Things to Think About when Writing

Well, I'm taking a few minutes break from NaNoWriMo to talk about a couple of things that have been in my mind while I've beening doing my own mad writing dash through the first five days.

First off, I hope everyone is doing well. And even if you are behind right now, fear not! You can always catch up, regardless of what's going on elsewhere this month. On that note, I've heard one or two out in the NaNo world complain of being stuck in their novel. To them, I offer these suggestions. If you can't think of what's coming next, skip to a part you know. Just leave a little marker or note (notes count as words) to come back after NaNo is done or at the last few days of NaNo when you are still short a couple of thousand words. Also, don't worry about the "whats" of the novel right now. Word count is your primary goal. As it says on the NaNo calendar currently present on my laptop, "Don't have any ninjas? Add some!" Do ANYTHING to get yourself moving again.

I bring this up because I noticed that my output, so far today, has been lower than it has been the last few days. I began to worry that I was stuck...which I thought was impossible, due to my outlines. But, I realized, I was not stuck...I just needed a breather. This could also be the case for those of you who are "stuck." Take a break and come back a little later. Watch some TV, eat something that doesn't have caffeine in it, take a bath/shower, do anything but write. Then, in a couple of hours (or whenever your next section of free time comes that day), try again. That's my plan.

Which brings up another thought I had, even though NaNo is a huge part of our lives in Nov, one must remember to make time to do things that are more relaxing than worrying about word count. Breathers and sleep are important, as well as entertainment activities. And you want to know the upside to this? They'll probably act as inspiration for you novel. In fact, just today in class, I had an idea for something totally minor to mention in my novel, towards the end...but that toally minor mention will still take up word count. Remember, quanity is for Novemeber, quality is for December.

And don't forget to read. It is my personal belief that all authors must be readers...now, I don't care what it is that they read, just do it! Books, magazines, news articles, scientific journals, anything! And again, this could act as inspiration.

So, how is everyone feeling about NaNo? Well, one last reminder from me on this subject...just have fun with it! No one is judging you!

Now, on more Guild related matters, I'll be posting up a couple of new challenges...and maybe some informal ones that serve more as recommendations...later this month. Most will have Dec. due dates, with one--a short one!--being due in Nov.! Be on the look out for those!

And, finally, I'd like to thank dear Slinky for keeping us inspired with her daily updates in the upper left corner of our Guild.

Happy NaNoing!

--Patricia
Head of the Department of Backstory
15,917 words

Keyword Density Info for Freelance Writers

Since I'm just now getting involved in the world of freelance writers, and I know a few of my fellow Guild members are interested in online writing as well, I thought I'd post this helpful article on Keyword Density and SEO. How Search Engines actually work is somewhat confusing to the novice. This article breaks down some of the bigger issues facing writers learning about SEO and keywords. I hope a few of you find this helpful.


Keyword Density Not Enough for Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
All the social bookmarking in the world will not help you if the search engines can't find your article in the first place. And search engines can't find you unless you speak their language.
http://www.associatedcontent.comarticle/215422/keyword_density_not_enough_for_search.html

NaNoWriMo: Soon, My Precious, Soon

Smell that, Guild folk? That's the scent of National Novel Writing Month, right around the corner. Sure, it smells a little like jerky, pocky sticks, and spilled soft drinks--but isn't it great? Everyone here should know what NaNoWriMo is. If you don't know, refer to previous posts or go to www.NaNoWriMo.org. In fact, one of our active challenges involves NaNoWriMo. And, oh how I plan on tackling that challenge this coming week. I'm hoping this blog serves as a NaNo reminder to Guild members who might like to participate. I know Patricia, Kimmi, and I have already started preparing for our novel writing experience.

I've been trying to get myself inspired. I've written an Associated Content article on the challenge (well, not specifically, but on preparing for NaNo through background stories), and it should be up within a few days.

In the mean time, I thought I might suggest a few activities to keep you motivated while you write your outline for your NaNo novel:

• You could begin to gather your music playlist for November (thanks, Patrica, for reminding me).
  
• Aside from this, the more artistic guild members might want to think about drawing character sketches or gathering celebrity pictures to use as character references.
• Also, NaNoWriMo has a place to upload your "cover page" under Novel Info, if you'd like to create one for fun.
  
• Maps can be your friend. For fantasy writers, draw a map of the areas, blue print the buildings, decide where to place the mudmen in your bog, etc.
  
• Make a banner for your novel and put it on your social networking sites or use it in your NaNo signature to advertise your story. Mine is above, obviously :D Here's where you can go to make your own:
  

http://www.bannersketch.com/index.php?pid=home

• Make a YouTube trailer. Yeah, I've never made a video before, but this morning at about 2am, I woke up and decided that it would be a good idea. This was the result of that experiment (leave a comment, haha):
  

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=clsQpHabBD4

or the video below might also work. (Disclaimer: I do not own the music or the photos. Better disclaimer located on YouTube, haha.)







EDIT: Another thing to help prepare and motivate is a calendar. Check out these calendars made by folks in the NaNoWriMo forums:
http://www.nanowrimo.org/eng/node/3264274?page=1

Fiction Writing: Three Ways to Use the Colors of the Seasons to Describe Setting
How to use color to describe setting and set mood in fiction.
http://www.associatedcontent.comarticle/2252127/fiction_writing_three_ways_to_use_the.html

Challenge Seventeen: Trick or Treat!

Okay, it's that time of year again, boys and ghouls! Halloween is upon us. So, in honor of a most fun holiday, here's a challenge!

• Choose three of the following prompt words: witch, black, howl, ghost, candy, chocolate, zombie, vampire, midnight, blood, gore, fright, screech, scream, tomb, dead, or goblin
• Write a poem of at least 100 words!
• The word "Halloween" must appear at least once inside the poem!
• And finally, the end of the poem must be a "trick" (read: twist or surpise) or "treat" (read: nice; the way everyone would hope for).

Due Date for this challenge is by midnight, Oct. 31...the witching hour! Happy haunting...I mean, writing!!

Challenge Sixteen: The Jeopardy! Challenge

Okay, so this actually has nothing to do with Jeopardy, but it runs something like it's Answer and Question format. This is the Answer Challenge! In the past, we've had several Question challenges, were we would give you selected questions and, through a fandom character, you had to answer that question FOR that character. This time, we're going to flip you on your head.

Because we're all kind of busy this semester, we'll free you up some for this one.

• Choose any fandom you'd like to write for (for fandom, read: fanfiction)
• After you've chosen your fandom, choose your main character. This is to whom the answer must apply
• Then, choose one of the answers below.
• Using this "answer," in the space of a one-shot (500 word minimum), find the question that applies to this answer for this character.

Answers:

Because I love him/her.

Because this is my sacrifice.

Because I am evil/good.

Because I live the lie, everyday.

Bonus Points: If you write for a fandom you've never written for before!!

Due: Oct. 28, 2009

Challenge Fifteen: The NaNoWriMo Backstory Challenge

Visit NaNoWriMo.org for more information on National Novel Writing Month.

NaNoWriMo. . .What a special time of year! Thousands of writers gathered with one common writing goal--finish a 50,000 word novel in one month's time.

This year, to help all you funky NaNos out there, I propose a challenge before THE Challenge.

As you're plotting, outlining, and forming characters for your NaNo Novel, you can take part in this October challenge. It might help you when you start to write on November 1st.

Challenge:
Pick a character who is going to be present in your NaNoWriMo novel. Every character is full of history. After all, they should have lived a life before the events of your story. So pick an event, a moment in their life, or even a previous adventure they were involved in and write a short story.

• Character must be present in your future NaNo novel.

• Story cannot share the same plot as your NaNo novel.
  

• 900 wd Minimum, no max

• Due Oct 31st (In other words, before NaNoWriMo begins.)

• Post either a link or a short synopsis in the below comments. I realize that, if you're serious about your NaNo Novel, you might not want post your short story on a site like fictionpress.com (just in case you need to tweek it after the actual NaNo event has changed your character).

• YOU CANNOT USE THIS STORY AS WORD COUNT DURING NANOWRIMO.

Have fun! I can't wait to see your responses.

Challenge Response: A Grand Illusion

A Grand Illusion is the title of my musical.It's formed around ten Styx songs.

Basics--Grand Illusion is the story of superheroes and villains and how the two are more similar than different.It's a tale of murder, guilt, and moral confusion. There's even a touch of romance in the mix.

Characters--

Seeker: The MC of my story, Seeker is a young man who's been trying out the super hero business with no luck. He has a super power, but it's not as helpful as some of the heroes would like.Seeker has the ability to find what he's looking for. The Grand Council (of Superheroes) uses him when they need him, then toss him to the side.

(Old Man) River: River is the eldest of the Council with his extended life span. He is Seeker's own childhood hero and the man Seeker tries to appeal to when he's attempting to join the Council. River's ability is to manipulate water.

Snow: Super heroine who works under River due to the duality of their powers.She can freeze water, even that in the air or in the blood.

The Copper Fist:A head villain, much like a mob boss. He has no true power but his artificial limb, a copper plated fist.

Nightmare: A female villain who works under Copper Fist. She can enter the subconscious mind and manipulate it, withdrawing information as well.

There are minor villains and heroes that will brought in, as well as normal folks.

Songs--(This is my full outline--sorry for the length.)

"Blue Collar Man"

The story begins with Seeker back at the Council headquarters begging to be part of the permanent team. Other would-be superheroes are there as well, requesting jobs.After River rejects him and Snow smirks at his crestfallen face, he begins to sing "Blue Collar Man" to the remaining heroes, slipping in and interrupting their conversations. The other would-be heroes sing along to "long nights…" Seeker interrupts with a notice that he won't be coming back to help them if they don't take them now. He promises he'll find a group that needs him. He continues to sing the end of the song and strides out to the music.

"The Grand Illusion"

River sighs at the boy's antics and walks off, other heroes falling in stride with him as they rise through the high security of the headquarters.They begin to sing "The Grand Illusion" as they walk. They go into a room and gather around a circular table with a hologram at the center.They begin passing papers, assignments, still singing.Then they separate again, going off to do jobs. It shows them taking down thieves and bank robbers, stopping escaped convicts.Then it cuts to villains doing the same and singing the song.


"Too Much Time on My Hands"

Seeker is depressed and sitting in a villains' bar, pondering what he's going to do and wondering if his threat to leave was an empty one. He becomes bitter and throws back a few more shots, rambling on about how stupid The Council is. all he can recall is the fact that he slammed a bottle into a man's temple. And that the man was dead. But did he deserve it? Does it matter? After all, the man was a criminal in a bar of criminals. Who would believe that a hero on the rise could do such a thing. Seeker becomes frustrated. He wishes he could remember if the man had struck first, if the blow had been in self defense. He sings "Crystal Ball" as he gets dressed for the day. As he sings, he sticks his head out the door, taking the newspaper and searching the TV as well for news of the criminal's death.

"Snow Blind"

As soon as he finishes singing "Crystal Ball," Seeker hears a knock at the door. It's Snow, and she has bad news. Old Man River has been captured by Copper Fist's thugs. Apparently they believe he was responsible for sending a hero to kill Copper's son. Seeker believes she's come to lay blame, but, instead, she's there to ask him to use his abilities to help find River.

Seeker does as she asks, and they come to an abandoned warehouse. Snow takes out several thugs at the front of the building, freezing them to death, including one who was begging to surrender. Snow tells Seeker to wait outside while she checks the perimeter. Seeker looks on in shock at what Snow has done to these villains and begins to sing "Snow Blind," realizing at last that the superhero life has seduced him into being something he never wanted to be, a killer. Snow comes back to hear him finish, and her eyes narrow in suspicion. Seeker admits what he did the night before. Snow tells him to keep quiet about it, that the Law of Heroes states that a murder in their ranks must be hunted and killed. Seeker points out what Snow has done, and she threatens him: "If you tell them what I've done, they won't believe you. They'll believe me. And you'll die before you can spread your…lies further."

"Boat on a River"

The two 'heroes' enter the warehouse. Snow and Seeker hide high above but can still see where River's being held. Snow tells Seeker to not act or speak until she gives him permission. Wanting to avoid her wrath, he nods without thought. They watch as River is tortured with fire. Seeker wonders why Snow hasn't moved into action yet, but doesn't call attention to himself. He hears River finally call out for mercy. The old man seems delusional from the pain and begins to speak of his life as a fisherman, back when he was just a normal human. Then he begins to sing "Boat on a River." Seeker realizes that his mentor is singing a plea for death. Before River can finish the song, Copper Fist cuts the elderly hero's throat.

"Renegade"

Seeker accidently cries out. Too late, he realizes that Snow had decided to find River only to insure that he did indeed die. Her motive: to take a higher seat on The Council. Seeker doesn't have time to shout his accusation as the villains awaken to the presence of the two above. Snow pushes Seeker over the edge, but he manages to fall on a long garbage slide down to the main floor of the warehouse. The villains begin to shoot at him, but he realizes that's the least of his problems when Snow raises her hands. Villains begin to fall, frozen in place. Seeker makes a run for it while she's distracted with taking out Copper Fist and accidentally runs into a female villain, one he recognizes as the evil Nightmare. He pushes her (and himself) out of the way before Snow can reach them. Snow calls out, saying that he's dead already, whenever The Council catches him. Seeker thinks he's trapped in the warehouse. Realizing she's the only villain left, Nightmare catches his attention and points to a floor grate. The two escape and separate before they come to the surface.

As Seeker wanders the town, he begins to sing "Renegade." Heroes are looking for him all over town. He can't go home. Seeker is sure he's done for.

"Dream Weaver"

Seeker hides throughout the rest of the day, realizing that his whole life has officially ended, even before his death. Every goal he ever hoped to achieve was gone. As the heroes search for him, chaos breaks out over the town. The villains are no longer under a leader, so they are running amuck. Then Seeker realizes that it doesn't matter, this Council ordeal. What matters is whether or not he killed that man in the bar, Copper's son, in cold blood. If he did, than he's no better than Snow, he knows. But how can he know for sure if he killed accidently or in cold blood. He realizes that the villain Nightmare has the ability to find answers from one's subconscious. He uses his ability to find her. She's hostile at first but more compliant than he expected her to be. When it looks as if she's going to give in to his request, he begins to sing "Dream Weaver."

"Show Me the Way"

When Nightmare and Seeker awaken before dawn, the are both much closer. Some connection has formed between them. They begin to sing "Show Me the Way" as a duet. She tells him that he killed the man accidentally, that he never expected the blow to kill. Seeker ignores her, now far more interested in what she sung with him. He asks her what they'll do now. Nightmare has no idea. She's spend her life believing she'd rise in Copper's army of thugs, and now that he's dead, she feels she has nothing. Seeker can relate. They continue their song, and when it ends, Seeker tells her that he's a villain now, that he must be to find justice. Nightmare tells him to forget justice, to come away with her instead. Seeker says he can't, not until he's killed Snow. He leaves.

"Come Sail Away"

Nightmare has packed a small bag and plans to take Copper's luxury boat out on the water, to escape the city of heroes and villains. She sings "Come Sail Away," wishing she wasn't alone in the journey. When she turns, she sees Seeker hailing her. They don't embrace, but she reaches out giving him a helping hand. They hold hands throughout a few more lines of her song. Her eyes grow sad when she gets to "…Gathering of angels…" Seeker looks upward to find that several of the flying members of The Council are circling above. As her song ends, Seeker tells her that she can escape, but that he two choices left now: die or become a true villain. He asks for her help, not giving his choice.

She puts her hands onto his head, throwing him into a dreamscape of a beautiful sailboat on a purple ocean with a coral sky. She's standing beside him in the dream. "They'll kill us soon," Seeker says.

Nightmare nods. "But the seconds before they do will last a lifetime here. In dreams, we live until we're old."

Seeker holds her hand. "Are we heroes or villains here?"

"Those things don't exist here, Seeker," she answers. "This is just a grand illusion."

That's it folks. Tell me what you think of my song choices and the story. I plan on using the plot in an fiction story in the future. What do you think?

Reply to Challenge Fourteen

The title of my piece is One Month

My storyline is this: An educational-inspired college camp brings together students from several schools, ranging from grades 9th to recently graduated. For one month, four camp counselers that are summer staff only must, while under the supervision of their five superiors, must help the children with their daytime activities. And at night, after the full-time staff have gone home, they must keep the children under control and under the rules. But with 60 students, all with hormones raging and drama running high, will everyone make it through the summer camp without getting kicked out? Told through the point of view of a camper returning for their second year to a new attendee.

There will be several stories within one large story. The focus will shift as each new story is brought to light. Some stories will be solved quickly, while others might run the length of the main plot.

Okay, my storyline actually gives me a LOT of characters to work with...but here are some of the ones that should be noted:
Jessica Hart- one of the female counselers
Penelope Rayson- one of the female counselers
Michael Madison- one of the male counselers
James Mill--one of the male counselers
Aurora--the camper returning for her second year; has all the "dirt" on the older attendees
Lily-- a first time camper...a bit nervous about going, but makes fast friends with Aurora
Derek-- a fourth year camper, involved in a "love triangle"
Jonathan-- a second year camper, friend of Derek, involved in same "love triangle"
Kate--a first year camper, involved in "love triangle" with Derek and Jonathan
Nala-a second year camper, falling for Edmund
Edmund-- a first year camper, but is his love for Nala true?

Those are some of the examples of the longer running stories throughout the main plot. The artist I chose was the band "3 Doors Down." I will now list the songs I chose from their discography and beside each song, describe the scene in which they will be used.

Train-- The opening number. Play just the music as some of the students are shown loading luggage into their parents' cars and vehicles. Show some parents expressing concern about letting their children go for a month. Start with one of the "lesser used" characters singing the song, cut to several students singing, emphasizing on some of the longer running stories.

The Real Life--Aurora explaining her feelings on wanting to go home her first year, then deciding to stay. She talked about being a bad kid, how the camp has made her better.

Kryptonite--The scene has drifted, after a bit, to Penelope and James. James is talking about how he has missed Penelope. After he begins to express too intimate of feelings--wanting to get back together, having helped her through dark times, etc.--she tells him that she doesn't want anything to do with him like that anymore. James sings Kryptonite.

Loser-- One of the "lesser used" characters sings this. She is being bullied by some of the other campers for being "weird." At the conclusion of her song, she enters the head of the camp's office and tells her that she wants to go home.

Let Me Go-- Kate sings this song. After two, separate, moments with Derek and Jonathan,she sings this song in lament of her "secret" that will inevitably keep her from both of them.

When I'm Gone-- A camper who has recently discovered they have been kicked out sings this, their audience changing from camper to camper. The song bring a much needed worry to the other campers about the things they are up to...this camper has gotten kicked out for all the reasons that they are partaking in.

Behind Those Eyes-- Nala sings this song as she begins to suspect that Edmund's feelings for her are less than true.

She Don't Want the World-- Aurora and Lily take turns singing this song as Nala and Kate go sadly about their daily activities at the camp, after all has been revealed in their stories.

So I Need You-- Edmund sings as he confesses his love, for once and for all, for Nala. At the lyric, "Imitation of my walk" Edmund walks with his shoulders slumped, "sadly." Nala and Edmund take turns singing, Edmund picking back up at the appropriate lyrics.

Your Arms Feel Like Home-- The ending song. Campers say goodbye to one another as they return home to their parents.

Challenge Fourteen: A Practice in Creative Pitching

And we're back with the first of what I'm sure is going to be several challenges to come! Now, this one doesn't require you to post anything anywhere, except here in the comments (or, if it would be easier, in a post all on its own). Now, I personally call this challenge the Musical Challenge, inspired by Mama Mia! Here's the deal:

• Pick your favorite artist or band. ONLY one artist or band...NOT an artist and a band.
• Now, use your choice's discography (or discography so far) and choose either 10 songs or a full album.
• Take those songs, and pitch us a play. Give us the characters (main characters who will have, should you actually want to write it out, several speaking roles...don't worry about minor characters right now). Give us the story (give us the beginning, the high point of the middle, and the end). Give us the setting (just a single setting, like a city or country or something, you don't have to give us every setting that might come into play).
• And finally, most importantly, tell us about the scenes that will use each of the songs you choose.
• BONUS: If you detail the choreography, and we're not looking for anything professional here, that would be fun.
• Due: Oct. 2, 2009

Okay, and just post it here under the comments or make it its own separate Guild post. And remember, just have fun with it!

Sugar Quills: Energy for GFQ Members

These are sold in Gulf Shores souvenir shops. (I have no idea why.) We remembered to get a picture of them this time.

Writing Tip: Use a Bad Situation to Create a Descriptive Scene
Out of writing steam? Perhaps the key to your next writing spill is as close as your last meaty rant about the driver who took your parking space.
http://www.associatedcontent.comarticle/2092149/writing_tip_use_a_bad_situation_to.html

FictionPress.Com Can Be an Amateur Writer's Best Friend
FictionPress.com is a huge site where writers can post their fiction and poetry for a wide audience. While it has its problems, the pros far outweigh the cons.
http://www.associatedcontent.comarticle/2082067/fictionpresscom_can_be_an_amateur_writers.html

Can Writing Fanfiction Improve Your Writing Skills?
Most of today's fanfiction is written by teens and tweens, but can the amateur writer learn anything from this type of pleasure writing? I argue that fanfiction writers can and will learn valuable skills, if they're willing to do the work.
http://www.associatedcontent.comarticle/1990818/can_writing_fanfiction_improve_your.html

Challenge Thirteen: Underwire Challenge

Ok, Ok, so you've just read the title of this challenge and received a large mental question mark in return. Here's the deal: I watch action and horror movies, most of which are cheesy or simply lack realistic characters. I constantly see girls get into situations where they have "nothing" they can use to fight the bad guy/girl, get out of the trap, save another person. I think that, aside from a brain, the most unused tool at their disposal is just a cup-size away. Think about it (I'm talking to the ladies here--the nondrag guys amongst us will have to use their imagination), the majority of women wear bras, even with formal wear, though many Sci-Fi (excuse me, Syfy) writers would have you think otherwise. And, in turn, the majority of bras have underwire for lift. Now, any woman who's had a cheap bra has felt the stinging end of the underwire and knows its dangers.

Are we forming a picture now?

So, my challenge to you: write a scene, story, script, etc. where a woman or man (be creative, Mr. Kinky Boots) uses their bra in a tight situation for something other than seduction. Specifically, I'd like it to be a very high-action moment, but any creative use will be worth it.

This challenge has no real due date, and, unless it's a piece you're posting online, you won't need to put a link in the comments. Just comment below and tell me a little about the situation you're planning to write about, and how the bra comes into play.

Have fun and, as always, be creative!