A few times a year we throw open the virtual doors of WITS and offer up the comments section for your shameless self-promotion. This delightful takeover usually doubles the size of our to-be-read piles with all the great books we find in the comments section. With this pandemic, more reading material is a great bonus.
Many years ago, we borrowed the name of this event from the glorious Chuck Wendig. Here's how it works:
Pimp out somebody else’s work – this can be a favorite author, blogger, post or book you’ve read, a wonderful teacher or just someone who had profound influence on you as a writer or a person. Please limit your comments to one work. AND
Promote one of your projects that you’re excited about – a hobby, a blog, a book, or a new direction your writing is taking you. You decide. Just tell us about it in the comments! (Please restrain your enthusiasm to just one of your WIPs.) The rest of us will jump in and “ooooh and ahh” at you, and likely promote your project even further because we’re just so darn excited today.
We'll start you off with some P&P from the WITS Team
From Ellen
Kris Maze
Pimp: If you enjoy YA speculative fiction, I recommend checking out WITS team member, Kris Maze, who enjoys writing twisty, speculative fiction with character-driven plots.
Her short story, The Detour, is available for free in text or audiobook.
My site’s topics focus on family well-being and writing projects. One of the pages on my site is named Ask Frankie. Frankie the Fish, a character in The Adventures of Charlie Chameleon series, is full of snark. People ask Frankie questions and he responds in character. Stop by and subscribe!
From John
Pimp: I'm excited about this book from L'oste Vineyard Press, releasing in April.
The Blurb:
Stephanie knew she was different from the time she was little. She struggled through multiple failed marriages, and living a secret life. It wasn’t until she was a manager for New York Life, that she decided that it was time to transition into the person she was always meant to be: a woman.
After living life as a male with the privileges of that role, she stepped into her new life and discovered the glass ceiling women experience in corporate America. In Reflections from Both Sides of the Glass Ceiling: Finding My True Self in Corporate America, Stephanie shares her journey. You can download a free sample of her book here.
Promote:
My book, Max and the Spice Thieves, is releasing on April 20 and is currently on sale (20% off!).
Critically acclaimed, the book reviewers have called it “the best middle-grade fantasy novel they have read in a long time.”
More information and the blog, "Tales from the Saucy Pig," can be found here.
As we discover our ruffian disguised girl stealing from the upper class to feed herself, she encounters a mysterious benefactor... or foe. The writing is quick-paced and detailed and I enjoy reading it as a writer for style.
As a speculative fiction writer and fan of YA Sci-fi, this Young Adult novel is perfect for anyone who likes a dark and twisty tale with echoes of Victor Hugo's great classic.
Happy Reading and Stay healthy, y'all... Ellen, Jenny, John and Kris
Is your writing in a slump? Are you having trouble finding motivation to finish your next project? Have you lost that loving feeling? (Insert cheesy, singing jet pilots here if that works for you!) Fear not, skilled writers, we are in this together and I hope you will soon find your words flowing like Niagara Falls.
Getting into the Zone, or Flow, has been a popular topic for creatives like writers since the 1990s. What do you already know about the theory and its application to writing? Check out your understanding of these studies that clarify the mental process of writing and enhance your satisfaction with life.
In Csikszentmihalyi's first chapter, he warns that the book is not intended to be a "how to be more creative, to get more output, or to be generally more happy" promise, but these perks could be side effects. Knowledge is power, peeps, and the more you understand why and how writers write, the more satisfying your overall career with written words can be.
Another resource that goes into depth: How to Get Into The Flow, by Steven Kotler. That video link describes how writers can reach their potential with Flow. He explains the concepts underpinning Flow to help writers figure out how to tap into their creative juices and why writing feels so good when it is going well.
Flow - the Optimization of Creative Experience Summarized
Of the 8 identified characteristics of Flow, the first 3 are precursors to the mental state of "writing Nirvana." Consider these conditions when trying to get into the groove of writing.
1. Have clear, obtainable goals with a timely feedback loop.
Each time a writer sits at their desk they have the same goal - get words on the paper. One way to increase their productive Flow is to set clear goals. Having daily goals, such as word count or pages edited, gives the brain less to figure out and allows it to focus more exclusively on the task at hand: Writing. The daily goals can add into overarching goals, alleviating more thinking tasks for the brain.
In general, to get into the Flow, we want to limit the other things our brains want to work on. The subconscious mind and constant input from our surroundings can detract from our ability to focus. Can you automate some tasks to free your mind more? Delegate the housework, or cut down the to-do list of unfinished things? Find ways to lessen the burden on your mind and see your productivity rise.
The Feedback Loop could warrant its own post, it is so important. But for brevity sake, feedback as mentioned here is about identifying the quality of the writing you are doing. Perhaps your feedback loop includes your critique group or partner. Some writers use an online editor for quicker feedback. Self editing after a break can also help you determine how well you are hitting your writing goals. This feedback informs your future writing sessions as you iterate your process and make improvements.
2. Have a high level of concentration with a limited field.
We have a lot to consider when examining what is stealing our concentration.
What external distractions infiltrate your writing time? Identity the things that pull you from your creativity and then, protect your writing time from them. Internal influences are mentioned in later bullet points and addressing them can help writers focus as well.
Ask yourself these questions regarding your writing space.
Do you have a designated place for writing?
Does the setting help your focus? Perhaps it is quiet that you need. Or background noise to eliminate the distractions.
Would headphones for silence, or ambient music to limit out unwanted noise interruptions help in your case?
One personal hack that has worked for me, is turning off all notifications for social media and non-work related apps. I also uninstalled the games from my phone (even Sudoku!). When I find myself reaching for a game or to check messages and see none, I give myself metal white space instead. That has helped me have energy to tackle writing tasks and feel less stressed while getting my work done. It seems that when I was “taking a break” I was actually using up critical thinking that I could be pouring into my writing!
3. The writing task is carefully balanced with skill and interest level.
As a language teacher I find this an important characteristic for growth as a writer. Choosing writing that both challenges you and is at your skill level is the caveat of this characteristic. Picking a genre out of your wheel-house or increasing your daily word count, may be a goal to jump start your writing, but be sure it is realistic for you. If you want to show improvement, set your goals and intentions at what you can do and add only a tiny bit of challenge.
Like learning another language, If you push yourself too hard with language that is too fast or over your level, you will end up frustrated and shut down. Likewise, if a language is below your level you may be bored and disengaged.
As a writer, we set ambitious goals, especially at the beginning of the year. Think about the writing goals you have set for yourself. Are they attainable goals and are you comfortable with the work you set for yourself? If your word count or topic is too easy, you’ll get bored and abandon the work. It is worth the time to reflect on your goals and make sure they are SMART:
Specific
Measurable
Achievable
Relevant
Time-Bound
The psychology of finding Flow depends on this reflection. The better you understand your writing habits and what makes it enjoyable, the better you can honor and improve your skills.
The remaining 5 characteristics of Flow are indicators of when you have found the sweet spot and are writing like mad.
The more complete your Flow experience, the more of these you could claim. We have all been in that state of mind, but in case you haven’t, here’s what it is like:
4. A Strong Sense of Control
Unlike the negative connotations the word “control” can bring, this version is desirable. This version says “I’ve got this!” and isn’t impeded by worry about the past or anxiety about the future. This relaxation and comfortable feeling are control in a centered way and demonstrates a warm stability when writing.
5. Effortlessness
The words flow like melting butter to the page and you have little brain power invested into this endeavor. ALthough the previous efforts of writing drafts and research are just probably paying off, this characteristic of Flow keeps us coming back for more. Like an elusive hole in one in golf, watching one happen seems so easy, but is hard to obtain. If you notice it, enjoy it!
6. Time Has Little Meaning
If you have ever stepped away from the desk and wondered where the last hour went, you understand this litmus test of Flow. The ability to focus on writing alone, can temporarily shut down the writer’s sense of time.
Brain research shows that parts of reasoning that regulate social norms decrease during Flow. So the idea that writers are often late to dinner, forget to call, or skip social functions all together is possibly connected to capturing good Flow moments. It may have merit, but I don’t recommend using that as an excuse!
7. Action melds with Performance
This aspect describes the feeling of being one with the work. It may apply more to dancers, musicians, or athletes that report not feeling control over their body while performing.
The research describes this process of losing self as the lack of self- consciousness, worry, and preoccupation with particular social expectations, which allows the person to solely focus on the art at hand.
I like to call this one the “Get out of your way!” mantra. We sometimes underperform because we allow ourselves to stumble over our own doubts and preconceptions. Identifying this tendency and replacing those thoughts with positive ones can help writers get back into the Flow of writing.
8. Has an Autotelic Quality
Writing that seems to flow on its own without the author. The writing is pouring out and the author is merely a conduit. The feelings of the goals finishing themselves is both pleasant during the experience and after as one accomplishes the task. This is a combination of the other aspects working together.
What tips do you have to get out of your writing slumps? Have you been able to achieve a state of Flow? When do you have to push through and simply get the writing done the most?
About Kris
Kris Maze is an author, freelance writer, and teacher. She enjoys writing twisty, speculative fiction with character driven plots. After years of reading classic literature, mysteries, and thrillers, she began to write and publish her own books. She also writes for various publications including a regular post at the award winning Writers in the Storm Blog. When she isn’t spending time with her favorite people and pets, Kris Maze is taking pictures, hiking, or pondering the wisdom of Bob Ross. You can follow her author journey at her website at KrisMazeAuthor.com
My Free short story, The Detour, has had a makeover! Not only has the text version been updated and beautified, there is now an audio edition.
Many of you have joined the newsletter to try out the audio version. If you prefer the PDF and haven’t gotten it yet, this link will take you to your free PDF download.
I’m often asked how to go deeper in fiction. My jam is Deep Point of View, and I get that not everyone loves deep POV. That’s okay. However, if you’re looking for a really quick way to make your setting or characters come alive on the page, personification is one of those tools that every writer can use more effectively.
Personification: giving human-like qualities to non-human things.
The last piece of pie called his name. The story jumped off the page. Opportunity knocks.
All of these examples give a human-like quality or emotion to something that isn’t human. Pie doesn’t talk. Stories can’t jump anymore than opportunity can knock on something. These are obviously not literal meanings but figurative.
Some types of personification deal in the literal. This is actually a deep rabbit hole on the various types of personification, but I’m not convinced that knowing the labels for these things is all that helpful, so long as you know of them and use them strategically.
Other types of personification are: anthropomorphism (a non-human animal, object or deity literally acting like a human), pathetic fallacy (attributing human feelings to the natural world), embodiment (a person or thing is representative of an abstract concept – she is integrity itself), etc.
Personification is efficient – it captures a big idea with just a few words. Here’s how personification can create an immersive and emotional depth for readers.
Make the Setting Instantly Relatable
Giving non-human things human qualities gives readers something tangible they can imagine and empathize with. Think of rain. We often personify rain to help us describe how we feel about it, but also describe its intensity or impact. It’s more efficient and allows us to show others how we perceive the rain. The rain punished everything it landed on, flattening and breaking. The rain welcomed us with a warm mist and a cooling touch. The rain blinded us and drove us off the road.
Can you picture or imagine the intensity or the impact of the rain in each of those sentences? It’s efficient writing, not only because it uses two seemingly unalike things to create a vivid picture, but also because it allows us to imbue emotion into it.
Setting details can reflect the character’s mood, or their impression of the natural world around them. A man running for his life who is hopeful he’ll survive, could find that the trees help him hide and shelter him. The man running for his life who isn’t sure how things will turn out, who maybe feels overwhelmed or overpowered, might perceive the branches pull and tear at his clothes and skin, hoping to slow him down.
The weather could be oppressive, foreboding, or temperamental.
Personification Is Immersive
Personification allows us to immerse the reader in the story and especially make the setting come alive. Describe the things in the scene as if those objects expressed an emotion.
Neil Gaiman writes, “Personification is an effective tool for placing the reader in the story with a 360 view of the setting. In Bleak House, Charles Dickens describes a thick fog settling as rolling, hovering, creeping, and ‘cruelly pinching’ the toes and fingers of a boy.” (source here)
A warrior stands on the edge of the arena, rolling her neck and bouncing on her toes. She looks up at the trees. The leaves wave their encouragement.
How does this character feel about the upcoming battle? Can you now picture the trees with their waving fluttering leaves, and how – to her – the leaves stand in for some deity’s support perhaps?
Amplifies Connotation and Mood by Indirectly Expressing Feelings
How a character feels, the mood you’re trying to evoke, is efficiently created with personification. A young woman walks up to a house. How might you describe this walk from the character’s perspective?
The house might lean over her, frown at her, stand immovable against time, or keep secrets. Maybe the house is cheerful or tired. Maybe the house tells lies, allows the people inside to put on a veneer, a false façade. Each of those descriptions would be a slightly different take on how the character feels as they’re walking up to that house. Especially in deep POV, this is super effective in conveying mood, priority and even expressing feelings.
If the tired house leans over the broken walk, do you need to describe every broken shutter or missing shingle for the reader to understand how the character feels? The description also lends itself to a sympathetic view for readers.
If the looming peaks and angry pillars glare at those who dare to trespass, well, that’s a different house altogether. It may not be important that the reader pictures that house exactly as you do. What’s important is that the reader understands how the character feels as they’re walking up to that house.
Personification Requires Creativity
It’s very easy to fall into cliché and just repeat phrases we’re familiar with. Don’t do it. Surprise your readers! Force them to lean in and care, to sympathize, to cheer for the characters because they know how this feels!
Take the extra step to immerse yourself in your character’s viewpoint. What in their world would be familiar to them that could also show readers what’s important or a priority?
Metaphors and similes with their comparisons are popular, and fairly so, but to take your writing even deeper, consider strategically using personification to pull your reader deeper into the story.
Do you regularly make use of personification in your writing? Which method is your favorite? Please share it with us in the comments!
Make sure to visit Lisa’s free Facebook group Going Deeper Writing Emotions for tips, free content, and other goodies.
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About Lisa
Lisa Hall-Wilson is a writing teacher and award-winning writer and author. She’s the author of Method Acting For Writers: Learn Deep Point Of View Using Emotional Layers. Her blog Beyond Basics For Writers explores all facets of the popular writing style deep point of view and offers practical tips for writers.
She runs the free Facebook group Going Deeper With Emotions where she shares tips and videos on writing in deep point of view.
