The Writing Still Continues


Thursday

Hey Readers! Happy Thursday! I hope everyone is doing well and staying safe. I’m doing fine, I’m home and will be working from home for the forseeable future. If anything with this whole pandemic, I have learned to be content in all things. Sure, we have to adapt and do things differenly in order to have the same results, but change is still something that is constant.

It’s a little after 8 pm and I have the pleasure of video chatting with my bestie and  writing friend, Julia who then introduced me to her writing friend, April. April and I clicked right away. My bestie was like I want my two best friends to be friends. The sentiment was so sweet. We talked like we were friends for years! Sometimes you have good chemistry with people and know it’s right. Which bring me to writing. It’s my thing. Having good chemistry means the relationship is likely to last.

The Writing Continues…

Keep Writing

While having nothing but time, I was thinking to myself about how I want to be consistent with my writing. I have in my planner to write daily and yet I’m 3 days behind! It’s okay. As long as I start and don’t give up that is the key. My goal is to write daily on a novel and to blog daily. I figure if I can post on Facebook everyday, I can give you guys some good material. If you are a writer or want to start writing, the goal is to just stat writing. In turn, I have a guide on how to write a book, screenplay or journal titled, ” The Krystol Method: An Easier Approach To Getting Your Words Out” on amazon.IMG_2880

As I started to publish books, I’m always asked, ” how do I write a book?” I figured I’d explain that in more detail. Now this isn’t to pitch you to death,  but if it intrests you it can be a resource. This story that I am working on now is called ” Worth The Wait” which is about two twin girls who are preacher’s kids  who venture out in the world living their lives where God is suppose to be the center of their life, or is he? This is my first Christian book and if I’m honest, I’m really nervous as to how the population will like it. But, I will cross that bridget when it comes. For now I’m going to just enjoy the process of writing.  Let me know, what are you currently working on?

Unavoidable Suffering


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Good morning everyone! It’s very early, but my energy and my words are ready. I was listening to a speech by Les Brown this morning and he said, ” If you are unhappy, figure out what will make you happy and do that.”  I shed a few tears because I knew I was guilty of not being happy.  As I sat on my bed I knew what was going to make me happy and what was missing. The love of words! It was by chance, my friend called me last night who’s an actor and have worked with Tyler Perry and doing some independent films. Last year he bought my screenplay, ” I’ll Never Tell”. He said,” Krystol, I know it’s been a year since I bought your script, but I just came from LA and I pitched it to a few directors who love it. He said, ” I don’t know if it will be picked up, but I’m going out on faith and I am going to make your film in LA.”

I said, ” Ty, you bought the film.” He said, ” Yea, but I didn’t write it. I haven’t changed anything,  we love it the way it is. If it become an indie or make it to a big screen you are the original writer and will get the credit.” Now, of course it’s in our contract, I get a writer credit, but the fact that he still holds to it says a lot. Then he asked about me writing and I said I have lost motivation. He said, ” You are a great writer whether it’s a book, film or TV show idea. Keep writing. Don’t stop. He said as a matter of fact, re-pitch your work to the celebrities you’ve worked with.”

It clicked, He was right. I’m working in finance and I enjoy it, but my heart is telling stories and putting them down on paper. I got the courage yet again because I was super confident now. I e-mailed the actor Omar Dorsey and Leon.

It was late. I know Leon is on the east coast and Omar on the west coast. I said a prayer and took a chance. I pitched my work to both and said what the synopsis was. Now, both men have read some of my work before and we have somewhat of a rapport being as though I interviewed them when I used to write for CNN I-report. Leon, actually e-mailed me back right away and requested the script. That is just the first step. I am excited that he loved my ” elevator pitch”.

I’m saying all of this not to boast or brag, but to inspire and hopefully restore your faith and your passion. It took my friend Tyrone to make me realize that I need to keep fighting. There are jobs that we hate or things are not bringing out your true self of what you want to be in life. It does not matter the age! Don’t allow unavoidable suffering stop you from trying and continuing to move forward. I let life get in the way of my craft. But, it’s not in vain at least not all the time. I am happy that I have this new found interest of finance and budgetiting because when I REALLY  REALLY make it as a writer, I will know how to handle my money. Then it got me thinking, God is preparing me for making the six figures that I keep praying about. I will be my own accountant and handle my own money.

I no longer want to be conditioned or convinced that I shouldn’t do something just because the few people in my life whom I’m value said so. I used to always say, ” oh I’ll tell my mom this cause I value her opinion, or I’ll tell my Dad this because I value his opinion or my best friends because I value their opinion. No more of that. I love you guys dearly, but I have to sink or swim on my own. Ask yourself, ” what your life be like if you decided to not tell anyone or ask anyone if you should lead your life a certain way and actually do it?” STEP OUT! Your family isn’t in your shoes, your friends or foes are not in your shoes. Try it for yourself, not because people think you should or should not do it because of their fears or them holding you back.

I just know I can’t let my life go by without truly giving it my all in this writing business. Life is too short. Look at Kobe Bryant. He started playing the game at 2 years and never quit because it was what he wanted to do. He had a full life playing professional ball for 20 years. What is the benefit of listening to yourself? What is the beneift of not fighting for your dream? Don’t allow unavoidable suffering stop you from playing the game and have you watching on the sidelines wishing you’d be called up to play. Sometimes you have to stand up while the game is played and walk forward so they can see you coming.

Why Is Validation So Important?


Hey readers! There has been a lot on my mind regarding validation. I feel we are in a society where we care about what others think. In my opinion, that is SO unesseccary. Why are we so fixated on what others think about us? I’m at the point in my life where I don’t care what anyone thinks about my lifes choices whether it’s a decision based on who I date, how much money I make, where I live, etc. We are so wrapped up with what others think it’s almost unfathomable. I mean, we try to wear name brand clothes, have the best cars, good paying jobs, makeup and even love interest to post pics and long drawn out stories on Facebook just for a like or a love emoji? What is that? Lol.

I’ve considered deleting my social media just because it’s such a time and soul crusher it’s not even funny. I’ve been re-reading a book called The Hollywood Commandments by DeVon Franklin and it talks about giving up or sacrifcing something to focus on God more. I think Facebook is that sacrifice. I will still have it to promote my book that is coming out next month, but other than that I don’t think I’ll post or scroll as much. There comes a time when you have to decide what you put your focus on. Mine needs to be writing and being successful with writing.
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I LOVE this book! You have no idea. He talks about different ways that your gift makes room for you. I can not wait until my gifts continue to do that on bigger platforms. My goal is to write for a living whether it be for myself, a company or even a newsroom. My name will everywhere! I can guarntee that if I can’t guarntee anything else.  DeVon had to sacrifice a lot of things to get to where he is and I respect his work ethic so much. If you haven’t read this book, check it out!

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Coming In December 2018

I must say that I have VERY excited for my new self-help book to come out! This book is for writers who want to write a book or a screenplay. I give some tips that I have learned from film school and with writing mentors that I’ve had over the years. I hope this will help writers get started in the process. This book means so much to be, and I was really nervous to be on the cover, but I am glad that I decided to do it. Also, in this book I talk how I got started with writing, my ups and down and more.

There are always going to be people who have something to say about what you do. It does not matter what profession you choose, clothes you wear, even down to the types of meals you eat. People will always find a way to either tear you down or lift you up. In the event that does happen, why does their opinion have to validate you?

 

NanoWriMo, It’s A Wrap!


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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?

 

The Moderator - Bloody Cover

Spookathon TBR


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How spooky is this! It is that time of year again for spookathon. Last year I used to watch everyone’s videos and see what they were reading. Well, I am going to try my hand at it starting today. I usually do not do well with readathons, but I am really going to put a good conscious effort to try and complete it This readathon is started today and it ends on October 22nd! Below are the challenges and the person that started this readathon, Lala. I really enjoy her videos and her dedication to her channel.

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Lala of Books and Lala! Subscribe to her YouTube channel.

Rules for Spookathon

Brought To You By: Books and Lala
spookathon links
2017 playlist→ https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list…
twitter→ http://twitter.com/thespookathon

shannon: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxAT…
paige: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUF9…

spookathon dates
October 16 – 22, 2017

Spookathon challenges
1. read a thriller
2. read a book with a spooky word in the title
3. read a book based on a childhood fear
4. read a book with orange on the cover
5. read a book that has a spooky setting

Here is my SPOOKATHON TBR!!

Spookathon TBR

I am currently reading Rose Madder by Stephen King. This is the book that was chosen for my Readalong on my Youtube channel ” Kreative Krystol Reads N Writes”. If you’d like to join in on the read along feel free. We started today and are reading 75 pages a day! Let’s have a blast!

Book Review: Without Merit by Colleen Hoover


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This book was something that I was not expecting. Then again, you always say this when it comes to Ms. Hoover. Without Merit made me sob like a baby and question my life and mental health. This book is so captivating, honest, raw and straightforward about a girl named Merit who just wants to matter. She feels over looked by her family and incapable of love until she meets someone that makes her question everything. I do not want to give any spoilers away, but I will say that this is one to pick up and have in the books. Colleen tells stories that makes people think and want to learn.

 

Outlining Your Novel 2.0


Outlining Your Novel

Writer's Write

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.
  1. 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?
  1. 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?
  1. 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?
  1. 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/

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

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

 

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

 

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

 

Want to join my read along?


Thursday

I hope that your Thursday was really good! It’s almost Friday so don’t worry. I wanted to invite you guys to a read along that I am hosting on my YouTube channel! We ( me and my subscribers) do a weekly read a long where we vote on books to read together. This has been so successful and I wanted my subscribers here to join in. I will posting DAILY reading updates about the book and what I have read thus far and my thoughts. The readathon will start on Monday, September 18,2017 at 12am. We will be 75 pages a day  of this book here!

Jane Eyre

This will be my FIRST Bronte book so I am excited to see how it is. I did watch the movie a while ago and I fell in love with it. Hopefully, the book will not disappoint. If you had read this book before, please let me know what you thought about it. I hope that some of my subscribers here are able to join me!

 

Can Rejections Ruin Your Confidence As A Writer?


Thursday

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…

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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.

The Waiting Game With Queries


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Happy Wednesday! I hope all is well on you end. As for me, I am learning patience in more ways than one. Let’s see, I will say that my mind is on an overload from querying so many agents. Granted, agents look so many queries everyday, but for some reason I have in my mind that they are supposed to respond to me as soon as I send the e-mail. LOL! This is silly I know. I am learning patience, but it is getting hard.

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I have read and watching many videos on how to pass the time when waiting to hear back from agents. Thus far, I have queried about 60 agents and have gotten 8 rejections. The ball can still be in my court, so I have not given up hope yet. It is still alive. Since I have started this process of traditional publishing, my mind has not been on writing anything but my blogs here and my article for Conscious Talk Magazine ( btw, go subscribe at conscioustalkmag.com). I am still job hunting like crazy so I am trying to stay occupied. How can you when you read books that are NYT’s Best Sellers and know that pieces or a few pages of your works is out there for agents to read and determine if I have a best seller too? So, this is what I have come up with:

  1. Meditation – Relieve some of the anxiety that I am feeling.
  2. Pray – Prayer changes EVERYTHING!
  3. Read – This is a given. You can not be a writer if you are not a reader first. ~ Stephen King
  4. Talk To Writer Friends – I do not have many writer friends that I talk to often so I will have to get some new ones on twitter.
  5. Breathe – This is a given.

Get out of your own way

 

Lately, to pass the time I have been thinking a lot about my life thus now and where I want to be in the next five years both personally and professionally. My goal is to be a New York Time’s Best Seller and continue to write books while I change the world with my words. I will still work a day time job as well ( preferably with writing) or helping in some capacity whether it is through research, etc.