Ivy Keating's Blog, page 4
November 2, 2020
You Decide
Tomorrow is election day, so I thought a blog about 'decisions' is fitting. Every decision we make helps shape our lives. So what can we do to guarantee we're making the best choices?
When making an important decision, it's helpful to consider if you can stand by your choice regardless of the result.
Before I was offered a contract for 'Camouflage,' a publishing house asked me to make changes to the story. I had to decide if their requests were purely subjective or based on their industry expertise. It's important to know what warrants change and what doesn't.
Here are three questions to ask yourself in the midst of a difficult decision: 1) What are the options? 2) Which choices will help attain my goal? and 3) Is my decision based on knowledge, research, and/or facts?
If you can answer the questions above, and feel comfortable with your answers, you are likely on the right track.
It's good to know our decisions make a difference. It gives us a feeling of control. In an election, our vote is not a deciding factor, but in our own lives we have the power to steer our destiny.
When making an important decision, it's helpful to consider if you can stand by your choice regardless of the result.
Before I was offered a contract for 'Camouflage,' a publishing house asked me to make changes to the story. I had to decide if their requests were purely subjective or based on their industry expertise. It's important to know what warrants change and what doesn't.
Here are three questions to ask yourself in the midst of a difficult decision: 1) What are the options? 2) Which choices will help attain my goal? and 3) Is my decision based on knowledge, research, and/or facts?
If you can answer the questions above, and feel comfortable with your answers, you are likely on the right track.
It's good to know our decisions make a difference. It gives us a feeling of control. In an election, our vote is not a deciding factor, but in our own lives we have the power to steer our destiny.
October 15, 2020
Boo!
Boo!
Did I scare you? No, of course not. That's because there's no context here for a fright. This October's blog is on one of the best ways for an author to create drama!
On occasion, I've been asked to read other writers' works. The first thing I may notice from a new author is head hopping (changing from one character's point-of-view to another), but the other frequent mistake is that they often write situations that sound good but are not grounded in the moment. A trick to solving this problem is to write with 'mindfulness'. Through mindful writing an author can achieve a dramatic effect.
To write with mindfulness, the author must think about what the character is actually doing, hearing, seeing, and feeling - plus what is actually taking place in the setting. If an ambulance goes by, the character turns her head. If she thinks someone is following her, the quicker she steps. If she notices the branches on the bare trees look like gnarly fingers reaching down, then maybe if someone yells "Boo!" she'll jump!
Every action is grounded in the reality of the moment. It's never a beat ahead or written simply because it sounds dramatic.
When moving the plot along don't skip to where you want it to go. Take the reader there by allowing them to see and feel things through the reality of the moment. This awareness helps create a seamless narrative. The reader will not be distracted by inconsistencies, and this in turn sets the perfect platform for the creation of drama.
Did I scare you? No, of course not. That's because there's no context here for a fright. This October's blog is on one of the best ways for an author to create drama!
On occasion, I've been asked to read other writers' works. The first thing I may notice from a new author is head hopping (changing from one character's point-of-view to another), but the other frequent mistake is that they often write situations that sound good but are not grounded in the moment. A trick to solving this problem is to write with 'mindfulness'. Through mindful writing an author can achieve a dramatic effect.
To write with mindfulness, the author must think about what the character is actually doing, hearing, seeing, and feeling - plus what is actually taking place in the setting. If an ambulance goes by, the character turns her head. If she thinks someone is following her, the quicker she steps. If she notices the branches on the bare trees look like gnarly fingers reaching down, then maybe if someone yells "Boo!" she'll jump!
Every action is grounded in the reality of the moment. It's never a beat ahead or written simply because it sounds dramatic.
When moving the plot along don't skip to where you want it to go. Take the reader there by allowing them to see and feel things through the reality of the moment. This awareness helps create a seamless narrative. The reader will not be distracted by inconsistencies, and this in turn sets the perfect platform for the creation of drama.
September 22, 2020
Help, There's a Deadline!
Deadlines can be stressful. They can be even more problematic if the work is difficult and the timeline is short. Most deadlines are out of our control, so a trick to handling them is to take back the control and create a comfortable plan. Here's a good way to triumph over the "DEAD" in deadline.
D: Decide. Decide if the time-frame is reasonable. The first thing to ask yourself is, 'Does this have to be done on this day?' If the answer is "yes," go to the next step. If the answer is "no," think about what would be a more reasonable date and offer it as an alternative. Remember, the rationale for a deadline is to accomplish something in a timely manner, so if you ask for an extension be prepared with your reasoning.
E: Evaluate. There's no time to waste, but do a quick evaluation of what it will take to reach your goal. If you have a book being published, what is the editor asking of you during this round. Think about what you must do to finish on time.
A: Act! As you evaluate what needs to be done, formulate an action plan. List the specific actions you must perform within the timeframe given. In the example of editing, be specific about how many pages must be worked on per day to submit the book on time.
D: Dates. When you're working with deadlines set your own milestone dates. This gives you more control and lets you know you're working in a timely manner. When possible, I imagine my deadline is sooner than it actually is. This gives me extra time to perfect my work and reach my goal.
Deadlines are often imposed on us. They can cause us stress. Taking back control by establishing your own action plan and due dates will help make them manageable.
D: Decide. Decide if the time-frame is reasonable. The first thing to ask yourself is, 'Does this have to be done on this day?' If the answer is "yes," go to the next step. If the answer is "no," think about what would be a more reasonable date and offer it as an alternative. Remember, the rationale for a deadline is to accomplish something in a timely manner, so if you ask for an extension be prepared with your reasoning.
E: Evaluate. There's no time to waste, but do a quick evaluation of what it will take to reach your goal. If you have a book being published, what is the editor asking of you during this round. Think about what you must do to finish on time.
A: Act! As you evaluate what needs to be done, formulate an action plan. List the specific actions you must perform within the timeframe given. In the example of editing, be specific about how many pages must be worked on per day to submit the book on time.
D: Dates. When you're working with deadlines set your own milestone dates. This gives you more control and lets you know you're working in a timely manner. When possible, I imagine my deadline is sooner than it actually is. This gives me extra time to perfect my work and reach my goal.
Deadlines are often imposed on us. They can cause us stress. Taking back control by establishing your own action plan and due dates will help make them manageable.
September 2, 2020
Drama
Drama is what gets your heart beating faster. It comes in two forms: the catastrophic event and the slow build. I don't think I have a favorite, but the slow build may be harder to create. Writer's must incorporate the following three elements to make the most of these dynamic moments: good writing, consistency, and depth.
A story must be well written. Stick to one character's point of view in a chapter. This allows the reader to experience the plot in a deeper way because it stays with all the senses of the one person. The other key to good writing is to show what's happening by letting the reader know what your players feel, hear, see, etc. versus telling them.
Consistency is how solid the world of the story is. Do all the pieces make sense? Drama needs a solid backdrop. When nothing distracts the reader from the action, they can become wrapped in these dynamic moments.
Depth is how well the reader gets to know the characters. But, it also has to do with the sincerity of the work. Drama must be created from the reality of the situation and never contrived.
If the book you are writing or reading is written well, has strong world building, and gives the readers an in-depth understanding of the characters and story-line, hold onto your seat-you're in for some drama!!
A story must be well written. Stick to one character's point of view in a chapter. This allows the reader to experience the plot in a deeper way because it stays with all the senses of the one person. The other key to good writing is to show what's happening by letting the reader know what your players feel, hear, see, etc. versus telling them.
Consistency is how solid the world of the story is. Do all the pieces make sense? Drama needs a solid backdrop. When nothing distracts the reader from the action, they can become wrapped in these dynamic moments.
Depth is how well the reader gets to know the characters. But, it also has to do with the sincerity of the work. Drama must be created from the reality of the situation and never contrived.
If the book you are writing or reading is written well, has strong world building, and gives the readers an in-depth understanding of the characters and story-line, hold onto your seat-you're in for some drama!!
August 12, 2020
Stories to Novels
If this is the first time reading one of my blogs, welcome! I write about being an author, getting published, and goal attainment. My background is in social work, and I often share tips on how to accomplish what you've set out to do.
I am currently working with my editor on my second book: release date in January. Nothing makes me think about my blog title, "Stories to Novels," more than editing!
If you have a story that you would like to have published, there are some things you must know to get the attention of an agent or publisher. The best tale will not be picked up if it is not well written.
I knew the story I wanted to tell. My first book, 'Camouflage,' was a science fiction that I felt compelled to write. In the process, I found that a well written book follows many rules and guidelines.
I am working with the same publishing house, and my editor has already pointed out numerous places where I "tell" instead of "show," mix dialogue and action tags, and repeat words on the same page. She even found that I wrote the word "see" 236 times, (a no no when I'm in the character’s point of view). Yikes!
This is not to discourage anyone from writing. I'm sharing this information for two reasons. First, before you present your book to an agent/publisher, make sure you present a well written copy. And second, even if you think you've created a great work, be open to corrections and criticisms. I am grateful for all the editing I receive. I want readers to have the best version of my story possible.
About every two weeks I write a new blog with advice on reaching your goals and turning your stories into novels. I hope you join me, and please ask any questions.
I am currently working with my editor on my second book: release date in January. Nothing makes me think about my blog title, "Stories to Novels," more than editing!
If you have a story that you would like to have published, there are some things you must know to get the attention of an agent or publisher. The best tale will not be picked up if it is not well written.
I knew the story I wanted to tell. My first book, 'Camouflage,' was a science fiction that I felt compelled to write. In the process, I found that a well written book follows many rules and guidelines.
I am working with the same publishing house, and my editor has already pointed out numerous places where I "tell" instead of "show," mix dialogue and action tags, and repeat words on the same page. She even found that I wrote the word "see" 236 times, (a no no when I'm in the character’s point of view). Yikes!
This is not to discourage anyone from writing. I'm sharing this information for two reasons. First, before you present your book to an agent/publisher, make sure you present a well written copy. And second, even if you think you've created a great work, be open to corrections and criticisms. I am grateful for all the editing I receive. I want readers to have the best version of my story possible.
About every two weeks I write a new blog with advice on reaching your goals and turning your stories into novels. I hope you join me, and please ask any questions.
July 17, 2020
Aliens are just like Humans
Aliens are just like Humans
My favorite genres are Science-Fiction and Fantasy. I write in these categories because I love creating new worlds and solving the "puzzle" of how to have it all make sense. A well-established fantasy world is the baseline needed for any alien, (or imagined being), just as a rich setting is necessary for any human character. This is one of many things they have in common.
The other day I was watching a movie about immortals who protected the earth. All the made-up elements were fascinating, but I didn't enjoy the show. The story seemed contrived, and the leading character, who was an immortal, had one note (angry). Once the writer creates the world, all the important creatures should have depth. People and aliens can both have wills and vulnerabilities.
Fantasy creatures may wreak havoc, but just like their human counterparts, their actions must fit seamlessly into the plot. All characters are tied to the story. This gives aliens and humans the power to steer the drama.
Another similarity between aliens and humans is that they both have the ability to connect with us. In the real world, we have expectations for how people will act based on our experiences. We can relate to them on some level. In a fantasy, the author must provide enough information for us to make the same type of assumptions. The point is, they develop a persona that we can be vested in. This is great for our Science-Fictions and Fantasies because, the better we understand something, the more engaged we become.
Aliens are just like humans, with one critical exception. The mere mention of them, typically sparks our imaginations!
My favorite genres are Science-Fiction and Fantasy. I write in these categories because I love creating new worlds and solving the "puzzle" of how to have it all make sense. A well-established fantasy world is the baseline needed for any alien, (or imagined being), just as a rich setting is necessary for any human character. This is one of many things they have in common.
The other day I was watching a movie about immortals who protected the earth. All the made-up elements were fascinating, but I didn't enjoy the show. The story seemed contrived, and the leading character, who was an immortal, had one note (angry). Once the writer creates the world, all the important creatures should have depth. People and aliens can both have wills and vulnerabilities.
Fantasy creatures may wreak havoc, but just like their human counterparts, their actions must fit seamlessly into the plot. All characters are tied to the story. This gives aliens and humans the power to steer the drama.
Another similarity between aliens and humans is that they both have the ability to connect with us. In the real world, we have expectations for how people will act based on our experiences. We can relate to them on some level. In a fantasy, the author must provide enough information for us to make the same type of assumptions. The point is, they develop a persona that we can be vested in. This is great for our Science-Fictions and Fantasies because, the better we understand something, the more engaged we become.
Aliens are just like humans, with one critical exception. The mere mention of them, typically sparks our imaginations!
June 18, 2020
After the Inspiration
The first stage of a project is often the most exciting. But, how many times do we set out to accomplish something and then abandon what we started? After the inspiration, what enables us to reach our goals?
For those that enjoy writing, one of the best moments is the moment of inspiration: when an idea comes to you that you must explore. It can be as simple as a thought. This is what happened to me when I wrote 'Camouflage'. I looked into a forest near my home and wondered, 'what's out there that we haven't discovered', and from that moment, I was gripped with a story.
But goals like writing a book are often difficult to accomplish. Before the energy that comes with inspiration starts to diminish, we must channel some of it into 'focus' and 'commitment'.
Focus has to do with the direction you take. If you have an overall idea of what is required to reach your goal, stay 'focused' on just the next step and you will get there. Put blinders on. Don't get caught up in where you are or how much further you have to go. It's easy to get overwhelmed and abandon a goal if you loose your focus.
Commitment has to do with the time you spend actively pursuing your goal. In the example of writing a book, it will take thousands of hours to complete your work. Sticking to a schedule or committing to a certain number of hours regularly is the only way the task will get done.
Draw upon the energy of what inspires you. It will certainly motivate you to start a project, but it will take focus and commitment to keep the momentum going.
For those that enjoy writing, one of the best moments is the moment of inspiration: when an idea comes to you that you must explore. It can be as simple as a thought. This is what happened to me when I wrote 'Camouflage'. I looked into a forest near my home and wondered, 'what's out there that we haven't discovered', and from that moment, I was gripped with a story.
But goals like writing a book are often difficult to accomplish. Before the energy that comes with inspiration starts to diminish, we must channel some of it into 'focus' and 'commitment'.
Focus has to do with the direction you take. If you have an overall idea of what is required to reach your goal, stay 'focused' on just the next step and you will get there. Put blinders on. Don't get caught up in where you are or how much further you have to go. It's easy to get overwhelmed and abandon a goal if you loose your focus.
Commitment has to do with the time you spend actively pursuing your goal. In the example of writing a book, it will take thousands of hours to complete your work. Sticking to a schedule or committing to a certain number of hours regularly is the only way the task will get done.
Draw upon the energy of what inspires you. It will certainly motivate you to start a project, but it will take focus and commitment to keep the momentum going.
May 29, 2020
Characters and Communication
Characters in novels do not need to follow the same strategies for good communication that we do; they'd be boring if they did. In books, we want to see emotions take over reason and heated exchanges. It's one of the most enjoyable things about reading. We can loose ourselves in the drama. But, do these players have to follow any rules?
Of course they do. Here are my top three communication rules for characters:
The first is, they must stay within the confines of the story. A writer can have a scatter-brained hero - but, a character's way of communicating, no matter how quirky or interesting, cannot derail the reader from the plot or cause unnecessary theatrics. Dialogue must fit seamlessly into the story-line and make sense within the setting.
Characters must listen, but not in the same way that people do. They can choose to respond, ignore, or interrupt, but they must stay within the constructs of their personality. In my book, 'Camouflage', Chief Dermott is not always going to listen politely to his superiors--they are going to have it out!
Lastly, a character's dialogue must sound authentic. People have an established way of speaking that varies with few exceptions. This is even more important for book characters. Any communication that sounds unnatural can pull the reader out of the story. If you're a writer, reading the dialogue out-loud can help you detect awkward discourse.
We love outrageous characters, but even the most dysfunctional ones must adhere to certain guidelines. Fortunately, the rules we follow for "good" communication are different then the ones in books - giving those compelling players room to let loose.
Of course they do. Here are my top three communication rules for characters:
The first is, they must stay within the confines of the story. A writer can have a scatter-brained hero - but, a character's way of communicating, no matter how quirky or interesting, cannot derail the reader from the plot or cause unnecessary theatrics. Dialogue must fit seamlessly into the story-line and make sense within the setting.
Characters must listen, but not in the same way that people do. They can choose to respond, ignore, or interrupt, but they must stay within the constructs of their personality. In my book, 'Camouflage', Chief Dermott is not always going to listen politely to his superiors--they are going to have it out!
Lastly, a character's dialogue must sound authentic. People have an established way of speaking that varies with few exceptions. This is even more important for book characters. Any communication that sounds unnatural can pull the reader out of the story. If you're a writer, reading the dialogue out-loud can help you detect awkward discourse.
We love outrageous characters, but even the most dysfunctional ones must adhere to certain guidelines. Fortunately, the rules we follow for "good" communication are different then the ones in books - giving those compelling players room to let loose.
April 27, 2020
Motivation
If motivation is the general desire to do something, then it's probably not lack of motivation that prevents us from reaching our goals.
The following are three common reasons we put off doing something we say we want to do.
1) There are aspects of reaching the goal that we don't like.
2) We don't know where to start.
3) We don't have a clear path to reaching the goal, so we become overwhelmed.
Here are a couple tricks to get you over the hurdles above and back on the path to success.
Usually there are elements of any activity that we love and some we do not. Take, for example, writing a novel; you may love crafting a story, but you may not enjoy editing it. Take a moment to think about why each step is necessary. Acknowledge "editing" is not your favorite. Then, try the Premack Principle and plan to do something you like after you complete the undesirable task. Modifying the environment may help, too. Keep your favorite drink handy or a book that inspired you on your desk as you continue to work.
If getting started is difficult, think about the very first step you need to take. Focus on it alone. A book can take years from conception to publication, but it starts with pressing the letters on the keyboard.
When we feel overwhelmed, it's hard to act. A great way to combat this is to put together a step by step plan. Break-down a huge task into manageable pieces. Finding a publisher or an agent is hard, but the first step is to create the book-then do a ton of editing-then create a query letter-and then look up publishers and/or agents that work with your genre. If you're not sure what to do next, researching the subject will give you the confidence to proceed.
If you're putting off reaching your goals, try modifying your method--it's likely you have all the motivation you need!
The following are three common reasons we put off doing something we say we want to do.
1) There are aspects of reaching the goal that we don't like.
2) We don't know where to start.
3) We don't have a clear path to reaching the goal, so we become overwhelmed.
Here are a couple tricks to get you over the hurdles above and back on the path to success.
Usually there are elements of any activity that we love and some we do not. Take, for example, writing a novel; you may love crafting a story, but you may not enjoy editing it. Take a moment to think about why each step is necessary. Acknowledge "editing" is not your favorite. Then, try the Premack Principle and plan to do something you like after you complete the undesirable task. Modifying the environment may help, too. Keep your favorite drink handy or a book that inspired you on your desk as you continue to work.
If getting started is difficult, think about the very first step you need to take. Focus on it alone. A book can take years from conception to publication, but it starts with pressing the letters on the keyboard.
When we feel overwhelmed, it's hard to act. A great way to combat this is to put together a step by step plan. Break-down a huge task into manageable pieces. Finding a publisher or an agent is hard, but the first step is to create the book-then do a ton of editing-then create a query letter-and then look up publishers and/or agents that work with your genre. If you're not sure what to do next, researching the subject will give you the confidence to proceed.
If you're putting off reaching your goals, try modifying your method--it's likely you have all the motivation you need!
April 1, 2020
Pencil Me In
Today, many people are finding that their normal daily routine has been changed due to no fault of their own. If you are someone that feels they need an external stimulus to get motivated, now is the the time to to use effective strategies that can help you structure your day.
Why structure? Structure can help us feel secure in the sense that it gives us direction, purpose, and a path to reach our goals.
Think about something you want to achieve. Maybe you want to finish writing a book or learn how to use a new computer program.
Now, brainstorm - think of all the things you have to do to reach that goal. To learn a new computer program you may have to research what the best program for your needs are, watch a tutorial, upload information, etc. Write out what it takes to reach your goal.
Goals that are grand are usually harder to reach. A good trick is to focus on the step right in front of you instead of thinking about how far you have to go.
Every day, check your list and set aside some time to work on the behaviors you listed. By creating a new schedule for yourself, in absence of your regular daily routine, you may find you can achieve something you didn't have time to before.
Why structure? Structure can help us feel secure in the sense that it gives us direction, purpose, and a path to reach our goals.
Think about something you want to achieve. Maybe you want to finish writing a book or learn how to use a new computer program.
Now, brainstorm - think of all the things you have to do to reach that goal. To learn a new computer program you may have to research what the best program for your needs are, watch a tutorial, upload information, etc. Write out what it takes to reach your goal.
Goals that are grand are usually harder to reach. A good trick is to focus on the step right in front of you instead of thinking about how far you have to go.
Every day, check your list and set aside some time to work on the behaviors you listed. By creating a new schedule for yourself, in absence of your regular daily routine, you may find you can achieve something you didn't have time to before.
