Month: January 2021

Let’s Keep This Going

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I got my first Valentine’s Day present:

I say first, because Batman said he’s getting me several things, and if this where the bar has been set, then I’m ready to go. Let’s do this Valentine’s Day. (I should note, I have literally *nothing* planned to give to him because unlike him, I am not straying from the no-gifts-other-than-maybe-the-good-chocolate rule that we’ve been respecting for almost a decade now.) But he surprised me with these, and I have to say, I’m in love. (I should also note, I’ve already left them at a friend’s house after modeling them, so do with that information as you will.)

I came very close to missing this post because I kept putting it off, but I only did that because I’m busy rewriting like a MOFO, since once of my beta readers made a comment that caused an absolute epiphany on what I’m doing wrong with my story—and what I could be doing better. So, if you’re one of the few who’ve read my “first draft” of my *still untitled story* my apologies. You were not given the real story, and for that, I will banish my house elf.

The bones are still there, but I’m practically rewriting a majority of the story. But hey, that’s the process. Sometimes you need a little feedback to know you’re been looking at something all wrong. And no, this wasn’t just one comment and magically, I bent the knee to her suggestions. Writers (should) take all critiques with a grain of salt, but this was something echoing in my head that turned into a scream once she brought it up. Even though I don’t have a clear vision of exactly how everything will happen, that doesn’t stop a panster. I’ll figure it out. And I have been, because I’ve already written the first eight chapters, including new POVs.

Yeah, 2021. Let’s keep going, baby. I have my handerpants, a better angle on writing my untitled book, and a new job I’m starting on Monday. Ah, it shall be nice to receive a paycheck again whilst contributing to society, although I feel like I do that every time I walk into Walmart.

This is going to be a good year, guys. I can feel it. And in case you’re wondering (which I know you are) my first newsletter went out without a hitch, meaning—and I can’t stress this enough—I’m not completely stupid with technical things. Still stupid, but I’ll give myself a break since I only went through two or three glasses of wine trying to set up Mailerlite—and it worked!

If you want to sign up, there should be a pop-up at some point. But if that doesn’t happen, let me know and I’ll add you manually, because, I know how to do that.

*dusts off shoulder*

Well, I’m done being lame for today, so until we meet next Wednesday for the IWSG post, enjoy your weekend! I will be, as it shall be my last one before returning to the work force.

God help me.

~ Lady Caitlin Signing off

More Similarities Than Differences

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Before we go any further, there’s something I have to say:

Happy eleventh birthday to my only but *favorite* nephew. You are weird as hell, and you annoy the crap out of my sister (like I use to) so please never-ever change. Even when people call you out for being animated and different, remind them that Robin Williams and Eddie Murphy and Jim Carey exist(ed), and then tell them to go fuck off (when you’re old enough).

I’m going to keep this post short because 1) Here comes Wednesday again, sneaking up like it always does, ninja-ing its way out of nowhere after Sunday, and as I’m writing this, it’s already Tuesday night, so there’s not a lot of brain functioning left and 2) I’m like 99% sure nobody cares about this post since it’s the inauguration, and most don’t come here for my political commentary. Which is good, because it’s not really my thing, especially since I believe George Orwell knew what the hell he was talking about. That should tell you everything you need to know on where I stand, and why I don’t post certain thoughts (you know, just in case they’re the wrong ones) because that is the terrifying society we live in today, folks.

Short post. No political thoughts contributed (sans the tiny one above). Only solid prayers that people breathe, and remember we share more similarities than differences.

We’re all human beings. Let’s try for love and peace and acceptance, huh? I promise, it’s worked in the past.

~ Lady Caitlin signing off

P.S. Your present’s in the mail, TJ. I just have to actually go send it first.

Launching My Newsletter

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This is it—my official last post BEFORE launching my newsletter.

Any idea what I’m going to talk about?

That’s right—my newsletter! Gosh, you’re smart.

As a recap, I have been self-publishing since 2013, which is still long after the self-publishing pioneers who blazed the path before us. I only mention it because SEVEN years later I am finally doing something that I—know that I understand—should’ve been doing since pre-publication.

*Smacks forehead*

Take it as a lesson, padawan. Don’t do what I did. Or, don’t take as long to realize the power of cultivating a subscriber list since it’s one of the few things you own in any entrepreneur endeavor. In plain English: email newsletters are of the most beneficial marketing tools on the market, so, I figure—eh, I’d give it a try. Seven years in, can’t hurt.

But why sign up? What’s in it for you? Excellent questions, although I did answer these in a previous post…but, what the hell, we’ll go over it again:

  1. An opportunity for you to be lazy while STILL enjoying awesome content. As in, in addition to visiting this *amazing* blog, you won’t have to come to me—I will come to you in an email on the 15th of every month! All that’s required from you is the ability open an email. But I have faith.
  2. MORE CONTENT. Blogs are awesome, and I will continue to keep mine up, but even MORE content? What? Is she for real? (Yes, I am). I’ll also include things I don’t normally on my site, like snippets from current projects, and more writing-related updates (join me in my querying journey!)
  3. Learn about other creators and entrepreneurs. It turns out I have a lot of really talented friends who do all sorts of neat stuff! And y’all should know about them, so, I’ll be highlighting one each month. (If this is you, totally contact me. I’ll probably contact you though. Wait for it.)

Okay, by now—and per my understanding—you should have received a pop-up asking to join the newsletter. Were you like me and just closed it because you feel pop-ups are slightly accosting sometimes? That’s okay. If you missed your chance to sign up, I *believe* you can come back tomorrow and it will ask again. I think. I’m not really sure I understand any of what I did so I’m feeling 70% confident here.

First newsletter goes out this Friday, 1/15.

GUYS. I’m finally doing it. Seven years in, baby.

It’s never too late.

~ Lady Caitlin

Not Too Shabby #IWSG

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Yep. I did it. I forgot to post on the first Wednesday of the year. Good job, me! I’d say that’s going to set the tone for the rest of the year, but it’s all good. It happens. Sometimes we wake up thinking it’s Tuesday when it’s really Humpday because unemployment, much like the insanity caused by it, messes with our heads. Also, sometimes I put on my shirt inside out and don’t realize until I’ve gone into stores. Nobody’s perfect.

I’d actually been planning on writing a belated honeymoon post when I realized the month that we’re in, and, like, the whole new year thing. It’s not only the first post of the year, but the first IWSG post, which makes me feel like a total loser butt-face since I missed it. (I try not to miss those posts). BUT I’m here, a day late, with my belated honeymoon post pending somewhere in the background for later reveal. It’s all good. My shirt is on correctly and I’ve got an interview on Monday. Not too shabby.

IWSG optional question:

Being a writer, when you’re reading someone else’s work, what stops you from finishing a book/throw you out of the story/frustrates you the most about other people’s books?

Here’s the list:

POOR grammar. If you miss a couple of commas, psshh—whatever. I don’t care. But, if I’m tripping over every few sentences, it plucks me right out of the story and nope. Nope. Nope. Nope.

ANNOYING protagonists who don’t improve or learn. I don’t love everything about every protagonist. I shouldn’t. But if that MC makes stupid mistake over and over/is annoying me beyond all living hell—I just, I can’t. And I won’t. So, I don’t.

BORING stories. Look, they’re not all action packed. I get it. But if I’d rather empty the dishwasher or fold a stack of clothes or file for unemployment, then, I’m sorry. It’s not my cup of tea and I just ain’t gonna happen. (And it doesn’t).

I believe these are my top reasons for putting down a book. I try not to, but, if it falls in one of these three categories—I’m sorry. We just weren’t meant to be.

Insecure Writer’s Support Group (IWSG) is a monthly blog hop for writers at all levels to share their fears and insecurities in a safe and encouraging place. Please drop by and say hi to Alex Cavanaugh who started this nifty concept in bringing us all together.

(Writing this post-attack on the Capitol, let’s bring that positivity we talked about in 2021. Remember, we’re stronger together.)

~ Lady Caitlin Signing Off