Life for this writer, as I suspect for many others has been a roller coaster as of late. Some of the dips have been to some amazing depths. But there have been rises and peaks, promises of more thrills to be had.
Do I still write?
Are you kidding? Yes, I do. I haven't written short stories or posted as often as I like, but I continue to write my novel and hit goals.
Tonight, I submitted to my writing group the first 20K+ words of my work in progress. I would never have felt it was ready if I chose to be casual so I'm grateful for a deadline, for me they are necessary. As much as I want perfection in my execution, I get lost in my quest to reach it. As I reviewed the copies I later passed to the group, I saw flaws that made me flinch and want to scream, "I know better than that!" or "I should have caught this!" etc. Yet there are other parts that I feel are fantastic and interesting. Fun.
So here I am countering attacks by switchblade-bearing butterflies, dodging waves of anxiety, and running from storms of doubt. What keeps me standing in the eye of all of these forces? My belief:
My stories are written for the joy and need to write. I want to question, explore, provoke and have fun. They are meant to be shared and enjoyed with others.
So, if I don't give them to respected individuals to review and share constructive feedback as they develop, how will my stories ever become as great as I believe they can be? How will I ever grow and improve?
So that's it. Now there's nothing more for me to do except to wait and see.
And keep writing, of course.
Showing posts with label Goals. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Goals. Show all posts
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Sunday, May 11, 2008
I'm not dead and I'm not for sale...
Well...my writing may be for sale at some point but not me, per say.
I am alive and mostly well. Time away from the blog and website has allowed me to focus on my final semester toward my first degree(s) to be awarded in just a week and a half (gah!), focus on my health (which I had neglected) and generally making life more relaxing and fun again by managing the stress of budgets and cash in this recession ready economic climate. I have been working, going to classes and writing when I can - though I readily confess my writing got the short end of the stick overall.
The good part is that I haven't stopped completely though my frequency has been less and I have been VERY slow. The other good part is that the tedium of work allowed my mind to travel enough to work out and expand my story further. On one blessed day during the last month and a half (and just in time as I was feeling particularly guilty and frustrated about the writing situation) I actually sat and banged out 3,000 quality words that moved the story, scene, character development and plot in one session. This did much to improve my sagging confidence and ego. The story lives in me as does my desire yet "writing out" my stresses can only go so far with me I've discovered. Or better to say certain types of stress do not lend themselves well to my writing. Perhaps as I continue to mature and develop as a writer this will change.
Now things appear to be on an upswing and this summer promises me GREAT opportunities to complete my book and possibly start my second one (YAY!!). I do also want to write a few short pieces and submit them with a full understanding that I can probably collect at least nine more rejections before the summer is out (I've got one rejection under my belt currently).
So in about two weeks the blog and website should be alive again with content and thoughts on a regular basis.
Today is Mother's Day and we celebrated this morning with our moms who we are so fortunate to have as they are among the best in the universe. I hope you were able to do the same or appreciate the memories of your mom on this day with smiles and laughter. I know, that was sappy. Snark makes a return in 2 weeks too.
BTW: Quote in subject line is from song Trippin' on a Hole in a Paper Heart by Stone Temple Pilots
I am alive and mostly well. Time away from the blog and website has allowed me to focus on my final semester toward my first degree(s) to be awarded in just a week and a half (gah!), focus on my health (which I had neglected) and generally making life more relaxing and fun again by managing the stress of budgets and cash in this recession ready economic climate. I have been working, going to classes and writing when I can - though I readily confess my writing got the short end of the stick overall.
The good part is that I haven't stopped completely though my frequency has been less and I have been VERY slow. The other good part is that the tedium of work allowed my mind to travel enough to work out and expand my story further. On one blessed day during the last month and a half (and just in time as I was feeling particularly guilty and frustrated about the writing situation) I actually sat and banged out 3,000 quality words that moved the story, scene, character development and plot in one session. This did much to improve my sagging confidence and ego. The story lives in me as does my desire yet "writing out" my stresses can only go so far with me I've discovered. Or better to say certain types of stress do not lend themselves well to my writing. Perhaps as I continue to mature and develop as a writer this will change.
Now things appear to be on an upswing and this summer promises me GREAT opportunities to complete my book and possibly start my second one (YAY!!). I do also want to write a few short pieces and submit them with a full understanding that I can probably collect at least nine more rejections before the summer is out (I've got one rejection under my belt currently).
So in about two weeks the blog and website should be alive again with content and thoughts on a regular basis.
Today is Mother's Day and we celebrated this morning with our moms who we are so fortunate to have as they are among the best in the universe. I hope you were able to do the same or appreciate the memories of your mom on this day with smiles and laughter. I know, that was sappy. Snark makes a return in 2 weeks too.
BTW: Quote in subject line is from song Trippin' on a Hole in a Paper Heart by Stone Temple Pilots
Saturday, March 8, 2008
Regular Updates To This Blog Have Been Interrupted By...
a) Impending midterms
b) Midterm/semester related educational opportunity deadlines
c) Semi-surprise family visit
d) Search for a day job
e) Revenge of The Cold Part 4: I Still Linger
f) Minimal word count and re-imagining of key scenes in my WIP
g) All of the above
In any case, ETA a few days to a week before more regular posts and updates resume.
That is all!
b) Midterm/semester related educational opportunity deadlines
c) Semi-surprise family visit
d) Search for a day job
e) Revenge of The Cold Part 4: I Still Linger
f) Minimal word count and re-imagining of key scenes in my WIP
g) All of the above
In any case, ETA a few days to a week before more regular posts and updates resume.
That is all!
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
The Score 2/26/08
Let's tally "The Score" for 2/19/08:
I did get up early all week (5/5:30 a.m. - except the other day when I was rustling to get out of bed and the Human Heater sweetly mumbled in his sleep, "Where you goin' babe'?" then hugged me close - way too cute and warm to resist). Getting more accustomed to the early wake up thought and now I'm getting coherent enough to write things that aren't solely stream of consciousness.
I did not make significant progress this past week on my WIP. Studying got in the way, so I made minimal progress instead (please read that as hardly any). Page counts are not working for me as well as word counts. Lesson learned.
I did revise a short story for publication consideration. I want to tweak it a little more.
I did not get a chance to meet to research as I had hoped.
Final Score for week:
Wins For Me: 2
My Losses, No Pony: 2
Result: Draw. Learned some things though.
On to this week's goals:
Select 3 publications to submit revised story next week.
Call and make appointment with "expert" for research
Go back to word count and not pages. Write and determine a minimum word count.
Bonus goal: write a new flash this week for purpose of submitting (500 - 750 words tops)
Is it helping to post this? Yes...actually I knew even though today had been hectic and I am falling asleep as I type this (those early morning wake-ups are taking a toll), I knew I had to report how I'm doing. Had to face up to the stuff that I haven't made progress with yet. I don't want to post about stuff week after week without having made some (good) moves. I like a little pressure. So yes, Tuesday Confessions are so far good motivation. I'll keep it up.
I did get up early all week (5/5:30 a.m. - except the other day when I was rustling to get out of bed and the Human Heater sweetly mumbled in his sleep, "Where you goin' babe'?" then hugged me close - way too cute and warm to resist). Getting more accustomed to the early wake up thought and now I'm getting coherent enough to write things that aren't solely stream of consciousness.
I did not make significant progress this past week on my WIP. Studying got in the way, so I made minimal progress instead (please read that as hardly any). Page counts are not working for me as well as word counts. Lesson learned.
I did revise a short story for publication consideration. I want to tweak it a little more.
I did not get a chance to meet to research as I had hoped.
Final Score for week:
Wins For Me: 2
My Losses, No Pony: 2
Result: Draw. Learned some things though.
On to this week's goals:
Select 3 publications to submit revised story next week.
Call and make appointment with "expert" for research
Go back to word count and not pages. Write and determine a minimum word count.
Bonus goal: write a new flash this week for purpose of submitting (500 - 750 words tops)
Is it helping to post this? Yes...actually I knew even though today had been hectic and I am falling asleep as I type this (those early morning wake-ups are taking a toll), I knew I had to report how I'm doing. Had to face up to the stuff that I haven't made progress with yet. I don't want to post about stuff week after week without having made some (good) moves. I like a little pressure. So yes, Tuesday Confessions are so far good motivation. I'll keep it up.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
It's A Dirty Job But Someone's Gotta Do It....
Let's see....
I notice some writers of blogs I read have a "Confession Weekday," where they list the week's accomplishments and upcoming goals. This seems like a good motivation. I think I will try this and see how it works for me. I like Tuesdays.
So here's "The Score."
This weekend was not as productive for writing progress as I would have preferred, though progress was made. Slow progress. I wrote and I gave into my inner editor with revising until I repeated my mantra "First Draft...First Draft...Don't go daft with your First Draft. That's what revisions are for." It helped.
I've been thinking of submitting some short stories or flashes at least. I'm so consumed with thoughts about my WIP (when not doing my other life/responsibilities stuff) it's been hard to think of other stories. Still, I journal for myself and I create flashes once a week with writing prompts at Absolute Write Water Cooler and those have been fun. I've also been introduced to some very talented writers. The stories I write for AWWC I use for fun and development. I haven't worried about them for submission, coherency or even becoming more than exercises, though I'm touched when people occasionally suggest that something I've written could be continued and I do consider it. Then again sometimes I write stuff and get a polite sort of "That's nice but what?" I don't mind when that happens, lets me know what works for others and what may just be working for me.
The writer's group I attend has created a radical splinter group (Radsplip - Love that Jamie!) that is devoted to serious novelists helping each other. I'm hopeful that not only will I continue to learn, grow, better develop my writing skills, be inspired by others and possibly make some new friends, I'll also have a steady focus (goal dates) to help me get my book ready for prime time.
So this week, I'd like to make some significant progress on my Draft (after major test tomorrow for class). I'm going to try writing for pages instead of word count and see how that works. Three pages minimum to start.
More research (I'm doing it as I go so I don't bog myself down with research when I should be writing). There are some concepts I want to be sure I have good basic understanding of for my WIP before I take them and go waaaaaay left.
I'd like to get consistently back on the "wake up early and write" train for at least one week and see how this compares to my current ride, "write in the afternoon" train with the "write in spare moments too," caboose. There is no reason I can't get up early and write except I'm not generally a morning motivated person and my bed whispers seductive things in concert with my pillow to me every morning when I try to get up - not to mention the siren-like warmth that emits effortlessly from the Human Heater (aka Hot Clever Man).
Ugh. Reading all that back I can confess it's just lazy talk, I know it and it has no place in my goals. Better to focus on the advantages which is that by doing this, I can get 2.5 hours solid time (which is 2 hours of writing after tea and morning meditation) if I just get up and do it. I know I'll love the feeling of accomplishment. I can also continue to write in between other tasks the rest of the day knowing that those words could be icing on my cupcake.
Oh, I must set a time. A very early but reasonable time. 5 a.m. because then I'll have an hour to get dressed for the day. Good gravy that is early for me. One week AND a 3 hour modifier for weekends IF I have no plan for that day. Ok, that can work.
AND....I will write or revise one story for the purpose of submission to some outlet this week.
I'll let you know how it goes.
I notice some writers of blogs I read have a "Confession Weekday," where they list the week's accomplishments and upcoming goals. This seems like a good motivation. I think I will try this and see how it works for me. I like Tuesdays.
So here's "The Score."
This weekend was not as productive for writing progress as I would have preferred, though progress was made. Slow progress. I wrote and I gave into my inner editor with revising until I repeated my mantra "First Draft...First Draft...Don't go daft with your First Draft. That's what revisions are for." It helped.
I've been thinking of submitting some short stories or flashes at least. I'm so consumed with thoughts about my WIP (when not doing my other life/responsibilities stuff) it's been hard to think of other stories. Still, I journal for myself and I create flashes once a week with writing prompts at Absolute Write Water Cooler and those have been fun. I've also been introduced to some very talented writers. The stories I write for AWWC I use for fun and development. I haven't worried about them for submission, coherency or even becoming more than exercises, though I'm touched when people occasionally suggest that something I've written could be continued and I do consider it. Then again sometimes I write stuff and get a polite sort of "That's nice but what?" I don't mind when that happens, lets me know what works for others and what may just be working for me.
The writer's group I attend has created a radical splinter group (Radsplip - Love that Jamie!) that is devoted to serious novelists helping each other. I'm hopeful that not only will I continue to learn, grow, better develop my writing skills, be inspired by others and possibly make some new friends, I'll also have a steady focus (goal dates) to help me get my book ready for prime time.
So this week, I'd like to make some significant progress on my Draft (after major test tomorrow for class). I'm going to try writing for pages instead of word count and see how that works. Three pages minimum to start.
More research (I'm doing it as I go so I don't bog myself down with research when I should be writing). There are some concepts I want to be sure I have good basic understanding of for my WIP before I take them and go waaaaaay left.
I'd like to get consistently back on the "wake up early and write" train for at least one week and see how this compares to my current ride, "write in the afternoon" train with the "write in spare moments too," caboose. There is no reason I can't get up early and write except I'm not generally a morning motivated person and my bed whispers seductive things in concert with my pillow to me every morning when I try to get up - not to mention the siren-like warmth that emits effortlessly from the Human Heater (aka Hot Clever Man).
Ugh. Reading all that back I can confess it's just lazy talk, I know it and it has no place in my goals. Better to focus on the advantages which is that by doing this, I can get 2.5 hours solid time (which is 2 hours of writing after tea and morning meditation) if I just get up and do it. I know I'll love the feeling of accomplishment. I can also continue to write in between other tasks the rest of the day knowing that those words could be icing on my cupcake.
Oh, I must set a time. A very early but reasonable time. 5 a.m. because then I'll have an hour to get dressed for the day. Good gravy that is early for me. One week AND a 3 hour modifier for weekends IF I have no plan for that day. Ok, that can work.
AND....I will write or revise one story for the purpose of submission to some outlet this week.
I'll let you know how it goes.
Friday, February 1, 2008
Updates...
So it's been an adjustment week thus far, with new schedule changes. Fighting a cold that I'm convinced friends shared with me. At this moment with the help of proper medication, I'm winning which feels good. A realization it is now February. Geez. And I am making slow, quite slow compared to my goals but steady progress on my WIP this week.
I've decided I am going to think of this as the good days. Before I'm forced to write by deadline. These are the times where I can afford to adjust my goals to work with my life schedule events. Positive thinking and all when I'm published it may not be as easy to adjust my goals as it is now. It's the plus of the process in this stage of my writing development.(I'm kinda joking with myself though. I think the deadlines are going to be big fun too!)
I participated for the first time in the Flash Fiction Carnival for Absolute Write Water Cooler (Forums) and it was a fun exercise. These are monthly themed flash fiction challenges of varying lengths that may be written in any genre. For January, we had up to 1k words for the theme of "new". I really enjoyed reading the creative and clever interpretations of the theme by other talented writers. I read some excellent written prose and takes on perspectives. Check it out The Fiction Carnival January Stories: New. This does include my own submission for the curious. Please note, they are now accepting submissions for the February Flash Fiction Carnival and a special Valentine's Day themed carnival too.
I keep forgetting how good location changes can be sometimes. Instead of my office, I was writing in a new spot, sunshine people etc., listening to music when inspiration came over me from both and the scene I intended to write unfurled, though not the way I thought. It was fun and still forwarded the story and all these other goals but it was different and it added to the story too. So I must remember that every so often writing in a new location or with new influences can help inspiration. Good stuff.
There's more, but I've got some errands to run...
I've decided I am going to think of this as the good days. Before I'm forced to write by deadline. These are the times where I can afford to adjust my goals to work with my life schedule events. Positive thinking and all when I'm published it may not be as easy to adjust my goals as it is now. It's the plus of the process in this stage of my writing development.(I'm kinda joking with myself though. I think the deadlines are going to be big fun too!)
I participated for the first time in the Flash Fiction Carnival for Absolute Write Water Cooler (Forums) and it was a fun exercise. These are monthly themed flash fiction challenges of varying lengths that may be written in any genre. For January, we had up to 1k words for the theme of "new". I really enjoyed reading the creative and clever interpretations of the theme by other talented writers. I read some excellent written prose and takes on perspectives. Check it out The Fiction Carnival January Stories: New. This does include my own submission for the curious. Please note, they are now accepting submissions for the February Flash Fiction Carnival and a special Valentine's Day themed carnival too.
I keep forgetting how good location changes can be sometimes. Instead of my office, I was writing in a new spot, sunshine people etc., listening to music when inspiration came over me from both and the scene I intended to write unfurled, though not the way I thought. It was fun and still forwarded the story and all these other goals but it was different and it added to the story too. So I must remember that every so often writing in a new location or with new influences can help inspiration. Good stuff.
There's more, but I've got some errands to run...
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
On a Slowboat
Writing is going very slow balanced with essays, school reading etc. But I'm remembering the advice I was given over the summer and even if it is only a little I'm writing everyday. I won't complete Nano this year, but that doesn't mean I can't complete my book. I will persevere.
Thursday, November 1, 2007
Nanowrimo Begins...
I'm participating this year but working on a story already in progress...so I'm unofficial, but it's worth it. I agonized about this 'cause I love the Nano, the rush and comraderie. Then I realized, I really love and believe in this story...I don't want to stop. This will help me finish it and I know I will love that feeling equally, if not even more. Winhttp://www.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gifs all around. I swear Nano gives me another great reason to love November.
If you are participating in Nano, good luck and tag me if you want to buddy up!
www.nanowimo.org
If you are participating in Nano, good luck and tag me if you want to buddy up!
www.nanowimo.org
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Follow up to Belated Sunday Meditation Post
Today I woke up and wrote.
This afternoon, I wrote a short fic between classes.
It feels awesome when I make my word worth something and respect myself and my writing.
And now, off to study so I can write even more.
This afternoon, I wrote a short fic between classes.
It feels awesome when I make my word worth something and respect myself and my writing.
And now, off to study so I can write even more.
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Belated Sunday Meditation: Consistently Persistent
Missed my Sunday meditation...but this does apply in that vein. Belated then it is.
I'm currently a reentry student in college and I have to say, this semester is more intense than I factored. Not the work but the sheer amount of writing is more than I expected. It makes me want to write creatively just to balance all the dry stuff. Since my last post, I've found myself waking up early to write then getting sidetracked by the impending exam, essay or book report . This happens even when I have amply prepared for them but I start second guessing myself. As a result, I'm not prioritizing my passion. How rude I am to myself for doing this?
Thankfully, this past weekend I participated with talented, awesome friends in a quarterly 24-hour Short Story Contest at Writer's Weekly. I've never done something like that before and I really liked it. It was fun even if I now keep thinking of all the things I could have done to improve my submission. But I submitted something I liked, believe can be enjoyed by others and says something. It felt good. It was fun especially sharing the pressure to get it submitted, ideas and general challenges with talented friends (who I think have a FANTASTIC shot at winning the top prizes). Thank you, if you guys are reading this. It was a great experience and you had a lot to do with that too.
Really, I refuse to allow those assignments to continue to get in my way, though I acknowledge they are a priority too. I just have to relax. Lack of sleep right now is probably not helping me either. But I know how good I feel working at one of my passions and I can't continue to improve or get where I'm going if I don't respect my time. Everyone (you know, the mysterious "they") says that one part of writing is persistence and another is consistency. I'm persistent, no doubt. I need to get more consistency. Tomorrow, I wake up and exam or not I write an hour and return to my center again. I also need to submit to my writer's group. That will be good for me too.
I'm going to participate in National Novel Writing Month aka NaNoWriMo in November of this year. I can't wait. Last year I "won" and wrote a 50k novel in 30 days. Please note, I did not provide an adjective such as great, fantastic or in the realm of publishing before the word novel in that last sentence. But I did meet the goal, gain a lot of self confidence and have fun. This year, I'm going to attempt to do it again, but this time write something with the intention to submit it for publishing. If you want to buddy up for encouragement, commiseration and general goofy hi-jinks, please let me know.
Right now, I'm going to have some tea and get some sleep. Then I'm going to wake up and do some fantastic writing. How about you?
I'm currently a reentry student in college and I have to say, this semester is more intense than I factored. Not the work but the sheer amount of writing is more than I expected. It makes me want to write creatively just to balance all the dry stuff. Since my last post, I've found myself waking up early to write then getting sidetracked by the impending exam, essay or book report . This happens even when I have amply prepared for them but I start second guessing myself. As a result, I'm not prioritizing my passion. How rude I am to myself for doing this?
Thankfully, this past weekend I participated with talented, awesome friends in a quarterly 24-hour Short Story Contest at Writer's Weekly. I've never done something like that before and I really liked it. It was fun even if I now keep thinking of all the things I could have done to improve my submission. But I submitted something I liked, believe can be enjoyed by others and says something. It felt good. It was fun especially sharing the pressure to get it submitted, ideas and general challenges with talented friends (who I think have a FANTASTIC shot at winning the top prizes). Thank you, if you guys are reading this. It was a great experience and you had a lot to do with that too.
Really, I refuse to allow those assignments to continue to get in my way, though I acknowledge they are a priority too. I just have to relax. Lack of sleep right now is probably not helping me either. But I know how good I feel working at one of my passions and I can't continue to improve or get where I'm going if I don't respect my time. Everyone (you know, the mysterious "they") says that one part of writing is persistence and another is consistency. I'm persistent, no doubt. I need to get more consistency. Tomorrow, I wake up and exam or not I write an hour and return to my center again. I also need to submit to my writer's group. That will be good for me too.
I'm going to participate in National Novel Writing Month aka NaNoWriMo in November of this year. I can't wait. Last year I "won" and wrote a 50k novel in 30 days. Please note, I did not provide an adjective such as great, fantastic or in the realm of publishing before the word novel in that last sentence. But I did meet the goal, gain a lot of self confidence and have fun. This year, I'm going to attempt to do it again, but this time write something with the intention to submit it for publishing. If you want to buddy up for encouragement, commiseration and general goofy hi-jinks, please let me know.
Right now, I'm going to have some tea and get some sleep. Then I'm going to wake up and do some fantastic writing. How about you?
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Scattered Distracted Writing Thoughts
I have had a hard time with my writing discipline as workload is currently very demanding, so I'm doing minimal effort. But I'm making an effort and writing something, every day. That counts right? Not as lengthy but I'm writing exercising my brain.
And now inspiration strikes as the thunder growls above my head and shakes the house. Quite a way for Mother Nature to announce darn your calendar, Fall is here. Sure, it's probably nothing compared to the East Coast storms, but still it rattles the house and makes the air smell earthy, damp and clean.
There's got to be something I can do with thunder right? That's a good prompt.
Ok work to do... and writing
And now inspiration strikes as the thunder growls above my head and shakes the house. Quite a way for Mother Nature to announce darn your calendar, Fall is here. Sure, it's probably nothing compared to the East Coast storms, but still it rattles the house and makes the air smell earthy, damp and clean.
There's got to be something I can do with thunder right? That's a good prompt.
Ok work to do... and writing
Thursday, September 6, 2007
The Other World Descends While I Meet More Writers
Since my last post my non-writing world has arrived, so I missed sharing my Sunday meditation. At this point, it likely would have been a shell-shocked meditation about how much essay writing I've got to do this semester in college. Am I in for a loooong four months. Should be fun in there...somewhere.
Attended my first writer's group meeting tonight (Thank you Richard!). Based on my perusal of "How to tell if the writing group you are attending is awesome or not" articles then just listening/watching the participants, I have to say my first impression is that I like this group. I'm not just saying that because some of them may trip here and find me (hello and welcome if you do). What I really liked about them is how they communicated and supported each other. The fact they offered each other constructive criticism, supported by reasons then offered pertinent suggestions of how to improve that were validated or clarified as opinion. They ended critiques with something positive said or reinforced, which I think is very humane and crucial regardless if one is tough-skinned or not. From the writing excerpts that I read in various stages of development, they've got passion and true sparks. There are some talented writers in this group and the levels of expertise appears to vary from new, intermediate and established. They appear to acknowledge and appreciate growth at any level.
I didn't meet all the members so I'm sure there must be some who speak with a sandpaper tongue rather than a silver one. That is probably a good thing as I'm a fan of balance. Personal preferences should probably be noted too, but they gave an impression that they are serious about wanting to write and grow. Another key point - passionate about writing and reading. We'll see how the next few meetings go and what happens when I submit my first piece for review. Hmm, more milestones ahead for me!
My organization plan is in slow mode as I take another week to get my non-writing world rhythms worked out (is that a good alliteration or just a funky tongue twister?) I'm still writing four days each week, I'm just not worrying about my personal quotas or counts yet. I'm focused on freewrites, a couple flash fics and enjoying writing fun stuff. Maybe its not quite as much as I want to be doing toward plan, but I'm writing consistently so I'm happy.
I'm going to get some rest so that I can wake up early and do some freewriting before the other world descends again. What will you do during your day to feel good or get closer to your writing goals?
Attended my first writer's group meeting tonight (Thank you Richard!). Based on my perusal of "How to tell if the writing group you are attending is awesome or not" articles then just listening/watching the participants, I have to say my first impression is that I like this group. I'm not just saying that because some of them may trip here and find me (hello and welcome if you do). What I really liked about them is how they communicated and supported each other. The fact they offered each other constructive criticism, supported by reasons then offered pertinent suggestions of how to improve that were validated or clarified as opinion. They ended critiques with something positive said or reinforced, which I think is very humane and crucial regardless if one is tough-skinned or not. From the writing excerpts that I read in various stages of development, they've got passion and true sparks. There are some talented writers in this group and the levels of expertise appears to vary from new, intermediate and established. They appear to acknowledge and appreciate growth at any level.
I didn't meet all the members so I'm sure there must be some who speak with a sandpaper tongue rather than a silver one. That is probably a good thing as I'm a fan of balance. Personal preferences should probably be noted too, but they gave an impression that they are serious about wanting to write and grow. Another key point - passionate about writing and reading. We'll see how the next few meetings go and what happens when I submit my first piece for review. Hmm, more milestones ahead for me!
My organization plan is in slow mode as I take another week to get my non-writing world rhythms worked out (is that a good alliteration or just a funky tongue twister?) I'm still writing four days each week, I'm just not worrying about my personal quotas or counts yet. I'm focused on freewrites, a couple flash fics and enjoying writing fun stuff. Maybe its not quite as much as I want to be doing toward plan, but I'm writing consistently so I'm happy.
I'm going to get some rest so that I can wake up early and do some freewriting before the other world descends again. What will you do during your day to feel good or get closer to your writing goals?
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Sunday Writing Meditation: Ignoring the Muse
Today, I looked forward to having the house to myself. Time to write uninterrupted muse or no muse. And as it would happen, the muse decided to take a trip today and was nowhere to be found this morning. That's fine, diligence being what it is, I nodded my head and prepared to work without said muse. Only I kept distracting myself with other things...I just couldn't clear my head. I tried to read but even that was hard. I knew I needed to try something different.
So rather than spend a whole day frustrated with myself, I gave in.
I relaxed. If I can't "mug the muse" (love that phrase - Holly Lisle thank you!), I can't summon it, and I have self-imposed goals to meet, then maybe a change of pace is in order. Instead of morning writing, I'll try later in the evening.
So today I checked on the Gardenia plant I potted yesterday. I did some housework. Prepared for tomorrow. Did grocery shopping. Relaxed and watched some of my guilty pleasure shows on TV (TIVO rocks). I did some laundry. And as I was playing a video game, I felt the muse lurking, looking around the corner. Possibly wondering where all my frustration is hiding. Where is my fear to ever become self-disciplined? But the fear and frustration aren't hidden or lurking, they just don't hold any sway with me at this point. I nod to the muse but I don't approach. I look away and continue to enjoy myself. I find, happily I don't feel guilty at all 'cause again muse or no muse, I'll write later tonight. I'll still reach my goal for today.
And what do you know? The muse is hanging out, shyly. Brilliant!
So what have I learned? Sometimes it's ok to give in and not do the work immediately, particularly when I give myself realistic parameters so I still get things done and I don't feel behind the eight ball. Perhaps take care of things niggling in the back of my mind, too. This allows me to fully enjoy my time and be present in the moment.
So, back to my amusements for a little longer. Then I'm off to write. What will you do?
So rather than spend a whole day frustrated with myself, I gave in.
I relaxed. If I can't "mug the muse" (love that phrase - Holly Lisle thank you!), I can't summon it, and I have self-imposed goals to meet, then maybe a change of pace is in order. Instead of morning writing, I'll try later in the evening.
So today I checked on the Gardenia plant I potted yesterday. I did some housework. Prepared for tomorrow. Did grocery shopping. Relaxed and watched some of my guilty pleasure shows on TV (TIVO rocks). I did some laundry. And as I was playing a video game, I felt the muse lurking, looking around the corner. Possibly wondering where all my frustration is hiding. Where is my fear to ever become self-disciplined? But the fear and frustration aren't hidden or lurking, they just don't hold any sway with me at this point. I nod to the muse but I don't approach. I look away and continue to enjoy myself. I find, happily I don't feel guilty at all 'cause again muse or no muse, I'll write later tonight. I'll still reach my goal for today.
And what do you know? The muse is hanging out, shyly. Brilliant!
So what have I learned? Sometimes it's ok to give in and not do the work immediately, particularly when I give myself realistic parameters so I still get things done and I don't feel behind the eight ball. Perhaps take care of things niggling in the back of my mind, too. This allows me to fully enjoy my time and be present in the moment.
So, back to my amusements for a little longer. Then I'm off to write. What will you do?
Friday, August 24, 2007
My First Rejection Letter
Today when I arrived home from errands and hanging out with my mom, my first rejection letter (a form letter) was waiting for me. The website of the publisher had cautioned not to expect more than a form letter due to volume. It is a very politely worded and concisely written form letter.
My first thought was some disappointment, it would have been wonderful to have published in spite of my inexperience first time out. By the same token, as I continue to practice and apply some of what I learned at the conference in my writings (I attended after I submitted Soul Mate), I can already see some of the areas in need of improvement and work more clearly. I realize I'm still learning. I'm ok with this.
When I submitted this story it was during a peak of a very stressful time. Dad was fading and everyone in my family was hurting. We would only have a few more days together. I recall thinking when I hit send on my email to submit it, what better time than right now to submit a work (clearly I admit I was not thinking career wise or about how emotional I was feeling inside). But a "no" couldn't possibly compare to the hurt I felt. Still feel admittedly.
Then, I needed to do something part of the world outside of the ICU unit and hospital, remind myself there were things beyond...those moments. I wanted to visit with my dad and share with him all about the experience and process of the idea, writing it, trying to edit myself and then submitting. I wanted him to know that I had accomplished something we had long, thoughtful discussions about. I submitted a story that was the best I could write at that time (though perhaps not brilliant, in retrospect). Happily, I was able to tell him all of this during a point when he was conscious and pain free. I told him with my chin up and a genuine smile. I remember he smiled back through the tubes and I knew he heard me, was proud of me.
I hope to always remember to put rejections and other such disappointments I may face while I travel down roads into this perspective. Rejections are disappointing. I'd be a liar if I said it doesn't hurt. I do feel about it, after all I'm putting myself out there. But it's not HURT in the big letters. Not compared to what dad went through or how much I miss him.
Finally, I hold my chin up with the knowledge that I submitted something! Geez, at least no one responded, "Dear GOD Ray! Never send anything to us again!" Even if someone had, I'd smile, salute and keep on moving. This letter is proof to myself I'm on my chosen path of storyteller, writer. So its not with a large clash of cymbals to herald my foot falls. Its still enough fanfare to make me smile. I'll even be able to flash the rejection page around as proof I'm not just talking...I'm walking. More than that, I'm writing and hopefully writing better all the time.
So a sincere thank you to Shane and the slush pile editors at Delirium Books for making my first rejection memorable and even dignified. I believe with time and steady improvement, I'll make it harder to send another polite form letter to me in the future. At some point with applied diligence, I'll make it impossible.
Today is a gold star day. Hope yours is too.
My first thought was some disappointment, it would have been wonderful to have published in spite of my inexperience first time out. By the same token, as I continue to practice and apply some of what I learned at the conference in my writings (I attended after I submitted Soul Mate), I can already see some of the areas in need of improvement and work more clearly. I realize I'm still learning. I'm ok with this.
When I submitted this story it was during a peak of a very stressful time. Dad was fading and everyone in my family was hurting. We would only have a few more days together. I recall thinking when I hit send on my email to submit it, what better time than right now to submit a work (clearly I admit I was not thinking career wise or about how emotional I was feeling inside). But a "no" couldn't possibly compare to the hurt I felt. Still feel admittedly.
Then, I needed to do something part of the world outside of the ICU unit and hospital, remind myself there were things beyond...those moments. I wanted to visit with my dad and share with him all about the experience and process of the idea, writing it, trying to edit myself and then submitting. I wanted him to know that I had accomplished something we had long, thoughtful discussions about. I submitted a story that was the best I could write at that time (though perhaps not brilliant, in retrospect). Happily, I was able to tell him all of this during a point when he was conscious and pain free. I told him with my chin up and a genuine smile. I remember he smiled back through the tubes and I knew he heard me, was proud of me.
I hope to always remember to put rejections and other such disappointments I may face while I travel down roads into this perspective. Rejections are disappointing. I'd be a liar if I said it doesn't hurt. I do feel about it, after all I'm putting myself out there. But it's not HURT in the big letters. Not compared to what dad went through or how much I miss him.
Finally, I hold my chin up with the knowledge that I submitted something! Geez, at least no one responded, "Dear GOD Ray! Never send anything to us again!" Even if someone had, I'd smile, salute and keep on moving. This letter is proof to myself I'm on my chosen path of storyteller, writer. So its not with a large clash of cymbals to herald my foot falls. Its still enough fanfare to make me smile. I'll even be able to flash the rejection page around as proof I'm not just talking...I'm walking. More than that, I'm writing and hopefully writing better all the time.
So a sincere thank you to Shane and the slush pile editors at Delirium Books for making my first rejection memorable and even dignified. I believe with time and steady improvement, I'll make it harder to send another polite form letter to me in the future. At some point with applied diligence, I'll make it impossible.
Today is a gold star day. Hope yours is too.
Sunday, August 19, 2007
Sunday Writing Meditation: My Current Game Plan
First, a big thank you to all of you who posted or emailed me about my last post. All of your comments brought points of view that helped me with my sinkhole so I can get moving. Your thoughts always have value to me.
Now, onto this post.
So aside from fighting what appears to be a cold, I've been thinking this week about my writing and my goals. What do I have in my head right now?
I've got some stories, definitely short stories.
I've got four actual novels that I want to write, have partially written or have written.
I've got some flash fiction pieces too.
So what's a writer to do with all this ambition, knowing that the non-writing world also has to play a part in all I do? My solution is fourfold: Plan. Organize. Apply self-discipline. Have fun.
Plan:
I want to write novels first and foremost but I must still live in the non-writing world and meet my goals there too. So I need a plan. So far, this is the plan: Write.
Awesome! Now to flesh that puppy out.
I will write something 4 days minimum each week. I can always write more or more often, but that is my minimum. It can be free writing. It can be story writing and/or blog writing. But I must do this and lucky for me I want to do this. Set up word counts for projects to make more finite objectives for this.
On the days that I don't write, I don't feel pressured or guilty about it because I'm making sure I'm taking time out for loved ones or for myself to be the responsible individual I need to sometimes be. To read. To laugh, recharge and let other stimulus spark me. To live - writers can research the dickens out of things but we have to live a little too, right?
Organize:
I've got my writing space. I've got my blog set-up. I've got weblinks to favorite inspirations and others to tools to help me on my way. As a MAC user I'm getting the hang of Scrivener program and loving it. I'm working on very loose outlines because I'm not entirely sure how outlining works for me yet but I've got a few new formats to try. I'm half researching which publishers and sites I'll want to submit my works, but I'm mostly creating my story idea notebook/file to be filled with thoughts and phrases that strike me, works that inspire. I'm also getting a notebook for me just to do some free writing. I love typing my stories but the longhand writing even with the bad handwriting and hand cramps makes me slow down, consider what I'm saying. It's a very good exercise. Oh and I bought a kitchen timer! NaNoWriMo taught me this trick - when you don't feel like writing put a timer down give yourself 5-10 min and then just write anything. Afterward, walk away or if stimulated continue. For me this often works.
Apply Self-Discipline:
::Shudders:: Discipline and I are still getting acquainted but I hope we become respectful partners, if not steadfast friends. Talking about writing is not writing. Researching is not writing. Sending emails is writing, but not progressive writing on your stories. Procrastination is not my friend. To help resist procrastination and its sweet siren call, I'll maintain my daily writing with a word count (variable to my current project). No stated absolute goals when I'm free writing. (What I do with what's written after those sessions...is what it is.)
Have Fun:
Now, why would someone sing with a beautiful voice if it makes them utterly miserable? Perhaps to bring joy to others or because it's something they must do. If I find myself in this sort of situation where I'm not having fun, but I must persevere I believe I should at least be thoughtful about doing it and about why. When I'm feeling the least inclined this is what may help me to go on. Aside from that, I am fun-loving and I really enjoy the process. It's the ride and the destination that are worthwhile, right? .
More specific:
* I am going to focus on writing a few flash fics and doing some free writing to keep my brain exercising for the next couple weeks. With classes starting up again and the new workload to balance out this will keep me writing but allow me to figure out how my other time commitments will affect my schedule. This may end sooner or later but I want to give myself time to get a good schedule going.
* By 9/17 I'm going to start working on one of my written novels, probably taking a good critical eye and rewriting it. Chances are this will be The Fugue State.
* I plan to participate in NaNoWriMo this year. No idea what I'll write yet but...likely it will be a very rough first draft for one of the four unwritten novels.
* I'm going to start attending local writer group meetings too and see what fun and information can be gleaned there. I always want to learn new things.
* I give myself inherent permission to ditch this plan if it isn't working and try something new. But I need to give this a good chance first.
...and that's my Sunday Writing Meditation and current game plan. Thoughts, assertions and suggestions welcome.
Now, onto this post.
So aside from fighting what appears to be a cold, I've been thinking this week about my writing and my goals. What do I have in my head right now?
I've got some stories, definitely short stories.
I've got four actual novels that I want to write, have partially written or have written.
I've got some flash fiction pieces too.
So what's a writer to do with all this ambition, knowing that the non-writing world also has to play a part in all I do? My solution is fourfold: Plan. Organize. Apply self-discipline. Have fun.
Plan:
I want to write novels first and foremost but I must still live in the non-writing world and meet my goals there too. So I need a plan. So far, this is the plan: Write.
Awesome! Now to flesh that puppy out.
I will write something 4 days minimum each week. I can always write more or more often, but that is my minimum. It can be free writing. It can be story writing and/or blog writing. But I must do this and lucky for me I want to do this. Set up word counts for projects to make more finite objectives for this.
On the days that I don't write, I don't feel pressured or guilty about it because I'm making sure I'm taking time out for loved ones or for myself to be the responsible individual I need to sometimes be. To read. To laugh, recharge and let other stimulus spark me. To live - writers can research the dickens out of things but we have to live a little too, right?
Organize:
I've got my writing space. I've got my blog set-up. I've got weblinks to favorite inspirations and others to tools to help me on my way. As a MAC user I'm getting the hang of Scrivener program and loving it. I'm working on very loose outlines because I'm not entirely sure how outlining works for me yet but I've got a few new formats to try. I'm half researching which publishers and sites I'll want to submit my works, but I'm mostly creating my story idea notebook/file to be filled with thoughts and phrases that strike me, works that inspire. I'm also getting a notebook for me just to do some free writing. I love typing my stories but the longhand writing even with the bad handwriting and hand cramps makes me slow down, consider what I'm saying. It's a very good exercise. Oh and I bought a kitchen timer! NaNoWriMo taught me this trick - when you don't feel like writing put a timer down give yourself 5-10 min and then just write anything. Afterward, walk away or if stimulated continue. For me this often works.
Apply Self-Discipline:
::Shudders:: Discipline and I are still getting acquainted but I hope we become respectful partners, if not steadfast friends. Talking about writing is not writing. Researching is not writing. Sending emails is writing, but not progressive writing on your stories. Procrastination is not my friend. To help resist procrastination and its sweet siren call, I'll maintain my daily writing with a word count (variable to my current project). No stated absolute goals when I'm free writing. (What I do with what's written after those sessions...is what it is.)
Have Fun:
Now, why would someone sing with a beautiful voice if it makes them utterly miserable? Perhaps to bring joy to others or because it's something they must do. If I find myself in this sort of situation where I'm not having fun, but I must persevere I believe I should at least be thoughtful about doing it and about why. When I'm feeling the least inclined this is what may help me to go on. Aside from that, I am fun-loving and I really enjoy the process. It's the ride and the destination that are worthwhile, right? .
More specific:
* I am going to focus on writing a few flash fics and doing some free writing to keep my brain exercising for the next couple weeks. With classes starting up again and the new workload to balance out this will keep me writing but allow me to figure out how my other time commitments will affect my schedule. This may end sooner or later but I want to give myself time to get a good schedule going.
* By 9/17 I'm going to start working on one of my written novels, probably taking a good critical eye and rewriting it. Chances are this will be The Fugue State.
* I plan to participate in NaNoWriMo this year. No idea what I'll write yet but...likely it will be a very rough first draft for one of the four unwritten novels.
* I'm going to start attending local writer group meetings too and see what fun and information can be gleaned there. I always want to learn new things.
* I give myself inherent permission to ditch this plan if it isn't working and try something new. But I need to give this a good chance first.
...and that's my Sunday Writing Meditation and current game plan. Thoughts, assertions and suggestions welcome.
Monday, July 30, 2007
Holy Freaking CRAP
I just entered my first submission to a respected horror publisher. Yeah it's a Flash Fiction piece and while I'm capable of writing gore and guts horror (and I do like to from time to time) this was a little more funny and much more psychological in execution - but then psychological horror has always held more appeal to me. I think the most frightening monsters live there.
I do NOT expect this to be accepted (It would be paid if it were and that's just too much to consider at this moment). But the fact that I just did it, was inspired to write a story for this site, wrote it and submitted following their directions I feel like...I'm shocked and happy with myself. No is the worst that can happen, right?
It felt good to just bite the bullet.
Must write MORE. Wanna do it again! Again!
I do NOT expect this to be accepted (It would be paid if it were and that's just too much to consider at this moment). But the fact that I just did it, was inspired to write a story for this site, wrote it and submitted following their directions I feel like...I'm shocked and happy with myself. No is the worst that can happen, right?
It felt good to just bite the bullet.
Must write MORE. Wanna do it again! Again!
A Goal: Science Fiction and Fantasy Magazine
One of my goals is to publish a story in Fantasy & Science Fiction. Why? Besides the fact many authors I admire have published here? Because aside from Madeleine L'Engle's works lighting one of my creative sparks, this monthly magazine introduced to me by my dad opened my mind to so many other points of view and cemented my thought that genre is relative.
Dad and I have always shared a love of reading SF&F as well as horror stories (ironic since I don't see that many horror movies); I still remember the day he explained he bought us a subscription to something fantastic. We kept it for years. We'd read the new magazine each month and then go to lunch or dinner and talk about our favorite stories and why we liked them, what they made us think about or feel. Dad worked two to three jobs at any given time so for him to make time to read the magazine let alone share time with me for discussions always felt totally special.
It will be one of my happiest days ever, should it come to pass that I am published in this publication.
Dad and I have always shared a love of reading SF&F as well as horror stories (ironic since I don't see that many horror movies); I still remember the day he explained he bought us a subscription to something fantastic. We kept it for years. We'd read the new magazine each month and then go to lunch or dinner and talk about our favorite stories and why we liked them, what they made us think about or feel. Dad worked two to three jobs at any given time so for him to make time to read the magazine let alone share time with me for discussions always felt totally special.
It will be one of my happiest days ever, should it come to pass that I am published in this publication.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
The Fine Print
Words That Rattle 'Round My Head by Ray M. Solberg is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-No Derivative Works 3.0 License.