...over to Let's Write a Novel...Together. For the next couple weeks I'll be posting there.
Tomorrow's post is on naming our characters and I list some very good name sites to check out.
See you there!!!
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Tuesday, September 01, 2009
Life, Writing and Stuff...
Things have been neglected here lately and I apologize. Life has managed to get in the way, my computer died and I was without one for a while then I decided to make novel writing a priority of mine.
But, I promise to do better from now on.
Here's what's new...
Starting today, we're getting ready to write our NaNoWriMo novels over at Let's Write a Novel...Together. Today's post is about characters. If you've ever wanted to write a novel, compete in NaNoWriMo or would just like a couple writing buddies, join us. The more the merrier.
Writing a mystery? Then follow me over at Mysteries in the Making.
I won't promise a new post every day but at least three times a week so say hi, come back and relax a bit.
And thanks for hanging around.
But, I promise to do better from now on.
Here's what's new...
Starting today, we're getting ready to write our NaNoWriMo novels over at Let's Write a Novel...Together. Today's post is about characters. If you've ever wanted to write a novel, compete in NaNoWriMo or would just like a couple writing buddies, join us. The more the merrier.
Writing a mystery? Then follow me over at Mysteries in the Making.
I won't promise a new post every day but at least three times a week so say hi, come back and relax a bit.
And thanks for hanging around.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Great Rules of Writing
Do not put statements in the negative form.
And don't start sentences with a conjunction.
If you reread your work, you will find on rereading that a
great deal of repetition can be avoided by rereading and editing.
Never use a long word when a diminutive one will do.
Unqualified superlatives are the worst of all.
De-accession euphemisms.
If any word is improper at the end of a sentence, a linking verb is.
Avoid trendy locutions that sound flaky.
Last, but not least, avoid cliches like the plague.
~William Safire, "Great Rules of Writing"
And don't start sentences with a conjunction.
If you reread your work, you will find on rereading that a
great deal of repetition can be avoided by rereading and editing.
Never use a long word when a diminutive one will do.
Unqualified superlatives are the worst of all.
De-accession euphemisms.
If any word is improper at the end of a sentence, a linking verb is.
Avoid trendy locutions that sound flaky.
Last, but not least, avoid cliches like the plague.
~William Safire, "Great Rules of Writing"
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Rejections: Form Letter vs. Personal Note
This month I've gotten two rejection letters from publishers. One, was the form letter and the other was a personal note with comments letting me know I was close this time.
I totally understand the reason for a form letter. Editors are busy and taking time to send personal notes to everyone just doesn't make sense. They'd spend all day writing rejection notes instead of the many other tasks on their plate.
However...I've gotten some less than business-like form rejections in my short career. Like the bad copy of a bad copy rejection. I read one writer complain about getting this kind of rejection letter. He said something to the effect that it diminished him. That the editor or assistant couldn't take the time to at least send a nice form rejection to him, as if he wasn't worth the effort. While I'm sure this isn't the editorial thought behind the letter, sometimes it makes us writers wonder what message they are trying to send.
Then there was the rejection which consisted of "I really don't like this." scrawled across my cover sheet and mailed back to me. No signature, no reason why they didn't like it. I'd much rather have a Thanks but no thanks. Or even that form letter.
What about you? Are you getting your share of rejection letters? If not, then you need to be sending out more work.
Make it your goal this month to get a story, article or query out there.
I totally understand the reason for a form letter. Editors are busy and taking time to send personal notes to everyone just doesn't make sense. They'd spend all day writing rejection notes instead of the many other tasks on their plate.
However...I've gotten some less than business-like form rejections in my short career. Like the bad copy of a bad copy rejection. I read one writer complain about getting this kind of rejection letter. He said something to the effect that it diminished him. That the editor or assistant couldn't take the time to at least send a nice form rejection to him, as if he wasn't worth the effort. While I'm sure this isn't the editorial thought behind the letter, sometimes it makes us writers wonder what message they are trying to send.
Then there was the rejection which consisted of "I really don't like this." scrawled across my cover sheet and mailed back to me. No signature, no reason why they didn't like it. I'd much rather have a Thanks but no thanks. Or even that form letter.
What about you? Are you getting your share of rejection letters? If not, then you need to be sending out more work.
Make it your goal this month to get a story, article or query out there.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Creating Memorable Characters
I think every writer wants the reader to remember the characters they create long after the book is read and put on the shelf. And, as I pondered this, a couple characters came to mind. Scarlett O'hara, Capt. Ahab, Black Beauty, Johnny Castle and all those Disney princesses.
But what is it about these characters that make them memorable? I have a couple thoughts...
First, they have strong personalities. Or at least well defined ones.
Next, they take us to places we've never been to or might never get the chance to visit. We get to share their world through how they live and see things.
Also, characters do and say things that we might never dare do or say.
We identify with these characters. We bond with them, share in the journey they take, struggle, and eventually rejoice with them.
We all know it's a hard road to publication and the future looks even more difficult. But I believe there are always going to be readers. No matter what happens in the real world, people will want to be entertained. They'll want to escape to other worlds and become part of it. They'll want to become that character and take part of his or her adventure.
This is where memorable characters come in. The more memorable our character, the better chance we have of publication.
So...what characters do you remember best and what makes them memorable for you?
But what is it about these characters that make them memorable? I have a couple thoughts...
First, they have strong personalities. Or at least well defined ones.
Next, they take us to places we've never been to or might never get the chance to visit. We get to share their world through how they live and see things.
Also, characters do and say things that we might never dare do or say.
We identify with these characters. We bond with them, share in the journey they take, struggle, and eventually rejoice with them.
We all know it's a hard road to publication and the future looks even more difficult. But I believe there are always going to be readers. No matter what happens in the real world, people will want to be entertained. They'll want to escape to other worlds and become part of it. They'll want to become that character and take part of his or her adventure.
This is where memorable characters come in. The more memorable our character, the better chance we have of publication.
So...what characters do you remember best and what makes them memorable for you?
Thursday, January 08, 2009
DUH!!!
Time to get this blog active again. Here's an older post of mine to get things started.
I'm a list maker. No way around it. And most of the time, most of the things get done. Usually the ones that are most important. Or at least the ones with deadlines looming. I'm getting better about meeting deadlines. In this business, you have to be.
However there was a time when my favorite thing about deadlines was the "whooshing" sound they make rushing by.
I've done the goal setting thing, the resolution thing, the do it and reward yourself thing and failed at all of them. I want to share what works for me. It's a little thing called DUH!
D - Do it first or as close as humanly possible.
U - Understand it may be inconvenient and/or difficult and do it anyway.
H- Hurray, celebrate! You did it!
Here's why it works for me. There isn't much worse than going to bed with things that needed to be done still needing to be done. The guilt robs me of sleep and I lay there berating myself for not getting things done. By applying "D", I don't have to dread doing it or the results of not doing it.
The "U" also reminds me it may not be fun. For example, exercise. Not fun but definitely got to be done.
My favorite is the "H". We should celebrate our accomplishments everyday. No matter how small they are.
I'd love to take credit for this little system but just can't. I found it on Margie Lawson's website. Give it a good read over. She explains it very well.
Now, apply as needed:--)
I'm a list maker. No way around it. And most of the time, most of the things get done. Usually the ones that are most important. Or at least the ones with deadlines looming. I'm getting better about meeting deadlines. In this business, you have to be.
However there was a time when my favorite thing about deadlines was the "whooshing" sound they make rushing by.
I've done the goal setting thing, the resolution thing, the do it and reward yourself thing and failed at all of them. I want to share what works for me. It's a little thing called DUH!
D - Do it first or as close as humanly possible.
U - Understand it may be inconvenient and/or difficult and do it anyway.
H- Hurray, celebrate! You did it!
Here's why it works for me. There isn't much worse than going to bed with things that needed to be done still needing to be done. The guilt robs me of sleep and I lay there berating myself for not getting things done. By applying "D", I don't have to dread doing it or the results of not doing it.
The "U" also reminds me it may not be fun. For example, exercise. Not fun but definitely got to be done.
My favorite is the "H". We should celebrate our accomplishments everyday. No matter how small they are.
I'd love to take credit for this little system but just can't. I found it on Margie Lawson's website. Give it a good read over. She explains it very well.
Now, apply as needed:--)
Tuesday, September 02, 2008
Back to School and Your Writing Schedule
Back to School and Your Writing Schedule
Copyright Cheryl C. Malandrinos - All Rights Reserved
Back to school season is upon us and that means it’s time to get your writing schedule back on track now that the lazy days of summer are almost behind us.
Even if you don’t have kids going back to school, it’s a great time to get serious about your writing career so that the last two quarters of the year are productive.
Here are some tips to get you started:
Clean Up Your Work Area
Nothing puts the stops on motivation quicker than a messy work area. Clean out everything you don’t need to make room for all those exciting new projects you want to tackle.
Stock Up on Office Supplies
If you have a child going back to school you’re probably going to be visiting an office supply store anyway. Why not make a list of everything you need to stock up your home office for the next month or two? This will save you an additional trip to pick up envelopes etc when you’re ready to submit that next query.
And don’t forget to swing by the Post Office to buy stamps.
Create or Revise Your Contact List
Every writer needs to have one of these. Yes, it’s a time consuming task, but once it’s done all you have to do is add new contacts as you make them or update the information for your current contacts. I keep all my contacts in Microsoft Outlook. It sure beats looking for one business card in a pile of hundreds. And my contacts automatically feed into my electronic Address Book so I don’t waste time looking for a person’s email address when I need it. Just one click, and it’s done.
Now that you’re ready to start writing, here are a few ways to stick to your writing schedule:
Review Your Goals
Summer usually means we don’t set as many goals or try not to stress when we don’t meet them. It’s time to figure out what you’ve accomplished and what is still outstanding. Make a new to-do list and post it over your desk so you can keep it in plain sight.
Track Your Time
As a writer, you’re probably juggling multiple projects, performing research for assignments, and balancing all that with your home life.
Knowing where your time goes can help you accomplish more.
Whether you use a spreadsheet, time-tracking software, or a pencil and paper, record how you spend your day.
A sample of my day might look like this:
9 - 9:30AM: Answer/send emails
9:30 - 10AM: Eat breakfast
10 AM - 11AM: Marketing/Promotion
11 - 11:15AM: Short break
11:15AM - 12PM: Marketing/Promotion
12 - 1PM: Lunch and Laundry
1 - 1:30PM: Get Sarah down for a nap
1:30 - 2PM: Research Writer2Writer article
2 - 2:15PM: Short break
2:15 - 3PM: Begin first draft of Writer2Writer article
3 - 10PM: Family Time
10 PM - 12AM: Work on next chapter of memoir
12 - 12:30AM: Read books that need reviewing
Not only will this help you know where your times goes, it will help you get a handle on where time is wasted.
Write When You Feel Most Productive
I’m not a morning person. So, I don’t try to write in the morning. Ever!
If you look at my schedule above, you’ll notice that I do research and write for a short time in the early afternoon and then again late at night.
Each person has his/her own time of day when he/she is the most productive. That’s when you need to write. It might not always be possible, but do try to schedule your normal routine around your peak writing time if you can.
Take Breaks
It might feel right to forgo a break to get more work done, but it’s not a good idea.
Regular breaks are important to keep you focused and healthy. Our bodies simply aren’t meant to be sitting down for long periods of time. And a short break might help you figure out what role that secondary character plays in your latest novel.
Make this back to school season a time to commit to your writing. With these few simple steps you’ll be ready to make the most out of your writing time.
Copyright Cheryl C. Malandrinos - All Rights Reserved
Back to school season is upon us and that means it’s time to get your writing schedule back on track now that the lazy days of summer are almost behind us.
Even if you don’t have kids going back to school, it’s a great time to get serious about your writing career so that the last two quarters of the year are productive.
Here are some tips to get you started:
Clean Up Your Work Area
Nothing puts the stops on motivation quicker than a messy work area. Clean out everything you don’t need to make room for all those exciting new projects you want to tackle.
Stock Up on Office Supplies
If you have a child going back to school you’re probably going to be visiting an office supply store anyway. Why not make a list of everything you need to stock up your home office for the next month or two? This will save you an additional trip to pick up envelopes etc when you’re ready to submit that next query.
And don’t forget to swing by the Post Office to buy stamps.
Create or Revise Your Contact List
Every writer needs to have one of these. Yes, it’s a time consuming task, but once it’s done all you have to do is add new contacts as you make them or update the information for your current contacts. I keep all my contacts in Microsoft Outlook. It sure beats looking for one business card in a pile of hundreds. And my contacts automatically feed into my electronic Address Book so I don’t waste time looking for a person’s email address when I need it. Just one click, and it’s done.
Now that you’re ready to start writing, here are a few ways to stick to your writing schedule:
Review Your Goals
Summer usually means we don’t set as many goals or try not to stress when we don’t meet them. It’s time to figure out what you’ve accomplished and what is still outstanding. Make a new to-do list and post it over your desk so you can keep it in plain sight.
Track Your Time
As a writer, you’re probably juggling multiple projects, performing research for assignments, and balancing all that with your home life.
Knowing where your time goes can help you accomplish more.
Whether you use a spreadsheet, time-tracking software, or a pencil and paper, record how you spend your day.
A sample of my day might look like this:
9 - 9:30AM: Answer/send emails
9:30 - 10AM: Eat breakfast
10 AM - 11AM: Marketing/Promotion
11 - 11:15AM: Short break
11:15AM - 12PM: Marketing/Promotion
12 - 1PM: Lunch and Laundry
1 - 1:30PM: Get Sarah down for a nap
1:30 - 2PM: Research Writer2Writer article
2 - 2:15PM: Short break
2:15 - 3PM: Begin first draft of Writer2Writer article
3 - 10PM: Family Time
10 PM - 12AM: Work on next chapter of memoir
12 - 12:30AM: Read books that need reviewing
Not only will this help you know where your times goes, it will help you get a handle on where time is wasted.
Write When You Feel Most Productive
I’m not a morning person. So, I don’t try to write in the morning. Ever!
If you look at my schedule above, you’ll notice that I do research and write for a short time in the early afternoon and then again late at night.
Each person has his/her own time of day when he/she is the most productive. That’s when you need to write. It might not always be possible, but do try to schedule your normal routine around your peak writing time if you can.
Take Breaks
It might feel right to forgo a break to get more work done, but it’s not a good idea.
Regular breaks are important to keep you focused and healthy. Our bodies simply aren’t meant to be sitting down for long periods of time. And a short break might help you figure out what role that secondary character plays in your latest novel.
Make this back to school season a time to commit to your writing. With these few simple steps you’ll be ready to make the most out of your writing time.
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