Taking the Next Step

After you've been writing for awhile you may realize that something is missing. At least you should realize that it's missing otherwise you'd be on a bestseller list somewhere already. That's what had happened to me.

I was like a dieter who had plateaued. I'd attended the conferences, participated in critique groups, and read a ton of books and blogs on how to write. Somewhere in there I actually found time to put some words on paper and get a few short stories published and write a couple of unpublished novels. Still, I knew that I needed something to take my writing to the next level.

Much to my family's dismay, I decided to give William Bernhardt's week long writing workshop a try. I packed my clothes, my computer and my snack mix. Then I coerced a friend to go with me and headed for Tulsa.

We weren't sure what to expect when we got there. The classes were only scheduled to last four hours per day. What would we do with ourselves? So we concocted this dream world where we went to class, hung out at the pool, did our toenails, put the green facial goo on our faces, and got spiffied up for long leisurely dinners with the other writers in the evenings.

Ha!! The reality was four hours of class in the morning a quick lunch and homework. Yes, homework. It normally took us until 11 pm to complete it all plus read and critique everyone in the group's writing. Dinner consisted of a can of tuna and some crackers eaten in the room as we didn't feel that we had time to go out. (Well once, but just for an hour.)

I'll admit we're a couple of overachievers but we felt that we'd only get out of the experience what we put into it. And how many times do you have the chance to get a New York Times Bestselling Author to critique your submission packet (query letter, synopsis, first three chapters) as often as you'd care to re-write it?

Normally when I leave a conference I'm all pumped up. It's kind of like going to a revival. You ride high for a few days and then things settle back down. This time I was quiet, thinking about how I could rearrange my life and my schedule to find more time to write. I mentally reviewed my budget. How many hours could I cut back at work? Could I afford a housekeeper a couple of times a month? Was it possible that I would be awake enough to write at 5 a.m.?

Writing novels has been a dream of mine for a long time. But, for the first time, it's more than just a dream. It feels like it's real. Now I know that I can actually do it. The scary thing is if I fail it's my fault for not putting in the time and effort.

If you're ready for the next step, get yourself over to the Hawk Writing Workshop in Tulsa next month. You'll be glad you did.

To Plot or Not to Plot

Every writer has an opinion on whether or not to plot. I've tried it both ways. The first book that I wrote under the "No Plot, No Problem" school of thought was a hot mess. But at least I learned that I could produce a novel length work.

This inspired me to do a ton of research. Read a lot of books and plot, plot, plot. Even though I've changed it during the course of writing the actual novel. I think what I'll be doing for novel number three is to combine these two methods. I'll plot my main points and let my characters tell me how we'll get from point A to point B.

Just so you know, here are what some published authors do about plotting:

• Jeffrey Deaver plots extensively. I heard him say once that he'd rather waste four months writing a lengthy plot outline and discover that a book wouldn't work than spend a year writing the book and then realize that it won't work.
• Steve Berry says he plotted his first several books but doesn't anymore.
• William Bernhardt is a believer in outlining his books. He say "When you outline . . . . and you will outline."
• K.D. Wentworth doesn't outline.

Check out:

Plotting It Ain't for Wienies

Author Interviews with: Evan Marshall, Marilyn Harris Collins, and Carolyn See

People talk and talk and talk

At least they talk to me. I've been accused of being a freak magnet even though I'm pretty sure that I'm just a good listener.

For instance, just by listening I've learned:

• No less than three theories about where Elvis is currently living.
• A really good reason never to eat frog legs.
• How to subframe a car.
• Three really good reasons not to drink tequila.
• What to say to your ex that will constitute terroristic threatening.
• All about french drains
• Why artificial sweeteners will kill you
• The merits of implants versus real boobs

I could go on and on but you'd probably rather I didn't. The cool thing is that all of these things will surface somewhere in my writing one day. Even if it's just something that I know about a character that no one else does.

If you're not a natural freak magnent like me then you may have to be a little sneaky about it. I'd suggest sitting on a bench in your local box store. You'd be amazed at what you can learn in just half an hour.

Evan Marshall's Template Generator Saves the Day!

I was doing some revision work on my romantic suspense novel last night and came across a scene that just wasn't working. I wrangled with it for a couple of hours and seriously considered pitching the whole thing.

Why was it there anyway? Should I just cut it out and paste it into my junk file? Today I had the brilliant idea of looking back at my Marshall Template Generator. I'd filled it out faithfully and was pretty sure that I didn't put anything in that wasn't necessary for furthering the plot.

Sure enough there it was and it was necessary. I must have been having one of those days at the keyboard because my template told me exactly what my conflict was and I'd even typed in some notes as to how I'd accomplish it.

Those notes allowed me to fix the scene to make my novel stronger.

Thanks Evan:)

10 Essentials to Pack for a Writer's Conference

Image courtesy of Flickr




There are certain things you'll need when attending a writer's conference. Many of them have absolutely nothing to do with writing. Here's my list of things that I can't leave home without.

1. A comfortable pair of shoes. Chasing down an agent/editor isn't something that is easily accomplished. And definitely nothing you'll want to attempt in heels.


2. Your own name tag. They really aren't that expensive and it's much better than having those HELLO My Name is tags stuck to your armpit. (Don't ask)


3. A supply of business cards. Go to Vista Print and order their free ones. Don't let them scare you into expedited shipping. If you're too freaked out to list yourself as a writer at least put your basic contact information on them.


4. Coffee and fixings for the mini pot in your room. Honestly, when was the last time you had a decent cup of coffee in your room. Take your own, you'll be glad you did.


5. Shower shoes. Need I say more?


6. A flashlight. I always check the emergency exit route and sleep with a flashlight on my bedside table. Better safe than sorry. Plus you can find your way to the bathroom in the middle of the night without waking your roomie.


7. A clean trash bag for your dirty clothes. I dump my dirties in the bag it's easy to transfer them to the suitcase and then to laundry room at home.


8. A couple of gallon size freezer bags. They're great for wet swimsuits or for organizing various goodies you picked up at the conference.


9. Breakfast bars. They're perfect for a midnight snack or light breakfast.


10. Super glue and double sticky tape. You should be able to fix hems, shoes, purses, finger nails, gaping blouses and a variety of other things.

What's on your list?

HAWK Writing Seminars--"The Writer's Boot Camp"

The Seminars (June 8-13) are week-long intensive writing symposiums on the beautiful University of Tulsa campus for aspiring writers ready to seriously improve their work. This is a rare opportunity to transform your writing by working with Executive Director William Bernhardt and other multi-published authors.

The Seminar is five intense, inspiring days learning the art and craft of writing. In these small, hands-on groups, each participant will write or revise a first-rate query letter, synopsis, outline, and several chapters—the building blocks for selling and publishing your work. This is an rare opportunity to transform your writing.

There will be two separate seminar groups—one for fiction and one for nonfiction. Each group will meet between four and five hours a day and will be strictly limited to ten participants. The small class size and the direct focus on each writer's own work has proven to produce results. Two students from last year's Seminar have already sold their first books to major publishers. Bernhardt taught the same program last year at Maui, and three of his eight students have already sold their first books to major publishers.

There are discount rates available at the Crowne Plaza. See the HAWK website for contact information.

HAWK Writing Seminar
June 8-12, 2009
University of Tulsa
Tulsa OK

For information and registration, use the attached brochure or visit:http://www.hawkpub.com/writingworkshop2009.htm

HAWK Writing Workshop--"The Writer's Way"

The HAWK Writing Workshop (June 6-7) is a professional writing symposium modeled after the successful programs at the Gotham Writers Workshop, the University of Iowa, and the Maui Writers Conference. There are no contests, auctions, or costume balls--everything is geared to one goal: allowing serious and dedicated writers the opportunity to make their work publishable.

The Workshop will feature multiple tracks of presentations, panels, and master classes from more than a dozen published authors, agents, and editors, providing aspiring writers the chance to learn the art and craft of writing. There will also be opportunities for one-on-one consultations with writers, agents, and editors, and specialty programs on getting published, young adult books, magazine writing, screenplays, and poetry.

Fiction : From the latest trends in fiction to the art and craft of the character-driven novel, our star-studded fiction track is sure to educate and entertain you. Led by two bestselling authors, Steve Berry and William Bernhardt, our faculty will offer the invaluable insights that made them successful—and could do the same for you. Steve Berry is not only one of the most successful writers working today, he also was recently awarded the Outstanding Teacher Award at the Maui Writers Conference.

Creative Nonfiction: Whether you are writing a memoir, a history, a biography, or the latest blockbuster self-help book, these sessions will inspire as well as instruct. Led by New York Times-bestselling author Susan Piver and Pulitzer Prize-nominated Michael Wallis, every aspect of researching, organizing, writing, editing, and publishing your work will be addressed. Susan is a wellness expert who has appeared on Oprah, The Today Show, and others. In addition to talking about writing, she will lead meditation classes and discuss the important relationship between meditation and creativity.

Saturday Banquet and Sunday Lunch with the Authors. The Saturday night banquet will feature keynote addresses from our special guests, New York Times-bestselling writers Steve Berry and Susan Piver. Sunday Lunch will give every participant the opportunity not only to dine with the authors but to hear testimonials on how they became published.


HAWK Writing Workshop
June 6-7, 2009
Doubletree Hotel at Warren Place
Tulsa OK



For registration information visit:http://www.hawkpub.com/writingworkshop2009.htm