GUESS WHAT GUYS NO GO AHEAD GUESS DO YOU GIVE UP I'LL JUST TELL YOU
I WAS PICKED FOR PITCH WARS!!!!!!
And probably I shouldn't write this blog post in all caps, but on the inside I'm all AEKORJIRFANBJERHJFDAJRHEG
But on the outside I'm all SAHUIEFJOARJGAHRUEIGEARJEKGHEAEAJGKEALRE
So you can see that inside and outside I'm incomprehensibly excited.
ARIEHGJKALREG;EAHRJEKEAHREHAEKRE
Thanks to the awesome and very wise Alexandra Alessandri and Dannie Morin for taking me under their collective wings. We have a lot of work to do in the next two months! They've been relatively quiet so far, but it's the kind of quiet a lady lion does right before she pounces, only when they pounce on my manuscript, yeah it will get bloody and torn up, but instead of then rotting and stinking and turning to dust it will emerge from the tatters better and brighter. Like a Phoenix!
Huh. I should write a book about that.
HAHAHAHAHAHAHA DO YOU SEE WHAT IT'S BEEN LIKE IN MY BRAIN/BODY ALL DAY TODAY SO MANY EXCLAMATORY TIMES!!!!!!
Anyway, on a more serious note, I'll be blogging about my experience, including the buckets of knowledge I'll gain, so tune in for more of these shenanigans.
May your Red Vines ever be soft!
Thoughts more or less in order. Probably less.
Showing posts with label revising. Show all posts
Showing posts with label revising. Show all posts
9.02.2015
7.24.2013
Huge Revelation that Shouldn't Have Been Huge that was Super Huge
I've been avoiding writing for a long time. Perhaps you've noticed. It's spilled into my blogging. Slightly.
But the other day, I had a revelation that freed me from the shackles of avoidyness that I was kind of confused by, since I wanted to write, and I had things to write, but for some reason, was not writing.
I read a book. It was the third in a trilogy. It was good. It was just fine and I didn't have any problem with it. My thought was, "That was a good ending." It didn't blow my mind, but it didn't disappoint.
And then, I got hooked on that word: Good. It was good. This author is one I consider to be quite talented. I figure this author will continue to be successful, as well they should be. Because they are a good writer. They write good books.
(Are we sick of the word good yet? Is it starting to look like a fake word? Good good good good good good good good whoa I have to stop.)
So, here's what hit me. The book was good. I'll even shake things up and say it was great.
But it wasn't perfect.
And for some reason, when I thought of that, I also thought, The person who wrote it, was just a person.
And I was struck by this notion that I had burdened myself with, that I couldn't write this story that I love so much, I couldn't do it justice, because I'm not perfect. And therefore, I can't get the story perfect.
But guess what? I can make it good. And I can be a good writer. And I can get better every day.
So, once again, time to take off my self-inflicted pressure suit and remember that I might not be perfect, but I can be good. And that's something I can control.
But the other day, I had a revelation that freed me from the shackles of avoidyness that I was kind of confused by, since I wanted to write, and I had things to write, but for some reason, was not writing.
I read a book. It was the third in a trilogy. It was good. It was just fine and I didn't have any problem with it. My thought was, "That was a good ending." It didn't blow my mind, but it didn't disappoint.
And then, I got hooked on that word: Good. It was good. This author is one I consider to be quite talented. I figure this author will continue to be successful, as well they should be. Because they are a good writer. They write good books.
(Are we sick of the word good yet? Is it starting to look like a fake word? Good good good good good good good good whoa I have to stop.)
So, here's what hit me. The book was good. I'll even shake things up and say it was great.
But it wasn't perfect.
And for some reason, when I thought of that, I also thought, The person who wrote it, was just a person.
And I was struck by this notion that I had burdened myself with, that I couldn't write this story that I love so much, I couldn't do it justice, because I'm not perfect. And therefore, I can't get the story perfect.
But guess what? I can make it good. And I can be a good writer. And I can get better every day.
So, once again, time to take off my self-inflicted pressure suit and remember that I might not be perfect, but I can be good. And that's something I can control.
3.20.2012
Guest Post-age!
I'm over at Shelly and Chad's blog today, sharing my love for these guys
and sharing how they helped me shape my story's beginning. So go, check it out. (Please?)
In other news, I've decided I'm going to paint my piano. Like this:
Or maybe this:
Any color suggestions?
 | |||
| Disclaimer: This Night Fury isn't mine. But I wish it was. |
and sharing how they helped me shape my story's beginning. So go, check it out. (Please?)
In other news, I've decided I'm going to paint my piano. Like this:
 |
| Nice, yeah? |
 |
| *drool* |
3.01.2012
Links and A Thought Frenzy
 |
| Let's DO THIS THING!! |
I don't know what's come over me this week. Suddenly, I'm making plans. And setting ginormous amounts of goals. And writing out lists and charts to make said goals and plans actually happen!
I think this is a good time to write out my goals, too, because I just found out about March Madness happening over at Denise Jaden's blog. It starts today, which is perfect, because I'm totally in a goal making/bashing/dominating mood! It's all about accountability and encouraging each other, so here are my goals:
- Write 1500 words a day**. Since I have about 3 hours a day I can block off for writing, I have to average 500 words an hour. That means no Internet or fridge breaks during that time. I will also drink lots of water and refuse to take potty breaks in an attempt to write faster.
- Blog twice weekly. And think of things to blog about. Speaking of, I read an excellent post about this very thing yesterday.
- Keep up (and catch up) on CP critiques. YOU HEAR THAT, LADIES? I'M ON MY WAY! *clicks on editing tools* *cracks knuckles* *spits*
**This goal will help me get halfway to my goal of finishing this draft of my MS by May 1st, so that I'll at least have something to work with if I decide to go to the LDS Storymakers Conference. (Any thoughts on this conference? Would it be worth the five-hour trip? Are any of YOU going? *friendly creepy eyes*)
2.15.2012
Signs You're Not Ready to Query
Way back when I was riding on a high of finishing my first draft, aka ohmylandsthebeststoryEVER, I took the next obvious step and began researching agents.
Because, you know, I was ready. Heh.
I found an agent who was looking for my book. She didn't know it, but I had EXACTLY what she wanted. I planned to do a read-through, catch grammatical errors and misspellings, and send my manuscript on it's merry way to the bestsellers list.
Thankfully, at about the same time, I met my first critique partner, Christine. If you don't know her, go check her out NOW. My words can wait. She's brills for reals, guys. (I just made that up. Is it funny to anyone else?) More on the awesomeness that crit partners are later, but to sum up, after I sent her some of my perfect story, she very kindly but very firmly sent me back a "This isn't working." It wasn't ready yet. I had a lot of changes that needed to be made.
Since then, my first draft has been relegated to the File of No, where all first drafts belong. And even though it's painful to read now, I'm glad to be able to see all I've learned since I wrote it. Hopefully, I'll know when I'm ready to query for real someday.
So, compliments of my first draft (and a few other stories), here are signs your manuscript isn't ready to be queried:
Because, you know, I was ready. Heh.
I found an agent who was looking for my book. She didn't know it, but I had EXACTLY what she wanted. I planned to do a read-through, catch grammatical errors and misspellings, and send my manuscript on it's merry way to the bestsellers list.
Thankfully, at about the same time, I met my first critique partner, Christine. If you don't know her, go check her out NOW. My words can wait. She's brills for reals, guys. (I just made that up. Is it funny to anyone else?) More on the awesomeness that crit partners are later, but to sum up, after I sent her some of my perfect story, she very kindly but very firmly sent me back a "This isn't working." It wasn't ready yet. I had a lot of changes that needed to be made.
Since then, my first draft has been relegated to the File of No, where all first drafts belong. And even though it's painful to read now, I'm glad to be able to see all I've learned since I wrote it. Hopefully, I'll know when I'm ready to query for real someday.
So, compliments of my first draft (and a few other stories), here are signs your manuscript isn't ready to be queried:
- Your own mother doesn't even finish reading the entire draft.
- It starts with waking up.
- Your protagonist has to look in the mirror and reassess that she still has sparkling blue eyes just a shade darker than the Mediterranean, white-blonde, wavy hair with that one crazy kink by her right ear, and the slight dimple in her chin.
- The climax is a very earnest discussion with the antagonist where everyone politely agrees to disagree.
10.17.2011
I've Been Writing. Just Not Here.
When putting the new button for Julie's Oh, The Early Work blogfest/giveaway (now extended to October 28th!) on my sidebar, I noticed my blog archives, and the sorry amount of posts I've written for September and October. (Don't look. Seriously.)
It's just that, after months of feeling like this:
O_o
about my WIP, I suddenly feel more like this:
So, with my newly sprouted mini-hands, I've been writing about this:
and including some of this:
set someplace like this:
Not forgetting some of this:
And for dessert, THIS:
Because seriously. Good. Heavens. YES.
BUT!!!!
On Friday, Bilbo and I have an announcement!
Come back and find out more about my Eleventy-First Follower Giveaway Extraordinasticganza! It will be all sorts of awesome and preciousssss....
Until then, I will bestaring at that kissing picture WRITING!!
It's just that, after months of feeling like this:
O_o
about my WIP, I suddenly feel more like this:
 |
| Which is creepy, but exciting, right? |
So, with my newly sprouted mini-hands, I've been writing about this:
set someplace like this:
Not forgetting some of this:
And for dessert, THIS:
Because seriously. Good. Heavens. YES.
BUT!!!!
On Friday, Bilbo and I have an announcement!
Until then, I will be
8.10.2011
And now you'll see how insecure I really am
Today I read a really dumb book. I mean, I don't want to be catty or anything, but I really didn't like it.
I read the blurb and thought, "Okay, well, I think I know what's going to happen, but hopefully there will be some good old plot twists to shake up the norm."
Oh, plot twists, where art thou? It played out exactly how I thought it would.
No surprises. Cliches galore. Contrived plot. Stereotypical characters.
It was torture. TORTURE I TELL YOU.
Now, you may be asking why in the world I kept reading if I didn't enjoy it, so I'll tell you: it's good for my self-esteem.
Yeah, I know, that sounds really catty, but let me explain a little better by telling a story. One day I was trying to revise part of my story but I wasn't feeling it. Everything I did felt wrong and I was writing in big, fat, smelly, ugly circles. I decided it was not my day to write, so maybe I should do some reading, because we all know reading inspires writing. Right? We know this. We do this.
I grabbed the first book on my shelf, which just happened to be Hunger Games. Here's a little advice: If you're feeling crappy about your writing ability, don't read Hunger Games. Just don't. My self-esteem, clinging to the edge by a few shaky fingernails, took a lumbering dive into the abyss and I spent the rest of the day stress-eating and sporadically crying.
I love to read awesome books. But sometimes, I don't mind reading a mediocre book, because I can see where it's not working and what I would change if it was my story. Then, my self-esteem can push the Wild Berry Skittles to the side, scuttle away from the edge, and say, "Hey, I'm not doing such a bad job after all! I'm on track! I'm okay!"
Also, after I read it, I was so fired up that I threw down 1,000 words, BA-CHOW, in no time flat. So next time you're reading a book you're not so hot about, try to see the educational aspect in it.
And let's save the Hunger Games for the more stable days, shallll we?
I read the blurb and thought, "Okay, well, I think I know what's going to happen, but hopefully there will be some good old plot twists to shake up the norm."
Oh, plot twists, where art thou? It played out exactly how I thought it would.
No surprises. Cliches galore. Contrived plot. Stereotypical characters.
It was torture. TORTURE I TELL YOU.
Now, you may be asking why in the world I kept reading if I didn't enjoy it, so I'll tell you: it's good for my self-esteem.
Yeah, I know, that sounds really catty, but let me explain a little better by telling a story. One day I was trying to revise part of my story but I wasn't feeling it. Everything I did felt wrong and I was writing in big, fat, smelly, ugly circles. I decided it was not my day to write, so maybe I should do some reading, because we all know reading inspires writing. Right? We know this. We do this.
I grabbed the first book on my shelf, which just happened to be Hunger Games. Here's a little advice: If you're feeling crappy about your writing ability, don't read Hunger Games. Just don't. My self-esteem, clinging to the edge by a few shaky fingernails, took a lumbering dive into the abyss and I spent the rest of the day stress-eating and sporadically crying.
I love to read awesome books. But sometimes, I don't mind reading a mediocre book, because I can see where it's not working and what I would change if it was my story. Then, my self-esteem can push the Wild Berry Skittles to the side, scuttle away from the edge, and say, "Hey, I'm not doing such a bad job after all! I'm on track! I'm okay!"
Also, after I read it, I was so fired up that I threw down 1,000 words, BA-CHOW, in no time flat. So next time you're reading a book you're not so hot about, try to see the educational aspect in it.
And let's save the Hunger Games for the more stable days, shallll we?
4.20.2011
The Fortune-Telling Monkey On My Back
Did you know there is no fortune-telling monkey in the newest Disney movie "Tangled?"
You did? Me, too.
BUT.
Did you know there used to be?
I was watching the special features on the DVD the other day, and one of the deleted scenes was a quirky bit where they run into a gypsy and her pet monkey, who just happens to tell the future. It was cute. It was entertaining. But, I could see the parts of the story that it told, and I thought, "Huh. They don't really need that monkey."
I kind of held my knees up against my chest and rocked back and forth in excitement, because my story used to have a fortune-telling monkey, too!
No, not really.
But kind of.
My first draft had some scenes that I reallyreallyreally liked. Only problem is, they didn't drive my plot forward. They were simply episodic. Cute, funny banter, or thoughtful, empty prose. Sure, if I turned my head a certain way and squinted my eyes, they served a purpose. I guess...
I've cut most of them, but it wasn't as painful as I thought it would be. The funniest banter finds its way back in, one way or another. The details that made those scenes "important" in the first place have usually been shown somewhere else.
So if you notice a cute, fortune-telling monkey in your story that doesn't quite fit, don't be afraid to cut it. Your story will be great without it, I promise!
You did? Me, too.
BUT.
Did you know there used to be?
 |
| So THAT'S who drank my caramel-apple cider. |
I was watching the special features on the DVD the other day, and one of the deleted scenes was a quirky bit where they run into a gypsy and her pet monkey, who just happens to tell the future. It was cute. It was entertaining. But, I could see the parts of the story that it told, and I thought, "Huh. They don't really need that monkey."
I kind of held my knees up against my chest and rocked back and forth in excitement, because my story used to have a fortune-telling monkey, too!
No, not really.
But kind of.
My first draft had some scenes that I reallyreallyreally liked. Only problem is, they didn't drive my plot forward. They were simply episodic. Cute, funny banter, or thoughtful, empty prose. Sure, if I turned my head a certain way and squinted my eyes, they served a purpose. I guess...
I've cut most of them, but it wasn't as painful as I thought it would be. The funniest banter finds its way back in, one way or another. The details that made those scenes "important" in the first place have usually been shown somewhere else.
So if you notice a cute, fortune-telling monkey in your story that doesn't quite fit, don't be afraid to cut it. Your story will be great without it, I promise!
 | |
| Now lanterns, on the other hand...My story must.have.floating.lanterns. |
3.23.2011
Plotting J.K. Rowling style
When it comes to writing a first draft, I am an all-out pantser. (Heh. This word never fails to remind me of the good ol' days in junior high when it was super funny to yank your friends PE shorts down to their ankles. So popular, in fact, that I wore spandex shorts under everything, PE class or not, just in case.)
For those of you wondering what writing has to do with humiliation I'd rather forget (*cough*, I mean, that never happened to me), there are two types of first draft writers: plotters and pantsers.
Plotters have an outline, know where their story is going, what will happen, how it will end, how many chapters it will take, and probably have their bank account number memorized.
Pantsers fly by the seat of their...pants. Their first draft is a journey into the dark, wild unknown. Who knows where this is going? Let's watch and see!
As proven by the files on my computer named "The Songwriter Outline", "The Songwriter New Outline" and "The Songwriter New Outline (Revised)", all of which are miles from where my story actually ended up, I'm not a plotter. (Although, I do have my bank account number memorized.)
When my crit partner first suggested that we exchange first chapters, I was like, "Oh, yeah! Let me just...*scroll scroll scroll* find a good place to...*scrooool* end 'Chapter One'." *furiously typing "Chapter One" at the beginnning*
Revising, for me, has been a different story. I had to have some kind of plan. I've found one I love, and it's only half because it's J.K. Rowling's personal method. Check this out:
Wait, what? You don't see how this tiny copy of a sheet of looseleaf is the key to your revising woes? Oh. Go here for the full explanation. I'll sum up.
J.K. Rowling breaks down her novel by chapters. She lists the number and title of the chapter, when (in her case, during the schoolyear) the chapter takes place and then what is happening in the chapter. She breaks this down even further, listing the main plot and each subplot and how they weave into each chapter. So, so nifty.
So, I did the same to mine. I was excited, first of all, to discover that I did, indeed, have subplots! And places to break into chapters! That's a good start. But breaking down my story like this is really helping me to keep things on track, to find ways to plant little crumbs in my reader's way so that when something is revealed they'll flip back a couple chapters and see how that little tiny bit of info was actually put there to BLOW THEIR MIND. Good stuff.
For a hardcore pantser like me (don't even get me started on the war my brother and I had that ended in near tears after an incident when I was chasing him up the stairs, after which my mom put an abrupt stop to our shenanigans), this method is super helpful. So, give it a look. I mean, it was good enough for J.K. Rowling, right?
What methods do you use when you revise?
For those of you wondering what writing has to do with humiliation I'd rather forget (*cough*, I mean, that never happened to me), there are two types of first draft writers: plotters and pantsers.
Plotters have an outline, know where their story is going, what will happen, how it will end, how many chapters it will take, and probably have their bank account number memorized.
Pantsers fly by the seat of their...pants. Their first draft is a journey into the dark, wild unknown. Who knows where this is going? Let's watch and see!
As proven by the files on my computer named "The Songwriter Outline", "The Songwriter New Outline" and "The Songwriter New Outline (Revised)", all of which are miles from where my story actually ended up, I'm not a plotter. (Although, I do have my bank account number memorized.)
When my crit partner first suggested that we exchange first chapters, I was like, "Oh, yeah! Let me just...*scroll scroll scroll* find a good place to...*scrooool* end 'Chapter One'." *furiously typing "Chapter One" at the beginnning*
Revising, for me, has been a different story. I had to have some kind of plan. I've found one I love, and it's only half because it's J.K. Rowling's personal method. Check this out:
 | ||
| Neato, huh? |
Wait, what? You don't see how this tiny copy of a sheet of looseleaf is the key to your revising woes? Oh. Go here for the full explanation. I'll sum up.
J.K. Rowling breaks down her novel by chapters. She lists the number and title of the chapter, when (in her case, during the schoolyear) the chapter takes place and then what is happening in the chapter. She breaks this down even further, listing the main plot and each subplot and how they weave into each chapter. So, so nifty.
So, I did the same to mine. I was excited, first of all, to discover that I did, indeed, have subplots! And places to break into chapters! That's a good start. But breaking down my story like this is really helping me to keep things on track, to find ways to plant little crumbs in my reader's way so that when something is revealed they'll flip back a couple chapters and see how that little tiny bit of info was actually put there to BLOW THEIR MIND. Good stuff.
For a hardcore pantser like me (don't even get me started on the war my brother and I had that ended in near tears after an incident when I was chasing him up the stairs, after which my mom put an abrupt stop to our shenanigans), this method is super helpful. So, give it a look. I mean, it was good enough for J.K. Rowling, right?
What methods do you use when you revise?
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