Day Dreaming in My KItchen

By Keith Fisher

Back in the late nineteen-eighties I started recording movies and special programs from television. In the back of my mind I imagined a condition where, for some reason we couldn’t get television reception. I would have plenty of things to see as long as the VCR worked.

We now live in a more high tech world. We have DVD and digital television. In our house we have many television sets, (All analog). Three are connected to a box that converts from digital. The others sit idol. I never realized how much I depended on a TV signal in the kitchen while making dinner. Now that signal is gone, I miss it.

While making lunch the other day, I watched one of those videos I mentioned, and I remembered my thoughts on having videotapes to watch because there is no TV. I never realized there were so many great shows in the past. I’ve found a new way of procrastinating.

I turned on a Bonanza TV movie, while making breakfast and sat there in my kitchen for two hours. (I had to see how it came out, didn’t I?) Anyway I watched a character that showed me an object lesson.

The character, played by Dirk Blocker, is a newspaperman. Even though he hates violence, he continually puts himself into harms way. An intriguing story piques his interest and he has to find the facts.

When I’m writing, I often feel like that Dirk’s character. I let my protagonist lead me into uncertain places and outcomes. I have to see where the story can go. Like the Bonanza character, I get into trouble and have to start over. Sometimes I fall into a hole and I need help to get out. That’s when my critique group throws me a rope.

Even with the holes, I prefer to let my characters take me on a journey. Like the movie I watched I have to find out how my story ends.

Good luck with your writing—see you next week.

Kung Fu...YOU!

by G.Parker

One of my family's favorite movies right now is Kung Fu Panda. Watching it the other night, I felt a little bit of déjà vu. Although I've seen it several times, this was the first time I'd seen parallels to another movie. You may think I'm stretching it, but it felt like we were watching a remake of the tale of Anakin Skywalker -- the sad story of the promising young apprentice with darkness inside that becomes the evil he was trained to fight.

We've all heard that every story has already been written, but there are different versions waiting to be told. What I find intriguing is how differently we can tell the same thing. And while I thought that part of the movie interesting, the part I wanted to dwell or expound on was the moral of the tale.

There is no secret ingredient.

In associating this with writing, what I'm trying to say is all of us write in our own unique way. Whether it's the time of day we write, how long we write, writing in spurts or consistently, we all write differently. Many successful writers offer their "secrets", but what works for them might not work for us.

One of the men in my critique group wrote his first novel getting up early in the morning and writing each day before work. He felt driven -- he never had to use an alarm, he just woke up and started writing. That would never work for me -- I have a hard time crawling out of bed at 7:30, let alone 6 am. I do write better in the morning as a general rule, but I find that set times and routines don't always work for me.

What I want to say is take heart in your uniqueness. You are special. What you write is definitely yours, despite the fact it may resemble something that has been written before -- it still has your twist on it.

Go to it, and may the Force be with you.

On My Way to the Ball

By Nichole Giles

Time: 1:52 A.M.
Date: August 6, 2009
Reason: Because I should be in bed and refuse to succumb to exhaustion without first writing a blog.
Tomorrow’s destination: LDSBA

Today, even as you read this, friends, authors, and artists might find me at the LDS bookseller’s convention in Sandy, UT. I’ve never been to this particular gathering, but I hear it should be fun. The difference—I’m told—between this convention and others I’ve attended is that I won’t be sitting in classes and learning about my writing craft. Instead, I’ll be milling around, looking at booths and representations of all the many LDS publishing and production companies, and meeting with the authors and artists they represent.

Sounds interesting, right? And a little bit scary.

Come on, it’s always a little scary to try something new. To attempt to put myself out there and promote myself as an author—albeit a not quite published one.

I’ve been giving a lot of thought lately to lots of scary things in life. Things we probably don’t want to do, but should. Like telling someone the truth, even when you know they might be angry. Or maybe standing in a room full of strangers and finding the courage to offer your hand and say, “Hi, my name is Nichole.” That’ll be me tomorrow.

And what’s more, I’ll be handing out a flier in that offered hand, and maybe a sales pitch as I attempt to get the word out about a book that won’t actually be printed until December. And I don’t love sales. But I’ll do this, because it needs to be done, and if I don’t, who else will?

That’s what it comes down to for us. If we don’t write that story in our heads, no one else will ever do it. Ever. And if we don’t suck in our fear and learn to interact with other authors, editors, and publishers, we might lose opportunities to make valuable connections that will help us along the road to publication.

What we write and how is the most important thing, but as in any other business, who you know is sometimes a close second. That’s not to say that knowing the right person will get you a big book deal or an agent, but more to say that the more people with whom you interact, the better your chances of meeting the person who could make a difference one way or another.

Or at least, that’s my hope. So, tonight, I’m going to bed because tomorrow, I’m off to the ball…er, uh, I mean convention. Now, if only I could figure out what to wear…

Using More Than Words

By C. LaRene Hall

Some people write with words and others use other means. While on vacation, we came across an out-of-the-way place where the artist used rocks to show what he saw. It was most unusual and yet, although I'm not talented in that way, I could almost see some of the things depicted. This place was located in Montana and wasn't a long ways off the freeway, and was called Pathway Through the Bible.

I took pictures of everything I saw, and since the stories are familiar, I have to show you some of them. Maybe you can see some of the things he saw.

Adam & Eve

Mount Ararat

Lot's wife

I could never do something like this, instead I’d rather sit in front of the computer, or put pen to paper. I don’t have the talent to pile rocks on top of one another, but I have to admit this certainly took talent and lots of time. Any building I do will have to be on paper with the written word.

He Muttered, She Spluttered

The Story of Edgar and Belinda
By Darvell Hunt

“Oh, Edgar, I think I love you!” Belinda spluttered.

“Belinda, I’m no good for you. I’m too dangerous,” Edgar communicated.

“Will you meet me in the clearing after school today, Edgar? I want to make out!” chuckled Belinda.

“I really don’t want to play baseball today, if that’s what you mean. You could just die if I looked too harshly at you, you know,” Edgar warned. “I’m just too powerful.”

“Do you like motorcycles?” questioned Belinda.

“Why can’t I hear what you’re thinking, Belinda?” Edgar pondered.

“I think I like motorcycles,” Belinda clamored.

“I’d just die if you died,” Edgar reported.

“I love the thrill of riding a motorbike with the wind blowing all around me,” Belinda exploded.

“I’d kill myself if you died, like Romeo did when Juliet died,” Edgar growled.

“Ever tried cliff diving, Edgar?” Belinda queried.

“Just like Romeo, I’d try to kill Paris if he wanted to kiss Juliet,” Edgar expressed. “Did you ever see that movie An American Werewolf in Paris?”

“I like trucks, especially old ones that have the radios ripped out and get terrible gas mileage,” Belinda gushed.

“I hate werewolves. They’re scary!” Edgar muttered. “And they stink, too.”

“Biology class is boring, don’t you think? I learned all that stuff at my last school already,” Belinda stated.

“Do you know how old I am?” Edgar stuttered. “I’m older than you think!”

“I felt so ugly at my last school. Nobody liked me there,” Belinda admitted. “It’s nice here. Everybody wants to be my boyfriend. I’m not sure why. I’m the popular plain girl.”

“Arrghh, I’m dangerous!” Edgar cried.

“How come you have a kitchen table in your kitchen, but no beds in your bedrooms?” Belinda verbalized.

“Oh, I’m so dangerous, I could crack you like a twig,” Edgar grimaced. “But I’d never do that. I’ll kill myself before I did that.”

“You sure go camping a lot,” Belinda whispered.

“I can run faster than a cheetah and climb trees like the ninja masters in Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon,” Edgar expounded.

“Exactly what color of eyes DO you have, anyway?” Belinda twirped.

“Oh, but I sure do love you, Belinda,” Edgar yammered.

“Huh? Oh. Yah,” Belinda hollered. “Me too. Right back atcha!”

They embraced and kissed, but Edgar accidentally bit her lip.

Triple Threat


By Ali Cross

Recently, I had the opportunity to hear Candace E. Salima, founder of Valor Publishing Group, speak to a group of authors about professionalism. Ms. Salima counseled the writers to be professional now, even if their books won’t be out until later.

“You have to be able to speak about yourself and your books,” Mrs. Salima said.

She recommended that if any author feels insecure speaking about themselves or their books, that they enroll in a local Toastmasters chapter and perfect these skills before their books are published.

I’ve heard much said about the importance of building a following, of having a website, and even a blog. Nicole Giles wrote an excellent article about branding and finding your ‘look’ so that you can feel more confident when seen in the public forum.

However, until Ms. Salima spoke about Toastmasters, I hadn’t really considered the importance of the entire package.

As writers we know our checklist:

• Come up with a great idea for a story.
• Write said excellent story.
• Find a publisher for your story.

But now I think there’s more to it than that:

• Decide who you are as a writer, your schtik, as it were.
• Begin to dress/act/live like a professional writer.
• Become utterly comfortable with your ability to speak about yourself and your book in the public forum.
  

As writers, we naturally love the written word. All the steps that involve us building a following, developing our stories, and finding homes for them are perhaps easier for us to tackle because they involve writing.

I think it’s rather common for us to fear live interviews and presentations—all the more reason to work on those skills now so that when you do become a popular author, you are the total package.

You’ve probably heard the term Triple Threat—in sports it denotes a trio of excellent players who work together to provide the ultimate challenge for their opponents. In musical theater, it refers to the person who can not only sing, but act and dance as well.

We need to be Triple Threat writers.

We need to be able to Publish an excellent work of literature. Present ourselves in a professional and appealing manner. And Promote ourselves and our work.

If you’re serious about your writing career, considering becoming a Triple Threat. Use the checklist from above, and see if there are areas you could strengthen now, in preparation for your amazing success later.

Getting it to Sink in

By Keith Fisher

Congratulate me. Last week I finished writing my current work in process. This week, I edited it, and started re-writing several segments because my critique group felt a character needed different motivation.

Also this week, I got word from a publisher. Because they have a similar project in house, they passed on the publication of my book, My Brother’s Keeper. The editor said some very nice things about it, and I took that as affirmation.

I didn’t go into a tailspin, which shows I’m learning. I quietly submitted it to another publisher. Wish me good luck. The story is very LDS. So, if it gets rejected, I would have to re-write the whole thing for the national market, or put it in a drawer.

I’ve decided to hop on the bandwagon and talk about critiques again. I belong to several groups. I am the only male member of a group that meets weekly. I’m also the most inept at providing help for my fellow writers. But I do my best to contribute something worthwhile.

Another group is this blog. We look at each other’s work and offer suggestions. But I never seem to get there in time to offer assistance. I am repenting of this, and my ineptness.

In my Real Time group, I bring a chapter every week and put the red marks aside until I finish writing the book. Then, during my edits and re-writes, I go through the valuable red marks my friends have graciously provided.

I call these red marks valuable, because of the diamond like influence those gems, have on my story. Whether it’s a capital in the wrong place, or repeated words. It could be redundant sentences, or things that don’t make sense. Some of the red marks add commas some take commas out. Because of the ineptness I mentioned, I’m sure my pages receive more red marks than others.

While going through the red marks this week, I noticed something fascinating. In my drafting, I had already changed some of the corrections. It means that I am learning. Then the thought occurred, there are several things that my mind refuses to learn. I still capitalize in places I shouldn’t. I add "that" and other pet words, and the repetitive words make me sick.

So I offer this suggestion, get out of the trap. Learn from your mistakes and reprogram the onboard computer in your head. Get it to sink in. Become a better writer.

Another thing I’ve noticed in my re-writes is, I really am a better writer than I was in the first chapters. So, I’m learning. I just hope people will endure with me long enough for me to grow. And please, my friends, have patience with my procrastination. I promise I will be a better critique buddy.

Good luck with your writing—see you next week.

The Best for Last

by G.Parker

Since any talk about our founding fathers would have to include George Washington, I touch upon him lightly because he is well known and I was trying to mention those who are a little less on the tip of the tongue. There is one thing that I didn't know about the man -- he had a list of 110 Rules of Civility. They are kind of interesting, and I recommend the reading of them.

However, the men I have spotlighted haven't necessarily been in that order (we all know Benjamin Franklin) but I'm hoping to enlighten as well as to inspire. These men were generally greatly educated and willing to expound upon their thoughts and feelings. One such was Patrick Henry.



I knew the line for which he is famous, but I wasn't entirely sure of the name. Now I know I won't forget it. I think sometimes, that extreme times bring about deep feelings and great passion. Such is happening now, and the same such happened at the birth of our nation. As we close the month of July, let us who desire to add our note to history through the written word take note of those who came before and model our desires after them. They were not in things to make money from their writings, they were trying to shape a nation. Many of them suffered as a result of their choices, along with their families. But we stand today in this land of freedom, and know that we have been given a gift. A wonderful gift that I hope we never squander.

Mr. Henry:
It is in vain, sir, to extenuate the matter. Gentlemen may cry, Peace, Peace-- but there is no peace. The war is actually begun! The next gale that sweeps from the north will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms! Our brethren are already in the field! Why stand we here idle? What is it that gentlemen wish? What would they have? Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!

Working Writers and Oxymorons

By Nichole Giles

Lately, it seems to me like the terms working and writing become more and more of a contradiction. First, when you tell someone you have work to do, and then sit down to start a chapter or edit a book—they automatically assume that your work can wait while you write. (Because, as we all well know, writing isn’t actually working, right? Or is it?)

Thus, these same people have trouble understanding why making a word count or chapter conclusion goal is a pressing matter. (And while we’re at it, can’t we just whip that thing out and be done with it?) Says the person, “You can’t drop what you’re doing to babysit extra kids? But…you’re home. It’s easy to babysit while you write since you aren’t actually doing anything.”

Or are you?

Do we treat our writing as work? I think in order to actually do much of it, we have to. There will be times when we have to feel like the bad guy and actually say, “No, I’m sorry, I have work to do,” when someone asks to infringe on our precious writing time. And though the feelings of extended family members or close friends may be hurt, or misunderstandings ensue, at some point it becomes a necessity for us to stand our ground.

Just because some people perceive our writing as a fun hobby doesn’t mean that’s all it really is. For most of us, writing is a calling, a life path, and hopefully, someday, a career.

But how do we make those around us understand our need to write? This absolute hunger that eats away at our hearts and brains to tell stories in the way only we can?

I think first we have to convince ourselves. This is why it’s important to set aside specific times to write, and treat those times the same way we’d treat a job, sport practice, or other regular commitment. It may take some adjustment, and will definitely require some sacrifice from us and our families, but in the end, if we keep at it, the rest of the world will come to understand that writing is work—and that it requires love and dedication, as does any other job in the world.

That doesn’t mean you won’t still be asked to give up your time, but perhaps people will be understanding when you have to tell them no.

I believe this, and yet, find it hard to say the words writing and working in the same sentence. Because while writing really is a lot of work, most of the time it’s so enjoyable or massages such a need that it really feels more like recreation.

Are the words ‘working writer’ an oxymoron for everyone or is it just me? And if it really is that, then why do I so often avoid it, only to give up sleep so I can give into the need?

Hey, I never claimed to be normal. Working or not, I’m a writer. Yes, I am.

Vacations are like Writing

By C. LaRene Hall

As we planned our vacation this year to Yellowstone, I had no idea that several friends would also go there this summer. The reports of what they saw, and the things they did are different from the experiences I had. To me that’s just like writing. Even when several people write about the same thing, the story is always different.

Some of them didn’t see buffalo, but we saw many – some alone and others in herds covering hills as far as you could see. I was surprised that despite signs warning you not to approach the huge bison – people ignored the warnings and there were almost as many people on the hills as wild beasts.

One friend saw bears, but we saw none of those cute cuddly creatures. I know most people think they are scary, but not me. We did see elk, and even mule deer.

While cruising on the Yellowstone River we saw an eagle on an island. I loved the geysers, but my favorite thing was the breathtaking waterfalls. Although the roaring rivers and rapids were frightening, their beauty was inspiring.

Three days in Yellowstone was not nearly enough time to see and do all the things available. It seems that when you are younger and have more energy to hike, you don’t have the time or means to go for long periods. Instead, you have family and job obligations. Now that I have plenty of time, I lack the energy to hike for hours even though it means I may be able to see another waterfall. Maybe I’ll just sit by a quiet lake and write.

Give and You Shall Receive

By Ali Cross

In life, it never pays to be selfish and egocentric. The same goes for our writing careers. Every good writer relies on the help of others—to read, review, critique and offer suggestions for improvement. I’ve read books, and I’m sure you have too, that obviously did not enjoy this careful attention prior to publication and the book suffers for it.

A truly great novel typically becomes so because a group of people worked tirelessly to make it the best it could be.

However, your writing does not happen in a vacuum. If you expect others to help you perfect your work, then you must be prepared to give, not only to receive.

I belong to an online critique group and we have the rule that for every one piece of work you submit for evaluation, you commit to critique three more. So for every one of yours, you read three other submissions. This way, we avoid the lopsidedness that is bound to occur when you have prolific writers paired with less active ones.

It might seem like a big inconvenience to read others’ work when you’re focused on your own and you have a timetable that motivates you to complete your project. However, in critiquing others’ work, your own writing can only benefit.

Critiquing others’ work can be likened to an Olympic gymnast. The gymnast not only works tirelessly on her gymnastic skills, but she also does Pilates to improve core strength and balance. She takes ballet to improve grace and encourage long and appealing lines. These extra activities are not readily apparent when the gymnast is performing her routine, but they are invaluable to her overall talent and ability.

The same is true for your efforts as a critiquer—it will only make you a better writer.

Put aside your frustration or reluctance when a fellow writer asks you to critique their work. Not only will you likely benefit from the same favor on your behalf in the future, but your talent and skill will shine as a result.

A Drawer Full of Memories

By Keith Fisher

While searching for a lost something the other day. I pulled on my center desk drawer. It decided to be free, and came all the way out. I sat there, with the desk contents on the floor, and threw my hands in the air. I needed to go to bed, so I left it.

It was still there this morning, when I went to post my blog. The drawer lay on the floor with the contents strung all over. I sat and stared at the mess. It was kind of like those I Spy books we give to kids, only I was reliving memories with each object I spied. I looked at the Dutch oven tag from the Japanese Dutch Oven Society, expensive pens I haven’t seen for a long time, Dutch oven hat-pins, and a miniature sword letter opener.

Of course there were stamps and checkbooks, Drafting tools and colored pencils. The charcoal pens I used to make headstone rubbings on our trip to Pennsylvania were there. As well as old hunting and fishing licenses, Keys, and spare change. I found the whistle that was given to me by Chuck-A-Rama restaurants in a Dutch oven cook off. I wondered where that went. The one thing that grabbed my attention most, however, was the old Duty to God Award.

When I was a teenager in the early seventies, it wasn’t cool to get merit badges in scouts or work on any thing like a Duty to God Award. It was cool to skip church, break the word of wisdom, and go inactive. Consequently, I never received a Duty to God Award.

After I got married, I rode my bicycle for exercise. I was riding one day, about 14-years ago, and found an On My Honor Award lying in the street. It is givento Deacons who are on their way to Duty TO God and it had obviously been discarded because of the way it lay in the road. Someone had even driven over it with an automobile.

I picked it up and took it home. Every time I examined it, I was intrigued. What would make someone throw it away? It seemed pretty callous considering I foolishly never received one. I had served an honorable mission and wished I had remained righteous and pure through my teenage years. Someone had, and they were discarding that.

The Duty to God Award is now a medallion, but back when I was that age, the award was a real medal, with a pin for attaching to a scout uniform, like the Eagle award.

The Duty to GOD Award, coveted by me, stands symbolic of a committed soul. A soul, that puts God first in his life. I keep the award I found, as a reminder to be, that committed soul. Perhaps my desk drawer is not the best place to keep it. I think I’ll hang it above my computer so it can remind me.

Now, the part about writing, my desk drawer is a great analogy of the editing process. Sometimes it’s hard to get the story right. We search, and search, for that one little flaw. "Why doesn’t it work?" we ask. We start pulling on the drawer by tightening the sentences. Still, there is something wrong. So we pull harder.

Like my drawer, we end up with our story all over the floor. Editing and tweaking are essential to a good story, but it can be overdone. Recently, I tweaked a chapter before taking it to critique group. When I got it home, I noticed one of the suggestions was to change something back to the way I had it before. My group didn’t know that, but they all agreed.

There is a time to quit editing and step back. Give it to someone else to read, while you work on your new project. Don’t pull too hard on that drawer handle.

Good luck with your writing---see you next week.

Happy Pioneer Day!

by G.Parker

I had thought to spotlight one of the early pioneers for this Pioneer Day edition, but in looking up names and information, I decided it was too difficult a proposition. Brigham Young has volumes of discourses, many of which are controversial, so I avoided those. There are many others, but it's difficult in my time frame to find writing by them. I was tempted by Ezra T. Benson, the grandfather of our own prophet, Ezra Taft Benson. The grandfather was an amazing early apostle, but I haven't been able to find anything written other than his autobiography, which was much the same things we've read of other members of the early church. He didn't elaborate on the pilgrimage west, and I wasn't able to find anything about the early days of Utah with regard to him, so I ended up with nothing to share for this great day.

So -- it ends up back to our founders. But this got me thinking. Were not our founding fathers pioneers in their own way? They pioneered free thinking and enabled our great country to get it's its start, so I feel continuing on with these great men does no disservice to our ancestors. I'm sure they would agree.

The person I ended up picking was John Jay. You have probably heard of him, there's a college named after him and he was Chief Justice on the supreme court. Amazing. But -- I hadn't heard of him before.

Though my education may be lacking, I hope yours is not, and that these writings are somewhat familiar to you. They were very interesting for me to read. This is a quote from The Federalist Papers, which he co-wrote with James Madison and Alexander Hamilton.

It has often given me pleasure to observe that independent America was not composed of detached and distant territories, but that one connected, fertile, widespreading country was the portion of our western sons of liberty. Providence has in a particular manner blessed it with a variety of soils and productions, and watered it with innumerable streams, for the delight and accommodation of its inhabitants. A succession of navigable waters forms a kind of chain round its borders, as if to bind it together; while the most noble rivers in the world, running at convenient distances, present them with highways for the easy communication of friendly aids, and the mutual transportation and exchange of their various commodities.

With equal pleasure I have as often taken notice that Providence has been pleased to give this one connected country to one united people--a people descended from the same ancestors, speaking the same language, professing the same religion, attached to the same principles of government, very similar in their manners and customs, and who, by their joint counsels, arms, and efforts, fighting side by side throughout a long and bloody war, have nobly established general liberty and independence.

This country and this people seem to have been made for each other, and it appears as if it was the design of Providence, that an inheritance so proper and convenient for a band of brethren, united to each other by the strongest ties, should never be split into a number of unsocial, jealous, and alien sovereignties.


I thought this was an interesting passage, considering it's July, and we are struggling as a nation (I believe) right now. I also noted that he said this nation had common ancestors, spoke the same language, etc. That is not the America we know today, nor was it much after that time. I noticed his language is not as 'flowery' as some of the others, though it seems as educated. I get the feeling that this man was more contemporary, a 'mans man' as it were.

Regardless, I hope that you have the chance to read more about him and get to know yet another person who helped shape this nation we are privileged to live in today.



Pioneer Day is a state holiday for Utah -- in case you do not live here. We have a big parade, picnics and fireworks at night. It's a great family day and we take this time to honor those who came before.

In honoring those great men, we also honor the founders of our country and note that many people gave much for the lives we live today. Enjoy your freedom.

One Sentence at a Time

By Nichole Giles

The other day one of my online writing groups got into a discussion about time, and how impossible it sometimes is to have even a few minutes a day to write. One person lamented that the demands of family, full time job, church callings, and household duties wouldn’t allow much spare time. The question asked was, “How do I even start my next novel with no time?”

Of course, then the rest of us chimed in with similar frustrations. Because, let’s face it, this is the life of a writer.

But the discussion that ensued got me thinking. When do we find time? And how? And then, when we finally have twenty minutes to devote to our beloved computer, what does it take to get those words out onto the page before our time runs out?

Well, the last thing on the list requires discipline. If you read my blog from last week, you know how hard it is for me to stay away from my email (all my friends are in there!) and blog reading. But even worse, when I finally do find a minute, I end up staring at the blank page for ¾ of my allotted time. Then I end up wondering how I had so many great ideas an hour ago when I was driving my kids around, but now can’t figure out how to get them into the story. It’s frustrating, I tell ya!

And the how? Well, I’m right now reading a book called “Organize Your Life” by Marie Ricks (Review yet to come on my personal blog). She gives a lot of great ideas on how to squeeze the most time out of your day. But in my world, you just can’t plan everything. No matter how hard I try, it just doesn’t work. So what do we do?

The truth is we find the time to write whenever we can. Even if we’re jotting down a line or two in a notebook as we’re waiting to pick our kids up from practice, or school, or the orthodontist. We allow our story to sit in the back of our minds, swirling, fermenting, gelling, until a great idea leaps forth—and then we do our best to capture it. Hopefully, when that happens, we have a notebook or other recording device handy, but if not, we try to stick it on a post-it in our brain and not let it go until we find some way to write it down. (I won’t take the time to lecture us all about the merits of always having a notebook handy.)

Though it’s hard to admit, sometimes, this is how novels get written. One sentence at a time. My friend Rachelle Christensen reminded me of that today. Even on the worst of days we can usually come up with one sentence. If we make that our goal, we’ll be able to go to bed at night knowing that we’ve made some progress—however small. And that eventually, those sentences will add up to become an entire book.

And though it might seem like a turtle’s way of moving, the forward momentum will continue. Sometimes, we have to take a moment to breathe, write one sentence, and at the end of the day remember that we did what we could, and it’s good enough for now.

My novel will get written, however long it takes. What about yours?

Recipe for Writing

By C. LaRene Hall

This week while looking for a recipe I decided that “Writing” is much like a recipe – you need the proper ingredients in the correct order to make it work. If you follow the instructions, the chance of your product turning out is greater than if you fail to follow the guidelines. You have to follow each step, in the exact procedure outlined, and not leave something out.


Of course, when you are making cookies you do use a lot of the same stuff each time. Have you ever stopped to think about how many different chocolate chip cookie recipes there are in the world? No one makes them the same way, but most of them start the same. If you asked 10 people to each bring chocolate chips cookies to a party, none of them would look or taste the same. Nearly all of them would have the same ingredients, plus a few other things.

1. Flour
2. Sugar
3. Salt
4. Baking soda
5. Eggs
6. Vanilla
7. Chocolate Chips

The ingredients used in making chocolate chip cookies are as different as the way a person writes a book. No two people write the same, but every book has to have a plot and characters. Your setting will be different from what someone else will write. The way you write dialogue will not be like anyone else would do it. Every writer has their own unique style of writing, but you all have to use the same seven components in your stories.

1. Plot
2. Characters
3. Setting
4. Dialogue
5. Point of View
6. Theme
7. Style

As in making chocolate chip cookies, you can’t leave any of the ingredients out or your cookies will fail. The same is true with writing – you need all of the above components to have a good story.

Totally Awesome SuperMayor!

By Darvell Hunt

One of my neighbors is running for mayor of my city. He's an interesting fellow that some of you may know—or at least think you do from his media coverage. There's a lot more to him than what you see on the local TV news.

See: Dell Schanze to Run for Mayor of Saratoga Springs.

I find it curious that so many people are interested in this guy and his politics and other activities, which you can't fail to see on the news every so often, unless, of course, you don' have a TV or you don't live in Utah.

You can't argue that he's a popular figure in Utah. Whether you like him or not, if you know him or have heard of him, you probably have an opinion about him.

How does this relate to writing? Good question. I was just waiting for you to ask.

People buy books for many reasons. To be entertained, to learn new things, or to understand why their friends liked a book so much to recommend it. I don't claim to begin to explain Dell Schanze's fame, or infamy, however you see it, but you must admit one thing: the people of Utah know him.

I would love that sort of attention for my books. They say there's no such thing as bad publicity, and while I don't think that is totally true, there's something to be said for somebody who can get himself in the spotlight, like SuperDell can do.

Dell Schanze knows how to draw attention to himself, whether he tries to do it or not. I'm not sure if that means that I have to have to dislocate my jaw to form a big grin, have a hip flat-top hairdo, or have a slogan like "Totally Awesome!", but if it does, well, perhaps it's worth giving it a try. It cetainly seems to be working for him.

Joy in the Journey

By Ali Cross

Right now I’m writing like a madwoman. I am thoroughly infused with enthusiasm for my work and I’m accomplishing a lot. It’s fantastic and I wish it could be this way all the time.

If you asked me, I’d tell you I’m working this hard because an editor has asked for some changes with the possibility that the publisher might be interested in my book. But, really? We should always be this enthusiastic about our writing.

Why can’t we always write with the expectation that someone will want to publish our story? Isn’t that the point of what we’re doing anyway? Except, I don’t think we—or at least I—usually think of it that way.

I tend to think thoughts like I hope someone else will love my book as much as I do. Or, I just need to find someone who will believe in my story. When maybe the cold hard truth is, we don’t always believe in our stories ourselves.

Oh, we believe in them to an extent, otherwise we wouldn’t be writing them. But I think maybe we constantly doubt ourselves, fearing that perhaps what seems like brilliance when we’re at our computers, won’t hold up in the light of day—namely on a bookstore shelf.

As soon as someone with any clout validates our work, we gush with pride and, like I’m experiencing now, we take increased satisfaction in what we’re writing. It’s easy then, because someone likes us, someone wants to read our work.

But writing is mostly countless lonely hours where all we have is our imagination, our dedication and our hope to keep us company. What I suggest, is that we have more faith in what we’re doing day by day. Write today, with the belief, the knowledge, that what you are creating will one day be adored. Write with the expectation that someone with clout will love your work.

I would like to retain this enthusiasm even beyond my current situation. I don’t want to have to rely on someone else to infuse my heart with this joy in my work. I have a gift, yes I choose to believe it’s a gift, and this gift has a purpose. And, I believe it’s possible to experience joy in the journey—not just at the end when we’re sitting in front of a stack of our books signing copies for happy fans. No, even in the dark of night when we sit up late typing away, we can have joy.

You have a gift. Cherish it. Use it. And by all means, enjoy it.

Goodnight Harry

By Keith Fisher
I Saw, Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince on Tuesday night. My daughter and I stood/sat in line for the midnight showing on opening day. It was our daddy/daughter date, and I wanted her to have the experience of being in an opening night movie.

We left about ten-thirty, thinking we would be first in line. Yeah, I know what you’re thinking. When I turned the corner into the Riverwoods development, the sheer numbers of humanity shocked us. Finding a parking space wasn’t easy, but at least we didn’t have to go to borders.

People lined the building. They extended into the parking lot and up the street. The theatre worker on the corner asked us what time our tickets said. I told him, and he directed me to the line up the road.

By the time they let us inside, there was no rhyme or reason to the lines. They picked a line and started with them. Yeah, you guessed it---we were last. Theatre assignments were given according to ticket show time. We walked into our theatre, and all the seats were taken. We sat in the middle, on the extreme front row.

I watched conversations happen with Harry on one side of the screen, and Ron on the other. I literally had to turn my body to watch the other one say his bit. It gave a whole new meaning to the term, following a conversation.

So how was the movie? You ask. After the last two movies and all they had to leave out in the translation from book to movie, I thought they would make the last books into two movies each. There was a ton of relevant stuff left out. I wonder how anyone, who hasn’t read the book, could follow the movie. Also leaving out scenes that touched our hearts in the final pages of the book was lame. I hope they show us those scenes at the beginning of the next movie.

I’m told they did The Deathly Hallows in two movies and I’m glad. I just wish they had done that in earlier movies.

As for the film, it’s nice to see another one. But I suspect the die-hard fans will be disappointed. The cheers and applause was deafening when the movie started. When it was over, surprisingly little applause could be heard. I heard a few disparaging remarks mostly about scenes that were missed.

As for standing in line at midnight to see a movie, I think I’ll grow up. I say, “Goodnight harry. I’ll watch you at a better time.” Although it was fun to listen to the college kids talk. I learned about how to write characters of that age. As a younger man, I stood in line for many a Star Trek premier. I loved the movies (I think), because I hadn’t read a book before. Maybe those who didn’t read will love the movie.

Personally, I got more out of the television special about JK Rowling a couple of days later. It showed (a little) of what it’s like to be an author. However, I wish they’d shown the edit/rewrite process, and how painful that can be. The program gave the impression that writing is a piece of cake when it’s really a lot of hard work. I did see something that touched me, and I will end this blog on that note.

The show was a collection of clips taken over the year in Rowling’s life when she was finishing Deathly hallows. They took sequestered video that would not be released until after the release of the book. There was a scene when we saw her finishing edits on the final pages. Non writers would think she was writing the book, but they showed us her computer screen, and I noticed she added sentences and took things out.

When she finished the last edit. She turned to her interviewer and smiled. She said it’s done and immediately grew sad. Her thoughts were about those who would not like it. Try as she might, she couldn’t please everyone.

There are many lessons to be learned by that. One I would point out is we can’t expect everyone to like our book. There will be some that just don’t get it, but if we listen to our characters and write what we feel, it will be as it should be.

Good luck with your writing---see you next week

The Path Less Trod

by G.Parker

In looking at the writers of our early nation, I chose some that I thought I knew. As I read about them and their passions, I have grown to respect them even more. This week, I'm spotlighting John Adams. Here is a quote from one of his writings:

Man is distinguished from other animals, his fellow inhabitants of this planet, by a capacity of acquiring knowledge and civility, more than by any excellency, corporeal, or mental, with which mere nature has furnished his species. His erect figure and sublime countenance would give him but little elevation above the bear or the tiger; nay, notwithstanding those advantages, he would hold an inferior rank in the scale of being, and would have a worse prospect of happiness than those creatures, were it not for the capacity of uniting with others, and availing himself of arts and inventions in social life. As he comes originally from the hands of his Creator, self-love or self-preservation is the only spring that moves within him; he might crop the leaves or berries with which his Creator had surrounded him, to satisfy his hunger; he might sip at the lake or rivulet to slake his thirst; he might screen himself behind a rock or mountain from the bleakest of the winds; or he might fly from the jaws of voracious beasts to preserve himself from immediate destruction. But would such an existence be worth preserving? Would not the first precipice or the first beast of prey that could put a period to the wants, the frights, and horrors of such a wretched being, be a friendly object and a real blessing?


I thought this was an amazing piece. I love the language with which he speaks, the picture he vividly paints and the expression of gratitude for a divine being.

I hope you'll look up some of his works and get to know him better. I'll surprise you with next weeks' spotlight.

Stalling, Stalling, Wasting Time

By Nichole Giles

You know, sometimes I wonder how I ever get any writing done. I wake up in the morning, and run here, and there, and do this and that and before I know it, more than half the day’s gone and I haven’t even opened my computer yet. And then, when I do open it, the very first thing I do is check my email, scan a few blogs, check my email again, sign onto Facebook, check my email…

Eventually, though, I get around to opening my current work in progress.

This month, I took one of Tristi Pinkston’s challenges, and am attempting to add 25-30,000 words to my WIP by the end of the month. Hopefully, that’ll put me close to the end—if not all the way there. I’d really like to finish my rough draft of this so I can get to the good part—editing.

But when I finally open the document, I end up staring at the blank page for at least half an hour—not knowing what to write. So, I check my email again, scan blogs, log onto Facebook, edit work for other people, then get back to my document. I go on like this for most of the evening—taking time out to make dinner, talk to my kids, be a taxi, etc—until before I know it, it’s after 11:00 and I’ve only written half a page.

At this point, I look at my bed, then my computer, and generally end up playing einie meenie meiny moe between the two. But this month, because I really want to get this done, I work it so most of the time the computer wins the battle. I then take it downstairs away from my bedroom (so I’m not tempted to shut down and go to sleep) where I set up camp in the den and actually start writing. Sometime around midnight, I’ll find my groove, and by 2:00 a.m., I generally have either 1500 words or an entire chapter.

Then, I close my computer and crawl upstairs and into bed—satisfied that I’ve actually accomplished something with my day. Unfortunately, the cycle starts all over again the next morning, and I find myself wondering why I write best in the middle of the night when I should be sleeping?

Well, according to my fifteen-year-old son, the answer should be obvious. Sleeping hours are the most creative for our brains and just because I’m not lying down in my bed doesn’t mean my brain isn’t sleeping. Therefore, the majority of my work is probably more of an extended dream that has been intricately mapped out via words on a screen. And I—the author—am merely the vessel through which these brilliant and wonderful dreams are filtered.

So there you go. The answer to the one question we all get asked at least twice a day. “How do you know what to write?”

I guess I don’t! Really, it’s my brain being fed a dream as I sleepwalk through life. Whoda thunk?