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April 26, 2007
Creating Possibilities
"If I were to wish for anything, I should not wish for wealth and power, but for the passionate sense of potential -- for the eye which, ever young and ardent, sees the possible. Pleasure disappoints; possibility never."
--Soren Kierkegaard, 19th Century Danish Philosopher
Kirekegaard's words "passionate sense of potential" stir something in me. Without potential, without a passion for possibility, what do we have?
As writers, each and every one of us has potential. Every word we write has the potential to be read. Every manuscript we complete holds the possibility of landing us an acceptance for publication. Each book we author might be the title that changes the lives of those who read it. The potential is there, waiting for us to give it a shove.
But unlike opportunity (that has been shown to occasionally knock its way into our lives), potential, like a late-term pregnancy, must often be induced. We can't ask for the promise of something good and then sit idly in wait for it to birth precious offspring. We must induce potential by creating possibilities.
I recently experienced the benefit of a possibility I helped to create. A while ago, I mentioned to a near stranger (the woman at the bank, as I've come to refer to her) that I was a writer. She is a teller and an avid reader, so my news struck a chord in her, of sorts. I see her at the drive-thru window every week or so. With each deposit or withdrawal, our serial conversation transmitted across a weak speaker system has progressed from the titles of my books that have already been published to the nature of what I'm working on currently, to the essence of the problems I might be facing with plot and character and subplot and so on. It's been interesting for me to hear her non-writer's perspective on the ups and downs we writers experience.
I've come to notice that when I drive up to the '50s-style, tinted green, slanted-out window, if my woman at the bank isn't there, I'm a bit disappointed. So later in the week, I might scrape together a couple of dollars to be sent to her through the tube, the whir of which has become a great dialogue initiator.
A couple of weeks ago, I entered the far lane and pushed the button to summon the woman at the bank. She appeared and before I could talk said, "What are you working on?"
I proceeded to offer details about my current work-in-progress, the first draft of a novel.
"But what about the other one?" She was referring to a novel I had completed about a year prior.
"Oh, it's not good enough," I said. "I'm not going to try to sell that one."
"I'll read it."
The directness of her statement bounced around the interior of my car...and my brain. "That's okay, thanks, I'm not working on it anymore."
"I don't care, I'll read it."
Now, what was I supposed to do?
She continued, "I'm going on vacation in three weeks and I'd love to curl up with your book and read."
By then, the transaction had ended and it was time for my response. "I might take you up on that," I said. But I was fairly certain I wouldn't. Why waste time on something that's not going to sell?
For nine days, I did nothing with the woman at the bank's offer, her induction of potential, her giving of possibility.
But it gnawed at me. I should give her something.
I toyed with presenting her with the first third of the novel I was currently working on. But what fun would that be for her, a book with no ending? I pondered giving her nothing at all, but not for very long.
By day ten, I turned to my dear friend and colleague, Mary. "What should I do?" I explained how I didn't want to bite, slap, or even ignore a hand that was reaching out to help. And yet, how could I allow a stranger's first look at my work to be tainted by a mediocre presentation?
Clutching her coffee mug, Mary responded. "Work on it, then give it to her." They were simple commands, yet they were the words my hungry inner self longed to hear.
The timing wasn't perfect, as it rarely is, but this situation had a potential I couldn't let pass. It would be the first time a non-writing reader would experience my fiction. And through an exchange with Mary, I was committed.
Ignoring the dread that often accompanies that first look at a several-hundred-page revision, I printed and revised and typed in my edits, beginning before the dawn of day (usually from 4:00 to 6:00 AM) and ending long after I would have ordinarily needed rest. By Friday, day 21, I handed the woman at the bank 17 chapters, less than half of the book. With that, however, I had gained, not only the satisfaction of having met (at least partially) a deadline, but the momentum of being immersed in the project.
On Monday morning at 8:15 AM, my phone rang. The woman at the bank had stayed up past 1:00 in the morning to finish reading my partial book. "I couldn't put it down," she said. "I have to know what your antagonist is up to."
I didn't answer, still trying to let the joy sink in. I had been affirmed. And it felt great!
She interrupted my welling with "You're not going to tell me, are you?"
I told her no and we set a new deadline.
We all have what it takes to create potential for ourselves. So why don't we? Sometimes inducing possibilities involves taking risks, risking the puncture of our protective coating that keeps us safe inside our own little worlds, gambling that image we hope to portray, taking a chance on changing how someone views who we are.
This week, I challenge you, in Kierkegaard's words, to have an eye that "sees the possible." The lure of possibility is a magnet. I invite you to share your stories of potential that you've created, induced, and seized. Take a chance and answer the question, how have you been drawn in?
Posted by Judy at 07:45 AM | Comments (8)
April 17, 2007
Perfect Your Blog & Your Brand at Boot Camp PGH
One of the big debates in the writing world today is whether or not writers benefit from using MySpace. No matter where you stand on that question, you know, like it or not, you should at least be blogging. And whether you're just getting your blog off the ground or you're looking to increase traffic to your site, the upcoming Boot Camp PGH is a can't-miss for us all!
Here are the details:
When: Saturday, April 21, 2007
Where: The Art Institutes of Pittsburgh, 420 Boulevard of the Allies, 15239
How Much: Absolutely Free!!
Another buzz word in the industry is "brand." In answer to the question, What is your brand?, many writers respond, "Huh?" Established authors know that your brand is the whole package, it's you -- what you write, what you look like, how you dress, who you are. These all need to blend together to sell your product, your books and your voice.
And speaking of voice, presentations at the conference cover everything from Finding Your Voice or Photoblogging, to Podcasting and Building Your Brand. Like it or not, writers, this is part of what we must do. First, we need to write a great book, article, essay, or poem. And then, yes, we need to sell it. And all of the above techniques will help us do so.
So quit sitting around wishing you could hire a publicist to write your blog and sell your work. The presenters at Boot Camp PGH will show you how easy it is to get started and/or to keep pushing forward! There are even hands-on labs where they'll walk you through the steps to get started using MySpace or Twitter and much, much more. And throughout the day, you'll be able to speak one-on-one with these experienced individuals.
As of right now, 116 people are registered. You don't want them to know more than you do, right? So hop on over to the Boot Camp PGH site and register, now. The best part is, it's free. Note: This is NOT like one of those free financial seminars where they give you a doughnut and try to get you to invest in something. Nope, I know several of the speakers. They're just caring, sharing, knowledgeable people who want to help, really!
I'll be at the event on Saturday, and I hope you will too!
Click on the links above for more details! The time is now!
Posted by Judy at 09:43 PM | Comments (3)
April 16, 2007
Virginia Tech Tragedy
When I flipped on the radio in the car this afternoon, I was horrified, angered, and saddened to hear the news of the Virginia Tech tragedy that occurred earlier today in Blacksburg, VA. It has become the deadliest campus shooting in U.S. history, a record I'm sure Virginia Tech would rather not hold.
Upon hearing the news, my thoughts immediately turned to Columbine. This month marks the eighth anniversary of the school massacre that took place in Columbine High School in Littleton, CO where 15 people were killed, including the two gunmen. I'm not sure this connection is coincidental, but many of the facts remain to be seen.
My thoughts pivoted, then, to the amazing powers of healing and forgiveness displayed by the Amish community after the killings at the West Nickel Mines School in Lancaster, PA in the fall of 2006, just a few months ago. May we all mimic that faithful community's strength and their sense of unity.
My prayers go out to the family members of the victims of this senseless crime. I pray, too, for those families who have been unable to reach their loved ones and are experiencing a living hell while they try to do so. May peace come to all those involved. No one will be able to give these families satisfying answers; what answer could satisfy?
This tragic situation reminds me of a quote I once read by an anonymous author. It reads, “I guess when your heart gets broken you sort of start to see cracks in everything. I'm convinced that tragedy wants to harden us and our mission is never to let it.”
It is our duty as a society to recognize the cracks when they begin to reveal themselves. And we must, as the quote suggests, join together and refuse to harden in the face of evil.
Posted by Judy at 04:23 PM | Comments (2)
April 12, 2007
Xtreme Critique Weekend & A Writing Camp for Kids
“For a long time now I have tried simply to write the best I can. Sometimes I have good luck and write better than I can.”
-- Ernest Hemingway
If you're looking to write better than you can, you've come to the right place!
We at Fat Plum are hosting an event called the Xtreme Critique Weekend. It's a bit different from other conferences and workshops in that you won't be listening to lectures or writing independently on your project. You'll be working with us to improve and enhance your writing.
In a serene campus-style setting nestled among the rolling hills of Western Pennsylvania, we'll break into small groups, roll up our sleeves, and read your work. We'll offer focused comments and suggestions on how to improve everything from word choice and sentence structure to overall content, readability, and the ever-important marketability. There are five such sessions and each attendees with have the opportunity to read every time.
Discussions often continue into the dining hall, the floor lounges, and into the evening social events, where we cover such subjects as finding an agent, how to write a bang-up query letter, how to stay motivated, and much, much more.
Here are the details.
When?: June 29 - July 1, 2007
Where?: St. Joseph's Center in Greensburgh, PA (approximately 30 miles east of Pittsburgh)
How Much?:
$295 for a single room by April 28 ($330 after that date)
$275 for a double room by April 28 ($305 after)
$215 for our no-lodging plan by April 28 ($240 after)
What?: Fee includes 5 Critiquing Sessions, 5 delicious meals, 2 evening socials, lodging for 2 nights, and countless hours of meaningful interaction with serious writers
So whether you're working on a novel, a nonfiction book proposal, or shorter works, consider joining us for this unique event that places writers among caring peers and professionals. You will leave the weekend knowing what the next step is on your path to publication and how to take it.
For additional information, visit our Xtreme Critique Weekend page.
And for those of you with a special child in your life who has an interest in writing (or who has a loved one who wants to help them improve), I've got just the camp for you! My colleague Mary Patouillet and I are offering our third annual Write Now Writing Camp.
Note: The camp does not include remedial instruction.
Here are the specifics.
Who?: For students entering grades 5-8
Where?: Borders in Northway Mall on McKnight Road, North of Pittsburgh, PA
When?: June 18 - 22, 2007
Choose one session, either 9:00 AM - Noon OR 1:30 - 4:30 PM
How Much?: $130, fee includes t-shirt, writing notebook & folder, and a bound collection of the child's camp creations
What?: We offer fun activities and exercises that feature tips and techniques designed (by us) to elevate the students' confidence in writing and to enhance their writing abilities.
The best part is, on top of learning useful skills and making new friends (last year we had 17 schools represented), it's just plain fun!
I hope to see you at either or both of these exciting events!
For more information or to have a brochure sent to you, email me at judy@fatplum.com
Keep in mind Hemingway's quote above and know that we all truly are capable of writing better than we can! So let's get to it!
Posted by Judy at 12:57 PM | Comments (6)
April 05, 2007
Writing Prompts & Exercises: Are They Worth the Effort?
How do you feel about writing exercises? Have you ever written to the daily Writing Prompts at WritersDigest.com? Or how about last month's "Idols of March Writing Contest" hosted by Miss Snark, the mysterious blogging literary agent? Did you participate? Would you?
I remember a couple of years back when I was teaching at the annual "Remember the Magic" conference at Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, NY sponsored by the International Women’s Writing Guild. I was responsible for teaching a nuts-and-bolts class on writing personal essays. While there, however, the instructors were able and encouraged to participate in any of the classes (they usually have around 70 speakers, so there’s definitely something for everyone).
In addition to the nuts-and-bolts classes, they offered others of a more touchy-feely nature -- you know, like role playing, releasing the muse, and the like. I figured I’d fill my schedule by attending the nut-and-bolts lectures about writing book proposals and perfecting the query letter. In those classes, I wrote out the homework every night, all related to improving and marketing my then-work-in-progress that eventually became The Frantic Woman’s Guide to Life (Warner Books).
One afternoon, however, I had an open slot, with no nuts-and-bolts classes to attend. And I, being the killer conference attendee who never skipped a session, found myself opening the door to one of the touchy-feely classes. When I walked in, I noticed the desks were situated in a large circle, unlike the more traditional classroom settings of the others I had taught and taken.
Even before finding a seat, I was asked to place something personal by the candle in the middle of the room. All I had on me was a notebook, a pencil, and the clothes I was wearing. Reluctant to offer my shoes or my skirt, I remembered my sunglasses were atop my head. So off they went to be placed by the candle for, I don’t know, energy or inspiration or something. My Oakleys leaned against one woman’s journal , someone else’s crystal, and a couple of stones, pieces of jewelry, etc. I took a seat across the room, as there were no unoccupied desks near the door. I guessed I wouldn’t be slipping out of this one. Right away, we were told to stand, feet shoulder-length apart, close our eyes, and allow whatever came to mind to work its way to the front of our consciousnesses, or whatever. Here goes, I thought. I guess I have to do this.
I stood a moment and didn’t close my eyes. But I was soon caught by the instructor and succumbed to the exercise. Okay, eyes closed, I waited for something to pop into my brain. Instead, I saw nothing, a big gray blob of nothing. Come on, I encouraged my whatever-it-was that needed the nudging. Give me something.
Then, it came. A rock. I had received a rock. The blob of gray had transformed itself to a boulder on the edge of a construction site next to an abandoned building, an old psychiatric hospital, to be exact. This was great. I was doing an exercise unrelated to my nonfiction book idea. I had grown and broadened my horizons. Yippee!
As it turned out, the setting I envisioned in that circle of women (complete with inspriational candle) worked its way into the climax of a novel draft I wrote a couple of years later. Like the gray globule in my mind that day, I was transformed -- from a non-exercise participator to one who recognized the value of such activities.
After that experience at Skidmore, I have gone on to participate in other exercises I might have previously viewed as a waste of time. I’ve made picture collages of my characters, including how they morph from beginning to end. I have been known to drive around town for at least two days snapping photos of homes in which my characters might live. I've also photographed their fictitious workplaces and even their cars. Not only did it feel like sleuthing fun, the photos provided a visual reference for my characters' personalities and environments, that in turn helped to complicate their lives and further the plot.
What about you? How do you feel about writing prompts and exercises? Do you use them? Has any such exercise ever led to something truly productive for you?
I’ll leave you with a prompt that you can do with what you will:
Name one of your personality traits you would change, if you could (with little or no effort). Write a brief paragraph about how your life would be different without the burden of that trait. Can you use this new you to enhance your writing productivity? Or might you introduce such a trait in your protagonist or, better yet, your antagonist?
Best wishes to all during these Easter and Passover seasons! Enjoy!
Posted by Judy at 10:56 AM | Comments (11)