Friday, September 25, 2015

The joys of being published

This weekend--right now!--I'm at the Saint Louis National Charity Horse Show in Lake St. Louis. Two weeks ago it was Hunter-Jumper week. Now, it's Saddlebred week, and I love it. I love both. My background is with hunters, jumpers, and dressage. They and their shows tend to be fairly subdued. The saddlebreds and their riders, on the other hand, are flashy; the audience, loud. It's a party! So different from what I grew up with.

My book table
As a lifelong horsewoman and dog lover, being here is a little slice of heaven. There are nearly as many dogs as there are horses! That's why I have treats for dogs, horses, and people on my table. Something for everyone. 

You never know who's going to stop by your table.

Anyhoo, this is my second year, and I do it not just because it's the biggest show around, and not just because my books all include horses so the people here are my target audience, but because ever since I started publishing, I wanted to be able to donate some of my proceeds to animal rescues and shelters. This horse show supports Stray Rescue of St. Louis and TREE House of Greater St. Louis (Therapeutic Horsemanship). I donate all my proceeds from book sales at the show to these two worthy charities. That makes me feel good.

But the big joy--that comes from experiences like this: A woman came up to my table and said she'd bought both Raver and On the Buckle while at the show last year. She loved them both but especially Raver and wanted to know if the sequel was out yet!

I wish I could have said YES! But I directed her to The Roar of Smoke, and she bought that to tide her over until the next Horsecaller book is out.

Hey, if you're in the area, stop by and see me and all the beautiful horses.

Candace


Monday, September 21, 2015

Five Reasons Why I Go to Critique Group

Reasons vary as to why writers gather together to give and receive critique. Here are mine.
  1. My husband doesn't want to hear me read chapter 38. Oh, he'd dutifully listen if I asked, but waiting at my critique group are a bunch of writers who won't grimace when I pass my pages around the table. They listen and cheer me on and give me honest feedback. They want my story to succeed.
  2. Writing accountability. It's the kick in the pants, the "Why haven't you been writing lately?" aspect that I need when motivation wanes.
  3. A finely tuned ear. Reading our work out loud is not about an ego trip, as some critique group haters claim. It's about listening to the rhythm and cadence of the sentences as they build one upon another to form a story. It's for catching mistakes and word repetition. After all, one of the single most repeated pieces of advice for writers is, simply: Read your work out loud.
  4. Hanging out with other writers. I'd be lying if I said it was just about the writing. The camaraderie is important to me. Other writers understand the ins and outs of the writing life, from writer's block to rejection slips to marketing woes and mediocre reviews. There is also the creative energy that comes when a roomful of writers gather around the table.
  5. The thrill of the page. Most important to me is the excitement of words on paper, the raw creative material fresh from the mind of a writer. How can I help my writer friends make their work the best it can be? What can I do with the feedback they've given me to create a compelling story? Stimulating discussions ensue. My pulse quickens. This is why I do what I do.
 Writers need to discover the process that works best for them. I've found mine. Come Thursday night, you know where to fine me.

Friday, September 18, 2015

To critique or not to critique, that is the question...and everyone has an answer!

You've heard it: Writing is lonely. It's true. It's not as true as it was before the internet, though. These days, it's much easier to find and join a community of writers and feel a little less lonely as you toil away on Your Great American Novel.

I've belonged to a couple of writers' groups and eventually dropped out, but my critique group means the world to me. The night we meet is sacred, and just about everyone who knows me knows what I'm doing and where I'm going that evening.

But critique groups are as varied as their members, and they aren't for everyone. To help you decide if you should try to find one, I've compiled a list of links to other author's opinions. Be prepared for contradiction. Enjoy!