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.

Writing while chasing a toddler

It takes a special kind of person to be a writer. A writers life is a difficult life filled with challenges, disappointments and lots of waiting. Now, add an active toddler in that mix. Being a writing mom (or Dad) takes even more discipline, planning, patience and the "want" than a typical writer.

All writers are busy but writers with children have to be a little more creative. I'm not talking being more creative on plots and characters, writing parents must be more creative with their time.

As a writing mom of a toddler and multiple deadlines I know that I get the most work done by waking up early. That may not be the advice that you wanted to hear but it is the most beneficial, at least for me. I've also learned ways to create more time. I'm a huge fan of my new slow cooker! And working out may seem to take time away from your writing but in reality it helps me stay well and clear my head so that I'm more productive.

Modern day technology also is a friend to writing parents. I have revised and plotted chapters while chasing my toddler. My iPad helps me with this task but you could use anything. A simple old-fashioned pad of paper and pen will do the trick.

The main thing to remember is to plan and make the most of the writing time that you do get. Being a writing parent is a challenge but you are not alone.

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.

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.

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.

This writer’s Thanksgiving

Having worked in public relations, communications and television I feel most thankful now to be a full-time writer. I really have always loved every job I have had but I really love what I am doing today and anytime someone can say that, they should give thanks.

I love the flexibility. The opportunity to explore new worlds through the eyes of my characters and to meet new characters, both good and bad. On the non-fiction front, I love to meet people that I probably wouldn’t meet if it wasn’t for some of the topics I cover. I love the chance to educate others on ideas and subjects that are important to me and that deserve to be shared. I love possibilities. I love walking into a bookstore and walking through the rows thinking that someday the book I’m writing now will be among those bestsellers.

I’m most thankful for the community I’ve met in the writing world. First I joined Romance Writer’s of America (even though I don’t write romance) and later I became part of the great publishing family at Who Dares Win Publishing when I published my first book, ‘Caring for Your Special Needs Dog’. It is wonderful to have found such a great resource and support in both communities.

I have wonderful friends and a support group in my critique partners and beta readers for my fiction work. You know who you are. But I’m most thankful for my family. They are the ones that understand and support my writing career the most and help me make it all work even with an active toddler and dog who often is more trouble then our daughter!

If you’re a writer, what/who are you giving thanks for on this holiday?

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.

The benefit of beta readers

Are you doing everything that you can for your writing? My answer until recently was no. I recently asked some of my best friends to read my work. They are not writers so they are not reading for the same things that my critique partner reads for but they are avid readers and care about my success.

They have picked up on inconsistencies that I dropped during my many drafts but more importantly they let me know how much they love my story. It is so important to have cheerleaders other than your family. You don’t have to be published in fiction to have fans. Let your friends fall in love with your characters and know what you spend countless hours on.

Let your friends be your beta readers and give them an opportunity to read a great story for free! How did you find your beta readers? Do you have friends that love to read the genre you write in as well?

Blog Mash-up:

Story Climax: The Whole Point- Guest: Victoria Mixon at author Jami Gold’s blog

Structure Part 7: Genre Matters by author Kristen Lamb

# Nanowrimo Why do you write by author Bob Mayer

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.

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

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.

How family meddling can help your writing

Being a writer doesn’t just have to be about you. Get your family involved. Your family should be your best supporters. They should respect your time but they need to know why. Let them know how important this is to you. Discuss your ideas with them and let them read your work.

My husband is a geologist. I had him read my YA fantasy thinking that he would only be able to catch typos and whatnot. Oh no. He found that I went against the laws of physics at one point. In my book, my heroine floods an underwater palace but the way she does could never happen in real life. I love it. I real life! It is a fantasy! However, all fiction should maintain a level of realism and my husband was right to point out such an era. So now, in this particular scene the palace floods exactly how an underwater palace would flood if one would today.

You never know in what way you family may help you. Personally, nothing makes me more proud or more turned on when my husband reads my work. I love how much he supports me and then to have him praise my writing and really enjoy reading it—it doesn’t get much better then that.

So, include your family in your writing process. As a writer this is a huge part of your life. Don’t shut out those you love. Let them join this journey with you and let them enjoy your success along the way. How do you include your family in your writing process?

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.

Blog Mash-up:

By author Kristen Lamb ‘The Secret to Selling Books Part 1- Let’s Get Sticky’

By author Jennifer Hale ‘Behold the Power of a Nap’

By author P.W Creighton ‘Narrative Arcology’

Give me a break! And it’s good for my writing!

As a writer I can relate to that constant nagging pull to keep writing and meet that writing goal. However, sometimes the best thing for your writing is to just take a break. As I’ve said before, there is no such thing as writer’s block. When a scene proves to be a challenge, just walk away from it. Even if it is just a little while. Any break, no matter how short it may be can help the quality of your writing and manuscript.

For writing moms, this advice is very easy to follow. When I feel like I’ve hit a dead end or I’m struggling with a scene, I take a break and play with my daughter. This accomplishes two important things. First, I get to play with the most beautiful little girl in the world. Secondly, it gets my mind off that troublesome scene. There is such a thing as working too hard. It’s easy to get so focused in work but really a break can do wonders for your work and for your life.

Rewards are also a great way to celebrate reaching a goal. I love rewards! I rarely go over my writing goal because I don’t want to overwork myself. Instead, I treat myself to an hour of reading a book of my choice.

What do you do for a writing break? Do you give yourself a reward when you’ve reached a goal?

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.

This October I’ll be teaching ‘Writing Moms: How to do it all without losing your mind’ with Who Dares Wins Publishing’s Write It Forward Workshops. Click here to sign up or for more information.

Blog Mash-ups:

Author and social media expert Kristen Lamb’s “The WANA Theory of Book Economics: Why Traditional Marketing Doesn’t Sell Books.”

Pitch University’s Diane Holmes’ “Using Major Turning Points: Pacing Advice By Christopher Vogler” And FYI I’m currently reading his book, “The Writer’s Journey” and loving it!

Some motivation from author Candace Havens off author Anna DeStefano’s blog, How We Write Wednesdays.

From suits to burp rags: The life of a work-at-home mommy

I used put on a fancy business suit and heels to go to work on The Ave. of Americas in NYC or on Post Oak in Houston. Now I simply wear yoga pants/sweat pants, depending on the weather and a Baylor t-shirt to go to work in my at-home office in my house. Oh and don’t forget the burp rag that ordained my shoulder during the early days of being a writing mommy.

Time management can become a big struggle for any working-from-home mommy, especially since you cannot manage which you cannot control. As a mom, many factors control your day, none of which include you. Your baby always needs you and then there are the normal house cleaning, laundry, cooking needs. So, how do you work while getting all of that done while staying sane? Simple, you have to know yourself and control what you can.

By knowing yourself, you can identify what times of day you are most productive at various tasks. Use this knowledge to map out a day that will lead you to success.

Now flexibility is key. Many times that obligatory monkey wrench fins its way into our lives. That’s why you always need a back-up plan. Don’t stress over the things that don’t get done, celebrate the things that did get done. You can always make time for anything that is important to you. If writing is important, then you can make it work.

I’m teaching a month long Write It Forward Workshop, ‘Writing Moms: How to do it all without losing your mind!’ this October through Who Dares Wins Publishing. I hope that you will join the discussion and grow from it. Click here for more information and to sign up.

Are you a writing mommy or work-from-home mommy? What have you learned along the journey?

No announcements or blog shout-outs today as I’m out of town. Have a wonderful Friday y’all! I leave you with a great song by Bon Jovi, ‘Have a Nice Day.’

What’s in your ‘Happy’ file?

This week I received my first rejection. It was for my young adult fantasy and yes; I know that this is part of this business. Honestly, the rejection is a good thing. I don’t want a literary agent who doesn’t love my book as much as I do. I want someone ready to work hard, just as I did while writing it. Someone who loves the characters, their troubles and victories and will not rest until the rest of the world is enjoying them. That is the acceptance I want. Until then, life goes on and writing goes on, but it never hurts to stop by the ‘Happy’ file.

What?.....

What is a ‘happy’ file you ask? You may have read about authors that save their rejection letters as tools for motivation. That is a great tactic and let me tell you; since I received my rejection my writing has been on fire! But I still prefer a more positive solution. A ’happy’ file is where I keep copies or even notes of my successes. Some items towards the front is the beautiful book cover for my published non-fiction book, ‘Caring for Your Special Needs Dog.’ It always makes me smile. I’m a published author in something that I am passionate about. And that cover is beautiful!

I have an email from a reader that said she was going to adopt a special needs dog because she’s seen the ease and rewards of saving one thanks to my book. This email still makes me cry.

I save emails from critique partners and beta readers that talk about how much they enjoy my story. I have thank you notes from fans of Cassandra Clare’s ‘The Mortal Instruments’ series thanking me for holding an essay contest. I report on her series as The Mortal Instruments Examiner. And your successes do not have to be “writing” related.

The number one item in my ‘happy’ file is a picture of my daughter. She is my biggest success and will continue to be long after I write a blog telling you that my fiction novels have hit the New York Times bestselling list. Having a baby is always a miracle. However, I was on bed rest and fed through IV’s the majority of my pregnancy. It was horrible and I know how lucky I am to have my blue-eyed beauty.

When I decided I was going to become an author I read all the articles and blogs on rejection. I knew I would not be the one person in the history of the craft to defy all odds. Instead of focusing on the negative, focus on the positive. For each rejection, there are still many reasons to be happy and keep writing—and maybe with a renewed passion after a trip to your ‘happy’ file. What’s in your ‘happy’ file?

I LOVE listening to music. I must have it while I write and I always listen to a short clip to get pumped up before launching into my days writing goal. I’m currently obsessed with the song below. It is from the ‘Real Steel’ movie trailer and it almost makes me want to pay the extra money for a sitter to go see the movie. Enjoy!

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.

Blog spotlights:

Author Katie Ganshert, ‘Three Criteria for a Killer Title.’

Literary Agent Donald Maass at Pitch University, ‘How to Be a Story Master.’

Author and social media guru Kristen Lamb’s, ‘Deadly Sin of Writing #4- Beware the Bog of Back Story.’

How outlining is like parenting

How do you outline? For my first YA I was in every sense of the word—a panster. For my freelance projects and my non-fiction, including my book ‘Caring for Your Special Needs Dog’ I use a very detailed outline. But I’m changing things up for my current work in progress. I’m using, what I call a working outline. With this outline, I stay at least ten scenes ahead of my writing. This way I have direction but still have freedom to be creative and let the characters speak for themselves.

Really, this is like parenthood. As a working-from-home mother to a one-year-old, I try my best to plan my day. Any mother will agree with me that such an idea is impossible. So, my new outline approach is like parenthood. I plan but I also leave room for the unpredictable.

I believe that writers have to experiment with various processes to find what works best for them. My YA came together finally but without following a plan it did make the revision process much longer and more of a challenge. That is why I decided to try something new this time around. Currently, I’m researching for my next non-fiction dog book. By the time I begin writing it, I will have every chapter and section fully outlined.

How do you outline? How did you come to find what works for you?

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 I have found. Click here for more information.

Friday blog shout-outs to….

Author Susan Meier shared her plotting secrets on author Anna DeStefano’s blog. This is a not to miss read!

Author Jami Gold’s post ‘What Wrong Turns Have You Made?’ is so true and insightful.

Social Media expert, Kristen Lamb talks ‘Spam Toad vs. Author Brand’ in another fabulous and humorous article.

Do you work with time or against it?

Author Joy E. Held always brings excellent advice in her guest posts and today is no different. All writers, whether we are juggling another job or working as a writing mommy or both can benefit from time management advice.

Someday's do you just feel like pulling out your hair, or lose your stripes? The always-evolving need to manage my day efficiently reached a new level this week as my daughter is now walking! But maybe we are looking at this all from the wrong perspective? So without further adieu, I give you Joy Held.

There are five primary areas of practice to the Writer Wellness plan. Every other week I will post an idea at my blog http://www.writerwellness.wordpress.com for relaxation (Monday Meditation,) creative play (Tuesday Tickle,) fitness and exercise (Wednesday Workout,) journaling and misc. (Thursday Thought,) and nutrition (Friday Feast.)

“Time management” is an oxymoron. We can’t possibly manage time. It does what it wants regardless of our efforts to wrangle it into submission. It marches on no matter what. Trying to manage time is frustrating because it’s a little like herding cats or nailing Jello (trademark) to a tree. Time has a mind and a mission of its own. Time cannot be told what to do and it cannot be beat into submission. But time rules the world and we will continue to know frustration until we develop a different relationship with time.

We can either work with time or we can compete against it. The competition idea is largely responsible for our feelings of frustration. “There is never enough time to get everything done,” we say out of habit. “I make lists, but there isn’t enough time to get it all done in a day.” While lists are a proactive method for dealing with our frustrations about not enough time, they too can cause us to “grrrrrr” at the end of the day’s allotted time when we realize how much of the list did not get accomplished.

Try feeling time instead. It’s a practice born of meditation’s ultimate lesson in patience. Begin by, and I hesitate to say it, setting a stopwatch or timer when you practice meditation. Do not set the timer for ten minutes, close your eyes, and breathe until the timer goes off. With the timer at zero, first close your eyes, push the button, and breathe. Meditate until the feeling arises that the session has come to an end. Open your eyes and see how long you have practiced. Regardless of how many minutes have passed, end the session. Do this daily and the time you meditate will gradually increase on its own in a natural way. Putting a time limit on your daily meditation practice is contradictory to the purpose. The purpose is to love your time here, not manage your time here.

Meanwhile, remember to look for a digital or print copy of Writer Wellness, A Writer’s Path to Health and Creativity at Who Dares Wins Publishing, http://whodareswinspublishing.com.

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 I have found. Click here for more information.

Some great writing time management advice that I read this week came from author Kait Nolan. Check out her post, ‘It’s Easier to Maintain Than Rebuild/Redue.’

Don’t miss Bob Mayer’s insightful post, ‘Thriving in the Chaos of Publishing.’

I also loved Kristen Lamb's post (though I normally love her stuff!) , ‘The Devil in the Details- 3 Ways to Make Your Writing Shine.’

Freelance Writing: A Gateway to “Authorhood?” Part 1

Many of my Twitter followers read my tweets about meeting freelance deadlines and how happy I am to finish so I can return my focus to my WIP or research for my WIP. Such relief often can be misunderstood, even though it is always a wonderful feeling when I hit the ‘submit’ button and send an article to an editor, freelancing has made and continues to make me the writer that I am today. For that, I am grateful for the path I am on and because this is such a huge topic, I’m discussing it in a three part. Part two will be out tomorrow followed by part three on Sunday. But how did I get into freelance writing and what do I think?

I started freelance writing ten years ago during high school. I knew then, after too many injuries from my dance career, that I wanted to be a writer. The problem was that I wasn’t sure what kind of writer. At that time, I had recently won the National Scholastic Writing Competition with a short story but was told by teachers that I couldn’t make a living as a fiction writer (well, HA to that as now I’m sure trying!) I volunteered for free labor. I spoke to the local Chamber of Commerce and any small, local publications and wrote for free. It was a great experience and opportunity to have my writing seen by people outside of school.

I attended Baylor University, where I studied Journalism, Public Relations and Business Management; because remember, there is no money in fiction (a great example on how you shouldn’t always listen to your elders.) In one of my favorite PR courses, I was required to find a freelance position out in the community. Since, I use to dance and perform in theatre it was no surprise when I started working for a local and historically beautiful theatre house. And to make it better, they paid me to write for them! I would send articles to local publications about upcoming performances. I wrote press releases and held press conferences for the media. It was a wonderful experience.

After that job, finding work came easier. I began to write and get paid by several local publications. I queried a political PR topic to the Public Relations Society of America quarterly publication and was accepted. That was my first National published piece (and yes, I’m a dork it is framed.)

After graduation, I always continued to freelance part-time in addition to having “real jobs.” It did bring in money and I would use that for my “play” money. When my husband was transferred to Houston, I quit my job and had the luxury to be picky in my search. I didn’t find anything that I really wanted to do. I’ve always been the type that wants to love my work and nothing was standing out to me that was worth the pay. I decided to take my part-time freelance work and see how it would work as a full-time position. That’s when I began to write for Examiner.com and I still continue to write for local and National publications, as topics I query are accepted.

So here is the good and the ugly of the freelancing business!

The Ugly:

1. For most, it starts out as volunteer work or with very little pay. You have to prove yourself and pay your dues.

2. Querying and finding contracts can be very draining.

3. The pay is not consistent. I have good months and not so good months but I keep trucking along.

4. It takes a lot of discipline and dedication to meet the deadlines and still make time for any other writing projects that you have such as fiction writing. You are your own boss.

5. There are no traditional benefits. For me this isn’t s big issue since I was married and my husband had benefits when I took this full-time.

The Good:

1. I have the opportunity to cover topics and talk to amazing people that otherwise I wouldn’t have had the privilege to speak with.

2. I love the opportunity to learn about things. Having a curious nature, I believe is a must for a freelance writer.

3. It gives me the opportunity to see my work published. A thrill for any writer.

4. Through freelancing, I’m practicing my craft everyday and always learning and improving.

5. It gives me the flexible life that I love. I set my own hours, which is ideal for a working-from-home mom BUT this means that I must always stay on top of deadlines and writing goals.

For me, freelance writing has been an excellent step into becoming an author. For my debut book, ‘Caring for Your Special Needs Dog’ I was all ready accomplished as an interviewer and researcher that helped me greatly. My dog inspired that book, but I involved many families points-of-views, not wanting the book to be all about Oscar.

Freelancing introduces a writer to many different styles, which I’m finding is helping me with my fiction work. It also instill work ethic and proves to future editors and agents that you are capable of being professional and meeting deadlines. These are all great reasons why freelance writing can easily be a gateway to “authorhood” and other authors are experiencing success from the same path.

Tomorrow, I’ll be talking with award-winning author, Christie Craig who also followed a freelance writing path to “authorhood.” She writes sexy, suspenseful and seriously funny romantic fiction. Not that that was enough to keep her busy, she writes the YA paranormal Shadow Falls series and non-fiction for writers. Craig is funny and very insightful. She also, has a large and beloved family dog, Max so I can relate to her greatly! Check back tomorrow morning to read her thoughts on freelance writing.

Do you write freelance? How did you get started? Do you feel that this is helping or has helped your journey toward “authorhood,” if that is your goal?

Announcements:

This week, I was a guest at Joy Held’s Writer Wellness blog. Check out my “A-Musing” post and share what motivates you as a writer.

I have begun research and interviews for my next book in my non-fiction dog book series with Who Dares Wins Publishing. The topic is dogs and children and how to create introductions that will lead to positive and beneficial relationships for them both. Please email me at NatalieCMarkey.com if you feel you could contribute.

Check out ‘Caring for Your Special Needs Dog’ to learn easy, common sense ways to give your dog the best quality of life from the perspective of owners that are making it work. Your dog doesn’t have to have a disability to benefit from this book. Some dogs are “special” in many ways.

Some great blogs to follow:

http://writeitforward.wordpress.com/ Bob Mayer

http://jenniholbrooktalty.wordpress.com/ Jennifer Holbrook

http://warriorwriters.wordpress.com/ Kristen Lamb

http://inspiration4writers.blogspot.com/ Inspiration for Writers, Inc.

I wish I had done this sooner

Most writers have a story. Why are you a writer? When I was at the National RWA Conference in NYC I heard so many writers talk about how they wish they had started writing sooner. I do feel that there has been a shift in the attitude of the writing career. I remember being in high school and winning the Scholastic Writing Competition in the short story category. Of course, I was thrilled but I remember my teacher telling me to go into journalism because there is no money in fiction writing. I believed her.

Well, I’ve got news—there isn’t much money in journalism or public relations either. However, I’m glad that I went that route. I believe that every experience we have makes us better writers. I’ve read countless times from many successful authors, that you must write what you know. Now, in my young adult fantasy, Atlantis doesn’t really exist (at least it doesn’t to the best of my knowledge) but if you know me, then you know that I love the ocean so it is no surprise that I incorporate it into my fiction writing.

I also incorporate what is important to me in my non-fiction. I write about dogs from an owner’s perspective. In my freelance writing, I’ve literally covered any topic from how to create a brilliant dining room tablescape, to a National Alligator Festival, and aviation pollution studies. For me, being a professional writer is the ultimate cure to boredom. Even through my fiction research, I get to study and become an “expert” on so many topics. Even though the industry is tough and the work is not easy, this is by far my favorite job. To echo what many said at Nationals this year, I do wish I had taken the leap into professional writing sooner.

That leap doesn’t come lightly. It certainly didn’t for me. I like making money, who doesn’t? For me, I eased into a full-time writing career from years of part-time freelancing that just evolved. The big push for me came when I had my daughter and I wanted to work from home. Some writers are still writing well into the night and on breaks from other jobs. I salute you if you are one of these people.

How did you become to be a writer? What made you take that leap? I do think that we will see more young, out of school writers. As a speaker, one of my topics in schools is goal setting. I use to never hear anyone say that they wanted to be an author, now that career option is mentioned much more frequently.

Announcements:

I've noticed some outstanding blog posts this week. Check them out:

Where Do You Want Me? Choosing Narrative Distance in Multiple Third Person by Janice Hardy

Five More Mistakes That Will Expose You As a Rookie by Larry Brooks

Efficiency 101: The Power of “No” by Kait Nolan

Three Tricks to Keep Your Eyes Fresh When Revising by Jill Kemerer

On September 26 6:30-8PM PDT I will be hosting a webinar through Farm Dog USA on ‘Caring for Your Special Needs Dog’ based on my book by the same title. I will be posting sign-up information as soon as it becomes available.

This October I will be teaching an online workshop on the ‘Writing Mommy: Making it all work without losing your mind’ through Who Dares Wins Publishing's Write It Forward workshops. I will post a sign-up link when it’s available.

Developing an emergency backup plan

NOTE: This is not to be used as instruction for zombie apocalypse survival. Though, that would definitely put a damper on your daily writing goals.

It can be hard to juggle motherhood, writing/working and real life. I am an advocate on the importance of goal setting, as are many writing related articles I read. However, sometimes life happens and we see the importance of exercising flexibility in addition to stringent goal planning.

This week Oscar has had an increase in his seizures, I have been suffering from migraines left and right—Baby has been fine but that only means she is as active as ever. I still have freelance deadlines and sometimes, like earlier this week, I can’t meet my daily fiction writing goal. Yes, that is hard for me to type, but I’ve learned that sometimes we need flexibility. I’m not saying to give into excuses but not many people can meet their goals everyday. With that being said, I suggest an emergency backup plan.

To make my emergency backup plan, I take my original daily writing goal of 3,000 words and chop it down to 500. So, I don’t make my goal but at least I did something with my WIP.

Even though we have some days where our goals become impossible, we also have some really great days where we feel like super heroes. You know that feeling. The kids are doing great, you’ve made all deadlines or gotten things done early with your “real job,” you finished your writing goal and feel like you could save the world from anything! I may be exaggerating a bit, but my point is, everyone has great days. Use those great days to your advantage. It is great when you can write more than your daily writing goal and that extra work will balance out days when you don’t feel so super.

Announcements:

This week, I loved this post by author Amy Romaine, Writing- Exercise for the Brain?

Are you starting a blog? Wanting to know what that magic number is, meaning how often should you blog. Read, ‘What’s the Magic Number? How often should Writers Blog?’ by Kristen Lamb

I will be presenting ‘Caring for Your Special Needs Dog,’ a webinar for the Farm Dogs USA on September 26 6:30-8:00 PDT. This is open and available to the public. I will be posting the link to sign up soon.

You can read my book ‘Caring for your Special Needs Dog,’ that inspired the lecture. I cannot take full credit though, all of this was inspired by my dog, Oscar * Oscar wags his tail while sitting on my foot. *

A dare for something different

Do you hate it when you watch a horror film and you can guess who will die next? I do. I hate it when movies and books are predictable. Just like you should write what you know and what you love, you should also not do the things you hate. That can be easier said then done. I sometimes notice myself falling into the world of predictable scenes. A great way to prevent this is to do something different and unique.

When I’m stuck on a scene, I write out the options available for my character. Don’t go with the obvious. Of course it is important to be consistent with your character’s arc but I don’t think everything has to be obvious. It is the same way in life. I hate flying. I have no reason to, I just never have liked it. So, did it surprise my family when I chose to go up on a floatplane ride this past week at the lake house? Oh, yes it did!

And better yet…I’m alive to tell you about the thrilling experience. As you come in to land on water in floatplane it all seems to cut it a little close, but the landing was smooth. Sometimes the best thing for our plot is a little unpredictability. It also is good for us out in the real world away from pages of the make believe.

Announcements:

If you have been following me on Twitter, then you know my growing excitement for Shark Week. Yes, it is an addiction. As a lead up, Discovery Channel has a live web cam in the World’s largest shark tank. You watch sharks 24/7 and it is a great writing break. Enjoy it, if you dare!

If you’ve read my book ‘Caring for Your Special Needs Dog,’ then you know that I love to include a lot of different dog owner’s experiences in my books. I am gearing up for research for my next dog non-fiction. The topic will focus on intergrading your dog with a young child and how to make the relationship work for both of them. If you feel that you might have something to add to my research, then I’d love to speak with you. Email me at NatalieCMarkey@gmail.com