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Amy on writing

The Longest Year

amywestphalcreates

I feel it’s been forever since I last posted here, because it has been. This is the longest damn year ever. And it’s only half done.

I miss being here and feeling like I have something to say. Something to share. I kept waiting for something amazing to happen, something to shout from the rooftops…

I have no such thing. And I’ve decided that’s okay. Being okay right now is okay. It’s the most okayist thing in the world. Are you okay?

I’m okay. I’m here without rooftop shouting news because in the end, it’s all about the journey. Welcome back on my ride.

To update, My querying redux started with a bang of requests and excellent feedback from agents… until Covid 19 swept over our nation. Then suddenly, my voice seemed too dark.

I can’t control this. This is bigger and more vital that any book. A lot of things are right now…

But I won’t give up either. On my 2 year blog-versary, I’ve come too far to give up. And this isn’t a race. I’ve stepped back to work on new stories and evaluate the right avenue for my publishing venture. One way or another, I’ll get there when I get there .

And I’m gonna be better about talking about it. Writing, as we all know, can be very isolating. Community makes us strong. I need to grab hold again and not let go. Words are too important.

Which leads to my last note in this long overdue update.

Words are important. More important? Voices that need to be heard.

I want to state, unequivocally, my support for Black Lives Matter. Although this is not my narrative, I will forever be changed by the magnitude of this moment. Silence is complicity, and I want to be a better ally to the Black Community. Nothing is more vital. We must do better. The future of humanity depends on it. So please-Do the work. Listen, learn, accept, speak up, stand.

To all my dear WPs, ✌️💛 from the bottom to the top.

Cheers, Amy

Find me on twitter @amywestphal4

Amy on writing

Querying: Redux

amywestphalcreates
Digital art for CAPTURE THE TIDE by me.

I live!!!!! Yes WPs. I’m here, living like a writer and balancing it all like I know you all understand!

Update: I completed a full revision of my novel CAPTURE THE TIDE, including changing my POV from 3rd to 1st person. This was a massive, time consuming task and I couldn’t be more grateful for my amazing editor. I’m already seeing some great feedback from agents, including some requests!

I hope to continue striking balance and being more active here again soon. Hopefully with some more great news!

Wish me luck!

Cheers, Amy

Amy on writing

EWR call for artists- no fees, no catch

amywestphalcreates

Hey my WPs! I have exciting news and an even more exciting opportunity to share.

I have joined EVERY WRITERS RESOURCE as a section editor and art director.

http://www.everywritersresource.com is the premier resource for all things writing. From conception to publishing, Everywriter is there to help you on your writing journey.

Everywriter is also the place to read amazing stories, articles, short fiction, poetry, and see top artists from around the world.

Wanna be a part of it?

Check us out to see the revamped site that has been a go-to resource for 15 YEARS!!!

If you are interested in having your artwork featured on Everywriter please email me!!

Amy@everywritersresource.com

Please send me a link to your website/art page or email me 10-15 images directly.

If you are selected for Everywriter, please have your bio, high Rez images ready to email.

Questions? Drop me a line at the same email.

Everything featured on our site belongs to you. Your artwork and stories are yours and will be credited clearly as such. We are here to showcase talent. Previously published works are considered.

For questions about poetry eds@everywritersresource.com

For questions about fiction Jon@everywritersresource.com

Thanks and Cheers!!

Amy

Amy on writing

Learning the hard way

amywestphalcreates

I haven’t posted or been on WordPress for far too long. And I apologize. I’m still here!

I am heavily absorbed in edits for CAPTURE THE TIDE. I know, still. But this is the reason- I have a real legit editor on it now.

A while back I posted about hiring a service to do a one-off edit. This was a mistake for me. One I didn’t learn until recently.

But it’s okay! I have an editor that I am working with in what I can only describe as a collaboration.

These are the things you want from an editor, and of course I’ve learned this the hard way. As I do.

Step one is developmental edits- big picture stuff

Next is deep edits- pacing, transitions, believability.

The next 2 edits are fine tuning of the overall story and copy editing.

There should be tons of back and forth, a running dialog. Your editor is your team mate and cheerleader. A great editor views your success as their success.

So when looking for an editor that is right for you, ask these questions, allow them to work with you and of course be kind. They know your work is precious to you, and they respect that.

Don’t settle for less.

Cheer, Amy

Amy on writing

As the Wind Blows

amywestphalcreates

I keep waiting for something. Something major, interesting. Anything worthy of a blog post but it simply doesn’t come.

I want to bring you news! Something spectacular!

But I’m not without one thing. I have hope. I have movement. I continue to trudge along, but only as the wind blows. I’m letting it take me. No pressure.

I send my queries and check them daily but they don’t rule me anymore. I’m writing, I’m reading and connecting. It’s a good place to be.

Until something something truly spectacular happens, I’ll keep enjoying the breeze.

Until then.

Cheers,

Amy

Amy on writing

Follow with me

amywestphalcreates

Frickin Awesome Blog Alert!

Do you love sweeping fantasy and epic world building? Dragons, swords?

Then you absolutely must check out fellow blogger Zeigander and The WayBetween. Z is not only an amazing writing but also a meticulous word architect. I can’t hype this enough.

So please check out

www.thewaybetween.home.blog

Thanks WPs!

Cheers, Amy

Amy on writing

WIP IT

amywestphalcreates

As my query responses seem to lull at the pace of the changing seasons, I’ve finally dusted off my long dormant WIP.

Queue applause and accolades.

Skimming it, I’m glad to see that I’m still into it. Unfortunately it seems I’ve four versions of it. I attribute that to swapping between one drive mobile and pc only. But, after stitching sections together I have a decent first draft. Not too shabby, although I rue autocorrect. Rue it I say.

Now the challenge will be to see if I can be more electronically organized this time around. I’m looking at trello and scrivener as possibly tools. Tools used by far more experienced writers than myself. Or maybe I’ll just pants it. I realize that’s imprudent but I regard free form intuition as my most effective creative tool. (I’m also terrible with computers and a creature of handwritten habits.) But I digress…

How do you guys organize you’re WIPs. Inquiring minds need to know.

Cheers, Amy

Amy on writing

Fragile

amywestphalcreates

Word prompt Fragile. My first prompt piece~

It wasn’t always like this. So vibrant, unyielding. She could eat the world and still want more but this place, it has a way of unraveling you. Like a spool of fragile lace spinning down to a delicate nothing. Froth and whispers. And all that’s left is the cardboard. Paper thin and hollow. Just like her.

What up WPs. It’s been an interesting week. I still await good new from my submissions. But alas, they leave me in silence.

But I’ve been filling my time. Building connections with other writers, forging them in flame and reading their work. It’s been rewarding and insightful…

And most importantly? Stops me from refreshing by fucking email.

Any word promps to share? Drop me a link.

I’m kind of into it right now.

Cheers, Amy

Amy on writing

I am Querying #8

amywestphalcreates

Hey WPs. Another quiet week here at Amy’s email refresh party.

Waiting is the absolute worst. I thought I’d get a few responses this week but it’s been crickets.

To busy myself I’ve expanded my platforms.

I’m on Twitter. I know. I never thought I’d say that but….Writers congregate on twitter. I’m a writer, therefore I must congregate.

So come tweet me on the Tweeter !

@AmyWestphal4

Cheers, Amy

Amy on writing

My first book review

amywestphalcreates

This is my First book review here on Amy-Westphal.com

The book, by Author and blogger extraordinaire Stephen Black is called THE KIRKWOOD SCOTT CHRONICLES: SKELLY’S SQUARE

It’s a fantasy epic set in modern Belfast.

I hope you’ll take the time to check it out and then stop over on Amazon for your copy. No affiliate perks or paid reviews here, just my opinion.

You can also get to know Stephen and the Black family on their family blog fracturedfaithblog.com

And now for the review-

What if your personal demons were real? Embodied in form, no longer irrational compulsions in your head? What if they had a name? That’s Augustus Skelly. A napoleonic war monger in the head of one Kirkwood Scott. A 20-something man just trying to make it to his next payday. Kirkwood lives a dull life. But as his ex-girl Natasha says, he’s a good man. But life with Augustus Skelly in the shadows makes his one goal in life to see the bottom of the next pint. That’s until he meets the haunting eyes of Meredith Starc, the self imposed street urchin escaping her own painful past. Together these two underdog heroes embark on the ultimate battle of good and evil. One that turns what you thought you knew about this classic trope on its head. Kirkwood and Meredith, along with a terrific mix of equally memorable characters evoke an unstoppable force against an ancient evil.

Thoughtful, beautifully paced and darkly funny, Kirkwood Scott is an Epic tale in the vein of the most beloved of fantasies.

I gave it 5 stars on Amazon!

Happy reading, Cheers, Amy