Writer’s Wisdom 15

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“Outlines”

To outline or not to outline; that seems to be the question today.  To outline before you start writing can definitely be helpful; if anything, it keeps you organized.  However, outline is a matter of taste and type of personality, and of “what works for you.”

Some authors, like John Grisham, make an extensive outline, before writing.  He needs his outline (as told in an interview with Borders).  His style is very disciplined and structured.  He writes from 6-12 M, mostly 5-8+ pages a day. For others, outlines are shorter, or created along the way.

The important thing here is that outlines, extensive or short, are a good way to keep your thoughts organized, and helps in making the best of your writing time.  Outlines are not permanent, they are just a guide to move you right along, but can change at any time.  The story is alive, and sometimes it takes a path on its own.

Writer’s Wisdom 14

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“Self publishing”

I think it would be safe to say that most writers want to be published, although many will write for themselves and the love of writing.  Writing a book, editing, finding an agent, editing again … is a lot of hard work and takes great commitment.  However, there is another way of going about it – self publishing.  Despite, the arguments about if self publishing is a taboo or not, it is a practical method (budget permitting) to make your book known to the public.  Some known authors have taken this road, before becoming known.  Brunania Barry self published 2,000 copies, ( as told in a Borders interview) then hired a public relations company.  She did things a bit different from others; she took a leap of faith, quit her job, and wrote.  She knew she wanted to be a novelist, this book started as a dream.

So, we have a succesful story of a self published author (in the beginning); but this jumpstarted her dream, and now her career – her book, The lace reader.  Self publishing may not be for every writer, but it certainly presents a possibility to jumpstart a writer’s career –  when accompanied with a good PR firm.  It is up to you to decide which road to take, but most important, for the love of writing.

 

Writer’s Wisdom 13

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“Research the subject.”

Research is a necessary evil when you are writing your piece.  The amount and intensity of the research will depend on the kind of writing you are about to do.  A historical novel will take a decent amount of research as opposed to an article on the ozone layer.  The depth of the research is different in these cases.  Most best selling authors do research before writing.  I say most, because some, like Kate DiCamillo has said that she does not (as told in a Border’s interview).  For her, the writing process happens different.  Her book “just shows up”– to quote her.  When she knows she has to write the story, she writes it.  Jody Picoult researches the subject sometimes even months before she starts writing.  Other authors travel to places or other countries to do their research before starting a book.  Others, like Janet Evanovich, interviews people in ocuppations that relate to her book.  Every research style is different, they do what better works for them and the story.

If you don’t like to do research, I have bad news for you, it is a necessary tool. If you are creating a fantasy piece – here you are creating all your worlds and characters from your mind, and inspiration –  maybe you will get away with it and disregard research.  But for most other genres, research in one degree or another is necessary.  If you are completely allergic to it, then hire someone to do the research for you.  That’s one way to go around it.

For many, the passion for writing is enough to enjoy the research aspect of it, for others, a research assistant is as good as a Muse.

Writer’s Wisdom 12

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“There is only one way to tell a story and that is to tell it.”  Elizabeth Gilbert for Borders

Many of us have  ideas for future books, floating around in our head; lack of inspiration is not the problem here.  It is the fear to commit to put our words, our story, on paper (or pc screen).  We keep playing with the ideas and procrastinate, saying to ourselves, “It is not good enough, when it becomes clearer in my mind, i’ll start writing it.”  The problem is that unless you start writing, it won’t become clear; you’ll have tons of ideas bouncing around, begging to be written, so a story can be born.  If you have trouble committing to an idea for a book, then I suggest that you create short outlines of each, and leave them aside.  Then, pick one and work on that one alone.  Pretty soon your story will start taking shape, and you will become committed to the story.  It is important that the word gets written so it can start taking form.

It all starts with putting the first word down; forget about being perfect for now. Just write the story, you can worry about editing once the story is completed.  If you get stuck in the middle, take a break, give your characters room to breathe, pondering time.  Most likely, they will emerge with new force, and your plot will become stronger, energized.  Just make sure not to fall again into the trap of procrastination .  During this short break, mind your story, don’t disconnect from it.  Be aware of new sources of inspiration around you.  When your short break is over, plug back in, and start writing.

There is only one way to tell the story, write it down.

Writer’s Wisdom 11

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“The book inside your head”

“You have to live with the book in your head all the time, even when living your normal daily routine.”– Michael Chabon (on an interview with Borders)

When you are writing a book, besides living with your family, you are living with your characters – in another dimension.  “Your characters will pop up like mushrooms” (to quote Jody Picoult), and you better listen to what they have to say.  Daily living circumstances can give you ideas for your plot.  An interesting woman/man at the supermarket can become part of your book, a conversation, an incident …

Some writers go away for a week or two to write; Michael Chabon is an example.  If you have an extremely busy or complicated life, and going away is not an alternative, then be mindful of your book.  Be on the look, aware of what surrounds you, who and what you see, and the sounds you hear – engage your senses.  Live with your book, with your characters.  Talk to them, you’ll be surprised at how many times, they will come up with an answer – just the right one, when you were struggling with it.  Feel the magic all around you.  Be mindful of your writing!

Writer’s Wisdom 10

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“Have fun in the process.”

Best selling authors seem to agree on this one; you should enjoy the process of writing and have fun with it.  Some of them seem easy going, or go with the flow, others more uptight, with a more serious or solemn personality; but whatever their personal style might be, they all seem to have fun in the process.  They love writing and they have fun doing it.

Best selling authors are under the pressure of many deadlines, and deadlines can take the fun out of anything.  That is why having fun in the process is so important – it will lighten and refresh you, resulting in better writing and better use of time (since you don’t want to waste time stressing over the inevitable deadline).  It will contribute, in the end, to the flow of your pen (or your keyboard).

So, if writing is your passion, your dream, or your bread and butter, remember to have fun in the process.  No one wants a “crabby muse.”

Writer’s Wisdom 9

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“Inspiration is all around you.”

 When your ink well is running dry, look around you; you will find inspiration in the oddest of places.  Best selling authors are aware of this and practice it all the time.  Some observe and listen for ideas, others have dreams, others write about what they know; some use ideas that are already out, but modify them into a different story.  Caution should be exercised with this last one, as you have to be careful with copyrights – a lawyer should be handling these details – this applies in the case of modifying a story that has already been written, for example “A Lion Among Men” by Gregory Maguire, which is a different view of The Wizard of Oz. 

Sara Grwen saw a picture of a vintage circus, and that instance, she knew she would write a story about that (Water for Elephants), even when she had started a complete different story.  Christopher Paolini wrote about what he always wanted to read about, but there was just not enough of it around (Besinger).  Jody Picoult says that ideas come from all over the place.  For her, usually about an issue that she doesn’t have the answer to.

So, however you want to connect with your muse, inspiration is all around you, just be aware, or alert to your muse’s call.

Writer’s Wisdom 8

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Perseverance

This is one important characteristic that best selling authors have in common.  Their backgrounds are very diverse, but there is a constant – they persevere once they fall into writing, and they just keep at it for as long as it takes.  Some of them had hardship in their lives, or events that lead them into writing.  But once they wrote, they persevered.  Many aspiring authors love writing, but they are not willing to hang in there for the love of it.  Rejections are hard, but each one comes with a wealth of information attached to it.

The American Heritage Dictionary defines perseverance as:  “to persist in or remain constant to a purpose, idea or task in spite of obstacles.” 

According to this definition, not only do we have to be persistent, but also constant, in spite of obstacles.  Many writers stop, take a break, become paralyzed or frozen at the arrival of a rejection letter. They stop writing, they suffer, mourn, and disconnect themselves from their main purpose – writing.  But this is not what perseverance is.  While dealing with the feelings of rejection (the obstacle), a writer must continue to write, write, write.

100 Ways to Save

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More and more people seem to be sharing the same boat these days.  In a though economy, every bit of good or creative advice to save your hard earned dollar, helps.  Here’s a hundred money saving tips, just to start you off.

Surf the internet for free product samples.  It’s like shopping for free!

  1. Utilize coupons.  Double them when possible.
  2. Take advantage of “buy one get one free sales.”  But, make sure that the price has not been inflated.
  3. Re-invent leftovers.  Study some recipes, learn new food tricks.
  4. Squeeze toothpaste to the end.
  5. Save soap shavings in a jar, and make a new bar of soap.
  6. Utilize natural food products (eggs, oil…) as beauty aids.  Research ways to use these products which you already have in the kitchen.
  7. Learn the many uses of baking soda (cleaning, beauty, cooking…)
  8. When products are almost at the end, dilute with water, and you will get more uses.
  9. Use a multi-purpose cleaner.  Commercial strength multi-purpose cleaners are strong, and because they need to be diluted, you get more for your money.
  10. Learn how to make your own shampoo/detergent.
  11. Makeup – Have a fall-winter/spring-summer makeup palette, so you can easy replace the used up item.
  12. Clothes – Buy basics and classics that you can mix and match.
  13. If you have the skill, mend or convert pieces of clothing.  Alter for different outfits.
  14. Trade in with friends and family.
  15. Ditch your home phone line.  Utilize a family program for your cell phones.
  16. Do you really watch all those cable channels?
  17. Have you heard of the meal portions of the 1940-50’s?  That’s how you should eat!
  18.  Buy foods and ingredients that have a long shelf life, like cornmeal, all purpose flour, rice, pasta.  These can be turned into different meals.
  19. Learn to make things from scratch (cookies, cakes, bread).
  20. Visit your local farm market to save money on veggies and fruits.
  21. Turn off the lights.  If you are not in the room, the light should be off.  By now, all your fixtures should have energy saving bulbs.
  22.  Unplug appliances when not in use.  For an easy way, buy a power strip.
  23. Visit your dollar store.  It is a source for many good items such as party favors, school supplies, cards, cleaning supplies and many more.
  24. Visit consignment shops, garage sales, flea markets.  You never know where you can find what you are looking for.
  25. Make a trade in party with family and friends.  Anything goes, bring any items and exchange for others.  Invite your neighbors.
  26. Sell your unwanted items for extra cash.
  27. Collect rain water.
  28. Do full loads of laundry.
  29. Dilute fabric softener.
  30. Paper towels can double as napkins.
  31. Make your lunch to take to work.
  32. Make coffee in the morning.  Take some with you.  Use a travel mug.
  33. Reuse plastic bags for pet waste or to line small trash cans.
  34. Forget gym memberships.  Do it the natural way – walk, hike, bike, become active in sports.  A can of beans can double a weights.
  35. Think of a second life for items.  For example a cup that has a small chip can become a key holder, change holder; a small saucer can be a soap or sponge holder; a tall glass can be used as a makeup-brush or toothbrush holder.
  36. Shop on EBay.  Sell on EBay.  You can get brand new books for 99 cents and free shipping!
  37. If you have a very expensive pair of shoes, take them to the shoe maker before ditching them.
  38. Donate clothes or other items, a car, and take the tax deduction.
  39. If you live in the country, decorating for the holidays (a la natural) should be easy and fun!  If not, take a trip, enjoy it, and collect pine cones, leaves, branches, and anything that you can use to decorate your home.  If you are in a coastal area, the beach is full of treasures!
  40. Take advantage of a friend’s garden.  Ask for seeds (before going to the nursery).
  41. Learn to use natural products (coffee grinders …) as fertilizers and bug repellents.
  42. Ask your bank, mechanic … for freebies such as pens, note pads, calendars.  They are usually available for customers; people don’t ask.
  43. Learn to make gifts, its fun!
  44. For big families, have a secret pal during the holidays.
  45. Don’t leave the faucet running.
  46. Don’t leave the refrigerator door open.
  47. Trade music, movies and books with friends and family.
  48. If you don’t have carpet flooring, go back to basics:  a broom, a mop and a bucket.  It will save you some bucks!
  49. Start an all year garden.  Cut your own flowers, don’t buy them.  For winter, pines and holly arrangements will look gorgeous!
  50. Use your library.
  51. Scout your township for free events (concerts, movie night, festivals).
  52. DIY – when advisable.
  53. Make use of your free weekends (cell phone) and use the email or social networking sites to say hello.
  54. When you donate to some organizations, (whatever amount) they will send you mugs, calendars, stationary, address labels, and even t-shirts.  You get tons of freebies and your donation is tax deductible.
  55. Schedule your errands – to save gas and wear and tear in your vehicle.
  56. Plan your menus.
  57. Old towels/clothes/sheets can become cleaning rags.
  58. Adopt an animal, don’t buy one.
  59. Dried summer flowers can make beautiful fall arrangements.
  60. If you don’t have the budget to replace a rusty fence, paint it, or plant vines to cover it: morning glory or honey -suckle will do.  It will look beautiful and fragrant.
  61. Repaint garden items; they will look like new again.
  62. Sell your metals (old appliances, pots, iron, and aluminum).
  63. Sell good parts of appliances that you no longer need (timer, motor …).  There’s a market for it.
  64.  Maintain your vehicle (wash, tune-ups …).  It will last you longer, perform better and save you money.
  65. Some clothes, sheets, can be converted into pillows.
  66. Bundle services, but beware.  Do the math first, to see if you are saving money by bundling.
  67. Take advantage of free credit card rewards.  But use your credit wisely.
  68. Save on postage.  Pay electronically.
  69. Leasing is a waste of money.
  70. Trade services:  “I’ll do your taxes for a tune-up.”
  71. Reuse computer paper as scrap paper/notes.
  72. Start healthy habits; you’ll save on medical bills.
  73. Sell your old gold jewelry (I made over $1,000.00).
  74. Can you cut your husband’s hair?
  75. Old pillows + old bed sheets = good pet beds.
  76. Bundle up in the winter, and lower your thermostat.
  77. Dress appropriately in the summer, and use ceiling fans.
  78. Take advantage of rebates.  Send them out.
  79. Easy on the pedal, save gas.
  80. Have a change piggy bank.  And please, bend over and pick up that cent or nickel on the floor.  It adds up!
  81. Old nail polish can be used on craft projects.
  82. Shake your printer’s ink.  You can get more from it.
  83. Use old Christmas cards as bookmarks.  Cut the part that is not written on and use it as post cards or note cards.  Perfect for those Christmas recipes.
  84. Be creative with pet toys.  Balls made of old socks, an old computer mouse …but, always make sure – safety first!
  85. Evaluate your purchases.  Buy what you need.
  86. Cook your own meals.
  87. Compare brand ingredients with store brands.  Why pay more if it contains the same ingredients?
  88. Grow your own veggies.
  89. Do your own pet grooming.
  90. Cancel subscriptions of magazines that you don’t read.  Keep one subscription and tell your friends to do the same, and then trade in between yourselves.
  91. Networking pays.
  92. Visit Craig’s list for great bargains and free stuff.
  93. Air dry clothes, when possible.
  94. Do some freelancing.
  95. Ask your doctor for generic drugs.
  96. Ask your vet for multiple pet’s discount.
  97. Take advantage of discounts for having multiple policies with an insurance company (auto + home).
  98. Organize your home.  If you know where things are, and what you have, then, you won’t buy things twice.
  99. 100.   Do you really need that boat?

There are many other ways of saving money.  These are only 100 tips to get you started.  Apply what you learn, otherwise is money down the drain – your drain.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Writer’s Wisdom 7

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Love of the craft – write, write, write.

Some best selling authors seemed to have writing in the back-burner, and somehow, fell into it as if by chance or destiny; others, did not even know if they were any good.  But one thing they have in common is that they write, write, write.  They have a discipline about writing, and they love writing.  It is their passion, as if a birthright.  However you feel about writing, if you want to become good at it, then you have to be disciplined about your writing and give it a serious place in your life.  There are many inspiring bios of best selling authors.  You may want to check out Stephenie Meyer, Janet Evanovich, Lalita Tademy, and Sara Grwen.  They had their very unique start in writing, and they will inspire you.

So, pick up your pen, wake up your PC, and write, write, write.