Writers in the Storm

I'm currently working on yet another edit of my young adult book that managed to eke out an RWA Golden Heart final in 2015. You'd think this baby would be in pretty good shape.

When I entered my novel into that contest, it was hardly a first draft. More like Draft #72.

I think I'm up to about Draft #105.

Or maybe that's just how many whine sessions I've had about having to revise the manuscript in some way, shape, or form.

Didn't I hear how Stephen King only goes through three times? How about Ray Bradbury who wrote the short story from which Fahrenheit 451 came in a single draft? Am I simply destined to be a pen-wielding Sisyphus pushing the bolder of my book up the hill again and again, never quite reaching the final destination before it falls down on me yet again?

Hang in here, because I promise this isn't just my personal bitch session. I do have a point. Three points, in fact.

Editing is necessary to turn out your best book.

As much as I'd love to write a fabulous first draft, send it to a publisher, and have them yank out their big, fat checkbook and write me an advance big enough to send my kid to college, that's really not how this gig works.

It can be shocking to discover how much time you'll spend editing versus writing. But those who dig deep and revise their manuscripts with chainsaws, Ginsu knives, and scalpels — as needed — find the result is well worth the effort.

Every time I make changes and read it again, I get really excited about the result. While I haven't actually counted how many revisions my book has been through, I can confidently state that the first draft was knee-deep cow-patty compared to how it reads now. Frustrating as the process can be a times, I'm convinced that deep-dive editing is a necessary process for turning out the best story I can write.

Editing improves your writing.

This particular book had a lot of issues in early drafts, with me choosing the wrong point of view, starting in the wrong place, and misfiring with the climax.

But after having to edit the book to deal with each of these issues, I'm far less likely to make the same mistakes again. Indeed, the next book in the series — written, edited, but not quite polished — is in way better shape at this point than this one was at a similar point in time.

Having to edit your mistakes or amp up your emotion or strengthen your story structure — or deal with whatever other weakness you have — forces you to improve your writing chops. Then when you write the next book, you have those shiny skills in your toolbox. You'll write to the know-how you've gained, because the process of editing that other book taught you what to do...as well as what not to do.

Editing happens to the best of us.

Whenever I'm frustrated with some aspect of writing, I go check with the experts to see what wisdom they have. Actually, they say that rewriting, revising, editing, and more editing are par for the course.

Take Ernest Hemingway, for example, who rewrote the last page of Farewell to Arms 39 times. When asked what had stumped him, he answered, "Getting the words right." Vladimir Nabokov, author of Lolita (a genuinely chilling novel), said, "I have rewritten — often several times — every word I have ever published. My pencils outlast their erasers." Truman Capote once remarked, "I believe more in the scissors than I do in the pencil."

And more recently, John Green, bestselling author of The Fault in Our Stars, said, "Books are made in revision. For all three of my novels, I have deleted more than 90% of the first draft. And everything that people like about my books emerges in later drafts." You can hear it for yourself here:

https://youtu.be/PCTO91aBFXk?t=1m22s

I don't know about you, but this makes me feel a little better. Like maybe it's okay for your best writing to come out in Draft #5 or #12 or #67.

And by the time your book goes out to readers, they only know the amazing, kick-butt story you put into their hands.

That's what drives me to keep editing my book until it's the best story I can put out — because I want my novel in the hands of readers. I want them to love my characters, my story, my "baby" as much as I do.

Yep, I'm a bit sick and tired of editing. But when it's all over, I'll beam with pride.

When you're done editing, I'll beam with pride for you. Because your baby's pretty awesome too.

Source: The Atlantic – 'My Pencils Outlast Their Erasers': Great Writers on the Art of Revision

ABOUT JULIE

Julie Glover writes cozy mysteries and young adult fiction. Her YA contemporary novel, SHARING HUNTER, finaled in the 2015 RWA® Golden Heart®. When not writing, she collects boots, practices rampant sarcasm, and advocates for good grammar and the addition of the interrobang as a much-needed punctuation mark.

Julie is represented by Louise Fury of The Bent Agency. You can visit her website here and also follow her on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

Before I begin this post, I have to share that my book cover for P.R.I.S.M. took second place in the Young Adult category of the JABBIC Contest, sponsored by our own Julie Glover's RWA Houston Bay Area chapter!

At the beginning of every year, as the resident science and science fiction geek here at WITS, I share what my friends in the know, in particular Jeanine Just, have to say. I was going to skip this post this year, but there was just too much good news not to share it with you. Here are links to some of my previous posts: 2017, 2016, 2014.

Happy Chinese New Year! It's now officially the Year of the Dog, which brings energy for loyalty, justice, and self-sacrifice. Hard work, competent decision-making, and devotion are the watch words for your writing career in this special year of the Earth Dog. This is good news if you tend to have anxieties and phobias surrounding your writing, because this "double earth" year balances out those problems. This year is a chance for us all to be realistic, practical, methodical and detailed as we build our successful careers. Staying alert, watchful and perceptive, you can pick the right time to make your mark.

Do you know anyone who was sorry to see 2017 end? Me, neither. Thanks goodness 2018 is already shaping up to be a different kind of year. It's important to remember not to personalize what happens to you this year. Instead, honor your own rhythms to promote right brain/left brain alignment. This connection between your analyzing, patterning brain and your creative brain will enhance your writing. There are possibilities for great projects for all of us this year.

This is not a year to be a hermit, locking yourself in your writing space, looking for word count. Conscious connections with like-minded writers and people are important to grow your craft—and your humanity—for amazing adventure and opportunities in 2018.

Last year was a year to begin new projects, new cycles, new thoughts, which necessitated giving up old ways. The change that was forced upon many people was very difficult. This year, reaching out to others to develop interdependence will make changes easier. That's why family, biological or by choice, will be important to support choices of union and synergy over being alienated, lonely and depressed as we move forward with those changes. Understanding the lives of those around you and the "lives" of your characters will be easier through integration of information. Take a class, read a book, attend writer group meetings. Attend events that restore your faith in the good things going on in the world. It will show in your writing.

Support someone else. This could be another writer or a non-writer in your community. You might be pleasantly surprised at how helping someone can help actualize your potential. Ask the right questions. If your plans take an unexpected path, it may be time to move into a different future. Maybe it's time to try dance, yoga, Tai Chi, visualization or meditation. Maybe it's time to fall in love with yourself.

As for the physical:

• Eat life-enhancing foods that nourish your brain and nervous system.
• Get more sleep to promote valuable insights and clarity.
• Lessen mental conflict, racing thoughts, and muscular tension, all of which negatively impact the immune and lymphatic systems.
• Spend more time in nature to renew your spirit.
• Experiment with different rhythms and timing. Perhaps you'll find a change that encourages better health.

TO DO's for 2018:

• Be mindful of your need to "give back."
• Be authentic. Say what you mean and mean what you say.
• Don't rob anyone of their responsibilities. It's important to hold others accountable.
• Welcome everything! Without judgment.
• Don't put energy into anything your don't want to experience.
• Graciously allow others to give to you.
• Commit to making all interactions kind, compassionate and memorable.

This year you can expect to make new friends and relationships that support your writing. Have a great 2018!

 

Have you already noticed a change this year? What are you looking forward to in 2018?

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ABOUT FAE:

Fae Rowen discovered the romance genre after years as a science fiction freak. Writing futuristics and medieval paranormals, she jokes  that she can live anywhere but the present. As a mathematician, she knows life’s a lot more fun when you get to define your world and its rules.

Punished, oh-no, that’s published as a co-author of a math textbook, she yearns to hear personal stories about finding love from those who read her books, rather than the horrors of calculus lessons gone wrong.  She is grateful for good friends who remind her to do the practical things in life like grocery shop, show up at the airport for a flight and pay bills.

A “hard” scientist who avoided writing classes like the plague, she now shares her brain with characters who demand that their stories be told.  Amazing, gifted critique partners keep her on the straight and narrow. Feedback from readers keeps her fingers on the keyboard.

P.R.I.S.M., a young adult science fiction romance story of survival, betrayal, resolve, deceit, lies, and love is available in trade paperback and e-book form at Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

When she’s not hanging out at Writers in the Storm, you can visit Fae at http://faerowen.com  or www.facebook.com/fae.rowen

Fae also blogs at YA Outside the Lines on the fifth of every month.

Donna Galanti

When it comes to creating your author persona, some refer to this as your “author brand.” Understand that you aren’t branding your book – you’re branding YOU. Simply put, your author brand is about connecting with your readers on a person-to-person level.

Everyone’s persona (or brand) is unique (just like you) and it’s your own personal story that you choose to convey that will draw your readers to you. As Dr. Seuss said, “There is no one alive who is Youer than You.” After all, it’s so much easier to be you than someone else!

4 Ways to Figure Out Your Author Persona
Ask yourself these questions to create your unique story and message that will create a strong emotional connection with your target readers and, in turn, increase their loyalty and trust.

1. Do soul searching. Ask yourself … Who Am I? What do I have to say? What matters to me? Why do I write what I do? Where am I going? Look to … your passions and purpose for this. You are a storyteller and want to create an appealing author story (the story behind the story). We need stories to make sense of the world around us and to feel a sense of belonging. This is why people read! ?
2. What are your unique strengths and qualities – and what are your flaws? Base this on … where your confidence shines (for me: sharing what I learn to inspire others), what is important to you (for me: self-improvement), most passionate about (for me: my son), and fumble with (for me: patience).
3. Who is your target readership? Base this on … Your book’s genre and the age range of your readers. For example, I write fantasy for middle grade (8- to 12-year-olds).
4. What keywords and phrases do you want people to associate with you? Base this on … your standout traits.

Go-Deeper Exercises:

• Conduct a survey of family and friends: Ask them to describe you in 3-5 words. What are the positive things about you that draw them to you? What are your quirks? Circle what resonates with you.
• Look to your long-term goals: Where do you see yourself in 3-5 years as an author? Having written more books in the same genre, conducting school visits, doing book clubs, etc.
• Set boundaries: List all the things that make you uncomfortable about the life of an author. What are you willing to do – and not willing to do?
• What authors do you admire?: Why are you drawn to them? Why are others? What traits do they possess? Can you draw similar connections toward yourself?

From all this research and soul-searching, create your public persona that is an extension of your writing and who you are. Your persona will then be the words and images that people associate with you.

After gathering your research, write a one-page story from the heart about yourself. Read it aloud. Share it with your family, friends, and writing peers. Does it feel natural to you – to them? Are you passionate about what you’re saying?

Polish your genuine story. Once you’re comfortable with it, share it. This is “who you are”! Now you can start building a community of writers and readers by sharing your persona online and in person.

Rookie Mistakes:

• Using multiple headshots across social media platforms. Make sure people can recognize you.
• Thinking you should create different personas for different audiences if you write across genres or age-ranges. Find themes that cross over to all the stories you write and create one persona.
• Posting on social media or blogging outside the scope of “who you are”. For example, if your persona is to share travel stories and books you love, then you won’t suddenly be talking about parenting tips as your growing audience won’t expect this from you. Be genuine and consistent.

Go the Extra Mile!
Find similar authors. Connect, follow, and engage with them. Do some friendly stalking and see where they hang out. Discover how they brand themselves, connect with readers, and promote their books. Some of their personas may resonate with you that you can model yours on.

Your author persona is a promise to your audience. Promise them your unique self, consistently deliver on it, and they will come to expect it.  Now use your creativity and imagination (just like your writing!) to create that author persona that best fits you.

Are you struggling with your author persona? What techniques have you tried to create one? Have you found what works for you in branding yourself as an author? If so, share your success with this!

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About Donna: Donna Galanti is the author of the bestselling paranormal suspense Element Trilogy and the children’s fantasy adventure Joshua and The Lightning Road series. Donna is a contributing editor for International Thriller Writers the Big Thrill magazine and blogs with other middle grade authors at Project Middle Grade Mayhem. She’s lived from England as a child, to Hawaii as a U.S. Navy photographer. Donna enjoys teaching at writing conferences and presenting as a guest author at elementary and middle schools. Visit her at www.elementtrilogy.com and www.donnagalanti.com. She also loves building writer community. See how at www.yourawesomeauthorlife.com

Connect with Donna:
Twitter:  https://twitter.com/DonnaGalanti
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DonnaGalantiAuthor/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5767306.Donna_Galanti