What’s Up Wednesday: Sep 5

Oh hi blog world!

So I’m a bit out of practice when it comes to this whole blogging thing. But here’s what I’ve been up to since we last spoke:

1. Still not dead. Yep, alive and kicking

2. I finished a major rewrite of a YA Thriller that takes place in Tokyo. My writer’s group’s frequent feedback was it wasn’t following enough of a thriller track and after some hard looks I had to agree with them. So I pondered and pondered for months. Part of my process is basic outlining, because then I know where the paths lead and if that’s the path I want to take or not. I feel like it’s a combo between plotting and pantsing.

It didn’t turn out exactly the way I had thought, which was fun. And I ended up creating a new character because of it, but I think it made sense. Plus I seem to have a habit of creating characters and then not really using them, but in this draft I brought an underutilized character to the forefront. I understand the appeal in imagining you can get it right the first time, but when you realize that writing is a journey and rewrites are going to happen if you want a good story, you sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride. Well, okay, most of it. There are those moments where you want to pull your hair out because the rewrite still needs some tweaks. But overall, worthwhile.

3. Finished a short article for a magazine. Another writer friend of mine said she thought it was the best thing I’d ever written. I’m going to submit it to the magazine this week and see what happens. Fingers crossed. And of course I’ll keep you updated.

4. The hubs and I are trying something called My Miracle Tea which is supposed to be like a major detoxifier. What does that mean? You get to poop, a lot. But it’s supposed to help with your liver and kidneys which, if too junked up, may contribute to stomach weight gain. We both feel like our stomachs could use a little extra help. I’ll let you know more about that as we go along. Why did I even get on this tea in the first place?

5. Foot zoning! It sounds like witch doctoring, but I feel like it’s legit. What is it? Someone gives you what is likely the most painful foot massage of your life and is able to tell you what’s going on in your body. I might still be skeptical of that much, except she knew stuff I hadn’t even mentioned. But to add to that, I also went to see a hormone specialist and they pointed out and recommended the same things.

Now granted, I’ve only been one time, so I can’t attest to the validity of all of it. But the friend who recommended me has personal stories of migraines going away after drinking teas this lady recommended, as well as discovering the lactose intolerance of a kid that doctors hadn’t pointed to. You can still skeptic away if you want, but I’m keeping an open mind after hearing and experiencing all of that. Besides, I’m more of the homeopathic mind when it comes to health these days.

That is NOT to say I think all pharma is bad. Some people really do need the medications they are on. Are we overprescribed in general? I think so. But does that mean all pharma is bad. Nope.

And that about covers it. I’m letting the rewrite of item 2 get cold before editing it. So in the meantime I’m kicking around another idea. I don’t know if you’d call it urban fantasy. Or steampunk futuristic, but it’s more of a middle grade story. And it’s weird. But I’m really liking it.

Okay, that’s what’s up with me? What’s up with you?

Row80 Check-In Oct 29

Saw this coming into work one day.  Sometimes I feel like everyone else is oblivious to these changes. I’m fascinated with these colors, but it’s hum-drum to the people around me. I don’t get it. Can someone explain it to me?

And now the goals:

• Write at least 3 short stories intended for publication.  I’ll probably try my hand at several more than three, but the hope is to find three gemstones among the rocks.
  I got some more feedback on Magic Color Tree, which included a great suggestion for a title, Trick or Tree.  Those who have read the story will known it fits it perfectly.  So long temporary title!  Hello fun, new one!  I haven’t written any new short stories yet, but I’m thinking it may be best to just focus on Trick or Tree for awhile, especially since the contest is coming up soon (Nov 15).

• Read the helpful books to prepare me for the editing fest that will be late November early December on Shade.
  
  Received King’s On Writing in the mail and glanced over it a little.  I’m busy with McKee’s Story, but I’m eager to take a look at On Writing.  To be honest, I’ve been a bit of a slacker lately.  I can’t seem to get up in the mornings, which throws my whole day off schedule and often I have to drive into work instead of riding the train—where I get my reading done.  Hopefully Wednesday’s check-in will prove more fruitful.

• Have read all 201 available Anton Chekhov’s short stories from ibiblio, sprinkled with Hemingway and Bradbury.
  
  I’ve read 22 of 201 Chekhov short stories.

• Once December hits, tear Shade apart and polish it to pure awesomeness!  Coming in December…

Just had one of those weeks last week.  What can I say?  I think they’re a normal part of any writer’s life, so no need to beat myself up about it.  Instead I’m hoping to make up for it this week and make real progress.

How are you doing on your goals?  Did you have one of those weeks last week or did you feel pretty productive?

Row80 Check-In Oct 24

All right guys, I’m a little late with my Row80 check-in, but I got a little distracted, you see, by this:

Yeah, I’ve probably watched it a dozen or so times already.  At this point I’m good with Iron Man 7, but I guess we’ll see how we progress with Iron Man 3.  And then, just as I was sitting to write down my progress, I got a little distracted with this:

Unfortunately it isn’t playing in my city… yet.  We tend to like these kinds of films here in Utah, so I won’t be surprised if it gets here soon.  Now with that out of the way, I can finally share a delightful fall picture from the complex where I live.

And now, the goals:

• Write at least 3 short stories intended for publication.  I’ll probably try my hand at several more than three, but the hope is to find three gemstones among the rocks.I’m currently on draft #3 of the short story tentatively titled Magic Color Tree.  Although it’s a placeholder title, but I think it’s growing on me.  We’ll see as drafts progress with this little baby.No new short stories yet, but I think with a few drafts on MCT I’m ready to move on to new ideas.

• Read the helpful books to prepare me for the editing fest that will be late November early December on Shade.
  
  One of my favorite quotes from this week’s reading is: “If exposition is a scene’s sole justification, a disciplined writer will trash it and weave its information into the story elsewhere.”  (I occasionally tweet quotes as I’m reading and sign them -RM)  Also I feel like I’m building a solid check list for things to improve on Shade when the time approaches.  Still haven’t received King’s On Writing in the mail yet, but I’ve got plenty of Robert McKee reading to keep me busy.

• Have read all 201 available Anton Chekhov’s short stories from ibiblio, sprinkled with Hemingway and Bradbury.
  
  I’ve read 16 of 201 Chekhov short stories.  Been a busy week and usually I ride the train to work, but had to drive in for a couple events.  Since they don’t recommend I read while driving…

• Once December hits, tear Shade apart and polish it to pure awesomeness!  Coming in December…

I took Magic Color Tree to my writer’s group last night and got some good feedback, both constructive and encouraging.  It’s interesting sometimes getting feedback from multiple sources, because if they all have a pattern then you know there’s a problem you must fix no matter how resistant you are to it initially.  The sign of a true writer, I think, is fixing it in a way that satisfies the concern, but doesn’t necessarily follow on the line every suggestion you were given.

How about you?  Any progress on your goals since Monday?  Any new and exciting news?  You know I love the new and exciting news, so dish!

The Plan

Major rewrites on Shade, my current WIP, are at 95% but that last 5% has been driving me nuts.  I’m not sure how it’s supposed to end.  I really wanted to get it done, even if it was extremely far from perfect so I could put it into cold storage for awhile, but nothing is coming.

The BFF suggested I put it into cold storage anyway and that perhaps time away from my WIP will reveal my ending to me at a later date.  So after a week of doing nothing but blogging and feeling frustrated, I’ve decided she’s right.  Into cold storage you go Shade!

That suddenly frees up a lot more time, but time that won’t be wasted.  I’ve always wanted to try my hand at writing short stories.  I even began prepping for it a few months back, cramming my head full of Ernest Hemingway and Ray Bradbury short stories.

This time I still intend to cram myself full again of short stories from the masters, but now Anton Chekhov is on the list.  Since I’ve heard from a number of sources to make sure to read his stuff, I will attempt for the next month or so to get through his 201 stories available on Eldritch Press for free.  We also have a massive Hemingway book I can dig into as well.

I’ve already started reading A Living Chattel.  Not typically my kind of story, but it’s amazing how well these stories are written considering most are 100+ years old.

I also plan to read Donald Maass’ books Writing the Breakout Novel and The Fire in Fiction as well as Robert McKee’s Story, and perhaps Stephen King’s On Writing, and take copious amounts of notes for improvement on Shade while it remains in cold storage.

So, here are the official goals for October/November/December:

1. Write at least 3 short stories intended for publication.  I’ll probably try my hand at several more than three, but the hope is to find three gemstones among the rocks.
2. Read the helpful books to prepare me for the editing fest that will be late November early December on Shade.
3. Have read all 201 available Anton Chekhov’s short stories from ibiblio, sprinkled with Hemingway and Bradbury.
4. Once December hits, tear Shade apart and polish it to pure awesomeness!

I’ll keep you updated on my Fall Goals as time goes on.  I think this will be a great time for short story inspiration as well.  Especially when you have sights like these:

This fabulous sight I’ve dubbed the Rainbow Tree I see every night I drive home from work, though only recently have I taken notice of it.  I know, the red isn’t technically part of the tree, but it’s the whole package that counts.  There are some other beautiful trees in my complex that take until almost winter to change, but they turn into real rainbow trees.  One of them I’ve nicknamed Rainbow Brite.  But I’m digressing into my love of Fall…. Focus Jae…

So yes.  I’ll post my progress here.  Maybe I’ll join up with Row80.  In fact, let’s consider this my post for Row80.  My goals are stated, I’m in.

How to Write a Novel – Pt 7: The End is the Beginning

My drink of choice is Raspberry Coke.

Did you get it all out?  Have you finished that first draft?  Toast yourself with your drink of choice and let’s say it together: Cheers!  Put that first draft away, at least for a few days, but I’d say a week and give it a chance to rest.  In the meantime, do whatever.  Go on vacation, play video games, read books, revisit your social life, etc.

Okay, now that you’ve enjoyed yourself and patted yourself on the back repeatedly for getting it done, here comes the hard truth: your first draft is only the beginning.

One of the first lessons of being a writer is learning that your work is never finished.  Even when it’s published there will be things you wished you changed.  At some point you have to let it go and be finished.  But now is the time to make sure what you let go is the best you can make it.

The reason you put the novel away for a few days is for the chance to let it get cold.  When you’ve had a few days away from your baby and the crystal clear vision of your story has dimmed a little, you’re more likely to see what you’ve done with actual clarity.

I plan to get into the details in an upcoming polishing the novel series in early October.  This month will be mostly occupied by my vacation in:

That’s right, I’m heading out next week.  I know, I know, it’s a rough life, but somebody has to live it.  On the docket is snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, boogie boarding/surfing, and whatever else me, the BFF and our friends can cram in.  I intend to blog from there whenever possible.  We usually pack it in tight and I’ll only have my portable keyboard and phone, but I promise to share delightful pictures of fantastic Hawaiian wonders and maybe sum up with scribbles and videos after we’ve returned home.

I’m going to try working on my novel while I’m there, though I suspect most of the work will be done on plane rides and not on the beach.

We’re going to the Big Island and Kauai, so if you’ve been to either two, recommendations are welcomed below.

And of course I’d love to hear what you thought of the How to Write a Novel series overall.  Anything you would like to see more of in future series?  Any topics you’d like covered in the future?  Let me know below.