Books I've Been Reading...

As a beginning again writer I've been reading a lot of books about the craft of writing. My favorite so far is author B. J. Daniel's, Write Your Damn Book. I've read her well written romances for years and when I saw the title, how could I not buy it? Just the title evokes her voice telling me: "What's the problem, and what are you waiting for? Your book ain't gonna write itself!" Pure unadulterated fear! Like she's looking over my shoulder and cheering me on. That's what I need. Support. She almost makes it look easy, just add blood, sweat and tears. I reviewed her book on Amazon which I will copy and paste here as I'm not savvy enough to put the link in:

  By Marcia L. Scott

 

Those are the last words written in this most informative and lesson-filled book by B.J. Daniels. The lessons aren't hard, and simple enough just to get you writing, which is what this book is all about. My favorite chapter is #6 which is on how to start your story. We all have to start somewhere, it might as well be the beginning. B.J. gives us a different view whether it be setting, conflict, dialogue, character, or narration, it's a start. You can't go wrong by following chapter by chapter as she guides you through your journey to finish your book. Every chapter is filled with examples, insights and ways to improve your writing.
B.J's own writing journey is peppered throughout the book which makes it more personal than lecture. She makes us realize that although you may be a 'famous writer' it begins with the same struggle we, as new writers, are going to experience.
I've read this book three times...It's inspiring, uplifting, and gives me the hope that I can and will finish my book! It's a book I will refer to time after time as I complete my journey into writing.
Another quote: "There isn't a writing book in the world that can teach you to write. Writing is a journey of learning how to put words together, how to put yourself onto the paper." Well said, B.J!!

p.s. I've read most all of B.J.'s fiction books...if you want to see how she practices what she preaches...read them! Can't wait for Cardwell Cousins coming in June of 2014!!

 

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B. J.'s book is the only writing book I've finished and re-read. Why? Simply put, it was easier for my small brain to digest and understand the rudiments of writing. Read the review...it says it all.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Apologies...

I told myself when I started this new blog that I would try and post at least once a week or more. My bad. Here it's already been over a month or more. I've got an excuse if you'd like to hear it. Hopefully, you'll stick it out with me to the end.

I left my home in NV to fly to OH on May 25th. Rented a car, drove to my hometown to pick up my daughter and young grandson. We were leaving the next day for Our Most Excellent Road Adventure...driving to Florida to see my daughter's twin sons graduate from high school. Armed with a GPS, maps, daily journal, two cases of water, a cooler loaded with sodas, snacks, etc., camera, knapsack full of WWE men, and with excitement in our hearts, took to the road. Crossing the border into Kentucky I get a frantic phone call from my sweet neighbor saying there's an ambulance and fire truck parked outside my home...what's going on? I say, I don't know, I'm in KY!! Tried to call my S/O (significant other), but he's not answering. Who do I call next? Seconds away from the answer, I get a call from my S/O. Don't be mad, he says...I was up on the ladder, and coming down my foot caught and I fell and broke my hip. Egads! Immediately, I want to fly home. No, he says, there's nothing you can do, I'm in the hospital and they have a handle on it. Long story short...I continued on with my vacation, threatening to fly home every day, it was his femur that was shattered, and he was in the hospital for almost a month. I flew back to NV (Vegas, baby, Vegas), on the 15th of June, and brought him home on the 20th. He is doing quite well, thank you, and we are looking at PT three times a week, plus I'm the caregiver at home. I'll be sure to post updates as we embark upon this new adventure!

Back to writing...obviously, I got nothing!  I'm reading a lot, which is good, right? But, I WANT to be writing! So, I make the promises to myself (and my somewhat small public) to continue on with the daily/weekly blog. And maybe, just maybe, a paragraph or two of actual progress on my manuscript/writing. No excuses!