Category Archives: Cait Collins

I’m Shy

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Outtakes 80

I’m Shy

By Cait Collins

Most people I know do not believe me when I confess to having been a painfully shy teenager. My older sister was beautiful and vibrant. The boys loved her. They only came to see me when they needed help with school work or when Marilyn dumped them. Tired of being every guy’s best friend, I retreated into my shell. I spent my time with my books, my writing, and singing. I also learned to act. While I am still shy, I can now perform my way through difficult situations. For example, in the early days of my broadcasting career, I accepted a challenge to interview NFL draftees at the Coaches All American game. Image a five foot four inch hundred pound woman facing Otis Armstrong. I took a deep breath and asked my questions. Later in my career, I served in a presidential press corps and two vice-presidential press corps. I still have to force myself to walk into crowded rooms alone, but I can manage it. It’s all a matter of assuming a role.

Shy people can be deceiving So much is hidden by the quiet wallflower persona. How many ways can you write a shy character? Think of all the potential behind the reserve. Here’s the assignment. Her name is Bailee. Orphaned, she was raised by her uncle who viewed her as a servant who should be happy to have room, board and a wardrobe. Her cousin had all the advantages. Shannon treated Bailee like a no body and she bought into the image. Then Bailee met Ian, one of the owners of the town’s biggest employer. They fall in love. Ian planned to ask her to marry him until he learned who and what she really was. Now write the climactic scene.

Gotta Love Electronics

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Outtakes 78

Gotta Love Electronics

By Cait Collins

Have you ever had one of those days when it seemed as if every piece of electronic equipment you touched hated you? The computer was slow. The fax machine chewed your master. Only half of your documents printed. The copy machine jammed. And last but definitely not least, one of your primary computer programs crashed. Okay only half of that happened today, but this war has been ongoing for the last week and a half.

I love the convenience of computers. The ability to type a document, save it, and edit later is wonderful. I remember the good old-days when I’d spend hours typing a research paper on my trusty manual typewriter. I tried to check every page for errors before ripping the sheet out of the typewriter. I always missed something, and I never mastered the art of inserting the page and realigning the paper to make corrections. I lost count of the number of times I had to retype every page from the point of the error forward because the correction forced the text onto the next page. I recall author/screenwriter Larry McMurtry bragging about writing all of his manuscripts and screenplays on a typewriter. I cannot imagine doing that. A 20-page research paper was intimidating enough.

While computers provide convenience, they do have a drawback. Programs crash. I had such an experience today at work. I had my proof file built for a letter I was preparing for a client. When I tried to save it, the program flashed an error message and my file disappeared into cyberspace. None of my quick fixes restored the program. And so I sat waiting for IT to come fix the problem. My hands were tied. I could not prepare correspondence, I could not research. I did not have very nice things to say about my computer at this point. Most of my muttering involved rather sexist remarks about the origin and nature of computers. Sorry, gentlemen, but you are to blame for the problem.

While electronics frustrate me at times, I admit I could not function without them. I still prefer grabbing a book to research a subject, but when in a bind, the internet is a life saver. I no longer rush to the library to look up missing information. Locating a book title, author, or event is a simple matter of typing key words. Working on multiple projects is easy. I have folders and files set up for each project on my systems. Paper files are no longer required. My external hard drive automatically backs up my files. Flash drives allow me to copy pages of a work in progress from my main system to my Netbook. The Netbook is light weight and easy to carry; therefore, I can spend my lunch hour working on my novel or short story. When I need multiple copies, I print them. No messy carbon paper or time wasted standing at the copy machine is necessary.

I will never be as computer savvy as my younger associates. They had the advantage of growing up with word processing, spreadsheets, and electronic media. I continue to learn more about the capabilities of my laptop and Netbook as I truly appreciate their advantages. That doesn’t mean I will refrain from referring to my misbehaving electronics in sexist terms.

Do You Remember

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Outtakes 79

 Do You Remember

By Cait Collins

 

My older sister lives in Wichita Falls, Texas, and the other five of us are in Amarillo. Last Friday Beverly, Karan, and I went to visit and celebrate Marilyn’s birthday. I told the girls I am working on a series of short stories about growing up as a baby boomer. I needed their help. I remember being a kid, but I wanted their perspective. Their their recollections would add dimension to my short stories. I began asking questions about the different schools we attended, the kids who were part of our circle, family, and how Marilyn murdered my pet snake.

I scribbled notes as we talked and laughed. I did not write much as the key words and names triggered so many memories. Fishing with Dad, picking wild blueberries; Mom making pies and muffins, the crab apple fight, “Hello Mother, Hello Father,” Amarillo High School, Charlie, Donnie, penny candy, the dining room table, and more filled the pages. I can write so much from just a few notes.

Do you remember your first Whopper at Burger King and McDonald’s golden arches? What about RC cola and moon pies? Did you go to Saturday matinees? Did you cry when Old Yeller died? Where were you when you heard President Kennedy had been assassinated? Who was your first date? We all have memories of growing up. Some are funny, some sad, and a number of them make us shake our heads and wonder how we survived. The events, the people, the laughter, and the tears made us who we are today. They provide a history of our times. While our names may never find their way in to the history books, they are recorded in school records, business documents, and newspaper reports. Each of us should celebrate who we are and from where we came. Take the time to share memories with those you love. Ask, “do you remember?” Write the events, or record them. Your children and their children will thank you.

Gotta Love Electronics

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Outtakes 78

Gotta Love Electronics

By Cait Collins

 

Have you ever had one of those days when it seemed as if every piece of electronic equipment you touched hated you? The computer was slow. The fax machine chewed your master. Only half of your documents printed. The copy machine jammed. And last but definitely not least, one of your primary computer programs crashed. Okay only half of that happened today, but this war has been ongoing for the last week and a half.

I love the convenience of computers. The ability to type a document, save it, and edit later is wonderful. I remember the good old-days when I’d spend hours typing a research paper on my trusty manual typewriter. I tried to check every page for errors before ripping the sheet out of the typewriter. I always missed something, and I never mastered the art of inserting the page and realigning the paper to make corrections. I lost count of the number of times I had to retype every page from the point of the error forward because the correction forced the text onto the next page. I recall author/screenwriter Larry McMurtry bragging about writing all of his manuscripts and screenplays on a typewriter. I cannot imagine doing that. A 20-page research paper was intimidating enough.

While computers provide convenience, they do have a drawback. Programs crash. I had such an experience today at work. I had my proof file built for a letter I was preparing for a client. When I tried to save it, the program flashed an error message and my file disappeared into cyberspace. None of my quick fixes restored the program. And so I sat waiting for IT to come fix the problem. My hands were tied. I could not prepare correspondence, I could not research. I did not have very nice things to say about my computer at this point. Most of my muttering involved rather sexist remarks about the origin and nature of computers. Sorry, gentlemen, but you are to blame for the problem.

While electronics frustrate me at times, I admit I could not function without them. I still prefer grabbing a book to research a subject, but when in a bind, the internet is a life saver. I no longer rush to the library to look up missing information. Locating a book title, author, or event is a simple matter of typing key words. Working on multiple projects is easy. I have folders and files set up for each project on my systems. Paper files are no longer required. My external hard drive automatically backs up my files. Flash drives allow me to copy pages of a work in progress from my main system to my Netbook. The Netbook is light weight and easy to carry; therefore, I can spend my lunch hour working on my novel or short story. When I need multiple copies, I print them. No messy carbon paper or time wasted standing at the copy machine is necessary.

I will never be as computer savvy as my younger associates. They had the advantage of growing up with word processing, spreadsheets, and electronic media. I continue to learn more about the capabilities of my laptop and Netbook as I truly appreciate their advantages. That doesn’t mean I will refrain from referring to my misbehaving electronics in sexist terms.

Read, Read, and Reread

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Outtakes 77

Read, Read, and Reread

By Cait Collins

 

A well-edited document has no value if the writer does not take the time and effort to proofread the work prior to submission. Proofreading involves the mechanics of writing such as grammar, spelling, punctuation, and word usage. While the computer’s spelling and grammar check will catch some errors, it is not the final authority. Nothing replaces human eyes on the paper. Here are a few tips I have learned from the experts.

  1. Read from the bottom to the top.
  2. Add paragraph breaks after each sentence.
  3. Read with a “cover”—one line at a time.
  4. Read slowly and read every word.
  5. If you work best from a printed copy, print the document on tinted paper.  Tinted paper tricks the eyes.
  6. Keep a dictionary, a thesaurus, and a grammar guide handy.

Check your spelling. Remember Spell Check does not read context. If you type “to” when you meant “too”, the error could be missed.

Have you used the correct word? They’re – their — there, you’re – your, it’s (It is) – its (possessive), affect – effect are among common misused words.

Incorrect punctuation can change the meaning of a sentence. If you are unsure of the rule, look it up. The Elements of Style by William Strunk, Jr. and E. B. White and Punc-tu-a-tion for Writers by Harvey Stanbrough are excellent references. There are other good references available, but these are the ones I turn to when I need a quick answer.

Don’t overlook grammar errors. Are the pronouns correct? Have you properly used the subjective or objective forms of the pronoun? Determine whether the subject is singular or plural. Does the verb match the subject? Are proper nouns capitalized? Are modifiers properly placed? These are just examples of common errors. When proofreading the best advice is when in doubt, check it out.

There is one final bit of advice. Whenever possible, get a second pair of eyes on the work. Even the most thorough proofreader might miss a mistake. Another reader could catch an oversight. My critique group points out some misspellings, punctuation errors, and word usage problems. That said we focus more on content, story, and context. I have a good friend who reads my novels after I have edited and proofread the manuscript. She has saved me on numerous occasions.

I’ve heard some younger teachers say teaching young people the rules of grammar and punctuation is not as important now as students text and email. I can’t agree with that. Written communication may not be as formal now as in my youth, but the ability to write a good business letter, college application essay, or a resume is essential.  Good written communication skills will always be needed. Companies look for prospective employees with good writing skills to process correspondence for clients. The news media needs writers. Job opportunities are available for people who can craft training manuals, human resources documents, and procedure consistencies. In order for the positions to be filled, candidates must be trained not only to draft the required documents, but also to edit and proofread the text to provide a finished product. How will job openings be filled if written communication skills are not taught?

Nip/Tuck

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Outtakes 76

Nip/Tuck

By Cait Collins

Editing and proofreading are not among my favorite writing tasks. First of all it’s time consuming. And there’s always that sneaky little error that escapes my computer checks and my eyes. Still the cosmetic surgery must be done in order to produce the best possible product. Each writer has his own method of editing and proofreading, but there are some basics that may help us.

1.  Develop a two-step approach. There is a difference in editing and in proofreading. Editing focuses on the style, flow, accuracy and completeness of the story, poem or novel. Proofreading emphasizes the mechanics such as grammar, spelling, and punctuation. Editing first and then proofreading could save time and duplication of effort.

2.  Check the following when editing a project.

  • Accuracy.  Are all names correct? Is the time line consistent? Does the character with blue eyes in chapter one have blue eyes in chapter 16?
  • Completeness.  Is the story finished? Have all the questions been answered? Has each character’s story line come to a satisfying conclusion?
  • Structure.  Does each chapter have an introduction? Are the paragraphs logically arranged? Does each chapter have a hook that makes the reader want to know what will happen next?
  • Clarity.  Is the story easy to follow? Is the plot complex enough to hold interest yet simple enough to be reader friendly? Are there sufficient tag lines to tell who is speaking, or are dialogue sequences cluttered with too much he said/she said? 
  • Conciseness.  Are the sentences to the point, or are they wordy and run on? Is the dialogue sharp and clean or do the characters stumble through the scene? Are descriptions sufficient to anchor the scene, or are they overdone?
  • Tone.  Is the tone appropriate to the scene? Are the characters speech patterns appropriate for age, occupation, background, and social status? Are dialects salted throughout the work, or are they over used?

3.  Distance emotions from the editing process. While writers have a relationship with their characters and story, not every scene or line of dialogue moves the plot. Be open to putting even the most favorite scenes on the chopping block if they are not needed. The goal is to create an exciting story, not justify each word.

4.  Whenever possible, take a break before starting the editing process. Trying to edit the minute after typing “The End” is not always productive. A few hours or even a couple of days may provide better prospective.

5.  Once the initial editing is complete, reread the work to make sure the edits have not created issues with the story. Correct any inconsistencies before moving forward.

6.  When the edits are complete, it’s time to proofread the project. Take a break. Proofreading is the subject of the next Outtake.

Through the Looking Glass

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Outtakes 75

Through the Looking Glass

By Cait Collins

How do you perceive yourself as a writer? More importantly, how do others view you? Do you come off as knowledgeable and confident, or uninformed and unsure? Are you a leader or the flip, unconcerned good-off? Do other writers look to you for advice and value your views? Or do they avoid and ignore you? How does the way you dress affect your image? Are you careless in you appearance or are you neat, properly groomed, and appropriately dressed? Do you really care? If you don’t care, you should.

The image we project as writers has great bearing on acceptance from fellow writers. You attend a workshop. The brochure indicates the dress is “business casual”, but you walk in wearing wrinkled cargo shorts, a tee-shirt sporting a cartoon or political statement, and flip-flops. The other registrants are attired in pressed slacks, skirts, shirts, blazers and polished shoes. You might stand out in the crowd, but not in a positive way. A professional workshop is not an opportunity to express your individuality. If you want to be accepted as a professional, dress the part.

Attitude is another image check. One of my pet peeves is the person who continually interrupts a speaker to insert personal viewpoints or experiences. While an exchange of ideas is valuable, the speaker is the star of the session and should be given an opportunity to present the program. A know-it-all could potentially disrupt the presentation to the point the attendees get nothing out of the session. Both the speaker and the students are frustrated. And sadly, the person who keeps talking comes off as rude and unprofessional.

It’s okay to be shy, but don’t be a wallflower. Take a deep breath, step out, and introduce yourself to others. Seek out the conference planners and offer your assistance. Remember when (never think if) you become successful, you will be required to speak or maybe do book signings. It’s better to take baby steps to becoming more confident than be unprepared later.

What about your speech? Dirty jokes, cursing, political speeches, religious orations, put downs of other attendees or speakers are inappropriate. While I believe in free speech, there are times when it’s best to check your politics and religion at the door. You do not want to lose the good will and support of the writing community due to an over-active mouth.

Writers might be viewed as eccentrics working out of attics or dingy rooms. Few may truly realize the work that goes into creating a poem or short story or novel. That’s okay as long as writers realize they are professionals. We produce an important and viable product. Writers provide a means to enlighten the world on an untold number of subjects. We should be proud of our craft and project that pride and professionalism to our community and our readers.

Not So Christmas Poem

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Outtakes 74

 Not So Christmas Poem

By Cait Collins

Twas the week before Christmas

And the church ladies came

Christmas cheer to prepare

For the elderly and shut-ins

We all hold dear.

I pulled into the parking lot,

My car loaded down

With lotions, tissues, books and bags.

I opened the door, my sisters I greeted

When the air was rent by a shrill sounding whistle.

Ross, you see,

Gave his wife the church key

But the alarm code was missing

And thus we listened to the offending whistle.

When what to our panicked eyes did appear

But a green sedan and a kindly elf.

“Brother Glen, Brother Glen,

Can you help us out?

Our 80 year old minister threw open the car door

And sprinted inside to shut off the loud cry.

The telephone rang, most likely the alarm company,

Calling to check on the code he cleared.

Amarillo’s Finest did not appear

So we flipped on the lights

Opened our packs and unloaded the stash.

The ladies went straight to their work,

Loaded the bags, and cleaned up the trash.

And with a sigh of relief we headed out.

Glen met us as we came down the hall.

Smiles and hugs he had for us all.

His arms around me and shaking his head,

He held me closer and lovingly said,

“Of you Brown girls I’ll never be shed.

At least I’ll not have to go post your bail.

You’re free to go home and not go to jail.”

We laughed and waved and went on our way,

Our Christmas errands to finish that day.

Please forgive this poor verse.

However versions one, two, and three

Were really much worse.

I’m not a poet,

Of that I don’t lie.

The point of this Outtake is

At least I tried.

My apologies to Clement Clarke Moore for taking liberties with Twas the Night Before Christmas… I hope you and yours have enjoyed a great holiday. I wish you a very happy 2013.

Enough

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Outtakes 73

 Enough

By Cait Collins

I’ve finished the Christmas shopping, fought the crowds at the grocery store, trimmed the tree, hung my stocking, and centered the wreath over the fireplace. My living room looks like a tornado struck it as rolls of wrapping paper, tissue, gift bags, tags, ribbons, and bows litter the floor. I have to finish wrapping all the gifts I’ve purchased for nieces and nephews, family and friends. The cards are addressed and mailed. What have I forgotten? I grab my list and check it again. Everything is done until I starting cooking for my sisters’ birthday dinner. Still, I fell as if something is undone.

I look over at the tree and wonder if it has enough decorations. Should I get out the left-overs and add them to tree? Did I buy enough for the kids? Did I spend enough time writing my letters to the aunts and uncles I seldom see? Have I taken enough time to eat right, exercise, and rest? Have I allowed enough time to enjoy the season or have I allowed the parties, dinners, and all the bad reports from the news media to sap my Christmas spirit.

Reality, the tree looks fine. My nephew, Josh, jointed me for pizza and tree trimming. We talked and laughed while we worked. Our kids always get more than they need. My annual letters to the family are long enough to assure them we are all doing fine. No, I have not eaten right. This time of the year I tend to eat on the run. No on the exercise, but I’ve taken a week off, and I’m really taking a break. The parties and dinners have been enjoyable, and I’ve turned off the news. My nephews and I spent three hours taking in THE HOBBIT. Now I have my feet up and am watching A Charlie Brown Christmas. What more could I want? It is enough.

As I get ready to begin submitting my current work, I ask myself if the novel is good enough. Is there enough description? Are the scenes thoroughly developed? Is there enough back story? Are the characters believable? Even when license is taken with reality, are the events written well enough to make the reader accept it? As I read each chapter, I look for places to improve the manuscript. I work to tame my internal editor to prevent overworking Kate’s story. Even when the final edits are done and the submissions are sent, there will be doubts. It’s the nature of a writer to want to snatch the work back and rewrite one scene or another. It will never be enough. In the end, I must trust my instincts and lay it to rest. I’m almost ready to let go. I’m almost ready to say it is enough.

What a Character

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Outtakes 72

What a Character

By Cait Collins

 Sometimes it seems my stories are flat. My main characters work, but there’s a presence lurking in the shadows. It’s a being that is not living, but whose influence is felt. I encountered this situation with Miss Lucille and Rance Phillips in my current work HOW DO YOU LIKE ME NOW. Miss Lucille dies in the early pages of the story. Rance has been gone for a number of years. Still these two people have pivotal roles in the story. They are definitely characters, but how can they contribute to the development of the tale?

Incorporating memories brings the character front and center. There are many things about her life in Harley, Texas, Kate wants to forget. But hearing the story of Miss Lucille’s “adoption” of Travis and Mike forces her to relive the day she came to live with her grandmother. Kate’s life had been bleak following her father’s death until her Grams takes over as guardian. Under the care of her grandmother, the young girl begins to grow and develop the characteristics that keep Kate strong even during the worst of times.

Letters and journals give glimpses into the deceased’s life. They provide back story and an eye witness account of the events that drive the story. Kate reads a letter from Rance Phillips, the antagonist’s father. Rance and Miss Lucille were an item, but the Texas gentleman viewed young Kate as a granddaughter. His letter reminds her of the day she bought him two scoops of vanilla ice cream. His words confirm an abiding love for her. The scene and the reactions of Kate, her son, and Dalton provide emotional impact for the reader.

One of my favorite scenes is the reading of Miss Lucille’s will.  This is no boring whereas and wherefore reading. The lady recorded her will. Imagine each heir hearing the voice and witnessing her expression as the deceased detailed each bequest. Each heir is left with no doubt as to Lucille Walker’s opinion of his or her character and the impact they had on her life.

Non-traditional characters can be tricky, but they may create some of the best drama in the story. Joe Nichols, one of my critique partners, is writing a novel about the rodeo circuit and an exceptional bronc. I love his seamless transition from the cowboy’s point of view regarding a ride to Trail’s End view of the event. By incorporating the horse’s thoughts and emotions, he makes the animal a major player in a promising first novel.

Non-traditional characters have the potential to spice up a story. Experimenting with various ways to bring these beings into the tale is a challenge, but it can be fun. Give it a try next time a scene lags. It could be just the fix you need.