Living in the Write Mind

Completing a first draft

Maggie Goins — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 16:29:43 GMT

I finished the first draft of my YA novel Saturday evening with the feeling that this will be the one, certainly worth toasting myself over with a glass of affordable red wine. Now, like a bread dough manuscript, I'll let it rise over the holidays when I'll punch it down to its best consistency.

This isn't my first manuscript, but I do know more about the writing process than I did while writing the others and may go back some time and take another crack at them. I realized some interesting things with completing this draft:

I love and already miss my characters
I need them and their world to become a second novel
I have much revision ahead of me
I can't wait to get back to it, but will so I can read it with fresh eyes

Writing is hard work and don't let anyone try to convince you otherwise. And, like anything worth doing, you have to love it deeply enough to make it a priority. If you can, it's best to be able to lock yourself away to write. If you can't, you have to write in the quiet minutes you can find, write in the chaos of your life, or write in your imagination until you can spill it out somewhere.

Write on.

With chocolate readily available.

Keeping Your Fiction Draft on Track

Maggie Goins — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 16:00:13 GMT

Head down, fingers on the key board, typing furiously to keep up with your mind. It's a good writing day. But wait, you think, looking the words over. So And So would never do this. Even if she tried to, she'd be running in circles and never get where she needs to be... Your story has taken the wrong train.

Making mistakes while learning how to navigate the Boston transit system and around Massachusetts on subway trains, buses, and commuter rails has taught me a few things that I can apply to my writing:

Not paying attention will cause me to miss my stop. Yep. Every time.
Taking the wrong train can take me far, really far from my destination.
Asking for help from someone who nows the route saves time and sanity.
If I just can't get it right, I can always return to the hub, be it South Station or the previous chapter, and start again.

And, that's what I'm going to do today.

Write on, and watch where you're going, my friends.

Pen Names

Maggie Goins — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 17:06:40 GMT

Ever wonder why some writers publish under a different name? I'd imagine there are as many reasons are there are writers, ranging from witness protection to just feeling like it. I have two, myself, neither of which is especially bizarre.

I write fiction and nonfiction and decided to keep them separate. So, Maggie Goins is the name I use for articles, personal essays, etc.

My father, Al D'Amato, is the other reason. In the last years of his life we talked many things over, father and daughter, senior citizens at the same time. He was very pleased that I was writing, having done so when he was younger. I had only small successes to share with him before he had to go. I was his only child, and I often wished I'd kept my maiden name, so I'm doing the next best thing.

I write my young adult fiction as Maggie J D'Amato, and I hope, somewhere on the other side, that makes him smile.

Visit my new social media:

www.maggiejdamato.com
and
www.soultopage.blogspot.com

The Attack of the Cantankerous Cottonwood

Maggie Goins — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 17:11:52 GMT

It's still snowing when we wake up- that wet, heavy New England kind of snow.

In the early light, Husband dons boots and coveralls and ventures outside to assess the kingdom.

"It's really scary out there, ya know?" he asks on his return.

I nod and pull my quilt up higher around me.

"The creaking. The snapping..."

Who wouldn't feel a degree of unease seeing almost as many branches on the ground as there are leaves? Large trees still wearing their fall colors break under the snow's weight. Small trees bend and curl up in the fetal position, quickly covered with a blanket of snow.

I get up and head for the master bathroom. A huge crash on the other side of the closed door shakes the house. Husband runs to the bedroom yelling, "where are you?" I open the door a crack and peak into the bedroom, and seeing four walls still standing, come out.

"Look!"

I gasp and 'reet! reet! reet!' screams in my mind. A branch about 2" in diameter and over a foot long pokes through the ceiling into my bedroom. A layer of ceiling bits and pieces covers the floor and bed under it. How big of a branch needs to fall on a roof for an impalement through a roof, attic, and ceiling?

Really, a person should feel safe inside their house, especially where they sleep. But, the season is upon us, and anything can befall us in the midst of it, wherever we are.

Moohoowaahahaha...

Happy Halloween

and stay leery, my friends

Writing Word Counts

Maggie Goins — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 14:31:06 GMT

I want to reach my goal of finishing the first draft of my novel by the end of November. That way I can set it aside and start my revisions after the holidays to get it ready to pitch at the Northern Colorado Writers Conference the end of March. I really, really want and need an agent to represent me.

A wise, experienced author told us recently in a class that once you reach the story's climax, the rest pretty much writes itself. I so want that to be true, because that's exactly where I am right now. NaNoWriMo is next month, when many writers commit to writing a novel in November. If they can do it, so can I. Especially since I'm not the speediest writer in the west and I'm more than half way through. I laugh at myself for feeling this is a daunting task. I've written for magazines with a word count. I can research a topic for an assignment and spit out the length they ask for without breaking a sweat. But, this is different.

In writing my novel, I have to create characters who find themselves in trouble, unable to get what they want or need, until they just can't go on unless something changes. They have to make the change and grow in some way to move forward or survive. And, in the end, all the dots must be connected to reveal a satisfying conclusion.

Sounds as if I'd better write on here...

Fiction's First Draft

Maggie Goins — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 14:48:25 GMT

When I write a novel's first draft, I just pour it out. For me, it's just a skeleton and maybe there's a leg where an arm should be, I don't know yet. Yes, it is just bare bones. Does it need to be 'fleshed out' as they say? Yes, and rearranged and details and description added. Maybe this is my version of an outline. I'm not sure. Every time I show these bare bones to a writer who doesn't write that way, I feel the weight of their critique to the extreme and regret sharing it.

Yeah, that's very much the personal problem it sounds like. Believe it or not, I have grown a thicker skin as a writer, but I still have my tender areas. I guess that I could compare showing some other writer my first draft in progress to the beginning of cooking a meal: the pot of water is on the stove and beginning to boil. A person in my kitchen says, "Wow. You need to add something to that water, pasta or potatoes..." Really?

That being ranted, each writer has his or her method of getting the story told. In the end, if the story is well constructed and compelling, the end has justified the writer's means, correct or not. Neurotic or not.

Write on.

Fall Days, Writing Ways

Maggie Goins — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 14:45:24 GMT

I love the beauty of fall, the cozy feel of the earlier sunset, the crisp coolness. Fall, to me, is the start of my new writing year.

I'm not sure when I started feeling that way or why. Maybe it has to do with the kids going back to school, starting their studies again, buying fresh school supplies. And really, what writer doesn't love the new notebook, the perfect pen or pencil just out of the package? These are symbols of another start and of time to set new goals.

Join me and take today to look at the goals you've set and evaluate how and what you're doing to make your dreams come true. Where can you make changes? What do you need to focus on right now? How can you make the best use of your time?

Happy Writing New Year.

Write on.

What Happens When a Writer Goes on a Retreat?

Maggie Goins — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 15:23:48 GMT

For me, complete writing focus. The Northern Colorado Writers Annual Retreat at Sylvan Dale Ranch this month was perfect. I would find it impossible to not feel focused in a beautiful, restful setting free from life's usual responsibilities. Maybe that would be enough for me, but it wasn't all.

As a group of writers housed in the same building, we were expected to write. For hours. And respect the atmosphere of quiet surrounding us. We had meals together and could socialize in the evenings, but we could just write away if we wanted, wherever we chose to: in our own room, by the river, on a couch, sitting on a porch... Ahh. If I could only have boxed up the focus, peace, and serenity and taken it home with me.

Wait. Maybe I did.

Critique groups and writing buddies

Maggie Goins — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 15:25:38 GMT

My critique group pretty much dissolved this week. We were together for 3 years, but it became a 'it's not you, it's me' type of break up for more than half of us. This is sad in some ways, but a relief in more ways. Some of us will keep in touch. So, what next, I ask?

I find I write much more and with more freedom on my own. I don't need to present a chapter to a group on a schedule so they can tell me what I need to do to fix it. Fixing will come later, lots and lots of fixing. Once the first draft is done and I've put it away for a while, I'll take it out and look it over, see what I think. Then it will be ready for others to see and comment on. This process feels somewhat like a pregnancy: personal and private while it's developing. Later, others will get to know my baby. After I do.

Without a group to hold me accountable, will I keep going? Yes, I really need to. Everything's about the story and the characters now. Day and night. Awake or asleep.

But, how about a writing buddy? One that writes young adult fiction. One that will get me and my writing. Someone to share the process with regularly, if in no other way than discussing it, online or in person... Sounds like a nice possibility.

Great writers, heroes, mentors

Maggie Goins — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 14:52:21 GMT

The best way to learn how to write is from great writers. Here are some of my favorites.

I'm so excited about GLOW, coming out in September. Reading it now and loving it. Go Amy, author and new mother extraordinaire.

News:

Amy Kathleen Ryan

Hurray! GLOW was mentioned in a Wall Street Journal article. Follow the link: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424053111903392904576512662132313674.html?KEYWORDS=glow

Todd Mitchell's class yesterday, "Plotting and Shaping Compelling Stories," helped me gather the tools I need to build the first draft of my YA novel, KNOWERS. Read his award winning novel THE SECRET TO LYING. I hope for more opportunities to learn from him.

Kerrie Flanagan, Director of Northern Colorado Writers

She has made it her mission to help every writer who comes to her. Her classes at NCW, such as Mitchell's yesterday, Ryan's, and certainly those taught by her, are and will continue to be a lighthouse to help me find my way through my writer's fog.

Who are some of your writing mentors?

Writing Work

Maggie Goins — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 14:41:47 GMT

Good morning. How was your weekend? I love that the summer heat let up just enough to make me feel energetic and productive instead of tired, hot, and basted in butter. Monday, of course, means back to work for many, writers included. I, for one, am starting to fall into a nice routine.

As I've said before, I like to start my day by getting a few life things done before I settle into writing. I'll be concentrating on my young adult novel in progress this week. I'm about a quarter of the way into it now, meaning, for me, my story is almost always on my mind. The characters have moved in and are hanging out with me day and night. In case you're wondering, I don't find that a bit creepy. To me, it just means it's time to pay them the attention they require and become as much a part of the story as they are, the part that writes it all down.

Write on.

Writing Schedules

Maggie Goins — Mon, 08 Aug 2011 14:56:57 GMT

The most important and difficult part of having a writing schedule is sticking to it.

I recently attended a class on organizing ones writing life. Very good tips and information were provided to us by Kerrie Flanagan, director of Northern Colorado Writers. One of the most helpful exercises was tracking my actions from waking to 3 p.m. for a 5 day week. She provided a spreadsheet with half hour slots for me to write what I actually do with my time. Interesting. Try it some time.

My day starts early, about 6 a.m., but I found I don't actually get to my projects before 10 or 11 a.m. Much of what I do before then is for and about writing, such as reading the newspaper, social media and Artist's Way morning pages, but if I try to wake up and write first thing, that's most likely what I'll do all day long... in my pajamas, without exercise, surrounded by life tasks that remain undone. Not to say I'd never do that, but can't make it a habit. So, knowing that, my muse can expect me to connect with her by 10 or 11 and see how much time we can spend together for the rest of the day and evening.

What type of schedule works for you?

To the Back Story...

Maggie Goins — Fri, 05 Aug 2011 16:30:42 GMT

The story for the novel I'm working on pretty much poured into my head, but, I discovered yesterday, that to be able go forward, I need to know what happened before.

Characters I hadn't thought too much about are proving to be very important. Their actions in the past are the key to the present problems. So, to figure out the whats, whys, and wherefores, I sat down with a pencil and notebook to find all that out. Let me add, I love composing my fiction on the computer. Love it. But, when it comes to figuring things out (my back story, a new development, a plot twist, etc.), I find it flows better pencil to paper.

What I found out about my characters and their past was unexpected and stimulated my creative self. Really, I've learned to believe in the magic of the process and keep my mind wide open, careful not to discount my thoughts as bizarre before I get them out and take a good look at them. Are they the puzzle pieces I've been looking for to complete the picture? Will the actions in the back story change everything from my direction to what the picture truly will turn out to be? I'll let you know.

First Draft

Maggie Goins — Sat, 30 Jul 2011 15:22:10 GMT

How do you write the first draft of your novel?

I used to write on my own, a brand new writer driving down an unknown road without a compass. After gaining some experience and education, other writers and I formed a critique group. It's been fun to share and get input on my writing as I go along, and I've learned a lot. But, now I'm wondering if I'd do better with another approach.

What I've learned is a fiction writer's method is specific to what works for them. Some prefer to share as they write, getting opinions on their wording and story direction. An advantage to this is if the story doesn't make sense to the readers, the writer can fix it before going on. But, does the first draft really need to make sense to anyone else?

So, again, I borrow from Stephen It's-Good-to-be-the King: the first draft should be written "with the study door closed," adding, "The first draft- the All-Story Draft- should be written with no help (or interference) from anyone else. " I'm wondering if that would work in my case.

What happens to me is, I get a story idea in a 'look out, here it comes!' way. I need and want to write it down before it's gets away. That's all a first draft is to me. Getting it down. So, if I stop writing after a chunk of story, present it to my group for comment/correction, then 'fix it' and write another chunk, am I damming-up (or even damning-up) the flow of my story?

Maybe, what I need to do is keep the story to myself until I've written that important first draft, let it sit for a while, and re-read it before I "open the door" and share it with others. Hmmm...

Writing Spaces

Maggie Goins — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 16:30:15 GMT

Most writers will agree with Stephen King: "You can read anywhere, almost, but when it comes to writing....most of us do best in a place of our own." Do you have a writing place or space to go to?

Personally, I have many places to write: in bed, in my recliner, in my backyard, at the Northern Colorado Writers studio. In fact, when I'm truly in my story and hanging out with my characters pretty much all the time, anywhere can become my space. My best writing space, however, is my home office.

My office, in the back of the house, was once a bedroom and has a south and a west window. My desk belonged to my mother, and she specifically wanted it to be my writing desk. My office contains my computer, printer and all writing accessories, a large folding table for projects, a closet for storage, books for reference and enjoyment, a filing cabinet, a rocker and footstool. For my sheer pleasure, I have photographs, a small stereo from a son, candles, an adorable betta fish, and artwork from family ages 4-37. I find it impossible not to feel creative in there.

King maintains your space "really needs only one thing: a door which you are willing to shut." To this he adds, "When you write, you want to get rid of the world, do you not? Of course you do. When you're writing, you're creating your own worlds."

Claim a space in your home, if you can. Or set up a time with your family when you can leave the house regularly and go to a place conducive to writing: the library, a coffee house, a park, wherever you can feel creative without distractions, and write away.

Getting to Know Your Characters: Part 2

Maggie Goins — Fri, 22 Jul 2011 17:24:02 GMT

In a post last year, I talked about ways to get to know who your fictional characters are as people. Since that has been my most visited and commented on post so far, lets kick it around some more.

I'm constantly learning things about writing. While 'hanging out' with my characters, I get to know how they will react in this situation or that. What surprised me, however, was that someone in my critique group could know something about my character better than I.

How could that be possible? I made this girl, Carly, up, for crying out loud. But, this fellow writer had been a fan of my story since the first word, and when she didn't like the direction in which I was leading Carly because she KNEW that wasn't what Carly would do, I had to listen. In fact, my writer friend had been so passionate about this, I felt stabbed, bleeding from my creative wounds. I went home and let it be for a couple days. Then I wrote a new version which my group felt much better about, and so did I. What did I learn? A writer can get so caught up in their story, so much in a hurry to get to a new plot point, they can take the wrong road.

Let's look at some more ways to get to know your characters.

Write down a complete physical description of them. This is for you more than your novel.
Create a resume of them, listing where they were born, what their education was, things they've done so far
'Interview' them to find out their goals, what's preventing them from succeeding, biggest fears, biggest loves, biggest secret, etc
Let them 'talk' to you, freely. Write down what surprises you.

You'll be happy to find out what useful fun 'getting inside their head' will be. Writing can be a difficult job, sometimes making you that you've taken on more than you can accomplish, but keep going. You'll be happy you did.

Writers of a Certain Age

Maggie Goins — Sat, 16 Jul 2011 14:52:23 GMT

It's no coincidence that the median member's age in our writers association is around 50. No, this isn't a stodgy, stagnant group. The creativity and imagination that resonates from these writers has nothing to do with where they are on the aging body time line. Many just had to put aside their writing dreams until life allowed them to be who they needed to be.

What do writers of a certain age have in their favor?

life experience
years of education
different priorities
second career opportunity
more time to write

So, write as often as your life allows. Write about whatever you want. Share your writing with the world. Chase your writing dreams. Most of all, keep writing until you don't know what the words mean any longer.

Write on.

Random thoughts of a hungry writer

Maggie Goins — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 16:08:16 GMT

No, I'm not physically hungry. What I hunger for is success: not in a world famous, more money than I know what to with way... but for the success of making a living doing what I love, of people enjoying what I write and perhaps gaining something that they need from my words. Is it just a dream?

I work hard at my craft, constantly learning from others who know and do, trying new things that are intimidating. Now that I'm retired from my day job, I call the shots on how I spend most of my time. But, speaking of time, I like to think I have 25 to 30 more years on earth, but do I? The past year has proven to me that none of us know. After losing a friend in his 30's, a brother-in-law in his 40's, a coworker in her 50's, and my dear, dear father in too short of a period , I can't help but feeling a bit pressed for time somehow.

I have some good ideas for magazine articles, and I'm working on a young adult novel with great enthusiasm, hoping that this will be the one. What will it take for my dreams to come true? I'm hoping hard work, persistence, good guidance, and being in the right place at the right time will do it. I have to believe.

What are your writing dreams?

Self-structuring

Maggie Goins — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 15:22:59 GMT

I have to try extremely hard to stay organized. When I worked at the hospital, there was a host of procedures, routines, and protocols to reign me in. Even then, I was known for my notebooks full of information on patients and how-tos. Now, it's up to me.

My home office is a wonderful place, perfect for me. Everyone who enters comments on how peaceful it feels. My grandchildren love playing in there with all my office supplies and accessories. I know where things are and have what I need to be productive. So, what's my problem? I get started on too many things at the same time, some of which I forget all about in the process. I'll be attending a discussion next month called Organize Your Writing Life.

Yep, I need that. I also need a daily routine and some self discipline.

Here's what I'll try:

Each day, write down what I need to get done.
Consider that an assignment and hold myself accountable for these things.
Keep materials for each project together.
Set time limits on some activities that keep me from work.
But... don't forget to enjoy my time or allow my creativity to become blocked.

Wish me luck.

Writing: My Second Career

Maggie Goins — Fri, 24 Jun 2011 14:10:27 GMT

What do you get when you cross a retired RN and a writer? A new career of composing health and safety articles for publication. Oh, and, a writer of mad teen fiction, as well.

It didn't take me long to settle into retirement from the hospital. The first weeks were tense as I had financial matters to deal with and debt to pay off (yay!), but last night was my work party, so it's official. i'm a writer now. Happy, happy, happy to say it, do it, and immerse myself in all things writing.

I'm doing what I love on my own schedule, and I can eat, drink, rest, sleep, or go to the bathroom when I want to without having to save anyones life. And, I work very hard at being the best writer possible.

I'll keep you posted on my successes and failures.

Write on