This is going to be a short one today, but something I've been thinking about a lot.
How many of you consider yourselves sane? I mean, like...really sane?
I've been wondering for awhile; are all writers a little...off?
I have a friend who constantly tells me that I'm crazy (or some variation thereof), and then recovers to say "But you're a writer...it's to be expected."
What are your thoughts?
Saturday, August 20, 2011
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Good Beginnings
I took a lot of notes at PNWA, so I figured I'd share some of what I learned/heard here.
Rule #1--Whatever you're doing with your character, it must work. (Kind of like the golden rule of writing.)
Aside from that, here are some tips they shared for Good Beginnings:
1) Establish the Tone
Pacing
Voice
Point of view--do you know who you're going to be spending the next 400 pages with?
Conflict--What gets the character moving?
2) Introduce the Protagonist
Who is she/he?
What is your protagonist?
Where is your protagonist?
What do they want?
What stands in their way?
Something I learned from these questions?
They help with your pitch and query. A lot.
Any questions?
Rule #1--Whatever you're doing with your character, it must work. (Kind of like the golden rule of writing.)
Aside from that, here are some tips they shared for Good Beginnings:
1) Establish the Tone
Pacing
Voice
Point of view--do you know who you're going to be spending the next 400 pages with?
Conflict--What gets the character moving?
2) Introduce the Protagonist
Who is she/he?
What is your protagonist?
Where is your protagonist?
What do they want?
What stands in their way?
Something I learned from these questions?
They help with your pitch and query. A lot.
Any questions?
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Your Work, Out Loud
I've written some blogs about ANXIETY and READING OUT LOUD and OVERCOMING the anxiety that comes with reading my work or sharing my work in any way, shape, or form. Something I haven't covered (because it was something I hadn't experienced yet) is having your work read aloud by someone else.
If you haven't done it. Try it.
At PNWA they had two panels:
1) Query Letter and Synopsis Bootcamp--Agents and Editors went through and read either your query or your synopsis out loud. It was terrifying. Mind numbingly terrifying. The set up was like that of America's Got Talent, you get the three X's and the reader stops reading.
They read mine, mine was voted against (meaning they didn't even read all of it because it was SO bad), and then from what they read, they tore it apart. Thankfully, this was all anonymous. But hearing what I write and say in my head was an eye opening experience. I scurried up after the panel was over and got my paper, folded it up and hid it. (I reworked it hardcore last night...I was taking notes on everything everyone said.)
Right after this was:
2) First Page Feedback--Agents went through your first page and told you pretty much that they didn't like it. I heard a million people get fed to the wolves, and then they read mine. All the way through. I turned red, tried to hide the fact that what they were reading was mine. But...the longer they read, the more I saw my girl through the my guy's eyes, and I loved her, and him.
The agents guessed that the narrator was a guy, that he loved her. The panelists said they LOVED my first line. They pointed out faults that I tried to work on when submitting to the editors and agents who asked for pages. This was an awesome experience. What I wrote came across on the page. It worked! (Though I still had more work to do, I was stoked!)
The panels opened my eyes though, as to how other people read my work. I've never had someone sit in front of me and read my words aloud (I know I turned red when they came across each of my pieces, thankfully no one looked at me. I think we were all terrified). I think from now on, if people have time, I may ask friends to read my work aloud so I can go through and say "Yea, actually, that line sucks."
I guess this is just another step in overcoming anxiety and being brave.
If you haven't done it. Try it.
At PNWA they had two panels:
1) Query Letter and Synopsis Bootcamp--Agents and Editors went through and read either your query or your synopsis out loud. It was terrifying. Mind numbingly terrifying. The set up was like that of America's Got Talent, you get the three X's and the reader stops reading.
They read mine, mine was voted against (meaning they didn't even read all of it because it was SO bad), and then from what they read, they tore it apart. Thankfully, this was all anonymous. But hearing what I write and say in my head was an eye opening experience. I scurried up after the panel was over and got my paper, folded it up and hid it. (I reworked it hardcore last night...I was taking notes on everything everyone said.)
Right after this was:
2) First Page Feedback--Agents went through your first page and told you pretty much that they didn't like it. I heard a million people get fed to the wolves, and then they read mine. All the way through. I turned red, tried to hide the fact that what they were reading was mine. But...the longer they read, the more I saw my girl through the my guy's eyes, and I loved her, and him.
The agents guessed that the narrator was a guy, that he loved her. The panelists said they LOVED my first line. They pointed out faults that I tried to work on when submitting to the editors and agents who asked for pages. This was an awesome experience. What I wrote came across on the page. It worked! (Though I still had more work to do, I was stoked!)
The panels opened my eyes though, as to how other people read my work. I've never had someone sit in front of me and read my words aloud (I know I turned red when they came across each of my pieces, thankfully no one looked at me. I think we were all terrified). I think from now on, if people have time, I may ask friends to read my work aloud so I can go through and say "Yea, actually, that line sucks."
I guess this is just another step in overcoming anxiety and being brave.
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Home
There's something about traveling that always makes me really sad. Something about having two carry-ons, maybe a checked bag, and hugging someone goodbye. It doesn't matter if I'm gone a week, or ten days...but my heart always aches when I walk through the terminals. I have an urge to stay, to stop feeling like I'm always running away from something...
I had an amazing time in Seattle. PNWA was more than I could have asked for. I got to read the entirety of My Friend Leonard. I drank, I got free food, I had tea, I met people, amazing, amazing, people, I got requests, and I was happy.
But...I will write more within the next coming days of my adventures. I just wanted to check in and tell ya'll that I'm home :)
And while you guys may think you're happy to see me again...
I think this little man is more happy :)
 |
| Saying Bye To Jen |
I had an amazing time in Seattle. PNWA was more than I could have asked for. I got to read the entirety of My Friend Leonard. I drank, I got free food, I had tea, I met people, amazing, amazing, people, I got requests, and I was happy.
But...I will write more within the next coming days of my adventures. I just wanted to check in and tell ya'll that I'm home :)
And while you guys may think you're happy to see me again...
 | ||
| Me and Bax |
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Advice
I've told many people about leaving my little east coast and flying across the country to the west. I've told them why; the Pacific Northwest Writing Association conference. They all say 'Oh, you're a writer?' and I have that awkward shift from one foot to the other before saying, 'Yes.'
One of my co-workers (the same one that has been getting on my case and telling me that I'm a terrible employee) cornered me the other day and tried to impart some wisdom on me. He told me not to listen to what anyone had to say, (pretty much that the conferences were worthless, and I won't learn anything) and that I shouldn't read stuff in my genre (you don't need to do any of that). When I tried to tell him what my feelings were, as per usual he didn't listen.
I've also had people say "Don't pitch to an agent. Give them a spin, and ask -them- what they can do for you." When I tried to explain that 90% of this information can be found on their blog, they again refused to listen to me.
So here's my advice:
You go to conferences to hear inteligent people talk. You hear them tell about their experience(s), what they've learned, and the hardships they've gone through. Some, you'll be able to relate to. Some will say insightful things, and some won't. Take what you want out of it. I take about a page per panel of things that I like. I bring a highlighter for things that I really like (because let's be honest, when I take notes, I rarely actually go back through and read the whole page). The biggest things that I've gotten out of conferences is:
KEEP WRITING.
Along with that, everyone always tells you to read within your genre, and I agree. But I also think that you should step out of your genre and read other things, too. (I despirately want to read a trashy romance book some day, when I'm less awkward.) Be a well rounded writer and reader. Keep reading, keep writing, keep going.
That is all for today :)
Now to get ready for pre-PNWA stuff!
One of my co-workers (the same one that has been getting on my case and telling me that I'm a terrible employee) cornered me the other day and tried to impart some wisdom on me. He told me not to listen to what anyone had to say, (pretty much that the conferences were worthless, and I won't learn anything) and that I shouldn't read stuff in my genre (you don't need to do any of that). When I tried to tell him what my feelings were, as per usual he didn't listen.
I've also had people say "Don't pitch to an agent. Give them a spin, and ask -them- what they can do for you." When I tried to explain that 90% of this information can be found on their blog, they again refused to listen to me.
So here's my advice:
You go to conferences to hear inteligent people talk. You hear them tell about their experience(s), what they've learned, and the hardships they've gone through. Some, you'll be able to relate to. Some will say insightful things, and some won't. Take what you want out of it. I take about a page per panel of things that I like. I bring a highlighter for things that I really like (because let's be honest, when I take notes, I rarely actually go back through and read the whole page). The biggest things that I've gotten out of conferences is:
KEEP WRITING.
Along with that, everyone always tells you to read within your genre, and I agree. But I also think that you should step out of your genre and read other things, too. (I despirately want to read a trashy romance book some day, when I'm less awkward.) Be a well rounded writer and reader. Keep reading, keep writing, keep going.
That is all for today :)
Now to get ready for pre-PNWA stuff!
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Caffeine And Sleep
I'm a hard worker. I'm headstrong, I'm stubborn, and I get things done. I don't let people push me around.
And why does this matter?
Because...
Last night, I left the lovely state of Georgia after a wonderful afternoon later than I meant to. It took 8 hours (and almost an empty tank of gas...scary.) to get home. I arrived at 3:30am. I got Baxter settled back in, and then called New Mike (sorry I'm calling you New Mike publicly if you read this, but I've mentioned other Mike a lot!) to let him know I arrived safely. (I hear rumor he was worried. I have heart problems and took a caffeine pill before departing, which he discouraged me from, and he REFUSED to let me take a second when the first took too long to kick in. The single dose of 200mg resulted in me having a panic attack on I-95N, and not being able to breathe. Lovely....) Then went to sleep.
Less than four hours passed until I had to be up, shower (because I hadn't showered the day before), and get to work by 8am. So, I worked (and got SLAMMED) at the Front Porch from 8am-4pm. I couldn't breathe through most of it. My heart was giving me trouble but I kept on. I've been at Kitty Hawk Kites since 4pm and will remain here until 10pm.
Why?
Because I'm going to Seattle on Tuesday to ideally start the rest of my life. And I am strong enough to work my ass off, and get money to help send me there. I work three jobs to support my writing habit (and my dog). I will get my break, mark my words.
Also. The eye looks much better. Will post a picture sooonnnnnn. :)
And why does this matter?
Because...
Last night, I left the lovely state of Georgia after a wonderful afternoon later than I meant to. It took 8 hours (and almost an empty tank of gas...scary.) to get home. I arrived at 3:30am. I got Baxter settled back in, and then called New Mike (sorry I'm calling you New Mike publicly if you read this, but I've mentioned other Mike a lot!) to let him know I arrived safely. (I hear rumor he was worried. I have heart problems and took a caffeine pill before departing, which he discouraged me from, and he REFUSED to let me take a second when the first took too long to kick in. The single dose of 200mg resulted in me having a panic attack on I-95N, and not being able to breathe. Lovely....) Then went to sleep.
Less than four hours passed until I had to be up, shower (because I hadn't showered the day before), and get to work by 8am. So, I worked (and got SLAMMED) at the Front Porch from 8am-4pm. I couldn't breathe through most of it. My heart was giving me trouble but I kept on. I've been at Kitty Hawk Kites since 4pm and will remain here until 10pm.
Why?
Because I'm going to Seattle on Tuesday to ideally start the rest of my life. And I am strong enough to work my ass off, and get money to help send me there. I work three jobs to support my writing habit (and my dog). I will get my break, mark my words.
Also. The eye looks much better. Will post a picture sooonnnnnn. :)
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Airlines
I have a black eye:
Because I went on an adventure with my sister and my new friend, Mike. Said adventure consisted of paddleboarding. On such endeavors, we're trained to always, always hold onto our paddles when we fall. So...being sisters, we decide to go on the same paddleboard in very choppy weather. We decide to try to stand. She falls, clutching her paddle. Her paddle collides with my face. A couple of days later, this is what I look like.
And this coming week is PNWA. Which means that because I have a black eye, I look like a trouble maker. Which means, at the airport, I'll probably get searched (wait, I get searched every time I go! Like that time after I'd gotten in a car accident and then I just started crying and soothed my woes with Starbucks). Lovely.
But...
The good news is...
Maybe at the conference, it'd be a good ice breaker. :)
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