Jennifer L. Davidson's Blog, page 16

Writing styles

I'm currently reading a book by Jonathan Kellerman and am paying close attention to his writing style, which I'm learning is very different from my own. He tends to use shorter sentences. He also adds in commas where I wouldn't, although, I'm the first to admit I use them more often than I think I should. He writes with the main character speaking in the first person while the chapters dedicated to the other characters are in the third person. In Missing Maggie, Kody is in first person, but so are Daniel and Kevin when we hear from them. That might be something I should rethink. Kellerman draws the mystery out by involving a lot of different characters, which I suppose you need when it involves detectives looking for a murderer. My plot line in Missing Maggie was slow to begin with, but then ended in a whirlwind. Kellerman has obviously had more practice with pacing. I'm not finished with the book yet so I'll be interested to see how it ends. Does he use an epilogue like I prefer so that everything gets wrapped up all nice and neat, or does he simply solve the crime and keep us wondering if the main character gets back together with his ex? 

Making progress

I finally got past the first few pages of my first draft, which is still unnamed by the way. It wasn't fun and I can barely read the original print, but I think what I've done so far will make for a better book. Like I mentioned in my last post, half of the text will be moved elsewhere so I have some empty space to fill. I can only assume more rearranging will be necessary and everything will fall into place. I've also found a few conversations that need to be prolonged. As I was reading, I wondered why Kody didn't ask her clients more questions. She was being too brief, which led me to question the relevance of their words.

I'm only a quarter of the way through my draft and it's already the 15th of March. If I'm going to meet my deadline of May 1st for a reader-ready copy, I'm going to have to hustle. This summer weather isn't helping matters. I find myself spring cleaning, playing outside with my son, and running on the trails when I should be picking up my red pen. I can't possibly get up any earlier so I'll have to come up with another plan. Hmmmmmm.

The first few pages

So far I've destroyed the first few pages of my first draft. The red pen has bled all over it and I've determined that half of the text needs to be moved elsewhere. In my head I'm thinking, "Show, don't tell." I'm also thinking about how I can grab the reader's attention within the first few paragraphs. Then, it's important to me to show the reader some of the elements he or she will experience throughout the length of the book. I'm feeling overwhelmed....

MSP book club

I had another fabulous time with a book club last night. This time I was in Minneapolis near the Mall of America. The ladies were welcoming, easy to talk to, and felt comfortable voicing their opinions, all of which were very positive. I think I even came back to Rochester with an idea for book #3. Nancy might have to reveal some secrets. Hmmm...I wonder what those will be.

I must confess, I never tire of talking about "Missing Maggie" and the various characters that live in Kody's world. This surprises me a little because I'm not necessarily the most chatty of people. I tend to be a better listener. However, the passion I feel for writing brings me right out of my shell, almost to the point where I wonder if I talk too much.

Thanks for a wonderful evening, ladies, and thanks for inviting me to join along in your discussion.

First draft complete

I should be ecstatic right now, jumping for joy, buying a round of drinks somewhere fancy to celebrate the completion of not one, but two novels. I hate to say it, but it feels rather anticlimactic.The only explanation I can come up with is that I know how much work I have yet to put into it to get it ready for publication. The first draft is a mere 20% of the final product in my eyes. And if it's anything like last time, I'll rewrite the story more than a dozen times, questioning the quality of my work every step of the way. We are all our worst critic!

Next step: Print it out, buy a new red pen, and bleed all over the paper. Sounds like fun, huh?

Next goal: By May 1st, be ready to pass out copies of the book to a small group of readers for their input.

Finishing book #2 this weekend

Okay, so it's only the first draft that I'll be finished with, but this is HUGE! I have my husband to thank since he is taking himself and the kids away to visit grandma and grandpa. I'll have the entire weekend to myself, with the exception of all the stinkin' animals that also live here, to write, write, write. My husband left town with the kids a few times when I was finishing Missing Maggie and it was a tremendous help. Even with a "finished" product, I am no way near being finished. I have a lot of work ahead of me, but I'm right on track to self-publish again in October.

"Chopped" for writers

What if there was a "Chopped" television show for writers? In case you aren't a fan of the The Food Network, "Chopped" is an hour-long reality show where four chefs compete to win $10,000. After three courses, with one chef being cut after each, the winner is announced. To make it even more challenging, the chefs must create their plate using the specific ingredients given to them. So here's what I'm thinking, let's have four writers compete for some money. During each round, writers are given a topic  to write about during a set amount of time. The writer with the worst essay gets the boot. I don't know who the judges should be. They could either be English professors or avid readers. My vote is for the reader. Anyone else up for a battle?

Rochester's Book Babes

My afternoon with the "Book Babes" was grand. We shared a fabulous meal, which included ribs and a chocolate torte with fresh raspberries, and had great conversation. I have to admit I was nervous before I left my house, but once I got to our meeting place, that all went away. I mean, what's to be nervous about? I was joining a group of women to talk about books. I love talking about books! It was a little different being that it was my book, but a book all the same. The "Babes" asked me a few questions about how Missing Maggie and the character of Kody came to be. I asked them a few questions about what they liked and what they thought I might do better in the next book. After we said our good-byes I drove straight to a coffee shop and jotted down several pages of notes in my writing journal. I took mental notes during our conversation that I didn't want to forget.
Create better transitions when changing narratorsCreate believable characters for a believable plotCreate well-rounded characters that are satisfying to the readerFind an editor to catch my grammar mistakesI have to say my first experience of joining a book club was a positive one. I can't wait for the next one. Thanks, ladies!

Book clubs - gotta love them

To date, I've been asked to join two book clubs in their discussion of Missing Maggie. On President's Day, I'll be joining the Rochester Book Babes, which I'm very excited about. It's a lunch meeting with drinks. Bonus! The other date I have scheduled is in early March with an old friend who lives in the Minneapolis area. I'm so very appreciative that both groups chose my book as their monthly selection, and then that they want me to join in on the fun. I'm not real sure what to expect, but it will be a learning experience to say the least. Hopefully my being there won't hinder anyone from giving me some constructive criticism. These meetings are opportunities to grow.

Please let me know if your book club is interested. I'd love to join you!

It's all about love

In honor of Valentine's Day, I thought I'd post a paragraph from "Missing Maggie" that explains some of Kody Burkoff's views on love.

The thought of never wantingto be away from someone, of having another human being totally consume youuntil they are all that you can think about. That's what I've been striving for.That's what love should feel like. It shouldn't be some mediocre feeling youhave when someone walks into the room. The feeling of love should be dynamic.Sparks should fly just like in the cartoons. Your heart should enlarge to threetimes its size and beat outside of your body. You should be able to stand up onthe couch at the Oprah show and proclaim your love for that one special person.Come on, don't tell me you didn't think what Tom Cruise did was just a littlebit adorable. That's what it's all about, folks. It's all about love.

Happy Valentine's Day!