Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Happy Holidays


HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Melissa NC

Friday, December 19, 2008

Ramblings of an aspiring writer


In an earlier post I blogged about entering my first contest. Well, I found out today that the list of winners doesn't come out until April 2009. The winners will be notified 10 days before the winning stories are published.

Like I said before, I'm new to this. So, today was spent working on my MS and planning to enter more contests. I got 8 pages on my MS today. I try to get at least 5 a day so, I at least made my quota.

I try to learn from successful authors. Laurell K Hamilton does a mandatory page count as part of her daily MS goal. That's where I picked that up from. I also listen to other authors when they talk about having a thick skin. Still working on that one. It's hard to have a thick skin when you pore so much of yourself into creating characters and their world. You kind of get attached to them, almost like they are real people.

I've been studying, reading and listening to a lot of successful authors and what amazes me the most is, some authors ability to produce and write so prolifically. Dean Koontz and Nora Roberts are two that come to mind. It's nothing for them to have two best sellers on the shelf at the same time.

Authors like L A Banks amaze me with the ability to write in almost any genre. Not only does L A write in several genres but, she does it well. I'm a big fan of her VHL series so, that lead me to read other books written by her. I really like her style.

Well, real life intrudes. My youngest is calling. She has a head cold. It's time to put on another hat. Let's see...wife, writer, nurse and Mom. Let's combine the nurse and Mom hat. That will work. Mommy nurse is coming sweetie.

Melissa NC

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Family Support - Mini Update



In my profile, I mention the support of my family and friends. My 10yr old daughter wanted to show her support for my writing by drawing a picture for me. I promised her I would post it on the blog so, here it is.


Melissa NC

Saturday, December 13, 2008

Excited


Tonight, I am feeling excited and full of energy. I don't know why but, I sure am going to use it. I just got off from working a 12 hour shift so, you would think I would be tired but, I'm not. So, as soon as I post this, it's off to my laptop to work on my MS.

I'll never understand people who are lazy and don't like to come to work or work at all. I guess, they're not working or doing what they love. I'm blessed to do what I love on my day job and also my self imposed job of writing because right now I write for the fun of it. It's a hobby until, hopefully it becomes a job.

Well, got to run while the fires are still burning. I have another 12 hour shift tomorrow.

Melissa NC

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Writing Class


My writing classes have ended. This month, I am not signing up for another class. Partly due to my new budget and partly because I have more than enough material to go over and study from all the previous classes I've taken. Now it's time to put to use some of the stuff I've learned into my writing. No more procrastination. I've picked a dead line for the completion of my MS.

I'm ready to start receiving those rejection letters and dive into the world of writing full throttle. I've been lurking on the edges afraid to jump in. But, entering my first contest was like breaking the ice for me.

I remember a few months ago, I was afraid to even let my friends and family read my stuff. Their encouragement gave me the push I needed to actually pursue writing as a possible career path. Don't get it twisted, as my daughter would say. I'm not giving up my day job! Just adding dimensions and possibilities.

Melissa NC