Randy Mitchell's Blog - Posts Tagged "writing-novels"
Barns, Barstools, Tattoos and Harleys
When an author of fiction sits down to pen a novel, he has a fairly decent idea of what his story is about. He has characters in mind, places envisioned, a general idea of the plot which can make or break his efforts.
Many, like me, write from the gut and develop the book as inspiration hits while typing. Not so easy, as oftentimes this can become a very time-consuming endeavor. Others, like mega-author, John Grisham strictly believe in formatting an outline first then placing the story on paper; specifically seeing the story from beginning to end and then crafting a readable manuscript. No outline, no book, those are words they live by. The rationale is you don’t want to arrive on page 250 of 400 and draw a blank, then, you’re in big trouble.
Both methods work, but first and foremost, you have to actually see the story, right? This brings up the question: What/Who do you see and where do you go to envision your stories? What propels the creativity fairy to arrive and pay you a much-needed visit?
We’ve all heard the saying, “Writers write about what they know.” Much truth to this, no? After all, many writers have places and people they draw inspiration from.
Personally, I’ve learned to write about cities lived and visited, occupations worked in, and people who’ve made lasting impressions on me, for good or bad. For various authors, their lives are colorful enough to fill thousands of pages. For others, seeking out new ideas and visions to accompany the ones they already have is the needed answer.
My newest work-in-progress takes place in a small town outside of Dallas; and as it just happens, one where some of my family resides. So, I’m very familiar with the landscape. And there’s something about the charm of small-town living that draws people in and makes great stories--especially when there’re jackals living among good God-fearing, non-drinking, dinner-at-six type folks.
I always thought a tiny town, one like this, which rarely makes the news or gains much attention, could use a giant shakeup. Something that makes people pace the floors at night, pulls upon their greed, and tests generations of family bonds. It would take a lot to change the lifestyles of small-town attitudes; however, nothing gets peoples attention faster than the lure of buried treasure, so to speak.
Here’s where I’m going with this. I’ve known for a while what I wanted the story to be about, yet, I couldn’t envision some of the plotline I knew lay beneath the surface. So, after plenty of frustration, I did what any crazed writer would do, I started visiting the places I had in mind, and it’s helped immensely
There’s the old gas station turned restaurant/bar in the middle of nowhere (GPS required) where I hear moonshine is bottled and sold after midnight, the historic-looking town square both at lunchtime and way past dark, the biker bar where I was noticeably overdressed (tattoos and pissed-off attitude required for admission), the racetrack down the road where RV’s find new homes and fights are frequent, the neighborhood Drive-In Theatre (home of teenage pregnancies), and of course, Wal Mart, every residents second home (great for people watching while dining on popcorn and beer). To most outside observers, this tiny spec on the map of Texas is a sleepy pit stop. But dig a little deeper and stories can be found.
Think of things this way: Ever spent time at a Truck Stop in the middle of the night (just picture the drug dealing, prostitution, and adultery you’d see), Topless Bar in Washington D.C. (is that Senator #@$& across the room!), Homeless Shelter (imagine listening to the reasons of why many are there), a chic Country Club dinner table (did his wife just wink and lick her lips at that other lady’s husband?), or how about that abandoned, rusty old barn where millions (and Jimmy Hoffa) were accidentally found seconds before burning it to the ground– it stood next to a busy highway for years, yet, if people had only known. But you, the creative writer, envisioned a story inside its patinaed sheet metal while cruising by!
Stories are everywhere; maybe the ticket is spending less time at Starbucks and more at Bubba’s Bar & Grill?
Many, like me, write from the gut and develop the book as inspiration hits while typing. Not so easy, as oftentimes this can become a very time-consuming endeavor. Others, like mega-author, John Grisham strictly believe in formatting an outline first then placing the story on paper; specifically seeing the story from beginning to end and then crafting a readable manuscript. No outline, no book, those are words they live by. The rationale is you don’t want to arrive on page 250 of 400 and draw a blank, then, you’re in big trouble.
Both methods work, but first and foremost, you have to actually see the story, right? This brings up the question: What/Who do you see and where do you go to envision your stories? What propels the creativity fairy to arrive and pay you a much-needed visit?
We’ve all heard the saying, “Writers write about what they know.” Much truth to this, no? After all, many writers have places and people they draw inspiration from.
Personally, I’ve learned to write about cities lived and visited, occupations worked in, and people who’ve made lasting impressions on me, for good or bad. For various authors, their lives are colorful enough to fill thousands of pages. For others, seeking out new ideas and visions to accompany the ones they already have is the needed answer.
My newest work-in-progress takes place in a small town outside of Dallas; and as it just happens, one where some of my family resides. So, I’m very familiar with the landscape. And there’s something about the charm of small-town living that draws people in and makes great stories--especially when there’re jackals living among good God-fearing, non-drinking, dinner-at-six type folks.
I always thought a tiny town, one like this, which rarely makes the news or gains much attention, could use a giant shakeup. Something that makes people pace the floors at night, pulls upon their greed, and tests generations of family bonds. It would take a lot to change the lifestyles of small-town attitudes; however, nothing gets peoples attention faster than the lure of buried treasure, so to speak.
Here’s where I’m going with this. I’ve known for a while what I wanted the story to be about, yet, I couldn’t envision some of the plotline I knew lay beneath the surface. So, after plenty of frustration, I did what any crazed writer would do, I started visiting the places I had in mind, and it’s helped immensely
There’s the old gas station turned restaurant/bar in the middle of nowhere (GPS required) where I hear moonshine is bottled and sold after midnight, the historic-looking town square both at lunchtime and way past dark, the biker bar where I was noticeably overdressed (tattoos and pissed-off attitude required for admission), the racetrack down the road where RV’s find new homes and fights are frequent, the neighborhood Drive-In Theatre (home of teenage pregnancies), and of course, Wal Mart, every residents second home (great for people watching while dining on popcorn and beer). To most outside observers, this tiny spec on the map of Texas is a sleepy pit stop. But dig a little deeper and stories can be found.
Think of things this way: Ever spent time at a Truck Stop in the middle of the night (just picture the drug dealing, prostitution, and adultery you’d see), Topless Bar in Washington D.C. (is that Senator #@$& across the room!), Homeless Shelter (imagine listening to the reasons of why many are there), a chic Country Club dinner table (did his wife just wink and lick her lips at that other lady’s husband?), or how about that abandoned, rusty old barn where millions (and Jimmy Hoffa) were accidentally found seconds before burning it to the ground– it stood next to a busy highway for years, yet, if people had only known. But you, the creative writer, envisioned a story inside its patinaed sheet metal while cruising by!
Stories are everywhere; maybe the ticket is spending less time at Starbucks and more at Bubba’s Bar & Grill?
Writing With Guts
If you don't write with your heart, soul, or delve into your emotional database while creating, your readers won't feel anything either.
While having dinner recently, the lovely lady I was with suddenly asked, “How’s your writing going?
I took a moment and said, “Are you asking about my new book?”
“Yes, tell me about it.”
She’s one who’s suggested I do a sequel to, Sons In The Clouds. And although I haven’t dismissed that idea, right now, I have another story which I’ve spent a great deal of time developing. In my mind, and my heart, I finally believe I’ve seen the true plot from beginning to end.
As I began describing the new novel, I told her about how I saw the characters; their pain and happiness, the places they were living and drama they were experiencing. I even went so far as telling her about a dream I had a few nights earlier when I woke up sobbing myself awake because the visions I’d witnessed were so intense. She sat and listened, probably noticing my eyes starting to water while speaking. I couldn’t help it, and then I stopped, not wanting to be on display in the middle of a busy restaurant.
I could tell the storyline moved her when she said, “I think you’ve finally felt the story you want.”
This happened once before when I initially met the editor of my first book. I remember handing over the rough manuscript for her to begin working on when she said, “Tell me about the story.” The same thing happened as it recently did; I began to get emotional describing the characters because I knew and felt them so well. Not wanting to scare her away thinking I was some sort of overly emotional character, I stopped, and continued talking about other things. She probably sensed my passion at the time, and later said that she’d drawn some tears while working on the editing.
Simply stated, if you don’t write with your heart, your soul, and delve into your emotional database while creating, your readers won’t feel anything either. Rather, they’ll simply close the back binder, flip the last page (if they get that far), and toss your book aside to collect dust on the shelf, forever. They won’t carry with them an attachment to your work and they won’t tell others about their experiences into the world you created. There will not be a connection. You will have missed your chance to generate an audience.
Like most writers, I read other’s work (although I didn’t read much before I started writing). I study, interpret, and examine various blogs, books, and short stories from unknown authors like myself to those on the bestsellers lists. I look for certain qualities which move and touch me personally and deeply. I’m one who’s always on the lookout for that next great idea. But, whether or not the world loves it or hates it, if someone’s writing hits me in my gut, I know its author felt it as well.
I really love movies. But, for a movie to truly be great, the ones who wrote the words spoken on the screen had to be emotionally involved to capture the magic. They had to live with the characters insides their heads and imagine experiencing the same thoughts, gestures, heartaches, and celebrations as the ones walking across the silver screen. For a story to really come together and affect an individual in a prolific, meaningful way its creator(s) must find the heartstrings which bind the tale together.
So, what’s the best way to do it?—pulling images inside your head then placing them into the written word. And what gives truth to the well-known statement by Hemingway himself: “There is nothing to writing. All you do is sit down at a typewriter and bleed.”
For me, its commitment, time, finding inspiration, and delving inside something which is important to me; sharing an original story that pulls out emotions the reader never knew existed; giving him/her something that changes their way of thinking; and opening up their minds to believe the story is true. In reality, if you don’t believe what you’re writing, your readers won’t either. And for those of us who write fiction, receiving a reader’s trust in your storyline is something we continually strive to do.
When you write, do your readers get mad at, love, even hate your characters? Do they want to scramble and buy a ticket so they can travel to the places you’ve created? Are they feeling your lover’s kisses, sand on their toes while dashing across that beach, loosing breath chasing down that elusive murderer, or crying while watching those mistreated orphans struggle for survival awaiting adoption?
If your readers experience all, or only one of these, ole’ Ernest will be proud.
While having dinner recently, the lovely lady I was with suddenly asked, “How’s your writing going?
I took a moment and said, “Are you asking about my new book?”
“Yes, tell me about it.”
She’s one who’s suggested I do a sequel to, Sons In The Clouds. And although I haven’t dismissed that idea, right now, I have another story which I’ve spent a great deal of time developing. In my mind, and my heart, I finally believe I’ve seen the true plot from beginning to end.
As I began describing the new novel, I told her about how I saw the characters; their pain and happiness, the places they were living and drama they were experiencing. I even went so far as telling her about a dream I had a few nights earlier when I woke up sobbing myself awake because the visions I’d witnessed were so intense. She sat and listened, probably noticing my eyes starting to water while speaking. I couldn’t help it, and then I stopped, not wanting to be on display in the middle of a busy restaurant.
I could tell the storyline moved her when she said, “I think you’ve finally felt the story you want.”
This happened once before when I initially met the editor of my first book. I remember handing over the rough manuscript for her to begin working on when she said, “Tell me about the story.” The same thing happened as it recently did; I began to get emotional describing the characters because I knew and felt them so well. Not wanting to scare her away thinking I was some sort of overly emotional character, I stopped, and continued talking about other things. She probably sensed my passion at the time, and later said that she’d drawn some tears while working on the editing.
Simply stated, if you don’t write with your heart, your soul, and delve into your emotional database while creating, your readers won’t feel anything either. Rather, they’ll simply close the back binder, flip the last page (if they get that far), and toss your book aside to collect dust on the shelf, forever. They won’t carry with them an attachment to your work and they won’t tell others about their experiences into the world you created. There will not be a connection. You will have missed your chance to generate an audience.
Like most writers, I read other’s work (although I didn’t read much before I started writing). I study, interpret, and examine various blogs, books, and short stories from unknown authors like myself to those on the bestsellers lists. I look for certain qualities which move and touch me personally and deeply. I’m one who’s always on the lookout for that next great idea. But, whether or not the world loves it or hates it, if someone’s writing hits me in my gut, I know its author felt it as well.
I really love movies. But, for a movie to truly be great, the ones who wrote the words spoken on the screen had to be emotionally involved to capture the magic. They had to live with the characters insides their heads and imagine experiencing the same thoughts, gestures, heartaches, and celebrations as the ones walking across the silver screen. For a story to really come together and affect an individual in a prolific, meaningful way its creator(s) must find the heartstrings which bind the tale together.
So, what’s the best way to do it?—pulling images inside your head then placing them into the written word. And what gives truth to the well-known statement by Hemingway himself: “There is nothing to writing. All you do is sit down at a typewriter and bleed.”
For me, its commitment, time, finding inspiration, and delving inside something which is important to me; sharing an original story that pulls out emotions the reader never knew existed; giving him/her something that changes their way of thinking; and opening up their minds to believe the story is true. In reality, if you don’t believe what you’re writing, your readers won’t either. And for those of us who write fiction, receiving a reader’s trust in your storyline is something we continually strive to do.
When you write, do your readers get mad at, love, even hate your characters? Do they want to scramble and buy a ticket so they can travel to the places you’ve created? Are they feeling your lover’s kisses, sand on their toes while dashing across that beach, loosing breath chasing down that elusive murderer, or crying while watching those mistreated orphans struggle for survival awaiting adoption?
If your readers experience all, or only one of these, ole’ Ernest will be proud.
Are Politics Affecting Your Writing Style?
If you write books, are a blogger, post on social media and tap into the latest pulse of our social and political landscape it’s easy to consider popular opinions while churning out your current content. The question is: how much are you allowing these to dictate what you write?
Our world has become very judgment-minded, politically and socially correct and is constantly trying to find the right balance as to what’s trendy, acceptable and careful not to offend. It’s become exhausting and I’ve known some who’ve resorted to keeping their opinions to themselves for fear of reprisal—delicately walking that tense tightrope. They don’t dare write something which could be interpreted as argumentative, biased, or subjective. However, we all have a right to our viewpoints and this really shouldn’t affect the way we express ourselves creatively.
I’ve been developing a new novel for a while and am trying to get it finished. It’s been a long journey fitting all the pieces together. And like lots of writers, I sometimes feel like starting over. But, one thing I’ll never do is allow political and social correctness to influence my craft. I like to create realistic characters who aren’t afraid to be who they are, and no matter what, they have a right to be the individuals God created (well, I’ve plucked out of thin air). If they happen to be anti-gay, a member of the KKK, non-believer in Global warming, Democrat or Republican, Christian or Muslim, war monger, Capitalist, Socialist, or Communist I’m going to portray them exactly how I see them. It will never be about what I think personally, it’ll always be about the story and its characters I’m trying to create.
I’ve read several books from a well-known writer who also happens to be very far-left with his politics. Some of his personal activities include financially supporting and giving speeches for certain political candidates during election time. However, the characters in his books can be extremely racist, even using the “N” word describing persons of color or calling homosexuals people destined for hell. He’s very blunt bringing out the demons in his personalities. The point I’m making is his writing has nothing to do with his personal beliefs; it’s all about making a great story that’s both believable and very entertaining. Does he get much backlash about this? I’ve yet to see any change in his readership.
As writers look to gain an audience, it’s only natural and part of business to go-with-the-flow in regards to what’s hot and cool. Nobody wants to turn off a piece of the market and offend anyone with our words. But, if you’re intentionally sacrificing your writing style for the sake of business the only one you’re truly hurting is yourself.
My current novel, Sons In The Clouds and my future ones I regard as being in the Inspirational Fiction genre. “Inspirational” to me meaning the stories I tell, hopefully, will leave readers with feelings of faith, positivity and encouragement. They’re not intended to be filled with fluff, fairy godmothers, knights on white horses, or Romeo and Juliet dashing off into a sunset. All of that isn’t realistic and tends to put readers asleep. What they are intended to bring is optimism and uplifting endings while sometimes churning through the mud to get there. And that is often accomplished by using strong, raw human emotions and actions to draw the story together as well as pulling in scenes that some could find offensive. It’s all part of the game and not being timid while portraying a story is what makes things click.
I started a novel a couple of years ago about a Mexican immigrant whose family was suddenly murdered by the drug cartel. He crosses the border into the United States, lives off our government for a while, later becomes a wealthy hit man killing everyone from women to babies, dreams about seeking revenge against his family’s killers, then miraculously turns his life around with the help of newfound love and some omnipresent, spiritual signs.
Just the paragraph above could cause many to become offended. I bring out the words, “Mexican,” “immigrant,” “drug cartel,” and “living off the government” in two sentences. And with the issues of amnesty, social entitlements and racial equality ravaging our headlines these days I could run the risk of turning many people away. But, this is a story and I’m creating a fictional character that just happens to be from Mexico and enters the U.S. illegally; something happening everyday. Am I concerned about political backlash? Not in the least because it will make a terrific, graphic and uplifting story.
As an artist, feel free to express yourself and create stories that sing. The politics will take care of themselves.
Our world has become very judgment-minded, politically and socially correct and is constantly trying to find the right balance as to what’s trendy, acceptable and careful not to offend. It’s become exhausting and I’ve known some who’ve resorted to keeping their opinions to themselves for fear of reprisal—delicately walking that tense tightrope. They don’t dare write something which could be interpreted as argumentative, biased, or subjective. However, we all have a right to our viewpoints and this really shouldn’t affect the way we express ourselves creatively.
I’ve been developing a new novel for a while and am trying to get it finished. It’s been a long journey fitting all the pieces together. And like lots of writers, I sometimes feel like starting over. But, one thing I’ll never do is allow political and social correctness to influence my craft. I like to create realistic characters who aren’t afraid to be who they are, and no matter what, they have a right to be the individuals God created (well, I’ve plucked out of thin air). If they happen to be anti-gay, a member of the KKK, non-believer in Global warming, Democrat or Republican, Christian or Muslim, war monger, Capitalist, Socialist, or Communist I’m going to portray them exactly how I see them. It will never be about what I think personally, it’ll always be about the story and its characters I’m trying to create.
I’ve read several books from a well-known writer who also happens to be very far-left with his politics. Some of his personal activities include financially supporting and giving speeches for certain political candidates during election time. However, the characters in his books can be extremely racist, even using the “N” word describing persons of color or calling homosexuals people destined for hell. He’s very blunt bringing out the demons in his personalities. The point I’m making is his writing has nothing to do with his personal beliefs; it’s all about making a great story that’s both believable and very entertaining. Does he get much backlash about this? I’ve yet to see any change in his readership.
As writers look to gain an audience, it’s only natural and part of business to go-with-the-flow in regards to what’s hot and cool. Nobody wants to turn off a piece of the market and offend anyone with our words. But, if you’re intentionally sacrificing your writing style for the sake of business the only one you’re truly hurting is yourself.
My current novel, Sons In The Clouds and my future ones I regard as being in the Inspirational Fiction genre. “Inspirational” to me meaning the stories I tell, hopefully, will leave readers with feelings of faith, positivity and encouragement. They’re not intended to be filled with fluff, fairy godmothers, knights on white horses, or Romeo and Juliet dashing off into a sunset. All of that isn’t realistic and tends to put readers asleep. What they are intended to bring is optimism and uplifting endings while sometimes churning through the mud to get there. And that is often accomplished by using strong, raw human emotions and actions to draw the story together as well as pulling in scenes that some could find offensive. It’s all part of the game and not being timid while portraying a story is what makes things click.
I started a novel a couple of years ago about a Mexican immigrant whose family was suddenly murdered by the drug cartel. He crosses the border into the United States, lives off our government for a while, later becomes a wealthy hit man killing everyone from women to babies, dreams about seeking revenge against his family’s killers, then miraculously turns his life around with the help of newfound love and some omnipresent, spiritual signs.
Just the paragraph above could cause many to become offended. I bring out the words, “Mexican,” “immigrant,” “drug cartel,” and “living off the government” in two sentences. And with the issues of amnesty, social entitlements and racial equality ravaging our headlines these days I could run the risk of turning many people away. But, this is a story and I’m creating a fictional character that just happens to be from Mexico and enters the U.S. illegally; something happening everyday. Am I concerned about political backlash? Not in the least because it will make a terrific, graphic and uplifting story.
As an artist, feel free to express yourself and create stories that sing. The politics will take care of themselves.
