Clint Stoker's Blog, page 5
February 1, 2013
Motivation
Normally, motivating myself to write is easy. I've mastered this method called 'day dreaming'.
I like to imagine my book in it's final form and the "I totally nailed it" feeling I'll get when I read through my manuscript for the final time. I imagine my friends and family reading my manuscript and with tears of awesomeness running down their faces (yes, awesomeness can cause tears, but only in rare and extreme cases) they say things like "dude, you totally nailed it" or "that book changed my definition of awesome."
Another motivational trick is to watch YouTube clips of authors being interviewed or giving advice to new writers. I like seeing them as normal people, just like me.
Lately, none of these tricks have worked. I had been in the habit of writing almost every day for months, but now I hit a brick wall.
Maybe I'm just lazy, or I need to daydream more. Maybe what I really need is a vacation.
Needless to say, my goal of being ready for beta readers by Valentines day probably isn't going to happen. I will, however, make a point to write today and get back into the groove.
How do you get motivated?
I like to imagine my book in it's final form and the "I totally nailed it" feeling I'll get when I read through my manuscript for the final time. I imagine my friends and family reading my manuscript and with tears of awesomeness running down their faces (yes, awesomeness can cause tears, but only in rare and extreme cases) they say things like "dude, you totally nailed it" or "that book changed my definition of awesome."
Another motivational trick is to watch YouTube clips of authors being interviewed or giving advice to new writers. I like seeing them as normal people, just like me.
Lately, none of these tricks have worked. I had been in the habit of writing almost every day for months, but now I hit a brick wall.
Maybe I'm just lazy, or I need to daydream more. Maybe what I really need is a vacation.
Needless to say, my goal of being ready for beta readers by Valentines day probably isn't going to happen. I will, however, make a point to write today and get back into the groove.
How do you get motivated?
January 15, 2013
Round 2
I'm working on the second draft of All for Owen. In fact, I am already on chapter 7.
The second draft is really fun to write. It's different from the first in several ways. I already know the story. I know the characters much better. I know what plot problems I want to fix. Etc...
This time around, I'm really focusing on Character development and consistency. So far, I'm really pleased with the direction this draft is heading. Assuming I keep the pace going, my goal is to have the second draft finished in three weeks. (February 5th.) That means I'll be looking for beta readers around Valentines day. Any takers?
So what am I reading?
This book is both inspirational and upsetting because Zusak's writing is just so good, it makes me realize how much work is ahead for me.
The second draft is really fun to write. It's different from the first in several ways. I already know the story. I know the characters much better. I know what plot problems I want to fix. Etc...
This time around, I'm really focusing on Character development and consistency. So far, I'm really pleased with the direction this draft is heading. Assuming I keep the pace going, my goal is to have the second draft finished in three weeks. (February 5th.) That means I'll be looking for beta readers around Valentines day. Any takers?
So what am I reading?
This book is both inspirational and upsetting because Zusak's writing is just so good, it makes me realize how much work is ahead for me.
January 4, 2013
One Draft Down
Good news and bad news.
First the bad news. I didn't reach my goal of finishing the first draft of ALL FOR OWEN by Dec 21, 2012.
The good news is that the world didn't actually end, (whew) so I had more time. Today, I can announce that the first draft is finished!
It's weird because I really want to be happy and celebrate this momentous occasion, but it doesn't really feel like the big accomplishment it truly is. I had the same feeling when I finished the first draft of THE CAUSE. I guess I'm the type of person who climbs up a mountain, but instead of looking around and saying "Wow, I really did it," I look around and say, "Great, now I need to get all the way back to the car without killing myself."
I've started looking at the first two chapters and I know there are serious changes to be made. The really amazing part is that I have a starting point. I know the story now and the characters. So I'm going to take a breath, then head back down the mountain.
First the bad news. I didn't reach my goal of finishing the first draft of ALL FOR OWEN by Dec 21, 2012.
The good news is that the world didn't actually end, (whew) so I had more time. Today, I can announce that the first draft is finished!
It's weird because I really want to be happy and celebrate this momentous occasion, but it doesn't really feel like the big accomplishment it truly is. I had the same feeling when I finished the first draft of THE CAUSE. I guess I'm the type of person who climbs up a mountain, but instead of looking around and saying "Wow, I really did it," I look around and say, "Great, now I need to get all the way back to the car without killing myself."
I've started looking at the first two chapters and I know there are serious changes to be made. The really amazing part is that I have a starting point. I know the story now and the characters. So I'm going to take a breath, then head back down the mountain.
December 5, 2012
I Am Inspired
It's time to rant about another book I've read and adore. This book is special to me because it got me interested in reading and thus writing. I Am Legend by Richard Matheson.
When I was in school, I wasn't a reader. I had to take those classes to help me read. I remember during reading time, I would look over a book and get nothing out of it. My eyes would literally breeze over the pages while I daydreamed about something else. I figured it was just because I didn't like reading. And, in some respects, I was right.
It wasn't until very early on in college that I picked a book to read that I was excited about. I had a reading class and the teaching did something amazing. She gave us the option to pick a book to do a report on -- any book. She didn't have a preselected list of books, like they do in grade school.
I thought about it and decided that I'd actually be interested in reading I Am Legend. I bought the book, because the customary 2-week period that a library gives you wasn't enough for me. I was a really slow reader. I didn't want to deal with the added pressure. It's silly now that I look back at it.
I read I Am Legend at my own pace and I LOVED IT! There was something beautiful about the story telling that really spoke to me. I cared about the protagonist. I found time to read between classes. For the first time in my life, I read because I enjoyed it. I got something out of those words and I didn't daydream while I read, I day dreamed about the story during class (I know -- that's a whole other issue.) I devoured that book and wanted more.
I sometimes regret not reading I Am Legend Sooner. Maybe I would have loved reading and writing earlier in life. Either way, the story means a lot to me. It's short and simple and it's gritty and beautifully written. Everyone should give it a try.
Matheson is a huge influence on my own story telling. I strongly suggest reading it. (It's better than and completely different from the movie.)
When I was in school, I wasn't a reader. I had to take those classes to help me read. I remember during reading time, I would look over a book and get nothing out of it. My eyes would literally breeze over the pages while I daydreamed about something else. I figured it was just because I didn't like reading. And, in some respects, I was right.
It wasn't until very early on in college that I picked a book to read that I was excited about. I had a reading class and the teaching did something amazing. She gave us the option to pick a book to do a report on -- any book. She didn't have a preselected list of books, like they do in grade school.
I thought about it and decided that I'd actually be interested in reading I Am Legend. I bought the book, because the customary 2-week period that a library gives you wasn't enough for me. I was a really slow reader. I didn't want to deal with the added pressure. It's silly now that I look back at it.
I read I Am Legend at my own pace and I LOVED IT! There was something beautiful about the story telling that really spoke to me. I cared about the protagonist. I found time to read between classes. For the first time in my life, I read because I enjoyed it. I got something out of those words and I didn't daydream while I read, I day dreamed about the story during class (I know -- that's a whole other issue.) I devoured that book and wanted more.
I sometimes regret not reading I Am Legend Sooner. Maybe I would have loved reading and writing earlier in life. Either way, the story means a lot to me. It's short and simple and it's gritty and beautifully written. Everyone should give it a try.
Matheson is a huge influence on my own story telling. I strongly suggest reading it. (It's better than and completely different from the movie.)
December 3, 2012
Goals
I saw a news report on the supposed 'end of the world' according to the Mayan calendar. Don't get me wrong, I love the end of the world scenario. I'm writing about the end of the world for crying out loud! But a lot of people have been freaking out about it and prepping for the end or planing on committing suicide before the end. Really, all the stupid things that people think when the end is coming. I have a different problem with the end -- procrastination.
Originally, my goal was to finish the first draft of my story by December. Obviously that deadline has come and gone. So I'm still working hard on All for Owen, but now I don't have a goal. I've honestly been planning on setting a new goal for the first draft on New Years eve.
I'm being lax now, so I can set myself up for a successful New Years resolution! I know, I'm just as bad as those doomsday, eat drink be merry folks!
I can't let it happen.
My new goal is to finish the first draft before December 21st. That's right, while people are stocking up on gas masks and practicing their zombie survival skills, I'll be writing furiously (well, I'll also be practicing zombie survival skills -- don't judge). Because this goal is for this year. And on New Years Eve, my resolution will be to rewrite, polish and submit my COMPLETE manuscript to a lucky literary agent.
Bring it on Mayan's!
Originally, my goal was to finish the first draft of my story by December. Obviously that deadline has come and gone. So I'm still working hard on All for Owen, but now I don't have a goal. I've honestly been planning on setting a new goal for the first draft on New Years eve.
I'm being lax now, so I can set myself up for a successful New Years resolution! I know, I'm just as bad as those doomsday, eat drink be merry folks!
I can't let it happen.
My new goal is to finish the first draft before December 21st. That's right, while people are stocking up on gas masks and practicing their zombie survival skills, I'll be writing furiously (well, I'll also be practicing zombie survival skills -- don't judge). Because this goal is for this year. And on New Years Eve, my resolution will be to rewrite, polish and submit my COMPLETE manuscript to a lucky literary agent.
Bring it on Mayan's!
November 30, 2012
New Begining, New Ending
I'm back to work on All for Owen after several weeks of stalling. I had time to write, lot's of it. But I was a little unsure about the story and where it was going.
I'm happy to announce, inspiration struck.
Well, I'm not all that happy. There is also the scary feeling that comes with butchering my existing outline. I'm making some serious plot changes. The only way this story will work, and have the kind of impact I'm looking for, is if I change the ending. And to change the ending, I need to change the beginning -- a lot. It's daunting but it's a good thing.
I'm really excited about the new direction because it feels like it is supposed to be that way. Like I've already written the story a long time ago and now I'm trying to remember how it's goes. That's a really cool feeling.
I re-outlined the entire novel and added a few more plot points and characters that I'm stoked to write. Now, I just need to get in gear and write.
Motivational quotes, anyone?
I'm happy to announce, inspiration struck.
Well, I'm not all that happy. There is also the scary feeling that comes with butchering my existing outline. I'm making some serious plot changes. The only way this story will work, and have the kind of impact I'm looking for, is if I change the ending. And to change the ending, I need to change the beginning -- a lot. It's daunting but it's a good thing.
I'm really excited about the new direction because it feels like it is supposed to be that way. Like I've already written the story a long time ago and now I'm trying to remember how it's goes. That's a really cool feeling.
I re-outlined the entire novel and added a few more plot points and characters that I'm stoked to write. Now, I just need to get in gear and write.
Motivational quotes, anyone?
October 2, 2012
Cormac McCarthy
I recently finished Blood Meridian by Cormac McCarthy. Normally, I wouldn't read a western without a sizable bribe, but this was different. Blood Meridian is said to be McCarthy's best work. And that's no small statement.
Blood Meridian isn't for weak stomachs. I expected violence, it's about war and genocide after all, but I was seriously surprised at how much. It was a reminder about how evil human beings can be. I hated every character in this book, but McCarthy kept me reading. This book is almost set from the antagonists point of view. The best character in the book is also the most insidious. The judge.
When I finished this book, I realized that there is definitely deeper meaning behind the story. I'm still thinking about it. While I enjoyed Blood Meridian, it still isn't one of my favorites.
I first discovered McCarthy through his latest novel, The Road. It was dark and gritty. I felt emotionally vested in the characters, even though McCarthy never tells their names. The story is set in post-apocalyptic America when the sun is blotted out and people resort to cannibalism. It's a truly awesome story.
I enjoyed The Road so much that I decided to pick up another one of his books, No Country for Old Men. Again, I loved this book. The writing is beautiful in a really dark way.
I've tried to emulate McCarthy's writing style in my own work.But let me be clear -- I am no Cormac McCarthy nor do I aspire to ever write like him. His stories are awesome because they make me think. They leave me with a lasting impression. Part of the reason his books do this so well is because he ends his literature in sad ways. I'd get depressed if I read too many books like that.
If you are interested in reading beautiful prose (and you can stomach some intense violence). I highly suggest any three of these books. My personal favorite is a toss up between The Road and No Country for Old Men.
Blood Meridian isn't for weak stomachs. I expected violence, it's about war and genocide after all, but I was seriously surprised at how much. It was a reminder about how evil human beings can be. I hated every character in this book, but McCarthy kept me reading. This book is almost set from the antagonists point of view. The best character in the book is also the most insidious. The judge.
When I finished this book, I realized that there is definitely deeper meaning behind the story. I'm still thinking about it. While I enjoyed Blood Meridian, it still isn't one of my favorites.
I first discovered McCarthy through his latest novel, The Road. It was dark and gritty. I felt emotionally vested in the characters, even though McCarthy never tells their names. The story is set in post-apocalyptic America when the sun is blotted out and people resort to cannibalism. It's a truly awesome story.
I enjoyed The Road so much that I decided to pick up another one of his books, No Country for Old Men. Again, I loved this book. The writing is beautiful in a really dark way.
I've tried to emulate McCarthy's writing style in my own work.But let me be clear -- I am no Cormac McCarthy nor do I aspire to ever write like him. His stories are awesome because they make me think. They leave me with a lasting impression. Part of the reason his books do this so well is because he ends his literature in sad ways. I'd get depressed if I read too many books like that.
If you are interested in reading beautiful prose (and you can stomach some intense violence). I highly suggest any three of these books. My personal favorite is a toss up between The Road and No Country for Old Men.
October 1, 2012
What I'm Reading
It's hard to keep writing on my blog when I don't have any real news to give. Blogging about myself really get's old, so I'm going to start adding posts about what I'm reading. Not only will these new posts be on topic (writing), but they should help explain my writing style. I've read some awesome books, and I've really tried to apply some of the cool techniques I've seen into my writing. This should be fun. My next post will be on Cormac McCarthy and his book Blood Meridian.
Here's something fun. I Googled The Cause and found quotes from my book. It always makes me feel more legit when there are other people quoting me.
Here's something fun. I Googled The Cause and found quotes from my book. It always makes me feel more legit when there are other people quoting me.
September 13, 2012
Update
This is me being accountable to my blog for my writing progress...
I'm about 1/3 of the way done with the first draft of All For Owen. So far, so good.
over the next few months, I'll be looking for readers who are willing to give me honest and helpful feedback. Send me an email If you're interested.
I'm about 1/3 of the way done with the first draft of All For Owen. So far, so good.
over the next few months, I'll be looking for readers who are willing to give me honest and helpful feedback. Send me an email If you're interested.
September 6, 2012
This Could Be The One!
Life after college is awesome. I can actually focus all my attention on the task at hand. (Playing with my son, working, writing, relaxing.) It's nice.
The past two weeks have been seriously productive. I've added 30 pages to my manuscript - All For Owen. And I cannot express how excited I am about this story. Really. If I stick to my current rate and still have those creative juices flowing, I'll have the first draft finished by the December. The first draft is the hardest part.
I know I had said All For Owen would be a serial novel, but as I continue working, I'm realizing that this could actually be the story that transforms me from an indie author peddling stories on Amazon to a legitimate, professionally published author. I know - cool huh? I'm planning on sending it to an agent once it's looking as perfect as possible. And if All For Owen doesn't get picked up, I'll publish it myself. Either way, I'm really excited about this story.
The past two weeks have been seriously productive. I've added 30 pages to my manuscript - All For Owen. And I cannot express how excited I am about this story. Really. If I stick to my current rate and still have those creative juices flowing, I'll have the first draft finished by the December. The first draft is the hardest part.
I know I had said All For Owen would be a serial novel, but as I continue working, I'm realizing that this could actually be the story that transforms me from an indie author peddling stories on Amazon to a legitimate, professionally published author. I know - cool huh? I'm planning on sending it to an agent once it's looking as perfect as possible. And if All For Owen doesn't get picked up, I'll publish it myself. Either way, I'm really excited about this story.
