The Writer Slump has caught up with me.
I'd thought I'd evaded it...sneaking into my office during the toddler's nap time, arms full of snack food, ready to hit the keyboards. But no. It found me. Instead of typing, I sat berating myself, wondering whatever possessed me to begin this fool novel in the first place. I felt talentless. Dull. And then I thought: maybe I simply needed a new pair of shoes to cheer me up.
An hour later I'd found a pair of boots I loved yet couldn't afford, read my spam emails, and knew which celebrity wore what horrible ensemble out in public, but no new sentences graced my word document.
And then I realized I had dishes to do.
Computer went off. Dishwasher went on. I'd work on my novel later. End of story...right?
But it's not, because I still can't seem to become motivated enough to write anything. Even as I punch away at the keyboard this very moment, I'm looking at the clock going, "When will I end this tiresome tirade? Why can't I stop writing about this horrible writing slump I'm in?" Which is actually kind of ironic, don't you think?
("Yeah, I really do think," I say to all the Alanis Morissette fans out there.)
Anyhow, I'm certain at some point I'll want to continue writing. Perhaps some encouragement will come my way, or a friend will take me aside and slap me silly, telling me to get back in the ring and fight.
Until then, the Writer Slump has got me good. I guess I'll take this time to get some housework done. Answer emails. Maybe find a pair of boots I can afford.
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Friday, May 7, 2010
Inspiring Scenes--Part II
A few days ago, Christine wrote about being inspired to write by something she saw. Within the past few months, paying attention to the advice of 'write what you know', I've begun to create characters who are children, four years and younger. I am writing what I see and hear every day.
Several months ago, I told grand-daughter to put on any pair of underpants as long as they were clean and they fit.
Horrified, she retorted, "I'll go naked if I can't find my Kai Lan panties."
To which I responded, "It's against the rules to go bare-assed, Meredith."
Her brother, who at that moment was wearing the MIA Kai Lan panties on his head, tugged on my hand and asked, "What's bare-assed, Nana?"
Too priceless to ignore when writing a scene for Raising Kane which featured a harassed single dad who is struggling to get the kids off to school while running late for work himself.
Later, different day but same children are scarfing down pasta salad as if it were their last meal, one asks, "This is good stuff, Nana, what's it called?"
"Orzo salad. Do you like it?"
"It looks like Mason [pre-school classmate]'s worm farm but it tastes lots better."
Only an innocent could say something like that, and get away with it.
The moral: use what's right in front of your face.
Siochain!
Kat
Several months ago, I told grand-daughter to put on any pair of underpants as long as they were clean and they fit.
Horrified, she retorted, "I'll go naked if I can't find my Kai Lan panties."
To which I responded, "It's against the rules to go bare-assed, Meredith."
Her brother, who at that moment was wearing the MIA Kai Lan panties on his head, tugged on my hand and asked, "What's bare-assed, Nana?"
Too priceless to ignore when writing a scene for Raising Kane which featured a harassed single dad who is struggling to get the kids off to school while running late for work himself.
Later, different day but same children are scarfing down pasta salad as if it were their last meal, one asks, "This is good stuff, Nana, what's it called?"
"Orzo salad. Do you like it?"
"It looks like Mason [pre-school classmate]'s worm farm but it tastes lots better."
Only an innocent could say something like that, and get away with it.
The moral: use what's right in front of your face.
Siochain!
Kat
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
My Hero
A few years ago, I did the Pink Ribbon Run on Mother’s Day. While waiting for the event to begin, I struck up a conversation with an older woman. I had an immediate respect for this tiny lady in an over-sized T-shirt and black tights. It was pretty gutsy for a woman her age to run a 5k.
Remember, there was a time when girls could not participate in sports in school and were discouraged from running. Title IX was signed in 1972 granting equality for girls and women in federally funded education, especially athletic programs. I graduated in 1971.
I lost track of my new friend at the start of the race, but sought her out afterwards. “If you don’t mind . . .” Curiosity made me forget my good manners. “How old are you?”
She was in her seventies, twenty years older than me. Later, I checked stats on the internet. She’d kicked my butt by ten minutes.
Sunday, I’ll be at the Pink Ribbon Run. I’ll be looking for that old woman. And, I hope she kicks my butt again!
Remember, there was a time when girls could not participate in sports in school and were discouraged from running. Title IX was signed in 1972 granting equality for girls and women in federally funded education, especially athletic programs. I graduated in 1971.
I lost track of my new friend at the start of the race, but sought her out afterwards. “If you don’t mind . . .” Curiosity made me forget my good manners. “How old are you?”
She was in her seventies, twenty years older than me. Later, I checked stats on the internet. She’d kicked my butt by ten minutes.
Sunday, I’ll be at the Pink Ribbon Run. I’ll be looking for that old woman. And, I hope she kicks my butt again!
Monday, May 3, 2010
Frustrated
I'm really frustrated today. I want to give up on all my dreams because someone said I'm the cause of our computer problems.
Last weekend, my computer froze. I told my dh the computer kept giving me notice there was no more disk space. Instead of giving me the external hard drive I'd asked for as an anniversary gift, I was told to document what all was taking up the space.
In the mean time, an automatic download crashed the system.
On Weds last week, I downloaded some work from TWRP on my dh's computer and now that's acting up. I only used the computer one day, and someone else used it pretty much non-stop til today. So, of course, it's my fault it's acting up.
Sorry if this post turned into a rant. Came back late last night from a weekend trip with my parents to CT, then working 6 hrs more than my normal 2. Getting blasted when you're tired and frazzled leaves one feeling raw.
Don't know how I'm going to finish my work for TWRP, maybe the library. Can you download PDF's on the library computer?
And how am I going to find a job if I can't use the computer? My resume wad on my dead computer, but luckily Bryant & Stratton has a current copy. I'll ask if they'll snail mail me a copy. But most companies only accept online applications. Of the twenty I've applied to in the past three to four months, there had been no responses. No one takes paper applications any more.
Last weekend, my computer froze. I told my dh the computer kept giving me notice there was no more disk space. Instead of giving me the external hard drive I'd asked for as an anniversary gift, I was told to document what all was taking up the space.
In the mean time, an automatic download crashed the system.
On Weds last week, I downloaded some work from TWRP on my dh's computer and now that's acting up. I only used the computer one day, and someone else used it pretty much non-stop til today. So, of course, it's my fault it's acting up.
Sorry if this post turned into a rant. Came back late last night from a weekend trip with my parents to CT, then working 6 hrs more than my normal 2. Getting blasted when you're tired and frazzled leaves one feeling raw.
Don't know how I'm going to finish my work for TWRP, maybe the library. Can you download PDF's on the library computer?
And how am I going to find a job if I can't use the computer? My resume wad on my dead computer, but luckily Bryant & Stratton has a current copy. I'll ask if they'll snail mail me a copy. But most companies only accept online applications. Of the twenty I've applied to in the past three to four months, there had been no responses. No one takes paper applications any more.
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Scenes that inspire you.
How many everyday scenes, or situations, have inspired your writing?
I can think of a few.
Once at work I saw a couple in the parking lot. Young, probably high school.
The boy had his hands on her waist, facing her, and she was talking. And it didn't look like a boy trying to touch a girl in whatever way he could. It looked like he cared about her. Was completely absorbed by her and what she had to say.
And it struck me. I wanted to write a book that starts with hero and heroine as young kids but with the instant 'attraction' or completeness. That was my inspiration for a book called 'Soulmates'.
I read an article about a cellphone bomb that didn't go off as it was supposed to and a soldier held it up to be photographed and on it - it said, One Missed Call.
That led me to a story called 'Forever Love'.
I heard a song on the radio (country music always inspires me). The song is called in Telluride (I think) but before I knew that, I thought the guys was singing, Until your eyes. Wow, I was so inspired to write about a guy who was haunted about something in his past, barely living until he meets the woman, and in her eyes, he sees his salvation. (Very vague at this point) I did write the beginning of a book about a troubled bartender but I don't know if it's the one.
In my past I've had experiences with overly religious almost cult-like people which have inspired a lot of writing, some of it not fit for anyone else's eyes, but I've used some of it in Soulmates.
My experiences have made me extremely sensitive about extremists, especially when it comes to religion (doesn't it always?) and women being treated poorly, whether in relationships or religion.
That inspired me to write a novel called Worlds Apart. I wrote that one for the Write a Novel in a weekend contest. It's a parallel story about a girl here in America who finds out she's pregnant (at 16) and a woman in Afghanistan same age, but married and just had her third child.
So, everyday life can inspire you. Just keep watching. :)
I can think of a few.
Once at work I saw a couple in the parking lot. Young, probably high school.
The boy had his hands on her waist, facing her, and she was talking. And it didn't look like a boy trying to touch a girl in whatever way he could. It looked like he cared about her. Was completely absorbed by her and what she had to say.
And it struck me. I wanted to write a book that starts with hero and heroine as young kids but with the instant 'attraction' or completeness. That was my inspiration for a book called 'Soulmates'.
I read an article about a cellphone bomb that didn't go off as it was supposed to and a soldier held it up to be photographed and on it - it said, One Missed Call.
That led me to a story called 'Forever Love'.
I heard a song on the radio (country music always inspires me). The song is called in Telluride (I think) but before I knew that, I thought the guys was singing, Until your eyes. Wow, I was so inspired to write about a guy who was haunted about something in his past, barely living until he meets the woman, and in her eyes, he sees his salvation. (Very vague at this point) I did write the beginning of a book about a troubled bartender but I don't know if it's the one.
In my past I've had experiences with overly religious almost cult-like people which have inspired a lot of writing, some of it not fit for anyone else's eyes, but I've used some of it in Soulmates.
My experiences have made me extremely sensitive about extremists, especially when it comes to religion (doesn't it always?) and women being treated poorly, whether in relationships or religion.
That inspired me to write a novel called Worlds Apart. I wrote that one for the Write a Novel in a weekend contest. It's a parallel story about a girl here in America who finds out she's pregnant (at 16) and a woman in Afghanistan same age, but married and just had her third child.
So, everyday life can inspire you. Just keep watching. :)
Friday, April 30, 2010
Reaching Readers
We writers are a strange bunch to say the least. Introverted by nature, we isolate ourselves while putting inner most thoughts on paper. When it’s time to submit, we email. If we socialize, it’s with other writers, because they ‘get’ us.
But, there comes a time in every writer’s life when they get published. This is when that writer is thrust out of their cocoon. You either turn into a lovely butterfly and soar, or you get eaten alive.
Sadly, most get eaten alive. Writers often lack the skills to promo. Why? Because we would rather stay in our comfort zone, faceless behind a computer or try to promote to other writers.
At every writer’s conference, tons of writers are selling and signing, to other writers. Why not take a pile of your books to a local book club. Discuss your book. Share your passion. Tell them why you had to write this book. Turn them on to your book.
Talk to your local librarian. Set up a night where you can speak to the public. Call Wegmans. They’ve been hosting book signing for local authors.
Start your own Fan Club on Facebook. No one has to know.
Think out of the box for a book signing location. A vampire book? How about a midnight event at Jay’s Diner. Trust me. I’ve seen the late-night crowd at Jay’s. A baseball romance, I’m sure you’d find fans at Frontier Field.
At an upscale retirement community you would have a captive audience. An audience that loves to read! There must be a dozen of those places in Rochester.
Your thoughts?
But, there comes a time in every writer’s life when they get published. This is when that writer is thrust out of their cocoon. You either turn into a lovely butterfly and soar, or you get eaten alive.
Sadly, most get eaten alive. Writers often lack the skills to promo. Why? Because we would rather stay in our comfort zone, faceless behind a computer or try to promote to other writers.
At every writer’s conference, tons of writers are selling and signing, to other writers. Why not take a pile of your books to a local book club. Discuss your book. Share your passion. Tell them why you had to write this book. Turn them on to your book.
Talk to your local librarian. Set up a night where you can speak to the public. Call Wegmans. They’ve been hosting book signing for local authors.
Start your own Fan Club on Facebook. No one has to know.
Think out of the box for a book signing location. A vampire book? How about a midnight event at Jay’s Diner. Trust me. I’ve seen the late-night crowd at Jay’s. A baseball romance, I’m sure you’d find fans at Frontier Field.
At an upscale retirement community you would have a captive audience. An audience that loves to read! There must be a dozen of those places in Rochester.
Your thoughts?
The thrill of writing...
I miss it when I haven't felt it in awhile. But of course, that's my fault. It usually means I haven't been writing in awhile. :)
I'm talking about the thrill you get as you write, the shivers of excitement, the fluttering belly, the adrenaline rush...
I remember times sitting in Starbucks and writing longhand and my hand almost going faster than my brain. Keeping the writing legible was an issue.
Recently I was going through some old stuff (I mean oolllllddd - from high school) I found in my parents house and came across a manuscript I wrote. 300 or so handwritten pages. It was a romance...of course. And it was about my friend Cindy and her love...'Sonny' (remember Don Johnson's character in Miami Vice?) I have yet to read it but I will. I can't wait to see what it's about (I don't remember) and how bad (or good) it is.
I also wrote a book about me and Corey Hart (I'm soo dating myself), and at least one episode of Remington Steele - which I've yet to find. I remember sititng on my bed writing, back then, and it was better than any artificial high.
When I think of something new, a new plot twist, a new conflict etc. - it's so very exciting.
Gotta get back to my drug...
I'm talking about the thrill you get as you write, the shivers of excitement, the fluttering belly, the adrenaline rush...
I remember times sitting in Starbucks and writing longhand and my hand almost going faster than my brain. Keeping the writing legible was an issue.
Recently I was going through some old stuff (I mean oolllllddd - from high school) I found in my parents house and came across a manuscript I wrote. 300 or so handwritten pages. It was a romance...of course. And it was about my friend Cindy and her love...'Sonny' (remember Don Johnson's character in Miami Vice?) I have yet to read it but I will. I can't wait to see what it's about (I don't remember) and how bad (or good) it is.
I also wrote a book about me and Corey Hart (I'm soo dating myself), and at least one episode of Remington Steele - which I've yet to find. I remember sititng on my bed writing, back then, and it was better than any artificial high.
When I think of something new, a new plot twist, a new conflict etc. - it's so very exciting.
Gotta get back to my drug...
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Thank you all.
Fellow writers. I know it is not necessarily my turn to blog, but I would like to thank all the members of LCRW for the lovely flowers sent to me this afternoon. I missed several times I was to blog as I was in the hospital. So, again I would like to thank you all for your kind consideration. It was not a fun visit. Looking forward to seeing you all again soon.
Write On !!
Dee
Write On !!
Dee
Stranded
Are you tethered to your computer? Ever wonder what would happen if you were without it?
My computer froze and died on me over the weekend. I knew it was running out of drive space and asked for and external hard drive for my anniversary present. The response to my request was to find out what was taking up the 130+ GB. Neddless to say, I hadn't finished accumulating the info when an automatic download crashed the system.
Luckily, I received an iTouch for Christmas and I can access the Internet with it. Hence this blog entry. However, it also means I can only access what I have stored online, which is only mail archives. My mss are on a flash drive, thank God, but now I'll have to borrow someone else's computer (there are 4 others in the house) to get to them.
I tweeted my frustration and was surprised to receive a response from Jenni Holbrook. She told me she wrote her first book longhand. So, I think I'll take her advice and get this first mss down on paper so I can finish it. Who knows, hardcopy may still be the safest method to store writing for accessibility.
My computer froze and died on me over the weekend. I knew it was running out of drive space and asked for and external hard drive for my anniversary present. The response to my request was to find out what was taking up the 130+ GB. Neddless to say, I hadn't finished accumulating the info when an automatic download crashed the system.
Luckily, I received an iTouch for Christmas and I can access the Internet with it. Hence this blog entry. However, it also means I can only access what I have stored online, which is only mail archives. My mss are on a flash drive, thank God, but now I'll have to borrow someone else's computer (there are 4 others in the house) to get to them.
I tweeted my frustration and was surprised to receive a response from Jenni Holbrook. She told me she wrote her first book longhand. So, I think I'll take her advice and get this first mss down on paper so I can finish it. Who knows, hardcopy may still be the safest method to store writing for accessibility.
Friday, April 23, 2010
Promotion
On varies Loops I have been on, I have noticed a reoccurring thread about what writer's do in promoting. Everything from Blog tours, Twittering, Myspace, and Facebook pages. One lady talked about winning a contract by promoting. She said for months she was everywhere, on all social internet avenues to the point she wasn't sleeping. But she won the contest and the contract however, she didn't have any creativity to write or to promote her own work once it was ready.
My question is how do you as writer's promote your work? It's something in the back of my mind as I am writing my current piece. As an Examiner, my articles get the most views with word of mouth, via email, Twitter, and Facebook. Should we get onto fan sites in our specific sub-genres and comment on things we research... How far should we go? What is good promotion, needed promotion to sell fiction?
My question is how do you as writer's promote your work? It's something in the back of my mind as I am writing my current piece. As an Examiner, my articles get the most views with word of mouth, via email, Twitter, and Facebook. Should we get onto fan sites in our specific sub-genres and comment on things we research... How far should we go? What is good promotion, needed promotion to sell fiction?
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