A Voice In The Wind

Revision and What Matters

2011-04-04T00:57:00.000-07:00

While some people can make their way through rough drafts without having a map (worldbuilding and such in place) others can't even write their first sentence without knowing in great detail who their characters are...what their motivations are...the conflict and plot and so on. Some people don't start until they have built their world complete with cultures and languages and designs for clothes. But I would say most writers are somewhere in the middle. They don't write without having SOME idea of what comes next. They don't start unless they have SOME idea of the theme they wish to express.

I have been able to get through rough drafts without much planning and come away not too badly burned. Revision is a different monster. Lethal even if you make the wrong move. If you don't plan your attack before you actually make your move you can end up cutting what matters out of your novel.

If you don't have some idea of where you'd like to end up at the end of your revision...you aren't going to reach the end. Or you are going to end up with a tangled mess that doesn't make much sense. So I propose that you figure out what matters to you before you revise. If you didn't figure out your theme in your first draft...or it has changed since then...figure it out now. And write it down on paper. Use it as a guide to get you through these next months. You will need it to keep you on track. Figure out what conflict is essential to your theme. Ask as many questions as it takes to get what you need. This is important. Without knowing the heart of your book you will end up with something that doesn't quite sing...that gets rejections and you won't quite know why.

Author Holly Lise goes into depth about this and her entire writing process with her online course How to Revise Your Novel. I am not an affiliate. I do not get money from reffering you to her course. I just love her class. It has helped my writing in ways I cannot express. If you don't know how to get through a revision...how to do it right the FIRST time...then this is something you might want to look into.

Wow...coughs It's been a long time since my last post!

2011-04-01T03:58:00.000-07:00

Okay...I honestly didn't mean to leave you all in the dark without any idea as to what is going on in my life. I guess when life throws punches at you it doesn't stop with just one. Which I guess would explain my absense quite a bit...wouldn't it? :p

Some good things have happened. I've made great progress on my WIP thanks to Holly Lisle's How To Revise Your Novel course. I know what is wrong with it and why. I even know how to fix what's wrong! It's just...getting to the end that is taking forever. Apparently when you write a novel in a month it can leave you with extensive revisions. Or at least that's how it is in my case *blushes* I had no idea I'd still be working on this book almost a year later. And yet here I am. Good thing about this though : I haven't just written one thing. I have another first draft finished. Which I told you guy's about as well. I have some awesome ideas for a new book too. All in all...I have lots of stuff on different levels of completion...its just I haven't reached the end of revision yet. I'm hoping to get there by July as that is when I start school...which brings up my next subject!

I'm going to be attending school for Massage Therapy and I'm really excited. I know there aren't a lot of spots open right now and it'll be hard work finding a job...but its what I wanna do. I'm not going to give up. I mean...I'm trying to be a published author. I think being an LMT is easy in comparison. Or maybe I'm pushing my luck with that one. We'll just have to wait and see. I just hope I can get good grades. I wasn't the type to get A's in high school. I did the minimum for everything unless it was a subject I was obsessed with like English.

There are other things going on as well...but if I get into them it'll be like turning this blog into my personal journal. I'd assume that equals boring!

Anyway that ends the updates on my life.

I'm thinking on a post in the future I should dig into my revision process and the lightbulbs I'm having. Maybe it'll help some people. Like one thing in particular: writing down my scenes on index cards has become a huge part of my process for first drafts AND revision. This is partly because of Holly Lisle...an author I admire. She also writes courses for aspiring writer's like myself. She has changed the way I look at revision forever. I always thought you just started from the first line on the first page...changing words and sentences as you went. Plot as you saw fit. But its much more than that. How can you write the book you want without first knowing your target? These are things I'd like to address in later posts.

Well I think its time to say goodbye again. Sorry for the rant and very random post. Just thought I'd give you all a bit of everything today. Write and rock on!

New Year's Resolutions...and jeez...I haven't updated in awhile!

2011-01-04T13:17:00.000-08:00

It's that time of the year again. You know, when we inspire each other to do things and then kinda go about our merry way, forgetting we made the resolutions to begin with? Actually, for me, not this time. This year I have resolutions I am really serious about sticking to. I don't care how many hours of work I have to put in. The weird thing is, I am pretty good at sticking to my goals, its just when it comes to the New Year...some reason I choke and I throw all my hard work out the window, even if I really want what I aspired to do that year.

So, fess up guys:p Who else makes resolutions and then kinda...just...gets bored or scared or busy? Tell me I'm not the only one? Well, I challange you to do something a bit different this year. Make your resolution something really special, maybe a dream you have. Obviously it should be something you know you can accomplish in a year, or at least get started on it. Whether its saving up for a house, losing some weight, doing something crazy and dangerous just for the heck of it...but make it something you know you really want, something you are passionate about. Take your time with this. Then, write them out, on here if you must. Put them up where you can see them every day. If you really want what you have written down...I know you will make at least a little progress.

And now, for some resolutions of my own:

1.) Finish the revisions to my projects and send at least one manuscript out this year. I will never get used to rejection, plus I will never have the chance to succeed, if I don't put myself out there. Make it the best I can then let it go...

2.) Participate in JulNoWriMo or NaNoWriMo, or both if I can manage. A real writer writes, so I need to make sure I keep creating new stories I care about.

3.) Spend time with those I love, doing the things I love.

4.) Go to school if my finances allow (This isn't as important as the others...but it would be helpful.)

5.) Lose the rest of my baby weight. (It's only 8 pounds, but 8 pounds I don't want to see anymore!)

These are my most important ones I wish to stick to. These aren't my only ones, but everything else will take time and I'm not so sure how long it will take to make a change. My eating habits for example. One day I'm eating healthily, the next I'm fine with eating half a gallon of icecream while sitting down to watch The Biggest Loser! I want to set a good example for my baby. At some point I really need to get on this.

Writing Update: I have two finished first drafts...but I haven't gotten through revision yet. I'm gonna tell you all right now...writing the first draft was a piece of cake compared to this! Especially going through How To Revise Your Novel. I'm seeing all the mistakes I've made and its overwhelming me. Sometimes it makes me feel like I'll never be published. Other times I have lots of hope where my writing is concerned. But I have to admit I am not really on the ball with my editing. And I need to be.

When I can actually come back with some progress I'll tell you more about the editing thing. Otherwise when I post it'll be more personal. Like, sometime this week I'd like to tell you about a new hobby of mine.

A couple things

2010-09-11T10:46:00.000-07:00

Hey guys, long time no talk huh? Sorry I've been so quiet. Honestly I didn't mean to be. I've been hard at work revising my WIP I did for JulNoWriMo and it hasn't been easy. If I'm right I probably won't be done with revision until the end of the year. Then I'll let a couple people have a look and see if I missed anything. Then *gulps* It'll be time to write a query letter and submit my work. I'm a little overwhelmed by the thought, but I'm sure you already noticed that! The reason for that is simple: I'm afraid of rejection. I don't think I know any writer that isn't. But the reality is I need to get over that if I want to actually get published...so I'm sticking with my goals and making sure I actually send my work out. Regardless of whether or not I get good responses in return.

When you think about, I mean really think about it, the main reason most writers don't get published is because they give up too fast. Rejection stops them in their tracks. They don't persist. They roll over and let their dreams pass them by. At least this is from I've seen. Sure, a lot of books can't get published. I understand that. But that doesn't mean you give up and never write again! You start on a new idea, a better idea. And think each rejection brings you closer to an agent.

I know, easier said then done right? I can't even stick to my own advice! But I'm going to change that this year, get out of my comfort zone and at least try. And even if this book doesn't land an agent I'll keep writing. Because its who I am and I'm not giving up on my dream.

So, to all the other writers out there, I think this is the best advice I can give you: Read. Write. Revise. Query. Repeat. Persist. No matter what. Even if an agent tells you you are horrible, that is just one agent. You never know when you'll get a yes. And your writing can always improve.

About other WIPs: I haven't had much time to keep planning my next WIP that I wanted to write for Nano. Revision is a lot harder than I ever expected. But I'm close. If I really I'm push myself I might be able to write it in November, but I won't be upset if I can't. Things have been really hectic this year. Next year I'm going to push it up a notch and try for three books that year. :) I'm such a masochist.

So, what is your dream and what are you doing to achieve it?

Well-Meaning (But WRONG) Friends And Family

2010-07-28T17:35:00.000-07:00

You know what I hate? When well meaning friends tell me what I should do with my life, I mean my writing. I absolutely can't stand it when them or even people I don't know try to tell me how I should write, how long it should take me...or even WHAT I should write. Writing is a big part of who I am. I really am not thrilled when people try to define what it should be to me.

Have you ever experienced something like this? I know, I haven't gone into any detail at all. But if I do...I think it will only make the situation worse. Anyways, if this has happened...what do you do? Ignore them, tell them exactly how you feel, pretend you agree...what?

I'd love some advice if anyone has any. Man, I'm not even published and the life of a writer is already difficult at times. I just wish people understood what I am trying to do. But the fact is they don't. And chances are if you are a writer most people won't understand you either.

I know, this is such an uplifting post. Yeah. Right. Well, have a good day. I'm going to try to get through mine without freaking out.

Update of sorts...and a question

2010-07-27T03:01:00.000-07:00

I'm trying to ignore the urge to tear into my first draft already. I've given myself a minimum of a week to let it cool down. In order to follow this I've started planning my next project. I already know I'm going to have lots of fun with this one. I'm working through Lesson 7 of HTTS (How To Think Sideways) right now, hoping I won't mess up on the worldbuilding this time around. I've found that is my weak spot. I just can't seem to get my world to come alive. Hopefully during revision this is something I can fix.

When you start a new project while letting first drafts rest...do you ever feel like you seriously screwed up? Should have done so many things differently? I keep having those thoughts, and it is starting to effect the fun I was having coming up with this new idea. Trying to tell myself that this is a learning experience, my writing will only get better...hasn't helped much. I keep obsessing about the MS that needs to be fixed. Or, worse yet, fantasizing about destroying it. That's how much I dislike it right now. The beginning was amazing and something I probably won't change much of. I start hitting walls in the middle. And I know I've got nothing but fog at the end.

Okay, enough complaining about my project. Something cool has certainly come out of this as well. I've made it to the end of a rough draft! And it has been a LONG time since that has happened. At least I can be proud of that. Maybe I'm not too thrilled with certain aspects of my book, but I am proud I stuck through it and actually made it to the end. I was so happy I cheated on my diet and ate pizza! Which was bad for my diet but tasted oh so good!

Which brings me to a question. How many of you celebrate finishing a rough draft, or edits, or sending out query letters? Or say you don't write but have another hobby...what do you do to celebrate reaching the end of a creative project, if anything at all? This is the first time I have rewarded myself. I think I might start doing it more often.

Well, must get back to my new project. And if you're interested in what I'm writing...its a YA novel focused on some tough issues. If I had to pick an audience for it I'd say in the 14-18ish range. The name of the new book is HAVEN. As for the one waiting for revision...I'm trying to come up with a better name.

Day 24: And Done With The First Draft!

2010-07-24T22:57:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to let you all know I DID finish my WIP before the end of the month. It probably needs a hell of a lot of work, but I actually finished draft one. That is a huge accomplishment for me.

But, even though I have that done, JulNoWriMo is not over...which means I want to try and outline another idea quickly (at least the first part of it) and write it for the rest of the month. THEN I'll go about revising my first project.

So tonight I'm scrambling to put my other idea together in such a way that I can start writing it. It's going to tough, but I like a challenge.

So wish me luck!

Day Fourteen: I'm Stil Moving Forward!

2010-07-14T01:00:00.000-07:00

Sorry I haven't been updating you guys everyday on my wordcount. There has been some drama here at home, the WIP stalled...and a lot of other little tidbits I won't rant about here. But I'm off writing again, and as you can see I'm still on track for finishing this month. In fact, if I can write a couple thousand words today I'll even have a buffer day or two if things get bad down the road. I've also gone off of my planned outline and into some unknown waters as far as my WIP goes. I don't know where it will take me or if I'll get back to knowing where I am. For now I'm just taking this as it comes. I'm not really worried. I have the ending in my head and that is enough for me. It's getting there that will be tough. I hate middles sometimes.

I've learned something pretty important this month. The first is pretty obvious. If I want to finish anything I start I need to write on a regular basis. No excuses. I'm so used to writing only when the mood strikes me, but the fact of the matter is that if you want to continue publishing books you have to write every day, not only when you want to. I've known this for quite some time, but it didn't really sink in until this month. I asked myself if I could produce three of four books a year if I had to. And, if I stick with it and write consistently, I have no doubts that I can.

Do you, as a writer, feel it is important to write every day? Do you have a word goal? When is it okay not to write? For me personally, I know it is okay to take a day off when I have other things to deal with. Like my family. There is a middle ground. Writing is important, but it should not come before my child's needs. But, that aside...I've been trying to write as close to every day as I can muster.

In the next few days I'd like to talk about other things I've learned from JulNoWriMo. And I'll probably be ranting about my WIP. Who knows, you may get to see a snippet or two.

Day 8: Still ahead but feel behind, plus I hate what I am writing.

2010-07-08T19:47:00.000-07:00

Okay, here's the thing. I'll be the first writer to admit that I've got a serious problem with not listening to my Inner Editor. I always feel like what I have written is crap. Or think its not worth trying to fix things because it will still suck anyway. I know this can be a normal reaction, but its hard to remember sometimes. Usually I just think I'm not nearly as good as everyone else and I've got not right to be writing. What have I got to say that is so important?

Yeah, I warned you. I wasn't in a good mood today. I KNOW that the first draft is allowed to be crappy. But how crappy? When do you say enough is enough, this sucks, lets try again? I want to spend time with these characters...I just don't feel like my writing is good enough for their stories. I know the only thing I can do is keep writing, keep improving. But MAN that is HARD sometimes.

Seriously, as a child I never thought that writing could be so hard. I was oblivious. Or maybe I was smart then. I wrote for me. That was it. If it wasn't fun to write I didn't do it. And I didn't listen to other people. I stuck with what interested me.

A great writer once said that a first draft is for your eyes only, and that you are writing that for yourself. You revise with the reader in mind. That is, if you want to publish. I need to keep this in mind. That all this crappy writing is okay, as long as I love my story. I just have to focus on getting it down.

Anyone else getting the writer blues? Have any tips to combat against it?

Day Five: A Day Late

2010-07-06T19:42:00.000-07:00

Sorry for not posting yesterday like I was going to. Not only was I hard at work on the novel but I had a lot of family stuff to tend to. Just wanted you to know I DID get my words. Now I am working on today's quota. So far...it could be going better than it is.

I find that I've hit the part in the story where everything should be weaving together rather nicely but I don't think it is. I'm not really the greatest at writing middles, therefore I am stressing out even more. I just can't seem to keep everything in mind and I'm afraid that is showing up in my work. Anyone else write crappy middles? Beginnings are rather easy to write even though I know they will change drastically later. Endings are fine too. But when it comes to middles I struggle way more than I think I will. Maybe that's why its so hard to finish anything.

If things go well I'll post my word count for day six today. If things go bad...well, you won't hear from me until tomorrow.

Onward!

Day Four: How It's Going

2010-07-05T07:38:00.000-07:00

Sorry I haven't blogged for a few days, but some family stuff kept me away. But I have been writing. As you can see I wrote over 3,000 words! Closer to 4k actually, so I am well on my way to finishing this novel. That is, if I don't keep adding more scenes. As of now I have 13 or 14 scenes to write, but I already know I need to add a few extra, so I'm going to have to start writing two scenes a day instead of one. That will make it so I write more like ten pages a day instead of the usual five. This also means I'll finish before the month is out hopefully...so I can work on a new secret project! In fact, I've been testing out the plot of it already. I feel like I'm cheating. But boy is it fun! And, if things keep moving so well I'll start the editing in August just like I've been planning. It's nice to think that I could have a week or two to play with pre writing for another idea though.

Usually in every project there is a point where I hit the dreaded wall. The point where I quit because it just wasn't fun anymore. I don't know how normal this is, but it was almost always the way I worked. In fact, the first thing I've actually made it all the way through a first draft this year was a novella! And before that? A couple short stories. Whoop-Dee-Doo. Seriously, that is kind of depressing. I don't really know if this was because I was having actual writer's block, or if I just didn't like my story enough...or maybe just wasn't a very strong writer. The fact was I wasn't getting anything done. Period. Now I find myself writing a WIP and I am pretty confident this one is going to reach the end. Why is that?

For one, when I get stuck I take the time to figure out why that is. Usually I do a bit of timed writing and work my way out of the problem and am writing again. If that doesn't work I take a good look at my characters and ask them where they want to go. And if all of thee above doesn't work...I've got to take a serious look at changing a big chunk of what I have written. And as for getting bored with my story? Getting rid of a character seems to do the trick, whether its killing them in the book or just deleting them from all future scenes...it is very satisfying. And yes, sometimes I like it way more than I should.

Another big reason I think things are going so well is because now I plan a hell of a lot more than I used to. In the beginning I thought I was a panster. That was how I wrote things from the time I was little. But, when it was first brought to my attention that this could help me get to the end, I changed the way I did things. Now I am a heck of a lot closer because of that.

And you know what else? I really enjoy what I'm writing. It might not be something everyone will be interested in, but I like it.

Anyway, I haven't had much problems in terms of getting stuck in this project. But if I do I know I'll be looking at the stuff I mentioned above.

Do you have a system you go through when you get stuck on your writing? Or are you like the old me, writing when you feel inspired, not worrying so much about writer's block?

What I'd like to talk about tomorrow: Trends and do you pay attention to them- and should you.

Day One: 1283 words and counting...bring it on!

2010-07-01T23:21:00.000-07:00

Compared to other writers this might not seem like very much, but for me every word I write is another goal I have passed. So I am extremely pleased with my first effort, even if its not as much as I had hoped to write. And the best thing? They weren't all crappy words. In fact, if I'm lucky, there might be some keepers in there!

If I can actually write everyday...it should be fairly simple to finish my WIP this month, even if I only write at this pace. That will be the biggest struggle for me. Writing every single day. Sometimes I just forget. And others I am too tired or upset. But I've got to get over that if I actually want to finish this thing. And of course I do! r

Does anyone else feel like they must have written thousands of words and realize the actual number is much smaller? That was the kind of day I had today. I just kept thinking I was kicking butt. Come to find out I didn't do as well as I thought. Oh well, I got some words and I like them.

And that brings me to a kind of random question: How do you go about writing first drafts? Do you throw out anything you can think of on the page and hope that something makes sense at the end? Do you revise while you edit? Do you use an outline? Do you write every scene not knowing anything but your characters?

First drafts are quite a fun discovery for me, the beginnings being the best. Although I use a outline I am more than willing to chase other ideas if they come to mind. I will add characters if they call to me enough. I think writing is one of the most spontaneous things I do. There are so many ways a novel can go during a first draft. I love finding out which way I should take.

This cartoon is cute!

2010-06-30T17:30:00.000-07:00

I'll be using this little dude to show you my mood all throughout the month of July...and probably during revision as well. Write now I'm hard to work at my novel and loving it!

So how is your novel going? And if you aren't writing...what are you up to this summer?

Tomorrow

2010-06-30T17:10:00.000-07:00

I have decided that in order to get my first draft of my WIP done this summer I will participate in NanoWrimo in July. I have not been known to be the kind of person to finish anything, let alone a novel. And even though I wrote a Nano Novel last November...I never had the chance to finish it due to some really sucky circumstances. So this time around I not only want to write the rest of my WIP this month, but I want it revised by the end of the year, ready to be sent out to agents. Think that's crazy? It might be. I have never tried to submit anything in my life. I know this is going to be hard work. But I have always wanted to be a writer. How can my dreams come true if I never go after them?

Hopefully I will be writing on the blog every day, letting you know about my progress. That's the goal anyway. You will see my moments of extreme desperation, times of pure happiness and feelings of brilliance. Okay, that might be a little over the top. But I hope to at least make this a fun experience for somebody.

I'll be posting my word count every day. If you so choose you can participate as well. I'd love to know how everyone else is doing.

I have been inspired. Only time will tell if it lasts.

Word Count For The Day: 1000

Goal For Tomorrow: 1500

And let the writing begin...

10,000 Word Mark

2010-06-27T01:05:00.000-07:00

It seems like has taken forever but I've finally reached that first mark in my WIP. I actually feel like I'm getting somewhere, like I'll finish this thing. Which is funny because in reality I have quite a ways to go. But I am happy anyway. Just wish progress was a little faster. But hey, I haven't really been known for my patience.

My biggest problem has been finding the time to write. When I actually sit down the words flow easily. They may not be good words, but at least they come. And its only going to get harder. When I go to school I'll have to somehow balance homework, my infant a job and writing. So I have made a list of when I can write and where I can start cutting at other things that aren't as important.

I found that the easiest times for me to get words on paper is in the early morning or when my son goes to bed at night. These actually work extremely well because its silent, so I don't have any interuptions. I'll admit it sucks dragging myself out of bed in the morning, but its worth it.

TV is another big one. The time I watch it could easily be used to write a scene. So I'll be doing that more often as well. This is usually when I am feeding my son, but I could easily write in a little notebook instead. This way I would always be able to write every day instead of a couple times a week.

I also bring my notebook with me everywhere when I leave the house because I never know when I could sit down and write. It has paid off quite a few times. And those minutes add up after a while.

I know there is probably other things I could do to make sure I have the time to write, but this is what I have found that works for me so far.

How do you find the time to write? Do you sacrifice anything? Have any advice to give? Let me know in the comments.

The Hunger Games

2010-06-25T10:21:00.000-07:00

Even though the need for sleep has made my brain more than a little foggy I couldn't help but write about something that has had me obsessed for about twenty four hours. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. Anyone who hasn't read it should. I'm serious. That book changed my life. Okay, maybe there will be the few that hate it anyway...but this is easily on my top five favorite books of all time now.

I almost didn't get this book. The reason was stupid. There was a lot of hype about it so I thought it would be a letdown like Twilight. But a friend of mine practically begged me to read it, so I decided to give it a chance. But I didn't expect in a million years what I got.

From the moment I started the first page I was drawn in by Katniss Everdeen, a sixteen year old girl who was not your average girl at all. I read about her world, the officals that kept people in line by making them send one boy and one girl from each district (which there are twelve) to participate in an annual event called The Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV. I felt her fear when her sister is chosen and then she bravely goes in her place. I watch her fight to stay in the game, and, almost by accident, becomes someone the rest of the kids fear.

If that wasn't enough to keep me wanting more there is a love triangle as well. There is the boy at home, Gale, who she knows pretty much better than anyone, someone that in many ways is just like her. Then there is Peeta, who is the other one chosen from her district to participate in The Hunger Games with her who confuses her at every turn. I'm not sure who the author wants us to vote for, but I am instantly drawn to Peeta. He has saved and given Katniss kindness so many times there is no way I can't like him.

The story moves at a fast pace, and I even found myself crying in places. Especially when Katniss loses someone that she gets to know in the games. But instead of breaking her, this makes her stronger.

Katniss has to make some hard choices if she wants to survive. Choices that leaves your heart racing til the very end.

I am going to get the next book as soon as possible, I can promise you that. I am already counting down the days until the last book comes out!

Anyone else read any good books lately?

More Words!

2010-06-11T02:49:00.000-07:00

I got to write again today thanks to my awesome husband. He watched the child for a few minutes while I scribbled furiously in the bedroom, wanting desperately to finish my scene before baby needed me. I don't think I've ever written that fast in such a short amount of time, not on paper. The words literally poured from me. The Muse took over completely, and that doesn't happen very often because I tend to be a tad controlling. So imagine my surprise at how well this session went.

My wordcount was 800 words in less than 15 minutes. I couldn't believe it. And the words didn't completely suck either. This was a much needed scene where my MC tries to save her mother's life, only to watch her slowly slip away. And then she discovers that even if she recovers she won't be the same. It was a tough scene so I am glad it came out so well. I wish all of them went like this.

Seriously, maybe I should always write under pressure. If I did this book might come together a little faster, which means I wouldn't worry so much about new projects catching my eye. The thing is, when it comes to me and writing, I can't focus on more than one thing at a time otherwise I just start working on one thing and not the other. That is how I have so many starts to projects with nothing finished. Something always gets in the way. I can't do that this time. I have to finish something. I need to. I want to send this out to agents, to see where I stand. I want to see if I can make it.

I really wish I could juggle more than one project at a time, something I have said many times. I get so amazed when I see writers that not only have more than one WIP in first draft, but are also revising something else and even still has another in development. It makes me almost feel depressed about my one WIP. Like it is small beans in comparison. But I can't think like that anymore. I can only do what I can do, and I am still new at this anyway. Maybe when I have more experience things will get easier.

For now I just have to buckle down and continue on this journey of discovery and hopefully end up with not a competely dreadful first draft. And even if I do...that's what revisions are for. Right?

Writing Will Always Be My Answer.

2010-06-10T04:51:00.000-07:00

I just had to post this. I was spending the day really thinking about writers who want to be published but always make excuses why they aren't writing. For awhile I was one of those writers. But for the last two years I have busted my butt even with a now three month old boy, even with a husband, even with any chore that comes to your mind, even with friends and family responsibilities. The fact of the matter is I find the time to write. No matter what. Writing will always be my answer, will always be my getaway. Nothing will make me give it up.

Why do I bring this up? For awhile I was feeling down, feeling like what was really the point of writing? The Voice Of Doom, or rather, my Inner Editor, kept telling me that all my stories were crap. I was never going to get published. So why keep writing? You'd be better wasiting your time on something else.

But it took those hard moments to realize exactly how important writing is to me. This is not about wanting money for my writing. It's not about wanting to be published, or to see my name on the shelves. It's not even about wanting fans. It's about the fact that writing is my life. It's who I am. And because of that it will always be my answer. It took some really sucky moments for me to remember that, but I am so glad I did.

So why am I writing this? I don't want anyone else thinking the way I did. Everyone who wants to write deserves to write. You all have a story to tell. So stop saying that its stupid or trash or doesn't mean anything! Write it!

Don't make excuses about wanting to write, find the time for it. Even if it means getting up thirty minutes earlier than usual. Don't be the person that talks about writing. Be the person that writes.

Is writing your answer? Is it a part of your life?

I don't know if I will ever be published. I want to be, but when I ask myself will I always write no matter what...I know now what I will say.

Writing will always be my answer.

It's Late, I Can't Sleep...Perfect Time To Write!

2010-06-10T02:37:00.000-07:00

So the last few days have been tough writing wise. My son is going through another one of his growth spurts and I just couldn't seem to get any time to myself. I'd put him down for a nap but as soon as I took out my notebook or my laptop he would wake up! And need to eat again. Or want to be played with. Or need to be changed. You know, all that baby stuff. So writing through this has been extremely difficult.

Today I decided that no matter what I'd write. Even if it meant asking hubby to watch our son for a few minutes. I just had to get writing again. Meeting my deadline for this story is important to me.

To make a long story short...I somehow managed to write rather furiously while my family kept baby busy, and I even like what I wrote! It seems my Muse really likes to come out to play at night, and while its nice and all...it can also suck. It really gets in the way of my sleep.

I didn't really have much else to say other than I'm proud I got some more words down. I have about thirty five pages of my new story now, which means I am becoming more and more certain I will make it to the end of my first draft. And that sure keeps me going.

When do you write? Whenever the mood strikes? Every day at the same time? Different times every day? I write at least three times a week now and always find that I work bettter at night. Not sure if that is because people are less noisy or my Muse gets more excited...but it sure is fun.

I'm still smiling about those surprise pages. And to everyone reading this: Don't let anything keep you from writing, no matter how little time you think you have.

And Update Of Sorts

2010-05-30T19:42:00.000-07:00

Right now I'm watching a cute little movie called JULIE AND JULIA and I'm listening to my son coo and flap his little arms in the air, but I wanted to take some time to blog since I haven't in a while.

Earlier this month I said I was planning a YA novel. And I had a deadline to start writing it. While I didn't quite make that deadline due to pressures at home...and other annoying things...I've been writing it! For almost two weeks now I think it was? This is another huge accomplishment for me, starting this project that has taken so long to create.

If I can keep writing almost every day my goal is to finish by the 22nd of August. Then I will start in on revisions. I'd like to start talking to you guys about what I worked on that day, it might force me to actually keep writing!

Today my poor little MC got in some huge trouble at her school for punching a bully, had to deal with an alcoholic mother...and her love interest is way too old for her. Talk about a conflict filled day. And its just about to get much worse.

You see, this is the thing, I don't have any problems writing conflict. I think my problem actually lies in writing too much conflict at once. Like pacing or something. Hopefully with time I learn how to control the pacing better, but for now...I have no idea how to fix that little issue.

I am happy to report I have five more pages written, which means I went way over my wordcount goal.

So how is everyone else doing? If you write are you able to hit your goals everyday? Do you have issues with deadlines like I do? Or any of the problems I seem to have?

Oh, I just remembered I need to hit the bookstore. I haven't read the Hunger Games yet but heard its fantastic and I really need to read more YA books that I actually love. There is also a book by one of my favorite authors coming out! I'm crossing my fingers I don't go overboard. Not reading for awhile does that to me.

You Tell Me: How Long Have You Been Working On Your Manuscript?

2010-05-04T05:32:00.000-07:00

The very first full length novel I wrote-I was twelve- took me about six months to write, not including revision. Needless to say...it wasn't very good. In fact, it was bad. I worked on a lot on poetry and short stories after that, slowly learning the craft, improving my pacing and many other things I had no clue how to do.

All throughout highschool I continued writing. Whether it was a simple freeverse poem or the beginning of a novel or a short story...I wrote like a fiend. But every time I tried to write a novel again I never got past that thirty paged hump. Now that I am more experienced I assume it was because I never planned at this point in my life. I just took off with an idea and hoped something amazing would happen.

I think the reason I wrote so much poetry in highschool was because of the simple fact that I could get it done in one sitting, whereas writing a novel was a much more daunting task. There would come a point where the middle would start to sag and I would just give up.

During these years, even though I couldn't finish a longer project, I learned that writing as much as I could was important. So I did my best to write every day, even if it was only a line or two.

If I had been more patient in highschool I could have easily finished quite a few novels. I wrote really quickly. I just gave up too fast.

It wasn't til November of last year I actually decided to stick with an idea, no matter how bad, and write for thirty days. I was going to reach the end this time. And in that crazy month I did come up with something that resembled a novel.

I'm starting to realize that every project is different in terms of how long it takes me to complete now. I just finished a short story that took me a little over two weeks to write. It was only 7,000 words. In twice that amount of time I wrote a novel. The next novel I am getting ready to write will take about two and a half months.

My point in telling you this? I'm not sure. I guess that when you are writing...be kind to yourself. If you feel things are going slowly there might be a reason for it. Give yourself time to let the deeper layers of your story come to you. Give yourself time to make it the best it can be. Likewise, if things are coming at you fast and furious...don't slow down. Don't worry about whether or not it is crap. Write what is in your heart. Save the criticisim for the rewrite.

I've ranted long enough I think. Now it comes down to the real question, the reason I posted this. How long have you been working on your current project? Or if you just finished...how long did it take you? It really interests me to see so many different numbers. I know people that can bang out a book in less than a month, and those that take over a year. How long does it take you?

What Are You Reading?

2010-05-03T22:45:00.000-07:00

I don't have much time to read but when I get the chance I eat books up. I have many guilty pleasures...at the moment my obsession is paranormal romance. Ever heard of Lynn Viehl? Her take on vampires is quite different from the norm, and she just started a new series as well.

Next on my to-be-read pile: Breathless by Dean Koontz

Why I picked it up: I will read anything by this author. His characters are compelling and real. His plots amaze and shock me. His writing beautiful. But most of all...his themes matter. He writes about things I care about and his stories are much deeper than they appear. I would love to write like him.

What I expect to like: It will be a fast paced read (I imagine anyway) with characters that I will care about. The plot will seem real and exciting. And there will not be backstory.

I have many other books that are waiting to be read or have started...but this is one I am greatly looking forward to.

What is next on your list? I am always on the lookout for new authors.

Story Beginnings: Backstory

2010-05-03T17:00:00.000-07:00

On Agent Kristen's blog she talks about writer's who start their story in the wrong place, people that have talent but do not yet know that they have started with backstory, that they are not moving their story forward, ect. Apparently this happens a lot. Do you think that you have started your story where it really begins? Are you just putting your characters in situations that have nothing to do with what your story is really about? If you think that is a possibility you might want to read her post.

It makes me wonder how many agents reject because of this and if I might have a problem with the same thing. So I have made a note to myself to pay close attention to what my characters are doing and making sure the beginning chapters matter just as much as the rest.

How many of you watch where you start your story? How many of you start with your actual story? Do you know if you are moving your story forward? Can you tell when you are including too much backstory?

This may sound like something quite simple to avoid, but almost all writers fail at this. All the more reason for us to make our manuscripts shine, beginning and end.

Planning the YA novel

2010-05-01T19:06:00.000-07:00

That's right. I just finished my last project and I'm already getting to work on the next thing on my list. It seems that lately I can't go more then two days without writing something. I just get too twitchy.

And that brings me to the topic of the day. Pre writing. It is one of the most important parts of the process for me, for many different reasons. It reminds me what I want my story to be about, it gives me an idea of the major conflicts and who the characters are, ect. If I didn't do any pre writing before the actual writing...well, I've already seen where that gets me. I never finished anything. I also noticed my work is much cleaner, much more interesting to read.

Plus, it is one of the funnest parts of writing a novel. When an idea is fresh in your mind and keeps you up at night...that is the best feeling in the world. But maybe that is just me. But this is also where I get freaked out because I always seem to forget before I write exactly how much work this is.

Starting a project is hard, but once I get going it gets much easier.

So, do you do any pre writing before you start a new project? Or do you just dive in and go wherever the story takes you? I can see many reasons to do either, but I don't think I was born to be a panster. Some people don't need to plan at all and can make a story sing, but that's not me.

Is pre writing important? Do you do it because you love it or is it because you know its needed?

Finished the rough draft!

2010-04-30T09:34:00.000-07:00

Finished my rough draft! Can't stop smiling I'm so happy. Has anyone else finished any writing projects?

Does the query process work?

2010-04-30T09:21:00.000-07:00

All of us writers know about the dreaded query. We know that it is our one chance to get noticed by an agent. We know that we have to do everything in our power to make our query letter sing.

So, does just sending a query letter to an agent without them at least seeing your first page...is it the best option? Is an agent able to tell from just a query letter that a project is worth seeing? Does writing a good query letter mean that a manuscript will be well written? Is it the same for a bad query?

Like everything else I think this is not as simple as it seems.

On Nathan Bransford's blog he searched to answer these questions and the others that rose from them.

What did this show me? I don't have quite as much faith in the query system, I can tell you that. Reading people's queries showed me that just because an idea sounds great doesn't mean the execution will be. And execution is everything. If you have a great plot but bad writing the story falls flat.

What do I think agents should do? I think all agents should ask for at least the first page along with the query. Then if they reject us we know that there is more to it than just a sucky query. We then know there is something wrong with our manuscript, and that is important to our success. Finding what works with our writing and what doesn't.

The point of this post was to tell you all not to give up. That if an agent rejects your query not to put too much weight into it. Taste IS subjective. If your story is worth telling you will find someone to represent you.

So what do you all think? Should all agents ask for pages with the query? Or do you think just asking for the query is fine? Or should they do something different?

You tell me. In the comments.

What do you do when you think your book is wrecked?

2010-04-29T03:37:00.000-07:00

I'm not asking because I think my project is ruined, I am just curious to see what others do if this happens to them. Do you salvage what you can and start again? Or do you try a completely new angle? Is there cases where you think the project can't be saved?

For me it is always hard to admit that a project isn't going the way I want it to. I try so hard to fix it and when I can't...I just can't seem to throw it out, even if nothing is worth saving. So what do I do with it? It wastes space on my computer because I think...maybe someday I'll make use of it.

But I am getting better at moving on at least. I don't force myself to finish projects that I know won't make it to second draft anymore. That's something right?

PROJECT UPDATE: I'm working out my ending right now. It's taking a lot of planning. But, endings are always hard for me so I expected this. I just can't wait to start writing again so I can finish this. I'm itching to write my next project. Like now.

How do you know when you need to get rid of a character?

2010-04-24T02:52:00.000-07:00

I've been thinking about this and many other writing related questions lately. I guess I'm curious about everyone's process, to see if it is anything like mine. For me, a character needs to die when they are everything I hate, when they don't move the plot forward, when they are not planned for the book and make the book something I don't want it to be. There are quite a few reasons to "kill" a character...

What are yours? Do you ever get the feeling you need to get rid of characters before you reach the end of your first draft? What actions do you take to figure out if they really must die?

Making Progress

2010-04-21T01:26:00.000-07:00

It feels like it is taking forever, but I am making progress, slowly but surely. Currently my wordcount is 4,800. It doesn't feel like much, but this is only a short story, so I am probably about halfway through by now. I'm excited to see how this turns out. After I am finished with the first draft I'll let it sit while I plan my YA novel.

Do any of you feel impatient at times? Sometimes it feels like this whole process is so long! Please, do tell. Where are you in your project and how long have you been working on it? Are you excited for when it will be over? Or do you not care how long it takes.

Just wondering.

Forgot...

2010-04-19T06:13:00.000-07:00

My new wordcount for the day is 4,147 words! And about 1,000 of those I got last night! That is the most I have written in one sitting since Nano! Oh yeah, in case you didn't notice I am really happy about that. My project has reached the point where I know I am not going to flake out and leave it unfinished. I am staying with this til the end, and that is something to be proud of I think.

Now I feel a lot better about my next project, which will not be a short story, but a YA novel. I was worried I would not be able to write anywhere near the amount per day I would need to finish by the end of the year, but now I think I can.

To say I am excited is an understatement. I have fallen back in love with writing again. It feels amazing.

Fight Scene

2010-04-19T04:27:00.000-07:00

Yup, my project calls for a fight scene. So, imagine my horror when I realize I can't, for the life of me, write one that I like. Maybe I am just being picky today, but I strongly suspect that my reason for being so worried is because what I have is crap. So I ask myself...how the heck do I fix this?

Does anyone have any advice to offer? Maybe a cool writers site that talks about what a fight scene needs, ect? Because I am really lost with this. I have found that, although I love reading scenes like this, I hate writing them. Maybe that's my problem? Anyway, even if it is I have to get over it. This project needs some fight scenes.

Please. If anyone could help a desperate writer out...I would greatly appreciate it. Seriously. This scene is making my eyeballs bleed...not fun.

Reading through my project.

2010-04-19T02:30:00.000-07:00

I don't know how many of you are writers. But I have to ask this anyway, for my sanity. Have you ever, after getting started with your project, looked back on what you written and panicked? Wondered how the hell were you going to fix the mess you made? Contemplated throwing out everything and starting over?

That is where I am at now and it is not a very fun place to be. But I have not been known for finishing my writing projects, so I am going to push through this, no matter how painful it is. Besides, I am a writer that tends to hate everything I write during the first draft. I don't really have a clear idea what is good or not until the revision.

But...pushing through can sometimes be so hard. So I wanted to know what you guys do when you think your writing sucks. Do you start over from scratch? Play the lets-pretend-I-got-this-right-the-first-time game and move on? Or something completely different?

Please. Let me know in the comments.

Back on track.

2010-04-17T05:49:00.000-07:00

I actually managed to write last night, even though I don't feel completely back yet. I am just not doing so well with the bad news, but I am trying very hard to stay positive.

So. Staying positive...my current word count is 2,928 words. That might not seem like a lot, but it is the most I have written since November, so I am happy. Plus, I have written every day since starting except for one day, which is good! If I keep this pace I'll be done with this story in less than two more weeks! (Yeah, its not novel length, my next project will be though!)

By the way, that leads me to a question I have been wondering: How many of you write even when you are NOT inspired? Because, like it or not, if I want to ever be published I realized I need to learn how to write on a regular basis. I know that in movies they have the writer that has months of writers block only to suddenly be hit with inspiration and then wildly finishes their book which becomes a bestseller... but lets face reality here. That is not how most successful writers work. They treat writing like a job, and therefore write even when they don't want to. I guess I need to keep that in mind when I feel like quitting. If I want to get anywhere in this business I have to find time to write...even if I want to be doing something else.

Just a thought.

Didn't write today...

2010-04-16T02:10:00.000-07:00

I feel horrible about it, considering I just started, but I really don't have a creative flow going right now. A loved one of mine, someone I truely cherished...died...and I just don't have any words, any thoughts...other than I miss this person so much it hurts. I am lost without them.

Linda, if you can see me, hear me, anything...I want you to know I'm sorry.

If anyone is reading this I'll try to update you on how the writing is going within the next few days. Right now the Muse is not speaking and I am not sure when that will change. Hopefully really soon. I do love this project and would love to finish it.

And I got my words!

2010-04-14T19:18:00.000-07:00

789 words to be precise. Which brings my total word count to 2189 words. That's pretty good for my third day of doing this, especially since I wasn't even sure I would hit 500. So far I've been getting it and then some! I'm proud of myself since I have a little one to look after. And I do mean little. He's only 7 weeks old.

Which just goes to show that if you want to be a writer you CAN make time to write, regardless of how much you work...you just have to find out where your free time is, even if its only ten minutes and go for it! I know I did! Well, it took some coaxing...but once I got started I didn't want to stop!

Seriously. In my project things are starting to get juicy. My MC has just learned of a betrayal that has left her shaken...and things are only going to get worse from here. Man, I am so glad I don't have the lives of my characters!

And this brings me to my question of the day: How many words do you try to write a day? Or do you even write everyday? Do you only write when inspiration strikes, or have you made it a habit? I'd love to hear what you guys have to say.

Let me know in the comments!

Sometimes...the internet is just evil!

2010-04-14T14:29:00.000-07:00

Yeah, I think that title says it all. I find that whenever I sit down to write I have this horrible urge to just check a few things. You know what I am talking about. My E-mail, some really cool blogs...plus research, ect. And before I know it an hour or two has gone by and no real writing has been done!

Grr internet, oh how I loathe you. No, that's not true. It is very useful. It's just I have not learned to control myself enough to use my time to the best of my ability. Is this just me, or do others experience this too?

It must be the procrastinator in me. Seriously, I need to learn how to get over this if I want to make a career out of writing. I've been doing it yes, but not as many words as I would like.

Today I will get no less than 700 words, but I am going to try and shoot for 1000. I need to get in the habit of writing more, not just everyday...but a good amount everyday. And those of you with kids know how hard that can be.

My advice to you all and to myself: You can do anything for ten minutes...right? Well, get out that stopwatch, that egg timer and set it for ten minutes. Then sit and write your heart out. Start a scene, finish a scene, whatever. When the timer goes off do whatever you need to do. If this works then use it throughout the day when you have time. Trust me, this adds up. And you will notice you can get a lot more done this way if you are a procrastinator like I am.

Well, I'm off to hopefully get in my 700 words. I'll let you know later tonight how it goes.

I'm back!

2010-04-13T23:33:00.000-07:00

And I've started writing a new project yesterday. I can't even begin to describe how great that feels. I took about a month off of writing after I had my son. Then my Muse wouldn't stop bugging me about a couple stories...so here I am again. And I love being back. I've only written 1500 words between today and yesterday, but considering how long I spent not writing? I think I accomplished a lot. Especially with an infant to take care of. I can say honestly I am proud of myself.

Having a couple of projects that kick ass helps writing, that's for sure.

I'm back with a vengence! I'll probably post tomorrow, and I'm crossing my fingers I get a lot done in that time. Will be working on a different scene card then I previously thought...so we'll see.

Oh, and I'm going through How To Think Sideways again with this new project. And boy is it helping out a lot!

Favorite Book Published In 2009?

2009-12-18T21:47:00.000-08:00

This was a crazy year for me I must admit. So crazy, in fact, that I did not get to read as much as I would have liked. But read I did and I have to tell you...there were many books published this year that I completely adore. Seriously, books that made me jealous I had not come up with the idea first...now THAT'S a good book. At least I think so.

So what's my favorite book of 2009? The first one that pops into my head is Shadowlight by Lynn Viehl. She wrote the Darkyn Series if none of you are familiar with her. This particular book is a spinoff of sorts, related to the Darkyn, yet different. It's about ordinary people who are unaware they have been altered by vampire DNA. Just writing about it makes me want to read it again.

So, what is your favorite book of 2009?

Who Is Your Inspiration?

2009-12-18T20:19:00.000-08:00

I have been thinking a lot today about this, and I still don't really know what my answer is. Seriously, this is a lot harder to answer than you might think. Because I am not talking about who other people think inspire you, or who you want to inspire you....but WHO inspires you. Who is the one that you think about every day, the one that pushes you to write? This could be someone that knows you, or a complete stranger. But I do feel that every writer who wants to be published has someone that they think about, well, that's my thought on it anyway.

For me, many people tell me to write, but there are not many that actually make me want to write. There are few people that make me not want to give up, who make me believe my writing does not suck. I would say the one that has pushed me the most, the one that has helped me the most, is my husband. He doesn't let me have the easy way out, he tells me how it is. And some days...he gives me the kick in the pants I need.

If you write and you don't have someone that inspires you....maybe this is the time to change that. It sure has helped me, and from the published writers I have heard about it really helped them too.

I STILL Have No Ending

2009-12-06T04:36:00.000-08:00

Yup, it's pretty horrible. After Nano I just did not feel like writing. My brain is mush right now. So I spent a couple days sleeping and thinking about what should happen, talking to my husband again who didn't see me all month...and now I find that I am lost, unable to continue. Where to take my story from here? At first the ending was clear in my head, but the more I wrote the more I saw there was so many different paths my characters could take. So now my head hurts. For now I'll try and remain calm and take a couple more days away from my draft, but then, regardless of how I feel, I have to write my ending, even if it sucks.

Anyone else finding that they are so close to the end of their first draft or final draft and are having a hard time pushing themselves forward? Any advice for me? I have never gotten so far in a project before. Usually I drop them within the first thrity pages for something new because I have the habbit of getting bored. But with this novel...that is not the case. I love my characters and my story. I am just stuck and am not sure what needs to be done. Am I overthinking this? Because this is first draft should I just write whatever comes to my head?

Sorry for all the questions, but I really am worried about this. Any advice or comments at all would be appreciated. I just feel like banging my head against the wall.

I really should have outlined this story before writing it. Really.

The End Of Nano

2009-11-30T19:24:00.000-08:00

Woot! I did it. I actually did it. I woke up today, banged out over 3k words and won Nano. The feeling is amazing. But now I am slightly terrified. What will next month bring me? What will happen to my novel? I know it needs an insane amount of work, but I love it. I really want to see good things happen to it. This is such a big goal that I reached. The feeling...I cannot describe it at all.

So who else won? Who lost? Will you be participating next year? I most certainly will be. And I can tell you this: next time I will be using an outline.

The Final Stretch

2009-11-28T05:10:00.000-08:00

We have neared the end. Does anyone else feel that Nano went by way too fast? With Thanksgiving and everything else I fell beind, I'll admit it. When I realized that if I didn't kick my butt into gear I would lose I freaked out big time. And yes, I even thought of quitting. But I didn't. Instead I wrote more yesterday than I had all week. Over 4k words. I am pretty impressed with myself. Nano has taught me many things but the most important, I think at least, is that I can do this. I can write on a deadline. Some of what comes out may suck, but there have been some real gems as well.

This month has been a great and terrible journey and I am sad to see it so close to ending. Probably because I know what comes after this. After this my Inner Editor will break loose and tell me how stupid my novel is. After this I'll spend months fixing what I think is broken. Has anyone guessed that revision scares the crap out of me? It does. I have written a lot during my short time on this earth, but revision is not something I have ever tried with anything longer than a short story. What if I can't do it?

I have decided to just push ahead, enjoy these last few days of Nano and think about December when it gets here. I still have a whole lot of writing to do.

Which reminds me: anyone feel like their novel isn't anywhere near an ending? Are you worried about being able to contnue writing it in December? My problem was the exact opposite for a while. I wrote too tightly, my scenes were so fast paced that I was afraid I would run out of story. I am interested to hear what people plan to do with their Decembers. Me? I plan to flesh out my plot, my world, my everything quite a bit then go from there.

For those of you still in the game...keep writing! We are almost done!

Nano and the dreaded Week Two

2009-11-11T16:00:00.000-08:00

Total Nano Word Count= 16,718
Nano Goal For Day 11= 1700
Words So Far= 0

So, the second week of Nano is here. Actually, it came a bit more quickly than I thought. And there is something I noticed right off the bat. Firstly, it is much harder to get my words that I need and second, I am pretty sure I have found the Week Two blues. Don't get me wrong, I love my novel. I think it's one of the best ideas I have had so far. Problem is I've gotten to the "murky middle", you know, that place a lot of writers like to give up? I've gotten myself in this deep hole and I have no idea how to get out. It's a little scary. However. I had an amazing writing day yesterday that gave me the courage to continue, even through this rough bit. I know that if I can get through this week, I can win this thing. Already I am farther on this project than I am on my other WIP, farther along in this than I have ever been in a project in about ten years.

I think Nano should be my new secret weapon, accept I don't want to use this crazy word count goal once a year, I want to use it for every project. I was afraid that by doing Nano I would wreck my book, but I see that it has helped me so much more than I could ever think possible. The secret to finishing a first draft is simply one thing. You tell yourself you are allowed to write bad stuff and make it shine on the revision. That's it. So many people give up because they want their first draft to be perfect. I am done saying that. Now I will tell myself that I can do this. I can finish this.

To anyone out there reading my blog while also taking part in Nano I have only this to say: Don't let Week Two get you down, don't let it defeat you. Keep going. Keep writing. Because the feeling we will get when we finish will be unlike any other experience.

Well, I'm off to write!

Word Envy

2009-11-02T22:14:00.000-08:00

My Total Word Count is: 3,386 after finishing Day Two of Nano. This is good. I am staying on target here. This isn't really my issue. My problem= word envy. Quite simply I let other crazy huge word counts affect my ability to keep writing. When I see someone over 15k on only the second day? I just want to quit. It makes me want to have that word count...and yet there is no way I can get there.

So. I need to change this. I can't worry about who has what word count. I need to focus on meeting my goal every day and so far I have done that. I need to try and be proud of my accomplishments because writing this much is a huge breakthrough for me. I can't get all envious now because that will destroy my want to write.

My new goal is to get my total word count up to 5,000 by noon tomorrow because after that I have a doctors appointment, I need to buy some new clothes and a whole bunch of other stuff that will make it impossible to write. Hopefully I can do that otherwise I will fall behind. Then I would feel really bad.

Sorry this has been nothing but a rant. I really needed to let that out. Hopefully tomorrow I can talk about other things besides just Nano.

NanoWriMo has begun!

2009-11-01T18:26:00.000-08:00

Well, I have actually decided to do it. A few days ago I signed up for National Novel Writing Month. I had to come up with a new story idea and everything because the guidelines say that you should not start Nano with a book you've already begun writing. Also, you aren't supposed to write a word until Nov. 1st. So. I put my YA novel to the side and came up with a story for Nano. Today is the first day. You have to write at least 1,667 words a day to meet the end goal of 50,000. And you know what? I did it! I got 1,708 words. It has been so long since I have written nearly anything close to that. It felt good. I really like my story idea too, so that helps.

Tonight I am going to plan some more scenes for tomorrow. I am hoping to add at least 2,000 more words to my current word count. Wish me luck on that.

I have decided to participate in some regional write-ins. A write-in is where fellow Nano'ers get together at a library, coffee shop or another location and write as much as they can for a certain amount of time. I have been told it is a great way to get your word count in for the day. I am pretty excited since I have never done one before. Who am I kidding, I haven't even tried Nano before! I need all the help I can get!

I have decided to post my word count most days here and vent about where I am in the process. If anyone else is doing Nano, I hope it is going well for you!

So far everything has started off quite nicely. I even like most of my words. Which is new for me.

What Are You Willing To Sacrifice?

2009-10-19T18:31:00.000-07:00

While emailing a published author a few days ago she asked how much would I be willing to sacrifice to get published, because, truth is, you DO have to sacrifice something, and you don't get to know what it is ahead of time. So....I thought about it and realized that writing is more important to me than even I originally thought. My dream is worth it to me to take risks, even if it means writing four or five books a year to keep my head above water...I'll be doing what I love, and that is what matters to me.

But that isn't even all of it. Not only do most Novelists worry about money and spend pretty much every waking minute at the computer...they still have to worry about their project getting rejected. Or about their novel doing so badly they have to switch to a different publisher...

And even though I know all of this I STILL want to do this for a living. Writing is my life and I know it would be more fulfilling if I could write full-time.

So my question to you is this: How much are you willing to sacrifice for your dream? Maybe you'll find, like me, it is worth more to you than you thought possible. Maybe it will give you the strength to keep going.

Now I must go spend time with my hubby. Then its back to plotting my project.

I Found One Of The Problems In My Story

2009-10-14T14:10:00.000-07:00

It took awhile, but it just hit me a minute ago: some of the scenes I've written don't move my story forward, don't bring any interesting conflicts or change...or are just plain boring. Now. This is normal for a first draft, but it was taking me in the wrong direction...which means I would have had to start all over again if I had not caught this. So I haven't been continuing my writing. Instead, I'm looking through my planned scenes trying to add new ones and see which ones need to go or just need to be fixed. This may take some time.

Something that might work for you: I did a timed writing asking myself what was I doing wrong, what I needed to change, ect and I came up with quite a few new scenes that way. It also gave me ideas I had not even thought about before. I have heard about timed writing before, but I never really thought it would work. But I was desperate and I tried it. And it did wonders for me.

The only worry going through my head at the moment is I won't finish this book by the deadline I gave myself. But, considering what I'm going through at the moment, I think I'll manage.

Do You Read While You Write?

2009-10-13T14:01:00.000-07:00

Not sure if any of you who read this are writers, but I thought I'd ask anyway. Many published writers I have read about say that when they are in the middle of a project they don't read fiction. And for good reason. Writers tend to be a bit like sponges. They can lose their voice while getting lost in another persons.

I find that to be the case with me.It's very hard for me not to take on the style of the book I'm reading if I'm also writing, especially if the book is amazing. So I have learned that, for me, I should stay away from fiction as much as possible when I'm in the middle of a project.

But for others, they don't have a problem reading while writing. In fact, they can find it to be an experience that lifts them up and keeps them excited about writing without affecting the way they write.

So. Do you read when you write? Do you think it's harmful? Does it even matter? I'd love to see what people think about this.

Story Update

2009-10-01T18:29:00.000-07:00

The walls have finally come up. Now I need to stop and figure out what is going on so I can get back on the right track. But, I have an idea what my problem is. Mainly....my plot cards kinda suck. This is the first time I have used this technique, so I'm trying to cut myself some slack, but I know that is what it is. My conflicts don't matter to me, the twists, I feel, are too easily seen. So. I won't rework these plot cards but I will focus on making the middle matter.

I am already starting to dread the revision, and I just started! I know it's a pretty common fear, but I can't stop worrying. I'm driving myself crazy really.

Ok. Back to dealing with new plot cards. Hopefully I'll be working on my story again soon.

2009-09-24T18:03:00.000-07:00

There is a contest going on at Jennifer J. Bennett's blog. The idea is to write a monolouge about a random household object. It must be under 1000 words and you cannot include a picture. Winner recieves a Barnes and Nobles giftcard. Visit her blog for more information http://jenniferjbennett.blogspot.com/2009/09/contest-2-characterobject-monologue.html

Concerns

2009-09-21T15:29:00.001-07:00

It hit me today: I don't like my Plot Cards for the middle of my project. That realization scares me. Although I am not very far yet, if I keep writing every day, soon I will reach the "murky middle". Soon, I won't have any idea of what needs to happen next. I've tried working on my cards, but I'm not making very much progress. I guess I'll just deal with it when I get there.

This brings me to an important point: You should look through your cards before starting your story. If you don't, you'll realize later that you hate many of the scenes you had planned.

I can't wait to write this next scene. This is where things really pick up. I haven't been this excited in a long time. My goal is to write at least 500 new words, which I am almost certain I can accomplish. I've been writing every day, something I haven't done in a year. This is a big step for me.

Before I close I want to recommend a book to anyone reading this. For anyone who wants to write, you need this. "Writing Down the Bones" by Natalie Goldberg changed my life. It made me burn to write. It gave me great tips on how to get started. The section about timed writing is brilliant.

So. I'm off to write and enjoy the day with my husband. Have a great writing day. I know I will.

Finished First Chapter

2009-09-20T23:03:00.000-07:00

I finished the first chapter of my project yesterday. It's only seven pages long, but I think they are pretty good for a first draft. I have decided to write every day, even on weekends, because at the moment I only write 300-600 words. Maybe when I am able to write a bit more I will switch back to five days a week, but for now, I need all the time I can get!

In the course Thinking Sideways I am on Lesson 10 and it is about the Law of Unintended Consequences, or LUC. I learned how to create my own LUC, how to make my story deeper and more full of conflict because of this Lesson. Soon I will be writing an unplanned scene based off an unintended consequence...I can't wait! And later this week I'll learn how to write query letters that get noticed, something every writer needs to have mastered in order to get an agent.

Things have been moving rather slowly, but I have been progressing. Best of all, I really think I can finish this project. I know it most likley won't be publishable, but it will be a learning experience. I can't wait to reach the end and I've only just begun!

First Pages

2009-09-17T22:33:00.000-07:00

Project Update: I wrote my first scene today. It was much shorter than I wanted it to be. I was hoping for 1000 words...or at the very least 500. Instead, my scene ended at 277 words.

There is freedom in having a blank page to work with, in just starting the story. It can be difficult as well, especially when you don't know where you are going. Or where your story should even start.

One piece of advice: It should start with change. Something should be different about this time, this day, this situation. It should NOT start with backstory. Backstory is boring and will throw the reader right out of your story.

If you have problems starting your projects, even after spending months planning them...ask yourself some questions. Where are you? What is your character doing? Who are they watching? Why are they there? What changes? After answering these you should have some interesting ideas on where to start. It helped me at least.

Plot Cards And Why You Need Them

2009-09-01T17:57:00.000-07:00

For the past few days I have been plotting my novel using the techniques in the Thinking Sideways course. This involves writing one sentence, under thirty words, for every scene in the novel. In the sentence you should include: your characters, the conflict, the twist and the setting. Without these elements you can end up writing a weak scene, you can get lost, you can even end up writing a novel that isn't worth saving.

Plot cards are important for many reasons. They keep your story on track. They allow you to write strong scenes. They can be used when you must plan and write a novel in a very short amount of time. For me, it has been a struggle writing my plot cards, but I know that in the end I will love what turns out and I will be that much more likely able to finish my project.

I will be honest. I never did project planning before taking Thinking Sideways. It never even entered my mind. I was the type that just got an idea in my head for an awesome character with a problem and wrote like crazy. Problem was...I hit the brick wall fast because I had no idea where my story was suppossed to go.

I have found that even though I was not much of a planner that this Lesson is helping me more than I can even imagine and it is a tool I will continue to use even after I finish this course. I love some of the ideas i'm getting. But I also see what needs to be fixed.

Well, that's it for today I think. Next time I'll either talk about fixing plot cards or even starting the first pages of a novel, depending on where I am at that day.

An Update About My Lessons

2009-08-13T18:21:00.000-07:00

Thinking Sideways has taken up quite a bit of my time and surprise, surprise I'm still managing to fall behind.

I'm working on Lesson Five right now. I'm suppossed to be learning all the critical info about my protagonist, antagonist, setting, conflict and twists. I got through my protagonist rather quickly, but I am lost now. It has come to my attention I am unsure who the biggest antagonist in the story is. So now I am asking myself questions and waiting for answers. This lesson is very important for the development of my story, I can't just skip it. Hopefully, I come up with something soon.

Besides my issues with Lesson Five I am still in love with this course. There is so much helpful material I am going through. I know I will be using many of these tools for my other writing projects. And I know that because of this course my writing is maturing.

Talking to other students in the forums has turned out to be incredibly helpful. When I have gone off track they are there to point me in the right direction. They give my examples of how they went through the lesson.

One piece of advice I can give is to never neglect your characters, the conflicts, twists and the setting in the planning stages of writing. If you don't you may be setting yourself up for failure, like I did in the past.

That's it for today. Next time I'll be ranting about my next lesson I'm sure.

When It Rains, It Pours

2009-06-30T19:52:00.000-07:00

I'm in California right now. I was suppossed to be here for a nice relaxing vacation before returning to work. But it has turned into a nightmare.

I was suppossed to be on my way home today so I could make it to Oregon in time for my shift, but something horrible has happened. When my husband was at the beach his wallet, car keys and phone all got stolen. That and his glasses got lossed yesterday and he's legally blind! I've been trying to get a hold of my work to let them now what has happened...but they haven't answered the phone. So I have no idea if I'll get fired for this or not. I have no idea when I'll get home. So I am at the end of my rope. I don't know what to do, what to think, what to say. I just want to cry.

What do you do during a crisis? Deal with it, leaving your emotions out of it? Let someone else deal with it so you can sit in a corner and cry? Get angry and yell at everyone? I'm not doing much of anything right now. I'm starting to get scared. I can't loose this job, I just got it.

Right now I'm just praying that I can hold myself together. I don't know if I can.

Well...

2009-06-30T13:58:00.000-07:00

I have never blogged before. This is new and very weird for me, knowing that anyone can see my thoughts, see me.

I guess I should start by saying why I am here. I am here to talk about writing, about me, about anything I can think of really. I am here because I want a place just for me. And I think this is it. I want to share my ideas, my fears and my dreams with people. I want to give and recieve advice. This is why I am here.

Hmmm...what should I say next? I graduated from high school in 2008 and then married. I have a job that I hate and think every day about quitting. Why? Because, more than anything, I want to be a writer. I have wanted it as long as I can remember. I don't want fame, I just want someone to read my stories and love them as much as I do. I want to write something that matters.

I haven't done much in my quest to become a writer. Sure, I have written stories...but I have never had the courage to send them out. It is hard to stick to one thing, I have so many ideas in my head. My brain goes blank when I think of revision. I realized pretty quickly that I needed some kind of help.

Luckily, I had been reading the blog of a full-time Novelist and saw that she had a writing course unlike anything I had ever seen before. It was called Thinking Sideways. At first, I had my doubts. How much could it really help me? Nothing else had. I did some reseach, read the reviews and saw that a lot of people got something great out of her course. So I decided to try it out. And you know what? I love it so far. I am already so much closer to my Muse. I can feel the ideas brewing and I know they won't stop anytime soon. I have a long ways to go in the course, but I can tell it is already worth the money. This course will help me, it will give me what I need. The tools to write the best novel I have in me.

Ok, so I guess that is all you really need to know about me, for now at least. I am just another writer in search of making my dreams a reality.

Tomorrow I will talk about my next Lesson and let you all know how I did, what problems I faced, ect.