This week I have been struggling with writer's block. I have a great start to a couple of different stories, but I'm stuck on where to go with them. I have decided I need to outline / plot out my story so that I know where I need it to go in order to write the scenes to get the story to it's resolution.
I posted a help question on a group site, Authors Incognito, asking for ideas on how to outline / plot a novel, and the following advice led me to a great idea. One of the ladies told me that an author by the name, Dan Wells, author of "I'm Not a Serial Killer" had a presentation on story structure. I followed her link to a website that led me to a youtube video presentation. I watched all 5 videos and I think I have found my solution. I love the idea of the 7 point system for outlining.
1. Hook
2. Plot Turn 1
3. Pinch 1
4. Midpoint
5. Pinch 2
6. Plot Turn 2
7. Resolution.
I'm excited now because I have a skeleton to build from and I think this will allow me to really dive deep into getting my stories from my head to page.
If your interested, Dan Wells' presentation is very entertaining, insightful and educational in regards to writing.
Check out youtube : Type in the search box: Dan Wells on Story Structure, there are 5 parts. They are great!
Love Always,
Kris
Saturday, June 26, 2010
I'm doing Terrible!
Just a quick post right now...
I'm having a real hard time with the Daily Goal. So many things have come up this week. I really think "someone" is trying to keep me from my goal. Once I find the little troll, I will squash him!
Just kidding, I'm going to try and catch up this weekend. I have to do some daily writing, and the weekly "writing post" today. So after my nephew's b-day party, I am going to try and work on my manuscript. I need to do some plotting....
Talk to you later,
Kris
I'm having a real hard time with the Daily Goal. So many things have come up this week. I really think "someone" is trying to keep me from my goal. Once I find the little troll, I will squash him!
Just kidding, I'm going to try and catch up this weekend. I have to do some daily writing, and the weekly "writing post" today. So after my nephew's b-day party, I am going to try and work on my manuscript. I need to do some plotting....
Talk to you later,
Kris
Friday, June 18, 2010
Update on Goals!
Not doing so good. I did my weekly goal post with info on WriteOnCon, but my daily goal of 30 minutes a day is falling short. I did it on Monday, 30.47 mins. I can't even remember what my excuse was for Tuesday...oh wait, I do...after dinner was a full hour of Hell's Kitchen that caught me. Wednesday, it was So you think you can Dance....Thursday, my son was sent home from school with 102F temp, so I had to leave work early, and spent the evening and into the night pumping him full of water and Tylenol. He stayed home from school today, and he thought he was feeling better, so we went to my parent's home to hang out, and had dinner. He fell asleep on us again, and when I woke him to leave, he was feeling hot again. I just took his temperature and it is at 101.9F again. He is sleeping again now, so I might try and get in a few minutes tonight. But if not I have 2.5 hours of writing to makeup tomorrow since the goal was 30 minutes a day, except for Sundays. No Sundays will be tough for me since my weekends are when I have the most time to devote to my writing....
I told you I'm not good at making myself work until I'm at a deadline. But with your help and support, I really feel like I can overcome this terrible habit. I though about giving myself a dedicated writing time, like 9-10pm. That way, my son would be in bed (theoretically..hehe) and it will be quiet, and still give me enough rest before I have to wake for work at 630am. Or maybe 930 to 1030,,,I don't know. Maybe I will play with that for next weeks daily goals.
What are some of the ways you motivate yourself to finish a goal? I'd love to hear your ideas.
Love Always,
Kris
I told you I'm not good at making myself work until I'm at a deadline. But with your help and support, I really feel like I can overcome this terrible habit. I though about giving myself a dedicated writing time, like 9-10pm. That way, my son would be in bed (theoretically..hehe) and it will be quiet, and still give me enough rest before I have to wake for work at 630am. Or maybe 930 to 1030,,,I don't know. Maybe I will play with that for next weeks daily goals.
What are some of the ways you motivate yourself to finish a goal? I'd love to hear your ideas.
Love Always,
Kris
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Online Writing Conference
As you can see by the awesome countdown to your right, there is a free online writers conference coming up in August. It is for Kids literature, (Main Character under 18) and will have numerous agents, publishers, authors, aspiring authors meeting up for critiques and such. I'm so excited about this. I attended the Storymaker's Conference in April and loved it! So being able to attend another conference like forum, without leaving my home or spending any money sounds completely groovy to me! The conference is August 10-12, looks like it starts REALLY early. I'm thinking about taking advantage of my vacation time in order to attend fully, but we'll see as it gets closer.
So I have two months to get working on my young adult manuscript, so I have something to submit to the critique forums. I realize some of my followers are authors and maybe all ready involved in this WriteOnCon and incredibly busy, and I look forward to working with you guys at the conference. So, If any of my other followers are interested in being a reader for me prior to the conference to help me get ready, I'd love to have your opinions and another set of eyes. Just let me know, and I'll let you know what it entails. It would probably be closer to the end of July before I would be ready.
If anyone else is interested in attending the WriteOnCon, visit the website for more information at http://www.writeoncon.com/
So I have two months to get working on my young adult manuscript, so I have something to submit to the critique forums. I realize some of my followers are authors and maybe all ready involved in this WriteOnCon and incredibly busy, and I look forward to working with you guys at the conference. So, If any of my other followers are interested in being a reader for me prior to the conference to help me get ready, I'd love to have your opinions and another set of eyes. Just let me know, and I'll let you know what it entails. It would probably be closer to the end of July before I would be ready.
If anyone else is interested in attending the WriteOnCon, visit the website for more information at http://www.writeoncon.com/
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Goals!
Right along with my last post, I procrastinated until the last minute to make my list of short-term, attainable goals. Here I am with just under two hours to the deadline, and I'm finally putting together the list to post.
#1 - Daily Goal - Write for a least 30 minutes every night, except Sundays.
#2 - Weekly Goal - Post a message / update to the blog with at least one writing tip or observation related to writing each week.
#3 - Monthly Goal - Finish 2 more chapters on one of my manuscripts.
So I have one month to complete these goals. That is July 11, 2010 at midnight. I will keep a daily log of time spent writing. On July 12, 2010, I will post the results, good or bad.
I am going to need your help. Busy, working mom with many tasks that will take my attention away. Any encouragement, tips, ideas that you have will be immensely appreciated. Also, feel free to drop me a comment or email asking how I'm doing. I would love that!
On your mark, get set...........GO!
Kris :)
#1 - Daily Goal - Write for a least 30 minutes every night, except Sundays.
#2 - Weekly Goal - Post a message / update to the blog with at least one writing tip or observation related to writing each week.
#3 - Monthly Goal - Finish 2 more chapters on one of my manuscripts.
So I have one month to complete these goals. That is July 11, 2010 at midnight. I will keep a daily log of time spent writing. On July 12, 2010, I will post the results, good or bad.
I am going to need your help. Busy, working mom with many tasks that will take my attention away. Any encouragement, tips, ideas that you have will be immensely appreciated. Also, feel free to drop me a comment or email asking how I'm doing. I would love that!
On your mark, get set...........GO!
Kris :)
Monday, June 7, 2010
Finding the time to write
I find that I'm a HUGE procrastinator. I tend to wait until the last minute on projects. This, I believe, comes from many, many years of always being so overbooked with projects that I have to do a little triage. I attend to and finish the projects with the closer deadline. This is in many facets of my life. As a coach, wife, mother, student, laundress, etc. When something comes up that needs my attention and is more important or has a closer deadline than whatever project I'm working on, I am really good at pushing things off and juggling. Especially when it comes to putting family and friends ahead of myself.
This can be a great sign of a successful multi-tasker, or the crazy ramblings of a brain-fried procrastinator. Probably both.....but definitely My Nemesis. My Weakness. My Flaw.
So, I've come to the conclusion that I must set deadlines for myself. In fact, I must set these deadlines and have a way to hold myself accountable, or I will keep pushing it off. This week, I have a project that will take up some time as I have been asked to choreograph a cheer dance routine for a local JV team. But once it is taught, I have a clear calendar to make finishing my manuscript my top priority.
This is where you guys come in. I'm going to post my goals, and hope that you guys will help keep me accountable to them. I am still just getting my feet wet with taking my writing from hobby to career. But I know if I don't start taking it seriously, than how can I expect anyone else.
My first goal for this week: To make a list of specific, attainable, short-term goals and have it posted on my blog by Sunday.
There we go. Goal number #1, Deadline: Sunday at midnight. (Yes, I'm one of those night writers, who tend to stay up late and write when it is quieter)
I'm looking for great ideas to help me find the time to write. I'd love to hear what suggestions or ideas you might have. Let me know what you think.
Kris
This can be a great sign of a successful multi-tasker, or the crazy ramblings of a brain-fried procrastinator. Probably both.....but definitely My Nemesis. My Weakness. My Flaw.
So, I've come to the conclusion that I must set deadlines for myself. In fact, I must set these deadlines and have a way to hold myself accountable, or I will keep pushing it off. This week, I have a project that will take up some time as I have been asked to choreograph a cheer dance routine for a local JV team. But once it is taught, I have a clear calendar to make finishing my manuscript my top priority.
This is where you guys come in. I'm going to post my goals, and hope that you guys will help keep me accountable to them. I am still just getting my feet wet with taking my writing from hobby to career. But I know if I don't start taking it seriously, than how can I expect anyone else.
My first goal for this week: To make a list of specific, attainable, short-term goals and have it posted on my blog by Sunday.
There we go. Goal number #1, Deadline: Sunday at midnight. (Yes, I'm one of those night writers, who tend to stay up late and write when it is quieter)
I'm looking for great ideas to help me find the time to write. I'd love to hear what suggestions or ideas you might have. Let me know what you think.
Kris
Saturday, June 5, 2010
Starstruck!
My little brother Tony (Newlywed!) is an aspiring musician. His producer is a member of the 80's rock band Tesla! They have been working together for several years now, but a few years ago, Brian and his wife Monique, came over to my parents house for a BBQ and swim. I remember helping my mom in the kitchen, looking out the window, and watching everyone swim. I leaned over to my mom and said, "Do you realize there is a ROCK STAR in your pool?" It was so weird to be able to say that. I mean, really, he is just a man. But how cool, right?
I'm a huge fan of Anita Stansfield. In fact, discovering her writing/books is what lead me to believe that maybe I could write a book. I had these stories in my head, but at the time didn't think there was a market for romance without the explict..(you know "Bodice Rippers") I had no idea, at the time, there was such a thing as a LDS fiction market, and I didn't read much Young Adult (YA).
So after hunting down every book she had ever written, (literally, even out of print. I love me some EBAY) and devouring them, I became a HUGE FAN...She is my writing IDOL.
At the recent Storymakers conference I attended in April, I had a HUGE starstruck moment. I sat in on her writing panel discussion, and then followed into her class session. She was so inspiring. Everything she said resonated within me. Without knowing it, she calmed most of the fears I had going into this Crazy Writing World. Anyways, after the class ended, I stood in line to have her sign a book of hers that I had brought from home. The five minutes I stood there felt like an eternity. I was so nervous. I kept telling myself to calm down. There was so much I wanted to say, but I didn't want to scare her either! I told myself not to do the typical, "I'm your biggest fan!" line. My palms were sweating, I was shaking. I even had to concentrate on not jumping up and down and crying! I know, crazy stalker fan, right? Well, I shook her hand, told her I enjoyed her class, and while she graciously agreed to sign my book, I said, "I'm your biggest fan. I've read all your books."
As soon as the words fell from my mouth, I was thinking, "You're such an Idiot. She's gonna think your NUTS!" But Anita thanked me, and said it meant alot to her that I enjoyed her books. For those brief couple of minutes, she treated me like I was her most important fan. I was so impressed by that!
AS soon as I walked away, I immediately sent a text to my sister and mother, "I just met Anita Stansfield!"
It was THE highlight of my trip to Utah. And though, to her, I was just another fan, just another one of the thousands of autographs she's given, I will never forget that moment.
I can't wait to attend next year's conference!
What about you? Have you ever had a "Starstruck" moment?
I'm a huge fan of Anita Stansfield. In fact, discovering her writing/books is what lead me to believe that maybe I could write a book. I had these stories in my head, but at the time didn't think there was a market for romance without the explict..(you know "Bodice Rippers") I had no idea, at the time, there was such a thing as a LDS fiction market, and I didn't read much Young Adult (YA).
So after hunting down every book she had ever written, (literally, even out of print. I love me some EBAY) and devouring them, I became a HUGE FAN...She is my writing IDOL.
At the recent Storymakers conference I attended in April, I had a HUGE starstruck moment. I sat in on her writing panel discussion, and then followed into her class session. She was so inspiring. Everything she said resonated within me. Without knowing it, she calmed most of the fears I had going into this Crazy Writing World. Anyways, after the class ended, I stood in line to have her sign a book of hers that I had brought from home. The five minutes I stood there felt like an eternity. I was so nervous. I kept telling myself to calm down. There was so much I wanted to say, but I didn't want to scare her either! I told myself not to do the typical, "I'm your biggest fan!" line. My palms were sweating, I was shaking. I even had to concentrate on not jumping up and down and crying! I know, crazy stalker fan, right? Well, I shook her hand, told her I enjoyed her class, and while she graciously agreed to sign my book, I said, "I'm your biggest fan. I've read all your books."
As soon as the words fell from my mouth, I was thinking, "You're such an Idiot. She's gonna think your NUTS!" But Anita thanked me, and said it meant alot to her that I enjoyed her books. For those brief couple of minutes, she treated me like I was her most important fan. I was so impressed by that!
AS soon as I walked away, I immediately sent a text to my sister and mother, "I just met Anita Stansfield!"
It was THE highlight of my trip to Utah. And though, to her, I was just another fan, just another one of the thousands of autographs she's given, I will never forget that moment.
I can't wait to attend next year's conference!
What about you? Have you ever had a "Starstruck" moment?
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Welcome Followers!!
Welcome Followers! I'm so excited to have followers! My plan is to post as often as I can, but at least weekly with writing tips, exercises, brainstorming ideas, and challenges, as well as personal daily comments about my own writing & life journey. I will try my hardest not to bore people, but I make no promises..... :)
I welcome advice and comments any time, especially from veteran bloggers.
I invite everyone to get involved in the discussions and challenges regardless of whether you are a writer or not. As writers, we are always looking for help brainstorming ideas and storylines.
I'm looking forward to getting to know you guys and hope that you enjoy following my journey.
Feel free to email me directly with any comments or questions if you want to as well.
Quick matter of business: Though I invite and encourage involvement and interaction with this blog and its followers, I do ask that we respect each other's opinions, and keep comments related to the topics. No vulgar or rude comments will be tolerated! Thanks!
OKay, enough of that....before closing,,,,I send out another WELCOME to my followers!
Kris
I welcome advice and comments any time, especially from veteran bloggers.
I invite everyone to get involved in the discussions and challenges regardless of whether you are a writer or not. As writers, we are always looking for help brainstorming ideas and storylines.
I'm looking forward to getting to know you guys and hope that you enjoy following my journey.
Feel free to email me directly with any comments or questions if you want to as well.
Quick matter of business: Though I invite and encourage involvement and interaction with this blog and its followers, I do ask that we respect each other's opinions, and keep comments related to the topics. No vulgar or rude comments will be tolerated! Thanks!
OKay, enough of that....before closing,,,,I send out another WELCOME to my followers!
Kris
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