A lot of my writing time isn't spent writing at all. I'd like to get to the point where I'm working on my manuscript every day- and every day it's just this mad flow of ideas.... such a flow that my fingers can't keep up with my brain. Now wouldn't that be cool? OK... seriously- does that ever really happen?
OK, maybe not. But right now I have a limited amount of time each day for writing- and some of that is used learning my craft. In other words, how to take my great ideas and learn how to write them in a way that will give readers the most enjoyment.
About a month ago I attended a conference on writing, called The Book Academy. It was great! I spend some of my time reviewing notes taken during that conference. And if you attended that conference and have stumbled across my blog... and if you have notes from the workshops you attended- I'd be happy to work out an exchange!
I've also found a great podcast on writing called "Writing Excuses". You can find it through facebook. I have to say, I'm learning a lot while being entertained. There are also links to other podcasts on writing- so I'm sure I've not exhausted that medium yet. There are some topics that for me are spot on. Other topics that don't apply to me now, but I'm sure will be helpful later.
I'm also reading about writing. I checked out How to Write Science Fiction and Fantasy by Orson Scott Card, from the local library. I've got so many ideas- and the current one I'm working on falls under that genre- so the book was very helpful. I've outlined the information from several chapters and added it to my Book Academy notes.
I'm also learning through reading. Many of my research sources also include recommendations of books to read- The only drawback is that I'm finding the local library system doesn't have some of those recommended books. I guess I'll have to build another bookshelf? (in other words, I will need a place to put the books I buy)
I've also found that writing isn't just about writing the manuscript. I write notes on ideas, for example, that are used in the manuscript, but not necessarily in the order the notes are taken. I'm taking notes on the books I read- and even when listening to podcasts. Yeah, I'm turning into a writing nerd.
The other thing I've found is that the podcasts, and some of the books I've found include writing prompts. I've found that if I'm not working directly on my manuscript, I can always work on the practice of writing through those prompts. And who knows? Maybe a writing prompt will lead to a great idea for this, or other future stories?
One other thing I'm doing to practice writing- keep a journal. This has been a hot/cold thing since I was a teenager. (But I'm sure glad I kept a journal when I was young! It helps me remember just how young people think. Hey! Another research material! My own journals!) But, as I was saying, I am now discovering that practicing writing with a journal is yet another way to learn my craft.
One thing I need... a writing group. I'm not sure how to go about finding one- but I've found that I get excited about the things I'm learning- and have no one but my family (who are quite patient, but not all that interested) to share this with. It's kind of a bummer.
So if you stumble across this blog and can help me find a group- leave a comment.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Reader to Writer
I'm not just and avid reader. I'm an obsessive reader. I could curl up with a good book for hours and ignore the world around me, and do so until the book has been read cover to cover. I love reading! And as a reader, I've come to learn a lot that will help me to hone my craft as a writer.
I've been hearing that a lot lately: "hone your craft". To be honest, I'm still learning what that means. Or, at least, what that means for me as a writer. And I've learned a lot just from reading. I know what I like, and what I don't like. I can tell you exactly what frustrates me as a reader, and what things drive me downright crazy! So here, in no particular order, are some of the things that I've become aware of as a reader. Hopefully that awareness will make me a better writer.
1. The writer should know the reader. OK, maybe not actually know them personally- and certainly, with so many varied likes, dislikes, interests, etc. it would be hard to know all the readers and what makes them tick. What I'm talking about is approaching the intended audience at some level.
I've done some storytelling. (In front of an audience, up on the stage... perhaps you know what I mean). Storytelling is largely interactive. As you tell the story, you respond to the audience's reactions. When telling for young children, you are keenly aware of what will keep them engaged as listeners. The same story might be told to an audience of teenagers- but with a slightly different spin. The storyteller adapts the story to the audience- and might even do so in the middle of the story! No two tellings are ever exactly the same.
As a writer, I don't have the benefit of interaction, so I need to anticipate who might be reading my book and what will serve their needs and interests and keep them engaged. I enjoy young adult fiction. I find it is usually intelligent enough to keep me thinking, but it's also clean. When I read YA fiction, I don't have to worry about profanity, sexuality or gory violence. (the same things that would warrant an "R" rating in a film). My challenge as a writer, therefore, is to find a way to engage teen readers. Keep it intelligent and interesting, but keep it clean.
2. The writer should have a clear voice. I have to admit, I'm still learning about this concept of voice. I do know that as a reader, I don't care for first person narrative. There are exceptions, however, and usually that is when the writer has a clear voice. One with personality that shows through. If that first person narrative reads like a list of events (like a journal entry on a day when nothing significant really happened), then the reader in me tends to get bored.
I've come to realize, however, that when writing in a third person perspective, it can be even more difficult to have a clear voice. Third person narrative is often detached. It has the advantage of being able to explain more than one character's perspective, but since the narrator is not actively part of the story, it can become dry and more like a report than a story.
As a writer I need to find my own voice- I can't depend on the inflections, tones, gestures and expressions that I do as a storyteller.
3. The writer needs clear character development. As a reader, I won't really engage in the story until I care about the characters. I need to be invested in their problems. I need to be able to relate to them on some level. There needs to be some kind of emotional response.
I also need to understand the characters. They have to be believable. Several years ago I read an award winning book by a popular author. I didn't really enjoy the book that much. Later, I read another book by the same author- and it was then that I realized why I didn't enjoy the first book. The author featured very young children as characters- but they really didn't act like young children. I realize that part of the character development was that the children in question were exceptional... but they were too exceptional- to the point of not being believable. As a reader, I couldn't visualize them as being very young, and so the books became confusing. I found myself disengaging from the story.
I've also had the experience of reading books where a character was under developed to the point of being "flat" and uninteresting- or at least, very predictable. Other books have over developed characters who display so many different personalities that it's almost impossible to understand and relate to them. Characters need to be familiar and recognizable throughout the story.
As a writer, that means the characters need to be real. They need to have both talents and flaws. They need to be believable. If they are exceptional in some way, I need to make that clear, but in a context that makes the exception make sense.
4. Complex, but not convoluted. Several years ago I read the first and second books of a trilogy. Although I read the first two books in quick succession, there was a significant wait for the third book to be published. I had intended on rereading the first two books before starting the third, but had misplaced my copies. Fortunately (or unfortunately) the the third book had a synopsis of the first two. It was in reading that synopsis that I realized just how detailed the first two books were! In the time that had passed between reading the books, I had forgotten about 70% of what I had read earlier! This is not because I lack retention.... really! There was just too much detail. Even after reading the synopsis provided, I still found myself confused. I've read maybe 10 pages of that third book, but put it down, deciding that I really can't depend on the synopsis to help me figure out what is going on. I'll have to start over from the beginning- and right now, I'm not really that interested.
So what have I learned? That there really is such thing as too much detail. I would like my books to be detailed enough that they aren't too predictable, and remain interesting. But at the same time, I don't want to confuse the reader.
5. Romance and relationships. There is a popular (OK wildly, inexplicably popular) saga that has taken the publishing world by storm recently. I'll admit- I'm glad I read the books (well, maybe not that last one) but I don't think I'll ever re-read any of them. I suppose that is the hallmark of a really good book... if the reader wants to read it again and again.
Oh wait! I have a point! I found the mythology of the books quite intriguing. What I didn't care for was the romance. It was syrupy sweet and mushy and .... oh so not my thing. But apparently, it's popularity amongst other readers is because of that very romance that I found so nauseating. (go figure)
In contrast, I've recently read books by another author that included a measure of romance- and I really enjoyed those books! So I've discovered that as a reader, I'm not at all drawn to romance as the primary plot device- but I can appreciate a little here and there.
I've also realized, as a reader, that the books that are most interesting to me have interesting relationships. Not just romance- but friendships, family relationships, co-workers, people who find themselves allied by circumstances but who wouldn't usually associate with one another, etc. etc.
Relationships lead to interactions. Things push the characters together and pull them apart. There are unexpected heroes, acts of kindness and acts of betrayal. The relationships between the characters provide motivation for action, which then drives the plot.
As a writer, I need to pay attention to the relationships between my characters. They don't have to be romantic (and seriously- if I find it unappealing as a reader, I'd probably fall flat on my face if I tried romance as a writer)- but they do have to be there.
There are many other things I've been thinking about lately as I read, as I write, and as I write about reading and writing....
.... blogging about it here helps me to put it all in perspective and use it. I guess I need to put what I learned into practice now.
I've been hearing that a lot lately: "hone your craft". To be honest, I'm still learning what that means. Or, at least, what that means for me as a writer. And I've learned a lot just from reading. I know what I like, and what I don't like. I can tell you exactly what frustrates me as a reader, and what things drive me downright crazy! So here, in no particular order, are some of the things that I've become aware of as a reader. Hopefully that awareness will make me a better writer.
1. The writer should know the reader. OK, maybe not actually know them personally- and certainly, with so many varied likes, dislikes, interests, etc. it would be hard to know all the readers and what makes them tick. What I'm talking about is approaching the intended audience at some level.
I've done some storytelling. (In front of an audience, up on the stage... perhaps you know what I mean). Storytelling is largely interactive. As you tell the story, you respond to the audience's reactions. When telling for young children, you are keenly aware of what will keep them engaged as listeners. The same story might be told to an audience of teenagers- but with a slightly different spin. The storyteller adapts the story to the audience- and might even do so in the middle of the story! No two tellings are ever exactly the same.
As a writer, I don't have the benefit of interaction, so I need to anticipate who might be reading my book and what will serve their needs and interests and keep them engaged. I enjoy young adult fiction. I find it is usually intelligent enough to keep me thinking, but it's also clean. When I read YA fiction, I don't have to worry about profanity, sexuality or gory violence. (the same things that would warrant an "R" rating in a film). My challenge as a writer, therefore, is to find a way to engage teen readers. Keep it intelligent and interesting, but keep it clean.
2. The writer should have a clear voice. I have to admit, I'm still learning about this concept of voice. I do know that as a reader, I don't care for first person narrative. There are exceptions, however, and usually that is when the writer has a clear voice. One with personality that shows through. If that first person narrative reads like a list of events (like a journal entry on a day when nothing significant really happened), then the reader in me tends to get bored.
I've come to realize, however, that when writing in a third person perspective, it can be even more difficult to have a clear voice. Third person narrative is often detached. It has the advantage of being able to explain more than one character's perspective, but since the narrator is not actively part of the story, it can become dry and more like a report than a story.
As a writer I need to find my own voice- I can't depend on the inflections, tones, gestures and expressions that I do as a storyteller.
3. The writer needs clear character development. As a reader, I won't really engage in the story until I care about the characters. I need to be invested in their problems. I need to be able to relate to them on some level. There needs to be some kind of emotional response.
I also need to understand the characters. They have to be believable. Several years ago I read an award winning book by a popular author. I didn't really enjoy the book that much. Later, I read another book by the same author- and it was then that I realized why I didn't enjoy the first book. The author featured very young children as characters- but they really didn't act like young children. I realize that part of the character development was that the children in question were exceptional... but they were too exceptional- to the point of not being believable. As a reader, I couldn't visualize them as being very young, and so the books became confusing. I found myself disengaging from the story.
I've also had the experience of reading books where a character was under developed to the point of being "flat" and uninteresting- or at least, very predictable. Other books have over developed characters who display so many different personalities that it's almost impossible to understand and relate to them. Characters need to be familiar and recognizable throughout the story.
As a writer, that means the characters need to be real. They need to have both talents and flaws. They need to be believable. If they are exceptional in some way, I need to make that clear, but in a context that makes the exception make sense.
4. Complex, but not convoluted. Several years ago I read the first and second books of a trilogy. Although I read the first two books in quick succession, there was a significant wait for the third book to be published. I had intended on rereading the first two books before starting the third, but had misplaced my copies. Fortunately (or unfortunately) the the third book had a synopsis of the first two. It was in reading that synopsis that I realized just how detailed the first two books were! In the time that had passed between reading the books, I had forgotten about 70% of what I had read earlier! This is not because I lack retention.... really! There was just too much detail. Even after reading the synopsis provided, I still found myself confused. I've read maybe 10 pages of that third book, but put it down, deciding that I really can't depend on the synopsis to help me figure out what is going on. I'll have to start over from the beginning- and right now, I'm not really that interested.
So what have I learned? That there really is such thing as too much detail. I would like my books to be detailed enough that they aren't too predictable, and remain interesting. But at the same time, I don't want to confuse the reader.
5. Romance and relationships. There is a popular (OK wildly, inexplicably popular) saga that has taken the publishing world by storm recently. I'll admit- I'm glad I read the books (well, maybe not that last one) but I don't think I'll ever re-read any of them. I suppose that is the hallmark of a really good book... if the reader wants to read it again and again.
Oh wait! I have a point! I found the mythology of the books quite intriguing. What I didn't care for was the romance. It was syrupy sweet and mushy and .... oh so not my thing. But apparently, it's popularity amongst other readers is because of that very romance that I found so nauseating. (go figure)
In contrast, I've recently read books by another author that included a measure of romance- and I really enjoyed those books! So I've discovered that as a reader, I'm not at all drawn to romance as the primary plot device- but I can appreciate a little here and there.
I've also realized, as a reader, that the books that are most interesting to me have interesting relationships. Not just romance- but friendships, family relationships, co-workers, people who find themselves allied by circumstances but who wouldn't usually associate with one another, etc. etc.
Relationships lead to interactions. Things push the characters together and pull them apart. There are unexpected heroes, acts of kindness and acts of betrayal. The relationships between the characters provide motivation for action, which then drives the plot.
As a writer, I need to pay attention to the relationships between my characters. They don't have to be romantic (and seriously- if I find it unappealing as a reader, I'd probably fall flat on my face if I tried romance as a writer)- but they do have to be there.
There are many other things I've been thinking about lately as I read, as I write, and as I write about reading and writing....
.... blogging about it here helps me to put it all in perspective and use it. I guess I need to put what I learned into practice now.
Monday, October 18, 2010
Keeping it all straight
I have a lot of ideas floating around in my head for this story. It's getting pretty crowded! I'm trying to get them in writing in a way that makes sense. And now I've realized that just starting at the beginning and telling the story won't work for me.
So I've started a side notebook- an encyclopedia of ideas and background, if you will.
I don't think there is any right or wrong way to do this- though I have found that having an actual handwritten notebook is easier for me than trying to keep track of computer files.
So far I have sections on the following topics:
*Characters, including descriptions, personality traits, strengths, weaknesses, likes, dislikes, etc.
*Setting, including physical descriptions, culture, history, etc.
*Plot outline, including action scenes, sequential information, "discovery" information (things the characters discover about the past in context of current timeline)
*Title ideas (no, I don't even have a working title!)
*"Telling" practice- trying out different styles of telling- testing out my "voice".
A lot of my notes are written down as I get ideas, without any real idea of where it will fit in- but I can write down those ideas before I forget them, and then I'll have it as a reference while I work on the manuscript.
I'm trying to find a writing routine that works.
I go walking every morning, and often think about my story as I walk Sometimes the ideas become more clear if I actually tell the story out loud to myself- so I just try to look like I'm talking on the phone and that saves me from too many funny looks from others.
When I sit down to write (sometimes right as I get home from walking) I start with my notebook- adding any loose ideas to the appropriate section.
Once I've worked in the notebook a bit, I'm ready to log on to the computer and continue with the telling of the story, chapter by chapter.
So far I think this is working for me. We'll see how things are progressing a month from now.
So I've started a side notebook- an encyclopedia of ideas and background, if you will.
I don't think there is any right or wrong way to do this- though I have found that having an actual handwritten notebook is easier for me than trying to keep track of computer files.
So far I have sections on the following topics:
*Characters, including descriptions, personality traits, strengths, weaknesses, likes, dislikes, etc.
*Setting, including physical descriptions, culture, history, etc.
*Plot outline, including action scenes, sequential information, "discovery" information (things the characters discover about the past in context of current timeline)
*Title ideas (no, I don't even have a working title!)
*"Telling" practice- trying out different styles of telling- testing out my "voice".
A lot of my notes are written down as I get ideas, without any real idea of where it will fit in- but I can write down those ideas before I forget them, and then I'll have it as a reference while I work on the manuscript.
I'm trying to find a writing routine that works.
I go walking every morning, and often think about my story as I walk Sometimes the ideas become more clear if I actually tell the story out loud to myself- so I just try to look like I'm talking on the phone and that saves me from too many funny looks from others.
When I sit down to write (sometimes right as I get home from walking) I start with my notebook- adding any loose ideas to the appropriate section.
Once I've worked in the notebook a bit, I'm ready to log on to the computer and continue with the telling of the story, chapter by chapter.
So far I think this is working for me. We'll see how things are progressing a month from now.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
A Dilemma.... already?!?
I have a story in mind. I've pretty much developed the plot in my head. It's a story I love and I think readers would love it, too. It has an interesting premise, a bit of intrigue, and great characters.
But, as I've started to take my vision and write it down, I've run into a dilemma. (and it starts with the very first chapter.)
What I want is for the reader to be interested from the very first sentence. I want them hooked by the first paragraph, and unable to put the book down by the end of the first chapter. That's the ideal. Sounds pretty good, right?
My first chapter starts with an earthquake (a good beginning). Then I introduce a minor character who then sets about inspecting a building for damage. There's a lot of description here- of the building and of the actions of the minor character. (ok- I'll admit- this has real potential of being boring if I don't do it right) The inspection leads to the discovery of the protagonists. (finally!)
My fear is that the beginning is weak, and I'll lose my readers before they really get started. And of course, I can't just say "Dear Reader, I know this beginning chapter is kind of boring but it's really important in establishing a foundation for the remainder of the book... so bear with me and I promise it will get better." That would be pretty lame- probably more lame than what I've got so far.
But no matter how I try to rethink the plot, I can't come up with any better of a beginning. So I need to try to improve what I have.
So why is this beginning important? It establishes the setting and the culture of the people within the setting- which also makes clear what is different about the protagonists. It also sets up the main conflict in the story- and raises questions as to how the protagonists got into this situation in the first place. It's an important chapter.... I just need to figure out how to make it decidedly un-boring.
That is my dilemma. So how do I write the chapter that needs to be written and also engage my readers? How do I take the drama of an earthquake and keep interest going?
My thought is that, even though this is only a minor character, I have to make him interesting enough to capture the reader's attention and give them a reason to care about him. (but not too much) I need to give just enough description of the building so that the reader can visualize it and recognize it's importance without bogging down the plot. I need to build up the mystery and the tension of the unknown to build up to the point where the protagonists are discovered. And I need to figure out just how much of the information I'm trying to put into that first chapter can really wait for later on.
So if anyone reading my blog knows of a magic formula, or if you notice what questions I'm not asking or the things that I'm not considering (but should)- then I'm open to suggestions.
Meanwhile, I'll continue writing that first draft of the first chapter. When it's done, I may post it here- and hopefully get things on the right track.
But, as I've started to take my vision and write it down, I've run into a dilemma. (and it starts with the very first chapter.)
What I want is for the reader to be interested from the very first sentence. I want them hooked by the first paragraph, and unable to put the book down by the end of the first chapter. That's the ideal. Sounds pretty good, right?
My first chapter starts with an earthquake (a good beginning). Then I introduce a minor character who then sets about inspecting a building for damage. There's a lot of description here- of the building and of the actions of the minor character. (ok- I'll admit- this has real potential of being boring if I don't do it right) The inspection leads to the discovery of the protagonists. (finally!)
My fear is that the beginning is weak, and I'll lose my readers before they really get started. And of course, I can't just say "Dear Reader, I know this beginning chapter is kind of boring but it's really important in establishing a foundation for the remainder of the book... so bear with me and I promise it will get better." That would be pretty lame- probably more lame than what I've got so far.
But no matter how I try to rethink the plot, I can't come up with any better of a beginning. So I need to try to improve what I have.
So why is this beginning important? It establishes the setting and the culture of the people within the setting- which also makes clear what is different about the protagonists. It also sets up the main conflict in the story- and raises questions as to how the protagonists got into this situation in the first place. It's an important chapter.... I just need to figure out how to make it decidedly un-boring.
That is my dilemma. So how do I write the chapter that needs to be written and also engage my readers? How do I take the drama of an earthquake and keep interest going?
My thought is that, even though this is only a minor character, I have to make him interesting enough to capture the reader's attention and give them a reason to care about him. (but not too much) I need to give just enough description of the building so that the reader can visualize it and recognize it's importance without bogging down the plot. I need to build up the mystery and the tension of the unknown to build up to the point where the protagonists are discovered. And I need to figure out just how much of the information I'm trying to put into that first chapter can really wait for later on.
So if anyone reading my blog knows of a magic formula, or if you notice what questions I'm not asking or the things that I'm not considering (but should)- then I'm open to suggestions.
Meanwhile, I'll continue writing that first draft of the first chapter. When it's done, I may post it here- and hopefully get things on the right track.
Saturday, October 9, 2010
The Storyteller and Writer in Me
My earliest memory of writing was when I was in my early elementary years of school. My sister, who was two grades ahead, learned about writing poetry. So of course, I started writing poetry, too. Maybe I'll share a sample someday- it was pretty good for a 7 year old!
Then, when I was in the third grade, creative writing was part of the curriculum... and I loved it! I "published" my first book a few years later- it was typed and bound and I did all my own illustrations. A nice story about a mouse named Bartholemew who discovered what Christmas was all about.
I also recall entertaining my younger sisters with stories of a monster named Asperigus. (I wonder if they remember this)
I was a reporter for the school newspaper in Junior High and High School. I have notebooks full of story ideas and other bits and pieces. I continued with some writing in college, and even took up storytelling as an off shoot of my teaching career.
In truth, I always had writing as part of who I am. So why has it taken so long for me to pursue a career as a writer? Well..... it's because I'm a big chicken! I knew that authors face rejection. And not just any rejection... I mean the kind where you slave and work and put your heart and soul into something- and then send it off to someone who, more likely than not, will reject it. I couldn't face that kind of rejection. So I have spent most of my life finding joy in other creative endeavors.
But in the Spring of 2009, I attended a forum on Children's Literature at UVU. It was a wonderful event. I attended several workshops aimed at helping writers hone their craft. I learned about the process of not only writing, but of being published. It was wonderful! And when I got home, I sat down to write. That's when I realized that I wasn't ready yet. I couldn't find it within me to dedicate myself to the time and effort it would take to get something ready to submit for publishing.
I suppose it was partially the big chicken within me coming through- but there were other things. I was in the middle of a pretty big project at home- constructing a built- in entertainment unit for the family room. Then, once Summer arrived, I found that I needed to finish the railing on the deck that we had built the year before as well as finishing the back yard landscaping. My middle daughter soon announced her engagement, and I was caught up in plans for her wedding. My creative energies were needed elsewhere and I realized that this was not the season for writing.
Then, quite by surprise, I got a notice in the mail. UVU was sponsoring another conference- this one specifically for writers, called The Book Academy. I had less than a month's notice, and it would cost me a few hundred dollars in expenses, but it just seemed "right". I can't explain it really. I just felt that maybe this time I was ready.
So I registered for the conference, booked a flight and a rental car, and made any other additional arrangements. I was on my way!
The conference was great! (I'll probably write a little more about it later)- but the main thing that I came away with was this:
Writing is hard work. It takes daily dedication and work. It is highly competitive and I will be rejected- many times. And even if I do find myself getting a publishing contract, it may be several years before I ever see my work in print. It will take a lot of faith, effort and patience....
...and you know,
.....I'm OK with that.
I guess I'm ready.
Then, when I was in the third grade, creative writing was part of the curriculum... and I loved it! I "published" my first book a few years later- it was typed and bound and I did all my own illustrations. A nice story about a mouse named Bartholemew who discovered what Christmas was all about.
I also recall entertaining my younger sisters with stories of a monster named Asperigus. (I wonder if they remember this)
I was a reporter for the school newspaper in Junior High and High School. I have notebooks full of story ideas and other bits and pieces. I continued with some writing in college, and even took up storytelling as an off shoot of my teaching career.
In truth, I always had writing as part of who I am. So why has it taken so long for me to pursue a career as a writer? Well..... it's because I'm a big chicken! I knew that authors face rejection. And not just any rejection... I mean the kind where you slave and work and put your heart and soul into something- and then send it off to someone who, more likely than not, will reject it. I couldn't face that kind of rejection. So I have spent most of my life finding joy in other creative endeavors.
But in the Spring of 2009, I attended a forum on Children's Literature at UVU. It was a wonderful event. I attended several workshops aimed at helping writers hone their craft. I learned about the process of not only writing, but of being published. It was wonderful! And when I got home, I sat down to write. That's when I realized that I wasn't ready yet. I couldn't find it within me to dedicate myself to the time and effort it would take to get something ready to submit for publishing.
I suppose it was partially the big chicken within me coming through- but there were other things. I was in the middle of a pretty big project at home- constructing a built- in entertainment unit for the family room. Then, once Summer arrived, I found that I needed to finish the railing on the deck that we had built the year before as well as finishing the back yard landscaping. My middle daughter soon announced her engagement, and I was caught up in plans for her wedding. My creative energies were needed elsewhere and I realized that this was not the season for writing.
Then, quite by surprise, I got a notice in the mail. UVU was sponsoring another conference- this one specifically for writers, called The Book Academy. I had less than a month's notice, and it would cost me a few hundred dollars in expenses, but it just seemed "right". I can't explain it really. I just felt that maybe this time I was ready.
So I registered for the conference, booked a flight and a rental car, and made any other additional arrangements. I was on my way!
The conference was great! (I'll probably write a little more about it later)- but the main thing that I came away with was this:
Writing is hard work. It takes daily dedication and work. It is highly competitive and I will be rejected- many times. And even if I do find myself getting a publishing contract, it may be several years before I ever see my work in print. It will take a lot of faith, effort and patience....
...and you know,
.....I'm OK with that.
I guess I'm ready.
Friday, October 8, 2010
Introducing..... Me! (and all I imagine)
I grew up in a creative family. And I couldn't be anything but creative. It's just in the genes I guess.
I've always wanted to be a writer- and it is my grand leap into the world of writing that has inspired this blog. But- that is not to say this blog is all about writing and writing only. In truth, I've had so many creative, imaginative endeavors throughout my life, that this is really about whatever has taken my imagination and set it soaring.
I've at one time or another immersed myself in all kinds of creative thoughts and ideas. I was totally into creative writing when I was in the third grade. I also loved making things- including a whole set of dolls constructed from fabric and glue with bottle caps for heads. I remember arranging the books on the bookcase into "rooms" for a deluxe Barbie apartment complex- with her special guests, the bottle cap people. I loved creating different kinds of artwork and also composed a few musical compositions before I had completed high school.
I chose a creative career- Elementary Education. And while teaching I discovered the art of storytelling. When we bought our first house, I became interested in landscape design and gardening. Shortly after my youngest daughter was born, I found myself exploring the world of interior design. Somewhere in there I found an interest in woodworking and painting murals and other decorative wall treatments.
When my oldest daughter announced her engagement, I took on the task of designing and sewing her wedding gown, along with learning a new skill, that of hand embroidery and beading.
I've also explored the world of sewing, knitting, scrapbooking, photography, and a myriad of home improvement projects.
What do all these things have in common? They've required me to use my imagination. They've stretched my concept of what I can really do, and given me a lot of joy in the process. My name is Regina, but my family has called me Gina.... and it seems quite appropriate that my name puts me right in the middle of imaGINAtion.... a place I find totally comfortable. A place where I thrive.
Thanks, Mom and Dad! I know you didn't really do that on purpose, but I have to say, my name really fits who I've become.
I will probably devote much of this blog to my current interest of writing... but don't be surprised if I throw in a few other creative interests along the way.
I've always wanted to be a writer- and it is my grand leap into the world of writing that has inspired this blog. But- that is not to say this blog is all about writing and writing only. In truth, I've had so many creative, imaginative endeavors throughout my life, that this is really about whatever has taken my imagination and set it soaring.
I've at one time or another immersed myself in all kinds of creative thoughts and ideas. I was totally into creative writing when I was in the third grade. I also loved making things- including a whole set of dolls constructed from fabric and glue with bottle caps for heads. I remember arranging the books on the bookcase into "rooms" for a deluxe Barbie apartment complex- with her special guests, the bottle cap people. I loved creating different kinds of artwork and also composed a few musical compositions before I had completed high school.
I chose a creative career- Elementary Education. And while teaching I discovered the art of storytelling. When we bought our first house, I became interested in landscape design and gardening. Shortly after my youngest daughter was born, I found myself exploring the world of interior design. Somewhere in there I found an interest in woodworking and painting murals and other decorative wall treatments.
When my oldest daughter announced her engagement, I took on the task of designing and sewing her wedding gown, along with learning a new skill, that of hand embroidery and beading.
I've also explored the world of sewing, knitting, scrapbooking, photography, and a myriad of home improvement projects.
What do all these things have in common? They've required me to use my imagination. They've stretched my concept of what I can really do, and given me a lot of joy in the process. My name is Regina, but my family has called me Gina.... and it seems quite appropriate that my name puts me right in the middle of imaGINAtion.... a place I find totally comfortable. A place where I thrive.
Thanks, Mom and Dad! I know you didn't really do that on purpose, but I have to say, my name really fits who I've become.
I will probably devote much of this blog to my current interest of writing... but don't be surprised if I throw in a few other creative interests along the way.
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