Jeez, where’d the day go? Today was the last day before the holiday break, so I was free to do what I wanted when I got home. I played Sims3 on my laptop for . . . about three hours. Then my Sim got old, died, and I became bored. Of course, there was sort of nothing else for me to do, then . . .
Anyway, to celebrate the almost-accomplished finishing of Part One of Sleep, my friends and I are planning a little party. :D Cake and character drawings and fun! I’ll take pictures, I promise, and show them to you the next chance I get.
Why the joy, exactly? I’ve been working on (writing, rewriting, writing more, rewriting, adding and editing) this part for nearly two years now. Two years in April, because I begun a month early in hopes I could give it to my best friend for her birthday. Which I did— only it wasn’t even halfway finished. Not to mention it was a rough draft. ‘Nough said. Anyway, that year, I went with her to Pensacola, Florida; we read seven chapters while there. :D
In case you haven’t noticed, this is a big deal to us. Hopefully to you guys as well.
I have to go and write now, unless I want to have a party for no reason . . .
Ha! That’d be fun, if only it wouldn’t mean failure. Talk to you later! :D
“Alex”
Friday, December 18, 2009
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Cute picture!
Cute, huh?
Me and friends!
Bet you can't guess which is me, because . . . well, you haven't seen me yet! lol!
"Alex"
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
IWow! I've Been A Bad Blogger! :)
I have plenty of updates, since I neglected to do so in the last couple weeks or so. Sorry for the delay, guys. I’ve been busy. Very busy— ridiculous! :P
One: I’m sure some of you have wondered about my NaNoWriMo Novel. Sadly, I didn’t win; I have yet to get rid of my procrastination fairy. I begun strong, but got lost somewhere near week two. At end of week four, I was suddenly like, “Oh crap! NaNo ends in . . . four days!” On top of that, I was spending those four days with a friend. I brought my laptop along with me, but it died. *sigh* Them, I found a computer a just wrote as much as I could. I ended up around 14,000 words of so. The goal was 50,000. However, I plan to finish chapter eighteen of Sleep (thus ending part one) and then return to Her Fear of Heights. That’ll take about another month to finish and edit since it is a short novel. Then, I’ll polish it, ship the adorable book off to my uncle and wait for him to put it in book-form, complete with a cover of my choice. Not publishing, of course. Though, my family will enjoy it and stop hounding me about Sleep for a bit.
2. I have mid-terms this week. I don’t have to take P.E, Spanish II, or English. Yay!
3. I’ve been READING! What with NaNo, I didn’t get to focus on my Book Challenge, but I promise I’ll save that for June, and double the amount of books. For now, here’s a list of the books I’ve read from November to today.
- Keeping You a Secret by Julie Anne Peters (okay, this is in October, but I’m eager to review it!)
- Hawksong by Amelia Atwater-Rhodes (late October)
-To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
- Luna by Julia Anne Peters
- Persistence of Memory by Amelia Atwater-Rhodes
- Chill Factor by Rachel Caine (#3 in the Weather Warden series)
- Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury
I’ll review there is separate post, so as not to get too cluttered.
These are the books I’m currently reading:
- Windfall by Rachel Caine (#4 in the Weather Warden series) I have about 100 pages to go!
- Willow by Julia Hoban (I just started this. I’m on the second chapter.)
- Kissed by an Angle trilogy by Elizabeth Chandler.
There are three books in one, all bound together. I’m halfway through the first: Kissed by an Angel. The next is The Power of Love and the last is Soul-mates.
3. Two weeks ago, my Grandparents came from Arkansas to see us. We live in different states, so we only get to see them every summer. I was home sick with my sister on Thursday and I’d stayed home Wednesday, too. The doorbell rang when we were both drinking hot chocolate. I was like, “Don’t answer. It’s somebody selling something.” Of course, she ignored me, ran to answer the door. She came to a standstill, mouth agape, and screamed, “Nanny!” Of course, I was like, “Huh?” and ran to go see what the heck was going on. Sure enough, there they were!
We hung out for a bit, then had to go pick up my brothers from school. Luckily, we got chicken! Yummy! That night we got Christmas gifts. I got a lot of money/gift cards, too sets of P.J’s, and Twilight Woods shower gel and body spray. Friday, we stayed home from school and went shopping. I bought a books from Wal-Mart ( of course), went to Old Navy like Mom requested and bought three shirts (plain purple and red and a black-and-white stripe shirt), along with a nice black jacket. We ate, then went to Barnes and Noble, which is Heaven for me!
Books I got that weekend: Thirst by Christopher Pike, The Maze Runner by James Dashner, Arch Enemy by Frank Beddor (#3 in the amazing Looking Glass Wars trilogy), and Rage: A Love Story by Julie Anne Peters.
So that’s about all I’ve been doing. Promise to have more updates from now on, okay? J Oh, and as a small treat, I’ll be posting Sleep’s Preface soon!
Still waters always run deep!
"Alex"
One: I’m sure some of you have wondered about my NaNoWriMo Novel. Sadly, I didn’t win; I have yet to get rid of my procrastination fairy. I begun strong, but got lost somewhere near week two. At end of week four, I was suddenly like, “Oh crap! NaNo ends in . . . four days!” On top of that, I was spending those four days with a friend. I brought my laptop along with me, but it died. *sigh* Them, I found a computer a just wrote as much as I could. I ended up around 14,000 words of so. The goal was 50,000. However, I plan to finish chapter eighteen of Sleep (thus ending part one) and then return to Her Fear of Heights. That’ll take about another month to finish and edit since it is a short novel. Then, I’ll polish it, ship the adorable book off to my uncle and wait for him to put it in book-form, complete with a cover of my choice. Not publishing, of course. Though, my family will enjoy it and stop hounding me about Sleep for a bit.
2. I have mid-terms this week. I don’t have to take P.E, Spanish II, or English. Yay!
3. I’ve been READING! What with NaNo, I didn’t get to focus on my Book Challenge, but I promise I’ll save that for June, and double the amount of books. For now, here’s a list of the books I’ve read from November to today.
- Keeping You a Secret by Julie Anne Peters (okay, this is in October, but I’m eager to review it!)
- Hawksong by Amelia Atwater-Rhodes (late October)
-To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
- Luna by Julia Anne Peters
- Persistence of Memory by Amelia Atwater-Rhodes
- Chill Factor by Rachel Caine (#3 in the Weather Warden series)
- Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury
I’ll review there is separate post, so as not to get too cluttered.
These are the books I’m currently reading:
- Windfall by Rachel Caine (#4 in the Weather Warden series) I have about 100 pages to go!
- Willow by Julia Hoban (I just started this. I’m on the second chapter.)
- Kissed by an Angle trilogy by Elizabeth Chandler.
There are three books in one, all bound together. I’m halfway through the first: Kissed by an Angel. The next is The Power of Love and the last is Soul-mates.
3. Two weeks ago, my Grandparents came from Arkansas to see us. We live in different states, so we only get to see them every summer. I was home sick with my sister on Thursday and I’d stayed home Wednesday, too. The doorbell rang when we were both drinking hot chocolate. I was like, “Don’t answer. It’s somebody selling something.” Of course, she ignored me, ran to answer the door. She came to a standstill, mouth agape, and screamed, “Nanny!” Of course, I was like, “Huh?” and ran to go see what the heck was going on. Sure enough, there they were!
We hung out for a bit, then had to go pick up my brothers from school. Luckily, we got chicken! Yummy! That night we got Christmas gifts. I got a lot of money/gift cards, too sets of P.J’s, and Twilight Woods shower gel and body spray. Friday, we stayed home from school and went shopping. I bought a books from Wal-Mart ( of course), went to Old Navy like Mom requested and bought three shirts (plain purple and red and a black-and-white stripe shirt), along with a nice black jacket. We ate, then went to Barnes and Noble, which is Heaven for me!
Books I got that weekend: Thirst by Christopher Pike, The Maze Runner by James Dashner, Arch Enemy by Frank Beddor (#3 in the amazing Looking Glass Wars trilogy), and Rage: A Love Story by Julie Anne Peters.
So that’s about all I’ve been doing. Promise to have more updates from now on, okay? J Oh, and as a small treat, I’ll be posting Sleep’s Preface soon!
Still waters always run deep!
"Alex"
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Long Time, No See
Sorry guys! I'm deep into the caves of my NaNoNovel. Not much going on anyway. I've been reading, in case you were wondering. It has been a busy month. I try and get my reveiws for books up ASAP. I didn't realize I'd been doing NaNo this year, and changed my mind at the last second. Therefore, my Book Challenge was burried. Again, sorry! I'll make it up to you!
"Alex"
"Alex"
Saturday, October 31, 2009
NaNoWriMo!
Wonderful, huh? I'm so excited!
For those of you who don't know, November is National Novel Writing Month! Startting tonight at 12:01, the competition begins. All participants try to finish a 50,000 word novel between Nov. 1- Nov. 30. What hapens is we download our novels before the end of the month, the website does an atomatic word count. If we have 50K by Nov. 30, we get a nice certificate and the satisfaction of finishing a novel in a month.
All through October, I've been planning my novel, which I'll start tonight. I've got candy, popcorn, my laptop, my ipod, and a comfy chair. Guess you can say I'm ready! This novel is going to be printed by my uncle for my family's enjoyment. Horray!
Just so you can enjoy it as well, I'll post snippets as I write. For now though, here's a banner I made:
Copy this code to your website to display this banner!
Wish me luck!
Still waters always run deep!
Alex
*Happy Halloween!*
Characterization II- The Lazy Train
This is one of the worst things to which a novice author can submit. Naturally, humans shy away from excess work, but there comes a time when we MUST fight this in order to accomplish anything. Common sense, right? Not for some people.
For me, this is the worst trait a new writer can have; how can you expect others to consider you a writer if you refuse to do so? The same thing goes for those who ask for creative inspiration from others, or write, but cringe when it comes to revisions. No doubt, changing something as personal as a novel is a frightening thought. However, it does not need to be so!
Unlike ignorance, laziness is not so easy to cure. It takes time and effort: two things a lazy writer may fear. They write when they wish, and how they wish, regardless of what the writers they adore are doing. Is there really anything wrong with this trait if the people in question are children? Not necessarily— unless you hope to be an author someday. It is then that this becomes a problem, one which can murder any potential career.
Since we are here to talk about characterization, I must stick to that, or else this will be a never-ending post! J
*Takes a deep breath*
Characters can be frightening people at times. You hate them and you adore them at the same time! They are what drive your story whether you know it or not. Their actions and reactions cause the story to flow— without them YOU HAVE NO STORY!
The hard part is understanding exactly what your job is as a writer. You can a.) create characters or b.) let them create themselves. Usually, this is quite a difficult concept to grasp, so I’ll try and make it easier for you.
You’re sitting in your room one day when suddenly BAM, an idea hits you! However, it is quite so violent: you’ve met a character. Let’s call him Fred for lack of a better name. He says he is an alien with blue skin, yellow eyes, and a slim body. That’s all you know for now, so you open a notebook. Believe it or not, this is where many writers go wrong! You chose not listen to Fred, and instead, simply write what you fancy, or what you think might make a more interesting story. Here’s an example of a would-be writer’s notebook:
I want Fred to have red skin, instead of blue. He needs X-ray vision and a freeze ray.
*blinks* Okay? That’s all?
By this simple action, you no longer have a character in your head— you made him what you wanted him to be, therefore Fred is no longer real.
You don’t always have to listen to your characters though. Of course you can give them traits, but bare in mind that this is a very difficult task. It requires more than the basics. You’ll need to understand the character, why they want what they want, what they’re willing to do to get it, and what they would never do. I cannot stress enough how vitally important these answers are; without knowing at least this, you have little hope of enjoying the novel you write.
So get off the lazy train, everyone! Think, imagine, create . . . WRITE!
Good luck on your writing endeavors!
Still waters always run deep!
Alex
For me, this is the worst trait a new writer can have; how can you expect others to consider you a writer if you refuse to do so? The same thing goes for those who ask for creative inspiration from others, or write, but cringe when it comes to revisions. No doubt, changing something as personal as a novel is a frightening thought. However, it does not need to be so!
Unlike ignorance, laziness is not so easy to cure. It takes time and effort: two things a lazy writer may fear. They write when they wish, and how they wish, regardless of what the writers they adore are doing. Is there really anything wrong with this trait if the people in question are children? Not necessarily— unless you hope to be an author someday. It is then that this becomes a problem, one which can murder any potential career.
Since we are here to talk about characterization, I must stick to that, or else this will be a never-ending post! J
*Takes a deep breath*
Characters can be frightening people at times. You hate them and you adore them at the same time! They are what drive your story whether you know it or not. Their actions and reactions cause the story to flow— without them YOU HAVE NO STORY!
The hard part is understanding exactly what your job is as a writer. You can a.) create characters or b.) let them create themselves. Usually, this is quite a difficult concept to grasp, so I’ll try and make it easier for you.
You’re sitting in your room one day when suddenly BAM, an idea hits you! However, it is quite so violent: you’ve met a character. Let’s call him Fred for lack of a better name. He says he is an alien with blue skin, yellow eyes, and a slim body. That’s all you know for now, so you open a notebook. Believe it or not, this is where many writers go wrong! You chose not listen to Fred, and instead, simply write what you fancy, or what you think might make a more interesting story. Here’s an example of a would-be writer’s notebook:
I want Fred to have red skin, instead of blue. He needs X-ray vision and a freeze ray.
*blinks* Okay? That’s all?
By this simple action, you no longer have a character in your head— you made him what you wanted him to be, therefore Fred is no longer real.
You don’t always have to listen to your characters though. Of course you can give them traits, but bare in mind that this is a very difficult task. It requires more than the basics. You’ll need to understand the character, why they want what they want, what they’re willing to do to get it, and what they would never do. I cannot stress enough how vitally important these answers are; without knowing at least this, you have little hope of enjoying the novel you write.
So get off the lazy train, everyone! Think, imagine, create . . . WRITE!
Good luck on your writing endeavors!
Still waters always run deep!
Alex
Friday, October 23, 2009
Books I Loved!
Part of being a writer is reading whenever you get the chance; therefore, I thought it would be a nice to share the titles and my personal reviews of the books I couldn't put down.
I, as a writer, tend to dissect the novels I read, almost to where they aren't enjoyable anymore. A select few, however, manage to avoid this. There's something about them that just rocks! 0_o
There are about twenty-five or so out the 170 I've read this year. I hope to share them with you.
And it is with great pride that I announce The Book Chalenge! I'll dare to read fifty different novels in one month and write reviews on all of them. The challenge begins November 1st and ends November 30th. Bare with me for a bit as I gather my list . . .
If you have any suggestions, they'd be welcomed!
Remember! November is National Novel Writing Month. Let's break out that computer and write til our fingers bleed-- 0_o or maybe, something a bit less nasty? Ha ha!
Still waters always run deep!
Alex
I, as a writer, tend to dissect the novels I read, almost to where they aren't enjoyable anymore. A select few, however, manage to avoid this. There's something about them that just rocks! 0_o
There are about twenty-five or so out the 170 I've read this year. I hope to share them with you.
And it is with great pride that I announce The Book Chalenge! I'll dare to read fifty different novels in one month and write reviews on all of them. The challenge begins November 1st and ends November 30th. Bare with me for a bit as I gather my list . . .
If you have any suggestions, they'd be welcomed!
Remember! November is National Novel Writing Month. Let's break out that computer and write til our fingers bleed-- 0_o or maybe, something a bit less nasty? Ha ha!
Still waters always run deep!
Alex
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Big News!
First off, I want to appologize for not posting when I said I would. The new post was to be today. I, however, I am very busy, and would prefer to wait until I can give the promised post my full attention.
What am I doing, you ask? 0_o
^deep breath* An uncle of mine owns a printing company and my family has asked that I write a short novel to print for them to enjoy. Please note that this is NOT the same thing as publishing. The only gain for me is to satisfy the nagging members of my family. "Done with your book yet? When will it be done? Well, why don't you know?"
*sigh* I hope this short novella will get them off my back for a while! :)
See you soon! Several updates on the way.
"Alex"
What am I doing, you ask? 0_o
^deep breath* An uncle of mine owns a printing company and my family has asked that I write a short novel to print for them to enjoy. Please note that this is NOT the same thing as publishing. The only gain for me is to satisfy the nagging members of my family. "Done with your book yet? When will it be done? Well, why don't you know?"
*sigh* I hope this short novella will get them off my back for a while! :)
See you soon! Several updates on the way.
"Alex"
Sunday, October 4, 2009
HOBOS!
Wow! These past few weeks have been crazy!!!
For starters, I'm older now. Birthdays are always exciting. Funny, though, I don’t FEEL older . . .
I got a laptop! Yay! That’s a heck of a gift, huh? I also went to Homecoming last night for another school. After that, we ate at IHOP! At 2 o’clock in the morning! My friends and I all looked like homless people . . . (no shoes, mismatch clothing). HA HA!
Sorry I haven’t posted in FOREVER! No worries, please. I have all my characterization pages ready, and the next post is Wednesday!
Part One (the LONGEST part of Sleep) has one more chapter to go before completion. I’ve been working like crazy!
Bye!
“Alex”
For starters, I'm older now. Birthdays are always exciting. Funny, though, I don’t FEEL older . . .
I got a laptop! Yay! That’s a heck of a gift, huh? I also went to Homecoming last night for another school. After that, we ate at IHOP! At 2 o’clock in the morning! My friends and I all looked like homless people . . . (no shoes, mismatch clothing). HA HA!
Sorry I haven’t posted in FOREVER! No worries, please. I have all my characterization pages ready, and the next post is Wednesday!
Part One (the LONGEST part of Sleep) has one more chapter to go before completion. I’ve been working like crazy!
Bye!
“Alex”
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Characterization— Symptoms (Part I) Ignorance
I’ve noticed two worse-case scenarios increasingly making themselves comfortable in the novels of unsuspecting writers. Their names are Two-Dimensional, Mary Sue/Gary Sue. Though some would argue against it, the two are different in my opinion. They, however, are equally lethal.
Before we go into that, there are few things we need to discuss:
First off, ignorance is a symptom which plagues many first-time novelists. Such mortality can often mean the difference between a writer and an author. Many may think their beginner status makes them immune to any sort of responsibility, leading up to, but not excluding research. The truth is, you never stop researching! How can you know what’s wrong with your work if you don’t know anything about writing?
Unfortunately, there is no cure for ignorance but that of critique and— you guessed it! Research!
There’s more coming soon!
Still waters always run deep!!!
Alex
Before we go into that, there are few things we need to discuss:
First off, ignorance is a symptom which plagues many first-time novelists. Such mortality can often mean the difference between a writer and an author. Many may think their beginner status makes them immune to any sort of responsibility, leading up to, but not excluding research. The truth is, you never stop researching! How can you know what’s wrong with your work if you don’t know anything about writing?
Unfortunately, there is no cure for ignorance but that of critique and— you guessed it! Research!
There’s more coming soon!
Still waters always run deep!!!
Alex
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Interruption!
Yes, this blog was supposed to be about characterization, but I have exciting news!
Okay, maybe not so exciting. But it is news.
Chapters Sixteen and Seventeen are both done. Hooray! Two more chapters to go and then Part One is finished! Part Two has about fifteen chapters and Part Three has about five to ten depending on the length. I know, I know. That’s quite a bit. But still . . .
Okay, random interruption over!
Still waters always run deep!
“Alex”
Okay, maybe not so exciting. But it is news.
Chapters Sixteen and Seventeen are both done. Hooray! Two more chapters to go and then Part One is finished! Part Two has about fifteen chapters and Part Three has about five to ten depending on the length. I know, I know. That’s quite a bit. But still . . .
Okay, random interruption over!
Still waters always run deep!
“Alex”
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
New Series of Posts!
Hi everyone!
I am going to begin posting a new series of passages which I feel may be beneficial to novice writers. What about, you ask?
*drum roll*
Characterization
What, no fireworks? Jeez! I need to fire that guy! *sigh* J Oh well.
My next three (or more) posts will all be about characters. Creating them, knowing them, telling their story . . .
Easy huh?
Well, I don’t like pie so . . . guess not.
The bad taste? Yeah, that’s from all the Mary-Sues dominating the bookshelves! As a writer, I have gone through the Mary-Sue phase.
The first sign: Denial.
“No! I love my character! She’s no Mary-Sue! By the way, what is that exactly?”
We’ll talk more about that in the near future. Promise. J
Still waters always run deep!
“Alex”
I am going to begin posting a new series of passages which I feel may be beneficial to novice writers. What about, you ask?
*drum roll*
Characterization
What, no fireworks? Jeez! I need to fire that guy! *sigh* J Oh well.
My next three (or more) posts will all be about characters. Creating them, knowing them, telling their story . . .
Easy huh?
Well, I don’t like pie so . . . guess not.
The bad taste? Yeah, that’s from all the Mary-Sues dominating the bookshelves! As a writer, I have gone through the Mary-Sue phase.
The first sign: Denial.
“No! I love my character! She’s no Mary-Sue! By the way, what is that exactly?”
We’ll talk more about that in the near future. Promise. J
Still waters always run deep!
“Alex”
Monday, August 3, 2009
Walls!
Ah, the dreaded block. In one word: Ick!
I have its right now and it’s worse than literally sprinting headfirst into a metal wall. *sigh*
I’ll write today and see how it goes. I’m thinking about beginning a scene again. Shouldn’t be too difficult since it’s only a few paragraphs. I’ll let you know how it’s going later.
See ya!
Still waters always run deep!
“Alex”
I have its right now and it’s worse than literally sprinting headfirst into a metal wall. *sigh*
I’ll write today and see how it goes. I’m thinking about beginning a scene again. Shouldn’t be too difficult since it’s only a few paragraphs. I’ll let you know how it’s going later.
See ya!
Still waters always run deep!
“Alex”
Saturday, July 25, 2009
And So the Plot Thickens
In retrospect, my earlier post was far from encouraging.
I am working, tirelessly, in fact. However, it isn’t so much in print as it is in my head. Plot and characters development and what have you. My plot is connecting in ways I never would have though possible! Anything from a would-be typo to forgetfulness on my main character’s behalf— it all fits! Like puzzles pieces which I’ve dropped on the floor and left for dust mite-dinner.
Sleep is flowing again! No more fitful nights. Horary!
:D:D:D Alex!
I am working, tirelessly, in fact. However, it isn’t so much in print as it is in my head. Plot and characters development and what have you. My plot is connecting in ways I never would have though possible! Anything from a would-be typo to forgetfulness on my main character’s behalf— it all fits! Like puzzles pieces which I’ve dropped on the floor and left for dust mite-dinner.
Sleep is flowing again! No more fitful nights. Horary!
:D:D:D Alex!
Ink is running . . . UGH!
No, my printer is fine . . . I just can't write at the moment.
Going through more of Chapter Sixteen. Bored . . . blah.
Okay, well, I'll go do some more typing now.
:D
Still waters always run deep!
"Alex"
Going through more of Chapter Sixteen. Bored . . . blah.
Okay, well, I'll go do some more typing now.
:D
Still waters always run deep!
"Alex"
Friday, June 19, 2009
Word by Word!
Inch by inch, word by word, page by page- I swear I'm writing! Chapter sixteen is twelve pages in. :) Or was it thirteen? Good thing I don't go by page count anyway! It's word count which I strive to meet!
Going to Arkansass Sunday!! *sqee!* Another post soon, I promise!
Still waters always run deep!
"Alex"
Going to Arkansass Sunday!! *sqee!* Another post soon, I promise!
Still waters always run deep!
"Alex"
Saturday, June 6, 2009
New book!
This is a novel called Wings (see picture!) by Aprilynne Pike.
And this the UK cover for Wings! yay!!!!!!
And, of course, here is the fantastical author, herself! Aprilynne Pike!!!!
In a few weeks, I'll post a review on this novel, but until then READ THIS BOOK! lol :)
Sleep Updates:
I am on Chapter Sixteen! *sqeals!* yay! And I've already finished Chapter 17 so-- for Part One, at least-- there's just Chapters 16, 18, and 19!!!!
Until then, I'll post a review on Burned by Ellen Hopkins.
Still waters always run deep!
"Alex"
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Eating Goldfish!
I'm eating goldfish crackers and typing my fingers off. I have to write 1700 words today and 5000 words by the end of the week.
I finished an entire chapter for Sleep. Also, I thought I'd let you know I will receive no word from the writing contest judges until September when they ask for an electrical copy to prove you submitted original work. And that's ONLY if I place which I doubt since they may not want a story with death in it . . . Hmmmm . . .
Just a little update on my boring life! :)
Still waters always run deep!
"Alex"
I finished an entire chapter for Sleep. Also, I thought I'd let you know I will receive no word from the writing contest judges until September when they ask for an electrical copy to prove you submitted original work. And that's ONLY if I place which I doubt since they may not want a story with death in it . . . Hmmmm . . .
Just a little update on my boring life! :)
Still waters always run deep!
"Alex"
Monday, May 25, 2009
Purest of Whims (No Matter How Fruitless)
Did I create this blog so I could become famous, tame a lion, publish a book, or eat chocolate?
Ha! None of the above. Although . . . the chocolate does sound nice.
*Raids kitchen for chocolate* Dang! Not a crumb!!!!
I created this blog on the purest of whims. I hoped to catch a few interested readers over the months. No luck yet, but it’s only been a few days!
I’ll just keep talking to the air anyway.
Know that this blog offers very little legit advice on publishing as I am obviously still at the door. Writing, however, is in my element!
As for the blog, it is simply a way for me to plan ahead and maybe get a few people interested in Sleep. Mostly I figured: What the heck?
I got a new haircut today! It’s real short but I’m getting used to it.
Be back soon!
Still waters always run deep!
“Alex”
P.S. I'll be posting some of Hoey Bee, my short story for the contest I entered.
Ha! None of the above. Although . . . the chocolate does sound nice.
*Raids kitchen for chocolate* Dang! Not a crumb!!!!
I created this blog on the purest of whims. I hoped to catch a few interested readers over the months. No luck yet, but it’s only been a few days!
I’ll just keep talking to the air anyway.
Know that this blog offers very little legit advice on publishing as I am obviously still at the door. Writing, however, is in my element!
As for the blog, it is simply a way for me to plan ahead and maybe get a few people interested in Sleep. Mostly I figured: What the heck?
I got a new haircut today! It’s real short but I’m getting used to it.
Be back soon!
Still waters always run deep!
“Alex”
P.S. I'll be posting some of Hoey Bee, my short story for the contest I entered.
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Fighting to Freeze (continued)
So, in short, my writing platform only consists of creative writing classes, 1st, 3rd, and then 1st again in three class-, school-, and then state-wide contests for writers. That is only at the moment, however. And, as I stated before, I am young. There is plenty of time to heighten my platform— and, oh Yay! I’m doing that right now with another state-wide contest! This time, I was working with a 1500 word limit. (Yes, that a tiny bit of wording to me!)
I think that since I am not planning on professionally publishing the piece I submitted into the contest, I’ll feel alright posting bits of it here. If, that is, I get more viewers soon.
I don’t expect anyone to take me seriously at the moment, for I have yet to give you a taste of what I can do with a word document. (Not so much with a pen for me; pen and paper come out choppy. Ugh!)
Now that you know where I stand, I’ll tell you more about what I call “freezing”!
*silence*
What no cheers? Understandable. Okay, here we go:
For me, writing has never been about creating characters, a plotline, and seeing what you can write. (Sound familiar to anyone? Don’t worry! It’s just my opinion!) When I write, the characters “come” to me, not the other way around. They control the story. Ever heard a writer say, “The story just flows”? The writer isn’t stressing over every little word, only those that are critical to the character’s development.
“Okay, wait so does this mean we DON’T have to worry about having a dull character? Or one that’s inconsistent?”
Heavens no! It simply means that you receive jumbles puzzles pieces of a character who may or may not already have a voice of their own. Sometimes, the writer can see what the character looks like, other times, you only get the puzzle pieces.
It is your job to connect at least two of these pieces before you write; most of the time, depending on how complex and/or private your character is, the rest will slowly begin to connect on there own— in your head or in the story. (Yes, I had an experience with the last; it was both frightening and fulfilling to see my character actually telling the story. Or maybe I just have overly controlling characters? Anyone?)
No that you, as the writer, inevitably have control over what your character says. So, please, try and create a level ground in which you still have say over what happens in the story. It is still your character; you can carefully mold them into a certain personality you feel may better fit the story. Just be careful not to make them too “Yours”. They aren't tools, here.
So anyway, back to “freezing”. This is a very difficult task to master. It takes effort, persistence, and self-possession. Writing is like walking a type-rope. On one side, your landing is cement, and on the other awaits a deep pool of water. After so much time balancing, you might slip off the rope (understandable, don’t worry! Just climb back onto the middle ground you’ve established) and your landing may not be so gentle.
The cement: (Reality)
Cement can harm a writer who hasn’t stood on solid ground for a while (this could even mean several hours!) so it is important to give yourself a break every now and then. Carefully emerge yourself into reality again. Remember this isn’t torture. Enjoy it! You’re with your family and friends. Go out, forget writing for the moment. And when you feel inspired, sit down to your novel once more.
Beware, though. If you fall onto the cement (just like in real life) it will hurt. The damage varies. You will live, however, I promise! The worst possible situation is when you are “dragged” back to reality by your hair. Now, as a writer, you must be equipped with a hide thicker than an elephant’s— but an elephant is not invulnerable and neither are you. In certain cases, mostly dealing with publishing, rejections sent in dozens by agents can eventually be discouraging. Sometimes you will ask yourself why you ever climbed onto the stupid rope in the first place. No one can tell you what to do in this situation. It all depends on you. All I can say is: keep your faith. As long as you know your work will never be completely flawless, you should be able to take mountains of criticism respectfully. If that is impossible, this business is most certainly not for you.
Just relax, step back and take a good look at your work. Make your edits and try again. But don’t stay down too long— this could disconnect you from your novel: my own worst nightmare and one you really should avoid.
The Pool: (The World You Live in the Rest of the Time)
The landing here isn’t so gentle either.
If it doesn’t have the impact of the cement, your landing is never without the surprise of currents and tempeture. Some say writing can get lonely— it can! For at least a few hours a week you are submerged in this freezing water, reality hardly exists aside from the occasional ear-splitting phone ring to jar you from your trance.
Some say writing is easy, that anyone can do it. I hate to say it ,but that isn't true.
Yes ANYONE can write, and a handful of those can write WELL. But an even fewer can understand what it really takes to be an author. Am I saying all published authors understand this? No! Am I saying no non-published author can understand? No!!!!!
Here’s what I’m really saying:
Entertainment in general (creative arts) is an extremely difficult field to enter. I takes persistence, lucky, and more significantly, skill! This field (including everything from acting, to singing, to writing) is all based solely on opinion. You may, hypothetically, be the best singer in the world. If NO ONE in the world listens to you, however, because they don’t like your voice or songs or style, you will not make it. See? As if that wasn’t already difficult enough!
I won’t go into the other sections of entertainment because that is not what this blog is for. This blog is about writing.
Even if you don’t get published, you still want your work to be presentable, right? So that covers what they teach you in 1st grade. Correct your mechanical errors as best you can. Of course, there are always errors you won’t see. And that’s fine— get an honest friend to help you proof read. You miss so much while reading your own work!
We’re hovering above the surface, you let’s dip our finger tips in, shall we? See the ripples? That’s the story expanding in your head. Everything affects everything in a story, no matter how short. For example, let’s say you’re sitting on the couch and BAM! an idea hits you. Stacy Collins is an orphan. Okay? Now what? Not a very original idea— you want to expand. Why is she an orphan? Oh, now you see, it is original! She met a genie and wished her parents away! Intriguing, but why does she do it? What are the rules of the genie wish? Did the genie trick her? (Genies are known for that, ya know? Poor Stacy! L )
Okay, so that was a crazy, random example, but I assume you get the idea. See the ripples yet? Stacy met the genie somehow; this ripple bumped into the next and created the Wishing ripple where she wished her parents away; this creates the Orphan ripple, and so on.
This is where the trouble starts brewing. The Plot! Eventually, if you aren’t careful (and sometimes, even if you are!) your ripples will become tangled and bump into each other. Plot overload! You’ll need to do a bit of cleanup. Either better organize the flow of your story or do away with unnecessary plot. Another hassle would be little skips in your ripples. These are called Plot Holes and you’ll want to avoid them AT ALL COSTS! But I’ll go into that later.
Characterization will come in later as well since this getting ridiculously long.
Still waters always run deep.
“Alex”
I think that since I am not planning on professionally publishing the piece I submitted into the contest, I’ll feel alright posting bits of it here. If, that is, I get more viewers soon.
I don’t expect anyone to take me seriously at the moment, for I have yet to give you a taste of what I can do with a word document. (Not so much with a pen for me; pen and paper come out choppy. Ugh!)
Now that you know where I stand, I’ll tell you more about what I call “freezing”!
*silence*
What no cheers? Understandable. Okay, here we go:
For me, writing has never been about creating characters, a plotline, and seeing what you can write. (Sound familiar to anyone? Don’t worry! It’s just my opinion!) When I write, the characters “come” to me, not the other way around. They control the story. Ever heard a writer say, “The story just flows”? The writer isn’t stressing over every little word, only those that are critical to the character’s development.
“Okay, wait so does this mean we DON’T have to worry about having a dull character? Or one that’s inconsistent?”
Heavens no! It simply means that you receive jumbles puzzles pieces of a character who may or may not already have a voice of their own. Sometimes, the writer can see what the character looks like, other times, you only get the puzzle pieces.
It is your job to connect at least two of these pieces before you write; most of the time, depending on how complex and/or private your character is, the rest will slowly begin to connect on there own— in your head or in the story. (Yes, I had an experience with the last; it was both frightening and fulfilling to see my character actually telling the story. Or maybe I just have overly controlling characters? Anyone?)
No that you, as the writer, inevitably have control over what your character says. So, please, try and create a level ground in which you still have say over what happens in the story. It is still your character; you can carefully mold them into a certain personality you feel may better fit the story. Just be careful not to make them too “Yours”. They aren't tools, here.
So anyway, back to “freezing”. This is a very difficult task to master. It takes effort, persistence, and self-possession. Writing is like walking a type-rope. On one side, your landing is cement, and on the other awaits a deep pool of water. After so much time balancing, you might slip off the rope (understandable, don’t worry! Just climb back onto the middle ground you’ve established) and your landing may not be so gentle.
The cement: (Reality)
Cement can harm a writer who hasn’t stood on solid ground for a while (this could even mean several hours!) so it is important to give yourself a break every now and then. Carefully emerge yourself into reality again. Remember this isn’t torture. Enjoy it! You’re with your family and friends. Go out, forget writing for the moment. And when you feel inspired, sit down to your novel once more.
Beware, though. If you fall onto the cement (just like in real life) it will hurt. The damage varies. You will live, however, I promise! The worst possible situation is when you are “dragged” back to reality by your hair. Now, as a writer, you must be equipped with a hide thicker than an elephant’s— but an elephant is not invulnerable and neither are you. In certain cases, mostly dealing with publishing, rejections sent in dozens by agents can eventually be discouraging. Sometimes you will ask yourself why you ever climbed onto the stupid rope in the first place. No one can tell you what to do in this situation. It all depends on you. All I can say is: keep your faith. As long as you know your work will never be completely flawless, you should be able to take mountains of criticism respectfully. If that is impossible, this business is most certainly not for you.
Just relax, step back and take a good look at your work. Make your edits and try again. But don’t stay down too long— this could disconnect you from your novel: my own worst nightmare and one you really should avoid.
The Pool: (The World You Live in the Rest of the Time)
The landing here isn’t so gentle either.
If it doesn’t have the impact of the cement, your landing is never without the surprise of currents and tempeture. Some say writing can get lonely— it can! For at least a few hours a week you are submerged in this freezing water, reality hardly exists aside from the occasional ear-splitting phone ring to jar you from your trance.
Some say writing is easy, that anyone can do it. I hate to say it ,but that isn't true.
Yes ANYONE can write, and a handful of those can write WELL. But an even fewer can understand what it really takes to be an author. Am I saying all published authors understand this? No! Am I saying no non-published author can understand? No!!!!!
Here’s what I’m really saying:
Entertainment in general (creative arts) is an extremely difficult field to enter. I takes persistence, lucky, and more significantly, skill! This field (including everything from acting, to singing, to writing) is all based solely on opinion. You may, hypothetically, be the best singer in the world. If NO ONE in the world listens to you, however, because they don’t like your voice or songs or style, you will not make it. See? As if that wasn’t already difficult enough!
I won’t go into the other sections of entertainment because that is not what this blog is for. This blog is about writing.
Even if you don’t get published, you still want your work to be presentable, right? So that covers what they teach you in 1st grade. Correct your mechanical errors as best you can. Of course, there are always errors you won’t see. And that’s fine— get an honest friend to help you proof read. You miss so much while reading your own work!
We’re hovering above the surface, you let’s dip our finger tips in, shall we? See the ripples? That’s the story expanding in your head. Everything affects everything in a story, no matter how short. For example, let’s say you’re sitting on the couch and BAM! an idea hits you. Stacy Collins is an orphan. Okay? Now what? Not a very original idea— you want to expand. Why is she an orphan? Oh, now you see, it is original! She met a genie and wished her parents away! Intriguing, but why does she do it? What are the rules of the genie wish? Did the genie trick her? (Genies are known for that, ya know? Poor Stacy! L )
Okay, so that was a crazy, random example, but I assume you get the idea. See the ripples yet? Stacy met the genie somehow; this ripple bumped into the next and created the Wishing ripple where she wished her parents away; this creates the Orphan ripple, and so on.
This is where the trouble starts brewing. The Plot! Eventually, if you aren’t careful (and sometimes, even if you are!) your ripples will become tangled and bump into each other. Plot overload! You’ll need to do a bit of cleanup. Either better organize the flow of your story or do away with unnecessary plot. Another hassle would be little skips in your ripples. These are called Plot Holes and you’ll want to avoid them AT ALL COSTS! But I’ll go into that later.
Characterization will come in later as well since this getting ridiculously long.
Still waters always run deep.
“Alex”
Friday, May 22, 2009
Fighting to Freeze
Good morning everyone!
Wow, I have a blog. Shows you what sort of nerd I am! I think, however, that it will help me organize my thoughts about freezing. (See first post for explanation!)
Before we begin my unprofessional rambling, I would like to take the time to establish my rank in the publishing world: my hand is on the doorknob, but of course the door is locked. How do you open it? What’s beyond that door? Not everyone knows the answer to this question; not even a published author can fully explain how it feels to edge your toe in the doorway, or the impossibility of nonchalantly walking inside, or how it feels to be shoved back out again, nursing the wounds you received.
Can I answer that question? Heck no! Not simply because I am entirely uneducated, but because I have yet to unlock the secret to being “The Perfect Author”, which as far as I’m concerned, does not exist as such. Every author has a certain tragic flaw— this is how you know your work is improving: when you can step back, criticize your own work and take constructive criticism from others without being offended.
*CONTINUED LATER*
Sorry!
“Alex”
Wow, I have a blog. Shows you what sort of nerd I am! I think, however, that it will help me organize my thoughts about freezing. (See first post for explanation!)
Before we begin my unprofessional rambling, I would like to take the time to establish my rank in the publishing world: my hand is on the doorknob, but of course the door is locked. How do you open it? What’s beyond that door? Not everyone knows the answer to this question; not even a published author can fully explain how it feels to edge your toe in the doorway, or the impossibility of nonchalantly walking inside, or how it feels to be shoved back out again, nursing the wounds you received.
Can I answer that question? Heck no! Not simply because I am entirely uneducated, but because I have yet to unlock the secret to being “The Perfect Author”, which as far as I’m concerned, does not exist as such. Every author has a certain tragic flaw— this is how you know your work is improving: when you can step back, criticize your own work and take constructive criticism from others without being offended.
*CONTINUED LATER*
Sorry!
“Alex”
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Tid Bit
My name is Alexandra Leigh Meyson.
Okay so it’s a pin name, but whatever. At least I'll be writing under it if I ever do get published.
My novel is titled Sleep, but don't get too excited because I'm still in the "10% stage". That's right, it’s not finished yet! But you're welcome to stay if you'd like.
Let me start off by saying I will not permit the sharing of personal information (i.e. name, addresses, phone numbers, ect.) as it could cause problems, obviously.
I'll blog when I am able, meaning when I am bored, inspired, giving advice ect.
Here's what I'll blog about if you care to read:
1. My novel (of course I'll be giving way more information than just the title!!! However, I am pressed for time at the moment, so I figure I'll get the basics out of the way.)
2. Me!!!!
3. Unwritten Rules of Writing
4. IMPORTANT rules of publishing!
5. Do's and Don’ts of writing
6. Random stuff
7. Helpful Websites
8. Good books
9. Books that put publishers to shame
Alright, I must be off!
Still waters always run deep!!
"Alex"
Okay so it’s a pin name, but whatever. At least I'll be writing under it if I ever do get published.
My novel is titled Sleep, but don't get too excited because I'm still in the "10% stage". That's right, it’s not finished yet! But you're welcome to stay if you'd like.
Let me start off by saying I will not permit the sharing of personal information (i.e. name, addresses, phone numbers, ect.) as it could cause problems, obviously.
I'll blog when I am able, meaning when I am bored, inspired, giving advice ect.
Here's what I'll blog about if you care to read:
1. My novel (of course I'll be giving way more information than just the title!!! However, I am pressed for time at the moment, so I figure I'll get the basics out of the way.)
2. Me!!!!
3. Unwritten Rules of Writing
4. IMPORTANT rules of publishing!
5. Do's and Don’ts of writing
6. Random stuff
7. Helpful Websites
8. Good books
9. Books that put publishers to shame
Alright, I must be off!
Still waters always run deep!!
"Alex"
Can you get the ice, without the blood?
The answer is no, sadly.
But before we go into that, I would like to share with you a little something I've written about my writing experience:
I have always compared writing to being doused in cold water- you sit down with a pen or keyboard and (whether your work is extravagant, trash, or somewhere in between) your characters grip and drag you head-first into their world.If you love your work, you won't try to escape.Not when your bones lock from the chill, not when you're gasping for air, not even when reality begins to fade.Blood and Ice is the world you enter with your characters- the world I enter nearly everyday . . . and adore.
Well, okay, so I shortened it a bit.
But I like it the way it is. That's the bloody part (pardon my usage here, but its true). You have to be ready to "shred" your work. As an author, I make it my obsession to put 10% percent of work into writing and 110% percent into revising.
No that's not a typo- I really mean one hundred and ten percent!
Remember, anyone can write, born authors can write well, and true authors put their sole into revising, where the whole piece comes together with a semblance of what you'll see on shelves.
Still waters always run deep!
"Alex"
But before we go into that, I would like to share with you a little something I've written about my writing experience:
I have always compared writing to being doused in cold water- you sit down with a pen or keyboard and (whether your work is extravagant, trash, or somewhere in between) your characters grip and drag you head-first into their world.If you love your work, you won't try to escape.Not when your bones lock from the chill, not when you're gasping for air, not even when reality begins to fade.Blood and Ice is the world you enter with your characters- the world I enter nearly everyday . . . and adore.
Well, okay, so I shortened it a bit.
But I like it the way it is. That's the bloody part (pardon my usage here, but its true). You have to be ready to "shred" your work. As an author, I make it my obsession to put 10% percent of work into writing and 110% percent into revising.
No that's not a typo- I really mean one hundred and ten percent!
Remember, anyone can write, born authors can write well, and true authors put their sole into revising, where the whole piece comes together with a semblance of what you'll see on shelves.
Still waters always run deep!
"Alex"
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