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WRITING ABOUT LOVE
Regardless of your preferred genre, romance is always a good idea. When is the last time you read a book in any genre that did not include a romantic relationship?
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Don’t Panic
Every day I ask a lot of questions and search for a lot of answers and somewhere in the midst of all the chaos, magic happens. Don't panic if you don't have all the answers. But don't sit around and wait for the magic to appear. JUST START.
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RESOLUTIONS OR GOALS?
Resolutions are vague promises we make to ourself year after year about the changes we would like to see in our life and year after year we disappoint. That has been my experience, at least. So, why bother, when failure is mere weeks, or maybe even days away?
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Mentoring
Mentoring a new writer is exciting on several levels. There is the anticipation of guiding a new writer around some of those pitfalls that often plague beginners and the joy of helping to make someone's dream come true. It is challenging on a different level from writing your own work for the very reason that it is not your story and the point is not to make it your story. It's a dance of learning when to lead and when to follow.
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Fall into Routine
There is always so much to do in this writing life in addition to actually writing your book. That's the tricky part. It's not that these "other" things are not enjoyable. But let's face it, they all take time that you'd really rather spend hunched over your manuscript, troubleshooting the next plot hole.
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September: Time to Get on Track
After the lazy days of summer, Fall is always a great time to set new goals and new routines.
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Place As Inspiration
I have always found settings to be great sources of inspiration. The sweeping sense of peace exuded by the weeping willows in the Annapolis Valley inspired me to write about the tragic story buried at their roots. The historic house in Edmonton’s historic Strathcona neighbourhood, provided the perfect setting for a time-travel set in Edmonton in 1929, and getting to spend over a month living in a historic home in the upscale neighbourhood of The Glebe was the inspiration for a contemporary teen novel. If one is observant, there is always a story to be found, always a story happening somewhere around us as we are travelling through a place,…
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The Spark: Where the Fun Begins
Whisky turned out to be just that spark, which, I have to say came as a huge surprise for me. In fact, I would say it is proof that the Muse has a sense of humour. I was looking for a famous person, and discovered that a famous whisky, not a person at all, was the missing piece.
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The Shiny New Thing
I am inviting you along on my journey through the process of writing a novel, from the daily routines, to the spark of an idea, all the way through to THE END. Hold on to your seat. It will be a bumpy ride. But I hope you find some tips and tricks along the way to help you with your journey.
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Those Elusive Characters
“When writing a novel a writer should create living people; people not characters. A character is a caricature.” Ernest Hemmingway If I had known how much fun it was going to be to write a rom-com with teens travelling across the country by train, I would have done this years ago. What a blast! But… as I was writing merrily along, I found I was running into more questions than I had answers. They were planning to stay in Quebec City overnight, which, the more I delved into the “situation” the more unrealistic the whole thing seemed, at least for a teen novel. It felt too “adult.” And, was the…
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Fiction, Happy New Year, How To Write A Novel: Step by Step, The Writing Life, Writing prompts, Writing quotes, writing tips
Write Your Story
“You only fail if you stop writing.” Ray Bradbury (from SmartBlogger 138 Writing Quotes to Inspire) For me, 2021 was a year of wandering. I started out with good intentions. With one manuscript out on submission, I had what I was confident was a great idea for a new teen contemporary novel. Maybe it would even be a rom-com. I wrote happily away, making excellent progress, until, I didn’t. It wasn’t a problem of not planning enough ahead, or anything like that. I actually had written beginning, middle and ending scenes. Enough to convince myself that I had a viable idea. Enough to convince myself that I had an idea…
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HAPPY NEW YEAR 2022
IN 2021, I faced the new year with SO MUCH excitement about a new manuscript, which I absolutely LOVE, being sent out on submission. Vaccines were sure to be on the horizon, bringing the end of Covid. I was full of hope and enthusiasm. I had virtual teachers’ conventions and author tours lined up. It was going to be an amazing year! That was January, 2021. January 2022, looks very different. My hope is a little more subdued. My writing journey has taken a little different turn than I expected. (More on that in coming posts.) The publisher of my historical fiction books, Ronald Hatch, of Ronsdale Press passed away.…
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October Insights
“The best discoveries always happened to the people who weren’t looking for it. Columbus and America. Pinzon, who stumbled on Brazil while looking for the West Indies. Stanley happening on Victoria Falls. And you. Amy Curry, when I was least expecting her.” Roger Sullivan. Morgan Matson – Amy and Roger’s Epic Detour I was very excited to discover that Morgan Matson had a new contemporary novel out. Her stories are always a lot of fun and this one promises more of the same. So far, I am loving it. I’m at the part where the two theatre friends have just left for their night in the big city so I…
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September Vibes
“You have to write the book that wants to be written.” Madeleine L’Engle After a summer of reading and gardening, September found me planning my first trip in over two years, in hopes of finding inspiration along the way. I put away my work-in-progress and decided to move in a different direction. Am I following a new shiny thing instead of persevering on my half-written manuscript? Was I going the wrong direction in my previous attempt? I guess time will tell. Or maybe it is simply a case of feeling starved for outside stimulation. Either way, with low airline prices fuelling my motivation, I planned a trip to Toronto. It…
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The Summer Shelf: The Start of Me and You
“Ryan Chase was my eighth-grade collage, aspirational and wide-eyed. But Max was the first bite of grilled cheese on a snowy day, the easy fit of my favorite jeans, that one old song that made it onto every playlist. Peanut-butter Girl Scout cookies instead of an ornate cake. Not glamorous or idealized or complicated. Just me.” Emery Lord – The Start of Me and You What do rainy days, smoky days, scorching hot days all have in common? Why, they are all perfect for curling up inside, out of the weather, with a delicious novel. So far this summer, there has been no shortage of reading days! If you read…
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Write Another Book
Waiting is the hardest part of the writing process. When all the revisions are complete and I’m super-happy with the story I have written, I’m sure a publisher is dying to sink their hooks into my brilliance. My agent has put together a comprehensive submissions list and excitement tingles along my spine all the way to my toes when I get the e-mail notifying me that my manuscript has been sent out into the world to find a home. And then, comes the waiting. And…more waiting. At first, you’re counting the days. You think, okay, the editors need time to read the ms. Maybe they need to take it to…
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What’s in a Title?
In my work-in-progress, I seem to be hesitant to give my manuscript even a working title. Why is that? I always thought that the title needed to say something significant about he story. The essence of the plot in a few words. Anne of Green Gables, follows the life of the orphan, Anne, from the time she arrived at Green Gables, for example. I picked Winds of L’Acadie, for my first novel because, through the magic of the porcupine quill box Sarah found at her Grandparent’s house, winds transported her to Nova Scotia at the time when the Acadians were about to be deported from their homes. Not the most…
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Canada Day
In light of the horrific discoveries of what transpired at the Residential Schools, of innocent lives and innocent people who were viciously destroyed we must face that we have a history that does not always make us proud. We must own this and do whatever we can to make real change so that something like this can never happen, will never happen again. Whether or not people feel like celebrating on July 1, the important thing is to remember. Remember and commit to moving forward in a way that means we are truly committed to stamping out the evil roots of racism, in all of its many and varied iterations,…
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Writing Prompts: The Lie
Writing Prompt: A time you were caught off guard when someone confronted you and you just didn’t think you could tell the whole truth and nothing but the truth. And so, you resorted to the “little white lie.” Maybe no one found out. Maybe they did. Either way, rewrite the situation only this time you are completely honest. What are the consequences? Are you glad you told the truth or do you wish you had resorted to the little white lie? Possibilities: Write a scene where you lie and one where you tell the truth. Follow each story to its outcome. A friend asks your opinion on something and you…
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More Writing Prompts – the “book of regrets”
In Season three of The Crown, Queen Elizabeth made a decision not to go to a disaster site that involved the loss of the lives of many school children, when it first happened. Later, we learn, she always regretted not going earlier. She made several visits in the years that followed, trying, no doubt to make up for what she viewed as her initial error in judgement. We all make decisions we wish we could change. Why not rewrite history and make that decision you always wished you had made. Choose a memory in which you were torn between two choices. Were there two different and super important events at…
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Write Your World
“If you feel like you don’t fit into the world you inherited it is because you were born to help create a new one.” Ross Caligiuri What would your favourite world look like? By favourite, I mean a world that is custom designed for you. Who, besides you, inhabits this ideal world? Describe what you see from your window. Writing Prompt: Write in your “Ideal World” journal every day for a week. How is the ideal world holding up? Do you have a lot of friends? What is your favourite activity? Do you miss your other world? After writing for seven days. Go back to Day 1 and see if…
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International Women’s Day
There are many incredible women who have made a difference, and continue to make a difference to improve our world. I particularly like this quote by Jane Goodall, because we often talk about people who “make a difference” as though everyone else is simply floating around in some sort of neutral existence where our decisions, our choices are irrelevant. We need to own that every decision makes a difference. Every action is a stone making ripples in our pond, and our neighbours pond and possibly our entire world. Our responsibility and our challenge is to make choices with positive ripples and positive consequences and to do this when it is…
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You Do You – Take Two
That's right! This is your chance to reimagine your life. Live life in a different place or from a different perspective. Venture into a new environment. Take on a new adventure. Become that "person" you always wanted to be. This is you. Take two!
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The Writing Habit
Writing skills might vary with each individual, but the most successful among them all have one thing in common: they made time to write.
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Find Your Writing Voice in 2021
If you aim to be something you are not, you will always fail. Aim to be you. Aim to look and act and think like you. Aim to be the truest version of you. Embrace that you-ness. The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
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Writing in the Spaces in 2021
Writing in the Spaces was an idea I came up with as a writing strategy for 2020. As a result of some family health issues, I knew it would be a difficult year for writing. I had no idea at the time, that Covid19 was looming, threatening to add to the chaos. The idea was to make use of all the minutes that get lost every day. Not the big chunks of time, but the moments of waiting, or in between events when you have 30 minutes free but not three hours, to dedicate to your writing. But if you’ve ever had an emotionally draining year (and let’s face it,…
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Happy New Year
Wishing everyone a happy and healthy start to a fresh new year. I know I am entering 2021 with renewed gratitude for the many things I took for granted, and renewed perspective on what is important. May 2021 be kind to you and may we all be kind to one another!
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Farewell 2020
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Writing: It’s Complicated
Each September, I write a New Year post, because for me, the back -to-school schedule feels most like the start of a new year. Teaching for over 30 years will do that for you. This year, however, the landscape looks vastly different to everyone, school or no school, and I’m finding it hard to get motivated. It doesn’t feel like the usual fresh beginning of September. It feels like dragging my feet through yet another day of uncertainty. One bit of advice that has come in handy from time to time is fake it ‘till you make it, and perhaps this is one of those times. So, even though my…
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2020, Fiction, How To Write A Novel: Step by Step, The Writing Life, Writing prompts, Writing quotes
HOW TO WRITE A NOVEL: The Beginning
The WRITER’S OATH I promise solemnly: 1. to write as often and as much as I can, 2. to respect my writing self and 3. to nurture the writing of others. I accept these responsibilities and shall honour them always. Gail Carson Levine – Writing Magic Starting a novel is a daunting task. If you have been following the How To Write a Novel series, you’ll know that we have done some preliminary work with ideas and characters, and outlines. But at some point, you need to begin actually crafting this work that will be at least a couple of hundred pages long. So, let’s get started! At the top…
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Today, Something is Different
Have you ever noticed that, even if you are calm and unflappable as a general rule, one day, someone will do something that annoys you and suddenly you become a crazed maniac, wanting revenge? Today, something is different. Your reaction is completely over-the-top and out of proportion to the crime. It happens. In a Writers’ Digest reference book I found on my shelf titled Crafting Novels and Short Stories, Elizabeth Simms talks about this very thing. Don’t Overlook Everyday Interactions “A chance encounter with a stranger can be powerful enough to transform a moment, a day, or even your life. Just think what you can do in your fiction with…
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READ, READ, READ
“Read everything–trash, classics, good and bad, and see how they do it. Just like a carpenter who works as an apprentice and studies the master. Read!” William Faulkner Great advice. There is something said for the process of osmosis. When I find myself in times of trauma or stress, and the words will not come, no matter how hard I try to make them appear, it is reading that saves me. Last fall, putting the keyboard aside, I decided to immerse myself in literature. I read for pleasure. I read books from my shelf that I had not gotten around to yet. I downloaded new novels on my e-reader and…
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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CHARACTER
Honour the miraculousness of the ordinary. Andrew Motion Interviewing is a fun way to get to know your main character or yourself, for that matter, if you’re writing a memoir. Don’t forget to record your answers in your writer’s notebook. TEN QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR TEEN CHARACTER What is your biggest fear? What was your most embarrassing moment? Who do you most admire and why? How is your upbringing different from that of your friends? What do you dream about? Who is your best friend and what makes that person special? If you could change one thing about your life, what would it be? What do you like most about…
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What About That Other Character?
“THIS IS HOW YOU DO IT: YOU SIT DOWN AT THE KEYBOARD AND YOU PUT ONE WORD AFTER ANOTHER UNTIL IT’S DONE. IT’S THAT EASY, AND THAT HARD.” Neil Gaiman I have to admit I love Neil Gaiman’s writing and what he has to say about writing. My favourite children’s book, written, interestingly enough from the Dad’s point of view, is Fortunately the Milk. If you haven’t read it, you really should. It’s short, and a hilarious story for all age groups. Having said that, yesterday’s post, How To Get Your Character Out of the Room, has some great tips that you might want to check out, if you missed…
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HOW TO WRITE A NOVEL: Step by Step
Getting Your Character Out of the Room “I do believe that characters in novels belong to their writers and their readers pretty equally. I’ve learned a lot of things about the characters I write from people who read about them. Readers expand them in ways I don’t think of and take them to places I can’t go.“ Anne Brashares How do I get my character out of the room?” This is the dilema that caught me completely off-guard and threw me into a bout of writer’s block when I first began to write my novel. The situation is not nearly as scary if you have a few scenes already crafted, but still,…
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What Good Authors Do
Below are some tips I’ve collected over the years about what good writers do. There is nothing wrong with modelling your practice after the writers who have met with great success. Here are some timeless quotes from a few of the greats. Good writers respect the reader. Lack of courtesy may be the chief fault that distinguishes unsuccessful writing from the most successful…The reader of fiction is primarily seeking an experience different from and greater than his or her daily experiences in life. How to Grow a Novel—Sol Stein Good writers do not simply describe a barn. Good writers describe a barn as seen by someone in a particular mood, because only…
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Writing in Tough Times
Sometimes no amount of writing inspiration or motivation will work. Sometimes you need to Just Be.
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Starring…YOU!
Don’t just plan to write—write. It is only by writing, not dreaming about it, that we develop our own style. P.D.James Writing Prompt Begin a story with a character based on you. Put the character in a place and/or situation you’ve never been. Write what happens.
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Compelling Characters
You take people, you put them on a journey, you give them a peril, you find out who they really are. Joss Whedon Characters are why people love stories, and it is why they will read your novel. Yes, some readers prefer fast paced, action-packed adventures to the more internal struggles of a character driven story. But if the main character does not capture your interest, you will not care what happens to her. If readers don’t care, they lose interest. They stop reading, Even if your characters are cats, as is the case in Erin Hunter’s Warrior series, they have personalities, strengths, backgrounds and feelings. Good characters will make…
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IT’S A MYSTERY
“No, I would not want to live in a world without dragons, as I would not want to live in a world without magic, for that is a world without mystery, and that is a world without faith.” R.A.Salvatore Streams of Silver Today’s Prompt: Write about… From Tuesday to Friday, I will post an inspirational quote and a writing prompt, in case you’re stuck. Each Monday, there will be a new post about How To Write a Novel: Step By Step. I hope you’ll join me. Until then…
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Time to Write
John Gardner, in his most excellent book The Art of Fiction, Notes on craft for Young Writers, claims that one of the best ways to learn to write is by doing exercises. He also suggests that “undue cleverness” defeats the purpose, so don’t overthink. Today’s prompt is one of the exercises from his book. Today’s Prompt Create two characters for a ghost story. 1. The victim. 2. The ghost. Work out the name, age, background, psychological makeup, physical description, family connection, close friends, appropriate setting, and anything else you deem important. Have fun! Tuesday to Friday I will post an inspirational quote and a writing prompt. On Monday there will…
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Writing: A Juggling Act
Yes. Writing is absolutely a juggling act. You need a solid plot, paying attention to the arc of the narrative. Not to mention compelling characters who do not lie flat on the page. Then there are the subplots and how they connect to the main plot, and of course, you must prevent the middle from sagging. So much to think about! That’s just a little of what is shouting at you from the page, and it’s possible you have another life you are trying to balance with your writing time. Relax. Breathe. Set the timer. And write for ten minutes. Just commit to doing one thing. Writing Prompt Today, write…
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Looking for Inspiration?
The best thing to do, when you don’t know what to write, is just to write. Somewhere. Anywhere. Today, to get the creative juices flowing, have a look at today’s prompt. You can never ask, what if too many times. Next Monday, there will be another post about developing compelling characters, in my HOW TO WRITE A NOVEl: Step by Step series. Tuesday to Friday, I’ll post an inspirational quote along with a writing prompt, in case you get stuck. WRITING PROMPT Tip: Brainstorm all the places this scary guy may show up. Find a reason to put yourself in that setting and begin to write. Don’t forget, looks can…
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CHARACTERS
HOW TO WRITE A NOVEL: STEP BY STEP I write Young Adult fiction, so my main character will be around High School age. If you are writing an adult book, you won’t need to worry about the ages of your characters. Who Are These People? Perhaps a better question is, “How Do You Find These People?” The first, most obvious answer is, YOU. I often find myself thinking about who I was in high school. What did I think about? What was important to me? I also draw on other experiences in my memory to evoke emotions, even though the situations are totally different. For example, in my current contemporary…
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Write Some Bits and Pieces
Writing Prompt: In your writer’s notebook write a paragraph about: a time you were really scared a secret you were supposed to keep when you felt proud of an accomplishment suffered a great embarrassment Writing about these experiences will be helpful as you develop your characters. Enjoy a writerly weekend! On Monday we will begin to dig into how to develop compelling characters in the How To Write A Novel series. Unti then..
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One Step At A Time
If you are starting to write a novel, don’t think about the mammoth task ahead. Think of it one step at a time. Set goals for yourself each day that are reasonable and achievable. Writing Tip: I recently attended a digital workshop with the wonderful Linda Sue Park. Her tip for writer’s block is to write for short periods of time and write badly. That’s the key, she claims. Give yourself permission, no insist, that you write badly. It’s very freeing. “I love the revision process,” she says. Keep that in mind as you work on your first draft. It’s going to be crap. It’s supposed to be crap. A…
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While You Plot…
Writing is a craft. You have to take your apprenticeship in it like anything else. Don’t let anything else interfere, Afterwards it won’t matter to you that the kitchen is a mess. Esther Freud Today’s Prompt In your notebook, begin a section of favourite phrases and words. Add to it as often as you can. Use one of these in each of the scenes you write today. (See May 19th post) Each day I will post inspirational quotes and a writing prompt in case you get stuck. Put on the timer and write for fifteen minutes. This habit will pay off. On Monday, I’ll have another post about How To…
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To Outline or Not to Outline
How to Write a Novel: Step by Step Plotting your entire novel is an enormous undertaking. A lot of percolating about your story has gone on before you are ready to take on such a mammoth task. Or, you may decide that outlining is not for you. Let’s look at the options. In the writing world, much controversy surrounds the plotter versus the pantser approach to writing a novel. Plotters are those writers who love to have every plot point, well, plotted, the narrative arc firmly charted, and the scenes organized. Plotter style Plotters are those writers who love to have every plot point, well, plotted, the narrative arc firmly…
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Step By Step
Check back soon for the next step in which I will address the topic of outlines. Are they a good idea? Are they necessary? And if so, how does one go about creating such a beast? Writing Prompt: Using the picture below as inspiration, write a scene in which your character ends up on a roof, reading. Where was she going? Why is she on the roof? What book does she have in her hand? Why is she smiling? What if…
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Today’s Writing Inspiration
The more you fling yourself out there, and chase those dreams and miracles, the higher your likelihood of catching one. Stephanie Elizondo Griest Every Monday, you’ll find a post offering steps to guide you as you undertake the significant task of writing a novel. Tuesday to Friday, there will be writing quotes and a writing prompt, in case you need a little extra boost when you sit down to write. Feel free to add your own quotes and writing prompts in the comment section. Writing Prompt: Write a scene about someone who lives on the other side of the tracks. Then write a scene from your side of the tracks.…
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Writing Inspiration May 13
Writing Prompt As you go through your day, pay attention to all the small detail. Perform all your daily tasks as though you are a character in a novel and the author is writing about you. Or go on another observation walk. ( See How Do You Know If a Story Idea Has Potential? Be aware of your senses. Write a scene in which place is the focus.
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Writing inspiration for May 12, 2020
Make a habit of putting your observations into words and gradually this will become instinct.
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How Do You Know If A Story Idea Has Potential?
People often ask,"Where do you get your ideas?" As Neil Gaiman says, the ideas aren't the hard bit. IDEAS ARE EVERYWHERE but...How do you capture that idea?
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Your Weekend Writing
Inside every human being, there is unlimited time and space. In our exterior life, we can be only one person. But in our imagination, we can be anyone, anywhere.
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Keep on Writing!
"There is so much about the process of writing that is mysterious to me, but this one thing I’ve found to be true: writing begets writing."
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Think Like a Writer
One of the things that happens when you give yourself permission to start writing is that you start thinking like a writer. You start seeing everything as material. Anne Lamott Writing prompt Write a list of the things in your home that are yours: furniture, photos, art on the walls, collections. Go from room to room and make a list of what you find. What do these things say about you. If you could pick on item from your list as symbolic of you, which one would you choose? Write about why you chose this item. Choose another item and do the same thing. In this blog there will be…
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Write, Write, Write, Write…
And how do you learn the craft? In the trenches..I say write and then write and write and write some more and go write some more. August Wilson writing prompt Borrow (okay, steal) an idea from something you’ve read recently. Rewrite a scene in the story, changing the setting and/or the characters while keeping the premise of the idea. Next, write the scene creating your own conflict. If you missed the introduction to How To Write A Novel, click on the link to see the first post. Next Monday there will be a new writing lesson. Until then…
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How to WRITE A NOVEL: Step by Step
A novel project takes time and persistence. But if you're determined to take this on, you've come to the right place. Welcome!
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Write on…
Having a lot of time on your hands, does not always ensure more output. Nothing lulls us into relaxation mode quicker than have the hours of the day stretch out ahead of us, seemingly endless. It’s so full of promise. And sometimes, it’s precisely what you need. Time. Time to reflect, or just be. But if you get to the end of the day, wishing you had accomplished more, here are some tips I’ve found useful. Get up as though going to work. A regular routine helps your mind focus more quickly on the task at hand (writing). Writing in the same place each day, can also be helpful, 2.…
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Revisions: How Do You Know When You’re Done?
Here we are. Another week of staying at home. With everyone. It isn’t always easy to stay focused. It isn’t easy to ignore distractions. But here is the thing. If you get something done, it’s better than nothing. There are a lot of demands on your energy. The key is to keep moving. Do a little. Try some free writing. Or describe in a journal how you are feeling. Everything counts. Recently, I took part in an excellent online workshop with prolific author Kate Messner through the SCBWI. If you aren’t already a member, you might want to check out their online offerings. Considering the place I am in my…
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Anywhere But Here
I’m sure that with many people around the globe self-isolating, due to the unprecedented COVID 19 pandemic, wanting to be anywhere but here is a popular sentiment. Staying at home can feel like a break from life’s hectic pace, but it soon gets a little old. Who doesn’t like having coffee with friends and visiting family members? At the moment, we don’t have a choice. For me the words Anywhere But Here, hold special meaning, because that is the working title for my current novel project. After having a few weeks away from revisions, and armed with new feedback from my agent, I am ready to dig in once more,…
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Rise and Shine, Writers!
I usually find that first thing in the morning my mind is sharper, which is my excuse for leaving the household tasks until after I’ve done some writing. Who knew there was a scientific explanation behind this practice? Science tells us it is that foggy time between sleeping and waking, that the creative mind works best. “We know that the creative mind is an early riser and that the editing mind sleeps in.” Kevan Lee, The Best Time to Write and Get Ideas – According to Science. And it doesn’t end there. Apparently there are best times for all sorts of activities. Like, exercising between 3pm and 6pm. Huh. You…
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READING your way out
Facing the blank page is one thing, but sometimes the complications of life steal your emotional energy. Despite all of the best techniques for getting words on the page, if your emotions are sucked dry, working longer and harder is not the answer. Sometimes your emotions are knotted up in a major life event, and while this may provide material for writing down the road, at the moment you have nothing left to give. In times of deep emotional exhaustion, I pour out my thoughts in a private journal, but I find it impossible to focus on my fiction. Reading, however, is something I can do. At the moment, I…