Topic 36 Planning Ahead

Greetings from Florida.
Yes, it's that time of year again when snowbirds from up north like myself travel south to soak up a little sun. But before most of us arrive at our new destination for the winter months, we sit down and make plans regarding transportation, sleep accommodations, dining, and even things we'd like to see and do.

Planning ahead as a writer is also very important. In order to move forward in the new year, we need to sit down and seriously consider where we as a writer want to go or grow. Perhaps 2017 will be the year you finally attend a seminar in your field of writing, submit an entry for a competition, prepare a short story or book for
publication.  

My plans for the new year down here always start with attending whatever functions I can, including writer meetings. Then as I move further into January, I begin to research websites for Spring,
Summer, Fall events in my home state. If I sign up early, I don't lose out. The old saying, "The early bird catches the worm," makes sense if you want to be out selling your writings.   

Very rarely do things backfire when you do them too early, but there are exceptions. I submitted a story to be included in a book with other writers and didn't check to make sure the person handling the process received the story. You should've seen the surprise on my face this past week when I discovered my story wasn't in the book. Lesson Learned: I will check and double check to make sure the story has been received. 

Remember, if you want to succeed in whatever you do, plan ahead even if certain things don't pan out. There's always next time.

Until Next Time
This is Marlene Chabot
Mystery Author

Topic 35 Blogging Plus Rewriting A Novel

Greetings,
Happy Holidays to everyone. May you have a great New Year.

Sorry, it's been a while since you've heard from me. I have plenty of excuses but nothing to do with health thank goodness. To be quite honest I ran out of ideas to write about even though my blog clearly indicates books and beyond.

Last night my niece came by and asked for help in creating a blog, which made me feel guilty that I've neglected this one. But life does get in the way, even when trying to rewrite a novel.

My niece has a wonderful way with words but hasn't had time to make use of her passion for writing until now. Being a good aunt, I want to encourage her means of expression. So, the two of us sat down and I explained about blogger.com, the site I use. Sure, there are so many other free sites to use, including Wordpress, but the reason I didn't go with Wordpress was the form one fills out seemed so endless when I looked into it. This blog site didn't seem complicated to set up over a year ago. But do you think I could remember exactly what steps I took first to set it up? No. Of course not.

It also didn't help that my niece wasn't ready to write a profile, etc. and her laptop was acting up. When we finally made it into blogger I helped her come up with a title for her blog and a page address where people can find her.  Without doing anything more to the site we left it, and then went back in several times to make sure the page had been established. This morning she called and said she couldn't get into her blog.  Now, she'll probably have to recreate it. 

Moral of the story: don't create a blog until you're ready to enter all information required. And don't get frustrated in trying to set one up. Once you've created it, you're on your way.

*****************************************************
                           Rewriting a published novel.
For a long time, I have been giving serious thought to rewriting my first novel due to its cost compared to my other novels. I like bundling my books for events, but I always leave that one out of the mix. 

Over a month ago, a relative did something really nice for us and didn't want to be paid. He loves to read and so I decided to give him a copy of the first novel. For some reason, after I gave it to him I began to page through a copy I had and felt guilty I'd gifted it. I decided then and there it was time to rewrite the novel. Whether it was appropriate or not. And so that's what I've been busy doing for several months now instead of working on my sixth novel. 

Why is it taking so long to do if the material is already on my hard drive? Because it's not. I wrote my first novel on an Apple computer, long gone from this home, and had saved it on a floppy disk, not a flash drive. Luckily, I still had the hard copy I hadn't had the heart to toss in 2003 and began the laborious process of retyping the manuscript again. I sure hope it's worth the time spent on it.

Have any of you novelist ever rewritten a total book after it's been published? I sure would love some feedback. My goal is to have the book available by spring. Wish me luck!  

Until Next Time
This is Marlene Chabot
Mystery Author




   

Topic 34 Anthologies

Greetings,
Now that summer is officially over and temperatures are cooling down in areas around the world, it's time to get your writing flowing again, especially if you've been lax like me. I don't know what all I did before the fall season hit, but I know my writing suffered this summer.

One thing though that didn't suffer was my chance to meet and talk with people who have a story to tell but are afraid to dip their feet in the writing waters  Are you afraid to dip your feet too--go out on a limb and produce a short story or poem?

There are so many ways to share a short story or poem besides a novel or Chap book. Writing for an anthology is one possibility. Not only is it a great way to get published, but you wouldn't believe how many readers, with little time on their hands, would rather purchase an anthology.

What is an anthology? According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, an anthology is a collection of writings (such as poems or short stories) by different authors.

Many anthologies revolve around a particular theme, but not all. The length of a short story for anthologies varies depending on the rules set up by the group or person creating the anthology. Anthologies I've submitted short stories for have requested writers limit their word count between 2,500 to 4,500. Although I have seen requests for up to 7,500 words. Accepted stories usually run between 8 to 9 pages in length.

I'd suggest submitting your story early since there's a limited amount of short stories accepted for submission. One anthology I read several years ago contained stories by 29 authors. But two anthologies I  submitted stories for accepted only 19 authors, and another just 11.

If you have short stories or poems you'd like to submit but haven't seen any advertisement concerning anthologies for your area, don't despair. Just Goggle Anthology Submissions.

This past year I submitted  stories for two anthologies, one in Minnesota and one in Florida. Both anthology creations ran into different problems. The Minnesota anthology, mysteries involving food, had too many submissions and as luck would have it mine wasn't selected. But here's the good news. The organizers of this anthology decided to do a Part Two book with the same theme and asked if they could still use my story. The Florida anthology this year was accepting stories of any genre as well as poems, and they didn't have to revolve around Florida. The problem this group ran into was not receiving enough submissions, meaning it probably wouldn't be produced. So, when an e-mail arrived this past week showing the cover of the new Florida anthology, I was pleasantly surprised.    

As a writer, I've found writing one short story is a lot easier than whipping up a novel, and it doesn't require as much time. You never know when a short story you've written might fit perfectly with a new anthology being produced. Over the years I've written many short stories to share in writers' groups never thinking they might be used at a later date for an anthology. Luckily, I saved them. Within the past two years, I've been able to make use of two stories I had tucked away.

If you've got a story to tell, don't put it off. The one you write and submit to an anthology may just catch an agent's eye.

Until Next Time
This is Marlene Chabot
Author of Short Stories and Novels

Topic 33 Plotting a Mystery

Greetings,
If your brains cells are already thinking of a great mystery revolving around the picture I've provided, your half way there. But keep in mind there's more than an idea to consider. You need great characters with fears and desires and a plot.

When writing mystery fiction you need to constantly think  about the characters, especially the protagonist. Where is he/she in the beginning of the story? What happens to them along the way? Has the case stumped them enough? If the character doesn't run into any bumps along the way, you probably need to rework your plot.
   
Something that I've found helpful in writing mysteries is to watch those presented on television.  Take for example Inspector Morris on PBS. Many of  the cases he's involved with present three or four suspects, creating a better plot. 

Of course, the first person Morris interviews after a crime has been committed is the person everyone else has pointed the finger at. The first twist comes into play when the Number 1 suspect is murdered. What does Morris do now? Inspector Morris moves on to suspects two and three who Morris thinks are possibly in cahoots with each other. But after listening to their claims of innocence, the Inspector doesn't have any proof to indicate otherwise. The case is stalled, but not for long.

Will Morris ever solve the crimes? His boss puts pressure on him to find out who murdered X and Y. He suddenly gets cantankerous with people around him. The stress is getting to him.  After much digging, he learns of suspect Number four and drills him. Big problem. Morris believes this suspect is not guilty. Ready to pull out his hair he wonders where to turn next. Luckily, something major happens in the nick of time. The actual suspect is someone who was around at the time of murders but so lost in themselves, no one gave them a thought. {Think fly on the wall. But remember they have to be introduced near the beginning of the story.} 

Ending: Suspect tries to trap Morris and flees . Morris escapes from whatever, is thrown his way, gives chase, and captures the killer. He receives praise from his boss and celebrates with significant other or co-worker.  

Besides studying excellent mysteries provided for our entertainment on TV, don't forget to read mystery stories too. Discover how other authors handle plot to keep their stories moving.  

In the weeks to come, think about how your characters are going to move forward to keep the reader's interest. Remember plot and characters drive the story, the story doesn't drive them.

Until Next Time
This is Marlene Chabot
Mystery Writer of Short Stories and Novels 
     

Topic 32 Writing Memoirs

GREETINGS,
Time sure flys when summer gets here, doesn't it? It's already August 1st. Unfortunately, summer's not my only excuse for missing my schedule of two blogs every month again. You see I decided to discuss memoir writing, but I couldn't find my notes until last night, and then someone else in the family was busy with the computer.
     Everyone has a story in them to tell. Be it from early childhood, teen years, or as an adult. I'm sure if Mr. Bear in the picture above could speak our language he'd have one heck of a tale or two to share too.    
    A Memoir is not the same as an autobiography. An autobiography covers a timeline from birth to old age. The memoir focuses on a specific time in the person's life. For example, the time you and your twin had your tonsils out; a specific travel experience; the birth of a child; a military experience. An author friend of mine wrote what his life was like living with eight siblings. 
    Your memoir can cover other subjects too like a serious illness you or a family member suffered. And don't forget about the raging fire, tornado, hurricane or flood that swept through your town.  
    Before you get started writing, make a list of the most significant things that have occurred in your life. Then ask yourself the following questions:
1.What's the purpose of the story/book? 2.Who is your audience? 3.What makes the topic you've chosen interesting?    
    No matter what topic you finally select to write about remember to open up and share your emotions, use the five senses. 
    When I attended a memoir writing class years ago, the instructor recommended we partner up with another person writing memoirs to get feedback. That's an excellent suggestion. 
    Here are a few topics I've written about over the years and shared only in a writer's group. Pillars of Strength (remembering two terrific male neighbors on the lake). Until Death Do Us Part (about the death of a loved one). A Mere Stumble Makes A Difference (the 4th of July I broke my ankle). Meditation on My Mother (glimpses of my 92-year-old mother). Pilgrimage for Dad (Trip with family to Ireland after Dad died).    
    Memoirs aren't hard to write. Just remember to make a list of possible topics first and then select the one that draws your emotions out and strongly engages the reader.
    Happy writing.

Until Next Time
This is Marlene Chabot
Mystery Novelist

Topic 31 Vacation Inspirational for this Writer-Part Two

Greetings,
Sometimes it pays to go off the beaten path, whether it be while on vacation or working. A new or fascinating discovery usually catches our eye along the way that we wouldn't have seen taking the same dull route as everyone else. Such was the case when we drove and walked around Quebec this past June.   

The photo I captured above is one such example. In my last blog I mentioned my French Canadian relatives, but I never expected to come across a sign with my husband's surname. We figured relatives on his dad side probably came through Canada, like my mother's side of the family did, but we weren't certain. You see, his father was adopted and we never met his family. 

I never noticed the name on the building as we traveled down the wrong street our third day in Quebec. It was the art work depicting Quebec's history that caught my attention. A history Lab I taught at in Minnesota years ago covered the early years of the state and one topic I shared included fur traders and missionaries and how they traveled from Canada through Wisconsin and into Minnesota. In a rush to take a photo of the art before it was out of sight, I didn't realize I had caught the names on the building as well. 

Quebec is a friendly city. I felt so at home in Quebec even though I only knew a few French words. Maybe it was because so many of my relatives, including my mother's father came from the area. But I think it was more than that. The people of Quebec made it special. French is spoken but they speak English as well. 

The walking tour of Old Quebec was excellent. The guide we had been assigned, who spoke very good English, found he had too many people in his group and we were asked to join another group. The woman with a thick French accent, who we thought we'd have a hard time understanding, gave an excellent tour. She used to be a history teacher and she covered the battles between France and England, spoke about the churches, businesses and architecture of the homes. She even pointed out the style of homes the Irish built when they arrived, relatives from my dad's side.

After the walking tour, we were on our own. I wanted to see the inside of the Cathedral of Notre Dame, but of course we  wound up in a different area. Wrong turns of course, but we got to listen to a street performer instead. The performers have to be registered and can only remain on the same spot for two hours then they have to shift to another corner.

 It was because we couldn't find our way to other sights outside of Quebec City, our third day there, that we ended up going too far on the wrong road and eventually found ourselves in Old Quebec again. So we decided to try and find Notre Dame Cathedral. While searching for the church, we found a side street full of artists. Their paintings and drawings were on display. Such talented work. Another thing we stumbled upon was an open air music and food festival. Have you ever seen singers dressed in chef outfits? 

We had arrived in Old Quebec because we had gotten lost somehow and when we left Old Quebec we got tangled up again. This time hubby didn't listen to me say, "Make a left here, now." It turned out all right. We discovered things we wouldn't have seen if we'd returned to the hotel on the road that passes by the St. Lawrence Seaway. We saw a beautiful park, stone arches surrounding Old Quebec, the art I shared with you above, neighborhoods with unique houses and many street cafes.  

Everyone needs a respite from juggling a million things a day. This year take a journey off the beaten path and see where it leads you. Who knows the trip might kick start your writing.

Until Next Time
This is Marlene Chabot
A Minnesota Mystery Author  

Topic 30 Vacations Help Writer's Block

Bonjour ,
I bet you thought I forgot about blogging in June. Well, I didn't. I just returned from a wonderful adventure through Canada and Maine that has really got my creative juices flowing again. Now, I have to sit down, take pen to paper or fingers to keyboard, and actually start writing the story.

The last time you read my blog I said we'd cover novel's I've read and I'd point out the mundane information in the stories, but that
would entail including more than one line of a story and take up too much time. Besides, I'm certain the subject matter would bore you to death, no pun intended from this mystery author, especially if you're an avid reader like me and already skim excess filler to reach the heart of a story. Wouldn't it be great if authors who write long winded stories suddenly realized their novels didn't have to be between 400 and 1000 pages to still produce a super story?

My travel journey by car started around the beginning of June and lasted until we got back to Minnesota on June 21. We wound through a bit of Northern Minnesota, Wisconsin, andUpper Michigan before crossing into Canada via Sault St, Marie and continuing on to Ottawa, Quebec, and Camden, Maine.

Early that morning when we left home, the sun promised a glorious day and we wore shorts to stay cool. But by the time we reached the welcome center at the Northwest Portal of Wisconsin we were ready for long pants and winter jackets: the sun had departed and the temperature dropped sharply. We didn't complain about the change in temperature quite yet, though. How could we with the fabulous views of Lake Superior poking its head constantly through the trees for our enjoyment? 

Crossing the bridge over the Sault St. Marie locks,which allow water to flow from Lake Superior to the Lower Great Lakes, was a grand treat too despite the gentle patter of rain. I wish I had better photos of the locks but the rails along the bridge make picture taking difficult. When we finally reached our first stop, a hotel destination for the night in Sault St. Marie Ontario, the wind was blowing so hard the car doors felt like they were going to be torn off their hinges and we thought we'd be blown back to Minnesota. I'm not joking. Even the Canadians, clad in shorts like us who traipsed into the hotel alongside us wondered what happened to the nice day they had started out with. 

We had never driven into this Canadian area before and would've liked to have explored Sault Ste. Marie which sits close to the U.S.-Canadian border before we left for Ottawa and beyond in the morning, but this twosome was too pooped to do any sightseeing in the windy, rainy city that night. In case you're wondering, yes, there are two Sault St. Maries. The other resides on the northeastern edge of Michigan. 

I'll stop here for now with my travels. Our adventures through Quebec's Old Town (See photo at top of this blog) the home of my French-Canadian relatives will continue in the next blog. 

Remember, keep writing and reading.

Until Next Time
This is Marlene Chabot
Mystery Author