I have to give a shout out to a website called www.in2books.com. It's a pen pal program that matches students with e-mentors. The students get to pick the books they read, the mentors read the books, then they exchange emails about the books. I am an e-mentor for the first time and am really enjoying it. I just finished the first book, A Letter to Mrs. Roosevelt by C. Coco De Young. It was an engaging book, and I have already written a letter about it to my student. I realize this post isn't really about my writing, but reading helps writing and helping young people love and think about reading is important to me. It's a super easy way to volunteer and help a child and I am able to do it on my own time.
On another side note, I had a great time at Disney World and now have friends staying with me. It's actually been a very side tracked month, but I am settling into a schedule. Hopefully that will allow me to focus more on writing, and all of the other things I should be doing.
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Trip to NY = SUCCESS
Well I haven't posted in a couple of weeks because I went up to NY to visit family. It was nice to spend quality time with family, but I am glad to be back in my own bed, with a backyard for the dogs to go run around and relieve themselves in. Walking them three to five times a day was getting a bit of a nuisance. It is so much easier in the middle of the night to stumble out of bed in my nightdress, open the back door with my eyes half open and let them in the yard. I will never live at a house without a fenced in yard.
Getting to the good stuff: why was my NY trip such a success? One of the places my 'novel' is set is an old farm house outside Batavia, NY. The house is largely based on my father-in-laws parents farm. I never sat down to write about the house, but when I began thinking about where my character would live, I thought it was the perfect setting. I have been to the farm a handful of times, but had not ever really studied it like I would need to in order to describe it. I knew it was beautiful in a way I couldn't create, because I don't know much about architecture of old houses. So, I did what any good writer would do, I asked my father-in-law if he would bring me up there and show me around. It was better than I could have expected, he is very knowledgeable about the house, and antiques in general. He let me snoop around the attic, basement, and barn. He drove me around the property, so I could have a better picture of the land size and layout. He answered questions I had about the house and gave me information I would have never thought to ask. I took pictures for reference, since a sixteen hour drive every time I wanted to see the exterior would be a bit extreme. I am really excited about the information I gained and the adventure I got to have with my father-in-law. While I am sure, some things about the house or property may very well be modified in order to fit in with my character's personal preferences on style, overall it is perfectly quirky as is.
I did work some, albeit, not much, on the reformatting and writing of my 'novel' while I was in NY, but I really do need to get my butt in higher gear, since my goal of having a 'complete' first draft done by the end of the year will approach faster than I expect, I expect. However, this weekend I am headed to Disney World (FOR FREE) thanks to my awesome cousin who works there currently.
Note on names: I try not to use names of people in my blog posts. This is a personal preference to protect their privacy since anyone in the world could see this if they wanted to. I do however occasionally give shout-outs to people who are 'public figures' when the information I am giving out is fairly common knowledge (ie: author comes out with a new book).
Oh, one more thing. (Hey it's been two weeks, I have a lot to say. Walden Books went out of business in my hometown (sad). However, happy for me! I got TWENTY books for FIVE dollars. It was their last day of business and the selection was well picked over, there may have only been like 60 different books to choose from total with at least ten in Spanish. With that said, I didn't look at them too much, and a couple of the books are in the process of being given to people who may appreciate them more than I. One book is on the chopping block for recycling. I normally love all books for what they are, however, this book can NEVER fall in the hands of one of my future children. I thought it was a book of vegan recipes for children (and while I am not vegan I do eat food without meat/animal products sometimes). However, when I got home and opened the book up, it was a children book promoting veganism. Which, in itself is fine, but it basically tells children that drinking milk (beyond babies) is unnecessary, and that shearing sheep for wool is cruel. So the book must go.
Getting to the good stuff: why was my NY trip such a success? One of the places my 'novel' is set is an old farm house outside Batavia, NY. The house is largely based on my father-in-laws parents farm. I never sat down to write about the house, but when I began thinking about where my character would live, I thought it was the perfect setting. I have been to the farm a handful of times, but had not ever really studied it like I would need to in order to describe it. I knew it was beautiful in a way I couldn't create, because I don't know much about architecture of old houses. So, I did what any good writer would do, I asked my father-in-law if he would bring me up there and show me around. It was better than I could have expected, he is very knowledgeable about the house, and antiques in general. He let me snoop around the attic, basement, and barn. He drove me around the property, so I could have a better picture of the land size and layout. He answered questions I had about the house and gave me information I would have never thought to ask. I took pictures for reference, since a sixteen hour drive every time I wanted to see the exterior would be a bit extreme. I am really excited about the information I gained and the adventure I got to have with my father-in-law. While I am sure, some things about the house or property may very well be modified in order to fit in with my character's personal preferences on style, overall it is perfectly quirky as is.
I did work some, albeit, not much, on the reformatting and writing of my 'novel' while I was in NY, but I really do need to get my butt in higher gear, since my goal of having a 'complete' first draft done by the end of the year will approach faster than I expect, I expect. However, this weekend I am headed to Disney World (FOR FREE) thanks to my awesome cousin who works there currently.
Note on names: I try not to use names of people in my blog posts. This is a personal preference to protect their privacy since anyone in the world could see this if they wanted to. I do however occasionally give shout-outs to people who are 'public figures' when the information I am giving out is fairly common knowledge (ie: author comes out with a new book).
Oh, one more thing. (Hey it's been two weeks, I have a lot to say. Walden Books went out of business in my hometown (sad). However, happy for me! I got TWENTY books for FIVE dollars. It was their last day of business and the selection was well picked over, there may have only been like 60 different books to choose from total with at least ten in Spanish. With that said, I didn't look at them too much, and a couple of the books are in the process of being given to people who may appreciate them more than I. One book is on the chopping block for recycling. I normally love all books for what they are, however, this book can NEVER fall in the hands of one of my future children. I thought it was a book of vegan recipes for children (and while I am not vegan I do eat food without meat/animal products sometimes). However, when I got home and opened the book up, it was a children book promoting veganism. Which, in itself is fine, but it basically tells children that drinking milk (beyond babies) is unnecessary, and that shearing sheep for wool is cruel. So the book must go.
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Dress for success
Most of today was spent doing completely non-literary functions, like steam cleaning the carpet - yuck. However, I knew I needed to get in the groove. I did pretty well over the weekend, which is amazing considering I flew to San Antonio for a girls weekend with a friend. However, being stuck in an airport waiting for a layover has it's perks. I wrote over 1,000 words on the way out, and over 900 on the way back home. Overall pretty solid work. Today is Wednesday and I hadn't touched it since. I have been concerned about Hurricane Irene, since I live fairly near the coast, and spent a bit of time preparing in case I needed to evacuate. Doesn't look like that will happen, but I do plan on going to NY next week anyway, so the packing was not in vain.
The obvious question is why is the title of this post, "Dress for success"? Well because that is how I motivated myself to write tonight. I dressed up how I would if I was going to the 'office' or if I was doing a press conference or promoting a book. May sound a bit silly, but it was motivational. I worked for a solid hour, reformatting, thinking, and (gasp) writing a bit. [On a side note, I was drinking one of those Starbucks frappuccino's you buy at the grocery store and dribbled it on my skirt - oh well]
The next question on your mind may be: Why are you reformatting? Does that mean you are done?
NO. I am not near done. However, I have 'flashbacks' in one file and the bulk of it in another, then POV of another character in another file, and in order to continue everything in a way that makes sense, it all needs to be melded together. Actually, as I reformat it, everything is becoming more clear. Things I knew fit together, but didn't know how, I am figuring out. I am really excited. Well I need to get up, stretch a bit, feed the dogs, then maybe . . . just maybe, write/reformat some more.
'Till next time.
The obvious question is why is the title of this post, "Dress for success"? Well because that is how I motivated myself to write tonight. I dressed up how I would if I was going to the 'office' or if I was doing a press conference or promoting a book. May sound a bit silly, but it was motivational. I worked for a solid hour, reformatting, thinking, and (gasp) writing a bit. [On a side note, I was drinking one of those Starbucks frappuccino's you buy at the grocery store and dribbled it on my skirt - oh well]
The next question on your mind may be: Why are you reformatting? Does that mean you are done?
NO. I am not near done. However, I have 'flashbacks' in one file and the bulk of it in another, then POV of another character in another file, and in order to continue everything in a way that makes sense, it all needs to be melded together. Actually, as I reformat it, everything is becoming more clear. Things I knew fit together, but didn't know how, I am figuring out. I am really excited. Well I need to get up, stretch a bit, feed the dogs, then maybe . . . just maybe, write/reformat some more.
'Till next time.
Sunday, August 14, 2011
A little bit of this and a little bit of that
I have successfully put together my new desk system, minus one file cabinet (to be completed tomorrow). It's looking pretty cool, still needs a bit of organization, but I think once I finally get it all together and organized it will be the ideal space I wanted it to be.
Since my office is in a bit of a disarray, I brought my mini laptop with me to Panera Bread and wrote over 1000 words. It was nice. There weren't a lot of people there and I never realized it before, but they play a really chill mix of jazzy/blues that was not distracting but rather helpful. I think I may make it a weekly or biweekly thing. Change of scenery, change of pace, and good food!
Since my office is in a bit of a disarray, I brought my mini laptop with me to Panera Bread and wrote over 1000 words. It was nice. There weren't a lot of people there and I never realized it before, but they play a really chill mix of jazzy/blues that was not distracting but rather helpful. I think I may make it a weekly or biweekly thing. Change of scenery, change of pace, and good food!
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Characters
As I mentioned the other day, I am reading the twilight saga: the official illustrated guide. I have now gotten a good deal way through the character bios, and I have to admit: I'm impressed. I'm not surprised, but I am intrigued because it's all character sketch and back story. It's what every (good) writer needs to know about their characters in order to be consistent. As I was writing today, I realized that this was exactly where I am lacking. My lack of taking the time to hash my characters out is getting me confused. However, as I stated to do this, I have come upon a whole new dilemma. I want my characters anchored in today's world. While it is not a historical fiction story by any stretch, I do want it to feel like it happened. I want the reader to look up a fact I use, and realize that it did in fact happen. This is one of the reasons I, along with millions of other people feel so in tune with The Twilight Saga as a whole. No, it's not because we have all had a romantic relationship with a vampire or been imprinted on by a werewolve. It's because Forks, Washington is a real place and the Quileute's are a real Native American Tribe. The more I dig, the more I hash out some of my characters who have not even made it into the narration yet, the harder it is. I know who they are, where they came from and how they did what they did, but I still digging for their cover story. I want that to seem real, be possible.
Thursday, August 4, 2011
My brain
When I'm working on a story, I very often have to step away and let my characters to mature in my head. I have to figure out how to introduce a new character, how to structure a story, or what is missing. Sometimes it takes me a long time for the ideas to form, sometimes it doesn't. As long as it is an active project, the longer that I let it simmer in my head, the easier it is to write. I can develop a character in my head. I am doing it right now. I did this very act last night while reading, then as I fell asleep I realized that I needed to add chapters of my main characters husband's perspective into the mix. I always knew it was crucial for the audience to understand him, for me to understand his motivations. What I could never quite figure is how I was going to do it. This is perfect. I even know where his chapter groups will fit into in the larger story. I started the process of writing this out today. I got over 1,500 words into it. I am very excited. While I was writing about him, it is opening me up to other ideas about my main character as well. Overall, I'm super excited to see where this goes and hopefully it will all fit together as well as it does in my wishes.
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Reading . . . about about writing
It is the most fantastic way to feel normal.
I recently purchased, the twilight saga: the official illustrated guide (yes I know I didn't capitalize the title, but it's not capitalized on the book) and the first sixty-five pages are an interview with Stephenie Meyer, the author of the series. I am embarrassed to say I almost skipped over it because I so want to know all the secrets about the vampires and the werewolves. I am sure glad I chose to read it. I am about halfway through it now and I am just so excited because she says things that ring true in so many ways. I had to get up and grab a pad of sticky notes to mark favorite quotes. I am sure I will share them in an upcoming blog post. However, what I am really excited about is how much information is overall packed into this book, that was crucial for Stephenie to write The Twilight Saga, but not necessarily in it. I think it's such a gift to share with fans of the series everything that was in her mind that made the stories and characters authentic.
Character authenticity is something I hold so close to my heart because I think it's the most important lesson I ever learned about writing. It's a cliche, you must have a "character driven plot", BUT it's also the key to an authentic story (something that seems real). It would be like if I suddenly bought a gun, anyone who knows me would immediately ask what happened to me to change my mind on guns. It would have to be some outward force that made me do it, and the weird part is, I cannot think of anything that would make me do such a thing. It's just simply not in my nature. Characters in books have to be the same way.
I think this is why I am currently struggling a bit with the story I am working on. I only have one main character, it is in her nature to stay to herself. How do I get another character in there, when she doesn't want a friend or a lover or anyone?
Answer: (yes I just came up with this) I am going to have to find someone from her world, whom she doesn't know yet, that needs her, or that pushes their way into her life for a purpose. She will eventually have to want them to be there, because she could simply run and hide (that would be in her nature). This person has to be compelling and possibly fleeting and elusive and intriguing to her. A simply persistently annoying person will not do. There is one character that she has met, but I am not sure he is the one who can bring her out into the world of the social. One thing is for sure: somehow, I need to include more characters in this story.
I recently purchased, the twilight saga: the official illustrated guide (yes I know I didn't capitalize the title, but it's not capitalized on the book) and the first sixty-five pages are an interview with Stephenie Meyer, the author of the series. I am embarrassed to say I almost skipped over it because I so want to know all the secrets about the vampires and the werewolves. I am sure glad I chose to read it. I am about halfway through it now and I am just so excited because she says things that ring true in so many ways. I had to get up and grab a pad of sticky notes to mark favorite quotes. I am sure I will share them in an upcoming blog post. However, what I am really excited about is how much information is overall packed into this book, that was crucial for Stephenie to write The Twilight Saga, but not necessarily in it. I think it's such a gift to share with fans of the series everything that was in her mind that made the stories and characters authentic.
Character authenticity is something I hold so close to my heart because I think it's the most important lesson I ever learned about writing. It's a cliche, you must have a "character driven plot", BUT it's also the key to an authentic story (something that seems real). It would be like if I suddenly bought a gun, anyone who knows me would immediately ask what happened to me to change my mind on guns. It would have to be some outward force that made me do it, and the weird part is, I cannot think of anything that would make me do such a thing. It's just simply not in my nature. Characters in books have to be the same way.
I think this is why I am currently struggling a bit with the story I am working on. I only have one main character, it is in her nature to stay to herself. How do I get another character in there, when she doesn't want a friend or a lover or anyone?
Answer: (yes I just came up with this) I am going to have to find someone from her world, whom she doesn't know yet, that needs her, or that pushes their way into her life for a purpose. She will eventually have to want them to be there, because she could simply run and hide (that would be in her nature). This person has to be compelling and possibly fleeting and elusive and intriguing to her. A simply persistently annoying person will not do. There is one character that she has met, but I am not sure he is the one who can bring her out into the world of the social. One thing is for sure: somehow, I need to include more characters in this story.
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