A Quote by Julie Ann Howell

“Write what you know and write it from your heart”

To Blog or Not to Blog!!!

To Blog or Not to Blog!!!

For those of you who blog you know exactly what I am talking about.  Our days are full from start to finish and finding the time to write a few words on your “suppose to be” daily blog sometimes– well sometimes just doesn’t happen.

Last week I had an inspirational meeting with one of my authors and friends Cynthia Schrock, who wrote a wonderful book called The Ultimate Gift of a Birthday.  We talked extensively about blogging or the lack of in our schedules.  Our plan now is to blog once a week and hold each other accountable so we shook hands to seal the deal.  Well.. since we shook on it then we have no choice.:-)

So Cynthia and I challenge you to find a blog buddy and come up with a plan. And don’t forget to shake on it…

Until the next time we chat…

and Thank you Cynthia…

Julie Ann

 

My New Book has been Published!! Check it out.. The Tooth Be Told

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=The+Tooth+Be+Told+by+Julie+Ann+Howell&x=0&y=0

Deadline Changed… :-)

Okay….  My deadline to finish my novel Irish Jewel has now changed… again. My son Ryan  encouraged me daily,  however I just could not get myself to sit down and write Irish Jewel. Instead, I was inspired to write another children’s book. My fourth children’s book which is very exciting.  The title:   The Tooth Be Told. The words have been written and now edited. The illustrator was chosen and now the illustrations are done.  The book is being formatted by my favorite designer through my own and favorite company, the Peppertree Press.  Should be ready before school starts.

So, I am not beating myself up for not making the Irish Jewel deadline of August 15th I promise.  It is simple.. .Change the date and move forward.

So, the new deadline will be… December 1st. Yes, why not during the holidays?  It will be way more challenging for me and I am always up for a challenge.

As always,  I will keep you posted with more keys to write by. Keep writing and keep getting inspired.

Jules

The Proverbial Shelf…

It’s funny how one’s lives can get so busy that “you” the “writer” can forget that writing needs to be apart of that “busy” we are all so good at..

Irish Jewel, my second novel  has been sitting on the proverbial shelf for quite sometime now.  I talk about it and think about it,  tell others about it,  however I  have not actually written a word in almost a month now. I think every writer has these moments where they need to step away and get inspired and then come back refreshed and ready… Awww.. refreshed and ready that is exactly how I feel now.

So.. my plan you might ask is to set yet another deadline to finish Irish Jewel and so I did just that.   I chose August 15th, 2011..  Why August 15th? I have no idea.. Just sounded doable and faraway enough where I can have that flexiblility to, well set another deadline.

Irish Jewel is now off the proverbial shelf and in my hands..  It’s outcome is now up to me..

I will be keeping you posted..

Jules

Find an Audience..

One of the best writing excercises  that works like a charm for me is to read what I have written outloud either to myself or in front of an interested audience.  In my case,  I read my finished chapters to my friend Teri. I enjoy hearing her feedback and it gives me an opportunity to figure out if (as a reader) I stumble over my words or if they flow right off the page.   If I struggle to read it, then my readers will struggle to read it. So, that is where the read and fix comes in.

Definition of Read and fix:  Of course to read, re-work and edit for content…

This works wonders.. I promise!!

Let me know if you find an audience.. Consider it an open mic and a great opportunity!!

See you tomorrow with  more Keys to Write by…

Jules

A Little Trick I Discovered…

While writing my first novel I discovered a neat little trick that helped me organize my notes and stay focused during the writing process.

When I have  a creative moment and write a paragraph or two  but I am not quite sure where this paragraph fits in my manuscript,  I  highlight it in a color (my color yellow) and then push it down in my word document so I can place it later.  It works.. I promise and I have shared this trick with many of my authors and they said it has helped so much.  

By pushing it down, you won’t lose it in your sea of words and its highlighted so you can find it easier..  

Let me know if you try it…

See you tomorrow with  more Keys to Write by…

Jules

I’M Back … and I have a plan!!

Happy New Year!!  I am back and I have a plan…   My plan for 2011 …..is  to teach what I have learned about writing and to blog about it daily..  A challenge I give myself that perhaps could lead to a book by the end of the year. One never knows and  I just so happen to know of an excellent publishing company….;-)

My Goal:   I want to  teach what I have learned not only from a writers point of view, but from a publishers point of view.  Being on both sides of the type writer keys has been an interesting journey and I have learned something new everyday.

So.. what to call this plan of mine.. … got it.. 

The Keys to Write By…

Key One:  Write something everyday…. a thought, a paragraph, an idea for a book, an article.  Write for you, for your family….just write.  

Cya tomorrow…

Jules

The Open Book

As I mentioned in the last issue, I have taken on a new venture. I have been busy interviewing authors on my talk show called The Open Book aired on Blab TV in Sarasota, Florida.  It has been such a great experience and I have so enjoyed hearing the stories behind the book from each author that has been on the show.  Please note that the air time has changed. It will now air bi-weekly on Blab TV, channel 189- Wednesday evenings from 7:00 to 7:30. It is my hope that you will tune in. Again, if you have a book to share and would like to be on the show, please contact the Peppertree Press office at 941-922-2662 or email me directly at: peppertreepublishing@yahoo.com

An Awe-Inspiring Moment!!

I have many opportunities to meet the most interesting, creative and talented people on a day to day basis and I am continuously awed by all of them. It is when I am awed and believe in what they have to offer 100%, I will promote them 100%. If I may introduce you to a new company that can take your published children’s books and bring them to life with his voice or what I should say; voices.  Narration Plantation is the name of the company and the founders are Andrew and Jeanne Snedeker. They will bring your characters and story to life with a unique, original voice and personality. If you are interested in finding out more please contact this lovely couple directly at: drewjean5@embarqmail.com . You will be awed indeed!