My last thought before I sat down at the computer - fresh coffee in hand (no, in cup, actually) - arrived in sort of a bubble of giddiness: “Do you know how much I LOVE writing?” (Don't ask me whom I was thinking it to. [g])
It's one of a few select creative activities that I can totally immerse myself in: writing and painting (quasi-artistic, not house) foremost among them. I guess it's about making something from nothing. I bet God enjoys His work, likewise.
I can write and fiddle with my writing for hours on end, days on end, even, barely coming up for air or sustenance or human contact, though my family doesn't let me get away with it for long.
On one hand, this is a wondrous, transported state of being. I create; I am my creations – in the sense of experiencing all that they do, vicariously – and I love the work involved in trying to perfect the creation.
On the other hand, it works really well as a way to escape tending to the laundry, dishes, paperwork and other such less pleasant responsibilities demanded of someone running a household, which can create discontent within the family/community.
Why does there always have to be a price? Polarity? Consequences? Struggle?
Questions for the Ages, I suppose. But I'll continue to take it as it comes and deal with creating balance as I need to.
Because, seriously, do you know how much I LOVE writing? [S]
*****************
Tracking...
A little more fiddling with the current scene, prep for posting in exercises.
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
Weird Helps
I was reading over the current POV exercise at the forum and thinking I might participate this time. So I took a chunk out of a scene I'm working on, and pasted it into a new document to get it ready for the exercise.
Interesting thing happened. (Well, interesting to *me*, anyway.) I re-read that chunk before I started marking it up to post - and quite easily saw how to fix some clunky phrasings and sentence order problems. Interesting, because I didn't see how to fix them when they were sitting in the original document attached to the other 14,500 words.
So what was that weird mojo? Just that little bit of "white space"? Making an island of those words so that I *couldn't* write anything after or before, thus, not getting distracted by what I wanted to write next? I don't know, but whatever it was, it seems to have made the problems and their solutions pop right out at me. I liked that!
I think I'll file this under "Editing Tips".
*******************************
Tracking...
Got a little more done on the same scene today.
The rest, same as it ever was...for the last few days, anyway. [g]
.
Interesting thing happened. (Well, interesting to *me*, anyway.) I re-read that chunk before I started marking it up to post - and quite easily saw how to fix some clunky phrasings and sentence order problems. Interesting, because I didn't see how to fix them when they were sitting in the original document attached to the other 14,500 words.
So what was that weird mojo? Just that little bit of "white space"? Making an island of those words so that I *couldn't* write anything after or before, thus, not getting distracted by what I wanted to write next? I don't know, but whatever it was, it seems to have made the problems and their solutions pop right out at me. I liked that!
I think I'll file this under "Editing Tips".
*******************************
Tracking...
Got a little more done on the same scene today.
The rest, same as it ever was...for the last few days, anyway. [g]
.
Just Tracking Today
TRACKING...
Yesterday's Big Accomplishment:
Continued writing the scene where Kailia sets off on her own again.
Today's Target:
Continue writing scene (above).
Update reverse-outline. (Didn't get to that yet.)
On the Percolator:
Need to read MARU through from beginning so as not to lose the reins on the timetable before I go any further.
Also need to read through the western and start figuring out how to fill in the holes.
Yesterday's Big Accomplishment:
Continued writing the scene where Kailia sets off on her own again.
Today's Target:
Continue writing scene (above).
Update reverse-outline. (Didn't get to that yet.)
On the Percolator:
Need to read MARU through from beginning so as not to lose the reins on the timetable before I go any further.
Also need to read through the western and start figuring out how to fill in the holes.
Monday, November 20, 2006
Tracking
I get to go into work late tomorrow so I'm up late writing tonight. But not for much longer.
Not much of a post today, except to say that I'm grateful that the words are flowing again. Maybe not great words, but since SFD is what I'm after, they'll do. :)
TTFN!
**************************************
TRACKING...
Yesterday's Big Accomplishment:
Re-established my accountability log (tracking).
Began writing the scene where Kailia sets off on her own again.
Today's Target:
Continue writing scene (above).
Update reverse-outline. (Didn't get to that yet.)
On the Percolator:
Need to read MARU through from beginning so as not to lose the reins on the timetable before I go any further.
Also need to read through the western and start figuring out how to fill in the holes.
Not much of a post today, except to say that I'm grateful that the words are flowing again. Maybe not great words, but since SFD is what I'm after, they'll do. :)
TTFN!
**************************************
TRACKING...
Yesterday's Big Accomplishment:
Re-established my accountability log (tracking).
Began writing the scene where Kailia sets off on her own again.
Today's Target:
Continue writing scene (above).
Update reverse-outline. (Didn't get to that yet.)
On the Percolator:
Need to read MARU through from beginning so as not to lose the reins on the timetable before I go any further.
Also need to read through the western and start figuring out how to fill in the holes.
Sunday, November 19, 2006
Getting Real, Getting Faces, Getting Going
I haven't written much in the last four days due to a boatload of migraines (gone now, thank God!).
Today, I split off my "story bible" from the mondo story file. It was getting too unwieldy. So now my total word count for the story is more accurate. I have about 1300 words in the bible, so those are now subtracted from my progress meter. This fantasy novel really needs one (a bible, that is) - foreign words and places and all are going to require an appendix, too, so, lots of material for a bible.
I did, though, finish something that's fun and kind of important to my forward progress. I've found "faces" for all my MCs (and some needed child and adult faces; Kailia needed three: child, adult, old).
This may seem strange, but I am very visual, and need photos to help me "see" my characters. What I do, after creating the characters and getting to know them, is to do web searches for actors/models/regular-people headshots. When I find one that really strikes me as "Character X", I copy and paste it into my story bible.
Sometimes, having the face even helps me flesh out the characters. Brakkus, for example, even as a child, has a section of hair two-inches wide that's white as snow. And there's a story behind that that I didn't know before I found his picture. [g]
Question: Anybody else do this picture thing, or am I the only weirdo?
Question: Do you use a "bible"? If so, what goes in yours? Enquiring minds want to know. [s]
I'm having a good month, compared to last, with over 2,000 additional words so far, so I want to keep the momentum going and aim for at least 5,000 by the end of the month. (I have some time off next week). I can tell since I haven't been doing my little TRACKING thingo at the end of my posts, that I have let myself slack quite a bit more, so I'm going to re-institute that starting today.
**************************************
TRACKING...
Yesterday's Big Accomplishment:
Discovered how and why Kailia is going to leave Falcon's place alone.
Today's Target:
Write the scene (above).
Update reverse-outline. (Don't worry, I know what I mean, and that's what's important. [g])
On the Percolator:
Need to read MARU through from beginning so as not to lose the reins on the timetable before I go any further.
Also need to read through the western and start figuring out how to fill in the holes.
Today, I split off my "story bible" from the mondo story file. It was getting too unwieldy. So now my total word count for the story is more accurate. I have about 1300 words in the bible, so those are now subtracted from my progress meter. This fantasy novel really needs one (a bible, that is) - foreign words and places and all are going to require an appendix, too, so, lots of material for a bible.
I did, though, finish something that's fun and kind of important to my forward progress. I've found "faces" for all my MCs (and some needed child and adult faces; Kailia needed three: child, adult, old).
This may seem strange, but I am very visual, and need photos to help me "see" my characters. What I do, after creating the characters and getting to know them, is to do web searches for actors/models/regular-people headshots. When I find one that really strikes me as "Character X", I copy and paste it into my story bible.
Sometimes, having the face even helps me flesh out the characters. Brakkus, for example, even as a child, has a section of hair two-inches wide that's white as snow. And there's a story behind that that I didn't know before I found his picture. [g]
Question: Anybody else do this picture thing, or am I the only weirdo?
Question: Do you use a "bible"? If so, what goes in yours? Enquiring minds want to know. [s]
I'm having a good month, compared to last, with over 2,000 additional words so far, so I want to keep the momentum going and aim for at least 5,000 by the end of the month. (I have some time off next week). I can tell since I haven't been doing my little TRACKING thingo at the end of my posts, that I have let myself slack quite a bit more, so I'm going to re-institute that starting today.
**************************************
TRACKING...
Yesterday's Big Accomplishment:
Discovered how and why Kailia is going to leave Falcon's place alone.
Today's Target:
Write the scene (above).
Update reverse-outline. (Don't worry, I know what I mean, and that's what's important. [g])
On the Percolator:
Need to read MARU through from beginning so as not to lose the reins on the timetable before I go any further.
Also need to read through the western and start figuring out how to fill in the holes.
Monday, November 06, 2006
If You Write It They Will Come...
Sometimes, writing really is just about taking that leap of faith that something will come of it if you just start. You may have to crash your way through paragraphs or pages of detritus to get to the core, the heart of what you're going for, but you will get there if you keep at it. (And remind me to re-read this next time I get stuck, k?)
After a lot of procrastinating, I finally opened up MARU yesterday evening -- with an attitude. In order to get myself out of my low word production slump, I decided to ignore everything but the last line of the furthest chapter and just step off from there (no matter what I stepped in). So I did. I wrote a pretty horrid couple of paragraphs, concluding with the following: [boy, does this suck]
That wasn't part of the storyline, just my commentary on what I'd typed. Looking at it again today...yeah. It really does suck. [g] But that's what rewrites are for. Anyway, the good thing is, a viable character was born in those crappy paragraphs.
I met the fourth and final member of the Maru. His name is Sebastion. Here's how it happened:
I asked myself, "So why is it bugging Kailia so much that they have to go back to Falcon's place?"
And I answered: "Well, the obvious reason is that it's in the opposite direction of her destination. And too, she envisions Bad Things happening with Grayce and Falcon under the same roof with her. But the further problem is that...they're...going to be late...they're going to...miss a rendezvous...with...Sebastion!"
So, there he was. After that sentence, I wrote: [WTF - Who is Sebastion???]
And I learned he is a bad-ass who wants no truck with any do-gooders. But they have to have his help.
Don't you just love complications? [eg]
After a lot of procrastinating, I finally opened up MARU yesterday evening -- with an attitude. In order to get myself out of my low word production slump, I decided to ignore everything but the last line of the furthest chapter and just step off from there (no matter what I stepped in). So I did. I wrote a pretty horrid couple of paragraphs, concluding with the following: [boy, does this suck]
That wasn't part of the storyline, just my commentary on what I'd typed. Looking at it again today...yeah. It really does suck. [g] But that's what rewrites are for. Anyway, the good thing is, a viable character was born in those crappy paragraphs.
I met the fourth and final member of the Maru. His name is Sebastion. Here's how it happened:
I asked myself, "So why is it bugging Kailia so much that they have to go back to Falcon's place?"
And I answered: "Well, the obvious reason is that it's in the opposite direction of her destination. And too, she envisions Bad Things happening with Grayce and Falcon under the same roof with her. But the further problem is that...they're...going to be late...they're going to...miss a rendezvous...with...Sebastion!"
So, there he was. After that sentence, I wrote: [WTF - Who is Sebastion???]
And I learned he is a bad-ass who wants no truck with any do-gooders. But they have to have his help.
Don't you just love complications? [eg]
Saturday, November 04, 2006
I Think I Can, I Think I Can...
So, October rather fell apart as far as writing goes. I don't think I topped 1000 words for the month. (OTOH, it's 1000 more than I wrote last October.)
So, on to November! I set a goal of 500 measly words a week. If I can't do *that* something is seriously wrong and I shall have to have a severe talk with myself, in addition to letting everyone call me a wannabee.
In the writing I did manage last month, one unexpected thing happened. Well, two things.
1) Jerlann became Jerlanna. Whoopdeedoo! But, the reason she got a mini-name change, is because 2) she is going to become more involved in the story and needs a nickname and I didn't want it to be Lann or Ann. Lanna seems nicer. If I am right, she's going to become one of the Maru. (And here I thought she was just going to be a bratty little sister we'd see the last of in chapter one.)
UNLESS...this is just one of those wild hares the Muse throws out across your path to see if you'll run after it...while she sits back and laughs and calls out, "Just kidding!"
We shall see...
So, on to November! I set a goal of 500 measly words a week. If I can't do *that* something is seriously wrong and I shall have to have a severe talk with myself, in addition to letting everyone call me a wannabee.
In the writing I did manage last month, one unexpected thing happened. Well, two things.
1) Jerlann became Jerlanna. Whoopdeedoo! But, the reason she got a mini-name change, is because 2) she is going to become more involved in the story and needs a nickname and I didn't want it to be Lann or Ann. Lanna seems nicer. If I am right, she's going to become one of the Maru. (And here I thought she was just going to be a bratty little sister we'd see the last of in chapter one.)
UNLESS...this is just one of those wild hares the Muse throws out across your path to see if you'll run after it...while she sits back and laughs and calls out, "Just kidding!"
We shall see...
Saturday, October 28, 2006
Silliness - A Valuable Commodity
Okay, I totally ripped this off from (the brilliant, witty, and wise) Jo's post in Gonkland, but I feel it's so important to share the absurdly silly, that if you missed it, you should have another crack at it... Visit Elastic Enthusiastic when you have a moment or five. [g]
Now, as for me, speaking of silly, I told a co-worker yesterday that I would write five pages this weekend. Yikes. I better get cracking, cause so far, I've added about, oh, mebbe 400 words? Yeah. Lots to do, says the Procrastination Queen. (What was I thinking!?)
TTFN!
Now, as for me, speaking of silly, I told a co-worker yesterday that I would write five pages this weekend. Yikes. I better get cracking, cause so far, I've added about, oh, mebbe 400 words? Yeah. Lots to do, says the Procrastination Queen. (What was I thinking!?)
TTFN!
Saturday, October 21, 2006
How to Start a Fight, or, The Death of Manners
This is going to sound a little personal - and it is - but real life is full of writing lessons. This one is: Reflect on real-life experiences to make your writing stronger and more real.
There are a few topics that were once considered taboo in polite dinner conversation; among them, Religion and Politics. I wish they still were. By everyone, but especially by my extended family.
Not recently, but in the not too distant past, our extended family (DH's side) was dining out together at a fine-dining restaurant - a rare occasion - and the talk turned to politics. DH and I are of a political persuasion at odds with the rest of the family's, so my immediate hope was that DH would not take the bait and respond to 'the other side's' provocative remark. Silly me, I should have known better.
I tried, truly I did, to say nothing, and to encourage DH likewise. But this family is one of strong wills and stronger opinions (however misguided {g}), and they are not inclined to keep their opinions to themselves. If necessary, they gang up on the person(s) they perceive as "wrong" and, as a last ditch effort, revert to the "loudest opinion wins" philosophy. It seemed they felt it necessary that day (DH provided a good argument for 'our side'). Well, the ganging up ensued, but thank God, it didn't get loud.
I tried to deflect the topic to safer ground (and failed) and in the interest of not causing a public row, just made "the face" at DH to let them rant and rave as there is no point trying to make them "think" about what they are spouting. From that point, I simply kept my mouth shut and said nothing to any of them. I started talking to DH quite deliberately about some topic altogether different. I got some looks from the others sitting nearby, but gradually, they got the hint and that topic of discussion died.
By that time, I felt as if we had been personally attacked and I was thoroughly pissed off with the whole bunch of them. I was prepared to get up and leave and they could all f* off and die, for all I cared. Bearing in mind that most of the time they are wonderful, loving people whom I love. But apparently, politics turns them into mindless, ravening beasts. (Maybe it's just a wee bit of a hot button for DH and me as well. {g})
In any case, I stuffed my rage, got indigestion and a headache, and had a thoroughly rotten evening. DH and I left first after dessert was finished and spoke about cutting ties with them all on the way home. We decided, nah, we're all just pissed off and caught up in the emotions provoked by having our strong beliefs attacked. So we got over it.
Now, the moral of this little story, writers, is that it doesn't take all that much to start a war. Strong emotions, strong beliefs, an unwillingness to settle, and an incautious tongue are four volatile ingredients that can explode into unintended consequences.
It just so happens that DH and I care enough about maintaining family ties to have not acted on our initial impulses. Remember that, the next time you (or your characters) sit down to dinner, particularly if it's with someone you love less than you love your family. Use the What If... technique with your characters. What if they all thought they were sitting down to an innocuous social dinner and Someone said something extremely inflammatory, not knowing that Someone Else had Serious Reason to Object, and ... well, you know what to do. ;)
There are a few topics that were once considered taboo in polite dinner conversation; among them, Religion and Politics. I wish they still were. By everyone, but especially by my extended family.
Not recently, but in the not too distant past, our extended family (DH's side) was dining out together at a fine-dining restaurant - a rare occasion - and the talk turned to politics. DH and I are of a political persuasion at odds with the rest of the family's, so my immediate hope was that DH would not take the bait and respond to 'the other side's' provocative remark. Silly me, I should have known better.
I tried, truly I did, to say nothing, and to encourage DH likewise. But this family is one of strong wills and stronger opinions (however misguided {g}), and they are not inclined to keep their opinions to themselves. If necessary, they gang up on the person(s) they perceive as "wrong" and, as a last ditch effort, revert to the "loudest opinion wins" philosophy. It seemed they felt it necessary that day (DH provided a good argument for 'our side'). Well, the ganging up ensued, but thank God, it didn't get loud.
I tried to deflect the topic to safer ground (and failed) and in the interest of not causing a public row, just made "the face" at DH to let them rant and rave as there is no point trying to make them "think" about what they are spouting. From that point, I simply kept my mouth shut and said nothing to any of them. I started talking to DH quite deliberately about some topic altogether different. I got some looks from the others sitting nearby, but gradually, they got the hint and that topic of discussion died.
By that time, I felt as if we had been personally attacked and I was thoroughly pissed off with the whole bunch of them. I was prepared to get up and leave and they could all f* off and die, for all I cared. Bearing in mind that most of the time they are wonderful, loving people whom I love. But apparently, politics turns them into mindless, ravening beasts. (Maybe it's just a wee bit of a hot button for DH and me as well. {g})
In any case, I stuffed my rage, got indigestion and a headache, and had a thoroughly rotten evening. DH and I left first after dessert was finished and spoke about cutting ties with them all on the way home. We decided, nah, we're all just pissed off and caught up in the emotions provoked by having our strong beliefs attacked. So we got over it.
Now, the moral of this little story, writers, is that it doesn't take all that much to start a war. Strong emotions, strong beliefs, an unwillingness to settle, and an incautious tongue are four volatile ingredients that can explode into unintended consequences.
It just so happens that DH and I care enough about maintaining family ties to have not acted on our initial impulses. Remember that, the next time you (or your characters) sit down to dinner, particularly if it's with someone you love less than you love your family. Use the What If... technique with your characters. What if they all thought they were sitting down to an innocuous social dinner and Someone said something extremely inflammatory, not knowing that Someone Else had Serious Reason to Object, and ... well, you know what to do. ;)
Saturday, October 14, 2006
Pocket Full O' Goodies
* Today was a good day. I consolidated all of my MARU (fantasy novel) files into one, did a bit of rewriting on Chapter One, and did an actual word count, rather than the guesstimate I had on my word-o-meter previously. I had almost twice as many words as I thought (including today's work). :)
* Check out Flogging The Quill for some useful tidbits, if you haven't already. One of the recent posts there will be a bit of deja vu for Books & Writers forumites - about what should be on the first page of your novel. But there are lots of other goodies, too. Among them a reminder about using the Bookmarks feature in word processing software. (I use MS Word and Open Office and both have the feature.) Very, very useful! Especially since I am condensing my "million files" method into one big file per MSS.
* Another happy little find today was iFinger 2.1 with a very handy dictionary that parks on your browser and WP title bar. (You can get the Mirriam-Webster free, or a limited-time trial version of one of the OEDs. I got both and they work together.) I got it from Download.com.
Okay, that's it for me today. Happy writing, writers!
* Check out Flogging The Quill for some useful tidbits, if you haven't already. One of the recent posts there will be a bit of deja vu for Books & Writers forumites - about what should be on the first page of your novel. But there are lots of other goodies, too. Among them a reminder about using the Bookmarks feature in word processing software. (I use MS Word and Open Office and both have the feature.) Very, very useful! Especially since I am condensing my "million files" method into one big file per MSS.
* Another happy little find today was iFinger 2.1 with a very handy dictionary that parks on your browser and WP title bar. (You can get the Mirriam-Webster free, or a limited-time trial version of one of the OEDs. I got both and they work together.) I got it from Download.com.
Okay, that's it for me today. Happy writing, writers!
Friday, October 13, 2006
Dream on, Mrs. Mitty
Doesn't pay to think, some days.
Just fifteen minutes ago, I was thinking how very nice it was that DH and DS were really understanding my need for quiet writing time, and leaving me to it, and picking up the slack I was creating in household chores.
Well, pop that dream bubble. {g} Two minutes ago, just as I started warming up to some rewriting in the fantasy novel, DH comes in and says, “I need your help.”
Ah, well. It's nice to be needed, too. {s}
Just fifteen minutes ago, I was thinking how very nice it was that DH and DS were really understanding my need for quiet writing time, and leaving me to it, and picking up the slack I was creating in household chores.
Well, pop that dream bubble. {g} Two minutes ago, just as I started warming up to some rewriting in the fantasy novel, DH comes in and says, “I need your help.”
Ah, well. It's nice to be needed, too. {s}
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
Brain Drain
I think the heading about says it all.
I've spent the last three evenings printing out what seems like thousands but is actually only a few dozen files that comprise my western/romantic-suspense story. The files are in varying sizes, ranging from 1/3 to 73 pages.
I can definitely say I have the major bones of a first draft here (SFD for sure, but still...) I have a few blank spots in the storyline that need to be filled before the official pasting-together phase begins though. What I did tonight was to sort the chunks into where (Act I, Act II, or Act III) they will fall in the story, and where within the Acts. And then I listed them in a spreadsheet in that order. Finally, some organization on paper! {g}
Also, I sorted all my non-story material, separating "research" from "craft" from "characterization" from "story bible" from "outline" (of which, somehow, I wound up with four). I do outline entries after I write the scene, not before. Little backward, yep, that's me. {g}
Anyway, my brain is in sleep mode now, so I'm to bed.
I've spent the last three evenings printing out what seems like thousands but is actually only a few dozen files that comprise my western/romantic-suspense story. The files are in varying sizes, ranging from 1/3 to 73 pages.
I can definitely say I have the major bones of a first draft here (SFD for sure, but still...) I have a few blank spots in the storyline that need to be filled before the official pasting-together phase begins though. What I did tonight was to sort the chunks into where (Act I, Act II, or Act III) they will fall in the story, and where within the Acts. And then I listed them in a spreadsheet in that order. Finally, some organization on paper! {g}
Also, I sorted all my non-story material, separating "research" from "craft" from "characterization" from "story bible" from "outline" (of which, somehow, I wound up with four). I do outline entries after I write the scene, not before. Little backward, yep, that's me. {g}
Anyway, my brain is in sleep mode now, so I'm to bed.
Sunday, October 08, 2006
Inciting Incidents
I love those words: Inciting Incident.
They even sound important and suspense-filled and exciting, don't they? I almost hear the dum-de-dum-dum of the Dragnet theme when I read those words... (Okay, so I'm weird; what's new?) {g}
What is it that starts the conflagration that your story is about to become?
In my 1860s western/romantic-suspense, the Inciting Incident is when two strange men, individually, arrive in a small town right around the time that one of the townswomen disappears. (Unbeknownst to the townsfolk, one is a serial killer, the other, the undercover agent on his trail.)
In my fantasy, the Inciting Incident is the finding of an ancient scroll by a teenage boy who is destined for Big Things, though he doesn't know it.
What are your inciting incidents?
* * *
TRACKING...
Yesterday's Big Accomplishment:
Bought a laser printer so I can print out the files for the western. Yay!
(Wound up with an energy-sipping HP 1022n xi).
Today's Target:
Get the western printed out & start finding holes and patching.
Continue work on recasting conversation with Brakkus and Sareen.
Update Blogs.
On the Percolator:
Nothing much percolating today.
They even sound important and suspense-filled and exciting, don't they? I almost hear the dum-de-dum-dum of the Dragnet theme when I read those words... (Okay, so I'm weird; what's new?) {g}
What is it that starts the conflagration that your story is about to become?
In my 1860s western/romantic-suspense, the Inciting Incident is when two strange men, individually, arrive in a small town right around the time that one of the townswomen disappears. (Unbeknownst to the townsfolk, one is a serial killer, the other, the undercover agent on his trail.)
In my fantasy, the Inciting Incident is the finding of an ancient scroll by a teenage boy who is destined for Big Things, though he doesn't know it.
What are your inciting incidents?
* * *
TRACKING...
Yesterday's Big Accomplishment:
Bought a laser printer so I can print out the files for the western. Yay!
(Wound up with an energy-sipping HP 1022n xi).
Today's Target:
Get the western printed out & start finding holes and patching.
Continue work on recasting conversation with Brakkus and Sareen.
Update Blogs.
On the Percolator:
Nothing much percolating today.
Monday, October 02, 2006
As the saying goes...
Don't like the weather? Wait five minutes.
That's what they say about Michigan, and in this case, "they" are right. After the beautiful day yesterday, the thunderstorms started last night.
Then quit. Then started again. Then quit again. Then started again and again, and again! I've lost track of how many times. The kids at school were somewhere on the spectrum between giddy and hysterical when the big booms and flashes hit. {g} It's been quite a day and we even had a lovely sunset between downpours.
I made a movie today at work. A very *small* movie - about three minutes. I shot the video, did a few edits, added a few stills, effects and some music, and voila! It was of our principal doing a Mr. Rogers-style promo for an upcoming band concert. I think that was the most fun I've had at work in...ever. We now have a fairly good set of bloopers for the next staff social event, too. I was almost in tears laughing over some of the first few takes, and I blew the next one by not being able to stop laughing at the previous attempt. Thank goodness my boss is a good sport! {g}
Writing has been interesting for me as I get back at it this time. I am being much more demanding of myself as to *how* I go about writing this fantasy novel. I think the reason is that it's going to be a complex production with threads and timelines that will require a lot of weaving.
Also, one of the MCs will be in third person, and one in first. (I didn't decide that part; they did.) I don't want the story to get hopelessly tangled before it even gets well underway, so I'm going slow and steady and (mostly) linearly. And crossing my fingers.
I want to live up to the good story idea and not screw it up. {g}
If you are a writer, too, do you ever get this sense of intimidation from your work?
* * *
TRACKING...
Yesterday's Big Accomplishment:
Decided how to approach the rest of the conversation between Brakkus & Sareen (since I was stumbling over it) - made a list of 'talking points' to work from.
Today's Target:
Continue work on recasting conversation (above).
Update Blogs.
Make a decision about a laser printer.
On the Percolator:
What happens at Falcon's place in Maru?
That's what they say about Michigan, and in this case, "they" are right. After the beautiful day yesterday, the thunderstorms started last night.
Then quit. Then started again. Then quit again. Then started again and again, and again! I've lost track of how many times. The kids at school were somewhere on the spectrum between giddy and hysterical when the big booms and flashes hit. {g} It's been quite a day and we even had a lovely sunset between downpours.
I made a movie today at work. A very *small* movie - about three minutes. I shot the video, did a few edits, added a few stills, effects and some music, and voila! It was of our principal doing a Mr. Rogers-style promo for an upcoming band concert. I think that was the most fun I've had at work in...ever. We now have a fairly good set of bloopers for the next staff social event, too. I was almost in tears laughing over some of the first few takes, and I blew the next one by not being able to stop laughing at the previous attempt. Thank goodness my boss is a good sport! {g}
Writing has been interesting for me as I get back at it this time. I am being much more demanding of myself as to *how* I go about writing this fantasy novel. I think the reason is that it's going to be a complex production with threads and timelines that will require a lot of weaving.
Also, one of the MCs will be in third person, and one in first. (I didn't decide that part; they did.) I don't want the story to get hopelessly tangled before it even gets well underway, so I'm going slow and steady and (mostly) linearly. And crossing my fingers.
I want to live up to the good story idea and not screw it up. {g}
If you are a writer, too, do you ever get this sense of intimidation from your work?
* * *
TRACKING...
Yesterday's Big Accomplishment:
Decided how to approach the rest of the conversation between Brakkus & Sareen (since I was stumbling over it) - made a list of 'talking points' to work from.
Today's Target:
Continue work on recasting conversation (above).
Update Blogs.
Make a decision about a laser printer.
On the Percolator:
What happens at Falcon's place in Maru?
Sunday, October 01, 2006
Wow. It’s October already!
Today, a friend and I hopped in her car and went for a day-trip. We drove a couple of hours to an Ikea store and met my daughter and son-in-law for lunch. And shopped, of course. What a great way to spend a day! Not that I’m typically a shopper – far from it! – but spending time with some of my favorite people and gallivanting across the countryside are always a pleasure for me.
It was a gorgeous fall day in Michigan – the kind we really treasure. I’m a visual person, and a day like this is almost an overdose of visual stimuli for me (but in a good way). {g}
We enjoyed robin’s-egg blue skies, fluffy puffs of plump white clouds, trees dressed in autumn finery of crimson and green, orange and brown. Verdant meadows were dotted with clumps of shrubs and wildflowers – purple clusters and yellow. Golden fields of crops on the wane painted hills and valleys. Kettles of hawks circled high above the trees, soaring on updrafts. Their solitary cohort sat atop the highest branch of a naked tree, keeping watch.
I was so busy soaking in the splendor that I didn’t even take any pictures*.
(And in case you’re interested, since Vicki drove, not me, I just ignored all the cars and buildings. Sometimes, deliberately, we see what we want to see… {g})
# # #
* I've gotten the urge to take pictures again, so here are a few recent ones. I thought they might be useful when I go to write description – they are pretty, natural scenes. I’ve particularly focused on a meadow overgrown with some gold flowering plant (goldenrod maybe?? I know not!) as it began to turn colors. It’s a spot I drive past on my way to and from work.
Click any photo to enlarge the view.
Field of Gold in September
(day one of four)
A Good Hiding Spot for Little Birds
(day one of four)
A Little Spot of Color
(day one of four)
For those of y'all who don't get much snow, that little color-tipped metal pole sticking up behind the fire hydrant is the tip-off for snowplow drivers not to get too close. Guess they figger we're going to have a light year, else they'd have those ten-footers out. ;)
Sunflower Patch
(day one of four)
The A.M. Commute
A lucky shot, using digital camera without looking to see what I was shooting. (Kids, don't try this at home.)
Field of Gold in the Rain
(day 2 of 4)
Field of Gold in September
(day 3 of 4)
Field of Gold in September
(day 4 of 4)
The Hand of God
Fingers of cloud with rays of sunlight streaking out between them.
The Sentinel
***
TRACKING...
Yesterday's Big Accomplishment:
Began recasting Brakkus & Sareen’s conversation in real time, per crit feedback. Found numerous substitues for “scroll” and plugged them in to chapter one. {g}
Also fixed (again!) the freaking cable internet connection.
Today's Target:
Continue work on recasting conversation (above).
Update Blogs.
Make a decision about a laser printer.
On the Percolator:
What happens at Falcon's place in Maru?
It was a gorgeous fall day in Michigan – the kind we really treasure. I’m a visual person, and a day like this is almost an overdose of visual stimuli for me (but in a good way). {g}
We enjoyed robin’s-egg blue skies, fluffy puffs of plump white clouds, trees dressed in autumn finery of crimson and green, orange and brown. Verdant meadows were dotted with clumps of shrubs and wildflowers – purple clusters and yellow. Golden fields of crops on the wane painted hills and valleys. Kettles of hawks circled high above the trees, soaring on updrafts. Their solitary cohort sat atop the highest branch of a naked tree, keeping watch.
I was so busy soaking in the splendor that I didn’t even take any pictures*.
(And in case you’re interested, since Vicki drove, not me, I just ignored all the cars and buildings. Sometimes, deliberately, we see what we want to see… {g})
# # #
* I've gotten the urge to take pictures again, so here are a few recent ones. I thought they might be useful when I go to write description – they are pretty, natural scenes. I’ve particularly focused on a meadow overgrown with some gold flowering plant (goldenrod maybe?? I know not!) as it began to turn colors. It’s a spot I drive past on my way to and from work.
Click any photo to enlarge the view.
Field of Gold in September
(day one of four)
A Good Hiding Spot for Little Birds
(day one of four)
A Little Spot of Color
(day one of four)
For those of y'all who don't get much snow, that little color-tipped metal pole sticking up behind the fire hydrant is the tip-off for snowplow drivers not to get too close. Guess they figger we're going to have a light year, else they'd have those ten-footers out. ;)
Sunflower Patch
(day one of four)
The A.M. Commute
A lucky shot, using digital camera without looking to see what I was shooting. (Kids, don't try this at home.)
Field of Gold in the Rain
(day 2 of 4)
Field of Gold in September
(day 3 of 4)
Field of Gold in September
(day 4 of 4)
The Hand of God
Fingers of cloud with rays of sunlight streaking out between them.
The Sentinel
***
TRACKING...
Yesterday's Big Accomplishment:
Began recasting Brakkus & Sareen’s conversation in real time, per crit feedback. Found numerous substitues for “scroll” and plugged them in to chapter one. {g}
Also fixed (again!) the freaking cable internet connection.
Today's Target:
Continue work on recasting conversation (above).
Update Blogs.
Make a decision about a laser printer.
On the Percolator:
What happens at Falcon's place in Maru?
Sunday, September 24, 2006
Absentee Landlord Syndrome
That's what I feel like: an absentee landlord. I mean, why stake out a place for myself here and then neglect it?
Oh, yes, I remember. I had to go back to w*rk.
It's okay. In fact, it's really good this year. Makes a world of difference that I don't have the dreaded lunchroom monitor duty I had last year, and that I actually got some time before students came in to do some planning! What a concept!
My writing (other than the blog) also went by the wayside for these past few weeks while I adapted to my new schedule. I sort of knew that was going to happen; though I didn't really want to let it, I allowed it. But, bzzzzzt! Time's up. Slacking's over. Adjustment's made and writing is back on the agenda.
So, I'm off to take a last glance at my first five pages of the fantasy before I upload for critque. Wish me luck...I'll need it. [g]
***
TRACKING...
Yesterday's Big Accomplishment:
Caught up on Books & Writers forum and started crits. [g]
Today's Target:
Fix the *!@* internet/router problem.
U/l pages to forum for critique.
Continue work on Chapter Two of TBOTM (fantasy novel).
On the Percolator:
What happens at Falcon's place in TBOTM?
Oh, yes, I remember. I had to go back to w*rk.
It's okay. In fact, it's really good this year. Makes a world of difference that I don't have the dreaded lunchroom monitor duty I had last year, and that I actually got some time before students came in to do some planning! What a concept!
My writing (other than the blog) also went by the wayside for these past few weeks while I adapted to my new schedule. I sort of knew that was going to happen; though I didn't really want to let it, I allowed it. But, bzzzzzt! Time's up. Slacking's over. Adjustment's made and writing is back on the agenda.
So, I'm off to take a last glance at my first five pages of the fantasy before I upload for critque. Wish me luck...I'll need it. [g]
***
TRACKING...
Yesterday's Big Accomplishment:
Caught up on Books & Writers forum and started crits. [g]
Today's Target:
Fix the *!@* internet/router problem.
U/l pages to forum for critique.
Continue work on Chapter Two of TBOTM (fantasy novel).
On the Percolator:
What happens at Falcon's place in TBOTM?
Sunday, August 27, 2006
The Two Faces of Mrs. Mitty
Boo-hoo!
Yippee!
I go back to work tomorrow.
Sad because my annual "time to write as much as I like" is over.
Happy because my annual "season of poverty" is ending. [g]
I'm happy to make the trade-off of money for time, although I'd be even happier if somebody would pay me to stay home and work on my novels and short stories all summer (or all year, for that matter!). Do feel free to let me know if you should hear of anyone with the wherewithal and inclination to do such a thing! (Yeahright.)
I started another blog the other day ('cause, you know... anything to avoid doing some of those unpleasant tasks like filing, cleaning the garage, etc.). This new one - called Technically Speaking - is mainly for the benefit of people I work with at school; perhaps they can pick up some technical knowledge through osmosis. I don't have a plan for it other than to talk about technology and software and such, so we'll see how it goes.
Okay, it's been a long day and I think I'm blathering now, so I will close with a Nighty-Nite!
Yippee!
I go back to work tomorrow.
Sad because my annual "time to write as much as I like" is over.
Happy because my annual "season of poverty" is ending. [g]
I'm happy to make the trade-off of money for time, although I'd be even happier if somebody would pay me to stay home and work on my novels and short stories all summer (or all year, for that matter!). Do feel free to let me know if you should hear of anyone with the wherewithal and inclination to do such a thing! (Yeahright.)
I started another blog the other day ('cause, you know... anything to avoid doing some of those unpleasant tasks like filing, cleaning the garage, etc.). This new one - called Technically Speaking - is mainly for the benefit of people I work with at school; perhaps they can pick up some technical knowledge through osmosis. I don't have a plan for it other than to talk about technology and software and such, so we'll see how it goes.
Okay, it's been a long day and I think I'm blathering now, so I will close with a Nighty-Nite!
Friday, August 25, 2006
Two Sides of the Coin
I’m having trouble with a short story I’ve written. It seems to be a trend with my short stories: I don’t like how they turn out. Probably explains why I write so few of them.
The first short story I wrote (as an adult) was for a Creative Writing class, and with the pressure on to do something “different”, I came up with exploring the idea of infidelity on the part of a neglected wife. (Not autobiographical, happily.) I thought that, even if it had been done, at least the wife as the guilty party was a little different. And the husband ‘saying’ he was forgiving, but not actually forgiving her afterward… Well, see, it just wasn’t any fun.
I didn’t like the story. I didn’t like the characters, though I made them at least a little sympathetic. I really didn’t like their behaviors – any of them – and I wanted to throw it away and start a new story before I even finished. I told my instructor how I felt and he said, “Finish it.” I was truly annoyed. I understood why he wanted me to finish it, and he was right to make me – I can admit now - but I hated the whole story. So I gave it one of those ‘left-up-to-the-reader’ endings that he taught us about. Ha. Showed him. ;)
So now, ancient history aside, after having not written any short stories in about ten years, I have written two of them. The one I’m having trouble with currently has a sappy, sugary-sweet ending, and that’s not what I’m after at all. I want it to be a happy ending, but not like that! It’s supposed to be kind of mystical and mysterious and leave the reader with something akin to a gentle case of goosebumps, or a glowy warm feeling – not a toothache.
Gosh I love/hate writing. I’ve always loved it…just never saw the other side of the coin before now! The feeling of knowing exactly what I want to come out, but not being able to grasp the exact right way to shape it to make it happen is driving me bonkers!
Perhaps the Magic Drawer will help. We shall see!
Now, onto the other short story…so far so good…editing in progress. Cross your fingers for me! [g]
The first short story I wrote (as an adult) was for a Creative Writing class, and with the pressure on to do something “different”, I came up with exploring the idea of infidelity on the part of a neglected wife. (Not autobiographical, happily.) I thought that, even if it had been done, at least the wife as the guilty party was a little different. And the husband ‘saying’ he was forgiving, but not actually forgiving her afterward… Well, see, it just wasn’t any fun.
I didn’t like the story. I didn’t like the characters, though I made them at least a little sympathetic. I really didn’t like their behaviors – any of them – and I wanted to throw it away and start a new story before I even finished. I told my instructor how I felt and he said, “Finish it.” I was truly annoyed. I understood why he wanted me to finish it, and he was right to make me – I can admit now - but I hated the whole story. So I gave it one of those ‘left-up-to-the-reader’ endings that he taught us about. Ha. Showed him. ;)
So now, ancient history aside, after having not written any short stories in about ten years, I have written two of them. The one I’m having trouble with currently has a sappy, sugary-sweet ending, and that’s not what I’m after at all. I want it to be a happy ending, but not like that! It’s supposed to be kind of mystical and mysterious and leave the reader with something akin to a gentle case of goosebumps, or a glowy warm feeling – not a toothache.
Gosh I love/hate writing. I’ve always loved it…just never saw the other side of the coin before now! The feeling of knowing exactly what I want to come out, but not being able to grasp the exact right way to shape it to make it happen is driving me bonkers!
Perhaps the Magic Drawer will help. We shall see!
Now, onto the other short story…so far so good…editing in progress. Cross your fingers for me! [g]
Thursday, August 10, 2006
Inspiration In The Arena
I don't want to say much about my wonderful family here (especially without their permission), but I can't share this entry without mentioning my only brother. He's a world-champion pool player and a craftsman of fabulous, gorgeous, custom cues. The road to success in his chosen endeavors has been fraught with ups and downs all along the way, just like it is for writers and, frankly, anyone with a dream and a goal.
He once shared with me something that kept him encouraged when things were not going so well. It's one of the most inspiring pieces I've ever read and in case you've never seen it, I wanted to share. In case you have, read it again. It's worth it.
The words are an excerpt from one of Theodore Roosevelt's speeches CITIZENSHIP IN A REPUBLIC (the entirety of which is also worth reading). This segment is commonly known as 'The Man in the Arena'.
"It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat."
-- Theodore Roosevelt
CITIZENSHIP IN A REPUBLIC,
'Man In The Arena'
April 23, 1910
He once shared with me something that kept him encouraged when things were not going so well. It's one of the most inspiring pieces I've ever read and in case you've never seen it, I wanted to share. In case you have, read it again. It's worth it.
The words are an excerpt from one of Theodore Roosevelt's speeches CITIZENSHIP IN A REPUBLIC (the entirety of which is also worth reading). This segment is commonly known as 'The Man in the Arena'.
"It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat."
-- Theodore Roosevelt
CITIZENSHIP IN A REPUBLIC,
'Man In The Arena'
April 23, 1910
Sunday, August 06, 2006
On My Diminutive Pony: A Rant In Two Parts
Part One: Climbing upon my diminutive pony here, so as not to insult the air in the stratosphere where the high and mighty reign, so clearly superior, over my head and the heads of my cohorts: my fellow (as yet) unpublished novelists. (And, speaking for myself, at least, I am not, thank you very much, a “wannabee writer”. I abhor that term. I write; therefore, I am a writer.)
It seems that many of us deluded fools believe wrongly, that there is some point and purpose to our writing. We should know better. We could never be good enough. There are already fine, erudite, and sophisticated authors aplenty, and we are fouling their turf and besmirching the name of “writer” and should cease and desist at once.
Harrumph!! Ptooie! I spit on that!
Can you tell I have recently read two articles wherein published authors of some renown, have blown hard over their own self-proclaimed superiority? And not only that, but made a strong point that so many people out there ‘trying’ are just a huge waste of time and effort. Grrrr. That kind of self-righteous pomposity sickens me.
Part Two: Get thee a life!
If you have nothing better to do with the one you have now than to cut people down and discourage them in their chosen endeavors, it’s time to get yourself a new life.
Look around you. See how imperfect everyone else is?
Good, that was the easy part.
Now, look in the mirror. Guess what! You’re not perfect either. Get over yourself, already.
Look outside of yourself and see what you can see. Look for a way to make the world just a tiny bit better, a tiny bit nicer.
Then do it.
And if you should happen to encounter someone in one of life’s small pools of happiness, fulfillment and contentment, for God’s sake, LET THEM WALLOW IN IT!
Thank you very much for reading. Ranting complete.
Have a shiny day. ;)
PS: These rants are for persons who shall remain unnamed. I do not know them personally, in the case of Part One, but I think we all know people for whom Part Two was written. Negatrons. Pessimists. And fun-spoilers of all stripes. (Of course, if you are reading my blog, I am certain this rant has nothing whatever to do with you. [g])
It seems that many of us deluded fools believe wrongly, that there is some point and purpose to our writing. We should know better. We could never be good enough. There are already fine, erudite, and sophisticated authors aplenty, and we are fouling their turf and besmirching the name of “writer” and should cease and desist at once.
Harrumph!! Ptooie! I spit on that!
Can you tell I have recently read two articles wherein published authors of some renown, have blown hard over their own self-proclaimed superiority? And not only that, but made a strong point that so many people out there ‘trying’ are just a huge waste of time and effort. Grrrr. That kind of self-righteous pomposity sickens me.
Part Two: Get thee a life!
If you have nothing better to do with the one you have now than to cut people down and discourage them in their chosen endeavors, it’s time to get yourself a new life.
Look around you. See how imperfect everyone else is?
Good, that was the easy part.
Now, look in the mirror. Guess what! You’re not perfect either. Get over yourself, already.
Look outside of yourself and see what you can see. Look for a way to make the world just a tiny bit better, a tiny bit nicer.
Then do it.
And if you should happen to encounter someone in one of life’s small pools of happiness, fulfillment and contentment, for God’s sake, LET THEM WALLOW IN IT!
Thank you very much for reading. Ranting complete.
Have a shiny day. ;)
PS: These rants are for persons who shall remain unnamed. I do not know them personally, in the case of Part One, but I think we all know people for whom Part Two was written. Negatrons. Pessimists. And fun-spoilers of all stripes. (Of course, if you are reading my blog, I am certain this rant has nothing whatever to do with you. [g])
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