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!"
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
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.
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.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
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.
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.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
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.
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.
Saturday, March 12, 2011
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.
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.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
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.
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.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
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.
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.
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