The Wulver's Stane!
I'll be discussing just what writers can learn from pirates.
See you there.
Monday, February 8, 2010
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Saturday Market Bonus
Dreams & Nightmares - a spec. fic. poetry publication. He says he publishes about 95% poetry. I have it on good authority he "likes weird stuff."
StoryTeller is nice little all genre, family publication. Only accepts snail mail submissions though.
Triangulation - This is a spec. fiction anthology with the theme of "End of the Rainbow." They leave it up to your interpretation and give you up to 5k. Deadline is Mar. 31.
StoryTeller is nice little all genre, family publication. Only accepts snail mail submissions though.
Triangulation - This is a spec. fiction anthology with the theme of "End of the Rainbow." They leave it up to your interpretation and give you up to 5k. Deadline is Mar. 31.
Friday, February 5, 2010
Inner Editors
I have a wicked inner editor named Roxy. Really, really wicked. Because of her, I write, rewrite and revise as I go along.
I've tried to ignore Roxy but it just doesn't work. On my bulletin board where I can see it whenever I sit down to write is the saying "write the first draft with the heart, the second with the head" along with "don't get it right, get it written," and several others to remind myself not to stress over getting the first draft perfect. However, it really doesn't work.
The other day, it took me three hours to get 900 words written to the point I felt they were "first draft" worthy. They still need work but at least I can move forward.
Sometimes though, I can promise Roxy that' I'll come back later and fix items. I have a "Revision Notes" document I make notes in about problems and how I might want to fix them. For example, one of my characters started out working the "night" shift but later I realized it'd be better if he worked days. So, instead of going back 20 or so pages, I made a note in my "Revisions Notes" doc and continued writing as if I'd already fixed it. Working this way is a nice compromise with Roxy.
How do you deal with your inner editor? Have you named him or her? Do you let your inner editor run loose as you write or have you worked out a compromise of some sort?
Enquiring writers wants to know.
I've tried to ignore Roxy but it just doesn't work. On my bulletin board where I can see it whenever I sit down to write is the saying "write the first draft with the heart, the second with the head" along with "don't get it right, get it written," and several others to remind myself not to stress over getting the first draft perfect. However, it really doesn't work.
The other day, it took me three hours to get 900 words written to the point I felt they were "first draft" worthy. They still need work but at least I can move forward.
Sometimes though, I can promise Roxy that' I'll come back later and fix items. I have a "Revision Notes" document I make notes in about problems and how I might want to fix them. For example, one of my characters started out working the "night" shift but later I realized it'd be better if he worked days. So, instead of going back 20 or so pages, I made a note in my "Revisions Notes" doc and continued writing as if I'd already fixed it. Working this way is a nice compromise with Roxy.
How do you deal with your inner editor? Have you named him or her? Do you let your inner editor run loose as you write or have you worked out a compromise of some sort?
Enquiring writers wants to know.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
A Friend Indeed
No one understands the thrill of an acceptance or the sting of the all too common rejection letter. Nor do they understand the sheer, bounce off the ceiling, feet doing a happy dance, joy of seeing your article or story in print. No one that is, except another writer. And this is why every writer should have a writing buddy.
A writing buddy is a wonderful thing. They lift you up when you are down and celebrate your accomplishments with you. They give encouragement when you are discouraged and a (figurative) kick in the seat of the pants when you need it. Stuck for a word…ask your writing buddy. I bet she will know just the right one. Not sure if a scene is moving the story along….send it to your writing buddy. He will tell you the truth…and maybe make some great suggestions. Need an idea…chat with your writing buddy. Amazing ideas just seem to flow when writers get together. Looking for a new market place…check with your writing buddy. She just may know the perfect place to send that story. Does your dialogue sound real? Try it out on your writing buddy. You’ll get some great feedback.
But there are no writers in my neighborhood you say? So aim for a writer across the country or maybe in completely different one. The internet is a wonderful tool for the writer. Not only can you find just about any fact or myth you want, it is a great way to meet writers from all across the world.
Writing buddies can be found in writer groups and writing based chat rooms. Author websites often have message boards and genre sites usually have chat rooms also. Please use caution and don’t give out your home address and phone numbers to strangers though.
Now, what to look for in a writing buddy? I believe a writing buddy should be someone you would be friends without the writing connection. Having writing in common is essential but it takes more than just a love of writing to form a strong bond. Make a list of some things you would like. Does it matter if male or female? What genre should she write in? If you can’t stand horror and that is what she writes, then you wouldn’t be able to fulfill the responsibility of critiquing her work. Same thing if you write romance and she abhors it. A writing buddy should also be someone who is close to, or above you in ability and writing level. A beginning writer will not be the same help and support as a published and/or experienced writer. Speaking of new and beginning writers…let me say this. We were all newbies at one time and there is nothing wrong with being a beginner. If possible, find an experienced writer who will agree to be a mentor. They have been where you are and made the same mistakes. They can help you avoid them and smooth out the rough road to success a bit. And you older, more experienced writers… find a newbie to mentor. They will be very appreciative. I have a wonderful writing mentor and will always be grateful for the things she has taught me.
When you have a possible candidate for writing buddy…don’t jump into the relationship full steam ahead. Take some time to get to know each other. First impressions aren’t always accurate. Meet in a chat room and email back and forth, give the relationship a chance to grow naturally.
Every writing buddy relationship needs ground rules. My buddy and I use Gmail chat to keep in contact along with email and a chat room. If our status is set to “Busy” we can still send a message but the “busy” individual has the option to ignore it (with no hard feelings) until later. We always give constructive critiques of each other’s work and if needed, suggestions to improve. We always remember that critiques are just an opinion and never take them personal. We respect each other, not only as writers but as individuals and don’t take advantage of our friendship. When brainstorming ideas together, we don’t get greedy and keep all the good ones to ourselves. Our ground rules are fairly simple and very flexible but they work for us. Consider what guidelines will work for you. Do you only want to contact each other at preset times? Should you check with the other before sending work for them to look over? How much time do you want to involve yourself with your buddy?
Being and having a writing buddy is a big responsibility. It requires a commitment from both individuals. Work is required to maintain the relationship but the reward is….dare I say, “priceless”.
Need a writing buddy? Check out StoryCrafters
A writing buddy is a wonderful thing. They lift you up when you are down and celebrate your accomplishments with you. They give encouragement when you are discouraged and a (figurative) kick in the seat of the pants when you need it. Stuck for a word…ask your writing buddy. I bet she will know just the right one. Not sure if a scene is moving the story along….send it to your writing buddy. He will tell you the truth…and maybe make some great suggestions. Need an idea…chat with your writing buddy. Amazing ideas just seem to flow when writers get together. Looking for a new market place…check with your writing buddy. She just may know the perfect place to send that story. Does your dialogue sound real? Try it out on your writing buddy. You’ll get some great feedback.
But there are no writers in my neighborhood you say? So aim for a writer across the country or maybe in completely different one. The internet is a wonderful tool for the writer. Not only can you find just about any fact or myth you want, it is a great way to meet writers from all across the world.
Writing buddies can be found in writer groups and writing based chat rooms. Author websites often have message boards and genre sites usually have chat rooms also. Please use caution and don’t give out your home address and phone numbers to strangers though.
Now, what to look for in a writing buddy? I believe a writing buddy should be someone you would be friends without the writing connection. Having writing in common is essential but it takes more than just a love of writing to form a strong bond. Make a list of some things you would like. Does it matter if male or female? What genre should she write in? If you can’t stand horror and that is what she writes, then you wouldn’t be able to fulfill the responsibility of critiquing her work. Same thing if you write romance and she abhors it. A writing buddy should also be someone who is close to, or above you in ability and writing level. A beginning writer will not be the same help and support as a published and/or experienced writer. Speaking of new and beginning writers…let me say this. We were all newbies at one time and there is nothing wrong with being a beginner. If possible, find an experienced writer who will agree to be a mentor. They have been where you are and made the same mistakes. They can help you avoid them and smooth out the rough road to success a bit. And you older, more experienced writers… find a newbie to mentor. They will be very appreciative. I have a wonderful writing mentor and will always be grateful for the things she has taught me.
When you have a possible candidate for writing buddy…don’t jump into the relationship full steam ahead. Take some time to get to know each other. First impressions aren’t always accurate. Meet in a chat room and email back and forth, give the relationship a chance to grow naturally.
Every writing buddy relationship needs ground rules. My buddy and I use Gmail chat to keep in contact along with email and a chat room. If our status is set to “Busy” we can still send a message but the “busy” individual has the option to ignore it (with no hard feelings) until later. We always give constructive critiques of each other’s work and if needed, suggestions to improve. We always remember that critiques are just an opinion and never take them personal. We respect each other, not only as writers but as individuals and don’t take advantage of our friendship. When brainstorming ideas together, we don’t get greedy and keep all the good ones to ourselves. Our ground rules are fairly simple and very flexible but they work for us. Consider what guidelines will work for you. Do you only want to contact each other at preset times? Should you check with the other before sending work for them to look over? How much time do you want to involve yourself with your buddy?
Being and having a writing buddy is a big responsibility. It requires a commitment from both individuals. Work is required to maintain the relationship but the reward is….dare I say, “priceless”.
Need a writing buddy? Check out StoryCrafters
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Revision...
I've been doing a lot of revision this week so here's some links to make that revision easier.
10 Helpful Editing Tips
Fiction Editing
Line Editing in 10 Easy Steps
And some inspiration to get you started... Great Books Aren't Written, They're Mutilated and Pieced Back Together in Groundbreaking Intensive Surgery
Even if you aren't revising something big, these are some nice tips that apply to short stories also.
10 Helpful Editing Tips
Fiction Editing
Line Editing in 10 Easy Steps
And some inspiration to get you started... Great Books Aren't Written, They're Mutilated and Pieced Back Together in Groundbreaking Intensive Surgery
Even if you aren't revising something big, these are some nice tips that apply to short stories also.
"Good novels are not written, they are rewritten. Great novels are diamonds mined from layered rewrites.’"
Piers Paul Read
Monday, February 1, 2010
Special Guest Post
Today we have a guest post. Hope you enjoy.
Wolf Althuis is an up and coming writer living in Southwest Idaho. His work is currently gracing the desks of editors around the nation and will soon be in print. Just ask him. Check out his blog at The Wulver's Stane.
YOU THOUGHT UP WHAT?
If you hang around a writers group long enough you’re bound to hear a million questions. One of my favorite questions to hear is this…
You thought up what?! Where did that come from?
Not only is it a good question, but it’s one I find infinitely entertaining. Otherwise I wouldn’t be a writer. So where do we get our ideas and how on earth do you take one and make it into a story?
The simple response is you ask questions. A LOT of questions.
Take for instance a common day object, lets say a pen. Why a pen? Because it was the first thing I saw when I looked away from the screen. :o) So what? A pen is boring how can this turn into a story? Lets see.
Why is this pen important? Is it a normal pen? Obviously not . Ok then what makes it special? Is it sentient? No, too many talking pens out there. Is it magic? No, again to common. Is it about to murder that lying S.O.B. of a boss? Hmmm. Sure.
Ok so now we know the story is about a boss who gets murdered. That leads to a number of question. Who is doing the killing? Apparently an underling. Or maybe the spouse of an underling, or even more disturbing perhaps the child of an underling. :o) I like it. It’s creepy and not your normal murderer. But for PC reasons lets say the child is an adult.
Alright why would an adult child want to kill his parents boss? Did the boss fire the parent? Maybe, lets keep that one on the shelf. Did the boss kill the parent? No, to expected, tit for tat and all. Did the boss seduce the parent and break up the family? No, too many broken family stories out there for my taste.
Lets go back to firing.
Why would that be grounds for murder? The child is an adult so why do they need their parents to be employed? Are they mentally challenged and cant support themselves? Maybe. Are they fully competent but can’t get a job due to the economy? I like that one. Its something everyone can relate to, especially now.
So why would a fully competent man kill his fathers boss? Perhaps he has a family of his own that won’t survive… Nah. There’s too much help to keep food on the table. Maybe his marriage is in trouble and his wife is gonna leave him if money isn’t coming in. Sure lets do that
How, if she’s like that, would the father have been giving the money to the son? Maybe the son was working for the father? Or perhaps the two were keeping up the facade that the son never lost his job and now its gonna come out? Alright.
So now we have a Man who has been forced to lie to his wife to stay together. And all the stress from being jobless, lying to the wife, and being forced to take charity from his father have just culminated in the collapsing of his act and imminent failure of his marriage. He snaps and targets the perceived cause of it all. The boss(Maybe father and son worked at the same firm?) and decides to kill the S.O.B with his own lavish fountain pen.
All from looking at a Bic pen and asking questions. Granted its not the best story seed, but it gives you an idea of where all this comes from. Just keep the idea net open and keep asking questions.
Wolf Althuis is an up and coming writer living in Southwest Idaho. His work is currently gracing the desks of editors around the nation and will soon be in print. Just ask him. Check out his blog at The Wulver's Stane.
YOU THOUGHT UP WHAT?
If you hang around a writers group long enough you’re bound to hear a million questions. One of my favorite questions to hear is this…
You thought up what?! Where did that come from?
Not only is it a good question, but it’s one I find infinitely entertaining. Otherwise I wouldn’t be a writer. So where do we get our ideas and how on earth do you take one and make it into a story?
The simple response is you ask questions. A LOT of questions.
Take for instance a common day object, lets say a pen. Why a pen? Because it was the first thing I saw when I looked away from the screen. :o) So what? A pen is boring how can this turn into a story? Lets see.
Why is this pen important? Is it a normal pen? Obviously not . Ok then what makes it special? Is it sentient? No, too many talking pens out there. Is it magic? No, again to common. Is it about to murder that lying S.O.B. of a boss? Hmmm. Sure.
Ok so now we know the story is about a boss who gets murdered. That leads to a number of question. Who is doing the killing? Apparently an underling. Or maybe the spouse of an underling, or even more disturbing perhaps the child of an underling. :o) I like it. It’s creepy and not your normal murderer. But for PC reasons lets say the child is an adult.
Alright why would an adult child want to kill his parents boss? Did the boss fire the parent? Maybe, lets keep that one on the shelf. Did the boss kill the parent? No, to expected, tit for tat and all. Did the boss seduce the parent and break up the family? No, too many broken family stories out there for my taste.
Lets go back to firing.
Why would that be grounds for murder? The child is an adult so why do they need their parents to be employed? Are they mentally challenged and cant support themselves? Maybe. Are they fully competent but can’t get a job due to the economy? I like that one. Its something everyone can relate to, especially now.
So why would a fully competent man kill his fathers boss? Perhaps he has a family of his own that won’t survive… Nah. There’s too much help to keep food on the table. Maybe his marriage is in trouble and his wife is gonna leave him if money isn’t coming in. Sure lets do that
How, if she’s like that, would the father have been giving the money to the son? Maybe the son was working for the father? Or perhaps the two were keeping up the facade that the son never lost his job and now its gonna come out? Alright.
So now we have a Man who has been forced to lie to his wife to stay together. And all the stress from being jobless, lying to the wife, and being forced to take charity from his father have just culminated in the collapsing of his act and imminent failure of his marriage. He snaps and targets the perceived cause of it all. The boss(Maybe father and son worked at the same firm?) and decides to kill the S.O.B with his own lavish fountain pen.
All from looking at a Bic pen and asking questions. Granted its not the best story seed, but it gives you an idea of where all this comes from. Just keep the idea net open and keep asking questions.
Here's to Monday...
I don't know about you, but it really helps me get more accomplished when I have some sort of plan. Whether it's a simple "to do" list or a more indepth breakdown of things to get done and deadlines, I really need something to help keep things in order.
And it just so happens that a really cool link showed up on Twitter this weekend. Finish What You Write: Show Up as Your Own Project Manager I'll be applying some of the tips from it this week.
Here's another you might be interested in. It's a Daily Journal program that's free, though they would like a donation.
Routines for Writers offers Ten Ways to Write Everyday.
And lastly, from the Irene Goodman Literary Agency, Seven Habits of Highly Effectual Authors.
So, how do you keep your writing projects organized and moving forward?
And it just so happens that a really cool link showed up on Twitter this weekend. Finish What You Write: Show Up as Your Own Project Manager I'll be applying some of the tips from it this week.
Here's another you might be interested in. It's a Daily Journal program that's free, though they would like a donation.
Routines for Writers offers Ten Ways to Write Everyday.
And lastly, from the Irene Goodman Literary Agency, Seven Habits of Highly Effectual Authors.
So, how do you keep your writing projects organized and moving forward?
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