Making Time to Write

As a full time student who spends every free hour either reading for school, writing for school, thinking about school, writing (and reading) personally becomes more difficult each day. But I still find time to write, outline, work on some manuscript related project. But I found some awesome advice from debut author Amy Tintera when it comes to writing.

I was going to write out a long list about I managed my time, how I prioritized, how I made word count goals. But, honestly, making time to write, for me, all comes down to one thing:

Be honest with yourself.

I sat down and took a hard look at myself. I was in my twenties, childless, in excellent health. I had very few responsibilities outside myself. My time was my own.

 After reading this, suddenly I felt guilty for browsing more author/publishing blogs and putting off my draft.

So I'm off to write.

Just a Direction and Destination

You know what feels just as satisfying as writing? Outlining.

I'm a little proud of myself right now. I spent hours, HOURS, I say, hunched over my notebook with a pen and highlighter outlining character, plot and book arcs (I love highlighting things--you should see how I annotate. It's a problem). For months I've been hesitant about where my novel(s) were heading to. Yes, I had certain aspects laid out (character development/conflict) but other things (plot, cough, cough) were a bit foggy. And to tell you the truth, I hate writing not knowing exactly where I'm going. How nice would it be if people could actually jump in the car and drive without a second thought? Too bad people  don't do that (well, I'm sure some people have done it, then realized that they haven't a clue were they are and what they're doing and how much gas money they've wasted). You have to at least have some idea, direction where you're going. Eventually things become more definite along the drive and eventually, you know exactly where you're going and what you want to see.

Is that real? I hope not. I really hope not.

Now, of course there are those moments when you can't resist that huge "BIGGEST EAR OF CORN IN NORTH AMERICA" billboard and you and your friend share a single look and without a word spoken, you're turning off the next off ramp and on to some dirt road in the middle of nowhere. Now, that hadn't been planned, but there's nothing wrong with a little improving--as long as your destination remains the same. Where's the fun when everything is head forward, shoulders back, spine straight all the time? (That's a rhetorical question)

When I write my outlines--for books, class, chapters, characters, plots, you name it--I try to keep it as simple as possible, but include the importance of said point. If there's going to be an action (road trip!), it has to have a A) motivation (schools out!) and B) result (got in a car accident :[ ). Outlining also helps find flaws. For example: I wrote "Jane follows them down the 'rabbit hole'" for the action. I had the result (ends up on the other side) but the motivation "because she wants to?" is weak. It's true, she does want to--but it's not specific. It holds no power, no force. "Because she had no choice" or "Because her friend was kidnapped" are better choices, but there is still room for improvement.

This is where I acknowledge the flaw. Instead of banging my head against the wall, falling to the floor with frustration, I merely move on. Outlines are subjective. Your draft is subjective. They can change at will, unlike roads. There is always room for improvement, always room for change and best part of all, you decide what needs to change or improve. Outlines are meant to help you, not restrict you.

Now that I have more confidence in my overall arc plot, I want to write and finish my first book now. I'm excited and ready to go.

Let's do this.

Do Your Research; Know Your Stuff

If there is one thing in the entire world that everyone can agree on it is that there's nothing like spending the entire day in your pajamas. Plenty of us almost feel shame for doing it, but then we shove a hand in the popcorn bowl and forget the thought all together (mmm kettle corn).

Today was a rare pajama day. I didn't work out. I didn't go to Barnes and Noble and study with my skinny iced caramel macchiato. I didn't go out and run any errands or meet up with friends (lol what friends?). I spent a majority of the day sitting in front of my laptop. Physically I feel like pudding. Gross pudding. Nasty.

(I really hate feeling lazy I say as I type this while being lazy)

But sometimes, lazy pajama days are needed. Writing is only one half of the book process. The second, you guessed it folks, is publishing. And where can we learn about the mysterious, ominous ways of publishing? Where you get everything else from: the Internet. When I'm not writing (and not going to school, eating, working out, reading for school, reading for pleasure, studying, eating, sleeping, watching my dog do stupid things, eating, messing around with my sister at Target and other department stores -- beware of us -- eating, online window shopping, writing reviews, managing tumblr and blogger) I'm doing my research (and overcoming my fears) on the ways of publishing.

Thankfully, their are plenty of bloggers who willing to share their experiences and advice. For a first time author looking for helpful tid bits, I really appreciate it (so thank you very much). It also puts more perspective of what I'll be getting into when I do get to that stage. And most important of all when I should be at that stage. The one thing editors, publishes and agents alike press is to wait before sending in that query. Be patient. Take you time revising. Don't be eager. Rushing will only hinder you. Of course their are plenty of other advice revolving around writing and what agents look for in a query, the Do's and Don'ts of writing, and other constructive things.

As a first time author, it's important to do your research. If you plan on being published (as I am) then it's best to see what publishes, agents and editors alike are looking for in "upcoming" authors. They don't only want a well written book, they want a well rounded author also. Know your genre. Know what authors you love and why you love them. Book also. Today I spent hours researching YA genre articles. Go ahead, ask me what is going on with the YA genre. I bet I could direct you to some interesting things.

I also spent a hell of a lot of time bouncing around goodreads looking at debut author YA novels for 2013. From there I lurked new author's blogs, checked out what they've been doing, if they have some interesting advice or stories. I want to be these people (don't get the wrong idea, alright?). One day, I will be in their shoes and I want to be ready and prepared. And when I finally enter the publishing process, I want to be fully geared and ready to go.

I know I already posted a huge advisory update, but I found a great bit of knowledge that not only grabbed me but describes my insecurities when writing to a perfect T.

Your best writing will happen in the revision process.

 I kid you not, I struggle and worry and mope and complain about my words so much and I'm only on my first draft. Haven't even finished it. I've been telling myself similar advice -- the second draft is for change, first is for spillage -- but seeing a professional agent bolding and underlining this is very comforting.

I shall keep this in my pocket forever.

Feeling Down? Turn that Frown into Something Useful and Empowering!

Whenever I finish a good book, I look at my own draft and go, "You can do this." Then my fingers wisp across the keyboard, thoughts flowing and going. It's wonderful. Whenever I read a fantastic book that shocked me with how incredible it was, with everything I love and more -- I end up looking at my draft like it's a stinky pile of poo. No one wants to read poo. No matter how well that poo is that constructed. It's still poo. Poo is poo.

Poo.

These are the moments you have to hike up your skirts (because in this metaphor, we're all prissy, mopey ladies of he Victorian era) and find confidence. I know, easier said then done, but I've faced this crippling self depletion so many times now, I've found a few methods to use this emotion to gain the drive to finish my story.

1) Read a crappy book. 

If reading a well written book makes you want to write,while a superb book makes you want to crawl in a hole, then what do you think a "crappy" book does for you? That's right, it makes you feel good about your poo writing. We all have different definitions of crappy books (read my book reviews and you'll see my tastes and distastes alike), so I giving a list of CRAP is pointless. But do yourself a favor, go to the library or a book store. Look through all the shelves and find a book you've been seeing everywhere, yet you refuse to read. Or a book that you know isn't your type of genre or looks bad (in YOUR OPINION). Pick that book up, take it home (make sure you purchase it. I don't want people blaming me for stealing) and read it. If it falls under the CRAP category (hey, it might end up being  awesome) in your book, then by the end you'll be thinking your draft is gold.

But remember, one man's shit is another man's treasure.

2) Lurk author/publishing blogs.

I do this on a daily basis, but even more when I'm flat on the floor in my own puddle of pity. Here's some new interesting information: authors have been through the same experiences of writing a book! Hell, they still face them. They're just like us! Isn't that awesome? One particular author I love to lurk and read about is Veronica Roth. 24 and already a New York Times Best-Selling Author. Only two years older than me. Whenever I read about her success I pout a bit. At 22 her first book Divergent was published -- I have until August do to the same (this is a joke. Mostly). But when I visit her blog, I find that she's suffering in the same ways as I am. And not only does she talk about her struggles, but what she's learned as a writer (a young one, like me). The other day she posted a response to the hundreds of people always asking for advice for young writers. Not only did she give some very humbling steps, but references to help improve and shape writing. This one post easily makes things brighter, and this is one author's blog. There are hundreds, your favorites included with awesome blogs, with awesome, uplifting advice.

Publishing blogs are similar, but not similar. They too shed advice but on what agents, editors and publishers are looking for; currently or in the future. Sometimes I feel good ("Yes, I'm well aware of what editors like." "Yes, I'm doing that correctly") other times I feel like biting every nail off, including my toes ("Oh man, I think mine would fall under that." "Gah, does this mean I should change that?"). I try not let it effect my first draft -- it's only one of many. But I do take this time to research, to sharpen my focus once again.

3) Talk to someone about it

When you're feeling down about anything, the best solution is talking to someone about it. Feeling down about your writing, story telling skills is no different. If you have no friends that "understand" or are willing to "listen" to your writing woes, well there are other ways. The Internet I hear nowadays is big. You're not the only one who wants someone to talk to, looking for some comfort.

4) Write about it

The very reason I begun this blog was to keep my writing spirits up. I knew tough times were a comin' so I decided to do something about it. If you're wanting something to bounce your thoughts off of, start a blog, write a short poem or story (about a writer who can't find the motivation to keep writing). Write a detailed e-mail or letter to a family friend. Write! Writing is a form of expression, happy, sad, mad, down--express yourself. Let it all out. I guarantee you'll find something uplifting in your own writing. Maybe you'll start another book along the way...