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I haven't been blogging in a while, mostly because I've been working on a book called REVEL. In January I:
1. Had a deadline to hand in the revision of Revel
2. Had my first ever writer's retreat with a wonderful group of women in an an icy, windswept enclave by a lake
3. Attended the New York City conference of Society of Children's Book Writer's and Illustrators. Specifically, a superb presentation called Twenty-One Revision Techniques by Cheryl Klein, Executive Editor Arthur A. Levine Books/ Scholastic
Does it ever seem to you that you meet someone, see a painting, hear a song and that voice, that idea, image or tune is exactly what you needed for your life or your work to get better? It helps you or pushes you forward in some way that it's not possible for it to be mere coincidence. There must a word for that- it's more than inspiration or serendipity it's....
Inspiradipity!!
yes I believe I just made a noun
So in a very lucky situation of Inspiradipity these three events all took place in January and I find that not only do I know what my story is about (that seems like it should be painfully obvious, me being the author, but sadly this is not always the case) but I know what to do to make it better, make it work!!!
Cheryl Klein had many,many fantastic suggestions/tools for the revision process. Probably a lot more than 21. And to paraphrase her:
"If you find yourself using all of these? You're actually procrastinating".
But here are three things that really Inspiradipped me (It's a verb too!) during Ms. Klein's presentation. Things I needed to hear:
1. Get to the end of the story first.
I don't know how many times I need to learn this lesson. I spend way too much time on beginnings, fretting over the perfect opening, the first three chapters and revising before I get to the end of the draft!! You don't know what the story is until you get to the end. And even working from an outline, I found things changed as I went. So, get to the end. Know what the heart of your story is, that is the end. Then you know how to begin.
2. Look at or list the first ten things each significant character says or does. Objectively.
This includes actions, dialogue and internal narration, These first impressions are how the reader decides if your MC is likable for instance. Kind of important. Looking at those first actions, thoughts and words I discovered my MC sounded sort of Whiny. And nobody likes a whiner.
3. This third thing is simply fun. Make a Word Cloud of your novel to see what words you're using most frequently. This is the cloud for an early draft: right away I can see the word "Like" is way too prevalent. I seem to like, like like.
The only other thing I reflect on right now is that I need to put myself in the way of Inspiradipity- by getting out in the world, connecting with other people, contacting old friends. Talking.
Um, maybe even blogging once in a while :-)
Hope you all get inspiradipped today!
2012-02-03 03:44 pm (UTC)
Happy writing!
2012-02-03 04:28 pm (UTC)
I'll be on the lookout to hear her again. It was simply perfect timing for where I'm at. I think she's also written a book about revising...
2012-02-03 04:37 pm (UTC)
2012-02-03 04:54 pm (UTC)
Thanks Rose :-)
2012-02-03 04:36 pm (UTC)
2012-02-03 04:54 pm (UTC)
Yes, and finding a jazzed writer these days is like finding a talking squash. So much doom and gloom...
2012-02-03 06:38 pm (UTC)
Her talk was so great, wasn't it?
:D
2012-02-03 07:53 pm (UTC)
Great to see you there too!
2012-02-03 07:59 pm (UTC)
2012-02-03 08:09 pm (UTC)
Wasn't it great- I had her workshop for the third session. I also went to the Thriller workshop and Series Fiction- both very good. Our trip was kind of whirlwind- I brought my family and we went to see Wicked on Friday night. So fun!
Did you do any of the Friday intensives?
2012-02-03 08:10 pm (UTC)
Great points :-)
2012-02-03 09:47 pm (UTC)
2012-02-03 11:50 pm (UTC)
2012-02-04 12:07 am (UTC)
Yes they are just what I need :-)
2012-02-04 05:32 pm (UTC)
2012-02-04 11:48 pm (UTC)
2012-02-08 12:25 pm (UTC)
Now I'm off to figure out how to make a word cloud. That is one pretty procrastination.
2012-02-08 12:57 pm (UTC)
LOVE YOU!
(Anonymous)
2012-03-14 12:07 am (UTC)
1. YOUR FANS ARE IMPORTANT! LISTEN TO THEM!! They can help you figure out what to include next, or what to leave out.
2. NO SPOILERS!!! Fans normally HATE spoilers! If you do include them make sure that it's clear that it's a spoiler alert!!! I hate to stumble upon spoiler alerts and then find out what happens next. It's so depressing and AWFUL!
PLEASE don't think me a know-it-all! I just am trying to express what I feel is important. If you don't like my suggestions, then feel free to ignore them. I LOVE YOUR BOOKS AND YOU! AUTHORS ROCK! :D
Kiwi
Re: LOVE YOU!
2012-03-18 12:16 pm (UTC)
I agree whole heartedly about spoilers but here are some things I can tell you about REVEL- it's set off the coast of Maine on an island. It has demi-gods and sea monsters. And some kissing.
Hope you'll give it a look when it comes out!
2012-04-12 03:58 pm (UTC)
THIS!! I recently had the weirdest dream that will lead to a (hopefully) pretty good fantasy if I can figure out my world-building. I was listening to my ipod on Shuffle and a song by The Killers came on and reminded me SO MUCH of my dream that it was inspiradipity! I can't wait to listen to it when I start writing! <3
2012-04-12 05:32 pm (UTC)