You’ve no doubt heard this one before, good writers – read.  It’s true!  I write mainly women’s fiction, so I do a lot of reading in that genre.  I also read chick lit, mainstream fiction, mysteries, thrillers, romance and much more.  If there’s a book review in the paper or a magazine I have to read it and if the story sounds good, then it goes on my list of things to read.

When I find a particular author I enjoy I tend to read everything they’ve written, but reading debut novels is fun as well.  Sharing any new found book treasures is a must.  Many of my friends and I book swap, and if we’ve gotten the book from the library we make sure and email the title and author around the group.  There is also GoodReads.com, which is a network of book lovers who share what they are reading with each other.

Occasionally films will come out about the lives of authors or based on one of my favorite books.  It’s fun to get a group of writers together to see a matinee and then get coffee and hold a discussion afterward.  Writers have such an interesting way of viewing things.

There are lots of book clubs out there that get together and discuss their favorite stories. (But, you have to read them first.)  Last year there was a statewide event to read My Antonia.  While I didn’t formally join with any group, I did read it and overheard conversations in the grocery store around the story.  That was cool.  It was like being a part of a really BIG book club.

Many of us have a library of unread books that we have collected from friends, book sales at the library, yard sales, and those bought with coupons from the local bookstores (hopefully).    When I’m finished reading and sharing a book I donate it to the library so others can partake of its pages.  The bottom line is – you can never read too many books.  And reading good books will help you become a better writer – PROMISE!

BD

I've been thinking a lot lately about the time that I spend writing.  I'm down to 2 hours a week and that's just not enough.  I have been cutting back on outside activities with the intention of spending more time and effort on what I love - writing and reading.  It's hard to do. 

There's so much I want to do, enjoy doing, and wonderful people that make the journey a lot more fun.  I wouldn't give up a minute of the time I've spent helping other writers learn the craft or supporting them on the way.  But I will step back and let others have the opportunity to experience the joy and fulfillment that comes from it.

Writer's groups are essential for beginning writers.  We all need the guidance and support, no matter what stage we are in the craft or along the writer's path.  I will always be a part of at least one, and probably many writers organizations.  The writers I've met along this journey of mine are tremondous people, filled with the creative spirit and endless curiosity, not to mention the willingness to work hard and share what they've learned.

The new chapter I plan to start on now is to make time for the story. The sequel to my novel (Feisty Family Values, coming out in February 2010) is only about 1/3 done. The characters are keeping me awake at night.  I'd better start listening to them before they stop talking to me. 

Those of you who have been on this writing path will understand.  Those who are just beginning, don't be discouraged - please, keep at it.  Keep asking questions. Keep digging deeper and deeper into the passion of your creativity and write!  Go to conferences and workshops and listen - ask questions - and network with other writers.  You will learn so much.  I know I have.

If time and funds allow I'll see you at one of the conferences in the midwest in the fall.  But this summer, I write.  How about you?  Will this be the summer you finish your novel?  Let's give a go, shall we?

Write on and enjoy the journey. It should be an interesting one.
BD

I think it was Jack Frost (make that Robert Frost) that said, "No tears in the writer, no tears from the reader." 

So, in keeping with the theme of the Wizard of Oz (Lion's courage a couple of blogs ago) I think writers should also have HEART - just like the Tin Man.  Seriously!  We have to put a lot of our self into the story to make it live.  We must love the writing journey or we wouldn't be following it now would we?  I know it's not the love of rejection that spurs us on.  The creative spark must be ignited within us and we must believe with our whole heart that we have a story to tell and tell it. 

We've all heard "write what you know" but I subscribe to the addege that we should "write what we feel."  Nothing is more moving to a reader than a poem or story that touches their heart, makes them feel, or relive an experience or gives them tools to fight their demons.  Sometimes we get lucky and in the process of fighting our own demons on the page we find a way to show others the way as well. 

Okay, maybe I'm rambling some, but I think you get the drift.  Use your writing to show what the character feels and if you spill a little of your own in the mix, it's okay, it'll make it all the richer.

Enjoy the journey,

BD

OMG, I can't believe I laid awake last night and watched a chapter unfold in my newest novel and didn't get up and write it down.  It was so vivid that I did write some notes on the pad by the bed, just in case I might forget them today.  But I don't think I forgot any of it. 

Have I written it down yet?  Nothing besides my notes.  Will I?  OF COURSE.  This is a bit of a crazy week so I don't want to lose it in the shuffle.  My daughter-in-law is having a garage sale and I offered to help tomorrow.  Family is always first.  Then there's the day job.  Had to work today and Friday, so when will I have an hour to write?  Not sure.  If I can't sleep tonight, then I'll do it then.  If that doesn't work I'll take my notebook and write during the lulls in the sale - provided there are any.  If that doesn't work - then tomorrow night!

Isn't writing grand?  Actually, it is.  All these incredible characters and situations just seem to appear out of the subconscious and the next thing you know you have a scene, then a chapter, then a book.  A truly incredible process.  Every creative soul wishes for more "creative" time, but it's the run to the store, the interactions with co-workers, the family dynamics that all fuel the fire of the imagination. 

Enjoy the journey my writing friends, it can be most interesting.

BD