Charles's Web Journal

Freelance vs Staffer

2012-01-10T11:11:00.000-07:00

There is no doubt that a staff writer enjoys advantages not availed by the freelancer. However, there are benefits available to the freelancer that a staff writer can never expect.
A staffer must produce and on a daily basis because of frequent, even daily, deadlines. As a result the staffer learns several things: how to organize time, how to write under pressure, how to write quickly, how to plan the writing (if not on paper, then mentally), and how to meet deadlines. Perhaps this results in the loss of creativity and inspiration, but it usually produces better mechanics of writing—better sentence structure, syntax, vocabulary, punctuation, and spelling.
The freelancer, on the other hand, enjoys the freedom of choosing the time to write, the topic or theme to write about, and the refinement of language and expression. The negative side of that is that the writer must be an editor and proofreader and must possess the discipline to sit at the desk and write which, of course, sounds so simple, but which is, in effect, the most difficult responsibility of the freelancer.
Thus, it becomes the writer’s obligation to choose the kind of writer to be. No doubt, freelance writing appeals to most, but it is not always the wisest choice. One’s character, personality, and dedication come into play. If one is individualistic, able to work alone, and inspired, then the freelance route is probably the path to follow. If one is uncertain, needs association, and direction, then a staff position is probably a better choice.
Choosing correctly will result in the greatest satisfaction and happiness.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

2011-12-13T10:31:00.001-07:00

To Everyone,
I wish each and everyone the Merriest Christmas ever and may the New Year fulfill all your dreams and aspirations.

Toil vs Talent

2011-09-27T08:44:00.002-07:00

As in all endeavors, toil is necessary to succeed and more so in writing. Work or its habit is the mother of talent. A writer must labor over his craft until it becomes strength, and the only way the writer can develop this efficacy is by working at it, sitting at one’s desk or computer and writing.

Like any work, this requires the expenditure of time—time spent writing, time spent thinking, time spent practicing the craft of writing, and time spent deliberating about what to write and how to write it. All of this requires the habit of work, the usage of time, the routine of sitting at a desk or before a computer, and the effort of writing.

Procrastination, dawdling, delaying, and hesitating hide any talent that the writer possesses. Only by forcing oneself to write, and to write consistently, daily, will this talent develop and produce results. Of course, the amount of time spent at writing will depend on each person’s situation, desire, and goal. Learning how to use any talent that one possesses is where effort is controlled, where struggle has a purpose, and where determination to succeed is required.

Learning how to use the whole of one’s talent will result in great success and satisfaction. “Learning how to use the whole of one’s talent” is the difficult part, the part that requires a great deal of dedication, much thought and reflection, and the physical exertion of actually penning or typing the words on paper or screen. Sometimes even that can be a struggle.

Thought and reflection are two important essentials required of any writer—thought that comes from the very soul of the writer whether it is poetry or prose, reflection that develops that thinking. All writing comes from the deep within and embodies the essence of the person. Without that kind of attention, the writing is shallow and weak.

Once the thoughts are torn out and become tangible as words on the page, then it is the time to review, re-assess, and revise the ideas and polish them until they shine brightly and express truly and succinctly what the writer intended.

Thus, the labor of the writer’s craft requires three things: thought, labor, and revision.

The Ubiquitous Rejection Slip

2011-08-30T12:41:00.001-07:00

All the famous writers I heard of could paper the walls of their offices with rejection notices.
Rejection slips are the bane of all writers, yet they are inevitable. The most successful of writers had their share of them, and even get them now that they are prosperous.
Although rejections are inescapable, they should not be considered maleficent; they should be considered helpful. Though when first received, they can be disheartening, they should be contemplated as a valuable learning experience. Even if they come as form letters, they can serve as valuable lesson in determination.
Look at it this way: One more “no” is that much closer to a “yes”. Each time a manuscript comes back, the quicker it should be sent to the next market prospect, and the writer should get on with the job of writing. Hesitating will only prolong the period of time before the piece is accepted for publication.
If the rejection notice has a personal message attached with a critique from the editor it should be studied carefully and heeded. If that happens, the writer knows that the composition had merit, and with a little more work can be placed.
Once the “work of art” is further improved, it is time to send it on its way again. When the writer is confident that it is the best that can be produced, then it is ready to return to the eyes of editors, whether it is an anecdote or a mammoth saga. It must be out there to be considered.
Perseverance is the writer’s best virtue. If at first you do not succeed, try and try again.
As Anaïs Nin says in her autobiography “Beware of allowing a tactless word, a rebuttal, a rejection to obliterate the whole sky” that should be a writer’s philosophy about rejection slips.

Write Every Day

2011-07-26T08:53:00.001-07:00

If you want to be a writer, then you must write—you must write something every day.
If possible, have an established time to write every day. Budget your time to make that period available even if it is only a few minutes. You will be surprised how much you can write in a short period of time. This writing should have a dual purpose: first, to improve your writing skills, and, second, to record your ideas.
As well, a special writing place is also helpful. It should preferably be a spot where you are free from the distractions of daily living—a corner of a bedroom, living room, or even kitchen, but it should be your writing site. Of course, an office of your own would be a preferred location. It is surprising how the mind can develop creatively if given the chance.
To write every day requires a plan; it requires a time; it requires a location; it requires a focus; and it requires a reason. The first two have already been dealt with, so what is a focus plan? A focus plan is a decision of what kind of writing one will do: fiction, non-fiction, poetry, essays, articles, short stories, etc.
Here, the writer has to find his/her voice. Do not spend the writing time thinking about it; the important thing is to write and the voice will come.
Of course, a focus requires a reason for writing. Is it for personal satisfaction and enjoyment only? On the other hand, is it for public consumption and financial augmentation? Perhaps both. Usually, though, one writes to share one’s thoughts and ideas with readers.
What about ideas and topics? Without them, a writer is lost. In writing every day, the goal is to express whatever comes to mind—a memory, a gripe, a desire, a feeling, an incident, or grammatical exercise. It really does not matter; the important activity is the writing. Once started the words usually flow.
So, write something every day.

Toil Produces Capability

2011-05-17T09:16:00.001-07:00

As in all endeavors, toil is necessary to succeed and more so in writing. Work or its habit is the mother of talent. A writer must labor over his craft until it becomes strength, and the only way the writer can develop this efficacy is by working at it, sitting at one’s desk or computer and writing.
Like any work, this requires the expenditure of time—time spent writing, time spent thinking, time spent practicing the craft of writing, and time spent deliberating about what to write and how to write it. All of this requires the habit of work, the usage of time, the routine of sitting at a desk or before a computer, and the effort of writing.
Procrastination, dawdling, delaying, and hesitating hide any talent that the writer possesses. Only by forcing oneself to write, and to write consistently, daily, will this talent develop and produce results. Of course, the amount of time spent at writing will depend on each person’s situation, desire, and goal. Learning how to use any talent that one possesses is where effort is controlled, where struggle has a purpose, and where determination to succeed is required.
Learning how to use the whole of one’s talent will result in great success and satisfaction. “Learning how to use the whole of one’s talent” is the difficult part, the part that requires a great deal of dedication, much thought and reflection, and the physical exertion of actually penning or typing the words on paper or screen. Sometimes even that can be a struggle.
Thought and reflection are two important essentials required of any writer—thought that comes from the very soul of the writer whether it is poetry or prose, reflection that develops that thinking. All writing comes from the deep within and embodies the essence of the person. Without that kind of attention, the writing is shallow and weak.
Once the thoughts are torn out and become tangible as words on the page, then it is the time to review, re-assess, and revise the ideas and polish them until they shine brightly and express truly and succinctly what the writer intended.
Thus, the labor of the writer’s craft requires three things: thought, labor, and revision.

Day 3 and 4

2011-05-17T08:52:00.002-07:00

Since I last posted, I've completed Day 3 and Day 4 of my new novel. On Day 3, I made a list of all the possible locations of each chapter or scene. Of course, some of these will be used, but others will be discarded as the manuscript progresses. On Day 4, I listed all the Wants of each character that will people the book. Some of these wants will change as the characters develop and evolve. Presently, they are just an accumulation of ideas.
My list of characters include the protagonist, the antagonists, and a number of secondary characters. Since the novel is to be an historical mystery, some of the characters are there to add confusion and misdirection to the plot.
Of course, the plot is still a vague conception in my mind, but it is growing.

New releases

2011-05-03T08:07:00.002-07:00

Chronicler Publishing, of which I am the editor, has just released two new books. A Gift of Words by Jack Stevens is a memoir with many historical facts and stories about the early history of the Province of Alberta and the role that his family played in its development.
The second, Anne-Marie Martel, is the biography of a young woman from France who started a congregation of nuns, The Sister of the Child Jesus, that have a large community in Canada. The book is by the author, Joachim Bouflet, that has been translated by Kate Larson into English.
Both are available in Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Barnes and Noble, Chapters, and many other bookstores in Canada, and the USA.
If they are not in your local bookstore, ask them to order it through their local distributor.

Day 2

2011-04-19T07:53:00.002-07:00

Today is Day 2 in my plan for a new novel. In Day 1, I worked on the theme for my new novel and have decided on what the novel will be about.
Today, I will make a list of the characters that will appear in the book: the protagonist, the antagonist, and any other characters that may appear, fictional or real life characters.
As well, I will try to see the relationship between and among the various characters, but at this time that may be quite vague. I will continue to add to the list as the novel develops.
This will take up the second hour of may plan.

Day 2

2011-04-19T07:52:00.001-07:00

New novel

2011-04-12T08:14:00.002-07:00

I am working on a new novel; the character is chosen, the theme is coming, the plot is incubating, and the plan is developing. Usually it takes me about ten days to develop the plan for the novel.
I begin with a one sentence summary of the entire novel, and then I work from them to discover the locale, the plot, and the characters. Notice, I said characters; the protagonist has been chosen, but the antagonists have still to be considered.
For the next few days I will let the story percolate in my mind with many 'what ifs', but each day I will keep notes on these 'what ifs'.
Next week, starting Monday, I will spent the next ten days exploring my novel idea.
I will only spend an hour a day on this development because I want to keep it fresh in my mind without a great deal of stress.
As I said, I plan to spend an hour a day working on this novel; I will chose a time and try to stick to it, writing at the same time and place each day until I've developed a routine for the actual writing of the manuscript.
The first day of the ten days I will spend defining my idea: What is the novel about?
To this is the most important part of writing a novel. Write down all the things you can think of about the novel at this point. Then condense down to a one sentence summary of the novel; be sure it is only one sentence.
After the hour, when you are satisfied with that one sentence, write it out and tape it to your compute and keep it before your the entire time you are writing your novel.
That's why it's so important to think it out clearly and precisely.
Tomorrow I will tell you about the second step that I use.

2011-04-09T09:39:00.003-07:00

I'm thinking of a new novel. I haven't yet formulate a form for it yet, but the idea is incubating. I need a character protagonist, a theme, a plot, etc. before I put too much on paper. The first step is to summarize the novel in a single sentence, and then proceed from there. Since it will be a historical novel, I'm also thinking of it as a mystery story. The seed has been planted and now it must grow.
That's it for now.

Up and running

2011-04-06T08:01:00.002-07:00

Chronicler Publishing has moved and is now up and running at its new address: 402 17150 94A Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta. The new website will soon be complete with all the information that authors need to contact us.
We are looking forward to our new location and hope it will provide greater opportunities for our writers.
Due to the move we have not been able to deal with submissions as quickly as we hoped, but that will change. We apologize for the delay.
Thank you for your patience!

A new year

2011-01-20T10:31:00.002-07:00

The new year as started with new direction and emphasis. The move to Edmonton, though not complete is progressing. We didn't realize that such a move would entail so much work and disruption.
The new offices are almost ready to go, but our website has not been changed yet.
We are hoping to have that done by the end of the month with a complete revamp of the website.
We are still looking for the great Canadian historical novel; if you think you have written it, please let us see it.

Chronicler Publishing moving

2010-11-20T08:50:00.002-07:00

Chronicler Publishing will soon be moving to Edmonton, Alberta. For the past years Chronicler Publishing offices have been located at Jones Beach, a small sub-division on Lake Isle in the Lac Ste. Anne County.
Although most of our business is via the Internet, it was felt that it was time to move to the city to be closer to the literary and cultural facilities to enhance our business and literary opportunities.
The move will be done slowly and our contact information will remain the same; only our physical address and phone number will change.
It will be business as usual.

Alberta: Black Go;ld

2010-08-25T15:10:00.002-07:00

My latest historical novel, "Alberta: Black Gold," will soon be released by Chronicler Publishing. It is the story of a young farm boy, Peter O'Liam, who in 1936 leaves a poor farm near Evansburg, Alberta to make his way in a hostile world of the Great Depression.
The Second World War lifts him from poverty to war as he joins the army to fight against Nazi Germany and then into the economic growth that develops.

Wheels of Fortune

2010-08-02T08:02:00.002-07:00

We, at Chronicler Publishing, have just released "Wheels of Fortune" by Ian G. Watson. Its official launch will take place in Stratford, Ontario on August 8, from 3:00pm to 8:00 pm at the Queen and Albert B & B.
"Wheel of Fortune" is a novel of three middle-aged men who, in 1900, decide to take a bicycle tour of rural Ontario to avoid the summer heat of Toronto.
This results in a change in each man's fortune that will change his life forever.
Mr. Watson tells and intriguing and humorous story with a good dose of Ontario history to boot.
It is a most enjoyable read for a summer day, and even beyond.

Busy

2010-04-20T09:56:00.002-07:00

A very busy time of year: writing, editing, taxes, and spring yard work. Still working on "Black Gold," editing books for Chronicler Publishing, preparing income tax reports, and a beautiful spring here at Lake Isle.

The Wanderers

2010-04-06T09:38:00.002-07:00

My latest historical novel, The Wanderers, is available through many online bookstores, such as Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Barnes and Noble, Borders, Booksamillion, and many others.
The Wanderers is the sixth book of the Marin Family Chronicles and it continues the story of the family through the three sons, Pierre, Jean, and Charles as they go their separate ways. Jean returns to Port Royal, Acadie, New France, while Pierre chooses to roam the interior of the continent, and Charles does roaming of another sort in Quebec, New France.

Captive Daughter, Enemy Wife

2010-03-29T09:23:00.002-07:00

We, at Chronicler Publishing have just released Mary Tweedy's historical novel, Captive Daughter, Enemy Wife, a very fascinating story of a young Indian maiden from the Neutral tribe that inhabited a region in what is now the Province of Ontario, Canada. She is captured by the Onondaga, an Iroquois tribe from the area that is now the northern states of the USA.
The events take place during the 17th century when the Iroquois Confederacy was at the peak of its power.
Mary Tweedy has capture the essence of the culture and history of the period and area. The happenings are true to life and described with accuracy and sensitivity to the culture and people of the times.
We are very happy to be associated with such work.

2010-02-23T09:53:00.002-07:00

Well, we are well into the new year, and I suppose that everyone's resolutions have fell by the wayside :) Mine have!

I'm still trying to finish the first draft of my novel "Black Gold." But I'm very busy as editor of Chronicler Publishing so I'm using that as an excuse for my writer block!

Black Gold

2009-12-14T09:24:00.002-07:00

I'm striving to finish the first draft of "Black Gold" by the end of the year. Today I'll be working on Chapter 9, Scene 3; I try to do a scene a day, but that doesn't always work out. My plan is to write a chapter a week and that's about 5000 words. My average chapter is about that many words.
This book is planned for 10 chapter so I should have the draft finished by the end of the year, barring unforeseen circumstances.

Holiday Time

2009-12-06T09:38:00.002-07:00

Mary Tweedy's historical novel, which is now titled "Captive Daughter, Enemy Wife" will not be ready for the Christmas market as we had hoped, but it will be out early in the new year.

My novel, Black Gold, is nearly finished but it also should be out early in the new year. It is the story of Peter O'Liam who sees Alberta go from the black gold of coal to the black gold of petroleum in the years between 1925 and 1950.

As editor of Chronicler Publishing we are busy contemplating a number of manuscripts for the new year. As always we are looking for that historical novel that is a cut above the rest.

Busy

2009-11-03T11:05:00.002-07:00

As editor at Chronicler Publishing I've been working to get a new book out for the Xmas market. We are working on a historical novel by Mary Tweed, presently titled "Hole in the Night" that is the story of a young Huron girl, White Corn, who is captured by an Iroquois tribe and adopted into it as was the custom in the 16th century.
As well, I'm working on my latest novel, "Black Gold" that is the story of a young Albertan, Peter O'liam who lived in the period from 1925 to 1950, a time of the Great Depression, World War II, and the change from coal to petroleum energy after the war.
I'm hoping to have it ready for the Centennial Home Coming celebration of the hamlet of Evansburg that will take place in August, 2010 as it features that community when it changed from a coal mining town to an agricultural community.
So, I'm very busy between may two jobs--writer and editor.

Christmas

2009-10-13T08:56:00.002-07:00

Although Christmas is still a couple months away, it is time to start thinking of gifts for your special people.
I would like to recommend books as an excellent gift for those readers and book lovers that are on you Christmas list.
Of course, the first books that I want to recommend are my own, my historical novels and I have written and have published a few. You can find them on my website: http://www.chucksbook.com
as well as in the Chronicler Publishing bookstore at http://www.chroniclerpublishing.com
My books are not the only ones available. As editor of Chronicler Publishing, I recommend those by our writers.
Rudi Unterthiner's "Faces, Souls, and Painted Crows" is an excellent read though it is not actually a historical novel in the truest sense.
William Hay's "The Originals" is an superb novel based on the Princess Patricia Canadian Light Infantry during World War I.
As well, there are others, so check them out.
Now is the time to order!

Long weekend

2009-10-09T14:20:00.002-07:00

It's the beginning of the Thanksgiving long weekend, and I must admit that I haven't progressed very far in the chapter that I'm working on. It's 1945 and Peter is arriving home after being mustered out of the air force.
Anyway, that's where it's at now.
I don't think I'll get much done over the weekend, but who knows!

Black Gold

2009-10-06T08:06:00.002-07:00

Presently, I'm working on the 8th book in the Alberta series, tentatively titled Black Gold. It covers the history of the Province of Alberta from 1925 to 1950 through the eyes of Peter O'liam , a young man from Evansburg, a coal mining town in central Alberta.
It covers the period of time when fossil fuel shifted from coal to gas and oil, and as well it takes in World War II.
Peter goes from the small town to the United Kingdom as a member of the Canadian Army and his participation in the Dieppe raid and later as a pilot in the RCAF to a position in the petroleum industry after the war.
The novel is only half written, but I hope to complete it by the end of the year.

What I'm Working On

2009-09-29T08:55:00.002-07:00

Since the release of my latest historical novel, The Wanderers, I've been working on my next novel in the series, The Explorers, which is the continuing saga of the family as they are involved in the history of what was to become the Dominion of Canada.
As well, I'm working on a series of short stories about the early pioneers of Western Canada, particularly those of the Prairies of what is now the provinces of Alberta and Saskatchewan. Actually they are stories of the cowboys of the 19th and 20th centuries of the western plains.
I expect to publish them in a single volume that is as yet untitled.

The Wanderers

2009-09-16T08:54:00.002-07:00

My latest book, "The Wanderers" has just been released and launched by Chronicler Publishing. It is available through the publisher, Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Barnes and Noble, Borders, and many other bookstores. If it's not available at your favourite bookstore, ask them to order it.
"The Wanderers"is the continuing saga of the Marin family in North America in the early eighteenth century, a time when France and England were vying for supremacy.
The three sons of the original settlers, Pierre and Francoise Marin, struggle to survive and extend the family, but are stymied by many circumstances: Pierre roams the wilderness to the west, Jean returns to Port Royal, Acadia, while Charles wanders in a different sort of way in Quebec, New France.
My goal in writing these historical novels is to recreate the situations, circumstances, and history of early Canada.
In fact, the characters are based on the genealogy of my family that came to New France in the late 17th century.
Please check it out at http://www.chroniclerpublishing.com

Launch of "The Wanderers"

2009-09-08T09:55:00.002-07:00

"The Wanderers" had been released but will be launched on September 12, 2009 from the Chronicler Publishing offices at 108 Jones Beach, RR 1, Evansburg, Alberta, Canada from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm for a sale price of $10.00 CAD.
As well, all my books will be on sales for $10.00 CAD during this special event.

Release of "The Wanderers"

2009-08-18T09:17:00.002-07:00

Charles O. Goulet's latest novel, the sixth in the series, The Marin Family, will soon be released. It is the continuing story of the three sons, Pierre Jr., Charles, and Jean as they continue the struggle to establish themselves in North America.
Pierre chooses to wander in the wilderness of North America, while Jean returns to Port Royal in Acadia and Charles remains in New France where his wandering is of another sort.
The launch is set for September 12, 2009 in the offices of Chronicler Publishing, 108 Jones Beach, RR1 Evansburg, Alberta, Canada.
It will be available through the publisher's Bookstore, and many others online: Amazon.ca, Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble, Borders, and others.

Summer Doldrums

2009-08-04T09:11:00.002-07:00

The summer doldrums are upon us and it's very quiet here at Chronicler Publishing. Although we have a few projects that we are working on, not much will be done until September.
We would like to suggest some of our books for summer reading.
Our latest publication, "Faces, Souls, and Painted Crows" by Dr. Rudi Unterthiner is and excellent read. Although it is a novel, it is based on the true to life experiences of Dr. Rudi who was a cosmetic surgeon working in Hollywood on the 'rich and the famous'.
Another excellent read is William Hay's "The Originals" that is the story of the foundation of the Princess Patricia Canadian Light Infantry during World War I. Although it also is a novel it chronicles the battles, the suffering, and the bravery of Canadian soldier during that epic struggle.
Both these books are available from the Chronicler Publishing Bookstore, Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Barnes and Noble, Borders, and many other bookstores, both on line and otherwise.
If they are not available at your local bookstore, ask them to order it.
Happy holidays and great reading.

Vacation

2009-07-31T15:21:00.002-07:00

July has come to an end and so has vacation time although summer is not over yet. During July, from the 5th to the 15th my wife and I toured historic Yukon with a stop in Whitehorse, the capital, and Dawson City, the site of the world famous Klondike gold rush. Both place were exciting for anyone interested in history, particularly that of about 100 years ago.
As well, the scenery was spectacular and the wild life was plentiful. We saw bears (only black bears), caribou, sheep, moose, deer, birds of great variety, and squirrels. The fauna as well was most interesting as the flowers were in full bloom due to the lengthy daylight hours.
Dawson City was of particular interest as it was the site of the main gold explorations and discoveries.
Also it was the home of Robert Service, Jack London, Pierre Berton, and many other notable figures including Diamond Tooth Gertie, a famous dance hall matron who had a diamond implanted in her front teeth.
Many of the old buildings have been restored, in particular the Grand Palace Theater where modern day plays and movies are shown.
All in all, it was a fantastic holiday and rejuvenated the creative juices.

Busy! Busy!

2009-05-05T10:26:00.002-07:00

The past three months have been very busy, especially with my job as editor of Chronicler Publishing. We have received a large number of submissions, many that were inappropriate, but some have real promise.
As well we have published to new books: Ellen's Story by Dianne Osborne and A Tangled Web by Deborah Stewart. Both have suffered from problems, unfortunately of our own making so we are still working with these authors.
As a result, I have had little opportunity or time to work on my own writing although I have just sent a novel to the printer. Well, not new but a reprint of and earlier book: The Venturers that is the first book of a series: The Marin Family Chronicles.
Soon it should be available in many book stores and with many book sellers.
Some of Chronicler's other books are selling well, especially "Faces, Souls, and Painted Crows," by Rudi Unterthiner.
Check the Chronicler Publishing website: http://www.chroniclerpublishing.com

Writers Beware

2009-03-19T20:31:00.002-07:00

When you submit manuscripts to a publisher, be sure they are appropriate. Don't send fantasy to a publisher of historical novels. Check the publisher's website and find out what they want. Nothing gets a quicker rejection than an manuscript that is inappropriate. These are the quickest to get a decision, but they are the most annoying because they waste precious time and resources.

Hard at work

2009-03-17T09:10:00.002-07:00

For the past while I have been hard at work as editor of Chronicler Publishing. We have several new books published: Faces, Souls, and Painted Crows by Dr. Rudi Unterthiner a retired cosmetic surgeon who worked in Hollywood with the famous and celebrated stars, producers, etc. His fictionalized memoir is a fantastic read.
Another interesting book is Anne Marie Martel by Ethel Devlin that is the biography of the woman who founded the Sisters of the Child Jesus in the 18th century in France.
The Originals by William Hay is another intriguing16th book about the foundation of the Princess Patricia Canadian Light Infantry that made a name for themselves during World War I. It chronicles the famous battles in which the Canadians were involved.
Another interesting read is Forty Testoon by Alan Fisk which is the story of a priest who comes to Newfoundland in the 16th century to serve the English fishermen who come out every year to fish for cod on the Grand Banks. As he overwinters, he becomes involved in a conspiracy to dethrone the reigning king of England.
Presently, we have two other books about to be published: Ellen's Story by Dianne Osborne which is the story of a young woman growing up on the Canadian prairies during the Great Depression and World War II.
Another book that we are publishing is a book of poetry, A Tangle Web by Deborah Stewart. This is book quite different from our usual historical novel.

The Christmas Market

2008-11-29T16:39:00.004-07:00

We at Chronicler Publishing are looking forward the Christmas season as we hope that many of our books will end up as gifts for readers.
If your are a history buff, you will find many of our books of great interest as well as entertaining. We do publish historical novels that treat the history of the period written about with accuracy and detail, particularly Canadian history.
We are always looking for interesting and well written historical novels, particularly Canadian historical novels, especially written by Canadian writer, although we accept others.
Check us out at http://www.chroniclerpublishing.com

Surprise and Frustration

2008-09-27T08:55:00.002-07:00

As editor of Chronicler Publishing it always surprises and frustrates me that authors make queries and submission without first reading and studying our mandate and guidelines. Invariably we receive queries and submissions that are inappropriate to our publishing program.
If authors would only go to our website where we specifately outline the kind of stories we are looking for, it would save them and us a great deal of time.
We try to be fair and honest with writers because we have been their.
I am an author who has several novels published and available through online booksellers. Our mandate as a book publisher is Print On Demand, but we do not publish on demand. As a matter of fact, we are very circumspect in what we choose to publish, so we urge authors to be the same in their submissions to Chronicler Publishing.

Fall

2008-09-23T15:06:00.003-07:00

Fall has certainly arrived in this neck of the woods that are aflame with brilliant colors of yellow, red, mauve and many colors in between.
With Fall comes a new season in publishing and we are busy reading submission as we prepare to choose those stories for our new season.
We are still looking for more historical novels, particularly those that feature Canadian history. We are interested in young adult and juvenile novels. To date, few worthwhile ones have crossed our desk.
We are looking at several adult novels that feature events in Canadian history, but we have not made our choices yet.
If you are interested, please check out our website: http://www.chroniclerpublishing.com
If you are not a writer, perhaps you are a reader; we do features some interesting historical novel in our bookstore.

Preparing for a new season

2008-08-18T14:49:00.002-07:00

With the final days of summer fast approaching, it's time to prepare for the new season of publishing. We at Chronicler Publishing are excited about it with manuscripts from previous authors as well as some from new authors.
As well, we are excited about the fact that we plan to expand our program to include some poetry books. This is a new venture for us so we are wondering how it will go over with the readers.
Summer had been a great time to rest and relax and get the creative juices flowing again.
As well, we have published an interesting novel by Rudi Unterthiner that is the story of Dr. Paul Reiter, a cosmetic surgeon of Hollywood whose clients included stars and celebreties. But his true love was as a healer for the poor and needy of California and the Baja of Mexico where he ministered to the Indians and fishermen.
The story is actually a fictionalized autobiography of Dr. Rudi Unterthiner and his rise for poverty to that of a renowned 'plastic' surgeon.
Dr. Rudi is now retired and makes his home for much of the year on Quadra Island, a beautiful island off the west coast of British Columbia, Canada.

Faces, Souls, and Painted Crows

2008-08-08T15:24:00.002-07:00

Faces, Souls, and Painted Crows, Rudi Unterthiner's fascinating fictional autobiography is now available from the publisher Chronicler Publishing, and many online book sellers including amazon.com, amazon.ca, borders, and others.
It is the intriguing story of a cosmetic surgeon who worked on many of the famous faces of Holywood although it is more the story of Dr. Paul Reiter's struggle with his desire to do more than produce pretty faces.
It is a man's search to find his niche in this world and to make peace with himself.
A truly remarkable read!

Faces, Souls, and Painted Crows

2008-07-14T09:13:00.002-07:00

Dr. Rudi Unterthiner's semi autobiographical novel, Faces, Souls, and Painted Crows, has been published by Chronicler Publishing and is now available in book stores. Ask for it. It is truly a recommended summer read.
It is the story of Dr. Paul Reiter, a cosmetic surgeon, who practises in Hollywood but whose passion is general practice among the poor and needy, especially the Indians and fishermen of Mexico's Baja.
He struggle with this dichotmy until his wife teaches him the power of forgiveness and the connection between faces and souls.
This is a very enjoyable story.
Check it out at the publisher's website: www.chroniclerpublishing.com

Summer at the Lake

2008-07-05T08:40:00.004-07:00

Chronicler Publishing is in vacation mode and so am I.
It has been a busy year for Chronicler Publishing with several new novel in publication, but now it's time for a little rest, so we are coasting. We are not accepting any new manuscripts until September. In the meantime we have several for consideration and one to complete publication, one that we expected to have published by now, but unforeseen delays have kept us from completing that.
Since we have less to do as editor, we will now concentrate on our own writing, blogs, etc., especially this one.

Summer

2008-07-03T15:47:00.002-07:00

With summer here, work at Chronicler Publishing is winding down and will not resume until September. We are not accepting manuscripts in July and August.
I hope to be able to work on my writing during these two months, but that may be impossible due to a heavy schedule of holiday events.
I'm looking forward to the change of pace as (I suppose) many of you are doing the same thing.

Faces, Souls, and Painted Crows

2008-06-08T08:52:00.002-07:00

Chronicler Publishing will soon release Dr. Rudi Unterthiner's novel "Faces, Souls, and Painted Crows" based on his experiences as a cosmetic surgeon in Hollywood and his general medical practice in the Baja Peninsula of Mexico.
It is the story of Dr. Paul Reiter who is torn between his work as a cosmetic surgeon in Hollywood and his true calling as a healer to the Indians of Mexico's Baja until his wife teaches him about the power of forgiveness and the true connection between faces and souls.

Delays

2008-05-11T08:37:00.002-07:00

Due to unforeseen delays Devlin's book was not published until May 1, but it is now available through Chronicler Publishing, Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Barnes and Nobles, and many other online booksellers and bookstores.
It is a fascinating read for any one interested in biographies of interesting women. Check it out!
Rudi Unterthiner's book has been further delayed and will be out by the end of May. It also is a fascinating read about "Faces, Souls, and Painted Crows."
My latest novel of the Marin Family Chronicles series, "The Avengers," continues the saga of the Marin family as it struggles to survive in the conflict between France and England in North America during the early 18th century.
If you are in anyway interested in the history of Canada, France, England, and New England you will find this book and the previous four: The Venturers, The Traders, The Raiders, and The Warriors an intriguing and informative read.
They are also available from the publisher's bookstore, Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Barnes and Noble, Borders, and many other online booksellers and bookstores.
If they are not on the shelves of your favorite bookstore, ask for them.
Chronicler Publishing is considering several other books for publication in the near future.
We will keep you posted!

An Update

2008-03-24T14:59:00.002-07:00

During the past months, I've been busy as Editor of Chronicler Publishing and with my own writing.
First, as Editor we have acquired the rights to two new novels, one a biography, and the other a fictional memoir.
The first is the life story of Anne Marie Martel, a French woman, who started an order of nuns known as the Sisters of the Child Jesus. Sister Ethel Devlin, of the order has written an interesting and informative biography of a remarkable woman.
The second is the fictional memoir of Dr. Rudi Unterthiner, a cosmetic surgeon who worked most of his life among the stars of Hollywood while his real passion was reconstructive surgery among the poor of northern Mexico's Baja peninsula.
Both should be out by the end of March.
As well, my latest historical novel, The Avengers, continues the saga of the Marin family in the early 18th century in New France.
Check it out at Amazon.com or the Chronicler Publishing web site which is http://www.chroniclerpublishing.com

Christmas Gifts

2007-12-09T09:24:00.001-07:00

Hi Everyone,
I'd like to suggest great Christmas gifts for the readers on your list, my books, of course. :)
You can find them on my website: http://www.telusplanet.net/public/go1c
or at Chronicler Publishing: http://www.chroniclerpublishing.com
I needn't say it, but I will: Books make great gifts; great books make greater gifts.
I do hope this helps with your Christmas shopping!!!:)

The Originals

2007-11-02T19:04:00.000-07:00

William Hay's novel, The Originals, is the graphic story of a Canadian soldier of the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry during World War I. Chronicler Publishing is delighted to present this well-researched novel to the reading public, especially to devotees of historical novels.
The Originals, although a novel, is historical accurate and brutally true to the battles that took place between the Allies and Germany during this war to end all wars.
The story is told through the eyes, ears, and mind of Bill Dawson, a veteran of the Boer War who believes that this new war will only last a few weeks, but to his horror drags on for four years and is like no other war that ever happened.
Although this is Hay's first novel, he is an award-winning author of short stories.
It is available from the publisher, Chronicler Publishing, and soon at Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, and many other booksellers.
For you history buff, it is the perfect Christmas gift.

Forty Testoons

2007-10-25T15:39:00.000-07:00

As editor of Chronicler Publishing I'd let to let everyone know that we have republished Alan Fisk's historical novel, Forty Testoons, which is the story of Father Ralph Fletcher who is hired by King Henry VII of England to go with the cod fishermen to Newfoundland in the year 1504 for forty pieces of silver know as testoons.
He overwinters with the crew that stays behind to take care of the equipment, etc. and becomes involved in a plot to replace the king with a Yorkist pretender.
Alan has recreated the culture and politics of the era with precision and detail including the Beothuk natives that lived on the island at this time.
The book is available from the Chronicler Publishing bookstore as well as Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Barnes and Noble, and may other online booksellers.

Draw Attention to the Words and Readers Squirm

2007-08-16T20:15:00.000-07:00

Words that are not ordinary sound academish and snobby.

When writers spend too much attention to the words, they appear erudite and elitist; they make most readers uncomfortable and uneasy.

The best writers compose simply and plainly. They prefer the common word to the little known one; they choose the obvious to the obscure. In most cases this is the Anglo-Saxon derived word rather than the Latin originated word.

When writing, the writer must always keep in mind the intended reader. For the general populace that means simplicity, the common rather than the exceptional, the familiar rather than the unusual, the well-know rather than the strange. Of course this not mean the trite of hackneyed. It means a well-turned phrase, an appealing metaphor or simile.

This brings us to the concrete rather than the abstract; the exact rather than the approximate; the specific rather than the academic; the common sense rather than goobledygook. Simplicity reigns; complexity ‘sucks’.

What does all this mean? It means that the old adage “KISS” should be kept in mind at all times when writing. Keeping the choice of words simple and uncomplicated will keep writing powerful and potent. Good writing should not require the reader to run to the dictionary to find out what the writer meant.

Words that are not ordinary sound academish and snobby. They draw attention the words and make the reader squirm and uneasy.

Concrete Words and Meaning

2007-08-14T20:58:00.000-07:00

Concrete words of themselves are static and almost valueless; it is the connotations associated with words that give them meaning and significance. It is words’ connotations that the writer must be aware of and thus choose them carefully to pass on accurately and logically the import and gist of the writer’s notion.

Therefore, it is the implied meaning of the concrete word that must be considered and evaluate as the writer expresses the message to be delivered. In fiction, this can be subtle and clever as it impinges on the reader’s feelings and emotions. This is not to say that these choices are not important in non-fiction writing as well.

It is this intrusion and effect on the reader’s sentiments that give the writer’s ideas value and effect. Since each individual has a different connotation for words, the writer must choose them with care and circumspection so that the reader and the writer’s connotation have something in common.

Thus the concrete words must be chosen to express connotation as well as denotation. Denotation is, of course, the static sense of the word while connotation is concerned with all the peripheral meanings that only come by individual’s experiences and practices with the word.

It is the nuances of the words that give true meaning and sense to what the writer has written although this exchange can never be completely accurate as no two individual’s connotation of words is the same.

Great writers have this innate ability to choose words, particularly concrete words, that connect with the reader’s emotions. Of course, practice and thought can be developed.

Editor in Chief

2007-07-03T10:11:00.000-07:00

Since I have become Editor-in-Chief for Chronicler Publishing, I have been too busy to do any posting on this blog. But I hope to be more regular now that the holiday season has begone.
So I am posting a short article that I hope will be useful to writers and future writers.

Concrete vs Abstract

Words can be classified into two categories: concrete and abstract. All writers use both type of words and both are appropriate depending on the writer’s purpose.

Concrete words are specific words that refer to definite persons, places, or things. The word ‘church’ refers to a general type of building, but ‘St. James Catholic Church’ indicates a certain edifice and thus it brings to mind a church that one can see.

Abstract words, on the other hand, are used to discuss general ideas as in the above example. The word ‘church’ does not bring to mind a specific building nor does it create an image in one’s mind. It is a common word but does not picture a particular image in the readers mind. Other abstract words generate an idea, an impression, or a concept that has no specific or tangible existence, so some words are more intangible than others.

Of course, all words have their use. The job of the writer is to use the words appropriate to the message to be sent. If a writer wants to engage the senses, then the choice is concrete words; if the author wants to deal with broad ideas, then abstract words are more suitable.

In today’s writing, fiction or non-fiction, the use of concrete words rather than abstract words is preferred, especially in literature or articles. Since concrete words deal with the senses, they are more fitting for fiction.

Strunk and White in The Elements of Style state “Use definite, specific, and concrete language.” because these words call up pictures that use the senses.

Back on Track

2007-06-05T09:32:00.000-07:00

I was away on an European bus tour for most of April, and as a result my work piled up to the extent that I'm now up to date.
The bus tour was an interesting experience as we covered eight countries: Czech Republish, Poland, Hungary, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Hercegovina, Italy, and Austria. Actually, it was a little too much in such a short time, but for the most part extremely exciting as I had never visited any part of Europe before.
Now I'm back at work catching up on a number of projects as well as reviewing several submissions that came in while I was away; they require decisions of acceptance or rejection.
One of my greatest beefs is the number of submission that do not follow our guidelines or the genre of books that we publish. These, of course, are rejected immediately.
I will try to submit articles that I think writers should consider in their work.
It's great to be back!

Emotions and Thoughts

2007-03-21T09:06:00.000-07:00

Most readers read for emotion, to satisfy an innate desire to feel as the characters in the novel. Too much attention to thoughts will weary the reader, but consideration of feelings will draw the reader in.

Thoughts are for the most part abstract and hard to pin down because thinking is an individual phenomenon, while feelings are universal. Everyone has experience and knows anger, frustration, elation, happiness, and all the other sentiments of the human condition, while thoughts, opinions, views, beliefs, and faith are personal and private.

Writers should concentrate on the emotions of the reader since they are easier to understand. Choose the right words to connect with those feelings is the author’s greatest obstacle. Great writers have that ability or have developed it. The classics are just that because they activate and generate our deepest passions through the choice of words.

Thoughts and ideas because of their ambiguity and uncertainty should be used sparingly. The views, beliefs, and opinions of the author must be transmitted through the emotions portrayed through the writing rather than by way of a simple statement of concepts and outlook.

Think of the great fiction books that one has read and the vision of the author comes from the emotions and sentiments portrayed because the focus is on feelings rather than thought. Why is Dicken’s A Christmas Carol still as popular as the day it was published?

Making the Reader Squirm

2007-03-19T09:52:00.000-07:00

Words that are not ordinary sound academish and snobby.

When writers spend too much attention to the words, they appear erudite and elitist; they make most readers uncomfortable and uneasy.

Words that are not ordinary sound academish and snobby. They draw attention the words and make the reader squirm and uneasy.

Meaning and Value

2007-03-16T09:26:00.000-07:00

Great writers have this innate ability to choose words, particularly concrete words, that connect with the reader’s emotions. Of course, practice and thought can be developed.

Engaging the Senses

2007-03-15T09:38:00.000-07:00

Words can be classified into two categories: concrete and abstract. All writers use both type of words and both are appropriate depending on the writer’s purpose.

Strunk and White in The Elements of Style state “Use definite, specific, and concrete language.” because these words call up pictures that use the senses.

The Slippery Part

2007-03-14T09:05:00.000-07:00

Writing is the process of expressing thoughts into words. Since a thought is that which is in the one’s mind and not necessarily related to words, that is the writer’s difficulty because words are not feelings. Therefore, the writer must choose words that will create emotions, sentiments, and passion in the reader.

This requires insight, which is the keen discernment or understanding of an idea, an impression, a concept, a belief and/or an objective, that is a thought process that does not require words because it expresses feelings that do not need language but require experiences. Of course, these experiences are different for each individual and certainly different for the writer and the reader. Words must be used to describe this insight. This sounds difficult and it is. This is always the writer’s quandary, choosing the appropriate words to express the thoughts or feelings that the writer wishes to convey.

Thoughts and feelings are interconnected, but they do not require a vocabulary to exist. To express a thought or a feeling adequately with words is the complicated part of writing since words can never completely convey all the nuances of a thought. Thus the writer’s effort is always inadequate although good writers have the ability to almost reproduce the insight that started the communication evolution.

Insightful writing almost approaches the complete understanding of the thought or feeling the author is attempting to evoke but it never achieves complete agreement. The reader can experience more or less than the writer intended due to interpretation of the experience the writer intended to communicate.

Mysterious Factors

2007-03-09T09:42:00.000-07:00

Most authors write because they must; their need to communicate is a deep-rooted instinct that they neither understand nor even realize. The writer that possesses this quality is a born writer.

What are the factors that are involved in such a writer? They are many and mysterious, hidden somewhere in the individual’s psyche. One is a need to express oneself in a way that is satisfying and fulfilling; another is to release the tension that is present when expression is constrained—writing releases that pressure; another is the search for the meaning of life, its physicality, its philosophy, its spirituality, and its psychology.

In some writers all of these needs are present which makes for a great writer. If one studies their writing these desires are apparent, but more important is their understanding of their readers and the reason why they read.

Thus, the most significant feature is sensitivity for the inner quality of people, places, and things as well as the fleeting essence of ideas, thoughts, and feelings that circulate through an inquisitive mind. This ability to express this empathy gives the writer a connection with the reader.

Writing intuitively is an aptitude and a talent that is the soul of the writer. For some it is instinctive; for others is can be acquire by effort and analysis of their own work as well as that of other writers. But most important is to develop a deep feeling for the nature of things. This, then is the writer’s soul and his or her raison d’étre.

Continuing the first chapter

2007-03-07T08:55:00.000-07:00

The first chapter of my latest novel is coming along well. the first chapter is The Decision, and my protagonist, sixteen-year-old Peter O'Liam has decided to quit school and join the work force although his parents, his teacher, and his friends advise against it.
My quota of a thousand words a day has been adhered to so the chapter is well on its way. Although this is the first draft and will require re-writing, it feels exhilarating to be writing a novel again.

Vivid Nouns and Verbs

2007-03-07T08:50:00.000-07:00

Although adjectives and adverbs are indispensable part of speech, they should not be substituted for strong, exact, and precise nouns or powerful, animated, and specific verbs. The English language is replete with nouns and verbs that do not need adjectives and adverbs to embellish the language. Certainly, adjectives and adverbs have their place in writing, but they should be used sparingly for maximum effect.

Nouns have several forms: singular and plural, compound, possessive, and gender. Most singular nouns form the plural by adding “s” but there are exceptions: some add “es”, others change the “y” to “i” before adding “es”, while still others change the ending entirely as in “phenomenon” that becomes “phenomena”.

Compound nouns are two words written as one, as two, or hyphenated. Examples are football, pine tree, and father-in-law.

Possessive nouns are usually written with an apostrophe “S”, but plurals ending in “s” have only and apostrophe added.

Nouns often indicate gender with a different word such as “actor” and “actress” although today usually one word is used for both genders.

As well, nouns belong to several classes: proper, nouns, concrete, abstract, collective, mass, and count. Proper nouns are the name of a particular person, place, or thing and always have a capital letter while common nouns indicate a general person, place, or thing and are written in lower case letters.

Concrete nouns name objects that can be seen or touched; abstract nouns name qualities, actions, or ideas that are perceived mentally. Collective nouns name groupings of individuals, but mass nouns masses not defined as individual units. Finally we have count nouns that name things perceived as individual units such as “car,” “shelf,” or “pencil.”

An exact, precise noun does not need a supporting adjective; it provided the picture on its own. This is where the concrete noun rather than the abstract shines although abstract nouns are needed to indicate qualities, actions, or ideas, but they must be chose with care and precision.

Similarly with verbs, the choice of an exact verb in the correct tense is important for strong writing. Many writers have no trouble with the present tense or future, but the past and the past perfect do cause trouble. For immediacy in writing avoid the frequent use of the past perfect. Usually the simple past can be substituted to make for more powerful writing. Verbs are probably the most difficult words to choose for a variety or reasons; one, of course, is the tendency to convert nouns into verbs. Like the noun, an exact verb does not need a supporting adverb to express ideas adequately.

So the best advice is to edit writing so that it is mostly nouns and verbs and uses adjectives and adverbs sparingly.

Expository Prose

2007-03-06T09:08:00.000-07:00

Expository prose is meant to expound, explain, or appraise analytically. Thus it should be concise, precise, and clear. It should use language that does not rely on qualifiers such as rather, little, pretty, very and others to make its meaning exact and meticulous.

Qualifiers are adjectives or adverbs added to another word to qualify or limit its meaning, but the common ones weaken the writer’s work. In the sentence “It was rather cold,” the qualifier does little to tell us how cold it was. ‘Little’, ‘pretty’, or ‘very’ are others that tell us nothing about how cold it was. So, writers should eliminate such qualifiers from their work, especially in expository prose.

As these common qualifiers do little to illuminate and clarify the author’s intended meaning they make the writing trite, commonplace, and dull. Of course, clichéd writing does not encourage the reader to appreciate what the author is trying to expound or illustrate so one must be careful not to go too far the other way and appear superior or snobby.

Well chosen nouns, verbs, adjectives, and adverbs do a better job. They make the writing more precise, more vital, more original, and more unique. Like all good writing, the choice of words is paramount. Since more exact adjectives and adverbs do not require qualifiers, they reduce the verbiage making a style that is fluid and graceful.

Thus avoiding qualifiers improves the author’s style and reasoning.

The First Chapter

2007-03-05T09:08:00.000-07:00

Today, I start the first chapter of my latest novel. Friday I wrote the first paragraph that turned into the first scene of over one thousand words, but today I will review that and continue with the beginning of a new book and the first chapter.
My protagonist is Peter O'Liam, a young Irishman who on his sixteenth birthday makes the momentous decision to quit school, leave his family, and seek his fortune elsewhere. The time is 1936 and the place is his parents' farm in central Alberta near the small hamlet of Evansburg at the height of the Great Depression.
That's what happened in the first scene.
Today his story continues.

No Bureaucratese

2007-03-05T09:03:00.000-07:00

More and more in today’s writing one sees what is known as bureaucratese, the use of obscure and pedantic vocabulary. It can be found in government, corporation, and academic reports where it appears to be to impress rather than to inform. Pick up any government report, corporation memo, or academic thesis and one will find this kind of writing.

It would appear that this kind of writing is meant more to confuse, to befuddle, and to avoid clear, concise, and precise writing. Often known as ‘gobbledygook’, it rarely does little to clarify, to illuminate, and to elucidate the writer’s thoughts.

Perhaps it is not meant to.

If a writer wants to tap into the greatest readership, one must stick to the simplest word, the uncomplicated sentence, the plain paragraph, and shortest composition to get the idea, the point, or the action across. Writing for the Internet has made this design more prevalent than ever before because it is for the masses, the common reader so it must be exact, specific, and clear; readers today do not have time to decipher bureaucratese.

As always, good writing is simple and clear; if a simple word can replace an obscure word it should be used; if a simple sentence can substitute for a compound-complex sentence, then it should; if a simple paragraph can supplant a convoluted one, then it must. Wordiness and long-winded sentences and paragraphs should be avoided.

The old adage “Keep it simple, stupid” should apply to all writing.

A New Novel

2007-03-02T09:03:00.000-07:00

During the past two week I have planned a new historical novel based on the history of the Province of Alberta covering the period from 1926 to 1950, a period in which the province saw an unprecidented growth in its economy, culture, and life style. This period takes in the Great Depression, World War !!, Oil Exploration and Discovery, all of which impinged on the daily life of its citizens.
As usual, I start with the historical events and then the characters that were a part of these happenings. After the characters, the plot and story line were developed and now comes the big decision of how and where to start the story.
That is today's challenge.

Colloquial Qualifiers

2007-03-02T08:56:00.000-07:00

Colloquial qualifiers should never be used in writing for emphasis. Strong words—nouns and adjectives—are available. Using qualifiers such as very, real, rather, and little in phrases such as “very good,” “real cold,” “rather clean,” and “little early,” or similar phrases indicate laziness on the part of the writer to choose a stronger noun, a stronger adjective, or strong adverb.

These and other common qualifier used in colloquial speech weaken writing, making it trite and commonplace. Although these words have a place in writing, they should not be used for emphasis. They should be used for their genuine meaning and not as a crutch in place of a more meaningful and stronger word.

Use the word ‘very’ sparingly and seldom. Its overuse, both in writing and speaking, should be avoided as much as possible. There are better words to use.

Strunk and White, in The Elements of Style, say that these mundane qualifiers are like leeches that suck the blood of words. They even say we are ‘pretty’ sure to violate that rule, and they do so with tongue in cheek.

Every writer should check his composition for these qualifiers and make the necessary changes. This is always a part of re-writing and revising. Remember that good writing is precise and exact, avoiding the trite and mundane.

The Allure of Words

2007-02-27T09:33:00.000-07:00

Writers, when using description, often forget that the purpose is to create a mental picture for the reader and not to have words overwhelm that function. Often words overwhelm this function as the writer uses it to show their love of words for their own sake.

Description should not be secondary to word choice; it should serve its primary reason: to create a mental picture. Only when it creates the desired mental picture is it effective.

Some writers use description to show their erudition, their knowledge of words, their vocabulary, and ability. When words intrude upon this function, then they tend to decorate rather than illuminate. Thus a writer must be ever vigilant that one does not befuddle the reader with an obtuse choice of words. The old adage, Keep It Simple Stupid, is worthwhile to consider. All the best writers adhere to that rule so their descriptions are clear, exact, and effective.

Some writers feel that description must overwhelm the senses when in reality they should use them to draw the reader into the scene, the atmosphere, and the mood that the writer is trying to create. It must be done subtly, cunningly, and unobtrusively, making sure that the words do not draw undue attention to passage.

Words should not be used to decorate.

Agile Alliterations

2007-02-26T09:36:00.000-07:00

Many writers like to show off their erudition with devices that confuse rather than enlighten. These writers use alliterations and foreign words, phrases, or expressions when good English equivalents are available.

Avoid the use of fancy alliterations. The writer may think that they sound learned when they do nothing more than bewilder the reader. That does not mean that all alliterations should be avoided; only those meant to dazzle and amaze the reader with the writer’s ingenuity. Obviously an apt alliteration can add pizzazz to a composition, but it must be used judiciously, not to overwhelm the reader.

Another fault is the use of foreign words or phrases that do nothing to enhance the writing but make it difficult for the reader to get at the crux of the writer’s meaning. Sometimes the English language has no counterpart; then such use is acceptable if it is obvious that the reader will understand the writer’s intent. Usually, though, the English language does have a comparable word, phrase, or expression and that is what should be used.

Avoid any language that does not serve the purpose of clear, precise, and concise communication. As well, it should place the writer in the background rather than draw attention to his or her persona. If you are writing for the general public, keep it unpretentious and straightforward without complex sentence structure and literary vocabulary as well as decorative alliteration.

Avoid Jargon

2007-02-23T11:40:00.000-07:00

Words are the writer’s main tool, but they must be used with care and circumspection. Words should not be used to impress in a style that is stinted, obtuse, and academic. Pedantic writing is boring and unimaginative, lacking in imagination and fancy and usually means an unwise choice of words. Choose the simple, mundane word over the ambiguous, exotic to be understood and explicit.

The writer must remember that words are used for communication, be it narrative, descriptive, argumentative, or whimsical. Thus the content—the meaning, the message—is primary and must always be kept in mind when writing.

Information and meaning must take precedence over word choice. As E.B. White writes in The Elements of Style, use definite, specific, concrete language; this, of course, means using precise, simple words rather than obscure, vague words that require the reader to run to the dictionary to find out what the author had in mind. Clowning with words, and the overuse of jargon is not the way to improve one’s style.

Of course, this does not mean that flights of imagination should be avoided. Apt figures of speech—metaphors, similes particularly—can increase exactness as well as adding vividness to the writing. They are an effective way to make meaning concrete.

This kind of whimsy or fancy can elevate an article, an essay, a short story, or a novel to masterpiece status.

Choosing Words

2007-02-16T10:04:00.000-07:00

The words that writers choose are always important because they involve syntax, style, and comprehension, and the latter is the most important. The others will follow if the author keeps that in mind. This means that writers should stick to words they know.

If writers has to use a dictionary or a thesaurus, that means that they do not know the word. They have not experienced its denotations and particularly its connotations. For a true understanding of a word it must be a part of the active as well as the passive vocabulary. One knows many more words than are used in speech, and these passive words are as important as the active ones. These are the words to use.

This does not mean that you should never use the dictionary or the thesaurus, but it does mean that they should be used to check, to clarify, and to refine the composition. If any doubt exists of the words appropriateness, it should not be used. The insight will not be there.

A study of the great writers will make it apparent that they knew and understood the words they used. They considered carefully the words, and they studied words until they became a part of their vocabulary, both passive and active. Of course, this means that the writer is always studying words, always interested in words, always using new words, maybe even creating some.

Nevertheless, the old adage “Keep It Simple Stupid” is an important one for writers when it comes to choosing words.

cgoulet@chroniclerpublishing.com

http://www.chroniclerpublishing.com

Wearing Another's Shoes

2007-02-15T10:53:00.000-07:00

A writer should never try to imitate another’s style because it will not work. Since each writer is a unique individual that includes how he or she puts words together to express ideas that are exclusive to them. That is his or her distinctive way of expression. This individuality comes from the writer’s background, education, culture, and lifestyle. All of these influence the way in which a person articulates.

It is essential and imperative that each writer finds and develops his or her manner of expression, acquires his or her own style. This is what gives the writing originality.

This does not mean that the writer should ignore grammar, spelling, or word choice. Although language is continually evolving and acceptable customs change, it is important to adhere to the basics if one is to be understood and comprehended. How one puts the words together is what constitutes style.

It is this distinctiveness that must be developed, not by imitation, but by practice. The more one writes without thought of simulation, the more one’s own style matures and becomes recognizable and distinctive, his or her own.

To develop one’s own style, one should read widely, but without the intention to ape or mimic any other writer’s manner. Of course, as important is writing; it must be practiced on a continual basis, every day, often. From this eclectic source will come the writer’s own unique style that will fit better than any duplication of another’s method.

Finding the Right Word

2007-02-14T09:49:00.000-07:00

Finding the right word to express an idea or an emotion has always been the writer’s nemesis. Seldom does the word chosen seem right.

To chose the right word the writer must be convince of his or her own feelings. Unless the writer is sure of how he or she is convinced of an idea, or how he or she understands an emotion it is impossible to choose the exact word to express that idea or that sensation.

It follows that the writer’s sentiment about the idea or feeling must be intense and sincere. If they are then the words to express it genuinely and honest will come. But this does not mean that they do not require revision and circumspection. Each word must be thought of carefully and explored for naturalness.

This search delves into the writer’s experience, vocabulary, and then the thesaurus, but this is to recall words that have been experienced and are part of the active vocabulary. Words that are part of the passive or known vocabulary should not be used, as they do not have the familiarity of the active vocabulary.

The dictionary should not be used to find the right word unless it is used to augment the knowledge that the writer already has about the word. Just as the dictionary should not be used to dig up the right word, the thesaurus should only be used to recall the right word that is a part of the active vocabulary.

The right word must always be experienced before it should be used.

Style

2007-02-13T09:21:00.000-07:00

The style is the author and results from his or her chose of words. Good style results from a wise chose of words while poor style occurs from poor word choice.

Since words are the language, the words used by the writer are important; they decide the author’s style that should be to convey ideas and feelings in the best way possible. Strunk and White condense it down to two rules: 1. Use definite, specific, and concert words. 2. Omit needless words.

What are definite, specific, and concrete words? Definite means explicit, open, and plain. In other words, the simple, ordinary word, the word that most people use every day should be used. Specific means exact, and what can be more exact than the word in common usage that has been tested in time. Concrete means real, and what can be more real that words that are used every day by millions of people.

Good style omits the needless words. It condenses writing to its most basic structure making it vigorous and concise. Avoid many common expressions such as ‘the reason why is that’ that can be reduced to one word ‘because.’

Thus good style requires that the writer consider carefully and revise wisely the words chosen. The way the words are put together is the author’s style.

Simplicity

2007-02-12T09:10:00.000-07:00

The inadequacy of words becomes most apparent when the writer tries to express ideas and feelings that are deep and thoughtful, that touch the most intense human emotions and profound values.

At the time, words to express exactly what the author wants to convey become difficult to choose because the denotations and connotations of the words interferes with the feelings or ideas to be described, explained, or illustrated.

That is when words lack the intensity, the power, and the rigor that the author wishes to convey. That is when the writer struggles to find the right words, the precise words, and the exact words and yet cannot find them because that is the inadequacy of vocabulary.

Since the correct word cannot be found, often the author resorts to the obscure, the ambiguous, and the little know, the academic, or scholarly word to give the appearance of erudition, but which, in effect, does just the opposite. It clouds the meaning to be conveyed rather than clarify it.

Simplicity is the key. Simple word tend to be more exact, more understood, and with greater common denotations and connotations. Although inadequate, they are superior to the pretentious, elaborate, the coy and the cute as Strunk and White tell us.

Hopelessly Inadequate

2007-02-09T09:12:00.000-07:00

As everyone knows, words are the main means of expression. For a writer they are his or her stock in trade, but they are hopelessly inadequate for the job expected of them. Why?

First, words have denotations that continually change due to the way people use them. Since language is always evolving with the progress of culture, new meanings are continually added to old words. As well, new words are coined to fit the changes in technology, in location, and in lifestyle.

Second, words convey different meanings to persons because their experience is exclusive depending upon their encounter with each word. These connotations are emotional responses to the word that can be positive, negative, or neutral although seldom are they neutral. That is why writers and speakers are partial to certain words and have an aversion to others. Writers, like all people, have favorite words and often use them indiscrimately.

As a result, words are hopelessly inadequate to express exactly what the writer is trying to convey; they can never express precisely the idea, the feeling, the view, and even the fact the writer wishes to relay to the reader. So it is very important that the writer choose words carefully and thoughtfully.

A Blunt Nail

2007-02-08T09:16:00.000-07:00

A writer’s main tool is words, but words never express exactly the idea the writer has in mind because words have denotations and connotations. Connotations are what cause the trouble with exact expression as each individual experiences the word relative to acquired knowledge, thus the word has a different mean for each person.

Each reader will interpret what the writer has written due to the fact that his or her life experience is different for the words used. Shakespeare found words so inadequate, he coined his own and added many to the English vocabulary.

For this reason the writer must choose his words with care. Some words are too precise; others are too general. Words that are too exact do not convey the idea any more than do words that are too general. Getting the right word is all important, and that is the reason that most writers revise and edit their word until it almost conveys the idea that they have in mind.

Unfortunately the meanings—the denotation and connotation—change over time. A study of the etymology of almost every word in the English language will reveal this. One example is the word “awful” which at one time meant ‘full of awe'. Now it has almost the opposite meaning ‘ugly, very bad’.

Choosing the right word is most important if the writer is to convey exactly, or exactly as possible, the idea in mind.

Drastic Measures

2007-02-07T09:17:00.000-07:00

A writer’s worst fear is writer’s block, the time when the mind goes blank whenever the time to write approaches. This can occur whether the writer is a freelancer or for hire writer. With the freelancer, the consequences may not be as grave as for the one whose job is writing and who depends on it for sustenance, but it can be just as traumatic.

Drinking hard liquor will not solve the problem although many writers have used that as a solution. Worrying about it is certainly not the answer, nor is fretting and being miserable. Telling friends and colleagues about your predicament may bring some sympathy, but no resolution. So what is one to do?

The most drastic measure may be to seek another vocation if it is your day job, probably far from the journalism field if you are a member of the press or from the advertising line of work if you are a copywriter. If writing is your avocation, then abandoning it may not be as drastic financial, but it may be just as traumatic, even more so. Thus any activity, other than writing is necessary.

If one is meant to be a writer, the desire will return; the ideas will return; the words will return; and the composition will be accomplished. So writer’s block may be a blessing in disguise. Either you are a writer or you are not, and in any case, writer’s block will be overcome.

Braking Writer's Block

2007-02-05T10:08:00.000-07:00

Techniques for breaking writer’s block

Every writer, young or old, amateur or professional, will experience that dreaded of all possibilities—writer’s block— that time when ideas are absent, words will not come, and the writer’s confidence is shaken.

What can the writer do? Here are a few suggestions that might be fitted to each writer’s situation.

1. Writer fast and free—write anything. Even this will not work some time.

2. Write in a journal. Many writers use this to assure that they will have something to say.

3. Talk into a tape recorder and play it back; then write it down.

4. Review old material, a discarded article, or any other manuscript.

5. Switch to an entirely different genre.

6. Do something physical. Take a walk, play a game, do push-ups. Get you mind off writing.

7. Read a new article, a new story, or a new book.

8. Catch up on your bookkeeping.

9. Talk to a writer friend.

10. Work on your website, or build one.

11. Write your great ideas down.

12. Be careful where you stop—stop your daily writing before whatever you are writing is finished.

Not all these techniques will work for you, but one might although you must remember that writing involves hard work and dedication, seldom inspiration.

Keep writing!

Writer's Block

2007-02-02T09:33:00.000-07:00

Writer’s block is the bane of most writers

All writers fear the curse of writer’s block—the inability to put thoughts to paper, the failure to compose a sentence that expresses a coherent thought, or the collapse of all mental activity dealing with composition.

Three reasons are the cause. The first is the result of the writer trying to express ideas and opinions that are foreign to the person’s background and traditions. When that occurs, the mind refuses to function.

Another explanation is that the author is trying to write about a topic or subject matter that does not interest him or her; it does not create a curiosity, an inquisitiveness that drives the psyche to explore.

Often it is because the writer has nothing to communicate to the intended reader. If the writer has nothing to impart, then no words can express that lack and as a result no words come.

And finally, the lack of enthusiasm for the topic is the most common reason for the lack of ability to put thoughts to paper or into the computer. If the writer lacks fervor for what he or she is trying to communicate, how can one become excite about the task.

Writer’s block is nothing more that beating one’s brains against a dead end.

Challenging Stories

2007-02-01T10:11:00.000-07:00

A story that doesn’t challenge the writer won’t challenge the reader either.

Every writing whether it is an article, an essay, a short story, or a novel must challenge the author if it is to challenge the reader, and if it does not do this, then it will be ignored and disregarded.

How must it challenge the writer? It must do so on several levels. First the topic must be one that interests the author. If the author writes without fascination for his or her subject, it will quickly become apparent. The second challenge is to write in a style that is appropriate to the subject, and third, the information must be relevant, appropriate, and significant.

If the writing does all this for the author, then it will do as much for the reader. Of course, it is significant that not all writing will do this to all readers; much depends on the reader’s curiosity, attention, and beliefs. Nevertheless, the writing must appeal to enough readers to be acceptable.

That is every writer’s challenge: to excite, to inform, to convince, and to confront the reader with ideas that are stimulating, inspiring, and thought-provoking. If the writer does that he or she is successful.

Write With Enthusiasm

2007-01-31T10:02:00.000-07:00

Put enthusiasm into your writing.

Writing that lacks passion and fervor is dull and uninteresting. The writer will be short of the desire to make the work the best it can possibly be. Of course, that will show through in the writing; readers cannot be fooled.

What is this enthusiasm? It is an expression of the writer’s worst fear, greatest anger, or deepest passion. These feelings must be apparent in the writer’s work. It can be in nonfiction and fiction. A sports writer must be devoted to athletics as a participant as well as an observer. A novelist must believe in the premise of his or her story.

This passion for the idea must be deep-rooted and original. It must flow from the writer’s experience and knowledge, but that does not mean that it cannot be cultivated and nurtured. With this affinity and empathy, the writer must dedicate him or her to development of the focus by continual practice. Nor does this mean that the subject matter must be narrow and circumscribed; it means that the writer must expose his or her worst fear, anger, and passion.

Where does this passion become apparent in a writer’s work? It appears in the interests of the author—his or her beliefs, convictions, culture, and life-style. From this comes the choice of record: article, essay, short story, novel, etc. Once the form is chosen, and then it is a matter of style, syntax, grammar, etc.

This becomes a love of expression, subject matter, issue and conviction. A writer must be devoted to words, their meanings, their denotations, their connotations, and their resonance. Through words the subject matter is expressed with the biases and the partiality that is the author’s passion. Without it writing lacks conviction.

Taking Risks

2007-01-29T09:30:00.000-07:00

If a writer is to succeed he or she must take risks. What are these risks?

One of the first risks is the usage of time. If the idea of success is to write for one’s own satisfaction only, then writing is but a hobby, but if one is interested in being recognized as a writer, and then other risks must be addressed.

The first one is the fear of rejection—rejection by peers, rejection by editors, and finally, rejection by readers. The first can be the most important: if a writer presents his or her work to fellow writers and they are too critical, it can have a detrimental effect on the author, often to the point that the writer abandons his or her dream.

An important rejection is that by editors, but it must be realized that the editor has not rejected the writer, only that particular work. Many reasons are possible: not appropriate, not needed at the time, overlooked, and many others. All writers have their work rejected so one must look for another market.

If the work is published, then the reader comes into play. Will they buy and read it? If they do, will they consider it or simply snub it?

Another risk is writing what you believe in. If the writer is to succeed, one must be convinced that what he or she says is important to them. Otherwise, the writing will lack sincerity and authenticity.

Once the work is written, it is important to get it out to readers and that can involve sending it to appropriate publications whether in the trade online or otherwise. Do not give up. If the writer believes that the work is significant then it must be placed before readers.

This mean that the writer must promote it with every means at his or her disposal, and many exist: newspapers, word of mouth, business cards, brochures, web sites, blogs, etc., to name a few.

Probably the greatest risk is believing in one’s self. Most writers have vulnerable egos thus it’s important to develop a positive attitude to one’s work. If the writer believes in his ability and effort then the battle is won.

A Mode of Transportation

2007-01-26T10:05:00.000-07:00

Great writing transports one vicariously to realms that the reader would not otherwise experience.

One of these areas is physical: ancient, modern, or futuristic. A great writer can bring the past into the present and make the reader experience the culture, the locale, the people of the time. Jean Auel’s great novels come to mind.

Another region is the pschological realm: Again great writing conveys us into the minds of characters giving us a better understanding of our motives, our passions, our wants, and our needs. Crime and Punishment is a good example.

Then there is the sociological realm where great writing gets the reader involved in the world of crime, or romance, or poverty, or wealth, and many other social situations, problems and solutions. Charles Dickens was such a writer.

The cultural region is another area where great writing has an impact, particularly authors from other ethnicities that help us to understand the mores and viewpoints that are different.

Finally we enter the political sphere. Here again, great writing points out the good and bad of different ideologies, political parties, governments. It introduces us to the search for power and influence, the good and the bad, the acceptable and the unacceptable.

Great writing occurs in fiction, non-fiction, poetry, etc. Great writers abound, and each reader has his or her favorite.

Signposts

2007-01-25T10:13:00.000-07:00

All writers should use a plan whether written or reflection. This includes the initial idea, the content or main points, and the conclusion whether it is an article, a short story, a chapter, or a complete novel.

Let us look at the article. This starts with main idea that is engendered in the title. Then the content is considered: the main points that will make up the article. All that is left to do now is to fill in the details of each line of reasoning. Leave it for a few days before editing, revising, and rewriting. The article is done.

Similarly, the short story starts with the intent and then the character who has a desire or want that is stymied by some obstacle. As the character attempts to overcome the obstacle, more complications occur until defeat seems the only possibility, but defeat is turned into success or disaster, success if the short story is a comedy and disaster if it is a tragedy.

The chapter of a novel follows a similar plan, but it is not as complete as the short story, since the tale or narrative must go on. The chapter is like one event in the short story with its aspiration, its impediment, its complication, and its achievement or downfall.

Even the novel follows a similar development. Novels can emphasize plot or character but in either case, the protagonist meets an antagonist that can be another human, an belief, or nature that encumber and frustrated him or her. The effort to overcome increases the difficulty rather than alleviate it, resulting in further complexity until a solution is found or the protagonist is overwhelmed.

Basically, all writing follows a similar scheme. Thus, only the details are different for each composition, be it an article, a short story, a chapter, or a novel.

Open a Vein

2007-01-24T11:13:00.000-07:00

If you want to be a writer, you must write and that requires sitting at your typewriter or computer and writing although it may not be easy. That also means avoiding all distractions that will keep one from writing—visitors, friends, relatives, television, radio, and anything that will keep the writer from concentrating on the task.

Although many writers wait for inspiration before they start writing, that is a sure way to bring about writer’s block. Inspiration only comes with dedication, concentration, planning, and visualization. If one looks at the work habits of successful writers, it is one of habits, habits established by determination and persistence that require surrender to a timetable of work, a forfeit of time to write. That time must be rigidly adhered to be it an hour or several hours a day.

Setting a time each day is not always easy, but it must be done if one is to become a professional, published writer. During that time nothing must interfere with writing. It is not the time to edit, rewrite, revise, or research. It must be set aside for writing, for putting words to paper or to screen. Discipline is the keyword here and self-control must be achieved inflexibly. Sounds tough? Well, it is! Some beginning writers get up earlier and spend and hour or two before their day job; others prefer time before retiring for the night; while still others steal a few minutes several times through out the day. Whatever is chosen must be adhered to strictly.

This, of course is where dedication and concentration become most important. One must decide if they really want to be a writer since it is a lonely introspection activity, it is not for everyone. Some think it is glamorous, but that part of the profession is not; it must be done alone and isolated, alone with one’s ideas and thoughts, isolated from other people in order to express those ideas and thoughts. Those who want to be, and that is almost every person the writer meets, envy writing and writers.

Writing is not easy for most writers. It is like opening up a vein and letting the blood gush forth…or dribble out. It can be painful or exhilarating. Fortunately, most of the time it is stimulating, heady, and more so when it is published and enjoyed by others.

Writing is Desperate 'Work'

2007-01-23T10:34:00.000-07:00

Some writers complain that writing is arduous work requiring long hours and little pay, which is often true especially for freelance fiction writers. Today, everyone wants to be a writer and with word processors and computers it is easy to put thoughts down, but it is not always effortless to be published unless one self-publishes or uses a vanity press.

Nevertheless, writing although demanding, is not life threatening. Yes, it is a lonely occupation as the writer sits alone at the keyboard and pours forth his/her ideas. Many more occupations or vocations are more dangerous than sitting before a monitor and looking at the screen as letters, words, sentences, paragraphs, and composition unfold before the writer’s eyes. The most dangerous effects are eye strain, muscle fatigue, and carpal ?. Sometimes, back strain is an occupational hazard due to poor posture or poor equipment, it’s not like the military where digging a trench under fire can be common.

Writing, on the other hand, is fulfilling in some way. Some write for money, some for recognition, some for enjoyment, and others to leave a legacy, usually a book that will outlive them or be passed on to their progeny. Most write because the like to express themselves in a way that is unique and satisfying. In any case, the writer feels some need that must be satisfied.

Writing as a career does have it hazards. If it is needed to provide revenue to maintain life, it can be frustrating. Writers who are salaried find that the pay is low and usually insufficient although over time it may rise if the writer stays long enough with the employer be it a newspaper, a magazine, a trade, or other organizations that uses the services of a writer. Freelancers probably are more thwarted in their attempts to earn a satsifying income. Their earnings usually fluctuate greatly of a year.

Even so, all writers need to be fulfilled and satisfied by what they do whether they are salaried, freelance, or writing for personal gratification. They must feel that the writing life is a good life!

Take a Break

2007-01-22T10:08:00.000-07:00

Writing is a strenuous creative activity, and like physical activity it produces fatigue that requires rejuvenation and renewal, so when the mind is blocked, it is time to rest it. Many writers call this ‘writer’s block’ but others claim that no such state exists.

One remedy of mental fatigue is physical activity. Most consider this to be participation in some competitive sport, but that is not necessary. Any physical activity will suffice: gardening, calisthenics, aerobics, swimming, skating, skiing, and most of all walking. Probably walking is the best physical activity for most people because it avoids injury, muscle soreness, and the purchase of elaborate equipment.

Physical activity rests the mind from the creative process of writing, at least of the mental process of placing words, ideas, and topics on the screen or paper. It frees the mind from the stress of thought that is a real tension and allows the imagination to escalate. Often, during these periods of physical activity inspiration flourishes with an epiphany effect; a writing problem is solved, a new market is realized, or a new project evolves.

So if you hate sports, take up walking, the best exercise, and one that the body is equipped to do. Unlike running, it does not jar the joints, it does not accumulate uric acid in the muscles, but it does develop the lungs and heart.

Try it, and you will see that the creative process is enhanced and developed by this break from writing.

Groundbreaking Work

2007-01-19T10:57:00.000-07:00

Every writer knows that the urge to write is not always present. As a result, the dedicated writer writes anyway. Professional writers face the task without think too much about the actual activity. They have established the habit, so they sit down and put their thought to paper whether they are relevant to the project or not. They know that they can rewrite, revise, edit, and improve. They know that the first draft is not or need be the last.

The writer forces him or herself to write, usually at a prescribed time and in a set place. Most successful writers have an office, a place set aside for writing, and so they go to that place to write. Seldom do such writer’s experience what is know as writer’s block which is a state of mind that can be changed with a conscious effort.

And interesting thing about writing—putting thoughts to paper—is that the very act clarifies one’s thinking, and fosters more thoughts. The simple act of putting thought into words, sentences, and paragraphs causes the mind to sift, to correlate, to organize, and intensify thinking. From a blank mind to one teeming with ideas is the usual process that occurs as one writes.

Thus one sees that writing is related to mood, which changes from one moment to the next. During the day, one experiences many moods from joy to sadness, from calm to anger, from activity to idleness, while state of mind tends to be less volatile. Since mood is so capricious, it is only a matter of time until the urge to write takes over, and writing becomes a joy rather than a chore.

So what is difficult writing can be excellent and worthwhile. Often, after reviewing earlier writing, it is difficult to know what was arduous and what was effortless. Often the burdensome is the finest.

First Priority

2007-01-18T10:59:00.000-07:00

No matter what you are writing, the first priority is write the first draft.

Most writers procrastinate. Since writing is a demanding job requiring focus and dedication, most writers delay, dally, defer, and dawdle.

How does one get that first draft completed?

Plan
Organize
Implement
Write

Without a doubt, the most important step is to plan what one intends to write, be it a novel, an article, an essay, a short story, or a poem. The writer must have something to say and a desire to say it. The need to express, for whatever reason, is important. It may be self-fulfillment, it may be economic, or it may to leave a legacy, but whatever it is it must be strong enough to force the writer to prepare and develop a way to put words to paper.

Once the idea is generated, the second important step is to organize. This usually means time at a computer or typewriter. Time must be set aside, a place of work must be established, and distractions (whatever they are) must be eliminated. The professional writer writes every day and often everywhere, but the amateur may not have the same motive or drive. Time, of course, varies from person to person; some writers have a day job to contend with, others write only when the urge comes upon them, or whenever time is available. An ideal place to write will also depend on the individual; some need noise as a background; others require silence; and still other do not care—they can write anywhere. The elimination of distractions is different for each person. Writers have written with bustle and hurry all about them; others need a special place with a special ambience. Do what you have to do.

Putting thoughts to paper or screen is the most important part of the process. Start. Write quickly letting the thoughts flow from the mind to the paper or screen. Do not be too concerned about syntax, word choice, grammar, spelling, or capitalization. The most imperative act is to get something down; rewriting will take care of the technical aspects of writing. Today most word processors have grammar and spellcheckers, but do not rely exclusively on them. They do not find all errors; if you are poor at spelling and grammar seek the services of someone who is capable in these areas—a friend, a teacher, or if necessary a professional copywriter.

That is writing: planning, organizing, and putting words to paper or to screen. It is not difficult if one has a positive attitude about it.

Editing

2007-01-15T09:39:00.000-07:00

Expect, allow, and accept that every first draft will represent your lowest standard and have at it.

A first draft is just that, a draft with its lack of organization, lack of cogent thought, poor syntax, grammatical errors, typos and spelling slip-ups, and other inaccuracies.

So it needs revision, rewriting, spell checking, and more research.

Thus, it needs editing.

How does one go about that?

Probably the first step is to use the word processor grammar and spellchecker.

Then it is time to look at the organization of the piece: Is it logical? Does it proceed to a climax? Are all the sentences relevant to each paragraph? Is each paragraph relevant to the overall theme and topic? Are the facts accurate? Do the paragraphs lead to the conclusion you intended?

What needs to be removed? What needs to be added?

Of course, the way it is edited depends on whether it is fiction or non-fiction, and then if it is fiction, what kind: novel, short story, poetry, etc. Each genre has its own characteristics, rules, and reason. Similarly, if it is non-fiction, what kind is it: informational, expository, descriptive, argumentative, or humorous.

Next comes sentence structure. Does it have a variety of sentences as to length and type: simple, compound, complex, and compound-complex? Do the sentences contain pet words and expressions? Do they contain colloquialism, slang, idioms, and trite language?

Is the language fitting to the subject matter? Formal, standard, informal, or common or avant-garde.

Finally, the work needs a re-read to be sure it is as perfect as it can be made, that it satisfies the writer…and especially the reader, the first one being the editor to whom it is sent.

If this sounds onerous, it is, but that’s what writing is all about-- to produce the best effort possible.

Thinking About It

2007-01-12T10:34:00.000-07:00

Many writers spend more time thinking about writing than they do in actual writing. This, of course, is truer of the freelancer than the salaried writer although it can deter any writer from the actual job of writing.

Waiting or one's Muse is a favorite excuse for many writers. They wait for inspiration to come to them rather and searching for it. That moment of epiphany may never come so they remain wannabes with a plethora of excuses for not facing the typewriter or the computer screen. Perhaps this is truer of fiction or poetry than non-fiction writers. Certainly it's truer of freelancers and salaried writers.

Waiting for one's Muse is the primarily excuse for procrastination. The lack of a plan or goals can produce delaying the act of sitting at the typewriter or computer and putting words to paper. Probably, then, it is wise for any writer to set out goals and an agenda for achieving these goals. Most successful writers agree that stating aspirations and then devising a plan to accomplish them is the first step to success.

This brings us to next reason to avoid writing: the lack of purpose. Many writers dream of success as fame and fortune but with little thought as to how they will bring about that. It is nothing more than a dream, a fantasy, or even a chimera. So it is very important that the writer or would be writer decides on the reason for writing: is it for self-satisfaction, is it for affluence, is it for acclaim or recognition, and is it to fulfill some enigmatic need. Whatever the aspiration, it should be well though out if the writer expects to become an author.

One of the greatest deterrents to writing is the fear of failure. Most, if not all writers, feel this at one time or another in their career. Usually, of course, this is at the beginning of their writing career. They wonder if they are good enough to succeed; they wonder if readers—be they editors, agents, or publishers—will consider their work to be worthwhile for publication because that is the prime reason that most write. Always, at the back of their mind, is this ghoul that haunts them and often prevents them from producing.

Last, but not least, is humans' tendency to laziness. Writing is hard work; writing is arduous and demanding. It requires lonely hours when the writer is alone with his or her thoughts, molding them, synthesizing them, stirring them, and polishing them into words, sentences, paragraphs, and compositions. Naturally, humans seek the easy, the satisfying, the comfortable way, so that means that writing is avoided, even abandoned.

So do not let pondering, daydreaming, or fantasizing take the place of writing. Sit at the typewriter or computer and put words, sentences, and paragraph down. Once started the flow will continue, and one will be a writer!

Prolific Writers

2007-01-11T09:46:00.000-07:00

Prolific authors write; they don't just dream about it. A good example is Georges Simenon of Inspector Maigret fame. He writes a book quickly, at one sitting so to speak. The first draft of each chapter is written longhand in a single afternoon. The following morning he transcribes it with his typewriter, revising and rewriting as he types. The afternoon is spent writing the next chapter, but before this happens he outlines a plan for the novel.

Perhaps one should do as Charles Dickens did. Early in his life he learned shorthand as a reporter and would write many of his novels first in this manner. He also was a prolific writer, in shorthand and longhand, no typewriter or computer for him. A man of great energy and vitality, he wrote voraciously but he did many other things as well.

Anthony Trollope, another 19th century novelist was also a prolific writer who adhered to a very strict schedule for work. He invariably arose at 5:30 am and wrote until 11:00 whereupon he breakfasted and spend the remainder of the day in personal activity. As a result, he was able to write 47 novels and 16 books. He was methodical worker who considered writing as a trade, probably one of the reasons his books have lost esteem.

Honoré de Balzac (1799-1850) is another prolific writer of the 19th century who wrote from midnight to dawn almost every day of his life, thus turning out a million words per year. Although he was prodigious, he was always poor, and that might account for his abundant output.

Victor Hugo (1802-1885) like Balzac was a prolific French writer of the 19th century. He too spewed out poetry and novels at an unbelievable rate. His most famous novels are The Hunchback of Notre Dame and Les Miserables, but they are a small example of the many works that he produced at the amazing rate of over a million words a year.

If these writers--with paper, pen, and pencil--could effect the volume of writing they did, then writers today should easily do as much. We have computers and word processors that make writing a charm rather than a chore with spell checkers and grammar checkers, and other aids that make the process easy and enjoyable. I suppose what is lacking is the focus and vision that these writers had. Perhaps our live are to full of computers, television, films, theater, music, and other activities that impinge on the writer's time. Yet is possible with planning and discipline to put ideas to paper in poems, stories, novels, articles, essays, etc. Although the competition to be published probably exceeds that of writer of the 19th century and the 20th century, the way to publication is more varied and available.

Traditional publishers are being replaced by electronic publishers who now print books on demand or to order. Soon the publishing industry and booksellers will have to wake up to this new phenomenon and change the way they do business to satisfy the new prolific writers.

Whatever Works

2007-01-10T10:24:00.000-07:00

Writing is a singular job that requires a singular kind of inspiration that differs from individual to individual. Since the human mind is so complex and so different from person to person, this is shown in the way writers operate. Some write best in the morning while other do their finest work in the middle of the night. Some need a quiet, dedicate environment, while others are more inspired by the greatest activity around them. Still others need certain stimuli to help their creation, a favorite pet, a favorite locale, a favorite musical score, or a favorite view.

Of course, this is different for diverse writers. Often the problem is to find the milieu, the object, or the melody that will stimulate your muse. Once you have found your incitement, you must develop and use it to produce, but do not use it as an excuse to avoid writing. This is always a danger, as most writers are great procrastinators, putting off the writing of any manuscript. They start well, but seldom finish well. Beginning a project is usually the easy part, the middle is difficult, and the end almost impossible.

If you need a quiet location to produce, then you find one. For the freelancer, this is probably easier than for the salaried writer—the reporter, the journalist, the ad writer, the press agent, etc., but usually it is possible to find some corner that is reasonably isolated and away from the office bustle. Find it!

On the other hand, if you need the stimulation of the hustle and buzz of human activity, that should not be difficult to find in the office, in the café, on the street, etc. A number of great writers did their best writing in a favorite café or bar so it’s not unusual. Artists of all stripes have used human activity as the stimulus to create great works.

So for most writers, a special time, a special place, a special ambience, or a special object sets off their imagination, their psyche, their mental processes. For some it’s a ritual that must be followed—a certain rising time, a certain procedure, a certain deadline, and a certain controller that impels them to produce. Since most humans are creature of habit, it makes sense that writers establish practices that encourages them to write and to create even if these routines appear bizarre to other writers and non-writers.

Once this routine is established, writing becomes customary, almost an addiction. Dedicated writers must write, not to make money, not for recognition, but for self-satisfaction, the need to fulfill a compulsion that exists within them. Often they do not know or understand the reason why they must write. For them, little motivation is necessary; for them, almost everything works, but they are probably a minority.

Most writers, authors, playwrights, poets, etc. must use whatever works.

A Writer's Gifts

2006-12-21T09:58:00.000-07:00

Most writers have a gift for some, or even several, aspects of the craft, but no one is a natural at the whole process.

Writing is a complex craft.

1. Mechanics--grammar, syntax, punctuation, spelling, style, etc.

2. Non-fiction, fiction, poetry.

3. Non-fiction--topic, theme, essay, article, book.

4. Fiction--genre, plot, characters, dialog, setting, viewpoint, and theme.

5. Poetry--topic, structure, and passion.

Writing is a complex craft starting with words--their choice, their arrangement, and their effect. This use of words will depend on the writer's purpose which may be to inform, to entertain, to persuade, or to delight. As a result the craft is divided into three categories: non-fiction, fiction, and poetry, but the first consideration is the mechanics of writing.

The mechanics of writing consists of a knowledge of grammar, syntax, punctuation, spelling, and style. Although a writer may not be aware of grammar, he or she automatically makes use of it in order to be understood by the reader. The English language follows certain rules of words, their order, and their meaning if one is to comprehend the purpose of the writer. As well as syntax, in writing certain customs in the use of punctuation marks have been established and are acceptable by most writers and readers. Spelling has also been established by practices acceptable to authors and their readers. Then the manner in which the writer uses all these mechanics begets his or her style.

Now writing can be divided in three broad classes: non-fiction, fiction, and poetry which are sub-divided into still many more species. With this great variety, it becomes obvious that no writer is proficient at all these aspects of the craft. Some are adroit at writing non-fiction, be it reporting, informing, or persuading, while others are gifted in fiction, be it short stories or novels, while still others are endowed in poetry, be it haiku or epic.

Each class has its special characteristics: non-fiction requires a choice of purpose, a theme, a topic, and the abilities to put words, sentences, and paragraphs together to achieve that aim. Here again, some writers are better than others at this. Some write articles, others essays, and others books. Each aspect of the craft can be developed, but some have a natural affinity and aptness to a component of the business, yet none is adapt all details. One may be strong in description, another in narrative, or another in argument. A gifted writer usually excels in several aptitudes, but none are successful with all.

Similarly, in fiction, some authors excel at characterization, others plot is their forte, while still others outshine in style or artistry. If one looks at the great writers, one sees immediately that some excel at characterization. Characters that they created are remain in our minds and continue to be remembered from generation to generation. Charles Dickens characters are unforgettable. Others excel at plot; Jules Vernes plot are as realistic today as when he wrote them. Of course, there is the master of all, William Shakespeare, whose characters, plots, and artistry live on from age to age.

Poetry is a genre of it's own with axioms of its own. But here also, certain aspects of the craft are more developed in some poet than in others. Some concentrate on form, while other on content. Each poet perfects one or two aspects of the craft, but seldom all. Again Shakespeare comes to mind, but even he was not completely proficient entirely.

No writer is entirely excellent in every aspect of writing although every one would like to be. The best one can do is to develop those areas that interest them most.

A Writer's Tools

2006-12-20T09:28:00.000-07:00

Faulkner said, “The tools I need for work are paper, tobacco, food, and a little whisky.”

Every writer needs certain tools to accomplish the task of being a writer. For some, it is a simple assortment of equipment, basically paper and a writing instrument--a pencil or pen--and nothing more while most need a typewriter or a computer and nothing more while still others need a special place with a special ambiance--quiet, background music, lighting, a comfortable desk and chair, and a special beverage--coffee, tea, etc., or like Faulkner, a little whisky.

Today's writer will most likely opt for a computer of some sort--desktop, laptop, or even a PDA of some sort. Paper is no longer an essential because most work can be saved to a hard drive or diskette, and sent to it destination via the Internet. Tobacco is becoming obsolete as more people are kicking the habit due to the health concerns. Food is still an essential, but others will forgo the whisky.

The computer has taken much of the drudgery from writing. A good word processing program is an essential and there are many on the market but the two most common and acceptable are Microsoft Word and Corel Wordperfect although other can be used. For the financially struggling author there is OpenOffice, which is a free program from: openoffice.org. It has all the power and flexibility of the first two mentioned as well as being able to convert any file to PDF format which makes it possible for any platform to read it whether PC or Mac.

Many experts advise that a writer should have a dedicated place in which to write. I suppose this is true of the freelancer more than the salaried scribbler. Perhaps such an area is more conducive to the discipline needed to put thoughts to paper or monitor screen, but certainly not every author can find such a location. If the writer is a harried housewife on a limited budget in a limited household, such an area might be hard to come by, but it might be profitable to find a spot and use it consistently to make writing a habit. Since human are habit oriented creatures, creating a writing habit seem like a good approach.

Most writers also need other tools: a desk, a comfortable chair, a dictionary, a thesaurus, pens and pencils, and paper of some sort for quick notes--notepad or secretary notebook--a calendar. Others need a radio, a CD player, or connection to the media on the Internet and maybe that little whisky that Faulkner found so helpful.

Like Faulkner, though, the essential tools are pencil or pen and paper. More than one writer, and some very famous ones, was able to create masterpieces with these simple bare necessities. The main tools are the writer’s thoughts and ideas.

A Single Technique

2006-12-19T21:19:00.000-07:00

Writing is hard work, and like all hard work, one tries to avoid it if possible. Yet writers feel the urge to write, the need to write, and the inspiration to write, but these are not what produces. The writer must have a technique for writing.

Many writers use the approach of fantasizing. They imagine that their article, essay, short story, or novel will make them the great find of the literary world. They see themselves as being lionized by society with recognition and financial success, but that is not reality, and soon the incentive to write disappears so they produce little or nothing.

Others wait for inspiration, a vague, nebulous event which seldom happens. So they bide their time waiting for the muse to send them to the typewriter or keyboard. Sometimes Clio (the muse of history), Erato (the muse of lyric and amatory poetry), Euterpe (the muse of music), Terpsichore (the muse of choral song), or Thalia (the muse of comedy and bucolic poetry) do appear, but most often they do not, and again nothing is accomplished. Since the muse does not arrive, the would be writer does something else.

That something else takes the form of many other distraction. It can be meaningless chores about the office, the kitchen, the yard, any place but at the keyboard. It can be a telephone call, a visit to socialize with a friend, reading to pass the time , or studying the mail. Often the writer excuses this procrastination as necessary to mentally organize what is envisioned, but actually it is to avoid the disciplined task of authorship.

Only one technique is sure to bear fruit, that is to sit down at the typewriter or computer and to write. If at first nothing worthwhile issues, keeping at it will soon result in something acceptable. Usually when writing is difficult, upon review it is impossible to tell what was burdensome and what was effortless. The act of writing is a complex activity that is honed by practice, practice, and more practice, so sitting and writing is of utmost importance to any author.

Of all the techniques used, the most important is to sit down and write.

Discipline Medicine

2006-12-18T09:59:00.000-07:00

Most writers suffer from a lack of discipline. The urge to procrastinate is strong as writing is agonizing work because it is done alone without support from colleagues, acquaintances, and friends unlike other occupations that take place in an office, a store, a factory, or some other location where people are present. Thus a strong incentive is needed.

Of course this motivation can take many forms: self-satisfaction, honor, glory, recognition, and money. One, or all of these, can serve as the drive to write, yet self-discipline is difficult to acquire and maintain. Sitting at a typewriter or computer requires conditioning; usually this involves a timetable, a schedule, an agenda, and an objective. The subject matter is the first contingency to be decided, and then the next decision is the format: Will it be an article, an essay, a poem, a short story, or a novel? Next is the time table for the work: Does it require a definite time frame, hours, days, weeks, months, or even years. Once this is decided a schedule needs to be set up, then the daily agenda, and finally the final outcome.

Even this will not eliminate procrastination. But remedies do exist to alleviate this condition. Probably one of the best antidotes is an assignment from an outside source: a newspaper, a magazine, a publisher, an editor, a wife, or a partner. Reporters appear to always meet their deadlines, article writers do most of the time, novelists often do, but writers who are driven by editors, wives, or partners usually do.

If the assignment is followed by a deadline, it can be a great impetus to work. Most people, and that includes writers, seem to require a time limitation to force them to produce, to finish a job. Beginning is easy, but continuing to a finale is burdensome and tends to lead to dallying. Writers can think of more reasons not to act than most other people; gazing off into space waiting for the muse to strike, dreaming of far off exotic places, any reason not to act comes to mind.

Another good motivator is the stack of bills piling up beside the typewriter or computer. If writing is the main source of income, it is a commanding inducement, especially if the wife or partner urges the writer to produce. The need to pay the bills can force one to sit and write, to complete the assignment, and to meet the deadline because the money is needed.

So the greatest remedy for lack of self-discipline is an assignment, a deadline, and a stack of bills. If all three are present, there can be no better reason to get at that writing job and to finish it.

Mumblings

2006-12-15T10:00:00.000-07:00

The self-indulgent writer listens only to the mumblings of sycophants, toadies, and flatterers, thus failing to heed the valid criticisms of editors, critiquers, and reviewers.

Since improvement involves the time to review, to edit, to revise, and to rewrite, the self-indulgent writer avoids or neglects to do this. All writing can be enhanced by revision and review: a change in viewpoint, a change in syntax, a change in sentence structure, or a change in design. Most flourishing writers take the time and effort to appraise their work before submission to an editor, a publisher, or a broadcaster.

Those writers that do not assess their work abandon themselves to self-pity and blame their lack of success on unreceptive editors, publishers, the publishing industry, the media, and to a general misunderstanding of them as authors. They fail to realize that their self-indulgence is the reason for their failure. They fail to understand that success is more hard work than talent or genius. It is easier to blame others than it is to strive, to develop, and to improve their talents.

Often these writers depend on the obsequiousness of friends and relatives to justify their worth as an author, novelist, playwright, poet, journalist, essayist, or even a critic. Friends are usually poor judges of writing or they refuse to be honest for fear of alienating, disappointing, or denigrating that person. Relatives also make poor sounding boards from the same reason, but also through envy and belief that they can do as well or better. Generally their commendation is unsound and of little use to the serious writer who hopes for an effective evaluation of the composition.

Thus, the self-indulgent writer eliminates any review or criticism, and even neglects to evaluate his or her own work by taking the time to even use a grammar and spellchecker that are part of most, if not all, word processors. Submissions are sent with typos, spelling mistakes, and gross grammar errors. Then they wonder why their work is rejected, thus the mumbling of self-indulgent writers.

Dredging the Truth

2006-12-14T09:14:00.000-07:00

To seek and find truth requires that we communicate within rather than without. When we communicate outside, with other people, truth is always watered down by differing perceptions, consensus, and compromise. People have different understandings.

However, to reach a very effective level using this methodology there is much work that we must do to remove the impediments and obstacles that we have built to block our path.

There is always a very easy check on the quality of thoughts that we are processing. That check is asking ourselves ‘What is the feeling in my gut?’. If we are processing thoughts that are aiding our true honest desires we have a good feeling in the gut. If we process thoughts that are abetting our true honest desires we have a bad feeling in the gut. When you feel that bad feeling it is a clear signal to examine your current thoughts and change them to positive thoughts.

Self-examination is seeking the truth within us rather than from outward searching. Outward searching is marred by the feelings, perceptions, and compromises that others have made because people have different understandings.

If we look within ourselves, we question, and the answers are the universal truths that we seek. Every question has an answer; every problem has a solution. Answers and solutions may not come immediately; some take time to find—an hour, a day, a year, or even many years. If we search for it or allow it to come to us, we will find it.

For a writer, this is especially important because it involves thoughts, beliefs, and feelings that are to be expressed so they make sense to the reader. This is difficult because our interpretations are filtered through our emotions, our upbringing, our culture, and the world around us. Only through introspection can we arrive at the truth that, of course, is another word for self-examination.

How do we achieve this self-examination? Many philosophies have been developed to realize this introspection, but a simple act is all that is necessary: take a moment to concentrate on your inner mind and to ask a single question; let your subconscious seek the answer throughout the day and the answer will come without effort. Make it a daily ritual and be surprised by the outcome. Be careful not to let negative thought about the question hinder the search for the answer.

One important truth is the discovery that ‘our thoughts create our life experiences.’ This is probably the first universal truth that is discovered, and once this is realized and accepted one has found and important phase of self-examination.

One of the universal truth is that there is no past or future only the present—the here and now of the moment.

Every action has an alternate reaction.