The Long Road Back

   It will be a while before I can get back in the saddle again, but at least I've been re-acquainting myself with the horse. I've gone back to a couple of my short stories and concentrated on incorporating some of the suggestions I received from my critique group months ago. Re-submitted to both groups and the feedback has been positive so far. It is so much easier to come back when everyone is so enthusiastic about your return.
   The larger stories will have to wait. I don't write using outlines, or plot every scene in my stories. They come together in my head over a period of time, and when I'm satisfied, it gets put down on paper. So much has happened over the past year or so that the second book in the series I was working on has disappeared. I will have to go back and re-read the first book and everything I've written up to this point to get the story back in my head. Only then will I be able to continue.
   It's frustrating all the little things that are interfering with my life right now. Over the last couple of months as I was healing, about the only thing I could do was sleep and day-dream. Now it's a constant battle not to fall back on that routine every time I close my eyes. Nothing is getting done! After they pulled the artery out of my leg to use on my heart, I've had trouble walking normally. Finally, yesterday it was like a switch turned on in my brain, and I can walk again. I'm hoping something like that will happen soon with my hands as it's like I've forgotten how to write. Since I write all my stories by hand, this hasn't helped my attempts to return.
   When I started this blog a couple years ago, I would always add a short scene I'd just written. People rarely commented so I eventually stopped. Would anyone be interested in reading scenes again? If so, let me know and I'll start sharing again.
   Thanks for reading.

The Day My Life Stood Still

   It's 5am and already the hospital is a hive of activity. We waited by the fake fireplace along with others who probably felt the same sense of apprehension as I did. Nothing showed on our faces, however.
   A young nurse soon arrived to escort me down to the lower levels of the building into an area partitioned by curtains into separate cubicles. The woman who greeted us was all business and efficiency, and pointed to the cloth covered table. "We have a lot to do to prepare you for your surgery. So, if you would get undressed and lay down here, we'll get started."
   The other nurse returned and they went to work. As I lay there naked while they inserted I/V's into both my arms, shaved practically every inch of my body, and used a black marker to draw little pictures on me, I wondered if I was being prepped for surgery or as a sacrifice to some pagan god.
   The doctor poked his head in and said, "It's time"
   My dearest friend squeezed my hand, and the last thing I heard was, "I love you. Come back to me."

   Voices.
   I'm alive, I think. But I can't see and I can't breathe. Is that my heart beating? Yes! The voice came again, and this time I could understand the words.
   "Breathe, Roland! I need you to breathe."
   I'm too hot and the blankets are wrapped too tight for me to breathe, I tried to tell him. However, the tube down my throat made it impossible to speak. Fear is setting in and I begin to panic. Being strapped down and unable to move didn't help.
   "Breathe for me, Roland. I can't take the tube out of your throat until you're breathing on your own."
   I don't know if it was the fear or my brain finally beginning to function, but I managed to draw a tiny bit of air into my lungs. PAIN! I would have screamed if I could. I don't remember him pulling the tube, but when I became aware again, the tube was out, I could see, and they had me sitting up.
   The flood of voices overwhelmed me as nurses and doctors double-checked the four I/V's, the three 1/2 in. drain tubes coming out of my chest, the catheters in my neck and arm, and all the sensors from head to toe feeding the bank of monitors next to my bed. That was 2 1/2 months ago and I still have a long way to go. Three months of cardio rehab and it could take up to a year for a full recovery.
   I still have a difficult time comprehending the fact that for 5 hours I had no heartbeat and wasn't breathing. Was I dead? I don't know, but I'm alive now and have a completely different outlook on life. Not yet sure if that's a good thing or not.
   Picture is what I saw the first time I was able to look in a mirror. Not pretty.
   Thanks for reading. Next post should be back to my struggles with writing.

 

Surgery & Writing

   I've noticed a number of folks still checking my blog and I apologize for not posting the last couple of weeks. After my heart attack it's been difficult thinking about anything other than my upcoming surgery. Writing just doesn't seem as important as it was before. I finally saw the cardio-vascular surgeon today. He wants several more tests done, but right now it looks like I'll be having a quadruple by-pass the second week of May. Won't know the exact date until he checks the hospital schedule. I was hoping to get it done sooner, but he doesn't want any surprises and neither do I.
   Since this is supposed to be a blog about writing, I do have some thoughts I wanted to share today. I belong to a number of different writer's groups, and lately there have been several folks posting questions such as; "I've written my book, now what?" or "How do I get started?" My answer to that is always; "Join a critique group."
   I know it's been said a million times, but it's true, especially for writers; "No man is an island." Anyone can write a story. To write a good one, however, you need help. That's where a critique group is invaluable. I can't think of much that is more disheartening to a new writer who has spent months, or maybe years writing their story, and then have people tell them all the things that are wrong with it.
   Start out simple by writing a chapter or two, and submit them to a group that will help you discover your strong points and weak points. Work on those weak points as you continue to write. You can always come back later and re-write those beginning chapters. World building, character sheets, story boards, etc. are fine, but won't help you write prose that flows, stays in the correct tense and POV, and paints a picture for the reader. Once you understand the basics and find your voice, then you can fill in your world and develop your characters.
   The final step in story-telling is to have a professional editor help you polish your gem. After that comes the fun part, getting people to actually read your story. This is where you need someone with artistic abilities to build a cover that will entice readers to stop and take a look. Remember, most readers see books on sites like Amazon where the cover is the size of a thumbnail. Regardless of how well the story is written, if folks aren't hooked by your cover, they'll never stop to read the blurb.
   I don't think there are are many truly bad stories, just stories that are poorly written. Find a group to help you learn the craft of writing and you'll be on your way. Good luck and good writing!
   Thanks for reading.

Multiple Critiques That Disagree

   There are several steps a writer goes through on the way to creating a finished story. One of those is participation in a critique group to get feedback on small portions of the overall story. I've been a member of a local writer's group for several years, and always found the comments of others to be very helpful. Unfortunately, sometimes those comments can create confusion also, especially when they disagree.
   I've always been a firm believer that if two or more folks have an issue with a particular section of my story, then I need to take a serious look at it and figure out why. But I also take a close look if even one person has an issue. Maybe they saw something the others have missed.
   Occasionally, I can ignore comments from some of the newer members because they are not familiar with earlier parts of the story, or haven't read the previous book. They don't understand references or have missed the parts where things have already been explained. The problem is when I receive comments from 5 or 6 folks that all have different opinions or each has an issue with totally separate points in my submission.
   Now I can't address all of their concerns as it might change what I was trying to accomplish as far as character development or progressing the plot. All I can do is consider what I know of each person and their different tastes in story telling. We have many genres represented in our group including non-fiction, so what the others look for in a story varies.
  The focus I try to maintain is on what I consider my voice, and stay true to the vision I have for my story. If that means I'll have to eventually ignore some advice, then so be it, but I will always take the time to consider each comment or concern.
   Thanks for reading.

 

Beta Reader Basics

   An important step in the writing process is sending your manuscript out to beta readers once you've completed self-editing to the best of your ability. This topic came up recently in my critique group as several members have completed their WIPs. They are ready for someone to read the entire piece, not just chapters.
   My suggestion, and this will benefit both the reader and the writer, is to send along a list of questions you hope the reader will answer. If your beta doesn't have specific things to look for, you might receive comments like, "I really liked it!" or, "Just wasn't my cup of tea." Comments such as those are no help whatsoever.
   The following are some of the important questions, I as a writer, would like answered. Of course, this assumes the manuscript has already gone through the process of critique and editing so it's readable. Oh, and make sure you give your betas a deadline.

   1. How soon were you hooked into the story? Or, if you never felt hooked, do you have any suggestions?
   2. Did you feel a connection with the characters? Were they well rounded and interesting? Did any fall flat? (This is especially important to me since I try to write character driven stories)
   3. Was there a point in the story where it became dull and you lost interest?
   4. Are there any plot holes or questions that never got answered?
   5. And the most important question for me is, after you read the last page and set the book down, how did you feel? Did you love it and want to read more? Or was it, "WTF did I just waste my time reading?"

   I enjoy my stories whether anyone else does or not, but my goal is to write stories that entertain. While it's nice to get a pat on the back, knowing what might need to be improved is more important at this stage.
   Also, a question I see all the time is, "Where do I find beta readers?" My answer to that is join online writer's groups. There are plenty to choose from on every social media platform. Become an active member who comments on posts, encourages others, and occasionally share snippets of your own work. Then, when you are ready, ask for beta readers from the group, and you should get plenty of takers. It seems that 4-6 people is a good number to start with.
   I hope this has been some help to those ready to send their baby out into the world.

   Thanks for reading!

Downside of Writing

   From the time I learned to read until my early sixties, I was a voracious reader. I read anything I could get my hands on. Every book in our little library at my elementary school had fueled my imagination by the time I graduated. In high school, I would sit in the back of the class, course book propped up on my desk with a paperback inside. I never went anywhere without a book.
   If I had money, bookstore here I come! If not, it was off to the library to come home with an armload of books. Sometimes, when I would run out of fantasy or sci/fi, I would grab some of my wife's westerns or romances. As long as they were well written, I enjoyed them all. When money got tight, I got picky and only bought books that were over five hundred pages so I could make them last a day or two. I didn't care what genre it was, it just had to be long. And don't even ask me how many times I picked up a new book with an awesome cover, intriguing blurb, get a couple chapters in and realize it's a re-release of a book I'd read years earlier. 
   Ironically, it was love of epic tales that drove me to start writing. Unwilling to shell out 7-8 dollars for a book I could devour in a couple hours, and unable to find new epic length books I hadn't already read, I got a wild hair up my butt and decided to write my own. Now it frustrates me to no end that in the four years I've been writing I've probably read less then ten books. And most of those were from writer friends I'd met online or agreed to beta read.
   I have an entire shelf full of books from my favorite authors I've bought over the last couple years that are still sitting there untouched. I can no longer read simply for the pure enjoyment of it. I'm always looking for plot arcs, where's the hook, or how is this character developing. Minor errors I would never have noticed before stand out like sore thumbs. And of course there is always this little voice in the back of my head asking: "Why are you reading? You should be writing!"
   I don't think I could ever stop being a writer now. It is what I am. However, there are times I wish I could turn back the clock, never pick up that pen or write that first short story, just continue my life being filled with the joy of reading.
   Thanks for listening.

My Thoughts On Chapters

   To cover the entire topic of chapters would take up more space than I intend for this short blog. These are just a few observations based on the vast number of books I've read over the years, and from conversations with readers and writers.
   The first point I'd like to discuss is chapter length. I've read where some writers say they have chapters with only one sentence, or they don't bother with chapters at all, only scene breaks. Others say they just pick a spot to stop one chapter and start the next. For me, stories like that would be difficult to read.
   I've read studies that say the average reader can consume 4k words in about 30 mins. In today's world where so many folks read during their commute, at lunch, or set aside an hour to read before bed, this seems like a reasonable number to shoot for in regards to chapter length. If a person has a half hour train ride to work or lunch break and are looking at an 8k chapter, they may decide to read something else or attempt to cram down the chapter. They will probably start skimming and possibly miss an important point in the story. Not good!
   While chapter length isn't set in stone, I think consistency is key so readers know what to expect and can plan ahead.
   The second point I'd like to cover is chapter content. I've read a few "How-To" books that claim each chapter should be treated as a short story. I don't believe it's necessary to have a complete three act plot arc for every chapter, but I do think each one needs to have a definite purpose.
  As a reader, I like to have a sense of closure after reaching the end of a chapter. Maybe the characters reached their destination, met someone central to their success, or found something they'd been looking for. I also enjoy the occasional question or hook at the end that keeps me reading. Just make sure you don't take too many chapters to answer the question or satisfy my curiosity.
   Lastly, a quick note on chapter titles. They help me as a writer to focus on the purpose of that particular chapter. As a reader, sometimes I like to go back to a previous chapter, and finding it using the table of contents is easy with titles. Using chapter titles is purely personal preference.
   Like I said at the beginning, an in depth discussion of chapters could fill an entire book, so these are just a few points that matter to me. I'm more likely to enjoy a book if I can expect consistency of chapter length, and feel confident I will discover something important to the story at the end of each chapter.

   Thanks for reading.