Cynthia Ogren Ink
January 2018: The Winter Writer
I sit at my desk in the waning hours of this cold morning, watching snowflakes dance lazily on a fragile shaft of light. The silence hugs me like an old friend as I relish a cup of hot coffee and absorb the day. A brumous sky promises more snow, but that doesn’t bother me. It’s…
Read More
December/January Blog: Resolutions
As the days of December wane, an eager new year waits to embrace us. Have you made resolutions for 2016 yet? To be perfectly honest with you, 2015 was a bust for me. The two main entries on my list of resolutions for the year were the only things I didn’t do: finish my…
Read More
November Blog: The Audacity of Singular “They”
I’m surprised at the number of people—and writers—who are unaware of singular “they.” I’m equally surprised at the number of copy editors who disparage as distastefully ungrammatical the use of singular “they” (and it’s related forms) as a singular pronoun—and want to blue pencil it out of existence. And I suspect…
Read More
September/October Blog: KyANA Book Signing
As some of you may have noticed, I’m running behind on my blog posts. With the move and unpacking, I’ve barely had time to breathe. I assure you the blog will be back in action soon. But it hasn’t been ALL work and no play! I had a delightful time at the KyANA (Kentucky Association…
Read More
August Blog: 6 Reasons NOT to Use a Pen Name!
Do you know who these authors are: Douglas Spalding, Erika Leonard, Mary Westmacott, Robert Galbraith, Victoria Lucas? I’ll explain later in the article. It’s a brave new world in publishing. Just ask any author. The old paradigm has fallen, and more than ever, success in the field is up for grabs. But in order…
Read More
July Blog: Interview of Author Chris Sheerin
Welcome to the July issue of Midnight Missives! For Americans, July is a month of celebration: family gatherings, barbecues, vacations, fireworks, and the spectacle of our 4th of July. I can’t think of a better way for Midnight Missives to celebrate this Independence Day than to introduce you to Author Chris Sheerin, who has just released his…
Read More
June Blog: Interview of Thriller Author Mathew Peters
One of the goals of Midnight Missives is to introduce you to some of the wonderfully interesting people I’ve had the privilege to meet along my journey in life. In my current incarnation as an author, I’ve become friends with many talented and creative authors, poets, and publishing industry insiders. One…
Read More
May Blog: The Science of Creativity: Are Creatives Born or Taught?
I ran across an article the other day that surprised me, yet confirmed what many of us artistic types have always suspected: that there’s a link between highly creative people and mental illness. But the further implications of the cited studies prove even more profound! “Secrets of the Creative…
Read More
April Blog … So You Want to Be an Author, Eh?
I recently read an article in The Guardian that claimed the number one most desired job in Britain is author, according to a YouGov poll. In fact, 60% of Brits desired the authorly life—even topping movie star. I suppose the meteoric success of E L James (Fifty Shades of Grey), Stephanie Meyer…
Read More
March Blog … The Reluctant Blogger
Welcome to the first official post from my new blog, Midnight Missives! As the blog is in its infancy, so is my blog page. The lovely people at DREAMCO will be working with me to improve the set-up, composition, and appearance of the page as time goes by, so please consider me “Under…
Read More
I’ve got the oddball down pat. The rest—-not so much. So you don’t just put a pen to paper and the words flow; which I knew. You have given me a greater appreciation of what it takes to write fiction, though. Also, I don’t think I drink enough coffee either.
hahaha! Thanks for your comments, Bob. But let me tell you something: if you want to be a writer, you’re going to have to get your coffee addiction up to par. It goes hand-in-hand with the job. You see, we turn coffee into words.
Hi Cynthia! I haven’t had a chance to read your book yet, been quite chaotic in my life for awhile now. I am going to read it, but have to go on vacay for quiet. Lol! I am so glad you take the time to answer my questions about writing, I have always loved reading, English, those were the only things that kept me on the right track in school. Now, I am thinking about writing life experiences, kinda fictitious, ( privacy for my friends and family). But mostly real. I feel I have a lot to teach people by my experiences, and I think they could learn some things. So, I am starting to write things down, and hopefully I can put everything together and have an interesting book! I sure had an interesting, fun, crazy life! And no regrets about it!! Made me who I am today.. Any way, thanks again for your time and advice! Good luck on your next book!!
I’m always happy to help aspiring authors, Trina. Many kind individuals helped me on my path to publication, and I fully realize how overwhelming it feels to be traveling that path in the dark. Most writers I know are pretty open to answering questions and pointing fledgling writers in the right direction because we’ve all been in that exact position. I’m delighted that you’ve started to write things down. Journaling is a great way to get your feet wet writing. The accumulation of all these experiences will make your writing passionate and meaningful to readers. When readers identify with what you write, it makes them think about how this applies to their own life. It also makes them feel less alone in the world. In this way, you’re giving of your talents to make someone else’s life better. You’re very welcome for the advice! I wish you the very best on your journey to write.
Hi Cynthia,
Fantastic news on your new blog page, well done you. You have helped me no end since I released my debut novel back in September and I’d like to thank you so much for that my friend. Loads of love Jonathan Taylor.
Thank you so much for your support, Jonathan! I’m always glad to help other deserving authors. I’m so glad we’re friends, and I look forward to the sequel to your book.
Duly bookmarked. I’d be delighted to have you review my book (Smarter Than the Average Werewolf), or do a guest blog, or simply hang out and see what happens.
Thanks for stopping by, Mark! I appreciate it. Yes, I love to hang out with other authors and creatives. 🙂
Hi Cynthia,
I am so proud of you that you started your own blog!
It promises to be great, and I know it will be, especially given your talent with words. I look forward to learning more about the literary world here.
All the best,
Matt
Thanks so much for checking out my inaugural blog, Matthew! I appreciate your support so much! And just know that I plan to tap your expertise in writing a guest blog down the road. lol
I just like the helpful info you supply on your articles. I will bookmark your blog and take a look at once more here regularly. I’m somewhat sure Ill learn a lot of new stuff right right here! Best of luck for the following! dggeaddccbbgceag
Thanks for your kind comment, Smith292! I look forward to sharing what I know about the writing and publishing process—as well as introducing you to some of my favorite author friends. This business can feel overwhelming at times with so many voices, companies, and services. Perhaps, I can shed some light on this. At the very least, I hope to make new friends through the magic of words. Thanks for your comment. Stay tuned!
Really enjoyed reading ur blog.
Thanks so much, John! I hope to inform and entertain my readers. Many people have helped me in my journey through writing professionally. I’d like to share what I’ve learned with anyone interested in this process. I also want to introduce you to some interesting authors and publishing professionals I’ve met along the way. Thanks for your comment!