Victoria Lynn Osborne's Blog: Ready Set Write, page 2
December 12, 2015
Oh where did the time go
It has been awhile since I have posted a blog. I got a day job the first of this year. It sapped all my energy and stilted my writing. In order to kick start myself I did the NaNoWriMo challenge and failed, falling about 16000 words shy of 50k. This is the first time that I have done the challenge and failed. Why did I fail? Time management.
I started to check out books on writing faster. You have got to love Kindle you can get all kinds of books for very little money, and the authors that produce six or more books a year all have time management and record keeping on the word count. Also many of them use Dragon software to speak their books into the computer.
My own goals were much more modest. I want to publish three books a year. One of my Jason and Mortyiene Mystery, one in my epic fantasy trilogy, and one in my Lovecraftian Horror that surrounds a creepy small city near a volcano. Three books a year seems doable.
Perhaps the greatest bit of advice came from a fast word smith that explained she used the pomodoro technique. Curious I went searching around the web for more information. I learned that there are several parts to the pomodoro technique but it is fun and easy. First you make lists of things that you need to do. You start with a master list, then a daily to do list. After you get your lists set up, you tackle one project at a time for 25 minutes of intense focus. Then after 25 minutes you get a 5 minute rest. After four of those 25 minute work sessions you get a 15 minute break.
Wow, that made a huge difference. While I was taking care of the little guy just doing the pomodori I finished writing the first draft of my third Jason and Mortyiene books. I finished writing the first of my Firemountain Chronicles, and I finished the first part of the 8th round of revisions for Red Sails. I also found that I was more likely to stay awake and more on top of taking care of the little guy. If you are looking for a way to break up your writing into smaller chunks I highly recommend that you check it out.
Another new thing is that I have started a publishing company. I have named it Azure Spider Publications. It is brand new and is focusing on the niche market of epic fantasy, science fiction, and horror. I am also extending out to small works for Lovecraftian horror. I got my first query not long ago and I am very excited about it.
So as I wrap up 2015 I am looking forward to 2016 with bright shiny new projects and a platform for my own novels. I truly hope that people will take my little publishing house seriously, we provide editing, some marketing, and we pay in royalties. It is a labor of love to help authors get started in the world.
I started to check out books on writing faster. You have got to love Kindle you can get all kinds of books for very little money, and the authors that produce six or more books a year all have time management and record keeping on the word count. Also many of them use Dragon software to speak their books into the computer.
My own goals were much more modest. I want to publish three books a year. One of my Jason and Mortyiene Mystery, one in my epic fantasy trilogy, and one in my Lovecraftian Horror that surrounds a creepy small city near a volcano. Three books a year seems doable.
Perhaps the greatest bit of advice came from a fast word smith that explained she used the pomodoro technique. Curious I went searching around the web for more information. I learned that there are several parts to the pomodoro technique but it is fun and easy. First you make lists of things that you need to do. You start with a master list, then a daily to do list. After you get your lists set up, you tackle one project at a time for 25 minutes of intense focus. Then after 25 minutes you get a 5 minute rest. After four of those 25 minute work sessions you get a 15 minute break.
Wow, that made a huge difference. While I was taking care of the little guy just doing the pomodori I finished writing the first draft of my third Jason and Mortyiene books. I finished writing the first of my Firemountain Chronicles, and I finished the first part of the 8th round of revisions for Red Sails. I also found that I was more likely to stay awake and more on top of taking care of the little guy. If you are looking for a way to break up your writing into smaller chunks I highly recommend that you check it out.
Another new thing is that I have started a publishing company. I have named it Azure Spider Publications. It is brand new and is focusing on the niche market of epic fantasy, science fiction, and horror. I am also extending out to small works for Lovecraftian horror. I got my first query not long ago and I am very excited about it.
So as I wrap up 2015 I am looking forward to 2016 with bright shiny new projects and a platform for my own novels. I truly hope that people will take my little publishing house seriously, we provide editing, some marketing, and we pay in royalties. It is a labor of love to help authors get started in the world.
May 5, 2014
Willamette Writers' Conference
This is the first time I am going to a writing conference. I have gone to dozens of SciFi conventions. Norwescon, westercon, orycon, I have attended panels with professionals and learned the basics. But this is the first time I have gone to a writing conference.
The first thing I noticed, as I started registering for this experience, is that writers' conferences are expensive. By the time I signed up for all of the extras we are talking over 500 bucks. Gasp Choke, that is A LOT for a fledgling writer. The second thing I notice is the work shops and panel discussion. The program simply isn't as diverse.
I signed up for three 10 minute pitches and one Manuscript evaluation. Wow, that was scary. Too top things off the hotel is 115 a night before taxes and costs to part there. I have learned from years of going to conventions, you simply need to stay at the hotel of the conference or convention. That after the panels have shut down the parties happen. That is where you meet your contacts.
So I am polishing off my clothes, and headed out. I hope this will be a positive thing for me. If it doesn't work, well there is always next year when worldcon will be in Spokane Washington, very doable for me
The first thing I noticed, as I started registering for this experience, is that writers' conferences are expensive. By the time I signed up for all of the extras we are talking over 500 bucks. Gasp Choke, that is A LOT for a fledgling writer. The second thing I notice is the work shops and panel discussion. The program simply isn't as diverse.
I signed up for three 10 minute pitches and one Manuscript evaluation. Wow, that was scary. Too top things off the hotel is 115 a night before taxes and costs to part there. I have learned from years of going to conventions, you simply need to stay at the hotel of the conference or convention. That after the panels have shut down the parties happen. That is where you meet your contacts.
So I am polishing off my clothes, and headed out. I hope this will be a positive thing for me. If it doesn't work, well there is always next year when worldcon will be in Spokane Washington, very doable for me
May 1, 2014
Synopsis Blues
It always happens. You polish your manuscript to a spit polish. Replace your computer do to water damage, and then the publishers say. "We would like a 1-3 page synopsis. Ack, your hair stands on end, you grow wild-eyed. How do I compress at 100k novel into three pages, or better yet one page. You feel that tightening in your chest and pain shooting down your right arm as you contemplate the enormity of the task.
Lucky there are a couple of things you can do. If you are like me, and you use index cards during the revision process. (More on that later.) and you use the PACTS statement and create your sentence for revision. Each scene has its own notecard with that sentence on it, you have well over a hundred sentences that sum up your book in four to five pages. Whew. Well now we need to compress your book down farther. Look over each sentence. Is it necessary for the synopsis. Does it tell, yes you heard me tell, the editor what is going on. Does it dance off with a cool sub-plot but not the meaty plot. If it does propel the main feature of your book forward, cut cut cut. Ok Miss Birdy head back to your house. Once you are done pruning you should have a workable synopsis.
Now look at what you have left, you want to cut off at least one more page. Which one sentence is weakest. That is what you will cut. By now, hopefully, you have a synopsis that should work. You want a clear fast synopsis for when you trap that agent in the elevator as he or she struggles with the buttons wanting to flee your pitch at the latest writing conference.
Go over the synopsis, polish it, make your bulky SFR's shine with eloquence. The editors and agents will not only be judging your ms, but also your cover letter, your synopsis, and what kind of toilet paper you use. Give them no reason to doubt you are anything but the next bestselling fiction writer, or non-fiction writer, of your genre. The synopsis is nothing but a tool. If you are a pantser, it is so much harder to create your synopsis. Me, give me a detailed outline any day of the week and I will make the characters sing, life, and die horrible bloody deaths.
Lucky there are a couple of things you can do. If you are like me, and you use index cards during the revision process. (More on that later.) and you use the PACTS statement and create your sentence for revision. Each scene has its own notecard with that sentence on it, you have well over a hundred sentences that sum up your book in four to five pages. Whew. Well now we need to compress your book down farther. Look over each sentence. Is it necessary for the synopsis. Does it tell, yes you heard me tell, the editor what is going on. Does it dance off with a cool sub-plot but not the meaty plot. If it does propel the main feature of your book forward, cut cut cut. Ok Miss Birdy head back to your house. Once you are done pruning you should have a workable synopsis.
Now look at what you have left, you want to cut off at least one more page. Which one sentence is weakest. That is what you will cut. By now, hopefully, you have a synopsis that should work. You want a clear fast synopsis for when you trap that agent in the elevator as he or she struggles with the buttons wanting to flee your pitch at the latest writing conference.
Go over the synopsis, polish it, make your bulky SFR's shine with eloquence. The editors and agents will not only be judging your ms, but also your cover letter, your synopsis, and what kind of toilet paper you use. Give them no reason to doubt you are anything but the next bestselling fiction writer, or non-fiction writer, of your genre. The synopsis is nothing but a tool. If you are a pantser, it is so much harder to create your synopsis. Me, give me a detailed outline any day of the week and I will make the characters sing, life, and die horrible bloody deaths.
April 28, 2014
Slayden oh Slayden
After a long busy weekend I spent the day working on my novel Red Sails in the Morning. I found myself back in Sladyn's head. Sladyn is a challenging character. He is deeply conflicted. Right now he is being manipulated by a couple of minions of the dragon. But he has sworn allegiance with the female dragon Cindar, so they are in essence helping him.
I started working today at 8 am and stopped for a light lunch at noon, and continued writing until 5 pm. A full day, but I found myself pushing through this scene. Earnest Hemmingway one time said to a reporter that he stopped writing right in the middle of a scene climax so he would approach the next day with a renewed sense of energy. I did that as well.
I also built a bit more on my island map. The islands are so diverse and full of life. I find as I explore the islands, different towns and villages with their own cultures pop out. Creatures, and plants make themselves known. Holly Listes said don't built too much of your world to start with, let it build as you discover it. Good advice from a wide lady.
Oh well here is my excerpt.
Van helped him drag chain and settle the logs on the belt. The log slid through the sharp saw, splitting in half. The men wrestled the log back on the belt and ran it through the saw again.
"I might know of a boat." Weven grinned, and a trick of the sun reflected an orange glint in his eye.
"How?" Sladyn rolled his shoulders back, and a cool draft wafted down between his shoulder blades.
"It won't be much of a boat." Weven wrestled another log onto the saw. "It might sink, but maybe it will get you off the island. Come out tonight at the eastern shore and I will meet you there."
The owner of the mill came and talked with Ril about the amount of wood processed. Citizens were leaving the villages and Isoner moving to the capital Torwald.
I started working today at 8 am and stopped for a light lunch at noon, and continued writing until 5 pm. A full day, but I found myself pushing through this scene. Earnest Hemmingway one time said to a reporter that he stopped writing right in the middle of a scene climax so he would approach the next day with a renewed sense of energy. I did that as well.
I also built a bit more on my island map. The islands are so diverse and full of life. I find as I explore the islands, different towns and villages with their own cultures pop out. Creatures, and plants make themselves known. Holly Listes said don't built too much of your world to start with, let it build as you discover it. Good advice from a wide lady.
Oh well here is my excerpt.
Van helped him drag chain and settle the logs on the belt. The log slid through the sharp saw, splitting in half. The men wrestled the log back on the belt and ran it through the saw again.
"I might know of a boat." Weven grinned, and a trick of the sun reflected an orange glint in his eye.
"How?" Sladyn rolled his shoulders back, and a cool draft wafted down between his shoulder blades.
"It won't be much of a boat." Weven wrestled another log onto the saw. "It might sink, but maybe it will get you off the island. Come out tonight at the eastern shore and I will meet you there."
The owner of the mill came and talked with Ril about the amount of wood processed. Citizens were leaving the villages and Isoner moving to the capital Torwald.
April 24, 2014
Editing for This weeks writers' group
I am a member of two writers' groups. One that meet every other week and one that meets weekly. Both of them are looking for new members, so if you are living in Southern Oregon contact me and I will give you the details.
Since I have a book in revision through the writers groups, I always have a book in revision. I was working on the sequel to The Student Librarian, which is another Jason and Mortyiene Mystery entitled, The Bankers of Zurix. This time bankers are being offed by an unknown assailant and Jason and Mortyiene, along with Edwardynah, are journeying deep into the wilds of the library. Yes wilds, though this building is a library, it is a dangerous and mysterious place. The bankers are gnomes and certain gnomes are being killed.
If it were only that simple, Jason travels to a crime scene, gets attacked, in the stairwell, by rabid scroll shrews and durrocks, big green men, are dogging their steps.
I admit it my weakest area is punctuation. I struggle with it daily, though I am told I am getting better at it. I feel like there is a little lip that I am caught on, and when I finally go over that hump the rules will become clear and I will be able to see things. I think I just don't trust myself. I have had comments on my reviews that there are typos. One lady said, they didn't bother her, one gentleman said they were sooooooo bad. I figure, from what I have heard from most readers, it is closer to the first than the second. So bear with me internet people, and I will get better.
Here is an excerpt from the story.
The area was quite, a strange kind of peace from an unused section of The Library. She had done a patrol of the floor and found The Library desk the reference desk and the card catalog. She had even grabbed a book to read about some military campaign in a place she had never heard of.
Something caught her eye and she looked down an aisle seeing a durrock watching them from between the stacks. She motioned the Chesmue who followed her gaze.
She unsnapped her sword and got up looking to casually walk down the aisle. The durrock was huge with green skin and disappeared down the stacks. Two aisles she could hear Chesmue running as she sprinted after the durrock. She rounded the corner and saw him disappear down the main aisle. She charged down after him. Her sword was drawn, as he bolted down another aisle.
Since I have a book in revision through the writers groups, I always have a book in revision. I was working on the sequel to The Student Librarian, which is another Jason and Mortyiene Mystery entitled, The Bankers of Zurix. This time bankers are being offed by an unknown assailant and Jason and Mortyiene, along with Edwardynah, are journeying deep into the wilds of the library. Yes wilds, though this building is a library, it is a dangerous and mysterious place. The bankers are gnomes and certain gnomes are being killed.
If it were only that simple, Jason travels to a crime scene, gets attacked, in the stairwell, by rabid scroll shrews and durrocks, big green men, are dogging their steps.
I admit it my weakest area is punctuation. I struggle with it daily, though I am told I am getting better at it. I feel like there is a little lip that I am caught on, and when I finally go over that hump the rules will become clear and I will be able to see things. I think I just don't trust myself. I have had comments on my reviews that there are typos. One lady said, they didn't bother her, one gentleman said they were sooooooo bad. I figure, from what I have heard from most readers, it is closer to the first than the second. So bear with me internet people, and I will get better.
Here is an excerpt from the story.
The area was quite, a strange kind of peace from an unused section of The Library. She had done a patrol of the floor and found The Library desk the reference desk and the card catalog. She had even grabbed a book to read about some military campaign in a place she had never heard of.
Something caught her eye and she looked down an aisle seeing a durrock watching them from between the stacks. She motioned the Chesmue who followed her gaze.
She unsnapped her sword and got up looking to casually walk down the aisle. The durrock was huge with green skin and disappeared down the stacks. Two aisles she could hear Chesmue running as she sprinted after the durrock. She rounded the corner and saw him disappear down the main aisle. She charged down after him. Her sword was drawn, as he bolted down another aisle.
April 23, 2014
My first blog post on my website
As the 21st century marches on, I have learned that all authors need a website. I spent the day building my first, this one in fact. I have learned a lot, including that pushing buttons may result in errors. My cat learned some new words today, ones that I forgot I knew.
The whole experience has left me struggling. I have a huge pile of edits stacked on my desk. I have a couple of writers groups that I am in. I also started a good reads ad campaign and I am giving away 5 more books. I simply didn’t get enough people writing reviews. So I guess that means that tomorrow I will be editing and seeing what joyful bits of nothingness I can share with the world.
Being a writer, for me at any rate, has been a wild and harrowing journey. I think about my old friend, Jean Johnson now a famous romance writer, and her start. Harry Potter Erotica Fan fiction anyone. My own start, getting a degree and just writing. Now I have a publisher, albeit small press, a website, an author profile on Amazon and Goodreads. I love to help people and give them pointers on writing. The most important thing I can say is please don’t wait until after you are published before you really start to promote your book. The days of big dollar publishing budgets, and extended book tours are gone. Unless you are famous, you will have you book out there swimming in shark infested waters trying to grab any attention. I believe this is the case all over the world.
Well today my brain hurts, and my blog post won’t be that long. Check in to see more of it in the next few days
If you are enjoying this blog, I will be moving it to my personal website. http://www.victorialynnosborne.com/wr...
The whole experience has left me struggling. I have a huge pile of edits stacked on my desk. I have a couple of writers groups that I am in. I also started a good reads ad campaign and I am giving away 5 more books. I simply didn’t get enough people writing reviews. So I guess that means that tomorrow I will be editing and seeing what joyful bits of nothingness I can share with the world.
Being a writer, for me at any rate, has been a wild and harrowing journey. I think about my old friend, Jean Johnson now a famous romance writer, and her start. Harry Potter Erotica Fan fiction anyone. My own start, getting a degree and just writing. Now I have a publisher, albeit small press, a website, an author profile on Amazon and Goodreads. I love to help people and give them pointers on writing. The most important thing I can say is please don’t wait until after you are published before you really start to promote your book. The days of big dollar publishing budgets, and extended book tours are gone. Unless you are famous, you will have you book out there swimming in shark infested waters trying to grab any attention. I believe this is the case all over the world.
Well today my brain hurts, and my blog post won’t be that long. Check in to see more of it in the next few days
If you are enjoying this blog, I will be moving it to my personal website. http://www.victorialynnosborne.com/wr...
April 22, 2014
Web nightmares
The marketing books all say the best thing you can do to promote your book is build a website. When I finally get it built I may not continue with this blog and move my blog to my website.
Now I am not totally computer illiterate and I can figure out most things, but, from what I have been reading, this website building thing will be a nightmare. I am still not sure how to put in a button for facebook, twitter, and pinterest. I will be experimenting. This whole adventure is getting in the way of my zen state of mind.
However, despite my pounding my head upon my desk in frustration, I managed to get 5k words done on "Red Sails in the Morning," so here is a small excerpt from my work today.
Crystian made his way upstairs of the rotting squid and lay down on top of the covers of a straw mattress. The room was dingy and sun filtered through a high dirty window. He didn't trust the straw mattress to be free from vermin. He left his clothing and bedroll on the ship, but he wanted a room in the tavern for the night.
I told you it was small. I will try to get you more tomorrow.
Now I am not totally computer illiterate and I can figure out most things, but, from what I have been reading, this website building thing will be a nightmare. I am still not sure how to put in a button for facebook, twitter, and pinterest. I will be experimenting. This whole adventure is getting in the way of my zen state of mind.
However, despite my pounding my head upon my desk in frustration, I managed to get 5k words done on "Red Sails in the Morning," so here is a small excerpt from my work today.
Crystian made his way upstairs of the rotting squid and lay down on top of the covers of a straw mattress. The room was dingy and sun filtered through a high dirty window. He didn't trust the straw mattress to be free from vermin. He left his clothing and bedroll on the ship, but he wanted a room in the tavern for the night.
I told you it was small. I will try to get you more tomorrow.
April 21, 2014
a word about marketing
I was talking with a friend of mine today who was resistant about creating a platform and developing a fan base before she got published.
I think it is a bad idea to assume your publisher is going to promote your book. I know my publisher cares deeply about his writers and their books, but quite frankly he is not able to shoulder the cost of promoting your book.
Things have changed in the 21st century. There are over a million books published every year. With the ease of ebooks, and createspace the number will just keep on climbing. Especially as Print on Demand gains in popularity.
What can you do? Build a website, blog, use social networking, get speaking engagements, but you will need to do this on your own. I believe that every writer has it in themselves to promote their books. To become proactive in getting your stories, or your message heard. Embrace the computer era and guide people to what you have to say and the stories you have to write.
I think it is a bad idea to assume your publisher is going to promote your book. I know my publisher cares deeply about his writers and their books, but quite frankly he is not able to shoulder the cost of promoting your book.
Things have changed in the 21st century. There are over a million books published every year. With the ease of ebooks, and createspace the number will just keep on climbing. Especially as Print on Demand gains in popularity.
What can you do? Build a website, blog, use social networking, get speaking engagements, but you will need to do this on your own. I believe that every writer has it in themselves to promote their books. To become proactive in getting your stories, or your message heard. Embrace the computer era and guide people to what you have to say and the stories you have to write.
April 16, 2014
editing and writing
Today is Wednesday, which is the day I usually take to edit the comments that my various writers groups make.
I am getting more selective in what I take. I am constructing more thoughtful and complex sentences. I found myself looking at the suggestions and really analyzing whether I would want to make the changes or not.
The men and women in my writers group, are a constant source of inspiration and joy. The urge me to carry on, challenge me to create better and more thoughtful stories.
I would encourage, any new or writers that are trying to break into this challenging career, to seek out a group. A group will make you stay on schedule will support you through good and bad. Just remember return to the group what you get out of it. They are taking time to help you. You take the time to help them and together you will create something of dreams.
I am getting more selective in what I take. I am constructing more thoughtful and complex sentences. I found myself looking at the suggestions and really analyzing whether I would want to make the changes or not.
The men and women in my writers group, are a constant source of inspiration and joy. The urge me to carry on, challenge me to create better and more thoughtful stories.
I would encourage, any new or writers that are trying to break into this challenging career, to seek out a group. A group will make you stay on schedule will support you through good and bad. Just remember return to the group what you get out of it. They are taking time to help you. You take the time to help them and together you will create something of dreams.
April 6, 2014
Book Signing
I went to a book signing at our local independent book store. They had scheduled four of us. My tablemate brought cookies and a hard sell. I brought some books and an uncertainty.
Though the signing went well. We didn't sell many books. One of the other writers sold four, and her tablemate sold 1. No one bought from my table.
I learned a lot in that book signing. Mostly that no matter how much you believe in your book, people are looking for the author they know. Despite the economy there were several customers and most of them either bought books, or tickets to a play that the local theatre group was putting on.
I met some nice people and got to do some great people watching. I made notes in my notebook on what I observed. I would say it was not a waste of time because I chose to take something positive out of it. My name and face were out there. It has inspired me to contact Barnes and Nobel, in Medford, to see if they would host a signing.
Though the signing went well. We didn't sell many books. One of the other writers sold four, and her tablemate sold 1. No one bought from my table.
I learned a lot in that book signing. Mostly that no matter how much you believe in your book, people are looking for the author they know. Despite the economy there were several customers and most of them either bought books, or tickets to a play that the local theatre group was putting on.
I met some nice people and got to do some great people watching. I made notes in my notebook on what I observed. I would say it was not a waste of time because I chose to take something positive out of it. My name and face were out there. It has inspired me to contact Barnes and Nobel, in Medford, to see if they would host a signing.
Ready Set Write
Insights into my wandering mind as I work at writing.
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