Monday, November 30, 2009

A Side Note

Today, working on my mss is the furthest thing from my mind. My mom is going in for a pacemaker insertion early in the morning. We had a scare the week before Thanksgiving when my dad called to say she was being admitted to the hospital. This was not the phone call we'd been expecting.

You see, my mom has always been the strong one, the one who held the family together. On the other hand, my dad has been steadily become more frail. He's unstable on his feet and smokes like a fiend. A life of bad habits has made him the most likely one to have health problems.

The doctors were going to insert the pacemaker a week ago Friday, but decided to send her home with a monitor for 24 hrs. They said the new medicine seemed to be doing its job. However, after I returned the monitor that Monday morning, they promptly called her within a few hours and asked her to come in the next morning. I went with her, per doctor's orders, and found out that even though the medicine was working, it couldn't do the job needed. So, a pacemaker was definitely in order.

Thank God, we managed to get through the holiday with no mishaps or emergencies. Now, I'm camped at my folks house getting ready to turn in for the night. Four a.m. comes mighty fast. Luckily, my kids are in their late teens and early twenties and can fend for themselves, with a little help from dad

I'd like to think some day when all the tension goes away and life gets back to normal, I'll be able to make a great story from this. I'm certainly taking notes on what goes on around me.

With luck, I'll be able to get some hours in on my mss later tomorrow. Kept my laptop at the folks overnight. I'll keep you posted on how things go.

Sunday, November 29, 2009

The Allure of Vampires...

What is the allure of vampires? Since I was a child and I’m sure long before that, the world’s been intrigued, horrified, fascinated, and compelled by the idea of vampires.

What does that bite feel like?

Are vampires wholly evil, only out to kill in the worst imaginable ways? Are they seductive creatures of the night, looking for the one woman (or man) to complete them? To spend the rest of their eternity with?

In the movies we see both. Some portray them as scourges of mankind. Others, the vulnerable hero-monster, wanting to love but so afraid of the monster within. Afraid of turning their beloved, or hurting them with their supernatural strength.

My sister and I both went through periods of time where we feared vampires. She often slept with her neck surrounded with stuffed animals. (Stuffed animals apparently work like garlic and/or holy water – no vampire can get past those sacred teddies!)

Tonight, when you’re lying in bed, close your eyes, expose your neck, and hope for the best (whichever best is the best for you…)

Saturday, November 28, 2009

Response to Whine Country

A few days ago Lisa asked group members if we would continue writing even though we would never be published AND at what point would we hang up our pen and paper.

February something, 1983. I received a How The Hell Are You? card from a friend from my Operating Room days. I sat down to tell her what was going on in my life and . . . 27 pages later [I had to filch loose leaf notebook paper from the kids to keep it going], I began to think maybe I had something going with this.

That response turned into a story which went untitled for about 20 years, plus it was the best thing I've ever written. It was finally published in 2007. It only took me 24 years to see it in print. I didn't have an easy time finding a publisher. And every contest or pitch session garnered mixed responses. "No one wants a story with a 47 year old heroine." "Forget the old lady, give me a story about her kids; make her a secondary character." "The external conflict is difficult to read about. Your characters are harsh and unlikeable; good nurses don't talk like that." "Great story; super dialogue, fabulous characterization. Good luck finding a publisher. They aren't going for old lady heroines these days."

The story went on to win the Golden Wings Award from Wings e-Press, later it won the Barclay Brooch.
Would I give up writing even though I knew I'd never be published? No.

When will I hang it up? When they close the lid on my casket.
Kat

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

A Writing Exercise for your WIP (part 1)

If you're like me, you like playing around with your story, revising until your fingertips are calloused from typing. So I am proposing exercises to (hopefully) strengthen your manuscript. You may already use these methods, but if not, maybe it will give you something to work with.

First of all, I suggest starting with a chapter in the middle of your story or novel. The middle seems to be where most of my creative writing students falter the most. Sometimes it needs a "pick-me-up." Therefore, that is why I propose beginning in the middle, so to speak.

Notice your character's reactions. Are they strong? Is there emotional conflict? Every scene should either drive the plot or add emotional impact. If your scene does not have enough oomph, take it up a notch. Again, this is only an exercise. It may not work for your particular novel, but it's fun to see where it might lead.

Here's an example:
Cinderella realizes she doesn't have a dress for the ball. Good conflict. Let's take it up a notch.

"All my clothes look like soot and ashes. I can't go. It's not fair!" She kicked the broom and it skittered into the corner. Cinderella glared at it. "It's all your fault, you pathetic thing! Wal-Mart special! If only I had the Nimbus 2000, this place would be spotless!"

The broom shook, sputtered to life. Startled, Cinderella shrieked. The broom chased her around the room, sweeping all the while, until the place was spotless.

See how I've given the old story new life? Try it with your work, see what happens. You might find yourself pleasantly surprised at what comes out. Good luck!

Monday, November 23, 2009

Do you hear the crows this morning?

Did you know crows have funerals?
There may be a reason why these loud, black birds have a place in horror and mythology.
Crows are extremely intelligent birds. Crows, Ravens and Magpies have the largest brain among other birds.
Studies have shown they can count, use other animals to do their dirty work, and yes, have funerals.
How a crow funeral works, from what I've read, is, when a dead crow is found, large groups of crows gather, cawing, sounding off, and flying around. Then suddenly a moment of silence is observed, all the crows hush, and seconds later it's over, and they fly away. A moment of respect for their fallen comrade, probably more than a lot of humans get.
If you write paranormal, or mythological fiction, the crow may be a great animal to use in your stories.

And heck, if you're ever too tired to take your dog for a walk, you may find the friendly neighborhood noisemaker eager to help. I've read where crows grabbed on to a dog's leash, a cow's leash etc. and took the animal for a walk.

Sunday, November 22, 2009

Whine Country

So, if you attended this month's meeting you heard my tale of woe: contest results that weren't quite what I was looking for. (Didn't final, lots of conflicting comments for a book I thought was gooood.) Kinda knocked me on my creative butt and left me thinking, "Why do I keep doing this writing thing? It's like dating an abusive bully." I've written other books that have gotten close to being represented by an agent, but no cigar. At what point do I cry uncle and give up?

I know, I know--want some cheese with that whine, Lisa? Just about every writer has faced disappointment and rejection on the road to publication. But here's my concern--how many writers just keep on slogging down that long road without ever actually making it to publication? For every "JK Rowling was rejected by 892 publishers story" how many stories do we not hear about the writers who don't ever make it to publication?

Many writers will ask themselves this question when faced with my quandry: "Would you keep writing if you knew you wouldn't get published?" And lots of writers will say, yes, of course I would.

Well, guess what? I wouldn't. I write with the hope that someday, my book will delight someone. I want to write a book that someone closes with a sigh and thinks about for the rest of the week. A book that makes them think and feel. A book they tell a friend "they have to read!" So, if I knew my book was never going to be published for others to read, no I wouldn't write it. I'd channel my creative energy elsewhere.

(It's like the time I collected giant clamshells in Cape Cod, took them home, handpainted them, placed them on handcrafted easels, carted them to a craft show and sold not one. Not one!!!! "Crafts gone bad" we now jokingly call it 20 years later. However, after that experience, I decided painting seascapes on shells was a creative endeavour I no longer wanted to pursue, and I'm fine with that.)

Now, I'm not at that point yet with writing, but it certainly is easy for my enthusiasm to be derailed while traveling down the publication road. Luckily, I belong to a great writer's group ready to prop up a sagging spirit. (Thanks guys. Just one of the reasons writers need to be part of a supportive community like LCRW.)

What about you? Would you keep writing if you knew you'd never be published? At what point would you decide to call it quits?

Friday, November 20, 2009

Old Friends

As I try to finish my mss, I had the niggling sense that I was missing something. One day it finally came to me. A book I had started (in between the two mss' I'm writing now)was no where to be found. It wasn't on my computer or the flash drive I keep my mss' on. Where was it?

This new 12-step program I'm on says you should pray about anything in your life, big or small. Well, this is a pretty small matter, but what the heck. I'll give it a shot.

After three days of praying for help in finding this story, I find it! Luckily it had been printed out and was saved in a nice, zip-up binder. Now, everything is on hold with all my work until I get the danged thing transcribed onto the flash drive.

I'm so caught up with it, the pages are flying as fast as my fingers can work. My husband is disgusted with me because it's the first time I've really been focused on getting my writing done. Of course, it didn't help that he was trying to nap in the same room I was typing in.

So the moral of this story is to always know where your friends are.

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Strange things are happening

As Jennie posted Harlequin is going digital and into the vanity press. Remember when I said, digital is the coming thing? You may not remember cause you might not have known me back then in 1998, but it was the reason I chose to be published with a POD publisher. But the fee Harlequin is charging is outrageous. If you choose to self publish please talk to me before you spend money foolishly. Self publishing can be profitable but not if you pay up front.
I invested in a Kindle this past week and note I said invested, this is the next thing on the horizon. It may not happen in my lifetime as I am an old lady, but there will come the day when kids will have their homework on a Kindle or similar device. To be able to buy a book in 60 seconds is nothing short of amazing, and the cost is far less than a actual paperback.
Other than my new toy and the fact that my dog is finally potty trained my life is pretty much a daily thing. Note to those who have trouble training a dog. I tried everything trainers, vets and friends with dogs but what finally worked was a video. I was watching it and the dog sat beside me, when it finished Widget walked to the door and scratched to be let out. Job done.
I am sorry for the late posting but had a full day that I was not planning on. I look forward to seeing you all on Sat.
Good Night

Sunday, November 15, 2009

Show me the...

...query letter.

Okay, so you don't want to share your WIP. How about your query letters?
Do you have one you're particularly proud of, or a letter Agents read and then actually asked for more?

I'm still struggling. I've got about ten different versions and NONE of them work. I need the hook, but the hook is based on some back story. I just don't know how to start it.

Are you guys sick of me whining about this yet?

I am.

So...may I ask for one piece of advice from each of you, that led you to query letter success?
Please?

Thanks!

First & Ten

A Sunday afternoon of football reminded me of our upcoming contest, First & Ten. What a great concept!
Every writer knows, in order to make the sale, they have to grab the editor’s attention quick. Those first pages are critical. Like an exciting game of football, that first chapter has to be perfectly executed and action packed. Early mistakes are not easily overcome.
With the $10 entry fee, we’re sure to have many contestants competing in our contest. Kudos to the contest committee for this brilliant idea.
Sorry for the short post, but I do have a game to watch. Go Bills!

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Exciting Industry News

Big news in romance publishing this week. For those that might have missed it Harlequin Enterprises Limited announced Monday the launch of Carina Press(TM), a digital-only publishing house that will operate independently of their traditional publishing businesses.

Carina Press will distribute ebooks directly to consumers through their web site and numerous third-party web sites. According to their press release Carina will publish a wide range of women's fiction -- romance, erotica, science fiction, mystery, family sagas, horror, thriller and more.

For writers and readers this is great news! Harlequin might pave the way for major publishers to put their money behind e-books. As a published author with Samhain and The Wild Rose Press I want the industry to grow. Harlequin has a sixty year history of providing customers with what they want. They've studied the landscape and their willingness to dive into the digital market might signal a shift away from the traditional business model.

Although I don't have a polished manuscript ready for submission, I do know that I will keep Carina Press on my wish list. Check out their web site if you want to find out more: http://carinapress.com/

Writing Outside the Box

If you didn't make it to the Astronomicon this past weekend, you missed out on a great conference. I spoke to many of the attending authors, who were cordial and accommodating. Although at one point there was a misunderstanding (during the cross-gender discussion panel), a point was made to think outside the box when writing.

If you traditionally write from a heterosexual's POV, try choosing a homosexual POV. If most of your characters are in their thirties or forties, think what someone eighty or ninety might do or say when put in a similar situation (such as a being exposed to a new romance, landing on a new planet, solving a murder.) If you are white, try writing from the POV of someone who is Asian-American.

Or juice up your plot. Maybe a detective isn't trying to find a murderer, but trying to hide one. Maybe the sweet old aunt acts like she wants her nephew to find the love of his life, but instead thwarts his attempts because she is afraid a romance in his life will harm his acting career. Or maybe the leader of the mob has hired a hitman to go after himself because he's miserable but too cowardly to commit suicide. Think opposites.

What can you do to change things up, to help you see things in a different light, maybe get out of a rut? Think outside the box. See where you mind can go once it's been freed.

Monday, November 9, 2009

Details on WIP--24 hours early

Sorry, guys, I'm writing my blog early because I can't predict how child care provision will go tomorrow. I wanted to strike while the iron is hot.

My WIP, "Raising Kane", is the story of investigative reporter, Mallory Kane, and Public Information Officer, police lieutenant, Keenan Pollack. They come together after violence erupts during a march protesting violence against women. Mallory is assigned to cover the march for the local TV station and is among those arrested on charges of inciting to riot because the march organizers failed to apply for the necessary permits--plus several protesters are seriously injured by those they are protesting against.

As legal proceedings ensue, Mallory begins receiving threats to prevent her from testifying about what she witnessed. Uncertain of whom to trust, she shares her thoughts and fears with no one while keeping the handsome Lieutenant Pollack at arm's length.
Now if I could find the time to write!!

Siochain,
Kat

Sunday, November 8, 2009

Previews...

Hello LCRW,

I would love to know what your present WIP is about. In your comment give us a blurb!
Here's mine:

Anna 'Sight' Williams works for a Private Investigation firm in which everyone has their own special talents. Anna is a profiler, and a psychic. When she touches people she has visions. This can be very helpful in criminal cases...not so much in everyday life.

Her new partner Webster, is an 'everything by the book' kind of guy who loves to argue.

She refuses to shake his hand for obvious reasons and when he forces the issue, her vision is quite an eye-opener...

Unfortunately for Sight, she gets brushed in a crowded room and connects with an evil serial killer. Her gift changes, visions come randomly. She and Webster need to find this man before he kils again. When he targets someone they know and love, time is of the essence.

Can she trust Webster to 'have her back' and not let her down? Can she trust her own gift, to tell her the truth and lead her in the right direction? Can she give herself emotionally to a man for the first time in her life, and let down her guard? Her vision shows her a happy ending...but will a serial killer put a stop to her gift, and her life...before she gets her happily ever after?

Saturday, November 7, 2009

Procrastination

I'm sure someone already wrote about procrastination. Yet, now that the holidays are approaching, I think I need to bring it up again.

With time becoming filled with plans for visiting family, holiday dinners, and a funeral sprinkled in, I find that I don't get to my computer as much as I had in the past few months. It's frustrating and depressing.

I've been successful in structuring a few parts of my daily life but not all. What I want most is to structure in writing time over frivolous stuff. Can I do it? I want to, I need to, so I must. Yet, determination is not my forte :(

So, what I am going to do it write out a schedule of when I want to write, as well as everything else I need to do each day. I've been doing it for a few days with some disciplines I need to maintain. It's helping me get everything done. Now, I need to add in time to write.

Will I make it too hard to maintain? I hope not. I figure an hour a day should be manageable. It's enough to get deep into the story, but not too long to block me from doing other things.

My goal? To take procrastination out of my vocabulary!

Friday, November 6, 2009

Dream Big

When my grandpa was alive, I would always say that I would make the trip to Kansas to visit him, but something would always come up. Either I couldn’t get the time off of work or I didn’t have any money or what ever dumb excuse… the airport is like an hour drive away from his house and traveling would be hard cause I was too young to rent a car. There was always an excuse because I thought there would be a tomorrow to go out there at a later date. Then all of the sudden there was no tomorrow. He passed away very suddenly and there was no more reason to make the trip, my excuses were dried up and my tomorrows to visit were yesterdays of unfulfilled promises. And I felt like the worst granddaughter ever.
When I was younger I always wanted to see New York City then 9/11 happened and there’s a chunk missing that will never be seen again. I wanted to go to New Orleans forever, then Katrina hit. Beautiful cities that will never be the same and the previous experiences I wanted can never be attained like that again… not that these cities are ruined forever by any means… just that they don’t have the innocence they once possessed.
Now in my ripe old age I travel tons. This year I’ve seen Philadelphia for the first time, I’ve been to New York for the 3rd time, I leave for LA next week for the 2nd time and in January I’m going with a bunch of friends to New Orleans for the first time. I’ve decided that lack of money was a really dumb reason not to travel, really it’s not all that expensive and if you cut out some luxuries like daily coffee and fast food, it becomes more affordable. And time is negotiable, if you don’t take off from work you will drive yourself crazy.
But probably the most painful delay I’ve had in my life is my writing. Back in high school I wanted to be a writer, but I believed a teacher who said I was too creative to be any good at AP English. In college I rediscovered my love for the written word and flourished, but I let myself get caught up in “The Real World” and writing became a hobby then became a past dream. If I could get back those 5 years that I didn’t pick up my pen, that’s 5 years that I could’ve written my 1st novel instead of working on it now. Hell I could be done with my 3rd novel by now and have been published, yet I gave into that stupid voice that said be safe and content with the little you have and don’t lose yourself in your dreams.
Lose yourself in your dreams. Dream big. If this is our chance, then grab hold of it with both hands and hold on tightly. We may not know how many tomorrows we have for our dreams but we do know they are numbered.

By Konnie Collins

Monday, November 2, 2009

A letter to an Agent...

Dear Prospective Agent,

What do you want from me? I'm a good writer. Really....I am. Just because I can't write a two paragraph letter that would wow Ernest Hemmingway, doesn't mean I can't write. You just have to give me a chance. I promise you'll like it. Really.

Really.

Love,
ME

Okay, so how many of us feel like this when faced with writing a query letter. I feel like I'm stuck on the process. I have gotten critiques, opinions, read articles etc. And now I don't even want to look at my letter. (Picture me plugging my ears, closing my eyes and singing off key really loud.)

The query process is intimidating. To say the least. So tomorrow is the day. I will spend a couple of hours on it again. Take what I've learned, do a little more research and see what comes of it. (Scratch that....Wednesday is the day, my daughter does not have school tomorrow.) Hey, I wrote 2 1/2 novels, I can write a simple letter. Right?

I just hate the thought of someone passing me over because my query letter sucks.
What is your experience with Query letters? Leave a comment and tell me.

Sunday, November 1, 2009

Secondary Characters

All great heroes and heroines have them, sidekicks, best friends, or lovable accomplices. Batman had Robin, the Lone Ranger had Tonto, and where would Lucy be without Ethel?
Secondary characters flesh out our writing. What better way to build back story than with a conversation between friends. “Hey, Joe, remember spring break in Cancun? Did your rash ever clear up?”
Sage secondary characters help our main characters grow and accomplish their goals. When all seems lost, who do they seek for advice? An experienced coworker? A wise wrinkled grandparent? A stranger on the bus reading the New York Times?
Add a bumbling sidekick and you’ve instantly added humor. Ralph Kramden’s life would have been uneventful without upstairs neighbor Ed Norton. Together, they made comedy history.
Lacking tension or conflict in your writing? That can be solved simply by having a best friend cross a line. Flirting with the hero, taking an important document, or any risky behavior by the secondary character will force the hero/heroine into action.
Keep in mind, too many secondary characters can bog down the story. You shouldn’t need a scorecard to keep track. Also, don’t let the secondary characters hijack the story. Remember, the action revolves around the main characters. All others have a supporting role.