Tuesday, August 21, 2012

What do Soup and Layers of Writing have in Common?




Today I am honored to have a guest post by Becca Puglisi of The BookShelf Muse. I absolutely adore this website.  It is an absolute must have research tool when I am working on a writing project

Soup and Layers

It’s hotter than You-Know-What right now in south Florida, an entire four months during which no one in their right mind would want to eat something as warm and wet as soup. But my husband and I were feeling a little sickish, so despite it being a thousand degrees outside, I pulled out my Poppy’s ancient pot. As I was adding ingredients every thirty minutes to my steaming pot of yum, I realized how similar it was to adding layers to a story. The first draft is usually bare bones, skeletal—more scaffolding than a complete structure. But once you start revising, you add the layers that flesh it out and make it thicker, three-dimensional. There are a lot of things you could add to achieve this goal. Here are a few on my current revision list...

1. Subplots. These secondary plot lines add complexity and girth and are almost always directly tied-in to the main plot line. A romance that complicates the main character's objective (The Hunger Games); a mystery that is solved at a pivotal point in the story (Saving Private Ryan); a friendship that spurs the mc on in her quest to reach her goal (Wither). Each subplot should have its own complete and smooth story arc. Keep this in mind when editing.

2. Theme. Some writers start with theme. Others figure it out along the way. Still others have the entire first draft done before they realize what the theme is (hello, me). However you do it, it's crucial to at some point identify your story's main theme so you can touch on it from start to finish. Think of your theme as a secondary subplot, one that needs a full arc from beginning to end. Revisit it frequently to add depth.

3. Character Renovations. Without fail, I get all the way through my first draft before realizing that my main character is missing something. I hate that. But that's what the revision process is for, no? To increase depth, to give us the chance to add an endearing quirk, uncommon trait, or a fatal flaw to be overcome. For maximum impact, make the trait one that either helps or hinders the character's ability to achieve his or her overall goal.

4. Meaningful Repetitions. These include anything that is repeated throughout the story and, ideally, grows or changes with the story. Symbols and metaphors are good examples. Common phrases or sayings. Meaningful objects. Settings also apply: a favorite hang-out, the place your character goes when she needs downtime, a location that has specific significance or emotional importance. These repeated pieces are like touchstones for the reader, connecting them with the characters and embedding the reader more firmly into the story with each repetition.

The soup was awesome, by the way. Hopefully, my story will turn out just as good once the revisions are done.

Becca Puglisi is one half of The Bookshelf Muse blogging duo, and co-author of The Emotion Thesaurus: A Writer's Guide to Character Expression. Listing the body language, visceral reactions and thoughts associated with 75 different emotions, this brainstorming guide is a valuable tool for showing, not telling, emotion. The Emotion Thesaurus is available for purchase through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, iTunes, and Smashwords, and the PDF can be purchased directly from her blog.


Wednesday, June 27, 2012

Writer Wednesday - Taking a Trip


writing, writers, blogs
Happy Wednesday Everyone!

It's midweek and you know what that means? We are three days away from the weekend! I know, I can't wait too.

So, we had an amazing turn out last week! Here are the stories we received:


It's my turn this week! And it's my favorite part of the whole week because I get to choose the photo! Yay!

First a special shout to Carrie K. Sorensen and Jane Bussey for being awesome co-hosts. Also, if you enjoy the blog hop and want to help promote it, feel free to grab a button:

Click and copy this code








Two more bits of news before we get into the blog hop:


1) If you are interested in being a co-host for the blog hop, let us know in the comments! It's fairly easy, just making sure you are posting the blog hop post each week!


2) Also, Carrie is starting a new blog story hop! It's a lot of fun and it's so exciting to see where the story goes according to each blogger. She has a post about it on her blog. Or contact me via Google Plus. Or email or Twitter.





So, without further ado! Here is this week's writing prompt. Real quick, here are the rules:






1) There will be one photo, and five words - both of those elements must be a feature in the brief story you create.
2) There is also a 500 word maximum.
3) You have until the next Wednesday to create your post.
4) When you have finished your post, come back here and link up below and let me (Or whoever your blog host is) know in the comments that you have done so!
5) We were going to tell you to not take this too seriously, but reconsidered it because we know full well that asking writers to write something means that they will take it seriously. So, take it seriously, but don't fret/panic/pass out/hyperventilate/lose sleep/run in fear over it.


The Photo - Taken from...I have no idea to be honest...




Five Words - Generated with this Website



zip

hymn

computer

false teeth

peacock



Alright! Once you have your story created, post it below!



















Monday, June 25, 2012

What if?



 This morning as I was baking turnovers, the title of a book I am reading popped into my head.  The book is "What If? Writing Exercises for Fiction Writers" by: Anne Bernays and Pamela Painter. I will post a full review after I have worked through more of the exercises.   The first exercise caught my attention right away. "First Sentences: beginning in the Middle" This exercise challenges the writer to to think of a line that will grab the readers attention. Just for fun, I pulled three books from very different genres from my shelves and looked at the opening lines.

Mystery fiction "Cover Her Face" by P.D. James: Exactly three months before the killing at Martingale Mrs. Maxie gave a dinner party.

Historical fiction "The Other Boleyn Girl" by Phillipa Gregory: "I could here a roll of muffled drums."

From the self help section, "The Secret by Rhonda Byrne: " A year ago, my life had collapsed around me."

Think a moment about the reasons you might want to read these books. I bought "Cover Her Face" in an airport book store. That first line and the remaining paragraph are what prompted a five minute decision on a book to read during my flight and subsequent layover. "The Other Boleyn Girl"  started a love affair with all things Tudor. When I read the first line of "The Secret", I thought, Your Poor Lady. Like most others whose lives are not perfect though, I went on to read this book and the following two books by Rhonda Byrne.

I learned from this lesson to make that first line, in that first chapter, on that first page, really grab that reader. I want the reader to feel something or to arouse their curiosity until it cannot be contained. The three authors above demonstrate the ability to engage their readers. The "What If" techniques will give us the ability to form a great and memorable story.

So this morning, as I sit outside eating said turnovers, I will continue to think "What if?" I will ignore the obvious answer to "What If I eat too many turnovers?"  This is research and they are fuel for the machine. Have a great day!



Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Writing on Wednesday



Welcome to another Creative Wednesday Snapshot prompt. There were lots of different takes on last week's inspiration, put together by Jane Bussey at A Writer's Muses. All the stories are listed below, so you can click through them on your way to this week's prompt.





Messages, A Little Story... @ Scotty Watty Doodle All The Day


A Squirrel's Tale @ Pin and Tack


Grandmother's Own @ Puzzle Me Complete


Searching here @ Chasing Revery



It really is incredible how one prompt can inspire so many different views. I'm so excited to be a part of a blog hop that generates these different stories. This week, I got another chance to put together our photo and words. So let's get to it.





And the rules are:

1) There will be one photo, and five words - both of those elements must be a feature in the brief story you create.
2) There is also a 500 word maximum.
3) You have until the next Wednesday to create your post.
4) When you have finished your post, come back here and link up below and let me (Or whoever your blog host is) know in the comments that you have done so!
5) We were going to tell you to not take this too seriously, but reconsidered it because we know full well that asking writers to write something means that they will take it seriously. So, take it seriously, but don't fret/panic/pass out/hyperventilate/lose sleep/run in fear over it.




Here's this weeks photo from this link:
















And here's this weeks words from this link:





Task





Digging





Flea





Price





Legend








There it is. So take a chance this week and see how your story pieces itself together. Once you have it, remember to share your link below.






Friday, June 15, 2012

Flash backs, Dramatic Scenes, and Confession



Once again I offer another movie synopsis for review. The movie was filmed in 1937, so I do not believe I will be giving away a secret that could not be found on the internet.  I chose this film because of the dramatic scenes and flashback qualities. I believe as a writer that experiencing these moments in film will greatly enhance a author's abilities.

The first part of the movie details how a naive young school girl becomes entangled with an older more worldly man while her mother is away.  She is suspicious about his motives, but in a typical schoolgirl fashion, continues to fall for his charming personality. She finally starts to relax a little around him and he takes her to a crowded but out-of-the way cabaret. A spotlight shines on them and everyone sees them kissing in a corner. He sands up to protest and, dramatic moment here, the cabaret singer promptly faints and is moved to the lobby for the next act to appear. That next act showcases western shooting. The cabaret singer steals a gun and shots the gentleman in the back. Next we see her in a courtroom with another dramatic scene. Continue by clicking HERE: 

Telephone Operators and the Interent



What do we do without the internet? I am quite used to being connected on a 24/7 basis. Imagine my surprise when in the middle of remodeling my bathroom, I decided to Google a painting technique and there was no internet. My phone and iPad were useless as well.  There are some perks in living in the country but internet access is not one of them. I am waiting on the internet access plan for all to take effect.

For the first time in many years I found myself on the 411 look up line with a frenzied sounding operator.  After my service was troubleshot and restore, I decided to look up telephone operator statistics. 
 How many telephone operators are still on the job nowadays? 
My current WIP has an unfortunate Telephone Operator from the 1930’s, so in the process of researching her role I will be gathering information on operators then and now. In 1919, according to the Communications Workers of America there approximately 200 local telephone companies with approximately 20,000 operators. By 1938, telephone operator employment had swelled to almost 145,000. According to an Occupational census in 2011, there are now 14,890. This was apparently, a job that offered security in the past and now is almost obsolete as technology continues to improve. 

Back to the internet issue that is of utmost importance to my wired little mind.  I called 411 the first time and got a disconnected number. The second time I called I got the number for a satellite company.  I had no option but to continue calling the alternative number I received for them.  Obviously the former telephone operators should have a customer service job with them, as I had to go through about forty keypad prompts.  The operator there ever so kindly looked up the number for me. When I finally got through on that number it was only to tell me the previous number is experiencing trouble with their telephone line. I decided to take another route and try to get through to technical service through sales.   I look at the numbers written on my notepad and feel like I should create a flowchart while I am waiting for a live person to answer.

I also took the time to program all of the numbers I received into my cell phone so I never have to go through this again. After my service was troubleshot and restore, I decided to look up telephone operators.  There are currently about 15,000 employed telephone operators. In 1938, there were approximately 145,000. 

Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Writing on Wednesday Blog Hop

I am so excited to be easing back into blogging. Tomorrow I will have a review of a nifty instant camera that is catching on big with the younger crowd. As a writer however, this camera appeals to me for quick instant shots or inspiration shots.





Aaand we're back!

This time I am proud to say that Jane Bussey from Writer's Muses one of the blog hop co-hosts is taking over this week and I just love the picture she chose. But before we get to all of that, time to feature the amazing creativity from last week.



And the rules are:

1) There will be one photo, and five words - both of those elements must be a feature in the brief story you create.
2) There is also a 500 word maximum.
3) You have until the next Wednesday to create your post.
4) When you have finished your post, come back here and link up below and let me (or whoever your blog host is) know in the comments that you have done so!
5) We were going to tell you to not take this too seriously, but reconsidered it because we know full well that asking writers to write something means that they will take it seriously. So, take it seriously, but don't fret/panic/pass out/hyperventilate/lose sleep/run in fear over it.

Here's this weeks photo:



My Favorite Castle

And here's this weeks words:

Jet

Chuckle

Hour

Grandmother

Missed

Okay, that's the prompt! Once you have your story written, post it below!




Friday, June 8, 2012

Upcoming Downloads and Story-A-Day

I am on a medical hiatus from work at the moment, so my blog posts may be quite sparse.  I have lots of new ideas on the back burner along with a fabulous download or two. These downloads will be available free for a limited time before that go off to be published for exclusive workshop use.

Around the web today: 
http://storyaday.org/files/2012/05/StoryFest2012_250x173.jpg

If you are in the mood for interesting short stories, please check out Story-A-Day.

The lovely SARK had a great Creating Miracles conference call this week.  Be sure to check out the replay here: Sark and Creating Miracles.  Here awesome posters are now being sold on her website once again.

Stay tuned as I pass along bits of wisdom  have gathered from various workshops a well as the fabulous freebie  within the next few weeks!!

Thursday, May 24, 2012

Writers Wednesday





Okay, third times a charm. I've tried writing this post twice and my laptop keeps freaking out on me...so here we go!

We had an awesome turn out last week! I'm so proud to share the posts we received -

Enchanted by Chessney Smith
At the Top of the Stairs by Syndey Aaliyah
Alicia's Soul by Chasing Revery
Dogwood Days by Jade (this is from a prompt a few weeks ago)

By the way, if you ever see a writing prompt from previous weeks ago that you would like to respond to, go ahead! I will still promote it with next week's post!

Here are the rules:

1) There will be one photo, and five words - both of those elements must be a feature in the brief story you create.
2) There is also a 500 word maximum.
3) You have until the next Wednesday to create your post.
4) When you have finished your post, come back here and link up below and let me (or whoever your blog host is) know in the comments that you have done so!
5) We were going to tell you to not take this too seriously, but reconsidered it because we know full well that asking writers to write something means that they will take it seriously. So, take it seriously, but don't fret/panic/pass out/hyperventilate/lose sleep/run in fear over it.


Here's the photo (taken from this link)





Existing Behind Us





Here are the five words (taken from this link)


Stars


Envelope


Wave


Nail


Desert





Once you have your story ready, post it below! 




















Tuesday, May 22, 2012

My First Blog Award!


This is the second best Award I have received lately and the Best Award (and first haha) I have received for my blog.  The first was the “Hardest  Worker” award along with a shared  “Best Attendance” award  from the lovely derby girls on my team!

Nicole Pyles over at The World of My Imagination presented this award to me.   I promptly printed a copy onto photo paper and hung it above my desk! Thank you Nicole, I am honored.

Now, I must tell ten things about myself before I pass it along.
And then I must give the award to five other bloggers!

(By the way, at the end, if you are one of the recipients, just right click and save the image to your desktop if you want to use it on your own blog acceptance speech!)

It was so hard to chose 5 bloggers to award this to, but here they are:
Sally K. Witt , Chessny Silth, The Writing Nut, Donna Yates, My Random Mind and the bonus blog is by a friend and fellow derby girl Teralyn Pilgrim at A Writer's Journey. Teralyn's blog is amusing and insightful.


Alright, ten things...here we go:
1.       I am in my late 40’s and still try to play roller derby. It has taken me a year longer than most because I could NOT skate on quad skates AT ALL.
2.       I collect Houses and items from A Christmas Story movie. I actually visited the house in Cleveland and ever get there GO! My favorite Christmas Movie!
3.       I loved dried beef from a jar with laughing cow cheese and can a make a meal out that.
4.       I have a serious Coke Zero addiction.
5.       I do not play facebook or role playing games, although the Game of Thrones intrigues me.  My favorite tv show.
6.       I would love to learn to play the violin.  I have one now I have to find a teacher.
7.       I don’t listen to the radio.  I have a rhapsody subscription and listen to what the mood strikes me.
8.       I have a playlist about Civil War songs I listen to when working on the Civil War book in progress.  
9.       I am studying the Buddhist philosophy.
10.   I would love to work in a holistic environment and assist people with the issues they may have.




Sunday, May 20, 2012

Cuckoo Birds, Depression and Writing Prompts


My Cuckoo bird vs the real one 
 


My blog has suffered here as the gloominess of depression has settled upon my person like a damp melodramatic fog.  I am writing some about it over at View from a Cuckoo’s Nest. I also took artistic license with the cuckoo bird itself. As you can see, mine is much cuter and I found a mascot at a dollar type of store so that settled it for me.  Now my bird needs a name, any suggestions? I suppose I should have used a Phoenix as one rising from the ashes of depression, but frankly I have always been a little cuckoo and I believe it fits me better. Besides have you looked for Phoenix bird stuff lately?   J

So, as I try to regain control of the darkeness, I thought I would post some awesome writing prompts. I use these are part of my therapy, but I think they will be beneficial to everyone. 

"Think about a time you thought, It's not fair. Write to tell the reader about something that happened to you that was not fair." This came from the great site : Prompt Genorator at http://jc-schools.net/write/create.htm.  This prompt could cultivate many stories from Chick Lit to YA or even a thriller.
Some other great sites are:

Creative Therapy – These appear to 2010 and prior but there are some really good prompts to be found there.
Self-Help-Healing-Arts-Journal  - offers prompts, affirmations, art projects and much more
The Writing Reader has an excellent article on How Depression Feels here.
Write to Done has an article on 31 Ways to to find inspiration for your writing.

I believe Utter Randomonium has the definite collection of writing prompts sites. 

Also be sure to check out this marvelous site: BloomingHumans where they will be discussing appreciating the  past and dreamseeding the future. 

Please feel free to post any depression, writer's block or just uplifting stories!

Friday, May 18, 2012

Random acts of Kindness Project and Surprises


A smile. An encouraging word. A thoughtful gesture. Each day people interact with us, help, and make our day a bit brighter and full. This is especially true in the Writing Community
Take a second to think about writers you know, like the critique partner who works with you to improve your manuscript. The writing friend who listens, supports and keeps you strong when times are tough. The author who generously offers council, advice and inspiration when asked.
So many people take the time to make us feel special, don't they? They comment on our blogs, re-tweet our posts, chat with us on forums and wish us Happy Birthday on Facebook.

Kindness ROCKS!
To commemorate the release of their book The Emotion Thesaurus, Becca and Angela at The Bookshelf Muse are hosting a TITANIC Random Act Of Kindness BLITZ. And because I think KINDNESS is contagious, I'm participating too!
I have chosen to Blitz a RAOK on the following Writers/Bloggers:


Pat Bean of Pat Bean's Blog.  This amazing lady and her canine companion travel all over the US and allows us to live vicariously though the awesome photos she takes. She has literally cheered an entire day for my by allowing me to pretend for a moment that I am in these places alongside her, but not in a stalkerish kind of way :)  I have decided someday to live in an RV as well!


Angie Bailey of Lariats and Lavender - This lady has a fabulous blog full of eclectic items. I loved "What I wore Wednesday.She stays on the pulse of today and makes is a blast. She is also an advocate for causes that make a difference. I admire her for speaking her mind!

Melinda McGuire's articles at Melinda McGuire Writes, She has a great sense of humor and provides awesome writing advice.  She also writes "with a Southern slant", which touches my down home about as southern as you can get soul!


Sally K Witt has a very entertaining and eclectic blog and is always entertaining. Her article on bathing suit shopping really touched home for me and it was hilarious to boot!

I also have a kindness gift basket for one of the lucky readers on this post. There are also a couple of smaller items in my bag of goodies here so, tell me the best random act of kindness you ever received!


Do you know someone special that you'd like to randomly acknowledge? Don't be shy--come join us and celebrate! Send them an email, give them a shout out, or show your appreciation in another way. Kindness makes the world go round. :)
Becca and Angela have a special RAOK gift waiting for you as well, so hop on over to The Bookshelf Muse to pick it up.
Have you ever participated in or been the recipient of a Random Act Of Kindness?  Let me know in the comments!



Wednesday Writing and Excuses Excuses

I feel I must explain the rather sporadic nature of my posts lately. I have recently been hospitalized and they frowned on any electronics there, not to mention my lovely caffeine. I did hand write several amusing blog post on random scraps of paper and I do hope to get those posts when time allows.
I will probably be back at the hospital tomorrow so once again, I will have to surrender my precious communication equipment but I am prepared with several notebooks. My illness shows few outward signs, and most people can be completely unaware that it plaques me. I rarely talk about it, but after the treatment I have been receiving, I decided to share the good and the bad with those going through it. That blog will be A View from a Cuckoo' Nest. 

I know this is late but here is the current week's Wednesday prompt:

Wow! There was an amazing turn out last week! I am so impressed by all the creativity out there! Last week's photo really got everyone going and I am proud to present last week's amazing submissions to our weekly writing prompt:

Cow Whisperers by Randy Lindsay
A Thousands Words by Chasing Revery
Horoscope by Chessney Silth
A Day in the Park by Anne
Conversations with an Ex by Me

I am so proud of this turn out! I hope more and more people join in!

So, here's the rules as usual just as a fresh reminder:


1) There will be one photo, and five words - both of those elements must be a feature in the brief story you create.
2) There is also a 500 word maximum.
3) You have until the next Wednesday to create your post.
4) When you have finished your post, come back here and link up below and let me (or whoever your blog host is) know in the comments that you have done so!
5) We were going to tell you to not take this too seriously, but reconsidered it because we know full well that asking writers to write something means that they will take it seriously. So, take it seriously, but don't fret/panic/pass out/hyperventalate/lose sleep/run in fear over it.

Here is the photo (from this link)


Enchanted Staircase

And here are the five words (from this link)

Masking Tape

Chameleon

Hand

Computer

Lipstick

And when you have completed your story, post the link to it below!




Spread the word about the  hop and let us know what you come up with!



Wednesday, May 2, 2012

Wednesday Writing


Welcome back everyone! This has been an amazing week and there has been so much creativity that resulted from last week's prompt. You guys are awesome! So, make sure to check out last week's prompt and the great posts that resulted: Beach of Peace  over at Lando-Loo, Where Are You? Back to the Beach  over at The Why, The how, and the What If Rough Tides, at Chasing Revery (my co-host!) A New Beginning (done by me!) And today we have another prompt ready to go for everyone! But first, a quick shout out to my awesome co-hosters - Chasing Revery and A Writer's Muses. Make sure you check out their blogs! As usual, here are the rules: 1) There will be one photo, and five words - both of those elements must be a feature in the brief story you create. 2) There is also a 500 word maximum. 3) You have until the next Wednesday to create your post. 4) When you have finished your post, come back here and link up below and let me (or whoever your blog host is) know in the comments that you have done so! 5) We were going to tell you to not take this too seriously, but reconsidered it because we know full well that asking writers to write something means that they will take it seriously. So, take it seriously, but don't fret/panic/pass out/hyperventalate/lose sleep/run in fear over it. Also, we have a fancy schmancy new blog hop button for you to grab. So if you have been having fun with the blog hop, grab a button:
writing, writers, blogs


Click and copy this code
Here's this week's picture (taken from this link)
springtime
And here's this week's five words from this link:
decoy
sign
pin
pillow
dinosaur
Oh this should be fun, I just know it. So, when you have your story completed, post your link below:

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