Thursday, December 31, 2009
New Year Goals
Everyone is talking about resolutions, what they are going to change. I have a few goals in mind, some have been goals for the past few months and others are new. But they are my goals for 2010. I have written them down on a sticky note above my computer. My kids look at it and make faces but it 's there. Part One, I am going to finish the first draft of my NaNo story before March. Part Two do revisions on said story. I am going to write everyday, goes along with the finish the story. And I will go to the gym. Yeah my goals sound simple on the page, but in reality they are hard for me, because I can't seem to sit still long enough the accomplish them. Even going to the gym is short lived because of all the other stuff on my plate. But there they are, they are attainable but I have to work at it. Life is what we make of it and if it were easy we would be bored. So as the new year rolls in tonight and I'll be celebrating with friends and family I will be looking forward to what is to come. Pull out the grapes, the oranges or champagne and toast a new year. Or should I say pull out your pens, laptops and paper and get ready. See ya next year.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Resolutions
The year 2009 is at a close. I think this is the first year I don't have a true resolution. I'm on the fast track to losing weight, so I don't need to list it. My personal life is better than it's been, so being happier isn't necessary to list.
Psychologists recommend writing a gratitude list (so does my friend). I might as well write it here.
1. I'm grateful to be alive and have my family around me.
2. I'm grateful to all my friends; writers, fellows, co-workers, etc.
3. I'm grateful to have God back in my life
4. I'm grateful for a creative mind and heart.
However, there is a small list of improvements I'd like to work on during this coming year, the beginning of a new decade
1. I WILL schedule time to write each and every day. I schedule other parts of my daily life, why not writing too?
2. I WILL continue to strive for a clutter-free workspace, rest space and living space. So much clutter distracts me from my writing goals.
3. I WILL continue my business education, one step at a time, to make me marketable in this depressed job market.
4. I WILL achieve my ideal weight goal this year, if not in the first half of the year.
5. I WILL submit at least one manuscript to a publisher this year. (I'M MAKING THIS GOAL PUBLIC SO I HAVE TO ACHIEVE IT - YOU KNOW, ACCOUNTABILITY)
What a nice, short list. When have I ever had a clear enough focus on what I want to achieve at any time? Never before. Thank God for everything he has done for me this year.
I wish you all a very Happy New Year. May your gratitude list be equal to or greater than mine, as well as your goal list.
Clink! Clink!! That's my glass clinking with yours in toast to the upcoming decade. May it be a fruitful one for all of us.
Psychologists recommend writing a gratitude list (so does my friend). I might as well write it here.
1. I'm grateful to be alive and have my family around me.
2. I'm grateful to all my friends; writers, fellows, co-workers, etc.
3. I'm grateful to have God back in my life
4. I'm grateful for a creative mind and heart.
However, there is a small list of improvements I'd like to work on during this coming year, the beginning of a new decade
1. I WILL schedule time to write each and every day. I schedule other parts of my daily life, why not writing too?
2. I WILL continue to strive for a clutter-free workspace, rest space and living space. So much clutter distracts me from my writing goals.
3. I WILL continue my business education, one step at a time, to make me marketable in this depressed job market.
4. I WILL achieve my ideal weight goal this year, if not in the first half of the year.
5. I WILL submit at least one manuscript to a publisher this year. (I'M MAKING THIS GOAL PUBLIC SO I HAVE TO ACHIEVE IT - YOU KNOW, ACCOUNTABILITY)
What a nice, short list. When have I ever had a clear enough focus on what I want to achieve at any time? Never before. Thank God for everything he has done for me this year.
I wish you all a very Happy New Year. May your gratitude list be equal to or greater than mine, as well as your goal list.
Clink! Clink!! That's my glass clinking with yours in toast to the upcoming decade. May it be a fruitful one for all of us.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
What The Season Means to Me
I've been blessed with new insight into what this holiday season is really about. God Bless my friend who encouraged me to rent a cute, sexy Mrs. Claus costume. I wanted to wear it this week at work (I'm a hostess in a small, family diner).
At first, it was just an idea, a lark. The tables were turned on me when I first wore it Monday during the lunch hours. People who see me regularly there laughed when they walked in. Those who haven't seen me in a while were startled, but they grinned or laughed. As I walked through the restaurant seating customers, bussing tables and cashing customers out, smiles were everywhere.
My heart burst with sudden clarity. This season is about bringing happiness and joy to those around us. Amidst the chaos the merchants have created in our lives, I'm able to bring people a brief respite from the madness. They may come in with heavy hearts, grumpiness or just the "bah-humbug" feeling. When they leave I see happiness and delight reflected in their eyes and smiles.
This the season to be joyful and thankful for all the blessings of family and friends.
Thank you to the LC_RW members, some new friends and some old friends, for bringing my focus back to my deepest desire - writing. I wish you all a truly wonder-filled, joyous holiday and a happy, healthy New Year!
At first, it was just an idea, a lark. The tables were turned on me when I first wore it Monday during the lunch hours. People who see me regularly there laughed when they walked in. Those who haven't seen me in a while were startled, but they grinned or laughed. As I walked through the restaurant seating customers, bussing tables and cashing customers out, smiles were everywhere.
My heart burst with sudden clarity. This season is about bringing happiness and joy to those around us. Amidst the chaos the merchants have created in our lives, I'm able to bring people a brief respite from the madness. They may come in with heavy hearts, grumpiness or just the "bah-humbug" feeling. When they leave I see happiness and delight reflected in their eyes and smiles.
This the season to be joyful and thankful for all the blessings of family and friends.
Thank you to the LC_RW members, some new friends and some old friends, for bringing my focus back to my deepest desire - writing. I wish you all a truly wonder-filled, joyous holiday and a happy, healthy New Year!
Sunday, December 20, 2009
"Tis the Season
Christmas is almost here. I know everyone is running around buying those special gifts, wrapping them with the utmost care, and hoping they will bring pleasure and joy to the recipient. Sometimes however, the best gifts are the intangibles that often go unnoticed.
Like the gifts we receive from membership to LCRW. There are many, the gifts of friendship, encouragement, sharing, and motivation. The gift of caring critique that enables us to improve our writing and puts us that much closer to publication. And when one of us reaches that milestone, we all share in that bliss of accomplishment for our fellow writers.
Each gift is lovingly given and a cherished blessing to be received, all year long.
Merry Christmas.
Like the gifts we receive from membership to LCRW. There are many, the gifts of friendship, encouragement, sharing, and motivation. The gift of caring critique that enables us to improve our writing and puts us that much closer to publication. And when one of us reaches that milestone, we all share in that bliss of accomplishment for our fellow writers.
Each gift is lovingly given and a cherished blessing to be received, all year long.
Merry Christmas.
Friday, December 18, 2009
A month after NaNo
So I didn't hit the full amount, but I am still proud of myself. Recently, I sat down and read all the words I've writtened and realized several things. One I need a common plot thread throughout the piece. Two all I have is conflict scene after scene. So I have about 25,000 words of scenes. I suppose if I tie it in with the actual story line, and plot I will have a completed novel. So that is my goal now. I want to have a first draft of a novel by the first of February.
I am going to be going to the Central New York Conference and the Sunday with Bob Mayer. I can't wait, I want something in hand for the critique. I could pull out several of my older manuscripts but this one is the most fresh and I am really excited about it. So that is my goal for the next few months. I should probably go and hit the Word document. I have a plot to nail down. Happy Writing
I am going to be going to the Central New York Conference and the Sunday with Bob Mayer. I can't wait, I want something in hand for the critique. I could pull out several of my older manuscripts but this one is the most fresh and I am really excited about it. So that is my goal for the next few months. I should probably go and hit the Word document. I have a plot to nail down. Happy Writing
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Top Ten Reasons Why People Don't Become Published
10. They dunt use spelchek.
9. They don't got no good grammar.
8. They address their query "Dear whomever."
7. They think a plot is a piece of land.
6. All their characters are too nice.
5. All their characters are too evil.
4. They have 11 1/2 pages of non-essential description. In the first chapter.
3. They've never let anyone critique their work because they want people to read it once it's selling on the bookshelves. Alongside the other best sellers.
2. They sit back and wait to become "discovered."
And the number 1 reason why people don't become published: They're afraid to pick up that pen or turn on the computer and start writing!
9. They don't got no good grammar.
8. They address their query "Dear whomever."
7. They think a plot is a piece of land.
6. All their characters are too nice.
5. All their characters are too evil.
4. They have 11 1/2 pages of non-essential description. In the first chapter.
3. They've never let anyone critique their work because they want people to read it once it's selling on the bookshelves. Alongside the other best sellers.
2. They sit back and wait to become "discovered."
And the number 1 reason why people don't become published: They're afraid to pick up that pen or turn on the computer and start writing!
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Gratitude
Dee's latest blog entry featured resolutions, something many focus on at this time of year.
Because I rarely keep resolutions, I like to look at the things I'm grateful for.
Not necessarily in order of importance:
1. That new grandson with the wonderful Gaelic name, Kieran. He is placid, quiet, easy to handle, a good sleeper and a great eater--the exact opposite of his older sister. I don't know if my daughter and son-in-law could have handled another screamer.
2. My other grandson Owen who has developed his own unique personality, so different from his older sister, and who boasts a smile that clutches the heart of even this old broad.
3. Out of the Dark, an anthology which brought me out of the dark of writer's indifference and near-fatal procrastination.
4. Tiger Woods who makes me appreciate my husband even more than I already did.
5. Mike and Mike in the Morning. They make me laugh, and groan and, occasionally, want to slap some sense into their pointy little heads.
6. A booming tote bag business which recently afforded me a brand new sewing machine, for which I will have my first class this afternoon. I can't wait.
7. My two grand-daughters who always make me laugh.
8. My husband, who still makes me laugh.
9. My 3 daughters, intelligent, self-sufficient, capable women who don't always make me laugh but sure make me proud to be their mother.
10. A great presidential year with LCRW, all thanks to our members who made this group thrive.
Now . . . what are you grateful for?
siochain
Kat
Because I rarely keep resolutions, I like to look at the things I'm grateful for.
Not necessarily in order of importance:
1. That new grandson with the wonderful Gaelic name, Kieran. He is placid, quiet, easy to handle, a good sleeper and a great eater--the exact opposite of his older sister. I don't know if my daughter and son-in-law could have handled another screamer.
2. My other grandson Owen who has developed his own unique personality, so different from his older sister, and who boasts a smile that clutches the heart of even this old broad.
3. Out of the Dark, an anthology which brought me out of the dark of writer's indifference and near-fatal procrastination.
4. Tiger Woods who makes me appreciate my husband even more than I already did.
5. Mike and Mike in the Morning. They make me laugh, and groan and, occasionally, want to slap some sense into their pointy little heads.
6. A booming tote bag business which recently afforded me a brand new sewing machine, for which I will have my first class this afternoon. I can't wait.
7. My two grand-daughters who always make me laugh.
8. My husband, who still makes me laugh.
9. My 3 daughters, intelligent, self-sufficient, capable women who don't always make me laugh but sure make me proud to be their mother.
10. A great presidential year with LCRW, all thanks to our members who made this group thrive.
Now . . . what are you grateful for?
siochain
Kat
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Resolutions
We are getting close to the end of the year. The time when folks determine what they could do to improve themselves for the New Year. A fresh start. Some will give up smoking (good plan I did it 50 years ago) some will go on diet, (don't think I need one lost 15 lbs when Bill passed away) some will take on new endeavors (I'm scared, but feel I need to do this.) The fear isn't that I might fail, probably will many times over. What inhibits me is embarrassing Bill or my kids. I have always been a team player and hesitate to initiate action. I love to help but don't like doing things on my own. The only thing I've ever done without others is write. I love it, it is liberating and satisfying. The thing that bothers me about writing is the publicity. Without it your royalties wouldn't buy a happy meal. I know I need to do this and feel fairly certain that many writers would rather just write and let the publicity and promotion take care of itself. Of course that won't happen.
I've made some positive steps in this direction. It won't go into play until after the first of the year, but I've determined to use the services of a PR person, right here in Rochester. Now I would like to propose a package be put together for promotion that each published author could rely on. If anyone has tried and failed with a type of promotion, that has not worked should be put in the packet as well. As a group we should be committed to helping each other. I find most of the younger members are far more savy in this area. I don't know how to put together a face book page or how to use twitter. For that I would ask that any of the members who knows how to do these things create a step by step plan for doing this. It may seem simple to those of you who know how, but do remember brain surgery is easy if you know how. This package will take time to create and I would be happy to serve as a facilitator for this and create the package as long as someone will get the information to me. I will also add what not so brilliant moves I've made. The publishing world is packed with almost successful authors and I feel that it should be the duty of LCRW to provide every method to rise our authors to the top of the pile. We have some brilliant writers and some daring writers who enter the publishing world by writing other types of material such as magazines. Could one of you show me how you did this? This could be another method of publicity. I think pooling our resources would benefit each of us. I would like to understand the complexities of Internet promotion. There have been many books written on the subject and for the most part they are as puzzling as promotion itself. We need a plain and simple plan to get ahead of the pack. Simple as 123, abc. Please chime in and let me know if you feel that this is a good idea or if I'm all wet. Don't worry about telling me I am all wet, I have towels. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
I've made some positive steps in this direction. It won't go into play until after the first of the year, but I've determined to use the services of a PR person, right here in Rochester. Now I would like to propose a package be put together for promotion that each published author could rely on. If anyone has tried and failed with a type of promotion, that has not worked should be put in the packet as well. As a group we should be committed to helping each other. I find most of the younger members are far more savy in this area. I don't know how to put together a face book page or how to use twitter. For that I would ask that any of the members who knows how to do these things create a step by step plan for doing this. It may seem simple to those of you who know how, but do remember brain surgery is easy if you know how. This package will take time to create and I would be happy to serve as a facilitator for this and create the package as long as someone will get the information to me. I will also add what not so brilliant moves I've made. The publishing world is packed with almost successful authors and I feel that it should be the duty of LCRW to provide every method to rise our authors to the top of the pile. We have some brilliant writers and some daring writers who enter the publishing world by writing other types of material such as magazines. Could one of you show me how you did this? This could be another method of publicity. I think pooling our resources would benefit each of us. I would like to understand the complexities of Internet promotion. There have been many books written on the subject and for the most part they are as puzzling as promotion itself. We need a plain and simple plan to get ahead of the pack. Simple as 123, abc. Please chime in and let me know if you feel that this is a good idea or if I'm all wet. Don't worry about telling me I am all wet, I have towels. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
Monday, December 14, 2009
Life Changes
Today I'm amazed at how much my life has changed in the last year. Thank God for these changes.
First, I've been writing again. Of course, I haven't finished anything and do tend to get distracted away from writing for long stretches. One of my resolutions for 2010 will be to dedicate a certain time frame each day to writing.
Second, I've lost 89.5 pounds in 16 months. Energy I've never experienced is driving me batty :) I'm seriously considering renting a 'Mrs. Claus' costume. The owner of Arlene's Costumes is a friend and wants to deck me out. Can't wait to see if I can fit into one of them. The one I looked at in Eastview Mall is so svelte-looking, I'm feeling sexy already.
Third, I've reconnected with my friends at LC_RW. I've missed being with you and I'm grateful for your friendship. I'm looking forward to the party on Saturday. Shall I dress up? :)
First, I've been writing again. Of course, I haven't finished anything and do tend to get distracted away from writing for long stretches. One of my resolutions for 2010 will be to dedicate a certain time frame each day to writing.
Second, I've lost 89.5 pounds in 16 months. Energy I've never experienced is driving me batty :) I'm seriously considering renting a 'Mrs. Claus' costume. The owner of Arlene's Costumes is a friend and wants to deck me out. Can't wait to see if I can fit into one of them. The one I looked at in Eastview Mall is so svelte-looking, I'm feeling sexy already.
Third, I've reconnected with my friends at LC_RW. I've missed being with you and I'm grateful for your friendship. I'm looking forward to the party on Saturday. Shall I dress up? :)
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Lost
I usually don't just dip my toe in when I'm interested in something--I take a running start and do a cannonball. Which can explain why I watched 5 entire seasons of the show Lost in the past 3 weeks. (That's 103 episodes, each 43 minutes long. You do the embarassing math to determine how long I've been parked in my recliner the past month--and how little writing I've done as a result.)
Yeah, the show's that good. If you're not familiar with it, a plane crashes on a mysterious island and the survivors struggle to live with each other, with their pasts (told in flashbacks) and with ever changing threats. I'm pretty sure my jaw has dropped every single episode. (And someone has gotten punched every single episode, I've noticed.) The series premiered in 2004 (I'm late to the game) and the final season begins this February. I can't even wait.
Immersing myself in 5 seasons of this incredible, compelling drama has been quite the lesson in storytelling. It's been like an intense course in goal and conflict from the moment the show begins. It made me realize how weak my characters' goals and conflicts seem in comparison. Will the characters ever leave this island? That's the thought on your mind every episode. Was the goal in my last book that compelling? Nope. But I'm going to change that now, after watching back-to-back episodes of incredible storytelling.
What about the goals for your characters? Will your readers grip your book for the entire ride wondering if they reach them? Would your readers stay parked in their recliner to find out? Could you make their goals more compelling, more important? If you haven't read Donald Maass' wonderful book "Writing the Breakout Novel" check it out. He provides some great steps for raising the stakes in your book. I wonder of the writers of Lost read it.
Of course writing a novel is different from writing a long running TV series. But if you want to meet some great, real characters with incredible backstories and riveting conflicts and goals, check out this show. (And you don 't have to do it in 3 weeks either--but you might not be able to help yourself. The frist few seasons are free on Hulu and ABC.com)
Whoever thought watching TV could improve my writing?
(And if you are a Lost fan, get in touch. We need to discuss theories before the next season begins!)
Yeah, the show's that good. If you're not familiar with it, a plane crashes on a mysterious island and the survivors struggle to live with each other, with their pasts (told in flashbacks) and with ever changing threats. I'm pretty sure my jaw has dropped every single episode. (And someone has gotten punched every single episode, I've noticed.) The series premiered in 2004 (I'm late to the game) and the final season begins this February. I can't even wait.
Immersing myself in 5 seasons of this incredible, compelling drama has been quite the lesson in storytelling. It's been like an intense course in goal and conflict from the moment the show begins. It made me realize how weak my characters' goals and conflicts seem in comparison. Will the characters ever leave this island? That's the thought on your mind every episode. Was the goal in my last book that compelling? Nope. But I'm going to change that now, after watching back-to-back episodes of incredible storytelling.
What about the goals for your characters? Will your readers grip your book for the entire ride wondering if they reach them? Would your readers stay parked in their recliner to find out? Could you make their goals more compelling, more important? If you haven't read Donald Maass' wonderful book "Writing the Breakout Novel" check it out. He provides some great steps for raising the stakes in your book. I wonder of the writers of Lost read it.
Of course writing a novel is different from writing a long running TV series. But if you want to meet some great, real characters with incredible backstories and riveting conflicts and goals, check out this show. (And you don 't have to do it in 3 weeks either--but you might not be able to help yourself. The frist few seasons are free on Hulu and ABC.com)
Whoever thought watching TV could improve my writing?
(And if you are a Lost fan, get in touch. We need to discuss theories before the next season begins!)
Friday, December 11, 2009
Looking back...
Ten years ago my focus, along with most of the world's attention, was on the ushering in of the year 2000! We all wanted to know what would happen. Well, a lot has happened in the last decade. Many things we could not have imagined (September 11th, Anthrax letters, Hurricane Katrina, Wars in Iraq and Afghanistan). Difficult days indeed. My personal losses have also been numerous (the deaths of my dad, grandmother, three uncles, two aunts).
But as we stand on the cusp of 2010, I can't help but remember all of the wonderful things in my life that have changed over the past decade. In 2002 and 2004 my husband and I were blessed with two amazing boys. Everything in our world has shifted since their arrival. On a much smaller scale I achieved my dream of writing a book and having it published (two books). I reconnected with old friends and made new ones.
The year ahead, will bring both good and bad. It always does. That's okay...I'm ready! Of course, I'm keeping my fingers crossed that we all have many more reasons to smile than to frown!
But as we stand on the cusp of 2010, I can't help but remember all of the wonderful things in my life that have changed over the past decade. In 2002 and 2004 my husband and I were blessed with two amazing boys. Everything in our world has shifted since their arrival. On a much smaller scale I achieved my dream of writing a book and having it published (two books). I reconnected with old friends and made new ones.
The year ahead, will bring both good and bad. It always does. That's okay...I'm ready! Of course, I'm keeping my fingers crossed that we all have many more reasons to smile than to frown!
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Gratitude
This is the season to give thanks. Thanks for our families, friends, health and prosperity. This holiday season I'm especially grateful for the opportunity to mend fences with my parents. They are not going to be around forever, which was shown to me the hard way with my mom having a small heart attack. Fortunately, the attack didn't do any damage, but did indicate she needed a pacemaker put in which has been done.
I'm grateful for my friends at LC_RW welcoming me back into the fold after a long absence. How amazing is it that you've made me feel like I'd never left?! I guess that's what having friends with the same interests as you can do. There was a chance that I'd not be able to attend meetings, but talking it over with a dear friend, I realized being back in the group is what I need to do for myself at this point in my life. It's time for me to realize some of my dreams!
My goals for the upcoming year? To continue my dreams of writing and becoming published, to continue striving for a healthy weight and being a nicer, saner person.
I wish all of you Happy Holidays and Happy New Year! (I do hope to do this at Bazil's next week) :)
I'm grateful for my friends at LC_RW welcoming me back into the fold after a long absence. How amazing is it that you've made me feel like I'd never left?! I guess that's what having friends with the same interests as you can do. There was a chance that I'd not be able to attend meetings, but talking it over with a dear friend, I realized being back in the group is what I need to do for myself at this point in my life. It's time for me to realize some of my dreams!
My goals for the upcoming year? To continue my dreams of writing and becoming published, to continue striving for a healthy weight and being a nicer, saner person.
I wish all of you Happy Holidays and Happy New Year! (I do hope to do this at Bazil's next week) :)
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Happy Holidays
Today we got our second snow fall and my little dachshund likes it just as much as the first time, that is to say HE DOESN'T. I suppose if my tranny were dragging in the snow I wouldn't like it either. I am kind of non committal about snow. It's pretty and I don't have to go out in it each day to get to work. Even when I worked I did so from my home office. Not overly fond of cold, but heck I was born in Rochester and I've had seventy years to get used to it.
I done all the Christmas shopping I am going to do.
I am looking forward to our Christmas Party at Basil's. I hope you all are able to make it.
In the past we each did a resolution goal for the year. What you plan on accomplishing for the next year. The goals were read the following year. It was very interesting. I would like to see this re-implemented. Many things from the old group weren't stellar, but some ideas were. I think we ought to take another look at what worked in the past.
I wish you all a prosperus and Happy New year and look forward to a great year for LCRW as well. MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR
I done all the Christmas shopping I am going to do.
I am looking forward to our Christmas Party at Basil's. I hope you all are able to make it.
In the past we each did a resolution goal for the year. What you plan on accomplishing for the next year. The goals were read the following year. It was very interesting. I would like to see this re-implemented. Many things from the old group weren't stellar, but some ideas were. I think we ought to take another look at what worked in the past.
I wish you all a prosperus and Happy New year and look forward to a great year for LCRW as well. MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Tiger Not out of the Woods Yet
I'm sure I'm not the only one waiting with bated breath to hear the next installment of the Tiger Woods drama. Like every steamy bit of gossip we receive through the tabloids and newspapers, we are shocked, dismayed, incredulous. Even when we're aware nobody is infallible (and certainly not celebrities). Everyone has done at least one stupid thing they regret in their lives. Great fodder for memoirs, really.
But here's the catch: eagerly participating in listening to these tales of woe can make an otherwise ethical person feel downright guilty! How dare we want to hear more, the juicier the better? Or perhaps we devise our our own judge and jury system (Tiger's wife found out about his affairs. She chased him down the road, swinging his golf clubs at his SUV). Either way, we're ashamed to think we enjoy another person's misery.
Enter fiction. Ah, yes. Now we can read about people's failures, their deviant behavior, lack of morals, and not feel guilty! That's right. Or...even better...we can write about those kind of people without ever becoming one of them! (And if we were that type of person once, a long, long time ago, we don't have to admit to it. It's only a character we're writing about, right?)
So, I apologize Tiger Woods, for keeping up on your sordid life, and speculating on your behavior. I'm sorry I've kept track of your ups and downs even though I never watched even one of your golf games. But you're interesting, now. Like a character in a book. The difference being that the fictional character isn't hurting anyone.
But here's the catch: eagerly participating in listening to these tales of woe can make an otherwise ethical person feel downright guilty! How dare we want to hear more, the juicier the better? Or perhaps we devise our our own judge and jury system (Tiger's wife found out about his affairs. She chased him down the road, swinging his golf clubs at his SUV). Either way, we're ashamed to think we enjoy another person's misery.
Enter fiction. Ah, yes. Now we can read about people's failures, their deviant behavior, lack of morals, and not feel guilty! That's right. Or...even better...we can write about those kind of people without ever becoming one of them! (And if we were that type of person once, a long, long time ago, we don't have to admit to it. It's only a character we're writing about, right?)
So, I apologize Tiger Woods, for keeping up on your sordid life, and speculating on your behavior. I'm sorry I've kept track of your ups and downs even though I never watched even one of your golf games. But you're interesting, now. Like a character in a book. The difference being that the fictional character isn't hurting anyone.
Friday, December 4, 2009
NaNo
This was my first year trying NaNo or National Novel Writing Month. The whole month of November all you have to do is write 50,000 words. The first two weeks, I worked hard then life happened. One word... KIDS. In the end I came up short, but I'm not discouraged. I reached 25,000 words in one month. I know it wasn't my goal, but I learned much about my story.
The idea is to write, not to worry about spelling, grammar, plot or anything, to just wing it. Now in the last few years, I have plotted the heck out of my stories before writing it then i found that I wasn't interested in the writing the story so i decided this would bring it back to the basics. Now I realize I need a happy medium. Half way through the month, I was missing structure in my plot line, I was missing characters... I missing character's base line. Details, everyday life and a thread throughout the piece of congruency. So then I started to write down notes, and more notes. I'm sure if I would have wrote those notes into my NaNo work I may have gotten to at least 30,000 words, but I didn't, I wanted only the story.
What I realized in the end, I know have a great base for a story, my characters are flesh out, (at least on pieces of paper around my house). Nano taught me, wing it with a simple blot line. A goes to B then to C then oh wow D came out of nowhere and it all worked out in the E end.
I recently did an Interview with Susan Wiggs, and I left the last question open up to her advice for writers. Her response was perfect it got me thinking about all those out there. Here's her quote: "Besides reading my books? (Kidding.) Seriously, read and learn. Like Maureen in Lakeshore Christmas, you can find the whole world in books. And then, sorry to tell you, roll up your sleeves and get to work. I've heard it said a writer's apprenticeship is a million words. So let's get cracking."
A million words and to think I did 25,000 in one month. I'm proud of what I did and what I learned. Perhaps next year, come November I will have a plan and I will meet the Nano goal of 50,000 words. Just write.
The idea is to write, not to worry about spelling, grammar, plot or anything, to just wing it. Now in the last few years, I have plotted the heck out of my stories before writing it then i found that I wasn't interested in the writing the story so i decided this would bring it back to the basics. Now I realize I need a happy medium. Half way through the month, I was missing structure in my plot line, I was missing characters... I missing character's base line. Details, everyday life and a thread throughout the piece of congruency. So then I started to write down notes, and more notes. I'm sure if I would have wrote those notes into my NaNo work I may have gotten to at least 30,000 words, but I didn't, I wanted only the story.
What I realized in the end, I know have a great base for a story, my characters are flesh out, (at least on pieces of paper around my house). Nano taught me, wing it with a simple blot line. A goes to B then to C then oh wow D came out of nowhere and it all worked out in the E end.
I recently did an Interview with Susan Wiggs, and I left the last question open up to her advice for writers. Her response was perfect it got me thinking about all those out there. Here's her quote: "Besides reading my books? (Kidding.) Seriously, read and learn. Like Maureen in Lakeshore Christmas, you can find the whole world in books. And then, sorry to tell you, roll up your sleeves and get to work. I've heard it said a writer's apprenticeship is a million words. So let's get cracking."
A million words and to think I did 25,000 in one month. I'm proud of what I did and what I learned. Perhaps next year, come November I will have a plan and I will meet the Nano goal of 50,000 words. Just write.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Whine Country--the rest of the story
Some of you know I provide child care to a few of my grandchildren three days a week. The perks are many, like watching the three year-old's face after she woke yesterday morning and discovered snow on the ground. That was really special, considering things went downhill from there--but that's a nightmare story for another time.
Another of the perks is being able to read [for free] issues of Entertainment Weekly. Not that I always agree with the articles or reviews, but I never know when I might find a jewel in the rough. And Stephen King's essays are always a hoot.
The November 6, 2009 issue featured a small piece about author Kathryn Stockett whose debut novel "The Help" [a February 2009 release] has close to 800,000 copies in print and ". . .its steady word-of-mouth sales have kept it on the NYT's best-seller list longer than any other hardcover novel this year . . ."
The point: nearly 60 agents turned down Ms. Stockett's book before publisher Amy Einhorn paicked it up in 2007. "Those rejections lit a fire under my rear end," says Stockett. "I would say I've got to make it better."
Enough said, I think.
Another of the perks is being able to read [for free] issues of Entertainment Weekly. Not that I always agree with the articles or reviews, but I never know when I might find a jewel in the rough. And Stephen King's essays are always a hoot.
The November 6, 2009 issue featured a small piece about author Kathryn Stockett whose debut novel "The Help" [a February 2009 release] has close to 800,000 copies in print and ". . .its steady word-of-mouth sales have kept it on the NYT's best-seller list longer than any other hardcover novel this year . . ."
The point: nearly 60 agents turned down Ms. Stockett's book before publisher Amy Einhorn paicked it up in 2007. "Those rejections lit a fire under my rear end," says Stockett. "I would say I've got to make it better."
Enough said, I think.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Endings
Stephen King once said, “If you already know the ending, why write the story.”
I always think I know how my stories will end when I start, but more often than not the characters take over and create their own endings. Working from an outline allows flexibility in my writing, but keeps it on target.
My WIP is a longer version of a short story written about five ago, so the ending was pretty much set. That was until I went to Astronomicon.
I believe it was Rick who said, “Ask yourself, What If.”
“What if?” I asked myself and came up with another ending.
I’m only halfway through, so there still may be another ending. I’m not going to know until I’m finished.
I always think I know how my stories will end when I start, but more often than not the characters take over and create their own endings. Working from an outline allows flexibility in my writing, but keeps it on target.
My WIP is a longer version of a short story written about five ago, so the ending was pretty much set. That was until I went to Astronomicon.
I believe it was Rick who said, “Ask yourself, What If.”
“What if?” I asked myself and came up with another ending.
I’m only halfway through, so there still may be another ending. I’m not going to know until I’m finished.
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