When I first started my website, it was a daunting task. At the time, I had only a handful of articles published on a site which no longer existed. I struggled to figure out what I could put on its pages that would be of interest to anyone other than me.
But, I had participated in the Muse Online Writers Conference and was still active on their forum at Yahoo and I also spent a fair amount of time at StoryCrafters (SC)--getting to know my fellow writers, offering critiques, requesting feedback, and sharing cool links.
It was because I took part in the Muse Online Writers Conference that I became a staff member for Writer2Writer (http://writer2writer.com/). Editor, Cheryl Wright had seen one of my comments and asked to see some of my past articles.
Then I decided to mold my blog into an online presence to connect readers with talented authors and good books. Once again, the contacts I had gained from the Conference and from SC came in handy.
In any given month I interview from two to seven authors and write book reviews, which I post to my blog. Lea Schizas, the Founder of the Muse Online Writers Conference, discovered a book review I did and asked me to become part of The Muse Book Reviews (http://themusebookreviews.tripod.com/). An author will be sending out to me this week the first book I will review for The Muse. And I am also working with Lea and a group of other talented writers on a new project titled Musing Our Children with the mission to encourage reading and writing in young people.
None of these things would have occured if I hadn't made a point to network with people within the industry. Attending conferences, participating in writers groups, and getting to know some of your fellow writers, can make a big difference in your writing career.
Nowadays, my website doesn't look so sparse. I added an Upcoming Events page to announce all the author interviews I have scheduled. Amazingly, I have people asking if I'm interested in interviewing one of their authors, instead of me having to seek out willing participants. My Articles page is being added to on a regular basis, and I always have new links to share with my readers. I also added a Writing Samples page, so people can get a feel for my style.
And I have the power of networking to thank for it all.
Cheryl
Monday, June 25, 2007
Monday, June 18, 2007
Finding the Time and Commitment to Write
By Vicki Taylor
Ideas flow like water. Some of us catch them with a cup, others with a sieve. Hey I like that. I'll have to write that one down. Anyway, back to discussing finding time to write and sticking to it.
A writer friend I know said that we all have a story inside of us. Those of us who are writers find a way to bring that story out. Many brand new writers fight against all kinds of obstacles (i.e., responsibilities.) Job. Home. Children. Life. Our inner critic. We can't avoid them. Not many of us are fortunate enough to be independently wealthy and can devote our entire time to writing.
Our inner critic takes on all kinds of roles. It's that voice in our head that says the laundry needs to be folded before you write. It insists you dust the knick-knacks in the living room before you write. It whispers in your ear that your favorite tv show is on and you can't miss it. It also nags you about your writing dreams and cajoles you into thinking you'll never make it.
Fight that inner critic, but don't gag its voice for good. You'll need it when it starts whispering to you in the middle of the night about a plot twist. You'll want to hear it tell you about the weak character build up in chapter three.
Learn to choose what you want to listen to and then you'll find time to write and a desire to stay with your ideas.
Before you know it you'll have your first draft done and you'll enjoy a satisfaction like no other. You wrote a novel. You started it, stuck with it, and finished it.
Every writer needs time to find a routine that works for her. For some they wake early and put in a thousand words before work. Others stay up late and work into the early hours. I know writers who take a notebook or laptop to work and add to their manuscript during breaks and on their lunch time.
No one writer has the perfect recipe for success that fits every writers' needs. However, we all have one major desire in common -- the desire to write.
Here are some suggestions to help you catch those ideas rather than letting them flow away:
1. Keep a notebook beside your bed so you can jot down ideas as they come to you in the middle of the night.
2. Make it a habit to carry a small notebook and pen with you or your personal data assistant or handheld computer at all times.
3. Start a writing routine. Start small at first. For the first week try and find ten minutes every day to write. The next week add five more minutes, the next week add five more. Keep going until you settle into a routine that works best for you.
4. Join a writing group either online or in your city for support. There's nothing like getting encouragement from another writer. Writers are born cheerleaders. They'll help you figure out ways to stifle that inner critic when necessary.
5. Don't give up and keep writing. If you feel yourself losing steam, find creative ways to recharge yourself. Sometimes, it helps to read other authors. Seeing how they’ve crafted a story stimulates you to write again.
If you falter, start again. It may take years to complete your first novel. That's okay. Anyone who says writing a novel is a piece of cake, they're lying. I've heard writers liken writing a novel to giving birth. I'm not sure if it's literally that painful, but it comes darn close!
Stop by and get to know Vicki at her website.
Ideas flow like water. Some of us catch them with a cup, others with a sieve. Hey I like that. I'll have to write that one down. Anyway, back to discussing finding time to write and sticking to it.
A writer friend I know said that we all have a story inside of us. Those of us who are writers find a way to bring that story out. Many brand new writers fight against all kinds of obstacles (i.e., responsibilities.) Job. Home. Children. Life. Our inner critic. We can't avoid them. Not many of us are fortunate enough to be independently wealthy and can devote our entire time to writing.
Our inner critic takes on all kinds of roles. It's that voice in our head that says the laundry needs to be folded before you write. It insists you dust the knick-knacks in the living room before you write. It whispers in your ear that your favorite tv show is on and you can't miss it. It also nags you about your writing dreams and cajoles you into thinking you'll never make it.
Fight that inner critic, but don't gag its voice for good. You'll need it when it starts whispering to you in the middle of the night about a plot twist. You'll want to hear it tell you about the weak character build up in chapter three.
Learn to choose what you want to listen to and then you'll find time to write and a desire to stay with your ideas.
Before you know it you'll have your first draft done and you'll enjoy a satisfaction like no other. You wrote a novel. You started it, stuck with it, and finished it.
Every writer needs time to find a routine that works for her. For some they wake early and put in a thousand words before work. Others stay up late and work into the early hours. I know writers who take a notebook or laptop to work and add to their manuscript during breaks and on their lunch time.
No one writer has the perfect recipe for success that fits every writers' needs. However, we all have one major desire in common -- the desire to write.
Here are some suggestions to help you catch those ideas rather than letting them flow away:
1. Keep a notebook beside your bed so you can jot down ideas as they come to you in the middle of the night.
2. Make it a habit to carry a small notebook and pen with you or your personal data assistant or handheld computer at all times.
3. Start a writing routine. Start small at first. For the first week try and find ten minutes every day to write. The next week add five more minutes, the next week add five more. Keep going until you settle into a routine that works best for you.
4. Join a writing group either online or in your city for support. There's nothing like getting encouragement from another writer. Writers are born cheerleaders. They'll help you figure out ways to stifle that inner critic when necessary.
5. Don't give up and keep writing. If you feel yourself losing steam, find creative ways to recharge yourself. Sometimes, it helps to read other authors. Seeing how they’ve crafted a story stimulates you to write again.
If you falter, start again. It may take years to complete your first novel. That's okay. Anyone who says writing a novel is a piece of cake, they're lying. I've heard writers liken writing a novel to giving birth. I'm not sure if it's literally that painful, but it comes darn close!
Stop by and get to know Vicki at her website.
Friday, June 15, 2007
Connections
Making connections. When you come right down to it, isn't that why we write? I mean, anyone who has been in the business for a while knows the money isn't that great. Sure the brass ring thing happens on the rare occasion but for most of us, it probably won't. Mary says if you want money, you should be a plumber. And anyone that's had any plumbing work done recently knows the truth of that:--)
But...when something we write connects to another person and makes them feel...isn't that the coolest thing ever! When a reader tells us how much they loved one of our favorite characters or really didn't like the bad guy, we know we have accomplished what we set out to do.
For nonfiction writers or those who write creative nonfiction, when one of our pieces helps another person or causes them to feel, think, take action or learn something...how much better can it get.
Sure I love to get paid for my writing. And pay is one of the things I consider before sending a piece to a publisher but it isn't the only reason I write.
And speaking of connections...one of the things I love about StoryCrafters is the connections I've made with other writers. Writing truly is a solitary craft. We sit in front of our puters for hours at a time shutting out the real world. It's so great to be able to take a break and connect with others doing the same thing we are.
Today, I challenge you to make some connections. Connect with other writers as a start. Then, consider your target readers. Think about what you want them to take away from your writing and weave that connection into your writing.
Speck
But...when something we write connects to another person and makes them feel...isn't that the coolest thing ever! When a reader tells us how much they loved one of our favorite characters or really didn't like the bad guy, we know we have accomplished what we set out to do.
For nonfiction writers or those who write creative nonfiction, when one of our pieces helps another person or causes them to feel, think, take action or learn something...how much better can it get.
Sure I love to get paid for my writing. And pay is one of the things I consider before sending a piece to a publisher but it isn't the only reason I write.
And speaking of connections...one of the things I love about StoryCrafters is the connections I've made with other writers. Writing truly is a solitary craft. We sit in front of our puters for hours at a time shutting out the real world. It's so great to be able to take a break and connect with others doing the same thing we are.
Today, I challenge you to make some connections. Connect with other writers as a start. Then, consider your target readers. Think about what you want them to take away from your writing and weave that connection into your writing.
Speck
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Without a Net by Lynn Voedisch
There are writers who like things tidy, all neatly arranged and indexed. They probably have neat and organized houses, too. Then there are those of us who are called seat-of-the-pants writers, who work without a net and let our subconscious be our guide. I’m one of those writers who doesn’t use an outline. (My house is a mess, too.) It’s officially Not Recommended, but please understand that those of us who prefer this sort of free-form writing aren’t just flailing in the dark; we, too, have methods.
One of my Australian e-mail friends says we need to watch out for the Outline Police. It certainly does seem, if you pick up any how-to-write journal, that outlining is considered the golden rule of novel writing. Scofflaws are regarded with derision and even hotheaded scorn. Once on a mailing list, I was chastised by the owner, who said that whatever I was doing to keep the elements of the story together was still outlining. He had to believe this, because to him working without a chapter-by-chapter plan was unthinkable.
Well, he’s wrong. I don’t outline. The reason is pretty simple. In my case, having come from the world of journalism, there just never was time to outline. Everything a newspaper reporter does must be completed quickly and there is simply no time for outlines. So, when I approached novel writing, I figured “why start now?” The second reason I don’t outline is that I simply love it when the creative process suddenly leads me in a different direction—and I find it’s a better one. Several times new characters have arrived on the scene and inserted themselves in the action. In my second novel, still in manuscript form, the best character in the whole story is a guy who tapped on my shoulder and said he wanted to come in.
With an outline, those lovely moments of serendipity just don’t happen. I’ve heard from outline-lovers that they will deviate from the path if they want to. They swear the plan is flexible. I suppose it’s possible. But to me, just the idea of having something written down that I must follow seems antithetical to the creative process.
However, let’s get one thing straight: all writers have to know where they are going with their novel. You can’t start typing one day and let whims decide where you are going to go. Here are the tools I use to keep myself moving in the right direction:
When stuck, draw a dramatic arc: On paper draw an arc, that gathers height slowly and then pitches down to the end, rather like a roller coaster. That’s your arc. Now draw a second one just below it. One is the outer arc (plot) and the other is the inner arc (character development). Mark on the arc key moments that are happening to your characters and notice how the plot gathers steam along with your protagonist’s revelations or pitfalls. Find your climax point and then the denouement to the ending will be easy. Each chapter has its own dramatic arc, too, but I don’t draw that out, I only keep it in mind.
Always remember what readership you are aiming for: If it’s a romance, don’t get all heavy on historical details. If it’s a mystery, don’t lose your way in a lot of subplots. If you are writing mainstream, picture who would be picking up your book and write to him or her.
It’s easy to work without a net if you organize things well in your mind. And when that funny character with the strange clothing and odd vocal inflections taps you on the shoulder, let him in. You don’t have an outline to keep him out.
To find out more about Lynn and where to purchase her work check out her website.
One of my Australian e-mail friends says we need to watch out for the Outline Police. It certainly does seem, if you pick up any how-to-write journal, that outlining is considered the golden rule of novel writing. Scofflaws are regarded with derision and even hotheaded scorn. Once on a mailing list, I was chastised by the owner, who said that whatever I was doing to keep the elements of the story together was still outlining. He had to believe this, because to him working without a chapter-by-chapter plan was unthinkable.
Well, he’s wrong. I don’t outline. The reason is pretty simple. In my case, having come from the world of journalism, there just never was time to outline. Everything a newspaper reporter does must be completed quickly and there is simply no time for outlines. So, when I approached novel writing, I figured “why start now?” The second reason I don’t outline is that I simply love it when the creative process suddenly leads me in a different direction—and I find it’s a better one. Several times new characters have arrived on the scene and inserted themselves in the action. In my second novel, still in manuscript form, the best character in the whole story is a guy who tapped on my shoulder and said he wanted to come in.
With an outline, those lovely moments of serendipity just don’t happen. I’ve heard from outline-lovers that they will deviate from the path if they want to. They swear the plan is flexible. I suppose it’s possible. But to me, just the idea of having something written down that I must follow seems antithetical to the creative process.
However, let’s get one thing straight: all writers have to know where they are going with their novel. You can’t start typing one day and let whims decide where you are going to go. Here are the tools I use to keep myself moving in the right direction:
An ending: You’ve should know how the book is going to end pretty early in the writing process. If you don’t have a clue, you’re still not going to have any idea when it comes to ending time. If you’ve ever read a book that has an unsatisfying ending, chances are that author didn’t think his ending out clearly to begin with. Always know where you want the action to resolve and how the protagonist changes.
Think it through: I spend a lot of time wandering around or lying on the couch, apparently doing nothing. But what I’m really doing is thinking through a chapter. I push my characters through various scenarios until I hit on the one that seems to work. Then I rush to write it all down. Often, a 2,000-word chapter will come flowing out of me in one day. That’s because it’s all clear in my mind thanks to a protracted period of kicking around ideas. Let yourself take this time. It’s essential to a well-conceived story, and works much better than the prescribed 500-words a day.
Get to know your characters: Don’t let these people you have created stay two-dimensional. They will start out that way, which is why the first chapters of a first draft are often so thin. But after a while, you’ll know their intimate thoughts. Listen to their voices. Watch what their eyes do when they smile. Notice their quirks. If you think you can get away with it, talk to them out loud. (Not recommended in public.) By the last draft, you’ll have characters who come alive—and you won’t want to say goodbye to them.When stuck, draw a dramatic arc: On paper draw an arc, that gathers height slowly and then pitches down to the end, rather like a roller coaster. That’s your arc. Now draw a second one just below it. One is the outer arc (plot) and the other is the inner arc (character development). Mark on the arc key moments that are happening to your characters and notice how the plot gathers steam along with your protagonist’s revelations or pitfalls. Find your climax point and then the denouement to the ending will be easy. Each chapter has its own dramatic arc, too, but I don’t draw that out, I only keep it in mind.
Always remember what readership you are aiming for: If it’s a romance, don’t get all heavy on historical details. If it’s a mystery, don’t lose your way in a lot of subplots. If you are writing mainstream, picture who would be picking up your book and write to him or her.
It’s easy to work without a net if you organize things well in your mind. And when that funny character with the strange clothing and odd vocal inflections taps you on the shoulder, let him in. You don’t have an outline to keep him out.
To find out more about Lynn and where to purchase her work check out her website.
Monday, June 11, 2007
Procrastination: Reality Sets In
We've talked a bit about procrastination here at the SC blog. I even wrote an article about it for Writer2Writer. But sometimes procrastination means more than missing a deadline or not obtaining a goal.
Almost four years ago, one of my neighbors and I gave birth to our youngest daughters. My neighbor, Karen and I would run into each other every once in a while and we always talked about getting together. During the spring, I would often walk up the street pushing my infant daughter in her stroller. If Karen happened to be driving by, she would stop and say hello. We would chat and it would usually end with one of us agreeing to call the other, so that we could set up a time to walk our daughters together.
Well, time moved on--as it always does--and our infants became toddlers. Every once in a rare while I would make my way towards Karen's house with the girls or she would see us playing in the cul-de-sac and she would travel down to my end of the street. I always enjoyed these conversations. Karen was lovely to talk to and she never had an unkind word to say about anyone. You couldn't help but feel happy when you were around her.
This past December, Karen was diagnosed with leukemia. She stayed in Boston until March because she had a stroke from the chemotherapy treatments she was receiving. I never went to visit her. It was difficult to make such a trip because I would have to make arrangements for my girls and driving around Boston makes me sweat bullets. Once she was moved to a local rehab center, I figured I would see her there. But again, I put it off. I was embarassed and ashamed I had never made an attempt to call her prior to her illness so that we could get together. And she was only there a short time, so I decided to wait until she came home.
I did make two attempts to see Karen and her family, but both times Karen had been rushed to the hospital, so I never got that chance. The day before she went into the hospital the last time, I saw her outside her home, in her wheelchair. She was getting some fresh air. She looked great. If it weren't for her wheelchair and the turban around her head, you never would have known she was sick. I could have stopped to say hello, but I was in a rush to get my grocery shopping done. And I had two kids in the car. So, I waved and made a mental note to call Karen once she was feeling up to it.
Unfortunately, Karen died two days later. The cancer had returned and it quickly consumed her body. In addition to the grief of losing a neighbor, I wept as I thought of all the lost opportunities. What if I had dialed Karen's number or rung her doorbell just once in all the time we knew each other? Would she have become my best friend? I don't know, because I never did it. I put it off and now it is too late to find out what could have been. I sometimes wonder when doing housework and running errands became more important than spending time with family and friends.
It's been a tough lesson--one that has changed my life forever. Think about all the reasons you come up with to put off writing. I'm sure they sound pretty reasonable at the time. But what have you given up just so you wouldn't have to sit in your chair and write? Was it worth it in the end? What if the one thing you have avoided writing is also the one that turns into your next sale? Think about it. Then plunk yourself down in your chair and write it.
Cheryl
Almost four years ago, one of my neighbors and I gave birth to our youngest daughters. My neighbor, Karen and I would run into each other every once in a while and we always talked about getting together. During the spring, I would often walk up the street pushing my infant daughter in her stroller. If Karen happened to be driving by, she would stop and say hello. We would chat and it would usually end with one of us agreeing to call the other, so that we could set up a time to walk our daughters together.
Well, time moved on--as it always does--and our infants became toddlers. Every once in a rare while I would make my way towards Karen's house with the girls or she would see us playing in the cul-de-sac and she would travel down to my end of the street. I always enjoyed these conversations. Karen was lovely to talk to and she never had an unkind word to say about anyone. You couldn't help but feel happy when you were around her.
This past December, Karen was diagnosed with leukemia. She stayed in Boston until March because she had a stroke from the chemotherapy treatments she was receiving. I never went to visit her. It was difficult to make such a trip because I would have to make arrangements for my girls and driving around Boston makes me sweat bullets. Once she was moved to a local rehab center, I figured I would see her there. But again, I put it off. I was embarassed and ashamed I had never made an attempt to call her prior to her illness so that we could get together. And she was only there a short time, so I decided to wait until she came home.
I did make two attempts to see Karen and her family, but both times Karen had been rushed to the hospital, so I never got that chance. The day before she went into the hospital the last time, I saw her outside her home, in her wheelchair. She was getting some fresh air. She looked great. If it weren't for her wheelchair and the turban around her head, you never would have known she was sick. I could have stopped to say hello, but I was in a rush to get my grocery shopping done. And I had two kids in the car. So, I waved and made a mental note to call Karen once she was feeling up to it.
Unfortunately, Karen died two days later. The cancer had returned and it quickly consumed her body. In addition to the grief of losing a neighbor, I wept as I thought of all the lost opportunities. What if I had dialed Karen's number or rung her doorbell just once in all the time we knew each other? Would she have become my best friend? I don't know, because I never did it. I put it off and now it is too late to find out what could have been. I sometimes wonder when doing housework and running errands became more important than spending time with family and friends.
It's been a tough lesson--one that has changed my life forever. Think about all the reasons you come up with to put off writing. I'm sure they sound pretty reasonable at the time. But what have you given up just so you wouldn't have to sit in your chair and write? Was it worth it in the end? What if the one thing you have avoided writing is also the one that turns into your next sale? Think about it. Then plunk yourself down in your chair and write it.
Cheryl
Friday, June 08, 2007
What do you have hiding in your drawers?
Catchy title, don't you think? I've been helping Speck prune the forum, which is a long and tedious task. Often times as I was going through these older topics I thought about what great information these threads still contained. And this all got me to thinking about my writing.
Upstairs, in my hope chest is an entire envelope of stories and poems I wrote as a teenager. While my vanity won't allow me to share with you how old they are, I can tell you that it has been well over a decade since I last looked at them. I distinctly remember a poem I wrote, titled The Sights and Sounds that Fill the Night. I can even visualize myself writing it late one evening as I gazed out over the street from the window of the three-room apartment our neighbor lived in.
I can also recall the two stories I wrote after my mother's death from cancer, each of which amazingly had a female protaganist who's mother was dying of cancer. And then there was the Scooby Doo type mystery I penned when that show was still on the air.
But what use are these stories now? Well, not only do they serve to remind me of the things that were important to me when I was that young; they could also spark a new story idea that I could submit for publication. Maybe I might find one that still seems pretty darn good and revise it and mail it out. And since I would love to write for the young adult market, this might just give me a glimpse into how to speak to young people without talking down to them.
How many manuscripts do you have tucked away? One, five, ten...just sitting around collecting dust when they could be making you money. Maybe it's time you pulled open the manuscript drawer to see what you have hiding in there.
Who knows, it might be the makings of the Great American Novel.
Cheryl
Upstairs, in my hope chest is an entire envelope of stories and poems I wrote as a teenager. While my vanity won't allow me to share with you how old they are, I can tell you that it has been well over a decade since I last looked at them. I distinctly remember a poem I wrote, titled The Sights and Sounds that Fill the Night. I can even visualize myself writing it late one evening as I gazed out over the street from the window of the three-room apartment our neighbor lived in.
I can also recall the two stories I wrote after my mother's death from cancer, each of which amazingly had a female protaganist who's mother was dying of cancer. And then there was the Scooby Doo type mystery I penned when that show was still on the air.
But what use are these stories now? Well, not only do they serve to remind me of the things that were important to me when I was that young; they could also spark a new story idea that I could submit for publication. Maybe I might find one that still seems pretty darn good and revise it and mail it out. And since I would love to write for the young adult market, this might just give me a glimpse into how to speak to young people without talking down to them.
How many manuscripts do you have tucked away? One, five, ten...just sitting around collecting dust when they could be making you money. Maybe it's time you pulled open the manuscript drawer to see what you have hiding in there.
Who knows, it might be the makings of the Great American Novel.
Cheryl
Wednesday, June 06, 2007
Review of How to Write Killer Fiction
Let’s continue our review of Carolyn Wheat’s How to Write Killer Fiction. I must say, I am impressed with this book. Carolyn delves into history of both the mystery and suspense genres. A couple of weeks back, I share a bit about the mystery novel, so this time we’ll look at the suspense novel.
With the mystery novel, the reader follows along with the hero/heroine and gathers clues to solve the crime/murder. However, with the suspense novel the reader is often two steps ahead, and cringing at the danger that the hero/heroine is unknowingly about to step in.
Carolyn Wheat refers to this with an example from the great mystery master, Alfred Hitchcock and his famous story about a bomb under the table. He said that the way to create suspense is to show a bomb under a card table and then show four men playing cards. The game can be the dullest thing imaginable, the dialogue flat, the scenery boring, but the audience is on the edge of their seats because they know what the cards players don’t: there’s a bomb under the table.
In her book, Carolyn also compares several suspense novels to that of our much loved childhood fairy tales. From Snow White to Cinderella. She even tied one of my favorite thriller suspense stories, Silence of the Lambs to the classic, Beauty and the Beast.
What do children’s fairy tales have in common with suspense? Carolyn gives us a closer look at Snow White whose father married a woman who is jealous of her beauty. This evil stepmother tries several times to get rid of Snow White and finally sends her out into the woods with a huntsman who has orders to kill Snow White and then bring her heart back to the Wicked Queen.
Talk about suspense. Will the huntsman kill her? No, he doesn’t. Instead, he kills a deer and takes its heart to the Queen.
Part 2 of How to Write Killer Fiction also includes short descriptions of the many sub-genres of the suspense novel. You’ll find references to Romantic Suspense, Relationship Suspense, Personal Jeopardy and even Spy Fiction, plus much more. This treasure trove of knowledge includes which endings work, which one don’t, and why.
Part 3 raps it all up with tips on the writing process. I believe anyone wanting to write mystery or suspense would do well to study this book and many of the novels that Carolyn Wheat recommends. It has certainly wet my appetite for more.
Lori
With the mystery novel, the reader follows along with the hero/heroine and gathers clues to solve the crime/murder. However, with the suspense novel the reader is often two steps ahead, and cringing at the danger that the hero/heroine is unknowingly about to step in.
Carolyn Wheat refers to this with an example from the great mystery master, Alfred Hitchcock and his famous story about a bomb under the table. He said that the way to create suspense is to show a bomb under a card table and then show four men playing cards. The game can be the dullest thing imaginable, the dialogue flat, the scenery boring, but the audience is on the edge of their seats because they know what the cards players don’t: there’s a bomb under the table.
In her book, Carolyn also compares several suspense novels to that of our much loved childhood fairy tales. From Snow White to Cinderella. She even tied one of my favorite thriller suspense stories, Silence of the Lambs to the classic, Beauty and the Beast.
What do children’s fairy tales have in common with suspense? Carolyn gives us a closer look at Snow White whose father married a woman who is jealous of her beauty. This evil stepmother tries several times to get rid of Snow White and finally sends her out into the woods with a huntsman who has orders to kill Snow White and then bring her heart back to the Wicked Queen.
Talk about suspense. Will the huntsman kill her? No, he doesn’t. Instead, he kills a deer and takes its heart to the Queen.
Part 2 of How to Write Killer Fiction also includes short descriptions of the many sub-genres of the suspense novel. You’ll find references to Romantic Suspense, Relationship Suspense, Personal Jeopardy and even Spy Fiction, plus much more. This treasure trove of knowledge includes which endings work, which one don’t, and why.
Part 3 raps it all up with tips on the writing process. I believe anyone wanting to write mystery or suspense would do well to study this book and many of the novels that Carolyn Wheat recommends. It has certainly wet my appetite for more.
Lori
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Conquering the demon
I write this post amidst a bit of jubilation. Four weeks ago I wrote about Finishing. At that time I said I would complete my novel in four weeks, finishing one of many dreams. Tonight, I did just that.
I faced many demons on this journey. The realities of time, family, and faith all tested me. I had troubles with my health, with my marriage, and worst of all with my children's health. Using each of these to draw strength, and using writing as an escape, I managed to face the biggest demon of all: my own self-doubt.
I've always said that my mother is my toughest critic. I love her, but she is. But she has nothing on the inner demon of self-doubt I hold within myself. I told my husband when I started this journey that even I doubted I could finish it, but I "had to try."
Over the past year I used (and abused) the support of my best friend and my husband to get the novel written. I stumbled and missed days of writing. I fell and missed months. Each time Jess or Erik would help to pick me up, dust me off, and shove me back into the sweathouse.
Tonight when I wrote those final words, and finished them off with a "The End" for good measure, Erik woke up at the exact moment (by coincidence) and gave me a good heart-felt cheer.
I now have two months (by my own deadlines) of editing and ignoring to do, prepping queries and the hook, not to mention the synopsis that I dread. But having completed the novel, conquering my own demons to do it, I have no doubt that I'll get it done.
When I'd told him I finished, Erik asked me - "So does this mean I get my wife back?"
If he only knew how much more work it would take! *LOL*
I faced many demons on this journey. The realities of time, family, and faith all tested me. I had troubles with my health, with my marriage, and worst of all with my children's health. Using each of these to draw strength, and using writing as an escape, I managed to face the biggest demon of all: my own self-doubt.
I've always said that my mother is my toughest critic. I love her, but she is. But she has nothing on the inner demon of self-doubt I hold within myself. I told my husband when I started this journey that even I doubted I could finish it, but I "had to try."
Over the past year I used (and abused) the support of my best friend and my husband to get the novel written. I stumbled and missed days of writing. I fell and missed months. Each time Jess or Erik would help to pick me up, dust me off, and shove me back into the sweathouse.
Tonight when I wrote those final words, and finished them off with a "The End" for good measure, Erik woke up at the exact moment (by coincidence) and gave me a good heart-felt cheer.
I now have two months (by my own deadlines) of editing and ignoring to do, prepping queries and the hook, not to mention the synopsis that I dread. But having completed the novel, conquering my own demons to do it, I have no doubt that I'll get it done.
When I'd told him I finished, Erik asked me - "So does this mean I get my wife back?"
If he only knew how much more work it would take! *LOL*
Thursday, May 24, 2007
Challenge time...
Okay guys...
We all know one of the hardest things for a writer to do is hit the send button or drop that query/manuscript in the mail.
So...here's the challenge. Dust off that story or query you've been holding for so long and send it out. Then, let us all know so we can share in your victory over those shoulder vultures. Let's see how many queries or stories we can get sent out before the end of the month:--)
Speck
I've gotten two out this week so far. Y'all need to get busy:--)
We all know one of the hardest things for a writer to do is hit the send button or drop that query/manuscript in the mail.
So...here's the challenge. Dust off that story or query you've been holding for so long and send it out. Then, let us all know so we can share in your victory over those shoulder vultures. Let's see how many queries or stories we can get sent out before the end of the month:--)
Speck
I've gotten two out this week so far. Y'all need to get busy:--)
Monday, May 21, 2007
The Power of 'What if'
'What if' might be the two most powerful words a writer has at her disposal. My story Betrayal is based upon a newspaper article I read about a woman who was arrested for allegedly trying to hire two separate men to kill her husband after her own suspected attempt did not work. I set the story in Mexico and did some research so I could get the location details right.
But how could I weave the article into a totally fictional account of what might have happened between this husband and wife? Well, let's see, what if...
- the husband was physcially abusive towards his wife, which is why she wanted him dead?
- the wife found out about a large life insurance policy and wanted to cash it in so she could travel?
- the wife was carrying on an extra-marital affair and the husband wouldn't go through with the divorce, so she tries to eliminate the problem?
- the husband was the person having an extra-marital affair and in an angry rage the wife tried to kill him, and when it was unsuccessful she tried hiring someone to do it?
These are just some of the possibilites I thought of within the last few minutes. Maybe you came up with a different 'what if'. We are only limited by our imaginations.
So, next time you hit a stumbling block in your writing, pull out a piece of paper and write out "What if..." Then list all the options you can come up with. Don't be surprised if this sparks some ideas you never thought of before.
Cheryl
But how could I weave the article into a totally fictional account of what might have happened between this husband and wife? Well, let's see, what if...
- the husband was physcially abusive towards his wife, which is why she wanted him dead?
- the wife found out about a large life insurance policy and wanted to cash it in so she could travel?
- the wife was carrying on an extra-marital affair and the husband wouldn't go through with the divorce, so she tries to eliminate the problem?
- the husband was the person having an extra-marital affair and in an angry rage the wife tried to kill him, and when it was unsuccessful she tried hiring someone to do it?
These are just some of the possibilites I thought of within the last few minutes. Maybe you came up with a different 'what if'. We are only limited by our imaginations.
So, next time you hit a stumbling block in your writing, pull out a piece of paper and write out "What if..." Then list all the options you can come up with. Don't be surprised if this sparks some ideas you never thought of before.
Cheryl
Thursday, May 17, 2007
If it looks like a duck...
You know the saying...
"If it looks like a duck and quacks like a duck...it's probably a duck..."
Well, it finally smacked me in the arse last week that I needed to apply this to my writing, a LOT. There have been times I've struggled with whole chapters. Sometimes, I've not struggled at all, but afterward thought "But...wait..."
So, my newest writing application is:
"If it feels like filler, and stinks like filler...it's probably filler." Very closely related to, "If it smells like crap, and sounds like crap...it's probably crap."
When I'm writing now, I know that if it's taking a long time, going very slow, or just not flowing right, I stop. I take a hard look at what I'm writing and determine if I REALLY need it. Is it REALLY moving the plot forward?
I just killed a whole chapter with this thought. I realized that while seeing what happens would be interesting, it could just as well be left to the imagination. It wasn't important enough to keep. I can think of at least one passage now back in the first 9 chapters that can be axed as well.
I'd been given this advice before, but for some reason it didn't stick until I looked at what I had left to write, and then at my deadline. I realized I didn't have time to sit there and struggle with a chapter because I, in my long-winded modus operandi, felt I needed to expound every detail. I realized just then that the chapter I was writing felt like filler.
So, I first looked at what my heart wanted...it said "Keep it in. Look at THAT scene!!"
Logic interrupted and said, "But is it NEEDED?"
My heart said, "Well...but...it shows their interaction...and it's so precious..."
Again logic, far more stern, "But is it NEEDED?"
Heart: "But..."
Logic: "Can you find a way to work it in without a WHOLE chapter?"
Heart: "Ummmm..."
Logic won out. I realized that what I wanted to write wasn't necessary. Part of me still hurts over losing one little scene in a big long chapter of nothing...but I also know that the upcoming scenes MORE than make up for that one brief moment that did nothing for the plot. It was mere background noise.
As much as it kills my heart...I'll be listening to my logic a bit more often. I'm so much more happier with my current result with the missing chapter to ignore it any longer. The heart of the novel is still there...even without that silly scene!!
"If it looks like a duck and quacks like a duck...it's probably a duck..."
Well, it finally smacked me in the arse last week that I needed to apply this to my writing, a LOT. There have been times I've struggled with whole chapters. Sometimes, I've not struggled at all, but afterward thought "But...wait..."
So, my newest writing application is:
"If it feels like filler, and stinks like filler...it's probably filler." Very closely related to, "If it smells like crap, and sounds like crap...it's probably crap."
When I'm writing now, I know that if it's taking a long time, going very slow, or just not flowing right, I stop. I take a hard look at what I'm writing and determine if I REALLY need it. Is it REALLY moving the plot forward?
I just killed a whole chapter with this thought. I realized that while seeing what happens would be interesting, it could just as well be left to the imagination. It wasn't important enough to keep. I can think of at least one passage now back in the first 9 chapters that can be axed as well.
I'd been given this advice before, but for some reason it didn't stick until I looked at what I had left to write, and then at my deadline. I realized I didn't have time to sit there and struggle with a chapter because I, in my long-winded modus operandi, felt I needed to expound every detail. I realized just then that the chapter I was writing felt like filler.
So, I first looked at what my heart wanted...it said "Keep it in. Look at THAT scene!!"
Logic interrupted and said, "But is it NEEDED?"
My heart said, "Well...but...it shows their interaction...and it's so precious..."
Again logic, far more stern, "But is it NEEDED?"
Heart: "But..."
Logic: "Can you find a way to work it in without a WHOLE chapter?"
Heart: "Ummmm..."
Logic won out. I realized that what I wanted to write wasn't necessary. Part of me still hurts over losing one little scene in a big long chapter of nothing...but I also know that the upcoming scenes MORE than make up for that one brief moment that did nothing for the plot. It was mere background noise.
As much as it kills my heart...I'll be listening to my logic a bit more often. I'm so much more happier with my current result with the missing chapter to ignore it any longer. The heart of the novel is still there...even without that silly scene!!
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Whatever It Takes
I cannot believe it’s the third Wednesday of the month already. I’m behind on everything including this post. Sorry folks, I haven’t finished reading “How To Write Killer Fiction.” So, you’ll have to wait for my next blog entry to find out what Carolyn Wheat has to say about writing the suspense story.
Why am I so behind? It’s the old adage of over scheduling. I started out this month with a clean slate. Then the old super human syndrome took over and said yes to everything anyone wanted. Ahhh, but the joys of spring are in the air so all is well. I’m clearing my slate and moving on.
This morning I read a couple of blog entries about writer’s confidence. Most would agree that writers need a certain amount of confidence in order to continue to strive toward publication. But, too much confidence is like adding too much starch to your ironing. You don't want to be known as so stiff no one can work with you. There is no doubt that Editors and agents are looking for writers who have excellent writing abilities. They also look to work with writers who understand that editing is part of the process and it will improve their writing. Flexibility is the key here. We all fall in love with the things we write, but we need to temper that love with the logical thinking. If an editor or agent wants some changes made, chances are, they know the market better than we do. Before throwing a fit, think about those changes for a bit. Take a walk, and get some air.
I’ve been zeroing in and listening to what published authors are saying. Many say they rewrite, rewrite, and rewrite until their manuscript sparkles. Then they submit it knowing full well that the editor or agent will still ask for changes and most of the time those changes will make the manuscript better.
How about it? Are you willing to allow a knowledgeable editor help turn your writing into something incredible?
Why am I so behind? It’s the old adage of over scheduling. I started out this month with a clean slate. Then the old super human syndrome took over and said yes to everything anyone wanted. Ahhh, but the joys of spring are in the air so all is well. I’m clearing my slate and moving on.
This morning I read a couple of blog entries about writer’s confidence. Most would agree that writers need a certain amount of confidence in order to continue to strive toward publication. But, too much confidence is like adding too much starch to your ironing. You don't want to be known as so stiff no one can work with you. There is no doubt that Editors and agents are looking for writers who have excellent writing abilities. They also look to work with writers who understand that editing is part of the process and it will improve their writing. Flexibility is the key here. We all fall in love with the things we write, but we need to temper that love with the logical thinking. If an editor or agent wants some changes made, chances are, they know the market better than we do. Before throwing a fit, think about those changes for a bit. Take a walk, and get some air.
I’ve been zeroing in and listening to what published authors are saying. Many say they rewrite, rewrite, and rewrite until their manuscript sparkles. Then they submit it knowing full well that the editor or agent will still ask for changes and most of the time those changes will make the manuscript better.
How about it? Are you willing to allow a knowledgeable editor help turn your writing into something incredible?
Saturday, May 12, 2007
Antholoy Seeking Submissions
Words & Images of Belonging
Foreword by Dr. Gretchen Legler, nonfiction author and professor, University of Maine at Farmington, Creative Writing.
Contributions that address legacies, generations (especially that of grandparents and grandchildren), family, a sense of home and identity ( i.e. the pull between home and work, leaving your childhood home to start your own home or a sense of place within oneself).
Reflections may be poems, short stories, songs, diary entries, essays, letters, creative nonfiction, or other forms as well as artwork. Combinations of forms are encouraged, up to approximately 4,000 words per contributor. If accepted, contributors will receive a complimentary copy upon publication and a contributor's discount on additional copies.
No previously published or simultaneously submitted material. Please send work in an attachment; use 12-point Courier. Include a 50-60 word bio to appear in contributor's notes section of BELONGING if your work is accepted. (Writing credits/current position/where you're from and personal highlights are invited.) Please e-mail by August 30, 2007 with BELONGING as the subject line.
For artwork, use BELONGING as the subject line; send in PDF by e-mail. If you would like to send artwork by regular mail, send B&W or color PHOTOCOPIES ONLY (ABSOLUTELY NO ORIGINALS) to:
Cynthia Brackett-Vincent
P. O. Box 187
Farmington, ME 04938
ATTN: BELONGING
If your artwork is accepted AND ONCE WE HAVE SECURED A PUBLISHER, we will request originals if necessary. If you'd like photocopies returned, include an SASE. If you would like to know your photocopies have been received, include a self-addressed stamped postcard. Please include all your contact information (including e-mail address) in submissions.Send e-mail to Cynthia at Cafpoet37@encirclepub.com or to Carol at smallwood@tm.net
Foreword by Dr. Gretchen Legler, nonfiction author and professor, University of Maine at Farmington, Creative Writing.
Contributions that address legacies, generations (especially that of grandparents and grandchildren), family, a sense of home and identity ( i.e. the pull between home and work, leaving your childhood home to start your own home or a sense of place within oneself).
Reflections may be poems, short stories, songs, diary entries, essays, letters, creative nonfiction, or other forms as well as artwork. Combinations of forms are encouraged, up to approximately 4,000 words per contributor. If accepted, contributors will receive a complimentary copy upon publication and a contributor's discount on additional copies.
No previously published or simultaneously submitted material. Please send work in an attachment; use 12-point Courier. Include a 50-60 word bio to appear in contributor's notes section of BELONGING if your work is accepted. (Writing credits/current position/where you're from and personal highlights are invited.) Please e-mail by August 30, 2007 with BELONGING as the subject line.
For artwork, use BELONGING as the subject line; send in PDF by e-mail. If you would like to send artwork by regular mail, send B&W or color PHOTOCOPIES ONLY (ABSOLUTELY NO ORIGINALS) to:
Cynthia Brackett-Vincent
P. O. Box 187
Farmington, ME 04938
ATTN: BELONGING
If your artwork is accepted AND ONCE WE HAVE SECURED A PUBLISHER, we will request originals if necessary. If you'd like photocopies returned, include an SASE. If you would like to know your photocopies have been received, include a self-addressed stamped postcard. Please include all your contact information (including e-mail address) in submissions.Send e-mail to Cynthia at Cafpoet37@encirclepub.com or to Carol at smallwood@tm.net
Thursday, May 10, 2007
Stomp Those Grapes
All y'all who have seen the movie "A Walk in the Clouds" raise your hands. Remember somewhere about the middle of the movie when they harvest the grapes? Remember when Keanu dropped a bunch and the father picked them up, cleaned them off and gently placed them in the box? Go back a bit.
I don't know anything about growing grapes but I do know about gardens. They take time, effort, sweat, and when you get right down to it, part of ourselves. To get the type grapes usable for wine making, there was a lot of effort put into it. And they took care while harvesting the grapes not to injure them. Once harvested though, they dumped them in this huge vat and people started jumping on them and squishing all the juice out of them...talk about a change in attitude!
What's this got to do with writing you ask? Well...
Our words are like the grapes. During the growing process we put them on paper, nurture them. Their care consumes us. We save, back up and resave them. (or at least we should) When our story is finished, it's just like the harvest. Our words/grapes have been gathered.
Then comes the change in attitude. We take our words and change them. We cut out weak verbs, add stronger ones. We change the abstract into the concrete, telling is gotten rid of and changed into show. This process is hard on the words just as all the stomping is on the grapes. Ahhh...but once finished, we have a product ready to be packaged and sold.
Again, the comparison continues. Not everyone is going to like the wine, just as not everyone will like our stories. But for those of who continue sending our stories out, we will find someone who loves them.
So...what is my point from all this? Just that just as it takes a lot of work to get wine from grapes, it takes a lot of work to get a story from a bunch of words. Don't be afraid to take your words and work with them to get the best from them.
Today, harvest some words...make them into a story:-) Stomp 'em if ya' have to.
Speck
And...if you haven't seen the movie, go rent it. You'll love it!
I don't know anything about growing grapes but I do know about gardens. They take time, effort, sweat, and when you get right down to it, part of ourselves. To get the type grapes usable for wine making, there was a lot of effort put into it. And they took care while harvesting the grapes not to injure them. Once harvested though, they dumped them in this huge vat and people started jumping on them and squishing all the juice out of them...talk about a change in attitude!
What's this got to do with writing you ask? Well...
Our words are like the grapes. During the growing process we put them on paper, nurture them. Their care consumes us. We save, back up and resave them. (or at least we should) When our story is finished, it's just like the harvest. Our words/grapes have been gathered.
Then comes the change in attitude. We take our words and change them. We cut out weak verbs, add stronger ones. We change the abstract into the concrete, telling is gotten rid of and changed into show. This process is hard on the words just as all the stomping is on the grapes. Ahhh...but once finished, we have a product ready to be packaged and sold.
Again, the comparison continues. Not everyone is going to like the wine, just as not everyone will like our stories. But for those of who continue sending our stories out, we will find someone who loves them.
So...what is my point from all this? Just that just as it takes a lot of work to get wine from grapes, it takes a lot of work to get a story from a bunch of words. Don't be afraid to take your words and work with them to get the best from them.
Today, harvest some words...make them into a story:-) Stomp 'em if ya' have to.
Speck
And...if you haven't seen the movie, go rent it. You'll love it!
Tuesday, May 08, 2007
Where does the time go?
When I began my blog, I titled it The Life of a Wife, Mother, and Aspiring Author. I'm not sure which role is more exciting or demanding. Sometimes it's being a wife--making sure my domestically challenged husband has freshly ironed shirts for work, a nice filling lunch every day in his bag, and a clean house to come home to. But other times it's motherhood. Just this week, I've learned that my son is planning to move out at the end of the month. I worry about him since he has pretty much written off college and has some unrealistic picture of what he and his girlfriend can accomplish on their combined salaries. And don't even get me started on my strong-willed five-year-old daughter.
But lately, it's writing that seems to demand the most attention. Well, not my own writing--the writing of others. I've turned my blog into a place to connect authors and prospective readers. Every month I interview at least two authors in the hopes that the readers of my blog will find something interesting and pick up a book from one of these talented people.
Every once in a while though, I ask myself where the time to enjoy life went. My days are a mix of mothering, trying to accomplish enough writing related stuff to make me believe I am a writer, and playing Susie homemaker. There are days that I feel like the mother who brought her newborn home from the hospital, and then made the mistake of blinking too quickly and finds he has graduated from college.
So, this is just my friendly little reminder to all of us, to take the time to get off the roller coaster known as daily life and experience what is truly important--the love of friends and family, the beauty of nature, and the joy of a simple smile.
Cheryl
But lately, it's writing that seems to demand the most attention. Well, not my own writing--the writing of others. I've turned my blog into a place to connect authors and prospective readers. Every month I interview at least two authors in the hopes that the readers of my blog will find something interesting and pick up a book from one of these talented people.
Every once in a while though, I ask myself where the time to enjoy life went. My days are a mix of mothering, trying to accomplish enough writing related stuff to make me believe I am a writer, and playing Susie homemaker. There are days that I feel like the mother who brought her newborn home from the hospital, and then made the mistake of blinking too quickly and finds he has graduated from college.
So, this is just my friendly little reminder to all of us, to take the time to get off the roller coaster known as daily life and experience what is truly important--the love of friends and family, the beauty of nature, and the joy of a simple smile.
Cheryl
Thursday, May 03, 2007
Finishing
In approximately 4 weeks I will do something I’ve never done before. I will complete a dream. I will finish (sans editing) my first original novel.
I’ve had many dreams in my life. Many lofty goals. I’ve never finished, or accomplished, any of them, outside of being a wife and mother. That dream is important in its own right, but this isn’t about that.
I have wanted to be a dance teacher since I was three. The closest I came was when I was at a dance school at the age of 10. The owners picked me and two other advanced students to be TA’s. We helped teach the youngest students on Saturday morning’s. We were left alone with the classes to teach basics, but we never choreographed their recital numbers, and we were always in a group.
Another goal I’ve had since that young age was to perform onstage. When I was three, I wanted to be Ginger Rogers. As I grew up, it became a dream of Broadway. But, in high school I let an idiot choir teacher wreck my confidence and let him influence my faith in my voice. 4 years ago I came the closest to this dream I ever will, I performed in local theatres in 4 musicals, doing both dancing and (*gasp*) vocal leads! It was close, but still not my dream.
I wanted to finish college. My first attempt was a very sad failure. My own fault. In one semester I was kicked out with a 0.0 GPA. I never went to class. My second attempt was more successful. I went for a Dance Education major. Halfway through the first semester my ballet teacher bumped me to the 200 class. I ended the semester on a 3.8 GPA. I was so proud. But, then I became pregnant, and would have been 8 months pregnant at finals. With a dance major, it was a no-go…so I let that dream go (though not permanently, I still carry it.).
I have viewed my life as a series of failures. A disappointment to my parents, especially since I was the ‘smart’ one of their kids. The one they were sure would finish college. Turns out, my brother did that before me thanks to 10 years of military service. Every time I’ve had a ‘great idea’ it’s fizzled, and they know it.
When I set out to write this novel, it was with great fear. I’ve never finished anything I’ve said I would. Even small things get lost in the mix. My friends convinced me that the story was too good not to make into something better.
A year ago my husband and I went to dinner, and during the salad course I decided to tell him what I was going to try. With a nervous knot in my stomach I told him that I wanted to take this thing that I’d been writing and make it…real. I wanted to try to write it and finish it, and sell it.
I waited for his answer in fear. I heard my mother’s voice in my head telling me I was being a fool. I was being just like my aunt who went through, and still goes through ‘phases’ in her life. Something is her dream, her passion, and then it’s gone in the wind. That’s what I was doing…again.
But he didn’t say anything like that. From that day forward he’s been so supportive. He hasn’t read it yet (Historical Fic/Romance isn’t his cup of tea), but he’s promised to. He asks me how it’s going. He doesn’t push me when it’s not going at all. He’s excited for me, and scared for me. His support, along with the support of my best friend, have been what have gotten me through. I never knew having someone believe in you made all the difference. Now I do…
And so I face the coming weeks with trepidation. Will I truly succeed where I’ve always failed? Will I finish something I set out to do? In a years time, no less? I believe, for the first time, that I will. This year has been plagued with self-doubt. Now I’m filled with hope, and fear. Because beyond the success of my first completed dream comes the obstacle that I have little control over…the selling of my dream. But I now know that completing it was the true goal. Selling it is just the gravy. And it feels good to know it will happen. Once it does, I’ll have faith that anything can, and will, happen.
I’ve had many dreams in my life. Many lofty goals. I’ve never finished, or accomplished, any of them, outside of being a wife and mother. That dream is important in its own right, but this isn’t about that.
I have wanted to be a dance teacher since I was three. The closest I came was when I was at a dance school at the age of 10. The owners picked me and two other advanced students to be TA’s. We helped teach the youngest students on Saturday morning’s. We were left alone with the classes to teach basics, but we never choreographed their recital numbers, and we were always in a group.
Another goal I’ve had since that young age was to perform onstage. When I was three, I wanted to be Ginger Rogers. As I grew up, it became a dream of Broadway. But, in high school I let an idiot choir teacher wreck my confidence and let him influence my faith in my voice. 4 years ago I came the closest to this dream I ever will, I performed in local theatres in 4 musicals, doing both dancing and (*gasp*) vocal leads! It was close, but still not my dream.
I wanted to finish college. My first attempt was a very sad failure. My own fault. In one semester I was kicked out with a 0.0 GPA. I never went to class. My second attempt was more successful. I went for a Dance Education major. Halfway through the first semester my ballet teacher bumped me to the 200 class. I ended the semester on a 3.8 GPA. I was so proud. But, then I became pregnant, and would have been 8 months pregnant at finals. With a dance major, it was a no-go…so I let that dream go (though not permanently, I still carry it.).
I have viewed my life as a series of failures. A disappointment to my parents, especially since I was the ‘smart’ one of their kids. The one they were sure would finish college. Turns out, my brother did that before me thanks to 10 years of military service. Every time I’ve had a ‘great idea’ it’s fizzled, and they know it.
When I set out to write this novel, it was with great fear. I’ve never finished anything I’ve said I would. Even small things get lost in the mix. My friends convinced me that the story was too good not to make into something better.
A year ago my husband and I went to dinner, and during the salad course I decided to tell him what I was going to try. With a nervous knot in my stomach I told him that I wanted to take this thing that I’d been writing and make it…real. I wanted to try to write it and finish it, and sell it.
I waited for his answer in fear. I heard my mother’s voice in my head telling me I was being a fool. I was being just like my aunt who went through, and still goes through ‘phases’ in her life. Something is her dream, her passion, and then it’s gone in the wind. That’s what I was doing…again.
But he didn’t say anything like that. From that day forward he’s been so supportive. He hasn’t read it yet (Historical Fic/Romance isn’t his cup of tea), but he’s promised to. He asks me how it’s going. He doesn’t push me when it’s not going at all. He’s excited for me, and scared for me. His support, along with the support of my best friend, have been what have gotten me through. I never knew having someone believe in you made all the difference. Now I do…
And so I face the coming weeks with trepidation. Will I truly succeed where I’ve always failed? Will I finish something I set out to do? In a years time, no less? I believe, for the first time, that I will. This year has been plagued with self-doubt. Now I’m filled with hope, and fear. Because beyond the success of my first completed dream comes the obstacle that I have little control over…the selling of my dream. But I now know that completing it was the true goal. Selling it is just the gravy. And it feels good to know it will happen. Once it does, I’ll have faith that anything can, and will, happen.
Wednesday, May 02, 2007
A Mystery Or A Suspense Novel?
Funhouse mirrors and rollercoaster rides! Those are the keys to understanding the difference between a good mystery novel and a suspense novel. I’m referring to Carolyn Wheat’s book, How To Write Killer Fiction.
First, Carolyn Wheat explains that a mystery novel is like entering a funhouse at a carnival where everything is distorted. In one mirror your tall and skinny, and in the next short and fat. You make false starts based upon what you see and you go down many dead end alleys. Then she illustrates how the suspense novel is more like a rollercoaster ride where you hang on tight and hold your breath. It’s fast paced making quick twist and turns.
I haven’t finished reading this book yet but I am enjoying the first part where it breaks down the mystery novel. It touches on everything from the history of writing mysteries to how to plant clues and then cover them up.
If you are a mystery writer, keep in mind that your reader is always two steps behind your sleuth. Mystery fans expect to receive the same clues as your main character and they enjoy trying to solve the puzzle before the MC can.
The construction of a mystery novel takes some forethought and if you have a detective, a police officer or coroner then the study of procedures comes into play. If your writing a murder mystery, no killer wants to be caught so what does yours do to cover it up? Lie, plant evidence, or point to someone else?
One satisfying ending is where your reader slaps her forehead and says, “Of course, how did I miss that!” However, this book shows that there are several ways to a satisfying end and it explains why certain endings fail.
This book has a whole lot more to explore than what I’ve covered here, and I’d recommend it for anyone who wants to write well organized and satisfying mysteries. Next blog I’ll cover what Carolyn Wheat has to say about the suspense novel.
Meanwhile write what excites you!
Lori
First, Carolyn Wheat explains that a mystery novel is like entering a funhouse at a carnival where everything is distorted. In one mirror your tall and skinny, and in the next short and fat. You make false starts based upon what you see and you go down many dead end alleys. Then she illustrates how the suspense novel is more like a rollercoaster ride where you hang on tight and hold your breath. It’s fast paced making quick twist and turns.
I haven’t finished reading this book yet but I am enjoying the first part where it breaks down the mystery novel. It touches on everything from the history of writing mysteries to how to plant clues and then cover them up.
If you are a mystery writer, keep in mind that your reader is always two steps behind your sleuth. Mystery fans expect to receive the same clues as your main character and they enjoy trying to solve the puzzle before the MC can.
The construction of a mystery novel takes some forethought and if you have a detective, a police officer or coroner then the study of procedures comes into play. If your writing a murder mystery, no killer wants to be caught so what does yours do to cover it up? Lie, plant evidence, or point to someone else?
One satisfying ending is where your reader slaps her forehead and says, “Of course, how did I miss that!” However, this book shows that there are several ways to a satisfying end and it explains why certain endings fail.
This book has a whole lot more to explore than what I’ve covered here, and I’d recommend it for anyone who wants to write well organized and satisfying mysteries. Next blog I’ll cover what Carolyn Wheat has to say about the suspense novel.
Meanwhile write what excites you!
Lori
Monday, April 30, 2007
Life in the Fast Lane
Vroom, vroom...
Seems like many of us have gotten run over by life lately. I know things have gotten busy for me since I started working with WOW!. I must admit though, it really isn't work. I love doing the proofing, working with other writers to make thier piece it's best and even the chance to write with them, whether it be on their blog or for the site. And...it keeps my inner editor happy so she doesn't nag when I write my fiction.
But, this leads me to the realization I have to set some priorities. I've been pondering this since returning from the convention not long ago and have decided, undecided, and decided again. Right now, I'm in an undecided phase. I need to make a decision soon and stick with it.
So, my question for y'all... What is your priority? Has life grabbed you and doesn't want to go? Do you feel like you are spinning your wheels and not getting anywhere?
I know for myself, it's time I make some hard decisions and set some priorities, especially with summer coming and all the things that brings.
Now...I'm off to decide again:--)
Speck
Hey!!! Watch where you're driving...this is my lane!
Seems like many of us have gotten run over by life lately. I know things have gotten busy for me since I started working with WOW!. I must admit though, it really isn't work. I love doing the proofing, working with other writers to make thier piece it's best and even the chance to write with them, whether it be on their blog or for the site. And...it keeps my inner editor happy so she doesn't nag when I write my fiction.
But, this leads me to the realization I have to set some priorities. I've been pondering this since returning from the convention not long ago and have decided, undecided, and decided again. Right now, I'm in an undecided phase. I need to make a decision soon and stick with it.
So, my question for y'all... What is your priority? Has life grabbed you and doesn't want to go? Do you feel like you are spinning your wheels and not getting anywhere?
I know for myself, it's time I make some hard decisions and set some priorities, especially with summer coming and all the things that brings.
Now...I'm off to decide again:--)
Speck
Hey!!! Watch where you're driving...this is my lane!
Sunday, April 22, 2007
Stepping outside my comfort zone
I had an interesting experience last week and it was too good not to share. As you know, I am using my blog to connect authors with potential readers. When I submitted my last article to Writer2Writer, I mentioned to the editor, Cheryl Wright that I would love to interview her for my blog. She has a new release coming out in November. She agreed and went one step further by sending my contact information along to her publisher, telling her I was looking to interview authors.
Imagine my surprise when I received an email from Laurie Sanders, editor of Black Velvet Seductions. Their "erotic romance is so hot, you'll need a fan"...or so their tagline says.
Now, I'm not opposed to erotica. It's not a genre I've written, but I don't purposely avoid it. Like all genres, it has a market and loyal readers, and who am I to say what another person should write about. Yet, it took me three days to get back to Sanders.
My original instinct was--cool! I've never interviewed an author of this genre before and the closest thing I've probably read to it was out of a 1980's issue of Hustler. Then thoughts started drifting in about possible repercussions. What if someone from my church checked out my blog that week? Would I feel comfortable with the questions they might ask me? How about my family, would they start an intervention and suggest I seek professional help to heal my addiction to sex? Would my neighbors start pulling their children back towards the house as I drive by?
I stewed on it a couple days before I contacted two very wise writing chums. The first one told me it would be "...an opportunity to show that a writer and their stories can be separated. That we write characters, not ourselves onto the pages." The other reminded me that "they are on the same 'journey' as all writers. They still deal with rejection, doubts, etc."
It was enough to send my own doubts flying out of my mind and return me to my gut instinct which said, "Cool!"
No matter what genre we focus on--we are all writers. We are real people who spend their lives entertaining others with our storytelling abilities. We share a special connection to each other because no one else in the world but another writer knows exactly what it's like. Yeah, your sister in Toledo might humor your attempt at becoming a published author, but only another writer can appreciate how damn hard it is to make it happen.
So, I am pleased to announce that you can look forward to interviews with four authors who have been published by Black Velvet Seductions, starting in July. And, if Laurie Sanders and I can settle on a date, she will provide writers with an idea of what it's like to sit on the other side of the desk.
I really can't wait!
Cheryl
Imagine my surprise when I received an email from Laurie Sanders, editor of Black Velvet Seductions. Their "erotic romance is so hot, you'll need a fan"...or so their tagline says.
Now, I'm not opposed to erotica. It's not a genre I've written, but I don't purposely avoid it. Like all genres, it has a market and loyal readers, and who am I to say what another person should write about. Yet, it took me three days to get back to Sanders.
My original instinct was--cool! I've never interviewed an author of this genre before and the closest thing I've probably read to it was out of a 1980's issue of Hustler. Then thoughts started drifting in about possible repercussions. What if someone from my church checked out my blog that week? Would I feel comfortable with the questions they might ask me? How about my family, would they start an intervention and suggest I seek professional help to heal my addiction to sex? Would my neighbors start pulling their children back towards the house as I drive by?
I stewed on it a couple days before I contacted two very wise writing chums. The first one told me it would be "...an opportunity to show that a writer and their stories can be separated. That we write characters, not ourselves onto the pages." The other reminded me that "they are on the same 'journey' as all writers. They still deal with rejection, doubts, etc."
It was enough to send my own doubts flying out of my mind and return me to my gut instinct which said, "Cool!"
No matter what genre we focus on--we are all writers. We are real people who spend their lives entertaining others with our storytelling abilities. We share a special connection to each other because no one else in the world but another writer knows exactly what it's like. Yeah, your sister in Toledo might humor your attempt at becoming a published author, but only another writer can appreciate how damn hard it is to make it happen.
So, I am pleased to announce that you can look forward to interviews with four authors who have been published by Black Velvet Seductions, starting in July. And, if Laurie Sanders and I can settle on a date, she will provide writers with an idea of what it's like to sit on the other side of the desk.
I really can't wait!
Cheryl
Saturday, April 21, 2007
What I learned at the conference or...
Gee, it's important to have great readers and a variety of them
As many of you know, I attended a writer's conference last Saturday. One of the main reasons I wanted to go was the free critique of your writing. Up to 1,500 words, critiqued by a professional in the writing business. How cool is that!!! I sent the first 1,500 words of my novel course novel. Now, yes it is a rough draft but my instructor said it was polished enough to send. Let me share my experience.
My critiquer was an local editor/English major. Very nice person. She caught me on my comma misuse. She explained why my two comma splices were wrong and showed where I needed to use commas or not to use them. She also pointed out a couple places that needed to be clarified. Very cool..and very helpful. All in all, I was very pleased with the critique. Nothing that struck me as major...little things that could be fixed.
With that good critique under my belt, I gave the first page in for the last workshop of the day. That would be a "dry" read of the page and then Kate Duffy, editor from Kensington and Molly Bolden, indy bookstore owner would give their opinions on that page. Scary sorta but not anything to worry about I thought.
During the day, I was chatting with a StoryCrafters member about my critique. She asked to read the pages between sessions. Sure, no problem. After she read them, we discussed comma usage, disagreed with my critiquer on a couple comma issues and talked about the items that could use clarification. She liked the pages, didn't have any issues with it. Again, I felt good about them and the upcoming dry read critique.
Finally, the long awaited last workshop. I had high hopes I'll admit. I knew Kate wasn't going to ask for pages right then and there but I expected a good comment or two. Boy was I in for a shock.
Not only don't I have a very good hook, I have started in the wrong place. Neither Molly or Kate was nasty or mean in their comments but I'm so glad they didn't know it was my piece...or anyone else.
So, what I really wanted to share with you is this. Readers are important. But we have to consider just who our readers are. We need a variety of reader, not just writers. If you can't get several readers...look at different areas of your piece.
Check for grammar, punctuation and such on one pass. Check for story flow and plot on another read through. Concentrate on your dialogue and tags on another pass. Don't try to take care of all the different story elements in one revision.
I had a 6 hour drive home. I sulked for at least 5 of them. Then I started to figure out where I could improve my start and improve my hook. They were right, it needs work. However, I'd not recommend this kind of "shock therapy" for everyone. It was darn tough...but it was exactly what I needed and wanted to hear.
So...when you have someone read and critique one of your pieces, thank them. Tell them how much you appreciate the great job they did. And critiquers...remember writers are counting on you. We need more than just a "this is great" or "I really like your story" comments. We need to know what works, what doesn't and if something just doesn't seem "right".
Speck
As many of you know, I attended a writer's conference last Saturday. One of the main reasons I wanted to go was the free critique of your writing. Up to 1,500 words, critiqued by a professional in the writing business. How cool is that!!! I sent the first 1,500 words of my novel course novel. Now, yes it is a rough draft but my instructor said it was polished enough to send. Let me share my experience.
My critiquer was an local editor/English major. Very nice person. She caught me on my comma misuse. She explained why my two comma splices were wrong and showed where I needed to use commas or not to use them. She also pointed out a couple places that needed to be clarified. Very cool..and very helpful. All in all, I was very pleased with the critique. Nothing that struck me as major...little things that could be fixed.
With that good critique under my belt, I gave the first page in for the last workshop of the day. That would be a "dry" read of the page and then Kate Duffy, editor from Kensington and Molly Bolden, indy bookstore owner would give their opinions on that page. Scary sorta but not anything to worry about I thought.
During the day, I was chatting with a StoryCrafters member about my critique. She asked to read the pages between sessions. Sure, no problem. After she read them, we discussed comma usage, disagreed with my critiquer on a couple comma issues and talked about the items that could use clarification. She liked the pages, didn't have any issues with it. Again, I felt good about them and the upcoming dry read critique.
Finally, the long awaited last workshop. I had high hopes I'll admit. I knew Kate wasn't going to ask for pages right then and there but I expected a good comment or two. Boy was I in for a shock.
Not only don't I have a very good hook, I have started in the wrong place. Neither Molly or Kate was nasty or mean in their comments but I'm so glad they didn't know it was my piece...or anyone else.
So, what I really wanted to share with you is this. Readers are important. But we have to consider just who our readers are. We need a variety of reader, not just writers. If you can't get several readers...look at different areas of your piece.
Check for grammar, punctuation and such on one pass. Check for story flow and plot on another read through. Concentrate on your dialogue and tags on another pass. Don't try to take care of all the different story elements in one revision.
I had a 6 hour drive home. I sulked for at least 5 of them. Then I started to figure out where I could improve my start and improve my hook. They were right, it needs work. However, I'd not recommend this kind of "shock therapy" for everyone. It was darn tough...but it was exactly what I needed and wanted to hear.
So...when you have someone read and critique one of your pieces, thank them. Tell them how much you appreciate the great job they did. And critiquers...remember writers are counting on you. We need more than just a "this is great" or "I really like your story" comments. We need to know what works, what doesn't and if something just doesn't seem "right".
Speck
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