A Closer Look

So, I'm getting ready to enter my ms. in our contest, and I thought it was about time to drag out those comments and scores I got a few months ago when I entered two other contests. I was really down at the time; I had been certain I would at least final, but I didn't. And some of the scores weren't great. a 107 out of 150? Ouch. Really, that bad? I shoved it all away in a drawer and haven't look at my ms. since. I know, I know--kind of stupid. But it really shook my confidence.

So I got out the score sheets the other day and took a deep breath. It was time to take another look at what the judges said so I could work their criticism into my ms. for our contest. And guess what? They had some really great things to say. Things I hadn't noticed before, when I was so focused on the final score. Things like:

"Author, practice your autograph!" (she gave me a 148 out of 150, my one bright spot.)

"I absolutely love your voice and absolutely think this ms. has great potential." (a 108 out of 150.)

"Well done! You had me hooked from the get-go"

And from the most critical judge: "on the plus side, you really do have a lot of talent and a great ability at storytelling. A little more effort, and you shouldn't have any problem attracting an editor or an agent."

How had I missed all that? I walked away from the contest thinking I was a failure because I didn't win and didn't even come close. As I looked over their comments for the second time, most seemed to think my heroine needed a stronger motivation. After reading their comments, I agreed, and came up with something different and better.

So, as we get ready to send in our contest entries, remember that the greatest prize might not be getting 1st, 2nd or 3rd place. And if you're getting ready to judge, remember how invaluable an encouraging comment can be (even three months later.)

One Day at a Time

One day at a time. This phrase takes on a new meaning for me as I continue to work on my mss. Instead of feeling overwhelmed or failure, I'm learning to just take baby steps. I've just applied to be a preliminary reader for a publisher. I also entered a contest with my work.

I feel comfortable and confident about my progress. What a change from just a few months ago. A lot of credit goes to my friends at LC_RW who make me feel like a writer and encourage me.

Progress

Putting my mind to it, I'm finding myself working on my mss more than ever. Granted, I'm copying it to a notebook that's easier to travel with and leaving room to really tweak the passages and make the story flow quicker and smoother. A critique partner from the Rose Trellis suggested I take several pages at a time and see where I could consolidate scenes and give more insights from the antagonists' perception.

I've been told I write great dialogue, but reading and writing over this piece, I see my scenes are dialogue-saturated. Compared to most books in print, my dialogue is over-kill. So, with that in mind, I'm excited to see this mss evolve into something worthwhile. The old adage, "Practice makes perfect," is true. The more I practice writing scenes, the better they're getting.

Hopefully, this helps others who are struggling with their mss. Thank you, Steve, for the mechanical pencils (gift exchange at Holiday Party). They are coming in very useful as I work on my mss while I wait for my 17 yr old to finish his intramural games. I transcribe in pen, but double-spaced and go over it with pencil for changes.

Must learn self discipline

We've gotten through Christmas, New Years and February is fast approaching and I've done very little in what I told myself I would do. Can't seem to get into the swing. I have however made some small inroads, I have cleared a space on my desk so the dog won't bug me when I try to write. He likes looking out the front window, but any movement on the entire street sets him off, barking to protect me.
So today I am going to send my latest completed work off to Wild Rose, as Ms Penders requested it last fall. I am going to offer it to them before I send it to Wings as they are always accepting of my work. They like sweet fantasy tales. I've read a great deal lately, and find the works I've been reading, mostly fantasy romance, contain much more sex than I am comfortable with. I hate spending money on pages I don't read. I am not a prude, I know sex sells but how many ways can you say the same thing over and over on countless pages? I cannot write sex. And since I now get none, reading about someone else's is an exercise in futility.
I do find it is easier in the contemporary I am now working on. I haven't written a contemp in years. I don't know how my critique partner does it. She turns them out like Jonny be good. She's amazing. That's you Miss Donna.
At first I thought this blog thing was a waste of time, but now I see it's value, not only to the writer but to the reader. I've gone back and read most of the previous posts and find information that is highly usable. This group has the potential to be the best group in our state. And that's saying something as the NY groups are amazing.
Now as if this moment I am going to grab my boot straps and keep my word to myself and do some writing. I hope all of you are far more disclipined than I am. WRITE ON!

Persistence

I almost forgot to post. Don't know why when it's listed on all my calendars. Being overtired might be a reason.

At least I can say I've been doing better keeping my resolves. I've been working on my mss every day this week. If I continue at the pace I am currently, I can honestly say I'll finish it this year :) As I'm learning, I need to take everything in my life "one day at a time."

My posts may not be as thought provoking as others, but they help me stay honest about my goals.

I also agree with Dee and would like to see the pre-meeting critiques return. One of the reasons I returned to the group was to utilize other members experience and expertise in honing my craft.

Opps

Hi folks,
Well guess what? I not only missed a day, when I did realize what an idiot I was, I did a catchup but if you don't post it, it doesn't show up. Today was a day for getting rid of old junke I say that because it might have been valuable to someone but I have no use for old pipe fittings. My hubby saved all sorts of (to me) useless stuff.
I want to tell you all I had a wonderful time at the Christmas party and if you weren't there you should definitely plan on making it next time. I had a shrimp scampi that was the best I've ever tasted. The company was great and talk abounded. We all learned something. Getting together in a non-business setting is wonderful and I look forward to doing it more often.
I hope everyone had wonderful holidays, mine were especially nice. Both of my children are in tight money straights, so gave me the most wonderful gift possible. They each wrote me a letter telling me what I mean to them. One grandson and a new granddaughter did the same. To be able to re-read them gives me a boost on a down day.
My little doggie had most of his indestructible toys destroyed in less than 30 minutes. But he had a ball doing it. I think he could demolish Kevlar (the material used in bulletproof vests)
I shan't forget next time so I'll talk at ya on the 19th

Procrastination

How many times do we make resolutions and break them we even get to the starting gate. Well, this year I feel bad about missing my first blog date of the year.

To make it up, I'm blogging on my little iPod Touch. It takes some getting used to, trying to type by touching the screen and not hitting the wrong keys.

Did anyone see the Living section of today's paper? It had an article about reorganizing our schedules. This wonderful little machine has a great calendar feature that lets me make a schedule. I am now setting aside a specific time for my writing. It gives me time to get an idea down and still have time to get everything else I need to do done.
Maybe I'll be able to actually get a manuscript finished.

Improving the LCRW experience

At this time of year most folks take stock and see what areas in their life they can improve and make resolutions to do just that. I think LCRW has come a long way from where it was when I left. It is now a vital organization, but I think it could be even better. Scuttlebutt has it some folks, me included, wishing the critique portion of meetings could be reinstated. Some years ago (I don't remember exactly when) folks who arrived early could read a few pages and the group would offer helpful suggestions. At the last meeting one member was having a down experience with one of her manuscripts. The group was able to offer her some insight and it is my belief that the main reason for the group is for members to aid one another with writing issues.
Critiques are the most concrete method of improving ones work. I have a critique partner who is very good , but I think she humors me because I am published. Being published does not mean you can be a island that is always right. You need contact with other writers.
I have tried to hold monthly meetings at my house for critique but, find they are under attended. This time of year the weather is not always nice and my driveway is a very steep hill. So since most of us come to the meetings why not set aside a portion of the meeting for critiques?
Looking forward to seeing all of you at the next meeting and I hope you all had wonderful holidays and have the finest New Year. It doesn't seem possible it is 2010 already. Yesterday was the first day of spring wasn't it?

It's Personal

So, I got good news today that the book featuring two of my essays will be published February 1st, 2010. The Ultimate Bird Lover is published by the folks who put out the Chicken Soup for the Soul books. (I wrote a humorous piece about the ducks that invaded my koi pond--and wouldn't leave, and a more reflective piece on stopping to watch the birds at our feeder after losing my job last year.)

I love writing personal essays and I've had a few published over the years. I find writing essays so much easier than writing fiction. It's so much simpler for me to reflect on a situation, remember the sights, smells and sounds, and finally extract some meaning from the event. With fiction--gah! You've got to make it all up. Maybe working in the news business for almost 20 years makes it more difficult for me to just "come up with a story." I've always dealt in facts, and that's the way it is with essays.

But even if fiction comes freely to you, why not try a personal essay? They're typically short (500-1500 words.) It can be a nice break from your novel writing, and you just might find yourself with a slot in a book, a check in the email, and the Batavia Daily News on the phone wanting to do an interview. Yep, I made the paper, baby.

For personal essay markets check out: ultimatehcibooks.com, acupofcomfort.com and chickensoup.com. They have ongoing submission needs. Good luck!