Laura L. Walker's Blog: Read It, Write It, Create It, page 3
October 11, 2014
The Test of Time
The past three weeks have been an up and down adventure in editing my novel, Pierced By Love, as I've worked closely with my editor, Melissa, at Cedar Fort to make this story the best it can possibly be. Did we succeed? Only time will tell. The book goes to print on Monday--Wow! This is really happening!
I carefully read through my novel three times in the past week and sent it back to Melissa with the changes I needed her to make. (At this point of the process, the changes could only be made from her end.) Each time Melissa sent the latest version back to me with a couple questions, she asked me to read through it again. Imagine my surprise even after I thought I had caught all the typos and writing glitches, there were more to be found. By now, I've read my story for at least the twentieth time. Yet there's always room for improvement.
Of course, a work in progress will always be just that until the author (and editor, if the author is going the traditional route in the publishing stage) say enough is enough. No, it will never be perfect. But it will be a piece of literature that will stand the test of time. It will be a symbol of your own life, attitudes, and accomplishments. And yes, it will also shape other minds, hopefully for the better.
Children are works in progress as well. Our parenting will never be perfect, but as long as we do our best, it will always be enough. Eventually kids need to be given the chance to meet the world and face the challenges in their paths. And like a book that meets it's world, some will choose them and others won't. But like that book, a child is a symbol of your attitudes and accomplishments and has the ability to shape minds for generations to come. Who wouldn't want to leave such a tremendous legacy?
I carefully read through my novel three times in the past week and sent it back to Melissa with the changes I needed her to make. (At this point of the process, the changes could only be made from her end.) Each time Melissa sent the latest version back to me with a couple questions, she asked me to read through it again. Imagine my surprise even after I thought I had caught all the typos and writing glitches, there were more to be found. By now, I've read my story for at least the twentieth time. Yet there's always room for improvement.
Of course, a work in progress will always be just that until the author (and editor, if the author is going the traditional route in the publishing stage) say enough is enough. No, it will never be perfect. But it will be a piece of literature that will stand the test of time. It will be a symbol of your own life, attitudes, and accomplishments. And yes, it will also shape other minds, hopefully for the better.
Children are works in progress as well. Our parenting will never be perfect, but as long as we do our best, it will always be enough. Eventually kids need to be given the chance to meet the world and face the challenges in their paths. And like a book that meets it's world, some will choose them and others won't. But like that book, a child is a symbol of your attitudes and accomplishments and has the ability to shape minds for generations to come. Who wouldn't want to leave such a tremendous legacy?
July 28, 2014
Should I Go?
July has been a busy month for me. Our family took a three-day hiatus to our beautiful mountain top, Mt. Graham, in the Gila (pronounced "He-la) Valley in southern Arizona. We stayed in a rustic cabin, did some hiking and exploring, and visited old stomping grounds where my parents took all seven of us (my siblings included) to our Larson family reunions every summer. We had a great time playing games, telling stories around the campfire, and hiking or playing by the creek and climbing across the creek on the fallen logs. Good memories! In recent years, the tradition has faded, the reunions have dissipated. Loved ones have passed on as well as the time and discipline that is required to step away from life's worries long enough to enjoy some togetherness.
Just before my husband and I were planning on taking this little breather from the scorching temps (our high lately has been 112 degrees F), I was informed of the major reconstruction my publisher wanted me to make for my story, Pierced by Love, before it goes to print. I was feeling more than a little downhearted over this. Apprehensive would be an appropriate term. What if I wasn't able to make all the changes my publisher wanted me to make in the time they allotted me? How could I selfishly take this time out of this deadline that's looming over me?
But we went anyway. I printed out a hard copy of my manuscript, which would allow me to work on it a little bit at a time. (I didn't want to take my laptop up there. I didn't want to risk it getting ruined.) So this was what I would call a "working vacation" even though more play and relaxation was done than actual work. But it good for me to refresh my mind. And not only that, but another benefit came from the glorious mountain air with it's invigorating pine scent inspired me to write a completely new opening scene for my book. Once I got home, I tweaked it until it sounded perfect. But I am SO glad that I spent this time with my family.
I am still working on this deadline (as I've stated, there were a lot of changes to make). Just the other day, my son celebrated his birthday. Next week, my daughter will celebrate hers. What I've learned through this process is that life doesn't slow down just because you want it to. It's okay to take time out for the things or people who matter most. But in the meantime, keep writing!
Just before my husband and I were planning on taking this little breather from the scorching temps (our high lately has been 112 degrees F), I was informed of the major reconstruction my publisher wanted me to make for my story, Pierced by Love, before it goes to print. I was feeling more than a little downhearted over this. Apprehensive would be an appropriate term. What if I wasn't able to make all the changes my publisher wanted me to make in the time they allotted me? How could I selfishly take this time out of this deadline that's looming over me?
But we went anyway. I printed out a hard copy of my manuscript, which would allow me to work on it a little bit at a time. (I didn't want to take my laptop up there. I didn't want to risk it getting ruined.) So this was what I would call a "working vacation" even though more play and relaxation was done than actual work. But it good for me to refresh my mind. And not only that, but another benefit came from the glorious mountain air with it's invigorating pine scent inspired me to write a completely new opening scene for my book. Once I got home, I tweaked it until it sounded perfect. But I am SO glad that I spent this time with my family.
I am still working on this deadline (as I've stated, there were a lot of changes to make). Just the other day, my son celebrated his birthday. Next week, my daughter will celebrate hers. What I've learned through this process is that life doesn't slow down just because you want it to. It's okay to take time out for the things or people who matter most. But in the meantime, keep writing!
June 18, 2014
Whether for Ourselves or for Others
Summertime is once again upon us and, aside from swimming, I've been pondering on how to keep the kids happy and busy. My oldest son is off to Scout Camp, which is great for him. My younger daughters are involved in weekly gymnastics classes. My middle son is enrolled in summer school courses (Pre-K) and will soon take swim lessons with his sister. My oldest daughter, who is mildly autistic, is not involved with any lessons or social groups at this time. She does, however, love to pound out beautiful music on our piano. And when I say "pound," I really mean it. It's beautiful but it's also very loud.
Perhaps the most impressive thing about her piano playing is that it's all improvisation. Some of the songs are from movie themes while others are completely made up in her head. She never peruses sheet music. And while the chords are quite different than I've ever heard a particular song played in, the slightly dissonant sound seems to fit her personality. I would love it if perhaps she could transcribe the music she hears inside her head to paper. Maybe someday that might happen.
Writing is a little like piano improvisation. A first attempt usually comes out sounding a little dissonant, but as the writer fine-tunes his or her skills, the words will flow like a graceful melody. The old adage that "practice makes perfect" really is true.
Whatever it is you decide to do in life, practice your talents. Hone your skills. I speak from the experience of believing that I possessed no real talents. What I didn't realize is that there were hidden talents that were waiting to be unlocked, examined, and stretched into something recognizable and appreciated. Whether your talent is meant for others to see or for your enjoyment alone, it is worthy of the time it takes to develop it. Because like my daughter, who hears the music before we do, the chords of our lives will someday make a beautiful melody and enrich other lives in ways we may never know.
Perhaps the most impressive thing about her piano playing is that it's all improvisation. Some of the songs are from movie themes while others are completely made up in her head. She never peruses sheet music. And while the chords are quite different than I've ever heard a particular song played in, the slightly dissonant sound seems to fit her personality. I would love it if perhaps she could transcribe the music she hears inside her head to paper. Maybe someday that might happen.
Writing is a little like piano improvisation. A first attempt usually comes out sounding a little dissonant, but as the writer fine-tunes his or her skills, the words will flow like a graceful melody. The old adage that "practice makes perfect" really is true.
Whatever it is you decide to do in life, practice your talents. Hone your skills. I speak from the experience of believing that I possessed no real talents. What I didn't realize is that there were hidden talents that were waiting to be unlocked, examined, and stretched into something recognizable and appreciated. Whether your talent is meant for others to see or for your enjoyment alone, it is worthy of the time it takes to develop it. Because like my daughter, who hears the music before we do, the chords of our lives will someday make a beautiful melody and enrich other lives in ways we may never know.
May 21, 2014
What Makes A Good Story Great?
I really enjoy reading great stories whether, they are fact or fiction, which might then make you wonder what makes a great story. In my opinion,
there are several criteria to keep in mind when searching out your next fabulous read.
1. The author engages the reader from the very get-go. It doesn't have to be a dramatic sentence, but one which is well-crafted followed by another two or three will pull a reader in like a hummingbird to nectar.
2. The author keeps the reader wanting more by planting just enough details the make the plot intriguing. A reader doesn't want to get bogged down in endless prose. Interaction between the characters is a must. Lengthier explanations may come later after the reader feels that he or she has wisely invested his or her time in the story thus far.
3. I love to read adventurous westerns such as author Mary Connealy's work just as much as I love the softer, more subtle action that takes place in author Cathy Marie Hake's books. A great story isn't necessarily defined by suspense that raises my blood pressure but instead is characterized by carefully woven subplots that make the story more dimensional. Regardless of genre, I love it when authors do this, which is an element that I am trying to better develop in my own writing.
4. Speaking of making a story more dimensional, the characters themselves need to be believable. I've often encountered stories with good premises only to discover, once I've begun reading, that the story flickers and dies a quick death in my interest level. One reason for this is due to the lack of weaving subplots together, as was discussed previously. But another reason is that the characters are too agreeable, too predictable, or outright boring. I read once on author Rachel Ann Nunes's blog that an author needs to spend some time getting to know one's characters. On paper, we call this doodling. In our head, it's called daydreaming. When the author can not only visualize his or her characters but conduct meaningful conversations between them inside his or her own head, those conversations are much easier to transcribe on paper. I know this sounds crazy, but it really works. The characters come out sounding like real people.
One author whose series I enjoyed very much is J.K. Rowling, not for her Harry Potter plot so much as for her uncanny ability to make her readers feel as if they had known the character she was just barely introducing into her story for quite some time. I don't pretend to know her exact writing routine or technique. However, I was very much impressed with her ability to make each character, no matter how seemingly minor, important to the story.
Also, the main characters need to change in a major way, usually for the better. The author needs to show a moment of courage, of facing one's enemies or of sacrificing something of personal worth for something else of much more value.
5. An ending that satisfactorily ties up every loose end is invaluable, unless, of course, the author's intention is to leave the reader wanting more for a sequel. Again, the reader needs to feel that he or she has invested their time (and possibly money) into the book wisely. The characters are not the only entities who should have experienced a change of heart. A personal growth should have taken place within the reader as well at the conclusion of the story.
When all of these elements are in place, you have the fixings for a fantastic story!
there are several criteria to keep in mind when searching out your next fabulous read.
1. The author engages the reader from the very get-go. It doesn't have to be a dramatic sentence, but one which is well-crafted followed by another two or three will pull a reader in like a hummingbird to nectar.
2. The author keeps the reader wanting more by planting just enough details the make the plot intriguing. A reader doesn't want to get bogged down in endless prose. Interaction between the characters is a must. Lengthier explanations may come later after the reader feels that he or she has wisely invested his or her time in the story thus far.
3. I love to read adventurous westerns such as author Mary Connealy's work just as much as I love the softer, more subtle action that takes place in author Cathy Marie Hake's books. A great story isn't necessarily defined by suspense that raises my blood pressure but instead is characterized by carefully woven subplots that make the story more dimensional. Regardless of genre, I love it when authors do this, which is an element that I am trying to better develop in my own writing.
4. Speaking of making a story more dimensional, the characters themselves need to be believable. I've often encountered stories with good premises only to discover, once I've begun reading, that the story flickers and dies a quick death in my interest level. One reason for this is due to the lack of weaving subplots together, as was discussed previously. But another reason is that the characters are too agreeable, too predictable, or outright boring. I read once on author Rachel Ann Nunes's blog that an author needs to spend some time getting to know one's characters. On paper, we call this doodling. In our head, it's called daydreaming. When the author can not only visualize his or her characters but conduct meaningful conversations between them inside his or her own head, those conversations are much easier to transcribe on paper. I know this sounds crazy, but it really works. The characters come out sounding like real people.
One author whose series I enjoyed very much is J.K. Rowling, not for her Harry Potter plot so much as for her uncanny ability to make her readers feel as if they had known the character she was just barely introducing into her story for quite some time. I don't pretend to know her exact writing routine or technique. However, I was very much impressed with her ability to make each character, no matter how seemingly minor, important to the story.
Also, the main characters need to change in a major way, usually for the better. The author needs to show a moment of courage, of facing one's enemies or of sacrificing something of personal worth for something else of much more value.
5. An ending that satisfactorily ties up every loose end is invaluable, unless, of course, the author's intention is to leave the reader wanting more for a sequel. Again, the reader needs to feel that he or she has invested their time (and possibly money) into the book wisely. The characters are not the only entities who should have experienced a change of heart. A personal growth should have taken place within the reader as well at the conclusion of the story.
When all of these elements are in place, you have the fixings for a fantastic story!
April 30, 2014
Living and Loving in Arizona
What do you think of when you hear the name "Arizona"? Desert, sand, cactus, sunny, or hot might be among your first impressions which come to mind. However, we native Arizonans know there is so much more to this beautiful state than meets the eye.
Though the fauna might not be as green or lush as other parts of the world, the colors that scenic Arizona sports are no less vibrant. Red rock canyons, skies so bright you have to squint to take it all in, and animals with exquisite patterns dot the landscape. And as the pink sunset settles the dust on another gorgeous Arizona day, we realize our good fortune to live in such a perfect place.
While my book, Pierced by Love, isn't exactly the endorsement for our beloved state that our Arizona Highways magazine is, it describes a plethora of interesting places that other publications may overlook, including:
1. Walnut Canyon near Flagstaff in the Sitgreaves National Forest
2. Chevelon Canyon near Winslow, which is a little-known favorite recreation area of my husband's family close to the place he grew up
3. Lowell Observatory where Pluto was discovered.
Explore this beautiful state through the eyes of Pierce and Noelle as they discover what their homeland has to offer. They might even discover that they have even more in common with each other than they first believed!
Though the fauna might not be as green or lush as other parts of the world, the colors that scenic Arizona sports are no less vibrant. Red rock canyons, skies so bright you have to squint to take it all in, and animals with exquisite patterns dot the landscape. And as the pink sunset settles the dust on another gorgeous Arizona day, we realize our good fortune to live in such a perfect place.
While my book, Pierced by Love, isn't exactly the endorsement for our beloved state that our Arizona Highways magazine is, it describes a plethora of interesting places that other publications may overlook, including:
1. Walnut Canyon near Flagstaff in the Sitgreaves National Forest
2. Chevelon Canyon near Winslow, which is a little-known favorite recreation area of my husband's family close to the place he grew up
3. Lowell Observatory where Pluto was discovered.
Explore this beautiful state through the eyes of Pierce and Noelle as they discover what their homeland has to offer. They might even discover that they have even more in common with each other than they first believed!
Read It, Write It, Create It
When you can't get enough of the written word, when you finish one story and sigh happily just before reaching for the next, when you put one book down only to think that you could write a better one
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