Writing Real

The 3rd week into the New Year proved to be an eventful one in many respects. The week passed for everyone in my area of the world as the coldest one this winter and with some accompanying snow just to confirm for all of us – this is winter in Alberta. Mid-month stormed in with a fury as temperatures plummeted and things froze up. And even though my own mobility was hampered by this inconvenience, it amazed me how calmly I took the set-back and want to thank those who contributed to my ability to get to where I needed to go during all this. As the sun shines today, things are on the plus side of zero and all appears to be running as it should.

It is such calmness that encourages and comforts me as I view the contents of the plate before me – I am all too aware of deadlines, upcoming events, and the need to complete projects and move forward. It doesn’t seem to concern me yet I do realize the need for time management and the necessity of planning for an optimal outcome in all this craziness. Feelings ran the gamut this week if one were to be cliché in expression. Along with humbled and honored, I felt the force of not only weather but also the wondrous ability of the people in my life to accept limitations and encourage growth, face change and speak will all honesty. There was a tease, a test, a temptation; health, hope, happiness; seriousness, sincerity, socialization, seclusion; dependence, determination, detriment; acceptance, assurance, and so much more. If we look back over the week and take stock of all that happened, we will realize the plethora of ponderings to which we lay claim.

For a writer real life interactions and personal feelings are what fuel writing and bring emotion to the scenes and characters we portray on the page. It’s not just writing what you know; it’s writing what you feel. We all have the potential of creating powerful images through our words and we may even end up displaying our own self in the process, but that is what writing is all about. It does not matter whether you are pouring your heart out in a poem, writing to attract an audience with your blog, or creating a novel grounded in a universal reality of life. As writers, we are passionate about the words we write and there can never be a more grounded connection to our words than those expressed through the experience of real circumstances. Real situations that we live through and feel and deal with… we connect with our readers on a human level if our words express our true feelings.

Our relationship with words ranges from the deep soul-searching type to the superficial kind thrown off the cuff with a blaze of bold keystrokes. Those words are a part of us and as we release them to the world they become a part of a greater being, one that lives on forever in the minds, and possibly the hearts, of our readers.

Opposition in Characterization

Night and day, dark and light… good and evil, truth and lie…Opposites exist on every level of our life. It can be as obvious as the way we learn because of the opposite values that reside in our brains. Right brain – creativity… left brain – logic. It can be subtle. It can be overt. We struggle with opposing views and make decisions based on positive and negative consequences and even weigh choices depending upon the good and bad aspects of those outcomes. We grow up hearing that opposites attract and although the adage seems to be truer for magnets than people, we often hold trust in the truths of old and some of us even end up partnered with them. The balance is often what provides the needed spark to fuse the connection but it can also have the opposite effect if too diverse.

When talking about opposites in writing, I not only think of writing something that is different from my usual repertoire, out of my genre, a different style, or purely experimental; I also think of it as writing something “out of character.” If we do end up writing an aspect to our story that is way out there, we often are reluctant to take ownership for anything that might be perceived as “bad” and sharing that particular revelation can be somewhat embarrassing. A recent reader solicited to review a novel I have in the editing stages, commented “this is not the Linda I know…” True, my character tended to swear more than a little and anyone who knows me, knows I don’t use that kind of language in everyday conversation. I was also aware that it was uncomfortable for them to read scenes you would call explicit because they associate the words with the person they know in so many other ways – except that one. What can be perceived as a particularly dark subject is naturally not easy to write, yet if we are to have a compelling story we need conflict and we need to draw interest based on what is being read. Even the simplest controversy drives some writers into dismay and denial. I had one author tell me that she couldn’t write it into her character to lie because she was taught to always tell the truth. With further discussion, she did relent – but only a little. It was a necessary untruth for her character so that the story could move along to a discovery that brought us to a satisfying resolution. Those misgivings have to be acceptable to the writer because the story belongs to the writer. It also depends on what lesson you are trying to relay and to what audience. Sensationalizing, just to get a rise out of your reader, is not encouraged – you are trying to garner a readership based on well crafted stories, not turn them off.

In all honesty, however, fictional characters are derived from our imagination. We write what we know and include it in the situations to which our characters relate. It doesn’t mean you are a bad person because you have the ability to characterize in such a manner or that you have personally done any of things you allow your character to do. You are probably the total opposite. Being able to write real characters, means you have learned and received this training through life experience and recall, and have developed the ability to adapt other’s situations to your story ideas. We paint a picture of reality in our written images and all characters, good or bad, are based on some such perception. A writer friend tells of an interview she heard involving the Outlander series author, Diana Gabaldon. This author shares the story of readers who told her they hated her antagonist because he was such a despicable character. She replied that to hate him was to hate her…

This article is certainly not written to lay claim that every writer has done or experienced some aspect of the “dark side” in some way, whatever that “dark side” might be… it is just to open a truthful conversation on the nature of writing and how we develop characterization to make our stories as real as possible.

Writer’s Declaration

How to Resolve to Make this New Year the “Write” One 

As December slides past us, we assume a New Year with the raising of a glass and the shower of fireworks, and in our mind we answer the opening of that door with thoughts about making amends, starting over, starting fresh, and therein we lay claim to a whole list of things we pledge to do differently. Many revelers look to the New Year with the habitual hope of resolution – proclamations to implement improvements that will make us feel better about ourselves – emotionally, physically, spiritually, or mentally. In doing this, however, it is sometimes an attempt to make us feel better about what we didn’t do over the last twelve months. We promise to do more than we did the year before; we profess to do better than we did; we plan to improve our lot in life by becoming diligent at something we might have let fall. We take stock, make lists, reflect, review, and in doing so, resolve to change. We heap this huge burden upon ourselves and sometimes attempt to make right those things that took our own lifetime to wrong. The very definition of resolve takes us to places our resolution probably has no intent to go – including, and especially disconcerting, the making of firm, defined, and possibly life altering decisions.

As writers we write because we must but that does not identify quantity or even quality, for that matter. It only indicates that there is an inherent need to do so and in some way, or at some time, that need will be fulfilled by the very action of writing. Some writers are destined for more words than others but, in the end, our passion lies within the composition of words. If, as writers, we could base our new year’s outlook focused only on our passion, we could be certain of success in one way or another. Maintaining this focus from one year to the next, assures we are able to stay on the path that is right for our journey.

Determine your “Write” Declaration:

Although we are on the same journey, we are not taking the same path. It is necessary to set a course of action based on decisions that are important to you. No one knows this but you and possibly a few, close writing friends or family. Support is necessary in order for your decisions about writing to see fruition. You must make them and you must promise to yourself to keep them. Again, only you can do this and this declaration will only be important when you take this step seriously.   

Adjust your “Write” Resolution: 

As with fine tuning any vision, you have to adjust your outlook and fit it to you. It must take into consideration the time you have to commit and the direction your journey is taking. Perhaps, it is just important to put words to page even though you never plan to let anyone else read them. Perhaps, thoughts of making your words public have never even come to mind. Perhaps, you are ready to let your words go out into the big world. You have to take these feelings into consideration before you even determine your goals for the year. They are entrenched within your journey as a writer. To continue to be filled with disillusionment because you have not yet published your book by continually saying “this will be the year” sets you up for disappointment. Have you written your book yet? Have you realized the process of rewriting and editing? Have you done your fact checking and research? Have you shared your story? Determined your market? Envisioned the actual process and all its nuances of becoming a published author? If you answered no to any of these questions, don’t put “publishing my book” on your list – at least for this year. It is a dream. It is a goal. It is not a resolution.

Accept your Limitations:

Remain steadfast to the goals you set for yourself and remember that everyone is at a different point along their journey. Your writing life revolves around and through your regular life and you cannot separate them although you can contain them each unto themselves. Find a space. Find time. Find solace to connect with your passion. Stay positive and do not despair over what you’ve missed. Do not compare your writing life. Do not compare your writing. Instead – learn, share and create. Read others’ work – you will never be them, nor will they be you. Share what you know – you will learn twice fold in return.  And create – always.

Revel in your Accomplishments:

Wrote a book, a story, a prompt, a poem? Great works begin the same – with an idea and a line. It does not matter what you write as long as you write something. If you are destined for more, it will happen when it is supposed to.    

Blog every day? Blog once a week? Journal every morning? Write a prompt every Saturday? Continuity in any fashion is what’s required to provide practice, become attached, and improve. By working with words, your craft become built-in solid technique; you develop your style and voice.  

Shared discussion with a writing friend? Attended a Writer’s Circle? Signed up for a workshop or conference? Connection with others who have a passion for words not only shares that passion but it allows opportunity to share ideas, create inspiration, and promote creativity.

Tried something new or remained rooted in your genre and your tried and true interests? Exploration is great but so is delving into that which you know well. There are many possible diversions along your writing journey yet it is not necessary to go off in every direction to prove your commitment.

Simply put, a writer’s declaration states:

In identifying my writing journey and planning my goals for this year, I accept that there are different pathways guided by this passion and there is no wrong way to write. This year, I resolve to connect with words because I am a writer and it is a part of me and the very essence of my soul.

Happy New Year to all my writing friends!

NOT Buried Under the Snow

In checking out my blog archives, I came across this partial post saved as a draft. At first, I wondered why I didn’t post it… but given the tone, I can probably assume the why by knowing how that year ended up compared to 2011 that just assumed passing. I thought I’d revive it by using the content as fodder for my first blog discussion of the New Year and as a comparative as I reflect, just a little.

It read:

“It’s the middle of December and I’m tired and lacking in the festive spirit with no real panic setting in despite not having any shopping done to speak of… It is, however, the kind of thing that is closely related to the ’no money to speak of.’  This is something, I’ll have to admit, is nothing new and plagues me as an ongoing problem/issue/fault. It seems that when I get a couple of dollars ahead of the bills, a new reason to spend it crops up, or I move…

“I can say though, with some verbosity, that words have not been as scarce and I appreciate the investment my muse placed in me. Oh, I write about ’not being able to write’ but really, this is not the case – it is making time and just giving it the time it needs that is the real concern – if we approach the ‘problem’ with honesty. My piece shared at my writer’s Christmas party lamented the challenges and stress of coming up with something new and exciting, laced with an attempt at humorous cheer and seasonal emotions. It was how I was feeling at that moment even though just weeks before I was immersed in National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) and the words came as water from a spring fed well…”

Those who know me will laugh to themselves, thinking ‘nothing’s changed,’ but in all sincerity… so much has changed. The first obvious difference from last year (actually, the last two years) is that no one is seriously ill. The family got together this year to celebrate at my sister’s on Christmas Eve and it was a most enjoyable time. Another obvious difference is that we are most certainly not buried under the snow we had last year, thank goodness! I know Kelsey will echo that sentiment having been hired onto the crew of a landscaping business and winter is snow removal. Being able to drive anywhere during the month of December was a welcome change. Money was not too much of an issue this year although I am not in any way financially sounder than year’s past. There is no special significant other to spend nights with…

The positive feelings about this new year have to do with the way things have worked out for my business and the ongoing support I receive from family, friends, and industry colleagues. My writing journey, as many of you know, now involves not only creating my own words but also promoting and helping to publish the words of others. It has been gratifying, to say the least, to work in this capacity. Considering the number of inquiries and discussions I have already had leading up to the New Year, 2012 looks to be following in the same wonderful footsteps as 2011.

Our writers group also achieved recognition and passed milestones including the award of Pride of Strathcona in the Arts & Culture category, and the 10 year celebration of our Writers Circle with the launch of a book (From a Solitary Drop – The History of the Strathcona County Writers Circle 2001 – 2011) published by my company, Dream Write Publishing.

Personally, I continue my blogging, albeit a bit sparse in comparison to previous years; I administer several web sites by updating content and posts; I sporadically write Saturday Writing Prompts on our writer’s web site; I finished the first draft of the novel Power Struggle; I finished the first draft of the novella A Journey of Brothers; I wrote another 30,000 on my current novel project An Elizabethan Affair. I was warned to stay away from National Novel Writing Month but didn’t listen and this year fell short in completing the monthly goal for November, however, am working to surpass that expectation by the end of January. I have worked with my wonderful writing friends on projects, conferences, meetings, book publishing, and so much more.

My company post suggested we remember what we wrote; reminisce a little about what we didn’t but move on to dream a lot and write what we are supposed to write. As I look forward to 2012, I am encouraged and elated by the potential that exists, not only for me but for others who I know and those I will come to know over the course of this journey. There will always be something we don’t have or something we didn’t do, but that only makes trying all the more rewarding.

Dream big. Achieve a little at a time and always move forward. Although cliché, it is important to remember that there is always a way where there is a will. This year, make it your mantra to say…

“I will.”

2011 in review

The WordPress.com stats helper monkeys prepared a 2011 annual report for this blog.

Here’s an excerpt:

A San Francisco cable car holds 60 people. This blog was viewed about 1,200 times in 2011. If it were a cable car, it would take about 20 trips to carry that many people.

Click here to see the complete report.

Christmas Sharing

My Christmas sharing piece is reflective…

My lack of anxiety in writing this inspires me…

My writing is, therefore, relaxed, introspective, and inspired…

This year, there is no internal anxiety or push to get “something” written just for the sake of writing. I will admit, over the course of a few desperate days, there were visions of dried out sugar plums dancing in my head as the time wore on and opportunity grew short. It behooves me to report there is no catchy ditty to tempt your ear or polished poignant prose to elicit a tear. There is no directive to save the world or feed all the children however appropriate in the bigger scope of things this might be… There is no attempt to occupy your mind with outrageous demands claiming you listen and make change, whether warranted or not. No. There is but a short piece to share my views and feelings of the past year. It was simply as if my muse knew what I would want and would allow it to come to me when it was needed. Despite the free range this piece could attain, there are merely a few highlights I would like to touch on, as I direct my creative spirit into the realm of logical musings. Take heed of that magic, for these few points have been the mainstay of my writing year:

Friends… Here we are at our annual gathering to celebrate the holiday season with writing and fellowship – for me, there is no better combination because holidays are a time to bring together family and friends, feast and festivity. This party is not like others; for it is something that also celebrates a passion and a connection we all know and feel as writers. Unlike most obligatory work-related or family events, I look forward to this gathering as I do any writing-related meeting and although it is social in its purpose, there is no greater gift than the association I have with my writing friends. In fact, many of the friendships I hold dear to my heart, have developed from this very fellowship and those who are intended to be lifelong friends will remain so – within and without the writing circle.

Words… Whoever they are, they say you should write what you know. Well, what I know is that there have been no lack of words for me this year, no matter the topic or my level of expertise. I believe a writer can write many things “they know” because there is no end to a writer’s experience (past, present, imaginative, or ongoing) or the ability to continue learning. Several of my works sit awaiting final edit or additional input – they are my words and they are important to me and will become published works in the upcoming months. And while on the topic of words – I must admit – there have been times this year when I was at a loss for words, too. It is my belief, that if we do what we love and be who we truly are, we exist without expectation of reward or accolade. I must thank all the powers that be, for the year has been gracious in its heartfelt gratitude and acceptance as I have personally, professionally, publicly and privately received some of the kindest, most wondrous words ever from numerous sources. Those words will live on inside me and drive me to do more of what I love to do.

Deadlines… I have encountered a few over the past several months and the rush to meet them garnered some late nights – okay, early mornings. But, all said and done, I wouldn’t change a thing for it propelled me toward achieving the goals and dreams I hold dear. Meeting that auspicious date with a submission is part of the writing life, part of the publishing industry, and a formidable catalyst for the passion of writing. Now, as I stare down the end of the year with but a few dwindling days, I know there will be no end to the madness that lives within and embrace that expectation.

Commitments… I have many I will admit, but try to own up to the responsibility attached to each and every one of them, to the best of my ability, in whatever capacity I am allowed. In keeping those commitments, I am not only fulfilling my obligation to do so but I am finding my purpose here on earth. This year saw celebration for the accomplishments of friends and of our wonderful writing group; it saw success for my own business and that of others; it had hope and, in general, happiness. It had its conflict and hard decisions, too, for nothing would be worth the effort if it were easy. I stopped wearing a watch somewhere along the way and although I am frequently late, I am privileged and honored to arrive as I should to be a part of the journey. 

Friends, Words, Deadlines, Commitments… It would appear there is no rest for the driven but these four components comprise part of the substance of my writing life and contribute to the person I am and the accomplishments I am destined to achieve. There is no greater reward for me than to be able to say I doing what I am supposed to be doing and all is “write” with my world.  

So with all and without, I wish you the merriest of Christmas’s and happiest of all New Years, and I will close with a quote by Henry S. Haskins:

“What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to that which lies within us.”

Limits? Show me the sign…

In a recent post to my Facebook status, I quoted my auspicious Aries horoscope forecast that so knowingly cautioned me of my habit of ‘doing too much’ and proceeded to claim that I do not know my own limits. Me? Really? My tongue in cheek lol and snappy comeback muffled amid cavernous yawns, says it all – I know. I know…  I do way too much when it comes to work, stacking in amongst the have-to-do and need-to-do, the things I truly enjoy and want-to-do. But is that need to overdo my nature and my destiny or is it my need to compensate for something that may be lacking.

My recent schedule has forced my hand at times with late nights, long hours, and solitary concentrated efforts – necessary in order to fill those promises I have made, not only to myself, but more importantly, to those who have entrusted me with their words. I believe that as a writer I have a more personal connection with other writers when I put on my publisher hat. I KNOW what goes into the process and it is more than just technicalities – it is your heart and soul. Words are like our babies and we all know how a mother defends its young.

This connection is where I draw my greatest pleasure because it adds to my own accomplishment every time a new author, or returning author, decides to publish their book through me and my company. The process is extremely time consuming and demanding but I find it is a necessary ‘burden’ in order to make it painless for the author so they can focus on the achievement not the bereavement. Their words are now out there on their own, no longer protected from universal intrusion and judgment; they must have weight and merit and stand on their own little wordy feet.

To be able to accept this responsibility makes a big impact on the experience for the author, and as a writer I can relate to the elation, the trepidation, the glow of pride… that comes with taking that step to getting your book published. Sure, there are millions of them out there and there will be millions more, but none are as special as the ones to which we have a personal connection.

So, dear horoscope, big astrological predictor and guide provider of unpredictable behavior – yes, my courage may be strapped to the height of my dreams but I remember my limits, most of the time… When standing at the edge of that precipice, and the darkness below overshadows the glow from the bright stars of achievement and blocks out the golden aura of challenge – I realize the limit. At that point, when the blackness starts to engulf me and I think ‘omg, what am I doing?’ – I have a mini melt down, of sorts, and it really doesn’t last long as I retreat for a night, recoup my forces and move ahead just as determined as before to make it all work.

Limits? Yes, I guess I have them in me somewhere but when it comes to fulfilling promises and writing… there are no limits I won’t test.  

September Designs

The calendar barely turns the page and September struts in wearing a blaze of color like a fashion model showing the newest line upon the runway. Leaves burst into applause of red and orange and yellow. The show is intent upon defrocking the green mantle nature worked so hard to maintain all summer. Soon there will be a new carpet underfoot – a mishmash of crinkled crimson, battered browns, and glorious golds. If only they remained there to cushion our walk through this season and into the next without becoming crisp encrusted clumps lying dozing under a downy white duvet.

Poetic Jealousy

What sees she in him that I do not? Prithee, I accept ’tis not within me to judge others but only that which lies within my reasoned mind and beats within my breast. I breathe the same air and speak of truths but does not my touch encourage flame to flesh? Do I not bleed as he when cut and when in pain without the lust of love to bind and coddle my wounds will they not also merely fester?

There is within and without a great malaise that escapes identification but it is in recalling the events that set me upon my bed that I will call to me the healing. It is my supposition that upon the proclamation I could not live without her that my body was bound to do my bidding. Yet, with all the physical absurdities my mind is alert and, therefore, I am relent to admit as I know it to be scientific truth – I will not die of a broken heart.

It is with depth of question that I seek those answers to our fleeting time together desiring that which I cannot explain. Surely, she saw the value our coupling would have made – me with mind enough to invent a solid future and her with perfect family heritage to carry many a prodigious son.

I told her she is flesh and my natural drive for procreation desired her next to me, naked, and then, inside her, even more naked in the nearness that conceals nothing up close. But he – claimed that a rose was no match for her beauty and its petal would never be as soft or precious as her even in the lasting mist of an early afternoon rain… And she, blossomed with a blush pulling him close and laying upon his lips with her lips the kiss that should be mine.

I placed upon her forehead a cool compress and administered a mix of potent herbs to quell a fever and as I know he could not match that elixir to bring recovery I was confident that she would be well. Yet, he laid a hand across her forehead and cradled her close in comfort espousing a thousand times he would suck the venom from her that dares to invade her beauty as never before there was such a beauty if ever a beauty there were to be… And she giggled, feeling all the better while he tested his promise upon her.

I looked not upon her body with overt desire. Nor, did I parade her beauty before others in order to protect her innocence and to myself I kept the images and the actions of our privacy, albeit, there were few. She demurely received my respect yet blatantly accepted his proposal over mine. He proclaimed loudly of his lust for her and that he alone was privy to the ravages of her body – him and only him – inviting martyr to take up the sword to fight if that was what they dared. He commissioned a romantic artist to caress her naked image in paint upon the canvas claiming he would share only that as if to display his luck and tease jealousy.

The discomfort I feel now grows from a sickness of the heart to a realization within my mind. She does not desire such truths and I am jealous of a man who lies to her to achieve his outcomes. I could write a ream of parchment essays professing my love to her but she would not believe them for his words are exaggerated to the point of absurdity. Who would proclaim a rose is not a rose and that her beauty walks the darkest night as if a glowing ember from the hearth? Whose touch and a thousand words could seal a kiss yet my mind and money cannot? Who caresses her body with rhyme and does not have to fight because he is a lover? Who, I say?

The wretched poet.

Quiet Stories

Anderson Cooper, well-known foreign correspondent and award-winning news reporter, on a recent promotion for his new show, expressed that his directive is that everyone has a voice to be heard. He passionately admits that everyone hears those stories that are proclaimed the loudest and repeated often. But what of the others? He wants to give those who might not have a chance to tell their story the outlet to do so.

I commend Mr. Cooper for his compassionate views of people and the world around him. He truly exemplifies a humanitarian who cares about the little guy, the underdog, the reserved or those less boisterous in their proclamations. Everyone deserves to be heard especially if they don’t have the courage or ability to speak up or they doubt the strength of their words or that others would even listen.

In my opinion, many silent stories or soft-spoken or whispered words have a more profound effect than those released with raised voice. Sure, you hear those that are loud but do you really want to listen or understand them when they are a blatant shout or pushed repeatedly in your face. Human reaction will be, for the most part, to shy away and ignore that which becomes an annoyance or intrusion.

For the quietly told story we must lean in and listen, intently, so we don’t miss a word. This concentration leads to a connection to the words and to the story and the person telling the story. This gentle human quality connects with a greater universality and breeds familiarity. I believe it is more powerful than the methods that call boisterous demanding attention to you and your story, or attempt to prompt agreement through peer pressure or coercion.

I believe in my words and my own story yet do not force them upon anyone. I invite you to read and to choose to continue to follow and read my written work; I do not expect rejection or acceptance because they are made available in a positive manner to create a connection with others who feel similarly. You do not have to agreed but in the same token of reciprocity, I have that same allowance. There are those so loudly proclaimed that we begin to filter them out because we also have that choice.

Like Anderson, I believe there are quiet stories that will never be heard unless we take the time to listen.

http://www.andersoncooper.com/#home