What are you doing today to better your tomorrow?
This is a question I asked my team at work, and it also applies to one's own life at home. One should always be improving, even if it's to do one thing that wasn't done before.
First, I suggest looking at what you do everyday and eliminate what you can. Years ago, I was on the church council for my church, which was a three year commitment. I foresaw the construction of an addition from the brainstorm planning on the first year to the actual construction by the third. But the time I spent was time away from my family. So I made a commitment not to be on the church council again until our last child was graduated from high school. Every January, I am asked if I would consider it and I kindly decline. I appreciate them asking, but not at this time.
Last year, the writers group I was a member of for many, many years, decided to disband. I thoroughly enjoyed meeting every three weeks, discussing not only our writing but our lives as well. But the time commitment was troublesome when not all members would show up.
It's okay to say no to something. Even at my day job, I say no to many things because I want to be a better leader for my team.
What is important to you? Make the time for the important pieces of your life instead of letting others dictate your life and your time.
Then, as you free up your time, ask yourself: what can you do today to better yourself tomorrow?
Showing posts with label writers' group. Show all posts
Showing posts with label writers' group. Show all posts
Friday, April 12, 2019
Friday, May 18, 2018
End Of An Era / Happenings In The Outhouse 18-May-2018
A few weeks ago, the remaining members of our local writers' group decided to disband after . . . 15 years.
And when I mean the remaining members, it was literally down to one lady and myself. Other members who were still in the group were unable to attend our tri-weekly meeting due to a variety of reasons.
It was bittersweet to end such a long run of friendship, swapping stories, and encouragement. But I must add that the friendship will not end. It will continue long until the end of our days.
And when I mean the remaining members, it was literally down to one lady and myself. Other members who were still in the group were unable to attend our tri-weekly meeting due to a variety of reasons.
It was bittersweet to end such a long run of friendship, swapping stories, and encouragement. But I must add that the friendship will not end. It will continue long until the end of our days.
Friday, September 29, 2017
Write until it's done / Happenings In The Outhouse 29-Sept-2017
A few weeks ago, during our tri-weekly writers' group meeting, one of our members shared a piece of writing advice that we all thought was golden.
It's very simple.
With all the writing advice out there, this one goes to the heart of much of most writing. Some writers try to push a short story idea to something longer just for the sake of making it longer. Some writers even try to squeeze a longer piece into something shorter. Again, just for the sake of making it shorter.
One of my recent publications titled Bruce is an example of this. When the story was originally conceived, it was a short story. A few thousand words at best. By the time it was complete, it was just shy of 11,000 words. Not a short story at all. A novelette. But I wrote the story that needed to be told. I didn't cram anything in that didn't pertain to the story and I didn't leave anything out for the sake of keeping it short.
I wrote.
I wrote until it was done.
Try it. Write a story without any notion of length. There are a number of epic fantasy novels, many published a few decades ago, that were bloated just to fit the genre. Stephen King has even written a few door stops--although we can argue if the door stops worked or not. People have argued that the last 2-3 Harry Potter books could've been cut down too.
It's very simple.
Write.
And keep writing until it's done.
No more, no less.
With all the writing advice out there, this one goes to the heart of much of most writing. Some writers try to push a short story idea to something longer just for the sake of making it longer. Some writers even try to squeeze a longer piece into something shorter. Again, just for the sake of making it shorter.
One of my recent publications titled Bruce is an example of this. When the story was originally conceived, it was a short story. A few thousand words at best. By the time it was complete, it was just shy of 11,000 words. Not a short story at all. A novelette. But I wrote the story that needed to be told. I didn't cram anything in that didn't pertain to the story and I didn't leave anything out for the sake of keeping it short.
I wrote.
I wrote until it was done.
Try it. Write a story without any notion of length. There are a number of epic fantasy novels, many published a few decades ago, that were bloated just to fit the genre. Stephen King has even written a few door stops--although we can argue if the door stops worked or not. People have argued that the last 2-3 Harry Potter books could've been cut down too.
Friday, February 5, 2016
Create art like a child (have no fear) / Happenings In The Outhouse 05-Feb-2016
My youngest daughter drew pictures for everyone in our family for Christmas. She created them with love, and without fear of rejection.
Trust me when I say they were the biggest hit at our Christmas gatherings. The smile she put on their faces was priceless.
As artists grow older, we may create just as much, but we do not share it. We have a difficult time accepting others' opinions. It's an uphill battle just to let anyone else in our little world.
Writers groups are a good way to get other opinions. Not all writers groups are good. I have been fortunate, in that regard.
In short, create and share, without fear. Once you do it enough, it's not such a big deal. Ignore the lump at the back of your throat, causing fear in what other people think.
With that being said, here is the cover for the third novel in the Central Division Series titled Discarded.
I'm at the halfway point in edits. It's going well. I hope to share a publication date shortly.
Trust me when I say they were the biggest hit at our Christmas gatherings. The smile she put on their faces was priceless.
As artists grow older, we may create just as much, but we do not share it. We have a difficult time accepting others' opinions. It's an uphill battle just to let anyone else in our little world.
Writers groups are a good way to get other opinions. Not all writers groups are good. I have been fortunate, in that regard.
In short, create and share, without fear. Once you do it enough, it's not such a big deal. Ignore the lump at the back of your throat, causing fear in what other people think.
With that being said, here is the cover for the third novel in the Central Division Series titled Discarded.
I'm at the halfway point in edits. It's going well. I hope to share a publication date shortly.
Friday, December 11, 2015
Needing therapy / Happenings In The Outhouse 11-Dec-2015
The other day, I brought a family member to their therapy appointment. I shopped after dropping them off, and arrived back at the therapist with more than ten minutes to spare.
As the therapist and the family member (sorry for being cryptic but I don't want to give any clue as to who the family member was--and no it was not me, thanks for asking) came back out into the waiting room, they lined up another appointment. They were chitchatting--hadn't they just spent the last hour doing it!--while figuring out which day and time would work well, when the family member mentioned it was just nice to talk with someone about anything.
This got me thinking about the last writers group meeting I attended. All three of us were there, and after we finished our readings and critiques, we talked about how it was refreshing to converse with other writers. Writers are wired differently. There are struggles we encounter that, quite frankly, very few are able to identify with.
This could be said about most creative individuals. I'm not a painter or a sculptor or a graphic artist. The same could be said of them too.
It's important to identify that you, as a writer, are different. It's also okay to meet with other writers from time to time. This is not new. C. S. Lewis and J. R. R. Tolkien met regularly to discuss their writings in their Inklings meetings.
Find some like-minded writers and regularly meet. Trust me when I say it may take a while to find others who you click with--and us three really do! (As a note, please see my blog post from 4 years ago on how I talk about the good, the bad, and the weird with writers groups). Like therapy, it's nice to just talk with others who are either going through the same struggles as you or have gone through them and can coach you through them.
As the therapist and the family member (sorry for being cryptic but I don't want to give any clue as to who the family member was--and no it was not me, thanks for asking) came back out into the waiting room, they lined up another appointment. They were chitchatting--hadn't they just spent the last hour doing it!--while figuring out which day and time would work well, when the family member mentioned it was just nice to talk with someone about anything.
This got me thinking about the last writers group meeting I attended. All three of us were there, and after we finished our readings and critiques, we talked about how it was refreshing to converse with other writers. Writers are wired differently. There are struggles we encounter that, quite frankly, very few are able to identify with.
This could be said about most creative individuals. I'm not a painter or a sculptor or a graphic artist. The same could be said of them too.
It's important to identify that you, as a writer, are different. It's also okay to meet with other writers from time to time. This is not new. C. S. Lewis and J. R. R. Tolkien met regularly to discuss their writings in their Inklings meetings.
Find some like-minded writers and regularly meet. Trust me when I say it may take a while to find others who you click with--and us three really do! (As a note, please see my blog post from 4 years ago on how I talk about the good, the bad, and the weird with writers groups). Like therapy, it's nice to just talk with others who are either going through the same struggles as you or have gone through them and can coach you through them.
Friday, July 31, 2015
Back in the saddle / Happenings In The Outhouse 31-Jul-2015
Didn't think you'd ever hear from me again, did you?
A lot has happened in the past few months, one of which is the failure of my trusty laptop--I'm writing this on another computer, by the way. I've researched and found the laptop I want. Now it's just to get off my butt and buy it.
A few months ago, I also published Straight Razor. It's currently $2.99, exclusive with Amazon for the near-future, and it's also free for those in the Amazon Kindle Unlimited program.
This week was also our writers group meeting. There was only one member present, aside from myself, and it was a wonderful meeting. This young writer is very talented and is nearing the end of her first fantasy novel. We discussed how her writing has changed from the very beginning, and how not to get in the habit of endless editing when you can either hit PUBLISH or send it off to a publisher.
I promise to start writing more. Well, I have been writing, but it's longhand in a notebook. It's interesting to do so, because it forces one to think more.
Okay, what am I writing? The third novel in the Central Division Series. I have a few chapters written so far, and it's going very well.
Once again, if you wish to pick up an ebook copy of Straight Razor, I'd be grateful if you did. Sales have been decent, and I'm contemplating whether or not to keep the Amazon exclusivity when it runs out the end of August.
A lot has happened in the past few months, one of which is the failure of my trusty laptop--I'm writing this on another computer, by the way. I've researched and found the laptop I want. Now it's just to get off my butt and buy it.
A few months ago, I also published Straight Razor. It's currently $2.99, exclusive with Amazon for the near-future, and it's also free for those in the Amazon Kindle Unlimited program.
This week was also our writers group meeting. There was only one member present, aside from myself, and it was a wonderful meeting. This young writer is very talented and is nearing the end of her first fantasy novel. We discussed how her writing has changed from the very beginning, and how not to get in the habit of endless editing when you can either hit PUBLISH or send it off to a publisher.
I promise to start writing more. Well, I have been writing, but it's longhand in a notebook. It's interesting to do so, because it forces one to think more.
Okay, what am I writing? The third novel in the Central Division Series. I have a few chapters written so far, and it's going very well.
Once again, if you wish to pick up an ebook copy of Straight Razor, I'd be grateful if you did. Sales have been decent, and I'm contemplating whether or not to keep the Amazon exclusivity when it runs out the end of August.
Friday, January 16, 2015
Nearing the finish line / Happenings In The Outhouse 16-Jan-2015
Yesterday morning, Straight Razor, the second novel in the Central Division Series, crossed the 50K word mark.
Story-wise, it is nearing the end. I still have the climactic finale to write, then tie up some loose ends. Then what will I do?
Edit, of course. I don't dare upload it for pre-orders just yet, because the furthest I can do that is 90 days. It's possible it could be completed by then, but just in case . . .
I got some news this past week that a friend of mine, who has also served as one of my faithful beta readers, has been cancer free for a year. The friend also requested some more stories to read, so I will be sending off my latest--the ones they had not read yet.
Another friend of mine, a member of my writers' group, has also published her first ebook on the Kindle. Her name is E. I. Glass. Her daily devotional guide is called Beginning the Day With God. All she needs to do, at this point, is upload the new cover and I will provide a link to it. It's an incredible ebook, with a lot of thoughtful stories from her life along with a Biblical Scripture passage. This is the first of many in this series of devotionals, so be sure to pick this first one up.
This also brings up another point. Writing may be hard, and for many who have reasonable technical skills, the publishing part on Amazon's Kindle Store (or on Smashwords, KoboBooks, iBooks, Barnes and Noble, and even on Google Play) can be daunting. I assisted E. I. Glass with the upload process, which she stated repeatedly was overwhelming. I agree. It is. But I will bet that before too long, she'll be a pro and will navigate the indie publishing world with ease.
Story-wise, it is nearing the end. I still have the climactic finale to write, then tie up some loose ends. Then what will I do?
Edit, of course. I don't dare upload it for pre-orders just yet, because the furthest I can do that is 90 days. It's possible it could be completed by then, but just in case . . .
I got some news this past week that a friend of mine, who has also served as one of my faithful beta readers, has been cancer free for a year. The friend also requested some more stories to read, so I will be sending off my latest--the ones they had not read yet.
Another friend of mine, a member of my writers' group, has also published her first ebook on the Kindle. Her name is E. I. Glass. Her daily devotional guide is called Beginning the Day With God. All she needs to do, at this point, is upload the new cover and I will provide a link to it. It's an incredible ebook, with a lot of thoughtful stories from her life along with a Biblical Scripture passage. This is the first of many in this series of devotionals, so be sure to pick this first one up.
This also brings up another point. Writing may be hard, and for many who have reasonable technical skills, the publishing part on Amazon's Kindle Store (or on Smashwords, KoboBooks, iBooks, Barnes and Noble, and even on Google Play) can be daunting. I assisted E. I. Glass with the upload process, which she stated repeatedly was overwhelming. I agree. It is. But I will bet that before too long, she'll be a pro and will navigate the indie publishing world with ease.
Wednesday, November 20, 2013
Don't forget the basics
Two weeks ago was our local writers group meeting. There were three of us, and we had a blast.
One member of the group is just finishing up writing the first draft of her first novel--a fantasy/science fiction novel with a steampunk twist. She has over 100K words so far and I told her I'd love to be a beta reader for it.
As our conversation rolled on, she asked me basic questions about publishing and agents. These were things I've been dealing with for a while and honestly thought they were common knowledge. I was wrong. I've just been studying it for so long, to me it's common knowledge. It's now up to me to help teach others.
No matter what endeavour you find youself in, keep in mind not to forget the basics. Back in college, I studied Tae Kwon Do. Eventually, I earned my 2nd Dan (that's 2nd degree black belt in layman's terms) and it always amazed me, no matter how complex the techniques or forms or combinations I had to do, you can always break them down into basic forms.
Bemidji Tae Kwon Do Master Spencer Brandt (who later became the late Grandmaster Spencer Brandt) always taught us: perfect practice makes perfect. If you're going to practice something, don't do a sloppy job. Do it right. And continuously do it correctly so that it becames natural.
For writing, it's to know the basics. To teach the pros and cons about finding an agent, querying them, and/or even taking the self-publishing route.
One member of the group is just finishing up writing the first draft of her first novel--a fantasy/science fiction novel with a steampunk twist. She has over 100K words so far and I told her I'd love to be a beta reader for it.
As our conversation rolled on, she asked me basic questions about publishing and agents. These were things I've been dealing with for a while and honestly thought they were common knowledge. I was wrong. I've just been studying it for so long, to me it's common knowledge. It's now up to me to help teach others.
No matter what endeavour you find youself in, keep in mind not to forget the basics. Back in college, I studied Tae Kwon Do. Eventually, I earned my 2nd Dan (that's 2nd degree black belt in layman's terms) and it always amazed me, no matter how complex the techniques or forms or combinations I had to do, you can always break them down into basic forms.
Bemidji Tae Kwon Do Master Spencer Brandt (who later became the late Grandmaster Spencer Brandt) always taught us: perfect practice makes perfect. If you're going to practice something, don't do a sloppy job. Do it right. And continuously do it correctly so that it becames natural.
For writing, it's to know the basics. To teach the pros and cons about finding an agent, querying them, and/or even taking the self-publishing route.
Wednesday, September 11, 2013
What is your writing strength?
In several interviews I've read or listened to from Brandon Sanderson, he says his writing strength are epic novels--not short stories. He has a new novellas out in the market, but that's about as short as he likes to get. He doesn't even try short stories because he knows he's not good at them.
Last week during our tri-weekly writers group meeting, the other member told me her strength is in writing short pieces--250-300 word shorts. This is great for her to realize, and now she's on a plan to start down the path towards collecting these pieces and self-publishing them.
Are short stories your thing?
How about 75K word novels?
Epic novels that topple 200K easily?
Flash fiction?
If you're unsure, try writing in as many veins as possible to find out where your niche lies. Maybe it's all of the above. Whatever it is, write to your strength.
Last week during our tri-weekly writers group meeting, the other member told me her strength is in writing short pieces--250-300 word shorts. This is great for her to realize, and now she's on a plan to start down the path towards collecting these pieces and self-publishing them.
Are short stories your thing?
How about 75K word novels?
Epic novels that topple 200K easily?
Flash fiction?
If you're unsure, try writing in as many veins as possible to find out where your niche lies. Maybe it's all of the above. Whatever it is, write to your strength.
Friday, September 6, 2013
Happenings In The Outhouse 06=Sept-2013 / writing advice vs. writing
This past Wednesday was our tri-weekly writers group meeting. Present were myself and the other co-founder of the group. After I read my piece--an inspirational soon-to-be novella--we discussed possible titles (because I'm not happy with the one I chose).
Then the conversation took a turn towards writing advice in general.
Type "writing advice" in Google or Bing or Yahoo! and you'll find yourself shoulder-deep in so much writing advice--this person's 10 rules of writing or that person's 5 must-do rules in order to become published--that you may actually not do any writing at all.
And that's wrong.
Over the past month or so, I've cut down the number of podcasts I listen to as well as the number of blogs I read--trust me, I still get quite a number, but the actual number is down from what it once was. Why? Because I kept seeing the same stuff printed over and over again. Also, I didn't quite agree with much of the advice. Again, why? Because I could find books that broke those rules big time.
Here's the best piece of writing advice: write. Not sit down and write. Write. That's it. You can do it standing up. You need to put words down somewhere. I don't care where. It can be on a piece of paper or a computer document or even on a napkin.
Just write.
I'm finalizing my next short story submission to the Writers Of The Future contest, due on October 1st. I'm also working on the inspirational piece I shared in this week's writers group. Don't forget, I still have my first full-length thriller novel Beholder's Eye on sale at the Amazon Kindle store (the link is along the side) as well as my novelette Guest of Honor, which not only has gotten a new cover, I also lowered the price to $.99. I'd be "honored" if you'd pick it up and review it.
Then the conversation took a turn towards writing advice in general.
Type "writing advice" in Google or Bing or Yahoo! and you'll find yourself shoulder-deep in so much writing advice--this person's 10 rules of writing or that person's 5 must-do rules in order to become published--that you may actually not do any writing at all.
And that's wrong.
Over the past month or so, I've cut down the number of podcasts I listen to as well as the number of blogs I read--trust me, I still get quite a number, but the actual number is down from what it once was. Why? Because I kept seeing the same stuff printed over and over again. Also, I didn't quite agree with much of the advice. Again, why? Because I could find books that broke those rules big time.
Here's the best piece of writing advice: write. Not sit down and write. Write. That's it. You can do it standing up. You need to put words down somewhere. I don't care where. It can be on a piece of paper or a computer document or even on a napkin.
Just write.
I'm finalizing my next short story submission to the Writers Of The Future contest, due on October 1st. I'm also working on the inspirational piece I shared in this week's writers group. Don't forget, I still have my first full-length thriller novel Beholder's Eye on sale at the Amazon Kindle store (the link is along the side) as well as my novelette Guest of Honor, which not only has gotten a new cover, I also lowered the price to $.99. I'd be "honored" if you'd pick it up and review it.
Wednesday, August 7, 2013
Part 5 of 6 Publishing Hurdles: the dreaded critique
Nobody likes to be criticized, to be told they're wrong, but as writers we need to welcome others critiquing our work.
Do we need to listen to them and take all of their advice? By all means, no. However . . . if enough people say the same thing, you should consider it. Depending on what it is. You could have a good reason for it, and just need to make it clearer.
In a nutshell, a good critique is one where it spells out what they liked about a certain piece, the highlights and what went well (realistic dialogue, great descriptions, good pacing) and what didn't (choppy dialogue, poor pacing, not descriptive enough).
Do you know someone who reads a lot? Ask that person to read it and give their opinion. This is what I've done and it's worked out well. Asking other writers may not work as well because, frankly, they're working on their own piece and do not have the time to review yours. But if you can snag one, in exchange to critique some of their own work, do it. This is what writers groups are for too.
It's healthy to let others read what you have written, for they can give you a perspective you didn't see. I've been told I write good dialogue, but I didn't know it until it was pointed out. So, I use that as a strength in my writing, but also by not ignoring where I lack and am improving upon.
Do we need to listen to them and take all of their advice? By all means, no. However . . . if enough people say the same thing, you should consider it. Depending on what it is. You could have a good reason for it, and just need to make it clearer.
In a nutshell, a good critique is one where it spells out what they liked about a certain piece, the highlights and what went well (realistic dialogue, great descriptions, good pacing) and what didn't (choppy dialogue, poor pacing, not descriptive enough).
Do you know someone who reads a lot? Ask that person to read it and give their opinion. This is what I've done and it's worked out well. Asking other writers may not work as well because, frankly, they're working on their own piece and do not have the time to review yours. But if you can snag one, in exchange to critique some of their own work, do it. This is what writers groups are for too.
It's healthy to let others read what you have written, for they can give you a perspective you didn't see. I've been told I write good dialogue, but I didn't know it until it was pointed out. So, I use that as a strength in my writing, but also by not ignoring where I lack and am improving upon.
Friday, July 26, 2013
Happenings In The Outhouse 26-Jul-2013 / New thriller
Yesterday, I completely revamped my current project list--okay, completely may not be the right word, but I did change it up a bit.
I do have sequels in mind for Beholder's Eye, in a series I'm calling the Central Division Series. I started one years ago, only getting the first four chapters down before stopping. Guess when I wrote them?
In December . . . 2004!
Needless to say, those few chapters need a lot of work. Scratch that, I'm completely rewriting them--there's that pesty word again, completely; even here it's not true. I'm keeping the bones of it, but fleshing it out greatly.
These past few days, I've been thinking about how the thriller will go, plotting and outlining in my head. At this point, I believe I'm ready to start writing. I know where it's going to end. I'm excited for it, because the journey I'm going to take in the first draft will be interesting how it'll all turn out.
This Wednesday was also our Permanent Ink writers group meeting. Only one other was in attendance. The meeting went well: I shared half of a short story, which will end up being my next submission to the Writers of the Future contest. Evelyn shared a story she'll be submitting soon regarding her husband's life on the farm where he grew up. It's very interesting, these stories from the past. I can't wait for them to be published, so I can share them with all my readers.
Lastly, I got some great news regarding Beholder's Eye. It was rejected by the small press. Good news, you say? Yes. I would've taken any news as good, because them the story will have a direction towards publication. At this point, I'm trying to nail down a cool cover, and then it'll be up on the Kindle shortly.
I do have sequels in mind for Beholder's Eye, in a series I'm calling the Central Division Series. I started one years ago, only getting the first four chapters down before stopping. Guess when I wrote them?
In December . . . 2004!
Needless to say, those few chapters need a lot of work. Scratch that, I'm completely rewriting them--there's that pesty word again, completely; even here it's not true. I'm keeping the bones of it, but fleshing it out greatly.
These past few days, I've been thinking about how the thriller will go, plotting and outlining in my head. At this point, I believe I'm ready to start writing. I know where it's going to end. I'm excited for it, because the journey I'm going to take in the first draft will be interesting how it'll all turn out.
This Wednesday was also our Permanent Ink writers group meeting. Only one other was in attendance. The meeting went well: I shared half of a short story, which will end up being my next submission to the Writers of the Future contest. Evelyn shared a story she'll be submitting soon regarding her husband's life on the farm where he grew up. It's very interesting, these stories from the past. I can't wait for them to be published, so I can share them with all my readers.
Lastly, I got some great news regarding Beholder's Eye. It was rejected by the small press. Good news, you say? Yes. I would've taken any news as good, because them the story will have a direction towards publication. At this point, I'm trying to nail down a cool cover, and then it'll be up on the Kindle shortly.
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Finishing what you started
Last week was our tri-weekly writers' group meeting. Evelyn and myself were the only attendants. After sharing our works, we discussed blogs. Evelyn is creating one, however is having troubles coming up with a name. Ironically, her name is taken as a blog name . . . even though the person who took it hasn't done anything in years.
She writes a weekly column for the local newspaper, so I suggested using the name of her column as the title. No go there either. Taken. So is a slight variation. It's very irritating.
Earlier this year, I was toying around with starting another blog for a project I was working on. I had a devil of a time finding a name that wasn't taken.
Then, for laughs, I tried some of my favorite authors and movies, to see if anyone had taken them. Sure enough, all were taken. But was anything done with them?
NO!
Why, oh why, would one ever start a blog, taking a great name, and not do anything with it? Does it surprise me? Not in the least. It seems like I meet and hear about tons of people who either have ideas for books or projects or businesses . . . only to do nothing with those ideas. If you do start and continue at it, you are in an elite club--you are a finisher. Or, at least, you're using the vehicle in which you created for yourself.
She writes a weekly column for the local newspaper, so I suggested using the name of her column as the title. No go there either. Taken. So is a slight variation. It's very irritating.
Earlier this year, I was toying around with starting another blog for a project I was working on. I had a devil of a time finding a name that wasn't taken.
Then, for laughs, I tried some of my favorite authors and movies, to see if anyone had taken them. Sure enough, all were taken. But was anything done with them?
NO!
Why, oh why, would one ever start a blog, taking a great name, and not do anything with it? Does it surprise me? Not in the least. It seems like I meet and hear about tons of people who either have ideas for books or projects or businesses . . . only to do nothing with those ideas. If you do start and continue at it, you are in an elite club--you are a finisher. Or, at least, you're using the vehicle in which you created for yourself.
Friday, September 14, 2012
Happenings In The Outhouse 14-Sept-2012 / Changes to the editing process
I am drawing near to the completion of chapters 43-47 of Beholder's Eye. By this weekend, however, I will have completed them.
I've been doing something a little different with my editing schedule--doing more work straight on the computer when compared with printing pages and making notes that way--and for the most part it seems to be working well. There isn't a single chapter that hasn't been beefed up by a page or two. Seen as though I had a literary agent once tell me this story was too short (it was, at 65,000 words) this time it is around 75,000 so far.
This past Wednesday was our tri-weekly writers' group meeting. Only myself and Evelyn were present. I shared a chapter from Beholder's Eye and afterwards we talked about blogging and the future of the publishing industry. Evelyn is planning on starting up a blog very shortly (also on Blogger), and as she had 14+ years of articles written for the local paper alone, she has much to tell. When it's up and running, I'll be sure to share her site with you all.
This wasn't one of my goals for the year, but in the past few months I've decided to write something for NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) where one is committing themselves to write 50,000 words during the month of November. I know that seems like a lot, but it's really 1,667 words on average a day. The only drawback is that I'd like to complete Beholder's Eye first. That's my main objective. If I don't finish in time for November, I guess I'll do NaNoWriMo in December or January.
For an added inspiration, I'd like to share this video I discovered (thanks to Jon Acuff's recent blog post).
Then, check out the speaker behind the video: Eric Thomas AKA ET AKA the Hip Hop Preacher.
I've been doing something a little different with my editing schedule--doing more work straight on the computer when compared with printing pages and making notes that way--and for the most part it seems to be working well. There isn't a single chapter that hasn't been beefed up by a page or two. Seen as though I had a literary agent once tell me this story was too short (it was, at 65,000 words) this time it is around 75,000 so far.
This past Wednesday was our tri-weekly writers' group meeting. Only myself and Evelyn were present. I shared a chapter from Beholder's Eye and afterwards we talked about blogging and the future of the publishing industry. Evelyn is planning on starting up a blog very shortly (also on Blogger), and as she had 14+ years of articles written for the local paper alone, she has much to tell. When it's up and running, I'll be sure to share her site with you all.
This wasn't one of my goals for the year, but in the past few months I've decided to write something for NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) where one is committing themselves to write 50,000 words during the month of November. I know that seems like a lot, but it's really 1,667 words on average a day. The only drawback is that I'd like to complete Beholder's Eye first. That's my main objective. If I don't finish in time for November, I guess I'll do NaNoWriMo in December or January.
For an added inspiration, I'd like to share this video I discovered (thanks to Jon Acuff's recent blog post).
Then, check out the speaker behind the video: Eric Thomas AKA ET AKA the Hip Hop Preacher.
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Meanwhile, back at the ranch
Last week, during our tri-weekly writers’ group meeting, I
shared a chapter from Beholder’s Eye that one of our members called the
“Meanwhile, back at the ranch” chapter. It delved briefly into the main
character’s wife and a recent development in her job. It doesn’t affect the
main plot per se, and could’ve even been taken out, but overall we concurred
that it made the story feel more real—which was the whole point of the chapter,
so I’m happy the point got across.
Subplots are important to make the characters feel more
real—or round if we all remember our English composition days when the
discussion of flat and round characters came up. Think of your favorite
novels. Chances are you know the main plot (i.e. what the story is about).
And, I reckon, there were multiple subplots underneath it to make the story seem
more real. Take Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings. The main story is about
“bringing the One Ring to Mount Doom to destroy it.” Subplots? There are
tons! Where do I begin? I think each and every character in the enormous epic fantasy tome had a subplot all their own.
Take Harry Potter. Main plot is an orphan who
discovers he’s a wizard, and is hunted by the evil wizard who also killed his
parents. Subplot? Also, several. His encounters with Draco Malfoy and even
his forced education from Snape, are two such examples.
What else could be going on with your character? What could
make them more real? Give it a try.
What other examples from literature do you know of that the
subplots enhance the main plot?
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
Critique and feedback for writers' groups
Last week was our tri-weekly writers' group meeting at our local library. I shared a chapter of Beholder's Eye, another shared a short piece she wrote when she was younger that would fit perfectly in the sci-fi realm once she writes the ending, and the third member shared a piece she wrote years ago near the genesis of our writers' group.
This last piece was very interesting, on several levels. It delved into the life of a young lady in a post-World War II era in southern Minnesota. She didn't have it completed, but to her credit she put it away so many years ago after a discouraging critique by a former member. The critique was so negative at the time, she almost quit our little group--and what a loss that would be. I wrote a piece of this on 11/11/11 titled Writers' Groups - the good, the bad, and the weird where I briefly mentioned the negative critique.
Take it for what it's worth, but I truly feel that writers' groups should be two-fold: a place of encouragement and learning. No writer is perfect, and we try our best to offer up small solutions to some of the troubling spots, and if something truly isn't written very well, we certainly don't tell the person to throw it away and never write again--in the 9-plus years of attending our writers' group, we have never had a time where we said this to another member. We offered positive feedback and encouragement to strive for better writing.
There is too much negativity out there to begin with, and knowing how fragile writers are at their lonely craft, any discouragement can cause a mental derailment and it may take the writer longer to get back to what they love to do.
What are some of your experiences with writers' groups?
This last piece was very interesting, on several levels. It delved into the life of a young lady in a post-World War II era in southern Minnesota. She didn't have it completed, but to her credit she put it away so many years ago after a discouraging critique by a former member. The critique was so negative at the time, she almost quit our little group--and what a loss that would be. I wrote a piece of this on 11/11/11 titled Writers' Groups - the good, the bad, and the weird where I briefly mentioned the negative critique.
Take it for what it's worth, but I truly feel that writers' groups should be two-fold: a place of encouragement and learning. No writer is perfect, and we try our best to offer up small solutions to some of the troubling spots, and if something truly isn't written very well, we certainly don't tell the person to throw it away and never write again--in the 9-plus years of attending our writers' group, we have never had a time where we said this to another member. We offered positive feedback and encouragement to strive for better writing.
There is too much negativity out there to begin with, and knowing how fragile writers are at their lonely craft, any discouragement can cause a mental derailment and it may take the writer longer to get back to what they love to do.
What are some of your experiences with writers' groups?
Friday, June 22, 2012
Happenings in the Outhouse 22-June-2012 / Can't say I have nothing to do
This week, I've been delving deeper and deeper into chapters 28-30. I've even taken out large chunks of the story which didn't seem to add any to the story but at the time I wrote them I wanted them in. Funny how that is, that you may love something you wrote so long ago, only to find that it doesn't enhance your story at all.
I will note here that although chapter 30 is fairly short at three pages, chapter 29 (I take on a different POV entirely, delving into a possible suspect and his past) is eleven. My average page length is around six pages. This is not a hard and fast rule for me (James Patterson is the King of the Short Chapter - whereas almost 100% of his chapters are 2-3 pages - I might add I did read a 5 page chapter once and nearly fell off my chair).
On Wednesday was our writers' group meeting--our writers' group is called Permanent Ink--but no one was able to be around for it except me. Our group has been together, in our small community, for nine years now. Only two of us remain from the original group, and what an eclectic sort we've had in that time, from world-class poets and playwrights to Christian inspirational writers and fantasy novelists. All of us have aspired towards publication, and the other original member Evelyn has had numerous smaller pieces published, along with a weekly column in our local newspaper and is a very accomplished speaker. The past few sessions we've discussed either self-publishing her work or finding an agent/publisher. She has a mountain of material that I know would make her a smashing success.
Speaking of writers, I want to add this cute little video. My daughter wrote a little story called "When Mom Came Back" which was inspired by her mother finally coming home after spending most of last year in Rochester, MN, battling Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Enjoy!
I will note here that although chapter 30 is fairly short at three pages, chapter 29 (I take on a different POV entirely, delving into a possible suspect and his past) is eleven. My average page length is around six pages. This is not a hard and fast rule for me (James Patterson is the King of the Short Chapter - whereas almost 100% of his chapters are 2-3 pages - I might add I did read a 5 page chapter once and nearly fell off my chair).
On Wednesday was our writers' group meeting--our writers' group is called Permanent Ink--but no one was able to be around for it except me. Our group has been together, in our small community, for nine years now. Only two of us remain from the original group, and what an eclectic sort we've had in that time, from world-class poets and playwrights to Christian inspirational writers and fantasy novelists. All of us have aspired towards publication, and the other original member Evelyn has had numerous smaller pieces published, along with a weekly column in our local newspaper and is a very accomplished speaker. The past few sessions we've discussed either self-publishing her work or finding an agent/publisher. She has a mountain of material that I know would make her a smashing success.
Speaking of writers, I want to add this cute little video. My daughter wrote a little story called "When Mom Came Back" which was inspired by her mother finally coming home after spending most of last year in Rochester, MN, battling Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Enjoy!
Friday, June 1, 2012
Happenings In The Outhouse 01-June-2012 / Swordplay against procrastination
I'm probably like most people who battle the war against procrastination. It's an ugly beast I work hard to defeat day-in and day-out. This past weekend--a long weekend with the Memorial Day holiday thrown in for good measure--the only writing I accomplished were my blogs.
I did start reading two nonfiction books, however: the first is titled Willow in a Storm: A Memoir by James and Kathleen Taylor. This book was published by Scarletta Press, and the publisher, Ian Graham Leask, actually visited our little library 2 years ago. Oddly enough, the book resulted from a bank robbery that occurred in 1955 in a town about 20 miles from where I live, in Thief River Falls, MN. It's a very good book, chronicling the life of Mr. Taylor and how he turned to a life of crime late in life. Some chapters are a bit long and detailed but there are plenty of injustices done to Taylor that make you just shake your head at our justice system. The second book is The War of Art by Steven Pressfield. This one deals with those inner demons that us artists face everyday--he calls it Resistance. Procrastination is my Resistance.
And it is one I fight with all the time--sometimes I win, sometimes the demons win.
Chapters 25 is on its final leg of editing, as well as the short chapters 26-27. By next week, these three will be done.
Wednesday night was our writers' group meeting. Even though there were only two of us, the conversation was very inspiring. I read chapters 12-13 of Beholder's Eye. Evelyn read one of her pieces she is inquiring about publishing.
I did start reading two nonfiction books, however: the first is titled Willow in a Storm: A Memoir by James and Kathleen Taylor. This book was published by Scarletta Press, and the publisher, Ian Graham Leask, actually visited our little library 2 years ago. Oddly enough, the book resulted from a bank robbery that occurred in 1955 in a town about 20 miles from where I live, in Thief River Falls, MN. It's a very good book, chronicling the life of Mr. Taylor and how he turned to a life of crime late in life. Some chapters are a bit long and detailed but there are plenty of injustices done to Taylor that make you just shake your head at our justice system. The second book is The War of Art by Steven Pressfield. This one deals with those inner demons that us artists face everyday--he calls it Resistance. Procrastination is my Resistance.
And it is one I fight with all the time--sometimes I win, sometimes the demons win.
Chapters 25 is on its final leg of editing, as well as the short chapters 26-27. By next week, these three will be done.
Wednesday night was our writers' group meeting. Even though there were only two of us, the conversation was very inspiring. I read chapters 12-13 of Beholder's Eye. Evelyn read one of her pieces she is inquiring about publishing.
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
A quick example of an elevator pitch
"What if a serial killer videotaped his own murders and then sent that video to the cops?"
That's the first line I give for my novel Beholder's Eye. There's more to it, but essentially, when I first thought of this book, that's the what if question I came up with.
Now, this isn't the entire elevator pitch, but this gets me started. Try yours out on a group of people. If you are part of a writers' group, pitch them and see what they think.
That's the first line I give for my novel Beholder's Eye. There's more to it, but essentially, when I first thought of this book, that's the what if question I came up with.
Now, this isn't the entire elevator pitch, but this gets me started. Try yours out on a group of people. If you are part of a writers' group, pitch them and see what they think.
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Turning the tide on negative thoughts
In January I wrote a blog piece titled Watch Your Language.
As a continuation of yesterday's blog, besides watching who you hang around with, you need to also make sure you're not speaking like a negative person.
If someone were to ask you, "How are you?"
How do you answer them?
"Oh, I'm okay."
"Fine. Just fine."
"Had better days."
"Would be better if it was Friday."
Do any of those ring a bell with you? If so, change it.
"How are you?"
"Great!"
"Fantastic! Just finished a chapter in my book."
"Truly awesome! I had over 500 hits on a blog I wrote yesterday."
Okay, okay, there's some self-promoting involved with the last two, but so what? If you're going to be a writer (or just in business for yourself), you'll need to start getting used to promoting your work. Tell others in your writers' group about your blog. Encourage them to start one too, if they already haven't.
As a continuation of yesterday's blog, besides watching who you hang around with, you need to also make sure you're not speaking like a negative person.
If someone were to ask you, "How are you?"
How do you answer them?
"Oh, I'm okay."
"Fine. Just fine."
"Had better days."
"Would be better if it was Friday."
Do any of those ring a bell with you? If so, change it.
"How are you?"
"Great!"
"Fantastic! Just finished a chapter in my book."
"Truly awesome! I had over 500 hits on a blog I wrote yesterday."
Okay, okay, there's some self-promoting involved with the last two, but so what? If you're going to be a writer (or just in business for yourself), you'll need to start getting used to promoting your work. Tell others in your writers' group about your blog. Encourage them to start one too, if they already haven't.
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