I realized something the other day. I write the majority of my blog posts in a single sitting. Meaning, after one draft.
Even several of the stories I've published lately have only seen one draft.
Let me explain the process, which is stupidly simple. I do what is called cycling (here's a blog post I did a while back that explains it). I actually do a modified version of this. Depending on the size of the project, I will go back and do a casual read, as if I was a reader and not a writer, correcting any errors that I may come across. For short stories, novelettes, and novellas, I will typically read it through from beginning to end, mostly in a single sitting, making a few corrections here and there.
For my current project, which I know is in four parts, I will read each part in its entirety once I get to the end of it. After that, I won't read it again until the book is done. Then, I will do one more casual read, just in case something happens at the end that may affect something in the beginning. But I do not do the heavy editing like I did before I started publishing. I shake my head at how many years I wasted doing this--and I still come across several writers who feel the need to edit heavy-handedly over and over and over and over again.
This is essential Heinlein's five rules of writing. Don't trust yourself? Do it once and then test the waters.
Friday, April 26, 2019
Tuesday, April 23, 2019
A Legacy Of Hats
We celebrated my grandfather's 96th birthday this past Easter weekend.
My sister, her husband, and her two boys were there. Also, all of my aunts and uncles were in attendance, along with several cousins, their spouses and kids. It was a joyous event, to say the least. There were only five cousins and their families who were not able to come, but of those who did, we had a lot of laughs and heartfelt reminiscence.
As usual, my grandfather loves (yes, loves, I can't emphasize that enough) black licorice. We gave him an assortment of black licorice from a small candy store in town.
The weekend was also bittersweet as my grandfather has recently moved into an assisted living home and is in the process of cleaning out the house so it can be sold. For me, there were four-plus decades worth of memories in this home. There were items from the home my grandfather put people's names on, from his own children, their spouses, and then the grandchildren. I was given a piano, which had been a centerpiece for many Christmases when I was young as my grandmother (she passed away over 15 years ago) played it with skillful finesse. There were also many items one could just take. My grandfather had such an assortment of tools, they filled many tables in the basement and garage.
There were also bigger items for purchase. Another centerpiece was the dining room table. One of my cousins purchased it as he has a larger dining room and the table he owned was rather small. Many memories were spent there, and it will be the centerpiece for many more in its new home.
In the den was a writing desk. The price was reasonable--honestly, everything with prices were reasonable and none of us thought about the money as it was going to help with my grandfather's living expenses. I kept going back and back to the writing desk. It spoke to me, in a way. I put my name on it.
In a few weeks, it will be moved down (along with the piano and a corner couch) to my home.
One highlight of the day was what I'll call the legacy of hats. My grandfather and grandmother had quite an assortment of hats. Everyone picked through them and put one on. We had so much fun putting these on. One of my cousin's husband and myself each chose a fur-lined Cossack hat.
The legacy of hats filtered down to virtually everyone in attendance. My uncle Rod told me that my wife needed one. He chose one that he thought would work, then sifted through what was left, over and over again, always coming back to his original choice. It was fun to watch him choose just the right one for my wife. He truly looked like a kid in a candy store. He ended up with the original. It fit her well.
My sister, her husband, and her two boys were there. Also, all of my aunts and uncles were in attendance, along with several cousins, their spouses and kids. It was a joyous event, to say the least. There were only five cousins and their families who were not able to come, but of those who did, we had a lot of laughs and heartfelt reminiscence.
As usual, my grandfather loves (yes, loves, I can't emphasize that enough) black licorice. We gave him an assortment of black licorice from a small candy store in town.
The weekend was also bittersweet as my grandfather has recently moved into an assisted living home and is in the process of cleaning out the house so it can be sold. For me, there were four-plus decades worth of memories in this home. There were items from the home my grandfather put people's names on, from his own children, their spouses, and then the grandchildren. I was given a piano, which had been a centerpiece for many Christmases when I was young as my grandmother (she passed away over 15 years ago) played it with skillful finesse. There were also many items one could just take. My grandfather had such an assortment of tools, they filled many tables in the basement and garage.
There were also bigger items for purchase. Another centerpiece was the dining room table. One of my cousins purchased it as he has a larger dining room and the table he owned was rather small. Many memories were spent there, and it will be the centerpiece for many more in its new home.
In the den was a writing desk. The price was reasonable--honestly, everything with prices were reasonable and none of us thought about the money as it was going to help with my grandfather's living expenses. I kept going back and back to the writing desk. It spoke to me, in a way. I put my name on it.
In a few weeks, it will be moved down (along with the piano and a corner couch) to my home.
One highlight of the day was what I'll call the legacy of hats. My grandfather and grandmother had quite an assortment of hats. Everyone picked through them and put one on. We had so much fun putting these on. One of my cousin's husband and myself each chose a fur-lined Cossack hat.
The legacy of hats filtered down to virtually everyone in attendance. My uncle Rod told me that my wife needed one. He chose one that he thought would work, then sifted through what was left, over and over again, always coming back to his original choice. It was fun to watch him choose just the right one for my wife. He truly looked like a kid in a candy store. He ended up with the original. It fit her well.
Friday, April 19, 2019
Alienating your audience / Happenings In The Outhouse 19-Apr-2019
A month ago, I posted a blog about two events, one of which involved two true crime podcasts. Here's a link if you wish to refresh your memory (the podcast event was at the end of the post).
Well, there has been a new development. Again, I apologize for doing so without naming names. But there's a reason for it, a lesson for all of us to learn without any names--besides, I don't want to be the target of any backlash so better safe than sorry.
The true crime podcast who did the shaming of the other has tackled some large cases in depth, one involving a young man who was charged and found guilty of murdering a fellow high school girl. Other podcasts have done deep dives into this case, including a recent HBO documentary, and I have clear opinions on the case--my opinions I'm keeping to myself.
However, last weekend, the podcast's host took to Twitter and ranted on and on, alienating many people as racist, etc. if they didn't take the host's point of view. There were even people who responded to the host, stating they are of the same political affiliation, and took the host's view as hypocritical. Unfortunately, that didn't stop the host's tirade.
In the end, not only did I unsubscribe from the podcast, I deleted all of the episodes I hadn't gotten to yet--which is pretty much everything after season one, about the case I indicated above. I will never listen to another episode of this podcast.
Authors, actors, and other creative types have also done this time and again--especially in today's age, with our current POTUS, social media is ripe with this kind of crap. I have also blacklisted them.
Beware of what you say or post online, for you may be alienating your audience. You may not care. That's fine, if that is the risk you want to take. Here's the approach I would take: focus on your art, your creation. That is what the fans want to see, not your personal views on controversial topics.
Well, there has been a new development. Again, I apologize for doing so without naming names. But there's a reason for it, a lesson for all of us to learn without any names--besides, I don't want to be the target of any backlash so better safe than sorry.
The true crime podcast who did the shaming of the other has tackled some large cases in depth, one involving a young man who was charged and found guilty of murdering a fellow high school girl. Other podcasts have done deep dives into this case, including a recent HBO documentary, and I have clear opinions on the case--my opinions I'm keeping to myself.
However, last weekend, the podcast's host took to Twitter and ranted on and on, alienating many people as racist, etc. if they didn't take the host's point of view. There were even people who responded to the host, stating they are of the same political affiliation, and took the host's view as hypocritical. Unfortunately, that didn't stop the host's tirade.
In the end, not only did I unsubscribe from the podcast, I deleted all of the episodes I hadn't gotten to yet--which is pretty much everything after season one, about the case I indicated above. I will never listen to another episode of this podcast.
Authors, actors, and other creative types have also done this time and again--especially in today's age, with our current POTUS, social media is ripe with this kind of crap. I have also blacklisted them.
Beware of what you say or post online, for you may be alienating your audience. You may not care. That's fine, if that is the risk you want to take. Here's the approach I would take: focus on your art, your creation. That is what the fans want to see, not your personal views on controversial topics.
Friday, April 12, 2019
What are you doing today to better your tomorrow? / Happenings In The Outhouse 12-Apr-2019
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?
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?
Friday, April 5, 2019
Part one complete / Happenings In The Outhouse 05-Apr-2019
This week, I completed the first of four parts in my new epic fantasy novel. It's running a bit over 32,000 words so far, and it's going well.
For the most part.
This winter has been particularly harsh for northern Minnesota--as is other areas of the country, I'm sure--and there were days I didn't do anything. Balancing that and caring for my wife, I have had to do a bit of reflection on how to best set up my day. When are the best times to write? To read? To play games or watch Netflix/Amazon Prime?
Even to rest.
In the book of Genesis, God created the earth in six days and rested the seventh. That means one must value their time of rest--and take the time for it. If you are completely exhausted, and working on your art just isn't cutting it, rest. It's okay. You're not being lazy by doing so.
Because even God rested.
For the most part.
This winter has been particularly harsh for northern Minnesota--as is other areas of the country, I'm sure--and there were days I didn't do anything. Balancing that and caring for my wife, I have had to do a bit of reflection on how to best set up my day. When are the best times to write? To read? To play games or watch Netflix/Amazon Prime?
Even to rest.
In the book of Genesis, God created the earth in six days and rested the seventh. That means one must value their time of rest--and take the time for it. If you are completely exhausted, and working on your art just isn't cutting it, rest. It's okay. You're not being lazy by doing so.
Because even God rested.
Friday, March 29, 2019
"The Beatles should own the rights to their music. And so should Motley Crue!" / Happenings In The Outhouse 29-March-2019
Dovetailing off of last week's post (if you haven't read it, here's a link to it), last weekend was the premiere of the Netflix movie The Dirt, based on the life of the heavy metal band Motley Crue. One scene in particular made me think about the post and if one is ready for success.
To paraphrase the scene in particular, Nikki Sixx (bassist for the iconic band) was talking with a record executive about the rights to their music. The executive said something like, "Not even the Beatles own the rights to their music." Nikki replied that they should. And so should Motley Crue.
I won't spoil the ending, but this made me think very hard about the rights to my own writing. As well as your own writing/art. If you're not ready for success, you may make stupid decisions and sign away all of your rights--not a good thing!
What I would do, to prepare yourself for success, is to read all you can about the business side. I know, I know, your art is just that. Art. Well, if you want someone to take advantage of you and steal what may potentially be tons of money from your pocket, ignore this advice. But if you want to be smart, learn what you can about the industry.
Kristine Rusch publishes a ton about contracts and rights--this is primarily for the book publishing industry, but much of her posts are applicable to other industries as well. Here is a link to her posts, which I highly suggest to read.
To paraphrase the scene in particular, Nikki Sixx (bassist for the iconic band) was talking with a record executive about the rights to their music. The executive said something like, "Not even the Beatles own the rights to their music." Nikki replied that they should. And so should Motley Crue.
I won't spoil the ending, but this made me think very hard about the rights to my own writing. As well as your own writing/art. If you're not ready for success, you may make stupid decisions and sign away all of your rights--not a good thing!
What I would do, to prepare yourself for success, is to read all you can about the business side. I know, I know, your art is just that. Art. Well, if you want someone to take advantage of you and steal what may potentially be tons of money from your pocket, ignore this advice. But if you want to be smart, learn what you can about the industry.
Kristine Rusch publishes a ton about contracts and rights--this is primarily for the book publishing industry, but much of her posts are applicable to other industries as well. Here is a link to her posts, which I highly suggest to read.
Friday, March 22, 2019
Are you ready for success? / Happenings In The Outhouse 22-March-2019
As the first quarter of 2019 winds down and the weather starts to get warmer here in northwestern Minnesota, I'm reflecting on my writing goals for the year.
First, I am currently around the 25,000 word mark on my epic fantasy and I'm quite a distance away from completing the first part--there are four parts to the book; the original plan was to write one part per quarter. That may not happen now. I'm still writing everyday but the story is taking longer to tell. Not a bad thing. The story will get done. Will it be done by the end of the year? Who knows . . .
Reviewing my 5 goals for the quarter, I have completed 2 of them. Yeah! What they are, that is between me and the Almighty.
I've written before about success and how success is different for each person. Here's one post from 2011. It still holds true, in my opinion.
But how ready are for you for success? What is the huge "pie in the sky" goal was to land on your lap? Let's say your goal is to have a book made into a movie. What if a big movie studio not only gave you a fat contract for your book but it also was speeding along to be made right away? What if, all of a sudden, a book of yours sudden flew off the shelves and you made five and six figures a month?
How ready are you for it? There's a mindset that needs to be firm in place. It's a rarity for someone to come into massive amounts of money (there are other metrics to success, but I'm focusing on money as an example) and not have troubles. Whether it's starting to do drugs and drink, or run around partying, or spending like money has no end, most who come into it aren't ready. But if you mentally prepare for what you're going to do, it will help guide you.
What are you preparing for today? What is your success metric?
First, I am currently around the 25,000 word mark on my epic fantasy and I'm quite a distance away from completing the first part--there are four parts to the book; the original plan was to write one part per quarter. That may not happen now. I'm still writing everyday but the story is taking longer to tell. Not a bad thing. The story will get done. Will it be done by the end of the year? Who knows . . .
Reviewing my 5 goals for the quarter, I have completed 2 of them. Yeah! What they are, that is between me and the Almighty.
I've written before about success and how success is different for each person. Here's one post from 2011. It still holds true, in my opinion.
But how ready are for you for success? What is the huge "pie in the sky" goal was to land on your lap? Let's say your goal is to have a book made into a movie. What if a big movie studio not only gave you a fat contract for your book but it also was speeding along to be made right away? What if, all of a sudden, a book of yours sudden flew off the shelves and you made five and six figures a month?
How ready are you for it? There's a mindset that needs to be firm in place. It's a rarity for someone to come into massive amounts of money (there are other metrics to success, but I'm focusing on money as an example) and not have troubles. Whether it's starting to do drugs and drink, or run around partying, or spending like money has no end, most who come into it aren't ready. But if you mentally prepare for what you're going to do, it will help guide you.
What are you preparing for today? What is your success metric?
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