Lock and Key?

I contemplated entering a few contests lately with my current WIP (work in progress). But for starters it isn't done yet. That's kind of a drawback, just ask any agent or editor! LOL Anyway, another thing holding me back is the whole secret nature of my idea. Writers and readers alike I know are plagued with heartache over secret revelation. For a published writer it means lawsuit. For an unpublished writer it can mean suicide. Basically all stories are the same. They are mostly the same basic elements built with new and different twists and turns. They all have similar elements, albeit in skeleton form. this is what makes books all the more intriguing to me. Peoples minds are the sole difference in what becomes the written page. It amazes me that people can come up with the ideas and stories that they do!

So right now, I'm wondering. As a yet unrepresented and unpublished writer how much should I give of my storyline, if anything? And how much do I keep under lock and key? I mean, we(unrepped and unpubbed writers) walk a very fine line in today's social media day and age. It can help us immensely and,, most of the time I think that's exactly what it does. I want to share my idea a little to see if it takes off. I want to see what kind of response I get to it. To me, what I'm writing right now is a very new and fresh idea than what is currently on the market. And then I think, "But doesn't every writer believe that in their heart about their work?"

So my question to other like me and readers alike, to anyone really is this: How much do you share? How much do you keep to yourself? How do you protect yourself from ugly idea stealing? How many contests do you enter? How much do you put out their on blogs/facebook/twitter in general? How do you protect yourself? Or do you just go for it and hope for the best?

The chances of someone stealing my idea and then writing it and querying it are pretty good really, if they have time. I find time to be a HUGE stumbling block in my writing so.... I know that may sound like I think my idea is the cats meow. So let me assure you, I DO! If I didn't I couldn't put the passion and power behind the words that tell the story the way it deserves to be told. And sadly, I know, at the end of the day, If I don't write it. Someone else surely will. It's all about time.

My completed novel was, for some reason, MUCH easier to share generously. I don't know why that was. I didn't worry about it like I do this one. Not sure whether I'm just more paranoid or crazy or what! Probably all of the above!

Ok - back to writing! :)

You know what I love?

Cosmic lightening writing. Yup, you read that right. And it's a real thing. At least to me, if no one else. What, you may ask, is that? It's the awesome thing I feel when I'm writing and the words are pouring out like constant flashes of lightening during a great summer storm. And it's the bestest thing in the whole wide universe. It makes you scratch your head and go..Wow, this might just be a GOOD book. Of course, if you didn't think that about every book you write then how would you ever write it? But still....
I'm reveling in it and since the book I'm writing is called Flash, it kinda gives me the shivers somewhere deep inside! YAY!

When you can't write it better yourself.....

Don't! This is a fabulous post that I could've written myself(except for the part about having an agent and/or book deal of course...cuz I DON'T (good thing I'm not bitter about that)). In fact, I may have even tried to get these very points across before, but it was as if she channeled me and made it sound better than I ever could so check out this post on Jody Hedlund's blog about writers guilt. It's so great! I totally feel exactly like that!

My first fan letter and the BEST I'll ever get....

When your confidence wanes (and it always will at some point) and you wonder if you're any good always remember someone, somewhere, loves you just the way you are. Maybe she'll be a writer someday too, but right now, my 7 year old daughter is my biggest fan and I think this may be just the very best I will ever get! This wasn't even about writing but I needed it and thought it was very special....It's always important when your in the day to day storm of constant rejection to keep things in perspective. This is a good way to do that!

Do I have what it takes?

This question floats through my mind at regular intervals. Whether in terms of writing, mothering, being a friend or wife, it's always the same misgivings. Life is so crazy these days as I try to be the friend, mother and wife. Sadly, writer is not even in the backseat anymore. It's running behind the car down the interstate. It's tragic really. I get on an inspired writing streak and I can see the end and it's damn exciting....then, Monday comes and life resumes and I just can't seem to fit it in. I need to finish Flash because it's good. Of course I would say that, I'm writing it, but seriously, the idea is different and exciting and it's marketable. It's more marketable than Hourglass, as much as it saddens me to admit it. The facts are what they are. Don't worry though, I'm in no way giving up on that book. I'm just saying it may not be "the one."

So tonight I'm hoping and praying that yes, I am good enough, at everything I attempt to do. I've got to find a way to write. I love it. It's in my soul and I know it's my calling! I need to make time for it because YES! I have what it takes...I just need to take the time to have it! That looks easy on paper...hmm....

Fellow writer celebrating

Elle Strauss is a fellow writer who now has an agent! She's celebrating on her blog with a give-a-way contest! Check it out here! Happy for her and jealous for me! :D lol

Tons of contests posted and also, inspiration!

The fabulous author, Ann Dee Ellis is having a contest of sorts. It's just for inspirational purposes so we can write! That's what we need to do isn't it? I do! I'm planning on writing my little heart out and I think you should join me. Yes, you. Over there with the TV on...YOU! Also..I get points if you decided to join in on the fun so that's kinda nifty too! Here's the details on the contest, plus Ann Dee is pretty funny anyway, so you should read her blog more than just today....also, there are a ton of writers contests posted on there that you can enter and get money and bragging rights so that is worth it too!