Writing Pointers from ArmadilloCon 32

Armadillo Con 32 in Austin, Texas, is where I spent my weekend gleaming knowledge from writers, editors, publishers, artists, musicians, scientists, game designers, and last but not least… critics. I had a fantastic time, and met some truly interesting people. There was not a dull conversation or panel within earshot. Information I received from the convention will help improve and shape my writing endeavors. Alas, I will not go into all the details; you’ll simply have to attend next year. I will, however, share my interpretation of some main points.


The number one and most emphasized point I received is to simply “write your story”. Put your story to paper/screen, and write it in your voice. Tell your story.

Secondly, accept criticism graciously, and as with all advice listen to the good and listen to the bad with only half an ear. You love to write, or you wouldn’t be doing this so keep writing.

Thirdly, if you feel your writing structure could use some help, take classes. Community colleges are wonderful places to learn how to become a better writer. This is not admitting failure, this is self improvement.

Regardless of where or when your story takes place, the facts should make sense. If they don’t, your story will not be believable to the reader.

Flawed characters are more relatable, more believable, and more likable. Ask yourself who is most important to the story, and work on making them perfect for your story rather than simply perfect. Ask how this person is important to the story and build on that. Characters do not have to be complex; they just need to make sense. Their actions, reactions, personalities, and appearance need to add up. Not everyone has to be tall, muscular, and incredibly sexy. For example: Someone who sits at a computer screen all day and doesn’t work out is not going to be this big, buff guy without some creative assistance.

Urban Fantasy needs connection to the real world since you are asking the reader to believe all the fantasy. Give the reader anchor points to reality. Choosing places the reader can Google are great examples of this.

In editing, ask yourself, “Is this needed for my story?” If you like, save your deleted “darlings” in a folder to look at later, that great line may be terrific in another story. Ask yourself if this is needed for the story, can you let the audience come to the conclusion, and is this consistent with the story. Let the reader draw conclusions for the really important points. An editor’s job is to suggest how to make a story better. Just because the spelling and grammar check on your computer is not showing you have errors does not mean there aren’t any, so read back over your work.

Keep your deadlines. Self imposed deadlines can be good practice for when your career takes off. Keeping your deadlines proves to the editor you are a reliable asset.

Critique groups can be wonderful once you’ve already found your own voice, and have revised your entire story at least once.

Writing groups can be an excellent way to structure your writing time.

Brainstorming groups can be terrific when you already have a voice and a general idea of where you want your story to go.

Find ways to inspire yourself to write.

Promote yourself via social networks, printed materials, giveaways, blogs, websites, interviews, press releases, and any other relevant, feasible way you can think up.

I hope this information helps. There are a few pictures posted on my Facebook site for everyone to enjoy.

Happy Writing,

Carolyn Haven

First Chapter

I found a wonderful group online, and have posted the first chapter rough draft of my novel to their site for everyone's enjoyment.  This site is particularly useful for those of us who are aspiring authors and Indie authors.  Also check out their sister site of Authors On Show accessible through Night Reading.  See links for other useful sites.

http://nightreading.ning.com/
 
Happy Reading,
Carolyn Haven

Carolyn Haven and Research

For those of you whom don’t know me yet, you soon will. My pen name is Carolyn Haven, and I am working on becoming a novelist. Over fifteen years ago is when my first written works were published; although my mother still has the first complete poem I wrote at age five framed and hanging on the wall. It actually rhymed. More recent published works I'm associated with include a few poems, short stories, and lyrics where I worked in collaboration with musicians to create songs as a vocal arranger. When I began this journey to become a published novelist, I had no idea how much research was required.


Research can be daunting. It's a good thing I'm a nurse and as such am well versed in the area of "look it up” otherwise I may not have completed my first novel. The research is worth it though, so much is out there now just for the reading, watching, and listening. The internet has been an inexhaustible resource of which I am very thankful. On the links page, you will find a list of several of the sites I utilize. This list will continuously be updated, and I hope you find these tools useful on your journey to becoming a published author.

Happy Writing,

Carolyn Haven