For fun, today I decided to play off a past post on 50 Memes that Dani wrote about at BlogBookTours .
To make a character real, you need to know their likes/dislikes, habits, quirks, tastes, favorite music, and more of the facts besides just their eye and hair color.
It's those kinds of details that make the character appear real to you as a writer and more importantly, make them real to the reader.
So for today, I've adapted one of those memes that can be used to better know your characters.
A short eight to 10 question list can help you round out your characters before you write. To keep track of the facts and descriptions for later use, you can use a character worksheet (download in PDF format) or do a detailed character profile log as described by author Marvin D. Wilson.
Examples in this exercise are based on my characters, Sam and Lita, from Searching For A Starry Night, A Miniature Art Mystery.
Feel free to use your own characters and share some of their quirks and personalities.
Eight Character Facts
1. Your Character's Favorite Word:
Sam likes to say 'holy cow' a lot.
2. Your Character's Favorite Pastime:
Lita likes to read. Sam is a dabbler and hops from one project to another.
3. Your Character's Oddest Thought:
Sam tries to picture she, her mom and her pal Lita in a pillow fight.
4. Your Character's Favorite Food or Snack:
Sam likes chocolate and Starbursts candy. Lita likes Banana Laffy Taffy candy.
5. Your Character's Worst Memory:
Sam hated when she and Lita were mad at each other in grade school.
6. Your Character's Likes or Dislikes:
Sam hates spiders. Lita doesn't like ghosts or spooky stories.
7. Your Character's Favorite Dessert:
Both girls like ice cream.
8. Your Character's Worst Moment:
Sam doesn't want her mom to know they got scared of some noises outside.
** Your Turn: Copy and tell us about your character. Other categories that can be added include: favorite sport, clothing, hairstyle, music, etc.
August 18, 2008
August 17, 2008
Daily Blog 17: Gambling and Writing
This post is super late today. Decided to take off.
This was a first-time visit to the casino in Milwaukee, Wisc. Interesting, though the noise and smoke got to me.
Funny as I'm competitive; I love a challenge and love the chance to "win." But poking a button on a slot machine wasn't much fun to me. It became more interesting once the game became more interactive, requiring me to pick something on the screen, but that didn't happen often enough. Overall, it didn't hook me.
Here's the writing analogy: stories obviously have to hook the reader. You have to have a good "prize" - a good story, a chance to see who the villain is, etc. - to have the reader continue.
Writers are gamblers in a way, aren't they? They write a story or book, send it out, taking a gamble - hoping that someone will like it and purchase it. You keep sending it out - putting more change in the slot (money for postage) on the hopes that it will eventually pay off.
We played the 2 cent slots mostly. Big gambler I'm not. I can't see throwing money away. In writing, it's different. You can put in a few pennies worth of effort, but why waste your (and everyone else's time?) You learn, you improve, and then you raise the stakes.
Put in the big stakes worth of effort and expect to get back what you put in. Play to win - (write to get published).
This was a first-time visit to the casino in Milwaukee, Wisc. Interesting, though the noise and smoke got to me.
Funny as I'm competitive; I love a challenge and love the chance to "win." But poking a button on a slot machine wasn't much fun to me. It became more interesting once the game became more interactive, requiring me to pick something on the screen, but that didn't happen often enough. Overall, it didn't hook me.
Here's the writing analogy: stories obviously have to hook the reader. You have to have a good "prize" - a good story, a chance to see who the villain is, etc. - to have the reader continue.
Writers are gamblers in a way, aren't they? They write a story or book, send it out, taking a gamble - hoping that someone will like it and purchase it. You keep sending it out - putting more change in the slot (money for postage) on the hopes that it will eventually pay off.
We played the 2 cent slots mostly. Big gambler I'm not. I can't see throwing money away. In writing, it's different. You can put in a few pennies worth of effort, but why waste your (and everyone else's time?) You learn, you improve, and then you raise the stakes.
Put in the big stakes worth of effort and expect to get back what you put in. Play to win - (write to get published).
August 16, 2008
Daily Blog 16: Words
At the halfway mark of this blog challenge, I find myself at a loss for words. Funny thing for a writer to say.
Maybe the loss is that I've also spent time this week working on my other book and making good progress. I mentioned in a previous post about not talking a book out so you don't feel like writing it; maybe putting all your energies in one thing also depletes your energy for another.
Well, not really. I'm a multi-task writer, used to changing formats, - nonfiction to fiction - so that's not really the problem. I'm used to working on different things.
But it's Saturday. I need to finish a couple other stories and I'm going to the fair later. It's a good day to play.
I think sometimes the best thing a writer can do is, unless they have a deadline, or even then, take a break. Step away. Rejuvenate. Relax. The words will flow much better next time.
** Your Turn: I seem to be on a theme here - rejuvenating, taking a break. How do you recharge your batteries to get back to writing?
Maybe the loss is that I've also spent time this week working on my other book and making good progress. I mentioned in a previous post about not talking a book out so you don't feel like writing it; maybe putting all your energies in one thing also depletes your energy for another.
Well, not really. I'm a multi-task writer, used to changing formats, - nonfiction to fiction - so that's not really the problem. I'm used to working on different things.
But it's Saturday. I need to finish a couple other stories and I'm going to the fair later. It's a good day to play.
I think sometimes the best thing a writer can do is, unless they have a deadline, or even then, take a break. Step away. Rejuvenate. Relax. The words will flow much better next time.
** Your Turn: I seem to be on a theme here - rejuvenating, taking a break. How do you recharge your batteries to get back to writing?
August 15, 2008
Daily Blog 15: Writing Inspiration
Today I decided to do something different.
Inspiration comes from different places, your Muse, a song, something we hear or read, from others and from our hobbies.
Sometimes, it's a good idea to take a break from writing and let your brain work on a different form of creativity. For me, that means working in miniature.
I get inspired coming up with new ideas, challenging myself to tackle a building or other project. Working on something like painting or planning a miniature room lets my mind roam. I'm not writing, but subconsciously I'm still mulling over the book or story I've been working on.
I also get inspired by the work of others. I'm presenting some photos of the miniature gourmet shop made by a fellow miniaturist in Holland. Kitty Balke, and I often share ideas and projects. Talking over the Internet or via Skype, we enjoy sharing photos or our latest work and often inspire each other.
I think what keeps me interested in the hobby is the detail and realism you can achieve. To me, it's the same as writing, except it's creating with objects and images instead of words.
The best thing? Making this kind of food is calorie free! (The food is made of polymer clay.)
** Do you have a hobby or other pastime that you enjoy to take your mind off of writing for a while?
August 14, 2008
Daily Blog 14: Writing & Finishing that Book
As of this writing last night, I dreaded doing this post. Could be because I'm tired and was going out again to gather story ideas at the county fair.
The month is about half over. Yay! I've never been one to have problems coming up with ideas; it's the doing them that gets me. And blogging daily is a challenge. But it's one I'm glad I took. Will I continue it later? I'll likely do more than I did before, but maybe not daily. We'll see.
Just random thoughts on writing today:
I've been stuck on my adult mystery I've been writing. Procrastinating, maybe, Feeling like it's not worth continuing, sometimes. I'm an outliner so have it all pretty much figured out. Things do change as I write and as I see things to fix, but that's okay. I at least have a starting point.
That's been the problem - starting. I'd do a little, then nonfiction stuff would interrupt me. It'd take weeks, months, to get back to it. Problem is I'd get stuck rereading where I was to get back into it.
I usually know when I am close to writing - I get crabby. I think about the book - a lot.
With Searching For A Starry Night, I had to finish; I had a deadline and a publisher interested. I like goals. Working on your own with no deadline is much harder. But what really got me writing this week was being off the Internet.
Having to store-sit a business, I'm somewhere for five hours daily, four days this week without the Internet. No endless email checking. No checking the blog or website repeatedly. Just set up the laptop and write.
Sure, I'd stop a bit, walk around, read the paper a few minutes, but I WANTED to write. I had to make the time productive. I made myself sit and type. 1,100 something words Weds. Hopefully I'll do the same or near that today and Friday.
My goal was to have this book finished this month. I'm only a quarter way through. But maybe, just maybe, I can get far enough and have enough done that I like to accomplish my next two goals soon: get a critique and look for an agent.
And that's all I'll say about it. Like I said in a previous post, I don't want to talk about the story too much for fear I get tired of it. So far, I haven't.
** Your Turn: Have trouble getting back into a book you're writing? What do you do?
The month is about half over. Yay! I've never been one to have problems coming up with ideas; it's the doing them that gets me. And blogging daily is a challenge. But it's one I'm glad I took. Will I continue it later? I'll likely do more than I did before, but maybe not daily. We'll see.
Just random thoughts on writing today:
I've been stuck on my adult mystery I've been writing. Procrastinating, maybe, Feeling like it's not worth continuing, sometimes. I'm an outliner so have it all pretty much figured out. Things do change as I write and as I see things to fix, but that's okay. I at least have a starting point.
That's been the problem - starting. I'd do a little, then nonfiction stuff would interrupt me. It'd take weeks, months, to get back to it. Problem is I'd get stuck rereading where I was to get back into it.
I usually know when I am close to writing - I get crabby. I think about the book - a lot.
With Searching For A Starry Night, I had to finish; I had a deadline and a publisher interested. I like goals. Working on your own with no deadline is much harder. But what really got me writing this week was being off the Internet.
Having to store-sit a business, I'm somewhere for five hours daily, four days this week without the Internet. No endless email checking. No checking the blog or website repeatedly. Just set up the laptop and write.
Sure, I'd stop a bit, walk around, read the paper a few minutes, but I WANTED to write. I had to make the time productive. I made myself sit and type. 1,100 something words Weds. Hopefully I'll do the same or near that today and Friday.
My goal was to have this book finished this month. I'm only a quarter way through. But maybe, just maybe, I can get far enough and have enough done that I like to accomplish my next two goals soon: get a critique and look for an agent.
And that's all I'll say about it. Like I said in a previous post, I don't want to talk about the story too much for fear I get tired of it. So far, I haven't.
** Your Turn: Have trouble getting back into a book you're writing? What do you do?
August 13, 2008
Daily Blog 13: Fading History
Admittedly, I think my growing up was somewhat different, and I'm glad of it. My parents were a little older, mom achieving motherhood for the first time in her late thirties.
There were disadvantages to having slightly older parents, but one thing I always enjoyed was the family stories. Growing up in the Great Depression, mom and dad had experiences that even then seemed quaint and old-fashioned - reading by kerosene lamp, oilcloth-covered tables, putting a penny in the electric meter to "cheat" the meter. Photos revealed other links, a grandmother wearing high button shoes, mom as a teen in the 1930s looking cute and as fashionable today in jeans and a peasant top.
I seemed to soak up those old stories and developed a big interest in earlier decades. Forties music was a favorite. I still love Glenn Miller. I was fascinated by 78 records. I wondered what it was like growing up in the Roaring Twenties.
Not surprisingly, that love of past history makes it into my writing. For instance, Lita, Sam's best pal in Searching For A Starry Night, comments about her mother's favorite 70's song by Tony Orlando and Dawn, "Knock Three Times."
The group and title drew a big blank when I talked to a group of kids at a recent event. I'm sure some parents are getting asked who that is when their kids read the book.
When a group of middle grade girls recently asked what other books I was working on, I mentioned my adult mystery, which is set in an old vaudeville theater. That also drew blank stares, as did the name of comedian George Burns.
Ancient history? Maybe. But it's sad that with passing time, cultural history is fading away. Maybe I knew more than most, given I had an interest. I enjoyed different music and films from different eras. I knew tidbits of history. I knew and could enjoy watching Charlie Chaplin or silent film star Clara Bow.
It made me sad reading that the last US survivor of the Titanic had died. The last World War I veteran died at age 108. World War II soldiers are dying every day.
History passes, but as these generations die off, so goes that living link to the past, to what we were. That part of history becomes relegated to dusty old history books and unrecognizable faces in old cabinet photos left to the second hand or antique store.
Those people of past generations, their actions and their part in our ancestry, made us, and our country, what it is.
Sad to think that they are being forgotten; that present generations aren't learning more of their cultural history beyond what Miley is doing or which Jonas Brothers is cuter.
Sad that maybe the government's insistence on testing and pushing teachers to teach to the test is making cultural history nothing more than a footnote.
Or maybe in the rush of 21st century life - with demanding jobs, family activities, sports, etc. - there isn't time any more to talk, to remember grandma's favorite sayings and stories, to pull out the family photo album and talk about the "good old days". Don't families take time anymore to acquaint kids with the games mom and dad grew up with, or share those funny family stories about times before TV and modern conveniences?
Maybe there's not enough time, but there should be.
Why not take one night a month and reminisce, dust off the photos, write down those old stories? Maybe work on a family history project. It'll give the kids a solid foundation, a cementing of who they are and help them realize that the past really isn't so boring. And it'll make those rapidly fading parts of history less likely to vanish forever.
There were disadvantages to having slightly older parents, but one thing I always enjoyed was the family stories. Growing up in the Great Depression, mom and dad had experiences that even then seemed quaint and old-fashioned - reading by kerosene lamp, oilcloth-covered tables, putting a penny in the electric meter to "cheat" the meter. Photos revealed other links, a grandmother wearing high button shoes, mom as a teen in the 1930s looking cute and as fashionable today in jeans and a peasant top.
I seemed to soak up those old stories and developed a big interest in earlier decades. Forties music was a favorite. I still love Glenn Miller. I was fascinated by 78 records. I wondered what it was like growing up in the Roaring Twenties.
Not surprisingly, that love of past history makes it into my writing. For instance, Lita, Sam's best pal in Searching For A Starry Night, comments about her mother's favorite 70's song by Tony Orlando and Dawn, "Knock Three Times."
The group and title drew a big blank when I talked to a group of kids at a recent event. I'm sure some parents are getting asked who that is when their kids read the book.
When a group of middle grade girls recently asked what other books I was working on, I mentioned my adult mystery, which is set in an old vaudeville theater. That also drew blank stares, as did the name of comedian George Burns.
Ancient history? Maybe. But it's sad that with passing time, cultural history is fading away. Maybe I knew more than most, given I had an interest. I enjoyed different music and films from different eras. I knew tidbits of history. I knew and could enjoy watching Charlie Chaplin or silent film star Clara Bow.
It made me sad reading that the last US survivor of the Titanic had died. The last World War I veteran died at age 108. World War II soldiers are dying every day.
History passes, but as these generations die off, so goes that living link to the past, to what we were. That part of history becomes relegated to dusty old history books and unrecognizable faces in old cabinet photos left to the second hand or antique store.
Those people of past generations, their actions and their part in our ancestry, made us, and our country, what it is.
Sad to think that they are being forgotten; that present generations aren't learning more of their cultural history beyond what Miley is doing or which Jonas Brothers is cuter.
Sad that maybe the government's insistence on testing and pushing teachers to teach to the test is making cultural history nothing more than a footnote.
Or maybe in the rush of 21st century life - with demanding jobs, family activities, sports, etc. - there isn't time any more to talk, to remember grandma's favorite sayings and stories, to pull out the family photo album and talk about the "good old days". Don't families take time anymore to acquaint kids with the games mom and dad grew up with, or share those funny family stories about times before TV and modern conveniences?
Maybe there's not enough time, but there should be.
Why not take one night a month and reminisce, dust off the photos, write down those old stories? Maybe work on a family history project. It'll give the kids a solid foundation, a cementing of who they are and help them realize that the past really isn't so boring. And it'll make those rapidly fading parts of history less likely to vanish forever.
August 12, 2008
Daily Blog 12: Budding Writers
My first visit to a group of Girl Scouts in E. Troy, Wisc. has made me a believer in Scouting.
Yes, I was a Brownie and did my stint in Girl Scouts growing up in Chicago. I don't remember much beyond a fuzzy recollection of a talent show and my singing Herman's Hermits' "Mrs. Brown You've Got a Lovely Daughter." (I don't know why, though I do still like the song a little.)
I was impressed to find 16 middle grade girls, excited to meet a writer and talk books. When I asked who wrote stories, nearly all raised their hand. When I asked who read, again, the response was overwhelming.
After some questions and comments, we talked out a potential mystery story. It was interesting to get their take on ideas, despite their love for talking animals. :>)
Funny thing is when they asked about other books I was working on after Searching For A Starry Night, I mentioned my adult mystery set in an old vaudeville theater. Blank stares. They had no idea what vaudeville was, or even who George Burns was. Even if it's super-ancient to them, I found that surprising that no one recognized him, either, and a bit sad. (I'll be continuing this thought in tomorrow's post.)
We met for nearly two hours, which was probably a bit long as by the end they were getting a bit bored and antsy, so I'd probably do something different next time, though I'm not sure what. Any suggestions?
Despite the moaning you hear in the industry and online about people or kids not reading, that's not what I witnessed. These girls loved to read. They read more than one book a week (several even!) and read in different genres. They loved to write, too. Who knows if the next Eudora Welty or Debbie Macomber may come out of this group?
So, don't despair. Readers are out there.
Yes, I was a Brownie and did my stint in Girl Scouts growing up in Chicago. I don't remember much beyond a fuzzy recollection of a talent show and my singing Herman's Hermits' "Mrs. Brown You've Got a Lovely Daughter." (I don't know why, though I do still like the song a little.)
I was impressed to find 16 middle grade girls, excited to meet a writer and talk books. When I asked who wrote stories, nearly all raised their hand. When I asked who read, again, the response was overwhelming.
After some questions and comments, we talked out a potential mystery story. It was interesting to get their take on ideas, despite their love for talking animals. :>)
Funny thing is when they asked about other books I was working on after Searching For A Starry Night, I mentioned my adult mystery set in an old vaudeville theater. Blank stares. They had no idea what vaudeville was, or even who George Burns was. Even if it's super-ancient to them, I found that surprising that no one recognized him, either, and a bit sad. (I'll be continuing this thought in tomorrow's post.)
We met for nearly two hours, which was probably a bit long as by the end they were getting a bit bored and antsy, so I'd probably do something different next time, though I'm not sure what. Any suggestions?
Despite the moaning you hear in the industry and online about people or kids not reading, that's not what I witnessed. These girls loved to read. They read more than one book a week (several even!) and read in different genres. They loved to write, too. Who knows if the next Eudora Welty or Debbie Macomber may come out of this group?
So, don't despair. Readers are out there.
August 11, 2008
Daily Blog 11: The Name Game Meme
Meme : A thought, an idea, and a real easy post.
I'm copying Dani's meme at BlogBookTours for some fun word play. Who says writing always has to be, well, about writing?
But even if you're not doing any "formal" writing, words should be fun. Doing crosswords, playing Scrabble(TM) or spending time on other online word games are good ways to keep your word skills sharp and loosen up the brain cells. See? It has a purpose. It really isn't procrastinating or wasting time.
Here's a fun meme to try out some new monikers for your characters. Copy and try it out yourself.
1. Your real name:
Christine
2. Your Gangsta name: (first 3 letters of real name plus izzle)
Chrizzle (Hmm?)
3. Your Detective name: (fave color and fave animal)
Yellow Wolf (ooh mysterious!)
4. Your Soap Opera name: (your middle name and street you live on)
Anne Kimball (Sounds like a librarian? I used an old street; my current street is a number.)
5. Your Star Wars name: (the first 3 letters of your last name, first 2 letters of your first name)
Verch (Makes me think of Lurch?)
6. Your Superhero name: (your 2ND favorite color, and favorite drink)
Pink Tea (Pink tights of course. Well, forget the tights)
7. Your Iraqi name: (2ND letter of your first name, 3rd letter of your last name, 1st letter of your middle name, 2ND letter of your moms maiden name, 3rd letter of your dads middle name, 1st letter of a siblings first name, and last letter of your mom's middle name)
(What?) Oh - Hraaesa
8. Your Witness Protection name: (parents' middle names)
Maria Steve
9. Your Goth name: (black, and the name of one of your pets)
BlackMac
** Your Turn: Share a few of your new names for fun.
** You're it! I TAG:
Camille Minichino (Margaret Grace) and Karen Kennedy
I'm copying Dani's meme at BlogBookTours for some fun word play. Who says writing always has to be, well, about writing?
But even if you're not doing any "formal" writing, words should be fun. Doing crosswords, playing Scrabble(TM) or spending time on other online word games are good ways to keep your word skills sharp and loosen up the brain cells. See? It has a purpose. It really isn't procrastinating or wasting time.
Here's a fun meme to try out some new monikers for your characters. Copy and try it out yourself.
1. Your real name:
Christine
2. Your Gangsta name: (first 3 letters of real name plus izzle)
Chrizzle (Hmm?)
3. Your Detective name: (fave color and fave animal)
Yellow Wolf (ooh mysterious!)
4. Your Soap Opera name: (your middle name and street you live on)
Anne Kimball (Sounds like a librarian? I used an old street; my current street is a number.)
5. Your Star Wars name: (the first 3 letters of your last name, first 2 letters of your first name)
Verch (Makes me think of Lurch?)
6. Your Superhero name: (your 2ND favorite color, and favorite drink)
Pink Tea (Pink tights of course. Well, forget the tights)
7. Your Iraqi name: (2ND letter of your first name, 3rd letter of your last name, 1st letter of your middle name, 2ND letter of your moms maiden name, 3rd letter of your dads middle name, 1st letter of a siblings first name, and last letter of your mom's middle name)
(What?) Oh - Hraaesa
8. Your Witness Protection name: (parents' middle names)
Maria Steve
9. Your Goth name: (black, and the name of one of your pets)
BlackMac
** Your Turn: Share a few of your new names for fun.
** You're it! I TAG:
Camille Minichino (Margaret Grace) and Karen Kennedy
August 10, 2008
Daily Blog 10: Does It Compute? Endless Writing
The computer has revolutionized our world and our work habits, blurring the traditional workday.
The good is that for writers, it allows you to work anytime, anywhere. Internet usage is up all over the world, including a staggering 600% in Latin America. The bad? You work all the time.
Day or night, it seems, you log on, and you (and thousands of others) are surfing the 'net, checking and rechecking emails. We are endlessly writing.
Five Good (and Bad) Ways the Computer Influences Your Writing
1. Promotion
The Good: You have to promote your book. Online chats, news groups, blogs, book groups, social sites, these are all good ways to promote.
The Bad: I've discovered, too, with publication of Searching For A Starry Night, A Miniature Art Mystery that I'm doing more online. It takes the whole morning, it seems, to blog, check emails, write messages, tweet, etc.
2. Networking
The Good: Being online allows you to "meet" other writers, share ideas, etc.
The Bad: You can spend too much time gabbing instead of writing.
3. Research
The Good: You can find information on practically everything online, or someone in one of the newsgroups or a social networking site may know the answer.
The Bad: You can easily drift off into other areas since there's a wealth of information to read.
4. Well-being
The Good: The computer can be a lifeline for the writer who often is working alone all day. Interacting with others keeps you from becoming the Howard Hughes of fiction (or nonfiction).
The Bad: On the other hand, it's too easy to sit there all day and never move. Health-wise, you need to not only have ergonomic equipment, but also be sure to get up at least every hour to let the blood circulate in your legs. Go to the gym to exercise. Take a walk. Play with the dog. That scene may be going well or you want to do the next, but it's not worth your health. Always be sure to take a break or schedule them in.,
5. The Work Week
The Good: Writing can be energizing, fulfilling, and fun when it's going well. The computer can make your job easier. You may, and do, work seven days a week.
The Bad: Don't work seven days a week. That novel won't be created in seven days, so have a day of rest. Enrich your soul in church, revive your spirit outdoors.
The good is that for writers, it allows you to work anytime, anywhere. Internet usage is up all over the world, including a staggering 600% in Latin America. The bad? You work all the time.
Day or night, it seems, you log on, and you (and thousands of others) are surfing the 'net, checking and rechecking emails. We are endlessly writing.
Five Good (and Bad) Ways the Computer Influences Your Writing
1. Promotion
The Good: You have to promote your book. Online chats, news groups, blogs, book groups, social sites, these are all good ways to promote.
The Bad: I've discovered, too, with publication of Searching For A Starry Night, A Miniature Art Mystery that I'm doing more online. It takes the whole morning, it seems, to blog, check emails, write messages, tweet, etc.
2. Networking
The Good: Being online allows you to "meet" other writers, share ideas, etc.
The Bad: You can spend too much time gabbing instead of writing.
3. Research
The Good: You can find information on practically everything online, or someone in one of the newsgroups or a social networking site may know the answer.
The Bad: You can easily drift off into other areas since there's a wealth of information to read.
4. Well-being
The Good: The computer can be a lifeline for the writer who often is working alone all day. Interacting with others keeps you from becoming the Howard Hughes of fiction (or nonfiction).
The Bad: On the other hand, it's too easy to sit there all day and never move. Health-wise, you need to not only have ergonomic equipment, but also be sure to get up at least every hour to let the blood circulate in your legs. Go to the gym to exercise. Take a walk. Play with the dog. That scene may be going well or you want to do the next, but it's not worth your health. Always be sure to take a break or schedule them in.,
5. The Work Week
The Good: Writing can be energizing, fulfilling, and fun when it's going well. The computer can make your job easier. You may, and do, work seven days a week.
The Bad: Don't work seven days a week. That novel won't be created in seven days, so have a day of rest. Enrich your soul in church, revive your spirit outdoors.
August 09, 2008
Daily Blog 9: Five Tips to Blue Ribbon Writing
It's county fair time here in the Midwest, which means farm animals, baked goods, giant vegetables, and blue ribbons.
For months, the local 4H kids have been caring for their cows, chickens and other animals, raising them in the hope that their animal will be the grand champion, netting them enough money at auction to make a dent in their college tuition.
For writers who want to write blue ribbon fiction, the process is much the same.
1. Nurture your work, then let it go.
There's an emotional bond that develops when you write a story or book. You grow attached to your characters and hate to see the project end. But like 4H'ers, the bond is temporary. The danger is in hanging on to something and constantly going over it, thinking you can make it better. Maybe you can, but constant reworking can be a pitfall in and of itself. A good writer always needs to move forward, ending one project and moving on to the next. Perfect your work, make it the best you can, and let it go on to publication. Then get to work on the next story.
2. Choose strong bloodlines
Developing prize-winning fiction means making choices, this word or that, this plot or that. Prize-winning animals are chosen based on their heritage and bloodlines. Prize-winning fiction means putting in your best effort. In contrast to the need to constantly rework something, sometimes you can lose inertia. You get tired, or bored of a project, and want to get it done and over with. It's then that you are more prone to miss things, make mistakes, or your writing is weakened. In that case, take a break. Let a story sit and look at it with fresh eyes. Fix it and submit.
3. Keep your recipe secret.
That sweet grandma with the cherub face and the prize-winning apple pie knows what it takes to win. While she may offer a few tips on how to bake a better pie, her own recipe will probably remain a secret. Writers can take a tip from her by guarding their stories. Don’t be afraid to share writing tips or networking, which are one of the pleasures of being around other writers, but don't blab your story around. The more you talk about a story, it seems, the less you want to write it. Save your energy for writing the story instead of diluting your enthusiasm for it.
4. Keep it fresh.
Mucking out the stalls and seeing that the animals have fresh pens, clean water and fresh food are a necessary part of the fair. Your writing can also get old and stale. Pitch out the old. Read something new or in an entirely different genre. Try your hand at a new type of story. Write something in a different genre or length. Write on a topic you're unfamiliar with and need to research. You'll enjoy the challenge and may come up with a new story to submit to a new market.
5. Go for the prize.
The sad part of the fair is seeing the little kid crying because he didn’t get a ribbon. Even adults feel disappointed if they don't win. Competition is in our blood, but everyone can't win. Even in writing, there are winners – those who get published, and (I don't want to say losers) those who get rejected. Rejections can hurt, but they're not the end.
Stories get rejected, sometimes for reasons other than the story or writing. Don't let rejections stop you. If nothing needs to be changed in the story, send it somewhere else. Keep sending it until you find a market. But if you get several comments about the same thing that keeps it from being accepted, then that may be advice you should take to heart. But if that advice means changing the story substantially, then you have to decide whether to change it and get published or keep trying to find a market for it as it stands. In the end, getting that blue ribbon - seeing the story in print – is worth all the effort.
** Your turn: Got a good rejection story? Or how did rejection help you get your 'blue ribbon'? Do tell!
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