Not enough hours for writing this blog.

Prioritising writing is a large part of a successful writers career.

I am going to be writing every day, but not on this blog for a while.

The blog is useful, but 

I want to finish my rewrite before November.
November is Nanowrimo and I have a sci-fi story to begin
On the 11th October the IOWA writing course begins.

Last year I managed to do the course and complete Nano, I hope to achieve this again, so blogging will have to wait until December.

Nanowrimo
This is a wonderful motivational tool, which encourages you to write without editing and develop the habit of writing every day.
You can become involved in the chat rooms, or just follow your charted progress.

https://nanowrimo.org

How Writers Write Fiction 2016: Storied Women!
I recommend this to anyone who is writing, they cater for beginners and more experienced writers. The videos are useful, the exercises great and the feedback system works very well.
Last year it was a general course, this year it focuses on the female character.

https://novoed.com/how-writers-write-fiction-2016

They are both a time commitment, but worth every gleaned minute.
Enjoy.

Imagine Sci-fi

I visualise my characters, setting and stories as if I am watching them happen in front of my eyes. 
Often I peruse Pinterest and an image will talk to me and the story unfolds. 

Here are a few images from Pinterest to kick start sci-fi writing - with no cliche's of course!

Everyone will have a different reaction, emotion and idea from these images. 
That is why writers are awesome.

Researching sci-fi cliches is like a black hole

Oops sorry, I have not posted for a few days- have been making the most of the Autumn sunshine.

Some people pointed out that some of the sci-fi cliches in the last post were tropes.

So I decided to narrow the field to Space opera plot cliches.
There were too many and I am getting sucked in to a black hole of despair rather than learning anything new.

So I narrowed down to space adventure as this is what I am planning to write, or is it a mystery?
There are still too many cliches or tropes to avoid my head is spinning and I am not able to list them here.

I have decided this is not helpful research as I am never going to avoid them all in my writing.

I tried a new tack - what is great space adventure writing?
There is not a huge amount of advice but it needs 
Big emotions
Personal stakes
Great characters
Fantasy/ sci-fi crossover
A reason it cannot be an adventure on earth.

I also found an interesting blog by Charlie Jane Anders where she mentions not using the term 'spaceship', not using warp speed and finding other ways apart from cryo-technology to expand lifespans. 

The more I read the more I think my story is a mystery adventure set in the vastness of space rather than sci-fi and that I should just get on and write it. It is definitely a fantasy / sci-fi cross over. :)
I can worry about cliches when I edit.

Sci -fi wriitng cliches

Started to do my research and found hundreds of cliches related to sci-fi.
I wonder why there are so many. Is sci-fi becoming boring?

Here are a few - and my comments related to the story I wish to write

Empire / Rebel Army tries to overthrow Evil Empire - Nope
Good guys travel through time to stop bad guys -Nope
Human brains connected to computers Nope
Aliens want the resources of earth Nope
Romance between human and robot / alien Nope
Android develops human emotions Nope
Worlds ruled by huge corporations Nope
Navy terminology in space - will look up and avoid.
Cops from the future Nope
Every alien race speaks English - Can you read alien? Ah need to think of a way around this problem.
Aliens use organic technology - and its sticky and smelly Nope
Aliens are bigger and stronger than humans Nope
Warp / Hyperdrives and every race uses the same type of technology - Oh no I wanted one of these!
Pulse weapons - not possible therefore should be fantasy - Could be a fantasy sci-fi crossover?
Ships that are not streamlined - I'm ok here I think.

......the list is endless, but so far my planned story is doing ok.
I may have to refine my search to specifics 

I'll look at cliche plot lines tomorrow.

Sci-fi writing predicts the future

Yesterday I read about Chinese and Canadian scientists teleporting photons successfully, so yes sci- fi can predict the science of the future.
We still have a way to go before 'Beam me up Scotty' is for real , but it is possible.

Why do we want to write or read sci-fi?

The wonders of science.
Cautionary tales of science going horribly wrong
The challenge - a willingness to suspend belief.
Often they are stories about change, something we are scared of but desire.
The 'what if' factor
It is a reflective genre showing something about our society in a way we can't do it.
Exploration and adventure - yep that's what I want to write about.

What do we need to know to write sci-fi?

Understand current science, make sure you know what has been discovered.
Know what has been written, be original. 
Know the cliches so you do not use any -Exploration and discovery, everything is new.
YA readership is not huge - this one surprised me. - but it's growing.

Fingers crossed, I will be ready to start on my Sci- fi adventure in November.

Reading like a writer - The Black Prism

The Black Prism - Brent Weeks

Not a review but what I learnt while reading the story-

This is a wonderful example of world building, great detail and descriptions.

Sometimes I am in awe at other writer's imaginations.

It is possible to like the bad guy, who may be the good guy!

Really subtle clues to plot twist work well, keeping the reader wondering and then satisfied

It is possible to write the first book in a series as a complete book in itself

I speed read or skip long descriptive passages- will go back and read all to see how necessary these missed bits are.

It took me a while to get into the rhythm of the story, (maybe because I skipped some?) but once there I enjoyed it immensely.

I love this type of fantasy.

Writing habits

One of the reasons I started this blog was to get into the habit of writing every day. 
It has worked.
I miss it if I am unable to do so, due to work and family, so I try to find some time even if it is just 15 minutes.

Other good writing habits are -


Find the best time for writing for you. Many people like to write in the early morning or ate at night when distractions are at a minimum. I like to write in the afternoon or evening. 

Aim to write every day - either find a set time or fir it around your life.If you do not have time to physically write, use any moment to think about your writing, where it may go next, what the character may say etc. But if you do not physically write for three days in a row the habit fades.

Set yourself deadlines- its good practise for a publishing deal in the future. I want to write the first draft of a sci- fi in November, but I am rewriting a YA. I have decided I have to finish the rewrite before November. Could be hard, but I'll do my best.

Do not expect your work to be perfect. It is important to write even when it feels wrong and boring- you can edit later.

Read. Do not feel guilty when you find time to read- reading is vital for writers.

Understand that time for writing is your reward for dealing with everything else in your life more efficiently. 

After an hour of writing take a short break to do something physical.


Enjoy your writing, and soon you will miss it so much you will find the time.

Writing a worthy Villain

I have not created any real villains in my stories. 
Yes there is conflict and problems and mini antagonists but not a proper villainous character. 
I need to create one for my sci-fi story I wish to first draft in November so I did some research. 

A villain or antagonist -

Is not a device but has his/her own story and character arc.

Has flaws which stop him/her from being totally evil

Believes he/she is the hero

Can be likeable

May be a best friend or even a lover.

Is understandable, there are reasons for his/her evil ways.

Needs to be smart, strong and capable. A worthy adversary. 

Can be in the background, with minions to carry out the evil plan

Needs to be some of these - jealous, vengeful, angry, deceitful, persuasive, merciless, occasionally kind.

Now I have lots to think about.

Reading like a Writer - A Very Accidental Love Story

I picked this book up at a french car boot for 1 euro.

This is not a review, but what I learnt from the story.

Stories can be predictable and enjoyable.

The title does not have to be totally accurate.

Characters can be stereotyped and likeable.

Stories do not always have to be deep and meaningful

Easy reading is relaxing.

Romance stories can be fun to read.

Happy endings leave you with a smile.

Having read this I looked at my semi-romance first draft story and I can see some similarities :)

Ingredients for a character on the side

Your main character needs people to interact with.
Some are minor, but others are more important

Ingredients for a side character

The reader does not get to see their viewpoint
Introduce them twice - the first time in passing and the second time more clearly so the reader thinks - oh yes I've heard his name before.
The side character doesn't know they are a side character, they are the hero of their own story and they need an arc through the story.
They are important to the story.
Never in a scene alone.
Around enough times to be more than a minor character.
They have their own voice.
They have flaws.
Generally have one clear trait- an allergy, fashion accessory etc
They may be linked to a particular place.
They add more conflict to the story by annoying the main character, pushing their emotional buttons.
They can be someone for the main character to chat to.
They are a support, sidekick etc.
Not too memorable.
They can be killed.
They can become a main character in a sequel.

Enjoy and have fun creating.

Stop tweaking your writing

You know that feeling of going round and round and getting nowhere?

I am rewriting a story and post each chapter as I finish the rewrite. I read comments and read the chapter again and tweak.  
Recently I tweaked a chapter three or four times and one of my readers said- 

"Stop tweaking and move on or you will lose the flow of the story, and your momentum."

She is right.
I was worrying about leaving something in or not and then realised -If you are going to submit to an agent then they will tell you if something needs removing.
If you are going down the self publishing route its good to have other people read your manuscript to pick up plot problems etc as well as using a professional editor.


So how do you know when to stop?

When you put a word in, then change it, take it out and return to the first word
You are adding scenes or even chapters rather than reducing the word count.
You are nit-picking.
You edit but the story does not improve.
You have edited for everything you can think of but need just one more...
You have been editing for years!
Your unique writing voice dissolves under the onslaught.

It will never be perfect, but it must be finished to send out into the world.

Reading like a Writer - The Girl on The Train

Hi, sorry I have been away and entertaining family.

But I did manage to finish 'The Girl on The Train by Paula Hawkins

I am not reviewing it here, but thinking about what I learnt from this book.

Some stories are depressing - a book can be written in the rhythm of the characters life.

Difficult subjects can be portrayed well - but you need to remember a reader does not wish to be depressed by the story.

I had to be in the right frame of mind to read this- not everyone will enjoy the stories I write

A main character does not have to be likeable - you can feel sorry for them and read on hoping their questions will be answered.

I understand what an unreliable narrator is - very clear and cleverly used in this story.

Plot twists are good when they have solid grounding and clues. I understand better how this is done.

First impressions are important - the first book a reader reads will determine whether they wish to buy any later books you write - regardless of best seller listings.

That's it.

Writing with concrete boots!

Yep, that's how it feels sometimes.
It's not always a bad thing, and it can be pretty!

I am rewriting a book and the last chapter has taken me forever to re-write. It's not a block, just lots of backtracking.
Walking my dog in the rain this morning I pondered on this problem.

Reasons for concrete boots-

Real life distractions - turn off the phone and shut the door to your writing space. If needed put a sign on it saying disturb only in an emergency. When family visits decide to honour your writing or put it aside until they have gone. No half measures. Turn off the guilt in your head, and make a decision.

Another part of the story is interfering with your thought process - write this first - maybe in note form so you do not forget the idea, and then return to what you were working on  

Another story is interfering - write a few ideas down and file it. Be firm with yourself, finish the edit or rewrite you are working on first, you can start another story while you put this one aside.

There is a problem with the plot - re look at the plot as a whole, maybe you have made a twist too soon, or not soon enough.

There is a problem with the character - check the character is reacting in the way their personality dictates.

There is a problem with the scene- maybe it is not needed at all. Check it is necessary for the story to progress. What does it add? Don't delete just put it somewhere or leave it and ask Beta readers their opinion.

It is backstory - if it is not exciting when you write it, it may not be exciting to read, is it needed at this point or in this detail?

I am sure that my problem is that the scene is not necessary, I may send it to my Beta Readers and see what they say or I may have the courage to cut it out and save it as a reject!

Finding time to write

There are not enough hours in the day ! A common complaint of writers who also have to work.

What can you do? How can you squeeze another hour into your day?

Keep a diary of how you spend every hour for a couple of weeks- this will show you gaps.

Do not turn on the TV

No social network sites until you have written

Buy good quality headphones

Tell the dust it can stay

Learn to say 'No thanks' to social requests.

See writing as your daily wind down 

Keep your writing flowing through your mind when walking, driving, eating etc

Make realistic goals for each week

Ensure your family or people around you  leave you alone when you write (unless there is a life 
threatening emergency) Tell them you do not need a cup of tea, thanks.

Turn off your phone

Do not put writing your blog as a priority over writing your story

Any other ideas will be gratefully received.

Your characters change the plot

If you are anything like me, it doesn't matter how planned your plot is your characters have their own views on where the story is going.

Do you stick rigidly to your plans or go with the flow?

Most advice seems to be -

Go with the flow on a first draft, and then look at what has happened and make decisions on re-write 

-Backtrack to the plot but save this new idea to use somewhere else.

-Change the plot line to include this new idea, create reasons and credibility.

-If you are surprised at the twist, your readers will be too.

-You may write the same chapter in two or three ways to find which feels right, just don't press delete during this process.

-Maybe the character has progressed and your original plot line is not longer appropriate.

-Often your characters are stronger for the changes they demand, and the story is more interesting.

Be reassured it is not really imaginary fiends taking to you, and you are not crazy. I believe it is your subconscious understanding of personalities and your imaginative 'what if?' coming together to create an awesome story.

What does a great story need?

Answer - a great writer!

No seriously, I watched part of a conference - 
I think it was on TED, and Andrew Stanton had this to say about what a great story is. 

The core of the story needs to be emotional, intellectual and concrete.

Every scene promises the story will lead the reader somewhere.

Gives the reader 2 +2 not 4 - allow them to do the maths. Readers like to work out what is happening, but not consciously.

Reason which drive the characters forward are realistic and understandable.

Life is never static for the characters. 

'Drama is anticipation mingled with uncertainty.' William Archer.

There is a strong theme, the characters have a place in the world.

Wonder is invoked- awesomeness abounds.

Great story writers know the rules, but know rules can be broken.

The author writes about the values at their core.


Writing this blog is great because I am looking back over all my notes and finding interesting and useful information I have forgotten. 

My thought on the above  -We all have to remember what is a great story for one reader may not be for another- it is a subjective world - the world of storytelling.

You are a writer if...

You know you are a writer if -

Writing fills a hole in your soul
You write every day
You talk to invisible characters
You argue with people who do not exist
You read - lots
You have stories waiting to be written, stacking up in the corners of your brain.
You daydream
Your story has been criticised, but you know in its heart it is a good story, so you rewrite
You have doubt about your ability to write, but you still write.
You like being alone in your other worlds
You talk about your characters as if they are real
When you cannot find the time to write it feels like something is missing from your life
You have a burning desire to share you thoughts, views and opinions about the world, but speaking is not for you.
You lose time when writing
You love writing
Characters demand you write their story


Sometimes I need to reaffirm what I know is true- I am a writer. 

Sci -Fi Genres explained

Continuing from yesterday
Some from Brandon and some gathered elsewhere.

Sci-Fi Genres - as a general rule, not set in stone!

Military
Space marine
Realistic Battles
Death
Tension
Guns and weaponry
Description of military lifestyle - and the readers of this genre know when you get it wrong.
Tactics - need to be feasible
Characters unwilling or unable to resolve issues peacefully
Mix of planet and space ship 

Space Opera
Adventure
Travel
Centres on character development
Often contains romance
Generally optimistic view on the future
Mainly in outer space
Aliens
Can contain special powers - eg the force 
Vast galactic empires
Often a series

Hard 
Science is paramount, it has to be accurate, detailed and plausible.
Complex charcters grappling with a variety of personal, technological and/ or scientific problems
Most writers of this genre are scientists
Awesome endings

Cyberpunk
Modified humans, often mix of human and machine
Governments tend to be commercial not political and corrupt
Often dystopian
High technology but Low quality of life
Reluctant, bitter heroes
Cyberspace 
Often a detective story

Whatever you chose, enjoy.
I have a space opera waiting for November!

Adult Fantasy Genres Explained

I love his writing, sense of humour,  his courses and his podcast. 
I guess that makes me a fan of Brandon Sanderson.

There are videos of Brandon Sanderson's writing course online. I have watched most of them.

This is how he explained the typical adult fantasy genres a few years ago.

Epic 
120k-150k words
A large cast
World building focus
The future of the world is at stake
Stand alone with sequel potential (first)

Heroic
80k - 100k words
Dudes or dudesses with swords!
Small cast
Gritty
Violent
Action

Urban
Around 70k words
Chicks in leather ( or dudes)
Our world setting often with a dark underworld
Paranormal
Mystery
Fast Paced

Dystopian
70k - 80k words
Small cast
Bad future
Power corrupts
Violence and death
Teenagers

and then there is Sci- fi - but that can wait for another day.

He said to write the book you want, but bear in mind the genres. You do not have to stick to the norm in the genre your story best fits.

Twist it if you wish..

Don't just write

Pursue other creative hobbies and enhance your writing.

I have noticed many blogs, books and course mention taking  a break from writing, especially if your are stumbling, or a character or scene needs fixing but you cannot see how.
Many people advocate another creative hobby.
Writing threads on social media and online writing groups are interspersed with 'what are your hobbies? What else do you do? etc. The answers are inevitably creative pastimes.

Why?

Painting / Drawing / Sculpture / Photography = observation. It helps you observe the world in more detail. Detail that could change your good story into a great one. 
Cooking is about putting the correct flavours, scents and textures together. Writing about smells and tastes pulls your reader deeper into the story. If you can make their mouth water or crave a certain food you have them hooked. 
Gardening is about colour, texture, scents, good and bad. Describe stagnate water through a physical reaction and your reader will crinkle their nose, living the moment of disgust with the character. You will also be int he fresh air surrounded by nature, this opens your mind to more ideas and thoughts.
Listening to music. Music is  a powerful emotive media. It is a creator of mood , inspiration, white noise, focus, and memories. Often a piece of music will take you back in time. This can happen to your characters too. 
Making music / singing is about rhythm,  tone, vibration, and pitch. You are more aware of sounds, harmonic and discordant in the world. There is a rhythm to writing, it is part of your writer's voice. Music and songs tell a whole story in a short amount of time, it helps you to choose your words carefully.
Dancing / Walking /Cycling - all have a rhythm and a freeing of the subconscious. If you do these you are more likely to see the way people move, it enhances your characters body language.
Knitting, quilting, crocheting  sewing all have a rhythm to them, once mastered it is almost meditative, fingers moving while the brain is free to wander. Perfect for a first draft, no inner editor. They rely on pattern, colours, sequence of events. So do stories. 

Allow your creative hobbies to merge.

What do you do when you need a break from writing? 
What are your hobbies when writing becomes a job?

Writing Time Lord

When we write we control time.

No, this post it is not about Dr Who and his wonderful Tardis, but Pacing.

Pacing controls the speed in which the reader turns the pages. It varies depending on the type of story and the place in the story.


What does my story need to keep the reader turning the pages?

Conflict- this moves the story along at a cracking pace. many conflicts in quick succession can zip the reader along.
Moments of calm - for the reader to catch their breath and absorb what has been happening- maybe shift focus to a secondary character, or focus on the detail of something.
Scenes written in the moment - maybe a short moment but takes lots of words.
Flashbacks - generally a slower pace as they are showing not telling, use only when needed to give more background on the character or events.
Tension  - cliff hangers at end of chapter, but not always.
Time bomb- date /time something has to be done by or...
Sentence length - make it long for description. Short for action.
Chapter length - shorter chapters can speed the story along.
Dialogue- rapid fire means the reader reads faster.
Suspense - by prolonging the solution or outcome of an event, using longer sentences and chapters.
Choose words carefully - short active verbs, words which convey senses and action together speed up the action. Long, descriptive words and  passages slow the pace.
Emotional investment - the reader needs to care and experience the story. Extend and prolong important scenes even if in reality they take only minutes. Think about when  time slows for you. Use this to pull the reader in deep. 

Learn the rhythm of the story and be true to it.

Easier said then done. I still have so much to learn.

Writing - Dream Job

Many people say they would like to be a professional author.

Including me.
Is it possible?
Of course, depending on ...

Your Personality
Writing requires hours of working alone, being disciplined enough to set your own work schedule or timetable and stick to it.
Your social skills need to be good enough to enable book signings, interviews and talks. Selling your product is vital at many stages.
You need to be strong when family and friends wish for your attention if you are working from a room at home. 
You need to be able to say 'No', When you are successful people will be asking for your help with their manuscripts.
You need a positive attitude.  Does failure and criticism send you spiralling into depression or make you determined to do better? 
Many decisions are made for you, especially if traditionally published - if you like to be in control this may be a problem.
Do you like deadlines?
You need patience. 
You need belief in yourself.
I hope you enjoy research, for your stories and for the profession.

Financial Aspects
What do you need to earn?
You need to manage your tax, carefully.
No regular wage.
Only a few authors have best seller success.
You will be self-employed and as such, unless you pay for insurance, no sick pay is available.
You will need money for conferences, courses books and, perhaps, travel.

Business of writing
You need to understand how the world of books works. Publishers, editors, agents, retailers.
What does marketing entail? What will you need to do? Only the best selling books get money thrown at them by publishing companies.
Daily news via online or monthly publications such as The Bookseller.
Are you making links with this world via social media?

Other Considerations
Are you happy with your hobby turning into your job?
How long are you willing to try and make it work? What is your back up plan if it does not turn out to be your dream job.
Are you prepared for networking on the internet?
Are you prepared to diversify? Factual writing as well as fiction, try a different genre. write short stories for magazines, read stories for audiobooks.


Chase your passion, enjoy your writing and if you can cope with all of the above your hobby can metamorphose into your dream job. 

Could I do it? 
I would need help with tax but otherwise I am sure it's possible. Working towards.

Can't write - go Dance.

Writer's block - an author's virus.

I have read many articles, blogs and listened to podcasts on this subject just in case I get it one day. 
I may have had it in small doses, but continued to write anyway. 

Symptoms 
Brain freezes in the middle of a sentence
No ideas
Elusive words 
Sit staring at a blank page or screen
Write, erase, write, erase, write, erase.....
Prefer housework to writing
My whole story is crap
Why am I wasting so much time?


Cause
Fear - failure, getting it wrong, going the wrong way.
Doubt
Attitude- thinking writing a publishable book is easy
Bad mood - emotions getting in the way
Internet beckons
Interruptions 
Inner Editor
Your story has slowed - not enough action
Your characters are boring
Perfectionism 
Don't feel like writing today

Cure
Write something else 
Do some research
Set realistic goals
Write a scene you can see that occurs later in the story
Turn off that pesky inner editor, ignore spelling and grammar mistakes.
Do something else creative - paint, draw
Find some nature to breath in
Do some exercise - walk, cycle, swim, dance.
Write for yourself- because you love writing and it makes you feel wonderful
Write rubbish, it can only be polished it it exists 
Don't stress about it - it is not permanent 

Brandon Sanderson says 'BicHok' - Butt in chair Hands on keyboard and write.

Neil Gaiman says when it happens 3/4 of the way into a story. Don't give up. Analyse what is wrong and correct it.

Terry Pratchett says 'There's no such thing as writer's block. That was invented by people in California who couldn't write' - Yep very useful Terry, thanks. 

Characters who stick

Iowa course

No not stick people!
Although these are showing action and emotion.

Question -What makes a Character stick in the reader's mind?

Answer - They need to be Realistic
to-

Live
Love
Grow
Change - this can be slow
Make progress
Make mistakes - many times until learn
React emotionally
Have flaws
Have fears
Appeal or Repulse the reader
Want or need something
Be competent, but this is not enough to survive the story
Have friends
Have enemies- this may be themselves.
Be active 
Be empowering - changing the world around them in some way.

Oh that's easy then!
Have fun with your characters.

Intuitive writing

Iowa course

Steven Lumley talked about writing the first draft intuitively.

'Don't panic and make plans' but let your mind create the story as you go. This will give you choices when you edit.

Trust the writing will tell you the story. This allows for more powerful thinking, allowing your intuition to guide you.

Characters will develop and animate. You will  learn more about the characters, and the plot will thicken.

The plot is a collaboration between you, the characters and your voice.

If the plot is too planned the story becomes stiff.
Have a direction in mind, but be prepared to be diverted.
Revisions and re-drafting is when you can tighten the plot, ensure the beginning supports the end, and build in tension and conflict.

My thoughts-
I think you need to understand your main character before writing so that you can write their reactions and emotions in a natural way.
The imaginative juices do flow better when you turn off your inner editor.
Learning to ignore spelling and grammar mistakes while writing a first draft is vital.
It is easy to write out of sequence, so there is no writers block to contend with- just write a scene you can see clearly.
I do not write in chapters on a first draft. It is one continuous story, this allows me to see the conflicts and hooks , and ensures my chapters are different lengths.

NaNoWriMo in November is a good exercise in this form of writing. 

Do you have anything to add?

To boldly go ...where no writer has been before

Is it possible to write an original story? 

Yes.
There are many story patterns and similar themes - murder mystery, romance, fighting aliens, fulfilling a prophecy, saving the world ... and they can be told in a multitude of different ways.
Every cliche can be twisted.
Every scene can have an unexpected turn, maybe the opposite to what you were going to write - but the opposite works and is an original choice.
Original use of a tool or animal, NB: If you have giant wolves rather than horses, but they fulfil a horses role why have wolves? What do they do to push the plot forward that a horse couldn't.

But
Originality is not necessarily your characters, plot, or genre. 
It is you. Understand where your ideas and writing passion is coming from.
Write with passion and experience the freshness of your story and the reader will too.
The reader is experiencing the world through your eyes, experience, thoughts, emotions and imagination. That is what makes a story unique.

Be brave.
Do not be a safe writer, following guidelines or trends.
Boldly go where only you have travelled.
Write freely for the first draft, let anything happen, go with your imaginative flow, write the same scene twice in different ways, experiment,, write out of sequence.

Be specific.
You want the reader to see your character and world the way you do? Describe them carefully, pick the perfect words. Not on the first draft, but when you are editing. 


Set your Phasers and stun your readers!

Paint with words

Last year I participated in the free online Iowa University course 'How Writers Write Fiction'

This is what I gleaned form Paul Harding's video on Immersion in settings.

If your story needs deep description -

Landscapes / City / Sea / Space
Sight - 'Think about how a painter may recreate a landscape and describe it as though you were the painter'. Pay attention to shading, variety and depth of colour, and contrast.
Sound - 'How would a musician create the landscape?' - Pay attention to the nuances of sound, how the weather effects the quality and the distance sound travels. Loud obvious sounds and those small delicate noises we often miss.
Detail - Focus on small detail as well as the wider view.
Character - how is the character's emotion effecting how they perceive the landscape? How does the landscape effect the character's mood?

Observation -
Step back and pay attention to the landscapes around you.
Forget what you know about a familiar landscape. Look at it with innocent eyes.
Imagine - what if there was a storm brewing - how would the landscape change?
Revisit - you can see the same landscape ten times and notice something different each time.

Precise writing
Why do you need to describe in this detail? Be clear on the importance for the story.
Choose words carefully. Each one needs to add to the story.
Not a catalogue of details or a list.
Point Of View - will change the perception. Try placing each of your characters in the same street - they will all observe differently.

The assignment -
Spend 30 mins somewhere and observe everything.
Take  a small piece of a previous assignment and create a new scene with a rich description. Think about precision and detail.

This was my attempt - I have resisted the temptation to edit!

Snow Glitter

The dark-wood chalet contrasted against the pristine snow and tall, frosted, pine trees. It looked like an elf’s house topped with a thick, undulating, white blanket bulging over the edge, defying gravity.

She laughed like a child, and the magic of Christmas had sunk into her heart, when a whisper of wind brushed the roof, and the air filled with sparkling glitter.

He leant close, loosened the warm blue scarf from her neck and whispered, ‘This way.’ His lips left a warm kiss that the air turned to ice. She smiled and tugged the scarf back up to cover her ears and nose.

He took her hand and led her past the haven of cosy warmth and into the silent, dry cold of the forest. Next to a log pile, so neatly stacked with the sawn circular ends facing the pathway that it looked like modern art, were two pairs of snow shoes and a backpack, their bright blue and red colours shouting their presence. The sharp, fresh scent of pine resin permeated her scarf as they sat on a cleared log and he helped her tighten the straps of the cumbersome footwear. The ratchet clicking its man-made sound into the trees, disturbing two small birds who squawked their displeasure before returning to their search for small insects huddling beneath the rough, scaled bark.

Their first steps were clumsy and their laughter bounced off the snow-laden branches causing silver cascades to lightly dust their hats.

‘Come on,’ he said and led the way along a pathway that was not visible to her eyes. Branches created archways that they ducked beneath, but these were spring loaded and a breath of a touch released the tension, the branch returning to its natural position and flinging snow crystals high in the air. Her eyes followed the sparkling powder upward and she almost overbalanced, she had never seen trees that pierced the sky before.

She could hear flurries of snow fall through the forest, the occasional call of a bird in the distance, the crunch of their shoes breaking through the thin icy crust and sinking into the softer snow below. The loudest sound was her heart and the huff of their breath.

‘Through here,’ he gestured for her to walk in front as he held back a doorway of branches. She touched his red cheek with her gloved hand and smiled. He saw the smile in her eyes and mirrored it in anticipation.

She stood motionless, withholding the breadth that would cloud her vision, and unwilling to move in fear of breaking even one of the diamond shaped crystals that had formed in the small valley. Contrasting black bulrush heads outlined a frozen lake which reflected the delicate colours of the evening sky. She had never seen beauty on this scale before, tears froze on her eyelashes.

He wrapped his arms around her, sharing his body heat. They absorbed the solitude, a welcome contrast to their frenetic city life. 

This is one of the three peer reviews which are guided by questions. Very useful.

Reviewer 1

I was struck by the spring-loaded branches bouncing back and scattering snow, the trees piercing the sky, the dark wooden chalet against the snow-laden trees. The entire fantasy element and thick, deep woods crowded with vegetation leave an image of an encompassing environment. The thick undulating blanket which bulged over the edge is very vivid as are the archways of branches and the loudest sound was her hurt. That last one is very powerful because it brings the experience so close to her centre, both emotions and body.

The feeling is of joy and wonder, and it is very strong. It feels like a calm yet sparkling place, beautiful in a fantasy-like way and peaceful. I expect that they are going to have a night that is in tune with the setting -- peacefully joyful.

I feel that I'm seeing a complete environment for these two people at this moment. They couldn't take in any more. I know there could be animals, more specific vegetation, perhaps a stream running by, but I feel this is enough. For my own personal tastes, maybe a little too much.

You also get casual comments from other participants, such as -

This moment is absolutely beautiful! It almost seems like it belongs in a snow globe, and makes me want winter.

I recommend the course. It clashes with NaNoWriMo so you need to find enough hours to do both.

MG Writing 8-12 year olds

I had an MG.
It was British Racing Green and not in the best of condition. 
Someone crashed into it a few weeks after I bought it. 
Ho hum. 
No more MG.

But I digress, don't worry, this is a writing post.
MG  = Middle Grade or 8-12 yr old readers.

My first book- self published was for this age group. Should have researched first, but putting it out in the world has helped me to move along the writing pathway.

My research says-
30-50,000 words max
Child characters 
One major plot arc in a 3 act structure
Modern language- not patronising, not too complicated
Humour
Action
Short chapters with hooks
Fast plot
Little introspection 
Mystery and Possibilities
Hints and clues
Series
No preaching, profanity, graphic violence or sex

Plus, of course, all the usual good writing techniques - dialogue to fit character, grammar, tight writing, active and powerful verbs, show not tell etc...

Pretzel your plot.

I have too much plot, but  not  enough twist.

How to plot twist effectively

Foreshadowed - the reader thinks one thing is going to happen, but something changes. Or it is surprising but inevitable.
Character Driven - Know your characters and build in reasons for the twist through character traits, likes, reactions, habits etc.
Character Struggles - allow them to almost succeed then change something. Make it more difficult for the character,  Maybe the twist changes their view if the world.
Defy your reader- what is your reader expecting? Don't give them that. Bury clues in action scenes.
No Tricks - you do not want your reader to feel cheated, the twist needs to feel possible when it happens. No dreams.
Untrustworthy Narrator - especially if in deep point of view or first person - your character misunderstands what is happening or being said to them.
Reversal of role - give your character a personality flaw that allows them to turn from hero to villain or vice -versa.
Start in the middle. - start your story in the middle of the action. No backstory for the reader means the story is open ended and the unexpected is expected!
Kill a Character - a main character dying throws the plot in a new direction. make sure the reader cares and doesn't think you will let the character die.
Delight - the reader needs to be pleased with the twist and following outcome, they may hate you for killing a character but then understand why as the story progresses.
Reason - the plot twist needs to advance the story.

Enjoy plot twisting and eating pretzels.