Karen GoatKeeper's Blog, page 25
November 30, 2016
Completing Word Counts
The end of November got closer. I was thousands of words away from my NaNo goal. Should I give up?
Giving up is appealing. The novel doesn't have to get written. The world will continue to exist if it does not get written.
Will I continue as a writer if I give up? I don't know. I do know I am good at starting projects of all kinds and terrible at seeing them through to completion. Would quitting become a habit?
I chose to not find out. I wasn't going to quit.
The problem was keeping myself motivated to sit and type 5,000 to 7,000 words a day.
Telling myself to sit still and type was not going to work. I needed incentives.
Each thousand words completed rated a break doing something fun for a short time.
Next was making sure I had scenes planned out in my head I had to get typed before they evaporated into thin air.
My goats loved this one. As my buck Augustus ensured I would be doing mostly feeding and not milking this winter, I spend time standing around watching and listening to oats disappear. This is found time for novel plotting. As I got glassy-eyed plotting, goats snuck in for a second bowl of oats.
Between the two I did reach the word goal. Now I need to finish the novel. It will wrap up in another few thousand words.
Then I get to start over again doing the rewrite.
Giving up is appealing. The novel doesn't have to get written. The world will continue to exist if it does not get written.
Will I continue as a writer if I give up? I don't know. I do know I am good at starting projects of all kinds and terrible at seeing them through to completion. Would quitting become a habit?
I chose to not find out. I wasn't going to quit.
The problem was keeping myself motivated to sit and type 5,000 to 7,000 words a day.
Telling myself to sit still and type was not going to work. I needed incentives.
Each thousand words completed rated a break doing something fun for a short time.
Next was making sure I had scenes planned out in my head I had to get typed before they evaporated into thin air.
My goats loved this one. As my buck Augustus ensured I would be doing mostly feeding and not milking this winter, I spend time standing around watching and listening to oats disappear. This is found time for novel plotting. As I got glassy-eyed plotting, goats snuck in for a second bowl of oats.
Between the two I did reach the word goal. Now I need to finish the novel. It will wrap up in another few thousand words.
Then I get to start over again doing the rewrite.
November 23, 2016
Writing Under Pressure
I was just reading how a blogger needs to learn to write more quickly. For those engaged in NaNo that is apt advice for writers.
What difference does writing faster make? As long as the writing gets done, it shouldn't matter if it takes a day or a week. Perhaps it doesn't. It does for me.
Yes, I can be a self starter. I am very good at starting. Looking over my computer this stands out. I have lots of books started. Then they sit there. I play with them occasionally but they never get done.
When I want a book to get done, I set a deadline to get it done. I set a challenging deadline. Why?
When the deadline is loose, the book slides from day to day. I add a hundred words here, five hundred there. In between I forget the plot line, the story arc, the character traits, the things that turn a story into a novel.
A tight deadline makes sure I put the butt in the chair everyday. It makes sure I am thinking about that book everyday, planning the next scene, the next problem for the main character to overcome. Then the story becomes something alive, demanding, morphing, pulling me as the writer in so the words flow. Yes, the flow can snag or pool from time to time, maybe even eddy. But the current is too strong and the draft gets written.
Once that draft is sitting there, it is easy to keep working on it. Complete the research. Do the rewrite. Do the edit. Make it into a novel ready to share with others.
All it takes is that deadline forcing me to write faster, to get it done, to quit agonizing over every word. That can wait until the rewrite when the choices become clearer because the story is known.
What difference does writing faster make? As long as the writing gets done, it shouldn't matter if it takes a day or a week. Perhaps it doesn't. It does for me.
Yes, I can be a self starter. I am very good at starting. Looking over my computer this stands out. I have lots of books started. Then they sit there. I play with them occasionally but they never get done.
When I want a book to get done, I set a deadline to get it done. I set a challenging deadline. Why?
When the deadline is loose, the book slides from day to day. I add a hundred words here, five hundred there. In between I forget the plot line, the story arc, the character traits, the things that turn a story into a novel.
A tight deadline makes sure I put the butt in the chair everyday. It makes sure I am thinking about that book everyday, planning the next scene, the next problem for the main character to overcome. Then the story becomes something alive, demanding, morphing, pulling me as the writer in so the words flow. Yes, the flow can snag or pool from time to time, maybe even eddy. But the current is too strong and the draft gets written.
Once that draft is sitting there, it is easy to keep working on it. Complete the research. Do the rewrite. Do the edit. Make it into a novel ready to share with others.
All it takes is that deadline forcing me to write faster, to get it done, to quit agonizing over every word. That can wait until the rewrite when the choices become clearer because the story is known.
November 9, 2016
Sorting Pictures
It's November. I'm supposed to be writing a novel draft.
Instead I am sorting out plant pictures. There are thousands of them neatly filed under plant names.
The pictures for each plant must be looked over. Pictures are chosen to show the plant, the front and side of the flower, the top and bottom of the leaf, the stem and the fruit or seed capsule. Each chosen picture is cropped and resized and filed away in yet another file to wait for being included in pages about that plant.
Killing frost has put an end to adding to the picture stockpile. Perhaps I may work my way through it over the winter.
In the meantime the pictures make an excellent excuse to not work on my novel draft. Both do need to get done. The draft has a deadline.
Priorities can be difficult at times.
Instead I am sorting out plant pictures. There are thousands of them neatly filed under plant names.
The pictures for each plant must be looked over. Pictures are chosen to show the plant, the front and side of the flower, the top and bottom of the leaf, the stem and the fruit or seed capsule. Each chosen picture is cropped and resized and filed away in yet another file to wait for being included in pages about that plant.
Killing frost has put an end to adding to the picture stockpile. Perhaps I may work my way through it over the winter.
In the meantime the pictures make an excellent excuse to not work on my novel draft. Both do need to get done. The draft has a deadline.
Priorities can be difficult at times.
November 2, 2016
Misleading the Book Counter
Yes, it is November. I have a whole 179 words written so far and am already double thinking my novel. First person or third person? which would work the best?
Internal editor please go to sleep, shut up, take a vacation, something! Just leave me alone. Alone to write happily for the month.
In the meantime I have embarked on a new reading challenge: picture books. These are fun to read and don't get much attention here at GR. That seems strange since so many GR readers have children or grandchildren.
I have neither children nor grandchildren so I needed an excuse to browse through the picture book shelves at the library. (All right, I do have a few at home.)
What's a good excuse? I plan to write picture books. Every once in a while I do get ideas for picture books but I have no intention of abandoning my other books for them So much for that excuse.
Do I really need an excuse? Why does society make adults feel guilty if they read picture books? Some of these "simple" books are very thought provoking and informative.
No, I need no excuse. I only need to enjoy browsing through and admiring how an author can say so much in so few words. I can admire the art work which runs the gamut from modern to fine art.
I challenge some of the rest of you who have finished your "real" book challenge to explore the picture book shelves with me. You never know what hidden gems you will find.
Internal editor please go to sleep, shut up, take a vacation, something! Just leave me alone. Alone to write happily for the month.
In the meantime I have embarked on a new reading challenge: picture books. These are fun to read and don't get much attention here at GR. That seems strange since so many GR readers have children or grandchildren.
I have neither children nor grandchildren so I needed an excuse to browse through the picture book shelves at the library. (All right, I do have a few at home.)
What's a good excuse? I plan to write picture books. Every once in a while I do get ideas for picture books but I have no intention of abandoning my other books for them So much for that excuse.
Do I really need an excuse? Why does society make adults feel guilty if they read picture books? Some of these "simple" books are very thought provoking and informative.
No, I need no excuse. I only need to enjoy browsing through and admiring how an author can say so much in so few words. I can admire the art work which runs the gamut from modern to fine art.
I challenge some of the rest of you who have finished your "real" book challenge to explore the picture book shelves with me. You never know what hidden gems you will find.
October 26, 2016
Book Signing Time
My writers' group holds a book signing in Salem each November. People are looking for gift items and we hope some of our books will be added to their lists.
Book signings are fun - sort of - for participants. You get up early, load up your books and supplies, drive to the venue, set up and wait for customers.
Somehow I'm more than a participant this year. What I've discovered is the amount of work it takes to put on a book signing.
First: Find a venue. Luckily there is a choice of places in Salem so that was easy to check off.
Second: Find out who - if anyone - besides you is coming. This is a busy time of year and conflicts are many. My list of participants is about ten.
Third: Arrange for extra tables. The room comes with seven and we need at least ten. I hope I've found some.
Fourth: Publicity is essential. Nothing is worse than putting out all the time and effort setting up and attending a book signing than having no one come in the door. The checklist: flyers; local announcement postings with radio stations and newspapers; and press releases. Now that I have some idea who is coming, I can write these up.
Fifth: Get myself ready to go. Most important: set my alarm clock so I milk early and can get there. Luckily Nubian goats don't care when you show up as long as you bring food.
The book signing is on November 12 so procrastination is forbidden. I think it will go according to plan.
Book signings are fun - sort of - for participants. You get up early, load up your books and supplies, drive to the venue, set up and wait for customers.
Somehow I'm more than a participant this year. What I've discovered is the amount of work it takes to put on a book signing.
First: Find a venue. Luckily there is a choice of places in Salem so that was easy to check off.
Second: Find out who - if anyone - besides you is coming. This is a busy time of year and conflicts are many. My list of participants is about ten.
Third: Arrange for extra tables. The room comes with seven and we need at least ten. I hope I've found some.
Fourth: Publicity is essential. Nothing is worse than putting out all the time and effort setting up and attending a book signing than having no one come in the door. The checklist: flyers; local announcement postings with radio stations and newspapers; and press releases. Now that I have some idea who is coming, I can write these up.
Fifth: Get myself ready to go. Most important: set my alarm clock so I milk early and can get there. Luckily Nubian goats don't care when you show up as long as you bring food.
The book signing is on November 12 so procrastination is forbidden. I think it will go according to plan.
October 19, 2016
Celebration Time
Each year my number of books on the Reading Challenge edges upwards. Each year I amaze myself by reading that number of books and then some. This year I have finished a bit early and it's time to celebrate!
Now, my celebration will be different. Each year I try to read longer, more adult fare to meet the Reading Challenge. Every time I add a book to my read shelf, it is automatically counted toward that challenge so I avoid adding picture books and similar young reader books.
Now my challenge is met. My restrictions are off. Picture books, here I come!
I'm glad too because November approaches with my NaNo challenge. Reading takes a back seat that month.
All that aside, I will continue to read my normal books. Maybe I will even stretch myself to read some of those longer books I otherwise avoid as I often only read 20 pages a night.
Now, where did I put that list of picture books I've been browsing?
Now, my celebration will be different. Each year I try to read longer, more adult fare to meet the Reading Challenge. Every time I add a book to my read shelf, it is automatically counted toward that challenge so I avoid adding picture books and similar young reader books.
Now my challenge is met. My restrictions are off. Picture books, here I come!
I'm glad too because November approaches with my NaNo challenge. Reading takes a back seat that month.
All that aside, I will continue to read my normal books. Maybe I will even stretch myself to read some of those longer books I otherwise avoid as I often only read 20 pages a night.
Now, where did I put that list of picture books I've been browsing?
October 12, 2016
Life or Fiction?
My Hazel #3 draft is taking another unexpected but logical turn. It is getting darker, delving into feelings and thoughts not very welcome.
Teenagers feel things so much more than those of us who are older. Every crisis seems more dire. Every slight is a slap in the face. Every hurt is hospital bound.
There is scientific basis for these reactions. The teenage brain is changing. Parts related to feelings, impulse and risk are gaining faster than the parts reining in the excesses.
My books are about Hazel. Yet other characters threaten to overwhelm her in this draft. She will be central to the climax and conclusion so maybe I don't need to worry about the secondary characters getting too powerful.
The part I'm not enjoying are all the emotions and decisions I made so long ago. Yet those choices have taken a serious turn as a friend is facing them now. How do you help a friend in the midst of a tornado find her feet to stand up before she is swept away?
My answer for now is to write and keep writing revisiting my own tornado. And hoping the result will help others find rock to stand on.
Teenagers feel things so much more than those of us who are older. Every crisis seems more dire. Every slight is a slap in the face. Every hurt is hospital bound.
There is scientific basis for these reactions. The teenage brain is changing. Parts related to feelings, impulse and risk are gaining faster than the parts reining in the excesses.
My books are about Hazel. Yet other characters threaten to overwhelm her in this draft. She will be central to the climax and conclusion so maybe I don't need to worry about the secondary characters getting too powerful.
The part I'm not enjoying are all the emotions and decisions I made so long ago. Yet those choices have taken a serious turn as a friend is facing them now. How do you help a friend in the midst of a tornado find her feet to stand up before she is swept away?
My answer for now is to write and keep writing revisiting my own tornado. And hoping the result will help others find rock to stand on.
October 5, 2016
Quiet Introverts
My library has a new arrangement making it part of a network of libraries letting their patrons borrow books from any of the participants. This is great for those living in a small town.
My personal library is filled with old books found at used book sales. New books are a rarity.
Yet I look at the new books finding some I would like to read but can't as there are no copies in my library or the town library.
This was true of "Quiet". Until I found I could get an audio copy the book was doomed to molder on my "Want To Read" list.
This is an interesting book if a bit long and dull at times. Maybe extroverts never wonder why they are the way they are. Introverts do and want to know why they are different.
Why do I feel like my brain is fried after a day in town and need to go walking or hole up for a time when I get home?
Why does putting book ads in a goat magazine try to trigger a panic attack?
Why do I enjoy sitting alone working on my computer in a made up world?
Why do I have to pretend to be on stage to make a speech or teach a class?
Because I'm evidently an introvert, a normal everyday garden variety of introvert.
It does make the political circus more interesting as the classic extrovert Trump goes up against the classic introvert Clinton. So many things make more sense with this approach.
I wonder how many more of my "Want To Read" list can be found this way. I will have to check next time I want a new book to read. Three at a time seems to be my limit.
My personal library is filled with old books found at used book sales. New books are a rarity.
Yet I look at the new books finding some I would like to read but can't as there are no copies in my library or the town library.
This was true of "Quiet". Until I found I could get an audio copy the book was doomed to molder on my "Want To Read" list.
This is an interesting book if a bit long and dull at times. Maybe extroverts never wonder why they are the way they are. Introverts do and want to know why they are different.
Why do I feel like my brain is fried after a day in town and need to go walking or hole up for a time when I get home?
Why does putting book ads in a goat magazine try to trigger a panic attack?
Why do I enjoy sitting alone working on my computer in a made up world?
Why do I have to pretend to be on stage to make a speech or teach a class?
Because I'm evidently an introvert, a normal everyday garden variety of introvert.
It does make the political circus more interesting as the classic extrovert Trump goes up against the classic introvert Clinton. So many things make more sense with this approach.
I wonder how many more of my "Want To Read" list can be found this way. I will have to check next time I want a new book to read. Three at a time seems to be my limit.
September 28, 2016
Advent of Punctuation
IN ANTIQUITY EVERYTHING WAS WRITTEN IN CAPITAL LETTERS NOTHING WAS DONE TO SEPARATE SENTENCES SO THE READER HAD TO PUZZLE THIS OUT WITHOUT ASSISTANCE
Then came the Middle Ages and, according to Oscar Ogg in The 26 Letters, two great innovations showed up. One was really from trying to copy books faster by hand. Lower case letters made their debut leaving capitals for beginning sentences and important names.
Then readers were blessed with punctuation. No longer did the reader have to decide when a sentence began and ended. Other aspects such as clauses and lists were easier to read.
The writer's nightmare began.
Exactly what comprises a sentence? When do you use a comma? What on earth is a semicolon?
Then there are those pesky sentence enders like exclamation marks and question marks. When is a sentence a question, not a comment or speculation? How many exclamation marks are too many?
Just when a writer thinks the rules are down pat, they change.
Editors are delighted. Punctuation is job security.
Then came the Middle Ages and, according to Oscar Ogg in The 26 Letters, two great innovations showed up. One was really from trying to copy books faster by hand. Lower case letters made their debut leaving capitals for beginning sentences and important names.
Then readers were blessed with punctuation. No longer did the reader have to decide when a sentence began and ended. Other aspects such as clauses and lists were easier to read.
The writer's nightmare began.
Exactly what comprises a sentence? When do you use a comma? What on earth is a semicolon?
Then there are those pesky sentence enders like exclamation marks and question marks. When is a sentence a question, not a comment or speculation? How many exclamation marks are too many?
Just when a writer thinks the rules are down pat, they change.
Editors are delighted. Punctuation is job security.
September 14, 2016
Reading Picture Books
Picture books are for little kids of the human variety. Phooey.
Have you looked at the picture book shelves in your public library lately? These mistakenly maligned books are well written on a wide variety of topics, well illustrated and lots of fun to read.
I regularly browse through a few when I visit the library. Pete the Cat is a favorite series. There is one about the bear Winnie the Pooh is based on. Another one I found was on writing Arabic, not a primer but a description of the alphabet and how writing it is to make a thing of beauty.
Yes, my picture book shelf is almost bare. This is due to a dilemma. The reading challenge counts every book I read regardless of length. The average picture book is 32 pages so the number of books adds up fast. I do not want such book inflation in my count yet I do want to add the many lovely picture books like Hoot Owl: Master of Disguise to my shelf.
That leaves me with two options. I can wait until I have met my reading challenge with my regular adult sized books then fill it up with the many picture books I've read. Or I can try to find a way to add the picture books without having them appear on the count.
The option that won't get used is to stop looking through the many gems found on the picture book shelves.
Have you looked at the picture book shelves in your public library lately? These mistakenly maligned books are well written on a wide variety of topics, well illustrated and lots of fun to read.
I regularly browse through a few when I visit the library. Pete the Cat is a favorite series. There is one about the bear Winnie the Pooh is based on. Another one I found was on writing Arabic, not a primer but a description of the alphabet and how writing it is to make a thing of beauty.
Yes, my picture book shelf is almost bare. This is due to a dilemma. The reading challenge counts every book I read regardless of length. The average picture book is 32 pages so the number of books adds up fast. I do not want such book inflation in my count yet I do want to add the many lovely picture books like Hoot Owl: Master of Disguise to my shelf.
That leaves me with two options. I can wait until I have met my reading challenge with my regular adult sized books then fill it up with the many picture books I've read. Or I can try to find a way to add the picture books without having them appear on the count.
The option that won't get used is to stop looking through the many gems found on the picture book shelves.
