Another hummingbird gets to live a long and happy life in gardens and at hummingbird feeders thanks to a neighbor who warned me another baby was trapped in an entranceway.
She helped me get the tallest ladder out of the garage, then held it while I climbed several steps higher than I ever want to go. The baby looked like it had been there a while, but still had enough energy to flutter against the glass ceiling trying to get out.
I climbed the last two steps — don’t do this at home unless you are very sure-footed or have someone to help with the ladder — and reached up to gently gather the little bird in my hands. As scared as it was, somehow hummingbirds know I am trying to help them. Sometimes it takes a while, but sooner or later, they flutter down to the ledge where I can reach them. One little guy clung desperately with his little toes, so I waited for him to relax then carefully lifted him off the ledge.
The tricky part is getting down off a tall ladder while holding a bird in your hands. I take my time and the hummingbirds stay still inside my cupped hands. They all seem to know they are being helped and don’t struggle at all. As I always do, I spoke to him softly, warning him (it looked like a boy) not to come close to houses anymore because they are dangerous. He, and all his relatives before him, watched me as I whispered to him. None of them show any fear, and one was so tired he stayed on my open hand quite a while before he caught his breath and took off. This one only took a few moments before it was ready to fly away home.
Hummingbirds are wonderful little birds. They have feelings and personality, as do all of the creatures in this world. I’m not even afraid of spiders anymore, unless they’re too big! Even they show fear, and I wonder, if they can be afraid, what other feelings might they possess? I must say one thing about a terrible picture I saw of a trapped monkey a couple of days ago. He had to bend down because his arms were tightly tied behind his back. That picture still haunts me, and I wonder how mankind can be so cruel.
I ask all of you to realize how close we are in many ways to the creatures who share this world. Please be kind.
If you have saved an animal in need of your help, please write me. I’d love to know your story, and if you choose, perhaps we could share it here in a future blog.
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A Shadow Away, which became the first story in a planned six-book series called “Alex Cort Adventures,” almost came about by accident. Several articles I wrote had been published before, but I never thought of writing seriously.
In the beginning, my objective was to create a world for myself. A magical world of adventure with people I liked and wanted to spend time with. It’s been a while now, so I don’t remember exactly how I got started, but I do remember that things of interest I’d read before started to present themselves as scenes and parts of a story. Then plot ideas and dialogue unfolded in a smooth stream from my imagination. There was a story I wanted to tell. Everything I’d learned and studied that I found of interest, I wanted to share.
That formed the gist of the story that became “A Shadow Away.” Once I had the main character in mind, which was Angel, the rest of the story and characters and dialogue just came easily as I listened to them bring the story to life. Angel called herself a witch and she had her own kind of magic. With her I could write about other dimensions, fantasy, and the supernatural.
I studied archaeology and have been interested in it for quite a few years. Many facets of science and exploration interested me, too, so I read books and subscribed to magazines, and learned about everything from quantum mechanics to the universe. Now in this planned magical adventure series, eccentric archaeologist Andrew Seaton lets me share all kinds of interesting topics from scientific discoveries to superstition. Alex Cort was basically me in the beginning, someone with a curiosity about this world and its myths and legends.
I think the clue to writing an interesting story that will appeal to your readers, is to write about what interests you. If you find it interesting, and write about it creatively, others will want to read your work. A lot of advice is given to write about what you know. It’s a good place to start, because when you know a subject well, you can add depth to your story.
That reminds me of another thing I learned about writing on the fly. The story may come to you easily—that’s great! Just remember that the first draft is only the beginning. Set it aside for a while when you’re done, then go back and read it through. I know, you’ll think it’s perfect, but as you read it again, you’ll see places where you can improve the dialogue, flesh out one of the characters, or fix a hole in the plot. Everyone you show it to from friends, to editors, to beta readers (people who critique your story before its published) will have an opinion. So, show it to people you trust, then analyze their comments and take what rings true for you.
I’ve enjoyed this time with you. Write me back with any questions or comments, or tell me a story about your own journey!
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Last week we talked about what it takes to create a plot and write your story. This week I’d like to share what I’ve learned about the next big step on the way to being published. We are lucky with the newest technology making it possible for you to decide whether to pursue the traditional publishing route, or take control of your destiny and publish the book yourself. Both routes involve the spending of money, so for the sake of argument, we won’t discuss that part.
Traditional publishing involves query letters and the search for a literary agent who likes your book well enough to approach established publishing houses on your behalf. When that is accomplished, it would be a good idea to engage an experienced lawyer who will mediate your discussions with the publisher about your rights. These topics will most likely include everything from what they intend to name your book (it may change from the name you chose), how the cover and the book will be designed, whether you retain foreign publishing rights, film rights (that could happen!), and many other details for which you will want legal guidance.
On the other hand, there is the option to indie publish. It’s good to know the standards for, and the acceptance of, self-published books is steadily rising. Indie publishing got off to a shaky start in part because new ideas are hardly ever accepted in the beginning. A second problem happened because many new authors skipped the important editing portion of the process and posted first-draft level stories. Things are slowly changing, though, and indie publishing is gaining status in the world of books due to the better-written stories now being offered. So, if you do plan to publish your book yourself, make it the best possible version you can. And get professional help. It’s important!
If you like being in control, it might be a good idea to look into publishing the book yourself. There are people available on LinkedIn and online for every aspect of indie publishing, from branding your image to marketing before and after your book is launched. Even if you go with a traditional publisher, you will still be responsible for marketing your product. I, and others, have said before, “Writing is the easy part!”
Here is a brief run-down of the steps I have encountered on the way to becoming published: After your story is written, the real work begins when you present your book for professional editing. This step could happen several times as your story is refined with re-writes. When that stage is complete, Beta readers will offer their comments and suggestions. This will probably involve another round of re-writes. Everyone will have an opinion! By this time, you will probably have decided which route you want to travel as far as publishing. Either way, the journey is a long one. But if you enjoy the trip, it will be worth it.
Next week I’d like to share with you some interesting people and books that inspired me. I’d love to hear what inspires you!
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It’s not easy finding quiet time to collect your thoughts. If you work all day, whether it’s at home or in the office, it’s hard to find enough time, right? I found the best thing to do is jot down ideas when they come to me, so I can add them to my manuscript later.
I chose to feature the picture of my cat in this post because even when you do manage to make it to your writing table — something will always pop up to distract you. My cat is one reason my work doesn’t get done! He just likes to sit in the middle of whatever I’m working on, wherever that is. You probably have pets that need your attention, or kids, a ringing door bell, or a spouse who wants you to help them “just for a minute.” But those of us who have the passion to write for the enjoyment of others, somehow find a way, don’t we!
First you must decide on the type of story you want to write, the genre. That will set the tone for how you will write your story. The next step is to decide if you’re a “seat of the pants” type of writer where the storyline, plot and dialogue flow through you to the computer screen or the written page. Perhaps you’re the other kind of writer who needs structure for you to build your story.
My first book, A Shadow Away, came to me the first way. I chewed gum as my mind churned out ideas, but I don’t recommend it. The images came easily, and the characters came to life for me. Their dialogue flowed so quickly, sometimes I had to scramble to keep up! If there was a glitch in the plot, I’d give it some time to unwind itself. And many times, the solution came from the adventurer Alex, eccentric archaeologist Andrew, or even my witch/person Angel herself.
The idea for this kind of story writing is to let your thoughts flow as the story almost seems to write itself. Even this way, though, you must follow the basic rules of story writing. Plot, character development, and a hundred little things that go into the making of a great manuscript are true for every style of writing. There are many books online and in your local bookstore that describe these and everything else you can learn to make your book a success. Do your research! It’s important.
The second way to write a story is with a storyboard. I use a white board from an office supply store and magnets to hold my scraps of ideas in place — which I number! One number for each magnet for every step of my story. I paperclip my notes together, too, in case they get knocked off the board. There are four basic plot points to build your story around. Some books say there can be even seven to twelve points and describe the different breakdowns. Choose the layout that works best for you. Plot development is important for both kinds of writers, and with a story board, which is what I use to write now, I can separate the plot point sections with different colored magnets. Works for me!
If you have anything to add or something you’d like to share, please feel free! Have a question? I’d be happy to answer the best I can. See you next week!
Video: What’s your day like as a writer?
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You might not think so at first, but research for your book can be fun when you’re finding out about something you’re interested in. This kind of research isn’t the same as preparing a required project for the classroom. This is information that can inspire an idea for your story or provide deeper knowledge on a subject you already know something about.
I write fantasy fiction, and have always been fascinated by myths and legends, so I was drawn to write a magical adventure about El Dorado. I love magic and sorcerers, so I weave them into my stories too. The important thing is to write about what interests you, something you already are familiar with or have experienced yourself. Those make the best stories.
As you go further along with your research, ideas for characters to play the parts in your story may start coming to mind. Write down what you know about them. Let them tell you their story. It helps to flesh out your characters with personal bits of background information. Where do they live? What kind of lifestyle do they enjoy? What kind of personal traits or characteristics do they have? Make them come alive to you, and they will to your readers.
For example, the lead character in my series Alex Cort Adventures started out basically as me. I love adventure, and so does he. He comes from a background similar to mine, though yours don’t have to. Alex enjoys working on cases linked to myths and legends with eccentric British archaeologist Andrew Seaton, because I can combine my interests in science and archaeology with Alex’s love of adventure. See? It’s easy!
Over the years I’ve studied, and traveled, and met interesting people. Even in your own town or city you will see people who would make excellent (disguised) characters for your story. Be kind, if you use actual people for your inspiration.
The third character in my ensemble (mine are all fictional, born in my vivid imagination) is a young woman with her own kind of magic. Her name is Angel, because she calls herself a witch, and most people don’t equate angels with witches. With Angel I get to add magic and sorcery, dragons and mythical creatures, other dimensions, and quantum physics, and all those things of the metaphysical world that fascinate me.
Just get started! The rest will come to you. Don’t worry it has to be perfect the first time. Your story will grow and change, and so will you.
Thanks for joining me on this journey.
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The process of writing a book travels a critical path from the first brilliant idea to the finished product you’re holding in your hands. Even months before that point, the story of your publishing life has begun its own journey. A Shadow Away, my first book of the Alex Cort Adventure series, is scheduled to be released in late spring to early summer 2018, and I will share my experiences with you as I go. There are different paths to be traveled if your book is non-fiction, but early steps are the same for the most part.
When it comes to writing the manuscript, I found out writing the story is the easy part! Publishing is another whole process. One of the most important assets on my road to publishing is my husband and business partner. I call him my business partner because writing a book and publishing it are two very long and separate journeys. I am blessed with a man who enjoys handling the business side of bringing my creative vision to fruition. He says these are my books, but I could never accomplish everything we’ve done without his input, advice and problem-solving skills. That is one of the great benefits of teamwork.
Don’t be put off by what I just said: now you’re thinking you can never do it all by yourself.
If you have someone to help, great! You may possess skills that include a knack for business, and that’s also great. If you don’t have either of these, that’s okay too. A “search” will show you there are plenty of professional people willing to help you. Many, many “how to” books and online sites are available to guide you on every subject. There are branding teams to help create your public image, editors of all kinds (there are five that I know of), publicists, social media experts, even attorneys and financial companies to help you manage all that money you’re going to make!
The most important thing to remember is to have fun. You are doing what you love.
I learned something interesting recently. A post that said if you are working hard at something you hate, that is called “stress.” If you are working hard at something you love, that is “passion.” Kind of makes you think, doesn’t it?
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Thank you for joining me and reading my first blog. I’m looking forward to connecting with you and sharing our stories. In the future, I will discuss the process of everything it takes to write a magical adventure series, as well as other topics of interest.
I’d like for you to tell me your stories, too. Let’s start with an animal that means the most to you, like a favorite dog that’s your best friend, or a cat that sits in your lap and keeps you company. Perhaps a bird that is amazingly smart, or even a gerbil or hamster buddy. I’d love for you to tell me about them!
Now for my story about tiny, colorful birds that have always been special to me. A friend told me hummingbirds bring her good luck!
Hummingbirds have been coming into my life for many years. The first was a young bird whose mother built her nest too close to the walkway to my apartment. I could tell he was a boy because he just acted like one. He didn’t have any feathers yet. He was still covered with soft brown down when I first saw him, and I thought he needed help. Something I have learned is that parents keep an eye on their young even after they leave the nest, so it’s best to leave young birds alone. Anyway, in my zeal to help this little one, who would probably have been fine without me, I took him home and put him on a pocket of Kleenex in a small cup.
Every two hours, I mixed honey into some water and fed him with an eyedropper. I took him to work with me, put him in his new nest on top of a cabinet and fed him on schedule. The first days, I’d fill his craw with honey water, but he soon got the hang of it and drank on his own. After a while, he recognized me, and would stand up on his little legs and stretch out his neck for a meal. I held the eyedropper for him to suck out the nectar with his tongue.
He was doing well, and when his iridescent green feathers started coming in, I wondered how I was going to teach him to fly. His story was short, though, because I thought he’d like some sun, and one weekend I left him on the windowsill too long. I thought I was being kind, but I was wrong. His trust in me made the hurt even stronger, but he did teach me to be more careful with other birds and creatures who have come to me for help over the years.
The amazing thing about hummingbirds is they are fearless. If I get too close to their favorite flowers in my garden, they will dive-bomb me, whirring their wings in warning. Sometimes, one will fly right up, face me straight on, and look me in the eye, as though trying to figure out what kind of strange bird I am. Once a hummingbird flew up to greet me, as though it recognized me. I’m sure it was one of the little ones I saved before. Nearly every year, some young one will fly into our glass-covered entryway. When they are trapped against the slanted ceiling, I get out my tall stepladder and climb up to where I can reach them if they come down to my level. The amazing little birds will actually flutter to the lower edge of the glass, perch on the ledge, and wait for me (more or less) to cup them in my hands.
After I make my way down the ladder, I walk with them to the center of our cul de sac and softly warn them to stay away from buildings because they are dangerous. They aren’t afraid of me. They watch me talking to them, and they actually seem to be listening to my words. I feel so close to these trusting little creatures. Their trust warms my heart. When I open my hands, they usually sit for a moment if they’re tired, then take off fast, making a beeline for home.
Someone told me that when a person is curious, consistent, non-threatening, and patient enough, the usual boundaries between species can be erased. I believe this completely and have proven it to myself again and again. Try it, if you like. You will receive much more than you give.
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