Friday Mash Up

Hey All,

I will be doing the mash-up over the weekend. Have a great one.

Happy Writing,

Patti

Absence

Dear Blog Buddies,

I apologize for my absence today. Unfortunately, I will be unable to attend tomorrow either. However, I will play catch up & take care of my homework tomorrow evening. See you then.

Happy Writing,

Patti

Sentence Crimes

I've been thinking a lot lately (I can hear you when you snicker), with all the loverly good contests & all, about the rules. Opening sentences, opening paragraphs, first pages; I think that pretty well sums up the nightmares of late. So, as promised, 3 more gems of wisdom from the pages of Clark.

(Misdemeanor) Passive/Aggressive is NOT a Bad Thing - Clark states, "use passive verbs to showcase the 'victim' of action." The active verbs tell us who does what; while the passive verbs tell us who is on the receiving end.

Ex: Jodi ran every other Tuesday. (I sense a theme!)

Ex: It is a known fact that a woman in want of tennis shoes must be in search of a run.

(Felony) Adverb Abuse is Criminal - Adverbs are to verbs as icing is to cakes. (I think I just channeled the SAT; ugh.) The point, an adverb should be used to contradict the verb - not to repeat it. Twisting it up is key.

Ex: Jodi ran quickly.

Ex: Jodi ran ploddingly.

(Capital) The ING of Death - Too many -ings spoil the sentence & the paragraph. Control is required along with the well-placed zing of -ing to create the writer flourish.

Ex: Jodi was running, jumping and hopping through the puddles of her day.

Ex: Jodi ran, jumped and hopped through the puddles of her day.

Ah, the lament of sentence structure leading to life sentences for the writer. Again, my poor sentences do not do the advice justice. But hey, artistic license & all (shrug). And remember, if ya can't do the time, don't commit the sentence crime.

Happy Writing,

Patti

Building Blocks

This week I am covering Roy Peter Clark's Writing Tools. Today, I want to look at some sentence structure basics that impact pace, meaning & connotation.

Subject/Verb Dichotomy - First the noun, then the action. What follows is the subordinate clause to create a "right-branching sentence."

Ex: Jodi ran, her heart pounded in her veins as she threw branches from her path.

The action is in the first two words; what follows comprises what the writer wants the reader to feel about the 'run'.

Ex: Jodi ran in measured steps to the beat of a song pulsing in her ears and to her feet as they glanced the pavement.

Alignment & Emphasis - Clark suggests the placement of strong elements at the beginning & the end with the weaker bits sprinkled in the middle.

Ex: Jodi ran, her heart palpitated as she mounted the steps & entered her son's school.

Yep, her little heart is a-racin', but placing the emphasis on the son & his school at the end brings new meaning, urgency & level of feeling. The action sets the tone; the ending stretches the tension. The middle gives the connective information that helps the reader identify with Jodi's emotional state.

Activation - Active verbs = action performed by subject. 

Passive verbs = the action happening to the subject. 

Connective verb = a form of to be.

Ex: Jodi ran.

Ex: The grocery cart ran into Jodi.

Ex: That grocery cart will hit Jodi if she doesn't get off her phone in time.

Sheesh, poor Jodi ran a marathon of emotional & other crises. I do freely admit that these sentences leave chunks to be desired, but I hope, ** (fingers crossed), that I got the meaning across the ether. 

Happy Writing,

Patti

Friday Mash Up - What's the Word?

Congratulatories - Simon Kewin received a nod from the Spilling Ink Anthology - another week, another victory!! The Golden Eagle finished her novel - 1st draft in cooler!!

In Other Blogs - Roni Loren discussed karma, the teen self, some updates & answers. Lynda R. Young posted a great homage to Bob (her inner editor), clear words & some crusading. Erica turned pitching coach this week - curve balls for the sag/drag. Jayne engaged in some wandering with great photographic evidence. Gabriela Lessa looked at first sentences & double lives - contests & friendly responses.

The Cerebral Lunchbox draws some interesting conclusions from Assassin's Creed - 7 items that cross & run the gamut. Karen Gowen covered social media fluency ('tis another language, dontcha know) & contest update. Nicole MacDonald got her heat on & then raided the fridge - surprises, guest blogging & a sex scene. Deanna Knippling posted Part 4 of her failing gracefully series - letting go of the controls. Pamela Turner introduced sword fighting (techniques, relations, etc.) & celebrated accomplishments.

Erin Kane Spock had some sex talk, some awards & some Valentine's blahs - well she did contract a head cold, but not before she gived me an award - Thank You, Thank You Erica & feel Thera-better soon. Holly Ruggiero created a beautiful cappuccino - don't know whether to slurp or simply admire, certainly don't want to blow - for this, the heart holiday. Iggi & Gabi had updates on conferences, NYC events, a GREAT letter to Facebook & still had time to open the YA Cafe. Milo Fowler discussed his writing process, its evolution & the effect Write1 has had. Jeffrey Beesler's week consisted of essentials - writer essentials; filling the toolbox.

Jennifer Lane joined the Follower Love Hop - giveaways & new friends. Julie Musil introduced her friends, Cliff & Hanger - great read, as always. Katie Anderson talked Paris & hair - they do go together. Kristina Fugate introduced Who is Saint Giovanni? - free stuffs, good reads, giveaways. KK Brees caught up with reviews, POD discussion & more S/G love.

Lisa Potts is on a crusade - Platform Building, no Spanish Armada or world domination intent necessary. Clarissa Draper dropped some Petechial Hemorrhage on the blog, scaring ourselves & E-book advice. Jennifer Shirk, hostess with the mostest, held a Superbowl party complete with recipes & discussed writer training. Michelle Teacress took us on a tour of the Wonder Bread factory & The Door Within. Summer Ross investigated Metamorphosis; latest in her series.

Elizabeth Spann Craig covered social media - promo & sales, GPS & advice, character identification & mini-vans & longhand v. type-hand. Allan Russell talked in candid strides about crossroads & support. Francine Howarth discussed confetti (how not to use it) & sensory realism. Madeleine reviewed some micro-fiction, perfect poetry, habitual haiku & her upcoming contest. Jennifer Becton chimed in with the contract, head lops, NYTimes Bestseller & romantic letters.

Terri Tiffany pondered advice giving & post rushing; same gates, different approaches. Olivia Herrell introduced her new novel soundtrack - life on The Dark Side of the Moon. Leigh Moore went sausage wild & then bit off some revision wisdom. The Alchemists illuminated the Rhythm & the Blues in the writerly life. The Blood-Red Pencil covered boredom, an tip invite, 10 methods of productivity, stepping away from the monitor & head hop avoidance - a new dance craze making the circuit.

The Muses, aka - Angela & Becca, have a new Twitter account & some mystery in the thesaurus. Candyland introduced the easy outline method, editing in Hades & randomness - a great balance of poignancy & reality. The Old Silly talked care, Botswana & cookie love. The Writing Bug engaged in hopping, NCW conference updates & weekly review. Jules jumped out of the bedroom (great story & twist), a call to followers & epiphanific pain.

Jody Hedlund investigated editing the contracted book, boring blogging avoidance & when not to jump. Maggie Stiefvater dealt with live chats & Branson snow. Write1Sub1 requisitioned some pants, a little plot & Heinlein's law. Writer Unboxed conscripted uncompromising revision, the love, sleep answers, question writing & Kristina McMorris for round 2.

Hostings - Joanna St. James opened the Interrogation Room to Angelina Rain - there's a giveaway in it for ya; Indecent Encounters. Pat Stoltey turned her blog over to Debbie Hardy author of Stepping through Cancer: A Guide for the Journey. Lydia Sharp wrangled Audrey Lockwood, author of Olympus Gate, into the blog - journeys & advice. The Write Question interviewed Faith Hickman Brynie, author of Brain Sense. Janet Fox brought along a new voice; Joy Preble, author of Dreaming Anastasia & Haunted.

Reviews - Jenn had a beautiful review of Warriors Don't Cry by Melba Patillo Beals - non-fic teen introduction to Brown v. The Board of Education. Donna Hosie reminisced on No & Me by Delphine de Vigan -a new love. Elliot Grace touched with Roland Yeomans' The Bear with Two Shadows. Becky Wilson covered Age of Odin by James Lovegrove.

Agent Blogs - Mandy Hubbard had an announcement, a goal & a wish list - looking for manuscripts in all the writer places. Scott Eagan waxed on baggage, guts, query quandaries, likeable characters & road manuevers. Jessica Faust introduced an unhappy client with q&a therapy, subjectivity points, the holiday gift list, agents on a train & speed dating: Author Edition. Janet Reid planned her great snow escape - pics, GPS, locationness. Nathan Bransford cut cable, made some realizations, investigated book buying habits in re: eReaders, talked Gatsby & round up the usual suspects. Kristin Nelson talked kids & conferences, quick & easy & all that glitters is not Hollywood. Rachelle Gardner covered publishing terminology 102, definitive publishing info, village idiot migration with Davey Jank & DIY publishing.

In a week of words, I have learned tremendous amounts from all of you & I thank you. Next week will be an interesting cacophony of I might have a new yob & balance beams. Have a marvy weekend. And, enjoy the slide into Hallmark Holiday - choco-flower-cardy-licious. Ooh, new wicky word - L.

Happy Writing,

Patti

Thinkin' Thursday - The Power of Words

Negative Words

Debunk                           Nondescript

Defenestrate                    Nonpareil

Dejected                         Nonplussed

Disconsolate                    Unswerving

Dismayed                        Untold                                                 

Disparate                         Disheveled

Feckless                          Dismantle

Gormless                         Impetuous

Inane                               Impromptu                                                        

Incessant                         Incommunicado                                                              

Inchoate                          Indomitable

Incognito                         Innocent

Ineffable                          Innocuous                                                          

Inert                                Invert                                                   

Infernal                            Misgivings

Inhibited                          Insidious                                                             

Insipid                             Intact                                   

Insouciant                        Misnomer                                                          

Unbeknownst                  Nonchalant                                                             
Unnerved                        Noncommittal

Unscathed

As writers, we utilize the language to communicate setting, feeling, story. Without the words, sarcasm would certainly be a lost art. Every word we use paints a Picasso, a Monet, a Degas in ways that impart emotional connection & longevity of the tale. This list represents one sub-section of how the language can be used.

We all have favorites. Fastidious, facetious, banality; these are only a few of mine. What are some of yours? How do you work them in? And more important, how do you deal with it when they have to be exorcised?

Happy Writing,

Patti

AKA - The Writing Muse

Word of the Day for Wednesday, February 9, 2011

doppelganger \DOP-uhl-gang-uhr\, noun:
1. A ghostly double or counterpart of a living person.
2. Alter ego; double.

To readers of science fiction, the idea of a single atom existing simultaneously in two states or places is reminiscent of the supernatural "doppelganger" -- a flesh-and-blood duplicate of one's self encountered while walking along a street.
-- "Physicists Put Atom in Two Places at Once", New York Times, May 28, 1996

But my primary interest here is not the machinations of science itself but the fascinating life and times of its dark doppelganger, the mad scientist, in all his overreaching glory.
-- David J. Skal, Screams of Reason

Doppelganger is from the German doppel, "double" + Gänger, "goer."

That fickle muse & his/her ghostly encounters. Ah, the writer's life. We're not alone, we have spectral friends & they ain't named Casper!!

Happy Writing,

Patti

Scholarly Pursuits

Word of the Day for Tuesday, February 8, 2011

philomath \FIL-uh-math\, noun:
A lover of learning; a scholar.

It is precisely for the philomaths that universities ought to cater.
-- Aldous Huxley, Proper Studies

It's nothing to laugh about, he says. "Strange things happen in this country -- things that philosophers and other philomaths had never dreamed of."
-- Tomek Tryzna, Miss Nobody

Philomath is from the Greek philomathes, "loving knowledge," from philos, "loving, fond" + mathein, "to learn, to understand."

As writers, love of learning is our stock in trade.

Happy Writing,

Patti

Desire

Word of the Day for Monday, February 7, 2011

desideratum \dih-sid-uh-RAY-tum; -RAH-\, noun;
plural desiderata:
Something desired or considered necessary.

No one in Berkeley -- at least, no one I consorted with -- thought art was for sissies, or that a pensionable job was the highest desideratum.
-- John Banville, "Just a dream some of us had", Irish Times, August 24, 1998

Immense wealth, and its lavish expenditure, fill the great house with all that can please the eye, or tempt the taste. Here, appetite, not food, is the great desideratum.
-- Frederick Douglass, My Bondage, My Freedom

A technical dictionary . . . is one of the desiderata in anatomy.
-- Alexander Monro, Essay on Comparative Anatomy

Desideratum is from Latin desideratum, "a thing desired," from desiderare, "to desire."

Something with which I believe we can all identify.

Happy Writing,

Patti

Friday Mash Up - Feel the Love-y

Celebratories - Milo Fowler's 'Leap Day' debuted today in Port Iris Magazine & received anthological news as well!!! Jennifer Shirk received a contract for her third novel - Sunny Days for Sam!!!

In Other Blogs - Roni Loren posted on sacred cows & sending them packing. Lynda Young had a week of egg shells & critiques. Erica celebrated a birthday this week - yea. Jayne talked about the hidden, transportation & life plans. Karen Gowens shared some book love. Nicole MacDonald played with questions, the evil twin, wall flowers & sex scenes.

Deanna Knippling discussed snow, stats & ocean love. Erin Kane Spock held a memorial, a recollection & astrological investigation - fleshing character through the chart. Holly Ruggiero recovered from her illness & posted googly eyes & chicken tortellini soup - yum. Iggi & Gabi investigated from whence characters emanate. Jennifer Lane introduced the "Lookin' for Love Webhunt"; authors & Omnific.

Julie Musil adjudicated drama v. melodrama - a landmark case if ever there was one. Katie Anderson paid tribute to Pablo Neruda - poet & politician all in one package. Kristina Fugate covered editorial hangover, strange inspiration & determination. KK Brees enlightened with what the Rockford Files & Simon & Garfunkel have in common. Lisa Potts cooked up some spam - folder, that is.

Clarissa Draper posted a great piece about Margaret Mitchell; not the Tara girl next door. Laurie Halse Anderson posted her UK review of Wintergirls. Michelle Teacress reminisced about Glenda & the adventures in 9th grade acting. Donna Hosie plead on hearts & helps - the blog load debacle. Ooohh, Summer Ross brought Metamorphosis to the table this week in her series.

Elizabeth Spann Craig covered multi-tasking, promotion tools, interesting characters & the comfort zone, Writer's Knowledge Base & changing priorities in character growth. NR Williams wrapped up the blog tour, handed out some prizes, collected a few herself & even found time to talk guinea pigs. Nicki Elson posted her writing space & some tie love. Allan Russell coveted shady spots, Valentina & battering storms.

Madeleine had some 200 follower (yea!!) giveaways, haiku & confident kissing. Jennifer Becton shared a Chalotte Collins review, a memorial to a good friend & Amazon v. B&N. Simon Kewin invited us to send ourselves to Mars. Terri Tiffany talked about stand-out writing, movie critiquing aloud & passing it on to the family. Olivia Herrell discussed FIC& bloggetus contestus.

Leigh Moore walked over dream agents & Matched - a review to come later. The Alchemists took the music a bit farther; cover song appeal. The Blood-Red Pencil shifted its focus to Smashwords v. Amazon, the case of either/or/neither/nor; Super Bowl of writing; one bookstore's promo life & straight face; dashing through the WIP; and, the case of Anna Quindlen's missing inciting incident. Angela Ackerman looked at the art of Deception Thesaurus entry.

Jody Hedlund warned about Twitter blunderings, delineated benefits to the writing contest & running/winning make it your own. Maggie Stiefvater covered teasers, bloopers & writer retreats. Write1Sub1 listed their January Juggernauts - check 'em out.

The Old Silly doubled down on Groundhogs & killer storms. Lydia Sharp included online love, logline conquerors & 1980s fantasy (say Labyrinth, Legend, Willow). The Write Question gushed about National Book Critics Circle finalists - Rizzuto, Smith & Hitchens. The Writing Bug exposed typo hunting & discussed NCW Conference - time draws near. Jules discussed doctors, State of the Union & Friday meaning.

Hostings - Gabriela Lessa interviewed Wendy Tokunaga & a giveaway. Brenda Drake talked with Weronika Janczuk; check out the contest, starts Monday. Pat Stoltey hosted Arlee Bird who discussed his A to Z challenge for April. Janet Fox talked with Kathi Appelt, award winning author. Writer Unboxed hosted Sophie Masson, Michael & Daniel Palmer, & Kristina McMorris.

Reviews - The Cerebral Lunchbox reviewed Terry Pratchett's The Colour of Magic. Jeffrey Beesler discussed Alex J. Cavanaugh's Cassa Star. Jenn introduced a non-fic teen title, Phineas Gage by John Fleischman - a fascinating story. Francine Haworth covered Treasures of the Carmelidrium by NR Williams. The Golden Eagle talked Faerie Wars by Herbie Brennan; recommendation, expectation & in depth discussion.

Agent Blogs - Scott Eagan discussed follow-up protocol, writerly demise, write questions & the unique/good dynamic. Jessica Faust tackled agent revisions, Sally MacKenzie & Novella Writing, synopses, email thread & a thought for the day. Janet Reid produced Neil Gaiman fact laughs, cupcakes, winners, Chuck Wendig & Evan Lewis love. Kristin Nelson waxed on contract whine, -12 degrees of togetherness, temptation resistors, & a biggie issue. Rachelle Gardner covered snark, questions, agreements, love & hate with Mike Duran & a ski weekend - happy powder.

Wow, you guys have so much great stuff that this postie-oastie took longer than usual. I hope you are all safe, warm & warm. At the beginning of the week, 20 below colored my perception of this winter thing. Now, back in the 40s with a slight wind blow, my abhorrence has thawed; slightly. I look forward to Spring & Phil had best be right because I am starting seeds soon!!

Have a writerific weekend.

Patti

Thinkin' Thursday - All American

On the way home from taking the kids to school this morning, we listened to 'All American Girl' by Train. I love this song. Last night, I caught 'American Idol'. This is the first season I've actually watched. And, probably only because I had a massive crush on Steven Tyler when I was 15. Kinda weird now that I realize just how old he is. Not to mention, he's pretty darn goofy; which might add to the allure. Not sure.

Back on the reservation - two different reactions emerge. The first has a snazzy beat & makes me move & smile. The second, when someone gets out there & belts out amazing, makes me cry. Hankie in hand, I watch as people ascend the stage. I hope they wow it out of the room. When they don't, I cover my face & ears until it's done.

There are a few reasons for all this admiration, I think. First, I'm completely tone deaf. When I was a kid, in drum corp, I tried playing the trumpet. The music director felt it was safer for me to carry a rifle. In middle school, I tried out for the musical; um, yep, I rode an audience chair. As an adult, I sing in the car, stereo on full tilt, so no one else can hear me.

I love music. I love the poetry of great lyrics. There is something so magical when I hear The Who's 'Behind Blue Eyes'. It brings tears. When I hear 'Purple Rain', I am transported back to high school. When I hear 'I Knew I Loved You', my wedding day floods my vision. Music is such a part of our every day lives that I don't know how I would function without it. It is directly linked to emotions, memories & sometimes things I would like to pretend never happened.

When I write romance, I love to listen to 70s love songs. When I'm ticking out the opening bits, I enjoy classical - Wagner, Tchaikovsky, Beethoven, Bach. When my female MC is in that angry space, Ani DeFranco belts across the speakers. As the tension rises, Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, Def Leppard, or vintage Aerosmith (Janie's Got a Gun). Music is so closely associated with our experiences that we can tap into its power & move the story along its path.

When writing, do you have a variety, a soundtrack, or a general feel preference? What music inspires you most?

Happy Writing,

Patti

'Live By Love' Day

Yes, it's Groundhog Day & Writer's Digest has a cool obit prompt for poor Phil's untimely death. I have to say, it's -4 outside without the windchill. Hubby says it reminds him of his days in Anchorage & we're not even close to there. Lightning snow in Chicago, volcanic eruptions in Japan & a cyclone off the coast of Australia - yeah, 6 more weeks of winter would come as zero surprise in this camp.

But, instead, I want to focus on the love. My kids brought this to my attention. The deal-y - place a paper heart on your shirt. Every time someone says something hurtful, you're supposed to tear a piece of the heart away. But, whenever someone says something nice, you're supposed to write a positive message on the heart. At the end of the day, see where your heart stands.

While in theory, it sounds interesting. I am concerned, first because teenagers aren't exactly the most empathetic individuals. Second, what parent doesn't hope their kid comes home with a scribbled over, in tact heart. Of course, this brought me around to novel characters.

We nurture them, love them & then we tear their little aortic valves to shreds. Comes with the territory, but in fiction, we get to put them back together. New life, new love, new normal - it's a neat little package of "We can rebuild him/her." The $6M man & woman had an easier time, I think. But, it is the stock with which we peddle. Tear 'em up, tear 'em up, tear 'em real good - rah, rah, rah. Okay, obviously, I'm no cheerleader, but hey (shrug).

Live by love novel day would consist of the MC picking up the pieces of their broken life & putting them back together with super, heavy duty new-life glue. Not based on compliments, but choices & decisions, twists & turns, trauma & drama. No melodrama need apply.

How do you plan to spend your 'live by love' day?

Happy Writing,

Patti

And it's Tuesday....

Holy crackers; it's February even. Who'd a thunk time could move even faster. Maybe I should have studied quantum physics then I might understand it a little better. Those documentaries only give ya so much - ya know.

Anyways, I missed yesterday's post due to a log jam at a government office. It spiraled from there. In the interim, I have no post, I have no toast which leaves me kinda hungry. I've rummaged; I've stormed the brain Bastille - all to no avail.

So, here's hoping wherever you are, you're warm, in a swarm of writing elves. Weaving the tale, never leaving it pale, may you catch your white whale.

Oooohhh, and dont' forget to check out the finalists in Nathan Bransford's Opening Paragraph contest today.

Happy Writing,

Patti

Friday Mash Up - Multiplicity

Congratulatories - One of Milo Fowler's tales will grace the anthological pages of Shelter of Daylight this fall!! Simon Kewin had more publication success this week - check it out!!

In Other Blogs - Lynda R Young discussed music to inspire by, chapter lengths & whether or not writing is worth it. Gabriela Lessa broke some writer myths & introduced a book giveaway. Brenda Drake discussed 'It was a dark & stormy night' contest - check it out, enter to win prizes from an agent. At the Cerebral Lunchbox there was Craig Ferguson, Heavy Rain & some liberty taking. Nicole MacDonald gave great insight on the frustrations of moving onto the next phase of a story.

Deanna Knippling discussed Irregular Creatures & failure part tres. Kay Theodoratus talked about the chapter lure. Erin Kane Spock waxed on topsy-turvy, romance rep & what's in a title. Holly Ruggiero collected post-its & pictures - awe inspiration in sepia. Iggi & Gabi had an awesome week of posts - read to change the world, obsess less, do you really know your protag, no panicking in social media & SCBWI.

Hannah Moskowitz talked fairies, sparkle & prostitutes along with giving a peek at her new cover. Jeffrey Beesler's blog covered an entire week of Fantasy - genre, discussions, guest speaker NR Williams. Jenn went under-story with The King, plucked a caterpillar & book anticipation. Joanna St. James discussed living abroad, its writing & writer affects. Julie Musil always inspires & this week she introduced Find & Replace - the real life version.

Kristina Fugate discovered some blue unicorns & title madness. KK Brees updated us on her 3-a-day plan - the ups, downs & dental distractions. Clarissa Draper had an amazing post on Linguistic Fingerprinting - cool & informative. Laurie Halse Anderson announced she'll be in NYC soon & discussed the gettin' it down method. Summer Ross discussed the Evaluation curve - 4th in her new series.

Donna Hosie talked entitlement & tennis. Elizabeth Spann Craig talked little things, search engines, reading encouragement, tripping & bait. Catch up with NR Williams & her blog book tour. Allan Russell talked Charlie & agony. Francine Haworth introduced us to Georgette Heyer - romance, a different age.

Madeleine discussed transition utilizing Haiku metaphor. Jennifer Becton covered cows, the Austen critics, eBook pricing & some fraud. Terri Tiffany changed it up & considered the writer life through the observation of others. Olivia Herrell brought the question of agonization. Leigh Moore pondered randomness & timelessness - how technology fits into YA.

The Blood-Red Pencil reviewed snobs, residency, fightin' & bad book signings. Becca Puglisi introduced Trailers to the Writing Thesaurus via Linda Clare - the 5 senses from the inside out. Lydia Sharp covered character v. plot, voice, rejection American Idol style & character fix. The Write Question brought Mark Gibbons & Kathleen Dean Moore in - a poem & some solace. The Writing Bug looked at a company of 1, some speech & wrap up.

Janet Fox brought to light the ugly - 1st draft ugly that is. Jules discussed airport security/word verification conundrum & children. Jody Hedlund looked at schmoozing, writing multiple books & 10 writerly traits we all need to embrace. Maggie Stiefvater disavowed everyone of her movie pull - Shiver is going big screen & people want a role. Writer Unboxed introduced Eleanor Brown & The Weird Sisters, non-fic inspiration, bombs, precious, war & bad writerly advice.

Hostings - Roni Loren invited Anita Mumm & Miranda Kenneally to her blog this week - great info; she's also having a contest this week. Jayne interviewed author Andrea Eames about her debut - The Cry of the Go-Away Bird. Karen G talked with Terry Lynn Johnson & Dogsled Dreams. Jennifer Lane shot the writer life with Brenda Pandos - The Talisman Series.

Laura Kaye was interviewed by Linda Kage - Italians, man-dy-bars & fangtaculous. Jennifer Shirk held court with Patti Lacy who brought a 3yr. journey to conclusion in Rhythm of Secrets. Nicki Elson covered Jessica McQueen's new release Indivisible. Pat Stoltey had Mary Ann Seymour & Karen McCullough visit with her this week. Write1Sub1 sat down with editor-in-chief Wendy S. Delmater of Abyss & Apex.

Reviews - Pamela Turner received an Amazon review for Death Sword - happiness abounds. Katie Anderson reviewed Kate Atkinson's Behind the Scenes at the Museum - one of her new faves. Lisa Potts dished on Anna & the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins & a contest. Michelle Teacress introduced Ruby Holler by Sharon Creech.

The Golden Eagle reviewed Hunger by Jackie Morse Kessler - an interesting take on apocalyptic henchgirls. The Old Silly posted reviews of Beware the Devil's Hug & Owen Fiddler - from Arlee Bird. Becky Wilson covered Dewey - The Small-town Library Cat that Touched the World by Vicki Myron.

Agent Blogs - Scott Eagan ran the gamut with prolific-ness, subjective-ness, pitch-i-ness, amazing-ness & flog-i-ness. Jessica Faust conversed with trolls, on voice, inside author-agent relations, where new lives & how not to make agents laugh at you. Janet Reid sharked over reference books for your library, Backspace Writer's Conference, A Brush of Darkness, writer don't outsmart thyself, following guidelines & a contest. Nathan Bransford's contest is closed, but you can catch up on the over 1500 entries received, oh & the week in lit. Kristin Nelson reviewed agency stats & contract delays - fun & not so much. Rachelle Gardner worked on prolificity, fish-sicity, platform-isity, revision-icity with Keli Gwyn & comfort-icity.

On my own note, I am currently working on two - yes, I said 2 - WIPs in simultaneous, zig-zag, back & forth formation. For some reason, this actually seems to be working - 1k a day to one or the other. Yes, it lengthens the 1st draft process which is a drag. But, the vastly different nature of the two actually works to spur them both. Interesting observation. We shall see where it goes.

Happy Writing,

Patti

Thinkin' Thursday - Say What?

James Scott Bell wrote a great article on dialogue. His tips to effective dialogue should be in everyone's revision first-aid kit. They will strengthen the words, the tension & the characterization.


Rollin' on the River - Bell suggests getting the dialogue on paper first. Go back later to add tags, spruce it up & mine for diamonds. Allowing the argument, revelation, introspection to roll off the fingers without interruption can lead to interesting bits that may or may not make its way to the final submission. But these conversations will aide in story flow.

Get it on stage - Act out the dialogue - in private. This always makes me feel more goofy than usual. Even when I'm the only one home. Hey, the neighbors could be nosing around that day! Inflection, body language, intensity - all of these will emerge as you move through the conversations between characters.

That's SO Obvious - People do not speak in complete sentences, or logical flow. I am a huge fan of redirection; not intentional for confusion, it's just the way my brain works. Something like this...

"She didn't even wave? Wow. I thought she was nicer than that."
"Yeah, it's okay though. She probably didn't see me coming out of the bookstore. Wanna see what I bought?"

It's a bit convoluted, but I hope the point comes across. People's minds flit. Dialogue isn't concise. Cut the obvious, don't answer the rhetorical unless it's pertinent.

The Sound of Silence - We all know how it goes. We're writing along, the dialogue singing & singe-ing. Sometimes, it's what a character doesn't say. And, when they don't say it.

"Do you know why? I do. Tell me, go ahead, give it your best lie."
I stared at my father and refused to answer. I knew he would give me my reasons for disobeying him. And he would be wrong.

The point here is what the reader learns from the lack of response. Not saying anything can be just as, if not more powerful, than any dialogue that could be written.

Too many diamonds blind ya - Bell suggests one gemmy dialogue bit per quarter of the book. The real zinger that sticks long after the story is closed. Whether its Rhett Butler's parting shot to Scarlett, the Terminator's "I'll be back" which cannot be performed without Arnold inflection, or Oliver Twist's plaintive starved plea; these are sparse. Too many & the story degrades.

Confront the past - The use of dialogue as delivery system. Back story plagues us one & all; 30 pages, 50 pages, 100 pages. Whatever rule suits the writer, it's sometimes difficult to include that information without pulling the reader out of the tale. A confrontation between 2 characters can aid in delivering the past in micro-bites. These provide character motivation in a way that doesn't detract from the show.

Drop kick - This is a tricky technique. Drop a word here or there; which word, when, will it work? As we talk, so should we write. Different people require different information; your doctor doesn't care about the color of your hair dye. Your best friend will care about the doctor & the hair dye.

"Tests?"
"Standard girl stuff."
"Are you sure?"
"Yeah, no biggie."
"Oh, you'll let me know though, right?"
"Yeah, are you gonna help me dye my hair or what?"

The banter adds a layer to the relationship between the two. The reader doesn't need to know, he/she may already know or it will be revealed later. Suffice to say, not spilling all the beans & kicking a few under the kitchen table adds authenticity to the exchange.

I am a dialogue heavy kind of gal. I'm much more comfortable writing it than I am description. And, I rely on it more so than any other technique. But, I still find myself leaving the reservation at times. When this happens, I pull these band-aids out of the kit & apply carefully. No mummified dialogue needed.

Que-y: How do you keep the dialogue moving? Do you use any or all of these techniques? Which do you find most beneficial?

Happy Writing,

Patti

Real Men DO Cry

Last night, as we prepared for dinner, my son decided to sit in the dark by himself. When I went in to ask him to join us, he had tears rolling down his face. Immediately I knew the reason.

"Did you guys break up," I asked in my serious but sympathetic mommy voice.

"I don't want to talk about it. You'll just want to drag it all out. Leave it alone."

So sad, but true. Yes, he's almost 16 & he needs to learn about these things, work them out in his own way. But, I'm his mother; it's my job to drag it out of him. Examine it. And then come up with some witty observation to make him laugh or at least stem the flow. He didn't give me the chance. And that, of course, turned the wheels for this post.

Back off - Characters need love, understanding, sympathy. But, they also need the room to find the answers for themselves. You can lead characters to the water cooler, but you can't make them gossip or drink from those little paper cups. And, male characters sidle, examine, deride & then belly up all on their own.

Real Emotion - I've said it before, crying on the page doesn't translate. But, emotional restraint when the character wants to scream, throw things, blow his/her lava of hurt & anger - that creates palpable connection to the moment. Male characters are no less emotional than their female counterparts; it's how they deal that demonstrates their depth.

To Heal or Not to Heal - Female characters tend to dust off & throw themselves back in. Males, on the other hand, brood, build walls of disenchantment & become endearing, memorable characters. Rhett Butler, Mr. Darcy; these guys stick in the gullet of classic literature. Whether they take the healing plunge is up to them. We can't coddle; they'll not appreciate it.

This morning, a different attitude emerged from my son. He smiled, laughed. But, he dressed all in black. Of course I commented on this current ebony period. He didn't take the bait. I have been exiled to the sidelines of his emotional distress. As both a mother & a writer, it is the best vantage point from which to watch his progress, wait for the open door, then sit back & wait for the next time. Another girl; another opportunity.

Happy Writing,

Patti

Where Has All the Toilet Paper Gone?

Yesterday, I had to use my kids' bathroom. Normally, this isn't a huge deal; they are required to clean it top to bottom every weekend. But yesterday, there was no tp on the roll. Nope. It sat, forlorn on the counter next to its holder. The two are supposed to work in tandem, darn it.

I did what you're supposed to do. I put the white cotton layers on their dispenser. And then placed it in its silver delivery system. In that moment, I had this crazy little thought. Proper placement of toilet paper has a direct correlation to writing.

Two-ply Please - Three if it were possible - dimensions that is. Cardboard hurts character development. Characters need layers, sheets. The thicker the skin, the greater the character depth & development.

Placeholders are important - Just as tp doesn't belong on the bathroom counter; characters need to be immersed in their environment. Where they are determines how they react, the decisions they make & the dangers they encounter.

Hang it - In order to unravel a character's world, it is necessary to rip the tp from under their feet. Drop them on their backsides and write them through the dust off. That can't be accomplished if the paper isn't hung on the zip line.

Characters aren't fluffy white, nor can they be bought in packs. It's the rough edges and their exposure that create memorable characters. And, although MCs need support, equi-measured rolls from the same lot will not provide the ensemble needed to incite change. Don't forget to put the tp where it belongs. And make sure it hangs just right.

Happy Writing,

Patti

Water, Soil & Growth

I love plants. Especially when they're new. Before I've had a chance to degrade their soil, forget to water or disregard them as another part of the furniture. When I realize they're droopy, slouchy & pale, guilt sets in. I grab the water, whisper sweet nothings in their leaves & promise to pay more attention. Alas, time lapses & most will eventually return to the soil a shriveled, withered mess of single vine - the one hold out who begged in vain.

The brain is much the same as that houseplant - hydration, information & connectivity. Virna DePaul wrote an article in the latest RWR magazine about this very topic. Growing the writing works in tandem with growing the brain. Shears optional.

Light a Fire - Find what you are passionate about; write it. Topics that make the heart race, the breath shorten are those worth pursuing. When envisioning a new tale, autonomic responses fuel the brain & imagination takes over.

Know the Destination - Road trips & writing have similar characteristics. A road map, a plane ticket; both delineate the final destination. Know where you're going with the story, agent procurement, publication, career, etc. & the work has a defined purpose without the crooked mile to distract the brain.

Get Proactiv(e) - One of the hardest things for me is identifying the blemishes in my own novels. Working with a critique group, beta readers, a spouse/friend that pets the ego but isn't afraid to point out the big zit on page 55 - these help improve the work & the brain at the same time. No fumble, no foul & the brain remembers how to avoid the oozer in subsequent writing.

Reward Thyself - No Pavlovian maneuvers here. Slobbering isn't attractive anyway. Break points in the process deserve chocolate or other treats. I'm a fan of chocolate. All those positive, feely-good endorphins swirling into my tummy. Who could pass on that? Not me. Besides, what makes the innards happy works for the brain as well. Happy brain = better words.

The brain & the writing work in tandem. Tired brains write lazy prose. Happy brains sing through the fingertips & onto the page. Feed the brain, build the skills.

Happy Writing,

Patti

No Friday Mash Up

I apologize, but I will not have a mash up this week. Please check out all of the blogs listed on the right. They are fabulous people with tremendous blogs.

Have a great weekend. See ya Monday.

Happy Writing,

Patti

Thinkin' Thursday - 212 degrees

I'm back to Orson Scott Card's Characters & Viewpoint today. Building tension engrosses the reader & aids them in the course of caring for the characters we invent. There are 5 methods writers employ to do just this.

You wound me, sir - Make them suffer; emotionally &/or physically. The story & characters determine which is appropriate. Whichever the characters are enduring needs to follow the believability predetermined by the author. And, the reader needs to be able to bear the pain alongside the character. However, there is a fine balance between too little & too much. Rhett Butler's departure at the end of Gone With the Wind is the last wound we know Scarlett cannot bear. But, rather than expound on how she fumbles through life, Mitchell leaves the rest to the reader's imagination.

Bring in the lamb - Sacrifice. Either the MC is throwing themselves down the pit or another character. Or, a minor character sacrifices him/herself for the greater good of the hero/heroine or another ideal. All sacrifice is relative to the choices characters make. When Boromir throws himself into the protection of Frodo, the reader is more emotionally involved because of his earlier deception. He is redeemed through his sacrificial choice.

This is Jeopardy! - Anticipated pain, suffering & loss. The level of jeopardy is directly tied to the amount of pain - a double sharp edge that will cut both ways. In Stephen King's The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon, the reader is carried through the story with a radio that will cut off the MCs connection to the world. As fear mounts, irrational thought creeps in the back door building tension & increasing the level of emotional involvement.

My, aren't you attractive - The building blocks of sexual tension; even when it's not about sex. Not every romance results in the sheet-twist. But, it does provide a story line readers enjoy. A perfect example of how not to go to bed on the page/screen is Shrek & Fiona. It is the anti-attractive romance because ogres ain't pretty. But, viewers find the feeling genuine & invest in the pairing & believe in the attractiveness of the pair. They have kids, but they don't engage in sex. And, that, can be just as escalating as the act itself.

The birds, crows & owls - A sign of things to come. A character's connection to his/her universe creates strong descriptors for that world at rest & embroiled in chaos. My favorite example of this is The Wizard of Oz. Dorothy's race to beat the twister; which does triple duty to re-order her world, her view & her place in it all. Without that single event, Dorothy wouldn't be thrust to change or Oz for that matter. Readers & viewers care because while the story is fish-out-of-bowl, it is also coming-of-age. And, we identify with her plight, her journey & her eventual change through the use of the natural/unnatural world to teach deeper internal lessons tied directly to Dorothy's apron strings. The signs are all around her & the reader.

Tension is built to increase reader involvement & to push characters to their change point. This change point is not unlike the boiling point of water. The seconds just before the roil begins are just as important as the build & spill when the pot gets too hot to handle without mitts.

Happy Writing,

Patti