A good chunk of my day yesterday was spent trying to figure out the order the poems for my next poetry book should go in. It sounds like a simple task – just choose what order seems to make the most sense.
It isn’t that simple. For one thing, I’m not always the best judge of my poems. I tend to be very critical of my own work. One thing that helps is to hear them out loud. It helps me hear whether they flow well or not. That is completely subjective on my part.
I spent a lot of time trying to figure out categories. Once I separated them into categories, then I had to figure out what order they had to in. I have favorites. I always have favorites so it is hard for me to let go of one even if it doesn’t fit. I like it so much I want to share. But I have to look at the overall book. Is this favorite poem of mine going to enhance the book? If it isn’t then I shouldn’t include it.
I called Vicki to grumble my way through a few decisions. She is much more objective and being a librarian she can give me a perspective of other books. Plus she isn’t afraid to tell me I’m wrong.
The order for the next poetry book is set for now. Sometimes when I’m working with the electronic file I find that oh hey this one actually goes really well with this group rather than the one I’d stuck it in.
In addition to working on the poetry book, I worked on one of my crochet experiments. I also started a crochet spreadsheet. I’ve always wanted to have a record of what I’ve crocheted plus Vicki was nagging at me about it so I started a spreadsheet. She wants me to write a crochet book but I don’t feel I’m in a place where I can do that. The spreadsheet will help me see how many of my own patterns I’m creating and also get me taking pictures of my projects (hopefully better ones than I normally do). If I find that I’m making up more of my own projects then I might work on a book.
I could try doing the afghan contest that Herrschner’s has every year. I’ve thought about it in the past but I don’t like that they get to copyright on the pattern. However, if I were going to go into writing craft books, it would be a good credit to add to my portfolio, especially if I won.
It is summer and if you are looking for some good books to read check out mine:
Secret Past – a romance novel full of adventure, mystery, and romance
Available on Barnes and Nobles:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/secret-past-eileen-troemel/1119169953?ean=9781499159868
Available for sale at:https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/426548
Available on Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Secret-Past-Eileen-Troemel-ebook/dp/B00JL38Z7C/ref=la_B00JL4PEJ8_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1398097355&sr=1-1
Moon Affirmations – Daily Meditations Using the Moon Phase to Focus Your Energy
Available for sale at:
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/432900
Available on Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Moon-Affirmations-Daily-Meditations-Energy-ebook/dp/B00K08TF3K/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1398791925&sr=8-5&keywords=moon+affirmations
Available on Barnes and Nobles:http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/moon-affirmations-eileen-troemel/1119387496?ean=2940045859738
Moments in Nature – poems inspired by the power and awe of the nature around us
Available at Barnes & Nobles:http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/moments-in-nature-eileen-troemel/1119566668?ean=2940045940085
Available at:
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/437602
Available on Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Moments-Nature-Eileen-Troemel-ebook/dp/B00KBFOWSK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1400077630&sr=8-1&keywords=moments+in+nature