Fresh Air

Every writer needs a breath/blast of fresh air from time to time.

These are a few of the things I have been doing to improve myself as a writer and become a helpful, contributing member of the wonderful community of writers:

CLASSES:

* A great online class on Story, Theme and Idea
* An eye-opening class on writing a synopsis
* A really hard, but very worth it, class on show vs. tell
* An online class on creating tough heroines
* And an online class on saving your manuscript
* An online class on how to deepen your story and hit the major plot points.
* A surprising class on weapons.

READING:

* Read: The first Five Pages, How to Write a Great Query Letter, Creating Unforgettable Characters, How to Write a Damn Good Novel, How to Write a Damn Good Mystery, ePublish, Plug Your Book, Zen and the Art of Writing, and Ignore Everybody: And 39 Other Keys to Creativity.*Currently working my way through: Thanks, But This Isn’t For Us, and The Gotham Writer’s Workshop.
* Beta tested an e-workbook on query writing
* Reading lots on social media and marketing for writers as well as platform building.

ONLINE:

* It’s All Kid’s Play This is the home site and a sample of my manuscript that is out on submission to publishers.
* Online site moderator for AgentQuery Connect. I also critique, mentor, and share with other writers on this site. Love it!
* Active blogger here as well as on a group blog From The Write Angle.
* I tweet writing related goodies as @jeanoram and parenting and kid friendly fun and play stuff as @kidsplay.
* I am on Facebook as Jean Oram for writing things and as It’s All Kid’s Play for kid and parenting goodies.
* I am on Pinterest pinning good stuff for parents and kids that are related to fun, unstructured play, books, crafts, and so much more.

WRITING:

* Always critiquing and learning with my critique partners
* NaNoWriMo (National novel writing month) participant (two years)
*Currently working on a middle grade novel for boys. The main character is a ghost who really sucks at!

EDITING:

* I have been doing freelance editing for other writers. I critique, coach, and edit everything from fiction manuscripts to proposals to nonfiction to queries. Please contact me for more information regarding these services. (Email button on top right corner of this page.)
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And of course, as most writers I… read many agent and editor blogs. I’m always learning, absorbing, and thinking and involved in the wonderful process of  read, read, read, write, write, write, edit, edit, edit….