Valerie Storey, Writing at Dava Books

Now Write! Mysteries and My Blog Giveaway

2012-02-01T08:08:00.000-07:00

It's here! My big blog giveaway where 3 lucky followers will be chosen tonight at 7.00 PM Mountain Time through a random drawing to receive a variety of prizes, including the brand new Now Write! Mysteries; Suspense, Crime, Thriller, and Other Mystery Fiction Exercises from Today's Best Writers and Teachers published on December 29, 2011.

And (drum roll, please...) I am so thrilled and honored to tell you that I have been included in this collection. My article "Deep Motivation: Characters Have Feelings, Too" starts on Page 267.

Edited by Sherry Ellis and Laurie Lamson, Now Write! Mysteries is the fourth volume in a series that includes Now Write! Fiction and Now Write! Screenwriting. Right now I'm totally enthralled with this book (and not just because I'm in it...) and I'm happy to report I'm also doing each and every one of the exercises as per my recent post on staying creative every day. I'm up to page 20 and, people, I am inspired. This is an amazing book full of great advice. I think it's going to keep me happy and writing for the rest of the year and beyond.

If you'd like a free copy, there's still some time to follow my blog today and be included in the random drawing tonight via Random.org. Note: Anyone who has signed up to follow my blog through my page at JacketFlap.com is considered a "follower" too and will be included in the drawing.

Prizes in the drawing will include:

1st Prize: The Essential Guide for New Writers

Now Write! Mysteries

Unleashed, of Poltergeists and Murder

Better Than Perfect

The Great Scarab Scam

Journal

Pens

Tote Bag

And a Surprise Gift!

2nd Place: The Essential Guide for New Writers

Now Write! Mysteries

Unleashed, of Poltergeists and Murder

3rd Place: The Essential Guide for New Writers

Now Write! Mysteries

So is this fun, or what?? You don't even have to leave a comment (but it would be nice to hear from you if you'd like to leave one!) Winners will have 1 week from the time I notify them of winning to get back with me with their mailing information, etc. If I don't hear from a winner, the prize(s) will go to the next person in order of the random selection. I'll announce all the winners after I've heard from each one.

And the best news of all is this won't be my only giveaway. For every 50 new followers I get on this blog during the year, I'll be holding another drawing.

Tip of the Day: Sign up to follow, and who knows? You just might win a prize! Best of luck. Happy writing.

Stay Creative Every Day Tip #5, Go Clutter-Free

2012-01-26T16:38:00.000-07:00

Today’s tip from my free PDF over at Live at the Edge with Dr. Doris Jeanette is about one of my favorite topics: being clutter-free.

Tip #5: Keep your work and living space clutter-free. Let go of anything that makes you feel weighed down, or that you think you’re “supposed to” like or keep. Give away, sell, or throw out whatever might be holding you back, or that takes too much time to maintain. Aim for simplicity.

Yes!

This year I’m taking my own advice a little bit further and really seeing what I can do without. So far within the last few weeks I’ve given away exactly half of my entire wardrobe to a local thrift store; donated a huge amount of “things I might need for a rainy day” art supplies to a third-grade classroom; passed on some very nice but just-not-me jewelry; gave away my sewing machine; emptied and cleaned my refrigerator (right down to the ice cubes); and on a recent trip to California resisted buying a single thing. My closets have never looked better and I’ve never felt more determined to keep them that way.

Maintaining a clutter-free environment is, I believe, a great boost to creativity. Some of my reasons why include:

- You can find stuff! No more searching for that No. 6 sable brush or the collage papers you just bought last week. A place for everything and everything in its place.

- Which means you can stop wasting time. Rather than looking for misplaced items, you can actually use them.

- You can take your workspace from dull and messy to inspiring and nurturing with just a small amount of effort. Colorful organizers, printed file folders, woven baskets, and painted crates can help put the fun back into your creative work. And you can make them all yourself—how creative is that?

- You can work on several projects at the same time when you’ve got everything labeled and ready to go in binders and clear plastic storage tubs.

- In case of an emergency, keeping things like back-up discs of documents, pictures, and manuscripts in a sturdy case with a handle—one that you can just grab and go—could be the ultimate sanity-saver.

- Thousands of people need what you don’t. Whether it’s toys, clothes for work, school supplies, or furniture—someone needs it, badly.

So what are you waiting for? Do a good deed for both yourself and others: attack those closets, purge those files, and let in the light of your true creative, and clutter-free, self.

Tip of the Day: Every year for our holiday party my writers' group has a "White Elephant Gift Exchange." What we do is bring to the party at least six or more wrapped items we no longer want or need. We then set these gifts in the center of the room and after drawing a number, we take turns at choosing the items one by one. Amidst much hilarity and a certain amount of "stealing" from each other, we all end up with some great gifts. Anything that remains unwanted goes in a box we then take to the thrift store. Not only is this a great way to have a gift exchange without spending any money, it makes a good start to a clutter-free new year (or any time of the year, for that matter). You might want to try it this weekend!

Stay Creative Every Day Tip #4: Dress Nice, Eat Well

2012-01-10T11:58:00.002-07:00

Happy 2012, everyone! I hope you all had a brilliant holiday season and are now ready to greet a new year of creative joy. Today's tip from my free PDF on how to "Stay Creative Every Day" at Live on the Edge is something that I tend to let slide too often and want to improve upon this year:

Tip #4: Pay attention to how you dress and what you eat. Make an effort to wear “good clothes” that you love, and give up things like fast food. Make your own food whenever possible. Cooking is a creative art.

As with any creative endeavor, the way we dress and the way we eat is all about choices. For instance, I'm a vegetarian for many reasons, but one of them is to counter all the hours I spend sitting in front of my computer screen or my drawing table. I know as a fact that when I've eaten too much or too heavily, I'm just not comfortable writing or painting. I'm too sleepy, too full, too blah feeling. A diet that includes meat just increases that feeling.

Another law of nature for me revolves around what I call my "yard clothes." You know, those things we wear to potter around in on weekends.   My problem is I then wear these clothes to the grocery store or library, telling myself "no one will see me."  However, without fail, the older and more hideous the outfit I've chosen to wear, the greater my chances are of running into important people who also just happen to look like they stepped from the pages of Vogue. You'd think I'd learn by now, but it took a serious near-miss this past summer to drive the lesson home (I escaped without being seen by running out the door when I saw the "important person." My heart was pounding, I can tell you.)

So here are my top reasons to unleash your inner fashion diva:

1. Writers can be shy and introverted. Dressing smartly can help you be more confident--especially for those grocery-store run-ins.

2. Dressing well makes you feel more professional, almost like putting on a costume. Even if it's just one extra item: good shoes, or a new sweater, you'll feel more serious about yourself and your work.

3.   Just like your "good art supplies or writing tools," we all have things in our closets we love, but think we're not supposed to wear except for special occasions. Guess what? Today is a special occasion. Make every day a celebration--and before your favorite outfit is so hopelessly out of style you wouldn't be seen dead in it anyway.

4. It's fun to put together nice outfits, especially with jewelry and accessories. Hats, scarves, gloves--they add color and creativity to your life. Dressing well--and differently--may be a way to break out of routine and habit. Step out of the mold--express yourself!

5. You can inspire others to have more fun too--many people hold writers and artists as people to emulate. If they see you enjoying your wardrobe and food choices, they might consider that as "permission" to do the same.

Tip of the Day: Fashion posts are fun to read and can give you ideas not just for yourself, but for your characters' wardrobes too--especially when you're writing about another generation or culture. And in case my male blog readers are thinking, "Whoa--no way am I reading a fashion blog!" let me just say if you're writing about female characters, they'll need some fashionable wardrobes!  "Fashion blog" is a good search term to try. To get you started, here's a sampling of some great sites I've recently discovered: Tess Dress, Keiko Lynn, Diary of a Vintage Girl.

Stay Creative Every Day, Tip #3

2011-12-08T19:11:00.002-07:00

I've always loved that ancient joke about how to get to Carnegie Hall: practice, practice, practice. But sometimes practicing can be difficult or boring, especially when you're not feeling particularly motivated to just sit down and repeat the same old thing over and over. Which is why I strongly believe that every time you read a how-to book, it's a good idea to:

Tip #3: Do the exercises! (Even the ones you don't like.)

Here's my top reasons why:

The exercises have been designed to help you step-by-step. If you do them, you really will improve your skills.
They're much cheaper than the tuition and travel expenses of taking a workshop--and easier too. You can wear your pajamas if you feel like it!
Exercises can help you to create--and stick with--a dedicated creativity schedule. You choose the best time of day or night to take your private class.
You never have to worry about what to write or paint next. Doing your exercises eliminates the blank page or empty canvas forever.
Doing an exercise you don't like, or at least some of it, helps you to understand what it's like working freelance or under editorial direction.
Exercises force you to explore and get out of your comfort zone.
And you might like them more than you thought you would once you're finished.
Which might also give you a whole new direction for your creative work, one you never considered before.
Often an exercise can expand into a published or salable piece of work.
Just like changing a recipe, it's fun to tweak an exercise, adding your own touches and giving it a unique, personal twist.
You can take exercises to your writing groups. The exercises can be the foundation of "assignments" for your group to do in-between meetings, or they can be used for freewriting sessions together at the actual meetings. They can even be the reason a group meets.
Completing a series of exercises is an excellent way to build your confidence and rack up your creative achievements. You can say to the world: "See? I stuck with it and (wrote, painted, learned to play a musical instrument, made a new dinner set, opened an etsy jewelry store). I did it--and I can do much more in the future too!"

Tip of the Day: Once you've finished a series of how-to exercises, do them again. Not only will you have an entirely new perspective the second time around, but you'll have a stronger set of skills to use as well.

For a free PDF on the full 12 Ways to Stay Creative Every Day and to hear my accompanying web radio interview with Dr. Doris Jeanette, just click here. Thanks and happy creating!

Stay Creative Every Day, Tip #2

2011-12-05T12:48:00.000-07:00

It's snowing in Albuquerque today, the perfect excuse to stay home and write about Tip #2 from my PDF "12 Ways to Stay Creative Every Day." The PDF is a free print-out that accompanies my web radio interview with Dr. Doris Jeanette at Live at the Edge.

Tip #2: Read How-to Books, lots of them!

I love any book that has something to teach or is written as a workbook. In fact, as soon as I see anything with the word "workbook" in the title, I'm hooked. Only a couple of days ago I was at a bookstore renting DVDs when I saw a used copy of Animal Painting Workbook by David Webb. It didn't take me long to know I had to buy it, and I'm glad I did; I've decided it's going to be the foundation of my painting and drawing practice in the New Year.

Most of my favorite how-to books center on art and writing. Top of my all-time "best" list has to be Natalie Goldberg's Writing Down the Bones, followed by Wild Mind. Others include Making a Good Writer Great, by Linda Seger, and Nick Bantock's book on collage techniques, Urgent 2nd Class.

Reading cookbooks and step-by-step travel guides can be another way to keep creativity on tap. My well-worn and much-loved copy of The Complete Asian Cookbook by Charmaine Solomon has given me the confidence to make authentic Indian dishes from dhal to kulfi, and even invent my own vegetarian curries based on her ideas. It also gave me the idea for a character from India in one of my on-going WIPs.

One great trick I've learned for using art instruction books, and the over-sized ones in particular, is to tear them up. There, I said it. But using them in the conventional manner, i.e., trying to keep the pages open and flat (impossible with a paperback), and then still have space left on my work table to draw or paint can be challenging to say the least. What I now do is separate the pages from the binding and hold them together with a bulldog clip. When I want to try an exercise or copy a drawing, I take it from the stack and tape it to the wall. This has made such a difference to how often and willing I am to use my art books that I wish more were published this way. (Could also work for cookbooks, too.)

I buy a lot of my how-to books second-hand. The subjects have ranged from knitting to pottery-making, but I must admit I don't keep many of them. Unless it's going to be something I'll use again, I usually pass the books on to my friends, writing groups, and the library used bookstore--a great place to find more how-to books!

Tip of the Day: Reading how-to books are a necessary--and enjoyable--part of the creative process, but writing one of your own can be even better. When I wrote The Essential Guide for New Writers, From Idea to Finished Manuscript I think I learned more about writing than at any other time in my life.

To get started writing your own how-to book, list 12 things you know how to do that could be the basis of a book. Choose one topic and then organize it into 12 potential chapters. Make each chapter the solution to a problem and add some how-to exercises at the end. Start writing! The how-to books that have meant the most to me have also included the author's personal life-story and creative journeys. Freewrite and add similar examples to your own chapters.

Radio Show! "Stay Creative Every Day."

2011-12-01T15:19:00.005-07:00

Last week I did something entirely new for me: I was interviewed for a web radio show, Live at the Edge, with Dr. Doris Jeanette. And guess what? It was so much fun! The show is now up and running and you can listen here, as well as print out a special PDF I made for the interview: "12 Ways to Stay Creative Every Day."

When I told Doris that I would be sure to write a blog post to let everyone know about the show and my guest spot, she had a great suggestion--write 12 posts. I liked this idea because I've been wanting to blog more anyway, but it also gives me a chance to write a little bit extra about each of my 12 tips in the PDF.

So in the spirit of "The 12 Days of Christmas," I thought I'd make December "Creativity Month" and take each one of the tips as a separate post, starting with:

#1: Use Your Favorite Tools. My choices include fountain pens, plum ink, top quality journals, good pencils, paints, and watercolor or other papers.

I can't imagine writing with a broken pen, or on paper that didn't have a smooth finish and a good weight to it. But that's just me. I have friends who love newsprint and old biros, others who couldn't live without chalk. Whatever we choose, though, will still come down to the same thing: when we like our tools, we like our work, and it will show in the finished product. More reasons to use your favorites include:

Materials you like to use will inspire you.
Choosing ink that flows, or a brush that fits your hand just makes life a whole lot easier!
You feel more serious and professional about your artist/writer self when you buy good tools.
Buying the tools you want is a great step forward in making future artistic decisions; ones that define who you are as a creative being.
Your chosen materials and mediums express who you are right away to your audience.
Making a conscious choice about your materials expresses your uniqueness and independence.
And it's a great way to learn how to give up the “shoulds” in life, e.g., "You should use oils, you shouldn't use an eraser, you should never use black…"
Our day jobs can be too full of "office stuff": white paper, red ink, #2 pencils. Fun materials set firm boundaries between the workplace and a chance to enjoy some playtime every day.
Nice materials make your creative space attractive and inviting, a true haven away from the pressures and responsibilities of daily life.
Which means you will look forward to going to your writing area or drawing table.
Fun materials are a way to give yourself permission to experiment. If you’ve always wanted to try purple glitter glue—why stop there? How about purple origami paper? Purple beads? Purple feathers?
Shopping for art and writing supplies makes for a great Julia Cameron "artist’s date." No excuses to stay home when you need to buy gold gel pens or a new Moleskine!

Tip of the Day: It's December, season of holidays and gift-giving. This year, consider gifts that encourage your friends’ creativity. Schools and teachers in particular need art supplies of all kinds. Happy creating, and be sure to tune in to Live at the Edge with Dr. Doris Jeanette.

At the End of the Day--My Top 12 Writing Tips

2011-11-15T12:38:00.000-07:00

I can't believe I haven't blogged in over a month--disgraceful! My only excuse is I am so consumed with Overtaken pre-pub I barely have time to eat or sleep, let alone blog. But I've certainly missed you all. It's also been difficult for me to think of a blog-worthy topic right now, but since this is primarily a blog about writing, and we're in the middle of Nanowrimo (which I am NOT participating in this year, thank goodness) I thought I'd share some of my fave writing tips. At the end of the day, when all is said and done, these are the ones that have always served me the best:

1. Go for pages rather than word counts. Yes, I know Nanowrimo is all about hitting that 50,000 word goal, but if you set yourself a number of pages per day first, you'll find you can surpass that final number, and ahead of time too, During the rest of the year, watching your pages add up is, fo me, far more satisfying than stressing over a bloated word count.

2. Break your writing sessions up into several sittings per day. It's a bad idea to work on anything for longer than an hour without a break. Writing is no exception. Schedule your writing session for various times during the day (or night). You'll be more productive.

3. And break those sessions up too! For instance, give yourself 15 minutes to freewrite, then stand up and get a drink of water. Then take 15 minutes to write some more. Stop, read a few magazine pages. Then go for, say, 30 minutes...have lunch. You get the picture.

4. Write your first draft from start to finish--without editing. While you're writing the first or discovery draft, try not to look back at your previous pages unless it's for something like a quick reminder of a character's name or the last thing he or she said when you put your pen down.

5. Write your last scene first. I've always thought it's important to know where I want my story to go. I consider this last scene or page the equivalent of a life raft, something to swim toward when the going gets rough.

6. Always diagram a "W" goal structure even if you have no other plot or outline, starting with: What does my main character want, and why can't she/or he have it? (For more information on the full "W" and what exactly it is, check out The Essential Guide for New Writers, From Idea to Finished Manuscript, currently on super sale at valeriestorey.com.)

7. Write longhand whenever you can. In my workshops I've always taught: ideas come through our heads, pass through our hearts, and are expressed through our hands--with a brush, pen or pencil, or even a twig. There's something very honest and fresh when we write by hand. I also think it's much easier and more comfortable than any other method.

8. Print out every draft. Edit and rewrite from a paper version of your manuscript, rather than relying on your computer screen to catch errors or ways to improve and polish your writing. The difference between the two formats and what you can find "wrong" is astonishing.

9. Collage your feelings, scenes, chapters, characters, and book covers, and keep them all together in your manuscript binder. For more information on writing with magazine cut-outs, just click here.

10. Write with a friend. Create a writing group that's based on productivity rather than critique. Have assignments and goals to accomplish between meetings.

11. Always be aware of your genre and where you want your book to be in the bookstore--both online and bricks-and-mortar. This is especially helpful for writing query letters and synopses, but it's also a good way to keep your writing on track. Know your genre and how you fit into it, or how and why your manuscript is taking that genre in a new direction.

12. Be playful. Use as many prompts, tricks, what-ifs as you can throughout the writing process. Be willing to change your story when it tells you to. Be outrageous, be daring, "go for the jugular," as Natalie Goldberg always says, and do your best to enjoy the journey through all its many stages.

So there we are! Happy Nanowrimo, everybody. Now back to our writing.

Tip of the Day: Let's make it a baker's dozen and throw in a 13th tip: Don't be afraid of your creativity. If you're fearful of "what will people think," use a pseudonym. If you're afraid of failure, tell yourself it's all pretend, anyway, and much more fun than washing the floor. Good luck!

Overtaken Update (and Another Blog Award--Yay!)

2011-10-12T13:14:00.000-06:00

Wow--the last few weeks have been hectic, sending me far away from my blog, my usual social media sites, my life... Proofing Overtaken has been intense to say the least. Scary, nerve-racking, and insomnia-producing would be good descriptions of the process, too.

But during all this sturm und drung, there have also been some bright spots along the way, starting with The New Mexico Women Author's Book Festival in Santa Fe where I presented a workshop on making book trailers (yes, it will be a future blog post!) and where I signed copies of Better Than Perfect as well as The Essential Guide for New Writers.

And,

I received another blog award--this time from the wonderful "writer of creative nonfiction, poetry, and musings" Chris Galvin Thank you, Chris! I really appreciate you thinking of me.

This is the second time I've been given the Versatile Blogger Award, and it's an award I love. Versatility is the soul of creativity and I'm grateful that my friends acknowledge how much I enjoy blogging and sharing new ideas with you.

The requirements that come with the award are that I share it with 15 other bloggers, notify them that they have received the award, and that I then list 7 things about myself.

Because 15 is a rather hefty number, I'm going to break it down over the weeks so that I can include not only some of my favorite blogs, but new ones that I discover along the way. This week I'm going to start with two:

suzcatsilverdesigns

doseofcreativity

Congratulations to these lovely and multi-talented bloggers, people who truly epitomize what it means to be a "versatile blogger."

As for the "7 things about me," I thought for a change of pace I would list 7 things about Overtaken. These are:

The story is set in London and a privately-owned Greek island.
My main character is named Sara Elliott and she is an artist.
I started writing the book as an exercise in a workshop at the International Women's Writing Guild summer conference in Saratoga Springs. Pages 15-16 of the finished manuscript were first written in a morning workshop presented by poet and author of Gifted Grownups, Mary Lou Streznewski, and the last page was written in a class I took later that same afternoon, led by Emily Hanlon, author of Petersburg and The Art of Fiction Writing. When I got home from the conference I was too busy with other projects to even look through my notebook.
But when I did start thinking about turning those exercises into a full draft, I entered the first 50 pages into the Gothic Romance Authors Haunted Hearts contest, the first contest I'd ever entered, and I won 3rd place!
Overtaken is the most unusual book I've ever written, a modern literary gothic, part fairy tale, part metaphysical search.
It was also the first book I'd ever used my "magazine cut-out" collaging techniques to help develop my plot, setting, and characters.
I wrote my entire first draft and all extra material long hand. I then transcribed it onto paper using my trusty Panasonic KXE-700M typewriter, and then finally transcribed it again onto my computer. Writing long hand and using my typewriter were definitely my two favorite stages.

So there we are! Just a few more weeks and with any luck Overtaken will be published at the end of the month. Whew. Now back to my proofing.

Tip of the Day: It was fun for me to make a list of "7 things about Overtaken," making me think it would be a good idea to do something similar for my other books, including those already published and those still in the WIP stage. Not only is it a good jumpstart to future marketing, but it helped to clarify my thinking for those times when I'm asked, "Where do you get your ideas?" or "What is your book about?"

In the meantime, do visit the blogs I've mentioned here and say "Hi!" to their writers. You'll be glad you did.

Overtaken: We Have a Proof!

2011-09-14T14:34:00.000-06:00

OVERTAKEN: The proof is here at last, complete with cover art which I absolutely could not resist sharing with you all. I'm thrilled with the way it turned out, and I'm just as pleased with the look of the interior pages too.

So armed with my trusty red pen, mini post-its, and a brand new legal pad, I am now taking the next few days off to go through the entire book line by line, word by word. Again (!). Oh, well. As they say, "the proof is in the pudding" and my choice is pistachio. Should keep me sustained until publication day. Wish me luck!

Tip of the Day: Keep writing--keep drawing--keep going. There were days--weeks and months--when I thought I would never be holding a copy of this book in my hands. How silly was that? If I could give you just one word that means everything to me, it would be: Persevere. It's the only way to accomplish anything. See you soon.

Poetry Reading

2011-09-02T11:16:00.000-06:00

My first poetry reading! In public!

Last night I had the privilege of being part of the Quinto Sol/Sexto Sol, Dissolution and Creation opening held at the South Broadway Cultural Center here in Albuquerque.

The event was organized by Vistas Latinas, and was designed to be: "An art exhibition that will explore the meaning of the year 2012. By understanding our past, we can create the present, and envision the future." It was an amazing night: incredible visual art; a mysterious piece of performance art, music from young musicians (very young!), good food, and of course, poetry reading. Adding to the fun was the welcome addition of a dramatic rainstorm, much-needed after a summer of severe drought.

The idea of including poetry came from one of the exhibit's curators and exhibiting artists, Elaine Soto. And when she invited me to participate along with six other poets (as in, ahem, real poets), I was nervous. I'm a prose writer; when I write poetry it's for fun, journaling, experimentation. I'd never tried writing a poem for an event, and I'd certainly never read a poem in front of an audience larger than my writer's group. It was a challenge for sure, especially given the large theme of the Mayan Calendar and (maybe) the end of the world.

In the end I decided to take the theme into a more personal perspective, hoping that by doing so it could also translate into a universal metaphor of life and death, "dissolution and creation." I wrote:

Waiting for an Orchid to Bloom

Can take days, months; so many other

things can happen while that bud sits

as tight and full as a little bound foot.

Anticipating my own rebirth,

I watch the turning on the stalk,

A secret thing preparing its rotation, sudden and fetal.

Only orchids can make this sharp turning.

Only orchids swerve in answer to the pull of time.

The opening—if ever it comes—will be sudden and unexpected.

My own calendar means nothing to this

green creature poised and placed to follow

the unbreakable rules of feng shui.

My wealth corner is its doom.

It has no choice to leave for better light or conditions.

Instead, it stays where I insist it bring me

luck, or happiness, things it will never understand,

things it answers with stubbornness, shyness, and grief.

Only last week two buds died of blast,

withered and shrinking beneath my impatient

testing and tapping for soundness.

I held the fallen heads between my hands, an ugly tobacco yellow

staining and replacing the creamy greenness

of their first appearance.

Stillborn and hollow, whatever life they had to offer fled.

I wept.

Now all my future is bound and cast into one

last bundle, one final bud,

that forbidden package sealed and silent,

speaking only to itself.

I wait to weep again.

Tip of the Day: Writing to a pre-set theme can be intimidating. I'm thinking about all those times I've looked through both prose and poetry calls for contests and magazine submissions, and thought, "What would I write??" However, after this particular exercise, I learned that the best way to tackle the project is to start small, bring it home, and not try to cover absolutely everything that comes to mind. Thanks for reading--have a great Labor Day Weekend!

A Commonplace Book of My Own

2011-08-23T12:16:00.002-06:00

Hello, everyone! The last couple of weeks have been hectic for Dava Books. Preparing Overtaken for a September 30 publication date is both nerve wracking and an occasion for celebration.

After umpteen months of writing, editing, and endless rewriting, it's going to feel very odd to not have the Overtaken manuscript in my life anymore. Every time I finish and release a book I go through a mini-version of empty-nest syndrome; a good reason to have a fun project ready and waiting to fill the void. This time it's going to be starting my commonplace book, as well as doodling on some screenplay ideas.

Over the weekend I used my store credit at a local indie bookstore, Page One, to buy this luscious journal for my first attempt at commonplacing. I think it's the perfect choice: a magnetic fold-over closure to keep the pages tidy; slim enough to fit in a tote or large handbag; a full-size cardboard pocket fitted to the inside back cover for slipping in cards and gallery notes; smooth, creamy, top quality paper. It also just looks so inspiring. The cover's old-world patina already has an antique feel that makes me think of magic, mysteries, and museums. I can't wait to start filling it up!

On the inside:

However, as lovely as this journal is to me, I'm being strict with myself and refusing to even write a single line until Overtaken is in print. I shouldn't even have taken these pics! I've got a zillion things to do today, finalizing the Overtaken trailer amongst them, but I couldn't resist the chance to share my dreams with you. Because isn't dreaming what it's all about anyway?

Tip of the Day: Whatever creative project you're working on right now, be sure to reward yourself along the way for a job well done. Don't just wait for the "end" to celebrate. Reaching your weekly page goal quota, filling up a sketchbook, or writing "morning pages" for a month can all be reasons to treat yourself to something nice. In the meantime, wishing you all a happy and creative day!

A Commonplace Book of One's Own

2011-08-09T12:59:00.000-06:00

For many years I've been intrigued with the idea of the "commonplace book," a type of journal- or notebook-keeping system that dates back to the seventeenth century. Two of my favorite examples from more modern times include E.M. Forster's Commonplace Book and A Writer's Commonplace Book by Rosemary Friedman.

Basically the idea behind creating a commonplace book is to have a written record of meaningful or important instructions and reminders that you would not ordinarily find in any one place. The two books I've mentioned above concentrate on the art of writing, but I've read others that are a wonderful hodge-podge of obscure and fascinating factoids, from graveyard inscriptions to medieval recipes for swan pie.

If you're like me and have kept any kind of journal at all, you've probably unwittingly been creating a kind of commonplace book without even knowing it. When I re-read many of my journals I'm always discovering notes on recommended book titles or a writing friend's best advice on how to create a scene or write a pantoum. One of the reasons I've been reluctant to part with my journals is the fact that if I tossed everything out I'd be losing several volumes-worth of good advice. Finding that advice when I need it, however, can be a major headache, especially when most of it is hiding between old morning pages, drafts for long-ago published novels and poems, and all the rest of the usual stuff that goes into a journal. So here's my plan for separating the sheep from the goats: Create a dedicated commonplace book!

This first attempt, I've decided, is going to center around an art theme. Some of the things I want to include are:

Information on new art supplies—with pages that give me a place to try them, record how to use them, or paste in the manufacturers’ suggestions and instructions.
Artistic quotes and phrases I like.
Colors and palettes I want to try.
Lines of poetry about art.
Other people’s art—whether from magazines, exhibition catalogs, or postcards.
Museum/gallery notes and flyers.
Wish lists of supplies.
Lists of ideas and themes to work on in the future.
Art-related books I'd like to read or buy.
Notes from these same books.
Notes from workshops I've either attended in the past, or will be attending later on.
Business and marketing tips and resources for artists.

A commonplace book is an excellent item to turn into a gift for someone special, either for now, or to be passed down through the generations. You can include anything you want--there are no rules. For instance, you might want to insert family recipes, favorite poems, or vintage photographs. I'm defintely looking forward to starting my own book and seeing how it evolves. Recently I received some gift cards from local bookstores, so there's no excuse for not finding the perfect journal to be my starting point. Once I begin, I'll be sure to post some pictures to let you share in my progress.

Tip of the Day: What subject interests you enough to start a commonplace book? Keep in mind that you can mix subjects, too, sometimes this makes the books even more interesting to read. If you're stuck, brainstorm a list of topics, e.g., genealogy, the paranormal, sewing, French cuisine. Who knows--you might want to start and keep half a dozen!

Life Lessons From a Drawing Class

2011-08-04T14:38:00.000-06:00

On Tuesday night my experimental drawing class came to an end. It was both sad (no more Tuesday night socializing with like-minded new friends) and liberating: "Okay, you've learned all about mixed media--now go make art! You can do it!"

Besides acquiring a whole arena of fresh knowledge regarding techniques and materials (I absolutely fell in love with Pan Pastels and Stonehenge paper) I feel I learned several important lessons that can apply not only to drawing and painting, but to the way we approach any creative pursuit--including the art of living! Here's my top twelve:

Be patient. There is no magic button. Life—and especially creativity—is not a foot race. Take your time; trust that the process will work--it will. Eventually!
Work on several pieces at once. While you’re waiting and deciding about how to continue or enhance a piece, start working on something new. Ideas will seed each other, bringing inspiration and giving you a strong sense of productivity.
Start. Stop. Wait. Start. Then stop again. It’s a good idea to break your work into segments. Once you’ve added a new element to a piece, let it sit for awhile before you rush to the next “improvement.”
The marks we make clue us into our natural direction. Because I’m a writer, I tend to love line. Cross-hatching with a sharp pencil, swirls of charcoal depicting hair and fur, I enjoy elegant mark making. A knitter in the class gave her work the smooth, even order of a “knit, purl” pattern. Another woman, a beader, worked with circles. Art reveals our natural rhythms and preferences. Go with them.
Instead of saying you don't like a piece, say "it's not finished." Which is another way of saying “don’t give up.” It’s a journey—not every stop along the way is going to be "oh, wow!"
Put your work on the wall and live with it for a while. Along with #1 and #3, let everything you do sit for a while and breathe. Ask the piece what it needs (if anything). What does it want to say? Listen and don't rush to judgment or completion.
Your work is sacred, but it's not precious. Honor the process, but don’t be afraid of letting the work go when it's time. Most pieces and drafts are simply stepping stones and tools to guide you toward a more important work or truth. Once they’ve served their purpose, thank them and move on.
Just make a mark. Start. With anything. A red slash. A green dot. A woman in a shopping mall. Add a feather. A leaf. A crying baby. Find the story. One idea really does lead to another.
Be comfortable with awkwardness. Appreciate the adolescent in your artwork or manuscript: nose and ears too big for the face; gangly arms and legs, excruciating shyness—we were all thirteen once upon a time! And guess what? We all grew into swans and flamingos and eagles in spite of thinking we’d never be anything more than frozen turkeys. Recognize your work will go through the exact same life stages we all do—every one of them special and engaging in its own right.
Take risks. You’ll never know unless you try. Throw that paint! Put a poem in Chapter Seventeen! Write from the dog’s point of view!
You can't ruin anything. There isn’t a single piece of art or writing that can’t be fixed. Even the worst "accident" (torn paper, spilled ink, smeared paint, the dog’s POV didn’t work) can be turned into the starting point for a new—and often more exciting—direction.
There's plenty more where this came from. We are all creative beings with limitless access to a universe of possibility. Never fear running dry, or feeling you have to hoard your ideas and skills for “the real thing” (whatever that is). The universe is simply bursting with grand ideas, and all of them are yours for the taking. Give everything you work on your total best, your full attention, your most interesting angle—the well will be refilled long before you could ever possibly reach “empty.”

Tip of the Day: As the people around me can testify, I did a lot of complaining during the early stages of this particular class: "It's nutty! Everything I do looks like dog vomit!" It took me nearly all eight weeks of class time to believe that any of the above lessons were true, let alone usable. In the end I finally threw caution to the wind. Here's the result:

Keep Playing!!

Making a List--and Checking it Twice!

2011-07-26T12:02:00.000-06:00

The last few weeks have been incredibly hectic as I prepare Overtaken for publication. Each time I bring a book to this last stage of the journey I'm reminded how very difficult the work really is. Checking for word repetition, making sure the timeline is consistent, assuring myself that I really have gone as far as I can go with the editing--it's a lot to do. And if I didn't have a series of lists to follow, I shudder to think how far behind I'd be right now.

I love writing lists. As you've probably noticed by now, most of my blog posts are comprised of, or include, one or more lists somewhere in the text. I think it's the organization I find so compelling, my brain just seems to thrive on list-making. It's also about the only way I can multi-task. Keeping lists close by can remind me where I am in my manuscript, how many times my heroine has worn a pink dress, and what kind of pictures I want to feature in my book trailer.

That said, I also have to admit "to do" lists are my least favorite. I often find myself abandoning them halfway through, that is if I even get that far. A much better system for me is to make a "have done" list, especially as a journaling theme. The other kinds of lists I enjoy making are ones I can refer to many times over and that can even be expanded. For instance:

Repetitive word lists--things to avoid, e.g., buzz words such as "just," "only," "nice."
Synonyms: how can I take my buzz words to a new level?
Interesting, active verbs: same as above.
Interesting scenes to write.
Tips and checklists for making a scene "work."
Character names: the more variety, the better.
Unusual professions--go for the weird.
Little known locations, cultures, and customs.
Colors, e.g. rather than green, how about "spinach"?
Future book titles. Nothing like being prepared!
Rare phobias.
Rare health disorders.
Interesting hobbies.
Unusual character goals.
Bizarre opening lines.
Little known facts/trivia.
Strange items/objects.
Ideas to write, paint, or collage.
Lines of poetry--my own, to add to a future piece of work.
Lines of poetry from others, to act as prompts, themes, idea starters.
Unusual animals and their habitats. (Naked mole rats, anyone?)
Food--past, present, and future.
Memories.
Dreams.
Things to learn more about.

Whew. And that's just the beginning. The best way I've found to keep all these lists in order is to have a special journal or notebook just for list making. Not only is it a great way to "keep writing" on the "blah" days, the finished product can also be one of the most useful reference books on your writing shelf.

Tip of the Day: Create some lists of your own, perhaps using some of the ideas I've suggested here. The next time you're stuck for a freewriting prompt, choose one item each from at least three lists, e.g., a character name, a strange profession, and a bizarre opening line. Put them all together, and presto--it's story time!

Scenes from an Experimental Art Class

2011-07-12T14:29:00.000-06:00

For the last five weeks I've been taking an art class: Experimental Drawing. And what an experiment it's been! The best way I can describe what we're doing is by calling it "free painting," the visual equivalent of "freewriting."

Personally I've found the approach both difficult and oddly liberating--a constant struggle between wanting to create the "picture in my mind" and then having to give in to what the images dictate. It's a lot like wanting to write a contemporary romance only to have it turn into a Norse saga in iambic pentameter with science fiction elements. All you can do is stand back and say: "Oooh-kaaay..."

On a more technical note, the materials we are using for this grand experiment include:

Stonehenge and watercolor papers, as well as Bristol board.
Acrylic paints.
Watercolor paints.
Pastels in both stick and loose, powdered forms.
Acrylic mediums/grounds/gels.
Fixative. (Lots of fixative between each layer of pastel or paint.)
Ink.
Collage papers.
Graphite pencils.
And just about anything else that makes, or takes, a mark.

So here's my small gallery of works to date (including the picture at the top. I like that one in particular because I threw in some words: "The Art of Placing." I love combining text with visuals.)

Perhaps the hardest thing for me right now is to stop assigning meaning to the work, in other words, to simply let the pieces be. They are what they are: surprising, foreign, challenging, and miles--light years--away from the Polyvore creations that usually illustrate my blog posts.

I still have four classes left to attend, including one tonight, and I must say I'm filled with curiosity to know what's coming next. It's kind of like waiting for the next chapter of a very strange book--one that I'm writing in my sleep! Stay tuned.

Tip of the Day: S-t-r-e-t-c-h. Take a class, join a group, buy a how-to book in a new-to-you subject. It may not be in your comfort zone, but there's nothing like a little creative risk-taking to liven up the "tried and true" and get your mind going in a brand new--and exciting--direction.

Write Every Day--Even When You Can't

2011-07-05T10:29:00.003-06:00

It's summer and the days are filled with distractions, heat waves, parties, holidays, vacations...yet we still have to "write every day," right? But how? How do we stay true to word count quotas, personal page goals, editorial deadlines--and still enjoy the season?

One way I've learned to solve the problem and take the pressure off is to at least do my best to "communicate with the manuscript" every day. To me, the important thing is to stay in touch with my writing, especially on the days when I think I can't. For instance, on my busy or "blah" days, I can still find 15-30 minutes or more to:

Doodle on book cover ideas.
Brainstorm a book "blurb."
Design new postcards or bookmarks.
Draw, paint, or collage my characters' homes, wardrobes, and story scenes.
Freewrite in a "no thinking allowed" manner to create back stories, memories, and dreams for my characters regardless of their usability in a final draft.

But those things can be accomplished anywhere, from sitting at my office desk to lounging in bed propped up against a stack of pillows. The real challenge is to still "call home" when I'm miles away from my writing space. Some solutions I've discovered include:

Use waiting time for creative time. Nerves can make it difficult to write while you're waiting for the doctor, dentist, or hairdresser, but that doesn't mean you have to sit in total boredom or frozen terror waiting for your appointment. Reception lobbies and waiting rooms are full of magazines. Pick one or two and ask someone at the desk if you can keep them--the answer for me has always been "yes." Now instead of aimlessly waiting, you can start searching out pictures to illustrate your manuscript--a very active way to stay in touch with your story (and to stop worrying about your appointment).
The next time you're at a social gathering and feeling guilty for not working on your manuscript, try this: ask the people you're with for some "what-if" suggestions. Welcome as many ideas as everyone can think of, the more outrageous the better. Write the ideas down on slips of paper and save them for your next writing session. If they're really good and you use some of them, you can always thank your friends in print when your manuscript is published.
Rather than lugging a laptop computer or other device along with your luggage or picnic basket, go back to basics: tuck a hard-backed journal or sketchbook into your bag along with your favorite pens. Writing by hand is easy and of course quite wonderful for instant idea transcription. It can also encourage you to explore some new perspectives and insights you may be losing if you depend solely on typing.
While you're traveling or sightseeing, imagine your trip through your characters' eyes. What details are important to them? Why? What tourist site would they want to visit? What foods would they order? What places would they avoid?
Another travel idea is to purchase souvenirs or items that can somehow relate to your WIP. Whether they are items your heroine would buy for sentimental reasons, or they're objects that can make your story setting more vivid once you return home, the point is to shop with your plot in mind.
Heat and humidity can make you sleepy--so take advantage of the lethargy and lie down. But before you turn out the lights, make sure you have an open journal or some blank pages by your side together with a smooth-flowing pen. As soon as you close your eyes, ask yourself a question relevant to your story and then drift off with the intention of having the answer when you wake up. This works particularly well for those seemingly "unsolvable" story dilemmas that plague even the best outline. And if by chance your dreams go off onto a tangent unrelated to your current WIP, see if there's a way you can incorporate them anyway.
Find a new time of day or night to write. Rearrange your schedule to either get up earlier or go to bed later and use those times just for writing. With any luck the hours you pick will be cooler, quieter, and the new times may also stimulate new ways of thinking and working.

Tip of the Day: Rather than abandon your manuscript for the summer, consider these months to be some of the most creative times you'll have available all year. The next time you think you're too busy or hot to write, try one or more of the suggestions listed above. Personally I find writing in shorts, T's, and bare feet so comfortable I wish summer could last forever.

Filling the Well; Filling the Joplin School Libraries

2011-06-22T12:41:00.000-06:00

Another weekend creative session--this time firing up my (very small) electric kiln for a Cone 6 stoneware coil-built pot I started about six months ago. Plenty of time for the clay to dry, especially here in New Mexico, but for a variety of reasons I was reluctant to submit the piece to the kiln.

To start with, the pot measures 12" high, which is the entire height of my kiln--I was worried I wouldn't be able to close the kiln lid. To make the pot fit, I wouldn't be able to use a kiln shelf; all I could do was place the piece on the kiln floor. The glaze I chose is manufactured locally, and the clay store wasn't very enthusiastic about it. They warned me it would drip, and I certainly didn't want glaze destroying the floor of my kiln. And then Cone 6 is such a long, hot firing. Most of my work with this kiln has been low fire earthenware, 8-9 firing hours max; the only time I tried Cone 6 it was a disaster. Would this one be the same? Worry, worry; fuss, fuss. Finally I got so sick of my concerns I decided to just jump off the deep end and get that pot finished! Results = one happily fired pot, no kiln damage, and a good lesson learned: Stop fussing! Stop worrying! There are bigger things in life than potentially messy glazes.

Which brings me to the real subject of today's post: REQUEST FOR JOPLIN, MISSOURI LIBRARY RELIEF.

Yesterday I received an e-mail newsletter from my Albuquerque chapter of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators. Included was a message from Joyce Ragland, RA, SCBWI-Missouri. Joyce wrote:

"Five Joplin school libraries were damaged or destroyed in the Joplin tornado. Beyond that, many teachers had many personal libraries damaged or destroyed. Some teachers, I'm told, had years of books they had purchased to share with their students and are now rebuilding. So far, they have put together 7,800 backpacks for kids in summer school, thanks to many volunteers from all over the world who've donated cash and/or books. Still much to do. I can imagine the wonderful escapes into books that kiddos of all ages are getting."

Yes, I can certainly imagine the solace and escape books have to offer the young people of Joplin, and for that reason Dava Books will be sending several cartons of books early next week. With that, I'd like to extend an invitation to my blog readers. If you'd like to join with us and send some books of your own, please address your packages to:

Attn: Debbie Heim

Library Memorial Education Center

310 West 8th Street

Joplin, MO 64801

I think this is a wonderful project and I wish the center much success in reaching their goals and more.

So, how does this tie in to pots? Well, one of the things I enjoy about making pots is wondering how they will be filled. Sometimes I fill them with plants and river stones, other times I turn them into holders for candles or pot pourri. But usually I like to just leave them as they are, letting them be reminders to stay open to receiving the goodness of the universe. So with that intention, I'm dedicating my new pot to the Joplin Library Project. The pot may be small, but the project is big. Let's help fill it to overflowing.

Tip of the Day: I'm sure the library center will be open to all kinds of books, gently used from your shelves, or brand new copies straight from the bookstore. If you can, please take some time to choose a special book to send to Joplin, maybe one of your childhood favorites or perhaps a book filled with inspiration and hope. Whatever you can do, I know your efforts will be much appreciated. Thank you!

Lessons From a Bead Class

2011-06-16T11:50:00.000-06:00

Last Saturday I took a bead stringing class, something I've wanted to try for years. It was super fun--and super exhausting. I don't think I've ever been quite so focused on such a (deceptively) simple task in my life; after I got home I fell asleep for three hours straight.

Up above you can see the results of my efforts after 7 1/2 hours of class instruction: 1 wire-strung bracelet; 1 "floater" necklace using knotted silk cord; and 1 wire-strung necklace.

Unfortunately the class was too successful and I now have a new obsession: beads in all shapes, forms, sizes... Like I really needed one more creative outlet. But now that it's too late and the damage is done, here are some of the great things I learned:

Don't point the awl (a sharp and scary little tool) toward your eye or the person sitting next to you. Of course with my typical inability to follow instructions, as soon as the teacher said, "Be careful!" I dropped the pointed end right onto my leg. And continued to do this for the rest of the day.
On a more positive note: Keep a bead journal. I liked this tip very much. The goal is to create a sketch/scrapbook of ideas, colors, photos of your various creations, sales, and anything else you want to put in there. I thought this was a lovely idea, and I plan to buy a special journal just for this purpose.
Find beads at yard sales and thrift stores. I never thought of this, and it's an excellent suggestion. Even the most unattractive piece of old jewelry might have one or two interesting beads well worth the price of the entire necklace.
Use a bead board template. A wonderful tool for measuring, laying out, and rearranging pieces until you get them just the way you want.
And finally--just do it! By the end of the day I had learned to use my awl correctly (small miracles), make a variety of knots (intentional ones), "crimp" beads onto the end my wires, bend "clam shell" end-holders together, and feel confident enough to continue bead stringing on my own.

Perhaps the most interesting lesson for me was how I chose my beads. The pre-class material list said to "bring lots of beads." I wasn't sure what "lots" meant as I had no idea what we would be making, or how much of any one type of jewelry item. Going to the bead store didn't make the task any easier. Seeing walls and walls and cases and cabinets filled with glowing, sparkling, amazing beads in every shape and color had me stumped; where to start? In the end I gave up and purchased two "grab bags" of random, mismatched beads; one in green and the other in purple. It turned out to be the best decision I could have made.

Stringing necklaces from random beads is exactly, I discovered, how I write, especially when I use writing prompts or magazine cut-outs. One of my favorite things about writing is making connections between apparently unrelated events. I like quirky, unusual, and different approaches to story problem-solving, and this is how I had to tackle my beads, especially when I didn't have enough of any one color or style of bead to make a perfectly matched set. But as they say on Project Runway, who wants "matchy-match" anyway?

At the start of the class the teacher warned that bead stringing could become compulsive--but it could also be an excellent way to relax, dream, and zone out for awhile. She was right; in spite of my initial tension (don't drop the awl...don't drop the beads...) I found that by the end of the day I was stringing my beads and also thinking of characters, scenes, and plots for future stories. Using my brain in a way that was both methodical and creative seemed to put me in a space that looked forward to my next writing session. As soon as I woke up from my after-class nap, I wrote five brand new pages I then had to collage right away. Best of all, I got to reward myself with a bunch of new bling!

Tip of the Day: Summer school: What kind of creative class is calling to you? Take it! In the meantime, what if you thought of your various scenes as beads? What is the most pleasing, and most original, way you can string your story together?

Monday Congratulations!

2011-06-06T12:50:00.000-06:00

Just a quick post to share some good news with you all, starting with the winners for the Holly Schindler Giveaway. First place went to Erika of One A Day Y.A., and our second place winner is Claudsy of Claudsy's Calliope. Congratulations, winners! And thank you, everyone, for participating in my very first book giveaway. We'll have to hold another one soon.

Next, I wanted to let readers know that one of my blog followers, Man Martin, has a new book released tomorrow that you can order today: Paradise Dogs. Published by Thomas Dunne Books, the novel sounds absolutely hilarious and has already received great reviews from such prestigious reviewers as Publisher's Weekly, Kirkus, and Atlanta Magazine. Congratulations, Man! And what a super cover:

Last of all, I just heard from the organizer of the 2011 New Mexico Women Authors Book Festival in Santa Fe, and I've been invited back to present another workshop. This year I'm scheduled for October 9th at 11.30 AM, and my topic will be "Book Trailers: How and Why You Need One." Right now I have two trailers you can view on my sidebar here, but by the time of the festival I will have released two more. I'm very excited because not only is Santa Fe a wonderful place to visit, but the book festival is so much fun to attend. And I'll be signing copies of my next novel, Overtaken, so in essence the festival will mark that book's big debut.

In the meantime, wishing you all a happy and productive week. Congratulations again to our giveaway winners and to Man Martin. Good job!

Tip of the Day: Put those pens and paintbrushes down for a couple of hours. It's summer, time to read and fill up the creative well with a good book (or several). So everybody get to the bookstore, the library, your best friend's book shelf. Run, don't walk!

Awards, Prizes: Today is a Good Day!

2011-06-02T14:04:00.000-06:00

Happy Thursday, and Happy Blog Giveaway Day! First off, I'd like to thank everyone who took the time to leave a comment on Holly Schindler's guest post. It was great to hear from you and I'm only sorry that I had to pick just two winners.

Speaking of which, a few minutes ago I ran the list of commenters (that's a word, right?) through a great selection service: Random.org and got back a new list putting the names in winning order. The first two names will be contacted this afternoon and will have 48 hours to let me know their mailing addresses. If I don't hear back in time, I'll go down to the next names on my list. So until then, the names will still be kept a secret. Stay tuned! With any luck winners will be announced over the weekend.

In the meantime, I also wanted to let you know that I received a new blog award: The Versatile Blogger, from Nomar Knight at knightchills.blogspot.com. It's a fun award and here are the rules:

1. Thank and link to the person who nominated you.
2. Share 7 random facts about yourself.
3. Pass the award on to 5 new-found blogging buddies.
4. Contact the winners to congratulate them.

So from the top: Thank You, Nomar! It was great to hear from you; much appreciated! (Nomar's link is posted just above the "rules.")

7 Random Facts About Me (not selected by Random.org):

1. I write morning pages, but I don't keep them. After I've made note of any "instructions" I might have written to myself, I toss them out.
2. I took violin lessons in junior high school and loved them. Loved them!
3. When I lived in Georgia it took me two hours to mow my lawn with a rider mower. It was fun and meditative, and I used the time mowing to plot out my stories or think about my characters.
4. I sweep my kitchen floor every night before I go to bed. I do this in memory of one of my sweet little cats who loved to watch me sweep, then try to catch the broom. (He's now gone to cat heaven along with his two senior citizen kitty pals.)
5. I miss my cats terribly, but I've decided to remain pet-free. Now my pet nurturing instincts go into supporting shelters and humane societies. (Please take a minute to click on my sidebar link that helps feed homeless pets. Thanks!)
6. I'm taking a new art class next week: Experimental Drawing. Can't wait.
7. I don't like camping. No, no, no. Hotels and hot water and clean towels are my idea of a vacation. Dirt in my toothbrush just makes me cry.

So that's me, randomly.

5 great blogs I've discovered in the last few months:

1. stephaniepellegrin.com
2. pennyjars.wordpress.com
3. waltzwithwords.blogspot.com
4. jodyhedlund.blogspot.com
5. nutpress.co.uk

Note: wouldn't you know, with perfect irony, the lovely Kathryn Eastman of Blog #5, The Nut Press, has just posted about-- going camping. But I'm sure camping in the UK is an entirely different experience than here in the Southwestern desert--I might even like it!

So thank you, Bloggers, for inspiring me, and thanks again to Nomar Knight for giving me the award in the first place.

Tip of the Day: Reading new blogs is always fun--and educational. Please take the time to check out the six blogs mentioned in today's post. I'm sure you'll enjoy your visit and will find plenty to inspire, motivate, and keep you on the creative path. Enjoy!

Guest Author, Holly Schindler (and a Super Give-away!)

2011-05-24T10:43:00.001-06:00

Today I'm giving a big welcome to Young Adult novelist, Holly Schindler--my first guest blogger! Holly is the author of A Blue so Dark and the recent Playing Hurt.

My introduction to Holly and her books came through the children's writing network, Jacketflap.com. A little later I found Holly at her web site, hollyschindler.com and at her blog, hollyschindler.blogspot.com.

Holly's books are are what I consider top-of-the-line young adult writing: a strong and realistic voice, sophisticated detail, unforgettable characters, and an authentic identification with her young readers. In my opinion, it doesn't get much better than that! Here's what Holly has on her book covers:

A BLUE SO DARK:
Fifteen-year-old Aura Ambrose has been hiding a secret. Her mother, a talented artist and art teacher, is slowly being consumed by schizophrenia, and Aura has been her sole caretaker ever since Aura’s dad left them. Convinced that “creative” equals crazy, Aura shuns her own artistic talent. But as her mother sinks deeper into the darkness of mental illness, the hunger for a creative outlet draws Aura toward the depths of her imagination. Just as desperation threatens to swallow her whole, Aura discovers that art, love, and family are profoundly linked—and together may offer an escape from her fears.

PLAYING HURT :
Star basketball player Chelsea “Nitro” Keyes had the promise of a full ride to college—and everyone’s admiration in her hometown. But everything changed senior year, when she took a horrible fall during a game. Now a metal plate holds her together and she feels like a stranger in her own family.

As a graduation present, Chelsea’s dad springs for a three-week summer “boot camp” program at a northern Minnesota lake resort. There, she’s immediately drawn to her trainer, Clint, a nineteen-year-old ex-hockey player who’s haunted by his own traumatic past. As they grow close, Chelsea is torn between her feelings for Clint and her loyalty to her devoted boyfriend back home. Will an unexpected romance just end up causing Chelsea and Clint more pain—or finally heal their heartbreak?

I love these blurbs--they're wonderful examples of what I share in my workshops when I tell students "what you should be writing in your query letters!" In just a few short lines we have character, plot, and a the promise of a huge emotional pay-off that makes us want to know more, much more.

So how does Holly come up with all this good emotional content? How about "Crying at the Movies"?

"I am one ugly crier. Some women—I’m thinking of actresses on the soaps, especially, who seem to be able to turn on the waterworks anytime they want—can look pretty while the tears roll down their cheeks. Me? My lips turn red, and I puff up like I’m having an allergic reaction. I really hate crying at the movies for just that reason. And I usually hold it back. But I’ve had plenty of times that I felt myself tearing up, or feeling a tear break forth despite my best efforts to hold it in. And I think that makes me a better writer.

Both of my published YAs—A BLUE SO DARK and PLAYING HURT—feature characters whose experiences are completely unlike my own. In BLUE, I’ve got a protagonist with a schizophrenic mother who fears that she is mentally unstable, too. In PLAYING HURT, I’ve got a couple of former athletes…and dual protagonists, one of which is a man. Talk about different. I couldn’t play a decent game of basketball to save my life. Yet, the opening scene of PLAYING HURT involves a basketball game.

In order to pull it off—to make situations I have never lived seem real—I have to have extraordinary empathy for my characters. Their pain, their triumphs have to be my own. I have to chuckle when they tell jokes, I have to feel my heart race when they’re in trouble, and, yes, I have to tear up when they encounter tragedy.

If you’re a crier—if you sniff at Hallmark commercials, or cry out in victory when the winner of Top Chef is named—you’ve already got a leg up on the competition. If you can empathize, you can be a great writer."

Thanks, Holly--much appreciated! And in appreciation of our readers, Holly has generously provided a book give-away: a signed copy of Playing Hurt. For our first lucky winner, I'm going to add a copy of my how-to-write book, The Essential Guide for New Writers, From Idea to Finished Manuscript. A second name chosen will receive a copy of The Essential Guide plus a signed bookplate and bookmark from Holly. To be eligible for the drawing, all you have to do is leave a comment on this post today or sometime during the next week before midnight, June 1, 2011 (6/1/11, 12.00 AM).

Tip of the Day: Thanks again to Holly, we have some special writing advice on video. Enjoy, and don't forget to leave a comment!

Writing With All Five Senses

2011-05-17T15:01:00.001-06:00

Right now I'm reading a great book by New Zealand novelist, Rachel King: The Sound of Butterflies. The story is set in 1904 England and the Brazilian rain forest, and inside the front cover there are eleven review excerpts. Starting from the top, some of the key words repeated throughout the reviews are: sensuous, lush, luscious, and exotic. Other reviews use the terms: rich, evocative, opulent, sultry, seductive, and rippling. (I do like rippling.)

Lush, luscious, and yes--rippling--writing is a worthy goal for all of us, I think. Even if you're writing "just about your own backyard" miles away from the Amazon or London's Richmond Park, there's no reason to make it dull. Pull us in; help us to see, hear, taste those motor mowers and dandelion puffs. In other words: all five senses, people!

To really get those senses moving, we need to go beyond mere description--we need to associate the senses with the power of emotion and memory. For instance:

1. Sight. Sight is the sense we most commonly turn to when adding description to our manuscripts, and it's the one most certain to trip us up and bore readers. You know the sort of thing: there was a gray rock on the cement steps only inches away from a brown stick covered in mud. The mud looked dirty. But let's ramp this up a few notches: the rock, a chunk of brain-shaped coral, could be covered in blood because it has just been used as a murder weapon, instilling terror in your main character when she stumbles over it on her way to deliver a cake for the victim's birthday. The rock could also be very unusual--a vivid shade of purple, and similar to one she's seen inside her new boyfriend's aquarium. Seeing the rock now means something; it starts a chain of action, reaction, emotion, and future plot twists. It's also a very unforgettable rock because of the color, the blood, and the association with a brain, and it sets a tone unique to the story.

2. Sound. We live in a world of noise that can sometimes be overwhelming, forcing us to tune it all out--much to our disadvantage. An excellent exercise is to sit with your journal and listen, really listen, for 5 to 30 minutes and then record what you hear. Do this for your characters too. Imagine them in their individual settings, and then listen along with them to whatever is intruding on their environments. Whether it's a string of Gregorian chants or the sound of a jackhammer three streets over, make it important to your character's well-being or distress. Make it real.

3. Touch. The way particular items feel to your characters can add volumes of emotional reaction and involvement to your writing. A scratchy collar, a much-washed baby blanket, the sting of a wasp, the weight of a good book in your hand. We've all been there. Let your characters experience their story world in as tactile a way as possible, showing, rather than telling, why they prefer the feel of one item over another.

4. Taste. I enjoy descriptions of food, not just for the ingredients or how to put the recipes together, but because of the combination of mood and memory food writers seem to excel at. I've mentioned before how helpful I find food magazines to be for found poetry and collage work precisely for the sensuous language contained in the articles. But taste covers more than food. How about the taste of rain or snow, a barely detected poison, or the taste of a lead pencil--the one your main character is chewing on throughout his four-hour math test?

5. Smell. I hope this isn't too much disclosure, but my favorite smell in the entire world is kittens' feet. I think kitten paws are the sweetest, prettiest little things ever. Katherine Mansfield described them in her journal as "unripe raspberries" and I've always considered that description right-on perfect. One reason I love them so is they always make me a think of a little white and orange kitten I wanted as a small child and couldn't have. Wah! That kitty smelled delish and I've never forgotten.

Tip of the Day: Make two lists: one with your favorite sights, sounds, touches, tastes, and smells, followed by your most disliked items in these same five categories. Once you have your lists, freewrite on why you love/hate these things, what they remind you of, how empty your life would be without them. Now do the same for some fictional characters, either from your current WIP or a brand new story.

Breaking News: Next Tuesday, May 24, 2011 Young Adult author Holly Schindler will be guest blogging right here at Dava Books. Holly has written a special post, plus she'll also be sharing a writing exercise. To celebrate, we're having a super giveaway--a copy of her new novel Playing Hurt, accompanied by a copy of my how-to-write book, The Essential Guide for New Writers, From Idea to Finished Manuscript. Details of how to win will be revealed next Tuesday--don't forget. In the meantime, keep those words rippling!

12 Tips to Finding Your Voice

2011-05-05T17:56:00.000-06:00

"How do I find my voice? How do I know I'm using the right one?" Just like the word "style," "voice" can be a confusing term when you're just starting out and writing to please an editor. But all you really need to know is:

1. Write like you talk. One of my favorite comments from a former workshop participant who had just finished reading The Essential Guide for New Writers was, “The book sounds just like you. Every time I read it, I'm right back in your class.” Bingo!

2. Write like you're writing a journal entry. A great way to let your natural voice emerge is to pretend you're only writing for yourself. I find it always helps to write my first drafts in my journal, and by hand.

3. Freewrite, especially when you're "stuck." Try setting a timer anywhere from 5 to 30 minutes and just start writing. Don't think, just write. You'll be so busy you won't have time to worry about the "sound" of your writing, and that means the sound will be natural and 100% you.

4.  Avoid censoring your "first thoughts." So what if your freewriting grammar is non-existent, you've misspelled every other word, and your "first thoughts" are far from pretty? Who's to care? The point is to get words on paper--words that are yours alone.

5. Examine why you feel the need to censor. Sometimes when we let loose with those first thoughts, they can be pretty shocking. We think of all the people our words could hurt or embarrass, or who might reject us for being ourselves--especially for being our "shadow selves." One way to conquer these worries is to set aside some time to list the people you think would be upset by your writing and why.   Once you have your list, work on solutions. For instance, you might need to write under a pseudonym, or you might want to keep your writing private until after it's published.

6. Walk in your characters' shoes. Another good trick to find your authentic voice is to let your characters do the talking. Ask them interview-type questions: "What is the worst thing that ever happened to you as a child?" "What do you love/hate about your current job?" "Where would you go on your dream vacation?" Then sit back with your pen and paper and take dictation-style notes.

7. Write in the first person. The easiest way to get into a main character's head and voice is to write from the first person point of view. If you don't particularly care for that POV in the finished work, you can always rewrite in third person later. The idea is to be as open and true to your character(s) as possible in your first draft so that you have something to work with down the road.

8.  Give your "worst" thoughts/voice for your characters. Assign your shadow side to your characters--especially your villains. Give them every negative thought you've ever had and let them run with it. Not only is this extremely cathartic, it's also an excellent way to personalize a believable voice.

9. Write poetry. Really! Poetry practice can lead you to your individual sense of rhythm and language. Poetry forces you to take breaths between words and lines, thereby helping you discover if your true voice is direct and to-the-point, or more comfortable weaving back and forth in a tapestry of emotion and nuanced subtlety. Poetry can also force you to reach for unusual word combinations and uses, sparking your creativity.

10. Keep a shelf of authors whose voices you admire. Go to your bookshelves and pick out not just your favorite books, but the books that in your opinion have the strongest voices. Read and re-read to discover what it is that speaks to you, then do your best to use some of those same techniques in your own attempt to find voice.

11. Don't try too hard. Nothing is worse than reading an author who tries so hard to comply with "how everyone else writes" that the voice is not only false, it's irritating. Chick-lit, wise-cracking snappy twenty-somethings who enthuse with irony over every broken fingernail; pages and pages of dialogue dripping with "Y'alls" and "Dah-lins" when the author has been no further south than Maine; cerebral attempts to fake street smarts and slang... It's way easier to just be yourself.

12. Don't worry about it. Write what you love and you'll be writing in your own voice. Try to keep in mind that writing is an act of creativity--follow your intuition, follow your gut, follow your heart. Do those three things and you'll be using your real voice without a second thought.

Tip of the Day: Read aloud from a wide selection of titles. Listen to the way the words and sentences sound. What do you admire when you hear the phrases? What do you dislike? How can you change your own writing so that it sounds more pleasing or realistic to your ear?

Are We Having Fun Yet?

2011-04-26T16:27:00.000-06:00

Recently I’ve been re-reading my blog posts, and the one thing that stands out for me is how often I use the phrase “Have fun.” “Just have fun.” Which made me wonder, what exactly do I mean by “fun”?

Obviously fun doesn’t mean the same thing to everyone. For some people it’s taking as many rollercoaster rides as possible in one lifetime while raising tarantulas in the living room. For others it’s spending years and years painting, and repainting, one perfect and extraordinarily life-like bouquet of tiger lilies—an activity that would have me tearing out my hair and run screaming for the hills. Just like trash and treasure, fun is all in the eye of the beholder, or in the actions of the doer. Whatever it is for each of us, though, I think it’s a very important part of the creative process. Because if you’re not having fun, you might also be:

Avoiding the work.
Agonizing about avoiding the work.
Resisting any opportunities to show or submit the work.
Apologizing for the work when you do show it.
Unfavorably comparing your work to others—others you are convinced are immeasurably more brilliant, talented, and capable of having much more fun than you. Which is just plain silly.

So how do you bring more fun to the table when you sit down to work on your latest creative project? I’m sure there’s a fascinating range of answers, from putting on theme music, to drawing cats in pajamas in your manuscript margins, but to me “having fun” means the following:

Not taking myself so seriously. Note I didn’t say “not taking the work seriously.” But whenever I think there is some absurd “writerly standard” I must live up to, one that for instance involves never smiling when I talk about my writing because I am a “serious writer,” or one where I have to consider myself as a “person of literature” if I’m allowed to even call myself a writer, I know I’m in trouble.
Risk taking. Asking the “what if” questions and then following through. “What if I paint black gesso all over this board? What if I rewrite a fairy tale? What if my character goes to prison and my entire plot changes—for the better?” Yes, why not? Fun to me is all about surprise—making each step of the journey the equivalent of opening an unexpected birthday present and finding the perfect gift—or joke—inside.
Art supplies in all the wrong places. I write with plum fountain pen ink, paste stickers on absolutely everything, and doodle in glamorous journals. So what if manuscript submissions have to be on pristine white bond paper, double-spaced and printed in a sharp black font? That doesn’t mean I can’t write them in mud and lemon juice if that makes me happy during the first draft stage. I can even add cats in pajamas if I want—so there.
Writing or creating what you love. It seems that in every creative person’s life there comes the golden opportunity to work on something you hate—either for money, a much-needed byline, or a chance to get your foot in the door. And it’s awful! Even with the-very-good-reason to take on the job, it’s something I recommend you only do once, or twice at most. That’s why it’s so important to write what you love to read, or to create the kind of art you’d want to see in your own home or favorite gallery. Anything else isn’t fun—it’s torture.
Putting the thing to sleep. Not every idea is a great idea. Sometimes they’re not even passably good and the day you’re willing to say, “Hey, let it go,” can actually be one of the happiest (and most fun) days of your life. Abandoning a project that doesn’t pan out or doesn't make you happy isn’t the end of the world. The time you spent on it is no different from time spent taking a writing or art class, or completing the exercises at the end of a how-to book. The important thing about all of these activities is you’ve practiced your craft, you learned from the experience, and you discovered what you do think is fun. So move on already. Life is too short to spend it polishing and rewriting and suffering through what you know isn’t your only idea. I bet you’ve got an entire filing cabinet of much better ones—ones that are downright serious fun.

Tip of the Day: What current work-in-progress is keeping you from having fun? Why? What can you do to make it more enjoyable? Do you need to put it away for awhile and start something new that’s a lot more interesting—and fun?

Vacation Time--Texas Style

2011-04-20T13:29:00.001-06:00

Wouldn't you know, just as soon as I tell you all I plan to blog twice a week, I not only miss that goal entirely, but I then don't even blog for days on end. My excuse is that I took a rather sudden and somewhat unexpected trip to Texas, visiting both Austin and San Antonio. When I travel I like to turn off the Internet and just go back to the "old days": no phone, no blogging, Twitter, or Facebook...

So thank goodness for the wonderful Javid Suleymanli who was kind enough to keep the ball rolling by posting an interview with me yesterday on his own blog. I felt incredibly honored that Javid would take the time to ask me his very thoughtful and interesting questions, and I encourage you to get on over to his blog not just to read about me, but to read his other great posts as well.

On the subject of my vacation, I had a great time, especially in San Antonio.

I loved visiting the Alamo in particular as it's one of the few things I remember learning in grade school (I was a terrible student--"daydreams too much" on every report card...). But "Remember the Alamo!" has stuck with me ever since, so it was quite a moving experience to walk through the grounds of such an important part of American history.

We had planned to only be in San Antonio for the day, but we enjoyed the city so much we decided to stay overnight. We lucked out because it was also fiesta time. Our hotel was right on the River Walk giving us a fantastic view of the Texas Cavaliers' annual barge parade.

As twilight descended over the city, we could see from our windows the little boats, all decorated and ferrying rock bands back and forth and up and down the river. Absolutely incredible!

Later that evening we went downstairs and were able to witness the excitement close up. As you can see from all these photos, I don't think I'll be making my living any time soon as a photographer, but this last blurry shot does give you some idea of what it was like.

The next morning we were among the first people on one of the regular tourist barges and got to travel the length of the River Walk ourselves. Again this was a trip I had always wanted to make, mainly because when I cut up travel magazines for collage and writing prompts, I'm always coming across happy scenes of tourists taking in the exact same sights. The pictures were accurate to say the least--the River Walk was one of the most beautiful places I've ever visited.

So thank you San Antonio, and thank you Javid Suleymanli! It's been a great break and with any luck I'll be refreshed and eager to start that "two times a week" blogging thing ASAP.

Tip of the Day: Where have you always wanted to go on vacation? Start a "vision board" collage. Include not only pictures, but stories, poems, and journal entries imagining yourself (or your characters) there.

The Altered Book; Moving Right Along

2011-04-05T14:52:00.002-06:00

Six Colleges and Four Girls, my first attempt at making my own altered book, continues--page by page and insight by exciting insight. So far the biggest thing I've learned (besides how to completely dye my hands with wet blue tissue paper--not my favorite lesson) is why I like this kind of work so much. It's the puzzle solving that intrigues me and keeps me wanting to learn more.

Finding solutions to filling the blank page, hovering here and there, brush in hand searching for "just the right place" to add a photograph or a scrap of color, is just so--well, gratifying. I think it's the same thing I like about writing, too: teasing out the various words and phrases of my manuscripts to find exactly what they're trying to say, or how to get my characters out of all the terrible jams they insist upon jumping into head first.

As I've been working on this current collage project, puzzle solving has been uppermost in my mind, especially my concerns over how I was going to approach writing the text. I couldn't decide if I should just write a story in the usual way, i.e. from beginning to end, and then paste it into the book somewhere, or should I be more cryptic and have little bits of text stuck in envelopes and other unexpected places throughout the pages?

Last night I was thinking about all this, as well as about how April is National Poetry Month, and then it hit me: I could use found poetry. Of course! How could I have missed something so obvious? I already have some very comprehensive "word pools" from which to draw my material, as well as dozens of magazines I can cut up as soon as I'm ready to tackle this part of the project. I think it's going to be a good solution to the "puzzle" and one that will fit me just right.

Here's where I am in the book so far and as you can see there is a lot of space for me to add text. The writing that is included here, as well as in the photo at the top of the post, is part of an old letter I wrote and never sent. I tore it into strips, painted it with various watercolor washes, and then just glued it onto the pages:

From a "blue and red" theme, I moved onto yellow:

If you look closely, you can just see the title of Six Colleges peeking through the paint. I'm not sure if I will be leaving this, or covering it up some more.

Yes, I'm having a good time.

Besides sharing my latest pages, I thought for today's post I would list some of the materials I'm using. So far this includes:

Watercolors and acrylic paint.
Gesso, both black and white.
Glue sticks, Mod Podge, acrylic gel medium (soft gloss).
Collage sheets provided in old issues of Somerset Studio magazine.
Magazine cut-outs from my files of "People, Places, Things."
Mulberry, tissue, watercolor, calligraphy, amate papers. (I've also got a great piece of papyrus I'm waiting to use.)
Scraps of printed, flocked, and embossed papers from India I purchased as a big "grab bag" from Michael's.
Printed scrapbook papers sold as individual sheets.
Stickers, die-cut doodads, adhesive borders, "vintage" postcards all purchased from craft stores.
Junk mail.
Old watercolors, drawings, and handwritten manuscripts all from various exercises and journal entries that I kept for sentimental reasons. Now I'm shredding, painting, and recycling them in all kinds of new ways.

So that's where I am right now--gluing, and solving, and taking my time to be as playful as I can with the whole process. More pages next week, stay tuned.

Tip of the Day: Having trouble puzzle solving your latest WIP? Collaging any story or work in progress is a great way to free up the imagination and let your "right brain" (versus the "wrong brain..." Okay, altered books make me very silly) help you to find the perfect answer.

What's Your Medium?

2011-03-30T12:27:00.001-06:00

What's your medium? Two winters back I took a ten-week watercolor class because I thought it would be fun to explore a technique that left plenty of room for error and "happy accidents"--perfect for my experimental approach to any artwork.

And I did have fun--I loved dripping brushloads of transparent color over my paper and watching mysterious, unexpected shapes emerge as if by magic. I loved the light-filled delicacy of the final results, and I especially liked the contrast of brilliant color against the white areas I left unfinished. Watercolor seemed like a good medium for me, and I was glad I took the class.

At the same time, though, I noticed many of my fellow classmates were not so happy. Rather than allowing the watercolor pigment to "do its thing" by meandering and flowing across the damp paper, they seemed intent upon forcing the paint to do what it wasn't designed to do, at least not in the hands of beginners: dark, stormy scenes set against solid (black) rock face; blood red landscapes dominated by impenetrable forests; mountainous night scenes illuminated by moonlight--very little moonlight.

At first I thought all this angst-y artwork was a product of our having to get up too early on a snowy Saturday morning to then go plunge our hands and brushes into ice-cold water every week. But as the class progressed and I watched people grow more and more frustrated, I realized these depressive scenes were based on a yearning to express emotion--deep emotion. And watercolor wasn't the way to go here. Drama at this level required oils, acrylics, charcoal, gritty things that expressed mood in a way Sap Green and Gamboge Yellow could not.

This got me thinking: How often do we use the wrong "medium" in our writing? And why? This morning I tried a little brainstorming on the subject. Here's what I came up with:

The best medium is the one you love; not the one you're "told to use" or the one you think "will make money." E.g., "Poetry doesn't sell; think I better write a zombie novel, and fast."
One size does not fit all. Sometimes you need color in your manuscript (poetic description, "show, don't tell"); sometimes you need just black and white (short sentences, factual information, minimal description).
Any single medium is not a "catch-all." You just can't get the same effect from oil pastel that you might from graphite. A screenplay is not a sonnet; a short story is not an epic.
Experimenting with "mixed media" can certainly liven up your work, but you do need to know the properties of each medium before you can use it with confidence and genuine effect. It's the same with writing: mixing genres can be the beginner's worst mistake. But make the effort to learn those genres thoroughly, and surprise, surprise: they can fit together into a harmonious--and original--whole. It's just a matter of study and practice.
Finding the "right medium" for your story can be as simple as asking yourself: "What is my core story? Is it sad, happy, funny, uplifting? What do I really want to say?" If your eventual theme is basically a tragedy, you won't want to add a lot of jokes to the story line. And if you're aiming to be inspirational, painting all your characters as "flawed and evil" might not work so well, either.

Tip of the Day: When it comes to finding your true creative medium, there's no such thing as "waste." The process of discovery is all about doing--if one medium isn't working, try another, and another after that. Even if you have to go through a dozen or more attempts, guess what? You're one step closer to finding the medium that's just right for you.

Starting My Altered Book--The Blank Slate

2011-03-23T11:27:00.003-06:00

I've always been intrigued by the idea of an "altered book," probably due to the sheer fear factor: "Take a published book and chop it up, paint over the pages, and rewrite the whole thing according to your own taste? What??" Sacrilege, indeed! And all the more reason to throw caution to the wind and start making an altered book of my own.

Deciding to alter a book was, for me, a natural progression from art journaling. Ever since I began writing I've used magazine cut-outs to illustrate my WIP characters, their houses, their wardrobes, and anything else I needed to make my settings and action scenes more real in my mind's eye. Moving on to dedicated art journaling--including artwork and other collage elements to my journal entries--seemed the obvious next step after keeping extensive notebooks and files for each of my (many!) drafts. But after several art journals filled with poetry and personal essay, I felt I wanted to tackle something more in line with my fiction interests. An altered book seemed the perfect choice.

So...for my first attempt, I chose a used book from 1972 of architectural renderings: Six Colleges, Sketches by Allan Gamble. Reasons for my choice: the book was "sketchbook" size; not too many pages; lots of blank pages for my own artwork; and the existing black and white, pen and ink sketches were perfect backgrounds for collage and other mixed media. Most important of all, the "six colleges" (all belonging to the University of Sydney, Australia) have a certain gothic creepiness that appeals to my imagination.

As you can see in the top photo, the cover is truly a "blank slate" of unbleached linen. At this point I have no idea what I will do with it, but I promise it will be interesting. The inside of the book is just as challenging, starting with the end papers:

And the actual sketches:

And here's where I am now:

And because I am at heart a novelist, my altered book will have a plot by the time I'm finished, something about "Six Colleges and Four Girls." Here are my four (unnamed as of yet) main characters:

Aren't they cute? Over the next few weeks and months I'll be sharing more pictures and story line as I work my way through this--very fun--project. Now where did I put that glue stick...?

Tip of the Day: Working on something "just for fun" is just as important as writing or painting "for publication" or "for sale." The things we love for their own creative sake are the things that guide us toward our true direction.

Tell Me Lies

2011-03-15T17:38:00.001-06:00

Let's face it: Everybody lies. Whether it's telling your mother-in-law her lasagna is the best in the world just as you're wondering how to swallow one more unpalatable bite, or agreeing with Uncle Joe's politics in order to avoid a pointless argument, we all have to glide over "the truth" once in awhile. And it's exactly the same for your characters--with one big difference: sometimes your characters have to go way beyond the social niceties. Sometimes they have to tell whoppers; big, huge, gigantic lies that could get them into so much trouble I don't even want to think about it.

Far from being the road straight to hell, lies in fiction are an invaluable tool for creating both external and internal conflict. Untruths are also a great vehicle for "showing, not telling" who your characters really are at heart. How they lie (blush, stammer, or look you straight in the eye), and the lies they choose to tell (tall tales, or deceitful rumors calculated to cause the most possible harm) can deliver more impact to your plot than pages and pages of truthful--and dull--good behavior.

While many genres routinely depend upon lies to provide the bulk and basis of the story, e.g.:

Mystery fiction ("Wasn't me, guv.").
Thrillers ("Tell them you are a visiting anthropologist from Bulgaria.").
Romance ("I hate him!")

...any type of good fiction can benefit from a good dose of dishonesty. For instance, with a few well-placed fibs you can:

Establish tension: Will the liar be found out?
Create sympathy: But he did it for his family! I.e., when a "good" character tells a lie to serve a higher purpose, we'll be desperate for him to get away with it.
Story justice. Just as much as we want our hero's lie to save the day, we also want "bad" characters to get their comeuppance. It feels good when villains and antagonists are found out as the evil-doers we know they are--and then receive their due punishment.
Plot development. Characters who lie will do anything to keep from being discovered. Characters in search of the truth will risk all to reach their goal. Put the two together and your scenes will practically write themselves.
Motivation, mission, and revenge. Characters who have been lied to won't be happy campers...keeping those wily, no-good, double-crossing liars on the hop.

A good trick to see if your WIP will benefit from throwing in a lie or two is to simply try it out. On a sheet of paper, take each one of your characters and give them three secrets. Now give them three possible reasons for needing to keep those secrets. Finally, invent three lies they could tell to keep those secrets private. Even if you don't want or need to use any of these secrets and lies in your actual plot line, knowing what they are will go a long way to making your characters real and vivid--even when they're telling the truth.

Tip of the Day: Make a list of some of your favorite books and movies. Ask yourself: What lies do the characters in these stories tell themselves and/or each other? How did a lie maintain the story tension and keep the plot moving? How were the lies resolved? What can you learn from these examples to add more conflict to your own fiction?

Check-In: What's Happening at Dava Books

2011-03-10T12:56:00.001-07:00

Big news: the WIP is finished! At 451 manuscript pages, it's a huge weight off my shoulders--for the moment, at least. Starting this weekend, the book will be going into Phase II: designing my cover and formatting the interior pages for publication. A lot of people have asked me what program I use for formatting, and the answer is: Book Design Wizard 2.0. I love this program and I bought the company's poetry version, too.

The title of the book is Overtaken. A literary gothic fairy tale for grown-ups, it's about a portrait painter named Sara Elliott who marries a stranger who then disappears. In her search to find her husband, Sara learns more about herself than she ever could have imagined. And it was lots of fun to write.

So now that the WIP is finished and seems more like "whipped cream" than "whip that book into shape or else," I'm feeling a little bit like a kid just let out of school. Some of the projects I can now attend to guilt-free are:

Play with my new camera. Yes, I bought a camera at long last--and I can't leave it alone. It's pink. Here's my first picture:

Work on my book trailer for Overtaken. This time I hope to have my trailer released before the book.
Design my marketing cards. I love making--and sending--postcards based on my book cover designs. I've always thought postcards are more cost effective than bookmarks because you can do so much more with them. And they hold your place in a book just fine.
Start blogging twice a week. I've wanted to do this for awhile, and now that I have my camera I have some new ideas on new directions for my blog. While I will still be sharing writing tips and experiences, I'll also be taking you into my art studio. (Hint: I'll be working on my first "altered book." Hope you'll be as intrigued as I am by this new adventure.)

So that's what's happening here at Dava Books. Stay tuned for more! And as always, thanks so much for reading and leaving your kind comments.

Tip of the Day: Where are you right now in your writing or creative journey? Freewrite and take stock of what you've accomplished, where you want to go, and how you plan to get there. What new tools, classes, or supplies do you need to expand your horizons?

Manuscript Revision--Play Nice

2011-03-03T11:31:00.003-07:00

When it comes to revising your manuscript, you want to be ruthless--to your pages, that is. Being mean to yourself during the revision process won't make your writing any better or worse than it already is--I know because I've tried it too many times!

Right now I'm on the very last revision pages of my current WIP before typesetting begins next week. There are days when it's felt like a never-ending chore--one that's taken much longer than I ever could have predicted. Then again, there have been wonderful days when I want to jump up and down, shouting, "I love being a writer!" Either way, here are some of the most important things I've learned over these last few months:

1. Whatever else happens, do your best to keep to a schedule for revision, preferably choosing blocks of time when you're at your highest energy levels.

2. It's a good idea to print out your pages for revision and then use a 3-step plan: a) read through without a pen, but place small post-its where you think you need to make a change; b) go through the manuscript again, and this time pencil in your changes; c) make your changes.

3. Take time off between the stages. At least 24-48 hours is good for a short piece; a week or two can be better for a novel or book-length manuscript.

4. Don't feel you have to over-reach to be a "disciplined writer." Whether you are just reading through your manuscript, or you are in the final proofreading stage, divide your manuscript into workable blocks of pages. When choosing the amount of pages to work on per revision session, be easy on yourself. You'll be more inclined to work consistently on 3-10 page blocks, rather than those of 20-30.

5. Create and use a style sheet right from the start: e.g., characters' names and ages, foreign words or terms that can have multiple spellings, words that need capitalization and those that don't.

6. Read your work aloud whenever you can.

7. Acknowledge that revision isn't a "get it over and done with" part of your writing life. It's about trying to do your absolute best. If a certain page takes several days to "get it right," then that's how long it's going to take and your schedule will just have to change. At the same time, you'll often find that some revision sessions speed by because there's not much, if anything, to change. And just because the work is "easy" on that particular day, resist the urge to grab more pages. Instead, take advantage of the extra time for some rest and relaxation.

8. If you have to miss a day or two of editing, don't try to make up for lost time with a marathon. It's too easy to gloss over important (and suspect) passages, declaring them "okay" in an attempt to cram a week's worth of work into an afternoon. Marathons can also create burn-out, making you too tired or bored to continue with the next day's revision schedule.

9. Reward yourself at the end of each session. Even if it's something as simple as a cup of coffee, or allowing yourself some reading time, take it.

10. If you feel stuck and can't find a solution to a manuscript problem--allow yourself a small break. Go for a walk, take a nap, watch a movie.

11. Another way to handle what feels like an insurmountable problem is to play with some freewriting or artwork. Try this: In your journal write the words, "What I really want to say in this scene (passage, chapter, piece of dialogue) is... Then just talk it through. You'll be amazed at how clear the solution will be. Collage or doodling can help too. Playing with some colored pencils or crayons, magazine cut-outs, or personal photos can bring you closer to the mood, theme, or emotion you're trying to evoke through your writing.

12. Always have a journal or notepad ready to collect new ideas. Rather than resist the urge to add a new idea because "it doesn't fit," at least give yourself the chance to experiment. By keeping a new scene or character separate from your actual manuscript, but also ready for inclusion, you can decide whether it fits or not later on.

Tip of the Day: We all have our own "comfort zones" for knowing exactly what is too much (or too little) writing or revision to achieve in one day. Understanding your working style and needs before you start a project will keep your output consistent and your deadlines stress-free.

Writing the Children's Mystery, 12 Tips

2011-02-22T16:35:00.003-07:00

Nancy Drew, Donna Parker, Trixie Belden--what would my childhood have been without these great junior detectives? Not only were they my role models as I was growing up, they also inspired me to eventually write my own mystery for young readers, The Great Scarab Scam.

Writing The Great Scarab Scam was great fun, and sharing it with new readers--and writers--keeps me ever grateful for the world of children's literature. I also get asked a lot of questions about the writing process: Do I have any special tips for writing children's mysteries? Yes, I do. Here are my top 12:

1. Unlike mysteries for adult readers, mysteries for the middle-grades usually avoid solving an actual murder. The best type of crime to center on is what is called a "caper," e.g., a crime involving stolen goods, or some kind of fraudulent scheme.

2. There's an old adage that says girls will read about boys, but boys won't read about girls. I don't know how true this really is, but it's been my experience that boys WILL read about girls if the girls are fun, lively, and adventurous--exactly what's required to be the main character of a mystery. I've also been delighted at how many mothers tell me their sons enjoyed reading The Great Scarab Scam, which just happens to feature a girl named Lydia Hartley.

3. Boy or girl, your child sleuth should always be a "real kid," one who experiences all of childhood's highs and lows with a good deal of imagination and sense of curiosity.

4. Description and detail should be carefully thought out--too much of either and you've lost your young reader; not enough and you'll lose the flavor of your story. I've found the best approach is to always go for the child-oriented details: the little things that you want your reader to remember long after the book is closed.

5. Goals, rewards, and any prizes for solving the crime should also be kept to child-sized portions. For instance, a child might be more motivated to win a new bicycle rather than go after a million dollars.

6. To a child, the adult world can be a scary place, but the playground can hold even greater terrors. What might be considered trivial in the adult novel, e.g., fear of not passing a spelling test, or the humiliation of not being invited to a birthday party, can take on seemingly insurmountable proportions in the children's book. Make sure you balance crime-solving with real-life kid problems, too.

7. Speaking of real life, you want to make your junior detective act and sound real and far-from-perfect. Character flaws are vital for maintaining reader identification as well as for setting up your conflict and story set-backs.

8. That said, junior detectives do need some special gifts and traits to help them along their way. I found the best solution is to give your character a deep-seated interest such as Lydia Hartley's passion for archaeology. It also helps to add on a specific personality trait that will keep your character willing to stay on track. In Lydia's case that trait was loyalty to her family.

9. The best way to understand and use childhood dreams, wishes, fears and goals is to explore your own childhood and bring those emotions to the page. Take out your journal and ask yourself: What were my greatest fears as a child? List them all.

10. What kind of problems did you encounter as a child--and how did you solve them? Young characters in books have to do a lot of their own problem-solving, no adults allowed, and you want to keep solutions as realistic as possible.

11. What were your favorite games, toys, movies and television programs? What about vacations, food, your best friends? Despite the passage of time between then and now, the feelings you had about these things are what remain the same for today's new generation of readers.

12. Read, read, read. There are hundreds of great mysteries for children out there. Analyze, study, learn, and use a highlighter to mark your favorite passages (as well as the ones you didn't like). Take the best ideas and put your own fresh spin on them. And have fun--if you're not enjoying the stories, don't force yourself to write what you think is salable or "hot."

Tip of the Day: For the next few days or weeks, set up a journal solely for childhood memories. Start your entries with a simple "I remember" and start anywhere, don't worry about chronological order. When you're finished, take a look at which experiences could be the basis for the plot to a children's mystery, and which can be used to develop your main character.

Blog Awards!

2011-02-17T11:05:00.000-07:00

Happy Thursday, and Happy Blog Awards Day! The last week has been both busy and fun for me, and I have a lot of people to thank for that, starting with LadyD Books who sent me this super blog award. I feel very honored to receive this one and I'm looking forward to sharing it over the next few months. The conditions for acceptance are to list four "guilty pleasures" and to pass the award on to other blogs. The number of blogs wasn't specified, so I'm taking the liberty of starting with three:

Holly Schindler

Journaling Journeys

Dawn Herring Journal Writer Freelance

As for my "guilty pleasures" list; oh, my goodness, where to start?? Here are my top four:

Food that is very, very bad for you. Jelly doughnuts, potato chips, glazed doughnuts, eclairs, french fries...the list never ends. I try to be good and indulge in moderation, but I do love these awful things.
Expensive writing and art materials that serve no other purpose other than I crave them. I don't like ballpoint pens, thin paper, cheapie colored pencils, student quality spiral bound notebooks. It's a little embarrassing, but I simply have to have Private Reserve fountain pen ink in Plum, or Waterman violet ink cartridges or my day is ruined. Oh, and Arches watercolor paper. Legal pads with heavy chipboard backing. It's silly, I know, but I feel my most inspired when I use top-quality supplies.
Books-on-sale. I don't seem to be able to walk by any of those "discount" book displays without buying at least one book. Whether it's the grocery store or a big chain bookstore, seeing that discount sign has me digging through the pile and yelling, "Eureka!" with each wonderful find.
Sleep. Glorious sleep. If I had my way I'd stay in bed forever, eating jelly doughnuts, doodling in my leather bound journal, and reading a 99-cent novel in between cat naps. Life is so unfair.

So that's the "bad me"!

To round out my award list, I want to send out a special thank you and award to author, Man Martin who included me in a recent blog post about self-publishing. I'm sending Man the Premios Dardo Award for Blog Excellence (award on my sidebar) and my sincere congratulations on his new novel, Paradise Dogs, to be published this summer by Thomas Dunne Books.

Thank you, everyone--for reading, for leaving comments, for following and subscribing. You keep me inspired every day, and I appreciate you all.

Tip of the Day: Do visit these four great blogs--you'll be glad you did. Each of them is full of good information, ideas for further reading, and invaluable inspiration to help you pick up those pens--ballpoint, fountain, or quill--and get creative today!

Why Wait for Permission?

2011-02-08T17:46:00.002-07:00

Waiting for permission to write your book? Explore watercolors? Wear good clothes? What on earth are you waiting for? Here are my top 12 reasons why you shouldn't wait a minute longer:

1. No one is going to give you permission. Only you can decide to attend a writer's conference, experiment with felt collage, or keep a dream journal.

2. Every day spent waiting in line for your passport to creative freedom is a day wasted and lost--a day you'll resent and feel bad about. And who wants to feel bad?

3. My favorite quote from Julia Cameron's The Artist's Way: Q: "Do you know how old I'll be by the time I learn to play the piano?" A: "The same age you will be if you don't." I would rather look back on my life knowing I had attempted to follow my dreams--results aside--rather than wonder, "What if?"

4. Waiting for anything is annoying. The only way I can tolerate waiting is to do something else, like read a book or doodle in my journal. Which means if you're doing something else you're no longer waiting--you're doing. Hey, you're working on your dream without even knowing it!

5. Waiting is passive--anyone can do it, with or without permission. Action creates energy; once you start a project, it can take on a snowball effect. One page leads to another...you'll be finished before anyone can stop you and say, "No--don't do that!"

6. Waiting for permission can keep us stuck in creative professional ruts: we've always written for children, or we've always written poems of exactly 17 lines each, and our editors and readers like it that way. If you really want to experiment with a new form or genre, take a chance and break out of the mold without telling anyone. You can always use a pseudonym or say the cat painted your latest masterpiece if it's completely different from your usual style.

7. Waiting for permission provides too good of a pay-off to the nay-sayers and toxic playmates in our lives. As long as you stay in the waiting mode, they'll never be threatened or have to compete with you.

8. Remember when you wanted to do something or go somewhere as a child and the adults in your life said, "No!" And you did it anyway? Fun, wasn't it?

9. Even if you did get grounded for a week, you're the grown-up now, and you can make your own decisions. Art-making is rarely dangerous (unless you're working with fire). It might get your clothes dirty, but it won't put you in bad company, ruin your grades, or rot your teeth.

10. Admittedly, there are some things we do need permission for, such as spending the entire family savings on a trip to Italy to research that novel set in ancient Rome, or to rent a 5,000 square foot studio because all "real artists have studios." However, even when choices can't be made without consulting others, there's nothing stopping you from saving up for a trip to a nearby museum, or clearing out a section of your garage to make room for a desk or easel.

11. Even with no time, no money, and no support you can stop waiting and take baby steps. Libraries are full of books on writing and art instruction. Craft items can be found for pennies at thrift stores. Connect with your creative friends via Twitter or Facebook to start an online support system.

12. A common reason to wait for permission or for "the right time" is to simply protect our creative selves from the bullies of the world: rejection, criticism, indifference, ridicule--it all hurts. But a coddled child is an unhealthy child. So kick off your shoes and let your creative self play in the dirt--one of the best ways known to build up the immune system!

Tip of the Day: What creative dream(s) have you put on hold because you are waiting for permission to start? Make a list followed by an action plan outlining the best way for you to begin doing, rather than waiting.

The Great Scarab Scam Book Trailer

2011-02-01T15:21:00.003-07:00

Happy February! And Happy Book Trailer Day! Well, I don’t know if it’s officially “Book Trailer Day” for anyone other than me, but I’m delighted to present the new trailer for The Great Scarab Scam, my Egyptian mystery for young readers. I hope you’ll enjoy it and will want to share it with your friends and family.

At the same time, though, I must tell you that I had some questions about releasing the trailer. With Egypt currently undergoing political unrest and facing an uncertain future, I was torn—was this a good time to talk about a children’s mystery set in the Land of the Pharaohs? With perfect irony, the day the trailer was ready to upload was the day the protests began. For all of last week I dithered—should I release the trailer, store it away until Egypt stabilized, or maybe never show it at all? I asked some good friends for their advice and over and over I kept getting the same answer: Life is never stable—share your trailer! Kids still want to read mysteries and they want to read about Egypt. Go for it!

I don’t think there was ever a time in my life I wasn’t fascinated by ancient Egypt: the tombs, the treasures, the mythology, and of course the enigmatic lives of both the royal and more ordinary families. Traveling in Egypt to research my book seemed like a dream to me. When I actually visited the pyramids it was difficult for me to believe that I was there—right there—as in, really there. I was also very sick, and something I remember most vividly is the friendliness and concern of the Egyptian people during my ordeals. Thinking of the young driver who insisted on buying me an ice-cold Coke when I knew he couldn’t really afford it, or the women who suddenly appeared and encircled me, spreading out their skirts to make a tent and rubbing my back when I was sick on the street, still brings tears to my eyes. The widespread poverty I saw was terrible, especially for the children, and I tried to portray some of that in my book.

So I do understand why Egypt is in crisis, and it is my sincere hope that the country will find a way to improve the lives of all its citizens. And that’s why I think it’s important for me to talk about The Great Scarab Scam, especially now. If I can bring some of the culture, history, and excitement of being in a foreign land to young readers, then I will have done my job as a writer for children.

Tip of the Day: What ancient era and culture has always called to you? For your next freewriting session, go on an archaeological dig through your childhood interests. With any luck there’s gold in them ‘thar hills—gold you can turn into a short story or nonfiction piece, if not a full-length book, for young readers.

What's Your Theme Song?

2011-01-20T11:51:00.001-07:00

All week I've had a song stuck in my head. Usually this can be ultra-annoying, especially if it's the jingle to a product I don't use, or it's something truly awful like, "The Wheels on the Bus" sending me instantly back to kindergarten and the smell of tempera paint and the brown vinyl mats we used for naptime (ah, naptime). On the good days, however, a certain song or piece of music seems to help me glide through my days, filling me with the urge to create and make sense of my life. That's how it's been for me these last few days.

It started on Sunday night. I was listening to the radio when I really should have been sound asleep (no wonder I want to nap all the time). Just before I drifted off, I heard a few lines from the Cat Stevens' song If You Want to Sing Out from the film, Harold and Maude. Not only did the song make me even more wide awake than I already was, it made me suddenly obsessed with the thought that I had never seen that movie. Worse still, I wondered why I hadn't heard any Cat Stevens' songs for years and years. The song then dissolved into an ad, but not before it was firmly installed in my brain and I knew I was going to have a difficult job getting rid of it.

By Monday afternoon I was still humming along. I'd also done a bit of online Cat Stevens research, looking at pictures of his own cat and reading the entire story of how he became Yusuf Islam, which of course was very interesting, but by now I was ready to move on, nice song or not. The tune was on the verge of becoming downright irritating, and I had to get to the real reason for why I kept hearing it. So I went to the place that always helps me out: my journal. After a few false starts the answer was very obvious: the song reminded me of being a teenager, and my current WIP is about--teenagers. Duh.

As I continued to listen, I could hear the sound of all the emotions and hopes and dreams teens have always had, no matter their decade or century. As a writer of young adult fiction, I believe that no matter how hard their cynical veneer can sometimes be, young people are essentially optimistic and eager to explore the world. The possibilities of what they'll become are endless, and that's what I'm trying to express in my latest WIP. At the same time, I realized the song was telling me what I could do as a writer and artist, too. The song's lyrics are all about how you can do anything you want to do, the perfect message for both me and my characters.

Rather than being sick of the tune, I'm grateful to have discovered what has become my book's "theme song." It's one I can use every time I get stuck or veer away from my plot too far. Of course, I can't actually use the lyrics in my book, but that's okay too--in fact it's even better. Having a little song to inspire me will find it's own way to appear through my characters' thoughts and actions. It's a nice piece of "inside information" and I have every reason to believe it appeared for the good. Writing is full of lucky happenings, and music can be a very helpful source to make sure you get plenty of those happy occurrences.

Tip of the Day: The first time I tried writing to music was in the fourth grade. Our teacher put on some classical music and left us free to create, a wonderful experience I've never forgotten. Yet it's also something I don't do enough, and I miss it. Over the next few days, experiment with some music you don't usually listen to. Set the radio to an unfamiliar station and try a timed writing, either as part of your current WIP, or an entirely new freewriting exercise. Have fun--you may be very surprised at what happens.

30-Minute Marketing

2011-01-11T12:37:00.002-07:00

One of my goals and resolutions this year is to spend 30 minutes a day on marketing. While it may not sound like a lot of time, 30 minutes a day can add up to some pretty impressive figures, and is also something that is entirely do-able in between the rest of my day's schedule and demands.

The key to making 30 minutes an effective use of time is to stay consistent and treat my daily marketing half hour like any other business appointment: I set a clock on the desk, start on time, and conclude the "meeting" as soon as 30 minutes is up. Penciling in an "appointment with myself" in my planner makes sure I show up for the meeting, and it also makes sure I don't go beyond the allotted minutes and into the burn-out zone--a surefire way to make me want to cancel tomorrow's meeting.

To help me get to work the minute I sit down to market, I've brainstormed a list of activities that can easily be accomplished in 30 minutes. As more ideas come to me I'll add them to the list, but so far this is what I've come up with:

Make a list of 12 book reviewers with addresses, requirements, and policies.
Package up 2-3 books to send for reviews, complete with cover letters, author bio and photo, and any other related materials.
Spend 30 minutes finding new blogs for return visits or to follow.
Visit 3 blogs, comment, and/or follow.
Research and make a list of 12 agents for future manuscript submission; include notes about why I chose these people.
Write my own review for one of my books. (This may sound strange--but it's not about praising yourself, it's closer to writing a good synopses that allows PR people to know what your book is about if they can only read--and comment--on a few pages.)
Brainstorm 12 blog ideas with log-lines for future use.
Pre-write a blog post to have on hand for emergency.
Design a new trailer or video about either a book, workshop, or writing-related activity.
Work on a trailer idea--get it finished.
Make a list of 12 ways to use or place trailers or videos.
Plan out a blog tour--what would it be about and what will I offer?
Contact blogs to ask if they'd like to be on the tour, or simply would like a guest post at any time.
Spend 30 minutes on one social network or author's site. Get to know the people I interact with.
Design a 30-minute workshop based on one of my books that can also be expanded to 1 or 2 hours.
Design a bookmark. Brainstorm a list of themes so I can have a variety for different groups, places, holidays, etc.
Do the same with a postcard.
Brainstorm a list of places to send cards, bookmarks, other freebies.
Address, stamp, prepare cards for mailing.
Brainstorm 12 new places to sell books, offer a workshop, or be of assistance in some way, e.g., volunteering at a writer's conference.

So there's 20 ideas and it's only January 11! Having my list pre-made has also helped me avoid any excuses of being "too busy" or "too tired" to accomplish a task that is really one of the most important of the writing day. Hope the list gives you some good ideas of your own, too!

Tip of the Day: Because I'm a Libra and have trouble choosing which marketing idea I want to follow on any given day, I've written each idea on an index card which I then turned face down and put in a pile I keep shuffled. Every day I draw one of the cards from the top and follow the instructions provided. Not only has this turned my 30 minutes of marketing into something of a game to play, it's also brought in a nice element of surprise that keeps me from dreading (or avoiding) a particular task I might not like so much as the others.

Prize Give-away! Starting the New Year Right

2011-01-04T11:14:00.002-07:00

Happy New Year, everyone! Hope this finds you all ready to start the new year right with some great goals, manuscripts, and of course plenty of inspiration to keep those pens moving. Personally, I like the sound of "2011." For some reason it makes me feel very business-like and organized. In order to stay that way, I'm keeping my goals simple this year:

Publish my eighth book on June 30, 2011.
Edit and revise Book #9 to be submission-ready by January 2012.
Write 3 pages every day on new ideas, WIPs, poetry, or screenplays.
Take 30 minutes a day for marketing.
Help more writers and artists to achieve their goals by sharing as much of my writing and experience as I can. Which brings me to:

Blog Prize Give-away! Starting today until the end of the year, every time I get 50 new blog followers/subscribers I will create a random drawing to give away a "Writer's Workshop in a Bag." So that nobody is left out, existing followers will be counted, too. Workshop-in-a-Bag consists of:

3 books on creativity and writing.
A new journal.
A new pen.
Writing-related goodies such as index cards, prompts, and bookmarks.
All packaged in a colorful, large-sized canvas tote.

And I'll do this from today until December 31, 2011 every time I get 50 more followers/subscribers. So what are you waiting for? Follow or subscribe today!

Tip of the Day: Yes, start the new year by following my blog and be eligible to receive the give-away. In the meantime, make sure you've charted out your creative goals for the year. You might find it's helpful to start with just a couple of your most important goals and then add to your list later in the year once you know your time and energy levels a little better. Good luck!

Book Round-Up, 2010

2010-12-31T11:35:00.001-07:00

I love to read--probably way too much, but as another year comes to a close, I am filled with gratitude for all the wonderful books that made my time spent reading extra-special. I don't think I read a single book I didn't like on some level, but as always there are some books that stand out for me and that I know I'm going to remember for the rest of my life. So in no particular order, I'd like to share with you the best of the best. These are:

Best Novel A Valley of Betrayal (Chronicles of the Spanish Civil War, Book 1) by Tricia Goyer. If it wasn't for Twitter, I don't think I would have had the opportunity to learn about Tricia and her excellent books. So I'm delighted to have a venue to tell you all how much I enjoyed discovering her entire list of titles. For my initial purchase I chose A Valley of Betrayal, the first in a trilogy set during the time of the Spanish Civil War.  I based my choice on the fact that although I have a degree in Spanish literature, I actually know very little about the civil war beyond the murder of poet Federico Garcia Lorca. However, thanks to the wonderful characters and strong writing in A Valley of Betrayal, my understanding of who was fighting whom, and why, was greatly enhanced and deepened. The characters and plot line were so compelling that immediately upon finishing the book I had to zoom back to Amazon.com and order the next two in the series, and needless to say, they are just as good as the first book.

Best Young Adult Novel The Luxe by Anna Godbersen. From the horrors of the Spanish Civil War, I then plunged into the social whirl of Manhattan 1899. What a wild ride that was! And what a super book this is for teen readers of all ages--and who isn't a teenager somewhere in their secret heart of hearts? The Luxe is another book that is part of a longer series of four (I seem to have been drawn to series this year, probably because the writing was so good in all of them I couldn't stop at just one book). The best way I can describe this particular title is by saying it's like Little Women with bad girls meets Project Runway a la Henry James and Edith Wharton. The clothes, the settings, the misbehaving characters...   I was totally captivated, and of course I cried buckets at the end.

Best Short Story Collection Cliffs of Fall: And Other Stories by Shirley Hazzard. Hazzard is one of my favorite writers, so when I learned of this collection I just had to read it. Many of the troubled relationship themes presented here are ones that are explored in more depth in Hazzard's novels, but as little stand-alone pieces--sometimes no more than a sketch or a vignette--they are quite perfect. A keeper, for sure.

Best Novella The Tropics: Child of a Storm - Caught in a Rip - Hurricane Secret by Mary Deal. Several months back I wrote an entire post about this incredible book which contains three related novellas (series, again!). You can read the post here, but before you do, I just wanted to mention that Mary also has some fabulous island- and tropical-themed photography that is the perfect complement to her writing. I knew she was a talented writer, but seeing her photography and has brought my memories of her stories to vivid life. Exquisite!

Best Nonfiction People of the Lie: The Hope for Healing Human Evil by M. Scott Peck. I hope you never encounter genuine evil in your life, but if you do, this is the best book on the subject I have ever read. For many years I have struggled with the question: Is there really such a thing as evil? And for just as long I have tried to think of so-called evil people as "crazy" or "willful and stupid." After reading this book, I am now convinced that evil does exist and that there can be no other explanation for some people's behavior. The book is also an excellent resource if you are a writer, and can help you to understand that there is a very real difference between the story villain or antagonist who simply "does bad things" and the character intent on destruction. Highly recommended.

Best Poetry Return from Erebus by Julia McCarthy. Ah. Poetry. 'Fess up, all: When's the last time you picked up a book of poetry and read it from cover to cover?  If it's been a while, here's the perfect book to get back into what I consider poetry with a capital P, aka "the real thing." Not some pretty lines strung together or journal entries broken into verse or opening a vein and seeing what happens on the page, but seriously structured language that delivers surprise after surprise. Reading Julia's work is like opening some kind of wonderful origami puzzle box that with each new unfolding leaves you astonished at the rightness of it all. Buy this book. Now!

Special Mention Necklace of Kisses: A Novel by Francesca Lia Block.  Weetzie Bat and her extended family have long been some of my favorite characters ever. For a long time I resisted reading Necklace of Kisses because I didn't want to think of Weetzie as a grown-up. Now I think I was supposed to wait because every so often the right book falls into your hands at the right time.  Soon after returning from a trip to Los Angeles, I found this book on sale at Borders for a dollar. How could I refuse?  From the minute I started reading it felt like I had just walked or driven through every scene described in the book, the same places I had explored as a child and teenager long before Block even started writing.  Block's descriptions of Los Angeles are, in my opinion, the best ever written and after reading them I was compelled to devote a dozen or so pages in my art journal to record and collage my own impressions. This story is sheer magic and that enchantment has stayed with me all year. Loved it!

Tip of the Day: It's fun to keep a record of your reading. It's also a valuable exercise to discover what your reading tastes are and why. I like to save a few pages in the back of my journal to jot down titles, authors, and a couple of lines about why I liked (or didn't like) a book. Not only is this good information to share with my book club and reading friends, but it helps me define my publishing niche. For 2011 it might be a good idea to start an entire journal to keep track of the year's books.

In the meantime, Happy 2011, everyone--wishing you a great new year of books, writing, and creativity!

Season's Greetings

2010-12-24T11:13:00.001-07:00

Merry Christmas, everyone! Hope this finds you all ready to celebrate the holiday with joy and a renewed sense of childlike wonder. Because that's what I consider the best gift of the season: our chance to get in touch once again with our child-s(elf), the one who believes in miracles, hope, and universal goodness.

Like many people, Christmas holds a lot of memories for me: funny, confused, sad, exuberant. The memories cover a lot of ground, things like the time I wasn't allowed to be a reindeer in my first-grade Christmas pageant, and instead had to be a "stationary snowflake." I remember feeling so crushed: reindeers got to wear antlers made out of tin foil and run around the auditorium, two by two. All I got to do was stand still and wave a tissue paper snowflake--a TORN tissue paper snowflake. Then there was the year my little brother was born the week before Christmas and my grandparents were staying in the house with us as well as my chain smoking "Auntie Mame" who'd come to seek refuge in between divorces (complicated story). I guess we were too jam-packed in our little house: the adults suddenly had a scream-fest, knock-down, "you're gonna get it" argument over towels of all things, and I remember hiding under my bed and thinking Christmas wasn't supposed to be like this.

But then there were the other years when the cookies got baked, the fireplace worked, and even the California weather cooperated by being cold enough for us to wear sweaters and have a "real Christmas." Those were the good years, and I still remember the thrill of opening my favorite presents: books. Heidi, The Wind in the Willows, Great Expectations, Oliver Twist, Around the World in Eighty Days... Oh, how I loved, and cherished, those books. I still do! In fact, I'm going to go re-read one of them in a few minutes.

And that brings me to what I guess I really wanted to say here, that a great portion of how we enjoy the holidays rests on the memories and traditions we bring to them, and no matter how bizarre those memories are, they can be turned into something special and meaningful through our writing and artwork. Every time we pick up a pen or a paintbrush, we have the opportunity to go back and help that little child-s(elf) to have the happiest life, or birthday, or Christmas, or Hanukkah ever. So go out there and spread joy to the world with your creative spirits. It's been an honor to have you all visiting my blog this past year; thank you each and every one!

Tip of the Day: What are your holiday memories? Perhaps you'd like to start recording them in some special way, either through writing or artwork, or both! Whatever you choose, I wish you all a great day tomorrow of good times, good friends, and good memories.

Art Journal Wrap, 2010

2010-12-14T12:01:00.001-07:00

Now that Nanowrimo is over for the year (at least for me), I took the extra time these last few days to finish up the two art journals I have been working on since New Year's Day. For my final entry, I decided to write about what I had gained from keeping these volumes--it was a lot! For instance:

- Art journals gave my writer's group a purpose and a theme to keep us all focused on a shared creative goal. For 2010 we chose "Travel," mainly because there were so many ways we could interpret the word, from actual on-the-road traveling, to individual life journeys, to placing our fictional characters in unknown and foreign settings, e.g. Paris, 1930. Travel also gave us a multi-faceted prompt for the accompanying artwork we created.

- From the class and the journals, I gained confidence in art making. I could experiment (and fail) without having to explain or apologize for why things "looked the way they looked." In his book, Writing Poetry from the Inside Out, poet Sandford Lyne refers to journals as private studios. In my art journal, I could experiment in private.

- Art journaling for 30 minutes before working on my WIP, or before making a piece of pottery, centered me. It was meditative and helped me to get rid of the "noise" I sometimes find following me into my work space, you know, things like, "Buy milk. Reply to e-mail."

- Art journaling gave me a weekly class to attend over the summer; I love being a student. Homework assignments encouraged me to keep journaling.

- I felt part of a community of art journalers. I am so inspired by these creative souls.

- I found a wonderful way to outline my writing--with pictures. Although I have always used magazine cut-outs to illustrate my characters, scenes, and especially my book cover mock-ups, this year I found I was able to go much deeper. By creating multiple collages that followed my plot chapter by chapter, I was able to express my story visually before I wrote it. When it came to the actual writing, it seemed to just flow straight from the pictures.

- I gained a lot of insight into what I believe is the future of the book, especially with the increased use of e-readers. I feel certain that books are eventually going to be illustrated throughout with both still and moving pictures. Working with an art journal is a great way to prepare for what may be the next step for all of us who write.

- Looking for ways to make my art journal interesting, I learned techiques I would never have tried before: rubber stamping; colored pencil on black and white photocopies; drawing and painting onto backgrounds such as papyrus and mulberry paper.

- Which also meant I learned some new techniques to share in my own workshops.

- And because I had to go shopping to buy these fun items, I had no excuses for avoiding Julia Cameron-style "artist's dates."

- My finished art journals have given me some deeply personal, but quite wonderful "picture books" for my own appreciation and enjoyment.

Reaching the last pages of these two latest art journals was much more emotional than I thought it would be, similar to the end of any great adventure that took me to places I never thought I'd go, but that also turned out to be some of the best times of my life.

There have been so many journals of various types throughout my life, each one completely different and each one my "favorite" in some way or another starting with the first lined, spiral notebook I bought in London from Boots the Chemists on Regent Street. In it I wrote about friend and author Hugh Cook and his raincoat (well, he did tell me to keep character notes!); I wrote about someone's gray eyes that later were assigned to the character of Ravenna in my book Better Than Perfect; I wrote the story that I'm still writing over and over every day of my life--the story of me. Every character, thought, idea, setting that has been a part of my novels, my poems, my drafts, my screenplays, my Christmas cards has come from my journals. What would I do without them?

Tip of the Day: Wondering what to give for the holidays this year? Art journal supplies can open a beautiful world for someone special. Maybe even you!

Nanowrimo Week 5--Hey, What Week 5?

2010-12-01T11:33:00.001-07:00

Yes, there really is a Week 5. I call it: Getting Life Back on Track After Nanowrimo. And the first thing I want to do is congratulate everyone who reached--and passed--that 50K goal (me, too!). Good job, writers. Good job, also, to those who did their best to stay with the program but for one reason or another found themselves lagging behind. Take heart; you've got some word counts you didn't have before the month started, and with any luck you have some great ideas and plot lines to keep working on until you reach The End.

For the five years I've participated in Nanowrimo, not one year has been like the other. Not just because I wrote wildly different types of stories and worked in various genres, but because of what I wanted to do in Week 5. Some years I continued to work furiously to add on another 50K words. Other years I just wanted to read and sleep. This year I want to put my manuscript to bed and carry on writing the WIP I was working on in October. To do that I still have to place my Nanowrimo pages in binders, make some notes to remind me what the story is actually about for when I do go back to it, and I need to spend some serious time re-reading the earlier WIP. I also want to evaluate some of the things I learned from yet another month of non-stop, first draft writing:

Not everyone wants to write novels. And that's okay. More than once I found myself reassuring writer friends and student newbies that it's fine to discover you're a nonfiction writer at heart. Follow your passion--write what compels you to keep going.
We all have different endurance levels. There is no "one size fits all" when it comes to the word counts we "should" have finished by the end of each writing session.
Self-discipline and scheduling; what works, what doesn't? If Nanowrimo encouraged you to find the perfect time of day to write, don't let go of that. Cut out everything else, but save that precious slice of time when you're at your most productive level.
Subject matter and genre. My Nanowrimo story, Into the Woods, was a murder mystery. While I enjoyed the foray into puzzle-solving and giving my characters dark secrets, I still found myself wanting to break the rules. When it comes to fiction, I'm a literary writer at heart and my job is to stay true to everything that means.
Writer's groups. While I was writing, I kept thinking how much I would have enjoyed learning from other mystery writers. When I'm ready to start my rewrite, I plan to look for a mystery critique group. You might want to explore joining a group that supports your new-found genre, too.
Then again, because of my "rule-breaking" I found myself being something of a lone wolf. Writing without critiques from others might be the best way for you to trailblaze your own original path.
Writing tools. My Alphasmart Neo was, yet again, my lifesaver. I love that little machine. I also found I loved orange ink, calligraphy pens, and the most expensive legal pads money can buy.
How do you react under pressure, otherwise known as "a deadline"? For some reason, I felt incredibly unpressured this year. It could have been because I was also at my most prepared: outline, character bios, and backstories were all in place before November 1.
There's no room for perfectionism in Nanowrimo, and there's no room for it in any first draft. "Just write, don't think" should be our mantra every time we sit down to write any draft.
Sleep is highly over-rated--at least when you want to reach a goal. I got up an extra hour earlier than usual each day and not only did I improve my word count, I think I felt more productive all day long. I've decided to stick with this new schedule and I'm excited about it.
What are your "avoidance" tactics to stay away from writing? This year I was pretty good about putting my writing first, but there was one day when I decided to wash the kitchen curtains instead. Writing would have been much more fun, I can assure you.
Renewed knowledge that yes, I can do it, you can do it, we all can do it. We're writers. Given a task, we deliver. And that is the one and only secret to getting published: words on pages.

Tip of the Day: National Novel Writing Month is intense, exhilarating, fun, and draining. Give yourself a break for at least a week: read, rest, doodle, dream; and if you do want to keep writing--pamper yourself along the way, you deserve it!

Nanowrimo Week 4, You Can Do It!

2010-11-23T12:20:00.001-07:00

Yes, really!

Nanowrimo Week 4 can be a difficult time: Thanksgiving, Black Friday, all the temptations to sleep in, goof off, and enjoy the start of the holiday season with friends and family. And here you are, having to churn out X-amount of words for Nanowrimo. Fun, isn’t it?

Three years ago I had the worst ever last week of Nanowrimo. My beloved calico cat, Mitzi, aka Princess Mizzy, suddenly became ill from an undiscovered tumor the day after Thanksgiving. She was 16 years old, and the time for her to leave us was of course inevitable, but I just wasn’t ready for it now. Especially as on Thanksgiving Day she had been jumping around grabbing tofurkey off everyone’s forks; leaping from the back of the couch cushions; slamming through her kitty door to skid around on the icy patio. She’d always been a live wire, and that particular Thursday was no different than any other. But the next morning, she was still and quiet and apparently in great pain. It was awful. By the time we could see a vet, the consensus was that there was nothing we could do but say goodbye.

I was devastated. Over the previous eighteen months I had gone through that same depressing vet visit with my two other cats. Both of them, like Mitzi, were senior citizens who had simply succumbed to age-related illness. With Mitzi now gone, though, I was without any pets at all, and I can tell you, the last thing I wanted to do was write 1400 Nanowrimo words that would take me to the 50K mark.

When we came home from the vet that evening, Mitzi’s lifeless body wrapped in a little quilt I’d brought for her, it was snowing and dark. My husband went to bed, the strain and stress making it impossible to eat dinner or watch TV. My response was to go into a cleaning frenzy: laundry, scrubbing floors, rounding up cat dishes and toys and food for giveaways to the neighbors. By the time I was ready to go to bed I still had a few hours before the clock struck midnight and Nanowrimo 2007 would be over for good. I only had 1400 words to go. It was hard, but I wrote them for Mitzi.

It was a fitting tribute. Mitzi had been my writing partner in one way or another ever since she came into my life in Carrollton, Georgia. A pregnant stray, no more than a kitten herself, she was desperate for food and love, and she literally jumped into my arms the day I found her. The two years I wrote a pet-astrology column, "Zodiac Zoo" for the now defunct online site, Baku’s Zine, I gave her a byline of her own, deciding she had contributed as much as I had to the writing. Ah, Mitzi. Bunny and Poppy too. I miss them terribly. And I still have Nanowrimo pages to write.

When I sat down to write this post, I hadn’t expected to write so much about loss—this was actually meant to be an inspiring “pep talk." Maybe it still is. Because what I just want to say here is that life rarely offers up the “perfect moment” or time to write. Sometimes it seems all we have is the page, the pen, the typewriter or computer screen, and a backdrop of absolute chaos, despair, and worry behind us. Sometimes it seems impossible to turn our faces in the other direction and just write. But you know, you can do it. You really can.

I hope your week is a good one, and that you are not going through any kind of serious difficulties or problems. But if you are, I send you my most sincere best wishes for strength and healing, for patience, and the ability to overcome. There must be a good reason Thanksgiving falls during this last week of Nanowrimo—maybe it’s just to be thankful for all the goodness that writing and creativity brings into our lives. So let's be thankful, and let's write.

Tip of Day: Life happens. Not just during Nanowrimo, but all year long. What seemingly insurmountable obstacle is keeping you from writing? Maybe the best thing in the world is to write about it, and then write some more. You can do it.

Nanowrimo Week 3, What's Your Genre?

2010-11-19T10:52:00.003-07:00

Here we are, nearing the end of National Novel Writing Month 2010, Week 3, and I'm already worrying about my marketing plan. No matter that my current manuscript won't be ready to sell for a good two to three years, maybe even four; I just want to be sure I can describe my story in a quick and easy logline that starts with a key word: my chosen genre.

As I've mentioned earlier, for Nanowrimo 2010 I'm attempting my first adult murder mystery. While the mystery genre is not exactly new to me, my book set in Egypt for 8-12 year olds, The Great Scarab Scam, is more of what you'd call a "caper." The plot revolves around stolen and forged antiquities, presenting a dangerous puzzle for my junior sleuth, Lydia Hartley, to unravel at great risk. Despite plenty of action, scary moments, and some real bad guys--there are no dead bodies, an absolute must in the adult mystery. But there are some deeper levels to writing genre fiction that go beyond "mysteries must start with a murder," or "romances have to end happily ever after." These extra levels are the real reasons people are drawn to one genre over another. For instance:

Do you believe in justice--that crime doesn't pay and that good can prevail over evil? The mystery genre might be just right for you.
What about love? Does love make the world go 'round? Does it "conquer all"? Do you believe there are such things as "soul mates"? Romance may be calling.
Technology, parallel universes, six impossible things before breakfast. Science fiction can be a real pleasure to write if you enjoy stretching the "what if?" boundaries of the known world into new and foreign (outer) limits.
Using those same stretches of imagination as science fiction, fantasy and paranormal fiction allows writers and readers to explore the world of myth and fairy tale in a modern format.
Do you find yourself frequently dreaming about the past, wishing you lived in another time and era where life was more difficult but perhaps much more interesting, too--and the clothes were fantastic? Historicals may be your perfect genre.
Are the stories you prefer centered around women in all the various stages and aspects of their lives: juggling career and family, being a daughter, sister, wife, best friend? Women's fiction certainly doesn't mean "no boys allowed," but it does focus on issues that can be unique, and special, to women's lives and experience.
Do you love the sound of words and language? Do you enjoy "open" or even tragic endings? Are you fascinated by experimental, off-beat plots, and "breaking the rules"? Literary fiction may be a good fit.
What about belief in a Higher Power and the role of faith in our lives? Inspirational fiction can be a dramatic expression of your strongest and most uplifting values.
Choosing to write for children does not mean you live in Talking Bunny Land (but if you do, I'm envious). Neither does it mean you have the mind of a child and are only comfortable with fourth-graders. What it does say is that you can celebrate themes of wonder and innocence, as well as understand and acknowledge the pain of the "bad stuff": first betrayals, bullying, fear of the adult world.
And what if you just can't stand the "made-up" story, and prefer to write things that "really happened"? Go for it! Nonfiction sales make up 95% of the book trade.

Other points to consider when choosing your genre are things such as patience and endurance levels: Are you prepared for a marathon (reading and writing hundreds of pages, with months and years of revision)? Or are you more of a sprinter, enjoying the quick, satisfying read of a shorter word count, and willing to write one or more books per year? If so, you may be perfect candidate to write a series. And what about the "multi-genre" book: the paranormal Western, or a romance where the principal characters are also working for the FBI? The best approach is to still choose one main category and describe your book in those terms: "A Western where the sheriff just happens to be a vampire."

Whatever you choose, the secret of genre choice is not what you think will sell, but what you really, really want to read more than anything in the world. If you love to read it, chances are you'll love to write it.

Tip of the Day: Brainstorm some of your favorite books and movies. Identify the themes and genres, and then write about why those themes were meaningful to you. You may find certain phrases will pop out that can help you easily steer your current WIP in the right direction for both the actual writing and your marketing, too.

Nanowrimo Week 2, Taking Control by Letting Go (of Transitions, that is.)

2010-11-11T11:08:00.001-07:00

Wow, here we are in the second week of Nanowrimo and I have to admit I am behind on my word count. This morning I realized I needed to make some changes to my approach. In my previous four years of Nanowrimo-ing, I've simply dived in, written my heart out, and ta-dah! A 50,000+ word manuscript, messy as a mud pie, but still, mine own. This year things aren't going quite as smoothly.

What makes the situation even stranger to me is that I came to the table much more prepared than ever before: I had an extensive outline, I had my writing prompts, I had my collaged "scene illustrations" all made in advance. Now I'm thinking all this advance work could be my whole problem: I may be a little too organized. I know what I want to have happen in my story, and it seems to be taking me forever to get there.

So starting today, my new modus operandi is to experiment with writing only my key scenes, whether they're action, dialogue, or descriptive passages that express my characters' emotions. I'm not going to worry so much about the "how" or even the "why" regarding my plot structure, I'm just going to put my characters in place and in jeopardy and have them fight their way out of the story "trouble." I know they can do this--they're tough, resourceful, and very motivated. In fact, they'd be great candidates for tackling 50,000 words in 30 days!

Already I can see some serious benefits to this new writing system. For one, it really does follow my favorite writing maxim regarding scenes: "Enter late, leave early." I think by ignoring transitions, at least for the moment, my writing will be much tighter when it comes to the revision stage. Any transitions I do need later on will be fairly easy to pop in where necessary. But the real benefit is going to be in my renewed willingness to get to the blank page and start writing. By concentrating on the scenes that truly interest me, I have a genuine reason for participating in Nanowrimo--I can't wait to find out "what happens next." And if I can't wait to start writing, with any luck that same enthusiasm will fire up my readers to want to keep reading. In my opinion, there's nothing worse than a boring book, either to read or write--and I've got better things to do than cope with boredom. I'm sure you do, too!

Tip of the Day: Experiment with abandoning or minimizing your transitions, at least for the first draft stage. You may actually find your word count increasing despite the loss of endless pages of characters opening and shutting doors, or taking several hours to learn how to handle a gun that really needs to just be fired. At the same time, don't forget The Essential Guide for New Writers, From Idea to Finished Manuscript is still on super sale. You'll find great information inside on all aspects of writing, including transitions. Just click here for my US $5.95 plus free S/H special.

National Novel Writing Month 2010, Week 1

2010-11-04T10:58:00.001-06:00

Well, here we are again...National Novel Writing Month, sometimes better known as Whoever Thought of This in the First Place? The answer is of course, Mr. Chris Baty, and while 50,000 words in 30 days might not be everyone's cup of tea, I personally think Chris is a genius. I love Nanowrimo and I'm thrilled to be taking part in the whole crazy business once again.

This year I'm writing a mystery: Into the Woods. My plot revolves around the Internet, the opera, and a whole bunch of bad stuff for my much-beleagured young heroine, Kate Sheffield. The story opens just as Kate is leaving with her husband for their honeymoon in Jamaica, hence the Polyvore set at the top of this post, which is meant to be a small sampling of her trousseau. Within minutes of landing at their destination, though, things for Kate and her new hubby fall apart, badly, and the trouble begins...and what a lot of trouble I have planned for Ms. Kate. Oh, yes, indeedy.

I made the Polyvore set as one of 30 I created as writing prompts for the duration of the month. A writing prompt set up in advance for Nanowrimo is a great way to stay focused and to keep writing when the inspiration starts lagging. However, taking a second look at the set, I think it also says a lot about how I feel about Nanowrimo. To me, November 1 signals the start of a very special writing adventure, one that I have no idea where it will take me. Like Kate, I've got some nicely packed suitcases, my passport to foreign territory, and the bluebird of happiness to guide me on my way. So why would anyone want to to tell me not to go there?

This year I've been amazed to read a number of articles denouncing and criticizing Nanowrimo for all kinds of things, from filling the world with "bad writing" to causing unnecessary stress. I'm not sure what all the fuss is about; I mean, I don't think the Nanowrimo team sends out special agents who knock on your door at 2 AM and demand you sign up or face a firing squad. The people who sign up for Nanowrimo want this experience; we want to force ourselves to write, to be disciplined, to take ourselves and each other seriously as writers. For me, Nanowrimo is one of the most Zen-like opportunities of my writing life. For an entire 30 days, I'm allowed to focus solely on my plot, my characters, my themes and my specific details without worrying whether we have enough milk in the fridge or if the bookshelves need dusting. For 30 days I get to go on my equivalent of the writer's spiritual retreat.

Which leads me to my top 5 reasons why I love Nanowrimo:

Nanowrimo is like a giant writer's conference where participants get to run the show, not just sit in on lectures or workshops. It's our equivalent of the Olympics or a World Fair: we gather to share a common goal and interest on a grand scale.
During the rest of the year, I get a lot of ideas for writing. But most of those ideas have to go into a folder labelled "Ideas for Future Writing." November is the month I get to use those ideas.
For me, writing is rewriting, and the sooner I can get a first draft down on paper, the sooner I can get to the "real writing." If I have a draft ready to revise, I have a real, live WIP to polish and get ready for publication.
And that means that by participating in Nanowrimo every year, I am assured of having a body of work waiting to be revised. The amount of time between writing a Nanowrimo first draft and the day I sit down and rewrite it is at least a year, usually longer. The longer I am away from a draft, the stronger my editorial eye and the better my sense of detachment.
Writing covers a lot of bases for me: it's my "hobby" (yes, I'm not ashamed of that word); it's a source of income (I'm a professional, too); it's a source of passionate interest; and it's a spiritual discipline. The "practice of writing" reminds me to be consistent in all areas of my life. Mindful writing equal mindful living and I try to do my best in both.

So that's why I'm saying "Nay!" to the nay-sayers, and wishing you a great Nanowrimo 2010 with lots and lots of words.

Tip of the Day: In honor of National Novel Writing Month 2010, The Essential Guide for New Writers, From Idea to Finished Manuscript is still on super sale for one more month. At only $5.95 plus FREE US shipping and handling, it's a steal. Come on over to my website and get your copy today.

Weekly Check-in with Visual Journaling

2010-10-26T12:14:00.002-06:00

I can't believe Nanowrimo starts in just a few days. I can't believe how fast this year has gone, or how behind I am in my WIP revisions, or how much there is I still want to write, draw, paint, do before the calendar turns yet another page. Life is crazy-making sometimes and that's why it's a good idea every once in a while to stop, take stock, and realize just how much you have accomplished in spite of it all.

One of my favorite books for helping me to stay centered in the midst of chaos is Visual Journaling: Going Deeper than Words by Barbara Ganim and Susan Fox. It's one of the best books I know on using art (as the front cover says) to: reduce stress; reduce anger; resolve conflicts; get in touch with feelings; give voice to your soul, even if you can't draw. My kind of book, for sure!

I've owned and used Visual Journaling for a number of years, way before I heard of the concept of "art journaling," which to me is a related, but quite different process than that described in the book. That said, I also know I became interested in art journaling thanks to authors Ganim and Fox and their very encouraging exercises that led me from my first nervous pencil marks to drawings and paintings that gave me the confidence to call myself an artist.

One of my favorite lessons in the book is the basis for the entire text: the check-in. The check-in entry is all about simply sitting down with your journal at least once a week and discovering exactly what it is you feel at that exact moment.   The process is simple: open your journal so that you have 2 blank pages facing you. On the right-hand side, write down an "intention," i.e., the question you want an answer to. For me this is usually along the lines of, "What am I feeling right now?"   Or, "What is the lesson I am supposed to learn from this past week?" Or even, "What is the real theme of my WIP?"

After writing down the question, close your eyes, calmly breathe in and out, and let your feelings turn into images. Don't judge, just let whatever needs to appear come to you. After a few minutes, or whenever you feel ready, draw your images on the left-hand page. By "draw" I mean make purple circles, orange squiggles, little dark green squares, or an entire family of stick-figure lizards drinking tea if that's what appeared in your mind's eye.   Subject matter doesn't matter at this point. If you have polished drawing skills, by all means use them, but you might also find the most honest, energetic expression of your feelings is to stay with a strong degree of abstraction and the willingness to "just draw, don't think." Let yourself be a little kid again and don't worry about what the grown-ups next door will think.

Once you have your drawing as finished as you want it, the next step is to write about it on the left-hand page, underneath your written intention. There are a number of set questions you can ask to get going, such as, "How does this drawing make me feel?"  "What do the colors remind me of?" "What do I like best about this picture?" "What disturbs me? And how can I turn that feeling around?" You can also ask your own questions, too, ones that fit your intention more precisely.

Visual Journaling: Going Deeper than Words  is an amazing book and it's one that I like to re-visit from beginning to end every few years. Starting in January 2011 I'm thinking of using it as the basis of my writer's group meetings for the year. I think the other members will enjoy the book and it will give a new focus to our meetings--something you might like to try, too. If you don't have a writer's group already, inviting people to join a group based on the book is an excellent way to start one, and if your existing group needs an energy boost, there's nothing like a complete change of writing "scenery" to get the ideas flowing.

Tip of the Day: Treat yourself to a new mixed-media sketchbook, some colored markers, crayons, an inexpensive tray of watercolors, and your favorite brand of pens. Experiment with the "check-in" exercise described above and see what happens. Who knows, you may end up with an entirely new direction and resolve for your creative and/or personal life--one that celebrates your accomplishments and lightens even the heaviest of to-do lists.

Ekphrasis, Anyone?

2010-10-14T12:30:00.003-06:00

I have to admit I'd never come across the term "ekphrasis" until I was browsing through an old edition of Poet's Market. Listed under "E" was Ekphrasis, a literary journal devoted to poetry based on works of art. Immediately I was intrigued because unbeknownst to me, I'd been playing with "ekphrasis" for years, not only in my daily writing practice, but in my writer's workshops as well.

According to Merriam-Webster, the definition for ekphrasis is: "a literary description of or a commentary on a visual work of art." The plural of the word is "ekphrases" and apparently the word's first known usage was in 1715.

Anyone who's been reading my blog will know that I love both art and literature. I spent two entire years attending art history lectures at the National Gallery in London, sometimes going as often as seven days a week. I know my Gainsborough duchesses and Mannerist nativity scenes, I can tell you! So combining my two favorite subjects is a fun and natural way for me to "play." And while the actual word "ekphrasis" is just fine and dandy for people who like precision, personally I just call what I do "writing inspired by a painting." Not only is it a fantastic exercise for my writer's groups, it's always been a favorite in my workshops, especially ones I've presented to young writers: high school students and home schoolers.

Here's a couple of samples taken straight from my journals. They're first drafts, unedited, warts and all, but that's how I like to share my writing here if only to help you break down those inhibitions and just write, don't think.

This first one is based on Goya's painting, "Family of Charles IV":

Our Subjects Hate Us

They want to kill us.
In turn, Papa, Mama, and
all the others standing here
want to kill their subjects,
if not in blood, then tax them
through the roof:
more wine, more grain, more gold.
There is never enough
for this one starving family
to consume, so we have started
to eat each other.
We have bitten off whole pieces
of ourselves, and finding the taste
disgusting, we spit and vomit and spew
up our lineage all over Europe.
We cannot escape each other.
Like barnacles or mud
On the bottom of a barge,
we cling together.
Members of the same asylum
bound by madness and the fact
that no sane person would
touch us with a pole.

Our madness is contagious, like
swollen joints and bloody noses.
We pass on our tics and stutters,
our narrow vision and faulty hearing.
We pass on our royal blood, so polluted
Even the rats run away from us.

I don't know how accurate my history is there, but I sure had fun! This next piece is based on a more modern print, "Romantic Stroll," by Brent Heighton. The picture originally inspired my entire Nanowrimo effort last year, but I also wrote this short piece while doodling on my plot:

Doorway

We walked a little dog at night,
your hand tucked into the pocket of my coat.
I remember the smell of coal fires,
the smoke curling into the sky like incense,
the kind I knew from those Cairo bars
and the ships we docked at Algiers.
It seemed a hundred years ago, and not
a simple, shortened ten.
You said, “Nothing will ever
be the same again,” and I agreed.
I knew that when the walk was over,
we would return to the crowded flat,
remove our coats, pour out the gin and tonic
into glasses we had already left to chill.
Habits, like walks and dogs, we could not
forego without a sense of loss.
And all the while memories rising
to the surface that could never be repeated:
little girls playing in their starched summer
dresses, the boys in rubber flip-flops,
the sound of birds and monkeys all tangled
up in the soughing of the great green
leaves, their broad plates catching green rain
water and sunlight in one glorious crystalline
riot of coolness on the hottest of summer days.
It left me breathless.
It left me, like so many things, alone.

Tip of the Day: Look through a book of your favorite paintings, choose one, and start writing. I experimented with poetry in my examples here, but you might want to go a step further and try plotting an entire novel or screenplay based on a work of art. And don't just stop with writing. The collage at the top of the post is a Polyvore set I made taking Gauguin as my inspiration. Play, have fun, and make something to fill your creative soul.

Researching the Children's Book; Make it Fun!

2010-10-05T11:53:00.001-06:00

I'm baaaack--from a great 3-day weekend in Santa Fe, NM, that is. I had a wonderful time attending the New Mexico Women Author's Book Festival where I presented my talk, "Researching the Children's Book."

The subject is especially important to me as five of my books are for young readers, and I've never written any book for any age group, fiction or nonfiction, that I haven't had to research. Convincing other people that this is even necessary, though, is a whole 'nother story. Only a few days ago someone asked me, "Why would anyone research a children's book?"

Comments and questions like this can make authors for children want to overcompensate and tackle far more research than is actually necessary or required for the book they are writing. But too much research can be as bad as not enough. Staying mired in endless research can be a convenient excuse for not writing anything at all.

My three rules for researching the children's book are: keep it light, keep it fun, and keep it as accurate as possible because chances are that whatever you put in a book could stick with a young reader for life. I know I believed everything I read growing up, and I still can't believe there are no tigers in Africa. In line with my three rules, I have five steps to keep my research on track:

Step One. I only research or write on subjects that I love or find interesting. I've never chosen a subject because it was "hot" or because I thought it would be a quick sale. Sometimes editors will suggest a topic to you. Be wary about saying "yes" too quickly. If you don't hold much passion for that subject, not only will the research process be long and tedious, but it will show in your writing.

Step Two. Once I've settled on a topic, I ask myself three questions: What do I already know about this subject? What would a child want to know about it? And what are the things I need to know for this particular project? These questions keep my research focused. They also help me to think in terms of "kid-sized portions."

Step Three. Once I've brainstormed my answers, I start my research, often starting with the encyclopedia followed by the children's section of the library. In today's info-driven world, the choice of resources can be overwhelming, a dilemma made even worse by the Internet, which I have to say is not my favorite place to acquire facts. The information found there is often too subjective and in some cases, downright wrong. That said, the Internet is great for finding leads and links to sites and book titles I feel I can trust.

Whatever your preferred method, though, the worst thing you can do is check out 50 library books and set out for a "course of study." Perhaps the most cumbersome part of this process is accumulating so much good information that you feel compelled to add it to your book whether it fits, is required, or is even interesting to anyone else but you. This is particularly true for fiction. Novels can be ruined by research. Information-heavy stories often seem contrived and can ring false, especially for younger readers.

Step Four. Now that you have your basics in place, you will want to add the flavor, the spice, those specific and unique details that make you and your reader feel "I really was there!" My favorite research technique is to travel, which I admit is not always the easiest to do, but travel doesn't always have to be out of the country. It can be as close as visiting the next town over. If you can take a trip, take your journal, make dated and continuous entries, and go to all the places that have nothing to do with tourism: grocery stores, schools, suburbs, post offices, banks, malls, apartment blocks, recreation centers, toy stores, houses of worship...in other words, all the places that make up a child's world in that particular setting. Record details with your five senses, especially if you visit any kind of local industry. And stay honest: if someplace is stinky--say so! Inquiring kids love the worst of details.

If long-distance travel is impossible, I've often found foreign consulates and embassies to be great sources of information. Not only do they have dozens of free publications they will happily give you, but many of them have excellent libraries and and photo banks for you to use as well.

Magazines, my source for all sorts of things such as collage and found poetry, are also pretty good when they're used the way they were designed: to be read! Writer's Market can be a starting point for finding industry-specific magazines with topics ranging from ice cream making to tropical pets to motor racing. And don't forget to clip out, arrange, and study the accompanying photos for details not included in the actual articles.

Step Five. Beyond the reference book. Sources such as cookbooks (children love to learn about weird food); foreign newspaper classified ads (What's for sale? How much does it cost? What kind of jobs are being offered?), and local chambers of commerce can all point you in a new and unexpected direction.

And then there are blogs. Here's where I think the Internet comes into its own. Sometimes it seems the whole world is keeping a blog, and that's not such a bad thing. Blogs, especially those written by young people and children, can be good sources for personal, day-to-day tidbits that you would never have been able to access in the past. Written by real teens and families, blogs tell real stories about aspects of life you could never make up.

Step Six. Round-up. Once your facts are in place, sift through and don't be afraid to discard anything that's boring or puts you to sleep. As a writer for children, always think in terms of, "What would I have loved knowing as a child?" As soon as you start thinking, "Children need to know..." or, "Children should know..." you're entering dangerous territory, one that borders on the moral tale: "And after her disobedience burned down the entire street, little Suzie never played with matches again..."

The best advice I've ever heard came from my first editor when I wrote my first book on New Zealand: "We want a nonfiction book that children will choose to pick up and read because they want to, not because someone told them they had to." Goes for pretty much everything we want to write, don't you think?

Tip of the Day. More than anything, children want to know about other children. They want to know what happens during a school day, what games children play around the world, what are the jokes, what pets do they have, the clothing, what do their houses or rooms look like? When reading for pleasure, children rarely care about how many tons of export products come from where, or the precise dates that mark the beginnings and endings of long ago wars. Keep your information interesting and you'll keep a child reading.

The Essential Guide for New Writers, From Idea to Finished Manuscript

2010-09-28T11:00:00.017-06:00

Back to School Special: My how-to book on writing, The Essential Guide for New Writers, From Idea to Finished Manuscript is now on super sale!  Instead of $10.95, I've dropped the price to $5.95 plus FREE US shipping and handling, but only if you order direct from my website, http://www.valeriestorey.com/.

I wrote the book primarily for my workshops when a student asked if I had a book of my own to go with the course. It was at the end of one of my summer sessions, a hot Georgia night with a thunderstorm on the horizon. I was a little surprised by the question because I always provide workshop participants with loads of notes and photocopied handouts, as well as a thorough bibliography of other writers' how-to books. But there was something about the idea that intrigued me. Thinking on my feet, I found myself saying: "No book yet, but there will be. Soon."  A few months later I went on to write and publish the book, and have used it in hundreds of workshops. One chapter, "Creative Conflict," even went on to be sold and reprinted in a textbook on video production.

The Essential Guide for New Writers is a book close to my heart. In many ways it could also be subtitled, "Notes to Me About Writing" and it's chock-full of everything I consider important to make your writing dreams come true, e.g., streamlined plot and characterization techniques; end-of-chapter writing exercises; easy synopsis and query letters tricks.

The Essential Guide for New Writers is a book for all writers, no matter your level of expertise. If you're just starting out, the book will help you get past those first-draft jitters and well on your way to having a finished, polished manuscript that's submission-ready. And if you're a writer with a few years of sales and experience behind you, there's nothing like sitting down with "beginner's mind" to refresh and charge up your creative batteries. As I like to tell my students, every time you start a new piece of writing, you're a new writer. The day you think you know it all could very well be the day you need to change careers.

Tip of the Day: Get your copy now while the sale lasts. Remember, this offer is only available through my website, http://www.valeriestorey.com/ and nowhere else. Happy writing!

Guest Blogging--and Why I Love Social Media

2010-09-22T12:26:00.001-06:00

Hi, Everyone! Guess what? Today I'm a guest blogger at Charissa Weaks, A Day in the Life of An Aspiring Writer. Sending a big thank you to Charissa for her lovely welcome and for providing us all with a great site to read and follow. I met Charissa through Twitter and I can't say enough about how happy that makes me.

Although it hasn't even been two years yet, I can't believe there was a time when I wasn't Tweeting, or blogging, or chatting to my friends at JacketFlap. And I'm always happy to meet more! Which brings me to the question many of my non-Tweeting, non-blogging writer friends ask me: How do you manage to find the time? The answer is that I don't find the time, I make it. Social media is important to me because:

I am a writer and I love to share what I've learned or am learning about writing. My blog and my website valeriestorey.com are all about passing on information--for free. When I was starting out as a young writer, I was fortunate enough to be mentored by some great and well-known authors, now sadly no longer with us. I like to think I am helping to keep their legacy alive by passing on what they taught me. I enjoy talking writing, and I'll gladly talk to whoever wants to listen!
Social media is a lot of fun. It's entertaining. I enjoy reading other people's blogs, especially the ones that are "mini literary journals." I try to add to the mix with my own efforts, e.g., things such as the collages that I put at the top of my posts.
Social media has been very educational for me. I've learned so much, especially through Twitter. Every day I come across some amazing treasure trove of information, from tips on marketing and and writing, to collage techniques and the latest theories on Iron Age burial mounds. I love the buzz coming from creative and thoughtful people and I love being part of that conversation.
And, finally, I do, ahem, have books to sell. I've sold a number of books through my contacts and various sites and I'm very, very grateful to those book buyers.

That said, it's really time for me to finish this post and get back to work on the WIP so I can have a new book to sell! Have a great day, friends, and be sure to go visit Charissa and see what's happening at her site.

Tip of the Day: The key to making social media work for you is to schedule the times of day or night you'll sign in. For instance, you might want to "reward" yourself with 10-15 minutes of Twitter for every five pages you write or revise; or perhaps you could give up watching 30 minutes of television to visit some blogs instead.

Keeping it Clean--The Writer's Guide to Housework

2010-09-16T14:45:00.001-06:00

Housework. The word alone is one of the best cures for writer's block I've ever known. Just the thought of pulling out the vacuum cleaner can sometimes be enough to send me scurrying back to the WIP: "Got to finish this chapter first and then we attack those dust bunnies..."

The big problem, however, is that I can't stand chaos. I can't work in a cluttered environment, and unfortunately I don't live in a fairy tale world where the windows magically wash themselves and the broom sings Broadway show tunes. It's a dirty world and somebody's got to clean it--usually me.

To solve the dilemma I've come up with some fairly easy solutions that I hope can help you, too, the next time you're torn between giving up the chores or neglecting the manuscript:

- My biggest and best discovery in the whole world ever is microfiber cleaning cloths. I love them, adore them! I keep a huge stock of them in my linen cupboard and am always buying more. The best and cheapest way to purchase them is to get the ones from the automotive aisle at any discount store. For some bizarre and discriminatory reason "kitchen" cloths are priced several times higher than those packaged for the garage. The automotive cloths are the exact same thing and they're also sold in convenient bulk packs. Wherever you buy them, though, I think they are a miracle of modern science. They clean everything--I mean everything--with a minimum of detergents and other chemicals, sometimes none at all, and they leave surfaces streak-free. The best compliment I've ever received was right after I bought my first package. A visiting friend walked through the front door and said, "Wow, it looks like you have two maids. Everything sparkles!" Yes, indeedy.

- I've become so obsessed with these cloths that I usually have a damp one with me at all times, even in my office, ready for that "wipe down/clean up" break that I can accomplish in a few seconds flat.

- Having my cloths ready means I can always pick up after myself in a hurry, encouraging me to rarely let a mess accumulate. For instance, I wipe down the shower and sink every morning (takes all of 1 minute), or dust my desk "while I'm thinking." Some other little tricks that help me get through the mess are things like having plenty of waste baskets close by (throw that junk mail out the minute you get it!), and using satin padded hangers that make me want to hang up my clothes because it just looks so nice.

- I am also a dedicated minimalist--with the exception of my microfiber cloth collection, that is. I limit my possessions which means little to no clutter. My entire wardrobe could fit in a good-sized (well, okay, large-sized) suitcase, my books in just a few boxes. My new policy is I have to give away one book for every one I buy. If I'm not reading, wearing, or using an item, out it goes to the thrift store, friends, or trash.

- Lastly, I "reward" myself with housework. For instance, if I write for an hour, I can then vacuum, or dust, or do the dishes. That way I can stop thinking about chores while I'm trying to work on a new scene or chapter. My rule is I always have to write first--then I can take a break and clean whatever my heart desires. Writing between laundry and dryer loads is a great way to practice "timed writing," too.

- The benefit to all of these simple tasks is that my house and office are usually at a level that requires only a minimum of time and effort to maintain. And that means I have a lot more time available to write and pursue my other creative interests. Just call me "Eloise"!

Tip of the Day: Keeping a damp microfiber cloth in a plastic bag in my car or purse has been a true lifesaver more times than I can count. Whether I've used it to clean up from art classes when I've managed to get more paint on me than the paper, or needed to wipe sandwich mayo from my hands before putting a manuscript submission together at the post office, microfiber has become this writer's best friend.

12 Good Reasons to Keep Image Files

2010-09-08T10:45:00.001-06:00

Thank you for all the kind comments on my studio space. I enjoy hearing from everyone and it's been a pleasure to keep you updated. Now that I've finally moved into my studio, however, it's time to get to work. Thank goodness for my "image files." Without them I'm afraid I would still be sitting around admiring my shiny new tables and art supplies, so overwhelmed by ownership I could easily succumb to a bad case of "artist's block."

Image files are not something I keep on the computer. Instead these are my actual files of magazine cut-outs that I have safely stowed away in a wooden filing cabinet. For easy access, the files are divided into 6 distinct categories: People, Places, Animals, Things, Background Colors, and Artistic/Creative Inspirations.

Each category is stored in a plastic see-through, sealable folder and labeled accordingly. For instance, "People" is a collection of Old Master's reproduction postcards, magazine portraits of the famous or infamous, advertising photographs with unknown models, candid shots of family and friends, and hundreds of photos I clipped from magazines just because they were interesting to me. The poses range from the formal to the absurd to the surreal.

My "Animals" folder is full of baby wolves, dinosaurs, flying cats, as well as some very strange pictures of birds wearing evening dresses. "Places" includes scenes of the desert, a Hollywood mansion, a Gothic cathedral, and the interior of Hearst Castle. "Things," my general catch-all folder, is filled with stuff I love: big bright gemstones, unusual pottery, floral dresses, Egyptian artifacts… It's often the folder I use and fill most quickly.

"Background Colors" is my term for those amazing photo shoots you find in high-end glossies: giant roses covering a double-page spread, wallpaper samples, a fold-out insert of sparkling water. I call them "backgrounds" mainly because that's what I use them for, backgrounds to my collages or as the idea for a watercolor background wash.

My final file, "Artistic Inspiration," is another favorite. In it I keep photos of paintings, sculptures, furniture or clothing designs that encourage me to experiment with, or adapt (and yes, copy!) the ideas for my own work. All of these files together are great sources of pleasure and usefulness to me, especially on the proverbial rainy day, or when I just need a quick boost to get the writing/art wagon rolling. Some other reasons for keeping my files are:

1. I immediately have the basis for assembling a “visual novel draft" whenever I want to storyboard characters and scenes before I start writing.

2. Writer’s groups: I always have something to bring as a prompt for the times we write together or need a between-meeting writing assignment.

3. At home I am never without an instant writing/art prompt--no excuses!

4. I'm always ready to make a collage at the drop of a hat (not that I own that many hats to drop).

5. Same for painting or drawing at any time. I can also easily put a photo or two in my purse or sketchbook for when I'm on the go.

6. Dreaming: I love to just look through the various pictures and place them in strange combinations whenever I'm feeling stuck or too tired to start a serious project. It's a creative way to use time I might otherwise feel I've wasted.

7. You can quickly make a prompt journal or sketchbook as a special gift for a writer or artist friend. Simply paste in a small picture at the top or corner of each page, decorate the cover, and tie with a nice ribbon.

8. Create your own inspiration cards. Paste single pictures or mini-collages onto any size of cut card stock. Write an accompanying affirmation on the other side. Next time you need some encouragement, shuffle, pick a card, contemplate, and create.

9. Sudden, unexpected invitations to teach a workshop "tomorrow night." It happens, and I've never said, "No, thanks." Having my image files ready means I can produce an "instant talk" without obsessing about the limited time to prepare. I've used my images in numerous workshops on a wide variety of subjects, from finding your muse to researching a children's book.

10. Same with school visits; my image files have been great aids for engaging and helping kids to write.

11. Pictures you like can become the templates for your book covers, either when you need to make one yourself, or when you want to convey your ideas to a professional designer.

12. Help out a fellow creative. You just never know when someone might ask you for an image of a person, place, animal, or thing. It sounds weird, but there have been dozens of occasions when someone has said something to me, like, “I need a picture of a goldfish…” Hey, presto, I've got it!

Tip of the Day: Start your image files now. If you don't have a magazine subscription or an extensive collection of past issues, ask friends to help out--you'll be amazed how glad they are to clear their cupboards and shelves. Other good places to find magazines are at your library or thrift store.

My New Studio--and Why Writing is a Lot Like Building

2010-08-26T11:19:00.002-06:00

Welcome! Clay table on view....

This side is for watercolor and art journaling....

Snazzy window and miniature rose bush we saved from destruction...

And ta-dah! Doors closed, artist at work. Excuse the state of the lawn--will be replanted ASAP at the same time the river stones are smoothed out and "beautified" with pots, plants, etc.

So there's my little studio, finished at last. Other than a desperate need for some landscaping repairs, I'm thoroughly pleased and can't wait to begin a "real project" this weekend using up my clay scraps. Over the next few weeks I'll be figuring out what kind of extra shelving, cork boards, and storage I need, but for now it's everything I wanted and I couldn't be happier.

During the construction process I kept thinking of a much bigger job my husband and I took on many years ago while living in Georgia--we built our entire house, and it wasn't easy, I can tell you. Putting up the studio was a mini-version of that same experience, and every nail, wall board, and coat of paint brought it all back with a vengeance. At the same time, I was constantly reminded of the similarities building had with writing. For instance,

1. Materials List. Write it down, make it happen. Somewhere back in my list of goals to achieve I wrote: "I have my own studio space." Writing down your goals is important. Make lists of stories, books, essays you want to write and then take the mindset that they are already written. You'll be amazed how your productivity increases and your pages build up.

2. Blueprints. In the beginning of any construction project, things look great on paper, but once the foundations are laid--everything seems so tiny; it's impossible to believe there will ever be enough room. It's the same when we're working with that first idea for a piece. We start off with a bang and then once we start writing, we ask ourselves, "Is this enough??"

3. Framing. But once the walls go up, that space is downright palatial. Same with writing. Once you get your characters, goals, and plot points in place, you can often end up with too much going on! Rarely is an idea "too small."

4. Speed Writing. It's amazing how quickly the framing can go: from zero to, "Wow! That really looks like a house!" It's a lot like when you get all that great outlining, character bios, and research finished and realize you are very close to creating a real manuscript.

5. Work Stoppages. It rains. The plumber is sick. The bulldozer breaks. That tile you wanted is out of stock. Your query letter is rejected--twenty times.

6. Perseverance. The wiring, the sheetrock, the plumbing--horrible, tedious, messy jobs, but you can do it. Eyes on the prize.

7. Finishing details. For a house it's all about switch plates, bathroom hardware, and crown molding. In your writing it's the difference between "lackluster, boring, and dull" or including specific, unique, and personal detail that makes your story and characters shine.

8. Clean-up Crew. Usually my job (yuk). The hours I have spent picking up squashed Coke cans, bent nails, torn plastic sheeting, wood off cuts, and broken shingles easily compete with the time I've spent editing my work. 'Nuff said.

9. Move in day. Hurray! You're finished--a complete house; a complete manuscript. And then as you walk around admiring those lovely countertops and door handles, you start getting ideas for “improvement.” Don’t. Just don’t. Enjoy and use your space for a while before you start plotting any twists and turns. Better still, wait to put those ideas into a new story, or at least wait until you have the guidance of a professional--e.g. your editor.

10. Housewarming Party. I still have a houseplant someone gave me for my very first house--one I didn't build, but by the time I'd remodelled every room it seemed as though I had. I remember the fun and excitement of getting the house ready to show to my friends for the initial reveal--the same energy you want to put into your cover and query letters. Make it pretty--at least while you're on stage!

Tip of the Day: Virginia Woolf was right: we all need a room of our own. If you don't have one today, design your perfect space and imagine yourself already inside. If you can dream it, you can have it. Now start drawing that blueprint...

Art Journal Class, My Favorite Tips

2010-08-19T13:22:00.002-06:00

What I did this summer: took an art journal class! Starting in early June until just a couple of weeks ago I spent 3 hours every Tuesday night at a local continuing education center learning how to make my art journal both pretty and practical.

During each 3-hour session, we covered a wide variety of activities and prompts. We had long writing sessions, very active studio projects, and quite a lot of literary inspiration taken from authors all the way from Tim O'Brien to Grace Paley. The following list comprises my favorite techniques gleaned from the class that I thought were easy, effective, and something you might like to try too.

1. Write an illustrated letter. Write it to yourself, your best friend, someone you haven't seen in a long time, or may never see again. In class we wrote about an experience from the past, but the technique can be used for any topic at all. To illustrate our letters, we wrote on tissue paper then traced small images from books of clip art. I placed my illustrations randomly across the pages. We then folded our letters and put them in envelopes we decorated and glued into our journals like Nick Bantock did in Griffin & Sabine: An Extraordinary Correspondence.

2. Choose an object that has a special memory for you, then write about it, followed by a drawing. For this exercise I chose a seashell that reminded me of one I used to play with at my grandmother's house when I was little. First I wrote out the memory, then I did a quick sketch in class. Later at home I finished the drawing, giving it more detail. It's an image I am now going to use more frequently throughout the rest of the journal, almost as a motif or symbol of some kind. Tip: Working with a special object like this could be a good way to find your "logo" or "brand" as a writer or artist.

3. Make a map. Playful, imaginative, or absolutely accurate, map making is a great way to stimulate your creativity. The choices are infinite; for instance you could make a map of your backyard, your life history, your goals, or where you went on your last vacation. In class we took our cues from old, heavily illustrated maps filled with sea nymphs, countries and territories that no longer exist, and artwork that deserved to be framed. Using collage, rubber stamps, and colored pencils I made maps of fictional places I am currently writing about; two of them for my next book, Overtaken.

4. Illustrate your daily writing exercise. For this project we wrote a story in class using my favorite technique--magazine cut-outs of people. I wrote a story set in Barcelona (a place I've never seen, but oh, do I want to go there) and then painted 3 small watercolors to go with it. Rather than painting directly onto my journal pages, I cut down watercolor paper to fit and then simply glued the sheets in.

5. Make a family tree. This exercise was so much fun I'm still working on it. There are many ways you can approach this, from drawing a literal tree, or any other design you like that allows room for listing family members, to going online to find all kinds of formal templates if you want a more traditional look. In class we made family trees of our real families, but I've since taken it further by making trees for my fictional families. I've added collage and rubber stamping to the pages to add more life and detail to both approaches.

6. Mandalas. Mandalas are essentially illustrated, meditative circles used for focus and spiritual contemplation. Making your own is both very relaxing and very self-expressive. In class we used pre-printed templates as guides that we then painted with watercolor, but you can use any medium: colored pencil, oil pastel, even crayon. An excellent book on the subject is: Mandala: Luminous Symbols for Healing, 10th Anniversary Edition with a New CD of Meditations and Exercises by Judith Cornell.

7. "Old Master Drawings". This technique was perhaps the simplest, but in many ways my favorite. Using sepia, indigo, terracotta, and white colored pencils we proceeded to make simple but beautiful sketches of driftwood on Kraft and Canson papers that we then glued into our journals. Whatever subject you choose to sketch, the combination of materials gives your journal a very "finished" old-world look I find utterly charming.

8. Illuminated Letters. I love ancient, hand-lettered manuscripts complete with gold leaf, intricate calligraphy, and of course those amazing illustrated letters that begin each new page or chapter. For this exercise we again used templates from books of clip art, but rather than just color them in, we traced the letters onto plastic vellum and other nice quality papers. I personally loved the vellum and want to buy more of it; colored pencil just glided over the surface like velvet, making it hard to stop drawing. When cut out, the letters can be glued into your journal to add a magnificent touch of luxury and color to your next piece of writing.

9. Letter to the Future. Ah, where do we go from here? Where do you want to be in two years, six months, next week? Tell someone special and seal it with a kiss. I wrote a letter to my muse and we have a date to check out the contents in November at the start of Nanowrimo. Just like Tip #1, we put the letters in decorated envelopes and glued them into our journals.

Tip of the Day: Even if you haven't held a paintbrush since kindergarten, don't be afraid to try art journaling. Sometimes the most important things we have to say are best said without words. The beauty of the art journal is you can have both: stories, thoughts, images, favorite recipes, family photos. Anything and everything goes. Best of all--there are no rules, just the invitation to show up at the page and have fun.