Uncover the lies your parents told you by heading down to Barbara's Bookstore (1218 S. Halsted) on Tuesday, July 21st at 7:30pm when Dr. Aaron Carroll and Dr. Rachel Vreeman discuss their new book DON'T SWALLOW YOU'RE GUM: Myths, Truths and Outright Lies About Your Body and Health. Haven't read the book, but it sounds like a fun read.
Columbia College professors Ann Hemenway and Eric May read original work at The Poison Pen (1128 W. Armitage) on Wednesday, July 23 at 7:00pm. Both are talented readers and excellent oral storytellers.
Book shelves looking bare? Head over to the Newberry Library Book Fair (60 W. Walton) Thursday, July 24 and Friday, July 25 12:00-8pm and Saturday, July 26 10am-6pm.
Chicago author Stephanie Kuehnert reads from her new novel BALLADS OF SUBURBIA at Women and Children First (5233 N. Clark) on Thursday, July 24 at 7:30pm. She's a fellow Columbia College grad and the author of the critically acclaimed I WANNA BE YOUR JOEY RAMONE.
Monday, July 20, 2009
Friday, July 17, 2009
Weekend Reading - Hard Case Crime
It looks like it's going to be a busy weekend, so I need some good, quick reads to squeeze in between happenings. Hard Case Crime is perfect. They publish pulp novels, some new some old, but all of them are gritty crime fiction you can stick in your back pocket. Here are the ones I'm picking up this weekend:
HOUSE DICK by E. Howard Hunt. Hunt used to be a spy in the CIA and was the inspiration for the Ethan Hunt character played by Tom Cruise in Mission Impossible. He writes this detective novel with insider knowledge of what goes on in Washington DC.
PASSPORT TO PERIL by Robert B. Parker. This is a cold war novel originally published in 1951 by "the Original" Robert B. Parker. No, it's not the same Parker who penned the Spenser series; this Parker is a little known pulp novelist who spent three years crossing borders without a passport and evading arrest by the Gestapo. He's another author who has the background to give this fictional story authority.
CASINO MOON by Peter Blauner. This too is a reprint, but it's a reprint of a novel which was published only 15 years ago. It's also twice as long as the typical Hard Case Crime novel. But the premise is intriguing: son of an Atlantic City Monster tries to escape the life of crime by creating a comeback for a washed-up boxer (and of course sleeping with the round card girl).
More books can be found on the Hard Case Crime website. I'm also a fan of THE CUTIE, KILLING CASTRO, and MONEY SHOT.
HOUSE DICK by E. Howard Hunt. Hunt used to be a spy in the CIA and was the inspiration for the Ethan Hunt character played by Tom Cruise in Mission Impossible. He writes this detective novel with insider knowledge of what goes on in Washington DC.
PASSPORT TO PERIL by Robert B. Parker. This is a cold war novel originally published in 1951 by "the Original" Robert B. Parker. No, it's not the same Parker who penned the Spenser series; this Parker is a little known pulp novelist who spent three years crossing borders without a passport and evading arrest by the Gestapo. He's another author who has the background to give this fictional story authority.
CASINO MOON by Peter Blauner. This too is a reprint, but it's a reprint of a novel which was published only 15 years ago. It's also twice as long as the typical Hard Case Crime novel. But the premise is intriguing: son of an Atlantic City Monster tries to escape the life of crime by creating a comeback for a washed-up boxer (and of course sleeping with the round card girl).
More books can be found on the Hard Case Crime website. I'm also a fan of THE CUTIE, KILLING CASTRO, and MONEY SHOT.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Bonus Must-See
Indie rock band, 20 Mark Helga, will be playing at the Elbo Room (2871 N. Lincoln) tomorrow night. Show starts at 8:00pm, they go on at 9:00pm. Tickets are available online and at the door. Here are the links:Their shows are always a lot of fun and the Elbo Room is a great venue. I'll be there, so stop by and say hello!
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Writer's Block: Revision
Writing is rewriting. We've been told this hundreds of times. The first drafts is just the beginning. There will be a second, a third, possibly a fourth. Plot points will change, scenes will be deleted, characters will be killed off. For me, this is the part of writing I dread. But I've gone through this process enough to learn a few things.
Get some distance. You cannot finish draft one and immediately go back to the beginning and begin draft two. You're too close. Put the book in a drawer for a few weeks, even a month. If you remember your work too clearly, you won't see what needs to be changed.
Cut, cut, cut. It's been said so many times, it's probably cliche: kill your darlings. Those beautifully written scenes, the ones that aren't really forwarding the overall plot, get rid of them. If it makes you feel better, put the deleted scenes in a file folder, just in case you need them. But you won't.
Add, add, add. Often times we are so roped up in the writing, that we forget to add texture to a scene. Look at the sections that are mostly dialogue or action and add description, internalization, depth. Even action sequences deserve to be slowed down and described; it often makes them more suspenseful.
Play with Structure. The order of chapters is not set in stone, nor is the timeline of your story. Don't be afraid to switch events, switch chapters, or change the major turning points. Sometimes a first draft is more like a 400-page outline. You're working out the structure of your story, and in the end, it may need to be changed.
Get feedback. During the revision is when you really need your critique group or other first readers. It's very easy to get stuck or to not know if something is working. Talk it out with your trusted readers, give them portions of the revision to read. The feedback won't only help you see needed changes, it will give you motivation to keep going.
Feel free to leave your own revision tips. We've all been there and if you're like me, it can be a stressful/frustrating part of the writing process. But in the end, you'll have a better book, which makes all this craziness worth it.
Get some distance. You cannot finish draft one and immediately go back to the beginning and begin draft two. You're too close. Put the book in a drawer for a few weeks, even a month. If you remember your work too clearly, you won't see what needs to be changed.
Cut, cut, cut. It's been said so many times, it's probably cliche: kill your darlings. Those beautifully written scenes, the ones that aren't really forwarding the overall plot, get rid of them. If it makes you feel better, put the deleted scenes in a file folder, just in case you need them. But you won't.
Add, add, add. Often times we are so roped up in the writing, that we forget to add texture to a scene. Look at the sections that are mostly dialogue or action and add description, internalization, depth. Even action sequences deserve to be slowed down and described; it often makes them more suspenseful.
Play with Structure. The order of chapters is not set in stone, nor is the timeline of your story. Don't be afraid to switch events, switch chapters, or change the major turning points. Sometimes a first draft is more like a 400-page outline. You're working out the structure of your story, and in the end, it may need to be changed.
Get feedback. During the revision is when you really need your critique group or other first readers. It's very easy to get stuck or to not know if something is working. Talk it out with your trusted readers, give them portions of the revision to read. The feedback won't only help you see needed changes, it will give you motivation to keep going.
Feel free to leave your own revision tips. We've all been there and if you're like me, it can be a stressful/frustrating part of the writing process. But in the end, you'll have a better book, which makes all this craziness worth it.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Top Ten Tuesday
Top Ten Book Marketing Tools That Don't Require Leaving the House:
- Blogging
- Calling in to book clubs
- Electronic newsletters
- Mailing books to independent bookstores and libraries (if UPS comes to pick them up!)
- Posting short stories to sell on Amazon
- Radio interviews
- Sending postcards and giveaways to fans
- Social Networking (Twitter, Facebook, etc.)
- Soliciting book reviews from newspapers, magazines and websites
- Submitting listings to local papers and websites advertising your book signings
Monday, July 13, 2009
Must-See Monday
Head over to the Hungry Brain (2319 W. Belmont) on Monday, July 13th at 8:00pm for a reading hosted by local literary magazine The2ndHand.
Voice your opinions at the Women and Children First community forum on Tuesday, July 14th at 7:30. Stop by the bookstore (5233 N. Clark) and let the booksellers know what you hope to see in the store's future.
Laura Caldwell signs copies of RED HOT LIES and RED BLOODED MURDER at the Webster Place Barnes and Noble (1441 W. Webster) on Wednesday, July 15th at 7:30pm. Joining her will be debut novelist and fellow Chicagoan, Henry Perez.
Or, check out The Book Cellar's Local Author Night (4736 N. Lincoln) at 7:00pm on the 15th. This month's featured readers are Robert Rodi and Bryan Gruley. Seems like an unlikely pairing aside from both being talented writers, but it should be a fun night.
Head back to WCF (5233 N. Clark) on Saturday, July 18th at 7:30pm for the Sappho's Salon Anniversary Show. Readings by poetry duo Aquamoon and local author Kathie Bergquist.
Voice your opinions at the Women and Children First community forum on Tuesday, July 14th at 7:30. Stop by the bookstore (5233 N. Clark) and let the booksellers know what you hope to see in the store's future.
Laura Caldwell signs copies of RED HOT LIES and RED BLOODED MURDER at the Webster Place Barnes and Noble (1441 W. Webster) on Wednesday, July 15th at 7:30pm. Joining her will be debut novelist and fellow Chicagoan, Henry Perez.
Or, check out The Book Cellar's Local Author Night (4736 N. Lincoln) at 7:00pm on the 15th. This month's featured readers are Robert Rodi and Bryan Gruley. Seems like an unlikely pairing aside from both being talented writers, but it should be a fun night.
Head back to WCF (5233 N. Clark) on Saturday, July 18th at 7:30pm for the Sappho's Salon Anniversary Show. Readings by poetry duo Aquamoon and local author Kathie Bergquist.
Friday, July 10, 2009
Weekend Reading
Lots of new releases this week which means you'll have plenty to read over the weekend!
Check out Theresa Schwegel's LAST KNOWN ADDRESS. She's a Chicago author and writes wonderful, hard boiled police procedurals.
Also out this week is SHADOW OF BETRAYAL by Brett Battles. Brett is another talented writer and this is the third book in the Jonathan Quinn Series. Want to catch up? Check out THE CLEANER and THE DECEIVED.
I haven't had a chance to read it yet, but I can't wait to pick up the first of Karen E. Olson's new series THE MISSING INK. Protagonist Brett Kavanaugh is the owner of an elite tattoo shop in Vegas. With all the story possibilities, I anticipate a long, entertaining series.
Check out Theresa Schwegel's LAST KNOWN ADDRESS. She's a Chicago author and writes wonderful, hard boiled police procedurals.
Also out this week is SHADOW OF BETRAYAL by Brett Battles. Brett is another talented writer and this is the third book in the Jonathan Quinn Series. Want to catch up? Check out THE CLEANER and THE DECEIVED.
I haven't had a chance to read it yet, but I can't wait to pick up the first of Karen E. Olson's new series THE MISSING INK. Protagonist Brett Kavanaugh is the owner of an elite tattoo shop in Vegas. With all the story possibilities, I anticipate a long, entertaining series.
Thursday, July 09, 2009
Top Ten Thursday
Top Ten Items Writers Can't Live Without
- Books - both for research and for inspiration
- Booze - how else do you reward yourself after hitting your daily word count?
- Coffee - caffeine and creativity are obviously related
- Computer - not just for writing but for distracting ourselves with YouTube and Facebook
- Hobbies - we all need something to get us away from the computer. H0bbies can also be the source of inspiration
- Libraries - for the books and the resources, but also for the readers there
- Munchies - can't write on an empty stomach!
- Notebooks - especially the ones that fit right in your pocket
- Reassurance - in an industry full of rejection, we often need pep talks
- Workshops or Writing Groups - for the camaraderie and the feedback
Wednesday, July 08, 2009
Writer's Block: Conferences
I'm off to Thriller Fest this weekend while some of my colleagues are hanging back for ALA, and even though I spoke on this topic a few years ago, I thought I'd touch on the subject again.
Conferences are the perfect place to attend informative panels, meet other authors, and network with industry professionals. Some of my most important contacts I made at writer's conferences. While they can be extremely fun and beneficial, it's important to be productive and use discretion. Otherwise, you could end up spending thousands of dollars on registrations, hotels, and flights all over the country.
Consider the following before registering for a writer's conference:
Why? Why do you want to attend? How will you benefit? Bouchercon is a fan-based conference, so it is perfect for novelists promoting a book. Thriller Fest is more industry centered. Authors meet their publishing team and newbie writer's pitch at AgentFest. It's less about book promotion. Something like ALA is the perfect conference for authors because it gives them an opportunity to promote their books to librarians (very important book buyers). Make sure you're attending the right conference for the right reasons.
Cost. If the conference is local, you'll save on travel, hotel and dining expenses. If it's out of town, consider how much money you'll be spending. Is it worth it? You cannot put a price on networking and making connections, but you can choose wisely. If there are two similar conferences with similar attendees, pick the one that you can drive too or the one where you can stay with family rather than splurging for a hotel.
Once you've registered for the conferences, you'll need:
A Plan. Before you attend a conference, you should have a plan of what you want to accomplish. This may be to introduce yourself to a certain agent that you queried recently or to give away three copies of your book to possible fans. It's easy to get swept up in the camaraderie (and by that I mean drinking), and that's okay. Just keep your eye on the ball and know what you are there to accomplish.
Business Cards. People want to know who you are and how to get in contact with you.
An Open Mind. You will meet tons of people at conferences, and you may be surprised by which contacts actually make a difference. You may be dying to talk to the headlining, NYT bestselling author, but don't shrug off a fellow newbie who offers to buy you a drink. Connelly, Coben, and Lehane were all newbie's once. Bet you wish you had a blurb from them...
Networking and mingling are necessary to succeeding in publishing, whether you're meeting fellow writers, promoting your latest novel, or pitching agents. Publishing is a small community and the more people you know, the better. So if you're in New York, stop by ThrillerFest and meet some industry professionals. Or if you're in Chicago, come down to ALA and hang with authors and librarians.
Conferences are the perfect place to attend informative panels, meet other authors, and network with industry professionals. Some of my most important contacts I made at writer's conferences. While they can be extremely fun and beneficial, it's important to be productive and use discretion. Otherwise, you could end up spending thousands of dollars on registrations, hotels, and flights all over the country.
Consider the following before registering for a writer's conference:
Why? Why do you want to attend? How will you benefit? Bouchercon is a fan-based conference, so it is perfect for novelists promoting a book. Thriller Fest is more industry centered. Authors meet their publishing team and newbie writer's pitch at AgentFest. It's less about book promotion. Something like ALA is the perfect conference for authors because it gives them an opportunity to promote their books to librarians (very important book buyers). Make sure you're attending the right conference for the right reasons.
Cost. If the conference is local, you'll save on travel, hotel and dining expenses. If it's out of town, consider how much money you'll be spending. Is it worth it? You cannot put a price on networking and making connections, but you can choose wisely. If there are two similar conferences with similar attendees, pick the one that you can drive too or the one where you can stay with family rather than splurging for a hotel.
Once you've registered for the conferences, you'll need:
A Plan. Before you attend a conference, you should have a plan of what you want to accomplish. This may be to introduce yourself to a certain agent that you queried recently or to give away three copies of your book to possible fans. It's easy to get swept up in the camaraderie (and by that I mean drinking), and that's okay. Just keep your eye on the ball and know what you are there to accomplish.
Business Cards. People want to know who you are and how to get in contact with you.
An Open Mind. You will meet tons of people at conferences, and you may be surprised by which contacts actually make a difference. You may be dying to talk to the headlining, NYT bestselling author, but don't shrug off a fellow newbie who offers to buy you a drink. Connelly, Coben, and Lehane were all newbie's once. Bet you wish you had a blurb from them...
Networking and mingling are necessary to succeeding in publishing, whether you're meeting fellow writers, promoting your latest novel, or pitching agents. Publishing is a small community and the more people you know, the better. So if you're in New York, stop by ThrillerFest and meet some industry professionals. Or if you're in Chicago, come down to ALA and hang with authors and librarians.
Tuesday, July 07, 2009
Old Friends Start New Publishing House
Friends Ben LeRoy and Alison Janssen are leaving their positions at BleakHouse Books to start their own press, Tyrus Books. They are both extremely talented, not to mention awesome, and I can't wait to see where this adventure takes them.
Learn more about Ben, Alison and Tyrus books here.
Learn more about Ben, Alison and Tyrus books here.
Monday, July 06, 2009
Must-See Monday + an NYC bonus
The Chicago Contingent was still recovering from the holiday weekend and was a little late posting the must sees. But not to worry, there is still plenty to check out this week (and tune in Thursday for this week's top ten list)
Thursday, July 9th at 7:00pm, head out to Centuries and Sleuths in Forest Park where Rosemary Harris signs copies of her latest novel THE BIG DIRT NAP.
Friday, July 10th at 8:00pm come celebrate the launch of Theresa Schwegel's new book LAST KNOWN ADDRESS. The California Clipper (1002 N. California) hosts.
Stop by the Lincoln Park Zoo (2200 N. Cannon) on Saturday, June 11th between noon and 5:00pm to visit the Digital Bookmobile. Sponsored by the Chicago Public Library, the bookmobile will help guests download audiobooks, music, and more from the library's website.
And for those of you attending Thriller Fest this weekend:
Drop by the HarperCollins book signing at the Mysterious Bookshop (58 Warren St.) on Friday, July 10th 5:30-7:30pm. Authors include James Rollins, Steve Martini, Jamie Freveletti, Sean Chercover, and Hallie Ephron.
And be sure to stop by the bar at the Grand Hyatt New York where agents, authors, and industry professionals will be mixing and mingling. I'll be there, beer in hand, so if you're in NY, swing by and say hello!
Thursday, July 9th at 7:00pm, head out to Centuries and Sleuths in Forest Park where Rosemary Harris signs copies of her latest novel THE BIG DIRT NAP.
Friday, July 10th at 8:00pm come celebrate the launch of Theresa Schwegel's new book LAST KNOWN ADDRESS. The California Clipper (1002 N. California) hosts.
Stop by the Lincoln Park Zoo (2200 N. Cannon) on Saturday, June 11th between noon and 5:00pm to visit the Digital Bookmobile. Sponsored by the Chicago Public Library, the bookmobile will help guests download audiobooks, music, and more from the library's website.
And for those of you attending Thriller Fest this weekend:
Drop by the HarperCollins book signing at the Mysterious Bookshop (58 Warren St.) on Friday, July 10th 5:30-7:30pm. Authors include James Rollins, Steve Martini, Jamie Freveletti, Sean Chercover, and Hallie Ephron.
And be sure to stop by the bar at the Grand Hyatt New York where agents, authors, and industry professionals will be mixing and mingling. I'll be there, beer in hand, so if you're in NY, swing by and say hello!
Friday, July 03, 2009
July 4th Weekend Reading
I'm going patriotic for this weekend's recommendations. Check out the following books if you're in the mood for a good read:
RED BLOODED MURDER by Laura Caldwell just released this week and is the second installment in the Izzy McNeil trilogy. If you missed the first one, be sure to pick up RED HOT LIES as well.
WHITE TIGER by Aravind Adiga won the Man Booker Prize last year and was selected for the Indie Bound spring/summer reading group. Though it's not crime fiction, Adiga's writing is beautiful and captivating.
BLUE HEAVEN by C.J. Box is his first standalone thriller. Box is a talented writer who knows how to craft a story. Also check out his Joe Picket series and his most recent novel, BELOW ZERO.
RED BLOODED MURDER by Laura Caldwell just released this week and is the second installment in the Izzy McNeil trilogy. If you missed the first one, be sure to pick up RED HOT LIES as well.
WHITE TIGER by Aravind Adiga won the Man Booker Prize last year and was selected for the Indie Bound spring/summer reading group. Though it's not crime fiction, Adiga's writing is beautiful and captivating.
BLUE HEAVEN by C.J. Box is his first standalone thriller. Box is a talented writer who knows how to craft a story. Also check out his Joe Picket series and his most recent novel, BELOW ZERO.
Wednesday, July 01, 2009
Writer's Block: Writing Don'ts
I've written a lot about things to do when writing, but I haven't spent much time discussing writing taboos. As a reader/reviewer there are many things authors do to make me cringe (not in a good way) or worse, put the book down all together. You don't want any reader to put your book down, so here are a few things to avoid:
Coincidences. In life, there are plenty of coincidences. You run into an old high school buddy on the street, you decide to drive to work instead of taking the train and your car breaks down, etc. Coincidences don't have a place in novels. Your protagonist cannot happen to find a gun in a dumpster. Your villain's car cannot break down just as the police are on his tail. One or two coincidences in a novel are okay, but you have to earn them. Make it hard for your characters, don't take the easy way out.
Head-Hopping. This is when the point of view shifts from one character to another in the middle of a scene. It's jarring and it pulls readers out of the story. I understand that it's tempting to tell the story from all perspectives, but if you need to shift point of views, insert a section break before you do. But even that sort of feels like a cheat. I'm more impressed with a writer who can sustain a scene and convey another characters emotions or reactions without going into their head.
Stretching Realms of Believability. Yes, fiction is made up, but you want to avoid disbelief. If you create the world of your story with enough authority, readers will follow you anywhere. Too many far fetched twists or plot lines, will increase readers disbelief and possibly turn them off to the story.
Losing Your Characters. This is particularly true for thrillers where the action drives the plot. It's easy to lose sight of your characters, for them to turn into talking heads or for them to fall off the page all together. But even in thrillers, it is the characters that breathe life into the story, and if you forget about them, your story will fall flat.
Being Predictable. When you're trying to figure out where to take your characters next, the first answer is usually the most predictable one. Be creative, avoid cliche, find a solution that readers won't expect. The best part of reading is being taken on a ride, not knowing what twists and turns will come up next. Predicting the end eliminates the joy of the journey.
Feel free to comment your own pet peeves or writing taboos. I'm sure there are things I left out!
Coincidences. In life, there are plenty of coincidences. You run into an old high school buddy on the street, you decide to drive to work instead of taking the train and your car breaks down, etc. Coincidences don't have a place in novels. Your protagonist cannot happen to find a gun in a dumpster. Your villain's car cannot break down just as the police are on his tail. One or two coincidences in a novel are okay, but you have to earn them. Make it hard for your characters, don't take the easy way out.
Head-Hopping. This is when the point of view shifts from one character to another in the middle of a scene. It's jarring and it pulls readers out of the story. I understand that it's tempting to tell the story from all perspectives, but if you need to shift point of views, insert a section break before you do. But even that sort of feels like a cheat. I'm more impressed with a writer who can sustain a scene and convey another characters emotions or reactions without going into their head.
Stretching Realms of Believability. Yes, fiction is made up, but you want to avoid disbelief. If you create the world of your story with enough authority, readers will follow you anywhere. Too many far fetched twists or plot lines, will increase readers disbelief and possibly turn them off to the story.
Losing Your Characters. This is particularly true for thrillers where the action drives the plot. It's easy to lose sight of your characters, for them to turn into talking heads or for them to fall off the page all together. But even in thrillers, it is the characters that breathe life into the story, and if you forget about them, your story will fall flat.
Being Predictable. When you're trying to figure out where to take your characters next, the first answer is usually the most predictable one. Be creative, avoid cliche, find a solution that readers won't expect. The best part of reading is being taken on a ride, not knowing what twists and turns will come up next. Predicting the end eliminates the joy of the journey.
Feel free to comment your own pet peeves or writing taboos. I'm sure there are things I left out!
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Top Ten Tuesday
I'm sure I will have missed one or two on this list, so feel free to comment and make additions. Remember, these are in alphabetical order by last name, not ranked, and that contemporary means the author must still be alive and writing the series:
Top Ten Contemporary Series Characters
Monday, June 29, 2009
Must-See Monday
Not that many book signings this week, but there are plenty of readings to check out. Here are a few of my favorites, all in the same week!
Monday, June 29th at 7:30pm Twilight Tales hosts it's monthly reading series at Bourgeois Pig Cafe (738 W. Fullerton).
RUI: Reading Under The Influence welcomes Jonathan Messinger and Patrick Somerville on Wednesday, July 1st at 7:00pm. Sheffield's (3258 N. Sheffield) hosts, providing great beer to compliment the reading and trivia games.
The last reading series worth checking out this week is at Uncommon Ground (3800 N. Clark). Story Club features improv, readings, oral storytellings and sketch comedy. Friday, July 5th at 8:30pm.
Monday, June 29th at 7:30pm Twilight Tales hosts it's monthly reading series at Bourgeois Pig Cafe (738 W. Fullerton).
RUI: Reading Under The Influence welcomes Jonathan Messinger and Patrick Somerville on Wednesday, July 1st at 7:00pm. Sheffield's (3258 N. Sheffield) hosts, providing great beer to compliment the reading and trivia games.
The last reading series worth checking out this week is at Uncommon Ground (3800 N. Clark). Story Club features improv, readings, oral storytellings and sketch comedy. Friday, July 5th at 8:30pm.
Friday, June 26, 2009
Weekend Reading
This weekend, I'll be diving into THE END OF BASEBALL by Peter Schilling. This debut novel chronicles the baseball season of 1944 and features historical characters such as President Roosevelt and J. Edgar Hoover.
I just finished James Rollins's latest, THE DOOMSDAY KEY. It's a great mixture of thriller and historical. Very reminiscent of DA VINCI CODE...except with character development...and accurate research...
A few weeks ago I met J. Adams Oaks, author of WHY I FIGHT. He's local, he went to Columbia, and he's super nice so definitely check out his book.
I just finished James Rollins's latest, THE DOOMSDAY KEY. It's a great mixture of thriller and historical. Very reminiscent of DA VINCI CODE...except with character development...and accurate research...
A few weeks ago I met J. Adams Oaks, author of WHY I FIGHT. He's local, he went to Columbia, and he's super nice so definitely check out his book.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Writer's Block: Writing Boost
Do you ever feel like your writing looses it's life? That the setting fades away and the dialogue falls flat? Here are a few tricks to breathe new life into your writing and create fresh, memorable scenes:
Form Shift: This is an exercise I learned in college. Most books are written in standard prose, but shifting forms is a great way to give your readers something different. Write a few scenes as letters, as lists, as a how-to. If you're writing crime fiction, try writing a police report or newspaper piece. Write a portion of your romance novel in the form of a love letter. Shifting to a different form will give you the freedom to try something different and tell the story in a new way.
Dialogue Only: This is especially useful if you're trying to move the scene along or nail down a character's voice. For a scene or chapter, write entirely in dialogue, no stage directions or exposition. You may be surprised at how quickly you can move a scene and what you may discover about a character's voice.
Exposition Only: This is the opposite of the previous exercise, where you write no dialogue, only exposition. Use this to explore the setting, maybe sneak in some back story, and overall hone your prose.
Point of View Shift: Often, we start writing in a certain point of view and question our decision later. If you're writing in first person, try shifting to third and vice versa. You may like it better. You can also try writing from a different character's point of view. It's always informative to see the story from another character's perspective.
These are all exercises and you may not use any of the writing in your final manuscript. But more often then not, you'll produce something that surprises you, something that's new and fresh, something that revives your manuscript.
Form Shift: This is an exercise I learned in college. Most books are written in standard prose, but shifting forms is a great way to give your readers something different. Write a few scenes as letters, as lists, as a how-to. If you're writing crime fiction, try writing a police report or newspaper piece. Write a portion of your romance novel in the form of a love letter. Shifting to a different form will give you the freedom to try something different and tell the story in a new way.
Dialogue Only: This is especially useful if you're trying to move the scene along or nail down a character's voice. For a scene or chapter, write entirely in dialogue, no stage directions or exposition. You may be surprised at how quickly you can move a scene and what you may discover about a character's voice.
Exposition Only: This is the opposite of the previous exercise, where you write no dialogue, only exposition. Use this to explore the setting, maybe sneak in some back story, and overall hone your prose.
Point of View Shift: Often, we start writing in a certain point of view and question our decision later. If you're writing in first person, try shifting to third and vice versa. You may like it better. You can also try writing from a different character's point of view. It's always informative to see the story from another character's perspective.
These are all exercises and you may not use any of the writing in your final manuscript. But more often then not, you'll produce something that surprises you, something that's new and fresh, something that revives your manuscript.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Monday, June 22, 2009
Must-See Monday - Pride Edition
It's Pride this week, so there are plenty of GLBT events to attend. So before you hit the parade, check out a few of these queer literary happenings:
Stop by Gerber Hart library (1127 W. Granville) tonight at 7:00pm to discuss STONEWALL by Martin Duberman.
Check out the Solo Performance series June 22, 23, and 24 at 7:30pm at the Straw Dog Theater Company (3829 N. Broadway). Performances by local GLBTQ writers, including Cookie Crumbles, Deb Lewis, and Byron Flitsch, sponsored by the New Town Writers.
The annual Pride Reading and Open Mike will be held at Women and Children First (5233 N. Clark) on Tuesday, June 23 at 7:00pm. Hear local queer authors, including Robert Rodi and Jennifer Harris.
Head back to Women and Children First on Thursday, June 25 at 7:00pm for the GLBTQ Double Header with readings by E. Patrick Johnson and Larry La-Fountain Strokes.
For a non-pride related event, Janet Evanovich signs copies of her latest Stephanie Plum novel, FINGER LICKIN' FIFTEEN at the Magnificent Mile Borders (830 N. Michigan) on Friday, June 26th at 6:00pm.
Also, for a must-hear event, tune in to Blog Talk Radio's Top Shelf on Tuesday, June 23 at 4:30pm EST for interviews with Jamie Freveletti and Lawrence Block. Lawrence's new memoir, STEP BY STEP, about his experiences race walking, very different than the other 60 books he's published. Since Jamie is a runner who's married to a race walker, she and Lawrence are a perfect match.
Stop by Gerber Hart library (1127 W. Granville) tonight at 7:00pm to discuss STONEWALL by Martin Duberman.
Check out the Solo Performance series June 22, 23, and 24 at 7:30pm at the Straw Dog Theater Company (3829 N. Broadway). Performances by local GLBTQ writers, including Cookie Crumbles, Deb Lewis, and Byron Flitsch, sponsored by the New Town Writers.
The annual Pride Reading and Open Mike will be held at Women and Children First (5233 N. Clark) on Tuesday, June 23 at 7:00pm. Hear local queer authors, including Robert Rodi and Jennifer Harris.
Head back to Women and Children First on Thursday, June 25 at 7:00pm for the GLBTQ Double Header with readings by E. Patrick Johnson and Larry La-Fountain Strokes.
For a non-pride related event, Janet Evanovich signs copies of her latest Stephanie Plum novel, FINGER LICKIN' FIFTEEN at the Magnificent Mile Borders (830 N. Michigan) on Friday, June 26th at 6:00pm.
Also, for a must-hear event, tune in to Blog Talk Radio's Top Shelf on Tuesday, June 23 at 4:30pm EST for interviews with Jamie Freveletti and Lawrence Block. Lawrence's new memoir, STEP BY STEP, about his experiences race walking, very different than the other 60 books he's published. Since Jamie is a runner who's married to a race walker, she and Lawrence are a perfect match.
Friday, June 19, 2009
Weekend Reading
Looks like it's finally going to be a warm, sunny weekend here in Chicago. So, in honor of the rain's disappearance, here are a few good beach reads to check out while you soak up the sun:
WELCOME TO TEMPTATION and FAKING IT by Jennifer Cruise are the perfect beach reads. Both have hilarious, over the top characters, witty and raunchy dialogue, and clever story lines. Don't be embarrassed by the pink and pastel yellow covers, ten pages in you'll forget all about them.
For a different kind of humor, try ME TALK PRETTY ONE DAY by Dave Sedaris. This autobiographical series of vignettes and short stories had me laughing out loud, especially the section about his experience in art school.
If you'd rather catch some action while you catch some rays, pick up GONE FOR GOOD or TELL NO ONE by Harlan Coben. He does a brilliant job of putting ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances and is a master at suspense.
Short story collections are perfect when you're reading time is limited. Check out CHICAGO BLUES, THESE GUNS FOR HIRE, and EXPLETIVE DELETED, all published by the talented folks at Bleakhouse Books.
Planning on taking your Kindle to the beach? Want more recommendations? Good news! Crimespree Magazine is now available on Kindle. Check it out!
WELCOME TO TEMPTATION and FAKING IT by Jennifer Cruise are the perfect beach reads. Both have hilarious, over the top characters, witty and raunchy dialogue, and clever story lines. Don't be embarrassed by the pink and pastel yellow covers, ten pages in you'll forget all about them.
For a different kind of humor, try ME TALK PRETTY ONE DAY by Dave Sedaris. This autobiographical series of vignettes and short stories had me laughing out loud, especially the section about his experience in art school.
If you'd rather catch some action while you catch some rays, pick up GONE FOR GOOD or TELL NO ONE by Harlan Coben. He does a brilliant job of putting ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances and is a master at suspense.
Short story collections are perfect when you're reading time is limited. Check out CHICAGO BLUES, THESE GUNS FOR HIRE, and EXPLETIVE DELETED, all published by the talented folks at Bleakhouse Books.
Planning on taking your Kindle to the beach? Want more recommendations? Good news! Crimespree Magazine is now available on Kindle. Check it out!
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Writer's Block: Social Networking for You
It seems these days, everyone has a Twitter, Facebook, and MySpace account. Most are on LinkedIn, writers are on Goodreads and Shelfari, and crime writers are on Crimespace. With all of the buzz surrounding social networking sites, it's easy to get wrapped up in the trend. But the benefits of these websites varies depending on who you are. Your goals will determine which sites are best for you.
You Are: An unpublished, aspiring novelist
You Need: None of the above
Finishing your book and getting published is your #1 goal. These social networking sites will only serve as a distraction. An agent is not going to notice you because you follow them on Twitter and no editor will accept submissions via Facebook. Spend your energy finishing your book, querying agents, and getting your book published.
You Are: A freelance writer
You Need: LinkedIn and Twitter
As a career freelancer, two things are imperative: knowledge and contacts. Following pertinent Twitterers such as the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, or even President Obama, will keep you up to date on what is going on in the world. LinkedIn helps you make contacts in the industry, includes job postings, and allows you to showcase your body of work.
You Are: A blogger
You Need: Twitter, Facebook and Myspace
Depending on the type of blog, you could hit hundreds of social networking sites, but these three are the most important. If you're goal is to drive people to your website, the more links out there, the better. In order for people to find your blog, they have to find you, and these three sites will help them do that. In addition to mentioning your blog in your profile, link you your latest blog entries on your Twitter and Facebook updates.
You Are: A published novelist
You Need: All of the above
Okay, you don't really need all of the above, but the more places mentioning your book, the better. It only takes a few minutes to set up GoodReads or Crimespace, and once it's up, it's not so important to maintain. Twitter and Facebook are higher maintenance: they require constant updating. The others are more for search engine purposes; the more your book is mentioned the more it will pop up. I've updated my Crimespace page once in two years, but it still pops up if you type my name into Google. If you're time is limited, stick with either Facebook or Twitter.
Though these sites are all the rage, not everyone needs them. Figure out your goals and evaluate what these sites are doing to accomplish those goals. These are social networking tools, but if you're using them for your career, the emphasis should be on "networking" not "social".
You Are: An unpublished, aspiring novelist
You Need: None of the above
Finishing your book and getting published is your #1 goal. These social networking sites will only serve as a distraction. An agent is not going to notice you because you follow them on Twitter and no editor will accept submissions via Facebook. Spend your energy finishing your book, querying agents, and getting your book published.
You Are: A freelance writer
You Need: LinkedIn and Twitter
As a career freelancer, two things are imperative: knowledge and contacts. Following pertinent Twitterers such as the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, or even President Obama, will keep you up to date on what is going on in the world. LinkedIn helps you make contacts in the industry, includes job postings, and allows you to showcase your body of work.
You Are: A blogger
You Need: Twitter, Facebook and Myspace
Depending on the type of blog, you could hit hundreds of social networking sites, but these three are the most important. If you're goal is to drive people to your website, the more links out there, the better. In order for people to find your blog, they have to find you, and these three sites will help them do that. In addition to mentioning your blog in your profile, link you your latest blog entries on your Twitter and Facebook updates.
You Are: A published novelist
You Need: All of the above
Okay, you don't really need all of the above, but the more places mentioning your book, the better. It only takes a few minutes to set up GoodReads or Crimespace, and once it's up, it's not so important to maintain. Twitter and Facebook are higher maintenance: they require constant updating. The others are more for search engine purposes; the more your book is mentioned the more it will pop up. I've updated my Crimespace page once in two years, but it still pops up if you type my name into Google. If you're time is limited, stick with either Facebook or Twitter.
Though these sites are all the rage, not everyone needs them. Figure out your goals and evaluate what these sites are doing to accomplish those goals. These are social networking tools, but if you're using them for your career, the emphasis should be on "networking" not "social".
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Monday, June 15, 2009
Must-See Monday
The weekend may be over, but the literary fun has only begun! Check out these must-sees:
Twilight Tales goes gay for pride month Monday, June 15th at 7:30pm. The reading series has temporarily relocated to the Bourgeois Pig (738 W. Fullerton)
The Book Cellar hosts local author night on Wednesday, June 17th at 7:00pm. Billy Lombardo, author of HOW TO HOLD A WOMAN, is a very talented writer and definitely worth hearing.
If you're in the burbs, Jamie Freveletti will be signing copies of RUNNING FROM THE DEVIL at the Warren Newport Public Library in Gurnee Saturday, June 20th 2:00-3:30pm.
Check out the monthly literary and variety showcase, Sappho's Salon, at Women and Children First on Saturday, June 20th at 7:30pm. Tonight is their anniversary performance and the $10 includes food and wine.
I just learned that one of my favorite restaurants, Uncommon Ground, has a bi-monthly open mike called Story Club, so stop by the Wrigleyville Location on Sunday, June 21. The show features 8-10 minute readings, oral storytelling, improv and stand-up comedy. Sign up begins at 8:00pm, show starts at 8:30pm.
Twilight Tales goes gay for pride month Monday, June 15th at 7:30pm. The reading series has temporarily relocated to the Bourgeois Pig (738 W. Fullerton)
The Book Cellar hosts local author night on Wednesday, June 17th at 7:00pm. Billy Lombardo, author of HOW TO HOLD A WOMAN, is a very talented writer and definitely worth hearing.
If you're in the burbs, Jamie Freveletti will be signing copies of RUNNING FROM THE DEVIL at the Warren Newport Public Library in Gurnee Saturday, June 20th 2:00-3:30pm.
Check out the monthly literary and variety showcase, Sappho's Salon, at Women and Children First on Saturday, June 20th at 7:30pm. Tonight is their anniversary performance and the $10 includes food and wine.
I just learned that one of my favorite restaurants, Uncommon Ground, has a bi-monthly open mike called Story Club, so stop by the Wrigleyville Location on Sunday, June 21. The show features 8-10 minute readings, oral storytelling, improv and stand-up comedy. Sign up begins at 8:00pm, show starts at 8:30pm.
Friday, June 12, 2009
Weekend Reading (and viewing)
The cold and the wind continue here in Chicago, perfect weather for renting movies. So here are a few books to check out before viewing their film counterparts:
One of my favorite books is Mystic River by Dennis Lehane and Clint Eastwood did a great job adapting the book for screen. Both are beautifully told and portray haunted, gripping characters.
For more great characters, check out Rules of Attraction by Bret Easton Ellis. In this case, I actually enjoyed the film more than the book, but both are told in very interesting ways.
Another great book/film is Jarhead by Anthony Swofford, a memoir about one Marine's experience in the gulf war. The film is a bit different than the book, but both are wonderfully told.
Lastly, I have to mention both Chuck Palahniuk books that have been made into films: Fight Club and Choke. Both books are great, I liked Choke the book a little better, but Fight Club is by far, the better adaptation.
One of my favorite books is Mystic River by Dennis Lehane and Clint Eastwood did a great job adapting the book for screen. Both are beautifully told and portray haunted, gripping characters.
For more great characters, check out Rules of Attraction by Bret Easton Ellis. In this case, I actually enjoyed the film more than the book, but both are told in very interesting ways.
Another great book/film is Jarhead by Anthony Swofford, a memoir about one Marine's experience in the gulf war. The film is a bit different than the book, but both are wonderfully told.
Lastly, I have to mention both Chuck Palahniuk books that have been made into films: Fight Club and Choke. Both books are great, I liked Choke the book a little better, but Fight Club is by far, the better adaptation.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Writer's Block: The Memorable Protagonist
It is difficult to love a book without loving the character. I'd go out on a limb to say it's impossible. When we fall in love with stories, we fall in love with the characters. If you don't care about the person, you won't care what happens to them.
So as writers, how do we create protagonists that readers care about? Here are a few suggestions:
Multi-Faceted. One of my biggest pet peeves is when the protagonist is a cliche, cardboard cutout: the tired/alcoholic cop, the sociopath with a traumatic upbringing, etc. Readers like characters with more than one dimension, especially when that dimension is one that you wouldn't expect: A killer who's very religious and goes to confession after every murder or a cop who dreams of becoming a folk singer and plays at cafes and local open mikes. Readers want characters who are more than just their job title.
Baggage. There's nothing I love more than a protagonist with a past. We all are who we are and are doing what we're doing because of past experiences. Let your character carry some baggage and show readers how it affects their actions in the story.
Goals. All of the characters in your book should have goals, but your protagonist's are the most important. Clearly illustrate what their goals, don't let them achieve them too easily, and make them driven and passionate about reaching those goals.
Conflict. A character without problems is a character without a story. A book cannot simply illustrate a character on a journey to achieve their goals. There must be conflict, problems, obstacles.
Flawed. Perfect characters are boring and not believable. Characters with weaknesses and flaws are more interesting and realistic. Giving your character a weakness will not only make them more believable and sympathetic, the weakness will also serve as an obstacle to overcome.
What should you avoid?
Cliche. Both in dialogue and the characters themselves.
Gimmicks. Sometimes they're funny, but more often then not, they're cheesy. Unless you're Monk or Elmore Leonard.
Forcing a protagonist. Finding your storyteller should be organic; you shouldn't force the story on a character just because their convenient. Before you begin to write, brainstorm and look closely to find the true storyteller in your book.
So as writers, how do we create protagonists that readers care about? Here are a few suggestions:
Multi-Faceted. One of my biggest pet peeves is when the protagonist is a cliche, cardboard cutout: the tired/alcoholic cop, the sociopath with a traumatic upbringing, etc. Readers like characters with more than one dimension, especially when that dimension is one that you wouldn't expect: A killer who's very religious and goes to confession after every murder or a cop who dreams of becoming a folk singer and plays at cafes and local open mikes. Readers want characters who are more than just their job title.
Baggage. There's nothing I love more than a protagonist with a past. We all are who we are and are doing what we're doing because of past experiences. Let your character carry some baggage and show readers how it affects their actions in the story.
Goals. All of the characters in your book should have goals, but your protagonist's are the most important. Clearly illustrate what their goals, don't let them achieve them too easily, and make them driven and passionate about reaching those goals.
Conflict. A character without problems is a character without a story. A book cannot simply illustrate a character on a journey to achieve their goals. There must be conflict, problems, obstacles.
Flawed. Perfect characters are boring and not believable. Characters with weaknesses and flaws are more interesting and realistic. Giving your character a weakness will not only make them more believable and sympathetic, the weakness will also serve as an obstacle to overcome.
What should you avoid?
Cliche. Both in dialogue and the characters themselves.
Gimmicks. Sometimes they're funny, but more often then not, they're cheesy. Unless you're Monk or Elmore Leonard.
Forcing a protagonist. Finding your storyteller should be organic; you shouldn't force the story on a character just because their convenient. Before you begin to write, brainstorm and look closely to find the true storyteller in your book.
Tuesday, June 09, 2009
Top Ten Tuesday
This is just my opinion, one I've formed from personal experiences. Again, the list is in alphabetical order, not ranked. Disagree? Feel free to comment!
Top Ten Places to Meet Other Writers in Chicago
Monday, June 08, 2009
Must-See Monday
This is a light week for all things literary, but here are a few events you'll want to check out:
Tuesday, June 9th at 7:30 PM check out Quickies at the Innertown Pub (1935 W. Thomas). This reading series features short stories of 5 minutes or less. The rowdy crowd will cheer, whistle, boo and heckle, which can be just as entertaining as the readings themselves.
If you care to venture out to the burbs, Laura Caldwell will be discussing and signing copies of her latest book, RED HOT LIES at the Wacounda Public Library on Thursday, June 11th at 7:30pm. Laura is a great writer with a wonderful personality and she's definitely worth the drive.
Another suburban event worth checking out is writing duo Michael Stanley. They will be discussing and signing copies of their latest book, THE SECOND DEATH OF GOOD LUCK TINUBU on Friday, June 12th at 7:00pm at Centuries and Sleuths (7419 W. Madison) in Forest Park. Stanley is the author of the Dective Kubu series set in Botswana.
Tuesday, June 9th at 7:30 PM check out Quickies at the Innertown Pub (1935 W. Thomas). This reading series features short stories of 5 minutes or less. The rowdy crowd will cheer, whistle, boo and heckle, which can be just as entertaining as the readings themselves.
If you care to venture out to the burbs, Laura Caldwell will be discussing and signing copies of her latest book, RED HOT LIES at the Wacounda Public Library on Thursday, June 11th at 7:30pm. Laura is a great writer with a wonderful personality and she's definitely worth the drive.
Another suburban event worth checking out is writing duo Michael Stanley. They will be discussing and signing copies of their latest book, THE SECOND DEATH OF GOOD LUCK TINUBU on Friday, June 12th at 7:00pm at Centuries and Sleuths (7419 W. Madison) in Forest Park. Stanley is the author of the Dective Kubu series set in Botswana.
Friday, June 05, 2009
Weekend Reading - Printer's Row edition
In honor of Printer's Row, I'm recommending authors who will be at the book fair this weekend. Be sure to attend their panels or stop by their booths to get signed copies!
RED HOT LIES by Laura Caldwell released this week. Laura is a Chicago author whose books are a good mix of thriller and chick-lit. This book is the first installment of a summer trilogy; the subsequent books will be released in July and August.
Also in attendance will be Chicago authors Marcus Sakey and Sean Chercover. These two aren't just great writer's, they're a lot of fun too. Don't just buy their books (GOOD PEOPLE and TRIGGER CITY), take them out for a beer too!
Tickets to Elmore Leonard, one of my favorite authors, are already sold out, but that doesn't mean you won't be able to get a book signed. If you haven't read him, I'd recommend starting with GET SHORTY and BE COOL. I think BE COOL is the better book, but you can't appreciate it without reading GET SHORTY first. His latest book, ROAD DOGS, is supposed to be great, but I haven't gotten a chance to pick it up yet.
RED HOT LIES by Laura Caldwell released this week. Laura is a Chicago author whose books are a good mix of thriller and chick-lit. This book is the first installment of a summer trilogy; the subsequent books will be released in July and August.
Also in attendance will be Chicago authors Marcus Sakey and Sean Chercover. These two aren't just great writer's, they're a lot of fun too. Don't just buy their books (GOOD PEOPLE and TRIGGER CITY), take them out for a beer too!
Tickets to Elmore Leonard, one of my favorite authors, are already sold out, but that doesn't mean you won't be able to get a book signed. If you haven't read him, I'd recommend starting with GET SHORTY and BE COOL. I think BE COOL is the better book, but you can't appreciate it without reading GET SHORTY first. His latest book, ROAD DOGS, is supposed to be great, but I haven't gotten a chance to pick it up yet.
Wednesday, June 03, 2009
Writer's Block: Konrath's e-book experiment
Though I've already written about my take on the Kindle and e-books, author J.A. Konrath has had some interesting posts on the subject the last couple of weeks. So today, instead of giving my opinion, I'm pointing you to someone else's:
E-Books Part 1
E-Books Part 2
E-Books Part 1
E-Books Part 2
Tuesday, June 02, 2009
New Top Ten Tuesdays
Thought I'd try something new for a few weeks. Every Tuesday I'll put out my top ten list of various themes. The listings will be in alphabetical order, not rank, and if you feel I've missed something, feel free to comment!
Top Ten Chicagoland Independent Bookstores
- 57th Street Books in Hyde Park
- Barbara's Bookstore UIC location
- Book Cellar in Lincoln Square
- Book Stall in Winnetka
- Centuries and Slueths in Forest Park
- Myopic Bookstore in Wicker Park
- Quimby's in Bucktown
- Sandmeyers Bookstore in the South Loop
- Unabridged Bookstore in Lakeview
- Women and Children First in Andersonville
Monday, June 01, 2009
Must-See Monday
Featured Event (just because I'm the one reading!)
Tuesday, June 2nd at 7:30pm at Big Chicks (5024 N. Sheridan) I'll be reading at Homolatte. Joining me is singer/songwriter Samantha Cathcart. It will be a great night of music and prose, a definite must-see.
Authors Jamie Freveletti, Billy Lombardo, and poet Robert McDonald read at RUI: Reading Under the Influence Wednesday, June 3rd 7-10pm at Sheffields (3258 N. Sheffield). If you haven't been to this unique and lively reading series, it's definitely worth checking out. Answer the trivia correctly, you'll come out with a free drink and a free book!
National Book Award nominee Jean Thompson launches a new short story collection, DO NOT DENY ME, MY BROTHER, Friday, June 5th at 7:30pm at Book Cellar (4736 N. Lincoln). Authors J. Adams Oaks and Lindsay Hunter will be joining him and the event is sponsored by Jonathan Messinger of Featherproof Books.
June 6th and June 7th, make sure to check out the Printer's Row Bookfair. There are too many events to post, so click here to check out the full schedule. Some authors of note include Marcus Sakey, Sean Chercover, Jamie Freveletti, Laura Caldwell, Tasha Alexander, Andrew Grant, Dave Eggers, Elmore Leonard, and others.
Friday, May 29, 2009
Weekend Reading
I picked up THE WAY HOME by George Pelecanos yesterday and have not been able to put it down since. His new novel straddles the line of literature and crime fiction, beautifully written with compelling characters.
Also released this week is Michael Connelly's THE SCARECROW. His latest novel features newspaper writer Jack McEvoy, the same protagonist from THE POET and one of my favorites.
If you need a quick read over the weekend, and you're into e-books, check out SERIAL by Chicago author Jack Kilborn and Blake Crouch. This slim novella tells the story of two serial killers and what happens when they find each other. Lots of violence and twisted characters, but grips you from beginning to end. Best part; the book is free.
Need more recommendations? Check out my reviews in Crimespree Magazine.
Also released this week is Michael Connelly's THE SCARECROW. His latest novel features newspaper writer Jack McEvoy, the same protagonist from THE POET and one of my favorites.
If you need a quick read over the weekend, and you're into e-books, check out SERIAL by Chicago author Jack Kilborn and Blake Crouch. This slim novella tells the story of two serial killers and what happens when they find each other. Lots of violence and twisted characters, but grips you from beginning to end. Best part; the book is free.
Need more recommendations? Check out my reviews in Crimespree Magazine.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Writer's Block: A Writer's Library
When I first started writing genre fiction, back in my freshman year of college, I knew very little about it. I had never read mysteries or thrillers, I didn't know anything about plot structure or outlining, and I had no idea about the process of publishing a novel. I was a natural story teller, that's why I went to Columbia College in the first place, the other aspects of writing I learned through classes, conferences, peers, and best of all, books.
There are lots of books about writing; some are better than others. Since not everyone can attend a creative writing program and not everyone lives in an area where there are other writers, books about the craft of writing can be extremely helpful. Here are a few of my favorites:
Elements of Style by Strunk and White. This is a must-have for any writer. It's a slim paperback, but it's full of helpful grammar and style tips. Middle school language arts was a long time ago and this trusty guide will remind you of all that was forgotten.
On Writing by Stephen King. This is a combination of memoir and writing book. It's divided into three sections: One where King talks about his childhood and how he became a writer, another where he talks about the craft of writing, and the last section is a brutally honest telling of his accident and what came after. The second section is extremely helpful and the other two are simply inspiring.
Write Faster, Write Better by David A. Fryxell. Anyone who thinks it will take years to finish a novel, needs this book. Fryxell is has great ways to organize, plan ahead, and overall, write more efficiently. If you think a novel is daunting now, you won't after reading this book.
The Writer's Market. This massive volume is packed with agents, publishers, freelance opportunities, writing groups, conferences and more. Some of the information can be off so make sure to check websites for up-to-date mailing addresses and submission guidelines, but this book will send you on the right path.
Writing the Breakout Novel by Donald Maass. I read this just as I was finishing up my first manuscript, and by the time I was done, I felt like I needed to rewrite my entire book. Maass clearly knows the industry and gives great advice to writers wanting to breakout from the midlist. Also check out the workbook companion.
Writing and Selling Your Mystery Novel by Hallie Ephron. Obviously this mostly applies to mystery writers, but I believe her tips, outlines, and characterization charts can be applied to any type of novel. The book includes extensive worksheets illustrating how to effectively plot your book, create compelling characters, and how to build suspense. I found it very helpful when I was attempting to write my first mystery.
The Successful Novelist by David Morrell. I myself have not picked up this book yet, but many writers I know rave about it, so I felt I should include it. Morrell is the author of First Blood and the creator of Rambo. He is also a professor at the University of Iowa in their creative writing program. He's been writing and teaching a long time and with that experience comes a wealth of knowledge.
Feel free to comment with any books that have been helpful in your writing career!
There are lots of books about writing; some are better than others. Since not everyone can attend a creative writing program and not everyone lives in an area where there are other writers, books about the craft of writing can be extremely helpful. Here are a few of my favorites:
Elements of Style by Strunk and White. This is a must-have for any writer. It's a slim paperback, but it's full of helpful grammar and style tips. Middle school language arts was a long time ago and this trusty guide will remind you of all that was forgotten.
On Writing by Stephen King. This is a combination of memoir and writing book. It's divided into three sections: One where King talks about his childhood and how he became a writer, another where he talks about the craft of writing, and the last section is a brutally honest telling of his accident and what came after. The second section is extremely helpful and the other two are simply inspiring.
Write Faster, Write Better by David A. Fryxell. Anyone who thinks it will take years to finish a novel, needs this book. Fryxell is has great ways to organize, plan ahead, and overall, write more efficiently. If you think a novel is daunting now, you won't after reading this book.
The Writer's Market. This massive volume is packed with agents, publishers, freelance opportunities, writing groups, conferences and more. Some of the information can be off so make sure to check websites for up-to-date mailing addresses and submission guidelines, but this book will send you on the right path.
Writing the Breakout Novel by Donald Maass. I read this just as I was finishing up my first manuscript, and by the time I was done, I felt like I needed to rewrite my entire book. Maass clearly knows the industry and gives great advice to writers wanting to breakout from the midlist. Also check out the workbook companion.
Writing and Selling Your Mystery Novel by Hallie Ephron. Obviously this mostly applies to mystery writers, but I believe her tips, outlines, and characterization charts can be applied to any type of novel. The book includes extensive worksheets illustrating how to effectively plot your book, create compelling characters, and how to build suspense. I found it very helpful when I was attempting to write my first mystery.
The Successful Novelist by David Morrell. I myself have not picked up this book yet, but many writers I know rave about it, so I felt I should include it. Morrell is the author of First Blood and the creator of Rambo. He is also a professor at the University of Iowa in their creative writing program. He's been writing and teaching a long time and with that experience comes a wealth of knowledge.
Feel free to comment with any books that have been helpful in your writing career!
Monday, May 25, 2009
Must-See Monday
Get over the beer and BBQ hangover with a little dose of literary:
Jane Hamilton and Elizabeth Berg read from their latest novels at Women and Children First (5233 N. Clark) Wednesday, May 27th at 7pm. This is one of my favorite bookstores and they always put on a good show.
Michael Connelly and George Pelecanos team up to sign copies of their latest books Wednesday, May 27th. Catch them on your lunch hour at Borders downtown (150 N. State) at 12:30pm or after work at Barnes and Noble Skokie (55 Old Orchard Center) at 7:30pm.
The poetry press, Switchback Books, is hosting a fundraiser at Irish Eyes (2519 N. Lincoln) on Thursday, May 28th at 7pm. No readings scheduled, but come out and support this small press. Switchback staff will be bartending.
In the mood for something racier? Check out The Sunday Night Sex Show at The Burlington (3425 W. Fullerton) Sunday, May 31 at 7:30pm. This lively reading series is a Metromix pick, includes prizes and trivia games, and is held the last Sunday of every month.
Jane Hamilton and Elizabeth Berg read from their latest novels at Women and Children First (5233 N. Clark) Wednesday, May 27th at 7pm. This is one of my favorite bookstores and they always put on a good show.
Michael Connelly and George Pelecanos team up to sign copies of their latest books Wednesday, May 27th. Catch them on your lunch hour at Borders downtown (150 N. State) at 12:30pm or after work at Barnes and Noble Skokie (55 Old Orchard Center) at 7:30pm.
The poetry press, Switchback Books, is hosting a fundraiser at Irish Eyes (2519 N. Lincoln) on Thursday, May 28th at 7pm. No readings scheduled, but come out and support this small press. Switchback staff will be bartending.
In the mood for something racier? Check out The Sunday Night Sex Show at The Burlington (3425 W. Fullerton) Sunday, May 31 at 7:30pm. This lively reading series is a Metromix pick, includes prizes and trivia games, and is held the last Sunday of every month.
Friday, May 22, 2009
Memorial Day Weekend Reading + Contest
The three day weekend calls for extra book recommendations! Read to the end and check out The Chicago Contingent's first contest....
For something new, check out Lee Child's GONE TOMORROW, the latest installment of the Jack Reacher series. Reacher fans will be blown away; it's easily the best one yet. If this is your first introduction, never fear, GONE TOMORROW does stand on its own. Personally, I'd recommend checking out a few others before this one, just to see how far Reacher has come: KILLING FLOOR, TRIPWIRE, and THE PERSUADER.
This week, the committee announced this year's Anthony Award Nominees, so I'll be reading those nominated for best novel. Check them out:
Trigger City by Sean Chercover
The Brass Verdict by Michael Connelly
Red Knife by William Kent Krueger
The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson
The Cruelest Month by Louise Penny
Finally, for this weekend's Chicago author, I suggest author and renegade publisher Darren Callahan. I met him at a writer's conference and was skeptical when he handed me a home-made book. But I took it home, I read it, and I fell in love. Check out DOCUMENTIA and CITY OF HUMAN REMAINS and order them here. _______________________________________________________
Now for The Chicago Contingent's first contest! The first five people to comment on today's post and include their suggested weekend reading, will receive a free copy of Jack Kilborn's AFRAID. Read about it here!
For something new, check out Lee Child's GONE TOMORROW, the latest installment of the Jack Reacher series. Reacher fans will be blown away; it's easily the best one yet. If this is your first introduction, never fear, GONE TOMORROW does stand on its own. Personally, I'd recommend checking out a few others before this one, just to see how far Reacher has come: KILLING FLOOR, TRIPWIRE, and THE PERSUADER.
This week, the committee announced this year's Anthony Award Nominees, so I'll be reading those nominated for best novel. Check them out:
Trigger City by Sean Chercover
The Brass Verdict by Michael Connelly
Red Knife by William Kent Krueger
The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson
The Cruelest Month by Louise Penny
Finally, for this weekend's Chicago author, I suggest author and renegade publisher Darren Callahan. I met him at a writer's conference and was skeptical when he handed me a home-made book. But I took it home, I read it, and I fell in love. Check out DOCUMENTIA and CITY OF HUMAN REMAINS and order them here. _______________________________________________________
Now for The Chicago Contingent's first contest! The first five people to comment on today's post and include their suggested weekend reading, will receive a free copy of Jack Kilborn's AFRAID. Read about it here!
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Writer's Block: Getting Down To Business
Whether you're a novelist, short story author, or freelancer, being a writer means owning your own business. You are responsible for obtaining contracts, creating your schedule, and maintaining your contacts. Writing may be an art, but profiting from writing is a business.
Some first steps to running a successful writing business:
- Create a webpage and print business cards. When you meet people at conferences, parties, or other social functions, if their interested in you, they'll ask for a business card. It's not professional to write your name and number down on a cocktail napkin. When they get home, the first thing they'll do is check you out by typing your name into Google. Having a webpage is having some control in what they find. Make sure your page clearly illustrates who you are and what you do. Novelists, print your latest book cover on your business cards and post it on the landing page of your website.
- Get out there and schmooze. Once your webpage is up and your business cards are in hand, it's time to network. For novelists, that means signings, conferences, and bookstore visits. For freelancers, that means e-mailing editors, attending social events, and forming relationships with possible interview subjects. Whatever the end goal, the more people you know, the more opportunities you'll have. Be social, friendly, and don't treat conversations like sales pitches. Form the relationship first, pitch later. Everyone is a potential reader, a potential client, a potential interview subject. Don't write someone off just because you don't think they can do anything for you.
- Learn from the best. When I first started doing publicity, I called and e-mailed a handful of book publicists around Chicago. All of them talked with me, one even met me for coffee to talk about the business. The more you know, the easier it is to avoid common pitfalls. If you're a debut author, talk to authors who have been at it for a while. If you're a freelancer, e-mail a writer from your favorite magazine or newspaper. Most people love to talk about themselves and share their knowledge.
- Get organized. If you're a freelancer, you're juggling numerous deadlines for a variety of publications, not to mention pitching new story ideas and following up with editors. Novelists are marketing their current book, completing edits on their second, and coming up with ideas for their third. There's a lot to keep track of. Utilize Excel, Outlook, and other programs to ensure you stay on task and meet deadlines. Forming daily to-do lists isn't a bad idea either. Keep a filing system to keep track of contracts, article payments, and clips.
- Plan ahead. If you want to make it as a freelancer, you should be pitching every day. Even if you're swamped with deadlines, you should still plan ahead and solicit future assignments. If you're an author, make sure you send out ARCs to reviewers and the media as soon as their available. Book reviews have a long turnaround time, especially with the diminished space in print publications. For short stories, it can be a up to a year from acceptance to publishing, and payment can be even longer. Complete the immediate tasks, but everyday, you should be planting seeds for the future.
Treat the act of writing as an art, but everything else should be treated as a business. Ultimately, you're selling a product (book, short story) or service (writing), and when it comes to sales, professionalism goes a long way.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Must-See Monday
Looks like weeknights are busier for fiction fans! Check out this week's must-sees:
RUI: Reading Under The Influence is on a special night this month: Monday, May 18th at 7:00pm at Sheffield's (3258 N. Sheffield). If you've never attended RUI, definitely check it out. It's one of Chicago's most lively reading series. A reader takes a shot, reads a portion of published work (usually with a theme) then asks the audience trivia questions before downing another shot. Correct answers get drink tickets and free books! Tonight's readers include Joe Meno, John Berger, Julia Borcherts, Rob Duffer, Jesse Jordan, Gabriel Levinson and Amy Guth.
Writer Brian Flitsch joins musician Keith Hampton at Homolatte on Tuesday, June 19th at 7:30pm. This bi-monthly GLBT reading series meets at Big Chicks (5024 N. Sheridan)
Local Authors night at Book Cellar (4736 N. Lincoln) on Wednesday, May 20 at 7:00pm. Authors Jamie Freveletti, Gillian Flynn and Lenny Kleinfeld will be signing copies of their latest novels.
If music is more your thing, check out Tribune music critic Greg Kot at the Lincoln Park Borders (2817 N. Clark) also on Wednesday, May 20 at 7:00pm. Kot will be signing copies of RIPPED, his book about the digital music industry.
RUI: Reading Under The Influence is on a special night this month: Monday, May 18th at 7:00pm at Sheffield's (3258 N. Sheffield). If you've never attended RUI, definitely check it out. It's one of Chicago's most lively reading series. A reader takes a shot, reads a portion of published work (usually with a theme) then asks the audience trivia questions before downing another shot. Correct answers get drink tickets and free books! Tonight's readers include Joe Meno, John Berger, Julia Borcherts, Rob Duffer, Jesse Jordan, Gabriel Levinson and Amy Guth.
Writer Brian Flitsch joins musician Keith Hampton at Homolatte on Tuesday, June 19th at 7:30pm. This bi-monthly GLBT reading series meets at Big Chicks (5024 N. Sheridan)
Local Authors night at Book Cellar (4736 N. Lincoln) on Wednesday, May 20 at 7:00pm. Authors Jamie Freveletti, Gillian Flynn and Lenny Kleinfeld will be signing copies of their latest novels.
If music is more your thing, check out Tribune music critic Greg Kot at the Lincoln Park Borders (2817 N. Clark) also on Wednesday, May 20 at 7:00pm. Kot will be signing copies of RIPPED, his book about the digital music industry.
Friday, May 15, 2009
Weekend Reading
This weekend, be sure to pick up a copy of Andrew Grant's debut novel, EVEN. He's a talented writer, a really nice guy, and I have a feeling he's going to go far in this business. His series protagonist, David Trevellyan, is a Royal Navy Intelligence operative who's been set up for murder. He's used to working undercover and getting out of sticky situations, but when his bosses in London turn their backs on him and he's handed over to the Feds, Trevellyan must act alone to clear his name and seek justice.
This week, I noticed the The Outfit Collective has added a few more authors to their queue, including Laura Caldwell and David Ellis. Both are talented authors, so if you're not familiar with their work, check them out. My favorites are THE GOOD LIAR by Laura Caldwell and JURY OF ONE by David Ellis.
Finally, for all you authors out there, be sure to pick up Lissa Warren's SAVVY AUTHOR'S GUIDE TO BOOK PUBLICITY. It's a must-have for any author or newbie publicist attempting a successful publicity campaign.
This week, I noticed the The Outfit Collective has added a few more authors to their queue, including Laura Caldwell and David Ellis. Both are talented authors, so if you're not familiar with their work, check them out. My favorites are THE GOOD LIAR by Laura Caldwell and JURY OF ONE by David Ellis.
Finally, for all you authors out there, be sure to pick up Lissa Warren's SAVVY AUTHOR'S GUIDE TO BOOK PUBLICITY. It's a must-have for any author or newbie publicist attempting a successful publicity campaign.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Writer's Block: The Online Campaign
Most advance reading copies I receive come with an insert or blurb about the book's marketing campaign. I'm not sure why this would be helpful to a reviewer, but I read them anyway. The latest trend I've been noticing is the "Online Marketing Campaign", and I'm not surprised.
Where marketing teams and publicists used to hit print publications, TV, and radio, they're now hitting blogs, online papers, newsletters, and using e-mail blasts to promote a book. They're focused on website hits, e-mail lists, and uploading book trailers to YouTube. Is this more effective than other promotions? Hard to say. One thing's for sure, it's a hell of a lot cheaper.
Web-based promotion costs very little. There's no toner, no paper, no postage or shipping costs. Web advertising is far cheaper than print, but most publishers won't pay for advertising at all. They'll focus on contacting e-zine editors and bloggers to interview authors or write feature articles instead. Why buy space on the web when you can get it for free?
There are many pros to web campaigns other than cost. You don't have to work on web-based campaigns during normal business hours. The web never closes. Once something is up on the web, it's there forever, unlike newspapers and magazines that get recycled or TV interviews that only last a few minutes. The web publicity sticks around until someone deletes it, which means it usually stays there forever.
The last major appeal to the web campaign, is the ability to track traffic. Using StatCounter or Google Analytics, you can see if a blog post or online article brought people to your website or to IndieBound and Amazon. It's a lot harder to see the effects of a magazine article or radio interview.
As print newspapers die out, so will the print marketing campaigns. Marketing and publicity follow the trend, and so far, the trend is online.
Two good examples of this type of campaign are J.A. Konrath aka Jack Kilborn and Jamie Freveletti. Instead of beginning with a traditional book tour to promote his latest book, Konrath did a blog tour, appearing on a different blog everyday in March. He is also giving away a free e-novella, hoping that if he gives away a free taste, people will go out and buy more. Jamie Freveletti's debut novel is about an ultra-marathon runner, so she's been appearing on various running blogs. Her book trailer is also being hosted on various websites, many of which are running related rather than literary.
As a reader, notice where you're learning about book releases or new authors. If you're reading this blog, chances are you get most of your info from the web. As a published author, think about the best, most efficient, and cost effective way to reach the widest possible audience. Chances are, it will be with an online marketing campaign.
Where marketing teams and publicists used to hit print publications, TV, and radio, they're now hitting blogs, online papers, newsletters, and using e-mail blasts to promote a book. They're focused on website hits, e-mail lists, and uploading book trailers to YouTube. Is this more effective than other promotions? Hard to say. One thing's for sure, it's a hell of a lot cheaper.
Web-based promotion costs very little. There's no toner, no paper, no postage or shipping costs. Web advertising is far cheaper than print, but most publishers won't pay for advertising at all. They'll focus on contacting e-zine editors and bloggers to interview authors or write feature articles instead. Why buy space on the web when you can get it for free?
There are many pros to web campaigns other than cost. You don't have to work on web-based campaigns during normal business hours. The web never closes. Once something is up on the web, it's there forever, unlike newspapers and magazines that get recycled or TV interviews that only last a few minutes. The web publicity sticks around until someone deletes it, which means it usually stays there forever.
The last major appeal to the web campaign, is the ability to track traffic. Using StatCounter or Google Analytics, you can see if a blog post or online article brought people to your website or to IndieBound and Amazon. It's a lot harder to see the effects of a magazine article or radio interview.
As print newspapers die out, so will the print marketing campaigns. Marketing and publicity follow the trend, and so far, the trend is online.
Two good examples of this type of campaign are J.A. Konrath aka Jack Kilborn and Jamie Freveletti. Instead of beginning with a traditional book tour to promote his latest book, Konrath did a blog tour, appearing on a different blog everyday in March. He is also giving away a free e-novella, hoping that if he gives away a free taste, people will go out and buy more. Jamie Freveletti's debut novel is about an ultra-marathon runner, so she's been appearing on various running blogs. Her book trailer is also being hosted on various websites, many of which are running related rather than literary.
As a reader, notice where you're learning about book releases or new authors. If you're reading this blog, chances are you get most of your info from the web. As a published author, think about the best, most efficient, and cost effective way to reach the widest possible audience. Chances are, it will be with an online marketing campaign.
Monday, May 11, 2009
Must-See Monday
May is a busy month for Crime Fiction, lots of new releases. The best part about this week is the debut authors. Be sure to check them out!
Debut author Andrew Grant launches his novel EVEN at the Clybourn Barnes & Noble (1441 W. Webster) Tuesday, May 12th at 7:30pm. He's a talented author and a really nice guy, so it should be a fun evening.
Debut author Jamie Freveletti signs copies of her book RUNNING FROM THE DEVIL at the Oak Brook Borders (1500 W. 16th st.) Wednesday, May 13th at 7:00pm.
Don't feel like heading out to the burbs? She's also hosting a talk at Fleet Feet (1620 N. Wells) on Friday, May 15th at 7:00pm with 3-time Olympian Tim Seaman.
This American Life contributor Cheryl Wagner reads from her new book PLENTY OF SUCK TO GO AROUND: A Memoir of Floods, Fires, Parades and Plywood at Quimby's (1854 W. North Ave.) Saturday, May 16th at 7:00pm.
Debut author Andrew Grant launches his novel EVEN at the Clybourn Barnes & Noble (1441 W. Webster) Tuesday, May 12th at 7:30pm. He's a talented author and a really nice guy, so it should be a fun evening.
Debut author Jamie Freveletti signs copies of her book RUNNING FROM THE DEVIL at the Oak Brook Borders (1500 W. 16th st.) Wednesday, May 13th at 7:00pm.
Don't feel like heading out to the burbs? She's also hosting a talk at Fleet Feet (1620 N. Wells) on Friday, May 15th at 7:00pm with 3-time Olympian Tim Seaman.
This American Life contributor Cheryl Wagner reads from her new book PLENTY OF SUCK TO GO AROUND: A Memoir of Floods, Fires, Parades and Plywood at Quimby's (1854 W. North Ave.) Saturday, May 16th at 7:00pm.
Friday, May 08, 2009
Weekend Reading
Be sure to pick up RUNNING FROM THE DEVIL by Chicago author, Jamie Freveletti. I'm a little bias as Jamie is a friend and colleague, but I wouldn't recommend something that isn't good. RUNNING is a balls-out action thriller that is easily read in one sitting. Ultra-marathoner Emma Caldridge's plane is downed in the jungles of Columbia and it is her athletic prowess that allows her to escape. While there is the immediate conflict (how will she make it out alive?) there is also the underlying puzzle of why this plane was hijacked and what the hijackers want with Emma. This debut novel was chosen as the May Indie Notable Book.
In the mood for something slower paced? I recently finished Richard Price's LUSH LIFE, though I should have read it ages ago when it first came out. Price has always been a master at capturing setting, but he has outdone himself with this depiction of New York's Lower East side. The novel contains a large cast of characters and it's almost as if they're passing around video camera, each having an opportunity to tell their story. LUSH LIFE may be a slower read than most mysteries, but the writing is just as gripping.
Since SANCTUARY by Ken Bruen releases next week, #7 in the Jack Taylor series, I'd spend this weekend reading CROSS, which is #6. Ken Bruen is a talented writer and Taylor is a great series character. If you're not familiar, start at the beginning with THE GUARDS.
In the mood for something slower paced? I recently finished Richard Price's LUSH LIFE, though I should have read it ages ago when it first came out. Price has always been a master at capturing setting, but he has outdone himself with this depiction of New York's Lower East side. The novel contains a large cast of characters and it's almost as if they're passing around video camera, each having an opportunity to tell their story. LUSH LIFE may be a slower read than most mysteries, but the writing is just as gripping.
Since SANCTUARY by Ken Bruen releases next week, #7 in the Jack Taylor series, I'd spend this weekend reading CROSS, which is #6. Ken Bruen is a talented writer and Taylor is a great series character. If you're not familiar, start at the beginning with THE GUARDS.
Wednesday, May 06, 2009
Writer's Block: From Premise to Plot
Most of my book ideas start from a premise: hypocrisy of ultra-orthodox Jews in Israel, a reformed prostitute living on the north shore, tagging crews in Chicago. These are ideas, bases from which stories can grow, not plot. The premise is the who, what, when, where and why of your story. Plot is the how. The plot is how your story ideas and characters get from point A to point B. Novel premises and ideas come all the time, usually without effort. Plot takes time, craft, and lots of thought.
The process of starting a novel can be daunting. You have an idea, you have a few characters, maybe you even know how the story is going to end. But where do you go from there? Do you start writing and see where the story takes you? Or do you outline first, plan ahead?
The answers are different for every writer, but over time, I've grown quite fond of outlining. My first two books had all types of structure problems and I would have loved to figure all that out before I spent months writing hundreds of pages that ended up in the trash. I don't outline in great detail, so much of the plot changes as I go. But the core points remain the same, which allows me to keep focus and hopefully minimize future revision.
There are many different ways to outline. Some writers use dry erase boards, others use post-its. I've seen a few use enormous rolls of butcher paper. A few years ago, I covered my dining room wall with index cards. I'm a visual person; I need to see my story and be able to rearrange it before my eyes. For others, it's enough to take notes or mentally craft the structure. Whichever method you choose, remember the following:
The process of starting a novel can be daunting. You have an idea, you have a few characters, maybe you even know how the story is going to end. But where do you go from there? Do you start writing and see where the story takes you? Or do you outline first, plan ahead?
The answers are different for every writer, but over time, I've grown quite fond of outlining. My first two books had all types of structure problems and I would have loved to figure all that out before I spent months writing hundreds of pages that ended up in the trash. I don't outline in great detail, so much of the plot changes as I go. But the core points remain the same, which allows me to keep focus and hopefully minimize future revision.
There are many different ways to outline. Some writers use dry erase boards, others use post-its. I've seen a few use enormous rolls of butcher paper. A few years ago, I covered my dining room wall with index cards. I'm a visual person; I need to see my story and be able to rearrange it before my eyes. For others, it's enough to take notes or mentally craft the structure. Whichever method you choose, remember the following:
- Focus on internal plot points as well as external. Better yet, plan how the two weave together.
- Think in terms of pages. Once you have the main turning points figured out, think about where they come into the story. You don't want your first major turning point happening halfway through the book.
- Think about different possible scenarios. There are many ways to kill a person, for a P.I. to discover a crucial piece of evidence, or for two people to come together. Think of a few different ways to achieve the same goal and weigh the pros and cons of each. You may run into a problem during the writing that requires a plan B.
- Run the outline by your writers group. They'll definitely have questions, concerns and feedback about your plot structure. Much better to hear it in the beginning phases rather than 200 pages into the writing.
- Know the ending, or at least have an idea of it. If you don't know the ending, your writing will lack focus. You want every chapter, every scene, every paragraph, to drive the plot towards your end goal. With the exception of some literary works, I'd say it's impossible to write a book with a tightly woven plot without knowing the ending ahead of time.
Writing a novel is far less daunting if you have a plan. It's no fun to stare at a blank page for an hour, thinking about what you're going to write. With an outline, you know exactly where you're going before you even turn on your computer. Know that scenes will change, plot points may shift, and that's okay, as long as you've spend time thinking about the structure of your story and where you want it to go. Just because you have a premise, doesn't mean you have a plot.
Monday, May 04, 2009
Must-See Monday
A slower week for bookies, but remember it's quality, not quantity. And the events listed are definitely quality:
Story prize nominee, Joe Meno, reads from his new novel THE GREAT PERHAPS at Quimby's Bookstore (1854 W. North Ave.) Thursday, May 7 at 7:00pm. Meno is a gifted writer and it's always a pleasure to hear him read.
Chicago Dramatists (1105 W. Chicago) preform works-in-progress Saturday, May 9 at 2:00pm. Though I myself have yet to attend this weekly reading series, I have heard good things.
Second City/Third Person is a new reading series held at Book Cellar (4736 N. Lincoln) Saturday, May 9, 7pm. All stories are written in the third person will highlight a different street each month. This month, stories will relate to Western Ave.
Story prize nominee, Joe Meno, reads from his new novel THE GREAT PERHAPS at Quimby's Bookstore (1854 W. North Ave.) Thursday, May 7 at 7:00pm. Meno is a gifted writer and it's always a pleasure to hear him read.
Chicago Dramatists (1105 W. Chicago) preform works-in-progress Saturday, May 9 at 2:00pm. Though I myself have yet to attend this weekly reading series, I have heard good things.
Second City/Third Person is a new reading series held at Book Cellar (4736 N. Lincoln) Saturday, May 9, 7pm. All stories are written in the third person will highlight a different street each month. This month, stories will relate to Western Ave.
Friday, May 01, 2009
Weekend Reading
There is no doubt what I'm reading this weekend if I can get my hands on it, and that's Joe Meno's latest novel THE GREAT PERHAPS. It wasn't scheduled to come out until 5/11, but Amazon, Indie Bound, and B&N all seem to have it in stock. His new book tells the story of the Casper family, husband and wife scientists with two daughters living in Chicago. Though I haven't read his latest, I have read everything else this man has ever written, and exploring human relationships and human nature with great insight and a dash of humor is what Meno does best.
May looks like it's going to be a hot month for crime fiction: Jamie Freveletti, Andrew Grant, Lee Child, Michael Connelly, Ken Bruen and John Hart all have novels coming out. While you wait, check out their previous books, and if the author writes series, try to catch up!
Also, today has been declared Buy Indie Day. Head out to your local indepnedent bookstore and buy a book!
May looks like it's going to be a hot month for crime fiction: Jamie Freveletti, Andrew Grant, Lee Child, Michael Connelly, Ken Bruen and John Hart all have novels coming out. While you wait, check out their previous books, and if the author writes series, try to catch up!
Also, today has been declared Buy Indie Day. Head out to your local indepnedent bookstore and buy a book!
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Who's In Your Network?
The more I learn about the wacky world of publishing, the more I see the importance of networking. Too often, book sales, rave reviews, and successful marketing campaigns are based, not on what you know, but who you know.
If you're an author with a book coming out, especially a debut novel, you have one goal: get the word out. Your book won't sell if people don't know about it. How do you spread the word? You reach out to your network:
Family - Your parents, siblings, and spouse are givens, but make sure you reach out to your extended family as well. They'll definitely buy your book, but more importantly, they'll tell their friends and coworkers about it.
Friends and Acquaintances- Friends are another given, they're definitely going to buy your book and spread the word, but acquaintances are trickier. Depending on how well you know these people, they may or may not buy your book. How do you persuade them? Invite them to your launch party or other social event. Hopefully, after a few drinks they're more inclined to pick up a copy.
Coworkers - Most of us have day jobs, but if you're fortunate enough to be a career novelist, reach out to your spouses coworkers. Don't be timid about bringing your two lives together, people are usually interested. Post a flyer for your signing in the punch room or e-mail coworkers announcing your book's release.
Writing Acquaintances - These are the people you've met at conferences, signings or other literary events. You mostly correspond via e-mail and don't correspond too often. Again, don't be timid about announcing your book's release or inviting them to a signing. Chances are, they're planning on doing the same when their book comes out. If it's been a while, remind them when and where you met.
Online Acquaintances - These are your followers on Twitter, your Facebook and Myspace friends, your LinkedIn connections. Many of these people you've never corresponded with, some of them you don't even know. But that's why they call these social networking sites. They allow people to network without meeting or even communicating. If you're using these platforms, utilize them, and announce every signing, reading, or conference you're attending.
Now that you have identified the people in your network, you can start putting together your mailing list. But how do you make the network grow? A few suggestions:
If you're an author with a book coming out, especially a debut novel, you have one goal: get the word out. Your book won't sell if people don't know about it. How do you spread the word? You reach out to your network:
Family - Your parents, siblings, and spouse are givens, but make sure you reach out to your extended family as well. They'll definitely buy your book, but more importantly, they'll tell their friends and coworkers about it.
Friends and Acquaintances- Friends are another given, they're definitely going to buy your book and spread the word, but acquaintances are trickier. Depending on how well you know these people, they may or may not buy your book. How do you persuade them? Invite them to your launch party or other social event. Hopefully, after a few drinks they're more inclined to pick up a copy.
Coworkers - Most of us have day jobs, but if you're fortunate enough to be a career novelist, reach out to your spouses coworkers. Don't be timid about bringing your two lives together, people are usually interested. Post a flyer for your signing in the punch room or e-mail coworkers announcing your book's release.
Writing Acquaintances - These are the people you've met at conferences, signings or other literary events. You mostly correspond via e-mail and don't correspond too often. Again, don't be timid about announcing your book's release or inviting them to a signing. Chances are, they're planning on doing the same when their book comes out. If it's been a while, remind them when and where you met.
Online Acquaintances - These are your followers on Twitter, your Facebook and Myspace friends, your LinkedIn connections. Many of these people you've never corresponded with, some of them you don't even know. But that's why they call these social networking sites. They allow people to network without meeting or even communicating. If you're using these platforms, utilize them, and announce every signing, reading, or conference you're attending.
Now that you have identified the people in your network, you can start putting together your mailing list. But how do you make the network grow? A few suggestions:
- Attend literary events in your area. Introduce yourself to the organizers, authors, and attendees if appropriate.
- Attend writers conferences. I find this the most effective way to build a network. Of course, it helps if your sociable and don't go up to your room after every panel. Station yourself at the hotel bar and don't be afraid to introduce yourself to people.
- Utilize the social networking sites by obtaining "friends", linking through to your webpage, and updating regularly.
- Join Backspace, an online community of writers. Don't just lurk. The more you post, the more your presence will be known!
- Be friendly, especially to the people you see on a regular basis. Introduce yourself to the barista who fixes your latte every morning, the bookseller where you buy your books, the bartender at your regular watering hole. They'd probably be interested in your book, maybe they'd even schedule or advertise an event.
The concept is simple: you sell more books if more people know about them. You tell the people in your network, they'll tell the people in theirs. So start twittering, handing out business cards, and calling that second cousin you haven't seen in years, because if you have a book coming out, everyone needs to know!
Monday, April 27, 2009
Must See Monday
It looks like a busy week for book fans. All events are free with the exception of 2nd Story. But at least your ticket includes a few glasses of wine!
Twilight Tales at Bourgeois Pig Cafe (738 W. Fullerton) Monday, April 27th at 7:30pm. Tonight, this long running reading series, features Fantasy Fiction students from Columbia College Chicago.
Ghost Factory Release Party at Women and Children First (5233 N. Clark) Wednesday, April 29 at 7:00pm. The celebration of the zine's release will include readings by Kathie Bergquist, Christina Correa, and others.
The 2nd Story festival continues at Webster's Wine Bar (1480 W. Webster) Thursday April 30, Friday May 1, Saturday May 2 and Sunday May 3. Tickets required. Doors open at 7pm. Ticket price includes wine flight. If you've never attended one of these readings, the combination of stories and music is fantastic and they always showcase talented writers.
SUBWAY ART Release Party at Novem (1104 N. Ashland). Friday, May 1 5-10pm. Celebrating the 25th anniversary of the book which documents early graffiti art. Martha Cooper will be signing copies.
Free Comic Book Day at Challenger's Comics and Conversation (1845 N. Western) Saturday, May 2 noon-3pm. Image Comics co-founder Erik Larsen will be signing.
Dorothy Allison and Thomas Glave at Women and Children First (5233 N. Clark). Sunday, May 3 at 4:30pm. They will be reading from a new collection of short stories, THE TORTURER'S WIFE.
Twilight Tales at Bourgeois Pig Cafe (738 W. Fullerton) Monday, April 27th at 7:30pm. Tonight, this long running reading series, features Fantasy Fiction students from Columbia College Chicago.
Ghost Factory Release Party at Women and Children First (5233 N. Clark) Wednesday, April 29 at 7:00pm. The celebration of the zine's release will include readings by Kathie Bergquist, Christina Correa, and others.
The 2nd Story festival continues at Webster's Wine Bar (1480 W. Webster) Thursday April 30, Friday May 1, Saturday May 2 and Sunday May 3. Tickets required. Doors open at 7pm. Ticket price includes wine flight. If you've never attended one of these readings, the combination of stories and music is fantastic and they always showcase talented writers.
SUBWAY ART Release Party at Novem (1104 N. Ashland). Friday, May 1 5-10pm. Celebrating the 25th anniversary of the book which documents early graffiti art. Martha Cooper will be signing copies.
Free Comic Book Day at Challenger's Comics and Conversation (1845 N. Western) Saturday, May 2 noon-3pm. Image Comics co-founder Erik Larsen will be signing.
Dorothy Allison and Thomas Glave at Women and Children First (5233 N. Clark). Sunday, May 3 at 4:30pm. They will be reading from a new collection of short stories, THE TORTURER'S WIFE.
Friday, April 24, 2009
Weekend Reading
Need a dose of Chicago crime fiction? Check out Kris Nelscott's DAYS OF RAGE, featuring Smokey Dalton, an off-the-books building inspector turned P.I. when he discovers human remains in one of his buildings. Set in late sixties Chicago, Nelscott expertly weaves truth and fiction, using the historical context to further the story.
Craving something different? Pick up THE BOY DETECTIVE FAILS by Joe Meno. His beautiful and unique writing style steps outside the boundaries of conventional fiction. A great mix of dark prose, magical realism, and a small dash of humor, this novel is unlike any other.
Feel like revisiting a classic? Dig out your old copy of Upton Sinclair's THE JUNGLE, an honest, gritty novel about the stockyards on Chicago's south side.
Want something new? James Grippando's latest novel, INTENT TO KILL, hits bookstores next week. Protagonist Ryan James, a minor league baseball player one game away from the majors, tragically loses his wife in a car accident. But years later, he discovers that his wife's death wasn't an accident, and he is determined to find the truth. A very basic premise, but the characters add great depth to the simple story.
Craving something different? Pick up THE BOY DETECTIVE FAILS by Joe Meno. His beautiful and unique writing style steps outside the boundaries of conventional fiction. A great mix of dark prose, magical realism, and a small dash of humor, this novel is unlike any other.
Feel like revisiting a classic? Dig out your old copy of Upton Sinclair's THE JUNGLE, an honest, gritty novel about the stockyards on Chicago's south side.
Want something new? James Grippando's latest novel, INTENT TO KILL, hits bookstores next week. Protagonist Ryan James, a minor league baseball player one game away from the majors, tragically loses his wife in a car accident. But years later, he discovers that his wife's death wasn't an accident, and he is determined to find the truth. A very basic premise, but the characters add great depth to the simple story.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Writer's Block: E-books
Recently, the Pulitzer Prize board expanded their guidelines to include online newspapers. One of the most prestigious journalism awards can now be given to a completely electronic newspaper.
When I started freelancing, online publications were easier to break into. They have lower overhead and no space limitations, but they weren't as prestigious. It was more impressive to be in print. The Pulitzer board has taken a step to change that.
So much in publishing has to do with money. Advances, marketing campaigns, sales, all come down to money. And these days, there's not much of it to go around. But what type of book costs nothing to publish? An e-book.
For years, everyone has been skeptical of the e-book, myself included. I enjoy holding the book I'm reading, I enjoy being able to stick a mass market paperback in my pocket for a long train ride, I like seeing the cover art and turning the pages. But I feel the same way about newspapers, and my kind are a dying breed.
What if the Pulitzer Prize board expanded its guidelines even further? What if they included books which were only published electronically? What if one of those books won the award? Would people go out and purchase a Kindle or Sony reader so they could read the latest Pulitzer Prize winning novel? Would e-books gain new recognition and a new audience, making paper books obsolete?
If an e-book wins a Pulitzer, I am confident that it will be the bestselling e-book on the market to date. It may even sell better than some of the bestselling print books. But paper books becoming obsolete? I think that could never happen. I believe that actual books will always have a place in this industry. But I used to say the same thing about newspapers. Now I'm not so sure.
What I do know is that e-books will gain recognition and popularity. More e-books will be published because of the low cost and, for the same reason, more people will be reading them. Why buy a $25 hardcover when you can purchase the e-book for $5? Also, as our society continues to become more environmentally aware, we'll prefer e-books because they use minimal natural resources.
Recognition is the first step to shifting the market. Once e-books are recognized for quality writing and publishing, people will begin purchasing them. Prestigious award committees, such as the Pulitzer, have the influence to make that shift. Will paper book sales plummet because of e-books? Probably not. But I do think electronic publishing will quickly improve and become more widespread, and more people will be downloading their reading material.
When I started freelancing, online publications were easier to break into. They have lower overhead and no space limitations, but they weren't as prestigious. It was more impressive to be in print. The Pulitzer board has taken a step to change that.
So much in publishing has to do with money. Advances, marketing campaigns, sales, all come down to money. And these days, there's not much of it to go around. But what type of book costs nothing to publish? An e-book.
For years, everyone has been skeptical of the e-book, myself included. I enjoy holding the book I'm reading, I enjoy being able to stick a mass market paperback in my pocket for a long train ride, I like seeing the cover art and turning the pages. But I feel the same way about newspapers, and my kind are a dying breed.
What if the Pulitzer Prize board expanded its guidelines even further? What if they included books which were only published electronically? What if one of those books won the award? Would people go out and purchase a Kindle or Sony reader so they could read the latest Pulitzer Prize winning novel? Would e-books gain new recognition and a new audience, making paper books obsolete?
If an e-book wins a Pulitzer, I am confident that it will be the bestselling e-book on the market to date. It may even sell better than some of the bestselling print books. But paper books becoming obsolete? I think that could never happen. I believe that actual books will always have a place in this industry. But I used to say the same thing about newspapers. Now I'm not so sure.
What I do know is that e-books will gain recognition and popularity. More e-books will be published because of the low cost and, for the same reason, more people will be reading them. Why buy a $25 hardcover when you can purchase the e-book for $5? Also, as our society continues to become more environmentally aware, we'll prefer e-books because they use minimal natural resources.
Recognition is the first step to shifting the market. Once e-books are recognized for quality writing and publishing, people will begin purchasing them. Prestigious award committees, such as the Pulitzer, have the influence to make that shift. Will paper book sales plummet because of e-books? Probably not. But I do think electronic publishing will quickly improve and become more widespread, and more people will be downloading their reading material.
Monday, April 20, 2009
Must-See Monday
Welcome to the first installment of Must-See Mondays! Lots of great events going on this week:
Literary Gangs of Chicago at Museum of Contemporary Art (220 E. Chicago). Tuesday, April 21 at 6:30pm. Features slam poetry artists from Mental Graffiti.
Poetry Night at Book Cellar (4736 N. Lincoln). Wednesdy, April 22 at 7:00pm. Includes readings by local poets, including Robert McDonald, author of Field Guide to Gay and Lesbain Chicago.
Donna Seamon at Harold Washington Library (400 S. State). Wednesday, April 22 at 6:00pm. Booklist editor and Open Books host discusses the new book HOME GROUND: Language for an American Landscape.
2nd Story Literary Festival at Webster's Wine Bar (1480 W. Webster). Thursday, April 23 at 6:45pm. Authors read their work accompanied to music. The $18 ticket includes wine flight.
Friday, April 17, 2009
New Skin, New Format
When I first started this blog, there wasn't a true focus. I knew I wanted to blog about writing, publishing, and reviewing, but really the posts were whatever I was thinking about that week. After two and a half years of musing, I've decided it's time to focus the content.
This is The Chicago Contingent, and therefore posts will have a predominantly Chicago slant. I also want more structure, and therefore, will blog three times a week on the following subjects:
This is The Chicago Contingent, and therefore posts will have a predominantly Chicago slant. I also want more structure, and therefore, will blog three times a week on the following subjects:
- Must-See Mondays. This will be a listing of signings, readings, and other literary events going on that week. Hopefully this will encourage people to get more involved in the literary community and increase readership.
- Writer's Block Wednesdays. Because I still love talking about the craft of writing, every Wednesday I will blog about reading and writing. I also may use this day to conduct Q&A's with authors and other industry people.
- Weekend Reading. Every Friday I will recommend one or two books to read over the weekend. I will continue to promote Chicago writers here, and the books I recommend won't necessarily be new releases. This will simply be an attempt to answer that nagging question, "Which book should I read next?"
Hopefully this new format will do more for the literary community, especially in Chicago. I also encourage people to submit event listings for MUST-SEE MONDAYS or recommendations for WEEKEND READING.
Thank you and I hope everyone enjoys the new Chicago Contingent!
Wednesday, April 08, 2009
Curing Writer's Block
In the past few weeks, numerous writing friends have told me they are stuck in their stories. Either they are unable to get into their characters or they've reached a plot point they can't overcome or the novel idea just isn't gripping them anymore. Every writer reaches this point at one time or another, but hopefully, I can offer a cure.
The Problem: Unsure of what happens next. You're plugging away, and all of a sudden, you realize you don't know what happens next. Your characters have reached a fork in the road and you don't know which path they should take. You've tried a few different options, but none of them seem to work. Your plot is at a standstill.
The Fix: Dennis Lehane said that if he's blocked, it's usually because of a problem a hundred pages back. I tend to agree. Step back from your story and look at it as a whole. Write major plot points on post-it notes or a dry erase board. Rearrange, add, or take away plot points and see how it affects the overall story. Do you need to add a subplot or take one away? Are the characters' internal struggles being addressed? Stepping back and looking at the plot structure is the only way to find the kinks. Once those are addressed, the story should speed right along.
The Problem: The Inner Censor. Every writer has one. We all have a little beep, bell, or voice inside our heads that sounds off when we're writing. It can be caused by self-criticism, fear of what readers will think, lack of confidence, etc. Some of the most poignant scenes are the most difficult to write and can easily trip you up.
The Fix: Journaling or stream of consciousness writing is the quickest way I know to overcome the inner censor. Write without audience in mind. No one is going to read it. Let your voice go. Don't stop writing, even if you have nothing to say. Attempt to write continuously for five minutes. See what comes out of it. You may be surprised how much you can overcome when you're not thinking about audience.
Alternative: Sometimes the inner censor goes off due to lack of confidence. I often get stuck writing police procedural scenes, because I know very little about the subject. If you are having difficulty writing a scene due to lack of confidence, research is the quickest fix. Read cop blogs, call your local precinct, read one of the hundreds of books about police procedures. Having the knowledge will give you the confidence to write the scene and move forward.
The Problem: Sick of the story. This is bound to happen. You work on a novel for a year, sometimes two, and eventually, you don't want to even think about your story anymore. You're getting ideas for other novels that sound more exciting, and finishing your current project is like pulling teeth.
The Fix: If you're not excited about your story, readers won't be either. You need to figure out a way to renew the magic. Think back to when you first formulated the idea. What made you want to write about these characters? What intrigued you about this story? If you don't know the answers to these questions, then you may want to abandon this project for a while, because something isn't working. Otherwise, try to bring back the passion and need to tell this particular story. Write a few more character sketches or explore new plot possibilities. Hopefully this will rekindle the excitement you felt when you first began writing. Also, you can take a break from the manuscript and work on your two-line elevator pitch. Finding a way to intrigue potential readers using minimal words can renew your own passion for the story.
The Problem: Writing Stinks. You've reread what you've written and it all seems flat, unexciting and uninteresting.
The Fix: Thinking outside the box and trying new writing methods is a great way to liven up a drab manuscript. Try writing a scene from a different character's viewpoint. Write the scene as a letter, or as a script. Write a character's dream or childhood memory. These exercises often bring out new ideas and give the writing new depth.
If you're currently blocked, hopefully I've offered a possible fix. Feel free to offer up your own writing problems, as long as you include the cure!
The Problem: Unsure of what happens next. You're plugging away, and all of a sudden, you realize you don't know what happens next. Your characters have reached a fork in the road and you don't know which path they should take. You've tried a few different options, but none of them seem to work. Your plot is at a standstill.
The Fix: Dennis Lehane said that if he's blocked, it's usually because of a problem a hundred pages back. I tend to agree. Step back from your story and look at it as a whole. Write major plot points on post-it notes or a dry erase board. Rearrange, add, or take away plot points and see how it affects the overall story. Do you need to add a subplot or take one away? Are the characters' internal struggles being addressed? Stepping back and looking at the plot structure is the only way to find the kinks. Once those are addressed, the story should speed right along.
The Problem: The Inner Censor. Every writer has one. We all have a little beep, bell, or voice inside our heads that sounds off when we're writing. It can be caused by self-criticism, fear of what readers will think, lack of confidence, etc. Some of the most poignant scenes are the most difficult to write and can easily trip you up.
The Fix: Journaling or stream of consciousness writing is the quickest way I know to overcome the inner censor. Write without audience in mind. No one is going to read it. Let your voice go. Don't stop writing, even if you have nothing to say. Attempt to write continuously for five minutes. See what comes out of it. You may be surprised how much you can overcome when you're not thinking about audience.
Alternative: Sometimes the inner censor goes off due to lack of confidence. I often get stuck writing police procedural scenes, because I know very little about the subject. If you are having difficulty writing a scene due to lack of confidence, research is the quickest fix. Read cop blogs, call your local precinct, read one of the hundreds of books about police procedures. Having the knowledge will give you the confidence to write the scene and move forward.
The Problem: Sick of the story. This is bound to happen. You work on a novel for a year, sometimes two, and eventually, you don't want to even think about your story anymore. You're getting ideas for other novels that sound more exciting, and finishing your current project is like pulling teeth.
The Fix: If you're not excited about your story, readers won't be either. You need to figure out a way to renew the magic. Think back to when you first formulated the idea. What made you want to write about these characters? What intrigued you about this story? If you don't know the answers to these questions, then you may want to abandon this project for a while, because something isn't working. Otherwise, try to bring back the passion and need to tell this particular story. Write a few more character sketches or explore new plot possibilities. Hopefully this will rekindle the excitement you felt when you first began writing. Also, you can take a break from the manuscript and work on your two-line elevator pitch. Finding a way to intrigue potential readers using minimal words can renew your own passion for the story.
The Problem: Writing Stinks. You've reread what you've written and it all seems flat, unexciting and uninteresting.
The Fix: Thinking outside the box and trying new writing methods is a great way to liven up a drab manuscript. Try writing a scene from a different character's viewpoint. Write the scene as a letter, or as a script. Write a character's dream or childhood memory. These exercises often bring out new ideas and give the writing new depth.
If you're currently blocked, hopefully I've offered a possible fix. Feel free to offer up your own writing problems, as long as you include the cure!
Wednesday, April 01, 2009
Negating My Previous Post
A few weeks ago I blogged about the importance of a protagonist being a hero. I put a book down because the protagonist wasn't redeeming in any way. Yesterday, I picked up FAKE ID by Jason Starr. The main character, Tommy Russo, is a degenerate gambler who lies, cheats, and steals to get what he wants. He is the ultimate asshole: sweet talking a girl into bed then stealing her jewelry in the morning, taking the money out of the safe at work right after his boss told him he was the only employee he trusted, throwing away every last dime he has at the track. He seems to have no morals, no conscience, he has a sense of right and wrong but simply doesn't care. Going by my previous post, I should have put the book down immediately. Instead I read it in one sitting.
FAKE ID is published by Hard Case Crime, a line of mass market pulp novels. When you pick up one of their paperbacks, the ones with the painted cover art portraying seductive women and tough guys with guns, you know what you're in for: sex, violence, and hardboiled crime fiction. In this tradition, the protagonist in FAKE ID is not a detective. Actually, he's the offender in all of the crimes committed in the book. So how can readers be expected to root for a protagonist that's actually a villain? Maybe they're not.
The reason I couldn't stop reading was the suspense of the story. Russo continues to dig himself deeper and deeper, soon finding himself in a hole so deep, it's impossible to climb out. It's not that I was rooting for him; I actually got excited when his plans went awry or it looked like he would be caught. Starr continued to throw obstacles at his character, never made things easy for him, and I couldn't wait to see how he was going to get him out.
All morning, I've been thinking about the difference between this book and the one I put down a few weeks ago. Was it the writing? The story? Or was it because I knew what to expect, that since it was a pulp novel I knew the character would be flawed?
I think the main difference is the writing style and the intentions of the author. Starr is unapologetic in his writing. He writes Russo the way he is without trying to make readers sympathetic. Other authors attempt to make readers understand why their characters are the way they are, try to make you feel sorry for and sympathize with them. I seem to prefer Starr's approach. If your main character is an asshole, make him an asshole. Readers don't have to like him, they only have to like the story. If you want me to care about a character, that's different. I can't care about someone with no morals and no conscience, no matter what happened in their childhood or what circumstances led them to commit so many bad acts.
FAKE ID is a good story, and I enjoyed hearing it. I didn't like the character, I wasn't rooting for him, but I was still eager to see what happened next. But if the book is character driven, if it relies on the internal conflicts of the characters to drive the story forward, then the characters have to be redeeming. They have to be heroes.
More and more I see that the beautiful part of fiction is that there are no rules. I thought I pinned one down only to have it broken a few weeks later. As readers, we can form ideas about what types of books we like and don't like, but there are always going to be one or two that break the rules and disprove our ideas.
FAKE ID is published by Hard Case Crime, a line of mass market pulp novels. When you pick up one of their paperbacks, the ones with the painted cover art portraying seductive women and tough guys with guns, you know what you're in for: sex, violence, and hardboiled crime fiction. In this tradition, the protagonist in FAKE ID is not a detective. Actually, he's the offender in all of the crimes committed in the book. So how can readers be expected to root for a protagonist that's actually a villain? Maybe they're not.
The reason I couldn't stop reading was the suspense of the story. Russo continues to dig himself deeper and deeper, soon finding himself in a hole so deep, it's impossible to climb out. It's not that I was rooting for him; I actually got excited when his plans went awry or it looked like he would be caught. Starr continued to throw obstacles at his character, never made things easy for him, and I couldn't wait to see how he was going to get him out.
All morning, I've been thinking about the difference between this book and the one I put down a few weeks ago. Was it the writing? The story? Or was it because I knew what to expect, that since it was a pulp novel I knew the character would be flawed?
I think the main difference is the writing style and the intentions of the author. Starr is unapologetic in his writing. He writes Russo the way he is without trying to make readers sympathetic. Other authors attempt to make readers understand why their characters are the way they are, try to make you feel sorry for and sympathize with them. I seem to prefer Starr's approach. If your main character is an asshole, make him an asshole. Readers don't have to like him, they only have to like the story. If you want me to care about a character, that's different. I can't care about someone with no morals and no conscience, no matter what happened in their childhood or what circumstances led them to commit so many bad acts.
FAKE ID is a good story, and I enjoyed hearing it. I didn't like the character, I wasn't rooting for him, but I was still eager to see what happened next. But if the book is character driven, if it relies on the internal conflicts of the characters to drive the story forward, then the characters have to be redeeming. They have to be heroes.
More and more I see that the beautiful part of fiction is that there are no rules. I thought I pinned one down only to have it broken a few weeks later. As readers, we can form ideas about what types of books we like and don't like, but there are always going to be one or two that break the rules and disprove our ideas.
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