Lissa Oliver's Blog, page 3
October 7, 2019
The craft of writing
I don't usually tick the box to include my book reviews in my blog. Books are a matter of taste and who really cares what my opinion is, other than the author, who really shouldn't care and shouldn't read it. The author wrote the book he/she wanted to write. The opinion of readers is secondary. If they like it, great; if they don't, their loss. Some authors I know get too hung up about bad reviews. I'm sure, from their comments, it adversely affects the quality of their next book. They probably start writing for their unknown readers, rather than for themselves. A bad path to take.
Having just completed Stephen Chbosky's 'The Perks of Being a Wallflower' I ticked the box to include my review here in my blogs. I often blog about the craft of writing, but here is a book that exemplifies that craft.
I used to cite Anne Rice's 'Interview with the Vampire' as the book to read to see the craft of plot tools and pace. I still will. Even the title, the simple but powerful choice of 'The' instead of just 'A', there is nothing in there that is unnecessary, isn't carefully thought through, doesn't propel the story forward. Even down to choice of protagonist. It could have been a milkman or an auditor, but a vampire offered the infinite centuries of soul-searching. It isn't a book about vampires, it's a book about life and it's meaning and consequence; and it's a mark of inspiration that Rice chose a vampire to tell the story.
And so to Chbosky. As a reader, I found the narrative method initially off-putting but instantly gripping. You often think of books that you "can't put down" but this sucked me in at once with its steady stream of information and observation, like being plugged in and unable to turn off. I had to read straight through to the end, there's no point where I felt I could safely put it down for the night.
The narrator, Charlie, reveals his life and his soul through letters to a stranger. I did think it could get quite dull if he kept that up, but I engaged just as easily with the characters via Charlie's eyes as when I meet them "in person myself", so to speak, in a conventional plot. I got used to his somewhat odd voice, got used to seeing the world through his perspective and I think because of that I wasn't rushing ahead thinking about outcomes and who would do what. So I was hanging on his every word, needing to know what would unfold next, needing closure.
A conventional narrative always leads to a conclusion, but this chosen style and Charlie's voice could easily have simply ended, which I hoped wouldn't happen but was acutely aware of as a possibility. I was also instantly intrigued as to who the stranger addressed was. I hoped this would be revealed; I didn't want it to just be me, the reader. That seemed like a cheat and too easy.
Nothing about this book is easy. It's not easy to read, because of the intrusion into a troubled soul; it's not easy to put down; it's not easy to forget when you do finally set it down.
As a published author, I sometimes marvel at the writing style, or the plot tools, or the visual mannerisms that bring certain characters to life. The craft of the writing occasionally jumps out at me above the story itself. It's rare, but it happens, and it impresses me.
I'm just sitting back now thinking how did Chbosky do it? Did he see all these characters and this plot and then contemplate how to depict it? Did he try it this way first, then that, then have a brainwave? Did Charlie speak to him direct, as he now speaks to the reader? Knowing when to release the aspects of story, knowing how, knowing where... Chbosky's skill is masterful and, from a writer's perspective, quite mind-blowing.
I went through all the wondering how with one of my own novels. It took longer to decide how I would write the book than actually writing the book. 'Sainte Bastien' had two protagonists/antagonists and my first issue was which perspective to take and therefore which role they would fill. And how to deliver that chosen perspective? I considered the diary technique, I considered the every-other-chapter technique, I considered a shared narrative. I didn't consider Chbosky's idea and I can't get my head around how I would be able to pull it off. I don't think I could.
I went for the conventional narrative and even that was tricky enough. I was always dangerously close to revealing something too soon, or allowing a character to know more than he/she actually did. As an author, I knew more than the characters and the reader and it was hard not to let those secrets out. Often, I had to correct a sentence and make it ambiguous.
And that's why I'm marvelling at Chbosky's skill. He managed it, he pulled it off, it reads effortlessly and so well-paced. I know that isn't effortless. I just have to bow and say, wow.
Having just completed Stephen Chbosky's 'The Perks of Being a Wallflower' I ticked the box to include my review here in my blogs. I often blog about the craft of writing, but here is a book that exemplifies that craft.
I used to cite Anne Rice's 'Interview with the Vampire' as the book to read to see the craft of plot tools and pace. I still will. Even the title, the simple but powerful choice of 'The' instead of just 'A', there is nothing in there that is unnecessary, isn't carefully thought through, doesn't propel the story forward. Even down to choice of protagonist. It could have been a milkman or an auditor, but a vampire offered the infinite centuries of soul-searching. It isn't a book about vampires, it's a book about life and it's meaning and consequence; and it's a mark of inspiration that Rice chose a vampire to tell the story.
And so to Chbosky. As a reader, I found the narrative method initially off-putting but instantly gripping. You often think of books that you "can't put down" but this sucked me in at once with its steady stream of information and observation, like being plugged in and unable to turn off. I had to read straight through to the end, there's no point where I felt I could safely put it down for the night.
The narrator, Charlie, reveals his life and his soul through letters to a stranger. I did think it could get quite dull if he kept that up, but I engaged just as easily with the characters via Charlie's eyes as when I meet them "in person myself", so to speak, in a conventional plot. I got used to his somewhat odd voice, got used to seeing the world through his perspective and I think because of that I wasn't rushing ahead thinking about outcomes and who would do what. So I was hanging on his every word, needing to know what would unfold next, needing closure.
A conventional narrative always leads to a conclusion, but this chosen style and Charlie's voice could easily have simply ended, which I hoped wouldn't happen but was acutely aware of as a possibility. I was also instantly intrigued as to who the stranger addressed was. I hoped this would be revealed; I didn't want it to just be me, the reader. That seemed like a cheat and too easy.
Nothing about this book is easy. It's not easy to read, because of the intrusion into a troubled soul; it's not easy to put down; it's not easy to forget when you do finally set it down.
As a published author, I sometimes marvel at the writing style, or the plot tools, or the visual mannerisms that bring certain characters to life. The craft of the writing occasionally jumps out at me above the story itself. It's rare, but it happens, and it impresses me.
I'm just sitting back now thinking how did Chbosky do it? Did he see all these characters and this plot and then contemplate how to depict it? Did he try it this way first, then that, then have a brainwave? Did Charlie speak to him direct, as he now speaks to the reader? Knowing when to release the aspects of story, knowing how, knowing where... Chbosky's skill is masterful and, from a writer's perspective, quite mind-blowing.
I went through all the wondering how with one of my own novels. It took longer to decide how I would write the book than actually writing the book. 'Sainte Bastien' had two protagonists/antagonists and my first issue was which perspective to take and therefore which role they would fill. And how to deliver that chosen perspective? I considered the diary technique, I considered the every-other-chapter technique, I considered a shared narrative. I didn't consider Chbosky's idea and I can't get my head around how I would be able to pull it off. I don't think I could.
I went for the conventional narrative and even that was tricky enough. I was always dangerously close to revealing something too soon, or allowing a character to know more than he/she actually did. As an author, I knew more than the characters and the reader and it was hard not to let those secrets out. Often, I had to correct a sentence and make it ambiguous.
And that's why I'm marvelling at Chbosky's skill. He managed it, he pulled it off, it reads effortlessly and so well-paced. I know that isn't effortless. I just have to bow and say, wow.
October 6, 2019
Interview online for one week only!
If you want to hear how I first got published and why my pet bullock Gary caused me more embarrassment than the courting couple he chanced upon, click here!
ritaleechapman.com/guest-authors/
ritaleechapman.com/guest-authors/
October 3, 2019
I wish my library was in Narnia
Writing a book is much like reading one, I’ve always maintained. I’ve come at a book from both sides of the page, so to speak! When writing, I become intimately involved with the characters, follow their every move, am never quite sure how they’ll react and am often in suspense. It’s hopefully the same when I’m reading a book. Similarly, we don’t always get time to sit down with a book, whether to read it or write it.
As much as I enjoy my job as a journalist, I do often wish I could retire and simply concentrate on the novel-in-progress instead! But I have been rewarded for my diligence (or lack of diligence, re the novel?) by a 12th successive nomination for the prestigious annual Derby Awards, so suddenly the interruption to my next book is worthwhile!
This year, my cover features have seen me through to Horserace Writer of the Year, a prize I’ve been runner-up for three times in the past. I have also gone forward for the new award of Specialist Writer of the Year, so if I’m lucky in that it will not only be my own first, but a notable first!
In a year that saw my novel Chantilly Dawns go to No.1 in the bestsellers list, I’m like any avid reader who would rather stay at home with a book. The problem is, I want the time to write one AND read one! Wouldn’t it be marvellous if libraries were like Narnia? We could lose ourselves in our books for as long as we wish, then step back out without a minute lost!
As much as I enjoy my job as a journalist, I do often wish I could retire and simply concentrate on the novel-in-progress instead! But I have been rewarded for my diligence (or lack of diligence, re the novel?) by a 12th successive nomination for the prestigious annual Derby Awards, so suddenly the interruption to my next book is worthwhile!
This year, my cover features have seen me through to Horserace Writer of the Year, a prize I’ve been runner-up for three times in the past. I have also gone forward for the new award of Specialist Writer of the Year, so if I’m lucky in that it will not only be my own first, but a notable first!
In a year that saw my novel Chantilly Dawns go to No.1 in the bestsellers list, I’m like any avid reader who would rather stay at home with a book. The problem is, I want the time to write one AND read one! Wouldn’t it be marvellous if libraries were like Narnia? We could lose ourselves in our books for as long as we wish, then step back out without a minute lost!
September 9, 2019
Where do books begin life?
How does a book begin? How did Chantilly Dawns begin? Authors always ask, "What if..?" When my favourite jockey went to ride abroad, I felt the loss. Transferring those feelings to fiction, I asked, what if that pain were a jockey's? What if he lost his career? What was his life like before his career and what impact has that past life had? What were his parents like? What was his upbringing? What were his schooldays like? Why and how did he become a jockey? How did he become successful? How did success affect him? So many questions - and the answers became Marcel Dessaint. All the author then needs to do is live with the protagonist for long enough until a plot comes to mind! Usually through the protagonist revealing a weakness, upon which the author pounces. And so begins a book...
Chantilly Dawns
Chantilly Dawns
July 15, 2019
Too busy to blog!
While updating my very slow reading list this year I also noticed I haven't blogged here since May! Maybe that's a good sign! I have tried to keep my head down and the novel-in-progress progressing (albeit slowly) and I've also been kept happily busy writing about the latest welfare issues for the horseracing industry, always a pleasure. As horses always come first and their care is of the highest standards, it's those who care for them who are often left behind, so current wellbeing research focuses on them. As a writer, seeing where pressure, stress and weaknesses are created is a helpful study for the next fictitious character! It's nice that I can assist in reality by providing the solutions; and add to the drama in my own fictional world by ensuring those solutions are unknown or out of reach to my poor creations! Anyway, press rooms, racing stables and the next book beckon, so I may abandon you for another couple of months! Happy reading and writing, fellow booklovers.
May 23, 2019
Truth is sadder than fiction
I’m trying not to be too active, so I’ve had plenty of writing time, although features rather than fiction. One feature is for my regular welfare slot and we’ll be looking at the abuse received by trainers, usually from disgruntled punters. It really is highly personal abuse, threatening and offensive, directed at both the trainer and his/her family and staff. The levels are shocking and it’s disgusting to see what people can sink to when their wallet or judgement is hurt.
Once again I’m reminded of how fiction so closely reflects fact. In my quest to find a plot not already used by Dick Francis and co I simply look at the everyday racing life and try to pick up something supposedly minor and use it against a character’s weakness or fear. But as I grow older I’m realising the minor things I took for granted are the genuine weapons I’m turning them in to.
We used to find Sidney The Algerian and the few others in his corner highly amusing when we raced in France. We couldn’t speak French and understand the abuse he shouted at the losing jockeys, but we got the gist, particularly of the simple replies by the said losing jockeys! It seemed pretty harmless at the time, but I did think “What If..?” later when I wrote Chantilly Dawns and subjected the hero, Marcel, to such abuse. What if it was more than just Sidney The Algerian, and every aggrieved punter? What if it was directed at Marcel in his own home as well as at the racecourse? What if it opened old wounds from a bullied childhood and broke him completely?
Sadly those “What If..?”s are reality. Abuse no longer ends at the racecourse, is no longer the harmless chides of Sidney The Algerian and it does cut through to the bone, whether there are past wounds to reopen or just fresh ones to be made. People can be broken completely, not just by thoughtless abuse but by the deliberate ‘malice aforethought’ meticulously written into an email or letter and sent to a trainer’s address that was searched for online. That’s not Sidney’s spur-of-the-moment outburst. That’s the product of a vicious, spiteful and sick mind. The next time you choose to place your money on a horse you have selected, think twice before heaping abuse on its connections when it lets you down.
No.1 Kindle and Amazon Bestseller
Chantilly Dawns
Once again I’m reminded of how fiction so closely reflects fact. In my quest to find a plot not already used by Dick Francis and co I simply look at the everyday racing life and try to pick up something supposedly minor and use it against a character’s weakness or fear. But as I grow older I’m realising the minor things I took for granted are the genuine weapons I’m turning them in to.
We used to find Sidney The Algerian and the few others in his corner highly amusing when we raced in France. We couldn’t speak French and understand the abuse he shouted at the losing jockeys, but we got the gist, particularly of the simple replies by the said losing jockeys! It seemed pretty harmless at the time, but I did think “What If..?” later when I wrote Chantilly Dawns and subjected the hero, Marcel, to such abuse. What if it was more than just Sidney The Algerian, and every aggrieved punter? What if it was directed at Marcel in his own home as well as at the racecourse? What if it opened old wounds from a bullied childhood and broke him completely?
Sadly those “What If..?”s are reality. Abuse no longer ends at the racecourse, is no longer the harmless chides of Sidney The Algerian and it does cut through to the bone, whether there are past wounds to reopen or just fresh ones to be made. People can be broken completely, not just by thoughtless abuse but by the deliberate ‘malice aforethought’ meticulously written into an email or letter and sent to a trainer’s address that was searched for online. That’s not Sidney’s spur-of-the-moment outburst. That’s the product of a vicious, spiteful and sick mind. The next time you choose to place your money on a horse you have selected, think twice before heaping abuse on its connections when it lets you down.
No.1 Kindle and Amazon Bestseller
Chantilly Dawns
May 10, 2019
Crisis!
I believe the last time I was here blogging I was pointing out the need for a crisis for characters, to force their hand. Jack, one of the protagonists of forthcoming (in progress) 'Grey Motive' was my culprit and I've duly prepared some angst for him.
Crisis also happens to be the name of one of my favourite bands, but the word cropped up a third time after Easter, in its unpleasantest form. I know that's not a word, but I've earned it!
Following a wonderful Tramore International Ska Festival, where we danced non-stop for three evenings and most afternoons, we headed to London for Undercover punk festival. A rotten head cold kept me in bed instead of watching bands and when I got home my doctor sent me straight to hospital, where I remained for over a week!
It may have felt like a head cold, but in fact pneumonia and pleurisy were off the scale in both lungs. I’m none the worse for it and even got plenty of ‘Grey Motive’ written while in my hospital bed. The benefit of ‘tablets’ (not the pill variety)! I was looking for a crisis for the characters and found one of my own!
The nurses did their best, but the best medicine was on Wednesday, seeing The Derby winner at long last! I had thought he wouldn’t be found here in Ireland, but the quiet lazy worker at Ballydoyle came alive on the racecourse and revealed himself – Sir Dragonet. A beautiful horse, beautifully bred, his grandam a sister to Sea The Stars and Galileo, no less.
So I have my writing mojo back and my racing mojo back and, coupled with renewed good health, Sir Dragonet and I are on our way to stardom again!
Chantilly Dawns
Sainte Bastien
Gala Day
Crisis also happens to be the name of one of my favourite bands, but the word cropped up a third time after Easter, in its unpleasantest form. I know that's not a word, but I've earned it!
Following a wonderful Tramore International Ska Festival, where we danced non-stop for three evenings and most afternoons, we headed to London for Undercover punk festival. A rotten head cold kept me in bed instead of watching bands and when I got home my doctor sent me straight to hospital, where I remained for over a week!
It may have felt like a head cold, but in fact pneumonia and pleurisy were off the scale in both lungs. I’m none the worse for it and even got plenty of ‘Grey Motive’ written while in my hospital bed. The benefit of ‘tablets’ (not the pill variety)! I was looking for a crisis for the characters and found one of my own!
The nurses did their best, but the best medicine was on Wednesday, seeing The Derby winner at long last! I had thought he wouldn’t be found here in Ireland, but the quiet lazy worker at Ballydoyle came alive on the racecourse and revealed himself – Sir Dragonet. A beautiful horse, beautifully bred, his grandam a sister to Sea The Stars and Galileo, no less.
So I have my writing mojo back and my racing mojo back and, coupled with renewed good health, Sir Dragonet and I are on our way to stardom again!
Chantilly Dawns
Sainte Bastien
Gala Day
April 9, 2019
Motivation
The novel-in-progress, Grey Motive, had been held up somewhat by an obvious lack of motivation, thankfully not my own but that of a protagonist. The question being, which? I’d nearly thrust even more onto the buckled shoulders of the wrong one, until taking it back to basics and writing a simple list. What motivates?
Terry & Chris: to keep the yard running successfully. Twist in fortune - Triple Crown prospect.
Joy: to look after her family. Twist in fortune - theft suspect.
Jack: - ; - !!!
Very easy to spot the hole here! So after an evening's thought:
Jack: hoping to find a direction in life at the yard. Twist in fortune - (plot-spoiler, but you'll find out eventually!)
The motivation can be simple basics, needs, lusts, but the deeper underlying motivation driving the plot, as opposed merely to their goal, has to be stronger and the twist that pushes them over the line. As with the antagonist in Sainte Bastien, his motivation was to be a success and earn the respect of a disinterested family, but a deeper passion consumed him and propelled him unwillingly into drama. Unwillingly being the key point. The driving passion must be strong enough for the heart to overrule the head. And with that to bear in mind, back on course!
Sainte Bastien
Terry & Chris: to keep the yard running successfully. Twist in fortune - Triple Crown prospect.
Joy: to look after her family. Twist in fortune - theft suspect.
Jack: - ; - !!!
Very easy to spot the hole here! So after an evening's thought:
Jack: hoping to find a direction in life at the yard. Twist in fortune - (plot-spoiler, but you'll find out eventually!)
The motivation can be simple basics, needs, lusts, but the deeper underlying motivation driving the plot, as opposed merely to their goal, has to be stronger and the twist that pushes them over the line. As with the antagonist in Sainte Bastien, his motivation was to be a success and earn the respect of a disinterested family, but a deeper passion consumed him and propelled him unwillingly into drama. Unwillingly being the key point. The driving passion must be strong enough for the heart to overrule the head. And with that to bear in mind, back on course!
Sainte Bastien
April 8, 2019
Writing the next bestseller
The success of Chantilly Dawns hasn't really brought added pressure, in fact, it's removed it. You dream of a bestseller but never expect it. But the hope is always there. I'm not saying all hope is now gone, but the goal has been met and the niggling hope assuaged.
A lot of "but"s in there. Probably because I've not been progressing with the novel-in-progress, Grey Motive. Lack of time to write had been an issue, with other writing deadlines taking necessary priority. Now I do have the time there's a niggling lack of interest. I like the characters, I'm interested in the plot, but...
The crunch word! I LIKE the characters. I'm not yet in love. I realise that if I'm to really get to know these people, I have to see how they work. As every small boy at Christmas knows, that means breaking it first! When the protagonist is broken, seemingly beyond repair, only the author has that power to take them apart, layer by layer, and to rebuild them. Whether the book is dark or light, it's a necessary evil. Grey Motive is light, so the readers will be spared much of the breaking. But... if I don't break them first, I can't build them.
Time to get nasty, get creative and get Grey Motive on the road to completion! Brawhaha!
A lot of "but"s in there. Probably because I've not been progressing with the novel-in-progress, Grey Motive. Lack of time to write had been an issue, with other writing deadlines taking necessary priority. Now I do have the time there's a niggling lack of interest. I like the characters, I'm interested in the plot, but...
The crunch word! I LIKE the characters. I'm not yet in love. I realise that if I'm to really get to know these people, I have to see how they work. As every small boy at Christmas knows, that means breaking it first! When the protagonist is broken, seemingly beyond repair, only the author has that power to take them apart, layer by layer, and to rebuild them. Whether the book is dark or light, it's a necessary evil. Grey Motive is light, so the readers will be spared much of the breaking. But... if I don't break them first, I can't build them.
Time to get nasty, get creative and get Grey Motive on the road to completion! Brawhaha!
March 14, 2019
I have an Amazon best seller!
Well, this has certainly been a most exciting week – and I don’t mean Cheltenham! My first horseracing thriller, Chantilly Dawns, published in 2011, has just become a No.1 Best Seller on Amazon! Publishers Weekly estimates a book would need to sell almost 1,100 copies every day to land a spot on the site's top five, which is quite incredible. I’m quite jealous to think of my hero, Marcel Dessaint, settling down on a couch with so many readers, or even curling up in bed with them! I hope they enjoy his company as much as I have.
All joking apart, I was asked by another author "how does it feel?" and I can truthfully say just like Christmas morning, finding that special gift. Quite incredible and a feeling I will remember for a long time to come. To everyone who has bought any book, not just mine or Chantilly Dawns - a heartfelt thank you, It means the world to authors.
Chantilly Dawns
All joking apart, I was asked by another author "how does it feel?" and I can truthfully say just like Christmas morning, finding that special gift. Quite incredible and a feeling I will remember for a long time to come. To everyone who has bought any book, not just mine or Chantilly Dawns - a heartfelt thank you, It means the world to authors.
Chantilly Dawns
