Craft versus Voice

A writer friend, Frank Dorchak, poses the question of craft versus heart of writing fiction.

http://fpdorchak.wordpress.com/2010/08/28/what-is-writing-really/#comment-74

I say both are important and many others have said it better:
Craft:
“Besides the noble art of getting things done, there is the noble art of leaving things undone. The wisdom of life consists in the elimination of non-essentials.” – Lin Yutang
Heart:
“When a thought takes one’s breath away, a grammar lesson seems an impertinence.” – Thomas W. Higginson

Inkpot says: We don't write just to show off craft or just to share our voices and hearts with others. We write like addicts when it seems we should give up. Why? Because the writing itself is cathartic and cheaper than a psychiatrist and drugs – unless they are generic.

2010 HOLT Medallion Contest

Soliloquy was selected as an Award of Merit recipient in the HOLT Medallion contest in the Best First Book category!

Pulling Weeds

Our Dear Sister of the Quill, Folio, pulled weeds yesterday. She teased that it may be somehow bad that she calms when doing it. I'd say that is a very good sign for a writer. For what is more like pulling weeds than editing. Among the good words are those that just don't fit, that are disadvantageous, that choke the other words until they die on the page. So weed away, sister. You are letting the good plants (and words) shine through with all their colors. Inkpot admires many tools you have for pulling those pesky weeds!

Braggin' (not really bloggin')

A Four Star Review for Soliloquy! Just have to share it!

“You’ll be hooked from page one of this mesmerizing tale, which uses a beguiling method of transport to the past. The prose is smooth and satisfying, and the characters come alive. Passion and promise fill the pages, as well as fear and deception.” Donna M. Brown, RT Book Reviews, May 2010

Light My Shoe?

OK, some creepy guy on a flight to Denver sets his shoe on fire to cover up his stink. He gets national attention. So that's what it takes! Silly me. I thought writing a book (maybe also to cover up my stink), succeeding with contests, then marketing it with all my might, was the way to go. Silly, silly me. I'm getting out the matches! Oh, sisters, I may need to go into a pyromania 12-step program soon! Heat generating from the Inkpot

Dear Sisters:

I think I went through the same thought and emotional process with Soliloquy as you did with Ashes, Shannon. I was tired of querying agents and decided to look at small presses and see if I could sell my manuscript myself, and I'm absolutely content with having it published by TWRP. While I intend to look for an agent again when I'm finished Melting, if I don't find one, I'll probably look at small presses again. It's certainly fun to dream about a huge advance or an auction, but it's also quite fulfilling having my book on the bedroom shelf next to Harry Potter!

Sisters, we all have to be a half-a-bubble off to even write a book, don't you think? Then another quarter-of-a-bubble out of whack to keep pounding away in this crazy industry. But I also know that I am blessed. I'm currently traveling in space after my trip to World War II where I visited heroes of the highest caliber. I've learned from you three about the strength of family and delivering calves and the source of fine vellum, not to mention being terrified and brave and sometimes terribly amused. I've conquered evil and composed a musical lament. I've also found amazing sisters who buoy me up when I'm down, and give me a swift (but gentle!) kick upon occasion. I could go on and on. Our stories are waiting, pushing, shoving to be free. And I can't wait to visit them! Love. Folio

Book signings!

With the long-anticipated and slightly-dreaded first book signings now tucked firmly beneath my belt, thought I'd post these pictures and reflect back for a moment.





Most importantly, I now view signings as a celebration, not a pressure cooker to worry about and sweat over. Even the signing that was poorly attended was pleasant as we visited with the book store owner and reminisced with the few friends who defied the slick roads to attend.




Having a "veteran" with two novices also served us well. Carol advised us as to what might work well for reading topics and she surprised us with a quick "Ten at Eight" at the end, when she posed quick questions for immediate answers - everything from "how long did it take to write this book" to "are you a pantser or plotter?" Fun for us and for our vast (Ha!) audience!



And then there were the delicious after-signing parties - champagne and pear-brie and a cupcake keyboard accompanied by conversation about books with good friends.







Hey! Who ate the A and Z and P and L keys?