Evil Plotting

Yay! Another Friday. Don’t forget to check out my post over at the Scribes – I’m late, I’m late…for what exactly? and meet the Naggy Bunny.

Another week has come and gone. And I’m sad to say, not much plotting has happened for Devil’s Advocate.

I spent most of the week helping my fellow writers. I’ve been honored to read their works in progress and provide my feedback. I’ve read some sci-fi, paranormal romance, middle grade adventure and contemporary. I have such talented friends!!

I’ve received feedback on The Undead Space Initiative. So far, no one has told me the story is bad. I’ve gotten mostly high marks, which is always nice. Still, I’m not resting on my laurels. There will be edits. I’m not sure what form they will take yet.

I’ve been mostly reflective this week. Thinking about my new characters. What do they want? How will they achieve their goals?What happens next (my favorite question to answer).  Not all that different from talking to my sons (what do you want to do with your life?).

Just thinking about the word “plotting” brings to mind a different word – scheming. When you think about it, as a writer, you really are contriving an entire story out of thin air – creating a whole new world that didn’t previously exist. Totally cool and frightening at the same time. And once the story is published, then that world is shared with your readers. They bring their own expectations and realities. Your world isn’t only in your head anymore.

It’s a big responsibility, which is why I spend more time on plotting, character creation, etc. than I do writing. I’ve learned the hard way that planning ahead works best for me. In a few weeks NaNo WriMo will begin and I plan to be prepared (like a good Boy Scout mother).

It’s hard to believe Fall is almost here. I’ll leave you with a photograph I took last October at Old Sturbridge Village in Massachusetts. If you live in the area and you’ve never been – plan a trip. Right now.

Here comes Autumn

All’s Quiet on the Writer Front

Happy Friday everyone. Please remember to visit the 7 Scribes today – I am the Author Goddess.

Here’s how I’ve been keeping busy while I wait for feedback on The Undead Space Intiative.

  • A few days ago I received some awesome news – I finished first place in another contest. While it’s excellent news to receive, winning contests hasn’t really brought any offers from the editor judges. But that’s okay. As I reported last week, I have actually submitted to more publishers and plan to continue to do so.
  • I have spent most of this week working on the synopsis for The Undead Space Initiative. And I use the term “working” loosely! For some reason, writing an entire novel is easier than a two page synopsis. I’m down to the basic information and now all I need to do is polish it up.
  • Completing the synopsis (and, drat, I need to do a query letter -groan!) frees my mind to work on Devil’s Advocate. I have the main characters but not a fully formed plot. The plot is stewing in the back of my mind this week.
  • And I am taking two classes with a third one starting next week.

None of the aforementioned activities includes my full time job, family (also a full time job) or time spent doing other things like reading, Scribes stuff, Twitter. etc.

And speaking of  the Scribes – we have been very busy booking guest bloggers including: Frankie Roberston, Sandra Orchard, Julia Rachel Barrett, Kinley Baker, Jennifer Fusco, and Kristan Higgins.

I hope to see you all next week. Until then – happy writing!

I Set The Book Free!

Happy Friday! Please don’t forget to check out my Friday post at the Scribes’ Blog – Can this Wreck be Saved?

Last week I reported my goal to complete my edits of The Undead Space Initiative by Sunday night. I’m happy to say goal accomplished! And, even better, the book is now in the hands of  my two, trusted Beta Readers.

Notice I said readers. Not writers. I always ask readers to review the early draft first.

Why?

Because the reader is who I’m ultimately writing the book for. They read the book as an experience with an eye towards story. Does the book entertain them? Do they keep turning pages? What questions didn’t I answer?

If they tell me a story isn’t working, it’s full stop and either back to the drawing board or the story is shelved. Luckily,  the only stories I’ve hidden away are my first attempts from years ago.

Once I get the green light, I then submit my story to my amazing critique partners. More to come on that, in a few weeks.

If you’re a writer, it’s crucial to share your work with first readers who can be honest and provide informative feedback.

If you’re a reader and the friend of a writer – be honest, brutally honest if need be. Our feelings won’t be hurt – promise!

The Finish Line Approaches!

Hi everyone,

Please stop by the 7 Scribes Blog to read my post on – Breakin’ Da Rules.

Whew! I’m in the home stretch. Rough draft word count to date – 77,960. Vacation all week has done wonders for my writing. It’s amazing what I can accomplish when my sole focus is on the story. On Monday, I clocked in at 5,021 words (my neck still aches from that one!).

In preparation for the clean-up, I’ve created a list of gaps and other plot related concerns. I’ll address those first. And then, the Inner Critic will be allowed free reign to correct weak wording, typos and other mistakes.

A few hints to tide you over. Stripper pole and Mars. You’ll have to wait until next Friday to find out how.

Halfway There!

Happy Friday! Please remember to visit me at Writing Secrets of 7 Scribes for my post about Change.

This week, I’m pleased to report that I’ve surpassed the halfway point. Total word count to date is 59, 806.

Due to family obligations, I had a few days where I was only able to hit 1,000 plus words. With vacation coming soon, I hope to be back on the 2,000 words a day track and possibly even surpass it.

The story has reached the mid-point climax and is rolling towards the black moment/reversal (hopefully next week).  After that, the final wrap up. Next, I’ll re-read the draft, plug the plot holes, fix the word boo-boos and ferret out any other transgressions.

This kind of aggressive first draft approach is new for me. I usually stop after the first act and re-read what I’ve done and make corrections. Not this time. I’m blasting through to the end and then reviewing the plot as a whole. I’m not sure if I’ll do this for my next book. We’ll see. Depends on how the process goes.

I’ve resorted to this method because, often times, I start second guessing the plot and playing the “what if” game and then I believe the whole story is crap, resulting in the urge to toss it out.

When I finish the first draft, I will share the blurb for the book. I can tell you, it’s something new for me and not like my other books.

See you next week!

2,000 Word Streak Continues…

This week’s progress –  @48,000 words. I’m still averaging 2,000 words a day, sometimes more. I credit this productivity to knowing the plot and to squelching my nemesis, the Doubt Monster.

Is every word and sentence golden prose?

Oh heck no. I will have to do a clean up draft before passing the book onto my trusted Beta Readers.

Overall, I’m happy with my progress. So to keep up the momentum, I’m heading back to work. See you next week!

Also – please check out my latest Scribe post – Love in an Elevator. I’d love to hear your take on love scenes.

Seven Scribes and Other Writing Adventures

Starting next week, I’m part of a new blog – Writing Secrets of Seven Scribes. We’re an eclectic group of aspiring and indie published writers from many genres: young adult, middle school, inspirational, mystery, paranormal/urban fantasy and erotica.  Our goal is to share our writer’s journey, to inspire and to entertain.

We have each taken a day of the week – I’m Friday’s Scribe. And later, we will all be publishing a short story on the site based on the poem Monday’s Child. Be sure to check us out. Even better, subscribe so you won’t miss out.

A while back, I blogged – Dont’ Go It Alone. The Scribes’ blog is an example of joining a group that can foster your creativity, provide inspiration, and give a kick to the pants when needed! Not to sound like a broken record – if you’re a writer and serious about publication – find a group, find a critique partner or partners, find somebody else who loves to write! My world has opened up exponentially since I joined with my awesome critique partners and the CT RWA. I promise, you will become a better writer!

I hope to see you all at the new blog. Scribe on!