The Blood-Red Pencil: Great writing advice!!

The Blood-Red Pencil

Thanks to my good friend, aobibliophile at aobibliosphere, I have discovered

this absolutely WONDERFUL blog

that provides advice to writers, as well as editing services

and other very cool stuff!! 

The name chosen for this blog is not only rather poetic,

but very appropriate, too, since one of the skills

writers need to learn is how to cut material

they may actually love, but may not be working for their

story or novel.

(Besides, it also reminds me of vampires...lol.)

So this blog is very aptly named

The Blood-Red Pencil!!

Following are two excerpts from an article posted by Maryann Miller, at

this terrific blog. 

It was originally published

on yet another blog I will also be checking out,

that of Christine Fonseca,

who is a school psychologist, as well as a YA and nonfiction author.

Here are the excerpts:

:•    Set small, attainable goals.

Most writers I know set very lofty goals that are hard to achieve (I will finish this novel in 30 days). Or they set goals that take a very long time and involve things not in our control (I will find and agent and sell a book within xx years). These types of goals can backfire unless you also set small goals that you can achieve pretty quickly. It’s all about building momentum when you are carefully backing away from the cliff. Set goals that enable you to feel success quickly.

•    Face your fears.

Writing is an interesting thing. It has the power to unlock some of your deepest darkest yuck that lurks inside - or maybe that’s just me. Regardless, pursuing your dreams in this business will require you to face some of your doubts and fears sooner or later. So, you need to be prepared. Personally, I think the only way to deal with the scary stuff is to walk straight through it. You have lots of supporters to help you on this path. Grab their hands, close your eyes, and move forward – no matter how hard it feels at times.

The complete article can be found

here.