Nancy Evertz - BIW Member Interview

Moe: When did you know you wanted to be a writer?

Nancy Evertz: Although I sporadically kept a journal from my teen years on – my mother was the journalist, poet and playwright and my sister – the poet. It wasn't until my freshman year of college when my English professor suggested I try and publish a short story I'd written for an assignment. I was astonished and failed to do anything with the work – but the seed was planted. Now a retired pharmaceutical executive at a reasonably young age, I write full time.

Moe: Describe three lessons you have learned about writing?

Nancy Evertz: Write everyday no matter how you feel. Malcolm Gladwell's theory is that you need 10,000 hours of practice to be a success. Since my background is accounting – I keep a daily Excel log of my writing so I don't lie to myself about how much time I spend.

Read your genre. I want to be published – if you don't know what is selling – why would a publisher take a chance.

To improve, other writers need to read your work – so take a risk, join a critique group. Everyone has insights that might improve your writing. They are all on the same path – but may have taken a different detour – so they can help you over that next road block.

Moe: What are you working on now?

Nancy Evertz: I am editing book two of a completed trilogy -- the first book that has been requested by an editor. During Book-in-a-Week – I work on new projects. I have a series set in Savannah that I finished the second book during the May BIW. I started the third book in the June BIW.

Moe: Do you have a favourite writing related book?

Nancy Evertz: Since I've just begun pitching – the book I reach for most is Making the Perfect Pitch by Katharine Sands.

Moe: What is your favourite writing website?

Nancy Evertz: Well of course BIW!! But I also take on line course – WriterU has been great. I am also amazed at the amount of info you can get by Googling.

Moe: Do you have an important BIW tip you'd like to pass along?

Nancy Evertz: I've found that I have more productive writing times – since I am retired – I can write three pages an hour in the morning – but it might take me an hour at night to write one page. Write when you are most productive.

***
Nancy Evertz is a romance writer living in the Land of 10,000 Lakes – Minnesota. She has five children scattered around the country – and sometimes around the world. She is a gardener, cook, singer, golfer, dancer, skier and avid reader.

The Brain in Writing

I'm currently reading a non-fiction, non-writing book called, The Brain That Changes Itself by Norman Doidge, MD but I can see influences for creativity and writing the more I learn. The main theme of the book is looking at the brain from a plasticity standpoint instead of a locked one.

Last night I was reading about what happens when we stop using our "mental skills". The impression I received from the small passage I read follows an old cliché to a T. You may have heard of "if you don't use it, you lose it." It makes perfect sense that the same would hold true for creative outlets like writing.

"If we stop exercising our mental skills, we do not just forget them: the brain map space for those skills is turned over to the skills we practise instead."

It is important that we use are creative writing skills every day otherwise the space it occupies in our neuro map will become occupied with other skills we fill our day with. Like sitting in front of the tube watching a good murder mystery.

I haven't gotten to the part yet where he explains how much and how often is enough to keep a neuro path intact but since almost every writer I've ever talked with stresses the importance of writing every day then it is probably a good platform to work from.

So my question to you: Have you written today to encourage a deep path in your neuro map for your writing skills? If you haven't, there's no better time than right now. Do a few minutes of creative writing every day even if it is the simple act of a writing exercise.

Keep writing on the brain.

Reading and Writing

One of my favoriting "writing" related books is Stephen King's On Writing. I found this YouTube video featuring writer Stephen King. An aspiring writing asks what advice he would give to someone who wants to write. It's a simple plan but makes total sense.

Amy Krasnansky - BIW Member Interview

Moe: When did you know you wanted to be a writer?

Amy Krasnansky: When I was a kid, I loved drawing and painting and crafts of all kinds. I dreamed of being an artist when I grew up. Somehow I became a software engineer instead. Writing never even crossed my mind until about six years ago. At the time I was reading lots of picture books to my son who was four years old. His obsession with dinosaurs to the exclusion of all rational thought was apparently contagious: one day I sneezed and out came an idea for a picture book, starring dinosaurs, of course. So I wrote it.

When I had revised it to death, I thought I should try to get it published (oh, how naïve I was). Off I went to the library to bone up on publishing. The more I researched children's literature, the more I wanted to write it. Thus began the long line of picture book manuscripts, poems, and novels-abandoned-partway-through that I have produced since that time. And some of them are not even about dinosaurs. In answer to your question: I'm still not sure I want to be a writer, but I can't seem to shake the fever.

Moe: Describe three lessons you have learned about writing?

Amy Krasnansky: 1. It is harder than it looks.

2. Just write. Fix it later. If you get stuck trying to figure out what happens next, list the possibilities. Then pick one and move on. You can always rewrite it if you change your mind. It's hard to steer the car while it's parked. We all write both better and worse than we think we can. I'm embarrassed to read my first drafts, but then, after many revisions and a few light bulb moments, I read the final version, and I can't believe that it came from me. That's what keeps me writing.

3. Make your writing stink like Fifi's litter box, throb like a toothache, bite like vinegar, irritate like a wailing baby, and leave psychedelic spots before your eyes with its flashes of insight. In other words, make it specific and sensory. But don't use five similes in one sentence (four similes and a metaphor is acceptable.)

Moe: What are you working on now?

Amy Krasnansky: I am about halfway through a middle-grade fantasy novel, mostly written during BIW weeks. My commitments to BIW force me to work on it. Otherwise, it would be just another neglected file on my computer. It's so hard to figure out what should happen next, how to keep the tension rising, and how to resolve everything at the end.

I also have several poems marinating at any given moment. For some reason, I actually enjoy working on them.

Moe: Do you have a favourite writing related book?

Amy Krasnansky: I like The Plot Thickens by Noah Lukeman. It is packed with questions to ask yourself about your characters, and clues about how to put those characters into action, maintain the suspense, and come to a satisfying resolution. Maybe I should read it again...

Moe: What is your favourite writing website?

Amy Krasnansky: I don't really have a favorite, but this Absolute Write's forum was in my "Favorites" folder. It contains some interesting conversations on writing. A good place to procrastinate or better, get revved up to crank out some pages.

Moe: Do you have an important BIW tip you'd like to pass along?

Amy Krasnansky: I like to set a goal that I know I can make, and be completely committed to reaching it. Not very ambitious, but that is what works for me.

***
Amy Krasnansky works part-time as a software engineer. When she's not tracking down bugs in cyberspace, she enjoys quilting and gardening. She ranks writing as slightly less odious than coming up with something for dinner, and almost pleasant compared to cleaning her house. She lives in Baltimore with her husband, two children, a cat, and a menacing horde of dust bunnies.

Betty Wong - BIW Member Interview

Moe: When did you know you wanted to be a writer?

Betty Wong: I started reading when I was very young, but although I already loved books, I never really wanted to be a writer until I read Christopher Pike when I was eleven years old. His books were the first I read that impressed me so much with their depth and intelligence, although they were listed as Young Adult books, and I knew then that I wanted to do what he did.

Moe: Describe three lessons you have learned about writing?

Betty Wong: I think one of the most important lessons I learned is that you have to switch off your internal editor when you're writing creatively. I tend to edit myself every few pages, and of course I never get far when I do that, but BIW has helped me to shove the editor aside and just allow myself to write.

Another lesson I've learn is that it's important to write. Write anything, write everyday, just write. Writing is something you have to practice at, just like with any other craft. An artist starts by learning how to mix paint and put the brush onto the canvas, he doesn't miraculously paints masterpieces the first time he paints on canvas. He'll create a lot of crap, but the more he practices his art, the sooner he creates his masterpieces. It's the same for a writer. I used to unrealistically think that I'd produce a masterpiece the first time I sat down to write, but now I know I've got to practice.

I've also learn that not everybody writes the same way. I read a lot of books about writing and how some writers write. I've found that they've all got their own techniques and ways of writing and they don't necessarily apply to me. I started out trying to follow exactly what they did, but I've found that their ways don't always work for me. I learned that I had to find my own techniques and do what works for me.

Moe: What are you working on now?

Betty Wong: A couple of books actually. One is a fantasy-type story, a light-hearted fairy-tale with a happy-ever-after ending.

The other is a biography about my grandfather who passed away a couple of years ago. He left me his diaries, written in Chinese, which tells about his life when he was a young man; how he came to migrate from China, how he made his fortune in the rubber estates, and his many initial encounters with gangsters who eventually became his friends.

It's slow going, because I don't read Chinese and have to rely on my husband to translate for me, but it's an amazing story.
Moe: Do you have a favourite writing related book?

Betty Wong: It has to be Writing Down the Bones by Natalie Goldberg. It is one of the most inspiring books I've ever read about writing, and the best because I haven't finished it yet! Every time I pick up this book and read a couple of chapters, it gives me such a strong urge to write that I put it down again and go write! Every other book I've read about writing makes me want to read more, instead of write more!

Moe: What is your favourite writing website?

Betty Wong: WritersDigest.com. I can spend hours there, reading their articles, browsing their books, and of course, checking out the 101 best sites for writing.

Moe: Do you have an important BIW tip you'd like to pass along?

Betty Wong: The best BIW tip, I think, is already the catch phrase. BIC HOK TAM: Butt In Chair, Hands On Keyboard, Typing Away Madly. Do that, and BIW will be a breeze for you. What I do is I make sure I've got everything I need near me, water, or something to snack on if I get hungry. I close the door and turn on some new age music, sit at the computer, remind myself why I want to write, then I write.

***
Betty Wong is an ordinary person who writes because she thinks people actually want to read what she's got to say. When she's not writing, she's usually singing, because she thinks people actually want to hear her when she sings. Fortunately for the people around her, she also enjoys reading, and so they provide her with all the books she wants, in exchange for some peace and quiet.

Dawn Compton - BIW Member Interview

Moe: When did you know you wanted to be a writer?

Dawn Compton: I have always wanted to be a writer. As a youngster, I remember scraps of paper with scribbles on them. But in January 2004, I made a New Year’s resolution to submit something to a publisher. I was lucky enough to find a publisher to self publish my two children's books in November 2004 and September 2005 respectively. The greatest blessing was finding an illustrator that was a friend of a friend who did an awesome job.

Moe: Describe three lessons you have learned about writing?

Dawn Compton: You can't be a writer only in your mind. You have to practice the art. I don't do this enough and it shows. Making the time is as important as eating in some cases.

Find inspiration in groups. Friends and family that know what you do can be proud of you but groups of people with 'the goal' will inspire you to find the time and get the words down. I have grown so much by surrounding myself with writer's groups and learning from them.

Be ready for ideas when they hit you. I find I am most inspired during busy times at stock shows and rodeos. Why? Because this most often is the setting for my stories. Why be ready? I am usually hit with a unique and wonderful idea but it is when my hands are full of buckets, feed or the halter of a 1200 pound steer that needs to be walked. I am considering a voice recorder! I have called and left myself a voice mail but sometimes you lose the moment.

Moe: What are you working on now?

Dawn Compton: Well, working on is the operative word. I have several children's stories kicking around and am hoping to get them on paper in the next two months. I have about three weeks of travel to stock shows with animals and quite a bit of downtime once I am there so I am optimistic I can be productive. The novel that I submitted to 3daynovel.com was not picked. I wasn't 'dark' enough for the picks so I am finishing and editing it because as God as my witness I will submit that to a publisher by May! Or I may self publish because I think (and the few readers that have seen it as well) it is worth it.

Moe: Do you have a favorite writing related book?

Dawn Compton: Actually I don't have a favorite because I am still reading thru all of them. Anytime someone mentions a book, I have to try it out. I'm currently reading The Complete Idiot's Guide to Self-Publishing by Jennifer Basye Sander.

Moe: What is your favorite writing website?

Dawn Compton: I get information from several websites regarding writing and children's writing. But you know, I love Children Come First. They have a monthly contest that is free to enter. The contest gives you the first line and you have to come up with a story within 200 words. Winners are posted on their website but I try to do it monthly because it challenges me.

Moe: Do you have an important BIW tip you'd like to pass along?

Dawn Compton: My tip is none other than to find a way to BIC HOK TAM. Find some way to get that done. Oh, and remember to post your totals ‘cause Moe doesn't let you slide!

***
Dawn Compton, from Bellville, TX, writes that, "Living in Texas on a ranch is my best motivation to write. My family is kept busy with many animals that my son shows at all the major state livestock shows. Since I do the hauling and dead time before the shows, my favorite place to people watch for inspiration is at the stalls. Inspiration is everywhere, we just have to slow down and see it." Dawn lives with her husband, college junior daughter and freshman son on the ranch with numerous assorted animals.

Something to Think About - Ralph Waldo Emerson

"Do not go where the path may lead,
go instead where there is no path and leave a trail."
~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Write a path or two today. Don't worry about getting lost!

Have a great Friday.

New Year New Beginnings

Yes we're still here! In case you're wondering, the next BIW is January 12. And it's coming quickly. I'm currently working on the January challenge, continuing to add old members, welcoming new members and gradually updating the website all while I deal with all my other responsibilities. Overall, it's coming along nicely.

Forty-two BIW members took the new BIW community for a test drive in December and the feedback was wonderful which takes a huge weight off my shoulders. It's definitely differernt, there's no doubt about it. I'm still working out the format but we are definitely good to go and not to beat a dead horse with cliches, I think it will be the best thing in the long run.

I haven't added the new how to join links or a link to the new community to the official website yet but I hope to have that rectified by the end of this week. It's low on the priority scale at the moment. In the mean time here is the join page for new members and here is the BIW community.

Happy Holidays to All

Season's Greetings to all the writers of the world.
May 2009 bring many of your dreams to fruition.

Looking for some motivation during the holidays.
Try a writing prompt.

Shelly Hines - BIW Member Interview

Moe: When did you know you wanted to be a writer?

Shelly Hines: I'd like to say I am one of those people who "knew" since a very young age that I wanted to be a writer. But, I don't think I was that self-aware growing up. Sure, as a kid I loved books and reading, and I had a strange passion for both book stores and office supply stores. I even started writing poetry and little stories by the time I was six, but it wasn't until right out of high school that I realized I was going to be a writer. I literally woke up one morning and decided I was going to write a novel. I felt guided to do this. Of course, that novel was never finished, but I still have the dream of completing one and I am still following this life path, writing every day. I guess writing always came natural to me, so it was just a natural flow to go in that direction.

Moe: Describe three lessons you have learned about writing.

Shelly Hines: Geez, only three? I've been writing for over twenty years and I am continuously learning new things about this crazy, wonderful pursuit! But, if I have to stick with three, I'd say the lessons learned are:

1. While there are plenty of rules to writing and publishing, don't ever let those rules override your heart and passion for your writing and your own way of seeing things. Sure, you should consider what your editor, critic, colleague, or friend says about your writing project, but in the end listen to your heart and do what you feel is right for the writing. Remain true to it and your vision.

2. Don't talk about your project before it is in draft form at least! When you talk about it before you put it on paper you lose your passion for the idea. The idea no longer needs to be expressed in the written form because it has been expressed verbally. It's the release of the energy, I guess. I just know I've made this mistake often enough to see that this really does happen!

3. Everything becomes so much more interesting when you should be writing! Chores that you hate doing can no longer wait! Cleaning the bathroom, reorganizing the closets, changing the cat litter – even the nastiest and most time consuming chores can seem so much more fun! It really is a weird phenomenon. Do your best to not give into it until after you've done your writing!

Moe: What are you working on now?

Shelly Hines: A lot of things! Seems like I'm always working on three or four projects all at once. Since my regular, full-time job is writing, and I have several clients on the side, I am usually working on several grant applications or other copy at any given time. I also recently started a blog for my freelance writing business. I am in the process of editing my newest e-book, "102 Ways to Inspire Your Muse," that is full of different tricks and exercises for the "resistant writer." Once I've completed that project I hope to start back up on one of my numerous in-process novels, or maybe work on a picture book idea or two I have been toying with, or maybe another e-book…

Moe: Do you have a favorite writing related book?

Shelly Hines: No, I don't really. Since I do a lot of different types of writing, I don't have one straight across the board. I have several favorites for fiction writing (covering at least two genres), a couple for non-fiction writing, and several more for copywriting and marketing. I guess for the "process" of writing as a whole, it would have to be Stephen King's, On Writing.

Moe: Do you have a favorite writing website?

Shelly Hines: There are so many really good websites out there for writers. I guess I would have to pick the one that comes to my mind first, which is the most obvious one: Writer's Digest. I still receive the paper magazine, but I find their website to be very useful with writing-related tips and articles that cover all types and genres of writing.

Moe: Do you have an important BIW tip you'd like to pass along?

Shelly Hines: When I started BIW numerous years ago, I set fairly modest goals and still couldn't seem to make them. While it probably took me a good year or so to reach it, one month I did. And then that was it. Once I had met that, say 25 page goal, I broke the barrier and I consistently got beyond that each time after. Now I can typically write at least 75 pages in a BIW week. So, while it may take a while, you will eventually reach your goal if you stick with it! Then each goal after that will be easier to achieve.

***
Shelly Hines is the owner/writer of All the Write Words. She has been writing for over twenty years with the past eight being on a full-time, professional basis in grant proposals and copywriting. She also writes both non-fiction and fiction projects on the side, with her most recently completed project being an e-book, The Free Money Myth: The Truth About Getting Grants. Shelly has written for small start-up and mid-sized businesses as well as several non-profit organizations. Her experience in copywriting includes brochures, newsletters, grant and business proposals, annual reports, flyers, ads, websites, and scripts. Shelly lives in the beautiful Northwest, in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, with her husband and two children.

Mid BIW

The new community is set up and under way. We are currently in the middle of the December BIW and things are going well. 52 members decided to brave the December rush and participate by posting goals and writing this week.

Thank you to everyone who has been patient during this crazy disorganized time!

Technical Difficulties

After 10 years (October 1998) of having the BIW list group at YahooGroups they up and deleted the group without notice or explanation. It just boggles the mind that ten years of posts, over 600 a month, are gone forever. I have a message out to tech support but from what I've been reading online I don't expect to ever hear from them.

I've heard stories like this from people, some our own members, of sudden disappearances of groups and ID's for no reason but I never actually expected it to happen. I realize it is a free service but really, ten years of advertising them and I couldn't get one email of explanation?

Moving forward. The good thing is that there are still a few weeks before the December BIW begins (December 8). Thank you for your patience as I work through this.

Update: Saturday morning - I received a form message from yahoo, not surprising, that didn't really answer anything. Since then I've been in the process of making other arrangements which I think, in the long run, will be better for the group. I hope to have a new community setup on the BIW website by the December BIW. It will ultimately be a better solution with less mail and the opportunity for more interaction. Please send me your name and email so I can add you to the membership list when the time comes. Stay tuned, more to come.

Update: Sunday - Yeah, we have a new community set up! At least the basics. I'll spend the next week doing some tweaking and then start contacting members. If I don't contact you by December 3 please email using the contact email at the website.

Update for November 29: The basics for the new community is in place and I have a few members doing a test run. The whole month of December will probably be a big test run but we're up and moving forward. Thank you for your patience! Feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

BIWers Hooking Up at NaNo

Like every year, a number of BIWers are participating in this month NaNoWriMo. The last few years a thread was created in the Nano forum so BIWers could congregate while working on their Nano projects. This year is no different. You can find the BIW / Nano thread here.