Focus

Focus can be a paramount issue when writing. For instance, my current work in progress is a singular story following four separate and distinct story lines which are interwoven throughout the story. These four story lines are separate entities that begin to merge together to weave the tapestry of one master story. As far as each of the story lines are concerned, it is as though theirs is the only story being told. It is wickedly fun to have an inside view into each story line and yet keep them pure and separate until just the right moment.

Writing such a story of this nature also allows the author to hop in and out of the story lines, not to necessarily follow a linear time line. That is all well and good until it is 2:00 a.m. and each of the characters begin nudging my inner muse about their own ideas for their stories to follow. Divas.

As I always enjoy a good challenge, I have also taken to writing two versions of said story. One is most definitely a comedy, the other, a dark fantasy. The beginning and the ending and the primary points of the story will remain in tact. Some characters remain in both stories; some character’s personalities only allow one of the genres which add to the challenge and fun. It is amazing how changing the details and perspective of the story can totally morph the story into something totally new. Just a thought…

I am a Multi-Tasker

Currently I am reading three fiction books, two nonfiction books, dozens of daily blog subscriptions and Yahoo and Google group postings. I am writing three books...okay, you caught me, two books -- the third is sitting patiently on the shelf of frustration patiently waiting for me to get back to it.

Don't even get me started on the blogs I write and social networks I post regularly in (Myspace, Facebook, Yahoo groups - three dozen I believe, a couple Google Groups, Jacketflap, Shelfari, Children Writers and Illustrators, Book Marketing...the list marches on). I swear, that can be a full time job in itself!

Then, of course, there's life in general - family, dogs, work, dogs - yeah, they need a double dose of attention - and the car. Ah yes, the ever lovin' car that only a couple weeks ago I was so blissfully inattentive to any special needs of that durn contraption...then, Manny the mechanic (I swear) informed me my brakes were shot. I had only 3% left and was, in fact, driving a death trap. Mind you, the brakes gave me no problem stopping, no squeals of protest when applied. Nada. But, sigh, he used the words "death trap" so I replaced them. Now, every lovin' time I have to touch the brakes they SQUEAL with the most obnoxious mezzo soprano squeal...dogs follow me to see what all the noise is about. I have taken the car back to dear, sweet Manny...twice. Ahem. Alas, the third time better be the charm...

Just in case...has anyone got the godfather's phone number? I may just want to introduce Manny to him...just a thought....

Free Writing Class from Sarah Lovett

Another writing class being offered on the web comes to you from Sarah Lovett. The free class being offered is a peek into her current book entitled Dream It, Write It.

Sarah says storytelling is in our DNA. If you've been yearning to write anything from poetry to memoirs, you have taken the first step -- the realization of wanting to tell your story. "So much of the creative process has to do with what is unconscious - your mind is constantly generating ideas outside of the realm of consciousness. You are incubating story seeds and growing stories when you dream, day or night, when you drive to work, when you stir the sauce for your kids' favorite pasta or fold laundry, when you run the dogs or work on a jigsaw puzzle."

Isn't this a great image -- sowing the seeds of a story and growing them unconsciously.

This is a class for those who classify themselves as the dreamer - the ones who dream up the stories and need some helpful guidance in putting the words to paper.

Relax. Take a deep breath. Grab your paper and pens or your laptop and let Sarah show you how to take what already resides inside you and encourage it to take its beautiful shape on paper. Just a thought...

FREE Online Creative Writing class

Want to take a writing class to perfect your craft but find this difficult with personal time constraints or limited funds?

Here is a class I have found online that is free to writers offered from Steven Barnes. This is an online version of a creative writing class he has taught for a number of years at UCLA. It is a 9 week program. Since the class is offered in this online format, you can take advantage of this opportunity at your own pace, at whatever time of day suits you best.

For those unfamiliar with his work, Steven is a best selling author and Screen Writer. He has non-fiction articles which have appeared in such publications as Los Angeles Magazine, Karate Illustrated and the Daily News. His fiction work includes published short stories, novels and screen plays.

When asked why he is giving such valuable information away he stated he is paying it forward from information he has learned from others. A wonderful concept, just a thought....

For the link to the class, click on the title of this blog. Happy writing!