Thursday, December 29, 2011

LOOKING BACK... AND FORWARD

It has been a good year for me. I managed to to get some short stories published here in Australia, and for the first time broke into the overseas market - thanks to The Weekly News in the UK. I've had several articles published in the Fellowship of Australian Writers, Writers Voice; they've really boosted my confidence in wanting to share my knowledge/opinions with other writers. Being a part of the novella, Sounds and Silence, brought together by various members of the FAW (NSW) Isolated Writers' Branch was an enjoyable experience for me. I can't even explain the awesome feeling of holding my first published novel, Dream Keeper, in my hands - magic! I surprised myself this year and maintained my writing focus which also enabled me to draft out a non-fiction book and another novel. No, not bragging, just acknowledging to myself that with focus and determination I am able to complete tasks that I set for myself!

I'm looking forward to 2012. I'm pumped up and feeling confident. Yes, there is still so much to learn, but to me that's what living is about - learning. I am passionate about inspiring new writers along their writing journey while I continue my own journey to improve my writing skills as I further nurture my craft.

I've been reading various blogs about setting writing goals. There are those who are dead-set against it and those who wisely advise not to set your expectations too high, but do set some goals. Personally, I will be setting myself some goals because I need that sense of direction.

What are your opinions about goal setting and will you be setting yourself writing goals for 2012? I would very much like to hear from you.

Well, I'm off to set myself some goals for 2012...

Keep writing....

Friday, December 23, 2011

HO! HO! HO!

As another year comes to a close I would like to congratulate all of you on your writing successes this year. I also would like to congratulate all those writers starting out for persevering, for being determined and for not giving up - your turn will come. It's the perseverance and determination that does get you there in the end!
Blogging has opened up a world to me which I feel very privileged to be a part of. I have made many good friends who have supported and encouraged me along my journey. People who have taught me that rejection is part of the writing process and the whole experience of the writing journey is to become a better writer. I have learnt so much; from being informed of writing markets to the creative process itself. Thank you for opening up your world to me.
Ho! Ho! Ho! Merry Christmas and may 2012 be a great one!

Keep writing....

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

NOVEL MARKETING AND BRICK WALLS

I once read writing a novel is the easy part. At the time I wasn't sure exactly what that meant. But now as I market my novel, Dream Keeper, I know exactly what that means. I'm not all that comfortable with self-promotion but I do know it is something I need to do to make readers aware of my book. I write, as I'm sure many others do, to be read. I'm trying to bring the attention of Dream Keeper to my obvious market, the readers. I had this idea to join readers forums so I could let as many readers out there know of my novel's existence. I am finding promoting one's book on such sites is considered spam and has left me wondering how does a writer promote their novel on line? I even tried to leave my website address as my signature; I wasn't able to do that because that too is considered spam. I really don't see what is so wrong about promoting a novel you've put your heart and soul in, to readers, in readers' forums.

Has anybody got any ideas how I can promote my novel online without upsetting the so called 'powers that be' ?

I feel like I have hit a brick wall. But, on the up side, I came across an interesting saying the other day: 'If you hit a brick wall don't hit your head up against it - find a way around it!'

So if anybody out there has any suggestions about how I can find a way around my brick wall, I would be very grateful.

Keep writing... keep reading...

Sunday, December 4, 2011

DREAM KEEPER - IT'S TIME TO FACE YOUR FEARS

We have a dream. We write. We arm ourselves with persistence and determination. We get rejected, but we keep on going because we have a dream and we strive to make that dream come true. The publication of my first novel, DREAM KEEPER, brought tears of joy to my eyes when I held the first copy of my novel. This is why I persevered and I held on tight to my dream - for this moment! Dream Keeper is available through my author website, where you can read what the novel is about and there are links to online stores where you can order a copy if  you wish. But, for me the hard work is far from over - marketing! So armed with another load of persistence and determination I will do the best I can to bring my novel to the reader, so they too can enjoy the journey of Dream Keeper - It's time to face your fears!