A dictionary will tell you what the people who compiled it think a word means. Sometimes, lots of other people share that meaning, like the definition of “cat” from the Merriam-Webster Dictionary which is “a carnivorous mammal (Felis catus) long domesticated as a pet and for catching rats and mice.”
Time is the great equalizer, because everyone gets the same amount: 24 hours per day, 60 minutes per hour, 60 seconds per minute. How you spend your time is one of the key ingredients to your success, because you and you alone choose what to do with yourself.
Did someone else dress you this morning? The answer is probably “No”. Therefore, you chose to wear what you are wearing, from your underwear to your outerwear to your jewelry, or lack there of. Think about that for a moment. Now think about this …
Once the writing is done, once the editing is done enough, it is time for the proofing to be done. The best way to proof your writing is to read it out loud. To yourself, a friend, your pet, a table – it doesn’t matter, just speak the words aloud.
I’m sure you’ve heard a lot out about Twitter. It’s an online social networking website where you sign up for an account, and then say what you want to say in 140 characters or less.
At the 2009 DFW Writers’ Workshop Conference, an agent mentioned it was important to him that the author have a platform. This was the first time I had heard that word (platform) used when speaking of publishing. I heard it again this weekend at Bob Mayer’s Warrior Writer workshop.
As an author, I’m interested in people. After all, what better source for characteristics and behaviors for my fictional characters than the real life characters I’m surrounded by every day? Whether I’m picking and choosing or elaborating and embellishing, having fictional people do real people things makes those two-dimensional beings resonate with three-dimensional feelings.
