Make 2013 the year you read some of those books you already own and dig into the riches of you to-be-read pile!
Read all about it at planetpooks. I hope to see you there!
Read all about it at planetpooks. I hope to see you there!
Thursday, December 27, 2012
Friday, December 07, 2012
"Type so hard you bruise the screen."
From the Austin Chronicle -- 30 New Essential Thoughts for Writers.
I am going to stress these three. You should go read the rest.
8. Writing takes time. Don’t find the time to write. Make the time. If necessary, abandon sleep, people, television and drink.
9. Treat writing like a hobby and you will receive nothing but the fruits of a hobby. It’s a vocation. Honor it as such.
10. Don’t say you’re trying to be a writer. If you’re writing then you are a writer. Publication is nice, but has nothing to do with the definition.
Go write like it's your gift, because it is.
I am going to stress these three. You should go read the rest.
8. Writing takes time. Don’t find the time to write. Make the time. If necessary, abandon sleep, people, television and drink.
9. Treat writing like a hobby and you will receive nothing but the fruits of a hobby. It’s a vocation. Honor it as such.
10. Don’t say you’re trying to be a writer. If you’re writing then you are a writer. Publication is nice, but has nothing to do with the definition.
Go write like it's your gift, because it is.
Friday, November 30, 2012
Beautiful essay, interesting assignment, timely reminder.
So I have been busy and haven't been sharing writerly content with you lately.
Sorry.
First, I'll let you know, I have another book that will be available next Tuesday in digital for the first time. This excites me. I am having a contest. If you don't already know about it, check it out.
But about YOUR writing...
How about this? I'm going to link to an essay at Powells which will do three things:
One, it will introduce you to one of the best bookstores on the planet, an independent bookstore that still exists in a world of Amazon and BN, a place that is worth your business. Check it out.
Two, it will share an idea that I've never articulated but have certainly lived--that sometimes my writing is fueled by somebody else's writing, but not in obvious ways. The inspiration, the brilliance of the words and/or consuming magic of the world ignites my own passion to write.
"I want you to find a book that has a kindred feel," I told them, "that has a voice welcoming what you are trying to write, an approach to a difficult subject that can be your teacher and your friend. Find a book that helps you identify what is important, what is at stake in the story that calls to you. No book can tell you exactly how to do it. But maybe there is a book that can assure you it can be done."
I know I told you in class that you can find books that help you get to the right mood and write emotional place to write, but this is even different from that. When it happens to me, it can be a book that is nothing like what I'm writing, in mood or place or context, but it is so beautiful it makes me want to write more, better, harder.
Three, it will introduce you to a writer who might be new to you.
These are all good things. We are entering a busy time of year. Make time to read. Make time to write. Make time to dream.
Sorry.
First, I'll let you know, I have another book that will be available next Tuesday in digital for the first time. This excites me. I am having a contest. If you don't already know about it, check it out.
But about YOUR writing...
How about this? I'm going to link to an essay at Powells which will do three things:
One, it will introduce you to one of the best bookstores on the planet, an independent bookstore that still exists in a world of Amazon and BN, a place that is worth your business. Check it out.
Two, it will share an idea that I've never articulated but have certainly lived--that sometimes my writing is fueled by somebody else's writing, but not in obvious ways. The inspiration, the brilliance of the words and/or consuming magic of the world ignites my own passion to write.
"I want you to find a book that has a kindred feel," I told them, "that has a voice welcoming what you are trying to write, an approach to a difficult subject that can be your teacher and your friend. Find a book that helps you identify what is important, what is at stake in the story that calls to you. No book can tell you exactly how to do it. But maybe there is a book that can assure you it can be done."
I know I told you in class that you can find books that help you get to the right mood and write emotional place to write, but this is even different from that. When it happens to me, it can be a book that is nothing like what I'm writing, in mood or place or context, but it is so beautiful it makes me want to write more, better, harder.
Three, it will introduce you to a writer who might be new to you.
These are all good things. We are entering a busy time of year. Make time to read. Make time to write. Make time to dream.
Friday, November 09, 2012
A short little assignment.
This is very cool. Neat, even. Neato! (Going retro, there.)
The assignment this guy had in class was to write a short story inspired by a picture.
The catch: He had to write the story on the front and back of a business card.
Check it out.
I went off looking for an image to post here to help you do the same, but got distracted. So find your own image. Or use his.
Go for it!
The assignment this guy had in class was to write a short story inspired by a picture.
The catch: He had to write the story on the front and back of a business card.
Check it out.
I went off looking for an image to post here to help you do the same, but got distracted. So find your own image. Or use his.
Go for it!
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Because I was asked to recommend some books to read...
In response to a request for book recommendations from a student who used East of Eden as an example of books she liked...
A novel exploring Ernest Hemingway's first marriage through the viewpoint of Hadley Hemingway,
. A fast read, but emotionally difficult at times. I was not familiar with their story and wasn't sure how it would end. This is definitely worth reading, and from the notes at the end, is a faithful exploration of a well-documented relationship.
. Five stars.What was it like to be German during the Fuhrer's reign? Not a member of the elite, but one of the powerless? How many times have people outside Germany pondered whether or not they would have gone along with the crowd, whether they would have drunk the Kool-Aid? The Book Thief explores that idea in unexpected and deep ways. This is a gorgeously written book. The prose sometimes stopped me cold just long enough to savor it before moving forward. Not so often that it got in the way of the story, just often enough to make this book of difficult subject matter lush and beautiful. Death's point of view is fascinating. It gives just enough distance and subjective thought to keep the story from getting too intense. Yes, I love intense emotion in books, and this had its moments. But the use of Death as a character was a profound and appropriate choice, for he brought vision and distance in moments when it was needed. Again, five stars.
Middlesex. This tale of a transgendered teenager in a Greek immigrant family in Detroit is brilliant. It's compelling. It's fascinating. It follows the Stephanides family from war-torn Greece to an America that is changing faster than even their own lives. Come for the emotionally gripping story of the transgendered girl and stay for the dramatic saga of family and risk and love. And I thought all that before it won the Pulitzer Prize.
The Astonishing Adventures of Fanboy and Goth Girl
, by Barry Lyga. Fanboy is a high school sophomore with more than his share of burdens to bear. A geek who loves comics and is the smartest nerd in school, he only has one friend, and that friend doesn't acknowledge him if others are around. I can tell you more, but it makes him sound pretty pathetic. And honestly, he's so wicked smart and wicked funny (with an emphasis on wicked, if you consider that he had Planned Parenthood send his mother abortion brochures when he found out she was pregnant with the "step-fascist's" baby), this is book sucked me in from the first words. Oh, and he meets Goth Girl, which gives him another friend. (Not spoiling anything there. Read the title.)What books would you recommend? Surely you have some!
Monday, October 29, 2012
by 
Monday, October 22, 2012
There are a lot of lies told about traditional publishing.
Self-publishing is becoming more and more common. Self-publishing is becoming easier. Self-publishing is losing the taint of "lesser than" in many cases.
What bothers me is when people who have never been traditionally published start making blanket statements -- usually negative -- about traditional publishing, blanket statements that indicate that simply by hiring an editor and a nice cover-designer a self-published author can duplicate the traditional publishing process.
This post from Kate Elliott in which she apologizes for how long her readers have waited for book three in The Spiritwalker Trilogy
relates only part of what goes into the publication of a traditionally published book.
The book gets copy edited for grammatical, punctuation, and consistency errors, and then I have to go over the copy edits as well, at which time I can make any last line editing changes. For instance, I think I am going to have to cut the word “cocky” from one sentence. [Copy editing is good news, though, since a good copy-editing job makes the book better.]
More good news: After copy editing, the book gets “typeset”–that is, converted from double spaced manuscript format into the format seen in books. The interior of a book is designed, just as the exterior cover design is. Font, kerning, spacing and other graphic design elements are just as important for ease of reading and a positive aesthetic look even when it is just text. A beautifully designed text is a pleasure to read.
Several proofeading passes are made through the typeset pages to eradicate as many typos and errors as possible (although some will always slip through). The text must be converted into various ebook formats. A cover is designed, tweaked, printed. Marketing, orders, and distribution also have to be dealt with in the lead up to printing and the actual arrival on the shelves. And this accounting is just the quick, simplistic version of all the things the publisher does. (I haven’t even touched on how my editor helps me make this the best book possible, because that part of the process has already happened.)
Hiring an editor and a cover-designer does not suddenly equal professional quality publication.
Can it? Sometimes. Often, though, it comes nowhere near. More to the point, sometimes it is the only way an author can get their book available to readers. If so, if that decision is made, then go forth and do it to the best of your ability, and let's all hope it finds a wide readership. Stranger things have happened.
But trash-talking traditional publishing doesn't have to be part of that process, especially when you've never been through the process and had the benefits of it.
The business is changing and it's changing fast. But when the care and detail that go into the traditional publication process get left behind, we will all miss it. Already I'm having friends bemoan that they can't do some of the cool font things in ebooks that have to be read over many platforms that they could have done in print.
Anyway, that's my Monday rant, such as it is. In the meantime, Kate's Spiritwalker series is one of the coolest I've been reading in recent years. I can't wait until June!
What bothers me is when people who have never been traditionally published start making blanket statements -- usually negative -- about traditional publishing, blanket statements that indicate that simply by hiring an editor and a nice cover-designer a self-published author can duplicate the traditional publishing process.
This post from Kate Elliott in which she apologizes for how long her readers have waited for book three in The Spiritwalker Trilogy
relates only part of what goes into the publication of a traditionally published book.The book gets copy edited for grammatical, punctuation, and consistency errors, and then I have to go over the copy edits as well, at which time I can make any last line editing changes. For instance, I think I am going to have to cut the word “cocky” from one sentence. [Copy editing is good news, though, since a good copy-editing job makes the book better.]
More good news: After copy editing, the book gets “typeset”–that is, converted from double spaced manuscript format into the format seen in books. The interior of a book is designed, just as the exterior cover design is. Font, kerning, spacing and other graphic design elements are just as important for ease of reading and a positive aesthetic look even when it is just text. A beautifully designed text is a pleasure to read.
Several proofeading passes are made through the typeset pages to eradicate as many typos and errors as possible (although some will always slip through). The text must be converted into various ebook formats. A cover is designed, tweaked, printed. Marketing, orders, and distribution also have to be dealt with in the lead up to printing and the actual arrival on the shelves. And this accounting is just the quick, simplistic version of all the things the publisher does. (I haven’t even touched on how my editor helps me make this the best book possible, because that part of the process has already happened.)
Hiring an editor and a cover-designer does not suddenly equal professional quality publication.
Can it? Sometimes. Often, though, it comes nowhere near. More to the point, sometimes it is the only way an author can get their book available to readers. If so, if that decision is made, then go forth and do it to the best of your ability, and let's all hope it finds a wide readership. Stranger things have happened.
But trash-talking traditional publishing doesn't have to be part of that process, especially when you've never been through the process and had the benefits of it.
The business is changing and it's changing fast. But when the care and detail that go into the traditional publication process get left behind, we will all miss it. Already I'm having friends bemoan that they can't do some of the cool font things in ebooks that have to be read over many platforms that they could have done in print.
Anyway, that's my Monday rant, such as it is. In the meantime, Kate's Spiritwalker series is one of the coolest I've been reading in recent years. I can't wait until June!
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
I have been recommending these screenwriting classes.
And I was sending people to the wrong URL and site.
Let's try this again.
BEST ONLINE SCREENWRITING CLASSES EVER.
Read some of her blog entries to get a taste and see if this will be helpful for you.
She also has a private online workshop. I've been in her workshops before and they are stellar.
Tell Max that Pooks sent you.
Let's try this again.
BEST ONLINE SCREENWRITING CLASSES EVER.
Read some of her blog entries to get a taste and see if this will be helpful for you.
She also has a private online workshop. I've been in her workshops before and they are stellar.
Tell Max that Pooks sent you.Monday, October 15, 2012
Several things...
. The reviews from what I can tell aren't particularly good. Oddly, now that I've gotten a ways into it, I'm liking it. But it's not pretty, magical, scary, fun. It's very different from anything Potter and certainly adult in nature. Join me, if you want to read along and discuss. I'd love to have you there, whether you've read the Potter books or not. It would be interesting to see how someone responds to it who hasn't read Potter, actually.Second, here is a post by an author I don't know but follow on twitter evidently. It mentions numerous things I reference when teaching, including the importance of rewrite and editing. I think you'll find it a helpful reminder of what traditional publishing works, and why it's (in my opinion) a better option than self-publishing from a craft level as well as financial. Are there exceptions to the rule? Always. But in general, this is still the way to go for me.
Third, if anybody is interested, particularly if you are in my current classes--if you want to read either of my e-books in the next week or two, I will be glad to arrange a time before or after class (depending on which class you're in) where I can answer questions about all aspects of their writing processes. Whether it is particular choices I made in specific scenes, or overall issues of research and or plot choices, etc. If you are from a former class and want to join in, feel free to. If an in-person meeting doesn't work, we can do this online. I think it would be educational for you and fun for me, so a double-win. BTW, I've never done this before so we will be in uncharted territory. They are available on Amazon (Some Enchanted Season
and La Desperada
) and also at Book View Cafe, where you can save $1 on La Desperada through the end of October. Scroll down to see the books.I hope you're writing. I was thrilled to see several former students at the Collin College writing conference and find out that you have completed books, or are still working away at them. That is fabulous!
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Links-a-Lot
Courtesy of your fellow students.
Just to show ya never know who you might know, Jenni's sorority sister is now an editor, and guess what she recently posted a blog entry about?
First pages!
Robyn has shared links to the facebook pages of two NaNoWriMo groups for local writers:
DFW Rhinos
North Texas Rough Writers (more Collin County-oriented, I believe)
And be sure to check out Bill Chance's excellent blog. I think he probably explores more of Dallas than most of my students ever see. I heartily approve.
Just to show ya never know who you might know, Jenni's sorority sister is now an editor, and guess what she recently posted a blog entry about?
First pages!
Robyn has shared links to the facebook pages of two NaNoWriMo groups for local writers:
DFW Rhinos
North Texas Rough Writers (more Collin County-oriented, I believe)
And be sure to check out Bill Chance's excellent blog. I think he probably explores more of Dallas than most of my students ever see. I heartily approve.
Saturday, October 06, 2012
Wrong For Each Other In Exactly the Right Way
From Patricia Rice, New York Times Best Selling Author, Rita Award-Winner:
 |
| Buy The English Heiress |
From Robin D Owens, Rita Award-Winning Author of Fantasy and Romantic Fantasy:
 |
| Buy Heart Secret |
MaxAdams, Produced
Screenwriter, Author, Nicholl Fellow & Founder of the Academy of Film Writing says:
 |
| Buy Excess Baggage |
The characters in Excess Baggage
were
very right for each other because, despite being from very separate sides of
the track, her being from big money and him being from no money, they were very
much alike. Her father was a robber baron of sorts, manipulating
currencies in currency trading. His family was a bunch of car thieves,
manipulating autos regardless of the owners’ thoughts on that. Neither
paid much attention to rules or laws, both were incredibly head strong and
independent, neither of them had met up with a member of the opposite sex who
could one up him/her, and both were very isolated and lonely. They also,
through being stuck together for a period of time, grew to respect each other.
Emily couldn't just manipulate Will (his name in earlier drafts and I
still think of him by that name), and Will couldn't just dump Emily off and be
done with her, she had him pretty stuck and every time he tried, she out
maneuvered him. They were fun to write, as they vied for dominance in a
relationship in which ultimately they came to realize they were facing off
against equals.
And I, Pooks, Author, Screenwriter & Nicholl Fellow say:
What’s the worst thing
you can do to them? Make it happen. That
includes making them feel attracted to an ‘opposite’ that is everything that
they should avoid like the plague. The fun part is figuring out why.
 |
| Buy Some Enchanted Season |
 |
| Buy La Desperada |
Friday, October 05, 2012
A Few Fanfiction Links
Links referenced in the workshop Fanfiction: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly. Not at all extensive, but a good place to start.
Fan fiction (alternatively referred to as fanfiction, fanfic, FF, or fic) is a broadly-defined term for fan labor regarding stories about characters or settings written by fans of the original work, rather than by the original creator. (More at wikipedia.)
Organization of Transformative Works
12 Successful SF Authors Who've Written Racy Fanfic
There's no love like the non-canonical love between two characters in a media science-fiction franchise. And there's no love like the love of writers for these pairings. A surprising number of established authors have dabbled in romantic or steamy fanfic.
FanFiction.Net (often abbreviated as FF.Net or FFN) is an automated fan fiction archive site. It was founded in 1998[2] by Los Angeles computer programmer Xing Li, who also runs the site. As of 2010,
FanFiction.Net is the largest and most popular fan fiction website in
the world. It has nearly 2.2 million users and hosts stories in over 30
languages.[3]
The site is split into nine main categories: Anime/Manga, Books, Cartoons, Miscellaneous, Games, Comics, Movies, Plays/Musicals, and TV Shows. As of March 27, 2009, a new feature was added to the site - the Crossover categories. Users who complete the free registration process can submit their fan fiction, maintain a user profile, review other stories, apply for a beta reader position, contact each other via email or private messages, and maintain a list of favorite stories and authors. There are also centralized communities and forums. (More at wikipedia.)
Fan fiction (alternatively referred to as fanfiction, fanfic, FF, or fic) is a broadly-defined term for fan labor regarding stories about characters or settings written by fans of the original work, rather than by the original creator. (More at wikipedia.)
Organization of Transformative Works
The Organization for Transformative Works (OTW) is a nonprofit organization established by fans to serve the interests of fans by providing access to and preserving the history of fanworks and fan culture in its myriad forms. We believe that fanworks are transformative and that transformative works are legitimate.
The OTW represents a practice of transformative fanwork historically rooted in a primarily female culture. The OTW will preserve the record of that history as we pursue our mission while encouraging new and non-mainstream expressions of cultural identity within fandom.
The attitudes of professional writers and creators of source texts to fandom and fanworks are as varied as their understanding of copyright and Fair Use. Some are vehemently opposed to fanworks based on their texts, and some are actively supportive. Still others are fine with fanworks but believe that reading or seeing them constitutes a threat; in fact, fan works pose no greater risk to a professional author than any other artistic works, essays, or even fan mail.[1]
The following lists are not exhaustive but do attempt to list the publicly stated positions of authors and creators who have earned fannish attention. An additional list of author fan fiction policies can be found on FanWorks.Org here.
12 Successful SF Authors Who've Written Racy Fanfic
There's no love like the non-canonical love between two characters in a media science-fiction franchise. And there's no love like the love of writers for these pairings. A surprising number of established authors have dabbled in romantic or steamy fanfic.
The site is split into nine main categories: Anime/Manga, Books, Cartoons, Miscellaneous, Games, Comics, Movies, Plays/Musicals, and TV Shows. As of March 27, 2009, a new feature was added to the site - the Crossover categories. Users who complete the free registration process can submit their fan fiction, maintain a user profile, review other stories, apply for a beta reader position, contact each other via email or private messages, and maintain a list of favorite stories and authors. There are also centralized communities and forums. (More at wikipedia.)
Sunday, September 30, 2012
It's Banned Books Week
It's Banned Books Week. Last year I posted about a banned book every day all week long. This year I'm joining the other authors at Book View Cafe in our own nose-thumbing exercise. There will be blog entries all week long. Also, we're posting pictures of ourselves reading banned books.
Join us. Post your picture on your blog. On twitter. On facebook.
Let's get this party started.
Erotica author Marissa Day writes about "50 Shades of Burning Books," the burning of 50 Shades of Grey.
Science Fiction/Fantasy author Sherwood Smith writes about the history of book-burning in "Put Her In the Fire!"
And our photo meme is launched on facebook. "Nothing comes between me and my Mark Twain..."
I'll be posting links all week.
Join us.
Have fun.
Thumb your nose at book-banning!
Let's get this party started.
 |
| So many banned books on my favorites shelf. So little time. |
Erotica author Marissa Day writes about "50 Shades of Burning Books," the burning of 50 Shades of Grey.
Science Fiction/Fantasy author Sherwood Smith writes about the history of book-burning in "Put Her In the Fire!"
And our photo meme is launched on facebook. "Nothing comes between me and my Mark Twain..."
I'll be posting links all week.
Join us.
Have fun.
Thumb your nose at book-banning!
Cross-posted at planetpooks.
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Jenny Crusie's Collage System & Whiteboard
New York Times Best Selling Author Jennifer Crusie's approach to finding her plot and working out the details is the most unusual I've run across, and fascinating and pretty!
Read, look and marvel.
Read, look and marvel.
WEEK ONE HOMEWORK
1. Take
yourself on an Artist’s
2. Try
“morning pages.”
3. Read
the “first pages.”
4. Use
your “capture device.”
5. Watch
Witness
.
.
6. Be a
writer.
Got questions? Ask! (Or email me.) And don't forget to sign up for email delivery of this blog.
Go write something!
Monday, September 10, 2012
It's September, and that means...
And welcome!
It's going to be a great semester, and you're going to write a novel.
Ready? Set? Go!
Monday, August 27, 2012
The Unprofessional Writer
Feel the ground quaking beneath your feet? That's the seismic tremors of the publishing industry quaking.
There was a time when Week Eight of my Basics class was simple and straight-forward. How to write a query. How to approach an agent. How publishing works.
Remember the kids' game, Fruit Basket Turnover?
Well, things are crazy and some of my students are going straight to self-publishing while others are still seeking the traditional route. It's hard to say what's going to work for any one person so I wish everybody good luck in the path they take.
Here, Kris Rusch tackles some of the quakes and those who are prognosticating on the future of publishing. Check it out. It's worth your time.
There was a time when Week Eight of my Basics class was simple and straight-forward. How to write a query. How to approach an agent. How publishing works.
Remember the kids' game, Fruit Basket Turnover?
Well, things are crazy and some of my students are going straight to self-publishing while others are still seeking the traditional route. It's hard to say what's going to work for any one person so I wish everybody good luck in the path they take.
Here, Kris Rusch tackles some of the quakes and those who are prognosticating on the future of publishing. Check it out. It's worth your time.
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Common Grammar Mistakes
This link--20 Common Grammar Mistakes That Almost Everybody Makes--is a solid refresher if you need it.
Example: Who or whom? (And no, "whom" is not pretentious when it's correct.) Even though the article explains this one, it explains too much (in my opinion).
It's very simple:
Whether or not you include the 'm' on the end of 'who' depends on whether you use the 'm' on the end of 'he/him.'
If you would say "he" in the sentence, you say who.
If you would say "him" in the sentence, you say whom.
Easy.
Okay, it will probably take some rearranging to make it work. For example, if I'm going to ask who wants to go with me, in my mind I would process, "Does HE want to go with me or does HIM want to go with me," and come up with, "Who wants to go with me?"
I am not a grammarian by any stretch, so go read other authorities. In the meantime, if you want a class in the basics of writing a novel--characterization, plot, scene structure, pace, building a world or universe, and more? I've got you covered. Starting Monday night, Sept 10 and Tuesday morning, Sept 11.
For those who have taken the basics class and are waiting patiently for the blueprinting classes to finally be offered again, hooray! Monday night, November 5 and Tuesday morning, November 6. Just imagine, 3 hours of politics-free discussion about writing on election eve and election morning. That sounds pretty appealing to me!
Also, Collin College is sponsoring a writers conference in October. Find the details here!
Example: Who or whom? (And no, "whom" is not pretentious when it's correct.) Even though the article explains this one, it explains too much (in my opinion).
It's very simple:
Whether or not you include the 'm' on the end of 'who' depends on whether you use the 'm' on the end of 'he/him.'
If you would say "he" in the sentence, you say who.
If you would say "him" in the sentence, you say whom.
Easy.
Okay, it will probably take some rearranging to make it work. For example, if I'm going to ask who wants to go with me, in my mind I would process, "Does HE want to go with me or does HIM want to go with me," and come up with, "Who wants to go with me?"
I am not a grammarian by any stretch, so go read other authorities. In the meantime, if you want a class in the basics of writing a novel--characterization, plot, scene structure, pace, building a world or universe, and more? I've got you covered. Starting Monday night, Sept 10 and Tuesday morning, Sept 11.
For those who have taken the basics class and are waiting patiently for the blueprinting classes to finally be offered again, hooray! Monday night, November 5 and Tuesday morning, November 6. Just imagine, 3 hours of politics-free discussion about writing on election eve and election morning. That sounds pretty appealing to me!
Also, Collin College is sponsoring a writers conference in October. Find the details here!
Monday, August 13, 2012
The Suspense is Killing Me!
Or it should be.
Few things bug me more than writers who reveal information that would have been more interesting and exciting had they been held until later. I think what people often overlook is that building suspense into your book is not just for thrillers.
Whether you're writing a coming of age drama, a romantic comedy or a retelling of a historical event, remember that using the techniques of a talented suspense writer will you make your story more dramatic, more funny, more real and alive to the reader.
As I've said about "backstory" in class, Don't tell it until you've given the reader a reason to care. Don't reveal it until the reader is dying to know.
Today's link takes you to a succinct list of four ways to build tension in your writing. If you don't already follow the Grammarly site, it's a good one!
Suspense!
And then, go visit an exploration of one of the Master of Suspense's most widely-known quotes:
Alfred Hitchcock's Bomb.
Have a great week writing!
Few things bug me more than writers who reveal information that would have been more interesting and exciting had they been held until later. I think what people often overlook is that building suspense into your book is not just for thrillers.
Whether you're writing a coming of age drama, a romantic comedy or a retelling of a historical event, remember that using the techniques of a talented suspense writer will you make your story more dramatic, more funny, more real and alive to the reader.
As I've said about "backstory" in class, Don't tell it until you've given the reader a reason to care. Don't reveal it until the reader is dying to know.
Today's link takes you to a succinct list of four ways to build tension in your writing. If you don't already follow the Grammarly site, it's a good one!
Suspense!
And then, go visit an exploration of one of the Master of Suspense's most widely-known quotes:
Alfred Hitchcock's Bomb.
Have a great week writing!
Monday, August 06, 2012
Practical Meerkat Returns
I kept pointing you toward the Practical Meerkat posts at Book View Cafe's blog while they were being posted, and then to the book they became. This is a very useful and informative book for writers, and a great bargain as well.
Well, the practical meerkat has posted again, so I thought I'd let you know. She addresses the panic and pressure of being a self-employed writer whose career is only as stable and finances only as dependable as the latest contract.
Enjoy!
Well, the practical meerkat has posted again, so I thought I'd let you know. She addresses the panic and pressure of being a self-employed writer whose career is only as stable and finances only as dependable as the latest contract.
Enjoy!
Monday, July 30, 2012
Simple and Logical
That's how you know I didn't write it!
Titles are hard. Truly hard. And often the title you love will be replaced by the publisher whose marketing department has a different idea about what sells. This is not always a bad thing, mind you. Margaret Mitchell's original title was, Tomorrow is Another Day. It was the editorial staff that came up with Gone With the Wind.
As hard as it can be to come up with a good title, agent Rachelle Gardner manages to break it down in some simple and logical steps.
I highly recommend you read her suggestions here.
Have a great writing week!
Titles are hard. Truly hard. And often the title you love will be replaced by the publisher whose marketing department has a different idea about what sells. This is not always a bad thing, mind you. Margaret Mitchell's original title was, Tomorrow is Another Day. It was the editorial staff that came up with Gone With the Wind.
As hard as it can be to come up with a good title, agent Rachelle Gardner manages to break it down in some simple and logical steps.
I highly recommend you read her suggestions here.
Have a great writing week!
Monday, July 23, 2012
Stealing, aka, Where Do Stories and Characters Come From?
You may know exactly where the idea for your book or character came from.
That annoying relative you want to put in their place.
A book you read and loved--until the last chapter, when your entire reading experience was ground under that author's unrelenting heel.
The life you might have led, had you chosen a different road.
Maybe.
Or maybe an idea, a piece of dialog, a character just popped into your head so fast, you knew you had to write it.
What if you are working on your beloved MIP (masterpiece in progress or mess in progress, depending on the alignment of the planets) or maybe you've finished it, and you catch a glimpse of an old movie or dig an old book out of the corner of the closet and--
Uh-oh.
Suddenly you know where the idea for this situation or that character or the entire premise came from.
Somebody else's work, something you saw or read and then "forgot."
It happens.
As Sherwood Smith describes here.
When is it stealing and when is it creating, and how do our brains work anyway, and oh by the way, what about that pesky copyright issue...?
Read it. You'll find it interesting. Don't forget to read the comments, too!
And while you're at it, look at this, too. He's an artist, but everything he says works for writers, too.
Have a great week and go write something!
That annoying relative you want to put in their place.
A book you read and loved--until the last chapter, when your entire reading experience was ground under that author's unrelenting heel.
The life you might have led, had you chosen a different road.
Maybe.
Or maybe an idea, a piece of dialog, a character just popped into your head so fast, you knew you had to write it.
What if you are working on your beloved MIP (masterpiece in progress or mess in progress, depending on the alignment of the planets) or maybe you've finished it, and you catch a glimpse of an old movie or dig an old book out of the corner of the closet and--
Uh-oh.
Suddenly you know where the idea for this situation or that character or the entire premise came from.
Somebody else's work, something you saw or read and then "forgot."
It happens.
As Sherwood Smith describes here.
When is it stealing and when is it creating, and how do our brains work anyway, and oh by the way, what about that pesky copyright issue...?
Read it. You'll find it interesting. Don't forget to read the comments, too!
And while you're at it, look at this, too. He's an artist, but everything he says works for writers, too.
Have a great week and go write something!
Monday, July 16, 2012
Monday, July 09, 2012
So you think you don't need to rewrite?
Too many writers are convinced that their books are ready to go to press long before they are. And yes, I am guilty of that. It's why I rely heavily on editors, and if the day comes that I self-publish new fiction as so many people are doing, I will still employ a dynamite editor to push me when I get complacent, and to spot where I've gone wrong, whether it's grammar or story or style.
Rewriting is hard. But it's the most important part.
To put this into perspective, Ernest Hemingway wrote at least 47 different endings to A Farewell to Arms
.
E.B. White rewrote the beginning to Charlotte's Web about the same number of times.
And if you wonder, "Is it really worth that much rewriting?" I give you the first line of Charlotte's Web:
"Where's Papa going with that axe?" said Fern to her mother as they were setting the table for breakfast.
The answer is... to kill a newborn pig. A runt. The violence juxtaposed against the warm, family kitchen is definitely worth all the trouble.
Rewriting. It's where the magic often happens.
.
Rewriting is hard. But it's the most important part.
To put this into perspective, Ernest Hemingway wrote at least 47 different endings to A Farewell to Arms
.
“I think people who are interested in writing and trying to write themselves will find it interesting to look at a great work and have some insight to how it was done,” said Sean Hemingway, a grandson of Ernest Hemingway who is also a curator of Greek and Roman art at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. The new edition concludes that the 39 endings referred to by Hemingway are more like 47.
E.B. White rewrote the beginning to Charlotte's Web about the same number of times.
And if you wonder, "Is it really worth that much rewriting?" I give you the first line of Charlotte's Web:
"Where's Papa going with that axe?" said Fern to her mother as they were setting the table for breakfast.
The answer is... to kill a newborn pig. A runt. The violence juxtaposed against the warm, family kitchen is definitely worth all the trouble.
Rewriting. It's where the magic often happens.
.
Monday, July 02, 2012
Writers Groups
I am a big believer in writers groups. I've always been in one. At this point instead of a group, I'm part of a circle of friends who beta for each other, possibly brainstorm together, are on the same creative wavelength.
On the other side of the equation, not everybody needs or wants a writers group. Many people write alone and don't want any feedback.
There is no right or wrong here.
My own advice about writers groups is whether you are part of one online or in person, watch and listen before you put your own work up for critique and review. Figure out how the group works. Listen to (or read) the critique and decide what you think about it. Does it feel helpful to you? Would you think it was helpful if you were on the receiving end?
Or does it feel brutal?
The great Neil Gaiman says, "On the whole, anything that gets you writing and keeps you writing is a
good thing. Anything that stops you writing is a bad thing. If you find
your writers group stopping you from writing, then drop it."
I say, follow your gut. There is no right or wrong here. (Okay, there may be, but in many situations I'd say there isn't.) I have had students come from the very same critique group with opposing reactions. "I loved it. I've gone three more times!" "I hated it. I thought they were mean-spirited." Both reactions were valid, because both writers were reacting with their guts. Remember what Gaiman said. If YOU think this group is negative and will have a negative impact on your ability to write--that is not a good group for you. End of discussion.
Holly Lisle has some excellent advice on this subject. I suggest you check it out!
On the other side of the equation, not everybody needs or wants a writers group. Many people write alone and don't want any feedback.
There is no right or wrong here.
My own advice about writers groups is whether you are part of one online or in person, watch and listen before you put your own work up for critique and review. Figure out how the group works. Listen to (or read) the critique and decide what you think about it. Does it feel helpful to you? Would you think it was helpful if you were on the receiving end?
Or does it feel brutal?
I say, follow your gut. There is no right or wrong here. (Okay, there may be, but in many situations I'd say there isn't.) I have had students come from the very same critique group with opposing reactions. "I loved it. I've gone three more times!" "I hated it. I thought they were mean-spirited." Both reactions were valid, because both writers were reacting with their guts. Remember what Gaiman said. If YOU think this group is negative and will have a negative impact on your ability to write--that is not a good group for you. End of discussion.
Holly Lisle has some excellent advice on this subject. I suggest you check it out!
Monday, June 25, 2012
Literature vs Genre
But his only quoted example of the literary novel is Ford Madox Ford’s Parade’s End. Now, I love that interminable four-decker and think it one of the great novels about war. But it was never well known in America, and I wonder how many people have even heard of it by now. If it exemplifies the literary novel, the literary novel is: obscure, unpopular, syntactically complex, ninety years old, and British.
So, then. Is literature the serious stuff you have to read in college, and after that you read for pleasure, which is guilty?
A good read.
Monday, June 18, 2012
Deadlines? What are deadlines?
Things have changed in the world of deadlines. And like much of publishing, the changes are largely because of electronic publishing.
In short, everything has sped up.
Steven Harper Piziks explains how things have changed for him.
You might wonder why I bring this up. I bring this up because when you decide to write a novel, you are very probably deciding to be a professional writer, a novelist. And the "professional" part of that equation means that writing becomes a business.
The time it took you to craft and polish your first selling novel may be--probably will be--the longest time you have to write one.
That's okay. The more you write, the more you learn how to write. I'm not saying it ever gets easy, but I'm saying it gets manageable.
Except when life jumps up and bites you.
But that's a subject for another day.
In short, everything has sped up.
Steven Harper Piziks explains how things have changed for him.
You might wonder why I bring this up. I bring this up because when you decide to write a novel, you are very probably deciding to be a professional writer, a novelist. And the "professional" part of that equation means that writing becomes a business.
The time it took you to craft and polish your first selling novel may be--probably will be--the longest time you have to write one.
That's okay. The more you write, the more you learn how to write. I'm not saying it ever gets easy, but I'm saying it gets manageable.
Except when life jumps up and bites you.
But that's a subject for another day.
Monday, June 11, 2012
If you are a writer, you need to read this.
Max is a brilliant teacher. She's also a brilliant writer, but the two don't always go hand in hand.
If you know anybody who wants to learn about screenwriting I recommend Max. It is well worth the money.
In the meantime, read this.
If you know anybody who wants to learn about screenwriting I recommend Max. It is well worth the money.
In the meantime, read this.
Tuesday, June 05, 2012
Bookmark this information.
This is information you're going to need when you land your first publishing deal. Things are changing quickly in publishing, and first, an example of why you don't want to handle this yourself:
What does a publishing contract cover?
What if you don't have an agent? Or what if you do, but your contract is for so much money you feel the need for more advice? Here's an attorney who specializes in publishing contracts, Elaine English. Whether or not you are represented by her agency or write in a genre she represents, you can still hire her to negotiate your contract and know that you are being protected in every way possible.
Now, what are you waiting for?
Go forth and write.
What does a publishing contract cover?
What if you don't have an agent? Or what if you do, but your contract is for so much money you feel the need for more advice? Here's an attorney who specializes in publishing contracts, Elaine English. Whether or not you are represented by her agency or write in a genre she represents, you can still hire her to negotiate your contract and know that you are being protected in every way possible.
Now, what are you waiting for?
Go forth and write.
Monday, May 28, 2012
Here she comes talking YA again.
Yes, because this is an excellent article that links to another excellent article on censorship in Young Adult literature. Someone thinks it's a good idea to start rating them, like movies are rated. Here are a few thoughtful responses about why it's not a good idea.
Start here with the best selling author Kiersten White (who has a new book coming out with a cover so gorgeous I could just spit), and follow the breadcrumbs as you wish.
Also, bonus! As I've mentioned before, I don't write short stories. But I know many of you are interested in them, and this is a wonderful article by the late Marian Zimmer Bradley that is as applicable today as it was when she wrote it. If you want to know, "What is a short story?" this is your link.
And speaking of head shots... if you missed it on planetpooks, I wrote some practical advice about them. You might need one for a website or blog, or for your book! For press releases. For... inspiration? Anyway, if you want my thoughts on the matter, try reading this.
And finally, I hope you're finding fabulous books to read this spring, and are writing fabulous books of your own.
Keep going!
Start here with the best selling author Kiersten White (who has a new book coming out with a cover so gorgeous I could just spit), and follow the breadcrumbs as you wish.
Also, bonus! As I've mentioned before, I don't write short stories. But I know many of you are interested in them, and this is a wonderful article by the late Marian Zimmer Bradley that is as applicable today as it was when she wrote it. If you want to know, "What is a short story?" this is your link.
And speaking of head shots... if you missed it on planetpooks, I wrote some practical advice about them. You might need one for a website or blog, or for your book! For press releases. For... inspiration? Anyway, if you want my thoughts on the matter, try reading this.
And finally, I hope you're finding fabulous books to read this spring, and are writing fabulous books of your own.
Keep going!
Monday, May 14, 2012
Tips from the Pros
I ran across this extensive collection of writing advice from fifty-seven professional writers and wanted to share.
I particularly love this:
Erica Jong–who in Seducing the Demon defined a writer as “someone who takes the universal whore of language and turns her into a virgin again”, and who created compelling female characters such as Isadora Wing and Fanny Hackabout-Jones–tells us that she writes to get her life down on paper so that it can never be extinguished. She also writes to keep from going mad.
So much that I am now adding her book to my pile of writing books.
Delicious.
I also have a new writers' quote to add to my rotating signature line for email.
Have a GREAT week, peeps! And let me know how you're doing!
I particularly love this:
Erica Jong–who in Seducing the Demon defined a writer as “someone who takes the universal whore of language and turns her into a virgin again”, and who created compelling female characters such as Isadora Wing and Fanny Hackabout-Jones–tells us that she writes to get her life down on paper so that it can never be extinguished. She also writes to keep from going mad.
So much that I am now adding her book to my pile of writing books.
Delicious.
I also have a new writers' quote to add to my rotating signature line for email.
Have a GREAT week, peeps! And let me know how you're doing!
 |
| Erica Jong |
Thursday, May 03, 2012
"Did I ever tell you about the time I threw up a ball of grease?"
"Did I ever tell you about the time I threw up a ball of grease? I think I did. It’s a good story. I’ll tell it again."
That, ladies and gents, boys and girls, is a hook. That is not only a hook; it's a hell of a hook.
It has nothing to do with why I am now coming out from the other side of a surgical procedure where all went well, all is well, and now (knock wood) all will be well. It has nothing to do with me canceling my spring class. (Sorry about that, again.)
But how could I not use that hook?
It's one reason why I love this blog, this The Art of Doing Stuff blog. Her voice. Her style. Her energy.
And boy, does that girl know how to hook.
Another happy hooker is Bad Mama Genny.
That, ladies and gents, boys and girls, is a hook. That is not only a hook; it's a hell of a hook.
It has nothing to do with why I am now coming out from the other side of a surgical procedure where all went well, all is well, and now (knock wood) all will be well. It has nothing to do with me canceling my spring class. (Sorry about that, again.)
But how could I not use that hook?
It's one reason why I love this blog, this The Art of Doing Stuff blog. Her voice. Her style. Her energy.
And boy, does that girl know how to hook.
Another happy hooker is Bad Mama Genny.
Her hooks are often her titles. Seriously, can you pass up, I Didn’t Give Hitler a Hysterectomy This Weekend, But It Wasn’t For Lack of Trying?
 |
| your friendly crack ho queen of hydrocodone |
Friday, March 30, 2012
First Sentence of a Novel...
Remember the "first pages" exercises we do?
Here is a blogger that has a Friday meme where anybody who wants to posts the first sentence of the novel they are reading, and their thoughts about it.
As a reader you might find it fun and interesting to follow along or even join in. [Go ahead, do it! Start a blog if you need to!]
As a writer, you will learn.
Rose City Reader--Book Beginnings on Fridays
And if you're wondering, the first sentence of the book I'm currently reading is:
First the colors.
The Book Thief, by Markus Zusak.
My reaction? The entire first page is compelling, the second person pov, the layout and composition. I'm reading it on a Kindle but want to see it in print, to see how it looks. The first page grabs me. I'm not sure about the sentence alone, but it does intrigue.
What about you? Anybody? Nobody has chatted back recently. Let me know what's going on!
Here is a blogger that has a Friday meme where anybody who wants to posts the first sentence of the novel they are reading, and their thoughts about it.
As a reader you might find it fun and interesting to follow along or even join in. [Go ahead, do it! Start a blog if you need to!]
As a writer, you will learn.
Rose City Reader--Book Beginnings on Fridays
And if you're wondering, the first sentence of the book I'm currently reading is:
First the colors.The Book Thief, by Markus Zusak.
My reaction? The entire first page is compelling, the second person pov, the layout and composition. I'm reading it on a Kindle but want to see it in print, to see how it looks. The first page grabs me. I'm not sure about the sentence alone, but it does intrigue.
What about you? Anybody? Nobody has chatted back recently. Let me know what's going on!
Thursday, March 29, 2012
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