To Sequel or Not to Sequel

There are some books that are destined to have a sequel or series. For instance, I love the Longmire series. Odd Thomas by Dean Koontz is also a favorite of mine. Harry Potter? For sure. When I was younger, Nancy Drew, the Hardy Boys, and the Black Stallion topped my list. But do all books require a sequel?

Publishers like series, especially three-book series. They claim it boosts sales. As it is their business to know, I will take them at their word. However, in my opinion, not all books have another story to tell. Prime example? My own book, Daughter of the Howling Moon.

For those of you who have read Daughter, I want to say, “THANK YOU!” To those who have not, “What’s wrong with you?”  Bethany Ann and Benjamin Sol are two of my all- time favorite characters. In fact, the whole book is jam-packed full of people I love.

I wrote Daughter on a sentence-by-sentence method. I had no idea about plot, story-arc, or any of that jazz. All I had to work with was a title and a burning desire to show the world that I can write dark and twisted.  That my books are more than mere fluff and they always carry a deeper, meaningful message. Bethany Ann was not a character or even a name I would’ve picked to write about.  She popped into my head and gave me word-after-word. I fell in love with her and her story.

Daughter of the Howling Moon is my favorite of all the books I’ve written to date.  I think it is some of the best writing I’ve ever done. Sometimes I go back and read the book just for fun and I always end up thinking, “Holy Cow, where did that come from? Did I really write this?” However . . .

When I typed  THE END on my manuscript, that was exactly what it was— the end.  There was not another book or story to tell. Bethany Ann had given me all there was to give.

I tired to force the issue and write a sequel as my publisher really wanted one.  No words came. I studied this issue. Maybe introduce a new character? That worked but only to a point.( There is a story there, however, that I will write one of these days, but it will stand alone and will not be related to Bethany Ann.)  I struggled to make-up something, but I do not make-up stories. My books are channeled from actual people and are truth in another life, time and space. Finally it dawned on me:

There is no sequel. The story had been told. Period.

What is my point? If you are struggling with writing a series or sequel and the words just won’t come, the plot doesn’t thicken, or even a story idea doesn’t pop into your head, do not force it. Do not make-up something just to please others. You’ll regret it as well as waste valuable time you could devote to other stories.

Just as in movies, not all books are meant to have a sequel and some that do, should never have been.

Can any one say, “The Crimes of  Grindelwald?”

 

 

No Book Before Its Time

I have a confession to make: I am a procrastinator.  Surprise!

I’m not especially proud of the fact, but it really doesn’t bother me either—well, not to the extent that I plan on changing my ways any time soon.  I’m not talking about waiting one hour before a trip to pack or unhooking the hose from the outside faucet when a frost is coming. These  mundane things border on being lazy rather than being a procrastinator. There is a difference. What I’m talking about is more along the lines of creativity; writing to be more specific.

Last weekend I attended Ozark Creative Writers conference in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. While I sat at my table selling my books, I overheard a fair number of attendees saying the same thing: they have an idea for a book running amok in their heads, but they can’t get it down on paper. They feared the story idea would disappear and the book never written. Yet, try as they might, they just couldn’t get started. This stagnation worried them a great deal.  To them I say, fear not.

Creativity can not be rushed.

Creativity is a seed that needs first to be planted and then given time to grow.  God doesn’t force a rose to bloom. He lets the tiny bud unfold at its own rate of speed. The same with a great story idea.

Sometimes the story pours itself onto the page so fast I struggle to stay up with the words.   Other times, the story germinates in my head for long periods of time. Just because I’m not typing words onto paper does not mean I’m not working.  I am letting the story unfold. The meat of Soldiers In the Mist came quickly, but I forced the ending. Big mistake! The result: Five years from its release, I rewrote it with the proper ending.

The Adventures of Dixie Dandelion waited until Daughter of the Howling Moon was finished, but Dixie’s story was always firm in my head.

On the other hand, Daughter of the Howling Moon decided its birthday all on its own.  I did not rush the date. I did not induce labor or let any man-made days, hours, or minutes dictate its birth.  As a result, Daughter, in my opinion,was some of the best writing I’ve ever done and a fantastic story. In addition, this unfolding  prevents writers’ block. Technical things such as plot, story arc, and characterization automatically fall into place.  I never think of story arc when I write.  In fact, the term confuses me.  Trust in the process and the essence of your story takes care of all this man-made stuff.  How? I have no idea. Magic just works that way.

I am a firm believer that a book will determine its own making.  After all, time is only a man-made preconception. So to all of you who worry about not writing, relax. Let the story develop. Let the words run free in your mind. Let the plot simmer.  Let the bud unfold and burst forth in its own time.

Trust the process and do not force the outcome.  Because . . .

No book is born before its time.      

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Let’s Give Them Something to Talk About

For me, one on the most enjoyable aspects of writing is dialogue.  However, this is not true for all writers. Many struggle with conversations between their characters resulting in too much narrative. Not that narrative isn’t good (as well as necessary) but too much of one thing is seldom productive.

There are several reasons why dialogue is so important in writing:  it breaks up the narrative, helps with characterization, gives the reader insight into the character, and makes the story real and believable.

The human eye needs white space when reading. All narrative is not only boring but tedious to read as well.  Injecting dialogue into the story breaks up the never ending line of sentences and gives the eye a much needed break.  It also keeps the reader engaged and interested in the story.  It keeps them turning the pages.

Dialogue can be used to describe a character, their looks, their background and/or their past without being an info dump.  For example, in my book, The Adventures of Dixie Dandelion, my character, Big Mike talks about Dixie this way: “I expected a wee snip of a shy girl. You neglected to tell me she’d be a stick of dynamite with a fuse of wild, scarlet hair.”  In two sentences the reader discovers that Dixie is far from being shy, she’s spontaneous and explosive, and has red hair.

How characters talk is also a great way to describe their background. For example, In Soldiers in the Mist, my character Charlie is well educated while his friend, Specks never learned to read or write.  Charlie would say:  “I have none,” while Specks would say, “I ain’t got none.”

Using certain words and phrases in dialogue is yet another way to describe your character.  Big Mike is Irish. Using phrases such as, “Top of the morning to ye, or Tis a big shillelagh ye have there,” tells his nationality and adds flavor to the story.

Dialogue is nothing more than two or more people talking.  If I ever get stuck in not knowing what to say, I act out the scene and just say what comes to mind. Sometimes I have a friend help me with this.

People talk. So do your characters.  Sometimes their conversations can surprise you and can turn the story in a whole different direction. Be brave. Write their words.

Give your readers something to talk about!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rules Are More Like Guidelines

All of our lives we are told, “No. You can’t do this. You have to do that. That’s not allowed. You must follow the rules.”

When I first started writing, I joined a critique group.  Their input was priceless and it lead to publication. Since then I have written and published five books. I’ve learned  my craft through trial and error, following advise from more experienced writers, and learning the rules.

Writing has a Holy Trinity of its own:  Point of View, Internalization, and Sense of Place. Every writer is told to include these three points in each scene.  As a beginning writer I got so caught up in making sure I had these attitudes in every chapter, I forgot to write.

Of course I realize there are basic guidelines that help  beginners become more professional and organized. By learning colors and textures, an artist creates more breathtaking drawings.  By taking lessons and learning the mechanics of certain strokes,  a swimmer can slice through the water in record time. All professions and professionals learn the rules and dedicate hours and hours of practice following said rules.

Ok, I get it.  By learning and following the Holy Trinity of Writing, a story goes from flat to 3-D.

But:

I can’t help but wonder, who made up these rules?  Did Shakespeare,  Dickens, Hemingway, and Faulkner sit around one night and decide: hook the reader with the first sentence, a writer must have an agent,  writers can have only 10 minutes to pitch their books, etc, etc, etc..   Of course not.  In fact, Dickens self-published!

Remember the movie, Pirates of the Caribbean? In this movie the Pirates Code played an important part.  But I loved Barbossa’s explanation when he said, “And thirdly, the code is more what you’d call “guidelines” than actual rules.”

My point is this:  There is no right or wrong way to write!

True, there are more productive ways.  However:

Creativity is a free spirit. She loves to run. She doesn’t want or need any stinkin’ rules!

So, am I telling beginning writers not follow the rules?

NO!

By all means, learn all the rules. Become efficient in using them. Hone your craft. Know the rules inside and out. Get published.  Then . . .

Break them!

The Quest for the Illusive “They”

Truths by Ruth

My twin brother, Jim has a great sense of humor. He can be extremely quick with a comeback and is very witty at times. He’s had me rolling on the floor with laughter more than once. A particularly memorable time in Branson comes to mind when I laughed so hard at one of his off-handed comments, I about peed my pants. Sometimes, it isn’t what he says but more the way he says it that sends me into a fit of guffaws. Through the years, Jim has sent emails that made me laugh out loud and marvel at his insight and wit. At one time I was printing these little gems out and saving them but, alas, two moves later I’ve lost them.

Recently, Jim had a bout with pneumonia. He’s recovering now but still has health issues that make me cringe. We were emailing back and forth last Friday…

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Karma and The Golden Rule

Truths by Ruth

Daddy was a Christian Scientist, therefore my brother and I were raised in this religion. Mama was a Methodist. How did this work? Well, if my brother and I became sick, Daddy prayed over us while Mama poked pills down our throat. The best of two worlds to my way of thinking.

Now before I go any further, I need to add this disclaimer: even though I was raised in Christian Science, what I actually know about the religion is very little. As a child the phrase, “oh you don’t believe in doctors” was the standard response when asked what faith I was. This is not true. Christian Scientists know doctors serve a very important cause, they just choose to seek healing by prayer instead of medicine. Also, please know, I am in no way, shape, or form bashing the Christian Science religion. I have received numerous healings from Daddy’s…

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Body and Soul

Truths by Ruth

In my youth I was a lean, mean fighting machine.

I was a sport’s nut. Softball. Basketball. Track. Even football. In fact, a High School football coach once told Mama if I were a boy, I’d be a star running back. (Alas, at that time, girls were only cheerleaders or majorettes. Too boring for me.) I was in the best shape of my life when I was a Girl Scout camp counselor. All that climbing hills, walking, swimming, and canoeing plus the sun’s rays sculptured me into a tanned, buff goddess. Ionic, at that time in my life, I was not aware of my lean, hard shape. I could less. I took my great health and frame for granted.

Today, however, my slim, muscled physique is kinda . . . well, squishy. I look in the mirror, and hate what I see. I tell myself, “Ruth, you’re so fat. Look…

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The Power of Music

Truths by Ruth

William Congreve said, “Music hath charms to soothe a savage breast (sometimes beast), to soften rocks, or bend a knotted oak.”

Sometimes I wax philosophical, usually after a couple of drinks. There are times, however, I get deep without the aid of good bourbon and in the most unlikely places. For example, Monday morning driving to work.

I’m not a morning person. Never have been. Never will be. If I could work 10-5 and get paid for 8 hours, I would be in seventh heaven. Alas, my employer isn’t as enlightened, so I am on the road at 7:30 more grumpy than any cat could ever imagine. Road rage runs amok. My brow tightens into a frown so intense it hurts. I swear at the radio. I bitch and complain out loud to no one. I am not a happy camper nor do I wish to pretend that I am…

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Be the Oak

Originally posted on Truths by Ruth:
Y’all know that saying: “If it’s too loud, you’re too old?” Well, if this is true, then I’m ancient. A few days ago the chaos in the office wore my nerves to a frazzle:…

Ode to the Pterodactyl

Truths by Ruth

Last week the Sisterhood, (Jan Morrill, Linda Apple, and I) held a writing retreat at Spider Creek Resort just outside Eureka Springs, Arkansas. The place was beautiful. Our cabin was better than some hotel rooms I’ve stayed in. On Saturday morning the three of us went “walk-about” with our pens and paper tucked in with our cell phones. The exercise that morning was to observe things we could later write about.
For those of you not familiar with this area, it is just a hop, skip, and a jump from Beaver Dam. Years ago Dinosaur World was a huge attraction for people going to the dam. Today, however, Dinosaur World is gone. But. The ghosts of ancient prehistoric ones still roam. This is what I saw that morning and what I wrote:

Ode to the Pterodactyl

In the golden hour when day is neither dawn nor dusk,
They ruled the…

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