Dear Writers

Dear Writers,

I know what you must be thinking, “ Who is this girl writing us with advice about writing?” Well, let me introduce myself, my name is Krystol. I’m 33 years old and I believe we have a few things in common. We love to write and probably read as well.  Our favorite thing to do on our spare time is to write and we feel weird when we are unable to. Am I right? So, I just wanted to give you some encouragement on this lonely journey that many of us take. You see, we are often misunderstood by our peers, family, and friends or just about anyone. I mean, most people think we can’t make a living at doing what we love. Eh, what do they know? But, what I know that YOU have a gift to share with the world. Okay, well maybe not the entire world at least not right away, but we have some things to get our chest.  I like to say that writing is the door to our heart. It’s where our stories lie and our words unite.  There are times when you don’t write a thing or life happens and our love is on the back burner. It’s okay, we are only human, born to make mistakes, (by the way that’s not my words, that is the group “ The Human League”, but you get my point. When we fall, because we will, we always do at some point in our lives, get back up and keep typing or writing ( if the notebook or journal is your thing).  No matter what way you prefer to write, continue to do it no matter what anyone says. If you are writing a novel, blog, or just something no one will ever read, don’t let other people stop you from putting the words down. Words are powerful when people tell us what not to pursue. But, you don’t have to prove yourself to anyone if they doubt you. We only get one life to live, so why not live it by doing what you love. I hope this can encourage you to keep writing following your dreams.

 

All The Best,

Krystol

My Week In A Nutshell

Hey Readers!

Happy Saturday, to you! Boy, this week has been something else! I mean it was eventful, but stressful as well. I started a new job and although I’m grateful, I started to feel like I was taking steps backwards. Don’t get me wrong the pay is amazing, but the content of the position is like ugh. Working in a call center at a bank is daunting, but rewarding. I know you maybe thinking, ” Krystol, what are you talking about?” Let me vent and express my feelings. We all know that writing is my passion and life. It’s what I want to do, so taking a job to work in yet another call center is where I feel like I’m backwards. But, I am praying that I change my mindset for Monday. It’s the first day we get on the phones and my anxiety is through the roof. Now, I know you maybe thinking again, ” Krystol, this isn’t your first call center job.” I know, but the system is new and it seems like I’m solving a jigsaw puzzle.

But, did I also mention that this job isn’t the DREAM job. Granted, I am sure everyone feels that way working there, but ugh! We gotta start somewhere, right? Of course, I consulted and sulked to my mom who said, ” Never stop applying for the dream job, but be grateful for the one you have.” It’s easier said than done. I mean, this week I had a great first day, then it kind of went down hill. I don’t fit in with the other workers ( not that I have to) and all of a sudden the thought of being on the phones is annoying to me, lol. I feel like I didn’t go to school and get all of these degrees to work in a call center and talk on the phone all day.

New Idea, Need YOUR advice

I’ve had this idea for a while of starting my own column. I want to call it, ” Krystol Speaks” where people ask me advice on writing, their situations, and more. When I used yo write for a magazine, I pitched it to the CEO and she didn’t like it. So, they say, ” When you want something done, you have to do it yourself.” I want to do just that. What do you guys think? Would you read it or care to ask my advice? My goal is to get a domain name for this blog and write on Krystol Speaks about three times a week. Hopefully, I can create a job by sharing it with future employers like NewYork Times or even Huffington Post, or anywhere. Then goal is to write for a living. If you think I should go with it, thanks for your support. If not, that’s okay, I will still do it anyway, lol.

Setting Priorities When It Comes To Your Dreams

Happy Sunday, Readers!

There comes a time in your life when you must say enough is enough. My grandmother used to always say, ” Eventually you will get tired.” She said that for a lot of things and I never knew what she meant. It seemed like that statement went with every reference of life from being unhappy, not liking to do certain tasks, etc. As I was driving today thinking about another motivational video I watched, it hit me. My grandmother meant that eventually I would be tired of not being my happiest or truest self whether it involves other people or not. It got me thinking about my topics as of like dreams, success and being your best self.  I have decided that I am tired of living for others. For example,  some people think you should live your life in a way is THEIR norm. Work a normal job, get paid a normal paycheck and live a normal life. But, makes your normal different from someone else’s? Your normal is probably totally different from mine. Some people are content and happy working with a company for 30+ years, owning their home and retiring. This is one way that society has taught us to live. But, for me, what’s normal to society isn’t for me. I get bored easily ( hence the many jobs I’ve had), but I feel like this I won’t know what I like or don’t like if I don’t explore and try new things.

I’ve come to the conclusion where I am tired of society’s opinion for my life through other people. I’ve said all week that I want to be a writer. I’m talented in it, it’s something I would do for free and still be happy with it. I enjoy writing in many different genres ,which not only keeps me out of a bubble, but I’m versatile as well. I learn to write in different areas so I can adapt to change as it comes with writing. When it comes to my life, I have to check myself and get MY priorities in order. The thoughts and opinions of other people no longer matter. I no longer seek advice from others who don’t have my same aspirations at heart. Why? They have no clue the drive and determination I have to really make it. You can have some of the best people in your life that you love and love you to an extent become your biggest downfall. We as people seek validation ( why I have no clue), but we do and we want others to tell us what’s right or wrong, or what would or wouldn’t they do. Fuck that shit! I can’t ask questions like that anymore because they aren’t me and I am not them. Our mindsets are totally different. My mother just told me today, ” If you listen to what people say, you will never go anywhere or do anything.” That advice was paramount because it was so on time for where I’m headed in life and where I am now on my new journey to being my best self and living my dreams. I know you must be asking, just what are these alleged priorities?

1. Keep God First
2. Take every job position as a learning experience, which will prepare me for my writing job
3. Continue to study the craft of writing and READ as many books, articles, and blogs as I can
4. Continue applying for ALL writing jobs until the perfect one happens.
5. Remain Humble. I have to carry the crown before I wear it by paying my dues and starting from the bottom if I have to.
6. Write everyday no matter what.
7. Become 2 Corinthians 13

To Thine Own Self Be True 

Following Your Dreams: Nature or Nurture?

Lately, I have been watching a lot of Ted Talks and YouTube videos on how one finds their purpose and lives their fullest life. We are told at an early age in life that you can be whatever you want to be. In some ways I think this is true, but what happens when fear gets in the way of your dream. If you are like me there has been SEVERAL times where I had a lot of dreams or goals that I wanted to accomplish. I started to write when I was about 13 years old. First it was poetry, then I essay and I soon graduated to short stories and full on novels. It was a talent that I realized I had. I was someone who could tell amazing stories through words. Pretty fascinating stuff, right? When I turned 18, my dream was to be a nurse. I wanted to help people heal and get better. My mother went to school for nursing and I was inspired by her drive. It was short-lived because addiction became her focus. Then, I realized nursing wasn’t the way to go. Don’t get me wrong, I tried, I went to community college and took an anatomy and physiology class. It scared the crap out of me to learn that I had to memorize every bone in the body. That’s a lot of bones. I panicked and asked my mom for help. Not only did she know all of the bones, but she knew what bone helped what. Clearly, that was her dream and not mine. Then, later on I wanted to be a shrink. I was always told that I give great advice and that I was a trust worthy person. My mind was focused and I was a great listener. One of my professor’s  Ms. Brisel taught psychology 101 in a way that I had become fascinated and knew I was getting into the right field. So, what did I do? I got a bachelor’s degree in Behavioral Science. Guess, what? Til this day I STILL don’t use it. I tried to find a job in that field, without experience, no one will give me a shot.

Now, I’m about 23 years old and I feel like the biggest failure known to man. I went to college, got the degree and couldn’t find a job in the field. My mind was starting to play tricks on me telling me I’m stupid and that I wasted money on a useless degree. I believed it. So, I did what any other person would do who was trying to find their way, I went back to school. First, I majored in Master’s in Social Work. I’m like yes, I am going to be a counselor! This is my time to shine and help people. Within the middle of the first semester, I put on academic probation and was flunking out. I had never told anyone that, until now. My life as I knew was in shambles. I had been a professional student for so long that I wasn’t able to find a secure job. Oh, did I mention I had just moved to North Carolina on a wing and a prayer? I had about eight thousand dollars saved and me and my friend just left. I wasn’t getting a job in Delaware so I figured I’d try my shot somewhere else. Somewhere where I wasn’t reminded of my failures within myself, my family, the friends I thought I had, the men that disappointed in life. I needed out. When the advisor told me I was flunking out of graduate school, I didn’t want to quit. I mean, I didn’t want to keep that major, but I didn’t want to quit. There I was sitting in my new 2 bedroom town house with no furniture or food, just electric, I started to write a new book, which was my third book. I did some research on new schools and found FullSail University. It was a film school that was located in Florida and I could go online. The options for majors were very long and then it found me. What was a release for me majority of my life was sitting there, it was creative writing.  I could get my MFA in Creative Writing. It was still my Master’s degree and I was still in school! Woo hoo! The phone meeting with an enrollment counselor went great. The program was for a year and I would be finished. The following year I had my Master’s in Creative Writing. Due to money issues, I was unable to go to the graduation, but I still passed. I learned to write everything, films, games, TV Pilot, Animation. I graduated with a 3.5.

Although I got my Master’s I still wasn’t able to find a job in the field. It seemed I had to relocate to California or New York in order to write. My advisor told I didn’t have to move, but yet, I still wasn’t finding THE job I wanted. I wanted to write for a company or network. But, in all honesty, I wasn’t able to find my niche. It’s that way still. I’m so versatile in my writing that I can’t stick to one genre. But, then again, why should I? I’ve dabbled in journalism, magazines, blogs and even proposals.

Now, it’s 2018 and I’m still not writing  for a company or network. I’m still trying to find my niche. But, in between that I’ve written several books and ghost wrote a few as well. I have written many screenplays, treatments for shows and TV Pilots. It’s all in what I call (the vault), saved on my computer and USB drive. I won’t give up. My dream is to work as a writer of some sort and I will do just that. Monday I start a new job working as a customer solutions specialist. I’m going to be the best employee that I can be until it’s time to work that dream job.

As I was thinking about my topic for today I thought about something DeVon Franklin said his book that I’m reading, ” The Hollywood Commandments A Spiritual Guide To Secular Success.” He said, ” You have to be able to carry the crown, before you can wear one.” It resonated with me because he talked about who he wanted to work in entertainment and every job that he had before he got his dream job and eventually starting his own company, prepared him to be where he is now in his life.  I believe this job I’m starting on Monday will do the same as well. Now, even though I am starting a different job, I still applied for writing jobs everywhere. I am thankful for my new job and I will serve there to the best of my ability. Who knows, I may even get to be a technical writer at my company, if something else doesn’t come along. DeVon states, ” you have to realize that you must start at the bottom in order to make it to the top. ” Or one must pay their dues. Another mentor that I’m following is Evan Michael and Laura Berman Fortgang. Evan said, ” Explore your options and find out what your purpose isn’t or what you like doing. It can only happen with experience.” He talked about trying snow boarding, salsa dancing and really enjoyed it. He said you won’t know what you don’t like to do if you don’t try it. It’s okay to explore because your purpose will find you. The bible says, ” Your gift will make room for you.” I wholeheartedly believe that. Laura said, ” A lot of people have a lot of ambition based on what they don’t want to be in their life i. e  their parents, a statistic.”  Career satisfaction doesn’t come from what you do, it comes from who you get to be while doing it. The beauty is who you get to be is the real you.”  The more I read these books by DeVon Franklin and watch videos like Evan Carmichael and Laura Fortgang, I realize that I am where I am supposed to be right now and I will be a writer because it is what I want to do. Dreams are what you make them to be. Some are born with them knowing what they want to do and some are learned by life’s experience. Is your dream nature or nurture?

Who Are You?

Lately I have been thinking a lot about this. As I’m reading a current book titled, ”  The Hollywood Commandments A Spiritual Guide To Secular Success and watching a few of Evan Carmichael’s videos this has my mind pondering. Who am I? Sure, I am a girl, a writer, a daughter, an aunt and sister, but deep down who am I really? My grandmother once told me that a person in their 30’s should know who they are. Yet, I feel like I am still trying to find myself.  I was recently diagnosed with cirrhosis and it has me thinking a lot about life. Am I happy where my life is right now? The more I dwell I am not. i was watching this video that Evan Carmichael had on finding your purpose. One of the exercises that he mentioned was to make a list of things that you would do if you were a millionaire or only had one week to live. Of course the living part really caught attention.   If you don’t mind, I want to share my list with you guys. If money wasn’t an option and I was living on ” borrowed” time these are what would fulfill my life.

 

1. Become a New York Times Bestselling Author
2. Make one of my movies and have it on a network
3. See one of my Pilots on screen and even picked up
4. Write for TV
5. Live in a warm climate
6. Have the world enjoy my stories on and off screen.
7. Become a mother
8. Work as a Researcher

All of these things have one major thing in common. Can you SEE what it is? If you haven’t guessed it, it’s WRITING. It’s being a writer! Writing is something that I would do all day long and for free and still be happy. But, then I ask myself, why haven’t I been writing? The stress of everyday living has started to take the joy of just jotting things down and finishing projects away from me. I’m not happy with my job, it’s not brining me joy, I’m afraid of my health and dying. So many things that hold me back from really going after the dream. The fear is called THE DEVIL. He’s busy and I have to continue to not be here for it. Ignore  the voice in my head that tells me it won’t happen, it’s a long shot or  think if I will fail. Failure isn’t an option. I choose to live and not just exist, I chose life over death.

There are so many battles that people have in their lives, mostly with their self. We are human. It’s okay to be afraid, but we can’t give in to the fear. We must be risk takers. I was applying for a lot of jobs ( even though I’m starting a new one) where I am able to utilize my writing and research skills in some way, but not where my heart lies. Granted, I know the bills have to be paid and sometimes you have to do what you have to do and not want to do. But, where does that leave me? Sure, I can still write until I make it, I mean, that is what I plan to do. My goal is to not loose focus on the writing when life happens. Life clouds my judgement and it has really been getting to me lately. There are so many projects that I need to finish it’s not even funny. I had made a post on Facebook where I stated I was going to finish writing a film. I re-read what I wrote and then closed the computer. I keep asking myself, ” who are you?” I am a writer who will keep writing until her dreams come true no matter the obstacles. To my readers, who are you?

NanoWriMo, It’s A Wrap!

I know that you didn’t expect me to finish Nano so early. To be honest, I didn’t expect to finish either. But, let me first say that when Nov.1st came, I already had about 10 thousand words already on my project. I didn’t want to have slow days where I would slack off not write. So, you must be asking, how did you write 40k, in 10 days?  Here are some tips that helped me.

1. Make Friends – This might sound silly, but it really helped me. I joined a lot of Facebook writing groups and even found YouTubers who were doing Nano also. We made our videos where we talked about our projects. We followed each other on our own social medias and stayed in touch.
2. Word Sprints – I did a lot of word sprints via twitter, the nano-website and on other writer’s live streams on YouTube. This was fun because I wasn’t alone. We all had the same goal and that was to write. We talked about our stories and even got ideas from one another.
3. Set a goal- The first few days I was hitting the normal minimum target of 1,667 a day. Then I changed myself to write 2k a day then bumped it up to 5k a day. I know you must be thinking, “Krystol, you are crazy”, I thought I was. But, I had the extra time in the morning since I’m not working right now. I wrote 2,500 words in the morning and then 2,500 in the evening. Some of my writer friends working in the mornings and at night, so I would sprint with them before they went to work.
4. Read the e-mails from authors on NanoWrio- This kept me encouraged when I was just tired of writing some days. One that really spoke out to me was Dean Koontz. He gave us ( writers) advice on how not to accept no or follow other’s people rules. He gave the example of his agent not wanting to pitch a book that ending up selling millions of copies.

I know that it is still early in the month and some of you are still writing. I want to encourage you to keep going and not dwell on the word count, but to have fun writing the story. My story ended up being 50,089 words. I am going to publish it in about two weeks. I must say that I am very excited. I was going to wait until February, but I am going to put it out sooner. I hope that my subscribers purchase my psychological thriller and enjoy the read. Below is the cover and synopsis.

Synopsis:

Artie Leigh was never the popular guy. He was teased mercilessly for being different. It wasn’t until he made a YouTube channel that he found his place. Artie stumbled upon a channel by a girl named Kaylee St. James and subscribed. They became internet friends, and she made him a moderator for her channel. Kaylee was only interested in running her channel professionally, but Artie saw her as something more, something special. Artie was determined to win her heart and use his charm. Things were looking up for Artie. He had a place that he belonged and made friends in the online community. Artie had an opportunity to go to a meet and greet in London where he could finally meet Kaylee and her subscribers. But something unexpected happened on the trip that drove Artie a little over the edge. Will he be able to make Kaylee see his true feelings for her, or will she refuse him and kick him out of her life, forever?

 

Switched My NanoWriMo Project

Happy Day 1 Nano Wrimers! I hope you are so happy to be starting this journey as I am. I switched my project and I’m now writing a psychological thriller called ” The Moderator”  which is about an obsessed YouTuber who stalks someone that he is subscribed to. This book will have great twists and turns! There may even be some things that you recognize if you have a channel of your own. Check out my unedited snippet of what’s to come.

 

***DISCLAIMER THE FOLLOWING WRITING PIECE HAS BEEN COPYRIGHTED***   

Copyright © 2017 by Krystol Diggs 

 This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental

The Moderator

A Novel by Krystol

Prelude

I was tired of him always talking about me. Sure, I knew he wasn’t in my state and could not hurt me, but he was always talking trash on YouTube. Sure he was good looking, at least he looked better than me. I hate my looks. My curly black hair  and my coke bottle glasses is my daily nightmare. I never had a girlfriend before because I was teased. But, then there she was. She was just my type, chocolate, beautiful smile and the way she walked  away from the camera made me want to subscribe right away. I wanted to instantly talk to her until I saw him. He was there, entertaining and taking over the conversation. The chat room was very busy on this day and I could not wait to get my turn to ask her a question. I sat on my bed with my ear plugs as she talked about her favorite book. I don’t really read books, but she said she liked Stephen King. I checked out every book that rolled off her pretty pink tongue. The more  she talked, I just watched her. Sometimes she moved forward to read what was being said. As she leaned in her computer, I leaned in mine.

“ So, Kaylee, what are you having for dinner tonight?” He asked.

I rolled my eyes.

“ Geez, this British prick will not stop typing!” I yelled.

“ Oh, Jackson. I am not sure. Maybe some lamb or lobster.” She responded.

I smiled as she talked. Lobster was my favorite. This had me excited. We had something in common. I knew that this was a good thing. Kaylee was going to be mine and mine only. I had to stop this Jackson character first.

***

Kaylee wasn’t on any of her social media sites. I had all of her IP addresses hacked from when I video chatted her the other day to talk about music. She told me what kind of music she liked and I made her a playlist. It was that easy. Her beauty did not captivate me too much only because I had a job to do. The more she talked, the easier it was for me to hack and get into her accounts. Once I did the job, now when she logged on, I was notified and able to access her messages and e-mails. Jackson e-mailed her almost daily and he was starting to piss me off. I mean after all, Kaylee is mine, not his. But, for some reason she feels safe around him.

Looking at flights, I had to get the best price for a round trip to London. I had to pay Jackson a visit. First, I wanted to scope the town out and see what it had to offer. After all, it is London. I had to get something for Kaylee since she is obsessed with the country. I have no idea why. London is crowded and filled with a bunch of people who try to show their uppity asses as important. But, whatever Kaylee wanted, Kaylee got.

“ Let’s see, American Airlines, South West, Delta. Which flight is cheaper for a one way?” I thought to myself.

There was a knock on the door. I did not hear it at first until she yelled at me.

“ Artie! Hey, Artie!”

I look over and see my mom in front of me waving her arms. I paused Kaylee’s video and took my head phones off.

“ Mom, what is it? I’m busy.” I said.

“ Artie, dinner is ready. And why can’t you clean your fucking room, you little shit!” She yelled at me.

I wanted to kill her. Ever since it was told to her that I had a learning disability and speech problem, she hated me.  It did not bother me much because the feeling was mutual. All she cared about was her rich husband.

“ I will eat when I get ready.  I know how to make leftovers.” I told her.

“ Alright, Artie. Suit yourself. Clean this room, it smells like death.” She said.

“ Mom. I am a an adult now.”

“ You are an adult in a child’s body. You will not amount to anything. Clean your fucking room, or I will take that computer.” She yelled.

I just looked at her as she slammed my door.

“ Fucking bitch!” I yelled at the door.

I took a deep breath and opened the laptop back up. She was still online and talking. Now it was my chance to say something.

“ Hey Kaylee. I like lobster too.” I said.

The butterflies started to swarm in my stomach like that they were flying all around. I never had been so excited to talk to someone in my life.

“ Hey Sellers. Lobster is so good right?”

My smile got even wider. She asked me a question. KayleeReads really spoke to me again.

“ I do like lobster. But, I like you even more.” I said.

I know that I was forward, but I wanted to make her day just as much as she made mine.

“ You are very sweet. Thanks, Sellers.”

The conversation continued between her and I. There were others in the room, but  I tuned them out. Kaylee and I were getting better acquainted.  Then it happened. It was the best day of my life. She said out loud,

“ Hey guys, I am looking for a couple moderators for my room. You know, to block out the trolls and bad people. Is anyone interested?”

I raised my hand in the chat.

“ Okay, Sellers! You got the job.” She said.

I raised my hand in the air to show my victory. I was ready, Jackson was first on my list. It is about to go down because I’m now Sellers, the moderator.

 Thanks so much for reading, I would love to get your feedback! Constructive Criticism only!! 

 

NanoWriMo Prep, Are you ready?

I’ve come to look forward to this challenge every year no matter what I have going on in my life. This is my way to complete a task and de-stress from life. My life is not the best, but it is not the worst, either. Any way, I am ready to write. I will work on an erotic novel. You guys have seen the cover before, but I will post it again at the end of this post. I am so excited to complete yet another book. This one will be self-published.

Lately, as I have been doing my research and reading writing books, I notice that self-published is the way to go in terms of money, but traditional publishing is better in terms of your work being marketed properly. I must admit, my marketing skills are NO good. Besides you guys, acquaintances, friends and family, I do not know who to pitch to. Okay, let me get back on board here. NanoWriMo! Nano, is a way to get that book completed that you had stashed away from many years. It’s a way for you to achieve that dream of writing a novel. Of course, you determine if you want the world to read it, but the writing part will be done nonetheless.

If you are interested in being a writing buddy, I am KDP Krissy. I’d love to connect with you! We can do writing sprints and talk about our works. I really enjoy making writer friends and I want to do that more. As a writer it is such a lonely world and I feel alone. Others don’t understand because it is not their dream to be successful with words. I would love to hear from you.

My Writing Project For NanoWriMo2017

Outlining Your Novel 2.0

Outlining Your Novel

Like any writer, this is a step in the process where it gets real. By this times character profiles should have been done, the plot sketched out on many different post it notes or a notebook. This is the part where your desk or writing area looks a mess with so many different ideas and levels to your story. Writers outline in many ways. Some do not use an outline at all. Whatever way you fancy, outlining or sorting your ideas is a must. Depending on what of novel you are writing, research is very important and some research can take months or even years to sort through. For example, imagine writing a crime fiction novel. You may have old case files, have suspects to figure out, and more.

 

When it comes to outlining, think of it as telling a story from the beginning, middle and the end. Or for screenwriters this Act 1, Act 2, and Act 3, but take things step by step. Ask yourself these questions: How do I want the story to start? What will the main character do in the beginning of the story? Is he/she being dramatic? Is the character going to talk in a narrative tone or third person? Check out this example of how an outline can go.

1. Main Character

• Who is it? ( Give me a full fabricated name)
• Zodiac Sign
• Mannerisms ( is he/she shy? Smooth and charismatic? A Jerk?)
• Where does his story start? (High school, middle school, College?)
• What made him the main character the way he/she is? (Pain, addiction, broken heart)
• Add other characters, friends, parents, situations and incidents. Give them names, descriptions, complexions, mannerisms and characteristic. Be specific.

2. Family Life

• Does the main character have siblings?
• What was his household like? Day to day routine?
• Parents accepting of he/she? Did he feel like the black sheep? Got along with everyone?
• Talk about parents were they good parents? Bad parents?

3. Personality of Main Character

• Did he get along with his peers?
• Have a best friend?
• Popular/Unpopular
• What did he like to do for fun?

4. Plot

• What happens that shifts the main characters life/lifestyle? What made it hard?
• Explain in detail, how he was feeling while his life was changing
• What makes the transition of a innocent child to an adult?
• Is the main character married? Have kids? What is that structure like while he’s going through what he is?

5. Final Result Or Ending

• What is the main character taking away from this?
• How has he/she learned?
• Does the good outweigh the bad depending on the situation?
• What would you like to see for an ending?

 

 

I’ve attached some blog posts that will help you get starting with the writing process once you are ready. Included are other example outlines and more notes as well. I’ve put them in order of the writing when you get started. I hope this article and the other examples I have provided help you go far with your writing! NanowriMo is coming soon ( National Novel Writing Month) and I hope you guys that are writers will participate.

 

 

 

1. https://writingsbykrystol.wordpress.com/2014/03/15/back-to-basics-character-profile/

 

2. https://writingsbykrystol.wordpress.com/2014/06/05/the-power-of-the-plot/

 

3. https://writingsbykrystol.wordpress.com/2014/08/04/why-is-it-so-hard-to-choose-names-for-your-characters/

 

4. https://writingsbykrystol.wordpress.com/2014/08/03/is-it-okay-to-use-a-pseudonym/

 

 

5. https://writingsbykrystol.wordpress.com/2014/07/29/i-want-to-turn-my-book-into-a-movie-how-should-i-do-that/

 

6. https://writingsbykrystol.wordpress.com/2014/07/25/my-gift-to-you-signatory-agent-list-for-writers/

 

 

7. https://writingsbykrystol.wordpress.com/2014/07/23/creating-the-ending-of-your-story/

 

8. https://writingsbykrystol.wordpress.com/2014/07/07/are-word-counts-really-that-important/

 

9. https://writingsbykrystol.wordpress.com/2014/06/21/my-book-is-completed-now-what/

 

10. https://writingsbykrystol.wordpress.com/2014/06/21/my-book-is-completed-now-what/

 

 

 

Can Rejections Ruin Your Confidence As A Writer?

This Is Deep…

As a writer, it is hard for others to see your work the way that you do. I mean, how many no’s can we take? J. K. Rowling took a one too many no’s before she got her yes. I tweeted Angie Thomas, ( author of The Hate You Give) and she gave me some sound advice. She said, ” All you need is that one yes.” But, it seems with the more rejections we get as a writer, the less excited we feel that our yes will come. With writing, can the rejections ruin our confidence?

Okay…

Growing up as children we all hated the word NO. So, it is only right that as an adult we still do not like the word, especially when it comes to something we think is so perfect like our writing. I will be honest, in my lifetime, I have given up on my writing abilities three times due to rejection. There was one time I was querying agents for a book and I did not understand why I was getting rejected. Once, I did my research the correct way and not listened to what other writers were telling me, I realized why. My stories were not aligned with the correct word count.

Once I realized my wrong doing, I self-published all of my books. For a while, the ,money was great, but after a while, the money stops. Then I felt like I had exhausted all possibilities to make money from this way. The more writing I was doing, the more I felt that I had to re-invent myself in some way. Now, I have a completed book that I want to be published the traditional route. The process of getting an agent is tough, but it will be worth it once I get my yes. This experience is damping my spirits just a bit, but I am not going to give up. I said to myself, ” My stories are not good and I am throwing in the towel.” Then, I had someone inbox me via social media and asked me when was my next book coming out. The message that the young lady sent me was HOPE. In that moment, I realized that I could not writing or telling stories. They were in me and it is my duty to share it with the world. Never give up, keep the confidence and the faith. You are a writer.