thinking about story length

Been mulling over the concept of story length; specifically, the shorter lengths. What are the parameters about short stories, novellas, short novellas, novelettes? In fact, what are those things?

According to Romance Writers of America, novellas are 20k-40k, and novels are longer. (Note that these definitions are specifically for entrants in their RITA awards.)

self-publishing: I wanna ride the wave

Self-publishing...I'm in. I want to do it. With a story almost finished, I plan to put it up as a self-pubbed book. Experiment, I say! Try things on, see what works.

Self-publishing is in a huge boom period right now, and I love that. It's only going to get bigger and bigger.

the writing process

Got an email today that made me think about the writing process. Good grief, what a complicated, many-faceted beast that is. Everyone has a different system. Some people sell their writing process systems for bundles of money, some people struggle for years to find the system that works for them, some people just sit down and bang the shit out, and voila! Story.

been a while...oops

Okay, so it's been a year since I've posted. Erhm...shrug?

I have been writing, though. I really have. I'm pretty determined of late, for sure. Writing is not only a passion, it's something that I intend to support me. So, write I must!

my week has disappeared

I am having the hardest time writing this week. Even on contracted freelance writing! Ergh. Maybe it's the smoke in the air from the large wildfire burning somewhat nearby. My eyes are tired, from both smoke and staring at the screen. Makes wanting to write less and less appealing.

Sigh.

On a plus note, I am chock full of writing ideas. Love that!

Current WIPs:
-novel, Uninhibited
-novella with shifters
-werewolf short story

Is this writer's block? Eh. Not sure. Probably more of...writer's malaise??? Life block?

Sigh. Again.

Ok. Back to it, folks! And have a great weekend. If I get more inspired, I'll write a post more worth reading. ;)

New Voices, New Me

Still super pumped about the Mills and Boon New Voices Contest. They announced the Top Ten Finalists the other day, and while I'm not one, a writer on the forum I'm active in is, and I'm stoked for her! Check out her entry, it's great. They chose some good ones for sure.

And, of course, you can still read and comment on my entry, the first chapter of my hot contemporary romance, Uninhibited. I am working on finishing it. Have the outline, just need to crank out about 33,000 more words. Cake, if I focus! ;)

Now, on to the new me portion of this post.

I've long been a yoga practitioner and an exerciser in general. My body simply demands it. Over the last year or so, however, I let my yoga practice slide into near-nothingness. And let me tell you, I felt the ramifications in all areas of my life. I'm stiffer physically, mentally less focused, emotionally more scattered. My chi was basically trampled and tattered, and I didn't like that.

As a writer, who's become a lot more focused in the past two months since I quit my day job (another story for another time), sitting at the laptop for hours on end does not do my body good! So I finally began taking my yoga practice seriously again...and what a difference! I feel so much lighter already, and it's only been a few weeks. I ordered a Shiva Rea dvd the other day, and I love it. She's a fabulous teacher, not to mention so damn strong and flexible that I have a lot to aspire to in my practice. Heh. I've been doing morning and evening routines, and even though I knew from past experience I would feel so much better, I almost feel like someone new to yoga in my awe and gratitude.

Of course, not only is this a wonderful thing for my body as well as psyche, it's doing wonders for my writing as well. Very, very pleased...and peaceful.

On with my day. Have a beautiful one out there, everyone. Namaste, and happy writing.

this weekend's to-do list

It's a gorgeous day, and I'm hard pressed to stay at my computer today. However, I do need to get some work done, since last week was less than fully productive. Here's my list o' things to get done by Sunday night:

-finish and turn in book review for top secret reviewing place

-write cover copy for two books and turn in

-send in invoices for both places

-work on my shifter short story! Trying my hand at an erotic werewolf tale. Having tons of fun, so far.

-take a closer look at the novel WIP, Uninhibited, and tighten up the synopsis so I have a super clear idea of how I'm getting all the way to The End. I have a strong idea now, but a few gaps exist. Oh, and feel free to check out the first chapter, in the Mills & Boon New Voices Contest. I'm getting great feedback, which feels wonderful! Have four chapters plus some, and a decent synopsis/outline. This might be my NaNo project this year...

-mm...sleep!

Ah. Feels good to see it all in black & white. Now to get started....