Who loves the idea of a challenge? I know I do. I like the idea of working hard to obtain a goal. For many writers one of the funnest and best challenges we attempt is the yearly challenge called, Nanowrimo, aka, national write a novel in the month of November. Thats right. We give ourselves the challenge to write a 50,000 word novel in the month of November. That breaks down to1667 words a day. I know many writers who do that anyway and many writers who don't. To write 1667 words consistently for 30 days without a break is a challenge. But a fun one. One that I will yet attempt again this year. This will be year 4 for me. To find out more check out the nanorimo website here. 
One of the hardest things is to know where to start. Here is a hint: YOU START RIGHT NOW!!
Start in October to have a successful nanowrimo. And there are three things I think you should do right now to make your November Challenge successful. The first one is try and write a little everyday right now, especially if you are not in the habit. Even 250 words will do, but try to slowly increase it. It doesn't matter what you are writing just that you are getting some words down daily. 
Number 2 is to re-read one of your favorite books in your favorite genre and ask yourself:
1. Why do you love it?
2. What genre is it?
3. Could you write that genre?
4. What are your favorite parts? (ex: all the action, suspense, romance, beauty, emotions...)
5. What drew you in and held you tight?
6. What techniques did this writer use that you could also use? (for example: shorter sentences when the action was intense.)
7. Who were your favorite characters and why did you love them?
8. Who did you hate and why was that?
9. Did any parts bore you, why was that?
10. What would you have done differently?
These questions will help you with tip number 3 choosing your own story. Think about the answers to your questions to help you create a story of your very own. Don't plagiarize! Just think of elements you liked that you could incorporate or twist into your own work.
Number 3 Choose your story, ASAP!
I know easier said than done for some of us. I am still debating between three. I had better choose and get my head in the game soon. Here are some questions to ask yourself to help you choose your story. Think of the story idea you are considering and put them through these questions if you have a lot of I don't know answers either you need to do more brain storming on your story idea or it isn't the idea for this particular challenge. If you can answer them then you are on a good track.
1. Does your story idea make you excited?
2. Will your story idea require a lot of research. If yes try to get as much of that done now.
3. Is your story idea in a genre that you know very well. You should be reading the genre you want to write.
4. Does your story idea have a captivating problem that won't be easily solved requiring the length of a short novel?
5. Do you know what your main character wants and have some ideas of how they will have to fight to get what they want? And some ideas of what will stop them from easily obtaining it? If not start brainstorming some what ifs?
6. Does your story idea have a villain? If so do you know what they want? Why they want it and what they are willing to do to get it?
7. Do you know anything about the world your story takes place in? Or the job your Main character has?
8. Can you think of a beginning part, a middle part and an end part? You might not know this yet but it is something to think about for sure.
9. Do you know if you have a theme that you would like woven into your story?
10. Do you have a few fun scenes in mind that you can't wait to write?
11. Do you feel like your story will take you at least 50,000 words to complete?
12. After all of these questions does your story idea still excite you? If so, it is probably a winner!

​I want to wish you luck on choosing your story. It is all up to you, no one will know what story is right except you. No one will spend as much time with your story except you. Don't go into this and wing it. I know from experience. Make sure you are ready. If you like to pants write don't worry about having every detail figured out just make sure you have the big things figured out so you can make the most of your writing time.

BONUS TIP: Also finish all your TV shows you are wrapped up in so that they are not a huge roadblock to your November goals, come November 1st.
I hope you liked this post and I hope you will check out the other 4. One coming every week this month before we start Nanowrimo.
So who is doing it with me? I'd love for you to comment below and tell me if you are in or out.
Thanks readers and happy writing!
Cassie M. Shiels

To have a pen name or to not have a pen name that is the question. At some point in your writing journey you will have to decied what name you want on your work. Will it be your real name? A variation of your name? Will it be a name of your choosing. Will you have many pen names or just one? These are all real question and for us writers it can be a bit troubbling at times. I know it has been for me.
My pen name story:
I remember thinking in middle school when I started writing my first book about what name I wanted on my books. I liked my name but at the same time I was sure I could have one that sounded more authorish. :D When I met my husband and things started looking like they would last, I admit to trying on his last name. I knew Shiels would be a great last name for an author. (In my mind it was perfect, and so was he.)
Fast forward a few years. I published my first two books, The Royal Spy and Lady A under my name, Cassie M. Shiels but when I started thinking about writing contemporary romance. I considered the idea of a pen name. I thought long and hard about it. I even came up with the perfect name. I decided that my alter ego would have to have the name that could have only been mine in an alternate reality. A name that only belonged in a parallel universe. I blame watching a little too much, Doctor Who, for that kind of thinking.
I settled on the name, Cassandra Grimes. Here is why: 1. I didn't want a frivolous name that I wasn't attached to in any way. It had to still feel like me in some form. 2. My real name is Cassie, I was almost named Cassandra therefore in a parallel world that would be my name. Grimes would have also been my last name if my grandfather had never been adopted. Again a parallel universe thought. 3. I thought it sounded cool. I 'll have to name a character that name. 
For a few weeks I loved this idea. I thought it was the best thing ever, but then it lost its appeal. I didn't want to look at my book on amazon or on the shelf and not see my name on it. Then my books that I pour my heart into would look like any other, not mine. I wanted to fully claim my work. As cool as I thought this pen name would be, I couldn't do it.
Still worried that I needed a pen name but wanting the book to have my name on it. I settled on the pen name C. M. Shiels for my contemporary works. It was still me. It would work great. This idea lasted a lot longer. But guys I want to see my name on all of my books. I started asking questions about pen names and paying attention to other Autors and two things stood out to me. 
The first was how a few of my author friends were working to get rid of their pen names. Mostly because their books were not that different.  Or they didn't want to deal with a pen name.
The second thing was that as authors it is a good idea to think about not confusing our readers. Especially if we are writing for both kids and adults. This thought made me feel certain that I had to have a pen name even though by then I didn't want one. I kept telling myself that if I wanted to write all my ideas I would have too. I had dreams of writing picture books, concept books, new chapter books, middle grade books, Young Adult books, New adult books and adult books in various genres.  I seriously have tons of story ideas. If I stuck with this plan, yes, a pen name or two would be required. But then I started thinking about what I actually like to write and what I wanted to spend my time writing. Guess what it wasn't picture books. I love and appreciate them but that isn't me. I am a novelist. I read over 35 new chapter books before I decided that I could write them yes, but I didn't really want too. Middle grade would still be fun but I'm not sure I ever will write one. Maybe but maybe not. I figured out my true love is writing for Young Adults, new adults and adults. I know I still want to write in multiple genres, but I hope that if my readers know that then they won't be so shocked to see a princess story from me, then a clean contemporary romance, then a paranormal romance, then a fantasy and a romantic suspense. I am a multi genre book lover and that is what I want to write. And my heart wants me to write it under my name. 
I understand I will have different kinds of readers. The split is still there. Those who read my princess books might not want to read my bridal shop romances. Thats great. I will have my name on both but my readers are welcome to avoid what they don't want and read any or all.
To help with this I have two newsletters. One is for those who like magic, princesses, dragons, made up kingdoms, vampires, etc and one is for those who like contemporary romance stories without magic. They are all clean, books straight from my heart and honestly they all sound like me so you could totally tell. 
I hope my readers will love my multi genres with me. And I hope having my name on them won't throw anyone for a loop.
This decision wasn't taken lightly. Lots of thought and time went into it. For those writers who are still trying to figure it out I have a list of things to think about below. I hope it helps.

Things to consider:
1. Are your genres or age groups shockingly different? ( Kids vs. Adults, nonfiction vs. horror) 
2. Are you willing to manage more than one name?
3. Do you need a pen name for legal or personal preference?
4. Would you rather friends and family not know it's you writing this work?
5. Is your name so common that it would be better to use a pen name?
6. Do you want to have a pen name for your traditional stories vs. your indi works?
7. Do you like your maiden name better?
8. Do you want it to keep your author life and your everyday life separate?
9. What if you really do become well known for your books? Would you want it then?
10. Do you want to clearly separate the books your write?

Thanks for reading and good luck writing!
~Cassie M. Shiels~

I had the awesome amazing opportunity this last weekend to attend an event. I love author events. I have loved them for years. Going to book signings, and writing conferences are a blast. Spring into books happens to be both of those combined. I loved every second of this event. It was so much fun creating book marks, ordering in a bunch of my books, talking to my neighboring authors, watching my brother and hubby step in to watch over my table while I taught, meeting readers and other writers. I was there for over five hours but it felt like two. I suppose book signings could be boring but I truly had a ball. Readers, we authors love to see you and authors if you are considering doing an event like this just do it! You'll be happy you did. See below for my 10 tips for a book signing event after these two fun photos!

Not only did I get to sit at a table of my own, but my class proposal was accepted. I love teaching about writing. My passion is truly in making magic with words and I wanted nothing more than to share that with others. The class I taught was called, 10 fun ways to create story ideas. I am including my handout. Not quite as good as attending the class but I still hope you find it helpful if you ever find yourself searching for story ideas. Teaching a class was fun and I am so glad that I chose to submit an idea. I hope I can teach another writing class soon!

Author events are so much fun, If you are wondering if writing conferences or book signings or combos of both are worth it, they really are. You learn so much! Meet great people, and readers too. I cannot wait for my next one!
Thanks for reading and have fun writing!
​Cassie

I got super lucky and was able to attend a SCBWI writing conference in my little hometown. It was so much fun!! I learned a lot. It was nearly 24 hours all about writing. And I got a few of my books signed. Couldn't have been better! It was one of those conferences where every single class I learned something. Every single one got me thinking and rethinking. I am so glad that I went. Guys seriously if you want to be a writer. make going to conferences a thing! It might cost a little bit but it is so worth it!!!

Top 5 reasons Writing conferences are a good thing!
1. There is always something to learn about writing and publishing
2. Meeting others who have done it not only gives you a good positive vibe but they can also chat with you about your situation and hopefully have some good advice.
3. Writers need writer friends. 
4. Often there is a book signing. So you can purchase books and get them signed by the amazing presenters
5.Boosts creativity and motivation

Writing while pregnant: I have been pregnant and writing for 5 pregnancies. The fist thing I can say is, it is hard. Especially if you have other kids who keep you busy and help use your limited energy, because by the time you get to sit down to write, a debate begins. Do I spend time writing…. or do I take a nap. Honestly the nap wins a lot. Pregnancy can take a lot out of you especially in your third trimester. But just because you are pregnant doesn’t mean that you have to give up your writing all together. Here are some tips to help you do both.
10 TIPS:

1. Make smaller goals. (ex: if you usually write for an hour, cut it back to half hour and then at that point decide if you can work longer or if that is about all you can handle that day.)
2. If you know you have for example about an hour and a half, and are debating on writing or napping. Choose to do one or the other first and split the time.
3. Be kind to yourself. If you don’t reach your goal because you were more nauseous that week, remind yourself that you are growing a human and it is okay.
4. Be realistic about the goals you can set during this time. You know that you might be nauseous, you know you will be more tired, you know that you will be preparing for a new baby, so keep those things in mind while figuring out your writing goals.
5. Try for healthier writing snacks. Instead of chocolate try nuts. Instead of hot cocoa or soda, try flavored Ice water.
6. Move your writing space. If you usually sit at a desk but find it uncomfortable. Move to your bed and create a pillow desk for yourself.  (I do this all the time)
7. If you find yourself feeling sickish and your writing mojo so isn’t there, maybe spend more time studying writing instead. Do a genre study, read a writing book, read a book in and outside of your genre If watching a movie look for story structure, look for character arc and what worked or didn't work and why…etc.
8. Use the second trimester wisely (weeks 13-27). You usually have more energy and feel best during the second trimester. So use that time to get more of your writing goals done.
9. Feel like your mind is more blank then usual but want to still get some word count for the day, write about your baby and your pregnancy. It could be in a journal or a baby book or where ever you write the random stuff.
10. Do some prenatal exercise to help wake up your brain. Your body will be less sore because of the exercise and your brain will be more wide awake to help come up with those awesome plots, characters or dialogue.
11. BONUS! FORGIVE YOURSELF! If you don’t write as much or find you can’t. Its okay. Forgive yourself and try another day when you feel like you can.

You can do it!! Keep writing, and enjoy those little nudges in your belly, before you know it that baby will be born and you get to figure out how to be a writer with a newborn. See the next section below!

​Writing with Young Kids: When you have zero kids, you can basically write whenever, while juggling normal life and a job. Add the kids and the main thing you have to do is adjust your time. You might become a night owl, and work on your writing then. You might become a morning person and find your writing time before the kids wake up. Seems easy enough, but remember just like when you finally figure out your babies sleep schedule, it changes, your perfect little schedule you will figure out will change too. As they grow their schedule will change, and yours will need to change too. So this time adjustment thing never goes away. To make both work you need to be willing to always be tweaking how you do things.
TIPS:
1. Let them help feed your motivation by telling them what you're working on! I love it when my kids ask me what book I'm writing.
2. Write during nap time or when they are in school.
3. Get things started in the house. A load of laundry done, a load of dishes, then sit down to write. When they need switched out you probably need  a break anyway.
4. Let them help choose character names. Kids love this!
5. Request your books that you need to read so that when you take your kids to the Library you can simply pick up your stack and focus on helping them find books of their own.
6. Play hard with them for 30+ minutes so that they are more willing to play nicely together while you get a little work done.
​7. When they are watching their favorite show that you can't stand anymore, bring your writing out and work right next to them.
8. Ask if they think this plan or that plan would be better for your character. This works for any genre but they will be the most excited if it is kid lit. But no matter the genre they will love being involved. 
9. Ask your partner to take the kids on an adventure and leave you at home. An hour or more is best. I recommend two to three if possible. Then switch with your spouse so they can work on their own dream. Then you can have some fun one on one time with the kids. This is good for everyone!
10. Make family trips research trips. Take pictures of your hike and think if you could use the setting in a story. Observe a city and think about how any details might help in your writing. If you want to place your next book at the grand canyon then plan a family trip. Fun and research all in one!
11. BONUS!!! Let them scribble all over the pages you are revising. It makes them happy and you might get some cute keepsakes in your manuscripts pages.

YOU can do it! I believe in you!!

So I always publish my books on amazon, in both ebook and paperback options. I have kept it just simple like that for a while now. But recently I decided that I needed to make my books more widely abatable for those who liked to use other ebook devices, like nook or iBooks. So I am happy to announce that it has finally happened.
THE ROYAL SPY, LADY A and LOOKING FOR A BUMBLEBEE are all available on amazon as well as on: iBooks, Kobo, Barns and Noble, inktera, scribd, and Tolino. YAY!! Hoping to reach new readers soon.

So Last month inn May I got to got to The Storymakers writing conference in provo Utah. It was so fantastic. I loved it all even if it was quite overwhelming. Just a lot of info crammed into three days. I got to meet some amazing writers, got some amazing books signed, and even got a new good luck charm. A tiny dragon named Pike. Let me tell you, if you want to write and are thinking about going to a writers conference do it. It's worth it.