What to do when you lose your writing steam!

Thanks to Sharon, this comes from Mike Foley in The Writer's Edge. I think we've all suffered from lack of enthusiasm at one time or another or God forbid...all the time!

AMEN!

Losing enthusiasm for your writing? Here’s how you can handle it.

1. Stand Back—This involves creating a certain distance between you and the project. When you’re writing, you focus on a specific area, a certain scene, or a critical chapter of nonfiction information. And so it’s easy to lose perspective. Your original enthusiasm sprang from your concept of the project as a whole. When the enthusiasm wanes, it’s time to stand back and revisit your original concept. View the project as whole, complete, and engrossing—the way you first thought of it. That’s where you’re headed. That’s where the book is headed, no matter what stage it’s in right now. Reminding yourself of this is great way to rekindle your enthusiasm.

2. Move On—Very often, enthusiasm wanes because a writer is struggling with a particular section. And because that section isn’t going well, it’s easy to think that the entire project isn’t working. The cure? Set those pages aside and write a different section of the project. Pick a section that seems fun or exciting to you. Chances are the writing will go well and your enthusiasm will begin building once again.

3. Read—Enthusiasm still weakening? Begin looking over the manuscript that you’ve produced so far. As you reread what you’ve done, pick out a few aspects that are strong and working well. It might be a particular character, a section of dialogue, or in nonfiction, an exciting anecdote or even a strong how-to section. When you see something that’s working well, it’s hard to view the project as a lost cause. And so your enthusiasm can return.

4. Focus on Yourself—That’s right. You’ve come this far, and what does that mean? You’re a writer. Plain and simple. Even if the project doesn’t seem to be going well, you’ve taken it this far. You’ve done more than most people do. You’re far beyond those folks who casually say that they’ll “write a book someday,” then never write a word. You’ve taken the risks and created something. You’re a writer. And if a piece of writing isn’t well done, a writer can fix it. If a project has lost its zing, a writer can rediscover that. A writer can tap imagination, alter words, and make things right. You’re a writer. You’re capable of doing all that.

Celia Yeary: Do You Love Your Book?

Celia Yeary: Do You Love Your Book?

This post is definitely worth a read for all of us who've ever questioned whether we've got a book worthy of publishing.

Have a read, and have a wonderful day.

~Ashley

From Sharon... 8 Tips for a compelling conflict from ICL

1. Be certain your main character has a worthy, noble goal -- no one likes a shallow greedy protagonist.
2. Consider the tension of a ticking clock. Time limits for reaching a goal will create an urgency that readers find compelling.
3. A plot is one obstacle after another -- never make it too easy for your protagonist.
4. Your main character needs to solve his own problems. Readers like active protagonists who do something, not passive kids who are done to. Yes, parents solve problems in the real world. Guess what? Stories are not the real world.
5. Your main character must act consistent with the person you have created him to be.
6. The story outcome has to matter to the main character. Something must be at stake if he fails -- something big. Look at your story and ask yourself, what happens if my protag fails? Are the consequences great enough to create strong motivation to overcome?
7. Jump into the story at a moment of action, conflict, or excitement. Jump right into a scene where something is happening instead of backing into the story by explaining stuff to us. Even the best conflict won't help a story if your reader abandons you before he gets to the exciting part.
8. Resolution of the story must not leave reader with a lot of loose ends or questions. Readers expect to see the main character reach his goal, or abandon the goal in favor of a more desirable goal. Never give the reader the impression that you just got tired of the story and ended it -- the ending should be emotionally satisfying and logically drawn from the characterization and story details.

Challenging myself to 1k words/day - following sage advice of fellow writers - Promo is good. Keeping up with your WIPs? That's BETTER! Who's with me?! http://tinyurl.com/c4ybmd

Do You Know When to Give Up?

I'm forwarding a link today - because I think it's worth everyone reading.

I've only read this one blog post, but the first comment was from James Scott Bell - so, I trust the company that mystery writer keeps! ;-)

How Do You Know When To Quit? By Toni McGee Causey

Please take a look, and if you haven't yet - DO take a moment to follow her YouTube link, and see Susan Boyle's performance, whom the author references. And watch the WHOLE 7 minutes if you haven't. You won't regret it.

Look forward to seeing everyone soon...I won't be giving up. Hopefully, none of you will, either.

~Blessings

Ashley

Agency Contests

Info from Cindy Myer's Market News this week:

The Knight Agency is holding a Book in a Nutshell Contest Submit three compelling sentences (150 words max) about your completed, unpublished manuscript to submissions@ knightagency. net Write BOOK IN A NUTSHELL in the subject line or it will not be deemed eligible. One submission per project, please.

Twenty of the best submissions will be chosen and requested by various agents who will then give feedback on your work...and it may even lead to possible representation. Hurry, the deadline is April 20, 2009. Winners will be notified by May 1, 2009. For more info, go to
http://tinyurl.com/cnfe9d

Plot & Point of View Discussion - March 23, 2009

Good morning, everyone!

Great session last night - and so glad to have seen all of you. Take a second to find that "Comment button" at the bottom of this post, and press it. "Sign In" and fill out a comment with your name if you showed up!

We're just the TemeculaWriters.blogspot.com - my mistake. Go to TemeculaWritersToolbox, and that is where Bev lives. :)

ANYWAY for those of you who didn't make it (as I often don't) I just wanted to give a quick over view of our session:

A few notes: We had a new member - Kelly - who is an inspirational romance writer - Welcome, Kelly! Ashley is back after several months off - thanks for the warm welcome, everyone.

After Sandy led us in prayer :) we had a group review of James Bell's Revision and Self Editing chapters 3 & 4 - Plot and Point of View, respectively.

Plot:
A review of the LOCK method. (Starts with Lead, ends with Knockout! Read it!)
An animated review of "The Hero's Journey"
Description of the three acts, and the two doors to propel readers forward.

Point of View:
A review of Omniscient Narrator, First Person, Third Person, and How tense the tense you choose can make your story (present tense or past tense).

Finally - we had time (!) to plot out a quick story - which was LOADS of fun for this author anyway. Feeding off each other's creativity, we plotted a story to make any lover of fantasy, romance, adventure, and Christian fiction proud. :) Well done. I'd call dibs on writing it, but I might have to arm wrestle Tyler, Pat, or Sharon and I'd lose to all three!

Have a wonderful day and PLEASE post a comment here. Ask a question if something is still nagging at you - and we're looking forward to our next exercise next month!

Many blessings on each of your writing as you attempt to work these lessons into your craft.

~Ashley

AND Please e-mail me if you need more information on Blog Posting! or would like to Blog--this is an open forum for the WHOLE group.

Next meeting: March 23, 2009

March 23
Review Chapter 3 & 4, Plot and Structure and Point of View (POV)
* Discuss.
* Group plot a novel

Should be lots of fun! See you there at 7PM

~Ashley

TWT - Worksheet

Below is our TWT worksheet for our next group session.

Please copy these and bring your responses to group meeting on 2/24! We look forward to seeing you all there!

~Ashley, Dan & Denise

Temecula Writer’s Toolbox
2009

Author’s Name_________________________________________
Title__________________________________________________
Fiction or Non-fiction____________________________________
Estimated word count when complete________________________
Where are you in the process?______________________________
______________________________________________________
1. Genre____________________________________________
2. Audience:

• a. Age group ________________________________________
• b. Sex______________________________________________
• c. Social group ________________________________________
• d. CBA or ABA _______________________________________
• e. Education level _____________________________________
• f. Other______________________________________________
  
  3. Primary Drivers: (pick 3)
• a. Romance
• b. Education
• c. Adventure/action
• d. Humor
• e. Thrill/ Suspense
• f. Mystery/Puzzle
• g. Life (spiritual salvation
  and physical)
• h. Community (create a story world for reader)
• i. Other ______________________________
  
  4. Ministry_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
  5. OP(Outline person) or NOP(Fly by the seat of your pants)__________
  6. Elevator pitch- (around 15 words) ____________________________
  ___________________________________________________________
  _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
  
  7. Back cover (Quick paragraph stating story’s plot)
  ___________________________________________________________
  ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
  8. What specific writing skills do you hope to learn from this workshop?
  ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
  9. Which of the following are most important to you? (Pick top 5 and order)
• a. Deeper knowledge of the publishing industry.
• b. Improving writing craft.
• c. Forming more in-depth critique partners.
• d. Information on
• self-publishing and marketing.
• e. Being part of the ministry of writing.
• f. Fellowship with other Christian writers.
• g. Helping other writers shine.
• h. Sending “The Message” to the world.
• i. Being the best steward of the story God has entrusted to you.
• j. Earn big bucks writing.
• k. Earn meager or supplemental income writing.
• l. Entertaining an audience.
• m. Leaving a lasting legacy.
• n. Educate people about a certain topic.
• o. Become a better self-editor.
• p. Accountability with others to help reach deadlines.
• q. Learn about opportunities for publication and contests.
• r. Recording historical events for posterity.
• s. Dude! I just like to write.
• t. Other ___________________________________________
  

Class Syllabus - 2009

Temecula Writer’s Toolbox Syllabus
2009

January 27
Questionnaire, Introductions, Write elevator pitch and back cover, Book Revision and Self-Editing by James Bell. (Writer’s Digest books)

February 23
Chapter 1 & 2, Self-Editing and Characters. Discuss Characters. (Not the ones in class.) Write obituary for character.

March 23
Chapter 3 & 4, Plot and Structure and Point of View (POV) Discuss. Group plot a novel.

April 27
Chapter 5 & 6, Scenes and Dialogue. Discuss. Write dialogue in unique voice. Read out loud.

May 25
Chapter 7, 8, & 9, Beginnings, Middles & Ends, Show vs.
Tell & Voice and Style. Discuss. Identify telling and change to showing in sample paragraph.

June 22
Chapter 10, 11, & 12, Setting and Description, Exposition, Theme, Discuss, Write setting using all 5 senses.

Meeting Update - 2009 Schedule

It's that time again. We will be starting a new session! Get ready to sharpen your writing skills:

When: 4th Tues. of the month
Where: Promise Land Christian Bookstore, Temecula, CA
What time: 7:00 -8:30 p.m.

For 2009, we will be working from a book called Revision & Self-Editing, by James Scott Bell.

You can pick one up at Barnes & Noble, or we can order a copy for you.

List price is $16.99.
Amazon price $11.55.

We will be ordering through Amazon. The price will be $12.45 + shipping.

Please let us know if you'll be joining us by e-mailing 6harmers@sbcglobal.net
Also, we need to know by Jan. 19 if you want us to order you a book.

We are looking forward to seeing all of you!

Notes from Shannon - Writing Opportunity

BEAUTIFUL ONE is a bimonthly that targets Christian women. Content includes
health and fitness, inner healing, love and marriage, parenting, and fashion
and style. Lucie Costa is editor of the magazine, which is published by
Beautiful One Ministry. Submissions are welcome. Details are posted at


http://www.beautifulonemagazine.com

Excellent Meeting!

Hey, everyone!

Fantastic turn out last night - and thank you for the excellent meeting last night. We were blessed to have Brett Burner come and share with us his extensive knowledge on E-Books, Print on Demand, and his views on what makes a Christian Book.

For more information, please go to www.lamppostpubs.com

And, for an exciting article on Brett's mission -- read this review:

Worship & The Arts


For anyone who is interested, here is a You Tube Promotion from Zondervan for Brett's graphic novel: Hand of the MorningStar...a must read for all ages...



Take care and God bless each of you in your writing endeavors. If you have questions or comments you would like to share with the group as a whole, please post them here. Brett will be notified, and can post responses on our blog.

~Ashley

Meeting Preparation - 9/23 - An evening with LampPost Publications

Hello, everyone!

I'd like to invite you all to come meet Brett Burner of LampPost Publications!

Brett is joining us next Tuesday, September 23 at Promise Land Christian Bookstore - to discuss the varying aspects of Print on Demand publishing, and share his knowledge on the publishing process as a whole.

The questions we've asked him to talk on (and I'm sure there are many more good ones) are:

Everyone is invited to attend. At 7 p.m. on October 23, Brett Burner of Lamp Post Publishing will be our speak to the group at Promise Land bookstore on the 79 South/Temecula Parkway east of Pechanga Parkway. Turn in at the Longs Drug Store and go left to find Promise Land on the right.

Questions Brett will answer are:

What is a POD publisher?

What types of books do you publish / are you planning on publishing in 2009 & beyond?

How many authors do you work with?

How do authors find you, or vice versa?

What makes a query standout for you?

What happens after the contract is signed? Editorial process to E-book and print.

What sort of marketing do you do to support your authors? reviews? book signings? etc.?

Where do you see E-books going in the future?

Thanks for joining us for this exciting, informative meeting! and be sure to post your questions here so that we can alert him ahead of time! :)

Have a wonderful day, and many blessings on your writing as the conference approaches! wish I could join you...

~Ashley

Matt Bronleewe's new thriller, House of Wolves

Today I received in the mail a preview copy of Matt Bronleewe's new thriller, "House of Wolves." I also received bookmarks and signed bookplates. If anybody wants one, email me privately with your smail mail address and I'll drop one in the mail. For more info on the book, here's his web site. 

Other than that, I just finished Cathy Marie Hake's historical romance "Fancy Pants"--all-in-all a fun read. What are you guys reading?

Dona

Group News

Hey everyone - Just wanted to put up a post to declare open for group news.

Does anyone have anything new to add, share, or submit prayer requests for? This is an open forum, so please leave a comment to this post, so all group members can see.

Much love and many blessings,

Ashley

What are you writing for?

I'm intrigued by today's Writing Tip comment--and was wondering if you all would weigh in with your thoughts.

Writing is both a privilege and a business.

There is so much truth in that. This gift we are all blessed with is a privilege. How are you using your gift? Are you playing with it? Are you honing it as a skill? Are you writing for yourself? For your friends? For your family? Or do you see this as your future?

We are entering the fall season - with thoughts towards writing for a more public audience. We are inviting guest speakers:

• A Publisher
• A Literary Agent

Our topics for fall are still under consideration as we review what you want to receive from our next series of meetings. Please chime in, and let us know how we can serve you and your needs as writers who take time out of your busy lives to hone your skills, and understand that balance is needed.

Looking forward to hearing your comments...

~Ashley

Reaping Results from Group Critique

Reaping Results from the Group Critique - by Beverly Nault

Think of your critique group as a greenhouse. Whether infant or mature, each PLANT requires pruning and fertilizing, just like a story, article or scene. Follow these guidelines for an abundant HARVEST worthy of today’s market.

When you submit for critique:

Have Patience – only unwanted mushrooms grow overnight. Be ready to learn, it takes a discerning eye to identify weeds in the money crop. Even mature writers can learn a thing or two.

Listen – Babbling about your hours in the field wastes valuable time. Save chit-chat and seed swapping for later.

Accept advice and input. You waste everyone’s time if you don’t intend to glean wisdom.

Never argue, explain, or apologize. Let me explain. Briefly introduce the context, but if you defend or argue, you could have stayed home and read the ‘script to the chickens. Apologizing means you didn’t spend enough time checking for typos, errors, or other problems.

Take it all in. Some input you should take with a grain of salt, some you might take to heart. Consider all feedback, maybe your co-author has a point. Friends and family members, sometimes even busy editors, may not offer the honest perspective fellow authors will.

Now, grab your hoe, um, pen, and take a turn in someone else’s garden to prepare for the HARVEST. Here’s how to cultivate:

HELP by beginning with a positive comment about at least one, preferably several things, in the submission. Your remarks may inspire the author to develop a special technique or style. Also, you wouldn’t dump a truck load of fertilizer on a seedling, so try to measure out advice appropriate for each member’s readiness.

Agree and move on. If you concur with another’s remarks, say so, but keep it simple. For example; “I agree with Farmer Joe that dandelion patch needs work. Now about these boll weevils.”

Resist rewriting. Your style is different from everyone else’s, don’t try to clone. You should, however, suggest alternatives to clumsy or clichéd smaller sections. Also, resist asking questions; receivers should listen, not expound.

Value concept and content. It’s not just a good idea, it’s the law–freedom of speech, right? If the work is for a specific market, you can identify something that’s possibly offensive or that might alienate, but what others grow, er, write, is not your concern.

Explain only (and briefly) if you’re an expert or professional. Maybe you know more about the rare blooming titan arum than the average Jane and the piece mentions a second annual bloom. Gasp! Authors rely on valuable resources, and we should check each other’s facts and information whenever possible. That being said…

Stay focused. Following rabbit trails consumes precious time.

Thank other authors for presenting their precious cuttings and encourage them to return with another scene or revision for the next session. Nurture, nurture, nurture.

By sharing our own and reviewing each other’s creations, we gain knowledge, skill and the courage to plant seeds for a fruitful harvest. That rare titan arum? It only blooms once a year. When it does, it smells like rotting fish. Eww. No stinkers here please.

Endings

On our plot skeleton, the legs represented two reactions to all the protagonist had gone through. We see many novel, movies, television shows that have a negative or "no change" ending. The author if asked would probably say they prefer to be a realist. Things aren't always Polyannaish. Right? I mean we live in a real world they might add.

Now here is my moral question for you all. I understand we won't all agree, but I want to hear what you think. Is it our moral duty to end with a positive happy ending? Think about it and give your answers plus reason why.

I look forward to hearing your answers,
Dan

The Plot Thickens

Hey gang, I want to add one thing to the plot skeleton and clarify the story worthy problem.
Sharon's minutes from the last meeting were great, but they made me aware of something I didn't communicate clearly.

The second eye = the story-worthy problem

In the Wizard of Oz the story worthy problem is deeper than finding Oz. Dorothy needs to be content with her current family. This is a universal and timeless issue. Hopefully not to many of us were orphaned, but we all are thrust into new family situations-- We marry, gain in laws, have children with their unique personalities, lose a parent or sibling, watch our kids become teens, gain more in laws as our kids marry, gain grandchildren, maybe even lose a spouse-- like it or not our family unit is in constant flux. We can relate to Dorothy's life lesson. It really is a sovereignty issue. Will we trust God? Will we choose to bloom where He planted us.

I'm reading Hooked (write fiction that grabs readers at page one and never lets them go) by Les Edgerton. Great book by the way. One of her points is you need to be aware of the story worthy problem from page one. You may not write to it specifically, but it will affect your direction from the get go.

Add a nose to our skeleton. Motivation.

This is vital. For both the eyes, the two goals, surface problem and story-worthy problem there needs to be a motivation. A object at rest prefers to stay at rest unless something moves it. Could be greed, love, longing for family, the work of the Holy Spirit, hatred, physical pain, rent is due... but something has to drive characters toward that goal.

I hope this helps clarify.
Metaphors be with you,
Dan

Curve

Like Dan, I'm Blog illiterate. But he got on waaaay before me.
Fred