In addition, I started new series and I’m about a fourth of the way writing first draft. As you have probably noticed, once I get all these great ideas in my head, I have to start it. Of course, it’s so I won’t forget them. But, the next thing I know—I’ve written a hundred pages. I’m getting excited about getting the Tirwine published. Actually, to be completely honest, I’m not excited but rather nervous about the marketing. I feel more comfortable behind a computer than in front of people, unless they’re shorter than I am.
P.S. Your only compensation will be your name on the list of Beta Readers in the forward of the book.
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When we decided to use wood as our only source of heat, my husband talked to friends, researched the best chainsaws, and studied the different types of axes. Before he went out for the first time, he had to learn the art of where to cut the trees—uphill side or downhill. Do you notch the tree on the side of its lean, or does it matter.
I took the liberty to change President Lincoln’s famous quote to fit authors: “Give me six months to write and I will spend the first four learning how to do it.” Though it doesn’t quite fit, there are some basics that we all need to know before we sit down to write. What about the following? I didn't know about ALL of them when I started writing. · Genres? · Age group? · Three acts? · Point of view? · Show vs. Telling? · Manuscript set-up · What is acceptable in the current market? I’ve seen people who’ve decided to write for the first time sit down and do just that. Later, after spending several hundred hours and dollars they have their book line edited. Only to have the manuscript rejected because they hadn’t taken the time to learn before they went out to chop the keys of their keyboard. Now they had to do back and learn the skills. After the first year, my husband would spend a weekend each summer filling the gas cans, cleaning out the stove and flue, and sweeping up the wood chips from the previous year. Next, he’d oil the chain saw, and sharpen the chainsaw and ax. Then he was finally ready to go to the forest and cut down the dead trees. The preparation, took as much time as it did to chop the trees. However, it was time was well spent. As writers, not only do we have to learn the craft, but we need to continue learning, stay up to date with changes in the market, and study new techniques. How do you stay current with new trends and stay in learning mode?
I’ve tried the “tried and true trick” that authors use; “Just write.” I must not have tried it long enough or something. I got some great ideas for new stories, however, nothing for my current story. I know it works, but it didn’t work for me, not this time. Instead of writing I prayed, talked to my writers group and family. However, they had different ideas and suggestions. I spent time reading trade books and articles. I read books by some of the best authors in my genre, that didn’t help; I so got engrossed in the books, I forgot to pay attention to what I was searching for.
It worked!
What do you do when you can’t write, when you have too many ideas floating in your head? Do you have a method? Please share your ideas with us by writing in Comments section, below.
Many writers keep a notepad, napkin, or journal with them at all times to write ideas that come to them, even when they’re sleeping. Others record their ideas on a voice recorder or some other device.  The point is—keep those ideas. I have several lists in my computer. A several page list with blogging ideas. Another is more than a list, um, short paragraphs of story ideas. I’m in the process of writing a story from one of those ideas.
Later, as we add more ideas, we should review our lists and delete some. We may use only one out of ten, but who knows, it may be the next book on the New York Times Bestselling Author list. How do you reboot yourself after being away from writing for a while?  Frustrated by lost or stacks of research notes? This Article Will Help
Two Tips to Organizing Your Notes Many writers especially new writers complain how they lost important notes for their manuscript. Or we shake our heads at the huge mountains that need a home, besides the round one on the floor. This blog will make it easy for you to get and stay organized. We'll look at two sub-topics - What to save and what to toss: * This is the easy one. No thought needed. * I save everything I’ve written. * I save all research, even if I've decide not to keep the scene. How to organize: Purchased a three-ring binder, tabbed dividers, page protectors, and a zippered pencil holder for three-ring binders. I place all the small pictures of my characters (from magazines, net), small pictures/floor plans of your characters' house, school, or other important places in the pencil holder. Make tabs for: * Characters - extensive biographies, including their past, goals, etc. * Story world - glossary, language, pictures, occupations, housing, culture, history, religion, government, etc. * Locations – (you may need two or more tabs, if your book takes place in more than one location) maps, pictures (Google world works well, if you can’t go there) floor plans of any major buildings * Research – maps, pictures and information about the geography, plants, animals (if your story world is on Earth - save links to website that have videos of your animals), people, historical locations, arts & entertainment * Pictures - for large pictures or drawings * Misc. Information - Research for specific technology, plants, occupations * Deleted scenes - yes, keep them, you may want them later In my book the Tirwine, I needed two locations with caves. I researched different areas around the world and finally chose the Amazon Rain Forest and the hill country of northwestern Afghanistan, both have cave systems. Also, since I’d never been to a rain forest, I searched for sites that had audio and visual recordings of the animals and insects. I found and visited these sites many times. If you have any hints to help writers get and stay organized, please share them with us in Comments below. Sign-up to have my blogs automatically sent to your email every Wednesday. Click on Subscribe, above. |
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