Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Shut up and write.

I have been organizing my notes and my thoughts. I have made an outline and a chapter summery. I have researched what is needed for synopsizes and queries. The only thing I noticed that I am not doing is writing. That is what works for me, just sitting in my favorite chair and pounding out two thousands words. The problem is I really want a full and pretty outline that I can refer to everyday and know what is going to happen. I want that comfort, but I guess I'm going to have to accept that this is the type of writer I am. The story and characters are always growing in my sub-conscience, I just wish I could have a little notice. So that little voice in my head says "Shut up Michelle and write" and I will just have to listen.

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Fever Writing is not the Same as Writing Fever

When I was stuck sick in bed this past weekend and bored I figured I could make the best out of a situation by revising. Little did I know my fever was in the process of spiking from 101-102.5. The next two hours I was stuck in some strange maze of adding and subtracting until I realized none of it made any sense at all. So here is what I've learned, I think I owe my creativity an apology. I treated it like it wasn't a job and didn't take it seriously. I wouldn't drive with a high fever so revising something I have worked almost a year on is definitely out. It is a job whether I'm being paid or not and it deserves my best attention. Just showing up isn't enough you need to be ready.

I would like to humbly implore that great god of writing to listen. I am sorry I took advantage of you and thank you for backup files. Amen.

Friday, September 18, 2009

Must have more talking!

Recently, I had the pleasure of attending my first writers conference. The strongest point that was stressed by authors and editors presenting was dialogue is the key to story movement. It is the best method to show and prevent telling. Also flashbacks of any kind will immediately stop the story. I am sorry to say that my current novel started with a flashback and the first twelve, very long sentences had no dialogue. Snore! I had no idea because I lovingly crafted that from a memory I twisted to fit the story. The reader doesn't care. He/she wants to jump right in and be submerged in the first few pages not hear about an old lady and her significance to me. So the changes are being made happily. I want teens to read my book not fall asleep.

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

My First Day!

I am a young adult writer that is attempting my first novel The Puzzle in Me. This was supposed to be yet another short story until I found myself writing more than twenty thousand words. The only reason I can see that caused the extension was the amount books I couldn't stop reading on psychic phenomena at the time.
So my newbie status is strong but I have decided this is what I want to do. I am a writer. I love everything about it. The daily sessions, revising, reading YA, watching crazy teen shows and the feedback you get from those who want you to succeed. Let me tell you one thing, its not always rainbows and sunshine. Sometimes its like tearing off a band aid but it is worth it if you want to grow. I have so much to learn and I plan on blogging about it every chance I get.