The 'Real' Mighty Pen

I'm going to share with you today a prelude to 'The pen is mightier than the sword'. Surely you've all heard that statement. True as it is, there must be a cataclysmic event of earth-shattering proportions prior to that might that gives that pen some ink--READING. Want to become a better writer.

Read, Read, and then Read some more.

Letting your brain swoon in the prose of delicately structured sentences to those mashed together with the force of a train-wreck, those that stimulate you to think, dream, and then act can make the difference between a good writer and a great one. Subconsciously, our brains stew on all that we feed it, and who knows where those thoughts might take us. The next NY Times Bestseller? It just may be.

Want a great book to increase your vocabulary? Click Here.

"you WILL get it done!!" so says the Query.

Hammered out a new query today. Well, I'd have to say that's how I'd done it in the past: stomping, trudging, and huffing all the way. Today I took a different approach. I smiled. I cheered myself on. I said 'attagirl'.

'K, I really didn't say that, but I like writing slang sometimes.

My point is--there really is a point here--perspective is everything. When I let that sniveling, pessimistic inner voice gnaw inside my head, I don't accomplish anything other than frustrating myself. Looking positively truly helps.

Over the past year, I've researched hundreds, maybe thousands of queries and have spent forever trying to write mine. I've tried modeling mine after this one, and then that one. Though studying and absorbing the wisdom from other writers is important, I think too much may be too much if we don't allow what we've learned to meld into our own writing, finding our own voice as a writer.

So today, I decided to listen to my inner writer and give my readers--potential agents and editors--my view of my female protagonist. I chose a more poignant glimpse of her, and it felt good to let it flow and be me, letting her be her. :)

One last note: Cramming your 100,000 word novel into two dinky paragraphs of about 150 words is tough. Do not every let anyone tell you differently. It's hard. But with a bright outlook and a belief in your project mixed with the desire to share your story, you WILL get it done. I promise.

See, I'm almost there...Thanks for listening. :D

Encouragement...We All Need Some Once In A While

It's said that:

--Dr. Suess was rejected over 28 times before an editor would listen to him.

--'several' to eight to twelve UK publishers turned down Harry Potter.

--Kate DiCamillo faced 470 rejections before someone saw the light in Because Of Winn-Dixie.

What if they would have given up?

Written Boundaries

A little tweaked out of it. I just stumbled upon a few articles about word count. Great articles that in no way do I intend on dissing. I've taken to heart each typed word these writers have chosen to share from their collective wisdom; I advise you do the same. Click here for one by Jessica and the other here found on Literary Guide to Agents.

So, back to me: yup, I wrote it--word count. Blah... Understandably it's a necessity. The market has systematically concocted a numerical formula for what sells at what age group and what those age groups can handle reading. My problem is when it categorizes us so stringently.

Using myself as a guinea pig, yet again:

I decided about a year and a half ago to start writing. (I'd written, basically journaled, years ago but the slight interruption of giving birth four times, manning a house, and keeping the squeaky wheels oiled took up a bit of my time.) I started taking a few classes and became a member of a writer's group, mingling with like-minded people. I wrote snippets for class. End of that story.

Then I decided to start writing for real. Sat down and hammered out a 180,000 word YA crossover, fantasy romance. That's when I discovered word count. Being a newbie, I had no idea there were limitation. I figured if it was good that it would get out there. I remember when I first realized it. I thought I was going to faint; actually, nausea took me over.

Naive.

But that was good. I realized just how much I over write. Good lesson. Crappy way to learn it, but good none the less.

So, I put that manuscript away, deciding to revisit it later, and moved on to my second manuscript. Much shorter: 110,000 words which I've cut down to 104,000. I'm still editing this one, while working on its sequel. Still considered long for YA but a chasm under my first attempt, and my writing is more concise. I've grown. Yay! I put it out for a few HS aged girls to read and a few adults--no relatives or close friends. I've been told it was crisp, engaging, and kept their interest the whole way through. I've even had one ask to read the sequel when I'm done, and another who wanted more details in this book; I have a few really deep characters. But because of word count, we both know I couldn't.

The other problem is I feel the market doesn't give the YA audience--which is rapidly changing--enough credit. They are more intelligent and hunger for deeper stories. Stories that allow them to relate to issues of their real lives yet give them the freedom to deal with them or think about them through the eyes of a fantasy--someone else's story.

My take on word count is that it is necessary, but just like children each story has it's own vigor, life, and threads. Some are shorter, while others take longer to smolder. Both are still good.

My hope is that I can crossover that boundary definition and make a difference. I'll start working on the MG series I'd started last summer. Make it fit between the recommended guidelines for middle grades, and write a killer query to get it published. Then I will introduce my second manuscript the way it is. Sure, an agent with fresh eyes will probably find a 'very' or 'although' to cut, but primarily it's a good story. And in my opinion, that is the most important ingredient.

Monday Morning Munchies #5

In honor of my 2nd son's hockey team playing awesome this weekend and making it to the State game next weekend, of the USA Hockey Team's victory over Canada last night, and of the Olympics in general, I've decided to challenge us with creating a poem. Preferably sports themed, but any poem will do. Length doesn't matter. Give it a go!! I just did.

Feedback, Please! The Final Addendum

I added two teeny sentences. Looking for opinions...

On a damp autumn night when the air floated heavily in the fog, sometimes the moon showed itself just right. In an eerie way, it felt familiar: peculiar and foretelling. He’d suggested they search these woods, although he hadn’t told them why. He stopped and gripped his chest. The same pulse—a beacon—that had flushed through him years before was there, feeding his longing, caressing him. The sound hollowed his ears. He would never forget that heartbeat, that hope as he was carried from the bloody massacre and into the shame of a world not his own.

Contest!

Ooh..."Dear Lucky Agent" Contest via Chuck--great guy. It's for middle-school and YA manuscripts. Want to find out more info or enter. Check here!

Ready: Feedback Please!

Here you have it--the new and improved site. But I couldn't have done it without the maverick, spavel--an amazing master Blogger--and a sixteen year old who happens to bare my last name. See, children can be sweet--twenty bucks sweet. :)

So I'm ready to post that addendum as I promised yesterday. Embed Thy comments, please!! You can now. Yay!

Early Fall One Year Ago

Part One: Pulse

On a damp autumn night when the air floated heavily in the fog, sometimes the moon showed itself just right. In an eerie way, it felt familiar: peculiar and foretelling. He’d suggested they search these woods, although he hadn’t told them why. The same pulse—a beacon—that had flushed through him years before was there. He would never forget that heartbeat, that hope as he was carried from the bloody massacre and into the shame of a world not his own.

“Head out, but stay close,” Viktor told them, feathering his fingers through his jet black hair and closing his eyes to mentally link. Kahl…Embree, push them towards the outer perimeter, track them, and meet with the others. No one touches them until we know who sent them. Spurring War is not the answer.

Mercedes gripped his forearm, giving her the ability to share thoughts. What do you suspect?

Nothing.

Justice and I will take the far ridge.

Be careful, M, he urged.

“Caution,” Mercedes scoffed.

“Ooh, is this too much for you, big sis?” Justice taunted in baby blabber, but was silenced instantly as Mercedes’ scarlet hair flamed, and her long leg jutted out, ramming the chucky heel of her shoe into the top of his foot.

Roxi’s black pigtails shuddered as she chuckled and skipped in her miniskirt and mid-calf boots towards Mercedes; the netting of her tights seemed to crawl up her short legs. Justice fisted his mouth, caging his howl and making the twists of his dark hair stiffen. He knew better than to rile Viktor during a mission. Viktor was their leader by birth, despite his Uncle Grey taking over after his attack © 2010 Sheri A. Larsen All Rights Reserved.

Revisions, Revisions, Revisions

I have more then a simple revision of the opener to my current manuscript to do today. With the help of a wonderful master Blogger, I think my comment issue has found a cure. Apparently, I need to update my template. So in light of that fun business, I won't be adding more here today. I will, however, be posting an addendum to my opinions poll of yesterday as soon as this issue is settled. Please keep watch because I'll need your feedback again real soon. :) Thanks!

Opinions Needed

I'm shuffling around the idea of plunking a teeny new opener to one of my manuscripts. Rarely do I ask, but I need your help. Does it entice you to read, want to know more? I'm still playing with it, but I wanted to get a feel. Thanks. Opinion away...

Early Fall One Year Ago

Pulse…

Rhythmic, a drumbeat, a cadence lured him…his ears tingled. The tips of his fingers fondled the air and slowly clamped to tightened fists. His longing was being fed, caressed by the beat…the pulse. It was close. He had to know what it was, and he couldn’t let it get away, not this time…

On a damp autumn night when the air floated heavily in the fog, sometimes the moon showed itself just right. For many reasons Viktor had recognized it. In an eerie way, it felt familiar: peculiar and foretelling, like centuries ago when he battled for his life and was thrust into his solitary existence. He’d been attacked by a crazed Temptress from the Shadow Court who was avenging the pain of his breakup with her friend, Idalia. But what she had found was of greater value than simple revenge.

Subplots as Children

This is rather random, but I was thinking this morning how much plotting and sub-plotting is like motherhood. We have the marriage--usually consisting of the protagonist and his/her issue; then we have the pregnancy--multiplication of issues or the 'Door of No Return' as awesome author James Scott Bell and writer of Write Great Fiction: Plot & Structure calls it. This then inevitably leads us to a child or children--our subplots.

Subplots can be as varied and vast as the number of children in a family. They can consist of diverse personalities, depth, and focus. Each can have his/her own roadway, branching off from the trunk just a tad or causing a great chasm in the plot--family. Minute threads of information can bead across one subplot, tugging on the main plot all while giving the reader a different view of the initial issue from the protagonist--discussions between mother/parent and child. The view is amazing, but sometimes limited depending on the person you decide to write in.

(Little note about person: Third person close is my personal favorite. It gives me the freedom to dive more publicly into my main characters head, but the liberty to share some views from supportive characters as well. I do really like first person, too; it's just more limiting.)

With multiple sub-plots--children--we can delve into many topics, some more subtly then others. Usually, there's one or two that stand out and thumb us in the face--just like children. Our focus veers toward those, yet is never fully taken off the other children--subplots. They, as the wallflowers, are as important and needy as the troublemakers or stone throwers.

All structure the story.

Subplots are a great way to paint borders, faint applique, or timid emotions in the background of our stories; whether fictional or nonfiction, this applies. Just like motherhood, our stories are colored by innumerable instances, experiences, opinions, and even a few little shop of horrors. (For those who haven't joined me on Facebook yet--& I'd love it if you would--I experienced a little shop of horror this morning. Here's my status: You Do The Math:6 yr old pucker hits carpeted stairs, then toilet + 11 yr old up-chucker who spews all over wooden floor, couch, chair, and any other surface she could find + sniffling, sneezing, ticked off 16 yr old who has to play in a varsity hockey game tonight = ?) Oh, and the 13 yr old is glued to the XBox--my background branch/subplot at the moment.

Yeah, you can laugh; it's okay. What was your latest little shop of horror? Fiction or nonfiction?

Monday Morning Munchies #4

Staying the course of yesterday's Valentine's celebrations, a short blurb about true emotions is in order. Compose an emotionally charged paragraph. It can be about romantic love, friendship, hardship...you make the call. (I've posted mine under comments.) ";-)

The Next Who-Ha in the Land

Seeing how it's Sunday and Valentine's Day, I figured it was time to have a little heart to heart and tell you a tad more about myself.


Former dancer and dental assistant, I am the feisty mother of four children, and I'm married to the best friend ever; I think he's pretty cool, anyway. I decided to finally start this writing blog due to the encouragement of family and friends who seem to believe in my work more than I have. It's great to have awesome people in my life. And they were right.


I was getting tried of saying I wanted to be a writer--the next incredible Who-Ha in the land. It was time to act. So I took a few classes, branching out of my mommy comfort zone, and entered a few writing contests--from one of which I was awarded an Honorable Mention. I've been reading and writing nonstop since. I even veered way outside myself and started sharing my work with another Maine writer who's been sharing her work with me. We've recently built a private critique group site that will go public next week.


So now, on as daily-of-a-basis as I can, I offer any wisdom I've gathered from my experience. To anyone who's chosen to follow me, thank you, and to those who choose to follow me in the future thanks for joining me on this journey. I know it's going to be incredible.

The Good Pothole

I'm not a believer in the whole writer's block concept. If you can put three words together, you've got a sentence. Viola! You wrote something. I prefer to call it a creative pothole: curtain drops down, blackening out ideas. What I find is if I focus more on the empty void draped in front of me, I robe its chance to serve its purpose. 


In those blank canvas moments something is happening. I may not realize it at the time, but there is. Maybe it's my mind's way of saying I need to step away so I can see more clearly. Not sure. But I always find--rarely will you find me saying always or never--a rebirth to my writing after a pothole. Sometimes it's a full-blown epiphany, and other times it's the smallest ingredient I was searching for that makes the difference. 


The point is this: I took the time to listen and wait. Sometimes it feels like I'm waiting at a red light that just won't turn green; but that's okay. Giving myself permission is a must. It goes along with the editing process I explained yesterday. Let the dust settle and then make your move. Today, don't focus on the pothole and it will fill itself.


Happy writing. 


Oh, and a public congrats to Kiersten White who just received her official ISBN. Way cool! I wonder what my number will be???

Fresh Eyes In Less Time

First and foremost we must write, giving ourselves permission to flush the story out without revisions, add-ons, and lets not forget the occasional cringe as we notice a horribly structured sentence or paragraph. My motto is: write and then put it aside, boys, put it aside. Do something totally different.


Usually I'll start cramming new words into my head, learning origins and times in history when that word or words were the catch-me-all of the day. That in itself is a great exercise to gain clarity and it can also stir a maelstrom of ideas for when you do return to editing. Or work on another project. Of course, you could always grab a bowl of ice cream with gooey, chocolate sauce pooling at the bottom of the bowl. (Not like I've ever done that or anything.)


I find if I try and edit immediately, I'm indecisive, get less accomplished, and take up a chunk of valuable time. With four kids, proper use of time is paramount.


The main component of editing is fresh eyes. In order to gain those eyes, I know I have to look the other way and focus on something else. It's kind of like when the dusting needs to be done, but the kids are scurrying all over the house just stirring the dust anyway. So I  wait until the dust settles (and the kiddos are elsewhere), and make my move. My work is more precise and takes a lot less time.

Monday Morning Munchies #3

Here's a quirky little exercise to stretch the mind and tempt the senses...Hhmmm, which senses would that be? Suzanne Young's book, The Naughty List, contains segments of reports--cheater reports. It's about a group of high school girls who expose the local high school scoundrels who are less than faithful in their relationships. I've post my example below. Have fun with it.

Case No. 077

Client: Ivy Craig

Subject: Justice Sly

Findings: During first period on February 8th, said subject was observed smearing frosting on the nose of a sassy brunette as he offered to help her during cooking class. Immediately, the sultry girl was tagged as Vixen Vice, daughter of the varsity hockey coach at Viking High. As the two cleaned up at the sink, Mr. Sly was seen with his hands anchored to Ms. Vice’s hips, while she picked flakes of dried frosting from his hair.

Later that night, Mr. Sly was videotaped via cell phone in his black Charger pulling up next to a white Hyundai Elantra parked by the locker rooms. As the enclosed memory stick will show, Ms. Vice exited her car and legged into the black Charger which disappeared down the dirt road behind the high school next to the tennis courts.

The two then spent the next two hours in what must have been one heck of a private cooking lesson. Sight pictures 14-16 and 19-21 which show fogging windows and both subjects fumbling into the front seats from the back seat. Pay special attention to photos 25-29 as they document Ms. Vice grabbing one of her undergarments out of Mr. Sly’s hand and rushing barefooted back to her car, obviously disgruntled. Due to the nature of said call, we chose not to videotape the findings in their entirety.

SOS is terribly sorry for your current plight and truly recommends the severing of said relationship.

Look at it this way: apparently, he’s not a good cook.

SOS

lemonade

ordinarily I just file my rejection letters away in a folder. But I thought I'd share this one it. I won't say who it's from because it doesn't really matter. What matters is the content, the fact that this person noticed "my strengths as a writer," AND she told me to keep writing. I can't imagine her giving that advice if she didn't mean it.

Thank you for querying me about your manuscript, ALMOST PARADISE. I've read your sample pages and I'm sorry to say that the project just isn't a perfect fit with my current needs. This has less to do with your strengths as a writer and more to do with my goals as an agent and the trends of the current literary marketplace.



I wish you the best of luck in your search for the right agent and publisher. Keep writing!

So yeehah for me! I am one step closer...

The Write or Right Reasons

Does one truly need a reason to write? Is it right to always need one?

Some would say they have a reason or even many. Some would say it's paramount. Others would say it doesn't matter one bit. And still, some would say as long as their fingers are warmed up allowing their brain to track whatever happens to be bouncing around in there they are happy.

There is no 'write' or wrong here. As I've thumbed through blogs of successful writers and those on the recent brink of success (Kiersten White and Heather Hansen are great examples of amazing newcomers), I've noted a few key components that all successful writers seem to have: desire, motivation, the courage to network and get themselves out there, and an unwitting ability to keep the wheels turning despite rejection, writer's block, or life's sneaky little way of tossing up roadblocks.

Determination is the key. Always keeping the eye on the prize--published novelist--is a vicious task, but they master it with fearless dedication and devotion and the ability to put their desire and instinct of what they can accomplish ahead of any misgiving or snide opinion from anyone. (Everyone has an opinion. Take it for that; it's not gospel.) Some days they have a distinct reason or goal set in mind, while other days they simply get up and just write. But they always write.

In doing so, they not only gain incredible strides in their writing skills and techniques, they also find the true, unique writer within. We all have an inner voice: some are more simple, and some (yup, this would be me with a capital M), are more complicated.

So my answer to the infamous question is this: reasons are great motivators and can drive us to accomplish  remarkable feats far beyond our expectations. But on occasion, let your mind wander aimlessly, and for no reason at all--write. Some of the most amazing plot lines and characters have come from turning off the clutter in the brain.  

"Obstacles are what you see when you take your eye off the goal."

Never take your eye off the goal. I know I won't.

Details

Had a breakthrough last night concerning my current project. We'll call it GD, for now. It always amazes me how the slightest thread, the most insignificant detail can lead to a busting scene of peril, angst, joy, and every a little steam. Personally, I love the teasing scenes that leave you gasping, aching for the end...And then, the writer--yup, I do this--moves on to the next scene which has nothing to do with what just happened!! Calm down; it's all about building, constructing, and managing suspense just so. In the end, that sultry scene always finds its end and the reader is feed. Sweet!!  Now on the finishing the chapter...Dah, Dah, Da!!

Cross-eyed

Well, I spent most of yesterday trumping through the endless sea of YA agents until the gloss sheathing my eyeballs was nonexistent--drier than the butt end of a cigarette at the bottom of a campfire. That was for you, Marcy. ";-) The task to find that perfect 'someone', who you've never personally met, seen, or spoken to directly is quite the adventure. It has been, however, intriguing learning about their likes, dislikes, and what material makes them giggle, quiver, or say 'Yup, got to see me some more of this writer's stuff.'

Although daunting, to all those pursuing that empty space on a major bookstore shelf, that space that was meant just for you don't give up. Today is the day. Peace out! Now off to playing the alphabet on my keyboard.

Monday Morning Munchies #2

Find three words new to you or rarely used by you, discover their origin, and use them in a sentence collectively. Be creative and have fun with it. Bet you'll remember these three words for times to come. :)