Category Archives: Cait Collins

Characters and Conflict

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Outtakes 189

Characters and Conflict

By Cait Collins

 

Setting up conflict in a story can be tricky. A writer who is not in tune with the various idiosyncrasies of his characters may have difficulty in creating the tension needed to craft plausible conflict. The story is not the incident; it’s in the characteristics of the people involved. Human resources and training department employ personality profiles to help determine the traits that each team member possesses. Knowing the personality types for a team enables managers to better assign tasks and manage a group.

For example, two co-workers have a difference of opinion regarding the best way to handle the upper management directive to set up a data base to track expenditures for the past ten years. The information pertains to the sales department, the tax department, and the advertising department. One of the people charged with the task is methodical; compiling the necessary information with attention to detail.

A second worker approaches the job in a helter skelter manner. There’s no organization or precision in the work. Errors are abundant. It’s impossible for the data to correlate with the more methodical worker’s.

A third person, the peace maker, tries to help out. Instead of getting involved with the project, the team member keeps looking for a “we are friends” moment. Everyone must get along he or she insists. By trying to force peace, the other co-workers become more stressed and less productive. The project stalls and management gets involved.

This is your assignment. Write the confrontation between the three co-workers and the managers.

 

Reunion

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Outtakes 188

Reunion

by Cait Collins

 

I’ve been fortunate to be associated with some very talented writers. Many are still trying for the big break, but they continue to work at their craft. Because of schedules, new places in our writing careers, or new locations, we don’t often see each other. It’s sad, but that’s the way of life. Recently we lost one of the talented writers.

I didn’t know DeWanna Pace as well as many of the writers and published authors in the Amarillo, Texas region. My association with her was limited to conferences and writer’s meetings, but I always believed there was something very special about her. She had this way of making you feel important. When she was talking with you, you were the only person in the room with her. She focused on the conversation and listened. Really listened.

DeWanna was unfailingly kind. She put other people first. I remember the day I was released from the hospital and found DeWanna sitting off to the side in the entry. I stopped to speak with her and learned her mother was being admitted. I asked if there was anything I could do. All she wanted was prayers. In return, she asked if I was visiting someone. I explained I had just been released. She offered to help me. If I needed anything all I had to do was call. Her own plate was full and yet she was concerned about me.

She was a great teacher. When she presented classes at writers’ conferences, her sessions were always well attended. She encouraged young writers. Even though her health was not the best, she kept her commitment to speak at the last writers’ conference held in Amarillo. It was important to her to pass on what she had learned.

This past Saturday, we celebrated the release of DeWanna’s latest book, The Daddy List, at a reception at Barnes and Noble. There was no book signing; just a meeting of people who had been touched by her generosity and talent. I found myself hugging my fellow writers and catching up on their lives and work. The passing of years did not matter; we were writers honoring one of our own. I can’t think of a better way to spend an afternoon.

The Music Man

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Outtakes 187

 

The Music Man

by Cait Collins

 

When someone says, “I’m a writer,” what is your immediate response? Perhaps you ask, “What do you write?” Meaning do you write poetry, science fiction, romance? But what if someone said, “I write songs?”

Song writers, or lyricists, are prolific writers. They pen some of the most beautiful works.

I can’t imagine not having musicals like Carousel. Camelot, Evita, Phantom of the Opera, Cats. And what about the songs of Neil Diamond, Enya, Gordon Lightfoot, Alan Jackson, Toby Keith, Simon and Garfunkel, and Taylor Swift.

Song writers are story tellers. Their works employ some of the same structure as a novelist or screenwriter would use. Think about it. A vocal piece has a beginning, middle, and an end. For example listen to a good old somebody -done –somebody-wrong song. It goes something like this. Boy meets girl, they fall in love, but along comes Mr. Heartbreak and the relationship starts to fall apart. Boy decides he loves the girl enough to let her go. Heartbroken, he watches her marry the other guy. In a three and a half minute song, you have a romantic story of love and loss.

Good song writing contains vivid images, scents, tastes, and touches. The Canadian Railroad Trilogy written by Gordon Lightfoot begins with images of majestic mountains, virgin forests, and builds to the laddies swinging hammers, and the first trains making their way across the country. Close your eyes when listening to a favorite song and “see” the words. View it like a movie short, and you will soon realize the enormous talent and craftsmanship of the writer.

Grizabella remembers a time knowing happiness in Memory from Cats. The Fiddler languishes If I Were a Rich Man. Evita begs Don’t Cry for Me Argentina. And the Phantom composes The Music of the Night. And we all remember the words. We sing or hum along with the singers remembering our own experiences and emotions. Long after the stage lights dim, we remember how lyrics touch us. The songs become a part of us. A tear slips down a cheek, or a smile softens features when we hear the opening notes of a beloved song. And the song writer takes his place among the select who call themselves “writers”.

Wedge of Writing

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“Snoopy, try this when you sit down to the typewriter: Just say to yourself “What if?” It all begins with “What if?”

–Clive Cussler Snoopy’s Guide to the Writing Life

Uncomplicated

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Outtakes 186

Uncomplicated

by Cait Collins

 

Think back to when you were a kid. You didn’t worry about where you would live, buying groceries, paying bills, or finding a doctor. Your parents took care of those things All you had to do was play and have fun. A child’s life is so uncomplicated until it gets mucked up. With too many activities, to manage, too much pressure to succeed, and not enough time to be just a kid, life becomes a complex maze. . And sometimes this’s the way we write.

Our stories get complicated when we over think and over write the piece. Even though we have a plot line, we know the beginning and the end, and we have an idea of how to go from point a to point z , we’ll still bury the characters in back story, stifle them with orations, and baffle them with details. When the story is completed we have a ton of complicated plots, unnecessary information and complex phrases. The story is tedious, the pace slow, and the characters made of cardboard. What happened? Simply put, we made a simple story complicated.

I don’t spend tons of time researching every detail I think I might need. I cannot force myself to outline each scene and stick to the plan even when the plan is falling apart. I’m a “pantser”. I fly by the seat of my pants, and so do many of my writer friends. Pantsers have character sketches, jotted notes, and maybe a brief time line. We tend to allow our characters to act independently of our control. Believe me when I say some of my best work comes when I let the characters take over and lead me down the road. It may not be the route I had in mind, but often it is better. By stifling the character’s need to play, I complicate the story. Planners, on the other hand, need defined structure to keep the plot moving. Both ways work as long as we discipline ourselves to allow our opposing characteristic to have a say in the process.

There are simple steps we can take to keep the work in our respective voices. Don’t over-do the description. Sorry, but two pages of an ode on the rising sun becomes boring in a narrative. Don’t allow technical jargon to over-power the story. Do permit your character to play. Bored children give birth to mischief and a ruined plot line. Do allow your imagination to blossom. Refuse to force ideas to make the plot follow your directions. Do be prepared for rewrites. Think like a child and act accordingly. A little temper tantrum may be the best thing for the story.

Writing the Memoir

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Outtakes 185

Writing the Memoir

by Cait Collins

What is the best way to prepare to write a memoir? Like any other genre, there are numerous approaches to researching and writing a personal story. The following are a few suggestions for getting started.

Write from memory. I began writing Tables and First Love Forever Love by drafting chapters based on my memories of events, places, and people. After completing the draft, I’d read and edit the piece, making notes of facts I needed to check. I’d research the missing information, make the necessary changes, and polish the chapter before presenting it to my critique group. I find getting the basics on paper and then filling in details works best for me.

Go through family photo albums to get inspiration. Sometimes there is a glimmer of an idea for a scene, but the memories just don’t click. A picture can jog the memory and spark your imagination. With the photograph nearby, the writing flows and soon you have a draft of the chapter.

Look for letters, journals, school memorabilia, and yearbooks that might lend insight into your project. My father’s military papers and his notes and writings have been as valuable as I write Tables.

Music is a good trigger. Download some of the songs from your youth and listen to them while you work. If you are describing how you met your spouse, sit back and enjoy “your song” or the music played at your prom.

If you think you would like to write a memoir for your children and grandchildren, try journaling. I’m not suggesting you write about putting carrots in the crock pot on a daily basis; however, keeping notes about vacations, holidays, and special events will help you when you begin to write your story.

Getting started may be the hard part, but once you determine your theme and the events you want to record, the project will move along quickly. The memories will flow and you’ll find yourself laughing and crying as you write. That’s good because those emotions will translate to the writing. Just remember to focus on the reason you are working on the memoir, and let that be your guide.

Wedge of Writing

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“Writing is exercise. Warm up before you write. To warm up you can speed-write or do stretching exercises or jog around the block. Writing is rhythmic, so any rhythmic exercise will help you get started.”

Robert J. Ray The Weekend Novelist Writes a Mystery

Why Write a Memoir?

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Outtakes 184

Why Write a Memoir?

By Cait Collins

 

The quick answer to the question is, why not? We all have something to say about our lives or periods of our lives. That said, a memoir can be an effective communication tool. Sometimes we might want to just tell a story, but some memoirs have a distinct purpose. The reasons to write a memoir include: to inspire, to inform, and to persuade.

Everyone has experienced tragedy or challenges. How did you overcome the problem?

Did you fall into a deep depression? What made you decide to work your way back? Have you ever watched a child struggle to excel despite learning disabilities? What made the effort so memorable and what affect did it have on you? Mapping the journey from tragedy to triumph may inspire someone else to find a path to recovery. Your words may be the spark for one person to determine to overcome the problems in his life. We all need inspiration to smooth out the rough edges of our experiences. I wrote First Love; Forever Love as a means to let others know there is hope.

“What kind of computer games did you play when you were a kid?” This question came from a student in my Sunday morning Bible class. “My childhood was long before the computer age. I didn’t touch a computer until I was in my 30’s.” His eyes bulged. “No computers? What did you do for fun?”Obviously my young friend did not know it was possible to enjoy life without staring at a computer screen. Tables, a work in progress, tells of growing up a military brat in the 50’s and 60’s. We had a blast back then. Kids today don’t know what they missed, but I hope they will learn from the stories.

Former Arkansas Governor, Mike Huckabee, uses reminences of growing up in the South to portray life in the heartland or the “fly-over zone.” His commentary offers a contrast in the culture between the .east and west coasts and Middle America. God, Guns, Grits and Gravy explains how and why we are so different. Sweetened with humor, spiced with down-home sayings, and peppered with sarcasm, Governor Huckabee makes a strong case for the simpler way of life. He has convinced me my momma and daddy and his parents must have known each other well, because my folks didn’t tolerate disrespect and disobedience any more the Governor’s did. I normally speed read a book, but I’m slowing down so that I can savor the narrative. It is a good read and very persuasive.

Memoirs should not be relegated to the lives of the rich and famous. History is not just the deeds of great men and women; it is also the stories of everyday folks who lived their lives quietly, doing their best to make a living, raise their children, and get along with their fellow man. The stories of all races, nationalities, cultures, and backgrounds weave the fabric of the human experience. All stories are necessary to complete the pattern of history. So why write a memoir?

Why not write a memoir?

From Memory

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Outtakes 183

From Memory

By Cait Collins

 

I never thought I would write a memoir, but I have to admit it’s a real kick. I have enjoyed every minute of the time I’ve spent working on this project. It all began when I started sorting through the paperwork associated with my father’s military career. My mother kept every scrap of paper accumulated from his time in the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the late 1930’s until Dad’s retirement in 1969.

Sorting through the boxes of documents brought back memories. I found shipping instructions, in triplicate, DD2-14’s, transfer orders, pay stubs, and old income tax filings. There were orders for inoculations. I found my dog tags and my sister’s dog tags. My father was a highly praised Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO). The boxes were full of plaques, citations, medals and ribbons. For some reason, the Bill of Sale for that blue Nash Rambler station wagon struck a chord in me. I had vivid memories of that car, and learning Dad sold it for $50.00 in 1957 hurt. Surely the car was worth more than that. I began writing stories of the road trip we took in the Nash from San Antonio, Texas to Halifax, Nova Scotia. I never thought these snippets of military life would be well received. They were just stories of my memories of those wonderful days when I was a kid.

The stories of growing up a military brat in the 50’s and 60’s are part of a memoir with the working title Tables. In those days, a great part of our lives centered around the dining room table. Some are funny; others nostalgic; some painful. But they are a picture of our lives in an era of discovery, invention, and social change.

Why write about it? Think of all the kids out there who never played marbles or jacks. Children who eat dinner in front of a TV set or computer screen instead of meeting family over dinner have missed developing strong family ties. What about family reunions or your first two-wheeler? Think about playing outside after school and staying out until dinner time. The simple stories of our lives give insight into the history of a time period. They provide glimpse of who we were and the values we held dear. They note the accomplishments of the time and how these baby steps led to the exploding technology of today.

“But they are just my memories,” you might say. “No one will care about my life.” Maybe that’s true from a broad view, but the stories you tell might mean something to your children and your grandchildren. In my mother’s hoarded paperwork, I found some of my dad’s writings. He was an Air Force NCO, but he was also a story teller. In one notebook, I read the story of losing his father. I can picture a young man walking across the fields and checking the crops knowing if he failed as a farmer, his family would face difficult times. I learned so much about my dad in those pages, and I’m thankful my mom saved them. That little notebook means more to me than a financial windfall because I was able to know my father from an adult view point. Don’t you think your children would treasure finding you in the pages of your work?

 

Publishing Lull

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Outtakes 182

Publishing Lull

By Cait Collins

 

I love to read, so the new release slow down from November to February is definitely not my favorite time of the year. Some would say I should get a Kindle or a Nook and download new stories and E-Books. Sorry, but I prefer holding a book in my hands as I read. After eight hours in front of a computer screen, an E-reader has no appeal. So what does one do when there’s nothing new from favorite authors? Why not try a new author or a new genre?

One of my recent purchases was Killing Patton by Bill O’Reilly and Martin Dugard. The writing was well paced and the maps, photographs, and footnotes were welcome additions to the read. I also appreciated the Afterword detailing unanswered questions regarding the automobile accident that resulted in Patton’s death. Although I’m not one for conspiracy theories, the book did pose some interesting questions. The Postscript portion of the volume, brought closure for the key players among the Allied and Axis ranks. I do recommend the book to all students of history, World War II buffs, and young people who want to learn more about the heroes of WWII.

There are a couple of books on my bedside table begging to be read. One is Texas Mail Order Bride by Texas Panhandle author, Linda Broday. Nothing makes a better story than the vast beauty of Texas, a Texas cowboy with a past, his two brothers, and an unexpected woman to complicate his life.

God, Guns, Grits and Gravy by Mike Huckabee promises to be a great read. Only a good old boy could understand and accurately portray the unique places, people, and promises of the Heartland. Having read some of his earlier releases, I look forward to yet another look at America as it was; is; and what it could be.

These titles are not among my normal reading list. My favorite authors write romantic suspense, women’s fiction, paranormal romance, contemporary romance, and mysteries. Barry Eisler, Craig Johnson, and Rick Riordan have a home on my book shelves. I also have a section devoted to animation, comic strips, travel, and science. My shelves are full and over-flowing, but there’s always room for additions to my favorites.