tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32267103957890847462024-02-01T21:25:18.436-07:00So you wanna be a writer?One stop place for new writers to get links to agents, authors, conferences, and other helpful blogs/websites.AJ Richardsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05621407835823475327noreply@blogger.comBlogger41125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3226710395789084746.post-34541938800869735852010-02-28T23:19:00.002-07:002010-02-28T23:39:42.819-07:00Revising WIP...again.I am currently taking the How To Revise Your Novel (HTRYN) by Holly Lisle <a href="http://howtoreviseyournovel.com/login.php?s=noauth">//howtoreviseyournovel.com/login.php?s=noauth</a>.<br /><br />Each week a new lesson is presented, and currently there are fourteen lessons out. I'm on number five. It took me seven weeks just to get through the first one. I found it extremely helpful, and enjoyed diving into my neglected WIP again.<br /><br />That first lesson was extremely in-depth, requiring a thorough reading while analyzing every single word. As I completed the final sentence of this lesson, a great sense of accomplishment filled me. Whew, now I can move on to something different, get my muse juice flowing again.<br /><br />As I opened lesson two and read what was required, I couldn't help the disappointment that caused my body to sag. Another deep reading!<br /><br />After trying to convince myself over and over that I was just really busy with "life" as a way to rationalize the reason the lesson wasn't even started, I came to the conclusion that I needed to skip it. I don't want to just give up when the work is something I don't think necessary.<br /><br />I felt like lesson two could have been combine with lesson one. Why not look for some extra information WHILE you are doing the thorough reading, rather than having to do it all over again. Either that, or put the lesson later on in the course, so students don't get burnt out in the first two weeks.<br /><br />So I skipped and went on to lesson three, which I really enjoyed. Lesson four proved difficult as I wasn't really able to find anything "missing or broken" with my plot and subplots. Am I being ignorant? I'd like to think that the fact that I'm not finding any issues is because I have edited this manuscript at least seven times and I've been working on it for two years. So all those issues were resolved many revisions ago, but believe me, there were plenty back then.<br /><br />Motto of this blog: do what works best for you. Don't give up just because something gets hard or you don't feel like it. Either move on and be confident in the decision, or feel free to go back to it later.<br /><br />Not sure which I will do yet.AJ Richardsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05621407835823475327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3226710395789084746.post-15433599262628846982010-02-15T13:41:00.006-07:002010-02-16T21:31:10.047-07:00Goodbye Facebook, hello Blogspot!I've been MIA. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Facebook</span> stole me away from everything important to me, including my writing.<br /><br /><br /><br />I've realized that in my normal job, I push myself hard, taking the initiative to do anything and everything I can, and striving to be the best that I can. It makes me feel good to it. Gives me a sense of accomplishment and pride it being my best, no matter what I have to do to get there.<br /><br /><br /><br />So why can't I do that with my personal goals? I always come up with an excuse, it's so easy to do. Yet, accomplishing those goals will make the sense of accomplishment and pride a million times better because the goals are so much more personal.<br /><br />What am I doing different with my professional life? There seems to be no choice when it comes to what needs to be done. I thrive on pressure, being busy and making my mind learn and grow.<br /><br />So all I need to do is transfer that to my personal goals and life. From now on, when I set a goal, I will decide if it is a necessity. If it is, then I will apply those characteristics that make my professional life thrive, towards my personal goal. Doing that, I will accomplish that goal in no time, and I will constantly be full of pride and joy with every aspect of my life.<br /><br />I already have a few goals that are necessary, and yes, one major goal is finishing my first novel and getting an agent. Another is regularly posting to this blog.<br /><br />Starting immediately, I will apply my professional attributes towards my personal goals.AJ Richardsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05621407835823475327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3226710395789084746.post-68484878569699862482009-09-25T23:39:00.001-06:002009-09-25T23:39:06.930-06:00Weekly UpdateHi All -
<br>As promised, I am sending a weekly update.
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<br>So many great things happening over on twitter. If you're new to the publishing world, you really should start tweeting. There are a lot of agents, editors, authors, book sellers and so much more handing out free advice and words of encouragement.
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<br>I've recently discovered google reader, seriously the best thing ever! I struggled to keep up with all the blogs I subscribe to and many of them do not offer email updates. But google reader puts all your blogs in one, easy to manage, location. That got me thinking, there's got to be a blackberry app that will do the same thing. So I searched and found viigo. It's fantastic because you can load all your blogs straight from google reader.
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<br>Blogs are a lifeline these days. The publishing industry is currently in an upheaval. Things are changing, people are scared, others seem to embrace it, but no one knows for sure the outcome. Only time will tell. If you want to be a writer, you've got to know the industry. Read agent, editor and author blogs for helpful insight.
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<br>Next week's post will have links to new or useful information. But for now, there are plenty of links on the sidebar.
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<br>Have a happy weekend!
<br>AJ Richardson, Writer - check out my blog @ <a href="http://ajrichardson.blogspot.com/">http://ajrichardson.blogspot.com/</a>AJ Richardsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05621407835823475327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3226710395789084746.post-76015168676516838592009-09-16T21:12:00.001-06:002009-09-16T21:12:38.114-06:00Blog updateI am still trying to figure this thing out, but I am definatley getting better. <br>I am going to start posting to my blog every Friday. The posts will usually be something useful to help other writers or perhaps links to other useful sites. <br>I'll try my hardest to be consistent!<br>Thanks for reading!<br>AJ Richardson, Writer - check out my blog @ <a href="http://ajrichardson.blogspot.com/">http://ajrichardson.blogspot.com/</a>AJ Richardsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05621407835823475327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3226710395789084746.post-10067641341126091632009-09-07T09:25:00.001-06:002009-09-07T09:30:56.758-06:00Writing with kidsThere's a great post at <a href="http://querytracker.blogspot.com/2009/09/writing-under-influence-of-children.html">QueryTracker</a> about writing with kids. Check it out for some great suggestions to keep writing even while the kids are at home.AJ Richardsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05621407835823475327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3226710395789084746.post-48976078859396275092009-09-06T18:12:00.002-06:002009-09-06T18:31:39.362-06:00TreandleIt's officially done! Sorry I've been MIA for awhile now, but I was working hard on getting the novel finished. I have begun the query process and will soon start the next project. Debating on doing book two or something new...<br /><br />I think before I commit myself to another writing project, I'm going to really focus on my blog. I have not been consistant, and I don't really know everything blogging. So I am going to try and learn more and then make it look nice and polished. Then I'll pick a day of the week to post consistantly.<br /><br />Also need to work on getting people here to actually read what I write.<br />I am going to provide useful links and information for writers trying to break into the industry, just like me!<br /><br />So here I go...working to build a platform like all the blogs and books I read say to do. Hope it works.AJ Richardsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05621407835823475327noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3226710395789084746.post-73081567125561873782009-08-13T00:06:00.001-06:002009-08-13T00:06:20.126-06:00TreandleGot the manuscript back from the editor ;o) and working through the edits. Posted a rough draft of my query letter on the public slush pile, have a few scenes down on paper for book two, work part time, mother of two under the age of four, wife and trying to exercise. Trying to find time for everything is like trying to ride rollerblades on ice. Is can be done, but one wrong push of the foot and you're lunch for the road.<p>AJ Richardson, Writer - check out my blog @ <a href="http://ajrichardson.blogspot.com/">http://ajrichardson.blogspot.com/</a>AJ Richardsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05621407835823475327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3226710395789084746.post-12574381157662798332009-08-05T17:14:00.001-06:002009-08-05T17:14:02.223-06:00Great JetBlue saleCheck out <a href="http://twitter.com/jetbluecheeps">http://twitter.com/jetbluecheeps</a><br>AJ Richardson, Writer - check out my blog @ <a href="http://ajrichardson.blogspot.com/">http://ajrichardson.blogspot.com/</a>AJ Richardsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05621407835823475327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3226710395789084746.post-62058122753296360862009-08-03T22:47:00.001-06:002009-08-03T22:47:14.042-06:00NovelI've gotten great feedback on my re-write. Yes it's from my father, but I'll take what I can get. Once I do the final edit I'll let some family members read it. I know they aren't the best for constructive feedback, but I'm still unsure of my writing so I'm taking it slow.<br>Anyone interested in writing should check out Nathan Bransford's @ blog <a href="http://blog.nathanbransford.com/">http://blog.nathanbransford.com/</a> it's insperational and informative.<br>In the creative, fun, musing part of book two!<br>AJ Richardson, Writer - check out my blog @ <a href="http://ajrichardson.blogspot.com/">http://ajrichardson.blogspot.com/</a>AJ Richardsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05621407835823475327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3226710395789084746.post-35429586340321778372009-07-18T22:15:00.000-06:002009-07-18T22:16:04.947-06:00NovelI've been on hiatus! But I have finished my novel. Running 116,000 word, its being currently being edited by my father. I'm going to start the query process but must admit I'm very nervous.<br>Oh well, its been fun & whatever happens, happens. So onto the next one right? Yay, I'm excited to get the muse juice flowing again.<br>AJ Richardson, Writer - check out my blog @ <a href="http://ajrichardson.blogspot.com/">http://ajrichardson.blogspot.com/</a>AJ Richardsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05621407835823475327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3226710395789084746.post-68700820109579278122009-06-22T07:41:00.001-06:002009-06-22T07:41:32.980-06:00NovelAnother re-write is consuming my time. No I'm not finished and I'm beginning to wonder if I ever will be. When does a writer call their work finished? Should I just close the book & push it from my mind? I think I might have to, after this absolutely necessary re-write.<br>I am simultaneously reading the Twilight series, good stuff! On breaking dawn, only about 75-100 pages left. Very inspirational & educational.<br>AJ Richardson, Writer - check out my blog @ <a href="http://ajrichardson.blogspot.com/">http://ajrichardson.blogspot.com/</a>AJ Richardsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05621407835823475327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3226710395789084746.post-22864540677211296742009-06-12T08:02:00.001-06:002009-06-12T08:02:08.847-06:00TreandleI have decided I am not finished with my novel. Starting back at chapter one and doing some major additions in the way of characterization and emotional content. Hope it only takes a couple weeks since its just adding stuff in.<br>AJ Richardson, Writer - check out my blog @ <a href="http://ajrichardson.blogspot.com/">http://ajrichardson.blogspot.com/</a>AJ Richardsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05621407835823475327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3226710395789084746.post-15463011494333213352009-06-12T07:58:00.001-06:002009-06-12T07:58:21.475-06:00Travel to San DiegoThis blog is not finished, I'm working on and will post before next week.<br>AJ Richardson, Writer - check out my blog @ <a href="http://ajrichardson.blogspot.com/">http://ajrichardson.blogspot.com/</a>AJ Richardsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05621407835823475327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3226710395789084746.post-43145148953067741902009-06-10T08:02:00.001-06:002009-06-10T08:02:22.395-06:00MuseMy muse, I call her Earl, came out last night. It was awesome, she was really on hit with descriptive and emotional words and I wrote a small scene for the sequel to Treandle. Though it kept me up until 12:30 in the morning, and I am suffering now, it was worth it. She has been mia for some time now while I edit Treandle and having her back re-motivated me.<br>AJ Richardson, Writer - check out my blog @ <a href="http://ajrichardson.blogspot.com/">http://ajrichardson.blogspot.com/</a>AJ Richardsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05621407835823475327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3226710395789084746.post-82565546815294097342009-06-06T18:36:00.001-06:002009-06-06T18:36:26.744-06:00Traveling to San Diego!For my son's second birthday, we decided to go to San Diego. What better place than where my husband and I both grew up. I work for an airline, so we travel for free, my in-laws live there so we have a place to stay, and all my friends and sister still live there.
<br>Preparing is a job that I do mostly, my husband works days and I work nights, but I find more time for these sorts of things. Not only do I need all the clothes and essentials for an extended trip, but we need toys and snacks to hopefully keep the kds happy. Now the airline I work for is awesome so we get free tv in every seat and all the snacks you want.
<br>My Dad went with us and our flight left @ ten-twenty-five so we had to get up around six-thirty and leave around eight, early for my kids!
<br>Luckily the plane was not full and we got a whole row to ourselves so we didn't disturb other passengers. I thought I'd be funny and stick my husband wit our two kids, both boys, one three and the other was turning two, on one side of the plane and I sat with my Dad on the other. Of course the three year old passes out ten minutes into the flight, but the other one want to see mommy. Really he wanted to run around the airplane.
<br>AJ Richardson, Writer - check out my blog @ <a href="http://ajrichardson.blogspot.com/">http://ajrichardson.blogspot.com/</a>AJ Richardsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05621407835823475327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3226710395789084746.post-56459920166149394692009-06-05T08:45:00.001-06:002009-06-05T08:45:46.162-06:00NovelI just finished ready Twilight, in 2 days, and loved it. As I was reading, I hoped that my novel evokes as much emotion from the reader as it did. I want my readers to be emotional involved, to care about what happens to the characters, to feel their emotions. I don't know if the novel is there yet, but I vow to get it there, otherwise, what is the point?<br>AJ Richardson, Writer - check out my blog @ <a href="http://ajrichardson.blogspot.com/">http://ajrichardson.blogspot.com/</a>AJ Richardsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05621407835823475327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3226710395789084746.post-13021248702313990432009-06-01T21:55:00.001-06:002009-06-01T21:55:30.858-06:00TreandleI finally finished all my re-writes and only have 6 chapters to edit, which is not nearly as involved as re-writing. I can't tell you how excited I am. <br>I can almost start submitting queries & I can actually take a break and have some much needed reading time. Finally going to read Twilight.<br>YAY!<br>AJ Richardson, Writer - check out my blog @ <a href="http://ajrichardson.blogspot.com/">http://ajrichardson.blogspot.com/</a>AJ Richardsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05621407835823475327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3226710395789084746.post-5539546652255428432009-06-01T09:08:00.001-06:002009-06-01T09:08:20.623-06:00Contest winner!Congratulations Hannah! Because you were the only entry in my contest you get a roundtrip buddypass! <br>AJ Richardson, Writer - check out my blog @ <a href="http://ajrichardson.blogspot.com/">http://ajrichardson.blogspot.com/</a>AJ Richardsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05621407835823475327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3226710395789084746.post-54329943713075720082009-05-28T00:03:00.001-06:002009-05-28T00:03:29.013-06:00NovelOnly 2 chapters left to edit! Woohoo! During my tonsillectomy & then vacation, my personal deadline got pushed back. I will finish the last 2 chapters by Friday. Then I'll only have to do re-writes a few chapters from my editor aka pops.<br>The excitement is building! Then I can start submitting & relax for a few weeks while I finally get to READ! I've missed it so. Then onto the next project. The question is, should I work on book 2 of this series or a new project brewing in my head? Anyone offer a suggestion?<br>AJ Richardson, Writer - check out my blog @ <a href="http://ajrichardson.blogspot.com/">http://ajrichardson.blogspot.com/</a>AJ Richardsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05621407835823475327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3226710395789084746.post-60516811380534389742009-05-26T17:00:00.001-06:002009-05-26T17:00:26.613-06:00ContestBe the first to answer the following questions correctly within the comments & win:<br>1. In the blog My Bio - by Cyrilla Braulin, what happened to Cyrilla when she was four harvest seasons old to cause Julie and I to be inseparable?<p>2. In the blog Dream, what was I stuck in?<p>3. In my bog Query, what is the title of my novel & how many word is it?<p>4. Did I ever get around to blogging Muerek's bio?<p>5. What website is having a contest May 18 - June 5 for their 2nd anniversary.<p>p.s. Please help promote my website by putting a link on your blog, facebook, twitter, etc.<br>AJ Richardson, Writer - check out my blog @ <a href="http://ajrichardson.blogspot.com/">http://ajrichardson.blogspot.com/</a>AJ Richardsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05621407835823475327noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3226710395789084746.post-52318940763630652252009-05-26T16:12:00.001-06:002009-05-26T16:12:17.362-06:00ContestOnce again I'd like to remind everyone about the rules/restrictions of this contest.<br>You must be a follower of the blog to win. If you post a comment, you are agreeing to the following:<br>1. Buddypass travel is a space available, standby privilege. If there are open seats, they will be given to standby jetters based on a priority level.<br>2. There is a small segment fee, base on length of flight and taxes.<br>3. The buddypass user will act in a polite and courteous manner at all stages of travel to both JetBlue crewmembers and other customers.<br>4. The buddypass user agrees to clean up all trash from their row upon completion of travel.<br>5. If any problems occur you agree to contact me and I shall help resolve any issues.<br>6. If any of the rules are not followed you agree to suffer the rath of me.<br>7. Enjoy the flight!<br>This is for a 1 way buddypass, contest begins @ 5pm MST today.<br>AJ Richardson, Writer - check out my blog @ <a href="http://ajrichardson.blogspot.com/">http://ajrichardson.blogspot.com/</a>AJ Richardsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05621407835823475327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3226710395789084746.post-67969119220478069232009-05-18T09:27:00.001-06:002009-05-18T09:27:44.473-06:00ContestThe contest will be held on Tuesday 5/26 beginning @ 5pm MST. There will be 5 questions pertaining to blogs I have posted about either my novel or other writing I have posted. The first person, who must be a follower of my blog, to correctly answer all 5 questions via the comments sections will win!
<br>Any person who posts a comment to win the buddypass is agreeing to the following rules/regulations:
<br>1. Buddypass travel is a space available, standby privilege. If there are open seats, they will be given to standby jetters based on a priority level.
<br>2. There is a small segment fee, base on length of flight and taxes.
<br>3. The buddypass user will act in a polite and courteous manner at all stages of travel to both JetBlue crewmembers and other customers.
<br>4. The buddypass user agrees to clean up all trash from their row upon completion of travel.
<br>5. If any problems occur you agree to contact me and I shall help resolve any issues.
<br>6. If any of the rules are not followed you agree to suffer the rath of me.
<br>7. Enjoy the flight!
<br>AJ Richardson, Writer - check out my blog @ <a href="http://ajrichardson.blogspot.com/">http://ajrichardson.blogspot.com/</a>AJ Richardsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05621407835823475327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3226710395789084746.post-91539681966937675322009-05-18T07:58:00.002-06:002009-05-18T08:03:25.634-06:00QueryTracker.net Contest<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSAc1dNWLS6v5va2iBPn2tjQbRWNbI1iLjXrNjNvpzyCGMuaa53YTyay1aEXnqqE0uIMwiaeP4Asn_hW0h5H8FRpvjxq6aRIWRVoAclPp4ladZZrDWlgLnv7gWTNEgK5y4a5idZomwk-M/s1600-h/carnival.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337164195332904290" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 182px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSAc1dNWLS6v5va2iBPn2tjQbRWNbI1iLjXrNjNvpzyCGMuaa53YTyay1aEXnqqE0uIMwiaeP4Asn_hW0h5H8FRpvjxq6aRIWRVoAclPp4ladZZrDWlgLnv7gWTNEgK5y4a5idZomwk-M/s320/carnival.png" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Check out this cool contest at QueryTracker.net</div><br /><div></div><a href="http://www.querytracker.net/carnival.php">http://www.querytracker.net/carnival.php</a><br /><div></div><br /><div></div>AJ Richardsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05621407835823475327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3226710395789084746.post-626310101588101422009-05-11T21:56:00.001-06:002009-05-11T21:56:55.640-06:00TonsillectomyHi all -<br>I'm so sorry I've been on hiatus for so long, but the tonsillectomy/adenoinectomy has been brutal. I want to say I am feeling better but ever minute is different. I am trying to back off the pain meds because when I first started taking them I would really get messed, but not so much anymore. I'm afraid that's a sign that I'm getting use to them, and I don't want that.<br>The good news is I've lost 9lbs so far, yeah! The bad news is I've neglected my writing. I've just started my re-writes again, finished chapter 18 last night, hoping to do done by the end of the month.<br>The contest is still on, I promise! I want to do it when I can actually create some excitement about it. Right now I am blah. So please keep following, it will happen before the end of the month. Maybe a memorial day thing, that sounds good.<p>AJ Richardson, Writer - check out my blog @ <a href="http://ajrichardson.blogspot.com/">http://ajrichardson.blogspot.com/</a>AJ Richardsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05621407835823475327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3226710395789084746.post-43356862687862251582009-05-08T17:47:00.001-06:002009-05-08T17:47:17.510-06:00ContestI've been down for the count! This tonsillectomy has kicked my butt & I have done no writing or contest planning.<br>I'm sorry! I didn't think it would be this hard but I'm telling you, getting your tonsils removed sucks!<br>I promise to make up for lost time as soon as I am feeling better. I am sitting in bed with an ice pack on my neck and all I've eaten today is 2 popcicles and half a bowl of chicken broth. Once I start being able to function again I will announce the details of my contest.<br>I haven't even had the chance to finish my re-write! Horrible I know. But I'd like to feel better first, then bust ass finishing.<br>Thanks for your patience & for following my blog.<br>Alisha<br>AJ Richardson, Writer - check out my blog @ <a href="http://ajrichardson.blogspot.com/">http://ajrichardson.blogspot.com/</a>AJ Richardsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05621407835823475327noreply@blogger.com0