Tag: Writing

How to Deal with Rejection

Posted on by staceyjaine in Stacey Jaine McIntosh, Writing, Writing Advice

1C4CDA24-390A-47D4-A4FC-A2410B9F55B3I hate to say it, but life has gotten busy. Looking for work has taken up the bulk of my time and I’m still no closer to being employed. So, as a result, August has given way to September and Spring is beginning to leave its mark, ever so slowly.

My story Owl Eyes has yet to be picked up, despite sending it out to a few different anthologies it’s been rejected. I’ll likely add it to the pile of stories I’m collecting to put into an anthology, but even so it doesn’t lessen the sting of rejection.

So, on that note I thought I’d share a few ways to deal with rejection as a writer.

1. Try not to take it personally. I know, it’s hard and you’re first instinct will be to take it personally, but do try not to. I promise good things are just around the corner.

2. Allow yourself time to be disappointed. Let’s face it… rejection hurts. Take a moment, but don’t dwell.

3. Have something on the go. Don’t force the words but have something to throw yourself into. Hope springs eternal and you won’t get published if you don’t keep writing.

4. Let it go. Let it go! (Sorry! I couldn’t resist. Hazards of having a daughter who loved (loves?) Frozen. But it’s true. Patience is a virtue and humility even more so. Don’t get angry. It’s no way to have a writing career.

5. Try to get rejected. I know it sounds crazy but you can’t get published without taking a risk and sending your work out into the world. For every two rejection letters you might receive an acceptance letter. How great would that be? A dream come true, I bet.

I hope this list has inspired you to keep going, even if at times it seems hopeless. If it’s has, drop me a line in the comments. If not, I encourage you to also comment, perhaps with your favourite song. You know, the one you just can’t get out of your head? Inspiration comes from everywhere after all.

 

 

 

 

 

When I’m Not Writing

Posted on by staceyjaine in Stacey Jaine McIntosh, Stuff

It’s been quite an eventful few days around here and when I’m not writing, I dabble in a few other hobbies. On the odd occasion, I run around in period appropriate costumes and LARP. This past weekend saw me corralling eight children, four of them my own into a makeshift 1890s classroom and attempting to have them learn something.

Suffice to say it mostly backfired and what they really did was get handed a balloon and make they’re own fun, running around in a room that was actually fitted out as a church, while trying to keep their balloons from hitting the floor.

And when they weren’t playing with balloons they were making posters or running off with bandits. Yep, actual bandits! Did I mention it was a western LARP. My accent was non existent, and my teaching skills are a little rusty.

Besides LARP I do occasional get the odd moment spare to put my graphic art skills to use and work on a few book covers. I’m immensely proud of my latest two…

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and

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They turned out surprisingly well and I’m happy to say both are still available for purchase. I’d love to see them both sold in the not too distant future.

I am Morgan le Fay

Posted on by staceyjaine in faerie, Indie Author, Stacey Jaine McIntosh, The Eldritch Series, Writing

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I’ve been busy working on expanding a short story that I’m hoping to offer up to the public in the coming weeks…

I’m thinking of releasing it as a series of three short stories – 6,000 words each – totalling 18,000 words… for 0.99c each.

The stories are my take on the Arthurian Myths, complete with new twists and all feed into my forthcoming Eldritch novels.

I’m looking forward to sharing them with you all and it’s because of that very reason, I’m gifting you a sneak peak…

Here it is!

Enjoy!

I am Morgan le Fay – revenge was the very last thing bequeathed to me.
My name was such that it would be written on the wind for centuries to come. A litany that would beat madly in the hearts of all those who’d wronged me.
Morgan le Fay… Morgan le Fay… Morgan le Fay.
Death would not come soon enough.
Once, I’d had a father who loved me as much as I loved him.
And they killed him.
The fair folk.
All for the want of a woman. A woman whose name was Igraine. The Queen of Camelot.
My mother was beautiful. Her fair hair shone like spun gold, and when she let it fall loose it fell almost down to the floor. Plaited, the long braid came to her waist.
I envied those long golden locks as a child, even when they turned snow white with age, I envied them. Anything would have been better than to be cursed with dark unruly curls as I was.
Nobody ever told me I was pretty, only common. How I wished I’d get to receive the type of looks of adoration my mother received. First from my father and then from Uther. I’d spent many a sleepless night as a child dreaming of the day I’d have a love as great as my mother had, had. It wasn’t until he showed up in my life, that I knew I was adored, simply for being me. Little did I know that his adoration would come at a price.

 

Winners of the Birthday Giveaway

Posted on by staceyjaine in Stacey Jaine McIntosh

winners

So, in case you missed it, I’ve been running a little giveaway, which is now closed.

There were fifteen entries and according to random.org, the winners are as follows:

Kristin and Liv Miles

Kristin has won an electronic copy of Twisted and Liv, a copy of Twisted II. I hope you enjoy reading.

Thank You to everyone that participated and I’ll be reaching out to the winners shortly.

 

 

Missed Deadlines

Posted on by staceyjaine in mum of four, Parenting, Stacey Jaine McIntosh, The Eldritch Series, Writing

9A5FAF0F-EEAA-47B0-BEE2-E8FDC9F65889

And… I had this post all written out and then it got eaten by gremlins.

So, I’m forced to rewrite it.

24th of July on a personal level is hell. Every year I dread the clock ticking over to today because nobody likes to be reminded of tragic events in their past. I’m certainly no different.

And today, well today marks the anniversary of my mum’s rather unexpected passing. Worse… today marks 10 years since she passed away.

And it’s no less easier than the year before. It’s hard and sad, cause my kids don’t remember her… two never got to meet her… which is crappy.

Anticipating the sadness and tears and the general blanket fort and tv binge that was in store for me given the nature of today, I attempted to put a positive spin on today.

In doing so, I gave myself a deadline. Finish Nightshade by today. Sadly, that didn’t quite happen. Life, as they say, got in the way.

But I am closer to finishing the novel at least. Which is a good thing and I’m trying not to dwell on everything else. At least for the moment.

Since I wasn’t successful in my endeavour, I’ll leave you with a question to ponder, until next time…

What do you do when you miss a writing deadline? Let me know in the comments. Because I am rather curious and desperately in need of a distraction.

Drawing Inspiration from Dreams

Posted on by staceyjaine in Stacey Jaine McIntosh, Writing

D76EB3F1-B447-4E18-A927-398319F2A838Inspiration can strike at the most inconvenient of times. Often, I find myself drifting off to sleep and then an idea pops into my head, for a story or novel and I just have to write it down before I forget.

Other times, I’ll wake up in the morning or the middle of the night after the most interesting dream, and again I just have to write it down.

Why the hell wouldn’t you?

I know, I know. Drawing inspiration from a dream… It’s cliche, right? But what if it’s not? What if you have a really kick arse dream that is just the right fit for a story? With all it’s untapped potential, you should totally use it. It would be a shame not to.

Now, I’m not talking about making a full blown novel out of one teeny tiny dream , that might not be feasible but maybe you can get some mileage out of it to create a really cool short story.

You won’t know until you try.

I’ve done just that in the past, actually. Other times my dreams have been weaved into a single scene.

That’s the thing about inspiration. It can be found in the most unlikeliest of places. So, don’t go discounting or discrediting your dreams just yet. You might just be lucky enough to find that rare gem.

I have, a few times. So, I’ve written them down, stored for later use. Ready for when, I finally get around to expanding upon them.

Just last night I had a dream where some of my extended family all gathered together on my front lawn awaiting my return. I thought it was weird (and slightly annoying) that they’d come to my house without any prior warning. Upon waking, I still find it weird. But also curious. I can’t quite shake the feeling that there’s a message in this dream, as it was all just a little too real. But I’ll dwell on that aspect of it all tomorrow when I have a clearer head.

 

Submissions & Works in Progress

Posted on by staceyjaine in Indie Author, Stacey Jaine McIntosh, The Eldritch Series, Writing, Zooey

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I just submitted a flash fiction piece to a flash fiction anthology moments ago. I have another longer piece that I’m writing and two other short stories on the back burner that I plan to write and submit to other anthologies if I get the time.

I might be juggling just a little too much currently.

Between several novel projects and short story projects, coordinating book reviews, writing up author interview questions (and trying to mix it up a little each time with each new author – not so easy) as well as keeping on top of three social media platforms and a blog. All while trying to keep up with a house, hubby, for kids… not to mention fulfilling job networking requirements when looking for suitable employment for part time work.

That’s the really sad part about this. Having spent the past eleven years raising kids, I’m kind of unemployable. And freelance work… as I’ve said before is kind of hit and miss. The jobs I have gotten, while promising to be ongoing have dried up after a month or two.

That said, I am hard at work making improvements to my novel The Winter Princess. It’s coming along slowly because there’s one PC for six people… and my children have found a few PC games that they like to play on weekends… so stealing time at night is very much my routine of late… unless the hubby beats me to it and steals it for himself.

And because I’m feeling generous, I’ve decided to share a small portion with you.

Here it is, the opening of The Winter Princess

The Winter Queen lounged on an icy crystalline throne as her gown of dark grey silk and taffeta billowed out around her. The hair piled atop her head held a darkness that paled the silk; the tiara of silver and sapphires shone in contrast. Having counted silently on my fingers, one hand held the sum of occasions that I had entered the drafty throne room before now. Setting foot here was unusual for me which led me to be painfully aware of every detail as I approached.

I hope you enjoyed it. If you did, let me know in the comments and maybe I’ll share more.

 

Writers Block and How to Prevent it

Posted on by staceyjaine in Stacey Jaine McIntosh, Writing, Writing Advice

062A0903-0290-4E84-A776-FDB4140EB813.jpegI come across a lot of writers complaining about writers block. They seem to all have one thing in common. How do you overcome it, and even better: How do you prevent it in the first place?

Firstly, some tips to overcome to overcome writers block.

– Go for a walk. A change of scenery and fresh air often brings about new ideas.

– Read a book. Often reading a book written by someone else is enough to trick the mind and get you in the mood to write again.

– Listen to music. Instrumental or songs with lyrics. Either can work.

– Create a routine. I’ve spoken of this before. Writing daily creates a habit, which in turn creates a want to write. A desire to write.

– Journal. Keeping a journal, while not fiction, is still writing and may help banish your creative block. At best, if it doesn’t banish your block, it will help clear your head.

Secondly, some tips on how not to overcome writers block.

– Television. It’s such a mindless activity but I do enjoy several tv shows. So to compensate I watch tv a little less. Or I write while watching tv.

– Refusing to write. While inspiration is one thing, you have to write something. Otherwise the well will just dry up. Don’t just wait around for you muse. Force her to show up.

– Procrastinating. Putting off writing is also not the way to overcome writers block. It’s the way to avoid it completely and counterproductive.

Lastly, the way to prevent writers block is quite simple. Really it is.

Pick up your pen (or go sit at your computer) and write.

And, if you’re still not convinced, try it.

Write about a memory. Write about something you saw while shopping… a person you met. Anything, as long as you write and don’t stop, stick with it. Because  if you love writing, if it’s what truly drives you then it’s better to write something than nothing at all.

 

 

 

Opening Lines, Part 2

Posted on by staceyjaine in Ella, paranormal, Stacey Jaine McIntosh, The Eldritch Series, Writing

C13EDC35-82FF-4ACD-9A70-9F7BC20842B7.jpegEarlier this month I shared a story prompt with you all. I hope it gave some of you some inspiration to start something new, as it did for me.

I wasn’t planning on starting anything new but this is what happened when I sat down to write.

I knew that sound. Dragons. They were flying directly above, their wings beating rhythmically against the wind.
I looked up, the dragon itself was unrecognisable from my spot on the hill.
As it circled over head, I knew landing was imminent. 

It’s the beginning of Book 9, Ironheart, which centres around the daughter of Lancelot and Guinevere. Both of whom are dead at this point in the timeline.

I know, I know, for those of you who know anything of the Arthurian Legends, you’ll know that Lancelot and Guinevere never got their happily ever after. But they did have a long lasting affair. This is a play on that. I’m a big fan of what if’s in my novels.

I can’t give too much more away without spoiling it. Other than to say their daughter winds up at the residence of the Lady of the Lake and while there Vivienne being Vivienne meddles in things she has no right to meddle in. A girl’s future. Which brings a tonne of drama and old characters resurface etcetera. I’d been looking for a happily ever after for one of my minor characters, who until recently I thought was going to end up sad and alone, but I think he just might be the fix for Vivienne’s meddling ways.

We’ll see, it’s all subject to change at this point.

 

 

Opening Lines

Posted on by staceyjaine in Stacey Jaine McIntosh, Stuff, Writing

1259E9FF-1114-4BAD-A415-096D07032B7E.jpegIn trying to decide what to write about today (and coming up empty) I decided to go easy on myself and switch things up, in the hopes that maybe, just maybe I might inspire some of you to leave a comment.

So, today’s post, while containing no words of wisdom, tips or personal anecdotes does contain a story starter.

Maybe it’ll inspire you to write and maybe it won’t, but if it does, then please feel free to share, the first few lines with me.

Here it is!

I knew that sound. Dragons.

 

 

100 Followers

Posted on by staceyjaine in Stacey Jaine McIntosh, Updates, Writing

wood-3190203_960_720.jpgOMG! Thank you all so much. You guys are awesome! I actually didn’t expect to reach this milestone so soon after I resumed blogging much more often in April. But I have, so thanks.

But, this is not just about the numbers, or the likes, comments or even the follows. It’s about community.

And while I know there’s a few of my followers that probably aren’t writers or authors or even artists, you’ve still taken the time to read my posts and follow me on my journey and listen to what I’ve got to say. And for someone who always hesitates to click PUBLISH every time I finish a blog post that’s a big thing. Huge, even.

So, THANK YOU.

When I started this blog back in 2013, I had a different path for it.  I’d started it with the idea of just sharing my accomplishments as a writer and the odd stories about my kids. And while I know I should continue to perhaps blog about my kids, I do need to share my accomplishments and writing process more.

So, while their won’t be any less of the informative tidbits I’ve been sharing there will be more about me, my kids and my writing. I started publishing in November 2011, which oddly also coincides with when I started writing. I started my writing journey in November 1997. I still have the first story I ever wrote, miracle of miracles it survived to this day despite bad storage methods. Floppy Disks…! Anyone remember those? If you don’t, it’s okay. I’m in my 30s…

Anyway, enough rambling from me. I do hope you stick around though, and continue to enjoy my posts and maybe even find some useful tidbits along the way.

My To-Do List

Posted on by staceyjaine in Stacey Jaine McIntosh, Updates, Writing

557D6CD1-2728-4436-BF52-8D457E134A1BWell… it has been a busy week, so I’ll get back into my more informative posts again tomorrow.

For now though, I’m going to share what’s been happening in my world.

1. The job search is still ongoing and as frustrating as ever. If you’ve ever been a stay at home parent you’ll know my frustrations. 12 years out of the workforce means you’re basically unhireable. At least that’s my experience to date.

2. The Twisted II anthology is drawing closer… coming July 13th…

3. I have an interview that I did for The Horror Tree coming soon, as well as more book reviews being finalised and sent off tomorrow.

4. As for my own stories… Nightshade is close to being finished. Which means I’ll be diving back into Sovereign and hopefully getting that finished by July 24th.

5. My Patreon page should be up and running soon. Yes… I know, but I can’t create and publish without a little help. But don’t worry there will be plenty of perks should you choose to become a patron. But more about that later.

That’s all from me.

More tomorrow, when I’m not so exhausted.

 

Simply Blown Away

Posted on by staceyjaine in Indie Author, Stacey Jaine McIntosh, Writing

EA001BD8-7D73-4A02-8BB4-52C7C290118CWow! You guys… I’m in awe truly. Last night’s blog was written at the eleventh hour… stroke of midnight almost when I didn’t know what to write, so I just wrote off the top of my head. No plan, just freeform instead.

I’m thinking I might just keep it up, because it seems to be working.

So, I thought I’d start tonight with a heart felt THANK YOU because honestly, I’m still so new at this blogging thing. I’m still figuring out what people want to see and what they don’t.

When I decided back in April that I had to either get serious about my blog or give it away entirely I didn’t think anybody would actually want to read what I wrote. I guess now, I’ve just been proven wrong.

So THANK YOU – again – it’s humbling knowing that people are listening. I don’t feel quite as alone as I have felt on this journey from time to time.

Writing is by nature a solitary pursuit. I wouldn’t change it though. I’m feeling very optimistic about my first book that is currently in the hands of an editor. The first three chapters anyway. It’s a trial run but like I said last night I think I may have found my perfect fit editor wise. I hope so anyway.

My writing feels so personal at times that I struggle to share. Self doubt is a horrible thing.

If the edits go well, I think I’ll share the first chapter.

The story has been six years in the making. The first draft was written in six weeks, after I’d picked apart the bones of a previous discarded story. Which, I’m still considering bringing back to life at some stage. It’s got promise if I can do it justice that is.

Faeries are so diverse in nature. Even as I play in the Celtic and Arthurian mythos I find things evolving of their own accord.

It’s quite refreshing really.

 

 

 

Affirmations

Posted on by staceyjaine in Indie Author, Stacey Jaine McIntosh, Writing, Writing Advice

FD2CEF27-D321-408C-8DBE-3AD9005F1A30My husband and I were having a conversation about a book he’d just finished reading when he turned to me and said: “Don’t take this the wrong way but if that’s published why aren’t you?”

My answer was a one word response. “Editing.”

It’s expensive. So, I’ve been putting it off and putting it off.

My book has blossomed into six books, with three more still to write.

But, I can say I’m one step closer to publishing. Having found an editor who just might be the perfect fit for me.

It still doesn’t stop the self doubt and anxieties from creeping in and sometimes that alone is enough to make me pause and consider not publishing because I’m scared.

Of course then I have to remind myself that it’s okay to be scared. That the reason I put pen to paper in the first place when I was fourteen hasn’t changed. I still want to share my words with the world. My dream of being publishedhasnt gone anywhere and all this is just a bump in the road that I will get over.

It’s okay.

Being scared, is okay. In fact, it would be a little remiss if you weren’t. Writing. The entire process is huge. It’s sharing a part of yourself with strangers. What’s not scary about that?

The trick?

Breathe. And let go.

Focus on getting the words down. It’s not a sprint. You don’t have to compare yourself to any other writer.

Just do you. Be accountable. Show up and put in the effort. The words on the page will speak for themselves.

Enter the World of Freelancing

Posted on by staceyjaine in Indie Author, Stacey Jaine McIntosh, Writing

D6542BBD-7E1E-4B3E-BC84-FB8F7B465751.jpegYes, it’s true writing novels and short stories doesn’t exactly pay the bills. Especially if you’re like me and your story has to be just right before sharing it with the world.

And, while I know nothing is perfect, I still find myself aiming for that perfection, you know?

So, about two years ago, I entered the world of freelance and it hasn’t been easy.  In fact, the hardest thing has been getting clients. You see I struggle to sell myself and hate imposing on people, so sharing my services is not an easy thing to do.

Isn’t it wonderful being an introvert? I don’t like that I am an introvert but I can’t seem to break out of that either.

You’re probably wondering why I’m posting, right? Well, I’ve had a bit of a bad experience. I wrote some articles for a client in various niches and haven’t gotten paid. Hazards of the job, I know but now they are beginning to be unresponsive, which makes me believe I’ve been scammed. As the articles are all my own words but not relevant to this blog, I’m now considering what to do with them.

I’ll definitely keep you posted about my adventures with freelancing. I really should stick to editing and the odd graphic design job.

Speaking of, I’m currently working on a few maps of the towns that feature in my novels in The Eldritch Series. If anyone is interested in seeing their own characters world come to life, let me know in the comments.