Saturday, October 23, 2010
I feel Cheated...
CHEATING is ANYTHING you do behind my back that you KNOW will make me unhappy/pissed if I find out! It is NOT always the act of intimacy. It is the BLATANT disregard for my position in your life. The dismissal of my feelings. The fact you took time to cover your tracks or that you believed you didn't need to cover anything because what you are doing/done is NOT cheating.....CHEATING is NOT always about sex/ an outside relationship. You can be CHEATING me out of feeling comfortable in our relationship/friendship. Making me feel as though I have to play detective/police officer/ inspector. When ALL I want to do is be your Lover/friend/ partner. CHEATING allows others to disrespect me. Because you do. Why should they respect me if your actions subtle or loud show such disrespect. If you have at any point displayed these types of actions... They may have been forgiven. However you may need to be patient with the person that felt CHEATED!
Sunday, September 19, 2010
.... What Happens Next!?!?
...So I have been making some head way in my Book Publishing Quest... Although NOTHING has been finalized. I am feeling more confident... Mind you I may still be on the hunt for a publishing company. I am just realizing that the fear that I started with has slowly but surely diminished as time passed on and I keep pushing on.
When I began this process and I mean all way back to when I first started to pen this Manuscript... It was with alot a hesitation. I was scared that I was not good enough, scared that no one would support me, and scared that I was doing this for nothing.
As time has passed I have grown in so many ways... The fear of not being good enough has faded with the knowledge that I am serious about this and certain I will perfect my skills.
The realization that the ones I thought would be my biggest supporters did not break me... It has opened my eyes to a world of support that I did not anticipate.
I know this is not for nothing because I am proud of what I have accomplished thus far... and that alone is worth it.
On this journey it is so important that you don't jump on this first opportunity that comes your way. RESEARCH and ASK QUESTIONS!!!
I felt an overwhelming sense of relief the first company that showed interest. I was wrapped in my joy. Until I laid there that night and wondered WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?!?!? You see since this is all new too me. I need to ensure that I am making the right choices, asking questions that are necessary in order for me to learn and grow in this literary world. Not allowing things to just happen because I don't want to ruffle any feathers.
I believe you can get the answers you need and NOT burn any bridges along the way if you just approach the situation in a professional manner. These are business people and should appreciate that you are conducting business in such a positive and professional manner.
You can't as a new writer allow yourself to be taking advantage of...
I have come up with some starter questions that you may want to ask when making inquiries with publishing companies. these are things that need to be consider to make an informed decision. You may decided this is the RIGHT choice for you. You may decide you need to expand your search and keep your options open. You may decide to self publish...
1...CONTRACTS: Will there be contracts sent to me? Advising exactly what it entails to be published by {INSERT COMPANY NAME HERE} ? What are the fee's that will be associated with this process?
Example: For editing( if necessary), Proof reading ( if required) ... and any services the publishing company provides that you may need clarification on.
2... PRODUCTION: Will I the author be in contact with the many people that may handle my work in the various stages of production?
You want to ensure that you are hands on with the production of your manuscript.
3.... PROMOTIONS: What if any promotion assistance will I receive?
You need to see if there is a budget for promotions.((Depending on the size of the company that may be left solely up to you the Author)) As an Author you should be prepared to promote you own work ANYWAY. However, ask questions regarding services that are provided.
4... PRINTING: Will my Manuscript be printed in mass quantity or will it be printed upon the request for sale?
What are the fee's associated with this process? And what is the price difference? Do I have a choice or which I prefer?
5... DISTRIBUTION: What type of distribution will {INSERT COMPANY NAME HERE} provide? Do you have a relationship with book stores ((National and/or Privately owned))? Besides {INSERT COMPANY NAME HERE} website,Will my book be available on Amazon? What other advertising will be in place?
As an author YOU should be prepared to get your book out to the public. You will need to research the different avenues that you can use to get this accomplished. However get clarification of role the publishing company you're interested in plays in all of this.
These are just questions to get you stated... At least this is similar to the format that I used. More questions will arise. DON'T be hesitant to receive clarification.
I hope this has helped someone... Please leave feed back and Tell a Friend.
Lots of Love Liz... :-)
When I began this process and I mean all way back to when I first started to pen this Manuscript... It was with alot a hesitation. I was scared that I was not good enough, scared that no one would support me, and scared that I was doing this for nothing.
As time has passed I have grown in so many ways... The fear of not being good enough has faded with the knowledge that I am serious about this and certain I will perfect my skills.
The realization that the ones I thought would be my biggest supporters did not break me... It has opened my eyes to a world of support that I did not anticipate.
I know this is not for nothing because I am proud of what I have accomplished thus far... and that alone is worth it.
On this journey it is so important that you don't jump on this first opportunity that comes your way. RESEARCH and ASK QUESTIONS!!!
I felt an overwhelming sense of relief the first company that showed interest. I was wrapped in my joy. Until I laid there that night and wondered WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?!?!? You see since this is all new too me. I need to ensure that I am making the right choices, asking questions that are necessary in order for me to learn and grow in this literary world. Not allowing things to just happen because I don't want to ruffle any feathers.
I believe you can get the answers you need and NOT burn any bridges along the way if you just approach the situation in a professional manner. These are business people and should appreciate that you are conducting business in such a positive and professional manner.
You can't as a new writer allow yourself to be taking advantage of...
I have come up with some starter questions that you may want to ask when making inquiries with publishing companies. these are things that need to be consider to make an informed decision. You may decided this is the RIGHT choice for you. You may decide you need to expand your search and keep your options open. You may decide to self publish...
1...CONTRACTS: Will there be contracts sent to me? Advising exactly what it entails to be published by {INSERT COMPANY NAME HERE} ? What are the fee's that will be associated with this process?
Example: For editing( if necessary), Proof reading ( if required) ... and any services the publishing company provides that you may need clarification on.
2... PRODUCTION: Will I the author be in contact with the many people that may handle my work in the various stages of production?
You want to ensure that you are hands on with the production of your manuscript.
3.... PROMOTIONS: What if any promotion assistance will I receive?
You need to see if there is a budget for promotions.((Depending on the size of the company that may be left solely up to you the Author)) As an Author you should be prepared to promote you own work ANYWAY. However, ask questions regarding services that are provided.
4... PRINTING: Will my Manuscript be printed in mass quantity or will it be printed upon the request for sale?
What are the fee's associated with this process? And what is the price difference? Do I have a choice or which I prefer?
5... DISTRIBUTION: What type of distribution will {INSERT COMPANY NAME HERE} provide? Do you have a relationship with book stores ((National and/or Privately owned))? Besides {INSERT COMPANY NAME HERE} website,Will my book be available on Amazon? What other advertising will be in place?
As an author YOU should be prepared to get your book out to the public. You will need to research the different avenues that you can use to get this accomplished. However get clarification of role the publishing company you're interested in plays in all of this.
These are just questions to get you stated... At least this is similar to the format that I used. More questions will arise. DON'T be hesitant to receive clarification.
I hope this has helped someone... Please leave feed back and Tell a Friend.
Lots of Love Liz... :-)
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
What Role Does Spirituality Play In Your Relationships...
What Role Does Spirituality Play In Your Relationships...
THIS IS YOUR OPPORTUNITY TO LEAVE A COMMNET ON THE SURVEY QUESTION.....You can answer and just read the blog....OR you can explain your answer and reasons. WHAT HAPPENS ON Trials, Tribulations, and Torn. STAY's HERE!!! PROMISE!!!
Lots of Love Liz... :-)
THIS IS YOUR OPPORTUNITY TO LEAVE A COMMNET ON THE SURVEY QUESTION.....You can answer and just read the blog....OR you can explain your answer and reasons. WHAT HAPPENS ON Trials, Tribulations, and Torn. STAY's HERE!!! PROMISE!!!
Lots of Love Liz... :-)
Friday, August 13, 2010
The Waiting Game...
Well... I am at the point where I have finally submitted my Manuscript "Love TORN Asunder" to a publishing company. Still waiting to get word back. This has me on edge.. waiting to see if someone likes your work. The work you have poured your heart into. (((sighs))) Well this is the path I choose by deciding not to self publish.
I have looked it the work they have done... and needless to say ( since I made a submission) I liked what I saw. I have been in contact with the publisher but, she has not made a final decision.
I first submitted the first 3 chapters... and 2 days later I was asked to submit more. I didn't know How to feel about that. On one hand... (I could be elated that the first 3 chapters spark some sort of interest and they wanted to read further. See where the story was going) and on the other hand... (I could be devastated. I mean that could mean they really weren't feeling it. However decided to read a little bit more to just make sure) Which is the case... I don't know Yet.
My support system seems to think that its good news. They say if they absolutely didn't like it they would not have requested more chapters. I sent up to chapter 24. If they don't get a feel for the story by chapter 24... then there's no hope. Don't get me wrong. That doesn't mean that I will throw in the towel. All that means is I will have to expand and continue on. I have done that alot during this process. It has definitely made me stronger and showed me this is not a game. The literary world is a Business. One that I plan to master... and I know that takes time. Some fails and there will be Triumphs. I just have to have faith, be patient and work my ass off! lol
You see with me.. I can't allow myself to feel one way or the other. I HAVE to know for sure. I can't be excited just yet.. and I refuse to be sad thinking the worst. That is just me. Some say that I expect the bad... I don't. I just NEED confirmation.
So while I wait... I am taking notes on my second book. That will go hand in hand with book #1 " Love TORN Asunder " but will be written so it can stand alone.
..... This process although nerve wracking, difficult and filled with pressure. Has brought me so much joy. It is also... rewarding, taught me discipline, and and my true strength.
THANK YOU ALL FOR ALL THE SUPPORT.
Lots of Love Liz... :-)
I have looked it the work they have done... and needless to say ( since I made a submission) I liked what I saw. I have been in contact with the publisher but, she has not made a final decision.
I first submitted the first 3 chapters... and 2 days later I was asked to submit more. I didn't know How to feel about that. On one hand... (I could be elated that the first 3 chapters spark some sort of interest and they wanted to read further. See where the story was going) and on the other hand... (I could be devastated. I mean that could mean they really weren't feeling it. However decided to read a little bit more to just make sure) Which is the case... I don't know Yet.
My support system seems to think that its good news. They say if they absolutely didn't like it they would not have requested more chapters. I sent up to chapter 24. If they don't get a feel for the story by chapter 24... then there's no hope. Don't get me wrong. That doesn't mean that I will throw in the towel. All that means is I will have to expand and continue on. I have done that alot during this process. It has definitely made me stronger and showed me this is not a game. The literary world is a Business. One that I plan to master... and I know that takes time. Some fails and there will be Triumphs. I just have to have faith, be patient and work my ass off! lol
You see with me.. I can't allow myself to feel one way or the other. I HAVE to know for sure. I can't be excited just yet.. and I refuse to be sad thinking the worst. That is just me. Some say that I expect the bad... I don't. I just NEED confirmation.
So while I wait... I am taking notes on my second book. That will go hand in hand with book #1 " Love TORN Asunder " but will be written so it can stand alone.
..... This process although nerve wracking, difficult and filled with pressure. Has brought me so much joy. It is also... rewarding, taught me discipline, and and my true strength.
THANK YOU ALL FOR ALL THE SUPPORT.
Lots of Love Liz... :-)
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Synopsis???
So my battle as of late is writing a Synopsis for my Manuscript " Love TORN Asunder" . When I sat down I was like this should be simple. Right? All I have to do is summarize my a Book that I have written and high light what I think the reader will be interested in... Boy was I wrong. This process is alot more in depth then I originally anticipated.
I have been writing and re-writing trying to pick just the right wording to get my point across without giving away the entire story line. This is a process that I wasn't expecting to be so difficult but, I have learned through this entire situation that NOTHING about this is easy. NOTHING you really want is. Determination is key.... Your endurance will show just how much this meant to you. If you endure you will shine. Because you have given your all and allowed NOTHING to get in your way. I am definitely in it to win it... so my endurance will show and prove in the end.
With all the being said... I am in a better place in my Journey. I have secured an editor and She is a Blessing to me. I was lucky to find someone that was willing to work with me especially with my minimal knowledge of the writing world. The other editor I was working with was Great. It was just a conflict when it came to finances ( I don't have much...lol) and also the fact that there is still alot that I am learning. That is why my current editor is truly a BLESSING. She it working on my project and giving it the care it deserves. Treating it as if it were her own. That is what I needed. In order for me to be able to move forward and be comfortable.
I want to THANK Rhea Banks... For taking on my project. With your expertise and polish and I more then confident that my book is in the right hands. The way it was meant to be.
..... I wanted to leave you all with a Paragraph form of my Synopsis. This is just a taste... I am still working to make my full synopsis perfect. Please feel free to comment...
((( Leslie.... A young black woman climbing the ladder to success. She's in love with what seems to be The Dream Man and still she is at a cross words. In all aspects of her life. She is faced with making choices as to what her mind is telling her she needs and her body is telling her she wants. In order to do make these life altering choices, she must make her way through choosing life long friendships.... knowing when its time to move on is critical in any persons life. Holding on too long can prove to be disastrous. Choosing what direction her life long ambition to be a career woman... might not be what Mr. Wonderful has in mind. Is she ready to be Barefoot and Pregnant? Then there is the mess she created between Mr. Right and Mr. Available. Who will win her Heart, Body and Soul in the end? And will she be able to live the consequences of her actions and the people she affected along the way? )))
Lots of Love Liz... :-)
I have been writing and re-writing trying to pick just the right wording to get my point across without giving away the entire story line. This is a process that I wasn't expecting to be so difficult but, I have learned through this entire situation that NOTHING about this is easy. NOTHING you really want is. Determination is key.... Your endurance will show just how much this meant to you. If you endure you will shine. Because you have given your all and allowed NOTHING to get in your way. I am definitely in it to win it... so my endurance will show and prove in the end.
With all the being said... I am in a better place in my Journey. I have secured an editor and She is a Blessing to me. I was lucky to find someone that was willing to work with me especially with my minimal knowledge of the writing world. The other editor I was working with was Great. It was just a conflict when it came to finances ( I don't have much...lol) and also the fact that there is still alot that I am learning. That is why my current editor is truly a BLESSING. She it working on my project and giving it the care it deserves. Treating it as if it were her own. That is what I needed. In order for me to be able to move forward and be comfortable.
I want to THANK Rhea Banks... For taking on my project. With your expertise and polish and I more then confident that my book is in the right hands. The way it was meant to be.
..... I wanted to leave you all with a Paragraph form of my Synopsis. This is just a taste... I am still working to make my full synopsis perfect. Please feel free to comment...
((( Leslie.... A young black woman climbing the ladder to success. She's in love with what seems to be The Dream Man and still she is at a cross words. In all aspects of her life. She is faced with making choices as to what her mind is telling her she needs and her body is telling her she wants. In order to do make these life altering choices, she must make her way through choosing life long friendships.... knowing when its time to move on is critical in any persons life. Holding on too long can prove to be disastrous. Choosing what direction her life long ambition to be a career woman... might not be what Mr. Wonderful has in mind. Is she ready to be Barefoot and Pregnant? Then there is the mess she created between Mr. Right and Mr. Available. Who will win her Heart, Body and Soul in the end? And will she be able to live the consequences of her actions and the people she affected along the way? )))
Lots of Love Liz... :-)
Thursday, July 8, 2010
With Friends Like These....
I have been through a great deal of Trials in order to get my manuscript " Love TORN Asunder" edited and published. The list is a long one. Some of those very trials have been documented on this Blog. However this entry is about the LOVE that I have received and from some of the most unlikely people.
I have been FaceBooking for quite some time... Some Friends are fare weather but, that happens in life also.
And some have been a true BLESSING. The list is indeed long but I would like to high light some of my Sister on FaceBook and let them know exactly how much their support of my dreams have touched and fuel me to do better and to keep striving for success...
Rhea Alexis M. Banks- The Blessing that this woman has bestowed upon me are immeasurable. Because of her support and friendship I have found an editor that is willing to work with New talent. Someone that is taking her time to understand exactly what I need and patient enough to provide it. (( I will reveal her name in another entry)) She deserves an entry dedicated to her alone)). Rhea has kept me on my toes by ensuring that I continue to study my craft. I THANK YOU!
Authoress-Editor Kimani Nelson- Kimani- Is the True definition of lady and I am so thankful that I get to call her friend. Even if just on FB. On this site built to network... this woman who is an author and editor herself. Finds the time to give words of wisdom and helpful advice. All while climbing the ladder to fulfilling her own dreams. Who can't love someone that takes the time to look back and lend a hand?
I pray that her star continues to shine... Please support her as she does so many others by checking her Facebook page ((Perfectly Polished Words Editing)) You can also send any serious inquiries for her supreme services to ((http://Kimani.Perfectlypolishedwords@gmail.com)) I THANK YOU!
Astarte BellaOh Luccianno- aka(( Venus~ The Goddess))- This is ONE of the realest straight to the point woman that I have had the honor of making her acquaintance. Since she has NO tolerance for BS and she is a strict business woman, not many make it into her fold. Only the strong survive. I have learned from her as I have all the women on this list. That there is a line that you must draw when it comes to Friendship. When that line has been crossed.. the end result can be dangerous. Because of this lesson... I have made it a point to tighten up my ship. There are still a few stragglers but that is another story for another time... lol
Bella, is on her grind in the Music Business and Repping the West Coast. She is a force to be reckoned with and a face that you should look out for. To find her please type her name in the FaceBook search... then just sit back and take in some of the Cali wisdom. I THANK YOU!
Shaunita Toknowmeistoloveme Selby- :-) Her name alone brings a smile to my face. This woman is my SISTER for real. She is sunshine. I am so lucky that we met. I think that I identify with her the most. No matter what my issue she can give me real advice.That is a quality that is hard to find.. sad to say buy true. She also holds nothing back but she can say it in a way where you can receive it and process it well. I need friends like that in my life. Friends that mirror who I am in nature and have the same drive to succeed. Without allowing the past to hinder them. This is who I am and Miss Shaunita. We ALL have our personal battles but, we CAN NOT allow them to make you stagnant. I need people in my life who WANT more and are taking the steps to get it... in that aspect I need Shaunita. Because she reminds me to keep it moving and "Try New Things" lol. I THANK YOU!
Adiamond Isforever- She is sooo much more to me then just a FaceBook friend or Sister. I Believe that she and I have a connection that doesn't even have a word to describe it. I love her. When I need to talk things through she is on my short list of people who will listen and understand. WITHOUT judgment. Her name says it all a REAL DIAMOND. She has a spirit the will wrap you up and make you feel safe. When things are hectic she will offer solutions and talk you off the ledge. Her support of me and my dreams are abundant. I feel overjoyed knowing she is in my corner. I THANK YOU!
It amazes me how these women have made such an impact on my life and I have only met one face to face... I shouldn't be shocked though. Because GOD will place the tools, knowledge and people in your life that you need to receive your BLESSINGS and that is exactly what all of them have been to me... A Blessing:-)
Thanks... Lots of Love Liz.
I have been FaceBooking for quite some time... Some Friends are fare weather but, that happens in life also.
And some have been a true BLESSING. The list is indeed long but I would like to high light some of my Sister on FaceBook and let them know exactly how much their support of my dreams have touched and fuel me to do better and to keep striving for success...
Rhea Alexis M. Banks- The Blessing that this woman has bestowed upon me are immeasurable. Because of her support and friendship I have found an editor that is willing to work with New talent. Someone that is taking her time to understand exactly what I need and patient enough to provide it. (( I will reveal her name in another entry)) She deserves an entry dedicated to her alone)). Rhea has kept me on my toes by ensuring that I continue to study my craft. I THANK YOU!
Authoress-Editor Kimani Nelson- Kimani- Is the True definition of lady and I am so thankful that I get to call her friend. Even if just on FB. On this site built to network... this woman who is an author and editor herself. Finds the time to give words of wisdom and helpful advice. All while climbing the ladder to fulfilling her own dreams. Who can't love someone that takes the time to look back and lend a hand?
I pray that her star continues to shine... Please support her as she does so many others by checking her Facebook page ((Perfectly Polished Words Editing)) You can also send any serious inquiries for her supreme services to ((http://Kimani.Perfectlypolishedwords@gmail.com)) I THANK YOU!
Astarte BellaOh Luccianno- aka(( Venus~ The Goddess))- This is ONE of the realest straight to the point woman that I have had the honor of making her acquaintance. Since she has NO tolerance for BS and she is a strict business woman, not many make it into her fold. Only the strong survive. I have learned from her as I have all the women on this list. That there is a line that you must draw when it comes to Friendship. When that line has been crossed.. the end result can be dangerous. Because of this lesson... I have made it a point to tighten up my ship. There are still a few stragglers but that is another story for another time... lol
Bella, is on her grind in the Music Business and Repping the West Coast. She is a force to be reckoned with and a face that you should look out for. To find her please type her name in the FaceBook search... then just sit back and take in some of the Cali wisdom. I THANK YOU!
Shaunita Toknowmeistoloveme Selby- :-) Her name alone brings a smile to my face. This woman is my SISTER for real. She is sunshine. I am so lucky that we met. I think that I identify with her the most. No matter what my issue she can give me real advice.That is a quality that is hard to find.. sad to say buy true. She also holds nothing back but she can say it in a way where you can receive it and process it well. I need friends like that in my life. Friends that mirror who I am in nature and have the same drive to succeed. Without allowing the past to hinder them. This is who I am and Miss Shaunita. We ALL have our personal battles but, we CAN NOT allow them to make you stagnant. I need people in my life who WANT more and are taking the steps to get it... in that aspect I need Shaunita. Because she reminds me to keep it moving and "Try New Things" lol. I THANK YOU!
Adiamond Isforever- She is sooo much more to me then just a FaceBook friend or Sister. I Believe that she and I have a connection that doesn't even have a word to describe it. I love her. When I need to talk things through she is on my short list of people who will listen and understand. WITHOUT judgment. Her name says it all a REAL DIAMOND. She has a spirit the will wrap you up and make you feel safe. When things are hectic she will offer solutions and talk you off the ledge. Her support of me and my dreams are abundant. I feel overjoyed knowing she is in my corner. I THANK YOU!
It amazes me how these women have made such an impact on my life and I have only met one face to face... I shouldn't be shocked though. Because GOD will place the tools, knowledge and people in your life that you need to receive your BLESSINGS and that is exactly what all of them have been to me... A Blessing:-)
Thanks... Lots of Love Liz.
Saturday, July 3, 2010
THREESOMES.... Inviting another woman/man into your bed. YES or NO??
THREESOMES.... Inviting another woman/man into your bed. YES or NO??
THIS IS YOUR OPPORTUNITY TO LEAVE A COMMNET ON THE SURVEY QUESTION.....You can answer and just read the blog....OR you can explain your answer and reasons. WHAT HAPPENS ON Trials, Tribulations, and Torn. STAY's HERE!!! PROMISE!!!
THIS IS YOUR OPPORTUNITY TO LEAVE A COMMNET ON THE SURVEY QUESTION.....You can answer and just read the blog....OR you can explain your answer and reasons. WHAT HAPPENS ON Trials, Tribulations, and Torn. STAY's HERE!!! PROMISE!!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)