Tag: Dee Dee Parker

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The Writerly Cafe

What’s Your Favorite Summer Writing Place?

A HEARTYWELCOMEYesterday I decided to move to the back deck of our house to set up my “summer writing office”. I made several trips with computer, notebooks, pens and pencils, all balanced precariously in my arms. Of course I brought a tall glass of sweet tea and a small snack. Trust me, the snack idea lead to an unhappy writing event! Within fifteen minutes of getting organized I was fighting a small army of various bugs intent on having my fair skin as their snack.

After a quick move to the front porch I met the kith and kin of the back-deck killer bugs. I returned inside and called my neighbor who is blessed with a screened-in porch that overlooks a beautiful view of the Appalachian Mountains. I explained my dilemma and she graciously invited me to use her porch for my writing efforts. I gathered my writing paraphernalia and went to the neighbor’s house. An hour passed and I had not written a word, but had immensely enjoyed the nature I watched, and the conversation I had with my neighbor.

Feeling defeated I returned home and settled at my desk in front of an opened window that overlooks a peaceful pasture and delivers wonderful mountain breezes. Ah…this was the summer writing spot my soul needed. I wrote for two hours and feeling very proud of myself, I went to the back deck and announced my feat to the destroyer-bug population.

My question to you café members is…where do you prefer to write during the summer? D.H. Lawrence enjoyed writing beneath the shade of a tree. Jan Karon, author of the popular The Mitford series, writes in a cottage on the grounds of her plantation. Well known author Elin Hilderbrand rides her bike a mile to the beach each day and writes sitting in the sand. I realize not all of us have the beach close by or a writing cottage, but I feel sure some of you move out onto porches, decks and poolside.

I pray the start of summer is treating you with hot sunny days on which to write. I look forward to receiving your answers to this post’s summer question. Remember to stop by the café often and bring along your comments and questions.

 

“Every Summer has a story”-Unknown Author

 

 

 

 

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The Writerly Cafe

What Gives You Conference Confidence?

DDCONFERENCEI want to thank everyone that read my first post of The Writerly Café, especially those who took the time to leave a comment. Comments provide us a two-way street of communication. They are our form of “chatter” that fills brick and mortar cafés. Comments build friendships and allows for exchanges of ideas.

This is evident from last month’s question:

  • Is writing your passion and if no one read your writing could you walk away? Most writers write foremost for the joy of writing and to ease the tug on their spirits to put words onto paper. I understand that tugging. I journal and blog because my words need an outlet! Do you agree, readers? Writing is a powerful form of self-expression. Most of you said that you would write if no one read your work.

Now, to change gears, so to speak. It is the season for writing conferences and I for one, could not be happier. I will be attended the BRMCWC (Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writer’s Conference) from May 22 until May 26. I have attended this conference for a good number of years. My writing has improved from the classes I’ve taken and from the encouragement leading professionals in our field have offered.

While preparing this column I thought back to my first conference experience. I was woefully unprepared and did not reap the potential rewards because of my lack of those preparations. Yes, I enjoyed the conference and took copious notes that I still refer to today but I could have gleaned so much more if I’d had CONFERENCE CONFIDENCE.

Conference Confidence comes from being prepared. I am blessed in knowing Edie Melson, director of BRMCWC, and from learning her great tips on preparing for the conference experience. Edie’s suggestions include an invaluable set-up of a conference notebook. I urge those who are first time attendees to read about conference preparations at Edie’s blog. Seasoned writers also benefit from Edie’s blog dedicated to helping writers at all stages of their careers hone their craft.

I learned early on to introduce myself to as many people, conference presenters and fellow attendees alike, and to offer them my business card.

I practiced my pitch and designed a one sheet for my fifteen-minute interviews thus allowing my confidence to rise with each encounter.

So, I throw these questions to you…do you have Conference Confidence, or do you feel lacking in this area? Let me say, I still shiver and quake when I meet some of the giants in our field and still get tongue tied at times. This is only natural. I do feel, however, preparation paves the way to a successful experience. What gives you conference confidence?

If you have any questions about conference preparations or comments that might help our café friends, please share in the comments sections.

Until our next gathering, thank you for pulling your chair up to the table once again.

 

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The Writerly Cafe

Welcome to the Writerly Cafe

a3DDmay16I’m excited to welcome each of you to the Writerly Cafe at Almost An Author. Here, you’ll find a place where writers gather to ask questions, exchange ideas, discuss hot writing topics and simply embrace the joy of writing. Being with others who share the same passion starts creative juices flowing. I hope the topics on our menu board each month will spark new writers to put pen-to-paper and experienced writers to deepen their love of this craft.

From time-to-time I will ask for your questions on issues of interest to writer’s. Please don’t feel any question is unimportant or too elementary to bring to the table. I will research the answers to your questions and do my best to be of help. I am blessed with many friends who are well versed in all areas of writing and have offered to share their wisdom concerning your questions.

“Passion and purpose go hand in hand. When you discover your purpose you will normally find it is something you are tremendously passionate about.”
Steve Pavlina

Using the word passion above prompted me to toss out our first question. (Hosting the column does have its perks!)

I’m assuming you’re interested in writing if you’re reading this, but would you say that writing is your passion? If no one ever read your work, would you continue writing, or would you consider walking away? Please share your answers to these, or any other questions you might have, in the comment section below.

But first, I need to let you in on a secret. You never know when a special guest might join us at the café to offer encouragement, give glimpses into their writing journey, or share their best writing tips. Be sure tocoffee-1111666_640 keep your eye on the door!

Again, welcome to this new place in town. As in any café, we can always pull another chair to our table. The more writers, the better. Pour a cup of coffee, find a seat, and let’s tackle these questions and topics with gusto.

Please return each month to check the menu board. In the meantime, I welcome and appreciate your comments. Follow-up questions are encouraged.

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Developing Your Writer's Voice Uncategorized

A Simple Exercise for Finding Your Writer’s Voice

pencil-918449_640Many of us belong to writers groups that meet regularly with the goal of honing our writing skills, finding our writer’s voice, and receiving critiques of our work. Unfortunately, some writers have no such groups in their area. Online groups now offer this excellent opportunity, but for some, even this is not a viable option.

A novice writer, with no group in her area, and with limited computer skills, once asked if I had a suggestion for helping her to find her voice. She had started a novel in which her protagonist, a young mother, suffered loss in many areas of her life and wondered if her voice was true to the story line.

I created an exercise that requires only two people; of which being a writer was not a requirement for her partner.

The exercise consists of:

  • A topic chosen for a letter that each participant writes; such as an upcoming wedding/vacation memories etc.
  • Both participants choose the same recipient for the letter, such as a mother/friend.
  • Both participants complete the exercise, and then exchange letters.

The goal of this exercise is to compare the letters, and hopefully recognize each voice by studying the tone and style and of both writers.

The writer contacted me after completing the exercise saying she easily heard the voice difference between the two letters. She now understood, and heard her voice much clearer. After reading her first three chapters of the novel, I agreed with her assessment.

The protagonist in my new friend’s novel was tender in her words and actions; her losses in life having made her compassionate, and a friend to the less fortunate.

I find when writing fiction the character partners with the author to produce voice.

“A word is not the same with one as it is with another. One tears it from his gut. The other pulls it out of his overcoat pocket” William Wadsworth

 

 

 

 

 

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Developing Your Writer's Voice Uncategorized

Resources for Finding Your Writer’s Voice

“I write only because there is a voice within me that will not be still.” –Sylvia Plath

Are there writers that capture your fierce loyalty? Do you wait with anticipation for their newest book to release?

If you answered yes to the above questions, it is my guess you were first attracted to the author because of their writer’s voice. Author voices that shine through characters and plots keep you searching their author’s pages and websites for notification of their latest offering.

Perhaps you are a novice in the art of writing but dream of someday writing novels, blogs, or short stories that showcase your unique voice? There are numerous blog articles on this illusive matter of voice. books-484766_640

Three excellent examples are:

10 Steps to Finding Your Voice – Jeff Goins. Jeff gives an exercise on his website he developed to help you find your writing voice. I found this exercise to be extremely helpful for myself and I recommend it to students in workshops I teach.

What is Writer’s Voice? – Rachelle Gardner. In literary agent Rachelle Gardner’s post she gives a helpful definition of what voice is and isn’t. I always find helpful information on Rachelle’s site.

Ten Steps to Finding Your Writing Voice- Holly Lisle. Holly says, “Voice is bleeding onto the page and it can be a painful, frightening, naked experience.” Her post offers excellent suggestions and helps.

A book that I would recommend is: Finding Your Writer’s Voice: A Guide to Creative Fiction, by Thaisa Frank and Dorothy Wall. The authors state, “Every writer has a natural voice, and every natural voice has its own way of telling a story.” Frank and Wall give exercises to help you on the quest of finding your voice.

Another book on the writer’s voice: Finding Your Voice: How to Put Personality in Your Writing, by Les Edgerton.

The resources mentioned above are a wonderful starting place for your journey in finding your voice. Remember, the more you write, the easier it will be to recognize your voice.

Is there a Web site or book that you’ve found helpful in the area of finding your writer’s voice? If so, please share!

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Developing Your Writer's Voice Uncategorized

Christmas Newsletters and the Writer’s Voice Within

DDA3Dec15There are two schools of thought about Christmas newsletters we receive from friends and family. One group loves them, and the other dreads seeing them tucked inside glitter-frosted cards.

I enjoy them immensely.

Although the newsletters come quickly, like ants filing out of anthills, they are, for me, a way to catch up on the happenings of loved ones every year.

Many of my newsletter-loving friends are writers, making theirs especially enjoyable to read, as you can’t help but “hear” their writer’s voice. One author gives beautiful descriptions of her home’s Christmas finery as she does in her book’s settings. She writes cozy novels and her newsletter seems to be an extension of her character’s warm and fuzzy lifestyles. Another writer friend’s letter hits only the high spots of her family’s holiday festivities. It lacks warmth and it’s not fuzzy in the least, a reflection of her bare bones writing style.

For practice in discovering your voice, write a Christmas newsletter. Let the words flow; remember this is just a practice exercise. When you finish, read the letter with fresh eyes and see if you recognize your style. In one of my earlier columns I suggested you read your older diaries and journals; this is another opportunity to examine free writings for glimpses of your unique voice.

Do I send Christmas newsletters, you might ask? The answer is no, simply because I am usually wrapping gifts until a Santa sighting is broadcast over the evening news report. I did, however, join you in this attempt, and my style and voice was easily recognized among the descriptions of holiday wrappings, tree decorations and the aromas of family dishes passed down through generations.

I hope this was a pleasant way to unwrap your writer’s voice.

Praying your Christmas is blessed beyond measure and that you, dear writer, find peace and hope among the most beautiful words ever penned…”for unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:11 (KJV)

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Developing Your Writer's Voice

How A Dinosaur Can Help Your Writer’s Voice

tyrannosaurus-855188_1280Is it possible for a dinosaur of technology to help define your writer’s voice? I say yes and say it with gusto!

First, I admit I’m old-fashioned in many areas of my life but there is one dinosaur in my writer’s toolbox that I use often on my writing journey—a tape recorder. While writing my first novella I recorded every chapter. Oh, the mistakes I discovered listening to those tapes. I would hate to see the total times I used my weasel word just per page. I also heard far too many sentences beginning with I.

The main reason I taped the chapters was to check if my writer’s voice was consistent. My books are set in Appalachia and a slip from my character’s voice and my writer’s voice are very evident. I plan to continue to use this device with each of my writing endeavors. I feel new writers in search of their voice will benefit greatly from this practice.

A lot of writers use digital voice recorders. These recorders are small enough for them to carry anywhere, allowing them to quickly record a thought, character name and profile, a plot point or location for a story. Now with smart phone apps, the digital recorder, I’ve been told, is threatened with extinction.

I have a digital voice recorder, and was recently given a smart phone, but my dinosaur-like recorder will continue to sit on my desk, ready for, if only in my mind, my next masterpiece.

“Technology presumes there’s just one right way to do things and there never is.”  Robert Pirzig

Do you have a favorite form of technology that you use to record your work? If so, please share in the comment section.

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Developing Your Writer's Voice Uncategorized

How Your Diary Holds the Key in Discovering Your Writer’s Style

Graphic Courtesy of Keep.comA writer’s voice is the unique personality of the writer that comes through on the written page, defining his work. An often-asked question is whether a writer’s style is the same thing as his voice. The answer is no.

A writer’s style is the way in which he structures sentences; the pattern in which his words are written. Components of style are the length of the sentences, diction, tone and length of paragraphs.

A somewhat surprising tool for discovering your writer’s voice and style is your juvenile diary. Below are two examples of these early writings; exaggerated here for style comparison.

Stark

Diary, yesterday I went to the mall. I bought a dress. Mary was there.

Ornate

Dearest Diary,

I ventured to the mall in the last light of the day. I purchased a dress with a gossamer over-skirt that will make Robbie compare me to a princess. I will sit his picture on my bedside table and hopefully dream of him until dawn breaks.

The writer’s style was different in each example. The stark example’s sentences are simple and sparse. The ornate example has long, flowing sentences.

Do you have your teenage diary, the one you kept under lock and key? If so, take a trip down memory lane with the  distinct purpose of discovering your writer’s style. This early diary was unedited which allowed your authentic writer’s voice to shine through.

If you don’t have your treasured diary, compare a piece you wrote a year ago to a recent effort. Does a pattern emerge…do you recognize your writing style?

“The most durable thing in writing is style, and style is the most valuable investment a writer can make with his time.” Raymond Chandler

 

Image courtesy of www.keep.com

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Uncategorized

Brother, Lend Me Your Ear

133146861_775d613447At a writer’s conference, a contest judge once shared with me that he could pick my voice out of numerous entries. “You write like you are talking to a friend,” he said.

If you are searching for your writer’s voice and are feeling the search will never end, I have a couple of suggestions that might simplify your quest based on the contest judge’s comment to me.

Imagine your best friend is listening to you as your story pours from your heart onto paper. With this technique your passion will flow with ease. Friends share both their happy times and seasons of sorrow without reservation.

After I shared this advice at a workshop, I received an email from an attendee.

“I pulled a comfortable chair in front of my desk and imagined my best friend was sitting there, waiting for my every word. As I wrote the beginning of my novel I would glance at the chair and speak a few words of novel dialogue to the ghost-image. The dialogue came easy and I was able to write the first chapter in record time.”

Another tip: I often ask other writers to listen as I read a passage from my work-in-progress to see if my voice is coming through loud and clear and if they can hear my heart.

“Always listen to your heart, because even though it’s on your left side, it’s always right.” – Nicholas Sparks

When reading my work out loud to others I often catch mistakes such as which sentences are awkward, repetitiveness or if the tone is incorrect.

Still searching for your writer’s voice? Try giving the friend-in-chair technique and reading your work aloud to others a try.

Do you have a suggestion for finding the writer’s voice? If so, please share in the comments section.