Now on Fiverr

If you've run across my website, you've no doubt noticed that I've markedly cut the freelance services I once offered. Instead, I've opened up shop on Fiverr. I won't have time to edit longer works or pursue prolonged projects. If you're looking for a nifty Facebook cover, an original ebook cover, or a short story edit, all at affordable prices, check out my Fiverr page at this link.

Copying/Pasting track changes in Word

A quick "share" post that I found on another blog: I've been trying to figure out how to copy/paste in Word while keeping track changes for the last few weeks. This tip is helpful when you're editing several short stories lumped into one document and need to copy/paste one story to share with the author(s) before the rest of the document's editing has been completed.

Luckily, I found this link: http://rlab-it-blog.blogspot.com/2009/07/how-to-copy-text-from-word-document-and.html. It details step by step how to accomplish this because for some reason, Word doesn't automatically keep track changes on the paste.

My thanks to the author of the blog post. You just saved me time and frustration!

-Pamela

Ain't got nothing to learn

I work at the local college as an English tutor. Before Spring Break, I was taking a box of paper to the recycle bin when I ran across a writing friend. He informed me that he was there to inquire about a creative writing class this fall. "Not that you need it," David added, "but I thought I'd pass it [the information] along."

Of course, I'm flattered when people think that I have nothing left to learn when it comes to the written word, but that isn't true and I hope that I never convey or imply that I have everything "figured out". I always try to keep an open mind. I've helped many students and writers grow over the years but that doesn't mean that my own growth has come to a halt. As an editor, one of the first things I tell my writers is that I am not the Editing Queen of the Universe. I may have suggestions, but the writer is in no way obligated to feel like my way is the ONLY way. Having that kind of openness is the best quality, I think, a writer or editor can have. I learn from my writers as much as they learn from me, if not more.

Provided I can manage the class on my otherwise hectic schedule, I want to take it and am very excited about it. (#NerdHappy!) One of the best things that a workshop or class on creative writing can do is kick up a little dust in your otherwise stagnant comfort zone. Also, an environment around like-minds can spark something inside of you that makes you fully appreciate the gift you have. Let's face it; when you get into a routine of writing the same things for long stretches of time without any real challenge to speak of, that writing spirit inside of you can get a little stale and sleepy. It helps to have a booster every once in a while.

There's nothing that says your writing style isn't fantastic, however, it is helpful to learn new ways to think about structure, format, and voice by not only studying what's already out there but by also challenging yourself to write in different ways. I can't think of a better way to challenge myself than sticking myself within a classroom of creative individuals, all itching to feel that spark.

Ask yourself if you have more to learn. Ask yourself if you have been challenged in your writing lately. Don't risk letting your writing get stale. Don't stunt your growth because your ego says that you are a heck of a humdinger of a writer. You may very well be such, but keep in mind that no one has it all figured out and there is always room to learn and grow.

Peace, love, and get out of your comfort zone,

Pamela

No Regrets Editor's Pick

I recently edited a new book for Silly Tree Anthologies and was asked to pick a story for the "Editor's Pick" winner, which I understand comes with certain perks for the author. There were so many great stories in this book but I can only choose one so... below is my pick for No Regrets.

"Countdown" by Jeremy Milburn really spoke to me in more ways than one. Within the story, there is a particular rhythm, a literal countdown; a countdown of the main character's most important moments of his life, a countdown of tragedy, and a countdown of renewal and promise. I love the rhythmic element to the story but more than that, I love the emotion behind it. While you're reading it, you wonder if the main character has managed to crawl out of the deep, dark hole that is his life. You can't help but empathize, too. If you think about the worse things imaginable in this life, you have this main character and you want so much to see him succeed. Who hasn't had some sort of darkness in their life, whether through chance or through your own choices? If there is hope for this story's MC, there is hope for the rest of us, too.

Check out No Regrets on Amazon.

Scared Spitless Editor's Pick

A little bit of retro posting here: Last year, Silly Tree Anthologies put out its first collection, a book that I had the pleasure of editing. I had mentioned to the publisher that if there was an "Editor's Pick", I knew which story that would be. They recently took me up on it so here's my post about why I chose the story I did.

For Scared Spitless, the story I chose was "Give Me Your Hand" by Janis Lein. This is a story about a young girl who wants adventure and when she gets that chance, she realizes that her "want" is not all it's cracked up to be. Not only was this a well-structured story but it sparked a memory in me. When I was a kid, I remember reading at least three different "mirror world" stories and I think I also watched a few movies, too. I've always been fascinated by such tales and even today, I'm still drawn to those stories. (And yes, I liked the movie, Mirrors.) Are mirrors simply a reflection or a doorway to another realm? What secrets exist there? I chose this story for its originality in the midst of a sea of similar ideas and for the unlikely ending that makes me think about what more can happen.

Check out Scared Spitless on Amazon.

Interview about my editing.

I have a story coming out in No Regrets, the upcoming anthology from Silly Tree. However, not only was I able to submit and get a story accepted, this also makes my second edit for this indie publisher. They recently sent me a list of interview questions to discuss my editing process and style. If you have any questions about enlisting an editor for your work, I think this information would benefit you. Click below.

Interview with our Editor, Pamela Gifford

Cool! I got a shout out!

Real quick-like as I get started on a busy day of boring house work and school work...

I'm excited to share with you a little blog post thanking me for my editing services. I may sometimes ask for blurbs when I finish a project but I don't ask for anything else. I love it when I can make a client happy enough to give me a shout out like this.

Silly Tree Anthologies, a new indie publisher, secured my services for editing their first anthology. I'd never edited an anthology before so it was a challenge but a welcome one. I didn't ask them to do this and didn't even have to be mentioned at all, even on Amazon, where they've listed me as the editor. To read the nice post about  me, click the link below.

Thanks to our Wonderful Editor!

I should also mention, too, that the book itself, Scared Spitless, has some great, spooky stories in it, and it's just in time for Halloween!

No new projects until after January 1.

Hi, y'all. I just wanted to pop in a moment and let everyone know that I will NOT be accepting any new projects until after the first of the year. I have a lot (and I mean A LOT!) going on at the moment so I can't possibly take anything new. My apologies but I'd like to keep my sanity. The clients I already have scheduled are fine.

Update: I'm booked through February 4. Please make sure you check my website for current scheduling. Please note that if you have a project for me, I cannot guarantee you the next available spot unless you confirm it with me.