I have always had a love of reading, beginning with “Nursery Rhymes” at a young age, and later with Fairy Tales read to us kids every Saturday morning at the public library. I read many books, mesmerized by the written words, compelling me to turn another page.  I marveled at the author’s technique for capturing emotion—moving a plot along, describing characters so real, I knew them well. I read on as they matured and grew within the pages of the book. I envied the ability of the authors in creating a perfect ending to their stories.

As I grew older, I wrote short stories; created limericks; and wrote rhymed poems.  I was happy knowing I had a skill, but I was not satisfied. I wanted to write as well as my favorite authors, and realized I needed additional schooling. After taking several online writing courses, I was inspired again, but took my time learning more, asking questions, and reading, reading, reading.

I learned even more during that period. Working full time made it difficult to find the time to devote to writing. That woke me up to the fact that I am a PANTZER, (putting writing second), and not a PLOTTER (knowing where my story was going) I realized that my style of writing leaned toward Middle Grade, and I was torn between several genres and could not settle on one. I loved SCI-FI, and loved all Disney FANTASY movies, including ROMANCE, such as The “OUTLANDER” Books, that kept me reading without a break. I questioned myself, many times, asking if I was dedicated enough to become an author without deciding my favorite genre .I decided, YES!

My first novel was a contemporary young adult story about teen gangs in 1950’s New York. My second was a Fantasy about Fairies cursed centuries ago, by an evil goddess, attempting to break the curse.

Can you say you are ready to work hard, devote the necessary time to perfect your story, continue to learn every day by seeking advice from the many writing groups available, accept criticism and rejection, believing it is making you a better writer, learn to be a PLOTTER, who gets things done, and write every day; (remember, you have a story to tell) without ever, ever, thinking to give up? Then,

          YOU’VE GOT WHAT IT TAKES TO BECOME A WRITER

Good luck, Paula

WORD COUNT GUIDE FOR WRITERS

You did your research. You know the Genre for your story; planned the very important “opening sentence”; know your characters flaws and talents, and plotted the entire story by outlining each segment, as suggested by professional authors.  One of the decisions to make is the word count usually required for your Genre. There is a guide for each genre, and it is listed below:  

QUESTION:   What is average word count of the following?

            Mystery- 60,000 to 80,000 words

            Thriller- 90,000 to 120,000 words

            Young adult novel- 25,000 to 60,000 words

            Business/How to- 50,000 to 70,000 words

            Novella- 25,000 to 40,000 words

            Sci-fi novel- 80,000 to 120,000 words

            Memoir- 50,000 to 90,000 words

            Middle Grade- 20,000 to 50,000

            Picture book for children  500 to 600 words

QUESTION:   What is standard for a typewritten page?

            250 words per page, double spaced.

QUESTION: What is average word count for a high school or College Essay?

            400 to 700 words. This is about five paragraphs

This information came from one of the issues of Writer’s Digest. .If you have not discovered this wonderful magazine, give it a try.  Good Luck!

Paula

HOW TO STOP PROCRASTINATING.

There were many times when I planned a full day of writing, and allowed work and other chores to interrupt me.  We all have a life, responsibilities and issues that arise when we least expect it.  Many of us procrastinate at one time or another, blaming everything but ourselves when life gets in the way of our goals. It took a while for me to adjust and allow myself to sit down and write.

When life hits you with a boom, and you cannot seem to get much done, here are a few tips on how to eliminate procrastinating:

LOOK AT THE BIG PICTURE:  If your goal is to become an author, but everyday life stands in your way, ask yourself…why am I putting it off?  Is it the fear of failing, rejection, or not knowing where to start?  

Did you answer YES! to all ? 

Then, it is time to remind yourself, of how important your goals and dreams are by saying aloud: “I will not allow my fears to stop me.  I am going to sit down and write the first Chapter of my story.” Then do it!   It worked for me.

CHANGE YOUR SURROUNDINGS. I get dressed in casual clothes, turn on my favorite music, and find a comfortable place to sit at my computer.  Music soothes me and clears my mind, allowing me to begin the process of putting the first words down. (Revisions will be made later)

STOP LOOKING FOR PERFECTION:  No one is perfect.  That is what editing is all about.

IGNORE ALL DISTRACTIONS:  Plan a Schedule, or a To Do List.  The first thing on the list is to write each morning. Then feed and walk the dog at 9:00 a.m.…Clothes in the washer by noon…Vacuum … pick up kids at 3 p.m., and so on.  You will enjoy the feeling of accomplishment that will follow.

Here’s to the end of Procrastinating!  PAULA

THIS POST IS TO FURNISH INFORMATION ON THE ISSUE OF PLAGIARISM AND ENLIGHTEN ALL ON HOW TO AVOID IT. I found this information on the internet which was very helpful on this subject.

Definition of PLAGIARISM:

                        From http://www.dictionary.com, plagiarism is:   

“An act or instance of  using or closely  imitating the language and thoughts of another author without authorization and the representation of that author’s work as one’s own, as by not crediting the original author:”

From: Merriam-Webster.com it is:

“to steal and pass off (the ideas or words of another) as one’s own”

‘to use (anothe’s production) without crediting the source”

“to commit literary theft”

“to present as new and original an idea or product derived from an existing source”        NOTE:   I used quotations to indicate I am quoting and you will recall, I  did indicate  the source of the quote.as (Merriam-Webster)       If, When writing a story, an essay, or a research paper, you inadvertently omit  the quotes, and source, you are still guilty of Plagiarism.      Example ::   “TO BE OR NOT TO BE”, written by William Shakespeare,  I used quotations and listed the source. If you eliminate the source, even though you used Quotations You are also guilty.   No matter whether you did or did not intend to copy, but copied word for word, you plagiarized. Note: Plagiarism is dishonest and can ruin your reputation.     ***Information on Plagiarism is readily available on line, where I found so much on the  subject. To help you avoid Plagiarism, seek the FREE Plagiarism checkers on the internet. Many offer to check ,free, grammar and punctuation errors.   Take a few minutes to check for plagiarism and play it safe.   Paula

                      

                         According to Merriam-Webster.com it is:

Today is a day of remembering all those who fought and died to bring about our freedom in this country. I

am taking this opportunity to repeat one of my first blogs written in June 2018. There is nothing more

that can be said but to keep on fighting for our freedom and loving this wonderful country of ours.

A DAY TO REMEMBER

On July 4^th, 1776, the 13 colonies claimed their independence from England. 

It was three days earlier that Richard Henry Lee of Virginia, presented a Resolution , later adopted in the late afternoon of July 4^th.

  “Resolved: That these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent States, that they are absolved from all allegiance to the British Crown, and all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain is, and ought to be totally dissolved.”

The original copy of the Declaration is housed in the National Archives in Washington, D C.  

We all know that July 4 is the designated national holiday  for Americans, to remember the day the United states claimed to be a free nation.

 As Americans, we enjoy the freedom and independence given us by our ancestors, and should take this opportunity to thank the men and women who built this country, fought for this country and still serve to keep us free.

PAULA

MEMORIAL DAY 
                                     by Paula Perron

We honor those who died in the mass
For their service to the U.S.A.
And for Bravery unsurpassed
To help the world in every way 

A thankful nation with one voice
Stand with families who still grieve
For many who had no choice	
Yet stood for what they did believe

I pray for all who fought as one
With scars and memories new
Thank you all for a job well done
Welcome back to the Red, White & Blue

    Have you used Subplots while writing your Novel?  If you haven’t, you are missing an important addition to add tension, suspense, and dimension to both your story and your main character, who is constantly facing obstacles. A subplot can directly increase the difficulty for the Protagonist in the main plot. It can increase the stakes for the main character by working against the goals of the main character.

     A subplot, is used to add depth to your main story. By using a subplot, you will keep the reader interested and curious of the outcome.

    Add Secondary Characters.  All secondary characters have a story, either a past connection to the Protagonist or a present one by appearing at an inopportune time, and causing friction. Imagine the possibilities available for you to create tension and suspense while your main character is trying unsuccessfully to find a resolution to all obstacles.

    For a romance novel, try a love triangle involving the Protagonist, who must make an almost impossible decision, after the arrival of the secondary character.

    For mystery, add a character who is the main suspect in a murder.

    All subplots stories should run parallel to the main plot interweaving difficulties with the obstacles your Protagonist is trying to overcome. End the subplots before you end the story.

 

NOTE: Keep in mind that the Main Plot begins and ends the Novel.

Keep on writing: Paula

I lost my dog this past week, (due to old age), and I am very sad.  For over 13  years she has my buddy, my pal, my confident and companion.  I miss her. I know I can never replace her, but I am a dog lover, so I am preparing myself to take in another rescue dog to love for as long as she is with me. 

For all of you animal lovers, who have lost a beloved pet, and know the extreme sadness of losing a part of your family, I hope this will give you some comfort:




GOODBYE OLD FRIEND

I will miss your soulful brown eyes
That wakens me at six a.m.
Your Howl when I do not rise.
My shout at you to scram

 You followed me from room to room
Making certain all is still okay
Stopped to nap each time at noon
Stayed next to me and did not stray

I miss you old friend of mine
 I know you would agree
You always made my life shine
Thank you for what you gave to me

So sleep well, my old friend
So sad you had to leave
I know that death is not the end
But for now I must grieve

BY PAULA