Writing is almost like teaching to me. It’s about thinking “out loud” so that other (like students) understand what’s going on in your head. If when I’m doing a math problem in front of the class and I just jump several steps and give the answer, then my students won’t understand anything that happened. It’s not just about getting the “right” answer, but the journey there – showing and understanding the work. To me, that’s what storytelling is about – explaining your thinking.
It’s always been very natural for me to explain my thinking. How else will they know how to do the problem? How else will they know which method to choose? How to think - if I don’t explain how I think?
Writing is a natural extension of this. I have to explain my thinking. I don’t like teachers who “hand wave” a solution. It’s like “abracadabra” here’s the end and you don’t know how it happened. I try not to do that in class and definitely not during my writing.
The engineer in me likes to know how things work and explain how things work. Granted, not all (or many) engineers can explain things well. They tend to get caught up in their own mind and terminology. Communication between engineer and layman isn’t always the best. When I worked as an engineer in an office, I was always the “translator”. It always fell to me to write up the documentation so a user could understand it. I didn’t mind because I knew the others were really bad at it. And bad documentation is useless. Good documentation is gold. So, good writing… in any format is a beautiful thing.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Friday, January 15, 2010
Writing and Sleeping / Writing and Driving
The last 14+ hours have been weird. Weird good, though - in a way. I had an abstract for a presentation I'm doing in April that was due today. I was working on that - definitely a different style of writing. Of course, I would much rather be spending time with my characters and writing my book. But, I had to focus. So, that I did. I got the research, references and the abstract itself done in a few hours. By the time I was done, it was "bedtime". One problem though - I hadn't really written much and I wanted... well, needed to.
So, it was 10:30pm and I stayed up doing miscellaneous things as well as trying to get some writing done. Please understand that if I don't go to sleep "early" I won't get much sleep at all, at least lately. I've been getting up at 3am or 4am the last several weeks. So, going to sleep at midnight, I knew that I would probably wake up at 3am or 4am. I hoped I could at least sleep until my alarm went off at 5:30am, but I doubted it. Sure enough, I was up just before 4am. The thing is, I can't really hate that I wake up that early, because I wake up with ideas floating through my head about my characters.
So, it's 4am and I'm thinking of my story where I had left off before I went to sleep. It's kind of like it was when I was in school and I'd get stuck on a math problem. I'd go to sleep then wake up in the middle of the night knowing how to solve it. Not sure if that happens to anyone else, but it does to me. Apparently, now it's happening to me with my writing. A part that I've been trying to figure out and think about in my waking hours, seemed to get worked out when I slept and I woke up knowing what was going to happen. I laid in bed going over and over it. I didn't want to physically get up at that point, because I really needed to get some rest. But I replayed it so many times, that I couldn't forget it. I loved it!
I didn't get too much of a chance to write it down before leaving for work. But I was okay with that, like I said, I wasn't going to forget it.
Then the next thing happened... another epiphany. As I was driving to work, I had another flash of a scene that was perfect and belonged in the chapter I was working on. But now, I'm driving 65 mph on the freeway and can't write it down. Unlike lying in bed, I can't go over it in detail because I'm trying to drive (and not crash into others - that would be bad). I actually considered pulling over to the side of the freeway to write it down. But I couldn't be late for work. If I pulled over, I would lose track of time and be late. I kept driving. When I got to my exit, I got to a signal light. I seriously considered pulling out my netbook to type out the dialogue I heard. But, again, I didn't. I thought about it again at the next light too. I just wanted to get to my classroom so I could write.
Naturally, when I got to my classroom, I was so anxious that it because hard to write. I had to relax my mind enough to get it out of my head and into my computer. I managed to get it out just before the first bell rang and students started to arrive for class. I love that addition to the chapter. There's so much "hidden" stuff to it... hidden to the characters themselves. But perfect for the overall life of them.
Okay, maybe that wasn't the last 14+ hours, that just happened during the 4am and 7:20am. So, more like a 3.5 hour period. A lot of ideas and clarity in that time.
So, it was 10:30pm and I stayed up doing miscellaneous things as well as trying to get some writing done. Please understand that if I don't go to sleep "early" I won't get much sleep at all, at least lately. I've been getting up at 3am or 4am the last several weeks. So, going to sleep at midnight, I knew that I would probably wake up at 3am or 4am. I hoped I could at least sleep until my alarm went off at 5:30am, but I doubted it. Sure enough, I was up just before 4am. The thing is, I can't really hate that I wake up that early, because I wake up with ideas floating through my head about my characters.
So, it's 4am and I'm thinking of my story where I had left off before I went to sleep. It's kind of like it was when I was in school and I'd get stuck on a math problem. I'd go to sleep then wake up in the middle of the night knowing how to solve it. Not sure if that happens to anyone else, but it does to me. Apparently, now it's happening to me with my writing. A part that I've been trying to figure out and think about in my waking hours, seemed to get worked out when I slept and I woke up knowing what was going to happen. I laid in bed going over and over it. I didn't want to physically get up at that point, because I really needed to get some rest. But I replayed it so many times, that I couldn't forget it. I loved it!
I didn't get too much of a chance to write it down before leaving for work. But I was okay with that, like I said, I wasn't going to forget it.
Then the next thing happened... another epiphany. As I was driving to work, I had another flash of a scene that was perfect and belonged in the chapter I was working on. But now, I'm driving 65 mph on the freeway and can't write it down. Unlike lying in bed, I can't go over it in detail because I'm trying to drive (and not crash into others - that would be bad). I actually considered pulling over to the side of the freeway to write it down. But I couldn't be late for work. If I pulled over, I would lose track of time and be late. I kept driving. When I got to my exit, I got to a signal light. I seriously considered pulling out my netbook to type out the dialogue I heard. But, again, I didn't. I thought about it again at the next light too. I just wanted to get to my classroom so I could write.
Naturally, when I got to my classroom, I was so anxious that it because hard to write. I had to relax my mind enough to get it out of my head and into my computer. I managed to get it out just before the first bell rang and students started to arrive for class. I love that addition to the chapter. There's so much "hidden" stuff to it... hidden to the characters themselves. But perfect for the overall life of them.
Okay, maybe that wasn't the last 14+ hours, that just happened during the 4am and 7:20am. So, more like a 3.5 hour period. A lot of ideas and clarity in that time.
Friday, January 8, 2010
Stats
My husband, out of curiosity, wanted to know how many words I had written for Book 2. Last time, I kept an Excel file going with the chapter titles, number of pages, word count per chapter and the running total. I didn't think about doing it this time. I just kept writing and writing and writing.
So, because he asked, and curiosity got the best of me, I did the same exercise for this book. I started it on October 5, 2009. From then to yesterday (when I did it), I'd written 71,905 words and about 266 pages. There are 10 completed chapters and several started or in progress ones. Some of the started ones will likely be melded into another chapter because they are scenes that I've seen and needed to be sure to include and aren't stand alone chapters. It's just been over three months. Wow! I didn't think I'd written that much.
This made me look at my book calendar. My book calendar is where I outline my story and what needs to be done, what major events I've written or still need to write. I filled in the other pieces that I hadn't yet and figured out where on the dateline things fell. I was really surprised to see that I do have a large chunk of stuff done. I didn't think of it that way as I was writing. As I said, I just write...
I did get distracted the other day. I got reading something and couldn't put it down. It was a few hours of reading, and I really enjoyed it, but I felt bad that I didn't get a chance to spend time with my characters. Have I mentioned before how much I love my characters? Spending time writing and with my characters is something I struggle with when I think about reading books. I want to continue with the habit of writing everyday, even just a little, and I'm afraid if I get into reading a book, I'll be put in a tough position to choose. I don't want to have to pick between someone else's characters and my own. At least right now, when I'm in the middle of a story. It's already tough to be sure to write here, when I could be working on my book.
It's Friday. Lunch is almost over. My students are laughing, working on the computer, eating lunch, throwing stuff away and I should look back over the last thing I wrote in my book. I love the weekends - although this weekend, I have a commitment for my "real" life that I have to do, so that will be less time to write. But that doesn't stop me from thinking about my book and brainstorming/daydreaming about it while the workshop that I'm chaperoning is going on. The other part of my weekend will be great - writing, hanging out and talking about my story with people that I've shared this with. I'm excited!
So, because he asked, and curiosity got the best of me, I did the same exercise for this book. I started it on October 5, 2009. From then to yesterday (when I did it), I'd written 71,905 words and about 266 pages. There are 10 completed chapters and several started or in progress ones. Some of the started ones will likely be melded into another chapter because they are scenes that I've seen and needed to be sure to include and aren't stand alone chapters. It's just been over three months. Wow! I didn't think I'd written that much.
This made me look at my book calendar. My book calendar is where I outline my story and what needs to be done, what major events I've written or still need to write. I filled in the other pieces that I hadn't yet and figured out where on the dateline things fell. I was really surprised to see that I do have a large chunk of stuff done. I didn't think of it that way as I was writing. As I said, I just write...
I did get distracted the other day. I got reading something and couldn't put it down. It was a few hours of reading, and I really enjoyed it, but I felt bad that I didn't get a chance to spend time with my characters. Have I mentioned before how much I love my characters? Spending time writing and with my characters is something I struggle with when I think about reading books. I want to continue with the habit of writing everyday, even just a little, and I'm afraid if I get into reading a book, I'll be put in a tough position to choose. I don't want to have to pick between someone else's characters and my own. At least right now, when I'm in the middle of a story. It's already tough to be sure to write here, when I could be working on my book.
It's Friday. Lunch is almost over. My students are laughing, working on the computer, eating lunch, throwing stuff away and I should look back over the last thing I wrote in my book. I love the weekends - although this weekend, I have a commitment for my "real" life that I have to do, so that will be less time to write. But that doesn't stop me from thinking about my book and brainstorming/daydreaming about it while the workshop that I'm chaperoning is going on. The other part of my weekend will be great - writing, hanging out and talking about my story with people that I've shared this with. I'm excited!
Thursday, December 31, 2009
A history of writing...
Last week, I (and a few friends) were organizing my garage. This meant that I went through most of the boxes in there. There were the usual random stuff - shoes, stuffed animals (lots of stuffed animals), old files, books, photos and stuff from junior high and high school. I know my parents still have some of that old school stuff in their garage, but I have a couple boxes that are my "important" memories from back then. In there, I found the school newspapers from my senior year - I was in the seminar play (mind you, there wasn't a "school" play, the seminar program that I was in put on the play). Actually, my participation in acting preceded high school - I was in my junior high's school play. So, did three plays in high school - sophomore, junior and senior years. Memories... And a love for storytelling...
Speaking of which... I found a play that I wrote in junior high. There was a program that I participated in. I remember going to after school workshops that taught us how to write a play. Of the two years that I attended the program, I was the only one in the school that actually finished and submitted my play. I think it was called Young Playwrights. I always thought that it was such a long play. I leafed through it. It was 18 pages long. Eighteen pages! Only!
Needless to say, it didn't take me long to read. I vaguely remembered what it was about. Actually, there were a few lines that I've always remembered and would think of time to time over the years (many years... wow! How time flies!). What's funny is that some habits die hard. Not habits exactly. But, favorites, I guess. One of the names of the main characters is similar to my current heroine. Same main name, different nickname. The favorites of one of the characters from the play is similar to that of some of my current main characters.
Time has passed, I'm more experienced, but some things didn't change. In one sense, I'm still the same me that I was back then. I've always tried to be true to myself and not be flighty. That's what I try to teach my students (beyond the math curriculum).
Speaking of which... I found a play that I wrote in junior high. There was a program that I participated in. I remember going to after school workshops that taught us how to write a play. Of the two years that I attended the program, I was the only one in the school that actually finished and submitted my play. I think it was called Young Playwrights. I always thought that it was such a long play. I leafed through it. It was 18 pages long. Eighteen pages! Only!
Needless to say, it didn't take me long to read. I vaguely remembered what it was about. Actually, there were a few lines that I've always remembered and would think of time to time over the years (many years... wow! How time flies!). What's funny is that some habits die hard. Not habits exactly. But, favorites, I guess. One of the names of the main characters is similar to my current heroine. Same main name, different nickname. The favorites of one of the characters from the play is similar to that of some of my current main characters.
Time has passed, I'm more experienced, but some things didn't change. In one sense, I'm still the same me that I was back then. I've always tried to be true to myself and not be flighty. That's what I try to teach my students (beyond the math curriculum).
Monday, December 14, 2009
Soundtrack
As, I've written the first book, I started noticing certain songs that seemed to "fit." Fit the theme of the book, fit the relationship between characters or a particular mood. So, I kept a list. I have a working list of songs, that... if I were to give a somewhat musical interpretation or mood creator, I could. My husband would hear songs and tell me about them because it reminded him of my book. I'd listen and, sure enough, it really worked. One of my friends suggested a song and made it on my soundtrack list. They are the only two that know about my list.
Now, I've taken a little step further. I created a playlist in my mp3 player with the songs. I don't know why I didn't think of it before. Maybe because I'm busy teaching, writing, and dealing with all my other commitments. It's one of my favorite playlists. The only problem is when I play it when I'm driving, I'm thinking about those moments in the book that remind me of the song. Don't get me wrong, that's great. I just can't think or see what's coming next when I sing along with a song or am thinking back. I usually play instrumentals when I'm driving and I want to think about my story.
I've played my book soundtrack in the classroom, before school one day as students came in to hangout. Several of them commented that they liked the songs. Some they had heard, others they hadn't. They wanted to know the names of those they didn't. It's a good sign that they are good songs and illicit the emotion I was hoping for.
Anyway, I'm still on the lookout for songs. Actually, now I'm seeking songs for both the first and second book. It's a fun tangent to think about with my story...
Now, I've taken a little step further. I created a playlist in my mp3 player with the songs. I don't know why I didn't think of it before. Maybe because I'm busy teaching, writing, and dealing with all my other commitments. It's one of my favorite playlists. The only problem is when I play it when I'm driving, I'm thinking about those moments in the book that remind me of the song. Don't get me wrong, that's great. I just can't think or see what's coming next when I sing along with a song or am thinking back. I usually play instrumentals when I'm driving and I want to think about my story.
I've played my book soundtrack in the classroom, before school one day as students came in to hangout. Several of them commented that they liked the songs. Some they had heard, others they hadn't. They wanted to know the names of those they didn't. It's a good sign that they are good songs and illicit the emotion I was hoping for.
Anyway, I'm still on the lookout for songs. Actually, now I'm seeking songs for both the first and second book. It's a fun tangent to think about with my story...
Friday, December 11, 2009
Quick update
So, in the last week or so, I've done a couple of little big things. I submitted my book for copyright. That was an interesting process. I know that by just writing it, it's technically covered under copyright laws. But, for piece of mind, I decided to do it. Of course, the tough part of me was the title. Always the title for me. In my mind, my heart, it's one thing. But I don't know if it's "good enough" as a title. It makes perfect sense to me, but would it be enough of a hook for someone looking through titles in the bookstore? I don't know.
The second thing I did the other day. Sent out a couple more letters to agencies. So, the wait begins again. I really would love for it to appear in print. Not for my ego or vanity, but I think it's a story that many people can connect to and it has characters people can love.
Sorry to keep it short, class is going to start soon. Next time, I'll talk about my soundtrack.
The second thing I did the other day. Sent out a couple more letters to agencies. So, the wait begins again. I really would love for it to appear in print. Not for my ego or vanity, but I think it's a story that many people can connect to and it has characters people can love.
Sorry to keep it short, class is going to start soon. Next time, I'll talk about my soundtrack.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
When inspiration hits..
The tough part about going back to work is that I know I won't have as much time to write. That said, I started writing my first book during the crazy part of the Spring. Spring is a VERY busy time for me, with school and my other committments. But, I was a little sad to go back to work knowing that I couldn't spend as much time with my characters as I would have liked.
What's funny... well, not funny "ha, ha" but funny ironic is that the second I walked on campus flashes came to me. I had things I wanted to write. Of course, I couldn't. I had lessons to give, students to teach. So, during my whatever little free moments I had during lunch or during my prep (after I had finished running off copies and doing all the teacher stuff I had to do - have to get the real work done first), I jotted down ideas and wrote. When you consider I only had maybe 40 minutes total to do this, I wrote about three pages. I had been going over and over it in my head all day, so it was nice to get it down in the computer when I had the chance. When I got home - after a long day, my throat was killing me because of all the lecturing I was doing after not projecting my voice all week - I wrote at least another two or so pages.
Now, five pages for the day might seem slow going. But to me it's progress when you realize that it's not a full time job and I have to juggle many other things along with it.
Teaching... you get to see so many people - students and teachers - and each has a different story to tell. Just being around so much stimuli inspires me.
Well, the bell will ring in about 13 minutes... Need to put a different hat on now...
PS - I just looked around my classroom and there's probably over 15 students just hanging out.
What's funny... well, not funny "ha, ha" but funny ironic is that the second I walked on campus flashes came to me. I had things I wanted to write. Of course, I couldn't. I had lessons to give, students to teach. So, during my whatever little free moments I had during lunch or during my prep (after I had finished running off copies and doing all the teacher stuff I had to do - have to get the real work done first), I jotted down ideas and wrote. When you consider I only had maybe 40 minutes total to do this, I wrote about three pages. I had been going over and over it in my head all day, so it was nice to get it down in the computer when I had the chance. When I got home - after a long day, my throat was killing me because of all the lecturing I was doing after not projecting my voice all week - I wrote at least another two or so pages.
Now, five pages for the day might seem slow going. But to me it's progress when you realize that it's not a full time job and I have to juggle many other things along with it.
Teaching... you get to see so many people - students and teachers - and each has a different story to tell. Just being around so much stimuli inspires me.
Well, the bell will ring in about 13 minutes... Need to put a different hat on now...
PS - I just looked around my classroom and there's probably over 15 students just hanging out.
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