Noun-specific Verbs

Just taking a quick break from WIP's Rough Draft 2.0 to share with you a quick tip about verbs. Sometimes when a scene feels uninspired in respect to word-selection, I will make a list of noun-specific verbs by focusing on a subject.

Guilt and Motivation

It's been a while. A long while. But, in fairness, I have never professed to be this wonderful blogger that brings you enlightening posts on a regular basis, despite the fact that  that is sort of the purpose of a blog. Alas, every time I sit down to do a blog post I feel guilty.

Guilty because I'm still just about half way done with a manuscript I wanted to have finished months ago.
Guilty because, if I'm struggling with my story, I should be reading or researching, not blogging.
Guilty because some days--too many days--I have a severe case of What-the-hell-am-I-doing-osis*.

Scrivener: Snapshots and Setting Targets

For those of you who don't know, Scrivener is a word processor that offers great tools and easy organization for some of the really messy bits of novel writing. I'm sure it's perfect for other writing, but as I've only used it for writing novels, that's all I know.

A couple weeks ago, Erin Bowman did a piece on Scrivener's outlining features. Though while I add flourishes like articles, document, and pictures to mine, I happen to use the corkboard in much the same way as she does. I recommend you hop on over and watch her video, you just might find it helpful.

Now, let me tell you about what are presently two of my favourite Scrivener features: Snapshots and Setting Targets.

Ask the Editor: What's the best way to get published?

QUESTION:
I would like to ask a question! I have written a children's picture book, amongst others. What is the best way to get it published? Who would you recommend to contact? I don't know why other books get out but I can't. Please let me know.

ANSWER:
Unfortunately, there is no short answer to this. Most importantly, I want to stress that just because you've finished writing your book, doesn't mean your work is done. You're really only about half way there.

WHAT, you say. Half way? But I've just written, edited, rewritten (wash, rinse, repeat, multiply by 30) a freaking BOOK!

Yes, well. Truth hurts, sunshine. There's still LOT of reading and research on different agents and publishers. Also, be prepared to work on your query/submission letter until it is bang on.

The Cold

It started like any other disgusting and unwanted cold.

Anyone else have that horrible cold that's going around? You know, for colds, I usually just say 'toughen up' and 'it's no biggie', but man this one was something fierce. Like that English grannie that rocks the turntables, this one just wasn't what you'd expect, not from a cold anyway.

Because one minute it was just sniffly and sneezy, the next it felt like you got kicked in the head and someone was stabbing you in the eyes with a screwdriver. Let me tell you, I get sinus infections occasionally, but I can't remember having one that was quite so bad before. This sinus infection is (still

Out of Coffee

I think I'm addicted to coffee.

I can't remember exactly why, but when my husband and I got married and moved into THE TINIEST little flat in Islington (because, yes, we are that swanky), my mommy got us a Nespresso machine. I do remember that one of the reasons for this gift was so that, whenever she came to visit, she would always have good coffee available. But more than that, I would argue to say that Nespresso is not only good coffee, but the best. Why is it the best? Because it's