Lara Van Hulzen's Blog, page 3
February 6, 2017
It's Time To Put On Big Girl Pants
I met with my critique partner recently. I adore this person. She is not only the one who reads everything I write and honestly tells me what to change and what to keep, she is a heart friend and someone I lean on. A lot. She's talked me off ledge after ledge after ledge.
Our most recent discussion centered around how easy it is to get frustrated as a writer. I've blogged before about that fine balance between being creative and then having to be a business. If you want to be a published author, the business side is going to be something you have to deal with whether you like it or not.
I'm in the "or not" category.
I want to write. I want to create. I don't want to have to worry about marketing and sales and reviews, etc. But it's part of the deal. We talked about how grateful we are to do what we love, but that in some ways, we've seen behind the curtain in Oz and it's not all we thought it would be. Don't get me wrong, there's a lot of wonderful things in the Oz land of publishing. The golden paved roads and bright colors. The friends you meet along the way who sing with you and carry you through. But the wizard isn't all I imagined.
I have had to work hard to find that balance between creative and business. How much of each receives my time in a day. How often I let my mental armies focus on one or the other. And it pains me to admit it, but I get a bit whiny when I have to deal with the business side. I fuss and text my critique partner who commiserates with me and then we move on.
But that's the key. We put our big girl pants on and move on.
I don't always want to. But I need to. Plow through the business and move on to the fun stuff. The writing. Which is really why we are here, right?
What part of the business side of writing do you struggle with the most?
Our most recent discussion centered around how easy it is to get frustrated as a writer. I've blogged before about that fine balance between being creative and then having to be a business. If you want to be a published author, the business side is going to be something you have to deal with whether you like it or not.
I'm in the "or not" category.
I want to write. I want to create. I don't want to have to worry about marketing and sales and reviews, etc. But it's part of the deal. We talked about how grateful we are to do what we love, but that in some ways, we've seen behind the curtain in Oz and it's not all we thought it would be. Don't get me wrong, there's a lot of wonderful things in the Oz land of publishing. The golden paved roads and bright colors. The friends you meet along the way who sing with you and carry you through. But the wizard isn't all I imagined.
I have had to work hard to find that balance between creative and business. How much of each receives my time in a day. How often I let my mental armies focus on one or the other. And it pains me to admit it, but I get a bit whiny when I have to deal with the business side. I fuss and text my critique partner who commiserates with me and then we move on.
But that's the key. We put our big girl pants on and move on.
I don't always want to. But I need to. Plow through the business and move on to the fun stuff. The writing. Which is really why we are here, right?
What part of the business side of writing do you struggle with the most?
January 30, 2017
Why I'm a Reader First, Writer Second
"I'm always chilled and astonished by the would-be writers who ask me for advice and admit, quite blithely, that they don't 'have time to read.' This is like a guy starting up Mount Everest saying that he didn't have time to buy any rope or pitons."
- Stephen King
I'm sure I've posted this quote here before, but I'm going to do it again. It's an all time favorite of mine and one that hangs on the wall in my office. I read it multiple times a day. And I'm seeing more and more the importance of Stephen King's wisdom. I fear that as a writer, it's all too easy to get caught up in deadlines, word count per day, and the stress of churning out book after book that I forget the value of reading. It's not just would-be writers. I think some of us who have been writing for years have lost our way. We've stopped reading.
I'll admit I lost sight of the reader in me this past year or two. Over the holidays, I took time off from writing and did a lot of reading. A lot. It was so wonderful. So decadent to get lost in words and worlds on the page. Sure, I journaled and "wrote" each day, but without a deadline breathing down my neck. And with some extra time on my hands, I devoured books.
It reminded me why I'm a reader before I'm a writer:
1) I'm a reader because it takes me outside of my own story. When I'm working on a book, my mind is on that story almost 24/7. I think about it as I drive to run errands, while I'm cooking a meal, or when I go for a walk. Reading a story that isn't mine gets my brain outside of my story and let's it roam free for a bit. I've been inspired or have had the lightbulb go on in my head for my story many times while reading someone else's narrative.
2) I'm a reader because it teaches me various writing styles. Sure, I could take a class or two on writing styles, but I feel I learn most from reading other authors and how they do things. How do they use dialogue? Or maybe their strength is setting, which is not mine, and I can see how they do it well and take note of it for when I sit down to write.
3) I'm a reader because where would I be as a writer without being a reader? Again, I could take classes, but there's only so much to learn there. A good thing to do as a beginning writer, yes, but I'm talking here mainly to authors with a few books under their belt. If I did nothing but write and never dove into a book, my focus would become so narrow. I would see only what's in front of me. And I don't want to do that. Truth? I think it hurts my writing. Good writing takes time. It takes a lot of creative energy. And that isn't nurtured by sitting in front of a computer screen for hours and hours.
One of the most productive things I've done in my writing career is to put my reader hat on. As a reader, what do I do? Do I immediately follow on twitter a new author I find and like? (I don't, but that's just me.) Do I go to their website to see what other books they've written? (Yes. I do that.) What are the ways I like to find new authors? (Litsy is a new favorite app for this purpose.)
But if I didn't have a reader hat to put on, I wouldn't have a clue.
I'm in a book club in my neighborhood. I love it. I look forward to it. We aren't consistent with every single month because of our schedules, but when we meet, I'm so excited. I love nothing better in life than to talk books. I'm the resident writer of the group so they tend to think that I have some vast wisdom each time that they don't, but I assure them, what they offer me in their observations and opinions far outweighs what I bring to the table. These are incredibly intelligent, bright women and to hear their take on certain books is fascinating.
If I lived my life as a writer only, I would miss all of that. I'd have my head down over my computer keyboard, banging out tale after tale and never looking up to be inspired. I want to live inspired, I want my work to be inspired, don't you?
What about you? What do you love to read and why? What inspires you?
- Stephen King
I'm sure I've posted this quote here before, but I'm going to do it again. It's an all time favorite of mine and one that hangs on the wall in my office. I read it multiple times a day. And I'm seeing more and more the importance of Stephen King's wisdom. I fear that as a writer, it's all too easy to get caught up in deadlines, word count per day, and the stress of churning out book after book that I forget the value of reading. It's not just would-be writers. I think some of us who have been writing for years have lost our way. We've stopped reading.
I'll admit I lost sight of the reader in me this past year or two. Over the holidays, I took time off from writing and did a lot of reading. A lot. It was so wonderful. So decadent to get lost in words and worlds on the page. Sure, I journaled and "wrote" each day, but without a deadline breathing down my neck. And with some extra time on my hands, I devoured books.
It reminded me why I'm a reader before I'm a writer:
1) I'm a reader because it takes me outside of my own story. When I'm working on a book, my mind is on that story almost 24/7. I think about it as I drive to run errands, while I'm cooking a meal, or when I go for a walk. Reading a story that isn't mine gets my brain outside of my story and let's it roam free for a bit. I've been inspired or have had the lightbulb go on in my head for my story many times while reading someone else's narrative.
2) I'm a reader because it teaches me various writing styles. Sure, I could take a class or two on writing styles, but I feel I learn most from reading other authors and how they do things. How do they use dialogue? Or maybe their strength is setting, which is not mine, and I can see how they do it well and take note of it for when I sit down to write.
3) I'm a reader because where would I be as a writer without being a reader? Again, I could take classes, but there's only so much to learn there. A good thing to do as a beginning writer, yes, but I'm talking here mainly to authors with a few books under their belt. If I did nothing but write and never dove into a book, my focus would become so narrow. I would see only what's in front of me. And I don't want to do that. Truth? I think it hurts my writing. Good writing takes time. It takes a lot of creative energy. And that isn't nurtured by sitting in front of a computer screen for hours and hours.
One of the most productive things I've done in my writing career is to put my reader hat on. As a reader, what do I do? Do I immediately follow on twitter a new author I find and like? (I don't, but that's just me.) Do I go to their website to see what other books they've written? (Yes. I do that.) What are the ways I like to find new authors? (Litsy is a new favorite app for this purpose.)
But if I didn't have a reader hat to put on, I wouldn't have a clue.
I'm in a book club in my neighborhood. I love it. I look forward to it. We aren't consistent with every single month because of our schedules, but when we meet, I'm so excited. I love nothing better in life than to talk books. I'm the resident writer of the group so they tend to think that I have some vast wisdom each time that they don't, but I assure them, what they offer me in their observations and opinions far outweighs what I bring to the table. These are incredibly intelligent, bright women and to hear their take on certain books is fascinating.
If I lived my life as a writer only, I would miss all of that. I'd have my head down over my computer keyboard, banging out tale after tale and never looking up to be inspired. I want to live inspired, I want my work to be inspired, don't you?
What about you? What do you love to read and why? What inspires you?
January 23, 2017
The Muse That Is Music
I'm working on a new book. My excitement of putting my character's story on paper is mixed with a sense of dread because I don't have my plot set in stone. I never do when I start a new book. I like to have a decent idea of where my characters are headed, but enjoy letting them guide me a bit as I write.
Sometimes it works for me to sit and stare at an empty computer screen until the words come. But many times my muse arrives when I got for a walk. And it almost always shows up when I listen to music.
I have had a love affair with music since I was a little girl. I couldn't go to sleep at night unless my radio was playing. One of my consequences when I disobeyed my parents was to not be able to listen to my radio for a day or two. Absolute torture. Put me in a time out. Don't allow me to go to playdates. Fine. Totally cool with that. But take away music? I thought I wouldn't survive. My mom also teased that if my schoolwork was set to music, I'd get straight A's. I know lyrics to songs from 25 years ago without blinking an eye. They're just there. Like old friends.
Some of my best writing ideas come when I'm listening to music. I'll be driving along and a song will come on and boom! A scene pops in my head with my characters. The words flow like a river from my mind to my notepad. (Don't worry. I write it all down once I've stopped driving. :) )
I make a playlist for each book I write. And most of the songs are in the books. Music inspires me. Each song a story of it's own.
What inspires you?
Sometimes it works for me to sit and stare at an empty computer screen until the words come. But many times my muse arrives when I got for a walk. And it almost always shows up when I listen to music.
I have had a love affair with music since I was a little girl. I couldn't go to sleep at night unless my radio was playing. One of my consequences when I disobeyed my parents was to not be able to listen to my radio for a day or two. Absolute torture. Put me in a time out. Don't allow me to go to playdates. Fine. Totally cool with that. But take away music? I thought I wouldn't survive. My mom also teased that if my schoolwork was set to music, I'd get straight A's. I know lyrics to songs from 25 years ago without blinking an eye. They're just there. Like old friends.
Some of my best writing ideas come when I'm listening to music. I'll be driving along and a song will come on and boom! A scene pops in my head with my characters. The words flow like a river from my mind to my notepad. (Don't worry. I write it all down once I've stopped driving. :) )
I make a playlist for each book I write. And most of the songs are in the books. Music inspires me. Each song a story of it's own.
What inspires you?
January 9, 2017
Characters Deserve Attention
In taking some time off in December, I was able to take a step back and look at this writing life of mine. I have multiple books to write in 2017 and I'm excited about that. But I fear in this business, the writing train moves fast. I had to ask myself if I am giving my work the time and attention it deserves. Mainly, my characters.
For me, characters drive the story. If I read a book and don't care about the people in the story, I'll bail. I'm all about people. I was watching the Star Wars movies the other night (in honor of Carrie Fisher's passing - so sad. What an incredible actress and author.) and was saying to my husband that the prequels were a brilliant move on George Lucas' part. But I honestly believe any writer worth his or her salt comes up with backstory for their characters - the more detailed, the better. Obviously, Lucas did so with all of the Star Wars characters. And from that, he built an empire of story.
These are the covers from my Silver Bay Series. My cover artist did an amazing job of getting the image of my characters just right. Return To Silver Bay and Loving Kate are available now. Saving Drew releases January 24, 2017 Check out the series at http://laramvanhulzen.com
The very first thing I do before I start writing a new book is character sketches. Pinterest is a writer's dream for this. I find imagines that match as close as possible to the ones in my head of what my hero and heroine look like, along with the car they drive, the house they live in, etc. Then I "interview" them. I have a form I fill out with questions that they have to answer. In doing so, their story starts to unfold in my mind based on who they are.
I truly believe characters deserve the most attention when writing stories. Some writers are more plot driven and for some stories that works. For me, people are what it's all about. What makes them tick? Why they make the decisions they do and how they react to the results of those decisions is important. How does their wiring work with, or doesn't work with, other characters in the book?
What about you? Are you a character driven or plot driven reader/writer?
For me, characters drive the story. If I read a book and don't care about the people in the story, I'll bail. I'm all about people. I was watching the Star Wars movies the other night (in honor of Carrie Fisher's passing - so sad. What an incredible actress and author.) and was saying to my husband that the prequels were a brilliant move on George Lucas' part. But I honestly believe any writer worth his or her salt comes up with backstory for their characters - the more detailed, the better. Obviously, Lucas did so with all of the Star Wars characters. And from that, he built an empire of story.
These are the covers from my Silver Bay Series. My cover artist did an amazing job of getting the image of my characters just right. Return To Silver Bay and Loving Kate are available now. Saving Drew releases January 24, 2017 Check out the series at http://laramvanhulzen.com The very first thing I do before I start writing a new book is character sketches. Pinterest is a writer's dream for this. I find imagines that match as close as possible to the ones in my head of what my hero and heroine look like, along with the car they drive, the house they live in, etc. Then I "interview" them. I have a form I fill out with questions that they have to answer. In doing so, their story starts to unfold in my mind based on who they are.
I truly believe characters deserve the most attention when writing stories. Some writers are more plot driven and for some stories that works. For me, people are what it's all about. What makes them tick? Why they make the decisions they do and how they react to the results of those decisions is important. How does their wiring work with, or doesn't work with, other characters in the book?
What about you? Are you a character driven or plot driven reader/writer?
January 2, 2017
'Tis The Season
I decided to take off the month of December. I still did some writing, but nothing with deadlines. True, honest, creative writing. And I loved it. Soaked in time with my friends and family, all the while making sure to people watch in the airport, in the mall, and basically anywhere I went. Hey, I'm a writer. I don't ever take 100% of time off.
As I basked in the glow of being an elf for a few weeks, strolling stores and thinking of my loved ones as I went, then happily wrapping and placing under the tree new treasures for them to find, I noticed how often people apologize. Specifically in stores where there were lines or people waiting. Precious people working behind the counter at retail shops looked almost afraid someone might punch them if they didn't add up and bag their items in record time as if they were part of a pit crew and were being timed. I made sure to smile a lot and tell them it was fine, no worries. I engaged in chit-chat with them, if only to help get their heart rate down.
Are we really THAT stressed and busy that we can't wait for something anymore? One place I noticed it the most was in coffee shops. As I stood there waiting for my daily jolt of caffeine to be made, I thought, aren't I CHOOSING to add this to my day? Feeding my addiction adds time to my day and yet I get flustered for having to wait? It's not the barista's fault I wedged getting a coffee into my busy day. It's mine. And yet, I find myself tapping my foot and looking at my watch. I've got places to go! Things to do!
And yet...
Am I really SO busy that I can't even be kind to the person making me coffee? Is what I have to do SO vital that I have to move at Mach 2 just to stay on task?
I'm heading into the New Year not with resolutions but intention. I want to be intentional with my time. I find myself too often in a day saying, "You have plenty of time. You're not in a hurry." Why do I even have to remind myself of that? Truly. It's not good. I've pulled back - a lot - on social media and other time suckers. It's astounding how many more hours I have in a day. I even have days where I can go to a coffee shop, order, wait patiently, then sit and sip it. Unbelievable.
Over the holidays I was able to soak in time with my kids, every moment precious now that The Girl Child is in college and only here visiting for a few weeks. I'm working on my calendar for January making sure my days aren't so jammed packed that I'm a constant stress ball. I guess in many ways my priorities got out of whack and I'm getting them back in line.
Life flows in seasons. 'Tis the season for me to think different. This past year brought a lot of changes for me and my household. There is much in the New Year that is unknown, yet to be seen. But I'm going to be intentional about my schedule, making sure I go at a pace where kindness to others isn't blown over by my supposed need to move on to the next thing at breakneck speed.
As I basked in the glow of being an elf for a few weeks, strolling stores and thinking of my loved ones as I went, then happily wrapping and placing under the tree new treasures for them to find, I noticed how often people apologize. Specifically in stores where there were lines or people waiting. Precious people working behind the counter at retail shops looked almost afraid someone might punch them if they didn't add up and bag their items in record time as if they were part of a pit crew and were being timed. I made sure to smile a lot and tell them it was fine, no worries. I engaged in chit-chat with them, if only to help get their heart rate down.
Are we really THAT stressed and busy that we can't wait for something anymore? One place I noticed it the most was in coffee shops. As I stood there waiting for my daily jolt of caffeine to be made, I thought, aren't I CHOOSING to add this to my day? Feeding my addiction adds time to my day and yet I get flustered for having to wait? It's not the barista's fault I wedged getting a coffee into my busy day. It's mine. And yet, I find myself tapping my foot and looking at my watch. I've got places to go! Things to do!
And yet...
Am I really SO busy that I can't even be kind to the person making me coffee? Is what I have to do SO vital that I have to move at Mach 2 just to stay on task?
I'm heading into the New Year not with resolutions but intention. I want to be intentional with my time. I find myself too often in a day saying, "You have plenty of time. You're not in a hurry." Why do I even have to remind myself of that? Truly. It's not good. I've pulled back - a lot - on social media and other time suckers. It's astounding how many more hours I have in a day. I even have days where I can go to a coffee shop, order, wait patiently, then sit and sip it. Unbelievable.
Over the holidays I was able to soak in time with my kids, every moment precious now that The Girl Child is in college and only here visiting for a few weeks. I'm working on my calendar for January making sure my days aren't so jammed packed that I'm a constant stress ball. I guess in many ways my priorities got out of whack and I'm getting them back in line.
Life flows in seasons. 'Tis the season for me to think different. This past year brought a lot of changes for me and my household. There is much in the New Year that is unknown, yet to be seen. But I'm going to be intentional about my schedule, making sure I go at a pace where kindness to others isn't blown over by my supposed need to move on to the next thing at breakneck speed.
November 21, 2016
Celebrate!
I read a blog not long ago by an author saying that in this business, the tide can change in a heartbeat. There are no guarantees. One year can hold a four book contract, the next, nothing. One book can sell like hot cakes, the next, not so much.
So celebrate!!
Celebrate each milestone no matter how big or small. I've taken that advice to heart and I'm glad I have. When I get a good word count done in a day, a mental high five is given (and some dark chocolate most often consumed. ;). When I write The End, I enjoy a lovely glass of wine with my husband. When a book releases, my family takes me out to dinner. Most of the time, champagne is involved.
I will always write. I know no other way to live.
But I'm not guaranteed anything in this business. So every step, I celebrate. It's an amazing journey, one I'm beyond grateful I get to travel.
So celebrate!!
Celebrate each milestone no matter how big or small. I've taken that advice to heart and I'm glad I have. When I get a good word count done in a day, a mental high five is given (and some dark chocolate most often consumed. ;). When I write The End, I enjoy a lovely glass of wine with my husband. When a book releases, my family takes me out to dinner. Most of the time, champagne is involved.
I will always write. I know no other way to live.
But I'm not guaranteed anything in this business. So every step, I celebrate. It's an amazing journey, one I'm beyond grateful I get to travel.
November 7, 2016
Tea With Lunch, Wine With Dinner
I'm visiting the Girl Child this weekend. My mom is with me. It's a wonderful time of rest, catching up, strolling bookstores and relaxing.
I'm learning how to discover what I like. That might sound strange to anyone who has gone through life knowing exactly what they want. I'm not proud to admit, I haven't always been that way because I worry too much about what others think.
I'm working on that. I really am.
I was strolling this gorgeous bookstore my mom and I found on our trip and it was almost lunchtime. We had noticed a darling café next door and agreed to try it once we were done book shopping. I got to thinking if I'd like wine with lunch or not. I tend to fall asleep if I have wine before evening hours. One glass and I'm in nap zone. And I'm not sure why but I stood there and thought,
"I like tea with lunch and wine with dinner."
Now, a revelation like that is not a huge one. But it was for me. It was liberating in a way. I rarely think "I would like to do this." Again, I weigh things against the thoughts and opinions of others. I'm a pretty laid back person. I'm not picky. So most of the time I'm really good to do what someone else wants.
I'm working on owning my opinions.
Its not unlike my writing life. There are genres to choose from and sub genres as well. I write Romance. But under the umbrella of Romance are a lot of sub genres: spicy, sweet, erotica, historical, paranormal…there's a decent sized list. I write sweet romances. And I love it.
But I've had to work on owning what genre is mine and letting go of what isn't.
I have friends who write fantastic paranormal romance. Some write historical. And I applaud them. Those are not my strong suit. Erotica isn't my thing. But it is for others. Cool. My theory is this:
Read and write what YOU want.
I know, I know. There's an audience to think of who want specific things. Okay. But I'm a firm believer that if I try to jam a square peg (me) into a round hole (writing outside my genre) the work isn't going to be my best.
I'm grateful I'm with a publishing house that caters to the creative in me. Although trends are watched and what readers are looking for is taken seriously, I'm encouraged to write the stories and characters that matter to me, that move me. Because really, if my heart isn't in it, my writing will show it, and the stories and characters won't matter to the reader either.
When I write I have to block out what others think.
I can't bring to my work all the gunk in my head that floats around about what others might think or say about my writing. I need to write. Focus. Then trust my editors and publisher in the process of getting it out to readers. I have a mantra:
Write with confidence. Learn with humility.
I'm confident in my abilities as a writer. But I don't believe I'll ever cross some finish line of knowing it all. There is much to learn and I want to always be humbly willing to learn it.
I'm discovering what I like without the whispers of opinions in my head.
I love writing sweet romance.
And I like tea with lunch and wine with dinner.
I'm learning how to discover what I like. That might sound strange to anyone who has gone through life knowing exactly what they want. I'm not proud to admit, I haven't always been that way because I worry too much about what others think.
I'm working on that. I really am.
I was strolling this gorgeous bookstore my mom and I found on our trip and it was almost lunchtime. We had noticed a darling café next door and agreed to try it once we were done book shopping. I got to thinking if I'd like wine with lunch or not. I tend to fall asleep if I have wine before evening hours. One glass and I'm in nap zone. And I'm not sure why but I stood there and thought,
"I like tea with lunch and wine with dinner."
Now, a revelation like that is not a huge one. But it was for me. It was liberating in a way. I rarely think "I would like to do this." Again, I weigh things against the thoughts and opinions of others. I'm a pretty laid back person. I'm not picky. So most of the time I'm really good to do what someone else wants.
I'm working on owning my opinions.
Its not unlike my writing life. There are genres to choose from and sub genres as well. I write Romance. But under the umbrella of Romance are a lot of sub genres: spicy, sweet, erotica, historical, paranormal…there's a decent sized list. I write sweet romances. And I love it.
But I've had to work on owning what genre is mine and letting go of what isn't.
I have friends who write fantastic paranormal romance. Some write historical. And I applaud them. Those are not my strong suit. Erotica isn't my thing. But it is for others. Cool. My theory is this:
Read and write what YOU want.
I know, I know. There's an audience to think of who want specific things. Okay. But I'm a firm believer that if I try to jam a square peg (me) into a round hole (writing outside my genre) the work isn't going to be my best.
I'm grateful I'm with a publishing house that caters to the creative in me. Although trends are watched and what readers are looking for is taken seriously, I'm encouraged to write the stories and characters that matter to me, that move me. Because really, if my heart isn't in it, my writing will show it, and the stories and characters won't matter to the reader either.
When I write I have to block out what others think.
I can't bring to my work all the gunk in my head that floats around about what others might think or say about my writing. I need to write. Focus. Then trust my editors and publisher in the process of getting it out to readers. I have a mantra:
Write with confidence. Learn with humility.
I'm confident in my abilities as a writer. But I don't believe I'll ever cross some finish line of knowing it all. There is much to learn and I want to always be humbly willing to learn it.
I'm discovering what I like without the whispers of opinions in my head.
I love writing sweet romance.
And I like tea with lunch and wine with dinner.
October 31, 2016
Great Characters Make Great Stories
I'm a firm believer that great stories begin with great characters. If I read a book that has an interesting plot, but I don't care about the people in the story, or I don't connect with them in any way, I stop reading.
There are some stories that are plot driven and are written beautifully. But for me, the people are where it counts.
When I start a new novel, I always start with the people. Who are my hero and heroine? What do they like or dislike? Why do they like or dislike those things? I even get down to the kind of car they drive and what their favorite beverage is. Why? Because the smallest details are what make up a person. Their personality is what causes them to choose certain things, their experiences as well.
I get a picture in my head first of what my characters look like, then I have some fun on Pinterest finding a similar image and create a board for that book. https://www.pinterest.com/lmvanhulzen/
My dear writer friends. If there as ever a time to be on Pinterest, character sketching is it.
I have a background in journalism so I like to interview my characters. My interview worksheet looks something like this...
I also think through their Goal, Motivation and Conflicts. I keep Debra Dixon's book close by as I write... http://amzn.to/2fnHDFw
I also write out what external and internal things make my characters do what they do, say what they say.
A fun part about writing novels is that I may go into writing the story with an idea of who my characters are, but as I write, they evolve and come up with ideas and interests I never thought of before. But I firmly believe that if you start with great characters you'll end up with a great story.
There are some stories that are plot driven and are written beautifully. But for me, the people are where it counts.
When I start a new novel, I always start with the people. Who are my hero and heroine? What do they like or dislike? Why do they like or dislike those things? I even get down to the kind of car they drive and what their favorite beverage is. Why? Because the smallest details are what make up a person. Their personality is what causes them to choose certain things, their experiences as well.
I get a picture in my head first of what my characters look like, then I have some fun on Pinterest finding a similar image and create a board for that book. https://www.pinterest.com/lmvanhulzen/
My dear writer friends. If there as ever a time to be on Pinterest, character sketching is it.
I have a background in journalism so I like to interview my characters. My interview worksheet looks something like this...
I also think through their Goal, Motivation and Conflicts. I keep Debra Dixon's book close by as I write... http://amzn.to/2fnHDFw
I also write out what external and internal things make my characters do what they do, say what they say.
A fun part about writing novels is that I may go into writing the story with an idea of who my characters are, but as I write, they evolve and come up with ideas and interests I never thought of before. But I firmly believe that if you start with great characters you'll end up with a great story.
October 24, 2016
A New Normal
I think it's possible I started writing in the womb. Because writing is how I have always processed the world around me. It's how I think things through. How I work through feelings or emotions. How I document events and milestones. My husband is a numbers guy. He says he has numbers in his head all the time.
Not me. I always have words flowing through my head.
I think I've mentioned this before, but my oldest child left for college about six weeks ago. I call her The Girl Child. We went to visit her last weekend for the first time since she left. The Hubby, Thing 1 and Thing 2 and I rode a few small planes to get to her (not my favorite but I've made my peace with it) and had a fantastic visit.
It wasn't without it's moments of adjustment, but we did fine. Because she is finding a new normal just as much as we are.
I'm currently working on the first book in a new four book series. I have my deadlines set up and my writing sessions planned out. I stress here and there, but for the most part, I'm enjoying my days. I'm adjusting to my new normal. There's a bit less on my plate with one less child in the house, but overall, I like the pace.
But I can see that everything I'm experiencing goes into my writing. Emotions, realizations, everything. And I think that's how it's always been for me. Writing fiction or not, who we are and the experiences that shape us - I can't imagine how they wouldn't end up in our writing somehow.
Change is tough for me. It always has been. But I am grateful I have writing. Journaling, blogging, working on a book. It doesn't matter. The written word is healing. And with each change, it helps me find my new normal.
This is The Girl Child's favorite spot in the library at school. I would have to agree with her. It makes me think of Narnia. Oh, the stories to be written while looking out that window...
Not me. I always have words flowing through my head.
I think I've mentioned this before, but my oldest child left for college about six weeks ago. I call her The Girl Child. We went to visit her last weekend for the first time since she left. The Hubby, Thing 1 and Thing 2 and I rode a few small planes to get to her (not my favorite but I've made my peace with it) and had a fantastic visit.
It wasn't without it's moments of adjustment, but we did fine. Because she is finding a new normal just as much as we are.
I'm currently working on the first book in a new four book series. I have my deadlines set up and my writing sessions planned out. I stress here and there, but for the most part, I'm enjoying my days. I'm adjusting to my new normal. There's a bit less on my plate with one less child in the house, but overall, I like the pace.
But I can see that everything I'm experiencing goes into my writing. Emotions, realizations, everything. And I think that's how it's always been for me. Writing fiction or not, who we are and the experiences that shape us - I can't imagine how they wouldn't end up in our writing somehow.
Change is tough for me. It always has been. But I am grateful I have writing. Journaling, blogging, working on a book. It doesn't matter. The written word is healing. And with each change, it helps me find my new normal.
This is The Girl Child's favorite spot in the library at school. I would have to agree with her. It makes me think of Narnia. Oh, the stories to be written while looking out that window...October 10, 2016
Tricks Of The Trade Are Mostly Tricks
There are tricks to every trade. I believe for authors, lots of those tricks involve how to market our books. But I'm learning that...
Many tricks of the trade are mostly tricks.
Now, before you get ruffled, hear me out. There's a lot of good advice out there. A lot. But I feel that the more I read about how to hashtag correctly on Instagram or what Facebook ads are worth the money versus ones that aren't, there really is no bottom line way to do this. In a nutshell, there are no guarantees.
My husband is a numbers guy. And numbers are black and white. It drives him insane the lack of ways to track sales for my books. I can run certain things on social media and see if they coincide with better book sales, but there really isn't a hard and fast, black and white way to see if those things are making a difference. Not enough to justify the money spent anyway. It can be frustrating.
I'm no expert here. Far from it. And I know that many of the articles and blogs I read on marketing say that social media is social. Period. End of sentence. You can talk about your books and let people know when they're being released, but in the end, it's a way to chat with readers, connect.
And I love that part of social media - connecting with readers.
There are some truly nice, wonderful people out there. They're kind and more than willing to tell you they love your writing and can't wait for your next book to come out. God bless them on every level.
A review from a reader...
But I know that for me, when I get wrapped up thinking the tricks of the trade will bring me huge sales, I end up feeling nothing but discouraged. I've heard multiple authors say recently that the most important thing is the story. Stay focused on the stories you are writing. That's the heart of the matter. If we don't write great stories, no will want to read them anyway and the social media tricks will really be a moot point.
And I have to agree. When I'm character sketching or daydreaming the What Ifs of my story, life is good. There's no tricks to that. Just story. Writing. Creating. And that's what this is really all about.
Have you found tricks of the trades that work? Ones that don't? What has been your experience?
Many tricks of the trade are mostly tricks.
Now, before you get ruffled, hear me out. There's a lot of good advice out there. A lot. But I feel that the more I read about how to hashtag correctly on Instagram or what Facebook ads are worth the money versus ones that aren't, there really is no bottom line way to do this. In a nutshell, there are no guarantees.
My husband is a numbers guy. And numbers are black and white. It drives him insane the lack of ways to track sales for my books. I can run certain things on social media and see if they coincide with better book sales, but there really isn't a hard and fast, black and white way to see if those things are making a difference. Not enough to justify the money spent anyway. It can be frustrating.
I'm no expert here. Far from it. And I know that many of the articles and blogs I read on marketing say that social media is social. Period. End of sentence. You can talk about your books and let people know when they're being released, but in the end, it's a way to chat with readers, connect.
And I love that part of social media - connecting with readers.
There are some truly nice, wonderful people out there. They're kind and more than willing to tell you they love your writing and can't wait for your next book to come out. God bless them on every level.
A review from a reader...
But I know that for me, when I get wrapped up thinking the tricks of the trade will bring me huge sales, I end up feeling nothing but discouraged. I've heard multiple authors say recently that the most important thing is the story. Stay focused on the stories you are writing. That's the heart of the matter. If we don't write great stories, no will want to read them anyway and the social media tricks will really be a moot point.
And I have to agree. When I'm character sketching or daydreaming the What Ifs of my story, life is good. There's no tricks to that. Just story. Writing. Creating. And that's what this is really all about.
Have you found tricks of the trades that work? Ones that don't? What has been your experience?
