My manuscript and I aren't speaking.
It's a shame, because we have such a good thing going. It's a problem, because we've made a commitment to a complete draft in October. I don't know if we'll make it.
It all started with a hard drive crash. And now that I'm working full time, we don't see each other as often as I like -which is pretty much every night. I carry it over my heart in a travel drive, sneaking in moments here and there when opportunities arise. But it's awkward. In the moments we do have together, words pour onto the page for nearly thirty seconds, and then we stare at each other. In silence. Nothing to say at all.
I don't know if I can salvage the relationship. I hope I can, but it takes time, attention, and energy. I don't seem to have much of any those things these days. Still, I have to set my priorities. I WANT to make it work -to rekindle the word love.
Maybe I can plan time for a date...
Showing posts with label WIP thoughts. Show all posts
Showing posts with label WIP thoughts. Show all posts
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Summer Thoughts
It's been an interesting summer. I've only been out of school for two weeks, but it seems much longer. I'm rested, and that's always the summer goal. I'm excited about teaching 3rd grade next year. Change is good, and I'll be working with a wonderful principal and staff. It's been twelve years since I've taught in a regular classroom. I took some time off when my daughter was little, and the last eight years I've taught gifted education.
Poison ivy has been a big part of my summer. Not just your ordinary case, but the kind that makes your mother gasp, strangers stare, your father get teary, your husband say 'ew', and your doctor quietly suggest you give up gardening (not happening!). There are parts of me that look and feel like I'm a burn victim. It's finally starting to get better. Hopefully I'll come out of the ordeal without too many scars.
I seriously considered giving up the garden. My dad even offered to bring his rototiller and put the whole thing to rest. But the thought of all that work being plowed under seems like such a waste. So I'll wear rubber shoes and gloves, long pants and long sleeves, and a healthy application of ivy guard when I head outside.
My daylilies are blooming now.
They are so cheery! Why would I want to rip out these beds?
My other task this summer is to work on a new manuscript. I'm about nine chapters in and up to my neck with this challenge. It's my Heart of the Novel workshop project, and I'm supposed to have a complete first draft soon. That deadline is coming fast! It's raining today, like it seems to be doing a lot lately. I plan to open the garage doors and park myself where I can enjoy the weather while I write. Maybe I can conquer chapter nine!
Poison ivy has been a big part of my summer. Not just your ordinary case, but the kind that makes your mother gasp, strangers stare, your father get teary, your husband say 'ew', and your doctor quietly suggest you give up gardening (not happening!). There are parts of me that look and feel like I'm a burn victim. It's finally starting to get better. Hopefully I'll come out of the ordeal without too many scars.
I seriously considered giving up the garden. My dad even offered to bring his rototiller and put the whole thing to rest. But the thought of all that work being plowed under seems like such a waste. So I'll wear rubber shoes and gloves, long pants and long sleeves, and a healthy application of ivy guard when I head outside.
My daylilies are blooming now.
They are so cheery! Why would I want to rip out these beds?
My other task this summer is to work on a new manuscript. I'm about nine chapters in and up to my neck with this challenge. It's my Heart of the Novel workshop project, and I'm supposed to have a complete first draft soon. That deadline is coming fast! It's raining today, like it seems to be doing a lot lately. I plan to open the garage doors and park myself where I can enjoy the weather while I write. Maybe I can conquer chapter nine!
Saturday, April 9, 2011
Nerdiness and Research
I love researching for a new novel. Does that make me a nerd? I spend hours on the internet looking for details and tidbits that might help the story come alive for the reader. I search newspapers and libraries, and if a location is within a reasonable distance, I take a field trip. Those are the best!
I took such a trip this week. I'm on spring break, so I left children, husband and pets at home and hit the road. My destination was the Museum of Appalachia in Clinton, Tennessee. The drive there was beautiful. Once you cross the Ohio River into Kentucky the landscape is so pretty. I love the rolling hills as you pass by the cattle and horse farms. The mountain views farther south are spectacular. The only part of the drive I didn't like was over the top of Jellico Mountain in the dark. It was WINDY! I dodged tractor trailors with every gust.
When I start a novel, I keep a research binder that includes a tab for images. Here are some of the images I collected on my trip:
Peacocks and peahens were everywhere on the museum grounds. This pretty girl was out in the open, but most of them were hidden under bushes or in flower beds. Sometimes it surprised me when I'd unexpectedly spot one right by my foot. It was somewhat like an Easter egg hunt, but with colorful birds instead.
How many peacocks do you see?
Nothing was wasted. This is a mule shoe chair. The sculptures were made from used matchsticks.
My Papaw had a collection of hats very similar to these. He'd be 107 years old in 2011...
Papaw also had a pump organ in one of the upstairs bedrooms. It took two of us to play it -one to pump the foot pedals and one to tickle the (real) ivory.
This made me giggle...
I think I have to include this in a story! Also, I love the name of the quilter...
There were only about five other people at the museum while I was there. There are indoor exhibits as well as outdoor. I met this gentleman in the last cabin I visited. He was singing "I'll Fly Away." There was no one else around, so I joined in and sang harmony. When we finished, he grinned and said, "That was fun. Would you like to do another?" We ended up singing a few more before I had to go. He was right. It was fun!
The museum grounds were beautiful.
I highly recommend a trip to the Museum of Appalachia!
On my way back home, I decided to take a side trip through Cumberland Gap. I wish that I'd stopped and taken more pictures along the way, but I had to get back to Cincinnati on a deadline. I did take a few pictures from the pinnacle of Cumberland Gap. Just so you know, it was really cold up there!
Keep Writing!
Nora
I took such a trip this week. I'm on spring break, so I left children, husband and pets at home and hit the road. My destination was the Museum of Appalachia in Clinton, Tennessee. The drive there was beautiful. Once you cross the Ohio River into Kentucky the landscape is so pretty. I love the rolling hills as you pass by the cattle and horse farms. The mountain views farther south are spectacular. The only part of the drive I didn't like was over the top of Jellico Mountain in the dark. It was WINDY! I dodged tractor trailors with every gust.
When I start a novel, I keep a research binder that includes a tab for images. Here are some of the images I collected on my trip:
Peacocks and peahens were everywhere on the museum grounds. This pretty girl was out in the open, but most of them were hidden under bushes or in flower beds. Sometimes it surprised me when I'd unexpectedly spot one right by my foot. It was somewhat like an Easter egg hunt, but with colorful birds instead.
How many peacocks do you see?
Nothing was wasted. This is a mule shoe chair. The sculptures were made from used matchsticks.
My Papaw had a collection of hats very similar to these. He'd be 107 years old in 2011...
Papaw also had a pump organ in one of the upstairs bedrooms. It took two of us to play it -one to pump the foot pedals and one to tickle the (real) ivory.
This made me giggle...
I think I have to include this in a story! Also, I love the name of the quilter...
There were only about five other people at the museum while I was there. There are indoor exhibits as well as outdoor. I met this gentleman in the last cabin I visited. He was singing "I'll Fly Away." There was no one else around, so I joined in and sang harmony. When we finished, he grinned and said, "That was fun. Would you like to do another?" We ended up singing a few more before I had to go. He was right. It was fun!
The museum grounds were beautiful.
I highly recommend a trip to the Museum of Appalachia!
On my way back home, I decided to take a side trip through Cumberland Gap. I wish that I'd stopped and taken more pictures along the way, but I had to get back to Cincinnati on a deadline. I did take a few pictures from the pinnacle of Cumberland Gap. Just so you know, it was really cold up there!
Keep Writing!
Nora
Monday, February 28, 2011
Thoughts on Beginnings
It's always daunting beginning a new project. When I finally sit down with all of my research, character studies, images, and plot outlines it often overwhelms me. Who's story is it? Will it work best with one point of view? Two? Should I tell it in 1st person? 3rd person? What are the stakes? How can I raise them? How far can I take it. Is that far enough?
And then there's my worst enemy -my inner editor, who from the very first word on the page begins to criticize direction, question word choice and order. My inner editor is such a pain, that I've been known to throw a pillow case over the monitor just to shut him up. Yes. I've done that.
I almost always think I'm going to write a story in 1st person point of view. I'll write 10-15 chapters that way, and then I begin to feel restricted. I start all over again in 3rd person, but now I know my character. I can work the immediacy of 1st person thoughts into my 3rd person POV, and still have the flexibility that 3rd offers. Maybe someday I'll get a whole story down in 1st person and make it work. Maybe it'll be my current WIP. We'll see.
I tend to want perfection from the start. I forget that sometimes it's best to sit back and let the story come. This time I'm going to tell it all the first time, even those parts that won't make the final cut. Give myself permission to ramble. Edit later. *Puts a reminder post-it on the monitor* Yes, edit later...
I'll leave you with two articles I read this week that I thought worth sharing. They're basic, but sometimes it's good to be reminded of things you know but need to hear again. At least I do.
Ten Steps to Finding Your Writing Voice, by Holly Lisle
Understanding Voice and Tone in Writing, by Julie Wildhaber
Keep writing,
Nora
And then there's my worst enemy -my inner editor, who from the very first word on the page begins to criticize direction, question word choice and order. My inner editor is such a pain, that I've been known to throw a pillow case over the monitor just to shut him up. Yes. I've done that.
I almost always think I'm going to write a story in 1st person point of view. I'll write 10-15 chapters that way, and then I begin to feel restricted. I start all over again in 3rd person, but now I know my character. I can work the immediacy of 1st person thoughts into my 3rd person POV, and still have the flexibility that 3rd offers. Maybe someday I'll get a whole story down in 1st person and make it work. Maybe it'll be my current WIP. We'll see.
I tend to want perfection from the start. I forget that sometimes it's best to sit back and let the story come. This time I'm going to tell it all the first time, even those parts that won't make the final cut. Give myself permission to ramble. Edit later. *Puts a reminder post-it on the monitor* Yes, edit later...
I'll leave you with two articles I read this week that I thought worth sharing. They're basic, but sometimes it's good to be reminded of things you know but need to hear again. At least I do.
Ten Steps to Finding Your Writing Voice, by Holly Lisle
Understanding Voice and Tone in Writing, by Julie Wildhaber
Keep writing,
Nora
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Odds & Ends and Fun Writer Posts
Hello All!
It's been some time since I've last seen you. I haven't forgotten you, I've been writing. Lots. And when I'm productive in the writing department, I try to stay away from distractions -because the goal is, after all, to get published!
I did write one post and not share it. I think I got distracted. Which, if you know me, doesn't surprise you one bit.
So here is a Late January Post:
It's been some time since I've last seen you. I haven't forgotten you, I've been writing. Lots. And when I'm productive in the writing department, I try to stay away from distractions -because the goal is, after all, to get published!
I did write one post and not share it. I think I got distracted. Which, if you know me, doesn't surprise you one bit.
So here is a Late January Post:
As I pulled into the garage today after school, a skateboard magically flew from its perch on the peg wall, hit the side of the van, and landed under the wheel. I backed over the skateboard and out of the garage. (There was no other way to do this since everything in the garage only fits one way.) Then I put the skateboard back in place. (The van was not wounded). As I walked under the eaves and back to the driver's seat, someone slammed the front door of the house causing much of the snow on the roof to land on my head, in my hood, and down my shirt.
The van is in the garage, and I have decided to spend the rest of the day indoors.
And a Crock Pot Recipe I Thought Sounded Good:
BBQ Sauce - Pork Loin w/ Dr. Pepper & lots of garlic. Skim fat. Let cool. Add tomato paste and spices to taste.
And Some Great Blog Posts!
Just One More Page - A new blog by Dave Richardson. All of you Verlakay people know him as "dave r." Dave is an indie bookbuyer/seller for The Blue Marble Bookstore in Ft. Thomas, KY, and he writes a regular book review column for The International Reading Association's READING TODAY. His posts are informative, fun and funny!
Jennifer Represents -Nancy Drew and the Case of the Guilty Silence - Have you ever wondered why an agent hasn't responded back to a request for a manuscript?
Also from Jennifer - When to Keep Your Trap Shut? Almost Always. This has some excellent advice for bloggers and others with an online presence.
Jules Watson - Historical Fiction Workshop - Have you always wanted to attend a writing workshop, but it's never been in the budget? Jules Watson has posted a complete Historical Fiction Workshop, and it's FREE!
Jill Corcoran - How to Sub Queries & Full Manuscripts in the Digital Age "Subbing your ms to agents has definitely changed. No more do you print out reams of paper and ship them off in a box. Now you query and send full requested manuscript via email. And we agents then forward your email with the requested full manuscript to our e-reader, which for me is a kindle. So here are some important tips to help you sub successfully in the digital age."
Finally, because it made me laugh, and because it's TRUE, a video from Jackson Pearce, author of Sister's Red and As You Wish.
Keep Writing!
Nora
I
Friday, January 14, 2011
What a Week!
It's been a good week. The kind of week that sets you spinning somewhat off kilter -you know, where you have to take a moment to hang on, regain your bearings and catch your breath. In a good way.
Remember my "Just Do It" resolution for this year? This is the week I jumped in head first. I now attend a new writer's group. It's small -just three of us. We all write middle grade and young adult novels. We plan to meet every two to three weeks, and we each get up to 40-45 minutes to share and be critiqued. We can ask for whatever we need - brainstorming, plotting, line edits, constructive criticism, etc. It will be a nice complement to my other writer's group. Between the two, I'll have three meetings a month. That will require me to write on a deadline. I'll need the practice and the accountability because....
I got accepted to Patti Lee Gauch's HEART OF THE NOVEL workshop in Honesdale!
I'm just a little excited about it. *Can't wipe grin off face* The workshop is divided into two sessions. The first meets for four days in May. We'll look at what makes a novel come alive, then we'll begin a novel, making certain it has the right characters, an original idea, and a solid story line. We'll set writing goals before we leave in May for Part II, which meets in October. I can't wait to get there! In the meantime, I'm plotting, creating character sketches, and researching, researching, researching.
It's a bit scary to me to commit to writing a complete draft in five months. I've not had to write to a deadline - not like this anyway. But I figure if I can do this, I can handle an editor's deadlines someday. Right? Here's hoping!
Remember my "Just Do It" resolution for this year? This is the week I jumped in head first. I now attend a new writer's group. It's small -just three of us. We all write middle grade and young adult novels. We plan to meet every two to three weeks, and we each get up to 40-45 minutes to share and be critiqued. We can ask for whatever we need - brainstorming, plotting, line edits, constructive criticism, etc. It will be a nice complement to my other writer's group. Between the two, I'll have three meetings a month. That will require me to write on a deadline. I'll need the practice and the accountability because....
I got accepted to Patti Lee Gauch's HEART OF THE NOVEL workshop in Honesdale!
I'm just a little excited about it. *Can't wipe grin off face* The workshop is divided into two sessions. The first meets for four days in May. We'll look at what makes a novel come alive, then we'll begin a novel, making certain it has the right characters, an original idea, and a solid story line. We'll set writing goals before we leave in May for Part II, which meets in October. I can't wait to get there! In the meantime, I'm plotting, creating character sketches, and researching, researching, researching.
It's a bit scary to me to commit to writing a complete draft in five months. I've not had to write to a deadline - not like this anyway. But I figure if I can do this, I can handle an editor's deadlines someday. Right? Here's hoping!
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
A YEAR OF POSSIBILITIES…
I sit here amazed at how fast this year passed. Never has a year blown by as speedy as this one. Sometimes I wish there was a button you could push that would slow life down and allow you to really savor the best parts of it all.
There are a number of things I would have slowed down – my experience at the Chautauqua Writer’s Workshop, for one. I reread my notes regularly, especially those from Patti Gauch’s sessions. What an incredible teacher she is! I hope that someday I will have another opportunity to work on my writing with her guidance. What a lady!
The George Washington Teacher’s Institute was another experience that needed more time. It was a whirlwind of a week, but I learned so much. I’d like to go back to Mount Vernon, not as a student this time, but as a visitor. Then I could spend as much time as I want on the parts that interest me the most.
My week in Fort Meyers with my husband and without the kids was definitely too short! We’ve never been very good about carving out time that’s just ours, but this year we made a point of it. Tuesdays have become “out to dinner” night. Daughter has a ride to and from gymnastics. Son is now an adult. No one needs us, so why not? It was odd at first. It took some getting used to being able to have an uninterrupted conversation, or to talk about something besides gymnastics, video games, movies, pets, and school friends. It’s been good, and we plan to take more kid-less mini-vacations throughout next year.
Next year… I have such high hopes! It hasn’t even begun, yet it feels like it’s going to be a year of opportunities on several fronts. My middle grade novel is nearly ready to begin the submission process, and I’ve several ideas for new novels. I’m applying for an incredible writer’s workshop. It’s a small group –only seven people, but the editor/facilitator is someone I’d love to work with. Hopefully I will be one of the seven who get to attend.
Those of you who know me well know I love to sing. I’ve had very few opportunities to sing for nearly four years, but in the last six months, I’m suddenly getting requests to come perform again. I’ve got another invitation from a local orchestra for a concert this spring. It’s all fun, and I hope the opportunities keep coming.
Not everything in 2011 looks bright. The possibility is high that I might be a victim of a RIF (reduction in force) from my teaching position come June. The cuts in the budget are state wide, so there won’t be any teaching jobs anywhere else either. But I choose to look at this as another chance to turn lemons into lemonade. I’ll certainly have more time to devote to the creative endeavors in my life. It could be that a job loss is the button I long for that slows life down and allows me the time to savor the moments. I choose to make the most of whatever happens.
I wish all of you a very Merry Christmas and a happy holiday season. May the New Year bring to each of you the opportunities that satisfy your dreams!
Monday, October 25, 2010
These are a Few of My Favorite Links...
Writing, writing, writing... I've been doing a lot of that lately. And that's a good thing, although I've not written one word in my WIP this weekend. That tends to happen when I have LOTs of school work hanging over my head. It's that inevitable end-of-the quarter teacher pile-up that includes report cards, back-logged grading, and getting ready for conferences. You notice I'm not working on that right now either. No, I'll save that for later tonight, because you know, it's not due until tomorrow.
Instead, I'll share a few of my favorite links that I came across this week:
Marcia Hoehne, an Institute of Children's Literature Instructor, has a fabulous October critique giveaway. You can find out the details here!
Anna Staniszewski (say that name 10 times fast!) has posted another installment of "Letter to Myself." This time guest author Alisa Libby offers advice to herself as a writing major in college.
Nathan Bransford blogged "This Week in Publishing 10/22/10" -a list of happenings in the publishing world and more than a few chuckles. My favorites are the Nerd flowchart and the video from Sesame Street with Grover as the Old Spice Guy. No... I think I like Bookmans Does Book Dominoes best...
National Novel Writing Month, also known as NaNoWriMo, begins November 1st and ends November 30th. If you are a glutton for punishment, goal oriented, can stay awake for hours on end, and can silence your inner editor for 30 days, this is the writing challenge for you. The goal is to write 50,000 new words during the month of November. Just to clarify -that would be FIFTY THOUSAND.
Hanna Howard, a Chautauqua friend, has decided to honor NaNoWriMo by posting on her blog EVERY day during the month of November. If today's post on creativity is any indication, it should be well worth your time to visit. Also, take a moment and click on "Story Links." There you'll find three of her short stories (my favorite is "Ruby Riding Hood"). You can find Hanna at "Luna the Typewriter."
If you've ever had a brush with rejection this post by literary agent, Rachelle Gardner, will give you a chuckle. Rants & Ramblings
Keep writing!
Nora
Instead, I'll share a few of my favorite links that I came across this week:
Marcia Hoehne, an Institute of Children's Literature Instructor, has a fabulous October critique giveaway. You can find out the details here!
Anna Staniszewski (say that name 10 times fast!) has posted another installment of "Letter to Myself." This time guest author Alisa Libby offers advice to herself as a writing major in college.
Nathan Bransford blogged "This Week in Publishing 10/22/10" -a list of happenings in the publishing world and more than a few chuckles. My favorites are the Nerd flowchart and the video from Sesame Street with Grover as the Old Spice Guy. No... I think I like Bookmans Does Book Dominoes best...
National Novel Writing Month, also known as NaNoWriMo, begins November 1st and ends November 30th. If you are a glutton for punishment, goal oriented, can stay awake for hours on end, and can silence your inner editor for 30 days, this is the writing challenge for you. The goal is to write 50,000 new words during the month of November. Just to clarify -that would be FIFTY THOUSAND.
Hanna Howard, a Chautauqua friend, has decided to honor NaNoWriMo by posting on her blog EVERY day during the month of November. If today's post on creativity is any indication, it should be well worth your time to visit. Also, take a moment and click on "Story Links." There you'll find three of her short stories (my favorite is "Ruby Riding Hood"). You can find Hanna at "Luna the Typewriter."
If you've ever had a brush with rejection this post by literary agent, Rachelle Gardner, will give you a chuckle. Rants & Ramblings
Keep writing!
Nora
Monday, April 5, 2010
Time, Compliments and Deadlines
It's amazing to me how a little time, a pat on the back and a deadline can motivate me to get things done.
I write every day, even if I'm exhausted and it's 10 PM (because that's the earliest point in the day I've had time to sit). My rule is I have to write at least one GOOD sentence before bed. Most work days I can knock off up to 800 new words. Today, the first day of spring break, I put down 1100 words before lunch. Most likely, I'll have half that again before my day is done. All because I have some undistracted writing time, someone who says my writing is worth pursuing, and a deadline.
I like to write as soon as I wake. My head is clear and the ideas flow easily. The day's events aren't able to distract me, because they haven't happened yet. I'm focused. I find that if I start my day thinking and working on my WIP it's easier to solve character issues or plot problems. I'm better able to think of ways to raise the stakes for my characters. In short, I'm more productive and it feels less like work.
A compliment can make a huge difference in my writing attitude. I am productive for days after a good word from my writer's group or critique partner (shallow and silly? Maybe...). This scholarship award from Chautauqua is very much the same. It's validation that I'm doing something right, and they are willing to invest their time and money towards my writing education. It's a powerful motivation, and I don't want to disappoint.
I have always worked best with a deadline, but since I'm unpublished, my deadlines are self-imposed. Sometimes that works. Sometimes not. My goal is to have my new WIP complete by July. The hope is I'll have a completed manuscript (albeit rough) to take with me to Chautauqua. That only gives me 13 weeks, so it's definitely fast-drafting (for me).
I've got an entire week free of the day job, and I'm hoping it'll be a productive week. It helps that I love the story I'm writing. The characters are fun, and the plot is an intriguing puzzle to solve -one I want to get right.
How, when and where do you write? Do you have a routine, or do you write when the muse hits you? Just curious...
I write every day, even if I'm exhausted and it's 10 PM (because that's the earliest point in the day I've had time to sit). My rule is I have to write at least one GOOD sentence before bed. Most work days I can knock off up to 800 new words. Today, the first day of spring break, I put down 1100 words before lunch. Most likely, I'll have half that again before my day is done. All because I have some undistracted writing time, someone who says my writing is worth pursuing, and a deadline.
I like to write as soon as I wake. My head is clear and the ideas flow easily. The day's events aren't able to distract me, because they haven't happened yet. I'm focused. I find that if I start my day thinking and working on my WIP it's easier to solve character issues or plot problems. I'm better able to think of ways to raise the stakes for my characters. In short, I'm more productive and it feels less like work.
A compliment can make a huge difference in my writing attitude. I am productive for days after a good word from my writer's group or critique partner (shallow and silly? Maybe...). This scholarship award from Chautauqua is very much the same. It's validation that I'm doing something right, and they are willing to invest their time and money towards my writing education. It's a powerful motivation, and I don't want to disappoint.
I have always worked best with a deadline, but since I'm unpublished, my deadlines are self-imposed. Sometimes that works. Sometimes not. My goal is to have my new WIP complete by July. The hope is I'll have a completed manuscript (albeit rough) to take with me to Chautauqua. That only gives me 13 weeks, so it's definitely fast-drafting (for me).
I've got an entire week free of the day job, and I'm hoping it'll be a productive week. It helps that I love the story I'm writing. The characters are fun, and the plot is an intriguing puzzle to solve -one I want to get right.
How, when and where do you write? Do you have a routine, or do you write when the muse hits you? Just curious...
Monday, February 15, 2010
New WIP, Haircicles, and Snow Forts
I've started writing a new novel, and I'm having a blast! This one is YA fantasy. I have a rough outline of the plot and sketches of the major characters. They are quite fun. I have so much trouble to send their way... I have three chapters written so far at 5600 words. The fourth chapter is where the subplots diverge, so I've spent time today mulling things over a bit.
My favorite part of a new novel is the brainstorming. I tend to go over the top when I'm throwing down ideas. Eventually I'll have to rein it all in to make it believable. But for now, if you hear a wild cackle come through your monitor, it's probably me. I've spent today "upping the stakes." Not just for my MC, but for all my characters. It makes a huge difference when I write if I know before hand the "what's in it for me" of everyone involved.
I just got the phone call telling me I have another snow day tomorrow, so I'll have a big block of time to write. Woot!
While I'm glad for the time off, I'm quite tired of snow. We got another 9 inches today. We're expecting another 2 inches by midnight, and another 2-3 inches through the day tomorrow. Today I waited until we had about 7 inches before I decided to shovel the driveway. I had finished the front deck and half the drive when my wonderful neighbor came down my sidewalk with his snowblower. He cleared my walk and my driveway too. When he finished, he shut off the snowblower and said, "I noticed you were icing up." I put my hand in my hair, and he was right! I had icicles all through my hair and didn't know it.
Although I'm feeling weather weary, my daughter is loving it. This evening she dug out an igloo fort in the snow piles around the front deck and the driveway. She made a tunnel that goes all the way through the drift and out the other side. Robb stood by, ready to yank her out by her feet if the ceiling collapsed. What a good dad!
I'll leave you with a few more snow pictures. The quality isn't great. I'm not camera savvy, and somehow the settings have changed. I'm going to have to pull out the manual. Stay warm! Keep writing!
My favorite part of a new novel is the brainstorming. I tend to go over the top when I'm throwing down ideas. Eventually I'll have to rein it all in to make it believable. But for now, if you hear a wild cackle come through your monitor, it's probably me. I've spent today "upping the stakes." Not just for my MC, but for all my characters. It makes a huge difference when I write if I know before hand the "what's in it for me" of everyone involved.
I just got the phone call telling me I have another snow day tomorrow, so I'll have a big block of time to write. Woot!
While I'm glad for the time off, I'm quite tired of snow. We got another 9 inches today. We're expecting another 2 inches by midnight, and another 2-3 inches through the day tomorrow. Today I waited until we had about 7 inches before I decided to shovel the driveway. I had finished the front deck and half the drive when my wonderful neighbor came down my sidewalk with his snowblower. He cleared my walk and my driveway too. When he finished, he shut off the snowblower and said, "I noticed you were icing up." I put my hand in my hair, and he was right! I had icicles all through my hair and didn't know it.
Although I'm feeling weather weary, my daughter is loving it. This evening she dug out an igloo fort in the snow piles around the front deck and the driveway. She made a tunnel that goes all the way through the drift and out the other side. Robb stood by, ready to yank her out by her feet if the ceiling collapsed. What a good dad!
I'll leave you with a few more snow pictures. The quality isn't great. I'm not camera savvy, and somehow the settings have changed. I'm going to have to pull out the manual. Stay warm! Keep writing!
Monday, December 7, 2009
Fast Drafting
I'm reading a book called First Draft in 30 Days, by Karen S. Wiesner. It is a method designed to to reduce time-intensive rewrites and avoid writing detours. It also shows you how to create an outline that is detailed and complete enough to double as your first draft.
I've never mastered writing quickly. I write the beginning and the ending, and then I stew and brew over the middle and the details. I have a terrible need to fix and revise as I go. I consider it a bad habit I need to break.
SO... I'm going to give this a try. I like how Wiesner plans out a schedule. Each day has a specific assignment. The required detail is daunting, but if done right, the subsequent drafts should be fairly painless. Should be.
I don't know if I can complete this in 30 days, but I will consider it a successful venture if I can complete a draft in 90 days. That's still fast for me.
Anyone else out there fast draft? Pointers will be appreciated!
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Playlists
Okay. Every now and then I like to try something new with my writing. I regularly peruse author websites and blogs to see what's up. One thing I keep seeing, especially from YA authors, is a playlist - songs to set the mood while you're writing. "So," think I, "Maybe I'll try that."
Big mistake.
I spent a crazy amount of time searching iTunes for songs that carried specific themes (time I could have spent writing). When I finally got to work, I found the words of the music got in the way of my creativity, and my brain chose to analyze the chord structure of the music instead of the flow of my story. When I realized playlists didn't work for me, it was too late. The damage was done. Every time I sat to write, the songs STILL got in the way - even though I didn't play the music any more.
My next thought was to find a way to "cleanse the palate" and clear my head. What would be the musical equivalent of lemon and water?
Mozart.
Thank you, Amadeus! I found that if I played the music low enough, hardly there really, I could write without distraction. It was just enough to keep the lyrics of the other songs out of my way. I could think again!
I've learned my lesson. I know my learning and working styles. I don't need to delve into other people's modus operandi to improve my focus.
Moral of the story: Don't fix what ain't broke.
Big mistake.
I spent a crazy amount of time searching iTunes for songs that carried specific themes (time I could have spent writing). When I finally got to work, I found the words of the music got in the way of my creativity, and my brain chose to analyze the chord structure of the music instead of the flow of my story. When I realized playlists didn't work for me, it was too late. The damage was done. Every time I sat to write, the songs STILL got in the way - even though I didn't play the music any more.
My next thought was to find a way to "cleanse the palate" and clear my head. What would be the musical equivalent of lemon and water?
Mozart.
Thank you, Amadeus! I found that if I played the music low enough, hardly there really, I could write without distraction. It was just enough to keep the lyrics of the other songs out of my way. I could think again!
I've learned my lesson. I know my learning and working styles. I don't need to delve into other people's modus operandi to improve my focus.
Moral of the story: Don't fix what ain't broke.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
When Characters Have a Mind of Their Own
My characters have a mind of their own. Not a bad thing at all, really, except when they want to take off on a detour that doesn't support the plot. I did extensive character interviews before beginning this novel, so each of their personalities are well-defined in my head. It makes the conversations fun and easy to write - most of the time.
Every now and then a character has their own idea - one I hadn't planned on including. The strange thing is, I'm finding they are usually right, and I'm not. When I'm stuck or confused, I pull out their character sheet, and sure enough, their needs, flaws, desires and worldview support the words and action they wish to take. My job is to make sure it supports the logline and sticks to the plot. It's a puzzle, and I love creative problem solving.
I've looked at quite a few character interviews and worksheets. Some are intricate and others are bare-boned. I keep mine simple by using the following format:
• Character name and physical description
• 5 important facts
• List of hobbies
• Personality traits
• Character Flaw
• Needs of character
• Desires of character
• Worldview before inciting incident
• Worldview after inciting incident
I like this format because it usually fits on one page and is easy to read. A necessary thing for this easily-distracted brain! What tools do you use for character plans? I'd love to know!
Every now and then a character has their own idea - one I hadn't planned on including. The strange thing is, I'm finding they are usually right, and I'm not. When I'm stuck or confused, I pull out their character sheet, and sure enough, their needs, flaws, desires and worldview support the words and action they wish to take. My job is to make sure it supports the logline and sticks to the plot. It's a puzzle, and I love creative problem solving.
I've looked at quite a few character interviews and worksheets. Some are intricate and others are bare-boned. I keep mine simple by using the following format:
• Character name and physical description
• 5 important facts
• List of hobbies
• Personality traits
• Character Flaw
• Needs of character
• Desires of character
• Worldview before inciting incident
• Worldview after inciting incident
I like this format because it usually fits on one page and is easy to read. A necessary thing for this easily-distracted brain! What tools do you use for character plans? I'd love to know!
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Back in the Saddle Again - First Drafts
Whew! Back in the writer's saddle again. Thanks Adrianne, for the 5 minute writing block suggestion. I sat down with intention of writing whatever came to mind on the page for 5 minutes. Next thing I know, it's and hour and half later, and I've completed an entire chapter. The thoughts that have been simmering have come to a boil and burst through the surface. What a relief to get my thoughts on paper again!
First drafts are so much fun to do. People have lots of names for it. I called it the vomit draft. Sorry. Not a pretty picture, but it's true. You get it all out, then you come back and clean it up. I throw everything extreme I can think of into the story when I'm mining ideas. Later, when I'm finished with the 1st draft, I weed out the extra and do my best to make the rest believable. I have an excellent critique partner. She reads everything - even the vomit drafts, bless her. That's a true friend. Later, when I'm preparing for submission, I present at my writer's group. They are a varied lot, highly opinionated, and extremely helpful. I can't imagine sending out a submission without my critique partner's discriminating eyes!
I'm heading back to my WIP progress now before I lose steam. Carpe diem!
First drafts are so much fun to do. People have lots of names for it. I called it the vomit draft. Sorry. Not a pretty picture, but it's true. You get it all out, then you come back and clean it up. I throw everything extreme I can think of into the story when I'm mining ideas. Later, when I'm finished with the 1st draft, I weed out the extra and do my best to make the rest believable. I have an excellent critique partner. She reads everything - even the vomit drafts, bless her. That's a true friend. Later, when I'm preparing for submission, I present at my writer's group. They are a varied lot, highly opinionated, and extremely helpful. I can't imagine sending out a submission without my critique partner's discriminating eyes!
I'm heading back to my WIP progress now before I lose steam. Carpe diem!
Monday, July 13, 2009
Bad Writer! Bad, Bad Writer!
I've been bad. Yup. Really bad.
You would think that I would get all kinds of writing done during the summer - since I have time to do so. But no, I've been playing hooky. Tooling around in the garden, playing online games, surfing the net for "research." The result? I have a sum total of 5500 words written for the summer. That's a far cry from "I'm going to complete the first draft of my WIP by the start of school."
I get like this when I start writing a new novel. I find myself thinking about it quite a bit - dialogs in my head, plot details, etc., but when I sit down to write my brain goes other places - none of them in my story. One of my writer friends said, "your story is cooking. Let it simmer." But my head says it's more of a lack of discipline. My summer days are not structured like my school days. I am most productive with structure.
I'm going to take the housekeeping advice of the FlyLady and apply it to writing. In short - get down to business. Get dressed down to shoes and go to WORK. Set aside time to get the job done, and do it!
You would think that I would get all kinds of writing done during the summer - since I have time to do so. But no, I've been playing hooky. Tooling around in the garden, playing online games, surfing the net for "research." The result? I have a sum total of 5500 words written for the summer. That's a far cry from "I'm going to complete the first draft of my WIP by the start of school."
I get like this when I start writing a new novel. I find myself thinking about it quite a bit - dialogs in my head, plot details, etc., but when I sit down to write my brain goes other places - none of them in my story. One of my writer friends said, "your story is cooking. Let it simmer." But my head says it's more of a lack of discipline. My summer days are not structured like my school days. I am most productive with structure.
I'm going to take the housekeeping advice of the FlyLady and apply it to writing. In short - get down to business. Get dressed down to shoes and go to WORK. Set aside time to get the job done, and do it!
Friday, June 19, 2009
Stuck! Ugh!
My writing streak has hit a BIG wall today. I've been sitting at the computer for an hour, and I think I've put a sum total of five words on the page. Time to go outside and visit the real world. Take a trip to the garden store and buy some more mulch. Treat the kids to lunch out, maybe go to the pool or see a movie...
I'm banning myself from this chair until after dinner!
I'm banning myself from this chair until after dinner!
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Beginnings
I don't know about you, but I can't get into gear writing a new novel until the beginning is written and satisfies me. It doesn't matter that I've got all of my character sketches complete, my research is complete, that the roadmap is clear, or that details from other parts of the story are flying around in my head. I know lots of writers who start in the middle then work forwards or backwards or jump all over the place. Not me. I'm a linear critter.
I've been struggling with the start of my new novel, probably because I've been closing and moving classrooms, finalizing school paperwork, and otherwise mentally occupied. School ended yesterday, and last night I was finally able to put down the first five pages - and I'm happy with them. Doesn't sound like much, I know, but it makes a big difference in my writing state of mind.
I think I'm ready to take off with this novel - which is a good thing, since I've publicly committed myself to 25k words by the end of June. I need to write 1200-1500 words a day to accomplish this. Good thing it's summer! Only 23,836 to go...
I've been struggling with the start of my new novel, probably because I've been closing and moving classrooms, finalizing school paperwork, and otherwise mentally occupied. School ended yesterday, and last night I was finally able to put down the first five pages - and I'm happy with them. Doesn't sound like much, I know, but it makes a big difference in my writing state of mind.
I think I'm ready to take off with this novel - which is a good thing, since I've publicly committed myself to 25k words by the end of June. I need to write 1200-1500 words a day to accomplish this. Good thing it's summer! Only 23,836 to go...
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Good News!
Daughter and I went to see a pediatric sports medicine orthopaedic surgeon today (say that one 10 times fast!). Good news!! He disagreed with the ER doctor. He believes daughter will not have to give up gymnastics. The plan is surgery Tuesday for a pin in the bone, no cast, and therapy begins within 3 to 4 days after surgery. She can begin conditioning at the gym under the care of a sports therapist within 2 weeks, and may be back to full training within 6 to 8 weeks! Sounds great, but I'm getting a second (third?) opinion. Better safe than sorry.
Maybe now I can get my head back into writing/plotting my new novel. I haven't put down a single new word on the page. No inspiration. None at all. Just the desire for a good, long nap.
Maybe now I can get my head back into writing/plotting my new novel. I haven't put down a single new word on the page. No inspiration. None at all. Just the desire for a good, long nap.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
The Joy of Plotting
I love to plot.
There's nothing quite like a good puzzle, and plotting a novel certainly fits into that category. I keep notes on foreshadowing, conversations, events, character quirks, and setting descriptions. I triple check every detail to be sure each is attended to and resolved. I find that I like to write the first couple of chapters, and then I go straight to the end. It helps me not to wander if I know my destination. All I have to do is connect the dots, right?
Maybe... Just like any connect-the-dots puzzle, the more dots there are to connect the sharper the picture. I like to use a loose framework to plan. The details come as I write. Helene Boudreau posted this structure on her blog. It's simple, and it works well for me.
Inciting incident (The big problem)
Plot Point 1 (first obstacle)
Plot Point 2 (second obstacle)
Plot Point 3 (third obstacle-situation is about as bad as it can get)
Climax A (lighting the fuse)
Climax B (watching it burn)
Climax C (kaboom!)
Denouement
Resolution
Another good source for understanding how to build specific plots is 20 Master Plots -and how to build them, by Karen S. Wiesner. I refer to this book each time I start a new project - my own little refresher course!
What plotting strategies and resources do you use?
There's nothing quite like a good puzzle, and plotting a novel certainly fits into that category. I keep notes on foreshadowing, conversations, events, character quirks, and setting descriptions. I triple check every detail to be sure each is attended to and resolved. I find that I like to write the first couple of chapters, and then I go straight to the end. It helps me not to wander if I know my destination. All I have to do is connect the dots, right?
Maybe... Just like any connect-the-dots puzzle, the more dots there are to connect the sharper the picture. I like to use a loose framework to plan. The details come as I write. Helene Boudreau posted this structure on her blog. It's simple, and it works well for me.
Inciting incident (The big problem)
Plot Point 1 (first obstacle)
Plot Point 2 (second obstacle)
Plot Point 3 (third obstacle-situation is about as bad as it can get)
Climax A (lighting the fuse)
Climax B (watching it burn)
Climax C (kaboom!)
Denouement
Resolution
Another good source for understanding how to build specific plots is 20 Master Plots -and how to build them, by Karen S. Wiesner. I refer to this book each time I start a new project - my own little refresher course!
What plotting strategies and resources do you use?
Sunday, March 22, 2009
14 Week Novel - because I'm a glutton for punishment
That's right. Stephanie Ruble has challenged all of us to join her in completing a novel in 14 weeks.
Okay. I know that not long ago I posted that one of the things I learned in my first month of blogging was not to make public writing goals. Consider me a slow learner. I'm going to give this a try. This is not Nanowrimo. It's not 50,000 words in 30 days. We're in week 2, so I have about 90 days left. I have a plot. I've completed quite a bit of research, and I have 3500 words written.
For me, this is an exercise in silencing my sergeant of an inner editor. And so:
• I WILL NOT EDIT the 1st draft until it is finished (wimper)
• I have permission to write brief comments in the margins regarding changes, especially if Sergeant Inner Editor is in overdrive
• I can write chapters out of order. The manuscript will not spontaneously combust if I do.
• If Sergeant Inner Editor is starting to win, I will walk away from the computer and run a lap around the block, or work in my garden, or cook dinner for my family (they might appreciate this), or go to bed before midnight (late nights and early school days don’t mix)
I've got my Memorex in my purse and loaded with new batteries. It's much safer recording thoughts than trying to write notes while driving. Um.. not that I've tried that. My laptop is charged so I can write in the van while my daughter spends hours in gymnastics. My flash drive is on its lanyard (because I can't lose it when its around my neck).
I think I'm ready. Stephanie- I'm in!
Okay. I know that not long ago I posted that one of the things I learned in my first month of blogging was not to make public writing goals. Consider me a slow learner. I'm going to give this a try. This is not Nanowrimo. It's not 50,000 words in 30 days. We're in week 2, so I have about 90 days left. I have a plot. I've completed quite a bit of research, and I have 3500 words written.
For me, this is an exercise in silencing my sergeant of an inner editor. And so:
• I WILL NOT EDIT the 1st draft until it is finished (wimper)
• I have permission to write brief comments in the margins regarding changes, especially if Sergeant Inner Editor is in overdrive
• I can write chapters out of order. The manuscript will not spontaneously combust if I do.
• If Sergeant Inner Editor is starting to win, I will walk away from the computer and run a lap around the block, or work in my garden, or cook dinner for my family (they might appreciate this), or go to bed before midnight (late nights and early school days don’t mix)
I've got my Memorex in my purse and loaded with new batteries. It's much safer recording thoughts than trying to write notes while driving. Um.. not that I've tried that. My laptop is charged so I can write in the van while my daughter spends hours in gymnastics. My flash drive is on its lanyard (because I can't lose it when its around my neck).
I think I'm ready. Stephanie- I'm in!
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