Characters. Again.

Yeah, again.

So I've decided to work with this lovely young lady character who's been haunting me for at least a year, on and off (mostly on when I decide to write fiction and off when I don't). I keep thinking I know her, only because I know the portion of her that will show up in my story (because it's scarily similar to myself in that respect), but this weekend I've been realizing new things about her: she just earned a degree (Masters? Ph.D?) in Russian (or some Eastern European language), she's had a rough go of it with her dad (along with her siblings) and has this immense crush on a real bad boy who's gonna, of course, be the hero.

Problem is, I know the story structure, just not how to get deep into her depths. In my search to solve my own character problems, I'll share with you a few links that have me thinking...

Four Methods for Interviewing Your Characters by Laurie Schnebly-Campbell (I can't believe I didn't have this one posted already--Laurie's stuff is priceless)


Seven Common Character Types by Terry Ervin II

Create A Character: Bringing Personality to Your Characters by Leslie Oliver

Happy character creating,
Beth

Themes, part 2

Found more interesting reading on themes in our works of fiction. Cool stuff...lots of thought-provoking ideas....

Romance Novel Themes compiled by Megan Campbell

Themes in Fiction

Thickening the Plot by Dr. Vicki Hinze

Get busy theming,
Beth

Theme

I'm just starting to flesh out a new fiction idea for a short story and realized, in reviewing my notes, that I had a ready-made theme from all the bits and pieces of plot action coming to me. I'm pretty damn lucky--that's never happened before.

We all know the importance of theme to our stories. If you have trouble finding your theme, Anne M. Marble has some good advice to consider in pursuit of theme.

Themes and the Romance Writer by Anne M. Marble
Happy Theme-ing,

Beth

A Good Cause

Away from my usual references, today's post is one to support three causes I love most in the world: writers, editors and diabetes research.

Feel free to visit Brenda's site and feel free to pass this on to other interested folks...

Beth
====
----permission to forward---


Don't miss Brenda Novak's Third Annual On-Line Auction for Diabetes Research May 1 - May 31st at www.brendanovak.com (Brenda's son has diabetes). There will be an amazing For Writers section that will include reads/critiques/lunches/teas/phone consultations with some of the biggest agents and editors in the business. There will also be plenty for published authors--publicity packages, lunch with Borders/Waldens bookbuyer Sue Grimshaw, Lunch with Levy Books, web site design, etc. The person who places the most bids over all will win a $1500 prize package that includes a brand new laptop computer and digital camera (even if that person doesn't actually win a single item)! For a preview of what will be available, there's a list posted at brendanovak.com.

=======

Back Cover Blurbs

Ok, since we've mastered the author bio, here's another fun, short writing assignment--the back cover blurb.

If you need help, aside from actually reading blurbs to learn how to write them, check out this advice:

How To Write a Blurb (Back Cover Copy) by Marilynn Byerly

How to Write a Blurb by Helen Williams

Happy blurbing,
Beth

Writing Your Author's Bio

I'm trying to put together my first serious bio as an author and am finding it harder to do than write a 55,000 word novel. Insane!

If you're stuck in the same boat, here are a few thoughts:

Writing Your Bio by Terje Johansen

Inventing The Author: Four Steps to a Compelling Bio by Julie Duffy

Writing an Author Bio That Will Knock The Editor's Socks Off! By Dorothy Thompson

Top Ten Tips for Writing A Professional Overview or Biography by Tara Kachaturoff

Ok, enough procrastination by posting links. Time to get writing...

Happy bio-ing!

Beth

show, don't tell

Working on the first round of edits for my fiction short and have a few passages where the editor wants me to rewrite to show not tell...which translates to active, not passive. I'm usually pretty proud of that little stat that comes up on Word after spellchecking that says like 0% passive sentences.

So I'm learning that I'm not perfect at active v. passive. Yet. :)

Here are a few links to help if you find yourself needing to show, not tell and be active, not passive.

Grammar Girl's Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing--Passive vs. Active Voice

Writing: Actively Showing Instead of Passively Telling

Donna Sundblad's Craft Of Writing: Warning Flags: Words to Use With Caution

Happy Active Writing,
Beth

Writer's Conferences

While it does cost money, I do believe every writer should attend a writer's conference at least once (once a year if possible). The networking, the connecting and electric environment is almost an absolute guarantee to get the words flowing again.

It's hard to be able to find the perfect conference without attending first, but checking out the writer's conferences listed at ShawGuides is a good start in finding one that suits your needs (and budget).

Best of all, it's still early in the year and there are lots of conferences in the upcoming year. Get on the ball now and find a conference for you...


http://writing.shawguides.com/

Happy Conferencing,
Beth

More Promo Ideas II

Here are more good ideas....just because they both showed up in my inbox today!

15 Favorite Ways to Develop Your Author Platform by Patrice-Anne Rutledge

Carolyn Howard-Johnson's Free Articles for Authors and Editors (lotsa links)

Keep up the promo work,
Beth

Writing With the Senses

No, not trying to parody "Dancing With the Stars" (who has time for television when there are words and stories to write?!). My friend and fellow SeriousWriter Katy just had a poem accepted for publication (woohoo...way to go girl!) and got me thinking about how similar poetry and fiction writing are...and how different they are.

I love imagery and senses in poetry. That's what drags me in and keeps me firmly riveted to the page, and often I find the same true for excellent fiction writers.

Here are some ideas on how imagery can work for your fiction...

Using Poetry to Improve Your Writing by Mika Teachout

Writing From the Senses by Judy Reeves

Writing From Your Senses by Glenn White

Happy sensory imaging!

Beth

Book Signing Tips

Good news yesterday...got an email from the editor working with my short story and she says she's ready to work with me and that the contract for my story is forthcoming :)

This is a new arena for me--being published in fiction. While it's only a modest short story and not a novel (yet), I'm still in novice mode in looking for information on what new writers can expect, need to do, should consider, etc.

For you pubs out there, these links might not be much but for us newbies (despite the fact that I won't have a booksigning just yet) it's always good to get an idea ahead of the game to know what to expect.

Book Signing 101 by Elizabeth Harrin (courtesy of WritersWeekly.com)

40+ Ways to Make Your Next Booksigning An Event by Larry James

How to Have a Successful Booksigning by MaryJanice Davidson

Quick Tips for Hosting a Successful Booksigning by Martha Reed

That should be enough to get you (and me!) excited!

Happy booksigning,
Beth

More Promo Ideas

Because I'm still interested in promo ideas....

Online Press Releases: Attract Both the Media and Potential Readers by Patrice-Anne Rutledge

Heck, make it easy on yourself and visit Writing-World.com's "Promoting Your Writing" section and just see if there are any areas left you have questions about...

Writing-World.com's Promoting Your Writing

Happy Promoing,
Beth

Freelance Writing, Part 1

Actually, this might be a part 2 or part 3--can't remember if I've posted anything on freelancing lately...

At any rate, I'm working on the final draft of an online course I'll be teaching for the Hearts Through History RWA chapter in June on how to take the plunge from fiction to freelance writing and am at the point of searching out quality freelancing resources to include in my lectures (I sound so smart when I say that!).

One great site for writers--not just the freelancing aspect--has a treasure trove of articles on freelancing & that'll be today's resource. Whether you've never considered freelancing, have given it a passing though, are just starting out or want a bit of a new angle to pursue, check out the freelance articles at (where else?!) WorldwideFreelanceWriter.com

Freelance Writing 101 Articles at WorldWideFreelanceWriter.com

Happy, happy freelancing,

Beth

Oh, and on the subject of writer's block...

Whether I believe in in WB or not, here's a thoughtful article on ways to get you back in the game if WB or something else has sidelined your creation of creative prose....

To Write or Not To Write, That Is The Question by Mayra Calvani (courtesy of Absolute Write.com)

Good advice. Now what's stopping you?

Happy unWBing and writing,
Beth

Fun Double Duty

Back from vacation with a renewed sense of purpose, ambition and a host of new goals...(I think I need a nap)...just in time to share a neat site with you, for the heck of it!

When I first checked out the list of 500 fun things to do, I was mildly entertained. Some of these I already do on a somewhat regular basis, some looked, well, duh...fun....maybe for breaking out of a rut or seeing things from a different perspective, or heck, just screwing around.

But I also thought--these might make some interesting "what-ifs" for short stories or scenes for your longer novels in progress. Imagine the character, the setting, the situation and backstory..use them as a prompt...or story-starter...however you choose.

Any way you do it, it's fun. C'mon, check it out...

List of 500 Fun Things to Do

Happy fun-discovering,
Beth

Oh, my gosh...Writer's Block

Funny title, I know. But for those of you who know me in real life and those of you who've read my blog from the day of the Writer's Loft, you know I totally abhor the term "writer's block". THere is no such thing. Just because I don't know what to cook for dinner doesn't mean I have cooking block, right? I hate, hate, hate "writer's block", don't believe in it, don't ascribe to any solution.

The main reason is simple: We are writers. We are good with words. We can adequately name what's in the way of our writing and stopping progress...such as depression, sensory overload, description issues, lack of ideas...etc...writer's block is too blessed generic.

So, lately, I've been suffering from...writing doesn't matter block. Lots of little things in real life affecting my perception of the importance and love of my writing...hence few blog posts and almost no writing on the personal level, even toward the deadlines I've had. How to help get out of those funks? Read on:

Women's Writers Block.com (lots of stuff...)

To Beat Writer's Block, Personify It!

Writer's Block at Wikipedia (interesting overview and suggestions)

Breaking Through Writer's Block by John Warner

Top 10 Tips for Overcoming Writer's Block by Ginny Wiehardt (at about.com)

Happy unblocking (and it is...)

Beth

Author Interviews for Insight

When asked whether they became a writer or were born a writer, many authors say they've just had a natural love of writing, words and storytelling from a young age. Since I'm no different, I have always been fascinated by reading interviews with authors (even ones I've never heard of) because in these interviews, it seems I always discover a nugget of myself in their words (well, not always, but it's still a voyeuristic writing pleasure to get their thoughts).

I've been reading a lot of interviews lately for fun, so I'll share a few links where great interviews with authors can be found. No, not how-to on writing, but still..valuable insight in their own right.

The Paris Review Interview Archives

Exclusive Author Interviews at Powells.com

Spike Magazine's Interviews

Happy reading..may something spark your interest!

Beth

Show, Don't Tell

First, a note: apologies for not posting (almost) daily as I promise in the blog header. Sometimes, life gets in the way...

Today's resources are articles on one of our favorite writer mantras, one we've heard countless times regardless of our status as a beginner or a NYT Bestselling author: Show, Don't Tell.

I always thought I was good at this...at least better than the average bear. I've been working with an editor on a short story she's considering, and, as it turns out, I am (toot, toot that horn)--but I've still got stuff to learn.

Since I'm learning, you might as well join me...

Tara Harper's Show, Don't Tell, The Story

Robert J. Sawyer's Show, Don't Tell

The Lifewriters Digest's Show, Don't Tell

Jessica Page Morrell's The Power of Description

Just try to make sure the details and showing you include in your work are necessary to the story...(oh, it sounds so easy!)

Happy showing not telling through details!

Beth

Market: Chick Lit shorties

Yeah, I know...chick lit is dead, or so they say.

Maybe, but if you jumped on the bandwagon and whipped up any short chick lit stories in the brief time it graced our presences, here's a market to check out.

No, they don't pay bunches of money but it's better than letting that gem of a story get musty in your dresser drawer.

Besides, I happened to like chick lit.

The Chick Lit Review: Chick Lit in Bite-Sized Morsels

Guidelines for Chick Lit Review

happy chick-litting,
Beth

Writing for Trade Magazines I

In our rush to get published by the big names--whether by fiction publishing powerhouses or nonfiction glossy magazines, we often overlook a possible source of positive income who welcomes relationships with writers: trade magazines.

Because I've become interested in trades lately for a variety of reasons, and because this is my blog and I decide what gets posted (it's good to be selfish me sometimes), here are some links to background information on writing for trade magazines if you're new or curious. In upcoming posts I'll dig up some trade magazine markets and guidelines to share. So let's get started...

Writing for Trade Magazines by Mark Lamendola

Podcast: Writing for Technical and Trade Publications with Denise Rockhill, Jenny Kasza, and Rachael Zimmerman of NaSPA, the Network and Systems Professionals Association

Do You Really Want to Get Published? Write for Trade Magazines! By Mary Ann Hahn

Writing for Real Estate Trade Magazines by Dan Rafter



That should do it for now...

Happy trade writing,
Beth