For Every Up

I had a great day yesterday - sort of. On the personal side of things, my hubby remains in remission and is finally off all his meds. After his appointment, we ran some errands, then went out to lunch to celebrate. One thing you have to understand is that because of his dietary restrictions and my food allergies, we never go out to restaurants. Okay, not never, but maybe once or twice a year. So even going to an upscale sandwich shop was a total celebration for us.

My youngest son got a job offer. He's been out of work since the beginning of January (laid off along with 250 other people). Though he's been interviewing a lot, this is the first legitimate offer he's had. Finally.

I managed to get nearly eighty pages of edits done for a friend; got my non-fiction submission ready to go; read a chapter in the review book; blogged - it was a good writing day.

At least up until I got an e-mail rejection of my manuscript. Sigh. But it is just one more to add to the pile and proves that I am out there, trying, submitting, working at my art.

So overall, a good day. And overall, a good month. Here's to March being even better.

Birthdays: Ben Hecht, Michel de Montaigne

Tips and Teasers: Make a list of words that sound good in your ears. They might be onomatopoeic (buzz, sizzle) or simple words that suggest particular emotions or qualities. Use three of them in a paragraph.

Thought for the day: "Writing is a lot like acting, except the writer gets to play all the roles." - P. Martin

Reviews

I got my first official review for Akashan'te yesterday. Wheeee! It was posted at "The Romance Studio" and reviewed by Anita. She gave me a 4 out of 5 - to her, I say THANK YOU!

I was so nervous when I went to the site. My husband stood behind me, hands on my shoulders, offering me support. Then I saw the rating and read the review - and Whew! A 4 out of 5! I mean, I know I wrote a good book, but would anyone other than my family think so? Part of the review is below:

"Akashan’te is a highly imaginative fantasy adventure filled with excitement and intrigue. Readers quickly find themselves attached to the character of this interesting young woman so filled with power and innocence. Her acts of kindness and bravery win the hearts of the readers. Readers will find themselves hooked early in the story from her mysterious birth and kept interested by many the surprising revelations throughout her journey."

If anyone is interested in reading the rest: http://www.theromancestudio.com/reviews/reviews/akashanteburkholder.htm

YAY!!!

Okay, back to earth. Progress yesterday: 80 pages of edits done for friend; short story finished, polished and submitted; 100 postcards printed and the ones for mailing sent out; a chapter read in review book; non-fiction work finished and printed out, ready for submission.

I'm getting there.

Today's author birthdays: Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, John Steinbeck, Irwin Shaw

Today's thought: "The creative writer is usually captive to his next book." - Fannie Hurst

Today's teaser: Choose an inanimate object (place, object, idea, emotion) and describe it using action verbs.

Getting There

Okay, progress yesterday:

Two assignments for one class - done.
Short story for another class - done.
Critique for friend - 70 pages done.
Blog - done.
Mailing list for postcards for Akashan'te - done and printed.

Not a bad evening.

Today is going to be hectic due to appointments, but I'm going to get more done this evening. There's an old saying about if you need something done, give it to a busy person. I've noticed that when I'm really busy, I tend to get more done. Maybe it's because I'm stubborn enough to not want to be seen as a person who can't be relied on. I don't know. But I do know that's when I get really organized and get the most done. And without straining myself.

I took time off last night to watch at least a part of the Oscars. One segment I loved was the Sound Effects Choir. What a hoot!

So here's to today being even better. The only show I watch Monday nights is Heroe's so not too many distractions. :)

Today's author birthdays: Victor Hugo, John George Nicolay, Christopher Marlowe

Today's thought: “Creative work is play. It is free speculation using the materials of one’s chosen form.” – Stephen Nachmanovitch

Today's teaser: This is National Tell a Fairy Tale Day. What is your favorite fairy tale or story of all time? Why? What makes it so memorable? Write a character who could fit into the story and rewrite it with that character.

Progress

I've been telling you about the tasks I have lined up, well I've added another. And it's a biggie. More on that in a minute.

First, my progress so far - last evening I was able to do an edit on two of the crits I have to do. I got 22 pages done for one and 67 pages done on the other. I was also able to finish my edit of my non-fiction work so it is ready to send out for submission.

Tonight, work more on the crits and work on the edit of my fiction WIP.

With the help of my son, I was also able to beef up the myspace that I share with a friend. It's definitely a work in progress, but I'm working on it, learning as I go. If you're curious, check it out: www.myspace.com/2vicks

The biggie I've added? Get healthy. In the past year, I've gained twenty pounds and am so out of shape I can barely move without pain. I've got the equipment I need. I've got tapes. I've got books. I've got everything - except the willpower. So, today, I'm making it public. I am going to exercise at least three times a week and get serious about what I eat.

There. I've said it. I am a highly organized, logical person and I know I can do this. I just need to get off my rear and do it.

Wish me luck. I'm gonna need it. :)

Birthdays: Frank Slaughter

Tips and Teasers: The media is full of news about cloning experiments. What would happen if you met your own clone? Would you want a clone? Why or why not?

Thought for the day: “Once you use those quotation marks, it’s not you the writer talking, it’s you the writer listening.” - Albert Rios

Coming Back to Earth

I spent most of yesterday running errands, one of them sixty miles away, then cooking dinner for my son and his family and visiting with them. It was a long, exhausting day, but a good one. I thoroughly enjoy having the kids over, but by the time they left, I was beyond tired. So I watched a little tv, caught up on my e-mail, and not much else.

Today, I looked at the list of things I have to get done and cringed. This coming week is going to be insanely hectic. We have appointments scheduled every day and I've got so much work piling up, I don't know where to start.

I have promotion materials to do for my books, two critiques to do, a huge book to read for review, edits to finish for my current WIP, edits to finish for a non-fiction project I'm working on, homework for two classes I'm taking, a short story to get finished and edit, web site to update, blogging to do, and more. Then there's just the usual house stuff to get done. Whew!

So it's back to my one hour task management system. I work on one thing for one hour. I do not think "I should be doing..." I do not think about the other tasks. I work on one thing for one hour. Take a break, then go on to something else. I've found that when I'm overwhelmed with work, this system really works well for me. One hour gives you time to get something done, you don't feel guilty about not working on something else, and you don't get bored or frustrated with what you're working on.

You can do any task for one hour.

That's my story and I'm sticking to it. :)

Today's author birthdays: Wilhelm Grimm, George William Curtis

Today's thought:“Inspiration may be a form of superconsciousness, or perhaps of subsconsciousness – I wouldn’t know. But I am sure it is the antithesis of self-consciousness.” – Aaron Copland

Today's teaser: What might you find in your main character’s trash at work? At home? In the refrigerator? Glove compartment? Medicine cabinet, junk drawer, nightstand, pocket, purse?

Gratitude

I spent a lot of yesterday reading e-mails from friends and family who purchased a copy of my book, "Akashan'te". I can't begin to tell them all how much I appreciate their support, especially when I know some of them aren't e-book readers - or in some cases, readers at all. But they wanted to show me their support so they bought a copy anyway.

To them, I say thank you.

To Jaynie, my editor, I also say thank you. Thank you for picking me up. Thank you for your help, your guidance, and your insights into what would improve my books.

I know this is starting to sound a little like an Oscar acceptance speech, but I really am grateful. This has, for me, been a long road filled with detours, some of which took years. And now that I'm here, I realize it is only because of the support of my family and my friends. I also know that this is only the first step.

I've got more stories to tell and there's no way I'm stopping now! :)

Hugs to you all
Vicky B.

Today's author birthdays: W.E.B. DuBois

Today's thought: “Words are a form of action, capable of influencing change.” – Ingreid Bengis

Today's teaser: Begin a story with “I found out something about my grandfather, whom I adored until then.” Or: “How could my grandmother do…”

It's Official

I am an author. My book will be released today! Yippeee!!!

I've been checking Cerridwen Press's website since I got up. Okay, I know it's early - too early for them to be at work - but I want to see my book on the front page as available for purchase. I want it to be there for anyone to buy.

Please buy my book.

I hope you enjoy Akashan'te - and tell all your friends about it too. :)

Thank you.

Vicky

Today's author birthdays: Edna St. Vincent Millay, Jane Bowles

Today's thought: “Write the truth and no one believes you; it’s too alarming. So you might as well make it up.” - Fay Weldon

Today's teaser: How might your main character react to his or her reflection in a window or a warped mirror?

One More Day

My friend, Vicky, has graciously allowed me to take over her blog today. My name is Rowyn and my story, "Akashan'te", will be available for all of you to read tomorrow.

When I first started out on my trip, I thought I was just going into the nearest town to do a little shopping for my aunts. I live with the three of them in Cotswold Forest. It's a fair walk to the city of Mairtree, but can be done in a day. But something strange happened on the way.

Let me back up a little. You see, the day before my trip was my natal day and that evening, I made a wish on a shooting star. I wanted an adventure. To say that I got my wish would be an understatement. And I swear I will never make another natal day wish again. Ever.

Although my wish did bring me Daniel and many friends I would otherwise never have met, so I guess overall it was a good thing.

Anyway, as I started out on my trip, I felt different. Colors were brighter, sounds were sharper, smells were stronger - as if all my senses were heightened. When I stopped to rest, I sat alone along the river rather than at the picnic area a short distance up the road. I'd learned long ago that very few were comfortable in the presence of my aunts - and me. I understand why now, but then, I didn't. I'd just finished my apple when I heard screams - and I knew. So I ran to the area and jumped in the river. I had no time to think. I just did. A child had fallen in and nobody could reach him but me. The river fought me at first, but then calmed and I was able to save the baby. But it was close. When I emerged, the crowd backed away. All but the mother and father. From them, I received undying gratitude. From the others, fear. I quickly left the gathering and continued on my way, but I knew something had happened in that river. Something in me had changed. If I'd only known then...

That was the day I met Daniel. And the beginning of our adventures.

To find out what changed for me, take a look at my story, Akashan'te. Vicky did a good job telling my story.

For now, though, I have to get back on the road. I don't think my adventures are over yet - and I'm looking forward to the challenges.

Rowyn of Cotswold
as told to Vicky Burkholder

Today's author birthdays: Erma Bombeck, Anais Nin

Today's thought: "Writing is a political instrument..." James Baldwin

Today's teaser: Change your scenery. Sometimes we get stuck in a rut of always working at the same spot. If you're work is also in a rut, try going somewhere else to write. Go to a park, or a coffee shop or a library. Changing your place might spark some new ideas.

Changes

I am a person of habit - as are most people - and when that habit is changed, it tends to mess up one's whole perspective. Which is not necessarily a bad thing.

Take today, for example. My husband normally works a Saturday to Wednesday, second shift job so I've adapted my schedule to his. My days are spent doing errands, household chores, or catching up on what was on TV the night before. In other words, the things that most people do in the evenings. My evenings are spent working. I sit at the computer and write or critique or edit. Granted, I may not do a full eight hours. I just cannot stay up past 10:30. But I do get a lot of quiet time in and I get a lot done.

But today he had to go in on day shift for a special class. He did this last week also. While the time shift is hardest on him, I find myself actually getting even more done than when I work in the evenings. Maybe it's because I'm more awake. Maybe it's because I actually have the full nine hours since I don't stay up the full time in the evenings. I don't know. I just know it's different. For me, it works well. For him, it's a nasty challenge. For both of us, it's an entirely different perspective on life. So much would have to change if he went to day shift. I'm not sure I'd like it much.

But it would be interesting for a while.

Today's author birthdays: Pieter Cornelis Boutens, Shga Naoya, Hesketh Person, Georges Bernanos, Russel Crouse, Alex La Guma, Mary Durack

Today's thought: "Writing keeps me from believing everything I read." - Gloria Steinem

Today's teaser: Finish the following using: swing, syrup, fender, gym teacher - The clock was ticking....

E-publishing

Just three more days until Akashan'te comes out! Wheeeeee!

I was talking with my daughter last night and reminded her that Akashan'te will be out on Thursday. Even over the phone, her excitement was palpable. She berated me for not getting e-mails out there reminding everyone of the fact that my book is coming out. I told her I had been. That I'd been marketing my little fingers off and went into detail of what I'd been doing. Then she said she was going to order dozens of copies for all her friends and wanted to know if I'd sign some of them.

That's when I reminded her that Akashan'te is an e-book. Her silence spoke volumes. I know I've explained all this to her before, but am not surprised she's forgotten. Between her work as a recruiter for the Peace Corps, work on her Master's degree, and looking for a new job (you can only work for the P.C. for five years and her tenure is nearly up), she's been more than a little busy. So I patiently explained that it is an e-book that has to be read on a computer or PDA or other electronic device. You can print out a copy, but it's not a paperback. I put a positive spin on it, explaining to her the advantages of e-books, including the environmental issues (a biggie for her) and I think she finally understands.

Even if her excitement waned, mine did not. Come Thursday, I will have an actual book with my name on it. A story that others will read and, hopefully, enjoy.

I can't wait.

Today's author birthdays: Copernicus, Stephen Dobyns

Today's thought: "The fact is, it's easier to write than to want to write. Just pick up your pen, put down a word. Any word." - John Dufresne

Today's teaser: You're a bartender and there's a sad, lonely man sitting on a corner stool with a wilted rose. You ask him what's wrong. What does he tell you?

Anticipation

Only four more days until Akashan'te comes out. I feel like a little kid the week before Christmas. There's a neat gift waiting for me, I just know it, but I have to wait. And in four days, there it will be.

Yes, I know, I've been through the book dozens of times. I know the story inside, outside, upside down. I know what the cover art looks like (which is incredible!). I've even got the finished author copies. But that's different. That's "ready to go", not "published." But in four days, it will officially be "available for purchase."

Last Friday, I took part in a Cerridwen Press author chat - my first ever. I had a great time and even got some people interested enough to enter my contest. It was my first outing as an official "author". I have a book to sell - or will in four days. I've been writing for years and have been published - in magazines and newsletters and work publications. But this is my first book.

I wrote the story, edited it, had it critiqued, submitted it, got a lot of rejections, finally sold it, went through their editing process, worked with the artist on the cover art, have been working on marketing. And in four days my book will be available for sale.

I can't wait. I'm so excited. I wish Santa Claus would hurry up. ;)

Today's author birthdays: Sholem Aleichem, Nikos Kazantzakis, Wendell Wilkie, Wallace Stegner, Toni Morrison, Audre Lorde (Rey Domini), Jean Auel, Len Deighton

Today's thought: "I am fascinated by language in daily life...the way it can evoke an emotion, a visual image, a complex idea, or a simple truth." - Amy Tan

Today's teaser: At least one time today, change something you routinely do. If you take only showers, try a bubble bath. If you eat only at one seat at the table, try changing seats or even locations. If you eat only scrambled eggs for breakfast, try eating them a different way. Take something you routinely do and change it, then write down the way the change made you feel. Be specific.

Author Chats

Yesterday afternoon, I attended my first on-line author chat - as an author. I've attended others where I was the reader, but this time I was one of the writers. It was kind of fun, but not well attended. According to my writer friends, though, this isn't unusual, especially since the chat was on a closed loop.

And I wonder if that's a good thing? Yes, it keeps the spammers out, but it also greatly reduces the numbers. Some of my friends wanted to join in, but couldn't since they weren't members of the list. They will have other opportunities as I "chat" next month at open venues, but this was my first and they wanted to support me.

So why not join the list? Because they, like me, are already members of so many lists with so much to read and keep up with, adding one more list for just one chat isn't worth the hassle. I don't blame them. It is a hassle to have to belong to so many lists and wade through hundreds of e-mails every day. But it is also part of the job. It all has to do with marketing and getting your name out there, or belonging to groups for support. It can be a lot of work.

It can also be a lot of fun. I've met some really great people on these lists, people who I would not have otherwise known. I've also picked up some good tips and incredible books just by who I know on the lists. The trick is to pick and choose judiciously so as to not overwhelm yourself.

FIVE DAYS until AKASHAN'TE is out!!!!

Today's author birthdays: Gustavo Becquer, Samuel Sidney McClure, Andrew Paterson, Dorothy Canfield Fisher, Margaret Truman, Chaim Potok, Ruth Rendell

Today's thought: "No one has the stamina to write a book. So write a sentence. And another. And another. Sentences become paragraphs. Paragraphs become scenes. Scenes become chapters. Chapters become books. So write a sentence." - P. Martin

Today's teaser: You're inside an elevator and the doors won't open. What's worse, you're claustrophobic. What do you do? Is there anyone with you?

Following the Rules

One of my writer friends whom I know only through e-mail, a young woman who is not yet published, has been sending her stuff out to multiple agents and editors - something we all do. But she sends her stuff to anyone and everyone, not just those agents/editors who represent her kind of writing. And she's been getting nothing but rejections.

As I see it, there are three problems with what she's doing. The first is, nobody can categorize her writing. It's not romance, although there are definitely romantic elements. Plus the stories are much too long to for category romance. It's not action/adventure, although there is action and adventure in there. It's not literary - it's too genre for that. It's not mystery, although there are mystery elements. We go round and round saying what it's not - but can't seem to agree on what it is. We finally decided on single title mainstream just because nothing else fit. Plus she doesn't do her homework and look for agents who represent her type of work. And therein lies the first problem. How do you send your work out to agents when you can't put a category on it?

The second problem is following the rules. Yes, I know, most rules were made to be broken. But, if an agent's website says they want only a query, you don't send cover letter, chapters, business plan, etc. You send a one page query. Period. All that other stuff will only irritate agents. They don't have the time to wade through mountains of work they didn't request or that doesn't spark interest for them. Yes, I know, we've all been guilty of dumping stuff on the slush pile. But after doing that so many times, the costs add up. Why waste all your money on sending sixty pages or so, when one will do. If you can't boil your story down to a one or two paragraph blurb, you're going to have other problems anyway. This is a good time to figure out how to write that brilliant query letter that will get your foot in the door of a good agent.

The third problem? Accepting advice. For my friend, her every word is gold. A couple of years ago, I was a critique partner with her. I am no longer. Nor are many others I know she's hooked up with. Why? Because she refuses to accept criticism. She believes that every word she writes is gold - even the ones that are misspelled. Yes, she tells a good story, but she could tell it in much less space with some judicious editing. Unfortunately, she's probably not going to get that since, a) she will probably never sell the book, and b) she has alienated everyone in our group so that none of the more experienced people will work with her.

So, my advice for the newbies out there: When you're Stephen King, J.K. Rawlings, or Nora Roberts, you can break the rules. But when you're new, you should at least try to follow the guidelines given by writer's groups, agents and editors. You'll be much better off and will probably make that first sale a lot faster.

Today's author birthdays: Hal Porter, Nikolai Leskow

Today's thought: "I have rewritten - often several times - every word I have ever published. My pencils outlast their erasers." - Vladimir Nabokov

Today's teaser: Do you feel stagnated by what you're writing? Switch gears. Write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper or an article for your local writer's group newsletter. If you write in third person, try a scene in first. Or vice versa. Try writing a short short - a complete story in 100 words or less. Try something different from your usual work.

Submissions

I spent most of this week doing agent/editor searches. I checked all my sources, did all my homework, made sure I only picked those who represent my type of work. Once I had a list, I checked with other writers for recommendations. I made notes and narrowed my list down. Now it's time to send out queries. I sent two out a couple of days ago but I want to send several more.

Doing all this research takes a huge chunk of time out of my workday, but it is worth it in the end. I do not waste my time or theirs by sending stuff to any and all agents when they may not even represent the type of writing I do. I would never send fantasy romance to someone who only reps contemporary mystery. It doesn't make sense. And yet, a lot of new authors do just that. I see the notes over and over again from agents. Don't send me stuff I'm not interested in representing.

So, for those of you just starting out, I have one tip - do your homework. Go to these websites and check out the agents listed. Go to their websites and see what they represent and if they are accepting new authors or not. Ask around. Note, these are only a few places to go. There are many more.

RWA - www.rwanational.org (you must be a member to access info here)
AAR - http://www.aar-online.org/mc/page.do
Publisher's Marketplace - www.publishersmarketplace.com/search.html
Preditor's and Editors - http://www.anotherealm.com/prededitors/peala.htm
Agent Query - http://www.agentquery.com/

Good luck!

Today's author birthdays: Paul Ferris, George Mikes, Jo Clayton

Today's thought: "I think best with a pencil in my hand." - Anne Morrow Lindbergh

Today's teaser: On February 15, 1946, the first digital computer, ENIAC was dedicated in Philadelphia, PA. Many of us have a love/hate relationship with technology. Imagine you will be moving to a place where you are allowed only five electronic devices. What can you not live without? Remember, stoves, refrigerators and other appliances are electrically based - even gas powered ones since they have electronic starters. Also, electric pumps bring in water from private and public wells. Think carefully.

Now the Waiting Begins

It's a cold, nasty day out there today. We had several inches of snow, which isn't too bad for here, but it's been sleeting most of the night, leaving several inches of ice on top of the snow - and ice is definitely not good.

But the bad weather kept me in and kept me working. Yesterday I managed to get my synopsis done for my new WIP, a query letter and sent off two queries to agents. Now the waiting begins. I know this is a good story. But will either one of them be willing to take on a newbie and give me a chance? All I can do is write the best story I can, and hope.

It's the waiting that gets to me. And the doubts. I mean, I know I've got a good story, but I've gotten so many rejections on my other work that it's hard sometimes to keep the hope up. Selling two books last year helped. And the fact that the first one comes out next week is even better. I am extremely excited about these books. And knowing I've got others sitting on the back burner, finished and waiting for me to go into revisions, gives me something to do while I wait.

One thing I do know, I would rather wait for an acceptance, or even a detailed rejection, than receive a rejection right away. And I've gotten them. The fastest rejection was less than two hours after I sent it. So, to any agents reading this missive, please, take your time to read my query thoroughly, to know that I am a good writer who is in this for the long haul. This is my business, not just a quick hobby. You won't go wrong with me.

I can wait.

Today's author birthdays: Domingo Sarmiento, Frank Harris, George Jean Nathan, Moses Klein, Carl Bernstein

Today's Thought: "Trust that still, small voice that says, 'This might work and I’ll try it.'" – Diane Mariechild

Today's Teaser: This is National Creative Romance Month, National Wedding Month and today is Valentine's Day. Your character is going to meet her love at the top of the Empire State Building ala "An Affair to Remember" - will he or she be there? Why or why not?

Strange Days

My husband had to go to work early this morning. I can hear the yawns now. What's so strange about that? It's strange for us because he's a second shift worker - normally a 3-11 or 4-midnight kind of guy. He worked his regular shift last night, came home, grabbed a few hours of sleep and went back in this morning for a special training class, then back to his regular shift tomorrow night.

So I have an entire day to myself. And it's snowing - heavily. So I'm home, in front of the computer, with the day stretching out in front of me.

Gee, which project do I start on first? More editing of my current WIP? Work on my non-fiction piece? Get submissions ready to go? Catch up on homework for the two classes I'm taking? Read?

Knowing me, I'll probably work on all of the above - at least a little. That is, if I get myself off e-mail and blogging and searching the net.

Time to get to work. We'll see what I can get accomplished today.

Today's author birthdays: Leo Frankowski, Georges Simenon

Today's Quote: "When I sit down at my writing desk, time seems to vanish. I think it's a wonderful way to spend one's life." - Erica Jong

Today's teaser: A genie has given you the gift of an extra day in which to do what you want. What do you do?

Calendars

If there's one thing I cannot stand, it's being late for things. Or missing them. This past Saturday, I missed an author signing of one of my friends. I knew the time and the place. I had it in an e-mail. I told my husband about it. We were both going to go so we could support her.

Then we got busy. Oh, not with anything important. Just with the usual household "stuff". The next thing I know, I look at the clock and there's only thirty minutes left in her signing - and it takes me twenty minutes to get to where she was. My husband and I were both upset. Time just got away from us. That's no excuse - it just happened. But it seems to be happening a lot of late.

Keeping all the family appointments is driving me nuts. And there are only two of us. I've got paper calendars in the kitchen, the office and in my purse. I've got electronic ones on the laptop and PDA. And no two of them are the same. Coordinating them has become a huge hassle. We are missing things or getting there "just" in time. And that is not something I ever do. Ever. Being late is an anathema to me.

Oh, look! Sitting at her desk. It's "Super Organizer"! Yeah, right.

Okay, I am probably more organized than most people, but keeping my calendars straight is not one of my strong points. And it needs to be. So that is today's task. To organize my appointments and tasks and get them all listed in one place that I can easily keep track of and know what's going on when.

And if I manage to get it done, maybe I won't be late getting to this blog tomorrow morning.

Today's author birthdays: Thomas Campion, Cotton Mather, Charles Darwin, Abraham Lincoln, George Meredith, Ruth Coulson, Judy Blume

Today's Thought: "Writing well is sometimes tedious. Having written well is always joyful." - Paul Martin

Today's teaser: Use the following in a short scene:
He heard footsteps
rune
White House
on a new planet

Working Through Crits

I spent yesterday evening plugging corrections into my WIP (work in progress), thanks to the incredible efforts of my critique partners. Though I'm not done, I know the story is stronger and better because of their comments. Things that were perfectly plain to me needed explanations, and places where I had too much explanation needed pared down.

Plus I made a few grammar errors. I prefer to think they were typographical in nature. That's my story and I'm sticking to it. :)

But I do know I couldn't do this without them. They are invaluable to me. I have had multiple critique partners in the past - some of whom were excellent, others who were not. It took time to find the right set, and I believe I have. We are all on similar levels in our writing, and all have the same drive to make our writing the best it can be. Finding the right balance takes time and effort, but can pay off with great rewards in the end.

Today's author birthdays: Jane Yolen, Sidney Sheldon, Roy Fuller, John de Vries

Today's Thought: "The most important lesson in the writing trade is that any manuscript is improved if you cut away the fat." - Robert Heinlein

Today's teaser: Do some reading today. Find something you've been meaning to read and sit down and read. Don't analyze, don't critique, don't make notes - mental or physical. Just relax and read.

Stretching our minds

I met with my friends yesterday for a gab fest. We talked about writing, life, other people and we ate. A lot. But it was soooo much fun! We try to get together once a month and I can't imagine why we didn't think of doing this sooner. We all need this time together so much. It's a way to blow off steam, reconnect with others, let our hair down a little and have some fun.

We also critique each other's works. Right now, the group is working on my new work in progress. Though I know what I sent them was a basic draft, when I got back some of their comments, I had to kick myself at some of the stupid mistakes I made. But I also know I'm not the only one. Three of the members of the group are multi-published - and even they goof once in a while. It's good to know I'm in good company.

But the work in progress is a stretch for me. It's a contemporary urban fantasy - something I've never done before - and it has at least one scene that didn't stop at the bedroom door (or in this case bathroom - as in tub with lots of steam and lather). Again, not something I've ever written before. The entire work is a stretch for me and it's mostly due to these friends. They challenge me to do better; to write better; to go beyond my neat little box and open up to new experiences, new ways of looking at things.

Friends like these don't come along every day and I cherish them. Especially since they make me laugh.

Today's author birthdays: William Congreve, Charles Lamb (Elia), William Allen White, Boris Pasternak, Berthold Brecht, Roxanne Pulitzer

Today's thought: "It's easy to lose the energy that you need for a long piece unless the characters are surprising you and showing you something new every week or even every month or every other paragraph, however often it comes." - Alice McDermott

Today's teaser: Given the following, create a short story or scene:
My nutty relative
in the woods
No. 2 pencil
mothballs
fairytale

Journaling

I started a journal with the best of intentions. Actually, I've started multiple journals over the years. I keep them up for a few days, maybe even a couple of weeks, then.... oops. I forgot. This blog is the one "journal" that I actually keep up with. Not sure why - I just do. Maybe from a sense of obligation or a challenge. One of my annual goals for this year is to blog every day. So far, I have.

I have other friends who can't be without their journals. They write pages and pages every day, detailing their lives, their hopes and dreams. They've got files full of notebooks.

But they don't have the novel they planned on writing.

And maybe that is the difference. I put my time and attention into my fiction writing. I work on my stories and not on jotting down what I had for lunch yesterday and whether the cat threw up on the carpet. Okay, my apologies. I know journals are for more than mundane things. They can be extremely therapeutic - and when I am troubled, I do journal. It helps me get through difficult times. I just don't do it on a daily basis.

To those for whom journaling is their focus, my hat is off to you. You do something I can't seem to find the discipline to do. So I'll stick to what I do best - this blog and my stories.

Today's author birthdays: Alice Walker

Today's quote: "You will never overcome your fear that your writing is insipid or incomprehensible or trivial - write in spite of the fear." - Paul Martin

Today's teaser: Do you journal? Why? Every day? Or just once in a while? On paper or the computer?

Imagination

Today is the birthday of Jules Verne - the man responsible for stories like "Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea", "Journey to the Center of the Earth" and "Around the World in Eighty Days". I have read and enjoyed his stories for years. I even enjoyed the movies made from his stories.

He was known as one of the early pioneers in the genre of science fiction and I thank him for that. Although my earliest readings tended to be in the areas of horse stories and Nancy Drew, once I got hold of science fiction and fantasy, there was no stopping me. I read everything I could get my hands on. The places those books took me were fodder for my developing imagination.

I traveled the world with Phineas Fogg, dove under the sea with Capt. Nemo. With other sf authors, I flew to other galaxies, traveled through time, used a gold watch to stop time. There was no limit to what I could do when traveling with those stories.

Even now, my shelves are mostly filled with stories that are beyond the norm - fantasies and sf still remain my favorite genres and it is due mostly to those earlier writers that I read.

So, to those of you, who like myself, write fantasy, science fiction, paranormal stories, I thank you. May we all touch someone and spark their imaginations as Verne and other early writers sparked mine.

Today's author birthdays: Jules Verne, Robert Burton, John Rushkin, Kate Chopin, John Grisham

Today's thought: "See life as it is, but write about life as it might be." - Paul Martin

Today's teaser: Make a list of every place you’ve been in the past 24 hours. Describe each location in detail and the feelings associated with it. If you’ve not been anywhere, pick the last time you went somewhere and describe that.

Too Many Projects

Last night I worked on four different things - my current WIP, a non-fiction project I've been toying with, homework for two classes, and I did some actual reading just for fun. I couldn't seem to get into the rhythm of concentrating on just one of them so I worked on them all. And it worked well for me. I actually got a lot done - one hour at a time.

But there is so much more to do. I've got way too many projects on my desk at the moment. I feel like I'm split between them all - and I am, but it's all right. Like last night, when I'm frustrated with one, I turn to another. Sometimes switching gears is all it takes to come back to the first with a renewed sense of spirit. Sometimes looking at another job gives you an idea how to make the first one better.

Having too many things to do is not always a good thing. The work piles up and frustrates us because we can't seem to get anything done. As it gets higher and higher, we push it away, maybe close the door because we don't want to deal with it until the job is so overwhelming that we break down and just can't handle the mess.

If this has become your life, take a break. Give yourself permission to stop. Take an hour - or a day, but no more than that - and get away from the tasks at hand. Do something else.

Now, go back and look at the problem. Pick out one part - and only one - and work on that. Whether it's a pile of manuscripts to be edited, or a spare room to be cleaned out. Pick out one manuscript to work on and work on just that for an hour. Then get up and walk around. Stretch. Get a cup of tea. Then go back to it. Or if you really can't stand it, go to another - but commit one hour to that project.

I've talked before about one hour increments. It is a way to get large projects done. If you commit one hour at a time to a particular task and do NOT think about everything else. Set a timer if you have to, but make the commitment. After that one hour is up, you can go on to something else, or come back.

I think you'll be surprised at how much you actually get done.

Today's author birthdays: Charles Dickens, Sinclair Lewis, Ann Radcliffe, James Murray, Laura Ingalls Wilder, Milton Krims, Gay Talese

Today's thought: "People who talk a lot say they could write a book if only they had the time. Writers are the ones who quit talking so much. " - John Martin

Today's teaser: Make a list of images you find ugly or disgusting. Choose one and write a description that redeems that image.

The Dreaded Synopsis

I spent the entire day yesterday working on a synopsis of my current story. I absolutely HATE those things. I don't know any author who likes them.

But I can also understand why editors and publishers want them. It forces the writer to boil the story down to it's major points, to show if there is enough substance to carry an entire novel. It also clarifies who the characters are and what their motivations are.

While I was working, it occurred to me that in my next story, I should write the synopsis first - sort of like a working plot outline. That way, I'd know where the story is going when I get stuck in the middle and I'd have all the characters already laid out. And I'd have the darned thing done when I finish the book. Yes, it would probably need some cleanup, but it would be essentially finished.

So, next up is the rewrite and submission process.

Today's author birthdays: Louis Nizer, Christopher Marlowe

Today's thought: "You can't build a reputation on what you're going to do." - Henry Ford

Today's teaser: Create a character based on what s/he likes to watch on TV, movies, or listen to or read, but give it a twist. e.g. a heterosexual man who likes chick flicks and Josh Groban.

Taking a Break

I did manage to get some writing work done this past weekend, though it wasn't easy. Between not feeling good and then having to run around most of Sunday to take care of everything I didn't take care of Friday and Saturday, time just didn't stretch enough. But I got nearly 70 pages of edits done.

In talking with my friends, I noted that they were complaining about not getting work done over the weekend. My response is - so what?

We all need a break now and then. These writer friends work extremely hard during the week to meet their goals, get their stories out there, help others - everything that goes with being an author. Unlike other people who work 8-5, M-F jobs, writers are kind of "on" all the time and we kick ourselves when we are producing. Yes, we have to produce in order to sell, but that doesn't mean we have to be on 100% of the time.

Everyone needs a break now and then. It helps recharge the batteries, keep you fresh and keep from burning out. So, to my friends who keep going even when you're brain dead - stop. Take a break. Do something different. Do something fun. Give yourself permission to rest. Then go back with a renewed sense of spirit.

Today's author birthdays: Marie Sevigne, Johan Ludvig Runeberg, Joris Karl Huysmans, William S. Burroughs, Andrew Greeley, Elizabeth Swados

Today's thought: "People who write are driven. Otherwise nobody would do it. I mean, I was warned when I began writing that it was very, very hard. I thought it was easy. I thought, well, you don't have to show up anywhere and go to work, and you can make up stories, and so forth. But I was warned, rightly, that it was very, very hard work. All writers who regularly write, I think, are driven." - Robert Stone

Today's teaser: You're moving to a much smaller house or apartment than the one you're currently in. What do you take? What do you leave behind? Why?

Dumbing Down

I'm currently taking a class in how to write short fiction stories for magazines, specifically the ones sold in grocery stores, not ones like "The New Yorker". Our instructor suggested we purchase the magazines to see what they buy - which I did. Multiple issues so I could get the flavor over a period of time.

What I saw was interesting. The magazine guidelines for one lists the demographics as blue collar, stay-at-home women. Okay, no problem there. But when I read the issues (three of them), I saw stories about college and professional people. The non-fiction articles were about things everyone could use - and they did not dumb down the vocabulary. The crossword puzzle and other "brain games" were a challenge - and I'm someone who does the New York Times puzzle in ink!

I (and many of my writing friends) have been rejected by this magazine as writing too educated. And yet, they break their own rules in the magazine. So is the vocabulary different for non-fiction and fiction? Obviously so.

When I read the fiction stories, I was bored. I didn't see what the "wow" factor was for the editors. They were fluff with no body, no substance. But they were published. I guess they think the people who read the stories have fewer brain cells than those who read the rest of the magazine.

Hopefully this class will show me the error of my ways and I'll begin to understand why the editors want higher level material for the majority of the issue but not for the entertainment section.

Today's author birthdays: Pierre De Marivaux, George Lillo, Jacques Prevert, MacKinly Kantor, Uys Krige, Betty Friedan, Robert Coover, Georg Brandes

Today's thought: "Writing is a series of permissions you give yourself to be expressive in certain ways. To invent. To leap. To fly. To fall." - Susan Sontag

Today's teaser: Your house is haunted. Who is haunting you and why? What do they do? How do they manifest themselves?

And Then it Snowed

I had to go and open my big mouth and tempt fate yesterday. It started snowing just after lunch. Okay, we only got an inch or two, but it is pretty. What I love is the fact that it only snowed on the grass and not on the sidewalks – no shoveling. Unfortunately, it is also very icy. Our street is a sheet of rutted ice. Not fun.

But it just goes to show you that if you wait long enough, something will happen.

I’ve waited a long time for publication – and it is going to happen in 19 days. Persistence and patience are the name of this game. You have to keep working, keep trying, keep learning. And you have to be patient. Getting a manuscript, whether for a short story or a full length novel, is not something that will happen overnight, but if you keep learning and improving your craft, it will happen.

And that is what hope is all about.

Today’s author birthdays: James A. Michener, Gertrude Stein

Today’s thought: “If one waits for the right time to come before writing, the right time never comes.” – James Russell Lowell

Today’s teaser: I saw this in a magazine recently and loved it: Voice mail message for Robert Burns: Bonnie lassie, fair lad, whoever – aye I missed thy call but blame me not for that. Say what’s in thy heart now, quickly before the time is gang and we two shall soon speak, I pledge thee. (Ron Baynes in “The Writer” 3/07) Your challenge is to write a phone/voice mail message for a literary character or author.

Disappointments

We were supposed to get two inches of snow last night. This morning, I got up and looked out, anticipating a coating of cold white stuff all over the place and... nothing. Not a flake to be seen. I was mildly disappointed. And I'm certain thousands of school kids are too - especially the ones who didn't study for their tests because they thought there'd be a delay. But I love the look of snow and to see the bare trees and brown grass when I was expecting pure whiteness was a let down.

But to look at it another way, I really don't mind this since it means I don't have to shovel it or drive in it or deal with it.

Also a disappointment was the rejection I received yesterday from a publisher who had had my manuscript for over a year. I had to search back and see when I'd sent it to them. I'd completely forgotten about this publisher having the manuscript. Rejections are always a disappointment, no matter when they are received.

But this one doesn't bother me. You see, the book they rejected is "Akashan'te" - the one that will be out with Cerridwen Press in three weeks. I had to laugh a little, even at the rejection. Too bad for them. They missed a great opportunity.

A friend asked me what I would have done had they offered me a contract. I'd have apologized to them, note that it was an error on my part that they fell through the cracks (I notified others who held the ms when I received the contract), and offered them a different manuscript. Yes, I would have been disappointed since they are one of the big boys, but my loyalty lies with Cerridwen now.

Two disappointments in one day. And yet, I don't feel bad. After all, I don't have to deal with the work involved in snow and I have a book coming out in 20 days.

Today's author birthdays: James Joyce, Ayn Rand

Today's thought: "May your stride be longer on the return from the mailbox, than on the way to it." - J.M. Martin

Today's teaser: What do you do with disappointments and rejections? How can you put a positive spin on them?

A New Month

Today is February 1st, the first day of a new month. A time of new beginnings and reflection on what is past.

Every day is like that - a fresh start.

And I am starting fresh. Yesterday, I sent my resignation to the publisher where I have worked as an editor for the past four years. It was a difficult decision. Not because of money - what I made over the course of a year would barely pay for a new pair of shoes. I worked it out once - my salary came out to be something like .45/hour. Yes, that's forty-five *cents*. I did the work because I loved it. Because I enjoyed helping other writers produce the best work possible.

But somewhere along the way, I got tired of spending all my time on other writers when my own work went idle. I needed to determine if I was an editor - or an author.

I decided to be a writer. So today is the first day in almost ten years where I will not be working for someone else. Now the only deadlines I have are my own (and the publisher I *write* for!) Gulp. Okay, so I don't get a new pair of shoes this year. Everyone who really knows me knows I hate shoes anyway. :)

Here's to new adventures, a new day, a new month.

Today's author birthdays: Langston Hughes

Today's thought: "The only one who can tell you 'you can't' is you. And you don't have to listen." Nike ad

Today's teaser: Take a year of your life and write about it - make sure all the facts are true, except one. What one thing would you lie about or change? Why?