Archive for the 'Writing' Category

Present vs. Past Tense

March 10th, 2011

When novels written in present tense first began to appear, I thought sure it was a fad. A trend that would disappear as quickly as it had sprung into being, when sane readers and writers everywhere would agree on how annoying it was.

Wrong. It hasn’t disappeared; in fact, it’s caught on and stuck. People have strong opinions about it, with those who dislike it usually speaking the loudest. Philip Hensher weighed in on verb tense use after the 2010 Booker Prize short list was announced last fall. Three of the shortlisted books were written in present tense. Mr. Hensher took—or should I say takes—strong exception to the practice, calling it “modish,” and in historical fiction, becoming “cliche.”

Philip Pullman also entered the fray. His piece in the Guardian is thoughtful and measured. If your current WIP is in present tense, you might want to see what he has to say.

None of the writing craft books in my collection even mentions verb tense, at least, not as a subject in the index. However, the internet, as you might expect, didn’t disappoint.

Use of the present tense is widespread in YA fiction. Revolution (Jennifer Donnelly), The Forest of Hands and Teeth (Carrie Ryan), By the Time You Read This, I’ll Be Dead (Julie Anne Peters), The Indigo Notebook (Laura Resau), and The Hunger Games Trilogy (Suzanne Collins) are just a few of the titles I found on my bookshelves which are written this way.

And two of the most exciting and creative adult books of the last two years, Wolf Hall (Hilary Mantel) and The Thousand Autumns of Jacob de Zoet (David Mitchell) are both in present tense.

After reading dozens of books in the present tense, I began to understand the rationale for using it, and I no longer found it so distracting. It brings immediacy to the writing. It makes the story more compelling, as if it’s happening right now, and I can see why teens like it. I decided to experiment with it in my own writing, with mixed results. It’s not as easy as it looks.

I’ve come to believe that (1) if you’re going to use it, have a darn good reason why it works for the story you’re telling; (2) read it out loud to make sure it doesn’t sound like stage directions; and (3) check and double check it to assure all the verb usage is correct. Using past tense is so much more natural, it’s easy to slip back into it and not even notice.

One other caution. It’s really confusing, once you’ve written in present tense, to change to past. For some reason, none of the verb tenses seem right, or maybe I should say, sound right. This effect wears off eventually, but I don’t think it’s just me. I’ve heard other writers say the same thing.

How do you feel about present tense vs. past tense? Do you notice it as a reader? Do you use it as a writer?

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Working Holiday

February 4th, 2011

Isn’t that an oxymoron?

I’m in St. Augustine for a month. Since it’s a high of -3 in Denver today, I’m feeling pretty good about that right now. But how does one stick to a work routine in a new place with the surf pounding just outside the window?

Although there are new and unique distractions, they are actually fewer than the ones at home. No meetings, no coffee or lunch dates, no volunteer gigs, no friends over for dinner. And I’ve come up with a system that seems to be working.

First, I set up a workspace, with my MacBook, reference books, spirals, and folders, close at hand. Once I claimed my own place, I felt more in work mode.

I brought a large number of books, notebooks, and folders with me and shipped more. Even if I don’t use all of it, I feel better knowing it’s here if I need it.

I’ve tried to maintain some kind of routine. In the morning, I do research and reading related to my current project. After breakfast, I sit down at the computer and outline, work on characterization, or write.

After lunch I take time off to walk on the beach, then I work a bit longer. This afternoon it’s my blog, but other days it’s more research, reading, or writing.

The question for me at the end of this stay will be: Would it be better to take a real vacation for a few weeks? Get away from work, period?  Is that a more effective way of refilling the well than this part-work-part-vacation experience?

Are you able to work away from home and your usual work setting? How have you managed? What are your secrets?

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Finish That Novel, Part 2

January 18th, 2011

After doling out that sage advice about finishing a book last time, I thought maybe I should offer a few suggestions for those who are stalled.

  • Make a schedule and stick to it. This will look different for everyone.
  • Minimize distractions. Again, this will be unique to each person. Only you can decide what will work for you.
  • Keep a log. In a writing craft article I read a few years back, the author, who was a writing teacher, said his students found this particularly helpful in completing work. It’s done like this: In the evening, record what you want to accomplish the next day and when you intend to do it. It may be something like, “6:30 a.m. Flesh out main character.”

It may include other things, such as length of time or number of pages you want to write. At the end of the day, evaluate your progress: “Good progress; ready to write first chapter.” And so on. The act of writing it down helps motivate you to do it.

  • Closely related to the above: A page/word goal. Many writers use the 1,000 words/four pages a day, or for one writing session, technique. If it works for you, great!
  • Outline your story, so you always know what’s coming next. Then you can use those bits and pieces of time to write, rather than foundering on the rocks of uncertainty. Many writers don’t outline, however, so again, this is an individual thing.
  • Plow on through to the end. Even if it’s not as good as you’d hoped. Remember that old saying about writing: “First you get it down; then you fix it up.” Revision is for polishing. The first draft is, well, the first draft.

I googled “finishing a novel,” among other words/phrases, and found several blog posts and articles on the subject. Here are some links I thought were worthwhile:

From Rasmus Rasmussen

From Holly Lisle

From Timothy Hallinan

And finally, a here’s a link to an online class taught by writing coach Cynthia Morris, “Make Writing a Happy Habit.” I recently took her “Blog Triage” class. She provides practical, useful information, and is incredibly responsive to questions and comments.

http://www.originalimpulse.com/eventsworkshops/make-writing-a-happy-habit/

If you have suggestions, thoughts, or some “sage” advice of your own, please share!

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Finish That Novel!

January 12th, 2011

I’m a member of a big critique group, eighteen in all. For the past three years, we’ve submitted our writing resolutions to one of our group members, who compiles them into a handy chart (thanks, Denise!)

At our January meeting, we take turns sharing our resolutions from the previous year. We celebrate or gently nudge, as appropriate. After announcing our new resolutions, we record whatever negative thoughts we’re harboring about our writing on flash paper, set it on fire, and watch it go up in flames. Woo-hoo!

It’s turned into a powerful ritual for us. The simple act of writing our goals for the year is empowering. It forces us to think about what we intend to accomplish, and evaluate what we accomplished last year. Symbolically bidding goodbye to our writing demons has been freeing, at least temporarily. And amusing…as the paper catches fire and we scream.

I did a very unscientific and informal analysis of our resolutions. Here’s what my not-so-scientific analysis showed: the most frequently mentioned goal was to complete a manuscript. Eleven of us mentioned it. So I guess this affirms the advice one hears over and over again from agents, editors, writers, writing teachers, etc. Take that most important step.

Finish a book.

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Protecting Your Writing Time

January 2nd, 2011

Time management. It’s a subject that’s been on my mind lately.

It all started when I decided to rejuvenate my blog. I took a fabulous online class called “Blog Triage” from Cynthia Morris and Alyson Stanfield. When I signed up for it, I honestly thought I didn’t have that much to learn. Ha! And ha! again. Along with content, RSS feeds, sidebars, images, and all the rest, the two “blog docs” emphasized the importance of scheduling a specific time to work on your blog. And of course, it’s one of my New Year’s resolutions to do that.

Still, scheduling aside, it involves a huge chunk of time to write a good post (and some may question the “good” part). There are so many steps involved: choosing a topic, selecting images, finding links, updating sidebar content, to name a few. And most importantly, the actual writing, revising, and editing. If readers are going to follow your blog, you better have something to say that makes it worth their time.

An integral part of blogging is visiting/commenting on other blogs. Becoming a part of the conversation, or as Nathan Bransford calls it in his excellent post on blogging, “Reach Out and Comment Someone.” I’ve been working on this. Wow! This is fun! I could spend hours reading blogs of writers and readers. I set up a Google Reader account, so now I’m subscribed to several. But the downside to all of this: It uses up valuable time.

Although I consider it the most significant one, blogging isn’t the only thief of time I’ve been dealing with. E-mail and social networking are right up there. It’s time for a bold step (no pun intended). I’m just not sure what it is yet.

What I do know is that time is my most valuable resource. Especially early morning. So that’s reserved for writing. I vow to keep it sacred and inviolable.

What are your secrets? How do you make sure your writing time is your number one priority?

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To E-read or not to E-read…

December 22nd, 2010

Are you hoping to find an e-reader under the Christmas tree this year?

With the proliferation of devices such as the Kindle, Sony E-Reader, Nook and Nook color, iPad, iPhone, and Android phones, more and more of us who once swore we’d never give up our print books are jumping on the bandwagon. That’s not to say we’re giving up on books in their traditional form; it simply says that we’re willing to read in all sorts of different ways.

E-books were the topic Tuesday on NPR’s Talk of the Nation. Lynn Neary, who covers books for NPR, was one of the guests along with Peter Osnos, former VP at Random House, and founder of Public Affairs Books.

Neary made the point that with the advent of embedded pictures and videos in some of the content one can download, she no longer has reservations about reading children’s picture books in e-format.

But the main point, made by Peter Osnos, was that e-readers, and the content providers (Amazon, Google’s E-Bookstore, Barnes & Noble, etc.) are giving readers a choice. They get to decide when, where, and how to read a book. And he was generous with kudos to Len Riggio, B&N CEO, for offering books via their brick-and-mortar stores, online, and now through the Nook.

Amidst all this enthusiasm, not much mention was made of the fact that many people who might want one can’t afford an e-reader. Will libraries some day be in the business of lending e-readers? No one knew the answer to that question.

Personally, I’m with Peter Osnos. I check a ton of books out of the library, purchase many, and download others. I once downloaded a book onto my Kindle while waiting in line for a flu shot; another time I downloaded one I’d been listening to, because it was taking me too long to get through the audio (this being yet another way in which to consume a book). I guess there’s a subtext of obsessive behavior there!

If you’re doing historical research, the number of books in the public domain available for download is a gift. Often these are rare volumes you’d have to request through inter-library loan. Now you can get them immediately, and for free.

While I love my Kindle, I’m miffed with Amazon for their proprietary arrangement for the device. I’d love to be able to download library books to my Kindle, as you can with the Nook and other e-readers. And the book sharing option they announced has yet to materialize. (UPDATE: As of Dec. 30, Amazon put Kindle lending into effect.) In the long run, I’d say Amazon is going to lose the very customers they want to attract if they don’t change with the times.

From what I’ve been reading recently, the jury is still out on the royalty rates for e-books. As a writer, I certainly want my book to be available in e-format, but I know I’d be seriously disappointed if it didn’t debut in print!

So what do you think? What are your reading preferences?

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Holiday Gifts Featuring Colorado Authors

December 7th, 2010

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It’s that time of year…Aren’t there some children, tweens, or teens on your list who would love receiving a book for Hanukkah or Christmas? As a child, a book was (and still is) my favorite gift!

Today’s post is dedicated to Tween and Teen books. A follow-up will feature middle grade, chapter books, and picture books. And this year, since we have an amazing community of writers right here in our state, I’m featuring Colorado authors exclusively. All links are to author web sites, where you can obtain more information about each book from the expert–the person who wrote it.

Let’s begin with Tween books.

Victoria Hanley: VIOLET WINGS

Traci L. Jones: FINDING MY PLACE

Denise Vega:  ACCESS DENIED

Lauren Myracle:  THIRTEEN PLUS ONE; VIOLET IN BLOOM

Ingrid Law:  SAVVY (Newbery Honor Book)

Now, onto Teen (YA) novels.

Julie Anne Peters:  RAGE; BY THE TIME YOU READ THIS, I’LL BE DEAD

Laura Resau: THE INDIGO NOTEBOOK; THE RUBY NOTEBOOK

Hilari Bell:  THE GOBLIN GATE; TRICKSTER’S GIRL

Todd Mitchell: THE SECRET TO LYING

Claudia Cangilla McAdam: THE AWAKENING

Paolo Bacigalupi: THE WINDUP GIRL; SHIPBREAKER (National Book Award nominee)

Alane Ferguson: THE DYING BREATH

Becca Fitzpatrick: HUSH, HUSH; CRESCENDO

Sarah Ockler: FIXING DELILAH

Linda Sandoval: FATHER KNOWS BEST

Tucker Shaw: ANXIOUS HEARTS

Brenna Yovanoff: THE REPLACEMENT

Tara Kelly: HARMONIC FEEDBACK

Whew! When I started compiling this list, I had no idea it would be so long. Which proves my earlier point: Colorado writers are amazing (and prolific)!


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Steampunk. Who Knew?

November 16th, 2010

At our RMC-SCBWI Fall Conference, I had the pleasure of sitting next to a group of young adult librarians at the Saturday lunch. Shamelessly, I wasted no time in picking their brains to get ideas for my YA Lit class, which I’ll be teaching again this spring. One of them said the best book she’d read the past year—in any genre—was Scott Westerfeld’s Leviathan. I’d read The Uglies series by the same author, but hadn’t heard about this book. She went on to say Leviathan was “steampunk.”

When I looked completely blank, she took pity on me and provided a brief but intriguing explanation. Wow! Here was a genre I’d never even heard of.

Chatting between bites didn’t quite do it for me, so I had to educate myself. The first thing I did was to google it,  of course. And the second thing I did was to look at the Wikipedia entry for steampunk, which is very informative. Click on the link, because it will tell you far more than you’ll learn here! To my surprise, steampunk has actually been around for a number of years.

In my quest for enlightenment, I discovered that steampunk isn’t just literature—it’s fashion, jewelry, music, art, interior design, and probably lots of other things as well. Apparently, one shops at Etsy for all one’s steampunk needs.

Since literature is my main interest, here’s what I’ve learned so far about the genre:

  • Sub-genre of SF/Fantasy
  • Set in Victorian times
  • Employs steam-powered technology (but not always)
  • Features alternate history
  • Uses technology that was ahead of its time (but not our time), such as airships. Different, however, from airships we know and love, like the Goodyear blimp.

I watched a video of a panel discussion from Book Expo America, 2010. Authors Scott Westerfeld, Cory Doctorow, Cherie Priest, and NYPL Manager Karen Grenke took part. It was amusing to learn that they were inspired by Disney World (I nearly hyperventilated) and Star Wars.


Some of what the panelists said about steampunk:

  • It has great visual appeal
  • It’s a blend of high tech/low tech
  • Open to many ideas
  • Victorian manga
  • Informed by science fiction of the nineteenth century

This is what I’ve learned so far. What can you tell me about the genre? And what are some of your favorite steampunk novels?

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Plotting Simplified

November 6th, 2010

Okay, I admit it. Plotting is really challenging for me. I’ve read countless articles and books on the subject, attended so many sessions at conferences, I couldn’t possibly remember them all, and sought advice from the expert plotters in my critique group.

I’ve tried using index cards—even made a template for them so I wouldn’t have to hand-write them all—for each separate scene in a book. While writing Kissing Shakespeare, they were spread out on the floor of my den for days at a time. I was constantly rearranging them. Then there was all that slipping on them, knocking them askew, and leaping across them to get to out-of-reach parts of the room. Obviously, this system wasn’t working for me.

It wasn’t until I read a short piece by Ridley Pearson, “The 3-Act Structure,” in The New Writer’s Handbook 2007 that I took a great leap forward.  At the time I read this piece, I already owned a copy of Christopher Vogler’s book, The Writer’s Journey, had read it, highlighted it, and often turned to it for direction. What Ridley Pearson’s article does is distill Vogler’s ideas about structure into seven pages, making it a quick, handy reference.

Using the piece by Pearson in combination with The Writer’s Journey, I created a diagram of 3-act structure on a large piece of tag board. It’s not pretty, but it suits my purposes. It consists of the rising action, indicated by lines moving upward, and divided into Act 1, Act 2, and Act 3. The line continues to rise until the climax, and then drops down, showing the falling action.

My diagram (click to enlarge)

For each act, I printed within the allotted space such things as “Internal and external conflicts” and “Conflict and complication” (Act I); “Stakes are raised,” Hero accepts the challenge,” “Action heats up” (Act 2); “Darkest moment,” “Everything goes to ruin,” “Protagonist prevails,” Reflective moments” (Act 3); and at the climax, “Emotional peak,” “Big twist,” “Final threat,” “Protagonist prevails one last time.” These are examples of what I included, but not everything. I also indicated each turning point, which gave me a visual representation of exactly what needs to occur at those crucial moments.

Last, I copied the whole thing onto a 5 x 8 index card, so I’d have a mobile version.

As we know from experience, no method is fool proof. But I’ve found this visual “aide” very useful when I’m at sixes and sevens with my plot. Some of the other books I’ve found very helpful in plotting over the years:

I’d love to know some of the tricks other writers use. What keeps you focused and moving in the right direction?

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Critiques

October 28th, 2010

Tomorrow my critique group is meeting here at my home. Aside from dressing in Halloween costumes and gorging ourselves with snacks, we have a manuscript to critique.

A year or so ago I wrote about the experience of having my own manuscript, Kissing Shakespeare, critiqued by my group. To say I was somewhat stressed is a gross understatement. Whenever I critique someone else’s work, I’m reminded of how vulnerable I felt–and always feel–when it’s my turn on the hot seat.

In my critique group, there are two kinds of critiquers: those who work with the manuscript as it is, and think about ways to strengthen it; and those who do that, but also come up with all kinds of new plot twists, characters, obstacles, and creative ways in which to take the story. I definitely fall into the first camp. Although I enjoy letting my mind run free with my own stories, I’m not really comfortable doing so with the manuscripts of fellow writers. I don’t like the idea of co-opting someone’s story and turning it into something it wasn’t intended to be.

That said, I think there is great value in having the highly creative types throw out their ideas. Sometimes the interplay that results creates an “aha” moment for the writer. And of course, one can always reject the suggestions that don’t fit with one’s own vision of the story.

A great book on revising–sorry, critiques inevitably lead to revision–is by Chris Roerden. It’s called Don’t Murder Your Mystery: 24 Fiction-Writing Techniques To Save Your Manuscript From Turning Up…D.O.A. Obviously, it’s specifically for mystery writers, but I’ve found that the advice Ms. Roerden offers would apply to most genres. My copy is highlighted and filled with post-its. When I was revising Kissing Shakespeare, I copied her essential tips and techniques onto index cards and kept them close by.

Happy Halloween! Hope the zombies don’t eat up your WIP.

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