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	<title>Irreverent Muse &#187; About Writing</title>
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	<link>http://www.michellplested.com</link>
	<description>Looking at writing from an amateur&#039;s perspective</description>
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	<itunes:summary>A podcast to help remove the pitfalls for writers as they try to live the dream of getting published.</itunes:summary>
	<itunes:author>Michell Plested</itunes:author>
	<itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
	<itunes:image href="http://www.michellplested.com/wp-admin/images/typewriter.jpg" />
	<itunes:owner>
		<itunes:name>Michell Plested</itunes:name>
		<itunes:email>podcast@michellplested.com</itunes:email>
	</itunes:owner>
	<managingEditor>podcast@michellplested.com (Michell Plested)</managingEditor>
	<copyright>Copyright 2008</copyright>
	<itunes:subtitle>A podcast to aid in your quest for publishing glory.</itunes:subtitle>
	<itunes:keywords>publish, publishing, writing, publisher, agent, author, novel, book, Mike Plested, Get Published, GalaxyBillies</itunes:keywords>
	<image>
		<title>Irreverent Muse &#187; About Writing</title>
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		<link>http://www.michellplested.com/category/irreverentmuse/about-writing/</link>
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	<itunes:category text="Arts">
		<itunes:category text="Literature" />
		<itunes:category text="Literature" />
	</itunes:category>
		<item>
		<title>Get Published Episode 34 &#8211; Horror Writer Nancy Kilpatrick Talks Anthologies</title>
		<link>http://www.michellplested.com/irreverentmuse/about-writing/get-published-episode-34-horror-writer-nancy-kilpatrick-talks-anthologies/?source=rss</link>
		<comments>http://www.michellplested.com/irreverentmuse/about-writing/get-published-episode-34-horror-writer-nancy-kilpatrick-talks-anthologies/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 27 Jun 2010 13:45:16 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Michell</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[About Writing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Get Published (Podcast)]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[absolute xpress]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[audio market list]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[billy barbarian]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[down from 10]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[down from ten]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[duotrope's digest]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[edge]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[edge science fiction and fantasy publishing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Evolve]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[jd sawyer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[jr murdock]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Michell Plested]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Nancy Kilpatrick]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ralan.com]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.michellplested.com/?p=1364</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[In today&#8217;s episode I talk to Horror Writer Nancy Kilpatrick about Anthologies. Why are they important? How can an author get involved and so on. She also talks about the new Vampire Anthology, eVolVe and her own career as a writer, editor, teacher and mentor. In the Feedback section of the show, Mike talks about [...]]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.michellplested.com/irreverentmuse/about-writing/get-published-episode-34-horror-writer-nancy-kilpatrick-talks-anthologies/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>2</slash:comments>
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			<itunes:keywords>absolute xpress,audio market list,billy barbarian,down from 10,down from ten,duotrope&#039;s digest,edge,edge science fiction and fantasy publishing,Evolve,jd sawyer,jr murdock,Michell Plested</itunes:keywords>
		<itunes:subtitle>In today&#039;s episode I talk to Horror Writer Nancy Kilpatrick about Anthologies. Why are they important? How can an author get involved and so on. She also talks about the new Vampire Anthology, eVolVe and her own career as a writer, editor,</itunes:subtitle>
		<itunes:summary>In today&#039;s episode I talk to Horror Writer Nancy Kilpatrick about Anthologies. Why are they important? How can an author get involved and so on. She also talks about the new Vampire Anthology, eVolVe and her own career as a writer, editor, teacher and mentor.

In the Feedback section of the show, Mike talks about a couple Writing Market listing sites.

There&#039;s lots of good information in this episode. I hope you enjoy it.


Thanks for listening.

Show Notes

00:00 — Opening – Get Published Episode 34 - Horror Writer Nancy Kilpatrick Talks Anthologies

	Everything has to start somewhere and this is the start of “Get Published”

0:14 — Introduction – Get Published Episode 34 - Horror Writer Nancy Kilpatrick Talks Anthologies

Welcome to the show.

01:30 — Promos: Audio Market List

05:02— Feedback - Get Published Episode 34 - Horror Writer Nancy Kilpatrick Talks Anthologies (continued)

	Mike talks about a couple writing market sites Ralan.com and Duotrope&#039;s Digest.
	Email feedback at getpublishedpodcast dot com with your comments or call the voiceline at (206) 203-2031

7:35 — Promos: Billy Barbarian

9:03 — Get Published Episode 34 - Horror Writer Nancy Kilpatrick Talks Anthologies (continued)

Nancy Kilpatrick talks about a lot of things: the new Vampire Anthology eVolVe, anthologies in general and their importance to writers and her career thus far.

57:21 — Promos: Down From 10

58:47 — Closing

Thank you for listening. Let me know what you think and definitely use the voicemail line (206.203.2031) to your heart’s content!

Websites mentioned in this episode:

Audio Market List: http://AudioMarketList.com (audio market for writers listing)

Ralan.com: http://ralan.com (writing market listing)

Duotrope&#039;s Digest: http://www.duotrope.com (writing market listing database)

Edge Science Fiction and Fantasy Publishing: http://www.edgewebsite.com

Absolute Xpress: http://absolute-x-press.com/

Billy Barbarian: http://jrmurdock.com/billy-barbarian/

Nancy Kilpatrick website: http://www.nancykilpatrick.com

eVolVe Horror Anthology: http://vampires-evolve.com

Down From Ten: http://downfromten.jdsawyer.net/

</itunes:summary>
		<itunes:author>Michell Plested</itunes:author>
		<itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
		<itunes:duration>59:35</itunes:duration>
	</item>
		<item>
		<title>Confidence Breeds Success &#8211; Success Breeds Confidence</title>
		<link>http://www.michellplested.com/irreverentmuse/confidence-breeds-success-success-breeds-confidence/?source=rss</link>
		<comments>http://www.michellplested.com/irreverentmuse/confidence-breeds-success-success-breeds-confidence/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 23 Jun 2010 13:42:28 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Michell</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[About Publishing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[About Writing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Irreverent Muse]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.michellplested.com/?p=1340</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The title of this post seems to be a bit of a catch-22 doesn&#8217;t it? An even bigger question might be, &#8220;What the heck are you talking about exactly?&#8221; From a writing perspective it simply means this: you cannot get published if you don&#8217;t have the confidence in you work to submit it. Now, submitting [...]]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.michellplested.com/irreverentmuse/confidence-breeds-success-success-breeds-confidence/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>1</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Developing New Writing Habits</title>
		<link>http://www.michellplested.com/irreverentmuse/developing-new-writing-habits/?source=rss</link>
		<comments>http://www.michellplested.com/irreverentmuse/developing-new-writing-habits/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 26 May 2010 14:03:08 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Michell</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[About Writing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Irreverent Muse]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[develop]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[habit]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[irreverent muse]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Michell Plested]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[revision]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[writing]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.michellplested.com/?p=1282</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Many of us have some bad habit in our writing that we need to fix. It may be that we do too much telling of the story or too much dialogue. My personal bad habit is skimping on the descriptive elements in the story. I think it has something to do with being in too [...]]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.michellplested.com/irreverentmuse/developing-new-writing-habits/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>9</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Don&#8217;t Be Afraid of Small Steps</title>
		<link>http://www.michellplested.com/irreverentmuse/dont-be-afraid-of-small-steps/?source=rss</link>
		<comments>http://www.michellplested.com/irreverentmuse/dont-be-afraid-of-small-steps/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 21 Apr 2010 14:06:37 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Michell</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[About Publishing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[About Writing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Books]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Irreverent Muse]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[carol hightshoe]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[christopher paolini]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[irreverent muse]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[jk rowling]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Michell Plested]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[mystic signals]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[sorcerous signals]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.michellplested.com/?p=1157</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[For those of you who are hoping/expecting to write something and become overnight sensations, let me be the first to tell you&#8230; well, keep dreaming comes immediately to mind. Honestly, I&#8217;m not trying to crush your aspirations. It&#8217;s just that overnight success usually takes a LOT of work in advance. You might argue that people [...]]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.michellplested.com/irreverentmuse/dont-be-afraid-of-small-steps/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>7</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>When Not to Write</title>
		<link>http://www.michellplested.com/irreverentmuse/when-not-to-write/?source=rss</link>
		<comments>http://www.michellplested.com/irreverentmuse/when-not-to-write/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 24 Mar 2010 12:14:56 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Michell</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[About Writing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Irreverent Muse]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Dan Absalonson]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Galaxybillies]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Get Published]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[irreverent muse]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Michell Plested]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[minute]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[scenes]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[writing]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.michellplested.com/?p=1075</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[For those of you who feel that writers must write always, don&#8217;t get up in arms thinking I&#8217;m espousing (how&#8217;s that for a $50-word?) a movement away from writing. What I&#8217;m talking about is only writing what&#8217;s relevant to the story. This question came up from friend Dan Absalonson via voicemail for &#8216;Get Published&#8217; and [...]]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.michellplested.com/irreverentmuse/when-not-to-write/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>1</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>I think I&#8217;m finally growing up</title>
		<link>http://www.michellplested.com/irreverentmuse/i-think-im-finally-growing-up/?source=rss</link>
		<comments>http://www.michellplested.com/irreverentmuse/i-think-im-finally-growing-up/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 10 Mar 2010 13:10:12 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Michell</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[About Writing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Irreverent Muse]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[fantasy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Galaxybillies]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[irreverent muse]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Michell Plested]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[publisher]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[science fiction]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[submitting]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[writing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[YA]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.michellplested.com/?p=1035</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[My wife might argue with me about this, but I&#8217;m specifically talking about growing up as a writer. When I first started down the writing path I can honestly say I had visions of fame and glory. Mind you, those visions didn&#8217;t last very long as I started to research the entire writing life. All [...]]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.michellplested.com/irreverentmuse/i-think-im-finally-growing-up/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>2</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Beware of Foot in Mouth Disease</title>
		<link>http://www.michellplested.com/irreverentmuse/beware-of-foot-in-mouth-disease/?source=rss</link>
		<comments>http://www.michellplested.com/irreverentmuse/beware-of-foot-in-mouth-disease/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 17 Feb 2010 13:08:19 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Michell</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[About Writing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Irreverent Muse]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[foot in mouth]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[irreverent muse]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Michell Plested]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[podiobooks.com]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[research]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[self-editing]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.michellplested.com/?p=965</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Controversy was ignited (perhaps even exploded) yesterday when the podcasting community, and more specifically the podiobooks.com community, caught wind of an article written for a magazine that essentially said that only books that have no chance of publication ever go onto podiobooks.com and real authors wouldn&#8217;t ever consider posting stuff on it. Um&#8230; words really [...]]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.michellplested.com/irreverentmuse/beware-of-foot-in-mouth-disease/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>5</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Why I Care About Critiques and Feedback</title>
		<link>http://www.michellplested.com/irreverentmuse/why-i-care-about-critiques-and-feedback/?source=rss</link>
		<comments>http://www.michellplested.com/irreverentmuse/why-i-care-about-critiques-and-feedback/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 10 Feb 2010 13:14:28 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Michell</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[About Writing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Irreverent Muse]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[constructive criticism]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[critiques]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[feedback]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Galaxybillies]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[irreverent muse]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Michell Plested]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[scott roche]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[spiritualtramp]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.michellplested.com/?p=961</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[A few days ago, Scott Roche, AKA SpiritualTramp on Twitter raised a question about critiques. Do we want them? How do we want them and so on. What followed was an extremely spirited (natch) discussion about the topic. One I got involved in. Now, those of you who have read any of my posts probably [...]]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.michellplested.com/irreverentmuse/why-i-care-about-critiques-and-feedback/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>7</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>It&#8217;s OK to Delete</title>
		<link>http://www.michellplested.com/irreverentmuse/its-ok-to-delete/?source=rss</link>
		<comments>http://www.michellplested.com/irreverentmuse/its-ok-to-delete/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 15 Jan 2010 04:59:24 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Michell</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[About Writing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Irreverent Muse]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.michellplested.com/?p=884</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Have you ever heard the phrase &#8220;Kill your darlings&#8221;? If you haven&#8217;t or if you have but don&#8217;t quite understand what it means, it refers to deleting writing that is dear to you but doesn&#8217;t really add anything to your writing project. It is something that I have never liked doing. Every word on the [...]]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.michellplested.com/irreverentmuse/its-ok-to-delete/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>2</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Let Your Mind Wander</title>
		<link>http://www.michellplested.com/irreverentmuse/let-your-mind-wander/?source=rss</link>
		<comments>http://www.michellplested.com/irreverentmuse/let-your-mind-wander/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 09 Dec 2009 14:40:47 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Michell</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[About Writing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Irreverent Muse]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[comedy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[dreams]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ideas]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[irreverent muse]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[lego]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Michell Plested]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[mind]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[robert aspirin]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[subconscious]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[terry pratchett]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[writing]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.michellplested.com/?p=792</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The subconscious mind is an amazing thing. Have you ever been in the situation where you were trying to remember someone&#8217;s name or a word and a few minutes after you&#8217;ve given up, it pops into your mind? Happens to me all the time. I&#8217;ve noticed that my writing is being done subconsciously too at [...]]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.michellplested.com/irreverentmuse/let-your-mind-wander/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Developing a Thick Skin</title>
		<link>http://www.michellplested.com/irreverentmuse/developing-a-thick-skin/?source=rss</link>
		<comments>http://www.michellplested.com/irreverentmuse/developing-a-thick-skin/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 18 Nov 2009 13:27:22 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Michell</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[About Writing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Irreverent Muse]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[irreverent muse]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Michell Plested]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[perseverence]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[persistence]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[rejection]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[writing]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.michellplested.com/?p=749</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[You know that part of the submission process where you send in your work and sit back, fingers and toes crossed, and wait and hope? If you&#8217;ve ever submitted your work, chances are pretty good you also know the part where your work comes back with a rejection. All the weeks and months of waiting [...]]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.michellplested.com/irreverentmuse/developing-a-thick-skin/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>4</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Take a Moment to Say &#8220;Thank You&#8221;</title>
		<link>http://www.michellplested.com/irreverentmuse/take-a-moment-to-say-thank-you/?source=rss</link>
		<comments>http://www.michellplested.com/irreverentmuse/take-a-moment-to-say-thank-you/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 11 Nov 2009 13:31:29 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Michell</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[About Writing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Irreverent Muse]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[correspondance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[family]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[irreverent muse]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Michell Plested]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[nanowrimo]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[sacrifice]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[writing]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.michellplested.com/?p=730</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[I talk a lot about writing and the many challenges I face in doing it. Sometimes I complain about how much time it takes or how I hate waiting. Bitch, bitch, bitch. It feels like that is all I do some days. I know I celebrate some of the triumphs but I just realized that [...]]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.michellplested.com/irreverentmuse/take-a-moment-to-say-thank-you/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>1</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>The Power of Promotion</title>
		<link>http://www.michellplested.com/irreverentmuse/the-power-of-promotion/?source=rss</link>
		<comments>http://www.michellplested.com/irreverentmuse/the-power-of-promotion/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 28 Oct 2009 13:57:51 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Michell</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[About Writing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Irreverent Muse]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Promoting Your Book]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[7th Son]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[facebook]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Get Published]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[irreverent muse]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[jc hutchins]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Michell Plested]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[nanowrimo]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[podcast]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[twitter]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.michellplested.com/?p=709</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[For those of you who tuned into the site yesterday, you would have noticed a strange message. In it I appeared to be talking about NanoWriMo only to have a weird &#8220;hacker&#8221; type message appear. This was not a mistake. I had actually volunteered to participate in JC Hutchins&#8217; promotional campaign for his &#8220;7th Son, [...]]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.michellplested.com/irreverentmuse/the-power-of-promotion/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Gird Your Loins</title>
		<link>http://www.michellplested.com/irreverentmuse/gird-your-loins/?source=rss</link>
		<comments>http://www.michellplested.com/irreverentmuse/gird-your-loins/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 21 Oct 2009 13:38:08 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Michell</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[About Writing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Irreverent Muse]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[boy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[fantasy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[irreverent muse]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Michell Plested]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[mik murdoch]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[nanowrimo]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[novel]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[superhero]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.michellplested.com/?p=684</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[I know I&#8217;ve talked about NanoWriMo before (last week in fact) but let me talk about it one more time. In 10 days NanoWriMo will once again take place. I will, once again, go into battle (with myself) and try to write a 50,000-word novel in 30 days. This will be my fourth year participating [...]]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.michellplested.com/irreverentmuse/gird-your-loins/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>2</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Gearing Up For the Next Project</title>
		<link>http://www.michellplested.com/irreverentmuse/gearing-up-for-the-next-project/?source=rss</link>
		<comments>http://www.michellplested.com/irreverentmuse/gearing-up-for-the-next-project/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 14 Oct 2009 13:37:34 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Michell</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[About Writing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Irreverent Muse]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[editing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[fantasy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Get Published]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[irreverent muse]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Michell Plested]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[nanowrimo]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[podcast]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[scrivener]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[YA]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[young adult]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.michellplested.com/?p=667</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The thing I&#8217;ve noticed about myself is I never have any shortage of ideas (probably like everyone else in the world). What I have a definite shortage of is time; lately I&#8217;ve been spending countless hours editing my novel and preparing each episode of my podcast. I enjoy doing both, but it isn&#8217;t quite the [...]]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.michellplested.com/irreverentmuse/gearing-up-for-the-next-project/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>2</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Stay Upbeat or Get Beat Up</title>
		<link>http://www.michellplested.com/irreverentmuse/stay-upbeat-or-get-beat-up/?source=rss</link>
		<comments>http://www.michellplested.com/irreverentmuse/stay-upbeat-or-get-beat-up/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 07 Oct 2009 13:26:02 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Michell</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[About Writing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Irreverent Muse]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[deadline]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[irreverent muse]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Michell Plested]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[nanowrimo]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[patience]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[writing]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.michellplested.com/?p=664</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[It&#8217;s so easy to see why many writers simply give up on their dreams of getting their work in print: lots of hard work, excessive amounts of patience and no guarantee that it will ever go anywhere. It doesn&#8217;t seem like an easy road to success. Even if you are lucky enough to get published, [...]]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.michellplested.com/irreverentmuse/stay-upbeat-or-get-beat-up/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>1</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Baby Steps</title>
		<link>http://www.michellplested.com/irreverentmuse/baby-steps/?source=rss</link>
		<comments>http://www.michellplested.com/irreverentmuse/baby-steps/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 30 Sep 2009 13:37:51 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Michell</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[About Writing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Irreverent Muse]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[apprehension]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[book]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[doubt]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[edit]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Get Published]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Michell Plested]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[nanowrimo]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[new]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[writing]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.michellplested.com/?p=651</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The idea of trying something new is often daunting, whether it is writing a story or trying yoga for the first time. I know when I&#8217;m faced with something new I often ask myself if I think I can do it. Will I enjoy it? Is it really worth making a fool of myself. Despite [...]]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.michellplested.com/irreverentmuse/baby-steps/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Opportunities are Everywhere</title>
		<link>http://www.michellplested.com/irreverentmuse/opportunities-are-everywhere/?source=rss</link>
		<comments>http://www.michellplested.com/irreverentmuse/opportunities-are-everywhere/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 09 Sep 2009 13:05:48 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Michell</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[About Writing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Irreverent Muse]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[contest]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[critters.org]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[facebook]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Get Published]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[irreverent muse]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[novel and short story]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[parsec]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[submissions]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[writing]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.michellplested.com/?p=610</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[When I first thought about writing as a career I looked around and wondered where I could possibly get the experience I felt I needed to &#8220;make it&#8221;. I knew I would improve as a writer simply by writing but I also knew that, with proper feedback, I could grow as a writer that much [...]]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.michellplested.com/irreverentmuse/opportunities-are-everywhere/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Who Me Am and Where Me Be?</title>
		<link>http://www.michellplested.com/irreverentmuse/who-me-am-and-where-me-be/?source=rss</link>
		<comments>http://www.michellplested.com/irreverentmuse/who-me-am-and-where-me-be/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 26 Aug 2009 13:50:50 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Michell</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[About Writing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Irreverent Muse]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[chasing the bard]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[description]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[digital magic]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[editing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Get Published]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[irreverent muse]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Michell Plested]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[parsec awards]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[philippa ballantine]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[setting]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[writing]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.michellplested.com/?p=578</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[There are times when I think I&#8217;ve read too many &#8220;How to Write&#8221; books. Every book I read says something similar; show don&#8217;t tell. That statement should be pretty self-explanatory, but I think I might have missed something. I would call my writing style a bit minimalist. I tend to write with the idea that [...]]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.michellplested.com/irreverentmuse/who-me-am-and-where-me-be/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>2</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>A Laugh Out Loud Moment</title>
		<link>http://www.michellplested.com/irreverentmuse/a-laugh-out-loud-moment/?source=rss</link>
		<comments>http://www.michellplested.com/irreverentmuse/a-laugh-out-loud-moment/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 19 Aug 2009 13:08:22 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Michell</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[About Writing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Irreverent Muse]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Get Published]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[goals]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[irreverent muse]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[jc hutchins]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Michell Plested]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[publish]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[writing. waiting]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.michellplested.com/?p=566</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[I was thinking the other day (and no, that isn&#8217;t the funny part) about my goal to see one of my books in print and I realized just how far I&#8217;ve come as a writer. Let me explain. When I first entertained the idea of writing a book and actually getting it published it was [...]]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.michellplested.com/irreverentmuse/a-laugh-out-loud-moment/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>What Should You Write?</title>
		<link>http://www.michellplested.com/irreverentmuse/what-should-you-write/?source=rss</link>
		<comments>http://www.michellplested.com/irreverentmuse/what-should-you-write/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 12 Aug 2009 13:16:06 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Michell</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[About Writing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Irreverent Muse]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Get Published]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[irreverent muse]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[manuscript]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Michell Plested]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[mike plested]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[trends]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[vampire]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[writing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[zombie]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.michellplested.com/?p=559</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Do you ever wonder if you should be writing for specific trends in the book industry? Genre fiction, especially Science Fiction and Fantasy seems to be especially susceptible to trends. One day it might be dragons, the next zombies. Oh look, vampires that glitter. While it might work to see what&#8217;s coming and write for [...]]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.michellplested.com/irreverentmuse/what-should-you-write/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Don&#8217;t Let Setbacks Set You Back</title>
		<link>http://www.michellplested.com/irreverentmuse/dont-let-setbacks-set-you-back/?source=rss</link>
		<comments>http://www.michellplested.com/irreverentmuse/dont-let-setbacks-set-you-back/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 05 Aug 2009 13:40:07 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Michell</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[About Writing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Irreverent Muse]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Get Published]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[jc hutchins]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Michell Plested]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[parsec award]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[perseverance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[podcast]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[writing]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.michellplested.com/?p=548</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[We&#8217;ve all had moments where things didn&#8217;t go quite as planned. We&#8217;ve all had times when it seems like the world is plotting against us. Responding positively to these challenges is critically important and often extremely hard to do. Case in point, I interviewed JC Hutchins for &#8216;Get Published&#8217;. I must confess that I was [...]]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.michellplested.com/irreverentmuse/dont-let-setbacks-set-you-back/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>2</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Writing on a Rollercoaster</title>
		<link>http://www.michellplested.com/irreverentmuse/writing-on-a-rollercoaster/?source=rss</link>
		<comments>http://www.michellplested.com/irreverentmuse/writing-on-a-rollercoaster/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 24 Jul 2009 14:20:38 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Michell</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[About Writing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Irreverent Muse]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Get Published]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[irreverent muse]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[jc hutchins]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Michell Plested]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.michellplested.com/?p=535</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[It has been a tumultuous week for me. I had the priviledge of interviewing J.C. Hutchins for &#8216;Get Published&#8217; (GOOD) only to discover that half of the audio is incomprehensible and J.C. is booked solid for the next while (BAD). I am going to try and transcribe the dialogue and re-record it myself, but honestly, [...]]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.michellplested.com/irreverentmuse/writing-on-a-rollercoaster/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Challenge Yourself through Contests</title>
		<link>http://www.michellplested.com/irreverentmuse/challenge-yourself-through-contests/?source=rss</link>
		<comments>http://www.michellplested.com/irreverentmuse/challenge-yourself-through-contests/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 10 Jun 2009 12:49:23 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Michell</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[About Writing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Irreverent Muse]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[challenge]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[contests]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[nanowrimo]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[the writing show]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[writingshow.com]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.michellplested.com/?p=454</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[As a writer, I am always looking for a new way to improve my writing skills. I have done this by entering events like NanoWriMo and by doing things like my 30-in-30 short story self-challenge and I think I have attained a modicum of success doing them. Still, I need to keep pushing myself or [...]]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.michellplested.com/irreverentmuse/challenge-yourself-through-contests/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Why Bother Editing?</title>
		<link>http://www.michellplested.com/irreverentmuse/why-bother-editing/?source=rss</link>
		<comments>http://www.michellplested.com/irreverentmuse/why-bother-editing/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 06 May 2009 13:25:57 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Michell</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[About Writing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Irreverent Muse]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[editing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Get Published]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Michell Plested]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[parsec awards]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.michellplested.com/?p=390</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[You have a great idea for a story so you sit down and write it on the nearest paper available. Maybe it&#8217;s a napkin in a restaurant, maybe it&#8217;s in the margin of the phone book. The important thing is you have written it down. Now what? If you&#8217;re like some of the squares out [...]]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.michellplested.com/irreverentmuse/why-bother-editing/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>The Value of Community</title>
		<link>http://www.michellplested.com/irreverentmuse/the-value-of-community/?source=rss</link>
		<comments>http://www.michellplested.com/irreverentmuse/the-value-of-community/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 29 Apr 2009 13:12:24 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Michell</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[About Writing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Irreverent Muse]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Promoting Your Book]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[community]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[podcast]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[publish]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[scbwi]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[simon rose]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[writing]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.michellplested.com/?p=373</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The craft of writing can be a solitary one, but it doesn&#8217;t have to be.  The Internet provides a means to always be connected to friends, family and colleagues.  It can also be an enormous time-sink but that is a conversation for another time. I want to talk about the availability of community, both writing [...]]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.michellplested.com/irreverentmuse/the-value-of-community/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>2</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Don&#8217;t be Afraid to Ignore Your Writing Prejudices</title>
		<link>http://www.michellplested.com/irreverentmuse/dont-be-afraid-to-ignore-your-writing-prejudices/?source=rss</link>
		<comments>http://www.michellplested.com/irreverentmuse/dont-be-afraid-to-ignore-your-writing-prejudices/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 15 Apr 2009 13:56:10 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Michell</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[About Writing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Irreverent Muse]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.michellplested.com/?p=349</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Every writer has a preferred genre to write in whether it is Fantasy, Literary Fiction, YA Adventure or a myriad of others.  I also believe that every writer has a genre that they avoid like the plague.  It might be Romance (eww, mushy stuff) or Westerns (hate horses and cowboys) or Horror (afraid of being [...]]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.michellplested.com/irreverentmuse/dont-be-afraid-to-ignore-your-writing-prejudices/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>The Excitement of a New Story</title>
		<link>http://www.michellplested.com/irreverentmuse/the-excitement-of-a-new-story/?source=rss</link>
		<comments>http://www.michellplested.com/irreverentmuse/the-excitement-of-a-new-story/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 08 Apr 2009 13:35:01 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Michell</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[About Writing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Irreverent Muse]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[discipline]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[editing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[energy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[motivation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[new]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[story]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[writing]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.michellplested.com/?p=339</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[If you are a writer, chances are you know how necessary, and painful, editing your work can be.  You finish writing your newest masterwork and all you want to do is get it out to an adoring audience.  But you know that there is still work to be done and so you go through it [...]]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.michellplested.com/irreverentmuse/the-excitement-of-a-new-story/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Don&#8217;t be Afraid to Help</title>
		<link>http://www.michellplested.com/irreverentmuse/dont-be-afraid-to-help/?source=rss</link>
		<comments>http://www.michellplested.com/irreverentmuse/dont-be-afraid-to-help/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 18 Mar 2009 13:23:32 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Michell</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[About Writing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Irreverent Muse]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Promoting Your Book]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.michellplested.com/?p=271</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Anyone who has ever tried to get his/her work in print knows how tough (virtually impossible?) it is to do.  Publishers and agents are inundated with dozens/hundreds of submissions every month; how can they possibly separate the wheat from the chaff? I&#8217;ve heard many times that a manuscript must be truly exceptional to be considered.  That raises [...]]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.michellplested.com/irreverentmuse/dont-be-afraid-to-help/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Keeping Your Character&#8217;s Voice Consistent</title>
		<link>http://www.michellplested.com/irreverentmuse/keeping-your-characters-voice-consistent/?source=rss</link>
		<comments>http://www.michellplested.com/irreverentmuse/keeping-your-characters-voice-consistent/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 04 Mar 2009 13:10:58 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Michell</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[About Writing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Irreverent Muse]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[character]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[voice]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[writing]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.michellplested.com/?p=259</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[You have a character in your head who is clamoring to get out.  You already know his or her entire backstory:  where he/she was born, who were the parents, first loves, first broken bone, etc. etc.  You also know how the character should grow during the story. So far so good. Then you start to [...]]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.michellplested.com/irreverentmuse/keeping-your-characters-voice-consistent/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
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		<title>The Writing Life:  Trying New Things</title>
		<link>http://www.michellplested.com/irreverentmuse/the-writing-life-trying-new-things/?source=rss</link>
		<comments>http://www.michellplested.com/irreverentmuse/the-writing-life-trying-new-things/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 18 Feb 2009 13:49:06 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Michell</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[About Writing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Irreverent Muse]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.michellplested.com/?p=240</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[For those of you who know me (or have read the &#8220;About Me&#8221; section of this site) you will know I typically write Fantasy, Science Fiction and YA Adventure.  You would also probably know that I prefer to write novels over short stories.  But is that the limit to my creativity?  Am I a one [...]]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.michellplested.com/irreverentmuse/the-writing-life-trying-new-things/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
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		<title>The Writer&#8217;s Life &#8211; When is it time to celebrate?</title>
		<link>http://www.michellplested.com/irreverentmuse/the-writers-life-when-is-it-time-to-celebrate/?source=rss</link>
		<comments>http://www.michellplested.com/irreverentmuse/the-writers-life-when-is-it-time-to-celebrate/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 04 Feb 2009 13:31:07 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Michell</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[About Writing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Irreverent Muse]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.michellplested.com/?p=218</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[I&#8217;ve been doing project management as part of my day job for several years now and one thing that is often touted (although rarely done, in my experience) is celebrate.  Celebrate the beginning of a project and party harder when it is successfully completed (or simply completed without casualties). Is a writing project so much different? [...]]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.michellplested.com/irreverentmuse/the-writers-life-when-is-it-time-to-celebrate/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
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		<item>
		<title>The Writer&#8217;s Life:  Multitasking</title>
		<link>http://www.michellplested.com/irreverentmuse/the-writers-life-multitasking/?source=rss</link>
		<comments>http://www.michellplested.com/irreverentmuse/the-writers-life-multitasking/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 28 Jan 2009 13:46:17 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Michell</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[About Writing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Irreverent Muse]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.michellplested.com/?p=210</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[I used to think that I was pretty good with multitasking.  I was regularly able to both chew gum AND walk at the same time.  Often out of rhythm with each other. That&#8217;s why I get so frustrated with my writing.  There are lots of things I can be doing to improve my craft and [...]]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.michellplested.com/irreverentmuse/the-writers-life-multitasking/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
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		<title>The Writing Life &#8211; Throwing up Obstacles</title>
		<link>http://www.michellplested.com/irreverentmuse/the-writing-life-throwing-up-obstacles/?source=rss</link>
		<comments>http://www.michellplested.com/irreverentmuse/the-writing-life-throwing-up-obstacles/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 26 Jan 2009 01:54:22 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Michell</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[About Writing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Irreverent Muse]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.michellplested.com/?p=204</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[One of my unfortunate work habits is that when I&#8217;m focused on something, everything else seems to take a back seat.  Case in point is the recent launch of my new podcast.  When I was writing, recording and mixing the podcast, my novel writing (and editing) came to a screeching halt. I suppose I could [...]]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.michellplested.com/irreverentmuse/the-writing-life-throwing-up-obstacles/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
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		<item>
		<title>NanoWriMo &#8211; The Mid-Month Update</title>
		<link>http://www.michellplested.com/irreverentmuse/nanowrimo-the-mid-month-update/?source=rss</link>
		<comments>http://www.michellplested.com/irreverentmuse/nanowrimo-the-mid-month-update/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 19 Nov 2008 13:00:24 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Michell</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[About Writing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Irreverent Muse]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.michellplested.com/blog/?p=139</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[I&#8217;m happy to say I&#8217;m better than half-way through my NanoNovel.  This has proven to be a very good thing since I haven&#8217;t felt like writing much the past few days.  You see, I was laid off from my job last Friday and I&#8217;m still reeling from the blow. The layoff wasn&#8217;t entirely unexpected; I [...]]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.michellplested.com/irreverentmuse/nanowrimo-the-mid-month-update/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>2</slash:comments>
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		<item>
		<title>The Writing Life:  Connecting with People</title>
		<link>http://www.michellplested.com/irreverentmuse/the-writing-life-connecting-with-people/?source=rss</link>
		<comments>http://www.michellplested.com/irreverentmuse/the-writing-life-connecting-with-people/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 05 Nov 2008 13:23:21 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Michell</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[About Writing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Irreverent Muse]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.michellplested.com/blog/?p=134</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[You might be asking yourself why I would want to talk about connecting with people.  After all, as a writer, you write a story and people read it, right?  They buy your book, you collect the money and write another and the cycle of reader/writer life simply goes on in perpetuity. I suspect those of [...]]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.michellplested.com/irreverentmuse/the-writing-life-connecting-with-people/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>The Writer&#8217;s Life &#8211; Dealing with Low Motivation</title>
		<link>http://www.michellplested.com/irreverentmuse/the-writers-life-dealing-with-low-motivation/?source=rss</link>
		<comments>http://www.michellplested.com/irreverentmuse/the-writers-life-dealing-with-low-motivation/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 22 Oct 2008 13:18:16 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Michell</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[About Writing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Irreverent Muse]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.michellplested.com/blog/?p=133</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Let me begin by saying that I love to write.  Most days I enjoy building worlds, creating unique characters and letting stories unfold. Note that I said &#8220;Most days&#8221;. There are times when I simply cannot get myself motivated to write.  Some might call it writer&#8217;s block, but not me.  For me it&#8217;s usually because [...]]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.michellplested.com/irreverentmuse/the-writers-life-dealing-with-low-motivation/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>2</slash:comments>
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		<item>
		<title>Too much description can be&#8230; too much</title>
		<link>http://www.michellplested.com/irreverentmuse/too-much-description-can-be-too-much/?source=rss</link>
		<comments>http://www.michellplested.com/irreverentmuse/too-much-description-can-be-too-much/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 15 Oct 2008 12:48:05 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Michell</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[About Writing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Irreverent Muse]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.michellplested.com/blog/?p=130</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[I have trouble writing scenes.  Usually I feel that my description of the setting is too lean.  I like to let people use their imaginations, but I don&#8217;t think I give them enough to work with. That is a far cry from how I used to write.  When I first started writing I was always [...]]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.michellplested.com/irreverentmuse/too-much-description-can-be-too-much/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Critiquing other people&#8217;s work</title>
		<link>http://www.michellplested.com/irreverentmuse/critiquing-other-peoples-work/?source=rss</link>
		<comments>http://www.michellplested.com/irreverentmuse/critiquing-other-peoples-work/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 08 Oct 2008 13:51:19 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Michell</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[About Writing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Irreverent Muse]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.michellplested.com/blog/?p=132</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[(Warning&#8230; the following post contains excessive use of the word &#8220;critique&#8221;&#8230; Viewer discretion is advised.) I think I may have mentioned it but three weeks ago I joined critters.org (www.critters.org) an online critique group.  The premise of the site is simple:  you critique other&#8217;s work and get credits for the critiques and, in turn, you [...]]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.michellplested.com/irreverentmuse/critiquing-other-peoples-work/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Keeping it Real</title>
		<link>http://www.michellplested.com/irreverentmuse/keeping-it-real/?source=rss</link>
		<comments>http://www.michellplested.com/irreverentmuse/keeping-it-real/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 01 Oct 2008 08:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Michell</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[About Writing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Irreverent Muse]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.michellplested.com/blog/?p=129</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[I was recently reminded about the importance of keeping the continuity of the story in mind when I write.  You may think I&#8217;m referring to the actual timeline of the story, the characters and their relationships with each other and so on.  While those things are all important, they are not what I&#8217;m talking about [...]]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.michellplested.com/irreverentmuse/keeping-it-real/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Rewrite or Edit? What is the right way to go?</title>
		<link>http://www.michellplested.com/irreverentmuse/rewrite-or-edit-what-is-the-right-way-to-go/?source=rss</link>
		<comments>http://www.michellplested.com/irreverentmuse/rewrite-or-edit-what-is-the-right-way-to-go/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 17 Sep 2008 13:00:15 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Michell</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[About Writing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Irreverent Muse]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.michellplested.com/blog/?p=127</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[It&#8217;s an interesting dilemma that I&#8217;ve been faced with the past while.  When should I rewrite a story and when is an edit the correct choice? I&#8217;ve come to the conclusion that the choice should be entirely dependent on the the story itself.  Having said that, I realize such an on-the-fence answer doesn&#8217;t really help to make [...]]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.michellplested.com/irreverentmuse/rewrite-or-edit-what-is-the-right-way-to-go/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Having Realistic Expectations</title>
		<link>http://www.michellplested.com/irreverentmuse/having-realistic-expectations/?source=rss</link>
		<comments>http://www.michellplested.com/irreverentmuse/having-realistic-expectations/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 10 Sep 2008 13:42:50 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Michell</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[About Writing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Irreverent Muse]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.michellplested.com/blog/?p=126</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[If you expect to be able to retire off your first contracted novel, you might want to stop reading right now.  I don&#8217;t want to be the one to dash your hopes and dreams. Still with me?  Maybe your expectations for your writing aren&#8217;t so crazy then.  Notice I said &#8216;Maybe&#8217;. Let me begin by [...]]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.michellplested.com/irreverentmuse/having-realistic-expectations/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
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		<item>
		<title>Are We Having Fun Yet?</title>
		<link>http://www.michellplested.com/irreverentmuse/are-we-having-fun-yet/?source=rss</link>
		<comments>http://www.michellplested.com/irreverentmuse/are-we-having-fun-yet/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 03 Sep 2008 13:47:32 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Michell</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[About Writing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Irreverent Muse]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.michellplested.com/blog/?p=125</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[For me, writing is an enjoyable thing.  I love developing stories and characters and I really enjoy getting the story down on paper.  Every once in a while I&#8217;m able to write a scene that really touches me and I know it&#8217;s all worth it. It&#8217;s not always like that, though.  There are days when [...]]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.michellplested.com/irreverentmuse/are-we-having-fun-yet/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
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		<item>
		<title>The Importance of Persistance</title>
		<link>http://www.michellplested.com/irreverentmuse/the-importance-of-persistance/?source=rss</link>
		<comments>http://www.michellplested.com/irreverentmuse/the-importance-of-persistance/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 27 Aug 2008 02:39:32 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Michell</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[About Writing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Irreverent Muse]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.michellplested.com/blog/?p=124</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Writing is a solitary gig and it&#8217;s easy to be discouraged sometimes.  Maybe you&#8217;ve had a hard day at work or you&#8217;re sick or perhaps you just feel down.  Those can be the times that make or break a writer.  I&#8217;ve been there. It&#8217;s when you are at your lowest that you need to step [...]]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.michellplested.com/irreverentmuse/the-importance-of-persistance/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>The Writing Life and Conventions</title>
		<link>http://www.michellplested.com/irreverentmuse/the-writing-life-and-conventions/?source=rss</link>
		<comments>http://www.michellplested.com/irreverentmuse/the-writing-life-and-conventions/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 20 Aug 2008 13:47:05 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Michell</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[About Writing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Irreverent Muse]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.michellplested.com/blog/?p=123</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[I attended ConVersion 24 last weekend and I&#8217;m pleased to say it was well-worth the $60 I spent to go. What was ConVersion 24 you might ask?  Simply put, it is a Science Fiction and Fantasy convention held in Calgary every fall.  This year it was August, next year it will be in October (as [...]]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.michellplested.com/irreverentmuse/the-writing-life-and-conventions/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>So You&#8217;ve Sent in your Manuscript&#8230; Now What?</title>
		<link>http://www.michellplested.com/irreverentmuse/so-youve-sent-in-your-manuscript-now-what/?source=rss</link>
		<comments>http://www.michellplested.com/irreverentmuse/so-youve-sent-in-your-manuscript-now-what/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 16 Jul 2008 13:12:04 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Michell</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[About Writing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Irreverent Muse]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.michellplested.com/blog/?p=117</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[You&#8217;ve just completed your masterpiece, you&#8217;ve researched a publisher or an agent and you&#8217;ve sent in your work as per the submission requirements.  Now what? You could do like I did with my first manuscript and sit in anxious anticipation waiting to get word back&#8230; and lose sleep and maybe even some of your sanity. [...]]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.michellplested.com/irreverentmuse/so-youve-sent-in-your-manuscript-now-what/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>A Strange Turn of Story</title>
		<link>http://www.michellplested.com/irreverentmuse/a-strange-turn-of-story/?source=rss</link>
		<comments>http://www.michellplested.com/irreverentmuse/a-strange-turn-of-story/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 18 Jun 2008 14:27:45 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Michell</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[About Writing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Irreverent Muse]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.michellplested.com/blog/?p=111</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[I like to plot the stories I&#8217;m writing.  I know that isn&#8217;t everyone&#8217;s style, but it&#8217;s the way I typically work.  I say typically because my current work in progress was not plotted.  At least, not fully plotted.  I had a pretty clear vision of the story line, but I hadn&#8217;t worked out all the [...]]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.michellplested.com/irreverentmuse/a-strange-turn-of-story/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Giving Voice to your Characters</title>
		<link>http://www.michellplested.com/irreverentmuse/giving-voice-to-your-characters/?source=rss</link>
		<comments>http://www.michellplested.com/irreverentmuse/giving-voice-to-your-characters/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 17 Jun 2008 13:50:46 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Michell</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[About Writing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Irreverent Muse]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.michellplested.com/blog/?p=110</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[One of the more difficult things for me to do is give my characters their own unique &#8216;voice&#8217;.  I&#8217;m not talking dialogue here, at least, not exactly.  It&#8217;s more about writing dialogue that lets the reader know who is speaking without having to put in tags to tell them. Does that make sense? Let me [...]]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.michellplested.com/irreverentmuse/giving-voice-to-your-characters/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Does Weather Really Affect Your Writing?</title>
		<link>http://www.michellplested.com/irreverentmuse/does-weather-really-affect-your-writing/?source=rss</link>
		<comments>http://www.michellplested.com/irreverentmuse/does-weather-really-affect-your-writing/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 13 Jun 2008 14:09:04 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Michell</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[About Writing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Irreverent Muse]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.michellplested.com/blog/?p=109</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[You bet it does.  We are currently stuck in our third (or is it fourth) straight week of rain.  Yesterday, it looked like we would finally get some nice weather&#8230; for about ten minutes and then it started to hail!  As much as I like the rain, this is simply too much. To make things [...]]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.michellplested.com/irreverentmuse/does-weather-really-affect-your-writing/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Bad Things Don&#8217;t Always Happen to Bad People</title>
		<link>http://www.michellplested.com/irreverentmuse/bad-things-dont-always-happen-to-bad-people/?source=rss</link>
		<comments>http://www.michellplested.com/irreverentmuse/bad-things-dont-always-happen-to-bad-people/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 21 May 2008 17:03:01 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Michell</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[About Writing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Irreverent Muse]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.michellplested.com/blog/?p=104</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[We all love those movies where the bad guy gets his.  I&#8217;ve actually stood up and cheered when it happens.  I&#8217;ve seen others do it too, so I don&#8217;t feel like my reaction is strange.  The same holds true in books although I&#8217;m usually a little more restrained. But what about when a good character [...]]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.michellplested.com/irreverentmuse/bad-things-dont-always-happen-to-bad-people/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
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