A Writer's Twinkling Personalities

Ah Christmas lights. We drive past an amazing display of lights every time we leave the neighborhood. It has made me think about what kind of people live in each house, according to their decorating tastes. Some lights are very structured, outlining the house using those straight light thingys, and some lights are almost flung on everything...the roof, the porch, the tree, the mailbox. Other houses have bought those giant inflatable snowmen...which to me, is funny, because where we live, we usually end up with six feet of snow for at least 4 months, might as well wait til you can build your own!
And other houses have a sweet manger scene with lights hanging elegantly in just the right places, blinking to Christ honoring carols at just the right moments.

As a writer, I often realize that I can take on multiple personalities in my authorship, just like the multiple styles of Christmas lights we all see this time of year. Do you ever find yourself sitting in front of your wip wondering if you should dissect your own motives at that moment, instead of your characters? Using the examples of the lighting extravaganzas of the season I'll show you what I mean.

The Perfect Outlining Christmas Twinkles: Sometimes I just want to sit down and hash out the plot. I want to go from point A to point B, and skip all the fluff. This is good when you are sketching out your draft. When I find myself in this mood, I switch to excel and start creating lists...it's just not the right mindset to write a masterpiece. ;)


Random Light Sprinkling Overgrowth: So this is often an eye-catcher and intrigues the reader to keep going, but it can completely hide the intended flow of the plot. Sometimes you have so many good ideas and techniques you try to fit them in the story, somehow some way. But when it comes down to it, they can dilute the theme, squelch good solid character development, and leave the reader dizzy wondering if they just read a group of short stories instead of a novel. When I have the idea passion, I sit back and analyze which would move the story forward or just distract from the theme I'm trying to convey.

Inflatables: If I am not in the mood to really sit and think, I find myself pouring out the cliches, the generic images, the deadly adverbs. Instead of working on making it a real, authentic piece, I type away making it a real piece. :)

A Meaningful Christmas Display: Perfectly timed lights to music, elegantly displayed décor, and a solid focus on the baby in the manger. This is the type of writing we wish we all sat down to do, every time. Well thought out, meaningful, elegant, and focused. I've come to find out with my multiple personalities as a writer, this one peeks through when my distractions are few and my heart is right.

Do you feel like you are a "different" writer at different times? I may have some weird writing disorder that nobody else experiences, but now that I've pinpointed my problem, I will know which writer to listen to as I sit down and create a shining display! :)

What's Up the Street For Next Week?

Time to celebrate that cold, white stuff that’s causing a lot of fuss and confusion right now across the U.S. Snow!


Aren’t you just loving it?!? If you didn’t get to see the great pics that Mary put up on her post, go here. Wowzers.

Christmas is on the way.

And speaking of Christmas – we have a gift to give out today. Colleen Coble’s The Lightkeeper’s Bride goes to Jill W! Congrats, Jill.

Send me an email with your snail mail to pepperbasham(at)yahoo(dot)com

And for this week – Oh, it’s a REAL treat!!!! Are you ready?!? Melanie Dickerson’s debut novel, The Healer’s Apprentice. Yes, oh YES!!! For your chance to win, leave the name of your favorite fairytale and your email address! Good luck!

So, what’s going on this week?

Monday - Angie starts off the week with a sparkle in her eye...er...wait! With a sparkle at the end of her pen. Stop in to learn about A Writers Twinkling Personalities

Tuesday - Grab a tissue box and computer. Julia talks about the healing power and creativity of writing through the grieving process. Don’t miss it.

Wednesday - While SOMEONE is braving the snows in Paris this week , no names mentioned – SARAH- she’s leaves us wondering if she’ll drop in Wednesday for a taste of Paris. I love suspense, don’t you? Oh la la. Stop in to find out!!

Thursday - The leash is on for Thursday. Let Wendy take the lead as she talks about Who’s Walking Who? How Writing is Like Walking a Dog.

Friday - Cindy’s going to chat about those pesky characters today. (whispering) You know the ones who kind of barge into the middle of the book? Yeah, we all have them. Make sure you check out what she has to say about their grand and pushy entrances :-)

Alley Cat Newstand

Learn more about Hannukkah at http://mimaryvee.blogspot.com/

Pepper’s posting a Christmas series called Christ in the Carols. You can check it out on her blog, Words Seasoned With Salt .

Links to Visit

James Scott Bell was the guest on Rachelle Gardner’s blog this week. His post was really helpful, and gave some good info about agents. Check it out at http://cba-ramblings.blogspot.com/2010/12/agents-got-heart.html

Hope to see you this week. In the meantime, may your days be merry and bright.

Ten Excuses Writer's Give For Not Writing

What does a blogger do on a Friday that is supposed to be fun when she has zero motivation to be fun?

She eats chocolate... that's what she does!

Then she looks in her achives for things she's written in the past that are funny and just borrow that.

So without further adu...

Ten Excuses Writer's Give For Not Writing:
1.) Facebook/Blogging/Twitter/IM are all very important social networking tools. Never mind that I spend seven and a half hours a day using them...

2.) Reality TV=research
3.) I have to go to the mall to... people watch! YES! I can get ideas for my books while I shop at Macy's. Seriously, I can!

4.) I have a headache... er... wait, that's a different top ten excuse list!

5.) The word I need just won't come to me.... Let me run a nice bubble bath and soak while I contemplate it.

6.) E-mail! I have E-MAIL!! MUST.... CHECK....

7.) I've been ignoring my kids lately. I should make them food. Maybe some chocolate chip cookies, brownies, pie, scones.... What? Oh, I ate all the cookies??? Um, no I didn't. It was.... your dad. Really. I swear.

8.) Carpel Tunnel. But it's this weird selective type of the disease because I can still type on my blog and my facebook status. I know, strange, huh!

9.) I just killed off a character. I need to observe the proper mourning period before I begin again.

10.) My dog ate my manuscript????

Guest Post: Tricia Goyer

It is my pleasure to host author Tricia Goyer here on the Alley today. Tricia has coauthored two books with fellow author Oceianna Fleiss and upon asking how the partnership is between two authors writing the same novel, she graciously offered this articale. Are you considering coauthoring with someone?

Please welcome Tricia...

Researching Duet

by Tricia Goyer

Tim Cahill once said, “A journey is best measured in friends, rather than miles.” Of course, the BEST journey is when you can take a good friend over the miles with you … and research novels in the process!

My friend and co-writer Ocieanna and I have researched and written two novels together over the last few years. Both novels started with a glimmer of an idea, two packed suitcases, and a desire to make history come to life within the pages of our novels.

Our first novel, Love Finds You in Lonesome Prairie, Montana took us to Lonesome Prairie, of course, which is near Fort Benton, Montana. A month prior to our visit, we contacted the Fort Benton historical society.

TIP: Whether you travel to your research destination or not, a local historical society is a great place to find eager volunteers and great information about your novel's setting.

When we arrived at Fort Benton, we met a great volunteer, Hank, who provided information about Lonesome Prairie and helped us make copies out of research books. Hank also told us about an elderly gentleman Keith Edwards whose parents were some of the first settlers in Lonesome Prairie. We decided to give Keith a call to see if he was available to talk.

TIP: Follow up on leads. It may seem strange calling someone out of the blue, but most of the time people love talking about their lives and sharing information.

Our interview with Keith turned out to be the highlight of the trip! At 93-years-old his mind was sharp and he told story after story about his growing up years. Many of his stories made it into the pages of our novel.

After interviewing him, we loaded Keith up in the car and drove to the former homestead site where Lonesome Prairie took place.

TIP: When researching go on-site if possible and take everything in, not only the sights but also the scents, the sounds, and the feel of the place All this will help you bring the place to life in the pages of your novel.

Because we had such a great time on our first trip Ocieanna and I were excited when we got to do it again. For Love Finds You in Victory Heights, Washington we traveled to Seattle to research Rosie the Riveters during WWII. We interviewed five women who had been former riveters. We also travelled to the Boeing Air and Space Museum where we received help from their research librarians.

TIP: One of the best places to find information is in periodicals of the day. Look in magazines, ads, and read advice columns from the time your book is set. Remember, it's the little details that make a big difference.

Speaking of the little details, one last benefit of researching with a co-writer is that you both come away with unique insights and perspectives. Teamwork brought our books to life … and made the journey double the fun!

Tricia Goyer is the author of twenty-four books including Songbird Under a German Moon, The Swiss Courier, and the mommy memoir, Blue Like Play Dough. She won Historical Novel of the Year in 2005 and 2006 from ACFW, and was honored with the Writer of the Year award from Mt. Hermon Writer's Conference in 2003. Tricia's book Life Interrupted was a finalist for the Gold Medallion in 2005. In addition to her novels, Tricia writes non-fiction books and magazine articles for publications like MomSense and Thriving Family. Tricia is a regular speaker at conventions and conferences, and has been a workshop presenter at the MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) International Conventions. She and her family make their home in Little Rock, Arkansas where they are part of the ministry of FamilyLife.

Winter Storm Writing

Recently Fay Lamb included this quote on the ACFW crit group: "For me, life is writing and I can do it anywhere. It doesn't matter where I am. I listen. I write. I live." ~Maynard James Keenan

True words.

Today's post is dedicated to life, weather, and inspiration. Last week a winter storm pelted the area I live. What I saw the next day caused me to laugh and, oddly enough, discover these writing lessons:

There I was snuggled in my home, sipping hot chocolate, and gazing at Michigan sized snowflakes falling in Montana when my husband leaped from the sofa (a literal leap!) and announced he would snow-blow the driveway. "We'll be able to get out of the garage and down to the street tomorrow." Thirty minutes later the abominable snowman bounded into my house, content with a job well done. My husband was right. The next morning we slid down our driveway while other drivers chiseled and pounded crusty snow in a mad attempt to plow a path for their car. 

 

 
What did I learn? 

Writing a manuscript worthy of publication takes tenacity, help, and blessings. This is not a cream puff task.  Buck up. Push through. Get the words down. When someone struggles, lend a hand. Offer to critique, share your skills, and give a word of encouragement.  When you're the one in need, let others know. Humble yourself, ask for help, and be a blessing to someone else by letting them help you.

3. Use Wisdom
  At the end of my work day, employees from a nearby auto glass business gathered outside to help a co-worker.  Their business truck sat sideways in the street aimed to backup into the garage bay. The driver revved the engine a few times while the workers shouted, "Now gun it this time."  The engine roared, the wheels spun, and the truck careened toward the bay.  The workers cheered as they trudged through the knee-deep unshoveled path.  I couldn't help but wonder how many times they tried to get that truck in the bay, and what would have happened if the workers had shoveled the path first.  Larry, Curly, and Mo would have been jealous.

What did I learn?  There is a wealth of instruction available for writers. Sometimes I'm lazy and choose not to sharpen my skills. I toil over my WIP revving my brain and spinning my wheels because I'm locked into my way. I must admit, when I choose to correct my work and modify my writing according to the instructions, my WIP sounds good.

Here is a cup of cocoa to invigorate your winter writing days. 

May you find strength to follow through perfecting your WIP, give/receive help liberally, and use wisdom found in books/blogs/etc. in your writing today.

How is your writing--can we bless you in someway?

What did I learn?
Obstacles will clog the path to publication. If I hone my craft and apply what I've learned before submitting my WIP I will be able to weather the journey and prove myself worthy of publication.

2. Accept and Give Help Liberally 
Our city didn't plow many streets.  I fishtailed through several side roads until I came to a plowed street where rush hour traffic competed for the blue ribbon breaking on ice award. Miles later I discovered two feet of snow-frosting covered my usual parking place.  I gunned the engine and jerked the car through the snow, convinced the car would never escape without a tow truck.  But that was a 5:00 problem.  In the meantime, we city folk pushed each other out of alleys, parking lots, and unplowed streets. Business owners left their stores to lend a hand, and high school students on their way to school pushed stuck vehicles. Some called into to work that day, some didn't even attempt to get to work. At lunch one man wouldn't let a restaurant owner help dig out his car.

1 . Follow Through

Nurturing The Writing Life

I have a new favorite writing book. It is From The Inside Out...discover, create, and publish the novel in you! by Susan May Warren and Rachel Hauck. They have a website called My Book Therapy which is a fabulous tool for writers. I got this book in October and it really helped me get my NaNoWriMo project off to a great start.

There is so much to share about this book, but something that really struck me was on page 4, the Four Keys to a Writer's Life.

Writing is much like every other discipline. It takes commitment. After all, as much as we'd like it to happen, those books don't just download from our brains automatically! It takes nurturing. Did you know that your brain has a well of words for each day, and you need to replenish those words after you use them? It takes time (something we're going to figure out how to get!), and it takes a game plan.

I was drawn to the Key of Nurturing and what that entails. Here are three ways to nurture your writing life:

• Spiritual Nourishment: Warren says that writing is a spiritual event. "You are connecting on a thematic level with your reader, and that happens in the spiritual realm." We need to make a habit of spending time with God, whether it is through His Word, or through a devotional book. Whatever feeds us spiritually and inspires us is what we need to be immersing in.
• Research: We need to make sure we know what is going on in the world. "Technology. Medicine. Trends...Know what's happening in culture and politics. Read biographies, current, and past - you'll be inspired with new story ideas...To communicate to our world, you need to understand it."
• Read Up: You need read great writing. Read the Word. Read poetry. Read in your genre. Study books you love and figure out what it is that makes you love them.  "Feeding your mind and your soul will give you the materials you can draw from as you create."

From the Inside Out is especially good for beginning writers, or writers who need a little organization. What I loved most about it was the questions it asked to help you structure your novel and create a great plot with goals and motivations. There are pages you can copy and fill out for those who like a hands on approach. 

It speaks to the writer and his/her writing life and helps to draw out the stories deep within. Check it out! You will love it!

Sherrinda

Brainstorming - aka Finding your Story in a Christmas Song

Okay, so I was going to write about Happy Endings and all – but I’ll save that post for another day. Instead, I got hit with an idea on the way home from work on Friday, and it all stemmed from a Christmas song.


Ever had that happen?

Inspiration can come from the most unlikely places, but songs are great sources.

It can be funny too.

You wanna know which song inspired my latest premise? Santa Baby. Yeah, nuts!! If you want to hear the lyrics sung by Marilyn Monroe, check it out here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sbbQwecCzo8

It’s in total opposition to the true meaning of Christmas – even the whole gift of giving idea. But as any good author knows, if an idea starts to jingle inside your head and you start asking the ‘what ifs’, you’re about to catch the fresh aroma of a story.

With Santa Baby, I started asking:

What kind of woman would sing a song like this?

What would happen if she didn’t get all of those things…or lost them all?

What if she was forced to learn the true meaning of Christmas? How might the song change? From singing about Santa Baby to singing about the Holy Baby? Ooo, it sparked a great premise, and one I will have to tuck away for later.

How about The Twelve Days of Christmas? You know, I have some Christian insights on that song, but it sparks my imagination in a fictional direction too. What unique gifts might my characters give to each other for Christmas? How could those gifts carry a secret or surprising message? A ring? A gown? A lost letter? Five gold rings? :-)

In the song, I’ll Be Home for Christmas, I ALWAYS think WWII. Why? A picture of a young woman’s Christmas wish being to see her sweetheart for Christmas. Perhaps he’d been wounded? Lost in action? Presumed dead? But with a glimmer of hope, she waits by the Christmas tree, praying that he’d come home. He doesn’t come, so she leaves to attend a Christmas party. At the party, a live string orchestra plays their song and….You GUESSED IT! – he walks through the crowd. Sigh.

Or the song, What Are you Doing New Year’s Eve. Oh – there are all sorts of visions that pop in my head for that one! The uncertain fellow, the sassy gal. Or what if the story begins on New Year’s Eve? Two souls who meet on New Years and it starts an entire chain of events.

Don’t you love brain storming?

So, what are some writer brainstorming tips? Here are a few:

1. Read, read often, and read like a writer who knows how :-) Some of the seeds of a story come from reading a good story. Perhaps it will inspire a time period, a certain character, or a similar plotline.

2. T.V. watching – characters, stories, followed by the ‘what if’ questions can jump from two-dimensional on a screen to three-dimensional heroes/heroines if you give them a little twist.

3. People watching – characters-in-the-making are everywhere

4. Taking good notes on family vacations. Some of my best story ideas come from trips. Setting can really inspire all kinds of wonderful ideas.

5. Family memories/family ancestry – I have no less than five story ideas inspired by my family history – and I mean family history going back five generations or more. As I’ve said before, Real Life can truly be Stranger than Fiction.

What are some brainstorming tips you have?

What’s one of your favorite Christmas songs?