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Okay, okay, okay. I admit it. I want one. I want a shiny, new, unfortunately named I-Pad. I want to slip it in my bag and Hulu WEEDS whenever, wherever I am. I want the full board version of Lexulous to show up when it's my turn. And I want to access Facebook, Twitter, Ning, Verla's and all my blogging buddies 24/7.
But I know my limits. And I already spend way too much time on the internet. That's why I'm sticking with my AlphaSmart Dana. It's a lightweight, portable word processor. And it's distraction free. Now when I hit the road for a carpool, a doctor's appointment, or an overnight to Grandmom and Pop-Pop's, I take my AlphaSmart and leave the laptop at home. It weighs in at a sturdy two pounds, and has a twenty-five hour rechargeable battery and a full-size keyboard. There's no boot-up time. You take it out and turn it on. And when you turn it off, it automatically saves. And one more thing -- because I can't go cold turkey on technology, it does have Wi-Fi connectivity for e-mail.
For drafting, you can't beat my AlphaSmart. The screen shows about six to eight lines of type, so I can review what I've written, but I stay focused on moving forward. I particularly love it for journaling as my characters. And when I want to add my AlphaSmart files to my Mac, I'm just a USB cable away.
We bought mine used on E-Bay for ninety dollars. It works like a charm.
I'd love to hear about other favorite first draft "writing instruments." Who drafts longhand in marble notebooks and who won't leave home without a stack of index cards. Is anyone drafting a book on their Blackberry?
12 Comments on You Say I-Pad, I Say AlphaSmart, last added: 2/3/2010
I've drafted on my Blackberry. It's not a pretty sight, but it works in a pinch. At the very least, I jot down ideas and recreate them later. I also keep a notebook with me.
I have a tiny spiral notebook in my purse for inspirational emergencies, but I'm such an impatient writer, I hardly jot down notes anymore. It seems that inspiration needs to wait until I can get home and use my computer. I'd love an iPad but your AlphaSmart sounds very handy.
I used to draft longhand, but that's pretty much over. I'm chained to a desktop. I'm not complaining, since when I started back in the stone age, all writers were chained to typewriters. But I'd love something portable. I'd probably want Internet and the whole shebang since our household has one computer. But I like the sound of your AlphaSmart, and the price.
JL: It runs on a Palm system. Very big in the education market. Lots of students tote them around -- especially those in younger grades with handwriting issues. I used it on the train tonight. I love it.
The less distractions for me the better! I'd be off and running with an I-Pad I think - too much like a toy (love the idea of Hulu-ing Weeds!). I like to keep it simple - Word or a marble notebook. That usually gets me to where I need to go. I think I've jotted things on napkins too in a pinch when I didn't think I'd remember, but they get lost so easily. (and are sometimes grease stained)
I'm a dark ages index card girl. I guess it's a remnant from my librarian past when I always had extras hanging around. I keep them in my purse and they suit me well because in my case I'm usually only pondering the short stuff - one sentence or a word choice.
I have an AlphaSmart 3000 that I bought YEARS ago. I love it too and use it when I can't seem to ignore laptop distractions. I also like that the viewscreen is too small to see what's being written (beyond a few lines). It's great for fast-drafting. But although I use it, my favorite writing instrument remains my good ole trusty MacBook. I confess that I'm drooling over the iPad as a possible READING instrument. I'm waiting to see how comfortable it is, as compared to e-ink, but do I really want an e-book with built-in distractions? And twice the cost of a Kindle? Hmm.
Gale: I'm finally leaving index cards behind -- getting used to using all the options in Scrivener. It's another one of my newest loves. It's so easy to keep notes, outline and drafts together.
Robin: Forget about the napkins! One good spill and your notes are gone!
Susan: Finally! That's what I'm talking about! Distraction-free fast drafting.
Kelly: My husband is on his I-Phone non-stop. My son is on his I-Pod Touch non-stop. But if I ever went for the I-Pad, they would definitely fight me for it.
It’s Agent Appreciation Day! This tribute to hard-working, word-loving, plot-scrubbing, contract-scouring, career-building literary-matchmakers is the brainchild of writer Kody Keplinger. So today, I’m joining other writers in offering a great, big thank-you to my agent, who happens to be Steven Chudney. Here’s why:
1) He loves my work, and his input makes it even better. His encouragement to dig deeper and pull the heart out of each character shaped my submission and now influences my WIPs.
2) He makes me “Blink.” Every conversation leads to an ah-ha moment. Steven just makes sense – about my writing, about submissions, and about the state of the industry.
3) He is amazingly quick, responsive and decisive.
4) He’s also calm, patient and understanding.
5) He loves his dogs and much as I love mine.
So, thanks for a great beginning, Steven. I look forward to a long and happy partnership navigating through this publishing maze!
If you would like to see other postings for Agent Appreciation Day, check out Lisa and Laura Write
9 Comments on Agent Appreciation Day, last added: 12/13/2009
I long been impressed with Steven Chudney! He is the only agent to send me a letter with thoughtful, insightful suggestions for revisions even as he rejected me.
I am sure you and Mr. Chudney will have many years of literary bliss.
So I didn’t “win” NaNowriMo. I finished the month just shy of 20,000 words, which is not significantly more than I would have in a normal month of solid writing.
The difference is, I completed those 20,000 words in two weeks, not four. And most of those words bore me to tears. Let me be honest. I was a NaNo cheater. I didn’t care if I wrote 50,000 words. I wanted to complete a novel that was already a third of the way into a first draft; I had 25,000 words under my belt before the month began. But when November rolled onto my calendar, I needed to finish revisions for my middle grade novel. I couldn’t start NaNo until week two. And a freelance load kept me away during week three.
So, how did I like this frantic writing pace? Not much.
I got a lot of words onto paper, but I didn't feel very good about them. With the focus on output, there was no time to think things though. My plot completely stalled. My characters talked about everything and nothing. They bored me.
All was not bad. Writing quickly did make me connect more with my main character’s internal thought. He told me how he felt about everything. And I mean everything. It’s important information, but information I’d rather gather through journaling.
So would I do it again? Maybe. But only under the right conditions. I would have to begin with a tight, chapter-by-chapter outline and completed character sketches. I would spend a significant amount of time journaling as my main characters (and that counts toward NaNo totals). And I would spend a few minutes thinking through what I wanted to accomplish with each writing session before my fingers hit the keyboard.
But one thing about NaNo that has changed me forever! Scrivener. If you write on a Mac, buy this program today. It makes writing and revising so much easier.
So tell me, fellow NaNo-ers. Did you "win?" Did you like it? Do you use Scrivener?
11 Comments on To NaNo or Not to NaNo -- That is the Question, last added: 12/4/2009
I didn't win either. I got about 20,000 words in two weeks as well, and then week three everything came to a grinding halt because I had special family occasions to deal with in addition to Thanksgiving, traveling, and just life in general.
As for the "nano" pace - I still think November is a particularly hard month to write in and revising in December? Does anyone shop or deocorate for Christmas? lol.
What I did love about Nano is that it forced me to silence my inner editor. I sometimes have an agonizingly slow pace and while I firmly believe in the "shitty first draft" I often don't let myself do it. And to my surprise a completely new character hijacked my story - that was fun. I'm not sure I would have let that happen if it weren't for Nano's wild abandon.
I have to work on another project right now, but when January rolls around I'm going back to my Nano WIP and finishing my shitty first draft. Then maybe I'll revise in February. A short month yes, but full of short days and long nights full of NOT MUCH else. Perfect.
I could never do NaNo - simply because of Thanksgiving. My life comes to a turkey halt the week of Thanksgiving with baking, house guests, shopping, and more baking. I love it, though, so I'm not complaining. But I do wish they did NaNo in March.
I "won" for the second time this year, but I echo most of your complaints - I don't like much of what I wrote. Some good things came out of it, and I think I have a better idea of what my plot should be now, but I don't know if it was the best use of my time other than to get me (and my family) into a regular writing habit.
I wasn't "officially" participating- I too wanted to finish a new ms that I had started over the summer. I did write 45,000 words, and not all of it is crap. The rewrites will keep me busy for a few months, but I know I'll have something to send out next year.
I won, the second time. I had a basic chapter outline, I knew my characters, I knew what the problem was and how I wanted it resolved. I was surprised at how smoothly it went, even when I stopped to do research. I'm pretty pleased with it. Actually I had a blast writing it. But I have no idea if it's any good. But I'm going to let it sit for a month or two then I'll know more.
I think NaNo's a good way to prime the pump. Even if you're not pleased with the overall work, you've got something down that can be fine tuned later on. And if you decide you don't like the overall story, maybe there are things in it you can use in something else.
Joanna -- you were a writing MACHINE in Nano. You'll have fun revising with Scrivener!
Robin -- I agree about Nano silencing the inner editor, but I wish my inner editor had broken out a few times!
Meg -- you can do Nano in March. Maybe I'll do it with you...or maybe not!
ReadWriteGo --It is a toss-up, isn't it? Work got done, but is it the best work you could do?
Lily -- You go, girl! I prefer revising to drafting, myself.
Bish -- I totally agree. I think it's possible to come out of Nano with a good, crappy first draft as opposed to a crappy, crappy first draft. But my work was tangents all over. Most of it is on the way to the morgue.
Scrivener looks fantastic. Thanks for the link. I finished complicated drafts of two MGs, so I didn't do NaNo but I spent a lot of time writing. It was wonderful.
On November 1, what else can a writer blog about but Nanowrimo? And yes, I'm going for it again this year. I will confess though, I'm cheating. I plan to finish a WIP rather than start a new manuscript. I already have over 25,000 words down on my YA, but I'm tossing out two plot threads, so I figure that brings me down to somewhere between 15,000-20,000. I'm aiming for a 60,000-word first draft, so who knows? I may hit that magic 50,000 word mark after all.
I've got around 40 buddies so far, but if any of you readers are taking the Nano challenge, buddy me -- we're all in this together! I'm Judy P at Nano.
Now, let's get started!
7 Comments on Nanowrimo Take Two, last added: 11/5/2009
One of the reasons I love blogging is it caused me to go cold turkey on online lurking. I was a virtual long-time listener, first-time caller when we began the Paper Wait well over a year ago. I fervently followed a number of blogs, sopped up tips and traumas from Verla Kay's Blue Boards, and breathed agent and editor preferences in and out better than any Lamaze coach. But my internet voice was, well, silent.
Fast forward to today, and I can't believe it took me so long to speak up. I love being part of different online communities (most especially this one) and I find that commenting on blogs or on the Blue Boards makes me think more deeply about the issues under discussion.
Adding my opinion to any blog roll or forum was intimidating at first. And sometimes, it still is. But I like being part of the conversation.
So tell me, how did you come to tame your inner lurker?
I hate the term "lurker", it sounds so negative, like I'm sitting here in a trench coat silently plotting the demise of everyone else who comments.
What can I say? I'm shy even in cyberspace, but I have been coming out of my virtual shell. The Blue Boards are great, it's easy to congratulate people and offer advice or commiserate. And I've been doing more commenting on blogs too - when I have something to say. I'm not into arguing or flaming anyone though. Things can get out of hand too easily!
I think I'm the opposite. I used to spend a lot of time on the Blue Boards and checking out other people's blogs, but now I just don't have the time. The internet, for me, is a HUGE time vacuum. So I'm continuing with my internet diet and limiting the time I spend "lurking". It is a wonderful community out there, though. And I do miss it.
I'm with Meg. I have to be judicious with my internet time or I'd get lost in cyber-space. However I do enjoy "talking" with so many different people in so many different parts of the world.
I agree with you all -- I've gone on internet diets, too -- both before I joined the conversation and since. But now I look at it like taking a break. Writing is a solitary occupation. After a few hours, I'll get another cup of coffee or a glass of water, and see what everyone is talking about. Fifteen minutes later, I'm ready to go back to work.
And Robin, I hate flaming, too. It just seems so doltish and immature. People hide under anonymity and write things they would never say to anyone's face.
To me, there are two different sorts of Web comments - the ones you leave for an individual, and the ones you add to a general discussion.
If I were to spend more time in cyberspace, I would probably concentrate on the comments to individuals in a place like the Blue Boards.
As for the general discussions, after over 200 people have commented on a Nathan Bransford or Editorial Anonymous post, I'm sure I don't have anything new to say. And I don't want to take the time to read 200 comments anyway!
I was lucky... I started reading blogs last November during MotherReader's 21 Day Comment Challenge. So I never lurked! I got in the habit of commenting right from the start.
Like Corey, once I made the decision to start blogging I jumped right in posting and commenting without going through a lurking phase. Where I spent the most time lurking was on the Blue Boards. It was a year before I posted my first comment. I was so nervous! The Blue Boards were a good training ground for making my voice public.
Gale: Like you, I rarely read through hundreds of comments on blogs with followers numbered in the thousands. There are only so many hours in the day. But I do try to comment regularly on the thoughtful discussions that are taking place on lots of writers' blogs. I really appreciate the different flavors of discussion, depending on who is leading it.
Corey and MG: Never lurked? You're my two new heroes!
I've been amazingly productive this month. Now that my son is back to catching the bus at 6:46 a.m., I'm at my computer, coffee in hand, by 6:50 a.m. (Or he misses the bus at 6:47 a.m., I drive him, and don't get that first cup of coffee until after 7:00 a.m. Grrrr.)
Either way, I've been kicking #@% keeping butt in chair. But what makes me even happier than the work at the keyboard, is the work everywhere else. I am in the writing zone.
I am so in the zone I finally figured out the mucky middle of my YA WIP and I haven't touched it in six weeks. My solid plot took twists and turns that that led straight into dead ends. But as I revised and polished my MG manuscript every morning until it's spit-shined, a funny thing happened every afternoon. My thoughts turned to my YA as I took care of all of life's other business. And I figured out where the plot went wrong.
I can't wait to dig back into my YA--I even have a new name for my MC--something that has driven me crazy since I wrote my first three pages.
Fellow writers, has this happened to you? When you take the pressure off, do the answers come?
11 Comments on In the Writing Zone, last added: 9/25/2009
Congratulations on all the recent productivity, J.A.! That's awesome!
As for your question, there are definitely times when taking the pressure off has lead me to huge leaps in a manuscript. That's why I like to work on multiple short manuscripts simultaneously. When I'm "goofing off," I'm actually doing something productive!
Being in the zone is a wonderful feeling. I have found, lately, that when I am stuck it is because I have gone wrong somewhere in what I've already written. Finding that spot isn't always easy, sometimes it creeps up on you, like when you're working on a different story. For me, it's when I'm driving, showering, or reading. Unfortunately, since I don't have anyone at home to chauffeur around anymore, I'm not spending as much time in the car. I am, however, VERY clean!
Pressure on. Pressure off. Who cares how you get there? The best feeling in the world is when your ideas and words are coming together and you're cruising through a construction zone without being stopped for a speeding ticket.
When I'm stuck I ask for guidance in my dreams, but I've never yet woken up with a plot twist straightened or an "aha" idea. I keep trying, though. It seems like such an elegant and easy solution.
MG - I have only had one dream to date that I had to immediately write down. And now when I read the notes, I can't quite capture the magic I felt at that point. maybe someday, I'll dream it again and figure it out.
I've had fantastic dreams, where the whole story comes together. I write the dream down, but in the morning - forget finding the magic - I can't make any sense of it.
I hope to begin drafting a new novel soon. I'm nearing the finish line for one WIP, so it's time to pull out the idea file and decide what to work on next. I've been tossing light bulb moments in a file folder for the past five years as I've worked on two different novels. So here's my question: How do you take a great idea, and figure out if it will make a great book?
My completed MG began with a problem and I built a plot around how my MC would solve it. My YA WIP, however, began with a setting and an idea for three friends within that setting. I then created a problem and kept writing until my MC figured out a solution.
Right now, I'm letting several ideas simmer. I hope in a month or so, one of them will demand my attention. But to my fellow writers, I ask, do you have a more structured process to developing your ideas into books?
9 Comments on I've Got An Idea--Now What?, last added: 9/14/2009
I do pretty much the same thing. I take whatever piece of the idea came to me, and figure out how to make it a novel. Meaning, I work out the other pieces of a novel that are missing from the origianl spark (character, conflict, setting, etc.).
Good luck! I am interested to see other' responses to this!
Ooooh there's nothing more exciting than a shiny new novel to work on!! :-)
After letting ideas rattle around in the subconscious for a while, I do a lot of brainstorming (I start a new notebook for every novel specifically for this purpose). When the brainstorming generates a vague feeling of storyness, I outline it using the snowflake method (http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/art/snowflake.php), which is a FABULOUS way to grow your story ideas in a structured-yet-not-too-structured kind of a way. It helps a LOT and gives you a good feeling for how your novel is going to pan out before you 100% commit to it.
J.A.-- I'm like you and Larissa, no particularly structured process. I scribble down my ideas (mostly for a cool title or concept) and keep hopping between them as I try to get one to work. I guess my strategy is to get as much of the bones of the story down as I can and then revise, revise, revise! Getting critiques is also really helpful since I often miss things with this unstructured approach (like the complete lack of a plot in one early draft of a picture book manuscript :o) ).
Larissa: I just saw your "elevator pitch" thread at Verla's. Sounds like whatever method you use works!
Joanna: Funny! I bookmarked that site just a few weeks ago -- it looks really good and I am thinking about trying it with this next novel--whatever it may be!
Brianna: At least I'm finally getting over the notion that a first draft has to be good. I'm just looking for some bones!
Con Lombardo said, on 9/13/2009 11:09:00 AM
Great question! I tend to let ideas roll around in my head for awhile and write about the ones that refuse to go away.
I'm a pantser, meaning I sit at the computer and start writing whatever my main character comes up with. I usually have a vague notion about a plot and ending, but otherwise it's freeform. This doesn't work all that well because I then have to spend months revising and getting the plot organized--which means a LOT of rewriting.
Next time I'm going to be more organized! I'm using the snowflake method on a current rewrite and plan to use it from the very beginning on my next new project.
But MG, writing like that, don't you get to know your characters really well? I've found that my meandering often winds up cut from the final, but deepens my understanding of what makes my characters tick.
That's true. Meandering does help me get to know my characters. *sigh" There's got to be a balance between being organized and allowing room for creative movement. I'm envious that you're about to start a new novel and will get to play around with these ideas. Good luck!
A character is what usually comes to me first. Sometimes it's from an article I read or a dream. Usually, though, when I stop and think really hard about my stories, they stem from something in my own life. The character who first appears may not necessarily the main character, but they are someone with a problem. Then I build the story around that. I always know how I want the story to end, and I may know places I want the story to go to along the way, but I never know fully what's going to happen until I let the characters go.
Jay Asher’s Thirteen Reasons Why has been on the New York Times Best Seller List for the past ten months. This is a remarkable achievement on its own, but even more remarkable because the book was published almost two years ago. I devoured it in one sitting when it first came out. Now I have an autographed copy to reread at my leisure.
I went to see Jay speak at Borders in Bridgewater. I brought along a trusted connoisseur of YA literature—my fifteen-year-old son. He enjoyed the presentation as much as I did.
Jay’s journey to the best-seller list was full of bumps in the road, and he generously shared his story of twelve years of writing without a publishing offer. He also devoted time to the construction of Thirteen Reasons Why—from concept, through the writing process, his beta readers, his rejections, and finally, his multiple offers.
While all writers love good rejection stories, my big take-away was on concept and process. Jay explained his concept for Thirteen Reasons Why—a cassette tape tour—was born after taking a taped tour of the Luxor in Las Vegas a decade before he began to write the book. Also during that period, a young relative attempted suicide. But it was years before he merged concept with storyline and began to write.
This was an a-ha moment for me. I’ve had one particular concept rattling around my head for a few years that I absolutely love, but haven’t begun to write. Listening to Jay made it crystal clear why—I haven’t found its emotional arc.
He next talked about process—his dueling narrators and how he had to write one story first and then the other. He said as he read over Hannah’s story, he found himself naturally reacting to what she said, and a lot of those reactions became Clay’s reactions. This for me was an a-ha validation moment. I did the same thing in my final revision for my middle grade novel. I looked for places where I had an emotional reaction and made sure my MC noted his.
Jay’s critique process was very different from mine. Jay went to a series of beta readers for specific revision issues: plot, pacing, grammar, and finally to his mom, the ultimate feel-good reader.
My trusty critique group throws it all at me at once—full barrels. But everyone in our group does have different critique strengths and I do look to each for their area of expertise, be it plot, character, setting, pacing, grammar or tone. I will admit, however, I also have a feel-good reader—my fifteen-year-old son, who not only loves my writing, but also gives me some of the best suggestions for keeping it real.
I look forward to another read of Thirteen Reasons Why. I know as I read I’ll be even more amazed that it took twelve years for Jay Asher to be published. And I’ll be grateful to be part of a community of writers who so generously share their stories to help others reach their publishing goals.
7 Comments on My Autographed Copy of Thirteen Reasons Why, last added: 8/7/2009
"I looked for places where I had an emotional reaction and made sure my MC noted his." I LOVE this. What a great piece of advice.
Constance said, on 8/4/2009 8:58:00 PM
I saw Jay Asher give his presentation at the SCBWI NY conference earlier this year. So inspiring and what a great guy to share his process and wisdom with other writers. And the book is awesome, of course!
Jay Asher's experience is a lesson for us all, even without his concept and process. Jay's dedication and tenacity (even though occasionally shaken) is a lesson for us all.
As for waiting to find the emotional arc...what a great thing to learn. How many times have I jumped into a story only to get 50 pages before I realize it's not going anywhere. Is it because I don't know the arc, I don't know the characters, or what the story is? I'm not sure, but it certainly means the idea needs to marinate longer.
J.A. congrats on your autographed prize. I hope you find some quiet time to enjoy it.
Jay Asher is an inspiration for anyone who feels like giving up. Speaking of which, if you haven't read the "Ready to Quit" thread that he started in 2006, now in Verla Kay's "Hall of Fame" section, it's a great read.
Shelli -- how could you NOT love Jay. Talk about a guy you'd like to have a beer with!
And Constance, I found him to be really inspiring, too. To have stayed so dedicated to his craft, and I'll bet with the same sense of humor he displays now, is an example to follow.
MG and Meg--it's what it's all about isn't it? Meshing that physical plot with the emotional plot. Making sure all the threads work together. But I tell, you, I can't wait to find the emotional arc for this one idea I have. I hope it happens in time for Nanowrimo. Oooo, Did I say that?
J.L. -- I think I'll go reread that Verla thread right now!
Revisions for my middle grade novel are finished. Queries are out to targeted agents. I regularly check e-mail and stalk my mailman. And I am diving back in to my WIP. Right back in to the murky middle.
When I last left my beloved MC, he had just discovered a shocking truth—information that should serve as a catalyst for change. And that’s good, right? Every good character needs monkey wrenches thrown their way. It’s what makes readers keep reading.
So why am I having such a hard time with these changes? Why is it so difficult for me to let my MC make some really bad mistakes? He does, after all, exist only in my head. He’s not real. Yet I feel for him. Instinctually, I want him to do the right thing. But sometimes, good characters need to be bad. But I’ll push forward. I’ll let my MC hurt people he cares about and be hurt in return. I know my MC will grow and change from the events I write about, but until I actually write them, I won’t know all the twists and turns his emotions will take.
I know how his story will end, but that is the physical plot. The emotional arc of the story is something entirely different. And I hope I can fight my instincts to protect my MC and let his actions lead to truthful conclusions.
So is it just me and my Catholic school upbringing? Or does anyone else fight the urge to make characters do the right thing?
11 Comments on When Good Characters Go Bad, last added: 7/25/2009
We have to let our characters, like our children, go out into the world and make their own decisions and their own mistakes. If the writer imprints her desires on the character because she doesn't want him to be "bad" or "hurt" she will not write a character who reads true.
You are right, JA, to let your MC go where he needs to go.
I agree. My characters are like my kids, and they better behave! It's really hard to write something you disapprove of, unless it's the bad guy.
I am just starting my fourth book, my first three novels are in a drawer. This time, things are going to get interesting...I insist, and so do readers.
I have the same problem and I think you nailed it with "Instinctually, I want him to do the right thing." I need to stop thinking of my characters as little extensions of me and let them live their own lives.
Meg, you are so right -- let them make their own mistakes.
Aimee, I know what you mean about how when it's you're own kids, they better behave. But we better not ground our characters, or we'll never get any work done!
MG, I'm so glad I'm not alone. Here's to some bad behavior!
Often, it's not the "bad" that causes trouble, it's a character's weakness. The inability to say "No, I won't do that," when presented with a dicey situation.
When I was a kid, I remember finding myself irritated with characters in books who unerringly did the Right Thing and steered away from the broad, easy path. But when I write, I end up creating characters who are all nicey-nicey with each other, who are moral and kind and sympathetic. When I read it all over, it rings hollow and it's bland and yawn-inducing. And nobody learns anything either, because they know it already.
I want my characters to learn from doing the wrong thing, but I want the realization to gradually seep in. If it's too quick, I feel I'm back in didactic mode, creating characters as moral models. And God forbid.
In Vermont, Alan Cumyn gave a lecture on what makes a good story. One of his points was that characters must have a say in the outcome. We have to let them choose their own paths - even if it's one we wouldn't choose for them or ourselves.
I think Gale is right when she mentions that often it's a character's weakness, rather than actual badness,that leads her or him down the wrong road. No one is perfect but the heroes actually care about people and values, usually regret their mistakes and learn from them, while the really corrupt characters begin without some core values, and often don't regret their choices.
Meg, Very interesting to hear apt recommendations from your lectures in Vermont
I like the way Jay Asher handled this in 13WR. The MC, who seemed like a pretty good guy, had no idea how he'd wronged Hannah, nor did I, until near the end of the book.
His weakness was kept a mystery from everyone, characters and readers alike. We discovered what it was together, which really bonded me to the MC.
For the past few months, I rewrote, revised, puttered with and polished my middle grade manuscript. My core query is tightly written and ready for agent-specific info. I researched a targeted agent list and I am putting finishing touches to each query. My synopsis is is a 500-word wonder. Will I let the worst possible time of the year during the worst possible economy stop me from hitting send? Heck no. For me, it's the right time.
If I wasn't ready before, I had an aha moment at our last critique group meeting. We discussed how editors and agents must view "prepublished" writers. How they must see two-thirds of conference attendees as never-to-be-published, with one-third holding publishing possibilities. And how the same work of fiction is viewed oh-so-differently once it's fully justified and between the covers, rather than printed flush-left on 8-1/2" x 11" copy stock.
Enough of this, I thought. Hit send, and send, and send again, until I find a match.
Agents do sign first-time writers and editors do acquire that work. They do get excited by manuscripts they find in the slush. (Or as Edward Necarsulmer IV at MacIntosh & Otis calls it -- the Discovery Pile. I love that.)
So, I'm spending my summer vacation on the agent prowl. Anybody care to join me? And has anyone out there been discovered in the slush? Care to share your story?
9 Comments on Mission Submission, last added: 6/24/2009
Is there really a "good" time to go agent/publisher hunting? If it's not summer and vacation time, it's winter and holiday time....I figure any time is as good as it gets.
I sent a query and got a request for 30 pages today. Does anyone ever blog about the bile inducing fear associated with actually getting past the critique?
We’ve had a rotten couple weeks in our household. Without going into great detail, let’s just say it involved a teenager, a teacher, and a high school election. The teenager is no Tracy Flick. He’s a good-hearted, hard-working kid, but the teacher was just as determined as Jim McAllister that said teenager lose the election. But in the land of careful what you wish for, while said teen did lose the election, the teacher in question also lost her job as student advisor, effective immediately.
I bring this up not to vent (what, me? vent?), but as an observation.
Earlier this week, Gale wrote about observing strangers in a waiting room. As we went through this experience, I found myself noting everyone’s reactions, including my own, and squirreling them away in my mental filing cabinet. At times I thought, “You rotten mother. You’re observing this like a writer!” But I couldn’t stop myself. It’s part of who I am.
I know there are times when I’ve used my kids in my writing. I look to them for authentic language; I test for valid emotions; and I have sneaked an anecdote or two -- maybe even three or four -- into my manuscripts. But I’ve never yet written anything based on reality.
Have you?
6 Comments on True Confessions -- Have you used your kids in your writing?, last added: 5/24/2009
Oh wow, sorry to hear about your son and a rotten teacher. I had one of those too...They are a bite.
It's kind of the writer's curse, this observing thing we do. I've been doing it consciously since high school, so now it's like something I do automatically, err...unconsciously.
I have incorporated real experiences into my writing, but have changed settings, names and anything else I needed to to "protect the guilty." :)
Yes, I have, but don't tell them. I haven't used any real incidents, but I'm constantly observing - some things the mom in me might not like the writer in me is like...hey, stow that away, that's good...that's REAL!
Our critique group meets in a library conference room, twice a month for two hours at a clip. Generally, we critique two submissions each meeting. The submissions are sent out at least a week in advance. Shorter subs are sent via email; longer submissions are delivered in hard copy, usually at a prior meeting.
Does this mean we spend more time critiquing each other’s work than groups who do not read submissions in advance of a meeting? Yup.
And is it worth it? Yup. Every minute.
I can’t even begin to count how much revision time I’ve been spared by the thoughtful comments of my crit-mates. I recently submitted the first 75-pages on my YA WIP. A subplot had threatened to take over my main story. I needed some feedback before I spent a few months on a train headed in the wrong direction.
The critiques I received were specific and grounded in what was positive about my work. Not only did they help me figure out what to do with that meddlesome subplot, (a couple hints here and there will do it -- the rest gets cut and pasted into the “maybe I’ll use this someday” folder) I now have a much clearer understanding of my MC’s emotional depth. I was so hung up on the physical plot, the emotional plot was lacking. I’ve forged on with my first draft with renewed focus. I look forward to revising that initial chunk knowing the answer to the age-old question: What does your character want?
Reading, marking up and analyzing 75-pages took a lot of time. And for that, I thank my fellow paperwaiters and their collective knives.
Some writers may feel differently than we do -- that spending so much time critiquing other people’s work takes too much time away from one’s own writing. I find, however, that by taking a critical look at other people’s work, I become a better writer. And by others taking a critical look at my work, I save a lot of sweat equity.
I’d love to hear from other writers about this. How does your critique group operate? Do you feel you get what you give?
0 Comments on How We Do It...Critique, That Is as of 1/1/1900
We're a weekly group of four who switch off between two members' works each week - one scene, up to 15 pages. Each of us has a specialty - character, plot, grammar and hook - it just worked out that way accidentally - so each of us benefits differently from the critique. I always end up adding 5 extra pages of layer/texture to my scene after a meetup with them. It's invaluable!
I love that you give yourselves so much time to read ahead. My group reads ahead too, but a lot of times we only have a couple days to do so and that's not always so easy.
I've been in a critique group that didn't read manuscripts in advance. Before long, some of us persuaded those afraid of "homework" that it was to everyone's benefit to distribute manuscripts in advance of the meeting.
Yes, at times the critique homework can interfere with writing time, but when my critique turn comes around, I welcome the thorough critiques from colleagues who have had the time to read carefully. Wouldn't do it any other way.
I try to read each submission as soon as I get my hands on it. If it's a short sub, I won't mark a thing on the pages. On a longer sub, I just mark areas that I think are really great, or areas that trouble me -- I don't try to explain why on the first read.
After a few days, I read through again. I can usually articulate my thoughts better with a few days of simmering behind me.
And Gale, I totally agree. While this is the only official critique group I've been in, I've taken plenty of workshops and classes that read off-the-cuff. It's not that first impressions aren't valuable -- they are. But by reading in advance you can give both first impressions and more measured, thoughtful responses.
I know people who've been happy with online critique groups as well. I'm not sure how I would feel about that. I like having a hard copy both to critique and to review. The hieroglyphics that each member of the group leaves in the margins is as meaningful as the notes they've written up because I know it was most likely their gut that made them mark the page - good or bad.
I've been in critique groups where mspp. were read aloud at the meeting--not in advance. During the reading, some member's minds' wandered. Others missed important details. Others forget what they'd heard in prior weeks, so there was no continuity. How could this method possibly help any writer who's serious about improving his or her work? For me, it was a complete waste of time. This group rocks! :-)
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I've drafted on my Blackberry. It's not a pretty sight, but it works in a pinch. At the very least, I jot down ideas and recreate them later. I also keep a notebook with me.
I have a tiny spiral notebook in my purse for inspirational emergencies, but I'm such an impatient writer, I hardly jot down notes anymore. It seems that inspiration needs to wait until I can get home and use my computer. I'd love an iPad but your AlphaSmart sounds very handy.
I used to draft longhand, but that's pretty much over. I'm chained to a desktop. I'm not complaining, since when I started back in the stone age, all writers were chained to typewriters. But I'd love something portable. I'd probably want Internet and the whole shebang since our household has one computer. But I like the sound of your AlphaSmart, and the price.
I'd like to have one of those AlphaSmarts. Sounds like something I would enjoy a whole lot.
Meg: When inspiration strikes and I'm in a pinch, I call my voice mail.
MG: I also buy those tiny spiral notebooks in bulk at Staples and keep them in every purse and bag I own.
Marcia: I still do most of my writing at my desk, but I love portability -- especially in the summer months.
Bish: You always have summer months, right? You need portability!
Hmm. I thought I knew the screen market, but this is the first I've heard of an AlpaSmart. Sounds cool but who's Dana anyway?
JL: It runs on a Palm system. Very big in the education market. Lots of students tote them around -- especially those in younger grades with handwriting issues. I used it on the train tonight. I love it.
The less distractions for me the better! I'd be off and running with an I-Pad I think - too much like a toy (love the idea of Hulu-ing Weeds!). I like to keep it simple - Word or a marble notebook. That usually gets me to where I need to go. I think I've jotted things on napkins too in a pinch when I didn't think I'd remember, but they get lost so easily. (and are sometimes grease stained)
I'm a dark ages index card girl. I guess it's a remnant from my librarian past when I always had extras hanging around. I keep them in my purse and they suit me well because in my case I'm usually only pondering the short stuff - one sentence or a word choice.
I have an AlphaSmart 3000 that I bought YEARS ago. I love it too and use it when I can't seem to ignore laptop distractions. I also like that the viewscreen is too small to see what's being written (beyond a few lines). It's great for fast-drafting. But although I use it, my favorite writing instrument remains my good ole trusty MacBook. I confess that I'm drooling over the iPad as a possible READING instrument. I'm waiting to see how comfortable it is, as compared to e-ink, but do I really want an e-book with built-in distractions? And twice the cost of a Kindle? Hmm.
My oldest son saw Stephen Colbert holding the iPad up at the Grammy's. He said, "Whoa! That is cool! I want one!" Keep dreamin' little guy! ;)
Gale: I'm finally leaving index cards behind -- getting used to using all the options in Scrivener. It's another one of my newest loves. It's so easy to keep notes, outline and drafts together.
Robin: Forget about the napkins! One good spill and your notes are gone!
Susan: Finally! That's what I'm talking about! Distraction-free fast drafting.
Kelly: My husband is on his I-Phone non-stop. My son is on his I-Pod Touch non-stop. But if I ever went for the I-Pad, they would definitely fight me for it.