Boy, the life of a writer is so fun! If I'm not writing, I'm reading about writing, twittering about writing and getting advice, begging others to read my manuscript, submitting to editors and agents, or reading my favorite books. It doesn't get better than this!

And on that note, I was reading the book, "The Creative Writer's Companion," by Stanley J. Corwin, and found this:

"Your idea may be the first, or the last, but it must be the best and the most enduring, and be the right book, for the right market, at the right time."

Timing is everything, to say the least.

While on a quick unexpected trip yesterday, I took the time to read a section in the book, entitled, "The Successful Novelist," by David Morrell. On page 105, he says, "I recommend that beginning novelists go to a large book store once a month, the kind that has a huge section of novels marked 'new releases.' Read the first sentence/paragraph/page of every one. Don't pay attention to the type of novel it is. Mystery, romance, thriller, mainstream. Makes no difference. What you're trying to identify is writing that, because of tone or incident or whatever, grabs your attention. You'll be amazed at how many first pages don't manage the job. But we're not interested in those. What we care about are the ones that do grab our attention. Without imitating, use them as examples. Raise your standards."

As soon as I could, I headed to the nearest book store! Wow! Enlightenment!

The other day, in reading "Writing and Selling the YA Novel," by K.L. Going, I picked up this wonderful tidbit:

"It might be helpful to think of editing the way scientists think of the scientific method. When the first draft of a book is done, try to:

-observe your work impassively, doing your best to eliminate any emotional involvement that might make you defensive to change

-describe your own reactions

-predict how others might react

-exert control in order to eliminate alternatives that don't belong

-experiment to see which choices work best

-test your hypotheses about character, action, setting, and point of view. Do they really work the way you thought they would?

Most of us will need to experiment again and again in order to get things right. Just as scientists don't expect to prove a theory on their first try, very few writers know how their entire book should be written the first time through. It's necessary to see which paths work and which don't."

This is so important to take into consideration while going through the editing process.

This is such a good book to have in your library, very helpful.

I would encourage anyone that has been bitten by the writing bug to join Twitter, aka see the button on my blog. There you will find writers, agents, editors, and the like giving each other advice and encouragement. There are chats you can join, so that you can get answers to the many questions you undoubtedly have, receive great quotes that inspire, and connect with websites and blogs you probably didn't know were out there. It's amazing the wealth of information at your fingertips. It's such a great tool, if used it right.

But don't get discouraged with it, it takes time. I almost gave up a time or two, until I started learning a few of the ropes, started clicking on the options, and dove in. And I've only tapped into a fraction of what's available.

If you think of your writing as a business, you need to work hard and put yourself out there. I know, I know, it's difficult to do. But take it from an expert, who hides behind bookcovers, and has only begun to figure that out. It's worth it!

Inspiration can come from anywhere. Have pen and paper handy at all times!

Though it's hard to keep so many things going at the same time, it's a good idea to Twitter, blog, etc. because there is so much good information and contacts that you can make in doing so.

In a marvelous book called, "The Complete Hanbook of Novel Writing," by Meg Leder, Jack Heffron, and the editors of Writer's Digest, Stephanie Kay Bendelis is quoted as saying:

"The difference between a good story and a great one is often the depth to which the author examines the characters who people the pages. Beginning writers are sometimes bewildered when they are told their characters need more development or that they haven't really allowed the reader to 'know' these people. In my teaching I have discovered that a good way to make sure your characters are fully developed is to think of them as four-dimensional persons."

This is very good advice. I have heard so many times that it is better not to create flat, one dimensional characters, all good--- no flaws, or even all bad--- with no redeeming qualities.

What are you fears and aspirations? What keeps you from doing what you want to do most? What motivates you?

Invision where you want to be in a month, a year, in five years, or ten, then set your goals accordingly and your plan will materialize. By giving yourself direction you will see your dreams fulfilled.

The SCWBI meeting last night was great. If you are at all interested in children's books, I would encourage you to attend the free meetings. They are very informative and fun. It's a great way to get to know other writers in your community. It's a national organization that is easily asscessed in your area. Check out their website.

I just joined a new critique group that is going to be great! These are all people that went to the same conference with me, and we seem to have the same goals. I'm so excited to get feedback.

Sorry, my computer went down for a few days and I wasn't able to post anything. I've been working hard on the second book. It's been so fun delving into the mystical and magical again.