Confessions of a closet pantser
What’s Jack up to? Today he’s still coming down from the NY GIANTS Superbowl win! He enjoyed a wild party last night with The DH, DD and DS. Dear Jack you’re looking a bit hung over today. Rest up.During my excavation weekend I read Stephen King’s On Writing. I was surprised to read Mr. King confess that he plots “as infrequently as possible.” I was shocked! Stephen King, bestselling author of some of the most intricate stories ever, not a plotter, but a pantser. Suddenly my own wandering way of writing seemed a lot more acceptable. Heck, I’m in pretty good company.Usually when I have a story I know point A and have glimpses of point Z, but only blind faith that there will be something exciting happening on all the points in between. Now I do plot in the lightest of ways, writing lists of things I would like to see happen in whatever book I’m working on. When I want to go more in depth I do Post-it storyboarding. But along the way, these lists usually start to feel confining and have to change when my characters suddenly take on lives of their own and turn in directions I never anticipated. What fun.
Story board for She’s Got Game
So writers out there, what’s your way? Would you admit to being a member of the pantser club along with me and, um, Stephen King or are you one of those extremely organized writers, that I always envy, who start out with a twenty page synopsis before typing CHAPTER ONE on the page?Best,
KwanaInspiration Excavation
What’s Jack up to? It’s the weekend so he’s happy to have a full house and The DH (his best buddy) around to give him long walks and play endless games of fetch which tire me out way too quickly for his taste. Have a blast Jack.
So it’s Superbowl weekend this weekend which pretty much means I’ll have four free hours while the D
H and DS sit in front of the TV and watch the big game. For some reason I have a football block and just can’t get into it. 50 yard, first down, flag in the play. Huh? Although, I have been enjoying all the crazy player/model/actress romance talk in the media lately. And sure, with The Giants going to the Superbowl this year, I’ll do my duty as a good wife and a New Yorker and root for the home team, but from a far while watching a Project Runway or Top Chef marathon up in my room.On top of watching these marathons I’ll be doing a little excavating for inspiration this weekend. Having written quite a few manuscripts, I’m at the point where I really want to take my writing to another level and step out of my self-made box. Buh-Bye censor!
A good friend of mine (thanks MG!) sent me a bunch of writing workshops to listen too which I’m really excited about. I’m going to continue with reading Stephen King’s On Writing which I’m thoroughly enjoying and get some gentle advice from Anne Lamott’s Bird by Bird. For further inspiration I’ll be checking out some cool clips from Romance Novel TV and getting an inspiration shot in the arm from some of my favorite bestsellers. Here’s a couple to inspire you from Jo Beverley, Eileen Dreyer and one from Nora Roberts on getting The Call!http://link.brightcove.com/services/link/bcpid717209145/bclid422873267/bctid1323293055
http://link.brightcove.com/services/link/bcpid717209145/bclid422873267/bctid1382944764
http://link.brightcove.com/services/link/bcpid717209145/bclid422873267/bctid1353531312Best,
KwanaFEM
What’s Jack up to? He’s on a bit of a short leash after dashing out the door this weekend for an unauthorized romp around the house. The DH and DS couldn’t coax him back in as he pranced around with obvious glee at his fun chase me game. What finally got him in? When I got fed up and put on my best fake voice and promised a treat if he’d just come inside. Oh, Jack I can’t believe you fell for that one again.In the midst the ridiculous chaos of an American family weekend and way too much shuttle driving, I got to go to an interesting women’s empowerment seminar at my church. It was all about breaking the habits that are holding you back and was given by a renowned psychologist that is now a member of our congregation.Thinking there would be a small turnout the organizers prepared the downstairs fellowship hall by setting up round tables and putting out a nice spread of coffee, tea and carbs. They quickly realized that this was a hot topic as more women showed up than could fit in the hall and the group had to be moved upstairs to the sanctuary.Going though some stuff much, ladies?I’ll admit I was hoping for some magic words that would suddenly bring clarity to the direction of my life and have me make some monumental shift in direction. One that would bring wealth , peace and a quick twenty pound weight loss.That didn’t happen.I was surprised instead to get confirmation on what I was doing and left with the annoying phrase of “stay the course” looping in my head.The doctor talked about purpose. She described your purpose as being what you would do even if you were not paid for it. Bummer. Turns out that’s what I’m doing now. I write. And so far, I don’t get paid for it!I took a moment to fantasize about possibly coming into some cash windfall. I saw myself traveling around the world and shopping my butt off, Cartier, Gucci, Hermes. Yes!Then I took the fantasy a little further and saw myself doing what? Writing. Aww, man. Holding my book. Oh, crap. Signing my books. Ugh!There I was, in my mind super rich, without any care for money and I was still holding on to my dream of being a published author. Insert big sigh here.All that said, I guess I’m on the right track with the whole purpose thing.I’m going to forge ahead and follow what the doctor called FEM with a renewed faith.FEM: Focus + Effort = Manifestation.So, what are you manifesting?
Check out this fun cartoon from Will Write For Chocolate .Best,KwanaWrite to get right
What’s Jack up to? He’s kinda quiet this morning which makes me a little nervous. Like a toddler, when Jack is too quiet it means he’s into something. Yesterday it was going though the DS’s pockets to look for hidden candy.
What am I reading right now? Well, I’m glad you asked. Ok, I’m not crazy, you didn’t ask and you may not really care, but it’s my blog so I’m sharing anyway. I got this book The Writing Diet by Julia Cameron from a good friend, Patricia of PVE Design who did my lovely banner design.Patrica and I have been friends for years, working together in fashion and bonding over both having twins. In all the years she’s known me I’ve always been on one diet or another. She also knows what a fan I am of Julia Cameron and her books The Artists Way and The Right to Write. So when Patricia heard Julia speaking on Oprah XM radio she ran out and got this book for me.
I’m just about done with it and so far it’s really interesting and different as far as diet books go. Julia doesn’t endorse any one diet program just “clean” eating and whatever works for you so it can be done in conjunction with whatever your doing (for me it’s WW… again).
She stresses getting in touch with your feelings through writing as a deterrent to eating. So instead of going for the chips she suggests going for the pen and exploring why you’re really eating. It gets pretty deep and asks some tough questions. But they are important ones.
I have a feeling I’ll be writing a whole lot in the upcoming weeks. Wish me luck.On another note check out the cool tote I unexpectedly got in the mail yesterday from Domino Magazine. I got it for subscribing and as far as free totes go I love it. I’m a huge tote girl. It’s a beautiful chocolate brown accented with a cool turquoise. Very chic and a perfect functional size. Thanks Domino! Love Ya.
Best,
KwanaTea Time
What’s Jack up to? Well, this morning he had me walking back and forth, freezing my butt off while he happily romped around in his lovely furry coat.
Yesterday I topped off my MLK weekend by attending an African-American writers literary tea for the Westchester Library system. One of my super cool friends was nice enough to treat me to a ticket to the charity event. Her sister was the MC and host. Because of my hot VIP connections (thanks KF) I got to sit at a great table with some of the featured authors.
Beverly Jenkins who writes African-American historical romances as well as contemporary ones was charming and very funny. Her reading of letters from her book Indigo had everyone in awe of her and reflecting on the struggles of slavery and the power of love.
Rene Syler formally of CBS’s Morning Show talked about her book Good Enough Mother. Apart from being gorgeous, she had us all in stitches with stories of her children whom she calls, Gasoline and Fire! All the mothers in the audience could relate to that.
Author Terrie Williams spoke about her new book Black Pain in which she reflects on the pain we as African-Americans have as a result of our ancestors past. She also talked about the “mask” that we put on everyday and how you never know what your fellow person is really going though. When she said that often, “how are you?” is the hardest question to answer. We all had to nod our heads.
It was a wonderful afternoon and a great way to celebrate Dr. Kings birthday, being inspired by dynamic black women and reflecting on how far we have come as a people and as a country. Also looking forward to the future and how far we still have to go. Make no mistake, there is still plenty of work to be done. Now go do it!
best,
KwanaHappy Birthday and another Good Read
Wow, I have another writer friend who finaled in the Amazon Shorts Contest. Head on over and check out Kerri Mahon’s YA short: Much Ado About High School.
It’s a fun read with a cool Shakespeare theme.
And it’s a free download. If you like it, give it a review. The semi-finalists will be based on customer reviews.
.jpg)
Happy 9th Birthday to my beautiful God-daughter Lemiah!
Have a wonderful day!Best,
KwanaA good read
I wanted to take a moment to congratulate a writer friend of mine, Maureen McGowan who finaled in the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award contest. Maureen is a fabulous writer and her story on a down on her luck, spoiled ex-trophy wife is compelling from the start.
If you want to check it out and give Maureen a review that could take her to the next level here’s the link: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00122GTIC And the best part is it’s a free download!
Have fun!
Best,
KwanaScandalous
What’s Jack up to? Today he’s bummed that New York didn’t get big snow storm that was promised last night. So instead of scheduled frolicking, he’s enjoying sitting on his newest perch on the back of the couch. Too bad it’s not a dog bed, Jack! Come on and get down you’re squashing my pillows.
Want a fun read? Then pick up the February, Marie Claire and check out P-I-C, Megan Frampton’s essay I Was The Boss Of Him which is part of the: How to Survive An Office affair cover feature. Scandalous!
Go Megan!Best,
KwanaFree mind
What’s Jack up to? Today’s he’s sneezing of all things. I wonder if it has anything to do with all the dust bunnies under my furniture. Are you trying to give me a sign, Jack? Sorry, it won’t work!
So, my most recent YA manuscript is out of my hands and off to my super fab agent. While I await her thoughts I’m in the strange position of having nothing pressing to write.I have a free mind. A free mind that can wander and think about any story it wants and not feel guilty for it. Of course, the mind is never really free. It’s thinking about what to work on next, how to work on it, when to work on it, oh and what’s the world going to think of the work that’s out there that’s already been worked on.
Not to mention, being a wife and mother on top of writer, the to-do list that’s a mile long.
A free mind? What’s that?Maybe it’s time to try mediation. Ommmmmmmm.
Best,
KwanaInterview with a Siren
Here is the first of what I hope will be an ongoing writer interview series. Today I’m featuring, new author, Wendy Toliver.
Wendy’s first book: The Secret Life Of Teenage Siren was released in December of 2007.
Here’s a teaser:
Geek
y to gorgeous in sixty seconds… Roxy’s about to turn sixteen, but life isn’t so sweet. As a band geek, Roxy can barely get the cute guys to notice her, much less go out with her. Then, on her birthday, Roxy is transformed into a siren: seductively beautiful with the power to control all men. She thought sirens were an ancient myth, but suddenly Roxy can get any guy she wants with just a few notes on her flute. There are only two rules: don’t tell anyone about being a siren, and don’t fall in love. When she starts dating Zach, the guy everybody’s crushing on, Roxy realizes she could get used to this siren thing…but how can she keep herself from falling in love?First off, congratulations on the debut on you first book, The Secret Life of a Teenage Siren out with Simon Pulse this past December.
What made you want to write for this Young Adult age group? Do you feel a certain kinship here?
Yes I do! I had a wonderful teenage life myself and I love reliving it through writing. One of my favorite things about being a published author is speaking to junior and senior high schools, getting to hang out with teens.
What made you decide to take on writing novels as a career? Is it something you always dreamed of or did you fall into it sideways?
LOL! I definitely fell into it sideways. I had a fun experience about 5 years ago that I thought would make a good chick lit novel so I started writing it out. It became a manuscript and I sent it out to agents and received offers for representation. The thought of being a novelist always intrigued me, but I can truthfully say writing was just a hobby, something I could do as a mom of three active little boys, and it’s just an added bonus that I’m finding some success in it.
Can you give of a brief overview of your road to ‘overnight’ success? (I laugh as I ask this one) and what has being a member of RWA meant to you on your way to publication?
Ha! Yes, there were definitely a bunch of ups and downs en route to becoming a published author. I might not have been writing (with the intent of being published) for as many years as some authors, but let me tell you, it hasn’t been easy. I’m still in the mindset that if something wonderful happens, I stand back and take a breath or two, making sure it’s real before I let loose and celebrate. On the flip side, writing YA seems to be a natural fit for me, as The Secret Life of a Teenage Siren is my first attempt at writing YA. So I guess I can’t complain!
RWA has been very important to me because it has educated me in the craft as well as the world of publishing, offered me support, introduced me to amazing writers who’ve become some of my closest friends, and given me the inspiration necessary to keep writing. RWA rocks!What’s your writing process like as a stay at home mother of three small boys?
I have a mommy’s helper who comes for about 6 hours a week, and though that might not
sound like much writing time, I get a lot done because I have to. I try and think about whatever project I’m working on while I’m doing other things (like laundry, dishes, and changing diapers) so when I do sit at my computer, I’m ready to write.What are you working on next?
I’m working on edits for my second YA with Simon Pulse. It’s called Miss Match and it is about a teenage matchmaker who is hired to fix a new guy up with her sister, only to discover that she’s crushing on him herself. I think it’s scheduled to come out around Valentine’s Day of 2009. I’m really excited about it!
Thanks so much, Wendy and best of luck with your next book!
.JPG)
.jpg)
