The Writing Demons have gotten ahold of me.
This is wonderful and frightening news, because I have been battling severe writer's block for the past few weeks. Oh, I got some words down, but they weren't heartfelt or engaging. When I scrapped the novel I had been working on (Mirror, Mirror) and started the novel I really wanted to write (The Witch's Daughter) by pulling out some old material from a folder on my hard drive, I unleashed a monster.
I spent all of last night writing like a maniac and got 10,000 words out all at once before collapsing into bed for a few hours of fitful sleep. I was busy most of today, but the writing demons haven't left. I'm exhausted. All my body wants to do is sleep, but my brain is still racing with ideas for my new novel. It is fitting in place perfectly with its two predecessors, The Second Sister and Wolf's Eyes.
I suppose I should make an important point about writing or something instead of just rambling about my late night. Remember: Write what you love. Even if you think no one else will like it. Even if you're in the middle of a novel you hate but feel obligated to finish. If it's not working, either change the novel so you fall in love with it again, or write a new one. Holly Lisle, one of my favorite novelists, says that writing is like stripping naked and dancing on the rooftops. I tend to agree with her. You are baring little bits of your intimate soul for anyone who chooses to pick up your book. But it's worth it. It's so totally worth it.
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Friday, May 28, 2010
Knowing When To Stop
So, 23,000 words in to my third novel in 'The Second Sister' trilogy, I'm stuck.
Not just writer's block stuck. No, I can deal with that. Emotionally stuck. I just don't care about the novel I'm writing, and I'm only writing it because I want to tie up all the loose ends from the first two books in the series. So I have decided to scrap it. Now, this doesn't mean I'm deleting everything I've written. Deleting 23,000 words is a very bad idea. I might be able to use some of that material later, especially the romance scenes. But I'm not going to finish this book.
I always encourage my writer friends to finish the projects they start, especially friends that have trouble getting past the middle of their novels. But sometimes you just have to know when to quit. Writing is supposed to be about joy, discoveries, and emotions. When you are empty of joy, when you make no new discoveries, and when your only emotions are frustration and anger... it's time to work on something else.
So instead of writing the book about Snow White that I thought I would write, I'm going to write a version of Rapunzel with a new cast instead. I already have about 7,000 words from a few years ago that I really enjoyed working on, and I'll use that as my jumping off point. Remember my advice about saving everything? Follow it. You never know when you'll use it again.
Wish me luck, I'll need it.
Not just writer's block stuck. No, I can deal with that. Emotionally stuck. I just don't care about the novel I'm writing, and I'm only writing it because I want to tie up all the loose ends from the first two books in the series. So I have decided to scrap it. Now, this doesn't mean I'm deleting everything I've written. Deleting 23,000 words is a very bad idea. I might be able to use some of that material later, especially the romance scenes. But I'm not going to finish this book.
I always encourage my writer friends to finish the projects they start, especially friends that have trouble getting past the middle of their novels. But sometimes you just have to know when to quit. Writing is supposed to be about joy, discoveries, and emotions. When you are empty of joy, when you make no new discoveries, and when your only emotions are frustration and anger... it's time to work on something else.
So instead of writing the book about Snow White that I thought I would write, I'm going to write a version of Rapunzel with a new cast instead. I already have about 7,000 words from a few years ago that I really enjoyed working on, and I'll use that as my jumping off point. Remember my advice about saving everything? Follow it. You never know when you'll use it again.
Wish me luck, I'll need it.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Defeating Writer's Block
Writer's Block is the dragon that all heroic writers must face at some point in their lives - whether they want to publish or not. Writers of all levels, beginners to pros, must learn to defeat Writer's Block. The good news is that you are not alone. All of us have experienced the exact same feelings of helplessness and desperation that you have. And we can help each other.
Here are some quick and fast tips for defeating Writer's Block.
1. Shut up your internal censor.
You know that little voice inside your head? The one that tells you that you are a terrible writer and nothing you type out or write in your journal makes sense? Shut it up. One way to do this is by writing something that scares you. If you think you are very bad at poetry, write a poem even if you think you can't. If you are bad at love scenes, write a steamy, romantic, passionate scene. You might be surprised what you can do when you try.
2. Give yourself permission to fail.
This might seem self-defeating, but it works. Say to yourself, "I am going to write today, and if every word is not a perfect masterpiece, that's okay... as long as I'm writing." Not every sentence you write will be amazing, and that is okay. Not every sentence Shakespeare wrote was amazing, either, I'll bet. He just went back and fixed it later, or else the other sentences were so great that nobody noticed.
3. Set small, reasonable goals for yourself. Reward appropriately.
Instead of staring at a blank page and worrying about filling it, set a goal for yourself. "I am going to write 500 words at this sit-down. That is it." When you finish that goal, even if the words are not your best, reward yourself. Take a nice, hot shower. Eat a yummy popsicle. Go get a hug from your favorite person. Rinse and repeat.
4. Do writing sprints!
These are fun exercises that are great for the writer who is struggling. Sit down at your computer or open up a journal and check the clock. Write for 5, 10, or 15 minutes without stopping. Just keep going, even if it doesn't hang together quite right. You can always go back and edit later. For now, just get the words out.
5. Word prompts
There are several fun word and character prompts you can use to get yourself inspired. Put together a list of ten unrelated words, or use a word generator to come up with some. Then, try and connect all those words together. There are some great name and character generators on www.seventh-sanctum.com
6. Build a community
Show your work to others. Share it on www.fictionpress.com and find some reviewers. Post a little bit at a time. That way, with other people bugging you for more and a goal to work towards, you will have more motivation to write.
Happy writing!
Publishing
Publishing does not always mean submitting your novel to a big-name publisher and scoring a big contract.
The dictionary defines publishing as:
–verb (used with object)
1.
to issue (printed or otherwise reproduced textual or graphic material, computer software, etc.) for sale or distribution to the public.
Know what that means? That time in third grade when you wrote something in your notebook, drew a picture, and handed it in to your teacher? That's publishing. The time you posted a story online for everyone to read? That's publishing. Even when you showed your story to your best friend because you were too scared to give it to anyone else... that's publishing!
So although many of you might not know it, you are already published writers! That's good news. The more people who read your work, the more you will be inspired to write and the more you will improve. Who knows? It might lead to a publishing contract someday!
Rae's Guide To Critiquing
One of the most important tools for improvement that writers have is the critique.
Not to brag, but I know a lot about critiquing. As a flutist, I have attended masterclasses with world-famous teachers. At these masterclasses, I am expected to take their critiques with grace and enthusiasm. So must you, young writer. At school, all of us music students are required to critique each other with written and verbal comments. It is a delicate balance. You want to point out what the other person did well so that they will repeat it, and also point out what they could improve on without being negative.
A similar process is used to critique artwork. I have taken several art classes throughout the years, and listening to other students discuss your work is both exciting and terrifying.
The first thing to remember about critiquing is the golden rule: Critique others as you would want to be critiqued. Be respectful.
I also like to follow the good-bad rule. For every suggestion for improvement you make, mention something positive about the other person’s work. Please remember, critiquing is different than editing. You don’t have to come up with an original compliment every time someone misses a comma. But if you want to point out that a character is not convincing in a particular scene, find another place where the characters are very strong and point that out, too. Say, “see this part here? This is a much better way to do things. Try to repeat that.”
There are two other rules to follow if you are the one being critiqued.
Rule number one: smile and nod. Even if you disagree with what the other person is saying, just smile, nod, and thank them. You can complain to yourself about how wrong they were later if you think they were completely off-base.
Rule number two is similar. If someone else fails to follow the Golden Rule of Critiquing, you may politely (seriously - I mean it. Be polite even if it kills you) point out that tearing someone else down does not help anyone become a better writer. Then, just ignore everything else they say and hope that you will not have to work with them again.
Also, make sure you play both sides of the fence. Wink wink, get it? ...... you know, about critiquing? How you have to read other people's work instead of only forcing your own on them... ? Yeah, that's exactly what I meant....
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Slated for Review
Well, I got my confirmation letter. My novel is officially slated for review. I freaked out when I first saw the e-mail in my inbox. My stomach was doing somersaults and my head was spinning, but I eventually clicked the e-mail (after a full 60 seconds of panic-mode).
Thank God for girlfriends. Seriously, if you are not emotionally and physically healthy, if you are having any other problems in your life, do NOT submit a novel for publication. It wreaks havoc on your emotions. Make sure you have a solid, strong support system in place before even attempting to get published.
Cheers.
How I Got There
Since there is nothing to do for the next 48 hours until they confirm my query but... wait... I figured I would talk a little about how I completed my novels in the first place. I've written five, which is a pretty big accomplishment now that I think about it. Even though I'm not published (yet), I think five novels under my belt gives me enough credibility to sketch out some basic guidelines...
Rae D. Magdon's Ten Tips for Actually Finishing the Novel in your Desk
1. Sit down and write. It doesn't matter if it's bad. It doesn't matter if it doesn't make sense. It doesn't matter if you "could make it better". That is what editing is for. Set aside half of your time to write, and (at absolute most) half to edit.
A useful website for this: http://writeordie.drwicked.com/ The screen turns red and you die if you don't keep tapping the keys.
2. You don't have to write the novel in chronological order. If you are absolutely, positively stuck, write a scene from the middle of the book, or even the end. You can fill in the blank spots later.
3. You don't have to write all day, but you should write every day. Just one or two paragraphs a day can really add up.
4. Recycle old material. Remember that bad story you wrote back in middle school? Use some of the dialogue from it.
5. Write longhand. Write when you are about to go on an airplane ride, when you are waiting in the doctor's office, or even while you are sitting in class. Carry a small journal around in your purse (or man-bag) and write two lines whenever you have a moment.
6. Share your work. Make your lover, parents, or best friend read what you are writing. Ask them (nicely) to bug you to continue. Even though that is a little like fishing for compliments and encouragement (okay, a lot like...) it still helps. Build a support system. Publish online. You can always start with the free and easy to use www.fictionpress.net. For the lesbians out there, you can always use: www.xenafiction.net or www.academyofbards.org
7. Read good books and watch good movies. They can be very inspiring. Although I would never advise you to steal ideas outright, I might advise you to take one of the best ideas, disguise it, and hide it deep within your novel. The trick is to make their (read: your) idea so unrecognizable that it cannot be traced back to the original source.
Example: You watch a movie about a cruel king who tyrannizes his subjects. Now, take his sociopathic tendencies and make him the captain of a space vessel in a galaxy far far away... Then make him a different species. Maybe a different gender. Or even a different age. Was the mean king an old dinosaur? What if the villain was a computer-hacking child who hijacked the ship instead? You get the idea. This works with plot points, too, not just characters.
Rae D. Magdon's Ten Tips for Actually Finishing the Novel in your Desk
1. Sit down and write. It doesn't matter if it's bad. It doesn't matter if it doesn't make sense. It doesn't matter if you "could make it better". That is what editing is for. Set aside half of your time to write, and (at absolute most) half to edit.
A useful website for this: http://writeordie.drwicked.com/ The screen turns red and you die if you don't keep tapping the keys.
2. You don't have to write the novel in chronological order. If you are absolutely, positively stuck, write a scene from the middle of the book, or even the end. You can fill in the blank spots later.
3. You don't have to write all day, but you should write every day. Just one or two paragraphs a day can really add up.
4. Recycle old material. Remember that bad story you wrote back in middle school? Use some of the dialogue from it.
5. Write longhand. Write when you are about to go on an airplane ride, when you are waiting in the doctor's office, or even while you are sitting in class. Carry a small journal around in your purse (or man-bag) and write two lines whenever you have a moment.
6. Share your work. Make your lover, parents, or best friend read what you are writing. Ask them (nicely) to bug you to continue. Even though that is a little like fishing for compliments and encouragement (okay, a lot like...) it still helps. Build a support system. Publish online. You can always start with the free and easy to use www.fictionpress.net. For the lesbians out there, you can always use: www.xenafiction.net or www.academyofbards.org
7. Read good books and watch good movies. They can be very inspiring. Although I would never advise you to steal ideas outright, I might advise you to take one of the best ideas, disguise it, and hide it deep within your novel. The trick is to make their (read: your) idea so unrecognizable that it cannot be traced back to the original source.
Example: You watch a movie about a cruel king who tyrannizes his subjects. Now, take his sociopathic tendencies and make him the captain of a space vessel in a galaxy far far away... Then make him a different species. Maybe a different gender. Or even a different age. Was the mean king an old dinosaur? What if the villain was a computer-hacking child who hijacked the ship instead? You get the idea. This works with plot points, too, not just characters.
8. If you're stuck, write something else. No, I'm serious. Take ten minutes and write about a completely different idea. I was stuck on my latest novel, Mirror, Mirror, for the longest time, and I didn't get un-stuck until I started working on a different project for a little while.
9. ... but if you start something, try to finish it. Remember that rule about recycling old material? Never delete anything. You might be able to put two novels you were working on together!
10. Ignore the voice. You know which one I mean. The one that says you are wasting your time, that you can't do this, that you have no idea what you're doing. Ignore it. Turn up the music in your head (or on your computer) and just type words. That voice is lying to you.
The Second Sister Query
To the Admirable Editors at Bold Strokes:
I am seeking to publish my fantasy romance novel, The Second Sister, which is complete at 76,000 words. The sequel, Wolf’s Eyes, is also complete. As per your guidelines, a synopsis, a brief biography, a formatted version of this query, and the manuscript are enclosed.
The Second Sister is a fresh, exciting retelling of the traditional Cinderella story. Although there are a few nods to the original Brothers Grimm and French versions, The Second Sister has a unique plot with several dark twists to the conventional fairytale.
In a kingdom where magic is feared, the orphaned Ellie is put to work by her sadistic elder stepsister, Luciana, and cheated out of her inheritance. With the help of a talking cat, a cook, two servants, and her beautiful second stepsister, Belladonna, Ellie must stop Luciana from using an ancient sorcerer's chain to bewitch Prince Brendan and take over the Kingdom of Seria.
I have been writing for several years, and during the past two, I have chosen to share my work online. The Second Sister has received awards from its hosting websites, ranking number one at The Athenaeum when it was originally published, and remaining on the weekly Top 25 lists for over twenty weeks. It also received a high slot on the Top 25 of 2009 list. Thank you very much for your consideration of this proposal.
Sincerely,
Rae D. Magdon
I am seeking to publish my fantasy romance novel, The Second Sister, which is complete at 76,000 words. The sequel, Wolf’s Eyes, is also complete. As per your guidelines, a synopsis, a brief biography, a formatted version of this query, and the manuscript are enclosed.
The Second Sister is a fresh, exciting retelling of the traditional Cinderella story. Although there are a few nods to the original Brothers Grimm and French versions, The Second Sister has a unique plot with several dark twists to the conventional fairytale.
In a kingdom where magic is feared, the orphaned Ellie is put to work by her sadistic elder stepsister, Luciana, and cheated out of her inheritance. With the help of a talking cat, a cook, two servants, and her beautiful second stepsister, Belladonna, Ellie must stop Luciana from using an ancient sorcerer's chain to bewitch Prince Brendan and take over the Kingdom of Seria.
I have been writing for several years, and during the past two, I have chosen to share my work online. The Second Sister has received awards from its hosting websites, ranking number one at The Athenaeum when it was originally published, and remaining on the weekly Top 25 lists for over twenty weeks. It also received a high slot on the Top 25 of 2009 list. Thank you very much for your consideration of this proposal.
Sincerely,
Rae D. Magdon
Today on May 26th, 2010, at 12:36 AM, I submitted my first novel, my baby, to Bold Strokes. For the moment, it's out of my hands. I should probably be proud - my girlfriend is being proud for me - but I am mostly terrified. Terrified of all the people that will read my work and judge it (and me).
But I sent it in anyway.
Here are some tips I have for those of you who are thinking about submitting a novel to a publishing company.
1. Select your publishing company carefully. Of course, I am writing for a niche market, so it is easier for me to choose who I want to publish my book.
2. Read their guidelines thoroughly. Research the submission guidelines. Find out where to address or e-mail your manuscript. Find out if they want a synopsis or not. Find out the names of the editors if possible. Do your research! Most of the information is online and easy to access.
3. If your novel has not been edited, edit it. Have someone else edit it. Then someone else. But if you want to publish it, DO NOT READ the novel for a thousandth time before you send it in. You will inevitably find at least one sentence you are not happy with and talk yourself out of it, convinced that in just another month (read: another year) you will be able to write the entire thing "better".
4. Do not submit first thing before you go to bed... you will not be able to fall asleep. Trust me.
But I sent it in anyway.
Here are some tips I have for those of you who are thinking about submitting a novel to a publishing company.
1. Select your publishing company carefully. Of course, I am writing for a niche market, so it is easier for me to choose who I want to publish my book.
2. Read their guidelines thoroughly. Research the submission guidelines. Find out where to address or e-mail your manuscript. Find out if they want a synopsis or not. Find out the names of the editors if possible. Do your research! Most of the information is online and easy to access.
3. If your novel has not been edited, edit it. Have someone else edit it. Then someone else. But if you want to publish it, DO NOT READ the novel for a thousandth time before you send it in. You will inevitably find at least one sentence you are not happy with and talk yourself out of it, convinced that in just another month (read: another year) you will be able to write the entire thing "better".
4. Do not submit first thing before you go to bed... you will not be able to fall asleep. Trust me.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Gathering Courage
Well, here I am. On the verge of doing something monumental - if not for the world, at least for me.
I have always been a writer. Ever since I was a little kid, I scribbled in my mother's left over 70 page journals and those marble composition notebooks at school. When I got older, I started typing out stories on the computer. At 17, I published my first novel online: look up my name (Rae D. Magdon) on www.xenafiction.net or www.academyofbards.com.
And now... it is time.
My goal: To publish my first novel - The Second Sister.
In case you are interested, here's the summary:
In a kingdom where magic is feared, the orphaned Ellie is put to work by her sadistic elder stepsister, Luciana, and is cheated out of her inheritance. With the help of a talking cat, a horse, a stableman, a cook, two servants, and especially her beautiful second stepsister, Belladonna, Ellie must stop Luciana from using an ancient sorcerer's chain to bewitch Prince Brendan and take over the Kingdom of Seria. You have never seen a Cinderella story this sexy before...
My target: Bold Strokes. One of my favorite publishing companies of all time, and extremely lesbian friendly.
In time, I hope that this blog will become something of a guide for other authors who are following the same treacherous, but rewarding path to publication. But now, in this moment, it's just a place to get my feelings out. I'm nervous as hell. My hands are shaking, and I'm scared just at the thought of sending my baby in to be judged by nameless, faceless people on the internet.
I can do this. I just have to keep telling myself that. I can do this... right?
I have always been a writer. Ever since I was a little kid, I scribbled in my mother's left over 70 page journals and those marble composition notebooks at school. When I got older, I started typing out stories on the computer. At 17, I published my first novel online: look up my name (Rae D. Magdon) on www.xenafiction.net or www.academyofbards.com.
And now... it is time.
My goal: To publish my first novel - The Second Sister.
In case you are interested, here's the summary:
In a kingdom where magic is feared, the orphaned Ellie is put to work by her sadistic elder stepsister, Luciana, and is cheated out of her inheritance. With the help of a talking cat, a horse, a stableman, a cook, two servants, and especially her beautiful second stepsister, Belladonna, Ellie must stop Luciana from using an ancient sorcerer's chain to bewitch Prince Brendan and take over the Kingdom of Seria. You have never seen a Cinderella story this sexy before...
My target: Bold Strokes. One of my favorite publishing companies of all time, and extremely lesbian friendly.
In time, I hope that this blog will become something of a guide for other authors who are following the same treacherous, but rewarding path to publication. But now, in this moment, it's just a place to get my feelings out. I'm nervous as hell. My hands are shaking, and I'm scared just at the thought of sending my baby in to be judged by nameless, faceless people on the internet.
I can do this. I just have to keep telling myself that. I can do this... right?
