Writers and the Writing Process - What I've Learned

I strongly encourage anyone who writes to call themselves a "writer". Are you a professional? Probably not. I'm certainly not, even though I have been paid to write - once upon a time ago. But do I enjoy writing? Most certainly. I love the hell out of it and do it when I can, therefore, I call myself a writer and so should you.

That brings me to the topic of the writing process. If you're at all familiar with this blog, you know that I have interviewed several local (Houston area) writers over the years and not one of them has the same writing process. Obviously, there's a beginning, a middle and an end to every story, but not everyone tells it the same way.

I'm the kind of person who likes to start at the beginning and work my way through to the bitter end. No matter where the story takes me, no matter how many rabbit holes it leads me down, no matter the outcome, I sit and I go from A to B to C and so on. Skipping around drives me insane. If I get to a dead end where I can't possibly go any further, the delete key is my best friend. I might save a copy if I feel like it's worth it, but most of the time I delete back to where I veered off course and start again.

Currently, my good friend Ed Vela and I are working on an exciting new project together. We have distinctly different writing styles and you would think it would make it difficult to meld our ideas and styles together. Instead, what we have found is that we make a really good team. Ed primarily thinks in visual scenes, and in fact writes many play and movie scripts. Our original writing process started with him sending me a scene written out in script form - all dialog - and I would then turn it into novel form. Now we are starting to trade scenes back and forth written out in prose.

Another major difference in our styles is that Ed skips around. He writes one scene at a time, probably whatever is inspiring him at the moment, and sends it to me. What used to drive me nuts is now making me think outside the box. It sparks my imagination. What happens next? What happened before? What made the character behave that way? What can I change in this scene to alter the outcome? What happens if...? And on and on. It's what is making our team work.

Without divulging too much of Ed's brainchild, the book is a sci-fi/fantasy story, and it has been so much fun writing in that genre. It's not one I am used to and it's been a bit of a learning curve. I have really grown attached to this project and wait to be able to tell you guys more.

One more thing I want to touch on is writing groups. I feel there is a place and time to get feedback on the pieces you feel are ready for the stage, for a contest, for publishing, or whatever. But how do you go about doing that? For a short while I was part a local writing group. It was how I met Tom Scanlon and the late Gibson Michaels, both of whom I remained in touch with after the group disbanded. I actually enjoyed that group and got decent feedback on my short stories. I found them through meetup.com.

Another group I am a part of is readmyplay.com. You anonymously submit your plays to be read and anonymously read and critique other people's plays. I feel it has a very fair setup and can't recommend it enough.

The downfall to writing groups? (warning - foul language ahead!)

Sometimes people just don't like your shit and tear it a new asshole. Is that blunt enough for you?

When that happens, and it will, you have to sift through the hateful language to find the real critique and then brush it off.

So my fellow writers. What is your writing process? How do you go about getting feedback? I would love to hear back from you.

End of Year Review - 2015

2015 was a tough year us. While that may not be an excuse, hopefully it helps to explain why I was only able to interview 6 out 12 fabulous authors this year. But I mean it when I say fabulous. These guys, and lady, couldn't have been friendlier, more willing to share, or knowledgeable in their particular fields.

Ed Vela was my first guinea pig. I chose him on purpose because of our twenty year friendship and experience in writing plays and screenplays. He was able to introduce me to fellow playwrights Fernando Dovalina and Carl L. Williams. Teri Mathis and her husband have been friends of ours for more than ten years. She and Tom Scanlon are both non-fiction writers. I met Tom and Gibson Michaels in a writing group. Gibson rounded out my novelists as a sci-fi/fantasy writer.

I had plans on asking other friends of mine that have published plays, cookbooks, are technical writers, and even reaching out to forming professors for interviews but I never got the chance. In August I had another seizure and went on driving restriction for three months. In September I had another seizure so I had to start the three month count all over again. I have just been released. It kind of puts a damper on interviews when you can never go out and actually interview people. So I decided to put it on hold.

What I decided not to put on hold any longer was finally finishing my education. This has been nearly a ten year process, longer if you count the first time I started college right out of high school and dropped out. I started earnestly in 2006, when my son started kindergarten, and I will be finishing his sophomore year of high school.

I made the transition from forensic science to creative writing and couldn't be happier. With one semester in the bag and three more to go, I feel like I am finally on my way to accomplishing a life long goal. Thanks to my incredibly supportive family for putting up with all my craziness. Just today I was so distracted I made a cup a coffee but forgot to put my cup underneath my coffee machine to catch the stream of coffee... Thank goodness for drip trays, right? And this was at the end of the semester...

Thank you again, Ed, Fernando, Carl, Teri, Gibson and Tom for sharing with me everything you learned about creating, brainstorming, publishing and most importantly, how to just keep writing.

Good luck to everything you do in the new year.

Merry Christmas Happy Holidays and Happy New Year from my family to yours.

Tom Scanlon: The Interview

Writing isn't always about writing the next best thing. Sometimes it's about writing to promote your business as Tom Scanlon and I discussed when we sat down together for my monthly writing series. Tom Scanlon, and his partner Jim Harrington, started Houston Home Staging in late 2005. He has since found success, being featured on Property Ladder and in magazines, lecturing, authoring two books about home staging and even being licensed by the state as an instructor.

But oddly enough what Tom couldn't do was gain respect with his finicky female audience because he was born the wrong gender. Hence Carol Barrington and Alicia Barrington were created - to reach out to the women that were the primary readers of his blogs and books. And even though Houston Home Staging may have closed its doors, these ladies are still living their cyber lives out on YouTube and GoAnimate to continue to educate and entertain the public.

The future of Houston Home Staging has shifted gears towards both publication and American silver plate collections. Now, after the publication of Tom's books, Houston Home Staging 1 and 2, they are looking for art books to publish under the newly formed Houston Home Staging Publications. And Houston Home Staging Collections has an extensive assortment of American silver plate that has been individually chalk painted by Tom. (I had the pleasure of seeing quite a few of these beautiful pieces.)

Blogger Laura Romero and Author Tom Scanlon
Courtsey Laura Romero

Interviewing Tom was a pleasure indeed. My only regret was having to pare down the vivid stories he told in order to produce a 30 minute interview for your listening pleasure. Ladies and Gentlemen, my friend, Tom Scanlon click on the name to listen to the interview.

To contact/view Tom Scanlon's Projects:

www.houstonhomestaging.net
www.youtube.com
Dentdale Diaries Blog
Houston Home Staging Stories 1 on Blurb
Houston Home Staging Stories 2 on Blurb

Gibson Michaels: The Interview

What started off as a way to stave off boredom became The Sentience Trilogy for Amazon Best Selling Author, Gibson Michaels. Although it wasn't quite that easy, Michaels has managed to write a trilogy that premiered to favorable reviews when the first volume was published in 2014. The final volume, Wrath of an Angry God, was just released this past March.

From what I have read so far from excerpts from his books and from the drafts of his current work in progress (we were in the same writer's group), Gibson Michaels puts a lot of himself into his writing. So as long as you enjoy stories that have a quick wit and show a deep love of history, you should love his Sentience Trilogy.

Author Gibson Michaels
Photo Courtesy Gibson Michaels

Michaels and I discussed the trials of setting up his own publishing company (Arc Flash Publishing) that he, his better half and his son run together. There was so much for me to learn from the editing process to formatting for e-books to designing the book jacket to formatting for paperback. Whew! I'm glad to know someone who has done it first.

Not to mention that this military space opera (and yes, I learned what that is) has gotten great reviews from the public and even Michaels' own editor can't wait to read what he writes next. He still feels all this is a little surreal, but I think that he'll come to grips with his new found fame after his book signing this summer at ApolloCon. That's right! You can meet this up and coming author in person at ApolloCon June 19-21. 

Please enjoy my interview with sci-fi author, Gibson Michaels. (please click on his name to listen to the interview)

To purchase Gibson Michaels' Books:
Gibson Michaels on Amazon
Gibson Michaels on Barnes & Noble

About Gibson Michaels:
www.gibsonmichaels.com

Gibson Michaels at ApolloCon:
www.apollocon.org

Teri Mathis: The Interview

After reading Teri Mathis' first published book, Notes From Faraway Inn, I was convinced I would have to go and take an extended vacation down to her beloved Cedar Key, Florida. After our conversation, I am even more convinced. I want nothing more than to relax on the Gulf, watching dolphins and walking through their quaint town to buy some local treasures.

Notes From Faraway Inn gives you a glimpse of what innkeepers Oliver and Doreen have created on the tiny island of Cedar Key. Teri Mathis read through many of the journals that guests have written their experiences in and turned it into a book for everyone to enjoy.

This busy Jill-of-all-trades doesn't stop there. She is hard at work on her second book, The Oxygen Theory, which is a compilation of many years worth of research into how increasing your oxygen intake is beneficial for the body. She is also a successful business owner, patent holder and member of the Fort Bend Photography Club (which she encourages anyone to join).

Teri and her husband, Lee Mathis, own and operate Oxygen Orchard, Inc. where they sell Teri's invention, The Big Pitcher. The pitcher is a small counter-top device that is designed to saturate your drinking water with oxygen. For more information, please visit their site, OxygenOrchard.com. Teri is also the proud owner of Vendale Publishing, which she used to self-publish her first book and hopefully many more.

Blogger Laura Romero and Writer Teri Mathis
Photo Property of Laura Romero

To purchase Notes from Faraway Inn, you can contact Teri at vendalepublishingco@gmail.com or call or her at 713-446-5337 or 1-877-347-7770.

Proceeds from Notes From Faraway Inn go to assist the Trap Neuter Release program on Cedar Key.

**The first 10 people to donate to the TNR program will receive a free copy of Teri's book!** 

Please contact her for more information!

Also, look for a possible book signing this summer in Cedar Key!

Please enjoy listening to my interview with Teri Mathis! (click on her name to listen to the interview)

Staying Motivated

One of the things I have found most difficult lately is staying motivated to write every single day. My life, for a short while at least, had become a little busier when I joined a local writing group. We were meeting nearly every week to critique and discuss each other's current projects. Unfortunately we are on hiatus because the founder of our group has fallen ill. Just when I was ready to get back in the swings of things after my own tangle with not feeling well. Too bad.

My current project is taking my short story, Youthanasia, (that you can read here) and expanding it in to a novel. (Youthanasia was entered into the Chilling Tales for Dark Nights short story contest in June 2014.) I started it during NaNoWriMo in November 2014. During that time I got about halfway through Not too bad, really for my second attempt at that particular challenge. But since then I haven't gotten that much further. Say 35,000 words or so. And, no, it's not the word count that matters, but I do not have a whole a story. Yet.

And I am the ultimate procrastinator when it comes to actually finishing anything. Why? Because I never feel that anything is ever good enough (even these silly little blogs). Because I don't think that anyone will want to read my story (even though you are supposed to write for yourself). Because I feel like I am wasting my time (again, what if no one likes it?). Because after this, what do I have (even though I have plenty of ideas for future stories)? Because I am afraid of rejection (from publishers, from readers, from critics). Because I keep changing my mind (that's what editing is for). Because I need to do more research (actually I just love to read more than anything). See? I'm full of excuses not to finish.

I haven't even been participating in Flash! Fiction Fridays lately, either. It used to be because I was busy on Fridays going to my writers group. But I haven't had that excuse lately. Now I'm just being lazy. I need something to jump start my creativity again in a serious way. I started looking up short story competitions again. (I'll post a link to the ones I found at the bottom.) I need something to get me out of this rut.

I still do my words on most days. I found a site called 750 Words maybe a year and a half ago. I use it as sort of a diary. The point of the site is to use it as a "brain dump" before you start writing. To sort of get it all out so you can start your day with a clean sheet of paper. Problem is, I do my 750 words - and that's it. Then I fool around the house the rest of the day. Tinker with our budget. Read. Watch some recordings on the DVR. Do some laundry. Do a word puzzle (love Penny Dell Puzzles!). Help the kids with homework. Probably yell at one them. Cook (a fabulous) dinner. Read. Sleep. Repeat.

So stuck in rut right now. Help!

What do you do to keep yourself motivated and write everyday? Or at least stick to a schedule? Leave your tips in the comments below!

Writing contests I found for April/May (That I was interested in)

sweatpants & coffee
Seeking fiction and non-fiction stories about transformation and redemption. They like well worded works, with "lyrical turns of phrase."

haunted waters press
Seeking fiction and poetry depicting life in rural America. Think country living, Midwestern tales, Southern Gothic and Country Noir.

Carl L. Williams: The Interview

Carl L. Williams was a fantastic way to round out the first quarter of the year. Ed Vela, Fernando Dovalina and Carl Williams are all well acquainted with each other's individual bodies of work, all having been members of Scriptwriters/Houston, competing playwrights and friends for many years.

Carl is a native Houstonian and graduate of the University of Houston. He started his career in technical writing before making a transition to social work with the Salvation Army, where he spent 28 years. Carl told me that the writing bug has always been him, however, and he started writing short stories under Sylvan Karchmer (1911-1991) at UH. It was fellow writer Chris Woods who encouraged him to start writing plays.

We spoke of the many play writing competitions that Houston (and other cities) have to offer and of the progression of writing a ten minute play to a one act play to a full length play. Carl told me a bit about the many unpublished novels he excelled at before finally finding his niche. He did manage to get one Western published, Fool's Play, but insists there will be no follow up novel despite favorable reviews.

Writer Carl L. Williams
Courtesy Carl L. Williams

Don't miss his play, Author's Anonymous, premiering at Theatre Suburbia this Summer! Auditions are coming soon, so check their website for more information.

Writers Laura Romero and Carl L. Williams
Photo Property of Laura Romero

Without further ado, please enjoy interview with Carl L. Williams (click the link to hear the interview).

To see a full collection of Carl's plays: www.doollee.com
To read more about Fool's Play: Fool's Play
To contact Carl L. Williams: carlw49@msn.com

Fernando Dovalina: The Interview

Fernando and I met and had a traditional Mexican breakfast at a little Taqueria not too far from the home he shares with his husband, Barry. What was comfort food to Fernando was just downright delicious to me. After we were sufficiently full and caffeinated, we headed over to his home where I was made to feel more than welcome, and I continued to pick his brain about life as a journalist and playwright.

Fernando and I could have spent hours talking about the two years he spent in Beaumont in the 1960's (I have family out that way). But as it was, we had to move on and talk about his work in Fort Worth before eventually settling down in Houston. Fernando has had a varied and wonderfully fascinating career in journalism alone, but now he has ventured into play-writing.

In play-writing, Fernando has studied under Edward Albee and Stuart Ostrow. He has collaborated with J T Buck to write the book for the musical, Gospel According to Tammy Faye, had several of his plays produced in the Houston area and is active in Scriptwriters/Houston. As if all these accomplishments weren't enough, Fernando is now working on his first novel(s).

Fernando was more than gracious to open his home to me and subject himself the multitude of questions I had printed out for him. He was full of funny and very touching stories, He was humble and patient. He never rushed me even though I probably kept him longer then he expected.

Fernando Dovalina and Laura Romero
Property of Laura Romero

Ladies and gentlemen, introducing Fernando Dovalina. (click on link to listen to the interview)

Please visit Scriptwriters/Houston for more information on upcoming events (including the Home Plays you heard about in Fernando's interview)

Look up Fernando's plays at Doollee.com

Ed Vela: The Interview

I recently sat down with my dear friend Ed Vela. Ed is a Houston-based playwright, screenwriter and the creator of the popular YouTube series, Dad vs Lad. I met Ed nearly 20 years ago, if you can believe that, when I was trying to pursue a career as a stage actress. We had a great time reconnecting over coffee and talking about the events of the last few years. 

For me, it was all about the kids, my heart procedures and my recent pursuits as a fledgling writer. For him it was all about his times in L.A., his new web series and his achievements with his screenplays. (Congrats again!) We could have talked forever about how to create the perfect  onstage conversation or how dreadful the editing process is or even how much we both hate stage parents, but I figured a marathon long interview wouldn't go over for my first podcast.

What you won't hear in the interview is what Ed is best known for; his teasing. I brought my (nearly) 14 year old son with me to meet the illustrious Ed Vela and he didn't disappoint. After they got to know each other, they got along famously, just as I knew they would. 

Writer Ed Vela with my son, goofing off

And he couldn't have been a more gracious host. We were together for more than three hours just talking about each other's lives and the art of writing. What could be more glorious than that?

Writer Ed Vela and blogger Laura Romero (me!)

Ladies and gentlemen, Writing 12 in 12 presents its first interview: Ed Vela! 

(click on the link to listen to our interview)

Ed Vela Interview

To contact Ed Vela:

edvelawriter@gmail.com
www.bigdogplays.com
www.normanmaineplays.com
Dad vs. Lad
www.doollee.comThe Quill that will Thrill

Je Sui Charlie - For the Writers of Charlie Hebdo

Unfortunately we find that tragedy can sometimes bring out the best in us. When gunmen burst into the offices of a satirical magazine yesterday in France and killed 12 of their employees, they probably had no idea that the world would rally together and cry out, "Je Sui Charlie (I am Charlie)" in support of Charlie Hebdo.

Among the twelve French citizens murdered was an officer who was there to protect the editors and cartoonists from just such an attack. Eleven others were wounded. All of this from a difference of opinion.

It is one thing to have a piece of paper say that we are protected. That we can say and print whatever we want. That freedom of speech is a right that is granted to all citizens. And yes, France grants that right to all its citizens in the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen just as the First Amendment of the Constitution protects our right to freedom of the press. But nowhere does it say that someone can take that right away from us. Not the government, not the people and certainly not masked gunmen.

I admit that I am not well versed on satire. But here is what I do understand.

Satire is using humor, irony, exaggeration or ridicule to expose someone or criticize their weaknesses. Especially political or contemporary figures. Right? (http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/us/definition/american_english/satire)

Ok, well irony is the expression of one's meaning to signify the opposite for an emphatic effect. (http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/us/definition/american_english/irony#irony)

Granted, I'm not a language scholar, or even a master of the written word. But the terrorists (and that's what they are, I don't care how you slice it) may have been prompted to kill the people of Charlie Hebdo for drawing a picture of the prophet Mohamed as the editor-in-chief of their magazine. So, in a way, they killed their own prophet by killing the editors and the cartoonists who created him.

Therefore, Je Sui Charlie for all the cartoonists and writers of Charlie Hebdo. The whole world is standing with you.

http://www

.mirror.co.uk/news/world-news/je-suis-charlie-trends-people-4935086

End of Year Review - 2014

And so, as all good things tend to do, we come to the end. Thank you so much for joining me on this journey. Writing 12 in 12 has been an experience I am so very grateful I put myself through. In the first six months I learned a lot about myself and about my limitations. What I liked, what I didn't like, what I thought I was good at, what I realized I was terrible at... And so forth.

I got my very first rejection letter this year. That was both the most exciting and horrifying moment in my career thus far. I have cried at each and every subsequent letter I have gotten. I have also printed each one out and placed them very carefully in a bright yellow folder labeled "One Step Closer". One day I will get one that says, "Congratulations, Laura!" and I will cry and have to create a brand new folder to start filling up. I haven't decided what to label that folder or what color it will be.

The last six months were more difficult than the first, though they only proved to strengthen my decision to be a full time writer. I ended up not getting very much done this summer. I had two heart catheter procedures. One was exploratory and the other was to fix an abnormality that was causing severe chest pain. So between the doctor's visits, hospital stays, bed rest, pain, side effects, and kids' summer vacation I never got around to finishing anything I started. 

In September I took some time off to do research for an idea I couldn't get out of my head. I did try my hand one more time at sci-fi/fantasy writing but still couldn't wrap my head around it. I envy you sci-fi and fantasy writers. I guess I just don't have the chops for it. I always end up writing a horror story. 

Which is exactly what I did in October. The short story I created for this particular contest earned me the last rejection letter of 2014. I'm not sad about it. It has strengthened my resolve to be a better writer. And also to recognize that just because I like something, doesn't mean the entire world is going to. There will be a place for me one day. Seriously though, my short story just wasn't ready for the world. 

But it soon will be, thanks to the fantastic writing group I joined. 

NaNoWriMo was almost a success in November. My husband told me to look at it this way; I was closer this year than I was last year. If it hadn't been for a killer migraine and really nasty chest cold (which I don't suggest if you've had previous open heart surgery, I don't care how long it has been) than I honestly think I could have made it to 50,000 words. 

I'm still working on my December challenge. The due date isn't until January, so I hope you won't think that makes me a cheater. Writing is still writing, right? And I'll let you know if I add to my collection of rejection slips or start 2015 off with a brand new folder.

What are your New Year's resolutions about writing?  Share them in the comments below. 

I am going to finish the first draft of my first novel. 

I am going to write something a minimum of five days a week. It is my (low paying) job, after all.

Happy New Year from Writing 12 in 12.

December Writing

November has come and gone and what a month it was. It was a whirlwind of activity in our household! From birthday highs to illness lows, I feel like we were run through an obstacle course but we came out of it (somewhat) healthy, (not at all) wealthy, and a little more wise.

We began the month celebrating my birthday with a Monster Movie Marathon with our closest friends. Then I tried my hand a second time at NaNoWriMo. I had the worst migraine I have had in years somewhere in the middle of the month. Then we had a quiet family celebration for my husband's birthday. My son and I caught a ruthless head cold just before Thanksgiving, but that didn't stop us from enjoying some quality family time and turkey (but we kept our germs to ourselves). And now I have a lovely Christmas tree to look at for the rest of the season.

So, how did I fare in NaNoWriMo? Well, thanks to the migraine and the head cold, I never truly got caught up after I fell behind. I started off strong, reaching 25,000 words by the middle of the month; right on target. But by the end of NaNoWriMo, I had written only about 30,000. Am I disappointed? Of course I am. But 30,000 is still about 20,000 more than I wrote last year. And I still plan on finishing my book and (hopefully) going on to the publishing phase . Now, whether that will be going the traditional route or self publishing remains to be seen. Perhaps that will be a topic one month for next year's Writing 12 in 12...

Speaking of next year, just because this is the last month of my challenge, doesn't mean that Writing 12 in 12 is going away. I have plenty of surprises in store for next year, so stay tuned!

For December I have narrowed my choices down to three things:

Great Old Ones Publishing is accepting submissions for stories about cryptids. They are looking for original stories between 3,000 and 8,000 words to include in an anthology. Be creative and be unique are their top requirements. Visit their site for information on how to submit.

Highlights Magazine is looking for mystery stories up to 750 words. This is a children's magazine so the stories can't include crime, violence or derogatory humor. Visit their site for more information.

Litro Magazine's February issue will be centered around 'Diaries'. What do diaries mean to you? They accept short fiction, flash fiction and nonfiction. Visit their site if you are interested in writing about 'Diaries'.

I'm not sure what will inspire me this month, or any month, so I have learned to keep my options open. December is always  busy, what with the holidays and all. At least I still have a few weeks until the kids get out of school to get to work.

How do you plan on balancing your writing and your holiday celebrations this year?

For me? I'm hoping to get rid of this nagging cough. And also to get as much done as possible before the kids are out for their winter break.

Writing Hurdles

Sometimes situations arise that prevent you from being able to write. Be it family, illness, other obligations or even something that is just plain more fun than writer's block, we can't always commit to our daily dose of screen time.

What do you do to get caught up?

Recently I found myself bed bound with what was quite possibly the worst migraine I have had in recent years. I literally stayed on the couch for day one, in bed for days two and three and made it back to the couch for day four. And nothing was making a dent in the pain. So you can forget about even thinking about the story I was writing for NaNoWriMo.

I had started the month off two days behind because we celebrated my birthday with a Monster Movie Marathon during Halloween weekend. The rest of the month of November, I had managed to get caught up on my words. The goal is to average about 1,667 words a day in order to meet the 50,000 word goal at the end of November. The ultimate goal, of course, is to have the first draft of a novel done at the end of the month and the 50,000 word count is the average length of the average novel.

You can imagine my added frustration when I lost so many days to a freakin' headache!

How do you get caught up when you fall behind on your writing goals? I am having to start my days earlier and end them later until I get caught up. And I find that I am adding a lot more trivial details to my novel that will probably get cut in the editing process, but that's okay. This is just the first draft and a little stream-of-consciousness writing never hurt anybody. Leave me your comments below. I would love to hear from you.

Writing is a Process

This morning as I was getting to work I was beating myself up for not having written a new blog in the last few weeks. The reason being that I have been unusually busy. You would think that would give me more things to write about but oddly enough, it doesn't. I have been concentrating on finishing up this month's writing challenge, preparing for next month's, going to various children's school functions, doctor's appointments, and being laid up with the odd migraine. Boo.

This month's horror short story is going very well, if I do say so myself. I chose a theme and I kind of just ran with it. I'm not entirely sure it will live up to the theme that The Flexible Persona has laid out, but I am happy with my writing and, to me, my horror story deals with everyday life. Plus, I am writing every day and that was the point of creating Writing 12 in 12. 

Chilling Tales for Nights, where my last horror story made it to the voting phase (thanks again to those that voted), is hosting a flash fiction horror writing contest. Stories of 1,000 words or less, based on one of the photo prompts, are due by October 30. I do love my Flash Fiction... Visit the site for more information.

I made the decision today to enlist some help with my projects. In November I will be participating in National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) and most of my time will be spent trying to write a 50,000 word rough draft of my first novel in 30 days. But that doesn't mean that I have to totally shelve all my other projects. I have another story I have been working since last year's NaNoWriMo (no I was not successful last year). I have enlisted the help of a research assistant, AKA my Mom, to help me answer some questions about history, real historical people, folk lore and geography so I can write a convincing historical fiction about our local area. 

So my question to all my writers today is, what kind of outside help have you enlisted when doing research for your writing? I'm just starting out and I have no shame. So I have totally sucked my mom into my world. Right, mom?

Leave your comments below. I look forward to hearing from you. 

October is for Spooky Tales

It was great to be able to take some time off in September to do research for a side project for a book I would like to write. I made numerous trips to my local library (old fashioned, I know), started to put together short character bios, a timeline for my story and sketched out a rough outline. Not having a deadline looming over my head gave me one less thing to worry about during a much anticipated heart procedure I had done last week as well. (It went smoothly and I am recuperating comfortably at home.)

After all the rest and relaxation, I am ready to get down to brass tacks. October is one of my very favorite months. #1: It's my birthday month. #2: It finally starts to cool down here in the South. #3: Halloween. Need I say more?

For October I have found an international literary journal that is accepting submissions on the theme of horror. What could be more perfect? The Flexible Persona is asking for nonfiction and fiction pieces that will produce terror, anxiety and horror in their editors and readers. This themed issue is free to enter and the deadline is (what else?) October 31st. Selected pieces will be chosen for an on-line audio format as well as a special e-reader edition in February 2015. Please visit their site for more information.

After the mild success I had in the Chilling Tales for Dark Nights contest in June, I am really excited to write another horror story. I hope you won't think that I am cheating since I will be writing another scary story. I found the link to my short story if you missed the voting stage this summer or would just like to read my short story again, typos and all.

Something interesting I ran across was Paul Jenny's site, Stories are the Wildest Things: Writing and Reading With Paul Jenny. He is an author based out of New York City that has taken an interest in telling other writer's stories, both fiction and nonfiction. He hosts a podcast, Stories are the Wildest Things, in which he reads aloud his readers' stories and shares writing tips.

My question for you today is, if you were to write a horror story, would it be something inspired by something in your real life or something created by your imagination? I look forward to hearing from you in the comment section below.

Wish me luck and I'll do the same for you.

September Writing Reminder

I may be taking a break from a long term challenge/contest this month, but I will still try my hand at a quick 48-hour contest this weekend. I want to remind my fellow writers that Literary Journal Toasted Cheese is hosting Three Cheers and a Tiger's annual sci-fi/fantasy writing competition this weekend. Today they will post a prompt and word count limit on their web page. The goal is write a sci-fi/fantasy short story according to the prompt within the next 48 hours.

I am interested in this particular challenge because this is a genre that I have struggled with. If you remember back in June I tried to write a science fiction story for L. Ron Hubbard's Writers and Illustrators of the Future. I was able to write a horror story for Chilling Tales for Dark Nights, which I had never done before, but the science fiction story eluded me. I look forward to a second chance. (Thank you again for voting my story in the horror writing contest! You guys are amazing!)

Congratulations to the winners of the BBC sponsored radio play writing competition. They have narrowed their favorites down to a short list of finalists. I wish I could hear what the final performances sound like. I hope I get a chance to participate in it again next year.

Do  you have a particular genre you struggle with? One you were surprised you were good at writing? Share it with me in the comment section below!

Wish me luck and I'll do the same for you...

September Writing - Taking Time for Myself

In July and August I had set out to write short stories according to a prompt or a theme and for those two months I have failed to finish writing my stories. Summer has been difficult for me to find time to write. Not that I am complaining, but between the kids and vacations and the doctor appointments and outings, writing took an unfortunate backseat.

For September I have decided to get back to basics. During the last eight months I have learned a lot about myself, the way I think, write and react to deadlines and pressure. For the remainder of this month I am taking the time to work on a personal side project that has been rattling around my brain for the last few weeks. I am hoping it turns into an interesting story that will expand into a novel. But only time (and dedication) will tell.

I still participate in Flash! Friday every weeks. It is a great way to exercise my brain and write a killer story within 150 words. This month, Toasted Cheese Literary Journal is hosting Three Cheers and a Tiger's 48-Hour Science Fiction/Fantasy writing contest. During the weekend the weekend of September 19-21, they will provide a prompt and writers are encouraged to write a story within 48 hours. I have tried my hand at sci-fi/fantasy before and failed beautifully. But I am never one to give up easily, so I just may throw my hat in the ring again. For those who are interested, We Said Go Travel's Fall writing contest will open on September 11. Please read my inspiration travel article, Welcome to the Double J, that I submitted to their February writing contest.

I hope that taking time for myself will allow me to ready for what is ahead. I already know of a few challenges that I want to be prepared for come Fall and Winter. If I can't get my ideas out of my head and on (electronic) paper now, I know that I won't be able to focus on the challenges I have lined up in future months. Taking time for myself is, in itself, going to be a challenge.

What challenges do you face in your writing? Share your thoughts below.

Wish me luck and I'll do the same for you.

End of Summer Writing

July was a bust for me. Between dealing with having the kids home for summer and my heart catheter, I hardly got any writing done at all. That's not to say I was wholly unproductive. I managed to submit two previously written pieces to two different writing competitions/publications. Let's hope that the end of summer will greet me with more success. Besides, 11/12 is still an 'A'.

In July, I attempted to write a short story for the "Skin" themed issue of The Chattahoochee Review. I had an idea, an outline and even a few hundred words down on (electronic) paper. I had an idea for a photo essay for the Stoneboat Literary Journal but didn't get a chance to finish the project. This time it wasn't a matter of taking on more than I could chew so much as life getting in the way. But I sure did have a great time going bowling, being a beach bum, going to the zoo and in general just hanging out with my kids. The heart catheter and doctor's appointments on the other hand were not so much fun.

For August, I have set forth what is probably going to be more of a challenge than I think it will be, but I am ready to get back to work. The Red Line is an online magazine that publishes English language short stories from International writers. They are currently accepting submissions about "Joy". The Nonbinary Review is a quarterly interactive library. Its goal is to invite writers to take the issue's theme (right now it is L. Frank Baum's The Wizard of Oz) and to re-investigate it and write a new story related to the theme.

I'm not going to stress about trying to get both of these done right this second. The Red Line is due by August 31 but the Nonbinary Review's submissions are open longer, though it doesn't state the deadline on the website. So let the creative juices flow!

Wish me luck and I'll do the same for you...

(I submitted my two previously written pieces to FireGoat Books and Loudoun County Public Library)

15 Ways to Increase Blog Traffic

• Know Your Audience
• Don't stray off topic. This is a blog about writing. If I wanted to write about fluffy kitties and rainbows I would share that information on a different blog. You want your peers to share your thoughts not get confused by them.

• Make it Interesting/Make it Relevant
• New readers are hard to attract. What you want is to keep your readers loyal. Keep them hungry and keep them coming back for more.

• Write Damn You!
• Write well, write often and write what you know. Be your own expert but don't sound like a douche.

• Include Links
• Including links to your old pages will help garner more page views and drive up traffic. Since you're here, check out the very first edition of Writing 12 in 12 to see why I started this particular blog. 

• Update old Posts
• Always keep things updated. You may come across new information and be able to re-post an old blog to a new audience.

• Make Popular Posts Accessible 
• New visitors will be able to read through your most popular material quickly and get hooked on the awesomeness that is you. Mine is at the bottom of my page. Enjoy!

• Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
• In order to get people to read your blog, they first need to be able to find your blog. Use keywords in your title, subheads and text. I'm pretty notorious for not doing that, but if you want to be better than me, try being direct in your titles. If you're writing about about your latest gardening failure, put that in your title. Don't say, "Slugs Abound!" say something more like, "Gardening Fail in Local Neighborhood: Famine for Family of Five". Okay, maybe not that dramatic, but now you see why I'm writer. Adding images to your posts is another great way to increase SEO's. People searching for images are likely to "StumbleUpon" your blog.

• Networking
• Twitter, Facebook, Google+, Reddit, StumbleUpon, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Tumblr, Instagram are your friends, as well as numerous others that are more specialized and tailored to your special interests. Get active. Get social. Share and share alike. Learn how to use hashtags in social media.  Jump into conversations relevant to your blogs and don't be afraid to post to different sites. Just make sure your blogs are actually contributing material to their sites otherwise you'll come across as spammy and no one likes spam, unless there's a natural disaster. (Those are are links to sign up for service - not shameless self promotion)

• Google Analytics
• Google Analytics is free. It shows you your audience source, time spent on your blog, number of new visitors and total page visits.

• Use Images


• Use your own images or borrow other's legally. You can search to be sure your images are not being 'borrowed' without permission and if they are ask for a link back to your blog. 
• Here's a picture of my dog to tide you over.

• 

  Sancho the Dog
  Picture by Laura Romero

• Guest Blog(gers)
• If you get the chance to, accept the opportunity to be a guest blogger on someone else's site. Likewise, let someone guest blog on yours.

• Look Professional
• Update your look often. Always look for ways to make your blog more user friendly. Use eye pleasing colors, easy to navigate pages, make links easy to follow, include a comment section and a way for readers to subscribe and share your blog. 

• Be an Active Participant
• When people comment, comment back. Answer thoughtful questions with thoughtful answers and encourage discussions. 

• Offer a Subscription
• Include an RSS feed using Feedburner so you can encourage a loyal fan base.

• Above All, Be Yourself
• I'm silly and goofy with a sense of humor that only those closest to me truly appreciate. Mostly my kids. It has taken a long time to find my groove and it that's just fine. No one says you have to be perfect right out of the starting gate. Have fun, be yourself and enjoy your time writing. It will show. 

Celebrating Indepenence

What a great month June turned out to be! My horror story, Youthanasia, made it to the public voting round with Chilling Tales for Dark Nights' Short Story Horror Writing Contest. The story fought the good fight for the first few days, staying within the first three spots, but eventually I got knocked out. In the end, I came in somewhere in the middle. Thank you to everyone who voted for me.

Congratulations to the winners! I read everyone's stories and there were some very good ones I was up against. I am honored (and very proud of myself) to have been a part of it. In fact, I am looking forward to the next one. The way I see it, I have only been serious about my writing for the last six months and to get that far is a real treat.

After having written a horror story, I had a difficult time coming up with a sci-fi/fantasy story to submit to L. Ron Hubbard's Writers of the Future contest. I tried and I tried but all the ideas I came up with had to do with ghosts and horror. Guess I was on a roll. And it may very well be that sci-fi/fantasy isn't for me. I enjoy reading the genre but I probably am just not cut out to write about it. And that's OK. That's what this project is all about; finding my limitations and finding myself.

For the seventh month, and seventh venture, I have decided to try to submit to a magazine. I have looked into several options and found quite a few that appeal to me. Am I going to submit to every single one of them? Probably not. Something I have learned is that I can't force myself to do something, i.e. the sci-fi story. So for this month, the month where we celebrate our independence, I am going to celebrate my own independence and not pin myself down with only one option.

Option 1: Mountain Tales Press is accepting cowboy poetry.

Option 2: The Chattahoochee Review is accepting submissions on the theme of "skin", either literal or figurative.

Option 3: Stoneboat Literary Journal is taking submissions of poetry, fiction and non-fiction works. But they are also accepting photo essays, which I am most interested in. They also accept comics and graphic fiction/non-fiction.

Option 4: Good Housekeeping is running a writing contest. Submit stories that are "All About Love."

Option 5: The Quotable will be accepting a variety of writing on the theme of "desire".

Most all of these magazines close their submissions on August 1, making my July goal perfect timing. I have some ideas for what I want to try to write for some of these and haven't figured anything out for others. I have decided that if I can submit to at least two of these magazines than I have made July a successful month.

Wish me luck and I'll do the same for you.