What a fun day today!! I had my first official short story workshop in one of my fiction writing classes today. I was really, REALLY nervous, I’ve never had a piece actually workshopped before. Actually, I’ve never even written a short story before!
It was extremely helpful and made me feel so much more confident about my writing!! All of my classmates offered super helpful advice in the workshop session.
I wrote a piece that was nonlinear, and I think it paid off. Some people really appreciated the way the timeline was constructed but some people suggested that they’d prefer a linear store. I think it’s best that this story be kept in its nonlinear construction, it’s what feels right for the story and that’s what matters!!
Some people also commented that they weren’t sure if they were ok not knowing a whole lot about one of the characters. Although I didn’t intentionally leave out description of this character I’m glad that I did…because he was supposed to play a sort of “absent” role…so it happened to work out that my unknowingly not developing a character is something I’m ok with, and something I may choose to look into more to try and make him more “absent” while conveying that his absence is important to the story.
What’s really cool is that I get all these comments and suggestions, and I get to pick and choose what I agree with and what I take into account when I go to do my revision…because it’s MY piece!! :)
I put a lot of effort into reading each piece and making comments on each piece that I feel are useful to the writer. I wish though, that I could say everybody does the same for me. Though many people spoke up in class, not as many people left comments on my piece that I felt were useful, and some people didn’t really seem to give the piece a good read—I had several people write questions to me that were answered somewhere in the piece itself. The tradeoff though is that many people did write incredibly useful comments and suggestions.
Overall, I really appreciated my first workshop session. I took a lot out of it and have decided to give this piece a while to sit, hold onto all the comments that were written to me, and go back to make some revisions in a month or two. Who knows, maybe someday it’ll be the first piece I submit for a chance at publication!!
This experience of putting my writing OUT THERE for people to read and ponder and critique has been wonderful, and I came away from it feeling more like a writer than I think I ever have before.
Maybe in the midst of continuing work on my novel I can continue writing and revising short stories to put into a collection…wouldn’t that be neat?!?
I’ve given myself a lot of work to do by taking these two fiction classes, especially with everything else going on, but so far I have absolutely no regrets. There’s nothing better than putting myself out there and taking risks on my writing, and creating a community of fellow readers and writers who all support each other!
I’m hoping this is all making sense…right now all of my own thoughts about the workshop day are still jumbled in my mind, but I wanted to let you all know how things are going!!
Who else has put a piece out there for people to read and offer suggestions on? What was the experience like for you? I have another piece being workshopped in my other fiction class on Thursday, I'll be sure to post how that goes!
21 September, 2010
10 September, 2010
I'm sorry and...I like ellipses today!
I’ve been getting yelled at. A lot. By a certain friend of mine who is definitely keeping her promise about encouraging me to continue this project of mine. So, this is especially for her, although I clearly need to update!!
The semester just started a few weeks ago and (and I hope everybody is as excited as I am for this) I have two, count ‘em…TWO fiction workshop classes! In. A. Row. So…I’m doing a ton of writing!! So far these classes have been A-MA-ZING. I’m learning tons from both classes, and it’s tons of different stuff instead of hearing the same lecture twice in a row. I’ve left class every day, just having my mind blown by an understanding of a new concept, or a new understanding of a familiar concept…and I’m excited to go home and do my homework!! And, homework could obviously be nothing other than reading a lot of stories and writing a lot of stories, as well as short writing and brainstorming exercises. And reading other students’ stories—as well as critiquing and editing. It’s been a long time since I’ve had a class that I feel has been REALLY worth my time…so to have two in a row has been so much fun so far!! I’m sure toward the end of the semester I won’t think it’s as much fun but it’ll be well worth the effort.
As far as my book goes, I went to a friend’s wedding (actually two friends marrying each other) last month and wound up being upset about something that evening…so I came home and wrote to introduce the second character. Apparently my focus on this project is fueled by frustration…who knew?! I should be using that emotion more to my advantage I guess.
Currently…I’m working on two shorter fiction pieces that I’m hoping will actually incorporate into the book at some point. They may need some tweaks. They will need some tweaks…considering they’re in first person and the book is in third person. But I’m excited to be writing new material and excited about the potential that material has. I’m actually pretty proud of the piece I just submitted to be workshopped. For those of you who know me well enough, you know that it’s not often that I’m excited for people to read my work, at least not my fiction work. And I know it’s crazy. I’ve been writing for long enough it shouldn’t really freak me out to have other people reading what I’m writing. But…I think that’s a fear that all writers struggle with. As weird as this is, I’m completely comfortable writing stuff to put on here (so…I should probably post more often, yeah?!) even though it goes out on the web for anybody to stumble across. I guess it’s just the relative anonymity that makes it so easy to do. And that this is just my thought process….but not the result of my thought process.
Does anybody else struggle with having their work read by peers, or strangers, or family and friends?
I’m also really sad that the seasons are changing so quickly!! What the HECK is that about?? I’m hoping that writing a story set in the summer heat will keep me warm as the cooler weather comes. Everybody knows how much I hate being cold!!
And…I just have to add one thing that I think is completely insane. I started developing my main character for the book last spring. Recently I met someone who has the exact same name and looks identical to the character I made. Insane!! It was just so weird to realize that the other day. Surely it must be a sign I’m doing something right…!
OK…I have two things to add I guess. I also think everybody should read the new MFA Confidential blog on WritersDigest.com. The new writer’s name is Jessie Morrison; she is in the MFA program at Columbia College in Chicago. So far she’s fantastic!!
And…that’s all for now. Really guys, if you see me slacking please yell at me and throw candy at me, or maybe books. That might hurt. I’m sure that now that I’m investing some serious time and though to the craft I’ll be posting more regularly, but reminders are still awesome!!
The semester just started a few weeks ago and (and I hope everybody is as excited as I am for this) I have two, count ‘em…TWO fiction workshop classes! In. A. Row. So…I’m doing a ton of writing!! So far these classes have been A-MA-ZING. I’m learning tons from both classes, and it’s tons of different stuff instead of hearing the same lecture twice in a row. I’ve left class every day, just having my mind blown by an understanding of a new concept, or a new understanding of a familiar concept…and I’m excited to go home and do my homework!! And, homework could obviously be nothing other than reading a lot of stories and writing a lot of stories, as well as short writing and brainstorming exercises. And reading other students’ stories—as well as critiquing and editing. It’s been a long time since I’ve had a class that I feel has been REALLY worth my time…so to have two in a row has been so much fun so far!! I’m sure toward the end of the semester I won’t think it’s as much fun but it’ll be well worth the effort.
As far as my book goes, I went to a friend’s wedding (actually two friends marrying each other) last month and wound up being upset about something that evening…so I came home and wrote to introduce the second character. Apparently my focus on this project is fueled by frustration…who knew?! I should be using that emotion more to my advantage I guess.
Currently…I’m working on two shorter fiction pieces that I’m hoping will actually incorporate into the book at some point. They may need some tweaks. They will need some tweaks…considering they’re in first person and the book is in third person. But I’m excited to be writing new material and excited about the potential that material has. I’m actually pretty proud of the piece I just submitted to be workshopped. For those of you who know me well enough, you know that it’s not often that I’m excited for people to read my work, at least not my fiction work. And I know it’s crazy. I’ve been writing for long enough it shouldn’t really freak me out to have other people reading what I’m writing. But…I think that’s a fear that all writers struggle with. As weird as this is, I’m completely comfortable writing stuff to put on here (so…I should probably post more often, yeah?!) even though it goes out on the web for anybody to stumble across. I guess it’s just the relative anonymity that makes it so easy to do. And that this is just my thought process….but not the result of my thought process.
Does anybody else struggle with having their work read by peers, or strangers, or family and friends?
I’m also really sad that the seasons are changing so quickly!! What the HECK is that about?? I’m hoping that writing a story set in the summer heat will keep me warm as the cooler weather comes. Everybody knows how much I hate being cold!!
And…I just have to add one thing that I think is completely insane. I started developing my main character for the book last spring. Recently I met someone who has the exact same name and looks identical to the character I made. Insane!! It was just so weird to realize that the other day. Surely it must be a sign I’m doing something right…!
OK…I have two things to add I guess. I also think everybody should read the new MFA Confidential blog on WritersDigest.com. The new writer’s name is Jessie Morrison; she is in the MFA program at Columbia College in Chicago. So far she’s fantastic!!
And…that’s all for now. Really guys, if you see me slacking please yell at me and throw candy at me, or maybe books. That might hurt. I’m sure that now that I’m investing some serious time and though to the craft I’ll be posting more regularly, but reminders are still awesome!!
06 July, 2010
Apologies...I'm a slacker!
Hi all!! I just wanted to take a few minutes to let everybody know I’m still alive. Rather, I wanted to explain my absence…because I feel like you’re all due an explanation.
Due to some rather expensive car repairs it’s become necessary for me to take on a second job. Ugh cars! So, for the past month or so that’s what I’ve been doing…working about 50 hours a week. This may not sound like a lot to some of you but, compared to the 30 or so I’m used to working just for one employer, this has been an exhausting experience!
Fear not…I may not have posted anything new in almost a month (as my wonderful friend, Jess, was so kind to point out to me) but that doesn’t mean I haven’t been thinking about my book. I’ve still been taking notes, jotting down ideas, and working on storylines in my spare time (in between the dreams about soups, salads, and sandwiches!). To keep myself interested and motivated for my own project, I’ve even found it fun to imagine sitting down with a reporter who asks me all sorts of questions about the characters and the setting I chose and how I decided which direction to take the story in. It’s all in my head, and it makes me sound crazy, but it’s fun!
So, anyway, I really don’t want to disappoint myself…or those of you who may be trying to keep up with the (sparse) posts. But I promise the book is still on my mind, a LOT!!
It’s no excuse…at least not one a “serious” writer would use, but my schedule has been a bit crazy, and a tough adjustment…just ask all those who have had to listen to me complain daily!! (Sorry…you know who you are ;) ). Now that I’m getting the hang of the adjustments I promise to try and keep up, at least on a weekly basis, if not more often.
Explanation given. That is all. Good night!!
Due to some rather expensive car repairs it’s become necessary for me to take on a second job. Ugh cars! So, for the past month or so that’s what I’ve been doing…working about 50 hours a week. This may not sound like a lot to some of you but, compared to the 30 or so I’m used to working just for one employer, this has been an exhausting experience!
Fear not…I may not have posted anything new in almost a month (as my wonderful friend, Jess, was so kind to point out to me) but that doesn’t mean I haven’t been thinking about my book. I’ve still been taking notes, jotting down ideas, and working on storylines in my spare time (in between the dreams about soups, salads, and sandwiches!). To keep myself interested and motivated for my own project, I’ve even found it fun to imagine sitting down with a reporter who asks me all sorts of questions about the characters and the setting I chose and how I decided which direction to take the story in. It’s all in my head, and it makes me sound crazy, but it’s fun!
So, anyway, I really don’t want to disappoint myself…or those of you who may be trying to keep up with the (sparse) posts. But I promise the book is still on my mind, a LOT!!
It’s no excuse…at least not one a “serious” writer would use, but my schedule has been a bit crazy, and a tough adjustment…just ask all those who have had to listen to me complain daily!! (Sorry…you know who you are ;) ). Now that I’m getting the hang of the adjustments I promise to try and keep up, at least on a weekly basis, if not more often.
Explanation given. That is all. Good night!!
07 June, 2010
Progress!!
I just HAD to share with anybody who will read this…I’ve been writing this book, actually writing it, for the last three nights…in a row!! I’ve been averaging about 500 words a day, which doesn’t sound like a lot but look at it this way—if I can keep up this pace I can actually be finished writing the first draft in less than two months!!
Likely, this won’t happen, but it’s fun to think about, isn’t it?
I’m pretty happy with how things are going. The biggest struggle for me is to continue recognizing that this is indeed a first draft. It’s not supposed to be perfect, and a lot of what I spend a bunch of time detailing probably won’t make it into the final cut but I’m at least having fun writing!
I’m finding that a good way for me to get focused about the day’s writing is to begin by saying, “I will not get up from this computer until I write at least 500 words.” And then I take a few minutes to go through and re-read/make minor adjustments to what I wrote the day before. I find that this allows me to feel better about the first draft because I’m giving myself the freedom to at least make small changes each day, and it’s easier to start writing again when I can refresh my memory about what I wrote the previous day.
They say (whoever “they” are) that it takes two weeks to make or break a habit, right?? Well, in 11 short days I should have a comfortable habit formed and be feeling like I’m making some serious movement in the right direction!
Cool, right?! :)
Likely, this won’t happen, but it’s fun to think about, isn’t it?
I’m pretty happy with how things are going. The biggest struggle for me is to continue recognizing that this is indeed a first draft. It’s not supposed to be perfect, and a lot of what I spend a bunch of time detailing probably won’t make it into the final cut but I’m at least having fun writing!
I’m finding that a good way for me to get focused about the day’s writing is to begin by saying, “I will not get up from this computer until I write at least 500 words.” And then I take a few minutes to go through and re-read/make minor adjustments to what I wrote the day before. I find that this allows me to feel better about the first draft because I’m giving myself the freedom to at least make small changes each day, and it’s easier to start writing again when I can refresh my memory about what I wrote the previous day.
They say (whoever “they” are) that it takes two weeks to make or break a habit, right?? Well, in 11 short days I should have a comfortable habit formed and be feeling like I’m making some serious movement in the right direction!
Cool, right?! :)
03 June, 2010
Dogs Think Every Day is Christmas
While on my trip to the east coast, I flipped through the airline-supplied magazine and stumbled upon an interview with Ray Bradbury. Ray Bradbury! Admittedly, I haven’t read much of his work, and at 89 years old the man is an ICON!! Still! He has two books coming out this year and so far, one for 2011. The man just doesn’t stop writing!
I appreciated his interview because I have been struggling to stay motivated and really dig into this project. I haven’t been able to write past the first few pages because I’m worried I won’t like what I write. More importantly (although not really) I worry that other people won’t like what I write. So I’ve been letting myself get hung up on this fear of my work being hated! On the plus side, I’ve been coming up with lots of ideas and bits of the plot…although I’m not exactly sure how they’ll be arranged yet! Bradbury said, “Love is easy, and I love writing. You can’t resist love. You get an idea, someone says something, and you’re in love”. I hope I don’t misconstrue the meaning of his words here! Bradbury writes because he loves it. Seems easy enough! I imagine that, like all writers, he gets hung up on wanting other people to like his work, but that doesn’t stop him. He also said that some 20 years ago he was at a restaurant in Denver and heard a woman at the next table say, “Oh my god, I’ll bet dogs thing every day is Christmas!” And there was an idea for a book! It was THAT EASY! Well, sure, the ideas are the easy part!
Mr. Bradbury got me thinking, why stop writing? It’s silly! It’s impossible to write something that everybody likes. It’s important that we write something we’re proud of or we’ll never get anywhere, but we have to learn that it’s ok if other people don’t like it. So that’s what I’m going to do…keep on writing! As a matter of fact, as soon as I finish this post I’m going to type up my first pages (they’re handwritten right now). Maybe that’ll get the ball rolling and the words will start flowing.
The interviewer asked Bradbury what the key was to his prolific career and continuing to be so well-loved. He responded, “Don’t try to do, just do. If you live this life without trying, it’s good. If you try too hard, it won’t be any good. It just has to be done, period—like an explosion.”
(The article with Ray Bradbury was written by J. Rentilly. It was published in the May 1, 2010 issue of American Airlines “American Way”)
I appreciated his interview because I have been struggling to stay motivated and really dig into this project. I haven’t been able to write past the first few pages because I’m worried I won’t like what I write. More importantly (although not really) I worry that other people won’t like what I write. So I’ve been letting myself get hung up on this fear of my work being hated! On the plus side, I’ve been coming up with lots of ideas and bits of the plot…although I’m not exactly sure how they’ll be arranged yet! Bradbury said, “Love is easy, and I love writing. You can’t resist love. You get an idea, someone says something, and you’re in love”. I hope I don’t misconstrue the meaning of his words here! Bradbury writes because he loves it. Seems easy enough! I imagine that, like all writers, he gets hung up on wanting other people to like his work, but that doesn’t stop him. He also said that some 20 years ago he was at a restaurant in Denver and heard a woman at the next table say, “Oh my god, I’ll bet dogs thing every day is Christmas!” And there was an idea for a book! It was THAT EASY! Well, sure, the ideas are the easy part!
Mr. Bradbury got me thinking, why stop writing? It’s silly! It’s impossible to write something that everybody likes. It’s important that we write something we’re proud of or we’ll never get anywhere, but we have to learn that it’s ok if other people don’t like it. So that’s what I’m going to do…keep on writing! As a matter of fact, as soon as I finish this post I’m going to type up my first pages (they’re handwritten right now). Maybe that’ll get the ball rolling and the words will start flowing.
The interviewer asked Bradbury what the key was to his prolific career and continuing to be so well-loved. He responded, “Don’t try to do, just do. If you live this life without trying, it’s good. If you try too hard, it won’t be any good. It just has to be done, period—like an explosion.”
(The article with Ray Bradbury was written by J. Rentilly. It was published in the May 1, 2010 issue of American Airlines “American Way”)
Three for Thursday
So many of you have been in contact with me and asking how my novel is coming along. I wanted to take a moment to tell you how much I appreciate your questions and encouragement! This challenge has proven to be much more difficult than I ever imagined it could be! I feel bad that I haven’t had much to say in response to your questions asking what the story is about! Truth is…I’m not entirely sure what my story is about. But I am learning a bunch about my characters! So, I figured as a teaser (and perhaps an even bigger motivation, since you’ll be able to ask me more specific questions!) today’s Three for Thursday will not only relate to my novel, but will actually be ABOUT my novel! Happy? So, I’ll tell you a little about the two main characters and the setting. One, two, three!
My story has two main characters—a man and a woman—as well as several supporting characters (and probably some that I don’t even know exist yet!). The man’s name is Nathaniel, the leading lady is Jane. I haven’t gotten all the details worked out but I do know who they are!
As of now, I picture Nathaniel as a professional man in his…oh let’s say…late 30’s or early 40’s. He’s never been in love; never had a romantic relationship. I haven’t figured out why yet. He lives in an eastern metropolitan location. He is traveling to the book’s setting (just wait for it), a place he hasn’t been to since he was a young child. He is returning to this location because his ailing grandmother lives here and is coming to help her take care of her will, etc etc. As far as his physical traits, I picture Nathaniel as a very attractive man. He has the “big city” look. He’s the type of guy who shows up for a first date in a suit jacket and tie. He is tan and fit (but not grossly so!) and has dark, just rolled out of bed but absolutely perfect hair. He is clean-shaven. All the time.
Jane is the ideal small-town beauty. She grew up in the setting (still wait for it) and teachers theater and choir at the local high school. (Yes, you knew there had to be a teacher somewhere in this story!) She is of just below average height, petite, and has long dark brown hair with subtle hints of red. Think dark chocolate cherry. Yummy, right? Jane lives in a house down the street from her childhood home which has a down-to-earth, lived-in feel. Jane has a child from a previous relationship. I haven’t determined yet why this relationship didn’t work out but I’m sure it’s for the best.
The story takes place in a town similar to where I grew up. This is great because I feel like I can write accurate descriptions and details. I don’t have a name for the town; I’m not sure it matters a whole lot. It felt natural for me to choose this location and I absolutely feel I can do it justice. On the past couple road trips I’ve taken through St. George I’ve been paying special attention to the memories the journey recalls and the natural beauty of the surrounding area.
So there you have it!
My story has two main characters—a man and a woman—as well as several supporting characters (and probably some that I don’t even know exist yet!). The man’s name is Nathaniel, the leading lady is Jane. I haven’t gotten all the details worked out but I do know who they are!
As of now, I picture Nathaniel as a professional man in his…oh let’s say…late 30’s or early 40’s. He’s never been in love; never had a romantic relationship. I haven’t figured out why yet. He lives in an eastern metropolitan location. He is traveling to the book’s setting (just wait for it), a place he hasn’t been to since he was a young child. He is returning to this location because his ailing grandmother lives here and is coming to help her take care of her will, etc etc. As far as his physical traits, I picture Nathaniel as a very attractive man. He has the “big city” look. He’s the type of guy who shows up for a first date in a suit jacket and tie. He is tan and fit (but not grossly so!) and has dark, just rolled out of bed but absolutely perfect hair. He is clean-shaven. All the time.
Jane is the ideal small-town beauty. She grew up in the setting (still wait for it) and teachers theater and choir at the local high school. (Yes, you knew there had to be a teacher somewhere in this story!) She is of just below average height, petite, and has long dark brown hair with subtle hints of red. Think dark chocolate cherry. Yummy, right? Jane lives in a house down the street from her childhood home which has a down-to-earth, lived-in feel. Jane has a child from a previous relationship. I haven’t determined yet why this relationship didn’t work out but I’m sure it’s for the best.
The story takes place in a town similar to where I grew up. This is great because I feel like I can write accurate descriptions and details. I don’t have a name for the town; I’m not sure it matters a whole lot. It felt natural for me to choose this location and I absolutely feel I can do it justice. On the past couple road trips I’ve taken through St. George I’ve been paying special attention to the memories the journey recalls and the natural beauty of the surrounding area.
So there you have it!
27 May, 2010
Three for Thursday--First-Time Writers
For those of us who are super-ambitious and create summer reading lists with the hopes of actually READING everything on our lists, here are three novels that I am currently reading (one I just finished during my trip to South Carolina). All of these novels are the first published by their respective writers. I'm hoping that reading them will provide motivaton for me to continue toward my own writng goals.
If you decide to read any of these please let me know what you think of them! I'd love to hear.
"Child 44" by Tom Rob Smith--This is the one I've already finished. Loved it!! I am currently reading Smith's second book in this series, "The Secret Speech". He is currently working on the third of this series, "A New World". The books follow the main character, Leo, through his adventures and misadventures as a member of the Secret Police in Soviet Russia.
"Prep" by Curtis Sittenfeld--This writer has been compared to J.D. Salinger and Sylvia Plath. The main character of this novel has been said to be a female version of Holden Caulfield. I love Salinger, so I'm excited to see what this book is all about!
"Mother of Pearl" by Melinda Haynes--This novel is set in the Deep South, where Haynes is from. This is the first book I have read that is from Oprah's book club...so we'll see if she knows what she is talking about!
Happy reading, all!!
If you decide to read any of these please let me know what you think of them! I'd love to hear.
"Child 44" by Tom Rob Smith--This is the one I've already finished. Loved it!! I am currently reading Smith's second book in this series, "The Secret Speech". He is currently working on the third of this series, "A New World". The books follow the main character, Leo, through his adventures and misadventures as a member of the Secret Police in Soviet Russia.
"Prep" by Curtis Sittenfeld--This writer has been compared to J.D. Salinger and Sylvia Plath. The main character of this novel has been said to be a female version of Holden Caulfield. I love Salinger, so I'm excited to see what this book is all about!
"Mother of Pearl" by Melinda Haynes--This novel is set in the Deep South, where Haynes is from. This is the first book I have read that is from Oprah's book club...so we'll see if she knows what she is talking about!
Happy reading, all!!
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