writing during covid-19 – Cassandra Ulrich, Author

January 2, 2021September 1, 2021

Whew! Glad It’s 2021!

The title of this post seems to be the general sentiment of the human population on planet Earth. The challenges we faced overshadowed the really neat things that happened. We all look forward to a better year. Time will tell.

In the meantime, I am glad that I pushed through those challenges to release three books.

I even released my first ever book trailer.

The fourth story I mentioned in Happy New Year! It’s 2020. – Cassandra Ulrich, Author is still with the Beta reader, but I plan to tighten up and edit that story this year.

As for contests, I entered four and received three rejections. I won’t hear about the fourth one until November, so we’ll see. I plan to continue submitting stories or poems as time allows.

Lastly, I participated in NaNoWriMo2020 after a nine year hiatus and wrote 50K toward a short story anthology.

Be sure to like Cassandra Ulrich, Author | Facebook. It would be cool to reach 1,000 followers by the end of the year.

Happy New Year! It’s 2021!

December 2, 2020September 1, 2021

I Won NaNoWriMo2020

When I took on the challenge to write 50,000 words in 30 days, I had no idea I’d have to fight through fatigue, stress, and tons of pop-ups. I discovered something though–writing relaxes and invigorates me at the same time. I accomplished more than just achieving the word count. I finished first drafts of a screenplay and a short story with two other short stories a few scenes shy of becoming completed first drafts themselves. Some of these are projects I never thought I’d start much less finish in 2020. I celebrate everyone who jumped in and created something more than what they had before. Congrats to all the NaNoWriMo Winners.

September 2, 2020September 1, 2021

Beauty exists in the midst of turmoil

In times like these, focusing on the vivid colors around us can be challenging, the last thing on our minds. However, we must, I think, or the creativity in us will shrivel up, and we’d lack the stamina to continue taking care of ourselves and the ones we love. When I walk my dog, I focus on the scattering of squirrels claws on the tree bark and the fluttering of butterflies’ wings. I smile up at the squirrel lounging on a tree limb and the white, fluffy clouds floating across the sky-blue canopy. Look at these flowers and imagine the scent wafting off them. Inhale the sweetness and exhale the toxicity of stress holding us hostage. Create (write, sing, draw, perform) and share with others. We need that right now.

June 2, 2020September 1, 2021

Harnessing emotions from trauma in your writing

We are all currently living through a worldwide pandemic, the cause of all sorts of emotions. Sadness. Loneliness. Devastation. Grief. Contentment. Happiness. It’s often said that writers write what they know. Following this period in our lives, we writers will have much fodder to scribble about. But, how do we snatch the intensity of those feelings and express them in all their rawness?

Some folks journal. I don’t. Instead, I write scenes that relate to what I’m experiencing at the time, though not necessarily the exact same event. Many of my readers have said that the characters’ emotions spill off the page and affect them at a deep level. I think it’s because I’m at the height of those emotions when I write about them.

I wonder what my writing will be like in the near future.

May 2, 2020September 1, 2021

Getting there

Under normal circumstances, working toward a goal can be challenging. But the current time is anything but normal anywhere on planet Earth. So, pushing ahead despite the daily news on how to help myself and others remain healthy is like pulling bricks through mud sometimes.

I take a deep breath, away from others, and keep typing and working on the many stories floating around in my mind. There are three that have a good chance of making it to your devices or doorsteps later this year.

With the proofreading of Love’s Intensity done, I’ve begun copy editing on both digital and print versions. I recently received second edits of If It Kills Me from an editor, so I’m working through those. Second edits on Danny R.O.S.S. are complete, so I reached out to a graphic artist to work on the cover. I am extremely grateful this person agreed to work with me in the midst of everything crazy. As for the story I finished in December, it’s still with the Beta Reader. No worries since my hands are full with the other three stories in addition to adjusting to the changes over the past couple months.

Continuing to stay busy is helping to center me in the midst of turmoil. I take breaks to hang out with my family too. Sticking to a schedule is working for me right now. I pray you’re doing well too.