Hello all. I haven't posted a March Novel challenge update since the end of week 1. The month is almost over and for some it will bring forth a new challenge. April has its own special event known as script frenzy. I've tried it a couple of years and while script may look easier, writing 100 pages isn't easy and I've yet to make it. But this year I'm not taking part because I have too many unfinished novels that need my attentions and dedication.
After 20+ days of march writing how close am I to reaching my my goal? Well, I am working on chapter 6. So, not close to the finished first draft, as planned. Not really close at all, but I'm okay with that. I had some issues come up and that happens sometimes.
Am I giving up after the month? Nah. I have a new goal already. And I'm still writing.
The way I see it: even if I only get 15,000 words done (rough estimate since I'm not doing actual word counts but around 6 chapters) then that is more than I had at the beginning of the month. It still counts as progress. My new goal will be to get both YA novels (the second draft and this new novel first draft) finished by June 1st. That gives me two months. Along with a side project that has to be sent out during that time frame but still. I'll manage.
How is your writing coming?
Accomplish any of your goals yet?
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Monday, March 21, 2011
Gay Story v Gay Character
Clarification: by gay I mean homosexual and in the good way. I also mean more than gay but it's just easier to say that instead of list and explain the portion of the alphabet we have taken over. People get confused when I post glbtqai.... which can include but are not limited to: gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, transexual, intersex, asexual, etc. There are some books out there, though I hope more will be published in the future, many many more.
The question I'm presenting: what is the difference between a gay story (queer lit, glbt novel, etc) and a story that has gay main characters (or secondary and minor though main is better)?
The simple answer is: plot.
I say this because both stories have gay characters but it's the story that makes them not always the same thing. A "gay story" is one where the characters sexual orientation, gender, etc is a part of the plot. This includes stories about coming out and for transgender characters going through the transition. The main point is that the story focuses on the glbtqa aspect of the character; that is where the conflict lies. And we need these stories. Sure, sometimes coming out can seem overdone but there is always going to be a reader who really needs to see a new story that has a character going through what they are trying to face. Also, there are the different stages of coming out (to self, family(others), living out), which all can be used in different varieties within a novel.
Aside from the coming out stories, there are also transition stories. The ones that show, for example, how a person can go from one gender to another and the trials they face. This can include a slight mix of the two (character and story) because there is more to the story than the transgender identity but it plays a large role. This is just another example but I'm sure you lovely readers get the point.
On the other hand, a story with gay characters can be found in any genre and almost any plot line. Their orientation is a part of who they are and not so much the source of conflict. For example, in a hero plot instead of boy saves girl, it would be boy saves boy, or girl saves girl. The urban fantasy demon fighter (or demons) can be any sexual orientation or gender and still follow the main plot lines found in the genre. And some of these stories may have smaller plot lines like coming out to parents, but that is not the focus of the novel. It's easier to do with a character who is already in the "living out of the closet" stage but it's probably possible to have them at any stage.
I wish I had more reading done in order to give proper examples of each category. At this point, I've only read one but I am reading two that are in the character side at the moment and have several others in my to-read section now that I've discovered some of the books that are already available.
These books are actually more common than some might imagine. When I first started writing I really didn't know of many. I'd heard about the one mage series in the fantasy section and then a friend sent me Boy Meets Boy. But whenever I would go into a bookstore to browse, I wouldn't really find any. That is the hard part of both, though gay character can be a little more difficult if it's not shown in cover or mentioned in description. Lately I've discovered many other books. It's easier to do research first before going into the stores and sometimes buying online is better but they are out there. And more are getting published each year. But it can still be a pain. I love picking books by perusing the shelves of book stores and I rarely can do that if I want a gay book, at least not in wyoming or colorado, where I currently shop. I can settle for the research part but I hope to see more on the shelves, visible for all to see, in the future.
Why post about this topic? Well, because it's one that is important to me. I write "gay" stories and "gay" characters in all of my novels. Most of the novels are character ones right now, because I've been focusing on the mutant series, but I have story ones waiting to be written and I am looking forward to those too. Sure, I've had a couple of people ask why I didn't write straight characters because they think it will be easier to sell a straight novel but *shrugs* that's just not who my characters are and I am happy with what I write.
And whether I ever sell a novel or not, I couldn't imagine writing anything else.
Anyone else write GLBTQ characters? (see what I mean about the letters)
Have a favorite book in either type that is already published?
The question I'm presenting: what is the difference between a gay story (queer lit, glbt novel, etc) and a story that has gay main characters (or secondary and minor though main is better)?
The simple answer is: plot.
I say this because both stories have gay characters but it's the story that makes them not always the same thing. A "gay story" is one where the characters sexual orientation, gender, etc is a part of the plot. This includes stories about coming out and for transgender characters going through the transition. The main point is that the story focuses on the glbtqa aspect of the character; that is where the conflict lies. And we need these stories. Sure, sometimes coming out can seem overdone but there is always going to be a reader who really needs to see a new story that has a character going through what they are trying to face. Also, there are the different stages of coming out (to self, family(others), living out), which all can be used in different varieties within a novel.
Aside from the coming out stories, there are also transition stories. The ones that show, for example, how a person can go from one gender to another and the trials they face. This can include a slight mix of the two (character and story) because there is more to the story than the transgender identity but it plays a large role. This is just another example but I'm sure you lovely readers get the point.
On the other hand, a story with gay characters can be found in any genre and almost any plot line. Their orientation is a part of who they are and not so much the source of conflict. For example, in a hero plot instead of boy saves girl, it would be boy saves boy, or girl saves girl. The urban fantasy demon fighter (or demons) can be any sexual orientation or gender and still follow the main plot lines found in the genre. And some of these stories may have smaller plot lines like coming out to parents, but that is not the focus of the novel. It's easier to do with a character who is already in the "living out of the closet" stage but it's probably possible to have them at any stage.
I wish I had more reading done in order to give proper examples of each category. At this point, I've only read one but I am reading two that are in the character side at the moment and have several others in my to-read section now that I've discovered some of the books that are already available.
These books are actually more common than some might imagine. When I first started writing I really didn't know of many. I'd heard about the one mage series in the fantasy section and then a friend sent me Boy Meets Boy. But whenever I would go into a bookstore to browse, I wouldn't really find any. That is the hard part of both, though gay character can be a little more difficult if it's not shown in cover or mentioned in description. Lately I've discovered many other books. It's easier to do research first before going into the stores and sometimes buying online is better but they are out there. And more are getting published each year. But it can still be a pain. I love picking books by perusing the shelves of book stores and I rarely can do that if I want a gay book, at least not in wyoming or colorado, where I currently shop. I can settle for the research part but I hope to see more on the shelves, visible for all to see, in the future.
Why post about this topic? Well, because it's one that is important to me. I write "gay" stories and "gay" characters in all of my novels. Most of the novels are character ones right now, because I've been focusing on the mutant series, but I have story ones waiting to be written and I am looking forward to those too. Sure, I've had a couple of people ask why I didn't write straight characters because they think it will be easier to sell a straight novel but *shrugs* that's just not who my characters are and I am happy with what I write.
And whether I ever sell a novel or not, I couldn't imagine writing anything else.
Anyone else write GLBTQ characters? (see what I mean about the letters)
Have a favorite book in either type that is already published?
Friday, March 11, 2011
10k In A Day Challenge
Hello MarNo members and wonderful blog viewers.
This is slightly short notice but on Sunday there is going to be a 10k in a day challenge where the goal is to write 10,000 words in 24 hours. There will be another challenge after during the week too, I just need to get my work schedule first before I pick a day. Won't be Monday though, I promise. More likely Wednesday or Friday but I hope to know by Sunday. For now: Sunday is the day. Twitter hashtag for the event is #10kInADay
Can you write 10k in a day?
Want to try?
This is slightly short notice but on Sunday there is going to be a 10k in a day challenge where the goal is to write 10,000 words in 24 hours. There will be another challenge after during the week too, I just need to get my work schedule first before I pick a day. Won't be Monday though, I promise. More likely Wednesday or Friday but I hope to know by Sunday. For now: Sunday is the day. Twitter hashtag for the event is #10kInADay
Can you write 10k in a day?
Want to try?
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Favorite Picture Book Blogfest
Check out the other entries over at: megankbickel.blogspot.com
I don't often post blogfests on this blog but this one seemed appropriate. Picture books are some of the greatest books out there because they are the start, the books that draws us into the magical world of reading.
Not only are picture books fun to read, they are also an interesting set of books to write but despite the shorter length and fun pictures, the books aren't easy to do. While I haven't been reading many picture books lately (no kids of my own and most my little cousins live in Utah) I have had a chance to see a few submissions as an intern.
The hard part isn't getting the words down, and I've even tried writing them before, but to make something in a short amount of words that is not only entertaining but also unique enough considering the number of people trying to write for kids makes it difficult. There are so many out there and yet there are only a few that stick within my memory. I may have to go back and read some others some day. But for now, I have a few favorites to post for this blogfest.
About the Blogfest:
"I challenge you to blog about your favorite picture book. It can be what your favorite was as a child or what your favorite is as a parent, as a writer, as a teacher. Tell us about it! What made (or makes) you love it? Tell us in two sentences or fifteen paragraphs. Be creative or plain. Just celebrate picture books with me!"
Basically, we are supposed to pick just one but I am going to not follow the rule and pick a few based on different parts of my life that I discovered them. I have never been very good at picking a favorite anything. Oh well.
Up first: The Very Hungry, Hungry Catipillar
Who knew such a little book could have a big impact? The thing with this book is I still remember it. I can almost see some of the pictures even though I haven't read the book in ages, and until searching for the cover for this post, I hadn't seen the book in over a year. And I have a terrible memory. But I still remember this book. This is also what I think of when I think Picture Book because it's one of those hard surfaced, image on every page, not a ton of words types. The non-popup (yes there is a popup one) version had creative uses of design to make parts of the hard "page" seem like it had been eaten by a hungry caterpillar. It is just plain cute. Even the drawing of the caterpillar itself isn't overly realistic but it's close enough and cute enough with the colors and everything for little ones (and those of any age) to enjoy.
There there is: The Giving Tree
I don't quite remember this book as a kid. I want to think that I had it at my grandparents house but it's hard to be certain. I do know they have a copy of the book now. It's definitely a great book. How often can someone manage to make a Tree into a main character; not often at all. And this one did it so well along with the message the tree represents. I may not be certain that I read the book as a child, but as an adult I have read the book a number of times (in a row) to my little cousins when I was living in Utah. They love it.
Finally, I can't leave out: Dr. Seuss books
They have a lot more writing than the first book I mentioned but the pictures are fun and the stories vary in difficulty. While I don't remember them either as a kid, I started to appreciate them more in high school when one of my friends used a couple books for competing in Speech. And I soon followed. Among my favorites for right now are: Horton Hears a Who, The Lorax, Oh The Places You'll Go, And To Think I Saw It On Mulberry Street, and of course Green Eggs and Ham. Then there are the other version inspired by Seuss such as Seussical the Musical (which is a combination of stories like Horton Hears a Who, Horton Hatches and Egg, and a mixture of others) or the crazy fun version of Green Eggs and Ham by Moxy Fruvous. Because Seuss picture books and the things they inspire are a symbol of fun. I even have some of the books already along with a couple stuffed animals (from Kohl's) already set aside for when I have kids. Because they should know the joy that picture books can bring.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
MarNo Week 1 Completed
Week 1 is done. How did everyone do?
This was a slow first week for me. I had plenty of time to write but spent part of my time sleeping or doing nothing. I did get a job this week and that will start to affect things but this next week I only train for 2 days. So, I should still have time to work on the novel. Feels weird not really focusing on word count this time around. Sure I'd like the novel to make 60k but as long as it's close I won't mind what the end result becomes. Just no more 23k first drafts, lol.
I am roughly 4 chapters in. 3 finished with the 4th is started and I hope to have it done today.
Might be up for attempting #10kInADay on twitter for anyone who is interested this next week at least on one day. The goal there is to write 10k in a single day. I haven't made it in one day but it's worth a try and anything is better than a zero. Each word gets us closer to the finish line.
What about everyone else?
Ahead of schedule?
Behind?
Keep Writing!
This was a slow first week for me. I had plenty of time to write but spent part of my time sleeping or doing nothing. I did get a job this week and that will start to affect things but this next week I only train for 2 days. So, I should still have time to work on the novel. Feels weird not really focusing on word count this time around. Sure I'd like the novel to make 60k but as long as it's close I won't mind what the end result becomes. Just no more 23k first drafts, lol.
I am roughly 4 chapters in. 3 finished with the 4th is started and I hope to have it done today.
Might be up for attempting #10kInADay on twitter for anyone who is interested this next week at least on one day. The goal there is to write 10k in a single day. I haven't made it in one day but it's worth a try and anything is better than a zero. Each word gets us closer to the finish line.
What about everyone else?
Ahead of schedule?
Behind?
Keep Writing!
Friday, March 4, 2011
Coming Soon: Epic Giveaway for blogiversaries
This blog is going to be 2 years old on May 1st. I would love to have 200 followers by then for this blog and my other blog. That blog (itsinthebookde.blogspot.com) is only going to be 1 years old March 17th but right now they are close in number of followers thanks to blogfests for sure. I want to host a combined giveaway for both blogs and will soon. Every follower will be invited to take part in the grand giveaway.
So, I am holding a joint giveaway with... myself. But I need a little help. I'd love to make part of this giveaway international. And if people are willing to donate prizes, then I can give even more stuff away because I'm definitely not rich so resources are limited. Some of the prizes will be online gift cards for books because we all like books. There may also be special packages, depending. Mostly, I want this to be fun.
This massive giveaway has a couple of purposes. Blogiversary, of course, since this blog is going to be 2 and the other will be 1. And then there are the followers. I get excited with each new follower I gain and on both blogs I am close to 200 followers. Wouldn't it be cool, if by my 2nd anniversary of blogging I had 200 followers on each blog? I think so. Less than 40 per blog to make that goal and even if it isn't until after this blog turns two, that will be okay too. Even better than followers will be if more than 20 people enter the giveaway. I haven't had a super successful giveaway yet and this epic one could be the One.
Right now I'm considering for prizes:
e-cards for book depository
special packages (pencils, journals, maybe something from specialty store in town, other)
maybe critiques, not sure from whom
candy? I don't know, might avoid the food this giveaway, not sure
The only specific books I'll give this time will be if someone donates and at least a couple prizes will be the gift cards so that people can purchase what they want. Choice is usually a good thing.
I am open for suggestions.
How long is too long for a blogfest? I am considering starting at one blogiversary and ending at the other but that's a long time. March 17th to May 1st is over a month long. But it does make sense for a double blog giveaway.
Any other ideas on how to make the prizes international? Right now we have the book depository idea because it has free shipping anywhere. I don't know much outside of the US, so if someone with experience knows of some other great options, I'd love to hear them.
I look forward to the start of the giveaway in the future. All are invited.
So, I am holding a joint giveaway with... myself. But I need a little help. I'd love to make part of this giveaway international. And if people are willing to donate prizes, then I can give even more stuff away because I'm definitely not rich so resources are limited. Some of the prizes will be online gift cards for books because we all like books. There may also be special packages, depending. Mostly, I want this to be fun.
This massive giveaway has a couple of purposes. Blogiversary, of course, since this blog is going to be 2 and the other will be 1. And then there are the followers. I get excited with each new follower I gain and on both blogs I am close to 200 followers. Wouldn't it be cool, if by my 2nd anniversary of blogging I had 200 followers on each blog? I think so. Less than 40 per blog to make that goal and even if it isn't until after this blog turns two, that will be okay too. Even better than followers will be if more than 20 people enter the giveaway. I haven't had a super successful giveaway yet and this epic one could be the One.
Right now I'm considering for prizes:
e-cards for book depository
special packages (pencils, journals, maybe something from specialty store in town, other)
maybe critiques, not sure from whom
candy? I don't know, might avoid the food this giveaway, not sure
The only specific books I'll give this time will be if someone donates and at least a couple prizes will be the gift cards so that people can purchase what they want. Choice is usually a good thing.
I am open for suggestions.
How long is too long for a blogfest? I am considering starting at one blogiversary and ending at the other but that's a long time. March 17th to May 1st is over a month long. But it does make sense for a double blog giveaway.
Any other ideas on how to make the prizes international? Right now we have the book depository idea because it has free shipping anywhere. I don't know much outside of the US, so if someone with experience knows of some other great options, I'd love to hear them.
I look forward to the start of the giveaway in the future. All are invited.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
About Me
- Dawn Embers
- I am a writer still trying to find the right path. A multi-tasker, distracted writer with many different novels and still have hopes of someday becoming published. I have a blog on writing in general, a blog on my own writing and fitness, and a book review blog.
A to Z Blog Challenge
GoodReads
networked blogs
