I’m an MFA Graduate!

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Graduations are bitter sweet. I loved my two years in the Masters of Fine Art program at Lesley University in Cambridge, MA. I met many wonderful writers, both those that sat beside me in classes and those that taught us – but from all those creative individuals, I have learned a great deal.

I needed a wider-angle to get all the students and faculty into the picture!

I needed a wider-angle to get all the students and faculty into the picture!

It is sad to move on, leaving a fabulous cohort and regular residencies behind. Cambridge was a hub of creativity and vibrated with people and ideas. Yet, it’s the possibilities of the next horizon, so they say, which is wildly exciting.

I am an extremely planned person, so I know my next few steps, but at the same time the possibilities astound me. I’m open for whatever may come next. I’m thinking PhD, new writing assignments and my next memoir, which is already in the works.

Alexis Marie Chute MFA graduation Lesley University 2015

Waiting to give my graduation speech in which I told a story about two characters: Muse and Writer.

 

I’m the kind of person that thrives on activity. I may not be working hard for university classes after this, but I’ll be putting that same determination into whatever is to come. And don’t worry – I’ll keep you posted!

Graduation speech given. Degree received. Now on to the next adventure!

Happy writing, my friends!

The Social Media Seesaw for Writers

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Social media is a gift for writers who are now able to directly engage with their readers and promote their work. Yet, it can also become a consuming time-suck and addictive distraction from doing the actual work: writing. It is a hard balance, like the pursuit of all “balance” in life, as to where the line is on how much social networking is really too much.

I myself go back and forth on the social media seesaw, feeling some days like it’s a blessing and others like it’s a curse.

Computer

Here is how I manage the double edged sward of social media and get stuff done:

  1. Make lists. I write out everything that is a priority to complete, which often includes a few social responsibilities of my business, such as blogging and twitter. Then I organize myself and my schedule, taking into consideration the most important tasks that need to be done and how much time everything will take. I keep the lists handy to keep myself on track.
  2. I switch off from social networks and focus on the priorities. When I am writing for a magazine or my current book projects or crunching a deadline on whatever I have on the go, I give it my full attention. My phone is my distraction, so I will lock its screen so I can’t log onto social networks, or leave it in another room. It is so important to give whatever you are doing your undivided attention.
  3. Schedule the social. This has been a wonderful timesaver. I write my blogs, schedule when they will be released and on what social networks I wish to share the posts. This keeps me active on all my social platforms every day, even when I am actually being very unsocial and working on my books. Helpful programs like Tweet Deck and Hootsuite are also great at scheduling ahead of time.

Seesaws can be a lot of fun. The same is true with social networks. You may go back and forth on how much you choose to engage those networks, but your presence there is essential. Figure out how to manage the seesaw and you will set yourself up for success.

Encouraging Quotes for Writers

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Here are ten quotes by great contemporary writers on topics regarding rejection, writers block, and not just the want, but the need to be writer. These words encourage me and I hope they do the same for you. These quotes will enlighten you to the fact that all of the most successful writers have dealt with and still deal with their fair share of rejection and writers block. However their love of writing never faltered and they never gave up.  All successful writers learned the hard way that getting rejected doesn’t mean you aren’t talented.

Nobody chooses to be a writer because it’s easy! As long as you love the process and take every chance you can to improve, you have the ability to be a great writer.

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“I was set free because my greatest fear had been realized, and I still had a daughter who I adored, and I had an old typewriter and a big idea. And so rock bottom became a solid foundation on which I rebuilt my life.”

-J.K. Rowling

 

“With a book I am the writer and I am also the director and I’m all of the actors and I’m the special effects guy and the lighting technician: I’m all of that. So if it’s good or bad, it’s all up to me.”

-George R. R. Martin

 

“By the time I was fourteen the nail in my wall would no longer support the weight of the rejection slips impaled upon it. I replaced the nail with a spike and went on writing.”

-Stephen King

 

“Creativity itself doesn’t care at all about results – the only thing it craves is the process. Learn to love the process and let whatever happens next happen, without fussing too much about it. Work like a monk, or a mule, or some other representative metaphor for diligence. Love the work. Destiny will do what it wants with you, regardless.”

-Elizabeth Gilbert

 

“Writing the last page of the first draft is the most enjoyable moment in writing. It’s one of the most enjoyable moments in life, period.”

-Nicholas Sparks

 

“I just give myself permission to suck. I delete about 90 percent of my first drafts … so it doesn’t really matter much if on a particular day I write beautiful and brilliant prose that will stick in the minds of my readers forever, because there’s a 90 percent chance I’m just gonna delete whatever I write anyway. I find this hugely liberating. I also like to remind myself of something my dad said in [response] to writers’ block: ‘Coal miners don’t get coal miners’ block.’”

-John Green

 

“If I waited for perfection… I would never write a word.”

-Margaret Atwood

 

“As things stand now, I am going to be a writer. I’m not sure that I’m going to be a good one or even a self-supporting one, but until the dark thumb of fate presses me to the dust and says ‘you are nothing’, I will be a writer.”

-Hunter S Thomson

 

“When you’re a writer, you hear your internal critic, and that’s really hard to get over. And then sometimes you hear critiques from classmates and stuff. But when a book comes out, it’s just hundreds of opinions and you have to learn to separate out the ones you want to listen to or figure out many you want to listen to.”

-Veronica Roth

 

“Don’t ever let the other stuff get in the way of your inherent skills as a kick-butt storyteller. Move the reader, make them happy and sad and excited and scared. Make them stare into space after they’ve put the book down, thinking about the tale that’s become a part of them.”

-James Dashner

 

“It’s not easy. I got lots of rejections when I first started out. If you want to write, you have to believe in yourself and not give up. You have to do your best to practice and get better.”

-Rick Riordan

Tips for writing your book proposal – from someone who has done it

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Writing a book proposal is a marathon, not a sprint. While many writers dream of penning the next Harry Potter, creating a great book is only one part of the process. The writer must then transfer all their skills to crafting an outstanding proposal that will wow many audiences, from editors to the finance department to marketing.

Book proposal BLOG 2

Here are three lessons I learned about writing an awesome book proposal:

  1. Do your research and really know your audience. This is twofold. Know the audience for your book, who is going to read it, but also know the audience who will be reading your proposal. Tailor each section to simultaneously present the facts AND sell your book. Of course don’t sell in a pushy, cheesy, or desperate sort of way, but make your case why your book needs to be published – and back up that opinion.
  2. Get help from others. This was such a wonderful boost for me when I got sick of my proposal, having worked on it for weeks straight, to gain a new set of eyes. Ask friends or family to help research statistics or surf Amazon to compile a book list of comparable titles. These are people who have watched you write your masterpiece and now they are invested as well in seeing you succeed. All in all, I had four other people outside myself help with my proposal – and I am incredibly grateful. My mom, an avid memoir reader, read my book proposal multiple times, her first go around noticing a giant gap. I likely would have missed that hole entirely without her.
  3. Spend a good chunk of time on your marketing plan. I read countless guides, studied how other books were marketed and daydreamed about the right marketing trajectory for my story. Now, I feel tremendously excited about that stage of the process – which is a good thing if publishers are passing the bulk of marketing responsibilities on to authors. With a very specific and clear plan, writers are able to jump right into marketing activities that will ensure their book is a success.

What stage of the proposal writing process are you at?

What have you learned from writing your book proposal?

Later this summer I will be sharing a book proposal outline, including all the elements you need for success.

Happy writing!

 

Alexis Marie Uncensored Debut Article in Edmonton Woman Magazine

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I have been reading Edmonton Woman Magazine for years, so when they offered me a column in their glossy pages, I was honored to accept. My first article in my Alexis Marie Uncensored column was published in their May/June 2015 issue. The topic: Motherhood, just in time for Mother’s Day.

Edmonton Woman Magazine Alexis Marie Chute May June 2015 issue 2

 

While I could write a book on my almost six years’ worth of practice being Mom, I chose to focus on what has changed and what has stayed the same over the years. In the end, moms are still crazy busy, they still put their kids first though take time for themselves and their careers, and moms still drink crazy potions their children mix together. Being a mom really is the best job.

The July/August 2015 issue is just around the corner. No spoiler alerts but I will share about my article here once it hits the newsstands.

Happy reading!

Edmonton Woman Magazine Alexis Marie Chute May June 2015 issue copyright column BLOG

Photos of Words in 3 Dimensions Conference

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Last weekend was an awesome literary happening in Edmonton and I was so honoured to be a part of it. Words in 3D – D meaning dimensions: writing, editing and publishing – brought together many creative individuals from all over the country for interesting sessions, keynotes and networking.

I taught two awesome workshops and the positive feedback has been rolling in steadily ever since. If you would like more information about the workshops I taught – or to bring them to your writing group or organization – please email me at info@alexismariechute.com

How to take a Picture Worthy of your Words

Memorable Memoir: Writing Personal Stories

I also mentored writers in the Blue Pencil Cafe. If you are interested in my mentoring, please click here for more information.

Here are some photos from the weekend.

WORDS IN 3D CONFERENCE WRITING EDITING PUBLISHING 07

Copyright Alexis Marie Chute

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Participants of Memorable Memoir focused in the act of writing during one of the exercises. Copyright Alexis Marie Chute

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Paul Matwychuk (NeWest Press), Kelsey Attard (Freehand Books), and Micheline Maylor (Freefall literary magazine) made up the panel in the discussion Beyond the Big Three: Niche and Regional Publishers. Image copyright Alexis Marie Chute

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Breaking through the Noise: Inventive Marketing, taught by Harper Collins Canada’s Marketing Director, Cory Beatty. Image copyright Alexis Marie Chute

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Getting Published in the 21st Century, taught by Literary agent Carly Watters. Image copyright Alexis Marie Chute

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The beautiful view from the Chateau Lacombe Hotel. Image copyright Alexis Marie Chute

 

Mentoring for the Modern Writer

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Your writing is too important not to search out the support you need to take it to the next level. No matter what genre, I am the cheerleader you’ve always dreamed of rooting for you, and the coach you’ve always wished would see your potential and push you to succeed.

I have been mentoring people for years, though not always calling it as such. I have helped creative individuals utilize their talents, work smarter not harder, tap into the potential of blogging, social networks and other forms of marketing, and hone their literary craft to say exactly what they mean – and to do all this with style. I am the encouragement you need when you feel stuck.

Let me help you be excellent at all you do.

Mentorship Magic Alexis Marie Chute Artist Mentor art BLOG

Alright. Alright. That’s enough! It’s boring to toot my own horn. Here is what one of my current clients has to say:

My mentoring sessions with Alexis Marie changed my view on how I was doing things. I learned that I wasn’t doing anything wrong, but that there are so many more things I could be doing right. I no longer sit around and wait to be discovered, I go out into the world and make people discover me.

Alexis Marie gave me direction, and taught me ways of achieving my goals I didn’t know existed. She taught me how to connect with people through words and construct a more powerful self-image that people would be intrigued with. I learned how to turn my weakness into strength and how to use my strength in the right way. Before Alexis Marie’s mentoring I was running in circles, now I’m finally on the right track.

– Evan Crawford, up-and-coming musician @ecrawfordmusic

 

If you are curious about mentoring, send me an email at info@alexismariechute.com and book a session. The best way to see if I can assist you on your creative journey is by getting started. Let’s do that today.

Best wishes for all your writing projects!

 

 

I’m Already Preparing for National Novel Writing Month

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NaNoWriMo 2015. This November. Are you planning ahead?

nanowrimo calendar Alexis Marie Chute author writer 1 nanowrimo calendar Alexis Marie Chute author writer 2 nanowrimo calendar Alexis Marie Chute author writer 3 nanowrimo calendar Alexis Marie Chute author writer 4 nanowrimo calendar Alexis Marie Chute author writer 5 nanowrimo calendar Alexis Marie Chute author writer 6

New Column in Edmonton Woman Magazine: ALEXIS MARIE UNCENSORED

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I am very pleased to announce that I have been asked to write a column for Edmonton Woman Magazine. My first article for them will be published in their May/June issue.

The column’s title: ALEXIS MARIE UNCENSORED

Oh boy, this is going to be fun!

Alexis Marie Chute artist writer author photographer blog 2

I will be writing about all kinds of topics from sex (ooh la la), marriage, parenting, careers, feminine identity, and exercise. If you have a topic you want unearthed, or at least picked at and prodded with curiosity, comment here or pop me an email at info@alexismariechute.com.

The uncensored quality of my column will stem from the honest approach I take in my writing. There will be no sugar coating the facts. No extreme polite, politically correct nonsense. Yes, I am a Canadian so my manners will remain intact. Still, I ardently believe we all are hungry for the meat of life, those things that really matter – delivered with all the garnishing of course. That is what my column will be: a tasty, hardy mental treat. Now that’s a mouthful! (And I’m getting hungry…)

I will post here when my articles are live (in print and online). Stay tuned!

Check out Edmonton Woman Magazine by clicking here.

Have you Registered for the Words in 3D Conference?

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Writing conferences are amazing. First, you get out of your lonely writing spot and meet other like-minded individuals. Second, it is a focused time to feed your creative soul. I am presenting two workshops at the Words in 3D Conference but I also registered for some sessions to fuel the hungry writer in me.

Words in 3d Conference 2015 Alexis Marie Chute Writer Author

Here is the info about the conference:

Words in 3Dimensions Conference

Three conferences in one: Writing/Editing/Publishing

May 22-24, 2015

Chateau Lacombe Hotel

Edmonton, Alberta

Click here to visit the conference website, review the schedule and register. 

 

Here are my sessions:

How to Take a Picture Worthy of Your Words

Saturday, May 23
11:30 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.

Covering the basics of good photography, including exposure, composition, and technical requirements for different publications, Alexis Marie Chute shares what writers need to know about taking great photos for their projects. This session includes a group brainstorm for attendees’ current projects and recommendations from Alexis Marie on making your photography a stronger statement to support your words.

Saturday, May 23, 2015 – 11:30

Memorable Memoir: Writing Personal Stories

Saturday, May 23
4:00 – 5:15 p.m.

Alexis Marie Chute offers tools and techniques for writing your personal story: removing sentimentality, finding alternatives to strict chronological structure, and building authenticity. Featuring memory recall exercises, this presentation is a must-see for anyone writing personal narratives.

Saturday, May 23, 2015 – 16:00

Blue Pencil Café

“At Blue Pencil Café, conference participants get the opportunity for one-on-one mentoring sessions with experienced writers or editors. Bring a writing sample to review, ask your questions, get advice — the Blue Pencil mentors are here as a resource for you!”

Each session will be 20 minutes long.

Some mentors require writing samples in advance (I do please!).

 

If you are interested in meeting me at the Blue Pencil Café, here is some info about me so we can go into our time together well acquainted:

Alexis Marie Chute

Alexis Marie Chute Headshot - black and white 001 - BLOG SIZE square

BFA, MFA Candidate, Artist & Writer

Alexis Marie Chute is an award winning artist, photographer and writer. She is an Avenue Magazine “Top 40 Under 40” and was named an “Emerging Canadian Photographer” by Photo Life Magazine. She was the 2012/2013 Artist in Residence at Harcourt House Artist Run Centre and her artwork is represented by Method Art Gallery in Scottsdale Arizona and by the AR&S Gallery at the Art Gallery of Alberta. Her writing has been published in the Three Minus One anthology and with the Women’s Art Museum Society of Canada, along with other credits including Today’s Parent, The Times Colonist and Flurt magazine. Her first book, a memoir about motherhood and loss, is forthcoming.

 

I look forward to seeing you at Words in 3D!