Ronda J. Del Boccio's Blog: Writing is pure Bliss, page 39
November 23, 2014
Authors: Honor Your Own Needs: NaNoWriMo Day 23
Send to KindleEach day during National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo), I’m sharing some insight that arose today. My book in progress is They All Died Smiling, a paranormal suspense book.
Previously I talked about honoring your writing process. Today is all about honoring your needs.
There will be days when no matter what your goal or intention, you won’t get your desired amount of writing done.
There are also habits that will either improve or detract from your energy and production.
So here are my suggestions about respecting your needs.
Keep healthy snacks around.
Eat plenty of protein.
Rest when you need a break.
Get away from the desk and have fun.
MOVE your body every hour or so.
Get fresh air daily.
Realize that if you’re working hot and heavy on a book, other things may slide (like housework).
I hope these tips help you. What would you add?
NaNoWriMo progress
I’ve passed the 80% mark and am on track to write 50,000 words t his month. It has been an emotional ride because of the nature of my book and the way I write.
Here’s my proof of progress:
Follow your BLISS,
Ronda Del Boccio
#1 best selling author and speaker
You can find my books on Amazon.
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November 22, 2014
Novel Writing: Insights on Writing Emotionally Intense Scenes: NaNoWriMo Day 22
Send to KindleBestEmotionsThere are times when writing that you’re simply not ready to create a certain scene.
I’m currently writing my second novel, They All Died Smiling. Today I filled in part of a scene I had been putting off for a bit.
I’m not a procrastinator when it comes to my favorite activity, so why did I put off writing the segment? Three reasons:
It’s a piece of backstory revealed as a memory.
It’s intense.
Kass (the protagonist) hadn’t told me everything that happened, and I needed that to amp up the emotion.
1. Reverie is often overdone in books and movies, but at times it’s necessary. To do it well, the author needs to know the character and the event very well. Sometimes, things need to germinate and grow inside for a while before they’re ready to come out.
2. Writing an intensely emotional scene involves me getting into that state. The writer’s version of method acting. I go through every memory of my character as a fresh event. It’s draining, so I need to be in the right space and have no possibility of interruption (which means late night writing).
3. My characters talk to me (or sometimes not). 3. I know Kass well, including the pain of her past, But as with any painful experience, it’s often easier for someone to share the high level overview but not the gritty details.
So late tonight, I dove into that heart-wrenching memory that floods Kass’s mind while she’s riding the el train in Chicago all the way back in hapter one.
Putting the scene into words meant lots of tears, fear, and betrayal, then it took me a couple hours to go to sleep afterwards.
This scene didn’t add much to the word count, but it enriched the reader experience.
I hope this is helpful to you on your author journey.
My NaNoWriMo Progress
I will hit the 80% mark this weekend, yay! Now that I have this crucial memory in place, I’m ready to get into the most perilous, frightening part of the tale in the coming week.
Follow your BLISS,
Ronda Del Boccio
#q best selling author and speaker
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November 21, 2014
Novel Writing Help: X Marks the Spot: Using Place Holders Saves Time: NaNoWriMo Day 21
Send to KindleI’m well into writing my second novel, They All Died Smiling, and I use a technique I thought might be useful for you.
Did you ever decide you need to add something to a scene, but you’re not ready right now?
Maybe you need to describe the setting or add actions to a chunk of dialogue,, but now isn’t the time or you’re not sure what to do yet.
Novel writing skills: keeping it simple
Writing a novel is a big deal with lots of people, situations, plots and subplots to track. SO keep things simple.
Remember, you don’t have to write in a linear fashion. You won’t always know every single thing that needs to be in each chapter before or even while you’re writing it. Sometimes you’ll need to fiddle.
The solution is simple: Put a placeholder into your manuscript so you know where to go.
X Marks the Spot: Using Placeholders
I had completed several chapters before I knew exactly what needed to be in that place in Chapter One, and I wasn’t ready to write it yet. So I used a placeholder.
I do this often in my work, and perhaps you’ll find this tip helpful. It works in nonfiction or fiction.
I use XXXX, but it could be any repeated letter that isn’t a word. That way, when you’re ready to delve into whatever I’ve decided to do later, you simply search for XXXX (Find Command) and I’m there.
If you want to get fancy or are afraid you won’t remember what you wanted to do, consider something like this:
XXXX-describe castle.
Then simply delete it when you come back to fix it.
I hope this saves you some time.
National Novel Writing Month Progress Report
I’m on trackto finish the 200 pages by the end of the month, in the high 30,000s as of now. THe weekend will be less words.
Stick to your writing goals.
Follow your BLISS,
Ronda Del Boccio
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November 20, 2014
Sites to EASILY Create Great Quote Images
Send to KindleThose cool quote images can be easy to make. Here are some sites make it easy and fun.Thanks to +Book Marketing Tools for sharing.
#bookmarketing #imagen
Reshared post from +Book Marketing Tools
Have you ever wondered how people make those awesome quote pictures on social media? You don't need design skills! You just need this list of sites! Plus, learn how to find the most popular quotes from your books: http://bookmarketingtools.com/blog/11-ways-to-promote-your-book-with-quote-images/
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Writing In Service of the Story: NaNoWriMo Day 20
Send to KindleToday, the 20th day of a month-long novel writing challenge, I consider my approach to the momentous task of producing 200 pages in 30 days.
My progress is over 120 pages thus far.
I didn’t plot and plan for months. I decided on Halloween to participate. The protagonist, Kassidy, came to me with her story, and I know where the book is going. Characters and new scenes surprise me along the way.
Honor your process
Your process is what it is. I make no judgments about whether you planned for months, complete detailed character sketches, or write by the seat of your pants.
What you receive mirrors your intent and energy.
Expectations shape reality
The task does not feel enormous to me, because each day I sit at my keyboard, open a vein and write, in service of the story and the characters.
By laying aside expectations, hopes for the work, concerns about publishing and the like,
I come to each writing session with a clean energy, a fresh experience.
In service of the story
Being in service of the tale, I am open and ready. I trust my muse, my process, and the work to be precisely what it needs to be.
This has kept me on track for completion on or slightly ahead of schedule.
The power of discipline
Yes, there is dedication. Yes, I say no to lots of extraneous distractions and invitations.
Yes, it is worth all of this and more.
If you are part of NaNoWriMo, National Novel Writing Month, please hold true to your commitment and give it your best efforts, your best self.
My username is TheStoryLady, and I will gladly be your buddy.
I invite you to receive stories, words of encouragement, and surprises at WriteOnPurposecom/read.
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Follow your BLISS,
Ronda Del Boccio
#1 best selling author and speaker
Order any of my books from Amazon.
Send to Kindle
Kindle Formatting Resource
Send to KindleIf you're writing a book for Kindle, you can definitely upload the word doc, however, you might decide to use a free tool to transmute it in the .mobi format for Kindle.The tool I like is Calibre, and it's simple to use. Just bring your final document into the program and click a button to convert.
http://calibre-ebook.com/
#kindlebooks #indiepublishing
calibre – E-book management
calibre: The one stop solution for all your e-book needs. Comprehensive e-book software.
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November 19, 2014
It Practically Seemed Virtually Real: Avoid Bad Writing Habits: NaNoWriMo Day 19
Send to KindleIt grates on my nerves when I’m reading a good book and come across puny words that waste valuable emotion and say nothing. This is on my mind as I continue working on my paranormal suspense novel, They All Died Smiling
If you’re following my progress, wondering if I will indeed write a 200 page book in 30 days, I’m pleased to say I’m on track. Here is my progress bar:
Writers READ
I read at least two books a week (or one biggie). As I’m engaging in the story, I notice technique, because I’m also reading with the senses of a writer.
While enjoying a good cozy mystery, I came across the word “seem” three times. UGH! Seem is on the author 101 list of words to avoid. It’s insubstantial, a waste of space.
As I’m writing, my focus is upon pouring out the first draft.I do very little fiddling unless it is to add to a scene. Only in the editing phase will I look through my work-in-progress for weak words.
Here are some examples. Look through every story, article or book you submit exercise your creative muscle to pump up your prose.
Naughty words list
Seem/seemed: Be strong. Say what something is or is not.
had ___ (past imperfect tense): While at times necessary, one use of had ___ suffices.
Adverbs: This maligned part of speech answers the question “how?” and generally end in ly. Rather than saying “he walked quickly”, why not say, “He dashed”?
Is/was/were: Often, you can replace forms of the word “to be” with more potent words. I said “suffices” above rather than “is sufficient.”
Passive voice: This goes along with forms of “to be” and deflates your writing.
Talk Tags: While once all the rage, using tags such as “he said” has fallen from grace. Avoid talk tags except where they clear confusion.
Things/stuff: Call stuff what it is. teehee.
Got: Rather than “he got an ice cream”, use a worthy verb. Got is the unwanted stepchild of verbs.
This is by no means an exhaustive list, but it’s a start. Amp up the power.
Most Important Lesson:
Verbs power prose.
Have fun. If you want writing and book marketing tips, go to WriteOnPurpose.com/free for weekly guidance.
Follow your BLISS,
Ronda Del Boccio
#1 best selling author and speaker
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November 18, 2014
Book Review of Daughter of the Howling Moon by R. H. Burkett: NaNoWriMo Day 18
Send to KindleHere I am more than halfway through National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) and still on track with my own novel-in-progress, They All Died Smiling.
People who like my upcoming book will LOVE Daughter of the howling Moon, a .gripping paranormal suspense story of an epic battle between good and evil.
Before I dive into the review, here’s my progress for those of you keeping tabs.
Writers need to read.
One of the most important tasks any author can do is to read superior books. Not the old time classics, but modern books that speak to the people in current times.
Daughter of the Howling Moon was an excellent book for me to read while writing my own work in the same genre.
R. H. Burkett is an Arkansas author with a background in theater and a poetic sensibility that adds a layer of intensity to her books that few authors achieve.
I gave her newest book, Daughter of the Howling Moon, a 5-star review on Amazon.
You may want to read this book in daylight! Burkett definitely uses her words to chill.
Using description to convey character
You’ll be ready to cleanse yourself after reading this description of the snake-handling preacher:
Jedidiah’s eyes glowed like glazed onyx and fixed on Sarah’s chest that rose and fell, rapid and exaggerated, from each terrified breath. So much like the vipers he adored, he slithered to her side.
Jedidiah is a supposed preacher who does unspeakable things to young girls. You’ll definitely get the idea reading Bethany Ann’s description what he did with her best friend and many other girls:
My skin crawled. His touching made me wan to go to the creek to scrub myself clean. It felt wrong. I couldn’t put my finger on it., but it was creepy and made me squirm. It just wasn’t right.
Bethany Ann discovered she has special powers, and,with nobody to go to for instruction, she learns to handle them.
This book is so compelling I got sucked back into it just getting snippets to share with you. If you love paranormal suspense, get this book right now. You won’t want to put it down until you’re finished.
If you’re an author, the book is a study in well-chosen words.
Bring characters to life.
It can be easy to use the same tired phrases or comparisons you’ve heard or read before. Check out this description of what Bethany Ann did to the preacher when he tried to take her:
He let out a howl that would make every one of Uncle Ezekiel’s prized coon dogs jealous.
Get into the characters’ heads.
Both point of view characters are interesting. Bethany has these powers she’s learning to master, while Benjamin has lost faith in goodness. Each is on a journey that Burkett portrays with skill and panache.
Their struggles ring true as they find their way through their individual hero’s journeys. A blend of youthful innocense and savvy bringer of justice, Bethany Ann in particular is one of the more interesting characters you’re likely to read.
The rhythm of the words
Inherent in this book is a sense of poetry that sucks you into the tale. Beyond the meaning of the words, poetic writing makes a story more convincing to a reader’s mind.
Claim your copy of Daughter of the Howling Moon by R. H. Burkett today.
You can order from Amazon or your favorite book seller. Enjoy!
Follow your BLISS,
Ronda Del Boccio
#1 best selling author and speaker – Find all my books on Amazon.
If you are an author and would like me to review your book, please complete a book review request form and I shall consider it.
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November 17, 2014
Dealing with a Derailed Day when Writing Novel: NaNoWriMo Day 17
Send to KindleI can hardly believe it’s day 17 of NaNoWriMo, I had been making good progress. Lost some steam this weekend with the writing conference, but I had gotten ahead, so no worries.
Today didn’t end up as planned. My afternoon got swallowed up dealing with some unexpected time-sucking activities.
Later at night I’m not always in the space for an intense writing session, so tonight, een though I wasn’t in the mood, I made myself sit down and work on the book, They All DIed Smiling.
I opted not to start into a big scene, but I interviewed one of my characters to get more insight into him, and I added a little to a scene I had wanted to adjust.
It’s all progress.
Keep writing, no matter what. Just do it.
Follow your BLISS,
Ronda Del Boccio
#1 best selling author and speaker
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What Music Wwould Your Characters Like? NaNowriMo Day 17
Send to KindleAs I’m writing They All Died Smiling, I get to know the principle characters. I started asking them about their taste in music.
Kassidy, the point of view character for the entire story, is a country girl who loves country music. She enjoys singing., too One of the songs in the Kassidy playlist is “Done” by The Band Perry.
Russell is into hip hop and other contemporary rock. “Bring Down for What” and “Fireball” are in his playlist.
And yes I actually have playlists started for them in my Rhapsody account. When I’m writing this book, I tend to listen to contemporary country music. When I want to get into Russell’s personality more, I switch to dance music, hip hop, etc. He enjoys clubbing and may ask Kass to go with him if he works up sufficient nerve.
They have a history.
So, what about your characers? What music do they like
Follow your BLISS,
Ronda Del Boccio
#1 Best selling author and speaker
Please drop by Amazon and pick up one of my books. I write a variety of genres.
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Writing is pure Bliss
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