Tuesday, September 20, 2005

Hey, that ad in Sister 2 Sister that I mentioned a few days ago is in the current issue. The October issue with Whitney and Bobby on the cover. Check us out on page 2. :-)

The good news is I got through half of my "to-do" list. The not so good news is, three more things were added. :-) I can't say it's a bad thing though because things being added are things that could possibly increase exposure. UCLA Writer's Program invited me to do an interview for their quarterly byline. They like to follow the successes (being published equating to success) of students of their programs. So, that's always cool. I'm also sending them the Hyperion version of my book for the library. They already have the Archland version.

So, another day in my apartment, except to get out and run errands. I haven't fired up my printer in months, so I finally did yesterday and it will only print in color. Not black. Black ink is pretty important to a writer, I've come to find out.

But, I did make some progress. I got in the first draft of a timeline I'm putting together for the Writer's Studio. We're all moving forth with that full steam ahead. It's an exciting process. I'd been a little bit behind due to finishing the first book, and now I'm finally getting caught up and able to add more input. And I'm starting to think about my lesson plan for my discussion on Plot Tension for the Pen and Paper Symposium in Dayton, OH on Oct. 1st. And author had to pull out, so the organizers considered me and invited me to talk on the subject of Plot Tension in her place. How cool is that? Eventually, I want to get into teaching writing. I didn't think I was ready yet. After all, I only have one published book and a completed manuscript. I went to a St. Louis Writer's Guild Banquet a couple of days ago and met a lot of interesting literary people in the area. One of them teaches creative writing at a higher learning institution here in town. When he told me that he taught creative writing, I discussed my desire about getting back into writing classes. I missed the UCLA Extension workshop this year and that's been the best writing experience I've had to date. So, he looks at my book, looks at my publisher, and says, "You should be TEACHING writing classes, not taking them." I've heard this before. In the back of my mind, it's something that I want to do eventually, but I still feel that I'm not really ready yet. I feel I need to establish myself more as a writer before I can be considered qualified to teach.

Of course, promotion is number one and most important in the initial months after the release. Balancing this is proving to be difficult. It's on the list and it should be something that I do daily, but I'm having a hard time getting to it like I want. I expect to promote a minimum of 4 hours a day, and as of yet, it's not happening. But I got to make that happen, do or die.

5 comments:

princessdominique Tue Sep 20, 10:52:00 AM EDT  

I'm on my way out and will check out Sister2Sister. Congrats on getting your list done. You're doing a great job at blogging too! You update more than me now :)

www.princessdominique.com/blog

LadyLee Tue Sep 20, 01:44:00 PM EDT  

Obi-Wan Cherlyn Kenobi, Jedi Master and sole ruler of the Raindrop Planet, located in the ever so mystical Stained Glass Galaxy, where description and visualization are the order of the day...

You should teach. Heck, I know you've dispensed some timely advice to me that has really helped my writing. You have a good way of explaining the writing craft! Shoot, I'm inspired! You got me just about ready to reach in my purse, grab some cash, and send you an offering!!

I think you should do the darn thing! (But only at the right time when you're ready;)

But please, don't wait until after you publish your 10th novel! Share that knowledge(LOL)!!

Ladylee

TJ Brown Wed Sep 21, 09:40:00 AM EDT  

Balance is one of the most difficult things to achieve and one of the most needed...no matter what we are trying to juggle.
Teri

Cherlyn Michaels Thu Sep 22, 08:55:00 AM EDT  

Dom,
Blogging has become a part of my morning routine now. Imagine that! LOL

LadyLee,
LOL You are killing me with these names! :-) I actually might try my hand at teaching next year. I'd start small though. Teaching actually forces you to learn more too. And I'm all for that.

Teri,
Oh, you are so right! I failed to mention that my exercising has fallen to the wayside. And I definitely need to work that back in if I intend to stay sane. Balance is so difficult!

LaShaunda Thu Sep 22, 05:43:00 PM EDT  

Hey Cherilyn,

Congrats on no braces.

As for getting more books under your belt.

The writing classes I took. The teachers weren't published. They had the desire, but they were just like us in the class.

I learned a lot from them.

Share your knowledge.

LaShaunda