I've been in my cave the last few weeks - partly getting some editing done, partly dealing with ongoing head/neck aches, partly trying to slowly get rid of clutter (mostly on my computer), partly doing a workshop.
The editing had been put on hold for a little while as my iPad decided not to shut off or on. The Apple logo glared at me accusingly - of what, I do not know. Finally managed to restore it. So I can continue my editing on the iPad. I found that since the iPad is not where I usually edit, I can pick up errors easier there. So I'll be adding that to my rounds of reviewing in future.
I mentioned last post I am enrolled in the Self Publishing online workshop this month and while I have been reading the information and checking out the forums, I haven't been able to concentrate long enough to tackle the instructions thanks to the ongoing head/neck issues. To say this is really annoying is an understatement. I have been looking forward to this workshop for months. I may not get the full benefit of the course until after it finishes but I'm looking at it at least instead of completely withdrawing.
However, I have taken a break from Facebook for a little bit. As much as I like seeing what others are up to, I'm finding I'm there haphazardly. Same with Twitter. I seem to mainly been on Goodreads at the moment because thanks to audio books especially, I'm still getting reading done. Also I think reading uses a different part of the brain than is needed for editing and for following instructions, so I can concentrate on it a little more. I'll be thinking about what is best for me with regards to social media. I may pop up there from time to time, but I'll probably be in my cave for the rest of the year still trying to get some work and rest happening.
Really that's it from me. I may no longer be fast at getting things done but I'm persistent - some would say freaking stubborn but at least I'm moving forward.
I'm lucky to have a special guest today on the blog - in the first Writing Buddy Wednesday for 2016.
Lilliana Rose is a fellow SARA and DarkSider who is supportive of her fellow writers and has a stringent work ethic. You can find her in coffee shops around Adelaide with laptop or pen and paper in hand working on her latest pieces (evidence is presented on her Facebook timeline in the form of pictures). She also has great taste in bags (yes, I notice bags!) and is great company at conventions.
Lilliana experiments with her writing and writes from Steampunk mysteries to rural romances to poetry.
Lilliana is generously giving away a free copy of her latest release to one lucky commentator.
Now it's over to Lilliana!
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Renovation Rumbling on Writing by Lilliana Rose
As part of my writing routine I have given myself a break for the month of January this year to allow my mind to rejuvenate and the stories to simmer quietly in my subconscious. To fill the space when I would normally write, I decided to begin a renovation project of a cabinet, which I’ve been meaning to do for, um, well a few years now.
Already this sounded a little like writing. I have manuscripts on my computer in need of some renovations. And it was these stories which filled my mind, growing and transforming, as I stripped back paint, about three layers, the top two were enamel, and sweat covered my body along with little flakes of paint in the summer heat. Mixed with the difficult discussion of having to pick out what colours to use – my art form is with words not colours!
I couldn’t help compare the process with writing. There are layers to peel away on a manuscript and sometimes it takes a while to get to a project. When I went to the hardware store for the fiftieth time, the guy looked at me weird for having stripping the paint off, for if I hadn’t done that then I could’ve just painted over the top and wouldn’t have to have put on an undercoat. Sometimes when editing the direction I go in might not be the same, but then again sometimes I’ve needed to strip the manuscript down to the bare wood in order to get the full inspiration of the new direction to take in it.
This is an approach I took with Change of Heart(The Clockwork Mysteries #1) last year where I re-looked at the story, stripped it back, and then started rewriting the second half. And while I ended up deleting thousands of words, the result was not only a better story, but also the flow of more ideas and I’ve since written Heart of Gold and Heart’s Desire. While stripping back paint, picking new colours, working out how to attach wall paper (not really believing the guy at the hardware store that I could simply use clag glue) my mind has secretly churned through and developed more stories, not just for The Clockwork Mysteries series, but also others (I’d better get writing!).
So the cabinet isn’t finished (like all creative projects it always takes longer than expected), and I’m now back at my day job, and back into writing with renewed inspiration. And I’m Glad I could see the benefits from recycling something old, like the cabinet, stripping away the years of misuse by other people, and making it my own. The process has also given me hope not to give up on some of my manuscripts that haven’t yet seen the light of day.
Leave a comment below for a chance to win a Kindle copy of Heart of Gold. Only one copy to be given away.
Lilliana is a creative writer and poet. She enjoys pulling levers and turning cogs in steampunk worlds, and dreams of travelling in an airship.
Vickie's husband, George, insists she undertakes self defence lessons before starting her private eye business. George worries about her safety but doesn't want to stop her from developing her newly found skill of solving mysteries.
The training sessions are difficult and Vickie is exhausted. Now that her and George have rekindled their love, Vickie is determined to find the time to keep the sparks flying between them as much as possible.
When her trainer is injured, Vickie discovers he isn't entirely human, and has mechanical parts. But George doesn't believe her. Vickie insists something untoward happening and she must investigate. Can she solve another mystery while maintaining the renewed spice between her and George?
This week I was busy on working on more edits for SNOOP with my wonderful editor, Lori.
And good news - my short story 'Enchanted' was picked up by 'Alfie Dog Fiction' and will be published on the 4th December!
It's a story I wrote a long time ago and got 2nd in a competition but I had difficulty finding a place for it. It's a modern fantasy (aka has a paranormal element). I'm so glad it's found a home at last.
That means I will have two stories out within two days of each other!
Little dance.
Over on the SARA SASSY in the South blog, I have taken over the SARA News column, swapping with the wonderful Emmeline Lock, who is now doing Reading Adventures column.
It's the last day to enter the DarkSiders Halloween-Blogiversary Mega giveaway! Enter for your chance to win some great prizes, including my Enchanted Realms and Gateway to Hell.
I'm also very thrilled that my CP, Fiona Greene, has had her novella accepted by Escape Publishing. Can't wait to see 'Home for Christmas' hit the e-shelves! Go, Fi!!!!
For someone who thoughtwouldn't post blogs this week, I've been doing a lot of short ones. Hmmm... procrastination? Nuh, just a break. I'm busy editing.
