The latter gets busy.
Sometimes the busy-ness builds slowly, other times it hits you like a dump truck that just broke an axle. It stinks.
In the most unfortunate times, both methods happens at about the same time.
That's been my life since August.
Thus, here I am, letting you know I did not drop off the face of the earth, and that I am going to the sirens conference this week. My plan is to report back to you all with details and interesting tidbits.
Have a wonderful week, and I'll see you on the other side.
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
The Process
I'll say it for as long as I am a part of the publishing industry, and probably beyond: there is no one way for someone to get published. (Likewise, there is no one way to right a book, or come up with ideas, and so on.)
But there is a fairly general process that most people go through from getting an idea to getting published. Luckily for all of us, former literary agent and now author, Nathan Bransford has shared that process in gif form on his blog.
It is hilarious. Please, go read now.
But there is a fairly general process that most people go through from getting an idea to getting published. Luckily for all of us, former literary agent and now author, Nathan Bransford has shared that process in gif form on his blog.
It is hilarious. Please, go read now.
Friday, August 17, 2012
The Beauty of Genre
You might think that Cracked.com is only all about the snarky, funny articles about how the earth wants to kill us or :::, and you'd be close to that.
But that doesn't mean the authors aren't doing their research, and it doesn't mean you can't learn something from a Cracked article (beyond the snark and tidbits of trivia).
I am currently reading (meaning I paused in my reading just to share this with you) an article titled, "4 Things Science Fiction Needs to Bring Back" and the author, Robert Brockway just mentioned something that struck a chord. he's discussing the current trend of genre, and how sci fi is seeing an increase lately. The article is what he thinks is leading to that, such as the optimism in sci fi (true, not all sci fi), and it's focus on the future of mankind rather than navel-gazing.
He says, "Great sci-fi isn't about a person; it's about people."
I would generalize that too, to say that "great genre isn't about a person; it's about people", or even "a great story isn't about a person; it's about people."
Telling a story, especially in genre writing, can't be about focusing on one person and their internal struggle to the exclusion of all other people. It can't be about every other character's actions, dialogue, thoughts and feelings revolving around the protagonist. There has to be interaction, and it strengthens the story when that interaction involves people with opposing goals and motivations, and not necessarily those people being the "good guy" and the "bad guy".
Think about the bigger implications of the story. Think about the plot beyond the protagonist's needs and wants. Think about the people of your story, not just the person.
But that doesn't mean the authors aren't doing their research, and it doesn't mean you can't learn something from a Cracked article (beyond the snark and tidbits of trivia).
I am currently reading (meaning I paused in my reading just to share this with you) an article titled, "4 Things Science Fiction Needs to Bring Back" and the author, Robert Brockway just mentioned something that struck a chord. he's discussing the current trend of genre, and how sci fi is seeing an increase lately. The article is what he thinks is leading to that, such as the optimism in sci fi (true, not all sci fi), and it's focus on the future of mankind rather than navel-gazing.
He says, "Great sci-fi isn't about a person; it's about people."
I would generalize that too, to say that "great genre isn't about a person; it's about people", or even "a great story isn't about a person; it's about people."
Telling a story, especially in genre writing, can't be about focusing on one person and their internal struggle to the exclusion of all other people. It can't be about every other character's actions, dialogue, thoughts and feelings revolving around the protagonist. There has to be interaction, and it strengthens the story when that interaction involves people with opposing goals and motivations, and not necessarily those people being the "good guy" and the "bad guy".
Think about the bigger implications of the story. Think about the plot beyond the protagonist's needs and wants. Think about the people of your story, not just the person.
Friday, August 10, 2012
Reading: Not Just For Boys
I've mentioned before that I have a writing blog, yes?
Generally, my intention is to keep the two separate, but I wanted to link to my most recent post over there. It's my analysis/reaction to an article about the lower number of teen boys reading as compared to girls.
I posted it on Coffee Quill because I found myself responding to it as a writer, rather than an editor.
As an editor, however, let it be known I am looking for any story that is interesting and written well, and if it geared towards teens, I don't mind whether it's "for" girls or boys, as long as it is good and get people to read. That said, a story that appeals to both is even better.
My original post: "Demystifying Books"
And another article that poses a few good questions about this same topic: "How can we get boys to read?"
Generally, my intention is to keep the two separate, but I wanted to link to my most recent post over there. It's my analysis/reaction to an article about the lower number of teen boys reading as compared to girls.
I posted it on Coffee Quill because I found myself responding to it as a writer, rather than an editor.
As an editor, however, let it be known I am looking for any story that is interesting and written well, and if it geared towards teens, I don't mind whether it's "for" girls or boys, as long as it is good and get people to read. That said, a story that appeals to both is even better.
My original post: "Demystifying Books"
And another article that poses a few good questions about this same topic: "How can we get boys to read?"
Monday, July 2, 2012
There is No Escape
Editing can, at times, feel like the creepy, saliva-dripping, skin bubbling monster hiding in your closet and wait to jump and bite your hand off when you least expect it.
But, it isn't.
I teach a lot of English classes, and whenever the subject of editing comes up, mostly the students just want you to fix things and give them a grade. The eyes glaze over, and should you dare to ask for multiple drafts, you will be lucky to get them. Or, for that matter, to get drafts and finals that are significantly different.
Here's the thing, editing can be scary. I know a midlist author who regularly throws out huge chunks of text, chapter-long sometimes, and rewrites it from scratch. But editing is not a punishment. It's a way to make your work better, to hand over the best possible piece of writing that you are capable of, no relying on spellcheck or others to fix the problems.
With editing, there is pride. Tell yourself, "I can do this. I can see what doesn't work for this story, and I can make it better." And then you do.
It won't be easy--as the elusive "they" always says, the best things in life never are--but it is something you do to help yourself.
And seriously, if an editor has to choose between two stories with great plot and characterization, they're going for the one that's written better, the one that tied up the random plot thread, not left it to dangle over the climax of the story, distracting everyone.
You can do this.
You can.
But, it isn't.
I teach a lot of English classes, and whenever the subject of editing comes up, mostly the students just want you to fix things and give them a grade. The eyes glaze over, and should you dare to ask for multiple drafts, you will be lucky to get them. Or, for that matter, to get drafts and finals that are significantly different.
Here's the thing, editing can be scary. I know a midlist author who regularly throws out huge chunks of text, chapter-long sometimes, and rewrites it from scratch. But editing is not a punishment. It's a way to make your work better, to hand over the best possible piece of writing that you are capable of, no relying on spellcheck or others to fix the problems.
With editing, there is pride. Tell yourself, "I can do this. I can see what doesn't work for this story, and I can make it better." And then you do.
It won't be easy--as the elusive "they" always says, the best things in life never are--but it is something you do to help yourself.
And seriously, if an editor has to choose between two stories with great plot and characterization, they're going for the one that's written better, the one that tied up the random plot thread, not left it to dangle over the climax of the story, distracting everyone.
You can do this.
You can.
Saturday, June 16, 2012
One Rule to Ring Them All
If you take five minutes and search online, you can find...101,000,000 sites with articles, blog posts, and rules for writing fiction. I lied. That took about 20 seconds.
Here's the thing, rules are great. They tell you what to expect, and what others expect. If you're writing and are trying to get published, it's necessary to know what the agents' and publishers' rules for submissions are. And there are standards of writing mechanics one should follow. Proper comma usage is something I am always looking for, along with diction, and subject-verb agreement.
But then there are rules about story craft. And these, though they're called "rules", are a little looser.
Emma Coats is a story artist with Pixar, who recently posted 22 rules for storytelling. There are a number of great suggestions here, but I hesitate to call them rules. You don't have to follow, but read them and see if any of them strike a chord.
When it comes to learning how to write a story, the best thing a set of rules can do is help you try different things in an effort to find what works for you.
Perhaps the one "golden rule" for writing is that "There is no one right way to write." So find what works for you.
Following every set of rules will ultimately constrict you and hinder your writing--there are just too many out there (again, 101,000,000?!)--but finding a few key pieces of advice can act as lighthouses at midnight, when you've lost the story in an ocean of confusion and need to find the harbor.
From Coats' post, a few that I particularly liked and found helpful:
"#9: When you’re stuck, make a list of what WOULDN’T happen next. Lots of times the material to get you unstuck will show up."
#12: Discount the 1st thing that comes to mind. And the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th – get the obvious out of the way. Surprise yourself."
"#16: What are the stakes? Give us reason to root for the character. What happens if they don’t succeed? Stack the odds against."
These are some things I've told my students often, though for essays: "#11: Putting it on paper lets you start fixing it. If it stays in your head, a perfect idea, you’ll never share it with anyone."
"#14: Why must you tell THIS story? What’s the belief burning within you that your story feeds off of? That’s the heart of it."
Whether these help you in your writing, or you connect more with some of the others, I feel most writers will take something away from this. At the very least, it gives you perspective, to see how someone else views storytelling and story-forming.
Happy writing, everyone.
Here's the thing, rules are great. They tell you what to expect, and what others expect. If you're writing and are trying to get published, it's necessary to know what the agents' and publishers' rules for submissions are. And there are standards of writing mechanics one should follow. Proper comma usage is something I am always looking for, along with diction, and subject-verb agreement.
But then there are rules about story craft. And these, though they're called "rules", are a little looser.
Emma Coats is a story artist with Pixar, who recently posted 22 rules for storytelling. There are a number of great suggestions here, but I hesitate to call them rules. You don't have to follow, but read them and see if any of them strike a chord.
When it comes to learning how to write a story, the best thing a set of rules can do is help you try different things in an effort to find what works for you.
Perhaps the one "golden rule" for writing is that "There is no one right way to write." So find what works for you.
Following every set of rules will ultimately constrict you and hinder your writing--there are just too many out there (again, 101,000,000?!)--but finding a few key pieces of advice can act as lighthouses at midnight, when you've lost the story in an ocean of confusion and need to find the harbor.
From Coats' post, a few that I particularly liked and found helpful:
"#9: When you’re stuck, make a list of what WOULDN’T happen next. Lots of times the material to get you unstuck will show up."
#12: Discount the 1st thing that comes to mind. And the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th – get the obvious out of the way. Surprise yourself."
"#16: What are the stakes? Give us reason to root for the character. What happens if they don’t succeed? Stack the odds against."
These are some things I've told my students often, though for essays: "#11: Putting it on paper lets you start fixing it. If it stays in your head, a perfect idea, you’ll never share it with anyone."
"#14: Why must you tell THIS story? What’s the belief burning within you that your story feeds off of? That’s the heart of it."
Whether these help you in your writing, or you connect more with some of the others, I feel most writers will take something away from this. At the very least, it gives you perspective, to see how someone else views storytelling and story-forming.
Happy writing, everyone.
Thursday, June 7, 2012
A New Beginning...Sort Of
The first post of a new blog. Feels a bit like spring.
Hello and welcome.
Every time I start a new blog, be it blogger, livejournal, or some other website, I always feel like the first post should be great and profound. Alas, it rarely is.
But the first posts serve a purpose, and this one is to explain who I am to those who don't know me, and explain myself to those who do.
I am a writer. I've been writing and editing my own work for years, and continue to do so. My goal is still to get published.
But, I also love taking a piece of writing--my own or someone else's--and making it the best piece of writing it can be.
I've already been editing--I was a member of a writer's group for about eight years, and I've done some freelance editing, as well as the countless essays I've helped students revise and improve--so now I am taking that skill public, so to speak.
This blog is a place, separate but not isolated from my writing blog, where I can share my experiences in editing professionally. The things I've already learned, the new tricks and skills I pick up along the way, the pieces of advice that help me and may help you, whether you are also an editor, or a writer likewise hoping to be published.
Feel free to join in discussions or ask questions.
And if you're curious, for the slightly more random and writerly ramblings, you can also visit coffeequill.blogspot.com.
This blog will be seeing some changes over the next few days, but come back soon for more posts and information.
Hello and welcome.
Every time I start a new blog, be it blogger, livejournal, or some other website, I always feel like the first post should be great and profound. Alas, it rarely is.
But the first posts serve a purpose, and this one is to explain who I am to those who don't know me, and explain myself to those who do.
I am a writer. I've been writing and editing my own work for years, and continue to do so. My goal is still to get published.
But, I also love taking a piece of writing--my own or someone else's--and making it the best piece of writing it can be.
I've already been editing--I was a member of a writer's group for about eight years, and I've done some freelance editing, as well as the countless essays I've helped students revise and improve--so now I am taking that skill public, so to speak.
This blog is a place, separate but not isolated from my writing blog, where I can share my experiences in editing professionally. The things I've already learned, the new tricks and skills I pick up along the way, the pieces of advice that help me and may help you, whether you are also an editor, or a writer likewise hoping to be published.
Feel free to join in discussions or ask questions.
And if you're curious, for the slightly more random and writerly ramblings, you can also visit coffeequill.blogspot.com.
This blog will be seeing some changes over the next few days, but come back soon for more posts and information.
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