Organizing writing tips

The last writer’s meeting comprised of the topics of organizing our writing. This included time and the novel itself. Being we’re a talkative group, we never did cover too much in the way of organizing the story, so I felt I would post the ideas here for everyone;

• Stories start with the conflict. Throwing readers into the fray carries them along a plot of adventure and intrigue. Back story and prologues are thrown out in favor of immediate problems characters need to face. Whatever backstory will unfold through the chapters.
• Include at least two conflicts; One main conflict the character faces, but also something internal they process through the storyline. Some stories include a number of mini-quests or issues that need resolved, and not just for the main character. Even the villains may grow through the story.
• There are a number of methods used to physically order a story;
  • Chapter by chapter- this is my method that I prefer, which allows me to jot down notes and work on chapters broken up in scenes. Each MS Document is a chapter, but I have a separate document to refer to my notes. I love the Chapter-By-Chapter program (free) that does this for me.
  • Outline form- many authors use this method as well, to put down ideas then tag ideas with notes and snippets of ideas.
  • Snowflake method- much like mindmapping, you start with either the character or the conflict, and move out in branches to thicken the plot.
  • Three Act Structure- includes Beginning, Middle, and End, with the climax taking place at beginning of the End. http://www.musik-therapie.at/PederHill/Structure&Plot.htm
  • Index cards- provides a hands-on method to seeing your plot line in color coded glory. Post it notes could also work. Check out this article on this method.
• Know the parts of compelling plots. Its more than just conflict finding resolution. Its about believable characters, themes, and well written description. Its a storyline that tugs the reader along, wrapping them up in other worlds involving people and places.

Organizing time certainly brought a number of concerns from my fellow writers, being many were stay at home mothers. How does one find the time to work between feedings, cleaning, naps, and the chaos?

• Write during naps. This might take valuable resting time for you, however, so use this tip with caution.
• Write after the kids are in bed. This is my best time. No phone ringing, no one ringing the door bell, and no kids running about. The quiet of night is my realm. The drawback is often mothers are also mentally and physically exhausted.
• Write before the kids get up. I’m not a morning person, so this rarely works for me, but for others, it might. Get up an hour or even 15 minutes to snag some writing time.
• Use writing bursts. You don’t necessarily need to sit and write for an uninterrupted hour. Try writing in 10 to 15 minute bursts through the day, when the kids are distracted with toys or TV.
• Ask for help. I think this is one tip most mothers keep forgetting is at their disposal. If writing helps keep you sane, then writing is important enough to ask the spouse, a parent, a friend, etc to help out and give you a break. Your entitled to get a break, even if you’re a mother.

I hope these tips help some folks out there.

Filed under: novel, writer, writing tips , plot, tip, tips, write, writer, writing

Resolving conflicts

I’ve discovered that writing offers many lessons on handling Life. One of which is the issue of conflict. In the past, I viewed conflicts as nothing more than issues that serve to obstruct my way and make me miserable. Once I got into writing stories, however, I realized that conflicts offer a valuable learning tool. Problems help shape and strengthen a character. In turn, my conflicts serve to challenge me in real life.

This was such an eye opening for me. We can choose to be victims in life, or we can figure out a way to get out the mess. What sort of story would you have if your characters didn’t find some resolution to their conflict? You wouldn’t have a story!

Quite often, I find as well, that many conflicts are caused by something I did. For instance, reacting out of anger instead of temperance led me to anger some friends that never spoke to me again. While some problems end up being blessings, such as losing a job so you find a better job you love.

Real Life isn’t fiction, and we don’t get re-writes or editing. Everything gets written in pen, which only lends to take more care in the decisions we make. More often than not, our stories are many stories strung together, molding and shaping us into,  hopefully, better people.

What is your story about?

Filed under: novel, writing tips , tip, write, writer, writing

On writing time

Thoughts lately continue to draw towards the topic of writing time, or rather, not enough writing time. We discussed this at the last writer’s meeting, where a number of members made mention how they couldnt find the time to get thoughts to paper.  Mostly issues with small children tugging at their attention revealed itself as the main cause.

Most profound was when a male member of the group stated simply to figure out what takes precedence in your life. Naturally if writing becomes the most important, then you find the time. The other members are mothers of small children, all under the age of school.

I don’t want to sound sexist, but too often I hear mother’s who give up their hobbies and interest for the role of motherhood, and too often I hear men try to simplify the problem by brushing aside parental concerns. A mother who is exhausted by bedtime may have the time to write, but likely won’t in favor of sleep. If the child naps- again, some mothers opt to sleep as well if only to keep their sanity in dealing with the energies of the tots.

I think a mother of small ones may take on the added effort of entertaining the children enough to squeeze in her writing time- or demand her spouse give her a much needed break. Too many mothers I know do not have this option, however. The fathers are absent, or simply won’t take up the responsibility. I think therein lies the problem with the stay at home mom; the lack of support.

I have a ten year old who entertains himself very well. I homeschool, however, and this all rests on my shoulders. If he’s bored, he comes to me, not his father. If he needs fed, he comes to me, not his father. I’m fortunate that my son provides me the time to write if I want, or when I demand it, but I also recognize that his personality is laid back- not at all demanding that some kids require of their parents.

But where is the solution? Does a stay at home give up her hopes of publication in favor of her kids? Not at all. I know of one mother who writes, with headphones on, while her kids watch their favorite show. This provides the thirty to sixty minutes of writing time. Another woman I knew years ago pushed off the role of motherhood to her sister she was raising to watch her toddler as she retreated under sound-dampening headphones.3

For some writers, they need to juggle time increments to reach wordcount goals. They write in bursts or snatch a half hour here or there, or save up their writing time for Sundays only. Its whatever works for you. You may need to trial and error until you find what works best.

I think women also need to make more demands on friends and family to reach their goals, to recognize that writing is a valued interest, possibly income worthy, and necessary to a woman’s sanity. With that in mind, ask others’ to help with babysitting.

A few other tips:

Multitask! Keep a notepad with pen/pencil and write while in the waiting room, or waiting to pick up kids, or at the kitchen table waiting for something to boil.

Record your novel. Keep a tape recorder and speak your story out rather than write it out. then dictate later. My cell phone even has a voice recorder built in.

Filed under: writing tips , tips, writer, writing

Writing through your fears.

One of the causes of writer’s block pertains to the internal editor every writer carries within themselves. Its that voice of doubt and constant correction to write correctly, keep the story going, and questioning the quality of an author’s output.

The writer’s group I’ve started for critique and feedback doubles as a support group. I’m often surprised to find I’m not the only one who questions their writing, worries senselessly if I’ll ever make something of myself, and am I writing properly.

Shutting up that inner editor can be tough.

Try freewriting. This method insists you write, without stopping and ignoring all protocols to grammar and punctuation, by the use of a timer. Once the timer starts, you write without pause about anything that comes to mind.  Ten to fifteen minutes can do wonders by breaking through the barriers of self doubt, but also enabling the writer to ‘warm up’ their muse. A number of my group’s members voiced how freewriting improves their writing considerably.

Recognize that no matter how good you think your manuscript might be, writing requires editing. The first writing attempt is always the draft copy. That being said, let the creative process flow by simply writing out the story to get it to paper (or file). You’ll fix the problems later with re-writes.

Include affirmations in your rituals. Before starting to write, make statements that are positive and affirming of your goals. These can include meeting challenges of word counts or finishing a chapter. Telling your inner editor to shut up also helps.

I’ve discovered through my experiences of 2009 that fear is part of being human. You won’t get rid of it. You must be able to work through your fears. “Fear is not the lack of courage, but being afraid and facing those fears anyway”

Filed under: writer, writing tips , editing, editor, write, writer's group, writing

Blog tips

I’ve been obsessively reading craft blogs lately to fulfill my new addiction of making things handmade. This means perusing through a number of blogs, and I find myself too often hitting against a few peeves that hinder my reading enjoyment.

Don’t archive blog posts by date. I do not care in the slightest when or even how often you write your blog. When I enter a site- whether its a regular web site or a blog- I want to get to where I want to go quickly.  I want to find things by tags, keywords, or by category so I can get the information I want without having to sludge through useless entries that I have no interest in.

Do add tags/keywords to every post, and post the tag cloud or category list so visitors can easily navigate where they want to go.

Stick to the subject of your blog. If I’m reading for certain topics like recipes or crafts, I’m not really intersted in your personal life. On the other hand, if your blog is about homeschooling (of which I am one), then adding amusing stories of coping with day to day strategies might be entertaining.

Stick to the subject of your blog entry. I was surprised to find a number of blogs where entries meandered through several topics. This left me wondering why not break the blog up into shorter, more concise subjects, rather than force feed readers information they don’t want to read.

Develop the blog to lure in subscribers. If I feel a site offers more than just the one interesting blog entry, I will subscribe to a reader so I can get updates automatically. Make your site a resource, filled with useful, easy-to-navigate information.

Write like you’re my buddy. I prefer blogs that hold a personal touch, with a hint of humor and wonder. I don’t expect a blogger to be perfect. I expect them to be much like myself, sharing what they know, or sharing their experiences as they see it.

Recognize that the audience of the Internet differs from magazines, newspapers, or book readers. Your audience is fast paced, fickle, and not willing to stay to figure out your site when there are literally thousands of other sites to choose from.

Update regularly. Yes, I know I fall short in that regard. I’d rather write nothing than offer something uninspired. One 2010 resolution is to update regularly. I haven’t decided how regularly, but you should be seeing more tips on a weekly basis, at least.

Consider your blog, always, a work in progress, and a tool to reach readers from all over the world.

Filed under: blog, writing tips , blog, tips, writer, writing

Publishing blogs with Amazon.com and Kindle

I found the other week that Amazon.com now offers bloggers a means in which to get paid subscribers available only with Kindle. I already have the means to offer free subscription via email or RSS feed, but this concept of the e-reader being able to download my blog entries intrigued me. It doesn’t cost anything so I figured ‘what the heck?’ and published this blog there.

I found its still in the wobbly legs of a newborn idea, being in ‘beta’ and rife with a few bloggers not really happy with the service. I hope they add the requests for improvements, but I feel the concept is sound.

For those unfamiliar with this technology known as e-readers, they include the gadget that allows users to download books and feeds to a thin tablet where they can then read with a large 6″ screen. Its only 1/3 of an inch thin, includes 3G wireless, global coverage, holds up to 15,000 books, a built in PDF reader, and includes a handy read-t0-me function for readers who prefer to listen to the words rather than read. You can sync the Kindle with IPhones, PC, Mac, and Blackberry. Prices for the two models available range between $259-$489.

I, personally, find the cost a bit rich for my budget, but for others I can see the appeal.

Even with that realization of paid subscribers, I realize I often become remiss of my current RSS subscribers and vow to write on a more regular, and frequent, basis.

On a side note-

The other day I also Stumbled one of the blog entries to StumbleUpon and got over 4,000 hits. I am both shocked and awed at the power of the web! I also ask you, dear readers, that if you enjoy this blog, please let others know. I appreciate the networking, and as always, the comments left for me.

Filed under: blog, publishing , blog, kindle, marketing, publish, published, publishing, write, writer, writing

Writing deadlines- tips and tricks

If anything the National Novel Writing Month taught me was the value of deadlines. So many writers I know promise themselves they will finish their books soon, get that article completed and then submitted, or edit their manuscripts in a time frame that never arrives.

I think it helps to understand that publishing a novel takes time in the form of rewrites, editing, more rewrites, and then the arduous process of submission and rejection. Such endeavors can take months if not years.

One tip that I’ve tucked away that bolsters my want to see my words in print is this; The novel needs to be written to be published. Oh yeah, sure, such a tip seems pretty self evident doesn’t it? But how often to meet the writer who has a number of manuscripts ‘in the works’ and none of which get done? How about the writer who spends years on one story, never quite polishing the plot enough to submit it somewhere?

I must admit, I’m one of those people. I’m published online and even got paid for it. A novel though? Nope, not yet. It will happen this coming year. <shakes fist to the sky>

What are your deadlines you’ve set for yourself?

Filed under: publishing, writer, writing tips , author, publish, published, publishing, write, writer, writing

A blog slacker

As much as I want to write more and update frequently, lately I’ve dealt with the complications that writer’s block- or rather blogger’s block- hands out from time to time. This extends to even leaving comments on blogs. I sit, staring at the tiny space allotted for my comment, and I can’t think of anything eloquent to say.

A well placed comment offers a blogger the impetus to write more, or can spark controversy. A well placed comment provides tremendous power over a writer.

For others who comment on your blog, its a good idea to leave a comment if only to let them know you’re aware of them and appreciate the input. Even with that, I’m left devoid of the proper words. Anything I type feels disjointed and just awkward.

One of my New Year’s Resolutions is to focus more attention to this blog, while pulling back or even deleting others. After all, the online journals that have only a few readers takes time from my other projects. I need to put the prod in productivity.

Another quest for the year ahead is finding willpower. Its unfortunate willpower doesn’t come in pill form, but hopefully I’ll find the means to cultivate that in my life.

Its my hope to muster up some energy to keep up with finishing projects and getting out there to be published.

Filed under: blog , author, blog, write, writer, writing

Goals and Deadlines

With the New Year 2010 around the corner, this is the time to contemplate what you hope to attain with your writing. Setting goals, even small ones, can help pull you along your writing journey.

For the writer who strives to publish, this means to start thinking like a writer. Don’t write like its only a hobby; write like its your job. Set aside blocks of time to pour yourself into your manuscript, even if this means you need to budget the time for it. Make writing a priority.

No matter where you are in the book writing process, set and change goals that work best for you. If this means writing at night- write at night. If writing in 10-30 minute blocks of time, do what it takes. If you have to wear a favorite shirt or hat, do that too. Set goals and do them.

Finish the manuscript. If you’re starting out on the road to publishing a book, you should have a finished manuscript to submit. Once published, often times an author can submit a first chapter or a story synopsis before finishing any more work. Until then, finish the book first to get published.

Edit and edit again until its ready to publish. Editing is the painful part of writing; to decide what stays, what changes, and what needs to go.

Write your synopsis. cover letter, and query letter. A synopsis is a one to five page summary of your manuscript. A cover letter includes a brief, concise  summary of your book to an agent or publishing company. The query letter entices and markets the book’s concept to the agent or publishing company. The query letter resembles the same Voice and style of the book, leaving the agent wanting more.

Find an agent. You can submit your work to a publishing company directly, but an agent helps you get read. Here is a good article on the subject of agents at the SFWA (Science Fiction Writers of America) says on the matter of agents.

Get published. Once accepted, you will need to understand your copyrights,

Write your next book. Just because you publish your work doesn’t mean you sit back and enjoy the money rolling in. Writers write, often and frequently, producing book after book (or articles, short stories, etc).

Filed under: author, publishing, writer, writing tips , author, publish, publishing, tips, writer, writing

The NaNoNOT

I must say this year’s National Novel Writing Month simply didn’t spark enough interest in writing. I started off really bad with being undecided on which book to pour my energies into, only to go with my original idea. I then found day after day, the grueling chore of writing sucked the wind out of my sails.

I homeschool my nine year old son. The last time I endured the NaNoWriMo, he was in public school, enabling me hours upon hours to tap away at the keyboard. Now I have the in-and-out distraction of my son as he’s home, plus hours and hours of teaching him myself. After 4-6 hours of homeschool, I’m anywhere near in a writing mood.

So I guess this year I don’t win. With my choice in writing project, I wouldn’t win the little graphic or certificate anyway, but to look at the positive side of this month, I still managed to write more than I would’ve written without the NaNoWriMo.

With a week left, I could scramble and crank out the 35,000 words needed- its not too late- but I realized last week I’m in dire need of a vacation. I need time off of writing, homeschool, and everything else that’s not related to fun and celebrating.

Who knows? I might catch a writing bug and finish, but for now, I’m content with enjoying this week with my family- stuffing myself on turkey, planning my son’s birthday this weekend, and enjoying the season.

Filed under: nanowrimo , nanowrimo, write, writer, writing