My plan for the beginning of 2012 was to begin writing the first draft of a new YA novel. I'll call this Plan A. I had already written the first 1000 words or so and two friends read and critiqued it for me recently. They spotted some areas that needed improvement and I'm grateful for their keen eyes and brains. As I read their comments, I realized that instead of just writing without a direction I needed to step back and plan a bit. I don't need a detailed outline but I'm definitely NOT a pantser.
This leads me to Plan B. I want the strength of this story to be in two areas: the relationship between my MC, Jude, and her sister, and the relationship between Jude and her two best friends. To do this I want to really ponder the personalities of these five characters before diving into the plot. I believe that the story will come to life if my characters are well formed with their own distinct voices. To do that I need to spend time getting to know each character, and so for the first time I'm going to try some character exercises and go from there. Seems pretty obvious doesn't it?
I'd like to thank all of you who took the time to comment on my previous post. Your support, ideas, and encouragement have lifted my spirits and given me hope that I can work through this. Once I have a mini profile on each of these characters, I'm going to use Cloudpic's suggestion of using my senses to bring these characters to life.
And if this doesn't work. I'll try Plan C...once I figure out what Plan C actually is :P
How do you bring your characters to life?
Monday, January 23, 2012
Monday, January 16, 2012
Getting Out of My Own Way
I didn't want to post about this topic because it meant having to admit something that I've been avoiding.
I'm not writing.
I don't have writer's block, I just can't start.
Why, I'm not sure.
I'm hoping by the end of this post, I'll know. Right now there's an invisible shield between me and my notebook and I can't break through.
It's paralyzing and it scares me. What if I can't shake it off? Should I just give in and stop pretending that I'm writer?
Let me back up.
Before the holidays, during the fall, I wasn't writing because my brain was drained, so to speak. My days were filled with emotional stress and an exhausting schedule; usually until 9 or 10 at night. Sure, I could have squeezed in some writing time, minutes here and there, but the quality would have been crap and it would have meant sacrificing sleep -- that's one thing I can't afford to do. I need at least 6 hours to function as a good wife, mother, employee, friend. In fact, there were a couple of times that I sat down at the computer and literally fell asleep at the keyboard. Now that the holidays are over, there's no reason why I can't find time to write. Yes, my schedule is still tight, but the winter months are generally easier - not as many commitments. Emotionally, I'm in a much better place and so, I could write almost every day and make some real progress on my WiP. But I'm not.
My writer friends, and familar names around the blogs I follow, are making huge strides in the their journeys. They're finishing their first drafts, their nearing the end of revisions and almost ready to query. Some have been querying or are taking steps to self publish, and some have even signed with agents and are or will soon be submitting to publishers. I'm so proud of how far they've come and excited that they are closer to reaching their dream. But I feel like I'm not moving forward at all.
Did you ever have one of those dreams where you were running and running but couldn't move forward? I used to have those dreams as a kid and I'd wake up in a panic. That's how this "whatever it is" feels like.
Right now I'm stagnant. It would be easy to just let the writing slide but I know the longer I wait the harder it will be to go back. And I can't help feeling ashamed. All the advice, and it's good advice says, "Just write. If you want it bad enough you'll find a way to struggle through." All the pep talks in the world should motivate me. But I can't. Get. Past. Myself.
I'm not looking for an answer, a "there, there" pat on the back, or sympathy. One of the reasons I didn't post this sooner is because I didn't want to sound like a lazy, whiny wannabe writer looking for attention. And truthfully, I thought that I'd be able to pull myself out of this funk. I try to keep my blog light and upbeat but then I'd be pretending to be someone I'm not. I'm not there right now (in my writing life) and I'm worried.
I guess I'm blogging about this because I need to know if others are going through this too. How are you dealing with it? Have you been here? Did you give up or fight through?
I'm not writing.
I don't have writer's block, I just can't start.
Why, I'm not sure.
I'm hoping by the end of this post, I'll know. Right now there's an invisible shield between me and my notebook and I can't break through.
It's paralyzing and it scares me. What if I can't shake it off? Should I just give in and stop pretending that I'm writer?
Let me back up.
Before the holidays, during the fall, I wasn't writing because my brain was drained, so to speak. My days were filled with emotional stress and an exhausting schedule; usually until 9 or 10 at night. Sure, I could have squeezed in some writing time, minutes here and there, but the quality would have been crap and it would have meant sacrificing sleep -- that's one thing I can't afford to do. I need at least 6 hours to function as a good wife, mother, employee, friend. In fact, there were a couple of times that I sat down at the computer and literally fell asleep at the keyboard. Now that the holidays are over, there's no reason why I can't find time to write. Yes, my schedule is still tight, but the winter months are generally easier - not as many commitments. Emotionally, I'm in a much better place and so, I could write almost every day and make some real progress on my WiP. But I'm not.
My writer friends, and familar names around the blogs I follow, are making huge strides in the their journeys. They're finishing their first drafts, their nearing the end of revisions and almost ready to query. Some have been querying or are taking steps to self publish, and some have even signed with agents and are or will soon be submitting to publishers. I'm so proud of how far they've come and excited that they are closer to reaching their dream. But I feel like I'm not moving forward at all.
Did you ever have one of those dreams where you were running and running but couldn't move forward? I used to have those dreams as a kid and I'd wake up in a panic. That's how this "whatever it is" feels like.
Right now I'm stagnant. It would be easy to just let the writing slide but I know the longer I wait the harder it will be to go back. And I can't help feeling ashamed. All the advice, and it's good advice says, "Just write. If you want it bad enough you'll find a way to struggle through." All the pep talks in the world should motivate me. But I can't. Get. Past. Myself.
I'm not looking for an answer, a "there, there" pat on the back, or sympathy. One of the reasons I didn't post this sooner is because I didn't want to sound like a lazy, whiny wannabe writer looking for attention. And truthfully, I thought that I'd be able to pull myself out of this funk. I try to keep my blog light and upbeat but then I'd be pretending to be someone I'm not. I'm not there right now (in my writing life) and I'm worried.
I guess I'm blogging about this because I need to know if others are going through this too. How are you dealing with it? Have you been here? Did you give up or fight through?
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Blank Slate *(IWSG)
Just a few thoughts that came to mind while reflecting on 2011 and looking forward into 2012.
2011 is behind you.
memories, honey sweet, bathe in them
let them linger into the future
memories, dark desolation, let them fade, wash away.
they no longer have power over you
2012 is here, a fresh beginning.
full of hope, renewed energy
a second, third, or 10th chance
whatever is needed
ready to greet your dreams.
let them unfold, take charge, carry you away.
For a complete list of *Insecure Writer's Support Group participants, click on the side image which will lead you to Alex J. Cavanaugh's blog.
2011 is behind you.
memories, honey sweet, bathe in them
let them linger into the future
memories, dark desolation, let them fade, wash away.
they no longer have power over you
2012 is here, a fresh beginning.
full of hope, renewed energy
a second, third, or 10th chance
whatever is needed
ready to greet your dreams.
let them unfold, take charge, carry you away.
For a complete list of *Insecure Writer's Support Group participants, click on the side image which will lead you to Alex J. Cavanaugh's blog.
Monday, January 2, 2012
Resolutions and Where to Put Them
Not there! Sheesh.
I have nothing against resolutions.
In fact, I make them every year: self-examination, goal setting, plans for the future, how to live as a better person. And I will do that again this year, pondering the ways I feel I need to stretch and grow as a person.
Usually I write them down; in a journal or last year, here on the blog. But this year, the only written resolution I'm making is this...
...and it's going right on my computer.
My plan is to take each day as it comes and do my best. The rest is icing on the cake.
Happy 2012 to you all!
I have nothing against resolutions.
In fact, I make them every year: self-examination, goal setting, plans for the future, how to live as a better person. And I will do that again this year, pondering the ways I feel I need to stretch and grow as a person.
Usually I write them down; in a journal or last year, here on the blog. But this year, the only written resolution I'm making is this...
...and it's going right on my computer.
My plan is to take each day as it comes and do my best. The rest is icing on the cake.
Happy 2012 to you all!
Thursday, December 29, 2011
2011 Favorites
Reading is one of my favorite pastimes and most of my 2011 reads did not disappoint. I read a total of *23 novels. Not bad for the crazy life I Iead, lol. I did fall short of my goal which was to *cough* read 60 novels *cough*. I guess I was a little ambitious at the beginning of 2011. I planned to read one novel a week, and threw in a few more figuring I’d read more in the summer. Um, yeah. The averages didn’t quite work out that way. Though *23 is nothing to sneeze at. If you’d like to see my list just glance up above and click Books Read in 2011. And now for my favorites.
To be a favorite, a book must include certain Suzie criteria.
I want to emphasize that practically every book entertained me and I’d recommend any of them. Even if a novel didn’t excite me, I know it entertained others. That’s why I hesitate to give any novel a bad review; it’s just so subjective. I mean, I’ve heard rumors that there are actually people who don’t like Harry Potter! I don’t really believe that but I suppose there is the possibility that someone on the planet might not...NAH!!
*ETA: I finished reading Thirteen Reasons Why today, so 24!
Have you read any of these novels? What are your favorites that you love to tell everyone about? 2012 is right around the corner and I'd love some recommendations for the new year.
To be a favorite, a book must include certain Suzie criteria.
1. Excellent writing/storytelling
2. Good pacing
3. Characters I care about
4. Unputdownable - a certain something that compels me to carry it everywhere to read during every spare minute: in the car while waiting for kids, appointments, the kitchen table during lunch, etc.
5. Tug at my emotions - This could involve blurred vision due to tear filled eyes, laughing out loud, the story lingering long after I've finished, or any combination of the three.
The books that fell into this category are:
The Sky Is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson
Jellicoe Road by Melina Marchetta
Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins
Plain Kate by Erin Bow
Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor
YA and MG literature keep getting better and better. It’s hard to pick a favorite with so many excellent choices. With that in mind, my favorite read of the year is...
Anna...
No, Daughter...
Wait, Kate!!
Anna...
No, Daughter...
Wait, Kate!!
Surprise of the Year (a.k.a. Why Did It Take Me So Long to Read This?)
Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte - Loved this!
Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte - Loved this!
I want to emphasize that practically every book entertained me and I’d recommend any of them. Even if a novel didn’t excite me, I know it entertained others. That’s why I hesitate to give any novel a bad review; it’s just so subjective. I mean, I’ve heard rumors that there are actually people who don’t like Harry Potter! I don’t really believe that but I suppose there is the possibility that someone on the planet might not...NAH!!
*ETA: I finished reading Thirteen Reasons Why today, so 24!
Have you read any of these novels? What are your favorites that you love to tell everyone about? 2012 is right around the corner and I'd love some recommendations for the new year.
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Preferences (Of the Christmas Variety)
One of the things I love about the holiday season is that everyone has their own preferences as to what makes it perfect. And though it can be fun to "debate" who's preference is better, what really matters is what makes the season special to you and your family. Below I listed a Christmas meme of sorts. Feel free to answer all, some, or none in the comments below. Or if you have an other answer to the choices I listed please do share!
The Tree
real tree or artificial
colored lights or white
flashing lights or nonflashers
garland or tinsel
themed tree or smorgasbord of ornaments
wrapping paper or gift bags
Under the Tree
presents or donation to charity
wrapping paper or gift bags
everything wrapped or half & half
Entertainment
Traditional Carols or contemporary artists’ songs
Rudolph or Frosty
Charlie Brown or The Grinch
The Nutcracker Ballet or the Rockettes
It’s A Wonderful Life or Miracle on 34th
Street
A Christmas Story or Home Alone
Food and Drink
eggnog or hot cocoa
fruitcake or sugar cookies
candy canes or truffles
Other
Santa Claus, Father Christmas, or St. Nick
Holiday Cards or E-cards
Shopping: Online or Store to Store
I'd like to wish you all Happy Holidays and best wishes for the New Year!
Saturday, December 17, 2011
This Couldn't Wait Until Monday
Are you a Laini Taylor fan? Are you sick of reading about my adoration of her writing? I realize that 5 of the last 11 of my posts have included something related to Laini but this is news I couldn't keep under my hat (if I actually wore hats).
Laini's recently released Young Adult novel, Daughter of Smoke and Bone has been optioned by Universal Pictures!
It's going to be a real live film! (squee!)
Read all about it here on Laini's blog. If you're discovering Laini Taylor for the first time, here's an incentive to check out her incredible writing.
Also, a shout out to my friend Donna Weaver at Weaving a Tale or Two. She had her query critiqued at the QQQE by Matthew MacNish yesterday. I'm sure Donna would appreciate a visit and support for the query that she's polishing up.
And finally, something I heard on the radio last week. I'm a fan of Michael Smerconish's talk radio program and Wednesday he featured a member of the American Dialect Society. Every year since 1990 at their annual meeting in Portland, Oregan, they've chosen a "Word of the Year," a significant word that has been either introduced or has been important to (mainly) North American culture. Being a word lover, I'm curious as to what it will be this year.
Last year's word was App.
In 2009, the word of the year was "tweet."
Before that in 2008, "bailout."
As for 2011, I'm thinking maybe "occupy." Ideas, anyone?
And I know it's early, but who should play the part of Karou?
Laini's recently released Young Adult novel, Daughter of Smoke and Bone has been optioned by Universal Pictures!
It's going to be a real live film! (squee!)
Read all about it here on Laini's blog. If you're discovering Laini Taylor for the first time, here's an incentive to check out her incredible writing.
Also, a shout out to my friend Donna Weaver at Weaving a Tale or Two. She had her query critiqued at the QQQE by Matthew MacNish yesterday. I'm sure Donna would appreciate a visit and support for the query that she's polishing up.
And finally, something I heard on the radio last week. I'm a fan of Michael Smerconish's talk radio program and Wednesday he featured a member of the American Dialect Society. Every year since 1990 at their annual meeting in Portland, Oregan, they've chosen a "Word of the Year," a significant word that has been either introduced or has been important to (mainly) North American culture. Being a word lover, I'm curious as to what it will be this year.
Last year's word was App.
In 2009, the word of the year was "tweet."
Before that in 2008, "bailout."
As for 2011, I'm thinking maybe "occupy." Ideas, anyone?
And I know it's early, but who should play the part of Karou?
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