You Tube video of Ronda Hinrichsen

Lu Ann Worley of Rockin' Book Reviews interviewed me about my writing process and posted it here on  You Tube.  Here's the link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xm8OaWJ2cF4

Writing Spaces

Today I contributed to Josi S. Kilpack's post on Writing Spaces; i.e., where is the best place to write? The answer comes down to what works best for each individual. For me, I need quiet and comfort. Others write best when they're surrounded by noise--do I hear music, anyone? And still others write wherever they are and whenever they can possibly grab a moment to do so. Since Josi's post aptly applies to this blog, I thought I'd share the link here.

Chapter Blocks that Keep Readers Reading by Ronda Hinrichsen

Most writers know the protagonists of their novels must have an overall goal that propels the length of the novel. Without it, their story falls flat and readers stop reading. But what we authors sometimes forget is that the protagonist in each chapter/scene also needs to have a specific goal he wants to accomplish in that scene or chapter. Furthermore, that goal needs to be related to the character's main story goal, and the scene/chapter must have an obstacle to that goal. 

CHARACTER GOAL + OBSTACLE = CONFLICT and CONFLICT ENCOURAGES ACTION. Action is the cornerstone of great stories. 

Keep this formula in mind as you begin your chapter, Better yet, figure out each element before you write your chapter. A quick outline of the main points of the struggle between your protagonist and his opposition (it's often another person) can not only help you organize your story and keep your characters moving toward their goals, but it can also help you hasten your writing process. I've always found it much easier to write quickly when I know beforehand what I want to accomplish and/or write. Figuring it out as I go always leads to more rewrites.

Finally, according to Evan Marshall's The Marshall Plan for Novel Writing (and I've found it to be true), when you reach the end of your scene or chapter, make sure your character does one of these three things as it relates to his current goal:

1. He fails to accomplish his goal,

2. He fails to accomplish his goal and learns of a new, even larger obstacle.

3. He succeeds in accomplishing his goal, but he also learns of a new, even larger obstacle. 

Each of these endings will keep your reader wanting to know what will happen next. On the other hand, if your character only succeeds, your story ends, and your reader closes your book.

(This article was originally posted on September 10, 2015 on the Author's Think Tank blog.)

Interview with Linda Weaver Clarke on Writing the Amelia Moor Detective Series by Ronda Hinrichsen

I'm always working on my writing craft, and one of the ways I do that is studying how other authors do what I'm trying to do and then incorporating that skill into my writing. With that in mind, and knowing her experience can help other writers, I've interviewed author Linda Weaver Clarke about her newest novel, The Mysterious Doll, and especially about her writing process.
Me: Thank you for joining me on my blog today, Linda. I'm sure your experience and insight will be a great help to readers. Throughout my career, I've found that one of the first questions aspiring authors ask me is where I get my ideas, so why don't we begin with that? Please tell us a little about your new novel and where  your idea for this book came from.
 

Linda: The Amelia Moore Detective Series is a cozy mystery that involves missing persons. So I try to create a story around a missing person and make it intriguing at the same time. I’m not sure where I get my ideas. I just think about an area that I would like to set my next story and then try to come up with a story that would fit that area. In this story, Amelia and Rick end up at Estes Park, Colorado in the famous Stanley Hotel that is supposedly “haunted.” I stayed at this hotel once with my husband and daughter and it was such a fun experience. And no, I didn’t see any ghosts while I was there. But I did see the famous Stanley Steamer Automobile.

In The Mysterious Doll, Pauline Jones is confused why her boyfriend took off without telling a soul where he was going. But that isn’t all. Sam Whitaker is accused of stealing a valuable porcelain doll from the museum. His disappearance makes him look guilty, but Pauline is convinced he is innocent. When Amelia finds Sam, she realizes they need to prove his innocence. Where is the antique doll and who has taken it?

Me: How do you put your stories together? Do you plot first, or do you begin with a nugget of an idea and let the story take you where it will?

Linda: I usually plot first because with a mystery you have to know the ending and help your characters get there Lwithout the reader knowing the secret. Afterwards I’ll add fillers to my story as I write. So in a sense, I guess I also “let the story take me where it will.”

Me: That's exactly what I do too. Great minds think alike--grin. Now, I know there are a lot of elements you "do right" in your books, but you would you please tell us what  one writing skill you consider to be your best? Hpw did you develop it?

Linda: Description is my strength. When I first began writing, my editor would tell me to add more description so my reader would understand what my hero or heroine looked like. Also, what kind of mountains were they looking at in the distance as the couple strolled along the path? With this encouragement, I worked at it until it became second nature to me. I made my weakness become my strength. How do I know this is my strength? Because I’ve had many reviewers comment that they could actually feel as if they were in the area my story took place because of my descriptions. I try not to overdo it, though. Just enough to help my reader imagine they are there.

Me: Along with that, what characteristics do you strive to include in every book by Linda Weaver Clarke?

Linda: I try to include humor, some romance, and intrigue. Those are my favorite types of books to read, so I want to include it in my stories.
 

Me: Finally, I believe it's important for writers to know what they hope readers will get from their books. What do you hope readers will get from The Mysterious Doll?

Linda: Fun and entertainment. If a reader loves romantic cozy mysteries, then this book is right up their alley. What is a cozy mystery? It’s a G-rated story. Usually the sleuth is an intelligent woman who must solve the case.  Most mysteries are about solving a crime, but this new series involves missing persons. 

Me: Thank you so much for visiting with us today, Linda, and Congratulations on your new book. 

Click here to purchase The Mysterious Doll from Amazon.

FIVE INGREDIENTS FOR SUCCESS--BY David Farland

So, I’ve been asked to talk about five things that my novels must have in order for me to feel that they’re successful.  That’s a brilliant question.

1)      Every tale needs an interesting setting, one with unexpected depth and richness, that transports a reader.  Ever look at the fifty bestselling movies ever?  They all take you to another time or another place.  Some of them, like Star Wars, even do both!  The same is true of bestselling novels.

2)      My story needs characters that people care deeply about.  As an audience member, I don’t necessarily need to “fall in love” with a character, but I must be able to empathize, put myself in his or her place.

3)      Each story I write needs characters who act on their impulses.  By that I mean, my characters can’t sit around and just think about saying and doing the right things, they have to confront any problem thrown at them.  They have to go out and change their worlds.

4)      My story must have fascinating twists.  As an author you have to constantly be thinking, “I know what other authors have done with stories like this, but where else could this go?” Then you have to take the reader there.  You want your novel to be novel, unique, unlike any other.

5)      Ultimately, each story needs to make the audience see the world in new ways.  When my reader closes a book, I want them to realize that no matter what harrowing things I’ve put them through in fiction, they feel wiser, energized, and more capable of handling whatever it is that life throws at them.

See David Farland's new Writing Tips blog at www.davidfarland.com

Find out about his new book at www.nightingalebook.com

Report--Write Night

In my last post, I mentioned I was going to attend a 6 hour write night with other authors where all we did was write. Four authors, including me, attended. I began the night on page 113 of my WIP and I ended at 119. So, in six hours, I wrote six pages. It doesn't look really great, but for me and considering what I completed, I feel pretty good about. Sure, I wish I'd written more, but actually, during that time I:

1)--Skipped over a section that required research I'd left at home--frown.  I wrote a one sentence description of what needed to happen and then moved on.

2)--My writing was fairly bare-boned. I knew I'd need to flesh it out more later, but because I was trying to get as far into the story as I could, I just plowed forward.

3)--I wrote the bare bones of an entire chapter and began the second.

4)--While I did have a basic outline of events that still had to happen in the full novel, I hadn't yet created chapter outlines which incorporated the POV character's chapter goal. So some of that time was taken in more fully outlining 2 chapters. That information, alone, speeds my future writing.

5)--One of the other authors said we talked a little more than they usually do. I wonder . . . since this was my first time, was that my fault? And yet, that communication really helped me.

6)--I learned I'm not the only one who writes, pauses for varying lengths of time, then writes again. So validating!

As I said before, I only wrote 6 pages, but this morning, I got up early and filled in the missing information for that first chapter. After adding and subtracting--editing!--I'm now at page 121 and ready to move further into the next chapter. Still, that was only 2 pages in about 2 hours. Looks like I average about a page an hour. I wonder how I can break past that?

Overall, I feel the write night is quite beneficial, especially during days filled with hard-to-find alone writing time. In fact, I'd really like to go to the next one which is scheduled for 12 hours--noon to midnight. I wonder how I can make that one happen.

Write Night

I'm going to try something new. A friend of mine has difficulty finding uninterrupted blocks of time to write, so she has created a write night where she and other writers go to a predesignated place for about six hours on one night out of every week. She swears by it, saying it's the best way she's found to get her writing work finished. So, with the holidays bearing down on me while I'm anxiously trying to write my latest suspense novel, I've decided to give it a try. I'll let you know how it goes. I hope it proves successful, because I'm on page 113, and my goal--unrealistic?--is to finish it by January 31. That means I'll have to write faster than I ever have before.To help me reach that goal, I've created a fluid outline of the entire book, but even so, I'm worried I won't be able to reach my goal. But if I don't try, I already know the answer, right? Wish me luck. :)

Thoughts on Plagiarism

With all the hype going around about JK Rowling and plagiarism, I thought I'd write a quick note. I hope every author knows that while exact words and the work as a whole are copyrightable, ideas are not. I don't know anything about Rowling's situation, but I will say whenever someone claims plagiarism, I'm quite skeptical. I believe ideas are just floating around in the air, waiting for someone to snatch onto them. Case in point: 

A few years ago, while I was going through a lengthy submission process for MISSING, I came across a blog where commenters were given the opportunity to submit a book idea to the blog owner. I decided to look over those comments and discovered that someone I didn't know had written out an idea for a book that was very similar to MISSING. So similar, in fact, that the main characters had the same names--though different spellings. I was shocked, to say the least, concerned that maybe someone had already heard about MISSING and was using it, and worried enough that someone might think I'd actually stolen their idea, I changed the name of one of my main characters. To this day, I fear that whoever wrote that comment has heard of MISSING and is angry with me. And yet I had no connection with them or their "idea." It was actually about five years (or more) between the time I began writing MISSING and the day it was published.

Let me reiterate. Ideas are not copyrightable. Neither are they exclusive to one person. So, as soon as that great idea comes to you, use it. Don't wait. If you do, someone else is bound to grab it's twin or sextuplet out of the sky and cash it in.

Where I'm Posting . . .

I know, I know. It's been a few weeks since I've written here, but I wanted to let you know that's not because I haven't been posting somewhere. I've actually been a guest blogger on other sites and I've posted two articles on My Favorite Things during that time. Today, I'm a guest blogger for Anne Bradshaw with a post titled "Dreams and Writing: An Invaluable Connection." If you're a dreamer like me, you ought to check it out.

My Writing Must Haves #1--Brevity

A couple of years ago, I posted about how I use lists to help me stay focused on the nuts and bolts of writing. One of the most important of those lists I keep for easy reference on the wall directly behind my computer monitor. I've simply titled it: "My Writing Must Haves," but in actuality, I adapted it from an article I read several years ago by acclaimed author, Gary Provost. It was titled "The Seven Beacons of Excellent Writing."


Because "My Writing Must Haves" list has been so helpful to me, I've decided to write a series of blogs discussing each point on it. The first is Brevity.


Gary Provost began his discussion of brevity (tight writing) with this statement: "When you write and rewrite, don't think about what you can put in. Think about what you can leave out."


Since magazines require writers to say a great deal in very few words, I initially believed this advice mostly applied to that media. However, after Missing was accepted and later as I went through an extensive revision process, I learned that brevity is also important to novel writing. Think about it. Haven't you read novels in which you were at least tempted to skip over sections, sometimes even pages, of an author's prose because it was boring or redundant? I have, and every time it wasn't because the author's story line was boring; it was because the writing was too bogged down with words that didn't carry their weight. So on my list, next to "Brevity," I've written this definition: "include only words that are necessary."


How do we do that? Again, borrowing from Provost, I'll end with three, "brief" tips:

1. Stick to your subject matter; i.e., the specific slant of your article or the goal of your story. Don't wander down unimportant paths or dally in unnecessary information.

2. Begin at the beginning, where the story takes off or where your character's life changes in relation to the plot, and not a moment sooner.

3. Eliminate unnecessary words. I've discussed one way to do this here.

So that's it. Write tight and check back soon. My next post in this series will focus on "Clarity."

Promoting and Writing

About Promoting:
Since the release of MISSING, most of my posts have been related to promoting my book rather than to writing. I don't feel bad about that, because much of my work as an author is the promotion of both my work and myself. However, I have always believed that the first step in promotion was to write the best book I could. After that, my goal has been to get as many people as I can to read my book. Hopefully, they will like it enough that they will tell others about it, and hopefully some of them will buy it, like it, and tell others and . . . word of mouth takes over. That's my hope. That's also my advice to aspiring writers.

So with that introduction, I'll now promote MISSING by letting you know I will be signing copies of MISSING at Confetti's Antiques and Books in Spanish Fork, UT on Friday, December 18, 2009, from 10 a.m.-noon. If you're in the area, please stop by. I'd love to see ya.

Also, MISSING reviews have been popping up all over the web. When I come across them, I add them to my sidebar. Why don't you take a look at some of them?

About writing:
Writing doesn't end when promotiong begins. They work hand in hand. In fact, although I'm busily promoting MISSING, I am also tweeking/marketing my second novel and gathering information and ideas for my third. It's a lot of work, but for me, it's the life I've always dreamed of. :)

AMAZING NEWS Plus Another Winner and Contest

Guess what? I recently found out MISSING is the #1 Best Seller at the bookstore, Reflections of Utah, in Brigham City and #2 next to "Hunger Games" in Box Elder Middle School's library. Amazing! It's hard for me to believe, and yet I know it's because so many of you have spread the word about my book. Thank you.

I also learned that Heather Justesen's great give-away contest has come to a close, and we now have another winner of MISSING. It's Chris and Laura Zemp from Nevada. Congratulations!

And then, just tonight I learned that another writer, Marta O. Smith, reviewed MISSING on her blog and is also running a 12 days of Christmas contest where a copy of MISSING is one of the prizes. Go check out her blog and leave a comment. That's all you have to do to enter. :)

Mental Zoning--Controlling a Valuable Asset

One of the great things about associating with other writers is we learn many of our idiosyncrasies are "normal," for writers, that is. For instance, in a recent newsletter post by David Farland, he talked about the writing zone. I know exactly what he's talking about, only my family "lovingly" refers to it as "spacing out." So many, inappropriate times, I find my mind wandering toward whatever writing project I'm working on. Like while my family's watching a movie or commercial on television and say, "Mom, did you see that?" and I have to tell them "no." I was staring right at it, but I didn't see it. Or even hear it. I was in "the zone."

In truth, I'm soooooo pitiful when it comes to zoning out, and though I'm really trying to learn to control it, especially when my family and friends are talking to me, I still do it far more often than non-writers understand. One of my favorite, anonymous quotes is: "I will not live like a normal person. I am a writer." I bet Mr. Anonymous was another "spacey."

This zone has its good points, however. Because my stories/characters/settings etc. seem to hover over everything I do, my mind is constantly gathering facts and truths that enrich my writing. For example, one of my favorite scenes in my current WIP was inspired by an event that happened with my family during a thunderstorm when the power went out. And then last night, I had a vivid dream of a beautiful, "hidden" place that I knew, as soon as I woke, I wanted to use in my next book.

What I'm trying to say is that a writer's mental "zone" is a vital strength, but it's also connected to an obsessive-like weakness. Our challenge? To harness it. Some of the ways I try to do this so I don't have to keep focusing on ideas that come to me are:

1. Keeping a file box of 3x5 cards where I keep "truths" I read/hear/come to understand.
2. Keeping a notebook next to my bed to record vivid dreams and sudden thoughts that often come just before I fall asleep.
3. Always keeping paper and a pen nearby so I can write ideas and even phrases that come while I'm doing dishes or sweeping the floor.
4. Finding ways to not only be fully awake but also completely alone when I'm actually writing.

As far as trying to control the "weakness" side of it? I haven't yet reached the point where I can say I've gained control over it; but the one main thing I'm currently trying to implement is to fully listen and concentrate on what others are saying to me. If that means looking away from the computer, then so be it. As I've implied, this is not easy for me, especially when I'm in the middle of writing a suddenly flowing scene, but I'm trying.

Please don't misunderstand me. Some writers have encouraged others to help their families realize they need time to be alone and to "zone out" in order to fully utilize their mental, writing capacities, and I agree with this; but for me, I'm at a point where I must make sure my family and friends know they are more important to me than my stories.

This is where I'm at in the writing zone process. Where are you?

MISSING update

I have now learned from my editor that they have accepted my revisions. Whew! My next waiting hurdle: when will it be published?

I've Created a "Book Store"

I've just added a sidebar link to my own bookstore (top of page). It includes direct purchase links to my recommended, "How To Write" books, my favorite fiction, and eventually my own published novels. I've often referred to these books on this post, because they've been so helpful to me throughout my writing "apprenticeship," and I thought it would help you, as my readers, find them easier, too.

An Announcement and a Contest

I know I said I'd continue with my discussion about show and tell, but this information was just too noteworthy to pass up. But don't worry, I will get back to "show" in a few days.

As for today . . .

First, my friends Nichole Giles and Cindy Beck have a book coming out in December titled, "Mormon Mishaps and Mischief." It consists of humorous anecdotes related to LDS life, and I AM ONE OF THE CONTRIBUTORS! So make sure you keep an eye out for it. It would make a fun gift.

Second, I've recently learned of a great opportunity--a contest--for all you writers out there. LDS Publisher is holding a Christmas Story contest RIGHT NOW, and the winning entries will be published in a Christmas book this year! You really ought to check this one out.

Happy reading and writing.

Still Trying to Catch Up

Now that I've resubmitted Missing to my publisher and am again in the waiting for their response mode, I'm trying to catch up on other writing assignments. Two months ago, my editor at yourLDSneighborhood.com requested I write a specific article for the newsletter. I told her I'd do it, but since the subject was not a "pressing" issue (as she'd already informed me), I requested a couple of months because I was swamped with my book. She acquiesced, and now, two months later, I've finally written and submitted that article. Whew! Another "To Do" wiped off the list. Grin.

I've Submitted my Revisions

As you know, I've been a bit absent in the blogging arena because I've been furiously rewriting my novel, Missing, per my editor's concerns. I sent it to her on Wednesday night (actually Thursday morning) at 1:00 a.m. My goal had been to submit it that day, so I stayed up until I completed it. Yay! I'm now waiting for her and her co-worker's responses. So far, they've mentioned they like my "new" beginning, which is actually a prologue I'd previously edited out of my book, so I hope that's a good sign. This will be my 4th full rewrite of this novel. I guess I should expect stuff like this since this is the book I've "learned" on, but let me tell ya, I've been over the same story and the same words so many times I'm not sure I can see it subjectively anymore. One bit of writing advice I've heard over the years is that you should work and rework your novel until you've done everything you know to do, and you're sick of it. I've been at that point a few times now. I guess we'll see what happens.

As far as my second book goes, I've finally completed the final chapter. It is a romantic-suspense novel, like Missing, but also includes a hint of fantasy. Everyone who knows anything about this book loves it. Hopefully, once I find a publisher, etc., you will, too.

I know I still have some scenes to adjust, some details to include, and some overall editing to do, but I'm grateful to be at this point. My next goal for it is to begin drumming up interest in it through contests, etc., while I edit. So, back to writing.

I've Been Blindsided!

Last weekend, my editor sent me half of the "final" edits of Missing to look over while she worked on the other half in preparation for it to go to press this weekend, but somewhere between then and now, she decided there were several elements to my story that she'd like revised. I now don't know when my book will be ready for publication. I'll let you know as I learn more. Meanwhile, back to the revising board!

An Interview with Josi Kilpack about the Teen Writer's Conference

RONDA: Tell us a little bit about yourself.

JOSI: I’m a mother of four, ages 15-7, and an author of 9 novels, with a tenth coming out in August. I have been a member of multiple writing groups, large and small, and a committee member and former conference chair for numerous writer’s conferences. In addition, I’m a frequent presenter to schools and groups, a fabulous cook (if I do say so myself) and amateur chicken farmer.

RONDA: You are the conference chairperson for an upcoming writers' conference for kids. Please tell us about the purpose of the conference.

JOSI: Several of the committee members and myself have been involved with putting together writing conferences for several years. We started small and have grown until our most recent conference had well over 250 attendants. Over the years, we have had some teenagers attend our conference, and while they have enjoyed the experience, it seems to also be a bit overwhelming to walk into a two day, morning to night information-fest. So, we began discussing the idea of having a conference where the format, classes, and overall environment is created specifically to give youth, ages 13-19, the best overall introduction to writing conferences as well as instruction that will be most helpful to where they are now on their journey of being a writer. From there we started throwing out ideas and it really just rolled all together until we have this; THE Teen Writer’s Conference.

RONDA: What is your purpose for the conference? What do you hope the teens who come discover?

JOSI: Our hope is that the attendees will discover a lot of things: 1) They are not the only kids that write, 2) Whatever goals or ambitions they might have in regard to becoming a writer are within reach, and 3) It takes knowledge and time and concerted effort to accomplish those goals. Those of us on the committee, all of us being writers ourselves, have spent years honing our craft and are excited to help set these kids on that same path—perhaps earlier than we ever started.

RONDA: What kind of classes will you be offering?

JOSI: We will have classes that focus on actual elements of writing, as well as classes on book markets, the publishing process, and what attendees can do now to best prepare themselves for a future in writing. We have a variety of classes which will appeal to both new and experienced writers.

RONDA: What if a teen would like to come, but is really shy? Will there be anything that will put him or her at unease?

JOSI: Our entire focus and reason for putting this conference together is to create a comfortable place for young writers to come, learn, and flourish. We have been and will continue to put their comfort as our first priority, because we know if they are intimidated and anxious, they will not benefit from this experience. However, we also expect them to be ready for this experience. Each youth, along with their parents, will need to determine if they are ready to be a part of this. Not all teen writers will be, and that’s okay. We hope to make this an annual event, so if this year won’t work, then perhaps by next year they will be ready.

RONDA: What is your overall goal for every youth that attends the Teen Writers' Conference?

JOSI: That they leave encouraged and inspired to do their best, to hone their craft, and to truly reach for the stars in regard to their writing and their life. We also hope they will make friends with one another and feel a sense of community among other writers their own age.

RONDA: How were you able to get such excellent editors and famous writers to attend?

JOSI: Well, in all humility I have to admit that they are my friends—my very good friends. We are like-minded people that saw a common goal and made it happen. I admire each and every person on this committee, and understand the sacrifice they each make to be a part of this. We are joined in this purpose as well as in our passion for great writing. I am blessed to rub shoulders with some of the best writer’s out there and the attendees get to benefit from that gift in my life.

RONDA: When is it and how do teens register?

JOSI: Registration is open for another 4 weeks. To register, attendees need to go to the website http://www.teenwritersconference.com/ and print off the registration form. Those attendees under the age of 17 will need parental permission to attend; then they will mail the completed registration, along with payment, to the address printed on the page. They and their parent will receive a welcome e-mail upon receipt of their registration as well as updates as the conference gets closer. Updates will also be posted on the website.

RONDA: Finally, this conference is for 13 to 19 year olds. Why that age group?

JOSI: We discussed this issue at length, and then simply decided since it was a TEEN conference, we would make it open to TEENS only. We feel that having them among their peers will help them relax and yet be willing to ask questions, meet other kids, and focus on the instruction we’re providing. For the older attendees, this will likely be a kind of introduction to adult-focused writer’s conferences, showing them what to expect and how the typical conference is organized. For the younger attendees, we hope they will come back year after year and continue learning about what they can do in the future.

RONDA: Any other information you'd like to share?

JOSI: We’ve had some parents express concern in regard to leaving their children at the conference without them. Again, this conference isn’t right for all teens, or all parents, but we do ask that parents consider the value of letting their children experience the independent nature of this conference. As a committee, we are dedicated to their safety and comfort; they will come to no harm while attending. And while we ask that parents stay clear of the conference rooms, there are many places on campus that are great for reading or getting some other work done if they worry about going too far away. We will also allow attendees to keep cell-phones on silent throughout the conference so that parents are only a phone call. For those attendees without cell-phones, they are welcome to use a committee members phone at any time.

RONDA: Where can people go to find more information, and especially to learn about the writing contest made available just for those who attend?

JOSI: http://www.teenwritersconference.com/ has all the details of the conference, contest, venue, etc. If something is not answered, there are e-mail links that will send you to us so we can give you the details you are looking for.

RONDA: Thank you very much, Josi. This sounds like an event teen writers won't want to miss.