Nanowrimo day 7

Today was day seven of the nanowrimo, and I just barely squeaked by, hitting my word total of 11,709 words.  First off, let me just say that, with my schedule, if I can write a novel in a month, anyone can.

Last year, I made it up to 7,000 words, and then got completely distracted.  Being able to make it up to 11,000 words for me is quite a feat.  Now I know the myths.  “People who write novels have no life.”  and “Only certain types to be able to write.”  I say myths because that is exactly what they are.  I’ve made it this far, and I have a very hectic schedule.

To answer the second question, you don’t have to be a literary genius to write 50,000 words in a month.  Your first draft is going to be garbage, accept it.  Nanowrimo is not about writing a sell-able novel in a month; it’s about putting 50,000 words on “paper”.  If you want to know what that breaks down to on a daily basis, it’s about 1667 words a day.

Now that may seem like a tall order, it’s not so hard as it may seem, if you don’t edit, stop to correct, or give up.  In my experiment last month, to see if I could do it, I took a writer’s prompt, and just wrote without stopping, for two hours, and came up with 1700 words.

It can be done, you just have to motivate yourself.  Besides the great feeling that I can do it, I have a reward system for reaching my daily word goal.

As most people know, I love watching movies, but they can be a terrible distraction from writing.  I made up my mind that until I reach my word goal, I can’t watch a movie.  I even go so far as to pick out a movie, put a post-it on it with the word count, and put it right in front of me.  It’s kind of the same as putting a carrot in front of a horse to get it to move.

The reward you choose doesn’t have to be big, it just has to motivate you to do something.

If you have a dream to do something, but don’t think you can meet the daily requirements to get there, try a reward system, that will motivate you to get busy and make your dream come true.

This is what my first week in nanowrimo has taught me.

Force the doubt right out

The question came up the other day, “What do I do when I start to question my own talent?”  And “Does anyone else ever go through this?”  My original answer was everyone goes through that, but after further thought, I discovered a common but little known confusion that changed my answer.  The confusion is this; talent and ability are two completely different things.

Talent is a natural motivation to accomplish something in a certain area.  Writers have a natural motivation to write; engineers have a proclivity for math, and structure.  You can have a talent to do something, but you may not have a great ability, which just means you have to work a little harder.

I had a friend in high school that was a perfect example of this.  His true ability was comedy, and writing, but he really loved to draw comics.  It used his sense of humor, and his writing skill, but his art ability was mediocre, so he would spend hours practicing his drawing.  Eventually, he became exceptional, and was able to draw comics better than his older brother, who actually did have a natural ability.

Talent can be such a driving force, that it can seem to be an obsession, except it doesn’t come from an irrational fear.  When I was younger, I was told that my drive to write was a waste of time, and that writing is nothing more than a hobby that only a few special people can make any real money, so I suppressed the drive.  Have you ever felt like something was missing from your life; like you are miserable, but you don’t know why?  This is what I felt like for all those years I didn’t write.  I lived my life by going through the motions, but they were just empty.

The moment I started writing again, it was like someone broke down a wall to reveal the spirit that had been blocked for years.  Many people say that if you don’t use your talent that you lose it, but it’s not true. You can hide it, and ignore it for years, but the moment you start using it, it comes back. While you may be able to hide your talent, you can’t truly question it.  What you can question, however, is your ability.

Ability, according to the “American Heritage Dictionary”, is the power to do something.  I believe this is one area that, at times, should be questioned. Questions can force you to look at your current level, and begin to seek answers on how to improve.  Those answers will eventually lead us to work harder at improving our quality.

In case you haven’t noticed, I never used the word “doubt”.  The reason for this is simple.  When you question your ability, you are seeking answers that can keep you going in the right direction, but when you doubt your ability, you are telling yourself “I just don’t have what it takes”, and that can lead to giving up.

If you do find yourself doubting, the answer is to keep going and “force the doubt right out” of your mind, it’s not doing you any good.

Enjoy,
Allen

Use responsibly…

We all have those kinds of friends; you know the kind.  They say they’re going to keep in touch, and you do receive e-mails, but instead of actually communicating anything, all they do is forward jokes, and perverted pictures that they assume you find tasteful.  O K, maybe that’s just some of my friends, and they may just be good friends when you’re face to face, but when they send e-mails they are a totally different person.  So this leaves me with the question, what does that say about them, and their view of me?

When you send e-mails, it’s important to think about what you’re communicating to the recipient.  If all you send are humorous forwards, you are saying that you have no real creativity, and that you prefer to be a pest rather than a true friend.  What it says you think of me is either I’m too serious, and need to lighten up, or you think I’m too self-centered to take anything seriously, and too stupid to understand anything higher than third grade humor.

If all you send are religious forwards, you are showing me that you are a religious fanatic that wants to toot your own piousness to everyone who hasn’t already been turned off by your holier-than-thou attitude.  That shows that you think I am a heathenish sinner, who will never make it into heaven unless I forward your message to 10 of my closest friends; or that I’m incredibly gullible to fall for another chain e-mail.

I’m not going to say much about what it says if all you send are pornographic e-mails, except you should be ashamed of yourself you pervert. (You know who you are)

In all seriousness, forwards do have their place, and they can be useful in communicating something you found exciting, or humorous, but that shouldn’t be all you send.  E-mails are designed to give you a full range of tools to express yourself, and if all you do is forward you aren’t giving your recipient the chance to know the real you.

If you do type real messages make sure to use the spell check, or your spelling can be a distraction from what you’re trying to say.  Your grammar doesn’t have to be perfect, but you should at least punctuate.  Sending a message with no punctuation is not only harder to read, but it sends the message that you are an uneducated hick, or at least an executive (just kidding).

I realize the English language is being infused with a plethora (I just love that word) of abbreviations, but unless you know your recipient is up on all the jargon, keep it to a minimum.  It can become very frustrating trying to decipher such language, and the point could be lost.

The best thing you can do is proofread your e-mail, and make sure it communicates exactly what you want it to say.  Used correctly, e-mails can become your best way to communicate, beat only by face-to-face talking.  Use it responsibly.

Something on subject for a good laugh: what your e-mail address says about you, just go to this link. http://thecoffeedesk.com/news/index.php/2009/08/08/what-your-email-address-says-about-you/

Enjoy,
Allen

Making your business name stand out

We’ve all heard the saying, “You don’t get a second chance to make a first impression”, but when we start a business, we don’t put enough thought into the first thing people see, our business name.  There are many things to do when you start a business, and the name is at the top of the priority list, but unless you choose one that stands out, you won’t get enough business to succeed. So how do you make your name stand out?  There are quite a few things you can do to make it stand out, but here are a few tips that might help.

The first thing you should do when naming your company is to make it say something about your business.  This may seem obvious, but you’d be surprised at how many first time business owners get this wrong.  To have a business called “McKenzie and associates” doesn’t tell you anything about what the business is without a follow up description like, “legal services”.  If you want to stand out more, you can make it even more specific.  There is a business here in Maine called “Ankle & Foot associates.”  If you have foot or ankle problems, you don’t have to call dozens of businesses to see if they can help, this name is an obvious choice.

Another thing to consider when coming up with a name is whether your name is unique.  When I originally chose my name, it was “Bradford Photography.”  After looking it up online, I found over 100 companies with the same name.  If I wanted my business name to stand out I had to come up with something a little different.  My business had more than photography; it also had writing and photographic design as part of it so I went with productions.  The only problem with “Bradford Productions” is that Bradford is too common a name to make it unique, so I turned to something from my area.

I live one block from the “Portland Breakwater Light.”  That name would be too long for a business name but it has a shorter, less known, nickname, “Buglight”.  I liked the sound of the name, so I tested it.  “Buglight Productions” had a nice sound to it, and when I looked it up there was only one other business with that name, which in my book makes it unique.  This brings me to my third tip; keep it short and simple.

If I had used “Portland Breakwater Light Productions”, it would have been hard for people who used my services to spread the word, and remember the name for future services.  The longer the name, the easier it is to forget.  With only two words in the name, it becomes much easier to recall.  You will need that advantage if you want to spread your business name.

Remember this one thing, the name of your business, if chosen well, can become your best advertisement, and a great way to make a first impression.

Enjoy,
Allen

The three kinds of nude photography

Working in a photo shop, I have learned a lot about which kinds of nude photography a standard lab will print, and which type requires a more private developer.  There are three classifications, or types, of nude photography, two of which can be processed traditionally; they are natural, artistic, and pornographic.  Many people have a hard time telling the difference, so I will try to explain this for those who are still confused.

Natural nude photography is the most widely accepted type.  Professionally, this is what ends up in magazines like “National Geographic”; personally, it includes such photographs as kids in bathtubs, and we’ve even seen shots from nudist resorts.  The photographs in this category focus on the situation, of which nudity is either a natural part, or an accidental result of the situation.  There is no attention focused on the body.

Artistic nudes require more attention to detail than you find in low quality labs like Wal-Mart, and many grocery stores, but they can still be processed and printed in traditional photo labs.  These photographs do focus on the body, but it has nothing to do with erotic response.  Artistic nudes are designed to elicit an emotional response through form, lighting, and texture.

Pornographic, or erotic, photography has but one purpose, to bring on an erotic response.  This is one area of photography that cannot be printed by traditional labs; at least not during operating hours.  As long as the models are over 18, it’s not illegal, but most traditional labs are public.  Let’s face it; some things don’t belong on public display.  Photographers of pornography are looked on as bottom feeders of photography instead of artists

There are some magazines that have what is considered borderline between artistic, and pornographic.  Well-known examples are “Playboy”, which is a well-written magazine with nude pictorials, and “Sports Illustrated Swimsuit editions” with partial nudity, body painting, and semi-transparent clothing.  Some labs will print these types, and some won’t, it really depends on the feelings of the lab owner.

The human figure has always been a part of the artistic community, but knowing the difference types can greatly influence the availability of developers, and how closely you have to be involved in the process.  It also determines whether or not you’re thought of as a true artist.

Enjoy,
Allen

Nanowrimo

We are less than two months away from November, and one of the most important writers’ events of the year.  I am, of course, talking about “Nanowrimo.”  Nanowrimo, short for “National Novel Writer’s Month”,  was started in 1999 to help aspiring, and experienced novelists, to write a novel in one month.

As someone who had never heard of it until last year, I am still learning about it.  I can honestly say my first attempt last year was a failure.  I only learned of it at the end of October, and had only a couple of days to prepare.  This year I am determined to make it, and I’m starting to prepare now.

If you are new to writing, or want to try writing a novel for the first time, I would recommend learning about it now.  You can go to www.nanowrimo.org and find everything about this wonderful event, and sign up to become a member.  It’s free to become an active participant.

The October issue of “Writer’s Digest” has a great write up on the Nanowrimo.  You can get some information before deciding if you want to participate.

Don’t think you have what it takes to write a novel in a month?  Don’t worry about it.  You are under no pressure to write the novel, and have it ready to sell.  This is about the first draft only, so you don’t have to worry about it being perfect.

Don’t worry if you don’t have an idea yet, on page 59 of the same “Writer’s Digest”, there’s a great exercise to help.

I know this is beginning to sound like an infomercial, and I don’t mean for it to, but I’m just excited, and happy to be prepared ahead of time, for once.

Happy writing
Enjoy,
Allen

Final message

Exercise 6: final message- write a final message that your character might receive after the death of his/her father‘s death.

Peter opened his father’s safety deposit box as he was instructed.  His mother gave him the key after his father’s funeral with the instruction to open it immediately, before the reception.

Inside the box was an envelope with his name on it.  Inside, he found two pieces of paper written by hand by his father, which was important, because his father seemed to do all his writing on a word processor.  He sat down in a chair to read what his father wrote.

“My son,
I know it’s hard to believe, but as your father, it was never my job to tell you how to live your life.  My only job was to inspire you to make the right choices while keeping you safe. Now I’m going to give you one final piece of inspiration.  Remember this, and pass it on.

When I was ten, my own father gave me a book of poetry that I have treasured these past 30 years.  Inside the front cover he had written something that he said I wouldn’t understand for several years, but the meaning would become clear as I get older.  This book, and the journal I started the day you were born, are yours.  Your mother knows where they are, and will give them to you at the reception.  I wish for you to continue writing in your journal, of your life and what it teaches you.

Now I will give you what my father wrote in that book, and the meaning, in hopes that you may be as inspired by it as I have.  I will give it to you fully, and explain the three parts; separate but connected.

‘Thoreau’s Journal August 28, 1841:
True verses are not counted on the poet’s  fingers, but on his heart strings.
My life hath been the poem I would have writ,
But I could not both live and live to utter it.’

Line one: A poem written by the hand cannot truly capture the essence of the poem written in the heart. (That doesn’t mean you shouldn‘t try to capture a part of it)
Line two: From the moment you are born, to the moment of your death, your life is the poem of your heart.
Line three: I admit to seeing two things in this.  The first is if we spend all our time trying to write down the poem of our heart we will never have the chance to live because our heart’s poem is constant.  The other thing is since our heart never stops writing the poem of our life we will never be able to finish it ourselves.

Of course this is the message I received from it, and this has been the inspiration that has kept me writing poetry.  I have given you what I can, the rest is up to you.

Live well, be inspired, and be an inspiration,

Your loving father.”

Peter left the bank with tears running past his cheeks, and the envelope in his hand.  Half way to the reception he pulled the car over, got out the note pad his father told him to always carry, for ideas, and began writing a poem.

Enjoy,
Allen

Someone to count on

The other day I was doing my writing prompt out of the “Pocket muse”, and it asked for me to describe a fragile connection, and it got me thinking.  The most fragile connection is the one that so few people think is fragile that they don’t give it enough credit for being fragile.  That thing is friendship.

Whether it’s through a mutual interest, or compatible personalities, it’s a given that friendship is a connection, but that doesn’t mean you don’t have to work hard to keep it strong.  True friendship is something to be revered, and once someone takes it for granted the other person starts to feel used, and betrayed.

Friendship is never just about “what can you do for me?“, or “what can I do for you?”  True friends are there to celebrate with you when things go your way, or comfort you when things get rough, and if you need something they will help without hesitation, and without demanding anything in return, and you will do the same thing for them.

There will be times when a friend will say something, or do something that hurts your feelings.  Remember, it’s probably not intentional, but instead of turning your back on them with unexpressed emotions, tell them what they did, and give them a chance to apologize.  Unexpressed emotions will grow to consume you to a point of hatred for the other person.  Petty misunderstandings are the biggest killers of friendships, and if you let them, future friendships can suffer from unjustified mistrust and paranoia.

Understandable, not all problems are petty, but almost all problems can be forgiven, if you are truly honest with each other.

If you want a meaningful and lasting friendship, you need to take a chance on trusting the other person.  There is no place in friendship for letting pettiness consume your relationship.  The worst pain we experience in our lives comes from those we love the most, because its impact reaches our heart, and it can effect us the rest of our lives.  That kind of pain can make us mistrustful of everyone we meet in the future.

For that reason we must learn to be honest in our relationships, and try to correct the problem before it lasts too long to correct.  Forgiveness is the beginning of the healing process, but it’s necessary if trust is to be regained.

Don’t let mistrust ruin your chance for happy and healthy relationships.  Be honest and forgiving of each other.  It’s not always easy,  but it’s worth the effort if the payoff is having someone you can count on.

Enjoy,
Allen

Focus on article publishing

About ten years ago I wrote an article, quickly proofread it, and sent it into a magazine that handled that type of article.  After waiting one month, it felt much longer, I received a reply in the mail.  The rejection letter was a standard form letter; “Your article doesn’t meet our needs at this time…”  and at the end was a note saying,  “The article was too tangential.”  In the end, I just threw both the rejection letter, and the article out, frustrated.  My bad!!!!

Last night after reading the article “Life After Almost” in the September issue of  “Writer’s Digest” I now realize it probably would have sold if I would have rewritten it with more focus.  Today’s blog is not about the encouragement you should receive from personalized rejection letters.  That was covered perfectly in the article.  Today, I’m going to approach the subject of focus.

While writing, it’s easy to get off the subject and follow a new line of thought.  This is perfectly fine in the first draft, and is something almost expected.  As we free write our articles, we tend to write as thoughts enter our mind, so going off  will happen.  If you try to send in something that is random, or “tangential” you will be rejected.

After your initial draft, you will need to edit.  While you are going through the first edit look for any common threads that will make up the article; don’t forget to file away the material you don’t use, they can become future articles.  Once you have the common threads, these will now become the skeleton of your article.  This skeleton is your central theme on which to focus your article.

Now that you have your focus, you will need to add a little muscle, nerve and heart.  At this point, you’re still “taking notes” but this is where your article’s structure will come from.  At this stage you also need to write down any questions that you will need the article to answer, and do the research that will give you the information.

The final phase in writing a well focused article is adding the skin that will hold all the pieces together.  Now you will need to organize all the pieces in a coherent order, fill in the missing transitions and connecting words, and write it in the best possible way to convey the message you are trying to write.

Also, in the final phase, you will need to proofread carefully to make certain there are no grammar, and spelling errors.  Keep proofreading until you are comfortable there are no mistakes.

I realize every writer has a different method to approach writing, and there is no “one” method to writing a perfectly focused article, but this is the one I’ve found the most helpful.  I hope it does the same for you.

Enjoy,
Allen

Haunting pages

When I first heard the news about James Patterson using a ghost writer, I looked it up on the internet.  It never ceases to amaze me that fans can be so fickle that they will turn on you for showing the slightest hint of being human.  I looked up the information, found it to be true, but I still don’t care myself.

Some of the blogs I read reminded me of the crises during the 80’s with a group titled “Milli Vanilli” when news leaked that they were not only lip-syncing, but it was not to their own voices.  When news of this got out, record sales plummeted, and fan clubs broke up crushed that their idols were fake.

To be a fan of anyone to that level is, if you’ll forgive the cliché, like sheep led to the slaughter.  Sure they may take care of your entertainment needs, and sign a copy of a book once in a while, but they are just as human as you are.  You invest so much time and energy into loving them that when their weakness does show through your world is turned up side down.

Try to think back to when you had first picked up a James Patterson book.  You had no idea what to expect; maybe you heard from a friend that his book was worth picking up, so you did.  Then while you read it you were drawn in by the characters, and thrilling plot.  When you picked it up for the first time, you didn’t care who’s name was on the book, you were just looking for something to entertain you.

The people who write books, act in movies, sing, play sports, or work in any other entertainment based industry, are people just like us.  They have just as many problems, and are capable of just as many mistakes, so why put them on a pedestal.  With a little hard work, and drive, you can achieve just as much success as they have.  They are no better than you are.

When you read a book, you should read the book to entertain you, not just because someone famous wrote it.  As long as it’s entertaining you who cares If he wrote it or if someone else wrote it and used his name.  Writers have been doing that for a long time, the only difference is that James Patterson admitted it.  Don’t let that keep you from enjoying the finished product.

Challenge: Find a book that you never gave a chance, just because of  who wrote it, and read the book.  Give the book 10 pages, and if you don’t like it, you can put it down knowing you gave it a chance.

Enjoy,
Allen