Monthly Archives: July 2012

Flash Fiction Friday on Wednesday – Flight

Posted on July 11, 2012 | 17 comments

Setting the timer for five minutes.  Topic:  Flight.  Go.

Flight.  Simple.  Clean.  Emotional. 

I spread my wings and open myself to the wind.  The sky pulls me up, gathering me within, taking me to heights most only dream of.  I flap my delicate yellow wings, directing myself, soaring above the houses and gardens.  The gardens—the wonderful flowers.

The breeze abates, and I glide downward … settling, nuzzling into the heart of a red-pedaled saucer.  Its nectar—sweet and simple—nourishes me, makes me thankful for all that is good in my life.

*

Flight.  Simple.  Clean.  I spy a yellow butterfly sitting on a red flower.  I swoop down, and snatch it from its perch.  It crunches in my beak.

Sweet, simple.  It nourishes me, makes me thankful for all that is good in my life.

Into the sky I soar.

Time:  Four minutes, sans cleaning up typographical errors.

I think that one will fall into the “poetry” category. Dunno.

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When a Quote really hits home

Posted on July 10, 2012 | 20 comments

Have you ever come across a quote and have it really hit home?  This came up as a random quote on a WEB Site I visited last week.  It was one of those things where you stop and stare, then say:  “How did they know?”

This may mean different things to different people, but this is something that I really needed to hear.  I hope this can inspire you if you have been challenged by something.

“My doctors told me I would never walk again. My mother told me I would. I believed my mother.”

Wilma Rudolph 1940-1994, the first American woman to win three gold medals in track and field events at the Olympics

You can overcome anything if you believe

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Posted in Senseless Ranting

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Road to Publication #7: Dealing with the Dreaded Line Edits.

Posted on July 9, 2012 | 39 comments

I’m glad I slept on it before working on the line edits.  You definitely need time to separate yourself from your initial emotional response before you deal with something like this.  Your initial desire is to roll up your sleeves and fight for everything.

But I know that wouldn’t have been right.  In truth, 85% of the edits they made were spot on.  I wouldn’t have seen that in “angry author mode.”  I definitely needed to calm my little creative butt down.

What I did was this:  The day after looking at the marked-up copy that made me want to rant and rave and throw things… I sat down, and calmly opened the “clean” copy.

The clean copy is the version of what my MS would look like if I accepted all of the publisher’s suggestions.  It made it easier to read, without seeing my own words slashed out in red.  It made the process much less “emotional”.

I read along, and saw their changes.  Most were fine.  Move this sentence there, transpose that sentence.  Delete this word… no biggie.  Like I said… 85% of the changes were fine.

I remember another author telling me once, “Choose your battles while in the editing process.”  So, I sat back, and decided which were really so terrible that I could not live with them… that equated to about 15% of the changes.

There were a few things here and there that really bothered me.  They were silly editing mistakes, like changing a word to something else, but that word is already in the following sentence making it repetitive.  In cases like this, I changed it back, and wrote a note as to why.

Now here was the biggest problem.  At one point, it is important that a character rips her dress.  One page at the end of the scene shows how she rips her dress.  The editor didn’t like the scene, so they cut it.  However, they realized that it was important, so they added the line:  “Her dress was soiled and ripped after…”

I cringed.  The editor removed the “show” and replaced it with “tell”.  Nope… sorry.   Not in my story.

I didn’t change it back word for word, but I did re-write the scene to make it shorter, and flow better.  I did agree that it didn’t fit too well at first.  Now, however, it seems to flow better, and it is a quarter of its original length.

There were a few more sections where they cut out parts of conversations, leaving the end-product… umm, let’s just say that I had to re-write.

Before I submitted, I made sure to explain why I made all the changes.  I didn’t want to seem abrasive, but everything I “Fixed” I felt strongly about.  I would have been embarrassed if it was published the way it had been edited.

Now?  Well, I do think it is tighter after this editing.  It wasn’t all bad.

At the moment, I am just waiting on their reaction to my comments and re-edits.

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Six Sentence Sunday 4-8-12

Posted on July 8, 2012 | 11 comments

Today I am posting six sentences for the novel that I am currently reading.  It is CALL OF THE SEA by Rebecca Hart.  I am 33% through it on my Kindle, and so far it is an enjoyable read.

Enjoy!

A wave smashed into her face, forced its way down her throat.

Ellie choked and sputtered.  Her head dipped below the black surface while her throat convulsed, still trying to expel the water she’d inhaled.  She managed to slurp more seawater into her airway.  Chest burning, she clawed for the sky.  Terror seized her.

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The allure of the blank page

Posted on July 7, 2012 | 28 comments

When my writing partner contacted me about the publisher anthology that lead to my “Writing to a Deadline” piece, all she knew was that it had to be a happy ending, and it could be no more than 10,000 words.

I stewed on this idea over a weekend, and came up with something that I believed would both cover the publisher’s tendency to reach for manuscripts with a romantic element, but also cradled my fascination with blowing things to bits.  I started mapping out that scenario in my head, and actually liked it.

Then the details came in for the anthology, and I realized I needed to totally scrap my idea. No explosions for me.  😦

I’m actually glad this happened though, because this story idea that I came up with has been calling me since the final edits of LAST WINTER RED.  (Which will be published in the Make Believe Anthology later this year)

I started writing out a summary-outline, and as I brought depth to the characters and the plot, I realized that 10,000 words never would have done this new idea justice.

I think the explosions alone might encompass 5,000 words

Don’t worry, I’ll try to control myself—there’s just a lot of pent-up artillery in my mind screaming to jump out and detonate!

So, I am half-way through the outline/summary of my next novel, and I am dreaming of that blank page.

After the pressure of Writing to a Deadline, I am looking forward to a slow, steady, enjoyable writing experience… and all the explosions I want.

I am moving through the outlining process with a smile on my face, developing the story as a summary, and dreaming up the scenarios that will lead up to that massive exploding climax.

Now that I know outlining works for me, I am not looking at it as a chore.  It is part of my creative process.

Ah…. The allure of the blank page.  It’s been a long time since I’ve looked so forward to starting something new.

Has anyone else exploded something started something new lately?

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Biggest Mistakes New Writers Make #5 Giving up too soon

Posted on July 6, 2012 | 32 comments

This is the last post on “Biggest Mistakes, and I think it is the most important.  Take a deep breath, and read slowly and carefully.

At a recent NJ Author’s talk on “Getting Published” (scroll down below for the list of authors), the authors discussed the biggest mistakes they think new writers make.

This is really important, because the temptation to take the “easy road” is there, blinking and coaxing every day.

Don’t throw your novel out to self-publishing if you are not ready.

I’m going to say it again.

Don’t throw your novel out to self-publishing if you are not ready. 

Say that line over a few times.  Make it stick in your head, then continue…

I have a friend who actually did “go through the motions”  They put their novel out there, and were getting rejections.  They then decided it might be a good idea to get some beta readers. (Okay, they did that part in the wrong order, but at least they realized what they did)  After about ten or so beta reads, they came across me.

“The barracuda” attacked with reckless abandon.  (As nice as I could possibly be, of course) I knew EXACTLY why this wonderful, elaborate very imaginative story was not being published… I explained over and over in great detail.  They revised, but only slightly.  They did not want to ruin their “artistic integrity”.

That book is now self-published… with exactly the same beginning that I ripped to heck and back.  I feel horrible about it.  It is not selling.  Now… that is not to say that I’m always right.  I can be wrong.  This time, I wish I was.

Remember:  Most e-book channels let you read the first few pages just like if you are in a bookstore.  The first few pages of this novel are BORING.

Is it a great story?  YES.  Is it original?  YES.  Did the author make all the mistakes noted in the “biggest mistakes”?  Unfortunately, YES.  (Sorry BK)  I dearly, dearly hope I am wrong, because this is a great story, and they put a lot of work into their baby.  Right now, my heart is sinking over it.

If one person tells you something you do not want to hear.  Consider it.  If two people say something, think hard about it.  If three or more people say the same thing, suck it up and admit you are wrong.

Try to get a publisher first, and try long and hard.  Don’t put out something sub-standard just because you are in a rush or afraid of the process, or don’t agree with the feedback.  That first novel can haunt you for the rest of your life… and you never know, you just might end up with a “Gold Mine Manuscript” rejection that will change your outlook completely, if you are open enough to their suggestions.

Is self-publishing okay?  Sure.  For some authors.

Just Please Please Please make sure you are ready.  I have read quite a few self-published novels that were not ready.  It’s a shame, because I would be hesitant to take a chance on another novel by any of these authors.

If you do self-publish, AND YOU HAVE TAKEN THE STEPS TO BE SURE YOU ARE READY, check out Daniel Ottalini’s blog for a great checklist to make sure you follow through to give your novel a chance.

Jonathan Maberry: www.Jonathanmaberry.com

Mike McPhail: www.mcp-concepts.com

Danielle Ackley-McPhail: www.sidhenadaire.com

Jon Gibbs: www.acatofninetales.com

Jennifer R. Hubbard: www.jenniferhubbard.com

Kristin Battestella: www.jsnouff.com/kristin

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How to Write a Really Great Novel: The FUNNIEST EVER (And Maybe Best) Review

Posted on July 5, 2012 | 12 comments

Yes, he is reviewing a novel, but WHO CARES!

The Monomaniacal Middle Grade Reviewer goes off on a tangent starting at about 1:05 on how to write a great novel, and then goes in-depth around 1:59 about what makes a good action scene, and then again at 3:35 on how to write a great action scene.

This is probably his best interview EVER.

If you care about a kid’s opinion, this is a great interview to take a look at.  I am bookmarking this just to come back and take a look at it once in a while.

I think this kid has a future in reviews.  Oh, yeah.  The actual novel is Rick Riordan’s Battle of the Labyrinth

Take it away, Dude!

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Flash Fiction Friday on Wednesday – Fireworks

Posted on July 4, 2012 | 20 comments

Let’s do ten minutes today, since I am totally unprepared.  It’s the fourth of July, so let’s think about fireworks.  Go!

John’s grip tightened on my wrist as he pulled me up the slope.  A tree branch snagged my sweater.

“Slow down,” I shouted.

“Come on,” John laughed.  “We’re almost there.”

The dried leaves on the forest floor cracked beneath my sneakers.  A cricket chirped in the distance.

“If you could just tell me where we’re going?”

“Then it wouldn’t be a surprise.”

The moonlight cast flickering shadows as the treetops swayed in the breeze.  He slowed, and took my hands in his.  John’s eyes consumed me.  His smile drained any sense of anger over my pulled sweater.

“Are you ready?” he asked.

“For what?”

He gently led me from the trees, to the edge of a precipice.  The drop seemed miles below.  Twinkling lights and movement and a distant sound of laughter rose from the world beneath us.

“Where are…”

English: Fireworks

Fireworks (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

A dull thud sounded from below, and a gasp rang out from the distant crowd.  A red starburst filled the sky, followed by a yellow.  The rattle of the fireworks barraged my ears, but I was too awestruck to notice.  They blazed and dazzled before me, as I stared not up— but out.

“John, this is amaz…” I gasped.  My fingers covering my lips.

John knelt beside me on one knee, a small box in his hand.  His smile sparkled amongst the flashes lighting up his face.  “Claire, I have a question for you.”

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Road to Publication #6: The Dreaded Line Edits. Yes, it is as bad as everyone says.

Posted on July 2, 2012 | 60 comments

When the email containing the line edits popped up from my publisher, my stomach sank.  Here it was, two weeks or so after I submitted my final MS to them.  This is the part that all writers dread.

I didn’t open the email for a while.  I calmly responded to everything else that was in my queue before I even looked at it.

Then, of course, I could procrastinate no longer.  It said in big bold print “READ THIS EMAIL BEFORE YOU OPEN THE ATTACHMENTS”.  Like a good little girl, I did.  It was probably good that I did, because it kept me from throwing things.

They explained first that one attachment shows all the edits they made, and in some cases, comments why they made them.  The second attachment was a clean copy that was not marked up, showing the MS as it would look if I accept all their suggestions/edits.

I grit my teeth, and opened the “marked up” attachment.

No, I was not happy.

To some extent, I expected this.  Every author I have spoken to has gone through it…  The slicing panic, the urge to kill, the personal affront. –My publisher warned in the email that I would feel this way, and gave leeway to vent to the poor marketing liaison if it would make me feel better. – I didn’t do that – I did the right thing.  I read it, I grit my teeth, and I went to bed.

There’s a ton to be learned here, so let me digest it all (and work on my MS, of course) and we’ll go through it next week.  Same Bat Time, same Bat Channel – eeeerrr… um… same web-site address, that is.

Awe, forget about it… Tune in next week.

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Six Sentence Sunday

Posted on July 1, 2012 | 23 comments

It’s Six sentence Sunday!

This is something I stumbled over while trolling through blogs one day.  What a fun idea!  You can post six sentences of whatever you want.  I thought of doing my fifth grade report on butterflies, but I couldn’t get to the box in the attic.  (It’s 101 degrees where I am, and I’m not going NEAR that attic.

So, instead, you are stuck with six sentences from the first page of my new WIP … FIRE IN THE WOODS.  This is the very first sneak peek at my new novel.  Enjoy!

The ground shook, and a soda can shimmied off my dresser.  I tried to cover my ears as an explosion rattled the walls, and my brain. 

Three more jets screamed overhead.  What the…

I ran to the window and gasped, shielding my eyes from the unexpected inferno blazing deep within the woods that encircled the Air Force base.  Flames shot up over the trees, billowing and flaring—lighting up the afternoon sky with an eerie glow.

If you want to find out more, or check out some other great sets of six sentences, check out the site:  http://www.sixsunday.com/

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