On Writing & Publishing by Robin D. Owens

Layering

2009-12-14T19:31:00.002-07:00

Layering is a technique that many writers use. They sketch out dialogue, or description, or action briefly, then go back to the scene and "layer" in other aspects. Motivation and visual reactions and cues, choreography, etc.

I do this occasionally when my brain is going faster than my fingers and I have about three different things I want to do in the scene -- and new ideas coming up. Skip a half page or page down, write a few lines, go back and flesh out the between bits.

Like everything else, this is a technique that may or may not work for you, but something I put out there if you want to try.

For the reader, the scene should be seamless, and the scene may have more depth.

May you forget yourself in a book today.
Robin

Romantic Times Book Reviewers Nominee!

2009-12-13T09:25:00.002-07:00

I am very surprised and pleased to announce that Echoes In the Dark has been chosen to be a Romantic Times Book Reviews Best Book nominee.

I've been here before, but not for some years.

I'm also honored to be in such good company.

Thanks for all the support of everyone and may today be a joyful day.
Robin

Character Arc - Vogler - Joseph Campbell

2009-12-09T08:54:00.002-07:00

I recently read (gobbled down) two historical action-adventure books in a series and woke up this morning knowing that I wouldn't continue with the series right now. Naturally, the first thought was of the author and how I'd feel if I knew someone had decided to do that with me (and I know there are people out there, the series didn't grab them). Then, me being me, a person who defines herself first as a writer, I analyzed why I didn't want to go on.

I decided that the character arc of the main character was lacking in the kind of growth I like to read about and the action-adventure wasn't rivetting enough to keep me reading...and I admit that I read the teaser of the back of the book for the next and decided that in the set-up the hero was making a big mistake, so that made me feel impatient and less sympathetic to him.

I am a firm believer in the archetypal story arc that Joseph Campbell set out in his Hero of a Thousand Faces and Christopher Vogler refined for writers in The Writer's Journey. If a book misses several of these "beats" or steps, then I am dissatisfied. That's what this series did for me. I think I may go back to it, eventually, but not right now. I feel no urge to gobble.

I also believe that it is always good to stretch your reading habits and these books did do that for me, so that was important too, and I thank the author for that.

May you keep an open mind.
Robin

Website Update - Reads, Contest, Worlds, FYA

2009-12-08T09:18:00.002-07:00

The December website is up!

Reads has a new excerpt of Heart Change
Contest is for a Mahogany Box
Worlds has the Soundtrack Listing of Heart Change
Free Your Artist is about Stars...again with monthly ecard and divination site links.

I hope you explore and enjoy!

May you enjoy all explorations today!
Robin

Creativity/Writing Environment 1 -- Lighting

2009-12-07T13:19:00.004-07:00

I have a seminar that I call "Write To Survive, Survive to Write, Practical tips to hanging in there before you're published." Some of these tips will be taken from that seminar.

Check your lighting in your creative space, is it right for you? For a long time I wrote in the evenings and nights, but now even the thought of looking at a bright screen in the dark makes my eyes ache. I have an overhead light in my office, a full-spectrum desk lamp, and in the winter the sun comes in most of the day. I very rarely write with the overhead light on, that's to look at the bookshelves or EDIT or read research material.

Changing the light in your space can signal your subconscious that it's time to be creative. Turn a special light on. Light a candle.

May you enjoy all the light around you today.
Robin

Choreography

2009-12-06T00:25:00.000-07:00

First I want to say that since this blog is now linked to Facebook and amazon I may be repeating things that I've said before (not that I don't anyway, and hopefully sometimes with a new slant).

I think I'll also stick more with On Writing and Publishing (and READING) than with personal stuff -- though I consider myself a writer, my primary being, and talking about my writing and plot etc. will be natural. Weather, car problems, and even the cats will probably not appear as often.

So, Choreography. I've recently read a couple of books where the choreography wasn't kept straight, something later in the book disconnected with something earlier. As a reader this bothers me, but as a writer I just sigh and shake my head. Things change in the drafts, in requests from the editor, in copy edits and final page proofs. If the same people have been reading the ms. the whole time, they might not catch it.

No author wants disconnects, wants set ups that go awry or aren't paid off, want little changes in storyline that doesn't follow through. More, if they see it, they wince, at least I do, and I was recently emailed about an error that happened over a few books.

Again, be aware that you are reading something in a few hours/days that it took an author months or years to craft. Just the thought of that can usually have me cutting an author a break on choreography.

So, yes, I am disappointed in books where something is screwed up and horrified if a flaw that I thought I fixed didn't get done, or if I forgot something despite my notes.

But the wonderful thing about books and stories is that they tell of the human condition and we are all very human.

May you enjoy all your connections today.
Robin

Trust Me, Baby

2009-12-05T00:05:00.000-07:00

As a reader there are some authors I will always trust and always read. As far as I'm concerned, this is a treasure, even if the back cover copy shows that the plot/storyline is not one I would normally read.

As an author, I can only aspire to being that for my readers.

So, reflect on the authors you enjoy, and authors, think of your compact with your readers. This doesn't mean you don't grow and stretch, but know when and how to take chances.

May you enjoy your reading and writing today,
Robin

Determination

2009-12-04T09:46:00.000-07:00

The wonderful thing about the game of life is that winning and losing are only temporary...unless you quit. -- Fred Mills

Reminding you all that determination plays a big part in being a writer, and in any other artistic endeavor. You have to keep going.

Since National Novel Writing Month is over, I want to congratulate those who participated and celebrate their efforts.

Like I said in my HeartMate Dedication:
To all struggling writers, Never Quit.

Enjoy all your own, unique creativity today, whatever it is.
Robin

Changing Titles and Character Names

2009-12-02T06:39:00.002-07:00

I've had to change my titles often, most notably Singer for a World became Echoes in the Dark. This is mostly due to the marketing departments of my publishers or my editors' consideration of marketing.

In any event, the book I've been working on, Out of Balance, will no longer be called that, since it doesn't strongly imply a genre. The alternate title for that story, A Dwarf At The Door, is too fantasy. So we are running through titles and any feedback will be heartily welcomed. "Lightfolk" will not be the series title.

Since the urban-fantasy-paranormal books will be linked by houses in an magical cul-de-sac or enclave, I (and critique buddies) am working from that. Enchantment Way, Enchantment Enclave, 4 Mystic Way, 124 Mystical Place, whatever.

I think I'll be getting/sending ideas today.

I've gotten used to changing titles, it's usually a battle not worth fighting because you can't win.

Changing a character's name is much harder. Brandy, in Sorceress of Faith, became Marian, and it took me most of the book before I thought of her as Marian.

So, advice, don't fall in love with your title...and when I have a new one, I may go back and insert it in all the blogs where I put Out of Balance.

May you enjoy whatever title you have, or are reading, today.
Robin

P.S.

On the personal front, I won NaNoWriMo with great effort in the last couple of weeks, I don't recommend that. Also the new cat seems to be settling in, but cried all last night from 3 am on since, huge cat fight night before last at 3:30 am. It's preferred spot is in the crawlspace where I can't reach it under the corner of the front porch. Since it's snowy today, and the dirt crawlspace is nasty, I am concerned, but I can't pick it up. I've been trying to lead him to the warmer laundry room-back porch-pantry, but that hasn't worked yet.

This has been a lot more stressful on me than I'd anticipated. Dingo doesn't like him and he's as big as Dingo.

Chapt 1: Single Character On Stage

2009-11-30T07:34:00.002-07:00

Starting with a Single Character on Stage can be a concern with my critique group. I'm not sure how this "rule" evolved, since I asked our most technical and analytical person a while back.

I am not convinced that starting with a Single Character On Stage is a bad thing. HeartMate started that way, Heart Change, most the Summoning books, and Echoes in Dark (literally, Jikata on stage).

I think it depends on how long you go and what other hooks you might have. In HeartMate, Zanth walks on stage fairly quickly, and in Heart Change, Vinni shows up rather dramatically.

There can be problems if most of the scene is backstory, or the set up goes on too long.

As for me, if books open with dialogue, I tend to get confused -- who is the real protagonist and why should I care about them?

Of course Mentor usually opens with action, prefers that, and chase or explosions. ;), though, now that I think about it, she opened with a single character (victim viewpoint) in what she brought to cririque...though since I didn't notice, it obviously didn't go on too long.

And in critique, it is unlikely that I will be the one having a problem with this. So if you have single character online, check to see when someone else arrives...

May you enjoy all the techniques of your craft today.
Robin

Ordeals -- Ready? -- Vogler

2009-11-28T06:22:00.002-07:00

I usually write to the "Writer's Journey" outline that was popularized by Christopher Vogler in the book of the same name and corresponds to Jospeh Campbell's studies of The Hero With A Thousand Faces and I'm up to the Ordeal.

I thought of it early yesterday morning, but I'm not quite ready to write it. I think because it should be a powerful scene and I want it right...though the most powerful scene I ever wrote, in Heart Choice, I just went with the flow.

But this one, I think I want my subconscious working on for a while, so I'll let it mull, and write it tomorrow. Critique is today.

Though I might also be hesitating because I know it will be wrenching if I do it right.

May you enjoy your creative process today.
Robin

Story: # Points of View

2009-11-27T07:17:00.004-07:00

The story determines points of view, how many characters you will tell it from. I think the genre also determines this. For instance, fantasy readers are more likely to accept more points of view, as well as more characters. For me, my romances have had TWO and TWO ONLY points of view, the hero and the heroine.

My five book fantasy series (Summoning) has had, I think, up to five points of view, hero/heroine and secondary characters. I even started out with a secondary character's point of view in the first book, Guardian of Honor -- to show you the set up on Lladrana. Also, there came a time in the book, where I wanted to foreshadow something and that couldn't be done in the hero's or heroine's point of view (they weren't speaking to each other). So I used the hero's brother, Luthan.

In the last two books of the Summoning series, Keepers of the Flame and Echoes in the Dark, I was primarily telling the story of the two couples. I'd learned from experience that the moment I put Alexa (heroine of Guardian of Honor) on stage she tended to take over, so she did NOT get a point of view.

I'm bringing this up because in the new Luna book (Lightfolk series) that I'm writing, in all the words I've done (38K), it's been in the heroine's point of view. I haven't actually sat down to analyze this -- and I DID do a hero's interview sheet in first person -- but I think I want to keep the hero's motivations a little murky.

So, there is only ONE point of view in this book. This may change after I move into it more, but currently it feels right.

May you enjoy your own point of view today.
Robin

Thank YOU

2009-11-26T05:20:00.005-07:00

I am very thankful for my family, my friends, my cat Dingo, and the people who enjoy my work and make my writing career possible. May blessings fall on all of them for the rest of their lives.

Happy Thanksgiving, and may it be a joyful day for you.
Robin

Of Cats

2009-11-25T16:38:00.003-07:00

Most of you know that I write about cats. At one time I had a total of 6 (indoor/outdoor). Now I have one.

I don't often talk about the cats here or on my website, because I write of them and in the books, they are still living (except Boris in Road to Adventure who has his crown and his temple and the road and his wings...). I like people to think of the cats as alive.

But I am thinking of adopting another. Dingo (Beadle in Heart Change) is so mellow that I don't believe he will have a problem.

And (whispering) I consulted an animal communicator to make sure Dingo would be all right with this. I'm not above paying for a little peace of mind, even if it might be a fantasy.

Still, this is a big step, adding a new member to the household. I'm going to see him on Friday.

Happy Thanksgiving!

May you have a day and evening of possibilities.
Robin

Luna, Lightfolk 1

2009-11-24T00:51:00.003-07:00

Got a note that Luna needed art info for Lightfolk #1. I'm calling it Out of Balance (or A Dwarf At the Door). This is my mock up I'll be using for the "cover" on NaNoWriMo.

Jenni is an "elemental balancer" which means she balances magic...and sees them as sheets/flames...earth, air, wind, fire, water.

And I'm beat, especially since I've worked on this all evening.
May you enjoy different creativities today.
Robin

Back from Retreat and Signing!

2009-11-22T05:43:00.001-07:00

The flying itself was tough, but I am home and pretending the cars going by on the street is the thunder of surf...but during the long quiet times it is REALLY quiet.

I fell while climbing up a dune and got sand in the camera...so not many pics this year.

Signing today!

November 22nd, 2009, 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Signing with Deb Stover at Broadway Book Mall/Who Else Books
BroadwayBookMall.com
Broadway Book Mall
200 S. Broadway
Denver, CO 80209

Please drop by. I should be reading a bit, too....

May you have a lovely day and enjoy wherever you are.
Robin

Retreat / WiFi Missing....

2009-11-18T19:46:00.002-07:00

Yes, I know I haven't posted anything lately. The flight was a little delayed but all in all went well (ok, I missed lunch). Sat-Monday I didn't write, just listened to the surf and read and talked.

Now, of course, I am WAY behind on my Nanowrimo word count so I need to write a lot the next 12 days. So far I've adopted a new schedule...like two hours on, a long break, 2 more hours, etc. It's been working better than 4-6 hours in the chair in the morning.

So that's it. I'll try and get back here tomorrow night (writing in the evenings now, too). I'll be back in Denver on Saturday and SIGNING AT BROADWAY BOOK MALL on Sunday.

May you enjoy your locale....
Robin

Off to Retreat!

2009-11-14T03:15:00.001-07:00

Yes, it's my third annual retreat in South Carolina! This time I am doing Hermit Week 2. I am up early and packed and have new batteries and memory card for the camera, flash drives, and determination to write!

There will be the tail end of Ida, some pretty days and some cooler ones, but here it is snowing.

Mom or bro (or myself driving Mom's car) is taking me to the airport and I will be back next Saturday evening and SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 22, I HAVE A SIGNING AT BROADWAY BOOK MALL.

I'll be meeting mostly new people for Hermit Week 2, so that will be interesting. I need to write, and I think I need the break of walking on the beach. I WILL (internet willing) be posting to the blog when I am away. Probably beach photos as usual.

May you enjoy your weekend and week, whatever you are doing, your free time and creativity!
Robin

What a Brand New Writer Needs

2009-11-12T08:22:00.002-07:00

The most important thing that a brand new writer needs is FEEDBACK. They need to be affirmed that they know writing techniques or be told how to learn them.

So I always recommend a writing organization (Romance Writers of America if you are writing romance) for in-person critique groups. There are online critique groups, too, but I don't know these, and make sure they don't charge per critique. There could be fees to keep the website going, or membership fees (reasonable, under 100/year).

Or enter contests with good feedback, such as (for multi genre), Pikes Peak Writers, Southwest Writers, Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers.

May you find what you need today,
Robin

Sometimes Life Gets in the Way

2009-11-10T09:20:00.004-07:00

I am a big believer in writing no matter what, but the signing I went to happened to coincide with the Air Force - Army game (can we say TRAFFIC!) and took me all day. I've continued to mess with the insurance re: my minor accident, I had some family stuff, and I went down to put some summer fans away in the basement and found my hot water heater leaking yesterday am....

So I went to Lowe's and was about to pay $700 for a heater and install when they said they wouldn't install because there is no drain in the basement floor. The house is coming up on 100 years old, so, like, OF COURSE no drain.

So I haven't written. I COULD have, there is something to be said for just getting words down on the page, words, after all, can be revised, a blank page can't.

I allowed myself to be distracted. Today will be better. I have a charity lunch (I was auctioned off), and tomorrow I take the car in, but...I've been thinking about the book and that is always a very good sign.

BTW, bro came over, I led him to the basement and there was no wetness under the hot water heater. SIGNS of leakage but nothing immediate that I need to take care of before I leave for South Carolina on Saturday. Huge relief.

I WILL write this afternoon.

May you be very pleased with the world today,
Robin

Joy of Writing! Why Do You Write? Process vs. Results

2009-11-08T08:28:00.004-07:00

I've had this discussion many times over the years and it's something I need to remind myself when I have deadlines. I love to write (ok, I especially love to write when it's just complete fun). Yesterday, at the awesome signing at Beth Anne's Book Corner, I was talking to a woman who wrote to please herself.

Since I've joined RMFW and my critique group(s), the point of the work is WORK, to do something publishable and publish it. Sometimes the joy that started you writing is lost. I heard from one of my critique buddies that she seems to have given up writing...and I think it's because she SHOULD be published by now, and has that as a goal, we've set ourselves. So maybe next group we will look at that.

I wrote a little something a couple of months back for pure joy (ok, maybe I'll sell it sometime), but I needed to remind myself that the book I'm writing on now I wrote for pure joy, too, even though I've sold it.

It can be freeing, to think of writing for fun instead of for results...though this is NaNoWriMo month and wordcount matters... ;)

May you experience joy in your creativity today.
Robin

Thank You All

2009-11-06T00:05:00.000-07:00

Thanks to all of you who have purchased Heart Change and have let me know that you enjoyed it and/or the books.

I deeply appreciate this, especially when my writing days are a little rocky.

So may you have a sweet, unexpected pleasure today.
Robin

Signing Saturday -- Colorado Springs

2009-11-05T07:13:00.003-07:00

All right, I'm still in promo mode for Heart Change (it won't last long), and will be doing TWO signings. One in Colorado Springs with Deb Stover this Saturday (apparently with the crunched car):

November 7, 1pm - 3pm
Signing with Deb Stover at Beth Anne's Book Corner,
http://www.bethannesbookcorner.com
1532 North Circle
Colorado Springs, CO 80909
To pre-order an autographed copy by mail
or call (719) 471-7545

and one on the 22nd when I get back from South Carolina (I will remind you).

November 22nd, 2009, 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Signing with Deb Stover at Who Else Books
http://who_else.home.att.net/wsb/html/view.cgi-home.html-.html
Broadway Book Mall
200 S. Broadway
Denver, CO 80209

May you enjoy all your jaunts today!
robin

New READ on READS Page, Nov Website Up

2009-11-04T06:41:00.002-07:00

It's up and I have "new" next to the things I have updated. A new page in Worlds for Heart Change with D'Marigold Residence, the little Samhain piece I have on Celta under Worlds. An excerpt from Chapter 3 of Heart Change.

Contest is for a Calcite Egg.

May you enjoy wherever you go on the web today.
Robin

HEART CHANGE RELEASE TODAY!

2009-11-03T13:44:00.001-07:00

Ok, thought I HAVE heard from a few of you, Heart Change is officially released today (though I doubt it will make any famous 'lists').

I've been sending ECards to a couple of my groups, three different ones, tailored to the group, here's the one for Romance.

May you enjoy the day.
Robin