Clearing Out and Cleaning Up

 This time of year is special to me- 

Here's one reason why; flowers are blooming and they cheer me up after a hard, dreary winter. Spring is here and it means warmer weather and getting outside. It means, especially this year, of being with people (socially distanced, of course). It means a new start. Honestly, I think we should celebrate New Year's on the first day of Spring. Who thinks of doing anything in the middle of winter except hunkering down?

Because of flowers, warm weather, and longer days of sunshine, I'm energized. Sometimes I feel like a solar panel; in the dark I'm listless. When the sun hits, I'm all full of energy and raring to go into action. Unfortunately I can't work in my gardens because the fallen leaves are still protecting precious insects and small animals. (Once it stays above 50 degrees F, they can be cleared.) It's too soon to open the pool and outdoor bar. But there is plenty more I can do. 

1- I replaced the curtain rods in my dining room because I took down the heavy valances. More light filters through and the room feels bigger and brighter. That should make my plants grow like monsters too. 

2- I spent four hours at my church cleaning the grounds, mulching gardens, and planting pansies. We will have outdoor services from Easter on, until hopefully by September the church can be opened. Meeting fellow members and working (socially distanced, of course) gave my spirit such a lift. The hardest part of the epidemic has been the isolation. I got to catch up with church members while I got my hands into the soil and the church looked so welcoming. 

3- I bought a monitor for my laptop. I don't use a pc because I don't want to juggle and transfer stuff between two computers. The problem is my laptop, when it sits on my desk, is too low for comfortable viewing. The screen isn't high enough and my neck gets a crick after a few hours. Plus, the keyboard is not at an optimal level either. I'm tall with long arms and it's like being in a cramped airplane seat. Most things are meant for the average, shorter person. This monitor can be adjusted by heighth and angle of tilt. And yes, the larger screen is easier on the eyes. The new keyboard makes it so I don't have to have my laptop right next to me, causing cricks because I'm turned partway, trying to type and view the screen.  

4- 

I've been decluttering slowly. Last year I had a yard sale but didn't get everything sold and I've put more on the 'For Sale' pile. In the meantime, I'm listing things on Facebook's Marketplace and Neighborhood pages. It takes at least a month or longer to make a sale, but every sale means more free space in my basement or garage, and more money for the kids. (Most of the stuff I sell are their toys and sports equipment or old twin bedroom sets, so I'm dividing the money between them.) And in case you're interested, the above Christmas Poinsettia and Ribbons set has complete service for 12, with extras like a gravy boat, two salt/pepper sets, 2 extra dessert plates, 8 juice glasses, 11 cocktail glasses, all perfect condition, $75.

5- I've been throwing away old versions of manuscripts. Since some of my published books are out of print, there's no sense keeping the previous copies. Almost everything is stored on my computer and extra hard drive, and I have the bound books, so I don't need the paper copies. (I kept them in case there was ever a claim by someone that I stole their work- I could show a clear chain of creation.) Into the recycle pile and I have another clear shelf.

6- I've made a list of all my unpubbed manuscripts and am slowly going through either marking for revision, total overhaul, or to be set aside until a better time while I rethink it. I will send the revised manuscripts out on revision. And if I decide to, I can always Indie publish within a month. Either way, I'm not letting them gather dust any longer. I put a lot of hard work in them and it's time for the words to work for me.

7- My husband and I plan to eventually downsize, so I'm making (another) list of things that need to be done to get top dollar for our house. As each child moves out on their own, I'm painting the rooms and refinishing the floors. (Plus, since they're taking their stuff with them, more space!) I'm simplifying the gardens and addressing jobs like spackling a bumpy wall. It's not so overwhelming when you tackle one task at a time rather than thinking about all the jobs to be done. And, I like the satisfaction of crossing something off my list. 

Looking at all the things I want to accomplish seems a bit daunting, but I'm only looking at one or two at a time. Today, my blog is done (on time...!). Next, I'm finishing typing in the final revisions on a requested R&R (revise and resubmit for non-authors) so it's ready to go April 1st. Later I'll hike about 3 miles. Maybe I'll vacuum the family room too. So while I have four things on my list, it's okay if I don't get to the vacuuming until tomorrow. (It's not like we can have visitors....yet.) 

Hope you're feeling the renewed energy and motivation to do things that need or you want to get done-

Char

Silver Linings and Such

Photo courtesy Pexels

 

2020 sucked for almost everyone. Some had it worse for any number of reasons. Now, as the end is near for this pandemic, I want to focus on positive things. I'm basically an upbeat and optimistic person, which is probably why I don't like angsty books or stupid drama over inconsequential things. Here is a short list of good things I found (not in any order of importance) to be happy about:

1.  We welcomed my grand niece, Savannah Rose, into the world. Such a cutie!

2.  The vaccine was created in record time and in several months, I hope to be vaccinated and enjoying simple pleasures like a movie and hugs again.

3.  My husband retired which means we can travel (maybe I can get him to finish putting up the molding around the house too).

4.  My eldest son achieved Honors in Rutgers School of Engineering. 

5.  My nephew graduated high school and is doing well in college.

6.  My middle son is back in college with a determination to succeed that thrills me.

7.  My youngest is working in the pharmaceutical field with a bright future and recently got a promotion and raise. 

8.  None of my family suffered illness or death due to Covid-19. 

9.  The trees are budding and spring is only days away.

10. I'm revising a manuscript for an interested publisher.

I could make a longer list of things that have gone wrong, but what's the point? There will always be challenges and I prefer to look ahead with hope. 

Wishing you more good things-

Char

Skip the Year End Review

Photo by Olya Kobruseva from Pexels

 

It's that time when we review the past year. For most of us, the few bright spots were dim in 2020. I don't know anyone who wants a repeat of this year. Everyone is hoping for health, financial recovery/success and a return to the life most of us took for granted. 

I'm not reviewing the year- I just want to forget it and move on. Like Patriot's coach Bill Belichick says after a loss: "We're onto (next game)." That means no dwelling on the loss- learn the lessons and move on. The only reviewing I'm doing is to the several manuscripts I've written and/or subbed. One of my few happy moments is a publisher expressing interest in one manuscript, pending some revisions and a resubmit. 

So I leave you with wishes, hopes, prayers, and pleas for the universe and each other to treat us better.

Peace-

Char

Some of this, some of that...

I can now type with 2 hands, so it's time for a new post. But since my broken right arm can only last for 10 minutes before it starts to hurt like heck and swell, this is going to be a short post-

1- Dr checkup tomorrow, hopefully find out why wrist is so bad.
2- Arm break slowly (and I mean SLOWLY) getting better.
3- Revisions on my new projects is frustratingly slow because of stupid wrist.
4- Bunny moved out of my strawberry patch and didn't eat any strawberries...
5- Mating foxes need to learn that 'outdoor voices' ends at midnight.
6- I will spend most of this week in my bathing suit, poolside. Can't go anywhere anyway...
7- Trying to get more followers/friends on my Facebook author page- Author Charlotte Bennardo- which will be my main page in the future.
8- September is going to be crazy busy because by then I should be able to paint my living room.
9- Working in a new genre- adult sweet romance/drama. Children's publishing is a tough market.
10- Spending too much time wondering when life will get back to normal- and slowly realizing it will never be the same...

Oh, and here are some happy pictures of my meditation garden because we all need moments of peace and sanity...

Geraniums are such happy flowers..

My middle son loved daisies when he was little, so I make sure I always have them in my garden.

Since I put up a better fence, the bunnies and deer can't eat my astible. It's never looked this good!

Day lilies- how can you look at them and not smile?

Yarrow- some say weed, some say wildflower, I say pretty.

Cracked birdbath works as a pedestal planter.

So there's some happy for you. Hope to share more Good Things and give everyone just a tiny bit of serenity...


Char

Writing in the Time of Pandemic

We're all trying to deal with this pandemic and a new 'normal'. I've heard people "keep a journal" of our experiences as we are living this crisis. A decade or two into the future, people will either reminisce or want to learn about it.

I'm not a good journal keeper. Inconsistency is my biggest flaw because I get distracted by life, projects, seasons, family, etc. And then, there are days where there is nothing that I want to convey, nothing that is interesting. Kind of like always posting on Instagram. I'm scrolling past pics of food,  flowers, family pets, etc. because there are so many (and yes, I'm guilty of posting them, although not to a great extent). After a while, it becomes tedious. I want something fresh.

Another suggestion is to make notes for a future book. Nope, not doing it. There will be millions of other writers all across the globe with that same idea. If people think there are too many vampire books, in the next few years the market will be saturated with pandemic books. Already there are books hitting the market, via self-publishing. Besides not wanting to jump into that overcrowded boat, since I'm living it, I don't want to read about it. I'm not into 'issue' books; I find the angst boring, or overdone. I understand some people are very anxious over certain subjects and this pandemic is enough to give anyone an anxiety attack, depression, or other mental and emotional problems. I'm not disparaging them or the issues because in my family, we have members who must deal every day with them. I just don't want to read about them. Nor do I want to write about them. (This blog is the most I've written about the Covid-19 pandemic, and honestly, I think the next time I write about it is when we are finally free to move about.) There are, and will be, many stories about it so no one needs to hear/read mine. It's a story I don't care to tell.

But writing in general is hard during this time. I can't say I've ever really suffered from writer's block. Sure, I get stumped on a plot point occasionally, but usually within a day or two, as I'm doing mindless work like weeding, cleaning, or swimming, I can figure out a solution to my problem. Only this time it's different; I have a new manuscript started, but I couldn't find the 'groove.' It's a light-hearted romance, but I couldn't get 'in the mood' to write about love and happy things during such a grim time. There are a lot of writers, from what I read or see on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and just plain chat, that are having the same problem. And if the muse is hiding, unwilling to be found, I don't think you can force it.

The solution for me is to work on older manuscripts; revise ones that were thrown in a drawer, those that didn't get far with agents/editors, those that my critique group is red-penciling. Reading a whole novel pulls me in; I don't have to plan out the plot, or create characters, or set up resolution. All I have to do is read with a critical eye to see where I can improve, even if it ends up being a complete overhaul, because at least the framework is there. So far, I've revised three manuscripts. I have the first book I ever wrote, an adult horror, that is next. These were revisions I meant to do; I was going to do them all last summer, but... life. Then came retirement for my husband, and a vacation, then BAM! Covid-19. In this lockdown, there are fewer distractions: no bell practice, no setting up the church flowers, no trustee meetings, no concert practice, no going out for pizza, no visiting family. I didn't realize how much time I spent on these activities- nor how much I'd miss them. By throwing myself into revisions, my muse is peeking her head out. Last night I wrote almost 200 words. Not much when some people are cranking out 3,000 or more, but this is not a competition. I am getting things done that are important to me. There is no prize, other than self satisfaction, for writing the most words, or doing the most decluttering, or painting the most rooms. I'm not in it to win it.

So as this drags on, I hope to get that novel written and the other revised. Be kind to yourself if you don't accomplish everything, or even anything, on your To Do list, because surviving without emotional or mental harm, besides the obvious physical, is the goal. Be good to yourself, be compassionate of others, and avoid the crazies who think that because death rates seem to be leveling off or dropping, that they can congregate in large groups, or not wear their mask, or refuse to stay home.

Praying for better days...

Char

Rocks and Hard Places

You know what that saying means; I'm stuck between two unpleasant places and neither one is appealing. Here's the sitch:

I wrote an MG story based on a literary classic, which brings said classic into the contemporary world (no, no more Jane Austen, I promise). I wanted to stay true to the classic written by Robert Louis Stevenson (that's all the clue I'm going to give you). But when I presented it for a critique by an editor out of one of the large publishing houses, while she liked the concept, she said it 'enabled white male rage.' She made other points, most of which I thought valid and could easily incorporate into my manuscript. But how to address the social aspect of 'white male rage', i.e. a main character, yes, who's white because that's how the classic was written almost 200 years ago, who messes around with science which changes him and not for the better. The editor saw this as an excuse for his behavior- he can't help himself from being violent. Now I see she has a point; white male character goes on rampage but it's not his fault. However, while I have it that my character's a violent person, all through the story is woven that he must take responsibility for his actions. The parent explains it like this; it's like being left-handed in a right-handed world. Yes, my main character, a boy, is different than almost everyone, and his condition makes him struggle, but he, ultimately, has the control and responsibility of his condition. He has to adjust, not the world. (And changing the race would only get me labeled racist because I'm white, so don't even go there.)

I pondered her comments. I switched the gender of the main character to female, thus breaking away from the classic, but it was a new twist and that can be a good thing. But that change was problematic all through the story. Maybe it's my own prejudices, but a girl would react totally different in almost all the conflicts. I managed to address most of the issues, but it was a domino effect which made the twisty ending, which I loved, improbable and clunky.

It is no longer my story, but someone else's. And I didn't feel their love or connection to the story; it seemed more like a 'PC run amok' story.

Here's the rock: I don't like the new story, especially the weaker ending.

Here's the hard place: Based on the editor's comments, it seems everything has to go through a PC filter or it won't get pubbed.

Hollywood seems to be the only place where this story could thrive. But, if I can't get this story published, it will die a lonely death in my drawer.

And just like Wiley E. Coyote trying to catch the Roadrunner, here's the boulder that falls on top to completely squash me: it's part of a classics revitalization trilogy. While the connection to the next book wouldn't be too problematic, if I can't get editors past the first book, the other two are just cumbersome piles of paper to be recycled.

Friends and colleagues have weighed in and it comes down to this:

• Write your story.
• They probably wouldn't pub it as is, so make the changes.
• You can make this work.

It all comes down to writing a story I don't love, which generally doesn't work out well for writer, agent, or editor. Talk about impossible barriers. Or, keeping the basic storyline with the other suggestions the editor gave me. Finally, just chucking the whole story and starting the trilogy with the next book, featuring a female protagonist. 

I'll have to mull this one over. It disheartens me because these stories are a bridge between the classics I love to a contemporary time and place. As an English major and a former substitute teacher, this kills me that my brainchild must be so bastardized that it can pass PC filters which leaves the story barely alive.

Photo by Rene Asmussen from Pexels

What to do, what to do...

Char

Break Time!

Do you take a break between manuscripts? Don't you think your computer might like a little respite too?

Photo courtesy of Drew Williams, Pexels.

These are some of the things I like to do when I'm in between manuscripts:

1. Clean your screen and keyboard. If you're like me, sometimes when you get on a creative roll, you eat and drink at your desk (or in the coffee shop, or on the couch, or patio table, etc.) Eating means sticky or greasy fingers. Using lens cleaner or a dampened with water cloth (NO PAPER TOWELS- THEY CAN SCRATCH), clean both screen and keys.

2. Don't forget to clean INSIDE your computer: get rid of junk, old emails, copies of your kids' school papers, spam, anything you don't need. Then, do a defrag to clear out memory.

3. Now's the time to get anything fixed: replace worn out power cords, keys with no letters on them, make upgrades, etc.

4. Clean your workspace. Dust the desk, throw out papers, clean the clutter. I like to reorganize my workspace once it reaches critical: too many papers, projects, and 'stuff', like a tiny rubber shark from a book festival that just sits on my desk. Happy work space, happy worker.

5. Organize the notes and pages from the project you just finished. I keep each project in it's own cardboard box. Once the book is published and about 2 years old, I throw those notes out. I figure that's a safe period of time if anyone wants to sue me for plagiarism. I have the work product which shows my progress and that the novel is mine.

6. Since each project can span over a year (or two...) with revisions, and I'm working on several different projects, I spend a lot of time on my laptop. To help reduce eye fatigue, I enlarge the type to 125%. I can still see the entire page at this level.

7. Think about lighting. Is your space well lit? How about the background on your laptop or desktop. A little more light can also reduce eye strain.

8. Maybe you need to change the scenery a bit; add a plant, a new picture, whatever boosts your mood, and therefore, your productivity. Whatever the subject, I have a little something which relates to the work; a little figurine, a picture of a Hollywood movie star that I think my character looks like, or even a crystal or such. I put it on my desk and it can sometimes inspire me when I get stuck.

After a short rest and recharge, both you and your computer will be ready for the next project.

Happy writing!

Char

it's That Time of Year...

The holidays are here. So....

Photo courtesy of Mohammed Reza Fathian, Pexels

MERRY CHRISTMAS

HAPPY HANNUKAH

HAPPY KWANZA

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

I wish all peace, contentment, health and success. I will see you next year! 

Char

Excuses and Thankfulness

I didn't realize how few posts I've done lately. As usual, I have several good excuses:

1- My husband retired so there were dinners and such to attend.
2- Spent 8 days in Los Angeles visiting our son.
3- Getting ready for Thanksgiving i.e. volunteering to clean up church grounds, practicing bell music for Thanksgiving Eve and Christmas Eve services.
4- Working to finish a novel overhaul
5- Working on selling stuff out of garage so I can put my car in there before the snow (anyone need some great toys or bedroom furniture, check out Craig's List or comment me....)
6- Spending time with family because tomorrow is not guaranteed.

I'm taking the easy way out here and am just going to say:

Happy Thanksgiving! 

Photo courtesy of Fauxels, Pixels.

I'll sign off for at least a week by giving you 5 things I'm grateful for:

1- Family and friends.

2- To live in a country where there are opportunities for self, for others, for the world.

3- For health.

4- For the ability to make a difference, however small, in the lives of people, animals, the environment, the nation.

5- For my talents/skills either natural, limited, or learned that I can use on my life journey.

Wishing you all health, contentment, and peace.

Char

Don't Use That Word With Me!

Not a rant, exactly, but there are some words I detest. Even as a writer. Strange, right? But it's like even though I'm a cat lover, I think hairless cats are ugly. I would never harm them, but I'd never get one as a pet. Same with these words. I'd never use them because we aren't friends.


1.  'drug' vs. 'dragged.'  I don't know, it simply sounds uncouth when I hear or read something like, "I drug the truth out of him" vs. "I dragged the truth out of him." Are you with me on this? It just sounds incorrect and ignorant.

2.  'bemused.' Webster's dictionary says it means "confused, or mildly amused." Well, which is it? Sometimes I can't tell if a character is amused or confused by the context. Don't tell me "she was bemused by his outburst" because that doesn't clarify the meaning. She could be confused by his outburst, as in he had no reason for such emotion, or she could be amused, because he had no reason. Which is it??? Pick a better word.

3. 'didactic' which in case you didn't know, means, according to Webster, "Instructive, or inclined to teach or lecture others too much." No one except academics and snobby writers use that word. Had a classmate who used it all the time to impress the prof. Hint: he wasn't impressed, and neither were we.

4.  Okay, not a word, but more of a colloquial saying. "I had went shopping." Sorry, that's just wrong. "I had gone shopping." Or, better, "I went shopping." Get rid of both 'had' and 'went.' And stop making me cringe.

5. The 'n' word. It seems to me, that if a word is a slur against a whole community of people, the 'cultural appropriation' of that word by the said affected community is NOT the thing to do. I hear POC calling each other that name, and I while I know it can be meant as a greeting, it's also derogatory. It's akin to calling a woman 'bitch' in a song, or women calling another woman a bitch. It can mean that she's badass (so say that!) but it also can mean that she's a terrible person, it's meant to put her down, the same way slave owners used the 'n' word. Both words (and a few others I won't get into here) should be eradicated from vocabulary altogether. Let's not glorify them, okay?

I think maybe I'll start a list of words I strongly dislike and see where it goes. 

Until then,

Char

How to Procrastinate- From an Expert

We all do it. We procrastinate about doing things that maybe we don't want to, but have to do. Things that are complicated and will take over our lives. Things that may be unpleasant. Things that maybe aren't that bad, but well, we just don't feel like doing at the moment.

Sometimes writing and revising are like that. Have to do it, need to do it, don't want to do it. Writers come up with great ways to procrastinate. Here are some of my better ones...

1. My desk is a mess! How can I work with it like that??? Which of course, once you start cleaning, there are papers to go through, dusting, reading scraps of paper with ideas for books that you want to keep because you intend to turn those notes into novels. There's that darn file, drawer, closet, etc. that now need to be cleaned... It's a deadly avalanche of distractions.
2. I need to go shopping because I have to have more... pens, paper, notebooks, cheesy fries, toothpaste, etc. Doesn't matter what it is, you MUST have it.
3. The kitchen I've been meaning to paint all summer... I HAVE to do it NOW because  Thanksgiving and Christmas are coming and I'm having guests, and with three boys, the walls are a bit scruffy looking, and smoke has darkened the color. 
4. I'm not wasting time on the internet, I'm researching for the next novel or two.... 
5. I can get the revisions done in almost no time, and I'm under no deadline. I have plenty of time. 

I'm sure you have your favorites, your good old standbyes. If you're procrastinating, maybe there's an underlying reason. Struggling with this manuscript, I've already gone through it, page by page, editing it on paper because it couldn't be done on my laptop because the revisions included moving chapters around, adding, subtracting, and reworking the entire story. (I wrote it before cell phones were commonplace.) All I have to do now is type in the changes. But as I look at all the edits, add-ins, cross outs, I'm afraid because it's such a mess.

What's weird is that I'm two thirds through; why can't I just buckle down and DO IT? I still love the story, and I love the freshness from the changes. Maybe I'm just tired of working on it.

But I need to get it done.

So, I will make yet another promise to finish it this week. (Yep, broke a few of those promises.) I hope to make it this time, but if I don't, I won't beat myself up. It will get done. And the sooner I get it done, I can start on that new #NaNo project (which I'm doing in January, I'm part of that rebel group I wrote about several posts ago). Finishing it means freedom to move on, to start that new book, to stop being critical of myself, and to send it to my agent.

Check back on Monday and I'll let you know how I did. Today's not over, so I still have time to get some pages done...

Char

Tech Update...

Okay, I was ranting about Amazon and the VAT (value added tax) certificate, which is just another form of taxation. Connecticut has it in that they tax your car every year.

Turns out, it was a spoof- made to look like Amazon Britain was sending this, along with Amazon Germany. (Those countries have even more taxes than we do- so not like it looked suspicious right away).

Being so-so on tech savvy (ok, maybe a little less than so-so), I knew enough not to give out any personal info or passwords. From now on, whenever I get anything that asks me to do something, I'm going to double check with the company directly.

Lesson learned.

Now, I'm busy with getting ready for a party for the hub's work associates, working on my YA revisions, doing physical therapy, and so much other stuff. But here's a nice picture of a squirrel. Because I love squirrels...

Photo courtesy of Pixabay, Pexels Inc.

Enjoy the rest of summer.

Winter is coming...

Char

It's The Little Things...

That drive you the craziest. Like, "Fill out this form." Okay, sounds simple enough.

Except when it's in German. Okay, Translate function!

Except when Amazon.UK (Britain) is sending you the message about a tax certificate in Germany. Okay, contact Amazon and talk to them.

Except when you go to fill the forms, Amazon won't recognize the email that you've been using for sooooo long (like forever) for your books, but wants to use the family email that you use for Amazon Prime when you BUY things, not when you SELL your books. Okay, Amazon tells you to clear out your cookies.

Except even though you know what cookies are, where they hell are they? Okay, get son to help clear out cookies.

Except thanks to Amazon for that stupid advice, now I can't access ANYTHING- like Twitter, Facebook, Author Central on Amazon... OKAY, so son helps me load in ALL NEW FREAKING PASSWORDS.

Except I STILL CAN'T ACCESS THE DAMN TAX FORM TO FILL OUT BECAUSE AMAZON GERMANY WON'T RECOGNIZE IT ME.

Honestly, I don't think I've sold any books to Germany, so F it.

Take that, stupid European Union.

Photo courtesy of Pexels

Some days, I need something stronger than chai lattes to deal with this stuff.

And Amazon wonders why authors hate it (besides the fact that they squeeze every last penny out of us that they can).

Onto revisions while I wait for someone who may/may not show up to buy a bed I listed on Letgo, and then want to chew the price down to like $5 and pay with a check that could bounce and then I get stuck with $35 in bank fees like ten other people previously, because I haven't SUFFERED enough.

Char

Rutgers, Here I Come!

I am excited, thrilled, joyous, flipping out happy that I have been selected to be a mentor at the Oct 2019 Rutgers One on One Conference! This conference, which is put together by the Rutgers University Council on Children's Literature, is celebrating its 50th anniversary! Not only is that special by itself, but I attended two of these conferences at the beginning of my writing journey, and I'm a Rutgers alumna! It's almost like giving back.

So if you're an aspiring writer, I'm sorry you've missed this year's deadline, but I will be taking notes and pics, so stayed tuned. I'll pass on news and helpful hints from the conference.

For now, I've got to go shopping- I have NOTHING TO WEAR!  JK. But I've gotta start thinking now about getting ready.

*Sings:  I'm so excited....

So stay tuned, and I can't wait to meet all those fresh-faced, energetic attendees! (I think I'll bask in their aura of hope and determination to give myself another kick in the butt to get through these revision blues.)

Tools of the Trade

Or rather, tricks.

Every profession and hobby has little secret ways to do something, a shortcut unknown to the amateur. We on the inside like to keeps these tricks to ourselves- it makes us feel like we're in on the 'know' while others aren't, and it's a big help that we hope gives us an edge.

When I was a house painter (a very short career), I worked with my mom and stepdad in his business. He had all these little tricks that the average homeowner didn't know that helped him be a better painter than they were, which is good for business. Nothing a lay person does looks as perfect as when the pro does it.

One of those tricks was to tint the primer as close as possible to the paint color. Back then, primers and paints were separate- first the primer, then 2 coats of paint were required for a perfect finish. But tinting the primer usually meant you could skip the second coat of paint.

One of my tricks that I'm going to share with you is how to stop in the middle of a writing run, and be able to pick right up when you get back. You've been there; you're writing up a storm, the muse is dictating faster than you can type and you don't want to lose the momentum.

But life intercedes.... Gotta make dinner. Have to go to work. Must take care of kids/parents/pets etc. Some say stop in the middle of a sentence. Sorry, but that just doesn't make sense. How are you to know where you were going in that sentence? It might be obvious if you're in a situation like where the lookout on the Titanic spots the iceberg, or your characters are in the middle of a love scene. Or, if the previous sentence was something like, 'She pulled the gun and aimed right between his eyes.' All these examples pretty much set you up for when you return. However, unexpected breaks in writing sometimes leave you in unexpected places and you won't remember where the plot was marching.

Trick of the trade: First, finish that sentence. (I don't know too many authors who can stop in mid-sentence anyway.) Second, jot down a few sentences about where you're heading on that page. (Sometimes sticky notes get lost or pushed off, so put these notes on the page where you'll pick up.) I think 3 or 4 are good, and you can write them in shorthand like: she shoots, misses. they grapple over gun. gun goes off, him dead. Twelve words, and it feels like at least one chapter. No more guess work, or trying to wrack your brain (what was I thinking here? where was I going?). This is especially helpful during NaNoWriMo when you're attempting to write a whole book in 30 days and you have to get words down whenever you can to stay on track. If you get interrupted numerous times, it's hard to get back in the zone and that's why a few notations on where you're going can be a life/story saver.

Photo courtesy of Start Up Stock Photos by Pexels

Back to revisions... Now where was I....

Something Writers MUST DO....

It's summer, but I'm still working on books and revisions. But it's the time for vacations, relaxing, doing fun things too.

So I'm chilling a bit. Working, but at a much slower pace and with frequent breaks to the pool and hammock. Writers need to step away at times to recharge not only their bodies, but their creativity. Constant creation, like constant running, working, or even writing, is draining. I need, and deserve, some time for recharging, refilling, and plain ignoring 'chores' for 'me' time.

I recommend you do the same. Summer, beautiful days, and easier schedules don't last forever...

Char

Trying to Find The Words...Or, the Letters...

I type a lot. No, A LOT. Like millions of keystrokes a year. As an author, I spend hours writing and revising on my laptop. After a year, this is what it looks like:

As you can see, some keys I've completely worn off the letters, and some the textured surface. It's cool because no one can use my laptop because the missing keys frustrates them (especially the hubs because he was never taught the proper way to type; he uses the hunt and peck system and well, good luck hunting on this keyboard. Normally, not a problem, unless I have a problem with my laptop and he's trying to fix it.).

I usually replace the keyboard because I get a 3 year warranty. But this laptop passed the three year mark and no more warranty. If I pay Geek Squad, not only will it cost a bundle, but my laptop will be out of commission for probably 3-4 WEEKS. I can't live like that. So, the youngest son had an idea....

Why not simply paint on new letters? So he bought me these. They are permanent silver markers. Brilliant! So that is what I did.

Hey, it looks pretty good! I'm not anal-retentive enough to be bothered that some keys looks different. It works and in 2, 3 years, I'll get another laptop because this one will be totally exhausted and begging for the sweet release of death.

Only.....

After using it for less than half an hour, this is what happened....

The keys got all smudgy-smeary and started to wear off even though I let the marker dry for over an hour (they are supposed to dry instantly).

Sigh.

And my fingertips are silver. A friend suggested stickers, but they wouldn't last and I'd have sticky keys. Back to square one where the eldest son is checking for a new keyboard and will put it in (he's good at stuff like this, when he has free time to do it.).

Such is a writer's life.

Char

When The Editor is Wrong...

GASP!

Photo courtesy of Samer Daboul, Pexels Inc.

I know what you're thinking: Don't say that! They'll hear! You'll never get a book published again! They're always right!

No, they breathe and bleed and bumble like the rest of us. Really.

In Sirenz, my former co-author had written a scene where our characters go to Century 21 (retail store, not real estate firm). The editor looked down her nose and informed us there was no such store at the location we gave. From the way the critique was going, it was clear the editor was nitpicking our novel to a swift editorial graveyard. My co-author looked her in the face and said, "Sure there is." And she gave the address.

Not only did the editor turn slightly red and argue we needed to do research on real places, she ignored the fact that my co-author gave a real address. That editor wasn't going to offer us a contract or an R&R (revise and resubmit), but she belittled us too. (Spoiler: our book got pubbed, along with a sequel by someone else).

I'd been subbing my World War II historical fiction, The Elephant Gates, which is set at the Berlin Zoo. The main character, Tomas, is 13-years-old. When he addresses his parents, it's always "Mama" and "Papa". The editor said that made him too young, that I should use Mother and Father or Mom and Dad.

*Clears throat.

No.

My ancestors on both sides are German (my father's side has some Swedish). I've grown up with German culture more than said editor. My grandparents on my mom's side (100% German), used 'mama' and 'papa.' Those great grandparents left Germany right after World War I, so their language was appropriate for the era of my story. But, due diligence! I checked my my friend who translates German to English. Her husband was from Germany. She studied there, and still visits her husband's family. She and her children speak German. I asked her several questions not only about the language that would be used, and other cultural factors. She was a primary source. She told me I was correct in my usage. I mentioned this to the editor.

Said editor still argued with me, and proceeded to tell me I needed to do 'proper' and 'deeper' research. The critique of my manuscript made me feel like I was a junior high school kid who'd written an essay and Stephen Hawking was pointing out how I'd messed up basic science- it was that brutal. Hey, I know I have to take criticism, but I'm going to ignore it when the editor is factually wrong. Plus, the quotes on writing and research by other authors was a nice turn of the blade in my back. I keep the critique to remind me that 1- editors aren't always right, and 2- with the tone of the critique, that sometimes editors just don't like you or your story.  It's the human condition; some people like you, others don't, and that works both ways; you're not going to love everyone. And 3- she isn't the only editor out there.

Not only beginning authors but veterans too need to keep in mind there is always another editor- one who understands your manuscript, loves it, and will listen as you explain why you wrote a particular scene, character, or dialog the way you did. Of course there's always room for improvement and that's what we authors have to keep in mind, but one editor's or even 10 editors' opinions aren't all there is. I follow prolific author Jane Yolen on Facebook and almost weekly she writes about the rejections she's gotten; so many awards, so many published books, on the SCBWI executive board, who would turn her down?? And, we've all heard the story of how many rejections Dr Suess got (sorry bud, but I'm way past that benchmark!). And yes, rejection hurts, but just like ice skaters, NFL refs, and actors, our work is subject to the opinions of others. That's the biz.

Hang in there. I am, because I know my agent will find the right editor for this work.

Char

The Great Experiment...

Last summer, I had an idea for a sequel to a famous horror/sci fi classic. I didn't have enough of the story in my head, only the beginning and the end (which is usual for me), but hardly anything for the middle. I needed time. But I wanted to start the story. So I compromised with The Great Experiment.

I would hand write, old school like Mark Twain, Charles Dickens, and Charlotte Bronte, the entire novel. Not even a typewriter (I do have one, but it's electric). Just a handful of #2 pencils and a lovely notebook that was gathering dust in a closet. (We writers do that- we collect journals and notebooks and then want to use them for something 'special-' not just for writing down the grocery or To Do list, Hence, we collect A LOT.)

So I spent hours poolside, or on the patio, curled up on the couch when it rained, in car rides to family visits- writing. A few sentences here, a couple of paragraphs there, and by the end of summer, I had a novel. The slow, more deliberate method worked for this book. Well, I got the novel roughly drafted. But would it be any good?

As I transcribe it, I see repetitions that popped up, probably because I couldn't remember everything I'd put in over the course of 3 months. But I'm seeing some beautiful sections that stun me. (Did I really write that??). Oh, the plot holes. The missing information. Ugh, the contradictions.

But that's part of any novel. I liked this approach because it made me more thoughtful, more deliberate in my writing. It seems like when writing these days we pound the keys in a fury, and promise we'll fix it when we review and revise. This novel will still need heavy editing and reworking, but I see so much I love. I think I am a better writer for having taken my time.

But I won't do this for every novel- I can't. There are too many stories cluttering up my head that need to get out and into the documents file. And this would NEVER work for #NaNoWriMo. But I think I will do this occasionally, so I slow down and enjoy the process instead of stressing out about how much I've written in a day, week, month, season, year. We all need to de-stress and enjoy moments.

Enjoy the moment-

Char

Ooops, I Did It Again...

I missed my last Monday blog post. I have several good excuses. Don't I always? Choose your favorite from the list below:

1.  Snow day!

2.  Tired of people spamming my blog comments with their stupid stuff. (You know I'm only going to block you and remove it, right?)

3.  Book proposal to finish to send to agent. And like everything else, it took longer than I expected. I had to change the ending from the previous one back to the one I liked.

4.  Lazy.

5.  I haven't been able to increase my followers so I'm feeling a little 'why bother?'

6.  Wondering if anyone noticed....

7.  Procrastinated.

8. Yesterday was #NationalNappingDay (although I didn't get any nap, I sure felt like I needed one).

9. The outdoor temperature was in the 50's yesterday and I had to make some vitamin D (I raked the fallen twigs and branches in the front yard).

10. Pre-spring fever. I/m tired of being indoors and cooped up. It's hard to sit down and write (although I'm doing it now), especially when there are long stretches looming in front of me...

I think I'll stop there.

They all are true, and valid, and still no excuse.

But now it's done, although I still have so much more on the To Do list....

Catch you later.

Char