Kimberly Packard's Blog, page 5

Plotting By the Seat of My Pants

NOTE: This blog post is a form of procrastination, a diversion from what I said I was really going to do today – write 2,000 words.

But, that said, it’s an important post because it’s a place for me to work out something that I’ve never done before. Plotting and developing an outline.

There are typically two camps in writing: plotters and pantsters. Plotters are the methodical sort who develop an outline – sometimes nearly as long as the novel itself, to detail out all the important plot points. Then, you have the spontaneous pantsters, the sort who hop in the car with a full tank of gas and no clear destination in mind.

That’s me. I’m a pantster.

I need to add this to my writing wardrobe.

I’m not completely irresponsible. I knew how Phoenix was going to end before I even wrote it, and while many parts of it changed during the time I worked on it, the end never did. And, the same goes for Pardon Falls, I know how it’s going to end, and I doubt that it will change while I work on it.

But, something else has changed. And it’s that change that is forcing me to re-evaluate how I write.

I have readers and a publisher waiting on the second novel. I can’t take eight years to write it like I did Phoenix. If I do, I’m pretty sure there will be a hit put out on me. Something else has changed, I now have a sweet, rambunctious puppy to entertain. My previous dog was so incredibly patient with her writer mom. But Charlie hasn’t yet learned the ropes. So when he’s down for a nap, I’ve got one hour maybe to pound out some pages before he wakes up ready to wrestle. The luxury of writing hours on end is gone, therefore I have to make sure that the words are the right ones and I don’t end up with “Me Write Pretty” moments that just get deleted later.

Instead of writing, I’m going to do something that I’ve only ever done after the story is written. Outline it. For Phoenix, I used an Excel spreadsheet just to help me easily find what happened in which chapter. Maybe now I should employ that same exercise but plan out what should happen.

Hoping that plotting can avoid that uncomfortable feeling.

I feel like I’m betraying other pantsters out there. That I’m not being true to myself by following the same writing process that worked the first time. But maybe this is the sign of my growth as a writer? One symptom of insanity is doing the same thing each time and expecting a different outcome. Does this mean that by plotting Pardon Falls I’ll come out with a different novel?

Maybe if I view this as plotting by the seat of my pants I’ll still feel a little bit punk, just without the pink hair dye.

Fellow writers, do you change your writing process novel to novel?

NOTE: This post is 507 words. I’m going to count that to my 2,000 word goal today. Don’t judge.

My Salesy Moment

Pardon the interruption from the incredibly insightful blog posts I provide into the mind of a literary nutjob and indulge me for a moment …

Goodmedia Press will hold a flash sale on Wednesday, March 6 for Kindle books – including Phoenix. One day only, you’ll be able to download Phoenix and other Goodmedia Press books for 99 cents.

Don’t miss out! Click here for more information … and how to order your set of Ginsu Knives.

What I’m Giving Up for Lent: Editing

Wait a minute … a writer giving up editing for Lent? Isn’t that like a fish giving up swimming? Well, yes and … no.

A friend asked me today what I was giving up for Lent. I hadn’t really thought about it until she asked, and I like the few vices I have too much to part with them for 40 days. I could give up meat, or sugar, or processed foods, but I know that’s a failure waiting to happen. Then it hit me.

I can give up editing for Lent. Don’t worry dear critique group, I will still lend my helpful red pen to you guys, but I refuse to edit my WIP until Easter.

The Muse and the Editor can’t occupy the same space. At least not in my brain. The Editor’s job is to question every word, every comma, every plot thread. The Muse is the fun, wild aunt with crazy hair and a mischievous gleam in her eye. But if the Editor is in the room, the Muse becomes timid, shy, unsure. She becomes afraid that the Editor will judge her (which the Editor will, long after the Muse has run off with some guy on the back of a Harley).

So for Lent, I’m giving up the Editor. She can stay far, far away while I work to make progress on the re-write of Pardon Falls. Once the Muse is off in search of her next adventure, I will welcome the Editor with open arms – and a red pen.

Getting my Hustle On

I’ve written a hundred blog posts in my head. Unfortunately, technology hasn’t caught up to where I can think a blog post and – voila! – it’s there. The reason these posts have been in my head and not in print is due to fact that in those precious moments I have to write, I’m working on Pardon Falls, the sequel to Phoenix.

Why do I have only a few precious moments to write? Well, as fellow GoodMedia Press author, Nanon Williams, shared with our publisher, I’m getting my hustle on selling Phoenix.

I’m not complaining. I mean, what writer doesn’t want to work their butt off to get their work into the readers hands or see someone who is truly excited to start reading your novel? As the publishing industry changes with Indie publishers growing, so does the responsibility of the writer.

I’ve had four book signings so far. My release party at a friend’s wine bar in Dallas (you know you’re having a great book release party when the cops show up!), a book signing at the Creative Arts Center in my hometown and two in-store book signings at Kroger stores.

Kroger in Texas has a great program to support local authors. Participants in the program have the opportunity to set up in a store to sell their books over the weekend.

Get your turkey, floss and Phoenix – all in one stop!

The first weekend I did this was last weekend at a store closest to my home. Because it was Super Bowl weekend, the store was tight on space, so they put me at the best available space … aisle 19, sandwiched between deli meats and oral care. But strangely, I did pretty good that weekend.

This weekend, I was at a store in Fort Worth. The traffic was pretty light, but I think that was due to the fact that Saturday was cold and yucky and was also the last day of the Stock Show and Rodeo.

An awesome new reader took my picture at the Kroger in Fort Worth.

I quickly learned that I was going to have to step outside my comfort zone to bring attention to the people passing me by. Even though I do PR for a living, I don’t promote myself, it’s always a brand or client. For every 10 people that saw me and quickly averted their eyes to their grocery list, at least two would politely stop and let me give my spiel. One would wish me the best of luck and then continue their shopping, and the other one would take a look at the book blurb and ask me to sign the copy for them.

It’s not easy with those odds. And, when the 10 people who avoid me come in rapid succession followed by several people who shake their heads, it’s easy to want to climb under your table and just hope the pretty cover draws them in.

But then, a nice person stops by and chats with you. Like a gentleman who likened the Kroger appearances to bands playing the half full bar, and that one day he’ll see my name in the New York Times Book Review and think, “Wow, didn’t I see her at the Kroger on S. Hulen?”

Or, the sweet little old lady who listened in as I gave someone my pitch telling me that my writing is a gift from God. “But you already know that,” she continued before shuffling away for her groceries.

Writing wasn’t easy. It’s still not easy, but I know that there is a payoff to all the work. Each time I go somewhere to sell my book, I have to tell myself that I owe it to Amanda, Alex, Shiloh and David. That I’m not there for myself, but for them.

They gave me the gift of their story. It’s my responsibility to share that story with as many

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If you take off the “-ties,” you would have found me in the “Frozen Novels” section.

people as I can. So, I continue to push my own fears aside to stand proudly in the frozen food aisle, in front of the Polident, braving the cold gust each time the automatic doors open, answering questions about things I clearly know nothing about (“Sure, I think there is a special on whole chickens today”), to bring Phoenix to as many people as I can.

The moment we lock ourselves away for … someone buying our book.

Plus, it’s kinda cool seeing the receipt with your book’s name on it.

Great Review for Phoenix

Please check out the Lovely Books Blog‘s review of Phoenix. Many thanks to Tabitha for her kind words. And, while you’re on her site, take a look at the other books she’s reviewed.

If her review intrigues you, check out my book on Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble and iBooks.

 

 

 

 

The Writer’s Itch

I’ve been really itching lately. Why yes, fall allergies have lingered into winter. And no, I’m not having a flare up of an embarrassing rash (but thanks for asking!).

The itch is coming from that fire within all writers to spend long hours away from our families and friends, locked in a room watching a story unfold in our mind as characters whisper their deepest and darkest secrets. This particular itch that needs to be scratched comes from the Muse. She’s ready, she’s waiting. She wants me to write.

And I’m ready to write. It’s been about six months since I finished the first draft of Pardon Falls, the sequel to Phoenix. The same amount of time has passed since I re-read it and realized ways to make it stronger, to put the characters in tougher binds (because it’s kind to be cruel, at least in fiction) and to raise the stakes of the story. I’ve been busy with preparing Phoenix for its release. Now that it’s out there, it’s time for me to turn back to Pardon Falls.

I’m a pantster when I write. Most of the time I know what I’d like to accomplish with a scene, but I don’t map out the entire story. Sometimes the story goes where I expected, other times it takes a surprising twist or turn that could only happen when the writer gets out of the way and lets the tale tell itself.

Phoenix was the same way when I finished the first draft. Plot lines needed tidying up, characters needed strengthening, it’s all part of the editing and polishing process. It took me several years to mold Phoenix into the novel it is today, but I don’t have that luxury with Pardon Falls. The rewrite I’m about to embark on needs to nail it – or at least hit close enough that a few additional taps with the hammer gets it in place. To remedy it, I banged out a four-page, stream-of-consciousness rough synopsis, backwards I know since these usually come after the work is complete, but I guess this is my own loosey-goosey version of an outline.

Looking over this rough synopsis I realized: I am looking down a very different road than the first draft took me.

I should follow the Muse and trust in her that she wouldn’t lead me astray, but what if she was drinking distracted when she gave me that synopsis. What if I end up writing myself into a corner? And, what if a third road emerges when I finish this draft?

Fears of a sophomore writer, I know. I should just get out of the way.

Phoenix is a Hot, New Release

Kindle Book Review named Phoenix a Hot, New Release! Check out their post and then check out Phoenix on either the Kindle or Nook, or the oldie but goodie paperback format from Amazon or Barnes and Noble.

Cheers!

Kim

 

A Phoenix in the Hand

Thanksgiving isn’t known for gift giving, but I got a wonderful gift from my publisher today: my first copy of Phoenix.

I’ve stared at the cover enough to know it as well as the back of my hand, so finally seeing it in my fingers was a thrill. But, what took my breath away was when I cracked open the spine, when I saw words that I labored over so long ago printed, ready for the world. I admit, I teared up (and ordered a mimosa).

I’m sure this must be what it’s like when you have a new baby: you can’t stop staring, you wonder what the future holds for it, hope that you prepare it for the world. My publisher teased that she expects to see me next wearing Phoenix in a Baby Bjorn. Oh she kids, but just wait.

You too can have a copy of Phoenix in hand. It’s available in paperback from Amazon (Kindle coming as soon), and in both paperback and e-book from Barnes and Noble. Apple’s iBooks will have it soon as well. And, check out my new Goodreads Author Page.

Thank you all for joining me on this incredible and humbling journey.

Cheers,

K

Live on Amazon … Another Step to Reality

My publisher posted this earlier today. Phoenix is now available for pre-order on Amazon.com. I have to admit – this is pretty freaking exciting. 

The Booker Award … For People Who Refuse to Live in the Real World

The lovely Pat Wood (http://patwoodblogging.wordpress.com/) nominated me for The Booker Award and I can’t resist an opportunity to share some of my favorite books. The rules are pretty simple – I list my top five books and what I’m reading … Continue reading →