Yup, today I had one of those moments that made me stop dead in my tracks and say, whoa!
Let’s backtrack a bit, originally my PI, Rhonie Lude, in chapter 30, breaks into the business of a man who had recently been killed and who was tied to the individual she has been paid to follow. In the victim’s calendar, she finds someone's name she hadn’t expected to see. She had no idea those two were connected and so she begins to suspect the worse. It seemed like a good, plausible clue that could lead the reader to the killer. But, as I began to work on the plot change I mentioned yesterday, something really remarkable happened—the aha moment!
The scene I was working on today, (17) is when the police find a man dead of a bullet shot to the head. Here the homicide detective calls Lude in the middle of the night and asks her to go to the scene of the crime. Lude can't understand why he'd want her involved in his homicide case, but when she arrives, she discovers the victim is someone she’d recently seen with the individual she was paid to follow. As she and the detective discuss the man’s death, he shows her something he took out of the man's wallet.
What is it? Sorry, can't say--but it has something to do with what I originally had written in chapter 30. Now the dective has two reasons to watch Rhonie Lude. How much more intriguing this has become now that he confronts Lude with the incriminating evidence. Of course, she knows exactly what’s going on, but she's not talking.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
2010: Day 13 -- The Page Turner
Yesterday, I posted a note that during my third edit of "Shroud of Lies" I decided to change the way two of my characters die and who caused their deaths. Yes, I'll need to change large sections in several chapters in order to pull this off and on the surface, it seems like a major change, but it seems to me that for all the work and time that goes into writing a novel, spending a few extra days/weeks to perfect it isn't that much to ask.
After both "Silenced Cry" and "The Devil Can Wait" were released, I received numerous e-mails from readers who said they couldn't put the books down. Several mentioned staying up late into the morning hours to finish one more chapter. I want to believe that's true-that those readers truly enjoyed the books and are patiently waiting for me to publish the next one. And yet, when I read through those pages, I know I haven't yet written my best book. It's in here someplace waiting to come out--may be it will in "Shroud of Lies." At any rate, this isn't the time to relax. To not try to improve, to not push my skills to the next level would be the next crime I'd have to write about.
I mean, isn't making the next book better than the one before what it's all about? Writing a story that's so good, so compelling that readers will lose sleep? I think so. This article by author Elizabeth Sims http://writersdigest.com/article/how-to-make-your-novel-a-page-turner pretty much says it all.
After both "Silenced Cry" and "The Devil Can Wait" were released, I received numerous e-mails from readers who said they couldn't put the books down. Several mentioned staying up late into the morning hours to finish one more chapter. I want to believe that's true-that those readers truly enjoyed the books and are patiently waiting for me to publish the next one. And yet, when I read through those pages, I know I haven't yet written my best book. It's in here someplace waiting to come out--may be it will in "Shroud of Lies." At any rate, this isn't the time to relax. To not try to improve, to not push my skills to the next level would be the next crime I'd have to write about.
I mean, isn't making the next book better than the one before what it's all about? Writing a story that's so good, so compelling that readers will lose sleep? I think so. This article by author Elizabeth Sims http://writersdigest.com/article/how-to-make-your-novel-a-page-turner pretty much says it all.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
2010: Day 12 - Interesting Development
Several years ago, I read a book that truly captured my interest. It was well written, had interesting characters, and a really wonderful plot. The descriptions were so clear and precise that to this day I can still see many of the scenes and the movement of the book’s characters. It was great, until I got to the last couple of chapters when I was totally caught off guard by a convenient ending. You know what I'm talking about. The kind of ending that just says, "Here, yes, I did it and here’s how I did it and why. End of story."
That ending was so disappointing that it has remained in the back of my mind ever since. Now, as I near the final chapters of my WIP, I thought about it again and decided it was time to evaluate how I was going to end this book.
The idea stemmed from a minor character I introduced in an early chapter. I really enjoyed writing that scene because he was so vile and disgusting. However, I know that everything that is in a book, must have a purpose and up until today, this guy didn’t have one except to be obnoxious.
I decided it was time I bring him back into the plot, the question was, what role was he going to play and what was going to be his motivation? When I put myself in this situation the first thing I do is write a back story that answers the following: What makes this character tick? What’s happened in his past that brought him to this place and time? Who does he know? Who influenced him and why? What drives his actions?
After writing several pages, I developed an alternative plot twist. Granted it’ll require changing at least three or four of the chapters plus the motivation of one of the other characters. Still, I think the results will be worth the trouble. All I have to do is to take a day or so to let it roll around in my head.
That ending was so disappointing that it has remained in the back of my mind ever since. Now, as I near the final chapters of my WIP, I thought about it again and decided it was time to evaluate how I was going to end this book.
The idea stemmed from a minor character I introduced in an early chapter. I really enjoyed writing that scene because he was so vile and disgusting. However, I know that everything that is in a book, must have a purpose and up until today, this guy didn’t have one except to be obnoxious.
I decided it was time I bring him back into the plot, the question was, what role was he going to play and what was going to be his motivation? When I put myself in this situation the first thing I do is write a back story that answers the following: What makes this character tick? What’s happened in his past that brought him to this place and time? Who does he know? Who influenced him and why? What drives his actions?
After writing several pages, I developed an alternative plot twist. Granted it’ll require changing at least three or four of the chapters plus the motivation of one of the other characters. Still, I think the results will be worth the trouble. All I have to do is to take a day or so to let it roll around in my head.
Monday, January 11, 2010
2010: Day 11 - A Good Day All the Way Around
I edited two more chapters today. It's amazing how much needed cutting--mostly some redundancies. Glad to see these last few chapters are starting to take shape.
After dinner tonight, I came up to my office with the intent of starting on the next chapter. I decided to call me sister first for a quick chat and that’s when I found out that a cousin I haven't seen/spoken to since I was 16 years old (a long, long, long time ago) is following her blog.
If you've read my bio, you might have noticed that my family moved here from Argentina when I was four. That means that all our aunts, uncles, and cousins are still there. Unfortunately, because I was so young, I didn't keep up with everyone as much as I should have. At any rate, I was thrilled to find him and am looking forward to hearing from him soon. My fondest memory of him was when he and several of my other cousins and I went into Buenos Aires for dinner one night--I can't remember what we ate, but I remember I had a blast.
After dinner tonight, I came up to my office with the intent of starting on the next chapter. I decided to call me sister first for a quick chat and that’s when I found out that a cousin I haven't seen/spoken to since I was 16 years old (a long, long, long time ago) is following her blog.
If you've read my bio, you might have noticed that my family moved here from Argentina when I was four. That means that all our aunts, uncles, and cousins are still there. Unfortunately, because I was so young, I didn't keep up with everyone as much as I should have. At any rate, I was thrilled to find him and am looking forward to hearing from him soon. My fondest memory of him was when he and several of my other cousins and I went into Buenos Aires for dinner one night--I can't remember what we ate, but I remember I had a blast.
Sunday, January 10, 2010
2010: Day 10 - Oh Yay!
Finally, the new scene came to me! Changing the location of the scene meant recreating the entire opening so the first page had to go. In the process, I add justs over 447 words. I'm sure it'll need more editing, but for now I'm happy with the results.
On to number 37!
On to number 37!
Saturday, January 09, 2010
2010: Day 9 - Chapter Endings
Last October I attended a Donald Maass four-hour workshop. It goes without saying that those were the best four hours I’ve spent in a long time.
His message: Tension on every page—that’s what he focused his talk on—that’s what he wrote in my copy of “Writing the Breakout Novel.”
One thing I like to do is flip it open to any page and read a section. Today I opened it to page 174. In it he wrote about scenes that are predictably low tension; a character thinking while driving a car, having a coffee break, or relaxing in the shower. His advices we cut those scenes from our manuscript.
When I read on the following page about his advice on chapter endings, I thought of the number of manuscripts I've critiqued where the writer has a great ending then kills it with a long narrative explaining what just happened. Although the plot carries through from one chapter to another, I like to think of each as a short story all in its own. It should have a beginning, a middle, and an end and, as ever writer knows, the closing paragraph needs to grab the reader and make them want to turn the page.
Here’s a for instance taken from my novel, “The Devil Can Wait” chapter 21. In this scene, homicide detective Sam Harper has questioned Jennifer Blake, a newspaper reporteror several minutes. He suspects she knows something about the recent murders that have swept through the city of Chandler, but she refuses to talk:
“Careful, Ms Blake. No law will protect you if you’re an accomplice.”
“Don’t you dare threaten me. I know the law as well as my rights. I also know I didn’t do anything wrong. Take it or leave it.”
“It’s not a threat,” he said. “I’m your only way out.”
“What do you mean, out?”
Harper stood up, carefully pushed the chair in, and walked up behind her. He was near enough to catch the delicate scent of her perfume. For a moment, his thoughts weren’t particularly professional, but he allowed himself the pleasure. He leaned in close to her ear.
She didn’t move.
“Two men were brutally killed,” he said. “If I found a connection between you and the victims, so will the killer.”
Would it have the same impact if I would have added a summary narrative that tells the reader what they just read? Like ...
She didn’t move.
“Two men were brutally killed,” he said. “If I found a connection between you and the victims, so will the killer.”
Harper didn’t know what else to say, how to convince her to talk, or impress upon her the danger she was in? She had to be involved in the killings or at least know who was. It wouldn’t be long before they’d come after her, but then, it’d be too late.
This final paragraph is not only unnecessary, but it’s redundant and kills the tension that had been building up between the characters. Maass had this to say about “aftermath” scenes:
His message: Tension on every page—that’s what he focused his talk on—that’s what he wrote in my copy of “Writing the Breakout Novel.”
One thing I like to do is flip it open to any page and read a section. Today I opened it to page 174. In it he wrote about scenes that are predictably low tension; a character thinking while driving a car, having a coffee break, or relaxing in the shower. His advices we cut those scenes from our manuscript.
When I read on the following page about his advice on chapter endings, I thought of the number of manuscripts I've critiqued where the writer has a great ending then kills it with a long narrative explaining what just happened. Although the plot carries through from one chapter to another, I like to think of each as a short story all in its own. It should have a beginning, a middle, and an end and, as ever writer knows, the closing paragraph needs to grab the reader and make them want to turn the page.
Here’s a for instance taken from my novel, “The Devil Can Wait” chapter 21. In this scene, homicide detective Sam Harper has questioned Jennifer Blake, a newspaper reporteror several minutes. He suspects she knows something about the recent murders that have swept through the city of Chandler, but she refuses to talk:
“Careful, Ms Blake. No law will protect you if you’re an accomplice.”
“Don’t you dare threaten me. I know the law as well as my rights. I also know I didn’t do anything wrong. Take it or leave it.”
“It’s not a threat,” he said. “I’m your only way out.”
“What do you mean, out?”
Harper stood up, carefully pushed the chair in, and walked up behind her. He was near enough to catch the delicate scent of her perfume. For a moment, his thoughts weren’t particularly professional, but he allowed himself the pleasure. He leaned in close to her ear.
She didn’t move.
“Two men were brutally killed,” he said. “If I found a connection between you and the victims, so will the killer.”
Would it have the same impact if I would have added a summary narrative that tells the reader what they just read? Like ...
She didn’t move.
“Two men were brutally killed,” he said. “If I found a connection between you and the victims, so will the killer.”
Harper didn’t know what else to say, how to convince her to talk, or impress upon her the danger she was in? She had to be involved in the killings or at least know who was. It wouldn’t be long before they’d come after her, but then, it’d be too late.
This final paragraph is not only unnecessary, but it’s redundant and kills the tension that had been building up between the characters. Maass had this to say about “aftermath” scenes:
“The so-called “aftermath” scenes, in which the hero digests what has just happened to him and settles on his next step, is an outdated technique.”
Friday, January 08, 2010
2010: Day 8 – Life IS Stranger than Fiction
Work on the opening line to my current chapter is coming along in stages. I’ve written it several times and have cut as many words from it as I’ve written—that’s the way it goes some times.
One thing did cross my mind today though about whether or not it was ludicrous for my PI to suspect that the coroner in the case is incompetent. Lude is convinced that he's overlooked critical evidence in a murder case. But I ask you, would Quincy slack off and ignore the tiniest clue on a case? Would Patricia Cornwell’s Kay Scarpetta cut corners? And what about Dr. Albert Robbins of CSI Las Vegas? Would he give up in the middle of a critical investigation? No, of course not!
Okay, so these are fictitious characters, but what about in real life? Would a medical examiner be allowed to practice if they accused of negligence? I’d hope not, but then I found an article dated November 9, 2009, and published by KOMO News in Seattle, Washington of a case in Chehalis, Washington.
It appears that in one case, the coroner left the body of a man who died of a heart attack on the family’s driveway for the funeral home to pick up. Ack!
Two years ago, a 17 year old boy was hit and killed by train. Supposedly, the coroner’s deputies had secured the tracks/area in order to clean it up, but when a friend of the family arrived four hours later, she discovered that much of the body (parts) had been left behind on the tracks. I guess if the coroner in my manuscript over-looks a few suspicious bruises, it’ll be believable, huh? And, if I ever run out of ideas, all I have to do is look in the newspaper for my next plot.
Here’s the link if you want to read … the rest of the story. http://www.komonews.com/news/69634472.html
One thing did cross my mind today though about whether or not it was ludicrous for my PI to suspect that the coroner in the case is incompetent. Lude is convinced that he's overlooked critical evidence in a murder case. But I ask you, would Quincy slack off and ignore the tiniest clue on a case? Would Patricia Cornwell’s Kay Scarpetta cut corners? And what about Dr. Albert Robbins of CSI Las Vegas? Would he give up in the middle of a critical investigation? No, of course not!
Okay, so these are fictitious characters, but what about in real life? Would a medical examiner be allowed to practice if they accused of negligence? I’d hope not, but then I found an article dated November 9, 2009, and published by KOMO News in Seattle, Washington of a case in Chehalis, Washington.
It appears that in one case, the coroner left the body of a man who died of a heart attack on the family’s driveway for the funeral home to pick up. Ack!
Two years ago, a 17 year old boy was hit and killed by train. Supposedly, the coroner’s deputies had secured the tracks/area in order to clean it up, but when a friend of the family arrived four hours later, she discovered that much of the body (parts) had been left behind on the tracks. I guess if the coroner in my manuscript over-looks a few suspicious bruises, it’ll be believable, huh? And, if I ever run out of ideas, all I have to do is look in the newspaper for my next plot.
Here’s the link if you want to read … the rest of the story. http://www.komonews.com/news/69634472.html
Thursday, January 07, 2010
2010: Day 7 - The Creative Mind
This makes day two that I haven't written a word in my novel, but it feels okay. At times when I'm trying to work out a new scene or need to change one as in the case of my chapter 36, I have to walk away and relax my mind. Instead, I checked out a few of the blogs last night that I frequent and found this one listed in one of the Writer's Digest web pages. http://plotwhisperer.blogspot.com/. The owner of this site is an international plot consultant who blogs on the plot development and who better to follow than someone who can give me some pointers on improving my plot? Actually, I didn't see where she had a link to follow her, but I saved the link to my side bar.
And if you're still in the mood for checking out blogs, visit: http://themesoncanvas.blogspot.com/
I'm proud to say that this talented artist is my sister. She just started this blog and plans to post photographs of her paintings. Ironically she wrote:
On the Hoosier home front, when I looked out the window a 5:45 this morning, we'd received only a light dusting of snow, but the storm they'd predicted to arrive around four, hadn't made it yet. An hour later, it's coming down fast and heavy. Will we get the 4-8 inches of snow as predicted? Hmmm I don't know. At least it's not a cold right now. Wherever you are, stay safe and warm!
And if you're still in the mood for checking out blogs, visit: http://themesoncanvas.blogspot.com/
I'm proud to say that this talented artist is my sister. She just started this blog and plans to post photographs of her paintings. Ironically she wrote:
Everyone who paints, at one time or another may reach a point where an image that was once crystal clear in his or her mind is now suddenly gone. Don't know where they go.. they just disappear, like lightning bugs at the end of August in Indiana. Normally when this happens to me, I set my canvas aside for a day or so, the image resurfaces in my mind and I go on to complete the painting.Walking away to rejuvenate the creativity must be the universal thing to do. Here's another quote that is identical to what I wrote this week about writing:
When in school, we were always warned not to "fall in love with our own paintings."Believe it or not, we didn’t compare notes before posting our separate blogs. LOL Anyway, I hope you'll take a minute or two to check it out and see what other paintings she;ll blogs about.
On the Hoosier home front, when I looked out the window a 5:45 this morning, we'd received only a light dusting of snow, but the storm they'd predicted to arrive around four, hadn't made it yet. An hour later, it's coming down fast and heavy. Will we get the 4-8 inches of snow as predicted? Hmmm I don't know. At least it's not a cold right now. Wherever you are, stay safe and warm!
Wednesday, January 06, 2010
2010: Day 6 ~ The Balanced Life
© Marta Stephens 2010 all rights reserved
It wasn’t so long ago that I could pick up a book and read it from cover to cover without ever fighting the urge to grab my red pencil. Far be it from me to have noticed the author’s excessive use of tags, or cringe at his or her POV glitches. I've always loved to read and as long as the plot kept my interest, I read it.
I always marveled at those with the ability to create the worlds that could transported me to another place and time; make me fall in love with the hero or fear for my life. Authors, I thought, were an elite group of people who lived charmed lives. I could see the writer lounging in a seaside bungalow, a drink in one hand, a pen in the other. There he’d gaze across the shoreline at the incoming surf while he methodically contemplated his next plot.
Well, I’ve been writing fiction since 2002. My plots emerge while I stand in line at the market. My character’s dialogue comes into focus while I clean out a cluttered closet and the scene of the crime takes shape while I scrub the soap scum from the shower. I don’t live anywhere near a shoreline and life is anything but charmed. It is, however, becoming increasingly interesting.
One of the questions I’m most frequently asked is about my writing time—when, where, and for how long. That usually depends on where I am in the process. However, there is something to be said for discipline and leading a balanced life. Discipline I have, but looking back to those early years, I realize how terribly obsessed I’d been with my writing and greedy with my time.
Of course I was there for family gatherings and outings, but the plot was always in the back of my mind and my character was always moments away for catching the killer (again, in my mind). In fact, it wasn’t uncommon for me to jot down a note about a possible twist in the middle of dinner or some other equally inappropriate moment.
Several years later, I realize that there’s no power on earth that can help me force the words onto a page (when they don’t wanna) and sometimes, ideas just need time to develop properly. Call it age or experience, quite possibly it’s a little of both, but today—this minute, I feel good about the writing. I’m more relaxed and certainly less stressed about it. In fact, I haven't written in two days because I need to work out a change in one of my chapters. Instead, I picked up a book and started to read.
I realize now how many little things in my recent life I’ve let slip away for the sake of my writing and know it’s time to get back to a balanced life.
It wasn’t so long ago that I could pick up a book and read it from cover to cover without ever fighting the urge to grab my red pencil. Far be it from me to have noticed the author’s excessive use of tags, or cringe at his or her POV glitches. I've always loved to read and as long as the plot kept my interest, I read it.
I always marveled at those with the ability to create the worlds that could transported me to another place and time; make me fall in love with the hero or fear for my life. Authors, I thought, were an elite group of people who lived charmed lives. I could see the writer lounging in a seaside bungalow, a drink in one hand, a pen in the other. There he’d gaze across the shoreline at the incoming surf while he methodically contemplated his next plot.
Well, I’ve been writing fiction since 2002. My plots emerge while I stand in line at the market. My character’s dialogue comes into focus while I clean out a cluttered closet and the scene of the crime takes shape while I scrub the soap scum from the shower. I don’t live anywhere near a shoreline and life is anything but charmed. It is, however, becoming increasingly interesting.
One of the questions I’m most frequently asked is about my writing time—when, where, and for how long. That usually depends on where I am in the process. However, there is something to be said for discipline and leading a balanced life. Discipline I have, but looking back to those early years, I realize how terribly obsessed I’d been with my writing and greedy with my time.
Of course I was there for family gatherings and outings, but the plot was always in the back of my mind and my character was always moments away for catching the killer (again, in my mind). In fact, it wasn’t uncommon for me to jot down a note about a possible twist in the middle of dinner or some other equally inappropriate moment.
Several years later, I realize that there’s no power on earth that can help me force the words onto a page (when they don’t wanna) and sometimes, ideas just need time to develop properly. Call it age or experience, quite possibly it’s a little of both, but today—this minute, I feel good about the writing. I’m more relaxed and certainly less stressed about it. In fact, I haven't written in two days because I need to work out a change in one of my chapters. Instead, I picked up a book and started to read.
I realize now how many little things in my recent life I’ve let slip away for the sake of my writing and know it’s time to get back to a balanced life.
Tuesday, January 05, 2010
2010: Day 5 & The Edits Just Keep On Coming
Speaking of edits, not long ago someone in one of several groups I belong to asked fellow writers to read through his first few revised chapters and asked them to offer their comments and suggestions. As usual, I’d arrived late. Several of the comments left on the post indicated that this was possibly round two or three of edits. I read the chapter and offered my two cents worth of advice. The read was cumbersome with pages and pages of narration -- all telling, not a showing sentence in sight.
Nearly all the readers suggested the piece needed more editing. Sadly, the writer wrote back to say that cutting any of his words felt like cutting off his right arm and he just couldn’t delete any more. How disappointing. The very worst thing writers can do is to fall so deeply in love with their words that they kill the manuscript in the process. No matter how good a first draft may seem, it’s still a skeletal outline of what’s to come.
So my advice to anyone who happens to read this post is to not be afraid to cut words, sentences, paragraphs, or even entire chapters. In fact, be ruthless with your edits. Pages need several polishings before they shine. Better to get a harsh critique than a harsh review.
Nearly all the readers suggested the piece needed more editing. Sadly, the writer wrote back to say that cutting any of his words felt like cutting off his right arm and he just couldn’t delete any more. How disappointing. The very worst thing writers can do is to fall so deeply in love with their words that they kill the manuscript in the process. No matter how good a first draft may seem, it’s still a skeletal outline of what’s to come.
So my advice to anyone who happens to read this post is to not be afraid to cut words, sentences, paragraphs, or even entire chapters. In fact, be ruthless with your edits. Pages need several polishings before they shine. Better to get a harsh critique than a harsh review.
Monday, January 04, 2010
2010: Day 4 & Counting
I think I might have found the answer to my writing madness. During my recent 14-day holiday vacation, I continued to get up around six in the morning to write. It felt wonderful—really wonderful to work in absolute silence.
Evidently, I’d inadvertently gotten myself into a good routine. This morning, on my first day back to work, one of our dogs, Candy (4 year-old mini Doxie) woke me up with her barking around four. Fully intending to go back to sleep for another two hours, I tossed and turned until I couldn’t stand it anymore. I threw on my robe and slippers, walked down the hall, turned on my laptop and edited two more chapters before my six o'clock shower. OMG!!
I was able to work on a chapter 35 during my lunch hour, but about half way through the read, I decided it needed some minor changes. It’s not a bad chapter, in fact, there’s some good tension going on in there between two characters, it just needs to take place somewhere else other than in Rhonie Lude’s living room. It made me wonder how many other chapters I began with my character arriving home and answering a phone call. Boring, but that’s what happens during the writing of the early drafts and why we edit ruthlessly.
It really won’t take too much to change it, but I’ll probably spend the next day or so tossing ideas around until I find a better location. Whatever the change, it’ll be worth the effort.
Today’s word count: 65,035, six more chapters to edit and I've yet to write the ending.
Evidently, I’d inadvertently gotten myself into a good routine. This morning, on my first day back to work, one of our dogs, Candy (4 year-old mini Doxie) woke me up with her barking around four. Fully intending to go back to sleep for another two hours, I tossed and turned until I couldn’t stand it anymore. I threw on my robe and slippers, walked down the hall, turned on my laptop and edited two more chapters before my six o'clock shower. OMG!!
I was able to work on a chapter 35 during my lunch hour, but about half way through the read, I decided it needed some minor changes. It’s not a bad chapter, in fact, there’s some good tension going on in there between two characters, it just needs to take place somewhere else other than in Rhonie Lude’s living room. It made me wonder how many other chapters I began with my character arriving home and answering a phone call. Boring, but that’s what happens during the writing of the early drafts and why we edit ruthlessly.
It really won’t take too much to change it, but I’ll probably spend the next day or so tossing ideas around until I find a better location. Whatever the change, it’ll be worth the effort.
Today’s word count: 65,035, six more chapters to edit and I've yet to write the ending.
Sunday, January 03, 2010
2010: Day 3 & Counting
What's it mean when at six in the morning there are ice crystals on your storm windows and the dogs tip toe around and won't stay out longer than a minute or two? That it was minus 1 degree and with the chill factor, it felt like minus 14. I guess winter has finally arrived in Indiana.
Okay, so today’s note to self—never, ever permanently delete anything cut from a WIP. What I mean to say is, cut the questionable stuff from the manuscript, but paste those words onto another page and save the new document as "cut sections." I've been able to rescue more than a few lines that way. What doesn't work today, might (in a different context) work tomorrow.
In chapter 22 the homicide detective and my protagonist, Rhonie Lude (a PI), were studying the autopsy photos of a recent murder victim.
Originally, I’d written in a clue that after several readings seemed a little more than convenient. It was too obvious, ordinary, a little too lazy to the point of being amateurish. The worst part was that I didn't know if I'd ever find a clever solution to it that would keep it from being all of the above. So…when in doubt, delete.
Today, nearly five months later, as I was working on the edits of chapter 33, one of my minor characters made an observation that I didn’t see coming. She mentioned the object I’d planted in the deleted clue and all of a sudden, a new twist to the plot developed. An added bonus is that by adding the clue back into chapter 22 and tweaked the scene a bit, not only would the scene work well, but it revealed the identity of an unexpected killer.
Of course, Lude hasn’t made the connection yet, but … she will.
I completed the edits to two chapters today and although I didn’t meet my goal of completing all eleven chapters, I’m very happy with the edits I made. In spite of several interruptions, I still managed to write just over 1,000 words, and that’s okay.
Okay, so today’s note to self—never, ever permanently delete anything cut from a WIP. What I mean to say is, cut the questionable stuff from the manuscript, but paste those words onto another page and save the new document as "cut sections." I've been able to rescue more than a few lines that way. What doesn't work today, might (in a different context) work tomorrow.
In chapter 22 the homicide detective and my protagonist, Rhonie Lude (a PI), were studying the autopsy photos of a recent murder victim.
Originally, I’d written in a clue that after several readings seemed a little more than convenient. It was too obvious, ordinary, a little too lazy to the point of being amateurish. The worst part was that I didn't know if I'd ever find a clever solution to it that would keep it from being all of the above. So…when in doubt, delete.
Today, nearly five months later, as I was working on the edits of chapter 33, one of my minor characters made an observation that I didn’t see coming. She mentioned the object I’d planted in the deleted clue and all of a sudden, a new twist to the plot developed. An added bonus is that by adding the clue back into chapter 22 and tweaked the scene a bit, not only would the scene work well, but it revealed the identity of an unexpected killer.
Of course, Lude hasn’t made the connection yet, but … she will.
I completed the edits to two chapters today and although I didn’t meet my goal of completing all eleven chapters, I’m very happy with the edits I made. In spite of several interruptions, I still managed to write just over 1,000 words, and that’s okay.
Saturday, January 02, 2010
2010: Day Two in the life of this writer
I stayed up past one o'clock last night or should I say this morning? and woke up terribly late--after nine. I hate when I do that. Makes me feel as if I've wasted my entire day since I prefer to write in the early hours when it's still quiet and I can think.
My work in progress: I began to write SHROUD OF LIES on June 18, 2009. Fifty days and 40,792 words later, I completed the first draft on August 5. As of today, the word count has grown to 64,143. With respects to edits, it's hard for me to judge how many I go through. I know what the manuals say, but I can't turn off the internal editor. It's like not being able to scratch an itch.
When I wrote the Harper books (four that all began life as novellas), the words poured out of me and I never gave a thought to editing the work as I wrote. Now, the more I write and study the craft, the worse (or better depending on your view) I am about editing as I go along.
On the bright side, although my first draft was much shorter than the standard novel size of a minimum 60,000 words, it was a fairly clean draft. Since then, I've read through it twice; the first time I checked for obvious errors and worked on the plotting and characterization. The second time, I continue to look for all of the above but also focus adding depth to the plot and characters as well as checking for inconsistancies.
I've had a wonderful 12 days off from work over the Christmas holiday. Two days left of my vacation, but that's okay. Aside from everything I've gotten done around the house including all the cooking and baking, I've had some amazing writing time. My goal on December 22, was to complete the edits on this book. What do you think? Can I edit eleven short chapters and write the final in the last day of my vacation? Hmm, we'll see. I'll let you know tomorrow.
Today was a definite #8.
My work in progress: I began to write SHROUD OF LIES on June 18, 2009. Fifty days and 40,792 words later, I completed the first draft on August 5. As of today, the word count has grown to 64,143. With respects to edits, it's hard for me to judge how many I go through. I know what the manuals say, but I can't turn off the internal editor. It's like not being able to scratch an itch.
When I wrote the Harper books (four that all began life as novellas), the words poured out of me and I never gave a thought to editing the work as I wrote. Now, the more I write and study the craft, the worse (or better depending on your view) I am about editing as I go along.
On the bright side, although my first draft was much shorter than the standard novel size of a minimum 60,000 words, it was a fairly clean draft. Since then, I've read through it twice; the first time I checked for obvious errors and worked on the plotting and characterization. The second time, I continue to look for all of the above but also focus adding depth to the plot and characters as well as checking for inconsistancies.
I've had a wonderful 12 days off from work over the Christmas holiday. Two days left of my vacation, but that's okay. Aside from everything I've gotten done around the house including all the cooking and baking, I've had some amazing writing time. My goal on December 22, was to complete the edits on this book. What do you think? Can I edit eleven short chapters and write the final in the last day of my vacation? Hmm, we'll see. I'll let you know tomorrow.
Today was a definite #8.
2010: Day 1 in the life of this writer
A new year, a new look, a new promise ...
Dear readers and friends, I hope your new year has started off on a positive note. I started this Prose & Musing blog several years ago, but unfortunately as some of you may have noticed, I haven't done a very good job of keeping it up. In my defense,since I began this blog, I've continued to work full time, have a family, manage our home, have two novels published (actually have novels six written), continue to be a productive author, maintain my own website, administer three other blogs--two of which I help promote other writers, and belong to over 30 or is it 40 websites, forums and social groups. Needless to say, time is precious. When given a choice to use an hour to write or blog, well, there is no choice, is there?
Still, I decided to turn my Prose & Musing blog into a true diary in 2010. I think since we're in day two of the year, my vow is to post something, anything (even if it's a single naughty word to describe my day), every day over the next 365 days as a way of sharing the events that shape this writer's life.
Mind you, some posts will be long while others may only be a sentence or two, but regardless of the length, I've challenged myself to do this once and for all. So I'll start by posting here what I published yesterday in my other blogs. I'll post today's blog later today. Wish me luck!
Janary 1, 2010:
Since THE DEVIL CAN WAIT was released in November of 2008, 2009 was a year of book promotion, blogging, and getting to work on the next book. I was thrilled to learn that "The Devil" won the bronze medal in the 2009 Independent Publishers Book Award (IPPY) in May. However, I was deeply disappointed to learn that my publisher was about to leave the company (BeWrite Books).
Sometimes it's these setbacks in life that make us pick ourselves up from the seat of the pants, get moving in a new direction, and out of our comfort zone. On the upside of things, I started to write a book I'd had in my head for several years which felt wonderful. Cait and I have remained close friends and we had the wonderful opportunity to meet this past October.
If you want to know what I really think about 2009, you can read all about it in my post on Murder by 4 (one of my other blogs): http://murderby4.blogspot.com/2010/01/new-year-features-day-1.html
I'm truly looking forward to 2010. Already it's getting off to a great start. E-books of both of my Sam Harper novels are now available through Smashwords: http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/MartaStephens , the edits in my current novel, SHROUD OF LIES, are going great, and last night, drum roll paleez-z-z-z-z-e! We found out that Murder By 4 was selected AGAIN by Writer's Digest to be among the 2010 Best Websites for Writers!
Day one and so far, so good! Best wishes to all and on to having a wonderful and prosperous New Year!
Dear readers and friends, I hope your new year has started off on a positive note. I started this Prose & Musing blog several years ago, but unfortunately as some of you may have noticed, I haven't done a very good job of keeping it up. In my defense,since I began this blog, I've continued to work full time, have a family, manage our home, have two novels published (actually have novels six written), continue to be a productive author, maintain my own website, administer three other blogs--two of which I help promote other writers, and belong to over 30 or is it 40 websites, forums and social groups. Needless to say, time is precious. When given a choice to use an hour to write or blog, well, there is no choice, is there?
Still, I decided to turn my Prose & Musing blog into a true diary in 2010. I think since we're in day two of the year, my vow is to post something, anything (even if it's a single naughty word to describe my day), every day over the next 365 days as a way of sharing the events that shape this writer's life.
Mind you, some posts will be long while others may only be a sentence or two, but regardless of the length, I've challenged myself to do this once and for all. So I'll start by posting here what I published yesterday in my other blogs. I'll post today's blog later today. Wish me luck!
Janary 1, 2010:
Since THE DEVIL CAN WAIT was released in November of 2008, 2009 was a year of book promotion, blogging, and getting to work on the next book. I was thrilled to learn that "The Devil" won the bronze medal in the 2009 Independent Publishers Book Award (IPPY) in May. However, I was deeply disappointed to learn that my publisher was about to leave the company (BeWrite Books).
Sometimes it's these setbacks in life that make us pick ourselves up from the seat of the pants, get moving in a new direction, and out of our comfort zone. On the upside of things, I started to write a book I'd had in my head for several years which felt wonderful. Cait and I have remained close friends and we had the wonderful opportunity to meet this past October.
If you want to know what I really think about 2009, you can read all about it in my post on Murder by 4 (one of my other blogs): http://murderby4.blogspot.com/2010/01/new-year-features-day-1.html
I'm truly looking forward to 2010. Already it's getting off to a great start. E-books of both of my Sam Harper novels are now available through Smashwords: http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/MartaStephens , the edits in my current novel, SHROUD OF LIES, are going great, and last night, drum roll paleez-z-z-z-z-e! We found out that Murder By 4 was selected AGAIN by Writer's Digest to be among the 2010 Best Websites for Writers!
Day one and so far, so good! Best wishes to all and on to having a wonderful and prosperous New Year!
Monday, November 16, 2009
NOVEL WORKS - My new authors blog
Need a little help promoting your novel?As an internationally multi-published author, I understand the amount of time and effort it takes to promote a book. Regardless of whether you are self-published, with a small independent press, or with a large publishing house, marketing dollars only go so far. Need I mention that the publishing business is tough and it’s getting tougher with each passing day? Today, more than ever before, the bulk of book promotion efforts fall squarely on the author’s shoulders.
As the founding member and administrator of the widely successful and nationally acclaimed collective writer’s blog, Murder By 4, Writer’s Digest 2009 101 Best Websites for Writers, I’ve witnessed firsthand the power of the Internet and how consistent and continuous postings can influence a writer’s stance in search engines. Blogs allow us to reach millions of potential readers, reviewers, book buyers, editors, agents, publicists, and countless others on a daily basis. The beauty of the Internet is long-term exposure (your post will remain indefinitely) and a means through which to give your book wide exposure to a multitude of potential readers outside of your network.
As one who has a degree in journalism/public relations and over 20 years of marketing and promotion in higher education, I know the value of promotion and exposure to a target audience. I also know that most, especially new writers, have neither the experience, established network/connections necessary to succeed, nor the time to effectively promote their books on a wide scale.
I'm not a publicist or a book tour consultant. If those are the services you’re seeking, I’ll be more than glad to refer you to one of several reputable firms and individuals who I’ve worked with over the years.
What I can offer you is the benefit of my experience and networking capabilities. Keep in mind that developing an Internet presence takes time. One post on a blog--any blog, won't attract the attention I know you want. Although I can't offer any guarantees of increased sales, I do promise to give your post(s) as much attention and promotional exposure as I would give one of my own articles. My efforts in combination with yours will considerably increase your chances of gaining new readership.
Still with me? Great! Please visit Novel Works and follow the link to my submission page. Feel free to drop me a line if you're interested!
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
New Review Arrived Today ...
... for "The Devil Can Wait" written by James Goodman.
James Goodman is a fellow author I met via my collective writer's blog, MURDER BY 4. Nothing better than to open my e-mail at the end of the day to a glowing review. Thanks so much, James!!
Monday, July 27, 2009
It's Here! It's Really here!
Arrived today! Sixty day, five locations, three countries, and about $40 or so dollars later, my bronze arrived!!! :)Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Best Wishes, Not Good-Bye!
© Marta Stephens 2009 all rights reserved
I’ve been sitting on some news a couple of months, but now that it’s public knowledge, it’s only fitting to share with our MB4 readers a bit about my publisher, Caitlin Myers.
I met Cait in 2004 when she administered BeWrite, a UK author’s forum. For me, it was an eye-opening experience at a time when the Internet wasn’t yet busting at the seams with author forums, social sites, and other groups (or at least that’s what it seemed like to me). It was a special place, a small, nurturing, energetic group that gave a good number of writers, including yours truly, the nudge we needed to get ahead in the publishing world. BeWrite worked hard at encouraging new talent. They provided critiques, lively discussions, and the chance to get our short stories and poetry published on line. A couple of years later, the firm dropped the forum to dedicate their energies to book publishing and became BeWrite Books (UK).
It wasn’t until July 31, 2006, that I began to get to know Cait really well. By then she had been named publisher of BeWrite Books and requested the full manuscript of my debut novel, SILENCED CRY. As a result of working with her, I've found myself using several words to describe her. A few of them are, sharp, professional, level-headed, amazing, understanding, funny,
(I mean how many publishers have taken your book to the London Book Fair and shot a picture of it just to make you feel a part of the total experience? :) She labeled this pic, "Sam Tours London." And when I wanted photos for my web, she sent the one I posted at the top.) personable, savvy, tough, did I mention professional? And the word that's always at the top of my list, lady.When my debut novel in the Sam Harper Crime Mystery Series was ready for press and going through the final proofreading, I read through the pages and began to panic. The guidelines clearly stated “no major changes” ... I had several. This was my first experience working with a publisher and I certainly didn’t want to anger her, but the clock was ticking and there I was, biting my nails and questioning every line I’d written. After reading some of the horror stories other writers told of their experiences when questioning the process, I wasn't sure what to do. But Cait listened with the patience of Job, understood my jitters, and said, “We want you to be happy with it.” Proof that she trusted my judgment as much as I respected hers. A lesser person would have probably said, “Tough tea cookies, kid. Next!”
In the end, when it came to quality, we both knew it was worth the sweat to get it right. The proof is in the awards.
By the time THE DEVIL CAN WAIT was released in November 2008, she and I had become close friends. E-mails flew between Indiana and Germany every day. At times, I’d open my e-mail to find 8 or more waiting for me to respond to edits, the art work, book trailers, marketing and promotions, author interviews, virtual book tours, signings, reviews and a multitude of promotional ideas she wanted me to consider. Of course, there was that little matter of the “curse.” It even affected things on her end, files missing, formatting gone, etc. Fun times. We never knew what the day would bring, but whatever the issue, whatever the delay, she always came back with, “No problem. It’ll get done. Cheers!”
Okay, so now to the news. Having said all of this, imagine how I felt when I first received word that Cait planned to leave BeWrite Books, the company she helped build, by the end of July 2009. My head spun around for a day or two and a pea green substance spewed from my lips.Okay, maybe I exaggerate ... a little ... but not by much. Sam Harper said it best, "That's when the knot rose to my throat and wedged against my windpipe."
Now that I’ve had time to digest things, I’m okay and I know Cait will be too. Hey, what did you expect from two strong-headed women, anyway? Sure life sometimes shoves us into a revolving door called change, but a little shift in life, no matter how cruel, often opens the doors to unexpected and exciting new challenges. It’s the cup’s half full attitude that keeps that old spark lit and forces us to go in directions we would have never gone to on our own.
I'm grateful for the opportunity I've had to worked with Cait and even though she won't be a part of BeWrite after this week, those e-mails will continue to zip across the globe. I also know she’ll visit us here at Murder By 4 from time to time. You'll also find Cait on Facebook, Twitter, and a host of other blogs so stop by and wish her well. The most exciting news of all though is that she and I will meet for the first time this fall when she visits the States. I can’t wait!So this Friday, July 24, when Cait turns over the reigns to her successor at BeWrite, my best wishes will be with her. I’m not going to cry or say, "I’ll miss you Cait." Instead, I'll raise my glass and wish her the very best.
Thanks, Cait for believing in this newbie. Maybe Sam Harper would have gotten published by another press, but Sam and I agree that it wouldn’t have been half as much fun without you.
To read more about Cait Meyers, please visit: http://bewritebooks.blogspot.com/2009/06/publisher-caitlin-myers-to-leave.html
* * *
THE DEVIL CAN WAIT – (2008), Bronze metal winner, 2009 Independent Publishers Book Award (IPPY), Top Ten, 2008 Preditors and Editors Reader Poll (mystery)
SILENCED CRY (2007), Honorable Mention, 2008 New York Book Festival, Top Ten, 2007 Preditors and Editors Reader Poll (mystery)
http://www.martastephens-author.com
http://samharpercrimescene.blogspot.com
http://mstephens-musings.blogspot.com
http://murderby4.blogspot.com
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Thought of the day ...
Don't think of giving up something as a sacrifice, but rather you are making space to receive something else in your life. Life is full of compromises, and this can occur on many levels.
Sometimes change isn't easy to accept, but it's what renews our souls and keeps us going.
Sometimes change isn't easy to accept, but it's what renews our souls and keeps us going.
Thursday, July 09, 2009
The Devil Can Wait ... In More Ways Than One.
It's been a while since my last "newsletter" and although a great number of things have happened since then, I'd like to share with you another story about THE DEVIL CAN WAIT. For those of you who know that the subject of this book is a cursed ring and the many weird things that happened during the final stages of preparing it for press, what follows won't be a surprise.
THE DEVIL CAN WAIT, is the second in the Sam Harper Crime Mystery Series. It was initially written as a short story in 2004, then later was expanded into a novella in 2005, and was finally released in November 2008, as a 316 page novel. It was selected as a bronze medal finalist on May 29, in the 2009 Independent Publishers Book Award (IPPY).
THE DEVIL CAN WAIT, is the second in the Sam Harper Crime Mystery Series. It was initially written as a short story in 2004, then later was expanded into a novella in 2005, and was finally released in November 2008, as a 316 page novel. It was selected as a bronze medal finalist on May 29, in the 2009 Independent Publishers Book Award (IPPY).
I knew about this award in early May, but it wasn't official until the 29th when the winning entries were announced at the BookExpo award ceremonies in New York City.
I was thrilled beyond words and blogged a bit about it on June 24. As noted, I wasn't able to attend the event, but was assured the items pictured above would be mailed to me within days from their offices in Michigan. I waited for the mailman every day knowing that I wouldn't be able to believe I won until I saw the medal with my own eyes.
When the medal and certificate didn't arrive two weeks later, I wrote to the PR firm to ask about them. I was assured that the medal had been mailed out 3-4 days before. I waited another two weeks and wrote again. This time, I was told the items had been mailed to my publisher in the UK. Unfortunately, she lived in Germany, but good fortune prevailed and a family member received and shipped them from the UK to Germany.
I received this photograph taken by my publisher today (July 9) with a note telling me the package finally arrived in Germany safe and sound and that she would send them on ASAP. Needless today, this medal has earned more flyer miles than the wandering gnome, but at least I now know they're in trustworthy hands.
Fortunately, the apparent curse couldn’t keep the book from receiving wonderful reviews or winning a prestigious award like the IPPY--not as long as Sam Harper's fans continue to read it. But it seems the curse insists on getting the last jab, because eight months after it’s release, my bronze medal has gone on a world tour without me.
Fortunately, the apparent curse couldn’t keep the book from receiving wonderful reviews or winning a prestigious award like the IPPY--not as long as Sam Harper's fans continue to read it. But it seems the curse insists on getting the last jab, because eight months after it’s release, my bronze medal has gone on a world tour without me.
To learn more about the "weird things," read on ...
Thumb through the pages of your favorite book. Now, look close between the lines. That’s where the author bled onto the pages and wove together a mystic world of fiction fed by life experiences. Every line of narrative and section of dialogue holds a thimbleful of truth. The second book in the Sam Harper Crime Mystery series is no exception. THE DEVIL CAN WAIT was forged from the memory of an unholy event as frightening as it was intriguing. It’s a tale about belief, unholy forces, and one man’s determination to stop an obsessed killer.
The story behind the story involved a quarrel and a cursed black pearl ring that nearly killed the object of a jilted young man’s affection. Filled with resentment, he begged her to take the ring as a parting gesture. Within days of accepting his gift, the young woman fell victim to a number of life-threatening accidents that came in quick succession. She survived each incident, but evil remained a constant threat to her life. It was only after she destroyed the black pearl ring that all appeared to return to normal.
Such was the spark behind THE DEVIL CAN WAIT; fiction with a taste of the unexplained. I was an impressionable eight-year-old, unable to distinguish fact from fiction, yet that event seared itself into my mind and eventually gave birth to THE DEVIL CAN WAIT. Can inanimate objects receive and transmit energies through a single touch? Is the good or evil nature of a person a predictor of luck or misfortune?
Years later, I can neither prove nor disprove that curses exist, yet I’m left to wonder what truths have slipped between the pages of this Sam Harper mystery that kept critical e-mails from reaching my editor? What power made manuscript files disappear and Internet connections break off for days at a time without rhyme or reason? Coincidence? I thought it was, until the literary contract sent to my publisher at the same street address I’ve used for several years found its way back into my mailbox three months later marked, “Insufficient address.” Subsequent mailing attempts met the same fate, yet my greeting card arrived at her office without a hitch. I can’t explain these things nor is it clear why the first three artists who were eager to work on the book cover had to stop soon after starting due to … pressing events that forced them to quit.
In THE DEVIL CAN WAIT, the city of Chandler, Massachusetts is plunged into terror when the bodies of three local teenagers wash ashore. While homicide detective Sam Harper hunts down the guilty, a sinister plot emerges overseas. From the Vatican to the jungles of South America, a cursed black pearl ring, the demonic prophecy it represents, and the men who pursue its powers find their unfortunate way into Harper’s turf.
Enthralled by the ring’s story and a front-page spread, newspaper reporter Jennifer Blake agrees to pick up the ring at a local pawnshop for her former college professor. When she does, unforeseen events shoot Blake to the top of Harper's prime suspect lists. Soon, the seemingly unrelated cases converge and the heat is on for Harper to expose the truth behind a Vatican secret and stop the self-righteous man who does the unthinkable in the name of God.
Did the sound of keystrokes tapping life into THE DEVIL CAN WAIT wake a slumbering presence from the depth of obscurity where holiness clashes against the dark and profane? I’ll let you, the reader, be the judge. The only certainty is that THE DEVIL CAN WAIT can wait no more. It’s here, so light a candle, take a sip of your favorite brew, ease into that over-stuffed chair, and immerse yourself in the pages of THE DEVIL CAN WAIT—if you dare.
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