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By: Amelia Carruthers,
on 3/20/2016
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Do you know of a colleague who is extremely good at their job, yet cannot pass the professional exams required to ascend the career ladder? Or an exceptionally bright friend – who seems to fall apart during exam periods? Or do you yourself struggle when it comes to final assessments? I’m sure most of us are familiar with situations like this, as they are a very common occurrence.
The post Exam preparation: More than just studying? appeared first on OUPblog.
By: Elizabeth Moore (@BethMooreTCRWP),
on 11/7/2014
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This week my colleagues and I are writing posts that we hope will make your life a little easier. We’re sharing some ways to work smarter, not harder.
By: Elizabeth Moore (@BethMooreTCRWP),
on 11/7/2014
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This week my colleagues and I are writing posts that we hope will make your life a little easier. We’re sharing some ways to work smarter, not harder.
There is an adage: if the teacher is working too hard, the students aren’t working hard enough. There are many cases where this is true: in a writing conference when the teacher is… Continue reading →
By: Elizabeth Moore (@BethMooreTCRWP),
on 8/28/2014
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It's all about the link. Make sure your minilessons link to ongoing work. Link to making choices. Link to all the other minilessons. Link to the charts and resources in the room. Most of all link your minilesson always to problem solving and independence.
I want to take a look at the stages of writing a novel. So what better place to begin than before the beginning? The big P! No I don't mean a prologue! I mean preparation. I know some of you Pantsers out there are scoffing and getting ready to skim - but wait just a second! Because I (as most of you know) tend to be a Pantser as well. The thing is, there are some things I have to prepare ahead of time to make the whole process easier later on. Of course each project is different, but for arguments sake, let's take a look at a fictitious book.
Let's say I wake up at 3 AM and decide - this is it! I am going to write a book about a human raised by vampires! After basking in the glow of my brilliance (serious exaggeration), I decide to use my newfound energy and excitement to start planning.
Step one: Who is my protagonist?- I know I've said it before, but I need someone who does NOT belong/thrive in this situation. In this case? How about a boy with hemophilia? A delicate boy, who is very scientifically oriented... Yes, I think that would do nicely. Let's call him Eugene for the purposes of this example.
Step Two: What is my plot? - So I have a situation, but that's NOT a plot! What is going to be Eugene's problem he'll have to solve? And what will get in his way? Maybe His parents are framed for a crime by another vampire and he has to clear them. But to do that he has to come to terms with his disbelief of the supernatural and face his greatest fear - bloodletting.
- At this point I would try to write a one sentence pitch, followed by a summary, and finally the beat sheet from Save the Cat. That's all the outlining I do. And chances are a lot of it will change as I go, but at least I have a guideline to work with.
Step Three: Research!- At this point I would research what other books are out there in this genre that might be good comp books. I might find out that *gasp* vampire books aren't selling well right now! In which case I might decide to change the whole vampire thing. But since this is just an example, we'll keep going.
- I'd also research any other real life issues associated with the book. I'd want to check out hemophilia for example to make sure I depict it accurately and without stereotypes.
Step Four: Other Notes
My Note From The Universe this morning:
"If someone wants A to happen, yet they prepare for B, they will always get B."What are you preparing for? The joy of success? Or the pain of rejection?
This reminded me of one of my favorite quotes:
"Luck is when Preparation meets Opportunity."Noticing a trend? PREPARE yourself to be the the writer you want to be. Whatever that means for you.
- Take a class (
Write On Con is free and just a week away!).
- Read a book on writing.
- Get your work critiqued by people you trust and then
listen to what they have to say.
- Visualize your name on the NYT bestseller list.
Whatever you do, don't spend hours (weeks, months!) writing your book while at the same time mentally preparing yourself for all the rejections you're going to get.
Take a moment today and ask yourself what you've been preparing for. You might be surprised. The good thing is there's still time to fix it!
I ran a race less than two weeks ago and it was one of our hottest days yet. The race was only a 5k (3.1 miles) and I have run this distance many times before, but I'm coming off physical therapy for an injury and my asthma has been acting up. So, my expectations for the race were to finish and finish alive. Actually, that's my expectation for all my races including the half-marathon.
I try to keep a consistent pace on my runs, adjusting for heat and asthma symptoms, but for the most part I'm a fairly steady runner, if a bit slow. Well, on the day of the race, there were a number of folks - old, young, in-between - who did the walk/run method. I've done this myself in the past but what caught my attention were the young women, much younger than me, who would sprint out then fizzle and walk and then would see me run past them so they'd sprint out again, fizzle and we would do this again and again. Guess they didn't want an old lady passing them. I did finish the race before several of them which probably surprised them. I usually do better or as well as the sprint/walk folks.
I also try not to compete with others while I'm running the race because as I push myself I don't listen to my body and my asthma tends to flare up and get the better of me. That's what happened at the end of the race. A woman about my age had passed me and then maintained a short distance in front of me for most of the race. Then just after mile 2 she stopped and then walked. about 1/2 mile from the finish line she caught up with me and paced herself off of me. Well, that's when I got a little competitive and picked up my pace. Not far from the finish line my asthma flared up and I reached for my inhaler while continuing to run, albeit at a slower pace. I fumbled with the darn thing, almost dropped it, finally took a whiff and resumed a faster pace. She came in seconds before me. I didn't see her bib number so I don't know if she was in my exact age group or not. Like most races, this one allowed for age group placing.
There was also a 10 mile race at the same time - yes 10 miles. I've run this distance before as well but I just knew I couldn't handle that yet. One of my VFW buddies ran that distance so I waited for him so I could cheer him on. While I was standing on the sidelines I heard the race officials annoucing the 5k results and low and behold I placed third for my age group. Understand that while I do okay given all my special circumstances, this is the first time I've actually placed in a race. I had mixed feelings because it was also one of my worst times ever.
So, what does this have to do with writing? Well, I've noticed over the years that there are lots of folks who think that writing a book is easy and that once they complete it, they will be able to sell it and make a whole bunch of money. They're like the sprint/walkers I saw on this race. My impression was that many of them didn't truly prepare for the race and thought just because they were young and slim, they would do great. The writing analogy is that just because you have a great idea or a cool visual image in your head, doesn't mean you're prepared for all the hard work and challenges of actually completing and selling a written product, especially fiction.
Well, writing like running, takes preparation, training, perseverance and so many other qualities that come with committment to the event. Back to the literary analogy above, sometimes slow and steady really is a better way to go.
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By:
Kristi Holl,
on 2/22/2010
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During the past year I’ve done more novel critiques than usual. Some have been so-so, some were very good, and a few have already sold.
What made the difference between the “very good” stories and the manuscripts that sold? In my opinion, it was the overall strength of the novels.
Often the “very good” book manuscript was strong except for just one area. Maybe there was no felt emotional connection with the main character, or all the dialogue voices sounded like the author’s voice. Perhaps the one weak area was lack of suspense despite beautiful prose, or poorly researched historical facts, or terrible mechanics.
Oops!
Often when I mentioned the trouble I saw, the writer emailed me back and said, “I knew that was a problem. I guess I was hoping you wouldn’t notice.” It’s better to listen to your gut feeling and assume if you know there’s a problem, others will see it too.
“Hoping an editor won’t notice” isn’t a solid marketing plan. Even if they had the time (which they don’t), editors aren’t in the business of fixing the story for you or teaching you how to write. That’s up to you-but what can you do?
Back to School
“Unless you’re working with an expert instructor, you need to be designing your own writing improvement program,” says James Scott Bell in The Art of War for Writers. “Work out a systematic plan to overcome your weak areas by setting up self-study programs.”
We all hope our novel’s strengths will over-ride the weaknesses, but you want your novel to be healthy overall, not just mostly healthy with one or two weak areas. If your physique were great except for flabby underarms, you would target that flapping fat with exercises and a program designed specifically for upper arms. In the same way, if your novel is weak in one or two areas, you need a specific exercise program to strengthen that area.
Make a Plan
For example, if your problem is dialogue that all sounds like the same flat voice, you might need a self-study program called “Creating Distinctive Voices.” Your study question might be: How can I create distinctive voices for each character, so distinctive that I can tell who’s speaking without any identification?
Here’s one plan, and you can adapt it for any area you want to improve:
- Make a list of novels where you remember the characters coming through in their dialogue as distinctive. (accent, regional speech, slang, choppy vs. languid speech, hip vs. old-fashioned, formal vs. grammatically incorrect, straightforward vs. flowery speech, etc.)
- Choose several of these novels and re-read them specifically for the dialogue. Keep your study question in mind as you read. Underline passages that do the job and then write a few scenes where you try to accomplish the same thing through dialogue. Don’t copy their words, but try to copy the technique used.
- Buy some books on the particular writing problem you have and study them. There are good writing books available on every area of craft you can imagine. You don’t have to re-invent the wheel, nor do you have to submit stories that are weak in one or two areas.
In today’s economy, your stories need to be the cream that rises to the top. Ensuring that your novel is strong in every area is one way to do that.
Current word count: 21,859
New words written: 966
Words til goal: 18,141 / 422 words a day til the end of September
Another good writing morning. Yay!
I’m at a strange part of my story for me. My characters have moved to a different world, and I haven’t created a different world before, so it has been intimidating but fun. I keep reminding myself that if it doesn’t work for any reason, that’s what revisions are for.
My words written each day has been over my goal in only about an hour or two, which means that my fingers are pretty much not stopping as soon as I hit the computer in the morning. To do that, I’ve got to know somewhat where the story is going. So preparation is key. How can I get that preparation when I only just woke up minutes before? Being fully engrossed in my story all the time.
For busy writers, whether they’re busy writing or busy with the rest of the things in their life, tapping into creativity whenever you sit at your computer can be daunting, and difficult, but it’s a must.
If being a writer full time is our goal — being a published writer — we can’t sit around waiting for the muse to whisper sweet plot lines into our ears. When we’ve got publishing deals signed, we’re going to have to deal with deadlines and make sure we meet them (Check out what Editorial Ass said recently about Making Your Delivery Date). And to make those deadlines, we won’t be able to wait for the muse.
Being creative when you’re tired from your day-job and you’ve got bills to pay and a family to feed and laundry to do, etc., can be difficult. To make sure that creativity is there, on call, ready to be tapped into whenever you need it, make sure you’re fully engrossed in your story ALL THE TIME; not just when you sit in front of your computer, but all the time.
Some of my most creative ideas have come not while I was writing, but while I was doing something mundane in my life. That’s the time when my mind can wander back to my novel and explore, even though I’m not actively writing at that time.
Driving: I’m not advocating not paying attention on the road, but driving is one of those activities that, as long as you’re being mindful of the other cars, you can allow your mind to think about other things too. Next time you’re driving around, between work and home, the grocery store, kids school, turn off the radio and bring your story into your head. Let the characters play around in there and watch. If something interesting happens, make sure you write it down so you won’t forgot — but after you’ve parked the car, of course.
Walking: Exercise is necessary to keep up your energy, and if you’ve got a dog, it’s necessary for the dog too. But your walking time can give you a few minutes to mull over your story as well. I also use my walk the dog time to read, which is an excellent way of increasing your writing skills, but you have to make sure you don’t trip.
Showering: Another mundane but necessary action. While your brain’s on soaping up autopilot, allow it to also consider what your characters are doing.
Cooking: Turn off the TV in the background, and while you stir your sauce, let your brain wander back to your book.
The more you find ways of bringing your story into your head when you’re not at your computer, the better prepared you’ll be when your fingers hit the keyboard.
When do you get your best ideas?
Write On!
My bags are packed. I’m ready to go.
Tonight is the first night of the Jan 2009 Vermont College of Fine Arts Residency, and along with Zu Vincent, Carrie Jones, Marianna Baer, and Erin Moulton, I will be a grad assistant.
All week, I’ve been preparing to be inspired. I’ve been packing my suitcase. I've been getting ready to THINK.
I pack what I need.
Because I will have a closet to myself, I have not discriminated.
(note: this is not everything.)
If I think I might wear it, it is in the bag. I want to be warm/comfortable/not stressed out looking for the pair of socks/jeans/sweater.
I also packed what makes me feel good.
Good coffee and my favorite mug, the one with the lid.
Pics of loved ones.
My sneakers.
My snowshoes.
A NEW notebook and enough pens, so I can lose and lend.
I cleared my desk. (no picture...still messy!)
I can’t leave with things on my mind. (Once I tried this. I put my bills in my purse with the intention of paying them at the residency…do I need to continue?)
Bills are paid. Doctors have been called. All prescriptions have been filled.
Seriously,
I think we can also intentionally prepare our writing minds for events like residencies and retreats.
Here are the things I do to get my brain ready to find a new story:
Law of Simplicity: I finish as much as possible.
This means that last week, I wrapped up a draft I’ve been working on. Boom! Done! Put away! I also rested. I walked (even in the cold). I kept my eyes open. Instead of writing, I took notes.
I stayed Uncommitted.
And relaxed.
Because, during the residency, I want to LISTEN!
I picked up Burroway.
Then I put it down.
(that's supposed to be a guilty face.)
I read Neil Shusterman’s UNWIND and started Elizabeth McCracken’s AN EXACT REPLICA OF A FIGMENT OF MY IMAGINATION. I also read LIVING DEAD GIRL.
Fyi: On Friday, we will be discussing UNWIND, THE ADORATION OF JENNA FOX, and THE MOON CAME DOWN ON MILK STREET on Friday. If you have read any of these books, let me know! Tell me your thoughts!!
Last, I called my mother.
hi, MOM!!!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!
Preparing to be inspired means: celebrating this opportunity and embracing the idea of starting something new.
Or revisiting something scary.
I just have to get into the car.
I AM READY!!! are you????
All week, I'll be posting from the residency....Keep in touch!
-Sarah Aronson
TWT on Two Computers at Courthouse Coffee
Originally uploaded by teachergal
As you know, Ruth and I got together to work on our presentation for NCTE this past week. Now that I’m back home, I’m marveling at the fact that we got SOOOOO much accomplished. We started out at Courthouse Coffee on Wednesday Morning with [...]
Conferring Notebook Tabs
Originally uploaded by teachergal
Anyone who puts up next year’s bulletin boards before the school year ends will feel at-home when reading this post since that’s what I do since I don’t like waiting to do everything in late August.
Hence, today I also began working on my writing conference notebook. I labeled it [...]
Here's one of the sketches I was able to make while laying in front of the fireplace this past COLD weekend.
I do a lot of prep work too. I don't to as much research as I used to because i know much better after I write the first draft my exact needs - this way I don't waste time researching info I don't need. When I sit down I like to know exactly where my story is going - even if it changes!
I do a lot of this, sometimes over the course of a few hours, and sometimes over a matter of months. It depends on the project. I think there's also a certain amount of emotional gearing-up that happens--it takes a lot of sustained energy to write a novel, and I tend to write mine quickly, over the course of a few weeks, so I have to really be ready when I begin.
This is a great list. The longer I write, the more I realize the value in prep work. I've been stuck with two separate MG manuscripts and I think it's because I've lacked the prep work needed to get to the meat of the story. Can you guess what I'll be doing after I finish edits on my YA ms?? :D
I'm a Pantser too! I usually start with a concept, and I have to feel out the characters, experiment with situations and dialogue until I know who the character is. I've also been trying to prepare a little more so I don't have to keep stopping to fill in research I easily could have done beforehand.
Yep, I call myself a panster, but that's exactly how I do it, too! I've even gone so far as to write a "synopsis"--really just a blueprint. It makes a big difference on those stuck days. Just keep writing~ :o) <3
This is awesome! You're a fabulous Pantser, and I'm blown away each time I read your work.
Ok, you're gonna laugh...each time I plot a book (yes, I'm a Plotter), I read through "Plot & Structure." Sounds lame, I know, but it reminds me of all the things I need to remember when plotting a book.
I also write scenes on index cards, and this gives me a good frame to work with in draft one.
I still call myself a "semi-pantser." I'm not sure if that's right because I've never written a story the same way. That is, some I make lists for, some I write the end first, some I write several scenes--all out of order. I can't stick with a system. This last one (hopefully to be out this year) I started by "seeing" the place the story would happened, then putting the characters into that place.
Loved reading about your starting system.
What a super process! Next time, I'm following your example. :)
Hi Lisa!
Well...I kinda went to the Dark Side and became more of a plotter than a pantser. I seriously used to fly by the seat of my pants and write, but here recently, by using the beat sheets and the like, I've become more of a plotter these days.
Now that doesn't discount the fact that even though I have *every* scene written out on index cards like Julie (then hung on an entire wall in our office - God love the hubs for letting me do that), I still tend to stray from that original plot. And that's just because it's not where the characters and/story feels it should go at that point in time. So I let it happen and enjoy my pantser while I have her. :)
As for research, I've learned to do very little of it (maybe only the absolutely-have-to-have-stuff) in the beginning, then I make notes throughout the first draft as I'm writing like: Research more on this town!, or find out the exact steps in expelling a ghost!. That way I can go back and fully research once that first draft's done and out of the way. It gives me time away from the MS while still contributing to its editing process. :)
My process is a bit like yours, actually. I get some of the big things formed in my head, jot notes on them, write a few beginning chapters experimenting with voice, try to plot the basics, and dive in. Sometimes I even figure out the ending as I go because I need to feel the characters first. They sometimes have a different idea about where the story will end up.
I don't do much in writing - but I do let my characters wander around in my head for a week or so as I get to know them. I tend to focus on 2 or 3 scenes then I go. I really like the idea of writing the pitch first - I think that's a good way to keep me on track :)
Normally I write very long, detailed summaries of my books, planning for months on end before actually writing them. I break a story down into 3 major parts, then into chapters and scenes complete with working titles and summaries. I know exactly how many chapters and words I will have when I'm through. I have written one novel with little if any planning as an experiment and it went just fine, too, though. Either way works for me.
Your post is very timely for me because I'm about to start brainstorming a new book. My current WIP is with beta readers so it seems like the right time. I'm excited because my first book took so long to write, so it's been a while since I started something new. I really should get my hands on a copy of SAVE THE CAT.
I'm a big plotter now, but it always starts with a Beat Sheet - which is a great planning tool! Save The Cat Strikes Back also has some great stuff in it. :)
Very timely post for me! Great tips! I pantsed my first two with just a premise and am about to start another but I wanted to do a little more prep using STC etc.... thanks!
I'm with Laura. I don't do a whole lot of research until after the rough draft is done, then I know what to look into. I usually start with an outline but I've found somewhere along the way things just take over and the story happens.
I'm becoming plottier and plottier as I go. I do like a span of time where I "brain dump" with all the possibilities. Character always comes first for me, and then I like to use the Campbell hero journey as my basic structure. My last pre-planning phase is to add dimensioning to characters & plot before I let loose on the actual draft. Then all bets are off.
Jeez, that's a brilliant idea, for just an example! Hemopheliac human raised by vampires? I'm tired of vamps, but I'd read that one for sure! Seriously!
I love the planning stage where anything and everything is possible. I follow your steps, but in more detail. Because I love working out the specifics. For my next project, I may even try using a bulletin board and index cards. I am a plotter who gives herself permission to be a pantser when it's time to write the first draft. For me, all the advance plotting acts like a safety net.
Hi Lisa - I'm so glad I read this post, because (and this might reveal a woeful ignorance of writing tools) I've never heard of Save the Cat. I Googled it and it looks interesting, so I'll need to check it out more.
I think author Roni Loren suggested somewhere on her blog to consider writing the synopsis as part of prepping. (Another reason for putting together the synopsis then is that it could be "easier" to develop in the beginning of the project vs. at the end). I'm still working on my WIP, but a few months back when I needed a break, I wrote a synopsis for my WIP's sequel. WOW! It really whetted my appetite to write AND gave me a lot of questions up front that I know I'll need to research and answer.
So that's what I'd add to the prepping pot: a first draft synopsis. :)
Thanks for your post!