Trimming Dead Weight

Years ago when I first began to pursue writing as a possible career, I read an article about honing the craft of writing while improving one's technique. The author, an editor, spoke quite disdainfully of the habits which "bog down" a manuscript. Today, I have read a second article which reiterated her advise.

The 2009 edition of the Novel and Short Story Writer's Market contained an article entitled "Trimming the Deadweight in Your Manuscript." Now, as the writer--I.J. Schecter--began by creating his own word in combining "dead" and "weight," I was already prepared to ignore everything he or she had to say. Unfortunately, the same four reminders from nearly three decades earlier jumped forth to slap me in the face:

1. Minimizing the usage of adverbs and adjectives (ouch!)
2. Eradicating entire "unnecessary" sentences (oooh!)
3. Identifying and avoiding repetitive stylistic tendencies (arrrgh!)
4. Maintaining consistency in the tempo, pace, or rhythm of your voice
5. Captivating your audience and keeping its attention by keeping your work lean and consistent, i.e. free of any "superfluous descriptions" and/or "accidental wake-ups."

None of these concepts are new. I have read similar articles, even written them myself for my occasional writer's workshops. This does not mean that I necessarily like them. As a lover of "classic" literature, I miss the languid descriptions which drew me inexorably into the mood or the setting of a story. Even as I have given this advice, I have wondered how much of this need to eliminate and eradicate comes from our ever-growing reliance--even dependence--on the more rapid pace of television, video games, and internet. Am I the only one who finds it difficult to follow those modern "action" or "drama" offerings which swoop and zoom from person-to-person, idea-to-idea so quickly that I find myself never actually identifying, sympathizing, or getting to in any way know the characters or settings? Do I alone find those books, television shows, movies, and magazine articles which take the time to draw me in, to capture my imagination, to urge me to think (even pick up a dictionary) more engaging?

I don't know.

Trimming things down to the bare minimum.

Today, I am struggling with that concept.

An Interesting Quote

I often find myself returning to the "From the Editor" page of the 2009 Novel & Short Story Writer's Market. There, Alice Pope (the Managing Editor) writes: "Often when I finish a great novel, I'm a tad exhausted from the journey. The characters enchant, plots rivet, settings envelop me, and I'm always amazed at what the author has achieved. The ability and drive to write a novel is one of those things that I really admire but don't ever imagine myself taking on, kind of like running a marathon...."

She later goes on to include a line by author Helen Schulman: "You never write books by giving up.You write them by going the distance, again and again. You really need to be a long-distance runner."

I, myself, have always been a sprinter. These words, therefore, are a necessary reminder for me. They also provide encouragement...and even a bit of motivation. Perhaps I shall never writer "a great novel"; yet, this reminder of both what such a work would require as well as its impact on the reader encourages me to keep striving towards that end, rather I ever reach the goal or not.

Random Acts (An Eye-Opening Reminder)

It takes very little to bring the luminiferous quality of faith into someone's day: faith in goodness; faith in the underlying goodness of man kind; faith that the sun will return after days of darkness and drizzle; that inspiration--though lost--can again be located; that the course of one's life, even as circumstances alter it, can drift towards new hope, peace, and the renewal of one's spirit. Pretty lofty notions for a Tuesday afternoon, huh? Today began with a great deal of pain. There are many "unknowns" to chronic anemia as well as g6pd and MDS. Every illness, every disease results from the body's attempt to rectify some internal flaw or problem; thus, unless one has an idea what it is that set off the series of rectifications or symptoms from which the "illness" resulted, there is not a great deal that can be done to "cure" it (i.e. assist the body in curing itself...without killing itself). One of the great unexplained mysteries in my case is why my body, when at its most red-blood-cell deficient, insists (upon other odd and inexplicable malfunctions) upon draining calcium and protein from my right leg. I won't go into the numerous theories by numerous medical professionals from numerous fields. I will only say this: The end result is a whooole lot of pain. (So much so, I would gnaw the sucker off if I could stand the taste of it!) In any event, pain came, rain came, work needed to be done, sleep had been elusive after yesterday's rant, yet our intrepid grammarian was determined not to let these small worries daunt her. Having made up my mind to move, I planned to get to work, surfing the internet as I clicked away at my daily research. Though it was not until ten that I could convince myself to get out of bed, once I had, I worked at the apartment for a while (still sans electricity, heat, and hot water) then headed out for the library. This being one of the few nights on which I volunteer, I made up my mind to push through the rather...excruciating...mind numbing...nasty...nasty pain in order to get a bit of research done (for my move as well as my writing projects) while simultaneously positioning myself to head out to the soup kitchen (only one door down) later on.

First of all, the number of encouraging messages regarding my decision to move were staggering. I had voiced an impulsive, rather implausible plan of action...and been met with warmth and support. As I read through the e-mails and Facebook messages, I recalled that "prodigious talent" remark from my best friend. I found myself actually accessing notes on that very topic and organizing them into some semblance of order. It was a process which not only reawakened my interest in the project (a "young adult" manuscript--O Mother! My Father..."-- which examines the dysfunctional rather unhealthy marriage between two people as seen through the eyes of their teenage daughter) itself but proved cathartic in dealing with the rage (directed at the relative who escapades have made my life a nightmare and who shall remain nameless but will be hereafter known as either KWH or my family's Dub-Yah) which contributed greatly to the decision to "get out of Dodge" (along with that slight complication of going unpaid!)

While in the library, I met all the familiar faces of the staff members, many of whom rarely fail to inquire as to the progress of my children, encourage me in my long hours huddled over the computer, ask about my health. or simply stop and chat. Those small, random offerings of unaffected kindness were invaluable in helping me plow through the discomfort (no, pain) and other emotional "stuff" in order to do what needed to be done. Not only did one of the security guards take the time to cheer me on; yet, as I was away from my book-covered station, the second noticed (via the surveillance cameras) suspicious-looking individuals circling the desk. Noting that although I had taken my computer, bag, and mobile phone with me to the ladies room my umbrella and adapter had been left behind (and after I had been away from the table for more than the usual five-to-ten minutes) the darling made a point of retrieving the items and locking them in his office. When I returned, noticing the same suspicious couple in passing before coming upon my notably less-cluttered table, I rushed to the check-out desk to tell of my dilemma (philsophically thinking Ha,ha, are they in for a shock! That charger is on its last legs anyway!) I was told, "See Jose!"

And, when I rushed back to the table to grab the computer and bag (which I had very unwisely left behind in my haste to catch the departing couple) three other patrons called out to let me know "the security guard" had walked off with my umbrella.

Apparently, he saw them, ascertained that they seemed a little too interested in my collection of books and notes, and stepped in immediately. "You can't be too safe, honey." He said. How comforting that the "honey" was actually a welcoming, sincerely affectionate term of kindness...and felt as such!

"We take care of our people!" one librarian told me five minutes later with a smile.

There is goodness in the world, even amidst the chaos.

To what better topic to devote a few hundred of my thousand words that that?

Making Plans!

Alright. It's official. The time has come to leave New Haven once and for all. For the third time in less than two months (not to mention about the tenth time this year, bearing in mind that it is only May, ya'll) one of my beloved clients has decided the time to renegotiate an agreement is after my work has been satisfactorily completed and is in his (or her) hot little hands! Life in Connecticut has not exactly been stress-free without these frustrations; nevertheless, between health issues, insane family members, political chaos, non-existent community , and socio-economic dynamics which make life nightmarish for all but the most devoted (or the most charmed) the ability, the opportunity to actually--like-- write is nonexistent. More and more have I noted the difficulty in identifying with my characters, remaining focused on my plots, or even keeping track of story lines. Dialog--my long time foe--eludes me completely. Moreover, the constant worries and distractions, I now accept despite past obstinacy, leave me in a mindset of wanting nothing less at the end (or the beginning of the day) than to bang out one-thousand words. I find myself walking into fascinating settings without even the most niggling desire to whip out paper and pen (unheard of!) Note taking has dwindled to nil, as have daily contributions to journals, "sketch" books, and my daily impressions. Mostly, though, I have noted a change in my entire attitude towards my craft, viewing writing as a job--even a chore--rather than the love it once was. Why? Because of arrogant, insensitive so-and-sos who, even as they enhance their own livelihoods as a result of my "talent", consistently minimize not only its worth but the time, the effort, the heart, the thought, and the discipline it takes. I woke up Saturday morning glowering at my journal. The lovely, navy blue, exquisitely bound, leather journal with its lovely, high-quality, gold embossed pages, and beautiful rendition of an old-fashioned quill pen, a single cadet blue cursive "u" stretched out in a bold flourish behind it (a gift from my daughter Dauriauna from February 9th of last year to ease the sting of the second "anniversary" of my mother's death) sat firmly shut on my coffee table--an over-stretched rubber band keeping both Mickey Mouse and Wite-Out Correction pen conveniently accessible--causing no harm to me or anyone else; yet, as it lay there, I detested it as though it might be worst enemy. Why? Because the last entry committed to it had been on Easter morning; because were I to take up the pen I would have nothing positive to add; because the mere thought of entering all my frustrations and aspirations--yet again--proved utterly exhausting; because I did not want to rant and rage on paper about the latest paycheck to go MIA... Because... Because I hated even the thought of writing another, single word. I had too many projects to complete in an atmosphere in no way conducive to creative thought. To put aside the activities of the day in order to delve into myself and my impressions--in order to lay open emotion, sensation, and thought--grows increasingly more difficult. To visit any of my "prized" personal projects requires reaching a "place," a state unreachable from my current physical location--a place I despise, in which no part of me finds fulfillment, security, comfort or peace, even if I am able to (fortunately) maintain the same within myself despite the surrounding environment. I was feeling overwhelmed, the sensation of hopelessness, of actually drowning actually suffocating the creative impulses within me. (It did not help that the last e-mail--or "missive," as he calls them--from my dearest friend in the whole wide world consisted of a single line which read: "All well and good, but when are you going to put this prodigious writing talent to work: ie, the story of your father's family?")

In essence: It's time to get out of here, people!
This admitted, I decided the time had come to take action; thus, this week will be spent putting out "feelers" in an effort to make a fresh start. While the children are safely ensconced in their respective schools feels like the best time to pack and bag and get away fast. Already, my friends from both high school and college have been supportive, rather than listing for me all the reasons why I--even in all my stubbornness-- cannot make this happen. It's time to move on. It truly is. So, Here goes nothin'!

Blogs!!!!!

In my own quest towards both establishing a career in and gaining deeper understanding of the publishing world, I have resolved myself to research as much of the pertinent information made available to those ends. Today, I have focussed on the wealth of information (and probably misinformation) to be obtained by simply "checking out" the offerings of my fellow "bloggers." Right now, I am only in the "compiling" stage; thus, I can neither recommend nor offer commentary on any of the sites listed below. Nevertheless, I encourage others to make use of my research efforts. Look into the information provided. Offer your honest opinions, your experiences, or even comparable information of your own!

Blogs by Individual Authors: Tobias S. Buckell This Carribean-born writer of science fiction, short stories, and novels (such as Crystal Rain, Ragamuffin, and Sly Mongoose) discusses not only issues of race and ethnicity in fiction but the business aspects of writing as well. John Scalzi This blog by the author of several books (e.g. The rough Guide to the Universe) covers numerous topics, treating them with humor or insight as the situation requires. Tess Gerritsen As both doctor and best-selling author of medical thrillers (e.g. Harvest and Life Support), Gerritsen explores a number of topics relevant to writing and publishing, such as getting over a bad review, decisions about one's characters, and necessary components of a "good" story. David Louis Edelman This author of novels such as Infoquake and MultiReal offers informative posts on self-promotion, offering new writers the benefit of learning from his experiences. Jay Lake An author of both novels (Mindspring) and more than 200 short stories, Lake writes openly about the writing process--debating, for instance, what what "works" and what doesn't as well as discussing strategies for keeping oneself on track. Blogs by Groups DeepGenre This site deals with the definitions of genre, the business of writing, issues of craft, and insights into a variety of other writing and publishing topics by a variety of authors. Writer Beware This site is by the Science Fiction Writers of America watchdog group Writer Beware, which seeks out and puts and end to writing scams by exposing fraudulent agents, highlighting bad contract language, and otherwise promoting the rights of writers. Blogs by Editors Although these blogs are not written by acquisitions editors, they are reported to provide insight into other aspects of publishing that can, to some extent, be equally valuable. Seeing, however, is believing! Deanne Hoak Written by a professional copy editor who specializes in science fiction and fantasy, this personal blog--although it covers subjects other than writing and editing--is said to offer insight into the copyediting process. Rose Fox This blog is said to offer behind-the-scenes information about the Publishers Weekly trade journal and review magazine. Fox, the magazine's science fiction/fantasy/horror reviews editor, assists authors in understanding when a review of their books might appear as well as the exact value of a "starred" review. Blogs by Literary Agents: Agency blogs, I have been told, can be very useful to writers in that they not only provide valuable advice about submissions procedures, etiquette, expectations, etc. but also give writers an idea as to what these agents in particular look for--over and above that which is specified in their official guidelines. This might prove helpful, I would think. I plan to look over a few of these sites. Please, do the same and let the rest of us know what you think! Dystel & Goderich Literary Management This agency is reported to represent everything from parenting and women's health books to literary and commercial fiction with clients including best-selling authors Cindy Adams, Jonathan Small, and David Morrell. The Knight Agency This agency specializes in romance and woman's fiction, listing best-selling authors among its clients. Book Ends Literary Agency This group represents a wide variety of clients in the fields of spirituality, self-help. business, mystery, and romance. Included among their clients are Elizabeth Joy Arnold and Sally MacKenzie. Editorial Anonymous An unnamed children's editor posts excerpts of real query letters and phone calls (changing names to "protect the ignorant") for educational purposes. Posts include insider essays targeting "what really goes on"in the publishing world, applicable to other realms of publishing besides children's books. Evil Editor This anonymous book editor's regular features include "Face Lift," in which the Evil Editor revises query letters submitted by readers, and "New Beginnings," in which authors post the first 150 words of their books, after which the Evil Editor and his "minions" provide brief continuations of the works and commentary on the opening. [Hmmmmmmm....?] Jennifer Jackson This is the personal blog of an agent with the Donald Maass Literary agency (whose clients include Jim Butcher, C.M. Chan, and Jo Ann Ferguson). Kristen Nelson Nelson is the founding agent of the Nelson Literary Agency, whose clients include authors Linnea Sinclair, Sherry Thomas, and Marianne Mancusi. Janet Reid Reid is an agent with the FinePrint Literary Management group, which specializes in crime fiction. Included on its client list are authors Jeff Somers, Richard Gilbert, and Bill Cameron. The Rejecter This blogger is an anonymous assistant at a literary agency (as well as an author) who claims to reject 95% query letters immediately, placing 5% in the "maybe" pile. Posts review basic advice as well as answering reader questions. Miss Snark Written by an anonymous literary agent, this is individual has ceased updating; however, the "snarkives" remain accessible, offering advice as well as specific answers to reader questions. Nephele Tempest This is the personal blog of one of the staff members (an agent) of the Knight Agency. Rachel Vater Vater is an agent with Folio Literary Management whose clients include best-selling authors Melissa Marr and Jeaniene Frost.

Have fun...and feel free to add not only your own sites but those you have found helpful and/or informative as well.

Detached

Today finds me staring at a semi-filled screen struggling to identify with my characters...

First, it must be explained that this late(r)-in-life return to writing has been a difficult , often draining one for me. To give the condensed version, having spent at least fifteen of my first twenty years on this Earth avidly committing thoughts, images, and ideas to paper, I found myself--as a result of a vengeful estranged husband and a rather acrimonious parting of the ways--losing literally every single thing I had ever before written, including what I felt to be my finest offerings, written during the quiet yet fertile periods of life when I stepped outside of time (and its rather dulling restraints) briefly in order to raise my children.

The loss was crushing.

In less than an hour, nearly two decades of manuscripts, poetry, notes, character sketches, observations, journals, essays, research, impressions, and images committed to paper...

Were gone.

Devastated, I vowed never to write again.

Unfortunately (or perhaps fortunately) for me, writing is not something which one does but a part of who that person is. As such, I could no more choose not to write as I could choose to exist on the consumption helium rather than air. So, after many years of fighting against my own nature, my own urges, my insatiable hunger to return to the love affair with the written word, I began the painstaking--often crushing--process of attempting to recreate in some way the over thirty manuscripts which were lost.

It did not help matters that an automobile accident damaged the hippocampal--that which processes episodic memory--portion of my brain, essentially detaching me from many of the experiences and impressions which shaped the works dearest to me.

So, for me this foray into a realm once familiar but, for now, overwhelmingly daunting has been a tempestuous one.

Especially on days such as today, when the realities of life leave me distinctly detached from the needs and experiences of my characters. I have found myself hopping from work-to-work (as often, during periods bereft of inspiration, I do) reaching out to in any way connect with any of those steadily developing individuals whose lives I now weave from the spiral of daily existence all around me.

And we just aren't connecting.

Hopefully, a break of sorts while I submerse myself in the often welcome tedium of research will stimulate some idea, evoke some image, click on the proverbial light bulb necessary in linking my inmost workings to those of any single one of the character's I have created...

Who daily recreate me.

Low Ebb

Today finds me wondering what on Earth I am doing.

What, essentially, am I hoping to prove? Here I am, closer to forty than thirty, tapping away a t my laptop in the misguided (many would say futile) belief that after all this time--now that my children reach tentatively towards adulthood, now that the best of my energy and inspiration are probably behind me, now that my dreams of success have taken on the dullness of disillusionment--I will somehow achieve the objectives put aside during the years spent raising children and basically paying homage to the Responsible Life. Who am I trying to kid?

Because this--to write and to somehow make an impact on others through that writing--is all I know, continue I shall...

Still, there are those days--like today--when the heart just isn't in it, when the heart simply cannot believe.