Tag Archive | Writing

The Self-Doubt Monster!

Jun1

I am my own worst enemy.

Do you believe those words? Do you beat yourself up on a regular basis with horrible, “I’m not good enough” thoughts?

STOP!

And…I’m speaking to myself as well as I am to anyone reading this blog. I believe that most creative people have some insecurities about their ability. Part of that comes from the constant competition that we’re up against. We strive to do something that is unique and eye-catching, so that we will stand out from our competitors.

But here’s the little secret that I was told years ago by a man named William (Bill) Badalato. (He is a Hollywood Producer who I happened to meet in Idaho years ago.  That’s another story…) Don’t take rejection personally. Actually, I’m sure you’ve heard that before, but for some reason, having him tell me that, made it stick. I still have to remind myself of those words on a regular basis.

At that time I was working as a commercial actress and voice-over talent. I had auditioned for some “B” movie, and though I made it through the first rounds of auditions, I was dismissed after the second rounds. Reason? My height. Nothing to do with my acting ability, but all of the men they were casting were around 5’8″ tall. At 6′ myself, I stuck out like a sore thumb. I wasn’t what they were looking for. Not for that movie. (In hind sight, that was a good thing).  But that rejection didn’t discourage me from auditioning for other things. In fact, when I moved to Nashville, my height paid off when I was cast as a LasVegas showgirl in a music video.

And now that I’m pursuing a different area of creativity, I know that I need to apply the same words to my writing. My work is not going to be the perfect fit for every agent or publisher out there. And I know that not every reader will like my kind of stories. But I know that there are people that do like them, and that I will find them a home. I will beat the self-doubt monster down with a stick if I have to. And most importantly, I will keep on writing. I love what I’m doing, and I’m pouring my heart into it.

That being said, if someone criticizes your work, take what they say, review it, and give it consideration. I’ve made great strides forward by listening to what people have told me and learning from others who have succeeded in this business. Some things you may decide have no merit, but other things may be just what you need to push you over the top. Don’t be afraid of criticism, and try your best not to take it personally.

Some things you can’t change. (Like your height!) But some you can. I thought that my writing was great when I first started, but boy did I learn that I had a lot to learn! And, I’m still learning. I hope I keep learning new things for the rest of my life.

Write On!!DRW_D300_200901021690__DSC3034_hdr

All Five?

May28

Yes, there are five senses. If you need a refresher, they are: seeing, smelling, tasting, touching, and hearing.

Are you using all five senses in your writing? If not, re-read your most recent piece and highlight the senses you are using. Then, for fun, go back and add the other senses. Then read it again and see how much better it is.

A reader needs to feel connected to the story in every way possible. When you’re creating a new setting, bring the reader into it with as much information as you can, without boring them, of course! I’ve read some books that have so much intricate detail that I skim the pages trying to get into the actual story. Find that “happy medium.”

So, is your heroine locked in a dark, dank dungeon? How does it smell? What is the temperature in the room? Is it completely quiet, or does she hear noises like the squeaking of a mouse, or perhaps a cockroach skittering across the floor? And most importantly, what’s going on inside of her emotionally? Is she scared? Most likely. So, how can you show that?

I encourage all of you to read C.J. Redwine’s, “Defiance.” She has a gift with words that will take you to some of  those dark places, and make you feel like you’re actually there. In your mind you become her characters and feel their pain, as well as their joy.

When I was a little girl and would go to visit my grandmother, her house had a distinct smell. It was a combination of bacon and cigarette smoke. That may sound awful, but it was Grandma, and believe it or not, I found the smell welcoming because Grandma was a warm and inviting woman. I have great memories of that house and Grandma’s love. I developed a character in one of my books whose house smells like bacon. And unlike Grandma, my character doesn’t smoke, she chews tobacco. However, like Grandma, she’s one of the most lovable characters in my book.

When writing romance, it’s easy to focus on feelings, and the sense of touch. But those feelings are enhanced when you mention the “woodsy” scent of the man’s skin, or the hint of honey in your heroine’s hair.  Don’t neglect the nose!

I would love for you to tell me about some of your favorite ‘sensory’ writing. Write on, and don’t forget “the five.”

Grandma and Grandpa

Grandma and Grandpa

The Wisdom of Elders

May23
Write, write, write!

Write, write, write!

A lifetime of wisdom. How long do we have to live before we’re considered, wise? Hmmm….

I’d like to believe that my son, and even my grandson think I’m wise, and that I have a wealth of knowledge and life experiences to share and hand down to them. Many things I don’t want them to know, but in many ways, my life is “an open book.”

Though I doubt my life’s story would make an interesting novel, I have done some things that are worthy of writing about. And, there are those things that I wish I could erase from my memory. Mistakes I’ve made that seem to haunt me. But even those “haunts” bring out feelings and story material. Sometimes the most terrible things in our lives are the best material for stories. I remember hearing once that mistakes make a book interesting.  Who wants to read a book about someone who always does the right, predictable thing? Not much adventure there!

I’ve found that when I write events into my stories that deal with issues I’ve struggled with, the writing helps me heal.

I have a character in one of my books who is a horrible, womanizing jerk. (And that’s putting it nicely) I have a friend who “Beta reads” my books, and she told me that he reminded her of her ex. It made her extremely happy when I used a phrase in one of his conversations, that she told me her ex frequently used. I think in some ways, I helped her to heal!  Or, at least I gave her a good laugh.

So, I challenge you to dig up those difficult memories, and write! Consider it therapy!

 

Write What You Know

May21

I’m sure you’ve heard this before, “write what you know.” Seems simple enough…

So, what do you know? Are you a stay-at-home mom, a business professional, a performer, or a dreamer? Or, maybe you are all of those all rolled into one. What experiences can you draw from to make an interesting story?

Some people may look at their lives and think they’ve not done anything worth writing about, but even “Seinfeld” was a show which claimed to be about nothing at all and yet was probably one of the most entertaining sitcoms ever.

The most wonderful thing about writing is that we can create any adventure we choose. Our characters are our “puppets” that we can manipulate by pulling their strings. Of course, the more I write, the more I find that my characters start telling me what they want to do!  They often disagree with the direction I intended to take them in.

Even so, when we create, we have to know something about what we’re creating. Details are important. Emotions are crucial.

I watched a movie once about a writer, (can’t recall the name of the movie), but he gave some advice that has stuck with me over the years. In teaching an apprentice, he told him that if he intended to “kill off” a character in his story, that it was imperative that the reader feel something when that event takes place. Is the reader happy that the person died, or grief-stricken? If the reader feels nothing, or basically couldn’t care less, then the writer didn’t do his or her job. If you’ve never experienced a loss, then writing an effective story line about it would be very difficult.

This goes back to…write what you know.

No, I have not done everything I write about in my books, but that’s where research and professionals come in. Lots of notes! Still, the best writing you can do, comes from the heart, and the majority of the  emotional experiences in my stories have been personally experienced. Each day that you live your life you have something new to draw from.

Currently, I am the caretaker of my mother-in-law who has Alzheimer’s. In caring for her, I’ve not only discovered the turmoils she’s enduring dealing with the disease, but I’ve also found emotions and moods I didn’t know I possessed. There are good days and bad days, but every day is a learning experience. One day I know that this will appear in my writing in some form or fashion.

Okay…so I feel like I’ve been around the world with this post! I hope I’ve made sense! Blogging is one of my newest learning experiences!

Just when you think you got it…

May15

I can’t recall the first time I heard that you should learn something new every day. Even if it’s something minor. I assume it keeps the brain active and makes day-to-day life much more interesting. I enjoy learning, and also enjoy teaching. There is a time for both.

Writing has become more of a learning process than I ever thought it would be. In school, I excelled at grammar, and was one of those strange students who actually enjoyed dissecting sentences. I also remember most of the words and melodies to those Saturday morning cartoon fillers: “Conjunction, Junction, what’s your function?”  and of course, “Interjections, show excitement and emotion.”  Hallelujah!

Recently, while further exploring deep point of view, I’ve learned that some verbs are not good words when writing single person point of view.  I believe that I mentioned previously that when I first started writing, I was writing in omniscient point of view, which is not as popular as it used to be. I’ve been learning how to change my style to single person point of view, third person. Yes, my head is spinning too!  So, why are those verbs “bad?”

Basically, there is no reason to say, “Joe saw the dog run across the road,” if the chapter I’m writing is in Joe’s point of view. If I have already established that the story is being revealed through Joe’s eyes, then the “Joe saw” could be eliminated. It would be stated simply: “The dog ran across the road.”

I’m amazed at the difference in the flow of my manuscript, once I apply everything I’ve learned. Just when I think I got it exactly the way it should be, I find that it can be even better. This also relates back to my “show don’t tell” previous post. It all ties together.  Instead of writing that your characters; saw, heard, felt, wondered, etc… Show it.

I know that more tricks of the trade will be revealed to me, and I’ll be happy to write what I learn. I’d love for you to share some of your writing revelations to me too! In the end, a story will be told, and hopefully you will be enriched reading it.

The dog ran across the road....

The dog ran across the road….

 

Show, Don’t Tell

May7

“Show your story, don’t tell it.”

Okay…this one really stumped me. I thought that as a writer I was supposed to tell my story! And then, over and over again at MCRW meetings and retreats, I kept hearing, “Are you showing, or are you telling?”

I think I finally “get it.” Simply put, it’s the difference between writing: “John was angry, and yelled, ‘I hate you.'” AND “John’s hands gripped the rail, tighter and tighter as his knuckles became white. His rapid breathing caused him to spit out the words, ‘I hate you!'”

It’s not some of my best writing, but I wanted to make a simple illustration. I’m sure you can see the difference.

No, I don’t yet consider myself an expert, but I hope that sharing my writing journey with you will help you on your journey too. Don’t get discouraged. You will be your best, worst enemy. Self-doubt can kill your inspiration, so always remind yourself that whatever you put on paper is better than nothing at all. Keep at it, and “show” your stuff!!

Know your History

Apr30

When I was in High School I received a History award at the end of my senior year. I loved history, and still do.

I was blessed to have a teacher who spoke about history with  passion and made it interesting.  He didn’t focus on dates, (which I hate to admit has caused me a few problems along the way!), but he focused on events. Yes, the dates are important, but more than that, the facts of the event are the most important.

In my previous post I talked about research, and talking to people who specialize in the subject matter that you’re writing about. On top of that, it’s important to research even the smallest detail. Don’t ever assume that something existed in the past that we have today.

Yes, you may know that there were no cars, microwave ovens, or cell phones in the 1800’s, but did they have toothbrushes?

Ireland-31 The simplest things can make the biggest difference. One tiny detail may pop out and make a reader stop reading, or an editor roll their eyes and wonder if you really researched your material.

And, if history isn’t your thing, and you don’t like research, then try creating a whole new world!  You can do anything you choose when you’re making up something new.

Best advice…write what moves you. For me, it’s history, and falling in love.  A great combination!

Editing…

Apr26

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Though I’m writing fiction, being that it is “historical” fiction, it’s very important to know my history. And even if I wasn’t writing historical fiction, and was writing a story involving horses, then I had better well know a lot about horses!  I’ve always heard, “write what you know.”

I confess. When I started writing about the Civil War, I knew very little. Aside from the fact that I knew the North won, and that slavery was an issue in the war. Having grown up in the Northwest, I learned more about Lewis & Clark than I learned about the war. I can’t say that I remember much about them either.  The things we learn in school often times drift out of our memories, unless we have an interest in a particular subject. If you’ve ever watched an episode of “Are you Smarter than a Fifth Grader” then you know what I mean!

So when I started my books involving the war, I decided that talking to an expert was a good idea. Sometimes the information I get on the internet isn’t completely accurate. Hmmm…

I took pages and pages of notes and when I completed the chapters pertinent to those notes, I forwarded them to my expert, holding my breath until I heard back from him. He told me that all but one small detail was accurate. Whew! So, change that one small detail, right?  Sure!  Not so easy. I think I finally understand what so many fellow writers have told me about editing. As a writer, I’m “in love” with my work, and it’s hard to change it. But I’ve found that if I listen to people who know what they’re talking about, I will have a much better product.  So, I toyed with the event, and hope I came up with a good alternative. I’m still waiting to hear back from him on the changes.

I could have just stuck my nose in the air and said, “It’s my book. I know better about what it needs than you do.” But, that wouldn’t have helped my story. I would be destined to have that one Civil war expert read it, (though I’m not sure many of them read women’s fiction), and have him throw the book across the room screaming, “How could she be so stupid?!”

Having experts on board is a plus. My good friend, Diane, is my horse expert. When she read my “horse” chapters, she gave me incredible insight into horse behavior. Her words of wisdom ended up driving my story forward in a way I’d never expected. Thank you, Diane!

Moral of my post: Be willing to edit, even if it hurts!! It will only make your stories better.

 

What makes a Five-Star Book?

Apr25

I remember the days when I was sick as a child, and had to stay home from school. To pass the time, I would read. Reading took me away from home on adventure after adventure, and the hours flew by. I think there may have been times that I probably wasn’t sick enough to warrant staying home, but the books called to me, and I managed to convince my mother that I was “very” sick.

One of my favorite series of books to read was “The Chronicles of Narnia.” I could polish off one of those books easily in a day’s time. And then, as I got older, I read “The Hobbit” followed by “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy. Other favorites included “Watership Down” and “Christy.” As an adult, I continued reading fantasy and went on the adventures in “Dune” and the “Thomas Covenant” books. And I can’t leave out the books about Merlin and Arthurian Legend by Mary Stewart; “The Crystal Cave,” “The Hollow Hills,” and “The Last Enchantment.”

All of those books have stayed with me through the years, and I enjoy reading them over and over again. When I began reading romance, I was drawn to “The Thorn Birds” which is not your typical romance. Maybe that’s what has made my writing far from “typical.”

I know there are many more books that I’ve not mentioned, but what I want to say is that to me, all of the books I mentioned rated five stars. They took me away to other places, captured my heart, and made me feel like I was a part of them. Any author who can achieve that in their writing is gifted. I hope that I will achieve that goal with my stories, and if at first I don’t succeed, I will keep at it until I do. I pray that I’ve been blessed with that gift.

My goal is to touch the heart of my readers, and maybe even give them something to think about. Perhaps even take them to places that they’ll want to journey to time and time again.  I want my characters to feel like brand new friends, whose lives are being shared.

So what are some of your “Five-Star” books, and what makes them rate so high for you? And…if you don’t mind sharing…what is the first thing that turns you off from a book and makes you put it away without ever finishing it?

 

 

 

Great Intentions

Apr21

Last month, I made up my mind that I would post at least two blogs a week!  And then…I had a little accident and nearly lost the end of a finger on my right hand. I am now finally able to type with both hands again, even though that finger has little-to-no sensation.  Thank goodness for muscle memory!!

When I became a writer, I told friends that what I love about writing is that I don’t have to dress up to do it, and unlike being a singer, it doesn’t matter whether or not I can use my voice. And…if I injure a leg and can’t walk, I can still write!  I never dreamed that I would hurt my hand in a silly accident. I guess that it goes to prove that we should never take anything for granted and be grateful every day for even the little things that bless our lives.

Good health is a biggie!!  And getting enough rest so that you don’t make silly mistakes is also important. In case you’re curious, I stuck my hand into the spring mechanism of a reclining sofa. Yes…big OUCH!  Eight stitches later…and a great amount of pain, I’m on the mend.

The best thing of all is that in the time I couldn’t write, I was writing in my head, and once I could “hunt & peck” with my right hand, I started getting all those thoughts on paper.  I’m working hard on the sequel to “Marked” and am very excited about the progress I’m making.

The new book is entitled, “Forgotten” and takes place at the end of the Civil War.

Now that I can type again, I plan to blog more!!  See you again soon…