M.A. Kropp: Writer, Blogger, GeekGirl. My Life. My Words. My Way.
I have been feeling a bit lost since the beginning of the year. I took some time off of my usual writing schedule over the holidays, and after the New Year, I had my release of The Demon's in the Details to deal with, and that added to the time away from actual writing. Now that … Continue reading What’s Up These Days?
I am sitting here in my living room, with windows open and the outdoor temperature is 65 degrees F. I checked the calendar. Yep, it's January 11. We were supposed to have rain along with the warm temps, but that seems to have passed us by in favor of sun and clouds. It is supposed … Continue reading Monday Musings: So, This is January, Right?
I have no idea why this year is starting off so slowly. Normally, I don't have trouble jumping back into gear after taking some time off, but this year, the holiday break seems to have taken all the wind out of my sails. I think I will just have to force myself to plunge in … Continue reading Wednesday Waffling: Post Holiday and Trying to Get Back in Gear- And Cover Reveal!
If you are a writer, you probably have at least heard about National Novel Writing Month. For the non-writers and others who may not know, NaNoWriMo (as it is known) occurs during the month of November. The idea is to start on November 1 and by the end of the month, write a 50,000 word … Continue reading Wednesday On Writing: NaNoWriMo and You
I have been having a bit of trouble with my knee lately. It started a few weeks ago, but we were having a full week of rain at the time, so I wrote it off to arthritis acheys. Then, the weather turned cold and I thought: Yeah, well that's what happens when the joints get … Continue reading Monday Musings: Knee Bummer and NaNoWriMo Progress
Oh, yes, the annual frenzy of National Novel Writing Month has begun. Yes, I am participating this year, but not for writing a novel. I am using this month to keep me focused on developing an idea I had for a YA fantasy. There will be writing done. There has already been some. But I … Continue reading Monday Musings: NaNoWriMo is Upon Us
It's at the center of every story. It is the thing that drives the action forward. It's what causes the characters to act and react. What is it? Conflict.Conflict arises when a character wants something and there are obstacles in the way of his getting that thing. It can be big (the hero must stop … Continue reading Wednesday on Writing: Conflicted
Well, for me at least, it looks something like this: Yes, I do my revising, at least the first pass, on paper. It seems to help me if I can mark on, scribble notes, cross out, highlight, and rewrite sentences on an actual piece of paper. Later passes will probably get done on the computer, … Continue reading Wednesday on Writing: What Does Revision Look Like?
Oh, yes, there is a definite chill in the air these last few days, especially in the morning. We've dipped into the mid-30s overnight already, and the mornings are, if not really cold, at least requiring a light jacket for walking the dog. We've had some gray and rainy stuff but also those deep blue … Continue reading Monday Musings: The Times, They Are A-Changing
I have been busy for the last year writing the third installment of my urban fantasy series. The first draft is now done, and I am letting it sit for a while before I dive into the revision process. I do this with most of my writing, and many other writers do, as well. Why? … Continue reading Wednesday On Writing: Should You Start Revising a Story as Soon as You Finish a Draft?
