NaNoWriMo 16 Days and Counting!

NANOWRIMO IS 16 DAYS AND COUNTING!

It’s that time of year again, my friends – National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) and I did it again. I signed up for the wicked craziness of trying to write 50,000 words in 30 days during November. I’ve mentioned before on this blog that I have insanity issues.

I didn’t quite make it last year, so this is my moon landing declaration for this year.

I’m an ‘official participant’ and on or before December 1st, I plan on being an ‘official winner.’

Take that, NaNoWriMo! While I didn’t succeed at the 50,000 words last year, it did give me the start to my mystery/crime thriller, Baby Brokers. I intend to use this year to keep going on the novel. Unless something else pops into my head at the time. Which we all know is quite likely to happen.

If you have any kind of story that has been lurking in the dark recesses of your brain, this is the perfect time to let it spill out. I highly recommend NaNoWriMo. Is your inner critic whispering…

• I don’t have time.
• I’m already over-worked!
• I haven’t found time all year for writing so what makes me think now will work?
• My novel idea isn’t good enough.
• There’s a long holiday weekend in November and I have to cook, clean, travel, visit, watch football, or be a couch potato.

 

Take that evil little critic and stomp on him, or at least put him in a box, for the month of November and WRITE. Write without editing, without stopping, without breathing (okay, maybe not the last one, but you get the point). Don’t let your inner critic stop you from getting that story burning in your gut onto paper.

My advice? Participate in NaNoWriMo and let it all go. For once, it’s okay to do that. But don’t take pictures. I don’t want to see them.

Just write to write and let the words speak for themselves. You can edit it later, after December 1st.

So, what exactly is NaNoWriMo?

(directly from Nanowrimo.org)

National Novel Writing Month is a fun, seat-of-your-pants approach to novel writing. Participants begin writing on November 1. The goal is to write a 50,000-word (approximately 175-page) novel by 11:59:59 PM on November 30.

Valuing enthusiasm and perseverance over painstaking craft, NaNoWriMo is a novel-writing program for everyone who has thought fleetingly about writing a novel but has been scared away by the time and effort involved.

As you spend November writing, you can draw comfort from the fact that, all around the world, other National Novel Writing Month participants are going through the same joys and sorrows of producing the Great Frantic Novel. Wrimos meet throughout the month to offer encouragement, commiseration, and—when the thing is done—the kind of raucous celebrations that tend to frighten animals and small children.

In 2011, we had 256,618 participants and 36,843 of them crossed the 50K finish line by the midnight deadline, entering into the annals of NaNoWriMo superstardom forever. They started the month as auto mechanics, out-of-work actors, and middle school English teachers. They walked away novelists.

And I think you can, too!

To read about how NaNoWriMo works, click here.

Ready to write?

Sign up for NaNoWriMo here!

Related articles

• How Not to Starve During NaNoWriMo (doingthewritething.wordpress.com)
• Pros and Cons of NaNoWriMo, v2! (ishanamaya.wordpress.com)
• Octofinisho: Early NaNoWriMo Advice (newauthors.wordpress.com)
• Should You Do NaNoWriMo? (siripaulson.wordpress.com)

Give ‘Em The Old Razzle Dazzle

Notice anything different about my blog this week? Seriously? You didn’t? You must be blind! I mean…how can you not miss it?

Okay…maybe not blind because it’s possible you really are blind and then I would be horribly offending you. So disregard the whole blind comment. Never happened.

Ahem….

Anyways…the blog has new, clean look that I think is much easier to read and navigate. Maybe it’s just my opinion, and frankly, that’s all that matters, so go stuff your head in a toilet and let the water flush around your ears for a bit. Then come back and continue enjoying my writing.

In all honesty, I really was struggling with the other designs. They just weren’t working for me. Some were clunky. Some were unorganized. This last one was just too much, too busy. I can’t handle that. So I changed it. And I’ll probably change it again in the future if this one eventually bugs me, too. But I’m hoping I don’t do that. It gets tiresome trying to re-adjust everything on my blog to the new themes. Not to mention I’m sure I confuse my readers. Ah hahahahahaha! You discovered my evil, diabolical plot!

Um, not really.

I tend to get bored after a while. Call it ADD, unfocused, too much passion, too much energy, too much sugar and caffeine, considering I’m drinking my second 16 oz. mug of coffee…Panama coffee no less which is much stronger, but oh so smooth! If you’ve never tried it before, you must. But I digress.

I had an epiphany of sorts this week. I think. As I’ve said before…my path is never quick and easy. More often than not, I’m meandering off the path to smell the roses, admire the butterflies, gaze at the sun and before I know it, I’m on a totally different path in a different forest in a different damn country. I suppose that’s the fodder for the imagination of a writer and artist (God bless my parents – I’m sure they never had it easy with me).

Back to the epiphany. You’ll discover after some time of following me here that I tend to have multiple epiphanies and you’ll want to smack me upside the head for taking so long to realize things when you knew it right from the start. I’d appreciate you telling me, you know. It would save a lot of tired, aching feet and fingers from the wandering.

BUT. Back to the epiphany. AGAIN. I’m a writer. Duh. You know that. And this blog is about writing. Again, you know that. Or at least I think you do. But my epiphany was that I’ve gotten too serious here. Where’s the fun? The pizzazz? The sparkle? The razzle-dazzle? I’m sure you get the point.

Just because I’m a writer doesn’t mean that I always have to write about writing. Really? I can hear the laughter. It’s okay. I laughed at myself, too. I have so many passions (hence the multiple blog problem which, thankfully, I’ve worked out…for now), how can I limit myself to just one topic? I can’t. So I won’t. Lucky you.

Don’t worry my writerly friends…I won’t forget you and there will still be plenty of tips and tricks and writerly discussions. But there will be a heck of a whole lot else, too. Like the foodie bits. I am a closet chef you know. It’s a burning desire to share with you the things I cook, create, and eat. Food porn. Now there’s something to go Google. I dare you.

So here’s to letting it all hang out!
P.S.  Book Reviews have now moved to their new location, Kat’s Book Reviews.

Writing Tips: Show, Don’t Tell

There is a common theme that appears on some of my critiqued work: “Show, don’t tell.”

These sixteen pages are so condensed with information that the pace is incredibly fast and often you resort to telling instead of showing (so you can skim over things briefly and move onto the next important event) which makes the story much less engaging; these sixteen pages should probably be expanded into three-times there current length, if not more. (from memoir critique, early 1st draft)

For a while, I had no idea what they meant. It took a lot of reading, Googling, and asking to figure it out. It’s such a common tip that you hear from amateur and professional writers alike. Every editor seems to scribble it in their red pen. Every blog, article, and writing magazine at some point shares advice on the infamous “Show, Don’t Tell.” It even has its own Wikipedia page!

What is “Show, Don’t Tell?”

The “Show, Don’t Tell” method of writing is when the writer is able to create a picture in the reader’s mind, to get away from the repetition of such empty words like went, big, or said.

It’s actually a simple concept. Ironically, the best way to explain it is to show, rather than tell, someone what it means, and I don’t think anybody’s done that better than Anton Checkhov:

Don’t tell me the moon is shining; show me the glint of light on broken glass.  – Anton Chekhov (source: Goodreads)

While “telling” can be useful, even necessary, most people don’t realize how vital “showing” is to an effective story, essay, or even a blog post. Showing allows the reader to follow the author into the moment, to see and feel and experience what the author has experienced. Using the proper balance of showing and telling will make your writing more interesting and effective.

For example, in my own work-in-progress memoir, I have instances (this is particularly heavy throughout the beginning) where I tell the reader that my relationship with my husband was bad, that we had fights all the time, that there was unhappy tension. However, the readers want to “see it” for themselves. Here’s an example of “Show, Don’t Tell” from my memoir.

     Alex had sent me flowers one day at work. It was really sweet and just the thing I was looking for to add a little romance back into our lives. All I wanted was for him to tell me that I mattered to him in some way. That night, we were headed to bed and he started fooling around. I wasn’t interested in sex and told him so. Immediately, he got angry, sat up in bed, yanking the sheets from my shoulders.

“I bought you flowers!” he yelled, baffled by my lack of interest in sex.

“Umm….okay…and I said thank you?” I was completely confused by his anger.

“That means you should have sex with me! I did what you wanted. I filled your love tank [that damn book again]. Now you should have sex with me.”

“Last I checked, Alex, it doesn’t quite work that way! Are you serious? I’m not some toy you can just use for your pleasure whenever you feel like it. One time of giving me flowers doesn’t make up for all the other crap. It takes time. Even the therapist said that.”

“But you’re my wife and whether you like it or not, you should perform your wifely duties. It’s your job to make me feel loved.” I was stunned speechless. Did he really just say that? I had no idea how to respond to that ridiculous statement. He really thought that after all the fighting, arguments, resentments that I was going to suddenly jump up and down for joy because he bought me flowers? He had another thing coming.

“Oh please. You have no idea what you’re talking about. I can’t just flick a switch and have sex. I have to desire to have sex with you again. Buying me flowers one time doesn’t mean all of a sudden I’m filled with desire. And what the hell are you talking about that it’s my wifely duties? Since when am I required to have sex with you? I’m supposed to do those things even though I don’t want to? You seriously think that?”

“Well…yes…I do. The Bible says that I’m the man of the household and you are supposed to do what I say, and that includes sex. The wife is supposed to submit to the husband in all things.”

“So you just want me to lay here like a lump on a log while you get off? I don’t fucking think so. You’re on your own, buddy!” I huffed angrily and rolled over in bed, hoping he could feel the ice emanating from my back. I trembled head to toe, a sinking pit in my stomach. The audacity! Furious and unable to sleep now, I flung the covers back, stomped into the bathroom and slammed the door, locking him out.

Oh, I Get It

This scene, where the two of us are in bed and he’s pushing me to give sex in exchange for flowers is an excellent example of showing the reader what our relationship was like, the details that made up the reality. There is dialogue, physical descriptions of what’s going on between us, interior monologue where I’m spitting mad.

When you show, you’re using words to create a scene that readers instantly visualize. Instead of intellectually registering what you’re telling them, they fully imagine what you’re showing them.

We can turn Checkhov’s explanation into a writing exercise in which we show, don’t tell readers our ideas:

Tell	Show
I missed the bus.	I raced down the road, wildly waving my hands, and yelling, “Stop, stop,” but the bus traveled on down the road without stopping.
I was scared as I walked towards the haunted house.	The broken windows and creaking hinges made me tremble as I slowly crossed the shadowed yard towards the dilapidated house.
I am cold.	My teeth chattered as I blew warm breath on my numb fingers.
My friend is a very good artist.	My pleasure grew as I slowly examined one masterpiece after another. Why, George, you’re work could be shown at the Gallery of Fine Arts!
My coat is too small.	As I tried to twist my arms out of my jacket I thought I was going to pull my shoulders out of their sockets.

Now you try it. Think of some simple ideas that you could show readers instead of telling them. Feel free to share them in the comments.

Are there any writing tips that you hear frequently but don’t quite grasp? Share your thoughts and questions by leaving a comment, and make sure when you’re writing, you show, don’t tell.

Wednesday Work-in-Progress: Writing What You Love to Read

Works in Progress (Photo credit: koalazymonkey)

Wednesdays are days for me to talk about my works-in-progress (W.I.P). You often hear writers talk about W.I.P’s.

So, what is a work in progress? According to the dictionary it’s:

work that is under way: an incomplete ongoing piece of work, especially an artistic work

A work-in-progress can take many forms: writing, art, job, friendships, relationships, children, lack of children, and on and on. Most of the time at Kat-Collins.com I’m referring to a writing W.I.P. But today I want to talk about how I’m a work-in-progress. Big surprise, huh?

I imagine we all are works-in-progress in some way or another. We have dreams, desires, hopes, and fears that continually shape our daily lives. I’ve shared before about my dreams and desires, so I won’t belabor that point now. But as I was thinking about what to share with you today, especially in regards to a work-in-progress, I kept thinking about a decision I made this past weekend regarding my writing career.

I read an interview with Patricia Cornwell, one of the bestselling crime writers in the world, in the October 2012 issue of  Writer’s Digest over the weekend. I learned a lot about this master writer, but one thing she said really struck me. Cornwell was talking about writing crime thrillers and how she decided to write in that genre. Ready for it? Write what you love to read.

Wow. A light bulb went on, DUH! Why didn’t I think of that? I’ve been struggling to fit myself into the nonfiction/memoir writing niche. But something just wasn’t clicking. I felt off. Uninspired. Bored. I kept coming back to another novel I had started, but set aside to work on my memoir. It lingered in the back of mind until this weekend when I had an “epiphany” on how to solve a problem in the novel (and add more intrigue to it). Guess what kind of novel it is? Mystery/crime thriller!

I LOVE reading mystery, suspense, political, and crime thrillers. It’s a guilty addiction. If the book is good enough, I will spend hours a day reading it, stealing time wherever I can just so I can read a few pages. And forget trying to talk to me while I’m reading…I’ll have no idea you were even there.  So why the hell am I not writing what I love to read? Why am I forcing myself into a genre that I don’t feel inspired to write?

I know, I know…I’m sure you’re thinking what an idiot! I know I am. But sometimes it takes working through things in order to discover the “right” path. It doesn’t mean that I’m abandoning my memoir. Not at all! There’s still a strong story there that I feel should be told. I will continue to work on it, so have no fear.

I’ve come to the conclusion that I need to write what I love to read because that is where I feel inspired. Hey, I’m not known for the taking the short path….

The book that I started a while ago is a crime/mystery thriller which is where my heart is. It’s titled, “Baby Brokers” – What kind of person tries to sell a baby at a Taco Bell for $500?

Next week on Wednesday, I’ll share the part of the first chapter with you.

Welcome to me – a continual work-in-progress!

8 Tips on How to Write a Literary Submission Cover Letter

I hate writing cover letters. Yesterday, I submitted a poem for an inaugural issue of a literary publication. The submission guidelines stated that a cover letter wasn’t necessary or required, but I didn’t feel right submitting the poem without something. It’s like calling someone and not bothering to say hello or identify yourself before launching into the conversation. Let the hair pulling commence!

When it comes to writing, I’m a perfectionist (okay, perfectionist in everything, not just writing, but that’s besides the point). I want to say the exact right thing that will land my work in their publications. I’m sure you do, too!

Submitting your work for publication isn’t that different from applying for a job. You want to put your best, professional foot forward. However, the most important thing in literary submissions is the writing itself. While you want to strike the right tone as you introduce yourself and your work, cover letters shouldn’t eat up too much of your time (yeah, right). So how do you pull this off?

I googled and read a multitude of ways to write your cover letter for literary submissions and discovered that they all shared similar important points.

1. Format the letter correctly. This is really important. While your writing may be the “new Shakespeare”, if you don’t format your writing properly it will cause too much distraction to the reader. And you don’t want them to miss your superior writing skills! Stick with the standard business letter format. In this example, everything is flush left with one space between paragraphs. Unless you have letterhead, which is not necessary, type your address followed by the date. Space down a line and list the name, title, and address of the person you’re writing. (Click the thumbnail, left, to enlarge this example of correct formatting.)

And as with anything you submit, use standard copy paper; type, don’t handwrite; and absolutely no illustrations.

2 . Address a specific person. Nothing’s worse than addressing a cover letter, “To Whom It May Concern.” Try and avoid it at all costs. These days, most editors are listed in the masthead on the journal’s website. Take five minutes to find a name. Even if you’re not positive that you have the right person, you’ll look more professional for having tried, and the letter will be forwarded to the correct editor.

3. K.I.S.S. Keep it simple and short. As with a job application, cover letters should not exceed one page. In your first paragraph, explain what you are sending. This can be as straightforward as: “Enclosed please find a short story, ‘Choose Me, Please!’ about a game show contestant with Jumping Frenchmen of Maine disease.” If you have a genuine reason for submitting to this journal, share it, but only if you can do so while sounding sincere.

4. Other first-paragraph info. If the journal prefers to be informed ahead of time about simultaneous submissions, address that issue briefly by saying something like, “I have submitted these to a few other publications and will let you know immediately if any are accepted elsewhere.” And if you’ve been invited to re-submit, definitely remind the editor that he or she has seen your work before.

5. Second paragraph, a short bio. Briefly introduce yourself to the editor. If you studied writing or have published before, state it here. If you haven’t, that’s fine, too. You just want to provide a context for what they’re about to read.

Keep in mind that many editors use this paragraph for the “Contributors’ Notes” at the end of the journal, so think about what you’d like listed at the back. You can read some sample bios here, or look at some journals to see what other writers have to say about themselves.

6. Close your letter politely. Thank the editor for reading your work, and close with the standard “Sincerely,” or “Best regards.” Leave four lines for your signature and then type your full name. For mailing, use a business-sized envelope. If your printer can handle envelopes, type the address, but it’s also fine to address the envelope by hand. Again, use the editor’s name here, either above the journal name or below the address. If you put it below, write, “Attn: [Insert Editor's Name].”

7. Include an SASE (if mailing your submission). Finally, be sure to include an SASE for a response. (It’s perfectly acceptable to fold the SASE in three so that it will fit easily.) To save postage, you might also request that they not return your story to you, writing in a postscript: “Please recycle this story rather than returning it to me.”

8. File your letters electronically. Keep your first letter as a template, making adjustments for each journal. If you plan to submit to a journal more than once, save that letter separately under the journal’s name. This saves you time if the story or poem gets accepted somewhere else and you have to write to withdraw your submission. In the beginning, you might try a few formulas and see what gets you results. But again, the writing is the important thing. You can have the best cover letter in the world, but it won’t get you anywhere without a great story to go along with it.

Do you have any suggestions or questions on writing a cover letter for literary submissions? I’d love to hear them!