Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Who you going to call?
Two things are happening as I write this blog. One (and most obviously), I'm watching Ghost busters. Two, I just returned from a week at school.
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For the past week, I've been immersed in classes, workshops, critiques, presentations, and hotel elevator conversations about writing. I even got to meet the agent in person, and got a few minutes to chat with her one-on-one.
I've only been to one writing conference, but I have a feeling that conferences and my twice-yearly week-long residency as part of my Writing Popular Fiction program are quite similar. There's an energy that comes over me, both to inspire and challenge me. I get to learn new things, and share what I know with other writers. I get a variety of critiques and comments from readers of all genres.
Some of the critiques were constructive, tactful, and inordinately helpful. Those I look forward to each semester, and will use well. I always prepare for those "other" critiques, those who will bash me for the sake of bashing, and during those, I grit my teeth, smile politely, and move on.
As Chance recently reminded us, there's no point in listening the bashers, especially ones you don't know, or those who's opinion you don't hold in high esteem to start with. But this semester, I got lucky -- no bashing, only helpful, critical and very well-thought-out advice.When I return, I'm desperate to write, eager to put my fingers on the keyboard. Usually, I'm bursting with excitement. So in lieu of being able to attend conferences, I use this week not just to re-charge my batteries, but to be inspired, to be challenged by other writers, and generally just share that writer-ly atmosphere that the poor staff at the Marriott must plain dread (we do tend to take over the hotel -- sorry about that!).
How do you get that enthusiasm and energy for writing? Are you going to Nationals? Have you already gone through the list of panels and highlighted all the ones you're dying to attend? (even though I can't go, I still do that!). Are you going to smaller, more intimate conference? Do you have writerly friends you meet with who encourage and inspire you? Or is your writerly connection limited to online interaction? Do you find online interaction just as helpful as in-person? Or do you prefer a healthy mix of both? Basically, when you've lost that passion we all need so desperately, who do you call?
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33 comments:
Yes, I'm goin' ta Nationals! Yes, I've already figured out what panels interest me! Yes, I have plans to meet with my agent! Yes, the Bo'sun and I already have two dinners planned, a few parties...Disneyworld...
Oh, writing.
*snicker
Sometimes classes help, sometimes conversation at conferences, sometimes panels, and sometimes...a lot of times, from writer friends online. Online can be extra helpful, because I'm just one click away from a window where I write. Give me time to get in a car, on a plane...whatever, and I can lose that impulse, lose the urge. Especially if I've been stuck. Best if I can just stretch, then *click and dive into the prose.
So glad you had a good semester with good critiques! Well done!
Hal, that sounds like such a great situation. And I'm glad you didn't get any of the blowhard critiques this time!
I wish I was going to Nationals. I remember the first time I went to an RT conference, trying to get up the nerve to actually write (I started my first book as soon as I got home!) I was a nervous wreck until I met some people, and then it was like I'd met all kinds of long-lost relatives. LOL It was so great to hang out with people that KNEW exactly how I felt about books and certain authors.
Most of my writing compatriots are online, but I'd love to hang out with them in person once in a while. :) Hopefully I'll get to do that at next year's conference.
Chance - I totally know what you mean about losing that urge when there's a massive trip home involved. By the time I spent an entire day driving home, another two days catching up on laundry and housework, a lot of that passion has fizzed out. Hopefully I'll be able to recapture it when I do have time to write!
Being able to immediately take what you learn and put it into writing is an amazing feeling!
Donna - Yes! that's exactly how I felt the first time I met a group of other writers. It was like, "Oh! I'm not crazy - I'm a writer!" lol! Yes, no blowhard critiques this semester. I got put in a group of all mystery writers, instead of a crazy mixed group, and there were only 7 of us, so we really had time to dig in and examine my piece. I'm still debating between first and third person, so I was taking votes during the critique, and of course it came out 3 votes for first, 3 votes for third.....so.....lol. But overall it was extremely helpful.
Next year's Nationals is in New York, so I'm hoping to go too!
Hal,
I'm happy you are inspired. I remember the one conference I attended made such a difference. I couldn't wait to bang on the keys at the first opportunity! I desperately need a recharge, unfortunately I have other priorities in my life right now. I live vicariously through all of the pirate's wrting adventures, and hope for someday:)
I love the picture of the pirate and ninja batteries, awesome:)
Hey Lisa! I understand about priorities. Sometimes writing has to get shoved to the back. Good thing the pirates are so easy to live vicariously through! LOL!
I hope things slow down soon and you have more time for yourself and writing
I am planning on going to the NYC Nationals -- it's close enough that the travel is easy to do. I would love to hang out with the pirates, although I guess I better start my training regime so my liver won't give out. LOL
Liver exercises - love it! NYC is an easy trip for me. I just drive as far as Trenton or so and jump on the train. If you can't do the whole conference, it's fun to go just to the book signing the first night, which is free :)
Hal, I can take the train too, which is why it's so great. I love NYC so I think I'm gonna make it as long a trip as I can. At least, that's the plan. We'll see what reality has to say about it!
*whispers to Donna*
I don't actually drink, but don't tell the other girls. Your liver is totally safe with me. *g*
I'm going to Nationals! Even though my life will be utter chaos by that point and no hair color will be able to hide the grays and poor Chance will have to push a blubbering zombie around the park. LOL! I'm uber-excited to be pitching to our lovely DRD's agent, who I'd love to work with. Fingers crossed I manage to be coherent for ten minutes on Friday afternoon.
Hal, this school stuff sounds so awesome. I love the buzz I get at conferences. This year will be my third Nationals and I've gotten less enamored with the workshops each year. Hanging out with fellow writers is what does it for me. Just soaking up the laughter (so much laughter!) and the comradery.
I'm definitely planning on NYC. I've never been there before so hopefully I can join Donna in stretching the trip as much as I can.
I do meet up with a couple local writers about once a month and we usually end up plotting for one of us. Sometimes one of us throws out something and the other two look at her like she's crazy. LOL! But then we keep on going.
*whispers to Terri*
I don't drink very often anymore. I'm just trying to be macho. My liver will probably fall to the floor if I try to keep up with the rest of the pirates. LOL
Terri, I'm really excited about you getting to pitch to Christine. She's really easygoing and down-to-earth, so no need to be nervous. (And feel free to practice with me IF you feel like it. No pressure.)
NYC is such a great place that you need a little bit of time to explore. And hey, it's all research for books, right?
Ter - I'm so excited for you on the new condo -- are you still floating on a cloud? It's an absurdly busy time, buying a house, but such an exciting one. And it'll be well worth it, even if your hair turns a little gray :) (easy for me to say, right? lol)
I know what you mean about being less excited about the workshops. I feel like the more I sit through, the more I get the same information over and over. Or worse, contradicting information. Just chatting with other writers is often just as, or more helpful.
New York is a fun city. I've only been there a couple times, and have never explored as much as I'd like too, but it's always a blast. The pirates are totally going to take that city by storm....bwaahahaha
And good luck pitching!!
I've never been to a writing conference, but I have faithfully promised to attend one in 2011 if I possibly can. I have taken writing classes and been in critique groups, but I've never shared those experiences with romance writers. It took online communities to give me friends who love the books I do, who write romance fiction, who understand and support my goals. They are my go-to group for all things writerly. I probably wouldn't be writing what I am without them.
Also, romance writers, on the whole, are incredibly generous and gracious to new and still aspiring writers. Several of them in particular inspire me by example and by affirming words.
Donna - I tell myself I shouldn't be nervous. So far, I listen as well as my cat. And I'd love to practice with you. Though you may regret the offer by the time I'm running by 85th version of the pitch by you. LOL!
Hal - My brain is already full and this is only just begun. Inspection is tonight and I keep looking around my apartment sizing up what can go and what needs packed. Nothing is sacred at this point. Even books are going! But I'm hiring movers for the first time, so one less thing I have to do. Whew!
Thankfully, I can move slowly if I want. I should get the keys by the end of August and don't have to be out of my apartment until the end of September. Since this move doesn't require kiddo to change schools, we can take our time.
The bad thing is, I was already trolling the spca site last night to find a buddy for Bumbles. :)
Janga - I agree wholeheartedly that on the whole, romance writers are the most generous and encouraging writers out there. Maybe it's because the genre is big enough for everyone, or maybe we're just that nice :)
I hope you get to a conference -- it's such a unique experience -- but that's awesome that you have an online group you can always turn to for support. It makes such a difference!
Well, I mostly turn to you guys or the Vixens when I need some support. I don't know how many frantic, paranoid conversations I've had with Hal. :) I definitely wouldn't feel as confident without all of you.
I hope I can get to NYC next year too. We'll see. My littlest will be just over one. So we'll see how that goes. I should be able to go for at least some of the time.
Hi guys! My first day back at work in 6 work days so I'm late!
How do I harness enthusiasm and start writing? Good question. No idea. I've gone to Hogwarts and still not found my mojo. Of course, my computer caught a nasty virus, so really, it's a convenient excuse not to write until I can see how much damage has been done. Occasionally classes and chapter meetings inspire me to write; and meeting with my CP--I loved meeting with Dee, you always wanted to write at least 5 chapters before the next meeting.
I like buying writing books and getting inspired...but when you basically own EVERY writing book out there, you don't necessarily need the newest book. They do say similar things. Have similar gimicks. *sighs*
I need to call Dee.
Marn - we've had so many panicked conversations -- and I'm always panicking less at the end of them! The group environment makes me more confident too.
Glad you're back, Hellie! How was Hogwarts?
That sucks about the virus -- nasty, nasty. I love CP's that make me want to write faster. When Marn and I race, it's always such a good inspiration, even though she always wins (how, when she's chasing kids all day, is beyond me, but muy impressive!).
I have a huge stack of how-to books as well. And yeah, they all start to blur together after a while. At some point, you can only improve with practice.
Hogwarts was wonderful! Very hot though. You would have thought they located it on the sun. Butterbeer was extra cold though.
Exactly. You can only improve with practice. And actually writing. Which is the same thing, I know. But some practice by rewriting the first chapter over and over. But actually writing I think implies getting beyond the first chapter. :)
I too have found that you can only read so many books on craft. At some point, you're just not going to get it until you sit down and try it. More of this stuff has made sense in the last six months since I really put my butt in the chair than in the two or three years prior.
I think that's one of the benefits of writing fast. You don't have time to really work on each and every word, but the fast momentum (I think) helps with more over-reaching skills like arcs and plots.
One of the women critiquing me this semester has had me in past semesters, and said she could tell a difference in my writing, just from plain practice. So even if we can't necessarily see it yet, I think our writing naturally improves over time (as long as we keep writing -- the hard part!)
Oh, thanks! Finally, a slight waning in enthusiasm for the craft books! I mean, I dig that ya'all find them so fascinating. Just one big blob of words for me...
I am wired so crookedly!
NY! Fortunately, RT will be in LA next year, so I can save me pennies and come to NY. One less flight means a nice chunk of savings!
I like panels, but I go for the particular authors, not so much the topic. I mean, they so seldom stay on topic anyway! And sometimes they give out neat stuff. Generally don't find a whole lot of writing inspiration in them, but it's a way to become a familiar face to those you do want to meet.
"I just sat through the XYZ panel and thought when you said...it was so right on..." And viola, a conversation is born. Sometimes.
These non-drinking pirates just haven't met the right rum runner...
2nd, I brought 3 craft books with me today alone. I wouldn't say it's "waning"; I've just decided my shelves are full for the time being for NEW ones.
Do any of us belong to a local chapter? I think Chance might be the only one? I found that the community I have online is better for me than the people I was meeting in person once a week.
Why don't the rest of you join a chapter and have you been in one before?
I have. I got to hating the drive. Plus they nagged all the time to have me on a committee. It was like belonging to the PTA.
Oh, the committees. Yeah, they suck you into that, don't they. LOL! I don't regret planning that conference, but I'll never do it again!
No local chapter for me either. I just can't persuade myself to fight Atlanta traffic to go to the meetings. But I know J is a very active member.
Well, my local chapter is really small. We're lucky if we manage a dozen people per meeting. Our new president is pushing us toward doing more critique during meetings and goal setting. We are too small to hold a conference...though we signed up to help with the Donald Maass workshop a few months ago. Which consisted of helping to put baskets together, so no biggie.
I do find my local group a bit inspiring. We have a woman helps out anyone with their books... It's a good little group. No pressure.
So tame you wenches were, while I was off being a responsible adult (dropping off rent check! LOL)
There's a very big local chapter here, but I could rarely attend their meetings because I worked on Saturdays -- but when I did go, they lasted like 3 hours or something -- the little kid in me can't commit to that anymore. LOL
I think I'm better with the online thing too.
Donna, I think if my chapter were huge, it would be harder for me go and enjoy. A few of our members take the trip over the Santa Cruz mountains now and then to attend the big Silicon Valley chapter and it takes most of the day... Sure, they have some well known authors there, but... I like my little group! I'll stick with them.
I joined the online FF&P group but seldom do more than read their BB. Am intending to go to their dinner and awards ceremony at the Nationals...any excuse to put together a costume!
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