Ciao, amici! Good news… I started book two of my new series this week, and I’m so excited about it. This one, I think, is going even better than the first. And I finally got to introduce a character who I think is going to become one of my favorites ever.
I realize I sound cryptic. My apologies. I haven’t really disclosed any details about this project yet, so a lengthier description would be pointless. I’ll start talking about it soon, though.
Until then, suffice it to say that this was a fun writing week for me!
Since I started a new project, I thought my quote of the week should reflect that. I struggled with which one to choose, then finally chose these wise words from Sylvia Plath:
Everything in life is writable about if you have the outgoing guts to do it, and the imagination to improvise.
The worst enemy to creativity is self-doubt.
You might laugh, but the deciding vote in which quote to choose was the fact that she used the word “writable.”
I kind of waffle back and forth. There are days where I’m completely confident in myself. I like those days. (Who wouldn’t?) Then there are the days where I question every word, every plot decision, and even my choice in vocation. (Those days, it goes without saying, totally suck.)
In the end, doubt or not, it doesn’t matter. I enjoy writing, and I’m going to keep doing it. I definitely have the imagination; I probably need to work on the guts a little bit.
How about you? Let’s talk about it.
And now, this week’s writing links:
Posts by me, about my work, or at sites I contribute to:
Me
Story Empire
- On Becoming a Writer, Part 1 | Joan Hall
- Horoscope for Characterization | Harmony Kent
- Book Covers | P.H. Solomon
Posts by others in the industry:
- Marketability of Short Stories | Fiction University
- Descriptive Writing | Re:Fiction
- What is Woman’s Fiction? | Re:Fiction
- Types of Mysteries | Judi Lynn
- Describing Eyes | Word Dreams
- Describing Sound | Word Dreams
- Choosing Your Audiobook Narrator | Nicholas C. Rossis
- Building Mystery into Your Story | Fiction University
- Satisfying Endings | Uninspired Writers
- Goal-Oriented Storytelling: Novelty | Writers Helping Writers
- 10 Ways to Start a Story | The Write Practice
- Group Giveaways to Increase Email Subscribers | Your First 10K Readers
- Grammar Points | Kill Zone
- Test Your Scene’s Narrative Drive | Fiction University
- Writing Exes Who Don’t Hate Each Other | Legends of Windemere
- Authors Turn on Amazon Book Review Policies | The Book Designer
- Flashbacks and the P.A.S.T. Method | Writers Helping Writers
- Facebook Ads | Nicholas C. Rossis
To make you smile:
- Monday Memes | Marcia Meara
- Twiggy and Lucy at Home | John W. Howell
And when you’re done with these links, don’t forget to check out the sidebar, where you’ll find more links to some of my favorite sites.
Have a great week! Arrivederci!
Congrats on getting a new project off to such a great start, Staci!!! I love the quote and totally agree!
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Thanks, Jan. This is probably the smoothest beginning I’ve ever written.
Glad the quote spoke to you. Appreciate you stopping by. 🙂
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I read the quote from Sylvia Plath and had to say “Amen!” So true! Congrats on starting book 2, and it sounds like it’s going well. Keep it up! And thank you so much again for hosting me on my blog tour!
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Thanks for the encouragement, Julie.
And I’m always happy to host you. Stop by anytime!
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Reblogged this on Loleta Abi.
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Much appreciated.
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Congratulations on starting a new book Staci. That takes guts, all else aside! I have my days where I think vacillate over every word and nothing comes out right, but then there are those sweet days where the words flow like wine. I think it takes constant guts to do what we do… kudos on starting the new WIP.
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I think it takes a little guts to write a novel but a lot of guts to publish one. And it’s all the more difficult when the words aren’t flowing.
Thanks, Jessica.
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Touché Staci!
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The second book- look at you go! I think your ‘guts’ will be just fine 🙂
I’ve been having a hard time getting motivated, but my characters are whispering in my ear, so maybe soon.
At the moment it’s hard to focus, the cherry trees are in full blossom and it’s simply breathtaking!
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When the outside beckons, I struggle to concentrate. I hope the whispers get louder so you can get some writing done, but I certainly can’t blame you for enjoying that view. Blossoms fall too fast. Green trees are pretty, but not as pretty as flowering ones!
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Glad I’m not the only one having those waffling days – self-doubt really can kill creativity. Congrats on the new project and the productive writing week – and have a great weekend, Staci!
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Self-doubt can be a bi… A pain. Wishing you a productive week, too!
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I just started Julie’s book. If I didn’t have a rest-of-my-life, I’d be reading it right now!
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That rest-of-life always pulls me away from things, too. But I’m sure when you get back to her book, you’ll enjoy it. I finished it yesterday — couldn’t put it down.
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Congratulations on starting the new project.That’s exciting!
I have those same waffling back and forth days, and always hate when I’m the downward spiral side of them. Right now, I’m excited about new projects, too. I finally got the opening paragraph (yes, paragraph) for my next book nailed down. I changed the point where I open four times, so although a paragraph might not seem like much, I’m jazzed by having made a firm decision on where to start the story. Bonus points: the next scene is already written.
Here’s to new projects and writer confidence! Have an awesome weekend!
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I struggle with beginnings, too. But once I nail them, it’s off to the races. Glad you finally got the opening you were looking for. I know the words will flow, now. And I can’t wait to read them!
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Thanks for including me in your links! And isn’t it the way of writing that one day our writing feels brilliant and the next day all we see are the flaws? Guess that keeps us on our toes:) I shared this on my author Facebook page. Every writer I know can empathize with it. And good luck with the new series. I love the mystery surrounding it.
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Gee, thanks, Judi. I appreciate the share and hope the post resonates with your followers.
And I was happy to include you. 🙂
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Reblogged this on The Write Stuff and commented:
I love Friday’s posts from Staci Troilo! Inspirational words combined with lots of super links to check out. What’s NOT to love? See for yourself, and then pass it along to the Immediate World. Thanks, and a special thanks to Staci for taking the time to compile these every week. I’d never catch up without them. 🙂
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Thanks so much for the kind words, Marcia. And the share!
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Another inspirational post (look at you go!) filled with great links to check out. And thanks so much for the pingback. A great feeling to be included with this group, for sure! 😀 ❤
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I think we all need a little inspiration now and then. I know when I’m ending a rough week, it actually helps me to find something that lifts me.
And I’m glad to have included you!
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I love those days when all seems to work and one has an invincible feeling. Those are the days that sustain us when the opposite emotions rear their ugly head. Thank you for the pingback. It gave me one of the invincible moments 😁
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I’m glad I started adding links that make me smile. We all need those moments. And I’m super excited to have given you an invincible one!
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To be in the presence of so many great links has that effect. 😀
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You nailed this one. We all have those feelings. Some of us just don’t admit them.
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Thanks, Michele.
If I can’t be honest here with other writers, then what’s the point?
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Reblogged this on Author Don Massenzio and commented:
Check out Author Inspiration and This Week’s Writing Links from this post on Staci Troilo’s blog.
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Many thanks, Don.
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You’re welcome.
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You describe the feelings perfectly. Some days you’re the dog and some days you’re the hydrant. Doubt is ever present around my writing. He’s a raven perched beside my desk.
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OMG, that analogy made me laugh. I’m glad I hadn’t sipped my coffee before reading that. But it’s perfect. I do have hydrant days. And now I feel even worse about them. Ew.
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Laughter is a good way to start the day. Hope you’re the big dog on the yard today.
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OMG, I wetting myself laughing at Craig’s analogy. I need to remember that one!! 🙂 he he
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🤣
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Congrats on starting a new book. The quote is so true. I allow self-doubt to stifle my creativity for years. have a great weekend!
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It’s so easy for me to say this, but don’t let it derail you. You’re so talented, Joan. And I’m really looking forward to book three!
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Can’t wait to find out about the new character.
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Thank you, David. I think I might start talking about the new series this coming week. If not then, then soon.
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I love those confident writing days:) I feel invincible. Too bad they are followed by a what am I doing day. I am so excited about your new series. I can’t wait to hear more about it and read it! Great quote. Have a great weekend Staci:)
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The what-am-I-doing days are awful. Too bad there’s not a pill for that.
Thanks, Denise.
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Yay for having a good writing week!
I don’t have confidence in my writing, but I have the advantage of being a novice, so it’s okay not to be a good writer yet. I keep telling myself if I stick with it, I WILL get better with time, and that keeps me inspired.
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I remember those early days, Priscilla. It’s so easy to doubt yourself. Try not to. You started writing for a reason; let the passion for the project spur you on.
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Reblogged this on: https://harmonykent.co.uk/author-inspiration-and-this-weeks-writing-links-2/
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Many thanks, Harmony.
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Congrats on starting your second book in the series, Staci! Best of luck with that. I know what you mean about the good days and the not so good. I find that low energy usually opens the doors to those demons of doubt. I’m having one of those mornings today, but… hey … the sun is shining for the first day in weeks, so I’m gonna stock up on coffee and write! Thanks for the links and the pertinent quote. Have a lovely weekend 🙂
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We had sun yesterday. Now we’re back to clouds and cool temps. But it’s spring. Nice weather is around the corner.
You’re probably done with your coffee, but I’m raising mine in salute to you. Hope you’re having a great writing day!
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Reblogged this on Nicholas C. Rossis and commented:
Staci’s writing links of the week (including some funnies)
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Many thanks, Nicholas.
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Hye, huge congrats on starting your second book! You’re now a proper author 🙂
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That kind of made me laugh. Second book in this series. I’m old, Nicholas. I have a pretty decent backlist.
But any possitive comment that has “proper” and “author” in it while referring to me is music to my ears!
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Silly me! Now my ears burn 😀
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No worries AT ALL. We can’t all be cognizant of everyone’s publishing history. (Heck, I don’t even know if Amazon realizes I’ve got a lot of titles. LOL)
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Great list! Thanks
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Thanks. I’m glad you found it useful. 🙂
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