Sad news today.
Found out this evening that Border's Bookstore is closing down for good. Not really surprised at this point.
Since 2002, the critique group I've been with has met at a Border's Bookstore for our meetings. We've laughed (sometimes at each other's writing submissions), we've unmercifully teased, drank tons of great java and chillers, and just plain had fun since that time.
That is until earlier this year.
We were all saddened to learn that our regular meeting place was one of several around the country being closed down, and rather quickly too.
Now this news that all Border's stores are being closed and liquidated. Ugh! But with the advent of competition from various sources, particularly eBooks, it seemed like only a matter of time after the first stores went down.
It's almost a double-edged sword. Our group has been busy working on the eBook challenge and it appears eBooks have been part of the reason Border's couldn't keep up any longer. Makes me wonder who might be next.
I only hope we're able to make something good happen out of the bad.
Showing posts with label critique groups. Show all posts
Showing posts with label critique groups. Show all posts
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Blessings In Disguise
It's been a busy writer's day.
President's Day weekend has been our little writer's retreat weekend for the last four years now. The same thing, the same weekend - no questions asked.
Well this year the park office staff screwed us up big-time by making our reservations for last weekend instead of this weekend.
So we cancelled said reservations and decided perhaps it was time to consider other options.
Since it was too late this year, the GK Brainstormers decided to get together today over here at my humble abode to cuss and discuss reading, writing, and stringing up the stupid people who can't pull their heads out long enough to figure out which weekend is President's Day weekend when they have a calendar sitting right there in front of them.
We weren't bitter about it at all - can you tell?
Milford Lake twill be our chosen venue for 2012, and we'll be trying something brand new and see if we don't kill each other in the process. Typically at Osage Hills we've each had our own cabin in which to write during the day and gather at the big cabin that evening for our main meal and meeting time. At Milford Lake, we've decided to get the big two-story, five bedroom, two living room cabin with a full kitchen. Divided between the group, it works out to be about $41 apiece per night, much better than the $85 per cabin per night rates we have been paying.
Plus there's an added bonus.
Gordon, our dearly departed (only from the group, not the earth), leader who, once he moved, was unable to make such a long drive south. However, our new retreat location will be less than half the distance and will allow him to rejoin us for our annual retreats. I think we were all excited for that.
So all in all, the reservations screw-up could end up being a blessing in disguise. Can we all say an "AMEN" to that?
Then maybe next year I'll actually have some time to write again. That is if I can find a quiet corner to myself.
President's Day weekend has been our little writer's retreat weekend for the last four years now. The same thing, the same weekend - no questions asked.
Well this year the park office staff screwed us up big-time by making our reservations for last weekend instead of this weekend.
So we cancelled said reservations and decided perhaps it was time to consider other options.
Since it was too late this year, the GK Brainstormers decided to get together today over here at my humble abode to cuss and discuss reading, writing, and stringing up the stupid people who can't pull their heads out long enough to figure out which weekend is President's Day weekend when they have a calendar sitting right there in front of them.
We weren't bitter about it at all - can you tell?
Milford Lake twill be our chosen venue for 2012, and we'll be trying something brand new and see if we don't kill each other in the process. Typically at Osage Hills we've each had our own cabin in which to write during the day and gather at the big cabin that evening for our main meal and meeting time. At Milford Lake, we've decided to get the big two-story, five bedroom, two living room cabin with a full kitchen. Divided between the group, it works out to be about $41 apiece per night, much better than the $85 per cabin per night rates we have been paying.
Plus there's an added bonus.
Gordon, our dearly departed (only from the group, not the earth), leader who, once he moved, was unable to make such a long drive south. However, our new retreat location will be less than half the distance and will allow him to rejoin us for our annual retreats. I think we were all excited for that.
So all in all, the reservations screw-up could end up being a blessing in disguise. Can we all say an "AMEN" to that?
Then maybe next year I'll actually have some time to write again. That is if I can find a quiet corner to myself.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Feeling Far Away
Feels like I'm never going to get back to critique group.
Since I started the new job, my personal life has taken a back seat. Figured we'd eventually get things settled back down to where I could get back involved in my personal pursuits again.
Now I'm beginning to wonder if it will ever happen.
Feeling a little sorry for myself and far removed from my writing. But at least I am thinking about it again. On my way home from work tonight, I had some scenes from one of my previously finished books pop into my head. Been thinking a little bit about the book I'd started working on before I miraculously got this job.
It'll come again - at least I sure hope it will.
Singing and writing are my soul - my passion. Haven't gotten to do a whole lot of either lately (except I did get to sing a small solo part with our choir this past Sunday).
My son is busy with life and living, which as he grows older and gets his own car someday will mean I'll have more time to myself again.
That means more writing.
Until then, I'll have to put up with this sense of distance - of missing my fellow wordsmiths.
Of feeling far away.
Since I started the new job, my personal life has taken a back seat. Figured we'd eventually get things settled back down to where I could get back involved in my personal pursuits again.
Now I'm beginning to wonder if it will ever happen.
Feeling a little sorry for myself and far removed from my writing. But at least I am thinking about it again. On my way home from work tonight, I had some scenes from one of my previously finished books pop into my head. Been thinking a little bit about the book I'd started working on before I miraculously got this job.
It'll come again - at least I sure hope it will.
Singing and writing are my soul - my passion. Haven't gotten to do a whole lot of either lately (except I did get to sing a small solo part with our choir this past Sunday).
My son is busy with life and living, which as he grows older and gets his own car someday will mean I'll have more time to myself again.
That means more writing.
Until then, I'll have to put up with this sense of distance - of missing my fellow wordsmiths.
Of feeling far away.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
The Muse is Calling
Now that I've had a little time to relax, I've happened upon another new storyline.
But first I have to finish my current novella.
Strange thing is that I keep coming up with some of the most bizarre storylines lately, sometimes feeling as if they could be ripped from the pages of today's headlines - but in a different sort of way.
Someday I might be able to explain it better.
Even though fantasy is my favorite genre, I seem to be hitting on some rather odd thriller type material and am just going to go with it. Dean Koontz talks on his website about how he wrote all sorts of genres and his publisher made him utilize a pseudonym for those published outside of his first few novels. Now he's so well versed that they have all been re-released under his own name.
One of the things most writing instructional material will tell you is to find a genre that works for you and stick with it. Others say to write what you know. Problem is that I have such an enormous variety of interests and experiences that I could write about all sorts of things.
Funny thing is I never much got into thriller material until recently. Now I find myself writing tons of it and leaving my fantasy works behind.
Someday I'll come back to those other genres, I'm sure. Right now I'm just going to go in the direction from which the muse is calling, regardless of where she leads.
All I can say to my critique group is - hang on for the ride!
But first I have to finish my current novella.
Strange thing is that I keep coming up with some of the most bizarre storylines lately, sometimes feeling as if they could be ripped from the pages of today's headlines - but in a different sort of way.
Someday I might be able to explain it better.
Even though fantasy is my favorite genre, I seem to be hitting on some rather odd thriller type material and am just going to go with it. Dean Koontz talks on his website about how he wrote all sorts of genres and his publisher made him utilize a pseudonym for those published outside of his first few novels. Now he's so well versed that they have all been re-released under his own name.
One of the things most writing instructional material will tell you is to find a genre that works for you and stick with it. Others say to write what you know. Problem is that I have such an enormous variety of interests and experiences that I could write about all sorts of things.
Funny thing is I never much got into thriller material until recently. Now I find myself writing tons of it and leaving my fantasy works behind.
Someday I'll come back to those other genres, I'm sure. Right now I'm just going to go in the direction from which the muse is calling, regardless of where she leads.
All I can say to my critique group is - hang on for the ride!
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
What To Do...What To Do
Figured I'd be done with my short story by the end of last week. Now it's Tuesday into the following week and still not at the finish line.
I keep coming up with extra fodder, but it's getting closer to the end. Nearly at 10,000 words at this point. Don't know if it will be done by the time we leave for my nephew's graduation on Friday though. Shoot!
Now the crazy thing is waaaaay too long for a short story and too short for a novella. I'm either going to have to cut the living tar out of it or will need to figure out more fodder to add.
Is this a weird situation to be in or what?
I'm afraid there's too much to make a good cut of such an extreme, so the best thing may be for me to add. Only problem is that I don't want it to "sound" like I've made up a bunch of scenes just to get to a specific word count. That never really rings true and the reader can usually tell where the added material is mere fluff to feed the fatted calf.
Maybe what I should do is finish to my planned end then send it out for critique to the group with the request to notate any additional scene ideas they foresee for this situation. That may be cheating but fresh thoughts and ideas may be the catalyst I need to fully flesh this puppy out to novella length.
And all I set out to do was write a short story - gee!
I keep coming up with extra fodder, but it's getting closer to the end. Nearly at 10,000 words at this point. Don't know if it will be done by the time we leave for my nephew's graduation on Friday though. Shoot!
Now the crazy thing is waaaaay too long for a short story and too short for a novella. I'm either going to have to cut the living tar out of it or will need to figure out more fodder to add.
Is this a weird situation to be in or what?
I'm afraid there's too much to make a good cut of such an extreme, so the best thing may be for me to add. Only problem is that I don't want it to "sound" like I've made up a bunch of scenes just to get to a specific word count. That never really rings true and the reader can usually tell where the added material is mere fluff to feed the fatted calf.
Maybe what I should do is finish to my planned end then send it out for critique to the group with the request to notate any additional scene ideas they foresee for this situation. That may be cheating but fresh thoughts and ideas may be the catalyst I need to fully flesh this puppy out to novella length.
And all I set out to do was write a short story - gee!
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Growing Legs
Got in another great day of writing.
Don't know how great the writing is yet, but it sure felt great getting thoughts into my computer. This is the most I've written in such a long time. I've already surpassed 6,000 words.
Yes, I can tell you're impressed. :-)
It's interesting that this started out as a short story idea and has taken off on wings of its own...or grown legs and run off without me...something like that.
The whole story concept has been really easy to write and is coming to me in droves, flowing onto the pages sometimes in ways that surprise me. That's the kind of writing I really enjoy, not the hours and days that drag by and you feel like you're trying to give birth and the baby got stuck a long time ago. That kind of writing is never fun, but it's still important to labor through it.
Because there's always a reward at the end.
Tonight we had critique group so I had to turn off the writing spigot and get ready to leave the house.
I gotta look halfway presentable. Don't want to scare my friends.
So we had a good time hanging, cussing and discussing writing and the one submission to critique. All the while I struggled to keep my head out of my story. I'm just kinda thankful in a weird way that I have this time to work on it.
That new job will eventually pop up on the radar and it will be back to work. In the meantime, I'll try and take advantage of as much time as possible to write.
While I have the opportunity.
Don't know how great the writing is yet, but it sure felt great getting thoughts into my computer. This is the most I've written in such a long time. I've already surpassed 6,000 words.
Yes, I can tell you're impressed. :-)
It's interesting that this started out as a short story idea and has taken off on wings of its own...or grown legs and run off without me...something like that.
The whole story concept has been really easy to write and is coming to me in droves, flowing onto the pages sometimes in ways that surprise me. That's the kind of writing I really enjoy, not the hours and days that drag by and you feel like you're trying to give birth and the baby got stuck a long time ago. That kind of writing is never fun, but it's still important to labor through it.
Because there's always a reward at the end.
Tonight we had critique group so I had to turn off the writing spigot and get ready to leave the house.
I gotta look halfway presentable. Don't want to scare my friends.
So we had a good time hanging, cussing and discussing writing and the one submission to critique. All the while I struggled to keep my head out of my story. I'm just kinda thankful in a weird way that I have this time to work on it.
That new job will eventually pop up on the radar and it will be back to work. In the meantime, I'll try and take advantage of as much time as possible to write.
While I have the opportunity.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Writers Be Warned
Another roaring night at critique group.
With the end of the school year, a lot of us have missed here and there. I don't think we've had one time since the beginning of 2009 when all of us made it. But summer's coming.
It's always nice having a variety of viewpoints when critiquing a story. Guys might view an interaction in a story completely different than a girl. Girl's might enjoy the dialogue between characters while the guys might want to skip it and get back to the action sequence. Where one might think something is completely out of character for the protagonist, others might find that it fits just perfectly.
But you know there's a problem when the vast majority of critiquors bring up the same problem in the same places. Yes, it's still the author's story and they can go any direction their characters take them, but this is what critiquing is for - to help point out the holes and mischaracterizations in a story.
Since our group's been together since 2002 we've garnered a real trust in each other. Therefore, it is easier to accept critiques because you know they are offering in the spirit in which it is intended.
To make it a better story and you a better author.
With the small numbers tonight, however, Gary will be asking for additional input from our fellow members.
Ye've been warned - argh!
With the end of the school year, a lot of us have missed here and there. I don't think we've had one time since the beginning of 2009 when all of us made it. But summer's coming.
It's always nice having a variety of viewpoints when critiquing a story. Guys might view an interaction in a story completely different than a girl. Girl's might enjoy the dialogue between characters while the guys might want to skip it and get back to the action sequence. Where one might think something is completely out of character for the protagonist, others might find that it fits just perfectly.
But you know there's a problem when the vast majority of critiquors bring up the same problem in the same places. Yes, it's still the author's story and they can go any direction their characters take them, but this is what critiquing is for - to help point out the holes and mischaracterizations in a story.
Since our group's been together since 2002 we've garnered a real trust in each other. Therefore, it is easier to accept critiques because you know they are offering in the spirit in which it is intended.
To make it a better story and you a better author.
With the small numbers tonight, however, Gary will be asking for additional input from our fellow members.
Ye've been warned - argh!
Thursday, March 12, 2009
The Return
I finally made it back to critique group again tonight!
After being away for several months for the play last year and then off for the month of December, I was really looking forward to seeing everyone in January.
Made it to one group meeting but there were only a couple of us there. Then there was the annual retreat that I unfortunately had to miss, and then the blessed ear infection.
Gosh, it's been a rough winter.
So we made it back together tonight (minus Mighty Bri). Felt good to see everyone. By this point, I've had a few months to get used to my new haircut (that isn't so new anymore) so was surprised when there was a comment about my hair. Felt silly when I had the "duh" moment.
It's just nice to know people notice the important things in life - even after not seeing each other for months on end.
That's when you know you've got good friends.
After being away for several months for the play last year and then off for the month of December, I was really looking forward to seeing everyone in January.
Made it to one group meeting but there were only a couple of us there. Then there was the annual retreat that I unfortunately had to miss, and then the blessed ear infection.
Gosh, it's been a rough winter.
So we made it back together tonight (minus Mighty Bri). Felt good to see everyone. By this point, I've had a few months to get used to my new haircut (that isn't so new anymore) so was surprised when there was a comment about my hair. Felt silly when I had the "duh" moment.
It's just nice to know people notice the important things in life - even after not seeing each other for months on end.
That's when you know you've got good friends.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Hanging On For The Ride
Well the New Year cometh - and critique group met at our regularly scheduled time tonight. Yippee! I'm finally back on schedule again.
Yeah, they're jumping for joy alright. I have a nasty habit of butting in sometimes to add my two, three, four cents. Gotta stop doing that or they'll remember how wonderful it was when I was on play hiatus.
Sent my revised query letter for them to take a look at in preparation for beginning to query agents and editors about my completed novel. They had a few excellent suggestions and I'm pumped about a couple of the revision ideas. Hopefully I'll have some time to work on it somemore this weekend.
No, I need to MAKE time for it this weekend. Too important to not make it a priority.
That's one of the things I used to be so good about, but ever since our move into the new house at the end of 2007 I've had so many other pulls on my time that writing has lost its top spot in my personal time slot.
If I'm going to really make an attempt at becoming a published novelist, I have to focus once again and get serious. No more worrying about how awful the house looks. Heck, for three months during the play I HAD to not worry about the house. I guess when I'm home it's too easy for me to see.
Plus I'm terribly anal about the new house. At least for now until we settle in completely, though I'm not sure how many years that will take. I STILL have unpacked boxes stashed away. Ugh!
Anyway, even though I'm not a New Year's Resolution junkie, I need to resolve to once again proritize my writing time if I truly wish to succeed at this.
Opportunities come and go. Just have to recognize the moment and grab ahold when it passes by.
Then hang on for the ride. Maybe I'll write a Western next.
Hey, it could happen!
Yeah, they're jumping for joy alright. I have a nasty habit of butting in sometimes to add my two, three, four cents. Gotta stop doing that or they'll remember how wonderful it was when I was on play hiatus.
Sent my revised query letter for them to take a look at in preparation for beginning to query agents and editors about my completed novel. They had a few excellent suggestions and I'm pumped about a couple of the revision ideas. Hopefully I'll have some time to work on it somemore this weekend.
No, I need to MAKE time for it this weekend. Too important to not make it a priority.
That's one of the things I used to be so good about, but ever since our move into the new house at the end of 2007 I've had so many other pulls on my time that writing has lost its top spot in my personal time slot.
If I'm going to really make an attempt at becoming a published novelist, I have to focus once again and get serious. No more worrying about how awful the house looks. Heck, for three months during the play I HAD to not worry about the house. I guess when I'm home it's too easy for me to see.
Plus I'm terribly anal about the new house. At least for now until we settle in completely, though I'm not sure how many years that will take. I STILL have unpacked boxes stashed away. Ugh!
Anyway, even though I'm not a New Year's Resolution junkie, I need to resolve to once again proritize my writing time if I truly wish to succeed at this.
Opportunities come and go. Just have to recognize the moment and grab ahold when it passes by.
Then hang on for the ride. Maybe I'll write a Western next.
Hey, it could happen!
Thursday, December 11, 2008
I'm Back!
Tonight I officially rejoined my critique group. It was great to be back, though I'm still dealing with the effects of sleepiness.
Nothing like a group hug to get you in the mood for Christmas. Everyone looked great. Caught up on the family talk, the work discussions, and what all one can do with a camera phone.
Just ask Gary.
Since I still didn't have but one free night this week, I didn't get to do any critiquing. We all decided to shoot the breeze tonight anyway so the New Year will bring time to finish critiquing stories.
Got to hear about another new story idea Brian is cooking up. Not into horror personally myself, but I really like this new concept he's working on. Gave me goosebumps just to hear the skeleton of his ideas. Knowing Mighty Bri, it will be pretty interesting to see how he puts his conceptualizations onto paper.
Christmas is two weeks from tonight, so we won't be meeting at our regularly scheduled time. Gee, I finally show back up and we have to take an extended break. I feel so loved!
Well it will give me something to again look forward to in the New Year.
Nothing like a group hug to get you in the mood for Christmas. Everyone looked great. Caught up on the family talk, the work discussions, and what all one can do with a camera phone.
Just ask Gary.
Since I still didn't have but one free night this week, I didn't get to do any critiquing. We all decided to shoot the breeze tonight anyway so the New Year will bring time to finish critiquing stories.
Got to hear about another new story idea Brian is cooking up. Not into horror personally myself, but I really like this new concept he's working on. Gave me goosebumps just to hear the skeleton of his ideas. Knowing Mighty Bri, it will be pretty interesting to see how he puts his conceptualizations onto paper.
Christmas is two weeks from tonight, so we won't be meeting at our regularly scheduled time. Gee, I finally show back up and we have to take an extended break. I feel so loved!
Well it will give me something to again look forward to in the New Year.
Friday, November 7, 2008
Making Fun of Gary...and Other Fun Pastimes
The last vestiges of illness are finally starting to die out. Just have a little nagging cough, but otherwise I'm definitely on the mend. Been thinking alot this week.
I sure miss my critique group.
Okay, guys, you can all laugh at me now, but I do miss you (hey, Mighty Bri, even you!). I miss teasing Gary about having no other shirt than his light blue El Paso, Texas t-shirt. I miss whispering to Bri-Bob-Rectangular-Pants (porky pig!). Been missing celebrating Julie's publishing accomplishments (hey, girl, I was even thinking this week about your "appearance" on Fox News). And Tonya, I missed seeing your Halloween costume this year in person (loved the pictures though).
Even though we all have different backgrounds, have different likes and dislikes, various views on the world, and completely opposite genres we like to read and write, you've all become so much more to me than a mere critique group.
You're my friends.
Heck, maybe you would rather not claim me. I get that alot. Oh well, I still miss talking to you and having our second and fourth Thursday gatherings. I look forward to the day the play is over (in a way) and I can get back into the swing of things - chew the fat, offer my two cents (if it's even worth that much), make fun of Gary, see a whole new side of the supernatural, etc.
Yup, it's now official. I truly have no life. ;-)
I sure miss my critique group.
Okay, guys, you can all laugh at me now, but I do miss you (hey, Mighty Bri, even you!). I miss teasing Gary about having no other shirt than his light blue El Paso, Texas t-shirt. I miss whispering to Bri-Bob-Rectangular-Pants (porky pig!). Been missing celebrating Julie's publishing accomplishments (hey, girl, I was even thinking this week about your "appearance" on Fox News). And Tonya, I missed seeing your Halloween costume this year in person (loved the pictures though).
Even though we all have different backgrounds, have different likes and dislikes, various views on the world, and completely opposite genres we like to read and write, you've all become so much more to me than a mere critique group.
You're my friends.
Heck, maybe you would rather not claim me. I get that alot. Oh well, I still miss talking to you and having our second and fourth Thursday gatherings. I look forward to the day the play is over (in a way) and I can get back into the swing of things - chew the fat, offer my two cents (if it's even worth that much), make fun of Gary, see a whole new side of the supernatural, etc.
Yup, it's now official. I truly have no life. ;-)
Thursday, October 9, 2008
A Sad Goodbye
Well - I said goodbye to my critique group tonight.
It's only for a little while and then I'll be back tearing up the pages again. I can hear the sarcastic, "oh goodies" already.
Really hated parting from the group, and even though I think I'm Wonder Woman some days, I just can't do it all. This play is a real opportunity to reconnect to something I thought I'd probably never do again. It's feeling so great too!
Being away from home four nights in a row is just too much for me. The house is looking pretty garish right now too, but once again it will pass. At least I have Monday off of work for Columbus Day! Maybe I'll find some time to work on my lines - ya think?
Writing is also a deep part of my soul, but the well has been very dry in that regard. When singing disappeared for me, writing filled that empty place. I am the type of person that desperately needs a creative outlet.
My son even noticed something and voiced it last night. He observed that even though I'm kinda tired and sit around the house a little bit more when I'm home, he thought that I really seemed happy to be doing the play.
He's right, you know.
So to my writing buddies - I'll miss you alot over the next two months. Please continue to keep me included in your submissions so I can keep up on the stories you're writing for when I come back. If I find a Thursday when I'm a bundle of energy and just can't contain myself, I'll sneak into Borders and surprise you!
Otherwise I expect to see you one of the play production nights at my church.
Oh, and Brian - at least I have the decency to show up at my temporary break up fest. Was it that hard on you?
He'll understand. :-) Take care, y'all!
It's only for a little while and then I'll be back tearing up the pages again. I can hear the sarcastic, "oh goodies" already.
Really hated parting from the group, and even though I think I'm Wonder Woman some days, I just can't do it all. This play is a real opportunity to reconnect to something I thought I'd probably never do again. It's feeling so great too!
Being away from home four nights in a row is just too much for me. The house is looking pretty garish right now too, but once again it will pass. At least I have Monday off of work for Columbus Day! Maybe I'll find some time to work on my lines - ya think?
Writing is also a deep part of my soul, but the well has been very dry in that regard. When singing disappeared for me, writing filled that empty place. I am the type of person that desperately needs a creative outlet.
My son even noticed something and voiced it last night. He observed that even though I'm kinda tired and sit around the house a little bit more when I'm home, he thought that I really seemed happy to be doing the play.
He's right, you know.
So to my writing buddies - I'll miss you alot over the next two months. Please continue to keep me included in your submissions so I can keep up on the stories you're writing for when I come back. If I find a Thursday when I'm a bundle of energy and just can't contain myself, I'll sneak into Borders and surprise you!
Otherwise I expect to see you one of the play production nights at my church.
Oh, and Brian - at least I have the decency to show up at my temporary break up fest. Was it that hard on you?
He'll understand. :-) Take care, y'all!
Thursday, September 11, 2008
It's About Commitment
You know tonight was interesting.
Yes, another critique group meeting. Only thing about it - we didn't have any submissions to critique. Typically in the past that meant we were going to put off meeting until the following regularly scheduled time.
Tonight we decided to meet anyway.
Gary and Tonya just returned from a trip to Montana. Heck, they snuck across the border into Wyoming, those rascally scaliwags. Someone call the Wyoming State Police!
Then we talked about Julie's secret invitation and upcoming trip to an Indian ceremonial preserve in South Dakota. Sounds mysterious. Maybe she'll have a chance to hear the sounds of the breaking of small animal bones on the drive. Sorry - inside joke.
We discussed our writing, or lack thereof, publishing opportunities, an upcoming meeting with an agent next weekend, and contest results. There were a few current job comments thrown about. There was even a discussion that popped up about a local strip club owner.
Don't ask.
Then we started talking about columns and blogging. Blogging takes commitment, a staying kind of attitude. It isn't for everyone. I must admit, there are times when I sit down to write and have no clue what I'm going to mention. Then my son will say something off the wall, my mom will call, or I'll see a news article that gets my blood pumping.
Speaking of news articles, I'm actually excited about the upcoming election - but that's another story.
Blogging helps me have a purpose in my writing. Gee, it's about the only fun writing I'm doing right now, so there's no way I can stop. It's obvious I have no life right now anyway.
I think tonight proved that. Nah, it just proves that instead of a bunch of people meeting to talk about writing, we've become something more.
Friendship - how cool is that?
Yes, another critique group meeting. Only thing about it - we didn't have any submissions to critique. Typically in the past that meant we were going to put off meeting until the following regularly scheduled time.
Tonight we decided to meet anyway.
Gary and Tonya just returned from a trip to Montana. Heck, they snuck across the border into Wyoming, those rascally scaliwags. Someone call the Wyoming State Police!
Then we talked about Julie's secret invitation and upcoming trip to an Indian ceremonial preserve in South Dakota. Sounds mysterious. Maybe she'll have a chance to hear the sounds of the breaking of small animal bones on the drive. Sorry - inside joke.
We discussed our writing, or lack thereof, publishing opportunities, an upcoming meeting with an agent next weekend, and contest results. There were a few current job comments thrown about. There was even a discussion that popped up about a local strip club owner.
Don't ask.
Then we started talking about columns and blogging. Blogging takes commitment, a staying kind of attitude. It isn't for everyone. I must admit, there are times when I sit down to write and have no clue what I'm going to mention. Then my son will say something off the wall, my mom will call, or I'll see a news article that gets my blood pumping.
Speaking of news articles, I'm actually excited about the upcoming election - but that's another story.
Blogging helps me have a purpose in my writing. Gee, it's about the only fun writing I'm doing right now, so there's no way I can stop. It's obvious I have no life right now anyway.
I think tonight proved that. Nah, it just proves that instead of a bunch of people meeting to talk about writing, we've become something more.
Friendship - how cool is that?
Thursday, August 28, 2008
The Gang's (Almost) All Here
The gang just left.
My critique group gang met this evening. We usually terrorize Borders Bookstore, but a couple of months ago they decided to start closing at nine during the summer months.
That bites!
See, everyone in our groups basically has no life. Our greatest moments are when we all get together twice a month to shoot the breeze and dish on each other's latest writing excursions. It is an absolute blast and something we tend to look forward to. For the first 45 minutes or so we're all catching up on the latest that has been occuring in each other's lives. Couple of months ago it was pouring over pics of Julie's wedding. We've celebrated birthday moments together. Tonight we discussed some difficult family events from this week with Brian. We all need that time to let it all hang out.
Then we get down to business.
Now that Borders is closing so early, we begin feeling the pressure to get it all done when they start making announcements at 8:30. Then it is 8:40--8:45--8:50...you get the picture. Being rushed is not a fun way to spend an evening. Then to top it off we get unceremoniously shoved out the door.
Oh the inhumanity!
So we decided until hours went back to normal, we needed a better place to hang. Therefore, I invited everyone over to my humble abode. Plus my sectional makes a great group venue. The music isn't too loud either.
Wasn't sure how I was going to manage it. Can't have people in my home without it being at least somewhat clean and I usually don't do that until the weekend. Kids come in so handy on such occasions. :-) But it seems that things went well. I hope everyone had a nice time.
Maybe in two weeks I'll have cookies to share if I can think of it before the drive home from work.
My critique group gang met this evening. We usually terrorize Borders Bookstore, but a couple of months ago they decided to start closing at nine during the summer months.
That bites!
See, everyone in our groups basically has no life. Our greatest moments are when we all get together twice a month to shoot the breeze and dish on each other's latest writing excursions. It is an absolute blast and something we tend to look forward to. For the first 45 minutes or so we're all catching up on the latest that has been occuring in each other's lives. Couple of months ago it was pouring over pics of Julie's wedding. We've celebrated birthday moments together. Tonight we discussed some difficult family events from this week with Brian. We all need that time to let it all hang out.
Then we get down to business.
Now that Borders is closing so early, we begin feeling the pressure to get it all done when they start making announcements at 8:30. Then it is 8:40--8:45--8:50...you get the picture. Being rushed is not a fun way to spend an evening. Then to top it off we get unceremoniously shoved out the door.
Oh the inhumanity!
So we decided until hours went back to normal, we needed a better place to hang. Therefore, I invited everyone over to my humble abode. Plus my sectional makes a great group venue. The music isn't too loud either.
Wasn't sure how I was going to manage it. Can't have people in my home without it being at least somewhat clean and I usually don't do that until the weekend. Kids come in so handy on such occasions. :-) But it seems that things went well. I hope everyone had a nice time.
Maybe in two weeks I'll have cookies to share if I can think of it before the drive home from work.
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Back To The Ancient World
I've been pleasantly surprised tonight.
Fantasy is my favorite genre for writing and reading (good fantasy, that is). Other genres attract my interest from time-to-time, but fantasy always calls me back home. My recently completed novel is a thriller, a completely different turn for me. I've tried my hand at a wide variety of writing such as mystery, suspense, even romance - one genre I don't particularly know much about since it has never interested me. But fantasy is my first love.
My initial foray into novel writing was a very involved fantasy story - rather an epic really. I broke my proverbial teeth on that one. Started it January 4, 2002. It never got completed.
Since I finished my first novel, I've decided to go back to some of my other stories and finish some before letting exploration begin on other ideas. The only problem for me has been deciding which one.
A friend of mine from my critique group suggested I go back to Tumaline, the first fantasy realm I created. I remember the feel of the moss, the smell of the briny air, the stench of evil. Being near the ocean in San Diego actually made me think of this particular novel again too. What I would have given for a chance to walk along the beach at the Del and revisit Tumaline in my mind at that particular moment!
I guess I was surprised to think that someone else had truly enjoyed my own little creation. It was my first time involved with creative writing since high school. Playing with the words and worlds was fun for me, but I figured the Old English feel didn't really thrill anyone else. Guess I was wrong.
So it is back to Tumaline for now. I'm looking forward to exploring that ancient land once again.
Fantasy is my favorite genre for writing and reading (good fantasy, that is). Other genres attract my interest from time-to-time, but fantasy always calls me back home. My recently completed novel is a thriller, a completely different turn for me. I've tried my hand at a wide variety of writing such as mystery, suspense, even romance - one genre I don't particularly know much about since it has never interested me. But fantasy is my first love.
My initial foray into novel writing was a very involved fantasy story - rather an epic really. I broke my proverbial teeth on that one. Started it January 4, 2002. It never got completed.
Since I finished my first novel, I've decided to go back to some of my other stories and finish some before letting exploration begin on other ideas. The only problem for me has been deciding which one.
A friend of mine from my critique group suggested I go back to Tumaline, the first fantasy realm I created. I remember the feel of the moss, the smell of the briny air, the stench of evil. Being near the ocean in San Diego actually made me think of this particular novel again too. What I would have given for a chance to walk along the beach at the Del and revisit Tumaline in my mind at that particular moment!
I guess I was surprised to think that someone else had truly enjoyed my own little creation. It was my first time involved with creative writing since high school. Playing with the words and worlds was fun for me, but I figured the Old English feel didn't really thrill anyone else. Guess I was wrong.
So it is back to Tumaline for now. I'm looking forward to exploring that ancient land once again.
Friday, June 13, 2008
Humor - Not My Cup of Tea
There's a friend of mine who is such a great humor writer. I'm so jealous.
He's currently working on a detective novel, and the wry humor just leaps off of the pages. Kinda reaches up and pinches you on the pattootie when you least expect it. We critiqued his first two chapters this week. I was dying laughing throughout the entire thing. Even when we were critiquing last night, I was cracking up so bad at times I could hardly get out my comments. Suppose my laughter was the best compliment he could have asked for.
There was a humor contest he entered a couple of years ago with a story about the Mustang Ranch. He won first place hands down. Now before you go about misunderstanding the intent, you've got to understand that it's not what you think. Just imagine a couple of car guys, grease-monkeys if you will, hearing about a place called the Mustang Ranch. They're all set to buy themselves a classic Ford automobile. That's where it gets absolutely hilarious. And of course the story had me about to pee my pants when I read it (and it's clean too).
I wish I had the ability to write that kind of humor, but God chose not to grace me with it. When I try to write something funny it usually comes across as odd and makes people look at me as if they're not sure where I'm going with it. My friends understand, even though they too have a strong inclination to back away from me. My writing style has a tendency to be a bit intense, so humor just doesn't work well for me.
But he's just oozing with it. I guarantee you that someday soon I'll be writing a glowing review of his recently published novel. Now if he'll just finish the dadgum thing (I know you're reading this right now, so you better stop reading and get busy writing).
Then we can celebrate his success. I'll have to think of something humorous with which to toast him. That might present a problem. Maybe I could just spill my soda all over him instead. That might get a laugh.
Or else I'll get slapped.
He's currently working on a detective novel, and the wry humor just leaps off of the pages. Kinda reaches up and pinches you on the pattootie when you least expect it. We critiqued his first two chapters this week. I was dying laughing throughout the entire thing. Even when we were critiquing last night, I was cracking up so bad at times I could hardly get out my comments. Suppose my laughter was the best compliment he could have asked for.
There was a humor contest he entered a couple of years ago with a story about the Mustang Ranch. He won first place hands down. Now before you go about misunderstanding the intent, you've got to understand that it's not what you think. Just imagine a couple of car guys, grease-monkeys if you will, hearing about a place called the Mustang Ranch. They're all set to buy themselves a classic Ford automobile. That's where it gets absolutely hilarious. And of course the story had me about to pee my pants when I read it (and it's clean too).
I wish I had the ability to write that kind of humor, but God chose not to grace me with it. When I try to write something funny it usually comes across as odd and makes people look at me as if they're not sure where I'm going with it. My friends understand, even though they too have a strong inclination to back away from me. My writing style has a tendency to be a bit intense, so humor just doesn't work well for me.
But he's just oozing with it. I guarantee you that someday soon I'll be writing a glowing review of his recently published novel. Now if he'll just finish the dadgum thing (I know you're reading this right now, so you better stop reading and get busy writing).
Then we can celebrate his success. I'll have to think of something humorous with which to toast him. That might present a problem. Maybe I could just spill my soda all over him instead. That might get a laugh.
Or else I'll get slapped.
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
A Celebration Is Coming
One of my novels is nearing completion. It's terribly exciting. I'm mere chapters away from a big celebration.
There are currently seven novels in one stage or another sitting on my computer. Now some people would think that was pretty impressive. Seven novels? Why that's amazing!
No it isn't.
There are hundreds of thousands, perhaps millions of people out there in the world who start a novel or even two. Rarely do they ever finish. I want to be the exception, not the rule, and the fact that I have seven unfinished novels is grating on my nerves. Sometimes being very creative can have its drawbacks.
Many times I'll have two or three ideas floating around in my head that are begging to be put to rest on paper. Other times, while I'm somewhere in the middle of my current writing project, I'll have a vivid dream at night and get another wacky idea for a new story. Then I can't rest until it is released from its cage. Yes, there are times when I can be like a caged animal. Just ask my son.
The problem is that the new idea takes me out of the depths of the old idea. Getting back into my characters and setting once I've been out of it for awhile can be quite difficult. Some in my critique group have little hair left from all the times I've switched gears on them in midstream.
So for the past year I've made myself stick to this one novel until it is done. It's been hard. There were several months when I didn't write at all, but the story was still floating around in the back of my mind. The focus for this particular project had to remain sharp even when I didn't write. That's how I've finally gotten near this stage of completion. My excitement is growing to a feverish pitch, and I can't help but work on it every opportunity I get.
My critique group will join me in the celebration of finally completing a work. Maybe their hair will grow back then too. Of course, they don't yet know that the end will probably make them pull it all out again.
That's okay. As long as I finish one, I'll rest easy. :-)
There are currently seven novels in one stage or another sitting on my computer. Now some people would think that was pretty impressive. Seven novels? Why that's amazing!
No it isn't.
There are hundreds of thousands, perhaps millions of people out there in the world who start a novel or even two. Rarely do they ever finish. I want to be the exception, not the rule, and the fact that I have seven unfinished novels is grating on my nerves. Sometimes being very creative can have its drawbacks.
Many times I'll have two or three ideas floating around in my head that are begging to be put to rest on paper. Other times, while I'm somewhere in the middle of my current writing project, I'll have a vivid dream at night and get another wacky idea for a new story. Then I can't rest until it is released from its cage. Yes, there are times when I can be like a caged animal. Just ask my son.
The problem is that the new idea takes me out of the depths of the old idea. Getting back into my characters and setting once I've been out of it for awhile can be quite difficult. Some in my critique group have little hair left from all the times I've switched gears on them in midstream.
So for the past year I've made myself stick to this one novel until it is done. It's been hard. There were several months when I didn't write at all, but the story was still floating around in the back of my mind. The focus for this particular project had to remain sharp even when I didn't write. That's how I've finally gotten near this stage of completion. My excitement is growing to a feverish pitch, and I can't help but work on it every opportunity I get.
My critique group will join me in the celebration of finally completing a work. Maybe their hair will grow back then too. Of course, they don't yet know that the end will probably make them pull it all out again.
That's okay. As long as I finish one, I'll rest easy. :-)
Friday, March 28, 2008
Letting My Hair Down (and other strange anomalies)
Having a creative outlet is as essential for me as...well, breathing!
In my younger days I pursued piano, flute, drama and ballet (does horseback riding count as a creative outlet?). Later on I took up singing and picked up again on ballet after a hiatus. During what my son and I call the "difficult days", writing became my one and only creative outlet. I poured myself into it as an incredibly cathartic experience.
When I was young I used to plink around with my parents' ancient typewriter (can't imagine doing that today), writing stories, poems, and even a mystery screenplay. Teachers would comment on my vivid writing style, but I never thought of writing as anything more than an assignment.
As an adult, by chance I took a short-term creative writing course offered through a local community college, and through that offering several of us decided to put together a critique group in order to share our writing and receive constructive criticism (key word - constructive). Though we've been through ebbs and flows over the last six years, we now have a small, tight-knit group that meets twice a month. I live for those second and fourth Thursdays.
Over the years, our little group has maintained pretty much the core of "oldies", our original membership created from the class. We all come from various backgrounds, are of varying ages, and we all even have different favorite genres and specialty areas of writing we like to pursue. A common genre isn't what keeps us together. I think it is actually the mutual desire to help pull the best from each other's natural abilities. We've developed a trust factor that even when we receive a difficult critique, we can know that it is meant as a help and not as a hindrance.
Of course, it also helps that we all let our hair down during our meetings (at least those of us who HAVE hair). Maybe that's why we've slowly been pushed toward the back of Border's music department where no one has to hear us (or at least see us). I suspect management has hired bodies to pretend they are other critique groups in order to take up all available space and encourage us to leave. Last night they even hired someone to pretend they were building shelving in the music department, revving up the drill and blocking out the sound of our voices. Heck, next time we might just have to meet in the storage closet!
I don't care where we meet, as long as I can continue to let my hair down twice a month. It's become essential to my well-being. It also keeps me breathing, you know.
In my younger days I pursued piano, flute, drama and ballet (does horseback riding count as a creative outlet?). Later on I took up singing and picked up again on ballet after a hiatus. During what my son and I call the "difficult days", writing became my one and only creative outlet. I poured myself into it as an incredibly cathartic experience.
When I was young I used to plink around with my parents' ancient typewriter (can't imagine doing that today), writing stories, poems, and even a mystery screenplay. Teachers would comment on my vivid writing style, but I never thought of writing as anything more than an assignment.
As an adult, by chance I took a short-term creative writing course offered through a local community college, and through that offering several of us decided to put together a critique group in order to share our writing and receive constructive criticism (key word - constructive). Though we've been through ebbs and flows over the last six years, we now have a small, tight-knit group that meets twice a month. I live for those second and fourth Thursdays.
Over the years, our little group has maintained pretty much the core of "oldies", our original membership created from the class. We all come from various backgrounds, are of varying ages, and we all even have different favorite genres and specialty areas of writing we like to pursue. A common genre isn't what keeps us together. I think it is actually the mutual desire to help pull the best from each other's natural abilities. We've developed a trust factor that even when we receive a difficult critique, we can know that it is meant as a help and not as a hindrance.
Of course, it also helps that we all let our hair down during our meetings (at least those of us who HAVE hair). Maybe that's why we've slowly been pushed toward the back of Border's music department where no one has to hear us (or at least see us). I suspect management has hired bodies to pretend they are other critique groups in order to take up all available space and encourage us to leave. Last night they even hired someone to pretend they were building shelving in the music department, revving up the drill and blocking out the sound of our voices. Heck, next time we might just have to meet in the storage closet!
I don't care where we meet, as long as I can continue to let my hair down twice a month. It's become essential to my well-being. It also keeps me breathing, you know.
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