CBWriter

The 8 stages of REVISION

2012-01-26T15:14:00.000+13:00

Stage 1 - Elated to be done with story/article/whatever and ready to clean it up so you can move on to the next piece.

Stage 2 - First run through - still feeling pretty good. Made some notes and now checking to make sure the piece follows a logical structure or story arc.

Stage 3 - Alarm is growing! You see major holes in not only your plot but your entire existence is starting to look like a huge mistake!

Stage 4 - Ok - calmed yourself down. re-structured and rewrote piece following the classical story arc and despite what you initially thought, most of it was there. Some rewriting, added a few scenes - you've wiped the sweat from your brow and are basically happy with the story.

Stage 5 - The editing begins. Did you really use the word "smile" - 5 million times? Why does that character sound like he's a robot?! OMG! Look at all the adverbs! Cliches! Cliches! The Horror! The Horror!

Stage 6 - Got through editing with the help of 10 red pens and a bottle of Merlot now it is time for proof reading. Yeah for spell checkers!

Stage 7 - Ok - spell checker didn't quite catch everything. In fact, might have missed a great deal - out comes the red pen again.

Stage 8 - Retyped - Saved - that old feeling is starting to return . . . the corners of your mouth are starting to point upward . . . yes, it's true! You are finally DONE!

To see my final draft of "The Yard Sale" click on the link to your left. Cheers and good luck in your revision adventures.

Delving into your characters

2011-10-01T08:59:00.000+13:00

I am in the process of editing the Yard Sale (yes, again!) This time with a stronger perspective of the characters and their motivation. I completed an exercise where I asked myself who is this person and why are they here and what makes the reader care? That was really helpful. One other question that I am mulling around at least about the main character is "how does this situation change her?" and if it doesn't, why bother reading it? That was a tougher one for me but it is necessary to ask to make an interesting story. Here are my answers to those questions - I definitely recommend doing this!

The Yard Sale

Notes on Characters:

Amy Phillips - protagonist

Amy is a 30 something woman who is average to pretty looking not that she would ever call herself “pretty”. She has low self-esteem which is reflected in her confidence when interacting with people especially of the opposite sex. Her last boyfriend has walked out on her and she is truly sick and tired of the role she plays in all her relationships to date - a doormat. She wants to make a change but first, she needs a hair dryer because her ex took all their small appliances with him when he left and she didn’t want to confront him to get them back.

A behavioral tendency of hers is to be nice at all cost - to make people feel comfortable - it is also her curse.

Desire - to be loved and respected.

Fears - to be alone for the rest of her life.

motive - to find love.

Curtis French - protagonist #2

Curtis French is a 30 something man with a very quirky personality and an avid collector of bargains - any bargain. He especially loves haggling at yard sales. He has been divorced for a few years from a woman who got tired of how self-centered he was. Curtis thinks he knows women - he has read every self-help book geared at them that he has been able to get his hands on. His favorite one is “He’s just not that into you” which he considers brilliant.

Curtis has a tendency to behave in a pushy yet friendly way. He really seems to enjoy the moment and can’t understand why more people don’t just go with it.

He desires a woman who understands and appreciates him for who he is.

He fears emotional confrontation - it bewilders him.

His motivation is to outwit those around him because he feels he just might be slightly superior - though at times he has some self doubts.

Woman holding yard sale

The woman holding the yard sale has had a messy divorce and is super bitter at men. She’s feeling almost giddy in her hostility at the opposite sex and she may have added a bit of whiskey to her coffee.

Woman in moo moo at yard sale

This character is at every yard sale I have every been to - what’s with that? They are always very focused and a bit territorial. They seem to hold the unwritten protocols that one needs to abide by at a yard sale as well.

The protagonist’s likability factor:

Amy is every woman that I have ever known - at least at one point in her life. We (women) are brain washed from an early age to “be nice”. In fact, my husband and I were watching my 9 year old daughter the other day and he commented that she was so sweet and kind (wonderful characteristics - don’t get me wrong) and I snapped back, “Yea, she’ll make some guy a wonderful doormat someday.” Luckily we both started laughing so marriage is still intact. I was joking but behind every joke some truth lies. My point is that is how I see Amy. Who wouldn’t love her for how nice she is but the doormat thing though at first is endearing - can then start getting on my nerves (yes, yes, Freud would have a field day). So, we have to teach Amy a lesson but that lesson isn’t that every man wants to use women as doormats but that she has more of a backbone then she is allowing herself to use so Curtis - a clueless, eccentric comes into the picture. Does he want to wipe his feet on Amy or is he capable of learning how to treat another person with a dose of Amy’s new found backbone?

OK - having said that. I actually don’t think people really change all that much but maybe it only takes a small change to make a difference? Yes, I think I can stand by that as a belief. At some point in the story Curtis must show Amy a kindness that is unique - hence motivating her to consider the possibility of him as a partner - at least to have a desire to explore the possibilities.

Character sense of purpose:

Amy definitely needs more motivation to enter the yard sale house as you said but I think I have that figured out. I almost thought of throwing in a dog to get her through the door but instead I think I will have Curtis with an armful of stuff that he has already collected. He overhears the yard sale woman say she is going to bringing up more stuff from the basement so, he decides to follow her in the hopes of seeing what she has first - but she gets a phone call and doesn’t go to the basement. Curtis tries to wait but gets too impatient so he asks Amy to hold the door for him because his arms are full of stuff and she does but of course seeing him struggle offers to hold some of it. He quickly goes downstairs and she goes after him to give him his stuff with the intention of leaving just as quickly but ends up lingering just a bit too long and hears the woman coming down the stairs and story continues . . .

The Yard Sale - 2nd draft

2011-07-28T08:09:00.001+12:00

Here's the second draft of The Yard Sale . Still needs editing and proof reading but the story is following a nice arc and I like the characters and tone. I'm really going to try to get as much out of this editing class as I can - just looking at a piece of work like The Yard Sale is really helpful. Taking on one of my novels to rewrite would be too big at the moment. I'm glad I decided to go with a short story. We'll see how it progresses. I have 4 more classes:)

Chained to a Velociraptor

2011-06-23T20:15:00.003+12:00

These days, I am all about the editing. Because, a piece of work never really goes away. It haunts me. I reread and then I have to go at it. At this stage in my writing career - this is productive but it can feel like being chained to a Velociraptor (see below). My short story "The Yard Sale" is undergoing some major editing - via me, of course. I cut the first 1500 words (it really was only back story) and it's only 3,000 words anyway. How brave is that? 60 seconds chained to a bunk bed with a Dinosaur doesn't seem so scary now:) Stay tuned - I'll post it when the chain has been cut!

Created by Oatmeal

Never too old to learn . . .

2011-05-17T10:14:00.001+12:00

I've decided to refocus on my first book Losing Stanley. I think it is a great story but to tell you the truth, I am not convinced I have the best opening scene. This is obviously a crucial piece! I know when I pick up a book - I can loose interest really fast. The first scene is the thing that will keep me reading. So, I have decided to look very closely at it by taking another revision course.

This one is different though - it focuses on the writing not so much the structure - though structure will be a part of it. It is an email course through the University of Wisconsin. It will be interesting to note the difference between the first class I took - an online class with a commercially successful author (Lani Diane Rich) vs a creative writing university professor. Lani went through the whole structure of a novel but didn't go into detail on the actual prose. It was an extremely helpful class for me. This class is promising to go into more detail on the revision process and the actually words.

I can start anytime now - so, I think I will. I'll keep you posted on how it goes. I am hoping by the end, I will be very pleased with my opening scene and I'll post it out here for you to take a look at and see if you agree:)

Cheers!

Real Life Villains

2011-04-12T16:51:00.003+12:00

Obviously, I didn't sign up to blog everyday in April. I think it is probably just as well. As it is, I am neglecting my creative writing for my business writing. But it is always in my mind, for example, a difficult co-worker becomes a potential villainous character. I think that might be the best way to deal with both dilemmas: abrasive co-worker and neglect of creative writing.

I guess every challenge is potential character building - not only my own character but that of the characters in my books. So, it is a blessing to have a crabby colleague, right? The only problem is that people like that drain you of your energy, don't they? I am a bit reflective on it because as interesting as they can be in a narrative - they really are a bit tedious in real life. So, the question is HOW to make them more interesting despite their personalities?

I think that the lesson to be learned as a writer is that I need to go just a bit further with my characters then they even allow themselves to go in real life - to make them more interesting then who they may really represent. For example: if the character is this nasty co-worker then on paper make them really nasty and take it one step further by making them even dangerous or maybe even evil. It is the only way to give them any sort of depth. Otherwise, in my humble opinion, they stop short of intrigue and drown in the monotony of their own obnoxious behavior. Of course, you could also give them a dimension that evokes some sympathy (for example, her Dad was a jerk or something) but I am not feeling so charitable at the moment. So, here's to over the top aggression with a sprinkling of manipulation in what will surely be my most interesting character yet and all inspired by . . . you (you know who you are:).

Communications

2011-03-02T15:41:00.001+13:00

I have to confess that I haven't been working on Artificial Love:( I have it printed and sitting on my desk. I have read the first page and . . . it's not bad! I will do this - stay tuned because next time I post - I will have a progress report with real progress.

The news is - I have taken a position as a Communication Advisor for the Hamilton City Council. I'm really looking forward to it. part time so, I still have time for creative writing and GUESS WHAT? I have started another book! I know I have said I don't like to start another until the last one is at least rewritten once but I couldn't help it. I had an idea and I've just been jotting stuff down. I love that wild feeling of a story bubbling up. I can't tell you anymore because it is not fully formed and I would be really just talking out loud. I have three characters and a loose premise for a plot - we'll see how it unfolds.

Obviously, I like a challenge (remember NaNoWriMO?) and I've been challenged by one of my followers to join the A to Z blogging challenge ( http://melissajcunningham.blogspot.com/2011/02/to-z-blogging-challange-april-2011.html). Blog everyday for the month of April? I kind of like this idea because I will be starting a new job and trying to write and still be the FABULOUS wife and mother that I am - so, a daily blog could be a great way for me to keep it all in check.

What do you think? You interested in checking in a little bit more regularly with me? I could promise some drama, some humour - hey, you never know - maybe a little sex - after all there are sheep in the paddock beside our house - they are always busy as I walk by - I could commentate (just joking!) but would love to know what you think (um, not about sheep having sex but about A to Z blogging)

Writing in 2011

2011-02-09T13:22:00.000+13:00

So the kids are finally back in school. The copy writing is picking up a bit of speed and I am anxious to start another book, BUT . . . I've printed out Artificial Love - 100+ pages of it. I can't move on to another book until I re-write/edit this one (it's just one of my writing rules). I have to admit, I am a bit nervous about reading it. I haven't looked at it since the last day in November when I was declared a winner in NaNoWriMo.

What I am think is that I will rewrite and give it away. Maybe just post it on Scribe and here too, of course. It is a relatively short book and I think will be a fun read. Is Urban Fantasy my genre? Urban Fantasy is what I think Artificial Love would be classified as but will have to see. I'm not sure - it was fun but it was mostly the romance aspect and the comedy that I found entertaining. My science may not be completely up to par. Hopefully, the laughs will allow the reader to overlook that!

I'll keep you posted on it and I also submitted a short story to NPRs 3 Minute Fiction. The topic was laughing and crying. Had to be less than 600 words. I LOVE flash fiction. I'll post that here too - it was a rendition of the original short story that inspired my first book, Losing Stanley.

Cheers for now:)

Rejection

2011-01-12T12:37:00.000+13:00

I've started 2011 off with my first real rejection - oh, who are we kidding I've been rejected before 10 times over but this was quite official. I had sent off Losing Stanley (my first book) to 3 Seas Publishing in Madison, Wisconsin. It's a small publishing firm that specializes in women fiction. Anyway, I guess you know how this is going to end - thanks but no thanks. Very standard rejection. Evidently, that is not good. If they go to some amount of trouble to reject you, you are suppose to take that as a compliment. It does not appear that I was complimented.

This hurt more than I thought it would. I understand that some of the best writers get rejected over and over again - this is what I have told myself anyway - but I have to admit I was crushed. I thought they would reject me - that I was prepared for but for some reason I thought I'd get some sort of encouraging nod. Why did I think that? Wishful thinking, I guess.

I have to admit that I am questioning myself already. I haven't given up but the isolation of not knowing if you have any talent at all - is incredibly frustrating. I really need a nurturing writing community of some sort. I haven't found a good fit yet but haven't given up on that front either.

Holidays are over - still have 3 more weeks of summer holidays for kids (we are in the Southern Hemisphere if you've forgotten:) Think positive thoughts and work - write - work. I am sending more out and bracing for more rejection. This is the life of a writer - I guess - unless it's not. Time will tell.

SNL's I wish it was Christmas today by the Source Guys

2010-12-14T20:20:00.001+13:00

I am feeling some Christmas craziness and this little video made me smile and dance! Enjoy!

Happiness

2010-12-13T11:38:00.000+13:00

Happiness is always a by-product. It is probably a matter of temperament, and for anything I know it may be glandular. But it is not something that can be demanded from life, and if you are not happy you had better stop worrying about it and see what treasures you can pluck from your own brand of unhappiness.
- Robertson Davies

I wish I would have said that - it is exactly what I believe. I've been thinking about happiness and what it means to me, to others, to life. Would I be happy if I got a book published? Yes, but for how long? What makes a person "happy". I agree with Mr. Davies that is quite possibly glandular.

Finishing NaNo made me happy? I guess, that is true but now it is hard work ahead. I find myself "in between projects" at the moment waiting for the book to cool and the copy writing to heat up. And to tell you the truth, I feel a bit lost. So, I think I will see what treasures I can pluck from my own brand of unhappiness. You just never know what might happen. . .

NaNoWriMo Winner:)

2010-11-29T11:26:00.000+13:00

Yes - so I did it.

Likes about it:
1) I'm good with deadlines - very motivating
2) I actually met quite a few other writer in the process.
3) I wrote a novel: beginning, middle, end!

What I didn't like so much:
1) Being so word count focused - the first week was a good motivator but then it became a drag and I felt I was just writing anything at times -which is what they said would happen but I didn't feel good about it.
2) The idea that no one will read it or even express an opinion on the concept.
3) The fact that I have to go back and revise when I haven't even read any of it since I wrote it! - very scary.

Overall? I'm glad I did it. Not sure if I would do it again - ask me next November. I'm putting Artificial Love down for a month or so and in the meantime I'm have a look at some creative non-fiction. Have a class that I am looking at taking through University Wisconsin (email course). My goal next year is to get a piece of creative non-fiction published so, getting a head start on it. So, I'll keep you posted on the email course and what I will be working on next.

It's none of their business that you have to learn to write. Let them think you were born that way.: - Ernest Hemingway

ACT III

2010-11-18T15:53:00.000+13:00

I made it out of ACT II with the point of no return into ACT III. I am rethinking my personal goal of 60,000 and really just want to get an ending together without worrying what the word count will be over 50,000. With all the re-writes and there will be LOTS of rewriting to be done I am confident the story will increase by 10s of 1000s of words. Let's think about REVISION later - deal?

I still like the story; though, I have created some major holes - whoops back to REVISION! Anyway, I'm just making a note of it and will keep going forward. I feel very confident (pending a natural or maybe man made disaster) that I will cross the winning finish line in time; so, it does take a bit of pressure off and I am allowing myself to relax when writing and not watching the counter at the bottom of Word!

I'll come back in on the blog after typing "THE END" to let you know - hopefully, that will happen next week:)

ACT II

2010-11-14T20:06:00.000+13:00

So what they say about week two being tough has turned out to be true! Not so much week two but definitely ACT II. Just pacing myself and making sure no one runs too early has been a challenge.

I am on my way to the Second turning point and I even managed to add a sex scene - well sort of - can't quite bring myself to all the way type of thing - wouldn't really fit for the type of stuff I'm writing now but I definitely got some tension going. Nothing like Artificial Life Forms to get the libido pumping - right? Ok, maybe not but these ones are kind of hot - only for NaNoWriMo would I have the balls to try to pull this off because I have to say there is something freeing about saying just type - get the word count up - go - go - GO! And if you have to throw in some S - E - X, then so be it:)

My goal is to hit 50,000 by the end of the week but the story will probably be closer to 60,000 which will meet my personal goal. There is a good chance that revision will be a nightmare considering I haven't looked back once but would the story ever have gotten written without that constraint lifted? who knows - great experiment. Not sure if I would do it again. Ask me next November.

Act I

2010-11-08T14:03:00.000+13:00

Act I of my NaNoWriMo original "Artificial Love" has come in at 20,000 words I am happy to announce. I have spent most of today's writing time plotting out Act II a bit. I have to admit that I have a fear that I will run out of interesting scenes! I am not above throwing in a UFO (like my son suggested) or even a group of Ninja's (like some writing sites suggest) but at this point I have a few more tricks up my sleeves to make life tough on my protagonist, Emma and her husband, Phil.

So, how has the experience been? Really positive but tough. For me, it is all about getting the story down. It is one thing to have a story in your head and another thing for it to actually work on paper. Once you transfer it to paper - holes emerge. Imagine that! I'm not really word about grammar or prose at the moment - in fact, I have made some record length sentences that I am sure would drive Grammar Girl nuts!

Another grueling week though because I made such good progress in the first week, I won't have to push as hard for word count this week. Goal is 2,500 words a day which will give me plenty to think about.

Keep watching:)

It's On!

2010-11-01T17:03:00.000+13:00

It is the first of November in New Zealand so, I begin Artificial Love. The opening scene came in at cool 3,006 words. Right on schedule. A good start. I'm posting a widget with my numbers and count down so check it out to watch my progress.

So far, I am loving it. Ok just the first day but I do like this story that is spilling out. Very fun and I am glad I don't have the opportunity to over think it. I had an idea how the opening scene would go but then two cops showed up at the end and tied it all together nicely. Funny how I don't think of those things until the time comes.

Anyway, I'm off to think about the next few scenes before I write again tomorrow. Cheers!

Plotting and other craziness

2010-10-26T09:07:00.000+13:00

Russian spies and a Halloween party scene had to have a place in Artificial Love (my new book endeavor) after I read about the beautiful Russian spy (accused) in Texas who liked to post photos of herself in "sexy" Halloween costumes on her FaceBook page. You just can't make that kind of thing up!

So, I am busy plotting away so I will have something to put my protagonists up against. Yes that is plural. I think Emma (the wife and now PBS journalist not NPR - seemed funnier to me for some reason) will have a much more active role and possibly more than Phil, the husband. Right now, I am more comfortable with a female voice so, I'm going with it.

the Theme? Love conquers all, of course - even when faced against FBI, Russian Spies and a husband's misguided attempts at understanding women.

I can't decide how exactly the Artificial Life will pan out. I see her as sympathetic on one hand and as a cold blooded machine on the other - maybe a mix of both? But then do you destroy her or tame her?

Talk about writing by the seat of your pants! I'm looking forward to it though. I will keep you posted this week on the plot progress and character development and then I start on Monday (Nov. 1st). Yikes! My goal: 2,500 to 3,000 words a day. Here's hoping:)

Artificial Love

2010-10-17T09:56:00.001+13:00

I've been thinking and thinking! I want to be ready with the premise of the story before November. I figure if I can come up with a good synopsis and thirty or so scenes - vague ideas anyway - I have a great chance at doing this. The rules are that you can't start writing until November 1st but they encourage outlines, notes, whatever.

I had to create a cover - it inspires me. Now, of course, I need some sort of song - again, it gets me in the mood to write. Wow! Everyday about 2,000 words a day!

So, here is the synopsis I just wrote out this morning - let me know what you think:) This could be incredibly absurd but what the heck?

Artificial Love synopsis:

Emma and Phil Corrigan’s marriage is on the brink of collapse. Emma, an ambitious NPR news correspondent, is one step away from filing for divorce. Phil, a brilliant scientist and creator of the U.S. Government based synthetic genome project, is desperate to save their marriage. After an amazing break through in his lab, Phil derives a plan to get a second chance with Emma. By combining laboratory genomes (synthetic life) and Emma’s actual human DNA, he creates a synthetic life form – an artificial version of Emma. Thrilled with his findings, the Government encourages him to create a new kind of soldier but Phil hopes to use it to have a second chance at learning to love. What he doesn’t count on is artificial Emma and the real Emma finding out about each other. Phil has to stay one step ahead if he is ever going to be able to reconcile his relationship, satisfy the U.S. government, care for a newly created life form (who just happens to have developed a crush on him) and keep his project from being sabotaged by foreign agents in this Paranormal, Romantic Comedy, NaNoWriMo original.

NaNoWriMo

2010-10-13T16:23:00.001+13:00

I can't believe it - I haven't punished myself enough so, I've signed up to do the NaNoWriMo - National Novel Writing Month - 50,000 words in one month! I am suppose to tell everyone so, I don't back out - YIKES! The logic was that I thought it might be a great way to kick start my next book. Yea! I'll keep you posted AND . . . I have a writing workshop coming up November 6th (not to mention a birthday (5th)!) I either succeed or go down with a good fight.

Rewrite #2 - Finished!

2010-10-11T18:13:00.000+13:00

Yes - it's true. I finished the last scene for rewrite number 2! I am thrilled and yet I lie flat to some degree. No banner, no ticker tape parade but yet one more step in the complete completion of my first novel - Losing Stanley. Don't be alarmed, but just between you and me, I think I am hating Stanley as of now. No, I don't hate Stanley - really. I just want this to be done. And for all intensive purposes - it is, I suppose. Except, of course, for the next read through and then the next set of revisions - mostly grammar and style.

I am thankful that I have the story more or less like it is supposed to be - though I might have to tweak a few things for everything to fit perfectly - maybe a drug plant here or there. Whatever it takes:) But for now, I am going to let it sit for awhile before I read it again.

In the mean time, I am thinking about the next book - right now, it is called "Artificial Love". Inspired by the short story I had told you about many posts ago. It got too big for a short story. I am now officially starting the DISCOVERY process. I'll keep you posted. And don't worry - Stanley will see daylight again - he's just taking a short rest.

Breakfast of Champions

2010-09-28T07:45:00.000+13:00

I have not been avoiding you - honest. I am on my last scene that needs not only a rewrite but actually needs to be written! Yes, during the rewrites I felt the need to add a few scenes. I have this scene almost completely worked out in my head - just a few kinks so, very soon I will blog about its completion but today I just wanted to let you know that I have been reading Kurt Vonnegut's Breakfast of Champions.

What a fabulous book to read if you are writing a book! I really had no idea when I started it but the writer becomes one of the main characters in the book as he is writing it. I love the way he talks about being "the creator". Actually, he is a bit demented and probably incredibly unstable but I can certainly relate to the feeling the characters are all staring at you. I definitely have to recommend this book if you haven't already read it. Even if you aren't writing a book - an incredibly entertaining read. It is amazing that is was written in 1973 and his observations about societies prejudices, dependency of petroleum products, sex, etc. is still all very much true today. I have actually not been able to read Vonnegut since I read "Slaughter House Five" - too disturbing at the time but I am glad I did pick this one up. Give it a try and keep your fingers crossed for this last scene of "Losing Stanley"

On to ACT III

2010-09-14T18:08:00.001+12:00

I put my nose to the grindstone as they say - "they" do say that don't they? Anyhow, I got through ACT II rewrites AND have organized ACT III (the final act) for its rewrites. I really am starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel - again as "they" say - I'm sure "they" say that don't they? I suppose I am to avoid cliches but not here, right? Among friends and all.

I really do feel a new sense of energy now that I might actually (NO - I will!) make my goal of having the second round of rewrites done by the end of the month. Of course, then there will be another read through and line edits to contend with but let's not talk about that now:) How about a joke instead?

A grasshopper walks into a bar and orders a drink.

The bartender is so astonished the grasshopper can talk not to mention walk into a bar that he is stunned and the only thing he can think of to say is, "You know we've got a drink named after you?"

The grasshopper looks up at him with a puzzled look and replies: "You got a drink named Stanley?"

HaHa - that's for you Stanley!

Cross Your Fingers for Me . . . Please?

2010-09-07T09:36:00.000+12:00

I have begun ACT II rewrites - just organizing it at the moment. I think I have reached a point where I am finding it exceedingly difficult to continue - I know I've said that before but seriously, it is like walking through quicksand. I think my problem is that I am quite alone in my writing. I haven't been able to find a writing group or mentor or whatever to give me that bit of encouragement. We all need encouragement, don't we? Luckily, I have determination to finish what I started. There is nothing I hate more than leaving things half done. So, I've come this far - I will meet me goal of finishing these rewrites by the end of this month. I have to - I seriously, have to. If anyone is out there - perhaps you could cross your fingers for me?

synopsis and rewrites!

2010-08-26T15:31:00.000+12:00

I must be afraid of success because I am certainly taking my sweet time finishing up these rewrites! In order to combat my procrastination I have signed up on lifetick.com and put as my goal to have all the rewrites done by the end of September. This means I will be hassled via email everyday until I have done it! Honestly, I have never needed this before but tough times require tough measures. I have also applied for THE NEW ZEALAND SOCIETY OF AUTHORS assessment program. Hopefully, my MS will be picked for assessment and will give me some valuable feedback!

I have rewritten the synopsis based on my reworking of the story. So, here it is - enjoy:)

Losing Stanley - the synopsis

Karen Phillips has worked hard all her life to forget and overcome what most would consider an odd childhood. She has distanced herself from the main source of the oddness - her father, Stanley. But everything changes one day when she receives a call informing her he has been involved in an unfortunate accident and now lies in a coma at the local hospital in the town where she grew up. Stanley, president of the one and only bank in the town, raging alcoholic, habitual (if not completely inappropriate) jokester and main source of Karen’s growing mental health bill, needs her.

Realizing that this is no joke, Karen slips back into the role of the daughter of a high functioning alcoholic and makes her way back to the small Missouri town she once called home. With the help of her new roommate, Sarah, and brother, Kyle, who has his own substance abuse issues, she begins to sort through the chaos that is Stanley’s life. The arrival of Stanley’s overbearing sister, Janet, further complicates matters when she convinces them that Stanley’s accident was not accidental.

Karen decides to investigate, upsetting most of the locals in the process. One such local, Roger Taylor, used car dealer, and the host of the party where Stanley’s accident occurred, is not going to reveal any secrets easily. He boasts that he was one of Stanley’s best customers and best friends. His wife, Pam, a fiery red head with a jaded past, is determined to protect her family even if it means threatening Karen’s. Their eighteen-year-old son, William, known drug dealer and good friend of Stanley’s, is hiding something too. Karen soon becomes convinced he could be the key to what happened that night. Her discoveries lead her into dangers she never bargained on.

Frustrated and saddened by the life her father lead, Karen realizes some of her own behaviour is starting to seem very familiar. How much is she like Stanley after all? As people are arrested and more secrets revealed, Karen slowly moves away from blaming everything on her absurd childhood. Instead, she begins the process of accepting who she is and maybe - just maybe, who Stanley is too.

Character Recognition

2010-08-12T09:20:00.001+12:00

How could I get this far into August without a post! Ah, well, lets move on - forgive and forget as they say - a perfect transition into my thoughts for this post because my protagonist, Karen, is struggling with this and it seems to taint or at least influence every decision she makes! That got me thinking - how much are we (the writer) like our protagonist or like everyone of our characters? To be honest, I think I am very much like all of them in some way or another. How else could they be in my head so completely? Even when a minor character like Bernie, the burnout guy that hangs out down by the riverbank has a thought - I'm there. I am right along with him - I am that burnout, am I not? I know I can relate to wanting to allow myself to make that choice - to just give up, smoke pot (ok, maybe my drug of choice would be more along the lines of a self-medicating Merlot but you get the point) and lay around on the soft grass with little to no care on personnel hygiene. Now grant it, my hair is already starting to itch at the thought and I am pretty sure my high heels would get stuck in the mud but for a moment, I am that guy. So here's to you, Bernie, toke up! It's on me:)

Copywriting - a means to creativity

2010-07-29T15:47:00.001+12:00

Hi! I'm back after enjoying a few weeks in the Northern Hemisphere. Touched by the sun, I come back renewed and inspired. Not only inspired to get back into these rewrites (um . . . I didn't really work on anything when I was away) but also to take on some other writing projects.

I'm happy to say that I am working on a few copywriting jobs and I'm loving it! It is great to play with words and there is something refreshing about taking others words and making them into what they really wanted to say in the first place. I find myself excited and with a set of new eyes as I look at Losing Stanley's rewrites. I definitely think this will be good thing.

I may not exactly be what's her name from Mad Men (you know the one who got pregnant and is an excellent "ad man" in her own right - what IS her name?) but I do love words that SELL. Now don't get me wrong - I won't be distracted from the creative process of a novel but I find (at least for myself) the busier I am, the more I get done. Ok - that isn't always the case - because I wouldn't say that same thing for housework or cooking - YIKES, what a drag! What I mean is, writing begets more writing? Yes, I think I can say that for now but I reserve the right to take it back:)

Last Revision Class

2010-07-14T01:05:00.000+12:00

The last Storywonk Revision Class was this Sunday (US). It was all about wrapping it up and then rereading the manuscript as a reader from a paper copy so you can catch mistakes with a fresh eye. Unfortunately, I am not quite at that stage yet but there were many helpful tips. The best one was to create a calendar of the events in your book to make sure you don't have anything weird going on as far as the timeline goes. In fact, I already spotted one timing mistake earlier when I noticed several characters had been up for an unreasonable amount of time! Funny how you can forget about things like that - I guess you don't have to log every bathroom "event" but you do have to make your characters act human (at least if they are human:)

Anyhow, I am still on rewrites for now and to tell you the truth am going slowly while we are vacationing in the U.S.A. The goal is to have all the rewrites done by the end of August - I know that sounds generous but you have to keep in mind that I had to do some major revisions!

Cheers for now as I enjoy the gorgeous USA summer!

Definitely a Tortoise . . . not a Hare

2010-07-01T10:03:00.000+12:00

Slow and steady is what I am going for with each scene's rewrites. After cutting the first three chapters (URP!) I dove into the opening scene and have been making my way steadily ever since. Breaking each scene down into beats of conflict and thinking them through like a reader.

I hope to be through with ACT I in the next week and then it will be time to organize ACT II. I'll post ACT I breakdown when I get done with it - stay tuned.

Opening Scene and Act I rewrites

2010-06-22T09:13:00.000+12:00

Motivated once again from my class on Monday, I am off on reorganizing then rewriting ACT I. I have posted a new opening scene (check it out under the pages area) at 4,000+ words, URP! But there is a lot to establish - I may cut a bit here and there from it but I do think it covers what it needs to: introduces the protagonist and establishes voice, sets up small town setting, the problem and inciting incident which will lead her to her goal of finding out what the hell Stanley was up to anyway. I also introduce the protagonist though we don't know that yet:)

Reorganizing ACT I will be time consuming but well worth the effort because then the rewrites will be glaringly apparent and make it much easier on me. Though I won't post all of ACT I - I will post the breakdown. Hoping to have a good start at the rewrites this week.

Hey, it's been awhile since we've had a joke - all work and no play as they say:

So in honor of America's Father's Day that just passed and in honor of the Stanley's everywhere some Comedy Central Father's day Card jokes:

Margaret Smith: Father's Day Card

I hate this occasion because I can never find the right card because they're all too nice. So, I usually end up getting the blank card with the tree on it -- draw a little picture of myself hanging there.

Dan Cummins: Greeting Card Writer

I don't just write jokes. You know what I'm best at? Greeting cards. I'm a really good greeting card writer. And I'm going to prove it with a little sample of my work I'm going to share for you: 'As each day passes, you grow older, weaker. I've been working out. Revenge is near. Happy Father's Day'

new NEW Story Breakdown

2010-06-16T13:33:00.003+12:00

Remember everything I said in the last post? Yea - well, I changed it all again. What in the world was I thinking making the Matt character a hero? Duh - no, he's back to being a zero and Karen finally becomes a strong protagonist - owning her story. I also ended up making Stanley a little nicer so you - the reader don't completely hate him. Check out the page "new NEW Story Breakdown" to see the changes.

Still working on the Opening Scene - will post soon. Chow!

Now the work begins!

2010-06-15T08:55:00.001+12:00

Ok, more on the revision class - so I have had to remove the first chapter so that the book starts with the protagonist in some sort of action. I had too much prologue - but between you and me, I loved the prologue! But, anyhow, I am learning structure and trying to keep my reader in mind. And as much as I hate to admit it, I would get bored with too much backstory before the story even begins, too.

LEARNING HEAPS!

This is serious work now. I thought I had the brunt of things done - but no. It has been very interesting. I took hours and hours yesterday just dissecting my story into anchor scenes. I have changed a antagonist to a love interest for the protagonist and added a new antagonist to replace him. And though, I have cut 3,000 words so far - looks like I'll be adding at least 4 times that much!

Sigh - love it and hate it all at the same time.

I've posted my Turning Points and a brief synopsis as a new page. Check it out.

I am giving myself until the end of August to have the 2nd draft done. Next week is a real break down of the opening scene - I'll post that too.

Cheers!

ACTS

2010-06-10T10:03:00.000+12:00

Great class on Monday. My assignment was to divide the manuscript up into ACTs. I have sticky notes all over my office walls! I was pleased to find there was a natural occurrence of this but not not quite as cut and dry as if I had created a solid genre piece. My manuscript doesn't really follow a romance or SciFi formula but there is a structure in there so, now I am in the process of pulling it out. I definitely see some scenes that are missing - they must have been in my head when I was writing - just some backstory type of thing. I also have some time inconsistencies that need to be worked out - not a big deal. I control the Sun in this world:)

I am also tempted to change one character from a zero type of guy to more of a hero, so the book fits better in a romantic genre but I haven't completely convinced myself of this. One thing I have learned is that next time - I am going to have better structure beforehand. I think this book is pretty good because I felt passionate about writing it at the time but I definitely think it could be better which is what all the revision is about. Will this ever get published? It is hard to know but I do know that this book has been a magnificent way to learn about the process.

I am already stoked to start the discovery phase of the next one! You know that SciFi short story I talked about last time? I am thinking book - not just short story. As I started writing it - that was what was calling me. Ok though let's not get ahead of ourselves. I still need to finish Losing Stanley!

Next week we are taking a hard look at the opening scene - evidently, the most important scene AND more about structure. Who ever said writing a book was going to be easy?

Revisions underway

2010-06-02T17:20:00.001+12:00

Well, I had my first online revision session. Just an orientation today but it looks like it will be a great group with people all over the world - including New Zealand, of course!

So now I have to print out the full Manuscript (the MS as they say in the biz). Almost 200 pages at this point and I have a feeling I will be adding more. I got a great tip on revision in Word and that is to put a ~ mark by what you want to revise and then comments in capitals. Then you can search on the ~ to find each one when you are ready to go back.

The other tip? Have a song that represents your book to help get you in the right frame of mind to deal with the story, characters, plot, setting, etc. Not really sure about this one but I'm thinking They Might Be Giants - "You're not the Boss of Me!" Not really because it represents any character or scene but because writing is something I have decided to do for myself and that makes me feel gloriously bratty;)

Definitely need to keep our sense of humor through this revision process (6 weeks is the promise) so, how about a joke: Tolkien enjoyed writing fairy tales so much it became a Hobbit. - Ok, Yuk

Also - check out my new freelance writing website at cbwriter.webs.com (Just in case I don't make millions on "Losing Stanley")

Check out my cover!

2010-05-26T13:10:00.000+12:00

What do you think? Needed a cover to take me through the revision process and a new look for my blog. Let me know what you think.

Communication and Agents

2010-05-24T10:23:00.000+12:00

I wish people who have trouble communicating would just shut up.
- Tom Lehrer

What a fantastic quote! I had to post it because it is something I have been thinking about. I need to communicate a good proposal for getting Losing Stanley published but who to send it to? I have been researching a few agents in the Missouri area which I think is where I will start.

I am also in the process of revising. I am taking an online revision class next week. I think being guided through the process will help me stay focused and not get overwhelmed. The class promises to give me an organized method for approaching the hard work of revision. That sounds perfect! It is being taught by Lani Diane Riche - I listen to her podcast "Will Write for Wine" (I think I've mentioned her before). I was attracted to her because she seemed to have a sense of humor and be somewhat approachable.

I'll keep you posted on the process starting next week. In the meantime I've been reading everything I can get my hands on and have taken a new interest in Science Fiction especially now that scientists have successfully created a synthetic genome (as if I know what I am talking about:) Anyway, I hope to have the Science Fiction short story I was talking about a few posts ago written this week. I've been doing some research and have a million ideas buzzing in my head. I still like to take a humorous approach to things so hopefully, I will be able to pull it off.I'll post it and you can decide.

Chow for now. (oh, that rhymes. perhaps, poetry next?)

Pop Cultural References

2010-05-17T14:05:00.001+12:00

I jotted down a little story last week - not entirely happy with it but it did make me laugh. What this endeavor has brought up for me is the use of pop cultural references. When do you use them and when will it date your work so badly that the piece will only work for a short period of time? I think with humor and satire, using pop cultural references can make a piece really funny and really timely but it is true that it may only be humorous this year. For example - how long will references to Monica Lewinsky be understood. Surely, there will be a time when it will be forgotten? But, I have to admit that I love a piece that refers to things I know. I guess time will tell what will date and what will become a classic.

Check out my short called "Dating Eckhart". Give some feedback if you feel like it. I know it isn't quite there yet but I love the premise.

Inspiration vs perspiration

2010-05-11T14:05:00.001+12:00

Today's post is inspired by sweat - or rather by the question of why does a writer write? What does that have to do with sweat you may ask? It is something I have run into as I started Losing Stanley. The question I get asked on how I get inspired to write or do I have a muse or whatever. I have been inspired - don't get me wrong but if I left it up to inspiration to motivate me every time I wanted to write a story - I would probably only have opening paragraphs. The rest - is pure sweat. And I have to admit that I haven't been sweating as much as I should! So, here is a promise to you and myself that it is going to get hot and sweaty! I have two short stories I am working on and now it is time to just get to it. Hey, thanks for that!

Diving into the Paranormal

2010-05-06T15:58:00.001+12:00

I am taking a bit of a break from Stanley. He sits there on my hard drive (and several copies of him on varying devices) and he'll have to wait. I start work on revision in June but in the meantime I am thinking of the paranormal or fantasy or maybe Science Fiction short story ideas. Not a genre that I have had a lot to do with but have read some of the classics and I thought the new Star Trek movie was fantastic. I am intrigued with the supernatural as a device for a story.

Ok - so here is what happened that got me thinking I want to take this type(s) of genre on; I had this mole under my arm - well maybe technically it is a skin flap (that sounds disgusting though - skin really shouldn't flap?). Anyway, I accidentally shaved it off the other day!!!! OMG (as the kids say or used to say) What does this mean? Cancer or something horrible will now happen to me was my first thought but then my imagination took hold (as if the other thoughts were logical?) and I could see something forming out of a little "mole" that I so thoughtlessly shaved off. Now, I can't stop thinking about what could be done to that mole in a supernatural world? And, of course, I came to the idea of a Supernatural Romance? Have I lost you? still thinking . . . but I'm liking it. Has cloning been done to death? I think I could have some fun with it:)

But, what happens if cloning goes wrong?

THE END

2010-05-03T11:57:00.000+12:00

It happened . . . I typed "The End". Wow, what a ride! I feel great. Yes, I know I've got some major revisions ahead of me but I have finished the first draft. Yea! This calls for a celebration and certainly a good joke - just for Stanley my favorite guy (at the moment). After all, he was the vehicle that guided this story. Before I give you a joke - we all need a laugh, don't we - I just wanted to say I hope you will continue to follow "Losing Stanley" through the revision process. I think there will be some blood, sweat and tears along the way - what fun!

Ok here goes:

A writer died and was given the option of going to heaven or hell.

She decided to check out each place first. As the writer descended into the fiery pits, she saw row upon row of writers chained to their desks in a steaming sweatshop. As they worked, they were repeatedly whipped with thorny lashes.

"Oh my," said the writer. "Let me see heaven now."

A few moments later, as she ascended into heaven, she saw rows of writers, chained to their desks in a steaming sweatshop. As they worked, they, too, were whipped with thorny lashes.

"Wait a minute," said the writer. "This is just as bad as hell!"

"Oh no, it's not," replied an unseen voice. "Here, your work gets published."

Graceful Endings

2010-05-01T09:20:00.001+12:00

No - not yet! But soon - I am on the last section of my last chapter of my first draft. I am really dragging this out! I just want the ending to follow the tone of the book of course but also end FANTASTICALLY! I've started it 4x now! No one said writing was easy and particularly writing endings! The middle part seemed to be the easiest for me - just write and see where it goes was my philosophy but now I really need to wrap it up! Don't panic I have several ideas just wanted to sit with them for awhile until I really commit to one. Stay tuned, the next post is bound to have an ending!

Finding Time

2010-04-27T12:08:00.000+12:00

There are days when I really want to write. I do, really! Ok but here's the thing - I seem to put so many things ahead of it? I will write after I: walk dogs, water plants, pay bills, yada yada yada! As a person, yes, things have to get done but I have made writing important - important to me. It can sometimes feel self-indulgent to do things that are important just to me. But it has to be done and you know what? When I do it - I feel great! Ummm . . . but don't tell anyone I said that. I wouldn't want to loose the Martyr of the year award.

Speaking of Martyrs - Q: How many martyrs does it take to screw in a light bulb? A: No, no don't worry, I'll just do it myself.

Chow for now:)

The Last Chapter . . . I think

2010-04-23T16:13:00.000+12:00

I can't believe it - it looks like I am now on my last chapter though I reserve the right to take that back (first draft and all). What about endings? What am I looking to accomplish? What was the tone of the book as I started and did I stick with it? What are the expectations that I have set up for the reader? The worse thing I could do right now - is really piss off the reader who has very kindly taken the time to read through over 60,000 words. I know how disappointed I can feel when I've encountered a bad ending. Yuk! I guess I will start with what I know and how I think I've always wanted to end it then during the reread - I am hoping instinct kicks in and I know if it worked! Wow! What a lot of pressure but I still can't wait to type THE END!

I think I need to keep talking about this and maybe an inspirational quote? Take it away Maya Angelou: "You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated. Please remember that your difficulties do not define you. They simply strengthen your ability to overcome."

Embrace Your Inner Villain Day

2010-04-22T09:53:00.000+12:00

When I first began this process of writing "Losing Stanley" I had a definite character that I was "playing" but as the characters started developing, I found that I started seeing myself in more than one character. In fact, I started finding myself in even some of the characters who are the "villains"! Say it isn't so! How could sweet little me relate to a villain? Oh come on! You know as well as I do we all have a little villain in us! So today is embrace your inner-villain day as declared by CBwriter. Perhaps, I'll torment my cat (the one who prefers we look but don't touch). Maybe a nice stroke to work him up? Or maybe I'll stand in the 12 or less isle with 15 items? The possibilities are endless. Enjoy - but be safe - there are villains everywhere!

Structure? What Structure?

2010-04-20T09:09:00.000+12:00

So, seriously, I am almost done with the first draft - no, really. Anyhow, I started listening to a few writing podcasts ("Will Write for Wine" and "Storywonk" - I highly recommend if you want to learn a bit and have some fun). Well, these various writers - now podcast hosts - keep talking about structure and writing a novel. I had to ask myself is this something I have been adhering to?

To be honest, when I started this process, I did write an outline. A very general one that I thought would give me enough "structure" to commit to 60,000 or so words. Though, as I started writing, I found I kept straying away from my outline. The characters kept pulling me in different directions and I decided to just go with it.

So, now I found myself nearing the end of the creation of the first draft and I have no idea if I have a proper structure within the story! What fun this is going to be to go back and see if intuitively it just may be there. And, honestly, I think that it is - but maybe a bit rough. I can't get too wrapped up in it yet because I don't want to let that little editor out just yet - I still have to writer "The End" but she is knocking which means - I think I am almost done - REALLY!

Plot Inconsistencies

2010-04-13T11:23:00.001+12:00

None of us are above a bit of inconsistency - are we? Anyhow, I am not; so, here is my story: my darling husband was reading a bit of my manuscript (thanks, Honey) and he says to me "I am really curious on how Kyle knew the black ledger book would be in the desk drawer. He must know something!" "What?" I said. "How on earth did Kyle get the black ledger from the desk if in the next chapter William has it?" My husband stared at me blankly - of course. Whoops! And you know, for the life of me, I can not remember where I was going with the first scenario. Obviously, it was a loose link because I completely chose to forget about it as I wrote on - and now, 40,000 words plus from that chapter - I never went back and caught that! Obviously, I am not in the revision stage yet anyway so, it is not a tragedy but very curious to me. Makes me wonder how differently the story would have gone if I stayed with Kyle having the ledger book? Isn't this fun?

Haven't given you a joke for awhile so - off topic - but still appropriate to the book.

Q: What do a tornado, a hurricane and a redneck divorce have in common?
A: In the end, someone is going to lose a house trailer.

Character Memories

2010-04-07T15:53:00.000+12:00

Sorry I've been absent - I've been enjoying an Easter break at the beach with my family but now I am back and pushing toward the finish of the first draft of Losing Stanley!

So, today I am thinking about memories - character's memories primarily. Considering the main character of the story dies (not really a spoiler because it happens right away) early on, I am relying on building his character by not only what other people say about him but also on how other people reflect about him. So much of ourselves is built up from the past. It seems to me to be quite important in building up character personalities to dive into their pasts.

The key is to know that character first before you reflect back. And then what type of delivery devices to use? I have a psychiatrist in the story - very convenient venue for a character to reveal her past. I also have a trusted friend, a sibling, etc. and then there is just the character himself - his thoughts. Going back and forth between present and past seems fairly seamless because it is just natural to think about the past at certain times.

Where it gets tricky for me - is how much to reveal? A challenge that will answer itself in the completion and rewriting I think:)

Low Self Esteem

2010-04-02T09:55:00.000+13:00

For those writers who suffer from time to time of low self-esteem, anxiety, etc. (or is that just me?) Anyway, I have adopted a new philosophy by comedian Jeff Stillson:
ow Self-Esteem

I don't have any sympathy for people who suffer from low self-esteem. You don't need to love yourself. You just need to hate a lot of other people, then grade yourself on the curve. Hey, I might suck, but I don't suck as bad as Hitler.

Hope it helps you like it did me:)

Tornados and other natural disasters

2010-03-31T13:32:00.000+13:00

Moving a story along is not always easy as I am sure you other writers out there know. I know how I want it to end but I can't always see the exact way to get there until it is right on me. Weather is a beautiful way to do just that - move things along. And how lucky am I that my story happens to be set in Missouri where on any given day a tornado can pop up out of nowhere! Why didn't I think of that sooner? I mean a house fire is always good but then there are questions, aren't there? There is no questioning mother nature - unless of course it is rhetorical. And not only is it a great crisis but you also get to see how your characters will behave in a crisis. Especially one where their hair can be whipping around! What fun! Yes, I definitely recommend a natural disaster next time you are stuck. Cheers!

A Likable Character

2010-03-28T14:43:00.000+13:00

Making someone or at least a part of someone likable is not as easy as making someone unlikable. Likable - to me - is not the same as being ordinary, regular, law abiding, etc. - in fact, those characteristics can make you quite unlikable really. Or certainly - easily forgettable. So, how do you make someone who, as a whole, is really not that likable; but you know, there must be something that is good to that person.

I've always heard, "kill your darlings" or something like that by all those "fabulous" writing teachers out there. They always have some nugget of wisdom to pass on, don't they? But that's another post all together. My problem is that I don't really have a darling - but I do have a character that I expected to come through at some point with some form of likeableness and I am not sure that has happened. What to do? Maybe save a drowning kitten? Or help a Grandma across the street? No - I guess I am going to have to open up a relationship - expose it. If someone liked this character enough to have a relationship maybe I should ask that person? Ok - then, onward into Chapter 17.

Lighten Up

2010-03-25T11:17:00.000+13:00

Ok - last post was a bit of a downer so I decided to lighten up and give a gift to all my followers. Check it out: Enlightenment

What's the point?

2010-03-25T09:38:00.000+13:00

I have reached the stage where I am having a devil of a time continuing. I am so close to finishing but I don't see the point. I have lost all confidence. Should I just put it up - finish it later? Wondering why I even thought I could do something like this. Ok - I guess I have to admit that I am feeling sorry for myself. Has anyone else gotten to this stage? Does it pass? Is anyone out there? Hello? Hello?

Synopsis

2010-03-23T16:06:00.000+13:00

Ok - here's my first attempt at a synopsis. Man, they are harder then writing the book - still not done though - only an arms length away:) Let me know what you think of the synopsis. Should I do more? less? Is the writing "over engineered" Thanks for your help.

Losing Stanley - synopsis

Stanley Phillips is a small town banker, raging alcoholic and father of two adult children. Above all else, though, he considers himself an excellent joke teller. The joke this night, however, is on Stanley. Startled during an outside smoke break at a party, he slips. Falling down a steep embankment, his head repeatedly hits the rocks and trees lining his path. He lies there unnoticed, bleeding profusely, just a few yards outside the party doors. His thoughts go to the people in his life. But, most tragically for Stanley, no one is laughing.

His estranged daughter, Karen, is informed of her father’s accident and now, comatose state. Slipping back into the role of the daughter of a high functioning alcoholic, Karen makes her way back to the small Missouri town where she grew up. With the help of her newly transgendered roommate, Sarah, and brother, Kyle, who has his own substance abuse issues, she begins to sort through the chaos that is Stanley’s life. The arrival of Stanley’s overbearing sister, Janet, further complicates matters. A difficult woman anyway, Janet becomes unmanageable after Karen and Kyle’s painful decision to take Stanley off life support. His resulting death hits all of them hard.

Janet becomes convinced that Stanley’s accident was not accidental. Bringing in the local authorities, Janet is on a mission for justice. In her quest, she stirs up some other interesting and dangerous characters. One such character is Roger Taylor, local used car dealer, and the host of the party where Stanley’s accident occurred. Roger manages to use his dealership as a front to distribute Crystal Meth to the nearby state prison. He boasts that he was one of Stanley’s best customers. His wife, Pam, is also of interest. Her failed murder-for-hire attempt against her husband, ended with a court ordered ankle bracelet and homebound detention. Their eighteen-year-old son, William, local drug dealer and apparently, Stanley’s best friend, is another interesting suspect.

In the process of investigating Stanley’s affairs, Karen finds that he was involved in a risky blackmail attempt. Her discovery leads her and Kyle into danger she never bargained on. Frustrated and saddened by the life her father lead, Karen realizes some of her own behaviour is starting to seem very familiar. How much is she like Stanley after all? As people are arrested, funeral arrangements made and more secrets revealed Karen slowly moves away from blaming everything on her absurd childhood. Instead, she begins the process of accepting who she is now and who she wants to be after - losing Stanley.

First Drafts and Grammar rules

2010-03-19T15:24:00.000+13:00

Even though I haven't quite finished (still 4 chapters to go:) I have started the editing process. I went into this with the attitude that I should just write without looking back. As nice as it would have been to rewrite a bit - I was terrified that I wouldn't finish if I let the "inner" editor get out. But, I want to get the first few chapters sharpened up so, I can submit it to the NZSA/Pindar publishing prize contest. To be honest, I don't think it is ready for it and I could actually use about another 6 months to go over it but a deadline is a deadline and it has been nice to have something to work for . . . You may be wondering how I can submit something that isn't quite done? Well, they only want the first 10,000 words or so and a synopsis then they'll shortlist from there. I figure I have plenty of time to finish if/when they come calling. But, rewriting is hard! And I have a few sentences that I have no idea what I was thinking when I put them together! Anyway, the good news is I am really liking the characters and there are some good bones here - and I don't compliment myself easily!

Here is a confession from a English major: I restructured some of the sentences to avoid dealing with some of grammar issues! Yikes! Is it just me or have some of the rules changed since I was at University? Evidently, it is ok to end a sentence with a preposition! Where has that rule been all me life? Ok - one more confession: I use grammar books as guidelines! Yikes, again! Ok, if you tell anyone, I will deny it:)

A grammar joke just for you: A linguistics professor was lecturing to his English class one day. "In English," he said, "a double negative forms a positive. In some languages, though, such as Russian, a double negative is still a negative. However, there is no language wherein a double positive can form a negative."

A voice from the back of the room piped up, "Yeah, right."

Relationships

2010-03-12T16:29:00.000+13:00

A major part of "Losing Stanley" centers around relationships. Relationships between siblings, friends, parent/child, husband/wife, etc. It is the individual that is controlling the relationship - to a certain extent, isn't it? I mean, sure, you can't control the other person but you can control your actions, right? At least that is the common advice - but when you are (at least perceived to be) trapped by one circumstance or the other and your actions are limited - who's to blame now? Several of my characters feel trapped - some literally and some figuratively. It is so much easier to choose their actions from my omnipotent author point of view. What power! If only I could backspace over some of the actions I have taken in my own life as easily - but alas, would I or any of us be the person we are now (I've actually grown fond of CBwriter - a bit anyway:)

Transformations

2010-03-10T09:10:00.000+13:00

I have a friend from the USA visiting me - and I am having a great time! Not writing much at the moment but thinking fondly of my characters. My friend is going through a type of transformation which got me thinking of the transformations my characters are going through and in turn I am going through as I write my very first book. I have seen my writing evolve into a style that I am getting more and more comfortable with - that isn't to say that the insecurities don't raise their ugly heads ever so often. But, to see the characters you have created move in a direction that developed as you were writing is quite gratifying.

Speaking of Evolving - a good quote for you: "I love fools' experiments; I am always making them." – Charles Darwin

Quick joke ...

2010-03-05T15:06:00.001+13:00

Ok 0 just a quick joke for now because I can't resist a captured audience. It's appropriate for Chapter 16 which I am just about to wrap up.

Q. What did one pot head say to the other when he ran out of weed?
A. "Hey man, this music sucks!"

Talking to jerks . . .

2010-03-03T19:38:00.000+13:00

Why is chapter 16 coming so slowly? I know where I want to go but I keep stumbling with one character. Maybe he's trying to slow me down? Perhaps he has more to say - I like to sit back and ask them questions, but this guy - even I have to admit - is a bit of a jerk! But, I should be fair - even jerks must want to tell their side of the story. Judgmental, you say? Ok, guilty. This character's name is Matt. Maybe I have known a few Matts in my life. Revenge is sweet but he seems to be getting ME back - Ok, you've talked me into it - I'll have a listen to what he has to say. Thanks for that:)

Kill or be killed?

2010-03-02T11:43:00.000+13:00

Sorry - I've been a bit absent - lots of little projects pulled me away for a short time but I am back. I was itching to kill someone off but it has proven to be more complicated than I thought it would be. Not only do you have to set up a (somewhat, anyway) realistic kill scene, but you also have to deal with the fall out. This was a bit more than I bargained for - didn't matter how far I ran the dog - still couldn't make it come out where everyone behaved in a way that wasn't going to be a (excuse my french) pain in the ass for me.

So, I have backed the truck up a bit here and am rethinking a characters demise. So, what is the next best thing to death when you are dealing with someone that should probably have to face karma sooner or later? Aha! It was inevitable but still a bit tricky to make it happen but what is good about the choice I made (I'll talk about it later - got to have some suspense!) - is that none of the other characters that are part of this one's life will face grieving a death.

Certainly, there are different types of grief - so, there will be some grief but to lose a love one - like Stanley for instance - even if that love one is problematic - brings with it all kinds of reflection. You get some of these characters reflecting and there is a good chance they'll just take over! But, I have thrown a monkey wrench (or spanner for those outside of USA) into their world and now, I wait for them to tell me how they feel about that? Maybe they would rather see them dead?

Fear of Failure

2010-02-26T12:35:00.001+13:00

The fear of failure is as paralyzing as it is motivating - with that and a few bursts of optimism, I move on to Chapter 16. The question I have, is why does anybody write? The only answer I can verify is my own: I write because I can't help it. I write because I'm imagining a story I want to share. I write because I want to . . . don't I?

Action Scenes

2010-02-24T12:02:00.000+13:00

Choreographing an action scene is turning out to be a lot of fun. One of my characters has discovered something in a car that he just happens to be rummaging through when the owner(s) of the car show up. He then has to run and hide without being caught but of course his shirt (a flannel hunting shirt - of course) gets caught in the door. What is a poor guy without any real brawn to defend himself with to do? So now I have to get him out of there either in one piece or a bit bruised up. I am having to visualize the action from the his point of view. It can be way too easy to skip a few scenes and all of a sudden he is way over there or some place else without really showing how the heck he got there! I am carefully following him careful not to trip him up or expose him to the bad guys - oops! Didn't I say the owner(s) of the car weren't all that nice?

Conflict Resolution

2010-02-22T14:55:00.000+13:00

As I am looking at the last (anywhere from 3 to 5) chapters of the book (yet, to be determined), I am faced with resolving some of the conflicts that I have created. But to what extent must you resolve the conflicts is what I am asking myself. There are just some conflicts that won't really be resolved and there will be others that will have a tidy resolution.

It makes me wonder about my own conflicts. There are days I feel (more or less) resolved with past conflicts or issues and then there are days I feel they hang on me like a bad smell! Wouldn't it be nice if we could rewrite some of our own past scenes and bring about some tangible endings?

I guess we all wish we could do that . . . or maybe not? Who would we be if we could rewrite the past? I certainly never would have thought to place the character that is me in a country called New Zealand and yet, here I am and to tell you the truth - it's not bad at all:)

Alexis versus Crystal?

2010-02-20T14:41:00.000+13:00

Ok, I have never been a huge fan of "girl fights" such as Alexis Carrington vs Crystal Carrington (yes, I know I am showing my age - for those who are too young from a show called Dynasty in the 80s - a classic) but it came down to three Alpha females meeting in a hospital cafeteria so what is going to happen? A "Diva - Off" of course! So this is how I ended chapter 14 - quite a lot of fun to write but I didn't belabor it any longer than I had to and I swear that there was no jello thrown:)

So, now Chapter 15 - here I come and I feel like the slope is now going downward - at least sometimes. There is still that little thing about an ending to worry about.

Breaking Hearts

2010-02-17T13:45:00.000+13:00

I had to break one of the characters heart today. It had to happen, I guess. What's worse, killing one or breaking their heart? Probably equally painful for me. I am learning a lot about love and need as I write this. Love can take on many forms as can a need for someone but I don't necessarily think that it is the same thing.

Jokes and other funeral arrangements

2010-02-16T11:44:00.001+13:00

You find out in Chapter 1 that Stanley likes to tell jokes - especially inappropriate jokes. I think it is his way of being the center of attention. I sprinkle jokes throughout the book and one of my favorites I will share with you. Here goes:

A guy is out taking a bit of nature walk in a beautiful path that he has been wanting to explore for ages. On his way down the path just before he is about to take his next step he hears a little voice yell up at him and it says:

"Stop! don't step on me! I want to live!"

The guy steps back instead and stares down in amazement at the little grasshopper that is yelling up at him. Shocked and at a total loss for words the only thing the guy can think of to say is:

"You know we have a drink named after you?"

The grasshopper scratches his head and looks back up at the guy puzzled and says:

"You've got a drink named Sammie?"

Chapter 14 begins

2010-02-15T15:44:00.001+13:00

I started on chapter 14 today but it was hard going. Once I got writing - what I had originally thought I was going to start with changed and then the whole thing changed and one of my characters just took over it - I do hope he is going in the right direction.

Funny how that happens. I try really hard to plan out what I am going to write and how the chapters are going to go and then I start writing and it happens all a bit different - not all the time but more often than I would have thought.

Anyhow, the closer I get to the ending (probably another 6 chapters or so to go - the harder it is getting. At this point I am just writing. I haven't gone back at all I am too afraid I will get hung up on editing. Of course, this means there could be some plot inconsistencies! Won't those be fun to fix?

Oh Well, full speed ahead into chapter 14 - goal: to finish by the end of the week. Here's hoping!

To Ephillips104 and Introducing another character

2010-02-14T16:29:00.000+13:00

To Ephillips104: I felt I owed you an explanation since I used your last name and all:) What can I say - you guys were my second family growing up and it just seemed to fit. No reflection on your family because you guys were (are) great - It was just the perfect last name for Stanley and family - hope you don't mind.

Also, I didn't mention Sarah in my last character list. Sarah is Karen's roommate and is also a transgender person. She plays a very maternal role in Karen's life and seems to be the voice of reason for her at times.

And what about the setting of the story? I mentioned it was a small rural Missouri town but I failed to mention that it was also the home of a large State Prison. Now calm down if this seems familiar to you - this is a fictional place but like I said - I have pulled from places I have lived.

I briefly mentioned drugs in my first and second post as it relates to the characters but there are drugs sprinkled throughout the culture of this town and the prison is no exception . . . more on that later;-)

The Characters

2010-02-13T08:15:00.000+13:00

Ok, so who are these people filling my head and the pages of "Losing Stanley"?

Of course, there's Stanley. Did I mention Stanley dies? Anyhow, Stanley is somewhat loosely based on my own dad. He died in 1999 but as most dad's do - left a mark. Stanley is a heavy drinker and drug user but manages to function as a fairly productive town citizen during the day.

Pam and Roger Taylor are the next people who are introduced. Roger owns the local car dealership in the small town where the book is set - Greeneville, Missouri (just a fictional place but I did live in a few small towns in my life so, I feel pretty confident in my depiction of it!). Roger is a bit of jerk but he's handsome so he's got that going for him unfortunately, his wife, Pam thinks he's a bit of a jerk (but handsome!) too and plotted with an ex boyfriend to have him killed. Unfortunately she got caught and is now serving time in her own home - via court ordered ankle bracelet - Roger helped work out this deal. The guy's fearless!

Then, there is William Taylor, Pam and Roger's 18 year old son. William hates his parents but is still drawn back to the family where his mother (Pam) keeps his room for him. Otherwise, he lives at Silver Lake Trailer Park where he has a trailer bought and paid for by no other than Stanley Phillips. Hmmmm? Did I mention that William sells drugs to make a living?

Karen and Kyle Phillips come next. The surviving children of Stanley, they both have battle wounds from growing up with someone like Stanley. Kyle, a High School teacher, never really grew up and numbs himself with copious quantities of pot and teenage girls. Karen has managed to get away and lives and works in St. Louis but has to come back to Greenville to make all the necessary arrangements surrounding his death. Karen is actually one of the main characters as she sorts her way through what was Stanley's life and discovers that there were many things Stanley was into that could have led to his death and perhaps its wasn't even accidental?

There are several more characters that I will get into as I go along like: Janet, the crazy aunt; Matt Hill, the Laundromat Man and Sheriff Politte, who Pam has a crush on!

Losing Stanley - the push to finish

2010-02-12T17:15:00.000+13:00

Stanley Phillips is an alcoholic. He also happens to be a bank president, father of two grown children and the first character in my book "Losing Stanley" to die.

"Losing Stanley" started as a short story that I posted on a Writer Group within GoodReads.com. I got several posts telling me it was the start of a book . . . not just a short story.

After mulling over the idea of actually writing a book, I said all right (to myself - well, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier was there too - though she was more interested in what was for dinner!) and so began my journey as a would-be novelist.

Over 40,000 words and 13 chapters later, I am at the stage where it could be easy to give up - even just walk away. BUT NO! Even if I have to kill off every character in the book - I will finish!

So this is the start of many more posts to track and encourage my progress as the story unfolds and comes to a conclusion. After all, it would be a shame for Stanley's death to have been in vain.