Finally! I have finished Chapter Two! I sat down at my computer, turned off my phone, put on some music and got things done! I'm so happy!
When I was at the writer's conference back in February someone mentioned during one of the panels having a routine that you go through when you write. For example, one person had a special hat they wore whenever they would sit down and write. Not only did this let his family know that he would be writing, but it eventually became a trigger for his brain so that when he did sit down and write it was easier for him to do so provided he had the hat.
This got me thinking that I should have a routine myself or something like the hat to wear that will become my own trigger. I have plenty of hats that I could use, but I wanted something that was my own, something that represented me in some way and well none of my hats actually do that.
That's when I came up with it. SOCKS. Normally I just wear regular, plain old white socks because to me crazy fun socks aren't as fun if you have yo cover them up with your shoes. But who says I have to wear shoes when I write? Hmm?
So I bought myself some brightly colored socks and have made them my "Writer's Socks." Did I stop there with the crazy socks? Of course not, because anyone can wear crazy socks and it doesn't really stand out too much. But what if you wore two completely different crazy socks? Totally stand out! Not that anyone would really be seeing me as I write, but hey, whatever. ;)
Along with the socks I have added a cup of peppermint tea. Don't ask me why, but I think that in my brain it makes me feel more official and more like a writer if I have a steaming cup of something or other to drink. I don't drink coffee, so that was a no no. Hot cocoa would work but there's all of that sugar and drinking that much cocoa wouldn't exactly help my whole getting more healthy thing I've got going. But peppermint tea, yes, that would do just nicely. :)
I also had a PB and J sandwich today, which I may or may not include with the whole thing. I think it will depend on the time of day when I start writing and such.
Anyways, so I closed the bedroom door, sat at the desk and got to work. Two hours and 3318 words later, chapter two was finally complete. Again, I am so happy I finally got it done! After nearly three months of distractions and troubles it has finally been completed.
Thank you everyone that is still sticking with me on this. I know it's probably not that easy wanting to keep up with such a sporadic authoress like myself. So thank you again.
Friday, July 12, 2013
Thursday, June 20, 2013
Distractions are the worst...
I've been having a lot of distractions as of late, so my writing has been rather slow. I'm still working on chapter two of Tender Mercies. I was spending some time getting to know more about one of my characters and discovered, he is going to need his own story. Great, another one to add to the list... Lol. Of course, those of you who know me know that I really don't mind. In fact, I think I would be concerned if I went too long without either writing or coming up with another story idea.
Anyways, I am working on it. I will strive to be better about writing the next few chapters. I think one of my biggest problems is that I am trying to work out the transition for this next chapter and I can't seem to get it just right. Oh well, I'll see what I can do.
Thanks for all of the support. You guys are the best! :D
Anyways, I am working on it. I will strive to be better about writing the next few chapters. I think one of my biggest problems is that I am trying to work out the transition for this next chapter and I can't seem to get it just right. Oh well, I'll see what I can do.
Thanks for all of the support. You guys are the best! :D
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
Chapter One Complete!
I am so happy right now! I just finished the first chapter of my story! HOORAY! I know it probably sounds like a small accomplishment but it's an accomplishment!
I have been struggling to write the past few weeks. I've been stressed out about various things and feeling kind of down about them. When I get into those kinds of moods, it is really hard for me to sit down and just write. So, you can imagine the relief and joy I feel knowing that I was able to get that dang chapter finished! Ha, ha, ha.
It was interesting writing this chapter. I have learned some interesting things about my characters, particularly Dusty. I discovered that he has never really "taken the lead" so to speak when it comes to socializing. Not because he didn't want to or he didn't have anything to say, but he has been raised to believe that pleasing others is far more important than pleasing oneself. While it is good to be selfless and caring towards others, it is also good to take time for yourself. How else are you supposed to figure out who you are?
Also, and this is kind of a sad fact, he doesn't cry. I mean, I know guys as a general rule aren't as emotional as girls, but that's not what I'm talking about. Even when the boy had every good reason in the world to shed a tear, he refused. I'm guessing it has something to do with wanting to appear strong to his dad. I imagine the whole pleasing others first comes into play with that a bit too.
Gah! I just love learning knew things about my characters! It brings me so much joy!
Well, I am tired, and it's after midnight. Thank you all who are still taking the time to read this blog. I appreciate it!
I have been struggling to write the past few weeks. I've been stressed out about various things and feeling kind of down about them. When I get into those kinds of moods, it is really hard for me to sit down and just write. So, you can imagine the relief and joy I feel knowing that I was able to get that dang chapter finished! Ha, ha, ha.
It was interesting writing this chapter. I have learned some interesting things about my characters, particularly Dusty. I discovered that he has never really "taken the lead" so to speak when it comes to socializing. Not because he didn't want to or he didn't have anything to say, but he has been raised to believe that pleasing others is far more important than pleasing oneself. While it is good to be selfless and caring towards others, it is also good to take time for yourself. How else are you supposed to figure out who you are?
Also, and this is kind of a sad fact, he doesn't cry. I mean, I know guys as a general rule aren't as emotional as girls, but that's not what I'm talking about. Even when the boy had every good reason in the world to shed a tear, he refused. I'm guessing it has something to do with wanting to appear strong to his dad. I imagine the whole pleasing others first comes into play with that a bit too.
Gah! I just love learning knew things about my characters! It brings me so much joy!
Well, I am tired, and it's after midnight. Thank you all who are still taking the time to read this blog. I appreciate it!
Saturday, March 23, 2013
Sorry, I'm Horrible With Updates
When it comes to updating I am absolutely horrible at it. I'll do great for the first few days or so and then I get distracted and it goes down the tube.
The latest I have is this. I have been doing some story review with a friend of mine. She brought up some good points concerning my fantasy story, such as what is the plot for the story? What is the story arc for this first book? And lastly, could it sell as a single book without a series? My answers to each of these questions were all negatory. So, I went back to the drawing board, so to speak, and I tried to get a better idea and handle on this first book. To my sorrow, and slight horror I might add, I was drawing blanks.
But do not fret my followers, I have my back up story! I have decided to put the fantasy on a shelf for the moment, let it stew while my subconscious gathers some ideas for it's plot and such. While that's going on I am taking on my back up project.
Working title at present is Tender Mercies, though I rather like the title and I think it's going to stick around for a while. The story mostly revolves around Dusty Becket, a college freshmen with a rather notable father who just wants to be "normal". I say "normal" because, let's be honest, is there really such a thing?
Anyways, Dusty moves off to college and into a house with five other guys. There's Josh Bridges, the "head" of the household. He's a 24 year old med student and a generally likeable guy though it is obvious he is holding on to some deep hurts.
Next is the foreign exchange student, Nakamura Haku, 17 years old and, well, no one really knows what his major is. He mostly keeps to himself, staying in his room or at the library. No one knows what he does in his room, though Dusty has seen Nakamura sneak off with the toaster and return it later.
Finally, you have the best friends, Carson Driggs and Percy Jones, 21 and 22 respectively. Carson is an engineering major and Percy is a theater major. They enjoy pulling pranks and are, essentially, the comic relief of the house.
Seems like a ragtail bunch with no real common ground, yes? Well, you'd be right, but don't let their differences fool you. As odd as they are, they all fit together rather well, and it doesn't take long for them to become fast friends.
Enter Rebecca Trybalt, a 23 year old widow (yes, widow) that Percy meets at the bus station. She is pregnant, and upon discovering she really has no place to go, Percy brings her home (like a little lost puppy) and if things weren't interesting before, well, they are about to become so.
The final character to introduce in this story would have to be Leonard Bridges, Josh's uncle and the owner of the house. He is an older gentleman and takes it upon himself to be a stand in dad for Josh and his housemates, since several of them are either far from home (some further than others) or they have a less than happy relationship with theirs.
Over the course of his freshmen year, Dusty learns a lot about himself and comes to realize that things aren't always what they seem. The person who smiles the most may be holding on to one of the deepest hurts a person could have, and the person who seems to not care at all, may be the person that cares about you the most. But what are you supposed to do when you're life may be in danger, and the one person who knows won't even tell you?
Anywho, yeah, there's a general idea of what to expect with this one. If you are wondering about the title, it's in reference to a scripture I found. I can't think of the reference at the moment and the notebook I wrote it down in seems to have gone MIA for the time being. For my LDS friends, you may recognize it from 1 Nephi 1:20 in the Book of Mormon, though I found another reference in the Bible that fit so perfectly (can't find it now though, sadly).
Well, I think this update is getting rather long. Wouldn't want to bore you and all. :)
Presently I am at 710 words for this story (not a lot, I know, but whatever). My goal for next week is to get it to 5,000 words (10,000 would be awesome, and may be doable this next week as most of my roommates have gone home for Spring Break). I decided this goal was more realistic than my previous one.
I hope you all have a fantastic day! Keep smiling!
The latest I have is this. I have been doing some story review with a friend of mine. She brought up some good points concerning my fantasy story, such as what is the plot for the story? What is the story arc for this first book? And lastly, could it sell as a single book without a series? My answers to each of these questions were all negatory. So, I went back to the drawing board, so to speak, and I tried to get a better idea and handle on this first book. To my sorrow, and slight horror I might add, I was drawing blanks.
But do not fret my followers, I have my back up story! I have decided to put the fantasy on a shelf for the moment, let it stew while my subconscious gathers some ideas for it's plot and such. While that's going on I am taking on my back up project.
Working title at present is Tender Mercies, though I rather like the title and I think it's going to stick around for a while. The story mostly revolves around Dusty Becket, a college freshmen with a rather notable father who just wants to be "normal". I say "normal" because, let's be honest, is there really such a thing?
Anyways, Dusty moves off to college and into a house with five other guys. There's Josh Bridges, the "head" of the household. He's a 24 year old med student and a generally likeable guy though it is obvious he is holding on to some deep hurts.
Next is the foreign exchange student, Nakamura Haku, 17 years old and, well, no one really knows what his major is. He mostly keeps to himself, staying in his room or at the library. No one knows what he does in his room, though Dusty has seen Nakamura sneak off with the toaster and return it later.
Finally, you have the best friends, Carson Driggs and Percy Jones, 21 and 22 respectively. Carson is an engineering major and Percy is a theater major. They enjoy pulling pranks and are, essentially, the comic relief of the house.
Seems like a ragtail bunch with no real common ground, yes? Well, you'd be right, but don't let their differences fool you. As odd as they are, they all fit together rather well, and it doesn't take long for them to become fast friends.
Enter Rebecca Trybalt, a 23 year old widow (yes, widow) that Percy meets at the bus station. She is pregnant, and upon discovering she really has no place to go, Percy brings her home (like a little lost puppy) and if things weren't interesting before, well, they are about to become so.
The final character to introduce in this story would have to be Leonard Bridges, Josh's uncle and the owner of the house. He is an older gentleman and takes it upon himself to be a stand in dad for Josh and his housemates, since several of them are either far from home (some further than others) or they have a less than happy relationship with theirs.
Over the course of his freshmen year, Dusty learns a lot about himself and comes to realize that things aren't always what they seem. The person who smiles the most may be holding on to one of the deepest hurts a person could have, and the person who seems to not care at all, may be the person that cares about you the most. But what are you supposed to do when you're life may be in danger, and the one person who knows won't even tell you?
Anywho, yeah, there's a general idea of what to expect with this one. If you are wondering about the title, it's in reference to a scripture I found. I can't think of the reference at the moment and the notebook I wrote it down in seems to have gone MIA for the time being. For my LDS friends, you may recognize it from 1 Nephi 1:20 in the Book of Mormon, though I found another reference in the Bible that fit so perfectly (can't find it now though, sadly).
Well, I think this update is getting rather long. Wouldn't want to bore you and all. :)
Presently I am at 710 words for this story (not a lot, I know, but whatever). My goal for next week is to get it to 5,000 words (10,000 would be awesome, and may be doable this next week as most of my roommates have gone home for Spring Break). I decided this goal was more realistic than my previous one.
I hope you all have a fantastic day! Keep smiling!
Sunday, February 24, 2013
Day 8: Weekly Goal Update
I regret to say that I was not able to make my goal of 10,000 words. I came in at just over 3,800. Rather disappointing to say the least.
But, in spite of the fact that I was not able to write 10,000 words of actual story, I was able to do a lot with my character development. In my original manuscript for this story, my characters were rather two dimensional which at the time of their creation really didn't bother me. However, as I have read more books and even written about other characters, I have been able to realize just how much my characters were lacking in, well, likability.
I have discovered quite a bit about my characters actually, and these discoveries have, in turn, helped me to see the bigger picture of the story, rather than just the simple, basic storyline.
My main character, for example, has her fair share of issues. Besides being a 15 year old girl that just had to pack up and move away from the only home she has ever known, she has issues with her family relationships, something that plays a rather important role in the story I never even caught the first time around.
There are also the stories and lives of the other characters, which are equally important as they will affect my main character's relationship with them and how they work together to accomplish a common goal.
Aside from the wonderful character development that I have been able to discover this week, I was also able to learn something about myself and my life. First of all, my life is nothing like it was when I first wrote the story in 7th grade. I wasn't nearly as stressed about just plain old life as I am now. That's not to say that I didn't have problems, or things to stress about in 7th grade, but in comparison to the "real world" problems of college life and adulthood, well, they were hardly that trying.
I have also discovered the importance of de-stressing before taking on a creative task, and of eliminating distractions. When I am stressing about a problem I am facing, it hinders my creative ability so much it isn't even funny, and if I don't watch myself and the environment I put myself in before I sit down to write, I will get distracted and my muse will not come. Even how loud I listen to my music can be a distraction, to tell you the truth.
So, while I didn't meet my goal of 10,000 words, I can still count this week as productive, because I have gained something from it, even if it wasn't what I was planning or hoping for.
My goal for this week is to get the remaining 6,200 words that I need to reach that 10,000 word goal. who knows, maybe I'll be able to surpass 10,000 words.
Anyways, thank you everyone that is following and keeping up with me on this. It truly is a huge, huge, HUGE help!
Until next week!
But, in spite of the fact that I was not able to write 10,000 words of actual story, I was able to do a lot with my character development. In my original manuscript for this story, my characters were rather two dimensional which at the time of their creation really didn't bother me. However, as I have read more books and even written about other characters, I have been able to realize just how much my characters were lacking in, well, likability.
I have discovered quite a bit about my characters actually, and these discoveries have, in turn, helped me to see the bigger picture of the story, rather than just the simple, basic storyline.
My main character, for example, has her fair share of issues. Besides being a 15 year old girl that just had to pack up and move away from the only home she has ever known, she has issues with her family relationships, something that plays a rather important role in the story I never even caught the first time around.
There are also the stories and lives of the other characters, which are equally important as they will affect my main character's relationship with them and how they work together to accomplish a common goal.
Aside from the wonderful character development that I have been able to discover this week, I was also able to learn something about myself and my life. First of all, my life is nothing like it was when I first wrote the story in 7th grade. I wasn't nearly as stressed about just plain old life as I am now. That's not to say that I didn't have problems, or things to stress about in 7th grade, but in comparison to the "real world" problems of college life and adulthood, well, they were hardly that trying.
I have also discovered the importance of de-stressing before taking on a creative task, and of eliminating distractions. When I am stressing about a problem I am facing, it hinders my creative ability so much it isn't even funny, and if I don't watch myself and the environment I put myself in before I sit down to write, I will get distracted and my muse will not come. Even how loud I listen to my music can be a distraction, to tell you the truth.
So, while I didn't meet my goal of 10,000 words, I can still count this week as productive, because I have gained something from it, even if it wasn't what I was planning or hoping for.
My goal for this week is to get the remaining 6,200 words that I need to reach that 10,000 word goal. who knows, maybe I'll be able to surpass 10,000 words.
Anyways, thank you everyone that is following and keeping up with me on this. It truly is a huge, huge, HUGE help!
Until next week!
Sunday, February 17, 2013
Day One: Let's get started!
Hello all! Wow, less than 24 hours since I created this page and announced it on my personal blog and Facebook and already there have already been 19 pages views and multiple people have commented and expressed their excitement and support! Thank you all so, so, much! I really do appreciate it!
I have decided that each week I am going to set a goal for myself that must be met or exceeded by the end of the week. Being as it is the first day of the week, and the one day when I have the absolute most free time, these goals will be posted every Sunday. I'll try to get them out before noon but pending on my church schedule they may not come until the evening, no later than 10. Just to let you all know!
Also, I am going to see if I can get some kind of a counter on here so that everyone can visually see my word and chapter count as I go along. Ideally I would like to have an individual counter for each of the two stories I am interested in completing right now. If anybody has an idea of how I can do this--particularly you computer geniuses--please let me know!
So, my first goal for this week is to have 10,000 words (of one story) written by next Sunday, which is roughly 15-20 pages (give or take a few). I figured this was a reasonable goal to start out with and depending on how far I exceed the goal I may up the number next week.
Regarding my goals, there will be some weeks when I am more busy than others. If I know it's going to be a real stretch to meet a bigger goal I will probably set it lower, or I may just simply say "spend 30 minutes every day working on the story". Either way, I will have a goal each week.
Well, that's all for today. You may hear from me occasionally throughout the week as I continue with the story.
Love you all, and have a fabulous day!
~Stephanie~
I have decided that each week I am going to set a goal for myself that must be met or exceeded by the end of the week. Being as it is the first day of the week, and the one day when I have the absolute most free time, these goals will be posted every Sunday. I'll try to get them out before noon but pending on my church schedule they may not come until the evening, no later than 10. Just to let you all know!
Also, I am going to see if I can get some kind of a counter on here so that everyone can visually see my word and chapter count as I go along. Ideally I would like to have an individual counter for each of the two stories I am interested in completing right now. If anybody has an idea of how I can do this--particularly you computer geniuses--please let me know!
So, my first goal for this week is to have 10,000 words (of one story) written by next Sunday, which is roughly 15-20 pages (give or take a few). I figured this was a reasonable goal to start out with and depending on how far I exceed the goal I may up the number next week.
Regarding my goals, there will be some weeks when I am more busy than others. If I know it's going to be a real stretch to meet a bigger goal I will probably set it lower, or I may just simply say "spend 30 minutes every day working on the story". Either way, I will have a goal each week.
Well, that's all for today. You may hear from me occasionally throughout the week as I continue with the story.
Love you all, and have a fabulous day!
~Stephanie~
Saturday, February 16, 2013
Another Blog?
Yes everyone, I am starting another blog page. This blog is being created as part of my decision to take my writing more seriously.
I have spent the past three days at Life, the Universe, and Everything, a writer's convention in Provo, UT (if you want to know more about LTUE, visit their webpage by clicking the link under my "Links" tab). It has been an incredible learning experience and I am so very grateful for the opportunity I have had to be here and hear from the"Masters of My Trade" so to speak. :)
So, like I said, this blog has been created as a part of my decision to take my writing more seriously. I will be posting updates of my progress as I work towards completing a manuscript. I have two of them in particular that I would like to focus on. The first is a fantasy story geared towards young adults. It is the story of a fifteen year old girl who discovers a portal into another world and the adventures she has there with her siblings and friends. Basically. It's far more complex than that (something I absolutely love, as those close to me are well aware of), but I don't want to give too much away. I have the first draft of this story completed, but that "The End" was put there when I was in the 7th grade and let me tell you, it needs A LOT of work. But, I look forward to doing it!
The second for an older audience (like, college age) and it's a realistic fiction involving 5 college roommates (all boys) and the adventures they embark on together. This story is more of a "feel good" read then an exciting, adventure kind of thing (like my fantasy) but it is one that I am very excited about as well. The idea came to me fairly recently, so I only have the basic outline completed at this point, but I can't bring myself to putting it on the back burner entirely just yet.
I have to tell you, right now my major focus is on the fantasy, so when I post it will most likely be updates in regards to that one. But there will be times when I am working on the second idea, so posts related to that story will pop up as well.
Anyway, back to the why of this blog. I needed something to help keep me accountable for my writing. If I know that I have to post some kind of an update at least once a week on the progress of my story(s) then I will feel more of a drive to work on and complete it.
I hope that any of you who decides to read this will enjoy the journey as much as I will. Feel free to comment if you would like, and I will do my best to reply to comments when needed. Also, I may ask questions within my posts, so if you have an answer or idea, please, please, PLEASE comment!
Now, without further ado, let the writing begin...
I have spent the past three days at Life, the Universe, and Everything, a writer's convention in Provo, UT (if you want to know more about LTUE, visit their webpage by clicking the link under my "Links" tab). It has been an incredible learning experience and I am so very grateful for the opportunity I have had to be here and hear from the"Masters of My Trade" so to speak. :)
So, like I said, this blog has been created as a part of my decision to take my writing more seriously. I will be posting updates of my progress as I work towards completing a manuscript. I have two of them in particular that I would like to focus on. The first is a fantasy story geared towards young adults. It is the story of a fifteen year old girl who discovers a portal into another world and the adventures she has there with her siblings and friends. Basically. It's far more complex than that (something I absolutely love, as those close to me are well aware of), but I don't want to give too much away. I have the first draft of this story completed, but that "The End" was put there when I was in the 7th grade and let me tell you, it needs A LOT of work. But, I look forward to doing it!
The second for an older audience (like, college age) and it's a realistic fiction involving 5 college roommates (all boys) and the adventures they embark on together. This story is more of a "feel good" read then an exciting, adventure kind of thing (like my fantasy) but it is one that I am very excited about as well. The idea came to me fairly recently, so I only have the basic outline completed at this point, but I can't bring myself to putting it on the back burner entirely just yet.
I have to tell you, right now my major focus is on the fantasy, so when I post it will most likely be updates in regards to that one. But there will be times when I am working on the second idea, so posts related to that story will pop up as well.
Anyway, back to the why of this blog. I needed something to help keep me accountable for my writing. If I know that I have to post some kind of an update at least once a week on the progress of my story(s) then I will feel more of a drive to work on and complete it.
I hope that any of you who decides to read this will enjoy the journey as much as I will. Feel free to comment if you would like, and I will do my best to reply to comments when needed. Also, I may ask questions within my posts, so if you have an answer or idea, please, please, PLEASE comment!
Now, without further ado, let the writing begin...
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