Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Saturday, September 3, 2011
Things I've learned this summer
Yes, I've learned a few things this summer. Some of these actually caught me off-guard.
I like reading more than I like writing. I think this is because I can read lightyears faster than I can write.
When the going gets tough, throw in an unexpected plot-twist. It seems to me, that the newest middle-grade books all employ this solution to problems. When the MC is backed into a corner, instead of working through the issue, the situation suddenly changes. I just have to remember that these authors have been published while I am not.
When doing intensive edits, it's disastrously simple to get frustrated and burned-out. Yes, my plans for the summer were sidelined by my frustration, and an intense longing to get healthier. I swam, I biked to nowhere (stationary bike), and I'm on my way to healthier.
Writing a book on an iPad comes with extra distractions. Games, news, etc...
Reading the news helps with writing sci-fi. For example, I learned about vertical gardening, which is very helpful in an enclosed habitat.
I also learned that I really do believe in my story, even though this fall and winter will bring another intensive rewrite. All I need to do is get started.
I like reading more than I like writing. I think this is because I can read lightyears faster than I can write.
When the going gets tough, throw in an unexpected plot-twist. It seems to me, that the newest middle-grade books all employ this solution to problems. When the MC is backed into a corner, instead of working through the issue, the situation suddenly changes. I just have to remember that these authors have been published while I am not.
When doing intensive edits, it's disastrously simple to get frustrated and burned-out. Yes, my plans for the summer were sidelined by my frustration, and an intense longing to get healthier. I swam, I biked to nowhere (stationary bike), and I'm on my way to healthier.
Writing a book on an iPad comes with extra distractions. Games, news, etc...
Reading the news helps with writing sci-fi. For example, I learned about vertical gardening, which is very helpful in an enclosed habitat.
I also learned that I really do believe in my story, even though this fall and winter will bring another intensive rewrite. All I need to do is get started.
Friday, August 26, 2011
Restoree
Written in 1967, Restoree is Anne McCaffrey's first full-length novel. Sara starts out as a mousy librarian and soon finds herself as nurse to a strange man on a strange planet.
Her political expertise and technological savvy make this one of my all-time favorite sci-fi novels.
I read the book as a teen, and just completed my first re-read in several years. Amazing how my perspective has changed. :-) The element of discovery and Ms. McCaffrey's flowing wording are what keeps the plot fresh.
This is one book that I'd love to see made into a movie. We now have the technology to make it beautiful.
Her political expertise and technological savvy make this one of my all-time favorite sci-fi novels.
I read the book as a teen, and just completed my first re-read in several years. Amazing how my perspective has changed. :-) The element of discovery and Ms. McCaffrey's flowing wording are what keeps the plot fresh.
This is one book that I'd love to see made into a movie. We now have the technology to make it beautiful.
Saturday, August 13, 2011
Prayer Request
My heart and prayers go out to the folks at the Indiana State Fair and their families.
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Living Life to get some more ideas
It's always difficult for me to focus on desk-projects in the summer when there are so many other fun things to do, like see movies and go swimming. Spend time with family. Swat mosquitos, swim some more.
I've also just read two great new books. Jacob Wonderbar... By Nathan Bransford, and Supernaturally by Kiersten White. Both are fast-paced middle-grade books. One sci-fi fantasy and the other paranormal fantasy.
I need to unlock the secrets to making a read fast-paced. My book drags a bit in the middle.
Good news is that school starts in 3 weeks, so I might have a little more time to write, because electronics will be silent during homework time. Is anyone else looking foward to school starting again?
I've also just read two great new books. Jacob Wonderbar... By Nathan Bransford, and Supernaturally by Kiersten White. Both are fast-paced middle-grade books. One sci-fi fantasy and the other paranormal fantasy.
I need to unlock the secrets to making a read fast-paced. My book drags a bit in the middle.
Good news is that school starts in 3 weeks, so I might have a little more time to write, because electronics will be silent during homework time. Is anyone else looking foward to school starting again?
Thursday, July 14, 2011
A case of writer's block?
My story is languishing on my table in the front hall. I haven't been completely idle, though.
I've been researching another person's reality. "Eat Pray Love" was a truly great read. I loved the self-discovery, the descriptiveness, and the random trails of thought.
Now, applying that to my MC, I need to let her feelings and thoughts flow. Memories come from everyday occurrences. I wonder what would happen if more unusual, or alien, happenings filtered into my tale?
Yes, I found my alien lexicon--"Alienology," right on my own book-shelf. Figures. I searched far and wide, and the river of knowledge was in my possession all along.
So, what mental map can I give my MC to deal with the known and the unknown?
Completely changing topics, Harper Teen has the first 70 pages of "Supernaturally" available for reading, a full 13 days before book release. Kiersten has done it again--her quirky, train-of-thought, second book in her paranormal trilogy is off to a great start.
I've been researching another person's reality. "Eat Pray Love" was a truly great read. I loved the self-discovery, the descriptiveness, and the random trails of thought.
Now, applying that to my MC, I need to let her feelings and thoughts flow. Memories come from everyday occurrences. I wonder what would happen if more unusual, or alien, happenings filtered into my tale?
Yes, I found my alien lexicon--"Alienology," right on my own book-shelf. Figures. I searched far and wide, and the river of knowledge was in my possession all along.
So, what mental map can I give my MC to deal with the known and the unknown?
Completely changing topics, Harper Teen has the first 70 pages of "Supernaturally" available for reading, a full 13 days before book release. Kiersten has done it again--her quirky, train-of-thought, second book in her paranormal trilogy is off to a great start.
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
My Drawing Board Awaits
Another wonderful Beta reader, who I respect immensely when it comes to children's lit, has flagged many pages of my story for corrections, thereby reinforcing the concept that a diverse selection of beta readers is necessary for success.
My school of beta's includes:
-- A HS English teacher
-- Moms and their daughers
-- A technical writer
-- A children's librarian
-- My sons
-- A friend
So, it's back to the books for another major revision. My one comfort is that my story will be much stronger when I come out the other side. Also, I miss doing research. There must be an alien lexicon out there somewhere on the web? I will find it!
My school of beta's includes:
-- A HS English teacher
-- Moms and their daughers
-- A technical writer
-- A children's librarian
-- My sons
-- A friend
So, it's back to the books for another major revision. My one comfort is that my story will be much stronger when I come out the other side. Also, I miss doing research. There must be an alien lexicon out there somewhere on the web? I will find it!
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