Ransom Noble's Blog, page 26

When and Where?

People like routine, whether they admit it or not. Writers are no different, often choosing the same places and times to do their work.

I like it quiet, though I have proved I can write amid distractions. For the best efficiency of time and effort, I write when I won't have interruptions. I find I do most of my writing when my daughter is napping and my husband is at work.

Research happens anytime I get a chance and can take notes. A lot of times the TV is on. For those of you who don't know...

Head-Hopping

Have you heard of head-hopping? What is head-hopping?

A writer is accused of head-hopping when the thoughts of more than one character are shown without a break of some kind. It's considered sloppy at best.

Why?

As writers, we do our best to have the reader identify with the protagonist. Most of the time, that is also our main viewpoint character. This is who the reader spends the most time with in a book, and the writer always hopes the readers want more. It is also our first rule to be...

Reflection of the Author

Have you run into a reader who thought that because you wrote a story, it must be true? Or worse, it must be about you?

It doesn't matter in what genre a writer chooses to write, unless it's non-fiction, it isn't true. I know this is going to sound weird, but that means the story was created as a flight of fantasy for the author. Some of the might be more nightmare than daydream, but it's still something made-up.

Sometimes part of it is true, but that doesn't mean a reader can figure out which ...

Write What You Know

While this advice is almost a cliché, it is also true. Most of us write what we know, or we learn about it well enough to fool most, if not all, readers.

I know two people who write with characters in the military. One of them is ex-Navy. The other has a mother who retired from military and is a volunteer for Soldier's Angels, among other things. Both have knowledge beyond the layperson, and neither has a problem letting me know if I make a mistake.

Not that I write about the military, but if I...

Surprise!

In my mailbox, I found Shade. This new YA novel by Jeri Smith Ready promises romance, ghosts, and mystery. Something in the world has changed, called The Shift, and anyone born after can see and hear ghosts. The main character, Aura, loses her boyfriend (in life, but she can still see and hear his purple spirit) and meets a new, living guy who comforts her. Sounds like quite a triangle.

I can't wait to read it.

I was even more astonished to see it was signed to me in the front cover. Wow, what ...

Weekend Downtime

Every time I visit my in-laws I am taken entirely away from the computer for a weekend. It's nice to get a break and play with the kids. (I only have one, but there are also two nieces and a nephew.) My husband's sister and I play games usually. My oldest niece is getting to the age where she can play quite a few with us, too.

However, it's odd to not check email or blog. However, those two activities become so difficult when the only computer connected to the internet is located in the...

Random Blogger

It's no secret I freelance sometimes. Depending on the topic and my interest level, blogging for others is a lot of fun.

The research takes a little time, but it's great to learn something new. (Who, me, like to learn?) Then the blog post pours out of somewhere. Usually it flows easily. I'm not one to write 6000 word mammoths, sticking very close to 300 words for the most part. Perhaps I'll begin working on lengthening my attention span per topic.

It may not be the most lucrative hobby, but...

The Little Engine That Could

My mother brought a copy of this book for my daughter. I'm glad to share with her books I loved as a child.

The Little Engine That Could, by Watty Piper, is a great book to help anyone know that they can do something only if they try. The mantra of the Little Blue Engine is "I think I can – I think I can!" all the way up to the top of the mountain.

Do you ever wonder what you can do, if you just think that you can?

A lot of people tell me I do a lot of things. Okay, I do. Is it because I have...

Basic Skills

How often, as adults, do we get tests of our skills?

I'm not necessarily talking about the things we do for a living, though as a writer I get my English tested every time I chat with a copy editor friend of mine. (Thanks, Sarah.) I've also played Brain Age and Big Brain Academy. The nice thing about those games is it doesn't feel like you're stretching your brain while you play.

But since Sarah moved to Germany, I no longer get to IM her constantly when I have a grammar question or ten...

Focus

It's something that seems to be lacking in me these days.

I just want to do it all. And sometimes I don't see anything wrong with that.

But it's also good to evaluate goals at different points to understand where the progress is going. Or if you're making progress at all. Or if the goals still mean something.

It doesn't work to put all your effort into something that you decide isn't important.

So, what's the most important thing? Don't Tell Your Mother is what I want to finish this year for...