book, writing

SUPER-SIZE IT!

Posted on by Brenda Poulos

 

Things used to be so simple. Now, everything must be bigger and better to draw our attention.

 

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For example:

Superman

Supermodel

Super Mario

Super Chunk

Super Hero

Super foods

Supercuts

Super soft

Super cool

Super star

This “Super” mentality makes it difficult for a lot of people, including writers.

Our audience demands more.

And, so we must demand more of ourselves.

The pace must be faster.

The characters must be larger than life.

Quirkier…

more colorful…

smarter…

more interesting.

So we dig deeper…widen our appeal to a broader audience.

We meet the challenge…

up the ante…

we super-size it!

 

Why Not Write an Epigraph?

Posted on by Brenda Poulos

What is An Epigraph? (Not to be confused with epitaph).   26980408514_eda03edd2c

This is a technique I love, but had no idea there was an actual technical term for it.

Basically, it is a quote, short poem, excerpt from a book, Bible verse, stanza of a song, etc. that is set at the beginning of a text.

Epigraphs are often used at the beginning of chapters or they can be displayed on a separate page in a book, prior to the Prologue.

They set the stage—the tone—for the story that follows because they link to the general theme in some way.

An epigraph is used to attract…to mystify…to capture interest.

Here’s an example from my soon-to-be-released book, The Choice: Will’s Last Testament:

“Enter through the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the road is broad that leads to destruction, and many enter through it.”

You may have read this Bible verse before, but set-apart on its own page, it’s given weight… importance.

It gives direction for all that is to come.

STEAMPUNK

Posted on by Brenda Poulos

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There was a time when I started writing a few years back, that I had to learn the meaning of quite a few terms. For example, I had no idea what speculative fiction and YA meant.

Recently, I relaxed a little, thinking that I’d caught myself up on all the terms and lingo. I was wrong, however.  As I read biographies of authors on Twitter last week, I came across an unfamiliar term.  Several authors spoke of writing Steampunk.

What in the world is Steampunk?

Here is what I found out:

Steampunk is a subgenre of fantasy and speculative fiction that first became popular in the 1980’s.

These are works set in an era or fantasy world where steam power is used, often in the 19th century Victorian era England.

They have prominent elements of science fiction and fictional technology like that found in the works of H.G. Wells and Jules Verne.

Some steampunk contains alternate history, such as in a post-apocalyptic future where steam power is in use, or in a fantasy world that similarly employs steam power.

Steampunk may also use elements from fantasy, horror, historical fiction, or other kinds of speculative fiction.

One of the earliest short stories relying on steam-powered flying machines is the 1844 The Aerial Burglar.

Recent books are: Khurt Khave’s Chainsaw Alice in Wonderland (2014); Quercia’s Lincoln Pocket Watch Conspiracy (2014); and Butcher’s The Aeronaut’s Windlass.

So, now we know.

It doesn’t sound like what I would enjoy reading, (or writing, for that matter) but I hear through the grapevine that it is a favorite among geeky teenagers and young adults.

Seems like it would take a lot of research and a good deal of imagination.

It might be right up your alley.

Authors: Introverts or Extroverts?

Posted on by Brenda Poulos

So often we think authors must be introverts, since writing is such a solitary, introspective endeavor.

Public speaking seems to be more in line with what an extrovert would do. After all, they thrive in environments full of people—malls, cafes, concerts, conferences.

Actually, it seems there is no direct correlation between being a writer and being an introvert or an extrovert.

Sure, if given a choice, introverts may rather express their ideas in writing than in speech and extroverts more often enjoy taking to the stage.

But, for both, writing provides a way of expression, although perhaps a more comfortable medium of expression for introverts.

 

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There is also a third category, called ambiverts, striking a balance between these two extremes. This personality trait includes the qualities of both introversion and extroversion.

I am convinced that the longer a person writes, the possibility of him/her becoming anambivert increases. After all, introverts find that much of their career depends on marketing, publicity, and teaching opportunities. Extroverts realize that even though they thrive on social contact, they must still spend a good deal of their time working  alone.

Of course, people retain their basic personality type, but environment and heredity both play a significant role in the blending of these two types into one super type—the best of both worlds—the ambivert.

A hybrid. A super communicator. A writer.

What I Learned Today

Posted on by Brenda Poulos

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A couple of days ago, we had new countertops installed in our kitchen. As I stood there afterward, admiring them, I said something to the installer about my having heard that Windex is a good cleaner.

“Oh, no!” he said. “Please never put Windex on your granite.”

“Oops,” I answered. “I learn something new every day.”

And I do.

I either learn through the circumstances of my day—just as from the installer—or by purposefully seeking the answer to a question I’ve had.

One of my friends is writing a Novella. I asked her exactly what that was (I was already considering writing one myself the instant that she said the name. So beautiful it sounded to my ear: No-vel-la.)

She said it was a short novel.

Ok. I knew there had to be more to it than that., but I was too embarrassed to tell her I didn’t know.

So, I went to the computer with my question. Here is what I found:

A novella is a work of fiction. It can be thought of as a short novel or a long short story.

Whereas a novel has over 50,000 words, a novella has an average of 30,000 words.

A writer may plan to write a novella ahead of time, as my friend has. It’s alright if the novella ends up to be longer (then you’ve written a novel) or shorter (then it qualifies as a short story).

Novellas are not the most popular or best-selling format. You may not find a publisher that will readily accept a novella, but it may be perfect for someone self-publishing.

So, there you go. Perhaps we’ve all learned something new, today.

Whatever you decide to write—a short story, novella, novel, or magazine article—writing is a most-rewarding form of self-expression.

So, don’t miss the opportunity to try your hand at writing.

Why not start small?

Perhaps a novella…

Are You Addicted?

Posted on by Brenda Poulos

When we think of addictions, we often think of drugs, alcohol, pornography, and gambling.

Addictions like those are a bad thing.

I’ve been addicted to chocolate, french fries, soft dough pretzels, and peanut butter.

Lately, I cannot resist vanilla shakes, avocado-bacon burgers, and Amish Romances.

Others might be addicted to shopping, golf, cell phones, and to taking “selfies.”

Those addictions can be a bad thing, too.

Anything we desire to do over and over, again, on a daily—or even minute-by-minute–basis can be addictions.

And, not all addictions are bad (at least in my opinion).

So, let me ask you…5449316690_afb701325f

Are YOU an addict?

Is your writing so fulfilling that your day is just not complete unless you write for at least a few hours?

Are your characters so real that you simply cannot wait to get back to them each day?

Do you find the alternate worlds you’ve created to be intriguing…fascinating?

A writing addiction can be a GOOD thing.

Just like swimmers and gymnasts practice for hours and hours a day—because they are addicted to their sports—writers need to do the same. And, on the days you cannot make that happen, you should expect to feel irritated, frustrated, and disappointed.

Why?

Because on those days you haven’t met your inner need…that almost intangible longing you have for self-expression that, for you, cannot be met in any other way.

My grand daughters dance. They are addicted to it.  They live and breathe it. It completes them.

Just as painting is to artists.

Just as music is to musicians.

Writing is addictive to authors.

And that can be a VERY GOOD THING!

Making Connections

Posted on by Brenda Poulos

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Have you ever met someone for the very first time and felt a special connection?

Some call it “love at first sight.”

For others, it may be the fact that the person you just met is from your home town, has a similar hobby, shares a mutual friend, and so on.

It’s all about connections.

Connections often lead to sales, budding romances, lifelong friendships.

Case in point: Will and Brigit in my soon-to-be-released The Choice: Will’s Last Testament, attended the same high school, met in their Senior year of college, share a mutual friend, and the same religious beliefs.  And, so a romance begins…

That’s how it is with writing.

Authors must connect with their audience.

They often write about real places, events, and problems. Those are connections.

Their characters may wear similar clothing styles, follow the same trends in hairstyles or makeup, drive their dream car.

Similar life problems, difficulties with friends or family members, disappointments over lost loves—or jobs—make for interesting connections, also.

The list is endless, really.

Think about books you have enjoyed reading. The author found some way of making it possible for you, as a reader, to connect with the characters.

The love of writing has brought us together. The interesting way words can be put together to bring about laughter, suspense, or information forms a basis for our shared interests.

Take a look at your latest writing. Are there elements which will cause others to smile or perhaps cry because you have included something they can relate to, personally?

Good.

Because it’s all about connections.

A Welcome Intrusion

Posted on by Brenda Poulos

I often view life, rather the “stuff” of life, as an intrusion on my writing. Just this month alone, I have had taxes to prepare, a book signing, a mammogram, a 13,000 mile oil change and maintenance check on my car, a haircut, a visit to a new allergy doctor, a weekend conference, close of escrow on a new home, two yard sales, six blogs to write—well, you get the picture.

I’ve only been to my exercise class twice this month and only visited my aging parents, once.

Sometimes I feel like throwing in the towel!

If you are experiencing similar feelings about your life, I am going to suggest something rather odd.

Take on yet another responsibility.

I know, it sounds crazy. However, I have recently done exactly that.

I needed a “shot in the arm”—something to energize me—and so I thought about mentoring.

 

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I have begun informally mentoring a couple of “new” writers.  One is a young girl—a cosmetologist—who has answered the call of her heart and begin to write in the evenings after her young children have gone to bed.  The other is a “winter visitor” here in Arizona. We will be able to communicate by email, for the part of the year she is away.

I love to “talk writing” and the opportunity to help others is why I went into public school teaching in the first place. Besides, one can learn so much by teaching others. I’m sure I will be the one benefiting the most from these two relationships.

ou may think you have nothing to offer a new writer, but nothing could be further from the truth.

You can share what you have learned at conferences, read in books, heard from the members in your critique group. If nothing else, you can listen to their frustrations, make suggestions,  and offer an encouraging word.

By doing so, you may find yourself energized and more productive as you are working on your own writing projects.

Think back to when you first started writing. Recall what kinds of questions you had, where it was you went for answers. Share what you found to be helpful.

Think back to some of the more notable mistakes you made. As you mentor someone, relay what you learned in those situations.

Instead if being an intrusion in your busy life, you just may find that becoming a mentor is just the thing to kick-start your next writing project!

The Message in the Dream

Posted on by Brenda Poulos

Few people dream their dreams to the “end.”

 

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Most of us awake some time before the conclusion. It could be in the middle or near the end, but seldom do dreamers feel that they have experienced 100% of the dream. This is a relief for those having nightmares, although for some it may be frustrating.

A few people say they are able to go back to sleep and “pick up where they left off.” (This sounds wonderful if the dream was an especially good one…) Still others report they cannot remember their dreams.

For years, I had a recurring dream (fairly common, I am told) about a young boy. It was a very short dream, really.  In the light of a full moon, he would close the door of a dilapidated cabin, and start down the dark path toward the river.  I could see his breath in the cold air and the frightened expression on his face. He shivered, wearing only a thin T-shirt and no shoes.

I sensed he was running away. I didn’t know his name or the circumstances causing him to flee, but I was drawn to him—my heart broke for him. I was more than curious—obsessed to a point—to find out how this dream intersected with my own life. It was as if there was an important message in the dream that I was supposed to pass on to others.

Growing up, I loved to read and write, so it was only natural that I would someday attempt to use my writing skills to unfold the meaning of this dream. When I retired from my years of teaching and counseling, I sat down at the computer and closed my eyes. I let the familiar dream play out in my mind’s eye and then just started typing…and typing…and typing…

Two years later, after much editing, rewriting and input from my critique group and Beta readers, Runaways, The Long Journey Home was published. The story of unconditional love and forgiveness—that message that I just knew I had to share with others—is front and central.

I no longer dream about Jake and his circumstances.  The dream has run its course and the message has been shared. I pray that it is a blessing to those meant to hear it.

Ellipsis…or Em Dash-?

Posted on by Brenda Poulos

It seems I never think full, flowing thoughts anymore. My husband would add that I don’t speak in whole, fluid sentences, either!

This shows up in my writing, as my thoughts pour out in chunks, rather than a steady stream.  And, I think it is for this very reason, I have adopted using the ellipsis and the em dash.

My purpose, here, is to acquaint you with their various uses—though not in any way try to convince you to use them in your own writing—as some find them confusing and irritating—or so I am told.

The ellipsis, or …, indicates an unfinished thought, a pause, awkward silence, an echoing voice, or even a leading statement. (The aposiopesis is the use of an ellipsis to indicate the trailing off of a voice or noise into silence. For example, “But, I thought she’d…”)

The em dash is often used in place of a colon or parenthesis, showing an abrupt change in thought, to set apart definitions, show interruptions— by another speaker or self-interruption—contemplation or emotional trailing off, lengthy pauses, bleeps (as in censorship), substitutions, or where a series of commas have already been used in a given sentence.  (Much like the one I just wrote!)

So, if you tend to speak, think, or write in frequent spurts and stops, consider how much easier and quicker the writing process might be if you consider using the both the ellipsis and em dash.

I’m just saying…