I’m sure your mother told you time and time again to do your homework while growing up.  In the writing world you still have homework to do.  In order to give depth to your stories you need to create a place, a time, and a feeling.  All of these things will affect your story and bring it to life.  

Research the era you’re writing about.  I’m writing a story about homesteading in the Oklahoma land rush of 1893.  So I’ve searched for and found books on homesteading, pioneer women, everyday life in the 1800’s, frontier women, and peopling the plains.  The majority were found in the library.  I haven’t read them all from cover to cover, but I have read some of each of them to get the feel of the time and the place.  The photos are also very helpful for me to see what things were like back then.  

For my contemporary story there were issues of law and abuse, so I researched what is available for women in crisis and custody laws.  The information I gathered gave the situation much more depth than if I relied only on my imagination.

Interviewing subject matter experts is another fun way to “do your homework”.  Finding them is a challenge, but with the help of other writing buddies, family and friends you will no doubt find several. Check out the back of the newsletter for resources on-line that can help you with your research.

A word of warning!  Don’t get so bogged down in the research that you forget to write.  The story should come first.  You can mark areas of your manuscript where you need to do a little homework and come back to it later.  If you get stalled in your writing, then read, but again – come back to the page.  You can enrich your story with interesting details you garner from your research in the second and third rewrites.  The main thing is to enjoy the journey.

BD

Just as music and poetry have a cadence and rhythm, so does fiction and non-fiction writing.  When we’re finished with our first draft, whether it’s of an article or story, read it aloud.  The ear will catch what the eyes may not.  If there are repetitive words or phrasing you’ll hear it sometimes before you actually see it.  If you stumble over a sentence then so will your reader so it bears another look and possible rewrite.  

Mix up the rhythm of your writing by making your sentences different lengths.  Short sentences tend to read faster and give the allusion of motion and action.  When you’re reading you will usually speak what is a natural cadence for the situation.  Does your writing correspond with it?  Do you need to speed things up or slow things down?  

Is your voice active or passive?  I have a personal struggle with passive voice. It’s so easy to fall into the trap of “telling” the story rather than making the reader “experience” it through active words.  So, when you read your writing aloud listen to the pace of the words and ask yourself if it fits.  Listen for the pictures and feelings the writing invokes, is it what you really want to convey?  

When I was learning to sew my grandmother said I had to learn to rip before I’d be a good seamstress.  The same rule applies to writing. You have to be good at rewriting before you become a really good writer.  So read your work aloud and listen to the story, it will tell you what needs to be done.
BD

Hello Everyone,

Well, I feel like a dork.  I just discovered on Twitter the direct reply page where people have answered me back.  I had some fun catching up on them from way back in October, that's the dork part. 

I also discovered an interesting site: ROKICT.com.  He promotes Wichita artists, musicians, and yes, you guessed it - writers!  I started following him and he me and discussing a couple of the writers groups here in town.  It was fun.  Maybe we can reach more Kansas writers through his site, introduce them to KWA or KAC, and encourage them to participate. 

No one understands the writing journey better than other writers.  It can be pretty lonely, too, so here's hoping we spread the word and link up with those singular writers out there who are looking for a group to join.

Enjoy the journey.

BD

Happy New Year!  I'm trying to get my foot into the social media door by Tweeting on Twitter, but I only seem to find time for it once a week.  Sort of like my blog.  There are people really enjoying the interaction on a daily and sometimes hourly basis.  I'm afraid I won't have the time to do it that often unless I'm laid off, win the lottery, or something equally unfortunate or unlikely as the case may be.  I do enjoy reading about what others think and books or movies they recommend; and like to congratulate them on good things that they share.  I haven't quite figured out what my goal is other than to meet more interesting people with similar interests and continue promoting  my brand - BD Tharp - writer extraordinaire.  I'd also like to learn how to use the web more effectively to promote my writing.  Any viable suggestions are welcome.  If you have a twitter account and you want me to follow you or to follow me - let me know.  In the mean time, enjoy the journey.

BD

Hello everyone,

What are you planning to write in this new year?  Are you looking for new markets for articles?  Writers Market is always a good source.  Are you going to start a new novel or finish one you've started? I have a friend who has 3 projects in the works that she plans to finish this year. 

I think it's a good idea to have goals as a writer. My first year as a serious writer I vowed to submit something every month. Either a contest entry or an article.  I did it, too.  Some months were easier than others. 

I have 2 novels in progress and a play that needs a stage.  So, I guess like my friend Colleen, I'm going for 3 this year, too.  Personally, I like threes.  Threes are interesting.  My completed novel has 3 main characters (very bodacious mature women), 3 secondary characters (all children) and a 3-legged cat.  My nephew asked me where the cat came from and I had to admit I really didn't know.  Ms. Pickles (the cat) is totally imaginary, but my cat loving friends say she's a very good cat with attitude. 

Considering I'm a dog person I'm glad to hear it. I think cat's are fascinating but my spouse is allergic. 
I digress, but only slightly.  One of the novels I'm in the process of writing is a sequel.  The feisty ladies and their challenging wards are not done with me yet.

Well, here's hoping you have a fabulous new year of writing, reading and publishing.  Go for it. If you can dream it - you can do it.

BD