Facing a new year, I have taken a moment to look back at the past year. Last January, I decided to take the plunge and taking my writing to a new level, take it more seriously. Though I have always loved to write, I now have time to dedicate to my craft. So, I set some lofty goals for myself and I'm proud to say that I have followed through on every one, probably for the first time in my life! (He, he, a little pat on the back!)

I attended several conferences, joined a critique group, joined a couple of writer groups, joined Twitter, subscribed to two writer magazines, submitted some of my work, and dedicated more hours to writing, revising, and seeking advice. And because of all my effort, I have learned more in the past year than I have in the last seven years (all put together). But I must say, it wasn't easy putting myself out there. As a matter of fact it was actually quite scary! A bit on the shy side, I had to swallow down several hard knots lodged in my throat, take a deep breath, extend a shaky hand, all the while feeling my face growing redder by the minute because of nerves, and say, "Hi."

I was pleasantly surprised to find out how gracious and friendly other writers are, and how willing editors and agents are to help--- thank you to all! It's not such a scary place anymore. Though I was turned down, and rightfully so, I might add, I received wonderful critique and so many encouraged me to continue, that they liked my writing, but that I needed a bit more work to get my story up to snuff.

I hope by writing this in my blog, it will give others the courage to also try. I know how frightening it can be to put what you have created out there for others to judge, something that is so near and dear to your heart. You can do it!

So, now, taking a huge gulp of air, I'm preparing myself for the new challenges ahead, fixing my manuscript, perfecting my query letters, and taking the plunge again, submitting.

I'm anxious to get started, anxious for new adventures, both inside my head to be written on the blank page and finding new friends and work in the writing world!

I hope you have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year too!

What is your favorite Christmas story? Are you going to share it with loved ones this holiday season? I would love to know what it is. Please share.

Do you have a favorite Christmas memory? Write it down, expound, and turn it into a wonderful story for all of us to read.

Yup, I'm finally going to do it. I'm going shopping for Christmas. I put it off as long as I could, but it's getting down to the wire now. So here goes! Check in with you later.

One of the keys to good writing is read, read, and read some more. If I'm not reading in the genre that I'm tackling at present, I'm reading about writing to improve my writing skills, and reading and revising my manuscript to make sure the story is the best it can be.

There are so many wonderful books, websites, and blogs to help educate, inspire, and guide. I'm constantly amazed at the information available and the willingness of others to share their knowledge. It's awesome!

On the right side of this blog, I have included several websites and blogs that I have found most helpful. Check them out. I think you will too.

This week has been great. I took advantage of the weather and put my fingers to the keyboard uninterrupted. I do believe things are finally coming together. A little more tweaking and I can finally grind the story changes out. I'm really excited to have such large blocks of time to myself. What a luxury!

Some days it is so hard to write, too many interruptions, juices not flowing, discouragement. That's when I have to slog through it, push the work, motivate myself. Sometimes, these kinds of days are the most rewarding even if I only come up with a few paragraphs or ideas. Sometimes, this is when my greatest work is achieved because I just kept at it, just kept telling myself not to quit.

Have a Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Sorry, my Internet service has been down. I only have a couple of minutes before it goes down again. Just wanted to check in and let my viewers know that I haven't forgotten them. I'll check in again when everything is up and running smoothly.

---Gwen

I have not been able to post anything the last few days because I have been so busy working on my outline--- to fix the huge flaw in my manuscript. It was an extremely daunting task until I stumbled across the books "First Draft in 30 Days," and "From First Draft to Finished Novel," both written by, Karen S. Wiesner.

I happened to get on Twitter for a few minutes when I saw: jessicastrawser RT: @kmnickell Download free story-building worksheets here--great for #NaNoWriMo writers! http://tinyurl.com/yd3p7cn. I clicked on the website and was so impressed that I ran to the bookstore and bought Karen Wiesner's books. And, talk about helpful, wow! I think I will make it through this tough revamping much easier with the guidance from these two books. They are a must have if anyone is contemplating writing a novel or repairing one, like I am. If I had had these two books before I started the series, it would have saved me so much grief, so much rewriting.

She compares the writing process to a builder following a blueprint and building a house.

Here is just a taste of these wonderful books:

"If your character, setting, and plot are truly cohesive, writing your story will take your breath away. It'll fill your every waking thought, infuse you with constant inspiration and the desperate need to enter the irresistible world you've created to see what happens next. You won't want to leave it--- who needs to sleep and eat? It will no doubt even affect your moods as you feel everything your characters do. You may find yourself muttering odd things that make sense only to you. Friends will comment on the faraway look in your eyes. Those who know you well will surely understand that you're off in writers' la-la land again--- best not to disturb you until you're bursting to tell them what you've discovered. These things are what make writing both crazy and wonderful.

"My hope is that 'From First Draft to Finished Novel' will give you a solid plan of action from start to finish through in-depth examples and exercises, and that the leave-no-stone-unturned checklists will help you execute the plan in your own writing. This layering process sets up the stages necessary to complete a cohesive, irresistible dream-novel that is hauntingly unforgettable to everyone who reads it."

These two books go hand in hand with the process. I have already achieved so much more than I would have, had I gone it alone. Try it, it works!

Great Conference last weekend. It was great to meet so many wonderful authors, the editor, Elizabeth Law, and literary agent, Kendra Marcus. The advice I received was priceless. They all set me on a better track. Though I have a lot of work to do, I'm excited for the challenge and I think the series I'm working on will be so much better.

Thank you, Kristyn Crow, for all your support and kind words. You are an awesome author. Love your website and blog. Check them out everyone. Good luck with your new adventures, Kristyn.

So, I'm about to embark on an adventure in learning... a three hour workshop in writing, writing, writing. It will be interesting to see what comes of it. I'm looking forward to being inspired, enlightened, and most of all energized. I love getting together with fellow writers. Their energy is catchy.

Tomorrow is an all-day conference, where I will have the opportunity to hear from and mingle with an agent, editor, and published authors. To glean from their experiences and what is expected in this hard, economic climate will be most helpful.

For those writers out there who have not taken the opportunity to attend a conference in their area, I would encourage you to do so. Do a little investigating and you will be surprised what you can find. The workshops and conferences range anywhere from $50 or a couple of thousand depending on how many days and what is involved. Start small, in this economic climate it is wise to do so, get your feet wet, and when you are ready take the plunge and attend extensive conference. You will be amazed what contacts you can make and the information you'll obtain, plus, it's great fun. I have to admit it's a little intimidating at first, but you'll soon realize that everyone is in the same boat. And then, there's the big conferences in New York and California to consider. How fabulous would they be to attend? Maybe some day!

There is so much information on the web that sometimes it is hard to sift through everything, especially with the limited time writers have anyway. But, let me tell you, it is worth the effort. At the touch of a few fingers, you can find out about anything you are having trouble with, be it, query letters, revision, writer's block, etc., everything from A to Z in the writing, publishing, agenting world. Do yourself a favor and take a few minutes a day to browse. Call it your business time. You will be amazed at what you can accomplish or find.

On this site, I have collected a few blogs I have found helpful, and, I continue to add to the list when I find new ones that are pertinent. Feel free to look. I hope you find them as useful as I have. Good hunting for whatever it is you are looking for!

So many of us authors struggle with platform. Here is some good advice that I found:

In the book, "Get Known Before the Book Deal," Christina Katz says, "The word platform simply describes all the ways you are visible and appealing to your future, potential, or actual readership. Platform development is important not only for authors; it's also crucial for aspiring and soon-to-be authors. Your platform includes your Web presence, any public speaking you do, the classes you teach, the media contacts you've established, the articles you've published, and any other means you currently have for making your name and your future books known to a viable readership. If others already recognize your expertise on a given topic or for a specific audience or both, then that is your platform. Long story short: Your platform communicates your expertise to others, so you don't have to."