Something Old Into Something New

photo by clarita, MorgueFile.com

It has been said that there are no unique story ideas. Okay, but does that condemn most stories, then, as nothing more than rehashed, already told tales? If so, wouldn’t readers be too bored to pick up a new novel?

Sometimes writers can become infatuated with a great story idea that is less than unique, but  the initial impulse might be to shy away from developing such an idea. Is this always wise? Why not consider developing a been there done that premise into something new--a version different and hopefully special. Yes, there are those published story premises done one too many times (Did someone mention vampire romances?) On the other hand, some stories stand out as unique despite the reflection of an already done premise. Think about Romeo and Juliet and West Side Story. Sometimes, a familiar story can be molded and contoured into a stand-alone work with its own merits.

How? Consider fresh characters with unique bends and twists to their back-stories, unique motivations, interesting values, and funky quirks. Or perhaps a unique setting can make a story unique. Maybe an added plot twist or different ending. How would Romeo and Juliet be different if their story was set in the year 2075, on Mars? 

What do you think? Can a less than unique story idea be tweaked to be new and improved? How might you transform something old into something new?

The Home Stretch

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Isn’t it exciting to come into the home stretch of a work in progress? For me, this is when I am satisfied with the overall story, but I am questioning the smaller stuff. With my focus on the finish line, I give a last look at specific areas of my novel that might need a tweak or an adjustment. For example:

CHARACTERS Will readers care enough about the characters in my novel to keep reading from page one until the end? I hope the answer is yes, but I will often do a final review by concentrating on individual characters. This is a good way to be sure that each is unique and that actions are not predictable.

CONFLICT I often reread to be sure there is enough conflict and that it is balanced. Too much all at once can be overwhelming or ring false. Not enough can be ho-hum.

SCENES Does the setting come alive in a way that most benefits each scene? If not, what details can I add to make this happen? How many characters are in the scene and does this work? A crowd can be cumbersome. Also, does something change in each scene? Where is the crisis and the drama? Is every scene necessary to my plot? Are there too many similar scenes?

OVERALL MESSAGE Have I said what I intended? Or, has the message changed somewhere in the many drafts?

What do you focus on when you hit the home stretch of a project (other than finishing it)?

Photo by Juditu

There is a wonderful quote in Writer’s Digest, (October 2012) by author Patricia Cornwell. It is in response to a question about rejections and what advice she gives writers. Here’s the quote:

“Quitting can’t be an option. You don’t become a writer—you are one. And if you really are a writer, it’s like telling a songbird to shut up—you can’t.”

I agree, yet, in chat time with some of my writer pals, I have bemoaned the trials and tribulations of writing and publishing, marketing and promoting. Crafting, revising, and polishing a story can be frustrating and grueling. However, despite this, I can’t imagine not spending as much of my time as possible engaged in this struggle. In fact, when I am put into a situation that doesn’t allow as much writing time as I’d like, I become

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edgy and discontent. I crave the struggle even though I may still fantasize about throwing a manuscript out an open window (complete with laptop). Quitting is not an option. Like the songbird mentioned by Ms. Cornwell, I can’t shut up (ask anyone who knows me).

Do you consider yourself this kind of writer—the songbird that can’t be quieted? Have circumstances ever road-blocked your writing? If so, how did this affect you? 

A happy Spring to all! 

Head Versus Heart

Photo by Ladyheart, www.morguefile.com

How many times have you heard a writer, actor, or artist talk about his or her wildly successful project? Often, we hear or read that such a project has sprung from subject matter close to the creator’s heart—some deep passion about something. In the September, 2012 issue of Writer’s Digest, for example, author Chris Cleave (best seller Little Bee, as well as Incendiary and Gold) shared that he only writes about topics that he really cares about.  Doesn’t it seem like more often than not, success stories start with this kind of spark or passion?

On the other hand, though, it’s sometimes hard to ignore what the market hungers for or requests.

If you are a writer, do you write solely about subject matter that has deep meaning for you or that resonates with you? Or, do you let trends or the market influence what you write about? In other words, do you listen to your head or your heart as you decide on a new project?

When you read, can you discriminate between an author who is passionate about his or her subject matter and one who may be more grounded? Does passion for a topic or subject matter always bleed through? Does it need to?

The Ballad of Jessie Pearl: A Book Birthday

Hello everyone! I apologize for being more absent from this blog than usual. A bit of radiation was added to my ongoing treatment schedule, which messed with my writing life for a bit. To make up for my absence, though, I have a special treat for you.

February 1^st will be a very special book birthday. The Ballad of Jessie Pearl, a historical fiction debut novel published by Namelos and written by a wonderful writer, and my friend as well as critique pal, Shannon Hitchcock, will be officially released. Insert celebration dance here.

Already this novel has received lovely reviews from Kirkus and Publishers Weekly. (PW review here: http://www.publishersweekly.com/978-1-60898-142-7.

As if this is not enough reason to break out the party cake, the amazing Richard Peck liked Jessie Pearl enough to write a cover blurb for the novel: “With the poetry of plain speaking, Shannon Hitchcock recreates the daily drama of a vanished world.” Wow. Let loose the balloons and confetti.

Inspired by Shannon’s family history, The Ballad of Jessie Pearl begins in 1922. Young and spirited Jessie has big plans for her life, until tuberculosis forces her to put her dreams on hold. Oh, and she falls in love for the first time, too. Pushed into confronting what she really wants, and what she is willing to sacrifice for it, Jessie learns that fighting for one’s dreams can be anything but simple.

Not only is Shannon a wonderful writer, she is also proving to be a whiz at marketing and promotion. She spoke on January 18^th at the Florida SCBWI conference on a panel of debut authors, she is slated to speak at NCTE on a panel of southern authors in November, and she’s sold numerous copies of her novel out of the back of her car. Impressed yet? I am. So, I thought we’d chat with Shannon about marketing a debut novel.

Welcome, Shannon! So, how much of the marketing and promoting are you taking on (as compared to what your publisher may be doing)?

I look at marketing as a partnership. My publisher sent out approximately 150 copies of my book to reviewers and awards committees. Those are contacts that I don’t have on my own. I’m always reminded of a quote from Joyce Sweeney, “Your publisher is doing more than you think they are.”

What resources did you find most helpful in guiding you on how to market and promote your debut novel?

Lisa Schroeder has a handy “Timeline and Checklist for YA or MG Book Release” posted on her blog. http://www.lisaschroederbooks.com/2010/02/timeline-and-checklist-for-ya-of-mg.html.

I also highly recommend Katie Davis’s e-book: HOW TO PROMOTE YOUR CHILDREN’S BOOK. Oh, and use SCBWI. I wrote an article for my regional chapter and I spoke at the Miami conference.

Can I get you to share some of your marketing strategies, or how you have been or will be promoting? For example, how do you go about selling books out of your car?

I’ve made it my mission to contact all of my friends and relatives, contacts my publisher doesn’t have. I started by writing a letter to everyone on my Christmas card list and inserting two bookmarks. I invited the recipients to read my book and asked that they pass the extra bookmark to a friend who might also enjoy it. As for selling from the back of my car, I try and keep about ten copies of my book in the backseat. I’ve chatted up my book at church, the beauty salon, even the drycleaners, and then if anyone expresses interest in buying, I have a book handy to sell them.

I also uploaded my book trailer to YouTube, Vimeo, TeacherTube, and to my Goodreads author’s page: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rRXyeIJ4js8.

Since I hope JESSIE will be used in classrooms, I also worked with Debbie Gonzales to create a Curriculum Guide that is linked to the new Common Core State Standards. It’s available for free downloads, too: http://www.shannonhitchcock.com/forteachers.html.

I also gave my website a facelift to focus on my new book.

How much do you use social media, such as Face Book and Twitter, to promote? 

I try and tweet and post to Facebook a couple of times a day.

What would you suggest to someone just starting to promote his or her first novel?  What would you advise against?

Have bookmarks made as soon as your cover art is final. Bookmarks are relatively inexpensive and people love getting something for free. I advise against doing anything you detest. One of my critique mates hates to blog. She tried it and it’s not for her. I think if you hate doing something that you’ll find every excuse to avoid it.

I’ll be honest and tell you that I’m afraid I’m leaving out some vital pieces of the marketing puzzle. Maybe your readers will share tips and strategies in the comments section so that we can all help each other.

Thank you, Shannon! Wishing you every success with The Ballad of Jessie Pearl!

For more on Shannon and her fabulous novel, hit these links:

https://www.shannonhitchcock.com/

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_0_20?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=the+ballad+of+jessie+pearl&sprefix=the+ballad+of+Jessie%2Cstripbooks%2C188

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/the-ballad-of-jessie-pearl?store=book&keyword=the+ballad+of+jessie+pearl

Gift Ideas?

Tis’ the season of gift giving, which can be stressful. Finding the time and energy to find, make, or purchase just the right gifts can be tough, though. So, in an attempt to lighten the tension, provide inspiration, and perhaps bring on a smile, I thought I’d share some fun writer gift ideas. Here goes:

Check out this fun writing pendant that warns others of the power of the pen (or keyboard): http://www.etsy.com/listing/76415686/careful-or-youll-wind-upinmynovelref=sr_gallery_8&ga_search_query=gifts+for+writers+etsy&ga_ex=adwords&ga_awsrc=adobe_g&ga_awmed=us_ppc_w&ga_awcmp=S&ga_gclid=CLu5yZmGhLQCFcXb4AodtRcAzw&ga_utm_source=adobe_g&ga_utm_medium=us_ppc_w&ga_utm_term=gift-forwriters_p&ga_utm_campaign=S&ga_ef_id=Styg0NBbricAACuBCKEAAAFA%3A20121205195708%3As&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery

This license plate frame is a must have for any author intent on safe driving. www.cafepress.com/+i_brake_for_book_sales_license_plate_frame,396414434

When inspiration hits in the shower (and it does), this waterproof gift might be the answer: http://www.myaquanotes.com/

Is the writer in your life bored with scribbling in the same old journal? Could he or she use some new and different paper? Why not check out POOPOOPAPER™? These natural, recycled and odorless paper products are made from the (ahem) droppings of vegetarian animals such as elephants, cows, horses, moose, pandas, and donkeys. No, I’m not kidding. http://new.poopoopaper.com/

Happy gifting to all and to all who celebrate, a merry Christmas and a happy new year!

Inspiration

Photo by fannfango, Morguefile.com

In the July/August 2012 Writer’s Digest, Celia Johnson wrote about “bolts of inspiration” that have influenced authors. Apparently E.B. White was walking through an orchard, on his way to visit some pigs when he considered a large spider that had woven a web in his house. Bam, Charlotte of Charlotte’s Web was born.

Celia Johnson also wrote about how a sixteen-year-old C.S. Lewis daydreamed about a half-man, half-goat rushing through snowy woods with an umbrella and packages. Mr. Lewis remembered this image twenty-four years later and used this hoofed character in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.

I find these anecdotes fascinating. Yet, I’ll admit to being a pinch envious. I don’t think I’ve ever been inspired on my way to visit pigs. And I’m pretty sure I didn’t daydream about half-man goats at sixteen. In fact, I don’t recall ever being jolted by inspiration as if stung by a live wire. Sure, ideas come my way and some intrigue me, but (as of yet) nothing as dramatic as a half-animal toting an umbrella (not to mention packages). And, as much as I adore Charlotte’s Web, I doubt a spider will ever inspire me to do anything but scoot away from it (probably with a squeal). My ideas are more like seeds that require planting, cultivating, and nurturing before there is even the possibility of them growing into anything that might be useful.

How about you? Have you ever experienced the full on kick of inspiration? I’d love to read about it--and be envious of you, too.