Journey in Writing

Free Books Online

2006-02-15T12:59:00.000-05:00

Reading great works is essential for writers, and rich sources of reading materials are free online. Please visit these valuable sites often, and browse in your areas of interest. You may be surprised at the titles offered. I read many of these brilliant works in my youth, and I plan to read many more of them.

My choices for the most valuable resources:

Project Gutenburg

Free eBooks…There are more than 17,000 free books in the Gutenburg Online Book Catalog. Included in the collection: The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, The Canterbury Tales, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, Through the Looking Glass, and The Wonderful Land of OZ

The collection also includes audio books in MP3 format.

Microsoft Free eBooks

More than 1500 eBooks available for free.

Free readers are also available for download:

Microsoft Reader for Desktop or Laptop PC

Microsoft Reader for Tablet PC

Microsoft Reader for Pocket PC

University of Virginia Library Etext Center

Over 2,100 publicly available including classic British and American fiction, major authors, children’s literature, American history, Shakespeare, African-American documents, the Bible, and much more.

A free Palm ebook reader is also available on this site.

Free eReader for Palm OS

Please pass this information along to anyone you believe will be interested in these remarkable resources.

Showing, Not Telling

2005-12-12T12:41:00.000-05:00

The admonition, show don't tell, appears often in books and articles about writing. However, as a beginning writer I find this concept easy to understand but very difficult to achieve. Although many write about the topic, I am still puzzled about the best way to become proficient.

Don’t Tell Me Mary Cried

Where to Start?

Rules and Tools for Writing Short Stories

Reading the work of other writers and practice in describing daily actions and events can be important in learning how to show your readers what is transpiring instead of relying upon boring descriptions.

Perhaps finding descriptions of non-verbal communication and cues could help in developing text to show how someone feels. I do not suggest copying descriptions from others, only using them to help better understand nonverbal communication to choose your own style and words.

The Nonverbal Dictionary

Emphasis in Body Language

Non-Verbal Signs

Non-Verbal Communication: Fact and Fiction

Additionally, professional descriptions of symptoms of physical and psychological disorders or occurrences can help in showing how someone feels. Instead of saying that John is sick, we can use symptoms to show what he is feeling.

WebMD

Psychological Information Online

Could Your Panic Be Anger?

Symptoms of Fear

Travel writers and food critics have a way with finding words that show how things look, feel, and taste. Reading the work of professional reviewers could be very helpful in learning how to write effectively. Maybe proficiency in showing instead of telling is less difficult than first imagined. Those who work in each field of interest have already laid the groundwork using emotions, sights, sounds, tastes, and all of the senses. Matching the events and situation with descriptions from relevant sources my help to find the words you wish to use in showing action, events, and setting.

Additional viewpoints to consider:

Breaking the Rules

Tell, Don't Show

Writer’s Block

2005-11-11T06:59:00.000-05:00

Creative thinking and idea generation come easy to me, but sometimes I find it difficult to move forward in my writing project. Several weeks passed with only a small amount of writing taking place.

I searched the Internet for help in pulling free from my resistance to writing, and I realize that is what my recurring problem truly is…a resistance, not a block. Many have written and given excellent advice on what to do to overcome my crisis. Several writers gave guidance that encouraged me to reflect deeply on my situation and my work methods.

Unreasonable self-expectations in the amount and quality of my writing held me back. I started setting goals and quotas that did not match my skill, impossible goals for a beginner, and I soon gave up in frustration.

Today I write with a relaxed attitude and seek a balance in other areas of my life. I am back to writing with a better mind-set and enjoyment of the craft. The words come more easily now, and I no longer feel stressed as I write.

The next time I have a problem, I will try a few exercises to free my mind and do my best to eliminate self-doubt. However, if I continue in my resistance to writing I will relax and read instead. The novel can wait a day or two until my mind is refreshed enough to begin again. I often tell others that they work too hard and should take a break. It is irrational to give advice that I do not practice, so I will rest at times and enjoy reflecting upon the wonderful journey I am taking.

Dissolving Writer's Block

Writer's Block: A Definition by Example

Breaking Writer's Block

Breaking through Writer’s Block

Breaking Out of Writer's Block

Writer's Block: Is It All in Your Head?

I hope those of you who wish to write overcome your doubts, fears, or resistance. You have a story that you need to tell, and you know in your heart that you will always regret empty pages. Move ahead in writing or whatever dream you have. Dreams come true for those who act and understand they have a precious gift to give to others.

Intermission

2005-10-24T07:55:00.000-04:00

Intermission

The title for my next blog entry is “Writer’s Block”.

I will write it as soon as I am able.

Point of View

2005-10-19T00:52:00.000-04:00

Point of View (POV)

Different resources have varying definitions of the Point of View in a story, and even disagree on how many exist. However, all agree to the importance of being consistent. Readers will become confused if there is difficulty in determining who is explaining or experiencing the action.

I am using a Limited Omniscient POV in my novel, according to the definition outlined briefly in the following resource:

Point of View: Third-Person

I hope that I will be able to show my readers the deepest thoughts of the characters, along with the actions and surroundings that the characters do not witness. POV confuses me at times, but finding online examples and explanations, even though sometimes contradictory, are helping in understanding how to write a good story.

Whose Point of View?

Point of View in the Novel

The Writer's Writing Guide: Point of View

Who's on First?

Point of View: Two Heads Aren't Always Better Than One

Please view the following resource. I am fortunate that I found this checklist early in my writing. The information is important, and I am including it for you now, instead of waiting to add in a later blog entry.

Requirements for Writing a Salable Novel

Thank you all for your comments and suggestions following my previous entry, “Blessed by You…” Your advice is always welcome, and you are helping me to relax and enjoy my work. I love writing, and although I sometimes have doubts and setbacks, I will continue to write through the remainder of my life.

Write a Bestseller— By Having fun!

Blessed by You…

2005-10-14T05:21:00.000-04:00

Choosing to write full-time is a difficult decision. Many thoughts of sacrifice of time and money flood my mind. I often wonder if I should go on. Sometimes I feel that I am not able or worthy to write a novel.

I fear failure. I fear success. I have much to learn in grammar and writing. There is a world to build, believable characters to create, a plot and various sub-plots to develop, point of view…beginning, middle, and end…senses, actions, emotions, religions, governments, agriculture, life, death…so many additional things to research and to create. The weight of my tasks in writing often feels like a burden to escape.

I sit for many hours alone at my keyboard, or with pen in hand. The isolation can be both distressing and satisfying. I know now that I am not truly alone. I am alone in my writing, but not in my journey. Thank you for your support by reading my entries. You help more than you can ever realize. I choose to continue on my difficult path because of you.

When I first started my project, I feared that many would laugh and tell me that I was incapable of crafting a publishable novel. You told me otherwise. You gave me your blessing, treated me as a friend, and gave me strength to move on to realize the beginning of my dream.

I am a poor writer now, but I will have learned much by the end of my journey. The obstacles I must overcome are there for good reason; they are helping me grow. I conquer them one by one, learning with each step, steadily moving forward. I feel as if you are present, encouraging me to continue, and hoping for my success. Thank you for helping to make my dream a reality. I want so much to be an excellent writer, but I cannot find sufficient words to convey the depth of my appreciation.

Plot: Developing Events in Your Story

2005-10-10T02:45:00.000-04:00

I created a solid plot and various sub-plots for my story. Learning to create a convincing plot was difficult, and several aspects of the sub-plots will change as I develop the characters and setting more deeply in the novel.

Some of the resources in this blog entry could help you to create and develop a compelling plot to your story. I hope you will find some solid information to help you begin a rich and satisfying journey in writing your first book.

Definition of Plot

Classic Story Structure Begins with Plot

Thickening the Plot

Deepen Your Plot

The Top Ten Plotting Problems

Plots and Stories

Writers have varying opinions of the differences between story and plot. I read so many viewpoints that I became confused enough to delay writing the novel. Now I choose to use the explanation given at the following resource:

Story Vs Plot

As a beginning writer, I need to keep the process simple enough to continue in my journey. My fantasy fiction story needs to come to life, and worrying too much about defining the process will consume valuable writing time. Research in writing is important in learning to write a book. However, I now decide quickly when there are many opposing views.

Creating Believable Characters

2005-10-05T04:17:00.000-04:00

I am making changes as I write, because my characters are helping me to write the novel. Their personalities and backgrounds, along with the story’s setting, are determining their actions.

I have much more to do in developing my characters, but I have a start. They are beginning to come alive. I see them when I write. Their voices echo in my brain, and I feel their presence. They are still a little distant, a little fuzzy, but they are becoming clearer in my mind. Knowing them helps me to decide what they will do in any given situation. However, sometimes they surprise me and do something unexpected!

Many resources are available on the Web to help in creating characters for your novel. Please begin your research by following the links in this blog entry. However, you will find a great deal of additional information by performing your own searches. There are many different writing methods outlined on the Web that could suit your learning style better than those that I provide. I am trying to help by supplying links to help get you started.

Using Body Language to Create Believable Characters

Creating Believable Characters

How to Create a Character Profile

Creating Characters from Scratch

Character Checklist

Research on the Web

2005-10-03T01:40:00.000-04:00

Please be sure to bookmark all resources in my blog entries that you find relevant to your own writing projects. Check your browser’s help file to learn how if you haven’t done so before. Some browsers use the term “favorites” instead of bookmarks. You will be able to retrieve information quickly if you set up a bookmark system for your research.

Conduct your own research by finding relevant words and terms that interest you. The following outstanding resources will quickly make you an expert in performing focused searches.

Choose the Best Search for Your Information Need

Web Search Tutorial: Presenting 13 general tips to help make your web searching more effective

Internet Research Guide

Recommended Search Strategy: Analyze your topic & Search with peripheral vision

Please read through each listing. You will save a great deal of time and uncover valuable information if you practice appropriate search techniques.

Setting: Creating New Worlds

2005-09-30T05:35:00.000-04:00

I am building a new world. The characters of my novel will breathe and live in the world I create. Some will even die there. Constructing a believable world is vital to the success of my book, so I will take all the time that I need to do it correctly.

Reading about strange and wonderous worlds can be engaging and entertaining. Amazing landscapes, astonishing creatures, and surprising ways of life abound in the world of fiction.

Now I know how to create my own world. It will team with life and action, along with death and destruction. My characters will show you a part of their lives in this world. You will live their story too. I will do whatever is necessary to compel you to experience everything you read in my novel.

This blog entry is short, but the resources to investigate are plentiful. Please visit the linked entries and learn more about world building.

The Importance of Setting

The Setting as Character

A Way with Worlds

10 Steps to Creating Realistic Fantasy Animals

Fantasy Worldbuilding Questions

Medieval Demographics Made Easy: Numbers for Fantasy Worlds

Kingdom Generator

Mythical Plants of the Middle Ages

Fantasy Mapmaking 101

I stumbled upon the following resource while performing research for this blog entry:

Tolkien Languages

Keep searching for new information; there are many important tools for writing to be uncovered on the Web.

I Ain’t Gots Good Grammar! Grammar in Writing

2005-09-28T01:52:00.000-04:00

My grammar is appalling. A publisher would not accept my work now, but I will continue writing.

I need to write. The story flows from me when I’m at my computer or with pen and paper in hand. Concerns with tense or subject and verb agreement are non-existent. I want to make the story real by living the action as I write.

But I must use correct grammar when I revise the finished product. I’ll work at improving my grammar during the next 12 months, and I hope that I will produce a publishable manuscript at the end of my project.

Learning how to write a novel can appear overwhelming. However, I am certain that I can identify and overcome each obstacle along the way. I know that I can write a novel. I know that you can too.

Linked resources for help in grammar:

The Armchair Grammarian

Guide to Grammar & Writing

Please bookmark all resources that you find helpful as you follow me in my journey.

Stimulus, Remedy, Climax…Oh, My! Story Writing Structure

2005-09-26T07:09:00.000-04:00

Researching how to write a novel has given me a revelation in how stories are structured. I was surprised to learn that the structure of a fiction book could be mapped out in a concrete manner using specific elements. I realize that it was foolish of me to think otherwise.

I love to read! Books have taken me to places and realms I could not dream of visiting. I become immersed in the story; I don’t think about how it was written. The story comes alive, and I share all of the emotion and action it contains.

I now understand that a good writer uses elements in such a way that they are supportive but not seen. The elements are there as parts of a solid foundation and structure for the story the writer creates. I hope that I will learn the same skill in writing.

The following is one of my favorite resources for narrative story telling. Don’t let the title fool you into thinking it is some complicated system meant only for those with PhD’s. The information is well presented and extremely informative. Please at least browse through each chapter before making any judgments.

Jungian Novel Writing

I'm keeping this entry short; you have much to read at the linked resources.

Just Write, Right? How to Plan the Writing Process

2005-09-26T02:36:00.000-04:00

My goal is to write a novel suitable for publication within one year. It’s not an easy thing to do, but it seems as if the process should be simple. All I have to do is come up with an idea and start writing. I should not have to plan anything; the words should just flow naturally! Isn’t that right?

I tried, but I just sat and stared at a blank page. I realized that I needed information on methods and processes. I now have a beginning and an ending to my book. They are not complete, but I have a course to follow. I will be able to create and choose how my story will flow.

There are many ways to write a novel. During my research it seemed as if each writer felt they had the best method in writing successfully. I believe they are all correct. They each have the best way to write concerning their own talents and circumstances.

I have borrowed from many of them, and I created the method that works best for me. Changes in my writing process will change somewhat as I become more skilled, but I am happy with my progress.

You can follow one of the methods, work on a combination of methods, or find others by performing additional research on the Web.

Below are a few resources that I used to help discover the best way that I could begin:

How I Write a Novel; The Snowflake Method; Writing a Novel Synopsis; Advice on Novel Writing; How to Write a 'Darned Good' Novel; How To Write A Novel: A Simple Procedure to Follow; Writing Your First Novel

Please consider further research before starting or continuing in your writing project. Giving up in frustration is much too easy without acquiring tools that are valuable in your success.

The Novel - What Should I Write About?

2005-09-25T00:07:00.000-04:00

I choose to write fantasy fiction. You will hear more about my story in future blog entries. I will include links in each entry that will be helpful to all of you, including those who are interested in different genres.

Generating ideas for a novel seemed difficult to me at first, but now I have more ideas than I could possibly use. The Internet is such a wonderful resource. Thank you Tim Berners-Lee for giving us such a valuable tool.

Use “writing prompts” and try to create your own ideas for prompts. Additionally, your favorite search engine can help you explore new ideas that will lead you to the subject for your novel. By using these simple techniques I was able to create many novel ideas to choose from.

Below are a few helpful links that may save you some search time:

How to develop story ideas for novels
by Krista Barrett

Tips for novel ideas

Contemporary Novels – Generating Real Ideas

Please continue to visit Journey in Writing. I will try hard to help you in the writing process by exploring and discussing my failures and successes.

Am I Crazy?

2005-09-21T12:13:00.000-04:00

Why would anyone live on a part-time income to be able to write full-time? Is there something wrong with me?

Plenty. However, I should have started writing full-time long ago. Although feeling unable to write full-time, I could have written a small amount daily…completing the equivalent of many novels to date.

I wrote in my childhood, enjoying great satisfaction in creating short stories. As an adult I frustrated my college Business Writing teacher by turning every assignment into an exercise in creative composition. I later worked with a published writer for a short time, but we quickly grew apart. My lack of confidence and commitment has held me back throughout my life.

Today I am a writer. I have never been published, but I am a writer nonetheless. Writing is a passion that I have hidden and ignored for many years. I feared failure, and I feared revealing myself to others. These are the types of fears that must be overcome to be a good writer.

This first blog post is a way of enforcing my commitment, hoping to eventually achieve self-actualization having few preceding triumphs. Please bookmark this page and follow me during the next year. I will enjoy your comments and appreciate your encouragement.

The completion of a novel will not be the end of my writing, but a beginning toward realizing my capabilities, continuing in my passion, and hopefully…enriching the lives of others through my work.