Just Right? Or Just Write! By Patti Jo Moore

Are you a perfectionist? When you’re getting ready to write, does everything need to be organized and completely tidy? I’m sure there is a writer—somewhere—who has a special writing desk that is perfectly neat. No messy papers or post-it notes scattered, no books spread on the desk (or floor!), no coffee stains on anything, research materials, character information, and any other needed materials all arranged in perfect order, ready to be used by the writer to compose a wonderful (maybe even best-selling) story. If this describes you, I’d love to meet you—maybe even get your autograph! 😉

But for the rest of us, we seldom (if ever) have circumstances that perfectly align with our “ideal” writing time or space. Even those of us who are blessed to have a designated room in our home to call our writing office, there will still be obstacles when we want to produce those needed words. If you have children at home, then it’s likely you write when they’re busy with their own activities. For those of you who work at a job besides writing, it can be very challenging finding that “right” time to write. When I taught kindergarten, I still had children living at home and cannot imagine trying to write a complete manuscript in those days! Whew! Even if you have plenty of time to write with no interruptions, there might be health-related issues that interfere with your writing. It can be a challenge to be productive if you have a throbbing headache or any physical illness/discomfort.

Writing Consistently By Terri Weldon

Terri Weldon

Well, here I am on the wrong Thursday again. A special thanks to Dora for her flexibility and kindness in switching with me. While I’m writing this I know my sister will be in surgery as you read the post on Thursday morning. Please say a prayer for a successful surgery and swift recovery.

Recently, I wrote a complete book in what felt like a very short amount of time – at least to me. I won’t deny the pace was grueling and there were times I wondered if I would ever finish something worth reading in such a short timeframe. I’m pleased to say I did finish and while it might or might not find a home, I had an epiphany as I wrote the novel. Writing consistently makes you a better writer. I know, you’ve heard that a million times before. So had I, but while writing this project I experienced the reality of it firsthand.

To finish my book and edit it in the allotted time, I had to write boo coos of words fast. What I discovered was the more I wrote, the easier it became to hop into my character’s head. Their voices came naturally, and I knew how they’d react in the harrowing situations they’d face in this romantic suspense novel.

Don’t get me wrong, like all characters they refused to stick to the synopsis I’d written 100%. Seems they had a mind of their own and they weren’t afraid to let me know when they didn’t like my original plan. But let’s face it, when have your characters done everything according to plan? Mine never do. They seem to think they know best.

Would I want to write all my manuscripts at the breakneck pace required to finish this one? NEVER! I think sleep deprivation would do me in. However, as I’m plotting the sequel to the book I just finished, I do want to meet a specific word count every day. I do want to write faster than I have in the past. I do want to write consistently, it reduced the amount of editing required. So regardless of what happens with this story, I’ve learned an invaluable lesson that will help me grow as a writer.

How about you? Do you write consistently? If so, has writing consistently improved your writing? If not, would you be willing to give it a try for two weeks and let me know how it goes? I’d love to hear your responses so leave a comment about your experiences.

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Misty Winslow is determined to find her prince, and she meets the man of her dreams through an Internet dating service. Or is he, because the new dentist in town also sets her heart aflutter.

It's love at first sight for Tyler Davenport, but before he can finish his first root canal, Misty is involved in an exclusive online romance with Wes99—Tyler’s online persona. How can he tell her he’s the man she’s been waiting to meet, and how rational is it for him to be jealous of Wes99! Soon Tyler's pulling out all the stops to woo Misty.

As Christmas approaches, Wes99 and Tyler both ask her to meet them under the mistletoe. Which man will she choose?

Terri is a lead analyst by day and an author by night. She enjoys gardening, reading, and playing in the hand bell choir. One of her favorite pastimes is volunteering as the librarian at her church. It allows her to shop for books and spend someone else’s money! Plus, she has the great joy of introducing people to Christian fiction.

She lives with her family in Oklahoma. Terri has three dogs – a lovable mutt and two adorable Westies.

Terri is a member of ACFW and OCFW, a local chapter of ACFW. Her dream of becoming a published novelist came true in November 2013 when Mistletoe Magic, released from White Rose Publishing. To learn more about Terri visit her website at www.TerriWeldon.com.