Merry Christmas to All!

By now the gifts are opened and the children are hopefully settling down. Our hearts are full of love and feelings of tenderness toward our families and we're thanking our Lord for the Blessings of family.
Extra prayers to all of those who were lonely and homeless on this wondrous day.

I believe most of us have had funny, romantic and sentimental memories that were created today. Memories that can inspire some lovely stories. Think of all that you have done or will do during this happy season. Then I challenge you to write a short story, a chapter for your work in progress, a memoir entry and even be inspired to start a new novel! If not a Christmas story then maybe you'll find inspiration from your New Years Eve Celebrations!
If you'd like to share some of your holiday with me, I'd love to read about it. Just drop it in the comments!

I wish everyone a Blessed season and a Happy, healthy and prosperous New Year!

Keep Writing and Keep Smiling!

Build Creative Writing Ideas - Thousand Prompts Contest Entry

                                                            

(Original Post removed and replaced with this cool photo I took.)

For more information on this contest hosted by Bryan Cohen click on the links
www.build-creative-writing-ideas.com/writing-contest.html
www.build-creative-writing-ideas.com/free-creative-writing-prompts-memory.html

Christmas 2013 is nearly here!

I can't believe Halloween and Thanksgiving have come and gone. Christmas is only a week away and I haven't posted since the summer! I apologize for that! So much has been happening. I know that's really NOT a good excuse as most of you are very loyal. That will be my New Years Resolution ...to be more loyal and not allow work, health, etc. to stop me from PUBLISHING my posts.
 Let me begin now by adding another new post directly after this one.  That post will be an actual ENTRY into a writng contest. I am going to be entering directly from my blog!
 I know .... it's an unusual way to enter a writing contest yet very creative of the host, Author Bryan Cohen. Check out the "links" to the contest to read the guidelines and join me with an entry of your own!

Keep Writing, Keep Submitting and always Keep Smiling! 

Happy Labor Day! May your summers never end!

As the summer ends we must remember all of the great things we've enjoyed this beautiful season! Be inspired by the memories! As writers our summers never have to end!
Open up a fresh page and begin to write. Make your next "Work In Progress" take place during the summer!
When I write I lose myself in my story and I take myself back to summer no matter what time of year it is! So never feel melancholy as the summer ends. Simply take yourself back there and then take your readers back to the warmth of summer as they read your finished product!

KEEP WRITING, KEEP SUBMITTING AND KEEP SMILING!

Take a Breather and Clear you head

Hi Fellow Writers!
 I hope you're enjoying your weekend. Sometimes when we stay inside and write write and write...we need to stretch our weary bones and take a little breather! It's good for the mind and eyes but especially great for the soul.
 You've got to stretch and exercise your body and while exercising your body you are resting your minds. When you get back to your computer you'll feel refreshed and ready for the next writing session.

Here's where I went today. I hope you'll look at this picture and feel the peace!

                 

KEEP WRITING AND KEEP SUBMITTING!

Launching Your Published Book-Learning Social Media

Hi Everyone!
  Since revising my book MEET SANDY GULL, I've been working hard to get my promotion/marketing in order! Social Media has been an enormously helpful way to promote myself as an author. It is also a huge way to promote book sales! Be prepared to spend much time learning how to make your way through the ins and outs of using each one.
  I have been concentrating on my new Business Face Book Page for my Sandy Gull Character. If you have a moment, take a look and if you have any suggestions, I'd love to hear them.

                     www.facebook.com/pages/sandy-gull/434597989961672

I've been told that if you can't afford a website immediately, then you MUST go out there and create a FREE Business Face Book Page. I'm feeling happy with my Business FB Page and I hope you'll fly over and take a look. Please "like" it while you're there, (if you do like it).  Smiling......!

   I have also joined Twitter. I have much more to learn with Twitter. I found a book at my local library that was downstairs in the "Used books for sale" area. The book is called Twitter Power. I'm finding it very helpful. I've also purchased a book called Social Media Marketing  all-in-one for Dummies. This book gives helpful instructions to navigating your way around Blogs, Podcasts, Vlogs, Twitter, Facebook, Linkedin and more! The book I purchased has a copyright of 2010 and I purchased it at Ollie's for $9.99. Although it is already 3+ years old, the basics are all there and it is helpful.
 
   I've taken a workshop at my local Small Business Association Branch Office. (Check your local SBA for free workshops.) There are many business people who are willing to host these workshops and help beginners learn and be successful. Attending workshops is a great way to Network as well. I've attended 3 workshops in the past month. One was to learn Pinterest. (Another social media site). I've not gotten mine up and running yet, due to time constraints, but am looking forward to blocking out the time to do that.

  I am working with a friend of mine named Rob on a basic Website. I've purchased my Domain Name- www.sandygull.com  (Not up and running yet, but I'll let you know when it is.) Don't hesitate to go out there and purchase your Domain name. You want to make sure it will be available when you ARE ready. I used the website www.GoDaddy.com to purchase mine. That website was recommended to me by a trusted source.....my computer savvy son.

  Lot's to learn folks! More than I'd imagined! It's a lot of work, a lot to read ....but will be so worth the time invested. My thoughts are, once I get this all under my belt, I'll become proficient and participating regularly on each social media site will become quick, pleasurable and if done correctly ..., profitable!

In the meantime ... KEEP WRITING AND KEEP SUBMITTING!
 

Keep Writing and Submitting.....it may pay off!

Late night working .....but it's all good!

Today I received an email from a Traditional Publisher I'd submitted my first YA Story to in May. This company has not yet published Young Adult Fiction .......yet! I queried my story because this particular company seemed to be a good fit for YA fiction, (in my humble opinion). So I queried them, explaining why I thought they might want to consider my idea. Surprisingly, I was fortunate enough to be asked to submit the first three chapters. After three editors read my chapters, they are considering it for possible publication in 2014!  I am anxiously awaiting the comments from the editors!
So...........I'm hopefully standing by! Wish me Luck!

KEEP WRITING, SMILING AND SUBMITTING!

Best Advice! Attend Writer's Conferences

Hello My Writing Friends!

    Whenever it's possible, I would like to suggest you plan to attend as many Writer's Conferences as you can. They are the absolute BEST WAY to do some fun networking as well as learn so much about our craft!

    In early June I attended the Eleventh Annual North Wildwood Beach Writer's Conference.  Held at the Convention Center right on the Wildwood boardwalk, the weather was beautiful! You couldn't ask for better atmosphere than the view of the beach and ocean mixed with the excitement of the boardwalk. I had the added pleasure of joining two of the Presenters/Authors for dinner after day one of the two day event.
Also, I'm excited to tell you that my Essay placed second in the Essay Contest!
  I will be receiving information regarding another conference which will be held at a Winery in the fall. I'll share the information with you when I receive it!

KEEP WRITING, KEEP SUBMITTING AND KEEP SMILING!

MEET SANDY GULL BACK AND READY FOR PURCHASE

I'm happy to announce the release of my children's book MEET SANDY GULL !!!


                                                       

Download my E book for $3.99 or Order your little one a Print Version for $10.00

Meet Sandy Gull - My Children's Book Update

Meet Sandy Gull Revisions are now complete! It's a Wonderful Thing!!!
I'll be posting the links to order as soon as the e-book is approved. Also Amazon.com must be updated.

Sandy Gull has his own facebook page now. Stop by and "Like" it and check back, I think your kids will enjoy the page.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/sandy-gull/434597989961672/


More information to follow soon!

Keep Writing, Keep Submitting and Keep Smiling!

Writers Boot Camp

Along with working on the Projects for my Children's Books, I've sign up for a 7 day Boot Camp. The New Yorker Times Magazine is actively seeking writers for their e-magazine.
They have set up an online Boot Camp for Writer's to show their talents and become certified to write and post articles online for payment!

 If you're interested, search Guardian Experss SEO Boot Camp. Go Ahead...Check it out!

If you sign up, let me know how you do. I'm going to be on day 4 tomorrow.

Keep Writing, Keep Smiling and Keep Submitting!

What are YOU working on right now?

Over the last couple of months I've been spending most of my writing time working on my Children's stories. I've been revising my Meet Sandy Gull story. I hope to have that available again by the end of this week. I"ve tightened up my Shellby Comes To Visit manuscript and I feel that is ready to go.
 In a Celebration of Life tribute to some very special people I loved who are resting in God's arms now, I've been working on a cancer story. This one is going to be especially dear to my heart.

So what are you working on?

Keep Writing, Keep Submitting and Keep Smiling!

Social Media Marketing For Authors

I'm learning that I've go A LOT to learn about Social Media Marketing! How did I not know how wonderful and important it is to Writer's? It's important to ALL businesses, and let's face it....marketing your writing is a business!
 So here I am at 1am trying to hone my new Social Media Skills. There's so much to learn ..., new symbols, new abbreviations, new words! It's like learning to speak or should I say type, a new language.
 But it is necessary. So if you are a late bloomer to these techniques as I am, make sure to set some time aside to discover and learn. Get your work and your thoughts out there!

Confession......When I first started this blog I didn't know it was a form of Social Media!

Keep Smiling, Keep Writing and Keep Submitting!

Self-Publishing

Today I read a Blog Post on the Subject of Self-Publishing. Boy it hurt my heart. My short version is this ..., a very generous Book Store Owner allowed many self published authors into her store to do book signings. It sounds as though this wonderful person did the full out tables, snack etc. for these Authors. She also bought many books and actually had a section devoted to self-published authors. Unfortunately, these books have not been selling. She has lost money taking a chance and is not wanting to continue carrying self-published works. It saddens me for her and for these authors. I would like to say a big THANK YOU to that Book Store Owner for her efforts.
For the authors of those books, (should you by some chance read this blog), if you want a real shot at your books selling get yourself a good MARKETING PLAN. Do it yourself! Don't rely on expensive marketing packages offered by some of these self-publishing companies. YOU need to work just as hard or harder at marketing yourself and your product as you did in creating your wonderful book. Self-publishing is a business. It is only the rare few that become "Break-Out" Authors whether you're self-published or traditionally published. In both instances you have to continuously put yourself out there and sell your work.

KEEP WRITING AND KEEP SMILING!

2013 Revisions Needed?

Hello Everyone! Do you have a wonderful piece of work out there that needs revisions?
  I did. Finally my children's book MEET SANDY GULL is at the Publishers receiving the needed revisions. I hope it will be available shortly!
  My original plan was to simply have my shop address removed since the shop has closed. But I entered this book into a contest that offered editor/judge's feedback. My book did fairly well but the suggestions I received were completely correct! My book is a rhyming story and there were a few places I broke the rhyme. I didn't realize how important that was until I began doing "readings" at local libraries and schools. Every time I'd come to those particular lines, (that I had felt were cute and necessary), I'd stumble or stutter. As I became more experienced giving readings, I found I would simply skip over those lines. The judges were right! Since I had to make revisions anyway, I've decided to have those lines removed. I feel I will have a much better story.
 So I guess the moral of this story is ..., don't hesitate to consider the advice of a reader. You may not always agree, but definitely give it some thought.
Keep Writing and Keep Smiling!

Write and Submit 2013

Happy New Year! I can't believe we are nearing the end of January 2013! I hope many new Authors were discovered in 2012!
 I really enjoyed the contests and online conferences I participated in during 2012. I've made some new friends and learned much!
 This year, I am going to get my Children's Book edited and put back out there for sale. I had the address of my Ice-cream Shop in the book and when I closed the business I had to stop pushing sales of the book until I edited out the address. So, yesterday I submitted the edits and I hope to have the new version released some time next month. I'm very excited about it. The next manuscript is complete and I plan to show it to someone important in early February!
 I also plan to publish my YA novel as an e-book this year. I need to do another round of edits on it and hopefully it will be ready. They say you can NEVER edit enough but you know.....at some point it's time to set it free, otherwise we won't get any feedback or get published ....right?!

Let me know how YOUR plans are going ....

Keep Writing and Keep Smiling!