In The Groove

I’ve hardly written in over a week.

There, I said it.

In reality, it happens to everyone. We all get busy, we all get thrown off track from time to time. Everybody occasionally has a hard time getting down to work.

I’m no different from the rest of us, when it comes to that. 

This being the case, I thought I’d share something about getting into the rhythm, which is what I’m working on right now.

Usually, it’s easy for me to get into the groove and write up a storm. But today, I find that I really don’t feel like doing it. I’m tired, my idea level is on overload, and I just want to lie down and watch The Walking Dead for the rest of the day.

However, that would be a most unproductive start to the week.

So, I need to find that rhythm, and I need to get to work.

Here, in three simple points, is how I get myself going:

• First, I write a list of the scenes I’d like to get done today.

Usually, I aim for four, and I only do three. I do it this way so that if I actually do find the time, I can write extra and I know what needs to be written, but I always go in knowing that I really only need to get the three scenes done.

For instance, today I need to write a scene to introduce a new character, a scene to reinforce my main character, and a scene to show depth of character in a secondary setting. (yes, I’m using obscure words to avoid telling you what I’m writing about *wink*). My fourth optional scene begins the next chapter, and focuses on the new character, bringing them into a larger role. I’ll probably only get the three done, since I’m so tired.

• Second, I go write something completely different.

Generally, this means I go write up some emails or a blog post or I go check the status of my contest so I know what’s going on in the outside world before I get to work.

This way, I don’t get as distracted by the internet while I’m working, because I’ve already checked everything.

• Third, I sit down, I pray, and I start writing.

One word after another. Don’t worry about the flow. Just sit down and write.
First drafts are made to be edited, after all.

Simple, isn’t it?

Sometimes finding a good rhythm is just that easy. 

{RD}

For the Fun of it

The final installment of "How Do You Write Novels?"...

#10.      Have fun

This may seem obvious, but it’s something many new writers neglect to do. 

Yes, writing is work.

Yes, it can be difficult.

Yes, it gets stressful.

Yes, it takes more time than you think.

Yes, sometimes you will want to throw your own book against the wall. 

But the simple way to overcome all of that is to just have fun.

That being the case, here’re (yes, that's a word!) five ways I keep the fun alive when I’m writing a novel, or when I’m in the middle of a series:

• Take your character out to coffee.

Write a short scene where you’re talking to them, asking about life, love, anything that has nothing to do with the book. Chances are this will help you bond better with your character, and help you to keep writing them fluidly.

• Put your character in a different time, and see what they do.

Usually, I recommend at least a few hundred years in either direction. It's better if you go into the thousands though.
I enjoy doing this, because it freshens up the whole thing. When you’re done, it’s usually easier to go back to what you already knew, and (again) you’ve learned more about them.

• Think to yourself, “if a human-sized pink bunny walked through the middle of this scene, (a) would anyone notice, and (b) what would they do?”

Honestly, I don’t know why I do this. But I get some good laughs out of it, and usually I get better at filling in my scene and writing the character’s placements more… gracefully?

• You know those two characters who hate each other? Put them in a room with no doors and no windows and tell them they have to work together if they’re going to get out.

Usually you end up with the hero and the villain either shouting or physically fighting until an agreement can be made. The meantime can be quite amusing, as well as enlightening.

• It’s fifty years in the future and one character is telling this story to their grandchild.

This one is fun, but the trick is to do it through the grandchild’s point of view. How do they see granny or gramps? The good guy or the bad guy?

Plus, it’s always fun trying to think up how a child would look at their grandparent.

How do you guys keep your stories alive, when you just want to throw them up against the wall?

Thanks for reading, and have a good weekend!

{RD}

p.s. Don’t forget about the contest!

Enter to win a signed hardcover edition of “Telekinetic”, along with a surprise gift from me!

Write a comprehensive positive review of Rani Divine’s “Telekinetic: Book I of the Advanced Saga” on any well-known site or forum that accepts book reviews. Reviews written between January 1, 2014 and May 1, 2014 are eligible to be entered into a drawing to receive a signed hardcover edition of the book, along with a surprise gift from Rani!

Three winners will be announced on June 1, 2014.

Rules: Reviews must be positive and comprehensive, may contain a short synopsis of the book, and must be copied and sent via Facebook message to Rani Divine on or before May 1, 2014. All entry messages must contain a link to the review. All reviews not posted on Amazon or other sites where purchase is available must include links to the book on both Amazon and Xlibris. Additionally, reviews must not make mention of the contest or winnings. All reviews sent between March 13, 2014 and May 1, 2014 will be eligible to win.

Winners will be chosen by Rani and the staff of RAD Writing, LLC.

Sneak a Peek! (plus some big news)

As promised, below you’ll find a sneak peek into my novel Coetir: The People of the Woods, a part of the Druid Series. It was inspired by The Saga of King Hrolf Kraki in my Viking Mythology class last year, and I’ve simply fallen in love with this series.

I hope you all enjoy this sneak peek!

"When she crosses the boundary that incites a war between druids and humans, Ellya must find a way to bring the two peoples together before the battle destroys the world as she knows it.

"The human village has a rule: no one crosses the boundary into the woods.

Beyond the treeline lives a group of creatures so fierce that they destroyed half of the human villagers before a treaty could be made. The humans have lived in fear of these creatures for all of their lives.

Ellya, the first woman allowed to serve on the perimeter guard, has never truly feared the druids. She has watched them since she was a young child, and they fascinate her more than anything in the world. When five druid men come to the boundary and execute one of their own, Ellya knows that the world will never be the same.

She crosses the boundary into the woods, believing in her heart that the druids cannot be as bad as the histories say. Her actions will incite a war, and it is up to her and Elim, the first druid man she encounters, to find a way to bring peace before both of their peoples are destroyed.

"Will the humans be able to survive a war against a species so far superior to them, or will the Coetir druids wipe out the human race from the whole of the woods?

Will Ellya be able to find common ground between two distinctly different people groups?

Find out in Coetir: The People of the Woods part of the Druid Series."

© Rani Divine

I know, it’s strange for new writers, having more than one series. But, as you well know, the Advanced Saga isn’t my only one.

In fact, the Druid Series had quickly won my heart and turned me toward the world of Fantasy Fiction (though I still detest that word). The series will be six books long, and, much like Lewis’s Chronicles of Narnia, it will not be published in order.

Book three will be the first released, hopefully in 2015.

My apologies for the wait.

You see, I’m also (drumroll please) working on a new publishing company with my good friends at RAD Writing.

That’s right, folks! RAD Writing is expanding into the world of publishing! (but don’t worry, we’ll still do editing, too).

With the new business, Coetir: The People of the Woods will be able to reach more people, and RAD Writing will gain the experience they need in the publishing business.

We’re all looking forward to the change!

I'll keep you updated as things get going, and I'll let you know the day I sign the papers for publication. Promise. *grin*

Stay tuned next week, for an excerpt from Coetir!

{RD}

p.s. Today I've made the executive decision to push posting time back a few hours, into the late afternoon/early evening. This'll make it easier for me to get better things to you, each time I post.

Thanks for reading!

I Am Woman, Watch Me Shop

Monday's, as you well know, are reserved for whatever random topic I happen to have on my mind.

Today is no different.

Today, this lovely twenty-fourth of March, I'm thinking about shoes.

I like shoes. I like them a lot. In fact, I have sixty pairs.

Yes, you read that right. Sixty pairs of shoes. (technically sixty-one, but I'm trying to find someone to take a pair of boots off my hands... figuratively speaking, of course)

Anyway, I came across a picture of these...

And I don't have these. I have nothing like these.

Sure, I have five inch heels that could easily be used as weapons, should the need/desire strike. But I don't have shoes that are built to be weapons.

I know, I know, they'd be impossible to walk in, and I already carry a knife--what more weaponry do I really need?

But aren't they just... lovely?


Oh well, maybe I can write them into a story somewhere. I'm writing a modern day piece soon.


Anyone know of any good shoe sales? *wink*


Thanks for reading my entirely random blog that had nothing at all to do with writing.

*grin*

{RD}

p.s. Stay tuned for Wednesday's post! A sneak peak into one of my more recent novels, excerpt to come.

Did Anyone Ever Tell You That You Think Too Much?

Continuation of “How Do You Write Novels?”

Well well, we’re getting close to the end of this series, aren’t we?

This one’s a little short, but the point still stands, and it’s something every writer needs to keep in mind, all throughout the process.

#9.      Don’t overthink it

This one is a little bit trickier to write about, mostly because I still have issues with it myself. 

Many writers, myself included, tend to think only about the endgame while we're writing. We tend to forget that there's a whole middle process of writing and editing that needs to be done before that endgame can be reached. When I write, I tend to believe that everything is perfect and pretty, and that once it’s done every publisher in the world should want it in their house.

But that’s just not true, is it?

I think I’m starting to get used to that.

So, the point here is:

• Don’t spend so much time thinking about the endpoint (publication) that you forget to spend enough time on the work itself.

• For now, focus on your craft. Perfect your sentences, your scenes, your dialogue. When you’ve finished the piece, go back and edit it. Take your time, don’t rush.

• It’s a process—don’t try to move too fast.

In the end, it’s better to know that you’ve put out your best, than to think that you could’ve done better (especially if you’re self-publishing).

If you’re determined to go with a traditional publishing house, just remember that you will be turned down, and it will happen more than once. Not every piece is “for” every publishing house, and not every editor will appreciate every work of art.

Just remember, a novel is like a child. You raise it up, show it the way it should be, and then send it off to college (editing) to make it a better story. When you’re all done, the novel has to be able to stand on its own, and you can’t take offense for every little thing anyone says about it.

And always remember... 

 

I hope you've enjoyed this series! Next Friday will conclude “How Do You Write Novels?”, and I’ll start a new writer-y series (topic TBA).

Have a lovely weekend!

{RA Divine}

p.s. I haven’t received many contest submissions this week! You don’t want to miss out on a chance to win my special secret prize—trust me *wink*

p.p.s. In case you’ve forgotten, here are the rules to said contest:

Enter to win a signed hardcover edition of “Telekinetic”, along with a surprise gift from me!

Write a comprehensive positive review of Rani Divine’s “Telekinetic: Book I of the Advanced Saga” on any well-known site or forum that accepts book reviews. Reviews written between January 1, 2014 and May 1, 2014 are eligible to be entered into a drawing to receive a signed hardcover edition of the book, along with a surprise gift from Rani!

Three winners will be announced on June 1, 2014.

Rules: Reviews must be positive and comprehensive, may contain a short synopsis of the book, and must be copied and sent via Facebook message to Rani Divine on or before May 1, 2014. All entry messages must contain a link to the review. All reviews not posted on Amazon or other sites where purchase is available must include links to the book on both Amazon and Xlibris. Additionally, reviews must not make mention of the contest or winnings. All reviews sent between March 13, 2014 and May 1, 2014 will be eligible to win.

Winners will be chosen by Rani and the staff of RAD Writing, LLC.