Friday, March 16, 2012

The Most Important Question in Writing

We question our world on a daily basis. Rarely do we participate in a conversation without either voicing a slew of questions or letting them circle our brain. We want to know: How was that possible? When did he do that? Did something happen? What's her problem? What's going to happen now?

But most of all, we want to know why.

Why does he want that? Why did she behave that way? Why did that just happen? Why does this information make me want to jump up and down, shouting hooray? Why did she say that? Why am I upset about it?

Writers take this curiosity and we apply it to our writing. Sometimes we wonder why we write. Or why we're writing this story? Why is this book important? Why is this scene important? This sentence? This word?
We wonder why our characters won't behave or why we used the same word 17 times on one page. We wonder why we haven't opened our work-in-progress in three days. Or why we hate revising.

In the actual story, we wonder why our character is acting the way she is, and why she needs her goal so badly? Why do the other characters respond to her the way they do? Why did this scene goal change? Why doesn't the ending work?

We're constantly asking why, and because we're willing to ask this, our belief in ourselves as writers and our storytelling skills grow stronger.

The most important question for writers? Why.

Tell me, why do you write?

Have a marvelous weekend!

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

5 Easy Questions with Rosslyn Elliott

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…Rosslyn Elliott!!

I met Rosslyn through mutual blogging friends, and two things struck me—this lady is super smart, and she’s also very down to earth. Rosslyn has a generous spirit, and I’m thrilled to spread the news about her second book in the Saddler’s Legacy series, Sweeter than Birdsong, out now! Her covers are gorgeous. Be sure to head to her beautiful website to check out all of her books!

Let’s get to it!

1. Beverage of choice?

KAWFEE. The morning lifeline! I’m trying to switch to half-caff so I can have two cups instead of one. But two cups of full-caff will make me a scary, edgy Muppet-like creature.
2. Any pets?

Two dogs, the heavenly hound and the “other dog.” Ha! Our dog Snow is absolutely perfectly mannered. Frosty is, well, not, but we love him and squeeze him anyway.
3. Dream vacation?

Tonight I am really in the mood for a long restful vacation. So I would like to go for a week or two to a quiet retreat in the mountains, near a clear stream with a rocky bed for wading, just our small family and the dogs. I’d like to read by the fire in a nice recliner and have all meals appear on our table, prepared and served by invisible sprites, all with candlelight, china, and crystal. Everything would be whisked away and washed somewhere out of sight and mind by our fairy friends. This isn’t my dream vacation at all times—just now, when I want to rest and read.
4. What are you listening to right now?

My daughter’s sweet little snoring noises.

5. What's for dinner?

Leftover chicken casserole. Bring on the fairy cooks!
***

Rosslyn, two cups of caffeinated coffee turn you into scary, edgy creature? This I have to see! I, unfortunately, seem to be immune to the effects because I just keep guzzling it. Or maybe I do turn into a freak show but I don’t realize it since I’m alone? I’m sensing a hidden camera moment. By the way, I love the winter theme with your pets. Snow and Frosty! Cute!

Your current dream vacay sounds so, so marvelous. I love the mountains, and hiking, and reading by the fire, and magical fairies who cook and clean. Guess who’s coming along?! I won’t even wake your sweet baby girl. Promise! Thanks so much for being my guest today!
***

As the child of a career military man, Rosslyn Elliott lived in four states and two foreign countries before she graduated from high school. She attended Yale University, where she earned her BA in English and Theater Studies. After five years working first in corporate New York City, then as a schoolteacher, she entered the Ph.D. program at Emory University and finished her dissertation in 2006.
Her study of American literature spurred her to pursue her lifelong dream of writing fiction. She has won awards for both her fiction and non-fiction writing, including the 2011 Laurel Award for Fairer than Morning, which was also selected as one of Lifeway’s Ten Favorite Fiction Reads for 2011.

Rosslyn lives with her husband and daughter in the southern United States, where they enjoy working with horses and pampering their dogs. Her fiction is represented by Rachelle Gardner of Books and Such Literary Agency. To learn more about Rosslyn’s books, head to her website, be friends with her on Facebook, and follow her on Twitter.


Music offers Kate sweet refuge from her troubles…but real freedom is sweeter.
In Westerville, Ohio, 1855, Kate Winter's dreams are almost within reach. As the first woman to graduate from Otterbein College, she'll be guaranteed her deepest wish: escape from the dark secret haunting her family. But with her mother determined to marry her off to a wealthy man, Kate must face reality. She has to run. Now. And she has the perfect plan. Join the upcoming musical performance—and use it to mask her flight. 

Ben Hanby, Otterbein College's musical genius, sees Kate Winter as an enigmatic creature, notable for her beauty, yet painfully shy. Then he hears her sing, and the glory of her voice moves him as never before. He determines to cast her in his musical and uncover the mystery that is Kate. Still, he must keep his own secret to himself. Not even this intriguing woman can know that his passionate faith is driving him to aid fugitives on the Underground Railroad.

A terrifying accident brings Kate and Ben together, but threatens to shatter both their secrets and their dreams. Kate can no longer deny the need to find her courage-and her voice—if she is to sing a new song for their future.
***

I’ve completely let my exercise and health routine slide. Who is willing to kick me in the buns today?

Tough love, people. Tough love! (No chocolate. Okay, maybe a little chocolate? That isn’t tough? Grr…)

I’ll be in and out this week because I'm teaching a fiction workshop to local 7th and 8th graders. You wouldn’t believe their imaginations. So fun!

Have an amazing Wednesday!

Monday, March 12, 2012

Nourishing Our Self Esteem

Writer's Survival Guide 5: Nourishing Our Self Esteem

As any writer knows, it's hard to keep a healthy ego. We might love our first draft but berate ourselves for mediocrity when we're in the middle of revisions. We might pat ourselves on the back for querying an agent, only to wonder why we even bother when we get a rejection two days later.

We see our peers online making happy announcements and feel inadequate at our lack of progression. We get that coveted contract only to dissolve into a scared mess at the massive revisions requested. Or we've published four books and no publisher wants our next ones.

Many writers find it very hard to maintain a healthy level of confidence.


Every success threatens to push us toward an egotistical frame of mind, while every setback threatens the opposite.

How do we find a happy medium? Regardless of where we are on our writing path?

I don't know. I'm not always good at it.

One thing I do is allow myself to sit with whatever emotion I'm experiencing. If a long-awaited hope seems poised to come true and doesn't, I don't push back the tears. I get quiet within myself and feel the pain. Or if something wonderful happens, I dance around the house and dream as big as I can.

Maybe equalizing our emotional reactions sounds like a good idea, but it's never worked for me. Besides, we're writers. How can we write about a pain so deep it feels as if our blood is draining from our body and our muscles are withering within us if we never allow ourselves to experience the negative side of life? How can we describe the sensation of floating, spinning, dizzy with joy if we tell ourselves not to jinx things or that it could all go away?

Another thing I do is utilize positive self-talk. I don't prepare myself for the worst. I expect the best, knowing I will survive if the best doesn't happen. If my thoughts lean toward self-criticism, I shut them up. We need to talk to ourselves as we would a loved one. Because we ARE a loved one. We need to love ourselves.

The most important thing I do is pray. Maybe I'm not capable of making every one of my dreams come true, but God is. He can create paths for us where there is no path. We can rely on Him to put his arm around our shoulder and get us through the rough spots.

How do you nourish your self-esteem?

Enjoy your Monday!

Friday, March 9, 2012

How Do You Keep it Simple?

Have you ever see-sawed between extravagance and simplicity?


One month I'll go all out and stock up on extra groceries, splurge on little happy-makers like candles, and dream about adding expensive items to my wardrobe. The next month I just want to put on a pot of homemade chicken noodle soup, buy as few groceries as possible, and find new ways to wear the clothes I already own.

When I'm in a simple frame of mind, the way I am now, I have little desire to shop. I usually spend more time with non-fiction from the library because current events seem more complicated than I have the energy for. In fact, earlier I perused the online version of the Wall Street Journal, and few headlines grabbed me.

Often, I get more accomplished in this frame of mind. I'm calmer. Less stressed. Instead of thinking about the things I want, I enjoy the things I have. I wish I could keep this mentality going indefinitely, but inevitably, the pendulum swings and I'll be thrilled to walk the aisles of Target once more.

My schedule could never be described as simple, but I add as much peace to my days as possible. Instead of working through lunch, I leaf through a magazine or listen to music. Afternoon tea always happens, even if I work with the tea in my hand. If I can't fit in a full workout, I'll do ten minutes of yoga stretches.

Sure, I have days where nothing feels simple. Well, on those days nothing IS simple! That's okay. Life doesn't have to be perfect. :)

How do you infuse simplicity into your days? What keeps you sane in a hectic world?

Have a fabulous weekend!

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

5 Easy Questions with Jenna Rutland!

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…Jenna Rutland!!

I met Jenna when I joined MVRWA, the Toledo chapter of Romance Writers of America, and we just get each other! A gifted writer of contemporary romance, a hilarious friend, and a great hugger, Jenna means the world to me. I wish you all could join us for lunch—you would laugh more than you have in years. I’m thrilled to have Jenna here today.

Let’s get to it!

1. Beverage of choice?

Well, it depends on the time of day. I need some caffeine, but hate coffee/tea. So I knock back a few Diet Pepsi’s in the morning before switching to H2O. If I’m really dragging in the afternoon, I might have another DP. While making dinner, it’s definitely a fine glass of Cabernet. Some days it may be a big glass.
2. Any pets?

We adopted a stray kitty 14½ years ago who has brought a smile to my face every day of his life. Griffey, who was named after the baseball player, Ken Griffey, Jr., spends his days napping in the sun, eating, playing/exercising for 1-2 minutes, and using the litter box. Other than the latter, I think his life sounds pretty darn good.

3. Dream vacation?

I’d love to go to the South Pacific. Bora Bora. Tahiti. Which is actually kind of odd because I’m not a swimmer and don’t really enjoy being in the ocean. But the beautiful weather, the incredible color of the water, and those grass hut thingies that go out over the ocean call to me. Go figure. Also, I’d love to take my whole family—husband, son, daughter, son-in-law, and granddaughter. Having us all together in that tropical paradise would be heaven.

4. What are you listening to right now?

In my car, I’m currently listening to The Fray. I’ve got Sirius, so sometimes I tune in to a jazz station while driving, or 70s or 80s music. While I’m writing, it’s either the neighborhood kids screaming and dogs barking, or smooth jazz on Pandora.

5. What's for dinner?

I love to cook and try new recipes (much to the dismay of my husband and son). Tonight, I’m relying on an old family favorite – Cashew Chicken. I love to share my recipes, so stop over to my blog on Fork It Up Fridays and see what yummy recipe I’m sharing that day.
***

Jenna, I’ve recently gotten hooked on Coke Zero, but I like Diet Pepsi a lot too. I’m guessing the level of neighborhood kids screaming affects the size of the wine glass at dinner? Ha! Your kitty sounds so sweet, and hey, 1-2 minutes of exercise is plenty! No fair teasing us with Bora Bora ideas. I’m picturing us in one of those hut thingies with a frozen tropical beverage just lounging and looking out at the ocean. Wow, I’m feeling relaxed! Who else wants in on this?

Your dinner is making my mouth water. I’m coming over. Make your cream pie recipe you shared last Friday too, okay? Not that I’m demanding or anything… Thanks so much for being my guest today, Jenna!
***
Jenna Rutland lives in a small Michigan community with her husband, son, and senior cat. While her days are spent working as a medical transcriptionist, her nights are filled writing contemporary romance—stories of love, laughter and happily ever after. Guess which one is more fun?
She is a member of RWA and her local group, Maumee Valley RWA. After several years on the board, she now chairs the MVRWA annual Brainstorming weekend as well as acts as food coordinator for several other events.

Jenna enjoys spending time with her family and has recently been given the awesome title of grandmother! She also gardens and loves the challenge of a new recipe. To learn more about Jenna, head to her website, be friends with her on Facebook, and follow her on Twitter!

Daylight savings time is this weekend. Do you have to adjust your clocks? We do!

Have a marvelous day!

Monday, March 5, 2012

WSG 4: Fire Your Muse

Writer's Survival Guide 4: Fire Your Muse

Last week, to prepare for major revisions, I began reading through the draft I finished in January. Can I say it stunk? It did. It was like rotten garbage with flies and maggots. Okay, maybe not that bad, but at least moldy oranges bad. By the end of chapter three I wanted to set the project aside indefinitely and move on to my next book.


Instead of shutting my laptop down and wallowing in self-pity for an afternoon, I forged through and continued reading, all the while leaving comment balloons and remarks to myself with track changes. By the end of the first day, I was discouraged, but I wouldn't allow myself to plunge into "I'm the worst writer ever; this book can't be fixed!" mode.

Every time a negative thought entered, I replaced it with a positive one. Not a false positive. I simply assured myself I would find a way to make the book better.

Writers talk about our muse (which I consider the inspiration for a fabulous idea). Usually we're referring to the writing stage. But we can blame our muse for every level of a project.

Revising is hard? We'll put it aside until we "feel" better about it. The new idea we haven't fleshed out? We'll wait until "inspiration" strikes before we pursue it further. The platform we know we need to get started on? We'll wait until it's easier/we're less busy/a publisher offers us a contract.

Guess what? The muse is a myth. It's a convenient scapegoat to avoid whatever we are too afraid to tackle.

So I say fire your muse.

Yeah. Fire it. You don't need it.

Writing doesn't always bring the warm fuzzies. Revising can be incredibly painful. Platform building? Not for the faint of heart.

The real magic happens, not when we wait for inspiration or when we're in the mood for whatever task we're avoiding, but when we sit down and live in the discomfort.

We move beyond fear. That's where strength is built. That's where writers are made.

After that first painful session of my read-through last week, I picked up the blanket I'm crocheting and, as I added several rows, idea after idea came to me on how to fix the opening chapters.

I quickly jotted them all in my "revision notes" section of my book's OneNote folder.

If you decide to fire your muse, you'll need three tools:

1. Belief in yourself as a writer.
2. Willingness to sit in discomfort.
3. A system to capture your ideas and track your progress.

You must believe you are capable of writing a good book. It doesn't have to be great in the first draft stage or even the fifth draft. Just trust in your ability to make it good.

If you aren't willing to sit in discomfort, it will take a long, long time to finish a project--if it ever gets finished. Writing, revising, submitting--each brings joy and challenges, and you're NOT going to be equally excited and upbeat about every book or every stage of writing. It doesn't matter. What matters is that you finish. You do your best.

Finally, without a system to track your ideas and progress, you'll lose steam, or worse, you'll lose those fabulous ideas that assault you at inconvenient times.

The system I use is OneNote for all of my writing projects. I have a virtual folder for each of my projects. In it are a myriad of tabs for different aspects of the manuscript. It does me no good to jot notes on a random piece of paper only to lose it the next week. I must have all of the information for a book in one spot.

So when you're having a fabulous writing day, rejoice! When you're having a rotten writing day, push through. You don't have to feel good to write well. Fire that muse!

A quick thank you to all of the new followers. My Google Friend Connect hasn't allowed me to e-mail contacts in quite some time so I wanted to thank you here. Your support means so much to me. Thank you!

Does fear ever hold you back? How do you man-handle your muse?

Enjoy your Monday!

Friday, March 2, 2012

In the Kitchen with Jill Kemerer: Webisode 1

Ah, vlogging... I resisted for a while because I didn't have the equipment. Then I said no due to my scary see-through skin and not-fabulous hair. Yes, I am vain. But after testing the waters with "The Art of Not Writing," I realize I'm a total attention hog.

This did not shock me. I spent hours of my childhood doing anything to make my family and friends laugh. Maybe not my most enduring quality, but it's a part of me, nonetheless. :)

With that in mind, I've decided to embrace my frightening almost-end-of-winter appearance and my love of the limelight by launching a video series. On the first Friday of every month, you can tune in here or on YouTube for another episode of "... with Jill Kemerer."

As you will quickly see, no learning will be done by watching this series. This is more for those days when you are nurturing a third cup of coffee and don't really feel like writing a report, editing a chapter, correcting papers, vacuuming the house, or whatever it is you shouldn't have to do on a Friday.

It's a distraction. A roughly five minute distraction. :)

Welcome to Webisode 1: In the Kitchen with Jill Kemerer!




What unusual item do you have in your kitchen? Do you love your kitchen? Why or why not?

Have a fantastic weekend!