How “The Hunger Games” should motivate the writer you

Today “The Hunger Games” hits theaters. Heck, many of us saw it last night at midnight and won’t be reading this blog post until much later after they wake up! I’m being a good wife and waiting to see it tonight with my husband so this post is spoiler free.

I love seeing book to film adoptions because I leave the theater feeling so energized. Yes, I like the “Twilight” movies, I love “Harry Potter” and I’m really looking forward to seeing “The Hunger Games” but my excitement isn’t because of the movies it’s because those movies, those books once were only a thought. They all started off with their authors sitting in front a blank computer screen.

Every story comes from a simple thought no matter how complex the plot and sub plots turn out to be. As I write, it’s the endless possibilities that excite me and keep me pushing through the hard times. Yesterday my daughter woke up on the wrong side of the crib. It rained all day so Oscar (the dog) was naturally upset and even Diamond and Jedi (the bunnies) were restless and just plain annoying. It was a very bad writing day. After everyone went to sleep I stayed up and worked. I revised this blog post, revised another chapter in my YA and wrote my goal of 2,000 words in my middle grade project. Yes, I was up pretty late but it’s the possibility that someday readers may be waiting to read my work that keeps me going.

Most authors don’t get movie deals. I’m not setting my goals to be unrealistic (I still can dream though) but someday I hope to have readers just as excited about my characters as I am. I want to share the worlds I have created with the world and because of such a possibility and goal I keep writing.

“The Hunger Games” began with a blank page. It once was an idea in Suzanne Collins’ head. It wasn’t always a polished manuscript or New York Bestseller. Anyone’s work can get there. The possibilities are endless, exciting and motivating.

How do you keep your dreams and possibilities in sight when you have a bad day?

If you love to follow popular young adult movie coverage Examiner.com has some great columns for you.

The Mortal Instruments Examiner: Where I cover all things related to Cassandra Clare’s series’ The Mortal Instruments, The Infernal Devices, and The Dark Artifices

You can also follow:

The Hunger Games Examiner

The Twilight Examiner

Divergent Examiner

Vampire Diaries Examiner

All of these columns are perfect for up to date and accurate coverage on the popular young adult series that you love.

Novel Novice is another great site that covers all things young adult with an educational spin to it.

Saving yourself time one bunny or (INSERT HOBBY HERE) at a time

Earlier this week I shared with you all my adventures in being a bunny momma. Since then my bunnies have gone to the vet and have received a clean bill of health. They are out of the “danger zone” and continue to thrive. Needless to say I’m excited and this is being a great learning process.

Having a pet, any pet, takes time and dedication. Does that sound familiar? Being a writer also takes time and dedication. This is hard work and not for the faint of heart. Taking on a hobby that you love can make you a stronger and happier writer. But you can also incorporate your hobby into your branding and writing. Write what you know and save yourself some time.

Most people who read my blog know that I love animals. I’m published in non-fiction writing about dogs. I’m working on a second dog book and I’m now raising bunnies as mentioned in my previous post. So it should come of no surprise to you that I include animals in most of my fiction writing.

As writers we are jacks-of-all-trades. We get to research time periods, clothing, and many gadgets. One thing we can capitalize on is including what we know and love.

It saves time.

Writing is hard enough. Do what you can to make it easy on you. What have you incorporated into your writing that you know about? How have you saved yourself the research?

Announcements:

My book “Caring for Your Special Needs Dog” is available and gives a portion to Texas A&M Veterinarian School for research. It’s easy and rewarding to care for a special needs dog. Read how today for only $2.99.

Finding a helpful distraction- one bunny at a time

Being a writer is hard. There is so much more than just writing. You are your own boss. You are your own business. And then add the other things in your life like caring for a toddler. Everyone is busy. Everyone has their thing holding them back. I’ve always heard people talking about taking up a hobby to relax and unwind. I secretly laughed at this because come on, when would I have time to do anything! I barely have time for church and that is very sad!

But things have a way of working out for the best. I now believe that it is vital to find something completely unrelated to writing and family needs to do. My “thing” found me. My dog found a nest of baby bunnies in our yard. I left them alone knowing that they were better off with their mom. However, over the days we started to notice the bunnies getting sickly. I laid out some food for the mother and the next morning it was untouched. Their nest was also untouched from the previous days. We began to suspect that they were abandoned and seeing the construction and burning that had picked up in our neighborhood it was believable. I called the zoo, the game commissioner and humane societies. I didn’t know what to do with baby bunnies but I didn’t want them to die either. I kept getting the same answer, “this is natures way of population control.” I actually had someone tell me to go dump them and end their suffering. I was appalled.

I was still on the fence about what to do when our first spring storm hit. It was bad and since our yard is on an incline there was a small stream that formed in our yard that mixed with mud creating a yucky natural paste. I thought I could go cover the bunnies with a bowl or something to shelter them. When I went outside in the storm to check on them I found that their nest was flooding. They were screaming. One was stuck in the sticky mud and was stretching to lift it’s head above water. It was horrible. I knew then that it was up to me to do something. Without their mother’s milk they may still die but I was not letting them die a horrible death in my yard.

I rushed to save them. They didn’t fight me. Instead they rushed to me when I started offering them aid. I had to dig the bunny out of the mud that was stuck and it wasn’t moving it’s back legs. I rushed the three of them inside and called the vet for instructions.

For the last week I’ve been bottle-feeding them every 3 hours. They are all thriving even the one who couldn’t move its legs. The vet determined that it was in hypothermic shock when I rescued it. Thanks to the use of some warm blankets and my messaging its legs it made it.

I’m on a strict deadline and just signed another contract. I’m also working hard on my fiction work all while continuing my freelance contracts. I take care of my 19-month-old daughter and teach workshops on how to be a writing mom and time management for the busy writer. I really don’t have time to be a bunny momma. However, these little bunnies have helped me in so many ways.

Despite the hard work to take care of them I’m seeing that they actually help my writing. I’m horrible at never turning my mind off but when I’m bottle-feeding the bunnies I have to focus completely on them. They can’t be fooled and do best with a calm environment. I turn on classical music for them and rock them to calm them until they will eat. It is soothing for both them and me. This new project of caring for them puts everything in perspective. So I’ve gotten a few rejections. That doesn’t matter. What matters is that I love what I’m doing. Just the simple act of calming down the bunnies calms me down and makes me a better writer.

Now I’m not suggesting that everyone goes out and saves the nearest orphaned animal. I am suggesting that you think about a non-work related hobby, Tackle a new project where you can completely separate your mind from writing. Take a break and fill fulfilled in another way.

I’m loving my little bunnies and the quiet time that we have together. This helps my writing and stress level in so many ways. What hobby have you taken on that has helped your writing and life?

Do you know the write you?

And yes I misused "write" on purpose to get my message across. This past month I've been talking about dog training on my Special Needs Dog Care Examiner column as a part of National Dog Training month. And now today I've been prepping my lesson plans for my upcoming Writing Moms Workshop and it occurred to me that writing, dogs and parenting has one major thing in common- do you know yourself?

This is an area that every professional no matter what you do can grow in. I'm currently rereading "Emotional Intelligence" while reading "The Brain and Emotional Intelligence: New Insights" both by author Daniel Goleman. i normally wait to talk about books, if I'm going to, after reading them but both of these books really take the concept of knowing yourself to a common sense level. I really believe in understanding your emotions, environment and desires and incorporating all of them into discovering the best routine for you.

Such understanding can be applied to all area of your life. Yes, even dog training because if you don't know yourself how can you control a dog?

For writers though, knowing yourself can really help you develop a pattern of when to do various tasks. For example, I know that I write better in the morning so that is when I work on my WIP's. The rest of my day is divided among various tasks along with chasing my very active toddler. I use the evening hours to work of revisions, social media and prep for the next day.

What have you done or read lately that has helped you better know yourself? How did you apply this to make you a better writer, parent, or person?

Announcements:

My Writing Moms Workshop starts this Monday, March 5. Registration is still open.

I had some great opportunities to guest blog for some great author’s and friends last month.

The ever-changing writing process at author Colin Falconer’s blog

Finding Inspiration from Unlikely Sources at author Kristen Lamb’s blog

Being a flexibly, trained writer at author Rachel Harris’ blog

Woof Wednesday: Doggy assistant, excuse or both? At author Amy Shojai’s blog.

Who Dares Wins Publishing offers fantastic writing craft and industry Write it Forward Workshops. Be sure and check them all out here.

Writer Training: Setting the right pattern

The end of this week I will start teaching my second workshop of Writing Moms: How to do it all without losing your mind with Write It Forward Workshops. It's true that there are many different time management techniques for busy writing moms but in truth it comes down to one thing, training.

One of many many hats that I wear is my non-fiction dog writer. This month I've been thinking a lot about training since it is National Dog Training Month (and here I insert my shameless promotion for my Special Needs Dog Care column.) Really training goes hand and hand with structure and time management. Are you setting the correct pattern?

The first step is to get your butt into the chair, on the couch, in bed--wherever you chose to write. Are you doing that? After I had my daughter, it was difficult to get back into the routine but you will see that if you JUST DO IT the words will start to flow and then you will find that rythym again.

It is difficult to find motivation sometimes as a writer, especially if you are a writing mom. Everyone has something better or else that they would rather be doing than writing words that may never see the light of day. Push through those insecurities and keep at it! Keeping to the pattern, finding your pattern is what leads to greatness.

So, how are you setting and finding the right pattern for you? I'm giving away a spot this week to my March workshop of Writing Moms. Just comment on my blog for a chance to enter. To sign-up for the workshop and for more information click here.

Announcements:

I had some great opportunities to guest blog for some great author’s and friends this month.

The ever-changing writing process at author Colin Falconer’s blog

Finding Inspiration from Unlikely Sources at author Kristen Lamb’s blog

Being a flexibly, trained writer at author Rachel Harris’ blog

February is National Dog Training Month. For helpful tips on training the furry friends in your life follow my Examiner column, Special Needs Dog Care.

Who Dares Wins Publishing offers fantastic writing craft and industry Write it Forward Workshops. Be sure and check them all out here.

Location, location, location

When I write I like to find my “groove.” That zen that helps my prose flow neatly from my mind to my laptop. Right…..if only it were that easy! But location can play a major role in maximizing the most of your writing time and maximizing my time is something I’ve come become an expert in since the birth of my daughter.

The first step to getting your location “write” for you is to know yourself. A fantastic, free and fast way to do this is to take Brigg Myers test. This is a popular test that can help you identify if you are an introvert or extrovert among other personality types. Here is a great online version of this test that offers immediate results (without spam!)

I always thought that I was an extrovert because I am outgoing. Growing up I danced, participated in drama and debates. But now I know that I’m actually an introvert. I get my energy by being alone. I love being with people to but I find it draining. I write best and “hear” my characters best when I’m alone. How you harness your energy is a crucial part to finding the best writing location for you.

Sometimes our writing location is chosen for us. It works out well in my case since I enjoy writing from home but even if this wasn’t the idea space for me, I wouldn’t have too much of a choice. I doubt many coffee shops would take kindly to my toddler running around while I cranked out my daily word count.

If you feel stuck in your writing location and know or discover that it isn’t the best for you, then adapt. If I was an extrovert and would write better in a public place there would be things I could do to change my at home location.

Write by a T.V. or radio. Something that can provide conversation. Find writing buddies online that you can communicate with through social media outlets. You may not be physically interacting with people while you write but you can get creative to make the situation most advantageous for you.

As I said, knowing you can make all the difference in maximizing your time and location. I love music. I can’t write without it and even categorize songs for various types of scenes. I know this works for me and I make the most of it.

How do you maximize the most of your writing location?

I’m giving away a free “seat” to my upcoming Writing Moms Workshop. Leave a comment and you will be entered in a drawing to win!

Announcements:

February is National Dog Training Month. For helpful tips on training the furry friends in your life follow my Examiner column, Special Needs Dog Care.

I will be teaching another class of my Writing Moms: How to do it all without losing your mind Write It Forward Workshop this March. It is a month long workshop focused on busy writing moms, something I know a lot about. Click here for more information.

Who Dares Wins Publishing offers fantastic writing craft and industry Write it Forward Workshops. Be sure and check them all out here.

My book, Caring for Your Special Needs Dog is out and a percentage of the profits go to The Texas A&M Foundation to the benefit of the Neurology Section, Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinarian Medicine.

If it ain't working, fix it!

We all know the saying, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” Well the same is true for the opposite. If what you are doing is not helping you meet your goals, then change it! I realize that this is easier said than done.

We all work hard but are you really maximizing your efforts to your full potential? I encourage you to stop all the mutli-tasking that you are doing right now. OK, I’m sure your skimming this while scrolling through Twitter or cleaning your desk. Ask youself this question, “What is your greatest weakness?”

Do you know what it is? Now brainstorm and strategize a way to fix it. Obviously there is something that you are doing that is holding you back. I’ve heard a quote before and I’m not sure who said it but it goes, “Only you stand in your way of success.” Of course there are many factors that weigh into success. For writers we must finish a book, make sure it is a great book, get an agent/publisher, market, etc. And then we can always do everything better than we did. Still though, the one major factor we can control is ourself.

This also ties into the great need for writers and all professionals to have flexibility in their work structure. For example, when my father became ill last month it resulted in a change in my daily work routine. As I temporarily moved to where he was to help my family I had to prioritize my goals. Social media is important but had I strived to maintain my social media and Examiner column schedule then my greater goal with my writing would have suffered.

In the end, I still was not as productive as I usual but writing out of town, without my office for over a month will do that. We’re human. Things come up. Especially writing moms. Being a proud mother of a very active toddler has taught me that you never know what the next moment may bring. My daughter could be fine one moment and running fever the next. The same thing goes for mornings. Most of us never really know what we are waking too. You may wake up with a migraine. Lord knows I have. Just last week I went to greet my daughter when she woke up and found her diaper thrown out of her crib and a mess that needed cleaning.

Something that every writer should do is work ahead on ALL blog posts or any typical social media posts. I always work two weeks out. Then all I have to do is review and edit a post the night before it runs. This way if I do get behind, I’m not really “behind.” Of course new topics come up and you can always fit a timely article in amongst planned articles.

My point is that we can make to do lists (or as I call them, goal lists) or we can accept the fact to be somewhat flexible to the needs of our careers and lives. I put my family and being a mother first. By doing this I have accepted the fact that I will do my best writing at odd hours. By accepting this and making it happen, I am getting closer to reaching my long-term goals.

Announcements:

February is National Dog Training Month. For helpful tips on training the furry friends in your life follow my Examiner column, Special Needs Dog Care.

I will be teaching another class of my Writing Moms: How to do it all without losing your mind Write It Forward Workshop this March. It is a month long workshop focused on busy writing moms, something I know a lot about. Click here for more information.

Who Dares Wins Publishing offers fantastic writing craft and industry Write it Forward Workshops. Be sure and check them all out here.

My book, Caring for Your Special Needs Dog is out and a percentage of the profits go to The Texas A&M Foundation to the benefit of the Neurology Section, Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinarian Medicine.

Are writers like dogs?

Yes, I’m going there. I’m comparing writers, including myself, to dogs. But in my household you are LUCKY to be compared to our dog Oscar. He has a tough life of lounging on our Tempurpedic bed, taking up over half the couch to watch television and following our daughter around picking up her dropped gold fish snacks. It is good to be Oscar. And if I had a dime for every kiss he got on his head top, then I’d never have to stress about my college loans again!

Oscar is a spoiled and loved dog but he is also a well-trained dog that thrives on routine. February is National Dog Training Month and if you break it down, writers can learn so much from well-trained dogs.

1. Discipline- All good dogs understand discipline just all writers understand what they must do to reach their goals.

2. Purpose- Your dog has a purpose. It may vary for some. Oscar is a Mommy’s boy. If I move to another room, he will follow.

Writers should know their purpose and mission as to why they write. I write because I love it. Even when it’s not relaxing, just the idea that the world I’m building or the information I’m assembling will give someone joy someday is enough to make me happy.

3. Consequences- A well-trained dog understands consequences. If Oscar chews on one of my daughter’s toys, then he knows that he will get kenneled for his behavior. If I don’t reach my daily goal then I know that I will get locked up in a dungeon—Just kidding! But if I don’t meet my writing goals then I know that I’m holding myself back from my bigger goals and own potential.

4. But the main thing, Routine- Dog’s all driven by routine. On my Special Needs Dog Care Examiner column as well as my book, “Caring for Your Special Needs Dogs” I spoke about the importance of maintaining your dog’s routine especially during a major change. By doing so you can ease some of their stress and even help prevent an increase of symptoms if they are a special needs dog. I’m a HUGE believer in routine.

Now, I can only control routine to certain degree since I do care for my toddler and every writer is different. We all have our “something” that makes writing a challenge. But because of this I get up every morning at 4:30am. I start my day with a thirty-minute yoga session and then write until I need to shower just before she wakes up. Having this set time helps me feel accomplished no matter what craziness my day brings. I also end my day by reading what I wrote that day before going to sleep. Again, another routine that I can control.

Writing doesn’t have to be rocket science. It is simple and the more consistent we make things for ourselves (like the consistency of your dog’s commands) the more routine our words and inspirations will become.

I feel the need to dedicate this post to my Oscar who always is by my side while I write. He does serve as a helpful companion whenever I hit a wall on a scene.

How importance is routine in your writing routine?

Some blog love to:

Writing lessons from The Hunger Games: Stakes and Characterization by Adventures in YA and Children’s Publishing

Roses are Red by Author Colin Falconer

Bracing for impact- The future of big publishing in the new paradigm by Author Kristen Lamb

Announcements:

February is National Dog Training Month. For helpful tips on training the furry friends in your life follow my Examiner column, Special Needs Dog Care.

I will be teaching another class of my Writing Moms: How to do it all without losing your mind Write It Forward Workshop this March. It is a month long workshop focused on busy writing moms, something I know a lot about. Click here for more information.

http://www.whodareswinspublishing.com/

Who Dares Wins Publishing offers fantastic writing craft and industry Write it Forward Workshops. Be sure and check them all out here.

My book, Caring for Your Special Needs Dog is out and a percentage of the profits go to The Texas A&M Foundation to the benefit of the Neurology Section, Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinarian Medicine.

The energy you crave may be easier found from your children then your coffee cup

The other day when I was playing with my daughter I thought again what every parent thinks all the time, “how can I can bottle that endless energy?” She has so much of it and is so full of life. Just think how easy writing would be if I had THAT much energy. Then something amazing happened. After crawling around in her princess tent and finally putting her down for a nap I returned to my office to find that I did have more energy. Her energy is, in a way contagious!

Have you found this too? I do find that through actively playing with my daughter and really enjoying her laughs that I too become more active and energetic. The energy is contagious and I can use it to help along my writing. Plus, what great parenting!

Lately I’ve been revising my current manuscript by storyboarding it through Alexandra Sokoloff’s process from her book “Screenwriting Tricks for Authors.” I did a version of a storyboard before writing my novel but find that this is also a great way to double check the plot and character arcs. It is also fun to crawl around on the floor and of course I’m getting a lot of help from my toddler and dog. I just have to watch my manuscript closely or my “all goes to hell” scene may end up during a “romantic” scene by way of sticky fingers or paw!

Bottom line, if you are a writing mom the energy you crave may be easier found from your children than your coffee cup. They also crave your attention. Go spend time with them and see the benefits in your manuscript.

Happy Friday and Happy Writing!!

Announcements:

The 2012 Write-It-Forward Workshop schedule is up. Take a look at the fantastic line-up including back by popular demand, Writing Moms (March 2012) and the new Time Management for the Busy Writer (October 2012) in time for NANOWRIMO both by Natalie C. Markey.

A percentage of the profits from Markey’s ‘Caring for Your Special Needs Dog’ go to The Texas A&M Foundation to the benefit of the Neurology Section, Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinarian Medicine.

Dressing for writing success

When I was in high school and then in college I had this silly little ritual that I would dress nice whenever I had a test or presentation. I found that when I did I would perform better on the test. Looking back on it, I wasn’t being silly at all. There is nothing silly about boosting my self-confidence and that is what I was doing.

Today as a working-from-home writing mom it is easy to want to stay in my morning yoga outfit or even my pajamas. But normally I step it up just a little to some comfortable pants and a Baylor shirt. I don’t “dress up” anymore like I did for tests or presentations. Instead I wear shirts that mean something and make me happy. I loved college and especially around football season I show a lot of team spirit (Go Bears!) so by wearing my team colors it makes me happy and this shines through to my writing, And the comfortable pants, well it’s always smart to be comfortable when planning to sit at your computer for long hours.

So, like I’ve spoken before about the importance of your workspace and outline, what you wear even can play a role in your writing success. Take a moment and think, does what you wear help or hurt your writing? The most important thing though is that you write even if it is with a burp rag draped across your shoulder!

What is your writing attire?

A percentage of the profits from Markey’s ‘Caring for Your Special Needs Dog’ go to The Texas A&M Foundation to the benefit of the Neurology Section, Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinarian Medicine.

Blog Mash-ups:

And My Day Disappears by author Jill Kemerer

Structure Part 2- Plot Problem- Falcor the Luck Dragon & the Purple Tornado by author Kristen Lamb

Connecting the dots: What do you see?

This week the world lost Steve Jobs, a pioneer in business, technology and philosophy. Most people probably think of Apple at the mention of his name, I know that I did. I mean, without him we wouldn’t have the iPhone, iPod, Mac, iPad, Pixar and much more in the form that they exist today. However, after watching his commencement speech that he delivered to the Stanford graduating class of 2005 I learned that Mr. Jobs was more then the technologically savvy genius and entrepreneur master that he was. There was even more to him then that (I know, was he Tony Stark in disguise?) Steve Jobs was a motivator even before he could motivate others. He motivated himself to become someone and make something special.

The news channels and morning shows have been frequently airing the attached speech. It is only fifteen minutes long and if you haven’t seen it I highly recommend it. I loved what he had to say about connecting the dots and connecting them looking backwards. If you would have asked me five years ago that I would be working from home. That I would have turned my once on-the-side freelance writing business on the side and that I was published in non-fiction, lecturing and working towards being published in fiction, I would have laughed. But now connecting my dot backwards everything in my life fits to bring me right where I am today. Everything makes perfect sense. From the classes I took in college to every job I’ve held. My time in high school of dancing professionally and teaching even fits into where I am today, I just thought it was fun and paid for my computer at the time. But it was that computer that I began writing on and won my first writing contest with a short story written on its keys. Now my current WIP is based off that Scholastic award-wining story.

As Jobs said, “connect the dots looking backwards.” It’s amazing how so many aspects of my life have led me to writing and I couldn’t be happier to be sitting at my desk in my at-home-office in an Arkansas forest. When I was in high school, my “five year plan” would have been to be working for a prestigious public relations firm in New York City after college. I did that. I interned for Rubenstein and Associates and loved my experience but I wouldn’t change the opportunity that I have now to work on being the author I will be while raising my beautiful baby girl with my wonderful husband.

My 15-month-old loves my iPhone and my Mac Book Pro. She Skypes her Grandfather in Saudi Arabia and her other Grandparents in Texas through my laptop. Technology made possible (the Mac Book not Skype) thanks to Steve Jobs. Mr. Jobs also greatly understood writers and their unique computer needs and desires, for this I am personally grateful. My thoughts go out to his family, friends and the entire Apple corporate family as well.

What do you see when you connect the dots looking backwards?

For books, upcoming classes and speaking engagements visit www.NatalieCMarkey.com

A percentage of the profits from Markey’s ‘Caring for Your Special Needs Dog’ go to The Texas A&M Foundation to the benefit of the Neurology Section, Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinarian Medicine.

Blog Mash-up:

How Life Changes our Outlining Approach by author Natalie C. Markey- I’m guest blogging at Elizabeth Sogard’s blog

Are Writers Entrepreneurs? By author Jami Gold

The Right Way, The Wrong Way, The Smart Way by author Kristen Lamb

Time clears beginners’ clutter: revisiting that first novel

Recently I went back and revisited the beginning of my first fiction manuscript. It is a young adult fantasy. It has received three rejections and I was planning to go back and look at the story again before sending out another round but lately I’ve been so caught up in my current WIP, a dystopian middle grade and other aspects of my writing career that it has taken a back burner.

However, I was amazed at the power of about five months. That is how long it has been since I have sat down and read the first 7,000 words of my YA. I entered it in The Emily contest and like any good writer I scrutinized every word the weekend before the contest’s deadline. As I read through my scenes my rejections made perfect sense. I did give away too much backstory. I DID info dump. I was guilty of being unclear if the story was purely fantasy or urban fantasy.

Reading my words was like seeing my story for the first time with fresh and wiser eyes. I may be a seasoned writer but until I sought out help and guidance with my fiction I was just an aspiring fiction author with a far out dream. Now I have purpose, strategy, a growing knowledge and most of all a will to not quit. So I thought I’d spend a few hours of a Sunday proofing those pages. I ended up pulling an all-nighter and now I have a much stronger beginning to my young adult story.

As beginners we are excited and we think we are awesome. I did. Especially since I’m not accustomed to failing at well, anything. I have multiple degrees in writing so that means I can write fiction, right? WRONG! My rose colored glasses have been torn off, probably by my toddler when I was trying to make her actually wear clothes. I’m working hard towards my writing goals and I’m not quitting but gosh it’s sure easier not that some of that clutter is clearing up!

Blog Mash-ups:

As a lead up to my Writing Moms workshop Diane Holmes, the founder of Pitch University and I had some fun with creating titles. See what we learned. 10 Things We Learned About Creating GREAT Titles.

“Structure Part 1- Anatomy of a Best-Selling Novel- Structure Matters” by author and social media guru Kristen Lamb

“How to Avoid the Publishing Kool-Aid” by author Jami Gold

To Nanowrimo or not to Nanowrimo

With October knocking on our doors the time has come for writers to decide, will you Nano or not? The month of November is National Novel Writing Month where writers commit to writing a full-length novel in a month. Crazy? Insane? Probably. But this exercise does have its Pros and Cons. The truth is finding deciding if it’s right for you and if this year is the right time for you.

I participated last year and I will say that finishing such an accomplishment was really satisfying. By finishing Nano I finished my third manuscript and I felt really accomplished. However, when I went back and revised that Nano manuscript I found that it was horrible. In fact, it was a disaster

But I did learn something very valuable from my experience with last year’s National Novel Writing Month. Grammar may not flow in a hurried stream of rushing words but creativity really does. I’m currently reworking my middle grade project that I wrote during last year’s Nano. It had some plot gaps and needed a lot of work but overall it was a stronger story and had an important minor character that I originally never planned to write. This particular character has turned out to really compliment my main character. Without her the main character wouldn’t have the character arc that he now has and this all happened because of Nano.

Nano is not for perfection. It is for finding your creative muse and strengths. Unbox the creative you. Put away your excuses. I’m a writing mom so believe me excuses are easy to find! That is one reason I’m teaching Writing Moms: How to do it all without losing your mind, a Write It Forward Workshop next month. My goal is through simple self-study techniques, to help fellow writing moms find their groove and way to meeting their writing goals while being the mom they want to be. This way anyone can participate in Nano. Click here for more information on my Writing Moms class.

Will you Nano? What benefits have your experienced or hope to experience? Share them below in a comment.

Goal List vs. To Do List

Anytime I write “versus” I hear the Rocky song in my head, but maybe that’s just me. Anyway, I use to be a HUGE fan of the to do list. If it wasn’t on my list, it didn’t get done. I’m even embarrassed to say that I wrote down personal notes to call and catch up with friends (maybe I'm lucky and they aren't reading my writing blog.)

For me, the to do list method work beautifully and for some writing moms this technique may still be a fine strategy. After only a few weeks I found it terribly depressing. Part of it may have been that I wrote EVERYTHING down. I had to find a compromise and I have to give credit to NY Times Best Selling author Bob Mayer in helping me find my way back to breathing normally when all I could see were my unchecked lists growing longer like some horror movie monster! I read Bob’s book ‘Write It Forward: From Writer to Successful Author’ and loved it. One of the things he suggested was making two columns, a to-do list and a completed list. This way at the end of the day when you see the things you didn’t get done you still see everything you accomplished.

I loved that idea and use it but I took it a step further to help me as a writing mom, especially with a 14-month-old. Instead of a traditional "to do list" I use a goal list. This way my lists are never too long or overwhelming looking. It doesn't mean I don't get done all that other stuff that I need to get done, it just means that I use my "goals for focus" list to keep on track with what I NEED to do to keep to my personal writing plan. For example, here is my "goal for focus" list for today.

Goals for Focus:

Middle Grade (I always start on my fiction writing goal first)

Finish non-fiction outline

Revise/practice Webinar Power Point

Promote Writing Moms class/ revise lesson plans

Review column schedule for next week

That order follows and keeps my work in line with my goals that fit my strategic career goal. Those are not my only tasks for the day. I’ll fit social media in and email follow-ups around as needed but I will keep that list in front of me to stay on task.

Also, by working from a goal list vs. a to do list, especially as a working mom everything just seems more manageable. I have to admit though that I still do write EVERY little thing I accomplish whether it is following up with an email or re-posting my blog on my author Facebook page on that “completed” list. It makes me happy seeing that list grow and grow and when I’m tired after a long day with baby and writing it’s amazing how good one list can make me feel!

But how do I do all this with a toddler and manage to do normal housework and have a life? I must compliment my husband for his support and I do use a nanny for a few hours a week but I do not have her tomorrow and my husband has a demanding job of his own. I’ve simply learned through self-study tactics what works for me and my baby.

It’s simple things like how to really make the most of some of your least expecting mommy moments and knowing how to divide your goals into the best day parts for you. I’ll discuss it all during my month long Writing Moms: How to do it all without losing you mind workshop this October. There are still seats available for only $20.

Announcements:

I will be hosting a FREE live webinar on September 26 6:30-8 PDT with Farm Dogs USA titled ‘Caring for Special Needs Dogs.’ My lecture will be based off my book, ‘Caring for Your Special Needs Dog’ along with new research. Click here for more information.

Listen to Nike and Just Do It- Just Write!

Nike got it right with their marketing slogan, Just Do It. Writer’s can learn a lot from those cushioned and sometimes air-pumped shoes. Lately I’ve felt that sometimes I spend too much time on the planning of my writing that I find it is easy to lose that overall joy of the craft. The reason of why I do this often, tortuous job that I do.

Let’s face it, the hours and many words that we write knowing that they will probably never be seen, isn’t really the most uplifting or healthy career choice. Nor is it is always profitable, especially in the early years. It is crucial. No, it is IMPERATIVE to not lose that reason as to why you are doing this. Why are you writing? Don’t let that spark vanish!

Mine has been fading so to stop myself from crashing, I’m falling back on my old PR crisis management days. I’m going into proactive mode. I’m focusing less on my long outlines and focusing more on the short ones. This means that I’m working only a few scenes out from where I am with my writing. This keeps me on the right path without letting my “control freakish” tendencies to take over. I’m relying more on my creative side and letting myself just enjoy the writing process.

I’m also making myself work further ahead on the business aspect of my writing, such as blogs and articles. By not allowing these things to pile up, it will allow more time for me to actually write and enjoy the creative process.

Sometimes too much planning can even be a bad thing, as my teaching assistant Erine demonstrates in the video below. Yes, at my house these days “Sesame Street” is frequently on. If we put all our energy into planning, then sometimes our actions are not showing our best efforts.

As Nike says, Just Do It. Go out there and Just Write. Write the story you want to write and write it well. Don’t get caught up in the feeling that you must do this and that to make it in the writing industry. The bottom line is that to make it we all have to write GREAT stories. Write it. Write it well. And submit it. Now I’m off to follow my own advice.

Happy writing!

Announcements:

I am giving away a FREE "seat" to my class to someone who leaves a comment AND tweets about my class to their Twitter following. You must 1. Leave a comment below and 2. Include me @NatalieCMarkey in your Tweet so that I will know that you sent the Tweet. I will enter you name in a drawing to win a free entry to the class. GOOD LUCK!

I will be hosting a live webinar on September 26 6:30-8 PDT with Farm Dogs USA titled ‘Caring for Special Needs Dogs.’ My lecture will be based off my book, ‘Caring for Your Special Needs Dog’ along with new research. Click here for more information.

I’m teaching a Write It Forward Workshop titled, ‘Writing Moms: How to do it all without losing your mind’ online in October. Click here for more information and to sign-up.

If you are a writing mom I encourage you to visit the #WriteMom community of Twitter. Share your joys, successes and stress with others writing moms. Learn more here.

Finding writing advice in life: What my sniffling baby taught me

Every mother knows that a sick baby is not an easy baby and makes for a very unhappy mommy. Now, make that mommy a working mom that is trying to juggle a job in addition to caring for her sniffling child. That is where I’ve been this past week. My baby girl has been battling a nasty case of a runny nose. At times she has found it difficult to breath and nothing could make her remotely happy but me holding her and rocking her. And to make matters worse, this was her first cold. I’ve hated seeing her go through this but I always try to learn from every situation. Even as my daughter is sick, I found some “writerly” wisdom out of those sniffles!

For writer’s, our manuscripts are like our babies. We give them life, we spend so much time with them and put our heart, souls and yes, even tears into them. Just like our real babies, our manuscripts also get sick. We must care for scenes that just don’t fit. We have to rework missing plot points and fix character arcs.

And just like I was proactive with my sniffly little one by keep her inside, away from other germs while her resistance was down. I also am proactive with my manuscripts by outlining and catching plot holes before they become a gaping hole that can destroy the book entirely.
Like a sick baby, writing takes care and patience. Nothing is better when we can release a sigh of relief when our baby is well or when that scene is fixed. It amazes me how much “writerly” advice can be found from everyday life, all around us. What have you learned lately?


Announcements:

I will be hosting a live webinar on September 26 6:30-8 PDT with Farm Dogs USA titled ‘Caring for Special Needs Dogs.’ My lecture will be based off my book, ‘Caring for Your Special Needs Dog’ along with new research. Click here for more information.

I’m teaching a Write It Forward Workshop titled, ‘Writing Moms: How to do it all without losing your mind’ online in October. Click here for more information and to sign-up.

If you are a writing mom I encourage you to visit the #WriteMom community of Twitter. Share your joys, successes and stress with others writing moms. Learn more here.

Why September 11 inspired me to work harder everyday

I was a senior in high school on September 11, 2001. Now that I have a daughter, one of my favorite things in her baby book is a letter that I wrote on that day in my homeroom leadership class. I remember one of my teachers saying that watching the images on the television were more important then anything he could teach that day.

He was right.

I took out a piece of notebook paper and wrote a letter to my future child. I told him/her what I thought it meant to be an American. I talked about the American Dream, how thankful I was for my education, family, safety and then I stopped. I realized that no one really knows how safe they are. The American’s in New York City and Washington and all those that boarded those planes that day, thought they were going to work for a normal day. They thought they were safe.

Now we all hope and pray terrorism is the extreme. But our lives can change in a second. It’s hard to find someone who hasn’t been personally affected by cancer or heart disease. There are so many risks and dangers out there. But the thing that I took away the most from September 11, was the bravery and heroism. The first responders, some of them ordinary people running to help others just so someone could have a chance to live another day. To have just one more ordinary day.

To live on.

Because of that day and that moment when we were all attacked, I never waste one second. That is why now every time I’m exhausted from caring for my beautiful 14-month-old daughter and I want to take a nap when she does, I don’t. I write. I wake up at 5 a.m. so I can get some good productive hours of writing in because I want to live my dream. I don’t want to wait.

It would be easier to write when she’s older and less dependant on me. But I’m not going to do that. I’m constantly moving forward. All those that lost their lives on September 11, 2011 never had a September 12 or the next week, month and so on after that to move forward towards their dreams. The fact is, you just never know. And that is just what I told my future child in that letter I wrote 10 years ago on September 11. I told her to never wait for anything she wants.

I’ve always wanted to be a writer, ever since I won the National Scholastic Writing Competition for a short story in high school. I’ve always kept moving forward with my craft and that is because of how that day affected me personally.

I’ve met some goals. I’m an accomplished freelanced journalist of ten years (yes, I started volunteering for local publications in 2001.) I’m published in non-fiction and working on my second non-fiction book. I’m teaching webinars and online writing courses and everyday striving closer to my goal of being published in fiction.

I will get there.

Are you working on living your dream? Are you moving forward? How did September 11, 2001 change you?

I had the great privilege of interning in New York City with Rubenstein Public Relations firm. It was an incredible experience and I still use what I learned everyday. This past summer I returned to New York City for the annual Romance Writers of America Conference. It was great to be back in the hustle and bustle of the Big Apple but I loved seeing the progress of the World Trade Center Memorial site (pictured here.)

Out of respect of honoring the memory of September 11, I’m not posting announcements this Friday. For purchase information on my book, workshop and upcoming events please visit www.NatalieCMarkey.com

Writers: How do you view Labor Day? Work or Play?

I typically blog on Wednesdays and Fridays, but I feel strongly on this topic so this is a special blog post. I hope that you will share your opinions in comment.

Writing is not a job it’s a vocation. It’s a passion. It’s a way of life and who someone is. That is why writers don’t take off holidays like Labor Day. I see and recognize the value. I’ve even worked ahead on my work so that I can devote some extra time to my family today, but I can assure you that today, I will still write. Even if it’s not the normal daily word count, I keep moving forwards.

Bob Mayer says in his book ‘Write It Forward: From Writer to Successful Author’ (formally titled ‘Warrior Writer.’) that writing is a marathon, not a sprint and he couldn’t be closer to the truth. I have to constantly keep reminding myself of this. In fact, I keep this quote in bold type taped to my white erase board in my office. I’m not a patient person but I love to write—it’s part of who I am and I will stick with it. I’ve already beaten the odds. I’ve finished two fiction manuscripts and published one non-fiction book with another in the works.

So, to me Labor Day doesn’t mean to take a day off and recognize the hard work that I’ve done, it means to take a little time off and recharge before diving into more hard word on the very holiday.

Today, my husband and I are taking our daughter to an indoor water activity park in the morning. She loves the water and it’s just too hot to play outside. This will be fun and successfully tire her out for a great afternoon of naptime. Then my husband can do yard work while I work. See what a planner I am? J

What are you doing on this Labor Day? Are you writing today?

Announcements:

My new website is up and running www.NatalieCMarkey.com I recently added some new speaking engagements and courses. I invite you to take a look around.

I will be hosting a live webinar on September 26 6:30-8 PDT with Farm Dogs USA titled ‘Caring for Special Needs Dogs.’ My lecture will be based off my book, ‘Caring for Your Special Needs Dog’ along with new research. Click here for more information.

I’m teaching a Write It Forward Workshop titled, ‘Writing Moms: How to do it all without losing your mind’ online in October. Click here for more information and to sign-up.

If you are a writing mom I encourage you to visit the #WriteMom community of Twitter. Share your joys, successes and stress with others writing moms. Learn more here.