Read! Read Anything and Everything!

Last week I mentioned how I was at the lowest point in my writing. I felt hopeless and as if nothing could bring the spark again. To be honest, I almost gave up last week. There was a thought that ran through my mind and I'm ashamed of that thought now. But since we're all writers, I can share and I know you'll understand. I thought of deleting my novel from my files. Why? I didn't think it was good enough. I didn't think I had the greatness to hone the craft. I won't go on to explain everything again, you can read my past post and perhaps gain some encouragement from it. But I will tell you what I did to rekindle the fire within my chest. I read a book. Sounds simple, right? Well, read along and you'll sooner discover.

Last week Bethany House Publishers sent me one of their newest releases, asking if I can review this book for them. Of course I agreed and once the book came in I began reading. It didn't take long and my writing juices were back up, probably higher than before actually. I read and my eyes spotted great sentences, descriptions, dialogue, context, character development, and much more. I then turned back to my novel and skimmed through a few of the chapters I composed months ago. I read them and I was impressed. You must have a healthy balance of pride for your work because if you don't believe it's good, who will? You need to believe you can do something and even while you're doing it, don't ever give up. There is greatness in you and you can master the skill of writing a book. You can write a short story of 1,000 words, it's possible. You need to put your mind to it. Read books. Read anything to inspire you. Sometimes I'll search for encouraging quotes on writing and read those. Because sometimes all it takes is that little push to get us back on the road and once we're there, there's no turning back. If you have the passion in your heart to write, then don't fight against it, fight for it.

Reading helps bring out the best in your writing. It can establish new ideas for you or plainly encourage you that you too can write something. Yesterday morning was one of my days where I was discouraged, more like depressed. I have a birthday coming up and this whole thing is bringing me down. It has nothing to do with my writing actually. I told a friend of mine that I feel incompatible, wondering what have I accomplished in my life. When he shot back words, "Not many have written book in your age" I realized how true that is. We each have done something differently but have accomplished something great. And if writing is your strength, get out there and write. So I beg you to not give up. You will fall down as a writer and you'll hit the ground real hard but when you do, you must get right back up. Read something inspirational to get you started again and once you're back on track, don't get off. It's harder to stay on than to stray off.

Read, read, read. Writing comes from reading and reading comes from writing. They go hand in hand. Master the basics of literature and whatever you do with your life, don't ignore your calling. If it takes you to go the extra mile to achieve it, then do it. Don't stop now. Read historical, mystery, romance, adventure, contemporary, Christian, how-to, articles, testimonials, and whatever else you can get your hands on. You've come too far to let go and forget you were a writer. Because if you really are a writer, you'll be strong enough to fight the deadliest words about your craft. You'll be brave enough to step out on your own. And you'll be persistent enough to finish.

It's done! Now What?

Last week I sent a book proposal off to a publisher and now the dreadful, anticipating, nerve-racking wait comes. Well, what do you do through the wait and how do you stop from going crazy? I'm still figuring it out.  I think the key is, stay busy.

Remember I mentioned that I went to a Writer's Conference two weeks ago. At that conference I received interest from a publisher and their house. Ironic as this sounds, I didn't know how to react. I remember saying, "So what you do you want me to do?" Something completely ridiculous like that. I believe the publisher looked at me with the queerest expression ever. Her immediate response, "A book proposal." I nodded and then walked out of the room with a confused look filling my face. Someone I met at the conference asked how the meeting went and I dumbly said, "They want my book proposal, why?" He looks at me and nearly lost it, I now believe he wanted to rattle me and yell in my face what really just happened. 

So you write the great novel. All of the pages are done. Everything you ever imagined is done. You close the computer and are actually getting a good night's sleep tonight. But before you do that, you think. Perhaps you're scratching your head and feel more confused and overwhelmed now more than ever. The whole novel writing was painful, but the next steps might even be worse. That's exactly what happened to me. I finished my novel with this great ending (at least I think so) and I proudly closed my laptop and cupped my face in my hands. I sat still for the first time in months and stared at nothing. I just finished my novel!! Eeeek!!!! Okay, I thought, now I can sleep and perhaps award myself with something tasty to eat. After all, I've worked months on this manuscript, I need to revive a bit. The moment I got up from my chair I began thinking about the future of this book. My characters were taken care of. They weren't hanging on a string and waiting to either fly or fall. But my purpose and intent on writing this book was just about to begin and I had no idea about the process. I raked my hands through my hair and exhaled deeply. For now I would treat myself with something good and then get back with it. 

I gave myself three days before I opened the book again and began editing. In that time I was looking at publishers but noticed the hard work of getting in. Again, I had to remind myself what my purpose is in writing this book. I recommend you do that too because it's so easy to lose yourself through the process. I stumbled upon self-publishers and contacted a few but never felt easy enough to do that (I'll discuss that process in the upcoming posts). Eventually I attended the Writer's Conference in my area (third largest in nation) and my golly goodness, I thought my stomach was about to fall out five minutes prior to my meeting with the Editorial Assistant. It's no joke, I was shoved into the room by a fellow writer friend. At that moment I forget everything I was going to say, I didn't even remember what my book was about. I had my pitch (the novel in a brief verbal synopsis, must be captivating) laid out but it vanished. Thankfully I got through the meeting and the editorial assistant ended saying, "Please send us your book proposal." I knew what a book proposal was, I read about it everywhere but to be honest, I never, NEVER, NEVER EVER expected that to happen to me. Now what?

Write a book proposal. 

• Cover Letter (introduce yourself and your book, intro starts with a hook--often the back cover blurb)
• Brief Synopsis (no more than 2 pages)
• First Three Chapters of the Book (or whatever the publisher asks for)

And remember: a publisher or editor will only ask for your book proposal if they're interested. 

That's it. There you have your book proposal. I was told to get it done in five days and that I did. Was I stressed? Yes. Why? Because I didn't expect this to happen but expect for the best and prepare for the harvest. Work on it now to have it complete and anticipate that good things will happen! And now that I'm waiting and we all know waiting can be a long process. I'm working on a new novel to keep the flow going. I don't want to stop the ideas when I'm full of them. Besides, they have to go somewhere so might as well fill papers of ideas up and get new characters excited. 

Keep writing!

I Am Refueled

Last week I had the opportunity of attending a four day writing conference. I had many sleepless nights, had to force myself from not dozing off during sessions, was slap-happy at night, didn't feel out of place and weird, and couldn't contain anymore information by 8 every night. But the experience was so worth it. I learned so much, more than any college English class could probably give me. I received information from published writers, many authors who are in my niche. I discovered my audience and the focus I'm writing to. Not only did I gain encouragement and direction in my writing, I was given an extra source of confidence. During last week I discovered my real interest and that is writing. For awhile I thought it was something else, but last week showed me that my degree will remain in the Fine Arts department, my path is stuck to writing, like it or not, I can't go back. It was incredible to meet so many writers, many with a similar interest as mine and others geared elsewhere. Every day I would sit and eat with someone else. I had the chance to converse with writers who have been writing for 30 plus years and then students who just picked up this avenue.

The conference, Write-to-Publish, was such a great experience. I made friendships with many of the people I met and we ate off of each other's ideas. On Friday I had two appointments with editors. Believe me, it was not easy to convince myself to talk with them. I was nervous and scared they wouldn't like my ideas. A friend I met at the conference had to literally push me in the auditorium to conduct this meeting. Before this interview my focus was different. I aimed for a degree in the health and wellness area. I didn't think I would have much of a chance in the writing avenue. I love writing and would definitely keep it up, but I figured it would be awhile before any editor or publisher would be interested in my work. It took that little shove and then the click in my mind that in order to get out there I need to put myself out there. I was surprise to find a book publisher interested in my book--you might know what I've been up to all week: composing a book proposal! I know this doesn't mean everything, it's just the start. I have one foot in the doorway and the rest will be left to the Lord.

Find your niche. Know what you're doing and if the thing your doing begins to let you down, pick it back up and press on. There is power in waiting and you'll soon see the rewards. I don't know where life is taking me, all I know is that I'm called to write and how dare I run away from that passion. I cannot imagine leaving my characters alone, whatever will they do. To not write is like stabbing myself, a pain so deep and real. Go back to that real calling, the passion that lies within your heart. I encourage you to attend writer's conferences, they are fun and encouraging, but also overwhelming so take it a step at a time. You establish friendships with like-minded people who enjoy what you enjoy. But make sure you are always writing. Keep the fire burning within and don't let it die just because of criticism, rejection, or lost of passion. Perhaps you will just write for fun, for family and friends only. Again, I encourage you to keep it going and never fail in what you're doing. Being a writer is an honorable job. And yes, there may be days were you feel entirely alone because you are alone, or you feel rejected and think this job is incompatible, but I reassure you, if you were called to it, don't ignore it.

If you're feeling down, remember this. Rethink your life and what your goals are. What do you want to do? Chances are, you'll have a much clearer vision after that. I sure did. It took me good darn while to realize I'm a writer so I write. I live in my books and take notes wherever I go--I have it in me. I am now refueled and energized to tackle any project in front of me.

• Read
• Rewrite
• Adapt
• Listen
• Passion
• Dream/Pray
• Revise
• Persistence
• Originality
• Intact

Those eleven points came from the mouth of authors and editors. It is their advice that keeps me going and I pray it'll keep you going as well! 

Stop reading. Go write. 

The Inner-Clock

I had a very unusual week this past week. I was off of work, well kind of. My job was replaced with being home with my siblings and schooling them. Now, I tell you, that is way harder than any kind of job in the world. It requires patience, diligence, more patience, time, brain work, endurance, and hope that the hours will pass quickly! Ha! Okay, so yes my week was a bit out of the loop, not in the usual routine. My writing session was an hour earlier than normal and believe me, I felt it. The first two days I struggled to get the words down. I would think and think but the words wouldn't come. Finally by the third day I was getting used to it and got in my mode. I know, it sounds so strange and almost picky like I can't think otherwise and HAVE to have that time. To be honest, there's some truth to that. Normally I write from 3:30pm-5:30pm every day. For me that time is set in my mind and I don't get out of it. There was only one time in the past month that I skipped that time and that was when I had to pick my parents up at the airport. Again, it's been a very unusual month and life over here. So yes, I was out of the zone. My fingers were set to the keyboard but nothing happened, I literally stared at a blank page for more than twenty minutes and that never happens to me. 

I recommend keeping a stable time to write. It helps to psych yourself and schedule that daily writing time. It'll become a habit before you know it and then when you do happen to skip time, you'll feel very unproductive, almost lost. It wasn't my fault that I had to switch things up, it just happened to be that my parents needed me to be home while they were out of state. At first I panicked when I couldn't get in the writing muse. I nearly lost my mind and felt very useless and helpless. I didn't know what to do to wake up those creative juices. I stood, twirled around, drank water, shook my head, took deep and long breaths, listened to my favorite music, and read old posts and manuscripts, as well as pieces I'm currently working on. Nothing helped. Finally I decided to just write, no matter how crappy or senseless it sounded, I was going to do it. I did. And what I wrote was surprisingly good. So what was all that about? I was out of zone. It wasn't my usual time and I'm sure if I would have changed all of the clocks to 3:30 I would have been convinced it was time to write. I pressed on though. I realized that I needed to be flexible with my writing, just as with life in general. 

Writing and life go hand in hand. If you cannot be flexible in life and adapt to the changes that swing your way, you will not be able of accomplishing very much when things get messy. Writing is the same. Writing is fun. Writing is a dread. Writing is joyous. Writing stinks. Writing is all of the above and more. I highly recommend setting a routine and writing at that time. I also think it's a great idea to write to a certain amount of words or pages, or time, however you like to count it. I write every day in my current project until I reach 1,000 words. Once I reach that many words I either decide to stop or go on--I always carry on for another 200 or so. It's important to set those goals for your day and reach them. A serious writer will set goals and try to reach them. Set attainable goals, goals that you can see reaching in a day, not a lifetime. I'm always pleased when I reach my word quota for the day. 

So what can you gain from all of this? Be flexible. But set a schedule too. It definitely won't hurt you, but be reasonable. If you train your body to write at a certain time of the day it'll do it. I write every morning and every afternoon. I tried writing in the evening last week and I liked it, not as much as the afternoons, but it definitely wasn't a blooper. Try different times and find your time. Perhaps you're one of those writers who can write anytime of the day, if not, that's okay. Honestly, I'm not. I get confused when I'm not in my chair at the same time each day, but if the change happens, accept it and move on. Just write. That's the only help. 

Write because you cannot stop writing. Write because you love it. Write because it's part of your life. 

Third Person Perspective

To be honest, this is my favorite kind of writing. It's easy and comes naturally--or at least for me. The thing about third person perspective is that you as the writer are the narrator. You get to know ALL of your characters. You're stuck in your character's minds and you decide what to do, not the main character deciding or others deciding for you. If you want to kill someone today, then do it. I tend to just write in this perspective, just because I'm most used to it and find it the most enjoyable. This perspective allows you as the writer to have more freedom in how the story is told. You may decide to change a particular character's thinking a bit, but don't go out and change it drastically. Remember to stay consistent. I believe writing in first person and third person both have their advantages and one, more than the other, will have its place in a story. It depends on what your motive is. What are you trying to say? And will it sound better in the third person perspective?

• Third Person Limited--narrator only knows the thoughts and feelings of a single character
• Third Person Omniscient--narrator knows all the thoughts and feelings of all characters 
• He, she, it, they 

If you want to know all of your characters then choose to write in third person omniscient. If this isn't a concern for you, then write in third person limited. Perhaps it's easier and more natural for you to just know one of your characters in and out. It might be confusing to know all of your characters, perhaps it's too overwhelming--understandable. Don't overwhelm yourself with your writing right away. Writing does get overwhelming the moment you're on a deadline, but if you're writing just for fun, don't stress out about it, have fun. 

Third Person Limited: Janie Smith, she doesn't know a thing about her brother, Johnny. If she only had a single idea what was going through his mind, things might make it easier for them to relate. She wants to know, but he won't open up to her. Ever since papa died, the family died with him. Johnny is cold-heart and broken, the opposite from Janie. She is open, willing to work through the disaster and open a new door. Her papa always told her to work things out, if only Johnny understood. 

Third Person Omniscient: The house was too quiet without Mary and Joe. They were the ones who always brought it to live, even on the rainiest days. A single tear slid down her cheek. Susan peeled her coat off, resting her lazy and tired body on the sofa. If only Mary and Joe were still around. Fall always had a way of tearing people apart, that's what Mary always said anyway. 

Find YOUR aspect of writing. I have covered each perspective so now that you have this down, it's time for you to choose your alley and get writing. If you have been writing for weeks already, congrats. But if you're still waiting for that perfect moment, wake up, the perfect moment never comes. You need to write in order to find it! I'll start a new "mini" series next week. 

Keep writing! 

POV--First Person

I said. You said. He said. 

POINT OF VIEW (POV)! Another important element when writing fiction....which one out of the three should you write in? There are four different angles you can write from:

• First Person
• Third Person Limited
• Third Person Omniscient 
• Second Person

Each perspective has its place in fiction/novel writing. The kind of view you choose is entirely up to you. The first three perspectives are relatively common, the last one is the oddball. I haven't read too many books writing in second person, all because it's a whole different world. Recently I read a book written in first person and I was immediately captivated. It felt as if I were walking with the protagonist, experiencing her problems and struggles. After that book I went straight into another book, now told from third person limited--a TOTAL different approach. I'm more used to this kind of writing but once I read the first person story, it was hard to switch over. Because this is a wide topic to discuss, we'll go through each perspective over the course of four weeks. I'm partly doing this because there's a lot to remember and I have a sprained wrist...ha, a sprained wrist and a writer don't match. It's a writer's worst enemy. I feel limited to SO much this week. Okay, I won't complain about my incapability. With each week I'll cover one of the perspectives and then write a brief example. 

First person.

A novel written in first person is written from the account of one person. You'll ride along with this person and go through whatever journey they are faced with. You'll experience what they are experiencing, feel what they feel, react how they react, and relate to similar things. Writing in first person can be exciting but also daring. If the job is done well the reader will feel as if he went right along with your main character. 

Writing from this perspective will teach you the many uses of the pronouns "I" and "we". You'll explore with these pronouns and learn how to build a story around the protagonists life. Every detail must be filtered through the storyteller. First person point of view is the most friendliest all of writing. The reader feels well acquainted with the story and the character, almost feeling like a best friend relationship. There are things the character will tell you the reader but no one else in the story. First person view point is fun to write and explore with. You can create a story of fun, drama, tragedy, horror, mystery, romantic, or imaginary. The moment the story starts the reader will be stuck in the character's mind. For beginner writers this can be a trickier kind of viewpoint because you need to know your character. You need to choose which character will be impacted and tell the story. Once you have that figured out, you'll have to bond with your character in an inseparable way.

Remember to keep your point of view consistent throughout the story. What I mean by this is, you cannot change the viewpoint every single scene. You'll confuse your reader for sure. In first point view the character will do all the talking, you're just writing. Don’t let your first person story turn into simple observation (Show, don’t tell!). The character needs to be involved--to react to events physically and verbally--not just describe the reactions of others. First person creates an intimate perspective. You'll feel connected and if the author does an outstanding job with placing the character on a beach, you might find yourself having to dump the sand out of your pocket once you're back from the beach. Describe the emotions, physical attributes, mental images, and anything else occurring. 

Have fun! Get to know your character first and then get writing. You need to be relaxed when approaching this kind of writing or else your reader will feel the tension through your character. You may discover that first person is not your type of writing and that's okay. Explore, it's the only way you'll figure it out. 

This week's example! I wonder why I'm still awake when I really should be asleep. Why did he have to react that way? Doesn't he know how much I care for him? Doesn't he know that all I want is for him to listen? I wonder if he even thinks of me? I doubt it. Who am I that he would even care? I guess I'll never know. I'll be here, alone and clueless about everything. I don't even understand my thoughts anymore, and my toes are freezing. How I hate winter and being alone! -----> clearly we know that the character is unhappy. 

Who Said What?

Have you ever caught yourself reading a book and then saying, "Hey, this sounds just like (fill in the blank)..." or, "Isn't this one of his/her books?" You then flip the book over and your eye glances at the author's name and sure enough you're right. Credit goes to both you and the author. You have practiced distinguishing the words and the author has been stable with his choice of words--diction.

 So what makes someone's work recognizable?


                         Voice.

Voice simply is the style and the way you talk in print. It's the words that you craft that make others say, "Oh yeah, that's so and so."

So how do you become recognizable? Practice. Practice writing different things. Try writing in a humorous way, dramatic, mysterious, romantic, and contemporary/casual. Try various writing techniques. Experiment with your words. Remember, each one of us are different. You talk differently and act differently from everyone else, so your writing too will be different. The worst mistake that you can do is to pretend to be someone else. Don't try to sound like a best selling author. They have their own techniques and styles, you need to compose your own kind of words. Let your thoughts form the words, you have your own unique way to sound, so you too will achieve that recognizable voice. You don't want someone to read your work someday and say, "Hey that doesn't sound like her/him!" It's not only disheartening to you but the original author. Write anything and everything and explore the many options of writing.

How to make your voice YOURS!

1. Write as much as possible
2. Write in a journal
3. Write in a letter format (a letter to a friend perhaps)
4. Write about your day
5. Write the things you see and experience daily
6. Write about the thoughts going through your mind
7. Don't worry how your words sound, just write
8. Write like you talk--be yourself
9. Write what you know
10. Write about your personality 

The examples above can help stir your voice and make it come alive. The grammar and style will come after, you first need to establish a stable voice. Your writing will shine because of this. It will blossom like a young rose. I find that the most rewarding aspect is that it becomes recognizable. Recently someone told me that they picked up an article I composed. They didn't know that I wrote it at first but by the second sentence, they said, "Yeah, that's Vanessa alright!" For me, that's encouraging. It tells me that finally all of the practice and action I have put into my words not only are alive but they are mine and someone just noticed it. 

Writes tend to worry. Don't worry. I know that sounds like an understatement but there isn't any other explanation. Don't worry what you sound like through your writing, you may not sounds as professional as Bob or as slick as Susie. IT'S YOU. This is your writing and your voice, the one you were born with. Experiment with different writing tools. Try writing long sentences, the ones that flow and go on and on forever and eventually can lose you if you don't stay on track but they are the sentences that still carry a lot of meet. Or write short. To the point. Powerful. 

Remember your goal for writing as well. You're writing because you CAN'T NOT write and you're writing because you have message to share. Think of your writing in this context. You're a proud parent of what you have just written. It's beautiful and it's your own voice and words. Don't let anyone else tear you down with their harsh criticism. You may eventually notice that you'll gain more than one voice. You may sound formal in your historical novel, tacky in the article for New York Times, casual in your short story, or wild in the comic. There are many different voices and once you find them, you'll be amazed. It'll be an experience that's overwhelming but exciting at the same time. You're voices are there, they are waiting for you to open up and crawl out of your shell. 

Come alive and write!