Visualization
1970-01-01 00:59:59
Paperback Writer says, "Until I can run the entire story through my head comfortably, without blips, concerns, blank spots or hitches, I don't attempt to get into research, make up a notebook, write a formal outline or proposal, etc. That full-story visualization is really important to me and my process; it may not be as important to other writers..."Visualization
is something I'm just discovering in my writing and, perhaps, one of the reasons why sitting down and just typing away is so hard for me at times.Often when I'm doing other things, I mull over my story. When I get some ideas of what's going to happen and how it's going to happen, that's when I can sit down and just pound out the words. I need to be able to see/visualize the scene before I can actually write it.I do outline, but my outline is a one-line description of the scene (like boy meets girl) along with the goals and motivations for that scene. I don't outline how that scene unfolds. This, I now know, I m
Romance Novel TV
1970-01-01 00:59:59
Okay, this is just too much fun.Romance
Novel TV
On using dialogue
1970-01-01 00:59:59
As a follow-up to my post about dialogue
tags, I thought I would offer some links on how to write dialogue. What I found interesting in my research is that what characters say is important, but so is what they don't say. In addition, body language is a very important part of communication -- which lends itself well to avoiding the use of tags.When writing dialogue, remember this:Studies have shown that, in a face-to-face interaction, 58 percent of communication is through body language, 35 percent through how it was said, and a mere seven percent through the content of the message. In addition, how well do your characters listen? Do they always understand the true meaning behind what's being said? Dialogue, and the interaction that surrounds it, can be a great tool to show your character's goals and characteristics as well as a tool to help you manipulate your story.Here are some links:Holly Lisle's Dialogue WorkshopDialogue TipsSpecial Tips On Dialogue For The Romance WriterHow To
Friday's Excuse Not To Write
1970-01-01 00:59:59
Reprinted with permission from 101 Excuse
s Not to Write
.What do you do to keep yourself motivated with your writing?
Read more: Friday
"a masterpiece of organized chaos"
1970-01-01 00:59:59
You think you're a plotter?Check out Will Self's office - click here. (Then click on photo to see next photo.)Warning: these photos are intended for mature writers only.
Sabotage and subterfuge
2007-03-05 19:55:00
I often despair about having no time to write, but I know it’s all a state of mind. I’m definitely one of those who enjoy “having written.” One form of procrastination I partake in is taking on new projects such as freelance writing assignments and joining committees at my local United Way. I get so excited about them and they’re fun and satisfying, but they end up taking away the precious personal time I should be dedicating to my passion of writing fiction. I’m just a dichotomy of commitment and over-extension. The commitment side is the protagonist who loves writing and works hard towards hopefully being a published novelist one day. Then there’s the other side, the antagonist cajoling me, “You can do it. Take on more. Say yes.” He always makes me feel like I can do it all. Well, I finally put my foot down. I’ve resigned from the UW and my most recent freelancing project. It was hard and I felt guilty, but it’s time for me to learn to say no and pay atte
Well hello Lajos
2007-03-09 19:38:00
Perhaps I live in a vacuum but, I, writing article addict, had not heard of Lajos Egri before yesterday. I stumbled across Notes on Lajos Egri’s Art of Creative Writing on Dark Cloud Press' website. Incredible.Egri has some fundamental beliefs about creative writing which include:"Every type of creative writing depends on the credibility of a character. Whatever a character does or says, he does or says for only two reasons:1. To create sympathy for himself.2. To show how important he is."Every story needs a premise. "The premise is the seed from which the story grows. It is a thumbnail synopsis of the story you want to write.""Desire is a mild word for the strongest motivation there is. Self-preservation is the second.""Insecurity is the basic law of existence. All human emotions, good or evil, without exception, spring from this one eternal source.""To create an original story, pick one individual with and outstanding trait. This person may embody all other virtues in existence, b
I, uh, write fiction
2007-03-15 19:49:00
Rene had an interesting post about her secret identity—being a writer—the other day. She came up with some good reasons why writers might avoid telling people about their writing. At the same time, she understands why people might not take her writing seriously, “because they have no idea how important it is to me.” She says, “I can't expect people to appreciate my being a writer until I appreciate it myself.”I suppose I’m lucky in that I write for a living, so I have no issue with calling myself a writer. However, I do hold back about my fiction writing except to those closest to me. I remember how I hated telling people I was a waitress back in the days. I’d tell them I was in “public service.” So, when the opportunity came up to call myself anything but, I took it. Now I’m working on the novelist part.Chrys, in her post ‘Own It,’ talks about how calling herself a writer was a freeing experience. She says, “You ARE a writer. Don't dismiss it. Don't shov
Happiest Woman Alive
2007-03-26 15:50:00
Those who know me know how much my pets mean to me. Well, I apologize for not being around much this past while, but my kitty, Cairo, has been very sick. In fact, I thought I was going to have to put him down this morning, but he showed signs of improvement over the weekend, so he's coming home.Long story short, we thought his liver failed because he was unable to metabolize the drugs he had for an operation for bladder stones. He showed no sign of improvement last week so the vet and I decided to just wait out the weekend and see. One of the technicians at the clinic actually took him home to watch him (way above and beyond the call of duty, I might add). So, when the call came this morning, I said to the vet, "Please tell me you have good news.""I do," he said.I am so happy. Welcome home, Cairo.Thank you to everyone at the Morningside Animal Clinic.
Read more: Alive
Friday's Excuse Not To Write
2007-03-30 17:35:00
Reprinted with permission from 101 Excuse
s Not to Write
.Oh, and the other excuse is spending time with my convalescing kitty (who's coming around remarkably)! Thank you for all your kind words and thoughts, my friends!
Read more: Friday
Foolin' around
2007-04-03 14:50:00
I'm an April Fool. April Fools is a writing challenge not unlike NaNoWriMo except that you set your own goal. Mine's 15,000 words for the month of April. 500 words a day, and I'm behind already. LOLJust finished reading Gods In Alabama by Joshilyn Jackson. It's a gem. Joshilyn has a fresh voice and the story line is unique and engrossing. She has a way of making the reader root for a vulnerable character. I'm so glad her next book is out, Between, Georgia, because I crave to read more from her. I read an exerpt of the first chapter and it looks great too.Desert Rat made a good point in the comments of my last post. Time to start focusing on reasons to write, not excuses not to. Thx DR.Have you read any great books lately?
April Fool Update
2007-04-04 15:03:00
Read more: April
, Update
April Fool Update
2007-04-09 14:49:00
Read more: April
, Update
Organizing the writing life
2007-04-10 20:52:00
Kristin over at Write Now Is Good has special guest blogger Sharon Sarmiento, an organization guru.Sharon answered my question on how to organize a writer's desk on April 3 - click here.Today's post is on how to maximize time and juggle multiple projects - click here.Sharon's blog is here.What's your biggest organizational challenge?Oh, and my April Fool Update:
Read more: writing
RIP, Kurt
2007-04-12 15:30:00
Kurt Vonnegut dies at 84Way back when, he was the first author that when I read one book, I bought his whole backlist. What authors had a huge impact on you?
June Callwood dies at 82
2007-04-16 15:14:00
*sigh*Canadian novelist, journalist and activist June Callwood dies at 82.So sad.
Update and curiousity
2007-04-18 15:01:00
April Fool update:I'm working on my Harlequin WIP, which is really shaping up. I also have an idea for a children's picture book (been brewing for a few years actually) and a YA novel.What's everyone else working on these days?
Read more: Update
Best Writing Advice, Ever
2007-04-20 15:13:00
Thanks to advice by Desert Rat, I've decided to cancel my Friday's Excuses Not to Write and focus instead on reasons to write. I thought I would celebrate this by posting 'best advice.' I've approached several published authors and asked them what's the best writing advice they've ever received or heard. I will post one or two on Fridays (when I'm able to post).Here's the first:"During my second year as a published author, I had a private discussion about the biz with author Susan Elizabeth Phillips. I'd gone through some very bad experiences by then, and I was seriously worried if I was even cut out to work in this industry. She told me, "Whatever you do, protect the work." I took that to heart, and from that point began removing everything in my professional life that interfered with my writing. My productivity skyrocketed in the years that followed, but more importantly, I was a much happier writer." ~ Lynn Viehl, aka PaperBack Writer, http://pbackwriter.blogspot
kitty doing well
2007-04-23 20:01:00
Just wanted to let you know that Cairo, my tabby, is doing
well. We have another appointment with the vet in a couple of weeks to determine if and when we will do the next surgery. Look at that face, how can I say no? (Trivia - liver shunts are rare in cats, but cats that do have them always have copper eyes, yet all cats with copper eyes don't necessarily have a liver shunt. Those interested in learning more about liver shunts in cats [c'mon, you should be writing], click here.)He's playing with his brother Suki now too. Playing/fighing, who can tell?Have you ever had to make big decisions regarding your pets?
Best Writing Advice, Ever
2007-04-27 15:45:00
JA Konrath, author of the Lt. Jacqueline ‘Jack’ Daniels Series and editor of These Guns For Hire says:The best advice I ever heard is from bestselling author David Morrell, who said: "Writing is a business. Treat it like one. As the business changes, you should too."David Morrell, author of SCAVENGER, adds:Writing is also an art. Rather than imitate or follow trends, we should write books that are uniquely our own. The goal is to be a first-rate version of ourselves rather than a second-rate version of another author.Do you treat your writing as a business and/or an art?
April Fool Update
2007-04-26 21:08:00
Read more: April
, Update
Thinking blogger award
2007-04-30 22:23:00
Thanks to Rene, for awarding me the 'thinking blogger award.'Now, I must choose 5 other sites that make me think. A tough one!Since Rene has already received this honor, I will pick 5 others. I will also pick bloggers who I think will pass on the honor.1. The Mimosa Effect 2 It's fun to follow along Desert Rat's journey of writing. DR is motivated and shares great insights on writing, poetry, life and kitty-cats. Definitely makes me think.2. Quantum Storytelling Redchurch can outthink us all. I just love reading his concepts and theories. Never a dull post (sometimes they're over my head - but never dull!).3. Dr. Bill's Harley Wisdom As a writer of romance, or any genre for that matter, I believe it's important to understand how humans interact in relationships. Well, Dr. Bill's site is the place to learn about that! He explores love and relationships to a deep level that can help writers understand why their heroines and heroes do what they do.4. Writer Un
An author's writing process.
2007-05-03 17:26:00
Rachel Chase shares her secrets on how to write a page a week.Click here to get a glimpse of her writing
process.
Good Lord!
2007-05-09 15:34:00
If I were a book, I'd be:You're Lolita!by Vladimir NabokovConsidered by most to be depraved and immoral, you are obsessed with sex. What really tantalizes you is that which deviates from societal standards in every way, though you admit that this probably isn't the best and you're not sure what causes this desire. Nonetheless, you've done some pretty nefarious things in your life, and probably gotten caught for them. The names have been changed, but the problems are real. Please stay away from children.Take the Book Quiz at the Blue Pyramid.To know me is to love me.
Still around!
2007-05-09 15:16:00
Hey guys - I'm still around and lurking at my favorite blogs. I'm happy to say that I'm keeping busy writing and enjoying the sunny, hot weather we're having!I'm also helping out a couple of writer friends by reading and opining on their work.Keep on writing!
Best Writing Advice, Ever
2007-05-11 17:57:00
“My best piece of advice was getting and using the The Writer's Market (book) I used the Writer's Market for Literary Agents.” ~ Nicole, Del Sesto, author of All Encompassing Trip Blog: http://blog.myspace.com/nicoledelsesto MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/nicoledelsesto “The best advice I ever received about writing is also the simplest: just do it. Stop talking about doing it - sit down and get that story out.” ~ William Couper, author of Cutting Chills Blog: http://blog.myspace.com/willcouper MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/willcouper “The best thing I've ever heard is to write from the heart. Go with whatever it tells you.” ~ Jennifer Brown, author of Celebrity Secrets, Summer 2007 Blog: http://blog.myspace.com/jenniferbrownauthor MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/jenniferbrownauthor Website: http://www.freewebs.com/jenniferbrownauthor/
Free books - but hurry! (Canadian residents only)
2007-05-14 19:29:00
Harper Collins Canada is giving away 50 copies of The Line Painter (to Canadian
residents
only) to kick start a MySpace reading group. I'm not sure how many are left, so hurry! More information here: http://www.myspace.com/harpercollinscanada.The Line PainterBy Claire CameronIt's 1:08 a.m. when Carrie's car breaks down on the highway somewhere north of Lake Superior. It's dark, the road is quiet, her cell phone is down, and she is alone. She took off from Toronto that morning, running from grief over the death of her boyfriend, and unable to cope with the truth about the events that led to it. The relief Carrie feels as a truck pulls up soon turns to fear after its driver offers her a lift. Frank, her would-be rescuer, is a line painter, putting lines on the road "to stop people from being killed" But after Carrie gets in the truck, she starts to realize that this will be the road trip of her life—a trip of terror, transformation and forgiveness. Claire Cameron has cre
Fun stuff to do
2007-05-18 19:14:00
Some fun stuff
to do that might help your muse or craft along… or just help pass the time of day.Play with wordshttp://www.golivewire.com/magnets/Take some personality testshttp://testdex.com/personality_tests.htmlOne sentence storieshttp://www.onesentence.org/Very Short Storieshttp://www.wired.com/wired/archive/14.11/sixwords.htmlHave a read about arts and lettershttp://www.aldaily.comCreate a story with Myths & Legends Story Creatorhttp://myths.e2bn.net/story_creator_beta/Take some (free) courses to improve your writinghttp://www.newsu.org/
8 Things Meme
2007-05-17 14:57:00
I've been tagged by at least 4 people for this meme, so I thought I'd better participate.Thanks to Kalbzayn, Bonnie Staring, Becca Furrow, and Lady Tess (if I've missed you, I'm sorry).8 Things About MeLike Bonnie, but unlike Mike, I like salted licorice – love it actually. It may have been my first solid food. (I’m Dutch)In fact, I’m not a sweets or chocolate person, and will go for savory every time. I also love cottage cheese with salt and pepper added. Or with fruit. Or with lettuce on a sandwich. (The Dutch also put everything on sandwiches)Two years ago, I lost 40 pounds and it’s all back on. My doctor says I’m lucky I didn’t go over my original weight because that usually happens with fad diets. Perhaps I should give up the savories and the sandwiches. In all fairness, I should mention I didn't stick to the 'maintenance program.' If you follow a diet, take my advice, stick to the maintenance program.I have no children, just t
Best Writing Advice, Ever
2007-05-16 19:45:00
In honor of the release of her debut novel, today's best writing advice is from Kelly Parra, author of the young adult novel, Graffiti Girl (MTV Books, May 15, 2007). Check out her website, www.KellyParra.com."Some of the best writing advice I've heard, several times, is to believe in yourself and your writing. Writing is such an emotional, draining job. I believe in putting part of yourself and your emotions in your work. If you doubt yourself it can hurt your progress toward your dream. Work hard, believe, and write. :) "
|
Recommend Site To A Friend
