tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2521855264786797682024-03-18T23:47:22.477-05:00The Growing WriterA blog to chronicle the trials and tribulations of a new writerVonLCidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05792116471895008377noreply@blogger.comBlogger58125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-252185526478679768.post-51843675516476124552013-04-01T23:14:00.000-05:002013-04-01T23:14:27.219-05:00Anniversaries -- Inspirational MondaysMy inspiration for this month comes from the one year anniversary of the AtoZ blogging challenge I started in 2012. Although I will not be taking part in it this year, I am forever in debt to the shear luck I had in finding it in 2012. Last year I challenged myself to write twenty-six 600-1000 word stories all in the month of April.<br />
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I had no idea where the stories would come from or if I would even be able to finish what I started. I did finish. At times I was writing into the wee hours of the night, but I did it. And I am all the better for it. You can see a link of the stories on the side there. The whole challenge got me going and helped me find my writer's sea legs. From there I was able to springboard to more stories. I'm still writing and plotting and know it's a long haul.<br />
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<a href="http://flyontheclassroomwall.files.wordpress.com/2011/06/school_clipart_boy_writting.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://flyontheclassroomwall.files.wordpress.com/2011/06/school_clipart_boy_writting.gif" /></a>I find the anniversary quite inspiring. It reminds me of where I started and where I thought I was headed. And I am not disappointed. Thinking about it allows me to dream the dream again. <br />
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It has gotten pretty quiet around here (my blog), and it probably will remain that way. I just find I prefer to write instead of blog. I will probably keep the once a month schedule on the first Monday, but wh<br />
en I have stories to show I will. Thanks for visiting.<br />
<br />VonLCidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05792116471895008377noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-252185526478679768.post-74550896012967944702013-02-04T09:35:00.000-06:002013-02-05T09:39:00.825-06:00Do Sweat the Small Stuff (Inspirational Monday)<a href="http://cdn.morguefile.com/imageData/public/files/j/jober788/preview/fldr_2005_07_15/file0001778611713.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://cdn.morguefile.com/imageData/public/files/j/jober788/preview/fldr_2005_07_15/file0001778611713.jpg" width="200" /></a>In trying to improve my writing, I've been focusing on details. My mind naturally deals in platitudes and generalities. This was my pitfall as I wrote. So I've been retraining my mind to look for the small stuff.<br />
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I read in my current study of the craft that you must pull the reader outside their mind and into yours. I can't try to make connections with their experience, I have to make it so they make connections with mine. This can only be done with rich and vivid details.<br />
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For example I can say that Texas is a great place to live. This may be true but it does nothing to relate that feeling to the reader. For that I have to fall to the details. I have to talk about sitting in and old wooden Adirondack chair and watching my two Australian cattle dogs running around the back yard chasing squirrels up the pecan trees. I'm amazed by the sixty degree weather as I sit in the backyard with the sun warming my face. Sure the summers in Texas can be brutal, but is there a better way to spend January anywhere else?<br />
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The other thing I get out of focusing on details comes from the wide open possibilities it opens. When I focused on how great Texas is as a place to live, I tend to look for things that fit that mental state. I'm cornered into a box and that's all I'll see. Where as if I start with details, it can go in any direction.<br />
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So I'm inspired by details and the fact that now that I'm looking for them I see so much more of the big picture.<br />
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<br />VonLCidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05792116471895008377noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-252185526478679768.post-76405728295295038412013-01-07T23:47:00.002-06:002013-01-08T11:18:00.025-06:00Writing in the New Year (Inspirational Monday)The first Monday of every month I like to blog about something or someone that inspired me to write or continue writing.<br />
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Today my inspiration is new beginnings.<br />
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I've been self-educating over the last few weeks on the craft of creative writing as a way to get better. I am still writing as I do this. I have four 3000-4000 word short stories that I popped out since the holiday break started. It's exciting to get stuff done.<br />
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I have no intention on publishing them myself. Some of them may end up as submissions to places if and when I clean them up a bit. I did it more as an exercise.<br />
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It feels like a rebirth. I'm looking at my writing in a new light, a new beginning.<br />
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The other thing I plan on focusing on--again from the standpoint of developing my craft--is observation. I was always a naturally keen observer, it's what gravitated me to the sciences. But now I want to focus on the details. It is something that is missing in my writing. The finer tune has escaped me too many times. Therefore one of my exercises is to sit and write observations I make in random settings. Such as a grocery store, or at the bus stop.<br />
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I've been watching other people--not in a creepy way--and I find it fascinating. The other day I saw a woman doing the same thing I was doing. She would look up, roam her eyes around the room, and then write in her notebook. She did this repeatedly. I couldn't help but imagine she was doing the same thing I was.<br />
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Best of luck in the new year!VonLCidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05792116471895008377noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-252185526478679768.post-17683765932468310972012-12-20T15:32:00.000-06:002012-12-21T09:51:56.959-06:00Something Missing In My WritingI've had no formal training in creative writing. I can tell when I sit to create that I'm missing something. I feel the knowledge gap as I type. I lack certain tools and knowledge on how to use them. I've decided what I need is a back-to-school<i> </i>moment.<br />
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I've order a highly recommended <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Method-Madness-Making-Writing-Fiction/dp/0393928179" target="_blank">textbook</a> on creative writing. It's used in a lot of creative writing classes at universities. I'll be spending my next couple of months self-educating and learning some aspects of the craft. It is something I know I need to do.<br />
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I heard it said that one can learn to bake. If you do it regularly your baking will improve. You learn from your own mistakes. But there's something to be said about learning tricks of the trade. Sure you may stumble on them yourself and your skills would develop. But there are tools and methods that cannot be stumbled upon. If you know you want to make muffins, you need a muffin pan. It's also good to know that spraying the pan with non-stick spray helps. That's what I'm missing. I don't have certain tools, nor do I know how to use them.<br />
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Currently, my writing is coming along slowly, but it's coming along. I need more self-discipline. I suffer from random distractions such as the election, football season, fantasy football, television. The world is screaming at me. Aside from time with my family, the instances where I feel like time wasn't wasted come after a productive writing session.<br />
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I'm knee deep in what started as a short story. The plot thickened and it became a novelette. On my second run through it, I had to add a few more scenes. Now it's ballooned into a novella. There are some aspects of the plot which I need to tighten up. Ultimately, it's a side story to my bigger novel, which I hope to get back to when my writing improves.<br />
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One of my favorite distractions is making cover art for my stories. I would say this is wasted time, but it helps me visualize characters and settings. Here's a cover for the novella I'm currently working on. Let me know what you think. What works? What doesn't work? What does the cover say to you?<br />
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Meet Kolka (more about her later).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Ov9TLNsQiVHf4nmWZR8h0ys5v5HgeGVDI4R428Dv4w27nix54I9Y4tviYTl1wkcQ-BbcxuVBIpUw2Q1eR1Pn3BaUI7_-6qoaFgIkM-xJlcoI5wNinh-Xf4x_XSyzh5fyebP4i_WiSqI/s1600/kolkacover1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Ov9TLNsQiVHf4nmWZR8h0ys5v5HgeGVDI4R428Dv4w27nix54I9Y4tviYTl1wkcQ-BbcxuVBIpUw2Q1eR1Pn3BaUI7_-6qoaFgIkM-xJlcoI5wNinh-Xf4x_XSyzh5fyebP4i_WiSqI/s320/kolkacover1.png" width="226" /></a></div>
<br />VonLCidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05792116471895008377noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-252185526478679768.post-9204820997318580982012-12-05T21:15:00.000-06:002012-12-21T09:54:21.522-06:00Finishing (Inspirational Wednesday?)My inspiration for this month is FINISHING. I missed my own Inspirational Monday post. (Many thanks to <a href="http://trickstereric.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">BRIAN WILKERSON</a> for throwing me a reminder via twitter). I was in a zone and didn't want to break my concentration.<br />
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I printed out and am in the process of fixing typos and minor errors for a 2500 word short story contest. It's from a periodical in my town. I plan on printing out the final draft and putting it in the mail tomorrow.<br />
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Last year they received over 500 entries from in and out of state. If you have an unpublished 2500 word short story sitting around, Why not enter? Stories just have to be postmarked by Monday the 10th of December.<br />
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I had fun reading some of the winners from prior years. Whether or not it gets past any hurdles in the competition, I'm happy with the story and I can tell I learned about writing and learned even more about the human condition. I may publish it on this blog on a later date.<br />
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I started my story about a week ago and have been working on it since then. I've found that my creativity comes in streaks. Streaks that are often sparked by deadlines. My goal for December is to do final edits on a 12,000 word novelette I finished in October. I did one quick edit in early November and then let sit for a month.<br />
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So here's to FINISHING.VonLCidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05792116471895008377noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-252185526478679768.post-32128839133218822492012-11-05T08:43:00.000-06:002012-11-05T08:44:45.556-06:00It's About Creation (Inspirational Monday)It's the first Monday of the month. Every first Monday I like to blog about something that inspires me to write. In this case I saw some pictures this week that triggered some deeper thoughts for me.<br />
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Here is a sculpture created by <span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23.100000381469727px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: black; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 23.100000381469727px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: initial; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="http://boladenieve.org.ar/en/artista/111/villar-rojas-adrian" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 23.100000381469727px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: initial; vertical-align: baseline;">Adrián Villar Rojas</a> </span>in 2009. It's called "My Dead Grandfather."<br />
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via <a href="http://boladenieve.org.ar/">boladenieve.org.ar</a></div>
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I can't tell you what the author's perspective was, nor his intention. A message of warning perhaps? A sad scene of nature defeating nature? Humans after all are part of nature. If I had been there in person, different feelings would likely have sprung to the surface. </div>
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These pictures remind me what<b> IT</b>'s all about. When I see this, I think more about the massive undertaking of the artist. A behemoth constructed from clay, rocks, and wood, shaped from the world around us. </div>
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To me, <b>IT</b>'s about creation. It's about making something that was not there before and connecting it to personal experience. The realm of imagination crossing paths with the realm of reality. Each influencing the other. That's why I write.</div>
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What do you see in these pictures?</div>
VonLCidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05792116471895008377noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-252185526478679768.post-30259663589852253632012-10-31T12:57:00.002-05:002012-10-31T13:00:20.317-05:00Happy Halloween<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.danibertrand.blogspot.com/2012/10/spooktoberfest-winner.html" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="165" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdY9ica2XKw7W5ULRa22srAju-OdP0-j_59_GRvQFXZeiaCtpEvduEGYVadkb2gyTSdXsQV-DL9loCl5Qqo57MFajIYU3FKbX-s7WAquq9on-cvg3C_AvxEQgsR11DCSonEYOEprVywNKv/s200/winner3.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
Looks like my story <a href="http://vonlcid.blogspot.com/2012/10/randomness.html" target="_blank">"Randomness"</a> for Spooktoberfest came in first place (as judged by Dani) and runnerup (as judged by Jackie). I can't overstate how excited that makes me. There were some really good entries and I have no idea how they were able to decide.<br />
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<a href="http://jackiefelger.blogspot.com/2012/10/spooktoberfest-winner-and-runner-ups.html" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="165" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjglyPp4T2QBakKE9xJZQ_5zlnt0lpMyTSJueXMaKdm_U4MGCVh-fOXyvlHSLfrMu_W6QoLrFdgxxoCM4_fNDfCh8F_KqnOAh_T7OVgt-ZYHpHIM3j9BFJYZM37L6BOCb4lGLKLTr8jT3Q/s200/runnerup3.jpg" width="200" /></a>Huge, huge thanks to<b><a href="http://jackiefelger.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"> </a></b><b><a href="http://www.danibertrand.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Dani at Entertaining Interests</a> </b>and <b><a href="http://jackiefelger.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Jackie at Bouquet of Books</a></b> for putting together such an entertaining blogfest. There were upwards of 40 entries. It was fun to read them and they really got me in the mood for the festivities tonight. The kids always have fun.<br />
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Be safe out there. Here are some safety guidelines from the Department of Health and Human Services:<br />
<a href="http://www.cdc.gov/family/halloween/" target="_blank">HALLOWEEN HEALTH AND SAFETY TIPS</a>VonLCidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05792116471895008377noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-252185526478679768.post-48696678955582741162012-10-26T11:31:00.001-05:002012-10-26T13:44:11.009-05:00Randomness<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><a href="http://jackiefelger.blogspot.com/2012/09/spooktoberfest-blog-hop.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="165" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR5zwHAIuWBjo59fW9S-UPie6THUUZr8GiShu-Ofzf18H_8VsXu2xN8S3ru9264iiNurgn5P2W11CHOtEwNYvmHyFDFq6DakLFLJonUrT8rtskeTngYyuNqaGqqh5UMUcdCRnYfkMLY_A/s200/spookfest2.png" width="200" /></a></span></div>
<b id="internal-source-marker_0.8286178682465106" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The laughter coming from outside brings with it great pain. The hard wooden rails of the chair dig into his spine. He rotates a miniature chocolate candy in his hand. The silver wrapper crackles as he looks for evidence of perforations. There are none. It’s impeccable. He drops it into the paper bag laying at his feet. There it joins the untainted. Randomness, pure randomness, just like life.</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The tapping at the door brings him to his feet. He strides forward as his shoes make loud knocking noises on the hardwood floor. Once outside, he looks down at the monsters that stare back at him. Their eyes waiting for him to move. </span><br /><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">“Trick or treat,” they yell. Among them are the quintessential </span>ghost<span style="font-weight: normal;"> made with holy sheets, a witch carrying a </span>cobweb<span style="font-weight: normal;"> filled </span>cauldron<span style="font-weight: normal;">, a dinosaur with </span>razor<span style="font-weight: normal;"> sharp felt teeth, and a </span>jack-o-lantern<span style="font-weight: normal;"> that waddles up behind them. </span></span></b><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Counting them, he knows these are the last ghouls of the night.</span></b><b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">He lowers himself holding the paper bag by the rolled down brim. He gives it one last shake, one last play with fate. He drops a chocolate in each bag as the children push them to the front. Past them he sees the smiling parents. One father kneels down and snaps photos of the pumpkin toddling towards a red wagon. The squeals of joy pierce his soul. They remind him of times long past, times removed by fortune.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">He expects sirens, screaming, and crying. But all that follows is silence, cold dead silence, like the last three months. From his pocket, he pulls out one final chocolate. Slowly he removes the silver wrapper and pushes the bar into his mouth. He lays himself down on the porch. He closes his eyes. Now he waits.</span></b><br />
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<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Here are other 300 word stories:</span></b><br />
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<!-- start LinkyTools script --><script src="http://www.linkytools.com/basic_linky_include.aspx?id=162097" type="text/javascript"></script><!-- end LinkyTools script -->VonLCidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05792116471895008377noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-252185526478679768.post-66720863351090247252012-10-01T10:21:00.000-05:002012-10-01T10:21:13.929-05:00Time Is On My SideHappy Monday! It's a new month and I am reminded of how no matter what has happened in the past there is always a new beginning. That's why I like <b>Inspirational Mondays. </b>Where I blog about something that inspired me.<br />
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I have a 10,000 short story that I am editing currently. It's screaming to be longer. I didn't intend for it to be more than a short story, but I can't do it justice otherwise. And that's where I'm stuck. The prospect of expanding that universe is so daunting that I would then have on my hands two incomplete novels.
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From one story, come three and the ever expanding world that is blossoming in my brain is hard to pin down. It's a blooming universe.<br />
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Luckily, time is on my side, yes it is. I've gotten over the initial desire to put stuff out there quickly. What's the rush? There are thousands of people out there putting out millions of stories. I have no reason to rush and will continue to edit and revise, ten years if I have to. I'm inspired to know that I have more time. I just hope to know when I'm done.<br />
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Enjoy some Rolling Stones:<br />
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<br />VonLCidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05792116471895008377noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-252185526478679768.post-3938330170621292612012-09-03T21:35:00.002-05:002012-09-03T21:55:39.910-05:00Failure is not an Option (Inspirational Monday)<P>There are two moments I can recall where I hit a wall in life. I recall them specifically because I was able to push through and persevere. These were moments where my life could have taken two very different paths.
<P>It wasn't that I had a choice. It was that I was on a road to complete my chosen journey only to meet against resistance that threatened to push me off the track.
<P>The first moment came in college. In the summer after my sophomore year, I received my first two failing grades. I saw my life coming off the rails. Would I flunk out? Would I have to move back in with my parents? Where was my life headed? I told myself "failure is not an option." I was the first in my family to go to a university. This was a moment of high anxiety, but I put my head down and pushed through. I didn't want to let my family down.
<P>The second moment happened during my first year as a teacher. It was the spring of my first year and my classes were in a bad place. Students were disrespectful and I was having a terrible time setting limits in the classroom, mostly due to inexperience. I had made many professional friends, and every time I was with them I felt like a failure. I considered quitting, without knowing what would become of my life. I told myself "failure is not an option." I adjusted, I retooled and I pushed through. I didn't want to let my friends down. Now I have been teaching for over a decade.
<P>For these two moments I had a lot to lose. My education, my career, my way of life. August was a difficult month for me as a writer. I have professional responsibilities as a teacher that absorb the vast majority of my time. Due to the demands of the job, writing just took a backseat. Now I see a wall in front of me. I have to push through, failure is not an option. I take inspiration from the idea that I will look back on this moment and see it as the third wall that I knocked down. I don't want to let myself down.
<P>This month I will be looking to find a routine that will allow me to continue on this path. Have a great month!
<p>Check out other inspirational posts: <a href="http://acreativeexcercise.blogspot.com/">Jennifer at A Creative Exercise</a>
<P>What Inspires Your Writing? Join the List. Rules are: post on first Monday of every month; read and get inspired; and comment on other's posts.
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<script src="http://www.simply-linked.com/listwidget.aspx?l=40876ecf-19fe-4fb8-871f-285620f31170" type="text/javascript"></script>VonLCidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05792116471895008377noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-252185526478679768.post-43302436702049091242012-08-06T00:00:00.000-05:002012-08-05T22:51:05.154-05:00Well Played, Sir. Well Played.<div>
The first Monday of the month is Inpirational Monday. I blog about something that I find inspirational and keeps me writing. </div>
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I believe that all facets of life hold analogous traits to other parts of life. So a lot of times I try to find how my observations of people, places, and events line up with my writing.<br />
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As a huge fan of sport, currently I am watching the Olympics (as most people are). There are plenty of inspiring stories in these Olympic games, like there are every four years. This year though, there was one story that was unique. I was quite inspired by the story of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oscar_Pistorius" target="_blank">Oscar Pistorius</a> of South Africa. Some know him as The Blade Runner, the first athlete with prosthetic legs to compete in any Olympic sport.</div>
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<a class="media" href="http://sports.yahoo.com/photos/amputee-runner-pistorius-heads-to-olympics-1341408595-slideshow/south-africas-oscar-pistorius-runs-during-mens-400m-photo-195626932.html;_ylt=AoCvEcFebTDQ5tU_6rbqGWet9vB_;_ylu=X3oDMTQ1dm8yc3YzBG1pdANBUlRJQ0xFIFJlbGF0ZWQgTGVhZARwa2cDYWUwN2JiYmQtMDdkNy0zYTcyLWE2YzMtMDU1MGRiNjdkZTgwBHBvcwMxBHNlYwNNZWRpYUFydGljbGVMZWFkBHZlcgMwZjAxYmVmMC1kZjNjLTExZTEtYmZlZS02OTMwYmY3NzFmMDE-;_ylg=X3oDMTM4dDZhYThkBGludGwDdXMEbGFuZwNlbi11cwRwc3RhaWQDNDdkOWQ0MjctYjQyNS0zYmY1LTk1OGItYzQxNmQ0MTI5ODgwBHBzdGNhdANvbHltcGljc3xuZXdzfGV4cGVydHMEcHQDc3RvcnlwYWdl;_ylv=3" style="background-color: black; color: #e99f00; display: inline-block; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 2px; overflow: hidden; position: relative; text-decoration: none; zoom: 1;"><img alt="South Africa's Oscar Pistorius runs during his men's 400m semi-final at the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium August 5, 2012. REUTERS/Lucy Nicholson (BRITAIN - Tags: SPORT ATHLETICS OLYMPICS)" src="http://l2.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/8RsAjqCGEzLba7wwCUEqWw--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7Y2g9MjMzODtjcj0xO2N3PTM1MDA7ZHg9MDtkeT0wO2ZpPXVsY3JvcDtoPTQyMTtxPTg1O3c9NjMw/http://media.zenfs.com/en_us/News/Reuters/2012-08-05T195626Z_399395466_LM2E8851JDYET_RTRMADP_3_OLY-ATHL-ATMHAM-ATM054101.JPG" style="background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; border: 0px; display: block;" title="South Africa's Oscar Pistorius runs during his men's 400m semi-final at the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium August 5, 2012. REUTERS/Lucy Nicholson (BRITAIN - Tags: SPORT ATHLETICS OLYMPICS)" /></a><br />
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REUTERS - South Africa's Oscar Pistorius runs during his men's 400m semi-final at the London 2012 Olympic<span class="expandable-text" id="yui_3_5_1_1_1344221673305_548"> Games at the Olympic Stadium August 5, 2012. REUTERS/Lucy Nicholson</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent;">Here is a person who was born with no fibulae. An entire bone was missing from both his legs, leading to their amputation before the age of 1. This is a pretty bad hand to be dealt if your goal is become an Olympic athlete. </span></div>
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I liken this to writing in that we all have certain creative abilities, and certain knowledge of craft. A lot of that is outside our control. Where you grew up, how you grew up, where you went to school, who your teachers and role models were. There are an innumerable amount of factors that have an affect on our abilities. I find myself frustrated at times by the limits of my mind, to the point of mental paralysis.</div>
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There is no doubt we are dealt a certain hand in life. But the great thing is that we get to decide how to play it. Having made the decision that I am a writer. I get to decide how I move forward. </div>
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When Oscar Pistorius, decided that he wanted to run. He went for it. He didn't let a bad deal stop him. He played it well. </div>
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I just read that he <a href="http://sports.yahoo.com/news/olympics---blade-runner--oscar-pistorius-fails-to-qualify-for-olympic-400-meter-final-20120805.html" target="_blank">didn't qualify</a> for the 400-m final, in fact he came 23rd out 24 in the semifinal races. But it does not matter, he lived his dream. He was a runner who ran in the Olympics. I am a writer and I write.</div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: x-small;">I had a Linky List going for Inspirational Mondays, but Linky Tools has started charging for their services. So it's gone.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">There are plenty of other Linking Sites that are free so I am using Simply Linked For Now.</span></div>
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What Inspires Your Writing? Join the List. Rules are you read to get inspired and comment on other's posts.</div>
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<script src="http://www.simply-linked.com/listwidget.aspx?l=40876ecf-19fe-4fb8-871f-285620f31170" type="text/javascript"></script>VonLCidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05792116471895008377noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-252185526478679768.post-73234104232583169772012-07-02T00:00:00.000-05:002012-07-01T23:16:32.911-05:00Inspirational MondayThe first Monday of the Month is Inspirational Monday.<br />
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I recently began following Neil Gaiman's tumblr. It is full of very good advice and interesting material. I highly recommend it. I find it very inspiring. <a href="http://neil-gaiman.tumblr.com/">Here it is.</a><br />
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He gets many questions from aspiring writers and he answers some of them. <br />
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Here's a question that was posted to Neil Gaiman in March. I love his response because he's right.<br />
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<b>Question: </b>I'm shockingly lazy and find it hard to get motivated to sit in front that computer and write. Help me!<br />
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<b>Answer:</b> Why? You being lazy and unmotivated and not writing allows another writer, who does sit down and write, to get published in your place. Magazines and publishers only have so many pages, so many annual publishing spots. You’re letting someone else who wants to do the work get published. Surely that’s a good thing…?<br />
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<a href="http://neil-gaiman.tumblr.com/post/19407225802/im-shockingly-lazy-and-find-it-hard-to-get-motivated">Original Link</a><br />
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I've been slowly building my twitter base and I've gotten up to 160 followers in a little over a month. It's mostly other writers, which I like because it reminds me that there are hundreds (probably thousands) of other writers out there working. Some are more talented, some are more skilled (probably most, but hey I just started).<br />
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It is those that work hardest, those that put forth the most effort, those that pour more of themselves into their work that will have the most success. Those things we want most in life never come free. Only through work and dedication will I become a better writer.<br />
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Happy Writing.<br />
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Following is a list of other writers and what they find inspiring. Join us if you like.<br />
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</script>VonLCidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05792116471895008377noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-252185526478679768.post-90474000850952062402012-06-27T22:22:00.000-05:002012-06-27T22:41:50.832-05:00The Blog AwardsI have been a terrible blogger. I have received a number of awards and I have yet to answer to them. This is my awards post. Two of these awards ask you to talk about yourself a bit. This is something I'm terrible at due to my introverted personality, but I'll accept the challenge.<br /><br /><div>
First I want to thank the wonderful bloggers that took the time to visit and give me the honor of these awards. Here are the links to these wonderful people. They are people to follow if you don't already.<br /><br /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS7wwf9D1Zh8jalvvGsXrBJciKKQ0I4cxtdcVhh1V_gmeRMkDz3waZssWA48XjGqijVfmq-Yft0hLdnx-dB8aNaeup556zgaNLm3Ooz7fHP_vEr_YXLE2E9y3BgZe8IgHYY04bSSam-eMA/s1600/versatileblogger111.png" /> <br />From farawayeyes at <a href="http://farawayeyes1.blogspot.com/">Far Away Series</a><br /><br /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilR7cHbUSGEU2GeXV6peMV-fqU9lJdL-Sk_0NFyXrgR7cSNsQZjxCX1cyYtVJ-VQptlQjcjuOIjSRjVFoT4Xc8-YImM819l6TlHXQWJhrxI8288jVHwI-Cu-v-TKEAQynUtO2zKltqUTOj/s1600/award1%5B1%5D.jpg" /> <br />From Jennifer at <a href="http://acreativeexcercise.blogspot.com/">A Creative Exercise</a><br />From Andrea Teagan at <a href="http://www.theenchantedwriter.com/">The Enchanted Writer</a><br />From Paige Lollie at <a href="http://www.theenchantedwriter.com/">The Dream Words</a><br /><br /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmccbOMQZKfWqIvFrKKpOCpFzbN2vioJyeT8UR7oVPBy_vtRQc3iU5CX-xuaA8KEdliLHUSyyMjowGmED1qAMAjDWYx4S-rHxmjha3TeBDtJ7dxtwNWg1e4QrdmEsDyWhRXCXoOSo37rIA/s1600/The+Fabulous+Blog+Ribbon.jpg" /> <br />From Jeff Hargett at <a href="http://strandsofpattern.blogspot.com/">Strands of Pattern</a><br /></div>
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ABOUT ME:<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">From the Versatile Blogger Award: </span>7 Random Things About Me<br /><ul>
<li><span style="background-color: white;">I'm a terrible golfer, but I'm better than those I play with, therefore I like it. I only play three or four times a year. </span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;">I became a vegetarian four years ago because my wife and son were vegetarians. Now I am grossed out by the thought of eating flesh. I don't miss eating meat. </span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;">I miss grilling meat in the backyard. Grilling vegetables or mushrooms does not satisfy my need to seer a steak or pork loin. That I do miss. </span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;">I coached middle school football for 7 years. As of last year I've officially resigned. I'm kind of sad about it, but am looking forward to having fall afternoons back. </span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;">I never played any kind of organized sports growing up, my mother would not allow it; she claimed I could get injured and was not worth the risk. </span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;">When I was in 5th grade I really wanted to play the trumpet, but my parents said they couldn't afford the instrument. They then paid for four years of karate lessons, belts, tests, etc. for my younger brother. It took me a long time to get over that. Now I just strum the same four chords on my guitar over and over. I regret never having taken my own lessons later in life. </span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;">I think kids are hilarious. I wish more adults were child like. </span></li>
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<span style="font-size: large;">From the Fabulous Blog Ribbon:</span>5 of your most fabulous moments <br /><ul>
<li><span style="background-color: white;">When I married my wife: The whole night went so fast. The moment that sticks out from that night is when my wife and I left the reception hall to get some wine from the bar (which was outside). Everyone was inside and we were outside. It was nice to get away from the whirlwind that was the gathering of family and friends. It foreshadowed our honeymoon nicely. </span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;">Our honeymoon in Costa Rica: The mountains, the waterfalls, the hotsprings, the beach, the whole week was amazing. My favorite moment was sitting at the pool that overlooked the pacific ocean and smoking a Cuban cigar as my wife swam in the pool. Never since have I felt such relaxation. </span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;">The birth of my first son: You can read about it in my Father's Day post, but one moment I remember was from the room they took me and my son to in order to bathe him. I remember him holding my pinkie finger as he slept. I remember looking around at the other terrified fathers in the room, each of us knowing that feeling of wonderment. </span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;">When my first son met my second son: I remember coming to get him from the waiting room. There he sat with his grandparents. He had a gift in his lap for his brother. I'm so glad I have a video of it. </span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;">Finishing my Z story for the A to Z Challenge. I didn't know what to expect when I started my A story, but when I finished the Z story and published it, I was amazed that I did it. I now know that I am capable of much more creativity than I first thought. </span></li>
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5 things I love: <br /><ul>
<li><span style="background-color: white;">my wife and sons </span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;">free time </span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;">staying up late </span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;">sleeping in </span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;">the smell of the beach </span></li>
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5 things I hate: <br /><ul>
<li><span style="background-color: white;">mean and inconsiderate people. </span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;">when things don't work the way they are supposed to </span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;">when people think they are better than others </span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;">constraints on life due to monetary matters </span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;">the 24 hour day, it needs to be 36 hours long. </span></li>
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With all of these awards I am supposed to post the rules then pass them along to other people (anywhere from 5 to 20 people). I can't do it. First, I would have to dig around to find out if certain bloggers have gotten these yet. I know, I'm a terrible person. Second, most of the blogs I visit already have these awards. I know the purpose is to link to knew blogs and get to know new people. I just prefer doing it in the context of reading comments on blogs I already follow, or withing blogfests or flash fiction contests.<br /><br />How bad is this? If any more experience bloggers out there know if this is like breaking one of the Ten Blogging Commandments (or like farting inside a blanket fort), please let me know and I'll do the due diligence and start excavating. If it's like not passing along a chain letter, and I should expect my pets to die, then I'm willing to take that chance.</div>VonLCidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05792116471895008377noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-252185526478679768.post-30220007774283126522012-06-17T00:11:00.000-05:002012-06-17T00:23:52.349-05:00Happy Father's DayOn this Father's Day, I remember the birth of my first son. An amazing moment that will forever be cemented in my mind, along with the strength and bravery of my wife (but that's another post). I'll also try to relate it to my growth as a writer.<br />
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After I was reminded by the nurse to take some photos. I cut the umbilical cord. It was much tougher to cut than expected. I looked at my son and back at my wife. This little bundle of flesh was completely and totally dependent on us as parents. I never imagined loving anything as much as I cared for this little human being. The feeling of love was immediate, intense, and overwhelming. It was a feeling that was incomprehensible before that point in time, and at the fear of being cliche, it's beyond words.<br />
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The nurse whisked him away and placed him on a scale. Again she reminded me to take pictures. He was screaming his little heart out. His eyes were open as his little arms and legs swam through the air. I imagine he was trying to make sense of this tidal change in the world as he knew it. For nine months he got used to a warm and quiet space that slowly became more cramped. All of a sudden he's in this new universe. His eyes opened to new colors, shapes and bright lights. His hearing no longer muffled by his mother's flesh and fluid. His skin was enveloped by the cold dry air of the hospital room. How anyone survives this traumatic event and goes on to live a productive life is beyond me.<br />
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The nurse placed him under a heater. I put my pinkie finger in his hand, which he closed by reflex. There he was naked and alone. Separated by this chasm of space between him and the woman that carried him for nine months. Between screams, his little lungs filled his chest cavity with the cold dry air. His mouth was open, his tongue and neck vibrated as he screamed louder than I had ever heard anyone scream. The nurse tags him and wraps him in a blanket. And takes him to his mother.<br />
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Though the nurse worked quickly, that moment took entirely too long. So long that I had enough time to contemplate the mixture of emotions that forced the tears that flowed down my face. I loved this child so much that I wanted to protect him from anything that could harm him. And yet, there he lay alone. He was scared, crying and cold, and I couldn't make it stop. As the nurse worked, I couldn't take his fear away and I couldn't change that which was the cause of his discomfort. It terrified me. I had never felt that helpless, and no moment in my life since has come close to that feeling of sheer ineptitude. This boy would rely on us to guide him to adulthood and I couldn't help him in that specific moment in time.<br />
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That moment passed and it got better. I still cringe every time the cold mean world hurts him. Though no where near as intense, that moment returned when he fell down stairs and split the skin on his forehead open. He yelled from the pain as blood gushed down his face. It returned when I accidentally dropped my coffee and it squirted into his eye. "Daddy, my eye," he yelled. When at the playground, some inconsiderate child rips a toy from his hands, taking some of his joy with it. Yes, given time I can comfort him, fix his wounds, and in the end make it better, but there's this singular moment that exists where I am that helpless new father again.<br />
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That moment passes. These cruel world slaps to his face and ego are learning opportunities. Sheltering him would not be helping him. That's a lesson I had to learn, even as I still cringe when the cold hand of reality rears its ugly head at my child.<br />
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In my writing, I need to just let it out into the cold cruel world. I have to shut down my inner editor and just let the story and words flow. I can't help it in that moment in time. I need to let it cry, breathe, and experience existence. There is always time after that moment to make things better.<br />
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By the way, my second son hardly cried when he was born. One two to four seconds and he was done.<br />
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HAPPY FATHER'S DAY<br />
<br />VonLCidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05792116471895008377noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-252185526478679768.post-44774691843704215412012-06-06T23:07:00.000-05:002012-06-06T23:38:29.927-05:00Training for the Novel Marathon<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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There was a stint in my life where I got into running to get fit. At my peak I was running five miles every other day. In the last five years, I've seen some very strong people around me that have taken to marathon and half-marathon training, and finished it. Just from my half-a-year stint in running around my neighborhood, I can honestly say that these people are amazing.<br />
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In May, I reached 40,000 words on my novel. It's not anywhere near the quality I expect it to be at. The tension, and characters, and the world are not fully fleshed out. That doesn't bother me, as they say writing is rewriting, and rewriting, and rewriting. It is in it's early stages. But I realized something the other day. I was trying to run the equivalent of a literary marathon, without having trained for it. If I started running a marathon tomorrow, I would fail miserably at mile six, without a doubt. I could probably walk the rest of the way if my legs didn't fully give out.</div>
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In April, I wrote 26 flash fiction pieces (500-1000 words each). That helped me greatly get my form down. It helped me see and fix technical errors in grammar, narration, point-of-view and scene making. Yet, I wouldn't go do a couple (or 26) 100 meter dashes and then expect to run a whole marathon. A novel is a different beast entirely. I like the world and cultures I am creating, and am amazed it's all coming from my imagination. But, like a runner training for a marathon, I have to hone my story telling and characterization before I can fully give my debut novel the proper treatment. Therefore I'm trying a new approach.<br />
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My current project is a couple of short stories to help me get my story telling chops in order and to fill in some background information for my planet. I doubt they will ever see the light of day. It really depends on the quality that comes out. And being my first true run outside the short sprints that were flash fiction, I expect this to be a great learning experience--much like the April A to Z challenge proved to be.</div>VonLCidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05792116471895008377noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-252185526478679768.post-14063780381781225942012-06-04T09:54:00.001-05:002012-06-04T15:48:14.415-05:00What Inspires You?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The first Monday of every month, I've decided (just now) will be Inspirational Monday. I will post something that inspires me to keep writing, or to try something new. A story, an image, a person, anything really that lifted my overall mood and spirit as a writer. Following is a quote from <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ira_glass" target="_blank">Ira Glass</a>, the great NPR host and producer of <i>This American Life. </i>He wasn't speaking specifically about writing fiction when he said this, but I feel this applies to anyone who sticks with their creative endeavors. (This poster is from <a href="http://theaudacityofcolor.com/2011/06/29/inspiration-from-ira-glass/" target="_blank">Amanda at the Audacity of Color</a>.)</div>
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To be sure, I haven't paid my due diligence to the writing gods, but I have faith that if I put forth the effort, do the work, and above all never give up, I will "close the gap" as he says. And this is not blind faith. From my other creative profession (my day job), I can say without a shadow of a doubt that it took at least two years before I felt like I had any clue what I was doing.<br />
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What inspires me to keep going is faith that it will get better. So what inspires you to keep going?<br />
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The first Monday of every moth is Inspirational Monday, join me in posting something that inspires you to keep going.<br />
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</script>VonLCidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05792116471895008377noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-252185526478679768.post-32142643684993958182012-05-21T08:54:00.000-05:002012-05-21T15:12:48.168-05:00God is a Place<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://cheriereich.blogspot.com/2012/05/announcing-2nd-annual-flash-fiction.html" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="163" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj90nP2_Gt6X6IGkddXKpDy98KB9yP3GBeRMVrCGKEglcBu-2RYDuf8AdH4wyBU7ot64kePzCWkEfGtjADzhUrWIMat393QuYR4V6EP6jTPLi01hvT9Y27d8Eh29fn0X0dkiCyOPiwgczOd/s200/FlashFictionBlogfest2.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
Lightning flashed. He waited for the crash of thunder, but it never came. He walked among the miniature tombstones searching for his daughter, carrying a dozen red lilies.<br />
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“I don’t want to go this year," his son told him this morning.<br />
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It broke his heart. He always envisioned her as his son’s partnered angel. She existed, sight unseen, looking over him, watching, guiding, protecting. She, above all, loved him.<br />
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He found her tombstone: <i>Infant Williams.</i> He regretted not naming her. <i>Alexis</i> he decided, two years too late. He knelt down, slid his finger over the grooves in the granite, and brooded. She would have been six today. <br />
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Tears flowed as memories flooded his mind. He remembered her birth. She was light as a feather. Her lungs pulled in a single breath. Her eyes opened, flashing a sea of blue. A holy spectacle, which he thought would last forever, lasted only for him. In his dreams, she was alive and crying.<br />
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She sat across the tombstone from him. Her legs folded, her head resting in her hands, she sank her deep blue eyes into his soul.<br />
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<i>Don’t cry for me, father.</i><br />
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“I want to hold you in my arms. I want to feel your face on my cheek. I want to see you play. I want to find you again.”<br />
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<i>You will. God is a place. We'll wait for you there. </i>She stood and turned, her wings folded against her spine. <i>Don't worry about brother, I've talked to him. </i>The wind howled, kicking up dead autumn leaves. She ran into the cold, damp air, and disappeared into the fading image of her mother.<br />
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He set down half the lilies and walked to the other side of the cemetery. Now he could hear the thunder.<br />
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(Inspired by the song <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2gkAF5_UOj8">Two Headed Boy Pt. 2</a> by Neutral Milk Hotel)<br />
Many thanks to <a href="http://cheriereich.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Cherie Reich</a> for hosting this.<br />
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There are three people in the story that really stand out for me: Katniss Everdeen, the heroine; Rue, her ally in the games; and Caesar Flickerman, the host of the show.<br />
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Especially Caesar, the way she brought him to life, in the few short scenes he was in, was brilliant. He's such a minor character, yet Collins makes him real and multi-dimensional. It's worth studying how she did it.<br />
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As I rewrite, I can see that my characterization needs help. I have started studying <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Archetype" target="_blank">character archetypes</a>. Every story has them, whether planned or not. Even in real life, people fall into <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Personality_type" target="_blank">personality types</a>, so it only makes sense that characters in stories should fall into some type as well. These literature archetypes are tried and true characters found in almost all good tales told in all cultures around the world.<br />
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People's personalities are a mixture of several types. So it is with characters. That's what I'm working on right now. I have my 4 characters that drive my plot. As I rewrite I am looking at how they fit into character archetypes. Take any story--like the Hunger Games--and read through some of the mythic character archetypes. The characters naturally fall into them.<br />
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Here are some resources:<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Master-Characters-Victoria-Lynn-Schmidt/dp/1582970696" target="_blank">45 Master Characters by Victoria Lynn Schmidt</a> (I got this from my local library, a great resource)<br />
<a href="http://www.writersvillage.com/character/index.htm" target="_blank">Writer's Village University</a> (detailed breakdown of popular archetypes and more)<br />
<a href="http://www.divineparadox.com/Arts/archetypes_on_the_path.htm" target="_blank">Ageless Wisdom & the Hero's Journey</a> (A website about mythic hero journeys)<br />
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<br />VonLCidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05792116471895008377noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-252185526478679768.post-21021927503264705112012-05-11T14:12:00.003-05:002012-05-14T21:20:06.811-05:00Project CompleteMy to A to Z experience was great. I feel like I actually produced something. As a result I have a web book, and an ebook, out in the ether. I don't expect much from it, perhaps some people may stumble upon it and find some enjoyment. Here it is:<br />
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<a href="http://www.wix.com/vonlcid/lifeinmotion" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijbxJddIFiYnv7mi2QdyDjRalg4sooM6z1Z4SjJlBFyzltzfhfx_GhlqbI4m30d6ukHjgwvYibmYnLRkXesdPQz1SJ2xlRIA676mSxwiKfXqAVNpt8sqOeH-nSZ0r56JA2OhTT6aJdvb8/s200/medium-lifeinmotioncover2.jpg" width="141" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.wix.com/vonlcid/lifeinmotion/" target="_blank">LIFE IN MOTION</a></span></div>
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I also made it into a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00821TD70" target="_blank">kindle</a> and <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/life-in-motion-von-l-cid/1110736444?ean=2940014410465" target="_blank">nook</a> book.<br />
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I will now put 90 percent of my writing efforts into my first novel (and 10 percent to my blog.)<br />
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Right now I'm trying to find a way to dive back into my novel, I think I'll do a rewrite from the top. The whole time I was writing this flash fiction, the story never left my mind. I have a lot of new ideas I have to incorporate. It is about a team of humans colonizing and discovering a new planet. I'll write more about it as it comes together. I'm shooting for an early 2013 release date, more about the story to come.<br />
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Thanks for all that visited and enjoyed the stories. Project complete.VonLCidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05792116471895008377noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-252185526478679768.post-58188796356621982292012-05-08T12:09:00.001-05:002012-05-08T12:09:29.184-05:00Finalizing my to A to Z ProjectI'm doing a final read through as I self-edit my collection of flash fiction. I have deleted errors, polished sentences and changed a couple endings, but mostly the stories are the same.<br />
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I will be uploading my epub and mobi files to the Amazon and B&N sites on Thursday. Along with that I will be publishing the stories on a wix.com website (I will link to it from here). It's been a busy first week of May.<br />
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Here's a preview:<br />
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I work exclusively on Ubuntu (as opposed to Windows or MacOS). Of course all the self publishing guides I come across on the web are for Microsoft Word and Windows. I used LibreOffice for editing my book, saved it as an HTML file and am using Calibre to do the conversions. I used Gimp to create the cover and images, getting all photos from the public domain.</div>
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It has been a learning process, and I love learning. Making the ebook hasn't been hard, it's mostly been figuring out the correct formatting on LibreOffice that would give me the best conversion from Calibre. In the following weeks I'll be posting the major things I had to do to get it right, for my own future reference really, and maybe others will find it useful.</div>
<br />VonLCidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05792116471895008377noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-252185526478679768.post-81168700075083651842012-05-02T21:03:00.002-05:002012-05-02T21:03:39.576-05:00A to Z Reflection & Next StepsWow. I feel like I can breath again. The A to Z challenge was hard. Coming up with 26 different stories in the span of 30 days was difficult. I do like what came out though. I am quite proud of them (most of them).<br />
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I came across the A to Z challenge in the last week of March and I could not be happier that I participated and survived (did you see my blog badge?). I consider it a major accomplishment. After a month's worth of daily writing and rewriting, I feel like I am much more aware of my own writing and hope it helps me as I dive back into my first novel, which I will get back to upon completion of this flash fiction project.<br />
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I'm currently rewriting some of the early ones and will be posting them on another site (I think it's looking great). It'll still be free and I will be linking to them from here. I'll probably be taking the ones on here back to draft mode.<br />
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I'm also making them into an e-book to go through the experience of making a full self published work. I don't know if that's the proper path, or even if the work warrants it, but I'm working to that end. I want the experience of going through it. Formatting, designing covers (you can see the one I made to the right), rewriting, editing, etc. I am in full edit mode right now.<br />
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For the blog, my next steps are still being hashed out. I enjoyed the flash fiction pieces so much that I do want to do one or two a month. I will be working out a calendar to put them out in monthly manner. I will also come up with a calendar for my own blog hopping. I plan to visit and comment on all the people that are following (thanks by the way), that will be part of my monthly calendar.<br />
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Great things are ahead, I'm glad to say.VonLCidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05792116471895008377noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-252185526478679768.post-45193964215026947822012-04-30T00:13:00.000-05:002012-05-13T00:41:11.668-05:00Zelda and the ZamboniThis story has been moved to another site. Check it out: <a href="http://www.wix.com/vonlcid/lifeinmotion/" target="_blank">Zelda and the Zamboni</a>VonLCidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05792116471895008377noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-252185526478679768.post-8699753908761366912012-04-28T00:00:00.000-05:002012-05-13T00:41:23.405-05:00Yolanda and the YugoThis story has been moved to another site. Check it out: <a href="http://www.wix.com/vonlcid/lifeinmotion/" target="_blank">Yolanda and the Yugo</a>VonLCidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05792116471895008377noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-252185526478679768.post-82699835049489899612012-04-27T00:00:00.000-05:002012-05-13T00:41:37.793-05:00Xavier and the XThis story has moved to another site. Check it out: <a href="http://www.wix.com/vonlcid/lifeinmotion/" target="_blank">Xavier and the X</a>VonLCidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05792116471895008377noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-252185526478679768.post-25015936254850183392012-04-26T00:00:00.000-05:002012-05-13T00:42:02.490-05:00William and the WitchThis story has moved to another site. Check it out: <a href="http://www.wix.com/vonlcid/lifeinmotion/" target="_blank">William and the Witch</a>VonLCidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05792116471895008377noreply@blogger.com2