Showing posts with label The Wonder of Writing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label The Wonder of Writing. Show all posts

May 8, 2011

30 Minute Productivity



With the abundance of information available on the internet, Facebook, Twitter, Good Reads, blogs, You Tube, Linked In, books, webinars, television, email... it feels as if there's always something else you have to look at, have to learn. So you spend all day reading and watching and commenting and socializing, and then wonder where the day has gone.

Or you work diligently and hard all day on your writing. You finish a blog post, work on your novel, edit your short story, communicate with a potential client, complete necessary research, AND socialize. But your to-do list only seems to accumulate. You focus on what you HAVEN'T finished yet, and punish yourself for being unproductive.

Your brain is fried. You can't imagine having to sit down and work more. You're exhausted. So you go to bed feeling guilty of what you haven't accomplished. Closing your eyes, you try to feel the comfort of your pillow, allow yourself to rest, but your brain is screaming fragmented thoughts that you need to complete - Clean your room! Email this person! Schedule this appointment! Write the chapter!
 
This is bad. But it happens. We writers love our work so much that it's hard for us to separate our work and our lives, and end up working all the time, because it's fun, right?

May 7, 2011

Boot Camp in a Book - From Written to Published


Have you ever had trouble coming up with ideas for your writing? Are you having trouble creating an effective writing schedule? Do you have difficulties creating compelling characters? Or is it the plot that’s holding you back? Maybe, you have gotten past all the writing troubles, but do you know where to publish it?

The Wonder of Writing can help you through all these problems and more. This boot camp in a book will take you through brainstorming the first ideas all the way to choosing how and where to publish. The Wonder of Writing will help you go from written to published.

The Wonder of Writing is for aspiring and veteran writers, as well as any others interested in the written word. The information included will help take a vague concept to a fully published book. By discussing the writing practice as well as publishing in today’s evolving literary industry, the text provides you with information on how to write, and how to decide which publishing avenue is the best for you as it applies to our technologically advanced society. Information is abundant, and delivered in a quick and efficient manor.

You can also apply these techniques hands-on with The Wonder of Writing Workbook. The workbook compliments the text and allows you to bring the tasks to your own life in practice. By working through both, you will be on the right track to writing and publishing your work.

What's included?
  • How to Design a Productive Writing Schedule
  • How to Brainstorm Ideas
  • How to Set Realistic Goals
  • How to Create Compelling Characters
  • How to Revise the Right Way
  • How to Write an Successful Query Letter
  • How to Determine the Best Publishing Outlet for Your Story
  • Detailed Information About Today's Publishing Avenues
If you are just beginning to write, or you're looking to sharpen up your skills, The Wonder of Writing can help!


Click HERE to Pre-Order Your Copy Today!

Apr 13, 2011

Kickstarter Project - Updates!

My Kickstarter Project is one week in, and I'm 10% of the way to my goal. This is good, and bad.

If you haven't heard about my Kickstarter, you can read all about it here and pledge here.


The Revise Right Worksheet which will be included in the workbook is available here, and a character worksheet will be available soon!


The Good - I'm 10% of the way there! It's awesome to see people caring and supporting me! I'm excited and optimistic and have met some great people on the way!

The Bad - This is a lot harder than I thought. And if the pledges don't pick up soon, I will fail.

I'm really excited for this, and I know this book has a lot of potential. This is a huge step, that is extremely difficult to climb. But I'm ready to share with the world. I'm trying my hardest to spread the word, but I've got to find something more.

I want this more than anything, and I won't stop until the very last second.

If you haven't helped out, PLEASE do. Have you ever had a dream? I'm sure you have. Please support mine, and I will support yours too! Your pledge will not be charged to your card until I reach my goal, on April 30.

If you have helped out, THANK YOU! You are awesome.

If you would like to help out more, I will love you more. Blog about it, tweet about it, tell all your friends... If you have suggestions for me on how I can expand, I would really appreciate it!


More updates soon to come. Now please please please, with caramel and hot fudge and sugar and frosting and sprinkles on top, go pledge for me!

Apr 9, 2011

Revise Right - Worksheet


Need to edit?

Wondering what will be in The Wonder of Writing Workbook?

Do you want your revision to be quick and easy? Step by Step?

Look no further! I've uploaded The Wonder of Writing Worbook's Revise Right worksheet for your convienence. Enjoy!

You may save it, you may print it, you may love it!

If you like it and want more helpful worksheets to guide you through your writing, go pledge over at the Kickstarter page! Then the workbook can be in your hands as quick as possible. Have $90 pledged so far. Help me reach $2,000 pretty pretty please.

Here you go! Enjoy!


Apr 7, 2011

Kickstarter Project Launched!

So I just launched my Kickstarter project, and I'm super excited! Now it's up to you to pledge and help me reach my goal!

Don't know what I'm talking about? I've detailed for you in simple questions below. Or you can go visit the page and see for yourself!

Disclaimer: The video on the page proves that writers are much better at writing speeches than giving them! (:


What is Kickstarter?

Kickstarter is a website designed so individuals can fundraise for their creative projects. A person with a specific goal in mind can create a project and list a given amount of money needed to complete that project. Then it's up to backers to pledge how much money they would like to spend to help fund this project. But it's not just asking people to give and give because they feel like it. Rewards are given with specific prices as assigned by the creator. If the project is successfully funded - as in the funds goal reached or surpassed - then the money is paid and rewards are given accordingly. If the goal is not successfully funded, no money is paid and no rewards are given out. So you either reach your goal, get the money, and complete your project, or you don't reach your goal, don't get any money, and hope for a different avenue to find funds for the project.

What is your Kickstarter project?
I'm striving to raise $2,000 to self-publish many copies of my book, The Wonder of Writing, its correlating workbook, and turn it into an e-Book so it can reach a wide audience as quick as possible. I'm looking for backers to pledge and help me turn my dreams into a reality.

What do you mean, pledge?
By backing a project and pledging that you will pay a certain amount of money if the project is successfully funded, you are not charged at the time. You are only charged if and when the project is funded.

How much do I have to pay?
The choice to back a project is entirely up to you. Minimum donation for my project is only one dollar. The rewards start at five dollars.

What do I get out of this?
Well for starters, you are helping a young aspiring author encourage writing and publishing within other authors by publishing these books. You will feel the warm goodness in your heart of being a great person and supporting a valuable and unique production.

Depending on your level of pledge, you will receive a certain reward as well.

For a $5 pledge, you will receive a handwritten postcard with the cover of the book on one side.
For a $35 pledge, you will receive both the book and the workbook.
For a $100 pledge, you will receive a consultation about your work-in-progress, signed copy of LIMITED EDITION book which is only available through this project, the workbook, and the e-book.
For a $1,500 pledge, you will receive the Gold Level of Supporting Young Authors Award. Your name published in the preface of the limited edition book with your level of support. Limited edition will include an exclusive section devoted to creating the plan for marketing your book. A consultation, general review, and full edit of your work-in-progress. Signed copies of the books and workbook, the e-book. And an exclusive one-on-one creative planning and workshop in your area for your school class or writing group. (What an offer! Not sure if anyone will go for this, but it's available!)

For a list of all the rewards, check out the Kickstarter Project page.

Can I start my own project?
Of course! Request an idea through the Kickstarter start-up page and get going! I'll tell ya what. You support my project, and I'll definitely support yours! (:


My Kickstarter project started today and will run till April 30. That's a little over three and a half weeks long. This is a truly unique way to help out a fellow writer who is trying to help other fellow writers. Please support if you're interested in purchasing a book, sometime, ever! This is a way to help me get off the ground and go big with my book. So pledge now! And thank you!


Apr 1, 2011

A is for April Anticipation

It's April 1st. April is the month of decisions, the month of growing up, the month of planning for new exciting and courageous events. April is the month of Anticipation.

This month alone, is a giant stepping stone for my future. The amount of value it holds will spring me from the depths of murky beginning waters to dry land of accomplishment. After this month, I'll be ready to take on the future, and even begin to see a bit of where I'm going.

Hopefully I'll be going somewhere wonderful.

Name My Owl and Short Story Contests!

Write Wonder and Win Wondrous Prizes!

To celebrate my up and coming book, website, and freelance writing and editing business, I'm hosting two contests with extraordinary prizes. Enter one, enter both! Enter them multiple times! Details are below. Get excited, get creative, get submitting, and enjoy!

Name My Owl Contest:

If you have not yet seen the newest member of the Writing Wonder world, here he is!



Cute little fellow, isn't he? Well, he might be a she, as he/she/it doesn't have a name yet. But we can't have a nameless owl!  Submit your choice of this owl's name along with a reason why you chose it. I will select the top 3 choices by April 18, and then YOU will vote for the final decision. The winner will name the owl of their choice. This is a one-time contest; once he's named, that's it. Help decide the name of my owl now, as you'll never get another chance.





Rules:

  • Post your entry in the comments
  • You must submit your entry between now and April 15 at 9 pm EST
  • You may vote on the top 3 names from April 18-April 30 at 9 pm EST
  • You must be following the blog
  • Must submit a name and a reason why
  • You may enter multiple names if you choose
Prizes:
  • Title of Official Namer of the Owl
  • Ownership of the Owl's Name, forever
  • Exclusive winner's badge for your website (see below!)
  • Option to be a guest blogger for May and June
  • FREE copy of my book, The Wonder of Writing
  • FREE edit of your choice on your current work-in-progress
The Lovely Winner's Badge - exclusive to ONE winner ONE time:


 
But wait, there's more! Another contest you can enter!
I told you this was a celebration...

April Short Story Contest: Bring a Ghost Story to Life

Write a ghost story - whether it be well-known, or completely of your own design - from the scene of the crime. Write what happened prior, during, and/or after. Show the ghost in existence somehow. It can be from when the ghost died and his/her perspective of life, or someone investigating a ghost myth. Just show the ghost in a creative way.

This is a topic near and dear to my heart. Although I've never seen a ghost, I believe in they do exist and I love to unravel their backgrounds. I'm currently working on a short story derived from a myth near my home town. It's been proven false, but I adore the idea of it. I still wish it could possibly be true.

So bring on the ghosts!

Rules:
  • Post your entry in the comments or email to me at rachelgiesel@hotmail.com
  • You must submit your entry between now and April 15 at 9 pm EST
  • You must be following the blog
  • You may enter more than once if you choose
  • Story must be 2000 words or less
  • Story must revolve around the prompt: bringing a ghost story to life
  • Story must be entertaining, well-written, and creative
  • Story must include a ghost in some way
Prizes:
  • Story featured on the blog
  • Winner's badge for your website (see below!)
  • Option
  • FREE edit of your choice on your current work-in-progress
  • FREE copy of my book, The Wonder of Writing
  • to be a guest blogger for May and June
The Lovely Winner's Badge:



Oh, you're interested now, aren't you? Get writing! And win while you can!

Mar 28, 2011

Beginning My Novel Again



I've seen so many inspiring motivators today that have made me want to start working on my novel again. I've been saying this for awhile, but now I'm officially going to take action.

Life gets in the way, as it always does, and something has to be sacrificed. For months, unfortunately, my novel has been taking the neglect. But that’s changing, right now! I'm going to give this story the attention it deserves and I won't stop until it is finished.  

There's always the fact that I have no time and I'll get to it tomorrow. But these are excuses, quite lame excuses, which are prohibiting me from reaching my goal. I refuse to let those wasteful words stop me. Eliminated, as of now.

One of the biggest problems that I always run into is losing interest. Another story idea sparks into my brain and then that one is the next big thing which I have to pay attention to. I've been pretty good at preventing this from overtaking me during the course of my novel, so I'm not too worried about that. I still love my idea; the problem is how I write it.

This story is a difficult one igniting love and hate equally. Everything about it is uncharacteristic of a standard story - multiple perspectives, intertwining flashbacks of different time periods, switching drastically between fantasy and reality while all the while not even being able to discern completely what reality is. This knocks my balance of writing flow because it isn’t typical. But if it was typical, the story wouldn’t be as enticing.

I know that when my novel is finished, up to my expectations, and even better than the way I first envisioned it, the story will function beautifully. And I won't stop until I feel proud of myself and my very first novel.

All I have to do is overcome these problems. But with persistence, I can do it. I have to.

In order to do this, I am proclaiming to you, the world, present, past and future, and most importantly, myself, a Declaration of Novel Finishing Rules to finish this story:

  1. I will start working on my novel again, today, March 28, 2011, and will write consistently every day until it is finished.
  2. I will finish this story, no matter how long it takes, no matter how difficult it may be, no matter how much I hate it and no matter how much I want to quit. There is a good story in here; I just have to find the proper way to get it out.
  3. I will be continuously motivated by the discoveries I make, the sharp corners my plot flips me around, and the surprises my characters have in throw at me. I will adore the way my story takes me.
  4. If a day comes up where I am absolutely unable to write, I will accept that. I will not let it stop me or slow me down. Life does get in the way sometimes, but I won't let it overrule me and my dreams entire.
  5. I will NOT use the excuses "too busy" or "tomorrow" as a valid reason not to write. Even if I write for five minutes, or only 50 words, it's a little bit closer than I would have been without.
I am an aspiring fiction author, and I have the right to finish my first novel. I will work to the best of my ability to reach this goal.

Did I pound in the fact that I am determined to finish this novel enough yet?

Inspiration that helped me:

        Definitely helpful. Definitely doing, THIS WEEK!

        This sounds like me. It's so inspiring to see someone else overcoming the struggles that I've been having and it gives me hope that I too can finish my "difficult novel."

        These posts go from wanting to succeed to acting upon it. The descriptions that she uses are incredibly empowering as she discusses the feeling the desire and the necessity of dreams.



If you would like to know what my novel is about, check it out here.

If anyone would like to help keep me in check and make sure I stay true to my word, PLEASE let me know. I would love to have some help and extra motivation, if you're up for it. I can help you too! Writing Partners, anyone? Apply here or email me.


Ah, well, I guess I best go work on my novel now. Wish me luck!

Mar 21, 2011

Published as I Post

The first reprint of my first published book, The Wonder of Writing, is being published as I post! All these publishing happenings make me so excited. I definitely can't wait to distribute copies to everyone who ordered one! (If you haven't ordered yours yet, you still can!)

If you haven't heard about my book yet, check out the page with the whole back story and details surrounding it.