The Joy of Writing

Goals

2010-03-18T10:23:00.002-04:00

For me, success relies on goals to aspire and work towards. Without goals (short or long term) procrastination halts all progress and excuses are acceptable. But a reasonable goal can effectively show how far you’ve come and how far you must go. Nanowrimo is a 50,000 word goal in one month with excellent tools to help promote success amongst its participants.

My goal is something different and reasonably suited to the factors that affect my writing; work, travel, husband. Although I am a planner, my life is not. Often plans change at the last minute and my time to write is the first thing sacrificed to accommodate changes to my calendar. However, although I might not have access to one of my computers, not a day passes without me giving thought to the stories I’ve devoted my attention to.

The goal: MAKE PROGRESS EVERYDAY!

What is progress? On Monday my goal might be to research a census from 1880 for character names. Tuesday I update my outline to reflect a minor change to chapter four, Wednesday I write 500 words, Thursday I collect images to assist with a description I might not be familiar with, Friday I organize my sloppy handwritten notes, Saturday I sit at my desk and write for one full hour, and on the Lord’s day perhaps I discuss my story with someone for feedback. Be it a small goal or a big goal, everything combined will help me to write and complete a novel.

Of course there will be those days when I don’t have enough time to even scribble a note for myself, but if I am disciplined and maintain steady progress the occasional day will have little to no effect on the outcome of my story. It’s important to note that when you are making steady progress, it’s also easier to make said progress. If you don’t have days in between writing, you’re not trying to figure out where to go from your last sopping point or what were you thinking when you wrote that.

What happens when there’s writer’s block? Do something… Think of a new title, watch a movie that might be a good source of inspiration, write a rant about what has you stuck. If your new goal is to overcome writer’s block, it might be reasonable to totally step away to gain new and fresh perspective on your work.

Goal Number One: Ask yourself what goals you have in mind and what you hope to achieve on a long term and/or short term basis.

Happy writing and God bless.

The Break Up

2010-03-16T11:33:00.003-04:00

My Nano 2009 novel and I broke-up. Together, my novel and I crossed the word-count finish line on November 31 in dramatic fashion… but then I left it there at the finish line and moved on with my life. But was the finish line I was racing towards a 50,000 word count or a complete novel? Things were very messy between us and did not end well. Whether or not my novel still had more to say, I wasn’t going to listen. I allowed myself to make excuses and quit. I was tired of working through our problems.

No different than a nasty break-up when you decide you just want to be single for a while, I wrote nothing. No novel. No blog. No writing commitment. I wrote nothing more creative than the occasional status update on Facebook or Twitter. But then there was that chance encounter that brought us together again. I was on the commuter train and bored with the scenery, my Blackberry, and my iPod. I fired up my laptop and read through my incomplete draft, abandoned at 50,475 words.

I had convinced myself months ago that because we had broken-up, I could never again have anything to do with my novel. We couldn’t be friends. But as I passed the time on the train, I started to remember all of the things I liked about my novel; an entertaining prologue worthy of publishing, one character I was particularly fond of, and a plot that was slowly revealing its secrets. When I got to the final word written on November 31, I was surprised that I had stopped writing. Dare-I-say it was something I had enjoyed reading?

Since that fateful day that brought us together again a few things have changed. I have since begun extensive research and planning for a new novel that better suits me; less adventure and mystery, more character and drama. I’m not going to write 50,000 words in 31 days. My goal is to write and always be thinking and working towards completing a solid novel.

I feel lonely when I’m not writing and real life is more difficult without having the opportunity to lose myself in writing. I’m taking the time to identify some long term goals, apart from the obvious write & finish a novel, that will help me to become a better and successful writer.

And will I ever finish my Nano 2009 novel?

NANOWRIMO 2009 WINNER

2009-12-01T00:31:00.005-05:00

I DID IT!

(sound of crickets)

What did I do?

Improved!

- Validated 50, 475 words for the win... and my story's not finished! I estimate it is about 45% complete. That would throw my word count well over 2008. Tomorrow it continues!

- A week in the hospital for back surgery, left me with only three weeks to produce 50, 000 words instead of the four weeks it took me in 2008.

- Started with approx. 23,000 words on November 25th. More than doubled my word count in 5 days!

- Forced myself to write step by step and have a much stronger and well developed plot. I didn't skip ahead to write the end like I did in 2008, leaving me with gaps and holes I have never been able to fill.

The biggest THANK YOU to my husband for keeping me motivated and giving me a small kiss everytime he asked about my word count and to sacredcrayon (CONGRATULATIONS on 50K) for cheering me from the starting line to the finish line!

Nanowrimo 2009 ends, but I feel like something else begins.

The Synopsis

2009-11-01T00:06:00.002-04:00

The Synopsis:
Elizabeth Flintbury is engaged to marry the handsome and wealthy Robert Chauncey. But when she receives a strange and disturbing letter from her fiancé, she sacrifices her family and reputation to come to his aid. When she learns that he has gone missing, she must investigate the circumstances if she ever hopes to find him. But as she unravels the mystery she discovers that it may be she who is in the greatest danger. She needs the help of a drunken gambler, a fallen naval hero, and a disagreeable stranger to survive.

Remember how I compared Nanowrimo to running a race? Well it's time to start running!Good luck to all those participating in Nanowrimo 2009!

Happy writing!

ETA: I Literally intended to begin my prologue at midnight and just discovered my laptop was dead. Is it a sign?

October 31, 2009

2009-10-31T22:09:00.000-04:00

Happy Halloween

10:43 pm: I begin writing a novel at midnight and have 30 days to complete said task. To prepare, I am giving myself until mid-night (when I will begin my prologue) to write a synopsis.

T-4 Days: Runners to your marks

2009-10-28T13:21:00.000-04:00

"Four! Four days! Uh, uh, uh!

October 28, 2009: T-4 days to Nanowrimo!

I was a part of the track and field team when I was in junior high school. I participated to hang out with my ex-boyfriend and buddies (good times) not because I was an athlete. When I competed I tried my best, excelling at long jump and reliable in 100m and 200m dashes and relays. Waiting in the starting block was the worst feeling in the world. It was worse than going on auditions, worse than giving speeches, worse than job interviews, performances, and all the attention that special occassions (milestone birthdays, wedding, etc.) ever gave me.

You wait and feel two opposites at the same time. You can feel your muscles twitch in anticipation and your body trying to remain motionless as you wait for the gun. The entire race goes through your mind as you wait and imagine whether or not this might be victory.

Now 16 years later, I no longer take any pleasure running and don't even know if my nearly-30-years-old body could manage. I lost interest with track when I broke up with my boyfriend just before summer vacation in 1992.

So why the anxiety of waiting in the runner's block?

See: www.nanowrimo.org

As November fast approaches I prepare my monthly-mental-to-do-list. Nothing interesting; events I will be attending, work related functions, home projects, special occassions. But it's unique and different than any other month because I intend to write a 50,000 + novel by the 30th.

I did it last year. I won last year (polishes Nanowrimo 2008 badge with sleeve). Confident this year...

But instead of 30 days and nights consumed by writing a novel, I am having back surgery. Minus a hospital stay and time heavily medicated by pain releiving drugs, I imagine I might only have 2 1/2 to 3 weeks to work on my novel.

But that's what makes a challenege. Even though you may have been previously successful, or even if you haven't, you find something to improve upon. Raise the bar, set a higher goal, reach for the stars kind of inspiration. If I did it in 30 days last year, I'm going to do it in 23 days this year. If I have 30 days to do it next year, I want to write 60,000 words.

Goals (and people or causes to enforce them) are what we need to avoid procrastination and help us maintain our focus. It's what we do research for, and post on the Nano forums for, and write out notecards and outlines.

One goal. Get ready.

On your mark, get set...

Testing the Waters

2009-10-20T09:20:00.000-04:00

Research

Before you write the first word in your novel, you should begin with research. Research is essential when you are writing historical fiction (as is the case with my novel) and is a valuable tool for any author to have. While you might think research is unnecessary, it can provide fleshy details and further insight that will provide you with the support you need to write a novel full of detail and accuracy. Some authors may research more than others, but they all begin with research.

No idea what your novel is going to be about? Research! Is your story set in a location where you have never been? Research! Need a Hungarian name for your character’s uncle? Research!

Books are my preferred source of information. This helps to ensure that information I am including in my novel is accurate vs. internet browsing which often produces search results ranging from fan pages to out of date information. But the internet also has many sources that you might never find in a bookstore or library. Use your discretion in determining whether or not the information is relevant to you.

And don’t forget that this is your story. If you want all humans to have tails, make it so.

Recommended Sources:
Library of Congress: http://www.loc.gov/library/libarch-digital.html
Wikipedia: http://www.wikipedia.org/
Ask.com: http://www.ask.com/
From Nanowrimo: http://www.nanowrimo.org/eng/node/3263715

Outlining

Have an idea, or a better understanding of an idea, for your novel now? Try outlining. Outlining helps the author map out the progression of their novel. A to-do list. As much or as little detail can be included and your outline can be formatted however you wish.

Sample Outlines:

I. Chapter One
a. Chapter One Synopsis
i. Characters
ii. Setting
II. Chapter Two
a. Chapter Two Synopsis
i. Characters
ii. Setting

OR

- Boy meets girl.
- Girl hates boy.
- Girl falls in love with boy.
- Boy breaks girl’s heart.

There is no right or wrong way to outline. Create and develop one that suits you. Outlines can be totally random thoughts or organized neatly into step by step detailed instructions for you to follow as you write.

Other Samples:
http://www.writing.com/main/view_item/item_id/870156
http://www.rc.net/hvs/mrv/novout.html
http://www.ehow.com/how_2110891_outline-a-novel.html

Character Development Sheets

Knowing and understanding who your characters are is crucial. Don’t underestimate the fact that characters have a mind of their own and are known to misbehave. Yes, they are fictitious, but their interactions with other characters and their reaction to different situations you throw at them cause different characters to behave in different ways. It’s what makes us unique. It’s what makes your characters unique. It is your goal as an author to know more about your characters than the reader ever will.

Character development sheets are another helpful tool. While there is no single format universally accepted, many will include the obvious biographical details and character stats: Name, DOB, birthplace, father’s name, mother’s name, siblings, etc… After the biographical information, most sheets include a list of questions for you to answer about that particular character. How long does your character sleep each night? What is your character afraid of? What is one secret your character hasn’t told their best friend? What does your character do for dinner: where does he eat, what does he eat, who is there?

Some questions seem pointless in answering, but you might be surprised at what you discover and conclude from your study sheet. Try also to avoid answering questions with a simple yes or no. Explain your answers and get the most from your efforts.

Two other character exercises I have done in preparation for Nanowrimo are:

Write a letter from the author to the characters: What do you expect from your characters?

Write a letter from a character to the author: Does your character simply protest, are they happy, or do they demand that you make changes to their role in you story?

Some Sample Character Development Sheets:
http://www.writerswrite.com/journal/jun98/lazy2.htm
http://www.pameladowd.com/Adobe/CharacterDevelopmentChart.PDF

What else?

Repeating what I mentioned in a previous entry, make a schedule and stick to it. Your story doesn’t write itself.

Always write.

And use your discretion when determining what information you find most useful about novel writing. We are all different and what works for one author, might not for a different author.

Happy writing.

Novel Art + Title

2009-10-18T11:51:00.000-04:00

It's not much to show, but it is a great accomplishment to me! I have given the novel a name and a look.

From Nanowrimo: Letter From the Characters

2009-10-16T23:48:00.000-04:00

From Nanowrimo: Letter From the CharactersOctober 16, 2009

Letter from my characters...

***

Dear Author,

You have been getting to know us and planning wonderful things for us. We look forward to all you have in store…

However, we are deeply concerned with your interest in making the fictitious lives of others miserable. Please accept our apologies if we have misbehaved or offended you in some way. Although some of us do not get along, collectivley we feel that it is your intention to hurt us all and make us suffer in the name of your own amusement. We have made the following requests and hope you will amuse us in return. Please consider the following:

Elizabeth: A broken heart hurts. Please do not take my William away.
Thomas: Must I be shot?
Edward: May I have a woman, please?
Charlotte: Am I unworthy of being the MC?
Anne: Please don’t kill my father!

We thank you for your thoughtful consideration of requests and look forward to working with you.

Best Wishes,
The Guild of Characters in an Untitled Work

From Nanowrimo: Letter to the Characters

2009-10-16T23:45:00.000-04:00

From Nanowrimo: Letter to the Characters October 13, 2009

From me to my characters…

***

Dear Elizabeth,

Enjoy your life now.

I’ll soon be taking everything away from you and breaking your heart. There’s going to be a lot of trouble for you and life is going to be very tough. But look on the brighter side of this dim situation… you’re my star! You’ll see new places and make new friends.

The ending is not exactly going to be a happy one either, but the journey will be exciting.

Hang in there!

Wishing You my Best,
Jennifer

***

Dear Thomas,

I like you very much despite your temper and chronich seriousness. You won’t appreciate the good things you have and accept that life is bad rather than making it better.

And I must confess, I think I have a book crush on you, too.

But you’re going to fall in love and have your heartbroken. But she’s worth dying for… and you might have to.

Do your best to be handsome!

With Affection,
Jennifer

Happy writing!

Golden Rules

2009-10-16T22:41:00.000-04:00

Golden RulesOctober 13, 2009

There is a lot of advice about writing a novel that goes way beyond correcting sentence structure and grammar. Piles and piles of books that help you get into the rhythm and mind set of a writer to ensure your success. Having spent years reading about the do’s and don’ts of writing a novel, here is a collection of some of the most useful advice I have encountered. And maybe someday you might write a list just like this and include my advice. Ah, the circle of life.

1. Always Write – I think writer’s block to some degree is inevitable and, rather unfortunately, unavoidable. You’re unhappy with the dialogue, there’s a problem with continuity, you halt progress for edits and rewrites, you have an idea for a different story, or the end of your novel just seems so dang far away. There are many reasons for writer’s block. None of which is predictable. But don’t stop. When you stop thinking and behaving like a writer, you won’t be one anymore.

Writing is like a work-out routine (and if you’re like me, it’s one of your New Year’s resolutions to write a novel). It’s hard to take that first big step and you put it off day after day, week after week. But you finally do it. You start writing, start working-out, and it’s tough. Really tough. You don’t think you can do it and might as well quit. But keep going. No pain, no gain. And it gets easier with regularity and routine. But when you stop that work-out for a couple days, couple weeks or longer, what happens when you start working out again? You have to go through the same struggle to get re-accustomed.

But always write. Find something to write. Keep a journal, organize research, write a scene you would like to include later, or coughwriteablogaboutwritingcough. It might seem stupid to write something completely unrelated to your novel, but it’s also stupid for a marathon runner to be a couch potato in between races.

And as the great motivational and over-muscular health-nuts say; YOU CAN DO IT!

2. Be a Writer – I could never understand how one becomes a writer. Do you have to post an announcement in the newspaper, does someone need to give you permission to be a writer, or are you just born with it? The correct answer is none of the above. The moment you make a decision to write, ta-da you’re a writer.

But it really isn’t enough to call yourself a writer, you have to be one too. Act like one. Write all the time (see above). Set aside some time on a regular basis and let everyone know that you’re writing, working, and to please not disturb you. We all know writing is a lot of work, so treat it like a job. Sure it’s easy not to show up for work when you’re the boss, but you’re great novel won’t write itself. Life will always try to interrupt. You have to tell it that it will have to wait another two hours because you have work to do. You’ll be writing. Is there someone else who’s trying to disturb you? Let them know what’s going on to and designate them to take care of things while you’re working. Are they the problem? Go somewhere else where you know you won’t be interrupted frequently.

Don’t think you have time? Find time. I have an hour long train commute that I devote to writing to and from work. Analyze your schedule and find a time that you could utilize writing. If there is no opportune time, schedule yourself a time to write and stick to it.

Some other good advice about being a writer:

Keep a notebook and pen. ALWAYS!

Set goals for yourself each time you write. Word count, finish chapter two, etc.

You might not find specific answers in a book or Google, but don’t be afraid to do some research.

Save your work frequently and try to avoid the temptation to delete old or unused work.

Get other people involved. Share your ideas or ask them to read your work. Don’t be shy. Take pride in your work.

3. Don’t Listen to Any Advice – I made a great effort to learn about being a writer, but until I did it for myself it was all just theory, hints, and tips. While the advice I have shared is advice that I follow, it doesn’t always work. What might be useful to one writer is not necessarily helpful to the next. What might have helped you through writer’s block last time might not help you again the next time. The only person you need to listen to is you. Find what works for YOU!

Happy writing!

Once Upon a Time

2009-10-16T22:38:00.000-04:00

Once Upon a TimeOctober 13, 2009

Writing a novel is like maintaining a relationship. You spend all of you time getting to know and understand your novel just like you would with a new man in your life. You commit to making things work, being faithful, and seeing things through to the happily ever after.
But relationships can be messy things. They need to be maintained and require sacrifice when necessary to ensure success. You might wonder if it woud be easier to dump your novel and get a fresh start and try something new. But men will always be men. Novels will be novels. Both are complex and no two are alike. But when you get through the struggles there’s something wonderful.

This time last year I commited to writting a novel. I had made that same commitment many times before but I had a feeling this time would be different. This time my novel would have a beginning, hopefully a middle, and maybe even an end! I’ve made a relationship work before… and have an awesome husband to show for it. Maybe just maybe I could write a novel too.
And I did it! Beginning, middle, and end.

Getting published is on my list of things to do. Certainly not with this novel, but someday with something. What I gained last year was the experience that I need to go forward. I have made subtle changes in my life that are more accomodating to the commitment that writing requires.
It’s my job to write now. I’m a press assistant (won’t say for who, sorry) and get paid to write carefully selected words in the form of press releases and statements. I spend a lot of time conducting research and my work is used and distributed by various media outlets.
I discuss my novel-writing thought process openly with my mother. Mommies are good for being critically honest and totally supportive when you need that too. She checks on my progress weekly and just last week she called me out on slacking.

My husband knows I enjoy writing and is very accomodating of my hobby. He gives me time to think alone and even gets my laptop packed up and ready to go for my rail commute each day. He’s even offers to let me get back to writing… even though he was most likely just interuppting a game of solitare.

So that’s my life as a, dare-I-say, writer.

And what of the novel?

It is still untitled and still desperately in need of more substance. The substance is there in my head but gets lost between my brain and the computer. But I never gave up on my husband. I’m not giving up on this novel.

The re-write begins…

Happy writing!