The First Contest

It's reaching it's close!

And if I don't get at least three more entries by midnight tomorrow, it will have to be cancelled. :-(

Not how I was hoping my first contest would go, but I suppose it comes with the territory.

If you've read the book and you have something to say about it, go post a review! I only need a few more entries for any winners to be chosen!


I suppose you'll want to know the rules again...

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.

I'll let you know tomorrow whether it's panned out or not, but I'm hoping that you'll all pull through for me. I've been so enjoying hearing from all of you, and I'm glad that we're all on this crazy ride together.

Don't worry, if you didn't have the chance to get in on this contest and you don't have the time to help me save it, there will be more in the future.

After all, somebody needs to win that surprise gift... Trust me, it was a fun one.

{Rani}

Spoilers?

Last week, as you know, I posted my first book review (and I hope that you enjoyed it). It made sense, then, to talk about spoilers this week.

After all, if I keep writing reviews, it's something we'll run into.


Honestly...

I like spoilers.

But I know that most people don't.

So here's my policy.

I'll listen to every spoiler you know, and I'll enjoy it (the only time I don't like them is with the Walking Dead, but even then I'll generally allow it). I even read the plots of movies before I go see them, and I read the last page of a book before I read the first.

I like to know what I'm getting into, and I like to be prepared for all possible outcomes. That means I have to know what's going on, or at least have an inkling. 

But. I won't generally let others follow in my footsteps.

Most people don't like spoilers, and I don't want to be the one to spoil things for everyone else.

I understand completely that most people absolutely detest spoilers, and so I do my best not to give them away. If there's something about which I must write a spoiler, I promise I'll say so in the title of the blog.

Essentially, though I like my spoilers, and I like to never be surprised, I know that's not where most of you come from.

So I'll keep everything to myself. But hey, if you know something and you simply must spill the beans, or just want to talk it out with someone (like with Agents of SHIELD! Do any of you watch that?) I'm your gal. Send me a message or an email. I promise, I will reply.

{RD}

Socializa-no.

In continuing our series in wanting to be a writer, here’s another thing you’ll have to accept (and get used to, as time goes on):

3.      Lack of a social life

Yes, it’s true. If you’re a writer, and you want to be a serious writer, you’ll spend more time writing than you’ll spend doing anything else.

As writers, we write…

• Even if we don’t want to.
• When we think we’re too busy to do so.
• If we’re not feeling well.
• When we had plans, but got a brilliant idea before we left.
• If we’d rather be doing something else.

Even if your writing makes you famous, you’ll still be writing more than you’ll be doing anything else (unless you give it up after one big book or series).

It’s the plain and simple truth.

Writers write, even when we have other things to get done.

Why, you ask?

Because we’d rather be writing than doing anything else. 

Truth. 

{R. Divine}

Blocked

I don't feel like writing today. But I'm writing anyway. I don't really have any "good" ideas. But I'm still writing.

That's how writers overcome "the block"

There was a quote, once, by Ted Dekker, that talked about writers block and how it doesn't really exist, and it's all in your head... And I think that's one of the biggest truths that writers have a hard time swallowing.

Writer's block does not exist. It's all in your head.

Essentially, writer's block is fear.

It's fear that your stuff won't be good enough, that your ideas aren't running smoothly enough, that no one will really want to read this after it's done so what's the point of writing.

And that's what we have to overcome.

As writers, we can't be afraid of the things we write. We have to let them flow, to let the words go where they want to go. Sometimes that means writing when we don't want to write, or writing when we think we don't have any good ideas, yes, but we still have to write!

One of the key things we need to understand is that writers write, no matter what.

I know, I've talked about that before, but the point still stands.

If you want to fight "the block" and you want to win, all you have to do is sit down and write, and ignore all the little voices in your head, telling you that it's not good enough, or that you could be doing something different right now.

Just go sit down and write, and forget that the words "writer's block" were ever spoken. They do not exist. It's just you and the paper, and you have something to say.

So say it.


I believe in you.

{RD}

Reviewee!

Well looky here, it's my first book review!

Since this is mostly a writing blog, I thought it might be nice to go one step further from my usual positing habits. That being said, reviews seemed the logical choice.

Recently, I finished reading "Till We Have Faces" by Lewis (again). It's one of those books that continually gives me inspiration, even though I know it like the back of my hand.

I hadn't read the book for a few years, so there were surprises along the way. I noticed things that I don't think I'd noticed before, and it became like a whole new adventure.

Don't worry, I won't give you any spoilers.

Essentially, and realistically, it's the story of Cupid and Psyche, told through Orual's point of view.

The entire book is written in first person, and it's entirely Lewis-style. Though first person narratives can get a little annoying in my mind, Lewis holds it perfectly and makes it conversational in a fun way. It's almost written like a journal, and that makes it even more fun (it also allows for more growth in the narrator, which isn't often seen in most first person narratives).

If you've ever wondered what it would be like to get inside the mind of a Narnia character for real, this might be your best chance. At the very least, you'll know how Lewis would've written them, and what they would've sounded like.

It's my opinion that we should all read one first person work of authors who almost strictly write in third, because it allows us that very insight into both their mind and the minds of their characters. That being said, this is by far my favorite first person work by Lewis.

"Faces" is Lewis's own favorite work. From what I'm told, the story of Cupid and Psyche is one that had intrigued him for years, and he simply had to write his own version.

I, for one, am extremely glad.

"Till We Have Faces" is, however, nothing like the rest of Lewis's works. It's not Narnia. It's not Screwrape. It's not Mere Christianity. It's something completely different, and it gives and insight into Lewis, in a way none of his other books do, by the sheer act of being so different.

How different, you ask? Well, you'll just have to read it and find out. It won't take you long: trust me. 


If there is one book I insist you should read (within this genre and first person), it's "Faces". Lewis is a master in all his work, and this one is no different.


Have any of you read it before? And if so, what did you think? Did it speak to you as much as it spoke to me?

{RD}

p.s. my contest is almost OVER!!!

But it's still not too late to get your entries in!

Official rules are...


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 informed 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.

Exposition Issues

(Yes, yes we should.)

Last week, we talked about dialogue, and how to keep your talky characters from talking too much in the final draft. As promised, today we'll focus on the exposition side of things, and how to keep your exposition from seeming too daunting for readers to actually read.

My first suggestion would be: 

Break it up into smaller paragraphs so it doesn't seem so daunting (even if it is).

 

We've all been reading a book and come across an entire page that's only one paragraph. And we've probably all looked at it and wondered if it was actually worth the time to read.

The thing is, when your paragraphs get that big, it's hard for readers to keep their places, and everything gets a little bit jumbled. A lot of readers will actually skip reading that page, even if it has useful information in it, just because of the oversized paragraphs.

The solution is obvious: rearrange your paragraphs, so they're no more than five sentences, and they're short enough to not scare your readers away.

My second suggestion...

Separate it with small lines of dialogue, while not necessarily following up on the dialogue for a few more paragraphs. 

 

This is an easy way to help readers find their places amidst the mass of exposition. Have a character ask a rhetorical question, have one say something stupid that no one really feels like answering, just so your reader has something to look at and something to help them remember there are still
characters in this piece.

Remember, there's no need to follow up dialogue on the very next line. Readers are smart enough to know there are pauses in conversations, and that some people do actually think before they speak.

Lastly...

Don't over describe: let your audience do the thinking. 

 

A lot of writers have issues with this. We describe everything so thoroughly that the audience doesn't really get to put their own imagination into it.

Yes, sometimes this can be a good thing.

However, most of the time it's just annoying and it will keep your readers from reading your piece, because you've done all the thinking for them. Like it or not, believe it or not, people read to think, to imagine, and if you take that away from them, you've taken all the fun out.

The key is to find that happy medium between description and understatement...

But we'll discuss that another time. :-)

Thanks for reading!

Did you all enjoy the blood moon the other night? I have to say, it was pretty awesome.

{RD}

The Burden of Research

Lately, I've had to do more researching than I've ever wanted to do. It's something a lot of writers have to do, from time to time, while writing stories about which we do not know as much as we would like. (wow that sentence was a mouthful).

As of last week, I'm researching Demons. One of the pastors at church let me borrow a book that's giving me a good deal of insight into them.

But I can't say as it's a very fun topic to study.

Researching is one of those things we all do, and generally one of those things that we don't like to do. But the story is always better for it, so we do it for the sake of the story.

In a few weeks, I'll be expert enough on all things demonic that I'll be able to finish this story.

For all you college students out there, don't go thinking that the researching ever ends.


To make my point clearer, here are five reasons why writers should research: 

• Research makes your writing stronger. 
• It prevents some plot holes. 
• Allows for more detail in writing. 
• Makes it easier for other people, who may be actual experts on the subject, to read your story. In other words, it makes you more credible.
• Chances are, you'll need the knowledge for multiple books: doing it now means you won't have to do it later!

In essence, do your research.

Back to the books, with me!

{RD}

The Heart, it Aches...

Hey everybody!

Last week we started a new series, titled “So You Want to Be a Writer?”—and it’s all about the things I think you should know if you’re going to jump into this field.

Today’s point is also a big reason why a lot of people shy away from writing, especially mainstream fiction and nonfiction writing. 

  Heartache

This comes in many different forms while you’re writing. Trust me on that. I’ve experienced it in more ways that I care to count.

Today though, I’m only going to talk about three.

• Editing

Let’s say you just finished your first novel, and it’s amazing. It’s everything you wanted it to be, and then some. Everything is exactly how you wanted it, and you don’t think it should be touched—ever.

Guess what?

It needs to be edited.

You’ll need to get up the nerve to edit it down, to make it better than perfect, before it can be sent to publishers. You’ll have to cut out sentences you’re proud of, whole characters you loved but really make no contribution to the story as a whole, and even change your endings once or twice.

I know, it hurts. But it has to be done. 

Guess what? I'm not so good at this one yet either. We'll work on it together. 

(I suggest doing your edits in a separate file, so you can still keep all the wonderfulness that was your first draft)

• Publishing

Publishers are picky. Trust me, I’m about to start working for one.

They know what they want, and they know they can get it from someone else if you’re not willing to give it to them.

Not every publisher is going to love your story. Most of them will probably reject it. It’s not common for a piece to be accepted by more than one publisher, and I don’t suggest that you expect it at every turn.

You’ll need to be ready for those rejection letters, because they will come forth.

• Saying goodbye to characters you’ve become so attached to

This one is the hardest for me to bear.

I grow attached to all of my characters, even the ones that I hate. I don’t want to see them go, no matter what. Maybe there’s still some good in them, somewhere.

But every so often, a character has to die.

A book has to end.

Stories find their conclusions.

It hurts, letting go of a piece you’ve worked on for years. It’s a painful process, saying goodbye to those people you’ve helped to mold and create, and letting them loose on the world.

But in the end, it’s completely worth it.

Just remember, there’s always another story, right on the horizon, waiting for you to find it.

I love you all, and thanks for reading all the way to the end.

{RD}

Stop Talking!

Too often writers find themselves at the mercy of overly talky characters.

Don't worry, it happens to the best of us.

Not all of us know how to overcome those characters, especially when they're minor characters who really don't need that much attention.

If a main character talks a lot, it's generally a good thing. It builds the character, makes them stronger and more solid, and helps your readers to understand them. But when it happens with minor characters, we all just want them to shut up. 

If you've ever had this problem, I have a very simple solution for you.

Write it out, cut it out. 

...But keep it in case you need it later.

I've had a lot of talky characters in my day. A lot of them were characters I didn't even like, but they just wouldn't shut up.

If you're a writer, you know what I mean. After all, we don't really control the story. The story controls us, in a way. They're real people, and they want to be heard.

The point is, you're the only person who really needs to listen to those talky characters. While they're talking, they could reveal some useful piece of information to you: information that the audience does not need to know.

That being the case, my method is to let them talk, and then cut that entire scene and write it in exposition instead.

Most often, everything that's been said by that talky character can be written in exposition that makes everything far clearer than it would've been otherwise.

The key here is to make a separate file that contains those overly talky scenes, so you can refer back to them if you need them, and you can go look at them and marvel at what a fabulous writer you are when it comes to dialogue. *wink*

In essence: if it doesn't need to be said, and doesn't need to be said right now, don't have it said.

We could use a word from Craig Ferguson on this one:

• Does this need to be said? 

• Does this need to be said by me? 

• Does this need to be said by me now? 

(found on "Does This Need to be Said" special, where Craig discusses how to prevent getting in a fight with his wife)

It appears that I digress. 

Just remember, exposition is a good thing. 

Of course, exposition can get bogged down too... That being the case, next week we'll go over what to do when you have too much exposition.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to destroy Jotunheim.

{RD}

P.S. I did warn you of my fangirl tendencies. Don't say I didn't warn you. *wink*