So many blogs, so little time! I've actually got my own website now, so The Lime-Green Shorts Review is retiring. Visit me at my new blog, Dark Reflections, for great information on the publishing process, the writing life, and random, stream-of-consciousness sputterings some call entertaining and others simply crazy...
Showing posts with label Writing (some reading but no 'rithmetic). Show all posts
Showing posts with label Writing (some reading but no 'rithmetic). Show all posts
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Monday, September 14, 2009
And the Beat Goes On...
Well, well, well, say how-do to real life as a writer! I've spent the last few days engrossed in a massive overhaul of a story that missed the mark for an anthology I submitted it to. It wasn't rejected, per se, which feels nice...I can't count the number of times I've had to do rewrites for things like my thesis, so this seems pretty normal. However, normal does not always mean something's easy! When I say overhaul, I mean it's like building a car from a kit and having to rip out the engine and exhaust system and replace it. Ouch. Far from simple or painless.
I have to laugh, because it's that whole "be careful what you wish for" thing that everyone warns you about. Now that this is becoming a viable career and way of life for me, there continues to be actual work involved. That's the funny part about dreams--they're all glowy and shiny before they become real because it's all a fantasy, but when they come true, no matter how happy you are, you gotta work at it. Fortunately, I don't mind hard work much.
For you writers out there, I highly recommend reading "The Writer's Journey," by Christopher Vogler. Although it's geared toward structuring story using mythic structure, it also reflects the path a writer takes along the way. I had an intellectual understanding of that, you know, the sort where you rub your chin a little and say, "Oh, yes, I can totally see how that might occur in one's evolution as a writer," but you don't really get it. Yeah. As my own story unfolds, I can see that this is the time for me to gain allies, face tests, and conquer the demons blocking my way to success. Like having someone say "maybe" instead of "yes," and what will you or won't you do to change it to the latter? Am I a hack or an artist? Who knows? I suppose I'll find out in the process. I'm in the Second Act now, and it's up to me to keep the pace up and prevent the story from lagging. That's a very real danger, once you achieve a little success and/or hit a major roadblock--the Second Act Swamp.
I trained for years to become a counselor, even though I've left off following that path, and I could tell you so many ways for a person to keep from losing sight of a goal, keep from veering off-course, and keep motivation high. But as they always say in writing, show, don't tell, what's happening in your story. And I think that's great advice, no matter where it's applied, as my own beat goes on.
I have to laugh, because it's that whole "be careful what you wish for" thing that everyone warns you about. Now that this is becoming a viable career and way of life for me, there continues to be actual work involved. That's the funny part about dreams--they're all glowy and shiny before they become real because it's all a fantasy, but when they come true, no matter how happy you are, you gotta work at it. Fortunately, I don't mind hard work much.
For you writers out there, I highly recommend reading "The Writer's Journey," by Christopher Vogler. Although it's geared toward structuring story using mythic structure, it also reflects the path a writer takes along the way. I had an intellectual understanding of that, you know, the sort where you rub your chin a little and say, "Oh, yes, I can totally see how that might occur in one's evolution as a writer," but you don't really get it. Yeah. As my own story unfolds, I can see that this is the time for me to gain allies, face tests, and conquer the demons blocking my way to success. Like having someone say "maybe" instead of "yes," and what will you or won't you do to change it to the latter? Am I a hack or an artist? Who knows? I suppose I'll find out in the process. I'm in the Second Act now, and it's up to me to keep the pace up and prevent the story from lagging. That's a very real danger, once you achieve a little success and/or hit a major roadblock--the Second Act Swamp.
I trained for years to become a counselor, even though I've left off following that path, and I could tell you so many ways for a person to keep from losing sight of a goal, keep from veering off-course, and keep motivation high. But as they always say in writing, show, don't tell, what's happening in your story. And I think that's great advice, no matter where it's applied, as my own beat goes on.
Friday, September 4, 2009
Surprise, surprise, surprise!
My first short story acceptance has finally happened! "Just Desserts" will be published in the "Zombology VI: The Living Dead vs. The Undead" anthology by Library of the Living Dead Press.
Surprise. Delight. Acceptance! What a sweet feeling, to finally know that this is even possible, when only a month ago I wondered how long it would take. I'm taking a little time to bask in the afterglow, to enjoy the feeling, but I'm determined not to rest on my laurels. There are other stories to get out there to the world, a book to finish and sell, and maybe even a poem or two in me. Not to mention plain old life to live!
It is a bit of a Gomer Pyle mindset, really. I'm surprised and caught off guard that I finally did it; surprised by the story that achieved it; and surprised that I waited so long to try. The more I think about it, the more I like Gomer's attitude--sweet, relaxed, and happy-go-lucky, never letting setbacks get to him as he rolls with the punches. My story gets rejected? Well, gol-lee! I'll just send it to someone new. They might like it!
After 15 rejections (not much, really, in the larger scheme of things) I've learned several lessons: 1) you gotta play to win, 2) rejection isn't personal, and 3) keep trying. And I think Gomer would agree with my final thought as well...that perhaps, even when a story doesn't "make friends" with the folks I send it to, we'll just mosey along and talk to someone new, because a stranger is just a potential friend waiting to happen. And who you make friends with might just surprise you!
Surprise. Delight. Acceptance! What a sweet feeling, to finally know that this is even possible, when only a month ago I wondered how long it would take. I'm taking a little time to bask in the afterglow, to enjoy the feeling, but I'm determined not to rest on my laurels. There are other stories to get out there to the world, a book to finish and sell, and maybe even a poem or two in me. Not to mention plain old life to live!
It is a bit of a Gomer Pyle mindset, really. I'm surprised and caught off guard that I finally did it; surprised by the story that achieved it; and surprised that I waited so long to try. The more I think about it, the more I like Gomer's attitude--sweet, relaxed, and happy-go-lucky, never letting setbacks get to him as he rolls with the punches. My story gets rejected? Well, gol-lee! I'll just send it to someone new. They might like it!
After 15 rejections (not much, really, in the larger scheme of things) I've learned several lessons: 1) you gotta play to win, 2) rejection isn't personal, and 3) keep trying. And I think Gomer would agree with my final thought as well...that perhaps, even when a story doesn't "make friends" with the folks I send it to, we'll just mosey along and talk to someone new, because a stranger is just a potential friend waiting to happen. And who you make friends with might just surprise you!
Monday, May 11, 2009
Fishing in the great pool of life
Greetings, diehard readers!
I went fishing yesterday at my in-laws. They have a pretty well-stocked pond containing bluegill, widemouth bass, and catfish, so there was the possibility of catching something really exciting! My beautiful husband and I took our rods out there, and I reacquainted myself with how to cast, which was pretty frustrating at times. Hadn't done it in over 15 years, so I was out of practice.
And it showed. I hooked clump after clump of moss, which got annoying pretty quickly, or nothing at all. Yay. It finally occurred to me that becoming a writer is a lot like learning to fish again--starting out, you catch virtually nothing but rejection letters or no response at all. You keep throwing stories out like lures on the line, hoping someone will finally take the bait and you'll get rewarded by being published (and maybe making some bucks, even better). Learning to write better, "tighter," or in more exciting ways is like casting out further, or lowering the angle on your pole, so the lure looks like a tasty little minnow, wiggling on the end of the hook. And above all, you must cast your line out there, or you'll never catch anything at all. Ever.
I did finally catch one fish, though, a good-sized bluegill. Looking at it, I felt kind of sorry for it, gasping for air with a hook through its mouth. I thought I'd feel triumphant, but all I felt was a bit shameful, doing it for sport. I doubt I'll feel the same way with my writing, because every time I "catch a fish" in the future, someone will be reading my story, thinking about things, and maybe feeling something. I believe that at least one person will, in a sense, take it home, fry it up, and swallow it down, which is what I suppose I'm aiming for.
So today I'm getting ready to cast out again onto the publishing pond, and keep casting till I get a bite. Hey, it's all good--I look awesome in fishing gear!
I went fishing yesterday at my in-laws. They have a pretty well-stocked pond containing bluegill, widemouth bass, and catfish, so there was the possibility of catching something really exciting! My beautiful husband and I took our rods out there, and I reacquainted myself with how to cast, which was pretty frustrating at times. Hadn't done it in over 15 years, so I was out of practice.
And it showed. I hooked clump after clump of moss, which got annoying pretty quickly, or nothing at all. Yay. It finally occurred to me that becoming a writer is a lot like learning to fish again--starting out, you catch virtually nothing but rejection letters or no response at all. You keep throwing stories out like lures on the line, hoping someone will finally take the bait and you'll get rewarded by being published (and maybe making some bucks, even better). Learning to write better, "tighter," or in more exciting ways is like casting out further, or lowering the angle on your pole, so the lure looks like a tasty little minnow, wiggling on the end of the hook. And above all, you must cast your line out there, or you'll never catch anything at all. Ever.
I did finally catch one fish, though, a good-sized bluegill. Looking at it, I felt kind of sorry for it, gasping for air with a hook through its mouth. I thought I'd feel triumphant, but all I felt was a bit shameful, doing it for sport. I doubt I'll feel the same way with my writing, because every time I "catch a fish" in the future, someone will be reading my story, thinking about things, and maybe feeling something. I believe that at least one person will, in a sense, take it home, fry it up, and swallow it down, which is what I suppose I'm aiming for.
So today I'm getting ready to cast out again onto the publishing pond, and keep casting till I get a bite. Hey, it's all good--I look awesome in fishing gear!
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Very proud of ourselves, ain't we?
And the answer is, "Yes!" I've been getting more and more dedicated to busting out work on my book with every passing day, so I'm feeling pleased as punch with myself. Although I feel sorry for my poor husband, who gets to hear about all the neat stuff I'm researching until his eyes glaze over. He's really quite patient, you know, to listen as much as he does.
Today I had fun trolling through the DSM-IV (that's the diagnostic manual in psych) to see if what I planned for my characters makes sense, in terms of symptoms, presentation, and fit. You see, as a former psych grad student, there's nothing I hate more than seeing terms misapplied, and I laugh like a loon when I read these descriptions of a "glamorous" disorder like Dissociative Identity Disorder and note that the author didn't do their research like they should've. It's pretty funny, really. I suppose anyone in a profession either gets mad or scoffs at books or movies, going, "Hey! That's TOTALLY not how we do things!" Guess that means I have to do that myself, when I write about fields I haven't studied in. Time to read up on police procedure, and maybe tap Jason's cousin Tim for advice :)
I also read more about symbolism, and I think I figured out some of the important details for my characters, you know the ones that make you feel like they're real people? Not some poor schmuck on the page jumping through hoops to do my bidding. It's like in pornos, where some dude shows up to deliver a pizza or clean the pool, and 5 minutes later everybody's knocking boots? It's not like either person is a REAL person, in this scenario. Nobody cares if they get abducted by aliens or fall into their own woodchipper, because they don't feel real. This is not something I care to do in my book. I WANT people to care when they fall into the woodchipper (no, really, that's not part of the book...not this one, anyway).
I'm feeling pretty motivated to finish up my research tomorrow, and because I'm more than halfway through an excellent book on structuring my novel, will be in the homestretch on that as well. Ooooh, it's getting so exciting, seeing the general shape of it take place! Can't wait until the planning stages are done and I get to write the beautiful thing! Can't wait for you all to see it, read it, and (hopefully) enjoy it.
Well, it's 9 o'clock and all's well. If I drank much beer, it'd be Miller time, but mostly I'm a teetotaler these days, busy dispelling the myth that all writers are f---ed up, neurotic, alcoholic, drug-addicted messes. Well...okay, maybe a little glass of wine to celebrate a good day? We'll keep it our little secret, shall we? I like being an iconoclast too much ;)
Today I had fun trolling through the DSM-IV (that's the diagnostic manual in psych) to see if what I planned for my characters makes sense, in terms of symptoms, presentation, and fit. You see, as a former psych grad student, there's nothing I hate more than seeing terms misapplied, and I laugh like a loon when I read these descriptions of a "glamorous" disorder like Dissociative Identity Disorder and note that the author didn't do their research like they should've. It's pretty funny, really. I suppose anyone in a profession either gets mad or scoffs at books or movies, going, "Hey! That's TOTALLY not how we do things!" Guess that means I have to do that myself, when I write about fields I haven't studied in. Time to read up on police procedure, and maybe tap Jason's cousin Tim for advice :)
I also read more about symbolism, and I think I figured out some of the important details for my characters, you know the ones that make you feel like they're real people? Not some poor schmuck on the page jumping through hoops to do my bidding. It's like in pornos, where some dude shows up to deliver a pizza or clean the pool, and 5 minutes later everybody's knocking boots? It's not like either person is a REAL person, in this scenario. Nobody cares if they get abducted by aliens or fall into their own woodchipper, because they don't feel real. This is not something I care to do in my book. I WANT people to care when they fall into the woodchipper (no, really, that's not part of the book...not this one, anyway).
I'm feeling pretty motivated to finish up my research tomorrow, and because I'm more than halfway through an excellent book on structuring my novel, will be in the homestretch on that as well. Ooooh, it's getting so exciting, seeing the general shape of it take place! Can't wait until the planning stages are done and I get to write the beautiful thing! Can't wait for you all to see it, read it, and (hopefully) enjoy it.
Well, it's 9 o'clock and all's well. If I drank much beer, it'd be Miller time, but mostly I'm a teetotaler these days, busy dispelling the myth that all writers are f---ed up, neurotic, alcoholic, drug-addicted messes. Well...okay, maybe a little glass of wine to celebrate a good day? We'll keep it our little secret, shall we? I like being an iconoclast too much ;)
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