On Joining A Critique Group

Because I Love You
24,217 / 114,790
(21.1%)

Had to give this word count thing some thought because I started over. From the beginning. With the reversed character roles. Writing from my new, improved outline. Truth is I'm less than 1500 words into a now 92,000 word target. But I want credit for those first 20k+ words that were part of the process, albeit throw-away. Like holding on to a pair of shoes I know I will never wear again. I'll give them up but it's going to take me a while. At least the weekend. Bear with me. Just for today both the word count and target are inflated by the old numbers. 21% complete feels better than 1.5%.

Got a working title. Did you notice?

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It's Friday. Feeling kind of ho-hum. Let's talk about critique groups.

I recently joined a critique group. Hear all the time about the importance of getting feedback. Will help a writer to improve her product prior to submission.

Sounds good. Got an invite from a writing friend. So I signed up.

Then I choked.

This is the first time I've belonged to a critique group. From what I can tell, it's a great bunch of ladies, serious about writing.

Initially I was nervous. These ladies were posting chapters and critiquing every day. Requirement is 4 critiques per month. Minimum. Not sure I'd have that kind of time. And I wasn't ready to post anything yet. Would it be fair to critique someone else's work before I'd put anything into the hopper? And what kind of critique were these ladies accustomed to receiving? Would I say too much and be deemed overly critical or perhaps too little and be relegated to fluff status?

So I waited. Hemmed and hawed. Decided to get something posted before critiquing anyone else's work. Only I still wasn't ready. Kept working on my wip while trying to fly below the radar. Someone--Chicki!--wasn't having it.

Then my wip changed. Hit a roadblock and came to a screeching halt. Detoured into writing character profiles and a story outline. Got reenergized. Finally had something to post but it wasn't what they expected.

Instead of giving them a chapter, I want feedback on my outline. Let me describe my outline. This is more than a few notes on a page. I basically have written the story in 15 pages, giving a chapter by chapter breakdown of the whole thing. It includes all major plot points, scene summaries with some sequel, clues for later plot twists, the actual twists, the climax, and the epilogue. After reading it, you'll feel like you've read the book.

I offer this up. I'm a little surprised that folks are hesitant to provide feedback. Would much rather see the story unfold chapter by chapter. Not sure what kind of feedback they can give to an outline.

I'm looking for input on things that don't work; holes in the plot; inconsistencies; characters who need a bigger or lesser role; satisfaction of beginning and ending...things like that. Big ticket stuff.

I didn't intend to be a rebel when I joined, to change the status quo. I'm hopeful I'll get some good feedback. I know I can count on Chicki to tear that thing apart. (Hope you don't mind me calling you out, Girl!) Maybe one or two others. And that will be fine. I'll take their feedback, digest it, incorporate any changes that will strengthen the story. Then it's off to the keyboard! Time to tap my way from "Once upon a time" to "They lived happily ever after. The End".

If it doesn't work, then I think I'll bow out. I'm still working through my process. The chapter by chapter feedback thing is not me, at least not while I'm writing. I want to write the story without thinking about revising each chapter as I go. I'd rather get the whole thing out before I have to face things like POV switches, incorrect grammar, wordsmithing, show vs. tell, etc. Then I'll seek and appreciate more detailed feedback.

Are you in a critique group? How does your group work? How do you incorporate being part of the group into your writing process?

Peace & Blessings,
Patricia

Peace & Blessings,
Patricia

Stay focused. Be deliberate. Believe.

Changes, Changes

Untitled WIP
22,790 / 80,000
(28.5%)

Still no increase in wordcount but I've worked some more on my outline after I found some glaring holes. More work needed to insure spiritual plot/theme is as well threaded as the romance. Just about ready to start writing again.

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I've made some changes to my blog. Nothing major.

I upgraded to Blogger's new layout format, which makes for better archiving.

I've updated my links and categorized them. If you frequent my blog, you'll probably find a link to your blog or website there.

I've also added the books I'm currently reading and where you can find my book reviews.

Hope you like the changes.

Peace & Blessings,
Patricia

Peace & Blessings,
Patricia

Stay focused. Be deliberate. Believe.

I Can See Clearly Now...

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22,790 / 80,000
(28.5%)

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No change in word count but I have something much better. A sense of direction!

I know where my story is headed and how it's going to get there. I have a map to the end!

The turning point? Character profiling.

Turns out it’s not as bad as it seemed. And certainly not as bad as I made it sound.

Now that I’ve typed up my handwritten scrawl, added some notes I’d jotted down, and began reworking my plot, I have:

• 8 pages of character profile, detailing basic characters and exploring their back story/motivations
  
  
• A list of secondary characters who have already or could possibly show up based on the backstory of the hero and heroine
  
  
• 4 pages of story outline

Woo-hoo! This girl is bad, you know, you know it…

What have I learned? Stories come about in different ways but character does drive plot. Stories are about people. One might begin with an event or situtation but to get from premise to “The End”, the author has to get a handle on the characters.

Who are these people? What makes them laugh, smile, cry, get angry, throw fits, jump up and down? How did they come to be who they are, living the life they now live? Why do they make the choices that they make? And why are some choices automatic and others out of the question?

I’m not sure I could do one of those long, 100+ question character profiles. Everything from what type of car they drive (even if it does say something about a person) to type of books they read to how their grandparents met. I know some authors swear by them but feels like overkill, at least at this point. Disclaimer: All conclusions are subject to change, based on future learnings.

The best part??? Having an outline.

Before I had a rough idea of the beginning and end with a few possible plot points. Now it's more like a roadmap. As my friend Dora says, "Who do we call on when we don't know where to go? Map!"

My first draft just got loads easier. Probability of finishing? Through the roof! Value of an outline? Priceless

If I get stuck while writing, or if the plot starts feeling contrived, the first place I will likely turn is to my character profiles. What do I know about the character that suggests a certain path? Can I turn that on its head to make the story interesting? If I find that I’m not sure how my character would act or what they’d do next, I’ll stop and spend a little more time thinking about the character. What piece of their backstory is missing from my knowledge of the character (not necessarily from the wip)?

Danger! Danger, Will Robinson!

All this newfound knowledge could lead to a 700-page manuscript! Of course, I'm going to be tempted to share every juicy tidbit of backstory that I've created. I'll try to refrain. I suspect that slicing backstory will be a major part of my revision process. But hey, at least I’ll have a completed story to revise.

Any more thoughts on character profiles? How do you handle backstory? When is it too much? Too little?

Peace & Blessings,
Patricia

Peace & Blessings,
Patricia

Stay focused. Be deliberate. Believe.

Taking a Forward Detour

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22,790 / 80,000
(28.5%)

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I can't believe I haven't blogged in nearly a week!

It's been slow progress on the writing. Slooooow. Like molasses.

But it's not as bad as it sounds. Although the numbers on the manuscript haven't changed, I have made progress. Remember, I'm rethinking my character's roles in the story, reversing the hero and heroine.

The verdict on this decision? Not easy. Nuh, uh. Not at all.

I won't even say it's fun since aside from being hard work, I can't really move forward until I resolve this. (And I hate being stalled!)

The problem? I now have to reconsider the backstory of each character and what motivates him or her. What motivated her to want children in the original version is not what motivates him. This takes time, which I haven't been able to get my arms around in the last week.

I was fortunate enough to have one of those meetings at work this week, where someone is giving a very long, very ho-hum presentation, one I'd heard before. I always have a pad of paper and a pen, going back to sound advice I received when I started in the corporate world some 20+ years ago. I used to wile away the time by making lists--groceries, things to do, things I'd like to do if I had time, Christmas gifts--but now, why not work on my wip?

So while the very serious gentleman gave his very serious presentation, I filled three pages writing backstory on my hero and jotting down notes about ways that my story to date will change as a result. Feel pretty good about that but still not finished with my hero. What I've discovered is that I didn't have the original back story and motivations completely worked out.

Things I didn't think would change have changed. Like his name. For some reason, the name I'd given him when he didn't want children, Douglas, no longer fits him now that he does. I noted a few possibilities--Everett, Chandler, Chase, Duncan, Trey, Donovan, Kendall--but nothing has grabbed me yet. Maybe I need something simple, more commonplace, like Joe or Bill or David. Interestingly, I don't see a need to change the heroine's name at all. Her name is Joelle, nicknamed Joi.

I know some authors are proponents of "Know Thy Characters". They spend hours completing character profiles, writing biographies, finding pictures for casting, making visual aides, etc. before they ever write a word. But when I get a story idea, I usually know the starting point and maybe the ending. I only think for a short bit about my characters. Then, I start writing. As I write, I learn more about my characters. Who they are and why. In this manner, I'm generally good for a couple of chapters, at which point, I need to step back and figure out how I want the characters to get from point A to point B. This requires more thought about the characters and their back story but I still don't spend great chunks of time working on the characters themselves. Given this change, I can see, however, where it's extremely helpful to know a lot about the characters.

Kaye Dacus is doing a whole series on creating credible characters, which has given me food for thought too.

So I'm on a detour but still moving forward. How well do you know your characters before you start writing? What tools do you use?

Peace & Blessings,
Patricia

Peace & Blessings,
Patricia

Stay focused. Be deliberate. Believe.

Flipping The Script

Untitled WIP
22,790 / 80,000
(28.5%)

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Disclaimer: Read a cute chick-lit with the same title as this post last year. By Aisha Ford. Check it out. This post, however, has nothing to do with Aisha's book.

So I'm over a quarter of the way into my wip and approaching the danger zone. In the past, this is the point where my writing starts to lose steam. Not sure whether for loss of interest or uncertainity about where to go next. Result? I put the darn thing on the shelf, slink away, and resurface months later with a new wip.

Not gonna happen. Not this time. Nope. No way.

Early on, I outlined possible plot points so I'd have some direction in case I got stuck. However, things have already twisted in unexpected ways so getting to a few of those plot points will take some thought. Okay, I can deal with that.

But right now, I have an overwhelming urge to flip the script entirely.

My story is (was?) about a woman who assumes guardianship for three children when her best friend and friend's husband die tragically in a car accident. She becomes "instant Mommy" against her husband's wishes. She's always wanted children but her husband didn't, and she feels this may be her last chance at motherhood. Her decision results in a marital separation. What happens to the children, as they deal with the death of their parents, and to her relationship make up the story.

Workable, right? Except... Major problem looming on the horizon.

I am seriously considering making the story about a man whose always wanted children and forces the issue by becoming guardian. She never wanted children. She gives him the her-or-the-kids ultimatum. She walks out on him.

Have to think about this. Would require rethinking the whole thing. Not sure where this is going yet but it just seems more interesting.

Have you ever found yourself wanting to reverse the motivations/backgrounds of your main characters in midstream?

Peace & Blessings,
Patricia

Peace & Blessings,
Patricia

Stay focused. Be deliberate. Believe.

Letting My Slip Show

Untitled WIP
22,006 / 80,000
(27.5%)

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My writing pace has slowed a bit. That's not a bad thing.

Writing time will always be a function of all that is going on in my life, at least until I'm writing on deadline. Funeral this past weekend. One kid working through a virus. Stress at work. Not enough sleep. Nothing unusual.

Time away from my wip yields time to think about my wip. 'Cuz the brain keeps humming no matter what's going on. I can think up new plot twists. I can find ways to enhance character motivation, spice up my dialogue, add missing senses to the narrative. Stuff like that.

The trick, however, is to put it on paper and then to keep going. And that's not always so easy.

I'm inspired everytime I hear of another writer receiving "The Call". Every time I read a debut novel. Every time I get words of encouragement from published authors who have realized their writing dreams. Every time I run across a book by someone I "know". When I began, I had a pretty good idea of where I wanted my story to go, of how it would end. Yet, finishing the manuscript is still an uphill battle.

Will my story be good enough? Will it hold a reader's attention? Garner an agent? Capture an editor?

How long will it really take to write my "best novel", as aspirants like myself are instructed to do. Not just the first draft, but the polished, ready-to-submit, final version? I'll admit it. I'm antsy. Chomping at the bit. Do I have (or can I summon) the requisite patience?

Most of all, will I keep my commitment?

To whom, you ask? To the few who I've personally invited along on my writing journey. To my friends I've made along the way. To my future reading audience. All of those folks. Them. (I don't like to disappoint folks so it helps to envision as big an obligation as possible.)

Putting them aside, the truth is I worry most about disappointing myself. Because folks will lose interest, move on, find something more appealing or someone more committed if I lag too far behind. I, however, have no where to go.

I've done it before. Disappointed myself. Electronic dust gathers on more than a couple of incomplete manuscripts. Can I trust me to pursue my dreams to the fullest? To forge ahead when the writing gets rough?

One writer's angst. I started this post over a week ago, vowing to never let it see the light of day but...it's part of the journey.

Peace & Blessings,
Patricia

Peace & Blessings,
Patricia

Stay focused. Be deliberate. Believe.

Age Ain't Nothin' But A Number

Untitled WIP
Word Count: 20,446 / 80,000
(25.6%)

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Learned of this quiz on Ane Mulligans's blog.

Sometimes I feel exactly my age. Sometimes much older. And then, on days like Tuesday, when I ran all over the park playground with the two youngest and played a game of H-O-R-S-E with my oldest, I feel as young as I want to be.

The quiz puts me at 22. I'll take it! I enjoyed my 20's, and sometimes chide myself for reminiscing a bit too much. My 40's aren't what I thought they'd be in some ways but are much richer in others.

How young are you?

You Are 22 Years Old

Under 12: You are a kid at heart. You still have an optimistic life view - and you look at the world with awe. 13-19: You are a teenager at heart. You question authority and are still trying to find your place in this world. 20-29: You are a twentysomething at heart. You feel excited about what's to come... love, work, and new experiences. 30-39: You are a thirtysomething at heart. You've had a taste of success and true love, but you want more! 40+: You are a mature adult. You've been through most of the ups and downs of life already. Now you get to sit back and relax.

What Age Do You Act?

Peace & Blessings,
Patricia

Peace & Blessings,
Patricia

Stay focused. Be deliberate. Believe.

More on Dialogue -- Attributions

Untitled WIP
Word Count: 18,018 / 80,000
(22.5%)

No words over the weekend, which is not at all unusual for me. Weekends are used for errands, time with family, reading/relaxing, church, special outings, etc. Please pray for the Lattimore family. My adopted "godmother" lost her husband suddenly over the weekend.

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I've postponed enough. Back to dialogue. BTW, I don't consider myself an expert on any of these subjects, which is obvious since I've yet to finish a manuscript. I do, however, like to share and discuss what I'm learning and/or struggling with as I continue my wip. So, I appreciate everyone's comments, which add much to the process.

Attributions.

A big thing of late is eliminating attributions. You know. The thing after the actual spoken words that completes the sentence, telling who spoke and often, how. He said, she cried, Dawn shouted, Brad thundered

What's wrong with attributions? Didn't our teachers emphasize this stuff back in grade school?

Yeah, they probably did. And it should stay there, back in grade school.

The problem with attributions is that they pull the reader out of the story. They take the reader out of the character's point of view. Instead, the reader is now listening to the author tell the reader what the character is saying, doing, and feeling rather than showing the reader. And readers hate that. You know, "show vs. tell"?

Attributions also slow down the pace of a story. All those extra, unnecessary words draw focus away from the current action. Finally, they create other problems, as in the following: "Drat," she choked. Is the character speaking or choking? It's difficult to do both in the same instant. (There's a word for this but I can't remember it.)

Today writers are advised to eliminate attributions wherever possible. One way to do so is to add an action beat. Words are spoken, then the character does something. (It took me more than a year to understand what authors meant when they said, "Insert a beat" because no one ever explained what a beat was. So bear with me for a moment here, in case there are others who aren't quite sure.)

In an action beat, the character does something. She sat. He thumped the tabletop. She sashayed across the floor.

Let's look at an example:

With attribution:

"I can't believe you did that to me," Jillian blurted out, as she put her hot dog down on the table, dripping mustard on to her newly washed white linen pants.

With action beats, and a bit of introspection thrown in, the passage above might become:

"I can't believe you did that to me!" Pieces of chewed meat mixed with bun splurt from Jillian's mouth. She dropped the half-eaten hot dog. It plopped on the table, missing her plate, but she didn't care. Her appetite was gone anyway. Looking down, Jillian grit her teeth. Not only had Brad betrayed her but now her favorite white linen pants sported a big dollop of yellow mustard. Jillian grabbed a napkin and began wiping up the mess. Her life was ruined."

And just for fun, I think I'd throw in:

""Get over yourself." Brad leaned back against the tree, unphased by Jillian's histrionics. It was high time she learned that things wouldn't always go her way.

And he was just the man to teach her.

For scenes with more rapid pacing, writers are advised to eliminate attributions except where necessary to establish who is speaking. Taking it a step further, using action beats and introspection sparsely can speed up the pace of the story or help to increase tension, which may be appropriate for a suspense-filled scene or a particularly intense conversation.

That's what I know about attributions. When replaced with the right action beats and introspection, I'm told the writer approaches something called deep pov. Gotta learn more about that becaue I think there's a bit more to it and get back to you.

What do you find to be the most difficult thing about writing dialogue? Can an author have too much dialogue? What things do you find annoying in dialogue?

Peace & Blessings,
Patricia

Peace & Blessings,
Patricia

Stay focused. Be deliberate. Believe.

Summer Reading

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Word Count: 18,018 / 80,000
(22.5%)

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I'm blogging over at Romancing The Blog today. We're talking about summer reading. Join me there for "Hot Fun In The Summertime".

Still plan to say more about dialogue. Back here on Monday.

Peace & Blessings,
Patricia

Peace & Blessings,
Patricia

Stay focused. Be deliberate. Believe.