The more I read these days, the more I’ve begun looking for the pieces that hold the story together.
This type of analysis is good, except sometimes it gets in the way of the reading for pleasure I did for so long. It’s almost impossible to read without looking for things to tweak, though I reserve most of that for my own pieces.
The writing is going slowly since I need to focus during naps, but at least I’m attempting it.
One of the ladies in my writing group brought two pieces Saturday. Both were from writing prompts from another group she’s in.
She’s right when she mentioned how every writer looks at a prompt differently. My first story, “Qui’s Contract,” was written for a prompt along with every other piece in the book Ruins Metropolis. The prompt was the front cover picture. The stories ranged from science fiction to fantasy to mainstream. Cool book!
I’ve been trying to write for another prompt from the same publisher for a new anthology, but while the idea circles in my head, I’m feeling defeated when I try to hammer it out.
Some prompts just fly through my fingertips. Others feel like they’re just not meant to be. Of course, what anyone chooses to do with a prompt is completely up to them.
One great thing about a network of writer friends is I get random calls about things if they think I might be interested.
Yesterday the news was about a bunch of literary editors coming to Iowa City. The newspaper article was a bit misleading, but it was still interesting to go. I’m not sure how much I learned just yet, but I enjoyed chatting with the editors of various journals like The Missouri Review. I bought a couple, and can’t wait to read them.
Perhaps I’ll even submit to them soon.
Do you ever notice that some authors seem to follow the same type of plot? Looks something like a formula, but if it sells, it works, right?
One of my favorite authors has something like a pattern in one of her series. I started a book in another series, but the similarity to the other books was presented in a more pronounced manner. I can see why it has turned some friends off the book. I’m still debating whether to continue.
It might be easier to turn out novels if one follows a formula. It also makes one expect certain endings upon beginning the book. Is that the way some authors get established, or is it only allowed after a name is made?
So much to think about…
I know I said a couple days ago that getting a royalty check would help me feel like a real author, but it is difficult to know what will make me stop forgetting that.
The Art of Science was accepted for publication near the time “Qui’s Contract” was, creating a major impact on me. I’d just turned thirty. I had been focusing on my writing much more in the previous year. Those two successes made me feel like I really was good enough to call myself a writer.
But I have learned one other thing on that journey. (Truthfully, I’ve learned tons, but one relevent to the topic.) Writers write. It’s what they do. It isn’t about finding time or ideas. If you have to do it, you do. I don’t mean anyone putting a gun to your head or anything, but a major piece of yourself is missing if you don’t do it.
I’ve heard people talk about writing as if it were easy and anyone could do it. Those statements are deceptive. While anyone might be able to do it, very few have the will and ability and drive to make it the kind of priority it takes to be good. I have the will, but still learning so much.
Just because my book is out, doesn’t mean I’ve quit with the short stories. Sent one out this week. Still waiting on one from December. I ought to see what else I could send out.
Admittedly I’ve been busy with book promotion, but mostly it’s the baby taking time. She’s sleeping while munching right now, so I am getting good at typing with one hand – either to blog, or do facebook and twitter, or to edit and polish projects.
I’m also reacquainting myself with the published works I am working so hard to join. “Literary Analysis” according to a friend, though most people call it reading.
What does this ranking mean?
Well, to me it means a couple things. I will not pretend I know exactly what Amazon thinks of it.
1. Amazon has a ton of books.
2. Doing better than a couple weeks ago when it was ranked over 1,000,000.
3. That promotional stuff I’m doing may have had an impact.
4. Perhaps I ought to write more like this one since it’s resonating with the audience…
5. I will be getting a royalty check!
Number 5 makes me feel like a ‘real’ author.
Note: Still figuring out how to get a description for the book on Amazon.
Never disturb a sleeping child…
So says the adage, and it’s true. Nothing worth waking a child for – they really need the sleep. It’s good for brain development and overall attitude.
Getting them down isn’t always easy, but there are phases where they go to sleep easier than others. Certain times of day. Finding those is key.
Then running off to do what needs to be done. Or nap as well! I like the second option, except my baby’s naps are generally too short to let me fall asleep.
One day maybe she’ll nap long enough for me to write a story. Until then, I’ll edit the current piece and send it out.
Ever get a phone call from someone you don’t know? I returned a call from a number I didn’t recognize. I only did it because the caller left a message and I realized that my voicemail no longer identifies me as the recipient, just my number. I probably ought to switch that, but I’ve been occupied with other things.
I got another call today from a former through-work acquaintance. I’ve been ‘retired’ for 14 months now, and he no longer works for the same company, either. He thought he could get new contacts, but I don’t think anybody told him I retired from engineering entirely.
I don’t miss it most days. Then again, sometimes the little girl has a bad day… Those are the days I miss going to a job. No, not much even then. Adults are sometimes more difficult to handle. At least my daughter’s probably only interested in being held, fed, or changed. And her smiles make everything great.
We had a writer’s workshop at the library. It’s always interesting to go and see what people brought, but the leader asked us to do an exercise to share what we saw and heard in a descriptive fashion. Several of them were very interesting – one described a specific person’s point of view (other than her own) and another talkeda bout the room. A few shared their feelings about the group.
It’s always an interesting exercise to give a different point of view. What’s the first line? What kind of piece are you writing? Whose point of view are you using?
And news of the interesting: I went to a store today to buy some thank-you notes. (I need to mail the ones I have written, but it’s just baby steps.) The sign taped to the cash register read: “NO RETURNS of any graduation merchandise will be excepted after June 1st.” It makes me wonder if they really mean it is going back to normal and how many customers catch that it is wrong.
Ransom Noble 