Zachary Ricks's Blog, page 7

GSG NaNo Gaiden Podcast – Ep 27

Four days remain. By the end of today, you should be 45,009 words in to your new book.

As I said last time, I am just an amateur. Yes, I’m the ML for my area, but it’s not like that imbues me with special writer-advice powers. Yes, I’m five for five in NaNoWriMo books, but that doesn’t make me an expert or anything.

Sometimes, you may find yourself confronted with writing advice from someone on the internet. Hey, I’ve been doing that all month. But you should always view said advice, and said ostensible experts with a healthy dose of skepticism and critical thinking. And, like I said, try it on. The other day, someone pointed me to a writerly advice article of this sort where the guy wrote something that wasn’t very flattering about a couple of books that I happened to like a lot. And he’s totally entitled to his opinion. Good for him. Go opinions! Whoooo! But… when I went to look and see what the guy has actually done… well, he didn’t exactly set my world on fire.

I’ll probably have one more podcast on this, but we’ll save it for the end. Meanwhile, don’t sit here.

You only have four days. GO WRITE!

GSG NaNo Gaiden Podcast – Ep 26

Day 26. You should be 43,342 words in to your new book. But if you’re not, do not despair. I’ve been reading my brand new copy of “Michael Moorcock: Death is No Obstacle” – a series of interviews between him and Colin Greenland (seriously, I am SO STOKED to have this you have no idea).

Anyway, in chapter one, Moorcock says that back in the day, he would write about 15,000 words in a day. So… yeah. He would pop one of these things out in a week or less. Had the thing down to a science – a science to which he added plentiful art. But that’s Moorcock.

And I’m not Moorcock. I’m just this guy, you know? That is to say, I’m a five time NaNoWriMo winner. (Yup. 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, and 2012 – just crossed the 50k line).

And in that vein, any advice you get from me regarding writing should be treated in the same way that you would treat the insane ramblings of a corner hobo wearing a sandwich board that says “I ARE WRITER! THE END IS NIGH!” Which is to say, take anything I say with a huge grain of salt, and if anything strikes you as a particularly good idea, try it. And if it doesn’t? Pfft. I’m never going to know unless you come back here and tell me “THAT IDEA SUCKED! SO MUCH! WHY WOULD YOU EVER SUGGEST THAT?! YOU ARE A LOON!” Which strikes me as an overuse of capital letters, and poor form. Who has time for that?

So, all of us are charting our own way through this wordy jungle. Cut your own way, young writer.

Go write.

GSG NaNo Gaiden 2012 Podcast – Ep 25

No editing. Time to turn off the social media, put your head down, and push. PUSH! PUSH! But you can also switch some things up. Try to end things not on a cliche – turn it around a little. It’ll freak the characters out. Heh.

Yes, writers are evil.

Go Write!

GSG NaNo Gaiden 2012 – Ep 24

40,008 words by the end of today. The last 20%. Here’s where things turn and you start towards the thrilling conclusion. Here’s where Goldfinger assaults Fort Knox. Here’s where the crew of Serenity decide to broadcast the signal. This is it.

Thrilling conclusion time. And you have 10,000 words to pull it off.

Good luck! And Go WRITE!

GSG NaNo Gaiden Podcast – Ep 23

Another tip from Philip ‘Norvaljoe’ Carroll, and it’s a good one. Probably one of my favorites so far.

I don’t say this enough, but I am truly grateful to be associated in any way with everyone at Flying Island Press.

So, enjoy! And go write.

GSG NaNo Gaiden Podcast – Ep 22

Yes, I am posting this before I post episode 21.

Figuring out why you are writing this book can be an important motivational tactic. What is it you’re trying to say? What is the impact you want to have on the world through this book? Take some time today and free-write that out.

And then, when you’re down, low, not feeling motivation, you take that paper out and remind yourself what it is that you’re trying to accomplish.

Go do good work.

 

GSG NaNo Gaiden 2012 – Ep 20

Thou Shalt Not Wait For The Muse!

Complicate! Add Obstacles!

Sometimes You Have To Roll The Dice! (maybe literally)

Shake things up (Chronologically!)

And if all else fails, steal.

Many thanks to Richard “mainframe” Green of the Geek Out with Mainframe podcast for today’s episode!

Go Write!

GSG Gaiden 2012 Podcast – Ep 19

You may be at a dangerous place at this point. A place of doubt and frustration. This is a dangerous time for you. A time when you may be tempted… by the dark side.

That is, you may be tempted to stop. Don’t do that.

Take some time and decide (because You Are The Writer, and You Are In Charge Of This Book!) what the coolest, most interesting thing that could happen in the next 5-6k words might be. Make a list. Ten things.

Now, cross off the three most obvious things on the list. Of the things that are left, pick one or two that get you closer to the end of the book you want.

Now you have something interesting to write in the near future. Go forth and write that.

Go write.

 

 

GSG Gaiden Podcast 2012 – 18

And here’s the latest greatest. Possibly missing its album art. BUT featuring the velvety tones of Miss Laura Nicole.

Who is awesome.

Go listen. Then Go Write.

GSG NaNo Gaiden Podcast – Episode 17

What I did today instead of writing.

Took a nap.

Job interview over the phone.

Read.

Played a video game. (Torchlight 2, if you must know).

Took a look at my favorite author blogs – like Terribleminds (SALTY LANGUAGE AHOY!!), Storyfix, Holly Lisle, Dean Wesley Smith and Kristine Katherine Rusch. Also, one I didn’t mention but that I love is Sarah Hoyt’s.

Still, if you’re not ahead, I’ve got a suggestion for you.

Go write.