Thursday, September 29, 2011

Aspiring Advice: Uncurbing Enthusiasm



Fellow blogger, Hanny, sent me an email some time ago asking a question that stumped me. Like a hewed tree.

"I come home from work, sit at the computer, and type a word quota and leave it—no passion or enthusiasm at all . . . Should I just box it and start on something that really excites me, or keep at it and hope that it gets exciting or can be edited into something interesting?"

I honestly didn't know how to answer that. So I sat and thought. I drank some water from my glass and noticed it was half full. Or was it half empty? I couldn't answer that question, either! Then, like a fish, it came to me.

What happens if you write and you're not excited about it? If you have no passion or enthusiasm in what you're writing, is that going to reflect in your writing?

"I'd say that's a big 'yes.'"

Doctor Venkman--you stole the words from my mouth!

We don't typically do things that we're not passionate about. We don't fill our rental cues with movies we don't like, or read books that don't interest us. It doesn't make sense to write something if you have absolutely no enthusiasm for it. But you did, when you started.

You've invested time in this project. Thousands of words typed. You can either finish it or move on to something that you are passionate about. Does this mean you're a quitter? Does this mean what you've done is a lost cause? I don't think so. Not at all!

I'm a huge fan of Science Fiction. Why am I writing Fantasy, then? My enthusiasm for writing sci-fi did not match my watching, reading, or playing sci-fi related mediums. Do I want to write sci-fi, maybe even rewrite my first trilogy? Sure! The timing just isn't right for now. The problem is I don't have the right elements to make the story work like it should. I'm still waiting for the right reception. Until then, magic and undead are speaking to me. Go with your gut. There is no concrete answer.


If you find yourself disinterested in your current WiP, now is a good time to ask yourself a few questions:

Where did I lose interest for this story?
What's the best use of my precious time?
Do I simply need a break to think about it?
Is the story the problem, or is it just me?

This is not the rule, just my thoughts on the matter. If you're writing and plan to keep writing, then you obviously have a passion for writing. The best way to uncurb your enthusiasm is to explore the craft. There's much to learn. Even now, I've come to embrace flash fiction, and there's even a zombie novel in the mix now.

Don't panic. Just write. Enthusiasm will find you.

I'm David, and the calender is falling!

If you want to know more about writing, or want some advice on writing, feel free to contact me with questions.


Monday, September 26, 2011

Post: The Fortune of Being Super Subborn



Who likes fortune cookies? You know--those lightly sweetened folded crispy things made of flour, sugar, and vanilla, often containing a little piece of paper with something inspirational written on it? Well. I do. A lot! Even if the fortunes are vague, or not fortunes at all ("You are a flower ready to blossom," etc).

There's a Chinese restaurant near our place that's something of an extended family favorite. In celebration of my sis-in-laws' recent matrimony, we went. And my son handed me a cookie. And I opened it. And I read it.

And I could not believe what I read.

"Your hidden talent will soon be revealed."

My initial response: "Curious ..."

Shortly after, I received a message in my inbox:

"Please paste the first fifty pages in the body of the email, in reply to this email. Thank you."

An agent replied to my query. And she asked for more! (I'd throw confetti right now, if I had any). This is a first in my writing career. Good reason to get excited, yah?

What surprises me most is the request is in response to my first wave of queries. Before WriteOnCon. Before a dozen or so of you amazing bloggers tore my query apart for all its worth to help me make it better.

This reminds me of subjectivity, a little ...

I eagerly anticipate the response, whatever it be. Like my Viking ancestry, I have stubbornness issues. I'll see this writing through. It can be done. It will be done!


Rob Snyder--the ultimate motivational speaker.

I'll explain who and with whom if something more comes of this experience. Nothing is official yet. No since revving the hype machine, right?

Update: As I wait, I write. I decided to tackle the Magic and Zombies stories simultaneously. About a thousand words in on both. Looking good so far. This week, I'll clock in more and keep up with reading all the entries for Rachael Harrie's Second Campaign Challenge. It amazes me how many good ones there are this time around. Acute writer's envy going on around here. Awesome!

And a great big giant THANK YOU for checking out and commenting on my depressingly hopeful entry. You guys are the best. Now it's my turn to read yours!

I'm David, and check your pantry for mice!


Thursday, September 22, 2011

Writers' Platform Building Campaign: Challenge Two: Your Imago



Your Imago


Nature meant for hearts to yearn.

To attract. To love.

The perfect girl. You know her. She knows you.

She's the One.

Your eyes meet. Your hands clasp.

She is the lacuna to your soul.

At first glance. At first touch. You know.

And she—for just an evening.

An engagement keeps you. She awaits a second rendezvous. The thought of parting makes you oscitate when long miles separate. You have every intention to marry her. Times passes. You return. And you inquire.

But someone else saw her—a stranger to both.

Taken. Shaken. Used. He stole her final breath.

Her life. Lost. Plundered from you.

You gasp. You writhe. You fight and cry. You ask, "Why?" No justice can serve the loss of your only One. Nothing is left. Only shattered mirrors—reflections of what could be, after so many years.

You stare in the fragments spread and see in your lonely eye a happy gleam. Not yours. Hers.

Synchronicity.

You raise your hand to the frame. She does the same.

Your old heart aches. Miasma seizes your air.

You breathe. You fall. She watches.

Her gentle hand you abide.

“We will be,” she whispers, “on the other side."

*   *   *
There you have it! The second challenge of Rachael Harrie's Platform Building Campaign. 200 words exactly with all the optionals met. This is helping me become a fan of flash fiction. I need to write more of this stuff!

Requirements:

Write a blog post in 200 words or less, excluding the title. It can be in any format, whether flash fiction, non-fiction, humorous blog musings, poem, etc. The blog post should:
  • include the word "imago" in the title
  • include the following 4 random words: "miasma," "lacuna," "oscitate," "synchronicity,"
If you want to give yourself an added challenge (optional and included in the word count), make reference to a mirror in your post.
For those who want an even greater challenge (optional), make your post 200 words EXACTLY!

I look forward to all of your excellent entries.
Good luck, my fellow campaigners!

Also, Chantele Sedgwick is Awesome. Why? Because she gave me an interview! And it's a real neat one! Please go check out her amazingly cool place!

I'm David, and I need a tissue ...

Monday, September 19, 2011

Roundup: Standing With Awe--someness!


 
Abby Fowers  (Thumb Guy)  J. A. Bennett 

I'm going to say this now to get it off my chest. What a weekend! Loved every minute of every millisecond. I'm sure that makes sense in the space/time continuum somewhere. Right? Either that or I'm still very sleepy!

(I'm totally wearing the same shirt from my headshot)

The League of Utah Writers turned out to be one of the best writer gatherings I've attended yet. All because of the stupendous people who showed up. I was even reacquainted with an old friend, Kay Stevenson, who used to live in my hometown in California.

Secret's out. I'm a Cali-boy. Man. Thing.

And because I met so many awesome people, I didn't really have a chance to do much else. See this lady below? That's Amber Argyle. Not only is she one of my favorite blog authors, but a new favorite in our house, thanks to her awesome debut of WITCH SONG (her first printing sold out in less than a week, I might add). 18 months back, we shared a critique table. I read some of WITCH SONG then, and she read some of WOVEN. So, yeah. She knows about it. Embrace the jealousy.


And it wasn't long before Lisa Mangum joined us and set up shop for her fabulous THE HOURGLASS DOOR Trilogy. She's the most open and friendly author/editor I know. AND she captained our critique table. I smell a reunion!


And then there's Darren Hanson, who was brave enough to drive with me for over four hours and kept me out of trouble. He's also one of my critique group buds. He's responsible for that awesome new website I told you about recently. Watch out for this guy. He don't blog yet, but you're looking at the next Mark Zuckerberg. When it comes to authors that blog, that is.

I look more excited on the inside. Promise.

Wouldn't you believe it! I also sat next to Brenda Sills and ran into Ali Cross! Along with Abby Fowers and Jennie Bennett, they're like blogger legends! Jennie helped me get over my Twitter Jitters, too. Fun. Ultra supportive. Seriously. I'll just say it. We're BBBFLs (Best Blogger Buds For Life!)! So good to see you!


This, my friends, is the power of networking. Of paying it forward. Four years ago was my first convention, and I was a shy little dude. But it's people, like the above, that make the event worth while. We're here to help. You have our support. We'll give you advice if wanted.

A big hand to everyone who made this year's League of Utah Writers Roundup and rip-roaring good time!

Update: Now that WOVEN is officially handed off ...

 IT'S AWAY!

It will go into the thermal exhaust port of one's heart or just impact the desk's surface. No matter. I look forward to the outcome. "No" is not the end of the world.

But it is the end of this one ...
(Poor Alderaan ...)

In the mean time, I get to research more contacts if "no" is the answer and start a new book. What should it be? I know! MG magic or zombies? I have a tasteful and killer idea for both of them (respectively). What's that? Zombies, you ask? I know. I don't write horror or things like that. But this idea. I might have to run with it! 

Magic or Zombies? What do you want? I can do either.

I'm David, and my X-Wing has a cup holder!

Thursday, September 15, 2011

Aspiring Advice: The Subjective Subject


I give credit to Micheal Offutt for inspiring this week's topic. Why? Because the man's a genius. That's why!

Lately, I've read a lot of letters. Many of them have something in common. Publishing is a very subjective business. Subjective. What is that, exactly? My trusted dandy dictionary has this to say on the ... subject:

Subjective (adj): taking place within the mind and modified by individual bias.

Individual Bias. Those are the key words.

Regardless of genre, when you write a book, you're giving us a story told through something known as your World View. Never mind Nature vs. Nurture. Everyone has a unique perspective of the very same world we share. A single sunset can be described in a million different ways. It makes sense that your presentation might clash with someone's world view. It will. On the flip side, someone will fall head-over-heals for your writing.

Finding the person who will publish you is the fun part. 

When it comes to publishing, subjectivity takes on a new meaning. Agents and editors are bombarded every day by submissions. I can't imagine what they and their assistants wade through. Given their circumstances, schedules, and personal lives, they must be subjective. You may have the best novel of the last century in your possession, but if they don't catch the vision of your world view ... that's okay! I'd rather have my work represented by someone who loves my vision and is willing to sit for hours-on-end reading my shlock.


Here's a personal example. My latest novel, Woven. I researched the genre and can safely say there's nothing out there quite like it. But what's out there, right now, is what's selling. That's the job of an agent--find someone new that will sell with the other guys. As an unpublished author, how do I sell something completely untested in the present market? If you have an answer, do tell!

I've had over a dozen readers get back to me. Every one of them loved it. One went as far as to say, "Dude ... you're like, the male Shannon Hale!" Considering we own the Bayern books, that was quite a compliment!

Now, take Rachel Harrie's latest Campaign Challenge. My entry is not among the finalists. I wasn't even a semi-finalist. Am I bitter? No no no no! I helped judge. I read oodles of entries that far surpass mine. Based on who the judge was, they subjected my story and others. To that awesome person's world view, someone else's entry appealed to them more. And kudos to them.

If you check my entry, you'll find well over a hundred comments. Though not perfect and written on the fly, the story was well received. Can I say it? You liked it!

What better reward could I ask for?

That, my friends, is what I consider a healthy attitude about writing. Be patient. Don't fret if your work doesn't mesh with most agents and editors. Someone will catch your vision. You want someone who sees your story the way you do and will make it better. Don't settle for less.

Do you write with hopes of making bank? Winning awards? Having uncountable/adoring fans?

Or do you write simply because you love it?

This is not the rule, just my thoughts on the matter. We're in this subjective business together. Some of us need to polish our voice. Some of us are on the cusp. Some of us have names on book covers. Not all #1 best sellers are that great. Some of the most amazing books ever never made it to the top 100. It's all subjective.

And that's okay.

Your match is out there. Looking. Waiting. 

Show your stuff!

Do you write outside your genre because agents want another? Do you write what you love and stick with it? What authors have others compared you to?

I'm David, and I'm the male Shannon Hale!



The Candy Man

I dare not open my eyes.

A sweet and sticky smell comes to me like the breath of a dragon, along with the sound of a crying old lady. The Candy Man yanks me in, laughing a mischievous laugh. He said I would see my worst nightmare come to life.
What did this have to do with an abominable snowman, hurling sulfuric acid-laced chocolate cream pies?

“Come, come, be not shy,” giggles the sadistic little man. “Look, look, else someone will die!”

I pry my eyelids apart. I see an elderly woman with gray hair. She's tied to a chair. She dangles from a licorice rope above an enormous vat of boiling butterscotch.

The Candy Man holds up his thick taffy suspenders with round peppermint buttons. “Your Aunt Crystal was bad. Like you, she stole candy. Makes me sad. Return what is mine! Gimme give, and I might let you live!”

“That’s not my aunt ...”

Scrunching his brow, the little fellow pulls a memo from his pocket. “Your name is Dennis Pivot?”

“My name is Marcus ... you idiot.”

Growling, the Candy Man tosses me from the room.

Monday, September 12, 2011

Post: A Change Of Plans and Moderation

 
I'm not in the greatest of moods this morning, nor the clearest of mind. It has nothing to do with writing, so no worries. To make a long story short, the sickness that rampaged our place a couple weeks ago is back. With a vengeance. And it took the kids hostage. A weekend of fevers and pick eye. Not my kind of weekend.

What's hardest of all is watching these kids suffer from lingering, non-life threatening eye puffs. I know what will help, but I'm powerless to give the medical goodies because I need a prescription. And the pediatrician I trust with their life (and mine) isn't in until Monday.

It's Monday now. Hopefully we'll reestablish some order in the next few hours. Then we can get back on track!

That's not what this post is about ...

I'll be honest. You guys so totally ROCK! Hopping online this morning and seeing all of your amazing comments and the following love put a great big smile on my face.

Not that kind of smile...but close!

I'm doing my best to keep up with each of you, the campaign, and everything else that needs to go down before this weekend. Why this weekend? I've had my arm twisted by a couple good friends of mine, so I've added The League of Utah Writers Roundup to my schedule. If you plan to go, we should hang out.

I also have some awesome news to share! Darren Hanson, a good friend and trusted critique partner, is in the process of launching a new website that should prove to be an invaluable resource for any author (published or not) who blogs. And I get to moderate with a couple recognizable folks in the blogosphere!

Since they're putting the finishing touches on the site, I'm sworn to secrecy about what the site is and what it does. But I'll tell you one thing. I've looked all over and found nothing quite like this. Get excited! It should be up and running sometime within the next month.

Update: I'm putting the finishing touches on Woven, based on excellent beta reader feedback. When that's done, I'll head to the Roundup conference and cram as much writerly knowledge into my head as I can.

Was your weekend better than mine? Tell us about it.

I'm David, and it's time to wash my hands!

Thursday, September 8, 2011

Aspiring Advice: Collective Unconscious


 

Have you ever read a newly released book or watched a new movie and thought, "that's A LOT like the story I'm working on!" It happens more often than you think, and comes from sources that you'd least expect. This just happened to me last week after viewing our awaited rental of Rio (a surprisingly fun movie--well worth the watch). Though it is vastly different from my finished Woven novel, the way they executed the relationship building of the lead birds is almost/nearly the same.

(Lead guy character traits - not the same - phew!)

I doubt readers would notice, but I could be wrong. Even the song at the end of the film, by Taio Cruz, matched an underlying theme of the story, as viewed by the lead guy. Creepy! In other words, the end song would go well with the end credits, if Woven ever amounted to that.



The lyrics say it all. And that's enough hints for now. ;)

This phenomenon is incidentally called The Collective Unconscious. In short, it's similar/original thoughts that occur in different people around a close time frame. Did we really need three asteroid movies in 1998? Or three volcano movies in 1997? Maybe not, but three different production groups once thought it was a good idea!

What do you do if you find your story meshing with another? Is your totally awesome, must-read story compromised? NO! There is a preventative step and a few tricks to help settle your conscience.

Research Your Idea - Google your idea and see what else is out there that might be similar to your story. You might even find inspiration along the way.

Alter Your Idea - Scan through your manuscript again, for good measure, and tweak your concept just enough so it feels the same and presented in a fresh way.

Read/Watch Your Genre - That way, you get a good view/feel of what's out there, right now. Surely you can take a similar concept in a very different direction!

 "Don't call me Shirley..."

Wait It Out - Ideas and concepts recycle all the time. Someone may have beat you to the punch this time, but it shouldn't take long for a new audience to surface.

This is not the rule, just my thoughts on the matter. Catching similarities to your stories in other mediums keeps us writers on our toes. Don't be bummed if your ultra original story is the same plot as Avatar (I was actually worried about that for a while...). Ideas are cheap, but your execution has limitless possibilities.

Has this ever happened to you? From what book, movie, song, play, etc? How do you battle The Collective Unconscious when you find it beyond your manuscript?

I'm David, and "I have a reason for life." 

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

Writers' Platform Building Campaign: Challenge One: The Candy Man


 

Hello again, old friends and new! What an exciting and busy weekend it turned out to be! Nothing quite like taking advantage of a holiday weekend by exploring the natural world. In this case, the deserts of Southern Utah. We climbed through canyons, discovered dinosaur footprints, and checked out some ancient cliff paintings.

And this is why I did not post my First Writers' Platform Building Campaign Challenge yesterday. Good thing I still have time. Better late than never!

The Rules:

Write a short story/flash fiction story in 200 words or less, excluding the title. It can be in any format, including a poem. Begin the story with the words, “The door swung open” These four words will be included in the word count.

If you want to give yourself an added challenge (optional), use the same beginning words and end with the words: "the door swung shut." (also included in the word count)

For those who want an even greater challenge, make your story 200 words EXACTLY!

So here it is! Exactly 200 words!


The Candy Man 

The door swung open. I dare not open my eyes.

A sweet and sticky smell comes to me like the breath of a dragon, along with the sound of a crying old lady. The Candy Man yanks me in, laughing a mischievous laugh. He said I would see my worst nightmare come to life— what does this have to do with an abominable snowman hurling sulfuric acid-laced chocolate cream pies?

“Come, come, be not shy,” giggles the sadistic little man. “Look, look, else someone will die!”

I pry my eyelids apart and see an elderly woman with gray hair. She's tied to a chair, and dangling from a thick licorice rope above a swimming pool-sized vat of boiling butterscotch.

The Candy Man holds up his thick taffy suspenders, supported by peppermint buttons. “Your Aunt Crystal was bad,” he chimes. “Like you, she stole candy . . . makes me sad. Return what is mine! Gimme give, and I might let you live!”

“That’s not my aunt . . .”

Scrunching his brow at the woman, the fellow pulls a tiny memo from his pocket. “Your name is Dennis Pivot?”

“My name is Marcus . . . you idiot.”

Growling, the man tosses me from the room.

The door swung shut.


I thought I'd take the challenge further by writing in first person, present tense, because I'm a third person, past tense kind of guy. Did it work? Let me know down below.

I'm David, and boiling butterscotch--what a way to go!

Sunday, September 4, 2011

Random Sauce: No Post On Sundays



I usually don't post on Sundays. But since it's Matt Hayes' Birthday, and because he asked, I'll make an exception. Just don't expect a letter from Hogwarts.


Here's a little present from all of us at The Cosmic Laire!

An Ode to Uncle Vernon:

Oh, Uncle Vernon. Your time is due.
They made a LEGO Mini-fig out of you!


Nothing speaks success like being made into plastic.
Don't try and hide it, though your hat looks fantastic!


You're famous for a nephew that you treat like a rat.
You infuriated him so much, he made Aunt Marge fat!

 
You think you're all bad, with guns and guts galore.
But you're forgetting one thing:


"Don't be diss'n Albus Dumbledore!"


HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

I'm David ... now where can I find some cake?

Thursday, September 1, 2011

Aspiring Advice: First. Interview. Ever!



Greetings, old friends and new! There's a few personal things I have to take care of, which means I'm pressed for time to post my advice column today. At least here.

Reece Hanzon just did something awesome! He posted his first author interview ever. And guess what? I'm the lucky bloke he got to pick the brains out of! That makes this my first interview, too (exciting!). It's brimming with advice, a few of my secret writing techniques, and other juicy details that you won't find anywhere else.

"So make like a tree, and check out his blog!"

Umm...thanks, Biff...

I'm David, and, hey! All the orange juice is gone!