Tag Archives: writing

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.  

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!

 

Many Good Updates And NaNoWriMo (Will You Join Me?)

chit-chatting with Cat, My project October 18, 2017 Leave a comment

Hello, folks!

I’ve got a few good updates.

Let’s go through them, shan’t we?

I’ve renewed my Writing.com account so it’s kind of a personal commitment to my writing journey. Thus, my writing portfolio stays online for everyone to enjoy. At least for another year.

New ideas for my main novel Heaven’s Army: Down to Earth hit me like bright flashes last week. Needless to say I wrote them all down! I have been tweaking them and working on the story’s timeline and plot surrounding these fantastic ideas. It’s coming together beautifully, guys and gals!

Moreover, I’ve been working on two short stories (for fun) and a few poems for my collection of poems.

I’ve also worked a bit on Arsonphobia (mostly the plot and the characters’ backgrounds).

Just so you know, I have been juggling a lot of projects lately and it’s become overwhelming to the breaking point. So I had to decide which ones I would focus on. Of course, I chose Down to Earth as my main novel and sweet Nightshade: The Death Stone as my sideline. Those are my biggest projects. I’m not saying I won’t add information to Arsonphobia or write more short stories, but they’re not my main works for now, that’s all. As for the collection of poems, it’s part of the most important ones, too.

Many events have been happening in my life (all at the same time, as usual), which made me re-think my career plans. In the end, I have decided to have a go at translation (like I was supposed to from the start) whilst still teaching English and Italian as second languages on the side. I’ll also try, once I receive my Bachelor’s degree, to get the English teacher position at the college in my region. If I do get it, well, I know exactly what I’ll be doing for the rest of my life (happily too and without putting writing aside either!).

Moreover, I learned and tried a new technique for character-building and it’s working pretty nicely. In fact, it’s awesome! I’ll tell you more about it on Friday. It’s really worth a shot.

Also, who knew? I am doing NaNoWriMo this year! Call me crazy for I probably am. Here’s my sweetie page: Nightshade: The Death Stone (NaNoWriMo Page)

I decided to enter with Nightshade this time around because even though Down to Earth is my main focus, I won Camp NaNoWriMo with the latter so I couldn’t enter and win twice with the same novel, right? I also love Nightshade with every fibre of my being, so it was the logical choice. And a right one at that feeling-wise!

I hope to see you on the NaNo site (please go ahead and add me as your buddy). The more the merrier in this crazy ride!

Last thing but not least, I’ll post two reviews in the next two weeks. So, you’ll get to read my recommandations (they are very good books!).

Thank you for reading as always and see you next post, lovelies!

The Queen of Justice – My First Published Poem

chit-chatting with Cat, My project, poetry September 25, 2017 Leave a comment

 

Hello everyone!

Today I have the most wonderful writing news to share with you!

You have been diligent and adventurous companions on my writing journey for years now. I have shared with you poems, short stories, and excerpts from my novels, my hopes and dreams as well as my temporary setbacks. I have always let you know when I participated in contests, classes, workshops, and the likes.

Though it seemed I wasn’t making much progress, today I haven been proven wrong. Why?

I have the pleasure of announcing to you, dear fellow adventurers, that I am finally published!

Yes!

As of today, my poem The Queen of Justice is published on the lovely Selcouth Station Web site. Simply click here to read it (it’s free!) – I really hope you enjoy it!

Don’t forget to browse the site afterwards for there are other interesting pieces on there too.

Now, here’s that poem’s funny backstory: I started writing it in French over a year ago. Yep, that’s right. About two weeks ago, I stumbled on it again and I found the inspiration to finish writing it! I wrote a line here… then a line there… and I swear I was lying in bed and I just couldn’t stop writing it in my head! However, I was too tired to actually get up… so I took my phone off my nighttable and I wrote all of it on the tiny screen! But, ladies and gents, am I glad I did.

I have been aware of the Selcouth Station Web site for months due to my sometimes discussing with the team on Twitter (they’re very kind and amusing!). I thought: ”Hey, why don’t I translate this kickass poem into English and try to get published on Selcouth Station?!” I had high hopes because, in my opinion, it is my best poem yet. I wanted them to say yes so much!

Thank you Selcouth Station for publishing my poem, thank you!

I am so proud and I hope you guys and gals see the progress I’ve made. I might be as fast as a snail, but I am getting there. Thank you, fellow adventurers, for supporting me.

Again, if you wish to read my poem, here it is: The Queen of Justice.

Did you enjoy it?

If so, why?

What emotions did it invoke in you?

If not, why?

Thank you for reading, as always.

See you next post, sweethearts!

 

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:

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(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:

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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.

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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!

 

 

 

 

Well, Well… Look Who’s Not Stuck Anymore!

chit-chatting with Cat, My project August 9, 2017 Comments: 2

Hello, folks!

Remember I said that whenever there were news and updates concerning my writing I would tell you? Believe it or not, there are!

I’m psyched!

You know how I’ve been stuck with my novel (first in a pentalogy) Down to Earth for months now? I have finally written myself out of that infernal corner!

YES! That means I now know where the story’s going and more importantly what to do in order to get there. I just need to sit down and do the timeline of big events and relationships, but other than that I’ve solved the big issue. Isn’t it fantastic?!

Résultats de recherche d'images pour « fantastic gif »

Also, my Nightshade series is very close to my heart and has quite a strong presence in my mind… You know where I’m getting at, of course. Because of that, I’ll try to outline and write the first book (Nightshade: The Death Stone) in that series at the same time as Down to Earth. Call me crazy… I’ll just say you’re right, but it feels so good.

Lastly, I told you a week and a half ago I had an idea for a novella. Whilst it’s still true, this ”novella” of mine seems to be expanding into either a full book or a duology or something of the like. I’m still trying to keep it at its current size, but really it’s counterattacking me to get bigger, so I’ll look at what to do with it. Moreover, I started researching (I’ve even got a notebook for that purpose!) fairies, Ireland, and the Seelie Court. I’m having much fun!

Although I don’t give myself deadlines when it comes to writing (unless it’s for a contest or a magazine), I am working hard on disciplining myself. It might seem odd coming from a woman who’s studying her bachelor’s degree in translation online (no, really!) and who needs a high level of discipline to succeed at it, but when it’s about my writing, I’m quite sporadic and spontaneous. I’m quite proud to tell you I’ve been writing every day of the last week, so it’s coming along!

And that’s all for today! Watch out for another book review this week. I’ll also keep you updated about my writing projects (those three main I just talked to you about!).

As always, thank you for being interested in what I have to say and accompanying me on my writing journey. It’s an immense pleasure to have you here with me.

Where is your writing at?

Is it hard for you to be disciplined for your writing?

 

 

Well, Well… Look Who ‘ s Not Stuck Anymore!

chit-chatting with Cat, Nightshade (My Series) August 9, 2017 Comments: 2

Hello, folks! Remember I said that whenever there were news and updates concerning my writing I would tell you? Believe it or not, there are! I'm psyched! You know how I've been stuck with my novel (first in a pentalogy) Down to Earth for months now? I have finally written myself out of that infernal corner! YES! That means I now know where the story's going and more importantly what to do in order to get there. I just need to sit down and do the timeline of big events and relationships, but other than that I've solved the big issue. Isn't it fantastic?!

Résultats de recherche d'images pour « fantastic gif »

Also, my Nightshade series is very close to my heart and has quite a strong presence in my mind… You know where I'm getting at, of course. Because of that, I'll try to outline and write the first book (Nightshade: The Death Stone) in that series at the same time as Down to Earth. Call me crazy… I'll just say you're right, but it feels so good. Lastly, I told you a week and a half ago I had an idea for a novella. Whilst it's still true, this ''novella'' of mine seems to be expanding into either a full book or a duology or something of the like. I'm still trying to keep it at its current size, but really it's counterattacking me to get bigger, so I'll look at what to do with it. Moreover, I started researching (I've even got a notebook for that purpose!) fairies, Ireland, and the Seelie Court. I'm having much fun! Although I don't give myself deadlines when it comes to writing (unless it's for a contest or a magazine), I am working hard on disciplining myself. It might seem odd coming from a woman who's studying her bachelor's degree in translation online (no, really!) and who needs a high level of discipline to succeed at it, but when it's about my writing, I'm quite sporadic and spontaneous. I'm quite proud to tell you I've been writing every day of the last week, so it's coming along!

And that's all for today! Watch out for another book review this week. I'll also keep you updated about my writing projects (those three main I just talked to you about!). As always, thank you for being interested in what I have to say and accompanying me on my writing journey. It's an immense pleasure to have you here with me. Where is your writing at? Is it hard for you to be disciplined for your writing?    

Online Marketing for Busy Authors: A Review

Book Reviews August 1, 2017 Leave a comment

Online Marketing for Busy Authors_Fauzia Burke

Amazon

Indigo

B&N

Goodreads

LibraryThing

 

*I received an ARC of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

The book Online Marketing for Busy Authors by Fauzia Burke, a leader in online book marketing and consultant for authors, explores essential aspects of marketing such as personal branding, reader profiles, goals, and much more. It offers a plethora of resources, exercises and integrated worksheets.

Fauzia Burke really does the job she set out to do in this short yet immensely helpful book. Since there are several good points to it and very few negative points, I’ll start with the latter: it is indeed too short. That’s it. I loved it so much I craved for more information, examples, explanations, and resources! I was satisfied with the book when I reached the end yet disappointed because I wanted to dive even more in Miss Burke’s experience.

As for the good points, prepare to be overwhelmed (no, really, this book is fantastic for authors like me who have no idea how to market their books!). In the first pages, the author makes it clear what to expect from her book and what its structure is (three sections in order to make the best gradual use of it – a step-by-step approach). I must admit what I loved most about this book is how straightforward it is: Miss Burke’s tone is friendly yet she doesn’t kick around the bush. She gives precise and direct information with just enough detail so as not to bore the reader. Plus, the information shared by the author is highly relevant to the field and does exactly what the title of the book implies. In other words, it makes you think about YOUR own online marketing strategy and find guided solutions for you. Her examples are clear and easy to understand.

This book also includes worksheets, advice, and quotes, which are all useful and well thought to help us. There’s even space for the exercises in her book – it’s close to being interactive! It really feels like the author, Miss Burke, truly wants to help us, starting from the basics and expanding on that newly learned knowledge. Her vocabulary is inspiring and diverse; it is also laced with kindness and even sometimes a pinch of humor. Thus, the writing is quite enjoyable and conveys the intended messages. Do you want to know another fabulous point about this book? It is free of typos and mistakes of any kind! That impressed me, I must say. It made my reading flow like a river (now, don’t you just like my failed attempt at poetry here?).

Miss Burke is always professional! Her twenty years of experience really show in all the information she gives us and how she does it too. She covers a wide range of topics and gives in-depth but short explanations throughout the book. Not only does she tackle what we can get out of each marketing effort, but also the why, which professionals rarely do. There are constant reminders of your goals and marketing strategy in every chapter so you don’t lose your focus. The author also provides tips on how to best use social media and certain platforms, which she deems the best in terms of online marketing.

Her views and guidance on the different marketing efforts are realistic. Miss Burke also makes use of good questions that prepare you and make you think about your own strategy. There are also lists of things to do that cover the steps you need to go through in order to succeed at that particular marketing effort. This book demystifies marketing for authors. It makes me feel more confident about my own online marketing strategy, which I’ll now tweak a bit thanks to Miss Burke! One of the best things about Online Marketing for Busy Authors is the tools (a.k.a websites) it gives us to learn more about our niche and potential bloggers, customers. It also provides the tools for us to find help, tips, and ideas. Lastly, Miss Burke does a recap of everything learned at the end of her book, which is a useful refresher training!

Fauzia Burke, the author of Online Marketing for Busy Authors, hit the bull’s eye with her book. In my opinion, she covers all the essential points and makes it interesting, even for a marketing newbie like me. Because I found it very helpful and true to its blurb and title (and also her own experience as a leader in online book marketing), I give it a rating of 5 out of 5. There were no major bad points, only the fact that I wished her book was longer so I could learn about marketing even more. This book is perfect for fans of Joanna Penn and James Scott Bell for it gives practical tips to achieve your own online marketing with no nonsense explanations of how to do so, a particular manner that reminds me of those two great authors. If you’re an author or an aspiring one who’s lost in all the marketing you need to do, Fauzia Burke’s Online Marketing for Busy Authors simply must be on your shelf. I have the conviction it will make you even like online marketing, just as it did with me.

If you want to learn more about Fauzia Burke and her online book marketing company, you can do so here.