Determination and a Tough Hide for Writers

 

This is a repeat post, but one I think worth a second look.

Mr. Turtle in today's photo has some determination, something all writers should own, as well. They should also master developing a tough hide like his. Two good qualifications among others that would benefit writers. Let's look at each one.

Wishy-washy writer or one that is determined? Which one do you think will be more successful? Which one are you? Or are you a writer who bounces back and forth between the two? A lot of writers fall into this latter category.

If you try a new writing project and give up when it doesn't mesh together nicely, you're not going to move very far on your writing journey. You'll start myriad new writing projects and probably finish very few of them. 

I thought about my daughter when she was a toddler learning to dress herself. I'd let her try for just so long and then try to help. She'd immediately say "No!" Then, she'd try again (and again) until she was successful. Determination was an inborn trait with her. She ended up using that trait all through her growing up years and into her career. 

Not everyone is fortunate enough to be born with the trait of determination. Some have to work at it and develop the trait over many years. It's worth working to achieve that status if you want to be a successful writer. Giving up is easy. Pushing on and continuing isn't. A lot depends on how much you want your writing world to be fruitful. 

If your newest writing projects are filled with bumps and potholes, it's discouraging. We can all admit that. The important part is how you handle it. Do you dump the whole project with the first couple of bumps, or do you put it away for a short while, give it some thought, and then work on it again? I hope it is the latter choice for you. 

I've used an example many times about the story of The Little Engine That Could. We all know the story of that train engine who kept repeating "I think I can! I think I can!" until he was able to pull the big engine. I think I can might be a good mantra to use when things aren't going well. 

Like the turtle, writers also need to have a tough hide. They need to learn to let the rejections bounce off that hide, rather than pierce straight through to the heart. Learning to accept both criticism from other writers or readers or editors, along with full rejections from publishers, is not easy. The first thing we should do is to remember that the criticism is not a personal attack against YOU. Sadly, many writers take it that way. The criticism, or rejection, is about what you have written. Let's face it. Not every story, article, poem, or essay is going to be a masterpiece. Especially not with the first, or even second draft. There will be some fine parts and other areas that need work. 

When someone gives you the exact spots that bothered them, feel happy that you know where you have to do some revision. It's so much better than an overall criticism where you don't even know where to begin to revise. If you put your writing up for critique in a group, you'll benefit a great deal. When more than one person picks out the same area that needs work, believe it. Then do something about it. A simple rejection from an editor will not always be sent with a reason. I appreciate the ones that do give me an inkling of why the piece didn't work for them. 

Work on not taking criticism personally. Think of it as something to help you improve on your craft and become better at it. 

Make an attempt to develop Mr. Turtle's Try and Stop Me attitude. You'll accelerate your writing journey that way.

Aim for Strong Writing

Our photo today is of a man lifting a barbell, a strong man. He probably could not lift a barbell of great weight when he first started this exercise. He worked at it a little at a time, increasing the weight and his strength a little at a time. 

Like this man, we writers must work at being a strong writer. Strong writing doesn't merely happen.  

There are a number of things that will increase the strength of our writing. Here is a list of some of them:

A.  Getting rid of unnecessary words like very, usually, really. They clutter up our writing. Go through an old piece of writing and circle each unnecessary word, then delete it. These words don't help your writing. They become added clutter. We often use them in our everyday speaking but try to lose them when you write.

B.  Repetition of words and ideas can also give that cluttered look to your writing. When you edit, look for repetition of words close together and replace some of them. Also, watch for repetition of ideas. Sometimes, we writers think that the readers won't 'get it' unless we repeat. Don't do it.

C.  Overly long sentences can confuse a reader. They can often be cut into two separate sentences and become even stronger. 

D.  Be sure your verb tenses are consistent. If you are writing in past tense, make sure you stay in past tense. Or in present tense, keep it throughout. 

E.  Cutting words is a good way to be a stronger writer. Not only the unnecessary words mentioned above, but we can cut other words. We will often end with sentences that are more clear and stronger.

F.  As writers, we should work on increasing our vocabulary. By doing so and using the words we've learned, we will strengthen our writing. 

G.  Show don't tell. Every writing book you might read will emphasize this. A story in which a writer uses showing rather than telling will always be stronger and far more interesting.

H.  Use sensory details. When you show, rather than tell, you have a perfect platform for using sensory details like sight, sound, smell, touch, and taste. 

I. Bring emotion to your writing. If the writer has emotion, so will his/her reader. 

J.  Writing exercises are not a waste of time as some writers contend. On the contrary, they help us as much as the weightlifter when he continues to increase the size of the bar bell he uses.  Daily writing exercises develop our writing muscles.

All the things listed above will aid us in becoming stronger, better writers. They take time. They require effort. In the long run, they will make you a stronger writer. 

 

Keep Truckin', Writers!

 

Today's poster has some good advice for writers, and perhaps for others, as well. How often do writers have failures and doubts? Myriad times! 

There are groups of writers who give up when they are faced with another failure or doubt themselves as a writer. After all, it's much easier to quit than to carry on, isn't it? Easier yes, but if you have a passion for writing perhaps not the exit door you should select. 

What does it take to continue when the rejections pile in faster than the acceptances, and you begin to doubt your ability as a writer? Every writer has been in this situation at some point in their career. 

We have choices to make. Should we exit the writing world? Should we try to figure out the why and the wherefore of our situation? Should we persevere? A lot depends on serious you are about being a writer. Newbies can get discouraged rather easily, and those who have put in a great deal of time and effort need to give serious thought to the consequences of giving up. 

What if you do decide to give up? Will you always wonder what might have happened if you had continued like the fairy in our poster? She continued despite problems. You can, too.

Maybe you need to consider getting some help to improve your writing enough so that you'll have a few more acceptances. Sitting in your chair and hitting the keyboard all alone might not be the best way. There are scads of books about writing. Read some of them! There are many writing workshops and conferences, a lot on zoom so you can attend in your jammies. Sign up for one or two or three! There are successful writers that you probably know. Visit with them! 

We can't merely wallow in our worries about our writing world. It's up to us to do something about it. The fairy was unstoppable because she carried on despite her failures and doubts. Surely you and I can do the same if we truly want to continue being a part of the writing world. 

Inspiration to Write

 My online writing group does a Random Word exercise each week. The person responsible for a month sends a new word each week. She can close her eyes and point to a word in a book or make up the word or use a word that ends up being related to the others in that month. Yesterday, I sent the word for this week.

 

 One of the women wrote to me saying she would love to have a full writing prompt, because, she said, a word along does not inspire her. 

I got to thinking about what can inspire us to write, and I looked back in my files to see if I had ever addressed the topic previously. Surprisingly, I had written several posts on this topic. The following is one I liked and perhaps you will, too. 

 A Jack London website mentions that he wrote fifty books in a sixteen-year period. Many of his books were based on his own experiences on the sea and in the wilderness. He's famous for his quote on finding inspiration. He said, "You can't wait for inspiration. You have to go after it with a club." His quote impressed me. He didn't sit inside a warm, toasty house waiting for inspiration to strike. He created his own inspiration, or so it seems.

Perhaps too many writers sit in front of the computer each morning and wait for inspiration to come floating by, then drop down into their lap. Oh, if only it could be that easy. Where do we find inspiration for our stories, poems, essays and other writing? It is rarely found in your desk chair in front of your laptop.

I once had a friend comment that she couldn't understand how I could be a writer. You're such a social person and writers are introverts and often recluses. That was her personal interpretation of a writer. She went on to say she thought I'd be lonely spending so much time alone writing. I never consider writing time as being lonely. After all, I'm with the people I'm writing about and thinking about the ones I'm writing for. I can't say I've ever felt lonesome while writing.

Yes, I truly am a social person. I like being where the action is--with my friends, at meetings or conferences, with family, at sporting events. Besides the joy of being with others, that is often when I find inspiration to write. Something I see or hear will trigger an idea. There have been times when I've grabbed a piece of paper and jotted down a few words to jog my memory later on.

I imagine Jack London spent time with others who, like him, led an adventurous life. They must certainly have been an inspiration to him and I'm guessing that many of his characters were based on people he'd actually met or observed somewhere.

People-watching in a coffeehouse, at a sporting event or in an airport can inspire a writer over and over. Think of all the people you see in situations like that, all the little slices of life you witness. Sitting in a pub listening to the tales others at the table are telling can be inspiring to a writer, too. We often rely on our own memories to help get us in the writing mode, but the memories of others can also be an inspiration.

If you want to write a baseball story, where is the best place to get inspired and find background? Needless to say, it's a ballpark. Looking to write a story about the life of a monk? Visit an abbey. Where are you going to find inspiration for an article on learning to be a chef? Maybe at a culinary school.

In other words, don't sit at home and research the topic on google. Get out there and find your inspiration. Nobody is going to come along and drop it into your lap. It's up to you.

NOTE: put inspiration to write in the search box at the top of this page, and other articles I've written on the topic will pop up. 

Writers and Patience

 

Many times, I have mentioned the two keywords in my writing life. One is patience and the other is perseverance. Today, let's concentrate on patience.

When did you first have the desire to become a writer? As a child? A college student? A young career person? After raising a family? Or maybe after you retired. Just because the desire takes root doesn't mean that is when you're going to give this craft a try. It may settle into your conscious or subconscious mind for a long time. For me, it was many, many years. 

Finally, you're ready to give writing a try. What's the first thing you do? Probably sit down and write a story that you've thought about a long time. You write it, then look at markets to decide where you'll send it. You find a magazine that seems to fit your kind of story, so off it goes. And then you wait. And wait. And wait. Finally, an email arrives telling you that the publication cannot use your submission. Suddenly, the realization comes that this business doesn't happen in a hurry. 

The person above probably made a lot of mistakes. After all, it's a first try. Here are just a few things this writer might have done wrong:

A. Wrote the story too fast

B.  Didn't edit the story before submitting

C.  Didn't let the story sit a few days before editing

D. Didn't study the markets well

E.  Expected to hear from the publication quickly

The writer was not patient. There are many steps in the writing process and they should be taken one by one. The list below gives a few suggestions for a new writer, and ones that seasoned writers should consider, as well: 

A.  Join a writing group 

B.  Take a class about writing and go to workshops at conferences

C.  Read, read, read about writing

D.  Join a critique group and take their advice to heart; learn that criticism is meant to help, not hurt

E.  Learn to accept rejection (not easy, but as time goes on, you can do it)

F.  Write on a regular basis, even if it is only 15 minutes a day

G.  The more you write, the better writer you can become

All the above requires patience. To be honest, I am not a patient person, but writing has helped me learn to be more patient than I have ever been. 

There is no magic number of months or years that will bring you success in writing. We're all unique people, all with different kinds of talents, all with hopes and dreams, but reaching the mountain top will take many roads and we will not all have to travel that road the same amount of time. Work on your patience while you also work on your writing skills. 

 

Adverbs Are Far Too Easy to Use

 

In school, we learn the parts of speech. Each one, we were told, has a job to do in the sentences we write. That's a pretty simplified version of learning a piece of grammar. But it will serve as an introduction to what I want to talk about today. 

Writers toss adjectives around a sentence to describe a person, place or thing--in other words, a noun. They also sprinkle adverbs into their dialogue tags with glee. They, too, are descriptive. How easy is it to have a character speak and then add an adverb in the tag line to let the reader know how the dialogue was spoken. Did John Doe speak his line harshly, happily, sadly, glumly, gleefully, angrily or some other ly word that describes a verb? Or sometimes writers use the one word adverb when a character does something. The writer wants us to know how the character performed whatever it might be. Easy enough to add one simple word. Maybe.

Using adverbs in this way speaks of a lazy writer. It tells us how the subject feels. It's far better to show what the speaker is feeling or doing. Dump the adverb and add something to show the same thing. If you do, you have a far more visual image. Adverbs can modify adjectives and other adverbs and not all end in ly, although a great many do so. 

Examples:

A. OK:   John shut the door slowly.

   BETTER:  John inched the door until it closed.

B. OK:  Sally ran to school quickly.

    BETTER:  Sally ran to school faster than a jackrabbit in the desert.

C. OK:  Sam turned suddenly.

    BETTER:  Sam slid to a stop and turned the corner.

D. OK:  "I want to go home," Joanie said loudly.

    BETTER:  Joanie shrieked, "I want to go home"

E. OK: "I don't know," Buddy whispered softly.

    BETTER:  Buddy's voice softened to a bare whisper. "I don't know." 

Do you see that the second sentence in each example is more visual? Tells the reader more? Is more interesting? 

If you want to learn more about using adverbs or replacing them, use a search engine like google to find more detailed articles. 

Do You Have Trouble Writing?

If writing was so easy, wouldn't everyone give it a try? Possibly. Once in awhile, an idea comes to us for a story and it almost seems to write itself. Our fingers are on the keyboard but the words flow from who-knows-where? That does happen but not on an everyday basis.

Most of the time, we do struggle with what we write. It might be only one paragraph that gives trouble or one verse of a poem, but we want to get it right. One poor section can taint the entire piece.

How many times can you rewrite one paragraph? Until it feels right to you! Whether that's twice or twenty, redo it until you are comfortable with it. Is this why some novelists say their book took 4 years (or more) to write? Maybe that's part of the reason.

We've discussed revising and re-editing many times so maybe it means there is something vital about doing so. Beginning writers all too often finish a first draft and call it complete. It's a rare first draft that is ready for submission. Seasoned writers know that rewriting is key to publishing.  Even writers who can claim many publications have trouble writing in one respect or another.

I know a woman who writes wonderful prose, but she struggles mightily with finding a title that sings, one that draws readers. Another writes wonderful essays but fails when she gets to the final paragraph or two. A good essay deserves, and needs, a good ending. Same with a fiction piece. An exciting story must stay exciting right to the final punctuation mark in the last paragraph. others have difficulty with opening hooks.

Trouble writing? We all experience it. Some of us have learned how to overcome the problems of various kinds. We work hard to end up with a finished piece of writing that is publishable and also satisfies us, the writer. Writing is hard but those who love it soldier on no matter how many problems they experience.

If you have trouble writing, remember that you're in good company. The vast majority of us are right there with you. Writers never stop learning. When one part of writing gives you problems, it's time to read about that part of our craft. Read and learn. 

  

A Writing Exercise with Words

 

 It's been a while since I sent you a writing exercise. Today, I want to concentrate on replacing mundane words with ones that have a little pizzazz. Those 'to be' verbs like is, are, was make up the worst, but there are others we can also replace, those that show something but are a bit boring. Doing so will make your writing come alive and be more publishable, as well. 

Let's concentrate on what would appear to be active verbs instead of the passive ones mentioned above. These are perfectly good verbs, but they could be better. For each word, make a list of words that show more, give a better mental picture for the reader. I'll do the first one, and you can carry on with the rest. Use a thesaurus if you must, but do try to come up with as many as you can on your own.

A. walked: strolled, strode, sauntered, shuffled, trudged, meandered, ambled, hiked

B. laughed: 

C. cried: 

D. want:

E. love: 

F. made

After you have made your lists for the words, write a sentence using each one. Notice how the new words show more than the original

Writing exercises help us stretch those writerly muscles, make us more aware, and can enhance our writing. Give this one a try!

A Different Kind of Writing Exercise

 

Oh, look! There's a story here, but what are all these people saying or thinking? We can't tell according to the picture, but we might get a clue by looking at the way they are standing. I see four with their arms crossed. Is it with impatience? Anger? Or something else? 

I see two with hands folded in front of them. One with hands in his pockets. Three carrying some sort of bag. Two with arms at their sides. But, I still don't know what the story is or what they are saying. Maybe even what they are thinking. 

So, how about using this picture as a writing exercise. Do one, or more, of the following:

A. Write a few words that each person is saying or thinking that would go in the cloud above their head.

B. Create a situation to show why these people are standing together.

C. Address the group as though you were a teacher, a boss, or a Dorm Assistant.

D. Write a complete story showing why these people are standing in a group and what they are waiting for.

E. Using the picture, write using as many sensory details as possible. 

Take time to study the picture and the way each person is standing. That might give you some inspiration. 

Writers Begin Anew in January

The old year drifted away at midnight last night, and 2024 slipped right in. Think of it as a book with 366 (Leap Year!)  blank pages. You can fill each page in any way that pleases you. As writers, we can fill each page with some new piece of writing. 

Oh sure, you're thinking, I can't write a whole new story, essay, article, or poem each and every day. You're right. That might be reaching a little too high. But, you can write something every day. Look at the many kinds of writing you might select.

A.  A writing exercise--free-write using a word or phrase, a photo prompt exercise, descriptive paragraphs and more.

B.  A short poem--perhaps a haiku, or a child's verse, or describing something you saw that touched you

C.  The opening paragraphs of a new story, article, or essay

D.  A list of story ideas

E.  A letter to yourself reminding you of goals set for this year

F.  A paragraph or two showing sensory detail

G.  A few descriptive paragraphs

H.  A memory that could turn into a full story later

So, you see that it is possible to write something every day. Create a habit by doing this exercise every day at around the same time. Possibly in the early morning with that first cup of coffee, or just before you settle in bed for the night, or while eating your lunch. 

Most writers have heard of Morning Pages, the term coined by author, Julia Cameron. She suggests you spend a short time each morning writing in a notebook by hand about anything that comes to mind. Let your thoughts flow, no matter how foolish they might seem, how dark, or how silly. It gets the writing juices flowing for more writing later in the day.  

Writers need to create good writing habits if they want to be productive and achieve publication, whether it be in short pieces, poetry, or a full-length book. Lat year is so 'last year' at this point. What better time to begin a new regime than on January 1st, 2024! 

 

Strong Writers Use Active Verbs

 

This is a repeat post, one that is still relevant. You might think the kind of verbs you use is a pretty small item, but mastering the many little things makes you a strong writer.

For most of us, our first draft will be filled with 'to be' or passive verbs. Verbs that are weak and do nothing more than serving as a line between nouns and other parts of speech. You know the ones--is, are, were, will be, was. They have no energy, no power, no pizzazz.

Author, Gary Provost wrote a small book called 100 Ways To Improve Your Writing. I recently purchased it and am finding it a worthwhile read and reference book. The guide was originally published in 1972, but this is an updated 2019 version. His section on using strong verbs is short and to the point. It's quite inexpensive.

 A couple of quotes from Gary Provost regarding action verbs: "Verbs, words of action, are the primary source of energy in your sentences." He goes on to state that verbs are the ones in charge of the sentence. He continues with "If you choose strong verbs, and choose them wisely, they will work harder for you than any other part of speech."

Action verbs give a sentence energy, even excitement. They will also reduce the number of adverbs you use. We're always being told to ditch the adverbs. If you use strong verbs, you can do that with no problem.

If you use a verb like walk or look, you might feel as if you're scratching that 'to be' form for a better verb. It is better, but it isn't good. We consider it a weak verb. Turn walk into stroll, pace, lope,. For look, you might use words like peek, gaze, stare, peer. Here's where your thesaurus can be of help. Look up those weak verbs to find a better, stronger one.

Action verbs bring an immediate mental image to the reader. Those 'to be' forms do not. Mr. Provost gives an example of two paragraphs from one of his novels. One was from his first draft, while the other is from the published book. There is a world of difference in the two. I am quite certain that you and I use far too many of the 'to be' form of verbs in our first drafts. You don't want to let them float right on to your finished piece.

I write using Word, and in the far right-hand corner, at the top bar, there is the word Find. Click on it, then enter the word you want to check, such as was. Lke magic, every was in what you've written will show up in color. It can be a very rude awakening to see dozens of them throughout. You know that your next job is to replace as many as possible with strong action verbs. Other programs will have something similar.

There is no way to get away from ever using an is, was, were. They have a place, but you don't want them to take over your story or essay and make the entire thing passive. Use them, but do so only occasionally. 

By Nancy Julien Kopp - July 26, 2023

Blank Paper,. No Idea. Now What?

 

Our photo today shows a blank page. Wow! The sky's the limit for what you can put on it. The paper is fresh and clean, surrounded by flower petals. What an invitation. Pick up you pen and begin.

Begin what? That's so often our problem when we have that clean sheet of paper or a blank screen in front of us. We have the time. We have the will to write, but we don't have an idea. Or perhaps we have too many ideas and can't settle on one, flitting like butterflies from one to the next to the next. 

What can you do to give you the push you need to write something? A few ideas below:

Write two words--I remember. Then close your eyes and ponder a bit. Mentally repeat the words I remember and see what comes up. Even if it is one small bit, start writing. Let the idea take you forward. You might write several unrelated things. Out of that basketful, one can rise to the surface and be your inspiration to keep going. 

Look around your writing space. Settle on one item. Maybe it's the calendar on the wall or the container you keep pens and pencils in, or a decorative candle. Once you've selected an item, write about it. Describe it in detail. Continue with what it brings to mind. Personify it--instead of an inanimate object make it human. 

Pick a color, one you like a lot. Write a paragraph letting the reader see the color but don't name it. Example:  She slipped on the robe of royal color. The writer didn't say 'purple robe' and yet, we know it is purple. 

Use another prompt to begin. Try My mother said... Any number of things will come rushing to your mind. It could be the beginning of a fiction short story or a personal essay. 

With all the above exercises, relax and free your mind of all other things. You might be surprised what results you achieve. Your paper or screen is no longer blank, and you could have the start of a brand new piece of writing. 

Writer--It's Up to You!

 

This is a repeat post from 3 years ago. I'm repeating it after a fairly new writer asked me some questions about the writing world. There is no magic pill to swallow to make you a published writer. But there are a number of things you can do to help yourself move along on your writing journey. 

One of my favorite, old-time, movie stars seems to have been a wise woman. Her words in today's poster quote have her wry sense of humor but also tell us something important. 

So many times, I end my posts by saying that it is up to you, the writer, to accomplish whatever the topic had been. In life, we run across people who are always trying to get someone else to do what they probably could or should have been doing themselves. They're directors and usually good at it. As long as others agree to whatever was asked of them, the 'director' will keep right on. 

In our writing journey, that doesn't usually work. Yes, there are some writers who write the first draft, then cajole a friend or group to do all the editing and revising in a critique. It's fine, even recommended, that we have others critique our work, but it's best to ask to have your proofread, edited, and/or revised draft critiqued. Not the first effort. That is up to you.

It's up to you to acquire as much knowledge about the writing craft as you can. It's up to you to read about writing, to attend conferences to learn from speakers, and to learn from a one on one session with another writer. 

It's up to you to educate yourself about the submission process. Learn how to write a query or a cover letter as well as your short personal bio. In our techno world, this is not difficult. Use a search engine on any topic and you'll find myriad articles. 

It's up to you to write and rewrite and rewrite again until you have a piece that satisfies you. It takes time and effort, but the end result is almost always well worth it.

It's up to you to seek inspiration. Successful author, Jack London is often quoted on finding inspiration to write. He said, "You can't wait for inspiration. You have to go after it with a club." Note the 'you' word. It's you who must work at being inspired. Put yourself in a place where you can find it.

It's up to you to submit your work. Aunt Gracie isn't going to do it for you. Cousin Fred isn't about to send your work to an editor. It's your story, your job to find a place and submit.

It's up to you to promote yourself as a writer. The more readers you engage in several ways, the more readers you'll keep and new ones you'll acquire. Let them know who you are by being active on social media, having a webpage and a blog, speaking at conferences, book signings, and more. Wherever you can get your name and your work in front of others will benefit you.

What it all comes to is that you are the one responsible for every step of your writing journey. I have a feeling that Katherine Hepburn did become a household name by sitting demurely at home hoping a Hollywood mogul would discover her. She knew it was up to her to 'paddle her own canoe.'

Writing Those Opening Lines

You've got an idea for a wow of a story. You have an experience you want to turn into a personal essay. You are ready to begin your memoir. You have your novel outlined and are eager to begin writing. You  have a science article in mind for kids aged 8-12. You...

Yes, you have lots of ideas for things you want to write. You're perplexed as to how to begin. What to write for that crucial opening senence, or first paragraph. Why is that bit of writing so important? Because you want to hook your reader immediately. Make them curious. Create something that will make a reader want to move on to the next sentence or paragraph or pages. 

Writers who open with a great many words describing a place where the story begins is likely to lose their reader pretty quickly. Your description might be lovely, but does it pull the reader into your full piece immediately? 

My state authors group contest has a category for writers to enter asking for the first chapter of a novel. Doesn't that tell you that openings are important? 

Kinds of Opening Sentences: 

A. An action:  If you open with your character, human or animal, doing something, your reader is immeidately introduced to a living being. Descritpion can certainly be a part of this opening.

B. A Character:  We learn the name of a character right away and something about him/her. 

C. Setting: If you make the setting memorable in your opening, your reader will want to continue.

D. Dialogue: There is more than one school of thought on this one. I learned from a fine writer that you should not open with dialogue. Have a sentence preceding it to set the scene, then the dialogue. Writers's choice on this one. In the example in our poster, all you'd need to do is reverse it. Show the mother and daughter setting the table, then what the girl says.

E. A Thought:  In this type of opening, a character's thoughts are used to draw the reader in. 

F. A Statement:  With this opening, you'd better make that statement one that leaves a question in the reader's mind, makes him/her move on to see what else you have to say.

Good opening lines make us curious. They can set the theme, be a strong narrative, or make bold statements. 

As a writing exercise, go through your files and select a few pieces you've written but have not been published. (yet!) Look at your opening line or paragraph. If you were a reader, would it make you want to go on? Would it pique your curiosity? Would it make you sit up and take notice? Try rewriting that first paragraph to make it stronger or bolder. 

When you're reading a book, give special attention to the opening line(s). Consider which ones appeal the most to you. 

A few classic opening paragraphs:

The Book Thief by Markus Suzak:  Here is a small fact. You are going to die."

The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath:  It was a queer, sultry summer, the summer they electrocuted the Rosenbergs, and I didn't know what I was doing in New York.

Little Fires Everywhere by Celese Ng:  Sometimes you need to scorch everything to the ground and start over. After the burning, the soil is richer, and new things can grow. People are like that, too.

Write in February

It's a brand new month, the shortest one of the year but chock full of things to celebrate, and perhaps incorporate into your writing. I turned the page on my wall calendar moments ago, something that always gives me pleasure. It's like starting to read a new book or beginning a new portion of your life. When February arrives, I feel like winter is not going to last too much longer. Wishful thinking on my part, but the worst of winter days seem to be behind us. 

When I was in school in Illinois, we had the day off for Lincoln and Washington's birthdays, but one or the other on alternate years. We learned about each of these noted president's in our classroom each year. Lincoln was especially highlighted, as he lived much of his life in Illinois. Now, of course, we celebrate both these presidents and others on President's Day, the third Monday of February.

Groundhog Day is tomorrow, February 2nd, and all eyes will be on the groundhog in Pennsylvania who is known to foretell how much longer we must wait for spring. The old movie, Groundhog Day, will be replayed on some tv stations, as well. 

How could we possibly forget that February 14th is Valentine's Day? Valentine cards were put on display immediately after Christmas as well as commercials for gifts to buy. Flowers and candy seem to be the traditional gifts, and sentimental cards. In grade school, we always had a party in the classroom with red punch, sugar cookies with either frosting or sugar in the appropriate color. And we exchanged valentines with our classmates. The first story I had published in a Chicken Soup for the Soul book was about a valentine box my dad made for me when I was in second grade. "Love in a Box" has been republished many times, even in other languages. 

This is also Black History month which affords writers plenty to write about. There are many people whose lives would be most interesting to readers. Also the Civil Rights movement and the history of black people in our country. A great many angles to use when writing what this month commemorates. The tv series of many years ago, called 'Roots,' moved many black people to delve into their family history, and other Americans began to do so, as well. Family Stories became popular and still are.

Perhaps you have family birthdays this month, and you can write about the person who is celebrating, or write a family story highlighting that person. My son and oldest granddaughter both have birthdays this month. 

All too often writers say they have nothing to write about. February offers a great many choices. Start pondering on the ones I've noted above

 

Julia Cameron's New Book for Writers

I read somewhere that Julia Cameron, author of the famed The Artist's Way, had a new book  titled Write For Life, subtitled Creative Tools for Every Writer. Coprrighted in 2022. I checked with my local library, but they did not have it. I put in a request for them to purchase the book. They did, and I was the first to check it out. 

I went through the book over the weekend. Ms Cameron divided the book into six sections, suggesting that the writer-reader work on each chapter, or section, for one full week before moving on to the next. 

Chapter titles are: 

Week One:  Priming the Pump

Week Two:  Begin Where You Are

Week Three:  Trust Your Process

Week Four:  Resist Your Resistance

Week Five:  Dismantle Your Perfectionist

Week Six:  Celebrate Your Achievement

At the end of each weekly section is a list of Tasks and another called Check-In which is pretty much the same questions after each chapter. 

This is not a book dealing with the mechanical part of writing, of how to write, and what writing tools are needed. Instead, the book explores the art and practice of writing. The author discusses the personal part of being a writer--how we look at the writing world, how we react to it, and what we might set our sights on.

Ms. Cameron is probably best known for an exercise she calls Morning Pages. It's a simple exercise that she suggests a writer do every morning, even if you must set your alarm clock for 30 minutes earlier than usual. Find a comfortable chair, 8 x 11 notebook and pen in hand. Then write in longhand whatever comes to mind. It might be what you see out the window, what happened the previous day, what is on the schedule for that day, someone you spoke to the day before. Whatever comes to mind. She suggests you write three full pages. Repeat the process each morning. Her theory is that this will release the writer in you and prepare you for writing that day. 

I must admit that several years ago, I tried Morning Pages, but I didn't stay with it for any length of time. I allowed life to get in the way. It takes discipline, but those I know who follow this program feel it is of great help to their writing life.

In Write for Life, Morning Pages take a starring role once again. Prayer and the spiritual part of being a writer are featured in the weekly program. Examples of one on one visits with other writers are also a segment the book. 

Many of the topics Ms Cameron covers are the same ones I have featured here on my blog. Things like trusting yourself, to stop being a perfectionist, handling rejection, to be positive rather than negative, stop resisting yourself as a writer, and being proud of your achievements. 

The author writes in an informal way, inviting you into her home and the places where she writes her Morning Pages, lunches and dinners with other writers which serve to illustrate a point, and more. 

This is not a book for someone wanting to learn the mechanics of writing, but instead, a book that reaches the personality and the soul of a writer to help shed negative habits. It's meant to help writers celebrate themselves as a writer. It aims to get rid of difficult personality traits some writers have so that they can be productive. 

 

Read Writing About Writing

 

 Our walking graphic today shows a person, no doubt a writer, with a large stack of books. And a shiny, red apple on top. 

Why is that writer carrying myriad numbers of books? I'd like to think that they are all books dealing with the craft of writing. That this is a writer who knows the more he/she reads about the craft, the better writer he/she will become. Consider the amount of knowledge that can be gained by reading that stack of books.

I've known writers who say they don't need to read books about writing. They just do it. Of course, no one must read these refernce books, but those who do are going to move much faster on their writing journey. 

Will you soak up every bit of information in each of those books? Probably not, but you will get a great deal of it, especially when it comes to the kind of writing you do. If an entire book doesn't appeal to you, read the sections that pertain to your writing, but at least skim through the rest. You might be surprised at what you find. 

There will be writers who say they can't afford to purchase all those reference books. So, they don't read any of them. You need not buy these books if you have a library in your community or area. The library carries all kinds of reference books, including many on the writing craft. Find that section and start checking them out one by one. Keep a list of the ones you've read. Put a star by the ones you liked best and might consider buying to have on hand at home. 

You can also find the books about writing on Amazon and purchase the less-expensive kindle copy. Or do a trade with other writers. 

Use your favorite search engine to find the 'best' books about writing. I experimented and found many places that give you a list of what the editor/author of the article considers the 'best.' I noted that many had some of the same titles. When you see a title over and over, that's a sure sign it's one to check. 

My own favorites are:

On Writing by Stephen King

Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott

Beginnings, Middles, and Ends by Nancy Kress 

The books above are aimed at fiction writers, but all writers can gain something from them. There are many others that deal with specific types of writing--memoir, essays, scientific articles and more. 

Another excuse writers give for not reading books about writing is that it takes up preceious writing time. Yes, it does, but it is still beneficial to you, the writer. Soaking up the information in books about writing will make you a better, stronger writer. And perhaps one that can add more publishing credits to their resume. 

Writers--Look Back at Your 2022

 

This is the last post for the year 2022. Sunday, we step into a brand new year--365 days ahead of us. What lies down that long road? What do we see if we look back at all of 2022? 

Newspapers and tv news stations spend the last week of the year looking back to what occurred, both the good and the bad. It feels sometimes like there is more bad than good with all the world problems.

But, what about your writing journey in 2022? Now is the time to look at the goals you made for yourself way last January when 2022 was brand spanking new. Did you achieve all of them? Pat yourself on the back if you did/ Very few of us manage to have a perfect record in goals. Did you make more than half? If you did, be happy. 

If you didn't make even one of your goals this past year, it's time to do some soul-searching. Try to be objective, and that's not easy when old #1 is involved. Stand back and look at what you didn't achieve as if you were looking at a perfect stranger. It's a lot easier to see the faults and hindrances in someone else than yourself. 

A few reasons we don't make our goals:  

A. Set too many goals

B. Set unrealistic goals

C. Didn't care

D. Didn't put in the amount of time needed

E. Didn't try to continue learning our craft

F. Didn't bother to submit anything you wrote

G. Felt discouraged on a frequent basis

Use this list when you make your 2023 goals. Turn some of these negatives into positives. 

Besides goals, take a look at your submission/acceptance/rejection record. Hopefully, you've kept a record and can do this easily. If you didn't, make that one of your 2023 goals. Records of all our writing transactions are important. It shows us where we were, where we are, and where we need to go. If your rejections far outnumber your acceptances, don't despair. That's quite normal in our writing world. Some say that a 10% acceptance rate is pretty normal. As bad as that sounds, it's probably about right. If you get more than that, preen your feathers a bit. 

Whether your track record was good or bad in 2022, it's yours. Yours to ponder. Yours to work on. Yours to accept or reject. After you've done your 2022 assessment, it's time to take that first step on the 2023 writing path. Stand there a bit and start putting together a plan for this next year. 

I look forward to changing the page on my calendar each month, and when it begins a whole new year, even more so. My wish for all writers is that 2023 will be a banner year, one in which you achieve a great deal. It takes patience and perseverance and some hard work to do so. Ever onward!

Four Little Words of Advice for Writers

 

Today's poster uses four simple words to propel us into action. At least, that is the intent. 

We humans are very good at procrastination. We can put things off at the drop of a pin. Something more inviting comes along, and we put our latest writing project aside. The thought is that it will be there when we're ready to work on it again. Yes, it will be. But how long will it be before that day arrives?

I'm a do it now person, and for good reason. I find that, if I put something off, it's very easy to let it sit, not return to work on it. When something comes up that I think I should take care of, I do it as soon as possible. That way, I know it gets done, and I don't have it hanging over my head either. 

Have you had a great idea for a story pop into your head but that's where it stays? You think about it off and on, but you don't start actually writing. Oh, you might add bits and pieces mentally, but that's as far as it goes. From my experience, you'd better pounce when the idea is fresh, start writing. At least, get the first draft written. Wait too long, and some of the small things disappear. Wait too long, and you might never write the story. Wait too long, and other things interfere. Wait too long, and your enthusiasm wanes. 

If you're a prose writer but have always wanted to try your hand at poetry, why wait. If not now, when? If you're a poet, but you have the urge to write a fiction short story, why wait? If not now, when? If you're an essayist who feels the burning desire to write a novel, why wait? If not now, when? 

An old adage seems to fit this topic. "Time waits for no man.' (or woman!) 

This is another one of those 'it's up to you' situations. There seem to be a lot of them as you move down the path on your writing journey. We need to remind ourselves that we cnose this path. No one forced us to become a writer.

Perhps, 'If not now, when?' could be your mantra for 2023. Four little words that might spur you into having the best year of writing ever. 

Thrifty Ways to Toot Your Horn

Christina Hamlett, Guest Blogger, has some excellent advice on how authors can promote their books. She gives 25--yes, 25--tips. That's almost an entire alphabet! Please share with other book authors.

THRIFTY WAYS TO TOOT YOUR HORN

By Christina Hamlett

Who knows your newly published book better than you? The following promotional strategies require little or no cost – and those that do are probably tax-deductible as a business expense.

1. Tell everyone you know that your book is out and where they can buy it. Find creative ways to mention “I’m an author” whenever you find yourself in a conversation on trains and planes or in waiting rooms and supermarket lines.

2. Send an email blast to everyone in your address book. Include a picture of your bookcover and a teaser/synopsis. Ask each recipient to forward your announcement to 10 friends.

3. Design a professional-looking website. Include book excerpts and behind-the-scenes stories to whet visitors’ appetites.

4. Use online services like Vista Print ( http://www.vistaprint.com ) to upload your book cover to business cards and postcards. Slip them into every piece of correspondence you mail.

5. Start blogging on free websites such as http://www.WordPress.com , https://www.wix.com , and https://www.godaddy.com .

6. Add your website and/or “Author of Such-and-Such” as part of your email signature.

7. Provide local/national media ( http://www.newslink.org/news.html ) with a polished press release announcing your book.

8. Contact editors/reporters who do interviews with local personalities. Provide them with a press kit which includes your photograph, a sample chapter, a copy of the book cover, and a sales sheet identifying the book’s price, number of pages, distributor, and trade discount information.

9. Participate in writer chat rooms and discussion forums on social media. If you give sensitive/helpful/insightful advice often enough in the context of “When I was researching my YA novel…”, their curiosity to hear more about your work is going tokick in. Just don’t be pushy.

10. Establish yourself as an expert by recommending other authors’ books at https://shepherd.com.K1. Write book reviews. Include “Author of Such-and-Such” after your name. If you’re precluded from doing that, insert the phrase “As an author of (genre)…” in your write-up.

11. Write book reviews. Include “Author of Such-and-Such” after your name. If you’re precluded from doing that, insert the phrase “As an author of (genre)…” in your write-up.

12. Promote your work on podcasts and radio shows. Check out http://www.blogtalkradio.com and http://www.ontheradio.net/stations.aspx .

13. Cross-promote by trading links and banners with other websites.

14. Request reviews from https://onlinebookclub.org .

15. Join Authors’ Den ( http://www.authorsden.com ) and talk about your work.

16. Network with fellow authors. Write reviews of each other’s books.

17. Give a talk or read an excerpt at local bookstores/libraries.

18. Join local writers’ critique groups.

19. Offer to give talks at neighborhood schools (including being a speaker on Career Day).

20. Sign up for Amazon Associates Affiliate Program ( https://affiliate-program.amazon.com ).

21. Offer autographed copies of your book as a contest prize or as part of a charity gift basket.

22. Contribute guest blogs on the joys of reading at http://readlearnwrite.com .

23. Next time you make or order return address labels, use the second line below your nameto include “Author of Such-and-Such”.

24. Ask store merchants and café/coffeehouse owners if they’d display some of your promotional postcards/flyers/bookmarks on the counter.

25. Ask to be put on the speakers’ roster for clubs and civic organizations.

In addition to these methods, many authors apply a unique spin to Mickey Spillane’sobservation, “The first page sells the book. The last page sells your next book.” If that last page happens to be the opening scene of your next project, you’ll have your readers right where you want them – eager to maintain the momentum by jumping into a new story by the same author. This approach is especially practical if (1) you’re writing serialized fiction, and (2) your nextbook will be released within two months of this one. Unless both books were placed with the publisher simultaneously, however, it may be hard to lock down this kind of guarantee. While the storyline can leave a few things open to reader speculation (i.e., will Joe and Etta marrysomeday), the book needs to be satisfying in a stand-alone context and, likewise, subsequent spins shouldn’t require familiarity with the original in order to be enjoyed.

Former actress and theatre director Christina Hamlett is an award winning author whose credits to date include 47 books, 266 stage plays and squillions of articles and interviews. She isalso a script consultant for stage and screen, a distance learning instructor and a professionalghostwriter. www.authorhamlett.com