I've had some great conversations with many author's in the G+ pond recently, about the tender topic of "what's your style"
"What do you think about when writing" "How did you develop those characters" and the list goes on. I've read an inordinate amount of information on this topic too. There is so much out there, so many perspectives.
Imagine how stunned I was to realise... I worried about none of it.
To be bluntly honest, when I'm writing I don't think about the constructs and methods of writing. I don't think about character development or any of the other stuff that authors are "supposed" to be concerned with.
EEEKKKKK!!!
I can hear it now from afar!!
Authors and writers running for the hills in fright of the unwashed heathen in their midst!!
Ok, so it's not as dramatic as that, but the statement begs an explanation.
What do I think about when writing?!
I think about Discovery.
Pure and simple. Like each of us on this planet, my characters are allowed the room to discover themselves, the relevance of their own history in relation to present situations. Further to this they are allowed the freedom of circumstance and of their own perception within that framework.
Sometimes that perception is a lie that makes the gouging cut of circumstance all the more painful. At other times it is the gentle and unswerving truth that allows the false perception to be dropped.
As the author I have the wonderful advantage of being able to see the unseen my characters are living, but somehow always know.
Which brings me to the second thing I think about. Passion
Showing posts with label writing tips. Show all posts
Showing posts with label writing tips. Show all posts
September 12, 2013
June 19, 2013
Writing by hand. Modern day fetish?
Yesterday I read a wonderful article by +John Birmingham, (read it here)
+Ferg Hyde was kind enough to point me in its direction, and I can't thank him enough because it really got me thinking. Most writers today are hitting the keyboard with all the love they've got, but once upon a time all writers completed their manuscripts by hand.
Is writing by hand becoming a modern day fetish?!
What is the benefit of keeping a journal/notebook/scratchpad?
I think there are many!
Firstly, if like me you are a fetishist of stationery, you will be able to pick up your trusty pen and release the inner artist! Writing by hand is far, far more intimate, in thought and in deed. It is an entirely different experience to sitting in front of a screen and tapping away. Personally, I find writing by hand allows me to tap into areas of thought and emotion I just can't muster when typing. There is a natural closeness, a personal and familiar feeling that is evoked. It allows for the transfer of one's innermost desires, private thoughts and feelings directly to the page.
One of the most wonderful aspects of writing by hand is the vulnerability of it. It is an intimate act, between your mind and the paper, the pen being the conduit of your expression. (The verb "intimate" means to state or make known) As you are writing on paper, you do not have the option of backspace or delete! The vulnerability comes from choosing your words carefully, pausing to find the precise, detailed, physical representation of your thoughts.There is far more pressure applied to the writer when a pen is in hand!
+Ferg Hyde was kind enough to point me in its direction, and I can't thank him enough because it really got me thinking. Most writers today are hitting the keyboard with all the love they've got, but once upon a time all writers completed their manuscripts by hand.
Is writing by hand becoming a modern day fetish?!
What is the benefit of keeping a journal/notebook/scratchpad?
I think there are many!
Firstly, if like me you are a fetishist of stationery, you will be able to pick up your trusty pen and release the inner artist! Writing by hand is far, far more intimate, in thought and in deed. It is an entirely different experience to sitting in front of a screen and tapping away. Personally, I find writing by hand allows me to tap into areas of thought and emotion I just can't muster when typing. There is a natural closeness, a personal and familiar feeling that is evoked. It allows for the transfer of one's innermost desires, private thoughts and feelings directly to the page.
One of the most wonderful aspects of writing by hand is the vulnerability of it. It is an intimate act, between your mind and the paper, the pen being the conduit of your expression. (The verb "intimate" means to state or make known) As you are writing on paper, you do not have the option of backspace or delete! The vulnerability comes from choosing your words carefully, pausing to find the precise, detailed, physical representation of your thoughts.There is far more pressure applied to the writer when a pen is in hand!
June 05, 2013
Writing a book? What should you be doing to promote yourself?
Congratulations! You are part of an exciting club, the writers club!!
So you are in the process of writing or have just written a book. What now?
What is the difference between promoting yourself and marketing a book?
The difference is huge.
Once you've been published, these things can seem like a million years ago...the time BP!
I think one of the greatest things a writer can do, is share the simple stuff from the beginning of the journey, and take the time to look out for new authors by sharing knowledge that can seem so second nature, it's no longer even a conscious thought. If you have any thoughts or tips, do leave a comment and share!!
So, now to it!
Before your book is even finished, YOU should be considering your options for promotion. Not of the WIP, but of yourself as a new writer on the block. This should always be done before you get to the marketing stage, and can take many forms. You will need to decide what works best for you.
Some of the options include:
Twitter.
A good place to start. But be aware you are limited with how much you can say here, 140 characters is all you get! Interaction depends on who you follow and who decides to follow you, as with most social media. Use hash-tags to get your posts in with other relevant material.
Hash-tags that may prove useful are
#author
#amwriting
#novel
#indie
#writer
#romance
#horror
#scifi
and the list goes on.
Facebook.
Another avenue of social media you can pursue to promote yourself. This may entail a personal listing or a page that you create to get your name out there and to share some info about your upcoming release. You can connect with other authors and writers and join a vast array of groups here too.You can find a great many wonderful people to connect with here and learn from. Participation on any social media is key. Ask questions and listen to the answers.
Google Plus.
Well, not that I'm biased, but this is the best place to be so far as connecting with others goes. I simply love G+ and it's wide range of communities and people. The best part, you will be able to find a great many who will talk with you and you can learn a great deal. Hash tags are extremely useful here too.
Other social factors.
You can find a wide range of Forums in your chosen genre to pursue. Just do a simple search to find some you may be interested in.
Goodreads is another worth looking at. You friend like on facebook and can pick up a whole host of good tips here too, as well as some goodreads :) There are so many avenues to pursue. Tumblr, Pinterest, Linkedin to name a few. You need to find what you are comfortable with, and decide how much time you are able to dedicate to it.
So, here comes the really big and important one for new writers.
The Blog.
Every new writer should have a blog, in my humble opinion. Some will argue that blogging takes away precious writing time, but I must disagree with this. I believe blogging offers a fantastic outlet to write something other than your WIP. It allows you to practice the craft in a very safe environment and even get some very valuable feedback too. If you are using blogger, I do recommend using the newly launched comments for blogs. I've found it very useful.
Do take a look at my post "Blogging is like taking a lover" for more on this topic.
Your choice of where to list your blog will depend on what you find works for you. There are a few options, blogger, wordpress, goodreads and the list goes on and on.
A blog will allow you to explore the wonderful world of writing and writers, connecting with many other like minds. You may choose to follow other blogs and others may even choose to follow yours. You may even be lucky enough to find a mentor of sorts who will puff a little breeze under your wings by promoting your blog and getting the word out there. It is all a part of the pre-launch sequence leading up to the actual marketing of your book.
Another area to think about is the humble Competition!!
I've entered a few over the years, way before I even considered taking up writing as big part of my life. It was a rewarding expedition into the world of writing and composing poetry pieces. For my part, I haven't won any, but I did get a few placings and notable mentions. Being rewarded in this manner can be quite uplifting, but by the same token, even if you don't win or get a place, remember: By looking at those who did win, you can glean some insight into what the judges were looking for, as well as what makes a winning piece.
All of these options are ones you can take up online, but don't forget places like your local library. You might find that they host days/evenings for writers. Writers clubs can be found everywhere, find one in your local area and check it out. Keep an eye out for organisations that hold courses or seminars (both free and ticketed) on writing, they may include successful authors as guests! Pick their brains!!
Marketing your book will entail a great deal more than the social media listed here, and again it depends on how you are publishing too as to how you will handle this area. But that is the topic of another post I think!
For now, in the WIP stage, take the time to enjoy the social aspect of promoting yourself. Get to know the other faces out there and read, read, read! Sometimes, it's easy to forget that when you are writing!
Don't be in a rush to get there, let things unfold naturally and delight in the process.
Whatever avenue you choose to take, be sure to have a firm idea in mind regarding how much time and effort you are willing and able to put in. Don't run yourself ragged trying to keep up with others who are further down the writing path than you. Learn from it, enjoy it, and be content with where you are on your own journey. When you are there, remember to pay it forward, share what you have learned with others. They will be grateful for it :)
If you are looking for more tech type tips for authors, apps, tools and addons, search the label author techtips on this site.
So you are in the process of writing or have just written a book. What now?
What is the difference between promoting yourself and marketing a book?
The difference is huge.
Once you've been published, these things can seem like a million years ago...the time BP!
I think one of the greatest things a writer can do, is share the simple stuff from the beginning of the journey, and take the time to look out for new authors by sharing knowledge that can seem so second nature, it's no longer even a conscious thought. If you have any thoughts or tips, do leave a comment and share!!
So, now to it!
Before your book is even finished, YOU should be considering your options for promotion. Not of the WIP, but of yourself as a new writer on the block. This should always be done before you get to the marketing stage, and can take many forms. You will need to decide what works best for you.
Some of the options include:
Twitter.
A good place to start. But be aware you are limited with how much you can say here, 140 characters is all you get! Interaction depends on who you follow and who decides to follow you, as with most social media. Use hash-tags to get your posts in with other relevant material.
Hash-tags that may prove useful are
#author
#amwriting
#novel
#indie
#writer
#romance
#horror
#scifi
and the list goes on.
Facebook.
Another avenue of social media you can pursue to promote yourself. This may entail a personal listing or a page that you create to get your name out there and to share some info about your upcoming release. You can connect with other authors and writers and join a vast array of groups here too.You can find a great many wonderful people to connect with here and learn from. Participation on any social media is key. Ask questions and listen to the answers.
Google Plus.
Well, not that I'm biased, but this is the best place to be so far as connecting with others goes. I simply love G+ and it's wide range of communities and people. The best part, you will be able to find a great many who will talk with you and you can learn a great deal. Hash tags are extremely useful here too.
Other social factors.
You can find a wide range of Forums in your chosen genre to pursue. Just do a simple search to find some you may be interested in.
Goodreads is another worth looking at. You friend like on facebook and can pick up a whole host of good tips here too, as well as some goodreads :) There are so many avenues to pursue. Tumblr, Pinterest, Linkedin to name a few. You need to find what you are comfortable with, and decide how much time you are able to dedicate to it.
So, here comes the really big and important one for new writers.
The Blog.
Every new writer should have a blog, in my humble opinion. Some will argue that blogging takes away precious writing time, but I must disagree with this. I believe blogging offers a fantastic outlet to write something other than your WIP. It allows you to practice the craft in a very safe environment and even get some very valuable feedback too. If you are using blogger, I do recommend using the newly launched comments for blogs. I've found it very useful.
Do take a look at my post "Blogging is like taking a lover" for more on this topic.
Your choice of where to list your blog will depend on what you find works for you. There are a few options, blogger, wordpress, goodreads and the list goes on and on.
A blog will allow you to explore the wonderful world of writing and writers, connecting with many other like minds. You may choose to follow other blogs and others may even choose to follow yours. You may even be lucky enough to find a mentor of sorts who will puff a little breeze under your wings by promoting your blog and getting the word out there. It is all a part of the pre-launch sequence leading up to the actual marketing of your book.
Another area to think about is the humble Competition!!
I've entered a few over the years, way before I even considered taking up writing as big part of my life. It was a rewarding expedition into the world of writing and composing poetry pieces. For my part, I haven't won any, but I did get a few placings and notable mentions. Being rewarded in this manner can be quite uplifting, but by the same token, even if you don't win or get a place, remember: By looking at those who did win, you can glean some insight into what the judges were looking for, as well as what makes a winning piece.
All of these options are ones you can take up online, but don't forget places like your local library. You might find that they host days/evenings for writers. Writers clubs can be found everywhere, find one in your local area and check it out. Keep an eye out for organisations that hold courses or seminars (both free and ticketed) on writing, they may include successful authors as guests! Pick their brains!!
Marketing your book will entail a great deal more than the social media listed here, and again it depends on how you are publishing too as to how you will handle this area. But that is the topic of another post I think!
For now, in the WIP stage, take the time to enjoy the social aspect of promoting yourself. Get to know the other faces out there and read, read, read! Sometimes, it's easy to forget that when you are writing!
Don't be in a rush to get there, let things unfold naturally and delight in the process.
Whatever avenue you choose to take, be sure to have a firm idea in mind regarding how much time and effort you are willing and able to put in. Don't run yourself ragged trying to keep up with others who are further down the writing path than you. Learn from it, enjoy it, and be content with where you are on your own journey. When you are there, remember to pay it forward, share what you have learned with others. They will be grateful for it :)
If you are looking for more tech type tips for authors, apps, tools and addons, search the label author techtips on this site.
Posted by Katherine Vucicevic
Source: http://sci-fi-novel-otura.blogspot.com.au/2013/05/blogging-is-like-taking-lover.html
Content is owned and copyrighted by: http://sci-fi-novel-otura.blogspot.com.au/
Source: http://sci-fi-novel-otura.blogspot.com.au/2013/05/blogging-is-like-taking-lover.html
Content is owned and copyrighted by: http://sci-fi-novel-otura.blogspot.com.au/
Posted by Katherine Vucicevic
Source: http://sci-fi-novel-otura.blogspot.com.au/2013/05/blogging-is-like-taking-lover.html
Content is owned and copyrighted by: http://sci-fi-novel-otura.blogspot.com.au/
Source: http://sci-fi-novel-otura.blogspot.com.au/2013/05/blogging-is-like-taking-lover.html
Content is owned and copyrighted by: http://sci-fi-novel-otura.blogspot.com.au/
June 03, 2013
What should new writers blog about?
I write about all sorts of things on my blog. Ranging from tech tips to help other authors (view here) to my experiences here on the farm.(view here) But the quintessential question on the lips of many new bloggers and writers is:
What do I blog about?
Like so many of us, I'm still trying to figure that out! However, for new writers and bloggers, a good place to start is the journey of writing.
On that note, here is part of my journey so far.
I had never thought to be a writer. Sure, everyone says they have a book in their heart that is dying to get out, but how many actually sit down and write it? Fewer than some might expect. If you read my previous post "The secret society of Writers" you will know some of my motivations with writing, but here are some of the more intimate details.
When I sat down for the first time at my little laptop, opened the page and looked at it, I must admit, it was with trepidation! What is the first line?! I'd had the idea for the novel kicking around in my mind for ages, probably about a year before the overwhelming urge to write it down became too much for me to handle. Bear in mine, I'd had a stellar career in my field and then swapped it for farming. Writing was about as foreign as Mars at that point!!
Well, needless to say, the first line was written and about a million more after that. But how does anyone know if what they have is any good or just the ramblings of a writer wannabe? I looked at my finished manuscript with pride to begin with, then something else set in. Panic and fear! What the heck do I do with it now?! The next part of my journey involved seeking some assistance. I joined the social media game and began to pick the brains of those who had been published, traditional and Indie. And it was absolutely the right thing to do. So what next?
For me, a good place to start was an assessment service. Here in Australia, there are several of these services available. You are able to send away your brand new manuscript, edited or raw, to be read and assessed by published authors and literary agents.(in confidence I might add) I took a long time to reach this step. I loved my novel, but I felt a sense of fear in taking this step. Truth be told I was terrified of anyone actually reading it!!
Taking a step further, before I sent if off for assessment, I began to enlist the aide of "alpha readers"
These are people who will read your unedited, first draft manuscript. It is a brave move to give someone the unedited version, but well worth the while. It helps sort any issues with flow and plot and character development. Then you get the glorious job of editing out all of that!! Fun :)
Once you feel satisfied you have edited all the issues, send it to an assessment service, or if you don't want to pursue that avenue, I would heartily recommend sending it to be professionally edited.
Yes, I know you've just gone through the whole "but I just did edit the thing!!"
But it is vital, in my humble opinion, to have your work eyeballed by a professional. He/she will spot things a newbie writer may simply be unaware of. In the end it will bring out the true beauty of your manuscript.
I am still in the process of editing, and I'm very grateful to have the assistance of professionals with this part of it. Certainly though, there is a great deal of to'ing and fro'ing, but I think the end result will be worth it. A least I hope so!
One of the things I have enjoyed a great deal, is reading other author blogs. It is a great place to start when you are new to the game. Having said that, I'm not personally at the stage of doing interviews or blog hops yet, but it's all part of the process when you are further down the track and actually have your novel out there for people to read! I'm not in any hurry to get there either. For now, I am content to let the story unfold, as we all should be when in the "baby writer" stage :)
What do I blog about?
Like so many of us, I'm still trying to figure that out! However, for new writers and bloggers, a good place to start is the journey of writing.
On that note, here is part of my journey so far.
I had never thought to be a writer. Sure, everyone says they have a book in their heart that is dying to get out, but how many actually sit down and write it? Fewer than some might expect. If you read my previous post "The secret society of Writers" you will know some of my motivations with writing, but here are some of the more intimate details.
When I sat down for the first time at my little laptop, opened the page and looked at it, I must admit, it was with trepidation! What is the first line?! I'd had the idea for the novel kicking around in my mind for ages, probably about a year before the overwhelming urge to write it down became too much for me to handle. Bear in mine, I'd had a stellar career in my field and then swapped it for farming. Writing was about as foreign as Mars at that point!!
Well, needless to say, the first line was written and about a million more after that. But how does anyone know if what they have is any good or just the ramblings of a writer wannabe? I looked at my finished manuscript with pride to begin with, then something else set in. Panic and fear! What the heck do I do with it now?! The next part of my journey involved seeking some assistance. I joined the social media game and began to pick the brains of those who had been published, traditional and Indie. And it was absolutely the right thing to do. So what next?
For me, a good place to start was an assessment service. Here in Australia, there are several of these services available. You are able to send away your brand new manuscript, edited or raw, to be read and assessed by published authors and literary agents.(in confidence I might add) I took a long time to reach this step. I loved my novel, but I felt a sense of fear in taking this step. Truth be told I was terrified of anyone actually reading it!!
Taking a step further, before I sent if off for assessment, I began to enlist the aide of "alpha readers"
These are people who will read your unedited, first draft manuscript. It is a brave move to give someone the unedited version, but well worth the while. It helps sort any issues with flow and plot and character development. Then you get the glorious job of editing out all of that!! Fun :)
Once you feel satisfied you have edited all the issues, send it to an assessment service, or if you don't want to pursue that avenue, I would heartily recommend sending it to be professionally edited.
Yes, I know you've just gone through the whole "but I just did edit the thing!!"
But it is vital, in my humble opinion, to have your work eyeballed by a professional. He/she will spot things a newbie writer may simply be unaware of. In the end it will bring out the true beauty of your manuscript.
I am still in the process of editing, and I'm very grateful to have the assistance of professionals with this part of it. Certainly though, there is a great deal of to'ing and fro'ing, but I think the end result will be worth it. A least I hope so!
One of the things I have enjoyed a great deal, is reading other author blogs. It is a great place to start when you are new to the game. Having said that, I'm not personally at the stage of doing interviews or blog hops yet, but it's all part of the process when you are further down the track and actually have your novel out there for people to read! I'm not in any hurry to get there either. For now, I am content to let the story unfold, as we all should be when in the "baby writer" stage :)
May 31, 2013
Blogging is like taking a lover.
Blogging is like taking a lover...Sounds brash right?
Well not really, assuming you were single to start with ;) Ok, just go with me on this one!
Seriously though, as a newbie blogger I had little idea of what it entailed, or the upkeep involved. Like your lover, there is some upkeep to it, and some can be high maintenance!
There is a whole host of things involved.
Firstly, you need to put yourself out there. Not always easy for the shyer types. So you get your best clothes, or rather pieces, and put them on. Ta-da! You're now officially listed as a lover, I mean blogger.
Then, there is the hangout at the club, bar or venue of your choice...wordpress, blogger or website, all in the hopes of catching the eye of someone who may be interested in what you are all about.
Woo-Hoo! You're in the dating game! The pond is big isn't it? There are loads of others out there with the same thing in mind. It all starts to feel a bit overwhelming. What next?
Do you take a step back and become a wallflower, or do you become the cheap and easy type, hocking your stuff all over the place? Eek! Start biting your nails!!
The best advice is to just be yourself. Write about what you enjoy, and try to have a sense of humour about it. Lord knows we writers need to develop a thick skin. You write it and it will be criticised. Don't take it personally when you are not someones "type" Just smile and move on.
Assuming you do that, be yourself that is, you will begin to relax into the blogging thing. People will be able to get a really good feel for who you are. It may make you feel more adventurous too.
So, now you are actively seeking a more intimate relationship. What does that mean next?
It means you start to engage with your potential lovers. Talk to them! Most importantly, listen to them too.
If you are blogging, take the time to discuss and answer what people are saying to you - on and about your posts. Relationships take work, don't be afraid to step up when you begin to get some attention!
I have read posts out there that suggest you leave links to your blog all over other peoples blogs.
Personally I find this idea, not only annoying, but potentially lethal to your blog. You could find yourself blocked or banned by a great number of people.
What I do suggest is:
Join communities of like minded people and make some friends.
Talk to other authors.
Ask them questions and seek advice if you need it. Interview them if that's one of your strengths.
Be a matchmaker! Take the time to connect other people if you can. They will thank you for it.
Blog you little heart out and enjoy it.
Be yourself, don't try to be anyone else. It wont work.
When people enjoy your posts, engage with them.
When people hate your posts, learn from it.
Don't get obsessed with how many followers you have on your blog, be happy that you are at the threshold.
But most of all, enjoy the love affair you are now having with your readers .
Be an attentive lover, they will let you know what they enjoy. All you really have to do is keep delivering it!
Painting by Leonid Afremov - Sea of Feelings
Well not really, assuming you were single to start with ;) Ok, just go with me on this one!
Seriously though, as a newbie blogger I had little idea of what it entailed, or the upkeep involved. Like your lover, there is some upkeep to it, and some can be high maintenance!
There is a whole host of things involved.
Firstly, you need to put yourself out there. Not always easy for the shyer types. So you get your best clothes, or rather pieces, and put them on. Ta-da! You're now officially listed as a lover, I mean blogger.
Then, there is the hangout at the club, bar or venue of your choice...wordpress, blogger or website, all in the hopes of catching the eye of someone who may be interested in what you are all about.
Woo-Hoo! You're in the dating game! The pond is big isn't it? There are loads of others out there with the same thing in mind. It all starts to feel a bit overwhelming. What next?
Do you take a step back and become a wallflower, or do you become the cheap and easy type, hocking your stuff all over the place? Eek! Start biting your nails!!
The best advice is to just be yourself. Write about what you enjoy, and try to have a sense of humour about it. Lord knows we writers need to develop a thick skin. You write it and it will be criticised. Don't take it personally when you are not someones "type" Just smile and move on.
Assuming you do that, be yourself that is, you will begin to relax into the blogging thing. People will be able to get a really good feel for who you are. It may make you feel more adventurous too.
So, now you are actively seeking a more intimate relationship. What does that mean next?
It means you start to engage with your potential lovers. Talk to them! Most importantly, listen to them too.
If you are blogging, take the time to discuss and answer what people are saying to you - on and about your posts. Relationships take work, don't be afraid to step up when you begin to get some attention!
I have read posts out there that suggest you leave links to your blog all over other peoples blogs.
Personally I find this idea, not only annoying, but potentially lethal to your blog. You could find yourself blocked or banned by a great number of people.
What I do suggest is:
Join communities of like minded people and make some friends.
Talk to other authors.
Ask them questions and seek advice if you need it. Interview them if that's one of your strengths.
Be a matchmaker! Take the time to connect other people if you can. They will thank you for it.
Blog you little heart out and enjoy it.
Be yourself, don't try to be anyone else. It wont work.
When people enjoy your posts, engage with them.
When people hate your posts, learn from it.
Don't get obsessed with how many followers you have on your blog, be happy that you are at the threshold.
But most of all, enjoy the love affair you are now having with your readers .
Be an attentive lover, they will let you know what they enjoy. All you really have to do is keep delivering it!
May 24, 2013
Stop writing? Are you mad?!
Every writer who has experienced the dreaded "writers block" will know : sometimes you need to put the pen down! But it's not all about writers block. There are a few reasons why a writer should not write.
At times, the story we are penning just doesn't want to be told right then and there. I don't call this writers block. For me this time is precious. It is allowing the plot, the characters and the development of the overall tone of the novel to mature in my brain as well as my heart.
You see, I love my characters! Getting to know them is important, and it can't be done in a short period of time. Getting to know a new person should always be given the due time he/she deserves. Otherwise they are simple and two dimensional veneers of what should be a well rounded and interesting character.
Now before you get all in a fuss about putting the proverbial pen down; I'm not suggesting that you abandon your writing. Far from it. It's just that life happens, and we as writers should be able to acknowledge that!
There are in my opinion, only two reasons why writers need a time out from a novel they are writing.
As I've mentioned in my post The secret society of writers many of us have a regular day job. Until we are able to become a writer full time, this is a very valid reason for leaving the next chapter to the next day.
Another good reason, is to leave the story alone!
Let it be to take on the life it wants to have. By that, I want to use image of opening a fine bottle of wine. If you don't let it breathe, it wont be as good. Give your story the time to breathe! Let the full complexities of it's nature come out by allowing it the time to do so!
The second reason is simple. You've been bit by the bug!
Another great story line has made the front page news in your mind, and it wont let you go until its been given due time on paper.
Obviously, illness and other imperative needs that must be met in the course of day to day life aside; I can't think of any other reasons why a writer would or should put the pen down!
Having said that; if I was a romance writer...I could think of a few more interesting excuses!!
What are your thoughts?
At times, the story we are penning just doesn't want to be told right then and there. I don't call this writers block. For me this time is precious. It is allowing the plot, the characters and the development of the overall tone of the novel to mature in my brain as well as my heart.
You see, I love my characters! Getting to know them is important, and it can't be done in a short period of time. Getting to know a new person should always be given the due time he/she deserves. Otherwise they are simple and two dimensional veneers of what should be a well rounded and interesting character.
Now before you get all in a fuss about putting the proverbial pen down; I'm not suggesting that you abandon your writing. Far from it. It's just that life happens, and we as writers should be able to acknowledge that!
There are in my opinion, only two reasons why writers need a time out from a novel they are writing.
As I've mentioned in my post The secret society of writers many of us have a regular day job. Until we are able to become a writer full time, this is a very valid reason for leaving the next chapter to the next day.
Another good reason, is to leave the story alone!
Let it be to take on the life it wants to have. By that, I want to use image of opening a fine bottle of wine. If you don't let it breathe, it wont be as good. Give your story the time to breathe! Let the full complexities of it's nature come out by allowing it the time to do so!
The second reason is simple. You've been bit by the bug!
Another great story line has made the front page news in your mind, and it wont let you go until its been given due time on paper.
Obviously, illness and other imperative needs that must be met in the course of day to day life aside; I can't think of any other reasons why a writer would or should put the pen down!
Having said that; if I was a romance writer...I could think of a few more interesting excuses!!
What are your thoughts?
April 20, 2013
The secret society of Writers!
All too often, the first time a person sits down to write they feel a sense of 'taking away' from others. But, it's important to remember who we are writing for.
First and foremost, authors are writing for themselves.
As first time writers, most have regular jobs to take care of, and often a family as well. The game of writing becomes one of cat and mouse, keeping up appearances in the day job to pay the bills and sneaking the time to write whenever possible! It's much akin to keeping a foot on two paths, and being stretched in two different directions. One, the path that is our public life, and the other the secret path of writing!
As we put pen to paper or tread the keyboard, we become part of the secret society of writers. We find inspiration and insights everywhere!
In my travels I have worn many hats, I've worked in oncology and seen first hand the struggle for life itself. A cruel foe to fight. One fellow I met was a journalist. He is well known in journalistic circles, and to readers and viewers as well; he passed away not that long ago. He was driven, absolutely and completely driven, to tell the world about his story. Not the one of his battle with cancer, but the devastating effects of Chernobyl. It was his passion. He felt an obligation to the people of the entire planet to report and keep in their minds the horrible outcomes of nuclear disaster.
The irony of being in an oncology dept was not lost on him, we had two linear accelerators and often had nuclear material in the department, but in this case it was to treat, not destroy. The fact of the matter was, even we were partaking in the business of nuclear production. He was not against it, but genuinely questioned the safety of any nuclear plant, be it for medical reasons, energy, or more sinister ones such as producing weapons. In the end, he risked his own life to return to Chernobyl. Some may say he was crazy, others who understand the passion of a cause will know why he had to.
He was an interesting and passionate man, I enjoyed the brief time I was able to spend in his company. I learned a great deal from him.
The thing that struck me the most, is how people are motivated by a cause. Often the cause is one that is only for personal gain. I want a pay rise, better house, new car or to flog a novel. But there are the rare few who will take up a cause that is for the betterment of society, its awareness, and to bring a story to the attention of the general public that may have been swept under the carpet otherwise.
Being a writer is not unlike this. We, as authors, are driven by a cause.
For some it may be as simplistic as 'I want to make money out of this'. For others (like me) the story wont leave them alone until it is down on paper. It is a passion, a need, an undying love that must be consummated by the act of penning it!
Whatever our regular job or public working life may entail, the dream of becoming an author is one that we truly live for. For the most part, I am not in it for the money; I have a day job. But having said that...it would be nice too!
Most people who are driven to write do so because the enjoy it, and have the need to write.We squirrel ourselves away in our writing cave and let loose the story inside us. Make no mistake; it is utterly addictive!
People who do not have that need can never truly understand what that feeling is like.
So enjoy being a member of the secret society of writers. You are one of the rare few who have something to contribute. Don't lose heart at the sheer numbers of authors out there and books available. Take heart in knowing that there are others too who share your cause and passion! Get to know your fellow author. The exchange of ideas and the understanding of the instinctive drive we share is just as inspiring as the act of writing itself.
So, whether you are writing as a hobby that you enjoy and it offers release and relaxation, or you are an Indie author who has released your inner novel to the world, or even a multi-published well known author, I think the same is true for all of us....
Write your story. Be true to your cause. It is unique.
Do remember though, a cause is great - but an obsession to the exclusion of all else can be dangerous!
Connect with Katherine on Google+
Don't forget to leave a G+
First and foremost, authors are writing for themselves.
As first time writers, most have regular jobs to take care of, and often a family as well. The game of writing becomes one of cat and mouse, keeping up appearances in the day job to pay the bills and sneaking the time to write whenever possible! It's much akin to keeping a foot on two paths, and being stretched in two different directions. One, the path that is our public life, and the other the secret path of writing!
As we put pen to paper or tread the keyboard, we become part of the secret society of writers. We find inspiration and insights everywhere!
In my travels I have worn many hats, I've worked in oncology and seen first hand the struggle for life itself. A cruel foe to fight. One fellow I met was a journalist. He is well known in journalistic circles, and to readers and viewers as well; he passed away not that long ago. He was driven, absolutely and completely driven, to tell the world about his story. Not the one of his battle with cancer, but the devastating effects of Chernobyl. It was his passion. He felt an obligation to the people of the entire planet to report and keep in their minds the horrible outcomes of nuclear disaster.
The irony of being in an oncology dept was not lost on him, we had two linear accelerators and often had nuclear material in the department, but in this case it was to treat, not destroy. The fact of the matter was, even we were partaking in the business of nuclear production. He was not against it, but genuinely questioned the safety of any nuclear plant, be it for medical reasons, energy, or more sinister ones such as producing weapons. In the end, he risked his own life to return to Chernobyl. Some may say he was crazy, others who understand the passion of a cause will know why he had to.
He was an interesting and passionate man, I enjoyed the brief time I was able to spend in his company. I learned a great deal from him.
The thing that struck me the most, is how people are motivated by a cause. Often the cause is one that is only for personal gain. I want a pay rise, better house, new car or to flog a novel. But there are the rare few who will take up a cause that is for the betterment of society, its awareness, and to bring a story to the attention of the general public that may have been swept under the carpet otherwise.
Being a writer is not unlike this. We, as authors, are driven by a cause.
For some it may be as simplistic as 'I want to make money out of this'. For others (like me) the story wont leave them alone until it is down on paper. It is a passion, a need, an undying love that must be consummated by the act of penning it!
Whatever our regular job or public working life may entail, the dream of becoming an author is one that we truly live for. For the most part, I am not in it for the money; I have a day job. But having said that...it would be nice too!
Most people who are driven to write do so because the enjoy it, and have the need to write.We squirrel ourselves away in our writing cave and let loose the story inside us. Make no mistake; it is utterly addictive!
People who do not have that need can never truly understand what that feeling is like.
So enjoy being a member of the secret society of writers. You are one of the rare few who have something to contribute. Don't lose heart at the sheer numbers of authors out there and books available. Take heart in knowing that there are others too who share your cause and passion! Get to know your fellow author. The exchange of ideas and the understanding of the instinctive drive we share is just as inspiring as the act of writing itself.
So, whether you are writing as a hobby that you enjoy and it offers release and relaxation, or you are an Indie author who has released your inner novel to the world, or even a multi-published well known author, I think the same is true for all of us....
Write your story. Be true to your cause. It is unique.
Do remember though, a cause is great - but an obsession to the exclusion of all else can be dangerous!
Connect with Katherine on Google+
April 18, 2013
Authors and Writers.
It is an age old question; what drives a person to write?
For me, the long history of writing began in caves when our ancestors began to scrawl on the walls.
There was a primal desire to communicate to others what is in our minds.
Cave art as a form of written communication is one of the cornerstones of the complicated multitudes of the written form today.
Cave dwellers depicted what was relevant to them at the time. Those of us that have been privileged to see first hand the incredible beauty of those works in situ, will most certainly attest to the fact that the message imbued on the rocks still speaks to us today, even after many thousands of years. There is something poignant and quintessentially human in those messages. Even after all this time and evolution, they are able to convey the message intended. This is what has meaning to us. This is the world as we see it.
The fact that even thousands of years ago, people were seeking out ways to pass on first hand knowledge to others in a manner other than verbal, should give a clue to another reason as to why people write.
I believe there is another primal desire to be found in the written word. The basic desire to leave behind a part of ourselves, a message, to others. After we are dead and buried, how does the life long experience of a person remain? Before the written word it was a part of the daily ritual of many peoples to tell stories. The shaman, the witch doctor, the story teller are all examples of this in action. The stories of the people themselves and the information that will ensure their continuation, was passed down to the younger generations.
With the evolution of the written word, the ease of passing down such relevant information was transformed. As humanity mechanised and changed socially, from cave, to farm, to city; the reasons for writing changed too. It was no longer used exclusively for passing on the accumulated knowledge of a people, or to record significant events, no. Humanity began to do a bit of navel gazing!
What I mean by that is, humanity as a species was able to use the written word to commence the inspiring art of social commentary. We began to question who we were and why. Exciting times.
As we moved into more recent centuries, people like Chaucer and Shakespeare offered up incredibly exciting and sometimes thinly veiled commentary on the issues and leaders of the time. They investigated the fabric of social structure and the contradictions to be found there.
Even things like the humble nursery rhyme, perhaps controversial at the time, offer an insight into the use of the written word as social commentary. Some may not know that simple nursery rhymes like 'Rock a bye baby, on the tree top' was in fact a poke at the royal family of the day. It was speculated by some that the royal offspring was in fact not fathered by the King. The lines 'when the bough breaks the cradle will fall' is a direct statement on the family tree of the royal family, and the fact that the offspring would fall when the secret was revealed.
More recently than that we have had books like 1984, and any and all of Asimov, Heinlein, the Bronte sisters, DH Lawrence and a litany of others too, who have something to say about the world around them and the social constructs thereof.
Today, we enjoy a vast extension of those early days of navel gazing.
No longer are our social comments hidden behind thinly veiled sing-songs, amusing or entertaining plays and poems, or even bolder comments on society such as George Orwell. Today we are flooded with news articles and social media opinions, much of which makes no effort whatsoever to pull the punch when spreading the word!
What that has offered us, in this century, more than any that has come before, is the freedom to put pen to paper, say something without fear of repercussions, and to write for the love of it.
Writing in the 21st Century is a brave new world. Anyone who has something to say can send it out to the world in the form of any number of social media options....such as blogging!
There are dangers to be found in this, as Gay Talese (author of A Writers Life) so eloquently put it.
We are at risk of "Googling our way through life"
But that is a topic of another blog post I think! Back to writing....
My journey into writing began long ago, with a love of reading.
Further to that, it was a conversation I had years ago with my beautiful Grandmother, who is being awarded the Order of Australia Medal next month for her tireless work improving the rights of women and men in the workplace, over many, many decades. Story telling is still a big part of how our species passes down life experience!
I had just given birth to twins, my first children and a bit of a surprise to say the least! My grandmother was telling me about her experiences as a new mother, and what it was like in the war days with rations and so forth and most of the men off shore fighting a war a world away. We compared the differences in technology; a copper versus a washing machine, a wood-fired stove versus a standard electric/gas stove and oven.
But more than that, we discussed the social changes that came after the war too.
She imparted a simple recollection of what it was like in those war days when the post man was due to arrive.
Sounds simple doesn't it?
Not really.
You see the women who remained behind whilst their men fought the war were terrified of the post man.
Why?
Because he was the one who delivered that letter. The one informing them that their husband/brother/father was dead. Many went through it again with their sons in Vietnam and shamefully for humanity, many other wars too.
She recalled how the women on the street would band together so as not to be alone when the dreaded letter arrived. Offering comfort and true understanding amidst the desperation of grief. It must be remembered that in those days there was no "social welfare" that cared for women who lost the sole income earner in the family. That letter meant not just the loss of a husband and father, but often a loss of the family home and worse.
Further to this deeply personal experience, she shared with me how she misses an artful and interesting letter from a friend. People still wrote to each other in those days, she sighed. An email can hardly compare to the personal touch of a hand written letter. A text message, far, far less by comparison.
It began a wonderful chain of thought for me. The art of writing a letter.
Some of us may be old enough to remember the days of pen-pals as a kid and how exciting it was to run out to the post man with a letter from across the globe. Sadly, I must agree with my grandmother, it is an art that is being lost.
It was that conversation many years ago that started me thinking about writing and what motivates people to do it. More than that, all these years later, she still motivates me to write in a way that is true to me.
She says, a letter should be genuine, honest and authentic.
Truer words were never spoken.
Take a look at the picture below. The people who made it had a message.
It was genuine, authentic and honest. Something we as writers should strive for in every word we commit to paper. It doesn't matter what you are writing, it should always come from the heart.
We have a legacy from those days to live up to. In my humble opinion, little has changed since cave walls regarding the reasons for writing. The innate need to understand and to be understood is at the essence of the unswerving motivation to write.
I think they have achieved it. In no small part their efforts to communicate through a written form has brought them nothing short of immortality. Their fist steps toward a truly non verbal form of language resonates to this day in the drive and motivations of writers.
We may not know their names, but the message to their descendants remains...
I am aware of my own existence. I am a part of this world. This will remain long after I am gone.
Connect with Katherine on Google+
Footnote:
Before anyone gets into a tizz about art being art and writing being writing...
I am fully aware that cave art is viewed as art and not writing. I wanted to explore the idea that cave art was indeed a precursor to writing. Without these first depictions, pictographic representations would not have evolved, and from there the first phonetic pictorial representations of objects, which led to the first "true" words. Thanks :)
For me, the long history of writing began in caves when our ancestors began to scrawl on the walls.
There was a primal desire to communicate to others what is in our minds.
Cave art as a form of written communication is one of the cornerstones of the complicated multitudes of the written form today.
Cave dwellers depicted what was relevant to them at the time. Those of us that have been privileged to see first hand the incredible beauty of those works in situ, will most certainly attest to the fact that the message imbued on the rocks still speaks to us today, even after many thousands of years. There is something poignant and quintessentially human in those messages. Even after all this time and evolution, they are able to convey the message intended. This is what has meaning to us. This is the world as we see it.
The fact that even thousands of years ago, people were seeking out ways to pass on first hand knowledge to others in a manner other than verbal, should give a clue to another reason as to why people write.
I believe there is another primal desire to be found in the written word. The basic desire to leave behind a part of ourselves, a message, to others. After we are dead and buried, how does the life long experience of a person remain? Before the written word it was a part of the daily ritual of many peoples to tell stories. The shaman, the witch doctor, the story teller are all examples of this in action. The stories of the people themselves and the information that will ensure their continuation, was passed down to the younger generations.
With the evolution of the written word, the ease of passing down such relevant information was transformed. As humanity mechanised and changed socially, from cave, to farm, to city; the reasons for writing changed too. It was no longer used exclusively for passing on the accumulated knowledge of a people, or to record significant events, no. Humanity began to do a bit of navel gazing!
What I mean by that is, humanity as a species was able to use the written word to commence the inspiring art of social commentary. We began to question who we were and why. Exciting times.
As we moved into more recent centuries, people like Chaucer and Shakespeare offered up incredibly exciting and sometimes thinly veiled commentary on the issues and leaders of the time. They investigated the fabric of social structure and the contradictions to be found there.
Even things like the humble nursery rhyme, perhaps controversial at the time, offer an insight into the use of the written word as social commentary. Some may not know that simple nursery rhymes like 'Rock a bye baby, on the tree top' was in fact a poke at the royal family of the day. It was speculated by some that the royal offspring was in fact not fathered by the King. The lines 'when the bough breaks the cradle will fall' is a direct statement on the family tree of the royal family, and the fact that the offspring would fall when the secret was revealed.
More recently than that we have had books like 1984, and any and all of Asimov, Heinlein, the Bronte sisters, DH Lawrence and a litany of others too, who have something to say about the world around them and the social constructs thereof.
Today, we enjoy a vast extension of those early days of navel gazing.
No longer are our social comments hidden behind thinly veiled sing-songs, amusing or entertaining plays and poems, or even bolder comments on society such as George Orwell. Today we are flooded with news articles and social media opinions, much of which makes no effort whatsoever to pull the punch when spreading the word!
What that has offered us, in this century, more than any that has come before, is the freedom to put pen to paper, say something without fear of repercussions, and to write for the love of it.
Writing in the 21st Century is a brave new world. Anyone who has something to say can send it out to the world in the form of any number of social media options....such as blogging!
There are dangers to be found in this, as Gay Talese (author of A Writers Life) so eloquently put it.
We are at risk of "Googling our way through life"
But that is a topic of another blog post I think! Back to writing....
My journey into writing began long ago, with a love of reading.
Further to that, it was a conversation I had years ago with my beautiful Grandmother, who is being awarded the Order of Australia Medal next month for her tireless work improving the rights of women and men in the workplace, over many, many decades. Story telling is still a big part of how our species passes down life experience!
I had just given birth to twins, my first children and a bit of a surprise to say the least! My grandmother was telling me about her experiences as a new mother, and what it was like in the war days with rations and so forth and most of the men off shore fighting a war a world away. We compared the differences in technology; a copper versus a washing machine, a wood-fired stove versus a standard electric/gas stove and oven.
But more than that, we discussed the social changes that came after the war too.
She imparted a simple recollection of what it was like in those war days when the post man was due to arrive.
Sounds simple doesn't it?
Not really.
You see the women who remained behind whilst their men fought the war were terrified of the post man.
Why?
Because he was the one who delivered that letter. The one informing them that their husband/brother/father was dead. Many went through it again with their sons in Vietnam and shamefully for humanity, many other wars too.
She recalled how the women on the street would band together so as not to be alone when the dreaded letter arrived. Offering comfort and true understanding amidst the desperation of grief. It must be remembered that in those days there was no "social welfare" that cared for women who lost the sole income earner in the family. That letter meant not just the loss of a husband and father, but often a loss of the family home and worse.
Further to this deeply personal experience, she shared with me how she misses an artful and interesting letter from a friend. People still wrote to each other in those days, she sighed. An email can hardly compare to the personal touch of a hand written letter. A text message, far, far less by comparison.
It began a wonderful chain of thought for me. The art of writing a letter.
Some of us may be old enough to remember the days of pen-pals as a kid and how exciting it was to run out to the post man with a letter from across the globe. Sadly, I must agree with my grandmother, it is an art that is being lost.
It was that conversation many years ago that started me thinking about writing and what motivates people to do it. More than that, all these years later, she still motivates me to write in a way that is true to me.
She says, a letter should be genuine, honest and authentic.
Truer words were never spoken.
Take a look at the picture below. The people who made it had a message.
It was genuine, authentic and honest. Something we as writers should strive for in every word we commit to paper. It doesn't matter what you are writing, it should always come from the heart.
We have a legacy from those days to live up to. In my humble opinion, little has changed since cave walls regarding the reasons for writing. The innate need to understand and to be understood is at the essence of the unswerving motivation to write.
I think they have achieved it. In no small part their efforts to communicate through a written form has brought them nothing short of immortality. Their fist steps toward a truly non verbal form of language resonates to this day in the drive and motivations of writers.
We may not know their names, but the message to their descendants remains...
I am aware of my own existence. I am a part of this world. This will remain long after I am gone.
Connect with Katherine on Google+
Footnote:
Before anyone gets into a tizz about art being art and writing being writing...
I am fully aware that cave art is viewed as art and not writing. I wanted to explore the idea that cave art was indeed a precursor to writing. Without these first depictions, pictographic representations would not have evolved, and from there the first phonetic pictorial representations of objects, which led to the first "true" words. Thanks :)
April 10, 2013
Word count and Authors.
There are mountains of posts and articles about how many words you should be writing each day, such as:
"I've written 5000 words today", "I did this and I did that and it all totalled to 9,000 words!"
"You should be writing at least XYZ words a day"
Really?
Hmm, am I missing something here?!
My point of view is this;
By all means, practice the craft.
I am not espousing that you can't set a goal for yourself and aim to achieve it. Some people simply work better doing it that way. But - it should not be the main focus of writing.
Personally I enjoy stepping away from my novels from time to time to write posts like this one, or to participate in a really great writing prompt. Some are really fun and it is a good exercise to hone writing skills.
However,
Don't become obsessed with word count over inspiration and quality.
Writing should be enjoyable, why heap the added stress on your shoulders over something that really doesn't matter!
I write because I have been hit by inspiration, not because I want to get X amount of words on paper!!
When I am "in the zone" the words fly out of my head and onto the paper. That is of primary concern to me. The number of words that happens to entail, is of little consequence.
My first novel, still in edit, came in at 108,000 words when I was finished...much will need to be cut to get into the golden zone of 100k words for a standard print run!
Sometimes I need the break! I need to step away from writing and let the story 'roll around my head' as I like to put it. Daydream a bit. Think about plot development, character interaction and where the novel is going. Talk to others about it too. Write it down when the time is right for you.
So, there you go. My soap box rant for the day....
"I've written 5000 words today", "I did this and I did that and it all totalled to 9,000 words!"
"You should be writing at least XYZ words a day"
Really?
Hmm, am I missing something here?!
My point of view is this;
- The creative mind does not work the same way every day. Full stop.
- The morning and the afternoon with bring different results when writing. Be aware of your best time of day to sit down and write.
- Do you really need the extra pressure of achieving a word-count?
- The process of writing a novel can entail an extended period of time. Allow that time to flow as it needs to. If you are forcing it out, it will show.
- In other words, write when you are inspired to do so!
- Is it more important to have a certain number of words on a page, or to have a great story to tell?
By all means, practice the craft.
I am not espousing that you can't set a goal for yourself and aim to achieve it. Some people simply work better doing it that way. But - it should not be the main focus of writing.
Personally I enjoy stepping away from my novels from time to time to write posts like this one, or to participate in a really great writing prompt. Some are really fun and it is a good exercise to hone writing skills.
However,
Don't become obsessed with word count over inspiration and quality.
Writing should be enjoyable, why heap the added stress on your shoulders over something that really doesn't matter!
I write because I have been hit by inspiration, not because I want to get X amount of words on paper!!
When I am "in the zone" the words fly out of my head and onto the paper. That is of primary concern to me. The number of words that happens to entail, is of little consequence.
My first novel, still in edit, came in at 108,000 words when I was finished...much will need to be cut to get into the golden zone of 100k words for a standard print run!
Sometimes I need the break! I need to step away from writing and let the story 'roll around my head' as I like to put it. Daydream a bit. Think about plot development, character interaction and where the novel is going. Talk to others about it too. Write it down when the time is right for you.
So, there you go. My soap box rant for the day....
Connect with Katherine on Google+
Don't forget to leave a G+ :)
April 05, 2013
The true power of the written word.
Without trying to sound too anthropological, today I want to talk about the wonderful gift of writing and the incredible reach of the spoken and written form of language.
Recently I travelled overseas to a country that is primarily a non English speaking democratic republic; Singapore, with a brief stint to Malaysia. It was an wonderful trip, but more importantly, it poignantly reminded me that the beautiful world we live in is filled with many, many rich and vibrant cultures that are quite different to the one that I usually reside in. Living in Australia, an island unto itself, is great - don't get me wrong, but we are quite literally separate from the rest of the world in a very unique way; we don't share a border with any other country.
Well sure, there are many other nations that are isolated by sea, but they enjoy a much shorter journey to be a part of a larger community and different countries. In fact, Australia is the only continent in the world to be occupied by a single nation!
Being an English speaking country, there is little need here to learn a second or third language as there is no border "just over there" to force us to do so. Sadly, in my opinion, this has made us comfortable and somewhat lazy when it comes to the fine art of communicating in the native language of other countries we may visit. We as English speakers take for granted that others will be able to speak our language. It borders on arrogance in some instances that I witnessed whilst abroad; shameful displays of self importance and frustration when those people were venting ire at being unable to get what they wanted due to a language barrier. They seemed to miss the clear and somehow obvious pointer that they were the "foreigner" and made no attempt whatsoever to participate in the culture of the country they were in! For me it was an astonishing reminder of the miniscule effort some people are willing to put in, for themselves and others.
But I digress...
The point that I wanted to make is this:
As human beings we are privileged to have the innate ability to convey our deepest thoughts and the most ethereal higher concepts in a profoundly unique manner; the written word.
Many other animals on the planet have the ability to communicate, there can be no doubt of that, dogs bark, cats purr, birds tweet and fish display colours as a means of informing others of their species what they are feeling or as a warning and so forth.
Humanity as a species is the only form of life that exists on our tiny blue planet that has the natural ability to write.
As I sit here tapping away at my keyboard, I am able to reach out to anywhere in the the world and convey the (often simple) thoughts that occupy my mind, the most amazing part is - I don't even need to be in the presence of the person who is reading it. That is the gift of the written word. From the humble street sign that most of us take for granted as visual clutter in our daily lives, to the touching and personal memoirs of a young girl named Anne Frank, the written word is able to transport any one of us to the thoughts, experiences and imaginings of billions of other people who make up our large extended family of humans. Quite a mind blowing thought!
My little jaunt out of my comfort zone was a fantastic way to get a verbal and visual "kick in the pants" to stop being so lazy! I do have a smattering of other languages, my French is passable, but other Eastern European languages I have attempted have been difficult to say the least! With translation services available online, it should be easier for the many different peoples of the world to begin a written dialogue, even if the spoken language remains elusive.
As an author, the reminder was a good omen for me...it made me think about the amazing possibility of being translated! Perhaps an unlikely possibility, but one well worth thinking about. The nuances of a language can only truly be appreciated by immersing ones self in it.
For now, I am content to practice my native language to the best of my ability, concentrating on the grammar and other pesky bits that I must pay attention to when inflicting my thoughts on a page, but I do enjoy when the wisdom of the universe reminds me what a genuine gift it is to have the written and spoken word and how it has shaped our species thus far.
I look forward to the future with baited breath and the highest hopes for all of us, that one day we will all appreciate that we are indeed the "people of Earth" and finally put an end to the bitter infighting of ninnies like a certain nut in North Korea who is hell bent on separatist xenophobic idiocy and war mongering. I live in hope of an actual "universal translator" that can be worn or carried like a mobile phone earpiece, allowing each of us to communicate effectively and considerately on a global scale. Until then, I will make the effort to at least try to understand those around me who are part of a culture different to my own.
Peace is as infectious as war, but it does require more effort on the part of each individual. Awareness is key, as well as a genuine desire to understand and to be understood with impartial equality.
Understanding is a vital precursor of peace, and this can be achieved in a small part by using the incredible power of language to broker the foundations.
The profound ability to use aural and written language has enabled our species to collectively explore the concepts of science and mathematics, to capture the beauty of intricate thought, experience and philosophy, and indeed to venture beyond our tiny planet with the desire to expand our understanding of the very nature of existence itself.
To conclude, I would like to ask....
How have you used the spoken and written word to reach out to others?
Comment avez-vous utilisé le mot parlé et écrit à aller vers les autres?
¿Cómo ha utilizado la palabra hablada y escrita para llegar a los otros?
どのように他の人に手を差し伸べるための話し言葉と書き言葉を使用している？
איך יש לך בשימוש מילה המדוברת ובכתב ללהושיט יד לאחרים?
Hvordan har du brugt det talte og skrevne ord for at nå ud til andre?
Bagaimana anda menggunakan perkataan yang dituturkan dan ditulis untuk mendekati orang lain?
Cén chaoi a bhfuil a d'úsáid tú an focal labhartha agus scríofa a bhaint amach do dhaoine eile?
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Recently I travelled overseas to a country that is primarily a non English speaking democratic republic; Singapore, with a brief stint to Malaysia. It was an wonderful trip, but more importantly, it poignantly reminded me that the beautiful world we live in is filled with many, many rich and vibrant cultures that are quite different to the one that I usually reside in. Living in Australia, an island unto itself, is great - don't get me wrong, but we are quite literally separate from the rest of the world in a very unique way; we don't share a border with any other country.
Well sure, there are many other nations that are isolated by sea, but they enjoy a much shorter journey to be a part of a larger community and different countries. In fact, Australia is the only continent in the world to be occupied by a single nation!
Being an English speaking country, there is little need here to learn a second or third language as there is no border "just over there" to force us to do so. Sadly, in my opinion, this has made us comfortable and somewhat lazy when it comes to the fine art of communicating in the native language of other countries we may visit. We as English speakers take for granted that others will be able to speak our language. It borders on arrogance in some instances that I witnessed whilst abroad; shameful displays of self importance and frustration when those people were venting ire at being unable to get what they wanted due to a language barrier. They seemed to miss the clear and somehow obvious pointer that they were the "foreigner" and made no attempt whatsoever to participate in the culture of the country they were in! For me it was an astonishing reminder of the miniscule effort some people are willing to put in, for themselves and others.
But I digress...
The point that I wanted to make is this:
As human beings we are privileged to have the innate ability to convey our deepest thoughts and the most ethereal higher concepts in a profoundly unique manner; the written word.
Many other animals on the planet have the ability to communicate, there can be no doubt of that, dogs bark, cats purr, birds tweet and fish display colours as a means of informing others of their species what they are feeling or as a warning and so forth.
Humanity as a species is the only form of life that exists on our tiny blue planet that has the natural ability to write.
As I sit here tapping away at my keyboard, I am able to reach out to anywhere in the the world and convey the (often simple) thoughts that occupy my mind, the most amazing part is - I don't even need to be in the presence of the person who is reading it. That is the gift of the written word. From the humble street sign that most of us take for granted as visual clutter in our daily lives, to the touching and personal memoirs of a young girl named Anne Frank, the written word is able to transport any one of us to the thoughts, experiences and imaginings of billions of other people who make up our large extended family of humans. Quite a mind blowing thought!
My little jaunt out of my comfort zone was a fantastic way to get a verbal and visual "kick in the pants" to stop being so lazy! I do have a smattering of other languages, my French is passable, but other Eastern European languages I have attempted have been difficult to say the least! With translation services available online, it should be easier for the many different peoples of the world to begin a written dialogue, even if the spoken language remains elusive.
As an author, the reminder was a good omen for me...it made me think about the amazing possibility of being translated! Perhaps an unlikely possibility, but one well worth thinking about. The nuances of a language can only truly be appreciated by immersing ones self in it.
For now, I am content to practice my native language to the best of my ability, concentrating on the grammar and other pesky bits that I must pay attention to when inflicting my thoughts on a page, but I do enjoy when the wisdom of the universe reminds me what a genuine gift it is to have the written and spoken word and how it has shaped our species thus far.
I look forward to the future with baited breath and the highest hopes for all of us, that one day we will all appreciate that we are indeed the "people of Earth" and finally put an end to the bitter infighting of ninnies like a certain nut in North Korea who is hell bent on separatist xenophobic idiocy and war mongering. I live in hope of an actual "universal translator" that can be worn or carried like a mobile phone earpiece, allowing each of us to communicate effectively and considerately on a global scale. Until then, I will make the effort to at least try to understand those around me who are part of a culture different to my own.
Peace is as infectious as war, but it does require more effort on the part of each individual. Awareness is key, as well as a genuine desire to understand and to be understood with impartial equality.
Understanding is a vital precursor of peace, and this can be achieved in a small part by using the incredible power of language to broker the foundations.
The profound ability to use aural and written language has enabled our species to collectively explore the concepts of science and mathematics, to capture the beauty of intricate thought, experience and philosophy, and indeed to venture beyond our tiny planet with the desire to expand our understanding of the very nature of existence itself.
To conclude, I would like to ask....
How have you used the spoken and written word to reach out to others?
Comment avez-vous utilisé le mot parlé et écrit à aller vers les autres?
¿Cómo ha utilizado la palabra hablada y escrita para llegar a los otros?
どのように他の人に手を差し伸べるための話し言葉と書き言葉を使用している？
איך יש לך בשימוש מילה המדוברת ובכתב ללהושיט יד לאחרים?
Hvordan har du brugt det talte og skrevne ord for at nå ud til andre?
Bagaimana anda menggunakan perkataan yang dituturkan dan ditulis untuk mendekati orang lain?
Cén chaoi a bhfuil a d'úsáid tú an focal labhartha agus scríofa a bhaint amach do dhaoine eile?
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Don't forget to leave a G+ :)
March 17, 2013
How are you writing today? Interactive writing tips!
Please treat this as an interactive list of tips, a lot more can be added to it! Take the time to add to it in the comments box on my blog. Aspiring writers will thank you for it; and so will I!!
Here are some that I have picked up along the way from various places:
Writing Tips
- Never make the mistake of treating your audience like idiots. They are quite capable of reading descriptive narrative in short and eloquent bursts.
- Don't put off writing because you feel your plot is not outlined in gleaming detail. As Elizabeth Day says: the key for me was to find the characters’ voices, then allow the plot to fall into place.
- Write interesting characters. Give some irrelevant information about him or her to make them more interesting. It adds to character motivation.
- Allow your character to become introspective to give the reader some dry facts, then resume the story. It gives a realistic passage of time and feeds the plot.
- If your novel has been go, go, go from page one, give the reader and your characters time to breathe before the next big scene. Let them talk about each other or to each other before building to the climax.
- Know the difference: Its, it's, who's, whose, were, we're, your, you're, there, their, they're, to, too, two, peeked, peaked and piqued.
- Be fastidious with your grammar.
- When writing horror and scary scenes, describe the physical aspects of fear: dry mouth, sweaty palms, pounding heart.
- Dialogue. To portray a character as intelligent: short speech, asks questions, no swearwords, s/he doesn't repeat self.
- Populate the story with a strong supporting cast.
- Give Your Novel A Gut-Wrenching Black Moment.
- Resist the urge to explain.
- Write as if no one will ever read it, and then edit as if everyone will read it.
- Avoid cliches. Be more original than 'splitting headache' or 'pushing the envelope'
- Let the reader know up front what is at stake. What's the conflict, what stands to be lost.
- Demonstrate, don’t over narrate, unless it is relevant to your novel. (I personally like this better than the usual trite 'show, don't tell') but also see point 1 on this list- your audience is not stupid.
- Use humour when you can.
- Daydream about your book, it will be a great way to add to it when you sit down to write.
- Turn the spell check off and the auto-correct. You are a writer.
- Use the word 'said' sparingly. Write your own list of 'said' words down on a list and have it handy when writing.
- Write everyday if you can.
- Write what you know?! We've all heard that one, a little difficult to 'know' outer-space or dragons if you are a sci-fi or fantasy writer! Write what you love is a better way to go. Be enthusiastic, let your readers fall in love the same way you did.
- Don't write for others. You can not please everyone all of the time, write your story. Writing for readers will stifle your creative potential.
- When the urge takes you - write impulsively, some great things can come of it.
- Know the difference between harmful criticism and constructive critique. Dump a beta reader who is insulting and personally critical.
- Read Every word aloud when editing! I love this tip. It forces you to really hear the story you are trying to tell and sorts out any problems quickly. Cut any problem areas and then repeat process.
- Use a professional editor, even if you are self publishing. They know the business better than anyone and will be able to sort out your strengths and weaknesses fast. But choose carefully, check their experience and personality to ensure a good match with yourself.
- As a new friend said to me recently 'pay it forward' - help new authors network, recommend new people and sites that may be helpful to them. If you are an established author, take someone under your wing! They will thank you for it.
- Don't be a selfish hoarder! Publish your best writing tips! There are lots of aspiring authors who will thank you!
“I’ve written because it fulfilled me. Maybe it paid off the mortgage on the house and got the kids through college, but those things were on the side–I did it for the buzz. I did it for the pure joy of the thing. And if you can do it for joy, you can do it forever.”
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March 02, 2013
A Writer's Life - We all have bad hair days!
Today, I buzzed around from place to place busily "getting things done" and harping on at my kids to "stop doing this" and "don't do that" and "please don't hit your brother in the nose" all the while trying not to pop a vein in my irate state. Add to this getting the more mundane chores of the farm out of the way, like scraping chicken poop out of the roost and topping up watering areas, placing out feed and so forth....I began to zone out into my writers mind.
I became the heroine of the scene, tirelessly, selflessly, giving her all to everyone and everything else.(feel free to swoon at my magnanimous over-dramatisation ;) Yeah, the daydream lasted about a second, when my youngest son vomited down his shirt. Then he told me he didn't feel well. So, you can add a touch of Florence Nightingale to my repertoire!
Anyone with kids, or in fact any kind of life outside of writing will attest to the fact that it can be rather difficult carrying the dream of publishing into reality when there are so many extraneous demands on your time.
On my way through today's events I started to put together a list of must do's for an aspiring author, and here they are....
If, like me you work from home, slot out some hours where you are NOT to be disturbed unless the house in on fire!!
So, that's it from me today. It has been a crapper and I'm glad to be flushing it away with a final farewell.
Just goes to show that even when we authors have "bad hair days" it just becomes an opportunity to write about it! I hope you do too.
KVON
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I became the heroine of the scene, tirelessly, selflessly, giving her all to everyone and everything else.(feel free to swoon at my magnanimous over-dramatisation ;) Yeah, the daydream lasted about a second, when my youngest son vomited down his shirt. Then he told me he didn't feel well. So, you can add a touch of Florence Nightingale to my repertoire!
Anyone with kids, or in fact any kind of life outside of writing will attest to the fact that it can be rather difficult carrying the dream of publishing into reality when there are so many extraneous demands on your time.
On my way through today's events I started to put together a list of must do's for an aspiring author, and here they are....
- Start your day well.
- Try to find the time to write - without interruption!
If, like me you work from home, slot out some hours where you are NOT to be disturbed unless the house in on fire!!
- Don't write till you drop.
- Take care of yourself.
- Beta readers.
- Stay true to your novel.
- Genre, genre, genre.
So, that's it from me today. It has been a crapper and I'm glad to be flushing it away with a final farewell.
Just goes to show that even when we authors have "bad hair days" it just becomes an opportunity to write about it! I hope you do too.
KVON
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February 20, 2013
Anyone for alien Sex?!
Chemistry
Frenetic desire
Raw lust
Love
Passion
Consummation
Spiritual union
Procreation
What does it all mean? How does this happen between two unique beings born worlds apart?
Simply answered...love, and the intention to start a family.
And it all begins with
Lingering, languid, eyes locked, bodies merged.....Sex
Well, now we get down to it.
We've all watched the really great, epic Sci-fi movies and they were, for the most part in my opinion, a little tame in the Alien Sex department. (Feel free to correct me if I'm wrong!!)
As a science fiction writer, I had the distinct pleasure of exploring through writing my first novel, the relationship between a human woman and a male alien. Although they got off to a rocky start, I wouldn't describe my sex scenes as tame!
So, always the question....
To get it on, or not to get it on!!!
Its a tricky one to tackle (pardon the pun) for an author, especially as the Alien will no doubt possess unique physical characteristics and charm.
So, as to the question "should they or shouldn't they go for a hot and heavy session in the sack, cargo hold, stasis pod or wherever?"
To me, science fiction is the ultimate exploration of the human condition. Of ourselves as beings in the broad scheme of the universe, and obviously as sexual beings in encounters with alien beings too.
Short answer: I definitely believe they SHOULD!!
Well, it's not the first time its been done, any decent Trekkie knows that Spock is half Human, but does that necessarily mean that it needs to be included in the novel, or merely alluded to?
Well, yes and no.
There are huge fan groups that worship at the altar of Alien sex, and I mean what is referred to as "hard" alien sex. Which is great, I'm all for it!
However,
For a more mainstream science fiction, is it appropriate to include the sexy bits?
For me, the answer has to be YES.
In my novel, it simply made sense to include the passionate, and as my Beta readers have told me "arousing" "hot" "fantastic" (and a few other descriptions I cant write here!) inter-species love and physical love experiences of the two main protagonists. My novel would not be the same without the sex scenes and ...well...spoilers people, can't give away too much of the plot!!
So, how do you write Alien Sex?!
Start with a really good description of the Alien, not necessarily at the time of the sexual encounter, but I do think the reader needs to understand what the Human is in for if he or she goes "funky town" on the Alien!
All fun aside, the main consideration should always be love, lust is perfectly fine on its own for erotica, but for a true, lasting, romance, the newly emerging love shared between the characters must be acknowledged and explored.
What was it that drew them together?
Did they have shared experiences or was it their differences that sparked an attraction?
Is there an intellectual component driving attraction?
What character traits have been explored the will give insight to the consummation and bonding of the protagonists?
Other things to consider when writing Alien sex:
- what does it mean to the alien to have sex with a human
- what does it mean to the human to have sex with an alien
- is the alien/human promiscuous, or
- is the decision to have sex one that required a lot of thought on both parts
- is it consentual
- is it love
- does the alien view love in the same way humans do
- is inter-species easy for the participants or tricky due to physical differences
- if it is tricky, explain how and why
- what special gifts/talents/abilities does the alien have, and
- how does that make the sex good or bad
- does it change the human or alien in any way
- is it addictive to have sex with humans for the alien
- is it addictive for humans to have sex with the alien
- what are the consequences of sex for the participants
- is the sex gratifying for both parties or just a means to an end
- is it against the rules, against the law on either planet to have sex with other species
- what happens after the sex scene?!
So, don't shy away from Alien Sex! Embrace it! It might just broaden your horisons!
And remember, it comes with space ships, laser beams and cool clothes of the future !
Does it get any better :D
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