Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Six Lines
Did I miss a couple of weeks here? You know how it is. I was trying to get ahead so I could go to an out-of-town conference, and now I am trying to catch up. The conference was all women writing about their lives. Wonderful writers. Powerful stories. And, besides meeting wonderful people, I hope I learned a few things.
One of the workshops I attended was about "the critic." It is amazing that it all boils down to fear. We each have our own particular fear, but there it is -- fear. We all have been wounded by unthinking parents, cruel teachers, imagined demons; and we fear that pain -- go to any length to avoid it. Even if that means not writing. Let's agree to lace up our steel-toed writing boots, sit down, and kick (writing) assignments.
The February update is up on the website, http://www.angelinyourinkwell.com/. In January, I mentioned a favorite hymn, "I Come to the Garden," and invited you to send your own six lines.
Barbara sent some wonderful lines, and I have copied them below. Thank you, Barbara.
I come to my studio alone/ To create in my mind/ To create with fabric/ To create on canvas/ To create on paper/ To become lost in my world
What are your six lines?
Also, thank you Sherry Antonetti for sending instructions on setting up this blog to accept comments. I think I followed her instructions. Give it a try and see if I did it correctly. Meanwhile, visit Sherri's blog, Chocolate For Your Brain at http://sherryantonettiwrites.blogspot.com.
And thank you, Lissa, for spending time with me on the phone to try to change the book list, at the bottom of the posts, from all caps. Can't be done. Template problem. I deleted the list and will incorporate it some other way.
On the subject of books, I had been listening to Richard Russo's Bridge of Sighs on CD in my car as I ran errands. I think there were thirteen disks. Anyway, I didn't have enough errands. Only made it to disk three. The book was due, and I had to return it to the library. I would recommend it and will either get the book or check out the audio version again. True, my mind wanders as I drive, but here's how it seems to be going. The book begins in the voice of a young boy. Later the book shifts to the friend of the boy, now an adult, an artist living in Italy, and ill. I was definitely hooked by the time the Overdue! notice screamed into my Inbox.
On the plane to and from the conference, I read The Geography of Bliss by National Public Radio correspondent, Eric Weiner. Good writing. I really like his light style. I won't be giving anything away if I tell you the country with the highest "happiness level" is also the country with the highest suicide rate. The author explains it so it makes perfect sense.
Here's a recipe that sounds yummy and easy. It has all my favorite ingredients, including brown sugar, walnuts, and butter.
Apple-Walnut Mix for Grilled Pork Chops
2 cups Fuji apples, sliced
1/2 cup raisins
1/2 cup button mushrooms, sliced
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup walnuts
8 tablespoons butter
In saute pan add all ingredients. Saute until apples are soft and sauce becomes a carmel color (about three to four minutes). Serve over grilled or pan fried pork chops. (Source of this recipe? hmm, can't tell. A magazine. The bottom of the clipping says The Kansas City Originals.) Enjoy.
For added enjoyment, visit www.angelinyourinkwell.com for more Writing Tips, Prompts, Fun Stuff for Writers, and Life Story Writing tips.
Monday, January 21, 2008
So You Want to Write a Book -- Two
Where were we? Oh yeah. Week before last we had started on ten things you must know if you want to write a book. Here is item two: (Read or skim all the way to the bottom for another item two -- a second chocolate recipe.)
2. Who is your intended reader? Be as specific as possible. No fair saying, “Oh everyone will want to read it.” That won’t cut it. Narrow it down to sex, age, education, interest, and experience.
Be real honest with yourself. Who will really want to read this book? If you are writing a book about a medical problem, and you are critical of the medical community, will they want to read your book? Sure, maybe they should read your book -- but will they? You better have a compelling story, told in a compelling way, and some real credentials or experience to make it work.
A good example of such a book, that works, is Rachel Gifford's book, A Gift in Wolf's Clothing: Life with Diabetes. Not only has Rachel lived with diabetes, she is a research and medical expert in the field. And, the Forward is written by an M.D. who goes so far as to say: " . . . a book that so entertainingly, yet devastatingly points out the stupid and unfeeling things that health professionals do in the course of treating diabetes. . . . If you care for people with diabetes . . . buy this book and take its lessons to heart."
Note that all-important word -- entertainingly. So even if your intended reader doesn't want to read the book, make it so well written that they can't help themselves. You can do it.
On another subject -- last week I ran into Bonnie Tolson at a birthday party. Hadn't seen each other in years. After the "You! Oh my gosh," we hugged and caught up on things. When I got home I looked at her website, http://www.bonnietolsonart.com/. Take a look for yourself. Bonnie is an all-around interesting and creative person, writer, and artist.
This Chocolate Chip Cheese Ball recipe is from Judy (a great source) by way of her future daughter-in-law. We will let her remain nameless, just in case she isn't thrilled with the idea of being mentioned on some stranger's blog. Don't want to get Judy in trouble before the kids are even married.)
Something different for Super Bowl Sunday -- Chocolate Chip Cheese Ball
1 pkg. (8 oz.) cream cheese, softened
1/2 c. butter, softened (1 stick)
1/4 teaspoon vanilla
3/4 c. powdered sugar
2 tablespoons brown sugar
3/4 c. mini chocolate chips
3/4 c. finely chopped pecans
Beat cream cheese, butter, and vanilla until fluffy. Gradually add sugars until combined. Stir in chocolate chips. Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours. Shape into ball and roll in pecans. Refrigerate. Serve with chocolate or honey graham cracker sticks. (I don't know what honey graham cracker sticks are, but you can figure out something to serve with this.)
Meanwhile, until next week, work on your statement of your intended reader.
2. Who is your intended reader? Be as specific as possible. No fair saying, “Oh everyone will want to read it.” That won’t cut it. Narrow it down to sex, age, education, interest, and experience.
Be real honest with yourself. Who will really want to read this book? If you are writing a book about a medical problem, and you are critical of the medical community, will they want to read your book? Sure, maybe they should read your book -- but will they? You better have a compelling story, told in a compelling way, and some real credentials or experience to make it work.
A good example of such a book, that works, is Rachel Gifford's book, A Gift in Wolf's Clothing: Life with Diabetes. Not only has Rachel lived with diabetes, she is a research and medical expert in the field. And, the Forward is written by an M.D. who goes so far as to say: " . . . a book that so entertainingly, yet devastatingly points out the stupid and unfeeling things that health professionals do in the course of treating diabetes. . . . If you care for people with diabetes . . . buy this book and take its lessons to heart."
Note that all-important word -- entertainingly. So even if your intended reader doesn't want to read the book, make it so well written that they can't help themselves. You can do it.
On another subject -- last week I ran into Bonnie Tolson at a birthday party. Hadn't seen each other in years. After the "You! Oh my gosh," we hugged and caught up on things. When I got home I looked at her website, http://www.bonnietolsonart.com/. Take a look for yourself. Bonnie is an all-around interesting and creative person, writer, and artist.
This Chocolate Chip Cheese Ball recipe is from Judy (a great source) by way of her future daughter-in-law. We will let her remain nameless, just in case she isn't thrilled with the idea of being mentioned on some stranger's blog. Don't want to get Judy in trouble before the kids are even married.)
Something different for Super Bowl Sunday -- Chocolate Chip Cheese Ball
1 pkg. (8 oz.) cream cheese, softened
1/2 c. butter, softened (1 stick)
1/4 teaspoon vanilla
3/4 c. powdered sugar
2 tablespoons brown sugar
3/4 c. mini chocolate chips
3/4 c. finely chopped pecans
Beat cream cheese, butter, and vanilla until fluffy. Gradually add sugars until combined. Stir in chocolate chips. Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours. Shape into ball and roll in pecans. Refrigerate. Serve with chocolate or honey graham cracker sticks. (I don't know what honey graham cracker sticks are, but you can figure out something to serve with this.)
Meanwhile, until next week, work on your statement of your intended reader.
Monday, January 14, 2008
A Lesson on Editing from Friend Becky
Dear Writing Friends,
When Becky, who took one of my writing classes last summer at ARTichokes Art Gallery, (http://www.artichokeskc.com/) called to tell me about her venture into editing, she had such a great explanation of how she went about it, I asked if she would write about her experience and send it to me in an email at (carol@angelinyourinkwell.com) so I could post it on the blog. I had no idea her message would be so complimentary of me, but, hey, I'm as vain as the next person so I here it is. The point, though, is how you might use Becky's methods. And, thank you Becky, for sharing your experience with us.
Becky wrote:
"Much of writing is arbitrary." "Pre-writing, writing, re-writing is important." "Writing is not competition." These are phrases I heard and copied during the Write Your Story in Eight Weeks workshop presented by writer, Carol Newman.
Recently I learned how important these messages became to my writing. Our church Evangelization Committee asked several members of our parish to write one paragraph on “what our parish means to them” or “what their faith means to them.” I was asked to edit these responses, which were not one paragraph as requested but many were lengthy. I agreed to do this as best I could.
I began by selecting the key points of the response and worked on all sentences to get the general thought on the page. It was a fun realization that it can be done and the thought of the writer is still there. The response was reduced to one paragraph (100 words) and enjoyed by the readers. It is all about editing (re-writing) with the thoughts of the writer kept in the front of me and listening to what they are expressing and make it say what they intended to say using less words.
The staff was complimentary about my work and questioned how I could do such good editing. I give credit to my love of writing and the affirmation I received from Angel in your Inkwell writing classes presented by Carol Newman.
And remember, there is more, more, more at www.angelinyourinkwell.com -- updated the first of each month.
When Becky, who took one of my writing classes last summer at ARTichokes Art Gallery, (http://www.artichokeskc.com/) called to tell me about her venture into editing, she had such a great explanation of how she went about it, I asked if she would write about her experience and send it to me in an email at (carol@angelinyourinkwell.com) so I could post it on the blog. I had no idea her message would be so complimentary of me, but, hey, I'm as vain as the next person so I here it is. The point, though, is how you might use Becky's methods. And, thank you Becky, for sharing your experience with us.
Becky wrote:
"Much of writing is arbitrary." "Pre-writing, writing, re-writing is important." "Writing is not competition." These are phrases I heard and copied during the Write Your Story in Eight Weeks workshop presented by writer, Carol Newman.
Recently I learned how important these messages became to my writing. Our church Evangelization Committee asked several members of our parish to write one paragraph on “what our parish means to them” or “what their faith means to them.” I was asked to edit these responses, which were not one paragraph as requested but many were lengthy. I agreed to do this as best I could.
I began by selecting the key points of the response and worked on all sentences to get the general thought on the page. It was a fun realization that it can be done and the thought of the writer is still there. The response was reduced to one paragraph (100 words) and enjoyed by the readers. It is all about editing (re-writing) with the thoughts of the writer kept in the front of me and listening to what they are expressing and make it say what they intended to say using less words.
The staff was complimentary about my work and questioned how I could do such good editing. I give credit to my love of writing and the affirmation I received from Angel in your Inkwell writing classes presented by Carol Newman.
And remember, there is more, more, more at www.angelinyourinkwell.com -- updated the first of each month.
Monday, January 7, 2008
So You Want to Write a Book
Yesterday was bright and sunny -- a day of possibility. Today is gray and overcast -- a day of possibility. Doesn't matter. If you are a writer, any day is a day of possibility. Especially here at the first of the year. Time to crack open the new calendar/planner. I love filling in the plans and appointments I already have for the coming year.
Look ahead with me to new classes to anticipate -- see: Calendar.
But I also like looking back at my old calendar, flipping through the pages and remembering all the events of the past year. Of course, I always wish I had done more, but for a short while, I savor the accomplishments.
Now, here it is the beginning of a new year and you want this to be the year you write your book. Here are ten beginning basics you must know. It is often a struggle to answer these questions, but answer them you must. Here is the first one: (Read to the end for a sweet reward.)
Is your book fiction or nonfiction? Not sure? Nonfiction is written about true events or people. Biography, autobiography, memoir, life story, how-to, history, essay are all nonfiction. For example, Angela’s Ashes is a nonfiction book Frank McCourt wrote about his life. Okay, you’re ahead of me here, aren’t you? Right. Fiction is invented. Novels are fiction. Gone With the Wind and To Kill a Mockingbird are fiction. While they are both set in the south, in a certain time, the specific characters, specific setting, and specific events were invented by the authors.
Look at the books on your bookshelf -- or in my case, and probably yours, too -- bookshelf, end table, kitchen counter, bedside table, and floor. Which books are fiction, and which are nonfiction? Not sure? Check the back cover; sometimes it says there. Or check the placement in your public library. Ask a librarian. Ask a bookseller.
I know, this seems like a really, really basic question, but I have been surprised by the number of writers I work with who can't answer.
Now for the sweet reward: If you are going to be doing lots of writing this year, you and your family will still need to be fed and friends' birthdays celebrated; but you will want to do the food preparation fast. My friend, Judy, brought a delicious cake to a recent birthday gathering. Have you ever had Texas Sheet Cake? This cake tastes like it, but is so much quicker and easier. I plan to bake this for my gentleman friend's (husband, Tom) birthday this month. Here is the 3 ingredient recipe for chocolate cake:
Chocolate Applesauce Cake
1 box milk chocolate cake mix (Judy says this is a new flavor.)
3 eggs
16 oz. applesauce
Mix all well and bake in 9"x13" pan according to the box directions. Top with milk chocolate frosting from a can.
Look ahead with me to new classes to anticipate -- see: Calendar.
But I also like looking back at my old calendar, flipping through the pages and remembering all the events of the past year. Of course, I always wish I had done more, but for a short while, I savor the accomplishments.
Now, here it is the beginning of a new year and you want this to be the year you write your book. Here are ten beginning basics you must know. It is often a struggle to answer these questions, but answer them you must. Here is the first one: (Read to the end for a sweet reward.)
Is your book fiction or nonfiction? Not sure? Nonfiction is written about true events or people. Biography, autobiography, memoir, life story, how-to, history, essay are all nonfiction. For example, Angela’s Ashes is a nonfiction book Frank McCourt wrote about his life. Okay, you’re ahead of me here, aren’t you? Right. Fiction is invented. Novels are fiction. Gone With the Wind and To Kill a Mockingbird are fiction. While they are both set in the south, in a certain time, the specific characters, specific setting, and specific events were invented by the authors.
Look at the books on your bookshelf -- or in my case, and probably yours, too -- bookshelf, end table, kitchen counter, bedside table, and floor. Which books are fiction, and which are nonfiction? Not sure? Check the back cover; sometimes it says there. Or check the placement in your public library. Ask a librarian. Ask a bookseller.
I know, this seems like a really, really basic question, but I have been surprised by the number of writers I work with who can't answer.
Now for the sweet reward: If you are going to be doing lots of writing this year, you and your family will still need to be fed and friends' birthdays celebrated; but you will want to do the food preparation fast. My friend, Judy, brought a delicious cake to a recent birthday gathering. Have you ever had Texas Sheet Cake? This cake tastes like it, but is so much quicker and easier. I plan to bake this for my gentleman friend's (husband, Tom) birthday this month. Here is the 3 ingredient recipe for chocolate cake:
Chocolate Applesauce Cake
1 box milk chocolate cake mix (Judy says this is a new flavor.)
3 eggs
16 oz. applesauce
Mix all well and bake in 9"x13" pan according to the box directions. Top with milk chocolate frosting from a can.
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
No Writer Is an Island
Although today is Wednesday, yesterday was a holiday so that makes today seem like Monday so here we are together -- just as if it were angelblogmonday.
Last Monday, when it really was Monday, I wrote about the elements of a good critique group for writers. Yesterday I was reading Rachel Gifford's new book, A Gift in Wolf's Clothing: Living with Diabetes (published by AuthorHouse), and right there on the acknowledgements page, she mentioned our monthly women's writers' group. The best part is that she acknowledged, by name, the women who encouraged her in her writing: Stephanie Hughes, Marilyn O'Hearne, Betty Swisher, Sue Monaghan, Jan Davis and Jane Rogers.
Could Rachel have written the book without these helpful women? Sure. Having read her story, I believe Rachel could do just about anything she decides to do. Was the writing easier and more fun with the help of these women? According to Rachel the answer is yes.
Here are a couple of things to do to make your life easier as we enter a new year:
1. Gather around you a group of writers who will be honest and helpful as you work on your writing projects. Start a group or join a group. Our women writers' group is always open to new members. For information check the listing at www.angelinyourinkwell.com/calendar.
2. If you or anyone you know, has diabetes, give them a copy of Rachel's book. Urge them to read it themselves and then give it to their doctors and nurses to read.
It's snowing again tonight. Just enough to make everything look peaceful. May you find your own personal peace tonight.
Last Monday, when it really was Monday, I wrote about the elements of a good critique group for writers. Yesterday I was reading Rachel Gifford's new book, A Gift in Wolf's Clothing: Living with Diabetes (published by AuthorHouse), and right there on the acknowledgements page, she mentioned our monthly women's writers' group. The best part is that she acknowledged, by name, the women who encouraged her in her writing: Stephanie Hughes, Marilyn O'Hearne, Betty Swisher, Sue Monaghan, Jan Davis and Jane Rogers.
Could Rachel have written the book without these helpful women? Sure. Having read her story, I believe Rachel could do just about anything she decides to do. Was the writing easier and more fun with the help of these women? According to Rachel the answer is yes.
Here are a couple of things to do to make your life easier as we enter a new year:
1. Gather around you a group of writers who will be honest and helpful as you work on your writing projects. Start a group or join a group. Our women writers' group is always open to new members. For information check the listing at www.angelinyourinkwell.com/calendar.
2. If you or anyone you know, has diabetes, give them a copy of Rachel's book. Urge them to read it themselves and then give it to their doctors and nurses to read.
It's snowing again tonight. Just enough to make everything look peaceful. May you find your own personal peace tonight.
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