Why Would They...?

So I survived the weeklong rustic camp with our 7th and 8th graders. They're a great group of kids. Since we joined five other schools for the camp, we appreciate our kids even more. :)

Yep. Home sweet home for the week.

Where do I begin? There really is no way to describe the week. Maybe Alternate Universe? The Twilight Zone? I'm not sure, but I do know I had several mini-nervous breakdowns where I couldn't stop laughing and tears were dripping down my face.

I might look into treatment for post-traumatic stress syndrome. If you remember, I mentioned my friend J and I were the only chaperons for our school besides our principal. Thankfully, we all had similar reactions to the camp. I wouldn't have made it through without them.

Even though I wrote an 18-page summary of our trip and could curl your toe-hair with some of our experiences, I'll only share how every conversation  between J and I started, and we had these conversations roughly 75 times a day.

"Why would they..."

• …not buy a cheap bottle of soap with a pump for our bathroom? (See photo below.)

• …not serve the chocolate milk when it’s fresh?

• …have such a small, old, rusty trash can for a bathroom that serves 40 women?

• …have only three shower stalls for 40 women?

• …not have locks on the bathroom stalls?

• …not have hooks or shelves in the showers for your towels and clothes? (There was one shelf. I think the picture below says everything on that subject.)

• …not clean the carpets occasionally?

• …not give a discount to people staying in the moldy, stinky basement? (That would be us.)

• …not fumigate? Two HUGE spiders were in the basement. One was gigantic, orange and on one of our girl's jeans in her duffel bag. Both spiders had to be killed. Another girl had a giant moth on her bed, which we honestly thought was a leaf. Nope. It flew.

• …not have shelves for the bunks in the basement when they have them upstairs and at the lodge?

• …have such unappetizing, un-kid-friendly, yucky food? (We are convinced the chicken over biscuits was really muskrat over biscuits--especially since we watched a counselor skin a muskrat the night before. My sloppy joe tasted like I was chewing on a construction worker's armpit. Also, our salisbury steak meowed at me. I've never tasted beef like that. Purr...)

• …not have adequate cleaning supplies if we’re supposed to clean the place?

• …make the kids pass a helmet around without spraying it with lice spray?

• …have four huge bins of dirty clothes for the kids to dress up in for the weather skit—it’s scabies waiting to happen.

• …make the nightly presentation an hour and a half? It’s WAY too long.

• …sing songs meant for 8-year-olds?

• …not have any furniture to sit on besides the bunk beds and a few hard, metal chairs?

• …have such overgrown bushes? Trimming them doesn’t cost anything.

• …not mow the lawn? Again, basic maintenance.

• …not give everything a fresh coat of paint?

• …not have water fountains to drink from? Does anyone drink from a sink next to the toilet? That’s like drinking from the toilet. I have a photo of the one drinking fountain we were supposed to drink from the entire week. Yes, it is connected to a bathroom sink and is less than two feet away from the toilet. (I can't look at this picture without having chills run up and down my spine.)

J and I made several runs for cases of bottled water. I could go on and on and on.... But I'm home! I will put the week behind me eventually. :)

On a happy note, I have a few exciting announcements--Wendy Burke, my good friend from Maumee Valley RWA, just released her debut historical romance novel, Respite, through Decadent Publishing! Congratulations, Wendy!

And Dora Hiers has good news too. Her debut inspirational romantic suspense novel, Journey's End, is now available through White Rose Press! Congratulations, Dora!

It's SOOOO good to be back! I can't wait to catch up with you all!

Happy Monday!

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No Internet? No Coffee??

I did the unthinkable.


I agreed to a round of "Sure-I'll-drive-and-chaperon-a-week-long-outdoor-adventure-camp-for-the-seventh-and-eighth-graders."


This week's stats:

Long drive far, far away.
Mini-van full of thirteen and fourteen-year-olds.
More thirteen and fourteen-year-olds at the actual camp.
Bunks.
Sleeping bags.
Coffee? Status unknown.
Internet? Nope.
Very limited wardrobe.
No curling iron or flatiron.
Coffee? Still status unknown.
Internet? Still nope.

The one saving grace? Dear friend and fellow mom, we'll call her "J," riding shotgun!

I will be offline until Friday. I may not survive. I mean, I mentioned the whole no-Internet thing, right? And the abundance of young teens?
Send coffee. Please, send coffee!

I have a feeling J and I will be the first ones kicked out of camp! And we're not even attending the camp.

See you all next week!

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My Secret: Organizing Book Notes

Plotting worksheets, scraps of paper, URL's, e-mails, research--everything needs to be organized. What's a writer to do?


When I started writing my first book, I threw all my project notes in a manila folder and called it good. But as time wore on, my work-in-progress files became more complex with detailed plot sheets, and pages of notes, charts, and writing logs.

I knew I needed to create a time-saving, easy-to-use filing system. It took several different attempts to find the right method, but after a devastating computer crash last fall, I stumbled on my current--and ideal--system: Microsoft One Note.

There are other programs similar to One Note, so it's really a personal preference on what software you use, but I find One Note perfect for me. I'm very organized and a massive plotter, and I find thumbing through a stack of manila folders too time-consuming, not to mention, I often forget to print pertinent information.

One Note allows me to keep every tidbit of info needed for a book in one spot. Think of it as a virtual file folder. You can pop just about anything into a page. I routinely copy/paste URL's of research sites into an unfiled note and transfer them into the correct notebook later. Text and photos are easily manipulated too. You can move them all over the page and resize them as needed. The best part? Anything you copy and paste from the Internet is tagged with the URL it's from. Easy reference!

You can also create tables and perform simple calculations--a big plus for me.

Here's my method.

I created a master notebook as a template for my books. When I start a new book, I create a new notebook and save it as the title of the book. Then I copy/paste each tab and notebook page into the new notebook.

My tabs for a book:

1. Plotting

I have pages for all of the worksheets I fill out before a first draft. I also have a page for the summaries and blurb.

2. Research

I copy/paste any info I find. I also save future unfiled notes in this section. All I have to do is click on the URL to go directly to the source.

3. Write/Revise Log

I keep two pages, one for my writing log and the other for my revising log. When I'm writing a first draft, I keep track of the date, the amount of time I wrote, the pages added, the words added, the total amount of words and the total amount of pages. I have a similar log for revising. It's interesting to see how long a first draft or a complete revise takes me.

4. Scene List

I have only one page in this tab and it consists of a long table. I create the scene list before I write my first draft. The sections in the table are: Scene Number, POV (which character's viewpoint the scene is written in), Setting, GMC (the character's goal, motivation, and conflict in the scene), Mood, Growth, Chapter, Notes.

5. Revise Notes

I let the first draft sit a while before I revise it. This section allows me to jot notes about problems that jump in my brain during the in-between phase. I also write notes here while I'm revising (like, remember to add conversation with mom in chapter three or four).

6. Business

I keep track of my estimated schedule here. Start date, finish first draft date, begin revising date, end revising date, date I send the book to critique partners, and date I send the proposal to my agent. I also create a page to copy/paste any important e-mails from my agent.

You don't have to reserve One Note solely for your books.

I keep track of my 5 Easy Questions interviews in a virtual notebook. It contains a table of authors I plan on asking as well as the authors I've already asked. Monthly tabs allow me to copy/paste the answers, links and bio's the authors send me. I'm able to keep track of a ton of information in one spot, which saves me time.

Other possible notebooks:
Business: I keep my business plan, monthly goals, and promotion ideas in one.
Writing Craft: Possible tabs--dialogue, plotting, descriptions, genres...
Writing Business: Possible tabs--agents, editors, platform...
Marketing/Promotion: Possible tabs--e-newsletter sites, blog information, Facebook ads, etc...

My favorite part of using One Note is that I can access ANY piece of information on a project just by opening the notebook. No more hiking upstairs and shuffling through different folders or wondering if I filed the slip of paper I jotted a note on. The program has made my life easier. I hope you'll give it a try!

How do you organize your book notes?

Have a fantastic Friday!

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5 Easy Questions with Katie Ganshert!

Every Wednesday, I ask a writer the same five easy questions. In an effort to support and promote fellow wordsmiths, I feature authors who write a variety of genres, from sweet inspirational to mainstream thrillers. The writers themselves may be aspiring, published, or best-selling--all have made an impact on my life.


Thank you for joining me in welcoming… Katie Ganshert!

As you can guess, Katie and I met through--get this--blogging! Shocking, I know! Many of my friendships with writers developed through blogging, and I am so thankful I took the plunge when I did. Katie impressed me from day one. Her honest, often funny, always poignant posts nourish me. It's been uplifting and exciting to watch her journey. She's represented by Rachelle Gardner, and not long ago, Katie landed a two book deal with Waterbrook Multnomah. Her first book will be available in May 2012. I can't wait to read it--and consider yourself warned--you're going to be hearing a lot about this book from me on Facebook, Twitter and my blog!

Let's get to it!

1. Beverage of choice?


While writing, it's most definitely Diet Coke. I've developed an unhealthy addiction. But when  I'm in the mood for something hot (and a little healthier), I got for honey green tea. I love green tea.

2. Any pets?

One pet. My black lab, Bubba. He's almost seven and we love him to death. My son and Bubba are best buddies. Sometimes, in the early morning or before our son falls asleep, we'll hear him call, "Bubba, come!" Our little guy likes when Bubba sleeps with him. Unfortunately, he has elbow displasia and he's starting to limp a lot. I also used to own three hermit crabs, but I became too obsessed and spent way too much money on them. So I gave them to one of my students.

3. Dream vacation?

Europe! I've always wanted to backpack through Europe. Buy a Euro pass and go to England, France, Italy, Spain. Instead of going to the touristy cities (like Paris and London), I'd want to visit smaller towns and villages and experience the culture. While I'm over there, I'd also really like to go to Ireland.

4. What are you listening to right now?

My husband and my son downstairs in the kitchen. Brogan's asking for milk and my husband is getting it for him. Bubba's nails are clicking on the linoleum and now I hear him drinking from his water dish. No music. But if I were listening to music, I'd probably be listening to Matt Maher's Come Awake or Laura Story's Blessings.

5. What's for dinner?

It's Wednesday, which means we're headed to Aunt Peggy's. Every Wednesday, my aunt and my grandma make a homemade meal (always something different, and always a surprise) and the whole family goes over to eat and hang out. It's one of my favorite things about living near family! Especially since I sincerely like my family. :-)

Thanks Katie, for being my guest today! I know all about Diet Coke addictions (and M&M addictions...). I want to give Bubba a big hug, the poor fella. It's so hard watching our pets age. But I am curious about this obsession with hermit crabs. How can you spend too much money on them? New shells? Fancy food? Enquiring minds want to know. :) Oh, and one of my fantasies involves driving through England's countryside and taking pictures of all the old manors. We should make that happen!

Thanks again!

And since spring finally arrived here in Michigan, dandelions have taken over.

Do dandelions invade every lawn in your neck of the woods?

Katie Ganshert graduated from the University of Wisconsin in Madison with a degree in education. She was born and raised in the Midwest, where she lives with her husband, their young son, and their goofy black lab, Bubba. She’s thankful God gave her a husband who suffers through romantic movies, loves talking with her girlfriends about God, life, and books, and is often spotted around town walking her dog, pushing a stroller, and reading all at the same time. She is represented by Rachelle Gardner with Wordserve Literary and her debut novel, a contemporary romance, is coming out in May, 2012 from Waterbrook Multnomah. 

For more information about Katie, head to her blog, be friends with her on Facebook, and follow her on Twitter.

Have a fabulous Wednesday!  

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Beef Up This Common Writing Mistake

Common mistake: Writing generic, vague, or mediocre descriptions.



Whether we use one revealing word or a more complete description depends on the scene we're writing. Obviously, we aim to maintain correct pacing and tension--a lengthy depiction of scenery would slow down a tense scene and should be avoided--but wherever possible we should develop the details to create a powerful picture.

Let's take a character and name her Linda. She's walking up a street, trying to find a house her brother John may be hiding out in, and she's distracted yet taking in her surroundings. The scene isn't high-paced but a general mood of uneasiness persists.

The basic description might be this:

Linda treaded up the sidewalk, checking the address on the paper in her hand. Weeds towered in the grass, and a lone beer bottle rested at the lawn's edge.

The two sentences are adequate but aren't pulling their full weight.

Let's beef them up.

Take a few minutes to think about a series of questions related to the scenery. My main question would be:

How can I use the scenery to further the story either by enhancing the mood, developing the character, helping the pace, or all of the above?  

What kind of beer bottle does Linda see?
What types of weeds grace the yard? Pretty flowery ones like dandelions or clover? Brambles?
Is the grass overgrown, green, brown?
What about the paper--anything special about it?
Does the beer bottle or neighborhood evoke any feelings in Linda?
How far away is the address from where she parks her car?
Does she even notice the neighborhood or is she too preoccupied with the task at hand?
What's the weather like?
Here's another version.

Linda treaded up the sidewalk and checked the address scrawled on the torn paper in her hand. Her sandal caught on a raised crack. Frowning, she steadied herself. Dandelions gone to seed towered in the crispy, sunburned grass, and a lone Corona bottle rested against stalks of dead thistle. Abandoned, forgotten, just like John.

Notice this gives the reader the impression of time passing. It also hints at Linda's mood and relates her assessment of the scenery back to her brother. Why is this good for the reader? It heightens the tension and gives more clues about what to expect when Linda finds the house.

Another way to beef the description up is to include a thought or physical reaction to her surroundings. Is she scared? Frustrated? Excited?

Linda treaded up the sidewalk and checked the address scrawled on the torn paper in her hand. Her sandal caught on a raised crack. Frowning, she steadied herself. Why would John stay here?  Dandelions gone to seed towered in the crispy, sunburned grass, and a lone Corona bottle rested against stalks of dead thistle. Abandoned, forgotten, just like her brother. She kicked the bottle into the road, wincing as it shattered.

In this version, we get the earlier bonus of time passing but we also get more of Linda's mood--anger, disappointment, and maybe even guilt.

If our scene does not call for a blown-out description, we can still work at using potent words. That's what synonyms are for, right?

What are your secrets to avoiding vague descriptions?

Have a wonderful Monday!

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When Writing Attacks!

With the onslaught of television shows chronicling every type of addiction or survival, I figured writers needed to be represented too. Which of these programs would describe your writing life?

Taboo, When Writing Attacks, Confessions: Obsessed Writer, or maybe even, I Survived?


For me, it would have to be Confessions: Obsessed Writer.

What is there to confess? A lot. For me, it's not just the exquisite rush of pounding out a rough draft or the taut pleasure of revising, it's the total  writing package. It's plotting, writing, revising, blogging, reading, studying, critiquing, and social networking. It's updating my website, creating an article, offering my speaking services. Some writers loathe building a platform. I adore it. I love chatting with writers on Twitter, following the status updates of favorite authors on Facebook, reading blogs, checking out books from the library, and devouring each month's Romance Writers Report.

Writing has taken over every aspect of my life. I think of topics for blog posts while whipping up a batch of cookies. I wonder how so-and-so blogger is doing while I load the dishwasher. My characters yell at me when I slog laundry in the washing machine. Scene twists appear in my head as I walk Sophie, our mini-dachshund. Every television show I watch somehow reminds me of my writing journey.

Even helping with my kids' track practice hammers home the constant need for practice, how hard work will make me a better writer. And dare I admit it--yes, I plot or read during baseball practice. It's a long, season folks!

I pray about my writing. I fret about it. I delight in it.

So, I'm obsessed with writing. I'm okay with that!

What would you name your television show?

I'm at a track meet today, which means I'm mentally taking notes for a future novel, getting inspired to run the good race toward publication, oh, and cheering on my little athletes! I won't be moderating comments, but please leave one--I love reading your thoughts!

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5 Easy Questions with Heather Sunseri!

Every Wednesday, I ask a writer the same five easy questions. In an effort to support and promote fellow wordsmiths, I feature authors who write a variety of genres, from sweet inspirational to mainstream thrillers. The writers themselves may be aspiring, published, or best-selling--all have made an impact on my life.


Please join me in welcoming...Heather Sunseri!

Heather and I connected through blogging a few years ago, and I quickly bonded with her. Maybe it's because we have similarly aged children, or because I'm moved by her thoughtful posts, but we just meshed! I'm very impressed with Heather's devotion to mission work. She's heading overseas this summer. What a blessing she will be, and I can't wait to read all about it! Heather writes inspirational romantic suspense novels.
 
 
 
 
 
 
Let's get to it!
 
1. Beverage of choice?
 
I adore my morning coffee, nothing too fancy. I also love a good Chai tea latte.


2. Any pets?

Oh, boy do I. Two Golden Retrievers – one very old and one very rambunctious, an unaffectionate Calico cat that is technically my daughter’s, and several fish.

3. Dream vacation?

My husband and I love to travel. At the moment, we really want to travel to Sicily. My husband’s grandfather came over from Sicily as a child and I would love to research and visit the area where many of his ancestors lived. Not to mention the beaches and the food that would be involved.

4. What are you listening to right now?

At this very moment, I’m listening to my children get ready for church. But when I work I listen to a couple of Pandora stations that I love – Five For Fighting and Lead Me by Santus Real. I love letting Pandora do all the work. I tell her one song I like, and she goes to work picking out more.

5. What's for dinner?

Homemade pizza, a recipe from my mother. And maybe a salad.


Thank you so much, Heather, for being my guest today! Homemade pizza sounds delicious. I would totally adopt your unaffectionate cat if your daughter would let me. I'm all about the kitties--even the unlovable ones. I think you and your husband (and your personal assistant, ahem, me) should spend an entire summer in Sicily. Wouldn't that be amazing? Sun, food, research--good times! Thanks again!

What fresh, summer fruit or vegetable are you salivating for?

Me? Watermelon!
Heather Sunseri is the wife of one amazing husband and two inspiring and adventurous children. She has spent the past seventeen years working as a CPA for thoroughbred horse farms and in public accounting in Central Kentucky. When she’s not crunching numbers or carting children to soccer practices, Heather likes to dream up impossible situations to stick her characters in just to see if they can get themselves out. She writes romantic suspense novels about beautifully flawed people with a strong desire to do something good in life and find their God-given purpose.

To learn more about Heather, visit her blog, Heather Sunseri: One Writer's Journey Through Life, be friends with her on Facebook, and follow her on Twitter.

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