Category Archives: Writing

A Writer’s Thanksgiving

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A Writer’s Thanksgiving

by Adam Huddleston

 

Well folks, it’s that magical time of year again when leaves are falling, footballs are sailing through the crisp air, and turkeys everywhere are acting a bit…skittish. It’s Thanksgiving! There are many things that I am thankful for, and a few of those are specific to me being a writer.

  1. My wife and kids for supporting me in extra-curricular activities that sometimes keep me from them.
  2. My critique group who encourage and enlighten on a regular basis.
  3. My laptop and work computers for holding reams of literature that may one day see the light of day.
  4. The freedom to express myself under the First Amendment in a country that, while divided, still holds onto a visage of its former self.

Happy Thanksgiving and happy writing!

ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES

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Reasons to Write

     Why do I write? Is it because throngs of fans demand it, anticipating every word of my next masterpiece? Is it because I honestly expect to make millions of dollars on a bestseller, or desire to be famous? No.

This week I will share with you the 5th reason of why I write                                                                                                                                                                                   

Reason #5 – Endless Possibilities                                                    

On a recent business trip to the west coast, I noticed something amazing. Traveling along the highway, I read the billboards. Some of them knew I was reading them and said things like, “Caught you looking!” or “You’re so good. You read me like a book!” As spots on a connect-the-dots drawing, these towering advertisements had information about the grandest hotels, motels and the cleanest restrooms. They pointed the way to the best buffets and restaurants. Some revealed the places to go for the nightlife, and what it will cost if you drink too much of the highlife and turn into a lowlife while driving.

Occasionally we pulled into roadside rest-stops for short breaks and “free coffee,” and then we would load up on all the local vacation magazines, free maps and tourist information to read along the way. One visitor’s guide said that Arizona has more boats per capita than any other state in the nation—and they’re a land locked desert!

My point is that the possibilities for writers are endless because writing is everywhere. From billboards along the American road to epic novels, behind everything you read is a writer.

Rory C. Keel

WRITING LIFE

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WRITING LIFE

By Natalie Bright

The writing life is a solitary endeavor, and routinely interrupted by everybody!

Seriously, at times writers have to put aside the world within their heads and face reality. Somebody’s always hungry (at least at my house), something needs cleaning, bills waiting to be paid, and laundry is piling up. I’ve been hit with reality for several weeks now and I can’t seem to dig out from under it. I really miss my fictional world.

Many experts suggest that you have to live a real life in order to find material for your stories. Overheard conversations, experiences, and research can add richness to your writing. That may be true. During this break my creative mind may be taking a pause, but my self-editor and self-doubt is partying hard. I’m a loser. I’ve been working on a 500 word piece for a month now and it’s just not coming together. At this point, I’m totally convinced that I will never write anything again that anyone will want to read. I can’t see that I’m making any progress towards building a writing career. I’m done.

Thank goodness part of the real world this past weekend included a writer’s meeting. Author and song-writer, Jan Sikes, talked to the Texas High Plains Writers group in Amarillo about her series of books based on her life with a musician. Using the facts of her own experiences, she changed the names of the people involved to create what she explains is 90% true and 10% fiction. She even gave herself a fictional name so that she can step back from the very personal connection and bring this fascinating love-story to life. Her talk was excellent. I’ll share some of her writing advice with you next week.

Thank goodness I am reminded how sitting in a room full of creative people can give you inspiration to keep going.

Texas High Plains Writers meets every other month on the third Saturday at the Amarillo Senior Citizens Center in downtown Amarillo.

Feelings

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POST CARDS FROM THE MUSE

Feelings

By Nandy Ekle

 

Feelings. Emotions. Moods. Heart. These are some of the heaviest words in the English language. They are also very important to a story. The reason they’re so critical is because our stories are about people. And people have feelings and emotions oozing from every pore.

Our feelings are what make the difference between a newscast and a gut wrenching story that stays with a person for days, begging to be read again. The stronger the emotion, the deeper the tie to your reader.

Now, as a woman, I realized something a long time ago. Emotions are scary. The more emotion I feel, the less control I feel. What this means as a writer is that I tend to shy away from emotional writing. Cramming so much feeling into my words touches my own emotions and I feel the longing, the desperation, and the pain of my characters. But the thing to remember is it will also touch my readers’ feelings and make them love the character.

Some of the emotions we need to use copious amounts of are anger, sadness, betrayal, fear, happiness, love, depression, confusion, hunger, and longing, just to name a few.

One of the main things I find myself saying to people when they ask me to edit their stories is “more emotion.” Make me feel her desperation for love. Make me feel his helplessness. Make me want to cry my eyes out. And make me want to curl up in a ball in the corner and cover my eyes as I tremble with terror.

I think the way to do this is to truly connect with my own character. And this will be the subject of my next blog.

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

Thanksgiving Cuisine

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Thanksgiving Cuisine

by Adam Huddleston

This week, just for grins and giggles, I thought we’d look at a few traditional items found on the dinner table on Thanksgiving Day and try to come up with a few adjectives for each. These are my descriptions, so it’s possible, but highly unlikely, that they’ll differ with yours.

  1. Turkey-juicy/dry (depending on the bird and the cook’s ability), succulent, savory
  2. Stuffing-earthy, salty, fluffy
  3. Cranberries-sweet, tart/tangy
  4. Green bean casserole-creamy, crunchy,
  5. Broccoli and rice casserole-cheesy, comforting
  6. Sweet potatoes-smooth, filling, sweet
  7. Rolls-hot, yeasty
  8. Pumpkin pie-sweet, delicious

The Trilogy

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Outtakes 222

The Trilogy

by Cait Collins

 

 

Take a seer, an archeologist, a magician, a navigator, a sprite, and a warrior, add a legend and an exotic locale and you have Stars of Fortune, book one of the Guardians trilogy. Nora Roberts is a master in writing serial releases. Her fantasy/paranormal romances are among my favorite reads. I got hooked on this line of her works when I read the Three Sisters Island trilogy. I have not been disappointed. What makes the trilogies good reads? It’s in the essential elements of the books.

Characters are the key element of the stories. Each person possesses special skill sets. In many cases, the character knows his primary talent. For others it’s a learn-as-you-go revelation.

E ach character has flaws. Despite their gifts, each one must overcome his weakness in order for the group to fulfill its destiny.

 

Unity is primary. All skills are necessary for success, but trust is essential.

Good and evil are clearly defined.

Actions or lack thereof are the choices of the character.

Magic is a respected gift that should not be abused.

 

Locales are exotic. Islands, gardens, forests, Ireland, and country inns provide setting. Bold descriptions make the story realistic. Local lore and customs ground the reader and allows her or him to become part of the story.

Romance is an element of the story, but it is not the story. Some of my friends view romance novels as silly and stupid. In their minds, it all about sex, But if the story were only about sex, it would become unbelievable. There has to be more than the physical response. In good romance novels, it is committed love that permits the characters to keep going when the odds are not in their favor. Love is glue that holds them together.

Friendships are cemented by love. Knowing that the members of the team are willing to fight and die for a cause frees the protagonist to step up to defeat an enemy.

Love is magic. With love all things are possible.

In skillfully combining these elements, Ms. Roberts weaves stories of bold deeds, causes won, and life fulfilled. And it leaves the reader anticipating the next installment of the tale. Even though the second book will not be released until late next year, the author will release a contemporary romantic suspense in April of 2016. And that, my fellow readers, is just one more jewel in Nora Roberts’ long list of successful novels. I wish I had her backlist.

 

Keep on keeping on. That’s the true secret.

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Keep on keeping on. That’s the true secret.

DeWanna Pace

 

These are inspirational words that I have tacked to my office bulletin board from a local author and creative writing instructor. One of DeWanna’s dreams was to be a published romance author for Harlequin, and that dream was finally realized. Right after she sold to Harlequin, she was taken suddenly last year and sadly did not live to see publication of those stories.

We’re celebrating the release of her last book with Harlequin, THE TEXAS RANGER’S SECRET, which will be released in January 2016. The exciting news is that this book has received a Top Pick starred review. Please watch for more information right here at WordsmihSix Sunday Writer’s news.

Thanks to DeWanna Pace for her ever present encouragement and unfailing support of writers. She is greatly missed.

THE TEXAS RANGER’s SECRET by Dewanna Pace

Willow McMurty has just arrived in Texas for her sister’s wedding. As a fiction writer, she hopes to learn a thing or two about Texas Rangers. When she meets handsome Gage Newcomb, she believes that she’s found the perfect man to teach her about Ranger life. Now all she has to do is get him to agree to help her. With a cunning outlaw on the loose whom Gage has been tracking for years, he finds it hard to trust anyone, including Willow.

 

Sunday Writings – 2016 WILLA Competition Open

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2016 WILLA Competition Open

The WILLA Literary Awards honors the best in literature,
featuring women’s or girls’ stories set in the West that are
published each year. Women Writing the West (WWW), a
non-profit association of writers and other professionals
writing and promoting the Women’s West, underwrites
and presents the nationally recognized award annually at
the WWW Fall Conference. The award is named in honor
of Pulitzer Prize winner Willa Cather, one of the country’s foremost novelists.
Entries are now being accepted in seven categories for the 2016 WILLA
Awards. Books must have a 2015 publication date, feature a girl or woman and be set in the West.

Entry fee: $50. Details and application at www.womenwritingthewest.org.

Anne Schroeder
2016 WILLA Chair

Nanowrimo

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Nanowrimo

by Adam Huddleston

 

Well folks, Nanowrimo is in full swing. And like the last few years, I have already bowed out. I say this not as a discouragement, but rather in the spirit of frankness. On the contrary, I highly encourage others to attempt the monumental feat known as “Nanowrimo.”

“What is it?” you may ask. The month of November has been designated as National Novel Writing month. The website www.nanowrimo.com contains a competition where contests may submit a fifty-thousand word novella. The catch is every single word must be written between November 1 and November 30. It sounds daunting, and for most it is. A writer must average 1,667 words a day.

If you are one of the fortunate ones whose life commitments allow you to attempt this task, I would give these bits of advice:

  1. Begin plotting your story before November 1. Although this may not help now, it will if you participate in the future. Having a plot before you start will allow you to focus on the actual writing.
  2. Use software to track your progress. Being able to see how many words you’ve written each day will keep you focused.
  3. Ask friends, family members, and/or other writers to keep you motivated. Believe me, it is very easy to get burned-out and quit before it’s over.
  4. Don’t worry about editing. Just get those words down as quickly as possible. December is for fixing your work.
  5. Have fun!

How’s Your Penmanship?

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Outtakes 221

How’s Your Penmanship?

By Cait Collins

It’s getting closer to the holidays and I’m starting to put my to-do list together. One of my big things is my Christmas card list. I like keeping in touch with family and old friends. I’m very particular about the cards I send. I can spend an hour or more going through the card displays at my favorite Hallmark store. I buy special pens and nice envelope seals.

I hand-address and sign every card. Some have short hand-written notes. Instead of a computer generated letter, I write my letters individually and gear them to the recipient. Do not misunderstand, I enjoy reading the annual newsletters I receive, and if I had a huge list, I would probably do a computer letter. But my list is relatively small, so I write the letters.

So what goes into my letters? It depends on the person, but I try to recall good memories, update friends and family on important events during the year, inquire on goings on with their families, and end with good wishes for the holiday. Each letter is personal.

My mom taught me the importance of the Christmas card tradition. Being in the military, we were often separated from family and friends during the holidays. Cards and notes were Mom’s way of being part of the extended family when we were not able to be home for Christmas. Her list grew with each transfer as she added new friends. Sadly, she would receive notes letting her know of the passing of a special friend. Her address book was filled with pages with names lined through. It was her way of saying “Gone, but not forgotten.” When she became too ill to write her cards, I took on the task. Sometimes I would have to ask her about the person so I could target the letter. I always made sure to get the letters completed early so she could sign them.

As we become more technology oriented, we tend to neglect the old ways. We lose touch with folks who were parts of our lives. We forget there are ties that keep us together, and memories that had impact on us. This holiday season why not reach out to those who hold special places in our hearts. Write a letter. Tuck it inside of a holiday card. The rewards are priceless.