An Author’s Thanksgiving

By Karen McCullough

I think there’s some kind of unwritten rule that November blog posts in the U.S. have to be about being thankful--and, really, that’s a good thing! Cultivating gratitude as a top-of-the-mind trait is something we should all do and it’s great we have a special time of year to remind us to do so. I’m more disappointed than I can tell you that retailers are turning a beautiful holiday into a gateway to the profligate spending money for Christmas season, the antithesis of what Thanksgiving should mean.

But anyway, back to gratitude. I firmly believe that gratitude isn’t something you do. It’s one of the most important underpinnings of how you live your life. It’s an attitude that everything you are and everything you have is a gift. It means taking nothing for granted.

With that in mind, I want to take a slightly different slant and talk about some things I’m thankful for, strictly in my capacity as an author. Some of these may be controversial, so feel free to disagree in the comments. Here are some of them:

Computers and word processing software – I’m old enough that back when I was in college all my term papers and theses were produced on a typewriter. I developed into a fairly speedy typist, but not a very accurate one. The typewriter I used was old enough that when you messed up, you had to either use that messy white-out stuff or just retype the whole page. I shudder to think how many times I would’ve had to retype each of my book manuscripts to get a reasonably clean copy.

The freedom to write what I want – I’m grateful to live in a country where I have the freedom to write pretty much whatever I choose. But let me be clear, freedom to write whatever I want doesn’t absolve me of responsibility for my words. I can write what I want, but the rest of the world has the right to object to my words, to refuse to buy my books, and to write scathing reviews. They can sue me if those words are stolen from someone else (something I’d never do, by the way), or hold me responsible if someone uses my words as inspiration to commit a crime. (I like to think my books are inspirational but not that way!)

The ability to travel for research and inspiration – I love travel and it inspires me with ideas for stories, settings, and characters.  And several of us here on this blog have talked about the importance of getting details right in your settings. There are some substitutes for actually visiting a place, but none will give you the richness of detail of the actual experience.

Libraries – As a kid, I hung out in libraries as much as I could. I loved to read, and I loved to research odd facts, pursuing all sorts of information. I don’t go as much as I used to, but it still gives me joy to be in a library. Usually when my grandkids are visiting, we’ll take them to the library and let them check out a few books to read during their time here. I love that they regard that as a huge treat. In the early days of my writing each book would require several trips to the library for research purposes. The staff at the research desk knew me and sometimes I could just call to verify a few facts.

Google and Wikipedia -  Google created the first search engine that delivered really accurate results, speedily, and Wikipedia created the first crowd-sourced, comprehensive encyclopedia. I do a lot of my research using them. I don’t take everything I read on the Internet as gospel, but at the very least, the articles I find suggest leads to more authoritative sources. I try to verify everything I learn with another source.

Amazon – I know not everyone will agree with the gratitude here, but Amazon did create the first online bookstore and, let’s face it, that has changed the world. Before Amazon I bought books at the local bookstore, but frequently would find an author I liked and had to go searching through used   Not to mention the time I’ve saved because I can do most of my shopping online and have everything delivered right to my door! That’s more writing time for me!

bookstores to find the rest of the author’s works. Since my taste runs a bit off mainstream, I often had to special order books I wanted and then wait, and wait, and wait some more for them to arrive. And Amazon popularized the ereader. It’s hard to describe what a boon that has been for people like me, with poor eyesight. Now every book can be a large print book! And for the author, the advent of epublishing has meant I can make my backlist available as I get the rights back to my older published books, and also have a chance of putting out those other books that mainstream publishers didn’t want – usually because I crossed too many genre boundaries!

About Sleds and Wild Rides

by Janis Susan May/Janis Patterson

In my part of the world it's late summer - late, hot, sticky summer - so why sleds? Well, sleds imply snow and while I don't really like the really cold weather, it is pleasing to think about piles of soft, white, puffy snow glistening under a pale blue winter sky. Just don't ask my opinion when it really does get that cold, because without doubt I will wax lyrical about sunny skies and sandy beaches. Consistency, said Oscar Wylde (I think!), is the hobgoblin of little minds.

So what does that have to do with writing? Other than an exercise of the imagination, that is.

Well, if you think about it, writing a book is a lot like sledding. First there is a long slow pull up the hill, then for one fantastic, fleeting moment at the top you can see everything before you. Then you tip over the edge, aiming for where you think the place you want to be is... but it's never as smooth as you think it will be. There are hidden rocks, intrusive trees, invisible drifts that send you off in any number of directions before your wild ride is over. And finally you come to a standstill - maybe where you thought you would be, more usually not - but it's where your path dictated you had to end up. You throb with conflicting emotions - an adrenaline high because you have actually done it; a black and morose funk because it is over; satisfaction; half fear and half anticipation that soon you'll have to do it again and apprehension that you won't be able to.

To me that sounds like the maelstrom of feelings that always follows finishing a book. I've done lots of books (30 or so over the years) and have pretty much experienced all these emotions with every one of them.

Writing a book falls under several old sayings. First, of course, you have to finish the darn thing. A half-finished manuscript is like a half-chewed hamburger - pretty much useless and not very appealing. A book is like a speech - it has a beginning, a middle and an end.

A story has the same three parts - not all equal in size. The first part is creating your world and your characters, and you must do that to let your reader know where they are, whether it's an alien world with cool orange seas and three moons, or the everyday world of crabgrass and grocery store coupons. No, you don't have to describe every single thing - just give enough detail that your reader can orient himself. The second is the fun part. Here you can run riot - complicate, bring new characters and threads (but remember you have to tie up all those threads at the end!) and mystify as to the ending. This is often the longest part. The third part is the wind-up-and-show-how-it-ends part, and if you've done it correctly, you are not in charge - the story goes where it's supposed to. Just be sure that you wind up all those nagging little threads. This is the sled ride, and a wild ride it can be.

In the interest of full disclosure I must say that I am most definitely a pantser and often I find out what is going to happen just a few sentences before the reader. There are those who decry this method, but it works well for me and my readers don't complain. Some wise person once said, "no surprise for the writer, no surprise for the reader."  On the other hand, I've heard pretty much this same sled-ride comment from some dedicated plotters too, so there has to be something to it. If all else fails, remember the 'delete' key is there for a reason.

One Brilliant Thing Writers Should Do at Tax Time

by Victoria M. Johnson

You tracked your expenses throughout the year, you gathered all your receipts, and you recorded your royalty income.  Now you're ready to send your spreadsheet and copies of everything to your tax preparer.  But wait.  There is one other important step you can take.  This step doesn't take much time to complete and it is worth it in more ways than one.

All you have to do is add a text box at the bottom of your spreadsheet, if there's room, or add another page to your tax record, if there's not room.  For me, this text description is part of my record that I turn in to my accountant and I consider it invaluable.

What goes in the text box?

Add brief descriptions of writing-related activities and accomplishments for the year.  Brief and relevant are key in this step.  It requires you go through your calendar, month by month, to refresh your memory, and total up some of the items.  I know your calendar includes literary events you participated in such as: author appearances and readings, submissions to publishers; classes you taught, book publication dates, awards you won, lists you made, and so on.  I also make note of income sources.  These are the kinds of things to add in your text box.

Here's an example of my paragraph:

ACCOMPLISHMENTS THIS YEAR: Appeared in 2 print and 2 online publications.  Self-published one novella ebook.  Started my own press.  Entered 3 poetry contests.  Submitted 1 new book proposal.  Professional workshop speaker for CWC, LGSR & AFP.  Participated in two guest author talks and signings.  Participated in several poetry/fiction readings in Los Gatos, San Jose, Cupertino, and Saratoga.  Participated in Poet Laureate Poetry Podcast Project.  INCOME THIS YEAR: from royalties paid by publishers Montlake, Amazon KDP, McGraw-Hill, and Distributor Robertson Publishing, and workshops and speaking fees.  

As you can see, there's nothing earth shattering.  Just the day-in and day-out of being a professional writer.

I've kept track of my accomplishments for several years now and each year I can see how productive I've been.  Some years I can say my work was a finalist in a contest or that I won an award.  And other years I can show income from an advance paid by a publisher.

If you're ever audited, the IRS will be interested in the spreadsheet, your receipts, and official proof of income and expenses.  This additional notation of your accomplishments provides context, jogs your memory of your literary activities and projects.  It can help you answer questions.  Will you remember how you were pursuing a professional writing career, what specific efforts you made to publish, or the results of all your expenses three or four years from now?  I know I wouldn't remember unless I kept this annual notation—which I know won't get lost because it is with my tax documents.

At the least, you'll have a cool ongoing record of your endeavors that only took you minutes to note each year.  Since you are noting your activities on your calendar anyway all year long, just tally them up at tax time like any other tax item.  The effort is worth it.

Victoria M. Johnson knew by the time she was ten that she wanted to be a writer.  She loves telling stories and she's happiest when creating new characters and new plots.  Avalon Books and Montlake Romance published Victoria's fiction debut, The Doctor’s Dilemma, (A 2012 Bookseller’s Best double finalist).  Her other fiction book is a collection of romance short stories titled, The Substitute Bride and a novella, Hot Hawaiian Christmas. She is also the writer and director of four short films and two micro documentaries.   Visit Victoria's website at http://VictoriaMJohnson.com for inspiration and tips and find her Amazon author page or connect with her on Pinterest and Twitter.

Having Adventures

Most days I sit in front of a computer and work. I’m a free-lance web designer/developer by profession as well as an author. Both jobs involve sitting at a desk for hours on end, using my brain and my hands but not much else. Even on weekends, when I do more writing, too much of my day goes by at the computer. I do make it a point to get up periodically and walk around; I try to walk at least a mile a day, and I do other exercises, but still the day is limited.

I read as much as I can, too, but every now and then I itch to get out in a more serious way. I want to take a vacation and travel. We go to the beach once or twice a year and that’s great for resting and relaxing, providing more reading time, but it doesn’t satisfy my longing for new places, people, and experiences.

At least every other year we plan a more major vacation with travel to someplace we’ve never been or don’t get to visit often. We almost always meet or include other family members in the trip, which tends to make it more meaningful for all of us.

A few years ago, we flew to Las Vegas, then drove to the north rim of the Grand Canyon, spent a few days there hiking, drove to Bryce Canyon and spent a few days, and then drove over the mountains to Denver. It was a lot—A LOT—of driving, but so worth it. It was the first time I’d seen real desert other than in movies and television shows, (yes, East Coast Girl), my first view of the Rocky Mountains, including an unforgettable ride on Interstate 70 up and over, my first time in Vegas (and likely my last), and hikes in eerie landscapes at Bryce that sparked all sorts of story ideas.

Me at the Grand Canyon, 2010

The last two trips have been to England, where our son now lives with his wife and small daughter. We’re fortunate that he lives in Oxford, a place that is endlessly fascinating on its own and within fairly easy driving distance of many other interesting places. We’ve ventured forth to Bath, Blenheim Palace, Highclere Castle (better known to most people as Downton Abbey) and Stonehenge. We’d spent time in London and Kent on a previous trip, as well.

My husband and son at Stonehenge, 2014

Not many of these places have directly worked their way into a story yet. But the spirit of them has already infused some of my work. Those places have expanded my horizons and filled the bucket of my brain with more material to weave into my books. But I need more.  Need more!

By the time you’re reading this, I should be home from the latest jaunt, a trip to Italy.  My son and his family joined us there for a stay in Rome, followed by Florence, and then Como.  Report to follow.

Struggling with Time Choices

My first novel was published by Avalon Books in 1990, which means I’ve been a published author for twenty-five years now.  What a difference twenty-five years make!

In 1990, it was simple.  I wrote the book; I sent it to Avalon; they published it.  I did a few readings and signings for each book, mostly at a local bookstore or with various groups of authors. That was it.  I got to work on the next book.

The Internet did exist then, but the World Wide Web was in its infancy. My first real online experience was with the Prodigy bulletin board. I logged in via a dial-up modem and it slowly—very slowly—downloaded content to my computer. I found some shared interest groups, including groups of authors writing mystery and romance. It was wonderful, though the slow interface limited my interaction. It still felt like an amazing thing to connect with other authors online.

Today I connect via cable modem and it’s lightning fast and always available. I belong to tons of different writers’ groups and listserves. I’ve learned a huge amount from online interactions. It’s amazing.

It’s also a nightmare. It’s the amorphous blob that swallows all my time. And I’m not even talking about the hundreds (yes, hundreds!) of emails I get each day or the temptation of so much news and information available. I’m talking about the pressure to join more groups, interact with people on Twitter and Facebook. Learn Linked In. Figure out Goodreads. Join Google +, Tumblr, Tsu, Instagram, Hologram and Phooeygram.

I can’t do it. I have a day job and family. I barely squeeze in time to write in my crowded schedule and I resent having to take some of that time to join conversations on Twitter, mostly on topics I don’t care about, or try to make sense of all those other social media sites.

I like blogging, since I’m always willing to give my opinion on any particular subject, especially if it’s one I know something about, like writing and telling stories. I use Facebook mostly for family connections and occasionally get rewarded when one of my children posts pictures of the grandkids.  I connect with other author friends there, too, and I like keeping up with what they’re doing.  But I don’t like posting too much about my own writing stuff.  I’m really not much for self-promotion.

I do a few public appearances at science fiction conventions and writers’ groups events.  In fact, as you’re reading this I’m probably at Con-gregate, a local science fiction convention. I have a great time at science fiction conventions.  They’re so much less format than mystery and romance writer conventions and I always learn a few things as well.  (And frequently come home with dragon ear-rings or a unicorn pendant – I mean where else can you get those things?)

But I think I’m going to try to relax about promoting and just do what works for me – blogging, a few appearances, some other online writer events, but mostly just try to continue to write the best books I can!

 

Are Writers Pack Rats By Nature?

by Victoria M. Johnson

First let me say that I personally am not a pack rat.  I do have an affinity for certain things, such as office supplies... and books... and pens... and um, gadgets... but I'm more like an aficionado than a hoarder.  Really.  I don't seek these things out when I'm shopping; somehow they seem to find me.  Friends and family add to the dilemma by finding items they know I'll like and before you can say office supplies I have two dozen purple pens, oodles of heart-shaped post-it note tablets, and more lovely journals than I can possibly fill if I lived to be a hundred years old. 

When I open a drawer of my credenza--to innocently grab a paper clip--I'm shocked at the number of notepads, whiteout correction tapes, and stacks of neon colored 3 x 5 cards that are inside.  It's as if they multiplied overnight.   Envelopes, postage stamps, and mailing labels fight for drawer space.  Where did all those highlighters come from?  But the excitement doesn't stop there.  I also have gadgets like extra flash drives, cables, hard drives, and other technical necessities.  Let's not talk about my iPad, scanner, and four-in-one printer.  Notice how I haven't brought up books yet?

I'm perfectly happy in my office.  Though it's starting to get crowded.  And I'm curious if other writers find themselves in this situation.  How many pens and how much paper do we need to be a writer?  None of us ever want to risk not having something to jot down those brilliant ideas that come to us, right?  A friend once asked me if I ever get writers block. "Only if I don't have a purple pen," I replied.  I'm not obsessed.  Purple makes me more creative.  Purple turns me on.

Which leads to the big question: how many reference books do we need?  I can say I have all that I need.  Until I see another book that has new insights and inspiration.  Then I will want that one too.  Surely I'm not the only writer who behaves this way?  Take my quiz below and let me know how much you have in common with me.

1. Do you have more than two drawers of office supplies?

2. Do you have five or more sizes of post-it notes?

3. Do you own more than three thesauruses?

4. Are you happy you can write off office supplies on your taxes?

If you want to read more about my creative writing space, click here.

Victoria M. Johnson knew by the time she was ten that she wanted to be a writer.  She loves telling stories and she's happiest when creating new characters and new plots.  Avalon Books and Montlake Romance published Victoria's fiction debut, The Doctor’s Dilemma, (A 2012 Bookseller’s Best double finalist).  Her other fiction book is a collection of romance short stories titled, The Substitute Bride and a novella, Hot Hawaiian Christmas. She is also the writer and director of four short films and two micro documentaries.   Visit her website at http://VictoriaMJohnson.com and find Victoria's Amazon author page or connect with her on Facebook, Pinterest and Twitter.

 

In Praise of the One Word New Year Resolution

by Victoria M. Johnson

Before I give you the secret to the one word resolution, lets take a sympathetic look at how difficult others make the task of setting annual New Year's resolutions :-)

The USA.gov website lists the thirteen most popular resolutions Americans make.  Number one is to lose weight, and number two is to volunteer to help others.  Click here to see the other popular resolutions in America.

Statistic Brain is a website of statistics, percentages, rankings, and all things numbers.  They site that a mere 8% of people who make resolutions are successful in achieving them! People in their twenties have a 39% rate of success compared to people over 50 who achieve at 14% rate. 

And Forbes has a piece about making your New Year's resolutions stick. The author, Amy Morin, gives four keys to help.  I like number two: Believe You Can Do It, where she talks about reducing negative thinking. Click here to read her article.

According to Business Insider, there are even apps to help people accomplish New Year's resolutions. Each of the five apps they highlight are for a specific resolution such as wanting to reduce stress or learn a new language.  The idea is that whatever your resolution, you might find an app to help you achieve it.  Click here to read their piece.

I should say I'm not against writing a long list of resolutions or goals each year.  But I've found this one word method really kept me focused and centered.  It's a daily reminder--or however often you want to look at it--of what matters to you.  The one word does not cause stress.  There aren't lists of items to check off.  There's no guilt as the months progress.  There's no time required to read through lists, adjust goals, cross off items, or add new items.  The one word needn't require a "to do" rather the one word can invoke a "to be" where you can easily identify if you are or are not being this word. 

I learned about the one word approach at a New Year's brunch with a few dear writer friends at a time in my life when I was incredibly overwhelmed and I didn't have the energy to create a list of goals.  But I could resolve to be one word.  That was about all I could handle.  Now looking back I see that my one word goal was so simple that it was both achievable and inspiring.  The trick is selecting the one word that truly represents your most important goal. Here are some examples: productivity, organize, appreciate, balance, discover, fearless, flexible, and declutter.  Here's one I wish a friend of mine would adapt: No.  She says yes to everyone and has little time left for herself or her writing.  Writers might pick a word like: prioritize or diversify.  Last year my word was: submit.  It helped me focus on a weakness, which was to write and edit pieces, but never spend time researching markets or submitting my work.  And last year, with this one-word goal, I had the most submissions, rejections, and acceptances, in my career. My word for next year should be sleep, since I didn't get much of it.  Instead my word for next year is thrive.  When I'm presented with an invitation or opportunity I can ask myself, will this activity help me thrive?  Then I can decide if I want to accept it or not.  If you're one who enjoys writing several New Year's resolutions, go for it.  Then see if you can find one word that sums up the most important ones.  And tell us your word for the new year in the comments below.

Victoria M. Johnson knew by the time she was ten that she wanted to be a writer.  She loves telling stories and she's happiest when creating new characters and new plots.  Avalon Books and Montlake Romance published Victoria's fiction debut, The Doctor’s Dilemma, (A 2012 Bookseller’s Best double finalist).  Her other fiction book is a collection of romance short stories titled, The Substitute Bride, and a novella, Hot Hawaiian Christmas. She is also the writer and director of four short films and two micro documentaries.   Visit Victoria's website at http://VictoriaMJohnson.com for inspiration and tips and find her Amazon author page or connect with her on Facebook, Pinterest and Twitter.

Seven Ways Writers Lives Have Changed

by Victoria M. Johnson

While attempting to declutter my office--to make room for more necessary things--I came across a box of cassette tapes of workshops given by some of my favorite authors.  There was a time when I did not get in my car unless I had a cassette to listen to while driving.  Times have certainly changed for me because now I get in my car for silence.  The beautiful, though temporary, silence.  That box of cassettes got me thinking about what else has changed for me as a writer.  I began writing in the early nineties--not that long ago, I know--but I work so very differently now.  See if you can relate to any of these obsolete activities.

1. I knew librarians not only at my branch but other branches, too.  I often asked for help locating material for a topic I was researching.  (Well, I still know my local librarian's names but they don't point me in the same direction they once did).  Back then, the source for research usually started with one of the big sets of encyclopedias.  Now libraries don't carry these bulky sets.

2. I typed on a typewriter that had ribbons that needed to be replaced when the ink ran dry.  We were poor (which is why I had an old typewriter) so I always rewound the ribbon and gave it a second, sometimes third, life before I replaced it.  Read fellow author Sheila Claydon's experience about typing her first manuscript.

3. I befriended the copy store staff.  I even had an account because I made so many copies they gave me a discount.  Don't forget we didn't have multifunction printers in our homes.  Copies of chapters for critique groups, contest entries, and manuscripts had to be made at a copy store.

4. I befriended post office staff.  In those days manuscripts had to be mailed along with an SASE (self-addressed-stamped-envelope).  The post office staff always inquired on what I was writing and mailing out, and I put one or two of them in my stories.

5. Another thing I did was wait for the telephone to ring.  Email wasn't invented yet so writers either got a rejection letter by mail or an offer by telephone.  This hopeful writer waited by the telephone, not the mailbox. 

6. I never had to think about book promotion.  This is a state I miss most about the early days of my writing career.  I just focused on writing.  What a novel concept.  

7. I had a drink.  If a rejection letter did arrive I would have a cocktail such as a frothy, salt-rimmed margarita and I called a dear friend for moral support and to commiserate with.  Oh, wait. I still do that.

Popular romance author Leigh Michaels shares the nostalgia of her first home office (clickhere).  How about you?  What has changed in your writing life since you first started writing?  Share in the comments below.

Victoria M. Johnson knew by the time she was ten that she wanted to be a writer.  She loves telling stories and she's happiest when creating new characters and new plots.  She is also the writer and director of four short films and two micro documentaries.  Avalon Books and Montlake Romance published Victoria's fiction debut, The Doctor’s Dilemma, (A 2012 Bookseller’s Best double finalist).  Her other fiction book is a collection of romance short stories titled, The Substitute Bride.  Visit Victoria's website at http://VictoriaMJohnson.com for inspiration and tips and find her Amazon author page at http://amzn.com/e/B0046CG6PQ or connect with her on Pinterest at: http://www.pinterest.com/ByVictoriaJ and Twitter at: http://twitter.com/ByVictoriaJ