Things to do while you write that novel

As I said the other day I like to check out other Blogs and Literary Sites out here on the internetosphere Yes, I borrowed that word from NB's blog. Did he coin that word? Does he have copyright on it? I don't know. I hope not because I liked it so I'm borrowing it. He if asks, I will return it though.

Anyway, it seems if you want to write a book/novel/novella and get published there are a few things you need to do besides the obvious - Finish Writing The Book.

Of course, I had read about these few things before I decided to blog my journey. Now I will have to venture back into the internetosphere (yes like I said I like the word) and search for them so I can blog about them here.

One of the things that was suggested somewhere (and when I find it, I will link it back here) was to start a blog. Make sure the blog is pertinent to you as a writer and or your writing. With a blog you can build up a fan base and with the tricky little gadgets on blogger now you can actually see who your fans are (or in case of the gadget - your followers). You can also see how many people check your profile, which helps you see how many people might be stopping by the Blog even if they don't comment. Though that one isn't a real fair number, because you can increase the "Profile Views" by just refreshing the screen. ;0}.

I'm writing my story. I'm blogging my journey. Am I building up a fan base? Only time will tell.

Are you writing a story?

Thanks for stopping by.

Cass

Nathan Bransford's Blog

I stumbled across this Agent's Blog some time ago (roughly a year), and admit I go there daily. Yes daily. I even check in on the weekend on the off chance that Nathan has decided to leave us with tidbits of information during "non business hours". So far no such luck. I know, he has a life too.

I even entered his "First Paragraph Contest" he held recently, and though I was not selected as a runner up or winner, I felt good about the entry. I have lots to learn, but feel I have great stories to tell and as I continue to write them, the writing improves.

Yesterday he ran a poll asking the readers of his blog if they each (individually) thought they were better writers then a majority of the other blog readers. Wow, some of the comments. I thought it was a fun question. I answered yes. Like a few commented, maybe he should have had a 3rd choice. I probably still would have answered yes. Fooling myself maybe? I don't know.

After I answered, I sat and thought about it a bit more and realized that my entry into his "First Paragraph Contest" definitely was not better then the average entry, But I did feel I was just as good as most. But I keep looking past my first paragraph. I know where the story goes, but anyone reading that first paragraph certainly did not. I have a great storyline, but it definitely did not show in the first paragraph. Since the contest, I have revised it to include what I'm hoping will be "the hook". Gotta get that hook in early or the reader may not be interested.

Nathan has a great Blog, like so many other agents and writers. They freely give information on their sites to help others striving to enter and excel in this industry. I'm slowly but surely culling through all of the links from one site to another, and adding them here as Blogs or sites I visit frequently. I encourage you check these out if you haven't already.

Do you have a favorite Literary Blog you follow?

Thanks for stopping by.
Cass

Happy Birthday to Me

Yep, that's right. Today was my Birthday, and a nice one at that.
We had pizza and chocolate cake at work. Mmm Mmm good.
Since my loving husband (from here on out he will be known as my LH) works week nights, we ended up celebrating my birthday over the weekend. (Yes, I stretched it into a two day celebration.)
I like Fairies. I like Monsters. I like Vampires. I like Aliens. Yes, I like Sci Fi and Fantasy. So what did I get for my birthday?

T-Shirt that had a drawing of a castle on it and "Approved By the Monster's Council"

"What Would a Fairy Do?" Pee Che (Folder) that had a Fairy on the front that spun on a wheel when you tapped it. The wheel resembled the "Wheel of Fortune" wheel but instead of Money, it listed things a Fairy would do.

Tin of Vampire Repellent Mints (Made with Artificial Garlic) Whew, yes those will definitely repel Vampires, my LH, and just about anyone else if I decide to start eating them. (eating the mints silly!)

Two Glow in the Dark Alien Head Suckers (the sticks turn into bracelets when the candy is all gone!) I imagine that my daughters will eventually get those, but for now they are displayed on the kitchen counter.

Bacon Scented Car Freshener - mmm bacon.

In Case of Emergency Yodeler. Press the button and you get to listen to about one minutes worth of yodeling.

Close Encounters of the Third Kind (Blu Ray edition) Yeah! I hadn't seen that movie in so long. Had to watch it again Saturday. Loved it!

All in All I thought the birthday gifts from my LH and DD (darling daughters) were very original and exactly what I would have asked for! Well, maybe not the bacon scented air freshener...

Tomorrow is a pretty exciting day. New family heading into the White House. Hope I can watch some of it on TV. Will you be watching?