Category: Writing Life

Jan 1, 2024

What are your biggest challenges?

My writing goal is to finish editing and revising my manuscript. Now, I have entered a new stage of writing and editing which can be overwhelming at times.

I want to dedicate more time to editing, one of my goals for 2024. It has been overwhelming working on descriptions of places and how they affect my characters, trying to ensure that readers can visualize these places.

Dec 27, 2023

You get to build your perfect space for reading and writing. What’s it like?

My office would be spacious, well-organized, and cat-friendly. By the huge windows, there would be a cat tree for my cat to watch the birds or sunbathe. In the corner, I would have a comfy chair for reading with a lamp, and next to it would be a huge bookshelf filled with my favorite novels. The desk would have enough space where I could lay out my work. My decor would be beach-themed. The lighting would be the best that I could afford, and highlight the office.

October 5, 2033

Your life without a computer: what does it look like?

Life without a computer or other technology would be a living nightmare that never ends.

I rely on technology due to being dyslexic and having Rheumatoid Arthritis, as it provides the access and accommodations I need. Also, October is Dyslexia Awareness Month.

I rely on dictation software to type for me, especially due to joint deformity in my fingers and dysgraphia. Speaking sentences is easier than typing them, and it allows me to create longer and clearer sentences. Additionally, my handwriting is nearly illegible, making technology an essential tool for communication.

When it comes to editing, I need technology. I love the feature of text-to-speech where it reads it back to me. That has been an awesome help to help me to improve my grammar, and syntax, and make my thoughts clearer without this technology, I wouldn’t be writing.

Over the years, my reading skills have improved thanks to technology. I use narration on the Kindle App for novels, text-to-speech software on the iPad for articles and other materials, and I also enjoy listening to audiobooks. Without technology, I wouldn’t be reading.

I don’t want to go back to a life without technology.

October 2, 2033

What’s your #1 priority tomorrow?

Creating characters arcs.

I’m currently in the process of developing character arcs for my main character and supporting cast in my manuscript. This is something I should have done at the beginning of creating my manuscript when I was outlining. At that time, I wasn’t very proficient at outlining a story or a novel, and I didn’t fully understand the significance of creating a character arc. Writing my current manuscript has been a valuable learning experience, teaching me how to create a comprehensive outline and develop character arcs. There have been many ‘firsts’ with this manuscript.

The knowledge I’ve gained from this experience will be invaluable for my next project, and it has clarified for me what I need to do and why it’s crucial. Writing is not only about storytelling but also about discovering the tools and techniques that work best for me. Over the past 10 years, every manuscript I’ve written has been a learning experience. As a writer, I’ve come to realize that growth often comes from learning from our mistakes.

I would love to hear about your writing journey in the comments. If you have any questions please leave your questions in the comments too, and I will answer them.