Become a Better Writer

I know that to become a better writer, I have to write. So that's what I'm going to do today. I'm deep in revisions and plotting, and I'm determined to spend as much time as I can getting them done.

But I don't want to leave you hanging. My daughter (a Creative Writing major) recently sent me this link to 25 Insights on Becoming a Better Writer. It offers advice on motivation, routine, organization, discipline, and fear, among many others. All the quotes are short, so it's a great way to jumpstart your day!

Do you have days where you clear the calendar just to write? How do you manage it?

#Revision and #Writing Hand in Hand

I'm feeling schizophrenic these days. In the writing sense. I'm revising one novel, and plotting another (for NaNoWriMo). But I've found a kind of synergy in this double-minded activity.

When I work on finding plot holes in my revision, it reminds me to keep that from happening in my new novel.

When I deepen character motivations in my revision, I'm conscious of working on the backstories of my emerging characters.

When I brainstorm plot points in my new story, I check to see if I did that effectively with my written novel.

When I plan research for NaNoWriMo, it forces me to check if I've done enough research for my previous novel to sound coherent.

Basically, what I do with one project, I try to do with the other. And I'm finding that both are becoming stronger as a result.

At the moment, I'm using three books in my revision and planning.

Manuscript Makeover, by Elizabeth Lyon is one of my favorites, and I'm finding her advice on revision just as effective in planning a new project as it is in reviewing a completed one. One of my favorite sections is her advice on creating backstory wounds for characters, and her "riff writing" exercises.

Blockbuster Plots, by Martha Alderson is a crash course in getting a new plot laid out that moves the story along. But I also like to consult it after the story is written, to make sure I didn't get off track in my enthusiasm.

Writing Fiction for Dummies, by Randy Ingermanson contains comprehensive advice. His Snowflake Method of planning a novel can't be beat. And he's funny, too.

So I'm plugging away with my brain stuck in two different stories. Are you single minded or double minded? Would it work for you?

Rubik's Cube Plotting in 9 Easy Steps (for #NaNoWriMo participants)

I repost this technique every year for those of us getting ready for NaNoWriMo. This is one of the most popular posts on the blog. It's a quick way to see the structure of your novel idea, and pinpoint the areas you might need to brainstorm further. Give it a try. I'd love to hear if it works for you.

So, perhaps you've decided to participate in Nanowrimo. Or you've just been struck with a new story idea, and you'd like to see if it has what it takes to become a novel. Maybe you've got a story partly or completely written, and you wonder if you've left out something important.

I've got the perfect thing.

This plotting method has been discussed widely over at Verla Kay's Message Board. If you have not been there, you absolutely need to check it out. It is not clear who came up with it first.

Sometimes it's called the 9 Steps for Plotting Fiction, or the Plotting Matrix. Since this plotting method starts with nine squares, and since this year is the 30th birthday of the Rubik's Cube, I'll just call it Rubik's Cube Plotting.

To start this process, take a sheet of paper and draw nine boxes, like one side of a Rubik's Cube. Number the boxes starting at the top left (1,2,3). The second row will be 4,5,6 (left to right), and the bottom row will be 7,8,9. (Scroll to the bottom of the post for a link to a great printable sheet with all the info)

The following descriptions of the contents of each box comes from this page on Verla Kay's site.

1 Triggering event

First thing's first. What happens? Why have you bothered to write a book, and more importantly, why should a reader invest time flipping through its pages. Your triggering event is the answer to those
questions, so make it a good one. Also, don't make the reader wait very long for it. First page, first paragraph, first sentence. These are good spots for a triggering event.

2 Characterization

Generally, books succeed or fail on the strength of their characters more so than on the strength of their plots. The second box is where you explore what makes your protagonist tick. No, this isn't an excuse for drawn out exposition, history, or back story. If your triggering event is captivating, the reader will discover enough about the protagonist in Box Two simply by reading how he or she reacts to the event.

3 First major turning point

By now, your plot is picking up steam, and because of Box Two, the reader is invested in the ride. Time to throw a curve ball. This turning point can be either a positive event for your protagonist, or a negative one, but it should lay the groundwork for the negative turning point in the sixth square. There is a reason these boxes are touching one another; they interrelate. For example, Box Three may introduce the motivation of the antagonist, which then justifies the events in the sixth square.

4 Exposition

You've earned some time to fill the reader in on important data. Since this box touches the first square, here's where you shed some light on that triggering event. Since it also touches Box Seven, you get to foreshadow your protagonist's darkest hour. Box Four often reveals a relationship, character flaw, or personal history that contributes to the dark times in ahead.

5 Connect the dots

Here is where many plots fall apart. Box Five represents the trickiest part of fiction and since Box Five is the center of the book it must connect to all the squares around it. Kind of like the nucleus at the center of a bomb, Box Five should tick systematically upon elements introduced in Box Two and Four. And like the calm before the storm, the fifth square should give the false impression of resolution before heading like a freight train to Box Six. Most importantly, it needs to provide foreshadowing for the protagonist's revelation in Box Eight. That's a lot for a little box to do, but focus on efficient prose to get it right. Your plot depends upon it.

6 Negative turning point

Here's where that bomb explodes and all (word censored) breaks loose. Good thing you laid the groundwork in Box Three. Good thing, too, that Box Nine will deliver some just desserts.

7 Antagonist wins

The protagonist is defeated here, and the antagonist apparently wins. How the protagonist deals with the darkest hour of defeat depend upon the traits and/or story developed in Box Four, which leads to his or her revelation in the next square.

8 Revelation

Of course! The protagonist's revelation turns the tide. Here is where the protagonist connects the dots and overcomes the obstacles of Boxes Six and Seven via the device introduced in Box Five.

9 Protagonist wins

The negative turning point in Box Six is rectified while the character's resolve from Box Eight is brought into full bloom. Congratulations! Another great tale told greatly.

Amazing, isn't it? Your whole story in nine little boxes. A great visual of the entire plot, and how each part relates to the others. If, like me, you'd like to see this in a diagram, there used to be a great chart made by one of the members of Verla Kay's site. I highly recommend this download. It's only one sheet, but the writer includes arrows showing the relationship of one box to another, and incorporates the Hero's Journey and the three-act structure. 

This method helped me discover some holes in my plot, and made me realize I needed to deepen some character motivation. Give it a look. I'd love to know what you think.

Writing Despite the Unexpected: Let it inspire you.

This is what I woke up to on Saturday morning. Not what you normally expect for early October, but I do live a mile and a half high in the Rocky Mountains. Thankfully, it was a Saturday, and we had already changed our original plans due to the forecast. It turned into a stay-in-pajamas, make-a-hearty-breakfast, go-sledding kind of day.

And writing, of course.

It got me thinking about how life throws unexpected things at us. It's up to us as writers to make sure we take advantage of them, instead of getting derailed by them.

A couple of things came to mind.

This photo was taken at 5 inches. We ended up with 8.
Get inspired by your interruption. Whatever event has tossed your life like a salad bowl, channel it into writing. Whether a grief, a loss, a change in plans or career, taking a few minutes each day to journal your feelings as you walk through it can not only help you vent and process it, but leaves a record you can refer to one day. These words might inspire a memoir, or give depth to a future character going through something similar.

Fight to write. Some of my best writing has come during those times when I don't have time. When I deliberately make a decision to write, despite having the best excuses imaginable. Maybe I tap into some different level of creativity when I know I have only a few minutes before someone demands my attention. Desperate writing forces me to leave off flowery descriptions and meandering thoughts. Just the basics on the page.

Do your interruptions inspire you or derail you? Sad to say, I get distracted more often than not. Any advice on how you stay on track?

Agent Friday: Jenny Bent

Jenny Bent is the founder of The Bent Agency, and has been in the business for 15 years. She blogs over at Bent on Books, and is fabulous not only for being a fantastic agent, but she lives in Brooklyn, where I grew up.

Here's a quote from Bent: “This sounds trite, but you cannot give up and you cannot stop believing in yourself. So many incredibly successful writers spent years and years trying to break into this business and you should take inspiration from how hard they worked and how they never stopped trying. That, and brush up on online promotion—increasingly it is essential for publishing success, both for published and unpublished authors.”

Jenny Bent has lots of great posts on her blog, including a series from her clients on how they got an agent. Here are some highlights:
Sometimes a little stalking is a good thing: how getting to know an agent can increase your query chances.

"Overnight Success": the agent story of Bent's client Lori Roy, who didn't write a good query letter. She shares the timeline of querying through publication.


On agent regrets: how agents feel about passing on particular manuscripts.

Think of me as a conduit, not a gatekeeper: Bent has a refreshing view of how important agents and editors are in the publishing process.

How writers disqualify themselves with their query letters: one of Bent's interns shares what she's learned reading piles of slush.

How I sold three 'first' novels in three different genres: Bent's client Jennifer Archer broke the 'rules' of writing different genres, and shares how it worked out.

Social media: Bent showcases her authors who do a great job with social media.

Even nepotism isn't enough: Wish you had a niece who was a literary agent? Read the story of Bent's aunt, Marta McDowell, and how she fought for representation.

There are lots more Agent Friday posts to check out. Don't miss them. And today is the last day of the Muse Online Writing Confrerence!

Free Resources from How to Write a Book Now

Whether you're just starting out, or have been in the writing game for a while, it's nice to find good writing instruction in one place. Happily, Glen Strathy has done just that. A fiction and non-fiction writer, trained in theater, Strathy compiles a huge amount of writing advice on his site, How to Write a Book Now.

I found Strathy's site while browsing around the internet, and I'm glad I did. Readers will find not only a blog full of helpful writing articles, but pages dedicated to topics like:




This is a site you'll want to bookmark and browse from time to time. It's like a handful of writing books all in one place. 

What are your most-visited writing sites?

I've been told that some readers are having trouble leaving comments. If it's a problem, please let me know via email, and I'll work on it (dallenco[at]gmail[dot]com). Thanks!

Writing Advice from Randy Ingermanson

Randy Ingermanson is an award-winning novelist and writing teacher. I've reviewed his Writing Fiction for Dummies, and posted several of his excellent articles here on the blog.

Ingermanson and coauthor John Olson won the coveted Christy Award for their novel, Oxygen. It's being re-released now, and the authors have added some amazing resources. Not only that, but for a few more days, the novel with 21,000 words of writing advice is only 99 cents.

Here's what Ingermanson says:

Over the years, I've mentored a large number of writers who wanted to write fiction.

Not one of them ever wanted to write mediocre fiction.

Every single one of them wanted to write powerful fiction. Compelling fiction. Fiction that grabs you by the hair and pulls you through each scene.

The good news is that I know a powerful technique that can catapult your fiction forward.

The bad news is that it takes some hard work to master.

The great news is that I'm willing to teach it to you for only 99 cents.

MY #1 FICTION-WRITING SECRET IS...

I learned this technique years ago from the legendary fiction teacher Dwight Swain. He called his method "Motivation-Reaction Units." There's a whole chapter in his book on these so-called "MRUs".

I spent months learning how those pesky MRUs work.

I tore into my own writing, ripping apart every paragraph, finding the MRUs, throwing away the fluff,
and then putting it all back together.

It was a hellish few months, but when it was over, my fiction-writing craft had improved dramatically.

I was no longer a wannabe novelist. I was a gonnabe novelist.

MRUs, in my opinion, are the best-kept secret in fiction-writing lore. Hardly anyone teaches them. Even published authors often don't understand them well.

Not long ago, I realized that I didn't have any teaching products that analyzed an entire scene from a
real published novel, paragraph by paragraph, showing exactly how the MRUs work.

That's about to change.

MY NEW E-BOOK IS...

I'm about to release an e-book, the new and improved edition of my award-winning novel, OXYGEN, which I coauthored years ago with my best buddy, John Olson.

Since John and I are the publishers, we get to decide what goes into the book.

We decided to add an appendix, just for aspiring authors, in which I rip apart every single MRU in the
first scene of our novel (which John wrote).

Then John took revenge by writing an appendix using his own methods of analysis on the second scene of the book (which I wrote).

Then we wrote an appendix telling exactly how we sold OXYGEN to a royalty-paying publisher in less than seven weeks -- without an agent.

Finally, we added an appendix showing the proposal we used to make the sale. (Our editor has used this proposal for years to teach workshops at writing conferences.)

The four appendices run to over 21,000 words. All meat. No gristle.

Those appendices don't change the price of the e-book one penny. But they change the value massively.

If I were to sell the appendices as a separate course, I'd charge at least $15.

THE COST OF OXYGEN IS...

The introductory price of the novel PLUS the appendices is only 99 cents, from now until Saturday, October 8, 2011, at midnight.

OXYGEN is a space adventure with a strong dose of romance, suspense, and humor. An explosion on the first mission to Mars leaves four astronauts with only enough oxygen for one to live. All evidence points to one of the four being a saboteur. One's unconscious. One's unstable. And the other two are falling in love.

We expect you'll like OXYGEN.

But even if you HATE the story, we think you'll find the appendices a heck of a great deal.

Oh, there's one more thing you may like. In the section for aspiring authors, we included an "Eternal Coupon". It's good for a discount of 50% on featured products on my web site.

We call it an "Eternal Coupon" because it never expires. It will always be good for some writing
product or another on my site, as long as I'm in business.

You can use it again and again because we'll change the featured product regularly.

We suspect you can do the math here. The total prices of all the writing products on my web site add up to several hundred dollars.

Spending 99 cents to get OXYGEN plus the appendices PLUS the "Eternal Coupon" is a crazy good deal.

MORE INFO AND SAMPLE CHAPTERS...

You can find out more about OXYGEN and read some sample chapters here: http://bit.ly/oqinNR

HOW TO BUY THE OXYGEN E-BOOK...
You can get OXYGEN for Kindle here on Amazon: http://amzn.to/nWPg0m

You can get OXYGEN for Nook here on Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/osoBY8

OXYGEN is also available as an e-book at similar prices on Amazon.co.uk and Amazon.de.

We're sorry, but this edition of OXYGEN is NOT available on the Canadian site, Amazon.ca. We just didn't have that option.

John and I hope that this edition of Oxygen will help advance your writing to that pesky next level, but most importantly, we want you to have fun.
Me again. I bought a copy of Oxygen years ago, and though I don't read a lot of sci-fi, I loved the book. And I've just read through the appendices of this new version, and can tell you it's worth much more than the 99 cent price tag. I really like the detailed explanation of MRUs. If you master this technique, your fiction will be far stronger.

Write Your Novel with yWriter Software--it's free.

Writing a novel takes hard work, motivation, and organization. Sure, you can write on a legal pad, or type it into a Word document, but there are scenes, chapters, notes, research, photos, and timelines. It's easy to get overwhelmed with trying to find what you put where.

My favorite writing software costs $40. But there's an alternative. yWriter software is free. No registration, no time limit, no expiration date. Formatted for Windows PCs, you won't need an internet connection to use it. It's on your computer to use anytime. It was designed by Simon Haynes, a computer programmer and novelist.

While I haven't used the software myself, there are quite a few testimonials from satisfied users. And for those whose primary language is not English, the software can be used in several languages, including Chinese and Hebrew.

Here's a partial list of features from the website:
* Organise your novel using a 'project'.
* Add chapters to the project.
* Add scenes, characters, items and locations.
* Display the word count for every file in the project, along with a total.
* Saves a log file every day, showing words per file and the total. (Tracks your progress)
* Saves automatic backups at user-specified intervals.
* Allows multiple scenes within chapters
* Viewpoint character, goal, conflict and outcome fields for each scene.
* Multiple characters per scene.
* Storyboard view, a visual layout of your work.
* Re-order scenes within chapters.
* Drag and drop of chapters, scenes, characters, items and locations.
* Automatic chapter renumbering.

Check out the sample screenshots of the software, and a YouTube tutuorial of how it works. Who knows? This could be the tool that helps you conquer NaNoWriMo this year?

What software (if any) do you use for writing?

My Favorite Time of Year

This past Friday, we took our annual leaf drive. What an incredible year for color here in Colorado! The weather was perfect, and even though we hadn't thought through matching clothes, we snapped a photo of the six of us. If you saw the photo I posted on Friday, you'll see how much my kids have changed!
The aspens were absolutely brilliant this year. When the sun shines through them, they glow.
We drove to a beautiful spot overlooking South Park (that's where the TV show got its name). The valley below has herds of antelope and buffalo.
Aspens mostly turn gold, but some range into the oranges or reds, depending on the minerals in the soil. We found a few trees with variegated leaves.
One of our favorite parts of the day was relaxing along a mountain stream. We once camped on this river, so it brought back lots of good memories.
We found a huge boulder in the middle of the babbling water, with curvy 'seats' already built in. Notice the tree growing out of the boulder behind us. Its roots are secure in the tiniest of cracks, yet the tree is thriving. I'm sure there's a writer analogy in there!
After an incredible day, I'm ready to write. Don't forget about the Muse Online Writing Conference beginning today. I'll see you there!

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