The Secret Behind Published : Revised Post

This is a post I wrote several years ago, but I think it is still very relevant. Especially as I have been meeting new people who have discovered my books and want the inside scoop behind writing and publishing. There is a lot that goes into it, but here is the main thing I have learned from my years of experience.

A long time ago, back in college, I had attended a reading of another author (who shall remain nameless). As I was sitting in the audience, I realized something that I think people need to know, especially writers and aspiring authors. It's a big one. A huge secret that people in the literary world don't tell.

Being published will not fix you or all your problems. Being published will not make you happy.

I think for many writers (and I'm putting myself into this category) believe that once they land that book deal, they will feel fulfilled, appreciated, and most of all happy.

Wrong. So wrong.

Being published is great - a huge blessing, but it's not everything. If you're writing for the sole purpose of becoming published, then you should stop now, put the computer away, and find another way to try to "make it." Because it will not give you everlasting joy and peace. It can't possibly do that.

Now, going back to the reading I attended, I learned something very important. But it wasn't till after I had left and talked to someone who knew the writer well. This writer has many books under her belt, has won many awards, has many great reviews, etc. She has a great job and she's doing what she loves. I found myself wishing to be more like her. Until I heard what her friend had to say. Get ready for this.

She wasn't happy. She wanted more awards. She wanted more prestige. She wanted more recognition. You see, simply being published wasn't enough. She wanted more.

Let's be honest, we all have felt the same way this author did. We all want more of something. But hearing that this author, who is quite well known in the literary world, wasn't happy astounded me. But then I realized why she wasn't being fulfilled by the things of this world. Because they are just that. Things.

I don't hide the fact that I love Jesus. I give Him the glory for all my books because He gave me the gift and talent for writing. My trust, my fulfillment, my hope, my dreams are in Him. Not in the things this world has to offer. And I think that's why this author was so unhappy. Her whole life has been dedicated to uplifting herself, gaining more attention, more books, etc. But this world disappoints. And so do its things.

Even if I had never been published, I would still be happy, no, joyful. I have Christ and that is more than enough for me. I have to remind myself of this every time I feel like I need more. I don't need anything but Jesus.

So back to my message to all those who want to be published. It is not a bad thing to want or desire. But it can't consume you. You can't think, "When I am published, then I will be happy and fulfilled." False. Wrong. Not gonna happen.

My biggest advice to aspiring writers has changed over the past several years. Forget the idea that publishing your book will make you happy and joyful forever. It is such a blessing. I'm not bashing published books or writers who have made it. But I am warning you of the danger of letting it consume you. Write because you have to write, because you love it, because your mind would explode if you didn't. Not because you want awards or fame. Trust me, I have gone down that road and it is full of disappointment. Your life's goal has to be bigger than just being published and getting prestige. Being published is such a small thing to live for in the grand scheme of things.

For me, my life is to further Christ's kingdom, to show others His love, and to bring more people into the everlasting, awe-inspiring, unbelievable, beautiful, and overwhelming grace and love of God. That's my mission. That's my life's goal.

Balancing Life as a Writer

Balancing Life as a Writer

One of my most frequently asked questions now that I am twenty-five, married, a full-time high school English teacher, a cheerleading coach, and writer, is how in the world do I balance it all?

Well, it isn’t easy. But, if writing is something you are passionate about, that you cannot live without, then you find a way to make it work for you, your life, and your schedule. For me, I have to be extremely organized and intentional with carving out time for writing. I find I am a better wife, teacher, and coach, when I make sure I give myself the time I need to write and be creative on my own. 

You may be reading this, thinking, but how do I logically make this happen in my life? Whether you are a teacher or accountant or lawyer, hopefully, I can give you some tips on how to manage your time and still write creatively. 

1.    Create a schedule that works for you and your goals.

This may seem obvious, but this is where writers can get very frustrated. Many authors feel that they have to write every single day for hours at a time. Not true! Normal jobs have days off and so can writing. My writing schedule varies during what part of the year it is, but typically I spend about an hour to two hours each afternoon after school working on my writing. Sometimes, early in the morning before school, I will jot some notes down or outline a scene I plan to write later that day. Sometimes I give myself Tuesdays/Thursdays off or I alternate between days. It's up to you to set your own hours!

2.    Create manageable and attainable goals.

Don’t set goals that are too lofty or overwhelming. You want your goals to be something that can be done on a weekly or daily basis. For example, I have the goal to write at least 500 words a day. I rarely tell myself that I have to write for a certain amount of time – I find that I will end up sitting and nothing will happen. When I tell myself, 500 words per day, I can break it up into chunks throughout the day. Some days I go well above my goal and some days I am crawling on my hands and knees, struggling to get to that 500^thword. But setting small, attainable goals is essential to continue your writing life and to love what you do each day.

3.    Don’t punish yourself if you skip a day.

If you don’t meet your goal, whatever it is, DO NOT STRESS. I would always beat myself up if I missed a day or literally fall asleep at 6pm because that’s the #teacherlife. Writers need days off and breaks just like any other professional. It’s okay. Don’t stress.

4.    Create a positive writing space.

Create a place that is calming and creative. I use a spare room in my house with giant windows because I love natural light. I also have scented candles and speaker to play my favorite writing music. I oftent do yoga before I write as well to help me get into a calmer and more creative headspace. However, no two writers are the same. You have to create a space and a routine that helps you get into the right mindset for your writing. Of course, your writing space could be your local library or your favorite coffee shop. Wherever you feel the most creative and ready to work!

Book Review: Splintered Silence by Susan Furlong

Book Review: Splintered Silence by Susan Furlong

Lately, I have been eating up mystery books. I love everything from Nora Roberts to Agatha Christie. When I was given the opportunity to read a new to me author, Susan Furlong, and her novel, Splintered Silence, I jumped at the chance. 

This novel creates a moving and suspenseful tale where Brynn and her loyal companion, Wilco, must not only learn how to fight their own demons but also solve the mysteries that surround his Irish Travelling family’s home of Bone Gap. 

This novel delivers in regards to plot, characters, and the different twists and turns it takes. This novel had me guessing right up until the end. I love how human and flawed Furlong’s characters are. Even though Brynn is fighting through PTSD and struggling with her own self-worth, the reader can still find ways to relate to her and to keep cheering her on. 

I highly recommend this novel. I will definitely be reading the next in the Bone Gap Mysteries. 

The book is available wherever books are sold.

Please visit Susan Furlong's website for more information: http://www.susanfurlong.com/home.html 

Long Time, No See: The Shadow Book Review

Hello, my lovely readers and fellow writers!

Image taken from http://www.whiskeyriff.com/where-have-you-been/

You don't have to tell me how long it has been because I know that it has literally been YEARS. So much has happened in my personal life that has caused me to take an extended hiatus from blogging and writing. There will be a more in-depth blog post (with pictures) but here are the highlights:

1. Graduated College - two bachelor's degrees in French and English-Creative Writing

2. Met and married the love of my life - Michael <3

3. Graduated with my Masters of Arts in Teaching

4. Now have a big girl job teaching English Language Arts to the best kids in the world. I currently teach American Literature and Composition to Juniors in the Gwinnett County area. AND. I. LOVE. IT.

Taken from https://www.hercampus.com/after-college/15-thoughts-every-girl-has-while-looking-job 

So, those are my four excuses for leaving you all in suspense. However, I do have some great news. The third and final book in The Forget Me Not Trilogy is almost done. Over halfway finished before it is sent to the editor. I promise, as soon as I get information on the publication, you will be the first to know.

But moving on. I am here to review one of my favorite authors and good friends, Marianne Curley. Marianne has published the fourth book in the Guardians of Time Series, entitled The Shadow.

The image is taken from Marianne Curley's Website

If y'all know me at all or remember me from when I used to post on the regular, then you know how much I love Marianne Curley. Not only as an author but as a person. She is truly one of the most humble, kind, and talented young adult novelists that I have had the pleasure to read growing up and to have as a friend now that I am also an author. Even if we live several continents away from one another.

Her latest novel, The Shadow, picks up where the last in her trilogy, The Key, left off. Now, this review will not contain specific spoilers, but if you haven't read this novel or any other books by Marianne Curley, then stop reading now. Seriously. Stop. Go buy them. Read them. Love them.

Marianne Curley takes the reader on a beautiful journey back through the characters she created many years ago. We see all of our favorites: Ethan, Isabel, Arkarian (we know most people read just to see what our favorite blue-haired ageless mentor is doing), Matt, Dillon, Neriah, and many others. Marianne also brilliantly weaves in new characters that seem they have been there the whole time. While most continuation to series can leave the reader empty or wanting more, Marianne Curley successfully and seamlessly brings this world back to life and transports readers to another world where The Named and immortals are real and protect our world from the powers of chaos.

To be honest, I wasn't sure if The Shadow would live up to the last three novels in this series, The Named, The Dark, and The Key, but it surpasses all of my highest expectations. This novel is true to the characters and to the story of The Named. Marianne Curley's prose takes the reader on a roller coaster ride of emotion - from sorrow to hope to suspense to laughing out loud (Legit, I love that Ethan and the others refer to using their wings as "wing out.") to absolute happiness. Readers new and old will not be disappointed by this novel. It is one of my absolute favorites and one I will read and read again.

The Shadow by Marianne Curley can be purchased on Amazon, both in print copy and via Kindle download. Links to Marianne's website and her latest novel are below! GO BUY IT!

Image is taken from Goodreads.com 

BUY BOOK

Marianne Curley's Website

*This review is not sponsored and all opinions are my own.*
* All images are copyrighted to their proper owners found via Google search*