As the year comes to an end and a new year looms ahead, it is time for reflection and resolutions. This was a good year for me as I finished the edits on "Desire's Awakening" and it was published in late October. But next year, I hope to polish four or five stories that I've been working on for some time and submit them to my editor. In order to accomplish that goal, I need to set a realistic writing plan, with enough play in it that if something unforseen comes along, I won't get too far behind and stress out about it. I know what works for me is the discipline of a writing schedule with specific word/page goals. So before January 1, 2010 rolls around, I'll have made a calendar with chunks of time blocked for each story.
Someone once said to me - "If you're a writer, you must write." That's so true. Spending too much time thinking about a story and not getting it down on paper will not only ruin a timetable, it also leads to writer's block. Some people say, "I'm waiting for inspiration." Not me. The moment I start writing, I am inspired, even if I have no idea about what type of story I'm going to craft. All I need is a character and conflict and voila, everything from then on is action/reaction. My characters reveal themselves in many ways. I let them talk, and yes, they often surprise me with what comes out of their mouths. I don't worry about length; the book will be as long as it takes to tell the tale. The most important thing for me is whether or not I've delved deep enough into my character's psyche to ensure that my readers connect and root for that person. If I've achieved that, everything else falls into place.
Many times, stories require research. I like to create realistic places, so I search the web for them if I'm not familiar with them. Of course, if it's on another world, I can't go there, but I must make sure my readers know they're not in Kansas anymore. Take "Avatar", for instance. James Cameron created a lovely world that we all bought into because we knew it wasn't Earth. He did a fantastic job of helping us suspend disbelief so we could enjoy the story. That's key to any good story.
So, with a detailed map of what I plan to achieve during the next 52 weeks in hand, I wish all of you a wonderful New Year. See you at the bookstore!
About Me
- Author Gail DeYoung
- Southeast, Florida, United States
- I've had a love affair with books since I was a little girl. Once I discovered that stories could take me to amazing worlds where heroes and heroines could tackle insurmountable odds and yet live happily ever after, I was hooked. My overactive imagination always questions "what if?" and I often daydream about scenarios for the next story. Living in South Florida is a dream I fulfilled. For many years now, the balmy breezes, palm trees and surf crashing upon the shoreline have satisfied my soul. They often show up as settings for my stories. I used to say that I'd try anything once, but that was before some suggested skydiving, mountain climbing and swimming with sharks. Nowadays, I prefer the comfort of my chair in front of my computer where the most dangerous thing I face is writer's block. I let my characters tackle the impossible challenges and all I have to do is make sure they have a happy ending. I welcome readers to explore the fantastic world of my imagination where anything is possible and most likely will happen. Look for my books and e-books at Ellora's Cave, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and many other fine e-tailers
My Website gaildeyoung.com
Click on this picture to take you there
Friday, December 25, 2009
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