Synopsis

I've made no bones about it. I don't outline. I hated outlining in school. Now that I'm writing, I'm receiving flack for not doing an outline first. Can't stand 'em.

However, at the Skyline Writers meeting today, someone talked about the synopsis. I have written those before, but as the prelude to sending out an MS. Some publishers want a synopsis.

As a tool for the structure of a story - that was a new thought/idea. I like it. I'm going to start one up for 'Blue.' I've already got a timeline-ish thing started. Each chapter has only a couple words written to keep me from losing my place. I will use it to begin my synopsis.I think that will definitely help. 

At the upcoming SCBWI conference, I've registered for the ARC talk. Looking forward to that. I'm not as familiar with a story arc as I know I should be. Anything to help the craft.

Great meeting, BTW, today. Two new folks came. Excited folks. I do so love that. A breath of fresh air. The same happened, if you remember my earlier post, at the Writers Ink meeting (3 new people). 

Getting ready for the Skyline Conference on August 27th. The speakers sound promising.  http://www.skylinewriters.com/conference2011.html

Life is learning, learning, learning.

PS - Today was an odd day. I received more hits from Germany than from the United States. Go figure.

PSS - Thanks, Germany!

Last Inning

Watching a baseball game the other night, I realized that it is insane to wait for the last inning of a game to try to win it. The opposing team puts in a 'closer,' the pitcher who is fresh and knows the dynamics of power baseball. So - if your team is behind at this point, the odds are - they won't win.

Seems to me the same can be said for writing. I must have my ending before I can begin. I know that sounds insane. It's true. The ending doesn't necessarily have to be written down, but it's got to be in my heart and in my soul. I think the ending forces me to write the beginning, and helps me to continue through the middle. You want to have the ending happen. 

The ending is kind of like a cavity. Your tongue finds it and worries it until it becomes unbearable to live with. 

So - I'm gonna focus on my ending for 'Blue.' It's not written down, but it is set in my mind. If I remember that I really want to save my poor hero/heroine, that might help me keep focused and disciplined. 

I will not, however, make an outline. I'm just not an outline person.

Life is ever-changing.

Cooler Than Me Rant

Listening to Mike Posner's song the other day. Meant to blog it then, but life is not easy as of late.

It's your typical 'you think your cooler than me' stuff. But the beats fun and I really like it. I'll have to add him to my Pandora stations.

The problem was - It gave me a hideous moment - a moment where I felt that I had 'missed the boat' - again. 

I had to shake it - fast. The best part was I could. I've learned to know when to get rid of thoughts that will bring me down. Still, the intense feeling of failure that wrapped around my chest - like lightning hitting me full on - was a surprise.

Writing - boy it makes you vulnerable. 

Going to my writers group tomorrow. The group has shrunk again - it's summer - it's a ritual now. Which means it takes three months between critiques. Very hard to accept. Very hard to live with. 

I truly don't understand why people even bother - if they aren't dedicated to their writing - why join a critique group? 

No - I guess I do understand. Perhaps it's hope. Perhaps it's cool to say you're a writer. Perhaps it's looking for somewhere to belong.

I just wish I could find a critique group that is peopled with dedicated writers. 

Oh - another thing. When a writer is finally published - and they pull out of a group. I can understand that, too. Time should be used for the marketing phase. But if a group has helped you, helped you in your writing growth, wouldn't it be 'polite' to come back, once in awhile, and say, "Hey, how ya all doin?"

Life is exasperating!

Hurting

Ah dear friends. You know I am trying to learn discipline - using my blog as one of the tools to achieve it. However, I suffered a small injury on Saturday and could not write.

The Writers' Ink meeting on Saturday was about the best ever. We had three new members join (though we have no ceremony, nor fees for membership). These turned out to be dedicated writers.

Now - there is a wee bit of word maneuvering to 'label' writers. There is the professional writer; there is the author; there is the writer. I've not seen anything that can justify titles to make a person look better. I suppose sometimes titles are necessary.

But I really like 'dedicated' writer. I believe I am one. I have discovered I have a need to have dedicated writers in my circle of support/friends. 

The boon of these three women, and their enthusiasm, their sharing without fear, and their general congeniality made the meeting one of the best ever.

Life is powerful.