Outtakes 131

The Different Day

By Cait Collins

In judging writing contests, I’ve read many a story that began with pages of back story and not with the action. Sometimes it is hard to know where to begin the work. Do I need a prologue? How much do I tell about my protagonist before beginning the current story? In my opinion, most stories or novels should begin with the different day.

The different day is the inciting incident that sets up the plot. For example, John may drive the same route every day. That’s not necessarily the point. Why is today special or different? Is John driving through a freak storm? Is it raining or snowing? Is there an abandoned vehicle on the side of the road, or is someone standing in the middle of the road trying to flag him down? Is he able to stop, or does he swerve to avoid the car or the pedestrian and lose control of the vehicle? Whatever track the writer takes, this is the different day. This is where the story begins.

Think about some of your favorite novels. In Gone With the Wind, the different day was Scarlet O’Hara learning that Ashley Wilkes was to announce his engagement to Melanie Hamilton during the Wilkes barbeque. The transfer of ownership of a yellow dog opened Old Yeller. James Patterson set the action for his recent Women’s Murder Club novel, 12th of Never, with the birth of Lindsey’s baby. The back story is told as the action unfolds. Even when a prologue is written, the incident that sparks the current day story must be clearly defined.

Back story has a place in the development of the plot, but the writer must decide just how much is needed to establish the setting and develop the characters. The back story may reveal the characters’ motivations; his reasons for his decisions and his justification for his actions. Just remember, the back story is just that. It is background. The story begins on the day that is different.

Outtakes 130

Track Changes

By Cait Collins

I dread the editing process. It seems I will delete a section, save it to a cuts file and promptly forget how I named the file. Then when I need the text, I will spend excessive time looking for it. Thank goodness for Track Changes.

Using Track Changes allows me to keep deletions, inserts, and format changes on the original document. I use balloons to store deleted text and format changes. Insertions are highlighted in the body of the document in a shade of teal. The changes remain with the manuscript until I either accept or reject them. Once the changes are completed, I reread the document and accept or reject the changes as I go. If in doubt, I skip the edit and come back to it later.

Track Changes allowed me to edit a friend’s manuscript and email the document with changes. I didn’t have to print the story; write edits and corrections; and scan the pages to a file before emailing the edited piece back to her. It may not be a cure all, but it surely makes my editing life easier.

Outtakes 129

Resolve

By Cait Collins

I like the power of the word resolve. “I resolve” is a commitment to a job, a partner, family, friends, and to faith. By making a resolution we give ourselves a goal to work toward. At this time of the year many people make resolutions. Some they will keep for a few days or a few weeks, but for the most part the commitment is made and quickly forgotten. Like many others, I don’t always fulfill my promises to myself. But this year I plan to do better.

These are some of my 2014 resolutions.

• I resolve to write something each day. It may be a detailed grocery list or a letter to a friend, but I will write every day.
• I will edit my memoir and my novel.
• I promise to submit an article, a memoir, a short story, or a novel to agents and editors.
• Before the end of the year, I will have a website and a fan page on Facebook.
• I resolve to seek out new authors and new genres. I need to expand my literary horizons.
• I will make time for family and friends. Writing is part of who I am, but I need others in my life for balance.
• I promise to go on a research trip. Maybe I will even go north for a few days.
• I will take a writing course or attend a workshop.
• I resolve to be thankful for the opportunities that come my way. I will celebrate the successes of my fellow writers.
• I will encourage a young writer.
• When the year ends, I will review my goals, celebrate my achievements, and renew my commitment to my craft.

I challenge all of us to set goals for the year and track our accomplishments. The goals will keep us focused and on track to make a sale in during this year. Good luck and good writing.

Outtakes 127

Legends

By Cait Collins

 It’s New Year’s Eve and I have not dedecked the halls. I always keep the house decorated until January 1st. Why? According to legend, removing Christmas decorations before January 1st is bad luck. Who wants to start a new year with a bad omen hanging over them? So tomorrow morning, I will take down the tree; pack the wreaths and the holiday dishes and linens. Everything will be safely stored in air-tight boxes until next December.

Legends are fun. They give glimpses into other cultures. They can be the basis for a story or a novel. Some years ago, my husband and I visited Santa Fe, New Mexico. In one of the shops I found a beaded lizard pin. Attached to the card was a legend. The lizard is sacred. Care for him and he will become your protector. If you are threatened, the lizard will turn into a dragon and devour the aggressor. I used this legend as the basis of an early novel.

Think of all the possibilities for inspiration. Celtic legends and lore have wonderful potential. Think silkies.  Greek and Roman mythology have inspired books, movies, and television series. Then there are the stories of the Old West like the Lost Dutchman Mine. When the creative juices are running dry, check out legends. A little research could spark an idea that leads to a best seller or a hit movie.

I wish you all a happy and prosperous 2014. And don’t forget to eat your black-eyed peas on New Year’s Day. Legend is for every pea you leave on your plate, you will have a week of bad luck.

Outtakes 126

Gifts

By Cait Collins

I don’t know about you, but the last few weeks I’ve been begging people to give me ideas for holiday gifts. More often than not, the response is, “I don’t know.” If it one of the nieces or nephews it’s money or an I Pad. I love to shop for friends and family, but I need hints. I don’t know all the new toys and games, and I definitely cannot shop for clothes for teenage girls. Thank heavens for the kids’ moms and grandmothers. Without them I’d be lost.

Sometimes I feel lost in my writing. I think I’m on the right track but I’m just not confident with my story. But I have been given more than one special gift. I’ll start with five fellow writers who have been such an influence on my life. We meet twice a month to share our work and give and receive critiques. The members of Wordsmith Six never let me down and I hope I never disappoint them. I have Beta readers who take the finished work and give it another set of eyes before submission. And I have great friends and family who encourage and support me. They are the gifts that money cannot buy. I am so thankful I have then.

I hope each of my fellow writers is blessed with the gifts of honest and respectful critique partners. I wish you the gift of encouragement from those you love and respect. They are irreplaceable.

May the holiday season bring you happiness and a new dedication to the written word. I wish you success in 2014.

Outtakes 124

Critics

By Cait Collins

 Sometime being an artist can be very frustrating. The painter, actor, singer, or writer, pours his heart and soul into creating a masterpiece, and then is shot down by critics. While a painting may be appreciated by one viewer, another person may trash the colors and composition. One group applauds an actor’s portrayal of a character, and the second group considers the performance lackluster and boring. A writer submits his manuscript to an agent and receives a “don’t quit your day job” response. But agent B offers a representation contract, sells the work and the novel becomes a best seller.

Critics present one person’s opinion of the work. The harsh critique maybe difficult to accept, but it can be used as a learning tool. As writers, we must realize there is no rule that says we must accept every word of the review as gospel. That said, it is important to read the review, determine what parts are valid, and what portions may be rejected. This is the writer’s story, and he must be free to tell it. However one must keep an open mind so that he doesn’t miss truly constructive advice.

It is so easy to let the nay-sayers destroy our confidence and self-esteem. It’s equally easy for me to say don’t let them. But, don’t let them get to you. The writer must decide how he will respond to the review.  There are choices. Become angry and hard headed. Quit. Develop a thick skin, move beyond the negative words, and pursue your goals. Above all, when called upon to review another artist’s work, respect the effort. Present the positive aspects of the piece first. Then discuss the weak areas. Never be a slash-and-burn critic. It is not productive for the artist and it could damage your reputation.

Outtakes 123

No Vacation

By Cait Collins

I don’t know about any of you, but my December calendar is beginning to fill up. Between my job, dinners, parties, shopping, cooking, and wrapping presents, I’m finding it difficult to do much writing. That doesn’t mean I take the month of December off. I keep polishing my skills by writing Christmas letters.

I don’t sit down at the computer, type out a year-end update, and then open my mailing list, mail merge and send the same letter to everyone on my card list. I write individual letters, by hand, using a good ink pen and holiday stationery. Each letter is directed to the recipient. The tone is based on the relationship I have with the person. I make every effort to write the letter as if the reader and I were sitting side by side on the sofa, sipping wine, and just catching up.

If I’m writing to a relative, I give the news of our family. I include accomplishments, milestones, what the kids are doing, plans for the holidays, and hopes for the New Year. For friends I recall memorable experiences, work, reunion ideas, and holiday plans. I focus on common interests. No two letters are alike, and I’m proud of each one of them.

Writing a good holiday letter allows t writer to draw on his experiences and his craft to create enjoyable correspondence. We have all received Christmas letters that have no real felling or heart because they are not personal. Why not take the time to compose real heartfelt missives. After all, we are writers.