Book #3 is at a standstill. Edits have stopped. I've decided to go a different way entirely.
Are there mulligans in writing? No? Well I'm taking one anyway.
After many handfuls of chocolate and a few brain-busting workouts, I've come to grips with the fact that the new direction will make my book better. And it will be more fun to write. It will be wittier, hotter, and not as dark as before.
Sadly, that means most of what I've already written will be deleted. Okay, not deleted entirely, but it will be cut and pasted into a "deleted scenes" folder which will never be seen by anyone but me.
Starting again is a daunting task, disheartening at best. I've heard from many writers/authors that edits and revisions could be the hardest part of the writing process.
You've created a "masterpiece". You've written "The End". And now you're expected to go back through with a fine tooth comb and fix all those holes, mistakes, typos, scenes that don't fit, characters that don't mold, etc, etc, etc?
The answer is simple. Yes.
But at the same time, the answer is not so simple.
Deleting seventy pages of good stuff that I really like is far from simple. It's like erasing these characters lives, their beliefs, their feelings.
I can't start writing #3...again...yet. I think I'm still in mourning over having to accept the unacceptable.
I wonder if I should develop something like the 6 Stages of Death and Dying for the writing process. I've definitely gone through denial, anger and grief over the death of manuscript #3. Kubler-Ross watch out!
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Friday, January 29, 2010
My characters are ALIVE!
I wrote about the wall yesterday. Ah, the dreaded wall. I took my laptop to Starbucks, got buzzed on a grande mocha (went for the 2% milk instead of the nonfat this time-yay for life's little splurges), and sent my fingers flying.
I knew where my story needed to go. My main character, a shapeshifter, needed to break into the dreaded vampire lair. His woman, maybe the love of his life, was kidnapped and taken hostage. She's in the lair. And she needs him. He trudges through the mountains in search of the secret entrance and runs into a witch (who will be the heroine from the next book in the series). But that's where I hit the wall...
How was he going to get in? Where would the hero and heroine meet? And how would he get her out?
All these were questions I intended to answer yesterday...and I think I did. Maybe all I needed was a change of scenery. Don't get me wrong, I love looking at my kitchen wall while I type. But seriously, can you see how this could get old?
So anyway, I had an idea of where I wanted my story to go, but as I started to type, the characters veered into different directions. My heroine didn't want to be weak and indecisive. She wanted to be strong, cool and collected. My hero didn't want to wait for the perfect opportunity to break into the lair. He wanted to dive in, get his feet wet, and find his love.
I had the feeling that the characters were taking on a mind of their own. I felt a little like the doctor who made Frankenstein, I suppose. I created these characters. I should know what they're going to do and how they're going to think...shouldn't I?
Or maybe, like the maniacal doctor, all I can do is create a base form. Once the slate is built the characters really do come alive. No, I'm not crazy. I don't hear voices. My characters don't speak to me in my sleep. That'd be a little overboard. But I broke through the wall. And I'm looking forward to seeing what lives these characters will lead next.
I knew where my story needed to go. My main character, a shapeshifter, needed to break into the dreaded vampire lair. His woman, maybe the love of his life, was kidnapped and taken hostage. She's in the lair. And she needs him. He trudges through the mountains in search of the secret entrance and runs into a witch (who will be the heroine from the next book in the series). But that's where I hit the wall...
How was he going to get in? Where would the hero and heroine meet? And how would he get her out?
All these were questions I intended to answer yesterday...and I think I did. Maybe all I needed was a change of scenery. Don't get me wrong, I love looking at my kitchen wall while I type. But seriously, can you see how this could get old?
So anyway, I had an idea of where I wanted my story to go, but as I started to type, the characters veered into different directions. My heroine didn't want to be weak and indecisive. She wanted to be strong, cool and collected. My hero didn't want to wait for the perfect opportunity to break into the lair. He wanted to dive in, get his feet wet, and find his love.
I had the feeling that the characters were taking on a mind of their own. I felt a little like the doctor who made Frankenstein, I suppose. I created these characters. I should know what they're going to do and how they're going to think...shouldn't I?
Or maybe, like the maniacal doctor, all I can do is create a base form. Once the slate is built the characters really do come alive. No, I'm not crazy. I don't hear voices. My characters don't speak to me in my sleep. That'd be a little overboard. But I broke through the wall. And I'm looking forward to seeing what lives these characters will lead next.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
I've hit the wall!
Well, I suppose I knew it was coming. Wonderful writing storms like the kind I've had the last two weeks don't last forever, much like rain or snow ones.
It's sunny today in California. And my creativity has dried up with the puddles.
I'm still sitting at my computer every morning and every night, typing something onto the screen. But to be honest, that something is garbage. Nothing like the beauty of the first sixty pages that flurried off the keyboard.
At the RWA National Conference in Washington D.C. last summer, Nora Roberts gave a very honest, very brash view of her writing process. There was something she said that stuck with me and it's fitting for a week like this one.
She said something along the lines of (and I'm paraphrasing here), "Your job is to write. So you sit your ass in the chair and you write. You may write one line, one paragraph, one page, or one chapter each day. But you write something. Because a book can't be formed from a blank page."
So as long as I'm writing SOMETHING I can always bash it into good form later. I suppose it's good advice. She should know what she's talking about after all.
Side note: I've attached an interview with her below. This is not an RWA Conference, but you get the gist. Now keep in mind, she's written 165 New York Times Bestsellers. Wow.
So, I'm going to watch this video again...and again...until I break through this granite wall with that toothpick!
It's sunny today in California. And my creativity has dried up with the puddles.
I'm still sitting at my computer every morning and every night, typing something onto the screen. But to be honest, that something is garbage. Nothing like the beauty of the first sixty pages that flurried off the keyboard.
At the RWA National Conference in Washington D.C. last summer, Nora Roberts gave a very honest, very brash view of her writing process. There was something she said that stuck with me and it's fitting for a week like this one.
She said something along the lines of (and I'm paraphrasing here), "Your job is to write. So you sit your ass in the chair and you write. You may write one line, one paragraph, one page, or one chapter each day. But you write something. Because a book can't be formed from a blank page."
So as long as I'm writing SOMETHING I can always bash it into good form later. I suppose it's good advice. She should know what she's talking about after all.
Side note: I've attached an interview with her below. This is not an RWA Conference, but you get the gist. Now keep in mind, she's written 165 New York Times Bestsellers. Wow.
So, I'm going to watch this video again...and again...until I break through this granite wall with that toothpick!
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Turkey Tomato Soup
I just have to share this with you. It's the best thing to simmer on the stove on a rainy day like today. And it's a deliciously easy recipe.
You'll need:
1 lb. lean ground turkey
3/4 sliced or baby carrots
1 red onion
1 celery rib
1 garlic clove
1 envelope mild taco seasoning, divided
3 1/2 cups water (or 4 if you're sharing. heh.)
1 cn. Italian diced tomatoes
1/2 t. oregano (or a few shakes of Italian seasoning.)
What to do:
~Cook turkey, carrots, diced onion, diced celery, garlic, and 1 TBS taco seasoning over medium heat until turkey is browned and onions are clear.
~Stir in water, tomatoes, and remaining taco seasoning, Italian spices.
~Bring to boil.
~Reduce heat, cover, simmer 20 minutes
~Makes 6 servings (or 5 for me and 1 for the family in my house)
Seriously, this is one of the best soups I've ever made. And it's easy. Serve it with some french or garlic bread and you've got either a hearty meal or a great side.
I think I'll make some now. Yummy.
You'll need:
1 lb. lean ground turkey
3/4 sliced or baby carrots
1 red onion
1 celery rib
1 garlic clove
1 envelope mild taco seasoning, divided
3 1/2 cups water (or 4 if you're sharing. heh.)
1 cn. Italian diced tomatoes
1/2 t. oregano (or a few shakes of Italian seasoning.)
What to do:
~Cook turkey, carrots, diced onion, diced celery, garlic, and 1 TBS taco seasoning over medium heat until turkey is browned and onions are clear.
~Stir in water, tomatoes, and remaining taco seasoning, Italian spices.
~Bring to boil.
~Reduce heat, cover, simmer 20 minutes
~Makes 6 servings (or 5 for me and 1 for the family in my house)
Seriously, this is one of the best soups I've ever made. And it's easy. Serve it with some french or garlic bread and you've got either a hearty meal or a great side.
I think I'll make some now. Yummy.
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Success x 4
The Fire in Fiction workshop was AWESOME yesterday. Insightful. Clever. Mind-blowing. All the things a workshop should be, rolled into one great day.
First success: I got my 10 seconds to shake Donald Maass' hand. I politely reminded him who I was and that the book we plotted together was in his email box. He asked me to briefly remind him what it was about. When I told him the basic premise, his eyes lit up. He said he remembered it and that he'd get to it ASAP. Very cool.
Now, he may very well have been blowing smoke. But it didn't look that way to me.
Second success: He also said to send the next 50 pages of what I'm working on, even though you're not suppose to send an agent another work if they already have one on submission. This is not a normal response, so I'm counting my blessings.
Third success: My brain was officially mush by the time I was done. It was a miracle I found my way home...oh, wait...I didn't. I actually got lost in Palo Alto. Oops. Told you. M-U-S-H.
Fourth and final success: I got home after a very long, very dark scenic route and checked my email. There, sitting nice, quiet and unread was a response from a query I sent out last week. I opened it. And it read, "Thanks for the query. Sounds great. Go ahead and send the whole novel as an attachment."
Overall, this was a great day. Getting lost, not so much. But I've got my foot in the door to this big publishing world...and I keep inching it in. :)
First success: I got my 10 seconds to shake Donald Maass' hand. I politely reminded him who I was and that the book we plotted together was in his email box. He asked me to briefly remind him what it was about. When I told him the basic premise, his eyes lit up. He said he remembered it and that he'd get to it ASAP. Very cool.
Now, he may very well have been blowing smoke. But it didn't look that way to me.
Second success: He also said to send the next 50 pages of what I'm working on, even though you're not suppose to send an agent another work if they already have one on submission. This is not a normal response, so I'm counting my blessings.
Third success: My brain was officially mush by the time I was done. It was a miracle I found my way home...oh, wait...I didn't. I actually got lost in Palo Alto. Oops. Told you. M-U-S-H.
Fourth and final success: I got home after a very long, very dark scenic route and checked my email. There, sitting nice, quiet and unread was a response from a query I sent out last week. I opened it. And it read, "Thanks for the query. Sounds great. Go ahead and send the whole novel as an attachment."
Overall, this was a great day. Getting lost, not so much. But I've got my foot in the door to this big publishing world...and I keep inching it in. :)
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Fire in Fiction and good juju
Yup. I'm heading to the Fire in Fiction workshop Saturday. It's an all day thing with quite a drive to and from. Basically, my mind should be mush by the time I'm finished. That's my goal albeit an odd one.
But you see, I have another goal in going to this thing. I want 10 seconds to meet Donald Maass and shake his hand again. Just enough to say, "Hi. Remember me from RWA National? The book we plotted is in your email box as we speak. It's a pleasure meeting you again and I can't wait to hear what you think."
See? 10 seconds should cover it. I think I'd vomit if he actually said he remembered me from last summer.
(As a side note, I don't think agents remember writers at all. I think they remember stories...we just supply the fingers that type them. So I guess I'm praying he remembers my premise and not necessarily me in particular...although that would be cool too.)
Anyway, I could use all the good juju I can get. Please send good thoughts, prayers, etc, etc, etc, my way. I'm gonna need 'em on Saturday.
But you see, I have another goal in going to this thing. I want 10 seconds to meet Donald Maass and shake his hand again. Just enough to say, "Hi. Remember me from RWA National? The book we plotted is in your email box as we speak. It's a pleasure meeting you again and I can't wait to hear what you think."
See? 10 seconds should cover it. I think I'd vomit if he actually said he remembered me from last summer.
(As a side note, I don't think agents remember writers at all. I think they remember stories...we just supply the fingers that type them. So I guess I'm praying he remembers my premise and not necessarily me in particular...although that would be cool too.)
Anyway, I could use all the good juju I can get. Please send good thoughts, prayers, etc, etc, etc, my way. I'm gonna need 'em on Saturday.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Grace like rain
I'm having the best day EVER. A storm is pummeling California. Downpours, power outtages, thunder and lighting are expected to last the entire week.
And I feel like I'm in heaven.
There's nothing quite like the smell of cool rain on asphalt. Its freshness washes away dirt and grime, leaving everything sparkly clean. Birds tweet joyful winter songs and gather to splash in puddles. Clarity exists beneath those dark clouds if you open yourself to it...
If you're lucky enough to get caught in the middle of the storm (yes you heard me right), do something for me. Let the fat drops hit your shoulders. Breathe...slowly. Relax your body from the hairs on your head to the tips of your toes. Close your eyes. Lift your face to the heavens.
Do you feel that?
It's called Grace.
And I feel like I'm in heaven.
There's nothing quite like the smell of cool rain on asphalt. Its freshness washes away dirt and grime, leaving everything sparkly clean. Birds tweet joyful winter songs and gather to splash in puddles. Clarity exists beneath those dark clouds if you open yourself to it...
If you're lucky enough to get caught in the middle of the storm (yes you heard me right), do something for me. Let the fat drops hit your shoulders. Breathe...slowly. Relax your body from the hairs on your head to the tips of your toes. Close your eyes. Lift your face to the heavens.
Do you feel that?
It's called Grace.
Monday, January 18, 2010
Pick ups and put downs
You'll never guess what happened to me today. Wait for it.
I got hit on.
Now, you have to understand something to get this story...I don't get hit on...like, EVER. Really. I must have a "don't approach me" sign tattooed across my forehead. It doesn't bother me in the slightest, okay maybe my hidden ego takes a little hit, because that's not what I'm looking for. I don't go to clubs or bars to get picked up on...that's not my point.
Anyway, I was at the grocery store today getting essentials to make corned beef and cabbage. (It's cooking right now in a roaster on the stove with carrots and potatoes. It smells so yummy, I can hardly wait till dinner.)
Mind you, I was NOWHERE near the fruit. I was well past the fruit section, onto the delicious veggies.
And this guy came up to me. He was about 30-40 years old, Hispanic, a tad overweight, with a slick grin. I made eye contact. For a second. He said in a thick accent, "Do you know the difference between an organic banana and a banana?"
Seriously?
I thought he was joking so I waited for the punch line. He wasn't joking. And he wasn't holding any bananas for comparison's sake either. I eyed him carefully, on the verge of scowling. Did he really just ask me about "organic bananas"? Could he really mean what I thought he did? No, no...couldn't be.
So I said in my best "duh, are you serious" attitude, "Um, organic bananas are grown without the use of pesticides or chemicals."
He smiled, then walked away mumbling something to himself. At checkout, he checked me out. And smiled again. Now, either I have a sick brain and he's the dumbest guy on the planet, or I just got picked up on in the dirtiest way EVER. I think it's the latter and the more I think about it the more I want to toss the bananas I just bought in the garbage.
I got hit on.
Now, you have to understand something to get this story...I don't get hit on...like, EVER. Really. I must have a "don't approach me" sign tattooed across my forehead. It doesn't bother me in the slightest, okay maybe my hidden ego takes a little hit, because that's not what I'm looking for. I don't go to clubs or bars to get picked up on...that's not my point.
Anyway, I was at the grocery store today getting essentials to make corned beef and cabbage. (It's cooking right now in a roaster on the stove with carrots and potatoes. It smells so yummy, I can hardly wait till dinner.)
Mind you, I was NOWHERE near the fruit. I was well past the fruit section, onto the delicious veggies.
And this guy came up to me. He was about 30-40 years old, Hispanic, a tad overweight, with a slick grin. I made eye contact. For a second. He said in a thick accent, "Do you know the difference between an organic banana and a banana?"
Seriously?
I thought he was joking so I waited for the punch line. He wasn't joking. And he wasn't holding any bananas for comparison's sake either. I eyed him carefully, on the verge of scowling. Did he really just ask me about "organic bananas"? Could he really mean what I thought he did? No, no...couldn't be.
So I said in my best "duh, are you serious" attitude, "Um, organic bananas are grown without the use of pesticides or chemicals."
He smiled, then walked away mumbling something to himself. At checkout, he checked me out. And smiled again. Now, either I have a sick brain and he's the dumbest guy on the planet, or I just got picked up on in the dirtiest way EVER. I think it's the latter and the more I think about it the more I want to toss the bananas I just bought in the garbage.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Saturday, January 16, 2010
"How do you find the time?"
I've been asked a lot recently how I find the time to write. One person actually asked if I sold my family. (Hi Rachael J!) Maybe it's because this week I wrote like a madwoman. Yeah, maybe.
Yes, I have little ones at my feet. And yes, I have a house to clean. But if it's a priority, you'll find the time. It's that simple.
Before writing, I used to watch atleast 3 hours of TV a day. You know, Judge Judy from 5-6 (she's a must and still is), then my favorite reality shows in the evening on the days they air. Biggest Loser, Bachelor, Bachelorette, Amazing Race, Keeping up with the Kardashians (not all in the same day or even the same season of course). Then, I'd fill in my remaining "relaxing time" with other random shows that looked interesting at the time.
Since I started on this crazy journey of becoming a writer/author, I've cut out all the garbage in between. I mean, really, how many minutes are wasted on commercials for these shows? And how many times do you watch the show then see the preview for the next one and say "Oh, I'll watch a little of what's coming next," then BOOM. You're into another show for an hour.
Not for me. Time is a beautiful thing that you can't get back. It really shouldn't be wasted.
So I use it to write. And write. And write. I TiVo my favorites and only watch those. Seriously, if you cut your television time, or cut it out completely...or stopped eating out and cooked instead (much faster cuz you can write while things are cooking-I do)...or if you shopped less...or visited with friends less...you would find the time too. Think about it.
And since I've found all this free time, I actually have more time to spend with my family, too. The best bonus ever.
How much time do you waste that you could use for more important things?
Yes, I have little ones at my feet. And yes, I have a house to clean. But if it's a priority, you'll find the time. It's that simple.
Before writing, I used to watch atleast 3 hours of TV a day. You know, Judge Judy from 5-6 (she's a must and still is), then my favorite reality shows in the evening on the days they air. Biggest Loser, Bachelor, Bachelorette, Amazing Race, Keeping up with the Kardashians (not all in the same day or even the same season of course). Then, I'd fill in my remaining "relaxing time" with other random shows that looked interesting at the time.
Since I started on this crazy journey of becoming a writer/author, I've cut out all the garbage in between. I mean, really, how many minutes are wasted on commercials for these shows? And how many times do you watch the show then see the preview for the next one and say "Oh, I'll watch a little of what's coming next," then BOOM. You're into another show for an hour.
Not for me. Time is a beautiful thing that you can't get back. It really shouldn't be wasted.
So I use it to write. And write. And write. I TiVo my favorites and only watch those. Seriously, if you cut your television time, or cut it out completely...or stopped eating out and cooked instead (much faster cuz you can write while things are cooking-I do)...or if you shopped less...or visited with friends less...you would find the time too. Think about it.
And since I've found all this free time, I actually have more time to spend with my family, too. The best bonus ever.
How much time do you waste that you could use for more important things?
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Movin' on along
Want an update on the writing process?
I'm still querying my second book Dark Tide Rising. To date I've received 38 rejections and 2 requests. I've been told that with 38 rejections I'm only scraping the tip of the iceberg. Ouch. That icy edge sting a little.
I started writing my third book untitled Monday. As of this afternoon (Thursday) I've written 10,000 words. That's 38 pages in Times New Roman people! And they're GOOD pages. Did I say good? I mean, I think they're the best 38 pages I've ever written. And every day I wake up, hit the keyboard again, anxious to see what's going to happen next in my story. I'm a total pantser, by the way.
At this pace I should be finished with the book by the RWA National Confence in Nashville (in July), where I can meet editors and agents to pitch the hell out of it.
I'm heading to the Fire in Fiction workshop given by renowned agent Donald Maass (of Donald Maass Literary Agency) in a few weeks. I can't wait to meet him again. (I met him last year at RWA National at the bar in the hotel lobby and pitched my book not knowing who he was. I mean, REALLY. Can it get any better than that?) My second manuscript is sitting in his personal email box as we speak. I'm so excited I could scream. I doubt he's going to fulfill my dream by saying "It's perfect! I'll represent you!" I'm not perfect, so my work won't be either. But I'd jump over the moon for a "I think you have potential. Work on 1-2-3 things and come back to me." That'd be pretty spectacular.
All in all, the more I write, the more I want to write. The more I learn about the writing process, the more I want to learn. And the more I think about networking and meeting people in the business, the more I light up and beg for more meetings, workshops, conferences, etc, etc, etc.
I'll keep you posted on the writing process as I go!
I'm still querying my second book Dark Tide Rising. To date I've received 38 rejections and 2 requests. I've been told that with 38 rejections I'm only scraping the tip of the iceberg. Ouch. That icy edge sting a little.
I started writing my third book untitled Monday. As of this afternoon (Thursday) I've written 10,000 words. That's 38 pages in Times New Roman people! And they're GOOD pages. Did I say good? I mean, I think they're the best 38 pages I've ever written. And every day I wake up, hit the keyboard again, anxious to see what's going to happen next in my story. I'm a total pantser, by the way.
At this pace I should be finished with the book by the RWA National Confence in Nashville (in July), where I can meet editors and agents to pitch the hell out of it.
I'm heading to the Fire in Fiction workshop given by renowned agent Donald Maass (of Donald Maass Literary Agency) in a few weeks. I can't wait to meet him again. (I met him last year at RWA National at the bar in the hotel lobby and pitched my book not knowing who he was. I mean, REALLY. Can it get any better than that?) My second manuscript is sitting in his personal email box as we speak. I'm so excited I could scream. I doubt he's going to fulfill my dream by saying "It's perfect! I'll represent you!" I'm not perfect, so my work won't be either. But I'd jump over the moon for a "I think you have potential. Work on 1-2-3 things and come back to me." That'd be pretty spectacular.
All in all, the more I write, the more I want to write. The more I learn about the writing process, the more I want to learn. And the more I think about networking and meeting people in the business, the more I light up and beg for more meetings, workshops, conferences, etc, etc, etc.
I'll keep you posted on the writing process as I go!
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
I rock!
We got Rock Band for Christmas. Did I mention that? Christmas morning was the first time I'd ever played that type of game at all. Guitar Hero never looked fun to me. Music School (or whatever it was called) sounded lame. But I was persuaded to give the drums from Rock Band a shot.
And let me tell you...I rock!
I am more than disappointed that there are no Blink songs to play. Whose wise idea was it to create a drumming game and leave out songs featuring one of the most brilliant drummers of all time? Not too clever. Anyway, I found a song by Blink's lead singer and if I try not to listen too closely I can pretend Travis Barker is on stage rockin' out. It'll do for now.
My baton twirling experience has come in handy the last three weeks I've been playing. As I've gotten better, I can twirl the drumsticks between my fingers in between beats. Yeah, it's pretty sweet.
Now if I could only get the head bang down.
If you've got three minutes to spare, you need to watch Travis Barker do a solo. Gives me chills. INSANE.
And let me tell you...I rock!
I am more than disappointed that there are no Blink songs to play. Whose wise idea was it to create a drumming game and leave out songs featuring one of the most brilliant drummers of all time? Not too clever. Anyway, I found a song by Blink's lead singer and if I try not to listen too closely I can pretend Travis Barker is on stage rockin' out. It'll do for now.
My baton twirling experience has come in handy the last three weeks I've been playing. As I've gotten better, I can twirl the drumsticks between my fingers in between beats. Yeah, it's pretty sweet.
Now if I could only get the head bang down.
If you've got three minutes to spare, you need to watch Travis Barker do a solo. Gives me chills. INSANE.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
It's become an addiction
I was called a crack-pusher today. And I was proud. I recommended some books, The BlackDagger Brotherhood Series by J.R. Ward. to a friend. And she's now hooked the same as I am.
I stay up late, reading until my eyes blur. Tivo'd shows, once my favorites, sit in the queue until they're automatically deleted from time spent unwatched. I'd actually rather sit curled up under a blanket with one of these books than head out with friends.
Seriously. My name is Kristin. And I'm a book addict.
My skin is paling from lack of sunlight. I feel like a hermit, snacking on food instead of eating full meals because they'd take too long to cook. Laundry is piling up and the sink is full of dishes. I'm not returning phone calls and I'm counting the minutes until I can bend back that binding as I write this.
Everything and everyone can wait. Because tonight Butch is finally going tell Marissa his true feelings. I've waited a long time to hear him speak those stomach-clenching words to her. The Brotherhood is heading to the streets to find some lessers and take out their aggressions. It's going to be a showdown. One I'm not going to miss.
If you haven't checked out the J.R. Ward Series yet, you should. Really. Maybe after we're finished with the series we can have some sort of a rehabilitating meeting. I'm going to need it.
I stay up late, reading until my eyes blur. Tivo'd shows, once my favorites, sit in the queue until they're automatically deleted from time spent unwatched. I'd actually rather sit curled up under a blanket with one of these books than head out with friends.
Seriously. My name is Kristin. And I'm a book addict.
My skin is paling from lack of sunlight. I feel like a hermit, snacking on food instead of eating full meals because they'd take too long to cook. Laundry is piling up and the sink is full of dishes. I'm not returning phone calls and I'm counting the minutes until I can bend back that binding as I write this.
Everything and everyone can wait. Because tonight Butch is finally going tell Marissa his true feelings. I've waited a long time to hear him speak those stomach-clenching words to her. The Brotherhood is heading to the streets to find some lessers and take out their aggressions. It's going to be a showdown. One I'm not going to miss.
If you haven't checked out the J.R. Ward Series yet, you should. Really. Maybe after we're finished with the series we can have some sort of a rehabilitating meeting. I'm going to need it.
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Tolls and Trolls
I skipped to the mail box this morning expecting to find the handful of partial manuscripts I volunteered to judge for the Golden Heart Contest. I received the list of titles right after Christmas and they sound fantastic. I can't wait to start reading and judging! So skipping I went...
Only to find a small white envelope that looked like junkmail at first. It was from LES. Sent from New York. Sound fishy yet? Yeah, I almost garbaged it as a credit card offer too. I open it out of sheer curiosity and find that it's not a credit card offer at all.
It's a fine from a toll I obviously ran in 2005! 2005! Can you believe it? I couldn't. To rub salt in the wound, I accidently ran the toll in a car I no longer own and I remember the incident vividly.
There was traffic on the Benicia-Martinez toll. Loads of traffic. I saw a green light marking an open lane on the far left. I veered left. Only when I was a close distance to the toll did I notice the forbidden sign: Fast Trak. Oh no. There were too many cars beside me to merge back to the right. People were irritated and honking at my incessant turn signal. I was irritated at my lack of foresight and my inablity to merge back to a lane where I could pay my measely $3.00.
So there I sat, holding $3.00 extended out the window, to a booth that held no person. Just an automated machine granting access to a bridge I hadn't paid to cross. Great. I think I remember thinking (if that makes sense), When the $3.00 bill comes in the mail, I'll just pay it. It was an honest mistake.
But now the bill is no longer $3.00, although this is the first mail I've received regarding the toll skip. I'm required to pay $73.00! $3.00 for the toll and $70.00 for the first offense fee. Ridiculous. If I don't pay now, they're going to deduct $100.00 from my taxes...or so they reported.
Yeah. I'm irritated. Can you see my grimace? If I ever go over that toll again I think I'm going to be holding a special, loving finger out the window instead of my money. Chew on that.
Only to find a small white envelope that looked like junkmail at first. It was from LES. Sent from New York. Sound fishy yet? Yeah, I almost garbaged it as a credit card offer too. I open it out of sheer curiosity and find that it's not a credit card offer at all.
It's a fine from a toll I obviously ran in 2005! 2005! Can you believe it? I couldn't. To rub salt in the wound, I accidently ran the toll in a car I no longer own and I remember the incident vividly.
There was traffic on the Benicia-Martinez toll. Loads of traffic. I saw a green light marking an open lane on the far left. I veered left. Only when I was a close distance to the toll did I notice the forbidden sign: Fast Trak. Oh no. There were too many cars beside me to merge back to the right. People were irritated and honking at my incessant turn signal. I was irritated at my lack of foresight and my inablity to merge back to a lane where I could pay my measely $3.00.
So there I sat, holding $3.00 extended out the window, to a booth that held no person. Just an automated machine granting access to a bridge I hadn't paid to cross. Great. I think I remember thinking (if that makes sense), When the $3.00 bill comes in the mail, I'll just pay it. It was an honest mistake.
But now the bill is no longer $3.00, although this is the first mail I've received regarding the toll skip. I'm required to pay $73.00! $3.00 for the toll and $70.00 for the first offense fee. Ridiculous. If I don't pay now, they're going to deduct $100.00 from my taxes...or so they reported.
Yeah. I'm irritated. Can you see my grimace? If I ever go over that toll again I think I'm going to be holding a special, loving finger out the window instead of my money. Chew on that.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Time Traveler's Wife
I don't know why, but I can't watch this trailer without crying. I think my sadness comes from the book's premise that once you've experienced the love of a lifetime, your soulmate, your one and only, every day, every second, every moment after that you're waiting to experience another day, second, moment with that person. If time or "waiting" were the only thing separating the two of you, wouldn't you be sad too?
I've read the book, read it in a single day actually. 400+ pages is A LOT in a day, even for me. I don't think I could see straight after. But I haven't seen the movie. Yet. The trailer is enough. If you haven't seen it, you should. And maybe when I watch the movie I'll post a critique here too...
Until then...
I've read the book, read it in a single day actually. 400+ pages is A LOT in a day, even for me. I don't think I could see straight after. But I haven't seen the movie. Yet. The trailer is enough. If you haven't seen it, you should. And maybe when I watch the movie I'll post a critique here too...
Until then...
Sherlock!
I went to the movies last night (hooray for date nights!), and watched Sherlock Holmes. I've never read the original short stories by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, but have read articles that this latest movie is closer to the original story than the fables from the past.
Previous accounts and shows tell of a Sherlock Holmes who is book-bound and articulate, but a nerd with a boyish accomplice, found in Watson. The movie shows a Holmes more like James Bond than a geek, fighting enemies hands on, pouncing on cases right and left with no fear. You know, the Holmes we always wanted to believe was buried under the plaid deer stalker hat.
Good movie. Great characters. (Truth be told, I like watching Rachael McAdams, Jude Law and Robert Downey Jr. no matter the roles they play.) Most of all, I like the dimensions added to the previously muted character. And they left open the possibility of a sequel. How cool is that?
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Can't stop...
...writing!
I never thought I'd be able to finish a manuscript. Let alone two. I read the likes of Roberts and Austen, Marquez and DuMaurier and thought I could never do that.
But a certain story in my head wouldn't be quiet. It kept bugging me during the midnight hour, whispering dialgue from characters I hadn't met, showing me scenes from the hero/heroine meet to the climax, until finally I had to listen.
I finished the first manuscript Nine Days in Joliet in three months. It was...still is...nowhere near ready to be seen by anyone other than myself and a select few readers I trust. I was a fool to query it.
Then my nerves took over. Would I be able to think of another story? Was writing something I could do mediocre at best and just for fun, to stop the story from taking over my head completely? It wasn't until RWA National in Washington D.C. that I began to realize I could take the premise I loved so much about the first book, shake it up a little, okay a lot, and make it work.
And I did. I finished my second manuscript in three months. Again. Must be my magic number. (FYI: It ended up being a COMPLETELY different book than the first. Nothing is the same other than a girl who has a vision. Period.) I've edited it to the point of delirium. I've rewritten problem scenes more times than I care to admit. And I still don't know if it's up to snuff for the publishing world. But I'm trying. Actually, trying is an understatement. I'm running full force into what seems like a brick wall. But I keep running anyway.
As I was rewriting the last scene a few days ago, my brain buzzed with a new premise. Something good. Everywhere I look I see things I want to incorporate into my new world. I hear things, mundane things, from people in theatres and restaurants that burrow and grow into beautiful, enchanting ideas for my characters.
I've finished researching for the third book. I think. I've scratched something on ten sheets of paper that resembles an outline or a plot diagram. I think I'm ready to write again.
Hold on tight. Here I go. This time let's see if third times the charm.
I never thought I'd be able to finish a manuscript. Let alone two. I read the likes of Roberts and Austen, Marquez and DuMaurier and thought I could never do that.
But a certain story in my head wouldn't be quiet. It kept bugging me during the midnight hour, whispering dialgue from characters I hadn't met, showing me scenes from the hero/heroine meet to the climax, until finally I had to listen.
I finished the first manuscript Nine Days in Joliet in three months. It was...still is...nowhere near ready to be seen by anyone other than myself and a select few readers I trust. I was a fool to query it.
Then my nerves took over. Would I be able to think of another story? Was writing something I could do mediocre at best and just for fun, to stop the story from taking over my head completely? It wasn't until RWA National in Washington D.C. that I began to realize I could take the premise I loved so much about the first book, shake it up a little, okay a lot, and make it work.
And I did. I finished my second manuscript in three months. Again. Must be my magic number. (FYI: It ended up being a COMPLETELY different book than the first. Nothing is the same other than a girl who has a vision. Period.) I've edited it to the point of delirium. I've rewritten problem scenes more times than I care to admit. And I still don't know if it's up to snuff for the publishing world. But I'm trying. Actually, trying is an understatement. I'm running full force into what seems like a brick wall. But I keep running anyway.
As I was rewriting the last scene a few days ago, my brain buzzed with a new premise. Something good. Everywhere I look I see things I want to incorporate into my new world. I hear things, mundane things, from people in theatres and restaurants that burrow and grow into beautiful, enchanting ideas for my characters.
I've finished researching for the third book. I think. I've scratched something on ten sheets of paper that resembles an outline or a plot diagram. I think I'm ready to write again.
Hold on tight. Here I go. This time let's see if third times the charm.
Monday, January 4, 2010
Openings
Hi. My name is Kristin. I am a writer. I want to be published.
You'd think that's the way to start a query letter to an agent, wouldn't you? Not the case actually.
They want a hook. A well delivered line to make your letter stand out amongst the piles they receive any given week. (Some agents state they receive upwards of two hundred letters a week! A WEEK! Makes my eyes hurt just thinking about it.) But more than a hook, they want a reason to keep reading past your letter. They want to be gripped by your story enough to want to read your book. Don't we all?
Find your favorite book. You know the one with the worn-out binding and the cover with rippled edges from hard use? Mine happens to be right here. REBECCA.
Got yours? Good. Now open to the first page. Read the first line.
"Last night I dreamt I went to Manderley again."
Just like that, I'm hooked. If this was my first read (instead of my sixth), I'd instantly want to know where Manderley is and why it's chasing her into her dreams. I read further.
"It seemed to me I stood by the iron gate leading to the drive, and for a while I could not enter, for the way was barred to me. There was a padlock and a chain upon the gate. I called in my dream to the lodge-keeper, and had no answer, and peering closer through the rusted spokes of the gate I saw that the lodge was uninhabited."
It really doesn't get any better than this for me. I can SEE Manderley. And I know she is someone who once lived in this place. I immediately want to know why she no longer has access, and why it's what she wants more than anything. (It wouldn't be haunting her dreams if she was okay with their parting.) And listen to me, one paragraph into the book and Manderley has come to life again.
This is the goal of a writer. This is my goal. I will create another world with my writing. One that will enchant and thrill and mesmorize and make the reader want more like I want more.
What about your old favorite? Did it come to life for you too? Why?
Now if you'll excuse me, I think I'm going to dive into DuMaurier's world again...
You'd think that's the way to start a query letter to an agent, wouldn't you? Not the case actually.
They want a hook. A well delivered line to make your letter stand out amongst the piles they receive any given week. (Some agents state they receive upwards of two hundred letters a week! A WEEK! Makes my eyes hurt just thinking about it.) But more than a hook, they want a reason to keep reading past your letter. They want to be gripped by your story enough to want to read your book. Don't we all?
Find your favorite book. You know the one with the worn-out binding and the cover with rippled edges from hard use? Mine happens to be right here. REBECCA.
Got yours? Good. Now open to the first page. Read the first line.
"Last night I dreamt I went to Manderley again."
Just like that, I'm hooked. If this was my first read (instead of my sixth), I'd instantly want to know where Manderley is and why it's chasing her into her dreams. I read further.
"It seemed to me I stood by the iron gate leading to the drive, and for a while I could not enter, for the way was barred to me. There was a padlock and a chain upon the gate. I called in my dream to the lodge-keeper, and had no answer, and peering closer through the rusted spokes of the gate I saw that the lodge was uninhabited."
It really doesn't get any better than this for me. I can SEE Manderley. And I know she is someone who once lived in this place. I immediately want to know why she no longer has access, and why it's what she wants more than anything. (It wouldn't be haunting her dreams if she was okay with their parting.) And listen to me, one paragraph into the book and Manderley has come to life again.
This is the goal of a writer. This is my goal. I will create another world with my writing. One that will enchant and thrill and mesmorize and make the reader want more like I want more.
What about your old favorite? Did it come to life for you too? Why?
Now if you'll excuse me, I think I'm going to dive into DuMaurier's world again...
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Blood sucking market
According to Romance Writers of America paranormal is defined as "fantasy, futuristic, time travel, ghosts, supernatural beings, etc., where psychic and mental phenomena are intregral parts of the plot."
Think it's pretty clear? I thought so too until I submitted my query to a couple of published writers from the bay area. My manuscript deals with a girl who has visions of death.
Visions or premonitions are psychic and mental phenomena, aren't they?
Apparently not. I've received some emails reading "perhaps you should market this as suspense because there's not enough paranormal," and "are visions the only thing that is paranormal about your book?"
I'm thinking perhaps people are so vampire-saturated that anytime something is deemed "paranormal" they automatically assume vampire, werewolf, zombie, etc, flippin' etc. Don't get me wrong...
Edward Cullen from Twilight is a well-written vamp. And hot to boot.
Selene from Underworld is a total badass.
And Jacob Black from Twilight plays the sexiest werewolf I've seen in a long time.
I guess I was wanting something different, something other than what's already filling bookstore shelves. But now I'm looking at this from a career perspective. With that comes understanding that if I want to be published in a paranormal market, I have to somewhat write to what is selling...but I thought I had. Visions, premonitions, psychic and mental phenomena, remember?
So what does this mean? It means my next story better have something sucking someone's blood in it if I want it to be recognized as proper paranormal.
Suddenly the outlook doesn't seem to bad. *wink
P.S. Being that I've mentioned my crazy dreams on this blog twice now, I thought I'd write another. Last night I dreamt I was playing chess with John Mayer...on a rickety wooden set...in the dark. He was cheating-he had two queens from the get-go for crying out loud! It didn't matter. I won. Funny thing is, my chess set is glass, I can't play in the dark, and I don't care much for John Mayer. But I do kick ass at the game. Anyone care to interpret?
Think it's pretty clear? I thought so too until I submitted my query to a couple of published writers from the bay area. My manuscript deals with a girl who has visions of death.
Visions or premonitions are psychic and mental phenomena, aren't they?
Apparently not. I've received some emails reading "perhaps you should market this as suspense because there's not enough paranormal," and "are visions the only thing that is paranormal about your book?"
I'm thinking perhaps people are so vampire-saturated that anytime something is deemed "paranormal" they automatically assume vampire, werewolf, zombie, etc, flippin' etc. Don't get me wrong...
Edward Cullen from Twilight is a well-written vamp. And hot to boot.
Selene from Underworld is a total badass.
And Jacob Black from Twilight plays the sexiest werewolf I've seen in a long time.
I guess I was wanting something different, something other than what's already filling bookstore shelves. But now I'm looking at this from a career perspective. With that comes understanding that if I want to be published in a paranormal market, I have to somewhat write to what is selling...but I thought I had. Visions, premonitions, psychic and mental phenomena, remember?
So what does this mean? It means my next story better have something sucking someone's blood in it if I want it to be recognized as proper paranormal.
Suddenly the outlook doesn't seem to bad. *wink
P.S. Being that I've mentioned my crazy dreams on this blog twice now, I thought I'd write another. Last night I dreamt I was playing chess with John Mayer...on a rickety wooden set...in the dark. He was cheating-he had two queens from the get-go for crying out loud! It didn't matter. I won. Funny thing is, my chess set is glass, I can't play in the dark, and I don't care much for John Mayer. But I do kick ass at the game. Anyone care to interpret?
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Revisions
Okay, so I finished my manuscript. It's a paranormal romance bordering more on romantic suspense with a cozy mystery feel. And I love it. It's fast-paced, action-packed and I'm connected with my characters. Mostly. As I revisited my scoresheets for the SFARWA Heart-to-Heart contest, I started wondering if my beginning was as strong as I thought it was when I wrote it. So I went back and took yet another look.
I thought there was a saying somewhere about not looking back? Yeah, that one must not be geared for writers. Close your ears and type away anyway.
My opening scene still grabs me even after a million looks at it. I've gotten praise for its descriptions and the strength of the characters. Good stuff. Then comes the scene that follows. The one that's suppose to keep the action-ball rolling toward Best Selling lists...but it falls short. My heroine is introduced in this scene so its got to be great. Better than that.
My heroine has got to fly off the page, reach the readers face and pinch their cheeks. SHE'S GOT TO LIVE AND BREATHE.
I go back. I delve into her world, her thoughts again. I put her in a "less safe" situation. I challenge her. I challenge myself.
And I think it's better written for it. In fact I know it is. I went through with a fine tooth comb this morning, checking all angles, adding more depth, and that's when something hit me. I didn't need to add the two paragraphs of backstory that'd been staring me in the face on the first, tenth, millionth go-round. They came out in her thoughts, in her actions...naturally. Can you believe it? I didn't force my heroine to wade in her insecurities and expose them to the reader upfront. By challenging her right away, the reader KNOWS her insecurities and fears without her having to reveal them outright.
(Side note: Donald Maass really knows what he's talking about in his book "The Fire in Fiction." If you haven't read it, you should. YOU REALLY SHOULD. It's changed the way I write. Just ask the people who read my first work then compared it to my second. Uh-huh. That bad. Here's the amazon link: http://www.amazon.com/Fire-Fiction-Passion-Purpose-Techniques/dp/158297506X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1262457808&sr=8-1)
So anyway, after rewriting my second scene, I think I'm in love with my heroine all over again. My cheeks hurt. And she just keeps pinching away. I think I'll let her.
I thought there was a saying somewhere about not looking back? Yeah, that one must not be geared for writers. Close your ears and type away anyway.
My opening scene still grabs me even after a million looks at it. I've gotten praise for its descriptions and the strength of the characters. Good stuff. Then comes the scene that follows. The one that's suppose to keep the action-ball rolling toward Best Selling lists...but it falls short. My heroine is introduced in this scene so its got to be great. Better than that.
My heroine has got to fly off the page, reach the readers face and pinch their cheeks. SHE'S GOT TO LIVE AND BREATHE.
I go back. I delve into her world, her thoughts again. I put her in a "less safe" situation. I challenge her. I challenge myself.
And I think it's better written for it. In fact I know it is. I went through with a fine tooth comb this morning, checking all angles, adding more depth, and that's when something hit me. I didn't need to add the two paragraphs of backstory that'd been staring me in the face on the first, tenth, millionth go-round. They came out in her thoughts, in her actions...naturally. Can you believe it? I didn't force my heroine to wade in her insecurities and expose them to the reader upfront. By challenging her right away, the reader KNOWS her insecurities and fears without her having to reveal them outright.
(Side note: Donald Maass really knows what he's talking about in his book "The Fire in Fiction." If you haven't read it, you should. YOU REALLY SHOULD. It's changed the way I write. Just ask the people who read my first work then compared it to my second. Uh-huh. That bad. Here's the amazon link: http://www.amazon.com/Fire-Fiction-Passion-Purpose-Techniques/dp/158297506X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1262457808&sr=8-1)
So anyway, after rewriting my second scene, I think I'm in love with my heroine all over again. My cheeks hurt. And she just keeps pinching away. I think I'll let her.
Friday, January 1, 2010
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