CURRENT PROJECT - #amwriting

Writing is pretty much all I can accomplish these days, though even long periods at the keyboard are a struggle at the moment.

This was supposed to be last week's post but I've been down with my back for over a week. Before that I managed to drop a battery operated chain saw on my right foot plus torqued my back taking out the trash. That was the beginning of this more than a week-long aggravation.

While the swelling has subsided in my foot and most of the lovely purple tones are gone, the back is still being a pain - literally.  So bear with me, please as being at the desk isn't the most comfortable right now.

At the moment, I'm working to get back into my story. I'm making notes as things come to me and I've been taking the free webinars on Scrivener. Every time I watch one of Joseph's webinars I learn something different - like watching a movie over and over and noticing something you may have missed the first five times you saw the same movie. 

This week, as time allows, I want to move all of my research links into the Scrivener file.
If you don't know, the program allows you to save links under research and open them up RIGHT IN THE PROGRAM... not as a separate browser window.  The feature will also help me to better organize the links as opposed to the way I have them now - all in one multi-page word doc.

Moving the links is going to be quite a task but something I can work on little by little between naps, thanks to the pain meds I'm on until this nerve finally decides to lighten up and let me get back to my regular routine.

If you don't have Scrivener, I recommend at least taking Joseph's webinars to get a feel for the program to see if it's something you'd like. L&L often offers the program up at a discount for those who finish NanoWrimo as well as a 30-day Free Trial, so you're able to play with it during Nano before making a committed purchase.

If you'd like to join Joseph's email list so you'll know when new webinars are coming up, shoot him an email - joseph@scrivenercoach.com

More to get done today if I'm to spend TWO DEDICATED HOURS each evening to working on my book. I'm anxious to see this one in print, as well as three & four, which I already have outlined.

QUESTION OF THE WEEK:
Have you used Scrivener? Please share your feedback about the program.

~Angela

THE WRITER'S NEST - Cynthia D' Alba

Today's guest is Cynthia D' Alba.

I first met Cynthia about six years ago at one of the last Romantic Times conventions. I was thrilled to spend eight days in Dallas. I won a drawing from Cynthia... a gorgeous rustic metal windchime. I treasure the item, which fits well with my writing nest decor. I'll show a picture later in this post. 

For now, let's check in with Cynthia:

Thank you so much for joining us today, Cynthia.

First off, we don't have any pictures of Cynthia's Writing Nest... not a lot to share there. However, she does share her Nest in the questions below. What Cynthia does show is that our 'nest' can be anywhere that's comfortable for us... even if it's nothing more than your lap and a comfy place to sit. 

Describe your writing nest? My lap! What I mean by that is I write anywhere I can sit down and put my computer in my lap. I have an “office” but I’ve filled it with embroidery machines and thread (my hobby.) Usually I write in my living room on the couch or in the tv room in my la-ze-boy recliner.

What is it about this space that inspires you? I like the living room better because I have scented candles that I burn when I write. There’s something about the scent of a candle that makes me want to write. I think I’ve trained my brain!

Has finding your space been an evolving journey? How so? Since I’ve started writing, I have literally moved all over two houses to find the right spot. I’ve sat at desks (2 different ones.) I’ve tried writing at a table. I written by hand and by computer entry. The only thing that works for me is dead silence and my lap. I have to let the “movie” in my head run while I transcribe the action.

Anything you would change? I wish I had a writing partner. Not someone to write my books with me, but someone writing their book in the same room. I am inspired by other writers.

What advice would you give to someone looking to build their own nest? What works for me probably won’t work for you. Don’t be afraid to try different places. Some writers love coffee shops. Some love having a tribe to work with. Some work well teaming up with other writers online and doing sprints. Be comfortable where you write. But the bottom line is that you have to find what works for you.

 Cynthia is sharing a blurb from her book:

When a Navy SEAL runs into an obstacle, he climbs over it, under it, around it, or destroys it. So what if it's a woman?

Master Chief Benjamin Blackwell has it all. Adventure, good looks, skills, and women. His life is perfect and he has no intention of changing a thing. Until her.

Holly Maxwell is a sexy woman unlike anyone he’s met before. A widow for ten years, she’s happy with her life even with the trials of raising a pre-teen daughter, and being the only girl in a nosy, boisterous family of Coronado cops.

But what makes her so inexplicable to this Navy SEAL is her total lack of interest in him...

Thank you for joining us today, Cynthia.

You can purchase CONFIRMED BACHELOR as well as other books from Cynthia through the following links:

AMAZON   KOBO   B & N   APPLE

You will find Cynthia D' Alba on the following Social Media channels:

WEBSITE   FB   TWITTER   IG   GOODREADS   BOOKBUB   AMAZON

As a Texas\ Bluegrass/Traditional Country music promoter, 

this wind chime couldn't have been more perfect for my office.

Thank you, Miss Cynthia!

THURSDAY TIP - from June Faver

June Faver has lots of advice to offer writers. After having written every day for the pasts 3,946 days, she has to have learned some things, right?

In the past she has told us to 'write every day- no matter what'

Today, she offers this sage advice:

 Avoid backstory in the first few pages. 

Grab the reader with the first paragraph 

Need an example, read any of her previous books. You can also pre-order The Best Cowboy Christmas, Ever

SPOTLIGHT AUTHOR - June Faver

I know I've had June Faver on here several times but with the release of her newest book up for pre-order, I just had to bring her back to the spotlight. 

June is a prolific author in every sense of the word. She has written every day for 11 years come September. Even when she was hospitalized or had needles poked in her eyes, she has written no less than 100 words per day. In fact, she is so prolific that it wasn't until recently she found out she had 'deadline's with her publisher. She had always turned in her manuscripts and revisions way ahead of expected dates. 

June Faver is my inspiration and my hero... besides being an awesome friend.

Here newest book, The Best Cowboy Christmas Ever, releases in September but you can PRE-ORDER now. This story takes us back to the Garrett ranch. We'll make new friends while visiting with some of our favorite characters from previous books. 

CATCHING UP - Back to Writing!

After three months of not working on my book, I'm finally getting back to writing Marc and Katie's story. I'm not actually putting words to paper this week. Instead, I'm getting back into the story by rewatching the videos, reading the news links and listening to my playlist. 

I need to enter their world before I can take you along. 

I learned last week that the Ozark Creative Writers conference for October has been canceled - thanks to Covid-19.   Just saying that makes me want to rant, but I won't. We each have our opinions. I'll keep mine to myself. 

Friday, I received a call from Inn of the Ozarks asking if I wanted to cancel my reservation or move to next year. I opted to cancel for now. Instead, when we deem it safe, I'll make a new reservation (hopefully for the fall) and hide out for 3 or 4 days to do the final edits of this book. When I'm ready, maybe they will be a bit more open and I can enjoy the peace & tranquility. Time will tell.

In the mean time, I'm going to travel back there through An Ozarks Soldier's Homecoming.

We have Cynthia D' Alba in The Writer's Nest this week. I think the world of this lady and I look forward to showing you inside her space.

I am also currently reading The Brigands by Parris Afton Bonds. If I can get that read before Wednesday I'll have my review posted, otherwise that will run the following week. If you know anyting of Texas history, I'm sure you'll enjoy the book.

I have a new Blog Editorial calendar that I'm rolling out and hoping to keep me on track. I have 19 days til Bob comes home. Let's make this work!

Happy Reading!