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!)
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