You know those writers who whine about having to "cut" words from their story? Those writers who can push out thousands of words without any drama? Writers who claim they find it hard to work within word count "parameters?" I am not one of those writers. I have always had to "flesh" out my novel during the revision phase. Floods of words do not spring from my pen. It's sort of like getting blood from a rock. I'm Karen and I'm an underwriter. Honestly, I think I was born this way … [Read more...]
Pre-Published Bliss (Updated)
June 28, 2010 Read Comments
There is one thing that all of my published writers friends tell me: "Enjoy these moments working on your novel while you can. After you're published, everything changes." Of course I'm like, "Whatever dude. That is a nice problem to have." Do things really change when you make the transition from "aspiring" to "published" author? Recently, I've read some blog posts related to this question. Michael Bourret, an agent at Dystel & Goderich Literary Management, shared his thoughts in … [Read more...]
Sisters Red
June 25, 2010 Read Comments
I found Sisters Red by Jackson Pearce during one of my bookstore browses --- pleasantly surprised that I found it out in the wild before the actual pub date. I already knew that it was a retelling of "Little Red Riding Hood" --- and after reading the prologue in the bookstore, I was hooked. Scary, suspenseful, and edgy --- a great combination for a fabulous read. The story centers around two sisters. Brooding Scarlett who saved her sister's life when a murderous Fenris (aka werewolf) invaded … [Read more...]
What’s on Your To-Do List?
June 23, 2010 Read Comments
When I first started this novelist journey, I wasn't consistent with my writing. I would go in spurts and stop literally for months at a time. I learned that for me to finish a novel and get it ready for submission, I would have to get organized. I learned the value of making writing "to-do" lists. My lists helped me finish my first novel and now I've come back to my lists to help me get through the process of my second novel. These are some of the things I've learned that work for me when … [Read more...]
