I'm writing a young adult novel set in medieval Japan.
I'm working on developing a boarding with a post-apocalyptic setting that utilized mechs.
I'm going to start casting resin pieces to add nice touches to games I already own (first project: Mount Doom for War of the Ring).
And I'd like to re-skin the blog with a Star Wars theme, to fit what feels to be a tremendous Star Wars year.
... More when I've actually accomplished something!
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Showing posts with label Writing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Writing. Show all posts
Thursday, May 21, 2015
Friday, January 17, 2014
Day... 16? Damn: Writer's Writing (of Words and Wonders)
Why does this month have so many damn days!
Whelp. I guess I'll talk a little bit about me and my writing style, I suppose. And I mean real writing, not this blog where I've been known to phone it in from time to time...
I enjoy reading science/speculative fiction and fantasy. Normally, that's also what I write. The book I've been working on most, mostly due to using it as my final project for my Creative Writing Master's, is actually a Young Adult Historical Fiction. I don't suppose that I'll only right YA, and it is unlikely I'll ever try historical fiction beyond this series either, but I've enjoyed branching out and find having to do so much research refreshing. Well, refreshing and somewhat frustrating due to not always finding the sources I'd like for my novel set in Japan during the late 1600s...
When I write, I generally have to set a schedule for myself. During the course of a day I may jot down notes related to any of the stories I'm working on, or even passages for works I don't KNOW I'm working on, but I can't get into actually writing unless I've set time aside for it and am relatively undisturbed. I don't schedule this in as often as I should, and I've got plenty of excuses as to why not -- every (poor) writer knows them, so I'll omit them for now.
Ever since I was a kid, I always imagined fantastic worlds or events. I assume I wasn't particular happy with what I was given and the books I was always reading offered so much more -- it is natural, then, that my imagination would bend in that direction. Putting these ideas on to the page, while difficult, has simply felt right. I won't say therapeutic, because my life has turned out pretty decently thus far, but these stories are always in the back of my mind and it is refreshing to clear up some space.
I have never been published. I've never completed something to the extent that I felt it was publishable. My current project, the YA novel, is the farthest I've ever come, and it is only just now starting the second draft/revision stage. So the tips I'm about to list should be taken with a grain of salt. Sure, I have an English BA and a Creative Writing MFA, but I've yet to get to the stage where all of these tips have proven their worth.
But read 'em anyways, because I said so.
1. Set no less than an hour a day for writing, and try to do it at the same time every day. If you do this, you will quickly get into the habit and writing will become easier for you. This is the hardest hurdle for me to get over since moving back to MA. Hopefully my schedule is solid now and I can start planning better, but we'll see.
1a. If you're worried about writer's block, don't be. Write about whatever. The act of writing will be your exercise, allowing you to build the appropriate muscles to beat the crap out of any blocks that hold you up. Also, it's entirely possible you'll find something useful in your daily exercises. I've found using prompts helps in that regards.
2. Only work on a single project at a given time (I suppose this one is more for novel/story writers). If a great idea pops up for your Steampunk/Private Detective novel, jot it down somewhere you'll remember it and then turn back to what you've been working on. This is the only way to finish a book, in my opinion. Otherwise you'll get caught up in the "creation" stage forever. This is almost like the "honeymoon" stage in relationships and, while it's great, it doesn't make a complete story (or relationship, to continue the metaphor).
3. Even if you're not sure where your story is going to wind up or the exact path it should take, keep writing! Even if it seems random or not always perfect, it doesn't need to be solid through the first draft. As you write more, you'll learn more about the characters, the world, and the relationships between. Then, when you are going for your next draft, you'll be that much more informed. You'll know what to cut, you'll have an idea of what imagery you should populate throughout, and you can keep an eye on character relationships to make sure they're heading where you need them to.
3a. Write on until you reach the end of the book. Do NOT revise midway through or try to keep every single thing coherent the first time through -- you'll never finish because something new WILL pop up. If a major character shows up for the first time towards the end of the book, that's fine -- you can work them in on the next draft.
4. It WILL take multiple drafts before your story ever approaches completion. Also, your story will more than likely never FEEL complete -- you'll have to use your best judgement. Then get someone else's opinion.
5. Speaking of other opinions, it is incredibly helpful if you can get into/find a workshop with other writers. You can have your work read and suggestions made from like-minded individuals, and you'll grow as a writer when you start doing the same for others. Both of my degrees gave me a decent amount of workshops as classes. There are, however, local workshops or online workshops you can find that are not affiliated with a school. You could also create a group yourself, if you know enough readers/writers.
6. Read relevant material to your current project, but not to the exclusion of everything else. You don't want to be a direct copy of your favorite author, you'll need to be your own writer. We generally develop out own styles as a mix of many others. I've been getting inspired via Lovecraft for my eventual Steampunk/Private Detective novel, but I don't plan on making it a horror story, or feature any monsters.
7. Don't give up! Even if you eventually realize the work you've been doing for the better part of a year isn't going to be what you expected or be successful, use what you've learned for your next story/project. Keep an eye out where you can possibly salvage scenes or characters or locations or themes from your now-defunct story. There's always a kernel of good when you write, even if you don't see it initially.
8. Don't be afraid to start over. Many novels started out in the first person, only to be changed after several drafts. It's a lot of work to change something like that, but it isn't impossible. Even if the story isn't working in general, you can always try again. Maybe the main character is wrong, drawing the wrong focus from then reader. Possible you need to add or remove characters. Don't be afraid to butcher your work.
8b. DO make copies of your work, and save them separately before each major edit. You don't want to change your 1st person novel completely through, only to realize it worked better in 1st and not have a copy of the original manuscript.
9. Use technology to your advantage.
9a. For storage and easy access, I use Dropbox for all of my stories. Then I can access it anytime from the internet, made even faster if you're able to download the application on multiple computers -- I have my folder on my computer, The Wife's laptop, my work computer, and several more locations.
9b. I don't want to pay for it so haven't yet, but Scrivener is something I will eventually pick up. It allows you to break up your work creatively, formats it however you'd like, and allows for very clear note-taking, timeline creating, and more. I'm a bit too cheap to drop $40 on it at the moment, but even the demo seemed as if it is the perfect writer's tool, no matter what you're writing.
10. Ask for help. If you need suggestions, you don't have to find all of them inside your own skull. You can ask friends, family, other authors, or even strangers for an opinion, thought, or preference. You can also do something as simple as people-watch at your local mall. Folks are always doing interesting things when they don't imagine they're being watched. Sure, that s
ounds a bit creepy, but I'm not telling you to go on Safari -- stake out in the cafeteria and just watch the tables around you. Have a notebook to jot down interesting tidbits of conversation or examples of unique characters. You don't have to use these notes, but they can be a fresh source of inspiration you won't get by sitting in front of your computer screen, idly pressing the space bar, hoping something brilliant will spring from your tired mind.
11. Do your research before blindly sending out your work to be published. There is a lot more that goes in in book publishing than any layman realizes, and it is a terrible, cruel, sanity-curdling beast if you aren't prepared. And it's just crappy when you are. So do your research and don't lose hope -- a rejection isn't the end of your creative career, it's part of the process.
Alright, that's all I've got for right now. Down the line, when I'm struggling with posts, I'll possibly post some prompts for potential writers out there. Keep an eye out for the "Writing Prompt" label.
Happy writing.
Whelp. I guess I'll talk a little bit about me and my writing style, I suppose. And I mean real writing, not this blog where I've been known to phone it in from time to time...
I enjoy reading science/speculative fiction and fantasy. Normally, that's also what I write. The book I've been working on most, mostly due to using it as my final project for my Creative Writing Master's, is actually a Young Adult Historical Fiction. I don't suppose that I'll only right YA, and it is unlikely I'll ever try historical fiction beyond this series either, but I've enjoyed branching out and find having to do so much research refreshing. Well, refreshing and somewhat frustrating due to not always finding the sources I'd like for my novel set in Japan during the late 1600s...
 |
| Trying to come up with authentic names is murder. |
Ever since I was a kid, I always imagined fantastic worlds or events. I assume I wasn't particular happy with what I was given and the books I was always reading offered so much more -- it is natural, then, that my imagination would bend in that direction. Putting these ideas on to the page, while difficult, has simply felt right. I won't say therapeutic, because my life has turned out pretty decently thus far, but these stories are always in the back of my mind and it is refreshing to clear up some space.
I have never been published. I've never completed something to the extent that I felt it was publishable. My current project, the YA novel, is the farthest I've ever come, and it is only just now starting the second draft/revision stage. So the tips I'm about to list should be taken with a grain of salt. Sure, I have an English BA and a Creative Writing MFA, but I've yet to get to the stage where all of these tips have proven their worth.
But read 'em anyways, because I said so.
My professional suggestions for potential authors (or writers of any kind, really):
1. Set no less than an hour a day for writing, and try to do it at the same time every day. If you do this, you will quickly get into the habit and writing will become easier for you. This is the hardest hurdle for me to get over since moving back to MA. Hopefully my schedule is solid now and I can start planning better, but we'll see.1a. If you're worried about writer's block, don't be. Write about whatever. The act of writing will be your exercise, allowing you to build the appropriate muscles to beat the crap out of any blocks that hold you up. Also, it's entirely possible you'll find something useful in your daily exercises. I've found using prompts helps in that regards.
2. Only work on a single project at a given time (I suppose this one is more for novel/story writers). If a great idea pops up for your Steampunk/Private Detective novel, jot it down somewhere you'll remember it and then turn back to what you've been working on. This is the only way to finish a book, in my opinion. Otherwise you'll get caught up in the "creation" stage forever. This is almost like the "honeymoon" stage in relationships and, while it's great, it doesn't make a complete story (or relationship, to continue the metaphor).
3. Even if you're not sure where your story is going to wind up or the exact path it should take, keep writing! Even if it seems random or not always perfect, it doesn't need to be solid through the first draft. As you write more, you'll learn more about the characters, the world, and the relationships between. Then, when you are going for your next draft, you'll be that much more informed. You'll know what to cut, you'll have an idea of what imagery you should populate throughout, and you can keep an eye on character relationships to make sure they're heading where you need them to.
3a. Write on until you reach the end of the book. Do NOT revise midway through or try to keep every single thing coherent the first time through -- you'll never finish because something new WILL pop up. If a major character shows up for the first time towards the end of the book, that's fine -- you can work them in on the next draft.
4. It WILL take multiple drafts before your story ever approaches completion. Also, your story will more than likely never FEEL complete -- you'll have to use your best judgement. Then get someone else's opinion.
 |
| Love the smell of giant, red x's in the morning... |
5. Speaking of other opinions, it is incredibly helpful if you can get into/find a workshop with other writers. You can have your work read and suggestions made from like-minded individuals, and you'll grow as a writer when you start doing the same for others. Both of my degrees gave me a decent amount of workshops as classes. There are, however, local workshops or online workshops you can find that are not affiliated with a school. You could also create a group yourself, if you know enough readers/writers.
6. Read relevant material to your current project, but not to the exclusion of everything else. You don't want to be a direct copy of your favorite author, you'll need to be your own writer. We generally develop out own styles as a mix of many others. I've been getting inspired via Lovecraft for my eventual Steampunk/Private Detective novel, but I don't plan on making it a horror story, or feature any monsters.
7. Don't give up! Even if you eventually realize the work you've been doing for the better part of a year isn't going to be what you expected or be successful, use what you've learned for your next story/project. Keep an eye out where you can possibly salvage scenes or characters or locations or themes from your now-defunct story. There's always a kernel of good when you write, even if you don't see it initially.
8. Don't be afraid to start over. Many novels started out in the first person, only to be changed after several drafts. It's a lot of work to change something like that, but it isn't impossible. Even if the story isn't working in general, you can always try again. Maybe the main character is wrong, drawing the wrong focus from then reader. Possible you need to add or remove characters. Don't be afraid to butcher your work.
8b. DO make copies of your work, and save them separately before each major edit. You don't want to change your 1st person novel completely through, only to realize it worked better in 1st and not have a copy of the original manuscript.
9. Use technology to your advantage.
 |
| It's my file and I want it now! |
9b. I don't want to pay for it so haven't yet, but Scrivener is something I will eventually pick up. It allows you to break up your work creatively, formats it however you'd like, and allows for very clear note-taking, timeline creating, and more. I'm a bit too cheap to drop $40 on it at the moment, but even the demo seemed as if it is the perfect writer's tool, no matter what you're writing.
10. Ask for help. If you need suggestions, you don't have to find all of them inside your own skull. You can ask friends, family, other authors, or even strangers for an opinion, thought, or preference. You can also do something as simple as people-watch at your local mall. Folks are always doing interesting things when they don't imagine they're being watched. Sure, that s
ounds a bit creepy, but I'm not telling you to go on Safari -- stake out in the cafeteria and just watch the tables around you. Have a notebook to jot down interesting tidbits of conversation or examples of unique characters. You don't have to use these notes, but they can be a fresh source of inspiration you won't get by sitting in front of your computer screen, idly pressing the space bar, hoping something brilliant will spring from your tired mind.
11. Do your research before blindly sending out your work to be published. There is a lot more that goes in in book publishing than any layman realizes, and it is a terrible, cruel, sanity-curdling beast if you aren't prepared. And it's just crappy when you are. So do your research and don't lose hope -- a rejection isn't the end of your creative career, it's part of the process.
Alright, that's all I've got for right now. Down the line, when I'm struggling with posts, I'll possibly post some prompts for potential writers out there. Keep an eye out for the "Writing Prompt" label.
Happy writing.
Sunday, February 3, 2013
Looking for suggestions...
I'm going to start a blog for my writing (usually sci-fi and fantasy stuff), and I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions for names?
It's not going to be affiliated with the Nerd (well, beyond that I'll be doing the writing...), so it's pretty much fair game -- leave some suggestions in the comment section below!
It's not going to be affiliated with the Nerd (well, beyond that I'll be doing the writing...), so it's pretty much fair game -- leave some suggestions in the comment section below!
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
The Nerd's Bucket List
I know, I know, I should be working on my Pull List Review. I'll have another post up by the end of the week. For now, however, I feel like talking about me!
I discovered my birthday present a bit early (aka as the Wife showed me but told me I can't have it until February), and it was an item that I have always wanted. I jokingly said that it was something I could scratch off the ol' Nerd Bucket List. The Wife, doing what wives do, asked what else was on the list. And I said...
Nothing. I was stumped. Normally, I find the idea of Bucket Lists kind of silly (what are you supposed to do when you complete it, commit seppuku?), but a list of nerdy things I wanted to do in my life but hadn't done yet appealed to me.
And so I will (attempt) to start a Nerd Bucket List in this post. I'll add items in the future as they come to me (using the tag Bucket List so they can be quickly compared), but this will serve as the base:
------------------------------
Own Darth Revan 30th Anniversary Fan's Choice Figure
First item on, first item off. I'm a HUGE fan of Darth Revan (from the Knights of the Old Republic video game, as well as The Old Republic MMO), and the Wife got me this figure, as well as Darth Malak (again, Knights of the Old Republic) and some other misc figures. She knows me so well!
-Go to a Star Wars Celebration
I've always wanted to attend one of these, but they always fell during important dates at school/work (working in Higher Education, specifically Residence Life and Housing, means we end up training every year around the Celebration). Hopefully next year the dates will align better! Also... hopefully Disney being on board doesn't change anything too much! Speaking of Disney (and Star Wars)...
-Go to a Star Wars Weekend at Disney World
This kind of goes hand in hand with the above, but the Wife and I love Disney World and I think it would be perfect to go on one of their Star Wars days. We haven't done it yet because A) it isn't exactly cheap and B) I really dislike crowds, and nothing draws a crowd at Disney like Star Wars days (or so the internet tells me).
-Get Published in a Fandom
One of the blog writers I follow, Amy Ratcliffe from Geek With Curves, just got published in Star Wars Insider #138. I wouldn't mind being published in a magazine of a fandom I relate to, but even more I'd love to get a fiction story published -- say a Star Wars novel or the like. First, I'll need to finish and get something of my own published, but I'm hoping my MFA Thesis course next semester will get me pretty close to that goal. Then I'll work towards this step.
-(UPDATE!)Play Star Wars Battlefront 3
This is kind of a risky one, simply because there's no confirmation the Battlefront 3 will ever come out (no matter how much I pester Lucas Arts Games on Twitter). That being said, I loved the originals and think, with today's technology and game comparisons, a third installment will be amazing and a matter of time. Update: Battlefront 3 was announced! Yes! This is totally going to happen!!!
And now that it's on my Bucket List, I guess Lucas Arts needs to get on this, or won't they feel silly?
-Go to San Diego Comic Con
I love Boston Comic Con (I've been several times) and enjoyed NYCC (I went once), but San Diego seems so far away that I never really imagined I'd make it. Then, to my surprise, the Wife said she was sad we missed it -- she had seen some new and events at the convention and was actively interested (NOTE: the Wife is NOT a nerd, despite all my attempts to turn her to the Nerd Side). So this is making it on the list with hopes for a future SDCC!
If you're asking why I wouldn't go by myself... Well, I REALLY don't like crowds, but I feel marginally better with a friendly face.
-Get Retweeted by Nathan Fillion
I love that guy.
-See Star Wars Episodes 7-9
I mean, I know they're coming out now and I know I'll see them... so let's get something I can definitely mark off this thing.
-Watch Every Episode of Star Wars with my Children
I don't have any children yet but, one day, they WILL watch Star Wars.
-Own Every Issue of Amazing Spider-Man
This got infinitely easier now that the series ended.
You know, unless it starts back up. Again. Which I expect (hope) it will.
-(NEW!)Play a boardgame with Wil Wheaton
I see no reason why this would EVER come to pass, but I enjoy everything Wil Wheaton has done recently and I especially love his YouTube show on the Geek and Sundry Channel, TableTop.
------------------------------
That will have to do for now. As I said before, I will continue to add to this as time goes on, so if any suggestions that you feel fit here, let me know in the comment section below!
I'm actually looking forward to crossing these off. I rescind my previous opinion on Bucket Lists.
P.S. I wonder if almost knocking author Nick Flynn over at a reading should go on here... It WOULD be nice to have another item crossed off my list...
I discovered my birthday present a bit early (aka as the Wife showed me but told me I can't have it until February), and it was an item that I have always wanted. I jokingly said that it was something I could scratch off the ol' Nerd Bucket List. The Wife, doing what wives do, asked what else was on the list. And I said...
Nothing. I was stumped. Normally, I find the idea of Bucket Lists kind of silly (what are you supposed to do when you complete it, commit seppuku?), but a list of nerdy things I wanted to do in my life but hadn't done yet appealed to me.
And so I will (attempt) to start a Nerd Bucket List in this post. I'll add items in the future as they come to me (using the tag Bucket List so they can be quickly compared), but this will serve as the base:
------------------------------
THE NERD'S BUCKET LIST
- |
| WOOOOOT! One down! |
-Go to a Star Wars Celebration
I've always wanted to attend one of these, but they always fell during important dates at school/work (working in Higher Education, specifically Residence Life and Housing, means we end up training every year around the Celebration). Hopefully next year the dates will align better! Also... hopefully Disney being on board doesn't change anything too much! Speaking of Disney (and Star Wars)...
-Go to a Star Wars Weekend at Disney World
This kind of goes hand in hand with the above, but the Wife and I love Disney World and I think it would be perfect to go on one of their Star Wars days. We haven't done it yet because A) it isn't exactly cheap and B) I really dislike crowds, and nothing draws a crowd at Disney like Star Wars days (or so the internet tells me).
 |
| I guess Disney doesn't like us as much as we like it... |
-Get Published in a Fandom
One of the blog writers I follow, Amy Ratcliffe from Geek With Curves, just got published in Star Wars Insider #138. I wouldn't mind being published in a magazine of a fandom I relate to, but even more I'd love to get a fiction story published -- say a Star Wars novel or the like. First, I'll need to finish and get something of my own published, but I'm hoping my MFA Thesis course next semester will get me pretty close to that goal. Then I'll work towards this step.
-(UPDATE!)Play Star Wars Battlefront 3
This is kind of a risky one, simply because there's no confirmation the Battlefront 3 will ever come out (no matter how much I pester Lucas Arts Games on Twitter). That being said, I loved the originals and think, with today's technology and game comparisons, a third installment will be amazing and a matter of time. Update: Battlefront 3 was announced! Yes! This is totally going to happen!!!
And now that it's on my Bucket List, I guess Lucas Arts needs to get on this, or won't they feel silly?
-Go to San Diego Comic Con
I love Boston Comic Con (I've been several times) and enjoyed NYCC (I went once), but San Diego seems so far away that I never really imagined I'd make it. Then, to my surprise, the Wife said she was sad we missed it -- she had seen some new and events at the convention and was actively interested (NOTE: the Wife is NOT a nerd, despite all my attempts to turn her to the Nerd Side). So this is making it on the list with hopes for a future SDCC!
If you're asking why I wouldn't go by myself... Well, I REALLY don't like crowds, but I feel marginally better with a friendly face.
 |
| Nathan Fillion! |
I love that guy.
-See Star Wars Episodes 7-9
I mean, I know they're coming out now and I know I'll see them... so let's get something I can definitely mark off this thing.
-Watch Every Episode of Star Wars with my Children
I don't have any children yet but, one day, they WILL watch Star Wars.
-Own Every Issue of Amazing Spider-Man
This got infinitely easier now that the series ended.
You know, unless it starts back up. Again. Which I expect (hope) it will.
-(NEW!)Play a boardgame with Wil Wheaton
I see no reason why this would EVER come to pass, but I enjoy everything Wil Wheaton has done recently and I especially love his YouTube show on the Geek and Sundry Channel, TableTop.
------------------------------
That will have to do for now. As I said before, I will continue to add to this as time goes on, so if any suggestions that you feel fit here, let me know in the comment section below!
I'm actually looking forward to crossing these off. I rescind my previous opinion on Bucket Lists.
P.S. I wonder if almost knocking author Nick Flynn over at a reading should go on here... It WOULD be nice to have another item crossed off my list...
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