HF The Rain Crow

[Stbrd]

It takes it out of you. I spent *four* solid years on mine. Ridiculous. I tend to get obsessed when I'm writing something. Drop down into it & forget about everything else. It's like a fugue state. I know in the moment I'm taking it too far, but those moments stretch into months then years. Then switching out & into something else, redirecting, is its own challenge. For me it adds insult to injury when pretty much no one reads the thing, but I can't tell in advance what's going to make it. Every once in a blue moon something hits beyond all expectation. But those are the blue moons, & wow it's tiring getting there.

It's something someone has to experience firsthand. It's werewolfian. Yeah, I get it. But now that it's just trickle editing here & there, I'm glad I did it. What's the quote? It is good to have written? Like amnesia after giving birth to triplets. What, that? Oh, it was a breeze. Nope. Nonono. I ain't forgetting. Makes it hard to get to the next piece, which I've put off for years now, a longish cnf piece about the Manhattan Project. Almost like C-PTSD. Probably wouldn't take but a couple months, yet I can't face it right now. Have all my materials laying in a pile on the living room floor for a couple years (my way of reminding myself, & when I finish, I take everything off the floor).

Will you work on anything next? Shorter than book length, do you think?

Congratulations to you both on your books! Writing isn't easy, but four years isn't too bad, especially if it was research heavy. Being in the writing zone is where the magic always happens.

Every writer faces a challenging market. Predicting the next big thing is impossible. Sometimes, a book becomes popular simply through a combination of timing and that ever elusive "book buzz."

Werewolfian ~ love it!

Per your previous post: There's a significant difference between offering constructive criticism and dismissing/belittling the work of another. Your story can only be told by you, in your way. Written by committee should never happen. Not only will your story's integrity be lost, but also your unique voice.

 

[13 IL Cav & 64 GA Inf]

It takes it out of you. I spent *four* solid years on mine. Ridiculous. I tend to get obsessed when I'm writing something. Drop down into it & forget about everything else. It's like a fugue state. I know in the moment I'm taking it too far, but those moments stretch into months then years. Then switching out & into something else, redirecting, is its own challenge. For me it adds insult to injury when pretty much no one reads the thing, but I can't tell in advance what's going to make it. Every once in a blue moon something hits beyond all expectation. But those are the blue moons, & wow it's tiring getting there.

It's something someone has to experience firsthand. It's werewolfian. Yeah, I get it. But now that it's just trickle editing here & there, I'm glad I did it. What's the quote? It is good to have written? Like amnesia after giving birth to triplets. What, that? Oh, it was a breeze. Nope. Nonono. I ain't forgetting. Makes it hard to get to the next piece, which I've put off for years now, a longish cnf piece about the Manhattan Project. Almost like C-PTSD. Probably wouldn't take but a couple months, yet I can't face it right now. Have all my materials laying in a pile on the living room floor for a couple years (my way of reminding myself, & when I finish, I take everything off the floor).

Will you work on anything next? Shorter than book length, do you think?

I think the only documents that I will probably work on are a couple of regimental histories (probably is the working word). I am more likely to tie up some loose ends and documentation in my genealogy/family history work in these twilight years.

 

[CWdiaryPA]

I think the only documents that I will probably work on are a couple of regimental histories (probably is the working word). I am more likely to tie up some loose ends and documentation in my genealogy/family history work in these twilight years.

Tying up loose ends is good. And who knows, maybe time & energy for something after that.

 

[Union_Buff]

From one Civil War historical fiction writer to another Julie, I am sending you my best wishes for your novel

I am currently working on the aftermath of the Gettysburg campaign of my Civil War historical fiction saga.

 

[JulieWeathers]

I'm pleased to meet you. Rain Crow is off to the publisher after the final edit. If you haven't read it yet, Without Warning: The Saga of Gettysburg, A Reluctant Union Hero, and the Men He Inspired. Captain Pierce meticulously researched it.

I look forward to seeing what you come up with.

 

[JulieWeathers]

Congratulations to you both on your books! Writing isn't easy, but four years isn't too bad, especially if it was research heavy. Being in the writing zone is where the magic always happens.

Every writer faces a challenging market. Predicting the next big thing is impossible. Sometimes, a book becomes popular simply through a combination of timing and that ever elusive "book buzz."

Werewolfian ~ love it!

Per your previous post: There's a significant difference between offering constructive criticism and dismissing/belittling the work of another. Your story can only be told by you, in your way. Written by committee should never happen. Not only will your story's integrity be lost, but also your unique voice.

Thank you and truer words have never been spoken. I wish I had found a historian or someone very knowledgeable in this part of the war to read it for glaring errors.

The problem with reading umpteen memoirs, journals, newspaper articles, and reports is that not all of them are accurate.

Every writer faces a challenging market. Predicting the next big thing is impossible. Sometimes, a book becomes popular simply through a combination of timing and that ever elusive "book buzz."

Very true. After Anne Rice's vampire books, there was a glut of vampire books. Agents said they never wanted to see another vampire book ever. Later, along comes Twilight and the race to jump on the bandwagon starts all over.

I was talking to another writer on a forum I belong to and she wasn't sure if she should finish the book she was writing because the subject seemed to be out of favor. I told her not to worry about what was popular and write what was in her heart. If the book has that "it" factor, she could start her own hot trend.

Per your previous post: There's a significant difference between offering constructive criticism and dismissing/belittling the work of another. Your story can only be told by you, in your way. Written by committee should never happen. Not only will your story's integrity be lost, but also your unique voice.

Yes to a large extent, but if you have a good posse, they can be invaluable in pointing out things that are off and helping tweak things.

Off the top of my head:

"I'm sorry, ladies. I'll see if I can get someone to help you." He whispered to a harried aide who looked at us and nodded. Imogene turned to face the hapless man. Her very large, very blue eyes widened. Then she beamed her let-there-be-light smile on him, the one that made people think all their cares would melt away in her mere presence. He returned a sunstruck smile that showed he was already a believer. They always were. "Yes, ma'am. How can I help?"--from The Rain Crow.

I fiddled with this endlessly as books are so filled with smiles, grins, smirks that occasionally you need to make one stand out. You don't want to butter the bacon, but a unique one every now and then breaks the tedium.

One of my posse members made a suggestion that improved it immeasurably.

The author, though, needs to have enough of a "****" detector as Hemingway said to know what advice to accept and what to let go. Plus, I think you need to have enough confidence to trust your gut.

JW

 

[JulieWeathers]

I googled it. "Rain Crows" are actually Yellow-Billed Cuckoo. Easily mistaken for a Mourning Dove.

I prefer the title "Rain Crows" over "Yellow-Billed Cuckoo".

I'm sorry I missed this. That will teach me to respond right away before I get distracted.

Yes, I prefer rain crows also. It adds a bit of mystery. Plus, people have such a negative association with "cuckoo" that it gives another context almost.

 

[13 IL Cav & 64 GA Inf]

Thank you and truer words have never been spoken. I wish I had found a historian or someone very knowledgeable in this part of the war to read it for glaring errors.

The problem with reading umpteen memoirs, journals, newspaper articles, and reports is that not all of them are accurate.



Very true. After Anne Rice's vampire books, there was a glut of vampire books. Agents said they never wanted to see another vampire book ever. Later, along comes Twilight and the race to jump on the bandwagon starts all over.

I was talking to another writer on a forum I belong to and she wasn't sure if she should finish the book she was writing because the subject seemed to be out of favor. I told her not to worry about what was popular and write what was in her heart. If the book has that "it" factor, she could start her own hot trend.



Yes to a large extent, but if you have a good posse, they can be invaluable in pointing out things that are off and helping tweak things.

Off the top of my head:

"I'm sorry, ladies. I'll see if I can get someone to help you." He whispered to a harried aide who looked at us and nodded. Imogene turned to face the hapless man. Her very large, very blue eyes widened. Then she beamed her let-there-be-light smile on him, the one that made people think all their cares would melt away in her mere presence. He returned a sunstruck smile that showed he was already a believer. They always were. "Yes, ma'am. How can I help?"--from The Rain Crow.

I fiddled with this endlessly as books are so filled with smiles, grins, smirks that occasionally you need to make one stand out. You don't want to butter the bacon, but a unique one every now and then breaks the tedium.

One of my posse members made a suggestion that improved it immeasurably.

The author, though, needs to have enough of a "****" detector as Hemingway said to know what advice to accept and what to let go. Plus, I think you need to have enough confidence to trust your gut.

JW

I had a trusted friend proofread a non Civil War book that I wrote a long time ago (before I sent it to the editor). My friend's reaction was positive, EXCEPT that he said about the primary character in the book "If I read his whole name one more time I will puke." I went through the draft and changed his name over 20 times, to "he," "him," or his first name only. Later, the editor had only two recommendations for changes, in two particular paragraphs. I accepted one of them.
My friend's advice was valuable. Regarding overuse of the character's name, I "couldn't see the forest for the trees," as the saying goes.

 

[JulieWeathers]

Details suck me in: Her face briefly in the golden glow. Nice. Tight follow up line about nurse or not.

My brain goes right into Mah Na Mah Na mode when narrative is bogged down by excessive introspection, over-descriptive, character introduction dumps, or dialogue that is formal or over-constructed without a natural rhythm. And you're right about the Bobbing!


About research:

I have moss from the Battle of Gettysburg and squiggles from Jeff Davis' home. Maybe the squiggles are moss. I'm not a botanist so I don't know. There is also part of a magnolia blossom from the White House, clippings from National Cemetery Gettysburg, and I think Eljiah Lovejoy's grave among other flora. All of this is tucked away inside a Victorian pressed botanical album. Dates of collected specimens range from, I believe, 1860-1889 (?) The collector visited historic as well as contemporary locations (for them), snipped bits of plants/flowers and pasted them into a scrapbook. There are botanical samples from other countries as well. It is a fragile yet fascinating. I can, literally, touch the past. I also have a grouping of small artifacts, which, according to the taped handwritten note on the back states: This 1865 photo (not a photo, think it was cut out from a book) shows the results of the bombardment and fires that swept through Charleston. Both have become writing touchstones. I acquired then at an estate sale. Designer and high end pretties in the front room while the "junk" was in the back room. I'm a bibliophile. I always head for the books and there they were. I picked them up, along with a couple of belt buckles, and a taxidermy cobra that my nephew had to have. Total of everything, under twenty dollars. History, it seems, sells for pittance. Not that I am personally complaining about the cost, however it reflects what we've become, relegating history to the junk room.


Still, I'm curious about the person who gathered and preserved the botanical specimens. Whoever made the album, the CW held significance. Why did they go to those specific areas? Were they trying to preserve and remember the significant seismic changes the country underwent during their lifetime? Was it only a hobby? Could it be that they suffered a loss? The Gothic side of me wants to go all Bronte-esque with something like : Angrily, she dug at the moss with her fingers; the dirt pushing under her nails as she tugged and pulled. The thought crossed her mind: Why not take a piece of this awful ground? It stole my heart. It devoured his flesh and bones, swallowing him up and never spitting him out. Her gaze fell upon the clump of green and dirt smudges on her hand. And this is all I have left of him.

Could that have been the reason for preserving the moss. Probably not, but that is the power of history's smaller moments and the smaller moments are my favorite writing sandboxes. Say I was writing a story centered around Gettysburg. I would read from numerous sources, but if I were writing about it, I wouldn't be writing about the battle/tactics/commanders. I would pocket it up to singular or dual experience or maybe I'd have someone go there later and dig up some moss. Still, I would want to know everything I could, just so I had a foundation of understanding.


Love the Hemingway quote. Have three Hemingway books on my TBR pile (re-reads).


LOL the sign.


As far as salad – mine would have been short: Two bites into her salad, she noticed hemlock snugged up against a tomato. You wrote a salad scene in a book?


About the cloth –

When you first encounter the protagonist, he's wrapping a cloth around his wrists. Because of the protagonist's kill count, the cloth becomes a physical representation of a classic urban legend or bogeyman story. Upon their first encounter, the captain perceives the protagonist as a soldier who can quickly squirrel up a tree. The discussion centers on the tracks and what was found in the tree. He doesn't realize who he's been speaking with until their second meeting. Eventually, the reason behind the cloth us revealed.


Poor rabbit!


I like Diana's answer! Every time I've tried to plot, it ended up a mess.


As far as the struggling writer - Beta reading and editing are essential tools for the writer. They are crucial in pinpointing plot holes, inconsistencies, streamlining the story, and removing any drag. I used to read/evaluate submissions for a literary agency, as well as doing crits/story dissection/ and analysis when necessary. That is part of prepping the story for submission/publication.


However, there is such a thing as too much. He tapped into so much writing advice—books, courses, beta reads, editing—that the conflicting opinions created creative paralysis. He found the writing increasingly difficult, and it suffered under the weight of an impossible expectation; the need for complete accuracy and exhaustive description stemming from external pressure of "how" he should tell his story. Writer's block completely stopped him; he was at an absolute standstill. His initial love for his story turned into hate, leaving him feeling like a failure. Writers in online groups were telling him he needed to index card this, color code that, and don't forget dialogue graphs. I don't know even know what dialogue graphs are. He tried to incorporate all the conflicting advice; it log jammed his creativity and tanked his WIP because he was letting others drive his story by prioritizing the feedback over his own vision.

I'm so sorry for the delay. My squirrel brain again.

I have moss from the Battle of Gettysburg and squiggles from Jeff Davis' home. Maybe the squiggles are moss. I'm not a botanist so I don't know. There is also part of a magnolia blossom from the White House, clippings from National Cemetery Gettysburg, and I think Eljiah Lovejoy's grave among other flora

That is fascinating. My aunt used to press flowers all the time as did Grandma. I was surprised when I visited my father in the nursing home and he asked me to press some flowers from the bouquet I sent him. I did and asked him what he wanted pressed flowers for. "I want you to take them after they dry and make a picture of them and frame it for me so I can look at flowers all the time."

Still, I'm curious about the person who gathered and preserved the botanical specimens. Whoever made the album, the CW held significance.

I'm wondering about that also. It's too bad there aren't some notes in there.

Poor rabbit!

Oh, she took pity on it and let it go. I was with her at a writers retreat. Some of us used to get together now and again and hole up somewhere for a week. At dinner one night, she said she was thinking about changing the opening because she didn't think people would like it. We were aghast. No! It's a perfect opening. And it is. Yes, animal lovers will be shocked, but if they just read on a bit, all is well.

As far as salad – mine would have been short: Two bites into her salad, she noticed hemlock snugged up against a tomato. You wrote a salad scene in a book?

Yes, it's from a modern women's fiction set in Fredericksburg, TX. The MC is irritated about something that happened previously and goes to town to get a nice steak and cool down. The owner of the restaurant has hired a chef from back east who insists on putting parsley on everything, but is a top of the line chef.

The eccentric chef bursts through the kitchen doors wearing nothing but an apron, socks, and a Batman masks and shouts, "Batman!" while the MC is eating her salad.

A man near his remarks he can't be Batman because he doesn't have a cape. The chef turns the apron around to make a cape, but exposing all to the world.


Batman was now running around the restaurant with his cape fluttering behind him screaming something about Poison Ivy and Joker and waving the baguette in the air like a sword. The manager and two other men were after him, but Batman was fast. All that parsley I expect.

Two police cars skidded to a stop in front of the restaurant, sirens wailing. Robert and Doug followed. The creped crusader's days were numbered. He ran screaming out the back and down the street with the law in hot pursuit.--From Just a Gigolo.

She returns to eating her salad and wondering if she's going to get her steak.

Anyway, thanks for the thoughts. I hope I'm all caught up now.

Have a good day.

JW

 

[JulieWeathers]

I had a trusted friend proofread a non Civil War book that I wrote a long time ago (before I sent it to the editor). My friend's reaction was positive, EXCEPT that he said about the primary character in the book "If I read his whole name one more time I will puke." I went through the draft and changed his name over 20 times, to "he," "him," or his first name only. Later, the editor had only two recommendations for changes, in two particular paragraphs. I accepted one of them.
My friend's advice was valuable. Regarding overuse of the character's name, I "couldn't see the forest for the trees," as the saying goes.

And that's exactly what happens. We get so close to it that things disappear or we leave out something we think is there, but fresh eyes will catch it.

I'm glad your proofreader was honest enough to point out what wasn't working. It's tough to find good beta readers.

Julie

 

[Union_Buff]

I'm pleased to meet you. Rain Crow is off to the publisher after the final edit. If you haven't read it yet, Without Warning: The Saga of Gettysburg, A Reluctant Union Hero, and the Men He Inspired. Captain Pierce meticulously researched it.

I look forward to seeing what you come up with.

Thank you very much Julie - I will definitely take a look at it

And thank you for your kind words; I really appreciate them.

 

[Stbrd]

Thank you and truer words have never been spoken. I wish I had found a historian or someone very knowledgeable in this part of the war to read it for glaring errors.

The problem with reading umpteen memoirs, journals, newspaper articles, and reports is that not all of them are accurate.



Very true. After Anne Rice's vampire books, there was a glut of vampire books. Agents said they never wanted to see another vampire book ever. Later, along comes Twilight and the race to jump on the bandwagon starts all over.

I was talking to another writer on a forum I belong to and she wasn't sure if she should finish the book she was writing because the subject seemed to be out of favor. I told her not to worry about what was popular and write what was in her heart. If the book has that "it" factor, she could start her own hot trend.



Yes to a large extent, but if you have a good posse, they can be invaluable in pointing out things that are off and helping tweak things.

Off the top of my head:

"I'm sorry, ladies. I'll see if I can get someone to help you." He whispered to a harried aide who looked at us and nodded. Imogene turned to face the hapless man. Her very large, very blue eyes widened. Then she beamed her let-there-be-light smile on him, the one that made people think all their cares would melt away in her mere presence. He returned a sunstruck smile that showed he was already a believer. They always were. "Yes, ma'am. How can I help?"--from The Rain Crow.

I fiddled with this endlessly as books are so filled with smiles, grins, smirks that occasionally you need to make one stand out. You don't want to butter the bacon, but a unique one every now and then breaks the tedium.

One of my posse members made a suggestion that improved it immeasurably.

The author, though, needs to have enough of a "****" detector as Hemingway said to know what advice to accept and what to let go. Plus, I think you need to have enough confidence to trust your gut.

JW

Errors are going to happen. I just had to remove the word hubris because it was 20 years prior to first known use. Bottom line: we do our best, but it's fiction and characterization and story are the heartbeat and soul of the story.


Memoirs and journals, although there may be inaccuracies, offer those great personal perspectives and glimpses into the past. Nineteenth-century periodicals are also excellent sources. It was a short Civil War-related passage in The Century Magazine -I think it was in the Century - that became the basis for a story about CW widows and a murder that takes place during battle (yes, the irony). That story tanked hard (twice) because historical, especially specs, don't break even, let alone turn a profit, but the greater sin–all female leads. Basically, the response was, we like the idea of a murder taking place during battle but nix the widows. Did it matter they were the foundation of the story? Nope. Just chuck them aside and do the battle thing. LOL


Books that have the "it" factor often center on deep dive characters and strong emotional narratives. It is a case of the feels and the reals. Such fiction, regardless of clichés, hinges on the author's ability to create a strong emotional tether that engages the reader. "Twilight" is a prime example of that book buzz and reader engagement.


And great advice to your friend, write what is in the heart–write the story you want. Don't chase trends because is trend is already over when it is trending.


Having a good posse is invaluable to a writer. I have a writing core where we can just lay it all out there, and be honest with one another without anyone getting offended ~ all levied with heavy doses of snark, riffing, and humor.


Without context or framing of the scene, my take-away is that the character of Imogene has a certain charisma that can be quiet persuasive with a smile and a come hither look in her eyes. What was the edit?

 

[Stbrd]

I'm so sorry for the delay. My squirrel brain again.



That is fascinating. My aunt used to press flowers all the time as did Grandma. I was surprised when I visited my father in the nursing home and he asked me to press some flowers from the bouquet I sent him. I did and asked him what he wanted pressed flowers for. "I want you to take them after they dry and make a picture of them and frame it for me so I can look at flowers all the time."



I'm wondering about that also. It's too bad there aren't some notes in there.



Oh, she took pity on it and let it go. I was with her at a writers retreat. Some of us used to get together now and again and hole up somewhere for a week. At dinner one night, she said she was thinking about changing the opening because she didn't think people would like it. We were aghast. No! It's a perfect opening. And it is. Yes, animal lovers will be shocked, but if they just read on a bit, all is well.




Yes, it's from a modern women's fiction set in Fredericksburg, TX. The MC is irritated about something that happened previously and goes to town to get a nice steak and cool down. The owner of the restaurant has hired a chef from back east who insists on putting parsley on everything, but is a top of the line chef.

The eccentric chef bursts through the kitchen doors wearing nothing but an apron, socks, and a Batman masks and shouts, "Batman!" while the MC is eating her salad.

A man near his remarks he can't be Batman because he doesn't have a cape. The chef turns the apron around to make a cape, but exposing all to the world.


Batman was now running around the restaurant with his cape fluttering behind him screaming something about Poison Ivy and Joker and waving the baguette in the air like a sword. The manager and two other men were after him, but Batman was fast. All that parsley I expect.

Two police cars skidded to a stop in front of the restaurant, sirens wailing. Robert and Doug followed. The creped crusader's days were numbered. He ran screaming out the back and down the street with the law in hot pursuit.--From Just a Gigolo.

She returns to eating her salad and wondering if she's going to get her steak.

Anyway, thanks for the thoughts. I hope I'm all caught up now.

Have a good day.

JW

What a wonderful sentiment with your father. Love that!

There aren't many notes, but the collector did mention the name, Lillie Meeker 1884, a couple of times. It is interesting because there is also ivy from Heidelberg, something from Cork, Ireland, a couple pages filled with flora from Jerusalem. There is mistletoe from Texas (although mistle is missing its toes because a couple of pieces have fallen away), along with moss and Buffalo grass from Texas, plants from Capitol grounds, and even Edelweiss from the Alps but, as stated, heavy circulation around CW.

Glad rabbit survived. It is a strong opening, but I understand her thoughts about changing.

I tend to be my harshest critic. When reading my own work I basically tend to perceive it as:

A) This is lazy writing.

B) This is terrible. Geesh. What am I doing?

C) Okay, who let the drunk leprechauns in to dance a jig on my keyboard? Look at the word mess they left on my WIP! Stupid leprechauns always screwing up my story! LOL


That's part of how I write, though. Poor sentence flow, weak scenes, unnecessary characters, or if anything feels like a story thorn, I need backtrack and prune. And openings, those first sentences, that first paragraph, the first page are many times all you have to hook the reader.


Captain Parsley moonlighting as Batman ~ an interesting set up laced with humor. Sounds like it is going to be a ramped up and entertaining story. Hope she got her steak! And now I have another earworm ~~ David Lee Roth's Just A Gigolo is trolling my brain.

 

[JulieWeathers]

Errors are going to happen. I just had to remove the word hubris because it was 20 years prior to first known use. Bottom line: we do our best, but it's fiction and characterization and story are the heartbeat and soul of the story.


Memoirs and journals, although there may be inaccuracies, offer those great personal perspectives and glimpses into the past. Nineteenth-century periodicals are also excellent sources. It was a short Civil War-related passage in The Century Magazine -I think it was in the Century - that became the basis for a story about CW widows and a murder that takes place during battle (yes, the irony). That story tanked hard (twice) because historical, especially specs, don't break even, let alone turn a profit, but the greater sin–all female leads. Basically, the response was, we like the idea of a murder taking place during battle but nix the widows. Did it matter they were the foundation of the story? Nope. Just chuck them aside and do the battle thing. LOL


Books that have the "it" factor often center on deep dive characters and strong emotional narratives. It is a case of the feels and the reals. Such fiction, regardless of clichés, hinges on the author's ability to create a strong emotional tether that engages the reader. "Twilight" is a prime example of that book buzz and reader engagement.


And great advice to your friend, write what is in the heart–write the story you want. Don't chase trends because is trend is already over when it is trending.


Having a good posse is invaluable to a writer. I have a writing core where we can just lay it all out there, and be honest with one another without anyone getting offended ~ all levied with heavy doses of snark, riffing, and humor.


Without context or framing of the scene, my take-away is that the character of Imogene has a certain charisma that can be quiet persuasive with a smile and a come hither look in her eyes. What was the edit?

STBRD,

I am so very sorry for the delay. I've been up to my hips in stupid stuff trying to get the final edit done on Rain Crow. Then it was off to the publisher who found some problems both I and the editor missed. It's being typeset now and the appointment with cover people locked in. That was another fiasco.

Then another writer friend finished her opus, which is actually seven epic fantasy novels and asked me to beta read the last volumes again. It's been a true delight, but takes my focus elsewhere.

To your question. Imogene is one of my favorite characters and should the series proceed on, she will have a book of her own.

The edit: I took a class with Margie Lawson, who I recommend highly. One of them is Empowering Characters' Emotions. Margie is a talented and very knowledgable psychologist and really hammers home that characters be multi-facted. As Hemingway said, "Characters are cardboard. Create people in your stories." (paraphrased)

One part included in the course is "Miles of Smiles." I'm pretty sure it's this course, but if I recall correctly, smiles is in a few courses.

The lesson was to go through your WIP (work in progress) and pick out a boring smile, grin, smirk, and make it something special. I was taking the course with my fantasy writer friend, who writes like an angel anyway, but she decided to refresh her mind.

This was the passage I decided to work on:

Civilians crowded the provost's office, complaining about everything from the price of tea to a purloined house. The army possessed their businesses, their homes, and their lives. Our guide looked about for chairs, but none were to be had. "I'm sorry, ladies. I'll see if I can get someone to help you." He whispered to a harried aide who looked at us and nodded. Imogene turned to face the hapless man. Her very large, very blue eyes widened. Then she beamed her let-there-be-light smile on him, the one that made people think all their cares would melt away in her mere presence.

He returned a sunstruck smile that showed he was already a believer. They always were. "Yes, ma'am. How can I help?"

It started out with a boring, "she smiled at him." He returned a shy smile.

Seriously, that is about as exciting as dried horse apples.

I worked on some other smiles also, but this lesson was a week long I think. There was lots of tinkering and tossing away until I landed on the "let-there-be-light" smile. Then writer friend, who was my partner, suggested sunstruck for the returning smile.

I stopped fiddling.

I went back and adjusted a few other smiles:

Then, looking directly at Mr. Mondovi, who was mopping his forehead with a handkerchief, I smiled. It was a small, reptilian smile much as a snake might give while eyeing its dinner. One of the bankers squeaked. I didn't know which one and didn't care because I was about to eat them all alive with a side of grits.

The thing is, you can't do it too much or it starts to draw attention to itself. It's kind of like writers who twist themselves into pretzels avoiding "said." Sometimes plain and unobtrusive is best so the unusual can shine.

On to other things, I probably should have asked in advance, but I didn't. I put the forums here in the acknowledgements. I mostly lurk, but y'all have been invaluable to me and I cannot adequately express my gratitude.

I hope you have a great day, STBRD

Julie

 

[JulieWeathers]

At long last, The Rain Crow will be a reality. We're waiting on final edit from the editor who is going over the typeset version. Then off to Library of Congress and Kirkus Reviews. I don't post a lot here, but you all have made me feel so welcome and have been invaluable in answering some questions I had. I took the liberty of mentioning y'all in the acknowledgements. I hope no one minds.

 

[JulieWeathers]

I found a home here when I found y'all. I had belonged to a few other Civil War forums, but it was quickly apparent that only one side was "correct" and differing opinions would be soundly trounced.

Y'all have allowed vigorous discussions and maintained respect and civility, which I greatly appreciate.

I mentioned this forum in the acknowledgements because you deserve it tenfold.

I'd like to, if it's permissable, give away three copies here to anyone who might be interested.

It would be awesome if you could leave an HONEST review. If you like it, hooray. If you don't, say so, be honest.

Here is what you would be getting: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GDGNGYVN

The print version has been delayed, but the digital version will release Jan. 12.

Let me know if you'd like a copy and again, thank you so much for all your help.

 

[JulieWeathers]

OK, I changed my avatar to my book cover, but it occurs to me that it may be frowned on. Unauthorized advertizing or some such. If that isn't allowed or I need to pay a fee, please let me know.

Julie

 

[Stbrd]

At long last, The Rain Crow will be a reality. We're waiting on final edit from the editor who is going over the typeset version. Then off to Library of Congress and Kirkus Reviews. I don't post a lot here, but you all have made me feel so welcome and have been invaluable in answering some questions I had. I took the liberty of mentioning y'all in the acknowledgements. I hope no one minds.

View attachment 559154

Julie, I'm reading Rain Crow. The "telling of the bees" is such a great anchor to the scene. And on page 161, that paragraph about" the memories clinging to the tree" is beautiful writing.


I've been digging into CW research, trying to find documented history that would back up long-standing local rumors. Supposedly, there's an unmarked Civil War soldier burial ground somewhere between two known points. Plenty of people have heard about it, usually from parents or grandparents, but no one can pinpoint its location beyond "it's probably on the farm." At this point, if it does exist, I'm thinking the only way to find it might be to break out the Ovilus.


Per your prior posts, writing seven novels is quite an achievement, and wishing your friend the best of luck. The great thing is that fantasy remains strong, especially if it's a genre blend.


I totally agree, characters have to feel real and layered. I had a script optioned by an actor's production company (he's known for his intense performances and for playing one of the most iconic characters in film history), and it was eye-opening when it came to creating believable characters that tether. The development and rewrite meetings basically turned into a masterclass in building emotional layers, thinking in terms of triadic characterization, and understanding that the darkest moments, even in comedy, are what define character/story. The biggest takeaways? Let your characters be messy and raw. Don't hold back or write timidly. Use scene twists to lob story grenades and above all, stay true to the spark/soul of your story.

I'm always open to learning and picking up new ideas. From what I remember, Lawson offered affordable classes taught by those with real, hands-on experience. The problem is, there are a lot of "experts" out there hyping up a lot of empty. It's like an old medicine show, where a flood of books, videos, and courses are flagged as being the magic formula to the bestseller list and if a writer just follows this method, they will be on the Candyland fast track to success. Nor is there a 'one-size-fits-all' approach to writing. I'm a gumbo writer through-and-through. I do not plot or write in chronological order. The way I write would be utter chaos to another writer.

I am fascinated by how other people write and craft stories. From that first flash of an idea, all the way to the final draft, how do you get from A to Z, especially with historical? Do you front-load all the research and then write, or research as you write, and do you write with the market in mind?

Off to do some more research on a different project.

Congrats on your book, and I hope your writing is going well!

STBRD,

I am so very sorry for the delay. I've been up to my hips in stupid stuff trying to get the final edit done on Rain Crow. Then it was off to the publisher who found some problems both I and the editor missed. It's being typeset now and the appointment with cover people locked in. That was another fiasco.

Then another writer friend finished her opus, which is actually seven epic fantasy novels and asked me to beta read the last volumes again. It's been a true delight, but takes my focus elsewhere.

To your question. Imogene is one of my favorite characters and should the series proceed on, she will have a book of her own.

The edit: I took a class with Margie Lawson, who I recommend highly. One of them is Empowering Characters' Emotions. Margie is a talented and very knowledgable psychologist and really hammers home that characters be multi-facted. As Hemingway said, "Characters are cardboard. Create people in your stories." (paraphrased)

One part included in the course is "Miles of Smiles." I'm pretty sure it's this course, but if I recall correctly, smiles is in a few courses.

The lesson was to go through your WIP (work in progress) and pick out a boring smile, grin, smirk, and make it something special. I was taking the course with my fantasy writer friend, who writes like an angel anyway, but she decided to refresh her mind.

This was the passage I decided to work on:

Civilians crowded the provost's office, complaining about everything from the price of tea to a purloined house. The army possessed their businesses, their homes, and their lives. Our guide looked about for chairs, but none were to be had. "I'm sorry, ladies. I'll see if I can get someone to help you." He whispered to a harried aide who looked at us and nodded. Imogene turned to face the hapless man. Her very large, very blue eyes widened. Then she beamed her let-there-be-light smile on him, the one that made people think all their cares would melt away in her mere presence.

He returned a sunstruck smile that showed he was already a believer. They always were. "Yes, ma'am. How can I help?"

It started out with a boring, "she smiled at him." He returned a shy smile.

Seriously, that is about as exciting as dried horse apples.

I worked on some other smiles also, but this lesson was a week long I think. There was lots of tinkering and tossing away until I landed on the "let-there-be-light" smile. Then writer friend, who was my partner, suggested sunstruck for the returning smile.

I stopped fiddling.

I went back and adjusted a few other smiles:

Then, looking directly at Mr. Mondovi, who was mopping his forehead with a handkerchief, I smiled. It was a small, reptilian smile much as a snake might give while eyeing its dinner. One of the bankers squeaked. I didn't know which one and didn't care because I was about to eat them all alive with a side of grits.

The thing is, you can't do it too much or it starts to draw attention to itself. It's kind of like writers who twist themselves into pretzels avoiding "said." Sometimes plain and unobtrusive is best so the unusual can shine.

On to other things, I probably should have asked in advance, but I didn't. I put the forums here in the acknowledgements. I mostly lurk, but y'all have been invaluable to me and I cannot adequately express my gratitude.

I hope you have a great day, STBRD

Julie

Julie,

I'm reading Rain Crow. The "telling of the bees" is such a great anchor to the scene. And on page 161, that paragraph about" the memories clinging to the tree" is beautiful writing.


I've been digging into CW research, trying to find documented history that would back up long-standing local rumors. Supposedly, there's an unmarked Civil War soldier burial ground somewhere between two known points. Plenty of people have heard about it, usually from parents or grandparents, but no one can pinpoint its location beyond "it's probably on the farm." At this point, if it does exist, I'm thinking the only way to find it might be to break out the Ovilus.


Per your prior posts, writing seven novels is quite an achievement, and wishing your friend the best of luck. The great thing is that fantasy remains strong, especially if it's a genre blend.


I agree, characters have to feel real and layered. I had a script optioned by an actor's production company (he's known for his intense performances and for playing one of the most iconic characters in film history), and it was eye-opening when it came to creating believable characters that tether. The development and rewrite meetings basically turned into a masterclass in building emotional layers, thinking in terms of triadic characterization, and understanding that the darkest moments, even in comedy, are what define character/story. The biggest takeaways: Let your characters be messy and raw. Don't hold back or write timidly. Use scene twists to lob story grenades and above all, stay true to the spark/soul of your story.


I'm always open to learning and picking up new ideas. From what I remember, Lawson offered affordable classes taught by those with legit experience. The problem is, there are a lot of "experts" out there hyping up a lot of empty. It's like an old medicine show, where a flood of books, videos, and courses are flagged as being the magic formula to the bestseller list and if a writer just follows this method, they will be on the Candyland fast track to success. Nor is there a 'one-size-fits-all' approach to writing. I'm a gumbo writer through-and-through. I don't plot or write in chronological order and the way I write would be utter chaos to another writer.


But I love hearing how others write/craft stories. From that first flash of an idea, all the way to the final draft, how do you get from A to Z, especially with historical? Do you front-load all the research and then write, or research as you write, and do you write with the market in mind?


Congrats on your book, and I hope your writing is going well!

 

[Stbrd]

Ooops, the message double posted. Sorry about that. Not sure how that happened. I did a quick edit, but somehow both edited/unedited went through.

 

[JulieWeathers]

Julie, I'm reading Rain Crow. The "telling of the bees" is such a great anchor to the scene. And on page 161, that paragraph about" the memories clinging to the tree" is beautiful writing.


I've been digging into CW research, trying to find documented history that would back up long-standing local rumors. Supposedly, there's an unmarked Civil War soldier burial ground somewhere between two known points. Plenty of people have heard about it, usually from parents or grandparents, but no one can pinpoint its location beyond "it's probably on the farm." At this point, if it does exist, I'm thinking the only way to find it might be to break out the Ovilus.


Per your prior posts, writing seven novels is quite an achievement, and wishing your friend the best of luck. The great thing is that fantasy remains strong, especially if it's a genre blend.


I totally agree, characters have to feel real and layered. I had a script optioned by an actor's production company (he's known for his intense performances and for playing one of the most iconic characters in film history), and it was eye-opening when it came to creating believable characters that tether. The development and rewrite meetings basically turned into a masterclass in building emotional layers, thinking in terms of triadic characterization, and understanding that the darkest moments, even in comedy, are what define character/story. The biggest takeaways? Let your characters be messy and raw. Don't hold back or write timidly. Use scene twists to lob story grenades and above all, stay true to the spark/soul of your story.

I'm always open to learning and picking up new ideas. From what I remember, Lawson offered affordable classes taught by those with real, hands-on experience. The problem is, there are a lot of "experts" out there hyping up a lot of empty. It's like an old medicine show, where a flood of books, videos, and courses are flagged as being the magic formula to the bestseller list and if a writer just follows this method, they will be on the Candyland fast track to success. Nor is there a 'one-size-fits-all' approach to writing. I'm a gumbo writer through-and-through. I do not plot or write in chronological order. The way I write would be utter chaos to another writer.

I am fascinated by how other people write and craft stories. From that first flash of an idea, all the way to the final draft, how do you get from A to Z, especially with historical? Do you front-load all the research and then write, or research as you write, and do you write with the market in mind?

Off to do some more research on a different project.

Congrats on your book, and I hope your writing is going well!

Julie,

I'm reading Rain Crow. The "telling of the bees" is such a great anchor to the scene. And on page 161, that paragraph about" the memories clinging to the tree" is beautiful writing.


I've been digging into CW research, trying to find documented history that would back up long-standing local rumors. Supposedly, there's an unmarked Civil War soldier burial ground somewhere between two known points. Plenty of people have heard about it, usually from parents or grandparents, but no one can pinpoint its location beyond "it's probably on the farm." At this point, if it does exist, I'm thinking the only way to find it might be to break out the Ovilus.


Per your prior posts, writing seven novels is quite an achievement, and wishing your friend the best of luck. The great thing is that fantasy remains strong, especially if it's a genre blend.


I agree, characters have to feel real and layered. I had a script optioned by an actor's production company (he's known for his intense performances and for playing one of the most iconic characters in film history), and it was eye-opening when it came to creating believable characters that tether. The development and rewrite meetings basically turned into a masterclass in building emotional layers, thinking in terms of triadic characterization, and understanding that the darkest moments, even in comedy, are what define character/story. The biggest takeaways: Let your characters be messy and raw. Don't hold back or write timidly. Use scene twists to lob story grenades and above all, stay true to the spark/soul of your story.


I'm always open to learning and picking up new ideas. From what I remember, Lawson offered affordable classes taught by those with legit experience. The problem is, there are a lot of "experts" out there hyping up a lot of empty. It's like an old medicine show, where a flood of books, videos, and courses are flagged as being the magic formula to the bestseller list and if a writer just follows this method, they will be on the Candyland fast track to success. Nor is there a 'one-size-fits-all' approach to writing. I'm a gumbo writer through-and-through. I don't plot or write in chronological order and the way I write would be utter chaos to another writer.


But I love hearing how others write/craft stories. From that first flash of an idea, all the way to the final draft, how do you get from A to Z, especially with historical? Do you front-load all the research and then write, or research as you write, and do you write with the market in mind?


Congrats on your book, and I hope your writing is going well!

I'm so glad you're enjoying it. As writers, and you know this, we have some level of confidence that we got the story, but you wonder if others will. That goes along with, "Gah, I should have changed that."

The bees scene and those that go before were tough. You have to strike the right chord so you don't come off melodramatic. God save me from the swooning damsels.

Well, for me and Rain Crow, as I may have said before, I was writing for a game company whose foundation story starts in the Civil War. The CEO had me writing characters who would fit into the story. I was researching some things for the story and ran across Hetty Cary. She just kept walking around in my head, but I didn't want to make her a game character. I talked to Travis, the CEO about it and he just laughed. "That means she wants you to write her story."

"Her story is so sad it would make a terrible novel."

"Then use her story as the base and go from there."

That's what I did. I had originally intended to go all the way through the war with the series, but I'm not sure now. Civil War novels with a Southern slant are a tough sell these days. Still, I have enough already written to almost complete a second book, so we'll see.

As for the method. I have to make a timeline with historical events, characters, special notes. IE The Carrington Event takes place in 1859. I'm going to use it, but I have to reference it in a past event because you can't move things like that.

After I have my spine, I can start filling in what my make believe people are doing. Baron serves with Lee in Texas, so he has to closely follow Lee's timeline.

That being said, this is fiction. It's not a text book. I have had to change some things and some people.

I would no longer recommend any of Lawson's classes. She has some very serious events going on in her life and she's not teaching. I think some of the other teachers are and are excellent. Also, a person can always buy the class plans, which are a gold mine. Empowering Characters' Emotions is especially good.

TheLitforum.com is a good place for writers and readers to hang out.

Oops forgot to answer this: But I love hearing how others write/craft stories. From that first flash of an idea, all the way to the final draft, how do you get from A to Z, especially with historical? Do you front-load all the research and then write, or research as you write, and do you write with the market in mind?

If I researched it all before I wrote, I would never pick up a quill. I have to know the basis for what and where I'm going, but I'll fill things in as I go. Y'all helped me fix some plot holes here where I had conflicting information.

Even with historical, I'm a chunk writer. If something triggers a scene, I write it. Several bits to do with a battle were written long before that happened. I dreamed one scene and got up immediately and wrote it.

I would never write to the market. By the time your book gets to market the faire has moved. Write what you care about.

I have a high fantasy that's with the editor now. The women's fiction is nearly done. Then, I am back to historical. Heavy research there again. Maybe I'll work on two historicals at the same time. The Rain Crow sequel is nudging me. I'm ignoring it so far.
What happened to your script?

How is your other writing going? I'd like to hear how it's progressing...or not.

Again, thank you.

Julie