Got some downtime tonight and used it to find some new markets. Next year's schedule is almost full already. So far, 10+ short works, a 400 page novel, and 2-3 competitions. Maybe a few more submission calls will work their way in.
13 minutes before it's back to work. Last night, I got in about 2,200 words. Roughly half of the goal. Inspiration hit at the very last minute and I threw out the old story lines. Felt like I'd been pushing on a 'PULL' door the entire time. HAHAHA. Yeah, love it.
Very much a pull yourself up by the bootstraps moment mixed with the best free fall ever. To be honest, those are moments I live for. That moment is when the muse takes over and the story comes to life.
Note: If you feel like you're pushing a bad position, you know that you are. Let go, step back, and you'll figure out where you need to go.
29 November 2011
26 November 2011
26 November 2011
Oh, what a wonderful holiday weekend! Family, friends, and a little bit of work; it was absolute heaven! Definitely recharged body, mind and spirit. Could not have been better.
Work-wise, it was eye opening. If anything, it proved that some stories are just not suited for restricted space -- and, on occasion, cannot be opened correctly. On the latter is where mine fell. Going back over it, I saw some of the issues. And, passing it to two readers, the confusion was unavoidable (too much going on, too fast). The piece, I'm convinced, was not made for a short story. On top of that, ha ha ha, I ran out of room in the word count.
Eh, win some; lose some. With a new outline, I'm good to go on a new slant. There's always a way to tell a story.
A wall is nothing to stop for -- merely a speed bump.
Work-wise, it was eye opening. If anything, it proved that some stories are just not suited for restricted space -- and, on occasion, cannot be opened correctly. On the latter is where mine fell. Going back over it, I saw some of the issues. And, passing it to two readers, the confusion was unavoidable (too much going on, too fast). The piece, I'm convinced, was not made for a short story. On top of that, ha ha ha, I ran out of room in the word count.
Eh, win some; lose some. With a new outline, I'm good to go on a new slant. There's always a way to tell a story.
A wall is nothing to stop for -- merely a speed bump.
23 November 2011
23 November 2011
Never got the submission in as I had hoped. This little bundle of joy we have growing has been just sucking the life right out of me. Reason I punched out as much as I could the week before -- figured he was due for a growth spurt. And he was. But, still have plenty of time to get the piece smoothed out and in before the month is over.
I've not missed a deadline yet and don't plan to start now.
So far, it is turning out rather well (rereading it to make sure). If not, I'll know where to fix it or can still start over. Already wrote out a new outline, to be honest. I'm not saying I can't do this right, I just like to look at every angle when that inner critic chews his way through the duck tape.
Either way, both pieces work. And I plan to stay loyal to the first one for as long as it's viable. Nothing like pushing a bad position. And have been feeling it, but if it's there, it's been my own doing.
Fix: refocus and revise.
After that, anything will work!
Now, I'm off to club and duck tape that critic.
Happy writing.
I've not missed a deadline yet and don't plan to start now.
So far, it is turning out rather well (rereading it to make sure). If not, I'll know where to fix it or can still start over. Already wrote out a new outline, to be honest. I'm not saying I can't do this right, I just like to look at every angle when that inner critic chews his way through the duck tape.
Either way, both pieces work. And I plan to stay loyal to the first one for as long as it's viable. Nothing like pushing a bad position. And have been feeling it, but if it's there, it's been my own doing.
Fix: refocus and revise.
After that, anything will work!
Now, I'm off to club and duck tape that critic.
Happy writing.
19 November 2011
19 November 2011
Thinking today, between writing, revising, and seeking out new markets, I'm reminded of two sides to this job that people rarely even consider. And one very personal side of it as well . . .
The Leg Work:
It never ceases to amaze me how much work this job requires. It's not hard work, mind you, but you do have to put forth the effort. Markets will not find you. Even with projects seemingly piled on top of each other, there is always a need to find new avenues for work -- and ways to get the word out there.
Today, while flipping through a writer's mag I've read before, I found three new markets (and all I did was go to the jon). It can be that simple.
For other times, I've found a current Writer's Market or a good website that lists publishers like a database and submission calls by date and as they open up are all you need to get the ball rolling. My personal favorite is Duotrope. That site is a life saver, I swear.
But, also, read a variety of writing magazines.
Note about pay:
Never underestimate the worth of simply getting your name out. Not all markets pay, but all are read. Having a piece in print, or even online, you're out there to be found. It's credit -- that money can't buy.
Getting the Word Out:
Blogs, Twitter, Facebook, Websites, word of mouth, it all gets done by you. Well, at least until you write several best sellers and can pay people to do it for you.
Realistically, it'll still be you.
As stated before, currently, I'm using mainly this blog. I do have Twitter and even Facebook, but this is more to my liking. 180 characters to 450 just . . . I'll get used to those as the work picks up. Mainly, what's needed is a steady and frequent presence (3-7 days a week) -- something to prove you're out there and willing to work for your publisher just as much as for your characters/stories.
You will be the main source of advertising for anything you do. The publisher only puts you in print.
Note:
As a writer/author (each has their own definition), you're job is to write a piece good enough that a publisher will want it. You have to believe in it. You have to do the grunt work to get it seen and read. You have to keep interest up about your work, attract readers, and keep them coming back.
The publisher is only print (and maybe a paycheck). They know they have something you want. So, they're going to make you work for it. Trick is, getting them to want what you have, too. Proving you're willing to work for them as much as yourself helps.
You've got to keep yourself out there.
The Writer Himself:
This, is the fun one . . .
When you find a market, or a project, you're on top of the world.
When you've finished a piece, you're damned proud of yourself and no one can put you under.
When you've revised it, polished it; made it your own, you're a master.
When you've clicked submit, send, or mailed it off, you're KING!
A second later, you're human.
That one second, those two heartbeats (one to feel it and one for you to realize it), you've gone from top of the world back to John Q. Public.
This is usually when I start to rethink every decision I've ever made while working on the project. Ha Ha (not too funny, really), I obsess about everything. If it wasn't a mistake in the piece, I fret over formatting (was my following the guidelines perfect enough???)
This is where the artist reverts back to the feeling being five years old and starting over in a new school. But, here's a news flash. You're done! The piece is written, the market and publisher found (worry about their decision when you hear it) and your work is on its own. But, you're done. Stop worrying.
Worst that could happen, and it will at some point, is the piece is turned down (they will usually state why in some form or another -- use that). Take any notes you get and pick yourself by the bootstraps. Try again.
Pieces can be rejected for nothing more than wrong timing in the market. That does not mean you wrote badly or they hated you (they don't know you, how can they hate you). It simply means that its time will come. Don't give up!
A friend of mine went through hundreds of rejections on her novel -- not even in the low hundreds. But, she stood by her work and kept trucking. She's now published and working on, I think, her third book. All it was was timing.
The Leg Work:
It never ceases to amaze me how much work this job requires. It's not hard work, mind you, but you do have to put forth the effort. Markets will not find you. Even with projects seemingly piled on top of each other, there is always a need to find new avenues for work -- and ways to get the word out there.
Today, while flipping through a writer's mag I've read before, I found three new markets (and all I did was go to the jon). It can be that simple.
For other times, I've found a current Writer's Market or a good website that lists publishers like a database and submission calls by date and as they open up are all you need to get the ball rolling. My personal favorite is Duotrope. That site is a life saver, I swear.
But, also, read a variety of writing magazines.
Note about pay:
Never underestimate the worth of simply getting your name out. Not all markets pay, but all are read. Having a piece in print, or even online, you're out there to be found. It's credit -- that money can't buy.
Getting the Word Out:
Blogs, Twitter, Facebook, Websites, word of mouth, it all gets done by you. Well, at least until you write several best sellers and can pay people to do it for you.
Realistically, it'll still be you.
As stated before, currently, I'm using mainly this blog. I do have Twitter and even Facebook, but this is more to my liking. 180 characters to 450 just . . . I'll get used to those as the work picks up. Mainly, what's needed is a steady and frequent presence (3-7 days a week) -- something to prove you're out there and willing to work for your publisher just as much as for your characters/stories.
You will be the main source of advertising for anything you do. The publisher only puts you in print.
Note:
As a writer/author (each has their own definition), you're job is to write a piece good enough that a publisher will want it. You have to believe in it. You have to do the grunt work to get it seen and read. You have to keep interest up about your work, attract readers, and keep them coming back.
The publisher is only print (and maybe a paycheck). They know they have something you want. So, they're going to make you work for it. Trick is, getting them to want what you have, too. Proving you're willing to work for them as much as yourself helps.
You've got to keep yourself out there.
The Writer Himself:
This, is the fun one . . .
When you find a market, or a project, you're on top of the world.
When you've finished a piece, you're damned proud of yourself and no one can put you under.
When you've revised it, polished it; made it your own, you're a master.
When you've clicked submit, send, or mailed it off, you're KING!
A second later, you're human.
That one second, those two heartbeats (one to feel it and one for you to realize it), you've gone from top of the world back to John Q. Public.
This is usually when I start to rethink every decision I've ever made while working on the project. Ha Ha (not too funny, really), I obsess about everything. If it wasn't a mistake in the piece, I fret over formatting (was my following the guidelines perfect enough???)
This is where the artist reverts back to the feeling being five years old and starting over in a new school. But, here's a news flash. You're done! The piece is written, the market and publisher found (worry about their decision when you hear it) and your work is on its own. But, you're done. Stop worrying.
Worst that could happen, and it will at some point, is the piece is turned down (they will usually state why in some form or another -- use that). Take any notes you get and pick yourself by the bootstraps. Try again.
Pieces can be rejected for nothing more than wrong timing in the market. That does not mean you wrote badly or they hated you (they don't know you, how can they hate you). It simply means that its time will come. Don't give up!
A friend of mine went through hundreds of rejections on her novel -- not even in the low hundreds. But, she stood by her work and kept trucking. She's now published and working on, I think, her third book. All it was was timing.
16 November 2011
16 November 2011
The project's going well. Seriously cannot say enough about outlining to focus the story down to a fine edge. Listing the events -- in order -- helps to move the plot along without too many hangups. Though, I do leave a bit of room for variants. Without character progression, what do we really have?
Cardboard.
Anyway, should have the piece drafted by tomorrow. And revised by Saturday night. Target is to submit by Monday.
Not entirely sure why I like Mondays . . . maybe because they're my Wednesdays. Gives me two days to 'play' before the weekend (get a new idea up and running, maybe even halfway drafted and the backstory down).
Also, in the new end of things, jotting down plans for a new website.
I set a goal that this blog would be a stepping stone as I gathered more publishers. Just a few more and I'll consider things read for step two: a complete site. Am not really into Twitter, so finding it rather useless. Which is reason enough to jump towards a full site.
All in all, this is my big rebuilding. Time off to do what I was supposed to do -- get a job (writing didn't count then), buy a house, and so on -- cut down on putting things out there. In all honesty, what little records I did keep from back then . . . I'm not even sure they still exist.
So, hence the work being put into this blog, the pieces I now try to get out and holding myself accountable more than before. If anything, this keeps things (goals, dreams, pursuits) in perspective. And all of this is worth it.
Every second.
Cardboard.
Anyway, should have the piece drafted by tomorrow. And revised by Saturday night. Target is to submit by Monday.
Not entirely sure why I like Mondays . . . maybe because they're my Wednesdays. Gives me two days to 'play' before the weekend (get a new idea up and running, maybe even halfway drafted and the backstory down).
Also, in the new end of things, jotting down plans for a new website.
I set a goal that this blog would be a stepping stone as I gathered more publishers. Just a few more and I'll consider things read for step two: a complete site. Am not really into Twitter, so finding it rather useless. Which is reason enough to jump towards a full site.
All in all, this is my big rebuilding. Time off to do what I was supposed to do -- get a job (writing didn't count then), buy a house, and so on -- cut down on putting things out there. In all honesty, what little records I did keep from back then . . . I'm not even sure they still exist.
So, hence the work being put into this blog, the pieces I now try to get out and holding myself accountable more than before. If anything, this keeps things (goals, dreams, pursuits) in perspective. And all of this is worth it.
Every second.
15 November 2011
Deadlines & Updates
Speak of the devil! An hour after the last post I found out the next project's deadline has been shortened by 4 weeks.
Two weeks to finish the rough draft, revise (twice) and submit? Guess it's game on.
Two weeks to finish the rough draft, revise (twice) and submit? Guess it's game on.
14 November 2011
14 November 2011
Finished the the revision, as best as I was ever going to get it, and submitted to the publisher. Now, it is just a waiting game.
NaNo's not been up to snuff. Can't say I'm surprised. Been more focused on work and family -- with one on the way, energy to do anything is a rare commodity. If it came down to it, I'd choose work and family.
I still like the project I've been saving for NaNoWriMo. It has great potential. But, more time to feel out the new genre and piece together a few more details (the characters are still too secretive for their own good) may not be a bad thing. Then again, the month's not over, yet. Any work I get in on it is observance I've paid to the month. For that, it would be worth it.
Upside, the ball is rolling for new work. That should take priority. With the horror piece out on its own, I can now work on the sci-fi piece I started early. Why wait when submission calls are known to close early?
NaNo's not been up to snuff. Can't say I'm surprised. Been more focused on work and family -- with one on the way, energy to do anything is a rare commodity. If it came down to it, I'd choose work and family.
I still like the project I've been saving for NaNoWriMo. It has great potential. But, more time to feel out the new genre and piece together a few more details (the characters are still too secretive for their own good) may not be a bad thing. Then again, the month's not over, yet. Any work I get in on it is observance I've paid to the month. For that, it would be worth it.
Upside, the ball is rolling for new work. That should take priority. With the horror piece out on its own, I can now work on the sci-fi piece I started early. Why wait when submission calls are known to close early?
11 November 2011
11 November 2011
Had a great weekend. Did absolutely nothing work related. No small feat, to be honest. But, did hear back from two betas. Both positive! Always nice to see.
Final draft is slotted for today, on a previous piece. And, have to say, taking time away was a great help. Keep forgetting how important it is to take a breath and let the mind (and muse) rest.
Have already gone through and marked the spots I need to elaborate on. Usually, cutting is the main course or action. This time, I did it in reverse.
Really looking forward to getting it out to the publisher. Then I can focus back on the NaNo and the next project.
NaNo was the one thing I planned to do while off. Never got around to it. There is, however, something to be said for family time.
Final draft is slotted for today, on a previous piece. And, have to say, taking time away was a great help. Keep forgetting how important it is to take a breath and let the mind (and muse) rest.
Have already gone through and marked the spots I need to elaborate on. Usually, cutting is the main course or action. This time, I did it in reverse.
Really looking forward to getting it out to the publisher. Then I can focus back on the NaNo and the next project.
NaNo was the one thing I planned to do while off. Never got around to it. There is, however, something to be said for family time.
09 November 2011
08 November 2011
Taking a break this eve, I got to flipping through the Writer's Journal . . . and found a few beginner's articles I absolutely loved. Yes, I still read those. Going back over the basics not only helps to drive in the 'duh' of structure (can't hurt) but, also, brings up sparks in the oddest of places, or just one's the muse had forgotten.
Tonight, I was reminded of both.
One article went over writing for the self and with one's own style. You can be inspired by another, writer or work, but should always strive to tell it your way. That, even to an experienced writer, should always be held close -- revived when needed.
Personally, in my own work, I do tend to fall victim to overlooking the importance of it. It's not often, mind you, but it does happen. A novel I recently put into hibernation, just until my son arrives, has had several rewrites in the outline plus the events inside. I know the story I wish to tell and how I want to tell it; how IT wants to be told. But, still I went through and changed two or three key pieces; wondering if a reader or publisher would prefer it the new way, rather than the story's way.
After that, I lost some of my own voice in the piece. It's survivable, just not ideal. And, if you wish to stand out, a death sentence. So, I went back and rewrote those pieces the way they were meant to be. Doing so changed the rest of the story. Mainly, the changes simply put it back the way it came. Nothing revision cannot fix!
The other article was about grammar. Calling it a necessity is an understatement. You can never learn enough about grammar when you write.
I do confess, I am a bit more lax in blog (and Facebook and Twitter, etc) than I would be for real.
I read these articles and reread books on the subject to keep it all fresh in my mind. Always seems to be a trick or two that falls into the fog between random uses. For that, I try to keep up when I come across articles like these.
That, also, falls into style and voice: how a technique is used, from the most basic to the elaborate. And that grammar/spell check will not catch it all. In fact, it's actually wrong with a number of exceptions. Something I wish someone would have told me sooner.
On the other hand, trial and error tends to make lessons stick.
So, write for yourself and your story. Forget the rest. When you're ready to revise, relax and do not stop until it's done.
No rough draft is perfect, most are down right slop, but they are the core of your piece and your vision. Embrace that and kill that critic when he tells you to throw it away. Keep your voice, hold to the basics, and polish the work until it makes you proud.
If it's not your own (it's all been done, but it is how you tell it), it will not be remembered.
With this rekindled vigor, I head back to my work. In the beginning, I was only concerned with the dream and poured that onto the page. As time grew on, and things became more about the bottom line. But, I cannot let that dream die. In it is my voice, my style, my heart, my story's life and soul.
Tonight, I was reminded of both.
One article went over writing for the self and with one's own style. You can be inspired by another, writer or work, but should always strive to tell it your way. That, even to an experienced writer, should always be held close -- revived when needed.
Personally, in my own work, I do tend to fall victim to overlooking the importance of it. It's not often, mind you, but it does happen. A novel I recently put into hibernation, just until my son arrives, has had several rewrites in the outline plus the events inside. I know the story I wish to tell and how I want to tell it; how IT wants to be told. But, still I went through and changed two or three key pieces; wondering if a reader or publisher would prefer it the new way, rather than the story's way.
After that, I lost some of my own voice in the piece. It's survivable, just not ideal. And, if you wish to stand out, a death sentence. So, I went back and rewrote those pieces the way they were meant to be. Doing so changed the rest of the story. Mainly, the changes simply put it back the way it came. Nothing revision cannot fix!
The other article was about grammar. Calling it a necessity is an understatement. You can never learn enough about grammar when you write.
I do confess, I am a bit more lax in blog (and Facebook and Twitter, etc) than I would be for real.
I read these articles and reread books on the subject to keep it all fresh in my mind. Always seems to be a trick or two that falls into the fog between random uses. For that, I try to keep up when I come across articles like these.
That, also, falls into style and voice: how a technique is used, from the most basic to the elaborate. And that grammar/spell check will not catch it all. In fact, it's actually wrong with a number of exceptions. Something I wish someone would have told me sooner.
On the other hand, trial and error tends to make lessons stick.
So, write for yourself and your story. Forget the rest. When you're ready to revise, relax and do not stop until it's done.
No rough draft is perfect, most are down right slop, but they are the core of your piece and your vision. Embrace that and kill that critic when he tells you to throw it away. Keep your voice, hold to the basics, and polish the work until it makes you proud.
If it's not your own (it's all been done, but it is how you tell it), it will not be remembered.
With this rekindled vigor, I head back to my work. In the beginning, I was only concerned with the dream and poured that onto the page. As time grew on, and things became more about the bottom line. But, I cannot let that dream die. In it is my voice, my style, my heart, my story's life and soul.
08 November 2011
07 November 2011
Branching out a bit by taking on a new genre: Noir. This could be quite fun! Normally, I stick to contemporary drama, horror, sci-fi, and fantasy.
It's always good to test new boundaries -- find and break new limits in thinking. Each genre has certain trains of thought and conveyance of those thoughts on the paper. Am truly looking forward to getting into the thick of things.
Right now, the outline needs a little more punching up, but it is coming along. Which is good because NaNoWriMo waits for no one.
Also, on the cork board is a sci-fi piece.. Not due until the end of December, but, if the muse is ready, ya gotta pounce! Dealing with the dark side of superpowers, it's actually quite conducive to the Noir mindset.
May both find a home in print. What more could an author ask for?
It's always good to test new boundaries -- find and break new limits in thinking. Each genre has certain trains of thought and conveyance of those thoughts on the paper. Am truly looking forward to getting into the thick of things.
Right now, the outline needs a little more punching up, but it is coming along. Which is good because NaNoWriMo waits for no one.
Also, on the cork board is a sci-fi piece.. Not due until the end of December, but, if the muse is ready, ya gotta pounce! Dealing with the dark side of superpowers, it's actually quite conducive to the Noir mindset.
May both find a home in print. What more could an author ask for?
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)