Top Ten Ways to Make Writing a Novel More Satisfying

My source of inspiration:  Bali

10.  When you are on the computer sit in a slouched position.

9.  Always have coffee next to you when writing—coffee makes everything better.

8.  Keep “pep talk” comments and goals above your desk:  “Write 300 words a day.”  Or “When at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.”

7.  The advantage of having to work on a computer?  You get to check Facebook and twitter every 15 minutes.  (Not positive this is an advantage…should actually be #10).

6.  Find your name online but doing other things.  It’s really someone else, but it will make you feel so good to think somebody might be impressed that you’re not just a writer:  you’re also a doctor in Albuquerque.

5.  Stop for a cupcake.

4.  Tell your kids you’re writing a book.  They are easily impressed! 

3.  Get your kids involved.  If the whole house is thinking and talking about writing, it can only make them better writers too, which is a great by-product!  My girls have repeatedly started writing their own stories over the past few years!

2.  Write about what’s really important to you.  It will shine through your novel, through your voice.

1.  Remember that at the end of the day, you can only do what you can do.  Every day I look for small growths and achievements.  Keep track of them, and at the end of the year you'll see big growth and hopefully big achievements!

The Importance of Voice

Just a heads-up, YA Author Lindsay Cummings has a sweet giveaway contest....a 3-chapter critique of your YA/MG finished manuscript or WIP!  Go here:

http://www.lindsaycummingsblog.blogspot.com/

Honestly, critiques are important as you're working on your manuscript.  We get so close to our own material...emotionally attached, really, so it's hard to detach yourself and have a real honest perspective about what it needs.  An honest outsider can give you just that.

When I joined a Writers' Digest Bootcamp (recommend it!) I found that getting my first 10 pages critiqued was quite a big help.  Some important things regarding overwriting were mentioned, as well as positive feedback about a strong voice, with suggestion that I develop and strengthen the voice even more.  Great advice, and I think my revisions make my manuscript so much stronger.

One of my students mentioned in class today, actually, that she thinks "voice" is what makes good poetry.  A strong voice is compelling, intriguing, even captivating.  We can relate, get sucked in to the poem or piece.

So I'm working on this myself with both my manuscripts (one YA and one women's fiction)--working on developing a stronger and stronger voice.  I have read on dozens of author/agent/editor websites that strong VOICE is where it's at.

So I will be here working on getting my literary vocal chords warmed up!

What do you think is the most important aspect of a piece to resonate with your audience?

How to Justify Writing with A Busy Life

I entered a writing contest recently with Cupid's Literary Connection. (see her blog here:  http://www.cupidslitconnection.blogspot.com/). Amazing experience, and "love" (code for adore and despise, the twin branches of a young sapling) the intensity of a writing competition.

Heart racing, palms clammy.  The same anticipation as that first kiss:  Will they pick me?!  PLEASE pick me!  Pick me!  It feels a bit like a flashback to P.E. in the fifth grade when you had to line up and pick country line dancing partners.  What?  You never had to do that?  Don't take it for granted.

I just about cried when I didn't make it to the agent round.  Miserable.  Sad face for two whole days.  Colleagues asking, "What's wrong?"  Not wanting to admit anything...feeling like a loser, like I can't even make it to round TWO of a writing competition?!  Why don't I just give it up and stick to my day job?!

For two days, I did.  I gave up my writing dream.  (Well, unless stalking the other contestants' posts, figuring how to post on twitter, reading articles about "Blog your way to being a paid writer!" counts as giving up...).

Like many of you, I asked the question:  how can I even justify spending so much time writing when I have three children to mother, a husband to befriend, and a full-time teaching load?

I didn't have an answer at first.  But then, I did.

And it's not "because I deserve it," or some such modern psychologist-friendly admonition.

I decided...what else would I be doing? REALLY doing, if I'm honest with myself?

Here's a list of what else I would be doing in the time I spend writing:
Spending time playing games with my kids
Making cookies (and eating them)
Browsing the Internet for articles like:  "Blog your way to being a paid writer!" (or, more likely, "How to Dress Like Megan Fox!")
Watching TV
Watching TV
Watching TV
Reading
Cleaning (nah...I'm lucky because being an expat in Malaysia means we can afford live-in help...more about that later)
Dates with my husband (no, probably not really this either, unfortunately.)

So....of that list, what is important?

Reading, yes, but writing could be just as important--kind of like an even exchange there.  Then of course playing games with my kids is important.  But, honestly, am I going to spend hundreds of hours a year more playing games with my kids?

SO.  My conclusion.

Like anything, writing is probably good and healthy as long as I'm not addicted.  (definition:  writing to the point where I damage my relationships with everyone around me.)  Write when I can, a little every week.  Do my best at my job.  Love my kids and husband wholeheartedly.

And only enter a writing contest if I'm okay with it ending in another REJECTION.