Tag: Writing

A “Real” Author

I’ve seen some of those thoughts going around – am I a real writer? I had a moment today where I felt like a real author. Part of it is being published, I’m sure. But today the moment came where I read part of my book to people in a bookstore. It’s amazing!

Yes, I write. That makes me a writer more than anything else. I know that. I have respect for a lot of writers that may or may not be published, simply because of what they write. I know I have a lot of weaknesses that I’m working on, one at a time.

But I love to share my stories with people. And having people take time out of their days to listen to part of mine makes me feel like a real author. I love it!

I’m also amazed at what people can find when they research the ‘real’ author.

Thank you to everyone who could make it to Prairie Lights today. For those who couldn’t – there are some signed copies out there for sale.

Posted on by ransomnoble 2

Grammar

It shouldn’t amaze me about the mistakes plastered everywhere. Facebook  is full of errors that make me cringe, and I’ve come to expect that from the majority of the users. People who can’t tell a plural from a possessive seems the least of the concern there. Typos multiply like rabbits and there are a few posts I have serious trouble reading.

I know I’m a writer and somewhat snobby where grammar is concerned, but my Twitter page has fewer errors. (Probably because I’ve been following writers, a few friends who know how to string a sentence together, and some publishing professionals.)

What is it about a public page that people feel free to express themselves but don’t care enough to be understood?

Then I think about it, and I truly hope that the masses don’t degrade the language farther that an apostrophe may be used to make a word plural, exchange you’re and your as if they mean the same thing, and drop random letters if they don’t match the pronounced word.

I’m a snob. I’ll admit it. My grammar isn’t perfect, but I do my best and I appeal to higher knowledge bases when I have questions.

Posted on by ransomnoble 6

Football Season Begins

All right, technically I know it began last Thursday. For my team, it began today. Not that I watch a lot of football. It’s an interesting game that I don’t know all the rules for, yet. Will I ever figure them out? Probably not!

One of the things I used to look forward to during football season was hanging out with friends before, after, and even during (for those who don’t have tickets). Now that we’ve moved farther away from the Hawkeye Mecca of Iowa City, we have the Big Ten Network and my husband watches religiously.

I think I’ll have to set myself in a quiet place and write. My daughter seems to like watching football so far (crazy kid) so I’m hoping she’ll be able to hang out with Daddy and I can get things done.

Things like writing, not cleaning – the kitchen floor just doesn’t scream ‘clean me’ while the game is on. Well, really, it’s a wood floor. It doesn’t scream anything.

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Another Rejection

Such is the lot of a writer. Well, not every writer. I’m sure if I was one of those big names I wouldn’t have this problem, but they were all sitting where I am at one point in time.

I knew when I sent the story that it would be a long shot. I am of the opinion that one must aim high if ever to succeed. So, I didn’t make the cut this time. Perhaps next time.

It has a small flaw to be fixed that I found after I sent it. It’s always after that you find the little things, even with the aid of others. Next time – there is always next time.

Posted on by ransomnoble 9

Picture Books

I’ve been thinking about these more often. I have some short flash fiction pieces and some poetry that I’ve thought could be good picture books lately.

Isn’t that funny how you can write for one audience, then transform it into a different one?

The flash fiction piece could go either way, adult or children’s, and I’m considering trying to spin both and see what I can do with it. The poem I was challenged at my writer group yesterday to make it unrhyming, and I realized it could also make a good picture book with that kind of rewrite.

Some of these seem to be overlapping forms. It’s neat to see where the words lead me.

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In What Time Period?

Historical writings need a lot of research to make sure they’re correct. It isn’t just about the events of history – it’s the little things that make that period unique.

Certain things will put you directly into a time period, and others will pull you out. When do you think of when you think pillbox hat?

Beyond that, there are the words used. We can’t all be like Heinlein and make up words like ‘grok.’

I haven’t written historical pieces. In some ways, I find them overwhelming. When they’re done well, they’re beautiful. I know some writers who do it very well. I feel like I’m learning when I listen to the writers I know who do historical pieces.

Perhaps one day… but not today.

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Switching Genders

It’s something a lot of writers try. Not everyone can do it, especially on a consistent basis that it takes for a novel.

We discussed it at my writer’s group today. How difficult it is to identify with the other gender convincingly. I love the candor of the group – they’ll tell you when you stray and expect you to do the same.

Like when male characters, otherwise ordinary, start spouting off long bits of dialogue. Or when female characters seem oblivious to the surroundings. Just another thing to keep in mind.

Why couldn’t one thing be easy? Oh, yeah, it’s because we’re writing.

Posted on by ransomnoble 3

Write What You Know

How many times do we hear this? And yet, we try to transfer our experiences, our knowledge, into fiction. Well, a bunch of writers I know do this, and so do I.

The question is, how do you deal with friends or loved ones who think you’re writing about them? Many times I try to imagine crazy things, but that doesn’t mean it’s based off anyone near and dear to me.

Just curious what the writers out there think.

Posted on by ransomnoble 4

The Priorities

Some days, you just have to give yourself time to figure out what’s important.

Starting new projects is interesting, terribly easy, and then requires thought/guilt/determination to finish. A rewrite can sometimes be difficult to get the motivation for, but with short time it can be better suited to short times in front of the screen when interruptions are imminent.

Blogging and tweeting shouldn’t take long, but sometimes I just get stumped. Then there’s all that housework that can be so distracting! (Yes, there might be a little sarcasm there.)

And not to forget, that little fussy girl who always comes first. When I work out what I’m working on, she decides it’s time for her! Better luck when she naps. Please, nap soon?

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Did I write that?

Some of my fiction-writing friends have turned to articles here and there. It’s an interesting past-time. I have learned a few things in my pursuit of non-fiction.

One of them is that I love fiction. Writing truth doesn’t bring me the joy of making things up out of whole cloth.

Another is that there are a lot of opportunities that don’t have your name on them. We sign the rights away on most of these sites in exchange for a monetary reward. Many of these short articles end up online – do you ever wonder who makes those? Sometimes, I do.

Posted on by ransomnoble 3