It's me again. I know. I know. It's been awhile. So, what is new with me? Well, I have been writing. I've written a little bit for my new novel and I also wrote a short story. I might post it at some point. My main focus the last couple of weeks has been building a platform.
I read quite a bit of books about writing and getting published, trying to learn all about the business of writing. The one thing that seems to be really big right now is building a platform. For those of you confused, a platform is a group of people that already know who you are and would buy a book or help get the word out on it if one gets published. So, all of my blog readers are apart of my platform! (thanks guys!).
Since, having a blog won't build a platform all on its own, I have also joined a writing community! I've posted some of my stuff and other writer's review it, and I review their work. It is also a place where you can get encouraged about things. So far, I like it. I am also doing NaNoWriMo again, but its called Camp NaNoWriMo because its in a different month (April). Being apart of that links me to more writers and readers, and, slowly, I am putting together a platform!
So, for all of you out there looking to one day be a writer, consider working on your platform. It takes a little effort, but in the end it will pay off!
On a side note, I am not always sure what to write about on this blog. I talk mostly about writing and try to help and encourage other writers, but I was thinking maybe I should take requests from my readers! So, if there is anything that you want to write about on here, leave a comment, and I'll see what I can do!
Best of luck.
Until next time minions!
-zjh
Thursday, March 21, 2013
Thursday, February 28, 2013
Quick Update
Hey everyone!
Well, I've got some good news and some bad news. The good news first: After my last post, I put in some quality writing time. The bad news: My computer crashed and I lost it all. Make that my fourth time of having to re-start my novel. Since then, I've struggled to find a writing rhythm. I've got my first chapter done, and I have a basic idea of my second chapter but its been a struggle. I want to go at it this weekend and try to get over this 'speed bump' and see if I can get cracking on this novel. I hope that all of your writing adventures are going smoother than mine.
Wish me luck!
Until next time!
-zjh
Well, I've got some good news and some bad news. The good news first: After my last post, I put in some quality writing time. The bad news: My computer crashed and I lost it all. Make that my fourth time of having to re-start my novel. Since then, I've struggled to find a writing rhythm. I've got my first chapter done, and I have a basic idea of my second chapter but its been a struggle. I want to go at it this weekend and try to get over this 'speed bump' and see if I can get cracking on this novel. I hope that all of your writing adventures are going smoother than mine.
Wish me luck!
Until next time!
-zjh
Thursday, January 24, 2013
The Time Is Now!
I must confess. It was over a year ago when I started what I hoped to be the novel that would get me published. I worked on it a couple of months without really getting anywhere. I got busy, put it down, picked it up, re-wrote the first pages, wrote a different book, re-wrote the pages again, and then put it down again. As of this very hour, I am no closer to finishing it than I was last year. How can I get it published if I can't even get it past chapter one?
So, as of this very day, I am vowing to push away all other reasons, distractions, and excuses for not writing, and actually write. Upon completion of this post, I am going to start pounding on keys until my fingers are bloody. I don't care if I only write one page today, its a start that I am going to stick with. By this summer I want the rough draft done. That shouldn't be too much to ask, and if all else fails I want at least a good chunk of the novel done.
So, here is my little pep talk to you readers. Don't wait any longer. Get your butt into gear, and go for it. You miss 100% of the shots you never take. Forget about the insincerity, fear, or other issues holding you back. You can't finish a book if you never bother to start it. Or, like me, you can't finish a book if you never continue to write it. One more day, week, or month not doing anything is just another opportunity wasted. So let's get excited, and start writing.
Let's do it.
-zjh
So, as of this very day, I am vowing to push away all other reasons, distractions, and excuses for not writing, and actually write. Upon completion of this post, I am going to start pounding on keys until my fingers are bloody. I don't care if I only write one page today, its a start that I am going to stick with. By this summer I want the rough draft done. That shouldn't be too much to ask, and if all else fails I want at least a good chunk of the novel done.
So, here is my little pep talk to you readers. Don't wait any longer. Get your butt into gear, and go for it. You miss 100% of the shots you never take. Forget about the insincerity, fear, or other issues holding you back. You can't finish a book if you never bother to start it. Or, like me, you can't finish a book if you never continue to write it. One more day, week, or month not doing anything is just another opportunity wasted. So let's get excited, and start writing.
Let's do it.
-zjh
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
Brief update
It's been awhile, yet again. That's me for you. So, I've done a rough edit of my NaNoWriMo novel, and need to read through it again and make further changes. I am still trying to figure out a way to post it so people can read it, but I still haven't found a solution. I'll keep looking and try to get it uploaded.
The only other thing new is that I have been writing a bit for another novel. Once I get into full swing of writing, I hope to finish the rough draft by this summer. *cross fingers*
Well, until next time readers!
-zjh
The only other thing new is that I have been writing a bit for another novel. Once I get into full swing of writing, I hope to finish the rough draft by this summer. *cross fingers*
Well, until next time readers!
-zjh
Saturday, December 8, 2012
NaNo done. New challenge to come.
Well, it's me again. But I am sure you already knew that, since it has been well over a month since I posted anything. So, it could be none other than me! I have very good reason as to why I haven't posted though. Do you remember that NaNoWriMo project? Yeah, the one where I spend hours pounding keys to finish an entire novel in under thirty days. Well, I did it. I am done. On the 29th I breached the 50K mark.
I know that I said I would try to update and let people read as I wrote, but I still haven't thought of a good way to upload it. Plus, I am kind of wanting to at least go through it and edit before the likes of you get a chance to read it. Since completely said novel, I have put it on a shelf. To properly edit, I think it is wisest to take a step back for a bit before diving in with fresh eyes and a clear mind. Over the course of the next month I plan on diving in and getting it in a lot better shape. Once that is completed, I'll find a way to get it out to be read.
You might see a post or two throughout the month with tidbits of revelations.
*tips cap*
Until then readers (and minions!).
-zjh
I know that I said I would try to update and let people read as I wrote, but I still haven't thought of a good way to upload it. Plus, I am kind of wanting to at least go through it and edit before the likes of you get a chance to read it. Since completely said novel, I have put it on a shelf. To properly edit, I think it is wisest to take a step back for a bit before diving in with fresh eyes and a clear mind. Over the course of the next month I plan on diving in and getting it in a lot better shape. Once that is completed, I'll find a way to get it out to be read.
You might see a post or two throughout the month with tidbits of revelations.
*tips cap*
Until then readers (and minions!).
-zjh
Thursday, October 18, 2012
13 days and counting....
Where did October go to? It feels like only a few days ago that I was thinking that it was strange that it was already the first day of October, and now we are over halfway through the month. There are only 13 days left until we reach the month of November!
I am super excited though. I can't wait to start writing my NaNoWriMo! My plan is sleep 12 of the 13 days left in this month so I can have plenty of rest to make up for the coming month. The one day I won't be sleeping, I will be playing guitar to build up calluses on my fingers so they are ready to pound out words on my keyboard. I will also be practicing my typing skills by doing a one minute typing test blindfolded....hmm...how am I going to know what words to write if I can't see?
OK, so maybe I won't be doing those things. I do have to work so I can't spend 12 out of 13 days sleeping. I am not even sure that I could sleep that much if I tried. I have been playing guitar, but I am not sure that will help me in my NaNoWriMo, and I have already said how fruitless blindfolded typing tests would be. Instead, I am brushing up on my writing, and reading books for inspiration as well has helpful tips.
I think I have decided that as I write this new novel I will post an updated version on my blog as I go along. It may be every few days or maybe once a week, but I will try to get it uploaded. This is something thas is kind of new to me. I have had people read my work, most of the time it is after I am finished. I think only once have I had someone read my novel as I went, but it was only after I finished the first 30 pages, and then I made them wait until I was completely done. (cue mischievous laughter)
Well, that is all for this post! Until next time readers!
-zjh
I am super excited though. I can't wait to start writing my NaNoWriMo! My plan is sleep 12 of the 13 days left in this month so I can have plenty of rest to make up for the coming month. The one day I won't be sleeping, I will be playing guitar to build up calluses on my fingers so they are ready to pound out words on my keyboard. I will also be practicing my typing skills by doing a one minute typing test blindfolded....hmm...how am I going to know what words to write if I can't see?
OK, so maybe I won't be doing those things. I do have to work so I can't spend 12 out of 13 days sleeping. I am not even sure that I could sleep that much if I tried. I have been playing guitar, but I am not sure that will help me in my NaNoWriMo, and I have already said how fruitless blindfolded typing tests would be. Instead, I am brushing up on my writing, and reading books for inspiration as well has helpful tips.
I think I have decided that as I write this new novel I will post an updated version on my blog as I go along. It may be every few days or maybe once a week, but I will try to get it uploaded. This is something thas is kind of new to me. I have had people read my work, most of the time it is after I am finished. I think only once have I had someone read my novel as I went, but it was only after I finished the first 30 pages, and then I made them wait until I was completely done. (cue mischievous laughter)
Well, that is all for this post! Until next time readers!
-zjh
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
NaNoWriMo
Guess what. It has been quite a while since I have posted anything. I hope that I'm not going back to my old ways of posting every few months. Anyway, to the heart of the matter!
November 1st is only 29 days away. So why is that so important? It is the start of NaNoWriMo. That is National Novel Writing Month for all of you who don't understand anagrams. The goal is to write a novel of 50,000 words in just 30 days! Last year was the first that I knew of it and I tried it, but I had just finished up a novel and was so exhausted from writing, that I only got a couple of days in before I stopped. This year however, I am going to give it another shot. Since I am only writing in small bits lately due to travel and a busy work schedule, I am well rested for November.
If you remember in my last post I had that idea for a story, well I believe I am going to use that idea for my NaNoWriMo project. I am going to make one change to it though. Instead of it being from the point of view of the guy who starts acting like his dog, I think I am going to do it in the point of view of his friend instead. Still first person, just a little bit different perspective. I can also use some fun dialog!
Well, that is my plan. I would love to hear your ideas for your own NaNoWriMo novel! Remember, only 29 days left to plan!!!!
Until next time readers!
-zjh
November 1st is only 29 days away. So why is that so important? It is the start of NaNoWriMo. That is National Novel Writing Month for all of you who don't understand anagrams. The goal is to write a novel of 50,000 words in just 30 days! Last year was the first that I knew of it and I tried it, but I had just finished up a novel and was so exhausted from writing, that I only got a couple of days in before I stopped. This year however, I am going to give it another shot. Since I am only writing in small bits lately due to travel and a busy work schedule, I am well rested for November.
If you remember in my last post I had that idea for a story, well I believe I am going to use that idea for my NaNoWriMo project. I am going to make one change to it though. Instead of it being from the point of view of the guy who starts acting like his dog, I think I am going to do it in the point of view of his friend instead. Still first person, just a little bit different perspective. I can also use some fun dialog!
Well, that is my plan. I would love to hear your ideas for your own NaNoWriMo novel! Remember, only 29 days left to plan!!!!
Until next time readers!
-zjh
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)