Character attribute scores + weapon + roll of the dice + bonus = result.

In Dungeons and Dragons, the bonus can sometimes be the difference between a hit or a miss. 

In writing, the bonus is the feedback one gets before submission. 

I could have a great idea that I, alone, came up with; be it jumping off a moving caravan to spill goblin blood or writing a story about a modern-day Frankenstein in the working world trying to make ends meet, but if I don't execute it properly, the idea could go from being genius to being a failure. 

In writing, there could be a plot point missing, bad character development that could be changed in only two sentences, inconsistencies, or complete contradictions that distract the reader (at this point the reader being an editor; the one giving the yay or nay).  These are common things that can be overlooked when writing, in particular if you don't allow yourself some time away from the piece and come back to it at a later date.  Most recently, due to my procrastination and an approaching deadline, I had no choice but to write and submit without setting it aside for a bit.  Instead, I selected a small group of people to provide feedback for me. 

Your bonus could be the difference between a hit or miss, a publication acceptance or rejection.

My character and his scores (my idea) are important, the character's weapon (the finished story) is important.   The dice thrown (submission to publisher) is the gamble.  My attributes may be high and my weapon strong, and sure I could roll a high number or even a natural 20 (geek lingo..sorry), but having that bonus sure strengthens my chances. 

Nearly everything I've written, I've only let my wife and kids read before it was submitted for consideration.  This most recent "experiment" of having a select few outside of family read my contest story before submission was a wonderful learning experience. 

First off, I didn't anticipate such great feedback.  Three of them took the time to make remarks within the context of the story and send it back.  This was a tremendous help.  I took the feedback very seriously and made changes where I agreed with them (which was quite a bit).  It was also refreshing to see that nobody suggested any plot point changes or character changes, in essence making my final draft the same story I sent as a rough draft; the only changes being some grammatical errors, sentence restructuring, and a few details added that had been left out.  Still, that "bonus" could make the difference.

The story is much tighter now, reads smoother, and has given me a greater confidence.  I feel like I chose the perfect people to read it.  I plan on doing this with other work (though not everything) in the future but will probably switch up the groups of people I used.  I would never want someone to feel like they've suddenly obtained the position of an unpaid editor.

I'm learning that writing can be much more than a solo adventure.  Sure, I could play the role of the literary paladin and attempt to solo every orc, goblin, and kobold I came across, but with the community experience--the fellowship if you will--I learn so much more, and it can help build relationships.

The creative writing forums, the Facebook groups, the friends (old and new), and the family all make the rewards during this adventure all the more obtainable.  A big thank you to my "bonus!"

For more geek references crossing writing and D&D, go to Kristen Lamb's blog entry where she demonstrates how to use D&D character alignment for building the characters within your story.

Charles Dickens called procrastination the "Thief of Time."  After this week's writing sessions, I also dub thee "Thief of Clarity."  As the most recent deadline approached, I found myself cramming both Friday and Saturday in a desperate attempt to get my story into the hands of those chosen to provide feedback, giving me only a few days to get into the hands of the judges at Crystal Lake Publishing for the contest.

Obviously stress constantly tapped on my shoulder through those two days as a result of my insistent writing delay, but the side effect that hurt the most was my inability to write with a clear head; in turn robbing me of creativity.  Well, not robbing; more like it flowed like molasses rather than syrup; like trying to run underwater as opposed to on land.  You get the idea.  I had to work harder to attain my goal.  By the time I was done with the story, I wanted nothing to do with writing for the rest of the day...nothing.  I suppose if it truly robbed me of anything it would be my joy of writing.  "Thief of Joy"...sounds about right. 

Last night I celebrated the final draft (well, the first final draft) with an evening of relief and zero writing.  More deadlines crashed that party this morning when I thought about two upcoming opportunities; both with deadlines.  Don't get me wrong.  I'm not complaining.  I'm grateful, but the realization did hit me hard that if I'm going to write there will always be deadlines to meet.  The difference between this past deadline and future ones is the lesson I've learned.


Listening to:  Anti-Procrastination Song by S.O.D.

Well, I've put together a small list of people who will be reading my story for the Tales From the Lake contest before I submit it.  The deadline is the 31st, so I should probably have this thing done no later than Friday (<gulp>...two days!) so the people who will be blessing me with their feedback have a few days to read it and I have a few days to make any changes to the final draft if need be.  Wow, a long-winded sentence indeed! 

Because I'm so behind schedule, I'll be cutting out work earlier than usual today (and possibly tomorrow) to focus on this story.  I'm looking forward to being done with it.  Unfortunately, there has been a great difference in my writing attitude between me writing a story I plan on submitting somewhere and being picked as a finalist in a contest.  Had the contest just been a one-part deal that gave a simple "you won" or "you didn't win" answer, I think it would be a different experience than it has been.  This particular contest has taken some of the fun out of writing--although only temporary--and I'm well aware I am the one who has allowed unneeded stress to rear it's hideous over-sized head in my business. 

That being said, I am feeling very confident with my entry thus far.  In my eyes, it would make for an excellent movie, so when all is said and done (as long as I still own the proper rights) I plan on writing a screenplay for it as well.

I sincerely thank those of you who contacted me with your willingness to read the story.  One more thing.  In case you missed it, to your right is a box where you can put your email, hit subscribe, check your email, click on the verification link and you're all set up to receive a notification whenever a new blog entry is available to read. 


Currently Reading: 
*House by Frank Peretti/Ted Dekker
*Rise of the Machines:  Human Authors in a Digital World by Kristen Lamb

In all the discord that has come with trying to stay focused on the contest story, I've purchased a handful of books to read; in particular young adult fiction (hereon referred to as YA).  I've read only a small amount of modern YA fiction; the first Harry Potter (which I had a hard time getting through) and the first 3 or 4 Last Apprentice books by Joseph Delaney.  I also admit to reading 100 pages of the first Twilight book (don't get me started on that).  I recently bought some copies of the first Hunger Games book as well as the first book in the Eragon series.  Call it research. 

I consider everything I write suitable for young adults for two reasons:  You'll never find gratuitous amounts of sex or gore in anything I write.  Gore?  Yes, some, but not buckets (my story "One For the Road" in Shadows and Light #3 is a good example).  A little can go a long way; even further than any disembowelment you can throw at me.  Look at The Blair Witch Project; not a single scary image, not a drop of blood but a work of genius that scared millions right out of ever camping again, but I digress. 

The purchased books are research, because I feel myself being pulled in the direction to write YA fiction.  I enjoy reading it, and when I look at the stories I've written, I do believe I enjoy writing it.  I've read my fair share of "splatter punk" horror in the early 90s, but in my older years I find myself getting less satisfaction from dismemberment and more out of a unique idea well written (no disrespect to my fellow splatter peers). 

As I reflect on things I've written, at least half contains a young adult as the main character.  My young adult life was certainly a memorable and adventurous time in my life so perhaps it's my way of reliving it yet creating alternative outcomes each time.  Stories like "The Body" by Stephen King and "Boy's Life" by Robert R. McCammon are very relatable for me, and in my opinion easily fall into the YA fiction category.  They are also good examples of the type of writing I'm referring to doing myself, so don't be alarmed.  You can still get gritty with YA fiction.  I'm not writing sparkly pony stories here. 

The article I read today concerning Stephen King's 22 lessons on how to become a great writer, confirmed what I already knew and had been doing lately:  Reading....a lot.  The article states to read as much as you can, as it sparks creativity and enables you to better hone your writing skills, so while I've been giving my writing muscle a good workout, I'm back to reading too. 

Now to find that balance.  If I'm to call myself a writer, I need to put the book down long enough to pull out the keyboard and get creative.

I'm 12 days away from the deadline of the Tales From the Lake contest and only about 1/3 done with the story, which means I need to fully take advantage of this weekend while I'm not working and knock out at least 3,000 words...at least. 

Because this contest is so important to me, I'm going to be letting a handful of people read through the story in hopes of them providing feedback before I submit the final draft.  I usually use my oldest son and my wife, but I'd like to find a less biased group of people that I can trust to provide honest feedback but also not be afraid to shout praises (that's not to say my wife doesn't gently--but honestly--inform me when something doesn't sit well with her).  If you're not a Facebook friend of mine then you haven't seen my status: 

"I'm looking for the following people who fit at least half of these criteria to read a story of mine next week before I submit it. Send me a message.
1. Neurotic.
2. Over analyzer.
3. Grammar Nazi.
4. Picky.
5. Is allergic to mainstream music.
6. Dry sense of humor.
7. Eccentric.
8. Loves to read."

Because I'm sensitive with my material, I won't just send it out to anyone.  I don't trust people.  The writing world is immense and the internet seemingly endless.  It wouldn't take much for my story to end up in the slimy hands of a dishonest degenerate set on making it theirs.

As much as I'd like to fill this entry with wit and cool-sounding words whipped up together to create some entertainment goulash, I've a story to write!  Prayers welcome! 

Just a quick update to talk about the changes to my blog.  Considering I've been published, I write on a consistent basis now, and well before the year is up you'll be able to find my work in at least two more books, the title "Pre-Author, Post-Boredom" didn't make a whole lot of sense anymore. 

Do understand, I want the blog to be easy on the eyes so if for any reason the contrast between the background and the font makes it difficult to read then by all means let me know.  In addition to some new threads and title, I've added some pages making it easier to know who in the heck I am and what I'm doing, as well as where you can find the goods.  Enjoy!

"I'm going through changes"  ~ Sabbath

News update on publications!  It's official, the story I did with Ian Bush entitled "The Transmogrification of Christopher Edwards" will be published in a zombie-themed anthology entitled "Brains 3" coming out this late summer/early fall by Dark Moon Press.  Also, a short piece of fiction (flash) I did for Hellnotes.com's Horror In A Hundred will be featured on their website in late October.  Hellnotes is also working together with Dark Discoveries Magazine where every quarter they pick three flash fiction pieces already published online with Hellnotes to be included in an issue of Dark Discoveries Magazine. 

A moment on Mr. Ian Bush.  Ian's work can be found here at his Amazon author page.  Please take a moment to stop by Ian's Facebook page as well.  He is a Michigan native and has been writing stories for 12 years. His first self-published novella, "This Story Has Soul," was released in 2010.  His novella "Wishes For The World Around You" was published from a 2012 writing contest he won from 2 Moon Press.  You can find Ian's work in several anthologies found on his author page. 

Ian played a major role in why I decided to finally seriously pursue writing and publication.

I once held a job as a telemarketer and it paid very well, but I was instructed not to take no for an answer.  I made phone calls to men and women who would tug at my heartstrings with stories of bereavement, chemotherapy, and foreclosures.  My job was to show pseudo empathy and continue in my pursuit to pull money from their pockets using guilt trips so the higher ups could go on more golf and fishing trips.  Despite these poor people's financial, health, or emotional condition, I was to push them.  I lasted three days before I was fired due to showing too much sympathy.  The only time I've ever been proud to be fired.

I have friends who currently, or in the past, have had jobs in the pyramid scheme.  I always felt bad for them.  They seem to be oblivious to the fact that they're pushing the limits often annoying people, even friends.  I've always considered myself incapable of having a job where I have to rely heavily on people investing in me and my product.  Heck, years ago when I played Farmville for a short time I had a hard time even sending out requests.  I felt like an idiot.  It's just not me. 

Now I find myself trying to sell a book--though not a book I'm making money on--just so people can read my story.  I suppose they're different; nevertheless, I get that "creeper" feeling like some pervert looking for lonely book readers to pounce on.

Yesterday I read an article entitled "21 Things I Wish I'd Known Before I Started Writing."  I felt better when I read this:  "You will make mistakes.  You will seem too pushy.  You will seem falsely humble.  You will forget someone in your acknowledgements.  You will rush publication on something not ready to go.  You will say things to your editor you wish you hadn’t.  You’ll accept edits you shouldn’t accept. You’ll give a friend unhelpful advice on a draft.  You’ll forget to read a draft you promised you’d read.  You’ll ask for one favor too many.  Don’t expect perfection of yourself.  Do your best.  Feel bad when you screw up, apologize if necessary, and don’t let it make you hate yourself.  A lot of writers seem awfully prone to self-hatred.  Try to cut yourself some slack."

Some time soon I'll need to thicken my skin and come to terms with the fact that if I'm going to be a writer then part of my job is going to have to be exercising that pushy muscle in me.  I'm very sympathetic with people on the other end.  I just hope they show the same.

I'm getting excellent responses concerning "One for the Road," (my story in Shadows & Light #3) from those who have read it.  Some of my friends have shown me their support in purchasing a print copy of the book from me.  Most of these people honestly probably  won't read more than the one story in it which makes their monetary sacrifice all the more thoughtful, for which I am extremely grateful.

When I first purchased a box of the books to sell to people locally, I figured within the first week they would be gone.  That's not been the experience.  I have several left.  It dawned on me after a while that had the entire book been mine, rather than 11 out of 220+ pages, people would be more apt to part with their hard-earned money and participate in the support of a newly published author pursuing his dreams.  Selling the book is not about me making any money, it's about sharing my story with you....and about you either inflating my ego or crushing it.  Yes, there are selfish motives. 

Amazon offers a free Kindle app that you can use on your Android, iPhone, iPad, or Mac.  The Kindle version of Shadows & Light #3 sits nicely at the price of a pop and bag of chips or a few energy drinks and a package of donuts or even a 40-oz of cheap beer and a cigar.  Think of all the unhealthy things I'm saving you from consuming when you purchase the Kindle version alone.  No thanks needed.  It's my pleasure!  

This story I'm writing for the Tales From the Lake contest is coming along slower than  anticipated.  Part procrastination, part lack of creativity, and part pressure. 

Procrastination:  Setting up my writer's platform and networking has been taking up a large amount of my free time.  I have to remind myself that, though the platform is important, the writing needs to come first.  I have been practicing that "disguised" form of procrastination I talked about in my earlier blog entry, Mask of the "Read" Death.  I've gotten really good at it.

Lack of creativity:  The story is for a contest that is very important to me.  There are judges involved who will be picking apart my story and deeming it worthy or unworthy.  Every word needs to count; every scene unique and attractive.  Pushing myself to be as creative and entertaining as I can has brought buckets of self discouragement.

Pressure:  It's like when someone is watching you do something that you normally do just fine alone, but when you're in the spotlight it doesn't flow as smoothly as it otherwise would.  I'm putting myself under that spotlight daily with reminders on the importance of the contest.

Here's to becoming a better writer as a result! 

Insert shameless plug here:  Amazon.