Five Reasons I Love Blogging!

Often people ask why bloggers blog. Well why do we? I can't speak for everyone, but here are five of the reasons I blog:



1. Blogging is like free therapy - you can get anything and everything off your chest, you can write about something that has left you broken, sad and you might find the writing process helps some.

2. Blogging is a fantastic way to share your ideas and opinions with the world! - I love having this little space to talk about my thoughts and opinions on anything and everything, and to share the things that make me happy, the things that make angry and the things I love!

3. I just love it - I originally started my blog to help me find my voice as a writer. Perhaps this is the wrong reason for starting a blog (are there any wrong reasons?), but I fell in love with blogging and I now see it as so much more than a stepping stone. Blogging itself has become the end goal. I still very much want to write a novel, but I still want to blog too. I also learned the two are very different in terms of voice. On here, what you see is what you get - I write in my own voice and I stay honest and true to myself. When writing fiction, I write in a character's voice, and that character may well have very different thoughts than I would have!

4. I love hitting milestones and goals - I guess you could say I'm a little competitive that way. I don't try to compete with other bloggers, not only is that pointless, but I believe as bloggers, we should be helping each other, not trying to outdo each other.
I love the element of competing with myself for want of a better term. I like setting goals for myself and achieving them, and my blog allows me to do that. I'm also a bit of a stats geek (I didn't know that about myself until I started blogging), and although I don't let myself get too hung up on stats, I still enjoy looking at them and comparing them month on month.

5. I love the community feel - Prior to starting my blog, I imagined bloggers to be very competitive with one another, and I thought there would be a lot of back stabbing. I couldn't have been more wrong! The blogging community is amazing - everyone is so friendly and welcomes new comers with open arms, often giving help and advice where needed. I have made a lot of new friends through blogging, and stupid as it sounds, I feel like they get me on levels my IRL friends don't.

Are you a blogger? What do you love about it? Let me know inn the comments :)

You can find me here: Twitter Bloglovin Pinterest and Instagram Please do stop by and say hi!

Guest Post: Life As A Ghost Writer by Kelly D Smith

Today's post is a guest post from the lovely Kelly D Smith from the My Life As A Writer blog. If you haven't had chance to check out Kelly's blog yet, here is a little more about her:

Kelly D. Smith is a Canadian romance author and ghost writer.

Born in the GTA Kelly moved to the woods of Quebec when she was 14 years old but currently lives in Saskatchewan. A gypsy at heart, she has lived in 7 homes in 7 years and loves traveling, which you can often see in her writing.

Being homeschooled her entire life Kelly was able to dedicate her time to reading and writing. When she turned 18 she attained her GED and has never looked back with regret.

Ghost writing is something I have heard of, but never fully understood all the in and outs, so when Kelly submitted a post about ghost writing, I was very excited to learn a little more about it! Anyway, enough from me, over to Kelly's fab post:

Life As A Ghost Writer… Not As Spooky As It Sounds!

 

Have you ever heard of ghost writing? Most people haven’t. Hell, up until 9 months ago I hadn’t! Now it’s my job.

So, what is ghost writing? You ask.
 
Well, ghost writing, in a way, is another name for freelance writing. But not quite the same.

Freelance writers differ in the way that I write for people. Ghost writers focus mostly on books, biographies are very popular but I’m pretty sure there are ghost writers for every genre out there- I do romance and there seems to be an ample supply for jobs for that!

It’s a great business to be in. I’m able to help provide people with a product that they are happy with and I’m able to be paid for it in return- more than I make as an author at that!

A lot of people ask me if I feel like a fraud for providing people with a manuscript that they will say is their own, a lot of people are very… shall we say judgmental… about my line of work but that’s okay with me. It’s estimated that about 50% of books are actually ghost written. The Hardy Boys was.

As a ghost writer I’m able to help provide for my family, I’m able to make my own hours, and do something I’ve always dreamed of doing (be a writer for a living). What’s not to love about that?

Of course it does kind of suck that I’m not able to take credit for some of the work I do, I write some things that I am very passionate about! But that’s life, there will always be downsides to stuff.
Most of all though, ghost writing has been an amazing experience and it’s a great way to try new things.

I’ve published 6 books before, under my own name, and it’s amazing how much I’ve learnt from just 6 months of ghost writing. Clients are one of the best ways to get feedback. They will be harsh if your product isn’t good, but if it is good they will tell you, they provide feedback and sometimes even booklets on writing the genre they want you to write- and most of all you gain experience. The more you write the better you will get, the more you will learn. And you get paid to do it!

Another popular question I get is “How do I become a ghost writer?”

Well, thankfully that is pretty easy.

I work through a third party website (Like ODesk or Elance) to ensure that both myself (the writer) and the client are as safe as we can be. Meaning I get paid and they get their product. Did I mention these sites are free to join?

Once you create your profile, there are dozens of jobs to apply to. Getting your first job can be hard, it took me 56 failed attempts before I got my first job!

Once you’re on the website it’s easy to get around. They don’t make it hard to figure out (thankfully!) and then it’s really just a matter of figuring it all out.

When you get hired for a job you will talk to the client a little bit more about the details, set up a contract and then you will have a due date.

As a ghost writer it is your job to provide a client with what they are looking for and what you have agreed on with them. Sometimes this means writing something you don’t want to, other times it means going through 4 edits for them (though I suggest you put in a edit limit!) and other times it will be a piece of cake.

 Quick Tips

Before we part ways I wanted to leave you with a few quick tips I’ve picked up along the way.

* Have a killer proposal; it probably won’t take you 56 tries if you have a rock star proposal!

* Always read everything clearly! Always!

* This is a hard one, but learn to say no. If a client wants you to write something you don’t want to that is okay. Just say no. If they want to underpay you then they aren’t worth it, no matter what they may make you think.

* Give each message time to sink in, even more so if it is a negative one. It always helps to think for an hour about what you want to say, and reread the message a couple times

* Clients might always be right, but that doesn’t mean you can’t express yourself! If you think something isn’t good don’t be scared to say it, but…

* Understand that you are writing someone else’s project! It’s up to you to provide the client with the content- no matter how bad it is.

If ghost writing is something you want to do, stop by my blog to ask any questions or just read more about it!

 

Show Kelly some love:

Visit her blog: www.smithandleduc.wordpress.com

Check out her social media: Kelly always welcomes comments or questions from her readers and can be found on Twitter & Facebook

And of course, why not leave her some comments below :)

 

 

 

When The Story Writes Itself!

Did you ever sit down at the computer, or with a pen and paper with no idea what you were going to write and then the piece just writes itself? I have! I used to think this was a cliché but it's not! It does really happen.

The first time it happened to me was just after finishing the a-z blogging challenge. Because I started the challenge late, I finished with about 10 days of May left to go. I had June's theme all planned and knew roughly what would be happening when, but I suddenly realised I had no idea what I was going to do to bridge the gap.
I opened up a "new post" page and sat staring at it for a long time, and watching the clock tick down to the time the post I hadn't even started yet was due to go live! I remembered reading somewhere that when this happens just write something. Anything. So I did.
I wrote the sentence that kept going round in my mind with the intention of deleting it again straight away. The sentence was "Why am I sitting here at midnight with a new post due to go live and no post written?"
Instead of deleting it, I then wrote the answers to the question and before I knew it, words were flowing and May's Mini Theme was born! I was going to remove the first part, but in the end I left it in, because I thought it added a little something. If you want to read the post I'm talking about, it's here: http://myrandommusings.blogspot.co.uk/2015/05/mays-mini-theme.html

The second time was really weird. I had written a short story (which you can read here: http://myrandommusings.blogspot.co.uk/2015/06/done-deal-part-one-beginning.html) and it had been suggested to me that I should do a follow up to it.
I went to work the next day, and I was just going about my day, minding my own business, and not thinking about the story in any way when it hit me! Suddenly I had words and ideas tumbling through my head in a rush! I found myself not pacing up and down (I work behind a bar) but more marching up and down - as the idea got faster, so did I. I'm sure some of the people in the bar that day thought I'd gone crazy. Maybe I had, but it felt good!
I felt like I HAD to get these thoughts written down NOW. This story was writing itself - inside my head! And it was scary, and weird, and utterly brilliant all at the same time!
I grabbed some paper and a pen and furiously scribbled down the key points, and before I knew it, I had a four part series!
I have never felt that way before and it was kind of scary, but in a good way. I hope to feel that way again!

That incident also sparked the inspiration for this post, although not in the same way. I am often struck by ideas for post or stories, and they float around gently, I write them down and that's it, and that was the feeling for this post. But the feeling for that story was urgent and I couldn't think straight until it was down on paper.

Have you ever felt that way about writing?

Follow me on Twitter @randommusings29 and feel free to comment :) 

Let's Talk Mommy

My Non-Optional Screen Ban!

I've heard of people doing screen bans by choice as some sort of social experiment. I get the concept, but I don't think I would ever willingly impose one on myself!
In theory, it would be nice to go back to a simpler time, connect with people more in real life, and all the other things people hope to get out of these experiences.
In reality though, unless everyone in your social circle, everyone you work with and anyone you want to do any sort of business with also do one at the same time, it's not going to work. The world still keeps turning, even if we choose not to turn with it.

You can imagine my horror then when I learned that we are no longer allowed to have our phones out behind the bar (I work in a pub). Now obviously, when it's busy I understand completely. However, some days I work 12 hours shifts and of those 12 hours, there's perhaps 4 or 5 of them over the course of the day where I don't actually have anyone in!
The bar is only small and is all fully cleaned down within 2-3 hours tops. That leaves a lot of time to kill!

I am one of those people who's phone is like a third limb, it's always within an inch or so of me (I do put it away when I'm with people on days/nights out etc).

Now people think I'm ignoring them if they call or text me, although after 10 days of it, I think they are starting to realise I have to ignore them when I'm at work, but 12 hours is a long time to wait for a response to a text!
I can cope with this though, as the people I mostly talk to daily know what's happening. I can also cope with the social media withdrawal (just!).
What is driving me completely mad though is all the other bits I use my phone for. Listening to music, and making notes of new post ideas, shopping lists, to do lists, things I have to remember, phone numbers, pretty much everything I need to do or remember!
I now have to listen to whatever rubbish is on the radio! And I've totally lost count of the times I've reached for my phone to note something and remembered I can't! I now carry a pad of paper and pen around to jot things down (it feels so old school!). Plus an A4 pad is much less convenient to lug around than my phone. I tried post its but I kept losing them. I've tried a diary but there's never enough space! Not to mention all the poor trees I am now single handily killing on a daily basis! I feel like my human rights have been violated! Ok that's an exaggeration, but it is driving me mental. Like really mental!

There is no way I can admit this at work though because I refuse to give them the satisfaction of thinking their stupid rules are bothering me so I thought I would have a vent here.

I know a lot of you are probably eye rolling because most people can't sit using their phones at work. If this had always been the rule, it probably wouldn't have bothered me either, but I've worked there nearly 11 years now and for this to suddenly be dropped in is annoying. 

I don't want to end this post on a negative note, and I have found one positive to come out of this. I am going to use all that extra time I would normally fill with social media to actually start writing the novel I keep threatening to start. Old school. On actual paper. Wish me luck!

Would this drive you mad or do you think you could do a screen ban?

Follow me on Twitter @randommusings29 and feel free to comment :)

Guest Post: Daydreaming - All Part Of A Writer's Job! by Julie Shackman

Today's post is a guest post from the lovely Julie Shackman who blogs over at http://julieshackman.wordpress.com/. For those of you who haven't had the pleasure of visiting her blog yet, here is a little background about her:

I trained as a journalist, but writing romance has always been a dream of mine. When I've not got my head in a book or drafting one, I write verses and captions for greetings cards companies. Writing at home seems to be incredibly difficult for me - I usually require tea, music and noise! My second romcom, "Hero or Zero" is out now. "Rock My World was my debut romcom and I'm currently writing a third romcom, which features a well known historical figure! I'm married, have two sons and live in Scotland.

Now onto the best bit, Julie's brilliant post!

Day-Dreaming – All Part of a Writer’s Job!

Julie Shackman

Creating your own characters and dreaming up a whole new world, has to be one of the most satisfying parts of being an author.

Staring out of the window of my local coffee shop (it is work, honest!) thinking of who I’m going to come up with next and why – with my notebook in front of me – is, I think for me and for most writers, both exciting and terrifying at the same time.

Right from an early age, I knew I wanted to write romance.

I remember reading “Princess Daisy” at the age of about 13 and I was totally blown away.

Creating a novel which stays with the reader for a long time, is what authors hope to achieve every time they pick up their pen or approach their keyboard.

For me, writers like Jenny Colgan; Wendy Holden and Sophie Kinsella achieve this every time they publish a new novel. They create escapism with compelling characters and clever storylines, which I just lose myself in page after page.

The world can often be a sad and upsetting place but when you discover escapism through the pages of a novel, there is no feeling like it.

I couldn’t imagine doing anything else, other than writing romantic comedies (ok, I also write greetings card verses and captions but that’s another story!) and I just hope my writing connects with people in the same way as my favourite authors never fail to touch me.

Happy Reading!

Julie X

 



 

Available now!

To check out Julie's novels, have a look here:http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00O0198SK/
Her novels are published by Not So Noble Books, which you can check out here: http://t.co/RvLGJMdWkr

Show Julie a little love!
Check out her Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/julie.shackman
Follow her on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/G13Julie
Check out her blog: http://julieshackman.wordpress.com/

I hope you have enjoyed Julie's post as much as I did! Feel free to leave her some comments below!


  

X Is For X Factor Of Writing

Day 24 of my A to Z Challenge. X is for X-Factor Of Writing.

If you don't know how this works, I've posted the link back to the rules of the challenge at the end of this, along with a link to yesterday's post. If you want to read my full alphabet, just keep following the links. Each day has a link back to yesterday's post.

X is a hard letter! For most of the other letters, I've had several subjects to choose from, but this one has been a challenge in itself!
Originally, I planned on doing something on the X-Factor TV show - which I do love - but I figured as we are so far past the last series and so far away from the new series it wouldn't be the most exciting post! Anyone who likes the show has seen all the headlines and doesn't need me to re-hash them, and anyone who doesn't like the show probably wouldn't want to read about it.
So it came down to X-rays, or something using the term x-factor in a broader sense.  As I'm currently writing a blog, I went with the x-factor of writing.

What do people mean by the term x-factor? It's that one thing that sets you apart from the crowd. That special something, that while you can never quite put your finger on exactly what it is, you still know when someone has it.
What is the x-factor of writing? What makes a good read? Why are some authors massively successful and others can't even get their work read by publishers or agents?

I would like to say its down to good luck and timing, but I think there has got to be more to it than that. I believe luck plays a small part - an agent just happens to have an opening as you finish your manuscript, for example. But there's got to be more to it than that.

A great writer knows how to use the language beyond basic speech. They make pictures out of words, and music out of syntax. They understand how to use symbolism, and how words can be used in so many different ways. They can write something that shines with personality. That alone is not enough though, or anyone who has studied English would be a best selling author.

A great writer captivates their readers from the first page and holds their attention until the last one. They write characters that are relatable and believable. They have just the right amount of plot twists. They build suspense and know when to reveal the twist - too early and the rest of the book is just words, too late and the reader has lost interest. Their descriptions make you feel like you are really there. You can picture the place as vividly as your own house. You feel the characters emotions with them. Whether you want them to win or lose, you care what happens to them.

And to me that right there is your x-factor moment. When you can combine all of the above elements, and then add a pinch of magic. What is the magic ingredient? If you find out, let me know!

What do you think is the x-factor of writing?

Follow me on Twitter @randommusings29 and feel free to comment :)

Link to rules: http://myrandommusings.blogspot.co.uk/2015/04/a-z-challenge-whos-with-me.html

Link to W Is For Writing For Yourself: http://www.myrandommusings.blogspot.co.uk/2015/05/w-is-for-writing-for-yourself.html

W Is For Writing For Yourself

Day 23 of my A to Z Challenge. W is for Writing For Yourself.

If you don't know how this works, I've posted the link back to the rules of the challenge at the end of this, along with a link to yesterday's post. If you want to read my full alphabet, just keep following the links. Each day has a link back to yesterday's post.

I took part in Monday nights #bdibNA Twitter chat on Monday 11th May (if you've never taken part in one of these, do it. They are brilliant! They are held Monday and Friday night at 1am UK time). We discussed, amongst other things, what out greatest fears are with regards to our blogs, which inspired me to write this post.
I've always had a fear that no one reads my posts, or if they do, they hate them! It seems many of us have the same worry. It's good to know I'm not the only one who thinks like this sometimes!
As the conversation progressed, a few comments were made that primarily, our blogs are just that - ours. And that we should be writing for ourselves.
I realised that I do write for myself. Obviously, having readers is important. Blogging takes up a lot of time and to think it's all in vain would be soul destroying, but if you're not writing for yourself, I think that would be soul destroying too. You have to find a balance between giving the reader what they want and it still feeling like your own blog.
To clarify what I mean, if the general consensus within my readers was that they like a certain type of post more than others, I would be happy to include more of that type. Equally if there was a type of post that got a lot less readers, I would do less of that type.
Where I write for myself is by staying true to my opinions. If I had an opinion that I believed would be unpopular, I would still write that that was my opinion - if not, then it's fake, and ultimately I value honesty. Firstly, because bowing to popular opinion is a cop out, and secondly because readers aren't stupid - they can spot a fake opinion a mile off, especially regular readers that know your writing style.
Hopefully, I've got the balance right!
As a blogger do you feel you have the balance right? As a reader do you think it's important to read something that reads as true, even if you disagree with the points made?

Follow me on Twitter @randommusings29 and feel free to comment :)


Link to rules:

http://myrandommusings.blogspot.co.uk/2015/04/a-z-challenge-whos-with-me.html

Link to V Is For Victim Blaming: http://www.myrandommusings.blogspot.co.uk/2015/05/v-is-for-victim-blaming.html

Why I Started Blogging

Not many of my friends know I blog. I know a lot of experienced bloggers will say I should promote my blog on my personal Facebook etc, and I understand where they are coming from - its a lot of potential readers! I choose not to do this for 3 reasons:
1. I don't want to be that person always self promoting in a place which is primarily for keeping in touch with friends.
2. I don't want my friends to feel obliged to read my posts.
3. If I get feedback on my writing, I want it to be honest, and I think friends tend to be nice, even if they didn't really like it.
Anyway, I got a little side tracked there! One of the few people who does know I blog asked me why I started. I thought it was a good question, and here's my answer:
Blogging isn't something I've always wanted to do. I've thrown the idea around before, but never in a serious, let's do this, kind of way.
At New Year, I wrote my resolutions, and one of them was to start writing a book. This is something I have always wanted to do, but keep putting off.
I knew what I wanted the book to be about. Its going to be fiction, but based loosely on a bad relationship I had which you can read about here; http://myrandommusings.blogspot.co.uk/2015/04/the-relationship-that-made-me-grow-up.html
I've wrote short stories in the past but always total fiction, and always in 3rd person, and I want to write this in 1st person, so I started a blog to see how that would work. To use a cliché, to find my voice.
Originally, I was going to write a few posts and then delete the blog. I tried just writing on Word, but it didn't work. There was no motivation as it felt pointless. Its funny, because I never expected anyone to read the blog posts, but knowing that there was a chance, no matter how remote, meant there was a point to the writing.
To my surprise, people started reading my posts - not many but a few - and I continued to post.
I enjoy writing, and I'm pretty opinionated so it made sense I enjoy writing this blog.
That's when I realised that blogging wasn't just the means to an end for me, its something I want to continue doing, and I started to promote my posts on Twitter etc and got a few more readers.
I really do enjoy writing, and I now couldn't imagine not blogging.
I would be interested to know what made other people start their blogs.


Follow me on Twitter @randommusings29 and feel free to comment :)