Annetta Ribken's Blog

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Hello, my darlings.

I wanted to let you know I’ve launched the 31 Days of Editing With Netta. Every day there will be a post on my Facebook page (which you can access HERE) with a valuable editing tip. These tips are designed to give you a kick in the pants to get your first draft whipped into shape and tools to help you do just that.

I’ll post the first five here and you can find the rest on Facebook. If FB doesn’t work for you, if there’s enough interest I’ll bundle them all together for you when the 31 days are done.

So, without further ado or additional bullshit, here’s the first five tips. Hope they help!

Stay tuned for more tips until the end of January

NaNo is in the air.

It’s also in my email, my Facebook newsfeed, and all over Twitter. Instagram—yup. Everywhere.

For those who don’t know, this is the gist of NaNoWriMo: For the month of November, thou shalt write every day until you reach the magic number of 50,000 words. It actually works out to 1667/day, which seems like a reachable goal, yes?

For most people, maybe. For me, not so much.

The first time I attempted NaNo I had no computer so I started off writing on yellow legal pads. I want to say this was somewhere around 2005 and I wanted to prove I was more than a flash fiction or short story writer, although there’s nothing wrong with being either. Or both.

I think I got up to about 25k and punked out. After a few months of useless editing, I burned those yellow legal pads lest someone actually SEE them and know I wrote that shit. Every error known to literature I committed in that ‘script. *shudder*

Editing cannot save every story and it certainly couldn’t save that one. And after failing so spectacularly, it was a couple of years before I tried again.

This time, I was armed with a Sony Vaio. Man, I loved that thing. It was a tank. I put out so many words on that machine it was insane. Hundreds of articles, thousands of words, whoa. I eventually wrote Athena’s Promise on it in about eight weeks. But it was like a cork was pounded into each and every finger when it came to typing out 1667 a day for the month of November. WTF? Blergh.

Better than the last one, but only 10,000 words this time before I conceded defeat. Shit happens. It was still 10k more than what I started with. But with my crazy schedule I just could not make it work.

So, in the end, I don’t think I fit with NaNo or that NaNo fits with me. And that’s okay. I do envy a tiny bit the camaraderie and the fun activities, but I’ll just cheer on the writers for whom this platform works. I don’t think I’m the only one out here for whatever reason chooses not to participate in NaNo, but it is fun to give it a try to see if it works for you. If it does, that’s great! If not, that’s great too, because believe it or not, I learned a lot from my mistakes. Especially with the first book. Wow. I kind of got that word vomit out of the way so that’s a good thing. I might try it again at some point, although it won’t be this year.

What about you? Are you doing NaNo or taking a pass?

I would love to. I’ve been reading since I was just out of infancy. Millions and millions of glorious, magnificent, fabulous words. Thousands of stories. Some I loved, some I hated, some that didn’t leave a lasting impression but were good for a couple of hours of entertainment. I love them all, even the bad ones. I wrote my way through my senior year of high school with book reports. In the past, I used to love writing reviews.

Things Are Different Now

I’m sure you’ve all heard of Amazon cracking down on reviews in an attempt to clean up the rather nasty problem of fake reviews and sock puppets. Now, Amazon says if you know an author, you may not review. Their TOS clearly states if you have a financial stake in a book, you cannot review, and they are removing reviews even as we speak.

From the start of my career as a professional editor, my policy has been I do not review. It sucks because I am an avid reader, the biggest fan of STORY. It’s part of the price I pay to do what I love for a living, and while I wish I could review, I can’t.

No Review For You

Think about it. If I review a client’s book, it’s a conflict of interest. Although I work on a flat fee basis and have no direct financial stake in its success, of course I want my clients to do well. What kind of credibility would I have in reviewing a client’s book? None. I will say I do not take on stories I don’t believe in 100%. I don’t work on books that are not ready or that I don’t like, and I am blessed with a wicked talented roster of clients. When I say I love a story or a character, I absolutely mean it or I wouldn’t say it.

But a detailed review? Can’t do it. It would be suspect and rightfully so.

Other People’s Work

“But what about other authors?” you may ask.

I’m glad you did.

I wish I could, but again, there pops up the specter of credibility. Not only that, but my personal reading time is really limited, and most of my reading time is spent on manuscripts I’m editing or craft books. I read outside that as time allows and to keep up with trends, but the fact is editing is my business and I find it difficult to read as a reader now and not an editor. It makes me sad sometimes, but the bright side is I’m doing what I love so how can I hold a grudge?

So, reviewing books as long as I’m working as an editor is a moral and ethical line I’m not willing to cross. Although I understand what Amazon is trying to do, I don’t fully agree with the way they’re going about it. You can’t really divorce the writer from the reader, and in today’s social media climate, readers know writers in a way unprecedented in the past.

I don’t have a solution, but I am watching Amazon and wondering how this is all going to shake out.

What do you think about Amazon’s new policy as a reader, writer, or editor?

It’s here!

Content Editing With Netta

Everything you wanted to know about content editing but were afraid to ask!

This e-course is designed to help you, the writer, take your manuscript to the next level by evaluating all the moving parts. Not only will this save you money when hiring a professional editor, it will also teach you how to be a better writer.

Use the link above and receive 15% off the course! 

Three free lessons before you decide to buy!

Sign up for my newsletter and receive 25% off!

Click here to enroll with a 15% discount!

Let’s get started! And someone take these exclamation points away from me before I put out an eyeball!

Yes! Finally!

After months of work, my editing course is now at the final stages and just about ready to be released. I’M SO EXCITED.

And let me tell, you creating this course was a lot of fun. It was also brain burning and a labor of love, but what’s fun without a little brain on fire? Heh.

The course, titled CONTENT EDITING WITH NETTA, will be available to the public on Friday, May 29th. But, for newsletter subscribers, tomorrow you will receive a newsletter with all the particulars and a promo code for big savings.

If you’re not a subscriber, why not sign up now? Trust me, I don’t spam and I would never release your email to anyone else. That’s rude.

In the meantime, I’m giving everything a last minute spit and polish. (Not real spit. That’s gross.)

Sign up! Get the scoop! Pass the rum!

Yes, it’s been a while since I’ve blogged. I think I might have run into blogging burnout in addition to being so busy I just haven’t had time. You know how it is.

But with a new year comes new ideas and new opportunities. Warning: BRAIN ON FIRE!

A couple of years ago I presented an editing workshop to some lovely people on Prince Edward Island, Canada. What a magical place! It absolutely oozes creativity, and if you ever get the chance, I highly recommend you visit.

The workshop was well-received, and I thought about really beefing it up and creating an online course for those who don’t live on PEI and might be interested. Well, it took me long enough, but I am hard at work doing just that.

I’m still in the beginning stages, but it looks like in a month or less I’ll have it completed. WOOHOO! That’s a huge thing off my To-Do list, and I’m excited about it!

The course covers self-editing and will take your manuscript from flat to fabulous. It covers everything from plot to passive prose, complete with worksheets and resources. Whether your piece is a novel, novella, or short story, you will find many helpful tips to take your story to the next level.

This doesn’t take the place of a professional edit, but it does get your manuscript into good shape before sending it to a pro. This course is designed to help you become a better writer and to help you save money when hiring an editor.

Keep your eyeballs peeled! I’m going to need Beta testers soon, and if you’re interested, sign up for my newsletter at the top of the page to receive updates as soon as they happen. You don’t want to miss this!

Wow, so much is going on lately my head’s spinning. Those of you who subscribe to the writer’s newsletter on annettaribken.com already know some of this, PLUS you received a brand-new story from me! If anyone else is interested in reading MOSAIC, just sign up for the newsletter and boom. It’s yours.

CONGRATULATIONS TO PATTI LARSEN AND SYDLYNN THADDEA HAYLE!

Three years ago Patti Larsen introduced me to Sydlynn Thadea Hayle and her family. It is accurate to say my life has not been the same since.

I knew from the first book in the Hayle Coven Novels that all Syd had to do was get in front of the right people, at the right time, and the right place. I had a BLAST editing Syd’s stories–and I live in total amazement at the prolific and stellar talent from Patti Larsen. She’s a total professional with a work ethic that could fell Paul Bunyan. The woman is an animal.

So it is with a great deal of smugness and I TOLD YOU SO-ITIS that I announce Patti Larsen’s FAMILY MAGIC won the World’s Best Story of 2014 competition out of a field of over 1,000.

WHAAAAAA?!

Oh yeah! Which means Syd and Patti are on their way to a traditional publishing contract, distribution, and a book tour. Possibly MOVIES. Or TV. CAN YOU EVEN STAND IT?

Me neither

I’m incredibly proud of Patti and the work that’s gone into the Hayle Universe. This is one of those “overnight” successes which only took years, sweat, tears, and blood. But that’s why we love our job, no?

THE ROCK STAR ON ROCK TOUR

Aaron Galvin has not only released the second in his Salted series,Taken With A Grain of Salt, he’s made Salted, the first book, FREE.

He’s also on a book tour in Indiana; check here for dates and places.

Praise for Salted:

Debut author Aaron Galvin gives us robust characters and non-stop action, making this imaginative story of characters from a parallel, underwater world (the Salt) worth a look.

Finally a fresh take on what goes on under the sea. A thrilling, dark, page turner that leaves the reader wanting more. I am definitely hooked and eagerly awaiting the sequel. Although it is under the YA genre, adults will love this book. Readers will enjoy the exposure to a new fantasy world that has not been done before. The characters are well developed and interesting. A great read, highly recommend!!

Congratulations, Aaron!

***

I can’t believe it’s December already. This year FLEW. I’m already mulling over plans for 2015–I’m thinking about doing another anthology based on the Zodiac, playing with Sally Mae, and finishing up a few loose ends in addition to the work flow.

What plans are you pondering?

HA! Just kidding.

I don’t hate Mondays, but we’ll never be in love. Monday is is like an annoying mother-in-law, cold, rainy days in autumn, or pants that chafe your thighs. Inevitable and uncomfortable, but they don’t last forever even if it seems that way.

Schedule Updates

With the change of seasons comes a change in scheduling. My guidelines remain the same, but I thought I’d update my Rates and Services page so you all know the best time to get a hold of me. Any questions, just email me.

Newsletter News

I missed October’s newsletter. I’m not sure if anyone noticed, but there will be a newsletter on November 3 with the next installment of editing tips and the new releases of September/October. But let me ask you a question–what would you like to see in a newsletter from me? Are the editing tips helpful? I am totally open to suggestions, so if you have one (or a few), go ahead and throw them out there for consideration. After all, the newsletter is for YOU and I want to provide what’s useful to you.

If you’re interested in the writing side of things, visit Annetta Ribken-Literary Home and sign up for the newsletter there for updates on my writing endeavors.

Speaking of Writing News…

Not Nice and Other Understatements has received a makeover She’s nice and shiny, and hopefully will be released on October 15th. People who have purchased the Kindle edition in the past will receive the update at no charge. There will be a new print edition available for those interested. More info on the writing website.

And that’s it for Monday. Hopefully yours is going well.

I don’t know about you, but I couldn’t live my life if I didn’t have at least twelve lists going. That might be overkill for some people, but not for me. My To Do list spawns more To Do lists, which are sub-categorized into To Do Today, To Do Tomorrow, To Do (Household), To Do (Business), To Do (Feline Overlord’s Demands)… well, you get the picture.

Frankly, I was getting sick and tired of looking at all these MO-FRAKKIN’ To Do lists. Many times I just moved stuff from one list to the other. Because, you know, that works really well. Sometimes I’d look at the list and say to myself, “Self? There’s no way you’re going to get all that done. Go eat a cookie.” And of course, I’d eat a cookie. Because…COOKIE.

So then I started thinking about this a bit differently. I’m twisted like that. I know, don’t act so shocked.

In addition to the To Do list, I figured I needed an I DID IT list. That way, I could see what I actually DID accomplish in one day as opposed to looking at the endless To Do list, which is, let’s face it, ENDLESS.

It really has made a difference. Maybe not in the length of the To Do, but at least in my attitude. I like the feeling of accomplishment when I see a list of tasks completed. It’s much more positive. Some days I’m actually astonished at how much work I’ve put out or how many tasks were taken care of, and other days—well, sometimes you just have to eat a cookie and call it good.

What about you? Do you have any tricks to pscyh yourself up to get through the day? I’d love to hear about them.

Valuable editing tips are released monthly in my newsletter. Sign up and don’t miss them! If you’d like to follow my literary exploits, visit annettaribken.com