will try to continue to provide updates and resources in this blog in new monthly entries.