Writing

Blog posts about writing — the craft, my efforts, quotes, tools, reviews, resources, and more

Writing Status: Journal and S&P Revisions

by Cindy Rae

I’ve spent more time in my journal than anything else this month.  I’m just thankful to be writing something, and the journal has been valuable in a number of ways.

I’ve also tried a few self-assigned writing exercises, and I’m still eyeing the outline of S&P on my desk.  I’d like to get the calendar of events in the novel straightened out.

It’s been fun editing for the whole participle phrase thing.  Now, in addition to writing at least three more scenes, I’d like to expand my current dialogue with more action in light of this advice.

That’s probably enough work for the next month, although I’d love to fit in some scene overhauls and consider making some scenes more emotional with different word choices.

 

Character Arcs and Story Structure

by Cindy Rae

In addition to writing, I’ve been doing more research into story structure.

The problem is, my story doesn’t quite fit the standard model, as each of the three character arcs is well-formed enough to have its own introduction-conflict-resolution — but not at the same points in the overall story.  I think I can strengthen each character’s arc to be more of a solid story, though.

As with all writing advice, I’m going to let it sink in and discard what doesn’t apply.

I also may have too many scenes that are too short.  I’ll be looking at scene structure over the next month.

 

 

Writing Status: Slow Month

by Cindy Rae

I had high hopes for more writing time this summer. Parenting, gardening, and purging excess stuff have really eaten up June.

However, despite limited time, I’m learning more and more about my craft. I’m starting to hone character development in my novel, and I’ve finished the first draft of a science fiction short story.

Although I do read short stories, I’ve always liked reading novels better. However, it turns out, writing short stories is fun. I’m learning how to make every sentence work, more about pacing the action, how to not complicate things. I’m looking forward to shaping and finishing the short story.

First Draft Almost Complete

by Cindy Rae

My first draft is almost complete.  I’m so close I can see the light of day at the end of the tunnel.  And it won’t be a train wreck!  Well, only so much as first drafts are always train wrecks.

Then, it will be time to revise, and revise.  I’m still not happy with Kindra’s profession.  As a dynamic, assertive, no holds-barred, best friend of our protagonist, none of my job choices for her seem to fit: personal assistant to a wealthy woman, a marketing director (too close to Sifa’s profession), international spy, retail sales… maybe a nurse?

Facebook Vs. Website: Some Personal Notes

by Cindy Rae

My Facebook page has more frequent posts than this website. But, Facebook lends itself well to short posts.

So, here you’ll see longer posts.  You won’t see as many, but hopefully ones with more information you find interesting or useful.

I originally had a plan to post 1-3 posts a week here on this website, but I have since revised that plan.

At this point, I’d rather spend my writing time on my novel, with occasional excerpts captured in my writing journal.  Maybe even kick out another short story, although I’m a bit disappointed not to hear what happened to the last one.

Nanite Short Story in Black Hole?

by Cindy Rae

No news from the competition out of Glasgow. I have no idea whether they’ve accepted my short story into the anthology. Is no news bad news?

I suppose I need to sit on the story for a year, then assume they’ve foregone the rights to it? Er, I’d better go back and read the submission rules on rights.

It’s hard not to let this burn me on writing more short stories.