Believe Me

by T.J.

I don't write non-fiction. (One day I might, I have some ideas.) But this topic is about credibility in fiction.

Some people out there are probably saying "What? It's fiction. It doesn't have to be real, right?" True, it doesn't have to be an actual course of events. But you're still asking a reader to believe it. Why? Because if a reader is gonna escape into your book, they need to feel like they're not being lied to or they'll leave.

And then my favorite response to this is "I write fantasy. It doesn't have to be real." Of course not. All fiction is supposed to be--well--fiction, no matter the genre. But what you need is to have a world presented in such a way that the reader isn't going to say "Even for this world, that's impossible."

Let me give an example of how this would work. I'm going to go at the easy scapegoat: Twilight. Now, I've never read Twilight. But, I've seen the movie. By no means would I claim to be an expert on the story. I just know enough of it. So let's say Bella walked out of school and all of a sudden a dragon appeared. And Jacob and Edward had to team up to take the scary beast out.

Now as cool as that would be, it just isn't plausible. The world Stephenie created isn't a world with dragons in it. It's a world with humanoid mystical beings. There aren't elves and dwarfs running around. Bella and Edward didn't leave their wedding on their brand new USS Redwood space shuttle.

This is a pretty drastic example, but the point is there. Sometimes, we may do something that pulls our reader out of believing in our story. It could be something as subtle as missing an eye-color change. Perhaps it's a day of the week. FYI, I've read 2 published books where the author wrote one day down and then wrote another day down shortly thereafter as if referring to the first date stated. Inconsistency is a pill and I'll catch it most of the time. Another one I read about a character's ancestor. This ancestor went from great-grandfather to great-great-great-grandfather to great-great-grandfather.

If you can't keep your "facts" straight, you can't keep my attention.

So there we have "mismatched world" and "consistent data". Other ideas? Verbiage. If your character doesn't swear, then don't suddenly make him swearing up a storm if nothing set him off. Don't go back and forth between 19th century Queen's English and 21st century Ebonics. I won't like you. If you mesh them? You better do it right or your story's going to be put with my 3yo's stinky diapers.

Okay, that's enough ranting. (FYI, I suck at verbiage, so I'm reminding myself where my stories may end up.)

Alien abductions are involuntary, but probings are scheduled.

Creating White-Knuckle Thrills and Bone-Chilling Suspense by Gregg Luke

This class was great and all that I expected. There is no way I can begin to tell you the many things he taught that day, but I'll tell you a small part. That way next time you see him as an instructor you will make sure you don't miss the class.

His first question was, "What is suspense?"

The description I liked best was - it creates fear and draws out emotion. Suspense is like conflict, just intensified.

Gregg taught about six elements of good suspense.

1.      Three dimensional characterizations. Good characterization – your villain has to be complex. All good characters need external and internal problems layered into the story.

2.      Good pacing. Pacing keeps story going. Put your protagonist in immediate conflict or create the potential for conflict in the first chapter. No one wants back story in the beginning.

3.      Anticipating of action is the key. Don’t mistake action for suspense. Action is the thrill. Suspense is anticipatory, action is the thrill of the moment.

4.      Detailing of senses, action and angst. Detailing applies first and foremost to characterization. Be sure to layer information. Know their fears, their dreams, dislikes.

5.      Resolution – this is the key element to all writing. Be sure to develop a satisfying and plausible end to each detail. Don’t forget to include your protagonist. Have them resolve conflict or at least be involved in it.

6.      Trim the Fat – If it doesn’t add to the story leave it out. Sometimes less is more.  Don’t be afraid to kill someone off. If it does not build angst, it will not instill suspense. Sometimes deleting one or two words makes all the difference.

Next week I'll tell you a little about the third class I attended at LDStorymakers.

by Donna K. Weaver
Originally posted here.

The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time, with the blood of patriots -- Thomas Jefferson

American Cemetery in Manila

I had my first view of a military cemetery, when I was about 12 or 13. My father was stationed on Sangley Point in the Philippines, and we visited the American Cemetery in Manila.
This was an eye-opening experience for me because of the sheer number of graves. Seeing all those grave markers made it real to me. That each one of those marked a life given up in defense of this country's freedom ... my freedom.

My next experience was a few years later, when I spent the summer I was 16 in Hawaii with some family friends. Dean (the dad) was stationed on Pearl Harbor and during that summer we visited the Arizona Memorial.

Arizona Memorial - List of Killed

Once again I was struck by the number of names on the list. It's easy to sit in a classroom and read the statistical information about the number of men who died there. But this wasn't a list of statistics. This was a list of real people who had families and dreams. I would never again consider the "statistics" of battles as something just of numbers.

Punch Bowl Cemetery - Honolulu

We also visited the Punch Bowl Cemetery in Honolulu. It was poignant for me as I looked at the new graves. Unlike the cemetery in Manila or the Arizona, these were recently killed young people. Young men who had died in Vietnam. Young men not many years older than me. Young men who may not have agreed with what our government was doing but answered when our nation called--and paid the ultimate price.





I come from a long line of people who have served this country. Two of my great grandfathers fought in the Civil War (they lost, but I believe the country gained).

Following are pictures of my family members who have or are now serving our country.

My maternal grandfather. He served in the U.S. Cavalry.

My Uncle Ned survived not only the attack on Pearl Harbor but the battle of Iwo Jima. He died last winter.

My uncle Jim and my dad (who served 25 years).

My brother David in his Naval Academy uniform.

Me with my Signal Corps Scarf. (my husband Ed served in the Air Force in Vietnam)

My brother-in-law Maynard who was Career Navy and served in Desert Storm. My sister Darcy didn't have a picture of herself in uniform, but she also served.

My nephew Evan who served in Afghanistan.

Bert, one of my fellow moderators at the Leaky Lounge wrote the following a few years ago:

A Simple Request

A few days ago, I caught a brief reference in the news to the return of a handful of Marines from Iraq, met by a small but vocal group of protesters. The incident brought back more than a few memories. I feel compelled to speak to my academic colleagues.

Sooner, perhaps, than we are ready, we may be faced with an issue Academia has not really faced in a generation, large numbers of young veterans enrolling in our classes, beginning new lives and new careers.

Having stood where they shall stand, I hope I can help you to understand what they shall face and how they will behave.

They shall face, as I did, professors who will inform them on the first day of class that they may as well drop out now because anyone too stupid to avoid military service is, obviously, too stupid to pass the course work. Many will respond by scoring 100% every test you give them, getting their A's not because you "give" them A's but because they "take" those A's by brute intellectual force, driving themselves with a self discipline few who have never served in a combat zone can imagine. These young people have worked fifty-and sixty-hour days in unbearable heat for months on end, performing exacting but mind numbing tasks upon which, literally, the lives of other people depend. They shall not be overwhelmed by your reading lists. Like all veterans, they know that the rest of their life is a gift.

They shall be called, as I was called, names like fascist, rapist, and baby killer--by both faculty and students alike, often in class and to their face. But they have had worse things thrown at them. They've been trained to stand their ground under fire. More importantly, they know the truth; they know that they built clinics and schools and gave first aid to children shot, burned, cut, and blown up by an enemy who indiscriminately destroys anyone who appears to be friendly to Americans—even small children. It is easy to sit here in America watching CBS or CNN, believing you "know" what all those young people are doing. I am often amused to see professors who regularly rant about the unreality of TV falling into the very foolishness they condemn.

They shall be used as pawns in games of political propaganda by professors trying to make political statements. But these young veterans have, unfortunately, been used on occasion by foolish and inept officers who see their own military "exploits" not as something contributing to national security, but as some kind of political currency to be traded later for votes. These young vets know an "A-hole" when they see one. They know how to protect themselves.

Be warned. Often they will be smarter than you—no, not better educated or more well read—but wiser, faster. Many of them are going to graduate with honors—magna cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa—and then they are coming after you, coming to take your job, where they know that someday they can make a difference in how this nation treats its young veterans.

I don't care how you feel about them; they don't care either. My simple request is that you treat them fairly. Give them the chance they have earned and the grades they deserve. Don't make them fight a second war against intolerance and bigotry here in their own country.

As for me, I will embrace them as comrades.

A Day of Joy

By Keith N Fisher

We’ve all done it. Every writer has been there, staring at a work in progress and not been able to add another word. I suppose confession is good for the soul, so I admit I’ve suffered from this dilemma. It’s been tough lately, to continue.

Many people edit during those times, and I have plenty to do, but I hate doing it. I love to sit down and let a story take me where it needs to go. As I said, that hasn’t happened for a while.

In my associations and reading blogs, I’ve found many others who’ve also suffered. I sympathize with you.

Yesterday morning, however, I woke up with an idea for my WIP and sat down to write. Before I knew it, a day had passed, and I had written several chapters. Yes, it felt good, and I felt validated. With all the health problems I’ve had during the past year, I had plenty of time to write, but couldn’t bring myself to it. Yesterday, the tide came in, then last night, a crisis took the wind out of my sails.

Now, I’m not telling you all this to solicit any responses from our readers here at the blogck. Well, perhaps recognition that we are all the same. So, why am I telling you this?

One of my favorite movies is Stranger Than Fiction. Big surprise right? A writer who likes a movie about writing and how characters relate. The writing and acting in that movie is impressive. The way the author agonizes over every word then, to suffer when she discovers her character is real and she must kill him off.

Ideas for stories have always come to me full-blown. I’ve known the beginning middle and end from inception. In one story, the tear filled climax was so powerful for me that getting there was easy. All I had to do was explain the story. There have been books, however, that knowing the end made it difficult. In my book, The Hillside, for example, I’ve written nine different points of view and five completely different plots. I needed five different endings and each plot needed to effect the others.

Also, in the past, I’ve kept several projects open to work on whichever strikes me on that day. I haven’t been able to do that lately, and my current project is difficult. It’s a mystery/suspense and I’m having trouble keeping the tension up. In addition, I’m discovering the story as I go. Well, I know why my character is being pursued but the details have eluded me.

So I’ve trudged through it, knowing my writing is better than it used to be. Feeling empathy for those who are struggling, and hoping for a time of enlightened joy. A time when the words come so fast I can barely write them. That happened for me yesterday, and I’m grateful.

Good luck with your writing---see you next week.

Another Reason

by G.Parker

While I was browsing through news sites today, looking for inspiration for this blog, I came across an article that struck a chord and I decided needed to be enlarged upon.

It was an article at the Deseret News about a Major who runs marathons to bring attention to our fallen heros.  My first thought was, "Well, that's cool.  How many friends in his unit died?  Or what is the reasoning?"  By the time I got finished with the article, I was frustrated and sad.

As a family we've been reading the Book of Mormon.  Anyone who has read it knows that there are many parallels to our day -- which is one of the reasons it was written for our time.  Just the other day we were reading about the downfall (again) of the Nephite government and how they were letting the Gadianton robbers take over government positions and adopting those ideas into their society.  Before that was where the leaders were bemoaning a lack of support for their soldiers from the government.  Sound familiar?  When I read this article, it felt like I'd been reading a second chapter of the previous ones -- an echo of the past.

As a writer, many things catch my attention that I feel the need to point out to others.  I guess in another life I would have been a serious journalist.  But since that's not where I am, I still take what ever opportunity available to give voice to what I see going on around me.  Sometimes it's been scary - a step out into the dark because I know the ramifications could not be pleasant - and sometimes there's been no looking back.  I simply knew it was the only choice to make.

This blog is not a political blog.  It is not a social commentary blog. (Though I suppose sometimes it sounds that way...lol)  It's about writers and writing.

Today I felt that as a writer I needed to remind all fellow writers that we have an obligation to use that gift for the good of the many.  Remember the Star Trek quote?  "The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the one."  (I realize this probably came from something else, but that's what makes me remember it.)  The ills and needs of society far outweigh any worry or concern I might have about my own comfort.

I come from a family of military service.  My father was a Ranger in WWII and was on those beaches on D-day.  My grandfather was in the Navy, and my husband's father was in the Air Force.  I have a son in the Army reserve, and several nephews who serve.  This article touched a nerve because I have seen it in action.  I have seen these men and women come back from service, suffering trauma and DSS and not have society understand.

I agree with the Major's position.  Society as a whole has forgotten there is a war still being fought.  Many think that just because we've pulled out of one country and are working in another, that this is a different thing, just the same old thing that the government is doing.  The military goes on, and will always go on, fighting for freedoms that most people don't even care about or acknowledge anymore.  They're too busy texting, social-networking or seeking after money to care about how lucky they are someone is keeping the war outside of the mainland of the US.

I realize that sounds a bit like a tirade, and if I offend someone, I'm sorry.  That was not my intent.  I truly feel that this weekend, when we honor those who have sacrificed for this country, we should remember the more recently gone.  Our words and thoughts should honor them and the great good they've done for us.  We who use the word as our way of expression have the chance to reach out to those that might otherwise not think about it.  We can help with the thought process, encourage remembrance, and suggest honoring.

Hopefully when we break out the BBQ grill and get everything ready on Monday to celebrate the beginning of summer, we'll take a moment to visit the sites of those who have gone before and made that day a peaceful one.  It shouldn't be too much to ask.

I hope you enjoy your another day of freedom and let it ring loud with the laughter and joy of your family.

Giving Up on Giving Up

By T.J. 

Back in December 2010, I went to a book signing with a few authors in attendance, including Julie Wright. My wife and I were in the middle of a conversation with Julie when at some point she told me that I'll be published one day.

First, this struck me as odd. I really wanted to say "How on earth do you know, have you read the crap I write?" Instead, I responded with, "Yeah, I've made the goal to give up on giving up." Julie laughed and said she loved that phrase. (I'd also bet Julie doesn't recall this conversation, but it's all good, cause I do.)

There are two pieces of important thoughts here.  First, Julie Wright told me I would be published and have my own book signings and such. Why would she say that since she never has read (besides my faux-LDS-reality-blog posts) anything I've written? That was something that bothered me for a while.

Like when someone tells me I'm such a great guy or so kind or so nice or blah blah blah. I know they mean it as a compliment, but they've given me an expectation on the type of person they expect to see every time they see me.

But in all honesty, what Julie and these people are telling me is that they have faith in me. They believe that I will have not only the skill, but the drive to get there. It's not just my writing skill, it's my ability to finish that she was playing toward. (I could be totally wrong, but oh well.)

So, the other thought here is my goal to give up on giving up. I've started so many different stories in my life I don't dare guess that figure. I'm an accountant, I'd have to find the actual number or I'd feel like a liar.

But giving up is something I've been so good at. I've given up at so many things in my life, writing is just one of them. One day, though, I decided I had to finish writing this book (the one I'm still revising). I did not give up and I've written and rewritten the story so many times it's not even funny. 

As it comes to the four other projects I have going on, I've decided to not give up on any of them. I'm going to keep them in the works and try to do something with them every month until one of them takes on the new priority. But for now, I have to keep my current WIP in the priority slot or it'll never get finished.

Speaking of that, recently, I was working on the revisions for chapter 3, trying to figure out how to make it a little better and a little truer to the character and theme. But in doing so I thought to myself, I should just give up. Well, just the other day, I got a critique of my first 2 chapters from writing buddy Julie Daines. (I have a lot of Julies in my writing life, I guess.) And even though she tore some things to pieces, the one thing she reminded me was that I have the story.

The story is there and I know it's compelling. And really, all the red marks she put in the critique are simple fixes. Yeah, some are LESS simple than others. But it all boils down to changing from this style to that style. My character has his style, I've just removed it from him on occasion to be authory. I need to let my character tell the story and me just get it down for him.

So, I was reminded (even recently) that I need to give up on giving up.

Alien abductions are involuntary, but probings are scheduled.

Tips to Increase Your Writing Productivity – Kevin J. Anderson

by C. LaRene Hall

You probably knew that I would get around to talking about the LDStorymakers writing conference that was held earlier this month. I only attended on Saturday and enjoyed every minute I was there.

The first class I attended was about techniques on how to use every minute and get more words written. I took lots of notes and one thing that I liked best was when he said, "Nobody gives you the time to write. Nobody gives you the time. You have to find it and make the most of it."

For some reason there are people out there that think they are the only ones who are busy. We are all busy - some more than others. I learned years ago that you find time for the things that are important to you.

The very first tip from Kevin Anderson was to shut up and write - don't just talk about writing. DO IT!

Next he reminded us that it’s your job so put in your time. Make sure your friends know you are at work. If you don’t take it seriously no one else will.

Two other hints he gave us are -  Defy the empty page,  Dare to be bad you can fix it later because it doesn’t have to be perfect.

I was glad that he brought out that we each should know the difference between writing and editing. They are different thing. Writing = creative. Editing = elitical part – engineer looking at how scenes are. He encouraged us to remember that when we are writing and have the momentum going –keep it going. We can switch hats and become an editor later. You can do your research and fix things another time. If you are in the middle of an action scene you don’t stop to look things up. You can always go back and make changes.

Next he told us to use every minute. Write at the drop of a hat because you never know how much time you are going to have. You have to learn to make the most of the time when you have the time. If you only have time to write one or two sentences, write with the time you have. I am guilty of this. I don't always write and use every minute that I have.

I particularly love the next tip. Set goals for yourself and stick to them. He continued by telling us we should work on different projects at the same time. Change the channel and switch to something else.
The next tip was to create your best writing environment. You need to figure out what works best for you. Pay attention to your writing setup. Look at what your setup is. Fix it for comfort.

The next tip was something I had never thought about - Think outside the keyboard. This is not the only way you can write. Try writing with a goose-quill – write with a notepad. Work on your lap top other places. Look at different ways you can do your writing. Use a recorder to tell your stories. Go somewhere where you get inspiration and then tell your story. You can use the recorder for notes.

The last tip was to get inspired! The more ingredients you have in your head the better. Exercise your creative muscles.

He concluded the class by telling us to know when to stop. If you are writing and rewriting and rewriting and you are not sending it anywhere – endless polishing doesn’t make it perfect – only endless. Finish it and send it out. You can’t keep editing over and over again.

This was a great class and his many tips were things that will help me.

See you next week.