Tag: #IWSG

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IWSG WIP Updates

#IWSG September 2016: finding time to #write & WIP update 19

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Created and hosted by the Ninja himself, Alex J. Cavanaugh, the Insecure Writers Support Group posts the 1st Wednesday of every month. Click the image to learn more or sign up.

Monthly Question: How do you find the time to write in your busy day?

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If I’m really being honest with you and myself, the truth is, I don’t usually find time to write. I’ve tried many times to stick to a writing schedule, but being the worrier that I am, I found that it only stressed me out more. I do make a conscious effort to write regularly, but that could be anything from blogging, editing, formatting, creative writing, outlining, and more. Then I also find time to do social media and read for pleasure. It doesn’t help that I keep taking on new projects either. I guess, all in all, my main goal is to publish or release something each year; even if it’s not a full-length novel or the long unfinished third installment of my Eternal Curse Series.

But…
On the note of publishing something each year; I’m just a few steps away from releasing a quartet of educational children’s books. For those of you who read this post each month, you know I’ve been talking about how I wanted to write and illustrate these myself. Well, I did it. I just got them back from a few educators I trust and admire. I have a few minor things to change and spruce up and they’ll be out to the public just in time for my birthday in October. I’ve attached the covers I’ve mocked up as a sneak peek of what I’ve been able to do. I have another children’s book in the works, but I’m not illustrating that one myself. I really want a professional to do it justice. Know anybody I could try?

On a personal note, I’m back at my day job; back to teaching. It’s exciting and scary all at once. There are many lows to what I do, but the highs and kids make it all worth it. I will admit, though, it’s really going to be difficult to finish my series now that back to work, but I’m determined to at least finish a draft.

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How do you find time to write?
Releasing any books soon?
Stuck trying to finish a long unfinished piece?
Know any good and affordable illustrators?
Think they’ll do a payment plan?

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After hanging out with Alex, be sure to stop by and visit this month’s co-hosts:
C. Lee McKenzie,
Elizabeth Seckman,
Lori L MacLaughlin, and
Elsie Amata!

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Click here to visit other IWSG blogs and sites to receive and share more inspiration and support. (This month, I’m #72).

Thank you for taking the time to read this post. If you like it let me know and share it with others. See you next time, Toi Thomas. #thetoiboxofwords

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IWSG

#IWSG August 2016: first #writing sample and #blog update

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Created and hosted by the Ninja himself, Alex J. Cavanaugh, the Insecure Writers Support Group posts the 1st Wednesday of every month. Click the image to learn more or sign up.

Monthly Question: What was your very first piece of writing as an aspiring writer? Where is it now? Collecting dust or has it been published?

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Well, looks like I was a bit late this month. I did actually write this article ahead of time, but then I forgot to schedule it. Found it in my drafts this morning. Oops.

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I never expected to be an aspiring writer, let alone, an actual published author. Believe it or not, my first piece as an aspiring writer, is my first publication, Eternal Curse: Giovanni’s Angel. I will admit that this had developed and evolved over the years, but it’s the same story I wrote back in 2009.

ToiGAcvr

Here’s where I talk about myself a bit, or at least my blog and writing attempts. I’ve been trying to cut back on my blogging to free up more time for writing, but I just can’t seem to cut back enough. While I’m also working on my time management skills, I’ve decided to pursue my quest to interview authors. I mentioned this a few posts back and thought I’d give a brief update.

I posted one interview last month and I think that will be my monthly goal. I’ve recorded a video interview that should be going up soon. This is where I’ll add the link if it goes up during this post. I’ve spoken with a few other authors and think this will go quite smoothly.

As for my writing, not much is happening. Not wanting to feel overwhelmed by my lack of progress with my four current WIPs (Eternal Curse 3, Sayings 2, and a new fantasy, plus I’m still illustrating my educational children’s books) I decided to give my current (seven) published works an overhaul. I’m not rewriting anything, but I’ve been tuning them up and reformatting them for both print and digital. This is time-consuming, but as an indie, the payout is worth it. If I can increase the quality of my work, I will.

ECGAfront5-jpgI’m also thinking of updating my design on the Eternal Curse books. People keep telling me that they think my book is too dark for them and are surprised when they read it. Got me thinking that others might be passing my book up for that very reason. Here’s what I’m thinking of changing to; what do you think of it?

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Are you good at print or digital formatting?
Ever updated your indie work, simply because you can?

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After hanging out with Alex, be sure to stop by and visit this month’s co-hosts:
Tamara Narayan,
Drecker,
Ellen,
Lauren,
Stephen Tremp, and
Julie Flanders!

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Click here to visit other IWSG blogs and sites to receive and share more inspiration and support. (This month, I’m #73).

Thank you for taking the time to read this post. If you like it let me know and share it with others. See you next time, Toi Thomas. #thetoiboxofwords

Categories
IWSG

#IWSG July 2016: Compliments on your #writing, Celebrity followers, & hashtags.

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Created and hosted by the Ninja himself, Alex J. Cavanaugh, the Insecure Writers Support Group posts the 1st Wednesday of every month. Click the image to learn more or sign up.

Monthly Question: What’s the best thing someone has ever said about your writing?

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This seems like a simple enough question, but it’s sometimes difficult to know what other people really think of your writing. It’s not just my insecurities, though I do have those, but knowing what people really think of your writing is in many ways based on trust (Are they just saying they like it or do they really mean it?). Outside of the reviews we receive on individual publications, there really isn’t a forum for letting authors know what you think of them unless you happen to be one of their followers. While I have many followers, few of them are fan-followers. I did actually receive fan mail once and it made my year. Outside of that, here are some of my favorite quotes from reviews people have left of my book, Eternal Curse: Giovanni’s Angel.

“…thank God for Mira, who didn’t fall into that trap of accepting everything without a second glance. She actually confronted Giovanni and made him fess up, which was a welcome change of pace from usual tropes.” ~Kayla Sanchez

“She is able to write realistically about a subject that has lived in myth for as long as humans trot this earth, and she makes you believe anything is possible.” ~McKerley & Schippers

“I must admit the first couple of chapters were a little slow for me but I am glad I did not stop! It has turned into a OMG book!” ~ReadsterQuilts

Wikipedia

Speaking of followers, I got my world rocked when I discovered that actor Taye Diggs was following me on Twitter. Since then, I’ve learned that it’s just something he and a few other celebrities do; they follow random people. Random or not, I still think it’s awesome that such a great actor, and let’s face it- gorgeous man, is following me on Twitter. RT @TayeDiggs daily 😉

This is where I would normally give an update on my WIPs, but there isn’t much to actually report on at the moment. I am writing. I’m trying to do some illustrations. I’m outlining and planning. It’s a work in progress (somewhat pun intended).

On a completely random note, I wish more IWSG members would use the hashtag (#IWSG) when they posted their entries. I like to tweet these things out, but I can’t get to them all. I’ve tried to visit ones that are shared on the Facebook group, but that list gets really long really quick. I would like to share the posts even if I don’t have time to read them by plugging them into my auto-retweet app, but there just aren’t enough of the hashtag for the app to populate any content… Sorry for that. I know that was a pretty lame whiny fest.

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Has anyone touched you with kind words about your writing?
Got any celebrity followers?
Do you use the hashtag, #IWSG?

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After hanging out with Alex, be sure to stop by and visit this month’s co-hosts:
Yolanda Renee,
Tyrean Martinson,
Madeline Mora-Summonte,
LK Hill,
Rachna Chhabria, and
JA Scott!

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Click here to visit other IWSG blogs and sites to receive and share more inspiration and support. (This month, I’m #73).

Thank you for taking the time to read this post. If you like it let me know and share it with others. See you next time, Toi Thomas. #thetoiboxofwords