Guest Author Carrie Nichols: Writing Stories that Include Children and Pets

WRITING STORIES THAT INCLUDE CHILDREN AND PETS

Carrie Nichols

 

Remember that old Hollywood saying about never working with animals or children? Using them in your stories can be tricky too. They have a tendency to want to take over every scene they’re in.

I had to learn this lesson before I sold my first book. It was a hard lesson but has prepared me for including animals and children in my stories.

The agent I queried and who became interested in my writing said the little girl in the story kept taking over. One of the problems was that she came to me fully formed—speaking dialogue and everything. I wrote and rewrote my ms but the agent invariably came back with the same complaint. The little girl, Fiona, was taking over but we couldn’t get rid of the daughter in THE MARINE’S SECRET DAUGHTER. Finally, out of desperation, I sent her on vacation with her grandparents. I got the romance between the H/h established then brought her home at the worst possible moment… she arrived after the H/h made love and before the heroine confessed the “big secret”. I was able to use the scene I had envisioned in my head when the character came to me.

She jiggled her foot, setting off a light show in the soles of the sneakers. “They’re pink. These ones have lights. See? Grampa Mac says I don’t need lights on my shoes ’cuz everyone hears me coming.”

In THE SERGEANT’S MATCHMAKING DOG, I was a glutton for punishment because I not only have a dog but a young boy. Double trouble! Both the boy, the heroine’s much younger half-brother, and the dog were crucial so I couldn’t send them away as I did with THE MARINE’S SECRET DAUGHTER. As you may have guessed from the title, the bond between the boy and the dog brings the H/h together and works to keep them together. I used the dog as a sounding board for the hero’s thoughts and the dog’s reactions to give the dog a personality too. For example:

“Forget it. I’m not in the market. Even if I was—which I’m not—my thirty going on fifty is definitely too old for all that fresh-faced innocence.” He snorted. Is this what his life had come to? From maintaining the discipline and efficiency of the men under his command with field training exercises to arguing with a dog over a woman?

Radar auditioned a different sound, but Gabe stood firm. “What do you know? You’re a dog. My guess is she had your undying devotion when she mentioned she baked cupcakes.”

So, the dog became a vital part of the romance instead of simply stealing screen time. The growing relationship between the boy and the hero forced the hero to examine his own tangled relationship with his late father. It contributed to his growth as a character.

In THE HERO NEXT DOOR, the kittens also helped the romance. For example:

She halted in the doorway at the sight that awaited her. Cal was sprawled in the recliner with one tabby kitten curled in a ball on his chest and another by his shoulder. All three were sound asleep.

Who could resist that picture? Certainly not the heroine.

In THE SERGEANT’S UNEXPECTED FAMILY, I had a bottle-fed calf that I also used to illustrate the heroine’s optimistic approach to life and how it affected the hero’s more pessimistic attitude. For example:

He led the calf toward an empty stall.

“I’m counting on you to cooperate and survive,” he muttered in the calf’s ear and glanced back toward the open office door. “You wouldn’t want to break her heart, would you?”

Including children and animals in your story can be fun and rewarding as long as you’re aware that they both must serve a purpose if they are going to take up space on the page. They say dialogue must earn its place in your story by revealing character, backstory, answer story questions, add humor, or create sexual/romantic tension. The same is true of children and animals.

I’ll leave you with an example from my January 2023 release A Hero And His Dog. In this example the little girl is used to increase tension between the H/h and to add some comic relief.

The young girl crossed her arms over her chest. “But I want to know why Mitch made you mad.”

“He didn’t make me mad, sweetie.” The woman bared her teeth in what was probably supposed to be a smile, as if that would put some weight behind her words.

Phoebe tilted her head and pointed. “Then why does you got your mad face on?”

Time to Write Week 5

 

Congratulations, you have been writing this story now for one month. Let's think about that. 30 days or so. Have you made the progress you wanted? Are you finding your writing time each day? I keep asking the same questions. If you have spent one month and are still on chapter 1....then you need to see what you can do to change things on the dial. If you want to write, you will make time for it.

I use my planner to remind me to write. I add it to each day. I have a planner that holds all my home stuff and all my work tasks and I add my writing items there too. The thing is, I don't always complete everything on my chore list but I have been known to write something on my list just do I can check off it got done. Once, when my husband asked about what I had been up to, I showed him a full month in my planner. He was astonished. But truly I am a nerd.

If you are not making progress, it is time to see why not. Even at the very least in 30 days, you should have a couple of scenes. See what you need to do this coming month to find that writing time you may have not gotten in month one. Seek out that approval from Family that the hour you choose each day you are not to be bothers. No coping out to nap or relax until that one hour is done. No backing down our of fear you story isn't good enough. Just keep writing.

For those of you on track, you should have around 6 chapters or at least the idea of what you need for chapters 4 through 6. If not full there then keep going. We should be working on teawking our way through chapters 4 thru 6 and by all means if you have gone further, keep pushing.

Week 5: 1) Review your outline and notes related to chapters 1 through 6. Jot down thoughts and ideas you should add, delete or just tweak. Highlight problem areas in you story but don't worry about corrections now. 2) Focus on the reread of chapters 4 through 6 when you have them done. Fluff where needed and fix typos where needed but it is still not time to fully edit. It really can bog down progress if you stop to edit as you go. REMEMER YOU CANNOT EDIT AN UNWRITTEN STORY....FINISH THE BOOK! 3) Once you have finished the rough draft through chapter 6 then it is time to think about the "saggy middle" issues of your story as you begin to write chapters 7 through 9. Yes we are going to assume for some we may be hitting that point. Saggy middles are where we can get bogged down with things that have to be said or things that need to happen to get the story falling into place for the big climatic things that are coming. But word to the wise. A saggy middle is boring. If a chapter seems blah...it probably is...fixx it. Every scene should push the story forward and keep the readers attention. Ask yourself if I removed this scene would it hurt the story? If your answer is yes then great but if your answer is no then cut it or fix it. (Another hint, whenever I cut a scene or any writing I do, I save it in another file for possible later use.) I heard an author once say don't fall in love with a scene, fall in love with the story. This can be very true. You may love a scene because you are closer to your characters than your readers may ever be but look at each scene and make sure it is vital to the story and not just because your like it. Share your favorite advice about writing. We are in the middle of our stories....how do you plan to keep it interesting? How are you going to write this story to keep readers engaged? Put those characters through Heck, make it seem impossible for them. Toss them all kinds of curve balls and you'll keep readers on the edge of their seats. While we will be heading toward completion of chapters 7 through 9....as a reminder we may all have a different number of chapters.  Since we are playing with 3 chapters at a time and or a chapter a week I think we should say we have February to complete through chapter 9. That would mean we have 3 more weeks here for chapter 7, 8, and 9. So focus on your barriers that keep you from writing. Plan your writing hours for this month with at least 1 hour a day. Get your other life things done so you can work on your story. Negotiate your plans and write them down. Are you logging your writing time still? It can show you where you need to tweak your plans. Write down a daily word count in your notebook if that helps you. I use my story bard because I am visual and it can show my progress, but everyone has their own way of doing things. Share thoughts or hints on what is helping you most. I need noise most of the time. Weeknights are busy here at home and when writing there can be interuptions. I adjust accordingly for my writing time. I like the TV on for noise but it can be distracting. I turn it down sometimes or Mute as needed. But when I get to the weekends when I am off work I am able to find quiet time early mornings. I have teen girls who sleep late and a husband who may do the same or be off to his own things early Saturday mornings. I like to set a timer and rear end in chair one hour at a time. And sometimes I can look up and I have wrote for 3 hours. JUST DO IT! Sometimes I use Saturdays to get all my chores done so that Sundays I am free to write longer. But other times I promise myself finish a scene or chapter a day and that's it for the day. Progress is all we are looking for like this weekly blog to help us all finish the book. Hint: DO what works for you. Share your ideas of what has worked for you on pushing for writing time. Where do you write? Music you listen to? Tools you use? Share a picture of your writing space. Smile because you are writing. And for those who have not kept up. IT IS OK. Just keep reading and plug along at your own pace with this blogs helpful reminders. These posts are made to help no matter your progress.

Follow me on Author Kim Turner on Facebook. There will be stuff to help there and keep encouraging each other, writing can be lonesome and we need friends to help keep us motivated!

Writing Retreats...ideas and things to think about

Ya know, a writing retreat is great. A trip to the mountains to write for several days with other authors and time out for you to focus on your current manuscript. Usually fantastic if planned well. Some take off for the beach. I am all but sure at the beach I wouldn't get as much done but I write on a laptop at the pool on my family vacations.

BUT not all retreats have to be where you travel elsewhere. Me and my critique partners have rented a hotel over the weekend and wrote all we could without the interuptions of home. It might be writers can plan for a weekend at someone's home and take turns at it. That could sure save some costs on renting a place or paying a hotel.

And for some, like me, I mostly get my best writing done at home when I plan for it on a long weekend. AND I TELL MY FAMILY I WILL BE WRITING ALL WEEKEND. They know I will not be cooking or cleaning or assisting unless there is an emergency....only bug me if someone is bleeding or dying. Yes you have to make the time for your writing. If you don't allow this for yourself, trust me your family isn't gonna offer it.

But any retreat has rules. The times that will be writing times, break times and meals need to be clear. Spell these out for all involved. Some people need quite with no interuptions. Some need music and should plan for headphones. Some want table space while other will move around with their laptops. 

Bring pillows and foot warmers and anything you need to keep your writing space comfortable.
Meals, snacks and drinks need to be planned for. One retreat I attended each author brought their own. Another asked each author to prepare and provide one meal. Another called 6pm quits and went out to dinner. But plans need to be clear so everyone has what they need.

Now think about who are the other people on the retreat. Are these people you know well?
Do they agree to the plans?
One thing I learned is I am very allergic to cigarette smoke and a couple of authors smoked at a retreat I was on. Even thought they did so outside it must have remained on their clothing and my lips and face swelled making me sick for two weeks afterwards.

Plan for the temperature where you and dress accordingly. During writing time no interuptions or interupting each other.
Have everyone bring their craft books and have an area where authors can take a look at those books for helps.

Think about schedules. Some people prefer to sleep late or nap. But honest to God, if I am on a writing retreat I am gonna set a clock and utilize every minute...I can sleep at home later. A writing retreat if for writing.

So a writing retreat can be planned a lot of different ways. Any place you choose should have outlets and wifi. It should have enough space for everyone to spread out to write comfortably. 

Tips For a Home Retreat:

• Tell everyone your are out of town

• Turn off the Wifi. 

• Put your phone on Do Not Disturb.

• Eat healthily. Plan for solid meals that promote thinking. 

An idea of schedule for a retreat with several people:
7am....breakfast
8am to 12pm writing
12 to 1pm lunch
1pm to 5pm writing
6 to 8pm break for supper out
8 to 9pm brainstorming with others
9 to 11 writing (or opt out)

***We had coffee/tea going all day....and meals were planned ahead for each author to provide a breakfast and supper meal. All brought sandwich items for lunch and everyone brought snacks to share. Each night between 8 and 10 we had brain storming and story boarding for ideas. Others opted to continue writing.

List of things to bring along:
Laptop/chargers
Phone/chargers/ear plugs/headphones
Craft books/jump drives/External hard drives
Notebooks/pens/information you use to write
Portable desks
Extension cords
Comfortable clothing & shoes & jacket
Comfortable night clothing & slippers
Toiletries & meds
Pillows, blankets, robes
Drinks, snacks & meals
Coffee/tea/hot chocolate
Mugs/cups
Plates, utensils, paper goods
Trash bags

(Plan it like a camping trip bring all you need! You can leave it in the car until needed if you are not sure you will use something.)

Time to Write Week 4

Three weeks of planning and writing. How does it feel? I hope you feel good about your progress. The truth is we may all be at different points in our writing as some are staying on track and possibly some have not been able to do so. No feeling bad here. Progress is all that is needed. If you have not kept up no one is tracking that but you. Praise yourself for what you completed and keep going. This blog will be here and when you catch up you can read the blog for the next step when you are there. No hard set rules here except to write daily for an hour each and every day. Each writer's hour will produce various amounts of words...some more than others. So comparing is not the way to finish your novel. But finding writing time is the thing you should be doing.

So you should have completed thru chapter 2 and may have possibly started on chapter or scene 3. Some of you may be rolling right along and if so don't let this blog slow you down. Keep going!

Rules: No looking back to edit but keep the momentum as you roll this coming week fully into chapter 3. I like to remind writers that this third chapter needs to be one with a lot of punch or umph! This one needs to have something big at the end of the chapter to keep the reader turning pages!!! This is where your story needs a big hook! Something that blows the story out of the water and sets up the dramatic things that are comng. 

So for week 4:
1) Read thru chapters 1 and 2 without tweaking or editing. Get your head in the story and spend your 7 days rolling into and through chapter 3. Think about how your stroy is coming together. Look at how much back story you may have and see if that might be too much, don't cut anything but highlight the areas that might could go. Use your notebooks and chapters plans to map out what you have and what you need.  

2) Once you have your first three chapters review your outline about the first 3 chapters thinking about GMC and making sure your have included all you wanted to be there for your story and characters. The story needs growth. The characters need growth thoughout the story...they should not be the same person at the end of the story that they were at the beginning. 

3) Now sit down with your first 3 chapters and read through it with no tweaking. Has each scene or chapter moved your story forward? Is progress being made on plot and showing the story, not telling it? If yes keep writing heading onward to chapter 4, 5, and 6. That's right, the next 3 chapters. You will be working on these the next 3 weeks and I will have posts here about those to help.

Share here about your progress and any hints that have helped you. Do you have a favorite craft book that helps?

I will share mine along the way...I adore the complete series that began with The Emotional Thesaurus. I usually have this and others in the series close by for an easy reference. 

Have a great week as you work on those next three chapters. YOU CAN DO IT! Plan your writing hours by removing those barriers. It's been a month, has your family let you write? Have you found a plan that works where you get your hour a day. Could you advance that to more than an hour each day?

DO you have a place you are now writing where you can focus on this story? Maybe now that you are a month in, three chapters going it might be time to share with a critique partner, but be careful. It's not now time to have a reader change up your whole idea until you are ready. Having someone tear apart your baby right now might not be the best idea unless your partner is good at offering a few suggestions and isn't overly worried about typoes and a fully flushed story. I personally run ideas past people, but rarely change my plan. I only share a story once I have it finished and fairly edited. USE READERS YOU TRUST NOT TO CRUSH YOU IDEA.

Don't forget to check out Author Kim Turner on FB. I will be posting helpful things there along with encouragements. We can all help each other if we stay tuned. 

Writer's Block...and a few things we may need to work on

Honestly I do not get writer's block. There is never a time in my writing life that I hit a wall of not knowing what to write. Now that being said I may hit a tangle in a story and need time to think my way to a solution but as a rule I can always find something to work on with my writing. If I hit a scene and it isn't coming together then I change up to another scene or change up by editing a scene. 

But there are times I avoid sitting my rear end in the chair and getting to it. 

When writing to create a story a certain part of the brain is used while editing touches a different part of your thinker. SOme sometimes swapping up can help. 

But if you are struggling with what to write...maybe you should make a carefully detailed outline to follow. 

If you are stuck...go back and review a scene to see where you were headed and what should come next. 

I once read the director of the TV series Deadwood was an older gentleman and he would lay down in the middle of the planning table and start tossing ideas while others around him jotted down his thoughts for him. 

Maybe a planning session with a critique partner would be a good start for getting back to the story. 

Maybe check your outline and change a few things. Check the story and character arcs. Is there enough conflict to keep even you interested?

So many things can affect our writing so let's talk about you. You planned this writing hour so why can't you do it? Did you rest enough the night before? Our lives can be so busy but if you don't carve out the writing time you won't get it. If you live in a chronic state of crazy it can be hard to settle down and write.

It's OK to be tired. But what are you doing to create balance in your life? I know my family realizes when I have writing time I am much easier to live with. 

For me if I want to plan a big writing day on a weekend...then I have to spend that week gaining a lead on chores and getting ahead of the dishes in the sink, the clothes that need to be washed and what are the kids up to this weekend that will take me away from writing time. Negotiate your writing time like I keep mentioning. 

Fatigue and sleep. Someone once told me tired is tired just do it anyway. If tired is your thing figure out why? Is tired sleep deprived or is tired a way to avoid what you need to do? Is a nap because you need it or so you can escape chores and other life interruptions. 

Fix your sleep. Find a way because it is hard to write if you mind is fatigued. 

I live with hashimotos thyroiditis...in short autoimmune hypothyroid disease which robs ever cell in my body of energy. Some people with my condition give up easily and lay down and some end up on disability unable to keep up with a job. Some mornings when I wake at 6am or before I could simply cry and give up and lose my job...but I don't have that option. Even if I slept all night the fatigue is almost crippling at times. Deep breath and up I go with the help of some morning deep breathing exercises and a warm shower because I cannot tolerate the morning cold very well.

But this blog isn't about thyroid disease. Its about finding why you are fatigued or why you use sleep as an escape. Fix it. Start on fixes for it. This is your life and it's your story that needs you. 

A warning too of compassion. Depression can cause fatigue and the need for more sleep. Please get help if this is you. Your life is worth it and things like depression should not be ignore. 

Motivation verses fear and self doubt. Each time I know it's time to start a new story I seem to go through this idea I will never write THE END. But I always do...I think all of us have some self doubt we may go through. Write anyway. I keep saying you cannot edit an unfinished story. 

Motivation verses Procrastonation. SCHEUDULE YOUR WRITING TIME AND STICK TO IT WITH A TIMER AND BUTT IN CHAIR. Maybe you have to start in short writing bursts. 20 minutes then 30 and so on. But it's making it a routine that will stick. 

Change the music. Change the scenery. Take a short break. Take a walk. Read another story...a short one. But don't miss that one hour a day dedicated to the story you are writing. 

You got this, just keep moving forward each day to accomplish something. 

Suggestions for writers block:

1) Start writing anything...journaling helps some. 

2) Read what you have and see if your mind will kick in to what comes next

3) Would writing a different scene help

4) How about a brain storming session with a critique partner

5) Focus on just one scene and what should happen and see how you like it

Risks and Rewards of Writing Historical Fiction

 

Risks and Rewards of Writing Historical Fiction

After writing my first book, I immediately recognized the luxury of becoming a fantasy or paranormal writer. How much easier it is to invent and create your own little fictional world where no one questions the validity of what you are writing!

Writing historical fiction requires all the nuances of getting the ‘it’ just right. Research is critical and no matter what period you are referencing – never-ending.

The Rewards! Delving into the history, the fashion, the language, the customs, the industry, etc…can be lots of fun. For me…let’s just say visiting over nine distilleries for research for my Debut novel Whiskey Love was a unique experience. I conducted multiple interviews with owners, and of course, if you’re going to write about whiskey, you must ‘taste’ it as well. No matter the subject – whether fashion, cooking, or traveling if you can research your topic first hand I hardily recommend it.

The Risks! before you put your idea, situation, event, etc… to print you must make sure it stands true. Sure you can make minor changes, however, if whatever you are writing about involves a major historic event like a war or the election of a US president you need to stay close to the actual event.

You can alter when a hurricane happened or when a train crashes, but again you need to stay true to the period. If you don’t, readers will let you know. I’ve listed a trio of examples concentrating on just words, quotes, and official degrees.

I wanted to use the word tailspin to indicate the emotion of one of my characters; my book takes place in the 1890s. A quick check of the word let me know it wasn’t formulated until WW1 when French soldiers used the word to describe the descent of military aircraft crashing down from the air.

I also dearly wanted to use this quote, “There are two things a highlander likes naked, and the other one is malt whiskey” by Sir Robert Lockhart. Again, research informed me the quote was attributed to the author in the 1920s – well after my book ended.

And for fashion- the skirt of my heroine’s ballgown for the Presidential Inauguration Ball had a beaded design of an Iris. I thought this would be a nice gesture on behalf of my heroine since she hailed from the Volunteer state. However, something told me to check this item out – glad I did. I  kept the dress- but could not mention the state flower aspect because Tennessee did not officially adopt the iris as its state flower until the 1930s!

I’m sure readers of this blog have lots of funny and maybe not-so-funny “research’ items they could share. Let’s hear from you!                 

Contributed by Joy Allyson

Contact Info:

www.Joyallyson.com 

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joyallysonauthor@gmail.com

 

Time to Write Week 3

Hi writers!! And we have 2 weeks behind us. 14 days. Half a month. What did you accomplish? Really for two weeks what have you gotten done and if not enough, how are you gonna change that? Here is hoping you have a general outline of your story that you can add to and tweak as needed through this whole process. And you should have a start or possibly a completed first chapter or even a scene will do.

No beating yourself up if you have not made this progress but do think about what is standing in your way. Negotiate again for your time. Fight for your story. Do that now! What can you change to make sure in week 3 you find your writing time? Fix it. No delays. No procrastination. Map it out. 7 days. 7 hours. ANd it is time to work on chapter 2. DO NOT GO BACK AND EDIT THROUGH CHAPTER 1.

Here is an idea. What 3 things keep you from writing? Jot them down in your book right next to where you mapnout this coming weeks plans for writing. 

I'll go first. The 3 biggest things for me are:
1) fatigue
2) time
3) other obligations

I work full time as a nurse M thru F. I leave the house before 7 and return after 5. I have two busy teens, a husband, dog, cat, and chores. So what am I going to do for each item that keeps me from writing. 

1) Fatigue. I fight hypothyroidism which adds fatigue and aching unrelated pain daily. This is better some days than others but I do try to take advantage of the days I do feel good by writing more than an hour and there are days my fatigue says nope, not today. I still try to push for my writing hour. But when my focus is off due to fatigue maybe that is a day I decide to edit what I have or do a bit of planning verses writing. 

2) Finding time. I have been writing since 2011 and was not published until 2015 but my family knows when I say I am writing now...I am writing now. On weekends I usually announce I am writing today and the message gets thru as I negotiated for this time a long time ago. But I do have to clarify my time here and there. And while I am able to write at home well enough, some writers tell me they can't manage writing time at home. So no matter where you write set that time and find a way to get to it. I just have not cared for heading out to starbucks or the Library for making writing time, but some of you may need to do that. To me time on the road is time wasted that I could be writing, but for others a trip to write may be the only way to find time. 

3) Other Obligations. Chores...yes we all have them. I am blessed. I have a husband who helps. But I let the guilt get me at times and while he works hard to do chores I need to do my fair share. So weeknights I come in from work and do my best to help with supper and clean up. Pet care. Clothes washing. House cleaning and more. And I am not a good house keeper...just not my thing. But I also have 3 other people in this house and I don't do it all. Like I said my husband helps...a lot. And my teen girls have chores. I won't say I don't have to harp and remind them from time to time...but they must help or I won't get my writing time. It's OK for even little kids to have chores....small things to help. Delegate and expect results. Otherwise it will take your writing time. So I do chores until around 7 or 8 and then regardless what's done I get my hour to write. And weekends I get a few more chores done and as long as we don't have plans, I have more time to write. I make it my time. Otherwise I could wax the driveway or scrub the roof. Sometimes I make a chore list and when a few things are done, I WRITE. 

So where are your plans hindering you? And just like you are planning for your hour a day to write, plan what you need to do about the things in your way. There is a solution for each so figure it out. This book is not going to write itself. 

Next week we will talk about fear a bit. 

Week 3:
1) Review your outline. Tweak where needed. Add ideas or reminders in the margins. The messier the better. A planning book is a work of art, kind of like a WRECK THIS JOURNAL.

2) Read chapter 1 or the scene your wrote last week. Fix typos and errors if you like but do not edit much. This is a quick read for getting your head in the story. This is not the time to perfect it. You get 20 minutes to do this and then move ahead to Chapter 2. 

3) Spend this week writing chapter 2 or the second scene. If it's flowing write chapter 3 or at least head that direction during this week. The first three chapters of a book make it or break it. Make sure every word counts on uppint the ante or the stakes for you characters. Put those characters through heck!

Don't forget to remove distractions...chores or TV. Those things that suck time away from your writing. Negotiate the hour a day you need again or maybe this week you need to reorganize or replan how your writing time is or is not happening. What can you change to make it work better? Do it! Fix it or plan it today. Then write. 

Share your ideas of how you are finding your writing time as it might help another writer. So feel free to comment here where your are also struggling to find that time. Who isn't finding the time, tell us why? Maybe comments will help. We gotta help each other. 

Some writers like to track their progress. Some do so by word count or chapter completions. If it would help you to jot down the times you write add it to your book or on the side of your outline. Sometimes seeing it written can help you decide why you are not getting your writing time in. Identify the culprit if you can and fix it. Sometimes it is rear end in chair and hands on keyboard.

Goodluck this week.

And when you have your hour in, don't forget to take a peak at my Facebook Page Author Kim Turner for more hints and support. BIT ONLY AFTER YOUR HOUR IS DONE!

Writing Space...Make it yours

Not everyone has a desk and writing room or a place specified to finish the book. But...let's think outside the box on how you might do this as everyone's situation is different.

For me when I first started writing my kids were elementary age and busy and required my attention a lot more than now with them being teens. But I have been known to have my laptop at the skating rink, Chuck E Cheese, the soccer field, practices, music lessons and many other happenings. Have laptop. Will travel. 

Writing anywhere has worked fine for me but others cannot write unless they have their full set up. Desk, low lights, music, candles and so on. I get it. So ya gotta plan for how it will work best for you. 

I now like moving around my house. My bed. My desk. The couch so it appears I am watching the movie the family wants me to watch. I have written in the kitchen right off the laundry room while I get the dishwasher and 4 loads of clothes done. Set that dryer for an hour. It works as a great timer! 

We live in a ranch home on a full basement, part of which is built in. But I have never liked writing downstairs and at one point my Mother in Law had those rooms. So it was then that I realized I wanted my own writing space. Not the bedroom...that is a shared room. Not the living room that is a family room. And everything else was taken. All except the dining room, full of Fiesta dishes and a table and 6 chairs and a China cabinent. And all it was good for was holding everyone's school backpacks and jackets and a big pile of whatever....the junk room. It stayed full of stuff and the only time we ever used it was on Christmas day...rarely. 

So... never leave an author to contemplate how things could work different. My husband went out of town and when he returned. His China had been packed away. The Fiesta was back in the kitchen. The table had been shrunk down and shoved to one side of the room with only 4 chairs. And there was new paint on the walls.  A pale blue which is the writing color. A new desk adorned the room and cowboy fixtures and horses adorned the walls. And in a weekend I made it my own. And I didn't tell my husband who saw it when he got home. I didn't explain much but that no other space in the house was just mine. So now it is all my very own. It took a while for everyone to keep their junk pile of out it but now it only gets junked up by me.

I won't say I sit and write in that room for hours but it is nice when I sit there and edit and plan for books. I have soft string lights and a salt lamp. I especially like evenings and weekends there to think. But what I have found is even with a place to write you have to train yourself to get the writing done while there. I have moved around so much with my writing it has taken a while for me to accomplish writing at a desk...because I never had one. I enjoy my desk more and more but I can still write anywhere. 

But the lights help and being encircled by my horses and cowboys and writing things helps. 

Think about a place in you home that would work. Maybe a corner of one room or maybe a desk added to a room. My desk isn't very cluttered. I don't work well with things all piled up...so I do my bills and other paperwork at the dining room table in the corner or in the bedroom. That desk is mine just to write. Oh and I have a nice thick seat cushion so sitting for one hour at a time works. 

Think about the place. The lighting. A window is nice in my writing room. What color makes you feel good and be creative. I chose the pale blue. It's comfort. What kind of chair? What kind of desk or table? What things do you need around you to be able to write?

On weekends I sometimes get up to write just so I have quiet. I keep a blanket that matches the room in there...I can't write if I am cold but I do keep the house on 68 because I do not like to be hot. 

Maybe you need to create your space prior to starting the story. Maybe working on it as you finish this book will be what you can do for breaks.

Find your space. Your writing deserves it. 

Now other spaces. It's OK to plan to write with a group of writers or a critique partner. Going places to write with people or alone changes things up and can make you more productive. 

I found for me I write just fine at home but driving to a library or a coffee shop just doesn't work for me. I am not as comfortable sitting alone in an unknown place. I guess coffee shops and libraries are just not my space where my brain works as well. Then you gotta find a place to hook up or plug in and the chairs are not as comfortable etc. And I am irritated at the drive back and forth which I see as wasted writing time when I have a weekend off where I can write. 

So for me space to write is time with my laptop at home in comfort no matter the room. What have you found to work for you?

Time to Write Week 2

Hi Writers!!!

Can you believe one week has happened and is behind us already? 

Confessions...I missed one day of touching my story but I did 

make up more than an hour another day. I suppose that counts, but 

I was not happy with missing a day. We have to create a habit that comes naturally 

and is part of each day...each and every day. 

But Kudos to you if you did get back to your story and reaquaint yourself or if you did get 

to the plotting and mapping out of this story you are writing. If your week didn't go well with

writing or planning then you know what? That's OK. Give yourself a break but get right back 

to it and make up for lost time. You want to finish the book right?

So think about this coming week...it is now time to write. You should have a better idea about 

your story now. Last week a good start on your outline was the goal but as your write you 

add things to it. You may continue to add to it each week as you discover what your characters

have in mind. I often use a storyboard to map out the order of the scenes I write, but I hardly 

ever write in order. But some of you may find writing in order easier to begin with. While I say I 

am a panster, I often do have a general outline of what I am pulling together. It just helps to 

keep a bit of focus. You'll have to find what works for you. 

Take a look at your general outline or idea. Make sure that you know things about the hero 

and heroine and that you think about thier character arcs as well as the story arc. You need

to know your characters internal and external growth throughout the story.  A good book for 

this is Deb Dixon's Goal, Motivation and Conflict. 

Who is your hero/heroine?

What do they want?

Why do they want it?

What is standing in the way?

You need to know these things in order to pull a story together. So for now see if you 

can answer the questions above. If any of you have a craft book that has been a big help 

mention it!

I plan to add links and covers of the craft books I have utlized all through out this writing journey. 

Also, don't forget to see what we are chatting about on my 

facebook Author Kim Turner page, or you can chat here in the comments. If you cannot

find that page message me and I can send a link. It was at the bottom of last weeks post. 

So for week 2:

1) Continue outline work and planning of ideas on your story. 

Keep that notebook page handy so you can utlize it througout the entire time 

you are working on the story.

2) Begin your opening chapter. Yep thats right! It is time to begin writing. 

This week you should complete your first chapter. You have one week!

3) Negotiate with yourself and others for your hour each day to write or 

longer if you can gain more. IF you plan for your writing time you will have more success. 

GO right now and state it where needed. Let your family and yourself know that this 

week you will write for one hour each day at X time. Put it on paper on the fridge if you have to 

and add a DO NOT DISTURB sign to the place you are writing. 

But there are a few rules becasue the idea here is to make progress. When writing 

chapter one there is no going back to tweak anything until your chapter rough draft is

 complete. Looking back and correcting things only slows progress. 

The time will come for editing and fixing typos and errors. That time is not now. For some of 

you that will be hard. DO IT ANYWAY...you'll thank me later! We are gonna complete a rough draft

without going back to tweak....at all until things are ready for that. 

Remember that opening sentence should attract attention making it hard for the reader to put

the story down! And the first chapter should end with a hook that keeps the reader rushing to 

turn the page. 

So an hour a day, that is 7 hours. Humm...if you write 500 words a day for 7 days you'll have 

3500 words or so in your chapter one. Perfect. Chapters should be anywhere from 2000 to 6000 

words depending on your writing style and what story you are telling. 

So have a good week and happy writing! Week two hiney in chair and get to it. Negotiate for time 

and use it wisely. YOU GOT THIS!!! I already cannot wait to hear next week how you have done. 

I know some of you writing here with us are authors, please add any hints you have that may 

help others get that first chapter going. Newbys, ask us questions and let us know where you

have struggles. We are here to help each other!!

Chapter One: Introduce the characters, who are they, what do they want, why 

and what is standing in the way? Set a timer and write and keep writing. Dont look back. 

Finish this chapter one this week! You can do it! Don't forget to go by my facebook Author Kim 

Turner page for more hint this week and to chat--only when your hour a day is done. 

How to write a scene...

Summarize your story/arc-Get that notebook out and start planning. In only a couple of sentences tell what your story is about.

Keep going by think about these items below:

Define your characters motivations/arc
Define your story's plot
Outline your story by scenes quickly-What is gonna happen along the way
Fill in more on the outline even the little things...ideas you have, things that could and should happen

Now begin writing a scene that is very strong even if out of order. I know this may totally toss plotters off a bit but hang with me here. Write a scene you vividly see from beginning to end. The idea here is that it must be an impact full scene that you are excited about...that's the key to each scene. Honestly, that scene that you know already must be worth it or it wouldn't have been in your thoughts. So write it. Don't worry about typos and every tiny detail....just get it typed or written. 

Now that you have it...that could be the starting point of your book or maybe it is somewhere in the middle. Now build around it. Pansters this may be easier for you unless like plotters you write in order or plan well before writing. Plotters just work with it. Or maybe that opening is your first major cool scene. Work with that if it feels better. 

So for starters just get the basics of the scene down. Then go back and fluff for better sentences, better words. Better dialogue. Better setting etc. This is still rough draft. Don't spend time here making everything perfect. 

Some have asked how long a scene or chapter should be. Thoughts and ideas can vary. I go for 3500 to 5K for a chapter. Every story is different. 

Things to think about with that first scene/chapter:

1. Opening Line. This needs to grab readers right away. Bam what happened or is about to happen. Suck that reader in. If you have a boring first line you will lose readers. 

2. Get the words down in the first chapter. Let your mind and fingers flow. THIS IS NOT TIME TO EDIT OR CLEAN UP.  This is just keep writing until this scene has all you wanted in it. 

3. Look back. Yep permission granted to give it a quick read and correct but no lingering for long. Does this chapter hit with a bang? Does it hold your attention? If not it wont hold the reader. Up the ante if not. Time to add more if needed. Or let it sit for a few days so you can think on things. Do not skip writing days just work on another scene for your hour a day.

Time to Write Week 1

So...do you want to write or do you want to speak forty reasons why you haven't been writing? This is my first post of the year on TIME TO WRITE and my topic for all of 2023 will be about writing prompts, hints and encouragement for those who want to FINISH THE BOOK! I will try to have a post set for every Monday so your week of writing will run Monday to Sunday night for each week's tasks. This is the year you will complete your manuscript and submit that story for Publication. 

I am a Romance author with my heart in the old west and I attend writing meetings and conferences each year. I am surprised at the number of writers/authors who have not been able to complete a story or finish a book they may have been working on for years. Stick with me this year and my hopes are you come out on the other side with a completed novel. Together we can do this!!

We all have busy lives but what is stopping you from the story you want to finish? Family, the day job, procrasintation, thinking you can't, total avoidance due to fear? This list could go on and on. But what are you gonna do about it? You can sit and watch another year go by or you can keep up right here and complete a rough draft in 6 months or a year. That choice is yours and also depends on the length of your story and your time management and willingness to stick to the plan. I like the idea of two time options but the way I plan to set this up, even if you can meet neither you can follow and complete each assignment at your own pace.

So first things first. It's the first week of a new year. 2023. 52 weeks to go. Even a chapter a week would give you a heck of a book one year from today. So what is holding you back? That is yours to answer and resolve.

Grab a pen and paper. Better yet grab a notebook where you can follow your progress all year. If you stick with me here on this blog you will have a rough draft completed in no time. Grab your laptop if you don't prefer to write by hand. Either is fine.

So for week one starting today. Jot down what you are currently working on? If nothing is in progress, what can you pull out from the cobwebs under your bed? You know, that story that has been there for more than five years now because you were going to write it one day? Yeah, pull that one out or decide on the one story you can put your heart and soul into this year.

Some of you may take the entire year, some may only need a few months or a bit more and some will bail on the idea all together. But if you call yourself a writer/author...and you aren't producing at the very least a book a year, 55K or so if not a lot more, then are you really a writer? I challenge you to prove it. I will do the same. 

STOP THE INSANITY AND JUST WRITE THE BOOK!

Week 1:
1) Decide on the story.

2) Refresh yourself on the story. If anything is already written take a look at it all again. Don't worry about rewriting or editing right now. Just reacquaint yourself with the story for a few days.

3) If you are starting fresh then you have 7 days to start on your story idea. Jot down what the plan is for your story and add to it each day. These are just notes, just all about the idea-no need to be neat or orderly. Just get it down.

*A couple of rules are involved. You must touch, read, jot ideas, plot items, do something on or about this story each day for one hour. No days off for 1 week to get your head back in the story or to pull together ideas for a new story.

Use your notebook to keep track of what's needed or ideas that come while you are reviewing what you have. Its easy for me to track this on my phone, so find the easiest thing for you. The idea is this notebook should not be much trouble and should not take your time except where initially planning. Its just a place to keep ideas together. Big time should be spent on writing.

Plotters: Those who like to write in order with a set outline and plan. That is what you need to work on this first week...a basic outline of what you are planning. It is OK to keep adding to it all week. I know, I know, order is important, so stick to the order you need to develop the story. 

Pansters: Those who write without an outline or plan; you can still jot down your ideas and plotting you are aware of. While an outline may not be your thing, you do need to have a general idea of what is going to happen in your story from beginning to end even if you are not sure of all the happenings. 

And.....Go! This is your first week of daily novel work. No excuses. No missed days. You don't even get weekends off here. Writers write. Butt in chair....now!

Week one Pointer: If you do not make time for writing you will not finish this story. Remove your biggest barrier right now for week one.

Is it the day job? Well, you cannot remove that. But can you find at least an hour a day this week prior to or after work where nothing distracts you. Get that set now. Leave work at work. Set your writing time. 

Is family taking every extra moment? Plan for your hour a day by asking your spouse for help and your kids for that one hour of freedom. Make it a priority or it will not happen. Set it in stone. Is it one hour after dinner or an hour when your first get home from work. 

Stay at home moms. Maybe it's only obtainable when the kids nap or after they go to bed. Maybe when they are reading your can write. If the kids are little maybe a one hour movie time is yours to write. 

Homeschooling moms, give those kids their own writing or reading assignments and do it together. Or carve out that hour when the kids get recess. 

Full time jobers, make the time that fits you best. I know I will never get up an hour early to write prior to work. I have never been able to do that. But I can find an hour each evening that is mine. I am hinting at trying to work on that one hour early in the morning and I am gonna give it a go once more. I am not back to work until Wed. so I will be trying then. 

I'll have more specific hints each week. For now all you need is 1 hour a day that belongs to you and your story idea. Negotiate for it and set your freedom and hold yourself and others to it. It initially took me a while for my husband and girls to understand I AM WRITING. I will be with you all in an hour. Right now is not your time, it is my time. 

Maybe you need to give up TV or things like that which are a time suck. Social Media can be a big problem so turn off that phone for one hour. 

So follow my blog on MONDAYS and get yourself ready to finish the book!! AND LOOK FOR WRITING HELPS EVERY THURSDAY HERE ON MY BLOG!!! But be kind, in order for me to keep up with my own writing I know there will be typos and errors in what I post twice or more each week. Those of you who are critical, just let it go. I am writing these on the fly! But I will be working hard on my story right along with all of you! 

So comment here on the blog where you wish or find me on Facebook. Lets chat when it's hard, lets write when the story hits. Lets finish a book this year!!!!

Oh and I will also try to have a guest author on here now and then so they can offer helps as well!

Find my author facebook page and follow there for other hints and things related to writing each week. 

Author Kim Turner on Facebook. 

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