I read out loud almost every day. I have a first-grader, and we read a lot. But, I don't usually read my own work out loud. I've meant to, but it's just so darn *weird* to read it out loud when there are other people around.
Today, home alone, I started reading my WIP. Specifically, the first two chapters. And, you know what? It's pretty good. I like it. I'd like to read the whole thing. LOL.
Wow. Who knew?
Friday, May 7, 2010
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Q&A with Kris
It’s been an interesting day. This morning, Laura, presented me with my first ever blog award. I’m still reeling over that one. Laura is an awesome friend and critique partner, and her award meant a lot to me. Then, this afternoon, Dena tagged me on a chain blog as someone she’d like to know better.
Wow. Me?
If you know me, you know I don’t normally do these. However, I thought I’d give the answers a try in the spirit of reminiscing about the ups and downs of my so-called writing career.
The question is where were you five years ago? Not really writing in a significant way. So, I’m amending it to read, Where were you four years ago?
1. Four years ago, I had just written my first picture book manuscript – very first query (to a small publisher) got personal feedback, which I know now doesn’t happen as often as we all would like. Got me motivated.
2. I was about four months away from writing the short story that would turn into my YA novel after a conversation with a friend jogged a memory.
3. Six months from joining my first critique group after posting some stuff on Critique Circle.
4. A year away from attending my first SCBWI conference as a bright eyed newbie.
5. Sixteen months away from sending writing samples and resume to Capstone Press which would eventually lead to my first non-fiction freelance book being published.
In other words, just starting on this journey. Not sure where I was going. Lots to learn.
Where would you like to be five years from now?
1. Working as a full-time writer with a couple of YA or MG novels already published.
2. Agented for sure.
3. Scheduling a fancy European book tour during which I visit London and meet JK Rowling.
4. Living in a bigger house in the same town I live in now.
5. Mentoring new writers and hopefully inspiring them the way I’ve been inspired by others.
6. Fifteen pounds lighter and ten years younger. Or at least look that way. :)
What is on your to-do list today?
1. Reading some of my WIP out loud
2. Completing the assignment for the online writing class I’m taking through Writer U.
3. Thinking about what to pack for the NE-SCBWI conference next weekend during which I’ll meet some blogger friends for the first time. (I want to look thin and cute, what shall I wear?)
4. Chat w/ my CPs via email at least two or three times.
5. Check Query Tracker and see if my agent list has any alerts.
6. Check WIBIJ blog and see if I’ve won any prizes. ;)
What five snacks do you enjoy?
1. Chips and Salsa and White Zinfandel
2. Salt and Vinegar potato chips
3. Dentyne
4. Diet Coke
5. Moose Tracks Ice Cream (any brand, I’m not fussy). Just chocolate and peanut butter. Yum.
What five things would you do if you were a billionaire? See some of the things on the list for what I’ll be doing in five years. ;)
1. Let’s see, plan my own book tour to visit JK Rowling in London
2. Pay off my the mortgages of family members
3. Start an endowment for the arts at my alma mater
4. Hire someone to cook and clean my house
5. Buy a house with an office in which I can write, write, write.
Tag Five people. I sort of hate tagging people, cause I don’t want folks to feel compelled. So, I'm breaking the rules here. Thanks again to Dena for tagging me -- this took way longer than I thought it would, so now my to-do list is only half completed. Oh well, there's always tomorrow.
Wow. Me?
If you know me, you know I don’t normally do these. However, I thought I’d give the answers a try in the spirit of reminiscing about the ups and downs of my so-called writing career.
The question is where were you five years ago? Not really writing in a significant way. So, I’m amending it to read, Where were you four years ago?
1. Four years ago, I had just written my first picture book manuscript – very first query (to a small publisher) got personal feedback, which I know now doesn’t happen as often as we all would like. Got me motivated.
2. I was about four months away from writing the short story that would turn into my YA novel after a conversation with a friend jogged a memory.
3. Six months from joining my first critique group after posting some stuff on Critique Circle.
4. A year away from attending my first SCBWI conference as a bright eyed newbie.
5. Sixteen months away from sending writing samples and resume to Capstone Press which would eventually lead to my first non-fiction freelance book being published.
In other words, just starting on this journey. Not sure where I was going. Lots to learn.
Where would you like to be five years from now?
1. Working as a full-time writer with a couple of YA or MG novels already published.
2. Agented for sure.
3. Scheduling a fancy European book tour during which I visit London and meet JK Rowling.
4. Living in a bigger house in the same town I live in now.
5. Mentoring new writers and hopefully inspiring them the way I’ve been inspired by others.
6. Fifteen pounds lighter and ten years younger. Or at least look that way. :)
What is on your to-do list today?
1. Reading some of my WIP out loud
2. Completing the assignment for the online writing class I’m taking through Writer U.
3. Thinking about what to pack for the NE-SCBWI conference next weekend during which I’ll meet some blogger friends for the first time. (I want to look thin and cute, what shall I wear?)
4. Chat w/ my CPs via email at least two or three times.
5. Check Query Tracker and see if my agent list has any alerts.
6. Check WIBIJ blog and see if I’ve won any prizes. ;)
What five snacks do you enjoy?
1. Chips and Salsa and White Zinfandel
2. Salt and Vinegar potato chips
3. Dentyne
4. Diet Coke
5. Moose Tracks Ice Cream (any brand, I’m not fussy). Just chocolate and peanut butter. Yum.
What five things would you do if you were a billionaire? See some of the things on the list for what I’ll be doing in five years. ;)
1. Let’s see, plan my own book tour to visit JK Rowling in London
2. Pay off my the mortgages of family members
3. Start an endowment for the arts at my alma mater
4. Hire someone to cook and clean my house
5. Buy a house with an office in which I can write, write, write.
Tag Five people. I sort of hate tagging people, cause I don’t want folks to feel compelled. So, I'm breaking the rules here. Thanks again to Dena for tagging me -- this took way longer than I thought it would, so now my to-do list is only half completed. Oh well, there's always tomorrow.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Practicing
I love the title of Tina Laurel Lee's blog. It's Watch Me Practice. I've been thinking about practice a lot lately.
It takes years to get good at something. And years more, to get great. So, why do we think we can wip out a novel without the same standard? Not that I haven't been writing this thing for years. But still.
I've been through my Work-in-Progress at least three times overall. But, in looking at it critically through the lens of a new class I'm taking through Writer U, I see that it could be stronger. In some places, a lot stronger.
And I thought it was almost done.
How do you practice your craft?
It takes years to get good at something. And years more, to get great. So, why do we think we can wip out a novel without the same standard? Not that I haven't been writing this thing for years. But still.
I've been through my Work-in-Progress at least three times overall. But, in looking at it critically through the lens of a new class I'm taking through Writer U, I see that it could be stronger. In some places, a lot stronger.
And I thought it was almost done.
How do you practice your craft?
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Validation
When did you first feel like a "real" author? The first time you took pen to paper? The first time you wrote a cohesive story - with a beginning, middle and end? The first time you let someone else read your work? The first time you had your work critiqued and were able to absorb the feedback and make changes? The first time you attended a conference? The first time you queried? The first time you took a work-for-hire assignment? The first time you got paid for your writing? The first time your work was published?
I think each of us has a different threshold. Some writers are never published, and that's fine with them. They write because they have to, no validation needed. Some writers dream of being published from the very first word. Others won't feel validated until s/he holds her book in her hand.
I had a phone conversation with an industry professional this week and received some great feedback on my book. The person treated me like a real writer. It was a wonderful feeling because, of course, I am a real writer. Have been since college. No matter that my first work-for-hire book just came out this past January, twenty years after graduation. Or that my novel is not quite ready to leave pre-query stage.
I am going to the NESCBWI conference this year because I am a writer. Writer's need networking opportunities, and workshops to enhance our skill-sets. I'll say it again, I am a writer. It is my career. It is not just a hobby.
I feel like I should be confident enough to not need the validation. But it feels darn good. What kind of validation do you need to feel like a "real" writer?
I think each of us has a different threshold. Some writers are never published, and that's fine with them. They write because they have to, no validation needed. Some writers dream of being published from the very first word. Others won't feel validated until s/he holds her book in her hand.
I had a phone conversation with an industry professional this week and received some great feedback on my book. The person treated me like a real writer. It was a wonderful feeling because, of course, I am a real writer. Have been since college. No matter that my first work-for-hire book just came out this past January, twenty years after graduation. Or that my novel is not quite ready to leave pre-query stage.
I am going to the NESCBWI conference this year because I am a writer. Writer's need networking opportunities, and workshops to enhance our skill-sets. I'll say it again, I am a writer. It is my career. It is not just a hobby.
I feel like I should be confident enough to not need the validation. But it feels darn good. What kind of validation do you need to feel like a "real" writer?
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