Business Cards

Yea, I ordered business cards. Soon I will have exactly one short story published so I went and ordered business cards. Do you know why? Because we need to celebrate our successes. This is my positive reinforcement. A year ago I was talking to a board of authors and they asked me what I wanted out of my writing. I told them, I wanted to get new business cards.

Something, that is tangible. Something that screams out to the world I have succeeded. Here is proof. I have a business card. With a flourish I can display my new writer’s card. The clouds part, and a sunbeam shines down on me.

I am a professional writer.

Beware world, I’m going to unleash prose like never before….

I am writer, read my words.

Story Teller, Writer, and soon AUTHOR!!

I got the word last week, just before my daughter’s wedding, so I was unable to share the news. October first marks the release of one of my stories. It is just one short story in a collection, but it is mine.

This is the story of when I took a bike trip to Lynchburg TN. This is also the opener to my collection of biker stories. There is no better way to start.

Very soon I’ll be adding a new page to my writer no AUTHOR page. A page where you can order a copy of the book for your own. My story will be included in the collection “Potter’s Field 6” – published by Alban Lake – ( http://store.albanlake.com/ ) – My story is called “Road Trip to Lynchburg”

Step by Step… Inch by inch

Well this is as close as I have ever been. (So far……) Last month I submitted two short stories to two different anthologies. One was one of my biker stories, one was a brand new story. Both collections are still accepting submissions, and everyone knows that writers always wait till the last minute to submit their work.

Anyway I contacted the editors of both collections just to see how things are rolling.

Both editors told me my work is currently sitting on the short list. (to be included) However it is still an open call, and there are no guarantees. So……

As long as no REAL authors show up…… I have a chance ate getting at least two of my stories published.

There is still almost a month till the send out acceptance / rejection letters. Have you ever crossed your fingers for a month?

Story calls: Mission Accomplished

Well, this has been a very long couple of weeks. With the help of my editor, who is willing to work for hamburgers, extremely under-priced but gets around the starving artist problem. With the encouragement of my family, I hope they forgive this temperamental writer. With the abuse of my keyboard. I have finally submitted two stories for entry into two different anthologies. Now I wait.

On the off chance that one of my stories get picked up, I’ll keep you posted.

One story was my first biker story. It has motorcycles, Jack Daniels, and ghosts. This is the story that brought back my love of writing. Because of this story I have five other motorcycle stories in various stages of completion.

My second story is a hack and slash horror story. It is about a grave digger that likes to take his work home with him. That story also has a few shout outs to my family. I hope they don’t disown me.

Now I’m torn do I write for another submission, or write another biker story.

If you know of any story calls please share them below. I might just do both.

Also if you could send prayers, good thoughts, or oxford commas my way. (About being accepted into the anthologies.) All will be appreciated.

Herika R. Raymer – Writer/Editor – My Friend

Something all writers need is inspiration. I don’t mean the kind inspiration of, oh I have an idea! I mean have a friend in the business. Someone you can bounce ideas off of. Someone who you can share story calls with, someone who can read your work and tell you how bad it stinks.

A few months ago I had decided that I was going to start writing again. I started banging out the words in my word processor. It felt great. Then I hear that at my Church, a church of maybe a hundred people, someone was putting together a writer group. I printed out my stories and next Sunday I asked Herika if she would bata read these for me.

When I got my stories back there was red ink all over them. That is how I found out that Herika’s day job is writer, editor, publisher, and I just asked her for a freebie. Eventually I was able to get my foot surgically removed from my mouth. Last week at the MisSouthCon I followed her around like a lost puppy. She was gracious enough to introduce me to her friends. I can never thank her enough for the start.

Also Herica was nominated for the 2016 Darrell Award for one of her short stories. She received first runner up for her story: Sentry – Herika R. Ramer

Here is her Author page, Herika R. Raymer – Writer/Editor stop by and tell her I said Hi.

Here is the link to the book with her story: Sentry — The Idolaters of Cthulhu

THE SECOND FEBRUARY SUBMISSION WINNER: A Christmas Star Wish by Vanessa Martin

Vanessa is a dear friend of mine of mine, also a writer. I had no idea that I knew so many? Anyway, she wrote a wonderful children’s Christmas story. Check it out with the link below. Congratulations Vanessa……

Below is our second published piece from reader submissions! This week (and only a day late) is Amber’s Pick. It is a fictional children’s short story written by V…

Source: THE SECOND FEBRUARY SUBMISSION WINNER: A Christmas Star Wish by Vanessa Martin

How to Handle Self-doubt

I don’t know about you but for me the most difficult thing about writing is the huge self-doubt that goes along for the ride. This is what keeps me away for from keyboard for the longest periods of time. I don’t have a problem with the writers block, grammar (cause I ignore it) spelling or any of the other crippling curses of being a writer. Self-doubt that is my kryptonite.

I have been blessed to have a a have come across Jenna Moreci. She is a writer that produces a weekly VLOG, about all thing writing. I have learned more from her videos than I have learned in any class. If you could use a bit of help, or just a pat on the back, you have got to visit Jenna’s vlog.

Do you have a secret inspiration, please share it in the comments blow.

Write On! <– that is for me.

Larry

You can find Jenna’s link right here: How to Handle Self-Doubt as a Writer – Jenna Moreci

A Legend’s Journal

Be careful with in thease pages I’ll be unloading my thoughts for the world. Some may be good, some may be scary, but I do know I’m planning to twist the throttle wide open and let the miles roll on.

If you’ve made it this far in my site you know now some of my passions. Riding my bike. I’m currently stalling. It is only 39 degrees outside. I’ve got my fingers crossed that SOON ridding weather will be upon us.

Yea, I know a real biker would be out riding, nad not typing. BUT, I ride because I enjoy it. I can’t enjoy riding if I can’t feel the wind.

Another thing I love is telling stories. Step by step this turned me into a writer / author. Check out my bookstore, or even better stop by to see me and I’ll sign a copy special for you.

Let’s get down to business

This is my second writers blog and I still haven’t published. My first writers web page was running my credit card as I was posting to my supposedly free site. The only thing I’m a little upset about is all my first drafts are gone.

My plans for this site is to share my first drafts with you. Later drafts, I plan to keep in my building area. My internal count is when I finish twelve stories. I’m going to try and publish. My first step is bang out the stories. That is where i’m going to need your help.

This blog includes an area below where you can post your comments. In my first blog I talked about how delicate writers were and any negative feed back could kill us. I have changed my mind on this. Now, I am looking for your feed back, questions, comments, jokes. Give me your worst.

Together we are going to make my dream come true. What are your dreams? Have you made any steps towards yours?