Following my Dreams

For as long as I can remember, I've had two dreams: publish a novel and attend law school. Writing had been much easier to incorporate into my life because I could still do it with my job. Law school, on the other hand, seemed to be an impossible dream. 

Until now. 

In April I found out I'd been accepted to law school. Like most educational programs, law school is likened to a full-time job. In fact, most schools discourage students from working while attending law school. So I've quit my job and have decided that writing (and this blog) will need to be put temporarily onto my back-burner. When life settles down a bit and I have more time, I plan on writing again.

Thank you for all of your thoughtful comments these past couple of years. If you'd still like to follow my adventures (of law school instead of writing), please visit my new blog at:

http://the1lbalancingact.blogspot.com/

Weak vs. Strong

I'm tired of female characters who make stupid decisions. Like going out at night, alone, when you know someone's been stalking you for weeks. I mean, really? Even if it's a technique to build suspense, I don't like it. My friend and crit partner refers to this as the BSS, or the Bella Swan Syndrome.

I prefer kick-ass female protagonists (picture Buffy or Katniss). Aren't those the models we want for teenage girls, ones who stand up for their beliefs and protect their friends and family? Yet, I keep reading YA books with female characters that make me want to hurl my Kindle across the room (don't worry, I love my Kindle too much to actually follow through with it).

As a writer, my characters don't start off strong. They have struggles. They're naive. They're unsure of themselves. But they grow into better versions of themselves as they face their fears and self-doubt. These are the kinds of protagonists I want to read about. 

But maybe that's just me. What about you? What kinds of characters do you prefer to read or write?

The Hell I'd Like to Call Revision

I'm embarrassed to admit this: I don't know how to revise. I'm an English teacher. I encourage my students to revise all the time. So what's wrong with ME? Why am I struggling so hard to revise my novel and get it ready for submission this summer?

I don't think this makes me a terrible English teacher. I can help my students revise essays, especially the persuasive ones that the state and district seem so fond of using in writing assessments. But my novel? My baby? It's so hard! (And yes, I know I'm on the verge of whining. I can't help it!)

After spending an entire week feeling overwhelmed, I received an email that helped me see the light at the end of my revision tunnel. A couple of months ago I signed up for the Writer's Boot Camp at WIFYR (Writing and Illustrating for Young Readers). The class will be taught by Ann Cannon, author of several books including The Loser's Guide to Life and Love. She sent a welcome letter yesterday that gave me nearly three pages worth of questions to think about during the revision process. Thank you, Ann! This was exactly what I needed. I have about three months to whip my baby into shape because 55 pages will be read by Ann and nine other strangers (I cringe just thinking about it!). 

But now I have direction, and I intend to approach each question one step at a time. I'd love to hear any suggestions about how you tackle revision.

Does anyone have any sage advice about revision? Tricks that have worked well for you? Website links of golden information? 

Am I a Literary Snob?

I've heard people say that being a writer takes away the joy they used to have as a reader. I thought, No! That will never happen to me! I love books too much. I never cared about whether or not the book I was reading would win any awards; I only wanted a good story that kept me turning the pages. 

Lately, though, I've had a harder time finding books that I enjoy. I don't focus only on an engrossing story. I look at the way the writer has crafted it. And then I express my frustration to my critique partner and wonder if she sees the same flaws I see! 

I don't think this is necessarily a bad thing. It opens me up to recognizing the same kinds of flaws in my own writing, to see what I need to avoid doing. There's a reason why people recommend reading widely if you're going to be a writer. On the positive side, when I do find a book that I enjoy, I can look at it from a writer's perspective to see how the author succeeded with his or her craft. 

Do you look at books differently now that you're a writer? Is it a positive or a negative experience for you?

Books, Books, Books

I was at the doctor's office the other day for a routine physical exam. Although the doctor goes to church with my parents, I'd never met him before. Like all new doctors, he asked me questions to get to know me, probably to help me feel at ease in his office.

I had a book with me--which I'm never without in a doctor's office because of all the waiting and waiting and waiting--so it sparked some conversation. Okay, a lot of conversation. (I now know that half of his kids like to read, the others don't, his wife reads, but he reads nothing more than scientific journals. But I digress.) He asked me what I do when I'm not reading. My response? I write.

The truth is ... books are a huge part of my life. I'm either reading them, writing them, or teaching them. I can't image life without them, and I've passed on my love of reading to my son. It makes me proud to see his eyes light up when he talks about a book. And the great part? It happens over and over again each time he submerges himself in a new book. I hope he never loses his enthusiasm for reading. 

I consider myself lucky that my parents supported my love of reading too. Every summer or Christmas vacation, my mom took me to the library, and I'd come home with stacks of books. And even better, my family provided me the means to buy a Kindle for my birthday.

Yes, I own a Kindle. That doesn't mean I won't ever buy a regular book again (my Kindle will NOT be joining me in a bubble bath!). But I like the ease of finding a good book to read without having to worry about shipping or waiting for my holds to come in at the library. Even better: my suitcase will be tons lighter the next time I travel.

I know there are those who fear what eBooks may do to the publishing industry. But I think anything that makes reading accessible to more people is a good thing. I've even had students bring their Kindles or Nooks to class during independent reading. eBooks are just one more way to enjoy reading. 

What about you? Do you have an eReader? Why or why not? And most important, what books should I buy for my Kindle? :)

Becoming a Writer (and the Giveaway Winner!)

I've made a breakthrough in my life as a writer. A couple of weeks ago, I confidently stood in front of a group of people and called myself a writer. To many, that may not seem like a big deal. Yet, to me, it was a huge moment. 

I'm not a new writer. I remember as a child writing stories, like the modern version of Rumpelstiltskin starring Kirk Cameron (it was the 80s after all) that my friends and I performed in front of the neighbors. Or the ABC Christmas story I wrote for my parents that my sister unearthed from boxes of old school work and shared with our family on Christmas Eve. Or the short story I bravely submitted in 6th grade to a local magazine and received my first rejection (I wish I still had this!).

But having the courage to follow through on my dream of writing a full-length novel was new. Sadly, I lost the first chapter I wrote when my laptop was stolen over two years ago, but that didn't stop me. I started again, and a little over a year ago, I finished the first draft of my first novel. Since then, I have started a second novel and completed the first draft of my third. Now I'm working on revisions on my third novel. 

I've moved beyond dipping my toes into the pool of writing and have submerged myself entirely. So, after a year of blogging, I've decided to drop "novice" from my title. I hope you continue to follow me along my journey!

And now, the winner of my 1st Blogoversary Giveaway (drum roll, please):

Andria from My Meandering Musings

Congratulations!

Have You Done It Yet?

Today is your last chance to win a $15 Amazon gift card for my 1st Blogoversary Giveway. Go here to enter and to view the rules. 

The contest ends tonight at 10pm MST. Good luck!

The Ever Elusive Voice

Recently I read Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins. I'd read a lot good reviews about it, so I was excited to read it. From page one, I was hooked. It made me wonder, what made it so fantastic? I reread the first page and realized it was one important thing: the voice.

In the past year, I've been to several writing conferences. Time and again, agents and authors mention the importance of having a good voice. Yet they admit that they can't define voice; they just know it when they see it. I agree. It's the books with an awesome voice that keep me reading into the wee hours of the morning. 

But as a writer, the term "voice" terrifies me. I want my characters' voices to shine on the page. I want them to be original. I want people to care about them. Yet I fear that I can't do it. I'm not sure that voice can be taught. But what if it can't be learned either?

What do you think? Can voice be learned? How? Does the term "voice" keep you up late at night like it does to me?

Oh, and don't forget to sign up for my $15 Amazon gift card giveaway here. It ends on Friday, January 21, at 10pm EST.

1st Blogoversary Giveway

One year ago I decided to embark on a new journey in the blogosphere. I began with trepidation. Who would be interested in hearing what I had to say? When my followers rose above 100, I was shocked, yet delighted. 

The best part was the writing community that I found. There are so many writers who understand what I'm feeling and support me in my efforts. I couldn't have survived an entire year as a blogger (or a writer) without you. Thank you!!!

Help celebrate my 1st blogoversary by participating in my giveaway! The winner will receive a $15 Amazon gift card. Please complete the form below to enter. You must be a follower and at least 13 years old. The contest will end at 10pm (MST) on Friday, January 21, 2011.

Thanks for supporting my blog! 

The Ride of My Life -- Welcome 2011

I anticipate that 2011 will be a roller coaster year: one of many ups and downs. But to fully appreciate the ups, I must have downs, right? My first goal is to keep a positive attitude about whatever the Universe brings my way.

Here are my writing goals for 2011:

1. Revise BENEATH THE SURFACE: This is my 3rd YA manuscript, but this will be the first one that I'm attempting to do a full revision. Right now it's full of holes and inconsistencies. I'm excited to see what the final version will look like.

2. Finish OVER THE EDGE: I hit writer's block with this novel during the early part of last summer. My goal is to rewrite what I already have written to see if I can get back into the story again. I really liked my premise and the characters, yet I buried myself in self-doubt. 

3. Submit BENEATH THE SURFACE: This is the goal that scares me the most because I know how tough it is to secure an agent. But I truly look forward to my first rejection letter because it will be proof that I'm finally on my way toward reaching my lifelong goal of being a published author.

Unlike last year, I didn't include any daily writing goals. My life isn't that predictable and I rarely met last year's goals. This year, I want attainable goals. I certainly don't need any additional reasons for self-doubt. 

What are your writing goals for 2011? Anything scary but exciting like mine?

Goodbye 2010

As December 2010 comes to a close, I thought the best way to reflect on the past year would be to create a Wordle of my 2010 blog. You can view it easier if you click on it. I love how my three biggest words are time, summer, and writing! I wonder what that says about me?



 I wish everyone a Happy New Year!

Happy Thanksgiving!

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, I've included a list of the things I'm thankful for as a writer. 

I'm thankful for:

• The time to write (no matter how minuscule it seems on some days);
• My son who has written 1,001 words of his first novel and has developed a love of writing;
• My writing friend (and my BFF) who lets me read her writing and gives me hope that I can one day write as well as she does;
• My online critique friends who keep letting me send them my writing;
• Published authors who write amazing stories and provide me with wonderful mentor texts;
• My friends in the blogosphere who inspire me on a daily basis; and
• The desire to write, even on the days when I'm filled with self-doubt.

 I wish you all a wonderful Thanksgiving!

NaNoWriMo

I challenge you all to participate in November's NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month): 30 days, 50,000 words, and a whole lot of fun!  If you've ever thought about writing a novel, here's your chance.  And hold back those excuses -- I'm a single mom working two jobs, and if I can still find the time, so can you!

Join here and add me as one of your Writing Buddies!

Check out what John Green (Looking for Alaska, An Abundance of Katherines, Paper Towns) has to say about NaNoWriMo: 

Circle of Friends Blogger Award

I received this wonderful award from Catherine A. Winn at The Writing Room.  Thanks Catherine! My job is to pass it on to five other bloggers.

Andria at My Meandering Musings

Renae at The Write Groove 

Debbie at Writing Soup

Jessie at Read Between the Lines

Michelle at Michelle Teacress 

Juggling Time

You may or may not have noticed, but I've been absent from my blog (and other blogs) for most of the summer. I had grandiose visions of being a full-time writer and dedicating my summer to finishing my novel.  

But, like some well-thought out plans, my vision failed rather quickly. I discovered that I work better on a tight, rigid schedule. With too much free time (like my summer as a teacher out of school), I tend to fill in the gaps with non-work: reading, playing with my kids, going to movies, etc. It surely didn't leave me enough time to write. In my mind, I was on vacation (loosely translated, no work!). Then it became easier and easier to push writing to my "back-burner."  

Now, three weeks before I have to return back to school, I can't imagine where the time went. Did I write every day? No. Did I finish the first draft of my novel? No. Did I stay caught up on blogging? No.  

But I can say that I had an enjoyable summer. Three months ago, my kids and I made a list of the top 50 things we wanted to do this summer. We didn't accomplish everything, but we did manage to hit 24 activities on the list. Not too bad, I think.  

What I realized this summer is that I tend to accomplish more when I have less time. Surprising, isn't it? I think I prioritize better when there's less time. I'm looking forward to getting back into a rigid schedule again, one that includes time to write. 

What about you? Did you achieve all that you wanted this summer?

Once Upon a Read-a-Thon Begins Today!

Get ready ... Get set ... Start reading!  

Today is the first day in a three day read-a-thon, sponsored by Angela at The Reading Angel.  You can join in the festivities from her blog.  Each day from July 12 to July 14, there will be mini-activities that you can complete (and there are PRIZES!).

These are the books on my list to read:

A Blue So Dark by Holly Schindler

Glimpse by Carol Lynch Williams

The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane by Katherine Howe

So grab your own books and start reading! What's the next book you're going to read?

Developing Character

I admit that I don't spend a lot of time before I start writing a manuscript to outline my plot, sketch my characters, or create an emotional arc.  Instead, I write and let the characters develop themselves and the plot.  

I know that there isn't only one right way to be a writer, but here's some advice that I learned about character development from published authors at the Writing and Illustrating for Young Readers conference:

• All characters--heroes, villains, and secondary/tertiary characters--need to have strengths and weaknesses. (Alane Ferguson)
• As characters matter more to each other, they matter more to the reader. (Brandon Mull)
• Make sure secondary characters aren't "cardboard"--especially parents and young children. (Sara Zarr)
• Avoid stereotypical characters.  Each character must be "fresh." (Alane Ferguson)
• Characters need to relate to others, be interesting, and be likeable. (Brandon Mull)
• Be personally involved.  Be passionate about your characters and connect on deeper levels.  (Sara Zarr)

 What about you?  Is there any other advice about developing characters that you can add, either with your own experience or from conferences you've attended?

Gateway Books

In celebration of today's release of Eclipse, I want to praise the Twilight saga.  Now, this is not meant to be a forum to debate Stephenie Meyer's writing skills (we all know there are passionate feelings on both sides of the spectrum).  Instead, I want to focus on her books from the viewpoint of a high school English teacher.

As writers, it's easy for us to question why some books get published, especially when we feel adamant that we are better writers.  But as an English teacher, I've learned to appreciate any book that my students read.  My job is to get my students to read.  And to enjoy reading.  If it means they read a Twilight novel rather than Shakespeare, I'm okay with that.  Because at least they're reading.

We've all heard the term "gateway drugs."  (If not, Dictionary.com defines it here.)  But have you ever heard of gateway books?  These are the books that turn non-readers into readers.  I see that happen every school year. 

That's why I put every book I buy (or win in a contest or obtain as a donation) on my classroom shelf.  Because I never know which book will be the next gateway book for my students.  If I can help at least one non-reader become a reader, I'll feel like I've done my job.  

Let's be realistic as writers.  We need readers.  How else can we make a living as writers?  I applaud those writers, the ones like Stephenie Meyer, who can spin a great story and create energetic teen readers.

Here's my question to you: What were your gateway books?  Which ones helped you to become readers and/or writers? 

Why Do You Write?

I spent the past week at the Writing and Illustrating for Young Readers conference (WIFYR).  It put me on a rollercoaster of emotions.  Being around so many fabulous published and pre-published authors made me feel inferior at times.  

Several presenters asked the following question: Why do you write?  I thought it would be interesting to find out why everyone writes.  I admit this is somewhat selfish of me because I really could use the inspiration right now (but I doubt I'm the only one who could be lifted up from other people's examples).

Here's my answer to the question: Why do you write?  I write because: 

• I have stories to tell.
• I like the sense of accomplishment I feel after finishing a first draft.
• It's a rush of excitement when characters or scenes write themselves.
• When I'm not writing, I can't stop thinking about my characters.
• Even though it's hard at times, I really enjoy writing. 

So now it's your turn: Why do you write?

Attack of the Inner Editor

I have a very strong inner editor.  In arm wrestles, she always wins.  What does this mean for my writing?  Sometimes it takes hours for me to write a chapter.

I envy those who can sit at their computer and just write.  Even when they know it's not perfect and it will ultimately need some serious revision.  

I can't do that.  I've tried, trust me.  But I can't stop myself from going back to reread and rewrite.  In fact, before each writing session, I review the previous chapter and rewrite words, sentences, even entire paragraphs.  I suffer from a bad case of perfectionism.

In her book Bird by Bird, Anne Lamott spends one chapter championing bad first drafts and another chapter denouncing perfectionism.  She states, "Perfectionism is the voice of the oppressor, the enemy of the people.  It will keep you cramped and insane your whole life, and it is the main obstacle between you and a shitty first draft" (28).  She continues, "Perfectionism will ruin your writing, blocking inventiveness and playfulness and life force ... Perfectionism means that you try desperately not to leave so much mess to clean up.  But clutter and mess show that life is being lived" (28).

Do you agree with Anne Lamott?  What do you do to restrain your own inner editor?