This is the excerpt for your very first post.
And now it begins …….
Making Google Docs your friend
I know there has been debate about the usefulness of alpha and/or beta readers. But if you are lucky enough to find a couple of good, reliable ones like I have, you may be interested in getting your head around Google Docs. It makes it easy for your alphas and betas to comment on your... Continue Reading →
Another short story available on Amazon
Goodnight-And God Be With You All I'm so excited to announce that Goodnight-and God Be With You All has now been released for sale in its own right on Amazon! Another story previously published in the anthology Heart of a Child, this one is close to my heart. Inspired by the song ‘The Parting Glass’,... Continue Reading →
Find your writing niche – and be comfortable with it
'"Write book reviews," they said. "It's great for your development as a writer and will improve your visibility in the public sphere." They are not wrong. I agree with them. But it's not for me: I hate it. I would rather spend my time reading, learning, researching or writing—not putting my analysis of someone else's... Continue Reading →
The Power of Positive Affirmations
All writers have days when we need a boost. Written by CrystalMMBurton a writer friend of mine, this piece is excellent.
It’s no secret that positive affirmations work. You’ve probably heard someone recommend them before to help boost your mood, motivate you, or to generally improve your outlook on life.
A positive affirmation is a self-truth. It’s a statement that we know or desire to be true, which we affirm and bring into being with our words. Naturally, it should also be optimistic to help combat the negativity and unhelpful thoughts we have. I’ve mentioned in previous posts how much our thoughts and emotions affect our reality—especially in THIS post—and one of the best ways to take control of that is to have daily affirmations that align with the life you want to lead and the person you want to be.
How do they work?
There is a strange power to words. A compliment can lift your spirit (“You look nice today!” ) while an insult can break your…
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We will remember them. Always.
I took the photo above as I was walking my dog, Bindi, this morning. The kids in a house in my street had lovingly made tributes to our soldiers and displayed them outside their house. Australians were encouraged to show their appreciation for our military, both past and present, in ways that did not involve... Continue Reading →
Why I don’t use Beta Readers #WriterWednesday #AmWriting
I’m so conscious of taking up people’s time that I essentially just use a few ‘readers’ – and what they’ve done by the time I’m ready to roll is what I use. I don’t classify them as alpha or beta – I just put out a general call in @authorstalepub and I usually get some constructive feedback.
As many of you know, I’ve just finished the draft of my latest novel (insert shameless plug for new novel here). Now that the manuscript is off to the editor, it should be time to send the ARC to beta readers. Notice me rushing off to do that? No? That’s because I no longer use beta readers. Oh, the shame! Who the hell do I think I am not using beta readers?!?
I could go into a long background story of all the mistakes I’ve made with beta readers and even the heartbreaking story of losing a good friend over it all, but I’m just going to get to the heart of the matter.
Reasons I don’t use Beta Readers:
Timing. In order to plan my book marketing properly, there is a two-month gap between the time I finish the novel and it goes to the…
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Writing a book review for a non-fiction book
Having missed the last #AuthorToolboxBlogHop due to wedding preparations for my son, I was determined to post this month. Seemed silly not to, particularly since, like the majority of the world, I'm stuck at home self-isolating and social distancing. But what topic to write on? I had what I thought was a brainwave: I'll write... Continue Reading →
Different Germs, Same Problems
There is no denying it: we are in the midst of a pandemic. Covid-19 has impacted every person in every country in some way or another: wedding plans need to change, holidays cancelled, workplaces need to implement different practices—and buying some products has become an adventure due to the hoarding practices of others. While on... Continue Reading →
Writer’s block (and when it’s so bad you can’t think of a decent title for your post)
If you write, you know exactly what I mean. You want to write, you sit down to write - then nothing. I've got several pieces I need, and want, to work on. A novel I'm revising A short story I've promised a friend Another short story I need to ensure is ready to add to... Continue Reading →
