Challenges of Writing: Share, Reach, Connect, Tell

"Be yourself. Above all, let who you are, what you are, what you believe, shine through every sentence you write, every piece you finish."

 John Jakes

Its been late coming this year, but the APA Blog has been updated with a new look. What do you think?
Today, I wanted to reach out to our audience and host a discussion and maybe even facilitate some connections.

People are out there. Many people are willing to be supportive but don’t know unless you say, “Hey, I need help with this. Would you mind?”

This writing thing can be lonely. It can be difficult. It can be a battle against self and the Great Big World of Publishing. It can be joyful and enlightening.

If you want support or help or guidance, tell us your thoughts in the comment section and if you do want to connect with others, leave your email or a your link to your website and maybe you’ll find new writing friends to add to your support system.

On a personal note, my writing struggle hasn’t been the actual writing, editing or process but it has been finding a reliable reader (feedback partner) though I’d greatly appreciate someone who is geographically close (Canada, Toronto) I’m open to offers for my Urban Fantasy WIP that is reaching the final stages, If you are looking for the same, and think we might jive, drop me a line here: tinasuechamberlain@gmail.com

The Beginning

At the start, the idea for a story can just flow. Those moments were your mind is filled with ideas and your fingers can’t keep up with how quickly the plots and characters are developing. You want to put it all down on paper or screen, now, now, now!

What do you like about the beginning stages? Is there a place in the early stages of writing that you stumble over and over? Would you like help somewhere on this road?

The Middle

When the story actually becomes more than a flow of thoughts and you work to have make the words shine, the transitions seamless, you pay attention to details and how to use dialogue and really focus in on using the least amount of words to tell the story. Maybe for you at this point, the book is done and you’ve hit a wall. There’s something sitting not quite right and you’re not sure how to move forward. Or maybe you realize something is just not working and filled with panic at the thought of unraveling it all. At this point, perhaps the inspiration halts and you can’t get back into the groove again.

What slows you down? Where do you falter? How could someone help you through this murky stage?

The End

The end of the novel, that first swooping feeling of satisfaction and “YES! I did it. I wrote a book. I wrote a book. I wrote a book!” after the jumping up and down, you realize it needs a first edit.

Where do you start? What is the first thing you look at when doing an initial edit of your work?

To the World

Now, you feel confident that you have a book that many people will want to read. Where do you take it? How do you publish it? How do you decide?

Are you finding rounds of rejections hard to take? Do you need a little bolstering?

Knowing that others are at the same stage as you are, or learning that others have been exactly where you are now, can greatly help. Having people say, “if you want help, I’m willing to listen, to read, to share”, can be so powerful. Let us know your thoughts and if you want to connect with other writers, in anyway, reach out.

Are you attending your first writers’ conference? Then yesterday’s post is for you.
http://authorspromotingauthors.blogspot.com/2011/10/erotica-meeting-old-guard-as-tng.html

During the month of October, all who leave comments on the APA Blog will be entered to win a newsletter spot.