Writing / Blogging - grace grits and gardening

The Last Week of December

December 29, 2018 By Talya Tate Boerner 12 Comments

THE LAST WEEK IN DECEMBER provides a quiet pause before stepping into the new year. The gifts have been given and opened, and we’re back home after five days in Dallas. For me, it feels like a free week, time to mold like Play-doh, to shape however I like.

I use some of my time during this last week in December to review my prior year. I think about the high points and begin to plan for 2019. I compile a few statistics. Without looking back, it’s impossible to know where I am. And this process helps me let go of what’s not working and move forward.

Something I’ve learned as a creative—I have to be willing to take a long hard look at myself, cheer for myself, and push myself into uncomfortable territory… AND, it’s about my entire body of work. Every word, every sentence, every story creates the whole of what I’m trying to do—to be a better writer and speak to a larger audience.

Why go to a writer conference?

August 16, 2018 By Talya Tate Boerner 2 Comments

Why go to a writer conference? (Or any conference for that matter.) Because there’s a huge upside beyond the incredible pool, breakfast buffet, and time away from responsibility of home.

I recently returned from the annual Florida Authors and Publishers Association Conference (FAPA) in Orlando, and thought I’d not only summarize my experience but possibly convince you to attend that event you’ve been sitting on the fence about. Sometimes we don’t do the things we want to do because that little voice in our head discourages us.

You shouldn’t spend money on yourself. You could use that time to do such and such. You aren’t a real writer.

Evil little voice, just hush.

Okay, to clarify, the conference I attended was for authors, publishers, and other related vendors—not technically a writer conference—but the topics presented were those that writers working toward publication need to know. And even though I’m discussing an author conference, I believe the same benefits result from most any type event.

What are these benefits? Continue Reading

Book Two and a World of Distractions

October 17, 2017 By Talya Tate Boerner 7 Comments

I thought I should let y’all know I haven’t died. It’s been a week since I blogged which is a long time for me. Here’s the thing. I’ve been working on Book Two. And doing other things. Other things in the life of a writer are also known as writing distractions.

Distractions come is all sorts of packaging with a variety of labels. Like wasting time on Facebook. Watching The Voice. Enjoying a long lunch at a restaurant instead of eating a quick sandwich at home. I’m not knocking distractions. I think giving the mind a break can be a productive and inspirational thing. But, recognizing distractions is important, too, especially if you ever plan to finish that book.

You know?

Writing:

Regarding Book Two, I have a completed draft, so yay! Some say finishing a draft is the hardest part. I agree. But once the draft is finished, editing becomes the hardest part. It’s easy to make excuses, put it off, find a million things to do other than see a manuscript to the end.

Editing is hard work and fun. This is the part that takes the story to the next level. The writer fills in gaps and holes, develops character, makes the narrative flow with ease. To all you authors, I highly recommend hiring a professional editor before submitting to a publisher. Editing is much more than grammar and spelling.

editing

Writing:

Food. Farm. Garden. Life.