Uncle Piet's Windmill will be closing. Perhaps it will be temporary, but more likely permanently. To my students, please keep pushing. Write. Explore. Don't be afraid to fail.
On a slightly brighter note, a new Blog will be forthcoming but the contents will be different. While the Windmill was constructed as a resource, the new place will be built for a moment's escape.
Thanks for visiting.
Time to tie down the blades.
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Saturday, August 22, 2009
August Stuff It
FLASH: In an interesting development, Alan Witchey is teaching the Intro to Creative Writing class. Several years ago I took over the Creative Writing classes when Alan moved to California. I heard he was a good teacher and his classes quite full and active. There are still a few good seats available.
IUPUI class still has a few openings.
Creative Writing Center has a number of classes as well. Check them out.
Critique Group is looking for one or two dedicated writers. They meet near Brebeuf. They lost two talented writers and want to fill the gaps. If you are interested, drop me a line or contact Joanne: joannefeeney@att.net
SCBWI is hosting a presentation by Sara Grant. Sara works for Working Partners in London. Although Sara works on the children's lit side, WP does have an adult side as well. I believe her focus will be ghost writing. Check the Indiana SCBWI website for details. Click here: http://www.indianascbwi.com/ If you decide to come, I'll see you there.
The Indiana Historical Society is hosting their Author's Fest in December. If you had a book published in the last 12 months and are a Hoosier or wrote about Indiana, you may wish to contact them. The spaces go very fast.
A final Stuff It. I transferred my Stuff to a new computer. Something did not transmogrify properly and I lost all of my emails. Am still making an attempt to recover them. There is a possibility that won't happen. If you want me to have your email, send me a note at aldertag@comcast.net
IUPUI class still has a few openings.
Creative Writing Center has a number of classes as well. Check them out.
Critique Group is looking for one or two dedicated writers. They meet near Brebeuf. They lost two talented writers and want to fill the gaps. If you are interested, drop me a line or contact Joanne: joannefeeney@att.net
SCBWI is hosting a presentation by Sara Grant. Sara works for Working Partners in London. Although Sara works on the children's lit side, WP does have an adult side as well. I believe her focus will be ghost writing. Check the Indiana SCBWI website for details. Click here: http://www.indianascbwi.com/ If you decide to come, I'll see you there.
The Indiana Historical Society is hosting their Author's Fest in December. If you had a book published in the last 12 months and are a Hoosier or wrote about Indiana, you may wish to contact them. The spaces go very fast.
A final Stuff It. I transferred my Stuff to a new computer. Something did not transmogrify properly and I lost all of my emails. Am still making an attempt to recover them. There is a possibility that won't happen. If you want me to have your email, send me a note at aldertag@comcast.net
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Summertime Gone
Summer is collapsing into a final few days of heat and the State Fair. Schools are welcoming the unwilling back to stuffy halls and soon, autumn cometh. I hate heat. Anything over 72 degrees is horror to me. So I get up on those hazy, muggy, lung collapsing Indiana mornings, thank God for Mr. Carrier, and head to my computer. Meanwhile, outside, the birds fly and eat my thistle. I watch from behind the glass and write and illustrate and drink iced coffee from Starbucks. It is good to know a barista.
Autumn. Classes resume at IUPUI. They changed the online sign up appearance so you have to kind of look for it, but Intro to Creative Writing is there. Now though, you click on Language, Arts and Culture. When that opens, you click on Culture. There it is. I don't know who is teaching it but I am sure it is someone of quality. Looks like a good size class is forming so if you plan on attending, you may wish to get on board soon.
My writing is on schedule kinda. The sample chapters for a YA horror novel were submitted on time. It was close, but I did beat the deadline. The five hour difference between Indy and London impacted my schedule to be sure but the manuscript did arrive. Confirmation received. Now we move to the Waiting Room. I feel good.
I am about to wrap up the YA on the Holocaust survivor. Not as confident on this one. I am discovering that writing about history vs creating fiction are two different worlds. I am not sure I am able to co-exist in both. Still, I will try and finish three chapters and test the market.
Lots of work went into it and it was exciting. Even if I can't sell it, I learned a lot.
The childrens' picture book drawings are due by December 15. Sketches are under way. Then I will await word on whether I hit the mark. If so, I plan on bending over...the drawing board for about two months straight.
By January I hope to re-start the novel I have been destined to write. Destined you say? Yup. I enrolled in college planning for nothing. No major appealed to me. I decided Political Science might be a good one and off I went and to my complete surprise, did fairly well. I then signed up for a required course. English 101 or whatever it was called. The adjunct professor was quite encouraging to someone who had only read four books of his own choosing in his life and escaped high school English through the mercy of the Brother teaching it. My last paper was about my experiences at Notre Dame. Not as a student but as an employee. Although it was but two or three pages in length, she wrote a couple of things (in green ink) which I remember to this day. (I have the paper to prove it.) The first was a favorable review of my story. The second was to tell me that I wrote very well. She continued. You can't punctuate worth a damn but that is what editors are for. She concluded. If you haven't considered an English major, you should.
Me? An English major. Get thee out of town. But lo and behold, a few years later I was indeed an English major. I was hoping for Colonel but the best I could do was Major...not that there's anything wrong with that.
Before I attended college, I told the story about working at ND again and again. Mostly in short snippets. The response was always positive. Laughter. Encouragement to write it down (at that time I figured based on my past experience with the written word, it would never come to that.) And one guy said if I ever did write it down, it would be a best seller. Again, at that time, I never dreamed it would become a written tale.
After graduation, I tried a few times to write that story. I started. It stunk. I put it away. I resurrected it. I re-started. It stunk. I put it away.
My brother wrote me a note a few days back following an exchange of emails. You need to write that story, he said. You're funny.
Come January, I will drag that thirty year old story out one more time and see if I can get it down on paper. I can't afford to whiff on this one. This is my Holy Grail. Time is running out. Success or failure, the quest must be completed.
Autumn. Classes resume at IUPUI. They changed the online sign up appearance so you have to kind of look for it, but Intro to Creative Writing is there. Now though, you click on Language, Arts and Culture. When that opens, you click on Culture. There it is. I don't know who is teaching it but I am sure it is someone of quality. Looks like a good size class is forming so if you plan on attending, you may wish to get on board soon.
My writing is on schedule kinda. The sample chapters for a YA horror novel were submitted on time. It was close, but I did beat the deadline. The five hour difference between Indy and London impacted my schedule to be sure but the manuscript did arrive. Confirmation received. Now we move to the Waiting Room. I feel good.
I am about to wrap up the YA on the Holocaust survivor. Not as confident on this one. I am discovering that writing about history vs creating fiction are two different worlds. I am not sure I am able to co-exist in both. Still, I will try and finish three chapters and test the market.
Lots of work went into it and it was exciting. Even if I can't sell it, I learned a lot.
The childrens' picture book drawings are due by December 15. Sketches are under way. Then I will await word on whether I hit the mark. If so, I plan on bending over...the drawing board for about two months straight.
By January I hope to re-start the novel I have been destined to write. Destined you say? Yup. I enrolled in college planning for nothing. No major appealed to me. I decided Political Science might be a good one and off I went and to my complete surprise, did fairly well. I then signed up for a required course. English 101 or whatever it was called. The adjunct professor was quite encouraging to someone who had only read four books of his own choosing in his life and escaped high school English through the mercy of the Brother teaching it. My last paper was about my experiences at Notre Dame. Not as a student but as an employee. Although it was but two or three pages in length, she wrote a couple of things (in green ink) which I remember to this day. (I have the paper to prove it.) The first was a favorable review of my story. The second was to tell me that I wrote very well. She continued. You can't punctuate worth a damn but that is what editors are for. She concluded. If you haven't considered an English major, you should.
Me? An English major. Get thee out of town. But lo and behold, a few years later I was indeed an English major. I was hoping for Colonel but the best I could do was Major...not that there's anything wrong with that.
Before I attended college, I told the story about working at ND again and again. Mostly in short snippets. The response was always positive. Laughter. Encouragement to write it down (at that time I figured based on my past experience with the written word, it would never come to that.) And one guy said if I ever did write it down, it would be a best seller. Again, at that time, I never dreamed it would become a written tale.
After graduation, I tried a few times to write that story. I started. It stunk. I put it away. I resurrected it. I re-started. It stunk. I put it away.
My brother wrote me a note a few days back following an exchange of emails. You need to write that story, he said. You're funny.
Come January, I will drag that thirty year old story out one more time and see if I can get it down on paper. I can't afford to whiff on this one. This is my Holy Grail. Time is running out. Success or failure, the quest must be completed.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Whither the Writers Center?
The Writers’ Center of Indiana was due to close because of financial problems. All the talent in this city, in this area, and we couldn't keep that simple product on the shelf? Well, word is that they are struggling forward. Fortunately they have also created a Facebook site. Thanksto the times we live in, they can still be reached and still teach. Thanks also to Chris for providing the link. http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=52741081294
I am taking a sabbatical until 2010. Check the Writers Center out. Maybe they have a class for you. It is always wise to take classes from more than one person (tho' I love to see repeaters in my class). It broadens your perspective. Remember my disclaimer at the beginning of each class: This is my way. It may not be the same as others do. Highway, Byway, or back roads, the trip is as important as the destination...except in writing because you get paid only when you reach the destination. Nevertheless, you do pick up some interesting tidbits along the way so enjoy the trip, take pics, then write those suckers down.
Speaking of links to places, Miss Heather sent this one. More outlets.
http://www.writersconf.org/
And another though it appears slightly out of date, take a gander at this site. http://www.squidoo.com/localwritersassociationsbystate#module11220921
I will be returning the final papers soon. Then I will plunge into the triple deadlines of three totally different works. The third arrived this a.m. with a sample deadline of August 3rd. 9000 words. Urgh. It is a YA psycho thriller. Main character? A teenage girl. Now if I was in any other profession, my upcoming three week fixation on a young, trouble teenager would probably get me arrested. But no! I'm a writer and now I must become that young lady. Fortunately it is more about horror than it is complexion.
Keep your fingers crossed. I'll let you know how it comes out.
I am taking a sabbatical until 2010. Check the Writers Center out. Maybe they have a class for you. It is always wise to take classes from more than one person (tho' I love to see repeaters in my class). It broadens your perspective. Remember my disclaimer at the beginning of each class: This is my way. It may not be the same as others do. Highway, Byway, or back roads, the trip is as important as the destination...except in writing because you get paid only when you reach the destination. Nevertheless, you do pick up some interesting tidbits along the way so enjoy the trip, take pics, then write those suckers down.
Speaking of links to places, Miss Heather sent this one. More outlets.
http://www.writersconf.org/
And another though it appears slightly out of date, take a gander at this site. http://www.squidoo.com/localwritersassociationsbystate#module11220921
I will be returning the final papers soon. Then I will plunge into the triple deadlines of three totally different works. The third arrived this a.m. with a sample deadline of August 3rd. 9000 words. Urgh. It is a YA psycho thriller. Main character? A teenage girl. Now if I was in any other profession, my upcoming three week fixation on a young, trouble teenager would probably get me arrested. But no! I'm a writer and now I must become that young lady. Fortunately it is more about horror than it is complexion.
Keep your fingers crossed. I'll let you know how it comes out.
Friday, July 3, 2009
So, what are you gonna do?
My Creative Writing I class comes to an end on Tuesday next. A good group of writers ready to push on into the world of the written word.
So, what am I gonna do?
It will be a while before the next class starts but I will be busy. Here is a bit of an insight as to what I'm doing with my spare time. Excluded from the list below are all of the normal things that have to be done like cutting down that dead tree, trimming other bushes and trees, watering the tomatoes including one I planted upside down ... in my own homemade upside down tomato planter. Okay, so besides all the chore things, lets focus on the creative part. All of the following have to be done, at least to some degree, before December 15th. What is this, um, July 3rd. (July 3rd? Why in the hell aren't I working on one of them? Dumb ass.)
I am currently writing a 'based on real life' story of Philip Gans, a holocaust survivor. I would love to sit down with him and fill in all the blanks but Phil lives in Florida and I don't. I have assembled a basic synopsis. As I write, I come up with something that needs answering. I email Phil...and then I have to wait because Phil is a busy guy traveling around telling people about his experience under the Nazi Eagle. I hope I can do his story justice. Initial three chapters due before autumn.
My picture book publisher, Pelican, has hired me to illustrate a tale about Hannukah for another author. Initial sketches are being made. Final art due: December 15.
An opportunity to write a young adult novel has landed on my desk. I have to submit a couple of sample chapters before the end of August which is, like, almost fall. The good news on this one is that it is unlikely that the completed story will have to be done before the end of the year, but in this business you never know. Never I tells ya.
Eiteljorg Museum holds an auction each year called the Buckaroo Bash. They ask local folks to decorate items, usually cowboy hats. This year they are going to try something different - stick ponies. I am going to be dolling one up. I'll post pics here and on my website. If you would like to see last year's effort, click here: http://www.peterjwelling.com/buckaroo.html
Now, focusing on the non-artsy stuff. I am a member of the Selective Service Board for Indianapolis. Appointed by the governor no less. For a second time. Make sure your sons register. It's still the law. But I digress. In order to serve, we have to take training and tests from time to time. It's time. The package sits there, waiting. And yeah, it's due soon as well.
That's my schedule for the next five months. That's what I'm gonna do. Now the question is, what are you gonna do?
Happy Fourth of July. I'll bet, based on sixty plus years of experience, that there will be a lot of tales that could be told about tomorrow. Bring your notebooks.
So, what am I gonna do?
It will be a while before the next class starts but I will be busy. Here is a bit of an insight as to what I'm doing with my spare time. Excluded from the list below are all of the normal things that have to be done like cutting down that dead tree, trimming other bushes and trees, watering the tomatoes including one I planted upside down ... in my own homemade upside down tomato planter. Okay, so besides all the chore things, lets focus on the creative part. All of the following have to be done, at least to some degree, before December 15th. What is this, um, July 3rd. (July 3rd? Why in the hell aren't I working on one of them? Dumb ass.)
I am currently writing a 'based on real life' story of Philip Gans, a holocaust survivor. I would love to sit down with him and fill in all the blanks but Phil lives in Florida and I don't. I have assembled a basic synopsis. As I write, I come up with something that needs answering. I email Phil...and then I have to wait because Phil is a busy guy traveling around telling people about his experience under the Nazi Eagle. I hope I can do his story justice. Initial three chapters due before autumn.
My picture book publisher, Pelican, has hired me to illustrate a tale about Hannukah for another author. Initial sketches are being made. Final art due: December 15.
An opportunity to write a young adult novel has landed on my desk. I have to submit a couple of sample chapters before the end of August which is, like, almost fall. The good news on this one is that it is unlikely that the completed story will have to be done before the end of the year, but in this business you never know. Never I tells ya.
Eiteljorg Museum holds an auction each year called the Buckaroo Bash. They ask local folks to decorate items, usually cowboy hats. This year they are going to try something different - stick ponies. I am going to be dolling one up. I'll post pics here and on my website. If you would like to see last year's effort, click here: http://www.peterjwelling.com/buckaroo.html
Now, focusing on the non-artsy stuff. I am a member of the Selective Service Board for Indianapolis. Appointed by the governor no less. For a second time. Make sure your sons register. It's still the law. But I digress. In order to serve, we have to take training and tests from time to time. It's time. The package sits there, waiting. And yeah, it's due soon as well.
That's my schedule for the next five months. That's what I'm gonna do. Now the question is, what are you gonna do?
Happy Fourth of July. I'll bet, based on sixty plus years of experience, that there will be a lot of tales that could be told about tomorrow. Bring your notebooks.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
The Writing Community
"I received the following email: "Good news! I just today found out I'm getting a book published! It's a young adult novel set in Indianapolis, and the publishing company is a small group called Wild Rose Press. My book will be in their Climbing Rose section. :)
Pam"
That's one way to be a part of the writing community. Let us know what's going on, your successes or even failures if they would help someone else. In this case, Pam has found an outlet for her creative writing and shared their name with us. Someone is buying Romance stories. Do you write in the appropriate genre to give Wild Rose a sniff?
Another way to demonstrate the camaraderie is to show up at book signings, and not just for best selling authors. Heck, they don't need it and a good many find those events tedious and can't wait to bolt for the door. I hope I don't get that way. Well, I hope I get to be a best selling author but I also hope that I will always feel the excitement and passion.
But assuming those who are on top of the mountain will have sufficient support, let's help out those still climbing. When someone in your local community has a signing, turn out to support her. There is no place so lonely as the signing table in Borders when no one is asking for a copy of your book. Writers should help fill the place. Drag your spouse along or your kids. Get your neighbors to show up. If the author has penned a story that your best buddy happens to enjoy reading, tell them about the signing. If the story isn't to your liking, you can always donate it to the library.
If there isn't a crowd, stay and chat with the author. You know the drill: How did you get started? Who is your agent? :-) Chit chat could lead to a new friend in the business or maybe a contact.
No one is going to help new authors except other authors. Publishers will help once you are under contract but in most instances, they won't be there every time you make an appearance somewhere. But writers are everywhere.
Congrats to Pam. Hopefully she will let us know when the book is released and we will all show up to wish her well.
That's one way to be a part of the writing community. Let us know what's going on, your successes or even failures if they would help someone else. In this case, Pam has found an outlet for her creative writing and shared their name with us. Someone is buying Romance stories. Do you write in the appropriate genre to give Wild Rose a sniff?
Another way to demonstrate the camaraderie is to show up at book signings, and not just for best selling authors. Heck, they don't need it and a good many find those events tedious and can't wait to bolt for the door. I hope I don't get that way. Well, I hope I get to be a best selling author but I also hope that I will always feel the excitement and passion.
But assuming those who are on top of the mountain will have sufficient support, let's help out those still climbing. When someone in your local community has a signing, turn out to support her. There is no place so lonely as the signing table in Borders when no one is asking for a copy of your book. Writers should help fill the place. Drag your spouse along or your kids. Get your neighbors to show up. If the author has penned a story that your best buddy happens to enjoy reading, tell them about the signing. If the story isn't to your liking, you can always donate it to the library.
If there isn't a crowd, stay and chat with the author. You know the drill: How did you get started? Who is your agent? :-) Chit chat could lead to a new friend in the business or maybe a contact.
No one is going to help new authors except other authors. Publishers will help once you are under contract but in most instances, they won't be there every time you make an appearance somewhere. But writers are everywhere.
Congrats to Pam. Hopefully she will let us know when the book is released and we will all show up to wish her well.
Monday, June 8, 2009
Stuff It.
Stuff It is a monthly or more frequent post about events and stuff. Watch for it.
I have felt like a dinosaur for much of my later adult life. The speed of everything today is leaving me lumbering behind. Oh, I try to keep up but the pesky mammals and their inventions are too fast. I remember when twitter was was dino-birds did. Sigh. Still, I refuse to become a fossil - yet. Here, at this spot, I am taking another dinosaur step to avoid extinction. To all of my students, please join me. My mailing list will soon, for all practical purposes, be extinct.
If you are looking for love in the arts here in Indiana, sign up at this link. http://www.in.gov/arts/
Heck, they're even looking for poets!
Let me thank Fred for sending in this link. Fred says that it is a "Terrific video interview with John Irving in this week's on-line NYTimes Book Review."
I have felt like a dinosaur for much of my later adult life. The speed of everything today is leaving me lumbering behind. Oh, I try to keep up but the pesky mammals and their inventions are too fast. I remember when twitter was was dino-birds did. Sigh. Still, I refuse to become a fossil - yet. Here, at this spot, I am taking another dinosaur step to avoid extinction. To all of my students, please join me. My mailing list will soon, for all practical purposes, be extinct.
If you are looking for love in the arts here in Indiana, sign up at this link. http://www.in.gov/arts/
Heck, they're even looking for poets!
Let me thank Fred for sending in this link. Fred says that it is a "Terrific video interview with John Irving in this week's on-line NYTimes Book Review."
http://video.nytimes.com/video/2009/06/05/books/1194840682758/a-conversation-with-john-irving.html?8bu&emc=bub1
Though my herd (aka followers of this blog) are few in numbers, one did leave an amusing review of the entire presentation to date. First though, I have to let readers who are not former students know that exclamation points are anathema in our writing. (Hmm. Explaining the punch line before telling the joke is kind of awkward.) Jeanne said: "Read every word of the blog and I really think that deserves one of my exclamation points. So: Read every word of the blog! Entertaining and informative." Creative, eh?
One of my favorite local writing venues is the Midwest Writers Workshop. An annual event in Muncie. It is entertaining. You learn things. You schmooze with agents and or publishers. You hang with other writers. Listen folks, writing is a long trip. Take part of that journey by migrating to the MWW at least once. Not one person who has attended has ever said anything negative about the experience. Yes, some like it more than others but at least the comments are positive. http://www.midwestwriters.org/
If you enjoy the blog, click on the FOLLOW button. Leave a comment on any of the stories. Send questions. Hell, send money. Do something.
Though my herd (aka followers of this blog) are few in numbers, one did leave an amusing review of the entire presentation to date. First though, I have to let readers who are not former students know that exclamation points are anathema in our writing. (Hmm. Explaining the punch line before telling the joke is kind of awkward.) Jeanne said: "Read every word of the blog and I really think that deserves one of my exclamation points. So: Read every word of the blog! Entertaining and informative." Creative, eh?
One of my favorite local writing venues is the Midwest Writers Workshop. An annual event in Muncie. It is entertaining. You learn things. You schmooze with agents and or publishers. You hang with other writers. Listen folks, writing is a long trip. Take part of that journey by migrating to the MWW at least once. Not one person who has attended has ever said anything negative about the experience. Yes, some like it more than others but at least the comments are positive. http://www.midwestwriters.org/
If you enjoy the blog, click on the FOLLOW button. Leave a comment on any of the stories. Send questions. Hell, send money. Do something.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Write More - Think Less
Before the next six weeks is over, at least fifteen Indy writers will hear me say that. Hearing it out of context, it doesn't seem to make sense, so I had better explain. (Damn clever of me to segue into a lead in to my writing classes, one of which starts tonight - June 2nd) Many writers get a clever idea and jot down some critical notes. Then they start thinking - and thinking - and over thinking and suddenly the burst of creative brilliance vanishes in a cloud of despair. The story that offered such promise is gone and the writer, after struggling mightily for some weeks or months abandons it all together, assuming the idea may not have been that good after all. Unfortunately the story is probably still good but it will languish in some computer file and eventually be sent to the Trash Bin.
In Introduction to Creative Writing, we have an exercise that demonstrates the subject. Each writer starts a story. I time the event and after a minute or two, I give a ten second warning to allow the writer to finish the sentence they are working on. Then the papers are passed to another writer. That writer reads what the previous author jotted down and then has to continue on. They, too, are timed. A minute and a half to allow reading time. And so it goes from one writer to another (usually four to a writing group). Read. Write fast. Pass. I then announce Finish It! Each writer quickly finishes the story they are working on. And then...
...We read them.
In virtually every group, the story reads well, makes sense, and most remarkably, who wrote what portion is nearly impossible to determine. Four or five people working fast with no time to think create a very enjoyable multi-paragraphed tale. Why? Because they didn't have time to worry about the right word or being clever. They simply wrote as though the team depended upon them to finish their part of the task.
And therein lies the key to writing. Get an idea. Do your research. When you're ready, sit down and start writing. Ignore spelling. Don't worry about finding the right adjective. Forget the fact that the characters' names are rather common. Write. Write as though the team depended upon you to finish fast.
When you reach that last page, now you can jazz it up. Oh, and 'jazzing it up' is actually known as Writing. The real writing. Sure, some call it something else, editing for example, but it is the Real Writing. It is when you change Jane to Lola and insert a powerful descriptive topping to add some flavor to the vanilla you served up the first time through.
Remember this. You work with things that come and go. Ideas pop up like spring storms and disappear just as fast. Writers have to get those ideas down before they aren't there any longer.
Do yourself a favor. Write Fast. Write Smart.
Think about it.
In Introduction to Creative Writing, we have an exercise that demonstrates the subject. Each writer starts a story. I time the event and after a minute or two, I give a ten second warning to allow the writer to finish the sentence they are working on. Then the papers are passed to another writer. That writer reads what the previous author jotted down and then has to continue on. They, too, are timed. A minute and a half to allow reading time. And so it goes from one writer to another (usually four to a writing group). Read. Write fast. Pass. I then announce Finish It! Each writer quickly finishes the story they are working on. And then...
...We read them.
In virtually every group, the story reads well, makes sense, and most remarkably, who wrote what portion is nearly impossible to determine. Four or five people working fast with no time to think create a very enjoyable multi-paragraphed tale. Why? Because they didn't have time to worry about the right word or being clever. They simply wrote as though the team depended upon them to finish their part of the task.
And therein lies the key to writing. Get an idea. Do your research. When you're ready, sit down and start writing. Ignore spelling. Don't worry about finding the right adjective. Forget the fact that the characters' names are rather common. Write. Write as though the team depended upon you to finish fast.
When you reach that last page, now you can jazz it up. Oh, and 'jazzing it up' is actually known as Writing. The real writing. Sure, some call it something else, editing for example, but it is the Real Writing. It is when you change Jane to Lola and insert a powerful descriptive topping to add some flavor to the vanilla you served up the first time through.
Remember this. You work with things that come and go. Ideas pop up like spring storms and disappear just as fast. Writers have to get those ideas down before they aren't there any longer.
Do yourself a favor. Write Fast. Write Smart.
Think about it.
Friday, May 22, 2009
Memorial Day Weekend Potpourri
While at the most recent book fair, I met a pie man... No. Wait. I met a publisher. A new publisher. Now, before I post their info, remember what I've said in the past. I provide information. You have to do your due diligence. You might be latching onto a ground floor opportunity or you might be sending your precious baby off to a life of traveling in your trunk.
Okay, disclaimers in place, here is the pertinent data. Luminis Books (www.luminisbooks.com) is seeking "thought-provoking literary fiction, and young adult and middle grade fiction that explores the intricacies of human relationships." I think that means no sugary love-a-dove cute bunny sagas. I believe the person you need to speak with is Tracy Richardson.
My next writing class begins on June 2nd and lasts but six weeks. Then your next opportunity is to sign up for the September class which should be Introduction to Creative Writing. The Intro class is not yet posted. Watch the IUPUI site http://www.cln.iupui.edu/content.asp?area=CS or check back here in early August. Okay, mark your calendars now before the malaise of muggy Hoosier summers makes you long for nothing but an ice cold root beer or sasparilla.
If you have questions about stuff, send it my way please and I will try to answer it. Feel free to sign up to be one of my Bloggees.
Finally on this Friday evening of Memorial Day weekend, though our thoughts should be with those who have fallen in battle, which is the purpose of this day, I'd like to mention what a great debt of gratitude we owe our men and women who serve and have served this nation in time of peace and war. We can never thank them properly so let us do whatever we can. Let us also hope they are all home before next Memorial Day except for those who are stationed in really cool places. Fly your flag proudly. A lot of men and women gave their lives so that you could.
Okay, disclaimers in place, here is the pertinent data. Luminis Books (www.luminisbooks.com) is seeking "thought-provoking literary fiction, and young adult and middle grade fiction that explores the intricacies of human relationships." I think that means no sugary love-a-dove cute bunny sagas. I believe the person you need to speak with is Tracy Richardson.
My next writing class begins on June 2nd and lasts but six weeks. Then your next opportunity is to sign up for the September class which should be Introduction to Creative Writing. The Intro class is not yet posted. Watch the IUPUI site http://www.cln.iupui.edu/content.asp?area=CS or check back here in early August. Okay, mark your calendars now before the malaise of muggy Hoosier summers makes you long for nothing but an ice cold root beer or sasparilla.
If you have questions about stuff, send it my way please and I will try to answer it. Feel free to sign up to be one of my Bloggees.
Finally on this Friday evening of Memorial Day weekend, though our thoughts should be with those who have fallen in battle, which is the purpose of this day, I'd like to mention what a great debt of gratitude we owe our men and women who serve and have served this nation in time of peace and war. We can never thank them properly so let us do whatever we can. Let us also hope they are all home before next Memorial Day except for those who are stationed in really cool places. Fly your flag proudly. A lot of men and women gave their lives so that you could.
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Author's Fair - Glamor & Glitz vs Boring & Schitz
Magnums of champagne were chilling in the Author's Room, one next to each recliner. A table ladened with caviar, sour cream, caviar, brie cheese, chilled, peeled grapes, slices of melon, squab, smoked salmon, rainbow trout, and slightly sauteed morel mushrooms awaited the arrival of authors' limos which began arriving in time for brunch. White jacketed serving staff were ready to bring silver trays of fare to each creative genius before the unwashed masses were admitted to the signing area.
Each author received a welcome Gucci bag filled with trinkets of appreciation. It's not the gift but the thought that counts of course, however the Rolex was a nice touch.
We all sat in Corinthian leather chairs behind velvet ropes and signed as many books as time would allow. Trainers stood by and cut off each line when it reached 600. Sure, some folks left disappointed but the author's health must be first priority.
After the patrons were sent from the halls and order restored, we all stood around sipping warmed cognac, smoking cigars and downing eclairs flown in from Paris for the occasion as we chatted about how Charisse had found her voice.
Sigh. That's how it should be.
In reality, I was up with the proverbial early bird on a dark, rainy morning. I loaded several boxes of books and one bag of lithographs into the back of my station wagon. I double checked my ditty bag - bookmarks, signing pens, aspirin, tissues, a book to read though not the one I wanted, a ham sandwich for lunch, water, granola bar, rubber bands and a stack of small post it notes. A quick breakfast of a bagel and coffee and off to the show.
The direct route was under construction. Mapquest didn't know that apparently. Fortunately the coordinators did and sent a message via email. They suggested an alternate route: Turn right on Range Line Road. Nice catch. Except Range Line Road at 106th is called Westfield Blvd. Mapquest knew that, but then Mapquest didn't wish me good luck on my trip like the coordinators did.
I made it passed the roundabouts and flashing orange lights arriving at the library in plenty of time to scout the place and get set up.
The coordinators requested we arrive at 9:00 a.m. - the customers were scheduled to arrive beginning at 10:00. At 9:05 I was set up and ready. One of the coordinators pointed to two coffee pots across the way. Help yourself. I smiled and nodded. I saw old friends and some other folks plus several newbies. I received a smile and the dreaded "You don't remember me, do you?"
I didn't.
The young lady reminded me that when she was trying to break in as an illustrator, I had met with her at a Starbucks (where the hell did we meet before Starbucks?) and explained the process.
Did it help?
I have an eight book contract and another in the works.
As far as I was concerned, I could go home. It was her talent that secured the contract but my ego insisted I take proper credit for some part of that success. Way to go Jennifer.
At ten the doors were flung wide to the book buying public. Nothing happened. Where were the lines? Where was the demand for my books? Where were the pushing screaming fans? Where was the paparazzi?
Some time after my ham sandwich and water but before my granola bar, the coordinator asked if we had suggestions to get the folks from the hallway where other writers were sitting into the large room that the rest of us occupied. I asked: Are there any people in the hallway?
Some, she said. Not many.
I suggested she try to fill the hallway first and let nature take its course.
A couple of friends and former students came. They bought a few books. One bought a lithograph. There were a curious number of people - one adult, one child, who entered our room, stood close to the middle and spun like a dreidel - never coming close to actually looking at a book let alone touching one. The child took baby steps as mom or dad did the whirl and then the two exited.
Several people asked me how to do this and that. I answered to the best of my ability. It was that or read Deaver's book.
A couple of folks asked me to sign books for kids whose parents surely hated them. Could you sign one for my daughter, 01JJeo.
Pardon me?
01JJeo.
Funny, that sounds like ohonejayjayeeeeoh! That can't be right. Smile and nod.
I'm a bit hard of hearing, would you mind writing that on one of these post it notes please? You know, so I spell it correctly.
Sure as hell, it was 01JJeo.
Family name?
No, we made it up.
Uh huh. You should have gotten a dog instead.
We have a dog. Named him Rex.
Three o'clock. Quitting time. Meager sales. I plopped my bag on the table, the cloth straps falling across my books. An indignant woman appeared out of nowhere like a zit on a teenager's chin, threw the straps off my books and glared at the titles.
Here, she said, This one. I want to buy this one.
Overtime.
But you don't turn your back on a sale.
Its for my husband. His birthday is April 1st. He told me about your book, Michael Le Souffle and The April Fool and said I should buy it for him. Sign it Happy Birthday
I don't care why you buy lady. Honestly. If you're happy, I'm happy.
Everything needed to be packed up and dragged out to the car. Fortunately I had me to do all that because boxes of books are heavy.
There is always good and bad about a book fair, author fest or writer's conference. The best thing about the most current one is that I didn't have to drive that far.
That and the Rolex.
Each author received a welcome Gucci bag filled with trinkets of appreciation. It's not the gift but the thought that counts of course, however the Rolex was a nice touch.
We all sat in Corinthian leather chairs behind velvet ropes and signed as many books as time would allow. Trainers stood by and cut off each line when it reached 600. Sure, some folks left disappointed but the author's health must be first priority.
After the patrons were sent from the halls and order restored, we all stood around sipping warmed cognac, smoking cigars and downing eclairs flown in from Paris for the occasion as we chatted about how Charisse had found her voice.
Sigh. That's how it should be.
In reality, I was up with the proverbial early bird on a dark, rainy morning. I loaded several boxes of books and one bag of lithographs into the back of my station wagon. I double checked my ditty bag - bookmarks, signing pens, aspirin, tissues, a book to read though not the one I wanted, a ham sandwich for lunch, water, granola bar, rubber bands and a stack of small post it notes. A quick breakfast of a bagel and coffee and off to the show.
The direct route was under construction. Mapquest didn't know that apparently. Fortunately the coordinators did and sent a message via email. They suggested an alternate route: Turn right on Range Line Road. Nice catch. Except Range Line Road at 106th is called Westfield Blvd. Mapquest knew that, but then Mapquest didn't wish me good luck on my trip like the coordinators did.
I made it passed the roundabouts and flashing orange lights arriving at the library in plenty of time to scout the place and get set up.
The coordinators requested we arrive at 9:00 a.m. - the customers were scheduled to arrive beginning at 10:00. At 9:05 I was set up and ready. One of the coordinators pointed to two coffee pots across the way. Help yourself. I smiled and nodded. I saw old friends and some other folks plus several newbies. I received a smile and the dreaded "You don't remember me, do you?"
I didn't.
The young lady reminded me that when she was trying to break in as an illustrator, I had met with her at a Starbucks (where the hell did we meet before Starbucks?) and explained the process.
Did it help?
I have an eight book contract and another in the works.
As far as I was concerned, I could go home. It was her talent that secured the contract but my ego insisted I take proper credit for some part of that success. Way to go Jennifer.
At ten the doors were flung wide to the book buying public. Nothing happened. Where were the lines? Where was the demand for my books? Where were the pushing screaming fans? Where was the paparazzi?
Some time after my ham sandwich and water but before my granola bar, the coordinator asked if we had suggestions to get the folks from the hallway where other writers were sitting into the large room that the rest of us occupied. I asked: Are there any people in the hallway?
Some, she said. Not many.
I suggested she try to fill the hallway first and let nature take its course.
A couple of friends and former students came. They bought a few books. One bought a lithograph. There were a curious number of people - one adult, one child, who entered our room, stood close to the middle and spun like a dreidel - never coming close to actually looking at a book let alone touching one. The child took baby steps as mom or dad did the whirl and then the two exited.
Several people asked me how to do this and that. I answered to the best of my ability. It was that or read Deaver's book.
A couple of folks asked me to sign books for kids whose parents surely hated them. Could you sign one for my daughter, 01JJeo.
Pardon me?
01JJeo.
Funny, that sounds like ohonejayjayeeeeoh! That can't be right. Smile and nod.
I'm a bit hard of hearing, would you mind writing that on one of these post it notes please? You know, so I spell it correctly.
Sure as hell, it was 01JJeo.
Family name?
No, we made it up.
Uh huh. You should have gotten a dog instead.
We have a dog. Named him Rex.
Three o'clock. Quitting time. Meager sales. I plopped my bag on the table, the cloth straps falling across my books. An indignant woman appeared out of nowhere like a zit on a teenager's chin, threw the straps off my books and glared at the titles.
Here, she said, This one. I want to buy this one.
Overtime.
But you don't turn your back on a sale.
Its for my husband. His birthday is April 1st. He told me about your book, Michael Le Souffle and The April Fool and said I should buy it for him. Sign it Happy Birthday
I don't care why you buy lady. Honestly. If you're happy, I'm happy.
Everything needed to be packed up and dragged out to the car. Fortunately I had me to do all that because boxes of books are heavy.
There is always good and bad about a book fair, author fest or writer's conference. The best thing about the most current one is that I didn't have to drive that far.
That and the Rolex.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Uncle Piet's Windmill's Opening Day
It is at the urging of my Quixotic friends and fellow writers that I start this quest to provide a resource for knights errant. Perhaps this will be a motivational point for writers chasing windmills in hope of defeating the Rejection Monster and finding a safe haven for their manuscript. We'll start out easy. If it has been a while since you were in school - any school - and you have not been writing on a near daily basis, I suggest taking a class or two. Now, if we only knew of someplace you could do that.
Odds bodkins man, there are several places one can go. Let's start with the obvious and leave it at that for now. http://www.cln.iupui.edu/content.asp?area=CS Select Course Catalog followed by Arts and Humanities (Do not mistakenly click on Oh The Humanities or you end up studying about airship disasters.). Depending on what month you click on this site, you will be directed to numerous A&H courses. If you do so before June 2nd, 2009, you will find a class entitled: Creative Writing I. Read the Description. If that fits your current needs, click on Sections and Registrations. Click the Sign Up button and, well, sign up. If you do that, I will see you in class.
The first entry will be brief. I am heading off to the Grand Opening of IUPUI's Continuing Studies Office. Though I am sure the wild gala will deflate me, I am going to suck it up and head to Crestview Elementary to bid farewell to Mrs. Reed and Mrs. Papacek. Retiring they are, and we shall have one last glass of punch together.
That's it. That's how this thing begins. If I cannot complete my goal of helping other writers and perhaps energize the Hoosier writing community, I will still be able to hold my head up high and say...I have a blog.
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