I went to see 1408 today. It's based on the short story by Steven King. I've only read the short part of it that he put as a writing example in On Writing so I have no idea how it compares to his story. However, I can tell you that it was quite scary, at least for me. I get freaked out real easily so who knows for sure.
The guy's a writer investigating paranormal activities for cheesy haunting books. I do think it would be interesting to go to places that are supposedly haunted and see what happens. Not by myself of course but I would never have went into that room after hearing everything about it. No matter how good of a story it would make.
I used to work in a bar that I was convinced was haunted. I'd go into detail but everyone I tell thinks I'm off my rocker and I don't need anymore people believing that. I ended up writing a story about it but it was more a crime mystery than a horror story.
Someday I should try to actually write a horror story since I do like them. Of course, when I read Stephen King books, or most horror books, I have to sit with my back against a wall. I'm always afraid that something is going to come up behind me. And I'd probably only be able to write it during the day. Although, I do feel safer with Kreeg around but I'm not sure how he's going to do against evil spirits. Now if it were an evil squirrel, I'd have no worries.
Saturday, June 23, 2007
Friday, June 22, 2007
More stuff about music and writing
In my last post I talked about songs that inspired characters or story ideas. So I thought it would be cool for Friday Five to give five examples. It's not as easy as I thought it would be. I'm even having such a hard time remembering these things that I've busted out the idea cards. My giant stack of index cards that each list a story idea that I've had.
Hotel California by the Eagles- I know this is really a story itself but there are so many unanswered questions. Like why this guy is out wondering around? Who are the people in the hotel and why are they there? So my story came to me when I started imagining the answers. It didn't really turn out all that similar except for the crazy hotel part.
Wicked Game by Chris Isaak- To be honest I wasn't really familiar with this song until Jenni and another co-worker were talking about it. And if you would have heard what the co-worker said about it you would have wanted to know exactly what was so "great" about it.
It didn't inspire a new story but it inspired parts for a story I was already working on. Why would someone not want to fall in love? Why would making someone fall in love with you be a wicked game? More questions that needed answers.
Deny by Default-Most people probably have no idea what this song is. It was a hit the year after I graduated and they played it like every hour on the hour so it really got drilled into my head. It's really only the first lines that inspired me. "Today I woke up and you were gone.The whole day wondering what I did wrong." For some reason that made my mind drift to what would happen if that someone had been so devastated that the person was gone in the morning that they committed suicide. Then later you find out the person had only went to get breakfast. Kind of like a Romeo & Juliet of one night stands.
Dragula by Rob Zombie- Really it's just about any Rob Zombie song that gave me this idea. They remind me of people that I knew in high school that thought it would be cool to be zombies, vampires, witches or undead and evil in anyway. The song(s) made me start to wonder what those people would have done if they were faced with real vampires and witches and what the undead would think of people pretending to be them.
Time After Time by Cyndi Lauper- When I was about 4 I was obsessed with Cyndi Lauper. And I remember her saying in this song "If you're lost, you can look and you will find me..." During this phase of my life I was with my parents at Sears and I got lost in the clothes racks. When I found my way out my parents were no where around. I didn't know what to do but all I could remember was what Cyndi Lauper had said in her song. So I ran through the store in extreme excitement realizing that I was lost and if I looked I would find Cyndi Lauper and I could go home with her. I was so mad when my parents found me I thought they had totally ruined my chances to meet Cyndi Lauper. I thought it would be interesting and kind of experimental to write it from the little kids point of view, how they don't realize that songs and movies aren't real.
Or it could make a children's story. Like the Wizard of Oz where you go off looking for something better but find out what you wanted all along was in your own back yard. Of course, mine would have a different kind of ending because I have no idea why Dorothy ever wanted to leave Oz.
There are five examples of how I come up with my story ideas. I haven't actually made a complete story out of any of these. They're just ideas in different stages.
I would have went and found the links to all these songs but my computer keeps randomly shutting stuff down. I think it needs a break. Plus, I'm a slacker.
Besides I started Friday Five as an easy, effortless way to update my blog more often. How simple? A quick list and I'm done. Yet, this post has taken me over a half an hour to write. No wonder I never get anything done.
Just watched: The Virgin Suicides
Currently reading: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
Hotel California by the Eagles- I know this is really a story itself but there are so many unanswered questions. Like why this guy is out wondering around? Who are the people in the hotel and why are they there? So my story came to me when I started imagining the answers. It didn't really turn out all that similar except for the crazy hotel part.
Wicked Game by Chris Isaak- To be honest I wasn't really familiar with this song until Jenni and another co-worker were talking about it. And if you would have heard what the co-worker said about it you would have wanted to know exactly what was so "great" about it.
It didn't inspire a new story but it inspired parts for a story I was already working on. Why would someone not want to fall in love? Why would making someone fall in love with you be a wicked game? More questions that needed answers.
Deny by Default-Most people probably have no idea what this song is. It was a hit the year after I graduated and they played it like every hour on the hour so it really got drilled into my head. It's really only the first lines that inspired me. "Today I woke up and you were gone.The whole day wondering what I did wrong." For some reason that made my mind drift to what would happen if that someone had been so devastated that the person was gone in the morning that they committed suicide. Then later you find out the person had only went to get breakfast. Kind of like a Romeo & Juliet of one night stands.
Dragula by Rob Zombie- Really it's just about any Rob Zombie song that gave me this idea. They remind me of people that I knew in high school that thought it would be cool to be zombies, vampires, witches or undead and evil in anyway. The song(s) made me start to wonder what those people would have done if they were faced with real vampires and witches and what the undead would think of people pretending to be them.
Time After Time by Cyndi Lauper- When I was about 4 I was obsessed with Cyndi Lauper. And I remember her saying in this song "If you're lost, you can look and you will find me..." During this phase of my life I was with my parents at Sears and I got lost in the clothes racks. When I found my way out my parents were no where around. I didn't know what to do but all I could remember was what Cyndi Lauper had said in her song. So I ran through the store in extreme excitement realizing that I was lost and if I looked I would find Cyndi Lauper and I could go home with her. I was so mad when my parents found me I thought they had totally ruined my chances to meet Cyndi Lauper. I thought it would be interesting and kind of experimental to write it from the little kids point of view, how they don't realize that songs and movies aren't real.
Or it could make a children's story. Like the Wizard of Oz where you go off looking for something better but find out what you wanted all along was in your own back yard. Of course, mine would have a different kind of ending because I have no idea why Dorothy ever wanted to leave Oz.
There are five examples of how I come up with my story ideas. I haven't actually made a complete story out of any of these. They're just ideas in different stages.
I would have went and found the links to all these songs but my computer keeps randomly shutting stuff down. I think it needs a break. Plus, I'm a slacker.
Besides I started Friday Five as an easy, effortless way to update my blog more often. How simple? A quick list and I'm done. Yet, this post has taken me over a half an hour to write. No wonder I never get anything done.
Just watched: The Virgin Suicides
Currently reading: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Who doesn't love a mix tape, really?
I finished Love is a Mix Tape today. And it's not just a book about mix tapes. It's about music, mostly, 90's rock. It's a also a memoir about how music brought two people together and how it helped the author through the loss of his wife.
Each chapter starts with a song list for an actual mix tape that the author was given or made. And then the chapter goes on to tell what the significance of the mix tape was in his life.
I think a lot of people relate to how a song defines a time in your life. How you think the song was made just for you because it describes exactly what you're going through and you're convinced that it can't possibly mean as much to someone else, even the person who wrote it, as it does to you.
I know mix tapes are completely out dated. It's been MP3 play list for a while and in between it was mix CDs but it's still the same idea. I remember a few months ago Jenni thought she might be in a mix CD battle with a fellow teacher. And for the wedding I'm in next month, the gift for the guest is a mix CD of all the couples songs that are being played at the wedding.
When I was young I used to make mix tapes by recording songs off the radio because we didn't really have money to buy actual tapes. When I finally got my first job CDs were it and I would make mix tapes from CDs. Tapes for dancing to, driving to, being mad at your parents, liking someone, being dumped. Then my friend and I actually bought a CD burner. Not a computer but a machine that did nothing but burn CDs.
I used to make mix tapes for when I would write. I like to set the mood for what I'm writing by playing music that I think a character would listen to or music that I could see on the soundtrack if the story were a movie or the music that inspired the story. I no longer have a functioning tape recorder so now I just program my CD player. Maybe one day I'll get an MP3 player but after reading that book I really want to go back to making mix tapes.
Music can tell you a lot about a person, including how their feeling. I think a new writing exercise I should do is make a play list for each character to help develop their personality.
I have this poster above my desk with a little kid wondering what Batman dresses up for on Halloween and who's on Batman's pajamas. I wonder what's on Batman's mix tape?
They should make soundtracks for books not just movies. Wouldn't we all like to know what some of our favorite characters are listening to?
Each chapter starts with a song list for an actual mix tape that the author was given or made. And then the chapter goes on to tell what the significance of the mix tape was in his life.
I think a lot of people relate to how a song defines a time in your life. How you think the song was made just for you because it describes exactly what you're going through and you're convinced that it can't possibly mean as much to someone else, even the person who wrote it, as it does to you.
I know mix tapes are completely out dated. It's been MP3 play list for a while and in between it was mix CDs but it's still the same idea. I remember a few months ago Jenni thought she might be in a mix CD battle with a fellow teacher. And for the wedding I'm in next month, the gift for the guest is a mix CD of all the couples songs that are being played at the wedding.
When I was young I used to make mix tapes by recording songs off the radio because we didn't really have money to buy actual tapes. When I finally got my first job CDs were it and I would make mix tapes from CDs. Tapes for dancing to, driving to, being mad at your parents, liking someone, being dumped. Then my friend and I actually bought a CD burner. Not a computer but a machine that did nothing but burn CDs.
I used to make mix tapes for when I would write. I like to set the mood for what I'm writing by playing music that I think a character would listen to or music that I could see on the soundtrack if the story were a movie or the music that inspired the story. I no longer have a functioning tape recorder so now I just program my CD player. Maybe one day I'll get an MP3 player but after reading that book I really want to go back to making mix tapes.
Music can tell you a lot about a person, including how their feeling. I think a new writing exercise I should do is make a play list for each character to help develop their personality.
I have this poster above my desk with a little kid wondering what Batman dresses up for on Halloween and who's on Batman's pajamas. I wonder what's on Batman's mix tape?
They should make soundtracks for books not just movies. Wouldn't we all like to know what some of our favorite characters are listening to?
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Complain and you shall receive
For some reason a letter I posted on this blog that I had written to Wizard magazine (that never got published) was linked on When Fangirls Attack. My site meter showed I got over 100 visits yesterday. I don't think many of them stuck around since my blog isn't mostly about comic books but if you can't get your letter published in Wizard, having over 100 people stop by your blog to read it is pretty kick ass.
I have tomorrow off. I don't usually have Wednesdays off but my boss is about to come back from vacation to find out that we had a negative Saturday (it's suppose to be our busiest day), the plumbing is broke and that the only assistant manager he has left to run nights and weekends is done at the end of the month. So I'm going to let someone else deal with that anger. I'm taking a vacation day.
The whole point to that little story is that, hopefully, I'll get a lot of work done tomorrow and I'll post something more substantial and by that I mean longer.
Currently reading: Love is a Mix Tape by Rob Sheffield
Song playing on the radio: "Funky Cold Medina"- Tone Loc
I have tomorrow off. I don't usually have Wednesdays off but my boss is about to come back from vacation to find out that we had a negative Saturday (it's suppose to be our busiest day), the plumbing is broke and that the only assistant manager he has left to run nights and weekends is done at the end of the month. So I'm going to let someone else deal with that anger. I'm taking a vacation day.
The whole point to that little story is that, hopefully, I'll get a lot of work done tomorrow and I'll post something more substantial and by that I mean longer.
Currently reading: Love is a Mix Tape by Rob Sheffield
Song playing on the radio: "Funky Cold Medina"- Tone Loc
Sunday, June 17, 2007
Getting up to date
This weekend has been pretty boring. I finally stepped into this century and bought a USB flash drive. My disk drive doesn't work so I haven't been able to type any of my writing up while I'm at work. And I also bought an ink jet so that I can get back to printing out submissions. Of course, I guess now I could just use the flash drive to take it to work and print it out.
Speaking of submissions, I'm happy to report that I am still receiving rejection notices despite the postage rate change. All the literary magazines have been graciously adding a $.02 stamp just to let me know that my writing stinks.
On a happy note, Jenni is now officially done with her first school year of teaching. YAY! So when she gets back from her vacation in the Smokies, I'm hoping we can get back to work on Behind the Naugahyde and maybe finish before her summer break is over.
Also, I'm thinking of taking a few days off of work at the beginning of August and going to Wizard World Chicago since it doesn't look like I'll be able to vacation in NYC like I had hoped. Chicago is much closer and if I go to the convention I can take some time to chat with independent publishers and maybe talk to some artist or fellow writers. Plus it would be nice to spend some time at the Art Institute and lots of other places. Mostly I just want to get away.
And since I spent all my money on flash drives and ink jets I still haven't gotten around to buying any comic books in over a month. So I have no idea what's going on.
I thought selling shoes for a living would provide me with enough money to make all my wildest dreams come true but I guess not.
I think that's enough random thoughts for now. I need to get some work done.
Speaking of submissions, I'm happy to report that I am still receiving rejection notices despite the postage rate change. All the literary magazines have been graciously adding a $.02 stamp just to let me know that my writing stinks.
On a happy note, Jenni is now officially done with her first school year of teaching. YAY! So when she gets back from her vacation in the Smokies, I'm hoping we can get back to work on Behind the Naugahyde and maybe finish before her summer break is over.
Also, I'm thinking of taking a few days off of work at the beginning of August and going to Wizard World Chicago since it doesn't look like I'll be able to vacation in NYC like I had hoped. Chicago is much closer and if I go to the convention I can take some time to chat with independent publishers and maybe talk to some artist or fellow writers. Plus it would be nice to spend some time at the Art Institute and lots of other places. Mostly I just want to get away.
And since I spent all my money on flash drives and ink jets I still haven't gotten around to buying any comic books in over a month. So I have no idea what's going on.
I thought selling shoes for a living would provide me with enough money to make all my wildest dreams come true but I guess not.
I think that's enough random thoughts for now. I need to get some work done.
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Geez, do I whine a lot or what?
Sorry I haven't been around. I really don't have a good reason why I haven't posted. I've been consumed with trying to finish the 1153 pages that is The Stand which has already put me behind on my Harry Potter reading schedule. That's why I gave myself a week for each book even though I knew I wouldn't need it.
Mostly, I've been a little discouraged lately. My writing group didn't work out. I got a 'can we change the time', and a 'can we change the place', then when I e-mailed the other few possible writers they weren't sure if they could make the new time if I changed it. Not that they were positive they could make the original time either and the person wanting the time changed wasn't sure they could make either time but was more likely to make the newly suggested time. So I'm pretty much just running around in circles trying to pull teeth and a bunch of other proverbial cliches that have something to do with getting no where and having a difficult time doing it. Or something like that.
Then, there's the wedding thing. I'm going to be the maid-of-honor in a wedding at the beginning of July. I know, how exciting my best friend is getting married but that is not quite the case. While I spend my time and money running around trying to make sure that she has the best day(s) possible, for the second time I might add, I think to myself, would she do the same for me? Then I think wow, this person who claims I'm her best friend has never, to my knowledge, read my blog. I know, big deal it's just a blog but it's not. It's about my writing and that is my life. It's what I do in my spare time and my not spare time and it's something I want to do and will do for the rest of my life whether I make money doing it or not. It's one of the most important things to me and this person and a lot of my other so called "friends" have never taken the time to stop by even once in the last two years. I know they have Internet access because I talk to them on-line all the time and I mention my blog all the time. I just think that if it was important to my best friend I would stop by occasionally.
They haven't even stopped by the Behind the Naugahyde website. And I sent out an e-mail to everyone I had an address for announcing that.
It just makes me sad. If I can't get people who consider me their "best friend" to read my blog how the heck am I going to get anybody to read it? Or does it just really show how pathetic my life is that random strangers and people I've only met through the Internet read this more than people who want me to be in their wedding.
Not to mention that my number of visits drop in the summer. My few regular readers are there but a lot less people randomly stop by. Probably because they are all outside living life. Not that it matters because most of them probably don't stick around to read it anyway. It's just nice to feel like I'm not talking to a wall sometimes.
For those of you that do read this, whether I've met you or not, thank you!
Alrighty, self-pity party over. I'm off to finish the last hundred pages of The Stand so I can finally got on with my life. Curse my horrible need to know how something ends right away. I just can't handle not knowing.
Mostly, I've been a little discouraged lately. My writing group didn't work out. I got a 'can we change the time', and a 'can we change the place', then when I e-mailed the other few possible writers they weren't sure if they could make the new time if I changed it. Not that they were positive they could make the original time either and the person wanting the time changed wasn't sure they could make either time but was more likely to make the newly suggested time. So I'm pretty much just running around in circles trying to pull teeth and a bunch of other proverbial cliches that have something to do with getting no where and having a difficult time doing it. Or something like that.
Then, there's the wedding thing. I'm going to be the maid-of-honor in a wedding at the beginning of July. I know, how exciting my best friend is getting married but that is not quite the case. While I spend my time and money running around trying to make sure that she has the best day(s) possible, for the second time I might add, I think to myself, would she do the same for me? Then I think wow, this person who claims I'm her best friend has never, to my knowledge, read my blog. I know, big deal it's just a blog but it's not. It's about my writing and that is my life. It's what I do in my spare time and my not spare time and it's something I want to do and will do for the rest of my life whether I make money doing it or not. It's one of the most important things to me and this person and a lot of my other so called "friends" have never taken the time to stop by even once in the last two years. I know they have Internet access because I talk to them on-line all the time and I mention my blog all the time. I just think that if it was important to my best friend I would stop by occasionally.
They haven't even stopped by the Behind the Naugahyde website. And I sent out an e-mail to everyone I had an address for announcing that.
It just makes me sad. If I can't get people who consider me their "best friend" to read my blog how the heck am I going to get anybody to read it? Or does it just really show how pathetic my life is that random strangers and people I've only met through the Internet read this more than people who want me to be in their wedding.
Not to mention that my number of visits drop in the summer. My few regular readers are there but a lot less people randomly stop by. Probably because they are all outside living life. Not that it matters because most of them probably don't stick around to read it anyway. It's just nice to feel like I'm not talking to a wall sometimes.
For those of you that do read this, whether I've met you or not, thank you!
Alrighty, self-pity party over. I'm off to finish the last hundred pages of The Stand so I can finally got on with my life. Curse my horrible need to know how something ends right away. I just can't handle not knowing.
Friday, June 08, 2007
An interesting, yet slightly depressing Friday Five
Well Friday's almost over but here is still a Friday Five. This week I'll list five writing related projects I would like to do or have an idea for but have yet to start. This one is hard for me because you know how I hate giving away details about my work before it's completed.
1. I would love to write a children's book. I have an idea for it and I think if I kept the art pretty basic and practiced a lot, I could even do the illustrations. It would feature a dog very similar to Kreeg, some kids and it would be about not fitting in.
2. I always thought it would be fun to do a comic strip. I have an idea for it and the idea would involve very minimal art so I could possibly do that too. The few ideas I have for it would make it a political cartoon but in a subtle way that only clever people would get.
3. There is a mini-movie script that I wrote. I would love to get it made. I've had two other three minute movies made for a contest and those were a lot of fun. This one is longer. Since the writing is actually done it's not technically a writing project but I would never try to get it published in script form. I would need to produce it as a movie. It's something like Mean Girls meets comic nerds.
4. One project that I've been planning for a while but I am seriously afraid of messing up is turning some of my writing into a piece of art where it would hang on the wall.
5. While I hate public speaking in anyway, I always thought it would be interesting to read some of my work out load. Kind of like a poetry reading, except probably not poetry. Sounds weird for someone who hates public speaking but I love performing. Little known fact, in my school days I performed in various dance recitals, choir concerts and in school plays on a regular basis. My plan, once I graduated from high school, was to move to New York City and be on Broadway or move to Vegas and become a flare bartender. But my plans didn't really work out, obviously.
Anyway, enough about that. I'll only depress myself.
On a side note, I heard from one of my writing group no shows. Apparently, 'something came up' and she was only in town for one week so she won't be there next week or ever. I did get another reply from another person but I'm worried that now it will only be me and one other person.
Also, I got another rejection with only $.39 worth of postage. Is the post office slipping up or being nice?
Just finished reading: A Long Way Down by Nick Hornby
Currently reading: The Stand by Stephen King
Just watched: Stick It
1. I would love to write a children's book. I have an idea for it and I think if I kept the art pretty basic and practiced a lot, I could even do the illustrations. It would feature a dog very similar to Kreeg, some kids and it would be about not fitting in.
2. I always thought it would be fun to do a comic strip. I have an idea for it and the idea would involve very minimal art so I could possibly do that too. The few ideas I have for it would make it a political cartoon but in a subtle way that only clever people would get.
3. There is a mini-movie script that I wrote. I would love to get it made. I've had two other three minute movies made for a contest and those were a lot of fun. This one is longer. Since the writing is actually done it's not technically a writing project but I would never try to get it published in script form. I would need to produce it as a movie. It's something like Mean Girls meets comic nerds.
4. One project that I've been planning for a while but I am seriously afraid of messing up is turning some of my writing into a piece of art where it would hang on the wall.
5. While I hate public speaking in anyway, I always thought it would be interesting to read some of my work out load. Kind of like a poetry reading, except probably not poetry. Sounds weird for someone who hates public speaking but I love performing. Little known fact, in my school days I performed in various dance recitals, choir concerts and in school plays on a regular basis. My plan, once I graduated from high school, was to move to New York City and be on Broadway or move to Vegas and become a flare bartender. But my plans didn't really work out, obviously.
Anyway, enough about that. I'll only depress myself.
On a side note, I heard from one of my writing group no shows. Apparently, 'something came up' and she was only in town for one week so she won't be there next week or ever. I did get another reply from another person but I'm worried that now it will only be me and one other person.
Also, I got another rejection with only $.39 worth of postage. Is the post office slipping up or being nice?
Just finished reading: A Long Way Down by Nick Hornby
Currently reading: The Stand by Stephen King
Just watched: Stick It
Wednesday, June 06, 2007
The start of 'Human Decency?'
Today I finally got over being afraid of doing an awful job of writing my current novel and forced myself to write the first and second section/part. I've been putting this off for so long that I can't believe I actually did it.
I say sections/parts, rather than chapters because it's going to jump from character to character and I don't feel the parts are full chapters.
Anyway, I'm always scared to write the first part, especially on this novel. Even though, I've had the scene perfectly plotted in my head for sometime. It's weird though because once I actually started writing it, it just flowed and turned into something completely different. Something better. It's a lot more harsh than I had planned but if you want to hook a reader, I figure you gotta come out swinging. I think it will definitely capture people and they will connect with a character. My only worry is that it might be a bit much but I can't worry about it now. I have to push forward.
The second part I didn't really have planned out in as much detail as the first but I think it was strong maybe not as strong as the first but it definitely keeps up the intensity. I think the next part will be more mellow. Sorry for the crypticness (I know, not a real word). I don't want to give anything away but I feel like if I don't talk about it I'm going to explode. I will share something about it though.
While writing that part I actually found one line that made me think of an interesting title and to my knowledge there isn't a book or movie called this yet. I'm thinking of calling it, at least for now, Human Decency.
I'm ready to put my novel on paper. Plus I have a potential title, which if you've been reading this blog a while you know that I'm horrible with naming novels. Take my first and second Nano novels for example, because that's what I call them. And thank goodness Jenni came up with Behind the Naugahyde. I wanted to call it Retale. Get it? Probably better for a sequel anyway.
I say sections/parts, rather than chapters because it's going to jump from character to character and I don't feel the parts are full chapters.
Anyway, I'm always scared to write the first part, especially on this novel. Even though, I've had the scene perfectly plotted in my head for sometime. It's weird though because once I actually started writing it, it just flowed and turned into something completely different. Something better. It's a lot more harsh than I had planned but if you want to hook a reader, I figure you gotta come out swinging. I think it will definitely capture people and they will connect with a character. My only worry is that it might be a bit much but I can't worry about it now. I have to push forward.
The second part I didn't really have planned out in as much detail as the first but I think it was strong maybe not as strong as the first but it definitely keeps up the intensity. I think the next part will be more mellow. Sorry for the crypticness (I know, not a real word). I don't want to give anything away but I feel like if I don't talk about it I'm going to explode. I will share something about it though.
While writing that part I actually found one line that made me think of an interesting title and to my knowledge there isn't a book or movie called this yet. I'm thinking of calling it, at least for now, Human Decency.
I'm ready to put my novel on paper. Plus I have a potential title, which if you've been reading this blog a while you know that I'm horrible with naming novels. Take my first and second Nano novels for example, because that's what I call them. And thank goodness Jenni came up with Behind the Naugahyde. I wanted to call it Retale. Get it? Probably better for a sequel anyway.
Tuesday, June 05, 2007
Writing group hopefullness
Thanks everyone for wanting to come to my writing group. Everyone reading this is invited to stop by. Maybe one day we can have a meeting near Tiffany and Jenni's corner of the state. I'm not sure about a writing group road trip to Pennsylvania but anything is possible.
Seriously, though, anyone that wants to come by just let me know and I'll give you all the details. I have a feeling the details may vary week to week in my attempt to have people actually show up, otherwise I'd just post them. For now the meetings will be on Monday evenings but that could change. And I've already got one person that I kind of sort of know that might be able to make it next week.
To me a 'might' is better than a 'will be there' followed by a 'no show'. If that makes any sense. A 'might' doesn't get my hopes up to have them smashed. Anyway, I got to thinking that maybe someone did show up but didn't approach me or didn't know it was me because I was solo and not a group as they had expected. Of course, I did give them plenty of ways to know who I was and one of them I had a class with a few years ago. Besides they should know that a group starts with one person and isn't a group until some else steps up. I don't know. I e-mailed them all saying no hard feelings and feel free to stop by next week. I haven't heard anything from them. With the two that answered my ad, I just don't understand it's not like they would say they would be there to spare my feelings or to help me out. They contacted me about it. Oh well, no time to dwell.
According to Jenni, I got a cool post out of it yesterday and I have people potentially coming from out of town and out of state. I have to love that! Even if they don't stop by it's still a very nice thought.
So despite the pitiful writing group yesterday, I feel good today. I've got hope that the writing group will get better and that's good enough for me.
Seriously, though, anyone that wants to come by just let me know and I'll give you all the details. I have a feeling the details may vary week to week in my attempt to have people actually show up, otherwise I'd just post them. For now the meetings will be on Monday evenings but that could change. And I've already got one person that I kind of sort of know that might be able to make it next week.
To me a 'might' is better than a 'will be there' followed by a 'no show'. If that makes any sense. A 'might' doesn't get my hopes up to have them smashed. Anyway, I got to thinking that maybe someone did show up but didn't approach me or didn't know it was me because I was solo and not a group as they had expected. Of course, I did give them plenty of ways to know who I was and one of them I had a class with a few years ago. Besides they should know that a group starts with one person and isn't a group until some else steps up. I don't know. I e-mailed them all saying no hard feelings and feel free to stop by next week. I haven't heard anything from them. With the two that answered my ad, I just don't understand it's not like they would say they would be there to spare my feelings or to help me out. They contacted me about it. Oh well, no time to dwell.
According to Jenni, I got a cool post out of it yesterday and I have people potentially coming from out of town and out of state. I have to love that! Even if they don't stop by it's still a very nice thought.
So despite the pitiful writing group yesterday, I feel good today. I've got hope that the writing group will get better and that's good enough for me.
Monday, June 04, 2007
So exciting you'll laugh, you'll cry. Oh, wait, that was me.
So...what's the exciting news I mentioned yesterday?
Well, remember how I've been trying to find a writing group with no luck?
And then how I asked some people if they wanted to start one and they never answered me?
I got tired of that b.s. so I put out an ad and a few people answered. I sent notes to a few people and one of those people answered.
The result?
I started a writing group! And the first meeting was tonight!
I was nervous, anxious and excited to meet new people and to finally have someone to talk to about writing. A little worried as always that they wouldn't like my stories (remember class workshops) or that they wouldn't like me.
And there I sat looking around the room trying to find my fellow writers I had yet to meet and one that I hadn't seen in a while. I was proud of myself that I hadn't sat around and waited for some else to start a group or to be invited to one or to hope that someone would answer my request. I had taken action and it had worked.
So I sat there waiting for them to arrive...
...for a whole hour before no one showed up.
There I was with a drink I had only bought so I could sit in the cafe with my writing group, with a stack of copies of my stories, with my spirit crushed, watching the rain fall outside, completely bummed.
So much for exciting. See why I didn't say anything. I knew if I got my hopes up I would jinx myself.
Maybe more people will answer my ad. There's always next week, I guess.
Well, remember how I've been trying to find a writing group with no luck?
And then how I asked some people if they wanted to start one and they never answered me?
I got tired of that b.s. so I put out an ad and a few people answered. I sent notes to a few people and one of those people answered.
The result?
I started a writing group! And the first meeting was tonight!
I was nervous, anxious and excited to meet new people and to finally have someone to talk to about writing. A little worried as always that they wouldn't like my stories (remember class workshops) or that they wouldn't like me.
And there I sat looking around the room trying to find my fellow writers I had yet to meet and one that I hadn't seen in a while. I was proud of myself that I hadn't sat around and waited for some else to start a group or to be invited to one or to hope that someone would answer my request. I had taken action and it had worked.
So I sat there waiting for them to arrive...
...for a whole hour before no one showed up.
There I was with a drink I had only bought so I could sit in the cafe with my writing group, with a stack of copies of my stories, with my spirit crushed, watching the rain fall outside, completely bummed.
So much for exciting. See why I didn't say anything. I knew if I got my hopes up I would jinx myself.
Maybe more people will answer my ad. There's always next week, I guess.
Sunday, June 03, 2007
Nauga research, library book suggestions and some goals. That's about it.
Sure I promised a much more exciting blog post this weekend but I'm just too boring. I have gotten work done on the "what the heck is Naugahyde?" page for BehindtheNaugahyde.com, but really that's about it. I miss not having worked on Behind the Naugahyde in a while so every time I get a chance to do a little side project it fills me with joy. I'm also excited that Jenni will soon be done with school. Then we can write like crazy!
Also during my research I found out that Naugahyde is actually a name brand of pleather/vinyl-coated fabric. I'm not sure if that is going to be a problem. So far everything I've found says we can use the name just not the logo, which would not be a problem at all.
I did go to the library this weekend as well. And I checked out a few books that seem to switch from one character to the next, which is what I had been looking for. I checked out A Long Way Down by Nick Hornby and The Stand by Stephen King. I looked for Lost books based on the t.v. show but they didn't have any. I'm not sure if they even made them. Those were all the books suggested to me by various people. Thanks everyone!
Since I haven't really done much work on writing lately I thought I would list a few of my short term goals and plans. If I write it out then I might actually have to act on it.
First, I would like to have another sci-fi story completed and ready to send to a contest by the end of this month.
Second, I'm thinking of submitting something to Glimmer Train magazine. It's quite prestigious to get published by them but also very difficult. They take mostly literary short stories. I have a few of those that need some editing and their next submission period ends on July 31. This is excellent because Jenni will be on summer break by then and will hopefully be able to help me out with some suggestions and editing. I will definitely need it.
Third, I would like to have my current novel, that I've barely made a dent in, done by the end of August.
There are a few other things that I have in mind. Comicspace.com is attempting to have a contest for writers, pencilers and inkers coming up soon so I'll have to keep my eye on that.
And I think tomorrow I'm going to do something really exciting regarding my writing but I don't want to say what yet in case I jinx myself.
Just saw: Knocked Up
Currently reading: Batman Year One and Batman Year Two (TPB)
Just read: The Kite Runner-Khaled Hosseini
Also during my research I found out that Naugahyde is actually a name brand of pleather/vinyl-coated fabric. I'm not sure if that is going to be a problem. So far everything I've found says we can use the name just not the logo, which would not be a problem at all.
I did go to the library this weekend as well. And I checked out a few books that seem to switch from one character to the next, which is what I had been looking for. I checked out A Long Way Down by Nick Hornby and The Stand by Stephen King. I looked for Lost books based on the t.v. show but they didn't have any. I'm not sure if they even made them. Those were all the books suggested to me by various people. Thanks everyone!
Since I haven't really done much work on writing lately I thought I would list a few of my short term goals and plans. If I write it out then I might actually have to act on it.
First, I would like to have another sci-fi story completed and ready to send to a contest by the end of this month.
Second, I'm thinking of submitting something to Glimmer Train magazine. It's quite prestigious to get published by them but also very difficult. They take mostly literary short stories. I have a few of those that need some editing and their next submission period ends on July 31. This is excellent because Jenni will be on summer break by then and will hopefully be able to help me out with some suggestions and editing. I will definitely need it.
Third, I would like to have my current novel, that I've barely made a dent in, done by the end of August.
There are a few other things that I have in mind. Comicspace.com is attempting to have a contest for writers, pencilers and inkers coming up soon so I'll have to keep my eye on that.
And I think tomorrow I'm going to do something really exciting regarding my writing but I don't want to say what yet in case I jinx myself.
Just saw: Knocked Up
Currently reading: Batman Year One and Batman Year Two (TPB)
Just read: The Kite Runner-Khaled Hosseini
Friday, June 01, 2007
Another Friday Five
I'm so glad it's the weekend. So here's another Friday Five.
This week is the last line from five of my completed works.
1) They deserved each other.
2) It had gotten her through the mess that had been her life and she could never abandon it now.
3) How cool is that?
4) She had hope that she might find something better.
5) I realized I would never know as I fell asleep.
Once again my two NaNo novels but three different short stories this time. Hopefully, I'll get a longer, more exciting post up this weekend.
This week is the last line from five of my completed works.
1) They deserved each other.
2) It had gotten her through the mess that had been her life and she could never abandon it now.
3) How cool is that?
4) She had hope that she might find something better.
5) I realized I would never know as I fell asleep.
Once again my two NaNo novels but three different short stories this time. Hopefully, I'll get a longer, more exciting post up this weekend.
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
A little update for now
Uh-oh! I've started slacking on the blog post again. Sorry 'bout that. I'm trying to fit in as much writing as possible.
The last few days I tried working on submissions but without ink and stamps I'm limited to e-mail submissions which aren't accepted by everyone. It doesn't help that now we're in summer vacation time for colleges and a lot of the reviews are ran by college literary departments. So they aren't taking submissions right now.
I did start my work on the history of Naugahyde now that I've gotten the go ahead from Jenni. And Jenni's school year will be over soon so hopefully we'll finally get the time to finish Behind the Naugahyde. I can't wait!
So that's what I've been up to. Nothing exciting. Although, I did go to a cold and rainy baseball game Saturday where a clown schooled me in Harry Potter trivia. And I'm trying not to get annoyed by the mass surge of pop-ups I've been having lately despite all the pop-up blockers that are on.
The last few days I tried working on submissions but without ink and stamps I'm limited to e-mail submissions which aren't accepted by everyone. It doesn't help that now we're in summer vacation time for colleges and a lot of the reviews are ran by college literary departments. So they aren't taking submissions right now.
I did start my work on the history of Naugahyde now that I've gotten the go ahead from Jenni. And Jenni's school year will be over soon so hopefully we'll finally get the time to finish Behind the Naugahyde. I can't wait!
So that's what I've been up to. Nothing exciting. Although, I did go to a cold and rainy baseball game Saturday where a clown schooled me in Harry Potter trivia. And I'm trying not to get annoyed by the mass surge of pop-ups I've been having lately despite all the pop-up blockers that are on.
Sunday, May 27, 2007
The search for naugahyde
Crazy cool madness! I just stopped by BehindtheNaugahyde.com to check the guest book,which you need to sign if you already haven't (How do you expect us to impress agents with a demand from the public to publish our book when only 8 people have signed the guest book? Come on now!), and the site meter.
When I checked the site meter it had a quite a few visits so I checked the details and apparently lots of people have found our site while searching for "naugahyde", "nauga", "nauga collections" and "naugahyde shoes". Apparently we are result number 15 in a Google search for "naugahyde" and 24 in a AT&T Yahoo search. We're 47 in the AT&T Yahoo search for "nauga" but we're 35 in a Google search. Here's where it gets super impressive. If you're looking for "nauga shoes" we're number 3 on Google and AT&T Yahoo. If you're looking for "naugahyde shoes" you'll find us in the #2 spot on both searches! Yah baby! We're almost famous!
It's my goal now to not stop until we're number one in at least one of those searches. My proposal to Jenni is going to be that we add a page to BehindtheNaugahyde.com that tells the history of Naugahyde and that we even have a section on saving the naugas.
Why would we put so much effort so that random people could stop by see that our website has relatively little to do with actual naugahyde and then quickly navigate away from our page? Because one day a literary agent or even a book publisher is going to be in need of a fake leather-looking couch and in their search they will happen upon our website. It will be history in the making. Or maybe it will just generate some interest in the book. At the very least it will explain what the heck naugahyde is to all those people out there scratching their heads.
When I checked the site meter it had a quite a few visits so I checked the details and apparently lots of people have found our site while searching for "naugahyde", "nauga", "nauga collections" and "naugahyde shoes". Apparently we are result number 15 in a Google search for "naugahyde" and 24 in a AT&T Yahoo search. We're 47 in the AT&T Yahoo search for "nauga" but we're 35 in a Google search. Here's where it gets super impressive. If you're looking for "nauga shoes" we're number 3 on Google and AT&T Yahoo. If you're looking for "naugahyde shoes" you'll find us in the #2 spot on both searches! Yah baby! We're almost famous!
It's my goal now to not stop until we're number one in at least one of those searches. My proposal to Jenni is going to be that we add a page to BehindtheNaugahyde.com that tells the history of Naugahyde and that we even have a section on saving the naugas.
Why would we put so much effort so that random people could stop by see that our website has relatively little to do with actual naugahyde and then quickly navigate away from our page? Because one day a literary agent or even a book publisher is going to be in need of a fake leather-looking couch and in their search they will happen upon our website. It will be history in the making. Or maybe it will just generate some interest in the book. At the very least it will explain what the heck naugahyde is to all those people out there scratching their heads.
Friday, May 25, 2007
Let the three day weekend begin!
WooHoo! Three day weekend! This is the first time I've actually had a job that involved three day weekends. Now I get it.
Anyway, here's another things I stole from other writer's blogs. It's the Friday Five. This week is the first line from five of my completed works.
1) 12:00, October is over.
2)The minute she picked up the phone she knew they were done.
3) I hate my life.
4)The cold made Casey's fingers completely numb.
5)I had been an angel once.
There they are. My two Nano novels and three short stories, none of which have ever been published. Although, I wouldn't really call them completed stories. These are all more or less still in the editing process so these are actually tentative first lines.
Anyway, here's another things I stole from other writer's blogs. It's the Friday Five. This week is the first line from five of my completed works.
1) 12:00, October is over.
2)The minute she picked up the phone she knew they were done.
3) I hate my life.
4)The cold made Casey's fingers completely numb.
5)I had been an angel once.
There they are. My two Nano novels and three short stories, none of which have ever been published. Although, I wouldn't really call them completed stories. These are all more or less still in the editing process so these are actually tentative first lines.
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Creative Differences
It turns out that my writing partner in crime, Jenni, and I have some creative differences. And I'm not using creative differences as a nice way of saying we can't stand each other. I mean we have different processes for creating stuff.
Obviously, we have such an awesome friendship because we do have many things in common. However, it seems that when it comes to writing we can't agree on anything. Although, writing Behind the Naugahyde actually goes rather smoothly.
And yes I did post this same quiz yesterday but today it's new and improved. However, since I did post my own answers yesterday I put them in a smaller font today. That means that the smaller font on the red words is not because red is an inferior color to green, which is another subject Jenni and I do not agree on.
1. Do you outline?
Jenni: No, not really. I, sometimes, have the gyst of how I kind of want things to go in my head, but I don't write it down. I sometimes outline lessons plans for school but they are such bare bones that I will even forget what I meant by them.
Ash: Yes, most of the time. Occasionally I do just go on a whim and sometimes I write an outline but don't stick to it at all. I mostly do it because my mind works faster than I type and I think if I write down general notes, like an outline, I won't forget anything.
2. Do you write straight through a book, or do you sometimes tackle the scenes out of order?
Jenni: I kind of like to do things out of order and figure it out later.
Ash: I've always written straight through.
3. Do you prefer writing with a pen or using a computer?
Jenni: Computer, all the way. If I have to write by hand, then with a pen but not a smeary one. Pencils are ok if I'm in the right mood (and they can't be smeary either!).
Ash: I prefer writing with a pen but I hate having to type it in again later. Although, it is a good way to reread and edit what I've already written.
4. Do you prefer writing in first person or third?
Jenni: I do mostly third because so much of my writing has been focused on Behind the Naugahyde or my one-act plays, but often the first person stuff (even if the character is not me at all) can be better (see Six Months to the Day).
Ash: Most of the stuff I've written is in third person. I did do something in second person once and it's my only short story to get published in an actual literary magazine.
5. Do you listen to music while you write? If so, do you create a play list, listen randomly, or pick a single song that fits the book?
Jenni: No! I can't concentrate and write in English if it's anything but silent. I can do German, grading, and puzzles with music. If I had to pick a song to fit Behind the Naugahyde though, I would say "Footloose." LOL
Ash: YES! I always listen to music when I'm writing. Sometimes I pick just one song that fits the book. Other times I pick a few CD's that work. I don't really make a play list though. I don't have the technology to do so unless I want to get up every four minutes and put a new song on, which significantly cuts down on writing time.
6. How do you come up with the perfect names for your characters?
Jenni: For my one-act plays, I take the name of the person in real life who inspired me and mix up the letters to form a new name. Mostly this is why all of the characters in my one act plays have dumb names like Reic or Evest (based on students' names).
Ash: Sometimes I think of names that are similar to the people the characters are inspired by. Not necessarily names that sound or are spelled similar but names that have the same characteristics like short, rare, common, simple. If I'm writing at work sometimes I use the names of shoes or shoe companies.
7. When you’re writing, do you ever imagine your book as a television show or movie?
Jenni: I know exactly how the one-act plays will look on stage, and I have already figured out how Behind the Naugahyde can be made into a movie.
Ash: Not necessarily that it would get made into one of them but I picture them in my head as if they were one and then I write what I see.
8. Have you ever had a character insist on doing something you really didn’t want him/her to do?
Jenni: LOL! Ditto Ash's answer.
Ash: If you count being boring, yes. Otherwise I can't really say that has happened to me.
9. Do you know how a book is going to end when you start it?
Jenni: Usually not, I'm finding out. I like the Frederich Duerrenmatt concept of taking things out to the farthest permutation of what could possibly happen and I try to infuse some of that into my own work but sometimes I get too silly to make it happen.
Ash: Sometimes. Both of my Nano novels, I knew how they would end. Jenni and I kind of had a general idea when it came to Behind the Naugahyde but we've come up with more and more as we go. The novel I'm working on now I have no clue which makes it even more scary.
10. Where do you write?
Jenni: Usually my office/closet/living room area. Although some of my best work off the computer has come from journaling in my college dorm room or at the beach and especially up north.
Ash: Usually in my office. Sometimes I write at work. Other times I write at the library or a coffee shop if it's too hot and I need some free air conditioning.
11. What do you do when you get writer’s block?
Jenni: I don't write. Jacqueline Woodson says there's no such thing as writer's block, only fear. I don't know if I believe that or not, but I don't feel like I get writer's block like not knowing what to write. I more-so get writer's blah, as in, I don't feel like writing (so I don't). It's only a problem if I'm on a deadline. Incidentally, I feel the same way about grading papers (hence posting).
Ash: I go for a walk, watch T.V or a movie, read, listen to music. I do anything but write and hope that something pops in my head.
12. What size increments do you write in (either in terms of word count, or as a percentage of the book as a whole)?
Jenni: It has a sound effect like BLEURGH! It pretty much just comes pouring out when I feel like writing. Poor Ash leaves one chapter up to me and gets sent 27 pages back!
Ash: As much as I can at once. I don't usually get the luxury of writing for as long as I want.
13. How many different drafts did you write for your last project?
Jenni: I wrote two drafts under durress and hated the second. (I was urged to forgo some swearing in my first one-act play - ultimately, I liked the swearing better and tossed the 'clean' version.) I'm typically a one-draft type of gal.
Ash: My last project would be my last Nano novel and so far I've only written one.
14. Have you ever changed a character’s name midway through a draft?
Jenni: Not on purpose. I get so attached to the character via their name that it's difficult for me. It's like changing the whole character.
Ash: In Behind the Naugahyde, Jenni and I decided on a name for a character. Then I realized half way through that I had been using the wrong name. And there were a few times I changed names on purpose either because I had already used them or they just didn't seem to fit anymore.
15. Do you let anyone read your book while you’re working on it, or do you wait until you’ve completed a draft before letting someone else see it?
Jenni: Even when I get stuff done, I don't normally show it to anyone unless I'm trying to get it published. We tried to do a focus group on BTN and it was a huge flop. However, Jacqueline Woodson mentioned at Bright Ideas that it was never a "bright idea" to show someone your work while you were still working on it because if they criticize it you might feel too vulnerable or influenced to finish it. Other than putting myself out on the line for someone to critique it, I find it annoying when people are all "ooh ooh, here's how you should end it" and their ending is LAME!
Ash: I usually wait until it's finished but there was one exception. It didn't really go like I thought it would so I doubt I'd do it again.
16. What do you do to celebrate when you finish a draft?
Jenni: Send it to Ashley since it's usually my way-late part for BTN?
Ash: Announce it on my blog!
17. One project at a time, or multiple projects at once?
Jenni: Multiple, for sure.
Ash: I try to focus on one project at a time but occasionally, when I'm having writer's block or procrastinating, I'll work on something else for bit. Usually just editing.
18. Do your books grow or shrink in revision?
Jenni: Unfortunately, grow. It's like a one step forward two steps back thing. If I shrink it at all, that's usually overshadowed by the dramatic growth that I put someplace else in the draft.
Ash: I have yet to fully revise a book so it's hard to say.
19. Do you have any writing or critique partners?
Jenni: Ashley is my writing partner! If I actually wrote some more junk, she would be called upon to critique it. (Just wait until summer!)
Ash: Jenni is my writing partner and has often critiqued my work as well.
20. Do you prefer drafting or revising?
Jenni: Drafting. I'm kind of a revision-hater, even though I know it's totally necessary and can sometimes (especially with Ashley) be a ton of fun!
Ash: I've always done revisions.
**These answers were reposted without the consent of Jenni. She's probably going to sue me now. Oh well, it was worth it.**
Obviously, we have such an awesome friendship because we do have many things in common. However, it seems that when it comes to writing we can't agree on anything. Although, writing Behind the Naugahyde actually goes rather smoothly.
And yes I did post this same quiz yesterday but today it's new and improved. However, since I did post my own answers yesterday I put them in a smaller font today. That means that the smaller font on the red words is not because red is an inferior color to green, which is another subject Jenni and I do not agree on.
1. Do you outline?
Jenni: No, not really. I, sometimes, have the gyst of how I kind of want things to go in my head, but I don't write it down. I sometimes outline lessons plans for school but they are such bare bones that I will even forget what I meant by them.
Ash: Yes, most of the time. Occasionally I do just go on a whim and sometimes I write an outline but don't stick to it at all. I mostly do it because my mind works faster than I type and I think if I write down general notes, like an outline, I won't forget anything.
2. Do you write straight through a book, or do you sometimes tackle the scenes out of order?
Jenni: I kind of like to do things out of order and figure it out later.
Ash: I've always written straight through.
3. Do you prefer writing with a pen or using a computer?
Jenni: Computer, all the way. If I have to write by hand, then with a pen but not a smeary one. Pencils are ok if I'm in the right mood (and they can't be smeary either!).
Ash: I prefer writing with a pen but I hate having to type it in again later. Although, it is a good way to reread and edit what I've already written.
4. Do you prefer writing in first person or third?
Jenni: I do mostly third because so much of my writing has been focused on Behind the Naugahyde or my one-act plays, but often the first person stuff (even if the character is not me at all) can be better (see Six Months to the Day).
Ash: Most of the stuff I've written is in third person. I did do something in second person once and it's my only short story to get published in an actual literary magazine.
5. Do you listen to music while you write? If so, do you create a play list, listen randomly, or pick a single song that fits the book?
Jenni: No! I can't concentrate and write in English if it's anything but silent. I can do German, grading, and puzzles with music. If I had to pick a song to fit Behind the Naugahyde though, I would say "Footloose." LOL
Ash: YES! I always listen to music when I'm writing. Sometimes I pick just one song that fits the book. Other times I pick a few CD's that work. I don't really make a play list though. I don't have the technology to do so unless I want to get up every four minutes and put a new song on, which significantly cuts down on writing time.
6. How do you come up with the perfect names for your characters?
Jenni: For my one-act plays, I take the name of the person in real life who inspired me and mix up the letters to form a new name. Mostly this is why all of the characters in my one act plays have dumb names like Reic or Evest (based on students' names).
Ash: Sometimes I think of names that are similar to the people the characters are inspired by. Not necessarily names that sound or are spelled similar but names that have the same characteristics like short, rare, common, simple. If I'm writing at work sometimes I use the names of shoes or shoe companies.
7. When you’re writing, do you ever imagine your book as a television show or movie?
Jenni: I know exactly how the one-act plays will look on stage, and I have already figured out how Behind the Naugahyde can be made into a movie.
Ash: Not necessarily that it would get made into one of them but I picture them in my head as if they were one and then I write what I see.
8. Have you ever had a character insist on doing something you really didn’t want him/her to do?
Jenni: LOL! Ditto Ash's answer.
Ash: If you count being boring, yes. Otherwise I can't really say that has happened to me.
9. Do you know how a book is going to end when you start it?
Jenni: Usually not, I'm finding out. I like the Frederich Duerrenmatt concept of taking things out to the farthest permutation of what could possibly happen and I try to infuse some of that into my own work but sometimes I get too silly to make it happen.
Ash: Sometimes. Both of my Nano novels, I knew how they would end. Jenni and I kind of had a general idea when it came to Behind the Naugahyde but we've come up with more and more as we go. The novel I'm working on now I have no clue which makes it even more scary.
10. Where do you write?
Jenni: Usually my office/closet/living room area. Although some of my best work off the computer has come from journaling in my college dorm room or at the beach and especially up north.
Ash: Usually in my office. Sometimes I write at work. Other times I write at the library or a coffee shop if it's too hot and I need some free air conditioning.
11. What do you do when you get writer’s block?
Jenni: I don't write. Jacqueline Woodson says there's no such thing as writer's block, only fear. I don't know if I believe that or not, but I don't feel like I get writer's block like not knowing what to write. I more-so get writer's blah, as in, I don't feel like writing (so I don't). It's only a problem if I'm on a deadline. Incidentally, I feel the same way about grading papers (hence posting).
Ash: I go for a walk, watch T.V or a movie, read, listen to music. I do anything but write and hope that something pops in my head.
12. What size increments do you write in (either in terms of word count, or as a percentage of the book as a whole)?
Jenni: It has a sound effect like BLEURGH! It pretty much just comes pouring out when I feel like writing. Poor Ash leaves one chapter up to me and gets sent 27 pages back!
Ash: As much as I can at once. I don't usually get the luxury of writing for as long as I want.
13. How many different drafts did you write for your last project?
Jenni: I wrote two drafts under durress and hated the second. (I was urged to forgo some swearing in my first one-act play - ultimately, I liked the swearing better and tossed the 'clean' version.) I'm typically a one-draft type of gal.
Ash: My last project would be my last Nano novel and so far I've only written one.
14. Have you ever changed a character’s name midway through a draft?
Jenni: Not on purpose. I get so attached to the character via their name that it's difficult for me. It's like changing the whole character.
Ash: In Behind the Naugahyde, Jenni and I decided on a name for a character. Then I realized half way through that I had been using the wrong name. And there were a few times I changed names on purpose either because I had already used them or they just didn't seem to fit anymore.
15. Do you let anyone read your book while you’re working on it, or do you wait until you’ve completed a draft before letting someone else see it?
Jenni: Even when I get stuff done, I don't normally show it to anyone unless I'm trying to get it published. We tried to do a focus group on BTN and it was a huge flop. However, Jacqueline Woodson mentioned at Bright Ideas that it was never a "bright idea" to show someone your work while you were still working on it because if they criticize it you might feel too vulnerable or influenced to finish it. Other than putting myself out on the line for someone to critique it, I find it annoying when people are all "ooh ooh, here's how you should end it" and their ending is LAME!
Ash: I usually wait until it's finished but there was one exception. It didn't really go like I thought it would so I doubt I'd do it again.
16. What do you do to celebrate when you finish a draft?
Jenni: Send it to Ashley since it's usually my way-late part for BTN?
Ash: Announce it on my blog!
17. One project at a time, or multiple projects at once?
Jenni: Multiple, for sure.
Ash: I try to focus on one project at a time but occasionally, when I'm having writer's block or procrastinating, I'll work on something else for bit. Usually just editing.
18. Do your books grow or shrink in revision?
Jenni: Unfortunately, grow. It's like a one step forward two steps back thing. If I shrink it at all, that's usually overshadowed by the dramatic growth that I put someplace else in the draft.
Ash: I have yet to fully revise a book so it's hard to say.
19. Do you have any writing or critique partners?
Jenni: Ashley is my writing partner! If I actually wrote some more junk, she would be called upon to critique it. (Just wait until summer!)
Ash: Jenni is my writing partner and has often critiqued my work as well.
20. Do you prefer drafting or revising?
Jenni: Drafting. I'm kind of a revision-hater, even though I know it's totally necessary and can sometimes (especially with Ashley) be a ton of fun!
Ash: I've always done revisions.
**These answers were reposted without the consent of Jenni. She's probably going to sue me now. Oh well, it was worth it.**
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Writer's quiz
Dancing with the Stars is now over. I thought Laila, Joey and Apollo were all awesome from the beginning so I didn't care who won as long as they were the final three.
Since I spent tonight, my final night since the season finales are over, glued to the television here's a little writer survey that I found and saved in case there was ever a day or two when I didn't have a lot of time to write a post.
So there's a little more insight to my writing technique. I hope no one got hurt when they jumped out of their chair from the excitement.
Since I spent tonight, my final night since the season finales are over, glued to the television here's a little writer survey that I found and saved in case there was ever a day or two when I didn't have a lot of time to write a post.
1. Do you outline?
Yes, most of the time. Occasionally I do just go on a whim and sometimes I write an outline but don't stick to it at all. I mostly do it because my mind works faster than I type and I think if I write down general notes, like an outline, I won't forget anything.2. Do you write straight through a book, or do you sometimes tackle the scenes out of order?
3. Do you prefer writing with a pen or using a computer?
I prefer writing with a pen but I hate having to type it in again later. Although, it is a good way to reread and edit what I've already written.
4. Do you prefer writing in first person or third?
Most of the stuff I've written is in third person. I did do something in second person once and it's my only short story to get published in an actual literary magazine.
5. Do you listen to music while you write? If so, do you create a play list, listen randomly, or pick a single song that fits the book?
YES! I always listen to music when I'm writing. Sometimes I pick just one song that fits the book. Other times I pick a few CD's that work. I don't really make a play list though. I don't have the technology to do so unless I want to get up every four minutes and put a new song on, which significantly cuts down on writing time.
6. How do you come up with the perfect names for your characters?
Sometimes I think of names that are similar to the people the characters are inspired by. Not necessarily names that sound or are spelled similar but names that have the same characteristics like short, rare, common, simple.
7. When you’re writing, do you ever imagine your book as a television show or movie?
Not necessarily that it would get made into one of them but I picture them in my head as if they were one and then I write what I see.
8. Have you ever had a character insist on doing something you really didn’t want him/her to do?
If you count being boring, yes. Otherwise I can't really say that has happened to me.
9. Do you know how a book is going to end when you start it?
Sometimes. Both of my Nano novels, I knew how they would end. Jenni and I kind of had a general idea when it came to Behind the Naugahyde but we've come up with more and more as we go. The novel I'm working on now I have no clue which makes it even more scary.
10. Where do you write?
Usually in my office. Sometimes I write at work. Other times I write at the library or a coffee shop if it's too hot and I need some free air conditioning.
11. What do you do when you get writer’s block?
I go for a walk, watch T.V or a movie, read, listen to music. I do anything but write and hope that something pops in my head.
12. What size increments do you write in (either in terms of word count, or as a percentage of the book as a whole)?
As much as I can at once. I don't usually get the luxury of writing for as long as I want.13. How many different drafts did you write for your last project?
My last project would be my last Nano novel and so far I've only written one.
14. Have you ever changed a character’s name midway through a draft?
In Behind the Naugahyde, Jenni and I decided on a name for a character. Then I realized half way through that I had been using the wrong name. And there were a few times I changed names on purpose either because I had already used them or they just didn't seem to fit anymore.
15. Do you let anyone read your book while you’re working on it, or do you wait until you’ve completed a draft before letting someone else see it?
16. What do you do to celebrate when you finish a draft?
Announce it on my blog!
17. One project at a time, or multiple projects at once?
I try to focus on one project at a time but occasionally, when I'm having writer's block or procrastinating, I'll work on something else for bit. Usually just editing.
18. Do your books grow or shrink in revision?
I have yet to fully revise a book so it's hard to say.
19. Do you have any writing or critique partners?
Jenni is my writing partner and has often critiqued my work as well.20. Do you prefer drafting or revising?
I've always done revisions.So there's a little more insight to my writing technique. I hope no one got hurt when they jumped out of their chair from the excitement.
Monday, May 21, 2007
Heroes is over and the Harry Potter schedule is soon to begin.
Yes, I should not have been neglecting writing to watch t.v. again tonight but it was the Heroes season finale. I'm so sad it's over for now. Of course since it's going to be back next season they didn't wrap everything up but the big stuff got answered. I'm satisfied.
So now that every show I usually watch on a regular basis has had their season finales, except Dancing with the Stars which is tomorrow, I will no longer be sidetracked by t.v. Of course, now we're getting into the summer movie season so I'll probably be a the movies a lot, paycheck permitting.
Then there's Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows coming out. Am I the only one that has a schedule made to read each of the previous books before the last one comes out?
Tentatively it goes like this:
June 10-16 The Sorcerer's Stone
June 17-23 The Chamber of Secrets
June 24-30 The Prisoner of Azkaban
July 1-7 The Goblet of Fire
July 8-14 The Order of the Phoenix (the movie comes out the 13th)
July 15- 20 The Half-Blood Prince
July 21 The Deathly Hallows ( and yes I will read it all in one day)
It usually doesn't take a week for me to read a book especially if work continues to be super slow. I just like to factor in things that may come up and I'm the maid-of-honor in a wedding on July 4 so I imagine the wedding and wedding related things will mess up my schedule a bit.
So now that every show I usually watch on a regular basis has had their season finales, except Dancing with the Stars which is tomorrow, I will no longer be sidetracked by t.v. Of course, now we're getting into the summer movie season so I'll probably be a the movies a lot, paycheck permitting.
Then there's Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows coming out. Am I the only one that has a schedule made to read each of the previous books before the last one comes out?
Tentatively it goes like this:
June 10-16 The Sorcerer's Stone
June 17-23 The Chamber of Secrets
June 24-30 The Prisoner of Azkaban
July 1-7 The Goblet of Fire
July 8-14 The Order of the Phoenix (the movie comes out the 13th)
July 15- 20 The Half-Blood Prince
July 21 The Deathly Hallows ( and yes I will read it all in one day)
It usually doesn't take a week for me to read a book especially if work continues to be super slow. I just like to factor in things that may come up and I'm the maid-of-honor in a wedding on July 4 so I imagine the wedding and wedding related things will mess up my schedule a bit.
Sunday, May 20, 2007
Comments, non-readers and animated t.v. show season finales featuring politics. That's if you're still awake after reading this title.
Wow! When I checked my e-mail this morning my mail box was full of blog comments. It's nice to know someone is reading.
Not that I'm being a whiner about not having any blog readers but I realized today that Jenni is the only person that I didn't meet through this blog that actually reads this blog. That means all my other family, friends, acquaintances, and co-workers don't read my blog. Can you feel the love? I'm sure a few have stopped by before but none of them have returned.
Well enough whining. I must admit that I took time off from writing to watch the Simpsons 400th episode and the Family Guy season finale.
First may I say that the alternative world in Family Guy where Lois marries Quagmire is awesome!
Second, I was almost disappointed with the Simpsons until Lisa asked the question I've being wondering about for quite some time. How can FOX be the channel known for airing controversial shows like Married with Children and Family Guy, yet FOX News is known for being the most conservative news? And they actually answered it.
Since the things I liked about both shows were rather political, I'm not going to give more detail because I don't like to discuss politics on my writing blog. But if anyone reading doesn't usually watch the shows, *cough* Jenni, then I can fill you in later.
Not that I'm being a whiner about not having any blog readers but I realized today that Jenni is the only person that I didn't meet through this blog that actually reads this blog. That means all my other family, friends, acquaintances, and co-workers don't read my blog. Can you feel the love? I'm sure a few have stopped by before but none of them have returned.
Well enough whining. I must admit that I took time off from writing to watch the Simpsons 400th episode and the Family Guy season finale.
First may I say that the alternative world in Family Guy where Lois marries Quagmire is awesome!
Second, I was almost disappointed with the Simpsons until Lisa asked the question I've being wondering about for quite some time. How can FOX be the channel known for airing controversial shows like Married with Children and Family Guy, yet FOX News is known for being the most conservative news? And they actually answered it.
Since the things I liked about both shows were rather political, I'm not going to give more detail because I don't like to discuss politics on my writing blog. But if anyone reading doesn't usually watch the shows, *cough* Jenni, then I can fill you in later.
Saturday, May 19, 2007
Tough decisions
Okay, I lied. I got another rejection today and it only had a $.39 stamp on it. That made me wonder why it is that the old stamps can't be "forever stamps" if the new ones are going to be. Maybe it's something to do with processing them.
Anyway, I'm super bummed because I had to work today so that meant no Motor City Comicon for me.
On a whole other boring topic, lately, I've been thinking a lot about how in some books and movies it's so easy to make the right choice. Everything is obvious. This person is completely good or completely bad. Good beats evil, happiness wins over money. It just always seems so easy. Everyone knows what's going to happen because there is only one choice that makes sense. I know not all book and movies are like that and I really know life isn't like that.
I think most often I write characters that are completely good or bad. It's easy for me to decide their fate. I need to learn how to break away from that and make the characters more complex. But if I never know what to do about those tough situations in my own life how will I know how to deal with them in my writing?
Anyway, I'm super bummed because I had to work today so that meant no Motor City Comicon for me.
On a whole other boring topic, lately, I've been thinking a lot about how in some books and movies it's so easy to make the right choice. Everything is obvious. This person is completely good or completely bad. Good beats evil, happiness wins over money. It just always seems so easy. Everyone knows what's going to happen because there is only one choice that makes sense. I know not all book and movies are like that and I really know life isn't like that.
I think most often I write characters that are completely good or bad. It's easy for me to decide their fate. I need to learn how to break away from that and make the characters more complex. But if I never know what to do about those tough situations in my own life how will I know how to deal with them in my writing?
Friday, May 18, 2007
Submissions, work and itchiness.
Well I got three rejection letters in the mail this week and I'm pretty sure they are the last ones I will get in the mail for awhile thanks to the postage rate change that started on Monday.
I'm still out of ink and now I'm out of stamps so I've put in some e-mail submissions this week.
And I'm having a submission dilemma. On the publications that ask for a bio I'm not sure if I put it on my cover letter or after my story or on it's own page. Also, I worry about what my bio should say. I really don't have anything noteworthy to mention. Before I used to just fudge through these things but now I start to stress that maybe these little things could make all the difference.
Work has been insane this week so I'm definitely getting material for Behind the Naugahyde. Although, Jenni has been super busy and I haven't heard from her in a while so we haven't gotten much work done on it.
I did finally start my new novel while I was at work. I only got the first five paragraphs done because customers kept coming in and interrupting me.
My novel has a bunch of characters that don't know each other and I want to start the book by showing their different life styles before they all end up meeting. I'm struggling with how to do this with out confusing the reader. I thought it might be good to read a book that does this but I can't think of one.
I'm having a horrible allergic reaction to something and it has made my ears and neck turn red and itchy and my eyes won't stop watering. I hardly got any sleep because of it. So I'm tired and work put me in a really bad mood. Now I just want to go to sleep so this post is short and boring. But I didn't post yesterday and I'm trying to stay in the habit of posting often so I decided to write it anyway. I promise I'll try to post something more interesting tomorrow.
I'm still out of ink and now I'm out of stamps so I've put in some e-mail submissions this week.
And I'm having a submission dilemma. On the publications that ask for a bio I'm not sure if I put it on my cover letter or after my story or on it's own page. Also, I worry about what my bio should say. I really don't have anything noteworthy to mention. Before I used to just fudge through these things but now I start to stress that maybe these little things could make all the difference.
Work has been insane this week so I'm definitely getting material for Behind the Naugahyde. Although, Jenni has been super busy and I haven't heard from her in a while so we haven't gotten much work done on it.
I did finally start my new novel while I was at work. I only got the first five paragraphs done because customers kept coming in and interrupting me.
My novel has a bunch of characters that don't know each other and I want to start the book by showing their different life styles before they all end up meeting. I'm struggling with how to do this with out confusing the reader. I thought it might be good to read a book that does this but I can't think of one.
I'm having a horrible allergic reaction to something and it has made my ears and neck turn red and itchy and my eyes won't stop watering. I hardly got any sleep because of it. So I'm tired and work put me in a really bad mood. Now I just want to go to sleep so this post is short and boring. But I didn't post yesterday and I'm trying to stay in the habit of posting often so I decided to write it anyway. I promise I'll try to post something more interesting tomorrow.
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Another search
I was on a roll posting ever day and then I ruined it. I have no good excuse except laziness. Also the post that I put up on Monday for some reason didn't post on the top so I thought I would leave it at the top for another day.
The search for a writing group may turn out to be as difficult as my search for an artist has been. Out of all the replies I've gotten there are a few that were a bit odd. One writing group gave me all the details about their group like what to bring and where to meet but they didn't give me the time. I e-mailed back but haven't gotten a reply. Another person told me that I didn't want to join their group and that I should take writing classes before joining a group anyway. I hope that wasn't a shot at my e-mail, which I proofread because I did not want to look like an idiot. Whatever the reason, it was annoying because I have taken writing classes. Just because you have a writing group and I don't, doesn't make you better than me. Of course, I could be reading too much into it. I do have a bit of an overactive imagination. I also got a reply from a group of senior ladies that write historic creative non-fiction. And my attempts to start my own writing group have been smashed down by the fact that no one replied.
I could always join another writing class just so I could have people workshop my writing but I always have anxiety when it comes to workshops. I'm not sure how a writing group would cause less anxiety but what I am pretty sure of is that I don't want to pay hundreds of dollars to have "deep" people tell me my stories are bad. At least not when there's a chance I can get that for free.
The search for a writing group may turn out to be as difficult as my search for an artist has been. Out of all the replies I've gotten there are a few that were a bit odd. One writing group gave me all the details about their group like what to bring and where to meet but they didn't give me the time. I e-mailed back but haven't gotten a reply. Another person told me that I didn't want to join their group and that I should take writing classes before joining a group anyway. I hope that wasn't a shot at my e-mail, which I proofread because I did not want to look like an idiot. Whatever the reason, it was annoying because I have taken writing classes. Just because you have a writing group and I don't, doesn't make you better than me. Of course, I could be reading too much into it. I do have a bit of an overactive imagination. I also got a reply from a group of senior ladies that write historic creative non-fiction. And my attempts to start my own writing group have been smashed down by the fact that no one replied.
I could always join another writing class just so I could have people workshop my writing but I always have anxiety when it comes to workshops. I'm not sure how a writing group would cause less anxiety but what I am pretty sure of is that I don't want to pay hundreds of dollars to have "deep" people tell me my stories are bad. At least not when there's a chance I can get that for free.
Monday, May 14, 2007
Why I didn't get anything done today.
I went to Mackinac Island today. I had a lot of fun because I love the island and often thought it would be fun to stay on it during the winter months and force myself to write a book. Of course whenever I see the Grand Hotel on the island, I always think of the hotel in the Shining by Stephen King.
The island is near where the upper and lower Michigan peninsulas meet, well they're connected by a bridge. Anyway, the island is like taking a trip back in time because they don't allow cars on the island. Everyone gets around by horses and bikes. And the hotels and businesses try to maintain the old-fashioned look of the early 1900's. It's quite enchanting and expensive.
The island has some history with writers. Mark Twain once spoke at the Grand Hotel. The movie Somewhere In Time, which is about a playwright that goes back in time to meet an actress, was filmed there.
Well, that's not exactly a huge history. I think there were other things I've heard about writers on Mackinac Island but I can't remember them right now. Or maybe I just think that because it seems like the kind of place a writer would go to write a book or a place that would inspire them to write a book. Or it could just be me.
So that's what I did with my day and I didn't get any writing done. Now I'm off to watch Heroes.
***And congratulations to D.B.Echo on his 3 year blogiversary!!!!!!***
*oops this post was suppose to go at the top. No clue on why it didn't!
The island is near where the upper and lower Michigan peninsulas meet, well they're connected by a bridge. Anyway, the island is like taking a trip back in time because they don't allow cars on the island. Everyone gets around by horses and bikes. And the hotels and businesses try to maintain the old-fashioned look of the early 1900's. It's quite enchanting and expensive.
The island has some history with writers. Mark Twain once spoke at the Grand Hotel. The movie Somewhere In Time, which is about a playwright that goes back in time to meet an actress, was filmed there.
Well, that's not exactly a huge history. I think there were other things I've heard about writers on Mackinac Island but I can't remember them right now. Or maybe I just think that because it seems like the kind of place a writer would go to write a book or a place that would inspire them to write a book. Or it could just be me.
So that's what I did with my day and I didn't get any writing done. Now I'm off to watch Heroes.
***And congratulations to D.B.Echo on his 3 year blogiversary!!!!!!***
*oops this post was suppose to go at the top. No clue on why it didn't!
Sunday, May 13, 2007
Married with children? Not yet.
I had one of those awful moments today where I ran into someone from high school. He works at a company that makes containers as the production scheduler to pay for law school. Impressive, not quite as impressive as 'I manage a shoe store'.
It is good motivation to get my butt in gear. Not that I write to impress people but it would be nice to not have people making Al Bundy jokes behind my back.
Now I'm bummed but motivated. Off to work on my novel.
It is good motivation to get my butt in gear. Not that I write to impress people but it would be nice to not have people making Al Bundy jokes behind my back.
Now I'm bummed but motivated. Off to work on my novel.
Saturday, May 12, 2007
First lines
It's crazy I can't believe that I'm posting yet again. Maybe I'm getting into a good habit. Another good habit I need to get into is starting my novel and working on it everyday. I'm not sure how well that's going to work out.
I've been seriously struggling about coming up with a first line. I think it is one of, if not the most, crucial lines in the whole story. It has to grab the reader's attention, set the mood for the whole story and it has to be perfect in every way. I'm stressing out.
I know I could just settle on something and then work on it later but I think that sets a bad path for me. If I settle on this line then I'll settle on every line and then where do I draw the line. It just needs to be the best sentence I've ever written and no less.
In hopes to work it out I decided to go through some of the books I own and study some of the first lines.
"When he was nearly thirteen, my brother Jem got his arm badly broken at the elbow."
- 'To Kill A Mocking Bird' by Harper Lee
"It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife."
- 'Pride and Prejudice' by Jane Austen
"She hurries from the house, wearing a coat too heavy for the weather."
- 'The Hours' by Michael Cunningham
"In my younger and more vulnerable years my father gave me some advice that I've been turning over in my mind ever since."
-'The Great Gatsby' by F. Scott Fitzgerald
"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair."
-'A Tale of Two Cities' by Charles Dickens
"If you really want to hear about it, the first thing you'll probably want to know is where I was born, and what my lousy childhood was like, and how my parents were occupied and all before they had me, and all that David Copperfield kind of crap, but I don't feel like going into it, if you want to know the truth."
-'The Catcher in the Rye' by J.D. Salinger
Of course, now that I've typed all those out, I just found the American Book Reviews top 100 first lines . I think the only one on my list not on theirs is from the Hours which is actually my favorite. It says a lot about what's going on. (She's left a house. She's in a hurry and it must be somewhat warm out.) It makes me wonder why she's leaving in such a hurry, where she's going and why she's wearing such a heavy coat. The reason I love it the most is because it's simple. So I guess that's what I should be trying to bring to my book.
"Three more months and this hell would be over."
I've been seriously struggling about coming up with a first line. I think it is one of, if not the most, crucial lines in the whole story. It has to grab the reader's attention, set the mood for the whole story and it has to be perfect in every way. I'm stressing out.
I know I could just settle on something and then work on it later but I think that sets a bad path for me. If I settle on this line then I'll settle on every line and then where do I draw the line. It just needs to be the best sentence I've ever written and no less.
In hopes to work it out I decided to go through some of the books I own and study some of the first lines.
"When he was nearly thirteen, my brother Jem got his arm badly broken at the elbow."
- 'To Kill A Mocking Bird' by Harper Lee
"It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife."
- 'Pride and Prejudice' by Jane Austen
"She hurries from the house, wearing a coat too heavy for the weather."
- 'The Hours' by Michael Cunningham
"In my younger and more vulnerable years my father gave me some advice that I've been turning over in my mind ever since."
-'The Great Gatsby' by F. Scott Fitzgerald
"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair."
-'A Tale of Two Cities' by Charles Dickens
"If you really want to hear about it, the first thing you'll probably want to know is where I was born, and what my lousy childhood was like, and how my parents were occupied and all before they had me, and all that David Copperfield kind of crap, but I don't feel like going into it, if you want to know the truth."
-'The Catcher in the Rye' by J.D. Salinger
Of course, now that I've typed all those out, I just found the American Book Reviews top 100 first lines . I think the only one on my list not on theirs is from the Hours which is actually my favorite. It says a lot about what's going on. (She's left a house. She's in a hurry and it must be somewhat warm out.) It makes me wonder why she's leaving in such a hurry, where she's going and why she's wearing such a heavy coat. The reason I love it the most is because it's simple. So I guess that's what I should be trying to bring to my book.
"Three more months and this hell would be over."
Friday, May 11, 2007
"How you comin' on that novel?"
I was reminded once again, when I got my second questionnaire the other day, that I have no choice but to write this book. Both surveys that I received have come with that wonderful note that has sealed the fate of this book. "I can't wait to read it." It must be written or I will disappoint people. I know maybe they don't care enough to be disappointed in me but I don't want to be that person that everyone comes up to for the next five years and ask, " So how's that novel coming?" That means the pressure is on.
It's bad enough that I have a co-worker, who has the ability to quote just about every movie and T.V. show she's ever seen, is amazing at doing the voices of just about every character, and who also happens to be a huge Family Guy fan. Anyway, she knows Jenni and I are working on Behind the Naugahyde so she comes up to me all the time and says:
I definitely don't want to keep hearing that. Although, I'm not sure which is worse "How's that novel coming?" or "Your book sucked!"
It's bad enough that I have a co-worker, who has the ability to quote just about every movie and T.V. show she's ever seen, is amazing at doing the voices of just about every character, and who also happens to be a huge Family Guy fan. Anyway, she knows Jenni and I are working on Behind the Naugahyde so she comes up to me all the time and says:
"How you uh, how you comin' on that novel you're working on? Huh? Gotta a big, uh, big stack of papers there? Gotta, gotta nice little story you're working on there? Your big novel you've been working on for 3 years? Huh? Gotta, gotta compelling protagonist? Yeah? Gotta obstacle for him to overcome? Huh? Gotta story brewing there? Working on, working on that for quite some time? Huh? Yea, talking about that 3 years ago. Been working on that the whole time? Nice little narrative? Beginning, middle, and end? Some friends become enemies, some enemies become friends? At the end your main character is richer from the experience? Yeah? Yeah? No, no, you deserve some time off."
or
" Oh I know it hurts now, but look at the bright side: you have some new material for that novel you've been writing. You know...the novel you've been workin' on? You know the the one, uh, you've been workin on for three years? You know the novel. Got somethin' new to write about now. You know? Maybe a, maybe a main character gets into a relationship and suffers a little heartbreak? Somethin' like what... what you've just been through? Draw from real life experience? Little, little heartbreak? You know? Work it into the story? Make the characters a little more three dimensional? Little, uh, richer experience for the reader? Make those second hundred pages really keep the reader guessing what's going to happen? Some twists and turns? A little epilogue? Everybody learns that the hero's journey isn't always a happy one? Oh, I look forward to reading it. "
- Stewie to Brian from "Family Guy"
I definitely don't want to keep hearing that. Although, I'm not sure which is worse "How's that novel coming?" or "Your book sucked!"
Thursday, May 10, 2007
TWO YEARS!
YAY! It's been two years of blogging! I couldn't think of anything super special so I thought how about stats. Everyone likes stats. They are short, easy to read, don't take much thought to comprehend and hopefully are somewhat entertaining. Plus it's a good thing to do on an anniversary. It's a way to look back at all the cool things that have been documented on this blog. Especially, since there hasn't been much big and exciting news lately.
Of course some of the things listed may have happened pre-blog and if so I apologize but sometimes it's hard to keep track.
Date started: May 10, 2005
Visits to this blog since getting a site meter:2,077
Number of post:234
Rejection notices: 155 (This number may be a little off since some of the notes do not have dates and I didn't keep very good submission records when I first started.)
Stories published: 3 (Double Take, Double Take 2- Sophomore year, Sweaty Palms)
NaNoWriMos participated in: 2
Novels worked on: 3(Nano 1- untitled, Nano 2- untitled, Behind the Naugahyde)(This is novels that I actually started writing)
Novels completed: 2 (Nano 1- untitled, Nano 2- untitled) (This is novels that I finished writing the first draft but have not necessarily been edited.)
Short stories written:15 (most notable- Double Take 2 and Sweaty Palms)
Submissions sent out:227
Writing contest entered:4
Writing contest that my work placed in: 1 (2nd place in the LCC division of the L.A.N.D. writing contest)
Different prints of 'freelance writer' business cards: 3
Writing related classes taken: 3 (creative writing 1 & 2, Writing Literature)
Comic book related job ads responded to: at least 4
Comic book scripts worked on:3
Potential comic book artist: 10-give or take
Ashcans made based on my comic book: 1
News articles written for the LCC Lookout: 3
Superhero Sonnets completed: 4
Letters written to Wizard magazine:1
Times I've moved:1
RENT performances attended:2
Agents interested in Behind the Naugahyde:3
Novel promotional websites started:1 (BehindtheNaugahyde.com)
NaBloPoMo blog entries:30(but only 29 days because I'm a bum)
Novels read: more than 51
Times I forgot to save my work before closing a screen: at least 3
Times my Internet was down with technical difficulties:3
Times my Internet was down because I couldn't pay the bill:2
Typos found while researching these stats: 19
Categories for post:64
Links in side bar:16
Different types of errors made when sending out submissions: at least 5 (sticky envelopes, forgetting to put contact info, signing letter from Jenni and Jenni, forgetting to attach the story, and signing the letter Ashley Review)
Times I whined about being out of stamps, envelopes or ink: 7
Things that were too many to count or that I was just too lazy to count: Times I mention Jenni, comments left, post of me babbling about why I write, post I wrote while procrastinating on another project, times I bumped back a project deadline, hours Jenni and I spent planning Behind the Naugahyde, times I mentioned writer envy, movies watched/went to, trips to the library, comic books/graphic novels read.
So there it is. I really wanted to put links to every thing mentioned but that would be a ton of links and it's already taken me a few hours to put this post together over the last few days considering that I had to read and reread my blog a few times. If I tried to make all the links this post might not get done before my next blogiversary.
Thanks to everyone that has stopped by and read my blog over the last two years!
Of course some of the things listed may have happened pre-blog and if so I apologize but sometimes it's hard to keep track.
Date started: May 10, 2005
Visits to this blog since getting a site meter:2,077
Number of post:234
Rejection notices: 155 (This number may be a little off since some of the notes do not have dates and I didn't keep very good submission records when I first started.)
Stories published: 3 (Double Take, Double Take 2- Sophomore year, Sweaty Palms)
NaNoWriMos participated in: 2
Novels worked on: 3(Nano 1- untitled, Nano 2- untitled, Behind the Naugahyde)(This is novels that I actually started writing)
Novels completed: 2 (Nano 1- untitled, Nano 2- untitled) (This is novels that I finished writing the first draft but have not necessarily been edited.)
Short stories written:15 (most notable- Double Take 2 and Sweaty Palms)
Submissions sent out:227
Writing contest entered:4
Writing contest that my work placed in: 1 (2nd place in the LCC division of the L.A.N.D. writing contest)
Different prints of 'freelance writer' business cards: 3
Writing related classes taken: 3 (creative writing 1 & 2, Writing Literature)
Comic book related job ads responded to: at least 4
Comic book scripts worked on:3
Potential comic book artist: 10-give or take
Ashcans made based on my comic book: 1
News articles written for the LCC Lookout: 3
Superhero Sonnets completed: 4
Letters written to Wizard magazine:1
Times I've moved:1
RENT performances attended:2
Agents interested in Behind the Naugahyde:3
Novel promotional websites started:1 (BehindtheNaugahyde.com)
NaBloPoMo blog entries:30(but only 29 days because I'm a bum)
Novels read: more than 51
Times I forgot to save my work before closing a screen: at least 3
Times my Internet was down with technical difficulties:3
Times my Internet was down because I couldn't pay the bill:2
Typos found while researching these stats: 19
Categories for post:64
Links in side bar:16
Different types of errors made when sending out submissions: at least 5 (sticky envelopes, forgetting to put contact info, signing letter from Jenni and Jenni, forgetting to attach the story, and signing the letter Ashley Review)
Times I whined about being out of stamps, envelopes or ink: 7
Things that were too many to count or that I was just too lazy to count: Times I mention Jenni, comments left, post of me babbling about why I write, post I wrote while procrastinating on another project, times I bumped back a project deadline, hours Jenni and I spent planning Behind the Naugahyde, times I mentioned writer envy, movies watched/went to, trips to the library, comic books/graphic novels read.
So there it is. I really wanted to put links to every thing mentioned but that would be a ton of links and it's already taken me a few hours to put this post together over the last few days considering that I had to read and reread my blog a few times. If I tried to make all the links this post might not get done before my next blogiversary.
Thanks to everyone that has stopped by and read my blog over the last two years!
Wednesday, May 09, 2007
Anniversary eve
Tomorrow's the big day. Two official years of blogging. I have a post that I'm preparing. It's not very cool or exciting but neither is two years of my blogging.
Yesterday was my day off and I thought it was rather productive. I got sunburned while sitting outside reading one of my research books. Then I went to the safety of the library where I took a stack of books and browsed through for answers to my unanswered questions.
I was also super excited that I got another one of my questionnaires back in the mail. That was another thing that I sent self-addressed stamped envelopes out for and was worried about the postage change. Anyway, the survey I got back was from an infectious disease doctor and nurse practitioner who specialize in AIDS and work closely with the Lansing Area AIDS Network. The answers are great but they a took a while to decipher because the handwriting is not the best. Not that I'm complaining. I am very grateful for the help.
Aside from that I have been reading about all these awesome things coming to town or close to town that I would love to do but am completely broke. Wicked is coming as well as Barenaked Ladies, Kelly Clarkson, Dancing with the Stars, the Lion King(I was totally bummed I missed it the last time it was near).
Not to mention, even though it's not near, I just read that Anthony Rapp and Adam Pascal are returning to their roles as the original Mark and Roger in RENT. And their run will over lap with Tamyra Gray, from American Idol, playing Mimi. Oh well, I doubt I will save enough money to go to New York by September.
Yesterday was my day off and I thought it was rather productive. I got sunburned while sitting outside reading one of my research books. Then I went to the safety of the library where I took a stack of books and browsed through for answers to my unanswered questions.
I was also super excited that I got another one of my questionnaires back in the mail. That was another thing that I sent self-addressed stamped envelopes out for and was worried about the postage change. Anyway, the survey I got back was from an infectious disease doctor and nurse practitioner who specialize in AIDS and work closely with the Lansing Area AIDS Network. The answers are great but they a took a while to decipher because the handwriting is not the best. Not that I'm complaining. I am very grateful for the help.
Aside from that I have been reading about all these awesome things coming to town or close to town that I would love to do but am completely broke. Wicked is coming as well as Barenaked Ladies, Kelly Clarkson, Dancing with the Stars, the Lion King(I was totally bummed I missed it the last time it was near).
Not to mention, even though it's not near, I just read that Anthony Rapp and Adam Pascal are returning to their roles as the original Mark and Roger in RENT. And their run will over lap with Tamyra Gray, from American Idol, playing Mimi. Oh well, I doubt I will save enough money to go to New York by September.
Monday, May 07, 2007
Suspense, ridiculousness and crazy brides. Sounds like it would make a good story but no, it's just a boring blog post.
Goodness, am I the only one on the edge of my seat waiting for the final two episodes of Heroes? I'm not sure if I can take this new T.V. show format where the whole season is one giant episode that is 'to be continued...'. Sure it allows for a huge epic story that would be way too long for a movie but the suspense kills me. The only thing worse than waiting a whole season to find out what happens is the years that have been waited to find out what happens to Harry Potter. It's madness.
Anyway, I worked on submissions this weekend until my computer ran out of ink. I'm thinking of taking them to work and doing them there since my boss just recently gave me a speech on how my efforts to conserve things for the company, such as paper, were completely pointless. I know those things add up but he doesn't care. He once told Jenni "if a nickel fell out of my pocket every day, I wouldn't care." So I really don't think he can or will be mad that I'm using company time and supplies to work on my writing. Not that he'd ever notice. But enough about work because I need to save the ridiculousness in my 'Behind the Naugahyde-possibilities' folder.
Nothing else really exciting going on. Although I have been involved in and reading blogs about insane pre-wedding functions/weddings and the brides that plan them. I'm not sure what really to do with all the craziness but I feel a story bursting out. I'll just have to figure out what kind of story.
Anyway, I worked on submissions this weekend until my computer ran out of ink. I'm thinking of taking them to work and doing them there since my boss just recently gave me a speech on how my efforts to conserve things for the company, such as paper, were completely pointless. I know those things add up but he doesn't care. He once told Jenni "if a nickel fell out of my pocket every day, I wouldn't care." So I really don't think he can or will be mad that I'm using company time and supplies to work on my writing. Not that he'd ever notice. But enough about work because I need to save the ridiculousness in my 'Behind the Naugahyde-possibilities' folder.
Nothing else really exciting going on. Although I have been involved in and reading blogs about insane pre-wedding functions/weddings and the brides that plan them. I'm not sure what really to do with all the craziness but I feel a story bursting out. I'll just have to figure out what kind of story.
Friday, May 04, 2007
Reading, movies, and more
Just an update on what's going on in my little world. Not much. I've been reading a lot at work, books that I thought would be good research for my upcoming novel but they are really not answering the questions that I have. Maybe I'll do some Internet research when I get some time.
I went to see Spider-man 3 last night. It was good but not great. It had action and humor but sometimes was a little cheesy and there was too much going on. Three villains, two love interests. Sometimes this person's bad, now he's good but the other guy's bad, and now they're both bad. I don't want to say too much because I'd hate to spoil it.
Don't forget tomorrow is free comic book day. So go to your local comic book store and see what comics have to offer.
Also plans for the month of May: I guess I better think of something special because my blog two year anniversary is on May 10th.
And the Motor City Comic Con is coming up in a few weeks. I'd like to go now that I actually get weekends off but I'm not sure if it will fit into the budget.
I went to see Spider-man 3 last night. It was good but not great. It had action and humor but sometimes was a little cheesy and there was too much going on. Three villains, two love interests. Sometimes this person's bad, now he's good but the other guy's bad, and now they're both bad. I don't want to say too much because I'd hate to spoil it.
Don't forget tomorrow is free comic book day. So go to your local comic book store and see what comics have to offer.
Also plans for the month of May: I guess I better think of something special because my blog two year anniversary is on May 10th.
And the Motor City Comic Con is coming up in a few weeks. I'd like to go now that I actually get weekends off but I'm not sure if it will fit into the budget.
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