I've been studying story structure for a while now and it's really very interesting. When you get right down to it, it's sorta like a jigsaw puzzle that just has to be put together properly.
I'm not going to even try to do a post on structure. I don't know enough about it myself and others have done such great jobs explaining it that anything I'd add would only take away.
So...here's a great series on structure. StoryFix It's an eleven part series and he really breaks it down into easy to understand bites.
There is a LOT of great information on the StoryFix site. Next week, he's doing a seven part series on the art and craft of characterization.
Also...Plot & Structure by James Scott Bell. I LOVE this book. It's one of my favorite writing books and has a special place on my keeper shelf. Though it does spend quite a bit of time in my stack of books I'm reading. This on is really nice because it has lots of examples along with exercises at the end of each chapter to put into practice the things you learn.
Remember to set your daily writing goals and make the writing a priority. If you don't take your writing serious, no one else will either.
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I do set goals and tell my friends and family when I am sitting at my desk, but they don't seem to take me seriously or they turn a deaf ear to what I am saying. I have recently started putting my phone on vibrate and check for messages, periodically. It is working better. Now, back to my goals. Can anyone else add to this; I know it sounds old but some of us need to hear it over and over? Thank you, Cora
ReplyDeleteCora, I have many time management articles out on the Writer2Writer site. You can find them at http://time-management.writer2writer.com/ I hope they help.
ReplyDeleteYou have to force the issue with your family. I know it's tough, but they aren't going to do it on their own. Decide which interruptions you will allow and then tell them unless what they have to say falls into one of those categories, like, "you're bleeding profusely and your father isn't home to deal with it", you have to let them talk to the hand.
Right now, my issue in meeting my goals isn't motivation, it's that I overcommitted myself, yet again. So here I am, not writing for the most part, but desperately wanting to. Luckily, I'm going to get going with two critique groups again, so that will help. The good thing is that what I have been working on--virtual book tours and editing manuscripts for clients--is paid work.
Keep the faith, Cora. You can make it happen.
It's really hard sometimes to get others to take your writing time as serious. Just keep at it, sometimes they need to be reminded several times:-)
ReplyDeleteA lot of it, at least for me was letting them see how serious I was about my writing. By giving up a favorite television show or getting up earlier than I prefer, it let them know I meant business.
Cheryl...overcommitting is so darn easy. I seriously have to watch that. Thankfully I have kids who help with the housework and a hubby who likes to do burgers on the grill on a regular basis.
Cora, I think that screening your phone calls is a good start. I have a love/hate relationship with my cel. Retraining the family is hard. The best advice is already floating in the posts above. Sticking to your guns is going to be your best bet!
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