When Inspiration Just Hits You ~ Go with the flow

The other day, I was reading the japanese comic (formerly known as Manga) Midori Days, when I had the awesome idea of what I could write for a continuation of the series. As I read on through each volume, I wrote notes to remember what I had thought up. Even though I used up all available space on 4 sticky notes, I won't be focusing on this particular 'project' until after I finish my novel first. Speaking of which...

While reading The Writer's Journey, I noted how a character should be as human as I can make them, varying by importance and what not. As I dwelled on each new concept I came across, Vogler states that the Hero in question should be a reflection of the qualities of the writer. Though he also states that the other characters should be the same, the Hero should show the writer's more positive/desirable qualities, as well as negative quirks to form a complicated character readers will come to be attached to. Though I think my own characters show enough of my 'inner being', I see no harm in re-visiting what I have already written and make sure that I can clearly see myself in my cast of characters.

C. Olson

That Top-of-the-World Feel

Today I drove straight from TCC after my class let out early, and settled into Greenbriar's Barnes and Noble bookstore. This was premeditated, as I thought that a change of scenery was in order to help me with my writer's-writing-block. Even though I knew what I wanted to write about, I could not think of how to go about doing so.

As I sat in the corner, all alone (voluntarily, but it was the only place I could find that suited me anyway), I decided to work on something a close friend who goes to VCU suggested to me just the other day: "Write out each of the different scenarios you have for your climax before blindly choosing one, that way you can pick which one can fit best with the story."

So it came to 3 different scenarios for my climax, getting somewhere at last! I pondered on each until I felt comfortable for the time being. After reflecting on what I had written for about 20 min., I decided to let the matter rest fir now and focus my thoughts on what to write next. I have found that using what resources you have is not only a good idea, but it makes sense and can relieve the stress you might be causing others 0.-

I had brought my copy of The Writer's Little Helper with me in the store to help me out with various tips if the need arose. Thankfully, most of the tips in the book were relevant to what I was searching for my story (subplots, climax of the story, character descriptions, etc.).

When I arrived at the Golden Rejects meeting, I was glad to find that my story was the topic of discussion! We spent the entire hour of the meeting going over my first chapter, and I could not have been happier after seeing how my work was received! Of course there were issues to look at* with my writing, but most of the group appreciated my work, so I was thrilled!

C. Olson

*(i.e. - I needed to describe my characters and the setting (time) more than I had, as well as some other things to keep in mind for the story as I progress)

Ready to go, but unprepared ~

This morning at about 8:32 AM, I was waiting for my first class of the day to start (9:30 AM). Since I was all set for the class, I decided to write my first revision of my third chapter after having written down some crucial notes that came to mind. A wave of inspiration had made my 'creative juices' flow through my mind, but when I returned to my truck to retrieve my laptop - I stopped in my tracks after remembering that I had left my Mac at home *sob*.

Since I did not want to abandon my recent burst of inspiration (which I have decided to call a "Writer's Storm"), I attempted to write down my initial thoughts in my notebook that I have specifically for taking notes on ideas I have for my story. Though I couldn't keep at the same pace that I would have been if using my laptop, I was able to write out part of the first scene (only about a paragraph, so I am not as thrilled as I could be).

C. Olson

Contemplating Story Changes...

The 'distasteful' part of my story's second chapter is something I feel requires some minute changes. Although it does well in aiding the characterizing of my heroines (partially), I have had a rather shaky feeling with how it seems to not fit as well with the events in the town as I would like. I have one character (Cindy) revealing a rather immature and embarrassing desire, while the event in question also shows the maturity of the older sister. I know that the situation fits well for the characters, but how everything happens for the two young women might be a tad too awkward. All together I may have to scrap the entire scene, though as I have stated earlier, both women are given a more distinct personality (or at least I think that is what I mean).

Hopefully I can sort out my thoughts on this after I present it to the Golden Rejects this Wednesday. Well, until later!

C. Olson

Inducted into 'Golden Rejects'

After looking into the Golden Rejects Writer's Group, I'd say that I approve of the ability of those in the group! Everyone has had a significant amount of experience in writing. Some deal with shot stories for magazines, some with poetry, and some with narratives. One of the members, I believe, has experience with novels, but I am not completely sure of this information.

I gave each of the members (those present after the end of the meeting) a copy of my latest revision of my first chapter, and I hope to get a god response, though I won't hold my breath on that one. I explained the plot and setting of my story to the group, and it was well received.

Earlier, after being 30-45 min late (due to misdirection and getting lost), I walked into the meeting room on the unfamiliar campus and noticed that each of those present had a copy of a written work. This particular work was a short story that was to be included in a magazine.

Seeing how the group varied in writing form and field, I was glad to see that my work would get a good look from differing perspectives. Hopefully I can get to know this group better, and in the near future, complete my novel with their help as well.

C. Olson

Treading Slowly Onward

For a few days, well - since this previous Monday, when I got my new book (see previous posts) - I have been reading its contents and absorbing them all into my creative thought-process. Most of what is included in this book is Fictional Writer's Theory, which I am loving by the way! I am looking at situations in my story in a new light, because of it and I am happy to report that the framework of what I have completed thus far is appropriate for building my story for readers!

Tonight I am planning on attending a writer's group called Golden Rejects Writer's Group at the Chesapeake campus of TCC. Sounds like an interesting group, to be called rejects. With an emphasis on 'golden', I'd personally think the group is proud of being considered rejects, but thats probably just to be funny~ I guess.


Anyway, aside from the book and the writer's group, I think that the characters in my story will be getting a slight overhaul, as well as the scenes I have written since now (excluding chapter 1, I cannot think of making that any more of an impact, or my readers might be overwhelmed by the images from its scenes. (Don't want to scare anyone off, haha!) Hopefully these changes will spark a positive and progressive train of thought that will help get my story into gear so I can continue at my original steady pace.

C. Olson

What I'll do for now...

I received the book that I ordered last week! After looking through it, I realize what a treasure trove of information I have, and will use it to the best of my ability! The book I'd ordered, The Writer's Journey, by Christopher Vogler, is worth every penny I spent!

Aside from my new book, I have made a decision on what to do with my characters at the beginning of my story (different from what I already had decided earlier, which was to passively introduce them to the Lord of the castle on the hill). I will now have the two heroines meet the esteemed Lord in a scene inside and outside of the town the girls dwell in. At first I had wanted to only briefly show the Man's existence (doesn't have a name yet, give me any ideas you can think of and I'll consider), but I think that showing more of his character would draw readers in, but thats only speculation for now. I'll use the time I have outside of class to continue with my own personal critique, but this Wednesday evening I'll be attending the writer's group for TCC students from 6 - 7. My work will face outside criticisms, will it survive? I'll let you know this Thurs.

C. Olson

Searching for the 'Write' Group

Taking a break from thinking too much yesterday was what I needed, but now to return to work: I looked online at HamptonRoads.com and found a group affiliated with my community college, so there is some convenience in that. I only hope that the campus where they meet is the same one I regularly visit.

My progress this weekend has been lacking, but tonight I plan to attempt to pick up some of the slack from Friday night and Saturday. Today I am having some quality time with my enormous family, and I am sacrificing my hunger for time to give my report.

If I can get my more recent thoughts together, then I will write them down and then reveal my additions to the masses... ok, only those who see my site. Please pray for me, and my work's progress as I tie everything I have for now together.

C. Olson

So far, I can't see the light at the tunnel's end -

Today I took it upon myself to ask around the local libraries for any information on Writer's Circles that might meet in the area. My luck in with this search is lacking, since I have only been told of one group that might be a Writer's Circle. I am going to call to confirm, but I do not think that this is the type of group I need, but we'll see about that later.

As far as my writing is for now, I have gotten a grasp on who and what I want to be introduced in the beginning of the story, which will lead to tying up the loose ends by the close of the book. Even though I have been rather frustrated with my work's progress lately, hopefully I can find at least on person who will want to see my work and critique it along with me. If anyone of my viewers out there has anyone you know who loves writing and would help me out, please let me know! Well, for now I think I'll get to work on my book again, wish me luck!

C. Olson

Before I continue, I want to begin -

I emailed my own personal-favorite author <3 (see Copyright at bottom of page) asking for some advice for developing my story. She recommended a writer's reference book to me, and I went ahead and ordered the book online through Barnes and Noble.(Using my membership for Barnes and Noble along with a coupon I received in my email, I saved $8 on my purchase, isn't that awesome!!) I am going to take her full advice, since she is a genius at what she does! If all goes well, I will have my climax, conflict, and my exposition written out (notes only for now) and I can start moving further with my plot.

Some of the advice that Ms. Owens gave me was to join a writer's circle and attend meetings. Presumably these groups have an annual membership fee, which I will look into shortly, but I guess it would be best to have others critiquing my work as I attempt to come to a definite decision. I can't decide everything on my gut alone after all! Another helpful piece of advice was for me to 'interview' my characters, finding out their quirks, strengths, likes/dislikes, etc. I understand what she means by this,

Me: speaking to my perception of my characters
Characters: me thinking about what my heroines would say for each question

Overall I think very highly of her work and the advice she has given me! I hope to pull myself together so that I can get underway with my novella!

C. Olson

No 'Climactic' Decision Yet...

Shortly after waking up this morning, I took some time to dwell on how to solve the conflict of my story. In order for me to build up my story, I need to have a point for my characters to be drawn to (I still have made no definite decision, though believe I am arriving to some idea of how it will pan out). The general concept of the climax has been in my mind since the summer of 2007, but the details are what I need to iron out. Although Fate is not one of my themes, I still intend on incorporating it into the story.

Today, before my first class started, I began to take notes on the overall layout of the story. After making a few structural notes, I decided to make my story shorter. Since this is the first book I plan to have published, I will make the story shorter than I had first decided (12 chapters instead of 30, making Slaughter of the Chambermaids into a novella rather than a novel) which will reduce the cost needed to put it to print.

My plot structure will use the Slice of Life structure. Before actually getting to the point of defining which structure I would be using in my story, I had blindly decided to make my story Horror/Gothic. Since then I have researched more in depth of which structure and genre I will write with in mind. This particular story will be a brief combination of Mystery and Suspense and will have a Feudal European setting.

C. Olson

Climax before Exposition?!

I was reading a writer's resource book that I have, one of many, and I came upon a tip for forming a story that seemed interesting to me: Write your climax before setting out on writing your events that lead up to climax.

I've decided to take a day to ponder on this suggestion, and I will give the verdict tomorrow.

C. Olson

"Ahhh..."

I just finished up with my second chapter. Earlier this year I had written a rough of my first two chapters, but I grew dissatisfied with what I had written, so I have been remaking what I had for a while. Now, finally I have wrapped up my story's first two chapters, though I was compelled to include a rather 'ify' scene between the girls as they searched for a job. Heh, I wish I could have fit another scene in place of that, but I do not think there is anything else that would have fit as well.
The scene in question is mainly about a strong misunderstanding between the two women, which in the end reveals a small bit of info concerning the desires of the younger sister. Its a funny scene, despite that it is a tad distasteful.

As promised, I present my layout for the first chapter, which introduces two minor characters whose significance is told later on in the book.

First Chapter Setting - Sketched!

Thanks to a helpful, though primitive Drafting program called SketchUp6 (from Google), I have now made an acceptable layout of the setting for my first chapter! I will post a second message displaying the layout, as well as a more complete update of whats going on with my work - later this evening.

Where my story took off from

I consider my idea to be well thought out, but the process to make my story into the rough form it is now came from a much more vague source. I was supposed to create a short story for my 12th grade English class while incorporating twenty vocabulary words as a homework assignment. The evening before the assignment was due, I had decided to rest for a short time until my mother had returned from work. While asleep I dreamed of myself running down a sparsely lighted corridor with torches spaced out along the walls. The first question that came to mind while in my dream was "Why am I running?" As I ran, I noticed the stone walls at my sides were old and probably from some structure that was once used often, but had been abandoned after some time.
I continued to run without any knowledge or regard to how long. Soon my pace seemed to quicken and my breathing grew heavy. My body moved frantically to and from what had looked to be openings out of the corridor. Each time I approached a door, the way disappeared from my sight and I was facing yet another section of the wall.
After trying my hand at another passageway, I slowly turned to where I had fled from. Though curious, I did not expect to see what came soon after. A six-foot-five, heavyset man slowed to a thundering halt and then began to walk toward me, causing the ground beneath me to shake. Disregarding the fact that I was scared out of my mind from the sudden sight of him as he emerged from the shadows, I took off running again only after noticing a specific detail about the giant. He had with him an axe! My eyes immediately gathered that the axe he held was not only sharp, but had a two foot spike toward the handle's base. The axe head itself was curved and the blade, which was offset away from the handle, a span of three feet. I could not stand the thought of me being killed in such a brutal manner, so I continued to run down the corridor while hoping to outlast my pursuer.

Starting off is easy when you have confidence

It would seem that with this being my first post, I should introduce myself to any/all of my readers. My name, as shown in my blogger profile, is Cohen J Olson. I have been writing since the year 2002 - 2003, but only recently have I been truly serious with this passion of mine.

My current novel, my first as a matter of fact, focuses around two entirely ordinary young women. As a goal for my writing, I have incorporated the idea to place any and all protagonists in my stories from now onward in my own age group, from the time I start my writing. These two young women have recently separated themselves from their parents to live on their own together. Since they have no money to support them, other than what they had saved from before, the girls are in need of work to pay for their living expenses. Having found a proper home to settle in, this is the only obstacle.

This is explained in more detail around the start of my story. I plan to have around 30 chapters in my story, and I plan to work on this tale until I attain my Master's Degree in Professional Writing and/or receive my teaching certificate for high school. Although the road will be hard, I promise it will be one of adventure!