Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Tuesday Tropes: You Can See Me?



Some things are not always as they seem. The same could be said about people or other things that breath, or things that are no longer alive. While it may be a surprise when someone discovers the truth, it's just as shocking to those that no one else is able to see.

You Can See Me? - A basic reaction by a character who is invisible or caught in some kind of magical disguise when another character is able to perceive them.

This trope is a staple among ghost stories, altered sometimes by the ghosts knowing that certain people can see them, making them ghost magnets. Ghost Town (above) and The Sixth Sense are prime examples.

"Yeah. Dead people. You heard me!"

If a character doesn't know they're a ghost, that makes things awkward for tenants who rent their apartment.

"I like your hair ..."       "I like your ectoplasm ..."

In the novel (and film) The Last Unicorn, after the creature transformers into a woman, the twisted King Haggard is able to discern what she really is.

(Someone make a live-action film, please?)

How about the spooky ringwraiths? They see invisible Frodo. Frodo, in turn, sees them as something else!

"Take the ring first, then stab him!"

It's pretty much inevitable for a character to say this when their identity is compromised. Though you have to admit, the question is a little silly. If someone asked you that, you'd more likely say, "I think you should see a psychiatrist." This makes the trope more or less a comical rather than a dramatic element in a scene.

And yes - I admit to having used this one.

Ever used this trope before? What examples did I miss? Ever see something that no one else could?

I'm David, and there's a SPIDER on your SHOULDER!

Monday, January 30, 2012

Nomination, Members, Writing Nook!


I was recently nominated by ecollegefinder.org for The Top Writing Blog Award, a cool surprise and honor!

See that little button over there?     ----------------->

If you click it, you will be guided to a place where you can cast a vote for as many blogs as you want, as many times as you want, until Feb 3rd. There's many great nominees there. So, if you think my blog (or anyone else's) is cool enough, a vote would be awesome!

You can read my post for students here.

Much thanks, ecollegefinder fellows!

*     *     *

Up next - twenty (20, XX, or Calcium) new members! A huge cosmic welcome to each of you. Click it forward!

and 

Thanks for joining The Cosmic Laire, everyone!

*     *     *

Update: I had to put Dragon's on hold for a different project last week. If all goes well, it'll be at 20K by the end of the week. Or more, if able. Also, I had the chance to visit an LTUE planning meaning. I'll tell ya - there's a lot of awesome going on. Can't wait for Feb 9th!

February is almost here! What have you accomplished this month? What's the plan next month?

I'm David, and this is where the magic happens ...

10 points if you can find Yoda!

Friday, January 27, 2012

Aspiring Advice: My Favorite Shortcuts


When I write and edit, I often look to shortcuts to help save time and to make me sound like a mad typer. Yeah. That's right. I went there. And you can to!

Granted, I'm and MS Word user, so I'm not sure if these shortcut work for all processors. You're welcome to give it a try. Most of these functions are found in your toolbar anyway, but the more you can do on your keyboard, the less you have to rely on your wrist-aching mouse.


Here's my favorite (used-all-the-time) shortcuts:


Ctrl-Alt-M – Insert Comment (great for critiquing)

Ctrl + Backspace - Deletes word to left of cursor.

Ctrl + I - Italicizes highlighted selection.

Ctrl + P - Opens the print window.

Ctrl + 2 - Double-space lines.

F7 - Run Spell Check

Shift + F12 - Save.


Use these shortcuts long enough and it will become second natural. Like combo moves on a video game, right? Now go lay claim to your story in record time!

 

Did I miss a really cool one? What are some of your favorite shortcuts?

I'm David, and I [Ctrl + I] really want a mouse tank!

Thursday, January 26, 2012

Free Fiction: Substitute For Sun



Substitute For Sun

Grandpa adjusted his ladder beneath the dangling light—now dark, as it had burned out. All the other lights in this part of the forest had died, too. Good thing we spotted the problem in time. The flowers at our feet remained in full bloom. An hour longer and they would have withered and died. And our people with them.

“All right, Opal,” said Grandpa. “Hold it steady for me.”

I watched him climb, one slow step at a time. A question bothered me. I wanted to ask, but I thought it best to wait. The last thing Grandpa needed was a distraction. He reached the socket and twisted the dead bulb free.

“That makes nineteen.” He shook the glass close to his ear and let it drop. The white flowers broke its fall, ringing a soft clink on the ground. It did not take long to replace it. A new bright glow removed the darkness, giving the forest the full spectrum it needed. “Thirty-one more to go!”

He climbed down. His feet touched the ground.

I could finally ask.

“Do you think I’ll ever see the sun, Grandpa?”

I expected a sigh from him, and he gave one. He removed his cap and looked up. So did I. The black clouds were hard to see, but I knew they lingered high above us, choking the life from our world. “I asked my grandfather the same thing,” he answered. “Do you believe there is a sun?”

I wasn’t sure. I wanted to believe, so I nodded.

Grandpa gathered his bag, folded the ladder, and carefully cradled it under his arm. I thought that was the end of it, until he smiled at me. “Light shines where hope lies, they say.”

I frowned. Hope. If only I knew what that was.

*     *     *

I wrote this for a blog hop, hosted by Angela Goff, Lillie McFerrin, Angie Richmond, and Daniel Swensen.

Rules:

Write a piece of flash fiction, poem, or song (300 words or less) using the photo as your inspiration. Post it on your blog any time between now and when the linky closes. Every eligible entry will qualify for a chance to win one of the prizes listed below. The linky will be open from January 23 through January 30. 

1st: Fifty page critique by Lillie McFerrin 
2nd: Twenty-Five page critique edit by Angie Richmond 
3rd: Fifteen page critique by Angela Goff
4th: Ten page critique by Daniel Swensen 
5th: A copy of Steven King’s On Writing

*My blog does not support the Linky for this hop. Weird. You can find other entries by going to the host's blogs.

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

I Read This: Tuesdays at the Castle

 
Tuesdays at Castle Glower are Princess Celie's favorite days. That's because on Tuesdays the castle adds a new room, a turret, or sometimes even an entire wing. No one ever knows what the castle will do next, and no one-other than Celie, that is-takes the time to map out the new additions. But when King and Queen Glower are ambushed and their fate is unknown, it's up to Celie, with her secret knowledge of the castle's never-ending twists and turns, to protect their home and save their kingdom.

(From Goodreads)

We've been fans of Jessica Day George for years, so it's no wonder that this beginning of a new series made its way into our home. I didn't get to read it right away. My wife claimed first dibs. She wouldn't let me have it.

This was an especially fun MG read, provided with a rare instance of a building that acts like a character of its own. It practically puts Harry Potter's moving staircases to shame. I took notes as I read, since this is the kind of fantasy I enjoy writing. With strong characters and a plot that twists and turns just as much as the castle does, I dub this novel a worthy (and quick) read!

*      *      *

Chantele Sedgwick is hosting a giveaway to celebrate her blog and twitter followers. Click her for details! 

T.B. McKenzie is offering a giveaway of his book The Dragon and the Crow. All you have to do is tell him who your favorite literary dragon is and why. Have at it!

What are you reading?

I'm David, and I can read Kindles on PC? Sweet!

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Tuesday Tropes: The Plot Trinket


Stuff. Everyone has stuff. Most of the time, we think nothing of it. It's not like we pay attention to people's rings, lockets, or pocket watches. There's nothing magical about them, is there? Well, if this stuff becomes a crucial part of a plot, you can bet we'll keep our eye on whatever it is. And scream, if it falls into the wrong hands.

The Plot Trinket -  An item of major or little value to a character that ends up being an item of importance. Typically, the entire plot centers around this item.

Unlike a MacGuffin, Plot Trinkets are jewelry or a special item made into jewelry. They can also be any number of objects. For an item to be a Plot Trinket, it often comes from someone of endearment (a relative or friend).

Every orphan seems to have one. It is often a clue left behind by the character's parents or relatives.

 

It can also be an inheritance that a child is too young to access, but others are killing to get their hands on it.


Some Plot Trinkets can make characters immortal.


Others can lead characters to truth.


Every now and then, they can have an effect on time.


Plot Trinkets are fun and used in many stories. After all, most people hold value in something, like I do for my grandfathers old-school pocket watch. If only it could do more than tell time, like ... turn beavers into gold!

Hmm. Maybe not. I'll lay off the poor beavers, okay?

What are some of your favorite Plot Trinkets? Have you ever used one? What kind of item was it?

I'm David, and where can I find some cool curios?

Monday, January 23, 2012

Post: 500 Winners, Awards, & Members!




A cosmonautical "thank you" for everyone who participated in my 500 members giveaway. Winners were selected at random, and they are:

Imogen - The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan.

Tasha Seegmiller - Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater

Tara Tyler - The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin

J. A. BennettShatter Me by Tahereh Mafi

Natalie Aquirre - Touch of Power by Maria V. Snyder

Contact me at dpowersking[at]gmail[dot]com with an address (for physical book) or an email address (for ebooks). You'll receive your prize soon. Thanks again!

Because of personal stuff, I'm not able to offer query critiques like I've done in the past. But! I'll have to offer that sometime in the near future. Stay tuned. 

*     *     *

We have 14 new members this week (if your name is not linked, I could not find your blog). Click them out!

Deeds
 Megan 

*     *     *

 

J. A. Bennett and Kelly both bestowed some awards this week, including the Versatile Blogger, Great Comments, and the Kreativ Blogger awards! Thanks so much, you two. It means a lot. The Kreativ Award I have not received yet, so I'll take that challenge now.

For the Kreativ award, I'm supposed to share ten things about myself and pass it on to six bloggers. How about some embarrassing childhood moments? Here goes!

1: I used to collect action figures. Now I don't know what to do with them all. Know any collectors? Anyone ...

2: My sister gave me a Sting sword replica a few years ago. Guess what I see when I look up from the screen?

3: I filmed a short apocalyptic film using Micro Machines and fire ... and lost the footage. Not the best example.

4: Out of boredom, I swapped sale signs in a woman's department store ... and was caught by mall security!

5: I was suspended in Kindergarten over a name-calling dispute. No joke, but you can laugh anyway.

6: I put gum in my hair once, just to see if peanut butter really did help get gum out of your hair.  It works!

7: The only school dance I ever went to was prom. Okay. Maybe that's not embarrassing, but surprising, no?

8: I once memorized all of Yakko's World and Wacko's America and would sing them repeatedly.

9: I buried a platoon of G.I.Joe's in my backyard. They came back as zombies. Scarlett had a cure, though.

10: I chased a man in a penguin suit at Sea World, and to this day, I have a fear of Grover from Sesame Street.

Go on. Laugh it up. You know it's funny. And now, I'm passing the Kreativ Award to the following:

and

*     *     *

Update: I've been sick. It may not show in my posts, but I'm fighting something new. Nothing dangerous. Just tedious. However, this has given me time to work on The Dragon's Heart. First three chapters are rewritten, proofed, and wife approved! Now for the easy touch-up stuff. We're aiming to have a beta draft ready by March.

What a busy week! How is yours shaping up?

I'm David, and the nook is almost finished!

Friday, January 20, 2012

Aspiring Advice: Copy & Paste Editing


Of all the editing features out there, few are as simple and magical as the Ctrl - A, Z, X, C, and V technique. Yep. I said magic! Think about it. With two keystroke combinations, an entire 150k manuscript can disappear and reappear. Or parts of it. This is a major time saver.

Most word processors use this keystroke combination, something that would make my early writing days a lot easier. If I had known, I could have touched two keys and restored an accidentally deleted chapter instead of rewriting it. Most of you know this, so bear with me.

Ctrl - A:  This selects everything in your document

Ctrl - X:  Cuts highlighted portion from your document.

Ctrl - C:  Copies highlighted portion; does not remove.

Ctrl - V:  Pastes highlighted portion where the cursor is.

Ctrl - Z:  Undoes any current action.

Ctrl - Y:  Restores any previous action.

(If you don't know, you highlight by clicking and dragging your mouse over what you want to edit).

There you have it - the recipe for basic editing. They can be used for cutting sentences, paragraphs, pages, or whole chapters, and maybe using them elsewhere.

My current revision is a good example. The story itself is sound, but the manuscript needs a thorough touch-up. And some tightening. The beginning and ending calls for an almost complete rewrite. The first chapter is guilty of the infamous info dump, but some of that prose and information is still really good. It's just in the wrong place. The original first chapter? I cut it all and pasted on a separate document, in case I wanted to use any of it later. And I did, which saved me even more time.

This is not the rule, just my thoughts on the matter. Drafting a novel is the first step in a huge journey toward publication. And editing is the second.

Any editing shortcuts you'd like to share? Did I miss any keystrokes? Do you enjoy drafting or editing more?

I'm David, and someone lit my Babylon Candle!

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Tuesday Tropes: Beautiful All Along


In the walks of life, there are opposites. While some people are perceived as beautiful, others are perceived ugly. The latter makes for a character who can't get the girl or has no chance of being asked to prom by the hunky quarterback. Fortunately, fiction has a cure that's sure to turn heads.

Beautiful All Along - (mistaken for The Glasses Come Off) A character, initially portrayed as ugly, plain, or homely, who undergoes a metamorphosis that turns them into the most beautiful or handsome of all.

While it sounds like a shallow plot element, its continued use suggests that the idea of becoming beautiful or desired is, in itself, attractive. There are plenty of examples with various executions, such as:

Hermione Granger - who would suspect that Hogwarts' buck-toothed and frizzy-haired know-it-all would become the main eye-popper at the Yule Ball?

Nothing grungy about this Granger!

This trope is typically used with female characters (but has a special place for male characters in comics - often involving genetic mutation over a salon makeover).

Ain't that right, Mr. Rogers?

Closely associated with this trope is She's All Grown Up, when a childhood friend matures and becomes someone you start thinking of as ... more than friends.

"More isn't always better, Linus ..."

In That Touch of Mink, a character toyed with this trope by asking his secretary to let down her hair and take off her glasses. She does, but he looks at her, unimpressed. "Gee ... it always works in the movies!"


In Howl's Moving Castle, the main character doesn't think highly of her appearance. Being changed into a granny certainly sent her low self-esteem for a whirl.


This trope isn't going away anytime soon. Good thing writers keep coming up with new ways to use it. Like an age-old fairytale, Beautiful All Along is a classic trope and always will be, so long as audiences desire the feeling that their characters portray. Like in this clip:



Do you have a Beautiful All Along character? Guy or girl? What kind of makeover did they have?

I'm David, and I sure could use a haircut!

Monday, January 16, 2012

500! The "Choose Your Novel" Giveaway!


  

It's happened, friends! The Cosmic Laire has breached 500 members! This floors me like a gamma burst wave! Seriously. You guys are so awesome, it's radioactive! Thank you so much for your incredible support.

And now, it's giveaway time! And to make things simple (and a little unpredictable), this is how we'll do it:

 The "Choose Your Novel" Giveaway!

I will give away 1 book (up to $10 on Amazon) for every 10 comments, up to 100 comments. And you choose it!

That's right. ANY book, $10 and under!
(Just don't make me regret this, okay?)

All you have to do is:

1 - Comment on this post.

2 - Include the book title (not to exceed $10 US - ISBN-10 number would help) that you would like to win (bonus points for ebooks - wink, wink).

3 - Spread the word! Any way you can! The more comments, the more probable your chance to win. You can copy the button above and host it on your blog, Facebook, Twitter, or scream from the rooftops.

When we reach 100 comments, I'll announce winners.
Winners will be selected by the will of the universe.
This giveaway will last all week until 100 is reached.

You do not have to follow this blog to participate.
This giveaway is open to the Whole Wide World.

What have you got to lose? Choose!


I'm David, and there goes my lunch money ...

Friday, January 13, 2012

Aspiring Advice: Writing Is Ever Learning

 
I received an email from a representative of ecollegefinder.org, telling me they've nominated The Cosmic Laire of Science Fiction and Fantasy for the Top Writing Blogs Award (thanks, Brittany!). This came out of nowhere, but it's awesome. And I like awesome!

As a nominee, I'm encouraged to write a post, tailored to students who wish to improve their writing acumen. This week's advice is for you, students, though what I'm about to tell you may not be what you'd expect.

*      *      *

Writing is not a stagnate art. Learning is not a stagnate experience. No matter what level you're at now (writing a novel, finished a couple, or thinking of starting one), there's always room for improvement and growth.

As an optimistically naive sophomore, I thought my first novel (with it's super original concept) would throw the world for a loop - maybe even be the next Star Wars.

It wasn't until I became an undergraduate when I went to my first writer's conference and shared the first five pages of my manuscript at a critique session. There, I received the feedback that changed my writing forever.

"That was a waste of five pages ..."

What? That's not encouraging! And you know what? I wasn't encouraged. I almost left the conference and gave up writing entirely. Somehow, I stuck around. I met other aspiring writers, people who had the same aspirations. We talked. We shared. I learned - learned something that all my years of classroom sitting near taught me. Accepting that I could improve eventually led to being invited to lunch by a few freshly published authors, including James Dashner and Julie Wright.

And I learned even more.

My point? You can only rely on yourself for so long before someone with a different world view or more experience comes along and points at the cracks in your writing foundation, a foundation you thought was so strong. I chose to dig it up and start over again. It was tough, since there's no help button on my keyboard.

The core of being a writer is writing daily, reading lots, and learning always. If I had known the following when I started, I would be further along in my career today:

Network - Writing is not about being a shy hermit and hoping the first agent you query will offer a contract. If you want to be a writer, you need to take a break from the computer and be with other writers. Search for your local Writing League. Attend local (and/or national) writing conferences. Take creative writing courses. Sign up for writing seminars. Form or join a critique group. Writing is an art, but it's also a business. Network.

Web Presence - I think it was Dan Wells I heard say, "If you write, you should blog" during an LTUE panel on web presence. The same message rang true in the film Julie and Julia. Facebook. Twitter. Blogger. Personal Website. Whichever platform you prefer, get started now. Even if you have the best query that any agent has seen in a whole year, some will reject it if you have no presence. No joke. Here's a few outstanding examples of young aspiring authors who've already started theirs. 


Write - Always write. Flash fiction. Short Story. Novel. Doorstopper. Whatever. Make time for your writing now so it becomes a habit, something you'd much rather spend your free hours doing than playing countless MMORPGs. Give yourself a daily word count. Match it. Don't worry if it's utter tripe. Most likely, it will be. That's what editing and polishing is for. Like mastering any skill, it takes practice. Maybe even years of practice. In my case, a lifetime - and I still have a lot to learn.

This is not the rule, just my thoughts on the matter. You can ask for all the advice in the world (there are plenty who are willing to provide it), but the most important aspect is making the choice. Writing is not easy. Getting published is not easy. Then again, nothing is impossible.

So long as you are willing to ever learn.


"Dream large, stand tall, and open your mind, for you are the conduit for a story that has yet to be told."
- DPK

What have you learned about writing? Feel free to comment your advice for the world's aspiring youth.

I'm David, and now I feel like an old mentor dude.

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Free Fiction: The Regrettel



The Regrettel

“Have you reached a verdict?”

A woman in a large bonnet stood. “We have, Your Honor. We find the defendant … guilty!”

The room clamored with muttered protests.

“This case,” the judge started, “has disturbed me from the moment I heard of it.” He pointed at the defendant. “You cremated a legally blind old woman while she was still alive, and you have the audacity to claim her as a cannibal in your defense? And what’s worse, you’re only a child!” The corpulent man adjusted his powdered white wig and cleared his throat. “Your actions and lack of evidence has left me no choice. You are sentenced to life at the Grimm Institute for the Mentally Warped.”

He banged the gavel. “Case dismissed!”

The young defendant sobbed into her hands as cameras flashed all around her.

“Don’t worry, Gretel,” her brother cried. “I won’t let anything happen to you!”

As security dragged the despondent girl away, a tall man took her place, wearing a plaid button-up. An officer placed a large swing axe on top of the evidence table—crusted with dry blood.

“Now then,” the judge continued. “You’re accused of gutting a protected species of wolf. How do you plead?”
 

Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Tuesday Tropes: The Glasses Come Off


Through body language, people communicate in many effective, non-verbal ways. Add an accessory into the mix and it gets better. Since a lot of emotion rides on a person's face, what better accessory is there than thick-rimmed spectacles or a spiffy pair of shades?


The Glasses Come Off - A device used by a character to heighten the intensity or seriousness of a situation, to further initiate an intimate scene, or to let the audience know that someone's about to get their butt kicked.

Want your character to be an intellectual (or give your audience or other characters that notion)? Slap one of these on him! Whether they can see fine without or not is up to you. But when they come off - that's when the fireworks happen!

When someone cries for help, what's the first thing Clark Kent does before heading to the nearest phone booth?

Superman's coming for you, Mr. Luthor!

When's Superman's done saving the day, he checks on Miss Lane, but those glasses can sure get in the way!


But why all the dramatics? So a character takes their glasses off. So what? For one thing, good glasses aren't cheap. It makes sense to take them off before getting into a situation that could scuff or damage them. Or get them lost. Or steam them up. You get the idea.

On rare occasions, putting glasses on might stir the hornets' nest (in Mr. Hunt's case, reveal the bad guy).


Others are doomed to wear glasses forever. If they take them off, they could very well blow up your house.


When a character doesn't take a situation or a line of dialogue seriously, they might give a Partial Removal.

Oh, really?

And if the glasses never come off? That means the character is too cool or too tough to be bothered.


This trope is literally everywhere. Glasses are masks. Take them off and you reveal the eyes, the window to the soul. Maybe that's why taking glasses off is a more sleek and intimidating gesture than taking off a hat or jacket. The look in a character's eye dictates the rest.

Ever write a character with glasses? Did they take them off? The beginning of something or a casual gesture? 

I'm David, and I'm taking my glasses off now!

Monday, January 9, 2012

Post: Bloghop, Giveaway, News, Members


Guess what, guys? The awesome Cassie Mae is hosting a blog hop. My YA has some romance elements in them (in this case, kissing scenes), so I couldn't resist entering. On February 14th, this Hop is hot and on! Check out her blog for details.


Registration for LTUE 30 (Life, the Universe, and Everything: the Marion K. "Doc" Smith Symposium) is up and running. It will be at UVU this year. This is a great opportunity to meet local and published authors. This is my 4th year. How about you?

Misha Gericke is looking for guest posts for the rest of 2012. Head over for details if you wish to volunteer!

has done a little sorting in her home library and found a duplicate novel that she's giving away. A free Kelley Armstrong novel? Yes, please! Check out her blog for details (all you have to do is follow and comment). Easy breezy!






The Cosmic Laire has been nominated for the Top Writing Blogs Award, presented by eCollegefinder.org. Cool! What an unexpected surprise! As a nominee, I'm encouraged to write a student-targeted advisory post. Look for it soon. And thank you for the nomination!

And now, please welcome the Laire's latest members (if you're name is not linked, I could not find your blog)!

Sarah Barnett
Theresa

Update: Still working on those first three chapters of The Dragon's Heart, but getting closer and closer to being satisfied with them enough to move on. Here's to getting past chapter 5 by the end of the week!

What are you up to this week?

I'm David, and ... "Give your blog a push!"

Friday, January 6, 2012

Aspiring Advice: Dusting Your Shelved MS

 
When you leave a book on a shelve and never touch it, it's going to get dusty. Same goes for any stationary knickknack. Fact of life. But maybe you've written something a while ago that you'd like to see published one day? For whatever reason, you decided to put it away and work on something else. Time has passed and you've learned new skills. You feel confident that you can fix whatever problems lie within your shelved MS.

Hold on. Don't jump into revision mode just yet. The longer your MS was sitting, the more dust its collected. Open it too fast and that dust will fly everywhere.

Your writing has improved since you put it away. No matter what, the old stuff will be messy in comparison to your recent work. There's no doubt you have a great story. Maybe the presentation needs work. Maybe the plot elements don't flow as well as you once thought. Whatever the issue, jumping right in might overwhelm and tempt you to shelf it again for who knows how long.

How can we avoid this dusty revision aversion? Here's a few ideas that might help you get passed that grimy layer that's keeping you from that desired rewrite.

Reacquaint Yourself - Approach the MS like a long lost friend. Sometimes we see how much we've changed compared to others who may not have changed at all. Similarly, your MS has not changed (if it has, you may have some revision gnomes - if so, can I have one?).


Read It - Pick it up (or print it out) and start reading, chapter by chapter. This could be the most painful experience your brain and/or ego has ever endured. Don't let it get to you. The more you cringe, the more you've improved. Learn of yourself. You might even gain a better appreciation for what agents go through.


Red It Up - After you've read a chapter, go through it again with a red pen. Remember, this isn't the editing stage. This is Pre-Manuscript Surgery (like marking where to make the incisions for later). Focus on what screams at you. Take notes on the side or between the lines. Bracket paragraphs that don't work. Highlight keeper lines that need to move elsewhere. Don't cut stuff out completely. You could reuse some of it.

Make The Choice - By the end, you will fall in love with your MS again or feel totally uninspired. If you're in love, your old MS is now prepped and ready for many long hours of editing. If it's not working for you at all, maybe it's not time to revise it yet. And maybe, just maybe, there's nothing you can do to fix it. That's a choice you have to make. Revise or move on to something new.

This is not the rule, just my thoughts on the matter. I have three novels, a trilogy, that will likely never see the light of day. Reader's have told me "that was a waste of five pages" and "you have some neat ideas, but your presentation is deplorable." This was after nine revisions. I could have taken offense to this and given up. Instead, I took it as an invitation to move on to new projects. Best writerly decision I've ever made.

No matter how dusty your shelved MS might be, there's something almost magical about picking up a book that you wrote and finished a long time ago. If you have one, maybe it's time to get reacquainted. Bring a duster.

Do you have a shelved MS? Do you plan to revise it someday? What has helped you wipe away the dust?

I'm David, and a Happy Birthday to Mr. Holmes!

Tuesday, January 3, 2012

Tuesday Tropes: The Quiet One



If your character is part of a group where one of the bunch doesn't have much to say, there's a reason for it. Either a gentle giant or soft spoken, this side character (rarely a MC) carries a lot of mystery, an excellent plot ploy that will drive your audience nuts - in a good way. 

The Quiet One - A character who doesn't speak much - but when they do, their words seem to have a greater impact over the others, even if it's nothing special.

Remember Zero from Holes (pictured above)? Winning example. He's named Zero because he doesn't talk. When he finally does, the table of boys freak out!

What makes this such a fun trope? Mind game manna! It gives characters either a soft side or an I'm-too-tough-to-bother-with-you vibe, making the other characters wonder what they're thinking, making the audience wonder what they're thinking. And there are real Quiet Ones, too. Maybe you knew one. Maybe you are one?


These characters have the uncanny ability to become the center of attention, even if they don't want it. I bet Silent Bob could say a few words about that. Or not.


Remember Mr. Edward? Odd looking duck, but his quiet, soft-spoken nature won the hearts of the community he entered, as well as the girl next door's. No matter what they look like, they seem to grab the ladies attention.

Well, most of the time.

(If the Quiet One's a girl, it often translates as "cute.")

Universally, when The Quiet One speaks, heads turn. Having been a Quiet One myself, I've seen the impact it makes. Nerve-racking and makes for great comedy!

Do you have a favorite Quiet One? Have you written one? Main character? Tender, traumatized, or tough?

I'm David, and it's J.R.R. Tolkien's birthday!

 Celebrate with a second breakfast!

Monday, January 2, 2012

Post: New Year, New Goals, New ... Laire?


With a new year, people embrace this magical idea that right now is the time to plan, set goals, and change our lives for the better (when, really, we can do that any time of the year). I'm a totally shameless participant.

I spent last week away from social networking to rethink a way to better manage my time this year. I mentioned possible changes to my blog, but I think it will stay, visually, the same. It's more of a downsizing. I'll make occasional random posts for blogfests, contests, and the such, but for now, three posts a week is what I can manage before it cuts into my novel writing time.

2012 Blogging schedule:

Mondays - Shout-Outs / Updates
Tuesdays - Tuesday Tropes
Fridays - Aspiring Advice

Posts should be up by 8 AM, MST (except today - long story). By May, I hope to have a revision done and a new novel finished. Maybe good news for Woven ... ?

I'm also attending most writing conventions in Utah this year. Maybe some out of state. Know any good ones?

Until then, here's some award awesomeness!


Elizabeth Varadan was cool enough to give this award during my absence. Thank you (even though I need to comment more)! To accept it, I have to pass it on to my top 20 commentators. If I got this award last year, it would have gone to only a few. Now, I can't make up my mind. This place as grown so much! So, in no particulair order, I pass this awesome award onto the following:


You guys are commenting wizards! Seriously. Thank you for your dedicated readership and sharing your voice.

Update: The Woven query is back to the drawing board after some sweet agenty feedback. The new approach looks good so far. Just waiting for buds and CPs to give me their take on it. Hopefully this will do wonders in the next round. The Dragon's Heart? Slow going. Rewrote the first three chapters. Three times. But if the revision is done by V-Day, that will make the Mrs. happy!

I'm looking forward to another new year of writing, blogging, and living the journey. Let's make it count!

I'm David, and who'd like some Hobbit LEGOs?

(Yes - it's really happening)