Ugh!

[mara_jade3]

Well, I have writer's block again, so here I am to write in my journal. I haven't updated in a while. I guess I should, huh? I finished chapter ten of my book, and eleven is being a pain in the butt to me. I don't know where to go with it. I showed part of my book to my therapist today and she thought that it was really good. :) She said she was

Comments

[nowherehouse]

Usually when I get stuck after I've written a book chapter, it means I need to step back and figure out what's to happen next in the story. Journaling is also good. :-) Maybe that will help you with your writer's block. Hang in there!

-Jonathan (author of the fictional live journal Journal from the Nowhere House.)

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[mara_jade3]

Thank you for the tips. I was thinking about going back to read over what I have. This is my first book, so I'm doing my best to get it done. I've put it off for so long. Are you really an author, or is this just you pretending to be that author?

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[nowherehouse]

Hello,

I'm really an author. :-) I've had a stories published in Marion Zimmer Bradley's Fantasy Magazine and elsewhere. I've also had two books (one novel and one anthology) go in and out of print. I've recently started writing young adult fantasy novels. I just can't believe it took me so long to realize I should be writing them. They're really fun.

So, I started Journal from the Nowhere House for two major reasons. First, I thought it would be a fun, ongoing project that would allow interaction with my audience. Second, it seemed like a great way to generate interest in my YA novels. None of those have been published yet... publishing is such a slow industry. However, I'm confident.

Anyway, I'm always happy to share writing suggestions with new authors.

-Jonathan

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[mara_jade3]

Wow, that is so cool. :) I'll have to go and try to find your stuff. I like fantasy, that's what my book is. Young adult fantasy. I've never met another author before, but I know how fun it is to get feedback from the readers. I use to write fanfiction and post a lot of that on a website and I absolutely loved hearing what everyone had to say. So how long have you been an author?

~Jen

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[nowherehouse]

Hi Jen,

Well, I'm 34, and I've been writing most of my life. I've been writing and submitting seriously for the last ten years. I currently have an agent who's working on placing one of my adult fantasy novels.

The 'net is a great place to meet fellow authors. I've met some of my best friends this way. Fantasy and SF conventions are also great. Connections are important in this business, but naturally so is quality writing.

Here on Live Journal, when I comment on someone else's journal I'm doing so as myself, but my LJ is done from the perspective of Wade, its main character.

-Jonathan

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[gant_boy]

There are a lot of fictional Character journals on LJ including the strange but interesting Celeb game. Would you mind if I take a look at your journal. Jen is a great writer and close friend of mine. I'm glad that you gave her some kind words of encouragement, she needs that.

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[nowherehouse]

I know how tough it is to be a writer! I need encouragement from time to time, too. I also got the impression that Jen's an excellent writer from reading her last few journal entries. :-)

Please, by all means, enjoy my journal! Feel free to leave comments, too. I have comments screened by default, since it's a young adult fantasy story. That way if someone says something inappropriate for younger readers, I can keep it from going live.

What's the URL for the Celeb game?

-Jonathan (author of "Journal from the Nowhere House," not the main character.)

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[gant_boy]

I've had a look at it and aded it. It reminds me a titch of Lemony Snicket. You are very talented and I see why you've been published. Feel free to add me back if you wish.

the celeb game is an online Role Play with various talented and non talented writers Here is the main site where all the celebs can be looked up, by clicking their name you find their journal. The one I play is located Here

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[nowherehouse]

What a concept, writing a journal as though you're an actual celebrity. I'd be afraid of getting sued, but it could be a neat fictional exercise.

I added you as a friend as well. :-)

-Jonathan

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[gant_boy]

The disclaimers keep it from being Liable and is actually protected under the U.S. constitution *shrug* who knew?

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[nowherehouse]

Very cool then!

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[mara_jade3]

Aww, thank you, Mikael. *hugs*

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[gant_boy]

You are welcome sweetheart

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[mara_jade3]

That's cool about your agent. I have one that wants to look at my book when I have it finished. She's my friend's agent right now, so I know what you mean about this busniess needing connections. I'm excited and can hardly wait to finish my book now. I wish you luck with yours. :) I'm only twenty-one and I've been wanting to be a writer, since I was about nine.

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[nowherehouse]

Good luck with the agent!

Whether the agent signs you on or not though, don't get discouraged. One writer pal of mine recently co-wrote a wonderful YA novel and sent it to an agent, but she opted not to sign him. One of his adult fantasy novels is doing very well, too.

Before I got signed on with my agent, his first reader loved the book I sent them and called it the most original fantasy novel she'd read in a long time. He decided to represent me and we signed the contracts, but no publisher has picked it up yet.

I hope you land the agent! That would be awesome. If you don't though, don't give up! The very fact that she wants to look at your book when it's done shows that you're a promising author. :-)

-Jonathan

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[mara_jade3]

Yeah, I have heard that a thousand times. "Don't get discouraged, or give up." hehe I already have started to prepare myself for getting rejected. Thank you for all your advice. I looked up one of your books on Amazon.com. :) Would you be interested in taking a look at maybe just the intro of my book and give me some feedback? I'm sorry to ask. I've just never known anyone who is a published author and I would really repsect your opinion.