Posts
Cat Valente (author of Palimpsest, which is a Hugo nominated novel) is currently editing for Apex Magazine. She has a few choice words to say about the opening paragraphs to any creative writing.
Your opening should be something which hooks the reader. I've read a few times now that every novel should have at least three hooks - one in the first paragraph, another by the end of the first page, and one by the end of the first chapter, so that any reader brave enough to tackle the first few pages will get sucked into the story so fast they barely have time to slap their cash on the counter before they're off to a day of walking into sign posts and going "huh?" whenever someone dares to disrupt their reading daze.
This is valuable advice. It's advice I've been using. My poor friends have had the same three paragraphs about twenty times now, sometimes with only one word changed. But it might be a key word. It might change the tone, tense, or meaning of the entire passage. I'm lucky to have such patient, and critical friends.
I have read hundreds of short stories this year, and it gets easier and easier to tell by the end of the first paragraph, or the first page, whether the author has craft enough for their idea, of if this will be a story that appeals to me.
I also note flagship stories in anthologies. The very first story in an anthology is a statement. It stands proud to represent the stories that come after it. It should be the best story in the book. If not the best, then it should be the most indicative of the anthology's tone. The first story is guaranteed to be read more than any other story (except in exceptional circumstances).
The opening to anything is a powerful statement. Make it the best statement you possibly can.
--
Sarah P
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Friday, June 25, 2010
4F Day! Four Questions for Friday
Welcome welcome welcome! We were all a bit busy last week, but I'm pleased to let every one know we're back on track with some more yummy Friday questions.
Sarah Parker
1) We are all very active in groups which support and encourage writing. What pleasures does this bring?
I find a lot of authors to be articulate, well read, and interesting. I love talking to people and love hearing people working on projects and ideas.
2) What is your favourite writing activity?
I think I still love first draft. I'm learning to love editing, but second draft still seems like an awful hard slog right now. I'm putting some effort into rediscovering the joy of words, so I expect I'll learn to love editing at some point!
3) What is your favourite writing website, book or information resource?
I'm really getting a kick out of 'Word Magic For Writers,' by Cindy Rogers. It's teaching me a lot about the gritty parts of English, and I've been using it to play with my work. It's been very helpful so far!
4) Who do you go to when you have writing problems that need a sympathetic ear (if it's not us of course!) and why?
I whine at pretty much any one standing still long enough. I have enough friends that no one is getting too overloaded! (They are all still talking to me, in other words!)
Satima Flavell
1) We are all very active in groups which support and encourage writing. What pleasures does this bring?
The sheer joy of being with like-minded people. So like-minded that sometimes it's downright weird! The scribing trades do, in fact seem to attract people who, if you run a Myers-Briggs on them, will test out as Intuitive Feelers, usually of the introverted persuasion. Obviously, we all love words and their use, but over and above that we find other common ground:
2) What is your favourite writing activity?
I enjoy the whole process – planning, research, writing and editing.
3) What is your favourite writing website, book or information resource?
There are so many good websites it's hard to pick favourites! The writerly blogs I check regularly include http://bookendslitagency.blogspot.com/, http://writerunboxed.com/, http://madgeniusclub.blogspot.com/, http://helpineedapublisher.blogspot.com/, http://ripping-ozzie-reads.blogspot.com/, http://callmyagent.blogspot.com/, http://howpublishingreallyworks.com/, and http://accrispin.blogspot.com/ (the writer Beware blog). That's not counting the many individual authors whose blogs and web sites I like to follow.
Book-wise, you're probably fed up with my singing the praises of Robert Olen Butler's From Where You Dream, but that book did do much to help me understand my own writing process that I recommend it above all others. His basic premise, as I understand it, is that in order to write well, you must be in a mind-space where the unconscious can come to the surface, and the best time to do that is immediately up waking in the morning. It certainly works for me.
4) Who do you go to when you have writing problems that need a sympathetic ear (if it's not us of course!) and why?
Helen Venn
1) We are all very active in groups which support and encourage writing. What pleasures does this bring?
When I joined my first writing group I was overwhelmed by the generosity of its members to a someone who was very much a newbie. At that stage I had only done half a year of a creative writing course. They showed me so much that I was ignorant of with enormous patience and acceptance that made it a joy to be with them. As I learned they celebrated my successes and encouraged me when I failed. That generosity of spirit and support has been the same in all the writing groups I've belonged to. As well we all share a love of language and telling a good story and how they work together in a way that non-writers can't understand. What more could I ask for?
2) What is your favourite writing activity?
That's really hard to say. All aspects have their joys and irritations. love those times when the story just flows on to the page, seemingly without my directing it but, even when it's hard and the words won't co-operate, there's immense satisfaction in the
process. But I enjoy editing too. All that playing with words, fitting each into its proper place.
3) What is your favourite writing website, book or information resource?
I don't have any real favourites. I tend to flit around the internet following links from blogs and my friends apart from sites like ralan.com - www.ralan.com - and duotrope - www.duotrope.com -which are invaluable in market research. For other writing information there's a lot of useful information on the SFWA website - www.sfwa.org.
4) Who do you go to when you have writing problems that need a sympathetic ear (if it's not us of course!) and why?
I have a few friends with a gift for picking up faults in my writing and telling me exactly what the problem in the nicest possible way. I don't know where I'd be as a writer without them.
Joanna Fay
1) We are all very active in groups which support and encourage writing. What pleasures does this bring?
Constant pleasures! The pleasure of having interested, like-minded companions on the writing journey to share, learn, encourage, and brainstorm with. Becoming a member of three writing groups during the last couple of years has been so important in improving my writing craft in all areas, and the opportunity to read and critique the work of other writers, as well as being a privilege in itself, is a wonderful learning experience.
2) What is your favourite writing activity?
It varies. Right now, writing fresh - the first draft of a novel (third in the Quartet..yay!!). Two weeks ago, I was engrossed in editing and rewriting bits of an earlier novel in the series. Occasionally, a bright flash of a poem wings in and makes me stop everything else for a moment to get it down. Poetry is imperious, demanding....catch me now or I'm gone forever. Novel writing is more consistent and, for me, much more structured and routine. They each have their place...I love them both!
3) What is your favourite writing website, book or information resource?
My writing resources are varied. I dip into a number of sites and blogs, if somewhat erratically.
As far as books go, I've read bits of a few 'how to' manuals, some of which have been very helpful, but at present I'm finding particular novels are my best teachers - looking at how different authors tackle characterisation and structure, looking at aspects of style and seeing my own more clearly in the light of the differences and similarities I find. This helps define what elements of style I want to develop - or discard - in my own writing.
Then there are internal resources, but that's another question!
4) Who do you go to when you have writing problems that need a sympathetic ear (if it's not us of course!) and why?
Well, being a member of several writing groups means there are always helpful, supportive ears close at hand, so to speak. Thank goodness! They are invaluable! Some problems, I work through on my own - they might just need concentrated inward focus. But at other times, one small suggestion from outside can be exactly what is needed to open a whole new process, move past a groove I've got stuck in, or reassure that the track I'm on is workable after all.
Carol Ryles
1) We are all very active in groups which support and encourage writing. What pleasures does this bring?
Many pleasures. The joy of having people to read my work when I need. The advantage of being in a group is that at least one person will have time enough to do a quick read if I want. It doesn't matter if they are a beginner or semi-pro. For me, a reader response is the best way to figure out if my writing is working or not. I've been an active part of writing groups for over ten years, and it's been great to see people's work get better and better before leading to their first publication. People who started out as readers and critters are now very good friends. I can't ever see myself not wanting to be in a writers group of some kind. Writing is an isolated occupation as it is. Sometimes I just need to get out and show people "Look what I've done." Also my teacher side enjoys critting as much as my student side benefits from receiving them.
2) What is your favourite writing activity?
I much prefer second drafting. My first drafts are usually all over the place and. for me, harrowing because I have all these different narrative threads going everywhere with nothing connecting. It takes me until the end of a first draft to get to know my characters enough for them to feel real. First drafts are all work, like looking for a lost book in crowded book shelf. Second drafts are much more fun. I put my first draft away and start from scratch. I know who my characters are and all those unrelated narrative threads fall into place and interconnect. My story or novel stops feeling like a broken puzzle and starts feeling like something that works.
3) What is your favourite writing website, book or information resource?
I don't really read anything regularly on the internet, so I tend to flit from place to place. I do like Richard Harland's 145 pages of free writing tips -- excellent value at: http://www.richardharland.net/WRITING%20TIPS/indextop.htm and Project Guttenberg. I love Project Guttenberg: http://gutenberg.net.au/
4) Who do you go to when you have writing problems that need a sympathetic ear (if it's not us of course!) and why?
I have writing problems every day, so I save the important ones for my writing groups and my uni supervisor, and just talk to myself for the small stuff. Or go walking and listen to an audiobook and let someone else talk to me through their fiction. Sometimes the trickiest writing questions are answered by just listening to different types of fiction. And it's nice to rest my eyes and let my ears do the work.
You!
1) We are all very active in groups which support and encourage writing. What pleasures does this bring?
2) What is your favourite writing activity?
3) What is your favourite writing website, book or information resource?
4) Who do you go to when you have writing problems that need a sympathetic ear (if it's not us of course!) and why?
--
Sarah
Sarah Parker
1) We are all very active in groups which support and encourage writing. What pleasures does this bring?
I find a lot of authors to be articulate, well read, and interesting. I love talking to people and love hearing people working on projects and ideas.
2) What is your favourite writing activity?
I think I still love first draft. I'm learning to love editing, but second draft still seems like an awful hard slog right now. I'm putting some effort into rediscovering the joy of words, so I expect I'll learn to love editing at some point!
3) What is your favourite writing website, book or information resource?
I'm really getting a kick out of 'Word Magic For Writers,' by Cindy Rogers. It's teaching me a lot about the gritty parts of English, and I've been using it to play with my work. It's been very helpful so far!
4) Who do you go to when you have writing problems that need a sympathetic ear (if it's not us of course!) and why?
I whine at pretty much any one standing still long enough. I have enough friends that no one is getting too overloaded! (They are all still talking to me, in other words!)
Satima Flavell
1) We are all very active in groups which support and encourage writing. What pleasures does this bring?
The sheer joy of being with like-minded people. So like-minded that sometimes it's downright weird! The scribing trades do, in fact seem to attract people who, if you run a Myers-Briggs on them, will test out as Intuitive Feelers, usually of the introverted persuasion. Obviously, we all love words and their use, but over and above that we find other common ground:
- Most writers have worked in a wide variety of jobs, rather than choosing one profession and sticking with it
- Many writers suffer from migraines and/or depression
- Many writers have travelled widely - and the ones that haven't, want to!
- Most writers seem to love animals
- Many had troubled childhoods
Those five things alone encourage interesting and mutually sympathetic conversations: add your angst about the current WIP and it's apparent that the best company for writers is other writers!
2) What is your favourite writing activity?
I enjoy the whole process – planning, research, writing and editing.
3) What is your favourite writing website, book or information resource?
There are so many good websites it's hard to pick favourites! The writerly blogs I check regularly include http://bookendslitagency.blogspot.com/, http://writerunboxed.com/, http://madgeniusclub.blogspot.com/, http://helpineedapublisher.blogspot.com/, http://ripping-ozzie-reads.blogspot.com/, http://callmyagent.blogspot.com/, http://howpublishingreallyworks.com/, and http://accrispin.blogspot.com/ (the writer Beware blog). That's not counting the many individual authors whose blogs and web sites I like to follow.
Book-wise, you're probably fed up with my singing the praises of Robert Olen Butler's From Where You Dream, but that book did do much to help me understand my own writing process that I recommend it above all others. His basic premise, as I understand it, is that in order to write well, you must be in a mind-space where the unconscious can come to the surface, and the best time to do that is immediately up waking in the morning. It certainly works for me.
4) Who do you go to when you have writing problems that need a sympathetic ear (if it's not us of course!) and why?
I know I can talk to anyone in any of the three writing groups I belong to and I will always find a ready listener and often useful suggestions, too. Some of the best ideas in my plots were actually suggested by fellow writers!
Thank heaven for writers groups!
Helen Venn
1) We are all very active in groups which support and encourage writing. What pleasures does this bring?
When I joined my first writing group I was overwhelmed by the generosity of its members to a someone who was very much a newbie. At that stage I had only done half a year of a creative writing course. They showed me so much that I was ignorant of with enormous patience and acceptance that made it a joy to be with them. As I learned they celebrated my successes and encouraged me when I failed. That generosity of spirit and support has been the same in all the writing groups I've belonged to. As well we all share a love of language and telling a good story and how they work together in a way that non-writers can't understand. What more could I ask for?
2) What is your favourite writing activity?
That's really hard to say. All aspects have their joys and irritations. love those times when the story just flows on to the page, seemingly without my directing it but, even when it's hard and the words won't co-operate, there's immense satisfaction in the
process. But I enjoy editing too. All that playing with words, fitting each into its proper place.
3) What is your favourite writing website, book or information resource?
I don't have any real favourites. I tend to flit around the internet following links from blogs and my friends apart from sites like ralan.com - www.ralan.com - and duotrope - www.duotrope.com -which are invaluable in market research. For other writing information there's a lot of useful information on the SFWA website - www.sfwa.org.
4) Who do you go to when you have writing problems that need a sympathetic ear (if it's not us of course!) and why?
I have a few friends with a gift for picking up faults in my writing and telling me exactly what the problem in the nicest possible way. I don't know where I'd be as a writer without them.
Joanna Fay
1) We are all very active in groups which support and encourage writing. What pleasures does this bring?
Constant pleasures! The pleasure of having interested, like-minded companions on the writing journey to share, learn, encourage, and brainstorm with. Becoming a member of three writing groups during the last couple of years has been so important in improving my writing craft in all areas, and the opportunity to read and critique the work of other writers, as well as being a privilege in itself, is a wonderful learning experience.
2) What is your favourite writing activity?
It varies. Right now, writing fresh - the first draft of a novel (third in the Quartet..yay!!). Two weeks ago, I was engrossed in editing and rewriting bits of an earlier novel in the series. Occasionally, a bright flash of a poem wings in and makes me stop everything else for a moment to get it down. Poetry is imperious, demanding....catch me now or I'm gone forever. Novel writing is more consistent and, for me, much more structured and routine. They each have their place...I love them both!
3) What is your favourite writing website, book or information resource?
My writing resources are varied. I dip into a number of sites and blogs, if somewhat erratically.
As far as books go, I've read bits of a few 'how to' manuals, some of which have been very helpful, but at present I'm finding particular novels are my best teachers - looking at how different authors tackle characterisation and structure, looking at aspects of style and seeing my own more clearly in the light of the differences and similarities I find. This helps define what elements of style I want to develop - or discard - in my own writing.
Then there are internal resources, but that's another question!
4) Who do you go to when you have writing problems that need a sympathetic ear (if it's not us of course!) and why?
Well, being a member of several writing groups means there are always helpful, supportive ears close at hand, so to speak. Thank goodness! They are invaluable! Some problems, I work through on my own - they might just need concentrated inward focus. But at other times, one small suggestion from outside can be exactly what is needed to open a whole new process, move past a groove I've got stuck in, or reassure that the track I'm on is workable after all.
Carol Ryles
1) We are all very active in groups which support and encourage writing. What pleasures does this bring?
Many pleasures. The joy of having people to read my work when I need. The advantage of being in a group is that at least one person will have time enough to do a quick read if I want. It doesn't matter if they are a beginner or semi-pro. For me, a reader response is the best way to figure out if my writing is working or not. I've been an active part of writing groups for over ten years, and it's been great to see people's work get better and better before leading to their first publication. People who started out as readers and critters are now very good friends. I can't ever see myself not wanting to be in a writers group of some kind. Writing is an isolated occupation as it is. Sometimes I just need to get out and show people "Look what I've done." Also my teacher side enjoys critting as much as my student side benefits from receiving them.
2) What is your favourite writing activity?
I much prefer second drafting. My first drafts are usually all over the place and. for me, harrowing because I have all these different narrative threads going everywhere with nothing connecting. It takes me until the end of a first draft to get to know my characters enough for them to feel real. First drafts are all work, like looking for a lost book in crowded book shelf. Second drafts are much more fun. I put my first draft away and start from scratch. I know who my characters are and all those unrelated narrative threads fall into place and interconnect. My story or novel stops feeling like a broken puzzle and starts feeling like something that works.
3) What is your favourite writing website, book or information resource?
I don't really read anything regularly on the internet, so I tend to flit from place to place. I do like Richard Harland's 145 pages of free writing tips -- excellent value at: http://www.richardharland.net/WRITING%20TIPS/indextop.htm and Project Guttenberg. I love Project Guttenberg: http://gutenberg.net.au/
4) Who do you go to when you have writing problems that need a sympathetic ear (if it's not us of course!) and why?
I have writing problems every day, so I save the important ones for my writing groups and my uni supervisor, and just talk to myself for the small stuff. Or go walking and listen to an audiobook and let someone else talk to me through their fiction. Sometimes the trickiest writing questions are answered by just listening to different types of fiction. And it's nice to rest my eyes and let my ears do the work.
You!
1) We are all very active in groups which support and encourage writing. What pleasures does this bring?
2) What is your favourite writing activity?
3) What is your favourite writing website, book or information resource?
4) Who do you go to when you have writing problems that need a sympathetic ear (if it's not us of course!) and why?
--
Sarah
Friday, June 11, 2010
4F Day! Four Questions for Friday
Welcome to 4 Questions Friday! If this is your first visit for 4F Day, I've put the questions at the bottom of the article, because we want to hear from you! We hope you enjoy!
Carol Ryles
1) What Specific Goals do you have for your every day Writing?
The one goal I always aim for is to just sit down and write something creative. 1000 words is my ideal. 500 is good. 200 is better than 100. If I'm real lucky I can get 3000, but then I usually end up trading quality for quantity, so I tend not to set my goals excessively high. I've always liked to read slowly, and find writing slowly just as enjoyable.
2) What Goals do you have over all?
My overall goal is to improve my writing and publish at least one novel. One of the reasons I like to write slowly is that I like to sit and think about where each paragraph is going. Not so much like editing, but more like trying to get the most out of what I have in front of me. I'm hoping I'll get quicker with practice so for me that will be part of the improvement as well.
3) What Award would you most like to win?
I'm not fussy about awards. Any one will do. Unlike word counts, I aim for quantity over quality. Though I wouldn't be disappointed with quality either. In fact, I would feel extremely fortunate either way.
4) What extra Writing activity would you like to do? (Ie, teaching some aspect of writing, workshops, editing, mentoring, online teaching...)
I'd love to teach creative writing and/or run workshops. Preferably face to face, as I already spend enough time writing in front of computers. Maybe I should have been a teacher instead of my original profession as a registered nurse. Back in 1985, I was almost going to apply to become a clinical instructor, but ended up getting a job in China instead. That job involved setting up and running a clinic, but I ended up teaching anyway, running health classes for expats, and helping out with teaching English to the locals at schools and colleges. I have one year left to work on my PhD, plus I'm also involved in a uni teaching and learning project, and really enjoy the challenge and interaction.
Sarah Parker
1) What Specific Goals do you have for your every day Writing?
It depends on what phase I'm in. When I am writing, I vary my goals depending ony family life. I usually aim for 10K a week as a constant. I'm still finding my way with the learning and editing side, so I don't have a specific set of goal systems in place yet.
2) What Goals do you have over all?
I want to sell my writing. I love doing it, and have a ball.
3) What Award would you most like to win?
A Hugo. :D I doubt I will, but if we don't aim for the stars, we'll never even reach the sky. I would like to win a James Tiptree Award, and a Norma K Hemming Award.
4) What extra Writing activity would you like to do? (Ie, teaching some aspect of writing, workshops, editing, mentoring, online teaching...)
I'd love to learn how to give good workshops, and I love teaching things. I guess I'll find out which I prefer as I come in contact with them!
Joanna Fay
1) What Specific Goals do you have for your every day Writing?
My goal is to write a scene every day, which is generally in the vicinity of 1000-1500 wds. I'm currently up to scene 3 of chapter 3 of book 3 of the epic quartet!! But that's first draft, and I'll soon be starting the third draft of book one. It gives me a chance to flip between fresh writing and editing/rewriting, although when editing, I aim for two scenes per day. "Aim" being the operative word, especially if there's much rewriting involved!
2) What Goals do you have over all?
Overall, I want this big fantasy saga to get published and turn into a gigantic blockbuster! But I'll settle for finishing it and getting it published. I have other publishing goals, which include continuing to have poems published and, ultimately, an anthology.
3) What Award would you most like to win?
I suppose any of the awards I currently have pieces entered in (which would be relatively instant gratification); they include the Katharine Susannah Prichard Speculative Fiction Award, the Dublin Book Review Once Off Flash Fiction Competition, the Gilgamesh Fable Competition and the Blake Poetry Award. Fingers crossed for all and any of the above!!
4) What extra Writing activity would you like to do? (Ie, teaching some aspect of writing, workshops, editing, mentoring, online teaching...)
Well, I am most comfortable one to one when it comes to imparting knowledge/advice and have mentored the willing in areas other than writing (specifically tapestry weaving and astrology); it's always rewarding to teach skills you feel passionate about. I don't think my writing craft is sufficiently developed yet to merit running workshops, certainly not as a novelist, although I have run a poetry workshop on the Japanese short form called tanka, which was great fun.
Satima Flavell
1) What Specific Goals do you have for your every day Writing?
It depends where I am in the process. Right now I'm revising the WIP (again!) and I aim to do a chapter a day. When I'm writing from scratch I aim for 1,000ww per day but I don't always make it, yet sometimes I'll do 3,000. Depends on whether or not the muse is with me:-)
2) What Goals do you have over all?
To finish this series I've been working on for so long. Warning: if you are embarking on your first novel, make sure it's a stand-alone. Trilogies are Too Hard. I blame Lee Battersby. He set a writing exercise at Swancon 2003 and the piece I wrote for that became a chapter in what's now book three of my series. Perhaps I should warn you against writing exercises as well.
3) What Award would you most like to win?
At this point, almost anything short of a cereal packet toy would look good on my mantlepiece. And on my CV! Until last week I hadn't entered any contests or awards since I was in school but I've put a piece in this year's Katharine Susannah Prichard SF award. I'd be so happy if it even got Commended!
4) What extra Writing activity would you like to do? (Ie, teaching some aspect of writing, workshops, editing, mentoring, online teaching...)
I love giving workshops (just give me a topic and I'll research it and put a good and useful workshop together) but I don't think I'd like the commitment of running regular classes. Besides, there are many competent people already doing that, probably much better than I could.
Helen Venn
1) What Specific Goals do you have for your every day Writing?
I've been aiming at writing and doing other writing related work like editing or subbing each for a set time each week day so basically I treat it like a job. I don't worry so much about a specific word count although a deadline is a great incentive. One of the reasons I applied to Clarion South was to learn how to write to one and it certainly taught me to focus when I need to.
2) What Goals do you have over all?
I really want to finish my trilogy and get it published - I'm halfway through it now. I love writing short fiction and I want to see more of that in print too and - since this is a wish list - having some of my poems published would be great.
3) What Award would you most like to win?
I enter a lot of competitions and any wins are gratefully accepted. I've been focused on Writers of the Future for the past year and made it to a finalist in the First Quarter this year so I guess my immediate goal is to keep trying to break through there for now.
4) What extra Writing activity would you like to do? (Ie, teaching some aspect of writing, workshops, editing, mentoring, online teaching...)
I'm a teacher by profession so I really enjoy the teaching aspects. I love giving workshops which make the participants explore creative areas they don't usually think about so you might find yourself being asked to write from unexpected triggers. As well I enjoy critiquing and I'm happy to mentor.
You!
1) What Specific Goals do you have for your every day Writing?
2) What Goals do you have over all?
3) What Award would you most like to win?
4) What extra Writing activity would you like to do? (Ie, teaching some aspect of writing, workshops, editing, mentoring, online teaching...)
Carol Ryles
1) What Specific Goals do you have for your every day Writing?
The one goal I always aim for is to just sit down and write something creative. 1000 words is my ideal. 500 is good. 200 is better than 100. If I'm real lucky I can get 3000, but then I usually end up trading quality for quantity, so I tend not to set my goals excessively high. I've always liked to read slowly, and find writing slowly just as enjoyable.
2) What Goals do you have over all?
My overall goal is to improve my writing and publish at least one novel. One of the reasons I like to write slowly is that I like to sit and think about where each paragraph is going. Not so much like editing, but more like trying to get the most out of what I have in front of me. I'm hoping I'll get quicker with practice so for me that will be part of the improvement as well.
3) What Award would you most like to win?
I'm not fussy about awards. Any one will do. Unlike word counts, I aim for quantity over quality. Though I wouldn't be disappointed with quality either. In fact, I would feel extremely fortunate either way.
4) What extra Writing activity would you like to do? (Ie, teaching some aspect of writing, workshops, editing, mentoring, online teaching...)
I'd love to teach creative writing and/or run workshops. Preferably face to face, as I already spend enough time writing in front of computers. Maybe I should have been a teacher instead of my original profession as a registered nurse. Back in 1985, I was almost going to apply to become a clinical instructor, but ended up getting a job in China instead. That job involved setting up and running a clinic, but I ended up teaching anyway, running health classes for expats, and helping out with teaching English to the locals at schools and colleges. I have one year left to work on my PhD, plus I'm also involved in a uni teaching and learning project, and really enjoy the challenge and interaction.
Sarah Parker
1) What Specific Goals do you have for your every day Writing?
It depends on what phase I'm in. When I am writing, I vary my goals depending ony family life. I usually aim for 10K a week as a constant. I'm still finding my way with the learning and editing side, so I don't have a specific set of goal systems in place yet.
2) What Goals do you have over all?
I want to sell my writing. I love doing it, and have a ball.
3) What Award would you most like to win?
A Hugo. :D I doubt I will, but if we don't aim for the stars, we'll never even reach the sky. I would like to win a James Tiptree Award, and a Norma K Hemming Award.
4) What extra Writing activity would you like to do? (Ie, teaching some aspect of writing, workshops, editing, mentoring, online teaching...)
I'd love to learn how to give good workshops, and I love teaching things. I guess I'll find out which I prefer as I come in contact with them!
Joanna Fay
1) What Specific Goals do you have for your every day Writing?
My goal is to write a scene every day, which is generally in the vicinity of 1000-1500 wds. I'm currently up to scene 3 of chapter 3 of book 3 of the epic quartet!! But that's first draft, and I'll soon be starting the third draft of book one. It gives me a chance to flip between fresh writing and editing/rewriting, although when editing, I aim for two scenes per day. "Aim" being the operative word, especially if there's much rewriting involved!
2) What Goals do you have over all?
Overall, I want this big fantasy saga to get published and turn into a gigantic blockbuster! But I'll settle for finishing it and getting it published. I have other publishing goals, which include continuing to have poems published and, ultimately, an anthology.
3) What Award would you most like to win?
I suppose any of the awards I currently have pieces entered in (which would be relatively instant gratification); they include the Katharine Susannah Prichard Speculative Fiction Award, the Dublin Book Review Once Off Flash Fiction Competition, the Gilgamesh Fable Competition and the Blake Poetry Award. Fingers crossed for all and any of the above!!
4) What extra Writing activity would you like to do? (Ie, teaching some aspect of writing, workshops, editing, mentoring, online teaching...)
Well, I am most comfortable one to one when it comes to imparting knowledge/advice and have mentored the willing in areas other than writing (specifically tapestry weaving and astrology); it's always rewarding to teach skills you feel passionate about. I don't think my writing craft is sufficiently developed yet to merit running workshops, certainly not as a novelist, although I have run a poetry workshop on the Japanese short form called tanka, which was great fun.
Satima Flavell
1) What Specific Goals do you have for your every day Writing?
It depends where I am in the process. Right now I'm revising the WIP (again!) and I aim to do a chapter a day. When I'm writing from scratch I aim for 1,000ww per day but I don't always make it, yet sometimes I'll do 3,000. Depends on whether or not the muse is with me:-)
2) What Goals do you have over all?
To finish this series I've been working on for so long. Warning: if you are embarking on your first novel, make sure it's a stand-alone. Trilogies are Too Hard. I blame Lee Battersby. He set a writing exercise at Swancon 2003 and the piece I wrote for that became a chapter in what's now book three of my series. Perhaps I should warn you against writing exercises as well.
3) What Award would you most like to win?
At this point, almost anything short of a cereal packet toy would look good on my mantlepiece. And on my CV! Until last week I hadn't entered any contests or awards since I was in school but I've put a piece in this year's Katharine Susannah Prichard SF award. I'd be so happy if it even got Commended!
4) What extra Writing activity would you like to do? (Ie, teaching some aspect of writing, workshops, editing, mentoring, online teaching...)
I love giving workshops (just give me a topic and I'll research it and put a good and useful workshop together) but I don't think I'd like the commitment of running regular classes. Besides, there are many competent people already doing that, probably much better than I could.
Helen Venn
1) What Specific Goals do you have for your every day Writing?
I've been aiming at writing and doing other writing related work like editing or subbing each for a set time each week day so basically I treat it like a job. I don't worry so much about a specific word count although a deadline is a great incentive. One of the reasons I applied to Clarion South was to learn how to write to one and it certainly taught me to focus when I need to.
2) What Goals do you have over all?
I really want to finish my trilogy and get it published - I'm halfway through it now. I love writing short fiction and I want to see more of that in print too and - since this is a wish list - having some of my poems published would be great.
3) What Award would you most like to win?
I enter a lot of competitions and any wins are gratefully accepted. I've been focused on Writers of the Future for the past year and made it to a finalist in the First Quarter this year so I guess my immediate goal is to keep trying to break through there for now.
4) What extra Writing activity would you like to do? (Ie, teaching some aspect of writing, workshops, editing, mentoring, online teaching...)
I'm a teacher by profession so I really enjoy the teaching aspects. I love giving workshops which make the participants explore creative areas they don't usually think about so you might find yourself being asked to write from unexpected triggers. As well I enjoy critiquing and I'm happy to mentor.
You!
1) What Specific Goals do you have for your every day Writing?
2) What Goals do you have over all?
3) What Award would you most like to win?
4) What extra Writing activity would you like to do? (Ie, teaching some aspect of writing, workshops, editing, mentoring, online teaching...)
Friday, June 4, 2010
4F Day! Four Questions for Friday
This week we have some on-the-spot types of questions. These ones were much harder! We hope you enjoy our answers, and remember we've put them down the bottom so you too can fill them out.
Helen Venn
What's the most interesting thing about YOU as a Writer?
A difficult question. I guess that I started my career much later than most writers. Most of my contemporaries are moving into retirement while I am working harder than ever to succeed in something I feel passionate about.
What's the most boring thing about YOU as a Writer?
You certainly aren't making this easy. Probably that so much of my time is focused on writing in one way or another. Generally if I'm not at the computer, I'm thinking about what I'm going to write about next or critiquing or talking about writing.
What excites you about Writing?
Everything! what else can I say. It stimulates me mentally (not so good physically but that's another story) and lets me indulge in my love of language and play with words. What more could I want?
What stops you from Writing?
Real Life. It has a nasty habit of sneaking up on me and kicking me in the butt. Even so, although I can't always sit down at the computer, it's rare a day goes by without me writing something.
Carol Ryles
What's the most interesting thing about YOU as a Writer?
I tell myself every day that my writing is boring. If I didn't challenge myself as such, I'd never strive to improve. I like walking and often figure my way out of plot corners after about 5 km.
What's the most boring thing about YOU as a Writer?
I tell myself every day that my writing is interesting. If I didn't encourage myself as such, I'd never bother writing. I sometimes dream my way out of plot corners, but can never remember enough of the dream to be of use.
What excites you about Writing?
Discovering stories, characters and conflicts. Mixing them up, figuring out an outcome and then finding the longest, most fraught and unlikely way of achieving it.
What stops you from Writing?
Migraines, the inconvenience of having to stop and eat and exercise. My cat, my dog, my family, my studies. But without life's interruptions I'd no longer have the will to write and would have nothing to write about, so I love them all to bits. Except for the migraines.
Sarah Parker
What's the most interesting thing about YOU as a Writer?
As a person, heaps of things! I am excited about life in general, and love to share my enthusiasm with every one. As a writer, I think the most interesting thing about me is that I can write very fast when I want to, and love wordcounts.
What's the most boring thing about YOU as a Writer?
I write fast but my craft is lacking.
What excites you about Writing?
Wild flights of fancy. Hanging out with my characters. Making them cry, and torturing them a lot. Making them stronger and more amazing after everything they face. Power struggles.
What stops you from Writing?
Other projects! I'm very serious about my home making (ask me about monthly meal plans! I dare you!), WASFF, Swancon, my children, the Last Short Story Project and staying sane. Also, I get whiny and have Issues to get past occasionally which require some self development. Balancing between working on those issues, and knowing when I am just whining is a bit of a balancing act.
Joanna Fay
What's the most interesting thing about YOU as a Writer?
Well, I feel as though I've been diverted into writing, in the wake of physical constraints prising me away from my art practice. But the desire/compulsion to write has been simmering there in the background for a very long time, so allowing myself to finally dive into it feels like an act of celebration. Not interesting exactly, but exciting, delicious and obsessive.
What's the most boring thing about YOU as a Writer?
Ah, no doubt the 'obsessive' part is pretty boring to anyone who knows me, especially when it comes to the quartet of novels I'm currently (perhaps endlessly) writing.
What excites you about Writing?
So many things! Right now, I love that moment of sitting down, preparing to write a scene with a bare outline in my head and seeing it come to life, seeing the characters live and breathe, discovering how they react to the stuff that gets thrown at them, being reassured, surprised or at times dismayed, even horrified, by their responses. That feeling of wonder as the creative process acts to create itself, I love it!
What stops you from Writing?
Various health issues get in the way, the mundane - or not so mundane - demands of Real Life, and the occasional need for fresh air! These things only make the writing time more precious though - I'm sure I wouldn't appreciate it half as much if I could write any time I wanted to.
Satima Flavell
What's the most interesting thing about YOU as a Writer?
I don't think I'm interesting as a writer yet. When I'm nteresting someone will want to publish my work!
What's the most boring thing about YOU as a Writer?
Gee, if I knew thatI'd stop doing it! I suspect it's an inability to get as emotionally close to the characters as readers would like.
What excites you about Writing?
Lots of things! One is the ability of the written word to make people think. Fantasy is brilliant for that because it can be used allegorically and metaphorically and thus can grab people at a subliminal level.I also get excited when I stumble over an interesting new character or find out something new about an old one, and when the story starts to grow in new directions because of something new coming out in a character. I love it when the characters take over and the work just flows and hours pass in what only seems like minutes.
What stops you from Writing?
Being stuck because the flow isn't happening, I can't see where the story's going or what the characters are doing. Even if I think I know the story, if I lose touch with what's going on for the characters I can't write it well and writing becomes hard graft. Then I lose confidence and stop writing for a while until suddenly one of the characters gives me a nudge and says,"Hey, this is where I'm at! Come back and play with me on the computer!"
You
What's the most interesting thing about YOU as a Writer?
What's the most boring thing about YOU as a Writer?
What excites you about Writing?
What stops you from Writing?
--
Sarah
Helen Venn
What's the most interesting thing about YOU as a Writer?
A difficult question. I guess that I started my career much later than most writers. Most of my contemporaries are moving into retirement while I am working harder than ever to succeed in something I feel passionate about.
What's the most boring thing about YOU as a Writer?
You certainly aren't making this easy. Probably that so much of my time is focused on writing in one way or another. Generally if I'm not at the computer, I'm thinking about what I'm going to write about next or critiquing or talking about writing.
What excites you about Writing?
Everything! what else can I say. It stimulates me mentally (not so good physically but that's another story) and lets me indulge in my love of language and play with words. What more could I want?
What stops you from Writing?
Real Life. It has a nasty habit of sneaking up on me and kicking me in the butt. Even so, although I can't always sit down at the computer, it's rare a day goes by without me writing something.
Carol Ryles
What's the most interesting thing about YOU as a Writer?
I tell myself every day that my writing is boring. If I didn't challenge myself as such, I'd never strive to improve. I like walking and often figure my way out of plot corners after about 5 km.
What's the most boring thing about YOU as a Writer?
I tell myself every day that my writing is interesting. If I didn't encourage myself as such, I'd never bother writing. I sometimes dream my way out of plot corners, but can never remember enough of the dream to be of use.
What excites you about Writing?
Discovering stories, characters and conflicts. Mixing them up, figuring out an outcome and then finding the longest, most fraught and unlikely way of achieving it.
What stops you from Writing?
Migraines, the inconvenience of having to stop and eat and exercise. My cat, my dog, my family, my studies. But without life's interruptions I'd no longer have the will to write and would have nothing to write about, so I love them all to bits. Except for the migraines.
Sarah Parker
What's the most interesting thing about YOU as a Writer?
As a person, heaps of things! I am excited about life in general, and love to share my enthusiasm with every one. As a writer, I think the most interesting thing about me is that I can write very fast when I want to, and love wordcounts.
What's the most boring thing about YOU as a Writer?
I write fast but my craft is lacking.
What excites you about Writing?
Wild flights of fancy. Hanging out with my characters. Making them cry, and torturing them a lot. Making them stronger and more amazing after everything they face. Power struggles.
What stops you from Writing?
Other projects! I'm very serious about my home making (ask me about monthly meal plans! I dare you!), WASFF, Swancon, my children, the Last Short Story Project and staying sane. Also, I get whiny and have Issues to get past occasionally which require some self development. Balancing between working on those issues, and knowing when I am just whining is a bit of a balancing act.
Joanna Fay
What's the most interesting thing about YOU as a Writer?
Well, I feel as though I've been diverted into writing, in the wake of physical constraints prising me away from my art practice. But the desire/compulsion to write has been simmering there in the background for a very long time, so allowing myself to finally dive into it feels like an act of celebration. Not interesting exactly, but exciting, delicious and obsessive.
What's the most boring thing about YOU as a Writer?
Ah, no doubt the 'obsessive' part is pretty boring to anyone who knows me, especially when it comes to the quartet of novels I'm currently (perhaps endlessly) writing.
What excites you about Writing?
So many things! Right now, I love that moment of sitting down, preparing to write a scene with a bare outline in my head and seeing it come to life, seeing the characters live and breathe, discovering how they react to the stuff that gets thrown at them, being reassured, surprised or at times dismayed, even horrified, by their responses. That feeling of wonder as the creative process acts to create itself, I love it!
What stops you from Writing?
Various health issues get in the way, the mundane - or not so mundane - demands of Real Life, and the occasional need for fresh air! These things only make the writing time more precious though - I'm sure I wouldn't appreciate it half as much if I could write any time I wanted to.
Satima Flavell
What's the most interesting thing about YOU as a Writer?
I don't think I'm interesting as a writer yet. When I'm nteresting someone will want to publish my work!
What's the most boring thing about YOU as a Writer?
Gee, if I knew thatI'd stop doing it! I suspect it's an inability to get as emotionally close to the characters as readers would like.
What excites you about Writing?
Lots of things! One is the ability of the written word to make people think. Fantasy is brilliant for that because it can be used allegorically and metaphorically and thus can grab people at a subliminal level.I also get excited when I stumble over an interesting new character or find out something new about an old one, and when the story starts to grow in new directions because of something new coming out in a character. I love it when the characters take over and the work just flows and hours pass in what only seems like minutes.
What stops you from Writing?
Being stuck because the flow isn't happening, I can't see where the story's going or what the characters are doing. Even if I think I know the story, if I lose touch with what's going on for the characters I can't write it well and writing becomes hard graft. Then I lose confidence and stop writing for a while until suddenly one of the characters gives me a nudge and says,"Hey, this is where I'm at! Come back and play with me on the computer!"
You
What's the most interesting thing about YOU as a Writer?
What's the most boring thing about YOU as a Writer?
What excites you about Writing?
What stops you from Writing?
--
Sarah
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