Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Three sentences for the past and three for the future

New Years is the time for reflection and intention. Get your pencils out or have your fingers ready on the keyboard:

Can you sum up 2011 in three sentences?

Then write three sentences that sum up what you see for yourself in 2012.

If you're in one of my writing classes, bring your sentences to class if you'd like to share or comment here.

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Oakland Anthology Book Launch Reception

On December 9th, the Oakland Anthology Reception for "Tapestries" was an outstanding event. Great cake, in the shape and colors of the book, inspiring and creative readers, and a sense of a strong writing community.

I had the honor of being the Mistress of Ceremonies and since the speaker for "Writing Community" was unable to attend, I took his place. I always have a lot to say about the importance of Writing Community.

A memorable event and a terrific book.

Tapestries

This year's Oakland Anthology is called "Tapestries". There are some available for purchase, $15, they make great gifts.

Contact Jennifer King, at the Downtown Oakland Senior Center, JKing@oaklandnet.com

Monday, December 5, 2011

Backstory Tip

Robert McKee bases his advice on films but novelists can follow his tips as well. He states, regarding backstory, that novelists can free associate and "invade the thoughts and feelings of characters", which filmmakers cannot.

He says in bold type: "do not bring in a flashback until you have created in the audience the need and desire to know". It's good advice for novelists too even if we are able to do flashes of backstory in our characters' internalizations. The determination of how much past information to put into our story is easier if we keep McKee's advice in mind.

Friday, December 2, 2011

Kurt Vonnegut Quote

I read this quote out of context but for me it applies to keeping tension on every page.

"We have to continually be jumping off cliffs and developing our wings on the way down."

On second thought, it could be a writer's philosophy.

Happy flying.

Monday, November 21, 2011

Ralph Waldo Emerson quote

Emerson said, "Love of beauty is Taste. The creation of beauty is Art."

- Ralph Waldo Emerson

Sunday, November 20, 2011

NaNoWriMo and more

This year's NaNoWriMo novel is "Across the Lake", a continuation of Lilli's search for self while homeless on the streets of Oakland.

Meantime "Hada's Fog" is in the sixth and final draft.

Plus members of my Monday and Tuesday writing classes are contributing to a book dedicated to Nancy O'Connell and Grace Navalta that I hope to self-publish before February.