Okay, I’m not really a rule breaker. Not without seriously considering the consequences and ramifications of breaking the rule, and then it still takes me forever to decide what I want to do. I’m lame, I know. Right now I’m contemplating succumbing to the peer pressure laid on by one of my critters (thank you, Becca), and breaking one of the big rules about how a novel should start. There are plenty of agent sites out there with lists of things that agents don’t like to see for an opening scene. Opening with a dream is a huge no-no, and I’ve been leaning toward doing this for a while to ramp up my first chapter. Problem is, I can’t get past the thought of an agent passing on my ms because of it. Of course, I was breaking the no opening with dialogue rule before, so I don’t know what my problem is.
With that in mind, I rewrote the beginning of my first chapter. Now it opens with a dream and dialogue. I feel so empowered, going up against the man. :) Just wondering if it sucks you in and makes you want to read more, or does it just suck? Maybe there’s a middle ground?
And do you consider yourself a rule breaker or a rule follower? It seems like there are so many “rules” out there. It’s hard to keep track of all of them.
Update: I rewrote it again, so I removed it. Thanks everyone for your thoughts! They were very helpful in getting me where I think I need to be on this.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Friday, May 22, 2009
What's Your Motivation?
This post by Rebecca Knight started me thinking about why I write. I’m not the type who will tell you I’ve wanted to be a writer since I first held a pencil. In fact, when I was a kid, I wanted to work for Disney as an animator when I grew up (along with a long list of other things, but we won’t get into that--this post is going to be long enough as it is). I’ve always enjoyed writing--except for my sophomore year in high school when my English teacher tried to take all the joy out of it with the accursed 3-prong essay--but until I started this blog almost one year ago, the only voluntary writing I did was in my journal and a children’s book I wrote about five years ago. That’s still sitting in the darkest corner of my documents folder, waiting for me to do illustrations for it. As you can see, I’m very motivated to finish those.
My mother always kept a journal and encouraged me and my siblings to keep one as well. Since her passing, I’ve been very grateful to have a record of her life from her perspective, and it’s motivated me to keep up to date on mine. But the stuff I write in my journal is not something I want to share with the world or even something that anyone else would be interested in reading. So, how did I go from writing in a journal to thinking I'm capable of writing a novel other people will want to read?
Well, there’s a bit of arrogance behind the answer to that question. Whenever I attempt to do something new, it usually starts with the thought, “If so-n-so can do it, I should be able to do it too. Probably better.” This is usually not the case, but a little delusion never hurt anyone, right? I’m also very interested in learning new things, and that often plays a role in my decision to try something new, but the main focus is usually the challenge to do something as well as or better than someone else. I’m constantly comparing myself to others. Sometimes it’s frustrating, but it also motivates me to do better. Elana Johnson posted on this subject a few days ago.
Last fall, I read a book that I’m sure many of you have read, and upon finishing it, I thought, “If this got published, surely I can write something good enough to publish.” It was a nice thought, but I’ve learned since then that some people are just lucky and even if I could write the perfect novel (subjective, I know) there is still a good possibility I will never get published or even find an agent. I’ve also learned that my writing was terrible then (and not necessarily great now, but better, I hope), and I was seriously delusional about a lot of things about the publishing industry. But even knowing what I know now, I’m still motivated to write and share the stories that are floating around in my head. I think maybe I’ve finally discovered the thing I can be truly passionate about it. Miracles do happen. Now, if I could just make some money doing it. :)
So, tell me. What motivates you to write? Why do you block out the real world to delve into imaginary places? Is it something you feel compelled to do or just a creative outlet?
My mother always kept a journal and encouraged me and my siblings to keep one as well. Since her passing, I’ve been very grateful to have a record of her life from her perspective, and it’s motivated me to keep up to date on mine. But the stuff I write in my journal is not something I want to share with the world or even something that anyone else would be interested in reading. So, how did I go from writing in a journal to thinking I'm capable of writing a novel other people will want to read?
Well, there’s a bit of arrogance behind the answer to that question. Whenever I attempt to do something new, it usually starts with the thought, “If so-n-so can do it, I should be able to do it too. Probably better.” This is usually not the case, but a little delusion never hurt anyone, right? I’m also very interested in learning new things, and that often plays a role in my decision to try something new, but the main focus is usually the challenge to do something as well as or better than someone else. I’m constantly comparing myself to others. Sometimes it’s frustrating, but it also motivates me to do better. Elana Johnson posted on this subject a few days ago.
Last fall, I read a book that I’m sure many of you have read, and upon finishing it, I thought, “If this got published, surely I can write something good enough to publish.” It was a nice thought, but I’ve learned since then that some people are just lucky and even if I could write the perfect novel (subjective, I know) there is still a good possibility I will never get published or even find an agent. I’ve also learned that my writing was terrible then (and not necessarily great now, but better, I hope), and I was seriously delusional about a lot of things about the publishing industry. But even knowing what I know now, I’m still motivated to write and share the stories that are floating around in my head. I think maybe I’ve finally discovered the thing I can be truly passionate about it. Miracles do happen. Now, if I could just make some money doing it. :)
So, tell me. What motivates you to write? Why do you block out the real world to delve into imaginary places? Is it something you feel compelled to do or just a creative outlet?
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Rainy WIP Wednesday
It’s been overcast and drizzling all day today, and I’m loving it. The temp’s hovering around the mid-80’s--not fantastic, I know, but so much better than the 111 we had on Monday. It would be a perfect day if I didn’t have a tooth pulled this morning, and if I could get this New Kids on the Block song out of my head. I haven’t actually heard the song for ages and I’m not sure what triggered it, but it’s making me a little batty. I’m trying to flush it out with some Evanescence and Bush, but the stupid song really wants to stick around. The Vicodin I took for the pain in my mouth is starting to kick in, so maybe that will chase it away. And I apologize in advance if this sounds like I’m stoned. I’m feeling a bit stoned. My brain doesn’t handle narcotics very well.
Today’s not going to be very productive, but it’s been a pretty good week for my WIP. I finished the rewrite on my first four. I ended up keeping a lot more than I planned on, but I completely rewrote several key scenes, eliminated a couple of extraneous characters, and did some rearranging. I think it all flows quite a bit better now. Of course, that opinion could change tomorrow, depending on my mood. :) So, just a few more minor changes and I think, after I spend some time obsessing about my query letter, my ms will be ready for some serious querying. So exciting! And so scary to be so close.
Today’s not going to be very productive, but it’s been a pretty good week for my WIP. I finished the rewrite on my first four. I ended up keeping a lot more than I planned on, but I completely rewrote several key scenes, eliminated a couple of extraneous characters, and did some rearranging. I think it all flows quite a bit better now. Of course, that opinion could change tomorrow, depending on my mood. :) So, just a few more minor changes and I think, after I spend some time obsessing about my query letter, my ms will be ready for some serious querying. So exciting! And so scary to be so close.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Separation
In an attempt to make my blog more professional--building a web following and all that business--I created a seperate blog for my posts about my kids and family happenings. I will probably make it private at some point (Like when I'm a super-famous, published author. :) I can dream, right?), but for the time being it will be public. So, for those who are interested in my kids shenanigans, you can check it out at http://www.anniskids.blogspot.com/.
Note: If you're looking for old blog posts about my kids, I've moved them all to my family blog.
Note: If you're looking for old blog posts about my kids, I've moved them all to my family blog.
QueryTracker Carnival
QueryTracker is turning two years old. To celebrate, they're having a party and giving away some awesome prizes, including a free custom website. Just post an announcement on your blog using the carnival graphic and post your link and real name on the QT blog to be entered.
They're also having several other contests with cool prizes and more entries for the free custom website. Check it out here or click on the picture below for more details.
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