Tools of the Trade

By Susan

People fear change because it hurts like hell.

Even when we know that what is on the other side of the door is better for us-- like losing weight, shedding a vice, or changing a habit-- we still resist. I suppose we can give ourselves a million reasons for not changing a bad situation. And usually, that situation has to hit rock bottom before we make a decision. That's what happened to me this summer, when my mentor at Sewanee asked to see my working outline.

It was in complete shambles. I'd changed character names and plot points without noting them. I'd moved chapters around. I'd attempted to track my own word count manually and had failed in the most pitiful of ways. It took me two days of "cleaning" it to even feel as though it were halfway presentable, and by then, on the final day of the conference, it didn't do either of us any good for her to have it.

I drove home with a furrowed brow, my thoughts knitted together and forming a tangle bigger than the one I had on the page. My old ways weren't working for me anymore. I realized that because my outline was a mess, in many ways my thought process about the novel was also a cluttered debris field.

Now that I'm in my third rewrite (side note: I've stopped using the word draft, because the changes have been too significant at each go-round to constitute mere line edits) I'm realizing something new about my manuscript. It is still unwieldy. My characters still dance off the page when I'm attempting to make then stand still. I have a hard time keeping my own story straight in my mind. And I need a new method of tracking all my changes and research that has gone into this novel.

I conducted an informal poll of writing friends and kept returning to the same word of advice: Scrivener. Because I'm in grad school, I saved a few bucks by going with the education license (it is only $45 to begin with, and is $38.25 with the student discount) and then I was on my way to teaching my old-dog self a new trick.

I'm still in the throes of learning my new product, but so far, I can see nothing but benefits. It got me thinking: what other tools and technology are out there to help me organize my pages, outlines, and research in a better fashion than what I've been doing before? I found a few, and thought I'd share them with you today.

Cliche Finder-- a cool and free tool that will highlight overused words and phrases. The only problem is that it doesn't work on all text samples and frequently gives an error message. But it's free, and it's worth a shot. Find it at cliche.theinfo.org.

Zen Writer-- It's $9.95, but for the easily distracted, it's a great way to block out other internet draws. Basically it erases your desktop and turns off social media notifications so you focus only on your document. Be aware that Scrivener has this same option as a part of it's software, too. But if you only need a blank working background, you can find it at www.beenokle.com/zenwriter.html

Byword-- the app is $4.99, but it allows you to write, edit, and sync documents between multiple devices, meaning your can play with your manuscript from your phone, tablet, or laptop with iCloud and Dropbox. Excellent for those on the go. Find it at www.bywordapp.com.

Grammarly-- an advanced grammar check site and app. This is tempting, because after I uploaded a twenty page section of my novel it gave me the notifications for more mistakes than I'd like to admit. The only downside? It's $29.95 a month or $139.95 for the year. But if you are a full-time student making too many mistakes to get an A, or if you are a writer at the end of a manuscript who wants a complete scrub of your draft, this may be the perfect tool for you. It's at www.grammarly.com.

And my new toy, Scrivener--It was made originally for Mac, but is now available for both Mac and PC. It connects your outline to your scenes and chapters, has space for notes, research files, synopses, and more options and settings than any writer would ever be able to use, at least all at one time. It tracks word count and allows your to set and meet writing goals. The price is worth it, and it comes with an initial 30-day trial. You can find it at www.literatureandlatte.com/scrivener.php.

Good luck!

What Girls Write: The Art of Being a Teenage Fangirl

by Fangirl

Hello great big amazing world of readers and writers! I am not Elizabeth Lynd! (Insert dramatic gasp here.) But, I haven't kidnapped her or anything. (Relieved sigh here.) Wonderful world of writers, I am her daughter. Codename: Fangirl! Today I will be giving you a treat! (Add excited squeal-y noise here.)  I am going to talk about being, as the codename states, a fangirl.

Me! In a hat!

I am an avid reader, writer and obsess-er. I prefer the tittle "Fangirl." For those of you who don't know what this is, I will explain. If you Google the term "fangirl," one definition you might get is: An obsessive female fan (usually of movies, comic books, or science fiction). In many senses this is very accurate. In all senses really. You've most likely heard of fanart--if not, it's exactly what it sounds like--and fanfiction. Fanfiction is one of the most common types of writing young writers do today. One simply takes the character(s) of a book and sets up different plots for them. For many young writers, this is their start of writing. Maybe they're not quite ready to tell their story yet. So, they elaborate off another's, practicing, churning ideas for their own books in the future.  In many ways, it's a beautiful process many young fangirls go through.

Me again. Another hat.

Of course, another thing fangirls do is read. And read. And read. For me, that's the best part of the day. Doing an excessive amount of reading can make one a little bit crazy though. Which explains me. I am crazy about some books. The characters leaping off the pages, the words swirling around me pulling me deep into the book, the places surrounding me as I sit on my trampoline chair in my rather messy room. The things that really pull me into a book stay with me. The things I dislike about a book also stay with me though. Which helps me know exactly what I want to write.

Being a teenager, thirteen almost fourteen, many people I've met don't take me as a serious writer. It's not just adults. The biggest naysayers are people my age. But the thing is, I have the same problems that I think all writers have. I can't get motivated to sit down and actually write. I stumble over words, not sure exactly which to use. I get writer's block. I'm busy. My first chapters are always a mess. I keep writing, though, because I enjoy it. I write and so do my friends. We're serious.

I want to bring people the pleasure I got while reading the Percy Jackson series. I want to have people experience the awe I felt while reading Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. I want people to sob and rejoice the way I was while flipping the pages of  To Kill a Mockingbird. I want people to hear the story I have to tell and to feel something.

And, that my friends, is the art of being a teenage fangirl.

DIY Writing

By Pamela

Linus the cat keeps a safe distance from the Roomba.
Photo by Eirik Newth.

As I write, the TV is on (louder than necessary, I might add--actually, the fact that it's on right now and NO one is watching it is annoying), and I can hear a commercial voice-over telling me that my dishes wash themselves, my clothes wash themselves ... and of course, if I buy a Roomba, my floors will vacuum themselves. Tempting, I suppose, for some but not really for me. Even though I don't wash my clothes in a stream or against a rock, I do sometimes wash dishes by hand. I even like the process of ironing a garment (but don't do it often) and always mix cookie dough with a wooden spoon over my electric mixer. There's something about using my hands and seeing the result of my effort I find extremely fulfilling.

I suppose it's true with most writers.

But what's also true is that unlike clothes that wash themselves, dishes that wash themselves and floors that vacuum themselves ... books do not write themselves. They take work and effort and planning and plotting and rewriting and editing and more writing. And some of the most effortless reading you'll enjoy, I'll bet resulted from a writer who worked very hard making each word in every sentence just-so.

Joan, Elizabeth and I heard Ron Rash read aloud a portion of one of his short stories at a recent signing in Dallas. Lyrical, wonderful, seemingly effortless prose that he later admitted he had rewritten about 30 times.

His confession made me think of the short story I wrote during our most recent writing retreat--one that flowed with very little effort. In fact, I was in awe of myself, really. That from start to finish, this piece just came out. So smitten with the result, I immediately submitted it to a contest. Guess what? It didn't place. I made a few edits and sent it off to another one. And, drum roll ... nothing!

In hindsight, I can admit I didn't do the work. As much as the story seemed to flow, it didn't write itself. And while it might not need to be written 30 times, I can admit ... it's not quite there yet. Each word in every sentence isn't just-so.

Until someone invents a 'Bookba,' a device that will write books all by itself, it's up to each writer to work hard, hone his or her craft, and produce stories worth reading and sharing. Besides, I wouldn't want to read a story that didn't have the heart and soul of a real person invested in it. Those are the stories I want to read. And write.

A Letter to Kim's Grade 34 Teacher

By Kim

Flickr Creative Commons: Nick Amoscato

Note: This post is adapted from one I wrote in 2010. It still applies, sadly.

Before school starts each year I compose a letter to my children’s teachers. I try to imagine myself a stranger to my kids and write down anything that it would be helpful for me to know in order to keep them happy and productive for the school year. I’m careful to be honest about their strengths, things I hope they will work on throughout the year, and personality quirks. Invariably Sasha’s teachers offer to let her have assignments early so she can keep up during the Nutcracker and spring performance rehearsal seasons. Ashlyn’s teachers appreciate knowing that she will hold a grudge all year if ever punished because she happened to be near someone talking out of turn.

Here is what might be said about me if I were headed into grade 34 this year. 

Dear Teacher:

Kim will be in your grade 34 class this year and I thought you may find it helpful if I told you a little about her in order to start the school year off right.

She is a highly motivated student but may become messy or forgetful if bored. She would rather read than watch TV or play video games, and nothing would make her happier than if you would assign a hundred page dissertation on some obscure historical or literary figure. She finds research fun. So fun, in fact, that sometimes she may waste a whole week reading and transcribing a stack of letters from the 1840s instead of staying on task. If at all possible store any math books in another classroom. Too many numbers frighten and overwhelm her. If you replace numbers with x and y she will feign illness the next morning.

As for behavior, Kim will not be disruptive unless the volume of noise in the classroom rises past the point where she can no longer hear herself think. That level is much lower in Kim than in the average middle-aged adult and, once crossed, will soon lead to agitation and possible shouting. In order to prevent this it may be best to have her separated from her peers for part of the day. The room need not be padded – just quiet. Surrounding her with art and allowing her to snack frequently will keep her calm and focused.

It has been a disruptive summer with family vacations, dance camps, and a general lack of routine. This has left Kim a bit more distractible than usual and she may have difficulty sitting still. She will not complain if you insist she write 100 words before she can leave her seat. By the end of the day she will likely be on par with the rest of the students as far as word count. Please keep in mind that 100 words on the screen was likely 400 words of actual writing – she’s an extreme perfectionist and a compulsive rewriter. I’m sure with your guidance and patience you can get her relax her standards enough to finish her tasks in a timely manner.

No, she does not have ADHD. It just seems like it sometimes. If all else fails, you have my permission to tie her to her chair.  Good luck!

Sincerely,

Kim’s mother

If someone wrote a letter to the teacher about you, what would it say?

Announcement from Julie

By Julie Kibler

My fellow What Women Write bloggers are not just co-bloggers. They are my critique partners and most importantly, my dear friends. A few weeks ago, I let them know I would soon be taking an extended break from blogging, though I had no intention of taking a break from the other parts of this amazing trifecta. As always, the wonderful women here at What Women Write responded with grace and understanding and are willing to give me this time away, whether short or indefinite.

It's my intention to make this time in my life about the main thing -- making the main thing the main thing, so to speak. Of course, my family and the loves of my life are my main thing before any other, but as far as a passion beyond them, writing is my main thing. I plan to work harder at making a writing life than I have before. I am so very fortunate to be published, and published well, and I would like that to be more than just a flash in the pan. In order to do that, I have to find my focus again and keep it there. I have to decide which activities are critical to that path, and which ones are distractions, even if they are worthy distractions on many levels, such as blogging here.

It has a been a privilege and a joy for the last five years to post here every other week or so, and I bid you, our dear readers and friends of What Women Write, a very fond adieu for now and wish you all good things. I'll leave you with this video, a song that has been my theme song when it comes to my writing for many years from one of my favorite musicians, David Wilcox.
(Click here if the video isn't embedded.)

It's time for me to "Run like the river run dry."

What's the best that can happen?

by Joan

When I graduated college, many, many suns and moons ago, I interviewed on campus with several accounting firms that were then considered part of the “Big 8.” Because grades had not been my highest priority, my G.P.A. was less than stellar. Not terrible, mind you, but anything less than a 3.5 could barely get one an interview, let alone a job offer. In every interview, I was more nervous than the last. Unprepared, unrehearsed.

Sunset at Crater Lake, Oregon; Photo by Rick Mora

In front of starched suits and serious mugs, I was feigning a confidence I didn’t have, using a voice I didn’t recognize. Needless to say I was rejected by all of what I considered at the time to be my top choices. I had worked at Swensen’s through most of college and began to think I might be scooping long-term. Why had I worked so hard for my accounting degree?

My last on-campus interview was with a large local firm that I had not heard of. Thinking I had nothing to lose, I decided to relax. What’s the worst that could happen? I’d walk away with no job? Big deal. I already didn’t have a job.

And so I relaxed. It didn’t hurt that the interviewer greeted me with a warm smile and settled into his chair, unhurried. I decided to be myself. I answered the tough questions honestly and the ones about my grades without embarrassment. I should have asked, what’s the best that could happen?

Moon over Crater Lake, Oregon; Photo by Rick Mora

It was at that firm where I learned my work ethic. My stick-to-it-iveness. My determination to not only push through, but to strive for perfection. The work was challenging and I was good at it. I got great reviews, I was promoted. I was with them for over three years, but every accounting job I’ve had since has been because of relationships I developed at that first firm.

And so when someone (or that little voice in my head) asks, why am I working so hard at writing? I’ll never get an agent. I’ll never get a publishing deal. I sit back in my chair, unhurried, relaxed, and write. Because I love it. Because I strive for a perfect sentence, and then another. Because I ask myself, what’s the best that could happen?

Why Apply?

By Susan

In May, I sat in a Mexican restaurant with my writing friend, Denton during a hellacious thunderstorm. We were just across the Kentucky/Tennessee line at the Cumberland Gap, the place where my ancestors had found their way from Tennessee to Kentucky several hundred years ago. Denton, as well, has many generations of family behind him also firmly rooted to this place.
Maybe it's because of this shared heritage that when I'm with Denton, I always speak frankly.
"I just want something to stick," I heard myself saying. "This year I decided to apply for everything I could find, and I just want one thing to come through. I'm tired of rejections."
Denton nodded. As writers, we'd like to say we're accustomed to rejections, but that doesn't mean we like them. I'd just completed a mad rush of applications, all seemingly due May first. I applied for grants, fellowships, residencies, conferences and workshops. I'd sent work in for contests. I submitted a short story to several journals.
"I just want one thing to stick," I'd said.
Denton and I had both applied to the Sewanee Writers Conference, and were equally nervous about the idea of rejection.
"It never gets easier," he answered, and then it was my time to nod.
It got me thinking about how we take rejection, and how that holds us back from moving forward confidently. Do we give up after a few rejections, or do we not submit at all out of the mere thought of a rejection? What holds us back from putting our work out there?
Why apply? Why set yourself up for rejection? Here are a few things to keep in mind for those of you reluctant to put your work, or yourself, out there, on why to apply.
No one is directing your writing career except for you. 
     Think about it: There are no daily time clocks, no managers, and no co-workers when you are writing alone. You are the only one in charge of both your writing time and your submissions and queries. Manage your writing career as you would any other. Put in the time, do the work, then apply and submit.  If you don't, who will?
Conferences and workshops can help your writing, and your writing career. 
     In conferences, you can work with some incredible faculty, and the quality of work from your peers is exceptional. Not only can you make new friends and mentors, but conferences swarm with agents and editors looking for quality work. How can this hurt you? I can't think of a single way. Beyond that, You'll made some amazing new friends, and the experience can enriched both your writing and your life.
Contests and publications can raise your profile.
     Your platform is your body of work, and only that. A social media presence is just a presence. When talking to agents and editors, they care far more about your platform than your presence. And the more quality awards and publications you have on your resume, the better. It certainly can't hurt.
Will you get rejections? Most certainly. But when that one thing sticks, it can change your career in so many ways. And sometimes you can be surprised. The payoffs far outweigh the rejections.
For Denton and me? We were both accepted to Sewanee, and are just now finishing a tremendous near-two weeks at this inspiring conference. We could have both been rejected, and we would have moved on. Instead, because we stuck our necks out and took a tiny risk, we've just shared a week that's made us better writers, better connected, and closer friends.