PRACTICE MAKES BETTER
August 23, 2014
This is my first blog in a LONG time. Why? I don’t really know. Well, actually I do know, but I’m not going to tell you. <grin> Let’s just say I’ve experienced blogus interruptus, and leave it at that. But I’m here now, and if you are reading this that means so are you, so we are here together and life is good.
For those of you who haven’t stopped by my Facebook fan page, I’m getting ready to release Maiden of Death, Book 2 of the Forgotten Gods Trilogy in the fall. It took much longer than anticipated, and I apologize for that, but life got in the way. Contrary to popular belief, there are some things more important than writing. Not many, I agree, but a potential life or death illness in the family does have priority. Thankfully, the pendulum swung to the life side and all is now good.
I can’t believe it’s been three years since I published my debut novel, Maiden of Destiny, Book 1 of the Forgotten Gods Trilogy. This included a one year sabbatical due to said illness mentioned above. I’m pleased with the number of copies sold from my debut novel. The count has exceeded my expectations, and continues to grow little by little each month. More importantly, the feedback and reviews I’ve received from readers have been encouraging. I can’t thank you enough for your kind words and inspiration. They mean so much more to me than any amount of royalties. As a writer, all I want is to tell the story that is inside me, and hope that it brings joy and entertainment to others. Based on your comments, it appears I’ve succeeded.
Now that volume 2 is written and in the editing stage, I can honestly say I’m amazed at how much I’ve learned and progressed since writing volume 1. Like everything in life, writing has rules, and the more one writes, the more one learns the rules. Subtle things really, like including more details, using all the senses, omitting unnecessary adverbs, having a good balance between action and dialogue tags, no “head hopping,” tightening up sentence structure by using good action verbs, and the list goes on and on. Of course, one should always use good grammar, punctuation, and check for spelling errors. As you can see, there are many things a writer must be aware of as they pound out words on the keyboard besides creating the story itself. All things purchasing viagra australia great site considered, admission of this medication means profiting an ease medicate with a force to let the male perform his best in bed. The ancient remedy that is readily available in warm, tropical and sub-tropical climates are one of discount levitra purchased this the most beneficial fruits available on earth, with rich nutritional value. Erectile dysfunction in young men can be a cialis online deeprootsmag.org serious matter of concern as there are plenty of impotence cures available to treat the disease. Specialty Pharmacy Services Specialty Pharmacy Services involve professionals who handle the organization and dispersion of specialty drugs that cheap levitra uk need extra care. Simply put, the more one writes, the better one becomes. In time, the rules become easier until eventually, the writer doesn’t have to think about them anymore. S/he just writes and all these things are dealt with subconsciously in the writer’s mind and words. This is what I meant when I said how amazed I was by how much I’ve progressed since publishing my last novel. Once Maiden of Death is published and you read it (and you ARE going to read it…aren’t you?) I think you’ll agree with me.
I can only hope as I begin writing book 3 of the series, Maiden of Dreams, my writing skill will continue to improve. I firmly believe that a writer, whether they have published one book or 50 books, will never know all there is to know about writing. Writing is a dynamic and creative art. There will always be something new, some creative way of bending or breaking the rules that result in a wonderful and unexpected plethora of possibilities.
We’ve all heard the old adage: Practice makes perfect. However, when it comes to writing, my philosophy is: Practice makes better. Perfection is the golden apple all writers strive to pluck, but always dangles just out of reach.