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5 December, 2016

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storyteller, tips, writing

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Keeping it Real

It’s December, and here in the northeastern U.S., that means it’s winter, whether we like it or not. (I don’t do winter. My summer soul can’t handle the cold.) But at least it’s Christmas season and that’s pretty rad.

How did you all do with NaNoWriMo last month? I didn’t write a whole novel, which I knew I wouldn’t, but I did complete that short story I told you about. And *drumroll*, I finished my short story collection! Yeah, bbbbooooiiii. It’s just about 50,000 words, total. It’s eight stories, which I’m a bit disappointed in. I’d like to have 10. I’m currently editing the thing, but if another story just suddenly strikes my fancy, well then I’ll probably end up adding it. It’s all speculative fiction—sci-fi, specifically.

I’ve sent several of the stories off to some magazines, too, in hopes of getting them published. I’d like to have some published in magazines or journals before I compile and self-publish the collection. Cross your fingers. I’ve already been rejected by one. Looking good already, folks! -.-

I’m starting to look at indie book publishers again, too. That old familiar feeling about my novel is coming back. You know: the one where you think “Well, god dammit, this is good! Why did I stop sending it out? I’ll try again!” before you again decide it’s complete shite and let it sit, buried beneath the piles of self-loathing and bitter cynicism, for a few more months before the whole damn cycle of pessimism-then-egoism starts over again…

*ehem

The problem with indie book publishers is that a lot of them started out indie and have since become, dare I say it, mainstream. (THE SHAME.) Many no longer accept unsolicited mss, or they now require agented communication. I understand why they’ve turned that route, but it’s awfully damn discouraging. Below are some of the lists I’ve been looking through. Maybe your pub. company match is on here…

Poets and Writers: http://bit.ly/2gVGlis

Independent Publisher: www.independentpublisher.com/gbpublishers.php

Every Writer’s Resource:  www.everywritersresource.com/bookpublishers/

Stay real, kids.

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11 October, 2016

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determination, short story, storyteller, writing

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Harvesting My Brain Juices

 

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Fall the Red Door-Manning Street, Philadelphia by moocatmoocat

 

We’re well into it, but Happy Fall, everyone! Huzzuh! It’s my second favorite month: October. (It’s also my birth month. ^_^)

Last year fall (and winter) was a hard time for me because I hit rock bottom as far as my depression and anxiety goes. This year, I am staying positive and looking forward to the new adventures and opportunities it will bring. Plus, it’s freaking gorgeous outside.

My new job is going well. I love the place and the people, and the work is great. I’m doing lots of editing and writing. Thumbs way up. I’m so thankful.

I’m very excited for next month. It’s National Novel Writing Month!

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I don’t know if I’m gonna follow the rules and write a novel, but I’m definitely going to sit down and WRITE. The other day I had a great plan to rework a couple novelettes into short stories for my sci-fi collection. I’m still three stories away. I don’t want to rush it or anything, but I’d like to finish the collection by end of the year. (My old goal was by end of summer, but, well, yeah…) I haven’t been working on these novelettes because I’ve been concentrating on the short stories, but I’ve hit a wall with them (no ideas). Then I realized, “Wait, these novelettes are sci-fi and I really, really want to write them. I know, I’ll turn them into short stories! I can always go back and make them longer later if I decide.”

So that’s my plan right now. You’re excited for me, I can tell. Shucks, thanks, dolls.

I’m also working on coming up with more tips and tutorials, too. (Don’t worry, that hasn’t totally faded away.)

What about you? Are you participating in NaNoWriMo? What are you going to be working on?

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23 September, 2016

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poetry, self-portrait, storyteller, writing

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Figments in Ibiza

I’d like to say I’m back, but let’s be honest…

Figments in Ibiza
JCD Kerwin

I could have been
in laser lights, magnified
by my own
euphoria.

I could have
measured my worth
by punches,
not by sad songs
echoing late at night.

(And I bet
my PF Flyers would
have worn out long before
the brown
from my eyes.)

I could have been a hero;
Instead, I play pretend:
I make paper beds
and in my head,
these pencil sticks
are cigarettes,
and with these pens,
I slay regrets
like I’m a knight
in forever armor.

But I’m nothing but a dreamer,
and I feel a little weaker
while I keep reaching
in garbage cans
for stars.

I could have been
invincible
if I wanted:
just let go a roar and
watch my breath
move mountains.

I could have been…
but I ended up like this.

(September 2016)

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26 July, 2016

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storyteller, tips, writing

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WTT: Mind Your Space

Hey guys. I’m busy working on the remaining short stories for my short story collection. I’m currently stuck on one in particular; I’m working out the plot details right now. I’ll be starting a new day job in a couple weeks, so that’s pretty exciting. Means less time for personal writing, though! I’ve given myself the goal to complete my short story collection (not necessarily all the editing) by the end of the summer. Let’s see if I can do it. 😉

Well, today is Writing Tip Tuesday. Today, I want to talk about space. I’m sitting here in my homemade cozy library/study and I’m realizing that where you write is very important …

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Tip: Sure, as writers ideas can come to us anywhere–bars, parks, the mall, whatever–but it’s a good idea to have a designated spot where you do your serious writing and editing. A cozy armchair, a study, a corner of your local library. Just pick a place where you feel most comfortable and creative; this way you are not distracted by outside man-made and/or environmental factors.

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14 July, 2016

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writing

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Wr.Tu.Th.: The End?

This Writing Tutorial Thursday has been a long time coming. (My fault. Sorry.) Finally, we’ve reached….THE ENDING.

Writing Tutorial: The End?

Disclaimer: The information presented herein is based on what I, personally, have learned in my educational and professional careers. This tutorial is simply meant to offer some helpful tips.

INTRODUCTION: You’ve done it; you wrote your novel. You—wait a minute! What about the ending?

Admittedly, I have such a hard time with endings. And it’s one of the most important parts! It’s where you tie everything up; where your resolution happens; where everything comes together. So how do you write one? Here are some tips that have helped me in the ending-writing process.

1)As mentioned, the ending is where you resolve the central conflict. It’s also where you tie up loose ends. Make sure you’ve fixed the problems, solved the issues, etc. You shouldn’t leave your readers confused and wondering, “Wait, so what about….?”

2) Nothing new. The ending isn’t the time to introduce a new, surprise character or subplot. Unless these things were foreshadowed in early chapters, they shouldn’t be included. They just make things confusing.

3) Let your reader do the imagining. Try not to get carried away with descriptions of “what happens after.” You don’t have to write a neat and tidy ending; you can certainly let your reader figure it out.

4) Make sure your ending mirrors something in the beginning (or at least ties back to a crucial part of your story). Did your main character grow emotionally? Did he/she learn something since the beginning? Accomplish something? Do that one thing you wanted them to do? Be sure your reader can recognize that your ending somehow relates to an earlier theme or idea presented in your novel.

Hopefully these will help you craft some stellar endings. Do you have any other suggestions? Questions? Let me know!

Keep practicing and happy writing!