Category Archives: Writing

Reading and Writing

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Reading and Writing

Rory C. Keel

A few things that can help you become a better writer and reader.

  1. Practice – Writing makes you a better writer and reading makes you a better reader.
  2. Read, think, read, write, ponder, write – and read some more.
  3. Learn a new word everyday.
  4. Read lots of books.
  5. Write. And then write some more.
  6. Get the pen and fingers moving, or use a computer.
  7. Read what you have written aloud to anyone who will listen – including the cat.
  8. Keep a journal to keep the writing juices flowing.
  9. Read what you’ve written over and over, until you can’t find any more problems.
  10. Before you take a trip, read any information you can find and then write about your experience.

SYNOPSIS

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SYNOPSIS

Natalie Bright

A summary of the novel’s events and a cataloging of character development in narrative form.

Writing Assignment:

Write a two page Synopsis for your current work in progress. Keep it tight, concise and try to let your own “voice” and writing style shine through.

Elements of a Synopsis

The opening hook: what makes your story stand out from the rest?

Who is the main character?

Trigger Event.

What your main character learns.

Conflict/Resolution/Ending/Resuts.

 

Adventures

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POST CARDS FROM THE MUSE

Adventures

By Nandy Ekle

Same old thing, day in, day out. Nothing ever changes, always the same.

Or does it . . .

When you wake up in the morning, what’s the first thing you think? Does the same thought roll across your mind every single day? If you do, try to consciously think something different. Here’s an example. Instead of jabbing the alarm clock and thinking gloomily that you have to get up, try changing the sound of your alarm. I’ve chosen a piece of music to remind me of a fantastic trip coming up later this year. So the first thing i think in the morning is about the ocean. You could change your alarm to dogs barking or babies laughing, or even a typewriter clacking away.

How about getting dressed? Well, where I work the dress code is business casual, except on Fridays. Our company uses the “casual Friday” option allowing blue jeans. So, during the week, find a way to spice up your outfit. Try playing with colors. And what do these colors do for you when you wear them?

Changing your routines can stimulate creativity. And, as we all know, a stimulated sense of creativity invites the muse to visit you — and she always brings gifts.

Congratulations. You have just received a post card from the muse.

 

 

 

New Programs, New Possibilities

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Outtakes 154

 

New Programs, New Possibilities

By Cait Collins

 

I still admit to being a dinosaur when it comes to accepting new tech toys and programs. Some of them just don’t appear to fit in my neat legal pad mind. I’m trying to convince myself to keep an open mind concerning some updates that are about to appear on my computer at work. As we are testing the new programs, I will try to figure out ways to use the technology on my writer’s laptop. In some instances, the programs are currently installed on my systems. Right now, I’m experimenting with Microsoft OneNote.

I like the idea of having a notebook for each project. One notebook could be titled Outtakes. I could move all my archived blogs to the book with tabs for each blog. The tabs would be labeled with the Outtakes number and title. Not only would this arrangement be an excellent filing system, it would also act as a subject reminder to prevent repeating topics.

Notebooks bearing the title of my current works would keep the individual chapters better organized. Deleted scenes could be filed under a tab for easy recovery. Notes, ideas, and photographs regarding the work have an accessible place.

My ideas sound good, but will they work? That’s a question that can’t be answered at this point. However, rejecting the possibilities without even testing them is short sighted. Any program that saves time and keeps me organized is worth the learning curve. I wonder if using OneNote will allow me to get rid of at least half of my manuscript storage boxes?

Better Critiques

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Better Critiques

By Rory C. Keel

 

Recently I re-examined a few rules on critiquing other writers’ works. Occasionally I have to do this because I tend to get caught up in the stories. There’s nothing better than someone reading a story to you, right?

First, when you give a critique, start with praise. The most fearful thing about having your work judged is the fear of mean spirited criticism. Find something that you like about the piece, whether it is the overall story idea, plot, character or phrase in the writing that touched a cord with you.

Second, examine the overall piece. Does it make sense? Will it fit within the stated genre or purpose for the writing? What is the plot or premise? Does it have a reasonable conclusion? Does it read smoothly? Does it show rather than tell?

Third, check the details. This is the time to check the facts, note any phrases that seem to be odd or out of place. Mark grammar, misspelled words and punctuation errors.

Finally, critique another writer’s work with respect. Have an attitude of helping them improve their skills, not tearing them down.

Follow these simple rules and you will give and get better critiques.

roryckeel.com

Punography: 10 More!

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Punography: 10 More!

                                                  Submitted by Natalie Bright

 

·  I didn’t like my beard at first. Then it grew on me.

·  A cross-eyed teacher lost her job because she couldn’t control her pupils?
·  What does a clock do when it’s hungry?  It goes back four seconds..

·  Broken pencils are pointless.

·  What do you call a dinosaur with an extensive vocabulary?  A thesaurus.

·  England has no kidney bank, but it does have a Liverpool .

·  I used to be a banker, but then I lost interest.

·  All the toilets in London police stations have been stolen.
Police say they have nothing to go on.

·  I took the job at a bakery because I kneaded dough.

·  Velcro – what a rip off!

 

These Dreams

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POST CARDS FROM THE MUSE

 

These Dreams

By Nandy Ekle

I’m standing in a dark room. I can’t see anything, but I feel people around me. Something I had is missing and I’m looking for it. I walk slowly in what feels like a straight line, thinking I will get to the other side of the room. I hold my hands out in front of me, and I feel breezes pass in front of me as if I have just missed bumping into someone. I reach the other side of the room and discover a door knob. A phone begins to ring, but I can’t tell where the it is.

As I open the door air and light rush in. This room is full of people who appear to be frozen in the middle of an action. There’s no noise except the ringing phone. I walk through the room weaving my way around the frozen bodies. People are hanging in mid air, mid conversation, or mid action. They’re waiting for something, and I know that when I find wha’s missing, they will started to move again.

The phone rings louder and I know I’m close. I reach the other end of this new room and put my hand on the door, ready to push it open. A scrap of paper falls from my mouth and I pick it up. The words on the paper spell out, “Answer the phone.” I reach in my pocket and find the source of the ringing.

“Hello?” I say into the speaker.

“Ms. Ekle?”

“Yes?” The voice sounds familiar.

“I’ve wanted to meet you for a while.” A face representing the voice begins to materialize in my head.

“Thank you,” I answer.

“Write.” He says.

“Excuse me?”

“The people in the first room are new characters who would give anything in the world for you to write their stories. The frozen people in the light room are stuck until you finish telling their story. I’m simply telling you to write.”

“Yes, sir.” I say. “Who is this?”

“Stephen King.”

My eyes pop open and I realize I’ve been dreaming again.

How Do You Eat An Elephant?

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Outtakes 153

How Do You Eat An Elephant?
By Cait Collins

Have you ever had one of those weeks that just fell apart? You have so many obligations you can’t seem to get a handle on things. The pressure builds and one tiny little incident creates a meltdown. For me misplacing my keys was the last straw. My youngest sister told me about a time when she had a similar situation. Her husband asked, “How do you eat an elephant?” The answer is really quite simple. “One bite at a time.”

No one can eat an entire elephant, but if broken into pieces, the task can be accomplished. This is my solution.

  1. Admit there is a problem. Write it down. “I have over committed myself and need to get everything together.
  2. Take a nap. Yes take a nap. Even a twenty or thirty minute power nap can clear the cobwebs and allow you to think more clearly.
  3. Make a detailed list. Begin with what must be done today. Do not put anything on this list that can be put off until tomorrow. Do the same for each day. Now everything is broken into manageable bites.
  4. Do one task from beginning to end. Do not allow yourself to be sidetracked. When job is completed, mark it off the list and go on to the next one. When the day’s list is finished, quit for the day. Tomorrow will take care of itself.
  5. When the crisis has passed, get a better handle on your calendar. Make sure you allow yourself time for professional and social commitments, but do not neglect your responsibilities to family, faith, and yourself.
  6. Responsibility to self includes eating right and getting sufficient sleep. No one can function properly if the body is not fueled and rested.
  7. If you know you will not be able to honor an obligation, own up to it, but don’t wait until the last minute. Try to give your editor, agent, or the organization notice so that they may make other arrangements.

Life happens. That’s why it is best to avoid getting behind. But when the world does get a bit crazy, step back, take a deep breath, and then take the first bite of the elephant. You might season the beast with a bit of salt and pepper and a bottle of steak sauce. It will make the meal go down better.

WRITING CONTESTS BENEFITS

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Writing Contests Benefits

By Rory C. Keel

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

Spirit

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Outtakes 152

Release 06-04-2014

 

Spirit

By Cait Collins

 

I love watching kids. There’s something so wonderful about their innocence. They believe and they dream. If you remind a child Santa Claus is watching, he behaves. Children accept the Easter Bunny, the Tooth Fairy, leprechauns. Elves, and Frosty the Snowman simply because a grown-up told them these creatures exist. And they dream big dreams for their lives. I listened to one little guy define his life’s ambition. He planned to be a doctor so he could make sick people well, and a policeman so he could put the bad guys in jail, and a teacher so he could give the school bullies homework. Oh, and he would do all three jobs at the same time. I have no doubt he will be successful.

Even though I love kids, I find them difficult to write. Maybe it’s because I have no children of my own. Whatever the reason, capturing their spirit and openness eludes me. The portrayals seem like empty balloons. So what’s the answer? I think it lies in being a kid again. Color eggs at Easter. Put a “tooth” under your pillow. Sit on Santa’s lap. As you do these things, try to remember how you felt when you believed. Accept that innocence is a good thing and wish you could drop your jaded attitudes. When you’ve immersed yourself in childlike pursuits and attitudes, then it is easier to craft the character.

By the way, Santa, the Tooth Fairy, and the Easter Bunny are real.