Imagination, Persistence & Encouragement

The book writing journey starts with imagination but requires persistence to put ideas into a draft which is then revised and edited (numerous times).

Sometimes, though, life gets in the way of passion and the best laid plans. Due to unforeseen circumstances, I’m not able to incorporate all the beta reader feedback into my draft and submit it to the editor on schedule. But I’m not giving up. I can still see the finish line—it just seems to have moved, like a mirage.

Sometimes I need encouragement to get moving again. I can browse the draft and see how much I’ve accomplished but for that encouraging pat on the back, I text my biggest fan and supporter. (Thank you!)

Perhaps you know someone who needs a little encouragement.

Super Hero Update

Image from ClipArtUse.com

As beta reader (a.k.a., Super Hero) feedback begins trickling in, I can more clearly see problems that need to be addressed.

The feedback has identified sections of the draft that need clarification and other areas that need additional development. As an example, it’s hard for readers to care much about a two-dimensional main character. And that’s one of the reasons beta readers are so important. I’ve ‘known’ the characters for a year and they aren’t 2-D to me but the full depth of the character wasn’t portrayed in the writing.

Now I’m editing the draft (again) in preparation for submitting it to the editor in July. The crooked path that has been the creation of this book is straightening and I’m beginning to see the finish line on the horizon!

Beta Readers are Super Heroes!

Writing a novel for the first time can feel like walking a tightrope without a net. Without previous training or experience in creative writing, I haven’t known what to expect along the way. I’ve worked on The Disappearance of Millicent Hart on and off for almost fourteen months. Developing the plot and characters was exciting and rewarding—and for the most part—solitary. But editing the draft and knowing someone else will be reading it can activate self-doubt.

Fortunately, a new super hero is in town. Beta Reader to the rescue! Beta readers give feedback on the plot, characters, and scenes letting the author know what works and doesn’t work from a reader’s perspective. The feedback helps identify areas needing improvement. Imagine your beta readers as super heroes wearing capes and tights. (Or not, if you prefer.)

If your writing has stalled or you’re concerned your written masterpiece isn’t as masterful as you’d hoped, beta readers can help.

PICASSO’S DOG “Blue”

Decades ago, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) curated a display of Picasso paintings that included some from his Blue period. The exhibit expanded my awareness of, and appreciation for, Picasso’s work. Although I loved paintings and had visited museums on two continents, Picasso had always been inextricably linked to Cubism in my mind. The exhibit shattered that link.

Years later, I attempted for the first and last time to draw a picture on the computer. Art is definitely not my forte. My awkward attempt reminded me of Picasso’s paintings, and in his honor, I colored it blue and named it “Picasso’s Dog.”

Museums, whether they curate fine art, culture, history, or automobiles, enrich people’s lives. Visit and support your local museums.

Dirty Little Secrets

Once you’re infected by the writing bug, all bets are off. Lack of self-discipline, poor self-care, and ignoring social commitments hit the top of the offenses list.

I used to adhere to an early bedtime, get sufficient rest, eat properly, and exercise regularly. Seems like ages ago. Now I’m shocked that dawn comes so early when I’ve been writing until 2 AM. Sometimes I don’t clean the kitchen and just put the dirty pots, pans, and plates into the refrigerator to delay the eventual decomposition. ‘Social hermitism’ might not be a real affliction with a legitimate basis in some people’s mind but ask a writer in the throes of a creative streak. You’ll get confirmation.

Fortunately, I work part-time and so far, I’ve been disciplined enough to complete tasks and meet deadlines. But the siren call of retirement has been sounding louder in my head lately. Oh, to be able to write non-stop!

Writing: The Editing Phase

National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo), the online writing community in which November participants pump out large quantities of unedited words, also sponsors the less intense Camp NaNo during April and July. Camp begins in a few days and like many others, I’ll be revising and editing a work in progress.

Learning to write a novel is an ongoing process for me. I began with a loose plot outline and a cast of characters. Then I wrote the most exciting scenes and compiled them into a chronological draft. Last month, I re-read the draft and created a six-page list of editing notes.

Fortunately for me, a novel isn’t created in a void. Feedback from others has helped tremendously to recognize areas and approaches that need editing. The most impactful feedback made me realize that my novel’s tone was passive, not active. April will be busy, but everything I learn and do for this book will make the next book stronger.

Valentine's Day in Chicago

Photo taken by Wayne Woodcock, used with permission

I was in Chicago on Valentine’s Day this year. It was cold with ice floating on Lake Michigan and the Chicago River. The snow piled on curbs and buildings was slowly melting as the temperature rose above 40 degrees after the previous weekend’s snow storm.

References to Al Capone seemed to be everywhere—especially in the tourist souvenir shops where I bought postcards and refrigerator magnets sporting bullet holes. Prohibition, Elliot Ness, and the Untouchables also flavor my view of Chicago’s history along with the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. (I was told that Mrs. O’Leary’s cow was posthumously cleared of starting that fire.)

But Upper Whacker, Lower Whacker, and Lower Lower Whacker Drives, a multi-level street bordering the Chicago River, captured my interest. The stairwell descending into Lower Whacker seemed to exude mystery and suspense and I’m sure it’s a great setting for a book.