My muse is evil. Faithful blog readers will remember that I dubbed him Devlin. His recent actions have given me vindication for my choice of a name.
He's engaged me in a short story when I should be concentrating on taxes, or at the very least, I should be concentrating on my novel. Thus far, I don't think it's a very good short story, either. If he's going to interrupt me, the least he could do is tempt me with something better.
Before assailing me with new characters, Devlin allowed me an exercise from the book Emotional Structure: Creating the Story Beneath the Plot by Peter Dunne. Though this book is for screenwriters, much of what Dunne has to say applies to novel writing. I thank my writing friends Celine Shinbutsu (Writing from Japan) and Madison Leigh for the referral to this book. (Both of their blogs are on my link list.)
Celine and Madison encouraged me to try the 3 sentence summary exercise from Emotional Structure for The Art of Deception. I did, and this is what I came up with:
One of Rebecca Allyn's art gallery customers has been murdered and homicide detective Erik Thorne put Rebecca's name at the top of his suspect list. But Erik appears to run hot and cold whenever Rebecca sees him, and she has to scramble to prove her innocence while at the same time fighting her attraction to him. When the case against her unveils past wrongs by one of her family members, Rebecca finds out she must rely upon the very man she wants to run from.
Devlin then allowed me an exercise from Plot and Structure by James Scott Bell. Funny how I always return to that book. I highly recommend it to my writerly friends. Emotional Structure is new to me, and I'm sure I will find it quite useful, but Plot and Structure is a book I cannot do without. I applied Bell's "L-O-C-K" method to Deception and ferreted out plot details that needed to be found. I can't post the results of that exercise here as it contains spoilers for the story, but the result of my efforts was a one-page summary.
I'd like to apply both of these exercises to my other novel Falling Short as soon as I finish the taxes. And finish Deception. I'd sure like to have the mystery done before I continue Heidi and Dave's story.
What I find most haunting about my muse is the fact that he insists on being heard when I have little opportunity to follow him. Where is he on those days when I need him? Why does he insist on showing up when I need to concentrate on something other than my writing?
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Writing while life is in progress
In the midst of a hectic time for homeschooling, some sad and happy family events, home remodeling, and tax season, I've hardly had time to think about my writing. I had to make a choice: let go of the story or shirk my responsibility. The writing had to be set aside and eventually I became detached from my story.
Now is when my writing buddies are the salve for my pains. One ruthless friend helped me fill in the holes in my plot. A practical friend mentioned an exercise from a writing book that summarizes your story to help you gain focus. And a brave yet determined friend went through said exercise with her own story at the same time I was doing mine; her encouraging feedback has fueled my determination. I'm still working on the summary (you know it has to be perfect for me to move on), but it's giving me a better foundation for Deception and a desire to use the same exercise for Falling Short. The point is the story is fresh in my mind now. Probably any exercise would have done that, but not any group could have provided that kind of support.
Writing groups and/or writing buddies can be inspiring and supportive, or they can be a drain on your creativity. I'm fortunate to be among the inspiring and supportive. There are numerous writing books available -trust me, I have my own favorites - but when you lose your grip on your story, you need a good slap across the face and a shove in the right direction. Who better to do that than your writing buddies?
In the "Bummer" column: I received the results of a contest I entered, and my story "The Painting" was not among the winners, the finalists, or even the honorable mentions. Ouch. Time to set it aside for a while and think about what is missing from the story.
Onward ho! I have writing students waiting for critiques, homeschooling lessons to plan, airline reservatiosn to make, taxes to file, a variance report to fill out...oh, and a story to write :)
Now is when my writing buddies are the salve for my pains. One ruthless friend helped me fill in the holes in my plot. A practical friend mentioned an exercise from a writing book that summarizes your story to help you gain focus. And a brave yet determined friend went through said exercise with her own story at the same time I was doing mine; her encouraging feedback has fueled my determination. I'm still working on the summary (you know it has to be perfect for me to move on), but it's giving me a better foundation for Deception and a desire to use the same exercise for Falling Short. The point is the story is fresh in my mind now. Probably any exercise would have done that, but not any group could have provided that kind of support.
Writing groups and/or writing buddies can be inspiring and supportive, or they can be a drain on your creativity. I'm fortunate to be among the inspiring and supportive. There are numerous writing books available -trust me, I have my own favorites - but when you lose your grip on your story, you need a good slap across the face and a shove in the right direction. Who better to do that than your writing buddies?
In the "Bummer" column: I received the results of a contest I entered, and my story "The Painting" was not among the winners, the finalists, or even the honorable mentions. Ouch. Time to set it aside for a while and think about what is missing from the story.
Onward ho! I have writing students waiting for critiques, homeschooling lessons to plan, airline reservatiosn to make, taxes to file, a variance report to fill out...oh, and a story to write :)
Monday, March 10, 2008
New faces, lots of love
February is over and I'm rather happy to see it go. 'Nuff with the sadness. March has been very good so far. Alan's memorial made for a wonderful day, one I won't likely forget. The forecast was rain but we had sunshine and fair temps. Lots of love, lots of laughter. And I am blessed with two new arrivals to the family.
First is our new dog, Frederick Von Zack the 27th Junior, otherwise known as Fred E. (Don't ask.) He's a loveable, scruffy, mixed breed 5 year old with good manners and a happy disposition. At times, I find myself thinking of Sadie when he looks at me with all that love and trust. His paw print is already indelibly etched upon all of our hearts.
The second is the birth of my new niece, Berlin Rae, brought into this world by my husband's baby brother and his wife. Berlin is TINY! 6lbs 6oz. We thought she might be born on leap day but she decided to wait until March 3rd. Mom, Dad and baby are all doing well. I'm going to meet Berlin on Tuesday and I can't wait to hold her. Um, and give my brother- and sister-in-law hugs :)
Finally, March has brought the return of Devlin, my muse. Perhaps all he wanted was a name.
First is our new dog, Frederick Von Zack the 27th Junior, otherwise known as Fred E. (Don't ask.) He's a loveable, scruffy, mixed breed 5 year old with good manners and a happy disposition. At times, I find myself thinking of Sadie when he looks at me with all that love and trust. His paw print is already indelibly etched upon all of our hearts.
The second is the birth of my new niece, Berlin Rae, brought into this world by my husband's baby brother and his wife. Berlin is TINY! 6lbs 6oz. We thought she might be born on leap day but she decided to wait until March 3rd. Mom, Dad and baby are all doing well. I'm going to meet Berlin on Tuesday and I can't wait to hold her. Um, and give my brother- and sister-in-law hugs :)
Finally, March has brought the return of Devlin, my muse. Perhaps all he wanted was a name.
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Saying goodbye to my brother-in-law
Alan Wesley Batchelor
August 18, 1958 to February 21, 2008
Alan passed away in his home in Sultan on Thursday, February 21st. He is survived by his wife Kathy, his three adult sons Bryan, Andy (Cyndi), and Brad, his granddaughters Lily and Andrea, his mother Nina, and his sister Diana. He was preceded in death by his father Al. Family members and his many friends will remember Al for his loyalty and his laugh. During their nearly 30 year marriage, Al and Kathy lived in Bellevue, Lynnwood, and recently Sultan, making lifelong friends everywhere they went. Al worked as an automotive technician for many years and as a truck driver for the past 8 years. He was quick to help his friends with their car troubles. Al had a passion for Harleys and billiards, and he adored his granddaughters. A private memorial will be held in his honor on Saturday, March 8th.
August 18, 1958 to February 21, 2008
Alan passed away in his home in Sultan on Thursday, February 21st. He is survived by his wife Kathy, his three adult sons Bryan, Andy (Cyndi), and Brad, his granddaughters Lily and Andrea, his mother Nina, and his sister Diana. He was preceded in death by his father Al. Family members and his many friends will remember Al for his loyalty and his laugh. During their nearly 30 year marriage, Al and Kathy lived in Bellevue, Lynnwood, and recently Sultan, making lifelong friends everywhere they went. Al worked as an automotive technician for many years and as a truck driver for the past 8 years. He was quick to help his friends with their car troubles. Al had a passion for Harleys and billiards, and he adored his granddaughters. A private memorial will be held in his honor on Saturday, March 8th.
Alan, are you riding your "Bagger" in heaven? Playing pool? We sent Yahoo and Zuni up to play with you.
We miss you.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Chop-chop!
Remember how in touch I was with my story just weeks ago? And how I took a little time off from writing to get my bearings after putting my dog down? Well, my muse has escaped. I've been looking everywhere for him. The most he does these days is linger in that moment between awake and asleep and whisper sweet plot changes in my ear. (To which of course I quickly stumble to the computer and enter on my manuscript. You ought to see my surprise the next day. I've been feeling a bit like the shoemaker.)
Time to take matters into my own hands and show my story - and my muse - that I mean business.
I've printed off the first third of the manuscript and I'm rearranging the scenes until I find the best way to work in the plot changes. You know, the ones my muse has been whispering in my somnambulent ear. Once I determine how to launch the story properly, I'm off to the middles with my motive, method, and opportunity list. I intend to damage to the reputations of my characters. Sully their names. Cast suspicion upon them.
If you should see my muse, please tell him that while I appreciate the insights, I'd prefer he called upon me during normal business hours.
Time to take matters into my own hands and show my story - and my muse - that I mean business.
I've printed off the first third of the manuscript and I'm rearranging the scenes until I find the best way to work in the plot changes. You know, the ones my muse has been whispering in my somnambulent ear. Once I determine how to launch the story properly, I'm off to the middles with my motive, method, and opportunity list. I intend to damage to the reputations of my characters. Sully their names. Cast suspicion upon them.
If you should see my muse, please tell him that while I appreciate the insights, I'd prefer he called upon me during normal business hours.
Monday, February 18, 2008
46 ODD Things
Here’s a fun meme I received via email from Madison Leigh (see my blog list).
50 ODD Things about you! Feel free to copy this to your blog and fill it out or email your answers to a friend. Learn 50 things about your friends, and let them learn 50 things about you!
1. Do you like blue cheese? I used to. Haven’t had it in years. What ever happened to Roquefort?2. Have you ever been rock climbing? Nope. I’m terrified of heights.
3. Do you own a gun? Nope.
4. What flavor do you add to your hush puppies? What the heck is a hush puppy? I thought that was a brand of shoes…
5. Do you get nervous before doctor appointments? After having several surgeries and one life-threatening illness, I don’t fear doctor appointments. Rather, I’ve learned the value of finding a good doctor.
6. What do you think of hot dogs? I don’t think about them. Well, until now. I don’t eat them very often.
7. Favorite Christmas movie? Used to be White Christmas but now I’m not in the holiday mood until I’ve seen Love, Actually.
8. What do you prefer to drink in the morning? Though I had to switch to decaf, I still don’t go without my coffee in the morning.
9. Can you do push ups? The girlie ones.
WHERE’S #10??? Anyone who knows me knows that I’d notice that #10 is missing!!!! Am I supposed to make up my own question? Doesn’t this bother anyone else???
11. What's your favorite piece of jewelry? My wedding ring.
12. Favorite hobby? Writing and reading, if you can call those hobbies. They’re more like life-sustaining activities to me, much like breathing. So maybe I should say crochet…
WHERE’S #13??? Very funny. Someone’s trying to mess with my OCD tendencies.
14. Do you have A.D.D.? Sorry, what was the question? I’m still hung up on the missing #10 and #13.
15. What's one trait you hate about yourself? I’m impatient.
16. What's one trait you like? I'm open and honest.
17. Name 3 thoughts at this exact moment...1. Ghostbusters is on TV again?? 2. Where did I put my cup of tea? 3. I had a thought, but then my daughter asked me something and I forgot what it was.
18. Name 3 things you bought yesterday. What did I do yesterday? Oh, right. I bought nothing yesterday.
19. Name 3 drinks you regularly drink? Decaf coffee, herbal tea, water.
20. Current worry? Just one? LOL! Um, my biggest worry would be my parents’ health.
21. Current hate right now? Hate? I don’t hate many things. I guess I’d have to say mud-slinging politicians (are there any other kind?) and violent crimes, not necessarily in that order.
22. Favorite place to be? Home, though I’m looking forward to my travels this year. Both upcoming trips are important and, although I don’t like to travel, I want to spend time with the people I’m going to be traveling to see.
23. How did you bring in the New Year? First of all, I didn’t bring it anywhere; it arrived without my help. But I did RING it in with my husband, children, and our good friends and their children. It was perfect.
24. Where would you like to go? To the top of the NY Times bestseller list. Guess I better finish those novels I’m writing…
25. Name three people who will complete this? I don’t want to put pressure on anyone.
26. Do you own slippers? Several pairs!
27. What shirt are you wearing? A brown t-shirt, and a dark green fleece pullover. It’s after midnight. How come I’m not in my PJ’s???
28. Do you like sleeping on satin sheets? Blech. Nope, I prefer flannel or the usual cotton.
29. Can you whistle? Yes, but I’ve never been able to do that ear-splitting whistle, you know, the one that can be heard blocks away, and I’ve always wanted to know how to do that.
30. Favorite color? Boy, that’s tough. I love different colors for different situations. I like green. And blue. And that warm, dark, rich brown that’s sometimes called espresso.
31. Would you be a pirate? I’d be afraid of offending someone. And I don’t want to steal anything. I like the rebellious spirit of my romaticized version of pirates, though, like the Johnny Depp kind of pirate.
32. What songs do you sing in the shower? Usually something I just heard on my i-Pod, and my taste in music is so eclectic, that could be anything from Old Blue Eyes to and old Zeppelin song.
33. Favorite girl's name? I can’t choose just a name; I have to know the character behind the name. For that reason, I love so many girls’ names that I can’t list them here.
34. Favorite boy's name? Ditto from #34, but I must say I’m particularly fond of Vern :)
35. What's in your pocket right now? Nothing. I hate having anything in my pockets.
36. Last thing that made you laugh? My son. He misconstrued something he heard on TV and we were both laughing.
37. Best bed sheets as a child? Huh? I don’t remember any sheets that I had. They were always white, I think. I was the youngest of 4 kids and so far as I know, my mom never went out and bought any trendy sheets that had cartoon characters on them or anything. A girl I knew had a pink canopy bed and I thought that was the coolest thing I ever saw.
38. Worst injury you've ever had? Injury…hmmm….do I have to go there? There are so many to choose from LOL! I broke my right wrist twice and my left once or twice (I’m pretty sure I broke both two times); I’ve broken fingers, toes, my nose, and a bone in my foot…but probably the worst was when I got run over by my own ATV. Not only was that humiliating, I couldn’t move for days. Oh, wait! When I was in grade school I had broken ribs. That hurt every time I breathed.
39. Do you love where you live? Yes! I absolutely love the Pacific Northwest.
40. How many TVs do you have in your house? 3, but one has no reception. The kids use it for video games.
41. Who is your loudest friend? Oh, that would have to be a Tilley, for sure.
42. How many dogs do you have? Ouch. This question makes me sad, because I just put my old dog Sadie down. I miss her very much.
43. Does someone have a crush on you? Not that I know of. My husband loves me, but it’s been years since he had a crush on me :)
WHERE’S #44??? I was finally over the missing #10 and #13 and suddenly, there’s no 44!!!
45. What is your favorite book(s)? You’re kidding, right? I can’t choose just one! From classic to contemporary, spanning the genres, there are just too many to name.
46. What is your favorite candy? I like salty snacks, usually. If I want candy, I reach for something chocolate, I guess. My dad gets me these fabulous truffles from a store in Seattle called Chocolati.
47. Favorite Sports Team? Seattle Seahawks! I also like the Seattle Mariners.
48. What song do you want played at your funeral? What kind of morbid question is that? I’d rather the people who knew me and loved me chose a song. I’ll be happy where I’m at; funerals and memorials are for the living.
WHERE’S #49??? This really should be titled 46 ODD Things about me!
50. What was the first thing you thought of when you woke up? I thought about my dog, Sadie. Hey, after 16 years, it’s hard to break the habit of caring for her.
50 ODD Things about you! Feel free to copy this to your blog and fill it out or email your answers to a friend. Learn 50 things about your friends, and let them learn 50 things about you!
1. Do you like blue cheese? I used to. Haven’t had it in years. What ever happened to Roquefort?2. Have you ever been rock climbing? Nope. I’m terrified of heights.
3. Do you own a gun? Nope.
4. What flavor do you add to your hush puppies? What the heck is a hush puppy? I thought that was a brand of shoes…
5. Do you get nervous before doctor appointments? After having several surgeries and one life-threatening illness, I don’t fear doctor appointments. Rather, I’ve learned the value of finding a good doctor.
6. What do you think of hot dogs? I don’t think about them. Well, until now. I don’t eat them very often.
7. Favorite Christmas movie? Used to be White Christmas but now I’m not in the holiday mood until I’ve seen Love, Actually.
8. What do you prefer to drink in the morning? Though I had to switch to decaf, I still don’t go without my coffee in the morning.
9. Can you do push ups? The girlie ones.
WHERE’S #10??? Anyone who knows me knows that I’d notice that #10 is missing!!!! Am I supposed to make up my own question? Doesn’t this bother anyone else???
11. What's your favorite piece of jewelry? My wedding ring.
12. Favorite hobby? Writing and reading, if you can call those hobbies. They’re more like life-sustaining activities to me, much like breathing. So maybe I should say crochet…
WHERE’S #13??? Very funny. Someone’s trying to mess with my OCD tendencies.
14. Do you have A.D.D.? Sorry, what was the question? I’m still hung up on the missing #10 and #13.
15. What's one trait you hate about yourself? I’m impatient.
16. What's one trait you like? I'm open and honest.
17. Name 3 thoughts at this exact moment...1. Ghostbusters is on TV again?? 2. Where did I put my cup of tea? 3. I had a thought, but then my daughter asked me something and I forgot what it was.
18. Name 3 things you bought yesterday. What did I do yesterday? Oh, right. I bought nothing yesterday.
19. Name 3 drinks you regularly drink? Decaf coffee, herbal tea, water.
20. Current worry? Just one? LOL! Um, my biggest worry would be my parents’ health.
21. Current hate right now? Hate? I don’t hate many things. I guess I’d have to say mud-slinging politicians (are there any other kind?) and violent crimes, not necessarily in that order.
22. Favorite place to be? Home, though I’m looking forward to my travels this year. Both upcoming trips are important and, although I don’t like to travel, I want to spend time with the people I’m going to be traveling to see.
23. How did you bring in the New Year? First of all, I didn’t bring it anywhere; it arrived without my help. But I did RING it in with my husband, children, and our good friends and their children. It was perfect.
24. Where would you like to go? To the top of the NY Times bestseller list. Guess I better finish those novels I’m writing…
25. Name three people who will complete this? I don’t want to put pressure on anyone.
26. Do you own slippers? Several pairs!
27. What shirt are you wearing? A brown t-shirt, and a dark green fleece pullover. It’s after midnight. How come I’m not in my PJ’s???
28. Do you like sleeping on satin sheets? Blech. Nope, I prefer flannel or the usual cotton.
29. Can you whistle? Yes, but I’ve never been able to do that ear-splitting whistle, you know, the one that can be heard blocks away, and I’ve always wanted to know how to do that.
30. Favorite color? Boy, that’s tough. I love different colors for different situations. I like green. And blue. And that warm, dark, rich brown that’s sometimes called espresso.
31. Would you be a pirate? I’d be afraid of offending someone. And I don’t want to steal anything. I like the rebellious spirit of my romaticized version of pirates, though, like the Johnny Depp kind of pirate.
32. What songs do you sing in the shower? Usually something I just heard on my i-Pod, and my taste in music is so eclectic, that could be anything from Old Blue Eyes to and old Zeppelin song.
33. Favorite girl's name? I can’t choose just a name; I have to know the character behind the name. For that reason, I love so many girls’ names that I can’t list them here.
34. Favorite boy's name? Ditto from #34, but I must say I’m particularly fond of Vern :)
35. What's in your pocket right now? Nothing. I hate having anything in my pockets.
36. Last thing that made you laugh? My son. He misconstrued something he heard on TV and we were both laughing.
37. Best bed sheets as a child? Huh? I don’t remember any sheets that I had. They were always white, I think. I was the youngest of 4 kids and so far as I know, my mom never went out and bought any trendy sheets that had cartoon characters on them or anything. A girl I knew had a pink canopy bed and I thought that was the coolest thing I ever saw.
38. Worst injury you've ever had? Injury…hmmm….do I have to go there? There are so many to choose from LOL! I broke my right wrist twice and my left once or twice (I’m pretty sure I broke both two times); I’ve broken fingers, toes, my nose, and a bone in my foot…but probably the worst was when I got run over by my own ATV. Not only was that humiliating, I couldn’t move for days. Oh, wait! When I was in grade school I had broken ribs. That hurt every time I breathed.
39. Do you love where you live? Yes! I absolutely love the Pacific Northwest.
40. How many TVs do you have in your house? 3, but one has no reception. The kids use it for video games.
41. Who is your loudest friend? Oh, that would have to be a Tilley, for sure.
42. How many dogs do you have? Ouch. This question makes me sad, because I just put my old dog Sadie down. I miss her very much.
43. Does someone have a crush on you? Not that I know of. My husband loves me, but it’s been years since he had a crush on me :)
WHERE’S #44??? I was finally over the missing #10 and #13 and suddenly, there’s no 44!!!
45. What is your favorite book(s)? You’re kidding, right? I can’t choose just one! From classic to contemporary, spanning the genres, there are just too many to name.
46. What is your favorite candy? I like salty snacks, usually. If I want candy, I reach for something chocolate, I guess. My dad gets me these fabulous truffles from a store in Seattle called Chocolati.
47. Favorite Sports Team? Seattle Seahawks! I also like the Seattle Mariners.
48. What song do you want played at your funeral? What kind of morbid question is that? I’d rather the people who knew me and loved me chose a song. I’ll be happy where I’m at; funerals and memorials are for the living.
WHERE’S #49??? This really should be titled 46 ODD Things about me!
50. What was the first thing you thought of when you woke up? I thought about my dog, Sadie. Hey, after 16 years, it’s hard to break the habit of caring for her.
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
In memory of my sweet Sadie girl
Today was a difficult day. I had to put down my sweet dog, Sadie. She was a sixteen year old Jack Russell terrier, and for most of her life, she was full of energy. We knew this day was coming; her health had been declining steadily in the last year and worsened over the weekend. I didn't want to see her in pain and I couldn't bear to see her waste away. She stopped barking two years ago, but she still had a full repertoire of vocal sounds. She found a way to communicate with me through little growls and whines. Over the last four days she just looked at me with sad, tired eyes and when I reached out to let her know I was there she simply sighed. Mostly blind and rather deaf, she would howl when I was not in the house. She followed me everywhere and depended on me to lead her where she should go. I think that's what made putting her down so very heartbreaking.
When is it ever easy?
I started missing her the moment she slipped away in my arms.
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