Joe the Planner (I thought it was plumber…)

/ J.R. Roper / Leave a comment

I’ve been wasting loads of time trying the write “organically” and not planning my story. I finally sat down and started mapping each character’s arc and underlined where their parts were the most interesting. Now I’ve got several scenes to add and lots of junk to cut, junk that was sending me down the wrong path and has been frustrating me for the last few months. And just in time for summer! This book will be done by August, when I will start a fresh project to complete during the school year.

Planning equals productivity.

Character Intimacy

/ J.R. Roper / Leave a comment

Creating characters and listening to them as I write their stories is one of my favorite parts of the writing process. But not every character feels as intimate as the next, which begs the question–why? Quite simply, underdeveloped backstory has not allowed me to discover what really ticks off my failing character. I have not figured out what or who they resent and why.

According to dictionary.com, resentment is the feeling of displeasure or indignation at some act, remark, person, etc., regarded as causing injury or insult. To feel resentment is to be human. How we react physically and emotionally when faced with the person who has injured us in some way ultimately reveals character. We can bottle our emotion and fight the battle internally, lash out at the person violently, or act anywhere in between. Resentment can eventually lead to forgiveness and healing, remain the same throughout life, or lead to acts of revenge.

Regardless of how you create characters for your stories, do not forget to consider who or what induces a negative reaction and how that will play a role in your story. It’s an easy topic to research. Just pay attention to your own feelings for a day.

Baby Time

/ J.R. Roper / Leave a comment

I have not been writing much for the last month, but bless his heart, my son Pearce joined us in the world eight weeks early. What I’ve lost in writing time I’ve gained in the ultimate audience. I have someone to write stories for, to create dynamite characters for that will resonate. He’s still in the hospital so I can’t talk long. Need my sleep and a sharp mind to at least write subconsciously. I’ll be back soon.

Waiting and Writing

/ J.R. Roper / Leave a comment

This leaving the house and writing somewhere else is a great change of pace and might help me meet my goal of a finished book 2 by June.

What I’m working on:
Rewriting book 2, The Steel Spirit.

What I’m listening to:
A guy next to me talk in an Australian accent. I could listen all day.

Why I’m happy:
My house is full of fumes and I had to go to the coffee shop and write.

The devil on my shoulder says:
Git-r-done motivated writer.

Happy Bear

/ J.R. Roper / Leave a comment

I’ve finally crawled out of the cave and awoke from a deep writing hibernation. Now let’s hope that creativity springs forth like fresh flowers and not cottonwood pollen (my eyes are itchy just thinking about it). I raise my cup of coffee and begin.

I’m working on: Editing book 2.

I’m listening to: Adele: Someone like you

I’m happy because: I just am!

The devil on my shoulder says: Welcome back to thy keyboard. Here is a girl scout cookie as your reward.

Writing Journal

/ J.R. Roper / Leave a comment

With 2011 near and a hefty list of goals forthcoming, I need to edit like a madman and avoid complete failure for 2010.

I’m working on: Editing The Steel Spirit, book 2 in my Treasure Hunter Trilogy.

I’m listening to: Two Steps From Hell: Freedom Fighters

I’m happy because: I get to be a full time writer this week!

The devil on my shoulder says: The basement is a pit of despair, don’t worry about cleaning it. Just write.

Sleepy Blogger

/ J.R. Roper / Leave a comment

I’m working on: EDITING! I’ve been a sleepy blogger lately, but not a lazy writer. This week, I worked out two scenes at the beginning of my second novel that needed rewriting before I could edit the rest of the story.

I’m listening to: Warm air blow through the nearby vent.

I’m happy because: I am finally on a good writing schedule…I think.

The devil on my shoulder says: Have another cup of “Dark Magic” (yes, it’s coffee).

SCBWI-MI Fantasy to Reality Conference

/ J.R. Roper / Leave a comment

The SCBWI-Michigan Fall Fantasy to Reality Conference was a fantastic experience. The first evening was populated by fantasy characters (I was a sorcerer) and the create-your-own wand competition was a big hit. I walked away with the runner-up wand, a dark creation featuring a bone handle and bear claws for hand to hand combat. Cinda Williams Chima, author of The Heir Chronicles and A Seven Realms series, was the keynote speaker, and was just as charming as Aunt Linda from The Warrior Heir.

Susan Chang, Senior Editor at TOR, was a great presenter and always ready to talk books during down time. Any author who gets to work with her has struck gold. Amy Lennox, Senior Editor at Sleeping Bear Press, gave an in depth look into the acquisition process and would be a gem of an editor to work with as well.

Partick Collins, Creative Director at Henry Holt and Company, presented picture books from words to finished product and was extremely accessible and talented. Authors Darcy Pattison, Crystal Bowman, and Betty Raum also presented and gave critiques (unfortunately I didn’t get to listen to any of them).

Overall, the conference was splendid!

Writing Journal

/ J.R. Roper / Leave a comment

I’m working on: Finally rewrote the first chapter of the second book in the trilogy. It was necessary before I could mark up the pages with line edits and note places to delete/insert scenes. That’s right, I said delete! Dear writers we must delete what isn’t working regardless of how many hours we spent on it (but save a cut file of course).

I’m listening to: Never Say Never by The Fray

I’m happy because: I’m finding time to write despite my crazy schedule.

The devil on my shoulder says: Finish off the chocolate bar…you deserve it.