What the Duck??

 

So on my way to work this morning with more What if’s? Then I had answers to, I drove past a flock of ducks. And I wondered about those ducks.

Why? Because that is how the mind of a writer works that’s why?

But I realized, Ducks have it! They understand. They have a great life. Okay there is that pesky little migration thing in the fall and hunting season. But honestly who hasn’t had to duck and weave a little in their life. (Pun intended, please fill free to laugh.)

Honestly, they have kids that follow them around obidently. And when they leave the nest the mother duck has more. Out with the old and in with the new!! But there lives aren’t complicated with the fussings of over thinking EVERYTHING. Simplicity is the key to personal harmony and success, somehow the ducks have figured that out.

We just have to watch the ducks.

Okay so my crazy might be showing but, honestly slow down. Those What if’s and un-answered questions and worries will come. Let it roll off your back like the water off the back of a duck. (Bet you thought I was done with stupid metaphores. HA!)

Just because your desperete for an answer doesn’t mean the answer is the key. Getting there might have something to do with it.

-Christie

Ohh HELL NO…Why you should embrace constructive criticism.

Nooo I can’t hear you!!!

I know as writers we are supposed to say, please give me constructive criticism. But in reality (For me, particular). I have to admit, that when anybody criticised my writing it was tantamount to a declaration of all out war.

But I have to admit as I grow as a writer I welcome constructive criticism more and more. If you are not willing to grow as a writer you will never get published. Well never say never! However, the more constructive (and I mean constructive, we all the know the difference between constructive and snarky) but real constructive criticism  is so thrilling to me now. When ten years ago I would have crawled into bed and cried for a week. Now I look for it, ask for it. Sometimes beg for it. Because I want to grow as a writer, I want my writing to be the very best it can be! Constructive criticism from peer or editors and beta readers is what is going to make you a better writer and frankly a better person.

Get a thick skin, and next time you get some constructive criticism embrace it and say Ohh hell ya!! Bring it on babe!

Christie

The Synopsis Quandary

So by no means would I profess to be a subject matter expert when it comes to writing a synopsis. And honestly that’s not really what this post is about. What it’s about, however, is the over abundance of information on the web regarding how to compile, outline, write, put together a synopsis. Which if you have ever wrestled with having to write one, you know how difficult it already is. But then you turn to the all-knowing internet and the confusion compounds. Isn’t the internet supposed to make it easier? Or at least give you points toward the right direction?

I googled it and there was more information out there about what NOT to do then what was acceptable. I have come to the conclusion that every writer, editor, agent, publisher… has their own way of writing a synopsis.

No wonder it’s so hard to get published.

You don’t want to follow exactly what other authors in your genre are doing because you want to stand out. But you don’t want to go so far off the beat and track that it looks like a pig with lipstick on it.

Half the links out there don’t work.

ARRRGGGHHHH….in the end you put something together that you hope at least gets close to something resembling whatever it is the person you are sending it to is asking for.

Not a lot of help I know. But it sure made me feel better to vent. How important is the synopsis anyway? Way in and leave a comment.

–Christie