What inspires me to write (when I want to quit)

cj Sez: Seasons’ greetings . . .

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The following pieces of info keep me writing:

  James Lee Burke was born in 1936. (I’m not that old, but it tells me I don’t have to be a twenty- or thirty-something to succeed. Okay, okay, so I should have started earlier.)  In the back of Burke’s novel, Wayfaring Stranger, on the “About the Author” page, I found this: 

“His novel, The Lost Get-Back Boogie, was rejected 111 times over a period of nine years and, upon its publication by Louisiana State University Press, was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize.” 

  And this from author Chris Bradford: “There is no failure except in no longer trying.”  (cj Sez: That's a big guilt trip.)

  You get the idea, and it’s my motto: Keep on Keeping on.

  There many things that inspire me to keep writing: My family, my friends, memories of places I've seen, writers conferences, and wonderful writing groups to which I belong. Each member brings a special writing/reading strength to the process of writing, and I've benefited immensely from their contributions.

   It can be hard to find a compatible critique group of writers knowledgeable in the genre in which you write, but I highly recommend trying. The input can be invaluable and the camaraderie priceless.

Need a reason to make your writing the best it can be?

“Nobody reads a mystery to get to the middle. They read it to get to the end. If it’s a letdown, they won’t buy anymore. The first page sells that book. The last page sells your next book.”

                                       ~Mickey Spillane

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For writers and readers

  Style question: I was once asked this question: “If you've published a novel, could you tell me whether or not the internal dialogue is italicized?”

  My answer: I’ve seen it in print both ways. When you self-publish, the choice is pretty much yours. However, the rule there is, be consistent throughout the book. When you have an editor and a publisher, the choice is not yours.  

√  A recent Jane Friedman article also addresses that question, and there’s something about stand your ground that appeals to me, sometimes  . . . https://www.janefriedman.com/ask-the-editor-when-to-defer/

√  Coming Attraction ... Coming to Lyrical Pens next week!

International author Judy Penz Sheluk stops by to give some insights into her writing.

(Judy is the bestselling author of two mystery series: The Glass Dolphin Mysteries and the Marketville Mysteries.) 

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  That’s it for today’s post. You-all guys keep on keeping on, and I’ll try to do the same. Raising prayers for your health and safety.

P.S. Right now, I’m sitting in front of my computer listening to the band at the high school behind my back yard playing “Monster Mash” for their Halloween Party. I am reminded of one of my favorite family Halloween stories: When my grandson was born, the nickname his father, my son, chose for me (before I put a screeching halt to it) was “Grampire” and that was the sign on the baby's stroller at the airport when I came for a visit on Thanksgiving.

cj

No inflation here:

Plus  . . . 

  THE DAWGSTAR and DEATH ON THE YAMPA, my fast-paced, exciting suspense/thriller ebooks, are now low-, low-priced at $2.99.

  The Haunted Book Shop has signed paperback copies of my books in stock. TO ORDER, contact The Haunted Bookshop here: https://www.thehauntedbookshopmobile.com/contact-us 

Happy reading!

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