Friday Faves

22 Nov 2013 1 Comment

by maryannebarsotti in Friday Faves

Welcome to Friday Faves!  In the grand scheme of things, I plan to use this space to showcase different websites and/or blogs I’ve come across surfin’ the web for stuff.  I’ll feature a different subject each week.  For example, writing tips; gluten free eating/cooking; my favorite heroes; music; etc.

Today I’d like to start with a few author websites I’ve visited for tips on organizing my writing process.  Because I’m always looking for better ways to improve my writing process, which is pretty much non-existent.

First up is Alexandra Sokoloff. (www.screenwritingtricks.com). In her blog, Ms. Sokoloff completely breaks down the 3 Act structure, explains how to use the index card method of plotting your novel, and lists info on agents.  Everything is presented in a light, easy to follow voice.  I’m currently reading her book Writing Love, which is an expanded version of her first book with added romance examples.

Also like to check out Chuck Wendig’s blog (www.terribleminds.com). Be forewarned, he is fond of using certain NSFW and NSFL words, but in a folksy, guy next door kind of way, though.   Yes, I had to look up what those acronyms meant; “not suitable for work”, and “not suitable for life”.  If you can take it upon yourself to overlook the colorful language (and you most definitely should give it a try), you’ll find many insights and tips on writing, including his popular lists of “25”, such as 25 THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT WORLDBUILDING.

Therese Walsh and Kathleen Bolton started Writer Unboxed (www.writerunboxed.com) as a place to discuss dissecting books and movies to find out what makes them work. The site has grown and now features author interviews and guests blogging on subjects such as NaNoWriMo and “9 Ways To Undermine Your Characters’ Best Laid Plans”.

And here’s one I just found while tooling around on Writer Unboxed:  Janice Hardy (http://blog.janicehardy.com). In addition to the 500 or so articles on writing, she explains and compares four different structure formats for plotting a novel: The Three-Act Structure, The Hero’s Journey, Blake Snyder’s Save the Cat Beat Sheet, and Michael Hagues’ Six Stage Plot Structure.

Yes, all this information can be confusing and overwhelming.  There’s just so much out of it to sort through.  It may take a bit, but I’m sure you’ll find what works best for you.  Me?  I’m still surfin’.

Maryanne

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The Great Procrastinator

10 Nov 2013 3 Comments

by maryannebarsotti in Uncategorized

Yep, that’s me: The Great Procrastinator.  I’ve been that way most of my life.  Look in my basement and you’ll find  several unfinished projects, including a file cabinet drawer full of partial stories/books.  Some of them are pretty dang good if I do say so myself.  So why haven’t I finished them?

Because I don’t suffer from procrastination. it’s fear that’s my biggest nemesis.  Yep, fear of rejection, fear of failure, and yes, fear of success.

Like, oh my god, what happens if I submit and it gets rejected?  Or like, my family and friends finds out and, like, sees what I’ve written? OMG! I could die of embarrassment.

Several years ago I hit a certain age marker and realized I was letting my fears get the best of me.  So what if “people” found out I liked to write?  What’s the worst that could happen?  It might not be their “cup of tea” and tell me so?  Oh horrors.  Or that they liked it and want to know what else I’ve got in the works?  Ack!

I decided enough was enough and got off my rear and finished a book.  And I even submitted it.

It got rejected and I didn’t spontaneously combust.

Huh.

So I tried again.

And lo and Behold that book was purchased.  And wonder of wonders I actually got paid.  Ok, so I only made $15 before that epub closed its doors.  But hey, 15 bucks is 15 bucks.

And I told my family and friends and got a lot of great feed back from them. No horrible death from humiliation or embarassment.

Well waddayaknow.

So I rolled up my sleeves and finished another book and sent it out and it was purchased, too.  A fluke?  God, I hope not.

The rights to the first book have reverted back to me, and I have opted to try my hand and self publishing.  I mean, look at all the other writer folk who’ve done it.  How difficult could it be?  I’ve even got some great how-to info from a writer’s loop I’m on.

So why am I procrastinating on getting it up and running?

It’s that damn fear thing again.