A brief note about WRiTE CLUB

How's every one's summer going? I can't believe how fast it's flying by and I sort of can't wait to get back onto a solid schedule. So far, summer has been good, but my writing has been just going. I'm not sure I'll meet my goal, but I'm working on it.

The thing about summer is your brain may go on a little vacation. It's fine. The brain needs a break now and again, but I see September approaching and I'm ready to dig into some hard core writing. So how about a warm up. Ya know, get those gears turning. There's a little competition going on and it sounds awesome.

Some of you may have participated last year and for some of you this may be new. DL Hammons is hosting (Thanks DL, this is amazing), and wait till you see the final judges.

That's right--WRiTE CLUB. I love the whole idea. Write 500 words and submit. And it's anonymous. See . . . it's a win/win. Each week two submissions go head to head until there are two, then the final judges pick a winner. Like I said, the final judges are amazing.

So, why are you still reading this? Go and check it out!!! You have nothing to lose.

Go here to sign up and read the official rules.

Good luck!!

I'll be back on a regular schedule soon!!

Have fun and happy writing!!

Insecure Writer's Support Group

I almost forgot about this. So, after this post I may be on a hiatus. Anyway, thanks to the amazing Alex J. Cavanaugh for putting this whole thing together. Go check out the other participants.

Like I said the other day, I have nothing new to say about my writing. I'm writing and learning and well, it just goes on. Queries come and queries go. Lessons learned. It's been beating me hard, but I'm trying not to let it get to me. One thing I do know is I sometimes do things in a complex way and I pick the hardest way to go.

Here's what I mean:

-For my first novel, I decided to write it from two POVs. One from a girl and one from a guy. I couldn't just write my first novel from one? No, my brain takes the most difficult route. Hey, and throw in scifi and souls. Why not?

-I write out of order.

-For my current novel, I decided to have my main character slide into the body of another person. Easy right? Ha. Now, I must figure how to write this from the main character's POV while the other body goes about her day.

See what I mean. Complicated, but challenging. That's what I keep doing to myself. I'm challenging myself to it. I don't take baby steps, I jump in and take it all on. It's funny because through most of my life, I turned away from anything that was super hard. I might have given up on things or even just never tried, but with writing, it's weird, I go for it. Sometimes without even realizing it.

Do I fail? Yeah. Lots. But as hard as it is it's the only way I know how to go. I think it's the only way I learn.

Have you challenged yourself lately?

Have a great 4th of July!!

-

Summer

Oh summer, I do love this season, but I never realized how busy I am. I will be taking a short hiatus. Things are quite hectic here, and every chance I get, I'm writing. These characters are at the point where they are screaming at me.

I may pop in for a post, but I can't guarentee my normal schedule till mid-July or mid-August. Don't think I'm not dropping in on you folks. I will be scanning the blog roll.

Plus, my life in the writing world is not all that exciting. I'm working hard and still hoping for something to present a positive light. I just keep telling myself--one day, one day, keep writing. A little frustrating, but I'm working through it.  

If you are in the West Chester area August 25th come to PAYA. Check out the line up. It's awesome. Also, PLN will be meeting up the same day in West Chester too. Double win. I'll have more info on PLN closer to the date.

Happy Fourth of July and happy writing.

What's new with you?

Have a great day!

Finding Method

Yep, I was absent for most of last week. It's summer, and well, things are not normal here. My routine is off, and if I get a moment of quiet, I'm writing. With that being said, my posts may not be as frequent as they normally are.

I am moving along in my new MS. I did reach 16K and I know I have so much to revise, but it's funny cause this time around, I'm more focused. I'm not worried about which method I should use. Yes, many people post how they write and there are even books on method, but the funny thing is you don't know yours until you've tried them all and once you find your groove, things seem a little more clearer. It's like a part of you calms down cause you know what works for you.

When I started this journey, I really had no idea what I was doing. I thought I did, but I didn't. I just wrote that's it. After I started blogging, I learned there is more to it and what to look for. For a while, it really stressed me out. I thought I was doing things wrong and I had to do things a certain way, until recently. Yes, I learned a few things about myself, but I also learned what's right for me.

I'm not a strict outliner. I know this. I do some planning, mainly in my head. I visualize a scene of the beginning, something in the middle, and maybe the end. I briefly figure out what I think I want to happen, but it really doesn't develop until I write it, and let me tell ya, those characters take me to places I never even thought of. So, yes, I let the characters decide, then when it comes revision time, I have it my way (at least that's what I tell myself).

I also write out of order if I have too. When I get stuck and I know what happens in a later scene, I write it. It sometimes gets me through those scenes that make my brain come to a halt. Another tid bit is--I need music, well, most of the time. I know, weird, but it helps me.

So, what am I saying? That no matter what your method is make sure it works for you. Sure, try all of them if you want, but if something doesn't work don't force it. It inhibits creativity. Do what feels right for you.

Have you figured out your method?

Have a great day!

Monday Mumbles

How was everyone's weekend? Mine was busy, busy. I feel like summer has taken on a different kind of busy and that's entertaining kids on a constant basis. I hope all you dad's had a relaxing day yesterday.

1. Thank you to Elana Johnson for her awesome post on Friday. Check it out here. Also, don't forget to get on over to her blog for lots of fun stuff and pick up her new release, SURRENDER.

2. So, my progress is slow on everything. I did get past the 15k word mark last week, so it's getting there.

3. Querying is querying. I don't even need to explain it, but I'm holding my head high and trying not to let it get the best of me. I know where I want to be, and one day I'll get there. I have to keep moving forward. I'm revising my query again and have cut the first two chapters of my MS. I'm also rearranging things in the first half of my MS.

4. I can't wait to finish all of the stuff above to be able to work on a finished manuscript that is waiting. It keeps taunting me. It's that middle child looking for attention.

5. Here's a great post about those of us who may be losing confidence. Letter to a writer who is losing confidence by Roz Morris.

6. Another post I thought was interesting. My Life Would Be Easier If I Gave Up Writing by Natasha Hanova

7. I've been brushing up on my grammar. This book is simply the best, and one I've read from cover to cover (you know I'm not a self-help book gal). IT WAS THE BEST OF SENTENCES, IT WAS THE WORST OF SENTENCES by June Casagrande

8. Here is another post I found inspiring from Querytracker. Never, Never Give Up Writing and Winston Churchill by Danyelle Leafty

9. I will be responding to your comments soon. I'm getting there. :)

How was your weekend?

Any vacation plans?

Writing goals?

Have a great day!

Plotting and Pacing in YA--A guest post by Elana Johnson

So, we all know that lovely gal, Elana Johnson. She's got a new release, SURRENDER. See the pretty cover.

Elana has amazing things going on at her blog, and today, she's on my blog sharing her knowledge. Take it away Elana.

Okay, so if you’ve read my books, you know I’m a big fan of fast-paced, all-action-all-the-time novels. Both POSSESSION and SURRENDER sort of start out slow and then push the reader to the end.

There’s an element of plotting that has to happen when writing. I’m a supporter of a slow start, especially when building a new world for readers. I want to be eased into a new world with a new character like sinking into a hot bath.

After that? All bets are off. I then want things to happen, and happen fast. But that doesn’t mean you as the author can throw everything and the kitchen sink at the reader.

I like to think of pacing like a horse race. Red Pollard didn’t take Seabiscuit out of the gate at one hundred miles per hour. He held the horse back at points, and drove him forward at others. And then he really whipped Seabiscuit down the home stretch.

I think YA authors can learn a lot from thinking about pacing in this way. There’s a time to give readers a lot of information pertaining to the plot. There’s a time for pure action. There’s a time to pull back a little and breathe.

It’s all about knowing when to do so.

Let’s examine the Top Five things I think can really guide a reader through a novel. And readers want to feel like they’re in the hands of someone who can lead them through a story.

1.      The opening image. I think this should be a bit slower. Give readers a chance to sink into your world and character like a hot bath.

2.      After you’ve set up the world and character, we need to be driven with the catalyst and debate. I think the pages from 30 – 90 (or so) should be full of tension and plot elements and the definition of character motivation for the rest of the novel. When we finally break into Act 2, the reader should be hoping for a break in the action.

3.      And they should get it. The introduction of the B Story is the time for you as the author to pull the horse back a little bit. You’ve just given them 60 pages of high action and emotional pulling. They need a break. They need fun and games.

4.      Fun and Games. This is where you can have some really cool action scenes. This is where Iron Man gets to try on his suit and go flying around.

5.      At the midpoint, the stakes are raised. And the pacing should naturally increase from there. The fun and games are over, and it’s time to get down to business of solving the problem at hand. The last half of your book should really drive readers to the last page.

What elements do you consider when plotting and pacing your novel?

This week, as part of the SURRENDER blog tour, you can win one of three $15 Barnes & Noble gift cards and become a winner winner, chicken dinner! All you have to do is fill out this rafflecopter widget with what you’ve done. NOTE: One of the options is to blog about a time you didn’t surrender. Go here for full details on this, including how to sign up for your free swag package!

<a id="rc-2572e99" class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>

<script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js"></script>

Thanks so much Elana! Also, check out her new release, SURRENDER. See blurb below because you know you want it.

About SURRENDER: Raine has always been a good girl. She lives by the rules in Freedom. After all, they are her father’s rules: He’s the Director. It’s because of him that Raine is willing to use her talent—a power so dangerous, no one else is allowed to know about it. Not even her roommate, Vi.

All of that changes when Raine falls for Gunner. Raine’s got every reason in the world to stay away from Gunn, but she just can’t. Especially when she discovers his connection to Vi’s boyfriend, Zenn.

Raine has never known anyone as heavily brainwashed as Vi. Raine’s father expects her to spy on Vi and report back to him. But Raine is beginning to wonder what Vi knows that her father is so anxious to keep hidden, and what might happen if she helps Vi remember it. She’s even starting to suspect Vi’s secrets might involve Freedom’s newest prisoner, the rebel Jag Barque…. 

Purchase your copy here: http://books.simonandschuster.com/buy/Surrender/9781442445680/from-other-retailers#book_retailers

Blog: http://elanajohnson.blogspot.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/possessionthebook

Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/elanaJ

Thanks again, Elana! I hope the link works, if it doesn't, please go to Elana's blog to sign up for the giveaway.

Have a great weekend!

Doing research

artwork by Kaitlyn McCane

So, I've been trying to catch up on my writing. I've picked up a client for work so between kids and work, writing time is limited. Yesterday, I did manage to write some and it felt great. The other thing I love to do is research. And, yes, I'm sure I've talked about this before.

I'm not talking Google research, I'm talking real life experience. I do use Google, and to be honest, if it's not holding my interest, my mind wanders. I love experiencing research, especially for setting. Now, I hear ya, you can't go everywhere, and let's face it, I really don't know what heaven is like or what life felt like in the 16th century (I've had no near death experiences and don't plan on having any, and I don't have a time machine), but there are certain stories where I can go to the setting, to the place where it happens and live the experience.

On Friday, I went to the beach with my family. I love the beach. I don't know why. Something about the ocean, the sand, and the air. Plus, it holds a lot of great memories. One of my stories takes place there. I have to say soaking in the whole feeling/atmosphere makes me want to write the story even more. It makes me feel like I have some sort of inside info.

This is nothing new to the world of writing. Many authors have done "research" by experiencing it, and to me, if you can, I think it can give your story an authentic feel. You know this, right?

Anyway, what I'm trying to say, if you can, live your research even it's going to a museum to check out old furniture--live it. For me, it's usually the setting. I go to that spot, close my eyes, and listen. I breathe in, and then I open my eyes and write everything I feel, smell, and even taste if I'm eating something. What I found was--the air had a mixture of salt air and caramel corn, the sand is soft, but watch out for broken shells, the ocean's waves create a rhythmic pound as they hit the sand, the strumming of the drums on the carousel mixes with childrens' laughter. I could go on, and into more detail, but I want you to try it. You don't have to go far. Head out to your back yard and tap into your senses, then write them down. It's amazing what you may find.

What's your method of research?

Don't forget, on Friday, Elana Johnson, here. She will be talking about Plotting and Pacing in YA.

Have a great day!