Comments on: Writing Rituals

By: Angela

Angela — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 06:24:34 +0000

The thing about a ritual, Marita, is that it only has to make sense to you! I love that. I’ve learned that you have to do what works for you, regardless of how strange it may seems to others. As long as you aren’t breaking any laws–God’s or man’s. (smile)

By: MaRita Teague

MaRita Teague — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 18:07:06 +0000

Hi Angela! This is only my first book, but I’m almost embarrassed by something I do, something I’m sure that must seem archaic. Okay, here goes. . . I write (yep, with a pen) my characters’ names and descriptions. Then, I actually take a pad with me and as I think of scenes or descriptions that I don’t want to forget, I write them on a pad. Something about a pen and paper is still very appealing and concrete for me.

By: Ty

Ty — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 21:04:42 +0000

I’m still new to the writing rituals myself because I’m working on my second WIP. One thing that I did do in the past few months was purchase an Olympus digital voice recorder. This little baby goes everywhere with me. Whenever I have ideas about my characters, possible clues (I’m writing a mystery now) and possible twists, I pull out the recorder and record my ideas.

Between my recorded thoughts and my chapter outline, when I do sit down to write the scenes flow.

By: Angela

Angela — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 12:54:28 +0000

Wow! I’m impressed, Patricia. I think that’s a great way to get to know your character. I tend to let mine roll around in my head for a while but I don’t really get to know them until I write the first three chapters. After I do that, I really flesh out a character bio. I guess my characters sorta come to life in those first three chapters.

By: PatriciaW

PatriciaW — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 22:46:08 +0000

I’m too new to have a ritual but I start by pouring everything in my head about the main characters on to the page. This is background stuff that may never make the book but it might be as much as 10-15 pages each.

By: Angela

Angela — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 14:18:25 +0000

Ros, I’m a bit like you. It’s important for me to get the first draft done. Then I can go back and fix it.

Rhonda, I find the Maas book an excellent one for new and established writers. The title can be off-putting but it’s really for everyone and helpful with every book.

Veronica, glad you’re enjoying the book. It really does make you think about what you’re doing and gives some pretty straight-forward ways to improve.

By: Veronica Johnson

Veronica Johnson — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 02:50:38 +0000

Hey Angela,

I just started reading Writing the Breakout Novel and it’s great. It’s making me examine my characters more and I know the way I think about and approach writing will be better because this book.

God bless and keep you,

Veronica

By: Rhonda McKnight

Rhonda McKnight — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 22:44:38 +0000

Angela,

I’m only on my second book, but in between I pulled out my craft books again, of course Donald Maas being number one. I also like his teaching about the use of minor characters as not just being sounding boards, but pivotal in helping to drive the action (of course without taking over the story).

Thanks.

By: Rosiland

Rosiland — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 13:37:51 +0000

Hey Angela,

Currently my “writing ritual” consists of a data dump onto the pages My writing consists of journaling and the “writing” that I do for work. In both cases I try to get everything out onto the paper before I forget!

Rosiland