Friday Finds #writetip #fiction

/ Staci Troilo

Ciao, amici! First, let me start by saying yes, the title is different but no, the content hasn’t changed. I’m adjusting my blog calendar a bit and thought I’d change the title of Friday’s links posts to something a bit more manageable. But I’ll still have the quote of the week, a brief rundown of why that quote spoke to me, and all the wonderful links I found around the web.

So, let’s get started.

I’ve been thinking about Erma Bombeck a lot lately. I know, it makes absolutely no sense for an author of dark sci-fi to be dwelling on housewife humor.

Can’t help it. I’m a huge fan of hers and she’s been on my mind.

When I first found her work, I was young. I wasn’t working, keeping a house, or raising kids. Yet I found her hilarious. Now that I’m a working wife and mother? I can’t relate to anyone more. And I find her even funnier.

I think she’s on my mind because I’ll be an empty-nester soon, and I’m going to miss so much without my kids in the house—even the annoying things that nearly drive me to drink. You know, the things Bombeck made us all laugh about.

When I was looking up some of her quotes, I laughed. I cried a little. Then I found the one quote that really spoke to me as a wife, a mom, and a writer.

It takes a lot of courage
to show your dreams to someone else.

Isn’t that the truth? Being vulnerable to someone is hard. We have intimate relationships with family and friends, yet sometimes it’s difficult to share with them, even in our safe spaces.

Readers, imagine how difficult it is for us writers to share our imagination with strangers?

I’ve branched into a new genre, and I’m writing faster than ever. I think it’s my best work yet, but I also have doubts.

Thank God for pioneers (like Erma Bombeck) who paved the way for writers like me to take our deepest emotions, lay them bare on a page, then share them with the world.

And that puts a different kind of smile on my face.

It’s time to be courageous and share your stories of overcoming doubt in your writing career. What you have to say just might be what a brand new writer needs to hear. Let’s talk about it below.

And now, this week’s writing links:

Posts by me, about my work, or at sites I contribute to:

Me

Story Empire

Posts by others in the industry:

To make you smile:

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 weekend! Arrivederci!

72 thoughts on “Friday Finds #writetip #fiction”

  1. Love this quote, Staci! And Erma Bombeck was able to find the humor in so many parts of everyday life. Love all the comments here as well. There is a sense of “jumping off the deep end” whenever I decide to share anything I’ve written, even if it’s only going to my critique group. It’s scary, but we want to share our creations because out there someone else will connect to it.

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  2. In case you can’t tell I am still playing catch up from my trip. This post spoke to me on so many different levels. You are right in that we hesitate to bare our souls even to those who love us, but in writing fiction we can tell it all. After all it’s fiction. There is a release in telling stories. It gets those deep dark secrets out if us. Great post. Thank you for sharing!!

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  4. Wow, that’s an amazing quote. As you well know, I’m deeply struggling with ‘writers doubt’ at the moment, and sadly, I don’t have any words of wisdom in overcoming it. I hope when (if) I get through this period, I’ll have this experience to be able to share with others who are struggling.
    PS – I love Harmony’s comment on this post. Damn wise woman.

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  5. I was introduced to Erma Bombeck by my mother. Erma was one of her favorites. Your comment about being an empty nester soon and all of the emotions that go with that left me thinking about my twenty-six-year-old, Staci. This parenting business is the strangest vocation. We raised our kid to be independent and self-sufficient, and that is exactly how he turned out. I’m enormously proud of the man he has become. It is strange, though because he now rarely needs our help with anything. He lives in Montana, and we are in California, so, naturally, we don’t see him much. He was home for the first time in six months, and it was so good to have him back for a bit. On the other hand, as I always tell my wife, “If he wanted to be with us, I’d be a lot more worried.” Much luck to you as you and your family deal with this adjustment.

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    • Pete, that is so true. If they wanted to stay, that would be cause for concern. It sounds like you and your wife did a great job with him and should be very proud. I know the distance is hard. (As a child, I’m far from my parents, and as a parent, I’m about to be far from my children.) My wish for you is more frequent visits.

      Thanks so much for sharing your story.

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  6. I’ve read and adored Erma Bombeck and will be forever grateful for the happy smiles and nods of recognition she gifted to us with her writing. Self doubt is my constant companion, I’ve had no formal schooling since the age of ten, and I constantly doubt that my attempts at being self taught will give my readers a memorable reading experience. But, I never did learn how to give up. I love the marvelous escape that writing hands me so willingly. Great post, Staci.

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  8. Thanks for sharing my link. I’m so happy that you found my notes valuable — I tried to turn a panel discussion into a coherent, organized post.

    And that quote — yes. It’s somehow easier to share with strangers on the internet, than those you know and love. Because you have to look them in the face afterwards, and you might completely change their perception of you.

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    • It was definitely coherent, and I was happy to share.

      It is that “look in the face” afterward that’s the hardest part, isn’t it? Especially when it’s not an immediate-thing but could potentially change their perception of you forever.

      Thanks for dropping in, Morgan.

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  9. I have a lot of self-doubt too – my writing, kids and home choices, but for me, it’s easier to talk to strangers (through my writing), than it is to talk with other family members and friends. I guess the anonymity of the readers gives me the courage I need, though I can’t say it was always like that.
    Great post!

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    • Anonymity does foster confidence, I think. Thankfully we live in an era where it’s easy to find a community to understand us. Most of the people I talk to about writing I’ve never met in person and probably never will, but they understand what I’m going through better than family and in-person friends ever could.

      Thanks, Jina.

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  10. Thanks for this, Staci.
    I’m also plagued with self-doubts and it’s the people that I’ve met on Marcia’s blog who have given me the encouragement to go on. The concept of writers helping writers is a great one.
    On the other hand, I’ve never heard or Erma Bombeck. Never. Ever. I’ve just bought a copy of If Life is a Bowl of Cherries. It sounds really good and I’m tempted to bump it up the TBR pile and give it preferential treatment…

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    • I envy you the chance to read Erma for the first time. She brought joy to me and so many others for so long. But I’m glad my post inspired you to check out her work.

      I’m sorry self-doubt is such an issue for you, but Marcia is a great supporter. And you can add me to the list of people who are cheering you on.

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  12. I love your choice of quote for today, Staci. It’s especially fitting as I’ve been second (and third) guessing my ability as a writer. I know it’s something we all go through, but it’s still a challenge.
    Hope you have a lovely weekend!

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  13. Reblogged this on The Write Stuff and commented:

    Though Staci has changed the name of her Friday Round-up Posts to #FridayFinds, it’s still the same wonderful mix of inspiration and fantastic links. Head on over and check out what she’s offering today, and don’t forget to spread the word far and wide, too, thanks. And thanks to Staci for such a lovely post, featuring a quote from one of my all-time favorite writers, the incomparable Erma Bombeck. 🙂

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  14. I don’t know if doubt ever goes away. I’ve been lucky. Everyone in my life, especially my husband, has always believed in me more than I believe in myself. I think there’s a difference between thinking you’re a wonderful writer and really loving the story you’re telling. I write because I love the stories I tell. I just try to do my best by them:)

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      • I loved Erma Bombeck. Her column was the first place I went in the news paper after checking astrology! I wasn’t a mom either when I found her, but that didn’t matter! Empty nest is scary and exciting. Mine was empty, then not and now empty again. Great quote, Staci. It is very hard and brave sharing those dreams. Have a great weekend.

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      • I miss her unique yet relatable insights on life. (Then again, I also kind of miss paper newspapers.)

        You’re right; an empty nest is scary and exciting. I need to do a better job focusing on the exciting part. Thanks, Denise.

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  16. Great quote, Staci. I wish I could say I had courage but in the end, in spite of the doubt, I still put my soul out there. My wife keeps telling me it is self-inflicted misery during the times it is miserable. I’m not sure about that since there is this inner drive that makes me do it. Whatever it is I’m grateful for the stories inside that want to come out. Thank you so much for the Lucy and Twiggy link. They love the attention. We are empty nesters and do love the visits.

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  18. Erma also had me laughing long before I had kids. I guess we’re completely empty nesters now? The youngest moved into his college apartment (only 10 minutes away) a month ago. Even took the bed from his room. Hubby keeps telling him he’s turning his bedroom into a naked room, like in the movie Failure to Launch. Which I’m sure you’re familiar with since it features Terry Bradshaw.

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    • If he’s coming home for the summer, you’re not official. But if he took the bed… Sigh. That’s sad. I mean, we want that for them. But it’s sad.

      Yes, you know me well. If it’s related to Pittsburgh (and you can’t think of the ‘Burgh without thinking Steelers, and you can’t think Steelers without thinking Terry), I’m all in. However, if your husband does go the “naked room” route, I’d rather not know about it. LOL

      Happy weekend, Teri!

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  20. Think Erma made everyone laugh. She was a genius!

    I love the quote. It’s hard to put our work “out there” for the judgement of others. Writing definitely isn’t for the faint of heart. But those who hold a passion for it have no other choice but to chase their dream.

    Happy Friday, Staci, and happy writing!

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    • I really miss her words of wisdom. The book of hers that I bought looked like it went through a war before I lost track of it. The cover was battered, the pages loose from the binding. If we didn’t move so much, I know I’d still have it. I think I might buy a few for my Kindle. Gosh, I hope her publisher has transferred her work to digital.

      Thanks for weighing in, Mae. Writing isn’t for the faint of heart, but it is a passion project. I’m glad to have met so many wonderful people (like you and all the readers here) who share my interest in the craft.

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  21. Oh, how I loved Erma Bombeck, and no one has ever been able to fill her shoes. She was one of a kind, and utterly brilliant! Thank you for reminding me of how much I looked forward to laughing with–and learning from–Erma!

    Afraid? Me? ahem Apparently, I was afraid to write for the first 69 years of my life. I listened to others instead of my own heart, and believed those who said I couldn’t, rather than that little voice inside saying, “You can.” If not for technology putting the means in my hands and daring me to use them, I doubt I would ever have written a single word.

    Today, I not only do what I always wanted to do, I have opportunities to remind others it’s never too late to follow their dreams, as well, and that feels great!

    Super post, Staci, and thanks for taking part in this week’s #ShareAReviewDay Tuesday. 🙂 ❤

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      • I think the first step in daring to do something that scares you is accepting it’s okay to fail. The trying is the important part. And the best thing is, there’s no law saying you can’t try a second time. Or a third. Some things take a bit of “pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and start all over again!” 😀

        Thank you for your kind words! ❤

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  23. I found Erma B when I was a teenager. Even at that age she cracked me up.

    I keep having doubts while working on my WIP, but then I tell myself it’s my first book. I don’t want my first book to be my best. The idea is to get better with each publication, to always improve, to always become a better and better writer.

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    • Priscilla, that is such a good point. And an incredibly healthy attitude to have. I know when I published my first book, I thought I’d done my best work. And it was my best effort—then. I’ve learned so much since then, I don’t even recognize my voice in my early work.

      You can do this. And when you do publish, I’d love to host you hear to talk all about it.

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  25. Pingback: Friday Finds #writetip #fiction | Welcome to Harmony Kent Online

  26. Even though I’ve written and published so many books and stories now, I get nervous every time I have to hit that ‘publish’ button. And if I’ve used pre-order, then going-live day gets me again, lol. In my younger days, I met nothing but ridicule and undermining throughout my daily life, which–of course–stopped me from writing. In the end, I had to learn to believe in myself because nobody could truly do that for me. I also learnt I had become my own worst critic and that I had to stop that. So, here’s to feeling the fear (and doubt) and doing it anyway! 🙂

    Thanks for a lovely quote, a thought-provoking post, and all the links. Reblogged this on: https://harmonykent.co.uk/friday-finds-writetip-fiction/

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    • Anyone who has any doubts about their self-worth should read your Jewel in the Mud. I read it when it came out, and I still find myself thinking about it when I’m feeling low.

      I’m glad you didn’t give up, Harmony.

      And for the record, I’ve got several books under my belt and I still stress over publishing, too. You’re not alone, but you have no reason to worry.

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