the rhythm of writing

Last week I mentioned to an acquaintance that I write books.  Her comment was, “I wanted to do that too, and I wrote 16 pages, but then my boyfriend did something with my computer and I lost it all.”  This reminded me of all the comments I’ve heard from those that have the desire to write, but…

Less than two years ago, I was sitting in the kitchen of my husband’s family in Slovenia and for a good 15 minutes Ed tried to explain my “writing books” to them.   I even picked up a book and made the hand motions of writing, across this book.  Ed finally gave up and later told me he wasn’t sure they understand that books are written by people.    Which was sort of funny because there were lots of books in the house by authors I have read, and some I’ve met, translated into their language.

There’s a flurry of new books and blogs and advice on how to be a successful writer.  Then there’s information about the business of publishing.  But every library and bookstore, every newspaper and reality show, every agent, editor, and marketing professional around the globe shares one common denominator.  Their careers depend on the people that sit in the chair and put their fingers on the keyboard, and tell stories.  Whether fact or fiction, graphic or literary, the world of story is universal in all cultures.

I’ve only recently begun to see the universal grandeur of story.  It’s rather humbling!  But it’s also made me happy.  Because I am one of those that has written, all my life.  I’m also one of those who writes daily.  Now I am settling into the rhythm of writing.  The coming to my desk daily with a time frame and an objective to a story.

I’ve done this in the past, the “this is my writing time” decree to all within hearing.  It was, because it was my passion, but it was also when I could squeeze in time to stay true to my soul.  It’s different now.  There are numbers of pages to complete every day.   There are “do not disturb” hours.  I am creating the rhythm of connecting to my stories.

It’s scary and comforting at the same time.

intensive

Seven years ago, when my personal life was under wild stress events, an editor thought one of my novels had merit, just not for her.  That gentle rejection was like a beacon of hope, which shows my life was pretty damn dark.   From that tiny spark, I reentered the world of novel writing and found my Rose City Romance Writers group.

I’d taken a three year hiatus from writing romances, to learn to write narrative nonfiction.  Returning to the world of Romancelandia was scary.  Its a world full of conflict and drama, rejections and months of isolated work, but also lots of fun, friends, laughter, love stories and chocolate.  Only three years later I was again taking a hiatus from fiction to learn life lessons and new ways of writing.  But I held on to my friends and this wonderful group became my personal support and mentors, even if only for a few hours each month.

This past weekend I attended a wonderful intensive.

One day with Michael Hauge entertaining us with the depths and breaths of – the power of transformation within story and the themes behind the journey from fear to courage.

One day with Bob Mayer tracking us quickly through the past two decades of the world of publishing and how we reflect the stories we need to tell.  Stories are the Special Forces in our lives. 

I’m totally aware of how life can change in a moment, with either an illness or accident.  I had time, this past weekend, to be in a favorite place and reflect on how I’ve lived a journey from courage to fear – and back.  I’m inspired not only with new tools and techniques for this craft of story but also more delight in the friendships forming, the potentials beginning.

collage

The workshop yesterday was making collages.  Ann Roth is a delightful author I’ve met many times these past six years since I’ve worked to get the conflict and drama out of my life and into my stories.   I’ve attended many workshops and conferences, where the speaker is so delighted at sharing their awesome truth, that I sometimes feel too tired to try something new.  I’ve been working on story boarding, and moving colored post-it notes around a poster board was making all kinds of plot points click.  I’ll be attending a special mini-conference this weekend with Michael Hauge and Bob Mayer presenting.   I was feeling a little overwhelmed with craft and plot and want to be WRITING.

I arrived on time for the workshop, and expected to just chill and observe.  How quaint, a collage workshop.  The big guns will be next weekend.  Except Ann Roth had requested everyone bring magazines, scissors, glue.  She arrived with a pile of bland manila folders to hand out.  She stood at the front of the room with her delightful smile and stated, she had only planned to help a fellow author do a collage presentation at the national conference.   Her reaction was “how quaint, a collage.”  But the author was a friend so Ann decided to wander around Michaels Craft store for a few hours with an open mind.  Sort of like the date scenario from The Artists Way.

Like many, I groaned in jealousy at the concept of wandering Michaels Crafts store for hours.

After a few minutes of talking, Ann then waved us to the work part of the workshop.  I entered the creativity space with an OK, cool, I’ll see if there’s any synchronicity here for me today.  I randomly selected a few magazines, got my manila folder and found a quiet space to sit down.  I picked up the first magazine and slowly fanned the pages – then – there it was – this picture of a woman in a sassy dress.  I recognized her immediately.  One of the secondary characters of my current novel, that deserves a story of her own someday.  She was wearing the dress I had described in words, her smile huge, her hands extended as if reaching toward me in a hug.

I suddenly became delighted in my search for creative insight.  The Muse works in mysterious ways.

The Muse has a wicked sense of humor for the willing novelist.  I’m willing.

A grander adventure

Last night my hubby went to his monthly EAA chapter meeting.

The speaker, I’ll call him “The Man of the Hour” or MH, was scheduled to tell his story about getting his DC3 pilot classification.  This was a long term goal for MH, required lots of planning and money.  MH arrived in Florida from Oregon at 9pm and met his instructors, who were full of apologies.

They couldn’t grant MH the two weeks of training.  They were loading up a DC4 because the Haiti earthquake had just happened.  But if MH was willing – he could get his flying time with them.  He could go to his hotel, get a few hours of sleep, and join them when they deployed at 1am.  Which MH did.  Within an hour in the air, MH was flying as pilot-in-command, while the two exhausted instructors caught some rest.

For those two weeks, MH from Troutdale, Oregon, barely slept more than 3 hours a day.  Back and forth to Haiti.  Load the plane in Florida, unload in Haiti.  The damaged airport overflowed with airplanes and crews doing the same thing – flying flags from every country around the world.

MH helped teams unearth survivors, and moved on when victims were unreachable, to help those in need.  The devastation, MH states, was far greater than shown on the news.  The crews spoke every language, and communicated through compassion and a few hand signals.  Locals lined the fences of the airport, blank faces, babies in arms, small sacks of their life within reach, hoping to leave.

After his 2 weeks, MH returned to Oregon with his DC4 classification, instead of his DC3, and the request to return because his help would be appreciated.

The presentation scheduled for last night, was a failure.  MH did not get his DC3 ticket.  The pictures and adventure MH presented for a few dozen pilots was not expected.  It connected everyone in the room to a global community, overflowing with compassion, because of a dream that failed, and the actions of one man in the moment.

MH did not go to Florida to fly disaster relief missions to Haiti.  But he was there at the moment when someone asked, can you help?  And he said yes.

new methods

I’m evolving from a pantster to a plotter – or maybe not – but I am learning to plot which is cool.  I stated (as a goal) that I wanted to write books, when I was 12 years old.  Now I see the difference that could have been – if only I had stated my goal as – wanting to publish stories.  There’s a big difference between writing books and publishing stories.  Two main differences are plot and conflict, which are essential for story and barely there in books I’ve written.

I now see I was a pantster writer, which means I had a general idea of my characters and a specific event and not much else to wind my way through a story.   It’s an exciting and creative way to attack a story.   The story is free to evolve, the characters can take control and the author may have a lot of work in the future to tame this beast.

The challenge of a plotter writer is, the plotter may be unable to unleash the beast and actually write the story.  Hmm…

In October, I won a raffle basket that was donated by Amy Rench.   Within that basket was Writing the Breakout Novel Workbook by Donald Maass.  This week, I sketched out a workable plot for my WIP  then began working through the exercises in this workbook.   Oh!  The joy of story! The depth of possibilities!  Using the same characters I created, the settings, the wacky situations, the struggles, I can see the greater darkness they will now endure.  I’ll twist, trip, and tie up those too nice characters.

On Saturday, our workshop was The Art of Being a God – Building Worlds from Microbes to Suns.  Minnette and Delilah are awesome writers and presenters, and I adore their books.  Neither of these writers have issues with forcing their characters into trials beyond repair – and yet – redemption does arrive through conflict and drama and the mastery of a powerful plot.

Maybe I will live up to the potential of what I have learned.

At the age of 12, I had no idea I was stating a goal that was really a journey.

a project begins

My new project is a romance novel I wrote a few years ago.  This story has been rewritten/edited/revised – at least three times.  A review of the file dates show a concentration for a few months on each version, then a year or more untouched.   I remember each reason why this story was put on the shelf.

The creative process does benefit from a resting stage, so the author can return with fresh eyes and perspective and catch a bunch of words that are just wrong.

To begin my new project, I have reread what was printed out two years ago.  I’m still excited about the characters, the story, the potential.  However, it was agonizingly SLOW to read those 400 pages.  I had to slap my own hand many times to prevent editing.  I silently screamed at the writer I was:  BACKSTORY!  PASSIVE VOICE!  MOTIVATION! POV!

But I was also impressed at dynamic scenes, vibrant settings, snappy dialogue, and layers of plot and characterization that I had forgotten.  Too cool!  It is time to begin plot-storming a whole new storyboard.  Wee Hee!

Do you have a project on a shelf or tucked under a bed?  Maybe it’s time to take a fresh look at what was and imagine what could be created.

marked souls

I took an awesome journey through a world of repentant demons on the edge of madness…What a treat for Halloween!

Seduced by Shadows – A novel of The Marked Souls by Jessa Slade – is book one of a forthcoming series.  I was totally sucked into this world of immortals dedicated to fight all the nasty little evils in the world so the clueless humans can keep living their lives and avoid the apocalypse.

Usually, a book that is all about the battle between good and evil, and saving humanity from itself or Armageddon concerns, would not hold my attention…I stayed up reading until 2:30 am and began again at 10:00 am the next morning.  Granted, my time requirements this weekend are eating, and answering calls from Mother Nature, but not even that stopped me from turning page after page.

It’s a great story with a full cast of powerful characters in mortal peril, within a very familiar and exceptionally unique world.  There’s surprising twists and turns, laughter, passion and tears.  It truly delivers on the promise made by the author that;  “Love conquers ALL – which explains the scars”.

Thank You, Jessa Slade, for the GREAT STORY!  

honest stories

My goal this month is to complete rewrites of a romance novel I put on the shelf a few years ago.  This deadline is because I need to spend November on all the edits of my memoir, to get it back to Carla in December.  She’ll be recovering from foot surgery and wants projects!  Bless you, Carla!

There’s an urban legend that writers exist within a vacuum of solitude and alcohol.  Not true for me, though I did give it a try, but didn’t write much worth reading without extensive edits.

At a fabulous conference last week, I was able to get philosophical with others who understand the importance of the HEA (happily every after) and the lack of responsibility (from writers/publishers) to story, in much commercial fiction.  Story is awesome and needs to be treated as such.  It’s what I’ll stand on a soapbox and proclaim through a megaphone.  Story matters.  Love stories are my personal venue because I saw the HEA in practice, most of my life.

Fortunately, I can get off my soapbox because this article from Boston Globe says it best.  I found it through Smart Bitches Trashy books – titled 99% hero.  Yes, I know this man, a purse prince and more.  My dad, the ultimate Alpha Hero who truly loved his Kick-Ass wife, even during the 46 years she was in a wheelchair.

But what may put me back on my soapbox is this amazing talk.  It says it all, what I’ve learned, what I believe about story.  It’s also got me fired up about creating libraries in Africa, while in Chicago, libraries are being shut down.

a conference of novelists

Novels come in all shapes and sizes, of every age and flavor from sassy to edgy.  Not surprisingly, romance novelists mirror all these descriptions.  Yet, the sweetest little lady, may write the edgiest, sexiest stories.  Even in a room full of novelists, you can’t tell their story by their look.

The Emerald City Writers Conference included more than romance novelists.   There were workshops to learn how to “Talk Geek”  and “Tax Talk for Small Business”; “The Military for Writers”, and practical tips for introverts to have fun promoting themselves.  A variety of workshops were presented by talented authors on every aspect of writing craft; from plot-storming to self-editing, layering to love scenes.  There were themed workshops from the Wild West to Medieval Castles.  The featured speakers inspired with talks on how to measure success and adjust your goals.

Editors from three different publishers, agents with a variety of interests, and authors who’s books have climbed many of “The Lists”, held chat sessions.  The newly pubbed and unpubbed were able to ask questions, and learn even the greats started in the same place, with a desire to write and a passion for story.   Regardless of the fears of shy, new writers, I can assure you that agents, editors, and best-selling-novelists, all put their pants on one-leg-at-a-time, except maybe the two that wore skirts.

Personally, I didn’t attend that many workshops, instead I focused on the chats and additional chatting.  I learned more about my friends, their real life, their professional dreams.  I spent time with authors I see occasionally, yet now know better from reading their novels, and online connections.

The greatest gift for me, this past weekend, was having time to truly talk about our passion for story.  To share with those of like ideals, the responsibility of the author, to maintain an honest truth, for the benefit of the reader.  All of us have favorite books and stories that resonate with us at a deep level.  It’s possible the upheaval in the world of publishing will help bring the quality back to the pages, instead of quantity to the bookshelves.

And all authors attending the ECWC that are published in mass-market, cringe at the mutilating practice, of bookstores stripping the covers off books that didn’t sell, for full credit.

And the most repeated song, on Karaoke Night, that rocked the hall with all voices?  Paperback Writer by The Beatles.

The Debrief

After a mission is complete, there is always a scene when the hero/heroine has to meet the superiors for a debriefing session.  In James Bond movies, this is referred to, and something Mr. Bond avoids with a final romantic retreat – with the lady of the movie.  It’s a good practice.

I have no superiors waiting for my debrief of what I learned by attending a romance writers conference, and I don’t do – crowds – well.  That means I’m not in debrief mode, where I give my impressions of a fabulous conference, amazing speakers and workshops.  There were only a few – epiphanies -  for me.

There was tons of talking, sharing stories, with friends I knew before – but didn’t really know – and amazing workshops, and talks, from inspiring speakers.

I’m in detox mode.  Rest.  I didn’t have a relaxing romantic pause.  I guess I’m not – James Bond.   But I do have a ton of new books.  Which – for me – is awesome.  Because that’s where the new journey begins, for me.  In books.

Emerald City

My excitement is building.  I’ll be attending the Emerald City Writers Conference this weekend, in the Hilton Bellevue.   This is my 3rd ECWC since “returning to romance” in 2002.  What I journey I’ve lived these years!  Here’s a hint, while avidly pursuing a career as a romance novelist through the ’90′s, editors wanted more conflict and drama in my stories.  Basically, my writer’s voice needed to kill “the nice police” that was controlling my characters.

I’ll never be as dark and edgy as Jessa Slade and her demons, (Seduced by Shadows is on bookshelves today!) or write kick-ass heroines, like Stephanie, or tortured ones, like Deb.  There’s room for me too, on romance reader’s shelves.  I’m a different voice and now know that conflict and drama matter to the reader.  The time and years, on an author’s journey, are less important.  It’s the book on the ‘keeper shelf’ that matters.  We are all – who we are today.

The energy of those we ‘lie down with’ also matters.  These are the ladies I’ll be sharing a room with, this weekend.   Delilah, Lisa, and Hannah.   Damn, it’s going to be fun!    I’ll begin and end the weekend, ride-sharing, with Minnette, author of the StarSight books.

I know I am worthy to be riding in cars, and bending my elbow in the bar, and sharing a room with such talented ladies.  I even got an extra pat-on-the-back today from Tess Gerritsen‘s post at Murderati.    My heroine, Stacey, of my novel-in-process, was and is, an avid Library Patron.   Hmm…  my novel is still in rewrite stage, I can still boost that aspect in the final chapters…   How fun! 

Everything we need to know is already written, it’s the authors of today that keep it vibrant.

The Yellow-Brick-Road starts at the beginning, and through conflict and drama, Dorothy arrives at the Emerald City.  Which may not be the end of her journey.  The witch’s castle still needs to be stormed, the broom claimed and – so much more.

Narrative Law?

Donald Miller has come to my attention from three unique sources, so I follow his blog.   This article on Morality and Narrative Law feels like it’s doing too much, and the comments went off on tangents.  But I’m intrigued by his ideas about narrative, and story, and hope to chat with others who have comparable thoughts/feelings about the connection of art and life.  I also feel there’s an important relationship between story design and character.   It was (is?) my greatest personal challenge while writing my memoir about my parents. 

I think what’s missing from current stories is related to the Keynote Address Dr. Marc Acito presented to the Freshman Class of Colorado College.   Aside from his yoga breathing technique, I like his attention to the difference today of having a life goal (rich, famous, specific career) instead of having a life philosophy.

One of my friends, Terri Reed, writes inspirational-romantic-intrigue novels.  That’s 3 plot threads, through every novel, that must intertwine and impact each other!    Inspirational genre novelists have a very long list of what’s allowed (and banned) to create a publishable novel.   I’ve seen this list and am amazed Terri can create good stories, and strong characters, under such restrictions!  Terri presents an amazing workshop on layering the novel and I’ll be attending it again this weekend.  ( My rewrites on my contemporary romance novel are going really well!)

What brings these three things together, for me, is a line from the movie Contact.  I think the statistic was 95% of the human population believe in some type of God/Higher Power.   That percentage may still be accurate, or not, but I’m sure the majority of humanity has a belief/faith that is a primary part of their life and culture.

This is what intrigues me about considering Narrative Law.  Story has become entertainment – and is less art – because the acceptable story design has become generic with special effects and snappy dialogue.  Few characters are presented as having a life philosophy or faith in anything beyond their talents.

New stories also need to escape the New York and Hollywood bubbles.   Which are rare worlds of their own.  Not because they have a lower percentage of humans with a faith/belief aspect,  just a higher percentage of people who separate their life story, and their work, on stories, that comply with the requirements of the marketing department and sales force.

Art mirrors life, and I’m not thrilled that a lot of stories are shallow and boring.  Neither mirror my life!

The Titans

Remember the Titans is one of those movies, for me, that seems to show up on my TV screen at times when I need to watch it again.  That happened tonight.  Ed was channel surfing, I was in the other room, talking to my sister on the phone.  When I hung up the phone, I heard the familiar voices and words. I don’t know how many times I’ve seen this movie, but can say; enough times I don’t really mind the commercial breaks anymore.

I love football movies.  Football is the one sport I know about because both my dad and my husband love the game.   As a romance novelist, I like to say, what woman wouldn’t love it when the camera is always panning a line-up of muscled male derrieres in stretch pants?   I really enjoy football because of the team effort, as was stated in Randy Pausch’s chapter titled, “I never made it to the NFL.”   There are 22 players on the field and only one ball, it matters what all those guys are doing.

“Remember the Titans” is not historically accurate.  But that is the difference between real life, and story, and screenplays.   The real stories of all those characters is bigger, grander, more dramatic.  The racial tension wasn’t at that specific school, that year.  Yet, the messages, the inspirations, and the possibilities for growth on a soul level are presented in this movie.  The Titans keep recurring in story and Denzel Washington brings them to life in this movie, as do all the characters, and actors who portrayed them.

The power of story is always -  a team effort.

writing pause

I don’t like the term, writer’s block because it makes me think of bricks and there is nothing concrete about the writing process.  When the words won’t come, the scene is vague or I have this feeling…  it’s time to pause.   For me, the requirement to complete  x# pages per day doesn’t work.  I commit to time, spent daily, so I didn’t write a page today.  I reviewed my “characters binder” and I dabbled with the story board.

This week, my “little voice” has been saying, “The Hero’s Journey“.  This is now a classic reference for commercial fiction with Star Wars being the famous example.  I have many cheat-sheets and notes based on this, but couldn’t put my finger on one, and didn’t have access to my cabin/office.   As I scanned my “workshops” folder I was stunned I didn’t have a file by that name.  Duh.  I named the file Vogler-Hauge.   These were my notes from spending hours in my home with the videos.  When I opened the file, I was appalled.  I had used my Neo ( always) and had downloaded my notes.  But never read them.  The file was loaded with keystroke tweaks and skips.

I have two clean, edited, files now, one printed and included in my binder.  The other is in column format to cut and paste around my storyboard.  There was a reason to pause in my story today.  I can “see” when I wrote those notes and downloaded that file.  I can feel my purposeful intent then, to do what I’m finally doing today.  I also got a gentle reminder about the journey I’ve lived, since the date on that typo riddled file was 6/10/2007.

audience

Last night we watched the movie Horesman with Dennis Quaid.  I didn’t realize it was a “horror” movie, until we noticed the previews included.  I will say the acting was wooden, the characters one-dimensional and the plot – plodding.  I figured out the “twist” long before Quaid did, and it was his only animated scene, his expression changed!  The promo of Quaid, forensics and an apocalyptic twist caught my attention but the movie didn’t deliver.  Disgusted and bored, I wondered why the movie was made, and what audience it attempted to reach.   I can’t imagine what targeted age or demographics would find anything appealing about this movie.  Oh well.

On Monday I read a review about a category romance called, Pregnesia.  From the review, this book has so many wacky twists and ridiculous plot points, it’s almost awesome.  The reviewer certainly thought so!  For avid romance readers, a pregnant anmesiac embroiled in an intrigue with a former special-ops, is great enetertainment.  In romancelandia, amnesia means memory loss of only the most important plot clue, and does not include any other physical or intellectual limits, for the sake of the story.  The prolific author (of Pregnesia) responded in a very positive way, to the review, which made more people determined to buy the book.    This woman knows her audience.

On Saturday, we watched the movie Doubt.   I recommend this movie!   The promo for this, a nun, a priest and a blurb stating it is set in 1964, is a clear message to the audience, of the potential story.   Doubt is not targeted to a genre, like horror or romance, though the movie included themes of victimization and sex.  For me, the greatest power of the movie was delivered in the last minutes, and the dedication at the end, to Sister James.

Earlier today I met through blog world, a new friend who included in her post, Shakespeare’s words, “All the worlds a stage, and all the men and women merely players…”   This phrase has tickled my thoughts lately because I take exception with the word, “merely”.   I see things differently.  We may be players on the stage of life, but we chose to be so, and the power of our role, is tied to our will and soul.   Which means we are also our own author and audience to the story of our life.  How cool is that?

Any wonder why I love romance novels?  They all include a happily ever after.

curious case

I watched The Curious Case of Benjamin Button last night and found this movie fascinating!   It is loosely based on the concept of F. Scott Fitgerald’s story.  Maybe the expectations of what makes life worth living were different in 1921 when F. Scott penned his tale.     The 2008 movie, with Brad Pitt, as a pensive observer of life, and all around good boy, brushes on many layers and concepts about life and death, sex and religion, time and age.

The movie actually does too much, tells too many stories, introduces too many deep and potent themes.  Yet it is a simple story about one man, and Brad Pitt presents Benjamin to the audience with eloquence and charm.

When a movie or book enthralls me, on many levels, I like to check out the negative reviews, to see what didn’t appeal to others.   Sometimes I just feel sad for the critics, that they missed the magic of story.  Other times I like the clarity of their perspective because it makes me think more objectively.  But on every level, as the audience, we come to story from our personal insight, education, experience and objective.

So, for my review, I’ll say that the director or screenwriter could have cut the WWI and backwards clock story.  There was no reason to mirror “Titanic” with the old woman recounting her life, at death.  The subplot of Benjamin’s daughter learning about her dad, while Hurricane Katrina was devastating New Orleans, was a bit melodramatic.   The core story, of Benjamin living his life in reverse and the  sustained romance with Daisy through the decades, is powerful enough.

Queenie, her religion and miracles, was good color and backstory.  The old-folks setting was brilliant, and would have been enough without the WWI, clock, dad, hurricane and Titanic additions.  But that’s my perspective, I love the vibrancy and richness of life, often felt around old-folks.

The lesson presented in F. Scott’s 1921 story was – achievements and status, in education, sports and war, are what matters to men.  If we cut out all the distractions in the 2008 Benjamin Button movie, the lesson is – time and age are the illusion, because life is worth living, and love endures.

How cool is that?

fact and fiction

Toss a few dozen romance novelists into a room, and the conversation jumps from alien shape shifters, to special forces fighters.  There’s explanations how vampires can survive in sunlight; then a volley of reasons why a seeing-eye dog can’t be sent off on a rescue mission; and pointers are given how to murder someone by stabbing – without too much blood.  This was our Saturday morning workshop, called plot-storming, presented by Delle Jacobs, a class act lady and novelist who whipped us into a frenzy of creativity and laughter as we called out solutions to plot points for each others stories.

Today was a story-women energy-day for me too, but this was four hours with two women who’ve read my memoir, and we walked through it chapter by chapter.  Yahoo!  Switch one chapter to the beginning, move the current “first chapter” to the beginning of section two…  add some “teeth” (trama) in a few early stories, explain the importance of the number of years, split two of the middle chapters, …  It may sound like a lot of work, but not really.   The bulk of chapters ran smooth, consistent.  I have a deadline, my proof-reader will be in town in two weeks, I’ll hand her the final version.

Turning fact into story required me to take creative liscence on one point in the whole memoir, adding music to my sister’s wedding, so my parents could dance together.

In my life, events so divergent – like creative plot-storming one day, and focusing on life truths the next – means I am supposed to pay attention.  In fiction, I’m the master-creator, God of story.  Five years ago I told a friend and mentor that I would have to stick to fiction, if I ever told the truth, no one would believe it.  Then my parents died and I began the journey of writing truth.   Which taught me I don’t have to build a world from my imagination, the one I’m living in is magical enough.

So be warned, dear reader, for when that day comes, and “me and my friends” are encouraging God and the angels in plot-storming for those below.   Those sunbathing vampires may be lying on iceburgs, but there will be wild conflicts, great sex and a happy ending, for the humans still alive at THE END.  Until the next story….

Checklists

Today I was reminded there are checklists for pilots, computer techs, nurses, gardeners, etc., and writers.

Jessa Slade posted “Learning is a lifelong challenge,…” and it reminded me how I state the same truth to more than writers.  Jessa and I were attendees at an awesome workshop on Saturday by Amy Danicic;  Plotting: Pantsers to Perfectionists. In the journey of fiction writing, many begin as pantsers and avoid plotting.  Others plot to the death and forget to write.  Those that learn to balance the two, have a chance for publication.  Other requirements are understanding story, good grammar , an exceptional love of the flavor of words, and the determination to not quit.

On Jane Porter’s Blog, guest writer Julie Brannagh listed a few success stories of those who had plenty of motivation to quit, but didn’t.  If the desire is nourished and the effort is made, eventually the keys to the kingdom of dreams can be found.  For Barb, one key may be correct formatting. For me, Amy’s workshop on Saturday was a checklist to plotting conflict.  This checklist, assigned to my novel-in-process, has made me shift the point-of-view character to the one with the most to lose.  Truly, this is a DUH!  Everyone knows that!  Except it’s a story I wrote a few years ago, from the perspective of the heroine, not realizing until today, the hero has a stronger drama.

The joy of writing begins now, the work ahead is long and arduous, but the characters are talking to me, the scenes are flowing in my head, and I really like the sparks that fly!   This is what a reader wants, a story that sparkles.  I know there are checklists and grammar rules, and the lifelong journey for a writer is to make those invisible, and focus on the connection between story and reader.

Creating Story

I’m inspired to pull up my boots and slog through the recreation of my novel.  It was put on hold a few years ago and pulled out a few months ago to use for my screenwriting class.  What inspired me?  A great book.

Memoirs of a Scandalous Red Dress by Elizabeth Boyle is the 4th of The Bachelor Chronicles.   I adored this book, laughed, felt a personal connection, and could see all the layers of story beneath the words.  That’s what makes a great book, when timeless truths are rippling beneath the sass and adventures.

Slipping back and forth in time between 1814 and 1837, the doomed romance of Pippin and Dash is challenged through war, treason, distance, secrets, and alcoholism.  Dash’s long-hidden wounds and despair make him a less than appealing hero.  Pippin’s secrets and sacrifice are also weighty burdens to overcome.   Fortunately the love and passion is still there, and Pippin and Dash are trapped for weeks on ship which offers little chance to escape from the other.  Love wins in the end (or it wouldn’t be a romance) but the way issues are faced, and the transformations created, were delightful surprises and twists, and highly satisfying.

What really inspired me is, I pulled the first book of the series, This Rake of Mine, off my bookshelf, read through the first 50 pages, and marveled at how easily, as a reader, I was introduced to so much STORY and so many characters, now developed into books of their own, within 50 pages!   This is why she’s a “bestseller”.  A novelist has to master both the craft of story and the clarity of writing.

As happens, as I re-enter the work zone of writing a novel, agents Kristen and Nathan posted about their desire for new writers to learn the craft before submitting for (or dreaming of) publication.  Personally, I was a technical and business writer for years.  Few would consider applying for a job as a tech writer without a little training or classes, yet I know it is much easier than crafting a novel.

A good book inspires me to excel at my craft, and I will take a break and reward myself for the work I do, with a good book or two, that are already waiting on my To-Be-Read pile…

On Screen

The 2009 Star Trek has revived Gene Roddenberry’s vision with the latest visual effects, new flavors to iconic characters and a new signature world.   I really like the shifts to these characters, that differs from the original characterizations.  There’s potential for a whole new brand of Trekkies!  I clearly remember the Captain Pike story from the TV show, which was supposed to be the pilot episode, and now wonder what the new story may be.  How fun!

We saw Angels and Demons two weeks ago and enjoyed how well the movie represented the book.  While the movie does take creative license with a few major story points, merges a few others (and totally drops some biggies!), the movie is good.  Seeing the actual statues and chapels, especially having been in Rome last summer, is a huge plus!

I haven’t followed the Hollywood industry news but assume it’s in a state of flux comparable to the music and book industries.  In recent years there seemed little more than badly done remakes, but these two movies give me hope.  They are good stories, presented well, with good writers and talented actors.  The key may be, since the original stories were so good, the bar was raised pretty high.  Which raised the level of excellence required.

“Good enough” -  is not.

These two movies, in my opinion, are great.  Go.  Watch.  Enjoy!