School started again and I am once again daydreaming about publication. It happens every semester. I read about so-and-so, who dropped out of college to write such-and-such famous literary masterpiece, and I wonder if--possibly--it would be smart for me to follow in their footsteps.
I mean, I like learning, but midterms aren't exactly my cup of tea. There's the procrastinating, and the studying, and the tests. Did I mention the studying? Did you know that studying is the combination of STUDENT + DYING?
It is not a pretty sight!
On a more serious note...I've reached the 16% mark on my novel. That's right. I've been working on my novel for the entire summer, and I have only written about 11,000 words. Nothing has ever been this hard to write before.
Usually, the first 10,000 or so words come easy. Not so with this WIP. I got the first chapter or two written, and then BAM! Right out of the blue, my muse waved and said it was going on vacation to Greece. "See you soon," it said, "or possibly in about fifty years when you need a cane and have false teeth. It depends on how I like the Mediterranean."
Right now, I'm hoping it got singed in the wildfires. That would teach it...
So, just out of pure curiosity...am I alone with this trial? How long does it usually take y'all to crank out a first draft? The first 10,000 words?
--Courtney
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Striving toward literary "perfection".
At one point in his eventful life, everybody's favorite capitalist--Benjamin Franklin--developed a plan to achieve perfection. In fact, he recorded his attempt in his autobiography--delineating the process by which he chose the "virtues" that together embodied perfection, as well as the method by which he hoped to obtain perfection in each of these virtues.
Such virtues as "moderation" and "humility" were used as examples--he planned to dedicate a set amount of time to each, and at the end of the total amount of time, he was quite certain he would be the embodiment of perfection.
Now, I may be going out on a limb here, but I think that Franklin's attempts are not at all dissimilar to our own. In fact, I think they are quite comparative.
As writers, we are attempting to create a "perfect" work of literature--perfect in the sense that somewhere, somehow an agent and or major publishing house will like it enough to back it, etc. etc.
Now, barring slightly erratic behavior and the (possibly delusional) belief that complete behavioral perfection can be attained in a matter of weeks, Franklin does have a point:
As much as we'd like to believe otherwise, writing a successful novel is not subject to chance, or the visitation of muse, or winning the lottery. It just isn't. At least, not completely. A successful novel can be written using a mystical method called hard, continuous work. Rear in chair. Fingers on keyboard. Nose in craft and writing books. Day in and day out.
Now, it may not happen in a matter of weeks, but like Franklin said, working steadfastly everyday will get you there eventually. In fact, it probably won't even take a lifetime. Maybe a year, maybe two. In some cases, ten--but those generally involve thick historical novels.
That said, the occasional fishing trip to Alaska, or all expense paid vacation to Greece couldn't hurt either. Just saying.
Such virtues as "moderation" and "humility" were used as examples--he planned to dedicate a set amount of time to each, and at the end of the total amount of time, he was quite certain he would be the embodiment of perfection.
Now, I may be going out on a limb here, but I think that Franklin's attempts are not at all dissimilar to our own. In fact, I think they are quite comparative.
As writers, we are attempting to create a "perfect" work of literature--perfect in the sense that somewhere, somehow an agent and or major publishing house will like it enough to back it, etc. etc.
Now, barring slightly erratic behavior and the (possibly delusional) belief that complete behavioral perfection can be attained in a matter of weeks, Franklin does have a point:
As much as we'd like to believe otherwise, writing a successful novel is not subject to chance, or the visitation of muse, or winning the lottery. It just isn't. At least, not completely. A successful novel can be written using a mystical method called hard, continuous work. Rear in chair. Fingers on keyboard. Nose in craft and writing books. Day in and day out.
Now, it may not happen in a matter of weeks, but like Franklin said, working steadfastly everyday will get you there eventually. In fact, it probably won't even take a lifetime. Maybe a year, maybe two. In some cases, ten--but those generally involve thick historical novels.
That said, the occasional fishing trip to Alaska, or all expense paid vacation to Greece couldn't hurt either. Just saying.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
The Value of Real Life in Writing.
I once read a bumper sticker that stated
As a musician and member of a bluegrass band, I can appreciate that. I mean, it could be ideal to sell all I own and simply tour the country full time. But, without having to juggle my work schedule with the band's tour schedule, without having to work enough to pay the house payment, would the joy of being able to go out and perform, the joy of succeeding at life's juggling act, even exist?
Still, if I changed one simple word in the sentence--REAL WRITERS HAVE DAY JOBS--I get the feeling I wouldn't be as willing to accept it.
In fact, I'm fairly sure I'd struggle with it.
See, I've got this image in my head of writing as a solitary, enjoyable profession. A nice log cabin--equipped with wifi and an espresso maker--in some exotic place. Maybe Alaska--I've always wanted to visit Alaska...but I digress. In this vision, I would only have to interact with the people I allowed into my life. I would be able to work as much as I wanted on my heart-breakingly brilliant work of literary genius. I would...be living a dream.
That's just it, isn't it? That's the catch in that bumper-sticker sized bit of wisdom. In living a dream, can we be REAL musicians? REAL writers?
I've got a sneaking feeling that being forced to deal with angry customers at work, being forced to visit with perfume laden great aunts and family members who take a disturbing delight in matchmaking for the younger generations in our family, and being required to do things I would rather not forces me to be real. It forces me to react instead of dream. It forces me to see life realistically--which in turn allows me to write realistically.
It might also provide fodder for my next novel, but that is almost beside the point.
REAL MUSICIANS HAVE DAY JOBS.
As a musician and member of a bluegrass band, I can appreciate that. I mean, it could be ideal to sell all I own and simply tour the country full time. But, without having to juggle my work schedule with the band's tour schedule, without having to work enough to pay the house payment, would the joy of being able to go out and perform, the joy of succeeding at life's juggling act, even exist?
Still, if I changed one simple word in the sentence--REAL WRITERS HAVE DAY JOBS--I get the feeling I wouldn't be as willing to accept it.
In fact, I'm fairly sure I'd struggle with it.
See, I've got this image in my head of writing as a solitary, enjoyable profession. A nice log cabin--equipped with wifi and an espresso maker--in some exotic place. Maybe Alaska--I've always wanted to visit Alaska...but I digress. In this vision, I would only have to interact with the people I allowed into my life. I would be able to work as much as I wanted on my heart-breakingly brilliant work of literary genius. I would...be living a dream.
That's just it, isn't it? That's the catch in that bumper-sticker sized bit of wisdom. In living a dream, can we be REAL musicians? REAL writers?
I've got a sneaking feeling that being forced to deal with angry customers at work, being forced to visit with perfume laden great aunts and family members who take a disturbing delight in matchmaking for the younger generations in our family, and being required to do things I would rather not forces me to be real. It forces me to react instead of dream. It forces me to see life realistically--which in turn allows me to write realistically.
It might also provide fodder for my next novel, but that is almost beside the point.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
What is Plot?
Plot, as you may know, is the WHAT of the story. What happens to get characters from point A to point B? What happens to get characters from Chapter One to Chapter Two? You get the picture.
However, as stated recently over at Nathan's blog in a great guest blog by Victoria Mixon, plot is more than just a random order of events. It is neatly structured. There is a hook, a beginning, a middle, and an end--all of which should be crafted to create a logical, and hopefully extremely interesting, storyline.
So, how is this accomplished, this structuring of plot?
One technique I have recently learned about is STORYBOARDING, which involves writing out one sentence descriptions of major scenes on index cards and organizing them in the order that makes the most sense. Once this is done, it should be easier to move from major scene to major scene in a cohesive manner. In theory. Also, it should be easier to develop subsequent scenes and etc.
An example of story boarding for my WIP is something like this:
After doing this, I would typically fill in the gaps between scenes. Again, we go to the WHAT questions: What do I need to put my character through to get from storyboard one to story board two?
On another note, a technique I have used recently is the timeline. Yeah, it's exactly what it sounds like: plot all of your major scenes/events on a timeline, and similarly to a storyboard, fill in the blanks.
Make sure and stop by tomorrow from more exploration of plot!
However, as stated recently over at Nathan's blog in a great guest blog by Victoria Mixon, plot is more than just a random order of events. It is neatly structured. There is a hook, a beginning, a middle, and an end--all of which should be crafted to create a logical, and hopefully extremely interesting, storyline.
So, how is this accomplished, this structuring of plot?
One technique I have recently learned about is STORYBOARDING, which involves writing out one sentence descriptions of major scenes on index cards and organizing them in the order that makes the most sense. Once this is done, it should be easier to move from major scene to major scene in a cohesive manner. In theory. Also, it should be easier to develop subsequent scenes and etc.
An example of story boarding for my WIP is something like this:
- main character learns of murders
- main character finds latest victim's body
- main character begins investigating in the area surrounding her brother's ranch--finds an old Spanish mine
After doing this, I would typically fill in the gaps between scenes. Again, we go to the WHAT questions: What do I need to put my character through to get from storyboard one to story board two?
On another note, a technique I have used recently is the timeline. Yeah, it's exactly what it sounds like: plot all of your major scenes/events on a timeline, and similarly to a storyboard, fill in the blanks.
Make sure and stop by tomorrow from more exploration of plot!
Monday, July 13, 2009
The Plot Thickens
A recent series of guest blogs over at Agent Nathan Bransford's Blog has left me thinking about craft. Added to this initial kickstart, I've been browsing through Tony Hillerman's book TALKING MYSTERIES. The combination has resulted in something I like to call Plotting Gravy. Actually, I just made that up--and I don't like it all that much either.
All that to say, in thinking of my WIP, I've come to the understanding that the plot should be thickening at all times, kind of like a good gravy. If it isn't thickening, it just won't hold up under pressure. It will sag in the middle, it will leave you disappointed at the end.
Having come to this earth shattering conclusion, I decided I needed to do everything I could to thicken my plot in a successful manner. the logical question--at least to me--is: What can be done to create a stellar plot? How do I achieve that finely crafted story many writers dream of?
So, I've been compiling ideas and information--some original, some from published authors--about plot. Over the next few days, I will be posting on each idea I've come across, as well as different ways of applying the ideas, and pros and cons that I think are associated with the ideas.
In the mean time, I'd like to hear from y'all:
How do you go about structuring the overall plot of your books?
All that to say, in thinking of my WIP, I've come to the understanding that the plot should be thickening at all times, kind of like a good gravy. If it isn't thickening, it just won't hold up under pressure. It will sag in the middle, it will leave you disappointed at the end.
Having come to this earth shattering conclusion, I decided I needed to do everything I could to thicken my plot in a successful manner. the logical question--at least to me--is: What can be done to create a stellar plot? How do I achieve that finely crafted story many writers dream of?
So, I've been compiling ideas and information--some original, some from published authors--about plot. Over the next few days, I will be posting on each idea I've come across, as well as different ways of applying the ideas, and pros and cons that I think are associated with the ideas.
In the mean time, I'd like to hear from y'all:
How do you go about structuring the overall plot of your books?
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Villains, plotlines, and doughy apple cobbler.
And now the moment you have all been waiting for...I will reveal the secret to making a good cobbler:
BUY ONE. Or, at the very least--DO NOT SUBSTITUTE TORTILLA FLOUR FOR REAL FLOUR. EVEN IF YOU HAVE RUN OUT OF REAL FLOUR.
Anyhow, as I mentioned in my last post, my latest WIP is a mystery set in sunny, or more appropriately, windy New Mexico.
In an effort to procrastinate writing that dreaded first draft--er--productively manage my time, I began working on my "elevator pitch" while stalling--ehem--plotting my first chapter.
But seriously. I learned quite a bit from my previous wip's: I like to get a skeleton plot out as early as possible, I like to get to know my characters, I like to be mean to my characters--thereby producing conflict, and I like to do it all as efficiently as possible. I mean, first drafts already take up an exorbitant amount of time, why make matter worse?
So, while I DO know where this story is going, having recently read that writing those one sentence, vague hook things that are at once intriguing and horribly annoying can help you keep your plot in focus (When accompanied by a short description of the story that vaguely resembles a back cover description), I decided to write one.
It looks something like this:
When three teens are murdered and one disappears,a former PI must confront her past to secure her niece's future.
Or this:
When three teens are murdered and her niece disappears, a former PI must return to the life she left to save the family she loves.
Now I'm off to do some character studies on my villains. Muahahaha.
BUY ONE. Or, at the very least--DO NOT SUBSTITUTE TORTILLA FLOUR FOR REAL FLOUR. EVEN IF YOU HAVE RUN OUT OF REAL FLOUR.
Anyhow, as I mentioned in my last post, my latest WIP is a mystery set in sunny, or more appropriately, windy New Mexico.
In an effort to procrastinate writing that dreaded first draft--er--productively manage my time, I began working on my "elevator pitch" while stalling--ehem--plotting my first chapter.
But seriously. I learned quite a bit from my previous wip's: I like to get a skeleton plot out as early as possible, I like to get to know my characters, I like to be mean to my characters--thereby producing conflict, and I like to do it all as efficiently as possible. I mean, first drafts already take up an exorbitant amount of time, why make matter worse?
So, while I DO know where this story is going, having recently read that writing those one sentence, vague hook things that are at once intriguing and horribly annoying can help you keep your plot in focus (When accompanied by a short description of the story that vaguely resembles a back cover description), I decided to write one.
It looks something like this:
When three teens are murdered and one disappears,a former PI must confront her past to secure her niece's future.
Or this:
When three teens are murdered and her niece disappears, a former PI must return to the life she left to save the family she loves.
Now I'm off to do some character studies on my villains. Muahahaha.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Summer!
Wow! The time has flown since my last post. That last paper for school really loaded me down.
As of now, I am in the process of becoming a summertime bohemian. That is, I am trying really hard to do nothing except play my guitar and write books--and other such non-"productive" tasks. In fact, I'm succeeding for the most part. Except, you know, when I have to go to work...
Anyway, I have a couple of topics I want to address today: one is my current writing project, and the other--perhaps more interesting--is BLUEGRASS MUSIC.
As of last month, the HISTORICAL FICTION project I had been working on for a few years (off and on) has been retired. I made this decision for a few very good reasons.
First, I've been working on the project off and on for a period of over five years.
Second, said project was my first book ever. I learned alot, but the book itself was not strong enough to be of any use.
Third, as I mentioned under second, I learned alot--while writing. Like, how the plot I had concocted did not contain enough relevant conflict to carry an entire novel.
Fourth, I submitted the beginning of the manuscript into a competition where several editors and published authors served as judges. They confirmed my thoughts on the manuscript. Case closed.
However...I did begin plotting my next novel during my last school semester. Although I have an interest in Historical Fiction, I've been reading Mysteries since I was old enough to read.
So, I am now writing a mystery. (You know, this plain type font can't convey my excitement about this. Hold on....just a sec...)
I’m Writing a MYSTERY!!!
Ehem...more to come on that soon.
In the meantime, I'd like to announce the completion of THE FOLEY BLUEGRASS BAND's latest CD:
THE PLACE WHERE BLUEGRASS GROWS.
Click on over and check it out...I highly recommend it!
As of now, I am in the process of becoming a summertime bohemian. That is, I am trying really hard to do nothing except play my guitar and write books--and other such non-"productive" tasks. In fact, I'm succeeding for the most part. Except, you know, when I have to go to work...
Anyway, I have a couple of topics I want to address today: one is my current writing project, and the other--perhaps more interesting--is BLUEGRASS MUSIC.
As of last month, the HISTORICAL FICTION project I had been working on for a few years (off and on) has been retired. I made this decision for a few very good reasons.
First, I've been working on the project off and on for a period of over five years.
Second, said project was my first book ever. I learned alot, but the book itself was not strong enough to be of any use.
Third, as I mentioned under second, I learned alot--while writing. Like, how the plot I had concocted did not contain enough relevant conflict to carry an entire novel.
Fourth, I submitted the beginning of the manuscript into a competition where several editors and published authors served as judges. They confirmed my thoughts on the manuscript. Case closed.
However...I did begin plotting my next novel during my last school semester. Although I have an interest in Historical Fiction, I've been reading Mysteries since I was old enough to read.
So, I am now writing a mystery. (You know, this plain type font can't convey my excitement about this. Hold on....just a sec...)
I’m Writing a MYSTERY!!!
Ehem...more to come on that soon.
In the meantime, I'd like to announce the completion of THE FOLEY BLUEGRASS BAND's latest CD:
THE PLACE WHERE BLUEGRASS GROWS.
Click on over and check it out...I highly recommend it!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)