SUMMERING

(Cross-posted at Through the Tollbooth)

As someone whose life has always been governed by school schedules – first as a student and then an employee – summer is a big deal. It has its own sense of time and space. Life is a different in the summer months. When I was a child, my father spent each summer doing research. So, on the first day of our vacation from school, we packed up our car and headed to a remote lake in Maine. He’d work, and we’d spend three months swimming, exploring the woods, making things, alternating between getting bored and being thrilled and amazed.

This past school year has been particularly hectic and busy – I’ve been looking forward to summer vacation since about October. And wrapped up in that eager expectation, is my desire to have more time to write.

Now that I am in the final countdown for summer break (5 more days!); I’m starting to worry about the exact thing I’ve been anticipating: More time to write.

My two projects are A) finish a novel and/or B) revise a novel

More and more, I’ve been feeling like I don’t know how to do either one.

But then, last weekend, at my daughter’s college graduation ceremony (yay!), the commencement speaker gave some brilliant bits of advice to the celebratory crowd.

I’m hanging tight to one particular pearl of wisdom: STAY IGNORANT: Expertise and creativity make poor roommates. 

When you have your MFA, and have a book published, and spend a lot of time teaching writing; it’s easy to feel like you know how to write. Or, that you should know how to write.

Fact is, I don’t know how to write and/or revise these novels. Not yet. But… apparently, we’re more creative when we’re lost and confused. Reassuring, right?

So, instead of the big grandiose plans of strict daily word counts and milestone achievements to get me through the summer, I’m planning my summer playtime and explorations. I’m going back to my days of running wild outside combined with lazing about on the floor, reading and doodling. Going exploring. Trying to find more creativity and less expertise.

As Pablo Picasso said, “Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up.”

A FEW IDEAS FOR CREATIVE PLAY

• Walk somewhere new and/or at a different time. Evenings walks on the beach are completely different from those at noon.
• Sit. Force yourself to stay in one spot for longer than you want, longer than you are comfortable. Somewhere picturesque and quiet: in the woods, by a water, on a bench in an art museum. Or not: by a dumpster, on a busy street corner, in a barren lot. Be aware of all your senses. But stay still. You might even squirm.
• Visit a museum.
• Wander through a fabric store. Soak up the different colors, patterns, textures.
• Collect. Rocks, seashells, pine cones, toys, anything.
• Make something. Try using craft supplies from your childhood: paste and tape and scissors and paint.
• Keep a doodle journal. I’m looking forward to exploring some of the exercises outlined in SYLLABUS by Lynda Barry.
• Eat alone at a restaurant. You can even talk to yourself if you like.
• Challenge yourself physically. Climb a mountain, swim laps, dig a hole. Get tired.
• Listen. To music, is one possibility. Or try something new: listen to a favorite movie without seeing the pictures. Blindfold yourself and listen to your neighborhood. It’s okay if you fall asleep. Sleep is part of creativity as well!

What your favorite ways to boost creativity?

~Sarah Tomp

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Lists of Lists

I tried a new exercise with my writing class recently. They each wrote a story, with a beginning, middle, and end, showing character change – using only 3 lists. The lists could be seemingly mundane – shopping lists before, during and after a vacation – or more profound – lists of things I wish I could say or do. Any kind of list has the potential to connect with a reader, and make a story more interactive as it requires the reader to fill in the blanks.

I was delighted with the results! It loosened them up, and gave them the freedom to dig a little deeper, to reveal the underlying emotions. And, they were almost completely across the board, both poignant and funny. 

It makes me want to try it, too!

Lists within a story can be extremely powerful and effective. Because they are short, and non-narrative, they demand the reader’s attention in a different way. The white space around the list leaves room for the reader to add his/her own conclusions. When incorporated throughout a story, the evolution of these lists shows character shifts and change. 

LISTS ADD (IN LIST FORM, OF COURSE):

1. Focus
2. Intensity
3. Emotional impact
4. Humor
5. Voice

A LIST OF A FEW BOOKS THAT USE LISTS EFFECTIVELY:

1. SURVIVAL STRATEGIES OF THE ALMOST BRAVE by (Fellow-Tollboother) Jen White

Billie, the main character of this middle grade novel – an emotionally powerful adventure story – keeps a notebook close by, at all times. She logs her observations about various living creatures, and the world in general. These lists and notes give us a peek into her inner turmoil – and even teach readers about the world. They’re a lovely mix of fact and heart. 

2. MAYDAY by Karen Harrington

This middle grade novel, to be released in May, is the story of Wayne Kovoc, a survivor of a plane crash. He has always loved facts, and shares them with others as a kind of emotional shield. Having lost his voice in the accident, he is unable to share these facts – which leaves him on emotionally unsteady ground. Throughout the novel, he is determined to find his uncle’s memorial flag that disappeared in the crash. He creates Data Reports to track the plane crash investigation and recovery progress – which also, for the reader, tracks Wayne’s own recovery in a subtle and effective way. 

3. KISSING TED CALLAHAN (and Other Guys) by Amy Spalding

This hilarious YA novel is told in alternating viewpoints by Riley, and her best friend, Reid, as they document their victories and mishaps, in pursuit of romance and all that involves. The dual views – female and male – of the same topics are especially humorous and shows their differences, as well as their similarities. We also see their priorities and understandings shift and change as they gain experience – and real feelings – with their various kissing partners. 

THE WEIGHT OF A HUMAN HEART by Ryan O’Neill

Written for adults, this collection of short stories includes incredibly inventive storytelling. One story uses only lists, charts, and diagrams to reveal the progression of a relationship and marriage. Highly recommended to explore unusual writing conventions. And, with an powerful emotional punch. 

Even if your lists don’t make it into a final draft, I think the process of honing in what exactly you want to say, or what your character is feeling and doing at different parts of your story could add refreshing insights. Humor and voice, too! 

What other books use lists? Are you tempted to give it a try?

~Sarah Tomp

[Cross-posted at Through the Tollbooth]

 

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Help For New Writers: Jump, Froggies by Edith Hope Fine

*Warning! Shameless plugs and gushing ahead!*

Here is a riddle:

By the pond you spot a sign: Writing for Children. In the pond, three frogs sit on a log. One decides to jump.

How many are left on the log?

Three–because there is a difference between deciding and doing.

Author Edith Hope Fine has written a wonderful book for beginning authors and veteran authors as well.

Here is the description:

Do you dream of writing for children but don’t know where to start? Jump, Froggies!: Writing Children’s Books is the perfect book to start you on your path to publication. Award-winning children’s book writer Edith Hope Fine takes you on a step-by-step journey through the world of children’s book publishing. From writing techniques to jump-start your creativity to how to submit your work, from getting your work published to marketing yourself and your projects, this book includes more than eighty-nine practical tips, plus journaling ideas for aspiring writers. Jump, Froggies! is a must-have for anyone beginning a career in children’s books.

*Shameless plug #1* My blog buddy Sarah Tomp and I each contributed to the eighty-nine practical tips.

*Shameless plug #2* I designed the cover and interior art for this book.

Here comes the gushing part: Jump, Froggies! is a must-read for all budding authors. Edith Hope Fine is a genius, she delivers a wealth of information in a clear and concise manner. The tips are sometimes humorous, sometimes thought provoking, but they are all very helpful. This book will be on my recommended reading list.

So go out there and start writing,

Suzanne Santillan

Writing on the Sidewalk

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Lying Cheating No-good Dirty Scoundrels

My VCFA class name is “The Unreliable Narrators.” 

That’s because we’re a bunch of lying cheating no-good dirty scoundrels. 

But also, that was a term we learned our first semester when everyone was talking about Chris Lynch’s INEXCUSABLE. It was one of those things that made it clear we were in a MFA Program. We could name those tricky things we admired in the books we read. 

Usually a reader suspends this world we live in while entering a story world. Our guide is the narrator. We sink in and believe what we’re told. An unreliable narrator is one that can’t be trusted. He or she is either lying or withholding information. The reader is not getting the whole truth – for a very particular reason. NOT because the author is lazy. It’s actually quite challenging to pull off. 

Maybe it’s just because I love my class of lying cheating no-good dirty scoundrels, but I do find a well crafted unreliable narrator story intriguing. I think it comes down to my delight in being surprised and also my interest in issues of mental health. Like Holden Caulfield, one shining example, the unreliable narrator is often incapable of telling the “truth” because he/she is a bit unbalanced. 

Oddly enough, I have just read three different books with unreliable narrators. They are far from being the same story, but they all use this technique to build tension and suspense. I don’t want to tell too much about the plots–that’s the whole point of this kind of story–but I recommend each of these.

WE WERE LIARS by E Lockhart  The narrator is Cadence Sinclair, a wealthy seventeen year old girl–her family owns an entire island and that’s just for summers–with crippling headaches and a penchant for giving away all her belongings. (YA)

 

 

COMPLICIT by Stephanie Kuehn is told by Jamie Henry, a seventeen year old boy. His family is also wealthy and he lives a life of privilege, but it wasn’t always that way. He and his sister Cate had a rough early childhood and they’re both still haunted. (YA)

 

 

The third book is a little different. Written for adults and with a focus on a soldier just back from a tour of Iraq, BE SAFE I LOVE YOU by Cara Hoffman is unusual in that Lauren Clay is an unreliable narration told from a close third person point of view. It’s far more typical for a story with an unreliable narrator to be told in first person so we only get information from that one dysfunctional perspective. But Lauren is so deeply troubled and altered by her experience, we can’t trust everything she sees and thinks. (Adult)

The excellent use of an unreliable narrator prompts me to return to the beginning and see what hints I missed. It’s fascinating to see how I was fooled. 

Go ahead and see what you think. You can trust me. Even if I am a lying cheating no-good dirty scoundrel.

Sarah Tomp

 

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Bruce Hale’s Four Cures For Story Stuck-itis

Stuck-itis, it’s that terrible condition that all authors face when they get stuck halfway through their story. We’ve all experienced it, and sometimes the effects can be crippling for a writer. Friend of the blog, author Bruce Hale, shared these four tips for helping an author get rid of stuck-iris in his recent newsletter. Bruce graciously gave me permission to share those tips with our readers today.

Dear Writer Guy,

I usually get story ideas all the time and start writing them.
However, I usually get stuck in the middle of the story and
don’t know where to go from there. Do you have any tips for
writer’s block or story stuck-itis?

Yours truly,
Julie in Texas

Dear Julie,

Usually, I find my story bogs down when I’ve lost track of what
the character wants or I haven’t given her a meaningful enough
goal to carry her through the whole tale.  If the character is
actively trying to solve a problem, your story will keep moving
forward.

Of course, it’s one thing to say this and another thing to
accomplish it.  Here are a few techniques you might try to get
unstuck:

o Character journaling: Write journal entries as if you were that
main character.  Sometimes in the free flow of writing, a new idea
will shake loose.

o Interview your character: Write this in Q&A format, with you
posing questions and your character answering.  Ask what she’s
feeling, what she wants – anything that will help you get past the
stuck place.  The answers might surprise you.

o Brainstorming: It’s vital to do plenty of this before you
begin writing.  Sometimes I’ve gotten stuck because I
didn’t allow the story idea enough time to gestate before I
tried to push it out into the world.  Play with the idea before
writing.  Let it grow organically.

o Dream seeding: Writing is a head game. (And some of us are head
cases because of this!)  Let your unconscious mind lend a hand.
Before you go to sleep, hold the key story question in your mind,
whether it’s, “What happens next?” “What does
she want?” or, “How does he get out of this
predicament?”

And if all that fails, try putting your story aside and working on
something else for a week.  The brain break may do you good.

If you’d like more writing tips, find out more about Bruce or subscribe to his newsletter check out the following links:

www.brucehalewritingtips.com

www.brucehale.com

Thanks, Bruce, for letting us share your wisdom today.

Happy Writing,

Suzanne Santillan

Writing on the Sidewalk

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The San Diego County Fair…Oh the Places You’ll Go Part IV

As a writer you never know where you may find yourself. In the past I have visited bookstores and schools, leadership luncheons, camps and even a prison. I now have a new location to add to my list-The San Diego County Fair.

 

Last week I was invited by fellow author Cindy Jenson-Elliot to serve as a writing judge in the creative youth tent for this year’s fair. It proved to be a fun and rewarding experience. Because of my background in art and writing, I was paired up with Alonso Nuñez of Little Fish Comic Book Studio to judge the comic book entries.

I must say I was a little humbled by the caliber of talent that was presented by these kids. They will go far.

Alonso and I proved to be such a good team, that we moved on to judge some of the other art categories as well. By the end of the day our dynamic duo had judged five categories.

 

As we went through the process of selecting First or Second Place, Best in Show, and the Coordinators Award, I remembered my own boys and the joy they received from earning a ribbon at the fair. It was exciting to know that I was going to be an anonymous part of someone’s memorable moment as well. I wish them well and know they will do great things in the future.

Suzanne Santillan

Writing on the Sidewalk

 

 

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Sidewalk Philosophy

When my buddy Sarah and I embarked on this whole crazy blog venture we struggled to find our niche. We knew that we wanted to talk about writing and books, but we didn’t want to limit ourselves to those two items exclusively. Over the years we have added recipes and craft items to our posts as well. Okay I admit it, I’ve been the one to add the recipes and craft items more than Sarah has, but nevertheless they have been included on the blog.

The one theme or philosophy that remains consistent has been the appreciation of creativity. Whether it is books, writing or yes even recipes and crafts, we both find delight in creative endeavors.

Recently a friend posted some pictures on her Facebook page that I thought shared the philosophy of our blog.

Some were simple inspirational words written in chalk on the sidewalk:

Photo courtesy of Conni Allen Mutchler

 

Photo courtesy of Conni Allen Mutchler

Others were beautiful masterpieces:

Photo courtesy of Conni Allen Mutchler

Photo courtesy of Conni Allen Mutchler

Photo courtesy of Conni Allen Mutcher

Conni’s photos were a reminder that whether it’s a few simple words written in chalk on a sidewalk or large masterpiece, inspiration is all around us. A writer must always strive to improve their craft and we need to look beyond the edge of our desks or we simply won’t grow.

Go outside and find the beauty around you.

Happy searching,

Suzanne Santillan

Writing on the Sidewalk

P.S.  Special thanks to Conni Allen Mutchler, for letting me share your photos.

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The Writing Process Blog Tour

I’m so thrilled that the super-smart, fabulously generous Kelly Bennett invited me to take part in the “Writing Process Blog Tour” that is taking over the blogosphere! You can check out her process here. Kelly is a true Picture Book genius. Don’t be fooled by her modest talk. And… Oh my. She knows how to weave a storytime spell! I could listen to her read picture books aloud all day long. On top of that, she can belt out pretty much any show tune you have an urge to hear!

And now, on to the 4 questions!

1. What am I currently working on?

I’m working on a contemporary YA novel that takes place in a small college town in southwestern Virginia, right down the road from  MY BEST EVERYTHING. It’s a rocky story–there are lots of ups and downs for my main character, but also actual rocks. Like boulders. Underground caves. An abandoned quarry. She’s awfully lost at the moment, so good thing there’s a boy who loves maps, too. 

I also have other projects that I work on when I get stuck with my novel. For instance, I am perpetually trying to write the perfect picture book. I also love writing short stories and poetry. 

2. How does my work differ from others of its genre?

My characters tend to be older than a lot of YA characters. They’re hovering at that point where they are going to be stepping out into the world on their own – but haven’t stepped over the line to adulthood quite yet.

And boy oh boy are my characters rule breakers! They’re feisty and determined, and so unwilling to take no for an answer.

I adore match-making between two flawed characters struggling with tough issues. I don’t think I follow the typical romance pattern. I like my couples to figure out exactly why they’re right together and then let them deal with a whole lot of other kinds of trouble beyond their relationship. It’s them against the world! 

3. Why do I write what I write?

I write realistic contemporary fiction because I love to read it. I always have.

For me, real people in the real world are infinitely fascinating and complex. I never get tired of trying to figure out why someone behaves a certain way. I am a psychology junkie. 

As for love stories… I think falling in love, especially for that very first time – well, that’s enough magic for me. It really is a mysterious and wonderful thing. I adore hearing “how we met” stories. First loves have a way of getting deep inside us, and can change how we look at the world ever after – even though they rarely last in the long run.

4. How does my individual writing process work?

As far as actual logistics, I don’t have an office ~ instead I write at one end of my kitchen table.

I do most of my writing early in the morning before going to work. I get up realllllly early! I can sometimes revise in the afternoon, but for new pages, that early early, still dark, maybe even still night, time is best. 

As far as the figuring out the story, my process is messy! And ever-changing.

In the beginning of a new project, there is a lot of trial and error. I have way more questions than answers. So I write. I delete. I write again. I quit. I write. I get mad. I write long ranty emails to patient, sensible friends. I quit again. Sometimes I cry. I journal madly and wildly and incoherently. I cut pictures from magazines. I write. Delete. I call my super blog buddy and whine. I write. Delete. I walk my dog. 

And then, eventually, something clicks. The puzzle pieces start to fit together. I start making lists of scenes. I write them on post-its and try to figure out how they might fit together. I arrange, and rearrange. 

Once I THINK I know where I’m going, I get to work. 

It still looks a bit like what I’ve described above, especially the write, delete, rewrite parts; but I’m a lot more productive. I am not afraid of tossing scenes or starting over, but I do like to feel as though I’m on solid ground moving forward. (Even if I’m wrong.) I will sometimes write super rough drafts of future scenes just to have a target of where I’m headed, but I know they’ll look different by the time I get there. So it’s mostly linear with lots of circling back to “fix” things as I learn more about my story. 

Oh! I also nap. Naps are a crucial part of my process!

And now… let me introduce who’s up next! Two amazing women that you will adore. Anindita Basu Sempere and Darcy Woods. 

ANINDITA BASU SEMPERE: Anindita was one of my classmates at VCFA. She is a true Renaissance woman: brilliant in a variety of disciplines, as well as thoughtful and kind. She’s been busy in a whole new way lately which is why I can’t wait to read her post next Monday! 

Anindita is a writer, educator, book addict, geek, and occasional dog rescuer. She has MFAs from the Vermont College of Fine Arts’ program in Writing for Children and Young Adults and Boston University’s Poetry Program. In 2009 and 2010, she co-directed the New England SCBWI regional conferences “Many Voices” and “Moments of Change” and is currently the Critique Group Coordinator and Webmaster of SCBWI-Switzerland. Anindita has been an educator for over ten years and co-founded TheWritingFaculty.com. When she isn’t writing or teaching, she loves to travel, read, knit, and bake.

 

DARCY WOODS: Darcy and I share an agent, but I “met” her on Twitter. Now we meet regularly through email where we ponder deep important things like the importance of bananas. She also makes super adorable emoticon cheerleaders – I’m working towards earning what she promises will be the extra super amazing version.

Darcy was the winner of the prestigious 2013 Golden Heart for Best Young Adult Romance for SUMMER OF SUPERNOVA. She wears her heart on her sleeve and writes hilarious romancy YA. When it comes to stories she loves funny, whimsy, and strong girls who know how to wreak just the right amount of havoc on the world. 

Be sure to check out both Anindita’s and Darcy’s posts next Monday!

Sarah Tomp

WRITING ON THE SIDEWALK

 

 

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Meet Your Reader Test

I spent Monday working in a high school. My job takes me to various public schools, but I spend most of my time in elementary schools. Even though I currently live with a teen, it is always good to hang out with real teens. To see them in action, to listen to them talk, to be reminded who my ideal YA readers are.

If you write for young people, there is an excellent chance that at some point you will be interacting with your readers.

We can’t always predict what your readers will ask (see Suzanne’s post), but you have to be ready for as many possibilities as you can anticipate. I’ve set WIPs aside because I realized I didn’t want to have to represent–or defend–a particular topic or issue. 

May I suggest a Meet Your Reader Test? Some questions to think about:

• Do you want to talk face to face about your topic/theme?
• Does the topic thrill you? 
• Are you an expert?
• Do you have more to say on the subject than you could ever fit within the confines of a book?
• Does the story lead you places you want to be?
• Are you ready to face any controversies that could arise from a discussion about your book?
• Can you calmly discuss opposing views?

Yes? Well then, write on!

Sarah Tomp

WRITING ON THE SIDEWALK

 

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My Addiction to Peril

In a recent post my blog buddy Sarah mentioned the different roles that readers take when reading a manuscript. I must admit that I fall into the Dare Devil category. It is often a joke in our critique group that I love peril in a story. Life is too short to read boring books. I want my characters to face adversity and trouble and grow from the experience. I want to see a character tied to the tracks with a train approaching and show me how you get them out of that dilemma. I don’t want the blood. I don’t want gore. I want an honest to goodness problem that seems impossible to solve and a clever solution that makes me say…ahhh.

Pacing is important when creating peril for your character. You want to give your reader the “What happens next” moment that pulls them along in the story. Author Jody Hedlund ‘s post about Practical Ways to Leave Your Readers Hanging From a Cliff, gives some helpful ideas to give your readers that experience.

Here are a few of her suggestions:

• End at a point of physical danger to the main character (or another character)

• End with a crucial decision needing to be made

• End with the hero receiving devastating news 

As you can see, they don’t always have to deal with a life or death situation, but just honest to goodness conflict for your character.

Be sure to check out Jody’s post for other ideas to keep your readers hooked. Writer Caro Clark also has a great post on creating conflict in writing that is well worth a look.

So go put your character up a tree and throw some rocks at them. Remember life is too short to read boring books.

Happy Writing,

Suzanne Santillan

Writing on the Sidewalk

 

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