I work for a small software company writing customer testimonials among some other duties. It's not particularly stressful work, but I do have a quota of one new testimonial a month. The one for this month is due so I've been reviewing my notes and trying to come up with an angle for it. I thought I'd be spending my whole day today working on it.
Then, just like that, all the pieces fell into place and the draft was done. It's now with my boss for review.
So I have some time to work on other things. Like my personal writing. And so far I have completed my outline and started the actual writing.
Sometimes things just fall into place.
Friday, June 22, 2007
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Patience
Most people who know me think I'm extremely patient because I can wait for something to happen without complaining.
Out loud.
On the inside, however, I am a very impatient person. This could be a good thing. I'm getting antsy about my writing. And my lack of time (or perceived lack of time) to do same. Work has been busier than usual lately and too many other things are claiming my after-work time. Must stop now. I have a great new story I want to tell--now, dammit!
Okay, will check in tomorrow with update on whether or not I actually get the words out.
Out loud.
On the inside, however, I am a very impatient person. This could be a good thing. I'm getting antsy about my writing. And my lack of time (or perceived lack of time) to do same. Work has been busier than usual lately and too many other things are claiming my after-work time. Must stop now. I have a great new story I want to tell--now, dammit!
Okay, will check in tomorrow with update on whether or not I actually get the words out.
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Wild About Harry
We now interrupt our regularly scheduled reading to read the first six Harry Potter books--again--before Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows comes out next month.
Jenny and I may be the only two in The Group who are really excited about this final book. The others are subjected to our theories every month whether they want to be or not. Of course, with a couple years between books, the theories don't change much so I can sorta see why there are not-so-muffled groans whenever we start. But I think it's a testimony to the level of storytelling that adults are debating what may happen next.
I've said it before, but I'll put it here for the world, or the three friends who read this, to see: J.K. Rowling deserves every cent she's made and all the good things that have gone her way for making it cool for kids to read. That is a major accomplishment and one that every writer should thank her for on a regular basis.
But, you say, I don't write children's or YA books. So? The kids who were 12 when she started the series are now 21. I'm thinking they've probably moved on to adult fantasy or mysteries or mainstream.
So, thank you, Jo! Good on ya! Oh, and thanks for the fun books, too.
Jenny and I may be the only two in The Group who are really excited about this final book. The others are subjected to our theories every month whether they want to be or not. Of course, with a couple years between books, the theories don't change much so I can sorta see why there are not-so-muffled groans whenever we start. But I think it's a testimony to the level of storytelling that adults are debating what may happen next.
I've said it before, but I'll put it here for the world, or the three friends who read this, to see: J.K. Rowling deserves every cent she's made and all the good things that have gone her way for making it cool for kids to read. That is a major accomplishment and one that every writer should thank her for on a regular basis.
But, you say, I don't write children's or YA books. So? The kids who were 12 when she started the series are now 21. I'm thinking they've probably moved on to adult fantasy or mysteries or mainstream.
So, thank you, Jo! Good on ya! Oh, and thanks for the fun books, too.
Book Signing
No, not mine, but one for two friends from Pikes Peak Writers.
It was great to see how many people turned out for Giles Carwyn and Todd Fahnestock. They were signing Mistress of Winter, the second book in their fantasy trilogy. The two of them seem like very practiced hands at speaking to the readers, reading excerpts and answering questions. They must have been nervous, but didn't look it at all.
One more skill to learn. Some writers I've known seem to think that grammar and punctuation rules are all that's required. I don't think they even include the ability to tell a story. But those are just the beginning. A critical eye and the ability to edit, ruthlessly, are next. Then there's marketing yourself and your manuscript to agents. The ability to work with a lot of different personalities must be a big plus once you are dealing with the publishing house.
Now public speaking. Great. I realize that's probably a very long way off, but it doesn't mean I won't obsess about it in the meantime.
It was great to see how many people turned out for Giles Carwyn and Todd Fahnestock. They were signing Mistress of Winter, the second book in their fantasy trilogy. The two of them seem like very practiced hands at speaking to the readers, reading excerpts and answering questions. They must have been nervous, but didn't look it at all.
One more skill to learn. Some writers I've known seem to think that grammar and punctuation rules are all that's required. I don't think they even include the ability to tell a story. But those are just the beginning. A critical eye and the ability to edit, ruthlessly, are next. Then there's marketing yourself and your manuscript to agents. The ability to work with a lot of different personalities must be a big plus once you are dealing with the publishing house.
Now public speaking. Great. I realize that's probably a very long way off, but it doesn't mean I won't obsess about it in the meantime.
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