The Kelly Project

Recipe for Getting Published

2010-08-27T15:05:00.004-04:00

August 27, 2010

I hold in my hands... a self printed version of my latest chapter/middlgrade compliments of the HP printer and a couple of print run throughs as I learned how to make words appear on the front and back of pages. Like magic!

This HP version of my latest draft - in my hands- sends chills the size of eyeballs up my arms :) Of course it does - because this book is about stirring up scary monsters!!! And I have to say... I really think it's something. Something clever. Something fun. Something that well represent me... a girl who grew up always thinking she saw monsters from the closet to the basement and every drawer and dark corner in between them.

One day - I will look back on this blog as an author with THIS :) book on the shelves of BN and it will seem so far away. Because the recipe for getting published (as I believe it to be) is to always look forward. To act with passion and focus, in the moment, but with a positive and constantly self-uplifting momentum... seldom stopping to ponder past time or hurdles.

Relentless, positive passion AND... tons of networking. That's my current recipe for action.

Over 3 years, I've been attending tons of writer's events and meeting editors, agents and authors because its hard to get a person to consider your story if they've never met or heard of you. And I'll continue because it's a journey worth going on!

For now / Next Up - I am going to read through this "Recipe" book and then do another complete work through. Hopefully after that - I can find a genius editor to help with the finishing polish and make it presentable for the grand event... the time when I agree that 20zillion re-writes brought me far enough to submit and face the true results of an agent or an editor's reading tastebuds.

I know that tastes are subjective and that there are SO MANY stories out there. In fact, I spoke with a fellow writer yesterday, who spent 3 years on her screenplay, and she said to me - "What happens if I never even get a chance, if no one ever reads it? Do I just start over again?"

...yes...

Though, lets hope for the flip side - that our recipe for getting our work solid and polished and in the hands of the right agent/editors... works out deliciously :)

2010-07-23T10:26:00.001-04:00

Twinkle, twinkle little star ~ how I admire what you are ~ alone above the world so high ~ yet strong enough to light the sky.

Star Power

2010-06-07T17:29:00.001-04:00

June 7, 2010

Rising, shining, stronger, brighter... everyone can harness their own Star Power!

Back for a second to ground level :)

After recently attending a Star Power workshop, taught by Sande Shurin in NYC, I gained life long insight into how my dreams can form into tangible destinations - not just something to reach for.

Now, I can’t give away her workshop secrets. For that you will have to take her class (details below). Yet I will share my current plan. My 3 main passions and how I plan to get from here to the stratosphere.

Kelly Calabrese = writer, actor, creative junkie.

In defining my dream life I would envision myself as a published author, working actor and entrepreneur of a jewelry concept (I already have in 1st prototype).

This workshop helped me break down these dreams into action steps and timelines.

1st step: define dreams – DONE

2nd step: estimate how long it may take to achieve… I estimate 4 years (being optimistic, of course)

3rd step: Determine immediate next steps (within the month).

A. Create a year long time table for my two children’s books from completion to editing and submission.
B. Make a list of casting directors I need to meet over the year
C. Establish framework for my own hosting show (I interview celebrities / entertainment industry gurus) for launching my own show even if I have to post it on Vimeo.
D. Meet with a new silversmith/casting house I found in NYC which will allow me to monitor progress of my jewelry idea and ensure better communication than distant companies I have tried before.
E. Nail my 3-4 monologues so I am always ready
F. Create a year long marketing campaign idea for me to agents, CDs, etc who I already met.

Due date for all of this… June 30, 2010.

By looking at just a month’s work, and seeing the visual foundation for an entire year’s growth, I harness my star power and use the energy for active, upward momentum.

It's all very inspiring! Stay tuned for updates!

And to gain your own life organizing Star Power – check out Sande Shurin’s workshops…

http://sandeshurintransformations.com/workshops/star-power-workshop/

Reeling in Work

2010-02-25T09:56:00.004-05:00

February 25, 2010

Catch that man named time and wrestle him to the ground!

Ok, maybe you can't contain an hour or even a minute, but you can capture video and keep many moments alive through its alternate pixel universe.

Last night I put together segments of my Sundance interviews and I feel like I am back on Main Street... especially with all the snow outside today in NYC :)

Here's my 3 minute flashback - happening in reel time...

Kelly Calabrese Hosting Reel Sundance 2010 from Kelly Calabrese on Vimeo.

Sundancing

2010-01-27T12:52:00.007-05:00

Jan 2010
Just returned from the the main street of Sundance... sensational films, stars, and indie actors fulfilling their snowy dreams. This year marks my 8th trip to Sundance yet my first on a full time press adventure. Getting to interview the talented spirits gave me a deeper understanding of what it takes to succeed on my Kelly Project. I began as a naive dreamer (and thankfully so! Naivety tells the feet to go!). And now... I realize I've signed up for a layer rich and life long process of persistence, specificity, and continuous self learning. The Kelly Project is so much more than wanting to get a book published, articles printed, or an acting gig. It's about committing to the ever changing and always engaging - possibility of me :)

I know that every snowflake at Sundance has its own original shape. In 2010 I will trust that I too have my own way of glistening... of being cold & wet... and of melting into anothers skin.

(pic of me and the Co-Directors of "Homewrecker" - Todd & Brad Barnes)

DIG DUG

2009-11-18T15:19:00.010-05:00

November 18, 2009

Remember that game DIG DUG? I loved it! Excavating though the dirt and making rocks fall on random bugs in order to get away. Shooting arrows, pumping things up. I wonder if that helped shape the fighter that I am today? If a game helped teach me to not give up and dig deep?

This thought came to me today because I'm feeling quite reflective about my ability to push myself - to be stronger, better. Whether its reminding myself to try and listen more, putting in that extra 10min at the gym when I'm exhausted, or that plunge I took in March of 08... leaving my job for a chance at becoming more of myself.

I think its important to reflect on strengths. Especially the strengths that help us dig deep when we are feeling weak. The fire that helps us light a room even when we are feeling less than stellar.

In a way, life is a game when you get down to it. You can only learn if you are willing to play hard and enjoy it.

Go Daddy!

2009-08-26T13:53:00.004-04:00

August 26, 2009

Let's go - bright thoughts!

I learned a lot from an audition today - even before I left my apartment! While doing reasearch on godaddy.com, I found 16 steps to success from the owner and some really inspired me. Here are my favorites...

1. Get and stay out of your comfort zone.
I believe that not much happens of any significance when we're in our comfort zone. I hear people say, "But I'm concerned about security." My response to that is simple: "Security is for cadavers."2.

2. Never give up.
Almost nothing works the first time it's attempted. Just because what you're doing does not seem to be working, doesn't mean it won't work. It just means that it might not work the way you're doing it. If it was easy, everyone would be doing it, and you wouldn't have an opportunity.

3.When you're ready to quit, you're closer than you think.
There's an old Chinese saying that I just love, and I believe it is so true. It goes like this: "The temptation to quit will be greatest just before you are about to succeed."

4. With regard to whatever worries you, not only accept the worst thing that could happen, but make it a point to quantify what the worst thing could be.
Very seldom will the worst consequence be anywhere near as bad as a cloud of "undefined consequences." My father would tell me early on, when I was struggling and losing my shirt trying to get Parsons Technology going, "Well, Robert, if it doesn't work, they can't eat you."

5. Focus on what you want to have happen.
Remember that old saying, "As you think, so shall you be."

6. Take things a day at a time.
No matter how difficult your situation is, you can get through it if you don't look too far into the future, and focus on the present moment. You can get through anything one day at a time.

7. Always be moving forward.
Never stop investing. Never stop improving. Never stop doing something new. The moment you stop improving your organization, it starts to die. Make it your goal to be better each and every day, in some small way. Remember the Japanese concept of Kaizen. Small daily improvements eventually result in huge advantages.

8.Be quick to decide.
Remember what General George S. Patton said: "A good plan violently executed today is far and away better than a perfect plan tomorrow."

13.Never expect life to be fair.
Life isn't fair. You make your own breaks. You'll be doing good if the only meaning fair has to you, is something that you pay when you get on a bus (i.e., fare).

15.Don't take yourself too seriously.
Lighten up. Often, at least half of what we accomplish is due to luck.
None of us are in control as much as we like to think we are.

16. There's always a reason to smile.
Find it. After all, you're really lucky just to be alive. Life is short. More and more, I agree with my little brother.
He always reminds me: "We're not here for a long time, we're here for a good time!"

VROOOOM

2009-08-21T15:21:00.005-04:00

August 21, 2009

Latch on your seat belt and hit the gas pedal cause I am taking you AND ME on another creative freeway! We have taken many rides through my life... as I write my novel. NOW we are headed for another journey together - as I write my first - Graphic Novel. VROOM SCARY! This ride is not for the faint of heart. I am fueling up by reading current graphic novel hits like Captain Underpants and Diary of a Wimpy Kid.

I say fueling up cause there is no finish line when it comes to a writing career, only fast driving combined with soul reviving pit stops. So as I edit my novel, I am ALSO getting my newest project up to speed (more details on the graphic novel idea to come soon).

And I'd like to give a quick shout out to my Great Positive Spirit (my GPS :) - which I'm grateful for. It keeps me on the right track.

I have sinned

2009-08-12T13:10:00.006-04:00

August 12, 2009

Forgive me blog world for I have sinned... it has been nearly a month since my last blog post.

At one point, I blogged every day because I needed the daily reminder of what was good and progressive about my 24hours. Yet recently I have realized that The Kelly Project is so much more than my day to day - hopes and dreams. It's a life adventure and hence I am going to take this blog in a new direction. The Kelly Project IS still about the novel and my road to getting published... AND NOW... it will also be about my many other creative facets. I plan to bring in every aspect that makes me... me. The good, the bad, and the sinfully ;)

Right now, I am prepping to shoot a new web project called Commercial Angels (a spoof of Charlie's Angels where 3 ladies fight commercial crime and make sure that fake products are discontinued before they put real companies out of business). Its fun and cheeky and totally me. I serve as a writer, producer, and actor in the monthly episodes. And today I am packing props, making shooting schedules, and saying many prayers that all my actors will show up, the equipment will work, and the idea will film as good in real life as it appears in my head.

Want to find out if all goes well or if disaster strikes?! STAY TUNED my angels. And remember to be blog patient. Cause I am looking up each day... and writing down when I can ;)

Devastation strikes!

2009-07-14T09:27:00.005-04:00

July 14, 2009

In the fiction world... when your characters are down and out the goal becomes to - make it worst for them! So says the book I am reading... Peter Rubie's "How to tell a story: The Secrets of writing captivating tales." Peter believes that when a character reaches his/her lowest point, toughest moments, hardest choices... that a writer should make it even harder instead of just trying to make things better.

Peter suggests that in life we all try and make things easier for each other - but - that fiction should do the opposite in order to keep a story captivating. Characters must have a goal worth going after EVEN WHEN / ESPECIALLY WHEN they have so little energy left. The writer has to make the character's goal THAT worth it - No matter what happens... a new source of motivation must be uncovered.

And so I continue editing my novel with a focus on making a more challenging premise - giving the characters an unyielding, relentless, obsessive determination. hmmm.... ya know. I can relate to this :)

mind blowingly scary

2009-07-09T09:42:00.004-04:00

July 9, 2009

SuperGal! So... this past weekend I went on Great Adventure's Superman roller coaster and FOR ME that is mind blowingly scary. I have a real fear of heights and this ride locks you in, flips you on your back, and then zips you in a flying stance through loops and high speed turns. I screamed! Lots! And had to close my eyes once... but afterward I thought to myself... Roller Coasters are a lot less scary than life can be. On a ride you know when it begins and ends. Not the case with pursuing a life of creative passion. Writing this novel is more than a non-stop rollercoaster. Its a free fall.

Wizard of writing

2009-06-23T20:49:00.004-04:00

June 23, 2009

There is no place like home... the infamous Wizard of Oz taught us that motto but I heard a fascinating comment that states the opposite. At the Children's Writers conference I attended - Richard Peck mentioned that YA books are about young adults who must go forward because they can not go backward. Stories aren't about a person who can go home and make everything right again. It is about the adventure. I really took note of this piece of advice and so wanted to share it.

In a very personal way I think that I must REALLY be a character in a good story then because I left my job over a year ago and this recession has made it really hard for me to return to a cubicle again. I admit I have felt the pressure to return to a 9-5 and earn some money! But I guess life has a way of helping a person maintain a course of forward momementum because its not letting me look back... run back ;) Since I can't go home - I try and focus on just exploring the unkown and enjoying this amazing life adventure!

FAT brains

2009-06-16T10:52:00.004-04:00

June 15, 2009

Reading is fundamental - especially when it comes to getting your brain well nourished for a new genre. Since I am writing a YA book I have been reading SO many authors that write for the same age, with fantastical elements to their stories. Many have helped but last week I began reading Richard Peck after meeting him for the second time at the Writers Conference I just attended. Richard Peck is a very well known, award winning YA writer and his books are easy to follow AND riveting... both. His example has helped me take my story to another level. Richard said at the conference that a writer needs to read 1000 books before he/she can write one. WOW. that's a lot. But I do agree that the more you can feed your brain the better, FAT brains do not tip scales... they tip your chances for book sales :)

WHAT!

2009-06-10T20:32:00.002-04:00

TMI... This weekend I went to a 2 day writer's conference on writing for children and there was Thrilling, Mind-opening Information... and too much of it! Whew! Listening to all those agents and editors speak can frazzle dreams but at the same time there is a ton of energy and creative people who all believe. It was a whirlwind of hope and reality. Of course I prefer the hope part!

To help share what I learned with a hopeful slant... The publishing world is really hard to break into - but that's why persistence pays off. All it takes is a conference or two for me to see how quickly people can get discouraged if they let themselves. But only those who keep working at their craft will ever get to their ultimate goal... a contract.

Once an editor agrees to read your novel... it turns out that only 2 out of 100 get published. WHAT! I know... horrifying. But that just gives more reason for writers to attend these events, learn as much as they can to help them get ahead, and keep on re-working your story.

TMI... That's My Input. Of course its not easy to keep hoping when you've got so much counter knowledge. BUT - any dream worth having... is worth the energy it takes to keep believing in it.

crunching for a summer bod

2009-05-19T07:52:00.002-04:00

May 18, 2009

Feeling the burn! A post ago I mentioned that I am plugging away at getting each chapter in superstar shape with an active opening, a clear goal, tons of conflicts and a cliff hanger. I am still on this! What an undertaking! And as advice to myself I am going to make sure that my next novel has a much more structured work out regime to begin with.

When I got started on this novel many people asked if I outlined it all ahead of time or if I was taking it chapter by chapter. I did let my creativity just flow naturally - which is fantastic. Yet :) Next time I am going to take a more planned approach and see how that goes :) Cause crunching for a summer bod a week before memorial day is a lot harder then keeping in shape all year round. Ya know!

need a maid

2009-05-13T07:54:00.003-04:00

May 13, 2009

I need to TP my novel!... Tighten & Polish! Each and every chapter is about to go through 6 major point checks.

1. How does this chapter fit into the overall goal of the Protagonists2 Does it form the goal, bridge it, conflict with it? Make sure the main goal is present somewhere!!

2. What is the specific goal of this chapter? Make it clear, make it urgent, make it high stakes

3. How will Protag go after this chapter's goal? Launch into the action, immediately!

4. What can go wrong to prevent the goal from happening? Load on the tension and conflict!

5. How does this chapter change the characters / story? make sure it has a mini-ending.

6. Then what... Leave the chapter with a set up for the next ch's specific goal - aka a cliff hanger.

My desire is to make each chapter a mini story with high stakes, tension, and a mini-resolution leading into the next challenge.

Lots to do!! I really am learning about novel crafting as I go along here. 300 pages is like having 300 rooms in a house that you need to keep clean, decorated and filled with people at all times. Wow! Exciting. :)Sometimes I feel like I need a maid for all this mayhem!

title run way

2009-05-11T21:16:00.003-04:00

May 11, 2009

Titles! Looks are vital in the entertainment biz and that includes what name goes on the hard cover of a book. One of these days I need to give my current title a make over. In speaking with other people about titles there are so many things to consider. To share what I have learned here are a couple key points that I found interesting...

* remember the internet! Is your title unique enough to stand out from all the search engine rubble? Are you using words or a term that have been used in movies, sports, well known locations or sayings. These can all mean that your book title gets buried so keep that in mind!

* don't give away the story. Sometimes you may want to be obvious with the name of your book but if there is a reveal or a twist... you might want to keep the title clear of any hints

* Mass marketability.... this one is obvious but still not easy. What makes a title reach out to tons of people? Maybe ask for a lot of friendly input on this one.

In general - if a novel rocks then the publishing house will find a title that can make the book roll off the shelf. But it always helps to make the best first impression when sending out those Query letters. For me... this means back to the title run way... going to find a new look that represents my book better :)

Bloom... if you can

2009-05-07T20:06:00.005-04:00

May 7, 2009

What a beautiful day! OK - so it poured - downright poured sheets of rain... but I felt the sun's rays on me. I felt energized!!

As always, I search for the bright spots but today I got to enjoy a real treat. Three hours of cupcakes, sushi and conversation with a Binghamton Alum with serious Literary insights. How awesome is that! Chatting about writing, college, life - this treading style of swimming through days that a lot of us have to face due to the recession. All of it was fuel for my creative belly.

What I took most from today that I would like to pour in your Sake glass... is to grow! I say Cheers to Networking, communicating, listening and being open to learning at all moments. Luckily for me this lovely lady that I ate with has years of industry knowledge and within three hours she shared ways for me to improve my story line - just one simple shift could clean up some challenges while adding a new ending/twist.

After lunch... I have spent the rest of the rainy day pondering her suggestion as well as many other ideas and my mind feels nurtured. Perhaps all the water falling from the sky helped my roots out... because I feel taller.

Grow! Always grow. And then bloom... if you can. That's my ultimate goal :)

train conductor...

2009-05-06T20:17:00.004-04:00

May 5, 2009

Organizing! I have been creating spreadsheets for myself of contacts and key events. A lot of this delves into either my freelance press coverage or acting - but it is a solid beginning for thinking of myself as a business. In this recession it is imperative for everyone to really take a look at who they have met, know, impressed (pissed off :) - and keep tabs because it will be helpful!

Networking is a key part of this and I tell everyone now about my life as a writer... reporter... a novelist... looking for an agent/publisher. OK I do not tell the mail man or train conductor... but instead of shrugging off what I do I am owning the fact that I represent myself and NEED to build my community of other writers, as well as those in the know.

Whoa! Trying to be my own boss is a daily learning lesson. And taking notes helped me get A's in school, so... here I go!

Who needs electricity

2009-04-29T14:40:00.004-04:00

April 29, 2009

My 200th post.

Wow.

Leaving the corporate rat race did not make time slow down, but each moment is fuller! At my 200th post... I am proud to say I have 215 edited pages out of 300 and hopefully will complete this round of re-writing by end of next week. It is amazing that I keep plugging away - I am on a path and will not stop... even once I get there ;)

My Father recently sent me some old blog posts to remind me of how far I've come. Kinda crazy all this time and energy. Who needs electricity when you have dreams to power you!

Keep believing everyone. That's what I have to say on my 200th blog day. And... HOORAY for chances like this. Hooray for the fact that we can create our own chances.... carve out our own paths.... and make our lives, dreamy :) Hooray for that!

Ahhh.

2009-04-22T22:15:00.003-04:00

April 22, 2009

Simplicity. Ahhh. The word alone calms me. As I edit pages 196 onward (of 300) I am simplifying everything! The questions and mystery have built up and now I need to cut back on any extra drama so that the real story can move at the speed on enlightening ;)

I work off of a printed copy while editing, in addition to the computer screen and today I penned through 196-233 and saw so much that I could do without, which makes me happy! Because I know that less is better when it comes to telling a story succinctly AND because I am proud that I no longer get frantic about deleting my work. I see the story as a whole and not 57,000 words.

Now if only getting an agent could be simple ;)

what meds to give her...

2009-04-21T22:14:00.003-04:00

April 21, 2009

Multiple Personalities - a disorder worth sorting through?! I believe so - but even with a BA in Psychology I do not find altering the temperament of my characters... to be easy.

At about page 175 of the edit now and I am working on the main protag's arch. She has changed quite a bit and now I need to figure out what meds to give her... how fast or slow does she need to come back around? Part of the challenge is that she is at a stage that is not as likable - she is at an awkward moment and my tendency is to get her HELP and make things better asap. Perhaps I will google the character arch tomorrow and spend some added time philosophizing about it. In the mean time - if there are any psych guru's out there... let me know if you have any (free) advice :)

need rotating

2009-04-20T21:31:00.003-04:00

April 20, 2009

Pit stops! I find it hard to drive away from them!

Each chapter has so many words that need rotating that I could spend forever servicing each sentence. BUT! At some point I need to let a chapter rest as I edit the next. A trick I use for this is to have someone reading the story... because as soon as I hand off a slew of pages... I have no choice but to hit the gas and race onward.

As I am learning... these writing / re-writing loops are endless. So keeping that in mind also helps. There WILL be a chance to edit each chapter again... and again... and... after all - I spent 8 month editing the last version of my novel and I barely kept a sentence of it on this go around.

Currently I am on the mark of 170 pages set /edited... 130 still to go :)

Off track?...

2009-04-16T18:50:00.003-04:00

April 16, 2009

Take a walk on the wild side! If you want to see where your children's picture book will land - look at a shelf near where the Wild Things Are! If you are scribing a fantasy - you will land somewhere near a dragon and for romance you better groom your Fabio tresses.

As I was told... when you want to pitch your book, you have to know where it will go in a barnes and noble. Now at first - I did not listen. Sure I meandered around the shelves and stared blankly at covers, but none of the books seemed to fit with my novel. My novel was special! original! Off track?... I think so. But not at fist, it took a few reviews and a writing conference before I got where I am today. More stable. At least as far as book comparisons go. I could lean close to a Tim Bowler's Apocalypse or at least in the same perimeter :)

Point is... I learned (after re-writing my story from page 1) that standing out too far from the crowd could mean you are not making enough sense to hit home. Now my novel has placement potential. At least I hope it does!! And for any aspiring authors out there... I say if you REALLY want to learn the hard way (like I do) then have a blast! If not... maybe make sure you are on the right track by reading a ton of books in your genre and figuring out which shelf your story could stand tall in.

HUGE

2009-04-16T08:55:00.002-04:00

April 15, 2009

Tax Day! Isn't today when Uncle Sam comes out of the closet and if he sees Dead People we have to show him the money?! Of course! I am sure that's right :)

Memorable days, sayings, movies, moments - all begin somewhere. In novel writing I am hoping to make several of these. One way... (which I read in Breakout Novel - love that book!) is to either heighten or simmer down a critical time in your story. Playing around with this is interesting! You can make a point HUGE or really tender. Try both and see which works best for ya in that scene!

Just like in taxes - there are so many ways to change a line that could = a better outcome. Currently I am on page 137 of the edit and crunching ideas like crazy!

hung me by a noose

2009-04-09T09:06:00.004-04:00

April 8, 2009

Happy Birthday Sister!! So many stories I could tell about my Big Sis and growing up with her... but should I divulge that info? According to the Breakout Novel Workbook - NO!

How to Write the Break Out Novel (by Donald Mass)says that NO back story should pop up on your pages until chapter 15. Really?! That is a challenging concept for me since I made my novel start in action so there is no foundation for readers to know what already happened. YES! I will give this Break Out Novel tip a whirl though. As an exercise I am going to save one version with those pesky past secrets removed until later in the story. Once I do - I will let you know how it goes. AND I will tell you about the time my sister hung me by a noose out the window!

Hope you had a blast of a Bday Sister. Thanks for showing me it is ok to dream AND for helping to make my skin thick enough to handle the adventure ;)

edited darlings

2009-04-06T21:31:00.002-04:00

April 6, 2009

Easy, breezy, writer girl. That has become me! How? Well you see... every day I seem to get better at cutting back on words and trimming unneeded details. Plus! I get sharper at spotting any pesky leaps in storyline!

But things have not always been easy for me. When I first launched into novel world (OMG over a year ago!) I could not part with a sentence. Everything had to get stored in the "holding bin" as I called the MS WORD file that held on to all my edited darlings. Now I look at a paragraph and think geez this has to be explained simpler - or - oh goody I can cut out three lines to make this plot line flow quicker.

It has become my main focus to just write the simplest, most engaging, story line I can. Life has enough complications. I want my novel to take people on a smooth, yet thrilling journey!

Of course I am fully aware at how much time is breezing by as I embark on this adventure. Has the time element also become easier, less daunting? Um. No. But I keep trying to get better at being patient... a skill that has always been hard for this girl to cover :)

we can fly?

2009-04-02T17:31:00.003-04:00

April 2, 2009

Cut it out! Today I got really great editing feedback from a chapter sample I submitted to critters.org (online sight for science fiction, fantasy and horror)

Each time I submit around 4000 words and get reviews from 5-7 people. This week I got loads of good feedback, including people saying they can't wait to read more! And one person, today, specified how I can cut back words to make the flow quicker.

His editing advice was so helpful I thought to share one example for any potential writers reading my blog out there.

For example I had...

>"Unless we can fly?" I repeated.

>I looked at Syrnni. She tucked a lock of red hair behind her ear and
then shrugged her shoulder.

And the feedback was...

These 2 paragraphs could probably be combined into one to tighten up
the prose. Like this:

"Unless we can fly?" I looked at Syrnni. She tucked a lock of red hair
behind her ear and then shrugged her shoulder.

Getting helpful insight on how to edit my writing is extremely valuable. I recommend online critique sites for all authors!

starts with Mom

2009-03-31T08:12:00.002-04:00

March 30, 2009

Mom's Birthday Today!! And where would I be without Mom? - I would not be! So today I am saying thanks to the amazing patience and dedication that my parents had raising me. Both me and my sister are quite dynamic women - driven and passionate about what we believe in. And that starts with Mom and Dad and how they raised us. AND... as a scoop... I am actually using a little of my sister's relationship with me and her personality in my novel.

So today I say Happy Birthday Mom! The woman who taught me strength, gave me a sister who I can pilfer ideas off of :) and who reads my blog every day because she is thrilled that I am following my dreams. So much she gave me! Love you Mom! Now, yes, I am getting back to writing ;)

to be anything at all!

2009-03-27T14:08:00.006-04:00

March 27, 2009

TGIF - Thank goodness I'm FREE! For over a year I have be fortunate enough to write all day long and this new draft of my novel has started to show clear signs of time well dedicated :) I am starting to look for work / ways to bring in dough but I also know just how precious every moment is so I will make sure to keep writing at full speed no matter how I begin to rake in the green. I do believe. And if this year long writer's blog can offer one piece of advice to people who aspire (to be anything at all!) I would say... have faith in yourself. You may never have all the answers, but still be brave enough to ask the questions.

This is been a sappy segment of Kelly appreciating her life. Tune in for more overly emotional candor on any day, pick at random :)

thrilling tale

2009-03-26T10:53:00.003-04:00

March 25, 2009

Will the world end if I don't have tension in every sentence? As I have said before, many editors and agents predict that new writers will not even get the chance to exist! if they do not have constant conflict in their novel. Well I say cheers, then, to the Apocalypse - A YA book by Tim Bowler. As a steady diet I consume YA books these days and his thrilling tale of a family at sea has shed new lightening on what it takes to keep every page nail biting. Thank you Mr. Bowler! Anyone looking to write suspenseful prose check out his story. The only one who may not be thrilled about my new found passion for conflict is my husband :) But he'll forgive my downfalls when I get published ;)

I mean really!

2009-03-25T12:22:00.002-04:00

March 24, 2009

Really people. I mean really! It seems as if making a character a full rounded, and engaging person should be simple :) And perhaps it is easier than I am making it out to be... but today I dedicated the day to making my Protag as real as possible in the first chapter as it sets her up for the entire tone of the story and is the essential time to catch a readers attention and compassion. One tool I am using is from the Algonkian Writers retreat I went to - using ruminations, fantasy, open ended questions, and dialogue that gives a firm representation of the character and her POV / intentions. These are all tools directly from the week's workshop. And they make a difference I think! If you are a writer I would recommend the trip... check out www.algonkianconferences.com - Really :)

but then again...

2009-03-20T17:43:00.002-04:00

March 20, 2009

The first day of Spring! What a perfect day to begin cleaning up / editing the first draft of my novel. What I am primarily focusing on for this edit round is getting my voice to be reflective of my own, the imagery and moments so clear that readers can relax and fall in to each page and straightening out any actions that did not appear 100% believable when I read through the printed pages. Also! Varying sentence structure and building the rhythm. Ok so a lot. And at the same time I am trying to keep up my energy and momentum. It is mentally challenging to keep driving forward with out any clear and definite end in sight... but then again... it did flurry this morning on the first day of spring. So I am reminding myself that ya never know, go with the flaky white snow :)

Hooray! Hooray!

2009-03-11T13:20:00.003-04:00

March 11, 2009

feverishly writing! That is what I have been up to. Over 140 pages written in the past week. Crazy! And... I am very thrilled to say that my first draft of the new novel - is complete! I did it! Starting from scratch on page one I wrote an entirely new version and I am going to bask in the glory of the moment. Hooray! Hooray!

And p.s. It is my nephew's birthday today. Evan turned 2 years old. And I get to see him on Saturday. Life is sweet. It is very good to me :)

More details on my writing journey to be continued after Cabo... Hooray! Hooray! Hooray!

Hooray!

Hooray! ;)

Since any thought beyond the present

2009-03-06T23:04:00.003-05:00

March 5, 2009

Thank God It's... near the finish line. I have re-written this novel from page 1 using the earlier version as a foundation of thought and plot but each word is new on all 240 pages that I currently have right now. I can hardly believe that I had the strength to start it over and HOPE that it is on the right track this time!!! 240 pages and counting. wow. The pace now for me is very fast. I have been logging in 20 a day. And feel confident that I will have a version, a completed version by next week.

Since any thought beyond the present (what then? how many more revisions are needed? What about the publishing world? Its hard enough to find and agent and so many are getting laid off!!!) - - - - as I was saying - - - - Since any thought beyond the present is for obvious reasons overwhelming, I will leave this entry as said. But I don't mind asking for prayers :) Since I started with TGIF metaphor :)

fitting an elephant

2009-03-05T20:24:00.003-05:00

March 5, 2009

The circus is coming! to NYC and hopefully those elephants will make a special appearance on every page of my novel :) The proverbial 'Elephant in the room' is exactly what some writing gurus say it takes for a novel to be a success. - Conflict, Conflict Conflict - a three ring spectacle of non stop friction. Though that is not as easy as it sounds. Try fitting an elephant in every room of your house! Especially tough for me since have a natural tendency to send my elephants to the spa where they can calm down and all just get along. I am personally apprehensive of conflict! But attempt every day to get in the ring and be master of this particular writing whip. Hopefully my attention to this "sure fire" tactic will help make my novel... the best story in the world. :)

psst... Are you craving popcorn and cotton candy after this metaphorical blog. I am! Sweet! No conflict. Be mean. Grrr. Never mind ;)

the dagger you see before you!

2009-03-04T17:33:00.003-05:00

March 4, 2009

To be or not to be... that is not a straight forward question. Just as I am learning in acting class... when you relax and respond to your scene partner, in the moment - a scene can be different every time even though you use the same words. Same goes for novel writing. I am completely re-writing the story in a first person YA format. And this version will be an angle - which could very well be a good and engaging if told from another slant or POV. There are actually countless shades of 'maybe' when dealing with art. The trick! To surviving the tip of the dagger you see before you! Is committing to one path with out getting too distracted. And so it goes... I have 198 pages so far. Have been jotting a feverish 20 per day and will sit down again with my mighty weapon, then pen, after a brief break for dinner and the gym. And though I hear other stories playing in my head - I am headed directly toward the end / creating the best story my novel will (currently :) be!

to you...

2009-03-03T18:32:00.005-05:00

March 3, 2009

Do you know?! Today is ONE YEAR. 1yr... since I began to write as a free spirit, soaring away from corporate cubicles in to the unknown with hope and naivety as my wings and song. Oh my! So fast, so magical, this year has been. One year ago today, March 3rd, I woke up and it was a Monday. I got out of bed, made coffee with two lumps of fear dissolved in to it ;) and then I started creating the initial story line for this novel. How much has changed in 365 days? Everything and nothing. How wonderful is that! I have shifted gears from a horror novel to a YA mythological fantasy - writing it entirely from scratch after several attempts to realign what I already had. Every day I found new challenges and learned new ways to drive myself and every one around me crazy :) I faced the truth that 3 months did not = packing my bags for a book signing tour... and I adapted, dug deeper, and have managed to continue writing with a much more insightful, educated, and discerning eye... while still soaring with hope and naivety as my wings and song. Obviously - I have not lost my dramatic tendencies :)Yet I am much more aware of - the real, basic me.

I still do not know where this route will lead me. But I am loving and living to the fullest during every minute of the journey.

So Cheers!

And please, lets create a dramatic pause... for a quick note of gratitude... to the only ones who are reading this 182nd blog entry ;) - my kind and loving family, who tirelessly support me. I DO INTEND to keep on plugging away until I get that page, that beautiful printed page, my novel's dedication... to you...

re-setting my speedometer

2009-03-02T21:14:00.002-05:00

March 2, 2009

Full speed ahead! I have been re-writing the first 150 pages and now am going to try to shift geers completely. I have a new goal - getting this draft finished by March 11th. 2 weeks time. I think I can make it. At very least setting a date will help keep me from wrestling with pages I may end up cutting anyway. For the first time in a long while I am re-setting my speedometer and am striving for 10 pages tomorrow!

too many seat belts!

2009-02-26T20:15:00.003-05:00

February 26, 2009

Stop and smell the skid marks! Sometimes we need to pause and realize how quick life goes by us... the only way to slow it down is to take purposeful moments, to breathe deeply, inhale and exhale. The same is true on the page of a novel. The action, what happens, can race out of my mind and on to a page - which is fine! The creative thought needs to get out however it can! But today I have gone back and slowed down the points which need more explanation. I tried to recall that the reader is not inside my head / my engine - but rather a passenger viewing the road before and behind each sentence. So I am working on improving the view and limiting the number of tire marks / jumps in thought. Vroom! the tricky part is to make sure I am not adding too many seat belts! So the reader can get out and stretch their legs / mind at will.

create without judgment

2009-02-25T21:39:00.002-05:00

February 25, 2009

Permission. Since we were little we asked for permission - from everyone. Permission to get up from the dinner table, permission to stay out an hour later, to borrow the car, to leave class and go to the bathroom. It becomes ingrained in us! Yet how often do we give ourselves permission, for anything?

I had a very interesting conversation today that touched upon the concept of permitting one's self to explore and create without judgment or pre-assigned barriers. This is a very challenging thing to achieve! And it makes me think quite deeply about my novel. I know very well what I am trying not to do. I know pretty well what I am trying - to do. But am I open to anything? Have I given myself permission to not "do" but "be" in my writing of the story? In some instances yes - I am writing it after all instead of being inside a cubicle. And the concept of the novel is original without checking in on already done parameters. But it is the page to page unfolding of the tale that makes me wonder if I get stiff and predictable
in some places? Following what should happen versus what could or would if the characters took over the typewriter!

I think over all I would like to strike a balance of being steadfast yet always open to discovering. The odd part, the truth, about writing a novel is that it takes constant 'checking in' with yourself in order to keep up the very inspired flame that lit the path in the first place. - A constant higher level of awareness is what I am reaching for here. Hopefully my fingers will keep getting longer as my aspirations keep on building and rising :)

I AM! I AM!

2009-02-18T12:51:00.002-05:00

February 18, 2009

Time CRUNCH! Being super busy may keep my mind fit but all this time crunching is not that healthy for my novel writing or gym attendance! Alas - my days have become filled with more than Jammies and my laptop computer. Which is good! Yet it takes some management and getting used to. I left the sales world to write and I AM! I AM! I have been reporting for over a week for hollyscoop.com covering Fashion Week - crazy! I love it! Check out my stories by going to hollyscoop.com and keyword search Kelly Calabrese. I digress :)

It is such a challenge to figure out how to fit in the novel in nooks of time rather than entire days from 9am till I fall asleep. I am sure this is what most authors go through and it means getting up earlier and writing in hour increments which takes more brain power and hence is less effective - but I will get used to it. I adore being a part of the working, writing world, making a name, learning each day, and growing as a person and an artist... hopefully just not width wise :)- speaking of Crunches :)

being fast

2009-02-12T21:43:00.003-05:00

February 12, 2009

Did I mention I won a Grammy?! Ok... I am exaggerating... but I am quite rhythmically engaging :)As I write my story, I focus most on the cadence, making sure that each line flows into the next one. Putting aside concerns regarding page counts and time lines, I am focusing on the audible pacing and word rhyme. Words are fun! I love them! And it's pretty cool to get feedback from critiques about my pacing being fast and readable. I am striving to be better each day. But that's what I am working on right now - YAY! :)

astronomical

2009-02-09T20:35:00.002-05:00

February 9, 2009

As The Presidential News Conference plays in my living room... I can not help but blog about this darn economy. The number of my friends who are out of jobs and/or feel lost in this current world is astronomical. I do not know what relief or stimulus plan will help return the confidence and whimsy to my dear friends. But I do know that I have been out of work for almost one year. one entire year! On my own accord. And as I reflect on my choice and the cut backs I made - I do think that objects currently mean less to me and I have realized that time is a priceless entity. We are living in an interesting period that will be history, hopefully the spiral part will be through sooner rather than later :) Still, it is OUR history and always will be. I hope we can all dig deep each day, find that light / that constant energy, and then share it with everybody! Even if you are not currently writing a novel - we are all currently writing our own life stories.

magnitude

2009-02-06T18:05:00.003-05:00

February 6, 2009
{Keep Track}

Tag you are it! I have set up tags at each chapter to keep track of what changes my characters have gone through, a theme or rather an insight that brings them in to the next chapter. This new trick is helping me realize exactly what happened of magnitude and it reminds me that new viewpoints will come from the past. I am learning more each day. Can't wait to see what the weekend brings! Or every other second in which I play the "I can't stop thinking about my novel game" :)

he is looking for...

2009-02-04T20:55:00.004-05:00

February 4, 2009

I love salt - on everything. Yet I do not always take info with a grain of salt. The writer's conference was SO helpful and packed with essential advice / details. As I work on my novel this week I can not figure out if I am slowing down and re-evaluating because I am on a new brain wave / digging deeper -OR- if I am a little afraid.

One editor told us that she is looking for... A. a best seller, B. an award winning novel and C. for it to have perfect working and rhythm. She wants Top Notch everything and will stop reading the second the 1st chapter falls short of perfect. WOW. That does give me quite a visual, a star to reach for. AND it is a subjective statement that I need to absorb in shades of salty gray.

One thing is for certain after this weekend conference. I am even more D.termined :)

worth eavesdropping on

2009-02-02T16:12:00.003-05:00

February 2, 2009

Back from the future! I attended a conference this weekend for Children's Writers and my mind is peculating with ways to improve my writing, style, characters, etc as I continue forward with my novel. I have a lot to share and so will start with some brilliant words from author Richard Peck...

"Good books end with a new beginning."

"Often, good protagonists are outsiders, people who have internalized their problems and do things others might not."

"Good dialogue is worth eavesdropping on" - I loved that one!

And he challenged us to cut off our characters from what they know and force them to find out who they are, how to survive.

All very exciting - I will share more insight during the week. Cheers!

down any path it chooses

2009-01-28T21:41:00.003-05:00

January 28, 2009

Suitable for children of all ages! I am a new member of SCBWI (Society of Children Book Writers and Illustrators) and in their recent newsletter they had an fascinating article about YA stories. This is a topic I have mentally struggled with as well. Why do some tales get considered adult when some are YA and does it affect the publishing possibilities and future sales. Maybe is the answer. And the criteria seems to consistently be the age of the protagonist though that also wavers. Some older lead characters are cast in YA and some young adults get placed on 'normal' bookshelves. The intellect of a 13-16 year old is not too far off from an Adult at least not in a reading and comprehension level. My story has 14 year old protagonists and I wondered if making it YA was a good idea. I hope so! I have done so! But I also made sure to write at the height of my intelligence so that it can go down any path it chooses once it graduates from a draft to a final version. It is interesting to me that categories and boxes pertain to every aspect of life we embark on. I look forward to learning more about how my novel suits various ages and readers as I get further along. Currently at 121 re-written pages on a draft # old enough to drink ;)

My head sometimes spins

2009-01-22T18:16:00.002-05:00

January 22, 2009

Does the world revolve around you? I often think it does because without me - my world does not exist. So it makes sense that switching to a first person POV has helped make my story revolve around the character. I am not 100% sure that this new direction is solid, but I can tell for certain that writing from a persons perspective helps to keep the moment real, without too much back story. AND! It is helping me to let my character experience the world instead of my puppeteering characters through third person. I keep learning so much more every day. My head sometimes spins - AS IF IT IS - the world I live in. :)

have been transformed

2009-01-21T17:02:00.003-05:00

January 21, 2009

I... keep trying to make this story as compelling as possible and in my re-write I already switched from a supernatural horror to a young adult mythological fantasy - big change! I also switched from multiple POVs to just one. NOW...I... am testing the waters with a first person narrative. I :) admire my tenacity and willingness to keep changing in order to create the best told tale. But I! must admit that I really hope this first person method goes over swell. In re-reading the pages today which have been transformed it does appear to add a needed level of character intrigue and connection. Sometimes I need to wait a couple days and read my work in order to tell for sure if it has worked. I - will let you know.

focusing on shades of Grey

2009-01-14T08:17:00.003-05:00

January 14, 2009

Are we our own worst critic? Maybe not! Take it from me... I am extremely hard on myself. I keep wondering why I was not able to write a best selling novel in 3 months :) But the truth is that there are many opinions out there and some people will love you and some will criticize you harder than - even you thought. CRITIQUES are helpful either way, though. One of the sites I use is critters.org and I just finished having my 1st two chapters (the new ones) remarked on by about 6 strangers. One hated it, 2 thought it needed major re-adjustments, and 3 felt as if I had something clearly original and engaging. I took each of their feedback to heart and each had an angle of truth that was helpful. But I learned 2 very important things from posting my writing. 1) that the first time I posted sample chapters was a landslide of oh my's which makes 3 positive responses feel like a golden archway! I can make it! and 2) not everyone will like what I write. At some point I need to trust myself to be the final advice.

I highly recommend posting work up for review on writer sites or going to classes for feedback - and - to do so as early as possible in the process so you can learn how your story reads to other people. I also suggest - to any writer as well as myself - to keep in mind that even the Olympics cuts out the highest and lowest scores... focusing on shades of Grey, the general opinion.

a personal conflict

2009-01-13T08:34:00.004-05:00

January 13, 2009

Weird Writing... it IS a science - novel writing. There are countless books, classes, workshops, critiques. One thing that seems to be universal is that conflict makes a compelling story. I have been adding in more subtle layers of conflict. A disagreement or something not working quite right are layers much smaller than war, yet needed just the same.

I actually have a personal conflict with adding these tricky elements... and I have figured out why. In life - I try to resolve conflict or at very least avoid it, usually avoid it. So it is my learned nature to steer away from even the slightest troubles. Now I am learning how to purposefully create it- and on every page if possible! What an interesting science, approach, psychology lesson. I guess as long as it does not blind me to real life resolution than I am better for it ;)

quite a piece of marble

2009-01-09T08:31:00.002-05:00

January 9, 2009

I have a sharp instrument in my hand. An invisible tool which slices, shaves, and shapes. And this novel is quite a piece of marble that I am working on. - In my re-write of the story I am changing a dramatic amount compared to the first round. I am also taking a new approach to how I create it. Some days, like 2 days ago, I sprang thorough 17 pages of writing in one day. Yesterday I added some glaze to my invisible tool and shined on details, thoughts, points of view. And today I woke up with a microscopic camera adhered to the tip of my pointy writing instrument. I have a mind full of what ifs and maybe I should/could do this... I am inspecting the 84 current pages of re-written material with a very artful eye today. As long as I do not end up cutting myself with my weapon :) I shall share what I discover with you soon...

see, feel and believe it

2009-01-07T09:18:00.002-05:00

January 7, 2009

Happy New You!

It is 2009... a year for me of more working toward my dreams! And yesterday I did an exercise in my acting class that involves my novel. I was to think of a decision I made in Dec 08 that helped me reach a goal by Dec 2011. I chose that the decision was to make my novel a YA book and that the goal was I was at my book signing in Barnes & Noble. Now... I think I could have gotten the task a bit more than I originally did. I was giddy and dreamy while speaking about the success of my novel rather than a bit more calm and proud. It only occurred to me afterward that I would be more... grounded and secure once I reached my goal. AND what is to be taken from the exercise was that your future is what you want from it today PLUS to nurture the dream... meaning that you already ARE all that you want to be - you just need to see, feel and believe it.

Many times while I am writing I am so excited about the possibility of my dream that I get nervous and I second guess myself. This year - I am going to focus on being the published novelist in my mind rather than aspiring. I want to nurture my dream instead of reaching for it. And in relaxing, just a tad, I hope to free my mind and spirit.

Cheers to a year that will be enlightening and fulfilling! Cheers to 2009.

Smiles, Kelly

hopefully to bloom

2008-12-29T21:37:00.003-05:00

December 29, 2009

Well before the New Year - I have started over! In case you have been wondering (Mom :) where I have been since my Dec 9th posting... I have been squeezing in as much writing as possible while Holidaying - and I have 35 new pages, hopefully to bloom into 50 by the time 2009 arrives.

Since the writer's conference - I am exploring how my novel concept would work as a young adult and have been feverishly reading best selling YA writers (Harry Potter, Lion Witch & Wardrobe, City of Ember, etc) - though I have not 100% given in to tailoring to tweens in my word choice or subject matter, I do think that Young Adults would notice every flaw and out of character moment even more than adults would! So it is helping to keep my honest. That is, after all, what my New Version resolution is... to write a really good story that is truthful in my exploration the theme.

Cheers to the road ahead and all that I have learned along the way :) I still say time passes too quickly!!

is a beautiful mirror

2008-12-09T17:40:00.003-05:00

December 9, 2008

Seriously I need to sprout wings! To keep up with everything going on right now. Fresh off the writer's retreat express I have a zillion stories to tell you and secrets to share PLUS! I just started writing as a journalist for hollyscoop.com - which allows me to get a couple bucks and a by line while maintaining my novel life focus. So I am super pumped and not sure how to slow down in order to share all the juicy details.

I think I'll just press one break at a time until I stop having info to share. And so here I go...

One AMAZING thing I learned while at the writer's retreat was that a lot of people are willing to give up almost anything to write their story. I met super talented people who have unique lives and well written lines :) 7 of us bunked in these cottages in VA and the energy and ability was inspiring. This amazing knowledge helped me realize one of the most crucial aspects of noveling... there are a lot of strivers out there and it takes hard core persistence and time, time, time - to get YOUR novel to the highest level where it can shine above all. I do not take this discouragingly. In Fact! one of the hardest things for me to deal with these past 8 months has been my own pressure "Kelly you should be further along by now" - "Kelly you need to re-write the whole story why couldn't it be perfect the first time around?" - all these pressure filled thoughts, it turns out, fills many aspiring minds and such weight does me no good. Only time and continuous learning / skill will get me where I need to be and I will arrive! So my one thing I share 1st with you is that seeing the passion in others is a beautiful mirror into one's own drive AND it also reminds you that you do not exist in a vacuum. Novels have been written, re-written, and re-written... and published before mine :) Keeping at it! That's the difference between 300 pages in a closet versus amazon.com!

internet disabled

2008-12-02T09:26:00.002-05:00

December 2, 2008

And away I go! I am off to VA for a week long writer's retreat. Very exciting. Only 12 people and every day we work on mastering the craft of noveling. The cottages are internet disabled - so no updates until I return. But I will have a lot to share about my creative explorations... so stay tuned. Hooray for learning!

quite a lot of stuffin

2008-11-25T21:04:00.002-05:00

November 25, 2008

Lets Talk Turkey! As this is a blog about my writing journey I will share with you that I have been so super busy lately that my actual novel writing has been carved out a bit. You see - I am preparing for a week long writer's retreat in VA the first of December and the homework - HOMEWORK :) - is quite a lot of stuffin along with daily scribing. We have 4 books to read, a synopsis to write about our novel, a log line and book jacket about our novel - AND 5 best sellers to review to see what makes the protagonists interesting and sympathetic. There is a lot on my Thanksgiving plate right now... and I am trying to see this as a part of the entire place setting instead of getting overwhelmed that my main dish is not at the exact right temperature. I am not a chef at such calm, reason... but I am putting my best hat forward :)

the sparkle and the sizzle

2008-11-20T11:26:00.002-05:00

Old tricks, New Dog. While cleaning, I rifled through boxes of school work from College... all my old writing and notes from teachers. One very interesting point came across on all my prose. The teachers told me that my normal speech is vibrant and punchy while I tend to use BIG words with floral accents in my prose. True. Still. But I happen to be at the right time to listen to old advice. I think sometimes I want to sound a certain way, believing that my spunky verse may be too juvenile. Yet the sparkle and the sizzle of my day to day is what makes me unique. So as I continue to reinvent myself and this novel... I am now also trying to NOT reinvent my language. It is kinda like trying to ACT natural :)

dive in

2008-11-18T09:11:00.002-05:00

November 17, 2008

Vacation. That is where I have been the past week. I believe the greatest gift of time away from a project is the clarity and new found willingness to return with a different angle. When we get too overwhelmed by a project it can seem as vast as the ocean versus as simple as dipping our foot in to test the waters. In my case I returned today trying to dive in to the water. I am beginning to re-write the story again and I need to feel free to make mistakes, I need to feel free to leap head first without holding my nose and trying to protect myself. I already have a first draft filling what was once an empty chasm. Now I need to transform that pool of water into a current pulling, enthralling on each page story :)

cycles

2008-11-03T17:19:00.002-05:00

November 3, 2008

Daylight. By 4:30 the sun went to bed today. As much as I dislike the winter and the darker days that join it... I do understand cycles more than ever. Change - helps us grow and in a way the seasons are a visual and physical aid. When it comes to novel writing I am in a similar pattern. During the warm months I zipped through my story - got it written and celebrated being a completed author. Then as the leaves fell... so did my pages into a re-evaluation. I saw many many layers of re-writing that need to take place in order for my novel to transform into a great story. So as much as I grit my teeth and wish for long, bright summer days to be here again. I am also looking out my window at a time of reorganization.

age old uses of battling the wicked

2008-10-28T11:40:00.003-04:00

October 28, 2008

Does pea soup = a bundle of cash? Of course not! Though both are green and rich they are not the same by any means. Plot and conflict... not quite as easy to differentiate. A complicated and multi leveled plot can certainly seem like a conflict rich story... yet not be at all. I just read this Query critique (queryshark.blogspot.com) and although there is a great deal of interesting things going on in this story - the lit agent mentions that it has no conflict and just age old uses of battling the wicked. Hmm! I think it is easy to mistake action as conflict as a writer. This review gives one lit agent's opinion on how the two differ. Lit agent's remarks are in italics. I removed the name of the author for privacy sakes (it is posted in public on queryshark)...

Dear Query Shark:

In a sunless, frozen world, the landscape is difficult to travel, cities are built underground, and wars are fought with assassins, not armies. The king's city of Vastii is a corrupt metropolis struggling to recover from a recent plague that had ravaged the working class; its tunnels are rife with mercenaries, murderers, insurgents, thieves, and members of a secret police who feel that the sword is the best way to hold back a violent revolution.

Avoid the temptation to set the scene in a query letter. You don't have enough page space to do that. Start with who matters, and what's at stake.

When a lord of a prominent city north of Vastii turns hostile to the monarchy, the king takes his niece Wyrren Jadis as a political hostage to prevent her family from aiding the rebellion. The king also has a twelve-year-old grudge against the Jadis family, and with his niece under heavy guard in his palace, he attempts to make Wyrren accuse her father of murder.

Between betraying her father and endangering herself and her companions, Wyrren instead looks to fight a king in his own court with what little resources she has: a formal education in government, a specialty in a non-combative magic, three female bodyguards posing as her maids, a high ranking slave allowed access to the city, and whomever is willing to associate with a woman outside of the king's favor. The most powerful of her potential allies is an ambitious young nobleman who may or may not have honorable intentions.

This paragraph is where you finally get to what you should have started with. Wyrren is going to do battle with the king so she doesn't have to betray her father to her uncle. Ok...so what? Maybe her father IS a murderer and a snake (no offense to snakes of course, some of my dearest colleagues are rather slithery.)

And unless there's some sort of twist on this story, I'm left thinking ya ya ya, who isn't battling a wicked uncle these days.

Right now you don't have anything that makes me want to call you up and demand pages instantly. There's no hook of any kind, and nothing about the plot suggests an interesting twist or dilemma.

Form rejection.

what is ahead of me

2008-10-27T17:42:00.003-04:00

October 27, 2008

Writers love company? Many writers struggle to get published and most never see their first book printed, first. But I do not see other's struggles as misery - I see it as knowledge and so a key to both history and what is ahead of me. Better to be aware and prepared! That's the way I see it.

I already shared the stat that 99.5% of novels submitted each year get rejected. Today I learned some stats* about how many writers got their first book published, first. Here is the info...

32% wrote one novel
13% wrote two
11% wrote 3
8% wrote 4
9% wrote 5
3% wrote 6
13% wrote 7 or more novels
6% wrote some short fiction first
5% wrote a ton of short fiction first

I find these tidbits helpful because I want to know the odds and what it takes to get ahead. I realize after getting feedback on my complete novel that I had a lot of obstacles/omissions/unclear situations - that I did not realize when I finished the novel. I was too close to the story. So instead of getting down I am continuing to dig deeper into my idea and learn even more about publishing while I am at it. I think that Artists need to be aware yet naive at the same time. How? by surrounding themselves with positive energy and company as they walk this well worth it, long road to break out novel discovery.

*(stats are not 100% scientifically tested! / based on a survey of 150 published authors)

That's the button

2008-10-23T19:42:00.002-04:00

October 23, 2008

Pressing pause. Ever notice how quiet the room gets when you press pause on TV. Or if you just stop and close your eyes and listen to everything in the room? It actually gets quieter yet louder in other ways! Right now... I am observing the silence in between re-writes of my novel and the silence is much more challenging than full speed and blast ahead! I need to re-group and firm up all of my intentions on the novel as it began with an idea... became a novel... and now needs to form into the spectacular. So many questions and concerns buzz in the white noise of reviewing, researching, and further contemplating the life direction of my story. My main focus at this juncture is pinpointing what a reader wants from my tale and researching editing tools while reading lots of books. I did read once that the first draft is for the writer and then you need to figure out what the reader would take from the story / want from it. That's the button I am pressing right now. Sometimes I think it is pressing me though :)

thought provoking questions

2008-10-15T15:07:00.002-04:00

October 15, 2008

Remember those height charts on the door frame as a child? I have a visual on my novel's height chart that is just as endearing. And though its hard to say exactly how the growth spurts come about... did I read the right articles?, digest thought provoking questions really well?, milk all I could learn from every lesson? :) perhaps! I am on the verge of a spurt now, can feel my mental energy growing - and I know that taking a break from the novel, revisiting it, and then reading the "Break Out" novel book (in that exact sequence)helped! I also know that inside of me is this persistent marathon racing energy... a will to grow and get better every day. I am not sure exactly where she came from (parents prob had something to do with it :) but I am lucky to have this strength. So this entry is in a way a mark on my novel journey door frame. I am taking a step back and realizing the growth I have had over time... and the spurts I am about to venture upon.

a rare and wonderful find

2008-10-15T10:37:00.004-04:00

October 14, 2008

Needles in a haystack! I have found one - that can help me be one....

Yesterday I read "Writing the Breakout Novel" by literary agent Donald Maas. I have been wanting to read this book since I saw info on his workshop online a couple weeks ago. I spent the entire day yesterday absorbing his words of wisdom and as far as writer's handbooks go - this one is a rare and wonderful find. Go out and get it today! Hooray!

Why is it wonderful? - It gives meaty examples as to how a novel can go from good to exceptional. Not just fluffy advice but concrete methods and explanations for making a story that sells!

Also this book can help ME be the needle in the haystack because it does show me exactly how my story already qualifies for superstardom! And in what areas I can raise the bar and increase my break out novel chances. It was the perfect read for me at this time of my writing process as I am about to leap into my middle draft and makes some serious waves! Embracing change is always a positive when the change coincides with your vision. I know see how to better shape my story in a way that completely embraces my intentions while creating a rock solid first novel.

This is a looooong road. But along the way I am enjoying... diving into the piles of hay and finding points I can learn and grow from. Yay!

gets complicated

2008-10-14T09:01:00.003-04:00

October 13, 2008

Returning to the scene of the crime! They say... that you need to take a step back in order to see your story clearly and I always thought 'I can see it, this close just fine!' - yet... once again - they - are right. I took 2 weeks off from reading the entire novel (I would often read it 2x per week) and the bird's eye view I got now is amazing. I can clearly see where the story does just as I intended, where it rushes, gets complicated, lacks tension, etc. I guess no matter how many self help books you read - some things you have to learn on your own. I am guilty of this as charged ;)

jaw hanging in horror

2008-10-10T19:35:00.000-04:00

October 10, 2008

The beginning of a story has everything to do with the number of readers who will say "I can't put the book down, more. Now! Please" - And I have been researching tools and tricks for building and sustaining such a riveting dynamic. Plus! the past week my main focus has been on tightening the first few chapters.

I found a very helpful site to share with aspiring novelists...

http://www.fictionfactor.com/articles/createconflict.html

and for anyone just wanting the abridged version - here are the must read. Now! highlights...

Creating Conflict and Sustaining Suspense
by Lee Masterson

"Dan stood on the wet paving, his arms limp by his side, his jaw hanging in horror, as he peered through a crack in the curtains. Before him a man crept towards the figure of his wife as she lay on the sofa.

"Leave my wife alone," his mind screamed silently. His mouth formed the words but no sound would come.

On the sofa his wife smiled and opened her arms invitingly. Dan did not notice his car keys drop from between his numb fingers. They landed in a puddle at his feet with a dull jangle. At the sound, the stranger turned toward the window. Dan's heart skipped a beat as he recognized the swarthy features of the man inside his home..

He wondered how hard it would be to murder his best friend."

...
Did that little excerpt leave you wanting more? I hope so - that was the point.

Conflict is the driving force behind all good fiction. Without it, there is no story. The good news is, creating conflict is much easier than you might believe.

Many new writers believe that adding conflict to a story is as simple as inserting violence into the plot line. Nothing could be further from the truth. The conflict in the example above is only present in Dan's emotional state. Physically, he has not moved from the window.

Let me give you an example of writing without conflict.

Dan arrived home from work. He stepped out of the car and hurried up the drive to escape the rain. Through a crack in the curtains he spied his wife awaiting his arrival. She was curled up on the sofa, a serene little smile on her face. His car keys fell from his grasp and he stooped to pick them up, before hurrying into the house.

Now, tell me - would you like to see 400 more pages like this?

Did you happen to notice that Dan's point of view is exactly the same in both examples? He is still outside, peering through a crack in the curtains, watching his wife on the sofa. The difference is, I have created tension and suspense by adding emotional conflict about what Dan is seeing and feeling.

Also in the first example, I have added the hint that it is raining. This is to introduce a sense of physical conflict. Dan's first impulse should be to run into the house. He ignores this impulse and endures the physical discomfort, because he is emotionally preoccupied.

In the second example, there really is no reason for the reader to want to continue. Nothing special or unusual is happening to the characters. Nothing untoward is going on. Where is the point in continuing to turn pages?

breathing beauty

2008-10-09T13:49:00.003-04:00

October 9, 2008

Breathing. One of the goals I have in life is to learn how to be in the moment more. I think it will help me be more in tune as an artist and especially as a writer... to be able to always look at things with fresh eyes (sans blinders).

These past 2 weeks have been more of a breather for me. I am in between journeys on this novel. I did a major overhaul to the first 40 pages of the final first draft and am ready to take it to the next AMAZING level. Yet at the moment - it doesn't make sense for me to spend every hour of the day working on my novel as I need to lean back and reflect on where and how to take the novel to its next higher level. In this time I have broadened my artistic mind - delving into some of the other key aspects of my life: Jewelry design, acting, reading, and learning all I can about novels and writing - and me! The overachiever in me feels a bit guilty that I am not on a strict routine of wake up, write, sleep, repeat. And at first it drove me crazy to not control every second of my day. BUT. I am actually starting to view myself as an artist... as this being full of hope, dreams, passion - and talent! I am getting more comfortable with the artist side of me. Its calmingly exhilarating!

Perhaps most artists already feel in the moment on most days? Or perhaps most are just as pressured and hard on themselves as I am? I wonder! What I know is that I value that strict side of me SO much. It helps me supersede what most people can get done it a day / time frame. That side of me is vital! And I think as it learns to get along with the free spirit / visionary side of me... pure, breathing beauty will come from the marriage of my 2 fave personality traits coming together in harmony.

I will
I am
I DO :)

reaching energy

2008-10-07T10:17:00.002-04:00

October 6, 2008

When I wish upon a star... Indeed! These are exciting times for dreamers. An imagination and optimism will get you far during these challenging economic days - and you don't have to be an aspiring writer to embrace it. I think that there is potential for added personal stability to be taken from the unstable. We pretty much have no idea what the world will do as it spins. We can only try to know what we are doing in this world we live in.

This past week I have had some new, fun opportunities to try and get networking connections up and running for my writing and other dreams. It is exhilarating and reminds me that I would be nowhere close to reaching for stars - if I never extended my arm.

Also friends and family have been integral to my sustained reaching energy. I can never thank them enough! And in turn will continue to try and help as many people as I can. Lets hope that the ability to live to our fullest potential - is contagious. May our Dreams all Soar by 800 shares! ... and yes, rosy glasses and naivety can help get us there.

my dream face

2008-10-03T10:09:00.003-04:00

October 2, 2008

7 months. Wow. Now this time has more than flown by. On March 3rd I began my novel, researching for it. And today I have a middle draft and a brain full of publishing knowledge. So the time has been well filled! Yet so fast it went by. THIS IS - exactly - why I sprung out of the corporate world and into my super writer uniform. Because time was going to fly no matter what I did with myself. And now I have 300 pages to wear as my aspiring best seller costume instead of the same "one of these days" mask that I put over my dream face for so many years. SCARY - of course! But just as time flies... nights will always be dark. I believe in seeing the light during scary dark times AND in flapping my aspiring wings to try and keep pace with time. 7 months. Wow. All mine.

machine like

2008-10-02T10:14:00.003-04:00

October 1, 2008

Training for the marathon. Well, it is a month away from the NYC one!! And I think that this key training month of Oct is also a perfect parallel to my key training month for the novel. I am in the middle draft and the next step - is to bring it to the next level, naturally. I am ready but must keep running (I mean writing :) in order to keep in shape for the big event... the final draft re-write. And I can't start that until I get enough feedback outside of my own brain to see how others read the story. It differs greatly! Even fine details are viewed a diff way outside my brain. Amazing!

My hubba actually ran 2 marathons and I watched him get up at 5am and run 6 miles in the morning before work. Not to mention the 18+ on weekends. Crazy! But it is exactly that kind of machine like commitment that helps a body and mind keep up the condition needed.

So what am I currently working on? Polishing the middle draft... Narrowing down on any repeat words or thoughts, explaining things in a deeper more clear yet intriguing way, and filling out the characters. Today I am doing another character analysis - what do these characters do as hobbies, what is their prized possession, etc.

That ribbon at the end of the line can be reached many ways... yet I plan to run through it at my best pace!

It's fuel for the spirit!

2008-10-01T09:55:00.002-04:00

September 30, 2008

Making progress. We all compile "to do" lists and hope to get through the slush of lines we've created before the end of the year. Me too! Currently I am well on my way to re-vamping this Middle Draft of my novel. I am not totally re-writing it until I get feedback but I am polishing and getting out some bugs and such. For instance! Sometimes I use a word that I mean metaphorically happened, and through critiques I realize that the reader just might not be inside my head to know immediately how I meant to use that word. Clarity is always better unless the metaphor makes a statement that I need to as a writer. But I am on my way. I got a good review yesterday and can clearly see ways to straighten up. Check on that to do list. I am also working on other projects: A Jewelry Biz and getting a Poetry Book together as well as the always on my mind acting world. Some might think that juggling too many things can be distracting. I see it the other way around. I focused 144% on writing the first draft of the novel and know need to come out of my shell and live, explore, grow - in order to make the next drafts even richer.

So I encourage everyone on the last day of September... check something off your list. It's fuel for the spirit!

hunt for the hidden

2008-09-29T20:53:00.002-04:00

September 29, 2008

Treasure Hunting. Writing a novel is a hunt for the hidden - as you rework and keep digging to make the story its most golden. And last night I watched Nick Cage's National Treasure movie... very entertaining and creative! So not only did it remind me of what the constant search for rarity - means to me. I also really enjoyed a quote that Nick Cage said (paraphrased)... that a step below crazy is passionate. It is a fine line! And as a person puts themselves in vulnerable challenges the line can blur even more. Good to remember that it isn't crazy to dream and believe. Its passionate!!!

Critters

2008-09-28T05:59:00.002-04:00

September 26, 2008

You did what! - aka: some cool info I found on critiquing :)

I am a member of 2 online writer's groups now... Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror - And - Critters. These are amazingly helpful resources as the feedback gives me a boost to the next level of writing. Based on reviews that I have gotten from other online members... I can definitely say that critiquing is an art form, itself. For any writers looking for some 'how to' critique advice I found this cool resource page on Critters. Enjoy!...

http://www.critique.org/lib.ht

leaps out of me

2008-09-26T08:59:00.002-04:00

September 25, 2008

Getting on my Soap Box! - My Soap Opera box :) I just took an amazing class with a casting director for a Soap and one of the notes he gave me was to slow down / I tend to rush. I watched the video back and thought... that is slow speaking for me!! Then I realized that note could help me in writing as well. I rush! My energy just leaps out of me - my voice, my mind, my typing. I am a burst of well meaning. And yes. Slowing down will help. I have spent the past two days slowing down the start of my novel and taking more time to introduce some of the characters. This non-rushing thing may have promise! gotta run now. :)

fall into inspiration...

2008-09-23T12:44:00.003-04:00

September 23, 2008

I am falling on the first day of fall but I will get up! :) Cheeky Kelly. Love it. So really - today I am full of fresh vigor for my novel and I began re-writing the early chapters based on feedback as well as the knowledge I've gained from reading other books, advice columns, genre specific details, etc.

Mostly I am re-writing with a keen eye on making it as high concept, conflict filled, and relatable as possible all while keeping my original intentions. So I am in the trenches and learning how to climb my way to an even more exciting story! Yay!

Today I want to pass on this very inspiring bit of how Stephenie Meyer thought her now world famous 'Twilight' series might never get published... but then boy did it!

Go ahead and fall into inspiration...
http://www.stepheniemeyer.com/twilight.html

street cred

2008-09-22T21:00:00.003-04:00

Seems fitting that as the last day of summer slips away from me, I am falling back into education. I had a plan to quit and write a novel - A+ I got that first draft done. Then I picked my head out of the amazing imaginary world... and realized why Advil is a household name :) My poor head hurts in reality land. Yet, the pain also comes with the much needed weight of knowledge.

I have learned so much in the past two weeks from how very polished your book needs to be in this industry (pretty much ready to be published when submitting to agents!) - to - just how many manuscripts get denied a year (out of 50,000 - 99.5% get a NO). What I can bring to this education desk; however, is my radiant spirit, often naive and always fanciful. If I can figure out how to learn the truth and keep a smile on my persistent face - well then I will be magical student indeed. I am always willing to revise and improve so I have an A in that category already. And I intend to excel at keeping up the optimistic drive, while being informed of the hard truths. Not easy. Not saying this will be easy. but necessary. And so very true to who I am and want to always be.

So I am slowing down and learning as much about this publishing world, agents, workshops, novel re-writing tips, getting more feedback on my work, AND basically making sure my novel is high concept and mass marketable. That's what it must be in today's publishing world and so I return to the written word with a fierce open eye and an informed mind.

As I learn... I will keep posting links for other writers to reference. Here are some from today...

http://www.2morrow.bc.ca/documents/career_novelist_DonaldMaass.pdf
http://www.horror.org/writetips.htm
http://www.algonkianconferences.com/ - I am attending this in December!

and I found a great resource for submitting short stories as it helps you get noticed in the publishing world to have street cred :)
http://www.duotrope.com/

Like they always tell you

2008-09-19T18:06:00.003-04:00

September 19, 2008

I find feedback contagious. I am loving my online writer's group where we read and critique each others work - it helps me learn what else is out there while getting very valuable info on what writers in the same genre think of my work - brilliant. I also just had a conversation with one of my friends reading the novel and she says she has reached a point where she wants to take the book with her in case a few free minutes pop up and she can read it. Yay!

I am looking into conferences and thinking more then a brain really should about how to make this novel exceptional. Alarm clocks have lost meaning - I wake up because I want to get started with my day and weekends are just 2 more opportunities to think, explore, and create.

It took me a while to feel open to sharing my story and it took a while for me to feel confident each day about my work path. Everything comes together in time... Like they always tell you it does but we fight the concept anyway ;)

caterpillar Kelly

2008-09-18T22:10:00.004-04:00

September 18, 2008

I feel like I am in a cocoon in 2 ways - a caterpillar's cocoon where I am learning, and evolving, and working toward getting wings for my novel so it can one day fly. And I feel like I am in - Cocoon the movie where I wish to be transported back to younger times. I spent 11 years in the sales industry and always thought if only I was still 21 I would start over and be a writer like I intended. And I am super glad I did this life transition on the now and not the never but it is still a little mentally hard for me to feel time breathing on my shoulders. That truth said - I return to my first cocoon that I am in... and one of the aspects I am evolving is patience and kindness to myself. I do trust my writing. I do believe that re-writes and feedback will help me get to the next level and that I will get an agent/published/etc at the right time, when ready. Meanwhile - I am learning to / trying to learn how to just be in the moment and not fret about yesterday or tomorrow.

This has been deep thoughts by caterpillar Kelly. :)

the submitting road

2008-09-17T14:56:00.002-04:00

September 17,2008

I am a secret agent... no more! I fully admit that I have started to send out Query Letters. I sent my first one out a week ago via email, got an "its not right for me" response, and then I retracted for further evaluation of the Query. As I mentioned in yesterday's blog I have an entirely new Query ready now which captures the hook quicker and simpler... and I am back on the submitting road again. I submitted 1 today and will continue to submit. I read that simultaneous submissions are the norm - still I do not want to over do it. I need to make sure each agent is right for me and if I don't get responses from (say 10) agents - then I may need to rethink my approach again. Plus! There are endless ways to make the search for an agent more effective... referrals, conventions, workshops, etc. So good to keep eyes open and as many traffics paths as possible, flowing.

I have found A LOT of useful info as I google each Lit Agent to figure out if they are right for me. Just because they say they accept SciFi/ Fantasy does not make them a perfect match. GOOD NEWS! With a little research you can find out exactly how someone is or isn't your agentmate.

For Your Eyes Only... New Resources I Haven't Mentioned Before:

1st off I joined the Online Writer's Workshop for SciFi / Fantasy & Horror.
http://sff.onlinewritingworkshop.com/index.html

I found loads of useful info on this Lit Agencies site
http://www.lizadawsonassociates.com/faqs.html

Want to learn how other 1st time novelists get through their experience? check out:
http://thefirstbook.wordpress.com/

1000 words worth of info

2008-09-17T08:59:00.002-04:00

September 16, 2008

Inspirational thoughts On the count of three...

1... You can't take a photograph with the lens cap on and images turn up blurry without the focus adjusted. Same with life. The only way to get a clear shot is to notice what is in front of you and take firm steps toward what you want. I think perhaps it is an artistic skill set?! Many people tell me they wouldn't have the day to day disciple to keep writing, wake up, writing, wake up, writing. But I think when you are passionate about something it goes beyond disciple. It starts to come naturally.

2... I also think that being independently artsy takes resilience. Getting nervous, confused, discouraged, etc is normal! But then you've got to Zoom back into your brave mode again and keep on going. It might not be a snap to do - but its vital :)

3... Re-developing work takes a lot of mental energy but it does give you a clearer image. Sometimes it happens all of a sudden. Magic! Like for example... I must have re-written my query 200 times by now. Yesterday I managed to get a brand new cropped version out of my brain. A version that says more of what I meant but in a totally new and more direct way. Hooray. The brain impresses when you let it keep developing.

Why - you ask? am I giving this sudden 1000 words worth of info?! Because its important to remember what is picture perfect about ourselves. Life moves fast and taking a mental snapshot of our strengths can help us take more of the good kinda baggage on our journey.

... Say Cheese :)

home schooled

2008-09-15T22:28:00.003-04:00

September 15, 2008

I am in a giddy mood again. Today I spent 9 hours re-working my synopsis and by Dave I think I've got it!! (Yes I know the expression in George, sue me ;}

I tore every book I own off the bookshelf and read the excerpt, referenced BN.com and reviewed dozens of movie Synopsisisises.

My Hubba says its like I've spent the past 6 months getting an education on novel writing. Indeed I am home schooled - it feels just as liberating and weird as it sounds ;)

it deserves applause

2008-09-13T01:35:00.002-04:00

September 12, 2008

Today a group of friends celebrated my novel completion with me. They reminded me that having a novel is a massive accomplishment and that it deserves applause. Of course my hands clap for the fact that these beautiful human beings are my friends and care to honor me. A bit of truth - I adore people. And having my friends celebrate my accomplishment means the milky way to me :)

In the end...

2008-09-12T09:35:00.002-04:00

September 11, 2008

So in conclusion... Synopsis writing is just as much fun as it sounds! Really. its fun. :) You get a 2-3 pages in which to make your 300 dazzle. So far I am making progress at it. It certainly shows you what you have going on in your 300. Whether some parts are heavy on conflict or others a little confusing. In general I have had a pretty easy time jotting down what happens. My struggle is keeping it simple enough to make it 2-3 pages AND to make it punch. Pow! In the end... my goal is to make my synopsis rule the world. of course. :)

Here are a few sites I found helpful.

http://www.charlottedillon.com/synopsis.html
http://www.fictionwriters.com/tips-synopsis.html
http://www.wherethemapends.com/writerstools/writers_tools_pages/publishing_biz_pages/synopses.htm
http://nathanbransford.blogspot.com/2007/08/how-to-write-synopsis.html

who's left?

2008-09-11T11:32:00.003-04:00

September 10, 2008

Pete and RePete were on a boat, Pete fell off who's left?

Over and over I write my query letter and I am getting closer to a 3 paragraph capsule that clearly defines my story while leaving an urgent need for the agent to read more. Tis not easy. I've prob written over 100 versions by now. And tomorrow I begin the Synopsis Venture. Yay fun!

Want to know what I don't mind repeating?! (alert: personal moment inserted randomly here) - yesterday my Mom left me a voicemail saying that she was thinking of me. I could listen to that forever. :) During this writing process I am a little girl with wide eyes, big dreams, and a tender heart. Unconditional love is like magic right now! It makes me feel like I am the one... still on the boat ;)

Repeat... Pete and RePete were on a boat, Pete fell off who's left? Repeat... Pete and RePete were on a boat, Pete fell off who's left? Repeat... Pete and RePete were on a boat, Pete fell off who's left? - Me?!

time to pick my head up

2008-09-10T09:24:00.003-04:00

September 9, 2008

This day has meaning to me as it marks a "goal date" - the goal for this day was to have the novel complete and a query letter ready to submit. I do have both. I also have a realization that its time to pick my head up and join more of the world. Get into a writer's group, put myself out there more, view the day to day existence as a bit less strict and "goal" centered... since life isn't as simple as simply making a target. I admit - I need to give up trying to control everything in my world, relax, and open my window to the sights and sounds around me. This is hard for me! I get nervous!! but I am going to give it a whirl.

raw

2008-09-09T09:26:00.005-04:00

September 8, 2008

Practice makes perfect. Well certainly! And I am beginning to think I could find a new way to make my novel better... every day. Levels of potential are consistently revealing themselves to me which creates 2 major "?'s"...

?) My novel is complete, polished, and ready to submit for Query. Yet I still plan to work on it. An athlete once they enter into a competition doesn't stop working on their offense and defense.... right?! I think this is fine but the question does cross my mind.

?) When do I start to feel accomplished! Crazy question I know for a girl who has written a novel but I am a classic overachiever and one day I think my novel is a rockstar and then next day I see a zillion ways for it to sing better. So at what point does my poor brain get to feel like it has achieved? Sometimes I think that even when the book hits the shelves... I'll be like - can we reprint I think I can make the tune even stronger?!

As I get my game in order to showcase this novel... the mental and tactical aspects become even more challenging for me. Much easier to hide away and type out a story. Presenting it to the world... takes more then practice - it takes vulnerability which is the furthest thing from being perfect. Its raw.

snowflakes of conflict

2008-09-05T12:37:00.003-04:00

September 4, 2008

Making a list and checking it twice. Though there is no such thing as Christmas in September I am trying to give myself as many gifts as possible. Today I made myself a chart per chapter. The 2 column chart features the POV of each scene on the left and then the conflict on the right. It is an overview that maps out where I need more snowflakes of conflict. Helpful!

Game Set Match!

2008-09-04T09:05:00.002-04:00

September 3, 2008

OK - I admit! I went to the US Open Today. Bad Writer Kelly. (but not really ;) - I brought along my printed out novel and read through it. At this point any chapter or paragraph that doesn't flow - it sticks out. Which is a good thing. It becomes easier to see what needs more polishing and what works. Writing a novel is a lot like being a tennis player... you practice your weak shots to get them better and have certain skills and flexibilities you know are natural talents. One thing I know about myself - is that I've got a fire in my belly as they say. One commentator spoke about the importance of being fiery about playing the game of tennis... really wanting it versus just playing well. I want it! Game Set Match! ... now back to work.

Though my heart slithers

2008-09-02T19:56:00.003-04:00

September 2, 2008

Sept 2... yes I realize I have already said that but the emphasis is needed. It has been 6 months now. Gosh that time demon irks me. Though my heart slithers into my throat as I think about 6 months elapsing... I have accomplished a lot.

As of today I have completed a POV makeover on the novel. And I have a query letter that is... pretty darn close to a dead on portrayal of my story. (Thanks for helping me Dave!!)

Tomorrow I re-read the 6 month labor of love and tighten, adjust, etc for another round. Then I stop being a wuss and send a query out... tomorrow, maybe, even. {Before the time demon snags another page from my Kinkade calendar!}

Did that just happen?

2008-08-29T06:05:00.002-04:00

August 28, 2008

Labor Day! Hard to believe but I have at least 60% of me that actually doesn't want weekends to come anymore. I LOVE FUN. But this novel is always on my mind and the week means progress which I love almost as much as getting out and about nowadays.

To kick off the weekend festivities I have listed some of the top "Party Time!" and "Did that just happen?" details I learned today.

Party Time!
1. Once you find authors that are similar to your novel... you can look up their agents on this handy dandy website... http://querytracker.net/clients.php?g=m (oh yeah!)

2.Why go through the perils of getting sick at this novel soirée?! Enjoy others getting smashed instead and learn a lot at the same time through this Query Critique Blog... http://queryshark.blogspot.com/

3. what's a party without friends! This week I got sent info on a cool Lit Agent resource site that I didn't know about www.litmatch.net - thanks Anthony!

Did that just happen?
1. I read on Nathan Bransford's (always amazing) blog some hard to swallow info on how much time you need to exclusively give agents when they ask to read a partial. One month! A month without being able to send a sample or manuscript to anyone else who requests it. Wow! Though you can still send out queries. whew. At least there's still that ;) http://nathanbransford.blogspot.com/

2. Don't black out... but even if you do it prob doesn't matter because whether you are alert or comatose I read in an agents interview that agents typically take... 15% of domestic revenue (including movie/TV) and 20% overseas. Including movie/tv and overseas. Seems like before you even have a product someone owns a piece of all its future. But of course, that's something to fret about once a deal gets handed to you :)

what I unearth

2008-08-28T09:12:00.003-04:00

August 27, 2008

Seeing double? Well I'm trying to and without the aid of bottled spirits!! I am researching other authors who have similar styles, themes, genre's, concepts, etc as my novel. Its not easy! I think everyone believes their story is somewhat unique (unless its not ;)

I began by finding Lit Agents who match my genre and concept - but then it got too tricky to compare the list of who they say they like to read with my novel. I was plugging in authors and titles into BN.com {geez I love the internet} and reading up on them per the agents mentioning them. - quickly - I altered my method. Instead I am plugging into BN.com all the key words of my Novel and finding similar matches, making a list so I can spot compare to Lit Agents, noting who published them / who their agents were... and going from there.

So at the end of all this research (still ongoing!!) I will be seeing double no matter what I unearth. My poor eyes spend WAY too much time every day with the computer screen!!

Stop reading this

2008-08-27T08:44:00.004-04:00

August 26, 2008

Privacy Please.

Seriously. I mean it. Stop reading this.

ok :) so a HUGE aspect of writing (and mainly any creative endeavor with a semi-original slant)... is the issue of non disclosure. Creative types fret all the time about someone stealing their golden nuggets. WHY? Prob cause it happens. But is that a good reason to keep totally mum?

I am guilty as hell on this one. I hardly tell anyone anything more then "it is a supernatural horror" - why. -- yesterday I was part of a cast for a reality pilot and the creator was also very tentative to tell us anything including the title of the show we were acting in. When I found out the title (can't tell you I signed a ND) I thought BRILLIANT and why not scream the good idea from the rooftops?! Easy said when its not my project :)

Ahhh. How tricky tricky it is to spill our treasured secrets. Holding info close to our hearts keeps them protected from both pillaging and commentary. But I need to come out of the Non Disclosure closet. Soon. Like today I need to. Though I won't quite yet....

learned in Grade K...

2008-08-26T08:32:00.004-04:00

August 25, 2008

you get better with age - that's what some say?! Well it is certainly true with novels and novelists. Every day I feel a sharper mind when it comes to explaining certain aspects of the novel and editing it to flow better.

One important factor I realize about my writing is that on the 1st go around I kept some descriptions / chapters vague. I think I did it because I want to create mystery but also because I was still not 100% sure what I meant ;) But now I realize that neither reason is a champion. 1. Mystery is never created by leaving your reader confused ;) 2. My mentally committing full force to the tricky sections of a book and being 101% sure of what is going on... is essential. I know all of this is what you learned in Grade K... as they say. But I am always re-educating myself. so there.

OH AND.... Its super cool to get on in age when it comes to writing a novel - as computer screens don't wrinkle :)tee hee. Now that was worst then a grade K statement. I regress!!

up Mount Novel

2008-08-22T12:52:00.002-04:00

Bottom's up! I am on an "End" metaphor kick this week. Today I realized something that could help my day to day mental state as I struggle up Mount Novel ~ Just as I don't leave a movie right before its ending I should try and not leave my day's work at a "wow this part needs a lot of work" climax cause it tends to cause my thoughts to stay trapped, wondering, mustering. From now on I will try and end each work day with an exclamation point instead of an ellipsis...!

shine like the top of

2008-08-21T20:25:00.002-04:00

August 21, 2008

Never ending! I have no idea why "The End" is so associated with stories because there never seems to be one in sight :)

I am now polishing my story, self -editing and getting each chapter to its shiniest. I ask myself if I am stalling. But no - I need to have the novel be in top form so that when I get a request for sample pages and the manuscript I can shine like the top of the chrysler building! If anything I think I am rushing. I really want to get out there with my story and the query letter has its running boots on. But a few more stretch routines will make a better score long run.

HEY - you know what else is never ending?! My mixed up array of metaphors today :) End The... bad metaphors. End The.

of view!

2008-08-20T17:44:00.003-04:00

August 20, 2008

Let me make a point... of view! In the book I read yesterday (self-editing for fiction writers) I finally got a clear and complete understanding on POVs. I have a lot of characters and so have struggled with keeping them all clear and organized since March! Now I see this one clean way of looking at the POV challenge... going into multiple character's heads at the same time / paragraph to paragraph - can make a reader's head swing like Tarzan. Doesn't mean you can't by penalty of death. Just means it might make your readers slip less easily through the pages then you want them to.

Today I began re-working some of the chapters where I get a little muddled.

AND I knocked down the great wall of Query. Have a solid Query draft now which excites me.

Hooray for Hump Day!

A GOOD read

2008-08-19T19:57:00.003-04:00

Reading is fun-or-mental.

What?! Reading educates, captivates, & entertains - yet sometimes it can make your noggin full of crazy. Take for example the loads of research I am doing on agents, submissions, self edit skills, etc. My head is cluttered with info... here are the top 5 points I've taken from today.

1. So many resources tell you over and over how hard it is to get published. GOT IT boyz. Now save your pessimism for a sunny day and lets discuss the 'how to' instead of the 'can't' - ok. Cause your trying to make me nervous will not scare me into buying your help book.

2. A GOOD read I found today was called "Self-Editing for Fiction Writers" by Renni Browne and Dave King. It was helpful, gave examples, and is written for a person and not a plant. Loved it.

3. Fear has an address. My head. And I did not get a deposit or have it sign a contract before moving in so eviction laws are on its side. Fear can live there as long as it likes. It is up to me to look above its mess everyday and then everyday after that. I am trying to learn how to get used to it and keep pressing through.

4. At each level in this process a new "error/mistake/oops" gets its stage time. Today I realized how many times I use a "he whined (as an ie)" vs "he said" - kinda made me grimace that I made such a remedial (as the books call it) move... but I am at a level to edit now - which is further along then before. she said.

5. Query letters are not for the faint of heart - they wisely sort out those who can't see beyond their work into the future of pitching, marketing and keeping a chin up. I can write a million novels and not panic (to death) but this query thing does have me in a bit of a frenzy. Representing my work in short punchy paragraphs... tough man. But luckily I have a strong heart :) I will have it done - soon. perhaps tomorrow.

wondrous info

2008-08-18T21:29:00.007-04:00

August 18, 2008

TGIF :) - Thank God for the Internet!

Wow. researching agents, publishing houses, query letters, manuscript submission policies - everything - it is all in one pearl of an oyster called the WWW and today I strung myself an info necklace!! I learned so much today that sharing it all would be a novel itself. Here are the top 2 sites I recommend from today's journey with Ms. WWW...

www.writersdigest.com/101BestSites/
- lists the best sites from agents to blogs with wondrous info

Speaking of "your blog is a wonderland" - check out this agent's site and your eyes may never stray again!

http://nathanbransford.blogspot.com
- Nathan gives answers to all of life's questions... Real answers which hilariously entertain while they make you brilliant.