Keith Ward's Blog - Posts Tagged "writing"
Amazon Writing Contest
If you're a writer and have a novel you've self-published, or haven't published at all yet, you might want to take a look at the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award. It's a good way to get some exposure and publicity for your book, and it's free! There aren't many of those types of writing contests out there.
I entered "Interent Kill Switch" last night. One important aspect is that you have to write a 300-word "pitch", to describe your book. This is the first cutoff point. If it's good, you move to the next stage -- an excerpt of your book. If you pass that test, the full manuscript is judged. The first thing judges see is your pitch, though, so write it (there are examples of pitches from previous years' winners) and re-write it until it glistens.
I worked on my pitch a lot. It might seem that 300 words should be easy to crank out, but it's not. If anything, it's harder to know what to say in such a limited number of words. The point here is to not skimp on this, no matter what. If you enter, I'd be delighted to hear from you. Let me know what category you entered, and your pitch. Here's my pitch:
"Tony Carver, a hero? Just stop it, already! Tony may be a lot of things, but as he’d be quick to tell you, “hero” ain’t one of them.
Ordinary guy with great friends and a phone more awesome than any phone ever was? That’s more like it.
But life for this “ordinary guy” turns decidedly extraordinary when he stumbles across a phone unlike anything he -- or the world -- has ever seen. Its rude, insulting personality makes it almost human. His best friend Rick is shocked when he holds the phone, and it reads back his vital signs. It even helps Tony grab the affections of the gorgeous Scarlett by feeding him lines at the right time, Cyrano-like.
What sets the phone apart, though, is its ability to instantly hack any network, no matter how secure. When it infiltrates the U.S. Air Force network and orders an attack on Cuba, just to show off, Tony’s terrified at the implications for the world. With good reason, too -- after all, a phone that can do these things will surely be a target for others.
One of those “others” is a crazed prophet of doom who kidnaps Tony, and uses his phone as the trigger for his plan to turn the country into a wasteland devoid of any technology more advanced than the wheel. After Tony escapes with the help of Rick, Scarlett and the phone, the trio is forced to travel through an increasingly dangerous country -- one without power, the Internet or any modern conveniences -- in an attempt to reboot the United States before it sinks permanently into chaos and war. Before it’s over, Tony will face terrifying evil and make choices that could cost him everything.
Just don’t call him a hero."
So that's my pitch. Any and all feedback is welcome.
I entered "Interent Kill Switch" last night. One important aspect is that you have to write a 300-word "pitch", to describe your book. This is the first cutoff point. If it's good, you move to the next stage -- an excerpt of your book. If you pass that test, the full manuscript is judged. The first thing judges see is your pitch, though, so write it (there are examples of pitches from previous years' winners) and re-write it until it glistens.
I worked on my pitch a lot. It might seem that 300 words should be easy to crank out, but it's not. If anything, it's harder to know what to say in such a limited number of words. The point here is to not skimp on this, no matter what. If you enter, I'd be delighted to hear from you. Let me know what category you entered, and your pitch. Here's my pitch:
"Tony Carver, a hero? Just stop it, already! Tony may be a lot of things, but as he’d be quick to tell you, “hero” ain’t one of them.
Ordinary guy with great friends and a phone more awesome than any phone ever was? That’s more like it.
But life for this “ordinary guy” turns decidedly extraordinary when he stumbles across a phone unlike anything he -- or the world -- has ever seen. Its rude, insulting personality makes it almost human. His best friend Rick is shocked when he holds the phone, and it reads back his vital signs. It even helps Tony grab the affections of the gorgeous Scarlett by feeding him lines at the right time, Cyrano-like.
What sets the phone apart, though, is its ability to instantly hack any network, no matter how secure. When it infiltrates the U.S. Air Force network and orders an attack on Cuba, just to show off, Tony’s terrified at the implications for the world. With good reason, too -- after all, a phone that can do these things will surely be a target for others.
One of those “others” is a crazed prophet of doom who kidnaps Tony, and uses his phone as the trigger for his plan to turn the country into a wasteland devoid of any technology more advanced than the wheel. After Tony escapes with the help of Rick, Scarlett and the phone, the trio is forced to travel through an increasingly dangerous country -- one without power, the Internet or any modern conveniences -- in an attempt to reboot the United States before it sinks permanently into chaos and war. Before it’s over, Tony will face terrifying evil and make choices that could cost him everything.
Just don’t call him a hero."
So that's my pitch. Any and all feedback is welcome.
Priorities
I wrote a little bit in the morning yesterday. I'm working on a new book, and starting to dig into my characters -- always my favorite part of writing. I had a day off of my paying job (as a magazine editor), and could have spent the whole workday writing. But I didn't.
Instead, I played a game with my youngest son. He loves a game called Warhammer. It's actually more of a hobby than just a game -- it involves building, painting and playing games with small, plastic models. So I wrote a bit in the morning, and then took him out to a store were Warhammer gamers gather to play on these huge boards set up for battles. It takes a long time to play a typical game -- yesterday's took us more than three hours, and it wasn't a big game.
The point of this is that I gave up a healthy slice of writing time to spend time with my son. My desire, as is typically the case, was to do more writing. But ultimately, the day was much better spent with my boy, even if the novel had to suffer for it. In the end, it's a matter of priorities. If I don't prioritize my family, I think my regret will far outweigh any satisfaction gained by cranking out a new book that much more quickly.
My wife and kids like the fact that I'm engaging in this new career, even though it will likely always be part-time. They encourage me to keep at it. But if I lose sight of what's important to them -- the time I spend with them -- then I've failed, even if I became a best-selling author. It's not an easy thing; I write it as if the decision is as simple as blinking. The reality, though, is that writers tend to think about writing an awful lot, even when they're not writing, and many of us who can't do it full time (which is most of us) wish we could spend a lot more time writing. I know I do.
I did the right thing, though, yesterday. Less writing, more time with my son. Yes, it was a good day.
Instead, I played a game with my youngest son. He loves a game called Warhammer. It's actually more of a hobby than just a game -- it involves building, painting and playing games with small, plastic models. So I wrote a bit in the morning, and then took him out to a store were Warhammer gamers gather to play on these huge boards set up for battles. It takes a long time to play a typical game -- yesterday's took us more than three hours, and it wasn't a big game.
The point of this is that I gave up a healthy slice of writing time to spend time with my son. My desire, as is typically the case, was to do more writing. But ultimately, the day was much better spent with my boy, even if the novel had to suffer for it. In the end, it's a matter of priorities. If I don't prioritize my family, I think my regret will far outweigh any satisfaction gained by cranking out a new book that much more quickly.
My wife and kids like the fact that I'm engaging in this new career, even though it will likely always be part-time. They encourage me to keep at it. But if I lose sight of what's important to them -- the time I spend with them -- then I've failed, even if I became a best-selling author. It's not an easy thing; I write it as if the decision is as simple as blinking. The reality, though, is that writers tend to think about writing an awful lot, even when they're not writing, and many of us who can't do it full time (which is most of us) wish we could spend a lot more time writing. I know I do.
I did the right thing, though, yesterday. Less writing, more time with my son. Yes, it was a good day.
Back in the Saddle
I've been remiss (how many blog updates start with some variation of this sentence?). Haven't blogged in a long time. I think in some way it's because I was waiting for something important or insightful or funny to say. But that's stupid. Those sorts of thoughts don't come to me often enough. Now, I'll blog more about the everyday. It'll often be more mundane, but I'll try to make it as interesting as possible (when it's possible).
So, much more frequent updates from here on out. I'm hammering on the latest novel (about 15,000 words in, and a long way to go). I've got Internet Kill Switch entered in three different contests; I'm hoping that this will get more people to actually read it — I'm hopeful that if they do that, they'll like it. As I've said before, discovery is the key, if you’re not a "name". I should hear about the first round of cuts from the Amazon contest within a week. It has three rounds, so if I make the first cut, I'll know about the second about a month after that. Fingers crossed. I am at the place, however, where I'm not using these contest to validate whether I have any writing talent or not. I write because I love it, and I won't stop writing if I don't get the positive feedback that every writer would love to have.
I'm also pleased to see that "First Day of School," my short story involving characters from the novel, continues to get downloaded from Smashwords (a distribution site). It's free, and a quick read, if you're looking to kill an hour.
*Still* waiting for spring to arrive here in Carroll County. Today it probably won't even hit freezing; yesterday it was mid-60s. This winter is holding on as best it can. It's had a great run (if you like cold), and just…can't…give…up. Maybe snow Sunday or Monday. Urgh.
So, much more frequent updates from here on out. I'm hammering on the latest novel (about 15,000 words in, and a long way to go). I've got Internet Kill Switch entered in three different contests; I'm hoping that this will get more people to actually read it — I'm hopeful that if they do that, they'll like it. As I've said before, discovery is the key, if you’re not a "name". I should hear about the first round of cuts from the Amazon contest within a week. It has three rounds, so if I make the first cut, I'll know about the second about a month after that. Fingers crossed. I am at the place, however, where I'm not using these contest to validate whether I have any writing talent or not. I write because I love it, and I won't stop writing if I don't get the positive feedback that every writer would love to have.
I'm also pleased to see that "First Day of School," my short story involving characters from the novel, continues to get downloaded from Smashwords (a distribution site). It's free, and a quick read, if you're looking to kill an hour.
*Still* waiting for spring to arrive here in Carroll County. Today it probably won't even hit freezing; yesterday it was mid-60s. This winter is holding on as best it can. It's had a great run (if you like cold), and just…can't…give…up. Maybe snow Sunday or Monday. Urgh.
Words Yesterday
About 400 words yesterday (explanation for what this means is here). Normally I'd have an exact count, but I made an addition to an earlier chapter, so this is a rough estimate.
Also had lunch with a good friend. We talked about my new novel, and he suggested an alternate title. It's really good, and I may just go with it. It's currently called "Now I See", but he suggested "The Prisoner." It's more dramatic, and keeps some of the mystery and double meaning from "Now I See." I've got to mull it over awhile, but I'm definitely feeling it right now.
--
I'm considering starting up a local Christian writers group. Writing can be a lonely business, and it's good to have a support group (of sorts). Getting feedback on works in progress is also very valuable. It's also just fun to get together with other writers and share those concerns that only other writers have. I don't have a ton of time to devote to it, but a monthly meeting shouldn't be too hard to manage. Now we just have to figure out where. I'm considering local libraries and local coffee shops. I like the coffee shop idea more, but if the place is busy, we may not have enough room to meet. The library space can be reserved for free. I'm still leaning coffee shop -- just feels like a more creative environment. We'll see. I've got a handful of people interested so far. If you're a local (i.e. Carroll County, MD) writer who's also a Christian, let me know if you'd be interested in such a group.
Also had lunch with a good friend. We talked about my new novel, and he suggested an alternate title. It's really good, and I may just go with it. It's currently called "Now I See", but he suggested "The Prisoner." It's more dramatic, and keeps some of the mystery and double meaning from "Now I See." I've got to mull it over awhile, but I'm definitely feeling it right now.
--
I'm considering starting up a local Christian writers group. Writing can be a lonely business, and it's good to have a support group (of sorts). Getting feedback on works in progress is also very valuable. It's also just fun to get together with other writers and share those concerns that only other writers have. I don't have a ton of time to devote to it, but a monthly meeting shouldn't be too hard to manage. Now we just have to figure out where. I'm considering local libraries and local coffee shops. I like the coffee shop idea more, but if the place is busy, we may not have enough room to meet. The library space can be reserved for free. I'm still leaning coffee shop -- just feels like a more creative environment. We'll see. I've got a handful of people interested so far. If you're a local (i.e. Carroll County, MD) writer who's also a Christian, let me know if you'd be interested in such a group.
Short or Long Chapters?
Words Saturday: About 1,581. Total, for the novel: 17,600. I was able to write late last night, which is unusual for me. I likely had energy due to a late-afternoon nap. That's always dangerous, because it can keep me up much later than I like. But it was worth it, as I wrote an important scene.
That brings up an interesting writing point: I tend to write short chapters, and include a lot of them. Many other writers write fewer, but very long, chapters. I wonder if it makes a difference for readers? (and I'd be interested in your opinion on this, if you'd care to let me know.) It might be because of my background writing screenplays. These days, most movies have many scenes, and they're generally quite short. Over the years, that's what I've gotten used to. So now that I'm writing novels, I tend to break up each change of locale, for example, into a new chapter (equivalent to a new scene in a screenplay). It's required in screenplays, but not in novels.
I don't think it affect me as a reader, but I admit I'm not a normal reader (or normal in anything, for that matter).
--
Hopefully, tonight/tomorrow will see the last snowfall of the season. Tomorrow is St. Patrick's Day, which means time for the snow to blow! We're expected to get little here, while to the south, folks will get more. It normally works the opposite, so it's nice to see us not bear the brunt for a change.
That brings up an interesting writing point: I tend to write short chapters, and include a lot of them. Many other writers write fewer, but very long, chapters. I wonder if it makes a difference for readers? (and I'd be interested in your opinion on this, if you'd care to let me know.) It might be because of my background writing screenplays. These days, most movies have many scenes, and they're generally quite short. Over the years, that's what I've gotten used to. So now that I'm writing novels, I tend to break up each change of locale, for example, into a new chapter (equivalent to a new scene in a screenplay). It's required in screenplays, but not in novels.
I don't think it affect me as a reader, but I admit I'm not a normal reader (or normal in anything, for that matter).
--
Hopefully, tonight/tomorrow will see the last snowfall of the season. Tomorrow is St. Patrick's Day, which means time for the snow to blow! We're expected to get little here, while to the south, folks will get more. It normally works the opposite, so it's nice to see us not bear the brunt for a change.
Words Last Night / Has Science Buried God?
I did get a chance to write last night -- my stomach was a bit upset, which kept me up. Words: 665 (that makes words for the day, because I wrote in the morning, too, 1,899). Total word count: 19,584. So I'm nearing the 20,000 word mark now. I like those sorts of milestones to gauge progress. 20,000 words is about the equivalent of 80 pages in a standard paperback. At this point, the first major consequence has happened to my protagonist (not hero -- this book doesn't have a hero as such, not like Internet Kill Switch did) as a result of his failings.
I really think this will be the most important thing I've ever written. Can't wait to see where it goes from here.
--
One of my great passions, besides writing, is Christian apologetics. Apologetics simply means to offer a defense; you may have heard the term "apologist" used to refer to someone who defends another person ("that guy's a total Obama apologist") or idea. Christian apologetics is the same idea; there are lots of questions about, and attacks on, the faith. So, for instance, how do you respond when someone says "The Bible's a fallible book, written by fallible men, and contains errors everywhere, and isn't trustworthy in any way"? Or when people say Jesus was just a man (if he even lived at all). He was just a good moral teacher, but certainly didn't do miracles, including rising from the dead. I mean, are you serious?
So apologetics deals with those questions (and many more). What is the evidence for creation? Or miracles? Or morality? I've been reading apologetics books for many, many years. My current read is "God's Undertaker: Has Science Buried God?", by John Lennox, one of my favorite apologists. It discusses a question that's very popular right now, especially with the airing of "Cosmos." There's a strong undercurrent of belief that religion is at war with science; that science is based strictly on evidence, and faith is nothing but blind belief in something for which we have no evidence. More specifically: has science, with its myriad discoveries of how the world works, made God unnecessary or proven that God doesn't exist? That's what Lennox tackles. And, as usual, he does it brilliantly. Worth your time, for sure. Not the easiest reading in the world, but that's pretty typical of apologetics texts. It's not light reading. But I find the payoff well worth it.
I really think this will be the most important thing I've ever written. Can't wait to see where it goes from here.
--
One of my great passions, besides writing, is Christian apologetics. Apologetics simply means to offer a defense; you may have heard the term "apologist" used to refer to someone who defends another person ("that guy's a total Obama apologist") or idea. Christian apologetics is the same idea; there are lots of questions about, and attacks on, the faith. So, for instance, how do you respond when someone says "The Bible's a fallible book, written by fallible men, and contains errors everywhere, and isn't trustworthy in any way"? Or when people say Jesus was just a man (if he even lived at all). He was just a good moral teacher, but certainly didn't do miracles, including rising from the dead. I mean, are you serious?
So apologetics deals with those questions (and many more). What is the evidence for creation? Or miracles? Or morality? I've been reading apologetics books for many, many years. My current read is "God's Undertaker: Has Science Buried God?", by John Lennox, one of my favorite apologists. It discusses a question that's very popular right now, especially with the airing of "Cosmos." There's a strong undercurrent of belief that religion is at war with science; that science is based strictly on evidence, and faith is nothing but blind belief in something for which we have no evidence. More specifically: has science, with its myriad discoveries of how the world works, made God unnecessary or proven that God doesn't exist? That's what Lennox tackles. And, as usual, he does it brilliantly. Worth your time, for sure. Not the easiest reading in the world, but that's pretty typical of apologetics texts. It's not light reading. But I find the payoff well worth it.
