Or in a writer's case...where the fingers meet the keys.
I've been plotting, character journaling, and outlining my latest WIP.
It's going great.
My petulant character I ranted about here finally opened up a little and shared with me what his thought processes were.
However, it's been about a month since I started organizing and outlining this work in progress, and I finally feel as though it's time to start writing.
How do we know when that time comes?
When is it time to get down 'n dirty?
1. When things are making sense
I've been trying to organize this book for a long time, but now, after much agonizing and fretting with my Critique Partner and with God I feel as though I know where this thing should go. I've got the jist of the thing.
2. When you feel the need to just WRITE!
Okay, let's face it. We're writers. We've got to do it or things just aren't right. I've noticed a significant difference in the way I feel and react to my family and friends when I AM writing and when I'm NOT writing. It's night and day. So when we feel the itch, it's nothing to write a few chapters even if we're going to scrap them later. Just write!
3. When you're at that deadline.
As an aspiring author, I have to set my own goals and deadlines. I don't have an agent tapping his/her foot and rolling eyes at me (this in no way reflects how I feel about agents. I know they are here to do what's best for us and our work). Our goals in reality are probably cake compared to an agent's requests. But in order to get anything done in the unpubbed world, we HAVE TO SET GOALS. Otherwise, we'll be floating for a long, long time. It's healthy to have goals. It keeps us moving. (okay, rant over.) Make them attainable, but make them to push yourself.
4. When you feel led by God
I've been waiting for God to come and lead me through my characters when I character journal with them. I've asked Him to lead me when I'm just opening my notebook to show me what He would have me write, and He does! I know without a doubt that this is God's story. It's a worship time, and we're connected. (See one of my post about this here) So it's obvious He's going to give us a prompt in the right direction.
Take those prompts and follow Him. He's got a plan for all things. That includes our future, and that includes our work.
These are the four factors that have finally pushed me to the point of action.
Question: What are your "go ahead" signals? How do you know when it's right to write?
Showing posts with label Writing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Writing. Show all posts
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Joy vs Happiness
I was listening to Jill Briscoe, an Ah-HA!-MAAAAZING teacher and speaker.
If you've never heard her, you NEED to!
Telling the Truth is her family's ministry.
She is the person that prayed and spoke at the Just Give Me Jesus! event.
She was talking about joy vs. happines.
Happiness is fleeting.
Happiness you find in finishing a task; from the rain and a good cup'a joe; from a silly movie you've been dying to see, but joy...
Joy is much different.
I learned WHY I feel so wonderful when I write.
Why I feel as though it's what I'm called to do.
Becuase it brings me joy.
And it makes me happy but the point is:
Her definition of joy is when God smiles.
When I'm writing and we're communing, THAT is making God smile.
Therefore, THAT brings me joy.
We are made to bring praise to God.
When we do what we are meant to do, it brings God joy...for me, that's writing.
I can feel Him smile over me. When I ask Him to come with me and work through me, that gives God joy.
What about you?
What do you do that gives God joy?
Find Jill Brisco's work here and here.
The two on Spirit Life for 9/14/2010 and 9/13/2010 are what you're looking for, although every one of them packs a power punch of love and learning.
If you've never heard her, you NEED to!
Telling the Truth is her family's ministry.
She is the person that prayed and spoke at the Just Give Me Jesus! event.
She was talking about joy vs. happines.
Happiness is fleeting.
Happiness you find in finishing a task; from the rain and a good cup'a joe; from a silly movie you've been dying to see, but joy...
Joy is much different.
I learned WHY I feel so wonderful when I write.
Why I feel as though it's what I'm called to do.
Becuase it brings me joy.
And it makes me happy but the point is:
Her definition of joy is when God smiles.
When I'm writing and we're communing, THAT is making God smile.
Therefore, THAT brings me joy.
We are made to bring praise to God.
When we do what we are meant to do, it brings God joy...for me, that's writing.
I can feel Him smile over me. When I ask Him to come with me and work through me, that gives God joy.
What about you?
What do you do that gives God joy?
Find Jill Brisco's work here and here.
The two on Spirit Life for 9/14/2010 and 9/13/2010 are what you're looking for, although every one of them packs a power punch of love and learning.
Thursday, September 9, 2010
My Petulant Character...The Man
It has been suggested that I try character journaling.
I ask my characters a question and answer it in first person, their pov.
I LOVE it.
Getting to know our characters takes time and patience.
At the moment, my main man :) is being a little petulant in my opinion.
He's not really telling me what is going on in his head.
I've prayed that the Lord be by my side and point out how to iron out their personalities, inconsistencies, goals and such, and we've come a long way, but this guy...I don't know what to do with him.
He's a man of power who's cheated on my MC...HOW does a guy think, first of all, and second, how does a guy like THAT think?
It's all sort of comical, really.
I'm sitting in my chair, blanket covering me, pen and paper in hand, question laid before me:
Q: What made you do it? Why did you cheat?
A:
Still blank.
Ha.
Funny. I know exactly how I would portray him, given the reins on this beast! I'd make him a JERK!
But it doesn't seem to work out like that. The answer line is stiiiiiiiill blank. God's holding my pen when I get angry at this fictional man.
Did he want attention he wasn't getting from his busy wife? And his new blonde secretary in his outter office enticing him, her soft blone hair curling just under her strong, stubborn jaw line; her painfully vast, knowing hazel eyes; she sees through him. She knows how he feels. She's seen his shaking hands as he reaches for the daily reports. She's witnessed him on the phone glance her way as her hazels drag his attention away from Madame President.
But did he JUST want attention?
What did he want?
What do you think?
What does this jerk want? lol, I'm good a'mind just to make him hated.
But, he can't be hated. My MC still loves him, finds Christ and loves him even more although she's hurt, and yes, they get back together -sorry, but this won't be out soon, and by the time you actually read it, you'll have completely forgotten about his post-I'm not spoiling =D
She loves him, the reader has to love him....but if he starts out so...hated, even by me, how in the WORLD will I get him back into our good graces again?
How do you deal with stubborn-willed, unrelenting characters?
How do YOU break through that wall they build so high?
I ask my characters a question and answer it in first person, their pov.
I LOVE it.
Getting to know our characters takes time and patience.
At the moment, my main man :) is being a little petulant in my opinion.
He's not really telling me what is going on in his head.
I've prayed that the Lord be by my side and point out how to iron out their personalities, inconsistencies, goals and such, and we've come a long way, but this guy...I don't know what to do with him.
He's a man of power who's cheated on my MC...HOW does a guy think, first of all, and second, how does a guy like THAT think?
It's all sort of comical, really.
I'm sitting in my chair, blanket covering me, pen and paper in hand, question laid before me:
Q: What made you do it? Why did you cheat?
A:
Still blank.
Ha.
Funny. I know exactly how I would portray him, given the reins on this beast! I'd make him a JERK!
But it doesn't seem to work out like that. The answer line is stiiiiiiiill blank. God's holding my pen when I get angry at this fictional man.
Did he want attention he wasn't getting from his busy wife? And his new blonde secretary in his outter office enticing him, her soft blone hair curling just under her strong, stubborn jaw line; her painfully vast, knowing hazel eyes; she sees through him. She knows how he feels. She's seen his shaking hands as he reaches for the daily reports. She's witnessed him on the phone glance her way as her hazels drag his attention away from Madame President.
But did he JUST want attention?
What did he want?
What do you think?
What does this jerk want? lol, I'm good a'mind just to make him hated.
But, he can't be hated. My MC still loves him, finds Christ and loves him even more although she's hurt, and yes, they get back together -sorry, but this won't be out soon, and by the time you actually read it, you'll have completely forgotten about his post-I'm not spoiling =D
She loves him, the reader has to love him....but if he starts out so...hated, even by me, how in the WORLD will I get him back into our good graces again?
How do you deal with stubborn-willed, unrelenting characters?
How do YOU break through that wall they build so high?
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
A Time of Silence
I've read several good posts today about the waiting and listening process we writers must encounter in order to have conflicts solved, spend time with our Savior and learn about ourselves.
I have lately been writing in the early hours of the day.
Well, this week, we're doing VBS from 6-9pm. which means we get back to our house at about 10pm. No baths for the kids or nighttime routines have been done by 10 PM!!!!
Yesterday morning, I prayed as usual to receive guidance from God on what to write and where to take my story, but when I sat down to the computer, half-blank screen staring at me, blinking cursor mocking me, I just sat there, and did nothing.
I had 30 minutes alone in front of that computer, and nothing came out. I just stared at it, unable to do anything, blank. Nothing. Zilch, Nada.
I could have been frustrated, but instead, I picked up my VBS book and studied my lesson.
I'm co-teaching the youth this year, which is where my heart is, but I don't usually teach, I'm not comfortable teaching that age group. I suppose I'm used to teaching 3yr olds, and 3yr olds are so animated when they listen to stories, youth just kinda...stare at you.
However, despite recent crappy teaching sessions, where the only thing anyone ever learned was that I'm a terrible youth teacher, I taught a class yesterday...and LOVED it!
I was more animated with them, and held onto my thoughts, kept pushing toward the mark, and I know yesterday morning when I couldn't write a sinlge word on that computer, God was beckoning me toward that lesson.
The extra time I had preparing for it, and preparing MYSELF for it by focusing and BEING with God is what focused me on LETTING God teach that lesson through me.
I believe I'm entering a time of silence in my writing, at least for this week while VBS insues. After this, I look forward to spending that 5am hour on writing...and I know God's gonna give it to me, cause when He wasn't there, N-O-T-H-I-N-G.
This time of Him not breathing through me shows me that He's really there when something is left on the screen after 60 minutes pass.
Please pray for our VBS this week, and pray that through us someone will see Christ.
What are your prayer requests for this week?
I have lately been writing in the early hours of the day.
Well, this week, we're doing VBS from 6-9pm. which means we get back to our house at about 10pm. No baths for the kids or nighttime routines have been done by 10 PM!!!!
Yesterday morning, I prayed as usual to receive guidance from God on what to write and where to take my story, but when I sat down to the computer, half-blank screen staring at me, blinking cursor mocking me, I just sat there, and did nothing.
I had 30 minutes alone in front of that computer, and nothing came out. I just stared at it, unable to do anything, blank. Nothing. Zilch, Nada.
I could have been frustrated, but instead, I picked up my VBS book and studied my lesson.
I'm co-teaching the youth this year, which is where my heart is, but I don't usually teach, I'm not comfortable teaching that age group. I suppose I'm used to teaching 3yr olds, and 3yr olds are so animated when they listen to stories, youth just kinda...stare at you.
However, despite recent crappy teaching sessions, where the only thing anyone ever learned was that I'm a terrible youth teacher, I taught a class yesterday...and LOVED it!
I was more animated with them, and held onto my thoughts, kept pushing toward the mark, and I know yesterday morning when I couldn't write a sinlge word on that computer, God was beckoning me toward that lesson.
The extra time I had preparing for it, and preparing MYSELF for it by focusing and BEING with God is what focused me on LETTING God teach that lesson through me.
I believe I'm entering a time of silence in my writing, at least for this week while VBS insues. After this, I look forward to spending that 5am hour on writing...and I know God's gonna give it to me, cause when He wasn't there, N-O-T-H-I-N-G.
This time of Him not breathing through me shows me that He's really there when something is left on the screen after 60 minutes pass.
Please pray for our VBS this week, and pray that through us someone will see Christ.
What are your prayer requests for this week?
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Foreknowing
We all love our characters.
We wouldn't write about them if we didn't.
I love the one I'm working with now.
But I just recieved confirmation from God on how this little short speck of life will go that I'm capturing on the page.
It hurts me worse knowing what's to come.
It hurts knowing what the readers will have to feel as they read her story, cause they're going to feel exactly what I felt today as I cried, shaking my head, not wanting to do it (God will lead me).
And when they cry, so will I.
Now, stop for a moment.
Immerse yourself in your current issue right now.
God feels the same way about YOU! God feels the same way about you!
He's been there. He's already seen it.
He's gonna cry right along with you, just as He did with me (and does whenever I hurt).
He knows what you're going to feel. He's felt it already in the foreknowing of what's to come. He saw it on the screen, and He'll face it again when He sees it live ("...right by your siiiiiiiiiide..." -Mathew West).
As much as this stuff hurts, God knows exactly what you're going through.
He already knows you're suffering. Take it to Him and lay it down at His feet so He can finally comfort you.
I kind of understand now. I know that right now, in this moment of my life, I'm supposed to write what hurts so people can know it's real and that they can know where to go.
(excuse me while I rejoice in sorrow)
Hugs.
How about you?
Tell me what your purpose is right now, and what you feel God's leading you to do.
We wouldn't write about them if we didn't.
I love the one I'm working with now.
But I just recieved confirmation from God on how this little short speck of life will go that I'm capturing on the page.
It hurts me worse knowing what's to come.
It hurts knowing what the readers will have to feel as they read her story, cause they're going to feel exactly what I felt today as I cried, shaking my head, not wanting to do it (God will lead me).
And when they cry, so will I.
Now, stop for a moment.
Immerse yourself in your current issue right now.
God feels the same way about YOU! God feels the same way about you!
He's been there. He's already seen it.
He's gonna cry right along with you, just as He did with me (and does whenever I hurt).
He knows what you're going to feel. He's felt it already in the foreknowing of what's to come. He saw it on the screen, and He'll face it again when He sees it live ("...right by your siiiiiiiiiide..." -Mathew West).
As much as this stuff hurts, God knows exactly what you're going through.
He already knows you're suffering. Take it to Him and lay it down at His feet so He can finally comfort you.
I kind of understand now. I know that right now, in this moment of my life, I'm supposed to write what hurts so people can know it's real and that they can know where to go.
(excuse me while I rejoice in sorrow)
Hugs.
How about you?
Tell me what your purpose is right now, and what you feel God's leading you to do.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Book Club
Okay, I'm praying about joining the ACFW Book Club.
I love the Statement of Faith they have on their application.
It's 50.00 to join and 40.00 anually after that.
Not much considering all I'd get from them.
Friends, better conference pricing, classes, all that good...okay...GREAT stuff...but I only have so much monay I put into my writing envelope for writing expenses (per week).
Back at Christmas, I bought about ten books with a deal Christianbook.com had going. I gave away two or three for my Secret Sister, and kept several for myself. I'm still reading them, so I'm not going to purchase books anytime soon with this money, but...should I do this?
I feel like a book club is a big responsibility, one that I don't want to take lightly.
I've got the money reserved for writing expense...
I'm still seeking out God's wisdom
I believe He's given me you ladies/gents and our writerly connections for a reason, so I'm asking your opinions as well.
Q's4U:
What would you do, given the opportunity?
What have you done about it?
Are book clubs really worth the expense?
Do you find that you are growing due to the expense and responsibility?
I love the Statement of Faith they have on their application.
It's 50.00 to join and 40.00 anually after that.
Not much considering all I'd get from them.
Friends, better conference pricing, classes, all that good...okay...GREAT stuff...but I only have so much monay I put into my writing envelope for writing expenses (per week).
Back at Christmas, I bought about ten books with a deal Christianbook.com had going. I gave away two or three for my Secret Sister, and kept several for myself. I'm still reading them, so I'm not going to purchase books anytime soon with this money, but...should I do this?
I feel like a book club is a big responsibility, one that I don't want to take lightly.
I've got the money reserved for writing expense...
I'm still seeking out God's wisdom
I believe He's given me you ladies/gents and our writerly connections for a reason, so I'm asking your opinions as well.
Q's4U:
What would you do, given the opportunity?
What have you done about it?
Are book clubs really worth the expense?
Do you find that you are growing due to the expense and responsibility?
Friday, July 16, 2010
Write This Way...
I. Love. Writing.
I love it.
As tired and as overwhelmed as it can get (you writers know what I mean), I love it.
Why else would we write...it's not an easy task, and the paycheck...?
However, I have a secret weapon...and no, it's not spell check.
My secret weapon is this:
I've got God.
My characters seem to speak to me, but I know Who it really is. I have these ideas, but I know Who's they really are. I have words on a blank screen, I know Where they're really from.
They're not mine.
I've asked God to take this book, this incredible book that's been placed on my lap via a great, long time, trusted, loving caring, dear friend of mine.
It's way bigger than me. Way bigger.
I'm writing about hard stuff, and He's where I get my strength.
Each morning, before I sit down to write, I journal. I ask God to lead my words, thoughts, phrases etc and mold it into what He'd have it to be (well, as far as first drafts are concerned)
I've been given a great critique partner.
We found each other in college, but now we're actually close, and I love her. She's amazing.
God. Is. Working.
I have this idea that isn't mine, but I'm doing my best to make it God's, and He's answering back.
Each time there are words on my screen, I hear from Him.
My form of worship is writing.
I'm writing for me, and for God. That's our time.
It's sacred, special, perfect.
Okay, so not perfect, my other weapon is the backspace key...
But still, I know where the inspiration comes from, and I love tapping into that inspiration and finding how much God loves me through what He has me write.
The Bible may be the Greatest Love Letter ever written,
But my little notes from God are super special to me.
p.s. Sorry it's been so long, dear faithful followers, I love you mcuh.
How do you look at writing?
Is it worship? Release? Comfort?
What drives you in what you do?
Why do you love this so much?
I love it.
As tired and as overwhelmed as it can get (you writers know what I mean), I love it.
Why else would we write...it's not an easy task, and the paycheck...?
However, I have a secret weapon...and no, it's not spell check.
My secret weapon is this:
I've got God.
My characters seem to speak to me, but I know Who it really is. I have these ideas, but I know Who's they really are. I have words on a blank screen, I know Where they're really from.
They're not mine.
I've asked God to take this book, this incredible book that's been placed on my lap via a great, long time, trusted, loving caring, dear friend of mine.
It's way bigger than me. Way bigger.
I'm writing about hard stuff, and He's where I get my strength.
Each morning, before I sit down to write, I journal. I ask God to lead my words, thoughts, phrases etc and mold it into what He'd have it to be (well, as far as first drafts are concerned)
I've been given a great critique partner.
We found each other in college, but now we're actually close, and I love her. She's amazing.
God. Is. Working.
I have this idea that isn't mine, but I'm doing my best to make it God's, and He's answering back.
Each time there are words on my screen, I hear from Him.
My form of worship is writing.
I'm writing for me, and for God. That's our time.
It's sacred, special, perfect.
Okay, so not perfect, my other weapon is the backspace key...
But still, I know where the inspiration comes from, and I love tapping into that inspiration and finding how much God loves me through what He has me write.
The Bible may be the Greatest Love Letter ever written,
But my little notes from God are super special to me.
p.s. Sorry it's been so long, dear faithful followers, I love you mcuh.
How do you look at writing?
Is it worship? Release? Comfort?
What drives you in what you do?
Why do you love this so much?
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Strength For Today
May our stomaches be easily filled,
May our hearts be eager to love,
May our bellies be quick to laugh,
May our hands be busy with God's work.
Lord, fill us with Your Word
Fill our hearts with Your love
Fill our bellies with Your laughterFill our days with Your purpose.
“The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me; your love, O LORD, endures forever— do not abandon the works of your hands.”- Psalm 138:8 (today's daily bible verse, biblegateway.com)
His hands crafted me inside my mother's womb.
He has created a gift in me that I WILL use for His purpose.
I can't be held down by silly lies by the Father of Lies.
I refuse to believe when he tells me I'm not good enough.
So what if I'm not, God has given me the ability to learn, and He'll teach me the right way, and will love me through any snags along the way.
Lord, give me strength to continue in what I do not know, help me to move past the pain of learning about this world that so easily set you aside. Stay close beside me as I walk through the darkness of selfish men and decisions.
Be the Light on my path.
Help these people reading this post know You love them with an everlasting love and will fight with them and for them. You are not a god waiting for us to mess up, judging our faults and failures.
You are a God who is with us on the battlefield, standing beside us, in us, and for us. You are the God who suffers with your children when they lose a parent, go through tragedy, or other hardships this broken world offers. You are the One who is always praying for us...
"26In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. 27And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will." Romans 8:26-27
(read the post on this verse HERE)
Remind us why we do what we do.
I love you, blogsphere friends.
Thank you SO much for the encouragement you've given me over the last few weeks.
I hope you receive a little of the encouragement you've shown to others and myself.
Have a GREAT day, family!
Much love!
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Write What Hurts
Lately, I've been finding it hard to move past the simple daily tasks:
Brush teeth,
Get kids ready
Work for 10 hours
Get kids home
Softball?
Church?
Bed
Do it again the next day.
But, thank God I'm a Christian, I don't know how the other half of the population survives w/o Christ in their hearts.
I have to confess this:
One morning, I awoke to my dastardly alarm clock. I shut if off, quite forcefully, and went back to bed.
That's not the bad part...that's the mild part.
I HEARD my Savior calling to me. I literally HEARD Him.
What happened?
I was already lost in sleep.
Yeah...ouch.
Can you imagine the special time we could have had?!
But what did He offer when I woke up alert at six, saddened by my mistake?
Joy.
Yes. That Joy Unspeakable.
I love my Savior. If you don't know Him, ask me, but what a JOY!
..."They will soar on wings like eagles"
I was happy to read that.
Despite the energy sapping days I have, I can STILL have joy.
Amazing.
Purely Amazing.
..."but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
Isaiah 40:30-31
As a runner, I GET the not grow weary part, walk and not faint...if you're in Florida, you'd better have a gallon o' wata waiting at the end of your run!
...but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength...
I just can't get over it.
Praise God He's so...Complete.
I've got joy again.
It's hard to hang on to it...but I just keep repeating those words over and over and over again. I CAN hope. I have all the tools I NEED to hope. the LORD will renew my strength. Not just sleep, not circumstances, not excitement for things on earth...only God can do it *write* :D
Now, on to the day's post...lol. It's not long, I promise. We done had church, so not much more can be said! lol
Not in a million years did I think I could write so passionately again.
I love it.
However, I've been afraid of my work in progress.
Why?
Becuase it's a scary subject.
One that has been battled for years.
In a nutshell, it's about abortion, and in some smaller light, government.
How do you find the courage to write what hurts?
Note:
Check these out. They're great posts!
http://emergingnotemergency.blogspot.com/
http://cba-ramblings.blogspot.com/2010/06/risky-gift.html
http://seekerville.blogspot.com/2010/06/courage.html
Brush teeth,
Get kids ready
Work for 10 hours
Get kids home
Softball?
Church?
Bed
Do it again the next day.
But, thank God I'm a Christian, I don't know how the other half of the population survives w/o Christ in their hearts.
I have to confess this:
One morning, I awoke to my dastardly alarm clock. I shut if off, quite forcefully, and went back to bed.
That's not the bad part...that's the mild part.
I HEARD my Savior calling to me. I literally HEARD Him.
What happened?
I was already lost in sleep.
Yeah...ouch.
Can you imagine the special time we could have had?!
But what did He offer when I woke up alert at six, saddened by my mistake?
Joy.
Yes. That Joy Unspeakable.
I love my Savior. If you don't know Him, ask me, but what a JOY!
..."They will soar on wings like eagles"
I was happy to read that.
Despite the energy sapping days I have, I can STILL have joy.
Amazing.
Purely Amazing.
..."but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
Isaiah 40:30-31
As a runner, I GET the not grow weary part, walk and not faint...if you're in Florida, you'd better have a gallon o' wata waiting at the end of your run!
...but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength...
I just can't get over it.
Praise God He's so...Complete.
I've got joy again.
It's hard to hang on to it...but I just keep repeating those words over and over and over again. I CAN hope. I have all the tools I NEED to hope. the LORD will renew my strength. Not just sleep, not circumstances, not excitement for things on earth...only God can do it *write* :D
Now, on to the day's post...lol. It's not long, I promise. We done had church, so not much more can be said! lol
Not in a million years did I think I could write so passionately again.
I love it.
However, I've been afraid of my work in progress.
Why?
Becuase it's a scary subject.
One that has been battled for years.
In a nutshell, it's about abortion, and in some smaller light, government.
How do you find the courage to write what hurts?
Note:
Check these out. They're great posts!
http://emergingnotemergency.blogspot.com/
http://cba-ramblings.blogspot.com/2010/06/risky-gift.html
http://seekerville.blogspot.com/2010/06/courage.html
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Crossing Oceans by Gina Holmes (Review)
Crossing Oceans by Gina Holmes
was a heart-wrenching story of a mother with cancer. In it, Genevive "Jenny" Lucas moves back to her hometown to get her affairs in order.
In the final stages of cancer, Jenny strives to reconcile with her father, set order to her daughter's future and come to grips with her fate.
She does, very gracefully.
Gina Holmes placed me into the worst of my fears.
As a mother of two boys, every line, every feeling, every thought process of this dying mother left me in tears.
She skillfully carried me along for this journey, and placed a holy fire under me to appreciate the life I have with my children and husband.
I've been showing this book to my friends and begging them to experience it.
Even the cover suggests the mother is holding secrets, and it's heartbreaking to see her innocent child playing in the sand, her world about to crumble. And that's exactly what happened. Their world crumbled to pieces, and I watched helplessly through a book-shaped screen.
I felt so strongly for these characters, and went through each harrowing decision Jenny had to make, standing right by her side.
VERY well done, Gina Holmes!
I've recommended it highly!
(This review is done for my own growth and experience as an aspiring author.)
I, She, Which One?
I recently finished my first draft of my first acutal complete manuscript!
There are tons of kinks to work out still.
But while I'm taking a breather, my new work in progress is...confusing.
I was looking at my new WIP, and was boggled at the long process that lies ahead.
I'm thinking of changing the point of view, and I'm not even past chapter 10! (short chapters)
I've heard that most romances are in 3rd person, which btw, I just read one in first, and LOVED it!
So anyway, it's in third POV, and I find myself having to edit when I pop back into first person POV.
What are your favorite points of view?
Do you have a standard?
Is this how we find our voice? If so, what's yours?
There are tons of kinks to work out still.
But while I'm taking a breather, my new work in progress is...confusing.
I was looking at my new WIP, and was boggled at the long process that lies ahead.
I'm thinking of changing the point of view, and I'm not even past chapter 10! (short chapters)
I've heard that most romances are in 3rd person, which btw, I just read one in first, and LOVED it!
So anyway, it's in third POV, and I find myself having to edit when I pop back into first person POV.
What are your favorite points of view?
Do you have a standard?
Is this how we find our voice? If so, what's yours?
Saturday, June 5, 2010
Character Emotion
A few weeks ago, I read a blog about the author getting emotiaonal over their character.
I have to say, I've felt sad at my character's situation, but not until today, my very first ever "nothing but writing" day (I'm on my lunch break lol), have I really experienced my character's emotions.
The first chapter (short backstory) made me cry like a baby!
I was so sad for my character, but thrilled to be feeling such emotion for her!
It was a strange range of emotions!
But I was very thankful for them.
I've already conencted with my character, I hope it will continue throughout the story, and that she will connect with the readers.
What I did differently than before:
1. character worksheet.
-I completed an in depth evaluation sheet of the person: eye color, skills, etc.
2. I have been dwelling on this story for months in the background.
-A friend of mine came up with the original idea, and we've been tweaking this for quite some time.
I had to share that good news!
What are some milestones you've accomplished in your writing, insignificant or significant?
I have to say, I've felt sad at my character's situation, but not until today, my very first ever "nothing but writing" day (I'm on my lunch break lol), have I really experienced my character's emotions.
The first chapter (short backstory) made me cry like a baby!
I was so sad for my character, but thrilled to be feeling such emotion for her!
It was a strange range of emotions!
But I was very thankful for them.
I've already conencted with my character, I hope it will continue throughout the story, and that she will connect with the readers.
What I did differently than before:
1. character worksheet.
-I completed an in depth evaluation sheet of the person: eye color, skills, etc.
2. I have been dwelling on this story for months in the background.
-A friend of mine came up with the original idea, and we've been tweaking this for quite some time.
I had to share that good news!
What are some milestones you've accomplished in your writing, insignificant or significant?
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Fresh Eyes Goggles
After I'd sent my first ten pages to my beta readers, I looked back to see what my manuscript looked like.
Had I sent them good stuff?
I was ready to be amazed, but got something much different!
Upon looking back into my words, I saw MANY things that I'd not seen before.
I saw the BORING backstory that I H-A-T-E with a passion! (So much so that I put down a Danielle Steele novel over it.)
The first button I hit? DELETE...without looking back, baby.
I've heard it said that you should look at something with fresh eyes, and I didn't really understand that till I took myself out of the story, and really read the words.
Upon receiving the critique from my betas, I learned from "new eyes goggles" that the scene I deleted seemed like a breakup scene-it wasn't (it introduced one of the MC's! :o()
The other beta said she thought it was a continuation (a scene happening outside of the MC that had already been moved away from)-UGH!
I emailed the ten pages to her, and appologized profusely for the second scene.
What techniques are best to get your "fresh eyes goggles" on?
Had I sent them good stuff?
I was ready to be amazed, but got something much different!
Upon looking back into my words, I saw MANY things that I'd not seen before.
I saw the BORING backstory that I H-A-T-E with a passion! (So much so that I put down a Danielle Steele novel over it.)
The first button I hit? DELETE...without looking back, baby.
I've heard it said that you should look at something with fresh eyes, and I didn't really understand that till I took myself out of the story, and really read the words.
Upon receiving the critique from my betas, I learned from "new eyes goggles" that the scene I deleted seemed like a breakup scene-it wasn't (it introduced one of the MC's! :o()
The other beta said she thought it was a continuation (a scene happening outside of the MC that had already been moved away from)-UGH!
I emailed the ten pages to her, and appologized profusely for the second scene.
What techniques are best to get your "fresh eyes goggles" on?
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
What if I'm not good enough?
Sometimes I feel as though I'm not good enough for writing.
Then again, I go back to what I heard Lori Wilde say in one of her lessons on Ed2go.com.
To pretty much sum it up, she said it's not all about talent, you've gotta have commitment and drive.
I love to write, there's no question about that!
But, last night as I was laying my head down to sleep, I wondered, What if this never happens and I'm wasting my time?
I had that gut-kicking, sinking feeling inside the pit of my stomach.
No! I thought. I refuse to believe that! I love this way too much for it to be a hobby!
Is that determination coming out? Or is that stubbornness?
I mean...what if I'm never published?
There's some GREAT books out there! That's my cometition! Those books are also, ironically, my text books, my lessons and research.
What if my writing is too stale?
What if it's never going to improve no matter how much I try to make it better?
I read a book lately by Danielle Steele, okay, so I read like the first chapter before I threw it into the yardsale stuff.
I coudln't stand her first 30 or more pages. It was all boring backstory..and I mean BORING backstory, and I never could get out of the annoyed attitude.
Mark one book down for the 'no' list.
What if my writing is that boring?
I only picked up the book cause I like DS and I liked the cover and blurb....
What if that's as far as my story goes?
No one is going to pick up a book by some random person and read something after the first few pages that is too boring!
Nevermind the public for heavens sake! What about an agent?!
Maaaaaan!
I'm so frustrated.
But there's one thing for sure...
These feelings will NEVER keep me from writing.
Then again, I go back to what I heard Lori Wilde say in one of her lessons on Ed2go.com.
To pretty much sum it up, she said it's not all about talent, you've gotta have commitment and drive.
I love to write, there's no question about that!
But, last night as I was laying my head down to sleep, I wondered, What if this never happens and I'm wasting my time?
I had that gut-kicking, sinking feeling inside the pit of my stomach.
No! I thought. I refuse to believe that! I love this way too much for it to be a hobby!
Is that determination coming out? Or is that stubbornness?
I mean...what if I'm never published?
There's some GREAT books out there! That's my cometition! Those books are also, ironically, my text books, my lessons and research.
What if my writing is too stale?
What if it's never going to improve no matter how much I try to make it better?
I read a book lately by Danielle Steele, okay, so I read like the first chapter before I threw it into the yardsale stuff.
I coudln't stand her first 30 or more pages. It was all boring backstory..and I mean BORING backstory, and I never could get out of the annoyed attitude.
Mark one book down for the 'no' list.
What if my writing is that boring?
I only picked up the book cause I like DS and I liked the cover and blurb....
What if that's as far as my story goes?
No one is going to pick up a book by some random person and read something after the first few pages that is too boring!
Nevermind the public for heavens sake! What about an agent?!
Maaaaaan!
I'm so frustrated.
But there's one thing for sure...
These feelings will NEVER keep me from writing.
Thursday, May 6, 2010
How do you focus?
I find it extremely hard to focus on all my tasks at work without letting my characters creep back in the forefront!
The kids and the hubbs are great. I love vegging out with them, and being with them.
But when it comes to work...it seems as though I'll be staring at the computer wondering what my charachters will do next, trying to imagine them speaking to me, I pray hard for God to show me where they should go. It's almost like I've entered a world, and when I have to think, and don't feel like doing somthing, my mind reverts back to my word-filled laptop screen, instead of the fincnace program I'm supposed to be UTILIZING at WORK where I get PAID!!!!
I feel like I'm so close to something! I feel God pulling me toward something and if I can juuuust close my eyes and listen for just a few minutes....Wait, what am I doing again? Where was I? Oh right, work...here we go...
Five minutes later, it's the same thing!
I'll have to shake myself out of my thoughts and refocus on what I'm supposd to be doing!
How do you keep the job from interfering with the JOB?
Help, help, help!
Am I just lazy? Do I find more pleasure in writing? OF COURSE!
But maybe I need to really focus on what's important at the time and really get into it just because I should do all things as if working for the Lord, since, ya know? As a Christian, that's EXACTLY what I'm doing.
So how do you do it?
The kids and the hubbs are great. I love vegging out with them, and being with them.
But when it comes to work...it seems as though I'll be staring at the computer wondering what my charachters will do next, trying to imagine them speaking to me, I pray hard for God to show me where they should go. It's almost like I've entered a world, and when I have to think, and don't feel like doing somthing, my mind reverts back to my word-filled laptop screen, instead of the fincnace program I'm supposed to be UTILIZING at WORK where I get PAID!!!!
I feel like I'm so close to something! I feel God pulling me toward something and if I can juuuust close my eyes and listen for just a few minutes....Wait, what am I doing again? Where was I? Oh right, work...here we go...
Five minutes later, it's the same thing!
I'll have to shake myself out of my thoughts and refocus on what I'm supposd to be doing!
How do you keep the job from interfering with the JOB?
Help, help, help!
Am I just lazy? Do I find more pleasure in writing? OF COURSE!
But maybe I need to really focus on what's important at the time and really get into it just because I should do all things as if working for the Lord, since, ya know? As a Christian, that's EXACTLY what I'm doing.
So how do you do it?
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Monotony
I came to realize, as I was reading through my current writing piece that I throw a lot of what I've lived in with the ideas and characters.
I know we're supposed to write what we know, and I know what I know, however, I'm worried this monotonous cycle of stories will always present themselves in my work.
I've read several authors and their characters seem to be the same person throughout their books. These are not amateur writers I'm talking about, these are mainstream, VERY well known authors.
I know there's a certain voice that every author has, but how can these professional writers get away with the monotony?
Are they allowed just because they are professionals, and they know the character archetype is the right for the story?
How do I pop out of my own box?
How do I come out of who I am as a person, and learn other people?
How do you do it?
-people watching?
-eavesdropping on conversations?
-study of other writers?
I know we're supposed to write what we know, and I know what I know, however, I'm worried this monotonous cycle of stories will always present themselves in my work.
I've read several authors and their characters seem to be the same person throughout their books. These are not amateur writers I'm talking about, these are mainstream, VERY well known authors.
I know there's a certain voice that every author has, but how can these professional writers get away with the monotony?
Are they allowed just because they are professionals, and they know the character archetype is the right for the story?
How do I pop out of my own box?
How do I come out of who I am as a person, and learn other people?
How do you do it?
-people watching?
-eavesdropping on conversations?
-study of other writers?
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Stepping Out Time
It's finally that time.
I've been inspired by a dear friend of mine who is also a writer.
She has suggested I start reading these blogs by writers and literary agents. Get out of the box, so to speak. To read outside of what books are on my shelf.
Well, I took her advice that she took from those who have been teaching her, and now I'm getting myself out there.
Question for you:
When have you ever stepped out and done something like this...I'm not talking about starting a blog, I'm talking about doing what you've always wanted, started that very first step toward what you've dreamed?
I've been inspired by a dear friend of mine who is also a writer.
She has suggested I start reading these blogs by writers and literary agents. Get out of the box, so to speak. To read outside of what books are on my shelf.
Well, I took her advice that she took from those who have been teaching her, and now I'm getting myself out there.
Question for you:
When have you ever stepped out and done something like this...I'm not talking about starting a blog, I'm talking about doing what you've always wanted, started that very first step toward what you've dreamed?
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