Yes, I've finally typed "The End" on my Schumaker story, but this is where the real work comes in. Cleaning up the mess of hastily scribbled words. Shouldn't be so hard, you say?
My first drafts are generally very scattered and confusing. In my head, they make perfect sense. On paper, a reader would look at some of this and say "where did that come from?" That's what I'm addressing now. Those disconnects. The information that isn't "on the page." And the structural end of it. It's an end to the imagination part and the start of the work part.
This is what a writing day looks like:
Sit down at computer. Power it up. Get something to drink while said computer "wakes up." Sit down again. Open work in progress. Read the previous chapter (or, the spot I've bookmarked to go back to). Switch to Facebook. Check posts. Switch to Twitter. Check Tweets. IM friends.
Oh. WAIT! I'm supposed to be writing.
Close Facebook. Close Twitter. Give friends the "TTYL."
Re-read work in progress.
Switch to Bejeweled Blitz and achieve the next keystone. Switch to Candy Crush and use up five lives.
WAIT! I'm supposed to be working.
Switch back to work in progress. Oh. It's lunchtime, and I have to go to the grocery store.
Come back from lunch. Sit at computer and open work in progress. Point finger at self and repeat after me, "You will get this done." Focus on work in progress.
I'm on a roll now. New chapters. Crutch words dumped. Useless phrases deleted. Cross reference copyediting done.
Guess what? Now it's dinner time. And, believe it or not, I've accomplished something!
Some days, procrastination isn't a problem. Laser-like focus is right there from the minute I sit down. But on those wool-gathering, butterfly chasing days, it takes a little longer to get down to the business of writing. The take-home message here is to get to it. Even if you find yourself wandering off task, it's important to get "something" done. Books don't write themselves.
Some authors set goals for themselves. "X" amount of words per day, or "X" number of hours per day. Goals are a good way to hold yourself accountable. For me, throwing in a work day (and sometimes very unpredictable work days) makes those types of goals a little more challenging. The most important part of writing is writing. Make the time. Limit distractions.
I have to get back to editing now.
I wonder if those airfares have come down so I can plan my vacation yet?
Wednesday, July 31, 2013
Wednesday, July 24, 2013
His Royal Babyness
Congratulations to Prince William and Duchess Catherine on the arrival of their new son and heir.
British royalty has been a tradition and a mainstay for centuries, and even now, when the Queen is little more than a figurehead, it is one of the last remnants of a privileged society. The last several decades have had a major impact on the royal family - a positive impact, I believe. There comes a time when tradition has to bow to the times. Always a difficult transition. As a romance author and a reader of historical novels, it is easy to imagine the struggles of the royals even when we have no clue about what really happens behind closed doors.
Prince Charles has led a colorful life. Looking back at the years before he married Diana Spencer, he didn't seem very interested in settling down to live the life of a king. Can't you just imagine HRH Queen Elizabeth wagging her finger at him and threatening him that he'd never be king until he got his act together and did what was expected of him? And so a bride was selected for him. Just like in a romance novel. An arranged marriage, or so it would seem.
I will tell you that I have no idea about the inner workings of the royal family, so my waxing poetic today has no basis in actual fact. I do know that the world fell in love with Lady Diana, and she produced two fine heirs to the throne. That Charles and Diana changed the course of royal history goes without saying. One thinks back to Edward and Wallis Simpson and the scandal of that era, and the changes the world has gone through to where it was now acceptable for the heir to the throne of England to divorce his wife and not lose his line of succession (although that has yet to be determined).
Speculation is that William will step over his father as Charles advances in years and the Queen appears to want to live forever. William has set other precedents. First, he married a "commoner." The pool of "acceptable royalty" has dwindled considerably. The royal family has become more accessible, and now the world watches to ensure the success of the young royals. And then, of course, there is the change in the rules of royal succession (which have been rendered unnecessary in this generation). It is now acceptable for a firstborn daughter to take the throne as queen rather than a secondborn son to ascend before her.
I heard on the radio this morning that if William lived to be 80, his son wouldn't take the throne until 2062 (or some such far distant year). One wonders about the world changes that might alter the course of future events. Will the royalty continue as a British tradition? Or will they be rendered an unnecessary government expense?
In the meantime, a whole new generation of young girls can sing along with "Some Day My Prince Will Come," and actually cling to the possibility that they have a chance with the new Royal. After all, if his father could marry someone outside of his class, it stands to reason the young Prince will follow suit.
It's the stuff romance novels are made of - new doors to open, new possibilities, new dreams, and the hope of happily ever after.
British royalty has been a tradition and a mainstay for centuries, and even now, when the Queen is little more than a figurehead, it is one of the last remnants of a privileged society. The last several decades have had a major impact on the royal family - a positive impact, I believe. There comes a time when tradition has to bow to the times. Always a difficult transition. As a romance author and a reader of historical novels, it is easy to imagine the struggles of the royals even when we have no clue about what really happens behind closed doors.
Prince Charles has led a colorful life. Looking back at the years before he married Diana Spencer, he didn't seem very interested in settling down to live the life of a king. Can't you just imagine HRH Queen Elizabeth wagging her finger at him and threatening him that he'd never be king until he got his act together and did what was expected of him? And so a bride was selected for him. Just like in a romance novel. An arranged marriage, or so it would seem.
I will tell you that I have no idea about the inner workings of the royal family, so my waxing poetic today has no basis in actual fact. I do know that the world fell in love with Lady Diana, and she produced two fine heirs to the throne. That Charles and Diana changed the course of royal history goes without saying. One thinks back to Edward and Wallis Simpson and the scandal of that era, and the changes the world has gone through to where it was now acceptable for the heir to the throne of England to divorce his wife and not lose his line of succession (although that has yet to be determined).
Speculation is that William will step over his father as Charles advances in years and the Queen appears to want to live forever. William has set other precedents. First, he married a "commoner." The pool of "acceptable royalty" has dwindled considerably. The royal family has become more accessible, and now the world watches to ensure the success of the young royals. And then, of course, there is the change in the rules of royal succession (which have been rendered unnecessary in this generation). It is now acceptable for a firstborn daughter to take the throne as queen rather than a secondborn son to ascend before her.
I heard on the radio this morning that if William lived to be 80, his son wouldn't take the throne until 2062 (or some such far distant year). One wonders about the world changes that might alter the course of future events. Will the royalty continue as a British tradition? Or will they be rendered an unnecessary government expense?
In the meantime, a whole new generation of young girls can sing along with "Some Day My Prince Will Come," and actually cling to the possibility that they have a chance with the new Royal. After all, if his father could marry someone outside of his class, it stands to reason the young Prince will follow suit.
It's the stuff romance novels are made of - new doors to open, new possibilities, new dreams, and the hope of happily ever after.
Wednesday, July 17, 2013
Series Books - Pitfalls and Pratfalls
I'm gleefully editing my "Schumaker" story. Still enjoying it, in spite of the fact that I'm now into the "work" end of it rather than the less structured, creative aspects. In spite of the fact I've read this story a dozen times already.
As I work out the kinks and clean up the sloppy bits, my mind is racing ahead to the next story (although I can only write one at a time). I've been making notes for Cinda's story (from Living Canvas), but I'm also concerned about writing the second Kundigerin story (Wolf's story), and that concern is reinforced by some feedback I received.
The thing about writing a series (Kundigerin is my first "series") is that you have to leave room to expand on a theme. Provide information to the reader to draw them into subsequent books. In Mist on the Meadow, we find out that Wolf has a gift of his own which is unexplained. And there is a scene in the book which the characters don't quite understand (and that is conveyed, they don't know exactly what happened). Consider those points "teasers" for the next book. The plot is resolved, the relationship is resolved, but some of the more ambiguous points remain so, to be addressed in the next book. I'm pleased that people #1) notice these points, and #2) aren't getting hung up on them to the point where they didn't like this story. It's a delicate balance that I'm still learning.
Part of me feels I should continue Wolf's story before I do Cinda's - and this is the problem with an active imagination. So many ideas! So little time. I didn't immediately embark on Wolf's story after finishing Mist on the Meadow because there is a "recovery" period after you write a story. Finishing a book is like childbirth (you may have heard that analogy). I was exhausted with Wolf and Marissa - needed some time away from them. I had Schumaker on my mind, so I delved into it head-on.
I think of Anne Rice and her Vampire books. I remember reading them when they were "new." She annoyed me with her "open" endings. I like my books, even in a series, to have a beginning, a middle and an end. Anne Rice didn't give me an end. I finished The Vampire Lestat with a gasp, and Queen of the Damned had not yet been released. I was angry! I wanted to know what happened! I'm a little worried that some people will feel that way with Mist on the Meadow. It isn't open ended, but some things are unresolved, to be continued. I owe it to my readers to answer their questions!
And yet Cinda is whispering in my ear.
The final decision will come when I finish "Schumaker" - and I'm getting closer! By that time, Cinda may have quieted down and I won't be so conflicted. I do feel a responsibility to Wolf, after all. And I am chomping at the bit to take a tour of the Schwarzwald. The Kundigerin series is still active in my imagination and seeing some of the "old country" will surely help me perpetuate the folklore I've created. Unfortunately, the trip will probably have to wait until I get to Kundigerin 3 (Uncle Balt and Rosalie). Keeping my fingers crossed (and anyone who wants to share their experiences in that region - The Black Forest, I'd love to hear from you!)
As I work out the kinks and clean up the sloppy bits, my mind is racing ahead to the next story (although I can only write one at a time). I've been making notes for Cinda's story (from Living Canvas), but I'm also concerned about writing the second Kundigerin story (Wolf's story), and that concern is reinforced by some feedback I received.
The thing about writing a series (Kundigerin is my first "series") is that you have to leave room to expand on a theme. Provide information to the reader to draw them into subsequent books. In Mist on the Meadow, we find out that Wolf has a gift of his own which is unexplained. And there is a scene in the book which the characters don't quite understand (and that is conveyed, they don't know exactly what happened). Consider those points "teasers" for the next book. The plot is resolved, the relationship is resolved, but some of the more ambiguous points remain so, to be addressed in the next book. I'm pleased that people #1) notice these points, and #2) aren't getting hung up on them to the point where they didn't like this story. It's a delicate balance that I'm still learning.
Part of me feels I should continue Wolf's story before I do Cinda's - and this is the problem with an active imagination. So many ideas! So little time. I didn't immediately embark on Wolf's story after finishing Mist on the Meadow because there is a "recovery" period after you write a story. Finishing a book is like childbirth (you may have heard that analogy). I was exhausted with Wolf and Marissa - needed some time away from them. I had Schumaker on my mind, so I delved into it head-on.
I think of Anne Rice and her Vampire books. I remember reading them when they were "new." She annoyed me with her "open" endings. I like my books, even in a series, to have a beginning, a middle and an end. Anne Rice didn't give me an end. I finished The Vampire Lestat with a gasp, and Queen of the Damned had not yet been released. I was angry! I wanted to know what happened! I'm a little worried that some people will feel that way with Mist on the Meadow. It isn't open ended, but some things are unresolved, to be continued. I owe it to my readers to answer their questions!
And yet Cinda is whispering in my ear.
The final decision will come when I finish "Schumaker" - and I'm getting closer! By that time, Cinda may have quieted down and I won't be so conflicted. I do feel a responsibility to Wolf, after all. And I am chomping at the bit to take a tour of the Schwarzwald. The Kundigerin series is still active in my imagination and seeing some of the "old country" will surely help me perpetuate the folklore I've created. Unfortunately, the trip will probably have to wait until I get to Kundigerin 3 (Uncle Balt and Rosalie). Keeping my fingers crossed (and anyone who wants to share their experiences in that region - The Black Forest, I'd love to hear from you!)
Wednesday, July 10, 2013
Titles - or How to Summarize a Book in Four Words or Less
I am finishing up the first draft of my next novel, which began with an
inspiration from the Grimm’s Fairy Tale of “The Shoemaker and the Elves.” Yes,
well, it isn’t anything like that story, really, even though my working title is "Schumaker and The Elf Writer."
From the time Michelle’s father left to serve his country and never returned, Michelle has grown used to men leaving her, and her attractive new tenant is no exception. In spite of their initial attraction, she is determined not to become involved with a man she knows up-front will leave her. But her long-lost father has something to say about that . . .
Author Keith Schumaker is renting a home near the hospice where his mother lays dying while he finishes his latest novel. His agent assigns a ghostwriter to him to get him to “the end,” a ghostwriter who, unbeknownst to Keith, is also his landlord.
Author Keith Schumaker is renting a home near the hospice where his mother lays dying while he finishes his latest novel. His agent assigns a ghostwriter to him to get him to “the end,” a ghostwriter who, unbeknownst to Keith, is also his landlord.
Michelle Alvere donates an egg to help her sister conceive, but her sister refuses to help Michelle recuperate after complications from the procedure send Michelle into surgery. Michelle rents out her home and runs away to the South of France to visit an aunt until the
baby's due date, but the author renting her house back home isn’t ready to vacate.
Any title suggestions?
Thursday, July 4, 2013
Happy Fourth of July - and random-ness
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©DJL Photography
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Remember when being the wrong religion was against the law? Remember when black people weren't allowed to vote? Uh huh. This whole issue of gay marriage has been a puzzle to me. The government has no place telling people they don't have equal rights. Well done, Supreme Court, for taking themselves out of it. Maybe my religion doesn't condone gay marriage, but my religion also doesn't shun people. It's God's place to judge, not mine. We are taught to love one another. Period.
Okay, off my soap box.
Like Spring cleaning, every now and then you have to take
some time away from the everyday to update and freshen your space. I’ve
finished doing just that with my author website, and I hope you’ll take a
minute to stop by and tell me what you think!
I’ve included a page for cookies, since I have never been
able to overcome my addiction to them. I’m doing much better, mind you, but it
remains a struggle! With so many delectable treats and so many fun pictures on
Pinterest, I felt it was my duty to share.
For those souls willing to share their favorite cookie
recipes, I will select a winner on August 1, 2013, to receive an electronic copy of
one of my novels (your choice).
The cookie page is still under construction – or rather, I
view it as a work in progress. Click here to visit the new website!
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© DJL Photography
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