Insecure Writer’s Support Group and Guest Post

Today I have a guest post at Patricia’s SITE, talking about how movies can influence plot and character development. Really! Stop laughing and go read it.

But first, I have an announcement regarding the Insecure Writer’s Support Group!

Thanks everyone for your input and suggestions – I’m glad the idea appealed to so many. That’s the cool thing about this blogging community – everyone is so supportive.

Here’s what it’s about and how it will work. Monthly posts were the overall favorite, but I think I’ve incorporate some of the other elements as well. (And all of this is located above under the tab marked “The Insecure Writer’s Support Group.")

Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!

Posting: The first Wednesday of every month is officially Insecure Writer’s Support Group day. Post about your doubts and the fears you have conquered. Discuss your struggles and triumphs. Offer a word of encouragement for others who are struggling. Visit others in the group and connect with your fellow writer.

Connecting: The page for the Insecure Writer’s Support Group will list those who are participating. It also allows for comments if you have an immediate need. This where we can help one another. Check the page whenever you visit – if you can help a fellow writer, hop over to their blog and offer assistance. (I may set up lists of where people are in the process, so if you’re having querying issues, you can visit someone else who is querying or someone who signed a contract for help. Or a list of resources.)

That’s the idea! First post date for the Insecure Writer’s Support Group is Wednesday, September 7. Sign up below or on the page above.

Let’s rock the neurotic writing world!

(And feel free to tell me if any of this sucks.)

All right, now you may visits Patricia’s SITE!

How Do You Juggle?

Not the physical kind. I can do that. Not well, but I can keep three tennis balls going for a while.

I mean juggle everything else?

How do you find time to write? Time to blog? Time to actually live?

I knew this month would be difficult between my book release and virtual tour. I knew writing would slack for a while. That's why I signed up for NaNoWriMo.

Some days, it's overwhelming though. I'm starting to wonder if I will survive.

So how do you guys juggle everything? Some of you have hundreds of more followers than I do. Some of you have several books out. Some of you post daily and it's not just filler - you put a lot of work into it!

How on earth do you guys do it?

Writing Exposition and Description

I don't claim to possess expertise when it comes to writing. I follow numerous bloggers who excel in that role and can direct you to their sites. However, I do know what I like to read. (And I'm sure that reflects in my writing.)

I'm not a fan of lengthy exposition or description. A basic account is all I require. I have a good imagination and can fill in the details. (Must be all those movies I watch - I've a lot of images upon which to draw!)

Some authors are masters of descriptions, using eloquent words and phrases. It's an art form I admire. However, without action or character interaction, long expositions bore me. I appreciate what the author is trying to convey, but it's dull reading.

What really gets me is when an author describes an item or scene in detail that has no relevance to the story. An entire page devoted to a character that just flits in and out and is never seen again I can do without. I recall one book where the author spent a whole page describing a character's dress - and then she was gone. Like a UFO sighting, except less interesting. (Okay, not interesting at all!)

Heavy description will never be my style. I know there's areas in need of improvement, like world-building, but I don't intend to become the next Dan Simmons with my writing. (Unless someone wants me to write a book about the lovely Kate Beckinsale, and then I will do my best!)

What about my blogger friends? How much exposition do you like in your reading or writing?

There You Go Changing the Story!

In reading writer and author blogs, it’s interesting to see how everyone goes about creating and altering their story.

But first, I want to mention that the Hollywood Spy hit 100,000 visitors yesterday. Party at Dezz’s place this weekend!

Okay, back to the story.

Some prefer to outline first, either basic or in detail. (I’m a planner, so that works well for me.) I noticed some create storyboards, moving scenes around. A couple people even move entire chapters.

What’s really interesting is at what point does the story change? Granted there’s an evolution from conception to finished product, but there’s a drastic change at some point in the process as well.

Perhaps it’s in the initial stages of the concept. An idea hits, a plot emerges, and then that person backtracks and starts a new path. Maybe that person just throws out ‘what ifs’ and decides what works best.

Maybe it’s after the initial draft is complete. During the first round of editing, the writer discards whole sections and even characters. He might even write a whole new ending.

(My friend, Glynis, recently lost 25,000 words of her manuscript. Crap! She’s rewriting that section now, making some big changes, and says it will be even better. Good for her!)

For me, the drastic changes come before I even begin writing. I think back to my initial concept for CassaStar. By the time I decided I was going to write the story and formed an outline, it looked nothing like my original vision. I’d discarded everything but the two main characters (and their names), the title, and one pivotal scene. But considering what I’d originally imagined, that’s a good thing!

So what about all my writer friends? At what point in the process do you stand your concept on its ear and change everything?

And I was informed the Blog Book Tour class would be critiquing my blog first on Monday - should I be nervous?

On Writing

I'm working on a follow-up to CassaStar right now. (So I hope the book does well this fall, or it'll be an exercise of imagination on my part.)

I have the characters defined, and the beginning and ending outlined and ready. What I'm still searching for is the overall story arc.

CassaStar centers around a war with another race, so I want the next book to possess a different threat. Space pirates is way too hokey! An alien probe from another galaxy laying a path of destruction? Hmm, Star Trek IV anyone? The discovery of an ancient race that creates a crisis? Damn, I watch too much Stargate! How about an ancient technology unleashes a deadly probe or weapon? Perhaps internal conflict within the Cassan race?

Still haven't hit the right conflict. Any suggestions?

On a less confused note, Beth was sweet enough to give me The Sunshine Award. (And she rather embarrassed me with her nice comments!) Thanks, Beth, and please visit this wonderful lady at Beth: A Work in Progress

I'm going to pass this on to Shannon and Yvonne, because both ladies are always so full of joy!

X-Men and Xtra Innings

I've never followed the X-Men comics, although I enjoyed the movies. The first three were good, but I felt they could've done more with the Origins film. Like a baseball game, it seems as if the series has gone into xtra innings with no end in sight.

What about books that go into xtra innings? Series that go on forever or books that contain so many subplots that they have multiple endings? You read what appears to be the grand finale, only to discover there's two more chapters - and an epilogue! I understand the need to wrap up a story, but how does everyone feel about multiple endings? Or endings that go on and on? Or series that just don't know when to quit?

Any of my fellow writers struggling with an ending?

And does anyone care to predict when the X-Men movies will end? Any guesses, Dez? When they stop making money?

Dudespeak

I was inspired by B. Miller's post yesterday regarding romance. Seems he was experiencing some challenges with the romantic aspect of his novel.

Don't worry, Miller, I would feel challenged as well! Don't think I could write a love scene. My 'romance' would sound stilted and awkward. I only know 'dudespeak,' so coming up with soft, feminine words would be difficult.

I don't notice details as much, either. Perhaps I should say some details. I can pick out the notes in a guitar solo and understand computer programs. But what color are the dishes in my cupboard? I'd have to go look! And what did I have for dinner last night? I think it was chicken... But women can remember what they had for dinner three years ago and on what color plate! Trying to place all that detail stuff a female character would see appears a daunting task.

I think every writer experiences difficulty in one or more areas. The trick is playing on our strengths, not our weaknesses. I knew details and romance from a female point of view was not my strength. So, call it cheating, but there's virtually no female characters in my first book. I decided I needed to find my voice and style first, and then expand from that point.

What do you find challenging? Do you have a difficult time seeing things through the eyes of the opposite sex? Do you struggle through this or just play on your strengths?

And if anyone has any tips for Miller, please bop over to his site and help him!

Writing and Music and Oscar Scandal

First, the scandal - the Academy has barred "Hurt Locker" Producer, Nicolas Chartier, from attending Sunday night. Chartier sent emails to certain Academy voters, asking that they vote for his movie and not a $500 million dollar film. (Meaning Avatar.) The Academy stopped just short of removing "Hurt Locker" from the running.
Of course, if it does win, it will be like Barry Bonds' HR record - tainted.
What was Chartier thinking?
Sunday night will be interesting...

Okay, now on to my regular post!

Music is an inspirational art form. I enjoy listening to it almost as much as I enjoy playing it.

Most writers don't listen to tunes while writing for fear of distraction, but I always write to music. While working on my book, Cassastar, there was always music playing.

I like metal and progressive rock, and the fast tempo of bands like KillSwitchEngage and Shadow's Fall kept action scenes flowing. Guilt Machine's "Green and Cream" was perfect for space battles! I could almost see the Cosbolt fighters in action, diving down on the enemy with lasers blasting.

The story centers around a war, which meant there were moments of tragedy as well. Channeling emotions isn't my best trait, so I tried to play slower pieces during those scenes. I'd play some Redemption or older Dream Theater during those times.

For the writers who follow my blog, even if you don't listen while you write, is there music that inspires your work? Has a song ever revealed a story or scene to you? Or is it just my obsession?

My Manuscript - Did I Do Enough?

After working so long on my manuscript, it feels as if there's a void. After a rush to make changes requested by my publisher, I'm in that waiting phase while the editor goes over it with a fine tooth comb. Unfortunately, that gives me time to think.

Did I do enough?

I keep thinking back to the action scenes. Did I make them tense enough? Did I balance the description well enough that the scenes flow without a halt in the action?

I'm not an overly descriptive writer, so while the action scenes might be okay, I wonder about my characters. Was I too skimpy on visual descriptions? Did I make each one unique?

It's tough not to pull up the manuscript on my computer and stare at it. I'm sure I'd want to change some things. Pointless to do that right now.

The contract is for one book, but what if they want a sequel? Crap, I hadn't thought beyond the ending! I'm not crazy about movie sequels, so I didn't plan for a book sequel. And at this point, I have no idea where the story would go, either.

Damn, I bet I'm over-thinking all of this, aren't I?

Character Motivation

One thing that's crucial to a good story is the main character's motivation. It's pretty much what drives the story.

And it's one thing to drop a character into a situation. I can think of dozens of books that feature a reluctant hero. But what motivates that character to stay the course?

Perhaps a character is given choices. His ultimate desire and motivation should determine his path. Perhaps he selects the wrong road to travel? Maybe he even gets sidetracked and forgets his original motivation.

What if there is no choice? What if our character has only one path? I often think that's similar to real life. We have a goal, a motivation, but our ideal route of choice isn't always the one provided. Or the journey just isn't how we'd envisioned it.

Motivation has a variety of forms and sources. Interior or exterior. Emotional or logical. Past events or future dreams. A combination of those forces and occurrences can fuel our character's motivations.

Character motivation is probably the one thing I considered the most when writing my book. Events of the past, most notably those outside of their control, motivated my main characters. Throughout the story, I kept referring back to their motivation - was it apparent in every scene? Did their actions and behaviors line up with that drive? For me, it was like a gut check to make sure I was still on track.

How strongly do you follow through on your character's motivations?
Do you like highly motivated characters in your books?

Just Alex pondering on writing...

Writing Rules - A Paradox

There's some writing rules out there that perplex me. Maybe someone can help me understand. Many of these I've seen posted online within the last month. Others are just grammar rules.

Sample rules:

Don't use incomplete sentences.

Don't use adjectives that end in "ly."

Show don't tell.

Don't end a sentence with a preposition. (Although the Chicago Manual of Style says that's a superstition. Odd word choice!)

Eyes that drop or roll.

Don't use a passive voice.

And it's not the rules themselves that perplex me - it's the fact that I can take any book off my shelf and within the first few pages, find that several of those rules have been broken! So what gives? Are these issues important to some editors but not others? Is it that writers and new authors should strive not to break these rules until they are established and then they can write all the bad grammar their heart desires? Or is it something else altogether? Anyone help me here?

Or is this just one of life's great mysteries?

Writing - Inspired by Music

I'm a big music buff, so I'm usually listening to one band or another. I've found this really helps me with writing as well.

Several bands inspired me while writing Cassastar.

In Flames is great for the action and fight scenes. "System" and "Could Connected" possess so much energy! The band's aggression really helps, too. Guilt Machine's "Green and Cream" fits well with the space battles. I can really see the characters in their fighters, blasting away!

Redemption and Dream Theater are great for scenes where the characters interact. Really sets the mood for more dramatic moments.

I've heard other authors and writers say music inspires them. So tell me! What music inspires YOU?

Books That Flow

What makes a book great for you?

For me, it's the flow of the writing. Each sentence must carry seamlessly into the next, without a sudden halt of forward progress. If I'm reading and I stumble over a sentence, that lessens the effect for me. Usually it's not the use of big or difficult words so much as just an awkward sentence. One that is written poorly will jolt me right out of the story. That is why I enjoy Preston & Childs so much as authors. Their sentences flow without effort.
(And this is something I'm working SO hard on in my own writing!)

What authors do you feel 'flow' with their writing? Have you encountered those with stumbling sentences?

Writing - Dialogue and Details

My first book goes to the main editor soon.

At the moment, I'm still doing some work on the dialogue. A test reader has been helping with the dialogue, trying to punch it up some. Also trying to work some more humorous sarcasm into the main character. I believe the term is "snarky!" I don't want to make him too obnoxious though, which is why I'm working on the humor, too.

I had to do some research, too. Difficult to research space battles, so I'd turned to a friend who knew a lot about fighter jets and training. I wanted to be sure I was using the right terms. My story is set in a fictional universe, but I wanted familiar terms and accuracy. If it's too alien, no one will relate! I see that sometimes in sci-fi books. Technology and concepts SO out there, it's hard to follow the story. I even tried to keep the names simple...

Anyone else read a book that was just so detailed, so complicated, so "out there" it was tough to read?