"To achieve great things, two things are needed; a plan, and not quite enough time." - Leonard Bernstein
I love this quote. It inspires me to get off my butt and make things happen. There is never enough time to plan every detail perfectly, and if you try, you end up digging yourself into a rut. You never go anywhere because you become paralyzed by the plan.
You can't let fear of failure stop you from taking the leap (into whatever vast tub of craziness you are contemplating at that moment). I expect that you've given your idea a reasonable amount of thought (and by "reasonable" I mean using common sense- plotting world domination takes a bit more time than picking out new linens for the guest bedroom.) If you wait too long to execute, you may either a) lose momentum, or worse, b) lose the originality of the idea to someone else who came along and was willing to take the risk.
And just in case you need an extra dose of "get your mojo on" juice, check out How to Blog Like Rambo by Dan Martell. Granted Dan is talking to bloggers here, but the principles apply to anyone who wants to be the best and get noticed for what they do.
Now that we are sufficiently psyched up- what are you going to do? Plan your work, or work your plan? Mark me down for "wild success" or "failing spectacularly"- it'll be one or the other, but any movement forward is progress.
Monday, March 8, 2010
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Everyone's a Critic
If you are a reality TV junkie (guilty!) you can't help but notice the proliferation of shows that are wrapped around a competition. The contestants are required to perform feats of extraordinary skill (usually in a limited amount of time) and in the end they are judged by a panel of experts. Sometimes the results are magnificent and sometimes they are horrible. Regardless, they are always entertaining.
Watching these people jumping as high as they can for that elusive pie in the sky prize has the net effect of turning me into a critic in five seconds flat. I nod enthusiastically in agreement when the judges’ critique is negative. How could the contestant not see they had gone so far off the path? When the judges and I don't agree, I am mystified. I reign supreme as the armchair judge of my living room. Then I talk to my friends, and we compare notes on our favorites and those that we can’t wait to go home.
Reality TV has turned us all into critics. And given Simon Cowell’s popularity, we kind of like our critics a bit mean.
As a writer, I get anxious about putting my words out there sometimes, because I see how pervasive this phenomenon has become. I have a hard enough time getting past my inner critic. It used to be you were like the contestants in those shows; when you were critiqued it was an expert in the field. In today's world, where everyone has an opinion on every topic (and they usually think they are right), it is a whole other ballgame.
Before you mention getting a thicker skin by the way- I have one. I know that everyone has an opinion, and not everyone is going to like me. I know that there will likely be people who strongly dislike my work given its genre (bordering on horror). And I’m okay with that, but that doesn’t mean I have to like it. It is simply the way things have gone in the Web 2.0 world.
You give to get, and you aren’t always going to get what you wanted. So the best we can do is filter the good from the bad, continue to improve as we can, and do our best not to take it all too personally.
Watching these people jumping as high as they can for that elusive pie in the sky prize has the net effect of turning me into a critic in five seconds flat. I nod enthusiastically in agreement when the judges’ critique is negative. How could the contestant not see they had gone so far off the path? When the judges and I don't agree, I am mystified. I reign supreme as the armchair judge of my living room. Then I talk to my friends, and we compare notes on our favorites and those that we can’t wait to go home.
Reality TV has turned us all into critics. And given Simon Cowell’s popularity, we kind of like our critics a bit mean.
As a writer, I get anxious about putting my words out there sometimes, because I see how pervasive this phenomenon has become. I have a hard enough time getting past my inner critic. It used to be you were like the contestants in those shows; when you were critiqued it was an expert in the field. In today's world, where everyone has an opinion on every topic (and they usually think they are right), it is a whole other ballgame.
Before you mention getting a thicker skin by the way- I have one. I know that everyone has an opinion, and not everyone is going to like me. I know that there will likely be people who strongly dislike my work given its genre (bordering on horror). And I’m okay with that, but that doesn’t mean I have to like it. It is simply the way things have gone in the Web 2.0 world.
You give to get, and you aren’t always going to get what you wanted. So the best we can do is filter the good from the bad, continue to improve as we can, and do our best not to take it all too personally.
Saturday, February 20, 2010
The Antidote to Procrastination
Someday is not a day of the week. - Author Unknown
I've taken this bit of wisdom to heart recently. I've spent a great deal of time evaluating and weighing my options for my future. I've made the inevitable lists, and experienced the self-doubt that I would not be able to do what I want to do. But I am driven forward by the unmistakable belief that this is my time. The waiting is over and the only thing left is action.
If and When were planted, and Nothing grew. - Proverb
I am tired of thinking about the "What if's" and the "If I only could've's". Regret is a distraction that I do not have time for, and it is empowering to think that the best is yet to come, if I only reach for it.
In my true procrastinator fashion, I have spent periods of time doing nothing, and had tremendous spurts of action that are changing my mindset from the inside out. Every time I see the result of what I've done (positive or negative) I am inspired to do more. And that is when it hit me. The way to break through procrastination is to be inspired to act.
Inspiration is around us everyday. Watching the Olympics is a great source of inspiration. You watch the athletes pursuing their dreams, and you celebrate their highs with them. Even in failure, they never stop driving towards the end goal. When you think about that single minded focus, especially if you don't have it, you feel pretty lazy.
I caught an episode of a TV series that I used to love last night. After watching it with more mature eyes, I had a million ideas race through my head for some new stories. I watch people moving in their own lives around me and I wonder where they are going and what is the most important thing in their life right now. My imagination overflows.
Eventually, when you feel that inspiration, your mind will hit critical mass, and you have no choice but to DO something with it. It drives you forward. It makes your heart sing. It is a high unlike any other.
Bring on the inspiration, and let's get it done.
Procrastination is something best put off until tomorrow. - Gerald Vaughan
I've taken this bit of wisdom to heart recently. I've spent a great deal of time evaluating and weighing my options for my future. I've made the inevitable lists, and experienced the self-doubt that I would not be able to do what I want to do. But I am driven forward by the unmistakable belief that this is my time. The waiting is over and the only thing left is action.
If and When were planted, and Nothing grew. - Proverb
I am tired of thinking about the "What if's" and the "If I only could've's". Regret is a distraction that I do not have time for, and it is empowering to think that the best is yet to come, if I only reach for it.
In my true procrastinator fashion, I have spent periods of time doing nothing, and had tremendous spurts of action that are changing my mindset from the inside out. Every time I see the result of what I've done (positive or negative) I am inspired to do more. And that is when it hit me. The way to break through procrastination is to be inspired to act.
Inspiration is around us everyday. Watching the Olympics is a great source of inspiration. You watch the athletes pursuing their dreams, and you celebrate their highs with them. Even in failure, they never stop driving towards the end goal. When you think about that single minded focus, especially if you don't have it, you feel pretty lazy.
I caught an episode of a TV series that I used to love last night. After watching it with more mature eyes, I had a million ideas race through my head for some new stories. I watch people moving in their own lives around me and I wonder where they are going and what is the most important thing in their life right now. My imagination overflows.
Eventually, when you feel that inspiration, your mind will hit critical mass, and you have no choice but to DO something with it. It drives you forward. It makes your heart sing. It is a high unlike any other.
Bring on the inspiration, and let's get it done.
Procrastination is something best put off until tomorrow. - Gerald Vaughan
Monday, February 15, 2010
Oh Sticky Notes- How I Love Thee
They infiltrated my life when I wasn't looking. I had a mental note to go through my notebook and follow-up on all the to do's that had gotten buried in other to do's. I had been diligent in my efforts to mark action items in my notes (with a checkbox next to each) but delinquent in actually completing them. I needed a better system.
Enter the sticky note. Now I could keep a running list front and center each day. I could stick to my computer screen, or off to the side of my desk so that I could add and cross off at will. It was liberating. There was a great satisfaction to realize at the end of the day I could simply peel an unfinished list off the desk, smack it to my planner, and pick up where I left off at home.
Then the insidiousness began. I wrote separate lists, on different colored sticky notes, to organize "personal" and "work" related activities. My stickys were following me everywhere now, and a neon green tablet found its way into my coat pocket, for those "spur of the moment" sticky ideas. Sticky notes were in my books, my journals, my magazines; anywhere there was an idea or action that required my attention at a later date.
It was standing in the Target office aisle, drooling over the myriad of color, size, and sticky note options that I realized I had an obsession. But it's one that I can't help but embrace. I feel empowered with the sticky at my side. Watch out world. Who knows what will happen now that I'm organized.
Enter the sticky note. Now I could keep a running list front and center each day. I could stick to my computer screen, or off to the side of my desk so that I could add and cross off at will. It was liberating. There was a great satisfaction to realize at the end of the day I could simply peel an unfinished list off the desk, smack it to my planner, and pick up where I left off at home.
Then the insidiousness began. I wrote separate lists, on different colored sticky notes, to organize "personal" and "work" related activities. My stickys were following me everywhere now, and a neon green tablet found its way into my coat pocket, for those "spur of the moment" sticky ideas. Sticky notes were in my books, my journals, my magazines; anywhere there was an idea or action that required my attention at a later date.
It was standing in the Target office aisle, drooling over the myriad of color, size, and sticky note options that I realized I had an obsession. But it's one that I can't help but embrace. I feel empowered with the sticky at my side. Watch out world. Who knows what will happen now that I'm organized.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
The Ungettable Get
"Remember it is all about the get. We cannot make a splash if we only get the gets that everybody has already got. I need the ungettable. Got it?" - Diane Roberts in Someone Like You
I watch quite a few agents on Twitter, and I devour any post or comment on their query statistics. I find them enlightening and a bit depressing. One thing that I see commented on is related to originality (or lack thereof). That's what agents are looking for; the original idea that can spark the imagination of millions of readers. They are looking for the ungettable get.
I take this concept to heart. I want to be fresh and original. Often I think I'm original, and I realize that I'm not the only writer out there that thinks that (based on the query critiques that I see posted).
Here's a true story from my own experience. I signed up for Writer's Digest Online course a couple of years ago. (The Fundamentals of Fiction Writing in case you are curious, and I know you are...) There were perhaps ten of us in the class, all at varying stages of wanting to write, polish, or perfect our fiction technique. I had decided that I wanted to write some kind of historical fiction thriller with a dash of romance. I researched historical anomalies and after careful consideration, I decided to focus one of the main character's life long quest on the Voynich manuscript. I had never heard of the Voynich manuscript prior to researching it, and it was well down the list of "ancient mysteries" that I uncovered. I was sure I had found something fresh and original. Imagine my surprise and chagrin when another student in my class posted a response to my story telling me that HIS story was focused on the Voynich manuscript as well!
That was the first blow to my writer's ego, but it taught me a valuable lesson. I am forced to constantly ask myself the question am I truly writing that "ungettable get", or am I just tweaking a well-trodden story?
What do you think? Do you think there is such a think as an original idea in fiction anymore?
I watch quite a few agents on Twitter, and I devour any post or comment on their query statistics. I find them enlightening and a bit depressing. One thing that I see commented on is related to originality (or lack thereof). That's what agents are looking for; the original idea that can spark the imagination of millions of readers. They are looking for the ungettable get.
I take this concept to heart. I want to be fresh and original. Often I think I'm original, and I realize that I'm not the only writer out there that thinks that (based on the query critiques that I see posted).
Here's a true story from my own experience. I signed up for Writer's Digest Online course a couple of years ago. (The Fundamentals of Fiction Writing in case you are curious, and I know you are...) There were perhaps ten of us in the class, all at varying stages of wanting to write, polish, or perfect our fiction technique. I had decided that I wanted to write some kind of historical fiction thriller with a dash of romance. I researched historical anomalies and after careful consideration, I decided to focus one of the main character's life long quest on the Voynich manuscript. I had never heard of the Voynich manuscript prior to researching it, and it was well down the list of "ancient mysteries" that I uncovered. I was sure I had found something fresh and original. Imagine my surprise and chagrin when another student in my class posted a response to my story telling me that HIS story was focused on the Voynich manuscript as well!
That was the first blow to my writer's ego, but it taught me a valuable lesson. I am forced to constantly ask myself the question am I truly writing that "ungettable get", or am I just tweaking a well-trodden story?
What do you think? Do you think there is such a think as an original idea in fiction anymore?
Monday, January 4, 2010
I Lost Myself in the Retweet
"I don't have anything interesting to say."
"The things I do in my life aren't that interesting."
"Nobody cares what I have to say."
If you ever happen to review my tweets on Twitter (prior to this post), you will see that I am a serial retweeter. I spread good information out to my tweeps from the many wonderful folks that I follow, and I've learned a lot. But scrolling down the page and seeing each post start with "RT @" gives me a few moments pause. Where am I in all this? Where are the things that I want to say to engage with the people who follow me? It's missing.
Almost immediately when I think about changing this, my head is filled with nonsense like the phrases at the start of this post. I hide behind those excuses. It is time for a swift kick in the arse.
If I am a writer (and in 2009 I laid claim to this status) than I should, in theory, have A LOT to say. So what's holding me back; why all the excuses? I could only draw one conclusion: I'm afraid. I'm afraid that people won't like me or what I have to say. Even worse, I am afraid that people may ignore me altogether.
But one of my writing goals (as it is for every writer) is to "Engage". This fear is doing nothing for me other than holding me back from my potential and forever keeping me in the boring status quo rut. My 2010 self has decided that it's time to put my big girl panties on. I will post more than just a RT on Twitter on a daily basis. I will find more engaging ways to use Facebook (without turning into the person who overshares- you know the one.) If I'm posting about things that are interesting and exciting to me, then at some point it will interest and excite others.
I'm going to go tweet something now.
"The things I do in my life aren't that interesting."
"Nobody cares what I have to say."
If you ever happen to review my tweets on Twitter (prior to this post), you will see that I am a serial retweeter. I spread good information out to my tweeps from the many wonderful folks that I follow, and I've learned a lot. But scrolling down the page and seeing each post start with "RT @" gives me a few moments pause. Where am I in all this? Where are the things that I want to say to engage with the people who follow me? It's missing.
Almost immediately when I think about changing this, my head is filled with nonsense like the phrases at the start of this post. I hide behind those excuses. It is time for a swift kick in the arse.
If I am a writer (and in 2009 I laid claim to this status) than I should, in theory, have A LOT to say. So what's holding me back; why all the excuses? I could only draw one conclusion: I'm afraid. I'm afraid that people won't like me or what I have to say. Even worse, I am afraid that people may ignore me altogether.
But one of my writing goals (as it is for every writer) is to "Engage". This fear is doing nothing for me other than holding me back from my potential and forever keeping me in the boring status quo rut. My 2010 self has decided that it's time to put my big girl panties on. I will post more than just a RT on Twitter on a daily basis. I will find more engaging ways to use Facebook (without turning into the person who overshares- you know the one.) If I'm posting about things that are interesting and exciting to me, then at some point it will interest and excite others.
I'm going to go tweet something now.
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Poetry Not Included
I've been writing for years. I feel like writing is in my blood and is something I was meant to do. I love writing short stories and realized yesterday that my novel writing options have become quite robust. I have one novel complete that I am querying agents with right now. I have a first draft manuscript, and three other works in various phases of the writing process. If anything, my weakness is that all of them are more or less in the same genre.
I was shopping for a Christmas gift today for my sister-in-law. She likes to quote poetry in her Facebook postings, and I thought that a book of poetry around motherhood would be a unique gift idea (she is expecting her first child in February). As I browsed the shelves of poets at my local bookstore, I was surprised to find that I knew many of their names. Then I felt something building inside me that said this was an opportunity to expand my own horizons.
I was excited about the possibility of what this new perspective could offer for my writing. I found a book for my sister-in-law, and picked up a book of Emily Dickinson's poems for myself. It was actually a toss up between Dickinson and Frost, but I figured either way I couldn't go wrong.
Then as I was catching up on my tweets this evening, I found a blog post on why writers should try out other genres. I've been so hesitant to branch out with my writing because I wanted to be sure I could find my name and place in my genre. But my experiences today make me think that tipping my toes in other genre pools could be exciting and enlightening. I'm looking forward to the challenge.
Saturday, November 7, 2009
No NaNoWriMo This Year
I want to start off by saying that I love National Novel Writing Month. There is nothing like letting your mind’s floodgates open for 30 days and writing like there is no tomorrow. You safely stash your internal editor away on an imaginary tropical island for 30 days (and hope he comes back rested and relaxed) and have the freedom to put down any idea that crosses your consciousness. It can be crazy, wacky, and out of this world, but that doesn’t matter because it is part of the fun. The only thing that matters is your word count, and 50,000 words is the Holy Grail.
I debated long and hard about whether or not to participate this year. I’ve done it twice. My first sprint to the finish line took me 22 days. In my second chaotic attempt, I managed to eek out my 50,000 words just under the wire on Day 30. I felt truly alive and present during those months, and had the “nothing can stop me now!” attitude that drove the deals home. But both of those attempts came at a time when I wasn’t truly focused on my writing life. Both experiences were the proverbial kick in the pants I needed to remember that I wanted to be seen as a writer too.
This year is quite different for me.
Since early August I have been revising my manuscript that was birthed during NaNoWrimo journey #2. I finished it, sent it out to beta readers, got some great feedback, and ultimately decided that I needed to change the story arc a bit and make it a whole lot darker. Then in October, I spun the Tiny Tales of Terror in honor of Halloween for my beta readers and their friends, because I found that by sharing my manuscript I have started to build a readership that was actively looking for new material (MY new material!) to read. I also have big plans to kick off a new podcast series that I’ve been working on since late September that was inspired by my attendance at the Writer’s Digest Conference.
My plate feels a bit…full. This year, I am writing more than ever before and doing more things with the business side of my writing as well. I still have the good ole day job and my family obligations. So for me, regretfully but respectfully, I gave myself a pass on NaNoWriMo this year.
I am cheering all of this year’s participants on, and living vicariously through their tweets, blogs, and posts. Good luck to all of you and may your 50,000 words come easily and in less than 30 days!
I debated long and hard about whether or not to participate this year. I’ve done it twice. My first sprint to the finish line took me 22 days. In my second chaotic attempt, I managed to eek out my 50,000 words just under the wire on Day 30. I felt truly alive and present during those months, and had the “nothing can stop me now!” attitude that drove the deals home. But both of those attempts came at a time when I wasn’t truly focused on my writing life. Both experiences were the proverbial kick in the pants I needed to remember that I wanted to be seen as a writer too.
This year is quite different for me.
Since early August I have been revising my manuscript that was birthed during NaNoWrimo journey #2. I finished it, sent it out to beta readers, got some great feedback, and ultimately decided that I needed to change the story arc a bit and make it a whole lot darker. Then in October, I spun the Tiny Tales of Terror in honor of Halloween for my beta readers and their friends, because I found that by sharing my manuscript I have started to build a readership that was actively looking for new material (MY new material!) to read. I also have big plans to kick off a new podcast series that I’ve been working on since late September that was inspired by my attendance at the Writer’s Digest Conference.
My plate feels a bit…full. This year, I am writing more than ever before and doing more things with the business side of my writing as well. I still have the good ole day job and my family obligations. So for me, regretfully but respectfully, I gave myself a pass on NaNoWriMo this year.
I am cheering all of this year’s participants on, and living vicariously through their tweets, blogs, and posts. Good luck to all of you and may your 50,000 words come easily and in less than 30 days!
Monday, October 19, 2009
Inspiration
I've been spending a lot of time looking for new inspiration over the last few weeks for my Tiny Tales of Terror. My goal was to put up a story a day until Halloween (which I haven't quite done). I chose this as a stretch goal for myself because I knew it would be more of a challenge to find new subject matter everyday. But I was excited at the same time because I knew that at the end I'd have a ton of new material to chose from and expand into longer stories.
Inspiration hasn't been as difficult as I thought. I've purposely been watching scary movies (even the bad ones), freaky TV shows, reading mystery/thriller books, looking for unsettling images on the web just to spark my imagination. I've also been able to weave in some real details from my own life which has been fun. Often the stories are coming from just one phrase or image that I explore further in the story.
I've been getting some questions from friends wanting to know more of the back story, but the purpose of these stories are meant to be just scary snippets. I haven't been able to spend enough time with the characters to really know more than some initial impressions that I can share.
I think it is very cool how images can just strike a chord. Something like this:
I've been meaning to write a story about this lighthouse for years. I just haven't found the right story yet, but I know it is going to be scary and it probably will take place in the early part of the 19th century. But most of my stories come to me easily, and I love exploring where the journey takes me.
What inspires you in your writing?
Inspiration hasn't been as difficult as I thought. I've purposely been watching scary movies (even the bad ones), freaky TV shows, reading mystery/thriller books, looking for unsettling images on the web just to spark my imagination. I've also been able to weave in some real details from my own life which has been fun. Often the stories are coming from just one phrase or image that I explore further in the story.
I've been getting some questions from friends wanting to know more of the back story, but the purpose of these stories are meant to be just scary snippets. I haven't been able to spend enough time with the characters to really know more than some initial impressions that I can share.
I think it is very cool how images can just strike a chord. Something like this:
I've been meaning to write a story about this lighthouse for years. I just haven't found the right story yet, but I know it is going to be scary and it probably will take place in the early part of the 19th century. But most of my stories come to me easily, and I love exploring where the journey takes me.
What inspires you in your writing?
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Writing: The Business
I've spent several pleasant hours this afternoon reading all about indie publishing. I am a huge fan of April Hamilton's. I followed her on Twitter prior to seeing her in person at the Writer's Digest Conference, and her Publetariat site is a MUST for anyone thinking of going at publishing on your own.
Now I have two completed manuscripts- one is still in its rough first draft form, and the second is the one that I have been working on revising since early August. I am "close" to being at the point where I need to make a rather critical decision. Do I start down the path of traditional publishing, or do I look at indie publishing options?
One thing that never occurred to me, that I just read about tonight, was the idea of starting my own indie publishing house. Intriguing... I am a big DIY person, and all of this information really resonated with me. I like the idea of controlling my own destiny. I like the idea of being able to connect with readers sooner rather than later. I like the idea of setting up a structure that would not only allow me to publish my own work, but publish other deserving work as well.
Lots of options to consider. Lots of things to think about. And in the meantime, my writing continues with my Tiny Tales of Terror. This is truly a great time to be a writer!
Now I have two completed manuscripts- one is still in its rough first draft form, and the second is the one that I have been working on revising since early August. I am "close" to being at the point where I need to make a rather critical decision. Do I start down the path of traditional publishing, or do I look at indie publishing options?
One thing that never occurred to me, that I just read about tonight, was the idea of starting my own indie publishing house. Intriguing... I am a big DIY person, and all of this information really resonated with me. I like the idea of controlling my own destiny. I like the idea of being able to connect with readers sooner rather than later. I like the idea of setting up a structure that would not only allow me to publish my own work, but publish other deserving work as well.
Lots of options to consider. Lots of things to think about. And in the meantime, my writing continues with my Tiny Tales of Terror. This is truly a great time to be a writer!
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Walk Before You Run
I've learned a few valuable lessons over the last week: time is not my friend, and I have to set reasonable expectations for myself.
I have a working manuscript that I like, however it isn't truly the genre that I always envisioned I'd write. I somehow ended up with a paranormal romance when I want to write horror. (This is the part where I mention for the tenth time that I have always wanted to be Stephen King.) Chris Baty talks about this in his book No Plot? No Problem! that is the basis for National Novel Writing Month. He recommends making lists of what you do and don't like in stories, because you may find yourself writing what you don't like if you aren't careful.
Now it's not that I don't like paranormal romance. I don't think writing romance is a strength of mine. I decided that I needed to go back and rework my manuscript and darken it up ALOT. I could keep the romance, but as a subplot. I needed to focus on the main character, and rewrite it so that it kept me up at night. If the writing isn't scaring me, then it won't work.
Deborah Riley-Magnus (@rileymagnus on Twitter) wrote a great blog post on deconstructing a novel right at the same time, which I took as an omen that I was on the right path.
Horror being my genre focus, I also saw an opportunity to leverage some inspiration with my favorite holiday right around the corner: Halloween. Wouldn't it be cool to launch to a podcast series based on another story that I'm working on in honor of Halloween? So I did some more research on podcasting and with my husband's studio set-up I thought "well this can't be THAT hard". I put together an insane writing schedule for the remainder of September and October with an end goal of 10 podcasts and 1 reworked manuscript by the end of October.
Are you laughing at me yet? Let's just say that I was a bit overly ambitious.
It didn't take me long to find out that one 25-minute podcast for me is running about 5000 words. 5000 words!! So 10 podcasts would be about 50,000 words. That's a NaNoWriMo novel, not including some serious editing. Hmmm- maybe I needed to think about that some more.
I should also mention that I do have a day job. You wouldn't think so with the schedule I put together.
After one week, I wasn't close my goal and I was okay with that. I did have some great accomplishments:
1) My podcast concept came from a 750 word story that I put together for the Your Story Writer's Digest contest. In 2 days I turned that 750 words into over 12,000 words. I've created an episode framework and writing prompts for each of the podcast episodes. I do need to finish the story before I can record it, so the earliest that would probably happen would be November- December.
2) I wrote a completely different opening scene to my manuscript. It turns the old one on its ear. I honestly don't know how much of the old manuscript I could use if I go that direction, and that would mean I'm really starting from scratch. (A new NanoWriMo novel from an old one perhaps?) I need to think about that some more.
3) To get my Halloween fix, I decided to go smaller, but still have fun and offer up something to my readers. So I am introducing my Tiny Tales of Terror blog series on my new author blog.
All in all, I've had a great week, learned a lot, and even gave myself permission to put my Halloween decorations up.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
I've Got Plans
Do you know that feeling when you are eating a terrific meal, but realize that you are starting to feel full? Your eyes were bigger than your stomach, and if you only had a bit more time maybe you'd be able to finish everything? That's the way I felt after the last session of the Writer's Digest Conference this past weekend.
Don't get me wrong. It was a fantastic event and I'd pay the money in a heartbeat to attend again. But the sheer volume of information threw my brain into overdrive after the FIRST session. I found out about some amazing possibilities for moving forward in my writing career, and it is really just up to me to figure out how to make things happen. Jane Friedman posted a great recap of key takeaways here.
I've spent the last few days just processing the info and deciding what's next. I made a top 10 to-do list on the plane, but I already know that as I move through them the list will shift and change. I've also decided to go back to the drawing board with my manuscript and make some important changes that I feel will speak better to the intended audience for my work.
The conference was just the shot in the arm I needed! Oh yes I have plans, and I can't wait to see what happens!
Monday, September 14, 2009
I Heart My Beta Readers
I went out a select group of friends and colleagues two weeks ago and asked a very big favor. Would you read my manuscript for me? Oh, and can you possibly do that in the next two weeks and send me feedback before I go to my conference? Pretty please?
I was pleasantly surprised that I had 13 1/2 brave volunteers offer to help me out. (The 1/2 is my husband. The book that I wrote is completely outside his usual genre of interest. Being the supportive spouse that he is though, he did offer to read it and has read the first 5 chapters so far.)
I sent out the manuscript on September 1st with my specific request for feedback on:
* Gaping "plot"holes
* Places where there should more detail
* Places where the story moves too fast/too slow
* Under-developed characters
* Stiff/uninspired/boring dialogue
* Anything else they thought may be helpful to tighten up or expand the story to make it more interesting
I also told them to chuck being nice by the wayside and give it to me straight. The only way I was going to improve the story was by getting honest feedback. (And I'm a big girl and can take it.)
As of today, I have had 7 wonderful people finish the book, and 2 others who are well into the story offering feedback as they go along. Each one said that the plot had some good twists and that is was easy to read.
The great thing is that no one spotted anything major that I didn't already know needed to be fixed. (There were two subplots that got lost in the mad dash to the end of the story.) Questions about characters and story lines have been insightful and telling. It has been a great experience so far.
This has given me the extra boost of positivity and energy that I needed to finalize the manuscript and get it ready for prime time! Thank you beta readers!!
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Conference Prep 101
I am in prep mode getting ready to attend the Writer's Digest Conference The Business of Getting Published in NYC next week. I decided earlier this summer that I was going to spring some hard earned dough (and frequent flyer miles) on ONE writing conference this year. Considering I'm looking to get published, and figure out how to successfully use all of these wonderful social media tools to promote my material, this conference seemed like the perfect fit.
Now I have the jitters. It's not like I have never been to conference before. I've attended many over the course of my professional life (both as a vendor and a participant). I know the importance of taking good notes, making sure you have lots of business cards, and networking with anyone and everyone you can strike up a conversation with (at appropriate times of course). I learned long ago that conferences and alcohol do not mix.
There are lots of different articles and blogs out there to help prep for a writer's conference. It shouldn't surprise anyone that after reading several, I started to see a contradiction or two. (One blogger says DO make sure you bring your manuscript, another says that is a big DON'T.)
One DON'T that surprised me was a blogger who said not to put "writer" or "author" on your business cards because that is viewed as pretentious. What?? These days it is all about your "author's platform" when you are talking about marketing yourself. If it is pretentious to even call yourself what you are then we have a problem. I've written two books, and while they remain unpublished (for the moment) I defend my right to claim my "Author" status!
One of the most interesting bits of info I found was a LinkedIn discussion thread. I liked the Q&A format there, and thought there was some good advice beyond the normal tips/tricks.
I plan on blogging and tweeting from the conference. I thought that would be a great way to keep up with what I'm learning and share relevant nuggets. I can't wait!
Saturday, September 5, 2009
A Great Love Affair
After I wrote my last post, it got me thinking about how much writing a book mirrors a relationship. It will make it laugh. It will make you cry. You will feel frustrated, miserable, and unworthy. It will also make you feel like you are on Cloud 9. Once it begins you never know where it will take you, and it is a guarantee that you will have many surprises along the way. Ultimately, it should make you a better person by being part of it.
Starting a book feels a lot like the beginning of new relationship. You're a bit trepidatious the first time you sit down to write "the book" and you will probably have a few false starts before the words start to flow. You meet your characters for the first time, and it takes awhile to get in their heads and figure them out.
Soon, if things are going well, you feel that rush as you crank out the first several chapters. Your characters are moving around in their world, and you feel like you know just how the plot is going to play out. Things feel amazing and you are rushing to your keyboard everyday.
Inevitably, the better you get to know your characters, and the further you get into the midst of the plot, things are going to start feeling a bit confusing. You wonder if you are doing the right thing, and you begin to second guess yourself. (Would that character really do that? Does that scene even make sense? Where the hell did that guy come from?) You go back to read earlier chapters to try to rediscover that earlier passion because walking to the keyboard now feels more difficult. You feel the pressure of trying to keep everything together and things feel like they are unraveling in completely unexpected ways. You are completely out of control.
You see, no matter how well you thought you knew your book when you started, it will have some surprises for you. At that point you need to make a decision. Are these nuances you've found going to make you story better, or are they so havoc wrecking that you may have to consider starting over? Things just may not have lined up the way that you planned, and it would be easier to cut it off now before you get in too deep. You don't want to waste your time with something that isn't right, right?
If you can make it past the stormy middle, you will find that approaching the end brings the rush of excitement and passion that you remember from when you started. Now your characters and plot have evolved into something mature; something that can last. You've made a commitment and you want to follow through. You've put something of yourself in those pages that will be there forever.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
I Think We Should Take a Break
Dearest manuscript,
I know that when we began this journey together so long ago (okay 4 weeks, but who's counting?), I pledged to be faithful and utterly committed to you. I told you I would put away all those other distractions, that I wouldn't read a single word in any other book, that I would give to you every lunch break, every evening, and do whatever it took to fulfill your wishes and make you complete.
It has been a wild ride. I found myself tossing and turning every night imagining what new experiences tomorrow would hold. I got upset when schedules shifted and we couldn't be together at lunch like I planned(stupid day job!!). You and I have been through some crazy plot lines and shaken out some woefully underdeveloped scenes. We created new characters and discovered some insightful things in our main characters. Together we bolted through the last 4000 words when we saw the finish line. It was exhilarating!
But this incredible thing we have must come to an end, at least for now. I have given you all that I have and I think it is time that we take a break. It would be good for both of us to see some other people and find out what's working in our relationship and what is horribly wrong. It can only make us stronger. Be a good little manuscript for my beta readers and show them all the love that you've shown me.
Don't despair! I promise when the time comes, I will be there to fix you.
I miss you already,
Christy
I know that when we began this journey together so long ago (okay 4 weeks, but who's counting?), I pledged to be faithful and utterly committed to you. I told you I would put away all those other distractions, that I wouldn't read a single word in any other book, that I would give to you every lunch break, every evening, and do whatever it took to fulfill your wishes and make you complete.
It has been a wild ride. I found myself tossing and turning every night imagining what new experiences tomorrow would hold. I got upset when schedules shifted and we couldn't be together at lunch like I planned(stupid day job!!). You and I have been through some crazy plot lines and shaken out some woefully underdeveloped scenes. We created new characters and discovered some insightful things in our main characters. Together we bolted through the last 4000 words when we saw the finish line. It was exhilarating!
But this incredible thing we have must come to an end, at least for now. I have given you all that I have and I think it is time that we take a break. It would be good for both of us to see some other people and find out what's working in our relationship and what is horribly wrong. It can only make us stronger. Be a good little manuscript for my beta readers and show them all the love that you've shown me.
Don't despair! I promise when the time comes, I will be there to fix you.
I miss you already,
Christy
Friday, August 28, 2009
What Happened to the Reference Section?
Lately, the more I write the more I drown myself in doubt. Do I know what I'm doing? Is this story any good? Would anyone want to read it (other than me)? Should I change this character? Do I need more characters?
I fret, groan, and moan but keep plugging along.
Now that I am nearing the completion of revision round #1 of my manuscript, I am starting to doubt my writing technical expertise. I am a sucker for commas, and have yet to meet an adverb that I didn't like. I've known these two things for many years, so these are the "easy" edits that I make as I comb through pages. I decided that I needed some advice and guidance on fixing the not-so-obvious errors. It was time to repurchase a grammar book or two. A writer should always have one of those handy right?
I thought that I'd check out my options by visiting my local bookstore. (Okay- I admit that I look for ANY excuse to buy new books.) I used to spend hours pouring through hundreds of different books on all sorts of interesting writer topics. There were books to help you develop your characters, books to help you write realistic descriptions of places you'd never actually visited, books to help with voice and dialogue, and row after row after row on prompts and the technical "how-to's" to writing. It used to be a full aisle.
Imagine my surprise when I discovered that this wonderful section was now a half of one side of a rather short aisle. Of course there was a shelf for all the Writer's Market info, and the obligatory dictionary and thesaurus shelves. The popular books like Stephen King's On Writing, Anne Lamott's Bird by Bird, and Strunk & White's The Element's of Style were all faced out. (The only oldie by goodie missing was Natalie Goldberg's Writing Down the Bones) But all of the other fun references were gone. I didn't see one book on query letters or manuscript formatting! But with such a small section, I guess they had to be picky about what they had keep in stock, and it makes sense to stick with the home run hitters.
I will miss my bookstore reference section, but this is just another good reason to head to my local library.
I fret, groan, and moan but keep plugging along.
Now that I am nearing the completion of revision round #1 of my manuscript, I am starting to doubt my writing technical expertise. I am a sucker for commas, and have yet to meet an adverb that I didn't like. I've known these two things for many years, so these are the "easy" edits that I make as I comb through pages. I decided that I needed some advice and guidance on fixing the not-so-obvious errors. It was time to repurchase a grammar book or two. A writer should always have one of those handy right?
I thought that I'd check out my options by visiting my local bookstore. (Okay- I admit that I look for ANY excuse to buy new books.) I used to spend hours pouring through hundreds of different books on all sorts of interesting writer topics. There were books to help you develop your characters, books to help you write realistic descriptions of places you'd never actually visited, books to help with voice and dialogue, and row after row after row on prompts and the technical "how-to's" to writing. It used to be a full aisle.
Imagine my surprise when I discovered that this wonderful section was now a half of one side of a rather short aisle. Of course there was a shelf for all the Writer's Market info, and the obligatory dictionary and thesaurus shelves. The popular books like Stephen King's On Writing, Anne Lamott's Bird by Bird, and Strunk & White's The Element's of Style were all faced out. (The only oldie by goodie missing was Natalie Goldberg's Writing Down the Bones) But all of the other fun references were gone. I didn't see one book on query letters or manuscript formatting! But with such a small section, I guess they had to be picky about what they had keep in stock, and it makes sense to stick with the home run hitters.
I will miss my bookstore reference section, but this is just another good reason to head to my local library.
Friday, August 21, 2009
Swearing Goes Mainstream
Perhaps I'm a bit of a prude. I can swear like a trucker when the mood strikes me (and it does often) but never at work, in front of children or people I don't know, or out in public where others can hear me.
So there I was watching the Project Runway debut last night, when a movie trailer came on advertising Quentin Tarantino (and Brad Pitt's) new movie, Inglourious Basterds. Now I realize that there were some liberties taken with the spelling of the second word, but it is pretty clear what they were aiming for there. My 8-year old is clever enough to figure that one out (Ohhh- that's a BAD word!).
I realized how how far we've come in the area of using stronger language in the media. Mainstream artists have "insert swear word" here lyrics, and the full version plays in all it's glory on satellite radio. I have become desensitized to all it to the point where it takes something as in your face as Taratino's new movie title to wake me up to "Hey- this is pretty crazy."
Right or wrong- swearing in mainstream media seems to have arrived. There are only a few words left waiting their turn in the spotlight, but I have no doubt that day will come in the not so distant future.
As a writer, I utilize swearing in scenes to increase the impact of the dialogue and also signal that the action in the scene is very different than before (Hey Ms. Reader- pay attention!!). But I am still uncomfortable weaving it in regular character conversation. (And I guess I haven't encountered a character yet who would be swearing on a regular basis.)
What do you think?
So there I was watching the Project Runway debut last night, when a movie trailer came on advertising Quentin Tarantino (and Brad Pitt's) new movie, Inglourious Basterds. Now I realize that there were some liberties taken with the spelling of the second word, but it is pretty clear what they were aiming for there. My 8-year old is clever enough to figure that one out (Ohhh- that's a BAD word!).
I realized how how far we've come in the area of using stronger language in the media. Mainstream artists have "insert swear word" here lyrics, and the full version plays in all it's glory on satellite radio. I have become desensitized to all it to the point where it takes something as in your face as Taratino's new movie title to wake me up to "Hey- this is pretty crazy."
Right or wrong- swearing in mainstream media seems to have arrived. There are only a few words left waiting their turn in the spotlight, but I have no doubt that day will come in the not so distant future.
As a writer, I utilize swearing in scenes to increase the impact of the dialogue and also signal that the action in the scene is very different than before (Hey Ms. Reader- pay attention!!). But I am still uncomfortable weaving it in regular character conversation. (And I guess I haven't encountered a character yet who would be swearing on a regular basis.)
What do you think?
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Twitter dee dee- The Power of Twitter
I've been meaning to post on my Twitter experience to date and a tweet by Anthony Bradley (@bradleyanthonyj) to his blog post on Why People Don't Get Twitter drove me to action.
My social media experience was limited to Facebook until this past June. Even now, I post a status update there maybe once every few weeks, and use it primarily to play Mafia Wars. (I still don't think my life is that interesting.) Then I attended a Writer's Digest webinar on "Identify and Pitch the Right Markets for Your Work" hosted by Robert Brewer (@robertleebrewer) and Alice Pope (@alicepope). This webinar completely opened my eyes to the power of social media networks like Twitter.
Robert and Alice invited the webinar participants to follow them on Twitter, and I finally had a reason to check out this strange microblogging thing I'd heard so much about. I realized that there were probably a lot of people in the writing industry using this tool to talk about their work, their successes, and sharing resources to help others. I didn't have to pay a dime for access to this invaluable information- the only thing I needed to do was figure out how to follow the right people!
I pulled out my latest Writer's Digest magazine and went to town. I searched for every editor, writer, and author mentioned. I was pleasantly surprised to find many of them in the Twitterverse. I pulled out another writing magazine and did the same thing. I started diving into all of these great tweets, and then paid attention to who the people I was following followed, and I added people from there. In addition, I started getting people following me as I braved the world of RT.
I have been incredibly selective about who I chose to follow, and it is paying off in dividends. I have pages upon pages of informative articles, blogs, and quotes at my fingertips everytime I login.
As I've moved my attention from the writing trade to the specific topic of leadership and leadership development, I created a new Twitter profile to follow those industry experts. (Again, it just takes paying attention to who is out there discussing the topics on their blogs- many tweet too.) Then it was just a matter of finding the right kind of tool (like TweetDeck) to help me manage my profiles.
I think Twitter is a powerful tool if you chose to use it strategically. Like anything else, it is what you make of it.
My social media experience was limited to Facebook until this past June. Even now, I post a status update there maybe once every few weeks, and use it primarily to play Mafia Wars. (I still don't think my life is that interesting.) Then I attended a Writer's Digest webinar on "Identify and Pitch the Right Markets for Your Work" hosted by Robert Brewer (@robertleebrewer) and Alice Pope (@alicepope). This webinar completely opened my eyes to the power of social media networks like Twitter.
Robert and Alice invited the webinar participants to follow them on Twitter, and I finally had a reason to check out this strange microblogging thing I'd heard so much about. I realized that there were probably a lot of people in the writing industry using this tool to talk about their work, their successes, and sharing resources to help others. I didn't have to pay a dime for access to this invaluable information- the only thing I needed to do was figure out how to follow the right people!
I pulled out my latest Writer's Digest magazine and went to town. I searched for every editor, writer, and author mentioned. I was pleasantly surprised to find many of them in the Twitterverse. I pulled out another writing magazine and did the same thing. I started diving into all of these great tweets, and then paid attention to who the people I was following followed, and I added people from there. In addition, I started getting people following me as I braved the world of RT.
I have been incredibly selective about who I chose to follow, and it is paying off in dividends. I have pages upon pages of informative articles, blogs, and quotes at my fingertips everytime I login.
As I've moved my attention from the writing trade to the specific topic of leadership and leadership development, I created a new Twitter profile to follow those industry experts. (Again, it just takes paying attention to who is out there discussing the topics on their blogs- many tweet too.) Then it was just a matter of finding the right kind of tool (like TweetDeck) to help me manage my profiles.
I think Twitter is a powerful tool if you chose to use it strategically. Like anything else, it is what you make of it.
Monday, August 17, 2009
Not the Usual "Character"
I have been spending quite a bit of time recently reworking a manuscript that I wrote for National Novel Writing Month in 2005. That story took the full 30 days, and I wiped the sweat from my brow and claimed my 50,000 word prize the last day and didn't look back.
You see, I had run into a problem with the story. It was unfinished, mainly because I didn't know how to finish it. So I put it away to pick up after a period of time, hoping that time would give me perspective. Unfortunately the story was promptly forgotten, and only mentioned when I proudly told people "I've written a book-twice."
As I was dusting off these treasures last month (as mentioned in my last post), this story started begging for my attention. But even after a re-read (which I was surprisingly pleased with), I still found myself with the same problem. How did this story end?
I started doing some re-writing and added in a prologue that I thought helped frame up the beginning a bit better. I went through and added almost 5000 words to flesh out the introduction of my characters. But I was still scratching my head.
This past weekend I forced myself to sit down and address this issue. Either I was going to figure this story out, or I was going to have to go on to other projects. I really didn't want to do that because I can see the potential here. I did mind mapping and timelines, character descriptions, etc. and then I made myself write out in 25 words or less what my story was about.
Eureka. Part of my plot is that the main character has an otherwordly experience with a house. The house was a key part of my story, and was the major character that I had not addressed at all in my manuscript. Once I realized this, the ideas came fast and furious. I now knew the "why" behind certain things happening, and with that I was able to outline the ending in my head (which I am sure will change, but it's a start!). I added an additional 5000 words over the course of the rest of the weekend.
Then, just for fun, my family drove over to the neighborhood where my story takes place. It is a well-to-do area just outside of downtown Minneapolis. After passing dozens of different houses, my husband all of the sudden said "That is a spooky house". He had no idea what I was working on, other than a story set in this neighborhood. I promptly took a picture with my iPhone, and now have the picture saved as my desktop background. It is helping with my inspiration and keeping the creative juices flowing.
So from now on when my writing is becomes difficult, and the story just isn't hanging together, I'm going to be looking for those "characters" I may be missing.
You see, I had run into a problem with the story. It was unfinished, mainly because I didn't know how to finish it. So I put it away to pick up after a period of time, hoping that time would give me perspective. Unfortunately the story was promptly forgotten, and only mentioned when I proudly told people "I've written a book-twice."
As I was dusting off these treasures last month (as mentioned in my last post), this story started begging for my attention. But even after a re-read (which I was surprisingly pleased with), I still found myself with the same problem. How did this story end?
I started doing some re-writing and added in a prologue that I thought helped frame up the beginning a bit better. I went through and added almost 5000 words to flesh out the introduction of my characters. But I was still scratching my head.
This past weekend I forced myself to sit down and address this issue. Either I was going to figure this story out, or I was going to have to go on to other projects. I really didn't want to do that because I can see the potential here. I did mind mapping and timelines, character descriptions, etc. and then I made myself write out in 25 words or less what my story was about.
Eureka. Part of my plot is that the main character has an otherwordly experience with a house. The house was a key part of my story, and was the major character that I had not addressed at all in my manuscript. Once I realized this, the ideas came fast and furious. I now knew the "why" behind certain things happening, and with that I was able to outline the ending in my head (which I am sure will change, but it's a start!). I added an additional 5000 words over the course of the rest of the weekend.
Then, just for fun, my family drove over to the neighborhood where my story takes place. It is a well-to-do area just outside of downtown Minneapolis. After passing dozens of different houses, my husband all of the sudden said "That is a spooky house". He had no idea what I was working on, other than a story set in this neighborhood. I promptly took a picture with my iPhone, and now have the picture saved as my desktop background. It is helping with my inspiration and keeping the creative juices flowing.
So from now on when my writing is becomes difficult, and the story just isn't hanging together, I'm going to be looking for those "characters" I may be missing.
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