Back at 'er

Well summer is definitely over.  We've been very chilly and I'm going to have to harvest my produce from my greenhouse.
I'm happy to report that I've done one round of revisions on my book and have my word count up to 56,000.  I'm going to do another round of revisions then let my writer's group take a peak and tell me what they think. 
I actually really love revisions.  It's exciting delving back into the story and fleshing it out more so it resembles the pictures in my head.

Slacking

Summer has brought an end to any sort of schedule I may have had; between swim lessons, trips to the zoo, gardening and mowing lawn (the list goes on and on) my schedule is a thing of the past (at least until summer is done).  Also, my hubby has been underfoot a little more since we've had such rotten weather.  Lots of rain and ginormous hail and a tornado touched down in the near vicinity, needless to say, rain + the oil patch = no working, but I digress.

I had gotten in a pretty good groove of getting my daughters to bed and then working on my writing, whether it was on my WIP or revisions I was doing something writing geared 5-6 nights a week.
But the longer days are prolonging bedtime and the girls aren't going to bed as good as they were and my writing time is getting pushed later and later.  I'm a procrastinator by nature and once my schedule has been lost I'm screwed.

So last night I sat down at the computer and worked on my revisions for my finished project, I'm on chapter 6 and I've got my word count up to 52,000 words.  Hopefully by the time my writing group starts meeting again in September it will be done so I can get some feed back on the completed project.  I'm also excited to get back to my new book. 

Now to get over a fear of success (if there is such a thing) and send out some submissions.

Is this what I really want?

How many times do we ask ourselves that question? 
Is this what I really want?

Writing, it feels so much like work, like a job, something that isn't fun...sometimes.
Then there are the other times it feels so rewarding, like there is nothing else you'd rather be doing.
It's hard to get started but I never regret the time I spend writing, I usually feel like a pressure has been released once I'm done. I can take a deep breath and feel satisfaction.

You don't know how many times I've thought, "God my life would so much easier if I didn't feel this need to write." 
I put my girls to bed and then it's on to writing.  Sometimes I get whiny, why can't I watch TV like my friends.  I have to tell my inner two year old to put on her big girl panties and get on with it.

So why do I spend so much time on something that I don't seem to pursue down that final path?  
I only take it so far, then I stall. 
Is it possible to be scared of success? 
The feeling that everything might change.  I know logically that change isn't all bad but ...

There are times when writing consumes my thoughts: the next scene in my book, the characters.  Often my WIP is the last thing I think about at night and the first thing I think about in the morning, the thing I daydream about during the day and yet it is often the last thing that gets worked on.

I know this is what I want.  It's what I keep coming back to no matter how many times I've tried to deny that it's in me and needs a place to be released.   There is something about writing that we can't do without or would so many of us keep pursuing such an illusive master.  It has me in its clutches. 

So today my girls are at Grandma's house and I'm working on revisions. 
I'm proud of myself I'm over 50 000 words and I'm only on chapter 3 of my revisions so at this rate I should have no trouble bringing my word count I where it needs to be.

Why do we do it?

Wouldn't life be so much easier if that urge to write wasn't always hounding us?

I've got girlfriends who relax when the kids are in bed, they read, have a bath, go for a walk or whatever their little hearts desire.  Me, I've got this insatiable urge to write, the fire in my belly to get a story down.  There's always a story playing out in my head.  Once I get started with my writing it is enjoyable and the time flies by (usually), but sometimes I just wish there was more time in a day or a week.

I do figure a woman should be able to have it all but it is taking all of my organizational prowess to make sure I get everything done in a day.  I home school my DD#1 and in a couple years she will be joined by her sister.  As a stay-at-home Mom there's always the pressure to keep a neat, clean house (easier said than done) and have supper on the table for my children and hard working husband (who supports my decision to home school and write, he just wishes I would get published since I've been working at it for so many years).  Plus, now that it's summer there is the garden and the acre of lawn to mow every week and swimming lessons and dance lessons. 

And somehow in the midst of the chaos my writing gets tabled and is the last thing I'm able to work on at night when I'm not feeling my perkiest.  The house is silent and all I want to do is sit down with a good book and a cup of tea.  Believe me, I've tried to get up when the hubby gets up in the morning and every time I attempt it I'm thwarted by my children getting up an hour early.  It's like they've got some sort of sense that I'm trying to get something done.  How do they do that?

But for all my whining about a lack of free time I love the process of writing and revisions and creating something.  I tried to quit and I can't so I might as well put in the time and see if I can't make something of it.

For all of you gals out there who do it all, you have my admiration. 

Now if only the hubby would understand why I'm so tired at night...

Ah Life

It seems like my May has been so busy but if I had to sit down and figure out what is keeping me so busy I would be unable to list the reasons.  All I know is I haven't been spending as much time on my writing as I should be.  It seems that things keep popping up and interupting my kid-free writing days.   
But I did get my day (finally) yesterday.  I just had to work around the DH who was at home because of the rain.  I love him but he just talks way too much. 
I've worked my way through the hard copy of my book and now I need to put all my changes into the computer and write a couple extra scenes that would make things more complete.
I am looking forward to getting through revisions so I can continue my next work in progress.  I decided to focus on one at a time or I would never get either of them completed.  I've also dug out my short story collection.  I want to rework them and hopefully submit them.  Eek!

Revisions

Revisions.  I've always heard a lot about revisions but not until recently have I really undertaken any large important ones, just ones for short stories.  I started the revisions for the book I just finished and I'm actually enjoying the process. 
So much has happened since I started writing it approximately 4 years ago.  I've got so many ideas for sub-plots and changes that it will be the book I started writing but better.
I've learned so much about the process of writing in the last couple years and my writing club has really pushed my writing further.  I write almost everyday and really find something lacking in my day if I don't get a little bit done, even if it's only 30 minutes. 
Kids are no excuse not to write I've discovered, oh they're a believable excuse, but still an excuse. 
If you're serious you'll find time, so like my grandpa used to say, "shit or get off the pot!"

Writing Club

I just got back from my monthly Writer's Club and, as always, thoroughly enjoyed myself.
It's a night when I actually get to leave the house-alone.  No kids, no car seats, no snacks and diaper bags.  It's all about writing.  It's fun to discuss what's going on with our current writing projects.  It inspires me to continue on my path when I see others struggling too. 

I've finally completed my outline using the Marshall Novel writing software .  I didn't plot to the very end because a lot will change for me between the beginning and the end BUT I did plot through my middle.  It's where I need the most help; I tend to have saggy middles.  It really made me think about where I was taking my characters.  It did take me longer to complete than I thought it would, though.  Now when I sit down to write at the end of the day I can just go, and I do.  I'm already on chapter 3 so I'm feeling very positive and upbeat.  I may actually get another book wrote and maybe it won't take me a year to do it.

And writing when you have small children is possible.  Saying otherwise is an excuse.  Even if you can only manage to eek out 15 minutes a day that still makes almost 2 hours of writing a week.  And if you're like me once I get myself sat down for my 15 minutes I usually find that the time flies and I write for longer.

Money Making Online

Is it possible to earn a little extra money writing for these content sites?  Or is it some kind of hoax where you do all the work and someone else profits?
The more I research the more confused I become.
Making money is tempting (when is it not), but that saying, "If it's too good to be true," comes to mind.
I am a stay at home mom.  It really wouldn't be worth it (for me) to find a job outside the home.  The daycare alone would take care of any pay cheque I would bring home.  I also love being home with my children and am planning on homeschooling when the time comes.  That being said, I would still like to earn just a little to help out with expenses or put it in a vacation savings or an emergency account. 
So I will continue to weed through the multitude of sites out there and hopefully make an educated decision if it seems like a good idea.  Here are a few I have been looking at:
Constant Content , suite101 , factoidz , demandstudios , brighthub.com
These are the tip of the ice berg.

Hi ho, hi ho, plotting here I go!

I recently purchased the The Marshall Plan Novel Writing Software .  It's really making me think.  The reason I wasn't really getting anywhere writing my latest book was I hadn't given enough thought to my conflict etc. 

I've gotten through the first part (the beginning of the book) making my notes and figuring out my conflict and surprises and romantic sub plot.  It has been awesome.  Hard but good.  I thought I would be able to breeze through it in an evening but this is day four and I'm still plugging away. 

When I get to writing it though it should go fast.  I'm going to have a very, very detailed outline/synopsis.

Decisions, Decisions

Holy Moley!  I've been researching different writing software lately; and there is a lot of it out there. 
I've been looking into The Marshall Plan Novel Writing Software , Power Structure, Story Weaver, Dramatica Pro and various others.  It gets a little over whelming, there are so many options. 
I want something that is easy to use pretty much from the get go.

 Mostly I just want help with the plotting aspect.  I want to make sure I have a good map before I leave on my journey.

I already use Write it Now, here's a review of the latest installment Write It Now 4 .  I really like it for keeping all my chapters notes in one place where they are easy to access.  They have a character creator that's pretty good too. 

When I started my last book I was a student with Long Ridge Writer's Group and Mary Rosenblum, my instructor was a huge help.  But now I'm flying solo and need to figure out my method. 

 I've got a pretty feel for my new work in progress; I've written chapter 1 and am pretty happy with it but I need more direction, a firmer path.  Once I get that I can get my butt in gear and get this book wrote before I lose my  spark. 

I'm really leaning towards The Marshall Plan software.  It is pricey but it's got good reviews and a 30 day money back guarantee.

I'll let you know how this goes.  When I pick the one I want I will do a review or something here.

Here I go...

I started writing my first chapter, and I'm 1255 words in.
I've spent the last couple weeks working on plotting and setting and I really was getting anxious to get started on the story. 
I've dropped the girls at my parents for the day so I'm going to get some writing done and maybe do some revisions on my finished book.

Plotting, hmmm?

Plotting. 

Now this is going to take some work.

I really do like to work from an outline of some sort; to know where I'm going.  I need a map.  I frequently take side roads but I usually come back to it at some point.

When I took my course, Shape, Write and Sell your Novel from Long Ridge Writer's Group they had me do an outline.  It was helpful, I could take a quick look and see what threads needed more attention; like more on the romance end or needing a scene about the main story goal.

"Like tapestry, every story is woven of threads that become invisible within the overall design.  By familiarizing yourself with story threads and being aware of them as you read, you can learn to weave story threads skillfully into your own novel."
-Karen S. Weisner
First Draft in 30 Days
(this is the help guide I'm using for writing my current book.  I'm trying to find my own path but it never hurts to try something different).

So what does plotting entail?
My outline will consist of the following threads:

*story goal (or theme)-the central idea of a novel

*romance thread (optional, depending on genre)-in a romance novel, the most important part of the book is the relationship between your hero and heroine.  It is a long-term thread that starts at the beginning of the story until the threads tie up at the happily-ever-after.

*subplot threads- these function as secondary plots.  They usually contrast or run parallel to the main plot.  They can also function outside the realm of the main plot, existing largely to provide a change of scene, emotion or tone.  They should work in harmony to effectively develop both character and plot.

*plot tension- is essential.  A story without plot tension leaves the reader uninvolved and unemotional.  You need to bring readers to the snapping point and only then give them what they want- temporarily.

*romantic/sexual tension (again, optional, depending on your genre)- in a romance novel romantic/sexual tension is essential.  You want to start this tension as early in the story as you can.

*release- is an easement of plot or romantic tension.  It might take the form of resolution of one aspect of the main problem.  In a romantic or sexual thread or subplot, a release could be a kiss, love making or declaration of feelings. 

*downtime- is a form of release, but it happens at a moment of incredible tension.  It should be one of the most poignant scenes in your novel.  This comes at the end of the middle section of the book, the main character may step back from the action and reflect on what happily-ever-after could have been.  For a time, the main character also may believe that the story goal is unachievable, and they may seem to give up the fight.  A bittersweet moment of some sort.

*black moment (or climax)- this occurs in the first part of the end section of the book (when tension is at its highest), it leaves reader and the character wondering whether evil will overcome good.

*resolution- comes after the climax when the story's main problems have been resolved.  This is where you would tie up any loose ends and provide a satisfying conclusion for you subplot threads.  The resolutions for the long-term thread should be relatively clean but subplot thread resolutions may not tie up so neatly.  I have to fulfill the underlying promise of a logical, acceptable conclusion, even if it isn't a happy one.

*aftereffects of resolution (optional)- may come in the form of an emotional reaction or an event that carries a story goal or subplot thread beyond its conclusion.  Very few writers include aftereffects of resolution, though they're used frequently in movies.

Go into as much detail as you can with your plot sketch, but remember that your first pass will be light on details.  It will grow more as you work with your story. 

I hope this helps you as much as it has been helping me.

Now I'm off to do some research on location and maybe find pictures of my characters. 

Next

Okay I'm pretty much done with my character sketches, there will be tweaking as I go along, I'm sure. 

I've worked on my setting sketches: figuring out where this place is, the time period, the season, and specifics about the exterior and interiors of different places my characters will be.  I've been looking at pictures on the web to see if I can find a suitable coastal mansion, that's both mysterious and beautiful.  But I've got a good enough picture in my head that I'm good to go on that front as well.

Now for the part that has been stumping me. 

My story goal or theme. 

The story goal is the central idea of a novel.  It's the catalyst of the book, the reason why the characters are there, the reason why the story evolves.  It's important that you identify the major conflict or main theme of your book before going any further. 

I did not have this.  That's why when I was trying to start the writing process of my new book I only made it about 750 words in before the writer's block hit.  I was stumped.  I had the picture of my two characters meeting and I had a general idea where I wanted to go.  I had enough to net me a short story at best.
I worked  through a good part of the puzzle last night.  I did some brainstorming.  I put some Yanni on my ipod and just started writing things down, before I knew it some of the kinks had been worked out. 
Then while I was on the treadmill running this morning ideas started running again.  So some issues I ran into last night have been worked out by my subconscious. 

Yay. 

So now I'm waiting for the peace and quiet that bedtime brings to work on it some more.  I'm actually quite excited now. 

Once I find my pics that will resemble my characters and my setting I will try to post them here as a nice visual for my WIP.

First Steps and Character Sketches

I've finished one book and I'm just giving it a little time to settle before I jump into my revisions and editing.
I'm starting up my next project and hopefully I'll give this one the attention it needs so it grows and is finished faster.
My working title for my new project is: Evangeline, the ghost and a red rose. 
I worked quite a while last night, once my girls were in bed, on my character sketches.  They are a lot longer and detailed than I thought they'd be.

I run into writer's block because my stories reach a dead end or they just fizzle out.  I am notoriously bad at endings.  When I go back and figure out my character's internal and external conflicts, the blockage mysteriously disappears.  Instead of wasting time going back, I'm going to figure out who they are before I start.

I'm on step 1: Character sketches.
I'm really trying to flesh out my characters first instead of trying to figure out who they are as I go.  I figure I'll write about them in a more comfortable way if I know them well.

Physical descriptions -character's full name, age, race, eye color, hair color, and style, build (height/weight), skin tone, and their style of dress according to the time period and season etc. 
Do they have any physical flaws, abnormalities, or disability's?  How does it affect their life and relationships? 
Do my characters have any mannerisms that make them unique? 
Does my character have a certain catch phrase they use all the time? 
Their habits can define them and make them stand out from other characters.

Personality Traits-details about the kind of person they are.  Somber, happy, no sense of humor, sensible, reckless.  Strengths and weaknesses.  Do they have any hobbies?  What do they like to eat/ watch on TV/read?  Favorite color? 
Details matter and the story will be stronger for them.

Background defines your character and makes them three-dimensional.  Tell about the parents, siblings, friends, pets, life-changing events.  Did they have a good/bad/or something in between childhood?  Where did they go to school?  Did they graduate and go to college or to work?  Were they popular or teased unmercifully?  Did they go to church?  Do they think about religion at all?  What kind of vehicle do they drive and are they speed demons or little old ladies?  Have they ever smoked, drank, done recreational drugs?  What do they consider their worst mistake and greatest accomplishment?  What are their goals and have they done anything to achieve it?  Why or why not?

Occupation: What does your character do/ or not do for a living?  How did they get there (education requirements/financial)? 

Internal Conflict: Each main character must have their own internal conflict.  Well-developed internal conflict makes characters more realistic and complex.  It makes the characters more interesting because it helps make them seem more real to the reader, they can identify with the character's internal struggle.  Don't let one of your characters be limited to being just the protector or "healer" of the another main character; it makes them flat and unbelievable.

External Conflict:  The outside or situational conflict that prevents your main character from realizing their goal.  The three best known types of conflict consist of man vs man, man in opposition to society, and man against nature.

Readers only root for characters they care about; someone they can sympathize with.

Don't forget that villains are characters too.  That's where I got stuck on one story; I didn't have a villain.

**I'm using First Draft in 30 Days by Karen S. Wiesner as my research book, so we'll see how it goes.

I have my notebook all divided into sections: Characters (main and secondary), Setting (I want to put pictures and descriptions of all the settings I'm using.  Setting is important too.)  Conflict and theme, and research notes (things to research). 
Hopefully this cuts down on the bits and pieces I always have scattered around.
                                    Another time waster.

I need to be able to find, at a glance, specifics about my characters because nothing bugs me more when I'm reading a book and something changes that shouldn't have (like eye color or the vehicle they own).

I'm Finished

I'm finished!
I actually finished something longer than a short story.
Now comes the hard, hard work, but I'm looking forward to it. 
I'm a little bit short on my word count by only 20-25,000 words.  That threw me at first.  Now I see it gives me a lot of opportunity to expand my characters and add a subplot. 

Here's to 2011!