Rebecca Graf's Blog, page 6
May 31, 2012
Writing Withdrawal
For a writer, having writing writing withdrawal can be devastating. It can ruin your personal life, professional life, and have you on the verge of being rushed to the emergency room.
Exaggerations? Barely.
My personal life is falling apart. Why? I haven't had time to write. The result is grouchiness, depression, and daydreaming of the next scene that never seems to get written. It's horrible. My family is begging me to lock myself away. I think they want me to write. Maybe they just wanted me locked away.
My professional life is both rejoicing and wailing at my withdrawals. I am getting writing done for other sites and working on Silver Tongue Press stuff, but I'm not getting any headway on my books. A win/lose situation.
I need to write! I need to get more of The Men's Preservation Society Done. I need to edit Trust Me. I need to work on the final revisions of Deep Connections. I need to write!
Now, how is your day? :)
Exaggerations? Barely.
My personal life is falling apart. Why? I haven't had time to write. The result is grouchiness, depression, and daydreaming of the next scene that never seems to get written. It's horrible. My family is begging me to lock myself away. I think they want me to write. Maybe they just wanted me locked away.
My professional life is both rejoicing and wailing at my withdrawals. I am getting writing done for other sites and working on Silver Tongue Press stuff, but I'm not getting any headway on my books. A win/lose situation.
I need to write! I need to get more of The Men's Preservation Society Done. I need to edit Trust Me. I need to work on the final revisions of Deep Connections. I need to write!
Now, how is your day? :)
May 28, 2012
Tell Your Writer Friends
A new publishing company is looking for some writers. Children's writers. Scary writers. Silver Tongue Press is putting together an anthology of scary children's stories in time for Halloween. They need authors. Each submission accepted and published will be paid royalties.
Tell you friends about it. There might be a dream writer waiting on such an opportunity. Before you know they are living the writer's dream of seeing their work in print.
Check it out at http://www.silvertonguepress.com.
Tell you friends about it. There might be a dream writer waiting on such an opportunity. Before you know they are living the writer's dream of seeing their work in print.
Check it out at http://www.silvertonguepress.com.
May 26, 2012
Development of My Writing
I used to think that a writer was just born with the ability and the words came out nearly perfect as they wrote. I think I viewed it this way because in school my teachers never really took the time to show me how to improve my creative writing. It was here's the A and let's move on.
I wrote my first stories. I did something not too smart. I showed them to someone I considered a friend. They began pointing out every problem they could find including character development. It was the first draft and just really pages of ideas. I thought I was not the born writer and stopped writing creatively for over a year.
Then I met a friend who writes and she pointed out that it is a process and has to develop. Even the bestselling authors of today write crappy first drafts and then edit like crazy to produce award winning material.
I sat down and wrote. It was a story I had dreamed and I couldn't get it off my mind. I just wrote. I didn't care of it made sense or was logical. I produced at 20,000 word first draft.
I went back and began editing it. Then I went back through and edited it again. The editor has it. I'll go through it again before we finalize it and get it published. It is now well over 80,000 words.
I'm finding that I have to write the bare bones of the story first. I don't care about describing the location or the character's facial expressions. I just need to get the action and plot out.
Next, I go back and expand on plot and begin describing. The next round is largely descriptive writing. When I'm ready to pass it on to an editor, it is nothing like the first draft. It is much bigger and deeper.
Add to the fact that I'm growing as a writer you can't judge my writing on the first drafts. If you did, I'd just have to quit.
But watching the story move from notes on a page to something close to publishing quality is amazing. It is so much fun to watch how it morphs from an idea into a reality. Writing is so cool!
The result of all this is July being the month I publish Deep Connections!
I wrote my first stories. I did something not too smart. I showed them to someone I considered a friend. They began pointing out every problem they could find including character development. It was the first draft and just really pages of ideas. I thought I was not the born writer and stopped writing creatively for over a year.
Then I met a friend who writes and she pointed out that it is a process and has to develop. Even the bestselling authors of today write crappy first drafts and then edit like crazy to produce award winning material.
I sat down and wrote. It was a story I had dreamed and I couldn't get it off my mind. I just wrote. I didn't care of it made sense or was logical. I produced at 20,000 word first draft.
I went back and began editing it. Then I went back through and edited it again. The editor has it. I'll go through it again before we finalize it and get it published. It is now well over 80,000 words.
I'm finding that I have to write the bare bones of the story first. I don't care about describing the location or the character's facial expressions. I just need to get the action and plot out.
Next, I go back and expand on plot and begin describing. The next round is largely descriptive writing. When I'm ready to pass it on to an editor, it is nothing like the first draft. It is much bigger and deeper.
Add to the fact that I'm growing as a writer you can't judge my writing on the first drafts. If you did, I'd just have to quit.
But watching the story move from notes on a page to something close to publishing quality is amazing. It is so much fun to watch how it morphs from an idea into a reality. Writing is so cool!
The result of all this is July being the month I publish Deep Connections!
May 25, 2012
Precious Support
When you strike out into the unknown to discover a dream, support from those around you is very precious. Sadly, it is rare to find and can take time to develop.
Striking out on my writing career, I had from the beginning a small amount of support from my husband. He knew that I was one who pushed aside dreams to do what society deemed the right thing. In the process, he saw me becoming miserable. As my love of writing developed, he was there to suggest focusing on it. He was there to say I could quit my job. He was there telling me we would make it.
When times got tough (and they still do), he refused to hear of me going back to work full time. I did take a seasonal tax preparation job but nothing more. Yet I'll be honest in that fact the support was not exactly what I needed.
I needed my family to read my material.
You heard right. No one really read my stuff including my husband. Part of this is because he is not a big reader. In fact, I think I can count on both hands the number of books he has read in his life. He read excerpts of my pieces only.
No one beyond that read my material until I published A Gift for a Mouse. Still no support when it came to promoting my work. I rarely saw family or friends like and share my work on the social networks I used.
I have since found out that some read my work but never said anything. Though I am grateful they took the time to read it, not saying anything was not helpful. I still needed the support and encouragement to write.
Within the last few months, I've found it. My husband has read a few chapters of my latest and is willing to do anything to see it published. He said to spend whatever to get it done. He said to not get a job and focus on writing. He said I had to get it published soon. My heart sang with those words.
From there I began to think a deep freeze had occurred in a remote region below the earth's surface as I began to hear similar sentiments from a few other family and friends. To hear the words of support from my mother-in-law's lips was like sweet nectar to me. Why? Because I felt like she was accepting me as a writer. By doing that she was accepting more of me. If only the rest of my family would feel the same....
The only other family member I know of that has read any of my current material is my cousin who is creating the cover of Deep Connections. Sadly, no one else has read it.
Of my friends, I have my muses that give me the most support. I wouldn't be writing the books I am without Lisa, Sara, and Courtney. But I had to do a happy dance when another old friend read the first seven chapters of Deep Connections and begged for more! Her words sent me into writer's heaven. A few days later another friend on facebook did the same thing. That was what I needed.
Support for those around you is precious because it is not always easy to obtain and can take time. But when you get it, you will appreciate it so much more. By writing this, I'm not complaining about people. I'm pointing out to you how important it is to support the writers in your family or circle of friends. It doesn't take much to like or share their material. Retweet a post. Ask them how their writing is going. Show you care and you'll see a writer soaring through the sky creating works of literary art.
Striking out on my writing career, I had from the beginning a small amount of support from my husband. He knew that I was one who pushed aside dreams to do what society deemed the right thing. In the process, he saw me becoming miserable. As my love of writing developed, he was there to suggest focusing on it. He was there to say I could quit my job. He was there telling me we would make it.
When times got tough (and they still do), he refused to hear of me going back to work full time. I did take a seasonal tax preparation job but nothing more. Yet I'll be honest in that fact the support was not exactly what I needed.
I needed my family to read my material.
You heard right. No one really read my stuff including my husband. Part of this is because he is not a big reader. In fact, I think I can count on both hands the number of books he has read in his life. He read excerpts of my pieces only.
No one beyond that read my material until I published A Gift for a Mouse. Still no support when it came to promoting my work. I rarely saw family or friends like and share my work on the social networks I used.
I have since found out that some read my work but never said anything. Though I am grateful they took the time to read it, not saying anything was not helpful. I still needed the support and encouragement to write.
Within the last few months, I've found it. My husband has read a few chapters of my latest and is willing to do anything to see it published. He said to spend whatever to get it done. He said to not get a job and focus on writing. He said I had to get it published soon. My heart sang with those words.
From there I began to think a deep freeze had occurred in a remote region below the earth's surface as I began to hear similar sentiments from a few other family and friends. To hear the words of support from my mother-in-law's lips was like sweet nectar to me. Why? Because I felt like she was accepting me as a writer. By doing that she was accepting more of me. If only the rest of my family would feel the same....
The only other family member I know of that has read any of my current material is my cousin who is creating the cover of Deep Connections. Sadly, no one else has read it.
Of my friends, I have my muses that give me the most support. I wouldn't be writing the books I am without Lisa, Sara, and Courtney. But I had to do a happy dance when another old friend read the first seven chapters of Deep Connections and begged for more! Her words sent me into writer's heaven. A few days later another friend on facebook did the same thing. That was what I needed.
Support for those around you is precious because it is not always easy to obtain and can take time. But when you get it, you will appreciate it so much more. By writing this, I'm not complaining about people. I'm pointing out to you how important it is to support the writers in your family or circle of friends. It doesn't take much to like or share their material. Retweet a post. Ask them how their writing is going. Show you care and you'll see a writer soaring through the sky creating works of literary art.
May 24, 2012
The End of May
The end of May is just a week away. That week will fly by. It always does especially when there is so much to be done between now and then.
I have a virtual book tour today on my website for Demon Vampire. I have another one in six days for Saving Mary. Then I have to prepare for 9 virtual book tours in June. Wow! That means reading 9 books and getting my website prepared for it along with writing the reviews and getting the interviews done.
On top of that, I'm going to spend a few weeks with my mother who lives almost 1000 miles away. She doesn't have internet access! That means driving into town everyday and getting my work done. That will be most of June.
This is also the month my first novel will be 'finished'. I'll begin the final editing and formatting for publication in July. I'll also begin the editing process of the sequel to Deep Connections.
As if I needed more on my plate :), I've joined with two friends to start a publishing company called Silver Tongue Press. We officially will launch on June 1st with a call to all writers. We're pulling together an anthology of children's stories for Halloween and Christmas.
The month of June is not only busy but life changing. So much to do. So little time. So much fun!
I have a virtual book tour today on my website for Demon Vampire. I have another one in six days for Saving Mary. Then I have to prepare for 9 virtual book tours in June. Wow! That means reading 9 books and getting my website prepared for it along with writing the reviews and getting the interviews done.
On top of that, I'm going to spend a few weeks with my mother who lives almost 1000 miles away. She doesn't have internet access! That means driving into town everyday and getting my work done. That will be most of June.
This is also the month my first novel will be 'finished'. I'll begin the final editing and formatting for publication in July. I'll also begin the editing process of the sequel to Deep Connections.
As if I needed more on my plate :), I've joined with two friends to start a publishing company called Silver Tongue Press. We officially will launch on June 1st with a call to all writers. We're pulling together an anthology of children's stories for Halloween and Christmas.
The month of June is not only busy but life changing. So much to do. So little time. So much fun!
May 22, 2012
The Call of Short Stories
I'm in the middle of writing three books at the moment. Okay, make it four. Yet, there are times when I want to stray just a little and play with another storyline. But if I do that, I'll get focused on another book and then my muses will have my hide. I need to get the ones I'm working on now done. So what do I do?
I'm looking to short stories.
In my idea book, I have a section for just short stories. A story idea pops up but it does not appear to be big enough for a book. I put it on the short story idea list. Now, I'm going to explore that list and see what item will take care of my restless creative spirit.
A short story can be anything up to approximately 5000 words. That is about 20 pages. I've written one short story so far and had it published in Mused, a literary magazine produced by BellaOnline.com. I think I'm going to write a few more.
This is going to be fun.
I'm looking to short stories.
In my idea book, I have a section for just short stories. A story idea pops up but it does not appear to be big enough for a book. I put it on the short story idea list. Now, I'm going to explore that list and see what item will take care of my restless creative spirit.
A short story can be anything up to approximately 5000 words. That is about 20 pages. I've written one short story so far and had it published in Mused, a literary magazine produced by BellaOnline.com. I think I'm going to write a few more.
This is going to be fun.
May 21, 2012
Dangerous Muses
I have a few dangerous muses. Their names are Sara and Courtney with a semi-dangerous one in Lisa. How are they dangerous?
1. Death by laughter - They can have you dying laughing in no time. When I finish writing a chapter, they begin demanding more and threatening me.
2. Honesty - They are honest with me in all manners. This means they will tell me things suck or if I'm going down the wrong path. This is dangerous because it might have me rewriting sections. Good, but....
3. Idea generators - These muses are notorious for helping me think of twists and turns in my stories. This is dangerous because I have to rewrite sections and these ideas spin out of control into even more chapters and even more books. I have an idea notebook with more book ideas than I can write in a lifetime!
In all honesty, I have to thank my muses. They pull me out of my writing funks and inspire me. Which is why today I'm finishing up Trust Me.
1. Death by laughter - They can have you dying laughing in no time. When I finish writing a chapter, they begin demanding more and threatening me.
2. Honesty - They are honest with me in all manners. This means they will tell me things suck or if I'm going down the wrong path. This is dangerous because it might have me rewriting sections. Good, but....
3. Idea generators - These muses are notorious for helping me think of twists and turns in my stories. This is dangerous because I have to rewrite sections and these ideas spin out of control into even more chapters and even more books. I have an idea notebook with more book ideas than I can write in a lifetime!
In all honesty, I have to thank my muses. They pull me out of my writing funks and inspire me. Which is why today I'm finishing up Trust Me.
May 14, 2012
Too Long from Writing
I've been working away from the house on a temp job and it has seriously taken me from my writing. Want to talk about torture!
Now, the job itself is not torture. I'm planting trees around the county. It is a very dirty job. That's for sure. A shower doesn't always find the dirt in the ears or up the nose. Really dirty, but it is rewarding. Though I don't have the time to write like I want.
Some days I pray for rain just so I can write. lol Other days I want to work so we can get it all done. Very torn at times as you can tell.
This is my last week of doing it. We are planting the last batch today and then will begin laying the fabric down on certain locations. A few ranchers purchased 1400-1700 trees. The one took us all day. Surprised?
I have managed to get a couple chapters of The Men's Preservation Society drafted out along with a few chapters of Trust Me. I have to. My muses threaten me quite regularly. :) But I love it.
Now, the job itself is not torture. I'm planting trees around the county. It is a very dirty job. That's for sure. A shower doesn't always find the dirt in the ears or up the nose. Really dirty, but it is rewarding. Though I don't have the time to write like I want.
Some days I pray for rain just so I can write. lol Other days I want to work so we can get it all done. Very torn at times as you can tell.
This is my last week of doing it. We are planting the last batch today and then will begin laying the fabric down on certain locations. A few ranchers purchased 1400-1700 trees. The one took us all day. Surprised?
I have managed to get a couple chapters of The Men's Preservation Society drafted out along with a few chapters of Trust Me. I have to. My muses threaten me quite regularly. :) But I love it.
May 9, 2012
Importance of the Muse
You don't realize you have a muse until it comes up missing. I hate that. Yet, it makes you appreciate your muses more often.
I have a couple of muses. One of them is a good friend, Courtney. I didn't realize how much of a muse she was until she went on a one week vacation. I did not have her around to encourage me and help me with plots. She wasn't there demanding the next chapter. I found myself struggling to write. Why? Because one of my cheerleaders was gone.
That muse is important. I really depend on Courtney, Sara, and Lisa. They keep me going.
I'll be starting another book draft soon and this time another muse will appear. This book will be for my daughter who asked that I write it for her. I never felt so honored.
When you discover your muse or muses, them it kindly. Appreciate it. Why? Because the muse helps your creative spirit.
The muse is your inspiration. It could be a location where you go and allow your creative spirit freedom. It could be a song that unleashes the writer in you. It could be a friend who won't let you quit and points out where you need to continue and where you need to stop.
The muse is important. It is the watering can of your creative garden.
I have a couple of muses. One of them is a good friend, Courtney. I didn't realize how much of a muse she was until she went on a one week vacation. I did not have her around to encourage me and help me with plots. She wasn't there demanding the next chapter. I found myself struggling to write. Why? Because one of my cheerleaders was gone.
That muse is important. I really depend on Courtney, Sara, and Lisa. They keep me going.
I'll be starting another book draft soon and this time another muse will appear. This book will be for my daughter who asked that I write it for her. I never felt so honored.
When you discover your muse or muses, them it kindly. Appreciate it. Why? Because the muse helps your creative spirit.
The muse is your inspiration. It could be a location where you go and allow your creative spirit freedom. It could be a song that unleashes the writer in you. It could be a friend who won't let you quit and points out where you need to continue and where you need to stop.
The muse is important. It is the watering can of your creative garden.
May 6, 2012
Resuming a Story
There are times when a story you are working on has to sit on the side while you focus on other things. As I was wrapping up tax season and a semester in school, I put The Men's Preservation Society aside. It's a comedy. I have to be in the mood to write it. Yesterday I was back in the mood.
It felt good to write another scene of Alice and Mary now with Wilma in tow getting into trouble. You might wonder what some middle-aged women could find in the way of trouble at an abandoned farm. Trust me, they can find it in the middle of nowhere.
I couldn't write one scene for laughing so hard. I can imagine how funny it will be after a few edits. That is what brings me back to the story - the chance for a good laugh.
It's good to be writing on this story again. I need some laughter. :)
It felt good to write another scene of Alice and Mary now with Wilma in tow getting into trouble. You might wonder what some middle-aged women could find in the way of trouble at an abandoned farm. Trust me, they can find it in the middle of nowhere.
I couldn't write one scene for laughing so hard. I can imagine how funny it will be after a few edits. That is what brings me back to the story - the chance for a good laugh.
It's good to be writing on this story again. I need some laughter. :)
