An Open Book

An Editing Revelation

<p><img src=”http://www.lifefirst.com/images/rchssm.gif” /> <a href=”http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendID=116347465″>Photo by Henry Diltz</a> </p><p> Greetings Folks!

<p>Last week I talked about editing nightmare or a process? I personally have found editing to be a process that is accomplished in levels. But this week I started test recording for uploading “The Mark of a Druid” to <A herf=”http://podiobooks.com/index.php”>Podiobooks</A>  <p>To my surprise and delight I found it to be extremely helpful. I have read this book aloud several times but never into a recording system. While reading aloud is extremely helpful to help with sentence structure and pacing, you can’t listen to your work back. What I found when I replayed the first few tries of narrating chapter one was that it could be even smoother, more concise and much more cohesive.</p>

<p>Jumping up and down with excitement! Another way to make the better book!</p>

<p>What does that mean for the uploading of the work is … well. There will be a three-week delay in the posting of chapters and an eight-week delay in uploading pod casts to allow for rewrites and editing of sound tracks. New computer parts have been ordered to improve the recording process and facilitate the production of the upcoming Free serialized donor supported pod cast of “The Mark of  a Druid” on Podiobooks.com. If I can do it faster I will that will depend on how easily I can get the hang of this new way of thinking about the book. I think 8 weeks is a good estimate considering there are requirements of having 5 episodes or chapters in the can.  </p>

<p>If you want to improve your writing I strongly suggest recording it even into a handheld devise. You don’t need to buy a bunch of equipment. A simple headset and free ware can give you enough of a feel to make improvements on your work in progress. </p>

<p>These are very exciting times in the publishing industry. Things are changing and I for one am thrilled to be a part of this new world of pod casts and hypertext novels.  </p>

<p>Your comments are always welcome.</p>

<p><strong>Announcements!!!</strong></p>

<p> </p>

<p>This week new products are available in the store at <A herf=www.Lifefirst.com>LifeFirst</A> Under the Jewelry section we are proud to present this new line called the <a href=”http://lifefirst.com/hypnosis_products_cds_videos_jewelry_online_hypnotherapy/index.php?cPath=27_42&amp;osCsid=a78be5e233dac4be5b1940d6f196db73″>Rock of Ages </a>. This includes Sterling Silver Celtic crosses and several many other lovely designs, as well as, Jewish symbols of blessing and a very cool treasure box. Each is set with a Jerusalem Stone, which has a very earth like energy when held or worn.</p>

<p>Also look under Greeting Cards our newest category in the store. We are ecstatic to announce the incredible artwork of <A herf=http://www.goddessprints.com> Ami Reavis </A> Dragons and Fairy cards are perfect for any occasion.</p>

<p>In the next couple of weeks new Mp3’s will be up for download, I’ll let you know when they are ready.</p>

<p> Rhonda R. Carpenter</p>

I have found that weekly blogs are more up my alley than daily so check back once a week to see what is new.

As a writer, I find that there are such moments of doubt and then moments of clarity that I must be in a zone to write and editing is done in a much more conscious state. At least you hope you are conscious when your editing I know I do. The mind sees what it wants, what it believes it is has ready put on the page. So here are some tips I have used that really help in finding those crazy little nits that pop up in the written word.

1. Read the work aloud. Sometimes if you read it aloud even to yourself, you will catch things that would have been easily missed previously.
2. Print your work. While reading touch each word with a pen so your brain sees each one.
3. Give a friend or writing group a chance to look at your work so they can catch what you have missed or not thought of. There is a link on the blog rolls of this page to the online writes group I use most regularly. They are a great group of people who are all about helping and not about beating you up and they are from all over the world.
4. Hang upside down and read so you get a new perspective.
5. Don’t rely on just your spell check to catch you errors. Not a one of them is full proof.
6. Make a list of the thing you consistently do wrong in your writing. For me there and their, where and were are a couple of examples.
7. Use a great online dictionary. I like http://www.wordsmyth.net/home.php but there are a ton of them out there you can use free.
8. Walk away for a while a day is better than a few minutes and a few weeks is even better if you have the time. When you come back, you will have a fresh out look and may be able to make it flow better.

Keep writing I know I will!

Rhonda R. Carpenter

As a fledgling author of novels, I’m told I should have a blog. “Okay…” I said a grimes on my face. What do I have to say everyday that anyone would want to read? My brain then ran through every negative comment I let it latch onto. The bottom-line is I don’t have a super exciting life, but I love what I do and I enjoy my writing, family, clients and friends. Just an average gal who loves to write fiction assist in empowering my clients, teach what I know and learn all I can. So maybe I need to blog about writing. I guess we will see!

Welcome

Rhonda R. Carpenter

All my Dear Friends,

Today is the first posting of GOT INSIGHT the BLOG!

www.lifefirst.com/gotinsight

Please join me for inspirational insights and information about expanding our awareness of our consciousness. I will be posting exercises and pod casts of Mediations and Thought Streams at no charge.

I will also be scheduling classes in Psychic Development, Self Esteem building and Relationships just to name a few of the topics.

Feel free to ask questions, make comments and share your inspiring stories.

May we be as One!

Rhonda R. Carpenter

P.S. On a more recreational note keep your eyes on www.rhondacarpenter.com for some exciting announcements about the upcoming Book releases and Pod Casts of the first in a three book series called The Mark of a Druid. A story about a hypnotherapist caught in a devious plan for revenge that drags her kicking and screaming to 10^th Century Wales and Ireland. Teasers coming soon!