FOR WRITERS
Writing Space
When I first began writing, I had an office in our kitchen, which consisted of a desktop computer with a shelf of trade books overhead. Now that I have a laptop, I moved my office to a corner of our bedroom, where I can shut out "life" when needed.
As you can see from the photo below, I have lots of pictures--of my characters, where they live, their animals, etc. Besides the normal tools that every writer has, I surround myself with motivators such as candles, lotion, herbal tea, movie soundtracks, even a favorite chambray shirt I deem my official writing shirt. This past Christmas my family gave me a Precious Moments figurine of a girl hiking up a hill. On the bottom it reads "A Journey of Hope." I thought it fitting for this writing journey I'm on and decided to add that to my setting.
Original Movie Soundtracks
I recently discovered the wonders of listening to music while I write. One Christmas I received a movie soundtrack of Dances with Wolves, one of my favorite movies. So, taking the advice of many fellow writers, I turned up the volumn to my CD player while I brainstormed ideas for my newest manuscript. I liked it so much, I decided to order two more original scores--Legends of the Fall, and The Horse Whisperer. Let me tell you, I am completely sold on this idea to help put you into your story. I simply pop the CD in and suddenly I'm transported to another time and place. I've since discovered the amazing ability of an MP3 player. Now I can listen to my music or writing workshops while I walk or drive in the car!
Top Ten Writing Books
If you're serious about writing, read as much as you can. Next, you need to write as much as you can, then push yourself and write even more. If you don't read, you'll never be a good judge of excellence, and you'll never know what you like. Write what you enjoy reading. Don't write what you think will sell--write what you love and what is on your heart. Here is my Top Ten list of writing books:
- Stein on Writing, by Sol Stein
- Plot & Structure, by James Scott Bell
- Word Painting, by Rebecca McClanahan
- Revision & Self-Editing, by James Scott Bell
- Writing the Breakout Novel, by Donald Maass
- Self-Editing for Fiction Writers, by R. Brown & D. King
- GMC - Goal, Motivation & Conflict, by Debra Dixon
- Getting into Character, by Brandilyn Collins
- The Elements of Style, by William Strunk Jr. & E.B. White
- The Complete Guide to Writing & Selling the Christian Novel, by Penelope J. Stokes
Writer's Groups
Reading is so important if you want to aspire to be an author. Another key ingredient to the writer's world is to belong to a writer's group--either local or online. A writer leads a solitary life, and it helps to interact with other authors who understand your unique terminologies and who may share your problems, joys, or advice.
Another way to do this is to attend writer's conferences. These will usually occur on a weekend and may last from 2-7 days, depending on where you go. There are many to choose from, but here are a few that have been recommended to me: Colorado Christian Writers Conference in May, American Christian Fiction Writers Conference in September, Glorieta Christian Writers' Conference in October, and Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference in March or April.
A good place to find writer's groups and conferences is in Sally Stuart's Christian Writers' Market Guide. At the back of the book, you'll find listings of writer's conferences, and regional groups as well as national organizations.
How to Begin
You've studied writing books, you've attended workshops at conferences, now what? How do you begin -- with plot or characters?
The answer is, whichever works for you. I've done both. Let's say you choose to begin with characters. Where do you get your ideas? Sometimes I'll base a character off of a movie actor or actress, or sometimes they'll come from a picture in a magazine. I've even been known to compile characteristics from different people I've met and make them into a fictional person. Each of these suggestions gives you a visual to work with, which for me, is essential to keeping true to the character.
A wonderful tool to access your character's motivations is the book Getting Into Character, by Brandilyn Collins. This book suggests you interview your characters until you know what drives them -- inside and out. By doing this, you'll then be able to develop various plots and subplots for your story.
Now, say you begin with a plot. Where can you find plot ideas? Many times, I'll form a plotline with a story I've read in a newspaper or magazine, and the idea branches out from there. There's an old adage, write what you know, and that's good advice to keep with you. Think back to an occurance that changed or marked your life somehow and see if a plot develops. You'd be surprised how many stories begin that way.
Another option is to hold a brainstorming session with other writers or friends. I participated in one of these last month, and it turned out to be very effective. You can do this with as little as a vague plot idea or a glimpse of your characters. Share your mini synopsis in a round-table group discussion and see what ideas pop up. It's fun to see how one person's thought feeds off another, and it really gets the creative juices cooking.
Ten Things I've Learned About Writing:
10 things I've learned since I began writing the Great American Novel, twenty-three years ago in high school:
- I've always heard to "write what you know," but I'll add to that, "write what is on your heart."
- Join writer's groups and critique groups to hone your knowledge of the craft.
- Networking with writers, agents, and editors is important. Plan to attend at least one conference a year.
- Not only do you need a good handle on basic grammar and style, but your ideas and plotlines must be fresh and interesting to break into today's market.
- Learning never stops--always study the craft. Read books and magazines, take an online writing course or one from a local college, and attend writer's workshops.
- You can't give up. The only writer who succeeds is the writer who doesn't give up.
- 90% of the battle is completing the book.
- Your work doesn't end once the book is written. Marketing is a huge word in today's publishing world.
- Not everyone needs an agent, but having one may help you get published.
- Let God be your guide. Request his help and guidance as you write, each and every day.
LINKS
There is much to be said on the craft of writing, and the little bit I've offered is only a sprinkling. Here are a few links that might help you learn more:
(View my blog for more writing tips.)
Deborah Vogts
Country at Heart
"My heart is stirred by a noble theme as
I recite my verses for the king: my tongue is the pen of a skillful writer."
Psalm 45:1
