Tag: Covid19

Categories
Book Proposals

The Two Big Cs

So, it’s Christmas and we’re all still dealing with Covid. Who would have imagined a year ago when we first heard rumblings about this virus that we’d be dealing with it twelve months later? And the artsy community is seriously suffering. Whether it’s authors, actors, singers. All in the what many people see as “disposable” community are working hard to keep afloat.

So, what does this all mean for writers? Huge sigh. It means, publishers are taking longer, looking harder, deciding slower, especially for debut authors. It’s tough. Without in-store shoppers, more bookstores have closed. Publishers are being far more selective in those they sign. Folks aren’t spending the dollars as many have lost jobs. “Thanks, Linda. Lots of really uplifting news here!”

But don’t despair. Because a LOT of folks are home now, it’s been a great opportunity for more writing hours. Instead of simply shopping one book around, I have quite a few clients with multiple books now. They have spent their extra time wisely and have been glued to their computers: writing, writing, writing!

As things begin to return to normal … and they will, my authors are going to have a bag full of new tricks, new novels, new ideas that can be shopped to the publishers. Instead of that one really awesome book I signed them for, there are now two or three books ready for a home.

How have you spent your extra time? Or, if you were lucky enough to continue to work, did you still look for new ideas, new ops for writing? And as you get those weekends back, will you push forward with even more writing? Now is the time to use your spare minutes wisely.

The key, folks, at any time, in any circumstance is to continue writing. Too often, we find excuses (and let’s face it, Covid has been a real game changer) to give up. We get depressed, who isn’t today, right? But those who keep at it. Those who refuse to allow their fingers and minds to quit. Those who see this as an opportunity instead of a loss will emerge on the other side stronger, better prepared, and ready!

Am I still signing folks? Yes! More in the last few months that in the last couple years. I’ve found that cream has truly risen to the top, and I’ve been lucky enough to find some amazing authors in this mix. How do I know they’re the cream? They’ve continued with conferences even if a Zoom conference isn’t first choice. They’ve worked at learning their craft. Even my clients that I’ve already been shopping around have used this chance to write more, write better, write with innovative motivation. They’ve taken out old manuscripts and rewritten them. They’ve dug deeper in to the ones I’ve seen.

Key here: they have not given up.

Nor have I. Again, Zoom conferences aren’t my first choice, but I’ve continued to be part of them in order to find new talent. And many very prestigious conferences have offered online versions for less than half the price. I’ve found numerous new clients over a simple Zoom appointment. I’ve done my best to stay abreast of changes and learning what the publisher are looking at now. And it has changed! But one thing never does: publishers want stellar writing from teachable authors who aren’t afraid to get themselves out there.

2020 has allowed most of us the opportunity to spend more time at the keyboard. If so, have you spent your time wisely? Are you writing more? Are you improving?

In less than a month, 2021 will replace what many see as the year of the century. What have you done to take advantage of and try to improve your lot in 2020? Stay the course, my friends. As my beloved mom used to say, “This, too, shall pass.”

Looking forward to a Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year with hope just on the horizon for all of us. God bless you all, God bless your writing!

Linda S. Glaz is an agent with Hartline Literary Agency, and also the author of eight novels and two novellas, so she “gets” writers. She represents authors in both the Christian and secular communities. She speaks at numerous conferences and workshops around the country each year. Married with three grown children and four grands, she lives in a small town where everyone is family.

Categories
Writing with a Disability (Different Ability)

Break Through the Fog

Recently I heard an update about the long-term effects of those who have survived Covid-19. Not only can the virus cause damage to every organ it goes through, but it can also have lasting effects on our brains via our brain stem.

In regards to our brains, the virus can cause severe brain fog that inhibits survivors from being able to focus or maintain a train of thought for long. As a TBI survivor, I know all about brain fog.

Although I am more than 20 years removed from my accident, I still deal with the lingering effects daily. Some days are better than others and some days I can’t remember what day it is. My brain fog is pretty humbling in its ability to shut me down.

  • My short-term memory is shot.
  • The ability to focus is limited.
  • Motivation to get started is impaired.
  • Sometimes I can’t even put my thoughts into audible words.

The latter effect is rare, but debilitating, especially as a writer. We writers are wordsmiths; our job is to put words together to communicate a clear message.

The ability to think and communicate clearly is a necessity for writers. You don’t have to have a brain injury like me to suffer the consequences of brain fog or writer’s block; but, you do need to know what it is and how to handle it.

Brain Fog!

First off, we need to understand that brain fog isn’t a medical issue in itself, but may be an underlying symptom of one. Common symptoms are: memory problems, lack of mental clarity, poor concentration, inability to focus.1

Most of the time we writers describe it as writer’s block, but the issue is deeper than not being able to write or a lack of creativity; something is happening beneath the surface that needs to be addressed.

Medical experts have identified potential causes of brain fog that strikes both writers and the disabled alike.

  1. Stress – Chronic stress can increase blood pressure, weaken the immune system, and trigger depression. It can also cause mental fatigue. When your brain is exhausted, it becomes harder to think, reason, and focus.
  2. Lack of sleep – Poor sleep quality can also interfere with how well your brain functions. Sleeping too little can lead to poor concentration and cloudy thoughts. Aim for 8 to 9 hours of sleep per night.
  3. Hormonal changes – Hormonal changes can also trigger brain fog. Levels of the hormones progesterone and estrogen increase during pregnancy. This change can affect memory and cause short-term cognitive impairment. Similarly, a drop in estrogen levels during menopause can cause forgetfulness, poor concentration, and cloudy thinking.
  4. Diet – Diet can also play a role in brain fog. Vitamin B-12 supports healthy brain function, and a vitamin B-12 deficiency can bring about brain fog. If you have food allergies or sensitivities, brain fog may develop after eating certain foods. Possible culprits include: MSG, aspartame, peanuts, dairy. Removing trigger foods from your diet may improve symptoms.
  5. Medications – If you notice brain fog while taking medication, talk with your doctor. Brain fog may be a known side effect of the drug. Lowering your dosage or switching to another drug may improve your symptoms. Brain fog can also occur after cancer treatments. This is referred to as chemo brain.
  6. Medical conditions – Medical conditions associated with inflammation, fatigue, or changes in blood glucose level can also cause mental fatigue. For example, brain fog is a symptom of chronic fatigue syndrome, which involves persistent fatigue for longer than six months. People who have fibromyalgia may experience similar fogginess on a daily basis. Other conditions that may cause brain fog include: anemia, depression, diabetes, Sjögren syndrome, migraines, Alzheimer’s disease, hypothyroidism, autoimmune diseases such as lupus, arthritis, and multiple sclerosis, dehydration.1

The important thing to remember is: Don’t panic. Even severe cases of brain fog and writer’s block will pass once you take the necessary actions to correct them.

Stay Calm!

The neurological effects of stress/anxiety can affect our bodies physically because they are connected. The trick to getting through physical stress is to stay calm and preserve mental health.

Below are my main steps to dealing with brain fog and stress.

  • Get plenty of rest.
  • Proper nutrition.
  • Take breaks.
  • Limit caffeine intake.

A lot of my writer friends would argue with my last tip. I have colleagues who live off of caffeine. The problem is that caffeine can actually make stress worse. Caffeine stimulates our nervous system and damages our neuroreceptors over time, which is why it takes more to work as we get older. The damage is done by overstimulation.

Medically speaking, the brain’s primary source of energy is glycogen, which comes from carbohydrates and even sugar, not caffeine. Besides, most of us know caffeine increases heart rate along with anxiety levels and that is no way to break through the fog!

Martin Johnson survived a severe car accident with a (T.B.I.) Traumatic brain injury which left him legally blind and partially paralyzed on the left side. He is an award-winning Christian screenwriter who has recently finished his first Christian nonfiction book. Martin has spent the last nine years volunteering as an ambassador and promoter for Promise Keepers ministries. While speaking to local men’s ministries he shares his testimony. He explains The Jesus Paradigm and how following Jesus changes what matters most in our lives. Martin lives in a Georgia and connects with readers at Spiritual Perspectives of Da Single Guy and on Twitter at mtjohnson51.

1  https://www.healthline.com/health/brain-fog

Categories
Becoming an Author

7 Ways to Build Writing Education During COVID

There’s no denying that COVID has brought about drastic changes to our world in 2020. Yes, most of these changes have resulted in negative impacts—but I’m the kind of person who likes to find growth opportunities in the midst of difficulties. For the aspiring author, one such growth opportunity is the extra time you have been granted to grow in your craft. Why not make something good of this year by investing in your dream and building your education?

Here are seven ways you can do just that:

1. Enroll in a virtual course. The online courses available for writers today are limitless—there are courses on storytelling, character creation, editing, description, show vs. tell, and even courses on the business and publishing side of the industry. No one should have an excuse to not be educated in writing. My personal favorite place to build my writing education is through Serious Writers Academy. (Shameless plug: You can check out my course on deep POV by clicking here!)

2. Sign up for a membership to receive continuous education. You may be interested to see what Novel.Academy has to offer (an online school specifically geared toward inspirational novelists).

3. Receive mentorship from seasoned writers. (I offer a three-month mentorship, WRITE NOW, in which I privately coach teens and young adults who aspire to learn more about both the craft and the industry of writing.)

4. Receive a critique and/or edit of your book from a professional.

5. Find a virtual critique partner or class.

6. Enroll in a virtual writing conference. (I look forward to teaching at Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference in November! This conference offers both a virtual and an in-person attendance option.)

7. Last but not least, read books! There are countless of books on the market that are geared toward writers who hope to grow in their storytelling abilities, craft, editing skills, marketing, and learn more about the business side of writing.

What have been some of your favorite ways to grow your writing education during COVID? Do you have any that you would recommend? Feel free to share in the comments!

Tessa Emily Hall is an award-winning author who wrote her debut novel when she was sixteen. She is now a multi-published author of both fiction and non-fiction inspirational yet authentic books for teens, including her upcoming release, LOVE YOUR SELFIE (October 2020, Ellie Claire). Her passion for shedding light on clean entertainment and media for teens led her to a career as a Literary Agent at Cyle Young Literary Elite, YA Acquisitions Editor for Illuminate YA (LPC Imprint), and Founder/Editor of PursueMagazine.net. Tessa is guilty of making way too many lattes and never finishing her to-read list. When her fingers aren’t flying 128 WPM across the keyboard, she can be found speaking to teens, teaching at writing conferences, coaching young writers, and acting in Christian films. Her favorite way to procrastinate is to connect with readers is on her mailing list, social media (@tessaemilyhall), and website: www.tessaemilyhall.com.

Categories
Book Proposals

We’re All Struggling

We’re all struggling in this craziness, but one thing is sure, we are writers! We push on and don’t allow circumstances to prevent our stories coming to life.

Each day the news is different, and depending on who we listen to, either good or bad. Print sales are up, print sales are down. Ebooks are soaring, Ebooks have tanked. Self-publishing is the only way to go in this climate. Self-publishing will only drain you financially and emotionally. And it’s all Corona’s fault.

It only takes two minutes to open social media or a literary report to give us goosebumps from head to toe. And … cause us to question our chosen vocation. It’s tough to work on a project for a year or more, only to learn at the end of it that we might not be able to sell it.

This latest setback, the novel virus—we all know that has nothing to do with our kind of novel, has contributed to some interesting fluctuations in the market. So much so, that the very weak of heart have given up. But let me explain something. Those who aren’t in this crazy writers’ life for the long haul will use any excuse to give up. ANY excuse. Did you hear that?

They don’t like my work. I got three rejections in one day! I have to make a living (yes, a very valid reason, but if you can squeeze in just twenty minutes a day to write while keeping your day job…). It’s a LOT harder than I thought it would be.

If this crazy lock down did one thing, it’s this: it actually gave a lot of folks more time to write instead of less. And if not, then you’re no worse off than you were before. But write you must! Yes, there I said it. IF you are truly a writer, you have to write as surely as you have to breathe, and nothing … did you read that … nothing will stop you.

Artsy vocations aren’t like going to the bank from nine to five and pulling in a steady paycheck. Artsy vocations: theatre, sculpting, writing, painting, photography, etc., are not five days a week careers. They are 24/7/365 vocations that come from the heart. While you can learn to do all of these things, for true diehards, there is an uncontrollable itch inside that births the desire to create.

Few people wake up one day as a child and just know they must grow up to be a banker. But many children feel that tug to act, paint, or write. They set up stages in the family garage and act out Grease over and over until they are prolific with the songs and dialogue for each and every character. Others start writing stories as soon as they can string words together. And still others might paint/draw incredible concepts early on. This, my friends, comes from the heart. Not from classes, not from books, but from the heart. And THOSE individuals must pursue their art form, as I said, as surely as taking one breath after another.

Okay, nice philosophy, but do I really believe that? Should you really believe that?

Absolutely! If I quit writing altogether, a part of me would shrink (just like muscle atrophy when we stop moving), and I’d wither like a flower on a vine. I need—you need to be creative. We were made that way. As writers, we can’t look around us without seeing stories unfolding. We can’t sit at a keyboard and play games when there are voices in our heads begging to be released so they can tell their stories.

Do NOT allow these crazy, troubling times to become an excuse to sit back and give up. Only you can successfully tell the story or bring to life the information that has been woven into your heart. Don’t give up. Your story or article or memoir might be the very thing that helps another life grow into what he or she is meant to be. You never know who your writing will touch or why. In this lifetime, all you can do is write and assume you are helping to make a difference.

Press on and create. Let nothing … nothing … stop you.

Linda S. Glaz is an agent with Hartline Literary Agency, and also the author of eight novels and two novellas, so she “gets” writers. She represents authors in both the Christian and secular communities. She speaks at numerous conferences and workshops around the country each year. Married with three grown children and four grands, she lives in a small town where everyone is family.

Categories
Mastering Middle Grade

The Benefits of Oatmeal Brain

I don’t know if this happens to you, but when stress piles up in my life, my body starts to shut down. Sleepiness and a lack of energy takes over. I forget simple things. I forget complicated things. My body and brain dissolve into a pile of mush.

When Covid-19 swept through our lives, I think it’s safe to say it brought a fair degree of stress along for the ride. All of us wrestled with questions we didn’t expect to face. How do we manage work? School? Bills? Groceries? Our routines are not only upside down, but planning for the future is next to impossible when no one has any answers. That’s when stress threatens to take over and the oatmeal brain kicks in.

As it turns out, oatmeal brain is a blessing. It’s my body’s reaction to confinement, and even though it took me a while to view it this way, it’s a good thing. Here’s why:

It’s a signal. Oatmeal brain tells me it’s time to make a different choice. It says, “hey, instead of focusing on the things you can’t control, why don’t you take a breather? Why don’t you write?”

When real life shuts doors and has no answers, I can turn to my WIP and write about possibilities. I can throw myself into hopeful, joyous, strangely-flawed characters and explore a world built from imagination.

Dealing with oatmeal brain. Writing as therapy.

When my thoughts feel itchy and uncomfortable, I can write them out, turn them loose, and follow where they lead.

There have been days when all I’ve needed to get back on track was five minutes staring out the window and imagining what other people are thinking.

There have been days when I’ve felt so overwhelmed all I could do was look forward to a new day. That’s okay, too.

Here’s to looking for the possibilities in each new morning, and to giving ourselves grace as we find ways to move forward.

Kell McKinney earned a B.A. in journalism from the University of Oklahoma and an M.S. in documentary studies from the University of North Texas. She’s a part-time copywriter, double-time mom and wife, and spends every free minute writing and/or hunting for her car keys. Connect with her on Twitter @Kell_McK or kellmckinney.com.

Categories
Fantasy-Sci-Fi

How to Write Tactful Fantasy and Science Fiction During COVID-19

Writing during a global pandemic is probably not something you thought you’d be tackling. Writing is hard enough by itself!

But handling history well, whether you’re living it or researching it, is part of being a writer. Recently I saw an article that stressed how one publisher is not particularly focused on dystopian writing because of the current state of the world.

They stressed the importance of finding hope through historical events. Fantasy and Science-fiction can be used to build that hope, if done rightly. Here are a few ways to use the current global crisis for the benefit of your readers:

Enforce your writing with historical moments.

Countless moments have shaped history, and therefore storytelling, as a whole. This is one of them. Going back often helps us move forward.

As you plan, draft, or edit your current work-in-progress, focus on historical moments that looked bleak but ended in a brighter future. Draw inspiration from these moments and allow them to influence your writing. Readers need hope, and you’re one of the best people to give it to them.

Use history to teach.

The Civil War brought tension between family members and friends. The Great Depression was a drastic life change for many. COVID-19 is a different circumstance bringing similar emotional responses. Research those who lived during historical moments, look up their stories, and choose different aspects of these very real people to influence your characters.

For your protagonist, consider drawing different character traits from figures who experienced global moments in different centuries. Combine some of these characteristics into a fictional character, add your own twist, and use your character to bring hope to your story. This will show readers what characteristics still bring hope today.

Look to the future.

History shows us how to interact with the future, what to do, and what not to do. Science-fiction in particular points to the future. As you craft your story, pour yourself into world-building and research that will make readers want to escape into your world. Layer in supporting characters and scenes that will inspire your readers to return to their own world wiser, and with more hope, in how to handle their present circumstances.

Writing is a powerful tool. While writing for entertainment may not be our primary focus right now, it can be used to teach, inspire, and bring hope. Now more than ever it’s important to write powerful stories and strong characters. Let’s be the writers who encourage readers in a dark time. Write on!

Sarah Rexford is a Marketing Content Creator and writer. She helps authors build their platform through branding and copywriting. With a BA in Strategic Communications, Sarah equips writers to learn how to communicate their message through personal branding. She writes fiction and nonfiction and offers writers behind-the-scenes tips on the publishing industry through her blog itssarahrexford.com. She is represented by the C.Y.L.E Young Agency.

Instagram: @sarahjrexford
Twitter: @sarahjrexford
Web: itssarahrexford.com

Categories
Book Proposals

The Covid Affair

Well, here we are. Or … here I am, and there you are. We’re social distancing. This is new for many folks. For everyone if truth be told. It’s new, exhilarating, exciting, exhausting. Draining!

For most of us, as writers, this isn’t a burden whatsoever. We’re used to being holed up in our offices, working by ourselves (if we’re lucky and get the peace and quiet we crave).  In fact, we’ve been training for moments like this as long as we’ve been writing.

So how is it affecting us? A couple folks have said, “Just knowing I can’t go out, if I wanted to, is somehow interrupting my ability to write!” “I can’t get enough of this! It’s awesome!” And others tell me about how difficult it is to know massive work is expected of them during the shutdown. As if writers just turn on a switch and wrote.

I’ll be honest, while I thought it would be just another day at the office, my office, my in-home office, instead, I’ve found it really difficult to work. Oh, I get it done, but I find myself tuning in to much more news than before, being drawn to the outside (where absolutely nothing is happening) through my two office windows, and wanting to get up and move around more than before. Maybe it’s the sourdough starter tempting me to bake for the fifth time this week, and it’s only Wednesday. Sigh. My good intentions of getting a lot more writing done, reading of submissions completed, working on edits for clients, have gone by the wayside, along with that last batch of cinnamon rolls which haven’t gone by the wayside, but directly to my hips.

So what do we do? We can whine, complain, bake another batch of … who knows what, or we can plunk our behinds in our seats and get to work. There will always be distractions. We will have deaths, divorces, births, school papers due, problematic relationships, deadlines with “other” writing, and even friends asking us when we’re finally going to be published. We can freeze under the pressure, or we can press on. Press through. Press beyond what is expected of us. We can persevere and get the job done.

Life is filled with … well … life getting in the way. And in that will come excuses. Excuses to wait till the next day, wait till the virus clears the country, wait till we have more ideas … wait, wait, wait. And the writing never gets done.

As artsy folks, writers have, if you’ll pardon the play on words, “unimaginable” imaginations. Our minds work like the fastest core processors available. While we’re supposed to be writing, we’re already thinking of the sequel, prequel, and possible novellas to give away free for promotion. We’re picking out the publisher that we KNOW will want our novel, the actors who will play the lead rolls in the movie version, and even what to wear while attending the Oscar to see our made-into-movie novel win the best picture award.

Okay, so here I sit. There you sit. Yes, we are. We’re social distancing. I’m writing about what we might do to help during this Covid-19 thing, and you’re reading about it. Neither of us is writing.

C’mon. Let’s get on the shtick and do what we’re supposed to be doing: writing. Doing our best to make life a little better for the folks stuck at home, reading! Just waiting for our next great American novel that might tell … the unbelievable story of an entire world brought to its knees by a tiny virus. Why not? Somebody’s got to write it.

Linda S. Glaz is an agent with Hartline Literary Agency, and also the author of eight novels and two novellas, so she “gets” writers. She represents authors in both the Christian and secular communities. She speaks at numerous conferences and workshops around the country each year. Married with three grown children and four grands, she lives in a small town where everyone is family.