Write Here, Write Now

Lightning Strikes!

2011-08-18T12:04:00.001+10:00

I'm gonna go out on a limb here and say that every writer has had at least one Eureka moment - the epiphany that strikes out of nowhere and ultimately presents you with the kind of opportunity that makes you want to sing and cry at the same time. You know, the one that makes you wonder if this is why you became a writer in the first place - your higher calling, if you will.

I had that moment today. I won't go into it because, I mean, c'mon...I only just thought of it:) I've gotta let it simmer a bit. But if this works out the way I'm hoping it will, it'll be brilliant! Gorgeous! A symphony of a reading experience!

That is, if I can get it right...

Wish me luck:)

I don't suck at blogging, just at getting to my blogging. (I think...)

2011-06-09T14:53:00.000+10:00

Okay, so I'm back from ~~lazy-land~~ an unofficial hiatus from the blogosphere with updates on me and my writing self. FYI, this is where I pretend you care and you just roll your eyes and read on:)

So, what have I been up to aside from mothering the 5 4 hooligans and keeping up with the 9-to-5?

Well, for starters, I've shown my script to a producer/writer/director on his offer to give feedback to help with the rewrite! Awesome, right??

That was 2 months ago. I haven't heard back. But just so you know, I'm taking that as 'I'm simply too busy with actual film work to waste my time helping any aspirant bold enough to compete with me in this rat race'. It doesn't mean my script sucks. Because...y'know...it doesn't suck. I think. Probably.

Possibly.

On the more productive side, I've been working on that script that I'm writing for a guy in New Jersey. Yeah, we have a contract. *Cue nail buffing on the shoulder...* :) Okay, it's a contract that I drew up myself and there's no money involved at the moment. And admittedly, I really only went into this project for the experience of it and not with any expectations of it being a huge success (though believe me, I'll be utterly ecstatic if anything does happen with it!). But I am really enjoying the writing of this script so much more than I expected I would. I mean, it is a great story (the details of which, unfortunately, I can't share), but it's such a different story from anything I ever would've written on my own. But I think the thing that has really surprised me about this script is how much my own creativity is kicking in. The script is based on a true story, and I started out thinking that I'd be writing a screenplay version of the events as they happened. Of course, that was before I realised that a lot of things needed to be fictionalised to actually make a script out of it.

So now, I'm cutting things that happened, adding things that didn't and toying with these characters (some old, some new) as if they're my own little puppets that somehow already had a life of their own before I ever came along. And it's wonderful!!

Aside from that, it's just the same old, same old. (Except, of course, for the fact that I met Jan Sardi!!! Star-struck much??) I'm picking up freelance editing work wherever I can get it, toying with the idea of entering a few short story contests, whining to my husband that I'm tired and need more chocolate and getting comfy-cozy on the train each morning to write.

In other words, I'm still alive and well and trying every day to do something, anything for my passion. And you know what? I really hope you are, too. Because I'm constantly re-discovering that as hectic as life can be, there's always plenty of fulfillment to be found in the activities we love the most:)

Hey, Hallmark...Boosh!! :p

How to make a year fly

2011-01-04T16:46:00.000+11:00

We all have those moments where you just sit back and wonder "where the time went". "This week has flown by," we say. Or, "Is it that time already?"

But I've never been amazed by the rush of a year. Until now.

Was it really a year ago that I detailed my goals for 2010? Is it already time to make new goals for '11? All I can say is...wow! What a rush!!

Okay, so this time last year, I had four goals. Let's see how I did:

1. Finish my novel - semi-check (first draft is done, edits are...meh)
2. Write a book for my sister-in-law - again, semi-check (I used the idea for my screenplay which is 2/3 finished)
3. Certificate IV in Professional Writing and Editing - check, definitely:)
4. Write lyrics - eh, no check...at all.

Not bad, I think. The certificate kicked my butt harder than I expected, so the semi-checks are totally fine with me:)

So, new goals, people!

In 2011, I will:
1. Finish my screenplay, Lagi (see number 2 above),
2. Finish my screenplay, Not as Nations (a collaboration project),
3. Complete an editing internship (already accepted!), and
4. Find and complete new editing projects to fund my writing habit.

Totally do-able, right? I'm so excited about my current projects! Now let's see how fast we can make 2011 fly by!

Happy New Year:)

A beautiful poem

2010-11-19T09:57:00.000+11:00

So the year is coming to a close and that means lots of school assignments are due, and the one that I'm enjoying the most is the poetry analysis. Somehow, I stumbled on a beautiful poem and one that's full of technical quirks for me to work with, so it's perfect for what I need to do.

Anyway, I thought I'd share with all of you. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do:)

Étude Réaliste
by Algernon Charles Swinburne

I.

A Baby's feet, like sea-shells pink,
Might tempt, should heaven see meet,
An angel's lips to kiss, we think,
A baby's feet.

Like rose-hued sea-flowers toward the heat
They stretch and spread and wink
Their ten soft buds that part and meet.

No flower-bells that expand and shrink
Gleam half so heavenly sweet
As shine on life's untrodden brink
A baby's feet.

II.

A baby's hands, like rosebuds furled
Whence yet no leaf expands,
Ope if you touch, though close upcurled,
A baby's hands.

Then, fast as warriors grip their brands
When battle's bolt is hurled,
They close, clenched hard like tightening bands.

No rosebuds yet by dawn impearled
Match, even in loveliest lands,
The sweetest flowers in all the world -
A baby's hands.

III.

A baby's eyes, ere speech begin,
Ere lips learn words or sighs,
Bless all things bright enough to win
A baby's eyes.

Love, while the sweet thing laughs and lies,
And sleep flows out and in,
Sees perfect in them Paradise.

Their glance might cast out pain and sin,
Their speech make dumb the wise,
By mute glad godhead felt within
A baby's eyes.

Ah, Spring, the perfect time for a short short! (Even if it is a bit of a downer...)

2010-10-21T11:16:00.000+11:00

Okay, I have succumbed to the stress of having too much going on. Until last week, I was running on fumes, with nary a finish line in sight. So what did I do? I got rid of one of them. Totally annihilated it:)

After a long talk with the hubby, I've decided to skip NaNoWriMo this year, for a few reasons. First, the novel idea that I'd settled on wasn't inspiring me the way a NaNo idea should. I mean, if you're going to run a marathon, you'd better be hugely excited about your motive, right? But this idea just wasn't cutting it for me. It was...okay. And that's it.

Second, I'd assumed a personal goal of 80,000 words in November as opposed to the standard 50,000. The theory there was that I'd get the entire first draft finished in November and avoid the post-NaNo slump that hindered me last year.

And third, like last year, I signed on for a Writing.com prep challenge for October that was beating me down instead of gearing me up. And honestly, if I can't develop a 15 minute writing routine, how on earth could I plan to commit to 80,000 words (or even 50,000 words if I allowed myself to 'slip')?

So, I'm marking NaNo off my list of goals for this year, focussing instead on finishing my Certificate on a high note, practicing my toosh off for the editing accreditation exam in May and writing for peace and pleasure as I so love to do:)

Now, all that said, I've got a short short that I wrote for the WDC NaNo prep that, if I'm being honest, will probably never see the light of day. But I love it, even though it's still a bit rough around the edges and not far removed from the first draft at all. So I thought I'd share it here for your reading enjoyment. Feel free to comment or not. And if you hate it, then by all means, write something better and share it with the world:)

Seen and Heard
© Rebekah D. Hay 2010

The three porch steps are a blur under my feet. My heart is a wrecking ball in my chest. And then I hear the baby’s cry.

I was born in 1972 to a vacant shell of a mother and a drunk father who followed the stereotype to the letter. I saw red, swollen faces across from my Cheerios, and I learned the exact position to hold inside the closet with my baby brother so as to be unseen and unheard. And I knew the cry of a beaten child by heart.

This is one of those cries.

The door is already open and the police I am with try to hold me back on the porch. I understand where they’re coming from – this is a dangerous situation for all of us. But when that baby’s voice cuts off, nothing can restrain me.

I barge into the small house and am assaulted by the odor of infection and vomit. A skeletal boy cowers behind the sofa, out of his father’s sight, and I wish I could’ve shared my closet with him.

The baby gasps and readies for the next scream as the man raises his arm back up over his head.

The roar that escapes me is carnal, ferocious. ‘No!’

He spins to me, doesn’t pause to see the pistols aimed at him and punches me in my left jaw. My body flies across the tiny room, crunches against the wall. Dust and bits of sheetrock flutter down over me and I hear two shots ring out.

The man shouts over the baby’s cries as the police move to apprehend him, not caring to be gentle with his limp and bloody arm. I move toward the baby and feel soft crackles vibrate through my shoulder, the broken bones numbed or overshadowed by the need to calm and caress.

I lift the baby to my chest. He is soiled and hot as the sun. I hold him closer, gently as I can, and coo into his ear. I sing the song that used to calm my brother in the late hours of eternal nights. The baby screams louder, but I continue to sing, my voice breaking and tears streaming down my face.

Something touches my leg and I look to see the boy from behind the sofa clutching himself to me, watching his father being dragged out of the house in a violent burst of profanities. He looks up to me and his large, terrified eyes are a silent ‘thank you’.

I wish I could lie to him, tell him that these things never happen, that his case is the worst I’ve seen. But I can’t.

I can only sing.

This is the part where I collapse... (And a Mockingjay 'review', complete with spoiler)

2010-09-15T13:38:00.001+10:00

Well, I'm following my old familiar cycle: get insanely excited about a new project, absolutely kill the first quarter's worth, plateau to a nice and steady pace at about half-way, and then screech to a halt long before the finish line. Okay, well maybe not a halt. A slog. A whiney, pitifully pathetic me slog.

Yes, the only thing more painful than not writing is the guilt of not writing. And yet, we (or at least I) endure it. Day after day after *bleeping* day. How do I make it stop???

What? Write?

Really??

Er...okay. How about a Rebekah-esque review? Yeah? Lovely:)

Mockingjay, by Suzanne Collins

So I obviously had high hopes for Mockingjay. The first two books were excellent YA novels (a guilty pleasure of mine...if done right), and I was so totally excited to see how Collins would wrap up the trilogy and give me my YA fix at the same time.

Unfortunately, although I did look at the book as both a series finale and as a stand-alone, I was disappointed on both counts.

Characterisation: Lacking. In terms of the series, I felt like Katniss wasn't acting with the fire that had come to define her. Sure, she'd been through a bit of trauma, and she behaved as any normal human would. But that's the problem. She should have been more than any human, especially since the story itself was more than normal. In this kind of book, characters need to be relatable, but also extraordinary. And as a stand-alone, I doubt I'd have stuck by Katniss through her whining. I mean, who wants their heroine to be someone who (literally) runs and hides in a corner for days on end? And I have a hard time buying her animosity towards the strict food rationing considering that most of her life was spent in poverty.

Backstory: Good job. For the series, she gave just enough reminders to help the reader recall details from the previous books. And for the stand-alone, she didn't offer up the dreaded information dump, opting instead to work the crucial details into the story.

Narrative: No matter how you look at it, there were large sections of narrative that seemed to only gloss over the events. I get that Collins was aiming to cut down on the time that passed by simply telling the reader what happened. But I want to see it happening. Normally, I'd give the benefit of the doubt (especially for a finale) and say she probably wanted to take us through every detail, but just needed to cull pages (or even chapters) from her manuscript. But in this case, I think she took it too far. If it's important enough to mention, surely it warrants more detail than the token 'she did this and he said that'.

**Spoiler Alert**
Story/Ending: Okay, but not great. In terms of the series, Collins did a good job coming full circle (the whole story really starts when Katniss volunteers to take Prim's place in the Games, essentially saving her life, but then Prim dies anyway). And I did like that Katniss went on to have children, considering her previous aversion to the idea, because of the Games. But I don't think Collins gave enough attention to Katniss' other important relationships (with Gale and also with Peeta). The ending was heavy on the narrative with hardly any dialogue or direct action. And for this reason, I'd have felt pretty let down with the ending (and, therefore, with the entire book) if I hadn't read the first two in the series. Yes, tie up your story and get out, but don't shortchange the readers who have come this far with you. Give me meat, right up until the last page, and I'll love you forever.

Overall: Disappointing. Usually when I buy a book, it's because I know I will almost certainly want to read it again. And again and again. With Mockingjay, though, I'm seriously considering a donation to the local library...

Best-case scenario

2010-08-28T22:11:00.001+10:00

Writers Festival. Brilliant authors everywhere. Amazing sessions with lots to learn. What's the best-case scenario you can think of with that?

Too hard to think of only one, right?

Well today, I got one of my best-case scenarios!

I was sitting in a session about fiction vs. non-fiction when someone in the row behind me made a comment. I turned to see it was none other than Mohezin Tejani, an author I had heard speak yesterday and was totally amazed by!

So, being the eager beaver that I am, I caught up with him after the session to get his thoughts on assimilation (he's lived all over the world and is, essentially, a world citizen), writing and, if I'm being honest, anything else I can think of on the spot:)

Sure enough, "Mo" did not disappoint. For the next half hour, we had what I thought was a very stimulating conversation. He listened to my questions and gave sincere answers, throwing in the intriguing anecdote here and there.

He had such wonderful words of wisdom that I went away wishing I'd had the nerve to ask if I could record our conversation. (Although, I did quickly write down notes of whatever I could possibly remember afterwards. That'll have to suffice.)

It was such an amazing experience, and I'm so grateful that he took the time to speak with me. Hopefully I'll hear from him soon, as he said he'll send me a piece he wrote (for both my consideration and feedback). But even if I never do, I'll have taken away some invaluable advice from a wonderful man and author!

Thanks, Mo!

Melbourne Writers' Festival

2010-08-27T08:06:00.002+10:00

I'm on my way, folks! To the MWF, of course. So excited! I'm really looking forward to learning from the amazing authors that are presenting. And I'm very excited about the book launches as well. Today will be pretty much non-stop - only half an hour between all my sessions, starting at 10 and finishing up at 6:30. And then going right back for another round tomorrow! :)

Now, quick update: I'm mostly reading screenplays at the moment. Although, I did cave and buy a novel when I happened upon it at the bookstore yesterday. I mean, c'mon, it's Mockingjay, people!! :) I've been editing a few stories and working on an essay, hopefully for publication, not to mention the schoolwork. And of course, I'm mulling over my screenplay. I've just thrown two unlikely companions into a deadly jungle, so now I've got to figure out what's going to happen to them...

Any suggestions? ;)

The Aviator

2010-08-07T08:40:00.003+10:00

So it's been kinda quiet on my blog. Apologies, friends:) See, I've just been a little distracted lately, really discovering the screenplay. It's such a different form and, for a visual person like me, can be hugely entertaining in its own way.

I workshopped the first chunk of my screenplay, and got a positive response, excepting the flowery descriptives. I really need to tighten my writing here. So to learn more about scripts and how they're supposed to read, I'm studying The Aviator (written by John Logan, directed by Martin Scorcese) at the moment. I'd seen the movie ages ago, but reading the screenplay is its own experience. You really see into Howard's (the main character) intense obsessions (he's a serious germaphobe).

And of course, I'm seeing the structure of the script itself, and realizing where I've gone wrong in my own writing. (The mental to do list is in full swing, guys!)

Reading this script has definitely made me see that I could easily fall in love with the form. And maybe one day, I'll finally see a script of mine playing onscreen (instead of only in my mind's eye). How awesome would that be?? Note to self: write a brilliant screenplay and get it made!!!

Recommended reading: The Aviator script. Or any others that have been made:) The local library should have at least a few to choose from.

Happy reading and writing!!

Switching gears...or trying to, at least :)

2010-07-04T10:31:00.003+10:00

The first re-write of my novel is coming along nicely. It's crazy to be able look at it and see where the underlying issues are. That kind of thing always seemed too abstract for me to understand, but now that I'm actually doing it, it's a breeze. (Noticing it, that is. Actually fixing it will be a whole different post...)

I've ordered my free proof copy (courtesy of CreateSpace and NaNoWriMo) and I'm pretty eager to get it in. Not that anyone will be allowed to read it (it's completely unedited). It's more just to be able to have it in my hands and get the ego boost that I think every writer needs to keep going. If holding the printed manuscript was such an exciting moment, I can only imagine how I'll feel when it's a paperback book I'm holding instead:p

I'm also pretty stoked about how my screenplay is coming along. I've played around with my recently-downloaded screenwriting software and that's been its own motivation to get more scenes written. Hopefully by the time I have to submit the first portion of my screenplay for an assignment on Friday, it'll be a good start to the best first script ever written:) Lofty ambitions, I know... Humor me;)

And last night, I had one of those dreams that lots of writers hope for - the one with a brilliant idea for that next project. I've been trying to come up with the right story for this year's NaNo with no luck. But last night's dream was absolutely what I needed. It's emotional and raw and totally workable. And the best part is, now's the perfect time to get it - I've got just long enough to research, plan, or simply mull it over before the chaos of NaNoWriMo starts in November.

Now, does anybody have any tips on switching gears from one project to the next and back again?? I think I'll need all the help I can get;)

Ah, the life of a writer, er, I mean, transcriptionist!

2010-06-17T08:40:00.002+10:00

Okay, I'm finally into the revision stage on my book (though this first revision is less for substance and more for polishing the first draft to be presentable enough for my free proof copy). So far, I'm really loving this part far more than the actual writing. There's a lot to be said for having material in front of you to work with.

I've chopped, changed, cut and amended my way through the first couple of chapters and I'm relatively happy with how the edits are coming along. One thing I noticed this morning was that I was skipping over certain portions of dialogue, sort of thinking to myself, No, I don't need to change that - that's what she said. !!

So does that mean I've gotten the dialogue right? If so, it might provide an excellent guide to the story and make my job that much easier! And on the other hand, I should be able to recognize when the dialogue isn't working if it doesn't feel like my characters actually said it. Right?

It's such an interesting experience, revising. Definitely not something I expected, but totally enjoyable in a whole new way:)

Feel the love:)

2010-06-15T21:05:00.002+10:00

It's important to have a good support system in every dream you pursue. No secret there. But when you actually realize you have it, the feeling you get is amazing!

Cam was sick this past week and he had plenty of time to think about our lives and where we are along our journey. When he finally got better, he had a long talk with me about the goals that we're aiming for. He told me how very important my writing is to him and that he wants to do whatever he can to support me in pursuing my dreams.

Awwww!!!

Now, I love my husband. I loved him before and would've loved him just the same even without hearing that. But knowing how much my ambitions mean to him has shown me just how much he means to me.

And that is something I cherish. I only hope everyone else has it, too:)

A movie moment :)

2010-05-30T11:11:00.003+10:00

So I'm working on my outline for the screenplay I'll be writing for school. It's edifying, but frustrating at the same time - I can be creative and adventurous, but I'll only ever be satisfied when I see my work portrayed on screen.

Like I said, frustrating.

Still, if I can visualize the scenes, at least in my own mind, then I have some sense of what the finished product will be like. But that's about the extent of it, right?

The other day, I was listening to the Florence & The Machine album for the first time when I came across a song that I totally love. I set it to replay and enjoyed the track for the next hour, considering my screenplay the whole time. Then, totally unexpectedly, I realized that the song would be 110% brilliant as the soundtrack for one particular scene. I'm talking make your knees shake and your neck sweat brilliant. I grinned like a moron and very nearly cried at the thrill of it...

So since then, I've been replaying the song and the scene in my head on a continuous loop. I've so got to get this thing written! Even if for no other reason than to give at least one beta reader the same rush that I got.

Any volunteers? :)

The Contemplative Post...

2010-05-22T08:36:00.003+10:00

My book is sitting in a drawer (well not literally, but you get the point). Last night I finished reading a (rather disappointing) book that I got from the library earlier this week. And I have plenty of school sessions to keep me busy.

Still, I'm feeling that spark that tells me creativity is what I need right now. My own creativity. I need to write, and I need to write big. I need a new project!

Last night as I was falling asleep considering what my project could be, I had so many wonderful ideas to work with. But of course, because I was half-asleep, I didn't do anything with those ideas. And as often happens when I get a few bedtime epiphanies, I thought, "Oh that's a great idea! There's NO way I'll forget that by the morning!" And that's all I remembered when I woke up...

Which makes me wonder: How many amazing ideas have been lost to sleepy forgetfulness and our own over-confidence? If I've had so many of these flashes of inspiration, surely most other writers do too, right? And how brilliant might those ideas have been if given the chance to grow and develop?

Commitment time! I promise to always write/scribble/chicken scratch whatever ideas come to me when I'm in bed, no matter how tired I am. Sure, those ideas may sit around in the pages of my bedside notebook, untouched for months, years or forever. But I refuse to let them be lost to my own forgetfulness!

Hmm, I need a battle cry here...

Um.

CHARGE!!! :p

I've finally done it!

2010-05-10T19:58:00.001+10:00

Last Friday, I finally finished the first draft of my first novel! It's such an amazing feeling to hold that manuscript in my hands, to flip through the pages, and know that I wrote those words! The elation that I felt when seeing my manuscript in print for the first time was unreal. (I'd give a detailed description of my victory dance, but as I'm sure you can imagine, whatever rhythm I have was lost in that moment...)

Anyway, I've got a lot of work to do until my book is ready for an agent. Luckily, though, I'm learning so much through my course that will make the rewrite better in the end. That's not to say it will be easy to get to the end. (I foresee a much longer future to this project than I initially expected...) Still, I know that I can do it. If not for the sheer power of my own determination, then certainly because I've already come this far!

I think I need some fireworks now:)

Ah, the joys of a deadline...

2010-05-01T08:35:00.003+10:00

I signed up for this, right? So I can't really complain that I have WAY too much writing to do. Right? Yeah. I thought so.

Today's the deadline for a short story contest that I'm entering, and I'm feeling good about the piece I wrote. It's in a voice that's new to me, and I think I managed to get it just right. Although there are some tweaks that could be made if I hadn't procrastinated. Yet again. ;)

Anyway, I'm convinced I'll be swamped today (once I can safely say I've spent enough birthday time with my 4-year-old) with catching up on assignments that have been sitting around waiting for me to get them done. I have read through everything and made notes on my discussion posts, so it's not as bad as I seem to think. Still, it's pretty time-consuming to sit down at the computer and get them caught up. So that leaves no doubt as to what I'll be doing on my Saturday night:) (I say that like I ever do anything spectacular on a Saturday night...)

My book is on hold at the moment. The deadlines did it! :) Nah, it's good anyway. I've written to the point where I could just end it now if I wanted to, and it's a surprisingly emotional experience to realize that. All of a sudden, this book is my baby, and I don't want the ride to end yet! The last day I worked on it was...Monday? And since then, I've had a new fondness for my book that's totally new. How can I describe it? It's like I'm saying goodbye to someone I love for the last time. Yeah, that's it. Am I the only one here? Surely I can't be.

Right?

(Sorry for the rambling...early Saturday mornings are never my best time!)

Writing is talking. So let's talk:)

2010-04-17T08:01:00.002+10:00

Wow, it's been a while since my last post. Things have definitely changed in our house over the last few weeks. My husband quit work, I returned to work, and he got really sick (in bed with Kleine-Levin Syndrome at the moment). I was able to relax from school work over the holidays, but the lesson modules are back with a vengeance! Factor in the stress of shuffling kids around, caring for the bed-bound, getting to and from work myself, and then making sure everything's ready to do it all again the next day and you've got a pretty clear picture of what my days are like right about now.

So it goes.

Anyway, I've started reading a nice little writing book that I grabbed from the library (because it seemed to tie in nicely with the course I'm doing), and I came across a lovely piece of advice that I've used once before without even realizing it. According to the author, writing should sound like talking, a conversation between writer and reader. Only then will your writing flow in a way that reaches people and resonates with them. (Think of how fun it is to read a technical manual of any kind and you'll get what I'm talking about.)

That said, I'll mention that my book is thisclose to the end (like, in the very last scene), but I've hit yet another block. What to do? What to do with my characters who are showing their true colors only to disappoint me?? Can I use that? Surely there's got to be a way that I can. But how do I figure that out??

I know! I'll talk to myself!! (The best conversation I'll ever have...haha! Sorry, just had to throw that in.) Anyway, I blogged once before about the usefulness of that practice. I guess it just stands to reason that I'll do it again, only this time allowing the process to continue on into the writing itself.

Awesome! I so can't wait for my next writing session... Now when will that be??

So apparently, I'm still in love.

2010-03-16T11:31:00.003+11:00

With my novel, that is. (Don't worry, the hubby and I are doing fine. But for the sake of this post, let's assume my true love is my WIP, shall we?)

I've made no secret of the fact that working on my novel has been a slog. I got to a point in the book that was just not interesting to me in any way. Hence the hiatus and the whining and complaining about the capabilities I do or don't have.... You get the picture.

Well, I've finally gotten to a point where I LOVE this book again. How do I know? Because I just cried for my main character. The poor guy, he's really getting the raw deal at the moment. Good for me, not so good for him.

Okay, wait. Before you think I'm some sadistic writer who gets her thrills from putting a good guy through the worst pain, give me a chance to defend myself here. I cried for him. That means that what I'm writing is some pretty emotional stuff to write. And if it's emotional to write, the chances are fairly good that it'll be emotional to read. And THAT is what I aspire to - creating things that will bring out my readers' emotions. It means I'm getting my point across.

So, yay! Yay for sticking my guy in the worst possible situation without any foreseeable means to escape or save the day!

Now all I've gotta do is figure out his means to escape and save the day...

Uh, yeah. I'll get back to you on that one.

It's crazy how things work out :)

2010-03-02T12:06:00.003+11:00

So at the beginning of the year (I say that like the year is already half-way over), I set my goals. You may remember them? From a previous post? No?

Okay, I'll remind ya:

1. Finish my book and submit it to a few well-chosen agents;
2. Write another book for my sister-in-law;
3. Get my Certificate IV in Professional Writing and Editing; and
4. Collaborate with my musician friend to get some amazing songs written.

Phew. I'm winded just thinking about all that again. So obviously, I took on a pretty big year. And if I'm being honest, I really started to feel the pressure after I posted those goals - if I'm gonna put them all out there, I sure as hell better live up to them!

But things have taken a nice leisurely turn into a way for me to actually accomplish what I set out to do. I've started the course (and am loving every minute of it), and it's already teaching me things I needed to know for my book. Also, part of the course is a section on screenwriting and, desperate for a good idea to work with, I decided to peruse all of my old writing notebooks in search of something I could adapt into a script. Instead, I found some lyrics I wrote a few years ago that could fit in perfectly with my musician friend's latest acoustic piece. Yay! And finally, still short of a screenplay idea, the light bulb clicked on and I decided to write my sister-in-law her very own screenplay instead of a novel. I already had the ideas, characters, setting, etc. worked out, so it was a no-brainer to just use it. (She's thrilled, by the way.)

And as the icing on my cake, I've discovered that I would love, love, LOVE to be a freelance editor one day. As a way to fund my writing career, of course!

So that's it - my realization that your goals don't have work against you and that there's no reason not to put yourself out there and just go for gold :)

The secret to my happiness!

2010-02-10T12:38:00.002+11:00

The holiday season is wonderful! The family, the gift-giving, everything. Everything, that is, except for the writing hiatus that - at least for me - is unavoidable.

Until this week, I've hardly written anything in the last couple of months. Granted, much of that is because having two boys off of school for the summer required almost all of my attention. Still, I've felt so disconnected from my writing, and that is NOT a good feeling. Seriously. I get crabby and stressed when I don't write. Not a good combination for me.

But this week provided the perfect incentive to fire up the engines again: a deadline for a submission. I started my story a few days ago (procrastinate much, Rebekah?) and just finished the second half in the last hour (including a few minutes of internet research). That's the kind of writing I love - the rush of words that gets the bones of the story down, followed up with a few revisions to tweak everything in just the right places.

And so, now that I've sent off my story, I can sit back and relish the feeling of accomplishment. Sure, my work may not be accepted. But I've finished a story that I'm proud of, one that expresses what I wanted it to and in exactly the right way. And more importantly, I've reconnected with my old friend, rekindled that old flame, and remembered the passion I have for writing.

I am so in need of some assistance!

2010-01-22T11:44:00.003+11:00

Okay, so just as I suspected, I totally suck at writing an action scene. At least I think I do. I mean, I definitely know what happens - the visual in my head is running on a continuous loop at the moment. But I can't write it out without getting a laundry list feel of the action. And I know I need description, but any time I try some here and there, it seems to just get in the way and slow things down.

So...I would LOVE for YOU to help me out. What can you tell me about any action scenes you've ever read - surely there's been at least one, right?? - that appealed to you? I need tips, feedback, anything you can give me to avoid another dead month. A little help, please?

Please??

Ah, the thrill of the fight...

2010-01-14T09:29:00.003+11:00

Okay, so I've slacked. Big time. I've procrastinated and justified my way through the last month with only minimal advances made on my book.

Why?

I could lay out all the possible reasons, the contributing factors that kept me away from the keyboard. But that would be justifying, right? And I've always said (though I struggle to always practice the notion) that if you have to justify something, then it's wrong. Period.

That said, I am intimidated by the problem I - or better yet, my characters - face. The Climax. I've read some great action scenes. And I've seen even more amazing ones played out on the silver screen. Yet, I can't bring myself to get into the details of the scene that plays in my mind, the scene where my poor main character - currently standing just outside the danger zone, waiting for me to plunge him into the action - is thrown into the lion's den and, subsequently, impending doom. I don't know - or at least I don't think I know - how to write an action scene!

Still, I'll never figure it out if I don't jump in, head first...

So I guess I'll stop talking and get to work. See you on the other side!

Four goals in one year ... Am I insane???

2010-01-07T10:14:00.004+11:00

Okay, so obviously the first goal I'm tackling this year is to get this book finished. And by that I mean totally drafted, revised, polished and submitted. Sure, that was on the list already. But now that I've realized a major change I need to make before I move on, just finishing the first draft will be a huge success once I get to The End. So yes, getting this book finished is my first goal.

Secondly, I've volunteered (mental case that I am) to write a book for my sister-in-law who is in desperate need of another good urban fantasy to read. Yeah. I'm an idiot. But in my defense, I did tell her that I'll only give her a chapter at a time. At least that way, I can look at it more like writing a stack of short stories instead of one huge, daunting project.

So number three, a writing course. This is a correspondence certificate in Professional Writing and Editing, similar to a diploma in the States. I wasn't really worried about doing it until I spoke to a course coordinator who stressed what a massive undertaking the course can be. Truth be told, I considered putting it off for a year or two. But I know that if I do wait, then I probably won't ever do the course at all. And besides, I'm just too excited about starting it to miss out.

And coming in at number four is songwriting. Yes, you read correctly. See, back in 2008, I wrote some lyrics for a musician friend who actually moved here to Australia around the same time that we did. (Coincidentally, he lives only a few minutes away from us.) We've had a chat and decided that this year, we'll do some songs. Mainly acoustic/folk stuff, but maybe some rock as well (he's closer to a metalhead, so it's a compromise). I'm excited, he's excited, it's a great combo:)

So that's what 2010 looks like for me. In theory, anyway. While I'm not so naive as to think it'll be easy to get those things done (I know I'm taking on a HUGE year), I don't want to consider which of those goals will suffer or *gasp* fail. And we all know that my priority is still my family, first and foremost. So if this is going to work, I'm going to have to just get stuck into it and go.

May 2010 be as massive for you as I'm hoping it'll be for me!!

Writer's Block?? Pfft! I laugh at you! Ha ha ha!

2009-12-27T15:09:00.003+11:00

So the past week has been dead in terms of my writing. Sure, I could blame the holidays. Well, okay, I DO blame the holidays. Still, there's another, more intimidating reason for the backlog I now face: the BLOCK!

I've sat around and mulled over the "climax" that was coming - trying to work out the transition, deciding what to reveal and how soon, wondering which characters would come into play and how, debating the pros and cons of this setting over that one, considering the pacing of different possibilities as well.

...

Yeah.

Anyway, today I got sick of sitting around and not getting anything productive done on my book. So I sat down with a notebook and pen (still my preferred medium over the keyboard), and talked to myself:

- Okay, so what happens next?
- I don't know. You tell me.
- Well, you're at the climax.
- Yeah, but WHICH climax?? I've thought of too many to choose from.
- Whichever one you want.
- Yeah, that doesn't help me at all. - I don't KNOW which one I want.
- Okay, well what are the things you definitely need to happen?
- I need [lots of stuff that would spoil the ending if I dished it all here].
- Alright, good. Now what are the things you want to happen, if possible?
- [More stuff that may or may not make it to the finished product]... Hey, maybe this could happen: [insert new outline notes].

Bada bing, bada boom! Block is gone! Yay me :D Now where are my fireworks, dang it??

Christmas? Now? I don't know what you're talking about...

2009-12-18T07:23:00.005+11:00

Okay, so Christmas is next week and I can't wrap my head around it. Already?? Granted, I missed out on the Christmas bug last year. But the little guy seems even more elusive this time around. Maybe it's still the idea of a hot Christmas. Maybe it's the fact that I'm not working, and so I don't have the days off to look forward to. Whatever it is, next week seems like any other week to me (notwithstanding the fact that the boys finish school today and will kick off their summer break on Monday).

Now for a novel update: I'm right around 63,000 words at the moment, and I'm heading into the climax. That seems just about right on target to me, especially since I have some things I need to add and tweak later on. While I'm not hitting my daily targets nearly as consistently as I did in November, the count seems to be climbing pretty steadily. So I should still be able to edit in February and then shop around to a few different agents in March. Fingers crossed that the story is actually, you know, good!

And now for some good news and shameless plugging. The quarterly mag in which my story is being published is available to purchase. It's only $3.50, and you can read my flash fiction (in the Winter 2009 edition) and shower me with your accolades. Or just ignore me if you hate it... Either way, I love you, too!! So I'll give you the link... go there and shop away. Enjoy!

http://www.thefirstline.com/subscribe.htm

I won!!!

2009-11-30T11:24:00.003+11:00

I won NaNoWriMo 2009! Wow, what an experience! I've written more in the last month than I ever have, and it's been totally worth it. Not only do I have the product of my efforts in black and white, but I also have the satisfaction of knowing that I am capable to do whatever I want to do in life. (Yes, I can think deep on demand...)

So while I've still got plenty of writing left to do before I hit The End, the rush of this last month has been thrilling and exciting on a whole new level. I can't wait for next year!

Now for the acknowledgments...

I'd like to thank the Academy...

Er, no. Sorry:p I couldn't resist.

No, seriously, I do appreciate everyone who's been encouraging me. It really helped me get over my own anxieties of believing that I AM a writer, not just that I'm aspiring to be one. So thanks!

Here's to living life to it's fullest, getting everything we want in life, and slapping life around a little until it's forced into submission:)

Almost there!

2009-11-22T21:13:00.001+11:00

I just made 75%! I have to say, it's a very liberating experience to realize that I'm actually capable of telling a story of this size. I mean, all my life, the idea of writing a book was something that totally intimidated me, and I never saw it as something I could obtain. But now that I'm three-quarters of the way to my NaNo goal (though I'll still have an extra 20k words or so to go on top of that), I finally see that it's really not as daunting of a task once you've broken it down into doable sections (a little writing every day, chapters broken into scenes, etc.). And I just added another subplot today, so that always helps. As does my new random character who will prove vitally important at the climax.

I've decided that (obviously) I'll hit my 50k, and then I'll take December to add the extra content that I need before I can start revising. I was planning on revising in January (after taking a break from the book, stepping back and getting some fresh perspective), but depending on how long the extra 20k or 30k takes, it may be pushed back to February. Even still, that's not a bad effort in my opinion - 4 months (hopefully) to a drafted novel ready to shop around to agents/publishers.

Wow! That's crazy. A year after I decided to take the plunge and just be the writer already, I could be sending out my manuscript. Wish me luck:)

Yeah, I'm crying. So what?

2009-11-18T11:53:00.002+11:00

I just killed off my main character's best friend. And I'm so sad about it! I guess I was able to convey the emotions well enough (at least for a first draft) since I'm a blubbering mess at the moment. Tristan even came to give me cuddles because I kept saying through tears, "That's so sad!"

I guess this is the downside of living vicariously through your characters...

Halfway, baby!

2009-11-15T19:02:00.001+11:00

Second post in one day. Sorry:) But I think this deserves its own post. I just made the halfway mark to 50k! I was worried that I would be struggling around this point, but I'm just starting to get to the meat of my story. So the next couple weeks should be just as productive as the last two.

Hmm, I wonder if this justifies getting half of my reward early...

:D

One of my stories is being published!

2009-11-15T12:47:00.002+11:00

I was completely thrilled this morning when I checked my email and found an acceptance for a story I submitted for publication! My kids probably thought I was going a little insane as I clapped and shouted, re-read the email, then started the cycle all over again.

What an awesome feeling it is! Cam (my husband) asked how many readers the magazine reached and my response was basically, "Dude, they're paying me to publish my story. That's all the validation I need!"

I'd love nothing more than to dish the story here and now for all of you to enjoy, but of course, I can't do that. So, anyone interested should stroll their merry little fingers over to www.thefirstline.com and have a look around the site. Obviously, you won't be able to buy the issue with my story in it yet, since it hasn't been published yet. But if I'm not mistaken, it will be identified as Vol. 11, Iss. 4 - Winter 2009 "Waiting for change always seems to take longer than you would expect."

So yeah, there you go. Woohoo! I'm so excited!

And I'm giddy. Which means I should stop now.

I've hit the 20k mark!

2009-11-12T12:31:00.002+11:00

Despite having just gone through the most hectic weekend I can remember, I'm still on track to win NaNoWriMo! I've just hit the 20k mark, and I can't wait to keep writing my story (which, by the way, will so not be finished at 50k).

As for the writing itself, I'm definitely starting to understand what so many authors mean when they say things like, "I'm just the transcriptionist of the story that needs to be told," "You get to know and love your characters as you write," and "The characters tell me what happens next, not the other way around." Just today, my main character assaulted his best friend! And last night, I was quite literally in tears when he was having an emotional meltdown. (Even now, thinking about that scene makes me sad for him.)

So while I may not be a professional writer (yet!), I am certainly learning so much from the experience of getting into a story and developing it in a way that intrigues me. I value the time I have with these characters, and I hope that one day, many others will, too.

I just broke 10,000!

2009-11-05T21:50:00.002+11:00

I feel like I need a reward! Any suggestions??

This experience is so amazing! For the first time in my life, I feel like I actually am the writer I've always wanted to be. What a fantastic feeling:)

The only frustration I have at the moment is that my last chapter has proven more wordy than I anticipated. Yes, that is a problem. Well, not so much that it's wordy, but just that I haven't been able to get the whole thing done. I think I'll spend a little time tomorrow (assuming I can scrounge a few minutes here and there) tweaking my outline to get it looking a little more polished.

Then again, maybe I need to just suck it up and write for a few hours until I get the longest chapter of my book finished...

This is turning out better than I expected!

2009-11-02T10:33:00.004+11:00

So I'm 2 days in, and while I'm not breaking any records in the word count department, I'm sticking to my targets pretty well. I've got a prologue and a 1st chapter done. Yay for outlines!!! (Side note: while in high school, I would've NEVER said those words!)

And the best part is, I was really worried that because I have a really detailed outline, I'd end up writing the dry, "point A to point B" kinds of scenes/chapters. But I'm actually throwing in a lot more material than I put into the outline. So I've already got an extra character that will probably come into play later, and a whole other take on the book itself.

Woohoo! Yay:) Go team! Or...go me:)

Okay.
I'm done.

Done outlining. Now I just have to write the book...

2009-10-30T10:43:00.002+11:00

I finished my outline for NaNo. I gotta say, I'm pretty stoked about it. I'm actually surprised with some of the ideas I came up with - I never thought I was that creative:)

I've assigned myself one chapter for everyday of November, and broken each chapter into a few scenes. So getting to my word count should (ideally...hopefully) be a lot easier than if I were to just wing it. I've tried winging a book. And that book is still only half-way finished after about 8 months of time to work on it:(

I've also found some really good writing books that are helping me a ton in my planning. But at the end of the day, I can plan all I want, but it won't get the dang thing written...

So here goes NaNo. Wish me luck:)

Here's my NaNo commitment letter :)

2009-10-25T22:02:00.001+11:00

NaNoWriMo 2009 Commitment Letter

These are my commitments to myself for NaNoWriMo 2009:

• I will write like there’s no tomorrow to tell as much of the story as I can today.

• I will not re-read anything that I’ve already milked for its word count.

• I will not be ashamed of using the long way of explaining things for the sake of the word count.

• Once I’ve hit my target word count, I will continue writing until the scene/chapter is done.

• I will write every day until the first draft of my book is finished.

• I will not spend time worrying over the right word.

• For the sake of my word count, I will not avoid too many uses of “he said”.

• I will go off on any tangent that I can bring back to my outline.

• When I think about writing, I will get my butt in the seat and do it.

• I will email my work to myself everyday to avoid the potentially fatal loss of data that computers occasionally cause.

• I will not allow myself to be distracted by Facebook, Farkle, Bejeweled, or any other unnecessary internet application.

• I will enjoy my writing experience.

• I will not put additional pressure on myself to do any better than I do.

• I will win NaNoWriMo 2009.

When I win NaNoWriMo 2009, I will reward myself with a full-body massage, an entire packet of Chocolate Scotch Fingers and a Milo.

I am capable of adhering to these commitments because I am talented and because my story needs to be written. I am the writer of my story.

Signed:

Rebekah D. Hay

Plotting away...

2009-10-23T13:05:00.002+11:00

I've been working on my plot outline for NaNo. (Considering that next week is my last week of calm before the storm that is NaNo, I really need to get this thing nailed down.) And I've realized how crazy plotting can be. Like, I know what's going to happen. I know the little happenings that will eventually be lined up just right to push the story forward. But for some reason, even though I know it in my head, actually seeing it in outline form is proving really difficult. It's a really weird feeling, knowing I know what's going to happen, but not knowing how to show I know what's going to happen. Or ... something.

I've also run into another interesting predicament. My story is moving to a very different genre (mystery/crime) than I originally expected (romance), and I've read very few mystery/crime books in the past. So while I know I want some high-impact events, I'm pretty clueless when it comes to the possibilities. Ugh, I think I need to get to the library tomorrow...

Inspiration, anyone?

2009-10-19T10:32:00.003+11:00

So, yeah. If I'm gonna do this writing thing, I guess I should take a look at whose writing really inspires me. And the first name that comes to mind is Edna St. Vincent Millay. I've loved her work for years. I remember my mom giving me a book of her poetry for Christmas, and I thought it was the best gift ever. Apparently, I've always been a bit of a nerd:) Anyway, here's my favorite piece of her work:

Sonnet 02: Time does not bring relief

Time does not bring relief; you all have lied
Who told me time would ease me of my pain!
I miss him in the weeping of the rain;
I want him at the shrinking of the tide;
The old snows melt from every mountain-side,
And last year's leaves are smoke in every lane;
But last year's bitter loving must remain
Heaped on my heart, and my old thoughts abide

There are a hundred places where I fear
To go,— so with his memory they brim
And entering with relief some quiet place
Where never fell his foot or shone his face
I say, "There is no memory of him here!"
And so stand stricken, so remembering him!

So I guess I'll blog after all...

2009-10-14T18:15:00.001+11:00

I've gotten pretty excited about pursuing my writing career. I (hopefully) will be starting a writing course in January/February, and to kick things off with a serious bang, I've signed up for NaNoWriMo this year. I'm pretty stoked about it, although I need to get more writing done each day now to get used to the daily grind of NaNo. But I am preparing for the book itself as best as I can. I've got characters and a decent plot. All I really need now is a setting (it's gotta be somewhere that's artsy with a big city within about a few hours' drive) and some subplots (working on one, but that's as far as I got). Oh, well. I'll get to it eventually. October 31st hasn't arrived yet, so I'm good...

Also, I started writing my first novel in about February this year. And while it's kind of been sitting around stagnant for a few months, I've had a few ideas simmering away on that back burner for a while now. I'll probably get back into it once November's over. I think the biggest problem I'll have with it (as I've suspected from the start, even though that didn't change the plot at all...) is the fact that I'll definitely need to do some "on location" research. See, the majority of the book is set in L.A. And while I've been to LAX, I hardly believe that qualifies a person to write about the mass of chaos that is Hollywood. So...if and when I make it back home for a visit, I'll probably squeeze in a few extra days to hover around L.A. and try not to look like a tourist so I can get a bit of authentic material. Anybody wanna come along?? (BTW, that totally sounded like I have a clue of when I'll be able to do this research, but in actuality, I have no idea how soon I'll be able to make the trip.)

Anyway, here's to the start of whatever I can make of this passion of mine:)