For the Criminally Inane

I subscribe to Nelson Literary Agency's newsletter and found out that one of their agents was going to do a Webinar about the first three pages and do a critique. Wow! I mean, the opportunity to get my pages under the eyes of one of my top-tier picks, where can I sign up? So I did. The webinar was fun and informative. I got my critique back last night and she didn't lambaste it too much. Still needs some work before I send it out.

November is National Novel Writing Month. I didn't participate this year. Next year though. One of my writers friends finished his first novel. He can now call himself a novelist :) In my opinion, novels are like running a marathon in stilettos. Writing a good novel is like running in stilettos, wearing an evening gown, and juggling. Great writers make it look so easy. Good novels make me laugh cry and entertain, all while going to the distance! My favorite novels: Gone with the Wind Princess Bride What are your favorites and why?

I think that writing emotionally comes from writing honestly, but I think that to do that, you need to paint the picture of emotions not just scenery. Everyone has in their own head, an idea of what the main character looks like, but you need as a writer, to convey her emotions. I think my new mantra in writing is feel what I feel not see what I see.

-Anybody who knows a lot about something. -Anybody who knows a little about a lot of things. -Anybody who has something to say. -Anybody who has a story to tell. -Anybody who has a dream to share. -Anybody who has an agenda. -Anybody who has a passion. First, anyone who knows a lot about something. Yes, these are our experts. I read a book about how to do real estate. I thought maybe the guy had learned from his own experience. Nope. Turns out, he got his information from another guy and the author made money selling a book of another guy's secrets. I felt a little ripped off. But here you are. If you know something, you don't even have to have experience, write a book and make your fortune. Second, anyone who knows a little about a lot of things. These are your jack-of-all-trades guys. You know the ones, the know-it-alls. I fall into this category. I know enough about stuff just to get me into trouble, but not enough to make a living at it. I'm the resident kn...

I think that the best stories told out there are the ones written honestly. I"m not saying that everything in the story has to be true, because of course, that's what makes fiction, it's fake. When I talk about honesty, I mean that the real feeling comes out. I think this is why books like the Twilight series are a big hit. Stephanie Meyer wrote them with honest emotion. Too many writers think they have to have big and new and interesting words, clever plotting, and sizzling dialogue. Yes, you need all those things, but don't forget to open your heart a little and pour out yourself on the page. Ms. Meyer did that and she succeeded. Now, it takes some courage to write your deepest fears, your sexiest dreams, your worst part of yourself. But it's when we let ourselves go, that we find ourselves and find ourselves connecting with others. On a different note...don't you hate it when you get a good idea but you are not a good enough writer to pull off your ...

Went to a new doctor yesterday. Every time I go, I have to fill out one of those healthy surveys with questions like: Do you have, ever have, intend to have any of the following . . . and then they list horrible things. Thankfully, I can strike through the column of illnesses. It makes me grateful that I have never smoked, never drank and never took drugs. Makes me thankful that I have been blessed with a healthy body. I think of my predecessors who passed on some healthy genes and rejoice in my good fortune. I like having a dose of perspective every once in a while.

I just finished book four of Fablehaven by Brandon Mull. I'll have to say, the first one started a little slow. My hubby read most of it out loud to my six and three year old. I admit, I got a little bored. Toward the end, it started getting my attention. We checked out the second book from the library and I was hooked. Well written, but also imaginative. It's like there's a fourth grade boy stuck inside the adult body of Brandon Mull. I liked being surprised, amused, amazed and transported to a whole other world. So far the third book is my favorite, the working against the clock makes a great page-turner. Finished the fourth book last night, as I said. My hubby did too, then today he ran out and bought the fifth one and is reading it right now. Who says independent reader books are just for kids? As a writer what did I learn from Brandon Mull. Well, I learned that I need to be more creative with my plots and characters. At each page turn, I was amazed at t...