There are times when writing is exceptionally frustrating. This is especially true when you hit a plot hole or a snag, or you get overwhelmed following dead-end tangential plotlines. It can be downright fatal to a story in process.
And then there are the other moments. The moments when you read what you've written and it feels like magic. "This is the story I wanted to write!"
I have been taking full advantage of some spare time that fell into my lap to tie up loose ends and revisit old stories that desparately need to be "shopped." The rewrite/10th anniversary edition of St. Paul is all but done and I'm still expecting to get that out there for people to load onto their new Christmas Kindles. :-)
I've also picked up Living Canvas again, which has been sitting idly by while I got lost in those aforementioned tangents and plot holes. I have a clearer vision of what forward progress looks like with that story. I've contacted an editor to check me (of course, I have to complete my edits first) and then I can decide if I want to keep pulling out the "resting" stories on my shelf or move ahead with something fresh.
And speaking of the a new story - I'm anxious to get to it, but I have an overdeveloped sense of order. Compulsive finisher. This might work to my disadvantage, not that I'm worried I'll lose my inspiration, but as I wrote a year ago, I've always wanted to write a Christmas kind of story. My concern is that if I don't get started on it now, while the season is bright and inspiring, I might lose the Christmas angle that might fit in with this one. Waiting for the new year could potentially lead to post-Christmas burnout, kind of like how the first snowfall is awe inspiring, but after a couple of months of persistent snow, it becomes tiresome. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE Christmas. Christmas Crazy. I'm listening to carols now, and it isn't quite December. But would Christmas feel as special if we celebrated it 365 days a year? Too much of a good thing, doncha know.
I digress. My point today is that in all things there is both joy and disappointment. Even the moon waxes and wanes. I'm in a waxing period now where my writing brings me joy and feels a little less like work. Fortunately, right now I have the time to put into it while this feeling it is on the rise, because too soon, it will be over and the waning will begin. These phases help maintain a sense of balance, and it reminds me that through it all, writing is always one of the joys in my life.
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Friday, November 25, 2011
Focus pocus
Yes, I know I'm behind in blogging again. Sorry. I'm very focused on finishing St. Paul again - I love the way the story still pulls me in! It WILL be available by Christmas, so all those folks that get new Kindle Fires or some other e-reader for the holidays, be ready to buy the updated version!
I'm also excited to start a new story, although I'd still like to dust the cobwebs off the work I haven't queried/submitted yet, so the next few weeks I'm planning a flurry of activity sending out queries and outlining the new work. My creativity has been a little low with the "life events" that have been going on the second half of this year, but as I get back into routine and "everyday" things, the creativity is tapping me on the shoulder again, reminding me that's it's still there, right where I left it. I'm thinking it's not necessarily a bad thing that the juices have been a little thick and not free flowing - it helps with the editing to be more objective and not try to free associate into a new story arc on something that works fine as it is.
I've added new books to my TBR pile - it's helpful to move forward when you read something you enjoy. As a writer, reading someone else's work reminds you of those lessons easily forgotten, and it also reminds ME that you can't please all the people all the time, so stay true to your own writing. I just read two books by one of my favorite authors, and then I went back and read the reviews on those books. I enjoyed them - flawed though they may have been - but I read some very unfavorable reviews. Still, this author knocks out new stories and has a loyal following (me included).
Okay, feeling a little rusty here. The creativity needs a little tuning to get back into clear focus. Will try to get back to regular weekly posting - thanks for sticking with me!
Anon
I'm also excited to start a new story, although I'd still like to dust the cobwebs off the work I haven't queried/submitted yet, so the next few weeks I'm planning a flurry of activity sending out queries and outlining the new work. My creativity has been a little low with the "life events" that have been going on the second half of this year, but as I get back into routine and "everyday" things, the creativity is tapping me on the shoulder again, reminding me that's it's still there, right where I left it. I'm thinking it's not necessarily a bad thing that the juices have been a little thick and not free flowing - it helps with the editing to be more objective and not try to free associate into a new story arc on something that works fine as it is.
I've added new books to my TBR pile - it's helpful to move forward when you read something you enjoy. As a writer, reading someone else's work reminds you of those lessons easily forgotten, and it also reminds ME that you can't please all the people all the time, so stay true to your own writing. I just read two books by one of my favorite authors, and then I went back and read the reviews on those books. I enjoyed them - flawed though they may have been - but I read some very unfavorable reviews. Still, this author knocks out new stories and has a loyal following (me included).
Okay, feeling a little rusty here. The creativity needs a little tuning to get back into clear focus. Will try to get back to regular weekly posting - thanks for sticking with me!
Anon
Friday, October 28, 2011
Plugging away
Wow! has it really been that long since my last post? This is a case of work/life balance, with work winning the battle.
I'm still plugging away on the 10th anniversary edition of St. Paul and still editing Living Canvas. In the course of my normal routine, a friend of mine also inspired me with a new story idea, but until I can shift my focus solidly back to my writing, it will have to wait. It is an excellent story arc though! It would be so much easier to maintain my writing focus with a new publishing contract (just sayin' . . .). More query letters need to be written, however.
Along that thought, I just read an interesting blog from an agent that said the query letter is often more compelling to them than the proposal itself. It tells them all they need to know, and while it's a completely different skill set, it's important to note that many different skill sets are required in any job that you do - not just one narrowly focused ability. This is true in any job we do. I can apply it to my full-time, day job. With the changes in the economy and conditions on the job, people are being asked to do more, to expand their skill sets. For some folks, they say "that's so not fair!" and for others, they accept that if they want to continue in the jobs they have, it's a necessary step to survival - being able to increase their value by extending the things they can do. Certainly we all have multiple facets to every job that we do - even before the downturn in the economy, and writing query letters - as painful as it is (and yes, it IS painful!) - is a necessary supplemental skill to our primary function as an author.
My apologies for the length of time between posts. I'm working on rebalancing, which is always stomping on my end of the teeter totter to get it to drop back down. Back soon!
I'm still plugging away on the 10th anniversary edition of St. Paul and still editing Living Canvas. In the course of my normal routine, a friend of mine also inspired me with a new story idea, but until I can shift my focus solidly back to my writing, it will have to wait. It is an excellent story arc though! It would be so much easier to maintain my writing focus with a new publishing contract (just sayin' . . .). More query letters need to be written, however.
Along that thought, I just read an interesting blog from an agent that said the query letter is often more compelling to them than the proposal itself. It tells them all they need to know, and while it's a completely different skill set, it's important to note that many different skill sets are required in any job that you do - not just one narrowly focused ability. This is true in any job we do. I can apply it to my full-time, day job. With the changes in the economy and conditions on the job, people are being asked to do more, to expand their skill sets. For some folks, they say "that's so not fair!" and for others, they accept that if they want to continue in the jobs they have, it's a necessary step to survival - being able to increase their value by extending the things they can do. Certainly we all have multiple facets to every job that we do - even before the downturn in the economy, and writing query letters - as painful as it is (and yes, it IS painful!) - is a necessary supplemental skill to our primary function as an author.
My apologies for the length of time between posts. I'm working on rebalancing, which is always stomping on my end of the teeter totter to get it to drop back down. Back soon!
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Somebody stop the Merry Go Round
Hi! No, I didn't fall off the face of the earth, and thanks for stopping by.
During this past month, I have been busily working on the tenth anniversary edition of St. Paul. I also have Living Canvas hanging around, but with my focus hopelessly divided with personal stuff, the latter story is suffering from lack of attention at the moment. That's the business end of things.
On the personal front, I've been traveling - first to Santa Barbara (and can I say how much I enjoyed that trip!) and then to Myrtle Beach for my daughter's wedding. There has been not shortage of stress and emotions, and this combination makes it very difficult to concentrate, needless to say. I've learned new things about myself! There's something really fascinating when you can actually FEEL yourself evolve. Most of us pass effortlessly from one life stage to another - okay, maybe not effortlessly, but without an undue amount of attention to how we came into a stage and how we exit it. After years of being a wife and a mother and taking care of everyone else, I'm FINALLY entering the "happily ever after" stage of my life. Forgive me, but I'm going to indulge in a sappy post today.
When we get married, we go into it with an idealistic view. Preconceived notions. Expectations. Amazing how quickly those things change! After I I first got married (and after I adjusted my expectations), I set my life on a course toward happily ever after - but it didn't go that way. Someone was always trying to derail my train; still, I did all the right things and tried to live the right life. After a while the kids entered the mix. And then it was all about taking care of them and chasing after them. Again, I tried to do the right things, to give them a good life. Then the marriage fell apart. Someone finally succeeded in derailing the train (yes, I own up to my own part of the wreck), but I was not to be deterred. I was determined to be happy, even if it meant being alone.
When I met my present husband, I had a more "grown-up" view of the world and I set my expectations accordingly. By that same token, he had to be able to put up with me! I didn't really think about the fairy tale anymore, it was about love born of mutual respect, and companionship and having someone that was willing to share my life (with the added bonus of two children). And then something amazing happened. In spite of our disagreements, he respects my opinion. And in not expecting him to change, or expecting more than he could give, he knows that I respect him and his opinions. I am allowed to be who I am and be fully supported in that, and he is allowed to be who he is with my full support. He has had to share me for the past 12 years with two other people who sometimes made our lives challenging, but now that we can focus on just the two of us, now that I actually have time to think of myself once in a while, I've discovered - again - what a good choice I made in marrying this man.
Today, I appreciate all my sisters who, once we all grew up and learned to be humans, have stood by me through many difficult times and held my hand, and I appreciate my husband for being there to live "happily ever after" with me.
Thanks for indulging me. I'm ready to get on with MY life now (and yes, that means getting these books finished!).
Monday, August 29, 2011
Measuring Sticks
An amazing thing happened to me. I believe I posted on this very blog about a year ago that I re-read my first book, The Treasure of St. Paul, and still enjoyed it even after all these years. Maybe I should rephrase that to say I still enjoyed the story . . .
With the migration to e-books, I took a more critical look at St. Paul and was, quite frankly, horrified at some of the poor writing technique. Chalk it up to being a freshman novel, but I was quite embarrassed. AND SO, instead of pushing it immediately into e-book (for your Kindling or Nook pleasure), I will be taking another pass at it to correct some of the glaring errors in the writing and most likely to answer some of the frequently asked questions about the story. Get ready for the tenth anniversary edition!
It is gratifying to see how far my writing has progressed since that time, and yet disturbing to me to know that something so sloppy actually got published. In the meantime, I'm also still working on Living Canvas.
It has been a busy summer - summer is prime time for my writing endeavors. I'm not going to finish the edits I'd hoped for, but I've got a strong hold of what I'm doing, so I'm confident progress will be made (if a bit slower than I'd anticipated).
Next time I post, I'll give you an excerpt from Living Canvas. In the meantime, for those of you that have read St. Paul, feel free to drop me a line if there's something you think I missed on the first go-round (most-asked question - "What happened to Franco?").
Tchuss . . . A bientot . . . Hasta luego . . .fino a quando ci incontreremo di nuovo
With the migration to e-books, I took a more critical look at St. Paul and was, quite frankly, horrified at some of the poor writing technique. Chalk it up to being a freshman novel, but I was quite embarrassed. AND SO, instead of pushing it immediately into e-book (for your Kindling or Nook pleasure), I will be taking another pass at it to correct some of the glaring errors in the writing and most likely to answer some of the frequently asked questions about the story. Get ready for the tenth anniversary edition!
It is gratifying to see how far my writing has progressed since that time, and yet disturbing to me to know that something so sloppy actually got published. In the meantime, I'm also still working on Living Canvas.
It has been a busy summer - summer is prime time for my writing endeavors. I'm not going to finish the edits I'd hoped for, but I've got a strong hold of what I'm doing, so I'm confident progress will be made (if a bit slower than I'd anticipated).
Next time I post, I'll give you an excerpt from Living Canvas. In the meantime, for those of you that have read St. Paul, feel free to drop me a line if there's something you think I missed on the first go-round (most-asked question - "What happened to Franco?").
Tchuss . . . A bientot . . . Hasta luego . . .fino a quando ci incontreremo di nuovo
Sunday, August 14, 2011
The Circle of Life
It has been an eventful week in my world. I'd like to dedicate my blog space today to those people who need extra thoughts and prayers.
Last weekend, I lost one of my aunts. I didn't know her well, but the few times I did meet her, she was gracious and kind and loving. I know my uncle will miss her greatly, and I extend my deepest sympathies to him and to the rest of her family.
I also found out that a friend of the family was taken to the emergency room and had surgery from which he is now recovering. Thoughts go out to Author, Mary Doria Russell, and her family while her brother recovers in the hospital.
Adding one more to the list, I learned this week that someone I knew in high school has brain cancer from which she is not expected to recover. She was a fun person when I knew her, and although we didn't stay close, the testimonies of her friends and family speak to a life well-lived. It was a privilege to say I knew her "when."
Needless to say, it draws into focus the value of the relationships in our lives, and that life is too short to hold grudges or shut out the people that we love.
Today, I am celebrating some of my most valued relationships - spending time with my sisters (and thinking of another sister who isn't able to join us).
Celebrate the lives of the people you care about - you never know how much time you'll have with them. Today, I celebrate the lives of Audrey Borchardt and Chris Pomahac, and for Rich Doria, I send you wishes for a full recovery so that you can toss another caber and string another bow.
Peace.
Last weekend, I lost one of my aunts. I didn't know her well, but the few times I did meet her, she was gracious and kind and loving. I know my uncle will miss her greatly, and I extend my deepest sympathies to him and to the rest of her family.
I also found out that a friend of the family was taken to the emergency room and had surgery from which he is now recovering. Thoughts go out to Author, Mary Doria Russell, and her family while her brother recovers in the hospital.
Adding one more to the list, I learned this week that someone I knew in high school has brain cancer from which she is not expected to recover. She was a fun person when I knew her, and although we didn't stay close, the testimonies of her friends and family speak to a life well-lived. It was a privilege to say I knew her "when."
Needless to say, it draws into focus the value of the relationships in our lives, and that life is too short to hold grudges or shut out the people that we love.
Today, I am celebrating some of my most valued relationships - spending time with my sisters (and thinking of another sister who isn't able to join us).
Celebrate the lives of the people you care about - you never know how much time you'll have with them. Today, I celebrate the lives of Audrey Borchardt and Chris Pomahac, and for Rich Doria, I send you wishes for a full recovery so that you can toss another caber and string another bow.
Peace.
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Storms
I'm behind again. Trying to weather the storms, both literal and figurative.
We've had some interesting weather in the Midwest through the month of July. I've been blessed not to have suffered any damage through it all, although I know plenty of people who have, and the storms continue.
Have to admit that I'm also struggling with my rewrite, but this is a complicated matter. Part of it is my own state of mind these days which prompts writer's angst, and part of it is being overwhelmed by the state of the market these days. While it is nice that writer's have an outlet now that they didn't have before, the quality control disappears with everyone doing their own thing in a publishing free-for-all. Writing has always been a very competitive field, and now it is even more so with so many new authors muddying the waters (no disrespect intended).
Consider the fate of Borders Books. Like record stores. It's a little overwhelming to realize how much technology has taken over our lives. While self-publishing gives you an audience that you feel you might have been denied previously, for some people, it also opens up the door to public embarrassment - like watching American Idol without judges. Some of those people actually think they can sing and are highly incensed when they are told they are off key and offensive to the eardrums.
In a world where parents give their children participation trophies, these children have missed the lesson of learning from their mistakes and striving to correct their errors. These children have entered the age of entitlement, and those same children are the out-of-tune singers and the unconstructed writers.
I really don't mean to stand on my soap box today, but I am discouraged to struggle in an already difficult market, so for another day, probably another week, I'm going to rest my weary brain, take some deep breaths and regroup. Maybe I'll take some singing lessons (but don't expect me to try out for American Idol - I know my limitations!) Then I'll concentrate on the things I do best. I'm still perfecting my craft. I've been at this long enough to know when my writing isn't good enough to share with the general population - when it needs more fine-tuning - and I'm not afraid to seek out a professional opinion. If a pro tells me my story isn't up to snuff, I believe them. That's what they get paid to do - judge the quality of work. In an already competitive field of their own, I hope they don't disappear the way Borders did. Otherwise we're doomed to humor more of the William Hung's of the world.
Disclaimer - am I saying all the self-published authors are poor quality? No! What I'm saying is with no rules in place, it's more of a crap shoot, and I'm not much of a gambler.
Anon
We've had some interesting weather in the Midwest through the month of July. I've been blessed not to have suffered any damage through it all, although I know plenty of people who have, and the storms continue.
Have to admit that I'm also struggling with my rewrite, but this is a complicated matter. Part of it is my own state of mind these days which prompts writer's angst, and part of it is being overwhelmed by the state of the market these days. While it is nice that writer's have an outlet now that they didn't have before, the quality control disappears with everyone doing their own thing in a publishing free-for-all. Writing has always been a very competitive field, and now it is even more so with so many new authors muddying the waters (no disrespect intended).
Consider the fate of Borders Books. Like record stores. It's a little overwhelming to realize how much technology has taken over our lives. While self-publishing gives you an audience that you feel you might have been denied previously, for some people, it also opens up the door to public embarrassment - like watching American Idol without judges. Some of those people actually think they can sing and are highly incensed when they are told they are off key and offensive to the eardrums.
In a world where parents give their children participation trophies, these children have missed the lesson of learning from their mistakes and striving to correct their errors. These children have entered the age of entitlement, and those same children are the out-of-tune singers and the unconstructed writers.
I really don't mean to stand on my soap box today, but I am discouraged to struggle in an already difficult market, so for another day, probably another week, I'm going to rest my weary brain, take some deep breaths and regroup. Maybe I'll take some singing lessons (but don't expect me to try out for American Idol - I know my limitations!) Then I'll concentrate on the things I do best. I'm still perfecting my craft. I've been at this long enough to know when my writing isn't good enough to share with the general population - when it needs more fine-tuning - and I'm not afraid to seek out a professional opinion. If a pro tells me my story isn't up to snuff, I believe them. That's what they get paid to do - judge the quality of work. In an already competitive field of their own, I hope they don't disappear the way Borders did. Otherwise we're doomed to humor more of the William Hung's of the world.
Disclaimer - am I saying all the self-published authors are poor quality? No! What I'm saying is with no rules in place, it's more of a crap shoot, and I'm not much of a gambler.
Anon
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