Ivy Keating's Blog, page 6
September 27, 2019
Courage
It takes courage to ask for something, but it is almost always necessary in the process of reaching your goals.
No matter what you are trying to accomplish, it's likely you will have to ask someone for advice, assistance, and/or to do a specific action, to obtain what you want.
Don't let insecurities or excuses stand in your way. It takes courage because sometimes the most effective way to ask for something is not the most comfortable.
Last month, I had terrible feelings toward a local book store! I tried to contact someone to ask if they would carry my book. Phone calls were met with email requests, and emails weren't answered. I finally got the courage to walk in and ask.
The person in charge was lovely, said she remembered my emails but was extremely busy. On the spot, she agreed to carry the book.
The lesson is-don't give up without a clear answer, and this starts with the courage to ask.
No matter what you are trying to accomplish, it's likely you will have to ask someone for advice, assistance, and/or to do a specific action, to obtain what you want.
Don't let insecurities or excuses stand in your way. It takes courage because sometimes the most effective way to ask for something is not the most comfortable.
Last month, I had terrible feelings toward a local book store! I tried to contact someone to ask if they would carry my book. Phone calls were met with email requests, and emails weren't answered. I finally got the courage to walk in and ask.
The person in charge was lovely, said she remembered my emails but was extremely busy. On the spot, she agreed to carry the book.
The lesson is-don't give up without a clear answer, and this starts with the courage to ask.
September 6, 2019
Apples and Peas
There are no limits to what an author can create, but it's important that the environment, characters, and behaviors are governed by a set of rules.
A wonderful editor just looked at my latest novel and pointed out a continuity problem. One of my characters was picking apples and peas in the garden. Problem! Apples are not ripe at the same time as peas. I changed peas to carrots-(the character likes them, too).
If you're a writer, remember all the details in your story. Write them down and keep them consistent; this includes weather, seasons, and what can take place in both.
For me, changing peas to carrots did not disrupt my story, but keeping apples and peas together did make my reader question the scene.
The best stories are when the worlds created, fantastical or real, can be seamlessly imagined. This happens in the comfort of some rules.
A wonderful editor just looked at my latest novel and pointed out a continuity problem. One of my characters was picking apples and peas in the garden. Problem! Apples are not ripe at the same time as peas. I changed peas to carrots-(the character likes them, too).
If you're a writer, remember all the details in your story. Write them down and keep them consistent; this includes weather, seasons, and what can take place in both.
For me, changing peas to carrots did not disrupt my story, but keeping apples and peas together did make my reader question the scene.
The best stories are when the worlds created, fantastical or real, can be seamlessly imagined. This happens in the comfort of some rules.
August 19, 2019
Rejected!
If the title of this blog is "Rejected," why is there an exclamation point after it? Am I so excited to talk about-rejection?
Of course no one likes to be turned down, but here's a few ways to think about it that could actually help you feel better.
1-You saved yourself from a bad match.
For example: If a publishing house turns down a book it's very possible they may not specialize in your genre. Don't try to force a bad match. The "bad match" rejection means there's something better out there for you!
2-What you presented had the promise to be better.
For example: It would be awful to have a publishing house publish your book-if it's not up to a certain standard. I'll call this the "saved you" rejection. When you put yourself out there-you want your best work in view.
3-Finally, rejection is an energy boost. Rejection doesn't mean the end of something. It means, get to work! Be proud. You put something out there for consideration. Not everyone accomplishes this-you did. Use the idea of "rejection" to inspire you to find out what needs to be done. Let it be the final push to help you cross the line.
Of course no one likes to be turned down, but here's a few ways to think about it that could actually help you feel better.
1-You saved yourself from a bad match.
For example: If a publishing house turns down a book it's very possible they may not specialize in your genre. Don't try to force a bad match. The "bad match" rejection means there's something better out there for you!
2-What you presented had the promise to be better.
For example: It would be awful to have a publishing house publish your book-if it's not up to a certain standard. I'll call this the "saved you" rejection. When you put yourself out there-you want your best work in view.
3-Finally, rejection is an energy boost. Rejection doesn't mean the end of something. It means, get to work! Be proud. You put something out there for consideration. Not everyone accomplishes this-you did. Use the idea of "rejection" to inspire you to find out what needs to be done. Let it be the final push to help you cross the line.
August 3, 2019
Cloudy Skies
The environment and weather can act like characters in a novel. Their "personality" has to be consistent and the players have to interact with them and follow their guidelines.
If a writer puts in a description like, "She looked up and saw dark clouds fill the sky," the characters should be aware it might rain.
The important thing is for the author to write like they are walking through the story. Be aware of how the sun warms our skin, our heartbeat quickens as we walk down a bustling city block, or how we might flinch at the crack of thunder.
Yesterday, my protagonist left her friend's house on a stormy night. A short while later she was captured and forced onto a sailboat. Sailboats don't do very well in violent storms. I missed an opportunity to bring the "character" I created-a tumultuous storm, into the drama of the scene. When I went back to edit it, I found several opportunities to capitalize on how the atmosphere conspired to create the horrific predicament she was in.
Our environment and the weather affects the way we feel and behave. In writing, they are crucial factors to consider and will help develop the story.
If a writer puts in a description like, "She looked up and saw dark clouds fill the sky," the characters should be aware it might rain.
The important thing is for the author to write like they are walking through the story. Be aware of how the sun warms our skin, our heartbeat quickens as we walk down a bustling city block, or how we might flinch at the crack of thunder.
Yesterday, my protagonist left her friend's house on a stormy night. A short while later she was captured and forced onto a sailboat. Sailboats don't do very well in violent storms. I missed an opportunity to bring the "character" I created-a tumultuous storm, into the drama of the scene. When I went back to edit it, I found several opportunities to capitalize on how the atmosphere conspired to create the horrific predicament she was in.
Our environment and the weather affects the way we feel and behave. In writing, they are crucial factors to consider and will help develop the story.
July 13, 2019
Goal! What it Takes
There are four basic steps that can help you reach any goal.
They are; identification, research, action, reward.
First, it helps to know the goal you are trying to achieve. Let's say you want to write a book. Is finishing the story the goal or is getting it published? Be specific. When I started writing 'Camouflage' my goal was to find a publisher. I wanted it to go through rigorous editing and I felt working with a publishing house was the best way.
Next comes research. What will it take to reach your goal. I looked up everything from the average length of scifi/fantasy books to which acquisition editors wanted to see fantasy stories about prehistoric creatures. Don't let this step hold up your project. I didn't look up publishing houses until the novel was complete.
Action is next. Do the activities that will help you reach your goal. To write a book you have to have a story and create a novel.
This is the step that is most likely to stand in the way of your goal. The key is to understand that goals are often not reached in a day, however, they require movement in the right direction. It is a step-by-step process. I did not get overwhelmed because when the task seemed too great, I focused on the next sentence.
Finally, if you reach your goal reward yourself. Acknowledge your accomplishment with a gift, praise, or both. It will help reinforce the concept that you can obtain your goals.
They are; identification, research, action, reward.
First, it helps to know the goal you are trying to achieve. Let's say you want to write a book. Is finishing the story the goal or is getting it published? Be specific. When I started writing 'Camouflage' my goal was to find a publisher. I wanted it to go through rigorous editing and I felt working with a publishing house was the best way.
Next comes research. What will it take to reach your goal. I looked up everything from the average length of scifi/fantasy books to which acquisition editors wanted to see fantasy stories about prehistoric creatures. Don't let this step hold up your project. I didn't look up publishing houses until the novel was complete.
Action is next. Do the activities that will help you reach your goal. To write a book you have to have a story and create a novel.
This is the step that is most likely to stand in the way of your goal. The key is to understand that goals are often not reached in a day, however, they require movement in the right direction. It is a step-by-step process. I did not get overwhelmed because when the task seemed too great, I focused on the next sentence.
Finally, if you reach your goal reward yourself. Acknowledge your accomplishment with a gift, praise, or both. It will help reinforce the concept that you can obtain your goals.
June 21, 2019
Books are Built with Nails
Nails are the tiny objects that hold a structure together. They are pretty extraordinary if you look at the size of a building and think it's a bunch of relatively small metal spikes that give it form.
It's said that the 5 elements of a story are; plot, setting, characters, conflict and action. But something that holds all of these great elements together are the details. The relatively small points that make the novel feel cohesive.
If the story takes place over a long period of time are the dates accurate, are the characters aging accordingly, do the seasons change? Throughout the novel, do the actors have a distinct voice? Do locations have the same physical properties from one scene to the next?
The details must be consistent.
There's an expression, "It's the little things.". When writing a book, it's the tiny details (like nails to planks of wood) that hold the creation together.
It's said that the 5 elements of a story are; plot, setting, characters, conflict and action. But something that holds all of these great elements together are the details. The relatively small points that make the novel feel cohesive.
If the story takes place over a long period of time are the dates accurate, are the characters aging accordingly, do the seasons change? Throughout the novel, do the actors have a distinct voice? Do locations have the same physical properties from one scene to the next?
The details must be consistent.
There's an expression, "It's the little things.". When writing a book, it's the tiny details (like nails to planks of wood) that hold the creation together.
June 5, 2019
Your Work Environment
The only rule I believe in for what makes a great work environment is it should foster productivity.
The environment you work in is more about what space will encourage you to work and not about what is actually in the space.
Would it surprise you to know that I write in a hallway, right at my front door? I have a small desk and "fancy" chair. Next to it is a small wood cabinet and on top of the cabinet is a well-maintained fish tank. This works for me - I can write here for hours.
Think about where you write or any job you do. What do you like about your environment? If it's not perfect, maybe there's something you can change. Even something small can make a difference.
The environment you work in is more about what space will encourage you to work and not about what is actually in the space.
Would it surprise you to know that I write in a hallway, right at my front door? I have a small desk and "fancy" chair. Next to it is a small wood cabinet and on top of the cabinet is a well-maintained fish tank. This works for me - I can write here for hours.
Think about where you write or any job you do. What do you like about your environment? If it's not perfect, maybe there's something you can change. Even something small can make a difference.
May 17, 2019
Is It Really a Break?
If you're driven to finish your project but progress is lacking, a break may be exactly what you need. Important work can actually take place during the rest.
When you try to accomplish a big project, like writing a book, there may come a time when you need to step away. You may be physically tired or feel you're not being productive. But what happens in this down-time?
Whether you change your setting or your routine, undoubtedly thoughts about your venture will enter your mind. If you allow yourself to entertain them without acting, you may feel a renewed energy because you're free to think without the demand of following through. It's open space to explore a new idea or flush out a problem.
The trick is, after the break, if you feel invigorated, keep that freedom to think with you. You can reach your goal, and stepping away may be part of the process.
When you try to accomplish a big project, like writing a book, there may come a time when you need to step away. You may be physically tired or feel you're not being productive. But what happens in this down-time?
Whether you change your setting or your routine, undoubtedly thoughts about your venture will enter your mind. If you allow yourself to entertain them without acting, you may feel a renewed energy because you're free to think without the demand of following through. It's open space to explore a new idea or flush out a problem.
The trick is, after the break, if you feel invigorated, keep that freedom to think with you. You can reach your goal, and stepping away may be part of the process.
April 30, 2019
The Challenge to Finish
It's easier to start writing a book than to finish one. Why is this?
Motivation is high in the beginning. Thoughts are fresh and we know what we want to say. The idea of creating a novel is exciting.
Major obstacles after the first few chapters can be; an unclear path to how the story develops, writing breaks that interfere with momentum, and doubts in the merit of the work.
Here are a few tricks to getting around these obstacles.
Have a rough outline of your story and draw a map. It helps to know what's coming next. I love visuals and my stories are inspired by the landscape of an area. When you're grounded and you know where you're going-it's easier to write.
A key to keeping momentum is to focus on the next step. If you put all your energy into thoughts about the entire book, the process can be overwhelming. If you concentrate on what you must put down in writing next, the task becomes manageable.
As for doubting your work--you must believe in yourself and not be swayed by others. No one can promise you will create a best seller, but I can promise if you believe in yourself and work through the obstacles, you will get to the end of your story. This in itself is something to be proud of.
Motivation is high in the beginning. Thoughts are fresh and we know what we want to say. The idea of creating a novel is exciting.
Major obstacles after the first few chapters can be; an unclear path to how the story develops, writing breaks that interfere with momentum, and doubts in the merit of the work.
Here are a few tricks to getting around these obstacles.
Have a rough outline of your story and draw a map. It helps to know what's coming next. I love visuals and my stories are inspired by the landscape of an area. When you're grounded and you know where you're going-it's easier to write.
A key to keeping momentum is to focus on the next step. If you put all your energy into thoughts about the entire book, the process can be overwhelming. If you concentrate on what you must put down in writing next, the task becomes manageable.
As for doubting your work--you must believe in yourself and not be swayed by others. No one can promise you will create a best seller, but I can promise if you believe in yourself and work through the obstacles, you will get to the end of your story. This in itself is something to be proud of.
April 15, 2019
Hopping!
It's almost Easter so this is a good time to talk about hopping...that's head hopping or point of view (POV) changing.
Books allow the reader to jump into the mind of the characters. The beginning of a chapter establishes who's "head" we are in. It is not good to change the POV character without a chapter change or a line break.
This is from chapter 2 in 'Camouflage'; "In and all-to-rare moment of quiet at his desk, Chief Sean Dermott pored over the case file." The entire chapter will stay with Sean's POV. The plot will develop through his thoughts and feelings, and his senses-like what he sees and hears. This is how readers will get to know him and hopefully care what happens to him. It also allows for smooth plot development because there's no confusion over which character we're following.
If you're a writer and you feel the need to change the POV before a break-it might be because the character you started with is not the best one to tell this part of the story.
Books allow the reader to jump into the mind of the characters. The beginning of a chapter establishes who's "head" we are in. It is not good to change the POV character without a chapter change or a line break.
This is from chapter 2 in 'Camouflage'; "In and all-to-rare moment of quiet at his desk, Chief Sean Dermott pored over the case file." The entire chapter will stay with Sean's POV. The plot will develop through his thoughts and feelings, and his senses-like what he sees and hears. This is how readers will get to know him and hopefully care what happens to him. It also allows for smooth plot development because there's no confusion over which character we're following.
If you're a writer and you feel the need to change the POV before a break-it might be because the character you started with is not the best one to tell this part of the story.
