I'm Back ...Sort Of..

I did not fall off the edge of oblivion. All though it would be a really great start to a chapter. Falling into space.. Any who, I found myself around the letter S in the A-Z blogging challenge (it was awesome) and it was starting to freak me out. I was not where I wanted to be in my revision and I began to resent blogging. So I stopped. I'm now getting into a groove with revision and think I can handle some posts here and there. More importantly I need to get back to reading up on your posts. I hope to be hopping around to all of you soon. I've missed you and am happy (although tentatively) glad to be back. See ya soon.

S is For....Spunk On A Stick

Spunk On A Stick

L. Diane Wolfe over at Spunk On A Stick won an interview on my blog back during my 200 follower giveaway. Due to time and other stuff life throws at us we both thought posting her interview during the A-Z challenge would be perfect. Ms. Wolfe is a motivational speaker and author and I thoroughly enjoy both her blog and her website.

Known as “Spunk On A Stick,” Wolfe is a member of the National Speakers Association. “Overcoming Obstacles With SPUNK! The Keys to Leadership & Goal-Setting”, ties all of her goal-setting and leadership seminar’s information together into one complete, enthusiastic package. Her YA series, The Circle of Friends, features morally grounded, positive stories that appeal to both teens and concerned parents. Ten years associating with a motivation training system and experience as a foster parent gave her the in-depth knowledge of relationships, personality traits and success principles. Wolfe travels extensively for media interviews and speaking engagements, maintains a dozen websites & blogs, manages an online writer’s group, and contributes to several other sites and newsletters.

Check her full BIO for yourself. Please take the time to go visit. Here is her wonderful answers to my questions.

How does your role as a motivational speaker influence your novel writing?

I write for the same reason I speak - to inspire others to achieve their dreams.

I pour a lot of uplifting inspiration into my writing, including my YA series, The Circle of Friends. More than a positive attitude found its way into those books, too. When I finished the fifth in the series, I realized each book represented one of the Five Keys to success that I teach in my seminars. That was unintentional, but it reflects how strongly I feel about those five aspects.

Of course, my speaking spurred the creation of my non-fiction book, Overcoming Obstacles with SPUNK! With seven other authors contributing, it was a lot of fun to write.

Do you ever succumb to obstacles in your own writing life?

Yes! I recently went through a long writing lull. After completing my last book, I had every intention of writing a teen version of Overcoming Obstacles, but it just didn’t happen. Lost the urge to write for a while. I have a new project now and I’m happy to be writing again!


Do you feel pressure to finish a novel or overcome life's hiccups knowing you’re an accomplished self help author?

Oh, you bet! My life should be perfect, right? I struggle like everyone else. However, I feel I’m better equipped to handle the challenges.


What is your favorite role between professional speaker and novel author?

Speaker! I like the interaction and contact with others. Writing is lonely. Authors tend to be introverted, so it suits them, but I love getting out and meeting people. I feel I can a greater impact on people as a speaker than as a writer.


Do you have any advice for someone to sell themselves to an agent/publisher?

Glad you added publisher - so many writers limit their chances for success by pursuing only agents.

Be multi-facetted and develop a platform. Show that you’re more than just an inexperienced writer. Develop and highlight your skills, credentials, networks, accomplishments, and ability to promote.


Best piece of advice YOU have gotten?

LOL - besides ‘don’t quit?’

Be willing to do whatever it takes.


Best piece of advice you can GIVE?

Study the industry! No matter what publishing path you take, you have to understand the industry if you’re going to succeed. Do your research - read books on the subject, scour the Internet, talk to other writers and authors, get out to book festivals - know what you’re doing before you begin!


Please tell us about any upcoming novels/self help books you have coming out.

I just began working on a new book. I teach seminars on publishing and promoting, and I also offer private consultation. I’m always asked - do I have a book on the topic? So, it’s about time I did!

Thanks so much Diane!! Please drop by her blog and websites for more information and tips!! She is also working the A-Z challenge like crazy!!!!!

R is For...

Rejection

I know a lot of you have already posted about rejection but I wanted to add my 2 cents worth. Although with the dollar falling it may be more like 1.7220 cents worth.

I must give a disclaimer that I have never had a rejection... YET. However I WANT one badly. A lot of writers feel very personal about rejections. They call them "heart-ripping-soul-sucking" letters of hate.

Do you really? I can understand if the agent/publisher is not professional and rips into you personally but I hope most will be interpreting my writing skills.

My thoughy on rejection is this:

I CAN"T WAIT!!

If someone is sending me a rejection letter then I have finished my book. If someone is sending me a rejection letter then someone other than family and friends is actually reading my work. I can learn from someone NOT required to think about my feelings. A rejection letter will happen. I've heard of writers receiving hundreds of rejection letters but still crank out book after book.

It's just part of a writer's life. Wear them as badges of battle. For me a rejection letter solidifies my status as writer.

At least that's how I'll feel until I get my first one. Then I may be a crying heap of self loathing covered in shame.

How do you feel about rejection? Have you received many rejection letters?

Also please check back tomorrow for a really awesome interview with L. Diane Wolfe at Spunk on a Stick.