A writer's journey...

Love your book come edit time Most authors don't ever want to see "their baby" again by the time it's published. They've read it, revised it, and rewritten parts it more times than they care to count. What if I told you the process could be a little easier?  Why not take a proactive approach? Here are 5 steps to make editing easier from the first draft: 1) Research before you write your book. This can be forensics, procedure, weapons--basically anything that pertains to your story. 2) Outline. Now if you're more of a panster you might balk at this, but at this point, I see value in at least setting out with a rough outline. If you don't want to do this from the start, as the story gets going, jot out future scenes. The benefit to this is logical progression. I have learned this lesson the hard way and it resulted in more intensive edits and rewrites. 3) Write when you're alert and sober. Writing is a business. Would you ever show u...

You’ve finished your first draft and now it’s time to really get to work. The “play” time of creating a story and following along with your characters has ended—or has it? Like everything else, editing is about mindset. Do you look at it as a dredging task or do you focus on the shining gem your manuscript will be when you finish? Do you get weighed down analyzing word play (sentence structure, for example) or do you realize how you’re sharpening your manuscript? See, there are two ways of looking at a situation. If you view editing as a tedious necessity, it’s pretty safe to surmise that you don’t enjoy the process. Unfortunately, this is going to reflect in the end product. You’ll take shortcuts. You’ll declare something as finished just because you don’t want to look at it again. But what if you were to think about the end result instead of the process to get there? What if you accepted editing as a necessary step in making your book marketable, in getting it into the ...

When you tap into the creative side and the words pour out of you, it's euphoric —it's what I term "falling into the rabbit hole"—and it's even more magical than  Alice in Wonderland .   It's a kind of rush you can't get enough of and it seems it's something you can never truly prepare yourself for—or can you? Maybe you've been struggling with a manuscript or it's just finding the time to write. Maybe you're not sure about what comes next and you procrastinate to the point you haven't written in days. Part of you might feel like crawling under a rock and proclaiming your work in progress stalled to the point that you hide behind "writer's block."  I'm here to tell you there's no such thing as "writer's block," per se, it's another procrastination excuse invented by writers. Of course, there are times that things come up in our writing that leave us wondering what the next step should be...

Have you ever read a book and noticed that a certain character acted differently than you would have expected? Did it throw you out of the story? While most of us follow a somewhat predictable path in regards to our habits and response to repetitive situations, life events have the power to alter our reaction. When it comes to fictional characters, I always defer to real life. Have you, or anyone you know well reacted differently to a situation than you would have thought? I am certain you can think of many instances. Personally, two weeks ago, I took off last minute to see my sister who lives four and half hours away by car. I took the train adding about two hours to the journey with layovers, et cetera. But this isn’t something my husband or she ever saw coming. I’m usually a bit of a planner. I don’t typically travel alone. These are just two aspects of my personality that don’t “allow” for me to just drop everything and go. So, must characters in our books be any...

As human beings we have been gifted with five main senses of touch, taste, sight, hearing, and smell. We live in a world of color and textures that lift us up and feed our souls. Maybe you’re wondering how this ties into our writing? While it true that our work is fictional, as authors we do the best we can to make everything authentic. Even if you are a science fiction author, you would spring from elements taken in real life. Comparisons of some sort are required to establish setting and context. So how we create a rich tapestry that takes our readers from being a spectator to our story to feeling like they are a part of it?  One huge aspect of this is setting. Are you utilizing the five senses in your writing? Of course, it’s not logical or necessary to include all five senses in each and every scene. You definitely wouldn’t want to rhyme off the attributes as a laundry list of sorts. You will find as you hone your skill you’ll be able to paint a comprehensive sce...

Last week we discussed establishing character point of view at the onset of a new scene or chapter. (Click here to read this post.)  This week we are going to talk about establishing location. When I say location I’m not necessarily referring to the geographic element such as where in the world, but your reader needs to be able to picture your characters somewhere.  If you fail to provide location your characters might as well be acting out in front of a green screen--it’s the same equivalence. You would be leaving it up to your reader to place your characters. Needless to say this will likely make them confused and ultimately close your book which is the last thing you want. This element of setting a scene can be a tricky one as it’s not always necessary to point out in an obvious way where it’s taking place. It’s quite possible the scene is a continuation of an earlier one and your reader already has a vision of the surroundings. However, it’s up to you as the author...

Last week I announced the start of a serial post on Setting the Scene . Today’s topic is establishing the point of view character. Most books that we read are told from the viewpoints of several characters. I find this tapestry to also be effective in managing the pacing of a novel.  The question that might come to mind is with all of these different people, how do I establish the POV character in a scene so that there is no confusion for the reader? As readers get to know your characters, they become familiar with mannerisms and outlooks, attitudes, etc, that form their viewpoints of situations, but we should never leave it up to the reader to solve the riddle.  Make it clear from the start of the scene who the reader is with. This can accomplished by simply using their name in the first paragraph or an action tag to dialogue if the scene opens with them speaking. Once you’ve established whose point of view we are in, don’t head hop . This habit, unfortunately...

It's ironic how as authors we can be terrified of our own books. Sometimes the fear comes before we've even set ink to paper, or fingers to keyboard. Maybe it's our first book, or maybe it's our fifth. It doesn't matter. There can always be a bit of apprehension with any new project...but even more so when you're starting out with your first book, or a new genre to you. You wonder whether you should just dive on in, or if you should outline. Know this is a personal decision and you have to go with what works best for you. Typically you have been granted with the image of a scene, a character, or dialogue--maybe all three--and you know you have to write the book. Don't get weighed down in concerns, just write.  I know some authors who don't even write their books in chronological order. Scenes hit them and they write them. They fill in the book as they go along. (The thought of that scares me, but it's what works for them.) Some authors...

The above-noted advice came from a traditionally-published author who was a panel at the Bouchercon Convention. As writers, that's our goal, is it not?  We want to write, not just an okay novel, but a "damn good" one.  But, it might not be as easy as it sounds. After all, we have a lot to balance--a personal life, domestic responsibilities, secular obligations, and the list goes on. With all of this encroaching in on us, how are we supposed to find the time to dedicate to our next great novel? As career-minded writers, from the beginning it is impressed upon us that we need to have an active Twitter account, a blog, a website, an online presence that extends to Facebook, Linkedin, Google+, Pinterest...am I missing any? But the advice received from this panel was to focus, first, on the writing. Other comments added were, 'if you're not a blogger, don't blog', 'if you don't like Twitter, don't tweet'.  You get the point. The ultimat...

To survive, you must tell stories. -- Umberto Eco Do you feel like you were meant  to be a writer? If so, you're not alone. I feel exactly the same way. I can't imagine being without my words to paper. There is something therapeutic about it, a calming energy that tamps down worries from my real life, and even if it's only for a brief time I escape into the world I'm creating. People who are not writers may not understand this need, this drive, this inner compulsion to keep on writing, to build new worlds, to meet new characters of their own creation. While readers get attached to the characters they read about, and they take on a life to them (if the author has done their job right), as authors these characters are breathing entities of whom we can't get enough of. There's always a book idea, or many, brewing in our minds. Characters who need their story told and won't take no for an answer.  It can be said as authors we hear voices. I know I ...

We’ve all heard of the phrase ‘murder our darlings’, well, as authors, we should be doing it all the time. Being a successful author involves meticulous self-scrutiny, discipline, and sacrifice. One of our goals should be  to make it so that our readers don’t skip a word. Sound like an impossible feat? Well, it’s a great one to strive for in my opinion. How do you know what to cut? Here's a quick to-cut checklist: 1) Re-read the sentence in question without the eliminated words. Does it change the meaning? If not, lose it. You just tightened your manuscript. 2) Eliminate “crutch” words. We all have our favored ones, but some could be just, only, that, simply, smirk (please kill this one unless necessary), walked, looked, and stared to name a few. 3) Is something inferred, or implied? Then it might not be necessary to mention it. For example, one character says something and the next to talk disregards what was said. There is no need to make a com...

Why don’t you reach goals you set? Often times, the answer is you. That’s right.  Think about this for a moment. The last goal you put in front of yourself--what was it? What kept you from reaching it? Most of us set a goal and then think about the obstacles that may arise on our way to reaching it. We contemplate how we will overcome these. Possibly we dwell a little too long on the “overall picture” and, in concept, what an accomplishment it would be. Maybe we’ve run through it so many times that when we actually go to work toward it, we’re exhausted.  Then there are those of us who have a doubting attitude from the start. Well, it would be great “if”, but I’m not sure I’ll be able to do it. Here I am speaking to you from experience! I had an “ah ha” moment the other day and realized why I don’t reach writing goals I set for myself.  See, it’s easy to pile on excuses. “Well, I have this book to edit.” “I have revisions coming back from my editor on this...

The above-noted question is a dilemma many self-published authors face.  After all, we're the entire package.  We're the writer, the editor (even though we also hire professionals), and the marketer.  We stop producing, guess what? Sales will slow down.  So what is an author to do? We look at the successful self-pubbed authors and we know that we need to produce quality books and the more the better, but how can we find time and the creative muse to do so when we're stressed about finalizing edits on an upcoming release?  (Side thought: I find stress about money and time to be the biggest creativity killers.) Well, I had a little bit of a break through yesterday.  Logically the goal plan can work, but it will take commitment.   I was fortunate that when I set out on my self-publishing course, I had several novels already written so I've been working through having them professionally edited and published.  I have 3 more releases p...

She smiled.  This was the happiest she had been in a  long time. As authors we hear the phrase  “s how don't tell ”  often.  When we’re starting out it’s a trickier feat to accomplish than after we’ve been writing for a while, but there is still no room for an author to get lazy. To simply state how a character feels, or appears when it comes to emotion is taking an easy way out--and a boring road for our readers.  Since we’d never want to head down that path, it’s imperative that we continuously call ourselves out on this. For example, a POV character makes the observation that another is feeling upset.  Does the narrative simply read, “He knew that she was upset with him”, or does it show us what makes him come to that conclusion?  Think of it this way, what characteristics or mannerisms indicate a person is upset/angry?  Even pull this from your own life and the people around you.  Take your spouse.  How do y...

Should I have a prologue or epilogue? Is this chapter too long? Should I include accents in my dialogue? What about foreign language—should I use it or re-cap in English? Should I write it in first, third, or a combination of viewpoints? Does that first sentence really grab the reader or should I change it? As a writer, all or some of these questions may have hit you at one point or another.  And I’m sure there’s a lot I’m missing.  After all, we work hard on our manuscripts and we want them as perfect as possible.  You may have found yourself reaching out to a trusted friend in person or through an online community to try and find the answers you seek.  I’m here to tell you, with most of the above, the answer lies in you. It’s your story, and only you know the best way to tell it. Of course, there’s no harm in seeking opinions, but at the end of all of it, the decision lies with you.  My advice?  Follow your heart. If you...

As an author, it’s our job to make sure that our readers are fully engaged in our work.  To make this happen, various elements come into play.  The obvious ones are relatable and compelling characters and a well-paced plot line that holds interest, but these cannot be accomplished if we don’t have command of the language and keep our manuscript tight. In my recent editing path, I came across some words that I think should die and made a note of them.  They don’t carry their weight and nine times out of ten can be eliminated without a tear.  I’ve provided examples for some.  Of course, there is no rule that says the words below shouldn’t be used in a manuscript, but we would want to use them sparingly if at all.  Just Simply Only – has its place but use for special emphasis.             Example:  This is only the beginning. Reason:  In this case it’s impl...

“When you feel it, your audience does.” --Nicki Minaj The above-noted advice was given to a contestant on a popular singing competition, but it applies to writing as well.  Here’s how. Have there ever been days that you made yourself write?  I’m sure you know the days...when you have a goal you want to reach, you’re consumed by a word count and are determined to attain it whether you’re feeling it or not.  How do you feel about those scenes when you’re writing them? Don’t get me wrong.  There are times when you make yourself write that something truly magical happens—the characters take over, bringing you with them in an unexpected, yet pleasant direction.  But there are times such writing sessions can result in mechanical writing. Now contrary to that are the moments you are writing a scene and your heart is racing, your breathing speeds up, you can stop laughing, or tears fall down your cheeks.  You are truly caught up in what is b...

One bulb at a time.  At least that’s how the story goes to explain the above field of daffodils.   Nearly one million were planted over a period of forty years. Ever feel like you’re never going to accomplish your goals?  Sometimes we set rather large ones for ourselves--yet they are attainable.  We’ve heard it said before, ‘break down larger goals into smaller ones’.  And the advice is sound.  Think about writing a novel.  The task may seem very daunting when you start out, but as the words start to flow, the story comes together, and before you know it you’ve written a full length novel. Maybe you have yet to reach your goal of completing a novel.  Take heart.  A book may be made up of 60,000-100,000+ words, but when you break that down, what do you have?  One word at a time. The same advice and mindset can be taken when in the editing process, which can sometimes feel more daunting than a first draft. B...

Before I decided I wanted to publish my books, I never gave any thought to all the work that went into a book.  I just read them and enjoyed them. Now I'm on the other side of the equation.  I'm the author.  My brand is my name, my reputation, and as a slight perfectionist it can drive one a tad crazy.  Maybe you can relate to this?   Especially when it comes to the process of editing.  How many times do you read through the manuscript before passing it along to a professional editor?  How many more times do you go through it afterward?   If you're not published yet and are still at the stage where you're trying to complete that first novel, don't deceive yourself.  Editing, writing, and publishing is a lot of work! (Marketing is another post.) So does that mean you give up before you start?  Do you call it quits after you've started?  NO!  And you know why?  Because the perfect relationship for an autho...

You might hear a lot of writers comment about how they have more ideas than they have time to write.  Maybe you're among them--but what if you're not?  Then what do you do? Well, inspiration is all around us.  It's up to us to take advantage of it.  There are times when we may find it hard to write because of stress or other life situations that crowd out our creative voice. Where can we find inspiration?   Here are 4 ways: 1) Writing prompts.  They are all over the Internet.  Just search for them. 2) Read local news.  As they say life is stranger than fiction.  You might find something really unique to work with and build on. 3) Start small.  Maybe a novel is overwhelming and stifling  your creativity.  Open it up by writing flash fiction.  Search Google Images for whatever subject you have in mind.  When you find a picture that speaks to you copy it and write a little passage o...