Category Archives: Rory C. Keel

BATTLING THE BEAST

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BATTLING THE BEAST

I gaze into the eyes of the beast searching to find its soul. I am caught in the childhood game of “the first one who blinks looses,” yet he shows no emotion, no rising of brow, no blinking or shedding of tears, just a long menacing stare.

The creature’s leering eye grows brighter with every passing moment, seemingly intent on seeing the space of my existence. My vision is full of his sight, yet I see nothing.

I study his unrelenting look, my mind searching the far corners and deep recesses, constantly swirling, struggling to find some strategy, or weapon or even one simple word that might defeat my enemy and win this mind-numbing battle.

The desire to close my eyes tugs at the lids. The moisture surrounding my orbs in their sockets has become dry and I struggle against the urge to rub them. The creature shows no signs of weakening and continues to counter every glance.

Without my consent, sudden darkness is all I see. I blink. I am immediately torn between two emotions. First, relief. Moist droplets flood my eyes like waters of the sea crashing onto the shore. The fetters that once restrained the rubbing of my eyelids have now been unfastened.

And second, In the darkness of my blink, dread fills my mind as I wait for the wrath of my opponent to be unleashed. Or perhaps he has already struck with such a swift penalty that I didn’t feel the pain. In the deafening silence I dare to open my eyes. To my surprise I find that it was not I who blinked first, but the computer screen upon which I placed these words.

Rory C. Keel

WRITING CONTESTS BENEFITS

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Writing Contests Benefits

It cost money; why should I enter? What benefit will a contest be for my writing and me? I’m not good enough so I’ll never win.

Those who are looking at entering writing contests frequently express these statements and questions. I know, I’ve asked most of them myself.

Having entered my share of writing contests, let me offer some positive benefits from my personal experience.

  1. Training for working with deadlines – Writing contests give a writer the opportunity to work under a deadline. Most contests will have strict dates for submitting an entry. This is good conditioning for working with agents, editors, and publishers who will place deadlines on your writing.
  2. Provides automatic platform – A platform is your audience, those who will read your writing. While your mother and “BFF” will gladly volunteer readership, contest judges can provide you with an unbiased and anonymous audience for your writing. And who knows, the judge may be an agent, editor or publisher.
  3. Gain feedback – One of the most valuable benefits of a writing contest is the critique. To have the judge’s comments noting any mistakes, suggestions for improvement and yes, even praise can help improve your writing.
  4. Build your portfolio – Writing contests are a perfect why to build your portfolio. When seeking an agent or publisher, a few writing clips, accomplishments and certificates may be the edge you need to sell the deal.
  5. Increase your confidence – Entering a contest gives a writer the opportunity to gain confidence in their writing. Have you ever written something only to tear it up or hide it in a drawer? Have you ever said, “I could never write good enough to be published!” A writing contest provides an inexpensive way to test the waters of being an author.
  6. Avoid scam contests – As with most everything, there are people who take advantage of others. Before entering a contest, research the person or organization holding the contest and make sure they are legitimate. There are a few contests that are no more than book selling scams. When your entry wins, it is accepted for publication in an anthology, with all of the other first place winners, then you must pay an outrageous price to obtain a copy. Winningwriters.com lists a few of these writing contests to avoid. To help find your next contest check out www.placesforwriters.com or www.fundsforwriters.com
Rory C. Keel

PEN TO WIN!

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PEN TO WIN!

With the precision of a surgeon’s hand, the written word can touch the human heart. The arched and looped letters of the alphabet skillfully arranged can fill the mind or thrill the soul.

Like a machine that transcends the barriers of time and space, the passages of a story are able carry the reader through the ages, both past and future. The words on every page turned reveals to the reader grand and exotic far-away places or the dark areas that are hidden within themselves.

The writing of the wise often compels the strong to see their own weaknesses and flaws, while the weak can learn to be strong with the same words. Yes, the pen is truly mighty.

In the early 1800’s, a young child by the name of Edward wore the label of a neurotic child. Pawned from one boarding school to another after his father’s death, he discovered the craft of writing. Encouraged to publish a small work of poetry at the age of fifteen, he went on to publish many famous works. The name of this young boy was Edward Bulwer-Lytton.

In 1839, this English politician, poet, playwright, and novelist coined the phrase “the pen is mightier than the sword,” in his play Richelieu.

So where do you begin? You start with “From Pen to Win!”

This is a special orientation session for first-time Frontiers in Writing Conference attendees to explain what to expect and answer all of your concerns. It will be held  Thursday, June 28 at Barnes and Noble, starting a 7:30 P.M., located at 2415 Soncy Road in Amarillo, TX.

You’ll walk into the FiW conference on Friday feeling confident and prepared to begin your writing journey.

Rory C. Keel

PEN TO WIN!

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PEN TO WIN!

With the precision of a surgeon’s hand, the written word can touch the human heart. The arched and looped letters of the alphabet skillfully arranged can fill the mind or thrill the soul.

Like a machine that transcends the barriers of time and space, the passages of a story are able carry the reader through the ages, both past and future. The words on every page turned reveals to the reader grand and exotic far-away places or the dark areas that are hidden within themselves.

The writing of the wise often compels the strong to see their own weaknesses and flaws, while the weak can learn to be strong with the same words. Yes, the pen is truly mighty.

In the early 1800’s, a young child by the name of Edward wore the label of a neurotic child. Pawned from one boarding school to another after his father’s death, he discovered the craft of writing. Encouraged to publish a small work of poetry at the age of fifteen, he went on to publish many famous works. The name of this young boy was Edward Bulwer-Lytton.

In 1839, this English politician, poet, playwright, and novelist coined the phrase “the pen is mightier than the sword,” in his play Richelieu.

So where do you begin? You start with “From Pen to Win!”

This is a special orientation session for first-time Frontiers in Writing Conference attendees to explain what to expect and answer all of your concerns. It will be held  Thursday, June 28 at Barnes and Noble, starting a 7:30 P.M., located at 2415 Soncy Road in Amarillo, TX.

You’ll walk into the FiW conference on Friday feeling confident and prepared to begin your writing journey.

Rory C. Keel

Frontiers in Writing 1st Timer orientation

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Frontiers in Writing 1st Timer orientation
Rory Craig Keel will be conducting a special 1st Timer orientation just prior to Frontiers in Writing Conference on Thursday, June 28th. from 7:30 – 8:30 PM  in the Classroom at Barnes and Noble Bookstore, 2415 Soncy Road, Amarillo, TX.
If you’re new to writing and this is your first conference, then let us answer all your questions and concerns. As a multi-award winning author, his writing has been featured in heavensentministries.org, thisspirituallife.com, seedsofhopeonline.com, The Secret Place devotional magazine by Judson Press, and he blogs every week at wordsmithsix.wordpress.com
 Rory C. Keel

Long Sentences

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Long Sentences

I write long sentences. I usually weave them through a story, bobbing in and out, up and down causing the reader to run out of breath. However, not all long sentences are bad. I have to remember that after long extended sentences, I need to sprinkle in a few that are short. I need to use some of medium length to fill in thoughts.

Keep changing the length and rhythm of your word combinations by adding varied length questions. Use one-word phrases or expressions when possible. This will keep the reader from becoming exhausted, or board with your writing. The End.

Rory C. Keel

Writing: Own It!

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Writing: Own It!

How many people have you told that you’re a writer? I’m not counting the people at the writers conference you just attended. What about your family or close friends?

OWFI ’12 keynote, Steven James, encouraged us to come to the realization writing is work and own the fact we’re writers.

With limited bio space on the various social media venues, how do you make your profile short and unique to cover all of the things you are?  So much of my time is taken up with life and I struggle to find writing time. Mother, office manager, volunteer, rancher’s wife, shuttle service for kids–the list goes on and on. Life for most of us is so full and complicated. How can we let everyone know how well-rounded, talented, disciplined and wonderful we are if we’re only limited to a 60 word bio?

Steven James said, “Forget the day time stuff you have to do to pay the bills. Write and own it. You’re a writer.”

Recently, I changed my facebook profile to “Writer”.

What about you?

Natalie Bright

http://www.nataliebright.com

BATTLING THE BEAST

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BATTLING THE BEAST

I gaze into the eyes of the beast searching to find its soul. I am caught in the childhood game of “the first one who blinks looses,” yet he shows no emotion, no rising of brow, no blinking or shedding of tears, just a long menacing stare.

The creature’s leering eye grows brighter with every passing moment, seemingly intent on seeing the space of my existence. My vision is full of his sight, yet I see nothing.

I study his unrelenting look, my mind searching the far corners and deep recesses, constantly swirling, struggling to find some strategy, or weapon or even one simple word that might defeat my enemy and win this mind-numbing battle.

The desire to close my eyes tugs at the lids. The moisture surrounding my orbs in their sockets has become dry and I struggle against the urge to rub them. The creature shows no signs of weakening and continues to counter every glance.

Without my consent, sudden darkness is all I see. I blink. I am immediately torn between two emotions. First, relief. Moist droplets flood my eyes like waters of the sea crashing onto the shore. The fetters that once restrained the rubbing of my eyelids have now been unfastened.

And second, In the darkness of my blink, dread fills my mind as I wait for the wrath of my opponent to be unleashed. Or perhaps he has already struck with such a swift penalty that I didn’t feel the pain. In the deafening silence I dare to open my eyes. To my surprise I find that it was not I who blinked first, but the computer screen upon which I placed these words.

Rory C. Keel

Where do I start?

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 Where do I start?

This is a common question by those who want to write a book. With all the many instructions and how-to’s out there, let me suggest three simple Ideas.

Develop a THEME for your book.

First, develop a theme for your story. Theme is different than subject in that it expresses a purpose or intent of the subject. For example, your subject might be a run-away girl, but your theme might be, “There’s no place like home.” The theme is what ties your plot and characters together.

Develop the PLOT

Develop the Plot or the action of your story. The plot is not equivalent to conflict, but is a series of dilemmas or encounters, which may include conflict, that helps your main character to evolve through their needs and motivations.

Create CHARACTERS

These are the people who reveal your theme. They connect with the reader by their traits and inner qualities described by the writer in a believable way. By matching their characteristics with the theme and running them through the plot, they must change in some recognizable way.

These three intertwined together will form a satisfying story. So let’s get started!

Rory C. Keel

Frontiers in Writing 1st Timer orientation

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Frontiers in Writing 1st Timer orientation
Rory Craig Keel will be conducting a special 1st Timer orientation just prior to Frontiers in Writing Conference on Thursday, June 28th. from 7:30 – 8:30 PM  in the Classroom at Barnes and Noble Bookstore, 2415 Soncy Road, Amarillo, TX.
If you’re new to writing and this is your first conference, then let us answer all your questions and concerns. As a multi-award winning author, his writing has been featured in heavensentministries.org, thisspirituallife.com, seedsofhopeonline.com, The Secret Place devotional magazine by Judson Press, and he blogs every week at wordsmithsix.wordpress.com