Angie Lofthouse's Blog, page 12
September 4, 2012
Writing Short Fiction Part I: What is a short story?
Okay, so I think it's time for another little blog series, this time on writing short fiction. A subject dear to my heart. I have written dozens of short stories and spent seven years as an editor of short fiction. If short stories are something you're interested in writing, hopefully I'll have some useful information. Feel free to leave questions in the comments and I'll do my best to answer them!
Photo by Julien Tromeur
What is a short story?
Let's start with some official definitions.
According to SFWA:
Less than 7500 words = short story (I would add that less than 1000 is considered flash fiction.)
7500-17.5K = novelette
17.5K-40K = novella
40K and up = novel
Why is it important to know this? Well, when if you want to sell your short fiction to a magazine or anthology, it's important to know what length they are looking for. In general, it's easier to sell a short story than a novelette or novella, especially for a first-time author. Back in the day, when I started writing, I was told that novellas were almost impossible to sell. That is true, or was anyway, but the rise in e-books has had the happy side effect of bringing about the return of the novella. I like that because I think novellas are fun to write. It's a length that really works well for me.
Aside from knowing what length your short fiction should be, you should also understand that some kinds of shorter works may fall into the length category without really being short stories. Some examples: articles, personal essays, slice of life stories (just a nice little description of life without any real conflict), allegory, and joke stories (basically just a set-up and a punchline. Most flash fiction falls into this category.)
There are markets for all of the above types of short writing, so if that's what you want to write, that's great. But for purposes of this blog series, I will be discussing short works that have the elements of a story: plot (with conflict and resolution), character, and setting--which are usually shown and not told.
There are some types of shorter works that don't qualify as stories and don't really have any market. That includes novel synopses and chapters or excerpts of longer works.
But we'll discuss that more in Part II: How to write a great short story!
Photo by Julien TromeurWhat is a short story?
Let's start with some official definitions.
According to SFWA:
Less than 7500 words = short story (I would add that less than 1000 is considered flash fiction.)
7500-17.5K = novelette
17.5K-40K = novella
40K and up = novel
Why is it important to know this? Well, when if you want to sell your short fiction to a magazine or anthology, it's important to know what length they are looking for. In general, it's easier to sell a short story than a novelette or novella, especially for a first-time author. Back in the day, when I started writing, I was told that novellas were almost impossible to sell. That is true, or was anyway, but the rise in e-books has had the happy side effect of bringing about the return of the novella. I like that because I think novellas are fun to write. It's a length that really works well for me.
Aside from knowing what length your short fiction should be, you should also understand that some kinds of shorter works may fall into the length category without really being short stories. Some examples: articles, personal essays, slice of life stories (just a nice little description of life without any real conflict), allegory, and joke stories (basically just a set-up and a punchline. Most flash fiction falls into this category.)
There are markets for all of the above types of short writing, so if that's what you want to write, that's great. But for purposes of this blog series, I will be discussing short works that have the elements of a story: plot (with conflict and resolution), character, and setting--which are usually shown and not told.
There are some types of shorter works that don't qualify as stories and don't really have any market. That includes novel synopses and chapters or excerpts of longer works.
But we'll discuss that more in Part II: How to write a great short story!
August 30, 2012
An Awesome Achievement
At a signing last weekend, I talked to a fellow writer about the novel he had written and what he was trying to do to get it published. I told him, "That's awesome."He said, "When I'm sitting where you are, then it will be awesome."
I told him he was wrong. Yes, it is awesome to have your book published. It is great to be able to go out and do signings and stuff. But finishing a novel at all is one awesome achievement! Heck, starting a novel at all is one awesome achievement!
So, published or not, be sure to give yourself credit for what you have accomplished.
Yesterday, I finished my third novel, Shattered Skies. I know there is more work ahead with revisions and such, but the story is out of my head and onto paper, and that feels absolutely wonderful! I think I get more satisfaction from finishing a project than from anything else I do. I'm going to reward myself with a Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory caramel apple. Mmmmm. Heavenly!
I think no matter what happens with the book after this, the fact that I wrote it, I finished it, is something I can always be proud of.
Where do you find your greatest satisfaction from writing? (Not counting getting published.)
August 27, 2012
Your Ideal Writing Environment
One of my ideal environments!Back at the Storymakers conference in May, keynote speaker Kevin J. Anderson offered his eleven tips to become a more productive writer. Now if I could be even a quarter as productive as he is, that would be fantastic! The one suggestion he made that resonated most with me was to create your ideal writing environment. That was something I knew I needed to work on.That was the first week of May. This summer packed a pretty nasty emotional punch and it isn't until now that I've actually been able to think about my ideal writing environment.
As you might gather from the title of this blog, I have a nice little writing space, a comfy chair, a fantastic view. But the funny thing is that I don't actually do a lot of writing up there. I share the office with my husband and when our son came home from college (the same day as the writing conference), it became his storage room too. It's cluttered and I don't always feel comfortable there. I do intend to get my office cleaned up and organized, but really, I write anywhere and everywhere. On the couch, at the table, in bed, at the park, in the car... I decided it was more important to create my ideal emotional writing environment rather than focus on the physical space.
You see, I have a difficult time getting anything done when I am depressed, anxious, angry, tired, etc. In order to create a more ideal emotional environment, I am concentrating on the following:
Going to bed on time
Getting up on time
Exercising
Avoiding overeating (That nasty emotional sucker punch really threw me for a loop in this department.) Staying in tune with God
You see, if I can take care of myself physically, emotionally, and spiritually, I am much more likely to write well and achieve my goals. I figure if writing is a part of God's plan for me, then He will help me get my act together!
I started last week, and I wrote 14 pages! That's amazing for me. I feel a lot happier too.
So, what does your ideal writing environment look like?
August 20, 2012
Author Extravaganza!
Five authors, three bookstores, two days!Don't miss the fun this weekend if you live along the Wasatch Front. Authors Fay Klingler, Karen E. Hoover, Tristi Pinkston, Heather B. Moore, and I are hosting an author extravaganza at three different bookstores this Friday and Saturday.
There will be great books, candy and prizes, so come on down if you get the chance!
August 24: Pioneer Books
858 S. State St.
Orem, UT
10-11:30am(Me, Fay, Karen, and Tristi)
Weller Book Works607 Trolley Square
Salt Lake City, UT
1:30-3:30pm
(Me, Fay, Karen, and Heather)
August 25:The Book Table
29 S. Main St.
Logan, UT
10am-12pm (Me, Fay and Karen)
August 13, 2012
Refuge is just 0.99 this week!
One more week until school starts for us! So, this week I'm offering Refuge for just $0.99! Hope you enjoy!
When Earth falls to alien invaders, young newlywed Vivi Thayer is called to serve as a group leader in a hidden, underground refuge. There she is charged with raising a generation chosen to carry on the work of God. Facing the criticism of the other, more experienced, women in the refuge, Vivi struggles with feelings of guilt and inadequacy. When a heartbreaking loss brings Vivi to her breaking point, she must learn to accept the role God has chosen for her or leave the refuge behind forever.
Amazon.com
Barnes and Noble.com
Smashwords
When Earth falls to alien invaders, young newlywed Vivi Thayer is called to serve as a group leader in a hidden, underground refuge. There she is charged with raising a generation chosen to carry on the work of God. Facing the criticism of the other, more experienced, women in the refuge, Vivi struggles with feelings of guilt and inadequacy. When a heartbreaking loss brings Vivi to her breaking point, she must learn to accept the role God has chosen for her or leave the refuge behind forever.
Amazon.comBarnes and Noble.com
Smashwords
August 10, 2012
Interview with Sci-Fi Author Jaleta Clegg!
We have a special treat today! An interview with sci-fi author Jaleta Clegg, whose new book, Priestess of the Eggstone, is out today! Having read and LOVED her first book, Nexus Point, I was excited to interview Jaleta and get to know her better.
Tell us a little about yourself.
I wish I looked like Lucy Lawless as Xena, but I don't, so I pretend. I've always been jealous of Han Solo. I want his ship so bad. I've always been fascinated by space and science fiction, so it really isn't much of a surprise that I write it. The silly horror stories did catch me off guard. I didn't realize I had such a warped sense of humor until I found myself writing it.
The mundane stuff? I've been married to my husband for over 26 years, still going strong. We've got a horde of children, who keep getting older on me, and a houseful of pets of assorted species and sizes. I enjoy cooking, as long as I get to play with weird ingredients and names. I piece quilts sometimes when I have the urge to do something tactile. I refuse to wash windows or do much weeding. I adore pear tomatoes from my garden. And I'm a sucker for fresh raspberries.
You are amazing!
How long have you been writing?
Writing for publication? Just since 2009. Writing stories? My whole life. I can't stop myself from making up stories.
What first sparked your interest in science fiction/fantasy?
I've always loved space and the stars. I discovered Andre Norton's books when I was about ten and Carl Sagan's Cosmos about the same time. I've been a lost cause for science fiction and fantasy ever since.
Awesome. For me I had that moment with Orson Scott Card's books.
Who are your favorite sci-fi/fantasy authors?
Andre Norton, obviously. Elizabeth Moon and Julie Czerneda are close seconds, followed by many of the old classic authors: Isaac Asimov, David Eddings, Jack L. Chalker, R A Salvatore, Diana Wynn Jones, and many others. I love to read and I'll read just about anything.
Super list! I am a huge Julie Czerneda fan as well!
Do you have a favorite writing snack?
I need a beer hat with chocolate instead. That way my hands are still free to type while I suck chocolate through the straw. I love chocolate. It's my kryptonite. Speaking of which, excuse me a minute. *rummaging through cupboards, sounds of wrappers crinkling, wiping chocolate off face* Much better.
Mmmmm. Chocoloate...
Tell us about your new book!
Priestess of the Eggstone is the second book in my series, The Fall of the Altairan Empire. But don't let that scare you off. I promise each book tells a complete story. I just leave a few things dangling for the next book to play with.
Captain Dace is in trouble again, though she doesn't go looking for it. She's flying a courier ship for Belliff, which she finds out is a front for the Targon Crime Syndicate when she walks into the middle of a Patrol raid on their offices. Now the Patrol are after her for smuggling, Targon wants her for selling them out, but that isn't the worst of it. Her co-pilot, Jerimon, has the entire Sessimoniss race after him for stealing their god, the Eggstone.
The part that scares Dace the most, though, is Jerimon's aunt planning their wedding.
I am so excited to read this! I love Dace. =)
Best piece of writing advice?
Write, write, write, write, read, read, read, read. Pick things apart to find out how they work or what doesn't work. Never stop being curious and exploring new ideas and new things. Write what you love.
Oh, and don't listen to all those rules people keep spouting. Whatever you do, if you love it enough, it will show and people will respond. If you hate what you're writing, so will your audience.
Thanks so much for inviting me over to your blog!
That is great advice and you are very welcome. It's been a pleasure having you!
Priestess of the Eggstone blurb: Pursued by the Targon Crime Syndicate bent on revenge, the Patrol intent on recruitment, and the Sessimoniss who want their god back, the last thing Captain Dace needs is a handsome copilot with romance on his mind.
Purchase Priestess of the Eggstone here
Read an excerpt
Jaleta's Blog
Website
Altarian Empire Series website
Tell us a little about yourself.
I wish I looked like Lucy Lawless as Xena, but I don't, so I pretend. I've always been jealous of Han Solo. I want his ship so bad. I've always been fascinated by space and science fiction, so it really isn't much of a surprise that I write it. The silly horror stories did catch me off guard. I didn't realize I had such a warped sense of humor until I found myself writing it.The mundane stuff? I've been married to my husband for over 26 years, still going strong. We've got a horde of children, who keep getting older on me, and a houseful of pets of assorted species and sizes. I enjoy cooking, as long as I get to play with weird ingredients and names. I piece quilts sometimes when I have the urge to do something tactile. I refuse to wash windows or do much weeding. I adore pear tomatoes from my garden. And I'm a sucker for fresh raspberries.
You are amazing!
How long have you been writing?
Writing for publication? Just since 2009. Writing stories? My whole life. I can't stop myself from making up stories.
What first sparked your interest in science fiction/fantasy?
I've always loved space and the stars. I discovered Andre Norton's books when I was about ten and Carl Sagan's Cosmos about the same time. I've been a lost cause for science fiction and fantasy ever since.
Awesome. For me I had that moment with Orson Scott Card's books.
Who are your favorite sci-fi/fantasy authors?
Andre Norton, obviously. Elizabeth Moon and Julie Czerneda are close seconds, followed by many of the old classic authors: Isaac Asimov, David Eddings, Jack L. Chalker, R A Salvatore, Diana Wynn Jones, and many others. I love to read and I'll read just about anything.
Super list! I am a huge Julie Czerneda fan as well!
Do you have a favorite writing snack?
I need a beer hat with chocolate instead. That way my hands are still free to type while I suck chocolate through the straw. I love chocolate. It's my kryptonite. Speaking of which, excuse me a minute. *rummaging through cupboards, sounds of wrappers crinkling, wiping chocolate off face* Much better.
Mmmmm. Chocoloate...
Tell us about your new book!
Priestess of the Eggstone is the second book in my series, The Fall of the Altairan Empire. But don't let that scare you off. I promise each book tells a complete story. I just leave a few things dangling for the next book to play with.Captain Dace is in trouble again, though she doesn't go looking for it. She's flying a courier ship for Belliff, which she finds out is a front for the Targon Crime Syndicate when she walks into the middle of a Patrol raid on their offices. Now the Patrol are after her for smuggling, Targon wants her for selling them out, but that isn't the worst of it. Her co-pilot, Jerimon, has the entire Sessimoniss race after him for stealing their god, the Eggstone.
The part that scares Dace the most, though, is Jerimon's aunt planning their wedding.
I am so excited to read this! I love Dace. =)
Best piece of writing advice?
Write, write, write, write, read, read, read, read. Pick things apart to find out how they work or what doesn't work. Never stop being curious and exploring new ideas and new things. Write what you love.
Oh, and don't listen to all those rules people keep spouting. Whatever you do, if you love it enough, it will show and people will respond. If you hate what you're writing, so will your audience.
Thanks so much for inviting me over to your blog!
That is great advice and you are very welcome. It's been a pleasure having you!
Priestess of the Eggstone blurb: Pursued by the Targon Crime Syndicate bent on revenge, the Patrol intent on recruitment, and the Sessimoniss who want their god back, the last thing Captain Dace needs is a handsome copilot with romance on his mind.
Purchase Priestess of the Eggstone here
Read an excerpt
Jaleta's Blog
Website
Altarian Empire Series website
August 6, 2012
Renegade
Summer is coming to an end! Time to squeeze in a little more summer reading, right? This week, I'm offering my novella, Renegade, for just $0.99! Enjoy. (If you get it and like it, a nice review would be appreciated.)
Seventeen year old Kwetoo'unuv Walker has nothing on his mind but hunting and girls. And how to avoid getting caught skipping school. But when Earth is attacked by alien invaders and Kwetoo'unuv watches his parents die to keep him alive, life becomes much more complicated. As the world falls before his eyes, he receives a vision from the Great Wolf, Toovuts, compelling him to put aside his fears and become the man God wants him to be. Because in the coming alien occupation, strength and wisdom will be Kwetoo'unuv's only chance to survive.
Amazon.com
Barnes and Noble.com
Smashwords
P.S. Watch for a fun author interview coming up on Friday!
Seventeen year old Kwetoo'unuv Walker has nothing on his mind but hunting and girls. And how to avoid getting caught skipping school. But when Earth is attacked by alien invaders and Kwetoo'unuv watches his parents die to keep him alive, life becomes much more complicated. As the world falls before his eyes, he receives a vision from the Great Wolf, Toovuts, compelling him to put aside his fears and become the man God wants him to be. Because in the coming alien occupation, strength and wisdom will be Kwetoo'unuv's only chance to survive.
Amazon.comBarnes and Noble.com
Smashwords
P.S. Watch for a fun author interview coming up on Friday!
July 31, 2012
Consecrated: $0.99 this week!
Need just a little more summer reading as the season winds down? This week, I'm offering my novella "Consecrated" for just $0.99! Enjoy! (P.S. If you read and like it, I'd sure appreciate you leaving a review!)
Carly Emerson never imagined she would lose her two-year old son to faceless android soldiers, nor did she ever consider that keeping her temple covenants might break her heart. When aliens attack, Carly is asked to bear a child who will be hidden in an underground refuge—without her. The grief stricken mother must make a choice: keep her covenants and die or take a chance at survival on her own.
Amazon.com
Barnes and Noble.com
Smashwords
Carly Emerson never imagined she would lose her two-year old son to faceless android soldiers, nor did she ever consider that keeping her temple covenants might break her heart. When aliens attack, Carly is asked to bear a child who will be hidden in an underground refuge—without her. The grief stricken mother must make a choice: keep her covenants and die or take a chance at survival on her own.
Amazon.comBarnes and Noble.com
Smashwords
July 28, 2012
Book Launch and Library Fundraiser!
On Wednesday August 1, I'm participating in this fun event to celebrate the release of Tristi Pinkston's latest novel, Turning Pages. Come say hi if you're in the neighborhood!Multi-author Book Signing
August 1st from 7-9 p.m.
Come join your favorite local authors at the Pleasant Grove City Library (30 E. Center Street) and support the cause of literacy!
Participating Authors:
Julie Coulter Bellon
Monique Bucheger
Rachelle Christensen
Loralee Evans
Julie N. Ford
Nichole Giles
Heather Justesen
Angie Lofthouse
Heather (H.B.) Moore
L.L. Muir
Andrea Pearson
Tristi Pinkston
Suze Reese
Proceeds from the silent auction will go to benefit the library, as will a portion of the proceeds from book sales.Hope to see you there!
July 24, 2012
The Power of Great Storytelling
When my seven-year-old daughter discovered My Little Pony on Netflix, I wasn't surprised that she loved it. It's just up her alley. I was only slightly surprised when her four-year-old brother got into it too. He's heavily influenced by his big sister.
But when I saw my teenage boys sitting rapt in front of the TV watching My Little Pony with their younger siblings was shocked to say the least.What on earth did they find so fascinating in a cartoon about cute little pony girls?
I'll tell you what. Whoever writes that show is doing something right. It just goes to show the power of an engaging plot, universal themes, and compelling characters. That's what we all ought to be striving for. Sure, it's important to know your audience and what they expect, but with good enough storytelling, there will be no limit to your audience!
My boys are not alone in their enjoyment of My Little Pony. Check out this awesome video:
But when I saw my teenage boys sitting rapt in front of the TV watching My Little Pony with their younger siblings was shocked to say the least.What on earth did they find so fascinating in a cartoon about cute little pony girls?
I'll tell you what. Whoever writes that show is doing something right. It just goes to show the power of an engaging plot, universal themes, and compelling characters. That's what we all ought to be striving for. Sure, it's important to know your audience and what they expect, but with good enough storytelling, there will be no limit to your audience!
My boys are not alone in their enjoyment of My Little Pony. Check out this awesome video:
