Won't you join me in CAP on November 1st?
All you need to do is pull those old, uncompleted projects out of the drawer or file and give them a second look. Can you finish it/them? How many can you reasonably complete in a month's time? It might not be as difficult as you think.
Sometimes all it takes is a little "boost" from fellow writers to kick us into high gear. So if you're NOT doing NANOWRIMO (National Novel Writing Month), come and do CAP with me.
Complete as many unfinished projects as you can in the month of November and post here on my blog at least once a week to let everyone know of your progress. Let's cheer each other on!
CAP begins November 1st, but it's not too early to dust off those old manuscripts. Go ahead and start digging them out.
Check back later in the week to see what's going on.
Hope to see you here!
Kimberly
http://kimberlyivey.tripod.com
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Saturday, October 30, 2010
Friday, October 29, 2010
Count Down To The 1st ANNUAL NOVEMBER CAP-a-thon
Have you been sorting through those unfinished manuscripts? Getting your work station ready? Making a list of which projects you'd like to finish during the month of November?
Get ready for Monday, November 1st, when we kick off the First Annual November CAP-a-thon ("complete all projects") right here on my blog.
Post your progress. Encourage your fellow writers. Let's keep each other inspired and motivated. All genres. Published or unpublished welcome.
I'll be posting more before CAP-a-thon commences, and will also be posting more of my articles on writing and marketing as we get into the month of November.
Please check out my previous post (below) about Point of View.
Take care and have a FAB FRIDAY!
Kimberly Ivey
Get ready for Monday, November 1st, when we kick off the First Annual November CAP-a-thon ("complete all projects") right here on my blog.
Post your progress. Encourage your fellow writers. Let's keep each other inspired and motivated. All genres. Published or unpublished welcome.
I'll be posting more before CAP-a-thon commences, and will also be posting more of my articles on writing and marketing as we get into the month of November.
Please check out my previous post (below) about Point of View.
Take care and have a FAB FRIDAY!
Kimberly Ivey
POINT OF VIEW
BASICS OF POINT OF VIEW
by Kimberly Ivey © 2010
This work has been previously published and is copyrighted. This article appears on this website and may not be reproduced, printed, published or distributed in portion or in part in any medium available or yet to be create or by any person other than the author without WRITTEN permission.
__________________________________________________________________
POINT OF VIEW
The majority of writers tell their story in the viewpoint of their protagonist, or central story character (a.k.a. hero, heroine, main character).
In a novel, and in some longer short stories and novellas, a writer may tell their story in the viewpoints of more than one character. However, in a short story, it is generally limited to one character.
How do you know which type of POV is best?
First of all, I suggest you practice with different viewpoints and choose one you are comfortable with. Write a few pages in one point of view, then rewrite in another POV. Does anything change—for better or worse? Often this will help you determine which POV is best for telling your story.
THERE ARE THREE PARTS TO VIEWPOINT
Time/Tense Person Point of View
1. Time (or tense) Past, present, future
2. Person (1st, 2nd, 3rd) 1st-- “I” pronoun 2nd “You” pronoun 3rd -- “he” “she” pronoun
3. Point of View
Full Omniscient – reader sees into the minds of all major characters and sees them from the outside as well as the inside (their actions, appearance, thoughts, etc.).
The story is told by the author-narrator.
*Drawbacks are the dangers of losing your reader’s “empathy” due to constant viewpoint shifts (reader doesn’t “bond” with any one character) or the telling of too much information.
Limited Omniscient – reader sees into the mind of only ONE character and sees them inside and outside (internal thoughts) and physically. The author narrator focuses on the thoughts of one protagonist. This viewpoint is usually told in third person, using the “he” or “she” pronouns.
Single Character Subjective – reader sees inside one character at a time. 1st or 3rd Person is used. Only the thoughts and feelings of the viewpoint character are presented.
Single Character Objective – in this viewpoint, NO thoughts or feelings (internal) are presented and the character is seen from the outside only.
Dramatic: the viewer (or reader, if reading a play) sees outside of one or more characters. Dramatic viewpoint is presented in a stage play, movie, or television program and only what the viewer can see.
Stream of Consciousness: a phrase first used first by William James in Principles of Psychology, published in 1890. SOC is a literary technique pioneered by Virginia Wolf, James Joyce, and others which uses interior monologue, sensory perceptions, flowing or fragmented thoughts, memories, experiences, feelings, etc., to describe or narrate the story.
SOC does not necessarily adhere to logic or sequence of events. It doesn’t always have or need a coherent structure or cohesiveness.
The short story, “The Jilting of Granny Weatherall” by Katherine Ann Porter is an excellent example of S.O.C.
EXAMPLE OF THIRD PERSON SINGLE CHARACTER SUBJECTIVE
This is a popular viewpoint for much of today’s fiction and for a good reason. The author-narrator voice disappears which allows the reader into the mind of the protagonist, a crucial point in order to obtain reader identification.
In third person subjective, the reader will only know what the character feels or knows through:
• interaction with other characters (dialogue)
• overheard conversations
• introspection (interior monologue—character thinking/talking to him/herself)
• the author cannot supply thoughts and feelings from other characters
Time/Tense: Past Person: Third POV: Single Character Subjective
Sharon had just crossed the darkened street when the sound of foot falls on the pavement behind her caught her off guard. Her first thought was that David, a coworker had followed her with hopes of convincing her not to quit her job. But when she turned around, a dark hooded figure knocked her to the ground.
HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR POV CHARACTER
If you’re ever confused about “whose” story you’re writing, ask yourself: which character has the most to gain or lose in this story? What is at stake for this person? Are the consequences greater (either worse or better) for any particular character than the others?
USE ONE POV Character PER SCENE
By selecting ONE POV character PER SCENE (not chapter!), the author strengthens reader identification with this character. Switching POV character in mid-scene is all right under certain conditions:
1. You do it in such a way that the reader is not consciously aware the shift has taken place. This takes skill and experience to pull this off well so I don’t recommend doing this if you’re a new writer.
2. You absolutely NEED to show something in that scene from another character’s POV. If it’s something that can be left to another scene or chapter, save it.
I personally do NOT shift POV within a scene. I like to give each POV character their own “stage,” so to speak.
Don’t misunderstand. You do NOT have to tell your story from only one POV character, but they DO in my opinion, need and deserve their own scenes, whether it’s a paragraph or pages.
In a short story, you already have one protagonist (maybe two if you’re writing a genre romance and it’s a long story). A simple extra space between paragraphs or an asterisk will denote that you have changed POV characters. This gives your reader warning and does not jolt them out of the story.
by Kimberly Ivey © 2010
This work has been previously published and is copyrighted. This article appears on this website and may not be reproduced, printed, published or distributed in portion or in part in any medium available or yet to be create or by any person other than the author without WRITTEN permission.
__________________________________________________________________
POINT OF VIEW
The majority of writers tell their story in the viewpoint of their protagonist, or central story character (a.k.a. hero, heroine, main character).
In a novel, and in some longer short stories and novellas, a writer may tell their story in the viewpoints of more than one character. However, in a short story, it is generally limited to one character.
How do you know which type of POV is best?
First of all, I suggest you practice with different viewpoints and choose one you are comfortable with. Write a few pages in one point of view, then rewrite in another POV. Does anything change—for better or worse? Often this will help you determine which POV is best for telling your story.
THERE ARE THREE PARTS TO VIEWPOINT
Time/Tense Person Point of View
1. Time (or tense) Past, present, future
2. Person (1st, 2nd, 3rd) 1st-- “I” pronoun 2nd “You” pronoun 3rd -- “he” “she” pronoun
3. Point of View
Full Omniscient – reader sees into the minds of all major characters and sees them from the outside as well as the inside (their actions, appearance, thoughts, etc.).
The story is told by the author-narrator.
*Drawbacks are the dangers of losing your reader’s “empathy” due to constant viewpoint shifts (reader doesn’t “bond” with any one character) or the telling of too much information.
Limited Omniscient – reader sees into the mind of only ONE character and sees them inside and outside (internal thoughts) and physically. The author narrator focuses on the thoughts of one protagonist. This viewpoint is usually told in third person, using the “he” or “she” pronouns.
Single Character Subjective – reader sees inside one character at a time. 1st or 3rd Person is used. Only the thoughts and feelings of the viewpoint character are presented.
Single Character Objective – in this viewpoint, NO thoughts or feelings (internal) are presented and the character is seen from the outside only.
Dramatic: the viewer (or reader, if reading a play) sees outside of one or more characters. Dramatic viewpoint is presented in a stage play, movie, or television program and only what the viewer can see.
Stream of Consciousness: a phrase first used first by William James in Principles of Psychology, published in 1890. SOC is a literary technique pioneered by Virginia Wolf, James Joyce, and others which uses interior monologue, sensory perceptions, flowing or fragmented thoughts, memories, experiences, feelings, etc., to describe or narrate the story.
SOC does not necessarily adhere to logic or sequence of events. It doesn’t always have or need a coherent structure or cohesiveness.
The short story, “The Jilting of Granny Weatherall” by Katherine Ann Porter is an excellent example of S.O.C.
EXAMPLE OF THIRD PERSON SINGLE CHARACTER SUBJECTIVE
This is a popular viewpoint for much of today’s fiction and for a good reason. The author-narrator voice disappears which allows the reader into the mind of the protagonist, a crucial point in order to obtain reader identification.
In third person subjective, the reader will only know what the character feels or knows through:
• interaction with other characters (dialogue)
• overheard conversations
• introspection (interior monologue—character thinking/talking to him/herself)
• the author cannot supply thoughts and feelings from other characters
Time/Tense: Past Person: Third POV: Single Character Subjective
Sharon had just crossed the darkened street when the sound of foot falls on the pavement behind her caught her off guard. Her first thought was that David, a coworker had followed her with hopes of convincing her not to quit her job. But when she turned around, a dark hooded figure knocked her to the ground.
HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR POV CHARACTER
If you’re ever confused about “whose” story you’re writing, ask yourself: which character has the most to gain or lose in this story? What is at stake for this person? Are the consequences greater (either worse or better) for any particular character than the others?
USE ONE POV Character PER SCENE
By selecting ONE POV character PER SCENE (not chapter!), the author strengthens reader identification with this character. Switching POV character in mid-scene is all right under certain conditions:
1. You do it in such a way that the reader is not consciously aware the shift has taken place. This takes skill and experience to pull this off well so I don’t recommend doing this if you’re a new writer.
2. You absolutely NEED to show something in that scene from another character’s POV. If it’s something that can be left to another scene or chapter, save it.
I personally do NOT shift POV within a scene. I like to give each POV character their own “stage,” so to speak.
Don’t misunderstand. You do NOT have to tell your story from only one POV character, but they DO in my opinion, need and deserve their own scenes, whether it’s a paragraph or pages.
In a short story, you already have one protagonist (maybe two if you’re writing a genre romance and it’s a long story). A simple extra space between paragraphs or an asterisk will denote that you have changed POV characters. This gives your reader warning and does not jolt them out of the story.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Countdown To The First Annual CAP-a-thon! Begins November 1st
Countdown to the First Annual CAP-a-thon, hosted by YOURS TRULY... begins here on my blog for the entire month of November 2010.
Come and join writers of all genres. I'll be posting short articles here on the craft of writing, market listings, organizational tips for writers, how to build a portfolio and more!
Commiserate and congratulate your fellow writers. Everyone is welcome to post about their progress.
Step 1 -- Prepare for C.A.P. "Complete All Projects" (or as many as you can)
Tips to help you prepare:
--A few days before hand, prepare your writing station: pens, tablets, sticky notes, binder clips, files, CD's, etc.
--Gather all folders and/or CD's with the documents you'd like to finish. Remember, you have 30 days.
--Make certain to put any reference materials within arm's length of your writing station. No need to have to get up to search for material when you're writing. Get all that squared away beforehand.
--List in order the projects you'd LIKE to complete during November.
For example, I've set a goal of doing final revisions on two children's books, finishing the outline of a non-fiction children's book, writing a standard query letter, locating at least a dozen agents who represent children's literature and writing at least 15,000 words on my young adult novel.
Here's a tentative breakdown into workable bites:
-- Day one: spend at least two hours (more if necessary) inputting the entire draft of children's book number 2 into a document.
--Day two: spend at least two hours researching up to 12 literary agents and writing the outline for a query and cover letter.
--Day three: outline the non-fiction children's book and gather quotes from people on my list.
--While I'm waiting for my critique partners to finish with my 1st children's book, on day four I'll start on my unfinished YA novel: a minimum of 2 - 3 pages per day.
Later on, I'll deliver children's book number 2 to said critique group, and begin revisions on book one when the manuscript comes back.
Since I also work outside the home and have a busy family and social life, I've made a reasonable committment of writing at least two hours a day to reach these goals. I'll squeeze in more if I can (and I probably will) but at least by committing to a set routine, I'll feel that I'm making head way. And I will!
CAP participants should figure out a reasonable daily writing schedule, too. For example: if you need 20,000 words to finish your novel, aim for an average of 3 full pages of double spaced text per day, minimum. By breaking the task down into digestible bites, the work ahead will be less daunting.
If you only have one hour a day --lunch and coffee breaks at work--then stick to it. It's only 30 days of committment and just think what you will have accomplished by the end of November? Who knows, maybe while you're finishing up those incomplete projects, you'll get an idea for fabulous new ones along the way.
Sooooooo.....everyone, start gearing up. Gather those unfinished works. Set up your work station beforehand. Tell your family that they're eating TV dinners and crock pot meals and take out for the month. Give up an hour of TV a day (I'd suggest chucking the news).
Stick to your writing committment and post here about your progress as often as you'd like.
I'll be back tomorrow with more!
Kimberly Ivey
Come and join writers of all genres. I'll be posting short articles here on the craft of writing, market listings, organizational tips for writers, how to build a portfolio and more!
Commiserate and congratulate your fellow writers. Everyone is welcome to post about their progress.
Step 1 -- Prepare for C.A.P. "Complete All Projects" (or as many as you can)
Tips to help you prepare:
--A few days before hand, prepare your writing station: pens, tablets, sticky notes, binder clips, files, CD's, etc.
--Gather all folders and/or CD's with the documents you'd like to finish. Remember, you have 30 days.
--Make certain to put any reference materials within arm's length of your writing station. No need to have to get up to search for material when you're writing. Get all that squared away beforehand.
--List in order the projects you'd LIKE to complete during November.
For example, I've set a goal of doing final revisions on two children's books, finishing the outline of a non-fiction children's book, writing a standard query letter, locating at least a dozen agents who represent children's literature and writing at least 15,000 words on my young adult novel.
Here's a tentative breakdown into workable bites:
-- Day one: spend at least two hours (more if necessary) inputting the entire draft of children's book number 2 into a document.
--Day two: spend at least two hours researching up to 12 literary agents and writing the outline for a query and cover letter.
--Day three: outline the non-fiction children's book and gather quotes from people on my list.
--While I'm waiting for my critique partners to finish with my 1st children's book, on day four I'll start on my unfinished YA novel: a minimum of 2 - 3 pages per day.
Later on, I'll deliver children's book number 2 to said critique group, and begin revisions on book one when the manuscript comes back.
Since I also work outside the home and have a busy family and social life, I've made a reasonable committment of writing at least two hours a day to reach these goals. I'll squeeze in more if I can (and I probably will) but at least by committing to a set routine, I'll feel that I'm making head way. And I will!
CAP participants should figure out a reasonable daily writing schedule, too. For example: if you need 20,000 words to finish your novel, aim for an average of 3 full pages of double spaced text per day, minimum. By breaking the task down into digestible bites, the work ahead will be less daunting.
If you only have one hour a day --lunch and coffee breaks at work--then stick to it. It's only 30 days of committment and just think what you will have accomplished by the end of November? Who knows, maybe while you're finishing up those incomplete projects, you'll get an idea for fabulous new ones along the way.
Sooooooo.....everyone, start gearing up. Gather those unfinished works. Set up your work station beforehand. Tell your family that they're eating TV dinners and crock pot meals and take out for the month. Give up an hour of TV a day (I'd suggest chucking the news).
Stick to your writing committment and post here about your progress as often as you'd like.
I'll be back tomorrow with more!
Kimberly Ivey
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Welcome All Writing Genres to CAP -- "Complete All Projects"
I'd like to welcome all writing genres to CAP, or simply "Complete All Projects" (or as many as you can) during the month of November.
I'll be kicking things off Monday, November 1st, right here. All genres of writers are welcome. Dust off those unfinished manuscripts and get ready to complete them.
You can post daily or weekly, letting us know how far along you've gotten on your work. This isn't a contest, but a motivational experiment. Can we finish those nagging projects in 30 days (or less)?
We can at least try.
As for me, I have one children's book that needs to be edited so I can get it off to my critique partners. I also have some poetry that needs to find a publishing "home." I'm also working on a novel which is about 2/3 finished. Can I do it all in 30 days? I'm not sure, but I'm willing to try.
So won't you join me here and let's commiserate and congratulate.
Let's Complete All Projects...or at least as many as we can!
Kimberly Ivey
I'll be kicking things off Monday, November 1st, right here. All genres of writers are welcome. Dust off those unfinished manuscripts and get ready to complete them.
You can post daily or weekly, letting us know how far along you've gotten on your work. This isn't a contest, but a motivational experiment. Can we finish those nagging projects in 30 days (or less)?
We can at least try.
As for me, I have one children's book that needs to be edited so I can get it off to my critique partners. I also have some poetry that needs to find a publishing "home." I'm also working on a novel which is about 2/3 finished. Can I do it all in 30 days? I'm not sure, but I'm willing to try.
So won't you join me here and let's commiserate and congratulate.
Let's Complete All Projects...or at least as many as we can!
Kimberly Ivey
Join me in C.A.P. -- "Complete All Projects"
For the month of November, I've decided to tackle any and all unfinished writing projects in order to clear away the clutter and make way for more relaxed holidays and a New Year with a clean slate.
Won't you join me in CAP? All you need to do is pull those old, uncompleted projects out of the drawer or file and give them a second look. Can you finish it? How many can you reasonably complete in a month's time? It might not be as difficult as you think.
Sometimes all it takes is a little "boost" from fellow writers to kick us in gear. So if you're NOT doing NANOWRIMO (National Novel Writing Month), come and do CAP with me.
Complete as many unfinished projects as you can in the month of November and post here on my blog at least once a week to let everyone know of your progress. Let's cheer each other on!
CAP begins November 1st, but it's not too early to dust off those old manuscripts. Go ahead and start digging them out.
Check back later in the week to see what's going on.
Won't you join me in CAP? All you need to do is pull those old, uncompleted projects out of the drawer or file and give them a second look. Can you finish it? How many can you reasonably complete in a month's time? It might not be as difficult as you think.
Sometimes all it takes is a little "boost" from fellow writers to kick us in gear. So if you're NOT doing NANOWRIMO (National Novel Writing Month), come and do CAP with me.
Complete as many unfinished projects as you can in the month of November and post here on my blog at least once a week to let everyone know of your progress. Let's cheer each other on!
CAP begins November 1st, but it's not too early to dust off those old manuscripts. Go ahead and start digging them out.
Check back later in the week to see what's going on.
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Kimberly Ivey's Three Bean Vegetarian Chili
Kimberly Ivey's Three Bean Vegetarian Chili
1 packets prepared chili seasoning mix (or make your own)
2 cans chopped, diced tomatoes
1 can of yellow hominy corn
1 can dark red kidney beans
1 can white cannellini beans (white kidney)
1 can black beans, drained and gently rinsed in a colander
1 cup finely minced onion
In a 3 qt covered pot, combine 2 cans of chopped tomatoes, 1 can of water, chopped onions and 2 packets of chili seasoning mix. Bring to a boil as directed on chili mix packet and simmer on low heat about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally to avoid scorching.
Meanwhile, drain and gently rinse the black beans in colander. *This is a MUST, as the "sauce" from the black beans will foul the chili's beautiful red color. Drain the cannellini and kidney beans and hominy. (I like to rinse these in a colander as well to remove any residual salt. Plus, it makes the beans taste "fresher.")
When the chili mix (liquid) is cooked (and not a moment sooner!) add the drained and rinsed beans and hominey and gently stir one time as the black beans are rather delicate. Heat an additional 2 minutes on low heat.
Dinner in 10 minutes! Enjoy on a cool autumn evening.
OVO-LACTO VARIATIONS: top with shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream and guacamole. Serve with restaurant style tortilla chips.
You may also serve it "Texas ranch style" the way I do-- over eggs in the AM. This makes a special Sunday breakfast--or a quick and economical dinner.
HEART HEALTHY OPTION: purchase lower sodium canned beans and drain and rinse thoroughly. You can also use low sodium chili mixes or "mild" seasonings, depending upon your personal taste.
Enjoy!
1 packets prepared chili seasoning mix (or make your own)
2 cans chopped, diced tomatoes
1 can of yellow hominy corn
1 can dark red kidney beans
1 can white cannellini beans (white kidney)
1 can black beans, drained and gently rinsed in a colander
1 cup finely minced onion
In a 3 qt covered pot, combine 2 cans of chopped tomatoes, 1 can of water, chopped onions and 2 packets of chili seasoning mix. Bring to a boil as directed on chili mix packet and simmer on low heat about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally to avoid scorching.
Meanwhile, drain and gently rinse the black beans in colander. *This is a MUST, as the "sauce" from the black beans will foul the chili's beautiful red color. Drain the cannellini and kidney beans and hominy. (I like to rinse these in a colander as well to remove any residual salt. Plus, it makes the beans taste "fresher.")
When the chili mix (liquid) is cooked (and not a moment sooner!) add the drained and rinsed beans and hominey and gently stir one time as the black beans are rather delicate. Heat an additional 2 minutes on low heat.
Dinner in 10 minutes! Enjoy on a cool autumn evening.
OVO-LACTO VARIATIONS: top with shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream and guacamole. Serve with restaurant style tortilla chips.
You may also serve it "Texas ranch style" the way I do-- over eggs in the AM. This makes a special Sunday breakfast--or a quick and economical dinner.
HEART HEALTHY OPTION: purchase lower sodium canned beans and drain and rinse thoroughly. You can also use low sodium chili mixes or "mild" seasonings, depending upon your personal taste.
Enjoy!
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