Ransom Noble's Blog, page 25

Noveling

I like to have it as an official rule that I only work on one novel at a time, but it doesn't seem to be working for me. I'm revising Don't Tell Your Mother with some success, but … but … but … !

So, of course, when I'm trying to focus on one, ideas start pouring out of my head. What's the deal? Why can't they just wait until I get to that lull where the current project made it through the big rewrite and needs less attention?

It seems to happen each time I get to about this point. I don't...

Another Style Guide

According to Mashable, Yahoo now has its own style guide. It differs from the AP style guide, one cited example is email where the official AP still says e-mail.

It's not just going to be a style guide, though. There will also be tips for writing on the web and how to get traffic to see your site.

So how many style guides do we need? It's difficult to keep up with the English language as it is, so let's throw more options into the mix. Does it make you wonder what it takes to set yourself up...

Dedication

I've been accused of being dedicated to my writing. It's true. I was more dedicated (are there levels of dedication?) before my daughter was born.

Kids change plans because we're not just accountable for ourselves anymore. Someone else needs time and attention and diaper changes and food. Lots of food!

Luckily she naps and gives me time to write. As long as I sleep less than she does, there's time to squeeze it in. So you won't find me doing laundry or dishes or any other household chores...

Getting in Trouble

It's not as easy as it sounds. You send a character into the basement with a task that's sure to land him in trouble, and he comes through with the only choice of twenty that's free and clear.

I suppose I can't hold it against the character for acting like a real person and trying to stay out of hot water. It's just not where I can let him go.

That's what rewrites are for. And I will be rewriting until I figure out which of the other 19 choices are best for him to land in an awesome pile of...

Common Usage

Do you wonder when it's common usage mistakes or just someone being picky? I'm a writer and I have above average grammar skills. I know a few grammarians who still correct a few things about my usage (like ending sentences with prepositions) that may be part of common speech patterns, especially in my geographical area, but overall I can construct decent sentences and I use the proper word.

Some words are more difficult to use properly than others. Is it picky to make certain you use the...

Formula

In math, formulas are the keys to making things work. Once you understand perimeter, you can figure it out even if you don't know the exact formula for a shape. It isn't just geometry; math follows rules that can be put into formulas and remembered.

Stories are works of art, and I wonder if the underpinnings of formula really can be set out. It's arguable how many plots there are out there and I've heard they've all be done before.

I guess the question is whether the formula accents the story o...

Doubt

I read in a book, I think it was by Orson Scott Card, that at some point in every novel he'd call his agent and say he was quitting his novel project and he had something else he'd rather work on.

Sometimes I wonder how common that is among writers, and if we hit that wall of doubt in similar places. I suspect we don't.

I'm finding my doubts coming through lately, slowing my pace considerably. Rough drafts I can knock out without much trouble, and I always tell myself it doesn't matter what...

Critique Group

Writers and critique groups can't be separated. Many writers need to have feedback to polish their stories, and critique groups are a good place to find that.

But what do you look for in a group? Where do you find one? How do you know it's the right group for you?

Look for a group that is as serious as you are about writing, not more or less. If it's a bad fit, you'll either outstrip them with your progress or they'll leave you behind. The meeting times need to work for you. Frequency needs to ...

Father's Day

Last year I got my husband a book to read to our daughter. I think I've read it to her more than he has. So I probably ought to skip the book route for him.

But books are so fun to look for, buy, and read. I suppose no one can blame me for that- I'm a writer. It should be expected. I come from a family of readers – books are always great gifts.

I suppose one day I will accept that my husband is not – and never will be – a reader. Luckily, the same does not seem to be true for my daughter, who l...

[Amazing Title Here]

A couple of my friends laugh at such stunning works of authoristry like the one above. Generally I use something like that as a placeholder when I'm not certain where the story is going or what will be the end.

Makes sense that a lot of they don't get very far most of the time.

On the other hand, I'm not great at coming up with titles most of the time. I'm either spinning a title off that I think is fine, or I can't think of one for the life of me. Some people seem to have a knack for it, and I...