In my writers.com classes, I often (read: almost always) ask the writer to come up with a chapter to chapter synopsis, to analyze the main action and main emotion of EACH and EVERY scene. What this helps me do: pinpoint the places where nothing is happening….and where the emotion is not evolving. NOTE: before I…
Writing
Getting close to the end of the process
As I start one new WIP, I am finishing another. It is a novel I began a very long time ago. It is hugely gratifying to finish (and humbling, too. Apparently, I am not so good at knowing when paragraphs begin and end!) Each new project offers new challenges, new discoveries, new obstacles. This one…
Not so gentle reminder as I start a new story…
When I worry about getting there….I never start. Two pages a day. Starting today!!
Mining memories
One of the things I do when I am first envisioning a novel is mine for memories. This helps me form a new character and hone in on what I want to say in the book. It helps me figure out the emotional arc…and why the character won’t leave me alone! (that’s me playing Dolly…
The last week of class
THANK YOU to all my students! Once again, I have learned so much!!!
Election Day!
Today, the baby, the presidential scholar, is old enough to vote. This morning, he said, “It will be hard to concentrate when I have this very important responsibility to take care of.” VOTE!!!!!!
Feeling grateful
So grateful that my friends and family on the East Coast are safe and doing well. The images are frightening! Special kudos to the men and women who work for Emergency Services!! NOW I can go back into the cave! Time to get some more DANGEROUS pages done!
RE: the process
When I draft, I cook. A LOT! (not just to procrastinate! It actually helps me write!) These tomatoes are slow roasted with garlic, pepper, kosher salt, and good olive oil. They freeze well, too, if you are like me and miss tomatoes in the winter!
Quote of the day
This works for me on multiple levels.
Remove color
I saw this setting in color. Now in black and white, it evokes very different emotions. (Thank you, Alisia Leavitt!) What would happen if you changed the light in your setting? (Going to try it right now.)