Tag Archives: advice

The Woe of Self-Esteem and Confidence (And How to Beat It!)

Tips July 11, 2019 Leave a comment

Hello, everyone!

This week's writing tip is all about self-esteem and confidence… two hard concepts to keep when they grace you with their magic. However, I have a tip and a real story to share with you about how to get confident and raise your level of self-esteem. Ready?

Let's get started!

The hardest thing to do when one wishes to write is actually sitting down and writing something. But let me tell you that

a) you will NEVER grow your confidence if you don't write. At all.

b) in order for your self-esteem to rise, you need to stop making excuses and find the time to write – you shall feel much better afterwards. You'll see. It's a step in the right direction.

I know, I know. Life is crazy fast. So how does one sit down to write when we have to wash the dishes, etc.? The answer is as simple as it's hard to apply: Make writing your priority. I kid you not. I've been reading how-to books on writing and they all say the same thing. Guess what? They're right. I've been trying it the past few days and my NaNo Prep improved. 🙂 I am now into world-building. It's quite impressive being at that point taking into consideration that I only had a concept for the story two weeks ago. If you don't make it your priority, you'll feel bad and guilty for not writing, which is the exact opposite of how you should feel for your self-esteem to rise!

As for confidence, I have a little story to tell you: This week, I wrote a flash fiction for a contest and posted it on Scribophile for reviews. For the second time in my life, I received a terribly negative review, which came as a shock to me (I'm not used to receiving poor feedback, my stories usually being great). I was hurt. Sincerely. My confidence in my writing took a step back… but then, something awesome happened. Three other people reviewed it afterwards. Their reviews were good and constructive. It made me feel better and more confident.

Moral of the story? Believe in what you can do and share it. If you don't share it, how can you know people will actually like it? You can't grow your confidence by keeping it a secret… Yes, sometimes it hurts like hell, but other times (and those are the important ones) it's as sweet as honey and crucial (as they give you constructive reviews).

You see, confidence isn't a straight line. It's more like a roller coaster. Aim for the climb at the summit, though be aware there will be hurtful going down. When you're at the top of the roller coaster, analyze what got you there. Then cherish it. Write it down, if necessary. This way, during rough times, you can look back at it and know how to work on your confidence.

Did you know that James Patterson, bestselling author of 76 novels, got rejected 31 times when he was starting out?! It's not because a certain someone, professional or not, dislikes your writing, that it is bad. Other people will see something good in it; thrive on this! And improve what you can. It's the only way you will grow your confidence. By sharing your work and becoming vulnerable. It's unpleasant, I know. But it's worth it in the long run.

Self-esteem and confidence are friends of your writing and sharing. It comes hand in hand with them.

I wish you all the best with your writing.

If you have questions about today's tip, ask me in the comments below!

On this: Just write!  

A Discovery of Writing Wealth

chit-chatting with Cat, Tips June 30, 2019 Leave a comment

Hello, fellow adventurers! Yesterday, I was looking for more information about the writing craft. Perhaps I was hoping to find a book that wasn't so expensive or a few online articles from trusted sources… but I hadn't expected to stumble upon podcasts.

music-1059115_640

Now, I knew what a podcast was and I doubted listening to celebrities talk about their life and such would help me improve. What I did not know was that I had listened to the wrong podcasts a few years ago!

Let me explain: I thought podcasts were only by celebrities (from the music industry, the movie industry, etc.) and book reviewers. Why would I want to listen to that? I mean, it's good if you like this stuff as podcasts, but I don't. I was looking for something to help me improve my writing craft.

The first writing podcast I found is I Should Be Writing (ISBW) by Mur Lafferty. Since I don't have the money right now to buy her book I Should Be Writing: A Writer's Workshop, I figured I could glean some information via her podcast. And it did not disappoint! So, of course, I opened iTunes and subscribed.

Then, I looked up other writing podcasts. Just so you know, it felt like bliss because I had just found that podcasts could actually teach you important stuff instead of just wasting your precious time!

Here are the two other writing podcasts I found that are worth subscribing to:

They have a wealth of information and tips on the writing craft and also how to be an indie author in our years. I encourage you to at least try them.

Go on, listen to one episode and see for yourself!

Did you know about writing podcasts? If so, which ones do you like to listen to?

If not, what other free writing resources do you use?

See you next post, lovelies!  

The Benefits of a Kobo EReader

chit-chatting with Cat, Tips July 12, 2018 Leave a comment

Hello everyone,

A few months ago I got myself a Kobo eReader. An Aura H2O second edition that is. There have been rare times where I’m immensely satisfied I purchased an item… Well, this is one of those times, folks.

Here it is (with Never Enough Time by R.T.W Lipkin as background—a great ARC of mine for which you can read the review here):

Now, what about its benefits? Let me tell you I found many!

The Pros:

  • My sleep has improved SO MUCH since I bought this sweet Kobo, no kidding. I used to toss and turn at night for AT LEAST an hour (it was usually for an hour and a half), but now thanks to reading on my Kobo every night before going to sleep, it only takes me 20 to 40 minutes. It’s a wonder!

But why is that?

  • It’s because it’s got ComfortLight Pro! This means you set a time for the screen to become a light orange, thus it’s sweet for the eyes. More importantly (and that’s the winning point here), this feature removes most of the blue lights! So it does make it easy on your eyes and relaxes you. Perfect for sleep!

It’s been a real game changer for me. Or should I say… sleep changer? Please let’s never talk about this joke again.

  • The fonts are lovely and adjusting them is simple. Same goes for the paragraph spacing, a tool I particularly enjoy. I like when there’s a clear distinction between the paragraphs.
  • The search function is very useful.
  • It has Pocket Reader. If you don’t know what it is: a place (or account) where you can store Web pages and other important bits you find while browsing to read later on your account, then come back to it offline. Basically, you can read Web pages, watch embedded videos and other great stuff on your favourite eReader, yes! You can learn more here.
  • The Kobo shows you the percentage you’re in the book and your time spent reading a particular book and in total. It also lets you decide if you wish to see the percentage of completion or the page numbers, which is pretty neat and practical for book reviewers like me who prefer the latter.
  • One amusing thing Kindle doesn’t have, it’s badges (they’re called ”achievements”, but they look like badges!) When you’ve read 10 books, let’s say, you’ll have a full badge on your ”Achievements” page and you can share them on social media. What for? Boasting, I guess. I love checking what progress I’ve made now and then. There’s one problem though… It’s been acting crazy for the last three months. The system doesn’t give me the badges when they’re obviously complete and sometimes they’re filled to a certain percentage, then when I look again on another day the numbers have changed again! In other words, it was high fun in the beginning, but now it’s malfunctioning. And the worst part is they told me I would need to wait for the next update (which could be in months or even YEARS, they told me) to fix this issue. That’s frustrating.

Speaking of bad things, what of its cons?

The Cons:

  • It’s expensive. There,  I said it. If you want good quality and all, it’s approximately $200 CAD and it’s without the official case which costs about $50. Pricey, pricey. There was a $30 discount when I bought it, but then I purchased the official case and it came near $250 in the end.
  • Oh and it’s also a bit slow, but nothing major. I bet the software is to blame because my Kindle contains way more books and it’s faster than the Kobo. Imagine that!

That’s it. There’s mainly one bad thing about the Kobo and it’s its price, in my opinion.

In Conclusion:

Though being fair, I think the price is worth it. I mean, sleep? I’m in! And I like all the control you get and how it shows you everything you need to know about your reading progress and habit.

If you’re looking for an eReader, may I suggest a Kobo one?

And if you already have yours, what do you think of the Kobo?

See you next post, lovelies!

(As a little bonus, here’s my official Kobo case (I’d have chosen the red one, but there was none where I went…))

Beta Books and Beta Readers (Tip + Update)

chit-chatting with Cat, My project, Tips May 27, 2018 Leave a comment

Hello, peeps!

I hope you enjoyed my last book reviews. As always, it’s a pleasure to read and give my opinions of them to you.

Don’t fret: I’ve also got news!

Résultats de recherche d'images pour « i have news gif »

I’m still a long way from publishing my Nightshade series; however, I now have TWO beta readers for my short stories and Nightshade in particular! One of them is my best friend, but don’t go thinking he’ll be soft with his critiques… Trust me, he’s not. And it’s a very good thing for me!

As a tip for you guys and gals, here’s what I use to manage the beta reading:

BetaBooks.co

I found this cozy site months ago in its infancy. It wasn’t even open to the general public, imagine that! So I waited… But it sounded like such a great idea! So I waited some more.

Then, it opened. Admittedly, I didn’t sign up until two weeks ago because I thought they were charging even the basic features. I was surprised! You can still create a free account. Isn’t it neat?!

If you do, you’ll be able to upload ONE story and invite up to THREE beta readers and some “fancy” features are locked like the inline comments. Nevertheless, most of what a budding author needs is handled pretty well with the free account, let me tell you. If you go over the limits, you’ll enter the first paid subscription tier (which, I think, is reasonably priced, $14.99.)

Want to know what else you can do with a free account?

Here:

  • Track reader progress
  • Collect reader feedback
  • Reply and discuss feedback in-app
  • Triage and categorize with our feedback marking system
  • See all your feedback in one screen
  • One Book
  • Up to Three Readers

Again, if you want to test this lovely service, sign up at BetaBooks.co for a free account.

Did I mention all of the feedback given and received is private when you invite your beta readers?

See you next post, lovelies (it will be a book review)!

 

A Poetry Workbook For You & Translators ‘ Annual Conference

chit-chatting with Cat November 27, 2017 Leave a comment

cat hello cat gif GIFs

Hello, everyone! I have such important stuff to tell you. We'd better start now, then!

Annual Conference and Continuing Education Day

I went to the OTTIAQ's (Quebec in Canada's professional translators' association) annual conference and continuing education day last weekend! It was fabulous, inspiring, and motivational. I learned a lot to help me in my future career and simply about the translation world. It might have been exhausting, but it was well worth it. Plus, it sounds as though I might have found a few freelance job opportunities too. I met four great women (including two students, just like me!) and we are staying in touch. Networking in your own field can be truly amazing. For the first time in my life, I saw I was not alone in my little corner of the world, loving languages so much it hurts and makes me fly high at the same time. There are others where I am! I got to talk with them, listen to them, to our shared passion. It was both uplifting and eye-opening. Find what you love, folks. And do it.

Want a Workbook? I'll Make One!

I've been thinking about creating a workbook for you guys for a while now… Since my poem was published (read it here) on Selcouth Station, it made me realize poetry is something I do very well! There isn't enough poetry guides or help in the world for it and I figured I could give you some tips, tricks, and guidelines to write poetry. So, how about a poetry workbook, fellows?! I'm still outlining everything, but I learned how to use the tools to make it. Let's say I'm getting closer to the final product. It'll have information, my own tips and tricks, examples, and exercises (of course!) to get you going at producing your own masterpieces! Should I make a poetry workbook that focuses on delivering emotions or how to tell a micro-story within its lines? Or perhaps just about poetry in general? Also, what would you like to see covered in its pages? Please leave your answers below! I love discussing with you, ladies and gents.  

A Poetry Workbook For You & Translators’ Annual Conference

chit-chatting with Cat, poetry, Tips November 27, 2017 Leave a comment

cat hello cat gif GIFs

Hello, everyone!

I have such important stuff to tell you.

We’d better start now, then!

Annual Conference and Continuing Education Day

I went to the OTTIAQ’s (Quebec in Canada’s professional translators’ association) annual conference and continuing education day last weekend! It was fabulous, inspiring, and motivational. I learned a lot to help me in my future career and simply about the translation world. It might have been exhausting, but it was well worth it.

Plus, it sounds as though I might have found a few freelance job opportunities too. I met four great women (including two students, just like me!) and we are staying in touch. Networking in your own field can be truly amazing.

For the first time in my life, I saw I was not alone in my little corner of the world, loving languages so much it hurts and makes me fly high at the same time. There are others where I am! I got to talk with them, listen to them, to our shared passion.

It was both uplifting and eye-opening.

Find what you love, folks. And do it.

Want a Workbook? I’ll Make One!

I’ve been thinking about creating a workbook for you guys for a while now… Since my poem was published (read it here) on Selcouth Station, it made me realize poetry is something I do very well! There isn’t enough poetry guides or help in the world for it and I figured I could give you some tips, tricks, and guidelines to write poetry.

So, how about a poetry workbook, fellows?!

I’m still outlining everything, but I learned how to use the tools to make it. Let’s say I’m getting closer to the final product. It’ll have information, my own tips and tricks, examples, and exercises (of course!) to get you going at producing your own masterpieces!

Should I make a poetry workbook that focuses on delivering emotions or how to tell a micro-story within its lines? Or perhaps just about poetry in general?

Also, what would you like to see covered in its pages?

Please leave your answers below!

I love discussing with you, ladies and gents.

 

An Amusing Writing Technique (Characterization)

Tips November 4, 2017 Leave a comment

Hello, ladies and gents!

Here’s the fun writing technique I promised you a few days ago: the characters’ letters to you.

It is that forthright, I’m not joking.

I was inspired to try such a technique after reading the chapter entitled ”Out from the Dust: Creating Characters” from Colum McCann’s Letters to a Young Writer.

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The author recommends we write a letter to each of our MCs (protagonists and antagonists) asking them ”Why don’t I know you?”. A loud bell resounded in my mind.

Indeed, what if I had a go at that seemingly amusing technique? I was in a tight spot where I needed to get closer to my characters in my Heaven’s Army series (particularly Hope, Fesdriel, Anick and Lucifer). Otherwise, I would continue to be stuck and just plain forsake writing their story. Plus, it sounded too fun to miss out on such an attempt.

So, I sat down with a pen and a sheet of paper and I asked that question (”Why don’t I know you?”) to Hope, my MC. I kid you not my hand moved almost on its own;  there were so many words in my head and they all needed to be put on the page! In less than two paragraphs I’d already learned three things I didn’t know about him!

It was riveting and fascinating!

But wait: it gets even better. Yes!

I wondered with alarm if this would help me with Lucifer… I was afraid yet curious. I’d never been close to my Lucifer for diverse reasons (notably because I’m quite a believer, so it doesn’t sit well with me… but my book needs him so I do too!). In other words, I never bonded with him like with my other characters. Does that make sense? Anyhow, I told myself the best thing I had to do was at least try.

Nothing came at first.

A week passed… Then, at midnight right when NaNoWriMo began, I swear to God the answers to my questions for Lucifer flooded me!

Overwhelmed, I couldn’t even think straight or do anything (like write Nightshade: The Death Stone, my NaNo novel this year). Thus, I opened K.M. Weiland’s Outlining software (amazing, by the way!) and clicked on Lucifer’s interview page (which was blank), then the magic happened.

I asked him three questions.

Cross my heart and hope to die but he answered all of them in a fierce and genuine manner. It was so beautiful I could have cried with glee. For once, I was connecting with that important character! Now, I have material to work with and I understand him much better (it’s still scary, but so fun!).

Break away and it. Break the mold and cross that fourth wall. Ask them on paper as though they were in front of you – or that you were them talking to you – and let their answers flow.

It’ll be worth your time. You might not use everything, but I assure you that you’ll know them in better details and perhaps look at them in another light. Either way, you’ll win.

Why not try that writing technique after all?

Go on, have fun and let me know in the comments how it went for you!

I’d love to hear your experience, dears.

See you next post!

 

All Good News (When Does That Even Happen?! Party!)

chit-chatting with Cat, My project, poetry, Short Stories September 18, 2017 Leave a comment

Hello, dear adventurers!

I’ve got a few updates for you.

Okay, here goes:

Poetry and Book Reviewing

During the night (I’m a nightowl, you see), I finished a poem that’s been sitting in my drawer for over a year! The thing is… it’s in French. Mind you, it’s a beautiful language! But I was thinking: ”Hey, maybe I could translate it into English and submit it to an online platform/magazine?” And so, of course, I agreed to my idea. Let’s hope translation doesn’t ruin it.

On a side note, it must be said that winter book reviews is are coming. It’ll be quite eclectic, I’m telling you!

Writing Craft

Moreover, I recently found Mur Lafferty’s I Should Be Writing podcast and said I had no money to buy her book… which is true, but I bought it anyway!

Here it is:

image1 (2)

(This picture can also be found on my Instagram account.)

Once I’m done reading and reviewing it, I will create a new category on my blog titled ”Writing Craft Books & Resources”. I’m pretty sure I don’t have to explain what it will consist of now, aren’t I?

To Own or Not to Own?

I need your opinion: I’m thinking of monetizing my blog through owning a domain (the name of my blog would stay the same, only without the .wordpress.com in it; it would simply be .com) and becoming an Affiliate to writing and books products. What do you guys and gals say?

Your opinion matters since you’re my readers.

My Writing News

As for my writing problematic (which can be read here), I’ve decided (let’s hope I stick to it!) to write and finish Down to Earth (Heaven’s Army pentalogy) and the Arsonphobia series.

Yay for me!

Also, I’m onto finishing a few short stories and posting some of them on my blog whilst I’ll submit to online magazines/platforms with others. How fun is that?!

Unfortunately, even this blog post has to end. But I’ll leave you (only for the next few days, mind you!) on a positive note.

Here’s a bit of backstory to the positive note:

Two days ago, I pampered myself and put some makeup on and a nice shirt (all in my favourite colour!) and played around with my camera. One picture really stood out: I thought I looked beautiful in it.

So, here I am:

IMG_0086

See you next post, lovelies!

A Discovery of Writing Wealth

chit-chatting with Cat, Tips September 9, 2017 1 Comment

Hello, fellow adventurers!

Yesterday, I was looking for more information about the writing craft. Perhaps I was hoping to find a book that wasn’t so expensive or a few online articles from trusted sources… but I hadn’t expected to stumble upon podcasts.

music-1059115_640

Now, I knew what a podcast was and I doubted listening to celebrities talk about their life and such would help me improve. What I did not know was that I had listened to the wrong podcasts a few years ago!

Let me explain: I thought podcasts were only by celebrities (from the music industry, the movie industry, etc.) and book reviewers. Why would I want to listen to that? I mean, it’s good if you like this stuff as podcasts, but I don’t. I was looking for something to help me improve my writing craft.

The first writing podcast I found is I Should Be Writing (ISBW) by Mur Lafferty. Since I don’t have the money right now to buy her book I Should Be Writing: A Writer’s Workshop, I figured I could glean some information via her podcast.

And it did not disappoint!

So, of course, I opened iTunes and subscribed. Then, I looked up other writing podcasts. Just so you know, it felt like bliss because I had just found that podcasts could actually teach you important stuff instead of just wasting your precious time!

Here are the two other writing podcasts I found that are worth subscribing to:

They have a wealth of information and tips on the writing craft and also how to be an indie author in our years. I encourage you to at least try them.

Go on, listen to one episode and see for yourself!

Did you know about writing podcasts?

If so, which ones do you like to listen to?

If not, what other free writing resources do you use?

See you next post, lovelies!

 

Five Choices… Five Lovelies (I Need Guidance!)

chit-chatting with Cat, My project September 4, 2017 1 Comment

Hello folks!

For this blog post, I’m asking for your help. I’m wondering if any of you knows how to choose the story you will work on for the next two or three years (or more!) when many are competing for your attention?

I have over five stories I simply adore (I call them my main stories!) and I don’t know which one to either start or continue in order to finally be published.

Here are my stories:

  • Down to Earth (Heaven’s Army pentalogy). I’ve written 100 pages of this one and I know the series’ ending, yet I’m not motivated by it anymore… But it’s the closest to my heart and the one I poured the most energy in.
  • The Nightshade series. I love it! We explore multiple worlds and I know the villain, his plan, and the relationships. However, I still need to find the ”middle” of the series… like, what happens then?
  • Arsonphobia series. The ending is already in my head and I’ve got all of the characters’ profiles done and ready. I also have a keen interest in it. But like with Nightshade, I still need the find the ”middle”.
  • Miranda Kane (a heroine series). I have the characters’ profiles, basic idea, and relationships. I do not have a plan… But what I lack in outlining here, I have in love for this story! I always adored (super)heroes’ stories and this is my very own.
  • Crown Jewel trilogy. I’m a few chapters in and I have the outline for the first volume. I need to map out the other two volumes. I have an ending in mind, but I am looking for a better one… However, I love this trilogy because it’s all about royalty, magic, and justice!

Of course, I have even more ideas for other stories as the days pass by… But those five stories have my heart, really. I can’t seem to be able to choose; I keep going back and forth between them!

I told myself I need to stop doing that for the sake of my dream, which is being published and my work read and enjoyed by readers. But they all have a special something…

Do you have tips on how to choose just one (or maximum two)?

What are the steps?

How must I think it through and how should I act upon it?

P.S.: I shall write a post about free online resources I love next week! Also, there will be an update about how I’m faring soon. Thank you for reading and helping me out!