Serious Wednesday: Reaching Your Goal

 Don't kid yourself. Writing is hard work. But, oh my, when you've reached your goal for the day--
the week--or finished that goal! What a feeling. 

Relief. Relaxation. Happiness. 

But...you can't reach that relief, relaxation, happiness stage until you get there. Tips on getting there?

Here goes:

1. Whatever you're writing, you need to plan ahead of time. Whether you're a by-the-seat writer or a plotter, you have to have some idea, form, or outline--at least in your head--for how you're going to proceed. What's your story or article about? Where are you headed? What will be the problem for your character? How will he/she handle the situation? How will the problem be solved? What genre are you writing in? How long will your book be? 
2. Research is a big part of writing fiction (or nonfiction for that matter). Do it with due justice. Make sure you know what you're writing about. Sometimes on certain things, you will have to do extensive research. Other times a quick check on google will give you the answer you need. Don't skim on this one. Research is important. 
3. Who are your characters? Jot down all the information about these people you might need to remember throughout your writing. That includes major and minor characters. Their coloring--eyes, hair, skin, etc. Where they work--if they work. What they enjoy doing--their hobbies, food tastes, habits etc. Who are they? Their personalities. their employment--even if they work. 
4. What is the problem in the book? How must the protagonists overcome it? How are the antagonists causing the problem, and why? Jealousy? Anger? Greed? Love? Money? 
5. How will the problem be resolved satisfactorily? Writers end their books in different ways. Most have a good, happy ending. Some leave the reader with a question, some with a teaser for more coming. Make sure you know what you want to do to give your characters--and your readers--that feeling of satisfaction! 

Whatever you do, don't try to get around these areas of importance. Embrace these thoughts, make them a part of your writing. And enjoy your journey! You'll be glad you did when your readers can't wait for the next book! 

Wednesday Question: 

What are some hints you use in your writing? 

Enjoy your writing! 

Serious Wednesday: It's All in the Details

Have you ever read a book that has the details wrong? And I'm not just talking about historical details, but mundane details that you didn't catch when writing--even editing--your manuscript. Examples:

• You wrote that an event happened on Wednesday, but a couple chapters later, on that same Wednesday, you wrote a totally, and unusable, event happening at the same time?
• Or what about forgetting to finish a subplot detail by not following through with a satisfactory solution?
• Did you ever change a name and find out you missed a time or two where he/she's referred to as the previous name? Ouch!
• Or start out with the main character's eyes blue and finish up with a green-eyed protagonist?

If you've ever read about this happening and don't want it to happen to you, or you know you've missed a few things in your manuscript, then may I suggest a couple ideas:

 1. Choose a paid-for program that works for you. There are different ones that are available that can give you guidance and steer you in the direction needed to keep all your manuscripts details clear and in order.  Depending on the money you want to invest, it can go from inexpensive to very expensive.

To those who like having it all set up for you in advance and have the money to spend, this is the way to go. There are all kinds of apps out there with varying prices. Google or ask other writers to find out what would work best for you.

Note:
I've heard good things about Evernote (basic is free; premium costs a decent price). Use it to keep track of your characters by using tags and keywords: eye and hair colors, photos of possible character look-alikes, clothes, styles, etc., and articles of research that you want to keep and refer to later in your work.
Scrivener: a writing software where you write without worrying about formatting. You also have the ability to use tags and keywords, clip websites, store photos and other research material. It can outline with text or a simulated cork board with index cards. You also have the added benefit of it tracking your daily quota of writing.


2.  Create your own "program" where you keep a detailed list of what's happening, when, where and who.  This is the one I want to focus on today.

First:  you'll need to decide what you'll use for your Details List: post it notes, whiteboard, index cards, spreadsheet, physical notebook, etc. Use these to help you:

• Keep track of all characters, including minor characters who may appear only as a mention or very little in your book. List their names, ages, looks, habits, character traits, quirks, relationships (past and present) and anything else you might want to attribute to them and that helps you understand them better. You may not use everything, but it's valuable for you to determine why and how your character acts the way he/she does.

Example: It's easier than some realize to forget a minor character's name, what color of eyes you first used, etc. I changed a minor character's name in one book and couldn't remember what it was. Another time, I changed a pretty important character from one position to another, from one name to another, then back again. Details like this are so much easier to remember when you have your handy, detailed lists.

  

• Keep track of what happens in each chapter. Some events or thoughts or actions may need follow up in later chapters. This helps you to not miss anything that needs to be visited again.

Example: this saves tons of time when you need to double check something to make sure what you previously wrote vibes with what you're ready to write (rather than having to scroll through pages trying to find that particular scene).

• Keep track of all major scenes in your book. This is a more specific listing that keeps you right in line to where you're headed. You can follow the scenes and know whether you've left out any vital action, thought or words that would help clarify it or make it even more realistic.

Example: Recently, I wrote a scene of which I had that vague sense it wasn't quite what I wanted. But in the push to finish the book, I went on writing. When the first draft was finished, I realized details weren't as they should be in that one scene. I went back through and rewrote it twice before I came close to being satisfied with it.

• Keep track of timeline. Obviously, this is a biggie. Writers have to keep track of the time events happen, whether it's minor or major. Readers are sharp. They can pick up a major error like this easily if they're detail-oriented. It's an author's obligation to make sure their story's timeline is "time-right."

Example: Is it on Sunday morning before church or after an evening meal when the bad guy is taken to jail? Sometimes, especially when you switch viewpoints, you can overlap actions and times from various characters, but when it comes to certain actions or the same character, you have to consider that he just might not be able to scale Mount Everest the same time he's eating luncheon with his girlfriend. Keep it straight with your list!

 

• Keep track of your plot.  Make sure you're headed in the right direction. There will be changes and sidelines that create an even better story, but you want to remember that by keeping track of your plot, it will help keep you in line for a satisfactory ending. Every line, every scene, every chapter should lead to the ending of your plot.

Example:  In a couple of my books, I realized, the closer I got to the end, that the bad guy wasn't the one I'd planned for when I first commenced writing the book. Because I kept track of my plot--which didn't change--changing the character worked fine.

There are many other things that can be added to your lists, but the main thing is, keep track, however you decide to do it. I like simple and easy, so going my own way (preparing my own lists--usually with physical notebooks or cards) works for me.

However you decide to go, I think you'll find this a great idea. Many times writers want to write and not be bothered or "distracted" with lists and such. But I encourage you to give it a try. I had the same mentality once I seriously began writing novels. It didn't take long for me to realize I needed help...and lists was the way to go.


Questions? Ask. If I know the answer, I'll be glad to respond. If I don't I'll try to find the answer. 
Best to you as you work on your manuscript!


Blessings!

Oh, No. Not a Book Blurb!

A book blurb is one of the most important items of a marketing plan. Without it, you will find it harder to "sell" your book to agents, editors, and readers. Here are a few thoughts on how to create an excellent one:


Introduce your main character(s). Use the names they'll go by in your book. Keep it simple. Unless it's absolutely necessary, you don't need to go into detail about their personality.

Reveal the genre. Again keep it brief. Set the tone or mood of the book. Mystery? Romance? Sci-fi? Thriller?

Reveal the main conflict. Most books have subplots but they won't need (usually) to be mentioned here. In one sentence show the problem. Will the detective be able to find the thief? Can the hero save the heroine's life (or vise versa :) ) etc. Many times this will begin with one of these words:  Until. But. However.

Hook the reader’s curiosity.  Is all lost when another man shows up and does what the hero should have done? Is the detective a failure because his main suspect turns out to be innocent?

Give the reader a hopeful possible. This "longshot" will give your reader hope that all is not lost and keep them reading.

Book blurbs should not be too long nor too short. Fifty words at most; Twenty-five to thirty words is a perfect sized blurb. Keep to these main facts, edit and you should have a winner. 


Happy Writing!

Character Names

I mentioned in a previous post about character names and choosing them. This is one of the fun-est things to do with writing--on my part. Some writers have trouble doing this. Some have trouble with novel titles. Most times I enjoy choosing both.

Today, let's write about character names.

Here's a few ways I have of choosing:

• From the get-go, sometimes a character already has a name, for a variety of reasons including from the first I received the inspiration to write the idea, the character's name was part of it all.
• Sometimes I'll choose a name because I like it, it's one of my favorites, or its a name of a friend that I want to honor.
• There are times I turn to my trusty baby name book and search through it. Right now, I'm searching for a protagonist name (male) for a thriller/suspense novel. It's in the plotting stage and will need a lot of research, so I've plenty of time to come up with the appropriate name. I've begun the list to choose from though.
• If all else fails I have two tried and true methods to come up with a name:

(1) hold a blog contest. Used this method for the "bad guys" in my cozy mystery and had several entries. Ann won a gift certificate for coming up with a couples' names that perfectly fit them.

Or (2) ask my special critique partners who do a good job of coming up with names. Jam, for example, didn't like the name of the second romance I wrote, so I told them to brainstorm. She came up with a wonderful romancy type of name.

Hard? Not usually. Finding the perfect name for a character is a piece of cake--normally. And fun.

Quote:
A hunch is creativity trying to tell you something. --Anonymous


Blessings

Fenis and Chipper


My husband is writing a series of children's stories involving the protagonist squirrel--Chipper.

I was really surprised at how well he doing. I thought I was the only one in the family who could write (smug comment here, in case you can't figure it out). Now he's writing a mini-mystery that will include:


Fenis--the red-tailed hawk

Chuckie, the chipmunk



and (drum roll here . . .)



the villain--Seymour, the black snake.

(We think this is Seymour--it was hard to catch him on camera!) He's as bad as I am. No, not the snake. Hubby. He read the ending to me late last night and hasn't even written the first part yet. I loved it! The story, that is.

Chuckie the chipmunk is a sub-character that will play an active part in one book. We quite disagreed on this sub-character's name.

Hubby: Groundy (yuk and double yuk--from me)
Caroline: Charlie
Hubby (ignoring me): Woody (me: I like it, but it reminds me of a certain woodpecker)
Caroline: Chappy

And on and on.
Finally, he told me a couple of days ago, he'd settled on a name. Chuckie. (I like Charlie better, but Chuckie is good.) So Chuckie it is.

It is his book after all. I have to concede that point.

If you want to read about the adventures of Chipper and all his forest and farm friends, let me know. The stories really are quite good. Almost as good as I could have done! (Smile)



I love cold drinks in the summer, love preparing them. Here's a thirst-quenching one you might enjoy if you love tea:

Strawberry Iced Tea

Makes about 8 (about 8-ounce) servings
Prep: 25 minutes
Cool: 2 hours
Stand: 2 hours

Ingredients

• 2 lb. fresh strawberries or two,16-ounce packages frozen unsweetened whole strawberries
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 cup water
• 2 lemons
• 3 tablespoons snipped fresh rosemary (optional)
• Ice cubes
• 1 recipe Iced Tea (see Recipe Center) or one 1-liter bottle club soda, chilled
• Fresh strawberries (optional)

Directions: In a large saucepan combine fresh or frozen strawberries, brown sugar, and water. Cook and stir over medium heat until sugar dissolves.

Using a vegetable peeler, remove strips of peel from lemons; juice the lemons (should have 1/2 cup). Add strips of lemon peel, lemon juice, and rosemary to mixture in saucepan. Bring mixture just to boiling, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat. Cover; cool to room temperature.
Press mixture through a fine mesh sieve; discard solids (you should have about 1 quart syrup). To serve, fill glass with ice. To each glass add 1/2 cup Iced Tea and syrup to taste (about 1/2 cup). Garnish with fresh strawberries. Makes about eight (8-ounce)

Make-Ahead Directions: Syrup may be prepared, covered, and refrigerated up to 3 days.

Quote:
The ordinary acts we practice every day at home are of more importance to the soul than their simplicity might suggest. --Sir thomas More


Blessings

Oh, Yippedy, Do Da Day!

We have a winner!

You guys sure didn't make it easy! I loved all your names. I had to go over them several times, but f-i-n-a-l-l-y narrowed it down to three, then two, and finally chose the one that best suited the characters I had conceived in my mind for the aunt and uncle.

Remember: I have in my mind (and ready to go on paper) this couple. Their actions have a lot to do with what names I can associate with them.

But let me tell you: I will be keeping the rest of your suggestions. Everyone of them brought images up in my mind of certain types of people.

Want to know who I pictured with some of your offerings?

• A Native American couple.

• A couple from England.

• Two of them will probably go into a future novel as older couple protagonists.

• Another one will no doubt be prominent characters in an adventure book of some type.

Loved, loved, loved your suggestions. Can you tell?

On a funny note: my youngest son practically BEGGED me to use his name as the man's! But since these characters are bad people, nope! I absolutely refused; besides, I happen to like son No. 2's name as a good character name! Laugh!

What did you say? You want to know who won? Well, okay . . .

Ann.

That's it. Her suggestion? Marvin and Jane Stillwell.

Why did I pick that name? You might be thinking: that's not as good as mine!

Because in my mind these bad characters put on a front of being good. (Only someone who is looking for clues or traits will see under the surface.) The name suits them in that it's not pretentious; it's simple and doesn't call attention to them.

Perfect for them and their career and their crime.

So, Ann, a big congratulations! Look for that gift certificate from Amazon in your email box.

And thank you to all who participated! You did great.



Announcements:

1. Don't forget to email Donna (donna at donnafleisher dot com) with your physical address so that you can get your free book (IF you commented on the interview blog with her!).
2. A Father's Day Contest in June -- coming up! Smile.
3. June's interview is with Teresa Slack from Ohio. She's written several books. Look for info about the interview--coming right up!
   

Hint:
Since lots of people have gone to dishwashers, here's a hint from Heloise that's good for cleaning your kitchen necessity!

Clean with household vinegar or citric acid powder. Pour a gallon of vinegar in the bottom, let set for an hour or so, then run the washer through a full cycle. Citric acid powder will also help remove hard-water buildup. Add a half-cup of powder and run the dishwasher. If there’s still an unpleasant odor coming from inside, examine the drain hose to see if it’s crimped and check the bottom for bits of food or gunk. After checking, if the odor it still strong, call a plumber because it might be a possible hazardous plumbing problem, like sewer gas, that needs to be remedied.

I loved this Trivia question I selected today.
If you get the answer, well, you're right up there at the top!

What is the name of Moscow's largest department store?

Quote:
When I look at the galaxies on a clear night--when I look at the incredible brilliance of creation, and think that this is what God is like, then instead of feeling intimidated and diminished by it, I am enlarged--I rejoice that I am part of it. --Madeleine L'Engle

Blessings!

The Odd Characters

You read books, don't you? Ever think about the characters you read about? Here are some I've read (enjoyed and despised!)

The girl bondperson--Stephanie--who's a coward and has a hamster for a pet.

The everyday woman--Annie--who's always thrown into solving mysteries and battles a rebellious drug-using son.

Christy--young and ambitious--out to change the world, who gets sick the first time she sees something disgusting.

What about the girl in Hawaii who has a pet dolphin?

What about Spencer who's suppose to be tough and rough--but has a soft spot for cooking and his pet Pearl?

Read about the older woman who travels about the country in an RV by herself?

Read about the young woman who lives alone in the Alaskan wilderness with 40 some dogs?

Heard about the amateur sleuth who loves mysteries so much she has an all-mystery bookstore and a black cat?

How about the former newspaper man who inherited money, solves mysteries, & insists his cat, KoKo, knows when there's been a murder?

The older minister who runs from his neighbor's interest, but finally marries her in his sixties?

The out-of-work middleager who catsits?

Mr. Scrooge who'd rather freeze than spend a penny?

Little Heidi who gets ill if not in her beloved mountains?

Jupiter's club in a junkyard.

Last, but not least! Tara, who has a pet mouse. Read it? You mean you haven't? Go out right now and demand from your bookstores that they demand from the publishing houses that they demand to print my novel!



Are you a garage (yard) sale junkie? Always looking for something cheap that can be made into something unique, valuable, or resaleable? Found an old table that you love, but on a shoestring budget? Try these hints:1

1) Don't waste your time buying particle-board furniture. Can't be refinished!

2) To refinish a table: Sand lightly, paint an interesting color. Or try some new faux finishes: antique, decoupage, or be inventive with squiggles, stripes, dots, or whatever you like!

3) Found a table with great legs, but top is awful? Buy a mirror to fit the top.

4) Or . . . use postcards, greeting cards, pictures of your family, flowers, or other pictures to cover the table top. Cover with glass for a unique personalized table!

5) Use ceremic tile. Arrange in a mosaic style, grout, use a strip of molding around the edge to keep them in place. Let dry, then wipe the grout with a cloth.

You might decide to keep your "new" table!



Quote:
Good friends reveal themselves slowly, in the shimmer and shadow of living . . .in the years of shared experience.


Blessings.