I like to lead an orderly life. My day has order, my house has order, even my closet has order. My writing definitely has an orderly structure to it. I live my stories as if the events were happening--in order--one day, one scene, one problem at a time.
Until yesterday.
I am presently writing a YA novel. It's 3/4 of the way completed. Then I tripped--I hit a roadblock. I was stuck--I didn't like the way I was taking my character and didn't know what she was going to do next. She was hiding from me, wouldn't even talk to me--God, teenagers can be touchy. So, I gave her some space to figure it out.
She's still avoiding me (what a brat), but on my morning walk (and it's downright cold here in South Florida, but I digress) my muse whispered to me and I knew how the story would end. YIKES--there goes my orderly world. How could I write the ending when I hadn't even finished the middle of the book?
Easy peasy - I sat my butt down at the computer and let my thoughts flow through my fingers to the keyboard. And, there it was--the ending...and a good one if I say so myself.
Now what do I do. I decided to practice out-of-order writing and write the story backwards. This should give my brain some good discipline.
I've got an idea stirring around for my next novel. Maybe--just--maybe I will try to write that one end to beginning.
Out-of-order writing--now there's a foreign concept to my orderly world.
Friday, December 17, 2010
Sunday, December 12, 2010
QUERY LETTERS
Writing a book is a piece of cake!! Really, it is. It's the editing and revision that the real work begins. At least that's been my experience until....
I had to write a query letter. You know that letter that is suppose grab an editor or agent with a brilliantly ten worded sentence that tells them what my 100,000 word manuscript is all about...God, it's impossible. I spent the past two days trying to write an enticing, cleverly worded, intelligent query letter. I went on the internet and read all the advice on how to write one. I combed over the examples of excellent letters. I wrote and rewrote and rewrote and rewrote. And, still I couldn't get it right. So, you know what I did....
I sent it anyway.
Why???
I have a theory about all this writing and publishing stuff. I've heard that publishing through traditional means (as opposed to self-publishing) is like trying to win the Powerball Lottery. But, one cannot win the lottery unless one buys a ticket. So, I do the best I can and buy a ticket...or rather send in queries and manuscripts. One day, I may just be lucky enough to hit the jackpot!
If you are stuck in the fear of rejection, you have already been rejected. Think about it.
I had to write a query letter. You know that letter that is suppose grab an editor or agent with a brilliantly ten worded sentence that tells them what my 100,000 word manuscript is all about...God, it's impossible. I spent the past two days trying to write an enticing, cleverly worded, intelligent query letter. I went on the internet and read all the advice on how to write one. I combed over the examples of excellent letters. I wrote and rewrote and rewrote and rewrote. And, still I couldn't get it right. So, you know what I did....
I sent it anyway.
Why???
I have a theory about all this writing and publishing stuff. I've heard that publishing through traditional means (as opposed to self-publishing) is like trying to win the Powerball Lottery. But, one cannot win the lottery unless one buys a ticket. So, I do the best I can and buy a ticket...or rather send in queries and manuscripts. One day, I may just be lucky enough to hit the jackpot!
If you are stuck in the fear of rejection, you have already been rejected. Think about it.
Monday, December 6, 2010
A ROSE BY ANY OTHER NAME
I have written a fabulous book. A multicultural themed story that can be translated in any language - international appeal, how cool is that?? Even the query letter was easy to write. What a sell - finally the one book that will open doors for me.
Of course, I know the drill. I googled the category to see if there were any books like mine. NONE!!! Yeah, I am really onto something. $$$$$$$$.
I was just about to take this one to my critique group. Oh, they would be amazed by my creativity, my genius, my discovery! Then I had a thought - I'd better google the title - just in case.
AND THERE IT WAS - the title of my book. The exact words. What! This can't be. It was my idea!! My title. My book. But, it wasn't a book, it was a song. Unfortunately for me, it was a song with the same title as my book.
PSSST. That's the sound of my ego deflating. My creative genius took a nose dive. I read the words to the song - different than my manuscript. It didn't matter - the idea, the title, were already taken.
I've always like the expression: A day late and a dollar short. For me, as a writer, I was a year late and a title short. The song was written in 2009 - close but no cigar.
How do I deal with this blow. I will start over. The idea is good - Okay, maybe not creative or genius, but I can make it work. How? Think of a new title. And re-write the story. And, hope the new title doesn't come up when I google it.
I should have known - it was too easy to write. Too easy to come up with the perfect query letter. Nothing worthwhile in this life comes easy. So it's back to the drawing board...or the computer for me.
BTW: My brother and I are in competion to see who gets published first. He has finished his first book and it's a good one...really, really well written. I secretly hope it is published soon. I love my brother and think he is a genius when it comes to putting words on paper. But, don't tell him I said so.
Of course, I know the drill. I googled the category to see if there were any books like mine. NONE!!! Yeah, I am really onto something. $$$$$$$$.
I was just about to take this one to my critique group. Oh, they would be amazed by my creativity, my genius, my discovery! Then I had a thought - I'd better google the title - just in case.
AND THERE IT WAS - the title of my book. The exact words. What! This can't be. It was my idea!! My title. My book. But, it wasn't a book, it was a song. Unfortunately for me, it was a song with the same title as my book.
PSSST. That's the sound of my ego deflating. My creative genius took a nose dive. I read the words to the song - different than my manuscript. It didn't matter - the idea, the title, were already taken.
I've always like the expression: A day late and a dollar short. For me, as a writer, I was a year late and a title short. The song was written in 2009 - close but no cigar.
How do I deal with this blow. I will start over. The idea is good - Okay, maybe not creative or genius, but I can make it work. How? Think of a new title. And re-write the story. And, hope the new title doesn't come up when I google it.
I should have known - it was too easy to write. Too easy to come up with the perfect query letter. Nothing worthwhile in this life comes easy. So it's back to the drawing board...or the computer for me.
BTW: My brother and I are in competion to see who gets published first. He has finished his first book and it's a good one...really, really well written. I secretly hope it is published soon. I love my brother and think he is a genius when it comes to putting words on paper. But, don't tell him I said so.
Friday, December 3, 2010
GETTING INVOLVED
As if I don't have enough on my plate at the moment, I just put in an application to be on a subcommittee for my local School Board. I won't get it, but it's fun to let them know I'm still around.
You see, as a former classroom teacher, I know what is important to the children and teachers in my community. The school board unfortunately listens to administrators that haven't been in a classroom in years, if ever. And that's where things get dicey.
People want to know what's wrong with education. It's this: Teachers, the ones closest to the children, are told what to teach, how to teach and when to teach it by administrator who never taught it. (Wow, now that is a confusing sentence - but true). Even if it goes against good practices, teachers are not allowed to do what they know is best for children.
I"m not afraid to express my opinions - and that can make me -- well, a bit unpopular. That is the reason I won't get chosen for the school system's subcommittee. I have written articles for my local newspaper regarding educational issues. The school board and adminstrators know who I am and where I live. And they don't like what I have to say.
I always remember to: Say what I mean, mean what I say, but don't say it mean. I always back up everything I do with research so they can't dispute my words. I am careful.
I think it's important to use my skills as a writer for good. I think it's important to be involved in my community.
What do you do to make a difference in your community?
Remember what Edmund Burke said: All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men (or women) to do nothing.
You see, as a former classroom teacher, I know what is important to the children and teachers in my community. The school board unfortunately listens to administrators that haven't been in a classroom in years, if ever. And that's where things get dicey.
People want to know what's wrong with education. It's this: Teachers, the ones closest to the children, are told what to teach, how to teach and when to teach it by administrator who never taught it. (Wow, now that is a confusing sentence - but true). Even if it goes against good practices, teachers are not allowed to do what they know is best for children.
I"m not afraid to express my opinions - and that can make me -- well, a bit unpopular. That is the reason I won't get chosen for the school system's subcommittee. I have written articles for my local newspaper regarding educational issues. The school board and adminstrators know who I am and where I live. And they don't like what I have to say.
I always remember to: Say what I mean, mean what I say, but don't say it mean. I always back up everything I do with research so they can't dispute my words. I am careful.
I think it's important to use my skills as a writer for good. I think it's important to be involved in my community.
What do you do to make a difference in your community?
Remember what Edmund Burke said: All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men (or women) to do nothing.
Friday, November 19, 2010
MAKING TIME
One thing about my community - In season life gets crazy. Season slowly begins in late October, slows down near Thanksgiving, comes to a halt at Christmas and then picks up Daytona 500 speed in January. What this means is 1,000s of people descend upon us for warmth, sunshine and parties!!! We have one uber friendly community and everyone is SOCIAL to the nth degree. Ergo, I have not written in my blog in ages. I am crazy busy!!!! But, I make a pledge to myself to do better.
So, how do I make time for writing. I usually get up at 5:00 a.m. and try to get a couple of hours in on my latest YA novel. It's almost done. YEAH! Except, I've hit a wall. I need a twist...a surprise...something to keep the reader reading, and I can't find it. I've looked under rocks, in the recesses of my mind, walked the beach...tried everything...I write and write and write...but nothing, nada. I know that if I continue to work on it, something will magically appear (fingers crossed)...so that's where all my concentrated writing is for now... I did change the title from ON THE RUN to ONLY LOSERS CRY. As I research the market, all the titles are so edgy - except mine. You wouldn't think coming up with a title is difficult - but, my, oh, my - it's harder than actually writing the book.
One good thing did happen: My editorial that was printed in the Tallahassee Democrat was picked up and "tweeted" by a big time op ed and book author. How cool is that!!!
One crappy thing: Another rejection for my picture book manuscript: DUCKS IN A ROW. I guess I need a better title. However, I do know that pictures books are extremely difficult to sell in this market. So, I just keep sending it out. One of these days the tide will turn in my favor.
Stayed tuned. Hopefully I can get back into blogging everyday (OMG - everyday - we'll see).
Over and out.
So, how do I make time for writing. I usually get up at 5:00 a.m. and try to get a couple of hours in on my latest YA novel. It's almost done. YEAH! Except, I've hit a wall. I need a twist...a surprise...something to keep the reader reading, and I can't find it. I've looked under rocks, in the recesses of my mind, walked the beach...tried everything...I write and write and write...but nothing, nada. I know that if I continue to work on it, something will magically appear (fingers crossed)...so that's where all my concentrated writing is for now... I did change the title from ON THE RUN to ONLY LOSERS CRY. As I research the market, all the titles are so edgy - except mine. You wouldn't think coming up with a title is difficult - but, my, oh, my - it's harder than actually writing the book.
One good thing did happen: My editorial that was printed in the Tallahassee Democrat was picked up and "tweeted" by a big time op ed and book author. How cool is that!!!
One crappy thing: Another rejection for my picture book manuscript: DUCKS IN A ROW. I guess I need a better title. However, I do know that pictures books are extremely difficult to sell in this market. So, I just keep sending it out. One of these days the tide will turn in my favor.
Stayed tuned. Hopefully I can get back into blogging everyday (OMG - everyday - we'll see).
Over and out.
Sunday, November 7, 2010
A LITTLE WORD CAN MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE
I'm published again. This time in the Tallahassee Democrat. I was anxious to view my column, but when I clicked on Tallahassee.com, I found out I had to pay to read it. Pay to read my own stuff - go figure. So I forked over the money and was it ever worth it - if not for just one little word - AUTHOR.
I really don't consider myself an author yet. I think the actual publishing of a book would endow me with that honor. But, not so - there it was at the end of my article: About the author...There was that word that made my day.
Author - Oh it sounds good to the ear. I think I will hang on it a little bit longer today. Tomorrow I'm back to trying to publish a book.
I really don't consider myself an author yet. I think the actual publishing of a book would endow me with that honor. But, not so - there it was at the end of my article: About the author...There was that word that made my day.
Author - Oh it sounds good to the ear. I think I will hang on it a little bit longer today. Tomorrow I'm back to trying to publish a book.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
CHECK IT OUT
I'm beginning to think I need to change my blog to something more dear to my heart - education...or the lack of it. Check out the link below. Warning - it has some adult language in it, so if you are offended easily, don't open it.
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