Fall into Writing

[sachiko]

Hey, guys!

I've been gone quite some time. I had family stay at my house for several days, and then we all went camping for several MORE days, and now I'm trying to peel myself off the linoleum and get back into the swing of things.

I've always loved fall for writing. It's such a nice activity to do as weather gets cooler. Maybe I just love the smell of school supplies--all those sharpened pencils.

I find out at the end of this month if I'm having another girl or another boy. We are having a heckuva time picking a name. Nothing sounds good. Did any of you have a hard time finding or agreeing on baby names?

The funny thing is my husband and I keep falling back on the names of the people in my story--Enoch, Persephone, Eve, etc. We already used Cora. I feel a little strange naming my kids after book characters I haven't even put into a lot of print, but I guess all the planning and fretting about these fictional people makes me feel kinda maternal towards my characters.

My husband found me a used netbook and roll-up keyboard that I can use to write away from the computer. He's going bow hunting this weekend so maybe I'll get a chance to write.

My goal this month is to get back into the habit of copying a novel for at least 15 minutes a day. Next month, I'll work up to 30 minutes.

It seems to be the perfect solution to my learning style--I learn by doing. Reading about writing never seems to be as effective as simply spending relaxed time every day copying something considered "successful". The theory of correct writing that leaks out my ears seems to stick when I have to pick it up on my own.

Hey, Gary, my oldest is starting Beginning Guitar this week. Anything I should be wary of when buying a first guitar? Do you think there's a personality type that tends to succeed more at guitar than other instruments? This son's been taking piano for a couple of years, and isn't thrilled about it. Do you think guitar is easier than piano?

[paulwest]

Hi everyone. Glad to see some of you back. I've missed everyone.

Sachiko: So you're having another baby. Great news. As for naming her/him after names in your book, I think that's OK. You used names in your book that you like, and it stands to reason you'd like to name your children names you like as well.

My critique group is looking for new members again. So, if you want something to encourage you to keep writing, let me know and I'll give you the rules to see if you're really interested.

[sachiko]

I want to join, but I've made a goal that I need to have a minimum of 3 chapters of book, preferably 10, before joining, just to make sure that I have enough material to be critiqued.

That way I can concentrate on critiquing other people's stuff and not feel like such a stupid fraud to say "Hey, even though YOU are a productive human and I am not, I'm still going to tell you how to make your story better."

I have a small, secret, dorky plan to get those chapters written, dorky enough I am ashamed of admitting it here. Unless it works like wildfire, in which case I may tell you.

But hopefully soon I can take you up on your kind offer, Paul.

[paulwest]

You're always welcome Sachiko. I'd love to read and critique your work, and have you read and critique mine.

The rules are tough. You have to post at minimum one chapter or short story by the 7th of every month. If you want, you can post more, up to three chapters or shorts, or 8,000 words. And, you have to critique everyone's posts within the month, unless you otherwise make arrangements with the moderator. Her name is Kellee.

That's it.

I love this group because they encourages me to write even when I don't feel like it. We have a congenial group, made up of 3 women and one man (me) right now (maybe two if one of them returns). Two of us are LDS, one is a Catholic, and the other is Dutch Reformed Church, but we are all very conservative and appreciate morality. No obscene literature is allowed.

We are all serious about writing and getting published -- eventually.

Just let me know when you're ready and I'll recommend you to the group. I know they'd love you there as we do here.

[sachiko]

paul I can't thank you enough for your encouraging words!!

I will let you know.

[rahmuss]

My father-in-law passed away the end of August, so we've been a bit distracted lately; but hopefully I'll be on here more faithfully. I've read little snippits of T. Lynn's third book (thanks to me being her mother's tech support guru) and it looks fun. She's very busy because she's been asked to write more at work and she has been working hard to meet the deadline for finishing the third book. I just hope she survives.

[charlie]

It is good to hear T. Lynn is keeping busy. Sounds like she is doing well. Thanks for the update, Mike. I am 90 or so pages away from finishing The Lost Curse and I'm enjoying it.

I wonder if Gary got called to be Bishop again, or maybe he is in the Stake presidency now where he lives. He has been quiet here for some time. Hope all is well and he is just busy, too.

[sachiko]

Maybe this is the busy season for beekeepers...?

[paulwest]

Hi. Anybody home?

I just finished T.Lynn's book, The Lost Curse. I really liked it, but have some questions if she or anyone else wants to answer.

As I read the novel, I kept looking for a curse. Where or what was it? I seemed to miss it somehow.

Now, I'm anxious to read her next novel. It sounds like she's hard at work on it.

[charlie]

Hi Paul, I am here. I am nearing the end of T. Lynn's book and I'm enjoying it as well. I can't speak to the title of T. Lynn's book. I will defer that to her. Oftentimes, titles are simply selected to heighten the reader's interest. It is the first thing we see (along with the cover).

[sachiko]

My kids are in district homeschooling program and spend one day a week on-site taking classes from teachers.

So TODAY I had *2* *hours* all to myself!!!! While Cora Dove napped!

I haven't had more than 15 minutes to myself since....I think since March or April.

So I got an hour of writing in! At last!!!

[paulwest]

Over the past two or three weeks, I haven't been able to do any writing. I've done some critique work, but no actual writing. I need to finish Chapter 3 of my "Johnny Sweeting's Story" for posting to my critique group in October. Wish me luck. I'm stuck on how to get Johnny out of his predicament.

[sachiko]

So I ran across an interesting idea at The American Conservative, You know, Rod Dreher's blog?

It says there are four kinds of generations that follow each other, cyclically:

"The prophet generation is concerned about large social causes and instigating social change. The Baby Boomers.

The nomad generations passionately attacks the established social order. They are alienated as young adults and extremely pragmatic as mid-life leaders. Generation X.

The hero generation is community oriented. They are peaceful, team-oriented, energetic and overly confident. Generation Y.

The artist generation is what your kids are. This generation ends up coming of age during crisis and uncertainty when public institutions demand great personal sacrifice. These kids come of age during a time when conformity and socialization are emphasized and they become process-oriented mid-life leaders. "

I'm thinking about this today, and seeing where Adam-Seth-Canaan-Enoch-Noah fit into this cycle.

[charlie]

I am living in the wife-is-always-right era. Ha Ha Just kidding.

Finally finished The Lost Curse a couple nights ago. I enjoyed it even though I did notice several grammatical errors.

I am trying to get back to my story about Samuel Brown, my gg grandfather's life. I'm just under 40,000 words and would like to finish the first draft by year's end. Hopefully motivation will kick in and I can make it happen.

Where's Gary?

[sachiko]

I've been wondering the same thing myself. I've been wanting to run lectio divina past you guys and I wondered what Gary would think of it.