Remember me? I can’t believe the time has finally come. I’ve done it! Today, I’ve sent The Heart Stone Chronicles – The Swamp Fairy to my beta readers. I can barely breathe! I fluctuate between panic and elation… all at the same time.
Then, after missing RonovanWrites #Weekly #Haiku #Poetry Prompt #Challenge for the last few weeks, I am here to enjoy #114. The words this week are “Magic & Stars,” and must have been selected especially for me. Thank you, Ronovan!!! <3
I can’t help but question if the fairy nymphs aren’t looking down at me this moment, happy their stories will soon be told.
Happy weekend everyone! I’m going to take a few days off. I’ll see you on Monday! <3
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Colleen Chesebro: WordCraftPoetry
Colleen M. Chesebro is a Michigan Poet who loves crafting syllabic poetry, flash fiction, and creative fiction and nonfiction. Colleen sponsors a weekly syllabic poetry challenge, called #TankaTuesday, on wordcraftpoetry.com where participants learn how to write traditional and current forms of syllabic poetry. A published author, Colleen is also an editor of “Word Weaving, a Word Craft Journal of Syllabic Verse, also found on wordcraftpoetry.com. Colleen’s mission is to bring the craft of writing syllabic poetry to anyone who thinks they can’t be a poet.
Recently, she created the Double Ennead, a 99-syllable poetry form for the Carrot Ranch literary community at carrotranch.com. Colleen’s poetry has appeared in various anthologies and journals including “Hedgerow-a journal of small poems,” and “Poetry Treasures1 & 2” a collection of poetry from the poet/author guests of Robbie Cheadle on the “Treasuring Poetry” blog series on “Writing to be Read."
Colleen published “Word Craft: Prose & Poetry, The Art of Crafting Syllabic Poetry,” which illustrates how to write various syllabic poetry forms used in her Tanka Tuesday challenges; and a collection of poetry, flash fiction, and short stories called, “Fairies, Myths & Magic: A Summer Celebration,” dedicated to the Summer Solstice. She contributed a short story called “The Changeling,” in the “Ghostly Rites Anthology 2020,” published by Plaisted Publishing House.
Find Colleen at Word Craft: Prose & Poetry at wordcraftpoetry.com.
View all posts by Colleen Chesebro: WordCraftPoetry
50 thoughts on “My Magical Dreams Are Coming True!”
How utterly and incredibly exciting! Congrats on the hard work!! Where does one find beta readers??
Most of them are published authors who I respect. Don’t be afraid to ask people to read your work. I know of no better way to learn than to write and receive feedback from my peers. <3
Just read it, let me know it makes sense, let me know the voice is consistent. Basic stuff. Is it even enjoyable? I force it on my poor babysitter, most of my friends that I trust are too busy, though they have the best intentions.
I literally have asked my blogging friends and authors alike. I know of no other way to learn except from the feedback of my peers.
exactly my frustration. 😉
You can join groups on FB or Twitter pitch contests, meet writers who seem like a match, and ask to swap critiques or beta reads. Good luck!
That’s the life of the artist, Colleen. I think that having the jitters is very natural, but unnerving. You’ll be fine. We’ve read so much of your work and we’ve loved it. You’ll be smiling soon when the readers have wonderful things to say about it.
Congratulations Colleen. You’ll be fine. I’m sure the book will do well. Don’t worry about the mood swings, we were all like that with our first baby. Best of Luck.
xxx Massive Hugs xxx
I am sure I will be there with you also, Natalia. Writing is a learned skill. Never did I think that my manuscript would be perfect the first try. I know I will have plenty to redo and think about. That is how we grow. I can’t become better if I don’t know what I am doing wrong. I believe we are doing it the correct way. Keep your chin up. Remember, if our friends and peers see things in our writing our readers will see them too. I have had to swallow my pride and realize that I am a student of writing. I will just keep writing and learning. J.K. Rowling took 7 years to publish the first Harry Potter book. 😉 Hugs! <3
Thanks. I feel excited about the changes I need to make. I know they will make the story stronger. I’m not really sure what the first try is 😉 What they’re reading has been rewritten many times. I am enjoying the process — even if I do get impatient. Love your approach and perspective. <3
I have been through about 3 rewrites in the last two years. I have only gone through two large edits, so the feedback really helps. I agree. The rewrites make the stories stronger. Keep up the good work. Many hugs coming your way. <3
So exciting. Congratulations, Colleen. May the Betas by with you 🙂 Sorry, old sci-fi geek here.
Wonderful news, Colleen. <3 I love the fairy turning your book's pages. It is magical that you are at the end of one road and beginning another part of your journey.
How utterly and incredibly exciting! Congrats on the hard work!! Where does one find beta readers??
Most of them are published authors who I respect. Don’t be afraid to ask people to read your work. I know of no better way to learn than to write and receive feedback from my peers. <3
It’s not the lack of want for feedback, it’s the lack of knowing anyone interested in helping…;)
Do you mean helping you edit and things like that?
Just read it, let me know it makes sense, let me know the voice is consistent. Basic stuff. Is it even enjoyable? I force it on my poor babysitter, most of my friends that I trust are too busy, though they have the best intentions.
I literally have asked my blogging friends and authors alike. I know of no other way to learn except from the feedback of my peers.
exactly my frustration. 😉
You can join groups on FB or Twitter pitch contests, meet writers who seem like a match, and ask to swap critiques or beta reads. Good luck!
May the fairies continue to smile down on you! How fabulous and verrrrry good luck with the next leg!
Susan, thank you for your kind comments. I am excited but realize I may still have work ahead of me. Fingers crossed! <3
Congratulations on this incredible news!
Thanks, Rob. I’m scared to death. What if no one likes it??? You know, the basic jitters from revealing your soul! LOL! <3
That’s the life of the artist, Colleen. I think that having the jitters is very natural, but unnerving. You’ll be fine. We’ve read so much of your work and we’ve loved it. You’ll be smiling soon when the readers have wonderful things to say about it.
Thanks for your sweet words. That means much to me. I hope it comes across to them the way it did for me writing it. Fingers crossed. XX
Congratulations and such a beautiful poem too. 🎉
Thank you for your kind words. Many hugs to you! <3
Congratulations! I can’t wait until I’m finished 🙂
Thank you. It took me two years and many starts and do-overs. Best of luck to you in accomplishing your goals! <3
I know the feeling! Loved the image of the fairy book.
Thanks, Jan. That is a fun GIF image. ❤️🦄
Congratulations Colleen. You’ll be fine. I’m sure the book will do well. Don’t worry about the mood swings, we were all like that with our first baby. Best of Luck.
xxx Massive Hugs xxx
Aww, thank you David. Right now, I am petrified! ❤️❤️❤️
How exciting Colleen!
Thank you, Colline. My journey continues. 💖
So excited for you, Colleen. Hugs to you for a great success. Can’t wait to read it. 💝
Oh my goodness. Thank you, Van. It was hard to myself out there. But, that’s how we learn . ❤️
How wonderful!!
Thanks, Traci. I appreciate your support. ❤️
Anytime!!
Bravo, Colleen! This is so exciting. I just love that fairy book graphic, too! Is that yours?
No, but it is glorious. This was a free GIF image. 😍 Thanks Terri! You rock!
Congratulations, Colleen! That’s wonderful. I understand how nerve wracking it is. But it’s very exciting too. xx 🙂
Ah, so true. I am sure I have many edits ahead of me. ❤️
This is Beautiful…it gives me a warm & fuzzy
I’m a newbie – what link did you find this GIF
Thank you. I’m scared to death! It’s hard bearing your soul and putting yourself out there. 💖
PicGifs.com is where the fairy book came from. These are free GIF’s. They have a large library you can search. Hugs! <3
Reblogged this on Anita Dawes & Jaye Marie.
Thanks for sharing my news. 💗
Wonderful news! Sending the finished book to beta readers is an exciting step.
Yes. Thanks, Natalia. There is always plenty of work. We’ll see what my beta readers say. 💗
I thought I was ready to query. More critique partners have me back to revising. Definitely plenty of work for me.
I am sure I will be there with you also, Natalia. Writing is a learned skill. Never did I think that my manuscript would be perfect the first try. I know I will have plenty to redo and think about. That is how we grow. I can’t become better if I don’t know what I am doing wrong. I believe we are doing it the correct way. Keep your chin up. Remember, if our friends and peers see things in our writing our readers will see them too. I have had to swallow my pride and realize that I am a student of writing. I will just keep writing and learning. J.K. Rowling took 7 years to publish the first Harry Potter book. 😉 Hugs! <3
Thanks. I feel excited about the changes I need to make. I know they will make the story stronger. I’m not really sure what the first try is 😉 What they’re reading has been rewritten many times. I am enjoying the process — even if I do get impatient. Love your approach and perspective. <3
I have been through about 3 rewrites in the last two years. I have only gone through two large edits, so the feedback really helps. I agree. The rewrites make the stories stronger. Keep up the good work. Many hugs coming your way. <3
So exciting. Congratulations, Colleen. May the Betas by with you 🙂 Sorry, old sci-fi geek here.
Aw, thank you so much. 💖❤️💖
Wonderful news, Colleen. <3 I love the fairy turning your book's pages. It is magical that you are at the end of one road and beginning another part of your journey.
Thank you, Viva. Many hugs! <3
Congratulations Colleen!! Magical news indeed <3 Looking forward to the next step of your journey!
Thank you, Jade. My hope is for magical! ❤️