One Writer Lifting Others

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One Writer Lifting Others

By Natalie Bright

Towards the end of the year, I attended the funeral of a bestselling author from Amarillo. Guided by an obsession for the written word, she not only wrote novels and short stories, but worked as a school librarian, taught writing at the community college, and edited stories for those blessed to cross her path.

Her desire to help others was immeasurable and boundless. I was fortunate enough to have heard her speak several times, and her ability to inspire others is unforgettable. On occasion, I’d receive an email or note card from this lady with just the right message that propelled me onward. My bulletin board is dotted with her little pearls of kindness. Seeing myself through her eyes, I could reach my dreams. She not only motivated us, she made us braver.

In addition to the usual eulogy and music, a dear friend and critique partner of 35 years shared the story of her writing journey. Following that, her son-in-law spoke, and that’s when I realized there was much that I didn’t know about this woman. This young man told us about his “white mama”. As a black man married to her only daughter, he shared how his mother-in-law’s love for him had no limits. During one of the lowest points in his life, he treasures their talks about life and how her faith and belief in him made him a better man.

This remarkable young man’s mother spoke next. She shared how grateful she was to this family for accepting and loving her son during a troubling time in his life. She spoke of having a special bond with this white family that can never be broken and had no color boundaries.

Both testimonies were heart wrenching. She was living proof that the power of one loving heart can accept and affect others. The resolve of one writer to keep writing can guide others to do the same. Remembering the life of this talented lady makes me proud to be a part of a special writing community, and to have the ability to live and work in the Texas Panhandle.

Rest in Peace dear Dewanna.

In addition to a lengthy career in education, DeWanna Pace also penned twenty books and six anthologies. One of her life-long dreams was to write for HARLEQUIN. At the time of her sudden passing, she was working on a new series for Harlequin Love Inspired.

Update: A book launch will be held in Dewanna’s honor to introduce her most recent book published by Harlequin; THE DADDY LIST. Please join local authors and friends for a life celebration on March 7, 2:00 to 4:00 PM, at Barnes and Noble Booksellers, 2415 Soncy Road, Amarillo.

Look Around

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POST CARDS FROM THE MUSE

Look Around

By Nandy Ekle

 

Last night was critique night. We sat around the conference table and presented our stories to the group, then we gave some constructive ideas of how to make the stories better. My dear friend’s story reminded me of something I guess I had forgotten during the chaotic days of what I call “Hallowthanksmas” (which I’m stealing from a greeting card I once read). My friend’s story was a humorous piece about all the eating we do during that period of time.

Her story was charming, well written, timely and very enjoyable. But the thing I got from the story was the reminder that every moment of every day is something to write about. There are stories in successes and frustrations, no matter how trivial they may seem. There are histories of objects around you. There are adventures of even getting out of your chair to walk to the trash can.

One day, back when I was an office manager for two businesses, there was a minor crisis with the fax machine and the postage machine. The whole entire episode lasted about 30 minutes, but when it was resolved, a cute picture came in my head where the postage machine gained a personality and hijacked the fax machine to enjoy a day of freedom on the phone lines and cyberspace.

I also wrote a short essay one time describing the shrieking blizzard taking place outside the window. I’ve written deep explicit descriptions of a room while waiting for an appointment. I’ve even written stories about how my inspiration to write something shriveled up and died on the floor in front of me like a pet.

So I’m passing my reminder on to you, my readers. The challenge is to find one moment today that makes you say, “There’s a story there.” Go ahead and post your story in the comments below and share it with the rest of us. Who knows, it could be the start of something bigger.

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

Into the Woods

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Outtakes 178

Into the Woods

By Cait Collins

 

I enjoy movies and stage plays. The ingenuity of set designers for the two mediums, special effects, and costume designer along with the actors’ interpretations of the characters and the directors’ visions make for interesting entertainment. When a story is presented as both a play and a movie, you can have a real treat.

I saw Into the Woods on stage several years ago at the Amarillo Little Theater. ALT has a reputation for presenting both family friendly and more adventurous plays. I have never been disappointed in a production by the ALT team. Into the Woods falls into the more adult realm. It is a fractured fairy tale with themes not necessarily suitable for young children. The director and his cast broke the darkness with humor. In one scene, the two princes were a bit over the top in their duet, which was fine. That fit the directors’ interpretation of the playwright’s words.

The new Disney version is equally interesting. The cast is top notch, the music fantastic, the scene and set design amazing, and the photography out of this world. While special effects were involved, they did not overwhelm the production. I enjoyed the movie version every bit as much as the stage play.

The Disney Studios are masters of animation and live action entertainment. As a child I cheered when Cinderella married the prince. Both characters were perfect. They had no flaws. On the other hand, the stepmother and stepsisters had no redeeming qualities. Into the Woods also presents the stepsisters and stepmother as void of good. However, both the Prince and Cinderella are allowed flaws. In so doing, they are more believable. Even Red Riding Hood is more than a cardboard character. While the animated version is great for kids, it’s not satisfying for adults. Grown-ups know people have both good and bad qualities.

Writers must use this knowledge to craft characters that are real and multi-dimensional. Even the most evil character has at least one redeeming quality. Maybe he loves and cares for his kids. Perhaps it’s a soft spot for his mother. The author must employ all the character’s traits to make him or her grounded and alive. As I learned from Into the Woods, even Prince Charming had his weakness. And I liked him better for the flaw.

Write The Book

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Write The Book

By Rory C. Keel

 

With the New Year off to a blazing fast start, many people who have made their New Year’s resolutions are now on their way to succeeding while others have already thought about throwing in the towel of quitting. This year my goal is to complete my Novel UNLAWFUL WORDS without quitting.

You’re a Quitter!

I consulted my dictionary for the meaning of the word quitter. When I turned the page and looked at the definition I saw the outline of my face beginning to form beside the word, metaphorically speaking. It read, “A quitter is a person who gives up easily and does not have the determination to finish the task before him.”

I think about how many times in the past I’ve wanted to finish my book and haven’t. This year I need to finish my book.

The need to write the book

Is it a passing fad or a one-time flash-in-the-pan idea? Does the story touch the heart and mind, or carry a message that would inform, change or move mankind in a positive direction? The answers to these questions can make a difference in the motivation or need of a writer to finish a project, or it can stop them completely.

Driving me to write this book is a personal need to share the story of an honest man who finds himself on the wrong side of right. When the truth is revealed, he faces severe persecution and death itself while seeking redemption.

Lets be real.

What makes this year different than last year? If the world continues to turn, this year will have the same amount of time as the last, but the difference is having a plan. With organization, scheduling of writing time, and other distractions eliminated or minimized, I can visualize success this year.

Nothing comes without a cost

To write a book is not free. There will be a sacrifice of time, a must have in order to write. There may even be certain individuals who need to be weeded out, or places avoided and distractions to the writing mind need to be removed. This will be a conscious effort to de-clutter and streamline everyday life, shall we say, “spring-cleaning” the closet of life.

With determination not to be found in the dictionary beside the word quitter, the proper motivation, plan and willingness to pay the price, let’s do this!

roryckeel.com

Book Review: Writing Down the Bones

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Book Review: Writing Down the Bones

By Natalie Bright

 

Over the holidays I read Writing Down the Bones: Freeing the Writer Within by Natalie Goldberg, poet, painter, book author, and creative writing instructor on the Zen practice of writing. I’m so thankful that I did not read this as a newbie writer; it wouldn’t have meant so much way back then.

The Why isn’t Important

Presented in short chapters covering varied topics, Goldberg makes the point to dig deep into your writing. It’s an intense process where the writer has to step outside of themselves and just write, and it’s enough that we want to. Just do it. Psychologists can sort out the why—wow! Thank you, thank you Ms. Goldberg. Isn’t that a relief to know? And she gives us this great Hemingway quote: “Not the why, but the what.”

Don’t be a Goody Two-Shoes

One paragraph in particular really made me rethink this crazy process. In the section titled “The Goody Two-Shoes Nature” Goldberg talks about the age old rule of writing every day. She points out that some people go through the motions and follow this rule religiously, but does their writing improve? Is this a waste of time and energy if you stress yourself over staring at a blank screen? Instead, Goldberg suggests you are allowed to stay away, if your heart’s not into writing. Come back when you’re on fire for that WIP, when you’re “hungry to say something.” Don’t just put in the time, but put some heart into your effort as well.

Finding the Fire

I’ve been working on a picture book idea, which isn’t many words but every single word must be the absolute right word. I’ve read it a zillion times. Instead of staring at the manuscript every day during the holidays, I watched movies, cooked, re-arranged Christmas decorations more than once, and made a huge dent in my TBR pile of books. When I finally got a quiet morning to sit down at the keyboard, I was on fire for that story. It had been simmering in my head for several weeks and I stayed with it most of that day. That was a productive writing session and wow, what a great feeling. Writing is fun! I can hardly wait for critique meeting, so I can get everyone’s opinion.

If you read any story craft book in the new year, this is the one. You MUST add this to your writing reference library in 2015 and ASAP.

Hope you have a happy and productive 2015, and thanks for following us on WordsmithSix!

Nataliebriight.com

Into the Woods

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Outtakes 178

Into the Woods

By Cait Collins

 

I enjoy movies and stage plays. The ingenuity of set designers for the two mediums, special effects, and costume designer along with the actors’ interpretations of the characters and the directors’ visions make for interesting entertainment. When a story is presented as both a play and a movie, you can have a real treat.

I saw Into the Woods on stage several years ago at the Amarillo Little Theater. ALT has a reputation for presenting both family friendly and more adventurous plays. I have never been disappointed in a production by the ALT team. Into the Woods falls into the more adult realm. It is a fractured fairy tale with themes not necessarily suitable for young children. The director and his cast broke the darkness with humor. In one scene, the two princes were a bit over the top in their duet, which was fine. That fit the directors’ interpretation of the playwright’s words.

The new Disney version is equally interesting. The cast is top notch, the music fantastic, the scene and set design amazing, and the photography out of this world. While special effects were involved, they did not overwhelm the production. I enjoyed the movie version every bit as much as the stage play.

The Disney Studios are masters of animation and live action entertainment. As a child I cheered when Cinderella married the prince. Both characters were perfect. They had no flaws. On the other hand, the stepmother and stepsisters had no redeeming qualities. Into the Woods also presents the stepsisters and stepmother as void of good. However, both the Prince and Cinderella are allowed flaws. In so doing, they are more believable. Even Red Riding Hood is more than a cardboard character. While the animated version is great for kids, it’s not satisfying for adults. Grown-ups know people have both good and bad qualities.

Writers must use this knowledge to craft characters that are real and multi-dimensional. Even the most evil character has at least one redeeming quality. Maybe he loves and cares for his kids. Perhaps it’s a soft spot for his mother. The author must employ all the character’s traits to make him or her grounded and alive. As I learned from Into the Woods, even Prince Charming had his weakness. And I liked him better for the flaw.

WHAT’S IN A NAME?

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WHAT’S IN A NAME?

By Rory C. Keel

“Okay, somebody write a quick blog on trying to find a name for your blog!”

                                                                                             –Natalie Bright

Choosing the one specific term that describes six different writers with very different styles and genres, can be a daunting task. One would think that such an imaginative group could quickly produce a name so extraordinary, so remarkable that the mere mention of it would describe each individual and their genres perfectly. We settled on something a little less complicated.

What about Tuesday?

Welcome to our blog. My name is Rory and every Tuesday I will be sharing with you some of the ideas and lessons that I’ve learned, and will learn along the way to publication. I’m excited to be a part of a group of writers ranging from beginners to the experienced, from the unpublished to multiple publications, and that has the motivation to move forward in their writing. I write Christian fiction and non-fiction, Historical western, short stories, and creative nonfiction. I have published several Christian devotionals, and I have song lyrics published on a CD, “Alabaster Box.”

Choosing the Name

So, how did we choose the name? We tossed words onto a dry erase board, and then the six of us wrestled them around until one stood up and screamed, “Pick Me!” And what is the name that captures the essence of our critique group?

Wordsmith Six

Wordsmith Six consists of six writers who cover the spectrum in genres—a group of a half-dozen close friends who love words, whether we’re reading, writing or researching them. We have individuals who write Women’s Fiction, Historical, Inspirational and Screenplay. Others love Romance, Western, Christian fiction and Middle grade children’s books. Included are authors with published Fiction and Nonfiction books, TV Documentaries, Song Lyrics, Humor and yes, even HORROR.

We have lots of stories to tell and you’re invited to follow along.

Click on the author page above to connect with Rory.

Rory C. Keel

A NEW YEAR OF WRITING

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By Natalie Bright

To start your New Year of writing, I ran across this list of story fundamentals.

  • memorable characters
  • a theme that entertains & enlightens
  • conflict
  • structure – beginning and middle and end
  • point of view
  • plot
  • resolution, great ending, satisfying

During January, WordsmithSix members will meet to work on our goals list for the next year. Hope you have a wonderful and productive 2015!

Natalie Bright

Relax

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POST CARDS FROM THE MUSE

Relax

By Nandy Ekle

Shopping, cooking, eating, decorating, partying, wrapping, mailing, planning, eating, cleaning, making up extra beds, staying up late hours, hugging, kissing, laughing, crying, eating, re-cleaning, unwrapping, redecorating, good-bying, and re-cleaning again. From the beginning of November through the beginning of January, life is nonstop chaos. And for those of us whose comfort is routine and order, The Holidays are exhausting. Add to that a full-time job, unfinished stories and a cruel conscience, and, well, no wonder the muse vanishes every time we boot up the computer.

Now, it’s over. The time has come to put things back in order and continue on with your life. But you’re tired. No, that’s not right. You’re EXHAUSTED. You put your hands on the keys and watch them just sit there. Ideas bounce around in your head with characters and scenes.

What you really need is rest. Give yourself permission to take one week off. Heal, rest, relax.

But don’t forget that while you’re resting and relaxing, your characters are frozen exactly where you left them, which, depending on where they are and what they’re doing, can be very awkward.

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

Taking a Break

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Outtakes 177

Taking a Break

By Cait Collins

 

Normally I’m very careful with my holiday social schedule, but this year things got out of hand. With my expanded work hours at my job and social commitments, I found myself coming home, sitting down on the couch and falling asleep. No matter how hard I tried, I could not stay awake long enough to write. I’m so thankful I have a two week vacation.

I’ve decided to take the first week off to recharge. There’s something refreshing about sleeping late, catching up on my reading, and reviewing the returned manuscripts from my beta readers. I have no schedule, no got-to-get-this done task list. I work at my pace, and when my brain starts shutting down, I take a nap. Next week I’ll do the final edits on my manuscript, put the finishing touches on my query letter, and email the letter to an agent.

Don’t get me wrong, I do believe in writing something every day. However, there are times when restoring our physical well being is more important. No one works at peak level when the body is exhausted. So during this busy season, enjoy time with friends and family, but remember to take care of yourself.

May your holiday be happy and your new year successful.