Back Again

It's been a while since I last blogged but after going to a Worcester Writers' Collaborative signing at Annie's Book Stop in Worcester, I found new motivation to publish. It's always so exciting to be around authors and their new books. This made me want something fresh to share. I published Misadventures in Filgersville in 2008. It will have been out for four years next August and I decided that it's time to set a deadline and try to publish another story for next summer. I've started to take the first steps. I completed NaNoWriMo the other day so now I have new found time to edit my manuscript, and I'm starting to think about some of the more production based steps of the process.

So, here's my challenge to you. If you have that manuscript that you've coddled for years, it may be time to take the next step. Editing may always be done but share it for critiquing and then query with agents or begin the self-publishing process.

Overcoming Challenges

It has been one grueling month since beginning Moby Dick. It's finally springtime, although it snowed today, and I am halfway through reading the book. It's been challenging to keep up with the reading but it's manageable. Feel free to comment on headway you've made towards your goals thus far, at this halfway point.

Fortunately, I received some inspiration in overcoming challenges this past Saturday at the Eric Carle Museum from the author panel on "Overcoming Challenges" with authors and author/illustrators Brian Lies, Mary Newell DePalma, Jo Knowles, and Barbara O'Connor.

These authors discussed how they traversed adversity in their careers and writing. They emphasized values such as discipline, balance, and perseverance in reaching success. After being stuck at a writing standstill, this event motivated me to get back to work and helped me realize that sometimes the best remedy to a writing problem is to simply write through it. In general, this seems to be a great way to solve problems: to plow through them and persevere even when things seem unwelcoming. Try new things. Although certain choices may not work, they may segue into a solution.

Clarity is a Clear Hit

Clarity by Kim Harrington

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


This is a fantastic read. I love a good mystery and this book definitely exceeds my criteria for a good mystery. It's fast-paced, has a great mood, and will keep you puzzling until the very end. Also, the Fern family's abilities are really intriguing and add a lot to the excitement of the book. I highly recommend it to anybody looking for an interesting, thrilling, and chilling novel.



View all my reviews

Photo and review from Goodreads

Variety is the Spice of LIfe

Tonight as my family and I tried to settle on a movie to watch together I started to draw a bit in a sketchbook. So as I was doodling I realized that I've always drawn the Misadventures in Filgersville characters in the same manner. I thought that I should try spicing it up a bit and began to draw in a new way. There will be more characters to come in this style. Let me know what you think.

Chris

The Literary Whale Challenge

Have you ever had something that you've always wanted to try but just have been a little too afraid to try it? A challenge that seems as colossal as a whale? So have I and I am left with no choice but to attempt this challenge.

In English class, we were assigned Herman Melville's Moby Dick this past Thursday. This book is infamous in school for destroying grades and being a difficult read to say the least. This book seems as daunting as a whale is large. In honor of this book, I pose a challenge: the Literary Whale Challenge. In honor of reading the wonderful Moby Dick I challenge you to attempt a feat appropriate for yourself,possibly pertaining to literature (ie. reading a challening book, writing a novel, etc)to complete the Whale Challenge. Comment on this post with what your challenge will be or even just that you will be trying the challenge. I will periodically announce my progress with my English assignment and once the book is assigned to be completed, the challenge will end within a few days or so. If you meet your goal, post it on the blog and you might be able to win a certificate. Good luck, and have fun!

Play Ball!

Here's an image of the new cover done by Stelio Repola. I hope you like it.