tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53325746862509920572024-02-08T00:13:30.636-06:00Carey Rulo's Just Write Already!My Journey Through Living, Loving, and WritingAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04656084938533838475noreply@blogger.comBlogger25125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5332574686250992057.post-85335454642343347262016-04-03T18:10:00.002-05:002016-05-09T19:06:19.102-05:00Tales from Midwest Memories: The Soap Opera Scandal of '88<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
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<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif";">*All names have been changed to protect the guilty and innocent, but mostly, the guilty.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif";">As
I sat in Mr. Johnson’s office and waited on my mom to arrive, I chewed on my
cuticles and wondered how this got so out of control. The situation began
innocently enough – a joke made among friends during study hall.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif";">Monday
study hall dragged on with no end in sight. Gina, Rene, Chrissy, and I had been
friends since elementary school. Our freshmen year, we found ourselves outcasts
in a school containing less than two hundred students, so we adopted the motto:
“us against the world.” We sat together at the table nearest the window and
shared the weekend’s gossip in whispers and giggles, shaking our heads and
rolling our eyes at the deceit and debauchery engaged in by our classmates. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif";">“Ya
know, this place is like a soap opera,” Gina muttered.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif";">I
laughed at the idea, pulled out a piece of paper, jotted down the words “As
Valley High Turns,” and sketched out a crudely rendered picture of the earth at
the bottom of the page. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif";">“Just
think, what a soap opera we could write. These stories would be just as good as
anything on tv,” I whispered, showing the girls the page.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif";">The
girls nodded in agreement, and in that moment, we conceived a monumental idea.
By the time the bell rang, we had drawn up our cast of “characters.” We
included students, faculty, staff, and administrators because how realistic
would it be to write a show set in a school with no adults? We discussed plot
lines, love triangles, and all matters of degenerate behavior based on our
classmates’ actual lives. I gathered up all the notes, and we headed our
separate ways. I hurried to Mrs. Deeley’s history class to work on the script.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif";">On
Tuesday, I shared my work with the girls during study hall. They “oohed” and
“aahed” at all the proper places, then grabbed their pencils and began making
notes on the script, snickering as they worked. After class, I took the piece
and began making the changes and additions suggested along with some of my own
invention as well.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif";">The
rest of the week flew by in the same manner. The girls read during study hall
and made their notes. I took their input and revised, reworked, and added as
necessary. By Friday, the script had grown from a teasing suggestion to a
substantial piece of writing that filled a two-pocket folder. The girls made
their notes for the day, and I took it home with me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif";">Over
the weekend, I neatly rewrote the entire script. I created an official looking
cover from two pieces of cardboard and assembled it using brass-headed brads. The
final copy of our “story” occupied the front and back of fifty college-ruled
loose-leaf pages, detailing every piece of information the four of us knew or
observed at Valley High School filled in with constructions of logical
interactions and reactions dreamt up in our teenage minds.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif";">I
carried the manuscript to school on Monday morning and passed it to the girls. Chrissy
took it first, then Rene, and finally Gina. We discussed the story at lunch.
Each of us identified our favorite parts, and we declared the project a success.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif";">After
lunch, Gina ran to my locker. Out of breath with wide eyes, she panted, “It’s
gone!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif";">“Whadda
ya mean ‘<i>it’s</i> gone’?” I asked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif";">“The
story. Someone took it outta my locker. IT is gone!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif";">“Who?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif";">Gina
shook her head, “No idea.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif";">While
I considered the possibility that there would be some turmoil over the story, I
did not bother deliberating over it for long. I went on with my day as if
nothing happened. Miss Bonnie came to get me at the beginning of eighth hour,
and as soon as I saw her pursed lips and narrowed eyes, I realized the
manuscript was going to cause more trouble than I thought.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif";">Mr.
Johnson frowned at me from behind his large wooden desk with his arms crossed
over his chest. A photocopy of the manuscript sat in the center of his desk,
taunting me. I guess he did not appreciate his bumbling, but charmingly
clueless, portrayal. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif";">“Are
you responsible for this?” he asked, pointing at the stack of paper.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif";">I
frowned and nodded.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif";">“Your
mother has been called. She is on her way,” he stated, and then he stood and
left the room, tripping over the edge of the bookshelf on his way out the door.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif";">I could
not help but smile.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif";">Miss
Bonnie glared at me from her perch by the front counter, involuntarily pulling
at her tight purple sweater and running her lavender lacquered nails through
her perfectly coiffed hair. I guess she did not appreciate her role as the
aging prom queen making desperate advances on senior boys while trying to cling
to her youth.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif";">Through
the front office window, I spied “Princess” Jennifer storm by with “Prince” Jonathon
just a few steps behind her. She paused long enough to stare daggers at me
through the glass. Her mascara ran down her cheeks. When John caught up to her
and reached out to touch her shoulder, she jerked away from him and continued
down the hall. He followed with his arms out and palms up, his mouth running a
mile a minute trying to make it right. I am certain neither of them appreciated
the exposure of the first-hand accounts of “Prince” John’s late night exploits.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif";">Mom
finally arrived. She sat straight and tall in the seat beside me with her hands
folded in her lap and nodded at all the appropriate times, while Mr. Johnson
explained my offenses and my punishment. She signed my referral sheet, folded
her copy in half, and slipped it into her purse. She cleared her throat at the
office door, and I jumped up from my seat and followed her out of the building.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif";">The
consequences surrounding the uproar were substantial. The senior and junior
girls threatened to “give me an ass-whoopin’” for the next month. My mom
grounded me for two weeks for “being disrespectful to my elders.” Mr. Johnson
sentenced me to a week in the broom closet that also served as the school’s
in-school-suspension room for writing “lewd and lascivious materials,
better-suited for adults than proper young ladies.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif";">At
the tender age of fourteen, I learned an important lesson about the power of
words, and it was all worth it.</span><span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04656084938533838475noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5332574686250992057.post-66405799596492702052015-05-22T23:31:00.000-05:002015-05-23T01:19:42.663-05:00What's in a Name?<h2 style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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Do our names really influence who we will become?</h2>
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<h3>
I mean, we don't get to choose them, that honor is left up to our well-meaning, but occasionally clueless, parents. And for the most part, we live with whatever moniker has been foisted upon us by emotionally-compromised fathers or mothers who may or may not have had a little too much pain medication prior to completing our birth certificate. It is not a typical matter for deep philosophical reflection. Unless you were the victim of an extremely malicious parent like that unfortunate boy named Sue, then you probably suffered no lasting trauma associated with your name.</h3>
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<h4>
Not long ago, I was asked, "Do you love your name? Or hate it?" The question itself implies that people fall in one of two very distinct camps. But after a great deal of reflection, I decided there are too many gray areas involved to give a definitive answer. Over the course of my life, there have been many times I didn't particularly care for my name, but for better or worse, it is mine. So, here is my answer to that well-meaning, but poorly phrased, question.</h4>
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<span style="font-family: 'Bookman Old Style', serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;">It
Could Have Been Worse</span><span style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Bookman Old Style', serif; line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-size: small;">Before I came to live in this world,
my mom and dad engaged in a typical debate held between couples readying
themselves for the arrival of a new family member. They could not agree on a
name. Although they each produced solid arguments for their choices and
tenaciously defended their positions, my mom emerged the winner. Victorious,
she named me Carey – but it could have been worse.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Bookman Old Style', serif; line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-size: small;">People have always struggled with the
proper spelling of my name. In an attempt to make a common name less ordinary,
Mom decided a change in spelling was necessary. Businesses, employers, friends, and even
family have frequently misspelled my name over the course of my life. My own
grandpa never learned to spell my name accurately, which led to the receipt of
yearly handwritten birthday greetings addressed to C-a-r-r-y, C-a-r-r-i-e,
C-a-r-y, and even K-e-r-r-y. Of course, it could have been worse. Even though
the name is misspelled, I still know they are talking to me. They could have
gotten the name completely wrong. Can you imagine being referred to as Terry or
Sherry or even as Mary. Misspelling doesn’t seem quite so bad when compared to
misidentification.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Bookman Old Style', serif; line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-size: small;">Elementary school was no picnic
either. Do you know how many words rhyme with Carey? A lot, that’s how many. Fairy
Carey, Merry Carey, Scary Carey, Hairy Carey. Small children love to speak in
verse, and when you have a name custom-made for rhyming, that is exactly what
you get. However, it could have been worse. These monikers could have followed
me into adolescence. Can you imagine being saddled with ‘Hairy Carey’
throughout puberty? That could have been truly devastating. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Bookman Old Style', serif; line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-size: small;">In high school, I discovered another
problem with my given name. It was boring. While my friends possessed
beautiful, interesting names – Yvonne, Gwendolyn, Katrina – I held on to plain,
old Carey. I was the third Ingall’s sister, the one that never had any exciting
adventures or whirlwind love affairs. The clumsy sister that fell down trying
to run through the field during the opening credits – yep, that was me. During
these years, I sampled new names. I became Talia for several months, and then
adopted Meike for nearly a year. Ultimately, I returned to Carey because it
could have been worse. My mom could have chosen an old family name like Gladys,
Agnes, Gertrude, or Mildred. Can you imagine trying to live with one of those
unusual names around other teenagers? Talk about character building! No thank
you, I will just stick with simple, traditional, awkward Carey.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Bookman Old Style', serif; line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-size: small;">In the end, I decided to embrace the
name my mom fought to bestow upon me. It is my identifier, and I cannot imagine
having any other appellation. I am Carey. Carey is me. Besides, it could have
been worse. My dad could have won. Then, I would have been Cadence. Can you
imagine being named after a military march song? Yeah, me neither.</span><span style="font-size: 9.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04656084938533838475noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5332574686250992057.post-77578360897236616612015-05-12T22:18:00.000-05:002015-05-12T23:23:21.327-05:00Lessons Learned: Tales from Midwest Memories<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZgzDEDIUPN2w5VA8CMNwHLDZvkUQF5EziUd6a0p4KpeeHu271S6Ydud6FwsjWqKrJTYNX9hqPpVZmV3CHvGQlImvPIYiV7mLR23foANwv7rJ7bcxWu8OHMokLT3YenQdgh5MJI2xEAvoh/s1600/memories.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZgzDEDIUPN2w5VA8CMNwHLDZvkUQF5EziUd6a0p4KpeeHu271S6Ydud6FwsjWqKrJTYNX9hqPpVZmV3CHvGQlImvPIYiV7mLR23foANwv7rJ7bcxWu8OHMokLT3YenQdgh5MJI2xEAvoh/s400/memories.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<h2>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">A current collection-in-progress - <i>Lessons Learned: Tales from Midwest Memories </i>is a collection of personal essays tracing the long, often humorous, occasionally angry, and sometimes emotional journey of my life growing up in the rural Midwest.</span></h2>
<h2>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Today's offering is a decidedly emotional essay from this collection. </span></h2>
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<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New;"><span style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 18.3999996185303px;">How I Learned Moments Matter</span></span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Humanity measures the progress of
life through a series of signposts. Graduations, marriages, births, moves,
jobs, and deaths pave the pathways we each travel during our time on this plane
of existence. These milestones, although important, are not what truly shape us
into the people we will become. That honor is reserved for less consequential
incidents. Seemingly insignificant experiences profoundly influence our
interaction with the world around us, but only after time and reflection reveal
their fundamental importance. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Tuesday, July 13, 1999 began with
an argument. My grandpa was in the hospital for a minor cardiac event – the
most recent health issue in a long line of difficulties that stretched back nearly
six years. This episode only landed him on his back for three days, which was
no more than a hiccup compared to some of his previous illnesses. Although he
was due to be released the next day, my husband kept insisting we go visit him.
I was twenty-five years old, four and a half months pregnant with my second
child, and in no mood to be told what to do. I argued vehemently against making
the forty-five minute trip to the hospital. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">My protests stemmed from a
combination of practicality, experience, and all-day morning sickness. I spent
the entirety of my twenties traveling back and forth to my grandparent’s home
to help care for them during my grandpa’s many infirmities. I kept house, ran
errands, set meds, and prodded Grandpa through his various therapies. It became
a quietly running routine. I knew what to expect and what was expected from me.
“They’re releasing him tomorrow, and I’m going out on Friday to spend the
weekend. Make sure he’s all settled in and that he and Grandma have everything
they need. I feel like crap today. I was just there yesterday and spoke to his
doctor. He doesn’t even have any physical therapy orders this time. Of course,
I’ll stay longer if they need me.” Today, I was wasting my breath.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">My husband ignored both my
objections and explanations. He would not take “no” for an answer. He headed to
the car, declaring that we were going, and I followed reluctantly. I pouted the
entire trip and continued to mutter my arguments while staring out the
passenger side window. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">When we arrived at the hospital,
Grandpa was in good spirits. He smiled broadly at me, reached out, and grabbed
my hand tightly, “They’re springin’ me first thing in the morning, Sis.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">We sat, holding hands, and visited
for nearly two hours. We talked about my son, the light of his life, and the
pending arrival of his great-granddaughter. When I told him about the
never-ending ‘morning’ sickness, he laughed and commented, “Yep, that’s a girl
for ya.” We reminisced about my childhood, discussed his current medical
condition, commiserated over the inedibility of hospital food, and negotiated
my upcoming visit. At 2:30, we said our good-byes. I leaned over, kissed his
cheek, and received my kiss in return. I told him I loved him and would see him
Friday. He was smiling as I waved from the door.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The doctor released him from the
hospital the next morning as planned. He and Grandma headed off to bed about
10:30 p.m., as usual. Sometime between midnight and 3 a.m. on July 15<sup>th</sup>,
Grandpa went to the kitchen to get a drink of water. An aneurism burst in his
brain. Grandma rushed to him when she heard him fall, but it was too late. He
was already gone. He died on the kitchen floor in the home he built for his
family with his own two hands with his wife of fifty-one years by his side. After
all the heart attacks and strokes, this hidden weakness took him from us. None
of us saw it coming.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">On July 13, 1999, I spoke to my
grandpa for the last time. Of course, at the time I did not know it would be
our final visit, and it almost did not happen at all. If not for my husband, I
would have missed the opportunity to sit and talk with him. I would have lost
the chance to hold his hand and kiss him good-bye one last time. I would have
regretted the decision not to go see him for the rest of my life. Instead, I
learned a valuable lesson that has influenced how I live and love the people in
my life. I discovered every single moment we have with our loved ones matters
because life guarantees nothing more than the present.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04656084938533838475noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5332574686250992057.post-72538932399261781642015-05-09T01:18:00.002-05:002015-05-09T01:25:39.071-05:00Toughen Up, Buttercup: A Guide to Surviving Constructive Criticism<div class="MsoNormal">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN6tO-0JUCVTIMhWaXsnX_lvtngu021K0DsHpMqvXGO9VQEP4Mv0YOdb1-NWHtrGSzqKdxQ62qklwNgpma69cb1614rZvhFtlEpvIo2jQscoOFKjohxv7dH9-qRjC-9J00I0L-A_vyvbhP/s1600/taking+criticism.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN6tO-0JUCVTIMhWaXsnX_lvtngu021K0DsHpMqvXGO9VQEP4Mv0YOdb1-NWHtrGSzqKdxQ62qklwNgpma69cb1614rZvhFtlEpvIo2jQscoOFKjohxv7dH9-qRjC-9J00I0L-A_vyvbhP/s1600/taking+criticism.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">At some point in your writing
journey, if you are lucky, you will be exposed to that wonderful, terrifying,
terrible process known as critique. It may come from a teacher or professor. It
may arrive in the guise of an in-person or online writing group. It may even turn
up as feedback from an editor or a beta reader. But mark my words, if you write
long enough and are serious about sharing your work with other readers,
eventually it will occur, leaving you alone to decide how to best respond.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">What you do next is crucial. Your response
to criticism (that you asked for, by the way) will determine:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">1.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">How much or how little you will learn about the craft of writing<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">2.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">To what extent your writing may improve<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">3.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Whether or not people will willingly continue working with you<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">As a writer, the first thing you
need to do ask yourself some very important questions. (BE TRUTHFUL, you will
only be lying to yourself.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">1.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Do I want other people to read what I have written?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">2.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Do I feel confident that I am presenting the best work I am capable
of producing?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">3.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Am I ready to hear people talk about my writing in ways that may
not be flattering?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">4.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Can my ego take criticism without me becoming: a) angry, b) violent,
c) depressed, or d) suicidal?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Did you answer “no” to one or more
of these questions? Stop right here! You are not ready for constructive
criticism. You are looking for someone to ride in on a unicorn and blow
glittery rainbows up your ass. I suggest giving your work to your mom or best
friend or someone else who believes everything you do is brilliant and perfect.
Do not, I repeat, DO NOT share your work with strangers. You are not prepared.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Did you answer “yes” to all these
questions? Fantastic! You are ready for constructive criticism.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Now that you are seriously primed
to share your work with others, the most significant information I can share
with you is this – 99% of the people who will offer you advice are truly trying
to help you be a better writer. The other 1%? Well, the other 1% are trolls and
bullies who only feel better about their own shortcomings as writers, and
possibly as human beings, when they are tearing someone else down. Don’t sweat
that one percent, you will quickly learn who they are and you can ignore them
completely. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">I mean, technically, you are free
to ignore anyone and everyone. You are the creator of your work, and as such,
it is your choice whether or not to listen to what other people have to say. However,
I would recommend at least entertaining the ideas and suggestions that come
your way. They are only trying to help after all.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Now, I obviously can’t speak for
everyone out there. I can only speak from my personal experience in both giving
and receiving critiques, but I can tell you that I am certainly not going to be
easier on a stranger than I am on the 13-19-year-olds I work with on a regular
basis. In fact, I know quite a few adult writers who could take a lesson from
these young writers. They crave critique. They beg for it. They want to learn. They
want to improve. Most of all, they want to write and share their writing with
others.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">So, in the spirit of these fearless
future novelists, playwrights, poets, journalists, and artists, here is my
advice for learning to survive constructive criticism.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Your writing is not you.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Don’t get
butt-hurt over what people say to you about your writing. People are not
attacking you. These stories are your babies. Believe me, I get it, but have
you forgotten question #4 already? Oh, yes, I was totally serious when I asked
it. If you are going to survive, you had better develop a thick skin – the sooner,
the better. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">People are not going to sugarcoat things for you.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Don’t
expect people to couch their criticism in kindness.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Again, I’m
not your mom or your best friend or even your biggest fan. I’m not here to feed
your fragile ego. I will NEVER be unnecessarily rude, but I have shit to do. When
I am working with a piece, it has my absolute and undivided attention. However,
I have other manuscripts and stories to read, reviews to write, and projects of
my own to work on. Keeping feedback concise (which can sometimes <b>seem</b> curt) can simply be a necessity.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">When the going gets tough, buckle down and work harder.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Don’t
quit just because a piece was received poorly by someone or even by a whole
bunch of someones. Writers don’t quit. They just don’t. Are you a writer? Then,
you can’t be a quitter. Instead, realize that not everything you write will be
a hit with everyone who reads it. Do you believe in the story you are trying to
tell? Then, keep working on it. If not, then scrap it and write something else.
Nothing you have written is time wasted. It all becomes part of the learning
process. KEEP WRITING!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Rome wasn’t built in a day.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The first
draft of your first story is probably not going to be very good. It is quite
possible that it will suck. Writing improves over time. In fact, time and
experience is the only way it improves. Revision is your friend. Embrace it. Even
the most talented writers rewrite and revise. And then you know what they do?
They revise and rewrite some more. Hemingway rewrote the ending of <i>Farewell to Arms </i>thirty-nine times
before <b>he</b> was satisfied. 39 times! Do
you think you are more brilliant and talented than Hemingway? Perhaps you
should think again.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Edit your work before you give it to someone to read</span></b><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">GRAMMAR
AND PUNCTUATION MATTER! They matter to the entire literate world. I cannot
stress this enough! See Question #2 above for further clarification. I am not
your editor – not that I won’t point out a misspelling or tense shift from time
to time, but that is not my primary goal. If I have to struggle to read what
you have written, I will not be reading it. If I wanted to be an editor, I would
make a job of it. Nobody has time to try to translate your writing <b>and </b>critique it. Don’t be that person.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Remember that no one is perfect.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">We are
all biased by our personal preferences. This is as true for readers as it is
for writers. I do my best to reveal my own personal biases when I critique, but
not everyone does. Just be aware that sometimes a suggestion may come your way
based purely on a person’s preference for or aversion to a particular genre,
style, or form.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Listen to what people have to say</span></b><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">When someone
has taken the time and trouble to read and comment on what you have written,
the least you can do is listen to what they have to say. I approach each and
every critique first as a reader, then as a writer. Many of the critiques I offer
deal with aspects I would like to see as a reader – better character
development, clarification of story points through addition or revision,
reduction of extraneous information, and developing better dialogue are the
most common. Critique partners and beta readers take their roles seriously.
They want your end product to be the absolute best it can be, so pay attention
to their opinions and advice.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">BUT, take everything with a grain of salt.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Always remember,
you have the final say in your work. There is no question you will be given
advice that will be invaluable to your growth as a writer. However, there will
also be suggestions that just seem to miss the mark. If there is something you
love, keep it and move on.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">If you choose to follow these
suggestions (as always it is ultimately your choice), then you will be well on
your way to becoming a better writer. But, regardless of your choice, good luck
and happy writing to you all!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04656084938533838475noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5332574686250992057.post-56694582781408174092015-04-26T17:26:00.000-05:002015-04-26T17:38:25.387-05:00An Homage to My Daughter<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-wUknPqslA7Gc5SuSjPNtMsM2MACdDbWHWuv6sPqEtoDzTVZl7Err-Lk6as8nXCpFqdJ0tIkrVQKF8Ag2xdzi2FgyUQ9MkFUVH3NRxOxo9wsUapE_Mv9uhk3hS9iJDJ2KzvYS8A4BVxid/s1600/daughters.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-wUknPqslA7Gc5SuSjPNtMsM2MACdDbWHWuv6sPqEtoDzTVZl7Err-Lk6as8nXCpFqdJ0tIkrVQKF8Ag2xdzi2FgyUQ9MkFUVH3NRxOxo9wsUapE_Mv9uhk3hS9iJDJ2KzvYS8A4BVxid/s1600/daughters.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<h2>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">While the novel is still in process, I have also been working on some short stories and flash pieces. I have also dabbled in a bit of prosetry. Today, I offer up this loving tribute to one of the most important people in my life - my daughter.</span></h2>
<br />
<br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Evolution
of an Independent Woman<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_GoBack"></a><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">My daughter
no longer believes in damsels in distress rescued from the dragon by knights on
white steeds carrying magical swords.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">This is to
be expected, I understand children cannot believe in fairy tales forever.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">While
watching <i>Shrek</i>, she informs me she
would pick up a big rock and hit that “ole dragon” in the head, knocking him
out cold, and then she would rescue herself. She says, “I don’t need no man, I
can save me.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">My daughter
is three.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">My daughter
no longer believes that through compromise and change any relationship is
possible.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">This is to
be expected, I know it is important for children to build a strong sense of identity
so they may also develop positive self-esteem.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">While
watching <i>Grease</i>, she has many
questions. “Why did Sandy and Danny have to change their clothes? And why was
Sandy the only one who stayed changed? Why did Danny put his black jacket back
on? Why is it always the girl that changes? She was just fine the way she was.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Then she adds,
“I ain’t changin’ for no man. If he don’t like me the way I am, he can kick
bricks.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">My daughter
– is six.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">My daughter
no longer believes that love can cross any barrier – including death.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">This is to
be expected, I realize children need to be grounded in reality rather than
fantasy at some point in their lives.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">While
watching <i>Ghost</i>, she doesn’t even stay
in the room to finish the film. Throwing her hands up in disgust, she heads to
her room. “This is the most ridiculous movie I’ve ever seen! He came back and just
hangs out because he loves her soooo much – puh-lease. Like he’s got no place
better to be,” she opines. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">My daughter
is – nine.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">My daughter
no longer believes in a love so deeply profound that one person would sacrifice
anything for the other.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">This is to
be expected, I recognize children must learn to rely on themselves above anyone
else.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">While
riding in the car, “Grenade” comes on the radio and I can see her out of the
corner of my eye, grimacing and rolling her eyes. When I question why, she
tells me, “Do you really think he would catch a grenade for her? Really? Jump
in front of a train for her? Take a bullet in the brain for her? Gimme a break!
How stupid do these people think we are?” She flips the station and the rant is
shelved.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">My daughter
is – twelve.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">At this
point, I am beginning to fear my daughter has become a cynic – a skeptic – a misandrist
– and I find it all just a bit disheartening, then it happens – her first boyfriend.
Followed shortly by her first heartbreak.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">This is to
be expected, of course, I am well aware of the potential pitfalls involved in
sharing your heart with another person.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">She storms
through the house, ripping the necklace from around her neck and slamming the
front door behind her on her way to the dumpster. After locking herself in
seclusion for about four hours, she emerges determined and focused. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">“You okay?”
I inquire. The deluge of words pours out, “He is a pussy, and I told him so. I
mean, who does that? Breaks up with someone through a text message. I also told
him if he can’t see my worth, that’s his problem, not mine. I am not a game to
be played. I deserve better. I am a queen.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">My daughter
is fifteen – and she is going to be just fine.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04656084938533838475noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5332574686250992057.post-55870237909252289192015-04-26T17:08:00.000-05:002015-04-26T17:09:51.675-05:00I'm Back!I have had a series of long, tumultuous months, but I am back. I am healing and will soon be better than ever. We truly never know where the doors in life will take us, but the important thing is that we never stop opening them. Never stop searching out the things in life that bring us joy, make us smile, and cause us to laugh out loud. These are the things that make life worth living.<br />
<br />
Find your passion and never let it go. We all only get one trip through the universe in our current state. Make the most of it!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnTyQn9yvkW5PvMp1Nmy_rBFbCSpv9nUtYy-TKz8Rxz5bky_YlAZ3qSee2FhrFDyqzoBAzroWyOvrETrMHoBod3Mt6uJYjtQyuiyNlnsP_gPJRxMAvKHCorLyU-kjjG7JKqchmoS9Cq-0H/s1600/live+life+to+the+fullest+quotes+(1).png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnTyQn9yvkW5PvMp1Nmy_rBFbCSpv9nUtYy-TKz8Rxz5bky_YlAZ3qSee2FhrFDyqzoBAzroWyOvrETrMHoBod3Mt6uJYjtQyuiyNlnsP_gPJRxMAvKHCorLyU-kjjG7JKqchmoS9Cq-0H/s1600/live+life+to+the+fullest+quotes+(1).png" height="265" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04656084938533838475noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5332574686250992057.post-4484917792406021022014-08-19T13:01:00.001-05:002014-08-19T13:08:49.307-05:00Day 21 - Reflection and Progress<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnrMmYKXTpe1lJyW3LLxwLg6hLR96voxvKyzjNwVHZTcDc6oF6SkeYsbag5vmtybgWtc9V5HJnoJ_BP9iYpSRYPn5Du84uxEOJPUcGdRHHCQvRa4VboCq4N7nDt3-kd4Tn3F1FOHSm3w8O/s1600/img-thing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnrMmYKXTpe1lJyW3LLxwLg6hLR96voxvKyzjNwVHZTcDc6oF6SkeYsbag5vmtybgWtc9V5HJnoJ_BP9iYpSRYPn5Du84uxEOJPUcGdRHHCQvRa4VboCq4N7nDt3-kd4Tn3F1FOHSm3w8O/s1600/img-thing.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
There has been a great deal going on in my personal life over the past few days that have made it difficult to concentrate and nearly impossible to write.<br />
<br />
My husband's mother is approaching her last days here with us. It is heartbreaking to watch her slip away, but more so to watch the pain of the family. Soon her suffering will come to an end, while that of her husband, children, grandchildren, and everyone else in this large closely-knit family will grow.<br />
<br />
I often preach about the importance of making and taking time to write. About how crucial it is to set daily goals and stick to them no matter how badly you may feel.<br />
<br />
The truth of the matter is there will be times in everyone's life so tumultuous that everything else (including writing) will take a back seat to just dealing with surviving and helping loved ones survive.<br />
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Does this mean I still won't encourage others to make time to write? Or to set and keep daily goals? Does it mean that I will no longer hold myself accountable for these things as well? Absolutely not.<br />
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As with all things, "this too shall pass." And when the regular chaos of life returns, I will pick up my pen and make myself write. Until then, I will write when I feel like it. There are times I even find it soothing to escape into my work and live in that other world for awhile.<br />
<br />
I guess what I'm trying to say is this. Writing is personal. It is probably one of the most individualized activities in which a person can engage. What works for one person, may or may not work for another. I like to share activities and resources that have worked for me, but it does not mean they will work for everyone.<br />
<br />
Just keep that in mind when you are reading the umpteenth article you've found about how to write more or write better or whatever. Never be hesitant to try something new, and if you find something that works for you, use the hell out of it. If it doesn't work, don't dwell on it - just move on. And remember there will be times that life is completely out of control, and day when you don't write anything. And that's okay too.<br />
<br />
Until next time. . .<br />
<br />
Good Day and Good Writing to you all!<br />
<br />
<br />
Novel Stats - pages: 83; word count: 22079<br />
For the past month - beginning word count: 5683; word count for the month: 16396<br />
Currently, <i>Welcome to anytown</i> is approximately 1/4 completedAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04656084938533838475noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5332574686250992057.post-15744924357696250982014-08-15T15:08:00.001-05:002014-08-15T15:08:36.424-05:00Day 20 - Writer's Block and Mining for Ideas Through Generators<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXPZLO6mVEvFA1rXS5c2tTWRxNBg1dchqkU9Dv-z2pXhymeGHNW908m3cmhqrz3bHB8ZhM9sQyXnPfpZrxgKBzXAPrUdFi7tExVjaTDTZlQaNjswtDUJsvrkgN4PtQAvsqGz3DJAlKFcxa/s1600/writer's%2Bblock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXPZLO6mVEvFA1rXS5c2tTWRxNBg1dchqkU9Dv-z2pXhymeGHNW908m3cmhqrz3bHB8ZhM9sQyXnPfpZrxgKBzXAPrUdFi7tExVjaTDTZlQaNjswtDUJsvrkgN4PtQAvsqGz3DJAlKFcxa/s1600/writer's%2Bblock.jpg" height="334" width="400" /></a></div>
For me, writing is much like riding a bike along mountainous terrain with bouts of terrible struggle to get up the hill followed by the exhilaration of gliding swiftly down the other side.<br />
<br />
I thought that detailed outlining and planning would be helpful, and it has been - but not this week. This week has been a struggle. While I have been diligent about sitting down to write every day, the story has eluded me.<br />
<br />
This week has been a test of my fortitude as a writer. When the writing is going well, it is easy to say, "I love writing." When the writing is going badly, it is easy to ask, "What was thinking when I decided to write a novel?" For me, the thoughts of being a failure actually work as an impetus pushing me forward. It keeps me working even though I may only write 100 words, and that scant offering is like trying to take a bone away from a hungry dog.<br />
<br />
I keep at it because I realize this is just a part of the journey. Eventually, I will reach the crest of that hill and fly down the other side.<br />
<br />
<h3>
What Do I Do When I'm Struggling with Writing?</h3>
<div>
I use the times when I am slogging along up the mountain to engage in my 3 R's. I <b>read</b>. I <b>revisit</b>. And I <b>research</b>.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>READ</b> - This week's reading has been provided courtesy of Richard Matheson's <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Nightmare-At-20-000-Feet-ebook/dp/B003G83UBE" target="_blank">Nightmare at 20,000 Feet: Horror Stories</a>. Matheson's writing inspires me. His stories epitomize the fact that sometimes the worst monsters come from within us.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>REVISIT </b>- Sometimes it's old stories, sometimes it's whatever I am currently working on. This week, it's been old writer's journals. Revisiting things I have previously written sometimes will jump start ideas for current projects or remind me of ideas for new projects. This week's offerings have inspired a couple of new short story ideas.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>RESEARCH </b>- This takes many forms depending on where my head is at when I begin. Sometimes it is research for a current project. Often it is craft research on some aspect of writing that I am working on. This week it was research for ideas. This week's research led me to the discovery of a ton of random writing generators, and these are what I am going to share with you today.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h3>
Random Writing Generators from Around the Web</h3>
<div>
<ol>
<li><a href="http://www.rangen.co.uk/writing/plotgen.php" target="_blank">Plot Suggestions Generator</a> from RanGen - choose a genre and get plot ideas.</li>
<li><a href="http://mdbenoit.com/rtg.htm" target="_blank">Random Title Generator</a> - Gives 6 results at a time to help spark ideas. Also an excellent tool for free writing.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.rangen.co.uk/chars/appgen.php" target="_blank">Character Appearance Generator</a> from RanGen - choose gender, type, and detail level. Get a brief physical character sketch.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.fakenamegenerator.com/order.php" target="_blank">Bulk Identity Generator</a> from Fake Name Generator- Need a crowd of identities? Look no further. Choose name sets, countries, genders, ages, fields to include (given name, surname, middle initial, address, and much more), and quantity (up to 50,000). The whole list will be delivered to your email as soon as it is complete.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.fakenamegenerator.com/gen-female-us-us.php" target="_blank">Identity Generator</a>, also from Fake Name Generator - get a single detailed identity generated based on gender, name set, and country.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.nicholasmcrae.com/CharacterQuirks.html" target="_blank">Character Quirk Generator</a> - Random ideas to make your character more unique.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.rangen.co.uk/chars/motivegen.php" target="_blank">Character Motive Generator</a> - Another offering from RanGen. Looking for what drives your characters? Find ideas here.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.springhole.net/writing_roleplaying_randomators/causeofdeath.htm" target="_blank">Cause of Death Generator</a> from <a href="http://springhole.net/">springhole.net</a>. This generator offers cause of death for characters, but the site has many other interesting generators to choose from.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.rinkworks.com/namegen/" target="_blank">Fantasy Name Generator</a> - Choose from a long list of types of names to generate, from serious to fun to specialized and generate away.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.rangen.co.uk/world/terrgen.php" target="_blank">Worlds Terrain Generator</a> from RanGen - Where are your characters going next? Choose forest, ocean, desert, mountain, jungle, or river and receive a description of the area.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.rangen.co.uk/world/citygen.php" target="_blank">Worlds City Generator</a> from RanGen - Offers a collection of statistics to lay the foundation for your fictional city or town.</li>
<li><a href="http://inkwellideas.com/worldbuilding/roleplaying-city-map-generator/" target="_blank">City Map Generator</a> - Downloadable program that allows users to create a physical map of their town or city.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.thewingless.com/forge/forge.htm" target="_blank">The Forge</a> - For help with all things fantasy. The linked portal takes users to fantasy name generator; creature name generator; spell, effect, and arcane name generator; and setting and location name generator.</li>
<li><a href="http://nine.frenchboys.net/index.php" target="_blank">Serendipity</a> - another site with a collection of generators, including city and country name generators and a variety of character name generators.</li>
<li><a href="http://chaoticshiny.com/index.php" target="_blank">chaotic shiny</a> - Tons of fantasy-themed generators. People to culture, accessories to evil, plot to color. This site has a lot to offer.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.rangen.co.uk/" target="_blank">RanGen</a> - While I've included specific links to several generators on this site, there is so much more available. Many more generators and monthly writing challenges, A visit to the site is worth your time.</li>
</ol>
<div>
<br /></div>
I hope you can find something helpful or worthwhile among these sites. If nothing else, they are great resources for free writing, challenge writing, or sprint writing activities. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Until next time. . .</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Good Day and Good Writing to you all!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Novel Stats - pages: 72; word count: 19986 </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04656084938533838475noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5332574686250992057.post-72708930032465179222014-08-10T19:13:00.002-05:002015-05-12T23:22:35.571-05:00Day 19 - Writing and Dialogue<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvi6rl5xC6Cp9i7eyZ0tzYVs55vkSTpBzR9fHPuXsf0w9lykwJ_-y8jW6rFwrI1dq8nNnXbYmo1ZU_aQzCp-8jGNCNB-Az5QYXTgvDorH3LrKvBIbBK2uWgP-jfi5rj3e3a8zI8-5vqUEu/s1600/steinbeckondialogue.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvi6rl5xC6Cp9i7eyZ0tzYVs55vkSTpBzR9fHPuXsf0w9lykwJ_-y8jW6rFwrI1dq8nNnXbYmo1ZU_aQzCp-8jGNCNB-Az5QYXTgvDorH3LrKvBIbBK2uWgP-jfi5rj3e3a8zI8-5vqUEu/s1600/steinbeckondialogue.jpg" width="398" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<h3>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">The writing has been slow and steady. Chapter 9 (AKA
Warnings and Watches) is complete, and Chapter 10 (better known as 1916) is on
its way to becoming a fully realized section. Chapter 9 is highly dependent on
the occurring dialogue, so I thought dialogue would be a good topic for
discussion.<br />
Anyone who has attempted to write dialogue knows it can be tricky. Good
dialogue can transport the reader into the mind of the speaker, offer insights
into the character, and help solidify story elements such as location and time
period. Conversely, reading poorly written dialogue can become the literary
equivalent of getting a root canal – something to be avoided at all costs.</span><br />
<br />
Personally, I have a few tricks I use to try to improve my dialogue.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><br /><span style="font-weight: normal;">
1. I take a page from Steinbeck and read what I write aloud. Sometimes I
even enlist my kids to read the conversation I write, which often works even
better. Hearing the words out loud is one of the best ways to catch
inconsistencies in voice, over-use of dialect and/or accent, misuse of dialogue
tags, and gaps in flow. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br />
2. I eavesdrop on conversations when I’m in public. I promise this is not
nearly as creepy as it sounds. Really listening to the way people talk to one
another is a fantastic way to learn about writing dialogue. Pay attention to
the age of the people talking, the pace of their conversation, and pauses and
fillers used (e.g. umm, like, ya know, ETC). While writing dialogue and
transcribing it are two totally different things, listening to people converse
in the real world can help make fictional conversations feel more realistic.<br />
<br />
3. In the same vein as #2, I also watch people
in public. (Again, not as creepy as it sounds.) Conversations do not happen in
a vacuum. People move around. They gesture. They make faces. They engage in
movement and action. A conversation written without these things will feel flat
and fake.</span>
<br />
<br />
As with most things related to writing, there are many great resources to help
writers improve their dialogue-writing skills. Here are a few of my favorites.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><br />
1. <a href="http://writetodone.com/10-easy-ways-to-improve-your-dialogue/"><span style="color: red;">10 Easy Ways to Improve Your Dialogue</span></a> from
Ali Luke on write to done.<br />
<br />
2. <a href="http://www.creative-writing-now.com/how-to-write-dialogue.html"><span style="color: red;">How to write dialogue that works</span></a> from
Creative Writing Now<br />
<br />
3. <a href="http://www.sfwriter.com/ow08.htm"><span style="color: red;">Speaking of Dialogue</span></a> by Robert J.
Sawyer on sfwriter.com<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><br /><span style="font-weight: normal;">
If you are struggling with dialogue, you must be diligent about searching out
ways to improve your dialogue skills. As with all things writing, the more you
study it and the more you do it, the better you become.</span><br />
Until next time. . .<br />
Good Day and Good Writing to you all!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><h3>
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></h3>
Novel
Stats – pages: 69; word count: 19100<br />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br />
<!--[endif]--></span></h3>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04656084938533838475noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5332574686250992057.post-56090763149363928142014-08-08T23:04:00.001-05:002014-08-08T23:04:49.936-05:00Day 18 - Writing and Character Building<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-tx76oA2ezqjUT_mXJkk1Vjn4jhrRUmiC3oU7P2jIw29oGG4vKiwJTa_9m5md2EDZBosD6zQZSyRpHtfuQU3YsyZ_zx4XikKc9TzXMKvT1ihAQk2BYp8aptJA9iYbXz-o1cOCZ7NjadWP/s1600/writing_quotes_from_writers_write_20-scaled1000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-tx76oA2ezqjUT_mXJkk1Vjn4jhrRUmiC3oU7P2jIw29oGG4vKiwJTa_9m5md2EDZBosD6zQZSyRpHtfuQU3YsyZ_zx4XikKc9TzXMKvT1ihAQk2BYp8aptJA9iYbXz-o1cOCZ7NjadWP/s1600/writing_quotes_from_writers_write_20-scaled1000.jpg" height="400" width="323" /></a></div>
<span style="line-height: 115%;">The
novel has been humming along nicely for the past two days.</span> I have been
doing A LOT of character work over the past two days; and with the imminent
completion of Chapter 9 (either tonight or tomorrow), I will enter Chapter 10
and begin the whole character building process again.<br />
<br /><span style="line-height: 115%;">Because
every other chapter of my novel addresses the lives and deaths of a variety of
characters from the past, I decided character building would be an excellent
topic to talk about for this post.</span><br />
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span><span style="line-height: 115%;">A
couple of days ago, I struggled to complete my last story for Chapter 8. When
the character finally emerged, the writing came very quickly. After I was done,
my daughter asked me how the novel was going. I told her, “Good, now that
Rebecca informed me her name is actually Lila, and the way she died was not
even remotely what I thought it was.” First, she looked at me as if I was
crazy. Then, she patted my hand and said, “Okay, Mom. Whatever you say.” </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; line-height: 115%;">J</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Wingdings; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<br />
<h3>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 21.527997970581055px;">Building Characters</span></span></h3>
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Writers
have as many ways to build their characters as there are characters in
literature. Being heavily influenced by visuals, I always tend to see my
characters before anything else. After that, if everything works out well, they
will begin to tell me about themselves and their stories.</span><br />
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span><span style="line-height: 115%;">I
have always seen value in creating character sketches because, let’s face it,
it doesn’t matter how fantastic your setting is or how engaging your plot may
be, if you don’t have strongly developed characters to live in that world and
carry out that plot, then you have nothing. I use character sketches at
different times during my writing. Many times they are the first thing I do
when I begin a story. Other times I will revisit character sketches while I am
writing or when I decide to introduce a new character.</span><br />
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span><span style="line-height: 115%;">Often,
if I find myself stuck in the middle of the story and not knowing where we are
going next, it is because I do not know my character well enough. Rewriting or
revising the character sketch can reinvigorate the story. It is my opinion that
if you are involved deeply enough with your characters, it doesn’t matter what
you throw at them – you are going to understand how they will react and why. This
can dramatically affect both the output and quality of the writing.</span><br />
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span><span style="line-height: 115%;">I
unequivocally believe that any writer can benefit from taking the time to do
character sketches – no matter how long he/she has been writing or how much
he/she has written.</span><span style="line-height: 115%;">With
this in mind, I would like to share a couple of resources I use to complete
this important process.</span><br />
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<br />
<h3>
Writing Resources for Character Building </h3>
<span style="line-height: 115%;">First,
Character Questionnaires are a great way to get to know your characters. There
are two good examples available through <a href="http://www.writingclasses.com/InformationPages/index.php/PageID/106">Gotham
Writers</a>. You can even download them as .doc files to fill in on Word or to
print out and fill in longhand depending on your personal preferences.</span><span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Second,
I personally also use character sketches to fill in my characters’ back-stories.
I find this helps me not only get to know my characters, but also to gather
information that I can use to show readers where my characters’ actions,
feelings, and motivations come from. It is particularly helpful for creating
flashbacks and dropping clues within my stories. Corey Blake has written a
wonderful article featured on movie outline – <a href="http://www.movieoutline.com/articles/writing-characters-using-conflict-and-backstory.html">Writing
Characters Using Conflict & Backstory</a>. My heartfelt suggestion is to
read this article and follow its directions.</span><span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Until
next time,</span><span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Good
Day and Good Writing to you all!</span><span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Novel
Stats – pages: 66; word count: 18377</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04656084938533838475noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5332574686250992057.post-12494374753443504242014-08-06T12:49:00.000-05:002014-08-06T12:49:29.405-05:00Day 17 - No Writing Today, Researching Writer's Platforms<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBY0vlYAOZC8G8jdkYi_DLve1560_q3l_kq2NJTHkR7AAP-jWwqhGMT8n5h607YqNh0OiAuBeh039MVStPQ57DiWMNDy7tGYFHb_dYHZuNYvuiJICCYrKoi512Lfcz8UmZscpRRHMkT1GQ/s1600/authors-platform-pride-v11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBY0vlYAOZC8G8jdkYi_DLve1560_q3l_kq2NJTHkR7AAP-jWwqhGMT8n5h607YqNh0OiAuBeh039MVStPQ57DiWMNDy7tGYFHb_dYHZuNYvuiJICCYrKoi512Lfcz8UmZscpRRHMkT1GQ/s1600/authors-platform-pride-v11.jpg" height="400" width="151" /></a></div>
<h3>
Day 17<o:p></o:p></h3>
<h3>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt; font-weight: normal;">I'm not going to try to defend my lack of
writing yesterday. I didn't write - not a paragraph, not a sentence, not a word.
I own the fact that I did not make the time to move my story forward. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt; font-weight: normal;">It sucks! But, it happens to most writers
at one time or another. The important thing is to not make excuses - "oh,
I had x, y, or z going on yesterday, otherwise I most certainly would have
gotten some writing done." <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt; font-weight: normal;">Sorry, but there are no justifications for
not doing your job. At the end of the day, writers must hold themselves
accountable for their writing. Whether you have an editor breathing down your
neck or simply a group of supportive friends and family, you, dear writer, are
the beginning and end of the work. No one can do the work for you, and no one
is responsible for it getting done except you.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">So, today, I will pull myself up by the
bootstraps and make time to write.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
</h3>
<h3>
Instead of Writing<o:p></o:p></h3>
<h3>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%;">What
did I do instead of writing yesterday? Well, I'm glad you asked. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%;">I
spent my writing time yesterday researching and reading about creating and
building a writer's platform. If you've been writing and selling (or trying to sell)
your work for awhile, you probably know all about this concept. However, if you
are new to the world of publishing and self-marketing, then you are probably
not familiar with the term.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%;">A
writer's platform is the public, online, and publishing presence writers build
for themselves. Not only do you need to write a kick-ass story that people want
to buy and read, you also have to take the time to get your name and ideas out
there for other people to see. Unless you plan to go the self-publishing route,
publishers expect you to have the drive and tenacity to get this done.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%;">Now,
you may be thinking this is a case of putting the horse before the cart, but I
assure you it is not.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%;">Since
it is election time around the country, look at it this way - being a writer
who hopes to be published is much like running a political campaign. Name
recognition is important, but the ability of the voters (publishers) to find
out about you, your ideas, and brand (platform) is imperative.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://www.susangrigsby.com/" target="_blank">Susan Grigsby</a>, one of
my writing mentors, has told me many times about the importance of
self-marketing, particularly online. To paraphrase Susan: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%;">Potential
publishers will look for you online if they are interested in your work. They
want to see that not only have you taken the time to build an online presence,
but also that you have the technological skills to do so. If the choice comes
down to two authors, one who has a strong online presence and one who doesn't,
they will choose the one with over the one without every time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">The
fact of the matter is this - publishers only spend marketing money on their top
selling authors. The remainder are expected to market themselves and their
work. This is where building your writer's platform comes into the picture. In
my personal research of a wide assortment of publishers, I have found
approximately 25% (particularly smaller presses) ask about either what you are
willing to do to help market yourself (readings, conferences, workshops, ETC)
or what platforms you are currently active on (Facebook, Twitter, Google+, ETC)
- more often than not, they ask both.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</h3>
<h3>
Resources for Building Your
Writer's Platform<o:p></o:p></h3>
<h3>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%;">During
my research yesterday, I found some good resources to share with you about this
important facet of being or becoming an author.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<ul type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; font-weight: normal;">Janet Cannon has an excellent article about
building your public presence<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://revisionisadishbestservedcold.blogspot.com/2014/07/writers-platform-part-ii-public-presence.html" target="_blank">here</a>. <o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; font-weight: normal;">Kimberley Grabas offers<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://www.yourwriterplatform.com/actions-to-build-writer-platform/" target="_blank">101 Ways to Build Your Writer's Platform</a> which is
filled to the brim with links to other extremely helpful articles and
resources.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Matthew Turner provides writers with<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://janefriedman.com/2012/09/19/5-free-services-that-help-you-build-author-platform/" target="_blank">5 Free Services That Help You Build Author's Platform</a>.</span><o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
</h3>
<h3>
Moving Forward<o:p></o:p></h3>
<h3>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%;">I
am going to have to work on this process. I tend to get lost in a time suck
when I enter some of these online forums. I need to streamline the process. I'm
looking into<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="https://hootsuite.com/plans/free" target="_blank">HootSuite</a><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>to help with that (fingers crossed).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%;">For
now, I'm imposing time constraints on the amount of time I spend in these
online endeavors (because there really is no point if I never finish this
book). The way I figure it, if I can't accomplish what I need to in an hour,
I'm not doing it right.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">I'm
going back to my writing. Yesterday, I encountered a stubborn little girl who
insists her story be told differently than I first saw it in my head, so I had
better get to it.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;">Good
Day and Good Writing to You All!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</h3>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04656084938533838475noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5332574686250992057.post-19380351895951688312014-08-04T23:12:00.000-05:002014-08-07T20:19:04.850-05:00Writing Day 16<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqBV70jgfL55qj-CaUlwQI00Mk6Lr72DOD9XuYE7J4LMh5hwEJ_oYcf_Oj826F0UIok-kKWc9YfKa9qoXWXIf3zgiOO4Ve0AA_QY_wtc9nJvqtyDkgUrGHFr105Fpi_xkkfEynp1BbE_RE/s1600/bellow+on+rejection.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqBV70jgfL55qj-CaUlwQI00Mk6Lr72DOD9XuYE7J4LMh5hwEJ_oYcf_Oj826F0UIok-kKWc9YfKa9qoXWXIf3zgiOO4Ve0AA_QY_wtc9nJvqtyDkgUrGHFr105Fpi_xkkfEynp1BbE_RE/s1600/bellow+on+rejection.jpg" height="319" width="400" /></a></div>
I chose this bit of wisdom regarding rejections today because I feel it is something I need to remember as I ready myself to jump back into the fray - the wonderful world of editors and publishers and rejection letters.<br />
<br />
Coming off a rejection for my most recent academic offering, it becomes imperative to remind myself that my writing does have worth. On the plus side, two of the three reviewers did say that while my piece was not quite academic enough for their use, it was a promising op/ed piece for a different venue. so, that's exactly what I did with it. I used it, along with some of the resources I discovered while writing it, as a new post for my academic blog. If you are interested, you can read it <a href="http://buildingintelligencepluscharacter.blogspot.com/2014/07/poetry-and-common-core-great-non-debate.html" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
<br />
Having digitally submitted my children's book to two publishers and getting my hard copies and queries ready to submit to three additional houses, I feel it is necessary to remind myself again that even if my book doesn't find a home with one of these publishers, there are more out there. I just have to keep looking. Now, an interesting thing about children's publishers is that they do not send rejection letters. If they are interested, they will respond to you within a given time frame - usually 3-4 months. If they are not interested, you will hear nothing from them at all. They will recycle your manuscript and move to the next one in their pile. There is an awful lot of waiting involved in publishing, but I'm not sure how I feel about submitting and not getting anything back. However, if you think about it, it's just like filling out job applications - submit them and keep your fingers crossed someone will call you.<br />
<br />
In the writing class I took over the summer, we spent a good chunk of time talking about publishing, researching publishers, writing query letters, and working out the best way to present our work to editors. In the process, I learned a great deal about matching your work to publishers and querying with an eye toward not only each house's current catalog, but also their affiliates and partners. Getting published (especially the first time) is A LOT of work. It's not for the faint of heart, that's for sure.<br />
<br />
If you are looking at publishing, the best advice I can give you is be prepared to do your research. Get your hands on a copy of <a href="http://www.writersmarket.com/" target="_blank">Writer's Market</a> (you can get the previous year's volume at a deep discount which is fine because by the time the next one gets published many of the entries are already outdated or you can subscribe online for $5.99/month). Visit the publishers' websites, check their criteria, browse their catalogs, read their books, research their company, and decide which houses seem like a good fit for your work. Submit to a variety of publishers (make sure they accept simultaneous submissions [SS]) both large houses and small. Do not submit to publishers not accepting unsolicited submissions. Make sure you read their guidelines carefully AND follow them to the letter. Personally, I would not submit to a publisher who doesn't accept SS unless I felt strongly that they were the ones for me. The publishing world changes quickly, so I don't see the value in paying for a subscription when I am going to have to do all this work either way.<br />
<br />
At the end of the day, I write because I love to write. I will continue to write for the same reason. I'm not saying it wouldn't be wonderfully satisfying to see my work in print or to see it in the hands of readers who enjoy it as much as I do, but whether or not this happens, I will continue to write (and to look for homes for my work).<br />
<br />
With all this being said, let's talk about the novel for a moment.<br />
<br />
It is steadily coming along. I finished another section of Chapter 8 today. One more and I'll be ready to move on to Chapter 9 (and back to Verity's story again). While I did a lot of work today, I didn't get as much writing done as I would've liked - 592 words today. But before I beat myself up too much, I did get almost 600 words and really that's nothing to sneeze at. :)<br />
<br />
Tomorrow, I will be talking about another aspect of writer's work beyond writing - self-marketing AKA building your writer platform, but until then. . .<br />
<br />
Good Day and Good Writing to you all!<br />
<br />
<br />
Today's Stats -<br />
<br />
NIP - WTA - pages: 58; word count: 16121<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04656084938533838475noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5332574686250992057.post-76749596227485713672014-08-03T22:13:00.003-05:002014-08-05T23:22:41.727-05:00Writing Days 14.5/15<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcLeYNNQbjvhgJMaaWVKnEjU9vrQBgntC29RsxtH51aHFAHGJQmj0zsGHpRLh2ghYDlfdoNearcEYw44-dlPFARubytQeSWGjQzt1c_GJxHkxVOSqFhkqzAmHhloGTavD-PPnGQCJfcQfE/s1600/tumblr_static_tumblr_lyaye2eaq01qdm3xfo1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcLeYNNQbjvhgJMaaWVKnEjU9vrQBgntC29RsxtH51aHFAHGJQmj0zsGHpRLh2ghYDlfdoNearcEYw44-dlPFARubytQeSWGjQzt1c_GJxHkxVOSqFhkqzAmHhloGTavD-PPnGQCJfcQfE/s1600/tumblr_static_tumblr_lyaye2eaq01qdm3xfo1_500.jpg" height="320" width="319" /></a></div>
Today, I chose to include this quote from F. Scott Fitzgerald because over the course of my writing work this week, I have discovered that there are far more people living in my head than I previously believed.<br />
<br />
To put this into perspective, I feel it is necessary to provide you with a little background on the current novel. The story follows Verity, a woman born and raised in the rural Midwest, who upon beginning work on a community-based genealogy project realizes something isn't quite right in her idyllic small town. As she begins investigating the cycle of deaths she has uncovered, she begins experiencing vivid dreams of these "accidental" deaths from the perspective of the deceased. So, over the course of the novel, she not only is telling the story of her search to find answers and uncover the truth, but also the stories of the unfortunate souls who have lost their lives in and around the town.<br />
<br />
If I were to say this involves a lot of stories, I feel like I would be downplaying the reality of the novel. It is a ton of stories - or a shit ton if you'll forgive my overuse of a colloquialism. All of these people insisting their stories be told becomes somewhat overwhelming if I think about it too much. So, I have decided, much like Verity, that I will tell them one at a time as I come to them rather than ponder on the enormity of the task as a whole.<br />
<br />
I have to say one of the positive aspect of this experience is that I am still madly in love with this story, and from everything I've read, this is a good sign for me. Also, I constantly doubt whether anyone will actually want to read it when I finish; however, according to my sources, this is also totally normal. So there you go.<br />
<br />
I have one complaint over the past two days which I feel obligated to share. I am certain that I am not the only one this happens to, so here it is. WHY is it that I can sit and stare at the television for hours and no one feels the need to speak to me, BUT as soon as I open the laptop and put the ear-buds in, everyone in my house is suddenly possessed with the need to engage me in conversation or ask me questions or beg me to do something for them??? Why is that? It drives me absolutely up the wall! I'm like "OK guys, I have been sitting on the couch for two and a half hours watching crap, but as soon as I start typing, you all need me for something!" Good Grief! I feel like Charlie Brown - can't win for losing. Anyway, I needed to get that out there. I feel better now. I just have to remind my family members from time to time that if I am typing, I am working, and they are NOT to bother me when I'm working. :)<br />
<br />
I believe that's it for the past two days. The novel is steadily progressing in a forward motion which is a good thing. Chapter 8 is nearing completion, and after finishing Chapter 9, I will officially be a quarter of the way through the project. Hopefully, this week will be at least as productive as the last few days have been. Of course, either way, I will let you know. :)<br />
<br />
Good day and Good Writing to you all!<br />
<br />
<br />
Writing Stats -<br />
<br />
NIP - WTA - pages: 56; word count: 15529Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04656084938533838475noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5332574686250992057.post-55632165129071960472014-08-01T01:29:00.002-05:002014-08-01T01:29:20.715-05:00Writing Day 14<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgn1JwQ8ktKAXg0bQQNwBv34ib24U8_J5MmiFiawVfPIV_jaxa5sJVvpdOT6BdyMUGMiziCsunfwLB6CCR_SAGugU24wrRVhqxNabKd9y_RslDocJ7XpBBvCvC-qeS5tcEKvDGTy-k4QcL/s1600/every+writer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">i<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgn1JwQ8ktKAXg0bQQNwBv34ib24U8_J5MmiFiawVfPIV_jaxa5sJVvpdOT6BdyMUGMiziCsunfwLB6CCR_SAGugU24wrRVhqxNabKd9y_RslDocJ7XpBBvCvC-qeS5tcEKvDGTy-k4QcL/s1600/every+writer.jpg" height="240" width="400" /></a></div>
I love this quote from Joseph Heller. It seems that when you write, trouble is just a part of the process. I think this is so important to remember when you are writing anything, but especially when you are working on something as long and drawn out as a novel. Sometimes, when the trouble comes it seems like you will never write anything again. And that negative outlook is just no good. You begin doubting your writing ability ("I don't really think I can write anyway."), then you doubt your capability ("Even if I could write, a project like this is just beyond the scope of my abilities."), then you doubt your publishability ("Even if I ever get this thing written, no one is ever going to publish it."), finally, you doubt your salability ("Even if someone takes a chance on publishing it, no one will ever read it.") Okay, so I took some liberties with the -abilities, but you get my meaning. It all becomes a spiraling mess of self-doubt circling the trash can drain.<br />
<br />
With this in mind, I have taken a couple of days respite from the novel to re-energize and refocus my writing. And you know what? It actually worked! Can you believe it?<br />
<br />
If you have read my previous entries, then you know Verity (my main character) and I have been having a bit of a struggle with telling her story in a way that suited both of us. I did move forward with other aspects of the story, but because Verity is THE center of the story, it just seemed wrong to move on without her.<br />
<br />
Yesterday, my daughter and I took a field trip. Just as Verity had to "go home," I decided I needed to take that trip myself. To go out and drive the back roads, to be out in the country (the real country), to go down those old gravel roads and pick wildflowers, to be "home."<br />
<br />
Just for fun, here are a few of the pictures I took on our little field trip.<br />
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<br />
"Going home" has been highly productive for both me and Verity. Today, I finished Chapter 7 and half of Chapter 8. I also posted two new articles to my education blog (<a href="http://buildingintelligencepluscharacter.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Building Intelligence Plus Character</a>). All in all, a full day of work. I believe I my need to make field trips a regular part of my process. :) So, until next time. . .<br />
<br />
Good day and Good Writing to you all!<br />
<br />
Today's stats -<br />
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NIP - WTA - pages: 51; word count: 13621Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04656084938533838475noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5332574686250992057.post-32390154809594194562014-07-29T00:54:00.001-05:002014-08-01T23:11:58.839-05:00Writing Day 13<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
In light of the way I've spent my research and writing time this evening, this particular writing problem is quite apropos. Now, you may or may not be asking yourself, "What in the world has she been doing?" Well, either way, I am going to tell you. I have spent the evening researching a wide variety of accidental deaths and writing obituaries and flash pieces. For those who don't know what flash is, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flash_fiction" target="_blank">flash fiction</a> is a super short story. They are typically 1,000 words or less (some people consider flash 300 words or less).<br />
<br />
Yes, you read that correctly. I have been writing obituaries for a few hours tonight. I wonder how many people outside of the field of journalism can say that.<br />
<br />
Since Verity and I came to an understanding over the weekend and put her part of the story on the back burner until later this week, I worked on telling some of the other stories in the book. Verity's story is not all hers after all. Half of the story is her journey to find the truth, and the other half is her telling the stories of those unfortunate souls who no longer have a voice of their own - which, by the way, is a necessary component to her finding the truth and shedding a light on the dark past of her hometown.<br />
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I'm excited at the prospect of digging out these stories. Especially because I have absolutely no idea where they are going to end up until I begin writing them. All of the deaths are elementally-linked, so I know going in where the ultimate end is coming from (earth, air, fire, or water); however, learning the where, when, and how comes along as I write for each person or incident. Much like Verity, I have no idea exactly what happened until I see it for myself. Once the obits are complete, the characters determine where their story will go. They tell me, and I write them down.<br />
<br />
While this is an energizing way to write, I certainly wouldn't want anyone (particularly if you are squeamish) to look at my recent image searches. :)<br />
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I've been working in the binder today, so I have no new stats to share at the moment. I will be transcribing tomorrow, so we will see just how much work I have managed to accomplish then.<br />
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Good Day and Good Writing to you all!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04656084938533838475noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5332574686250992057.post-60793176334257147082014-07-28T02:04:00.000-05:002014-07-28T02:05:56.018-05:00Writing Days 11/12<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpbDAMK5-hScaASOpe28eXeYgtgEgwJ47SaVdMyQpS7_pycGt5Qg2r1Yut7ePmJLYMrIPawYTYB8sFQg77R7UEtSPhZCa5nEgvmGUfW-kW9xaB0AJ8uNxVJHGbi2asknpiKWQH3SIffa_8/s1600/voices.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpbDAMK5-hScaASOpe28eXeYgtgEgwJ47SaVdMyQpS7_pycGt5Qg2r1Yut7ePmJLYMrIPawYTYB8sFQg77R7UEtSPhZCa5nEgvmGUfW-kW9xaB0AJ8uNxVJHGbi2asknpiKWQH3SIffa_8/s1600/voices.png" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
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Okay, so what can I say about this weekend. . . well, I guess I would say "interesting" just about covers it. Did I get a lot of work done? Ummm. . . not really. Did I learn a lot. Yes, yes, I did.<br />
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I started out the weekend with high expectations. I was able to get so much writing done over the week that I just knew this weekend would be full of writing genius. I set everything up to work - as is my habit - black notebook, 2 blue ink pens, cigarettes, and Diet Coke, all laid out and ready to go. I sat in my favorite spot on the front porch, opened the notebook, and. . . nothin', absolutely no single thing came to mind. I knew where the story was going. Knew what needed to be said. Knew where my character needed to go next, what she needed to do, and what obstacles were to be laid in her path. Still nothing.<br />
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I began doodling around the edges of the paper and thinking about the story. I wrote a sentence, then another, then a paragraph. And the entire time, the voice in my head kept saying, <i>Crap! This is crap! What are you doing?</i><br />
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I wrote a second paragraph, finished a page, then two. But, I still couldn't shake that voice. <i>No, no, NO! This isn't right at all.</i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNB1MGkG8wnorgeZGPUCCKMdO0qQ0viaCJv_qr0FEK7A36u3vkprrnwRWdHKc4UthsKj32vaJMgOy04C5edhK_534OnYeih-uj3LRg7Z04COwYLdIHE9fu6e5NFadVs9NAvG2g8L8wLSH3/s1600/writing+schizo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNB1MGkG8wnorgeZGPUCCKMdO0qQ0viaCJv_qr0FEK7A36u3vkprrnwRWdHKc4UthsKj32vaJMgOy04C5edhK_534OnYeih-uj3LRg7Z04COwYLdIHE9fu6e5NFadVs9NAvG2g8L8wLSH3/s1600/writing+schizo.jpg" height="202" width="400" /></a></div>
Now, before I continue, I feel it's necessary to mention that I do not actually have schizophrenia. However, I have been living with this story for much longer than I have actually been writing it. When you read interviews with writers, many talk about writing as a kind of itch in their brains, something that keeps them up at night. That sometimes a story demands so insistently to be told that it will wake them in the middle of the night and refuses to quit until they get the ideas down on paper. That has happened to me for as long as I can remember. I sleep with a notebook and pen beside my bed (have for years and years) just so I don't have to completely get up. Hoping that if I can write it down quickly enough, I may actually be able to just drift back off to sleep quickly. Sometimes it works. Sometimes it doesn't.<br />
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But I digress. This story, and perhaps more importantly this character (Verity), has been rattling around my subconscious and my journals since an early creative writing class I took back in the spring of 2009. That is a long time for someone else to occupy that very personal space. By the time I actually started the story in 2013, Verity had already been present for four years, creeping around the periphery and pushing for her story to be told. She has changed very little over the years, other than aging a bit (she began life as a teenager, but she now lives quite happily in her late thirties).<br />
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Struggling through those Saturday morning pages, the voice seemed familiar, but I couldn't quite place it. I took a break. Walked around the yard. Then, it hit me. Verity! And, man, she was not happy with me.<br />
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I went back and re-read what I had written. Verity was right. It was crap. At this point in the story, Verity is returning to her old home place for the first time in many years. All the family is gone and all that remains is her great-grandmother's old empty house. Besides being a pivotal piece of the story, this is an important moment for Verity - an exorcism of demons, in more ways than one. I did not do it justice. I did not do her justice. And she let me know that quite plainly.<br />
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I knew it wasn't right, but the words still refused to come. So, what did I do?<br />
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I stepped away. I played with my granddaughter. I watched Frozen three times in a row. I went grocery shopping. I cooked supper. I took a breath. Sunday, I watched movies with my daughter and paid a long overdue visit to an old friend. I thought about the story, dreamed about it even, but did not pick it back up.<br />
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Driving the dark tree-lined road to get back to town, I realized what needed to be done. A field trip is in order. I already have it planned for Wednesday - just me, Sis, and the camera.<br />
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Until then, what's on tap for the novel? Well, fortunately for me, while this is Verity's story, it is also about her telling the stories of others. So, while her story is going to go on hold for a moment, she is going to go ahead and tell the others' stories in the meantime.<br />
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She and I are both very happy with this arrangement.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04656084938533838475noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5332574686250992057.post-8680061897233014612014-07-26T00:42:00.000-05:002014-07-26T00:42:46.116-05:00Writing Day 10It has been a very long day.<br />
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In the real world, I had to make not one, but two, trips to the license bureau which means I got to spend better than two hours sitting in crowded room waiting for someone to call my number. To turn this experience into a positive, I used my time observing and making character notes in my phone.<br />
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In the writing world, I carved out a couple hours to write this afternoon. I also started a Facebook page to link to this blog. If you are so inclined, you can find it <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Just-Write-Already/470261749777770" target="_blank">here</a>. I spent about an hour transcribing my longhand writing to the digital copy of the novel, and I am happy to report that Chapter Five first draft is OFFICIALLY complete!<br />
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Hoping to find the time over the weekend to work on Chapter Six and maybe even Chapter Seven (fingers crossed).<br />
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But for today, I will leave you with this tidbit from Neil Gaiman (a personal hero of mine).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqfK09RDZIUWjC3Ot1eV0gHeKPCFRsjjIyywvkGBX4kWnlAGq7TNDEoZQ4uO-IQx8aHE-q8IFYuux5SXCMnqQCK6-a96byVroldbXqf85ajlRCCac0iAWN1r5sc6zKp0ALapdek6TNmOKt/s1600/this-is-how-you-do-it-quote.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqfK09RDZIUWjC3Ot1eV0gHeKPCFRsjjIyywvkGBX4kWnlAGq7TNDEoZQ4uO-IQx8aHE-q8IFYuux5SXCMnqQCK6-a96byVroldbXqf85ajlRCCac0iAWN1r5sc6zKp0ALapdek6TNmOKt/s1600/this-is-how-you-do-it-quote.jpg" /></a></div>
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This may seem like common sense, but sometimes we must remind ourselves that while it may not always be easy, one word after another is what will get it done.</div>
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Good Day and Good Writing to you all!</div>
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Today's Stats - </div>
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NIP - WTA - pages: 43; word count: 11,158</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04656084938533838475noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5332574686250992057.post-56675918773540875352014-07-25T00:44:00.002-05:002014-07-25T00:44:59.727-05:00Writing Day 9Today's entry is going to be a short one. It has been a very good day for writing today!<br />
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It was so nice outside, so I decided I would sit on the porch and work this morning. I didn't look up until my daughter walked out three hours later to make sure I was still living and breathing out there.<br />
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I used some time this evening to transcribe my longhand onto the laptop. And. . . drum roll, please. . .<br />
I broke 10,000 words! This is OFFICIALLY the longest piece I have ever written!<br />
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I am excited (if you couldn't tell), and I am extremely tired. So, that is going to be all for my update today.<br />
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I will leave you with some wisdom from the world wide web:<br />
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I believe that this can apply to a great many goals we set for ourselves in life. Making excuses can become a habitually bad habit and failure a self-fulling prophecy. We have to concentrate on what is important to us as individuals and do what we can to make those things a reality.</div>
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Good day and Good Writing to you all!</div>
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Today's Stats - </div>
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NIP - WTA - pages: 41; word count: 10,055 :)</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04656084938533838475noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5332574686250992057.post-66731580193156878322014-07-23T23:00:00.000-05:002014-07-28T23:56:24.957-05:00Writing Days 7/8<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt7hs1wc0gG9SNiDdHEVsL5dN-hCn7R0XP1NQATGSpYtWlz4YQ1R67eM09_rhx94DPgHvW-MMKb0Q9yjdCgNSs3uIiR8iGQT02fbh8iTaUpKM4qjO7eJZ3t9xniLxCKgTzJHn4mv_t5Rp6/s1600/writers-block1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt7hs1wc0gG9SNiDdHEVsL5dN-hCn7R0XP1NQATGSpYtWlz4YQ1R67eM09_rhx94DPgHvW-MMKb0Q9yjdCgNSs3uIiR8iGQT02fbh8iTaUpKM4qjO7eJZ3t9xniLxCKgTzJHn4mv_t5Rp6/s1600/writers-block1.jpg" height="208" width="640" /></a></div>
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Stuck. Stuck. Stuck. I absolutely hate knowing what I want to say and not being able to come up with the words to say it. It is one of the MOST frustrating things in the world to sit down to write and the words just refuse to come. 63 words was all I could manage to pull out of my stubborn self today.<br />
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On a positive note, I finished my grant proposal yesterday outlining a cross-curricular media literacy and production program for which I have been designing the curriculum for about a year now. The whole program is put together, I have found a funding source I believe would be perfect to pay for all the equipment purchases - now, of course, all I have to find is a school willing to give me a job with a faculty who are down for some major collaboration, and who will take a chance on the implementation of such a program. Ah, to dream the impossible dream.<br />
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Also, I am readying myself to send my children's book out into the great unknown. I am so in love with this book. I hope I can find it a good home somewhere.<br />
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As far as the novel goes, tomorrow is another day, dear Scarlet. Since I struggled with writing today, I did some minor revisions and made some expansion/clarification note on the manuscript to look during later revisions. I plan on getting up early and hitting it hard in the morning. Hopefully, I will be able to power through this block using pure unadulterated will power.<br />
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Good day and Good Writing!<br />
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Today's stats -<br />
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NIP - WTA - pages: 32; word count: 7813Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04656084938533838475noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5332574686250992057.post-17244068157736421932014-07-21T23:50:00.003-05:002014-07-21T23:52:14.903-05:00Writing Day 6Today has been both interesting and productive. I attended the last meeting of my writing class, and I was fortunate to have both an excellent instructor and a great group of peers with whom to work for the past eight weeks. My children's book is "in the can" so to speak, and I am ready to start sending out manuscripts later this week! Very excited about that!<br />
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On the novel front, I finished chapter 4 (transcribing all my longhand work onto Word and writing the concluding paragraph) and am ready to move on to chapter five tomorrow. Not too shabby, if I do say so myself.<br />
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The next chapter is a time period shift which is usually slower going than the present day stuff, but I am already kicking around some great ideas for this next section. So, my fingers are crossed that it will go at least somewhat smoothly.<br />
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On another topic, the deadline for my academic article, <i>Poetry and the Common Core: The Great Non-debate</i>, has passed, so I'm looking at receiving notification one way or the other in about 4-6 weeks. Again, keeping my fingers crossed the news will be good.<br />
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Plans for tomorrow (other than working on chapter five of the novel) are to finish a $5,000 educational grant proposal I have been working on for the past month. The grant is for the initial equipment funding for a cross-curricular media literacy and production program I have been developing for about six months. It is a project I am extremely passionate about, so the writing should go smoothly. All the statistical research, sustainability studies, and expansion potential worksheet is done. I just have to put it together and write it with enough appeal to convince the grantor to hand over that money. :)<br />
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All in all, it has been a GREAT day! (And I even managed to run a few errands and do a load of laundry.)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt4b_LdElfDaqphhk7wwQtHY5Up-o5rj3RvSCwftbayM1ZYyHWHWWyCLVpq1GmbX20rAjJ5v5Wngb29Y3Pqzc6wsrRv2LcHz7L_5XH4ZzZpq829MigQwmRzvRm3XLdQjCbmT9c0AxkAeod/s1600/Don%E2%80%99t-get-it-right-just-get-it-written-James-Thurber-Quote.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt4b_LdElfDaqphhk7wwQtHY5Up-o5rj3RvSCwftbayM1ZYyHWHWWyCLVpq1GmbX20rAjJ5v5Wngb29Y3Pqzc6wsrRv2LcHz7L_5XH4ZzZpq829MigQwmRzvRm3XLdQjCbmT9c0AxkAeod/s1600/Don%E2%80%99t-get-it-right-just-get-it-written-James-Thurber-Quote.jpg" height="320" width="193" /></a></div>
Today's writing inspiration comes from James Thurber - cartoonist, author, journalist, playwright, and celebrate wit. I chose it to remind me (especially going into this particularly tough chapter) that getting it written is more than half the battle. Revision is a necessary aspect of all writing, so it by no means has to be perfect the first time around. It just has to be written.<br />
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Good day and good writing to you all!<br />
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Novel stats for today -<br />
NIP - WTA - pages: 33; word count: 7750Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04656084938533838475noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5332574686250992057.post-16176986298095027892014-07-21T00:43:00.001-05:002014-07-21T00:43:28.068-05:00Writing Days 4/5<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQUcZWmvnjep6KNwaOr3zRqucr3MN7oWFpaUlFRwsoZmDrkh9ugQXrknkJv8pJDooe2oo_tiduQWt-oDFrbPnTp3bocLL9cKb1RGXjiYZin2O93wiOY5WYzLnKSJP2xUVBQvSO-qxOESM1/s1600/being-a-good-writer-is-3-percent-talent-97-percent-not-being-distracted-by-the-internet-writing-meme-photo-kill-your-darlings-atl1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQUcZWmvnjep6KNwaOr3zRqucr3MN7oWFpaUlFRwsoZmDrkh9ugQXrknkJv8pJDooe2oo_tiduQWt-oDFrbPnTp3bocLL9cKb1RGXjiYZin2O93wiOY5WYzLnKSJP2xUVBQvSO-qxOESM1/s1600/being-a-good-writer-is-3-percent-talent-97-percent-not-being-distracted-by-the-internet-writing-meme-photo-kill-your-darlings-atl1.jpeg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
After the past two days, this bit of writing wisdom seemed most fitting. I would amend the 97% to also include being distracted by life in general.<br />
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The past two days have been filled to the brim with those everyday distractions that happen when you have kids to raise and a household to run. With the schools currently on summer break, I can't blame work for not being able to write; however, I can blame grocery shopping, house cleaning, laundry, running errands, being a mom taxi, cooking, and the ever present masters class homework.<br />
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Fortunately, this is my final week of summer term classes, then I will have a couple of weeks until school (both work and mine) starts up again. So, I will not have either of those things to use as an excuse.<br />
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Despite the internet and life in general, I have done some work over the past two days. I have put together a total of six solid publishing leads for my children's book and completed queries/cover letters for each one. So, I am ready to submit (ready or not).<br />
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I also wrote another five longhand pages for chapter four of the novel and roughed out chapter five. I have night class tomorrow, but my plans are to complete chapter four longhand tomorrow and attempt to get most (if not all) of it in Word at some point tomorrow. I have one more major assignment due this week, which I hope to get knocked out Tuesday. Then, WATCH OUT! I will be a writing fool for the rest of the week. :)<br />
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Novel Stats for Today -<br />
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NIP - WTA - No updates, still working with pen and paper. :)Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04656084938533838475noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5332574686250992057.post-5364836247859533312014-07-18T23:15:00.001-05:002014-07-18T23:15:37.887-05:00Writing Day Three<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Today's writing inspiration from Mr. Clive Barker.</div>
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I have nothing to add. This says it all.</div>
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Well, on the writing front today, it was slow and steady with a break for creation of another kind. As I was falling asleep last night, I was struck with the idea of creating a book trailer for my work in progress. Ever since I first saw Ransom Riggs' trailer for <i>Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children, </i>I have been utterly smitten with the idea of marketing written works through a variety of media. After a quick search on YouTube, I discovered that book trailers have become quite commonplace in the world of publishing. Of course, many of these (including Riggs') are slickly packaged mini-movies in their own right. For a newbie to the world of video production, I used MovieMaker and Audacity (both free programs). I taught myself to use MovieMaker for a class in Educational Technology that I took earlier this year, and did my best to teach myself to use Audacity this morning in the wee hours before the sun came up (see people, insomnia is good for something).</div>
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So, with no further ado, here is my maiden voyage into book trailer creation.</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/8yb0FYQICFM?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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Now for the day's writing stuff. I did not progress a lot on the digital manuscript - adding a scant 76 words. I did, however, work longhand today - completing 4 1/2 pages. After working on the trailer, I was just digitally done for the day. </div>
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Plans for tomorrow include working out some more longhand (the weather here is supposed to be bee-you-ti-ful tomorrow). If everything goes according to plan, I should be able to finish Chapter 4 and be well into roughing out Chapter 5 tomorrow. I also have to make time to complete the query and finish the publisher's search for my Children's Book - I have a quickly approaching deadline to meet.</div>
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Good day and good writing to you all!</div>
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Today's Novel Stats - </div>
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No stats for today because the majority of my work was done the old-fashioned way. :)</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04656084938533838475noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5332574686250992057.post-27453767449462434042014-07-17T23:51:00.000-05:002014-07-17T23:51:59.826-05:00Writing Day Two<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Today's bit of writing wisdom comes from Jodi Picoult - a writer I greatly admire.<br />
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I think it is important to remember as a writer that an idea written on paper - or the keyboard - has not been carved in stone. Anything can be changed or manipulated, but only if it has been written in the first place.<br />
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Today was a productive day on the writing front. Although I didn't quite finish the section I have been working on the past two days, I did add 1000+ words to my manuscript. I also finished indexing the remainder of my notes and completed basic outlines for the entire novel (all 36 chapters of it). I also completed another round of historical research and finalized the founding genealogy for my town.<br />
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On the publishing front, I uncovered three solid leads for the children's book and two publications for the shorts.<br />
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Tentative plans for tomorrow include working on the novel, creating a query for the children's book, and searching for at least three more publishing leads for the children's book.<br />
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Ending the day with a positive feeling today.<br />
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Today's Novel Stats -<br />
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NIP - WTA - pages: 29; word count: 6772Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04656084938533838475noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5332574686250992057.post-24290187404414585562014-07-16T23:33:00.000-05:002014-07-17T23:52:55.971-05:00Writing Day OneToday has been a good writing day. I pulled out one of my novels I haven't looked at in quite some time. I was re-energized reading through the work.<br />
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I worked through a ton of long-hand notes, typed nine new pages, revised and reworked several sections, and began another set of outlines for the next two sections. Overall, I'm feeling good about today's progress.<br />
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On tap for tomorrow, finishing outlines, finishing the section I began today, and researching publishers for the children's book I finished last week and some of the shorts I haven't submitted in awhile (after I look them over again, of course).<br />
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Today's nugget of inspiration:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6ZmYuI9-RYvoBd6PfKZ5lcwmdxSDVu23lCdDrNvwjqC5weNEVGpdKsIEOBo5wM1t4BnvTlukKy6va6YYZMKcUh_72HzNj0lfs1uCP2oTClwDisAYGlIFtWKAnKWbNrGLjcxD_uFX181p9/s1600/862e83803dfa5ce01f021937fc8f6aea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6ZmYuI9-RYvoBd6PfKZ5lcwmdxSDVu23lCdDrNvwjqC5weNEVGpdKsIEOBo5wM1t4BnvTlukKy6va6YYZMKcUh_72HzNj0lfs1uCP2oTClwDisAYGlIFtWKAnKWbNrGLjcxD_uFX181p9/s1600/862e83803dfa5ce01f021937fc8f6aea.jpg" /></a></div>
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After my work today, I feel saner than I've felt in a long time. I do believe Kafka was on to something. ;)<br />
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Today's stats -<br />
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NIP: WTA - pages: 25 word count: 5683<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04656084938533838475noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5332574686250992057.post-47599439246175917112014-07-15T00:13:00.000-05:002014-07-15T00:13:34.344-05:00Welcome to The First Day of the Rest of My LifeMy entire life people have been telling me I should be a writer. Every year I ask my students to consider the question: Who am I? When I think about this same question, my response always involves "I am a writer" somewhere in the equation. If I am having a good day, it ends up closer to the top. If not, somewhere nearer the bottom. I "joke" consistently that all passionate English teachers are secretly harboring the desire to be writers. I talk about my novels-in-process. I use my personal writing as examples and mentor texts for my students as do many of my previous professors.<br />
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I know in the pit of my soul and with the entirety of my being - I am a writer.<br />
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I write short stories and flash fiction and academic articles and literary analysis and really, really long unit plans. I write poetry for my kids and all sorts of essays and half-finished novels.<br />
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And so far. . .<br />
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I am, as yet, unpublished. I have temporarily given up on submissions due to rejections (they have a tendency to make one question the worth of one's work). I do not spend the time or energy I know I should writing.<br />
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I recently completed a class on writing children's books, a genre completely foreign to me, and it has given me a new insight on what I need to do - JUST WRITE ALREADY!<br />
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With that thought squarely in mind, I have decided to start this blog. It is for me more than anyone else. A way to hold myself accountable for my tendency toward procrastination. </div>
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I finally understand that rejection is just part of the process. The majority of my work can not be neatly pigeon-holed into a specific genre or niche - perhaps it would be easier if that were the case. But what I do know is this, my writing is true to who I am. It tells the story I want to tell in the way that I want to tell it. With perseverance, I will find a home and an audience for my work. I will finish the novels I have been playing around with for soooooooo long.</div>
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My pledge to myself is this: I will use this platform to document my writing journey. I will make time to write. I will begin to submit again. I will WRITE with the understanding that everything will not be great all the time, that I will have good days and bad, that not every person who reads what I write will "get it" (some people will even think it is worthless trash), and that this terrible/awful/wonderful journey will be a long one.</div>
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So, if you have stumbled upon this blog and wish to tag along or comment or even commiserate, welcome. Welcome to the first day of the rest of my life.</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04656084938533838475noreply@blogger.com0