Archive for the ‘ Writing ’ Category

Benefits of Brainstorming

Author: Shari Smothers

Nov 13

NaNoWriMo 2009 Update

Some people say that they don’t write with an outline. I get that. It was great fun letting my characters meet new characters, and watching them evolve. However, I’m learning what I can and cannot do regarding leaving them their own devices.

In short order I’ve managed to get a good bit behind in my writing. However, I have good reason. I needed to go back and do some mapping. It turns out that these characters with lives and personalities still need some guidance. Especially if I’m going to get them to the point of fulfilling my ideas.

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Listen to The Rhythm

Author: Shari Smothers

Nov 4

Poets know that poems are songs, but few of us realize that novels are too.

~ from Walter Mosely’s book, This Year You Write Your Novel

Although I don’t hear it quite clearly, I’m definitely going with the flow of something. There are rhythms to the actions of the characters. Even as I try to steer them, they move those individual cadences. So, I have to let them go in hopes of keeping them believable.

Otherwise they are contrived and unbelievable. Contrived characters in stories can be painful to read. Characters that are made to do things contrary to their nature, just to make something else fit, are really annoying. As my story works itself out, I’m on guard to respect the rhythms.

What do you look for as you write a novel? Are there sticking things in books that put you off?

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NaNoWriMo: Day 3

Author: Shari Smothers

Nov 3

It’s three days into the writing projects and I’ve learned some useful stuff that will help me to get through. Being flexible is helpful because the effort is so new to me. Tell me what you think.

The 6 characters I met on the first day, must have been waiting in the wings, because they were not on my first list. One of those new characters emerged as a possible transformation subject, which would make her a major player. Needless to say, it was really nice to meet her. She was very round right off the bat so I’ll definitely let her do her thing.

Day 2 revealed more about the plot and the big news and big secret (yet to be revealed to me).

Day 3 is working out to be a transition day. I’ve learned useful things about my writing process. Some of them I won’t be able to use until tomorrow:

  1. Writing for hours, chasing my imagination across the page is fun
  2. It’s easy to let other important tasks get my attention, (case in point, yesterday’s short progress – only 1,024 words)
  3. It helps to de-claw my inner critic by saying I know this will suck but I’m moving forward anyway
  4. Writing before work requires early rising that I’m still struggling with (should’ve practiced that in October)
  5. I still get distracted by a good Saints football game, (gotta be on guard for that)

I’ve got more work assignments to complete, then get a late lunch before I get to writing. I definitely want to flip this order for tomorrow. When do you do your first writing of the day?

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NaNoWriMo: My First Day

Author: Shari Smothers

Nov 1

This year I’ve gotten a lot more involved with the activities surrounding NaNoWriMo, and it’s helpful. The opportunities to compete and commiserate are encouraging. It’s a solitary job that doesn’t feel like I’m doing it alone.

I’m excited about my first day’s progress! Having written 3,001 words is a good sign. And although the writing still feels foreign, I’m getting more familiar with the characters. They have traits and quirks that are filling out the frames I thought up for each of them. My new character are interesting, too.

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NaNoWriMo 2009

Author: Shari Smothers

Oct 27

Hi! I’m participating in NaNoWriMo 2009, that’s National Novel Writing Month. And here is where I’m laying out my plan and logging my journal for the month’s activities. If you want to see how it’s going for me, check back here from time to time.

NaNoWriMo Progress Meter

This meter comes from Writertopia.com, where writers can find useful stuff to distract and entertain themselves, keeping the writing fires burning.

To get to the finish line successfully, I need to write 1666.67 words daily. This is not so difficult in an of itself. But, when you add on the need for ideas of what to write, the daily goal gets a little sketchy. To give you the fuller picture of my situation: I thought of characters. I basically interviewed them to learn about their lives. It got pretty detailed and the characters were quite round.

Then after a couple of days, and no solid story line the question came up: Who are these characters and why are they present in my notes? Not at all a good sign 5 days before lift-off, right? That’s what I thought.

But, no matter. I’m committed and ready to get to it. I’ve decided to record my adventures through this giant group writing project. The first entry is posted already because I shocked myself and had to write it up. Let’s see if I can keep this going throughout the month. I’m guessing the posts won’t be long, maybe just letting you know I’m screaming and freaking and panicking, or thrilled by my progress.

If you’re participating in NaNoWriMo too, you can connect with me on that site. My buddy information is connected in the sidebar.

Check out my log posts and tell me what’s up with you, or give me tips about different things I might attempt.

  1. My Pre-NaNoWriMo Activities, 10.27.9 – Get ready! Posted over at The Word ‘Mage Blog
  2. What’s Up for November, 10.28.9 – Get ready!
  3. More Tools to Track Your Writing Progress,10.29.9 – Get ready!
  4. NaNoWriMo: My First Day,11.1.2009 – And, we’re off!!
  5. NaNoWriMo: Day 3, 11.3.2009
  6. Listen to The Rhythm, 11.4.2009
  7. Benefits of Brainstorming, 11.13.2009
  8. Facing November Week Four, 11.23.2009
  9. November Activity Results, 12.2.2009
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A Simple Truth

Author: Shari

Jul 8

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