Jade Varden's Blog, page 23
November 12, 2014
Writing 101: Scene in Progress
Starting a scene when it's already in the middle of the action can be a good way to grab a reader's attention right away. Starting a book this way can be especially arresting. But at some point it goes from being attention-getting to being just plain jarring. No one likes feeling like they've showed up 10 minutes late, and all the really good stuff has already happened. When it comes to writing a scene in progress, a light touch is the best touch.
What Did I Miss?
Setting up scenes can begin to get a little tedious, from a writer's point of view. You've got to figure out where Sally has been and which door she's using. Why is T.J. in the room and what has he been doing? How does it all start, what makes it all exciting? And on and on...and on. When you begin the scene already in the middle of the action, you've cut right past all this nonsense. But how much of that setup does a reader really need to keep themselves anchored in the scene? That's what you've got to figure out.
When you start a scene where something is already happening, the reader is going to experience a certain amount of disorientation. They're going to be scrambling to catch up and get their bearings, so you don't want to string them along for to long. Let them be surprised. Let them be jarred. Then, let them figure out what's happening and why. Give them a few lines of confusion, but then ground them. Maybe a character yells something to the other to let the reader know what's happening.
If you're starting a book and your opening scene is already in progress, it's even more shocking. Readers won't know what's happening, so try not to make your pace too quick unless you're going to divulge information right away. A slow pace lets them adjust to the writing and helps convey the sense that information will eventually be revealed.
Always strike a balance between what you're revealing and what you're keeping hidden, and give readers something to keep them grounded. Do it well enough, and they should stick with you until you're ready to let them know exactly what's happening.
What Did I Miss?
Setting up scenes can begin to get a little tedious, from a writer's point of view. You've got to figure out where Sally has been and which door she's using. Why is T.J. in the room and what has he been doing? How does it all start, what makes it all exciting? And on and on...and on. When you begin the scene already in the middle of the action, you've cut right past all this nonsense. But how much of that setup does a reader really need to keep themselves anchored in the scene? That's what you've got to figure out.
When you start a scene where something is already happening, the reader is going to experience a certain amount of disorientation. They're going to be scrambling to catch up and get their bearings, so you don't want to string them along for to long. Let them be surprised. Let them be jarred. Then, let them figure out what's happening and why. Give them a few lines of confusion, but then ground them. Maybe a character yells something to the other to let the reader know what's happening.
If you're starting a book and your opening scene is already in progress, it's even more shocking. Readers won't know what's happening, so try not to make your pace too quick unless you're going to divulge information right away. A slow pace lets them adjust to the writing and helps convey the sense that information will eventually be revealed.
Always strike a balance between what you're revealing and what you're keeping hidden, and give readers something to keep them grounded. Do it well enough, and they should stick with you until you're ready to let them know exactly what's happening.
November 11, 2014
Writing 101: What's on Your Gift List?
The holiday season is approaching quickly, and it's time to start thinking about gift-giving. So give yourself a few handy items this year to make it easier for you to write. It's time to make out your writing gift list.
Gifts for Writers There are several items that will make writing easier and allow you to be more productive. Give yourself the gift of getting more done in the coming year.
iPad shower curtain: This is a real thing, and it's totally cool. The shower curtain has a waterproof sleeve in it so you can still work while you're in the shower. Since I'm constantly looking for new ways to work, I think this thing is amazing. Writer's Market: You don't have to get it in print, but you do have to get it if you want to traditionally publish. The Writer's Market has information about agents and publishers that will help you take the traditional path.Cooling pad: Save your laptop some work by getting yourself a cooling pad. This nifty device is really just a fan that keeps your laptop cool. If you write for 12 hours straight and you don't stop to eat and you run a dozen different functions at once because you never know when you'll need Google Earth (like me), this thing will be worth its weight in gold. Keyboard cover: This thing is absolutely worth every single penny, and it will save your laptop's life. A keyboard cover is a simple plastic deal that fits right over the keys. I lost two N keys, an Enter and both Es before I figured this out. You can find keyboard covers that are custom-made to fit on specific laptops, so match your products up and it will be smooth sailing. FYI, covers don't last for ever. If you type for 12 to 14 hours a day every day, you'll go for a year or two before it has to be replaced.
Get yourself a small gift, and get more productive over the coming year. The more you're able to publish and build your brand, the better you're going to do as an indie author.
Gifts for Writers There are several items that will make writing easier and allow you to be more productive. Give yourself the gift of getting more done in the coming year.
iPad shower curtain: This is a real thing, and it's totally cool. The shower curtain has a waterproof sleeve in it so you can still work while you're in the shower. Since I'm constantly looking for new ways to work, I think this thing is amazing. Writer's Market: You don't have to get it in print, but you do have to get it if you want to traditionally publish. The Writer's Market has information about agents and publishers that will help you take the traditional path.Cooling pad: Save your laptop some work by getting yourself a cooling pad. This nifty device is really just a fan that keeps your laptop cool. If you write for 12 hours straight and you don't stop to eat and you run a dozen different functions at once because you never know when you'll need Google Earth (like me), this thing will be worth its weight in gold. Keyboard cover: This thing is absolutely worth every single penny, and it will save your laptop's life. A keyboard cover is a simple plastic deal that fits right over the keys. I lost two N keys, an Enter and both Es before I figured this out. You can find keyboard covers that are custom-made to fit on specific laptops, so match your products up and it will be smooth sailing. FYI, covers don't last for ever. If you type for 12 to 14 hours a day every day, you'll go for a year or two before it has to be replaced.
Get yourself a small gift, and get more productive over the coming year. The more you're able to publish and build your brand, the better you're going to do as an indie author.
November 10, 2014
Writing 101: Pay Attention to Be a Better Writer
How carefully do you watch other people? How often do you try to figure out why they said something, or did something, that you didn't understand right away? I'm not talking about obsessive behavior. I'm talking about observation, the power of paying attention. And if you want to be a better writer, you should start doing it.
My Eyes on You
If you want to be a better writer, I have some easy advice: pay attention. Observe the people and the world around you, and then take that one step further. Don't just be a better writer. Become a great one.
Start by paying attention. Notice people. How they move, how they laugh, the things they say. Don't be a creep about it. You shouldn't just stare at people. But look at them, and really take in the details. That's how you start observing and noticing things about people, their habits and their hopes and their fears. Now go beyond it.
Try to figure out why. Why are they afraid? Why do they laugh? Why are they doing that, saying this, or acting a certain way? Most of the time, you won't know the real answer. But if you can come up with reasons that make sense to you, if you can start learning how to understand what moves and motivates other people, you're building up your skills as a writer. You're taking yourself closer to writing believable characters. Every character in your book can't be you. Some of it has to come from other people.
So start paying attention to other people. Really see the world around you. The more you see, the better your writing will become.
My Eyes on You
If you want to be a better writer, I have some easy advice: pay attention. Observe the people and the world around you, and then take that one step further. Don't just be a better writer. Become a great one.
Start by paying attention. Notice people. How they move, how they laugh, the things they say. Don't be a creep about it. You shouldn't just stare at people. But look at them, and really take in the details. That's how you start observing and noticing things about people, their habits and their hopes and their fears. Now go beyond it.
Try to figure out why. Why are they afraid? Why do they laugh? Why are they doing that, saying this, or acting a certain way? Most of the time, you won't know the real answer. But if you can come up with reasons that make sense to you, if you can start learning how to understand what moves and motivates other people, you're building up your skills as a writer. You're taking yourself closer to writing believable characters. Every character in your book can't be you. Some of it has to come from other people.
So start paying attention to other people. Really see the world around you. The more you see, the better your writing will become.
November 6, 2014
Writing 101: The Stream of Consciousness
There are many different narrative styles out there, and writers use them in all kinds of ways. But one of the trickiest is the stream of consciousness. If you hear thoughts inside your head all day every day, you still might not be able to pull this off. But if you want to really challenge yourself and write something different and amazing, this can be a great way to do it.
Voices in My Head
The stream of consciousness style of writing is relatively new when compared to the rest of the world of literature. It was first applied to a novelist in 1918. In short, this writing technique is an inner monologue that never stops. It's the character's every thought. Sometimes, it even lacks punctuation. If that sounds really difficult to write, it's because it is.
One of the best examples of the stream of consciousness style of writing is The Catcher in the Rye. This is a very distinctive style of writing, and one that not every reader enjoys. If you're going to write a book like this, you're going to need a very clear idea of who your main character is. You must be able to record their every single thought and reaction, so you have to know them inside and out. Know the part of their story that isn't on the page. Know what motivates them, what excites them, what they're afraid of. You have to know every detail in order for this style of writing to feel genuine.
That's the key to writing in a clear stream of consciousness style: it must feel genuine to the reader. You're putting them inside someone's head, so make sure they're really in there. If you can pull it off, your book will stand out to readers because this technique is not used often. But if you can't pull it off, you're going to end up with a rambling mess. Editing is important in this style, and you must clearly tell the story. Use an outline to keep yourself on track, and remember to avoid unnecessary writing.
When it works, it works really well. When it doesn't, well, it just doesn't. Keep your writing focused on the story and the character, and you can pull off the stream of consciousness technique.
Voices in My Head
The stream of consciousness style of writing is relatively new when compared to the rest of the world of literature. It was first applied to a novelist in 1918. In short, this writing technique is an inner monologue that never stops. It's the character's every thought. Sometimes, it even lacks punctuation. If that sounds really difficult to write, it's because it is.
One of the best examples of the stream of consciousness style of writing is The Catcher in the Rye. This is a very distinctive style of writing, and one that not every reader enjoys. If you're going to write a book like this, you're going to need a very clear idea of who your main character is. You must be able to record their every single thought and reaction, so you have to know them inside and out. Know the part of their story that isn't on the page. Know what motivates them, what excites them, what they're afraid of. You have to know every detail in order for this style of writing to feel genuine.
That's the key to writing in a clear stream of consciousness style: it must feel genuine to the reader. You're putting them inside someone's head, so make sure they're really in there. If you can pull it off, your book will stand out to readers because this technique is not used often. But if you can't pull it off, you're going to end up with a rambling mess. Editing is important in this style, and you must clearly tell the story. Use an outline to keep yourself on track, and remember to avoid unnecessary writing.
When it works, it works really well. When it doesn't, well, it just doesn't. Keep your writing focused on the story and the character, and you can pull off the stream of consciousness technique.
November 5, 2014
Writing 101: How to Be a Better Writer
No one is a born writer, contrary to what they may say. No infant comes out of the womb with story ideas. You've never heard of a writing prodigy who was completing novels at age 6. It is a learnable skill, one that you can hone and sharpen. There are ways you can become a better writer. Start using them.
Practice Makes Perfect
Remember when you learned to drive a car? You were shaky and unsure of yourself behind the wheel the first time. But when the car didn't go careening into the river and kill you right away, your confidence began to grow. You started to feel a little more comfortable. Now, you're whipping in and out of parking spots, burning rubber all over the city and fixing your hair while you set the air conditioning. We at Jade's blog advocate safe driving at all times. Please stay responsible.
The point is, the more you drove the better you got at driving. Writing is like that, too.
There are several ways you can hone your craft and learn how to be a better writer. Put them into practice.
Write a blog: If you get into the habit of blogging every day, or frequently, you'll find it easier to establish your voice and your particular writing style. A blog is a relaxed writing environment that gives you the freedom to write about any topic at all. There's no pressure and there's nothing you have to cover, so it's more relaxed than creating a novel. You need to give yourself that freedom to figure out who you are as a writer. Join a writing group: Some people work better in groups, and that's just who they are. If you're the type of person who likes to discuss ideas and tips with others, rather than explore it all on your own, look for a writing group. You can find them online and out in the world. Look to local libraries and community centers to find physical writing groups.Read more: Want to know how to write better? Start reading more. Choose the classics. Browse the popular novels. Read whatever grabs you most, and you'll start to learn more about the craft of writing and storytelling itself.Practice different mediums: Writers can write anything if they're pressed to do so. Start practicing writing in other mediums, and not just inside your comfort zone. Write non-fiction. Create short stories. Make up some poems. Practice all of it to learn more about all types of writing. Who knows? You may discover that you love writing in one of these other mediums best of all.
Want to know how to be a better writer? Flex your writing muscles in all different directions. Practice all different types of writing and learn more about the craft from every angle, and it will happen.
Practice Makes Perfect
Remember when you learned to drive a car? You were shaky and unsure of yourself behind the wheel the first time. But when the car didn't go careening into the river and kill you right away, your confidence began to grow. You started to feel a little more comfortable. Now, you're whipping in and out of parking spots, burning rubber all over the city and fixing your hair while you set the air conditioning. We at Jade's blog advocate safe driving at all times. Please stay responsible.
The point is, the more you drove the better you got at driving. Writing is like that, too.
There are several ways you can hone your craft and learn how to be a better writer. Put them into practice.
Write a blog: If you get into the habit of blogging every day, or frequently, you'll find it easier to establish your voice and your particular writing style. A blog is a relaxed writing environment that gives you the freedom to write about any topic at all. There's no pressure and there's nothing you have to cover, so it's more relaxed than creating a novel. You need to give yourself that freedom to figure out who you are as a writer. Join a writing group: Some people work better in groups, and that's just who they are. If you're the type of person who likes to discuss ideas and tips with others, rather than explore it all on your own, look for a writing group. You can find them online and out in the world. Look to local libraries and community centers to find physical writing groups.Read more: Want to know how to write better? Start reading more. Choose the classics. Browse the popular novels. Read whatever grabs you most, and you'll start to learn more about the craft of writing and storytelling itself.Practice different mediums: Writers can write anything if they're pressed to do so. Start practicing writing in other mediums, and not just inside your comfort zone. Write non-fiction. Create short stories. Make up some poems. Practice all of it to learn more about all types of writing. Who knows? You may discover that you love writing in one of these other mediums best of all.
Want to know how to be a better writer? Flex your writing muscles in all different directions. Practice all different types of writing and learn more about the craft from every angle, and it will happen.
November 4, 2014
Writing 101: Crazy Advice for Writers
In my frequent quest to discover new writing advice and various tips, I come across lots of bad ideas that just aren't going to work. Instead of laughing at them alone, I thought I'd share some of the craziest ones I've discovered recently. Just remember: don't follow this crazy advice for writers.
These Are Not My Tips
Remember, this is not my advice. These are crazy tips I've collected online that I'm convinced aren't going to work out well for anyone. I'll be explaining exactly why they won't.
Take a 15-minute nap: This is a real tip I found on a writing website. A 15-minute nap is insanity. That's not going to refresh you, and if I try to sleep for 15 minutes I'll be knocked out for at least three hours. Writers don't always get a lot of sleep. Or any. Write for 24 hours straight: Seriously, don't do this. You're going to be writing gibberish before it's all said and done. Your body will be sore. Your knees will ache, and your legs will cramp. You will have to erase most of it because it's not even editable. Learn a new word a day: What for? You probably haven't even got time to do this, and it's pointless. Learning a bunch of obscure words isn't going to help you be a better writer.Buy an editor: You may not think this is crazy advice, but I do. You don't need to buy an editor, because you need to save your money for a book cover. Writers have to learn how to edit their own books, and edit them well. That's part of being a writer, so put your money away.There is a lot of bad advice for writers out there, and then there are the tips that are just crazy. When it comes to writing advice, even mine, keep one thing in mind: follow it as long as it makes sense for you. When it doesn't, stop.
These Are Not My Tips
Remember, this is not my advice. These are crazy tips I've collected online that I'm convinced aren't going to work out well for anyone. I'll be explaining exactly why they won't.
Take a 15-minute nap: This is a real tip I found on a writing website. A 15-minute nap is insanity. That's not going to refresh you, and if I try to sleep for 15 minutes I'll be knocked out for at least three hours. Writers don't always get a lot of sleep. Or any. Write for 24 hours straight: Seriously, don't do this. You're going to be writing gibberish before it's all said and done. Your body will be sore. Your knees will ache, and your legs will cramp. You will have to erase most of it because it's not even editable. Learn a new word a day: What for? You probably haven't even got time to do this, and it's pointless. Learning a bunch of obscure words isn't going to help you be a better writer.Buy an editor: You may not think this is crazy advice, but I do. You don't need to buy an editor, because you need to save your money for a book cover. Writers have to learn how to edit their own books, and edit them well. That's part of being a writer, so put your money away.There is a lot of bad advice for writers out there, and then there are the tips that are just crazy. When it comes to writing advice, even mine, keep one thing in mind: follow it as long as it makes sense for you. When it doesn't, stop.
November 3, 2014
Writing 101: It's Not About Money, But...
Somebody asked me about being a writer the other day, and I told them what I always tell everyone: I don't recommend it. The person replied that they know it's hard, but they don't expect to make any money from their writing anyway. It's a romantic notion, isn't it, to simply write for the love of writing? But long gone are the days when the noble artist could be sponsored by a wealthy patron, some sort of Duke or maybe even a King, and simply do their writing for the love of it. You can't eat words. So maybe it's not about the money, but it's still going to be about a whole lot of hard work. When you don't even get money for doing it, you're setting yourself up for a long, hard, uphill walk.
It's Not About the Money, Money, Money
If you're not into writing for the money, that's just swell. But you're going to have to be into something for the money, unless your last name is Vanderbilt and then this doesn't apply to you. But on the off chance that it's not and you're a pretty normal person, you're going to need some money. If you're not writing to get money then you're doing something else to get money and writing just for fun. And now, things are getting dicey.
You can't live without money, and I would know because I've explored the topic at length. I'm a strong advocate of simply doing away with the money and going back to a system of bartering, but I digress. The point is, you're going to have to do something to earn your daily bread. That cuts into writing time. Provided you also need to maintain a normal life and some sort of social world, you'll have less time to write.
When writing is a hobby, it can fall away. You have too little time to do it. You could end up with a bunch of unfinished books. Writing for the purposes of making money can add another layer of motivation to your favorite hobby and help you maintain that hunger that you're going to need to get through all those tough days. So don't expect to make a lot of money from your writing, because you won't. But do try to make some, because earning that first check is an amazing feeling. And once you earn a little, it's enough to quiet all those naysayers around you and may help to quell all the doubting voices in your own head. You can earn money off your writing, so give it a try and give yourself that extra level of motivation.
It's Not About the Money, Money, Money
If you're not into writing for the money, that's just swell. But you're going to have to be into something for the money, unless your last name is Vanderbilt and then this doesn't apply to you. But on the off chance that it's not and you're a pretty normal person, you're going to need some money. If you're not writing to get money then you're doing something else to get money and writing just for fun. And now, things are getting dicey.
You can't live without money, and I would know because I've explored the topic at length. I'm a strong advocate of simply doing away with the money and going back to a system of bartering, but I digress. The point is, you're going to have to do something to earn your daily bread. That cuts into writing time. Provided you also need to maintain a normal life and some sort of social world, you'll have less time to write.
When writing is a hobby, it can fall away. You have too little time to do it. You could end up with a bunch of unfinished books. Writing for the purposes of making money can add another layer of motivation to your favorite hobby and help you maintain that hunger that you're going to need to get through all those tough days. So don't expect to make a lot of money from your writing, because you won't. But do try to make some, because earning that first check is an amazing feeling. And once you earn a little, it's enough to quiet all those naysayers around you and may help to quell all the doubting voices in your own head. You can earn money off your writing, so give it a try and give yourself that extra level of motivation.
October 27, 2014
Writing 101: 15 Different Ways to Say 'Green'
I could tell you that the parched ground was swept clean of leafy hues under the enkindled sunlight. But it would be a lot simpler if I simply said there was no visible green on the desert ground under the burning sun. Wouldn't it? Here's my point: there are at least 15 different ways to say green. But why not just use the word green?
She Fell in Love with a Thesaurus
The messages that writers get are confusing. We're told that our words need to be descriptive and compelling. That our stories must captivate and entertain, evoke emotions and leave a deep impact. It's easy to read into the advice, and assume that it's always better to choose more complicated words. Why say that Jerry laughed, when you can say he chortled? I'm actually about to tell you why, and it comes down to this basic advice: when it's green, just say green.
It's a fine line to walk. You certainly don't want your books to be boring, but if you fill it up with complicated and lesser-used words, it could easily become unreadable. There are plenty of ways to be descriptive without just going overboard. When it comes to words, simple is better. You need your message to come across clearly and you need it to be easy to read, so that people will. Describe it all in simple language, and you'll see that your writing is even more powerful than all those fancy words put together.
She Fell in Love with a Thesaurus
The messages that writers get are confusing. We're told that our words need to be descriptive and compelling. That our stories must captivate and entertain, evoke emotions and leave a deep impact. It's easy to read into the advice, and assume that it's always better to choose more complicated words. Why say that Jerry laughed, when you can say he chortled? I'm actually about to tell you why, and it comes down to this basic advice: when it's green, just say green.
It's a fine line to walk. You certainly don't want your books to be boring, but if you fill it up with complicated and lesser-used words, it could easily become unreadable. There are plenty of ways to be descriptive without just going overboard. When it comes to words, simple is better. You need your message to come across clearly and you need it to be easy to read, so that people will. Describe it all in simple language, and you'll see that your writing is even more powerful than all those fancy words put together.
October 26, 2014
Surprised by Hope's
"I absolutely loved the story...I definitely didn’t see the ending coming!"
"The plot twists, interesting characters and easy-to-read prose makes this novel a perfect read for a nice afternoon or evening off."
Hope's Rebellion has been reviewed at Me Love Books. Check out the full review to find out why the reviewer almost didn't read it at all (and how happy they are they did anyway, of course).
Get your copy of Hope's Rebellion
"The plot twists, interesting characters and easy-to-read prose makes this novel a perfect read for a nice afternoon or evening off."Hope's Rebellion has been reviewed at Me Love Books. Check out the full review to find out why the reviewer almost didn't read it at all (and how happy they are they did anyway, of course).
Get your copy of Hope's Rebellion
October 23, 2014
Writing 101: Public Exposure
The days of Jane Austen and Louisa Mae Alcott are over. No longer do authors sit in romantic little rooms, cut off from the rest of the world. Now, authors need to be in the public eye. Indie authors have to be public figures. They have to be exposed. And when you're exposed, you are a target. Are you really ready for that?
In the Line of Fire
I've blogged a lot about marketing and promoting books. I've written about Twitter and blogging and being on forums and all the other stuff that indie authors have to do. What I have failed to mention is the consequences of all this public exposure. I have failed to mention that you are making yourself a target.
Now, it's time to take a look at the dark side of your marketing. I learned this lesson the way I learn all my lessons: the hard way. During a vacation, I went off the grid. I didn't check in on Twitter look at my email much.. And when I got back, I had to face the consequences of all this relaxation. I didn't realize that I had been under attack. So when I saw 83 Twitter notifications, for a moment I was excited. Then, I began to read them.
Over and over, someone was calling me names and impugning my work. They launched a full campaign against me, and the tweets grew progressively worse as I failed to answer them quickly enough. Don't bother to seek this out; it was not Jade's Twitter account. It was the one I use for my "day job" writing gig. The point is, it was bad.
But I asked for it, right? I put myself on Twitter, and everywhere else I could find, in order to promote myself as an author. When you put yourself out there, no matter where "there" may be, you are actively making yourself a target. Ridicule on social media isn't even a real concern when compared to the other dangers. Many public persons have been murdered y their own fans, and as a mystery author I have to point things like this out.
Public exposure is a double-edged sword. There will be good days, when a fan contacts you to praise your words and communicate with you in enthusiastic terms. Then there will be other days, where you want to find a hole and crawl down inside of it...or find that dark attic room, at least. Public exposure has a very ugly side. Before you put yourself out there, make sure you're ready to face that ugliness.
In the Line of Fire
I've blogged a lot about marketing and promoting books. I've written about Twitter and blogging and being on forums and all the other stuff that indie authors have to do. What I have failed to mention is the consequences of all this public exposure. I have failed to mention that you are making yourself a target.
Now, it's time to take a look at the dark side of your marketing. I learned this lesson the way I learn all my lessons: the hard way. During a vacation, I went off the grid. I didn't check in on Twitter look at my email much.. And when I got back, I had to face the consequences of all this relaxation. I didn't realize that I had been under attack. So when I saw 83 Twitter notifications, for a moment I was excited. Then, I began to read them.
Over and over, someone was calling me names and impugning my work. They launched a full campaign against me, and the tweets grew progressively worse as I failed to answer them quickly enough. Don't bother to seek this out; it was not Jade's Twitter account. It was the one I use for my "day job" writing gig. The point is, it was bad.
But I asked for it, right? I put myself on Twitter, and everywhere else I could find, in order to promote myself as an author. When you put yourself out there, no matter where "there" may be, you are actively making yourself a target. Ridicule on social media isn't even a real concern when compared to the other dangers. Many public persons have been murdered y their own fans, and as a mystery author I have to point things like this out.
Public exposure is a double-edged sword. There will be good days, when a fan contacts you to praise your words and communicate with you in enthusiastic terms. Then there will be other days, where you want to find a hole and crawl down inside of it...or find that dark attic room, at least. Public exposure has a very ugly side. Before you put yourself out there, make sure you're ready to face that ugliness.
