Don’t be afraid to make mistakes

Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. I’ve been thinking about this a lot lately…..

Writing is one of the most exhilarating and frustrating things I have ever attempted. It feels so good to get my thoughts down on paper, but being a perfectionist (I guess you could also call it being a Dittmer or OCD), I have done so many rewrites, editing sessions, cutting out major portions only to put them back in, doubting myself, doubting the project, trying to find an illustrator, trying to find a publisher, self-publishing. It’s been a roller coaster ride.

I spoke with my uncle, Tim Dittmer, who is a great writer and his advice was “Do your very best and go with it.” I think this is great advice, especially for a new writer like me. It is easy to become so overwhelmed by the mundane details of writing that you get distracted and lose sight of the important details, such as publishing timelines. In the midst of going back over the story again and again, and getting excited about finally publishing the book, I forgot how much work goes into the actual publishing. So, now my publishing date has changed. Looks like I made a Big Mistake by underestimating the work that goes into publishing a hard copy book.

I hope my friends and family will be forgiving and understand. I will announce the new publishing date soon.

Tim Dittmer, author of The Valley Walker. http://twdittmer.wordpress.com/

In the beginning……

In the beginning….. What a great way to begin a story; a tremendous story of healing, transformation and salvation. Every writer looks for the perfect opening to their story; a line that captures the hearts and imagination of their readers. One necessity many writers need is inspiration. The old saying “write what you know” is the best advice for new writers. Pulling from life experiences is the best way to start a writing career and that is what I have done.

When I began writing my soon-to-be released book, The Monster in the House, I drew inspiration from my son’s childhood. The story is a fictional depiction of his childhood with his biological mother, his time in foster care and his adoption into our family. The book is written for children between the ages of 8-12. Although, I think many parents will love it and many older children may be able to relate to it. Especially those who have been in foster care or have been adopted.

Each story has a beginning, just as each life has a beginning. Unfortunately, Nathan’s beginning was full of trauma and neglect. Most of which scarred him deeply. However, Nathan and I are hoping that the story of his beginning will be an inspiration to others that it is possible to find your ‘Happily Ever After’ and have the perfect ending to your life’s story.

The book will publish on November 1, 2012, and will be available on Amazon.com.

Going Crazy with Formatting

I have spent hours looking over my manuscript…..questioning my methods. Should it be in first person or third person? Should I rewrite it, so that it’s geared for an older audience? If I write it just for kids…how do I get it illustrated? I think I should take a break for a few days and then come back to it with fresh eyes. Otherwise, I may go BATTY.

I have also talked with two different self-publishing companies. I’m trying to decide between Amazon.com/CreativeSpace.com and a few other sites. Again…I should probably step back from the computer and come back later. Otherwise, I may crack!

My First Entry

Hello everyone!

This is my first entry of, what I hope, is many. I am in the process of publishing a book. So far, it is very frustrating. Writing the story was a piece of cake. They always say “write what you know”. And that is what I did. The story is of a young boy whose biological mother abandons him. The little boy finds himself alone and wandering through life hopeless, until one day a man and woman take him into their home and adopt him. This story is a depiction of my son’s life. Although it is sad in the beginning it has a very happy ending……full of hope and a future.

The frustrating part is getting the book printed. I have been offered a book deal (that was bogus). I’ve looked into self-publishing and it costs an arm and a leg. Now, I’m looking into other options……

So, if you know anyone who wants to promote a great book, let me know. I look forward to starting this process and seeing the finished product.

This is a picture of my son and I, taken right after his adoption.