I have a lot to learn...
In fact, I never want to stop learning. And while I believe that the people who are in our lives hold vast amounts of knowledge, I also believe that I don't necessarily need to know it all.
Confused? Let me explain...
Everyone has their own way of interpreting information. Presented with the same exact set of facts, people will interpret those facts in different ways. That's why when there are six eyewitnesses to an accident, six different accounts are given.
I appreciate that everyone has an opinion, especially on a subject which touches their life. I've been known to have an opinion myself, a time or two. Authors are no different. Read an article or a blog written by an author, and you'll be privy to all sorts of information; how to write from a character's POV, whether you should or shouldn't use purple prose, slang usage do's and don'ts. There's a plethora of knowledge within our reach if we're willing to open our minds to it. And herein lies the issue - while I appreciate a person taking their time to pass on what they've learned, I try to keep in mind that their knowledge is just that; theirs. It's the way of writing that works best for them, and their stories.
I remember reading an article once that explained you should never use the phrase "his eyes followed her around the room". The reason being that eyes cannot follow anyone; they are not able to walk around on their own. Their gaze is what can follow a person. For some reason that stuck with me and every time I write about someone's eyes following someone, I am conscious to change it to gaze. Should I? Not necessarily. I think that most readers know what it meant if they read "his eyes followed her around the room". I'm sure they're not envisioning a pair of eyeballs floating unencumbered behind the character.
So did the article I read have any merit? Yes, to the person who wrote it. Is the knowledge useless? No, not at all. The information I gleaned from that article keeps me aware of my word usage every time I write. Waiting for me to get to the point? I guess it's this. Be open to new ideas, to other peoples' ways of doing things. Learn as much as you can about everything. Then, filter out the stuff that YOU can use, and use it! Make your work be the best that it can be. Don't get hung up on whether you're doing it the right way or not, or if you're doing it like someone else.
Learn, filter, then be an original!
Friday, January 30, 2015
Sunday, January 18, 2015
My biggest flaw...
Well, not really my biggest but certainly not my only. One topic at a time...
Comparing myself to others. I do it every day. I'm not competitive by nature; at least not with other people. My biggest competitor is myself. And that means, no matter what I do, I will never win.
Regardless of the project that I'm working on, I never think that the finished product is good enough. Others may rave (stop laughing) but I can pick out at least a dozen things that could, not necessarily should, be changed.
It took me a long time to figure out that I want a career as an author. It actually came upon me quite suddenly, truth be told. I always knew there was something missing; I just didn't know what it was. Writing, publishing, signing, yes, even marketing, fill the hole that's been in my soul for 47 years. So what's the problem, you ask?
Comparison. I know authors who write every spare minute that they have. They get by on three hours sleep a night, work 40-50 hours a week at their day job, shuttle their kids to extra-curricular activities, and still manage to log 3,000 words a day. I feel like I'm lacking if I can't match their pace, as they scribble furiously between bites on their lunch hour. I feel like this proves that I don't want it badly enough. How can I want this as a career if I'm not writing EVERY SINGLE MOMENT of my life?
Comparison. I have to constantly remind myself that I'm not them. I'm me. I work at my own pace. It doesn't mean that I'm lazy or want it any less than anyone else. It's means that I'm wired differently; I function differently. I can't force the words to come (believe me, I've tried.) I've sat in front of my computer for three hours at a time, staring at the same paragraph, desperately searching for the right words. You know what? The words do come. In their own time. You know how I know that? I've published five books. Five complete stories that are more than words on a page. They're tears, frustration, struggle, low self-worth. They're me.
I've read a lot of the self-help books that tell you to give up your negative feelings, that you are your own worse enemy (I believe this one), to think positive thoughts and positive things will happen. I know what I should be doing to succeed. If only I could let go of that little voice that tells me that I'm not good enough. That what I create sucks. That it could be better if only I'd change this or that.
Our inner battles with ourselves are worse than anything the outside world can throw at us. So let's stop the war, lay down our weapons of self-degradation and low self-esteem. Exchange them for self-confidence and self-worth. Believe in ourselves. But most of all, burn the flag of comparison. It has no place in any of our lives. We are all individuals. And no one can ever take that away.
Now if only I could take my own advice...
Well, not really my biggest but certainly not my only. One topic at a time...
Comparing myself to others. I do it every day. I'm not competitive by nature; at least not with other people. My biggest competitor is myself. And that means, no matter what I do, I will never win.
Regardless of the project that I'm working on, I never think that the finished product is good enough. Others may rave (stop laughing) but I can pick out at least a dozen things that could, not necessarily should, be changed.
It took me a long time to figure out that I want a career as an author. It actually came upon me quite suddenly, truth be told. I always knew there was something missing; I just didn't know what it was. Writing, publishing, signing, yes, even marketing, fill the hole that's been in my soul for 47 years. So what's the problem, you ask?
Comparison. I know authors who write every spare minute that they have. They get by on three hours sleep a night, work 40-50 hours a week at their day job, shuttle their kids to extra-curricular activities, and still manage to log 3,000 words a day. I feel like I'm lacking if I can't match their pace, as they scribble furiously between bites on their lunch hour. I feel like this proves that I don't want it badly enough. How can I want this as a career if I'm not writing EVERY SINGLE MOMENT of my life?
Comparison. I have to constantly remind myself that I'm not them. I'm me. I work at my own pace. It doesn't mean that I'm lazy or want it any less than anyone else. It's means that I'm wired differently; I function differently. I can't force the words to come (believe me, I've tried.) I've sat in front of my computer for three hours at a time, staring at the same paragraph, desperately searching for the right words. You know what? The words do come. In their own time. You know how I know that? I've published five books. Five complete stories that are more than words on a page. They're tears, frustration, struggle, low self-worth. They're me.
I've read a lot of the self-help books that tell you to give up your negative feelings, that you are your own worse enemy (I believe this one), to think positive thoughts and positive things will happen. I know what I should be doing to succeed. If only I could let go of that little voice that tells me that I'm not good enough. That what I create sucks. That it could be better if only I'd change this or that.
Our inner battles with ourselves are worse than anything the outside world can throw at us. So let's stop the war, lay down our weapons of self-degradation and low self-esteem. Exchange them for self-confidence and self-worth. Believe in ourselves. But most of all, burn the flag of comparison. It has no place in any of our lives. We are all individuals. And no one can ever take that away.
Now if only I could take my own advice...
Saturday, January 10, 2015
My writing process....
People ask me about my writing process and my answer always sounds kind of obvious. I just write. I don't have any rituals that I go through before starting. No special mug filled with Earl Grey tea brewed at a perfect 180 degrees. No certain chair adjusted to exactly twenty inches. The shades don't have to be drawn halfway, and it doesn't matter if my desk is clean or messy (which is a good thing because it's usually messy!)
I just write. I sit in my cat-hair covered chair, at my messy desk, turn on my computer, open up my Word document, and write (or type, as the case may be.) I don't worry about word count or chapter length or number of chapters. I don't stress out if one paragraph is longer than another. I tell my story, the way that I want to tell it. Want to know why? Because that's what makes it mine. It comes from me, deep down in my authentic self. It's a story that I choose to share with my readers, a story that hopefully they will love as much as I do. But I write it for me.
That's not to say that I don't wonder how a certain scene will be received. Will readers love that I disfigured a main character, killed a puppy, or let the bad guy off the hook? Probably not. (Just to be clear, I've never written any of those things...yet. **evil grin**) But I have to write what I feel; what I think the story needs to move forward.
So my advice to you, whether you are a new author getting ready to type your first word, or a seasoned pro who has already published a gazillion books; just write. Write what you love, what you feel in your soul.
That's what makes a great story!
People ask me about my writing process and my answer always sounds kind of obvious. I just write. I don't have any rituals that I go through before starting. No special mug filled with Earl Grey tea brewed at a perfect 180 degrees. No certain chair adjusted to exactly twenty inches. The shades don't have to be drawn halfway, and it doesn't matter if my desk is clean or messy (which is a good thing because it's usually messy!)
I just write. I sit in my cat-hair covered chair, at my messy desk, turn on my computer, open up my Word document, and write (or type, as the case may be.) I don't worry about word count or chapter length or number of chapters. I don't stress out if one paragraph is longer than another. I tell my story, the way that I want to tell it. Want to know why? Because that's what makes it mine. It comes from me, deep down in my authentic self. It's a story that I choose to share with my readers, a story that hopefully they will love as much as I do. But I write it for me.
That's not to say that I don't wonder how a certain scene will be received. Will readers love that I disfigured a main character, killed a puppy, or let the bad guy off the hook? Probably not. (Just to be clear, I've never written any of those things...yet. **evil grin**) But I have to write what I feel; what I think the story needs to move forward.
So my advice to you, whether you are a new author getting ready to type your first word, or a seasoned pro who has already published a gazillion books; just write. Write what you love, what you feel in your soul.
That's what makes a great story!
Thursday, November 6, 2014
Reflecting back on the past year...
I'll admit, unlike a lot of you, writing has never been my passion. Oh, I wrote poetry as a kid, and I'd often toyed over the years with the idea of writing a book, but it wasn't anything that I was ever serious about. Until a year ago.
You see, I never knew what I wanted to be when I grew up. I had a job that I liked, but it wasn't a career. In fact, I've had several jobs over the years, but none of them called to me past the weekly paycheck. I do, however, love to read. I always have. Most of my earliest memories involve books - my mom reading to me before bedtime; my sister reading the 'Little House' books to me on our front porch; my first airplane ride reading a My Little Golden book (yes, I remember which one). I still own some of my favorite books from my childhood, and when I'm feeling nostalgic, I'll choose one off of the shelf and re-visit Nancy Drew, Laura Ingalls, or The Pokey Little Puppy.
So when a friend of mine published her first book, my interest was piqued. When she was getting ready to publish her second one, I decided to try it. Write a story and publish it. I was scared, I had no earthly idea what I was doing, I wasn't even sure how to start. And for those of you who think that it's easy to put words down on paper, let me tell you, it's not. Facing that blank white screen was terrifying. Not to mention, I knew nothing at all about the actual publishing side of things...but I'm getting ahead of myself.
I love old westerns. I always have. I grew up watching re-runs of The Big Valley and High Chaparral on Saturday afternoons. When I became an adult, I moved to Flagstaff, AZ, and finally got to see 'The West'. It was as incredible as I'd always dreamed it would be. I visited Indian ruins and old 'ghost' towns, saw wild burros and arroyos. I especially love the Sedona/Verde Valley area. That's where the setting for Here to Stay, and the subsequent Hidden Springs books, comes from. It felt natural for me to write about the time period that I love so much. It's lots of fun (and a lot of hard work) researching when different things were invented, when towns became incorporated, the year territories became states, etc. Although I have made a slip-up (I'm not telling what it is) I try to be as exact as I can be in my descriptions. And while I want to be historically accurate of the Old West, I also attempt to give the stories a contemporary feel when it comes to the interactions between people. Because I think that no matter when love takes place, people act and react the same way.
Back to my original subject...becoming an author. I had no clue what I was doing, but I jumped in and wrote a great story. And while I was writing, I formed the ideas for seven more great stories. And before I knew it, I was planning ideas for even more stories that had nothing to do with Hidden Springs. And that's when I realized...I finally knew what I wanted to be when I grew up. An author!! I have never worked at anything in my life as hard as I do at this. I breathe, eat, sleep, and live all things Kristine Raymond. I still have A LOT to learn, no doubts there! But I look forward to the challenges.
In some ways, when I look back over the past twelve months, not much has changed in my life. And in other ways, everything has changed. I've become a more confident person, which shows not only when I am with fellow authors but in my everyday life as well. I take chances that I never would have imagined taking. I walk up to strangers and ask them to model on my book covers. I travel to cities that I never had any interest in visiting and I have a blast! And I keep looking for to the next project, even when I am having doubts about the current one.
There's no predicting the future, so I have no idea of where I'll be a year from now, but I can tell you this. I'm looking forward to the trip!!
I'll admit, unlike a lot of you, writing has never been my passion. Oh, I wrote poetry as a kid, and I'd often toyed over the years with the idea of writing a book, but it wasn't anything that I was ever serious about. Until a year ago.
You see, I never knew what I wanted to be when I grew up. I had a job that I liked, but it wasn't a career. In fact, I've had several jobs over the years, but none of them called to me past the weekly paycheck. I do, however, love to read. I always have. Most of my earliest memories involve books - my mom reading to me before bedtime; my sister reading the 'Little House' books to me on our front porch; my first airplane ride reading a My Little Golden book (yes, I remember which one). I still own some of my favorite books from my childhood, and when I'm feeling nostalgic, I'll choose one off of the shelf and re-visit Nancy Drew, Laura Ingalls, or The Pokey Little Puppy.
So when a friend of mine published her first book, my interest was piqued. When she was getting ready to publish her second one, I decided to try it. Write a story and publish it. I was scared, I had no earthly idea what I was doing, I wasn't even sure how to start. And for those of you who think that it's easy to put words down on paper, let me tell you, it's not. Facing that blank white screen was terrifying. Not to mention, I knew nothing at all about the actual publishing side of things...but I'm getting ahead of myself.
I love old westerns. I always have. I grew up watching re-runs of The Big Valley and High Chaparral on Saturday afternoons. When I became an adult, I moved to Flagstaff, AZ, and finally got to see 'The West'. It was as incredible as I'd always dreamed it would be. I visited Indian ruins and old 'ghost' towns, saw wild burros and arroyos. I especially love the Sedona/Verde Valley area. That's where the setting for Here to Stay, and the subsequent Hidden Springs books, comes from. It felt natural for me to write about the time period that I love so much. It's lots of fun (and a lot of hard work) researching when different things were invented, when towns became incorporated, the year territories became states, etc. Although I have made a slip-up (I'm not telling what it is) I try to be as exact as I can be in my descriptions. And while I want to be historically accurate of the Old West, I also attempt to give the stories a contemporary feel when it comes to the interactions between people. Because I think that no matter when love takes place, people act and react the same way.
Back to my original subject...becoming an author. I had no clue what I was doing, but I jumped in and wrote a great story. And while I was writing, I formed the ideas for seven more great stories. And before I knew it, I was planning ideas for even more stories that had nothing to do with Hidden Springs. And that's when I realized...I finally knew what I wanted to be when I grew up. An author!! I have never worked at anything in my life as hard as I do at this. I breathe, eat, sleep, and live all things Kristine Raymond. I still have A LOT to learn, no doubts there! But I look forward to the challenges.
In some ways, when I look back over the past twelve months, not much has changed in my life. And in other ways, everything has changed. I've become a more confident person, which shows not only when I am with fellow authors but in my everyday life as well. I take chances that I never would have imagined taking. I walk up to strangers and ask them to model on my book covers. I travel to cities that I never had any interest in visiting and I have a blast! And I keep looking for to the next project, even when I am having doubts about the current one.
There's no predicting the future, so I have no idea of where I'll be a year from now, but I can tell you this. I'm looking forward to the trip!!
Tuesday, October 7, 2014
Anyone who knows me personally knows two things about me...
1) It's important to me to be correct. This is not the same thing as being right, and will be the subject of a later post.
2) I like to be prepared for anything. And while I know that this is an impossibility, I still do my best to be ready for whatever comes my way.
Being prepared is the subject of this post. More to the point, being prepared for an author signing.
Now signings can vary in length. Some might last two hours while others can last five or six. And although no one is chaining you to your table, it benefits you, the author, to stay in your seat as much as possible since readers come out to meet YOU, and hopefully spend some of their hard-earned moolah on your books.
Aside from doing some socializing when, heaven forbid, things slow down, I rarely leave my table. So I make sure to bring everything that I could possibly need with me. Indispensable table items include, but are not limited to:
1) a box of tissues
2) hand sanitizer
3) several sharpies, including metallic colors (these seem to work best when signing bags or t-shirts and, trust me, you'll be signing lots of things besides books!
4) extra pens, in case the one you are using runs dry, or in case your table mate isn't as prepared as you and asks to borrow one.
5) a small pad of paper to jot down names and other notes. A lot of people will be introducing themselves to you and unless you have an incredibly good memory, you'll most likely have forgotten their name by the time you pack up your stuff at the end of the day. Or after a few margaritas at the after-party.
6) a small trash bag. Take out what you bring in. That's my PSA for the day.
7) a bottle of water or other beverage. Sometimes drinks are provided and sometimes not. And again, if you're lucky enough to have a line of people waiting for your signature, you don't want to ask them to wait in order to re-hydrate.
8) snacks, preferably something that won't get stuck in your teeth. It might be hours before lunchtime and you won't want your tummy rumbling as you are trying to impress your fans.
9) safety pins. These come in incredibly handy if you bring your own table linens. Trust me on this one.
10) tape, preferably heavy-duty like duct tape. It can be indispensable at an outdoor signing for holding a tablecloth on a table, or for securing a banner to the wall if your stand breaks. (I've seen it happen).
11) an order book, on the chance that you completely sell out everything that you brought with you and people want more.
12) a money bag or money box, unless you want to stuff bills in your pocket.
And while we're on the subject of money...
13) CHANGE!!! You don't want to lose a customer because you can't break a $50.
And most importantly...
14) your books, swag, and other goodies, as well as something to display them in.
I know, I know...I can hear some of you clamoring that there is no way you can haul all of this stuff to a signing without taking out a second mortgage on your house to pay the baggage fees at the airlines. I completely understand. I'm lucky enough, depending on your definition of lucky, to drive to all of my signings, so the extra space and weight aren't much of a concern for the 'family truckster'. This list isn't for everyone.
But if you're like me and want to be prepared for any contingency, it might help. Feel free to personalize it with whatever you can't do without for five hours or so. And if you do find yourself in need of something, just look for my table.
Chances are, I'll have it with me!
1) It's important to me to be correct. This is not the same thing as being right, and will be the subject of a later post.
2) I like to be prepared for anything. And while I know that this is an impossibility, I still do my best to be ready for whatever comes my way.
Being prepared is the subject of this post. More to the point, being prepared for an author signing.
Now signings can vary in length. Some might last two hours while others can last five or six. And although no one is chaining you to your table, it benefits you, the author, to stay in your seat as much as possible since readers come out to meet YOU, and hopefully spend some of their hard-earned moolah on your books.
Aside from doing some socializing when, heaven forbid, things slow down, I rarely leave my table. So I make sure to bring everything that I could possibly need with me. Indispensable table items include, but are not limited to:
1) a box of tissues
2) hand sanitizer
3) several sharpies, including metallic colors (these seem to work best when signing bags or t-shirts and, trust me, you'll be signing lots of things besides books!
4) extra pens, in case the one you are using runs dry, or in case your table mate isn't as prepared as you and asks to borrow one.
5) a small pad of paper to jot down names and other notes. A lot of people will be introducing themselves to you and unless you have an incredibly good memory, you'll most likely have forgotten their name by the time you pack up your stuff at the end of the day. Or after a few margaritas at the after-party.
6) a small trash bag. Take out what you bring in. That's my PSA for the day.
7) a bottle of water or other beverage. Sometimes drinks are provided and sometimes not. And again, if you're lucky enough to have a line of people waiting for your signature, you don't want to ask them to wait in order to re-hydrate.
8) snacks, preferably something that won't get stuck in your teeth. It might be hours before lunchtime and you won't want your tummy rumbling as you are trying to impress your fans.
9) safety pins. These come in incredibly handy if you bring your own table linens. Trust me on this one.
10) tape, preferably heavy-duty like duct tape. It can be indispensable at an outdoor signing for holding a tablecloth on a table, or for securing a banner to the wall if your stand breaks. (I've seen it happen).
11) an order book, on the chance that you completely sell out everything that you brought with you and people want more.
12) a money bag or money box, unless you want to stuff bills in your pocket.
And while we're on the subject of money...
13) CHANGE!!! You don't want to lose a customer because you can't break a $50.
And most importantly...
14) your books, swag, and other goodies, as well as something to display them in.
I know, I know...I can hear some of you clamoring that there is no way you can haul all of this stuff to a signing without taking out a second mortgage on your house to pay the baggage fees at the airlines. I completely understand. I'm lucky enough, depending on your definition of lucky, to drive to all of my signings, so the extra space and weight aren't much of a concern for the 'family truckster'. This list isn't for everyone.
But if you're like me and want to be prepared for any contingency, it might help. Feel free to personalize it with whatever you can't do without for five hours or so. And if you do find yourself in need of something, just look for my table.
Chances are, I'll have it with me!
Monday, September 29, 2014
There is a fine line between realism and negativity...
I tend to be a realist. I see situations for what they are. I don't believe that I'm a pessimist, but I have a hard time always seeing the 'bright' side. I've always had a difficult time recognizing my worth. I tend to shrug off compliments or disregard them completely. Even worse, I sabotage myself with my thoughts and actions. Because I lean toward the darker side of the realism that I see.
Since publishing my first book, I find that I'm quick to point out all of the things that aren't working. Each day, my list of 'N'T's' gets longer.
I DON'T have a large following
I DON'T sell a lot of books
I DON'T have many reviews
I DON'T ...
Trust me, it's a pretty long list. One that I'd rather not have. And today I realized that I DON'T have to have it. I'm the one who made the list; I'm the one who can throw it away. Or burn it. Or shred it. Or send it to the skies, taped to a balloon.
I refuse to let the dark side of realism have a hold on me any longer. From this day forward, I'm going to see the bright side.
Oh, I'm still a realist. Things are what they are. But for every negative, there's a positive. Isn't that one of Newton's Laws of Success? (I'm not quoting verbatim here). My point is, there is a positive statement that refutes every negative statement that I list.
I DO have readers who enjoy my books
I DO have sales each month
I DO have positive reviews of my books
I DO have people who support me and my writing
I AM an author!
I tend to be a realist. I see situations for what they are. I don't believe that I'm a pessimist, but I have a hard time always seeing the 'bright' side. I've always had a difficult time recognizing my worth. I tend to shrug off compliments or disregard them completely. Even worse, I sabotage myself with my thoughts and actions. Because I lean toward the darker side of the realism that I see.
Since publishing my first book, I find that I'm quick to point out all of the things that aren't working. Each day, my list of 'N'T's' gets longer.
I DON'T have a large following
I DON'T sell a lot of books
I DON'T have many reviews
I DON'T ...
Trust me, it's a pretty long list. One that I'd rather not have. And today I realized that I DON'T have to have it. I'm the one who made the list; I'm the one who can throw it away. Or burn it. Or shred it. Or send it to the skies, taped to a balloon.
I refuse to let the dark side of realism have a hold on me any longer. From this day forward, I'm going to see the bright side.
Oh, I'm still a realist. Things are what they are. But for every negative, there's a positive. Isn't that one of Newton's Laws of Success? (I'm not quoting verbatim here). My point is, there is a positive statement that refutes every negative statement that I list.
I DO have readers who enjoy my books
I DO have sales each month
I DO have positive reviews of my books
I DO have people who support me and my writing
I AM an author!
Friday, June 6, 2014
Cover Reveal...
Shiloh Bishop came to Hidden Springs looking for a fresh start. Having been forced into an arranged marriage with an older man, she’s lived a life of misery. When she finds herself suddenly widowed and expecting her first child, she looks forward to starting a new life.
Ben is captivated by Shiloh the first moment he sees her but he is unwilling to let go of the chains of mistrust that are wrapped around his heart. Shiloh is determined to rebuild her life and has no intention of ever becoming another man’s wife.
When a deadly illness strikes the town, they have no choice but to rely on each other. Admiration and respect soon turn to passion, but will it be enough for them to take a chance on love?
Meet Kristine Raymond
website
A Chance on Love by Kristine Raymond
Synopsis
Dr. Ben Kincaid is content to spend his days and nights treating the people of Hidden Springs. Not even his closest friends know the heartbreak that haunts him. Ten years earlier his wife left him, taking their only child with her. Ben vowed to never again trust anyone with his heart.Shiloh Bishop came to Hidden Springs looking for a fresh start. Having been forced into an arranged marriage with an older man, she’s lived a life of misery. When she finds herself suddenly widowed and expecting her first child, she looks forward to starting a new life.
Ben is captivated by Shiloh the first moment he sees her but he is unwilling to let go of the chains of mistrust that are wrapped around his heart. Shiloh is determined to rebuild her life and has no intention of ever becoming another man’s wife.
When a deadly illness strikes the town, they have no choice but to rely on each other. Admiration and respect soon turn to passion, but will it be enough for them to take a chance on love?
Meet Kristine Raymond
Kristine Raymond loves to read and that naturally transformed into a love of writing. She has always been a fan of the Old West and lived in Arizona for several years, where she was able to appreciate the beauty and history of the region.
She has released three books in the Hidden Springs series and is currently working on a contemporary story. When she is not writing, she enjoys spending time with her husband and furry family, and she occasionally watches a TV western or two.
website
twitter username: @k_raymondauthor
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