tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4139091376044743904.post227142695405705749..comments2024-03-21T17:22:02.012-05:00Comments on Musings of an Elf: Beautiful Books – 2017 Writing GoalsChristine Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15859881278385314279noreply@blogger.comBlogger29125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4139091376044743904.post-86171381176439052732017-02-12T12:08:04.485-06:002017-02-12T12:08:04.485-06:00I HAVE! :D And, ACK. Girl! You make me smile so bi...I HAVE! :D And, ACK. Girl! You make me smile so big! But yes, time does fly. o.o I can't believe how far into FEBRUARY we already are!<br /><br />*beams* THANK YOU, TRACEY!!! You're making me excited all over again! Except...shamefully...I haven't even started with editing yet, and here we are nearly halfway through February. Oooops. I mean, it's not like I'm under a time limit or anything. But still. I want to get started SOON.<br /><br />Oh, but I so admire your ambition! It's ambitious people who make their dreams come true. Ambition is something I always envy, because it's not something I really have. So embrace your ambition! (But do be easy on yourself as well. A break is good sometimes! *hugs*)<br /><br />That is the nicest thing of you to say! I'm beaming from ear to ear right now. This post has encouraged me to push on. Thank you, Tracey! *GLOMPS* (And thank you for the writerly power-ups, I'll probably need many this year. XD)Christine Smithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15859881278385314279noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4139091376044743904.post-80415826656933749282017-02-09T21:53:00.994-06:002017-02-09T21:53:00.994-06:00You've returned! Ahhhhhh! (Or at least, that w...You've returned! Ahhhhhh! (Or at least, that was my reaction when your post showed up on my dashboard. We shan't think of how long ago that was. Now my reaction is...well, still pretty much the same, tbh. XD It's so great having you back!)<br /><br />Glad your hiatus was so refreshing! It's hard to believe it's over already. I feel like you were just announcing your break, and now you're back already... Time does fly. :)<br /><br />GIRL. I am so, so, SO proud of all your writing accomplishments from 2016! Look at you go! And the thought of you tackling the next round of BT edits is exciting. I just get all warm and fuzzy thinking of those precious charries. Their story will get out there yet!<br /><br />Research...potential...literary agents?! :DDDDD EEEEK! Like I said, I'm beyond excited about every little step along this road you're taking with BT! *huggles* And writing craft books, and a brand spankin' new Nano... Ah. All these wonderful plans. #4 is making me smile like a Cheshire cat right now.<br /><br />But heheh, yes, hiding in a dark hole is an attractive option sometimes. I might be at the bottom of one of those cozy holes right now, except it's one of those seasons where life seems to move so fast you can't help but get caught up in the momentum. And so my brain says "DO ALL THE THINGS." (Either I've gone overboard, or I'm simply ambitious with writing goals this year. Heh. Time will tell.)<br /><br />Anyway! ALL the best with your lovely writing plans this year, Christine! I've got full confidence in you--you're the kind of person who achieves goals (and yet can still take a step back when needed). So you've got this. *sends writerly power-ups*Tracey Dyckhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03445222618456673198noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4139091376044743904.post-43790691334555756552017-02-05T20:32:47.456-06:002017-02-05T20:32:47.456-06:00*clutches heart* That...that is the sweetest thing...*clutches heart* That...that is the sweetest thing EVER. My day is MADE!!!<br /><br />Don't even think about apologizing. I will fangirl about DW 'til the end of time!!!<br /><br />My favorite Doctor is 100% David Tennant. No contest. What's bad is Matt Smith is my least favorite. *ducks* I knooow. :-/ ALTHOUGH I think Matt Smith is amazing, I just like the others even MORE.<br /><br />My favorite companion was (I thought) going to forever and always be Rose. But but but...I kinda think Clara took her place??? I CAN'T DECIDE. I love them both so much! Followed by Donna. She was amazing.<br /><br /><br />WAIT A MINUTE. Peter Capaldi is leaving??? I HAVE NOT HEARD THIS. NUUUUU!!! I LOVE HIM. D':<br /><br />Ahem. Like I said, I could fangirl forever... *coughity cough*Christine Smithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15859881278385314279noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4139091376044743904.post-6620791423798132712017-02-05T16:38:13.429-06:002017-02-05T16:38:13.429-06:00Yay! You're back! This blog is one of my favor...Yay! You're back! This blog is one of my favorites to read! Even though I don't comment as near as I'd like. Which Doctor is your favorite? Matt Smith is mine but I REALLY love David Tennant. It's the opposite for my sister. Peter Capaldi is good but I was kind of excited when I heard that he's leaving the show (isn't that terrible?!?). Really looking forward to Bill though. Which reminds me: who's your favorite companion? Sorry this comment has turned into a fan girl moment of Doctor Who!Morganhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00833817596667651651noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4139091376044743904.post-46776703409116594842017-02-04T14:29:03.650-06:002017-02-04T14:29:03.650-06:00Oh, these are SUPER helpful. That first one especi...Oh, these are SUPER helpful. That first one especially has some invaluable knowledge. And, actually, helped me be a little less overwhelmed for some reason. While the second one is perfect because I thrive off step-by-step type things. Thank you so much, Sophia! These were fantastic! I just bookmarked them to reference once I start actually writing a query.Christine Smithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15859881278385314279noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4139091376044743904.post-53814117149687051252017-02-01T19:08:02.123-06:002017-02-01T19:08:02.123-06:00Here are the two I found most helpful --- not that...Here are the two I found most helpful --- not that I've had any success with query letters yet, not having submitted any, but I practiced, and these two helped make it easier to figure out what to write and in what order and why:<br />https://janefriedman.com/query-letters/. This is more background and the things you need and questions to ask yourself than a how-to, but I found it answered a lot of questions I would have had to look up the answers to otherwise.<br />http://www.agentquery.com/writer_hq.aspx. This site doesn't look terribly professional at first, but I'd seen it recommended on other places with more obvious credibility, and the article evaluated on its own merits turned out not to be bad. It was more of a step-by-step article. <br />Have fun! :)Sophia Whitehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10393680730064003675noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4139091376044743904.post-38931510176013190762017-02-01T12:15:02.849-06:002017-02-01T12:15:02.849-06:00MEH SOPHIA. *glomps* HELLO. I'm so happy to be...MEH SOPHIA. *glomps* HELLO. I'm so happy to be back and see you guys again!<br /><br />Oh my goodness. *collapses in a puddle of happy feels* That means a lot to me! I'm sooo glad you liked BT so much. :')<br /><br />OH REALLY??? EXCITING. I would actually looove a list of articles. If there are some you've found particularly helpful absolutely shoot them my way. That'd be great!<br /><br />I have not heard of this, but it sounds amazing. I definitely need to check it out! Thanks for telling me!Christine Smithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15859881278385314279noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4139091376044743904.post-41376083631788798612017-02-01T09:26:37.475-06:002017-02-01T09:26:37.475-06:00You're back! Hurray! And obviously quite ready...You're back! Hurray! And obviously quite ready to churn out long posts again :).<br /><br />I have to disagree about Burning Thorns only being a seven. Anything with the power to make readers laugh, cry, scream, and threaten to hit people with frying pans has got to be better than that. <br /><br />I may or may not have been researching query letters myself. Let me know if you'd like me to send you some of the articles I've collected. <br /><br />Also have you heard of Kingdom Pen? It's an online community for young Christian writers. I've found it very helpful since joining about a month ago. We have a lot of aspiring authours in our midst, some going for self-publishing and some for traditional. There's also a lot of good advice for people seeking publication. Sophia Whitehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10393680730064003675noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4139091376044743904.post-2648307359429037702017-01-31T17:40:20.650-06:002017-01-31T17:40:20.650-06:00HELLO MY DEAR!!! *tackle hugs back*
I DID have a ...HELLO MY DEAR!!! *tackle hugs back*<br /><br />I DID have a lovely restful time and am super excited to be back and raring to go! So I'd call the hiatus a major success.<br /><br />MEEP. THANK YOU. I AM QUITE THRILLED MYSELF. It's insane I can write whatever now for NaNo. o.o<br /><br />YOU ARE THE SWEETEST AND YOUR WHOLE COMMENT JUST MADE MY DAY. I've missed your comments!Christine Smithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15859881278385314279noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4139091376044743904.post-70301763799512353942017-01-31T16:45:54.273-06:002017-01-31T16:45:54.273-06:00HIIIIIII!!! *tackle hugs*
I am so happy that ever...HIIIIIII!!! *tackle hugs*<br /><br />I am so happy that everyone is starting to come back from hiatus! (Also: I hope you had a very lovely restful time????)<br /><br />I missed your delightful posts so much!<br /><br />And EEEKK!!! I am so thrilled that you finished your series (I want to reeeeeaaadddd it!!!)!!! And that you can now do WHATEVER YOU WANT!!!! MUAHAHA!!! THE POWER!!! THE FREEEEEEEEDDOMMM!!!<br /><br />Okay I'm done now. :)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4139091376044743904.post-4933344782442022932017-01-31T11:51:42.335-06:002017-01-31T11:51:42.335-06:00YES. I am so glad I'm not alone in this! It se...YES. I am so glad I'm not alone in this! It seems like everyone hates on editing so much but...it's kinda fun! I agree completely. First drafting is a blast, but editing is so satisfying and, honestly, sometimes a little LESS overwhelming. Because you have something to work with instead of creating eeeeevery thing completely from scratch. I know it's overwhelming but, like you said, it's really not always too bad.Christine Smithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15859881278385314279noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4139091376044743904.post-37670838154382156142017-01-31T11:49:42.423-06:002017-01-31T11:49:42.423-06:00MEEP. THANK YOU! *glomps* I'm really excited t...MEEP. THANK YOU! *glomps* I'm really excited to be back into the swing of things! ^_^<br /><br />Me too! I think it's gonna be a good year, I really do. That's great you've gotten to read a lot. My reading has been sloooooooow. I really must work in more reading time. I miss my books!Christine Smithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15859881278385314279noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4139091376044743904.post-29973518034827463512017-01-31T11:47:25.150-06:002017-01-31T11:47:25.150-06:00I AM. AND VERY HAPPY TO BE. I've missed you gu...I AM. AND VERY HAPPY TO BE. I've missed you guys! *tackles* D'awwww, Ellie, you are the nicest thing! <3<br /><br />AAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (I'm pretty sure I haven't stopped internally screaming since watching Sherlock season 4.) IT DID HAPPEN. AND AND AND AAAAAAAAHHHHHH!!!!!!! THE FINAL PROBLEM WAS AMAZING. Although I loved the first two as well. Actually, I think the second episode was my favorite of the three. BUT BUT BUT. ALL THE THINGS. D':<br /><br />YES. YOU NAILED IT. It CAN be easier because you have something to work with, instead of having to create every. single. tiny. thing. from scratch! Plus, like you said, you're making it pretty, and it's such a satisfying feeling. Just yes! You put my feelings on editing into words.<br /><br />YOU COME UP WITH THE COOLEST STORIES. Seriously, I want you to write allll the things! I know whatever you decide to do it'll be AWESOME.Christine Smithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15859881278385314279noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4139091376044743904.post-87932971187070044162017-01-31T08:18:02.905-06:002017-01-31T08:18:02.905-06:00*waves*
Dude, editing is the BEST. I love going ...*waves* <br /><br />Dude, editing is the BEST. I love going back and changing allll the things and making them look closer to how I imagined it. xD I mean, I love my wild first drafts, too, but editing isn't as bad as people make it out to be.<br /><br />- Aimee (<a href="http://www.aimeemeesterwrites.blogspot.com" rel="nofollow">To the Barricade!</a>)Aimee Meesterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02288344639711547844noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4139091376044743904.post-90663046564691609572017-01-30T23:40:37.950-06:002017-01-30T23:40:37.950-06:00Yes! It really varies weirdly. (also probably vari...Yes! It really varies weirdly. (also probably varies whether it was in NaNo or not :P)<br /><br />EEEK YES. *dances* That would be the most epic thing ever to have someone else at that same stage as me. IT'S SO EXCITING!!<br /><br />Ooh thank you! I'll definitely take a look at those. *nods*Jane Mareehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13829434202814787549noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4139091376044743904.post-41016615615554151602017-01-30T22:50:03.293-06:002017-01-30T22:50:03.293-06:00Welcome back! You've been missed.
Oh boy, I&...Welcome back! You've been missed.<br /><br />Oh boy, I'm excited to see where 2017 leads! It looks as if you have some good things planned. I really should be getting back to my writing goals, I've been putting them off a bit lately. The good news is that my reading goals have been going along nicely! Bluehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08760994961683034493noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4139091376044743904.post-79822194548454660842017-01-30T21:34:47.326-06:002017-01-30T21:34:47.326-06:00YES, YOU'RE BACK!! I'm so glad you're ...YES, YOU'RE BACK!! I'm so glad you're feeling refueled and rested, and I can't wait to resume reading your splendid posts!<br /><br />SHERLOCK SEASON FOUR. THAT WAS DEFINITELY A THING THAT HAPPENED, DEARY ME. I wasn't super impressed by the first two episodes, but thE FINAL PROBLEM OH MY. I think that one has to be one of my very favorites ever, second only to A Scandal in Belgravia.<br /><br />YES, EDITING FTW. I honestly don't understand why it's not more popular? For the most part, you're just perfecting what you already have, and you don't need to think about creating a ton more content. It's so easy compared to creating a story out of literal nothingness, and it's when your piece gets perfected + pretty!<br /><br />My biggest goal is definitely to finish up my fairyland/steampunk mashup novel, then make large progress on either my heaven vs. hell novella or my Leonardo da Vinci + Michelangelo modern retelling. OR MAYBE I'LL JUST GET DISTRACTED BY ANOTHER HOST OF SHINY NEW IDEAS THIS YEAR AND GET NOTHING DONE, WHO KNOWS.<br /><br />Ellie | <a href="http://ontheothersideofrealitynew.blogspot.com" rel="nofollow">On the Other Side of Reality</a><br />Eleanorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08016450998401859766noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4139091376044743904.post-14881732837472109962017-01-30T19:46:20.459-06:002017-01-30T19:46:20.459-06:00Thanks, girl! I hope I can reach at least some of ...Thanks, girl! I hope I can reach at least some of them. They're pretty daunting, but I'm feeling determined. *fistpump*<br /><br />Lol! It's funny, because it feels like I've been doing NaNo FOREVER, and yet at the same time that first year is so vivid in my mind. It's such a special part of my life now. I just love having people like you to do it with! ^_^Christine Smithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15859881278385314279noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4139091376044743904.post-72495232219391187022017-01-30T18:37:27.336-06:002017-01-30T18:37:27.336-06:00Great goals! Editing is daunting but I believe in ...Great goals! Editing is daunting but I believe in you! *cheers* That's so crazy that you've been doing NaNo so long! This will be my fourth year.<br /><br />My BB: http://storitorigrace.blogspot.com/2017/01/beautiful-people-2017-writing-goals.htmlVictoria Grace Howellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01849013182543674707noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4139091376044743904.post-6266887773248721392017-01-30T17:09:12.691-06:002017-01-30T17:09:12.691-06:00ALL THE CAKE. But I totally get you! Some first dr...ALL THE CAKE. But I totally get you! Some first drafts I've finished and then wanted to bounce off the walls in utter ecstasy. Others I type "The End" to and then take a 20 year nap or so. Writing is such a roller coaster. XD<br /><br />AAAAAAHHHH!!!!!! You're going to start looking for publishers??? I AM SO EXCITED FOR YOU! Maybe we can dive into this scary world of finding publishers together!<br /><br />I feel your pain! I've done some research on them, but they still scare me to death. What has helped me the most is the Go Teen Writers website. (http://goteenwriters.blogspot.com/) If you go there and type in "query letters" on their search bar you'll find all sorts of amazing posts. But three of the most helpful for me were this one: http://goteenwriters.blogspot.com/2010/03/what-i-didnt-know-and-what-you-should.html <br />This one: http://goteenwriters.blogspot.com/2010/03/query-letters-getting-literary-agent.html<br />Annnd this one: http://goteenwriters.blogspot.com/2012/09/examples-of-query-letters-for-novels.html<br />Go Teen Writers is my go to for writing help! (I also highly recommend their book if you haven't read it already.)Christine Smithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15859881278385314279noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4139091376044743904.post-67891151448489498352017-01-30T17:02:24.316-06:002017-01-30T17:02:24.316-06:00On the writing side of things 2016 was one of the ...On the writing side of things 2016 was one of the best! I'm really hoping this year will be just as good or better. Haha.<br />Overwhelming and tedious, but enjoyable. YES. You put it perfectly! That's precisely how I feel about editing. It's just so SATISFYING, even if it makes you want to pull your hair out sometimes...<br /><br />Thank you so much, sweet Jenelle! Your comments never cease to make my day. <3Christine Smithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15859881278385314279noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4139091376044743904.post-12208416398397382202017-01-30T16:59:17.868-06:002017-01-30T16:59:17.868-06:00CELTIIIIII. <3333333 I got so excited when I sa...CELTIIIIII. <3333333 I got so excited when I saw this. I'VE MISSED CELTI COMMENTS. It feels like it's been so long! *huggles comment and never lets go* (Haha, that's so funny! Honestly, come Mondays my brain was always like, "You've got to post something!" I could NOT get used to the idea that I didn't have to blog. XD)<br /><br />SHERLOOOOCK. *screams 'til the end of time*<br /><br />It really was a good year for writing. If nothing else, 2016 at least had that.<br /><br />D'awww, thanks! I'm a little daunted by my list but...it's things I've been meaning to do FOREVER. I gotta start trying these things eventually. Maybe this year will be the year I actually do them! Lol. And thank you sooo much for your support and encouragement. I really don't think I could do this writing thing without you. *huggles*<br /><br />ALL DA COFFEE.<br /><br />GAH. THANK YOU!!! I don't know. My worldbuilding tends to be either too cliche or too simple. But still, that's so nice of you to say!<br /><br />I think occasional hiding in dark holes comes with the title of writer. XDD<br /><br />I've always known taking a break is important, but this last year showed me just HOW important they really are. I will never undermine the power of breaks!<br /><br />*flails forever over your comment* THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH, CELTI!!!! I so look forward to this writing year and getting to share it with my writing buddy! <333Christine Smithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15859881278385314279noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4139091376044743904.post-80001589159559884622017-01-30T16:52:02.825-06:002017-01-30T16:52:02.825-06:00I hope I'm not putting too much on myself. Hah...I hope I'm not putting too much on myself. Haha. But these are things I've been meaning to do for...years. So I gotta get it done some time! Thanks so much, girl! That really encourages me to keep pushing on. ^_^<br /><br />Oh my goodness, THAT SOUNDS SO COOL. I hope that all goes wonderfully for you guys!<br /><br />B&B RETELLING. MY FAVE. (Obviously. XD) I do so hope your entire year is amazing!Christine Smithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15859881278385314279noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4139091376044743904.post-28151462664977727072017-01-30T16:49:45.507-06:002017-01-30T16:49:45.507-06:00Thank you, my dear Savannah! I'm very happy to...Thank you, my dear Savannah! I'm very happy to be back. ^_^ *happily eats ice cream*<br /><br />SAVANAAAAH. I CAN'T WITH YOU. THANK YOU!!! I don't think BT is quite a 10. o.o BUT STILL. THAT IS THE NICEST.<br /><br />MEEP. I'm excited for you!!! I know it's so daunting though. One would think turning a novella into a novel would be easier than just writing a novel from scratch because you already have the story there and everything. But but but...it's haaard! BUT. It's also a lot of fun and sooo satisfying seeing your small story turn into something so much bigger. You absolutely have this, girl, I know you do. And I'll be cheering you on all the way! (And tell your muse it can't kill you because then you can't write/edit and we'd ALL die from lack of gorgeous Savannah words! D: )<br /><br />I hope it will be! And AAAHHH! THANK YOU. I think whenever I get this second round of edits done, I'll put a call out for more beta-readers and you are ALWAYS welcome! YOU DA BEST. <3Christine Smithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15859881278385314279noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4139091376044743904.post-7038337949791358362017-01-30T16:11:27.269-06:002017-01-30T16:11:27.269-06:00Eat cake. Yes. Everyone should follow this brillia...Eat cake. Yes. Everyone should follow this brilliant advice. Although I believe when I finished my first draft I just flopped and didn't even have the energy to eat cake.<br /><br />One of my goals is to get my dystopian trilogy first-draft finished, and at least once over edited, and then...I want to try look for a publisher. EEEEK. *flails* I JUST CAN'T STOP FREAKING OUT AND BEING EXCITED AND AAAAACK. I'd love to be to that point at the end of the year when I can be looking further into that.<br /><br />Also, if you get that query letter nailed, do tell me how. xD I've been trying to work out what exactly they are and how to write one but I can't get it straight in my head.Jane Mareehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13829434202814787549noreply@blogger.com