Been Busy

Man... I thought I could do better, but life has been very busy.

I doubt I will have a chance to post regularly anytime soon.

Hope everyone is well, and working hard on their wip. I have not been writing at all, too much time spent with coaching and working 60+ hours a week.

Once it slows down, I’ll be back…and hopefully you’ll be around.

Thx for stopping by.

 

 

believe

I had an experience this weekend that brought hope into my writing world.

I spend days lamenting over my plot, theme and overall story cohesion… I know certain things need to happen at certain times of the story. The problem was, I couldn’t wrap my head around it—it felt to complex—my brain couldn’t handle it.

I printed my book out, and read it from cover to cover focusing on “story” to the exclusion of everything else… I then sat down with my wife and daughter, both had read my book, and worked out the problems.

To my enjoyment, the problems were minimal… the key elements were there, I just couldn’t see it, or except that it was good enough.

It still baffles me that I can be confident in everything I do; except in writing. I need to be convinced that my writing is good, that my writing is “publishable”.

I am slowly begging to believe in what I put on the page, I am starting to believe in my craft… I am starting believe in myself.

I spent months rewriting and reading how to books… every draft fraught with another “how to book” and another rewrite. Well, that is the past; I move forward firmly believing in myself and progress through the practice of writing, on my own merit and aspirations.

I hope every writer comes to believe in themselves and what they do… if you won’t, who will?

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I have no excuse

I have no excuse for not posting… I guess its laziness; coupled with the fact that posting regularly has been out of my daily schedule for so long—it’s hard to get back in the rhythm.

I will put forth a more concerted effort.

I have yearned to post during the weeks and month I could not post… now that I can, I failed miserably. Well, you know what they say—there is always tomorrow.

Back onto a writing topic.

I have yet finished a rewrite, where I sit back and smile with satisfaction…satisfaction that I have completed a manuscript to the best of my ability. I complete a rewrite and must immediately begin another—why you ask? Because of the growth, on all levels, is so evident within my writing. It is very discouraging to know you are getting better, but, the end isn’t even in sight.

Do I foresee a time in the near future where my work will be good enough? Nope, but I sure dream of that day.

I will continue to write, and hopefully grow, until I die or achieve my goal to be published. My ultimate fantasy would consist of actually making a living from writing… although; I could see myself like Harper Lee, who wrote To Kill a Mockingbird. Writing one book that is so successful, I don’t have to publish again---sure I would continue to write, but it would be only for me and my loved ones.

Thx for stopping by, I‘ll try and get caught up with all your blogs and keep caught up!

I am not dead!!

Hey all, long story... but I am not dead or hurt. my computer crashed and I finally have a new one---not to mention I can afford to have the internet again. There is a lot more to the story, but, for your sake ill leave it there. just know I am honored that you would visit my blog to check up on me... I hope I can get back to visiting your blogs and posting regularly.

I have come a long way , in the understanding of story structure, and I am in the middle of another rewrite... but it is moving forward and I am seeing it become something I can be proud of.

I sure missed you all, and what you have to say... thx again for being there.

 The new blogger layout is weird to get used to...

RETURN FOR THE ABYSS

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I hope to back full time… life has been rough for a little while, let’s hope it gets better.


I never really understood how much I enjoyed visiting all your blogs, until I couldn’t, it might take me a few days to get caught back-up with all your blogs…so bare with me.

I have been over my book several times, mostly in my head, trying to weed out weak plot points—and build stronger side plots. And most of all, I am trying to build solid: believable characters in a tangible setting.

I once had a deadline, or writing goal, but not anymore. I just cherish each day I get to work on what I love. It will get done when it gets done… that I can live with.

I sure hope all your lives and books are coming along splendidly… I sure miss you all. It’s weird, I feel like I made friends—friends you miss when they’re not around— without ever meeting any of you.

With any luck I’ll be here tomorrow.



Thx for any comment you might leave.

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HERE!!

I have internet access; I’ll be spending the time trying to catch up on your blogs... if it lasts I’ll post up something more--but for now I am off to visit your blogs!


Thx for being there.

It’s easy to take the internet for granted, when you have never been without it for years and years.

If I don't make it to your site before I lose it again, I am very sorry... and of course I miss all of you—kind-of-sounds weak, but there you go.







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Subjectivity

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I have been working out of town, with very sporadic internet access… so I am working on catching up with all your blogs.

I realized how subjective writing and reading is the other day. A good friend of mine suggested a book that he thought I HAD to read, so I suggested one in return and went and bought the one he recommended.

I couldn’t get though 15 pages, before I had to put it down… I nearly though it in the garbage, I hated it so bad.

I am not going to reveal the name of said book, because it is fairly new and don’t want to cast a bad light on it, or to offend anyone who thinks it is good.

It’s a weird deal; if I hated a book you loved, it seems to drive a wedge between people.

I will tell you about an old book that caused the biggest augment me and my best friend ever had. It was: Lord of the Rings

I couldn’t finish the first book, it was slow, hard to get into… and plain boring. I hated it; I don’t know how anyone could like it. The movies were ok, but that’s about it.

And I am sure you might disagree, and all the more power to you… it’s what makes writing an art.

What I am trying to get at? don’t take ever critic to heart, you might have 10 people read your book, to find only one person really got it. Don’t change everything to fit all opinions, focus on the one that has the same taste you do—and work from that one most. I am only talking about subject matter and craft, the technical aspect of writing can come from most anyone versed in advanced story telling.

What’s your opinion?

Read any books you hated that other people loved?

Does it bother you if other people hate the books you love?

Thx for your support, and any comment you might leave!

Pay Back

I am so horrible at blog awards, so I am doing a hybrid, I won’t pass on the award because I know some people prefer not to participate. I’ll list those wonderful bogs that inspire me, give me hope, and offer priceless advice or just an awesome read.


Really, if you want a great follower and a fantastic blogger to meet, just follow the links I’ll leave. They all rock and make me feel special; they make the world a better place: and me a better writer. They don’t appear in any order, they all have a place in my heart. Thx for all you do for me! If you can, let them know you're comeing from my blog, so they'll know I care.

The other side of the story : Probably the single biggest factor in my development as a writer… her advice is priceless; her blog is full of awesome advice put in a way you can understand, so you can put into action! I highly recommend you follow her and read all of her post—new and old!

Creative Arts Anonymous  : I love her blog, I love what she writes... a must follow!

Rockets and Dragons  : She is a hard nut to crack, probably my first follower… I know she is my first steady commenter, she is a huge reason I am still blogging---even though she has kind of faded from blogging lately. Definitely worth a follow, her topics are great and thought provoking!

Nancy S. Thompson : great blogger, writer, teacher and an all around great person to get to know---her blog is worth the visit.

The Write Stuff  : Wonderful lady and great blogger, I just started following her.

Sarvenaz Tash    : Love her blog, and can't wait to read her book... worth a follow.

So, You're a Writer...  : A must follow, she is worth the effort to get to know.

Peggy Eddleman: Will Write For Cookies  :What can I say, she rocks, her blog is pure fun... give her blog a visit!

From Pen to Paper... : She has a great blog, fun to visit, awesome to get to know... go give her a follow!

Writtled :  Great blog... Awesome reviews, fun to visit!

The Character Therapist  : A perfect place to get to understand how you can relate to your characters better---nice blog to learn from.

Marcia Hoehne : I love what she does... Give her a visit.

YA Author Elana Johnson : You probably already follow her, but if you don’t, she is a must… great blogger, writer and funny as well.

Paranormal Point of View : Awesome blog... give her a visit!

Random Thoughts : She rocks; I owe her a lot… worth a follow.

Beyond the Pages : If you like book reviews this is the spot for you.

The Bookshelf Muse : A Thesaurus for everything, plus a great writer’s insight… go now!

Inner Owlet :  Very inspirational, great person and awesome posts…

BANG OUT THE PROSE : Just started to follow her, nice blog, great posts-check it out.

Michele Shaw :  She is a great writer, blogger and offers impressive writing advice... I owe her a lot.

.W.I.P. It : Go now... she is a must follow.

Weaving a Tale or Two : She knows a lot... more than she'll admit, great place to visit!!

Lisa L. Regan : I owe her more than she knows...great advice, awesome blog, fantastic person!

Julius Cicero : He is an avid writer, awesome blogger and superb follower.

The Waiting is the Hardest Part : Love what she does... check her out.

Barbara Kloss : Perfect follower, awesome blog... worth a daily visit!!

Julie Musil : I love her blog, great place to go... go there now!

klahanie : He has a lot to say in a very interesting way… go give him a visit… a fabulous blog.

Sophia's Desk : She rocks... wonderful follower and great blog friend!

Untroubled Kingdom of Laila Knight : Worth a visit, she is informative, interesting and fun. She won't disappoint if you choose to follow her.

Mark Noce Stories : I love his work and his blog... Very thought provoking, solid writing topics… go now!

Meetings with My Muse : she has always been a great follower and a wonderful blogger, check her out!


Sharp Pen/Dull Sword : She has great posts, advice and given me awesome support and not to mention; she's one hell of a GAL!

clarity2010 : Smart, informative... awesome post; I never fail to learn something from him and his blog.

Aspiring Novelists  :   Great gal, wonderful blogger and follower... she has helped me a ton...thx!

After Troy - Hektor Karl  :Great blogger; thought provoking posts... go give him a visit.


If I missed anyone plz leave a comment and I’ll add you.



Everyone I have listed is worth a follow and I guarantee you won’t regret it. They are the reason I am growing as writer… go ahead and start clicking on those links.

Second Page

I am posting my second page, since a few of you asked to see it.

Same rules apply: be honest and let me have it.


1: would you turn the page?


Thx for all you do for me.

End of first page:
He’s here; time to put my plan into action.

Tristan ran to his bed and double checked his decoy, (some dirty clothes and an extra pillow) making sure it gave the appearance he was sleeping. Satisfied, he crouched behind a wooden clothes trunk next to his bed.


The door creaked open. A sliver of light revealed a shadow moving towards the bed. Tristan crouched even lower, worrying that his head would be visible over the trunk; his heart pounded so hard that it pulsed in his ears. He tried to calm his breathing by slowly exhaling.

Time ceased to exist. Every drop of sweat hitting the floor marked an eternity. Remembering his mistake from last time, he eased the two daggers from their leather sheaths; Tristan wasn’t going to make any noise and reveal his position, as he had done before. He watched the shadow grow as his father crept closer.

The shadow leaped forward, and whipped the decoy with a belt. While his father throttled the pillows that should have been him, Tristan pulled on a string yanking his closet door open. His father glanced in that direction. Tristan attacked, lunging at his father’s exposed back. He came down with an over hand blow, visualizing the dagger sinking into his father’s kidney. Just inches from his target, his father swung around and lashed Tristan across the face. The force of the blow slammed him to the floor.

“Nice try, boy. You almost had me that time,” his father said with a satisfied grin. “Next time, use dark string.”

Tristan’s face burned with pain. Blood gushed from his nose and ran down his cheek. He gritted his teeth, determined to hide the pain exploding across his face.

“Go saddle the horses, we will be leaving once I have done my rounds and given orders to my officers” his father said looking disgusted. “Get up.”

Tristan got to his feet, “Yes, sir.”

His father looked him up and down, “I sure hope you get some meat on those bones soon boy or you will never hold up at the Academy.” He chuckled and squeezed Tristan’s arm, “I bet you will be one of the smallest kids there. Good thing I trained you so well, or else you wouldn’t last a day.”
 
Thx for any comment you might leave!

Strike while the iron is hot!

A quick rewrite of my last post, using all your advice… if you haven’t read my previous post, plz do so before reading this one. Thx for all the feedback.


1: does the internal dialog act as a disconnect, rather than the intended use of a closer connection between reader and story?

2: Which rewrite is better, this one or the last?

3: Does the key point of (one-last-visit) hit home now, or does it still need help. I agree with the scar idea… I just don’t end my 250 words and the hook point if I try to add that part. If this still doesn’t work, I’ll have to rethink the whole page construction.

4: which one gives you the clearest image, and draws you in better?


THX FOR ALL THE COMMENTS




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