Writer Courses: yes or no?

It’s Monday people! Why is Monday such a horrible day most weeks? Shouldn’t we be rested up from the weekend? I don’t know about you, but Monday’s always seem to pull at me. For some reason Monday’s make me tired, and I have four more work days to go!

Well, on to the reason for today’s post. Have you taken a writer’s course lately? Over the weekend I took a writer’s course and I have to say it was quite enjoyable. I learned more than I expected and it wasn’t even boring. Sometimes we try to go in the other direction when it’s time to learn something new, but guess what, it’s time to try new things. The course was a series of videos that taught about writing, of course!

My suggestion to you is this, go for it! If you’re bored out of your mind and don’t seem to be learning anything, then move on, but if you start listening intently and learn something, then your time hasn’t been wasted. If I get permission to let you in on the free course that I took, I’ll definitely post the link here. Let’s just say I plan on using what I learned and hopefully if anything, I can pass on the results here.

So, get on with your Monday, and remember at least you made it to Monday!

As always, good writing and May God Bless You…

Clicking On and Off…

Writing doesn’t work like a light switch. You can’t just switch it on and off at your whim, can you? I sometimes struggle with writer’s block. It feels as though the writer in me has been turned off, but it wasn’t my choice. Some days this scares me because I love to write, what if it doesn’t flip back on? So, what controls your switch? Good question huh!

I’ve worked on this question for a while and here’s what I came up with. It’s not an exact science, but it makes sense, for me that is.

Life controls my switch a good bit of the time. I’ve realized that when something is going on in my life, usually something stressful, life turns the switch off. No matter how hard I try, what comes out of my mind through my fingers isn’t satisfying. So, control the stress, keep the switch on. Easier said than done.

Guess what else controls your switch, other story characters. I noticed that when I decide to work on just one story, another story’s character steps in and holds the switch. It’s as though they’re saying, ‘work on my story or the switch goes off, your choice’. The only way to deal with this is to at least give the other story a few lines, then the switch is untouched.

Does this sound crazy? Think about it. How many times has your switch went off and you struggled to get it back on? Did you have something going on or was there another story pushing at you? Now you’re seeing what I’m talking about.

Try to push stress out when it starts in and give the other characters looming in your brain a little love, it might help.

What flips your switch?

As always, good writing and May God Bless You…

P.S. If you get a chance, come by and join my Street Team. I some special prizes inside the Street Team portal that you might enjoy. Go to www.stephaniehurtauthor.com and follow the instructions, it’s easy and fun…

Editing, it’s very important!

Good Tuesday morning! It’s nice to be back in a regular schedule. Vacations are really nice and relaxing, but then I start losing track of my days and that makes my brain turn to jelly. Not good when I’m on two book deadlines, and have accounting to catch up on.

While on vacation I downloaded three books to my Kindle to read while at the beach. I was so excited about one of the books, but as I started the first page things didn’t sound right. I struggled through a couple more pages and put it down, thinking I was sleepy. I picked it up the next day and more of the same. The story line was really great, but the writing or rather the editing was bad.

I’ve heard authors say they found books that were hard to read because of the poor reading, but usually I can muddle through. This one wasn’t like that and the sad thing is the book is by an author that I really like and have read before. It has me thinking really hard about my editing process. I’m constantly reading articles about editing and writing which helps keep me educated on the craft. This book would have been covered in red marks and comments. But I really wanted to find out what happened to the two characters. Eventually I’ll pick it back up and try again.

Some may ask if I plan on putting a bad review on this book. The answer is no! I don’t believe in downgrading an author, especially one that’s written some great books. It’s very possible that this book was downloaded from the wrong file. I did that with a reviewer one time. Now that was embarrassing. I might send her a email and inquire if she’s checked the finished and published product. I just don’t like to be negative to my fellow authors. We’re all in this craft together and should support one another, not tear one another down.

So, do you make sure that your editing process is what it needs to be? Also, make sure if you’re paying an editor, double check their work too. Everyone can miss something, even the experts.

As always, good writing and May God Bless You…

Coffee, 3 cups and still going…

Good Friday morning everyone. It’s been a great week of vacation. As I sit here writing this post, I’m working on my 3rd cup of coffee and thinking about downing the whole pot. I wonder if it would be weird to just drink from the pot and save myself the trouble of going back and forth to the kitchen. Thinking…thinking… nope, I’ll go back and forth to the kitchen.

As for my vacation it was great. I’m glad to be home, but the beach was refreshing and relaxing. It’s amazing to sink your toes in the warm sand and listen to the waves crash onto shore. I enjoyed spending my time on the beach writing. The inspirational surroundings made me write with a open mind. I finished the outline for Luke and Maggie, by the way they’re coming up really fast.

How’s it going with everyone else? Are you writing, if so what?

I’ve been really busy lately, with writing, getting ready for a book signing in September and on top of that I’m working with my friend across the pond, Rosie Amber, on Romancing September Across the World Tour. Oh yeah, and don’t forget about my Street Team which my editor Kaleigh started up. So I’m really busy. And did I mention I have several books in the works, with a looming deadline on two of them. But this is when I thrive.

So here’s a couple of things to keep you up to date…

Told you I’ve been busy. If any of you are in the Georgia area on September 26th, then come by and meet me. Also you can meet my editor too! Then of course the Romancing Tour starts September 1st. Rosie and I need your help promoting the tour. We’ll be announcing a Twitter hash tag soon, so keep an eye out.

If you’d like to join my street team, then go to my website and follow the crumbs. It’s easy to sign up and then you’ll get some cool swag, along with enticing tidbits before anyone else. Also, if you decide that it’s more you want, then follow the instructions to get a chance at ARC’s of the newest books coming out. I’ll be in touch with the members often, letting you know all the upcoming things with my writing and things going on in my head. Maybe I’ll even let you help with cover decisions, but you have to sign up to get those benefits. If you have questions, email my street team at stephs.street.team@gmail.com or just go to my website at www.stephaniehurtauthor.com!

As always, good writing and May God Bless You…

I have much to tell, but some will have to wait!

First of all, I hope all is well with you this Tuesday morning. For me it’s going wonderful. I have news, but some can’t be told until later this afternoon, but I can fill you in on some of it.

The advertisement above is the first bit of news. Yes, I have another book signing event coming up in September. I’m getting excited already, so things are looking good. If you’re anywhere near the Hiram, Georgia area on September 26th then come by and let’s talk.

Another bit if news is that I’m working on a new book that goes in a totally new direction from my norm. It’s not my usual cowboy romance, but a contemporary romance with some history sprinkled in. I’ve been hinting for a couple of weeks about something exciting in the works, well this is it. It’s based in Tuscany, Italy. I told you it was a step away from my usual writing. I had this in my mind for a while, but suddenly it came rushing in and needed to be brought to life. So now, three chapters in, I’d say it is on its way.

Now, for the news that will come this afternoon, let’s just say my editor is working on it and she holds the key to unlock the news. I don’t even know all the details yet, which has me on the edge of my seat.

So, how’s your week going? I hope your writing is going well and that you’re working on something exciting.

As always, good writing and may God Bless You!

What’s true love?

What is true love? It’s a question I’m asked a lot because I’m a romance author. That doesn’t put me into the category of an expert on the subject of love. Although I do read a lot about love and romance, it’s part of the job as a writer.

So, what is it? Some say that true love is a myth, what do you think? For me I’m a firm believer in this thing called true love. It’s a real thing. But true love is met by many skeptics. Here are few definitions of true love that I’ve found:

1: From the Bible (My favorite definition by the way)

1 Corinthians 13:4-7New International Version (NIV)

⁴Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. ⁵It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. ⁶Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. ⁷It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

2: Dictionary.com –

noun

a sweetheart; a truly loving or loved person.

3: Webster’s Dictionary-

True´love`

One really beloved.

That’s only 3 of the many definitions you can find when you look it up. Does this define the words? Somewhere in between all of these definitions you’ll find the true meaning of love.

Here’s my feelings about it, so sit down and get ready. Remember before you read this that I’m an author of romance, so I warned you…

True love comes from deep inside your soul. It’s the purest, deepest kind of love that you can experience because as the words say, ‘true love’, it’s true, not just lust or infatuation. Your heart beats for someone else. It goes beyond those feelings you had in high school, beyond the fast beating heart, it’s the reason your heart beats. True love is more than words spoken, gifts given or even a look, it’s a feeling all of it’s own. Nothing compares to true love and I know this, because when you find your soulmate, true love, you’ll know it. Everything else that you’ve thought was love suddenly becomes untrue.

Remember I warned you, I’m a sap for true love. So, what’s your meaning of true love? Do you believe in it or are you a skeptic?

As always, good writing and May God Bless You…

Do you treat writing as a business or hobby?

Let’s talk about your writing for a moment. Lately I’ve been reading a lot about the business of writing. It’s got me thinking about my writing. Most articles I read constantly ask, do you treat your writing as a business? Or is it just a hobby that you play at? Something to think about.

I take my writing seriously, really seriously. To me writing is a business that I treat as though it’s a 9 to 5 job, but I don’t get to spend that much time with it. I’ve talked to several writers that feel the same way I do about writing, but others say they only write on a whim and don’t really take it serious. I guess it’s whatever is important to you.

Can I let you in on something I’ve learned from my experience and the experience of the many writers I’ve spoken with, if you don’t take your writing seriously, how do you expect anyone else to? If it’s just a hobby, then your fighting a losing battle because you’re not planning to put in it what it takes to really do something with it. I’m not lecturing, just stating a fact.

So, here goes my soapbox moment. For your writing to count, then you’ve got to believe in it yourself. You need to step up to the plate and take that swing. Yes, you’ll miss the ball a couple of times, I know I have, but in the end you’ve given it all you’ve got. The only way to make it to home base is to put the effort in and push forward.

One author told me that all she ever does is promote to friends and family. That’s good, but if that’s all you do, then your reach is only so long. In order to succeed you’ve got to go past your inner circle, step out of your comfort zone and do it. Do some Facebook promotions, Tweet like crazy, do an author signing, but do something! Ok, I’m off my soapbox for this one moment, but don’t fret, I’ll be back on it again really soon;)

Ask yourself this question. What do you want out of your writing? Is it fame, fortune, or to get a point across? Why do I ask? Well, it’s an important question because a lot of really good writers never see any of that. Do you know why? They never strive to better themselves. Read every article you can get your hands on, enter contests, attend conventions when possible, but inform yourself. As with any business, you’ve got to keep up with today’s readers. To do that you’re going to have to step up to that proverbial plate and swing…

As always, good writing and May God Bless You…

Come like my author Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/StephaniePayneHurt or

Just like editing a book, only a lot messier!

Saturday we started pulling up the carpet in our home and replacing it with hardwood. Let’s just say it’s been interesting. You don’t know how dirty carpet it until you pull it up. I was astounded to say the least. Twenty one years of living life were ground into the floor and no matter how much you’ve vacuumed and cleaned, it’s never clean enough.

Here’s some pictures of the finished den, still have kitchen, dining room and three bedrooms, yikes!

As I was ripping up the carpet and cleaning up, I realized that it’s similar to editing a book. How you might ask? Well, think about it this way, you make a draft. That’s the starting point, the place you’ve poured your heart into with sloppy abandon. You know the first draft is always riddled with holes, bad grammar, spelling issues and much more, like the dirt I found.

Then of course you dig in and start the editing process, much like the moment the broom and shop vac start clearing out the ground in dirt. Once you’ve got that first draft cleaned up, it’s time to lay in the shiny, squeaky clean new floor, uh I mean manuscript.

Now the work is done and it’s ready for publication or is it. Have you done everything you need to do? Even with the newly laid floors, we had to run a dust mop over the top and put down a little finishing molding. The same is needed for your new manuscript. It’s important to make sure you’ve read, reread and read out loud. This is your showplace and it’s got to be as close to perfect as you can get it.

So, what have you been up to lately?

As always, good writing and May God Bless You…

If you get a chance come over to my website for all the news…. www.stephaniehurtauthor.com

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Outlines, good or bad…

I’ve been telling you about my surprise manuscript for a couple of weeks. As I sit here enjoying my coffee and the morning sun, I’m going over the outline for the new work. It’s a complete outline that goes to the words ‘The End’.

Some writers say they can’t work from an outline and others, well they can’t work without one. I’ve written several books using a outline draft, but it sometimes changed through the process. My new work is coming along well with the outline. This outline seems to flow with the way I see the story in my head. But I wonder if it will stay the same.

Here are some good points to using an outline…

1. The outline keeps you focused on the story and where it’s headed.

2. Outlines are not written in stone and can change.

3. If you have a detailed outline, all you need to do is make a chapter out of each line.

Since my outline goes to number 29, that means it’s looking to be a really long book. The details are there, all I need to do is pull each chapter from the lines I’ve written. With this outline I was able to pull the story that’s running around in my head out. When a story comes into my head, usually the whole thing comes in a rush and I can’t wait to get to the end. With my outline I was able to get the story on paper so that I’m free to fill it all out.

So, do you work with outlines? Have you ever tried? What was your experience?

As always, good writing and May God Bless You…

5 steps to The Clear Picture…

Have you ever looked at your work in progress and seen this? For many writers this is where the lines blur and you want to hit your head on something because you can’t seem to clear them up. This is a common problem for writers, but there’s help, really, this too can be pushed aside.

Lately I’ve been working really hard on a surprise manuscript, but also on Chase. Of course that means that the two stories can get blurred together at times. In order to get from one manuscript to the other I have to clear my head. It’s the only way or I’ll have to make sure I don’t get my characters mixed up.

Here are a couple of steps I take to clear the picture:

1: Step away! When the blurs take over, then take a moment to step away. Sometimes I have to go for a walk or maybe even do housework, but I have to step away from the manuscript to get it cleared up.

2: When the lines blur, pick up a book. Amazingly enough this can help clear up the blurred lines. Read something to get your mind occupied.

3: If your current manuscript becomes overwhelming, try working on another one for a couple of hours. Recently I stepped away from a manuscript for several days and it helped. When I went back to it everything seemed clear.

4: What about those scenes that you just can’t seem to get right? Try moving forward with the manuscript and then go back to the glitchy scene. Believe me, sometimes this works really well. Once I did this and realized the reason the scene wouldn’t get straight was because it didn’t need to be there to begin with.

5: For the final way to clear the picture, well, this one can be tricky, no not really. Go grab some caffeine. If hot tea is your thing, then grab that, or maybe a coffee. It stimulates your thought process.

Hope that this helps you. This is just a couple of things that I do when I get stumped.

As always, great writing and May God Bless You…