Tag: #amediting

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.

Prompt’s August 18, 2023

My objective is to write a manuscript and get it published. I’m still working on my goal. ​

Click on the link to continue reading. Like and Share. Thank you.

How do you plan your goals?

My objective is to write a manuscript and get it published. I’m still working on my goal.

The first crucial step is to write the rough draft, which is done.

Now, I’m in the editing stage and halfway through draft 5, planning to do three more revision drafts. I’m focusing on my plot and creating engaging characters by learning new techniques and skills to make my novel gripping and a rememberable reading experience. That is my goal.

There are times I’m ecstatic about the process I’m making. Other times, I want to cry myself to sleep because I’m so overwhelmed by the process.

Why do I write?

I love to write.

Inspiration, July 1, 2023

How do I find my inspiration as an author? Click the link to read more.

How do I find my inspiration as an author?

That is the question I get asked by friends and acquaintances the majority of the time. When I get asked this question, I just get so tongue-tied because it’s not an easy question for me to answer on the spot. Today, I’m going to answer that question in this blog.

Let’s talk about inspiration.

There are so many misconceptions to me about inspiration. I’ll discuss about my experiences when inspiration arrives. Normally, when I’m looking for a new story idea, inspiration will hit out of the blue. It could be something I see on the news, reading an article, or even watching a TV show. That’s one-way inspiration will come.

It is for me, sitting at my computer and looking at a blank screen. Writing is a process and it can be a long daunting process. People don’t realize it is a habit of sitting in my chair, at my desk, and working on a project.

When I start a new project, I find that process very daunting because I’m looking at a blank screen. I am not waiting for inspiration to hit; what I want is a spark to light up my imagination to catch it on fire. That requires work. I don’t think people understand that.

How do I create the Spark of imagination?

Currently, I’m editing book one. Now, I feel it’s time for me to start outlining book two in the series. My mind is ready to start cultivating my imagination into thinking in different ways. A gardener prepares the soil by cultivating it for the plants. That’s what I’m doing for my mind. The plot and the storylines I’ve created in book one will continue into book two.

Staring at a blank screen can be very intimidating, and it’s difficult to start from scratch again. My outlining process is making a list of subplots that took place in book one that will carry over into book two.

I’m not sitting in my chair, hoping, and praying the gods of inspiration will shoot down a lightning bolt to strike my head. The key. Cultivating my imagination by asking myself questions about the story that I want to write.

What if questions?

What if questions are the seeds for the garden. These questions allow me to grow my story and determine what is essential and why. It will fill in the blanks when outlining my manuscript.

These questions help to spark my imagination to think about the story when I am away from my computer. My creative juices will start boiling slowly. This process is preparing my mind to start outlining in a few weeks by making the pieces and placing them in certain places in my outline.

Burst of Inspiration

This is where I think people get confused about inspiration. When suddenly, I receive a burst of inspiration for a story I’ve been working on. What they don’t realize is I’ve been putting in the work to get my creative juices flowing.

Today, I received a burst of inspiration for book 3 when I was on my way to the store. I wasn’t expecting it. Just happened. Why? I’m cultivating my mind, forming the pieces for book 2, and my creative juices are activated. That produced the idea for book 3.

The Sparks for my Imagination.

So why am I laying out all the groundwork before I even outline or begin to write my first draft? The sparks of my imagination. I want them throughout the writing process. When I outline, write, and edit, I need those ideas to make my novel unique.

How do you find your inspiration? Do you outline? Or do you just jump right in? Let me know in the comments. Thank you for reading.

Jan 5, 2023

My goals for today.

Yesterday, I did some editing, and I worked on one of my writing projects. Today, I want to edit and rewrite my manuscript. My goal is to edit 500 – 1000 words.

Jan 4, 2023 (Podcast Shorts)

In this Podcast Shorts, I will discuss my New Year’s Resolutions. My podcast is under two minutes, I’m calling it Podcast Shorts. Here’s the link below:

https://anchor.fm/alexandra-mars1/episodes/Jan-2–2023-New-Years-Resolutions-e1t333c

Jan 2, 2023 (New Year’s Resolutions)

Happy New Year! I hope everyone had a wonderful New Year. It is that time of year for resolutions. I have been asking myself what I want to accomplish in 2023.

Here’s my link if you prefer to listen.

https://anchor.fm/alexandra-mars1/episodes/Jan-2–2023-New-Years-Resolutions-e1t333c

Happy New Year! I hope everyone had a wonderful New Year. It is that time of year for resolutions. I have been asking myself what I want to accomplish in 2023. What is important to me? Creating routines, writing, exercising, and creating more content for my social media are on top of my list.

MY SEVEN 2023’s GOALS:

Creating Routines – to help me stay focused on what is a priority and allow me to achieve my other goals by getting my household chores done. Organizing my home to create an inviting and relaxing environment for me and my family.

To schedule time for my writing during the day – 2022 has taught me, that I need to set time aside, during the day for my writing projects and articles. This was an eye-opening revelation for me. If I want to write, I need to make time for my writing.

Exercising – 2022 has also taught me, if I want to keep my mobility and maintain a healthy weight, I must exercise. Whether I like it or not, I must exercise. To be honest, I’m unsure how this will be incorporated into my routines. I’m determined to discover the way.

Keeping my relationship with the Lord healthy – I need to nourish my spiritual life. I must put the Lord first and spend time with Him by reading His Word and praying.

Creating music – composing music is my happy place where my mind can unwind and relax. I need to spend more time working on my compositions.

Reading – I fell short of my goal for 2022. To be honest, I know I can do better.

To create more content for my social media platforms – not sure how I’m going to accomplish this goal. Working on a plan, I’m determined to come up with an idea.

What are your goals for 2023? Please let me know, in the comment section.