When I think back, I believe I started writing at about the second grade, as most people probably do. However, we actually got to "publish" our books. We would be given thick cardstock in the color of our choice, and designed a cover and back, then they would be "bound" by some poor parent who probably was roped into this (Yes Momma, I believe you were one of these parents), where the whole thing would be stuck together with one of those old bindings where it's black, plastic, and has little rings of that plastic down the side. I may even still have some of those. All about ridiculous things such as "How to Make a Pizza" and "The School Burned Down and We All Learned in a Bus."
Then came essays, which replaced the creative writing process, teachers making me write compare and contrast, argumentative, and thesis papers all the way through most of my college years. APA format became my new default setting and was drilled into my head until I wanted to cry, which usually happened each time a new edition of the style came out.
However, while needing to take some time to myself, and while healing from physical ailments, I sat myself down in front of my computer and decided to write a short story. I had no clue what it would be about, or why I wanted to write it. Many questions to family and friends who are teachers and know grammar, spelling, and the rest later: my "short story" became 1500 pages. I was appalled. What would I do with 1500 pages?! That's the equivalent to at least five books, right?!
Thankfully, I eventually realized I was still in that ingrained APA format, I knew my manuscript was not that long (as of yet, of course). Much research on manuscripts later, I discovered I have three novels (maybe four depending on the third one). All written in first person, tense, grammar, and spelling correct after two months of editing. This made me feel much better, and less overwhelmed, but where to go from here?
After much research on what to do with a manuscript later, I have decided to go through the long process and see if my novels can make it in the real world. (I believe they definitely can, so now it's for others to decide.) The traditional publishing route for me appears to be the best option.
I am now at the beta-reader stage. Where I am swaping manuscripts or chapters, seeing what my peers and professionals (that's you again Momma) think of my work. This is a magical experience for me, learning about other's writing styles, seeing what things my novels need. Discovering what category my novels actually fit in, that sort of thing. I look forward to this part of the process, and may just stay here, it is quite comfortable after all.
The novels I have written are still being put through the ringer on titles, however you can learn more about them on the "about" section of my blog site. If you are interested in reading and helping in the process of editing, please just send me a message from my contact page.
Current titles are:
Dome
Home
Alone
and "Book 4"
Much of this type of writing process I have learned through other writer's blogs or webpages. Choose your favorite author, go to their page, and learn how they did it. Then learn what you can about their mistakes, their lessons, and what they recommend. This has helped me immensely.
I also decided to make sure how I was describing my characters was actually how I wanted them to come across. I found a fun website that allowed me to create characters, to put them into real life (or suspended animation if you will) for me. I decided that it was so much fun I am adding them to the Dome and Home links. Please go ahead and check out my synopsis's and characters for the first two installments.
Then came essays, which replaced the creative writing process, teachers making me write compare and contrast, argumentative, and thesis papers all the way through most of my college years. APA format became my new default setting and was drilled into my head until I wanted to cry, which usually happened each time a new edition of the style came out.
However, while needing to take some time to myself, and while healing from physical ailments, I sat myself down in front of my computer and decided to write a short story. I had no clue what it would be about, or why I wanted to write it. Many questions to family and friends who are teachers and know grammar, spelling, and the rest later: my "short story" became 1500 pages. I was appalled. What would I do with 1500 pages?! That's the equivalent to at least five books, right?!
Thankfully, I eventually realized I was still in that ingrained APA format, I knew my manuscript was not that long (as of yet, of course). Much research on manuscripts later, I discovered I have three novels (maybe four depending on the third one). All written in first person, tense, grammar, and spelling correct after two months of editing. This made me feel much better, and less overwhelmed, but where to go from here?
After much research on what to do with a manuscript later, I have decided to go through the long process and see if my novels can make it in the real world. (I believe they definitely can, so now it's for others to decide.) The traditional publishing route for me appears to be the best option.
I am now at the beta-reader stage. Where I am swaping manuscripts or chapters, seeing what my peers and professionals (that's you again Momma) think of my work. This is a magical experience for me, learning about other's writing styles, seeing what things my novels need. Discovering what category my novels actually fit in, that sort of thing. I look forward to this part of the process, and may just stay here, it is quite comfortable after all.
The novels I have written are still being put through the ringer on titles, however you can learn more about them on the "about" section of my blog site. If you are interested in reading and helping in the process of editing, please just send me a message from my contact page.
Current titles are:
Dome
Home
Alone
and "Book 4"
Much of this type of writing process I have learned through other writer's blogs or webpages. Choose your favorite author, go to their page, and learn how they did it. Then learn what you can about their mistakes, their lessons, and what they recommend. This has helped me immensely.
I also decided to make sure how I was describing my characters was actually how I wanted them to come across. I found a fun website that allowed me to create characters, to put them into real life (or suspended animation if you will) for me. I decided that it was so much fun I am adding them to the Dome and Home links. Please go ahead and check out my synopsis's and characters for the first two installments.