Tuesday, August 31, 2010
New Sidebar Feature
I finally updated some links on the sidebar. I added a ton of writer sites that I am checking out - everything from agent information to writer communities. I linked them publicly just in case any other writers out there want to check out some sites. I'll leave them at the top until I miss my music links too much - then it will move down a little on the side.
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Writing: A Grand Adventure - Step Four
Step Four: Editing, Rewriting, and Massaging Your Story
A few things to think about when you are working through this step:
1) All writers need editors. Even the best writers need editors.
2) Ask others to read your work. This is what I like to call 'content editing'.
Does the story make sense?
Are there continuity issues?
Are there areas that drag and have to be read repeatedly?
Does the reader want more or less explanation or description of something?
Would the reader ever recommend this story to a friend?
If the content isn't right, there is no reason to correct the grammar. Get the content right and then focus on the technical aspects of the work.
3) Have a grammar editor. This person will help with grammar, punctuation, and spelling.
4) It is okay to pull out whole sections and start over. In fact, sometimes it is best.
I like to think of the Manuscript Chapters of Persuasion when I think of this part of writing. Jane Austen wrote Persuasion. She got all the way to the end and then decided to remove the last several chapters of the story and rewrite them. The original chapters are known as the Manuscript Chapters of Persuasion and the rewritten ending is the ending we all know and love from the published book.
The original chapters do make sense and lead the hero and heroine together. However, the way that the hero and heroine come together in the original chapters is through a lot of arranging and maneuvering by the supporting characters.
In the published version it is the incredible letter that Captain Wentworth writes to Anne (following her private conversation on love) that sets the ending in motion. The changed scenes put the choice in the hero and heroine's hands and thus makes the ending stronger. (I think.)
I actually think this is one of the few flaws of the new book Mockingjay. Suzanne should have rewritten the ending - first off to actually write the ending - not summarize it - and to put the fate of the characters in the characters hands for them to decide.
But, I have digressed again. Next point.
5) It is okay to write something that doesn't turn out right. Sometimes the best lessons are learned from practicing the writing process rather than the result.
I like to use the example of Louisa May Alcott's first story The Inheritance, which was written in 1849 but not published until 1997. I eagerly sought a copy and finally found one in a used book store. Upon reading it, I learned this valuable lesson because, well, to be frank, The Inheritance is not written very well. The characters all exist on the surface, the writing is merely readable, and the ending is predictable.
But, for the writer who would write an American classic, Little Women, writing The Inheritance was more about the practice of writing and improving rather than result. I have no idea how Miss Alcott saw it (certainly as she wrote that first story she didn't think of it as practice), but as a reader and fellow writer, I can see it no other way. If she hadn't tried and failed on her first stories she might not have learned how to improve.
Practice, practice, practice, to improve, improve, improve.
6) It is a well known edict among writers that writers never actually finish a story, they just abandon it.
Tools for Editing, Rewriting, and Massaging Your Story
1) New Perspective
2) Content Editors
3) Grammar Editor
As I mentioned in the first section, writing is like the instructions on the shampoo bottle. Lather, rinse, and repeat. So plan, write, let it sit, edit, abandon, plan, write, let it sit, edit, abandon, etc.
Happy Writing Everyone!
A few things to think about when you are working through this step:
1) All writers need editors. Even the best writers need editors.
2) Ask others to read your work. This is what I like to call 'content editing'.
Does the story make sense?
Are there continuity issues?
Are there areas that drag and have to be read repeatedly?
Does the reader want more or less explanation or description of something?
Would the reader ever recommend this story to a friend?
If the content isn't right, there is no reason to correct the grammar. Get the content right and then focus on the technical aspects of the work.
3) Have a grammar editor. This person will help with grammar, punctuation, and spelling.
4) It is okay to pull out whole sections and start over. In fact, sometimes it is best.
I like to think of the Manuscript Chapters of Persuasion when I think of this part of writing. Jane Austen wrote Persuasion. She got all the way to the end and then decided to remove the last several chapters of the story and rewrite them. The original chapters are known as the Manuscript Chapters of Persuasion and the rewritten ending is the ending we all know and love from the published book.
The original chapters do make sense and lead the hero and heroine together. However, the way that the hero and heroine come together in the original chapters is through a lot of arranging and maneuvering by the supporting characters.
In the published version it is the incredible letter that Captain Wentworth writes to Anne (following her private conversation on love) that sets the ending in motion. The changed scenes put the choice in the hero and heroine's hands and thus makes the ending stronger. (I think.)
I actually think this is one of the few flaws of the new book Mockingjay. Suzanne should have rewritten the ending - first off to actually write the ending - not summarize it - and to put the fate of the characters in the characters hands for them to decide.
But, I have digressed again. Next point.
5) It is okay to write something that doesn't turn out right. Sometimes the best lessons are learned from practicing the writing process rather than the result.
I like to use the example of Louisa May Alcott's first story The Inheritance, which was written in 1849 but not published until 1997. I eagerly sought a copy and finally found one in a used book store. Upon reading it, I learned this valuable lesson because, well, to be frank, The Inheritance is not written very well. The characters all exist on the surface, the writing is merely readable, and the ending is predictable.
But, for the writer who would write an American classic, Little Women, writing The Inheritance was more about the practice of writing and improving rather than result. I have no idea how Miss Alcott saw it (certainly as she wrote that first story she didn't think of it as practice), but as a reader and fellow writer, I can see it no other way. If she hadn't tried and failed on her first stories she might not have learned how to improve.
Practice, practice, practice, to improve, improve, improve.
6) It is a well known edict among writers that writers never actually finish a story, they just abandon it.
Tools for Editing, Rewriting, and Massaging Your Story
1) New Perspective
2) Content Editors
3) Grammar Editor
As I mentioned in the first section, writing is like the instructions on the shampoo bottle. Lather, rinse, and repeat. So plan, write, let it sit, edit, abandon, plan, write, let it sit, edit, abandon, etc.
Happy Writing Everyone!
Writing: A Grand Adventure - Step Three
The third step in the writing process is what I like to refer to as 'letting it sit'.
Step Three - Letting it Sit
A little known, but important, step in the writing process is learning to let your writing sit for a few days, weeks, or even months. Time and distance will give you a different perspective. This is why it is imperative to start a writing assignment as soon as it is assigned. You need to let your first draft sit. (And let your second draft sit, and your third draft, etc, etc.)
Tools for Letting it Sit:
Patience
Next Step: Editing, Rewriting, and Massaging Your Story
Step Three - Letting it Sit
A little known, but important, step in the writing process is learning to let your writing sit for a few days, weeks, or even months. Time and distance will give you a different perspective. This is why it is imperative to start a writing assignment as soon as it is assigned. You need to let your first draft sit. (And let your second draft sit, and your third draft, etc, etc.)
Tools for Letting it Sit:
Patience
Next Step: Editing, Rewriting, and Massaging Your Story
Friday, August 27, 2010
Writing: A Grand Adventure - Step Two
Second Step: Writing
The second step in the writing process is the actual writing, where words become sentences and sentences become paragraphs which lead to chapters and eventually a story.
The following are some things to think about when you are writing:
1) When you are writing remember that we do not speak the way we ought to write and we should not write the way we speak.
English is a very messy, inconsistent language. We have exceptions to the rule in punctuation, grammar, spelling, and even movement of a story.
If you were to actually listen to a conversation and then type it in, the story would probably look like the person who had told it was incoherent, even if the story made sense when you were listening to it. We speak in incomplete sentences, we gesture to replace spoken words - in short, we do all kinds of things in spoken language that makes no sense in a written language. When you are writing the story you have to fill in the gaps that would exist if you were just telling the story verbally.
And the opposite is true for our written language. It tends to be formal and sounds strange when read aloud, if it were not written to be read aloud. I think the point that I am blathering on about is that you actually need to know two versions of the English language and you will use both of them when you are writing but you need to know when to use them.
Which leads to the next point to consider...
2) You can break almost any writing rule - if you can make it work. In creative writing two plus two does not always equal four.
One of the ways you can use the spoken version of the English language in a written story is in the dialogue. Formal writing does not fit well when the average character is speaking.
There are lots of ways to break the writing rules and in creative writing it is acceptable - but only if you, as the writer, can make it work.
3) Almost all writing is subjective because we have a vast array of word choices.
a) He robbed her. She hit him.
b) He took his stuff. She attacked him.
Pick your words carefully because the slightest variation can hint at a different outcome or understanding.
4) Writing from different perspectives requires different skills. Stretch your writing skills and try a variety.
Tools for Writing:
1) Set up a writing schedule. Try it out.
2) Setting and Scenery Books
These are especially good for the writer who struggles with visual details. I fall into this category. I frequently look at pictures of forests, houses, rooms, flowers, or animals in order to get a physical visual of something before I write it.
3) Thesaurus
If you keep using the word bold to describe a character you might lose your readers.
4) Spell Check and Grammar Check
Use these tools - but use them with caution. Dialogue is especially tricky because a writer breaks a lot of writing rules in character dialogue.
5) Music
Never underestimate the power of music to influence your writing. You may need to write a very happy scene when you are feeling normal or you may need to write a real tearjerker when you are outrageously happy. You can utilize music to dial into other emotions during the writing stage.
Next Step: Letting it Sit
The second step in the writing process is the actual writing, where words become sentences and sentences become paragraphs which lead to chapters and eventually a story.
The following are some things to think about when you are writing:
1) When you are writing remember that we do not speak the way we ought to write and we should not write the way we speak.
English is a very messy, inconsistent language. We have exceptions to the rule in punctuation, grammar, spelling, and even movement of a story.
If you were to actually listen to a conversation and then type it in, the story would probably look like the person who had told it was incoherent, even if the story made sense when you were listening to it. We speak in incomplete sentences, we gesture to replace spoken words - in short, we do all kinds of things in spoken language that makes no sense in a written language. When you are writing the story you have to fill in the gaps that would exist if you were just telling the story verbally.
And the opposite is true for our written language. It tends to be formal and sounds strange when read aloud, if it were not written to be read aloud. I think the point that I am blathering on about is that you actually need to know two versions of the English language and you will use both of them when you are writing but you need to know when to use them.
Which leads to the next point to consider...
2) You can break almost any writing rule - if you can make it work. In creative writing two plus two does not always equal four.
One of the ways you can use the spoken version of the English language in a written story is in the dialogue. Formal writing does not fit well when the average character is speaking.
There are lots of ways to break the writing rules and in creative writing it is acceptable - but only if you, as the writer, can make it work.
3) Almost all writing is subjective because we have a vast array of word choices.
a) He robbed her. She hit him.
b) He took his stuff. She attacked him.
Pick your words carefully because the slightest variation can hint at a different outcome or understanding.
4) Writing from different perspectives requires different skills. Stretch your writing skills and try a variety.
Tools for Writing:
1) Set up a writing schedule. Try it out.
2) Setting and Scenery Books
These are especially good for the writer who struggles with visual details. I fall into this category. I frequently look at pictures of forests, houses, rooms, flowers, or animals in order to get a physical visual of something before I write it.
3) Thesaurus
If you keep using the word bold to describe a character you might lose your readers.
4) Spell Check and Grammar Check
Use these tools - but use them with caution. Dialogue is especially tricky because a writer breaks a lot of writing rules in character dialogue.
5) Music
Never underestimate the power of music to influence your writing. You may need to write a very happy scene when you are feeling normal or you may need to write a real tearjerker when you are outrageously happy. You can utilize music to dial into other emotions during the writing stage.
Next Step: Letting it Sit
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Writing: A Grand Adventure
In case you haven't noticed - I love writing. I think it is fantastically fun and entertaining. I think it is one of the greatest adventures you can have...while sitting at a computer or with pen and paper in hand.
I recently did a writing workshop for a group of girls. I wasn't sure what they wanted to do or learn and I wasn't sure what their skill level was. Some of the things were way over their head. But some of the things I introduced they could have done. I think we could have storyboarded a story right then and there and it would have been awesome. The girls had great ideas and great imagination.
Anyway, I've digressed. I prepared some notes on the basic steps of the writing process for the workshop and I thought I might post it here. I've broken the process up into four general parts but it is kind of like the directions on the shampoo bottle. Lather, rinse, and repeat. So the parts are one, two, three, four, repeat, or some variation of that, until the product is where you want it.
Step One: Plotting and Preparing to Write
Things to consider when plotting and preparing to write...
1) Some people say, "Write what you know." I say, "Write what you want."
If J.K. Rowling didn't write about something that doesn't even exist we wouldn't have the wonder and adventure of the Harry Potter stories. If Stephenie Meyer didn't try to create a world in which vampires existed and could even love, we would have half the country with a hole in their hearts and not know why.
You don't have to be an expert to write creative fiction. You can be creative and create from scratch!
2) No single method of the writing process is absolutely and exclusively correct. There are lots of ways to write. There are lots of methods to plot a story. Try them all!
3) Study the different writing mediums. Study print, broadcast, blogs, journals, poetry, fiction, non-fiction, graphic novels, etc.
4) Decide on a perspective to tell the story. This will influence how you plan your writing.
You can find lots of ideas about perspectives on the web. Here are two critical limitations (using just the basic perspectives models) that will affect how you plot your scenes.
1st Person - You can only write what the one character sees or feels because you are showing the story through their eyes. This may be hard to do if you want to show a complete story with scenes that the main character may not be present for.
3rd Person - You can only write from an observer's point of view and it is harder to show internal depth of emotions and feelings because you have to show it physically or they have to say it aloud rather than just writing their thoughts. However, this is probably the easiest perspective (generally speaking) of the two to start writing in because it is easier to write a story where the main character doesn't always have to be present.
5) Reading is important when you are learning how to write. So read a variety of genres.
6) Immerse yourself in what you plan to write. If you want to write a biography, then read a lot of biographies to get a feel for what works and what doesn't.
Tools for Preparing and Plotting:
Keep a notebook of writing ideas.
Use a storyboard technique. (This is how I create the Halloween stories with my children. They'll give me about a million unconnected plot points. I write them on post-its and then we move them around and try to make a cohesive narrative. They almost killed me on The Horrible Halloween Heist but the storyboard technique saved the day!)
Research
Outline
Character Cards (These are like giant index cards that allow me to keep details of the characters straight. Anytime I write a physical or emotional quality about the character I add it to their card for continuity. I preprint the cards with the spaces for what will be most important for the story I am writing.)
Layouts of some of the locations that will be in the story. (Yes, I draw them and add color)
Mapping Thesis (This is really more suited for reports but...)
Next Section: Writing
I recently did a writing workshop for a group of girls. I wasn't sure what they wanted to do or learn and I wasn't sure what their skill level was. Some of the things were way over their head. But some of the things I introduced they could have done. I think we could have storyboarded a story right then and there and it would have been awesome. The girls had great ideas and great imagination.
Anyway, I've digressed. I prepared some notes on the basic steps of the writing process for the workshop and I thought I might post it here. I've broken the process up into four general parts but it is kind of like the directions on the shampoo bottle. Lather, rinse, and repeat. So the parts are one, two, three, four, repeat, or some variation of that, until the product is where you want it.
Step One: Plotting and Preparing to Write
Things to consider when plotting and preparing to write...
1) Some people say, "Write what you know." I say, "Write what you want."
If J.K. Rowling didn't write about something that doesn't even exist we wouldn't have the wonder and adventure of the Harry Potter stories. If Stephenie Meyer didn't try to create a world in which vampires existed and could even love, we would have half the country with a hole in their hearts and not know why.
You don't have to be an expert to write creative fiction. You can be creative and create from scratch!
2) No single method of the writing process is absolutely and exclusively correct. There are lots of ways to write. There are lots of methods to plot a story. Try them all!
3) Study the different writing mediums. Study print, broadcast, blogs, journals, poetry, fiction, non-fiction, graphic novels, etc.
4) Decide on a perspective to tell the story. This will influence how you plan your writing.
You can find lots of ideas about perspectives on the web. Here are two critical limitations (using just the basic perspectives models) that will affect how you plot your scenes.
1st Person - You can only write what the one character sees or feels because you are showing the story through their eyes. This may be hard to do if you want to show a complete story with scenes that the main character may not be present for.
3rd Person - You can only write from an observer's point of view and it is harder to show internal depth of emotions and feelings because you have to show it physically or they have to say it aloud rather than just writing their thoughts. However, this is probably the easiest perspective (generally speaking) of the two to start writing in because it is easier to write a story where the main character doesn't always have to be present.
5) Reading is important when you are learning how to write. So read a variety of genres.
6) Immerse yourself in what you plan to write. If you want to write a biography, then read a lot of biographies to get a feel for what works and what doesn't.
Tools for Preparing and Plotting:
Keep a notebook of writing ideas.
Use a storyboard technique. (This is how I create the Halloween stories with my children. They'll give me about a million unconnected plot points. I write them on post-its and then we move them around and try to make a cohesive narrative. They almost killed me on The Horrible Halloween Heist but the storyboard technique saved the day!)
Research
Outline
Character Cards (These are like giant index cards that allow me to keep details of the characters straight. Anytime I write a physical or emotional quality about the character I add it to their card for continuity. I preprint the cards with the spaces for what will be most important for the story I am writing.)
Layouts of some of the locations that will be in the story. (Yes, I draw them and add color)
Mapping Thesis (This is really more suited for reports but...)
Next Section: Writing
Monday, August 23, 2010
Slogging Through and Enjoying the Old Hobby
Update:
After a few wonderful hours of immersion in my songs for the story that Sonny will narrate for me, I put him aside and took up an editing project for another writer. I've been working on it for a few weeks now and it will probably take another month or so.
I've received two of my reader's critiques back and I am waiting for the third. The first two gave great suggestions and thoughts. Thank you to those two readers! I have my work cut out for me. I won't be working on my story until the other editing project is done though.
Reflection on the Writing Process:
This week a few people asked how often I work on writing. I hesitated for a moment. Then I gave the true answer. I work on writing almost daily. The catch is that sometimes I am writing, sometimes I am outlining, sometimes I am researching, and sometimes I am editing (for myself or others). Writing is such a large and layered process that even if I am not literally creating chapters daily, I am still working on my writing.
A few years ago I sent out a few (and I mean few) queries to agents. I think it was three. I got the basic email back saying that they had received it and that was that. I have never tried since and I don't know if I will again. They say the average writer has to send out dozens, if not hundreds of queries to find the right agent...so I am not (and was not) particularly discouraged at the tepid response. I only really wanted one agent house to represent me anyway. They were one of the few that I felt matched what I wanted (and they were in L.A. not New York).
But, I truly don't know if I will seek out publishing in the future for other reasons. First, while I've been writing stories for almost ten years now, I still have much to learn. My writing may not be good enough yet.
Second, I have no idea how I would feel if more than a few close people ever read my stories. In some ways, it is akin to being naked in a crowded theater. Being a true introvert, I find the idea terrifying.
So sometimes I feel a little strange admitting that I work on my writing almost daily. It is a rather flagrant use of my precious personal time when I don't really plan to do much with it in the end. I am not sure that most people understand how a person could spend so much time on a hobby...and that is what writing is for me. But, I honestly cannot help it. I enjoy it too much to leave it alone.
After a few wonderful hours of immersion in my songs for the story that Sonny will narrate for me, I put him aside and took up an editing project for another writer. I've been working on it for a few weeks now and it will probably take another month or so.
I've received two of my reader's critiques back and I am waiting for the third. The first two gave great suggestions and thoughts. Thank you to those two readers! I have my work cut out for me. I won't be working on my story until the other editing project is done though.
Reflection on the Writing Process:
This week a few people asked how often I work on writing. I hesitated for a moment. Then I gave the true answer. I work on writing almost daily. The catch is that sometimes I am writing, sometimes I am outlining, sometimes I am researching, and sometimes I am editing (for myself or others). Writing is such a large and layered process that even if I am not literally creating chapters daily, I am still working on my writing.
A few years ago I sent out a few (and I mean few) queries to agents. I think it was three. I got the basic email back saying that they had received it and that was that. I have never tried since and I don't know if I will again. They say the average writer has to send out dozens, if not hundreds of queries to find the right agent...so I am not (and was not) particularly discouraged at the tepid response. I only really wanted one agent house to represent me anyway. They were one of the few that I felt matched what I wanted (and they were in L.A. not New York).
But, I truly don't know if I will seek out publishing in the future for other reasons. First, while I've been writing stories for almost ten years now, I still have much to learn. My writing may not be good enough yet.
Second, I have no idea how I would feel if more than a few close people ever read my stories. In some ways, it is akin to being naked in a crowded theater. Being a true introvert, I find the idea terrifying.
So sometimes I feel a little strange admitting that I work on my writing almost daily. It is a rather flagrant use of my precious personal time when I don't really plan to do much with it in the end. I am not sure that most people understand how a person could spend so much time on a hobby...and that is what writing is for me. But, I honestly cannot help it. I enjoy it too much to leave it alone.
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Cheating
I'm not writing a story right now.
What's that? You want to know why I have post-its and a pen?
Well, if I did have said objects, it wouldn't be because of a writing project. Now leave me alone. I've got a to-do list a mile long. I'm just going to listen to some music while I work.
Okay, yes, you may have seen me write a few notes down on the post-its...but I am not writing. I am listening to music while working.
Yes, I may have stopped working every few minutes to add to the post-its. But, this isn't a writing project. I have no time for a writing project right now. Stop looking at me. I'm busy.
I'm busy doing what, you ask?
I'm busy...not writing.
Alright, I'm writing. But, just a few notes. Sonny came into my head yesterday morning and started throwing his introduction at me. I just needed to jot down his comments.
What's the music for then?
Boy, you sure are full of impertinent questions! Sheesh! Alright, I'm also going through the music for Sonny's story. I'm just organizing the songs a little. Get off my back.
You want to see my notes? What for?
Fine! Take my notes! See my secret!...............I wasn't planning to write. I have no time to write. I know that. But, I couldn't help myself. Writing is like a drug. I need it. Sonny wouldn't let me sleep without working on his musical a little. Have you ever tried to tell your characters to be quiet? It's impossible! Either they get real loud or they shut up completely and take all their ideas with them. I couldn't have that happen.
But, I really was just putting some organization into the project. I wasn't doing any actual story writing.
That file?
Uh...alright, I'm full-blown writing.
Please don't tell any of my other projects. They wouldn't understand.
What's that? You want to know why I have post-its and a pen?
Well, if I did have said objects, it wouldn't be because of a writing project. Now leave me alone. I've got a to-do list a mile long. I'm just going to listen to some music while I work.
Okay, yes, you may have seen me write a few notes down on the post-its...but I am not writing. I am listening to music while working.
Yes, I may have stopped working every few minutes to add to the post-its. But, this isn't a writing project. I have no time for a writing project right now. Stop looking at me. I'm busy.
I'm busy doing what, you ask?
I'm busy...not writing.
Alright, I'm writing. But, just a few notes. Sonny came into my head yesterday morning and started throwing his introduction at me. I just needed to jot down his comments.
What's the music for then?
Boy, you sure are full of impertinent questions! Sheesh! Alright, I'm also going through the music for Sonny's story. I'm just organizing the songs a little. Get off my back.
You want to see my notes? What for?
Fine! Take my notes! See my secret!...............I wasn't planning to write. I have no time to write. I know that. But, I couldn't help myself. Writing is like a drug. I need it. Sonny wouldn't let me sleep without working on his musical a little. Have you ever tried to tell your characters to be quiet? It's impossible! Either they get real loud or they shut up completely and take all their ideas with them. I couldn't have that happen.
But, I really was just putting some organization into the project. I wasn't doing any actual story writing.
That file?
Uh...alright, I'm full-blown writing.
Please don't tell any of my other projects. They wouldn't understand.
Monday, August 2, 2010
In 24 Hours
In 24 hours, I wrote 4,688 words in seven teeny, tiny chapters. Today I get to go through it and see if any of the words in the chapters make any sense. I'm really hoping they do.
The bigger dilemma is the six working titles I can't seem to choose from. For pete's sake, my short story only has seven chapters. I should not have almost as many titles as I do chapters. That's just flagrant.
Maybe after I go through it this morning I can narrow the titles down a bit to say...one....
Julia, Finley, and I are going to go spend some time getting to know each other now. I sure hope I like them in the end.
The bigger dilemma is the six working titles I can't seem to choose from. For pete's sake, my short story only has seven chapters. I should not have almost as many titles as I do chapters. That's just flagrant.
Maybe after I go through it this morning I can narrow the titles down a bit to say...one....
Julia, Finley, and I are going to go spend some time getting to know each other now. I sure hope I like them in the end.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
