Ask Alyse: The Writer World Questions Answered

**These are not answered in any particular order.**

Considering Amazon prohibited many reviews by "connected persons" judged by social media connections, what are the options for networking success, in your opinion?
--Create more ties and have them promote your work as much as you do by communicating with their own people, and ask them to boost reading status and hopefully the reviews. Amazon cannot fault all of us for our connections when in reality, most everyone is connected. I come from a small town, I know there are plenty who know of me, but I've no idea who they are; are we considered "connected persons" just because we live in the same town? No. We are connected by persons in the middle which create overlaps.

What do you like about writing? What do you not like?
--I like the creative process and the getting emotions or ideas out that may be bombs on the inside of the soul. I don't like that I work better with people not interrupting me but yet that's all that ever happens anymore...so I suppose the lack of respectability from others when you're actually in the zone.

What are your other interests?

--I like to help others, hanging out with loved ones, reading, traveling, anything creative catches my eye.

What were the early influences on your writing?

--Well, probably the fact that I've loved to read since before I can remember. I suppose some of the earliest influences would be the books I read as a child. I loved poetry, still do. And if you don't include the picture books from back then haha, then I suppose you could consider The Boxcar Children series by Gertrude Chandler Warner a major influence. I actually collect books in that series still, if I don't have one of them, I'll add it. There's so many, and I have always loved a good mystery as well as character strength and adventure. Oh, to have adventure.

Do you have a muse, like music?/What inspires your writing?

--I don't really have any one particular muse, unless I suppose you count the people in my life. I will play music sometimes when I write, but it's not a muse...I mean, I'll play a television in the background too as long as it's not too distracting nor news/westerns. Life events, literature, my travels, anything that sparks an idea that I can run with and bend inspires me.

What are you working on now, if anything?
--My projects haven't really altered in the past year. They've been at a stand still for awhile, but I hope to get back with them. It's driven me a little twitchy not being able to write and work on wips. Two novels, poetry book that I plan to encompass a long span of time. I've other short stories but unless asked to work on them, I want to work on the novels and poetry for now when it comes to my own creations.

What are your ambitions for your writing career?

--I want to do more editing for others and make a name for myself within that context. I want to publish my novels and my poetry book, and maybe compile my short stories into a collection. I wish to work with other writers for books, and maybe work with some people in the film industry to create plays or pieces fit for the screen. I'd also like to collaborate with singers and help create the lyrics. I want to conquer and have my hands in multiple aspects of the writing world over the years.

Which writers inspire you?

--There are really too many to count. Definitely J. R. R. Tolkien. And pro-female writers...I mean, have you read pieces by Libba Bray or Tamora Pierce? Strong characters that you can connect with.

How does writing change the writer?

--It can be a lifeline. And I don't mean in terms of money.

What genre are your books?

--The novels I'm writing I haven't type-casted into a category yet. I mean, they aren't fantasy or sy-fy though, I can tell you that. My short story that was published could probably be urban fantasy and/or sy-fy kind of...I don't really think about that.

Which actor/actress would you like to see playing the lead character from your most recent book?
--In Slayers? You know, I never thought about that.

How much research do you do?

--Depends on the piece or even the part of the piece. When I do research however, I love going on a tangent of it. I'm a research junkie at times.

Do you want to work with other writers on a book again in the future?
--I'd consider it.

Have you made much money writing?

--Not a single penny yet. And no, haven't seen it from Slayers and I think it's best not to dwell on it. However, there is a possibility I'll be doing freelance articles for the local newspaper at some point.

When did you decide to become a writer?

--I was seven.

Why do you write?

--It's a sanity thing at times. And my favorite form of expression. That, and it gets A LOT out of my head. And I just love it.

What made you decide to sit down and actually start something?
--When?

Do you write full-time or part-time?
--Whenever I can...

Do you have a special time to write or how is your day structured?
--No, but I would like to; I work a varied schedule and don't have the space or respect to be able to create that yet. I hope to one day. I like deadlines and such, so I know it would be helpful.

Do you aim for a set amount of words/pages per day?
--Only if I'm on a deadline for something.

Do you write on a typewriter, computer, dictate or longhand?

--Computer mostly, but I do carry multiple notebooks places so that if I have something come to me and I'm not near my laptop, I can jot it down. Sometimes you'll see me scribbling while I'm at work. And I have a voice recorder that once in a while I'll record into that while I do other things, but only if I'm by myself and not in public. I just started that actually.

Do you work to an outline or plot or do you prefer just see where an idea takes you?

--I have a relative outline in my head of some points I want to happen in a certain order, but normally I go where the idea takes me and then put together things like a puzzle or written quilt.

What is the hardest thing about writing?

--Getting the words from my brain to the paper or given the chance to even do it.

What is the easiest thing about writing?

--The grammaticism.

Do you ever get writer’s Block?

--Often.

Any tips on how to get through the dreaded writer’s block?

--I used to say to leave it and do whatever to distract your brain to stop obsessing, and then return and try again. I still hold true to that, even though I don't practice it like I used it. Shame on me.

What are your thoughts on writing a book series?
--I've thought about it, but let me get through the projects I've so far.

Do you read much and if so who are your favourite authors.
--I read as often as possible...and there's too many to list.

For your own reading, do you prefer ebooks or traditional paper/hard back books?

--I prefer traditional. I've nothing against ebooks although my brother will pick arguments with me forever on them, but I remember a book better and enjoy the tactile-ness when it comes to having real paper and ink in my hands instead of an electronic reader.

What book/s are you reading at present?

--I'm trying to finish Black Wings Has My Angel by Elliot Chaze, I just started reading The Diviners by Libba Bray while I was in the hospital, The Beedle and the Bard by J. K. Rowling, and Chasers of Light: The Typewriter series by Tyler Knott Gregson.

Who came up with the cover to Slayers?

--I've no idea, you will have to speak with the higher ups at 7DS Books. It's a pretty sick cover though, which makes me happy.

Do you think that the cover plays an important part in the buying process?
--Yes. While I believe the saying not to judge a book by its cover, it is an essential because when people are browsing online or walking through the store, that's what catches their eyes to make them stop and check it out.

What would you say are the main advantages and disadvantages of self-publishing against being published or the other way around?

--Advantage: you've more say in the format process, cover, etc. Disadvantage: less help advertising/marketing and you have less people likely to help edit so there's a chance of it being lower-quality...however, the latter is not always the case because those Fifty Shades books were mass-produced and were utter crap. (Yes, that's where I stand, be pissed if you wish.)

Do you have any advice for other authors on how to market their books?

--Network. Network. Network. And not just online. Connect with people.

What are your thoughts on good/bad reviews?
--Take them for what they are but don't let them get in your head.

What’s your views on social media for marketing?

--It's extremely useful, but for any feedback, take it with a grain of salt. Also, practice respect and humility and be humble. Just because you're using social media to put it out there does not mean that you need to take less care of others. Don't be a troll, but also don't listen to the trolls.

For editing, what’s your training?

--I've always had major attention to detail and been a grammar nerd, and I have a Bachelor's in English Creative Writing.

Do you consider yourself a confident or an anxious writer?

--Depends on my mood and what's going on in my life or mind.

Do you consider yourself a slow or a fast writer?

--Circumstances tend to matter; it can fluctuate.

Do you work from any kind of a plan?

--A somewhat organized mental one, but a messy one in written format. Unless it's for editing, then it's all organized.

Any tips on what to do and what not to do?

--You need to find things out for yourself and respect your audience. Show thankfulness, but I mean, don't think about your audience in every piece you write, because then you won't stay true to what the possibilities and honesty that your work can become. Don't ruin the potential. Oh, and explore, in both reading/writing as well as in your life, you'd be surprised what can become of it.

In what formats is your book available?

--Slayers is available in both ebook/kindle format I believe as well as hardcopy.

How can readers discover more about you and you work?
--Twitter. Youtube. Amazon. My blog. My like page on Facebook. Search for AlwaysAlyse and you should be able to hit at least one of them.

Author Fun

I was tagged in a blog post by a fellow author, Laurie Lyons. The challenge is to answer the question and then tag other authors. This is our version of tag...yes, the author game is on.

This is hopefully going to be more fun than other games...I mean, you should see some of us on Facebook. On there, we've played other versions of tag where we have to post a segment from one of our work in progresses, or we list our favorite books. We're just like the rest of you with silly online games and tomfoolery...just, we get our nerd on. Our geek on. What have you. Even have fun with grammar sillies.

We're boring people, but with colorful personalities. Many of my friends in the writing world will have me laughing and in tears quicker than most others I know. And I learn a lot from them. Writing world, it's a family. Anyways...take in and embrace the game that we're deciding to share with all of you.

Here are my answers.

What are you working on right now?

I will be honest. I haven't been writing too much lately. My moods aren't cohesive with what I want to put on the page, and I feel like it's doing a disservice to what I want to say when I want to write, say, a romantic scene, when in reality, I'm avoiding anything romantic as much as possible. For instance, if I were to watch a movie right now, I would prefer to watch someone kick ass, lots of action or something. Romantic movies, especially when the romance or the relationship factor, is high, I avoid big time. That's the best way I can explain my mind set, and it's affecting the writing process, because when I write, I put a huge part of myself into the piece.

But, for my work in progresses, I do have things going on. I always have things going on. I have two novels that I've been working on forever now. One is in England, has a mob-like or gang family kind of set up in a way. It's for the most part, a love story. The other novel is kind of a college based book, with everything that goes on in the background of college in a way. You know, kind of a rock and roll vibe but with finals. Haha. The whole: sex, boys, love, drugs, drinking. But it's got a heart. There are also little short stories here and there that I work on, and my verse work: songs and poetry.

Other than the writing aspect, I'm working on the beginning of my editing career. Started my editing services last month, and am open for business. Feel free, if you're a writer/publisher/what have you, to give me holler.

How does this differ from others as its genre?

Ha, that's a hard question. I don't think about genres. Not really. I know I'm going to be having a short story coming out from 7DS Books at some point, and that's my first supernatural-esque story. It's different than other supernatural kinds of stories that I've read, but I don't know if it's different than many in the genre. I don't really truly agree with thinking about genres when you are writing, because then I feel as if it's a constriction. Figure out the genre after the piece is done. Leave that aspect to when you are trying to find a publisher or for the marketing aspect.

How does the writing process work?

I work with my pieces like a patch work quilt. I write in segments instead of straight through. It's easier for me, because my mind isn't always working in a linear path. If I have a scene on my mind, that's what I work on. There are many times, where I just sit down to a blank page, with a few lines or tiny brainstorms in my head, and just write. Then, I take what I have and figure things out from there. It's all one large puzzle. No one formula.

So those are my answers. I was supposed to tag three other authors that I know, but unfortunately, most of my friends in the writing world have already done this game. I guess I'm at the end of the road for this branch.

Editing Services

I offer editing services for novels, creative non-fiction manuscripts, and short stories, including flash fiction, to fit with the budgets and needs of my clients. Right now, I am keeping the options small, but that is to better provide the attention to the work of my clients that they deserve. If you need help deciding which option is best for you, or there is a service I do not have listed, please contact me: alwaysalysemg@gmail.com

Line Edit Option

Cost: $3 per 1,000 words

This focuses on grammar, word choices, flow, and sentence structure. I focus on the artistic side, to help you create a steady and strong voice.

This includes many notes and tracked changes within the piece. It will help your piece to become more concise, by looking for issues such as adverb usage, overused words, purple prose (words or phrases that are too flowery and thus unnecessary), point of view changes, confusing sentences, fragments, describing problems (too much or too little), unnatural or awkward dialogue, cliché phrases, etc.

Sometimes developmental and line editing can overlap in the way that they are done, but for this option I do not look at or point out the issues that pertain to characterization, scenes, or plot. This is a good option for those that are confident with their story on a whole, but struggle with their prose and structure.

Development and Line Edit Option

Cost: $5 per 1,000 words

This option allows you to receive both developmental and line editing done at the same time. If you have not received an edit or critique like this before, be prepared. I try to be as detailed as possible, and do not sugar coat. Be ready to get many notes. Don't fear though, even if there is plenty that needs fixing, I strive to find positives as well. Don't let the feedback get you down.

Developmental editing is more about the content of the story, than the structure. It is about the set up of the scenes, the characterization, and the plot. It is the substance that makes the story a story.

I will provide both chapter by chapter breakdowns when it comes to the novels and nonfiction manuscripts. All pieces will receive overall comments.

For the chapter breakdowns, I will list primary issues for each one. I will treat each chapter as if it is its own story, by paying close attention. Does the chapter have sufficient conflict that is necessary to the piece? Does it push the plot forward? Does it provide information not already there, that is essential? Is it free of plot holes? Inconsistencies? Character issues?

Overall comments look at the entire story, and what they provide to it. Characterization, plot, and settings are all looked at closely. I will point out inconsistencies: "rules" of the story that are often in SciFi and Fantasy genres that make not work or change, timeline issues (if the order of events makes sense), parts that may be missing, continuity problems, plot holes, confusing elements, point of view, clichés, etc.

Other factors that I will look at are: how to improve the story's flow, how strengthen the characters (both their personalities, use, and journeys), notes on the tension and emotions, notes on where to shorten or lengthen word counts, and sometimes, opinions that are to help you figure out how to improve both the content and marketability of the piece.

Professional Package Option

Cost: $10 per 1,000 words

This option grants you three separate rounds of editing, where after each time, I will send the manuscript back to allow for changes to be made: two developmental and line edits and one line edit. This is to help the writer to work out any bumps and problems within the piece and get it to a highly polished level. This package will take the longest, but is worth the wait and effort. This is along the lines of the sort of process that most publishing houses would require if you were to go through them.

Bonus: if needed, after the last edit, I will comb through the manuscript a fourth time, free of charge.

Trial Edit Option

This trial run option is for pieces that are longer than 10,000 words. Send me the first 2,000 words of your manuscript, and I will do a trial line edit for $2 or a trial developmental and line edit for $4. If you decide to hire me to edit your full piece, I will deduct this amount from your bill. This does not opt for comments on plot or a complete writing report, since it is only a sliver of your work.

Turnaround Time

The time it takes to edit a piece depends on a few factors. The length of the piece. How much work it requires. The package chosen. And how many clients are booked ahead of you. Before you pay, I will discuss with you the pricing/payment method, an approximate start date, and an estimated delivery time. Short story edits have a quicker turnaround than novels and nonfiction manuscripts. I schedule first come, first serve. If you choose me to edit for you, I will put you on a list stating the order in which I've been contacted, what sort of piece you have, and if you need a rush. I will state that I give my clients' work the attention it deserves, and believe in quality over quantity.

NOTES

If your piece is less than 1,000 words, I will still take it (ex: flash fiction). And for pieces that don't equal out to the straight thousand markers (such as 80,725 words for instance), that is fine. I will figure out the pricing according to the way option chosen.

Pricing per word break down per option:

Line Edit Option: $0.003 per word

Developmental and Line Edit Option: $0.005 per word

Professional Package Option: $0.010 per word

If you are in need of services and these pricings do not work for you, contact me, and we will discuss other methods of payment. If you are a small pub wishing to hire my services for multiple pieces, contact me, and we will discuss the option of a flat rate. Negotiations are possible.

Time to pay? If you are doing the trial option or your piece is less than 1,000 words, I require payment in full before the editing process can begin. Otherwise, I require half of the payment at the start before I begin to edit, and the rest of the payment at the end. AKA, half up front, the rest upon delivery. If this does not work for you, as I've previously stated, contact me and we will talk.

I cannot start the editing process until I acquire the payment method agreed upon. If we agree to a pricing and I do have at least part of the payment, I will have to put your piece on hold and move forward with another's work, and return to yours once I do have said payment.

I ask that the piece be legible. Do not use any fancy fonts that may make it difficult to read. Also, if possible, please save the file as a .doc (Microsoft Word) and double space. This will make it easier for me to open the file as well as make commenting easier. If you cannot, it is understandable. I will work with you to make sure that the file will open properly.

To Book My Services

To hire me as your editor, send an email to alwaysalysemg@gmail.com with the following:

-Your name.

-Pen name, if you have one. (Some writers will email using their legal names and their documents will have their pen name, which can cause some confusion for both parties.)

-Title and genre of your piece.

-The type of piece (novel, creative non-fiction manuscript, short stories, flash fiction).

-The word count of your piece.

-Which editing option you would like.

-When you would like the piece's edit carried out (such as if you need a rush or not).

-Your PayPal email (If you do not have an account with PayPal, I also accept mailed checks and money orders).

-Any questions, expectations, concerns, or comments.

Speaking of questions, comments, concerns...if you have any, please contact me.

Contact: alwaysalysemg@gmail.com

The Saturday Six Sixteen

1. I went to the eye doctor’s for the first time in almost two years and found out I needed a stronger prescription. It’s later in the week and my eyes are already starting to feel a bit better after all the stress they’ve been dealing with for about a month or so. And the headaches caused from it are starting to dissipate! It’s wonderful, and it also means I can focus better, for reading, writing, and editing.
   
   
2. I got to choose new frames, and now my face gets to choose between gold and purple. Haha. And I got to learn that spring frames are better than others, being more durable—explaining why my old ones had a hard time staying on my face when I had them, and eventually got somewhat warped.
   
   
3. Wednesday, when I got back into my town from Batavia, I met up with my friend Chrissy when she got out of work. It was a really good night; one we both sorely needed.  We walked around town for an hour, and then drove around back roads, before heading over to Geneseo for supper. Lots of talking. Some laughter. Stories. And good old Marilyn Manson playing in the car.
   
   
4. I edited and beta-read a snippet for one of my friends this week, helping her to get better at writing, and to practice editing more.  I’ve also been reading a little bit on things for editing, while working on my own work.  Always working hard in the writing world, just may be the actual creating, the editing process, or reading. I enjoy it and I know it’ll never stop providing me with a challenge in some sort of way. Here’s to the craft of words!
   
   
5. My friend M. R. Bryant had a Kindle sale from the first until today for her first book, Nation Nine. I talked with her last night, and the sale has been a larger success than one could have hoped!  If you haven’t yet, get yourself a copy and read the book, even if it’s after the sale is over. It’s a good read, especially if you like Dystopian literature, which is usually something I’m not a fan of myself, but I did like the Hunger Games trilogy, and I sincerely enjoyed my friend’s work.  Try it!  The second book in her series will be coming soon, so READ ya’ll. Hehe.
   
   
6. In my town, aside from the local YMCA, we also now have a gym that’s opened 24/7 which opened sometime during my college years. My friend Jamie took me there as a guest for my first time yesterday.  We worked out nearly two hours, where I did a tiny bit of arm and back work, some leg work with the machines, and did about eight miles through cardio (mainly using one of the bikes), constantly changing the resistance levels.  My body felt like jelly afterwards before it became numb, but oh man, it felt so good. I started liking working out during my last year of college, so needless to say, I found myself admitting that I missed it. My high school self would be in shock. Doing a tiny bit of yoga today to keep from locking too much, but you can tell you worked your ass off literally when all your muscles ache. It did allow me to sleep for the most part, better than I have most of the time.

~Count your blessings, and whether things are bad or you’re doing well, find something good and hold on!

Much love!

~*~Alyse~*~

The Saturday Six Thirteen

1. Saturday, my sister and I took my mama out to the Olive Garden for the first time, as an early birthday present.  Yummy breadsticks is worth it. As was the smile and surprise on her face.

2. Sunday, as most of you know, was the VMAs, and I admit, I haven’t watched really any award shows in the last few years let alone anywhere near the way I did when I was younger.  I watched though, and I admit to major fangirling moment. I mean, I was born in 1991, so…I’ve listened to Justin Timberlake as one of my number one pop artists most of my life, and he was my favorite one out of the ‘Nsync guys.  Honestly, my sister has a photo somewhere in her albums of me in elementary, wearing an oversized Veteran’s Club t-shirt as a nightgown kissing and posing with her Justin poster.  ‘Nsync is by far the best pop boy band (seriously, One Direction, you’re a no-go and I want the Union Jack flag returned to the Spice Girls). Yes, I was among the twenty-something year olds that I know who was clapping like a fool with a huge ass grin spread across my face the moment I saw all the boys together.  And yes, I immediately sang along with them just like I did when we were kids, and when I used to watch my sister’s VHS of one of their concerts for “No Strings Attached”.
   
   I mean, a lot of the show was good, and heck, I got teary-eyed when Macklemore did “Same Love.” It matters, not just because the song is powerful, but because I know a good handful of beautiful souls who have been in my life at some point or another that deserve things just like that.
   
   Show was great, okay, I admit it. However, to me, Justin Timberlake eclipsed everything else with that spectacular performance, and the appearance of the whole ‘Nsync band reunited.  Miley, I like your music.  Lady Gaga, I like yours as well.  Taylor Swift…I paused my television when you hugged your co-star from the video you won your award for, just so I could stare at his sexy self for a second.  Will Smith, I caught you bobbing your head. And Katy, I heard you roar.  However y’all, the part that will stay in my memory best or at least the longest, as the days pass by is what I just spent three paragraphs, going on four, discussing.
   
   ‘Nsync…for a brief moment, I was thrown back to the times when my age was in the one-digits, I was more carefree, and I was much more pure of mind.  You brought the good parts of growing up, and a flash of the young me.  I will probably remain an ‘Nsync fan, and a Justin Timberlake fan, until I’m no longer able to hear music.
   
   
3. I finished reading The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern late one night. I had wanted to read it badly when I used to shelve it all the time at my old job, and it did not disappoint. Funny though, some segments reminded me of pieces of Libba Bray’s Gemma Doyle trilogy.  I love the style of writing that both authors have, and see a similarity in the way in which I like to write. The visuals in my head came so easily, and aside from the time jumping and POV jumping that took me a while to get used to, I felt like I was right there, as another member in the charade.
   
   Excerpt to catch your fancies:
              
   “Stories have changed, my dear boy,” the man in the grey suit says, his voice almost imperceptibly sad. “There as no more battles between good and evil, no monsters to slay, no maidens in need of rescue. Most maidens are perfectly capable of rescuing themselves in my experience, at least the ones worth something, in any case.  There are no longer simple tales with quests and beasts and happy endings.  The quests lack clarity of goal or path. The beasts take different forms and are difficult to recognize for what they are. And there are never really endings, happy or otherwise. Things keep going on, they overlap and blur, your story is part of your sister’s story is part of many other stories, and are a great deal most complex than a princess and a dragon, or a wolf and a scarlet-clad little girl. And is not the dragon the hero of his own story? Is not the wolf simply acting as a wolf should act? Though perhaps it is a singular wolf who goes to much lengths as to dress as a grandmother to toy with its prey.” (Page 499)
              
   “The truest tales require time and familiarity to become what they are.” (Page 500)
              
   “Someone needs to tell those tales. When the battles are fought and won and lost, when the pirates find their treasures and the dragons eat their foes for breakfast with a nice cup of Lapsang souchong, someone needs to tell their bits of overlapping narrative. There’s magic in that. It’s in the listener, and for each and every ear it will be different, and it will affect them in ways they can never predict. From the mundane to the profound. You may tell a tale that takes up residence in someone’s soul, becomes their blood and self and purpose. That tale will move them and drive them and who knows what they might do because of it, because of your words. That is your role, your gift. Your sister may be able to see the future, but you yourself can shape it….” (Page 505)
   
   
4. This week was mom’s 49^th birthday.  I’d bought her birthday present a couple of weeks ago, before we took her to Olive Garden.  She really liked her gift, but got on me for spending money I don’t have much of on her since we’d taken her to supper. However, she understood the dinner was an impromptu thing, and she likes the shirt. I win. I also made her a cheesecake since I didn’t think we needed a 9x13 cake, especially considering that after I made the dessert, I found out that her coworker had made her cupcakes.  Her candles? Yeah, I put those in the shape of a heart, and she had my nephew blow out the candles with her.
   
   
5. Over the weekend, I brainstormed things from the past few years about myself and took my old (admittedly, bad) résumé and put it all together, because a friend of mine has offered to help me to a good one, that I can not be not quite so nervous about giving to potential employers.  However, my mom and I got to talking and brainstorming ways for me to get an actual job again due to me lack of transportation.  The only problem with it, is that the jobs I look for at the moment, have to be in the ten mile radius of home, so that it’s not out of my family’s way to get me there. I found two jobs that I don’t think will make me go nuts, and that I think would be very beneficial not just to my bank account and bills, but also to my growth.  Filling out the applications though, I had to have a résumé, so I spent a whole night trying to make one that wasn’t an online plug and chug.  I’m nervous now, especially since jobs in town are always a fight usually, due to them being hard to get.
   
   
   
6. Okay, let’s talk about the writing world. The one that I love being succumbed to…most importantly, the people within my writing bubble.
   
   I tried out my video calling on Google+ yesterday, so I can talk more with my writer friends, etc. The first one I got to talk to is my lovely friend, author of Vaalbara: Visions & Shadows, Vaalbara: The Land of Shadows, and a 7DS writer. It was nice to first figure out how to use my video caller, but also to finally get to meet her virtually face to face. It’s somewhat surreal to think that I can talk to my friends via video, especially when Michelle for instance hails from South Africa. Among our short conversation, she asked me about what I plan to do for jobs now, and I told her what I would like but I also mentioned what I’m just looking for right now.  She suggested that perhaps through marketing myself, I can perhaps get small presses to look to me for editing positions that I can do online, on the side with my writing.  I’ve looked for online freelancing via job sites and have come up short, but this is a good idea. I mean, I help my friends here in WNYS sometimes, so why not? I mean, it would make me really happy and be something that I love to do. Yes, I know I can’t rely on it to support me financially, but it would be good to do. She had a point that if you’ve got editing skills, they shouldn’t be put to waste.
   
   This month I had beta-read for my friend Jess Russell, and after I gave it back to her, she said she wanted to submit it, but wasn’t sure if she was good enough. I told her she is though, and encouraged her to send it to some of our other writer friends if she still wasn’t sure. Guess what?  Things are looking up for her, and I’m proud of her, always.
   
   
   

~Count your blessings, and whether things are bad or you’re doing well, find something good and hold on!

Much love!

~*~Alyse~*~

The Saturday Six (Eleven)

1. Sunday, even though I had zero energy, I went to Geneseo to see We’re The Millers, even though it meant me sitting there by myself.  My dad went and saw 2 Guns.  Why didn’t he watch my movie? Because I told him he would not want to watch it with me…he’d probably like it, possibly, but after seeing Savages when that was in theaters, I’d like to avoid anything regarding my like in movies that happen to have sex and marijuana. Especially, when both movies involve the selling of it.  I’ve no problem with the way people choose to live their lives really, as long as it doesn’t harm another person, and they’re movies. However, my dad watching this with his youngest daughter is a very bad idea, and I didn’t want him to damper the movie I’d wanted to see.
   
   And how I enjoyed said movie!
   
   I have got to say, it was probably one of the funniest movies I’ve seen released in months, and my mute-self was wanting to laugh so hard, I even had a coughing spasm trying to.  I sat there in the theater, by myself, Goobers and popcorn with extra butter and salt in my lap, with an incredibly large grin upon my face.  Who would have thought that seeing Jennifer Aniston as a stripper would be the highlight to my day, let alone, the highlight in my life in days.  Thank you Millers.
   
   
2. Tuesday was the two week marker of being a mute.  So…needless to say, I was overjoyed when Monday night, my sister sent over a dry erase board from the Dollar Tree in my nephew’s diaper bag. I’m extremely grateful for this gesture, because I was tired of hunting around to make sure I had scrap paper on me or typing in large font on my computer to communicate with people. I learned a long time ago, when I had laryngitis in high school (three times!) that these little boards are a god send.
   
   
3. Even as a mute, I was tired of seeing only family members and being a hermit.  I was losing all sanity. I wanted to scratch the crap out of a certain individual.  I took a chance of completely draining myself again, possibly getting nauseated and risk passing out (did that last week, bad, very bad), and allowed my friend Chrissy to kidnap me and take me on errands with her.
   
   Unlike everyone else, she has no problem seeming like she is talking to herself.  She is quite a talker, and great at picking up subtle cues of communication.  I was also able to use a little bit of signing that I do remember from my childhood mixed in with using my handy dandy board, and heavens thank you for her friendship! My throat was feeling a tad better, and I was able to laugh—well, kind of.
   
   And apparently, I was quite amusing, even in my mute state, and not just to Chrissy.  Our waitress at Applebees got to read my order off my board, and another waiter thought that we were doing a trivia game until he found out I had no voice. They loved that I had a board. Weird, but good.
   
   I thank the stars every day for the friends I have in my life.  Friends are the biggest reason I survive, they are part of the why and part of the how.
   
   
4. I got my hair trimmed this week, finally!
   
   It took almost a year, which makes me extremely paranoid to go so long without one.  However, I found a person I could afford and that I could trust.  Having both things work together is hard, and I trust very few near my hair, even fewer with something that could harm it, such as scissors. Woo-hoo!
   
   
5. This month, I’ve done some BETA reading and editing for a friend.  I finished with what she has towards her larger manuscript that is a WIP.  I loved a lot of it, and for some reason, my writing friends who’ve had me look over scenes, etc for them this summer, have a way of playing with my emotions through their work.  Thumbs up, ladies. I consider that a good thing. And I loved her takes on some of the creatures involved, as well as how she tackled different aspects about life.  The more important things, such as the connections between people.  I think she truly has potential in what she’s creating.
   
   
6. My sister, even in her frustrated state last night, got me a plate of fried dough and my favorite taffy (wintergreen) from our county fair. I practically inhaled the dough, I’d been craving all week. There’s something about fair food and summer, I swear.

~Count your blessings, and whether things are bad or you’re doing well, find something good and hold on!

Much love!

~*~Alyse~*~