Tuesday, December 3, 2013

Summary of Two Story Stories

Which story would you rather read?

Story #1:

   Children see time differently than adults. A minute feels like five. An hour feels like and eternity. When they grow up that feeling goes away. But why?
   Twelve-year-old Nathan and the other children in his small town, known as the Second Seers, are feared. Adults fear the children are possessed by the devil. Second Seers can feel the time around them and can predict the actions of others.
   But the adults don't understand. They can't remember that all children have this ability until they come of age. So, they put the children on trial. Will they bet sentenced to death?




Story #2

   Julianna lives in a frozen world. Where all species of animal are extinct. She has never seen one, but she's read all about them. She also owns an Anichanical*. A man invented mechanical animals to help serve humankind. Though Julianna loves her Anichanical grizzly bear, she still wishes for some way to return real animals to the world. And one day, her dream has the possibility to be realized.


*subject to change

Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Texas Book Festival 2013

   This past Sunday I was able to attend the Texas Book Festival in Austin. I had never been before so I was super excited about going! The first day it came I wasn't able to go because of my day job but Sunday I took my chance and went. Right away I felt at home. It was like a smaller scale of World Con. My friend was with me and we went through each tent and talked with a lot of writers. Each gave great advice. The panels were great too. The one about creating a heroine was the best, both my friend and I agreed.
   Texas has such a welcoming atmosphere. I knew the people, both locals and visitors, would be all smiles. Even the weather was nice and cool for a change. People from H-E-B were giving out free books. A combined book of "Eragon" and "Eldest" from Christopher Paolini's Inheritance series. I was pretty happy about that. We also got a book given out by PENGUIN HOUSE (USA) called "What the World is Reading." It is full of sample books. I think that is a great idea to market books they have published.
   I'm excited to read books from authors I heard speak at the panels and report back on my favorites. Also, my novel is coming along great. I'm going through lots of revisions. My goal is to have the second draft completed my New Years. Fingers crossed!

P.S. My short story is still in the works too. Don't you worry.



Monday, October 21, 2013

Edits and Starting a Short Story

   I have been helping a friend with her book edits. I have always thought I was a horrid editor, but as I read through the story I found that I know more than I thought. Sometimes I need to remember that I am good at what I do and carry that feeling with me everyday. It will even help me with my own work.
   With my own story, I have changed things around so much and have even moved many chapters to either earlier or later spots within the plot. I never thought I would do that. I am so happy I have. It makes the story flow so much better. As a writer you can't be afraid to move things or cut huge parts out. You need to remember that your book may be perfect to you, but it could be word vomit to outside readers. Your book isn't for you. It is for the world. Push away your pride and fix the story! It truly makes you love your story even more.
   I have started my very first short story. Let me tell you, it is not easy for me. I have NEVER written a short story in my life. I am the writer that goes into details and who loves to create worlds for my characters to explore. So being tied down to only a select number of words freaks me out. I admire those with the discipline to keep stories short. It isn't my forte. That being said, I am excited to take on the challenge. When it is finished I will post it on my blog. I hope you will all enjoy it. It has been fun creating new characters while I have a break at work. My main focus is on my novel, but I will do my best to get my short story finished. I have no intention on publishing it, though. It is merely for you (potential readers) to read and hopefully enjoy.
   Once again, thanks to all who support me and my dream. I would be lost without all of your love and good wishes. XOXO

Monday, September 30, 2013

A Writer's Thoughts After Being Sick

The last week and a half I've been super sick, so this post will be a little all over the place because, well, I'm finally well enough to write again. But that's all part of the fun!

It's October! WHOO! I love fall and Halloween! (Side note: I really should write a Halloween-inspired book.) Anyway, I am so excited for all the adventures that come with Halloween. Parties, pumpkins, candy corn, spooky movies, festivals . . . I can't contain myself! I'm even jamming to Halloween music as I type. Oh yes, it's kind of a big deal. LOL!

So, I'm bummed that yesterday I was unable to attend the Austin Teen Book Festival. I have a day job that prevented me from going. I hope that someday writing will be my day job. Fingers crossed. However, even though I couldn't go some of my friends were able too so I got the details. Next year I'm so in!

Okay, so on October 8th a new book comes out called "The Eye of Minds" by James Dashner. He's the author of "The Maze Runner". Fantastic book! That whole series is amazing! I have high hopes for his new book. Everyone should read it, just saying.

Well, my revisions have fallen behind due to me being ill, but I'm now back and ready to finish! Shouldn't be long now.

Monday, September 16, 2013

Advice for Aspiring Writers

I love writing. That is obvious by now. However, sometimes I find that I need to step away from my work for a moment and unwind. Sometimes I find myself staring at my computer screen writing/editing/revising and my eyes start to blur. At these moments I step away. A lot of time I hang out with my friends but if they're busy I take time to be alone. I love my alone time. It is different from being alone as I write. In truth, for me that's not alone. I'm busy in another world with many other people. My true alone time is me against the world. If I could give advice to other aspiring writers like myself on how to recharge (and I know I'm still rather new at this myself) then I would say these things that work for me.


1. Go for a walk. Simple. I'm sure you've heard it before. But honestly, it's amazing. It doesn't have to be long. Just go out, stretch your legs, and feel the sun on your cheeks. Bliss.

2. Read a book. Reading isn't the same as writing. The story is already written. All you have to do is enjoy it. Go for the ride. Sometime I even find errors in published work and that helps me remember that all writers are human. All of us make the same classic mistakes. That way when I go back to my writing I go in with refreshed confidence.

3. Go see real people. Once again, I know sometimes people are busy and can't go out at the drop of a hat, but when you can, go out and be with people in the flesh. It's nice to have a laugh with best friends about meaningless things. My friends and I will laugh until we cry about one thing and when we look back on it later we wonder what we found so funny. That's the beauty of it. It doesn't matter. All you needed was a laugh and that's what you got. When you're back at your writing desk you're ready to start again.

4. Find other writers and talk about each others works. This way you're still getting in practice but your mind is on someone else's work. Plus, it's amazing to have an outsider's opinion.


These are the top four things that help me. I wish all of the aspiring writers all the luck in the world.

Monday, September 9, 2013

World Con 2013

In my last post I talked a little about my weekend at World Con. I'm going to give it a special post now.

So, World Con (Lonestarcon3) was amazing! I am still talking about it to pretty much anyone who will listen. I went with my friend Stacy, who is also a writer and a fantastic artist. Neither of us had been to World Con before so we went in blindly. It was more than we could have hoped for. All the exhibits were nerd-tastic! I could have spent most of the weekend looking at everything. I had to pull myself away so I could see the panels. The panels were fantastic, of course. From day one to the final day it was non-stop learning for me. I gained so much confidence in my ability to write. Not only that but I was able to hear from authors and agents and editors etc who are so great at what they do. It was a privilege hearing their words. I should have brought a recorder to listen back on the things they said. I guess my mountains of notes will have to do. HAHA!


                  Here's one of the many pictures taken.


Well, I hope that by next Monday my manuscript will be ready for an agent's consideration. The book is my take on the monsters in your closet. It's for YA but I hope people of all ages will want to read it and truly enjoy it.

Stop by my blog on Mondays for more updates! Thanks for all the support!

Monday, September 2, 2013

Hello World

Hello world! My name is Sarita Christine Waldorf.

Ever since the age of thirteen I've known that I wanted to be a writer. I'm surprised it took me that long to realize that fact. At that time I started my first attempt at writing a novel. After getting good feedback from my dad, sister, and teacher that's when it became real. I wanted to be a professional writer.

This blog is my way of getting my work out there so people like you can read and enjoy it. That has always been my dream. I write for middle grade to young adult and I'm currently working on a novel and searching for an editor and agent. The whole nine yards. I tend to stick to the syfy/fantasy genre, but I have interests in others as well. But, my heart does lean towards fantasy. It is in my blood.

I just came home from Worldcon which was held in San Antonio this year. It was AMAZING and I learned so much about the industry! For a couple years now that was what had me stumped. How do I begin this process? Where do I look? Online? The inside of my favorite books? I was pulling my hair out! But after this weekend it all became clear. The whole thing makes my heart race.

This is just a little about me. I'll be posting more so you can get to know me as a person as well as put up some work for you to read. In the next two weeks I'll be sending my novel out to an agent. EEEEK! Stay tuned!