R.A. Douthitt's Blog, page 2
February 23, 2018
REJECTED!
How to Get Past That Feeling of Rejection
Ouch.
As an artist and a writer, I know about rejection. I had to sit in class once, while 20 art students and a professor critiqued my art. They were brutal, too. Some took it personally and remembered how I had critiqued their work, so now they had a chance for vengeance! And they relished in it.
But my professor, a most excellent painter, knew how to stop the personal attacks and redirect people to elements of art, principles of design, etc. when critiquing each other's art.
I made it through those humiliating experiences. As a result, I developed a thick skin. I learned how NOT to take it so personally. Still, rejection does hurt.
Yesterday I received my 1 millionth rejection. Okay, so it's not exactly 1 million, but it feels like it sometimes. This rejection really hurt. I had submitted a story to Hallmark, a story many had told me would be a perfect fit for them. A story I prayed over. A very personal story of love and faith. But they said no.
God said no.
Rejection is hard, even after ten years of writing and submitting my work to agents, publishers, contests, etc. You'd think I would have a thick skin by now.
I can take critiques of my art, so why not my writing? What's the difference?
I know I can paint and draw. I know I am talented in those areas. I have complete confidence in my art.
Writing? Nope. I remain unconvinced that I can write even after having eight books out, some with 5 star reviews. and an award on my wall.
I guess having a literary agent or a well-known publisher tell me my writing is good will mean more to me than anything.
Is it wrong to put so much importance on the opinions of agents or publishers? Shouldn't the opinions and reviews of readers mean more to me?
One would think.
What about you? Have you ever experienced the rejection of your writing projects? How do you deal with the rejection?
I tend to eat a bunch of donuts and chocolate, and then go for a run later on.
The rejection won't stay with me. The hurt won't stay with me. "It's good to be humbled," I tell myself. "It's not God's plan for you, right now. He has something else in mind for that project..." I also tell myself. It helps take the sting out of rejection.
Rejection comes with life. It's what makes us stronger. Like a tree withstanding the wind, the bad experiences give us that thick skin. I lack confidence in my writing. So, I need to work at it more and more, learn the craft and just keep writing!
That's my wish for you, as well. Take the good with the bad, learn from it, and then grow from it.
Happy writing!
Ouch.
As an artist and a writer, I know about rejection. I had to sit in class once, while 20 art students and a professor critiqued my art. They were brutal, too. Some took it personally and remembered how I had critiqued their work, so now they had a chance for vengeance! And they relished in it.
But my professor, a most excellent painter, knew how to stop the personal attacks and redirect people to elements of art, principles of design, etc. when critiquing each other's art.
I made it through those humiliating experiences. As a result, I developed a thick skin. I learned how NOT to take it so personally. Still, rejection does hurt.
Yesterday I received my 1 millionth rejection. Okay, so it's not exactly 1 million, but it feels like it sometimes. This rejection really hurt. I had submitted a story to Hallmark, a story many had told me would be a perfect fit for them. A story I prayed over. A very personal story of love and faith. But they said no.
God said no.
Rejection is hard, even after ten years of writing and submitting my work to agents, publishers, contests, etc. You'd think I would have a thick skin by now.
I can take critiques of my art, so why not my writing? What's the difference?
I know I can paint and draw. I know I am talented in those areas. I have complete confidence in my art.
Writing? Nope. I remain unconvinced that I can write even after having eight books out, some with 5 star reviews. and an award on my wall.
I guess having a literary agent or a well-known publisher tell me my writing is good will mean more to me than anything.
Is it wrong to put so much importance on the opinions of agents or publishers? Shouldn't the opinions and reviews of readers mean more to me?
One would think.
What about you? Have you ever experienced the rejection of your writing projects? How do you deal with the rejection?
I tend to eat a bunch of donuts and chocolate, and then go for a run later on.
The rejection won't stay with me. The hurt won't stay with me. "It's good to be humbled," I tell myself. "It's not God's plan for you, right now. He has something else in mind for that project..." I also tell myself. It helps take the sting out of rejection.
Rejection comes with life. It's what makes us stronger. Like a tree withstanding the wind, the bad experiences give us that thick skin. I lack confidence in my writing. So, I need to work at it more and more, learn the craft and just keep writing!
That's my wish for you, as well. Take the good with the bad, learn from it, and then grow from it.
Happy writing!
February 21, 2018
The Struggle is Real
That Time I Almost Gave Up
Works of Booker T. Washington
During Black History Month, I used to select a different icon of the Civil Rights Movement to discuss with my students. My most favorite icon to discuss was Booker T. Washington and here's why...
Back to School
When I was in my late thirties, I decided to return to college and finish my degree. It was a difficult decision because my son was only eight and my husband was our sole provider. We didn't have a lot of money, so I took a job at our church as a janitor to help with gas money and my art supplies. We lived in a small apartment. I had to use our kitchen as my art studio to complete my assignments.
It was not a good time to be me. I understood that I brought all this on myself. Had I simply gotten a full time job, we could have had a house, money, and space! You never realize how important space is until it's gone.
But, my lack of a college education had haunted me. It hovered over everything I did like a little black cloud. For me, success=completion. The fact that I never completed my degree made me feel like a failure.
So, when I had the chance to do it, I dove in, head first. And when I had reached my tipping point, I said, "Enough!"
It happened one night. I walked through the door near midnight after being at the computer lab all day, only to find a handwritten note from my son begging me to wake him and kiss him because he missed me. I swallowed back the tears, went to the table, and began working on my homework that was due the next day.
"What am I doing?" I sat there with my head in my hands, tears dripping onto my workbook, trying to figure out what my life was and how it didn't turn out like I had imagined it would.
"I don't need this," I cried. "I miss my son, I miss my husband, I miss having a house..." I stared at my many course folders sprawled out on the kitchen table and all the art supplies scattered around the apartment. "I should just quit, get a full time job, and live again. This is ridiculous. Here I am doing all this and for what? A piece of paper I can frame and hang on my wall?"
I set aside my Spanish homework and made my decision. "Yes, that's it. I am done. I will drop out of college in the morning." The decision felt great! I could breathe again.
I spied my American Literature folder nearby. "But first, I'll finish my last piece of homework." That's the kind of student that I was!
Crazy.
I opened the American Literature folder, read the syllabus, and pulled out the assignment: Read "A Struggle for an Education" by Booker T. Washington and then critique it.
"Easy enough..." I started reading this essay. And as I read it, my heart sank.
Here was this young man, a former slave, walking almost 500 miles to attend college and I'm complaining about sitting in my cozy apartment doing homework?
He wasn't allowed to eat at restaurants or sleep in a hotel because of the color of his skin. He slept on the sidewalks. When he arrived at the college, he had to work as a janitor to pay his tuition. My eyes welled with tears.
He graduated with his Masters at age 19 and then went on to found the Tuskegee Institute, building it brick by brick with his own two hands...all at age 25.
I couldn't believe it.
As I wept through the rest of his amazing essay, I could see how whiny I was being. So, I got up and emailed my American Literature professor what I had just experienced. I explained to him how I was about to quit college because of how hard it was to be away from my family. I wrote about how exhausted I was from working as a janitor during the day, scrubbing toilets and mopping up vomit, just to head to campus and be there until night.
When I finished explaining, I then thanked him for assigning Booker T. Washington's essay to read. It changed my life. I hit send and hoped my professor felt appreciated.
He did.
About five minutes later, he replied that he, too, was sick and tired of work. He didn't think any of his students understood what he was trying to teach. He was about to quit, retire, walk away from it all because of frustration.
And then he read my email.
So, just when you want to quit, stop and reassess why you started something in the first place. Things may not be as bad as you think they are. Someone always has it worse than you do...much worse.
I finished my degree and graduated with honors. I then went on to complete my Masters degree. I went from being a janitor to teaching in a college classroom, doing my best to inspire students not to quit!
The struggle for an education is real. All things worthwhile are worth the struggle.
Stay the course...keep the faith...overcome...and don't quit.
Up from Slavery
Like Booker T. Washington once wrote:
"Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has overcome."
Amen!
Works of Booker T. Washington
During Black History Month, I used to select a different icon of the Civil Rights Movement to discuss with my students. My most favorite icon to discuss was Booker T. Washington and here's why...
Back to School
When I was in my late thirties, I decided to return to college and finish my degree. It was a difficult decision because my son was only eight and my husband was our sole provider. We didn't have a lot of money, so I took a job at our church as a janitor to help with gas money and my art supplies. We lived in a small apartment. I had to use our kitchen as my art studio to complete my assignments.
It was not a good time to be me. I understood that I brought all this on myself. Had I simply gotten a full time job, we could have had a house, money, and space! You never realize how important space is until it's gone.
But, my lack of a college education had haunted me. It hovered over everything I did like a little black cloud. For me, success=completion. The fact that I never completed my degree made me feel like a failure.
So, when I had the chance to do it, I dove in, head first. And when I had reached my tipping point, I said, "Enough!"
It happened one night. I walked through the door near midnight after being at the computer lab all day, only to find a handwritten note from my son begging me to wake him and kiss him because he missed me. I swallowed back the tears, went to the table, and began working on my homework that was due the next day.
"What am I doing?" I sat there with my head in my hands, tears dripping onto my workbook, trying to figure out what my life was and how it didn't turn out like I had imagined it would.
"I don't need this," I cried. "I miss my son, I miss my husband, I miss having a house..." I stared at my many course folders sprawled out on the kitchen table and all the art supplies scattered around the apartment. "I should just quit, get a full time job, and live again. This is ridiculous. Here I am doing all this and for what? A piece of paper I can frame and hang on my wall?"
I set aside my Spanish homework and made my decision. "Yes, that's it. I am done. I will drop out of college in the morning." The decision felt great! I could breathe again.
I spied my American Literature folder nearby. "But first, I'll finish my last piece of homework." That's the kind of student that I was!
Crazy.
I opened the American Literature folder, read the syllabus, and pulled out the assignment: Read "A Struggle for an Education" by Booker T. Washington and then critique it.
"Easy enough..." I started reading this essay. And as I read it, my heart sank.
Here was this young man, a former slave, walking almost 500 miles to attend college and I'm complaining about sitting in my cozy apartment doing homework?
He wasn't allowed to eat at restaurants or sleep in a hotel because of the color of his skin. He slept on the sidewalks. When he arrived at the college, he had to work as a janitor to pay his tuition. My eyes welled with tears.
He graduated with his Masters at age 19 and then went on to found the Tuskegee Institute, building it brick by brick with his own two hands...all at age 25.
I couldn't believe it.
As I wept through the rest of his amazing essay, I could see how whiny I was being. So, I got up and emailed my American Literature professor what I had just experienced. I explained to him how I was about to quit college because of how hard it was to be away from my family. I wrote about how exhausted I was from working as a janitor during the day, scrubbing toilets and mopping up vomit, just to head to campus and be there until night.
When I finished explaining, I then thanked him for assigning Booker T. Washington's essay to read. It changed my life. I hit send and hoped my professor felt appreciated.
He did.
About five minutes later, he replied that he, too, was sick and tired of work. He didn't think any of his students understood what he was trying to teach. He was about to quit, retire, walk away from it all because of frustration.
And then he read my email.
So, just when you want to quit, stop and reassess why you started something in the first place. Things may not be as bad as you think they are. Someone always has it worse than you do...much worse.
I finished my degree and graduated with honors. I then went on to complete my Masters degree. I went from being a janitor to teaching in a college classroom, doing my best to inspire students not to quit!
The struggle for an education is real. All things worthwhile are worth the struggle.
Stay the course...keep the faith...overcome...and don't quit.
Up from Slavery
Like Booker T. Washington once wrote:
"Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has overcome."
Amen!
February 20, 2018
Being SMART About Goals
What's so important about setting goals?
Now That's SMART!
I recently taught a brief workshop about the importance of setting SMART goals for the year. We discussed the various types of goals:
Spiritual
Exercise
Writing
Career
All of these types of goals may apply to your life or not. But one thing we discussed was how all these goals should connect in some way.
Goals vs. Objectives
So, what is a goal anyway?
A goal is a long-term achievement that is typically future focused. A goal doesn't include steps to accomplish it, but just a long-term achievement you would like to accomplish.
An objective is the specific steps you'll take to meet your goal. They are measurable and typically have a timeline.
Here's an example of a popular spiritual goal:
"I'd like to read through the entire Bible this year!"
That is a common goal that is actually achievable, but it requires some tools to help meet it.
Objective: "I will download an app to my phone that will help me read 2 chapters of the Bible a day so that I can meet my goal."
See the difference? Now, brainstorm your spiritual goal for the year and one objective that will help you meet that goal.
My spiritual goal for this year is to be more encouraging to others, be in the Bible each day, and rely on prayer.
Objective: Post more encouragement on social media.
Objective: Use more encouraging words in my conversations with others
Objective: Teach Bible studies to women every 8 weeks
Objective: Pray with my husband daily
These objectives will help me accomplish my spiritual goal by the end of the year. I can measure each objective and keep track of my progress.
Just Keep Writing!
Next, if you are a writer, you will want to set a common sense goal for yourself this year. My goal is to write and publish 3 books this year. That will take some time and effort, so I will need to have a plan set to help me reach that goal:
Objective: Use Scrivener to help me organize my book projects.
Objective: Set aside specific time each day to write at least one chapter, per book project, a day.
Objective: Schedule appointments with my editors to make sure they can edit each book project.
Objective: Budget money so that I can pay for editing and other tools necessary to publish and market each book project
Now I have a plan and steps that I will take to meet my writing goals this year. But how does this writing goal connect with my spiritual goal?
Why does it matter?
My spiritual goal for the year is to be more encouraging to others. I can connect my writing goal to my spiritual goal by making sure the theme of my books will be encouraging to my readers. In doing so, I will be encouraged, too!
I will make sure I pray over each book project to make sure they are pleasing to God. That is important to me.
How can your writing goals connect to your spiritual goals this year?
S.M.A.R.T.
SMART goals is a system set up to help you make those connections. This system causes you to pause and make sure your goals can be accomplished:
Is your goal specific? Is it important to you? Why?
Is your goal measurable? How will you be able to know that you accomplished your goal?
Is your goal achievable? Is it too grand that there's no way you can accomplish it?
Is your goal relevant to other aspects of your life? Does is align with your other goals?
Is your goal timely? Is it deadline-focused? Is it something that you will work toward?
All of these questions cause you to STOP and truly analyze your goals. Why is this important? Because you want to be successful! Grandiose goals will cause you to feel like a failure when you do not accomplish them. Where's the fun in that?
As you can see, goals are very important to me. I try and set three goals each year:
Spiritual-Be more encouraging
Exercise- Finish the Rome Marathon
Writing-Write and publish 3 books
This year I am adding a career goal: Start classes on my second Masters degree.
All of these goals are achievable and measurable and they align with each other. They are something I can work toward this year and next.
Your turn: Do you set goals for yourself each year? How do you work toward your goals? What tools do you use?
Have a blessed year!
Now That's SMART!
I recently taught a brief workshop about the importance of setting SMART goals for the year. We discussed the various types of goals:
Spiritual
Exercise
Writing
Career
All of these types of goals may apply to your life or not. But one thing we discussed was how all these goals should connect in some way.
Goals vs. Objectives
So, what is a goal anyway?
A goal is a long-term achievement that is typically future focused. A goal doesn't include steps to accomplish it, but just a long-term achievement you would like to accomplish.
An objective is the specific steps you'll take to meet your goal. They are measurable and typically have a timeline.
Here's an example of a popular spiritual goal:
"I'd like to read through the entire Bible this year!"
That is a common goal that is actually achievable, but it requires some tools to help meet it.
Objective: "I will download an app to my phone that will help me read 2 chapters of the Bible a day so that I can meet my goal."
See the difference? Now, brainstorm your spiritual goal for the year and one objective that will help you meet that goal.
My spiritual goal for this year is to be more encouraging to others, be in the Bible each day, and rely on prayer.
Objective: Post more encouragement on social media.
Objective: Use more encouraging words in my conversations with others
Objective: Teach Bible studies to women every 8 weeks
Objective: Pray with my husband daily
These objectives will help me accomplish my spiritual goal by the end of the year. I can measure each objective and keep track of my progress.
Just Keep Writing!
Next, if you are a writer, you will want to set a common sense goal for yourself this year. My goal is to write and publish 3 books this year. That will take some time and effort, so I will need to have a plan set to help me reach that goal:
Objective: Use Scrivener to help me organize my book projects.
Objective: Set aside specific time each day to write at least one chapter, per book project, a day.
Objective: Schedule appointments with my editors to make sure they can edit each book project.
Objective: Budget money so that I can pay for editing and other tools necessary to publish and market each book project
Now I have a plan and steps that I will take to meet my writing goals this year. But how does this writing goal connect with my spiritual goal?
Why does it matter?
My spiritual goal for the year is to be more encouraging to others. I can connect my writing goal to my spiritual goal by making sure the theme of my books will be encouraging to my readers. In doing so, I will be encouraged, too!
I will make sure I pray over each book project to make sure they are pleasing to God. That is important to me.
How can your writing goals connect to your spiritual goals this year?
S.M.A.R.T.
SMART goals is a system set up to help you make those connections. This system causes you to pause and make sure your goals can be accomplished:
Is your goal specific? Is it important to you? Why?
Is your goal measurable? How will you be able to know that you accomplished your goal?
Is your goal achievable? Is it too grand that there's no way you can accomplish it?
Is your goal relevant to other aspects of your life? Does is align with your other goals?
Is your goal timely? Is it deadline-focused? Is it something that you will work toward?
All of these questions cause you to STOP and truly analyze your goals. Why is this important? Because you want to be successful! Grandiose goals will cause you to feel like a failure when you do not accomplish them. Where's the fun in that?
As you can see, goals are very important to me. I try and set three goals each year:
Spiritual-Be more encouraging
Exercise- Finish the Rome Marathon
Writing-Write and publish 3 books
This year I am adding a career goal: Start classes on my second Masters degree.
All of these goals are achievable and measurable and they align with each other. They are something I can work toward this year and next.
Your turn: Do you set goals for yourself each year? How do you work toward your goals? What tools do you use?
Have a blessed year!
February 13, 2018
What Time is It??
How Writers Can Connect the Setting to the Reader
What's the big deal about where your story takes place? Is it really all that important to know what era or time the story takes place?
Who cares, right?
Setting and The Protagonist
When brainstorming a story, I always taught my students to begin with the setting of their story. The setting is the where and when the story takes place: Time, place, era.
Before settling on a setting, make sure you can answer the journalistic questions about it:
Who
What
Where
When
Why
How
Why should you do this first? Because your readers are going to ask why the story takes place in that era, place, and time. If you don't answer their questions, they will move on to another story.
That's bad.
You need to be able to make the connection to the protagonist because it matters.
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
For instance, look at the setting of Harry Potter. He lives in the cupboard underneath the stairs in an abusive home. Sort of like a prison! Where does he end up? At Hogwarts! A magical castle environment with nooks and crannies, secret chambers, and a vibrant history that engulfs him and the reader. See how the author connected the setting to the protagonist? Hogwarts, at times, seemed like a prison to Harry as well. He wanted to be a normal teenager, but instead he was sentenced to this destiny of saving everyone. The contrast of the tiny cupboard to the magnificent castle grounds was a brilliant way to draw in the reader and connect them to the hero of the story.
What about the movie Gravity? In this story, we learn the heroine, Sandra Bullock's character, is hurting. She is grieving and it makes total sense that she would want to work in space... cold, silent, dark place that matches her heart's condition. Would the story have worked if she were a happy social person stuck in cold space? No, but even that contrast would make an interesting tale, as we saw in The Martian.
The Hunger Games
Think of Katniss Everdeen. She lives in a poor district where she has to hunt in the forest for food or her family would starve. It's a good thing she can hunt with bow and arrow, too, because the Hunger Games she participates in is set in a forest environment. What if the Games had been set in a vast city landscape? Would she have been able to survive having lived in the forest setting most of her life?
To Kill a Mockingbird
Would To Kill a Mockingbird have connected with readers had it taken place in an urban setting? Why was it necessary to the story for Scout to be in a small southern town setting? Why that era? Did Harper Lee put effort into connecting the setting to the protagonist and then the reader?
In my latest Work-in-Progress (WIP), my character returns to a small town setting after being in war in Iraq and Afghanistan. At first, she hates it, but then begins to love the greenery, the rain, and the townsfolk...the stark contrast to the setting of war. The setting matches the conflict her heart is enduring as she heals from the brutality of war.
What about your WIP? How does the setting connect to your protagonist? Why did you select that setting for her/him?
Show and Tell
I used to give my students an exercise to help them show the setting of their story, rather than tell their readers. For instance, imagine a castle setting. How can you show your readers the castle setting without telling them?
Describe the scenery: Thick forest trees, green grass, moss, and ferns. Mist rising, claen pine scent.
Describe the castle setting: Thick limestone bricks, darkened hallways lit by torches resting in iron sconces. Tapestries hanging from walls. Entrances guarded by knights in silver armor.
Now the reader gets the idea of where this story takes place without the author telling them "Once upon a time in a grand castle..."
Try this exercise with your WIP. Are you telling the reader where and when the story takes place? Or are you showing them through descriptions?
What Time is It??
The era or time your story takes place matters as well. Why does your story have to take place in the future? Why does it have to take place in the past? What about both, like the movie Cowboys and Aliens?
Why does it matter? Remember, your readers may ask you and if you shrug because you don't have an answer, they might think you didn't put much effort into your story. So, have a solid intriguing answer for them! Connect the setting to your protagonist and you'll connect to your reader.
The setting of your story matters. Think back to the settings of your favorite stories and movies. Did those settings connect to the protagonist? How? Why?
If you can answer that question, the author/screenwriter did a great job of crafting their story.
Happy writing!
What's the big deal about where your story takes place? Is it really all that important to know what era or time the story takes place?
Who cares, right?
Setting and The Protagonist
When brainstorming a story, I always taught my students to begin with the setting of their story. The setting is the where and when the story takes place: Time, place, era.
Before settling on a setting, make sure you can answer the journalistic questions about it:
Who
What
Where
When
Why
How
Why should you do this first? Because your readers are going to ask why the story takes place in that era, place, and time. If you don't answer their questions, they will move on to another story.
That's bad.
You need to be able to make the connection to the protagonist because it matters.
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
For instance, look at the setting of Harry Potter. He lives in the cupboard underneath the stairs in an abusive home. Sort of like a prison! Where does he end up? At Hogwarts! A magical castle environment with nooks and crannies, secret chambers, and a vibrant history that engulfs him and the reader. See how the author connected the setting to the protagonist? Hogwarts, at times, seemed like a prison to Harry as well. He wanted to be a normal teenager, but instead he was sentenced to this destiny of saving everyone. The contrast of the tiny cupboard to the magnificent castle grounds was a brilliant way to draw in the reader and connect them to the hero of the story.
What about the movie Gravity? In this story, we learn the heroine, Sandra Bullock's character, is hurting. She is grieving and it makes total sense that she would want to work in space... cold, silent, dark place that matches her heart's condition. Would the story have worked if she were a happy social person stuck in cold space? No, but even that contrast would make an interesting tale, as we saw in The Martian.
The Hunger Games
Think of Katniss Everdeen. She lives in a poor district where she has to hunt in the forest for food or her family would starve. It's a good thing she can hunt with bow and arrow, too, because the Hunger Games she participates in is set in a forest environment. What if the Games had been set in a vast city landscape? Would she have been able to survive having lived in the forest setting most of her life?
To Kill a Mockingbird
Would To Kill a Mockingbird have connected with readers had it taken place in an urban setting? Why was it necessary to the story for Scout to be in a small southern town setting? Why that era? Did Harper Lee put effort into connecting the setting to the protagonist and then the reader?
In my latest Work-in-Progress (WIP), my character returns to a small town setting after being in war in Iraq and Afghanistan. At first, she hates it, but then begins to love the greenery, the rain, and the townsfolk...the stark contrast to the setting of war. The setting matches the conflict her heart is enduring as she heals from the brutality of war.
What about your WIP? How does the setting connect to your protagonist? Why did you select that setting for her/him?
Show and Tell
I used to give my students an exercise to help them show the setting of their story, rather than tell their readers. For instance, imagine a castle setting. How can you show your readers the castle setting without telling them?
Describe the scenery: Thick forest trees, green grass, moss, and ferns. Mist rising, claen pine scent.
Describe the castle setting: Thick limestone bricks, darkened hallways lit by torches resting in iron sconces. Tapestries hanging from walls. Entrances guarded by knights in silver armor.
Now the reader gets the idea of where this story takes place without the author telling them "Once upon a time in a grand castle..."
Try this exercise with your WIP. Are you telling the reader where and when the story takes place? Or are you showing them through descriptions?
What Time is It??
The era or time your story takes place matters as well. Why does your story have to take place in the future? Why does it have to take place in the past? What about both, like the movie Cowboys and Aliens?
Why does it matter? Remember, your readers may ask you and if you shrug because you don't have an answer, they might think you didn't put much effort into your story. So, have a solid intriguing answer for them! Connect the setting to your protagonist and you'll connect to your reader.
The setting of your story matters. Think back to the settings of your favorite stories and movies. Did those settings connect to the protagonist? How? Why?
If you can answer that question, the author/screenwriter did a great job of crafting their story.
Happy writing!
February 12, 2018
The 5 Cs in Writing
What Makes a Character Memorable?
101 Best Scenes Ever Written: A Romp Through Literature for Writers and Readers
In this most excellent book by Barnaby Conrad, I learned so much about developing a memorable character. I used his method when I taught creative writing.
Why is it important to include the 5 Cs and the S? Let's take a look...
Conflict
There comes a time when you have that feeling of inner conflict. Perhaps when a boss orders you to do something that goes against your beliefs or when you make a decision that might hurt someone you love.
That inner struggle is what makes your readers begin to care about your character.
But sometimes there is an outer struggle as well.
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
In The Goblet of Fire, Harry Potter is mysteriously entered into a contest he might not be able to live through. Inwardly, he struggles with being the "hero" and making it through to the end. Outwardly, he struggles with how his classmates react to his entrance into the contest. They suspect him of cheating.
This is an excellent example of conflict that draws your readers in and makes them care about the characters.
Think of how you will add conflict to your story and why.
Not every story needs to have that Sophie's Choice moment of conflict, but think of how you will show your character struggle with some issue or crisis inwardly and outwardly.
Choice
To make sure your character is given plenty of obstacles, remember to give him/her plenty of choices to make in the story.
For instance, Harry Potter makes the choice to follow Hagrid into the unknown and study wizardry at Hogwarts. Later, Harry makes the choice to sacrifice his own life to save the lives of many others. As you can see, some choices you put before your character will be less significant than others, but they must still be important and move the story along.
The Hunger Games
Katniss, the heroine in The Hunger Games, makes the painful choice to take her sister's place in the games saving her sister's life, but putting her own life in grave danger.
The Lion, Witch & Wardrobe Study Guide
Edmond in The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe makes the choice to listen to the White Witch and put his friends in danger.
The Lord of the Rings
Frodo, in The Lord of the Rings, chooses to take the journey to rid the world of the ring and destroy it in the fires of Mount Doom.
All of these choices move the story along, but they also reveal to the reader something important about the character.
The choices you put before your character must do the same.
Change
As a result of all these choices, your character must go through some sort of change from the beginning of the story to the end. She must walk away different than she was at the start. This change can be both physical and emotional, but change must occur because that's life. That's how it works.
Harry Potter changed both chronologically and physically, but at the end of the story he had changed emotionally and psychologically as well.
The Dragon Forest
Show us how your character has changed. Paint us a picture. In my book, The Dragon Forest, my protagonist is a ten year old prince who goes through a tremendous life-changing event. As a result, we see him change from a spoiled, yet precocious boy to a mature young man who now knows what it means to be king.
All those obstacles and choices you put before your main character will change them just as in real life. You are not the same person you were fifteen years ago, fifteen days ago, or fifteen minutes ago!
Challenge
Somewhere in your story, you must give your main character a challenge that has to be met. Harry Potter had to meet with Voldemort. The challenge was put out there. If he didn't meet his nemesis face-to-face, readers would have been so disappointed. In Star Wars, Luke Skywalker is challenged to meet Darth Vader and kill him. This challenge was tortuous to the hero, but it had to happen.
What challenge can you give to your hero/heroine that they must meet in order for the story to come full circle? It has to be an urgent challenge in order to satisfy the reader.
By giving your main character this challenge, you provide your reader the chance to root for them and cheer them on. Readers want to cheer for your character! Give them that chance.
Compassion
By giving your character compassion, you are creating a bond or connection between him and your reader.
When Katniss makes the choice to take her sister's place, the reader is bonded to her. Now we care about what happens to such a brave compassionate girl.
When Harry Potter knows he must face Voldemort alone for the sake of saving many lives, the reader is bonded to him because he has that compassion for others. We care deeply for this young man.
When Frodo, the lowest of the lows, takes on the monumental task of taking the ring to Mordor, we see compassion in that choice. Readers are drawn to that display of compassion for others.
But—
A lack of compassion can also draw your readers into the story.
How?
Well, think of some of the most famous villains you love to hate: Darth Vader. So many fans love this character because of his lack of compassion early on. He was one of the best villains ever written for the screen because we loved to hate him.
Loki in The Avengers. Here's another villain we love to hate because he shows no compassion for the people. He is evil through and through.
And, of course, Voldemort. His fierce lack of compassion for others is what makes him a well-rounded villain. Readers hoped there would be no redemption for such a character.
What About the S?
In the Five Cs we have the little "s" at the end.
This stands for "Surprise!"
It is always good to have that element of surprise in your story, but make sure it is relevant to your story otherwise it will stand out as a distraction and work against you.
When Gandalf dies in The Fellowship of the Ring, that was a complete surprise. Readers must have felt cheated in some way.
When Aslan sacrifices himself to the White Witch and is brutally killed, that was a surprise.
When Cedric dies in The Goblet of Fire, readers were surprised. Actually, the Harry Potter series has MANY surprises!
But notice how all these surprises do not harm the storyline, but help it move forward.
If you have a surprise in your story, develop it in such a way that your readers are drawn into your story. Make it to where they care more than every before what happens next.
The Five "Cs" and an "S"
Well, I hope these tools have helped you as much as they have helped me.
When I get stuck somewhere in a story, I usually take a moment to check and see if I have indeed added the Five Cs and an S somewhere.
I highly recommend Conrad's book, 101 Best Scenes Ever Written. It's a fun read, very original in that he analyzes scenes from books, film, and plays.
Good luck in your writing! Make sure you are having fun! And make sure you take advantage of the tools others have created because they really do help.
But most importantly... just write!
Your turn: What about you? How have you been able to add the Five C's into your story?
101 Best Scenes Ever Written: A Romp Through Literature for Writers and Readers
In this most excellent book by Barnaby Conrad, I learned so much about developing a memorable character. I used his method when I taught creative writing.
Why is it important to include the 5 Cs and the S? Let's take a look...
Conflict
There comes a time when you have that feeling of inner conflict. Perhaps when a boss orders you to do something that goes against your beliefs or when you make a decision that might hurt someone you love.
That inner struggle is what makes your readers begin to care about your character.
But sometimes there is an outer struggle as well.
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
In The Goblet of Fire, Harry Potter is mysteriously entered into a contest he might not be able to live through. Inwardly, he struggles with being the "hero" and making it through to the end. Outwardly, he struggles with how his classmates react to his entrance into the contest. They suspect him of cheating.
This is an excellent example of conflict that draws your readers in and makes them care about the characters.
Think of how you will add conflict to your story and why.
Not every story needs to have that Sophie's Choice moment of conflict, but think of how you will show your character struggle with some issue or crisis inwardly and outwardly.
Choice
To make sure your character is given plenty of obstacles, remember to give him/her plenty of choices to make in the story.
For instance, Harry Potter makes the choice to follow Hagrid into the unknown and study wizardry at Hogwarts. Later, Harry makes the choice to sacrifice his own life to save the lives of many others. As you can see, some choices you put before your character will be less significant than others, but they must still be important and move the story along.
The Hunger Games
Katniss, the heroine in The Hunger Games, makes the painful choice to take her sister's place in the games saving her sister's life, but putting her own life in grave danger.
The Lion, Witch & Wardrobe Study Guide
Edmond in The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe makes the choice to listen to the White Witch and put his friends in danger.
The Lord of the Rings
Frodo, in The Lord of the Rings, chooses to take the journey to rid the world of the ring and destroy it in the fires of Mount Doom.
All of these choices move the story along, but they also reveal to the reader something important about the character.
The choices you put before your character must do the same.
Change
As a result of all these choices, your character must go through some sort of change from the beginning of the story to the end. She must walk away different than she was at the start. This change can be both physical and emotional, but change must occur because that's life. That's how it works.
Harry Potter changed both chronologically and physically, but at the end of the story he had changed emotionally and psychologically as well.
The Dragon Forest
Show us how your character has changed. Paint us a picture. In my book, The Dragon Forest, my protagonist is a ten year old prince who goes through a tremendous life-changing event. As a result, we see him change from a spoiled, yet precocious boy to a mature young man who now knows what it means to be king.
All those obstacles and choices you put before your main character will change them just as in real life. You are not the same person you were fifteen years ago, fifteen days ago, or fifteen minutes ago!
Challenge
Somewhere in your story, you must give your main character a challenge that has to be met. Harry Potter had to meet with Voldemort. The challenge was put out there. If he didn't meet his nemesis face-to-face, readers would have been so disappointed. In Star Wars, Luke Skywalker is challenged to meet Darth Vader and kill him. This challenge was tortuous to the hero, but it had to happen.
What challenge can you give to your hero/heroine that they must meet in order for the story to come full circle? It has to be an urgent challenge in order to satisfy the reader.
By giving your main character this challenge, you provide your reader the chance to root for them and cheer them on. Readers want to cheer for your character! Give them that chance.
Compassion
By giving your character compassion, you are creating a bond or connection between him and your reader.
When Katniss makes the choice to take her sister's place, the reader is bonded to her. Now we care about what happens to such a brave compassionate girl.
When Harry Potter knows he must face Voldemort alone for the sake of saving many lives, the reader is bonded to him because he has that compassion for others. We care deeply for this young man.
When Frodo, the lowest of the lows, takes on the monumental task of taking the ring to Mordor, we see compassion in that choice. Readers are drawn to that display of compassion for others.
But—
A lack of compassion can also draw your readers into the story.
How?
Well, think of some of the most famous villains you love to hate: Darth Vader. So many fans love this character because of his lack of compassion early on. He was one of the best villains ever written for the screen because we loved to hate him.
Loki in The Avengers. Here's another villain we love to hate because he shows no compassion for the people. He is evil through and through.
And, of course, Voldemort. His fierce lack of compassion for others is what makes him a well-rounded villain. Readers hoped there would be no redemption for such a character.
What About the S?
In the Five Cs we have the little "s" at the end.
This stands for "Surprise!"
It is always good to have that element of surprise in your story, but make sure it is relevant to your story otherwise it will stand out as a distraction and work against you.
When Gandalf dies in The Fellowship of the Ring, that was a complete surprise. Readers must have felt cheated in some way.
When Aslan sacrifices himself to the White Witch and is brutally killed, that was a surprise.
When Cedric dies in The Goblet of Fire, readers were surprised. Actually, the Harry Potter series has MANY surprises!
But notice how all these surprises do not harm the storyline, but help it move forward.
If you have a surprise in your story, develop it in such a way that your readers are drawn into your story. Make it to where they care more than every before what happens next.
The Five "Cs" and an "S"
Well, I hope these tools have helped you as much as they have helped me.
When I get stuck somewhere in a story, I usually take a moment to check and see if I have indeed added the Five Cs and an S somewhere.
I highly recommend Conrad's book, 101 Best Scenes Ever Written. It's a fun read, very original in that he analyzes scenes from books, film, and plays.
Good luck in your writing! Make sure you are having fun! And make sure you take advantage of the tools others have created because they really do help.
But most importantly... just write!
Your turn: What about you? How have you been able to add the Five C's into your story?
February 9, 2018
Painting With Words
How Writing and Painting are Alike
As an artist, I’ve learned how to see things. Painting and drawing are basically “seeing” and then expressing what one sees onto paper or canvas or any other desired medium.
Is it possible for art and writing to be similar? I’ve blogged before about how running and writing are similar, but what about drawing or painting?
I’ve only been writing since 2004, published since 2008, but I’ve been an artist all my life. I can easily tell you the answer is YES! There are many similarities and that’s what makes me love both art forms. I’ll share what I’ve learned from both mediums of artistic expression with you and let you decide for yourself…
Creating art typically requires a process. This was something my art professors drill into my brain over and over again. Conceptual development came first. What’s the context? Who is your audience? What is your theme? What are the comparisons? What other artists inspired the work? What is the purpose? How will it be created and why?
All this must be decided first before an artist even attempts to create art for a showing or exhibit. A concept brainstorm can be a long arduous process, but I found it fun. I suppose that’s why brainstorming a writing project is fun for me, too.
In the creation of art, it is always best to know the medium of choice. What are its strengths and weaknesses? For instance, oil painting. What are the strengths of oil as a medium? Gorgeous color and texture. It lasts for a lifetime. Blends easily. Its weaknesses? Odorous, requires proper ventilation. It is very expensive. Requires additional resources for preparation and preservation, which can be costly. It dries slowly, so the process requires patience.
What about with writing? It is always best to know the strengths and weaknesses of the tools you select for writing: MS Word, Scrivener, Open Office, etc. What about where you write? Can you work in uninterrupted bliss?
In art, a rough draft does help. My one art professor required at least 15 (minimum) paintings/sketches that he would approve of before we even attempted to work on a painting for our show. I grumbled about it at first, but after a while, I realized how much this process helped to produce a “rough draft” of a painting or drawing first. Not only did it save me money on canvas or paper (my professor didn’t care about what we used for the 15 paintings or sketches…), but it forced me to slow down and truly settle on an idea that I had worked through. I loved that! I learned how to settle on a composition and explain why I did so.
Doesn’t this remind you of writing? When we sit with our editor to explain our plot premise of the rough draft, if we cannot explain it in an interesting way to him, then how will our readers understand it? A rough draft forces us to slow down and truly work out the plot details.
In art, the focus is intense. I can stare at my work for hours at a time. A wise artist will pause to take a step back in order to inspect his work from a different focal point. In fact, my professor always challenged us to turn the piece upside down! I definitely agree with this approach because the errors in the painting or drawing always pop out when turned upside down. I also look at my work in a mirror to find errors. In writing, taking time to step away from a work-in-progress is most helpful. When you come back to your work, errors glare at you. You are more capable of checking for point-of-view and the voice of the characters.
So, these are just some examples of how visual art and writing reflect one another. One can see why they both are part of the Fine Arts. Structure, planning, plotting, and preparation are necessary for both types of artistic expression.
Because I dabble in both mediums, I find it most fascinating how writing and art align so nicely. I suppose that’s why I love both art forms. Music, theatre, visual art, and writing…the Fine Arts are each unique threads in the tapestry of artistic expression. If you excel in one, you will probably discover that you can excel in the another! I am learning to play piano and violin. I also sing with a praise and worship band. Maybe, someday, I’ll try acting.
What about you? Why not give another form of artistic expression a try? You have nothing to lose and so much to gain.
For information about my books, please visit my website: www.thedragonforest.com
For information about my artwork, please visit: www.artbyruth.com
As an artist, I’ve learned how to see things. Painting and drawing are basically “seeing” and then expressing what one sees onto paper or canvas or any other desired medium.
Is it possible for art and writing to be similar? I’ve blogged before about how running and writing are similar, but what about drawing or painting?
I’ve only been writing since 2004, published since 2008, but I’ve been an artist all my life. I can easily tell you the answer is YES! There are many similarities and that’s what makes me love both art forms. I’ll share what I’ve learned from both mediums of artistic expression with you and let you decide for yourself…
Creating art typically requires a process. This was something my art professors drill into my brain over and over again. Conceptual development came first. What’s the context? Who is your audience? What is your theme? What are the comparisons? What other artists inspired the work? What is the purpose? How will it be created and why?
All this must be decided first before an artist even attempts to create art for a showing or exhibit. A concept brainstorm can be a long arduous process, but I found it fun. I suppose that’s why brainstorming a writing project is fun for me, too.
In the creation of art, it is always best to know the medium of choice. What are its strengths and weaknesses? For instance, oil painting. What are the strengths of oil as a medium? Gorgeous color and texture. It lasts for a lifetime. Blends easily. Its weaknesses? Odorous, requires proper ventilation. It is very expensive. Requires additional resources for preparation and preservation, which can be costly. It dries slowly, so the process requires patience.
What about with writing? It is always best to know the strengths and weaknesses of the tools you select for writing: MS Word, Scrivener, Open Office, etc. What about where you write? Can you work in uninterrupted bliss?
In art, a rough draft does help. My one art professor required at least 15 (minimum) paintings/sketches that he would approve of before we even attempted to work on a painting for our show. I grumbled about it at first, but after a while, I realized how much this process helped to produce a “rough draft” of a painting or drawing first. Not only did it save me money on canvas or paper (my professor didn’t care about what we used for the 15 paintings or sketches…), but it forced me to slow down and truly settle on an idea that I had worked through. I loved that! I learned how to settle on a composition and explain why I did so.
Doesn’t this remind you of writing? When we sit with our editor to explain our plot premise of the rough draft, if we cannot explain it in an interesting way to him, then how will our readers understand it? A rough draft forces us to slow down and truly work out the plot details.
In art, the focus is intense. I can stare at my work for hours at a time. A wise artist will pause to take a step back in order to inspect his work from a different focal point. In fact, my professor always challenged us to turn the piece upside down! I definitely agree with this approach because the errors in the painting or drawing always pop out when turned upside down. I also look at my work in a mirror to find errors. In writing, taking time to step away from a work-in-progress is most helpful. When you come back to your work, errors glare at you. You are more capable of checking for point-of-view and the voice of the characters.
So, these are just some examples of how visual art and writing reflect one another. One can see why they both are part of the Fine Arts. Structure, planning, plotting, and preparation are necessary for both types of artistic expression.
Because I dabble in both mediums, I find it most fascinating how writing and art align so nicely. I suppose that’s why I love both art forms. Music, theatre, visual art, and writing…the Fine Arts are each unique threads in the tapestry of artistic expression. If you excel in one, you will probably discover that you can excel in the another! I am learning to play piano and violin. I also sing with a praise and worship band. Maybe, someday, I’ll try acting.
What about you? Why not give another form of artistic expression a try? You have nothing to lose and so much to gain.
For information about my books, please visit my website: www.thedragonforest.com
For information about my artwork, please visit: www.artbyruth.com
February 2, 2018
Look Out!
How Writing is So Similar to Trail Running...
"Writing is like a marathon, not a sprint!"
We writers have heard this before. Writing takes time, discipline, training, patience, endurance, and on and on...
I run and have blogged about it here, but one thing I noticed about this crazy writing life is how writing is not just a marathon, run on a smooth surface, but more like TRAIL running!
Look Out!
One thing I love about distance running is how I get to "zone out" and not think about anything while I run. Because of this, I tend to run along the Arizona Canal. This path is smooth asphalt and the occasional gravel path. It's a predictable path that I have memorized over the last twenty years of running. So, very little thought goes into where I place my foot and I like that! I can listen to my music, think about things or just zone out and not think about anything at all. What a pleasure!
Trail running, on the other hand...
Ugh!
Because the path is unpredictable, loaded with rocks of all sizes, twists and turns, inclines and declines...a wise runner would never consider zoning out or they could find themselves flat on the ground eating dirt.
Or worse! Falling off a cliff.
And that, my friends, is the writing journey: Not a sprint, that is true. Requires time, discipline, training, endurance, and patience, but also FOCUS!
Writing is hard! It requires complete focus, especially today with all the social media tempting us to stop and read a post or see how many "likes" a photo received. It's the same with trail running because the scenery can be so beautiful. You'll want to stop and take some photos of your surroundings.
DON'T DO IT! Keep going. Keep writing. Stay focused or you'll end up flat on your face or over that "cliff" of not completing your manuscript.
There are so many tools out there for writers to help us stay organized and focused, but it all comes down to staying the course, doing our best to predict the obstacles on the path, and endure the emotional or psychological inclines and declines that come out way.
See? Writing, like trail running, is hard! But as with everything worthwhile, it is a race worth running. I highly advise a trail run now and then. If you ever get the chance, do it.
Make this the year you FINISH that manuscript! Make this the year you type "The End." You can do it! You can finally accomplish that goal. It isn't easy...but it is so worth it.
Happy writing!
Ruth
"Writing is like a marathon, not a sprint!"
We writers have heard this before. Writing takes time, discipline, training, patience, endurance, and on and on...
I run and have blogged about it here, but one thing I noticed about this crazy writing life is how writing is not just a marathon, run on a smooth surface, but more like TRAIL running!
Look Out!
One thing I love about distance running is how I get to "zone out" and not think about anything while I run. Because of this, I tend to run along the Arizona Canal. This path is smooth asphalt and the occasional gravel path. It's a predictable path that I have memorized over the last twenty years of running. So, very little thought goes into where I place my foot and I like that! I can listen to my music, think about things or just zone out and not think about anything at all. What a pleasure!
Trail running, on the other hand...
Ugh!
Because the path is unpredictable, loaded with rocks of all sizes, twists and turns, inclines and declines...a wise runner would never consider zoning out or they could find themselves flat on the ground eating dirt.
Or worse! Falling off a cliff.
And that, my friends, is the writing journey: Not a sprint, that is true. Requires time, discipline, training, endurance, and patience, but also FOCUS!
Writing is hard! It requires complete focus, especially today with all the social media tempting us to stop and read a post or see how many "likes" a photo received. It's the same with trail running because the scenery can be so beautiful. You'll want to stop and take some photos of your surroundings.
DON'T DO IT! Keep going. Keep writing. Stay focused or you'll end up flat on your face or over that "cliff" of not completing your manuscript.
There are so many tools out there for writers to help us stay organized and focused, but it all comes down to staying the course, doing our best to predict the obstacles on the path, and endure the emotional or psychological inclines and declines that come out way.
See? Writing, like trail running, is hard! But as with everything worthwhile, it is a race worth running. I highly advise a trail run now and then. If you ever get the chance, do it.
Make this the year you FINISH that manuscript! Make this the year you type "The End." You can do it! You can finally accomplish that goal. It isn't easy...but it is so worth it.
Happy writing!
Ruth
February 1, 2018
Knock Knock! Who's There?
Silly Jokes, Pranks, and Preteen Angst- Writing for Middle Grade Readers
It was the perfect setting for a writer of middle grade books: A middle grade classroom!
I couldn't pass up the chance to teach writing to my target audience. What an opportunity to listen in on how kids talk to one another, to observe what books they like to read, and to browse the book fair aisles to see what they were buying. It was a gold mine of information!
For four years, I was immersed in everything middle school while I was writing four books for middle grade readers. And boy did I learn a lot about this target audience: The school dances, the drama, the cafeteria at lunch, and so much more.
First of all, they have plenty of jokes if you need them for your book. I did, so I asked my three seventh grade classes for jokes. Knock, Knock jokes were a plenty. Students were thrilled to know their jokes just might make it into a published book on their school library shelf.
Second of all, they have a unique voice. I treasured my conversations with students in the hall, at recess, or at the end of each class. I had fun asking them questions and listening to their answers. Being among them helped me write realistic dialogue in my Children series. The playful banter between characters was enjoyed by readers and book reviewers.
The Children Under the Ice
Third, you have a wide range of character names to choose from! I write fantasy and am always looking for unique names for Elves or Knights or even Dragons. Students were always flattered to see their names or the names of their siblings as my main characters. And, favorite students became models for favorite characters in my books. I will never forget these kids because they will forever live inside my books.
The Dragon Forest
Finally, you have a chance to truly put your writing to the ultimate test. All my books lined my bookshelves in my classroom. My first week of school, I told the story of my writing journey to all five of my classes, and each day, I'd spy a student remove one of my books off the shelf to read.
Gulp!
Knowing these middle graders, my target audience, known for telling the blunt truth about everything, now held my life's work in their hands...was truly humbling. But my books passed the test! From fourth graders to eighth graders, my books were enjoyed and continually checked out from the school library. So much so, that the librarian requested extra copies from me.
What a thrill it was to see a student, walking down the hallway, reading my book. The cover was bent and creased from over use. The best compliment an author could receive is a well-used book in the hands of a reader.
Ah, such wonderful memories.
So, if you're going to write for middle grade readers, I advise you to immerse yourself in that audience in some way. Observe them, listen to them, talk to them, and be ready to learn so much from them. I did. After teaching middle school for four years, I learned so much about my target audience. They were funny, silly, hard workers, caring, considerate, creative...
And I learned that they are terrific at telling jokes!
Happy writing!
R. A. Douthitt
It was the perfect setting for a writer of middle grade books: A middle grade classroom!
I couldn't pass up the chance to teach writing to my target audience. What an opportunity to listen in on how kids talk to one another, to observe what books they like to read, and to browse the book fair aisles to see what they were buying. It was a gold mine of information!
For four years, I was immersed in everything middle school while I was writing four books for middle grade readers. And boy did I learn a lot about this target audience: The school dances, the drama, the cafeteria at lunch, and so much more.
First of all, they have plenty of jokes if you need them for your book. I did, so I asked my three seventh grade classes for jokes. Knock, Knock jokes were a plenty. Students were thrilled to know their jokes just might make it into a published book on their school library shelf.
Second of all, they have a unique voice. I treasured my conversations with students in the hall, at recess, or at the end of each class. I had fun asking them questions and listening to their answers. Being among them helped me write realistic dialogue in my Children series. The playful banter between characters was enjoyed by readers and book reviewers.
The Children Under the Ice
Third, you have a wide range of character names to choose from! I write fantasy and am always looking for unique names for Elves or Knights or even Dragons. Students were always flattered to see their names or the names of their siblings as my main characters. And, favorite students became models for favorite characters in my books. I will never forget these kids because they will forever live inside my books.
The Dragon Forest
Finally, you have a chance to truly put your writing to the ultimate test. All my books lined my bookshelves in my classroom. My first week of school, I told the story of my writing journey to all five of my classes, and each day, I'd spy a student remove one of my books off the shelf to read.
Gulp!
Knowing these middle graders, my target audience, known for telling the blunt truth about everything, now held my life's work in their hands...was truly humbling. But my books passed the test! From fourth graders to eighth graders, my books were enjoyed and continually checked out from the school library. So much so, that the librarian requested extra copies from me.
What a thrill it was to see a student, walking down the hallway, reading my book. The cover was bent and creased from over use. The best compliment an author could receive is a well-used book in the hands of a reader.
Ah, such wonderful memories.
So, if you're going to write for middle grade readers, I advise you to immerse yourself in that audience in some way. Observe them, listen to them, talk to them, and be ready to learn so much from them. I did. After teaching middle school for four years, I learned so much about my target audience. They were funny, silly, hard workers, caring, considerate, creative...
And I learned that they are terrific at telling jokes!
Happy writing!
R. A. Douthitt
January 26, 2018
What's Popular in Publishing?
This was the question a fellow author and I answered yesterday when we met to discuss trends in publishing.
Our answer was most definitely Memoirs.
As we thought more about memoirs, we realized a new style of memoir is taking over publishing today: Memoirs written in a narrative style.
This style seems to be appealing to authors because it can be easier to write about a painful time in one's life if names, places, and circumstances are slightly changed. But even if the author's selected time period isn't traumatic, writing it as a narrative can make the memoir more marketable and appealing.
First Christmas in Paris
For me, my novella, "First Christmas in Paris," was written in narrative style because I wanted to change the names, setting, and be creative with the plot. For instance, this book is based on a true story from my marriage. We live in a large city, but I wanted the story to begin in a quaint small town. At the time, I worked in a large office with some wonderful people, but wanted to have my protagonist work in a small office with closer, more intimate relationships with her co-workers. Lastly, I had to add some conflict to the story to make it more interesting for the reader, because the true story didn't have much conflict.
I have no regrets writing our true story this way. I thoroughly enjoyed it and have received wonderful reviews from readers.
I believe the memoir is so popular with publishers today because people want to read fascinating true life stories about overcoming obstacles or about fun and exciting adventures. Hope and adventure seem to be the themes people are drawn to most, whether in memoirs about beloved pets or children. I'm told horse memoirs are very popular right now. Maybe write a memoir about a horse-loving child!
I'm not suggesting all writers abandon their current projects to write a memoir, but I think we all should consider it. Each of us has a unique life experience that readers could benefit from. If it's a traumatic experience, consider writing it in narrative style. If it's an adventure story, be sure to include photographs so we can travel vicariously through your story.
So, what's popular in publishing today? Memoirs seem to be hot right now. After reading a few and writing one in narrative style, I can see why!
Our answer was most definitely Memoirs.
As we thought more about memoirs, we realized a new style of memoir is taking over publishing today: Memoirs written in a narrative style.
This style seems to be appealing to authors because it can be easier to write about a painful time in one's life if names, places, and circumstances are slightly changed. But even if the author's selected time period isn't traumatic, writing it as a narrative can make the memoir more marketable and appealing.
First Christmas in Paris
For me, my novella, "First Christmas in Paris," was written in narrative style because I wanted to change the names, setting, and be creative with the plot. For instance, this book is based on a true story from my marriage. We live in a large city, but I wanted the story to begin in a quaint small town. At the time, I worked in a large office with some wonderful people, but wanted to have my protagonist work in a small office with closer, more intimate relationships with her co-workers. Lastly, I had to add some conflict to the story to make it more interesting for the reader, because the true story didn't have much conflict.
I have no regrets writing our true story this way. I thoroughly enjoyed it and have received wonderful reviews from readers.
I believe the memoir is so popular with publishers today because people want to read fascinating true life stories about overcoming obstacles or about fun and exciting adventures. Hope and adventure seem to be the themes people are drawn to most, whether in memoirs about beloved pets or children. I'm told horse memoirs are very popular right now. Maybe write a memoir about a horse-loving child!
I'm not suggesting all writers abandon their current projects to write a memoir, but I think we all should consider it. Each of us has a unique life experience that readers could benefit from. If it's a traumatic experience, consider writing it in narrative style. If it's an adventure story, be sure to include photographs so we can travel vicariously through your story.
So, what's popular in publishing today? Memoirs seem to be hot right now. After reading a few and writing one in narrative style, I can see why!
January 25, 2018
There's No Crying in Writing!
Everyone loves that scene from "A League of Their Own" when the all-women's baseball team is lectured by their manager, played by Tom Hanks, that there's no crying in baseball!
Well, I'm blogging to tell you that there's no crying in writing, either.
Or is there?
I recently saw a writer speak about her journey. She's been a published author for over ten years, has written over thirty books, has one of the top agents in the business, and is contracted with a big time traditional publisher.
And yet, she still has to work a day job to make ends meet.
After hearing her inspirational story, I can admit that I was more disillusioned than inspired. I mean, she's been in the business a long time now. She has thirty books out! Why isn't she rich and famous yet??
So why am I in this crazy business of writing? Why would I want to go through all that work and never make it to where I can write full time? I've written eight books now and self-publish. I have tried for the last nine years to land an agent, but no such luck. I have readers, but work full time so I don't have the time or money to do marketing other than social media sites. I sell books, but not thousands of copies.
So, I ask again, why am I in this crazy business?
Well, I can't help but think about that book (and subsequent movie...) "Goodbye, Mr. Chips" by Hilton. Perhaps you've read the book or have seen the award-winning film?
Goodbye Mr Chips
The main character, Mr. Chipping, is an English schoolmaster at Brookfield school. Year after year, "Chips" teaches generations of boys in his kind and gently manner, all the while hoping to one day be chosen as Headmaster of the school, only to be passed over year after year.
But, in the end, Chips realizes that, although his dream is never realized, he has helped shaped the lives of many young men who come to him and thank him for all his hard work and caring heart.
This book helped me endure four years of teaching middle school, where I knew for sure I wasn't making a difference, but I was proven wrong year after year.
As with writing, I need to realize that my dream of being a traditionally published author may never happen. And I am okay with that. I know many children have read my books. I know I have made them laugh and cry with my stories. I know I have made a difference in a small way.
Like Mr. Chips, I now know that I serve a bigger purpose than just being a writer. I have many more stories to tell. Stories that will inspire and encourage my readers.
After all, isn't that why we're in this crazy business?
So, sit up straight. Take heart. Chin up! And never forget: There's no crying in writing!
Well, I'm blogging to tell you that there's no crying in writing, either.
Or is there?
I recently saw a writer speak about her journey. She's been a published author for over ten years, has written over thirty books, has one of the top agents in the business, and is contracted with a big time traditional publisher.
And yet, she still has to work a day job to make ends meet.
After hearing her inspirational story, I can admit that I was more disillusioned than inspired. I mean, she's been in the business a long time now. She has thirty books out! Why isn't she rich and famous yet??
So why am I in this crazy business of writing? Why would I want to go through all that work and never make it to where I can write full time? I've written eight books now and self-publish. I have tried for the last nine years to land an agent, but no such luck. I have readers, but work full time so I don't have the time or money to do marketing other than social media sites. I sell books, but not thousands of copies.
So, I ask again, why am I in this crazy business?
Well, I can't help but think about that book (and subsequent movie...) "Goodbye, Mr. Chips" by Hilton. Perhaps you've read the book or have seen the award-winning film?
Goodbye Mr Chips
The main character, Mr. Chipping, is an English schoolmaster at Brookfield school. Year after year, "Chips" teaches generations of boys in his kind and gently manner, all the while hoping to one day be chosen as Headmaster of the school, only to be passed over year after year.
But, in the end, Chips realizes that, although his dream is never realized, he has helped shaped the lives of many young men who come to him and thank him for all his hard work and caring heart.
This book helped me endure four years of teaching middle school, where I knew for sure I wasn't making a difference, but I was proven wrong year after year.
As with writing, I need to realize that my dream of being a traditionally published author may never happen. And I am okay with that. I know many children have read my books. I know I have made them laugh and cry with my stories. I know I have made a difference in a small way.
Like Mr. Chips, I now know that I serve a bigger purpose than just being a writer. I have many more stories to tell. Stories that will inspire and encourage my readers.
After all, isn't that why we're in this crazy business?
So, sit up straight. Take heart. Chin up! And never forget: There's no crying in writing!
