Category Archives: Tips

The Plague & Some Rules of Writing

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QuestionMarksI’ve been trying to write some in-depth blog, but nothing seems to be coming out the way I want in part because I have “the plague”.  My mind is currently consumed with a hundred questions like, “When do you know your story is finished?”, “Am I making the story better by changing the perspective?”,  “Am I only changing perspective because I’m not the person I was when I started this story so I want the focus to change?”, “Should I get a writing partner, and how would I go about that?”, “Should we move to save money?”, “Should I figure out how to outline better?  Because I really don’t like to outline, but it may be more productive, except I like the journey my characters take sometimes without any supervised attention, but then again maybe this is why I’m having trouble.  Nah, it can’t be an outlining issue.”, Should I go back to a “real job”?”, “Is writing a mermaid story only prevalent now because I know they’re making a live action Little Mermaid?”, “Should I try to sell my fairy story to the Japanime world?  Because I really like the way those Final Fantasy characters look.”, “How do I get into video game writing?”, “Which of my new writer friends can I talk to about this story so I can just finish it already?”, and countless others…

This is one of those days I can imagine all writers have.  Let’s call it Doubt Day, or Overwhelmed Day, or I’m Over It Day, or I Need To Get Back Into My Routine Day.  The only way to persevere, I suppose, and have been told repeatedly, is to keep moving forward.

Maybe this will help…a list from Literary Rejections entitled the 10 Rules of Writing.  Well known authors offer their words of wisdom, and why not listen to those who have gone before and been successful?  I’m going to do a little cutting and pasting and create my own list of rules, there are some great ones to adhere to, and I’ll print it up in an effort to stay focused.  Maybe I’ll post it too, so it’s out there for all to see.

I don’t feel any clearer on the subject having verbalized the numerous questions currently plaguing me, but I’m off to a new writer’s group, so maybe I can find some solace there.  If anyone has any suggestions on any of the above, please share. 🙂

I wish you all the best of luck in your endeavors!

A Little Screenwriting Insight

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HelpfulTipsI thought I’d share this useful insight with my fellow screenwriters, or for those of you who may be interested in embarking upon this crazy journey.  Script Magazine has a regular column entitled Meet the Reader, and this was their recent post.  The quick overview is – 18 specific things this reader looks for while reading a script, which includes everything from the page count to the feeling that remains after they’ve read it.  I don’t think we should curb our writing with premeditated perimeters, especially during the first draft, but in this tough business, it may be useful and proactive to set ourselves up for success by getting past the gatekeepers aka the readers by understanding what it is they’re looking for.

I hope you find this useful!  And good luck!

2 Writing Opportunities

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While on the hunt for writing opportunities, I came across these and thought I’d share.

Collective Lifestyle | Apply to Become Writer – for you freelancers

&

ProLiFic – which looks like an interesting idea and maybe a way to get us to finish our work 😉

Good luck!

 

A Message for All Creatives

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So last night I realized my perspective was off.  While looking for feedback on my last post about finding ideas, a fellow writer suggested I watch this TED Talk from author Elizabeth Gilbert, who wrote Eat, Pray, Love.  It’s an interesting take on the creative process, and a lesson we should probably all take to heart, at least in some regard.  *I won’t spoil any of it by delving into it further, for the moment, but really, give it a watch.  It’s less than 20 mins.

My thoughts yesterday were only that I needed to find more ideas, that I didn’t have enough in my “stockpile”, or the more accurate term I like, due to its deep, dark imagery, “vault”.  Then last night while at my writer’s group, I listened to the twenty other writers in the room discuss their projects, and realized how different we all are from each other.  Everyone in that room was working on something different; novels, screenplays, short stories, poems, the genres differed, the perspectives were biased from personal experience, and the writing styles were all different.  One of my novelist friends cringed when she heard a few of us talking about screenwriting and moved away to find a conversation more suited to her.  We support each other’s work, but don’t talk about it much when we’re together, in part, because of the differences.  So I laughed as she turned away because it reiterated to me that although we share a common passion, writing, we are not in the same boat.

NeverForgetWhyYouStartedI was looking at the work of others and comparing myself to them.  This is where I went wrong.  My life is not the same as a writer at the turn of the last century.  I’m not spending my time in an opium den, allowing lucid hallucinations to dictate my work.  My life isn’t even similar to the majority of the people I was in the room with last night, so why would I ever consider to compare my work with theirs?  Foolish notion…and hence, the perspective change.  As a screenwriter, hearing that someone has written twenty-five scripts should not make me rise to the challenge, because in all honesty, how many of those stories were worth telling?  I don’t want to be a writer that just spews out scripts for the sake of quantity.  I write a story because I have a passion for it, not just to bolster my numbers.

We each do what we can with what we’re given, or hopefully try to.  We all hope to achieve some part of the greatness that others have, but comparing ourselves to them is not only counterproductive, but unnecessary.  We each have our own stories to tell, we each have lived a different life, and it is this variety that makes us unique and incomparable.

I wish you all the best!

Bright Ideas

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IdeaLightBulb(jeffbullassite)

Ideas.  Where do they come from?  You’ve got me.

Honestly, I have no idea how my mind works.  The things my mind decides to retain versus what it doesn’t…I don’t know why.  So how could I possibly explain why a line of dialogue or a simple word might instigate an entire thought process that leads me to a new story idea?  I make notes whenever something intrigues me (I’m very fond of the note app on my phone), and I’ve been much better about this as time has gone on because as stated above, I’m not sure I’ll remember it later.  I usually don’t.  Then I become frustrated that I let it slip away.  So I’m always a little surprised when I hear a writer wonder what they should write about.  Isn’t stockpiling a part of a writers bag of tricks?

But on the flip side…I became baffled by some of the things I’ve read about writers doing, such as “idea sessions” where they come up with fifty ideas and then narrow down to a few that seem viable, or hearing about writers that have written upwards of twenty-five scripts.  Then while floating around the internet, I came across Frank L. Baum’s Wiki page, creator of The Wizard of Oz, and discovered what he had done.  Take a quick look at his bibliography, and be forewarned of the feelings of inadequacy that will follow.  When I figured out my portfolio, I was happy that I had eight solid ideas for full-length screenplays with a couple more brewing, but after seeing what some other writers have accomplished…huh, talk about feeling inept.

I keep a notebook with snippets of ideas, lines of dialogue, what-have-you, but even contained within those pages I can’t imagine I have fifty ideas or twenty-five scripts.  I could not write fifteen books based on one idea.  I was thrilled when one of my ideas kept growing and I realized I could write a trilogy and create an entire franchise, but that’s still only three story ideas.  I’ve made a note to myself to seek out idea generator type information, thinking maybe I need help in this area, and saw this article from the aptly named Bitch. Procrastinate. Write. entitled Got no writing ideas? Here’s 11 reasons why.

Then I saw somewhere that a writer’s favorite question is:

What if?

So there’s a starting point.  And another reason I share the writing prompt images.  “If I can help just one writer…”

I’d be interested in getting some feedback on how you all generate ideas, and if I’m alone in feeling this.

Good luck everyone!

My 100th Post

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100I can’t believe it…100.  Have I really had so much to say?!

I didn’t have any expectations when I started this blog, because I really had no idea what I was doing.  The only thing I did know was I needed a plan of what I was going to talk about.  I’m a writer who always thought she should be a teacher, but I don’t want to be lumped into one of those “if you can’t do, teach” sort of people yet, because I am just starting out. 😉  So here we are.  I share what I learn along the journey into “the business”, share a little of myself and my passions, and hopefully am useful to those of you who have decided to follow my ramblings.

I get a thrill each time I see that little orange icon at the top of my screen informing me of a new follower, comment, or like, and I appreciate every single one!  So thank you to all of you who have decided to spend some time with me.

So, on that note, and since I’m finally back on track, I’ll share a little about how I’m moving forward.  Besides the rewrite (this should now require some sort of expletive attached to it), and the possibility of writing for a new animated series (if it gets picked up – keep your fingers crossed), I’ve been working on my portfolio (which is why that blasted rewrite has been plaguing me).  For my fellow screenwriters, this is an absolute must.  Screenwriting coach, Lee Jessup, listed the following as a well rounded portfolio:

  • 2-3 “ready” scripts
  • 1 TV pilot or web series
  • 5 fleshed out like-genre ideas
  • 2 outside your genre ideas

Here’s a more in depth post about this topic and branding if you’re interested.  I’ve been able to get all of this in order, except for a viable option for a television pilot.  I sort of had this vague notion of something I wanted to do about powerful women throughout history, but about a week ago I had an idea for a comedy, and then one for a sort of fantasy based drama.  That one still needs tweaking.  And then they both need writing, or some outlining, which I suck at, by the way.  So there’s that.  From there, I need to start attacking my list of potential agents and industry people.  That’s a whole new level of stress-inducing madness just waiting to be explored.  *For those of you who have taken part of this process, I’d love some advice or feedback.  Please and thank you.

As for the blog, since I decided to start sharing images for writing prompts, I’ve collected a stockpile of articles to share, and I’d like to branch out a little in what I post, I just don’t know what that means exactly yet.  So stay tuned.

I suppose that’s enough rambling for now.  I’m going to try out a new writer’s group tonight and see what comes of it, so wish me luck.

I wish you all the best everyone!  And thanks again!  Let the journey continue.

The Business of Rewriting

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EditingAs I embark on yet another rewrite, and hopefully the last, on my first screenplay, I’ve been reviewing all the notes I’ve taken on rewriting (from books, articles, webinars) and thought I’d share a few things that should be relevant for all writers.  We’ve all heard it, and I’ve said it a time or two here, that all writing is rewriting.

First off, there should be a distinction made between editing and rewriting.  Editing is working with that final draft to make it great (and ready).  Rewriting is improving each element within your story; characters, dialogue, scenes, using the right words for impact, etc.  According to Dictionary.com – Editing means:

1. to supervise or direct the preparation of (a newspaper, magazine, book, etc.)
2. to collect, prepare, and arrange materials for publication
3. to revise or correct

Whereas Rewriting means:

1. to write in a different form or manner
2. to write again

So we will first rewrite, then edit.  Unless you’re like me, who loves to edit while they write.  Don’t follow my lead.  The first draft should be all the things you hope your story will be.  You should write it from the heart, because the subsequent drafts will be from the head.  The first draft should be free of restrictions, over-thinking, and self-censorship.  You should be carefree and wide-eyed, because it might be the last time you feel that way for the rest of this story.

One of the first lessons I learned in regards to rewriting is to remember “your vision”.  Sometimes while writing our vision gets lost.  Rewriting is the time to get reacquainted with it.  Remember why you wanted to tell this story.  Look for holes, problems with story or structure, forgotten characters (I did this once.  I had a character in the first half of a screenplay who I forgot to use later.  Oh yea, they must have been really interesting.), and logic.  Logic is one of my favorite rewriting techniques, “What would really happen?”  Trying to force a situation to get our characters where we want may make it read false.  How our characters (and people in general) would really respond in any situation is a great way to judge if our story is reading true, and might actually solve some problems we’ve run into.

I primarily write screenplays, so I have a lot of rewriting tips specifically designed for screenwriting which I can share in another post.  I wanted to keep this one a little more broad and offer some sites with helpful tips.  Many I’ve referred to myself.  LitReactor is great.  If you haven’t discovered them yet, take a look.  Use the search bar for editing or rewriting tips and you’ll come across articles like, How To Break Up With Your First Draft, Writing Sentences With Impact, or 5 Steps to a Successful Digital Rewrite, in addition to a great many other articles.  The Write Life has articles about 25 Editing Tips, or Write Better Stories By Asking These Questions.  This may be part one in a series, because there is a lot of information out there.

So, if I find anything else, I’ll pass it along.  I hope you’re all having a great and productive week!

How To Survive The Writing Highs & Lows

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TypewriterFontWriterWriters are a misunderstood bunch.  To the outside world, one might think our lives are spent wistfully daydreaming the day away.  That we spend our time living in imaginary worlds, not staring blindly at a blinking cursor on a white screen for long stretches of time while we try to find the exact right words for every single word we want to put down, or the time spent learning and honing our craft, or the mental (and sometimes physical) obstacles we need to hurdle to finish a piece, in addition to all the other things we’ve learned we need to do in order to write professionally along the way.  Writing can sometimes be an exhausting pursuit.

After last week’s admission of current shortcomings, I discovered that I sometimes follow a pattern.  What’s nice about this “light bulb” moment is that I can now use it to my advantage.  Being aware of the non-productive periods can help me lessen them in the future.  All of life is a learning curve.  Sometimes we are made to repeat certain instances until we come to an understanding, learn the lesson, and stop repeating them.  I’ve written about the marathon-style sprints I’ve been on and I’ve written about the dry spells.  There is no more or less passion during either of these times, but there is an ease in which the flow occurs.  This is something that “other” people will not understand.

So, as I decided to stop the madness and get back to work, I had a bit of a serendipitous moment when I found this article entitled, How the Ups and Downs of Writing Can Improve Your Craft.  Again, from The Write Life (who are quickly becoming my go-to site).  The third bullet point in the lows is exactly where I’ve been – finding out what has brought me down and fixing it…the only way I know how – Get back to writing.  I’ve reassessed some of my goals and am making some imaginary deadlines to get me focused again.

I’m not sure where I read it, but I have it on my board, a mantra of sorts that I’ve had to get back into the habit of repeating:

Discipline, Focus, Positive Energy

It is one of my goals to remain positive.  It may sound strange, but I’ve seen a few things that suggest that positivity is a choice.  It’s easy to fall prey to depressing thoughts, or feelings of inadequacy, and I would prefer not to, not anymore.  This recent low has reminded me of that.  So I suppose there’s good in that.

I wish you all the best in your writing endeavors and lots of positive thoughts!

Good luck!

A Little Writing Help

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TypewriterFontWriter

I’m feeling sort of negative today.  A few things have compounded leaving me a little sour.  So rather than give into those feelings or give them any power, I’ve decided to be helpful.  My blog is supposed to be about writing, romance, and fantasy, in addition to the journey of becoming an established writer, so maybe this week I’ll pursue some of those other avenues in the hopes that it will lighten my mood.  Maybe I’ve been too serious, too focused on one goal…maybe I should cut loose, at least a little. :\

I came across this interesting article that deciphers the various questions you might be asked in a creative meeting whether with film executives or publishers, such as “Why this character?”, “Why this story?”, “Why now?”.  If you’re struggling with a particular story, asking yourself some of these questions might help you resolve those issues, or might reiterate to yourself why you were inspired to write this story in the first place.  Also, within each question topic are further tips to explore.  I’ll give ’em a look, and pass on the details.  If you beat me to it, please share.

Then there’s The Write Life.  You may have noticed I reference them, occasionally.  I follow them on Facebook and find a lot of useful tips and offerings.  They recently posted an article about 20 Inspiring Pinterest Boards.  As you are all probably aware by now, I love Pinterest.  I’ve been doing the whole cork board thing for years, and really wish I would’ve come up with this idea.  (That would’ve been one way to supplement my lifestyle.)  I’m currently going through the boards suggested to see which would be helpful.  This idea alone has inspired me to search out more useful tips to share on my boards, so look for those new additions soon.

I hope you’re all having a productive week and I wish you all the best!