Guest Blog: Author Robert Wacaster

I'm happy to announce another guest blog from author Robert Wacaster. Today Robert is blogging about his writing process. So here's Robert:



I thought I’d push one more guest blog on Jennifer. I saw that she wants to know what authors think about while they’re writing. I think about the story. It usually flows through me, and I can see the characters in my head, like a movie. Just a second…I need to see if I’ve sold more books. Nope, haven’t sold any more yet. Anyway, as I was saying, when I write, it’s like I’m just writing what I see in my head. The story just sort of runs itself. I just kind of…Ok, I need to check on book sales again…nope, still haven’t…oh wait, one was sold on the Kindle.

Did that last paragraph seem funny? That’s what authors think about sometimes. “How many books have I sold?” Sometimes we get more worried about that than we should be. It’s the craft we should be worrying about, not the sales! I finally quit EXPECTING people to buy, read, and review my books, and SENT books out to people so they could read and review them! I keep telling myself not to worry about the sales! I’m a working Joe and don’t have to depend on what I write to get by! But still…

Ok, back to what I think about when I write. I met a new friend online who has quite a bit more experience than I do. She’s put out more books than I have, and is much better than I am at editing. And now she’s offered to edit a new one I’m writing. Wow, someone good at editing. Now though, as I write I wonder to myself if what I’m writing is going to look good to her? Am I using the right expressions? Do the characters “smile” too much? (Yes, she’s pointed that out to me from one of my other books. ) I wonder if she’ll like the direction the story is taking? Now that people are paying for what I write, things are becoming more complicated.

But in reality, is writing becoming more complicated for me? The answer is no. I still sit at a keyboard and type what goes through my head. I sit here and type this up for Jennifer and act like I’ll be nervous writing, but I really won’t be. I’ll still type the story I want to tell, and my new editor will make the small changes she feels are necessary. It’ll still be my story, and will still come out the way I write it. So I guess I’m wondering the same thing Jennifer is: What am I thinking about while I write? Well, hopefully the same thing people think about when they read: The Story.

Adventures in Casino Security

A Writer’s Love Story

Frigate: November

Thank you Robert for another entertaining post. And just so everyone knows he didn't "push" another blog on me. I offered my blog to him for posts whenever he wants! I hope you've sold some more books. I just started Frigate: November so hopefully I'll have a review here real soon!

I think it's great that you've found a friend who has the editing experience to help you with your writing. I've never wrote a book, but I would think that if I had someone who's been in the trenches to help me out it would be a good thing! Again thank you Robert I look forward to hearing from you in the future!

Review: How to Never Look Fat Again by Charla Krupp

I won this book in a giveaway from Library Thing.



About the Book

The new groundbreaking style-guide from bestseller author Charla Krupp on how to look 10 pounds lighter, 10 years younger and 10 times sexier every day, all year--in summer, winter, at the gym, even in a swimsuit!

You'll never get dressed the same way again once you discover:

*smart, easy ways to hide arm flap, a big bust, a muffin top, back fat, Buddha belly, a big booty, wide hips, thunder thighs, and heavy calves-and that's only half the book.

*which fabrics, colors, and styles make women look fat

*absolutely the best shades, shapes, and brilliant buys to make the pounds invisible

*clever solutions for special fashion situations--workout gear, evening wear, and even swimsuits!

*which products, fashions, and services you shouldn't waste your money on

*the top ten tips that will make you look thinner by tonight!

So, if you've ever put on a piece of clothing and asked "Does this make me look fat?" Finally, here is the book that will answer your question.

My Review:

I'm a big girl, and even though in the beginning Krupp states that obese (anyone over 50 pounds) should loose weight before using these tips I think that anyone can really benefit from dressing nicer. I've always been taught that feeling good about yourself is the best way to make a change. If you dress up you feel better, and to keep that feeling you are then more willing to make other changes (such as loosing weight).

I like how the book was broken down. Krupp goes through each of the problem areas women have and gives tips on how to dress that area properly. Many of the tips transcend multiple areas so you won't be standing in a store thinking "this shirt helps here but not there". By including the same items through a few different body areas you can buy a few "no-fat" or "low-fat" pieces to add to your wardrobe, instead of paying for a whole new wardrobe.

I also like the section in the back where she tells you to go through your closet. She gives you a brief step-by-step to really get the "high-fat" clothes rid from your life. The reason I liked this section is that just going and buying a few new pieces and adding them to your closet isn't going to keep you from dressing in the "high-fat" clothes. To really take advantage of the tips in this book you need to start with a clean slate, so to speak.

After reading this book, seeing the pictures that show the tips she gives, and really analyzing the clothes you currently have and the clothes you are going to buy you should be able to dress thinner without ever stepping foot into a gym. Although even with a new wardrobe the gym is never a bad thing. (She even has hints on how to dress at the gym! How great is that!)

To find out more about How to Never Look Fat Again please visit Hachette Book Group's website.

How to Never Look Fat Again: Over 1,000 Ways to Dress Thinner--Without Dieting!