Audition time!

I love drama. I love going to the theatre, writing plays, and I especially love the creative rush when one is involved in a production. Must be why I continually put myself through the utterly gruelling pace of directing and producing for a group of young actors. . .

This fall the 'KodiActs' has set an all time record number of participants - 47. Yes, you heard me. I said 47. Now, just how does one person go about organizing and directing 47 people between the ages of 12 to 17, you might ask?  The answer is simple. You have to be a little bit crazy in the head!

Of course, I say this tongue in cheek. I wouldn't be doing it if I didn't love it. After all, it is totally volunteer - an after school extra curricular program that I run gratis. But, seriously, there is nothing like the exhilaration I see on every face on performance night, or the gratification I get from seeing kids blossom before my eyes. It's what keeps me coming back for more.

I had a bit of a dilemna this year, however. I have had large casts before. Back in my Watson Lake days I once did a show with about 50. This was a combined cast of High School and elementary students. We performed an original play I wrote called 'Ali and the Magic Lamp'. My large cast of extras did lots of walk ons, dances, a market scene and formed a Chinese dragon, but I had several parent volunteers in the Green Room, and the cast of speaking parts was managable.

THIS, however, is another story all together. I explained to the newbies and the younger set that they will have to do their time in minor roles, but even then, I had 28 girls wanting to try out for the major roles - half of which are all very talented actresses. It's a dilemna that is actually kind of nice for a change. I'll be able to cast the play with the best possible people for each part.

I was inspired to write a new play for this group modelled after Shakespeare's 'A Midsummer Night's Dream'. I've changed it up to a modern high school setting with believable motivation, a principal instead of the Duke etc... but I have kept the 'fairy' scenes with a more archaic lilt to the language, although certainly not Elizabethan by any stretch. I think its the fastest I've ever written a play (one solid weekend) but then I had some fantastic bones to work with.

The kids are STOKED, and so am I.  There will be lots of opportunity for walk ons for those newbies, and to accomodate some of my other senior players, we are doing another short play as an opener based on some fairy tale romance gone wrong. I will definitely keep you posted as the play progresses, and of course, expect a full review in March when we perform.

Now . . . I'm off to post the 'cast list'. Here's hoping everone embraces their role. After all, there are no small parts.

Inscribe Conference!

I just got back from the 'Inscribe Christian Writer's Fellowship' annual conference in Edmonton, Alberta. It was my first ever writer's conference and it was exactly what I needed to spur me on in my writing adventure.

Incribe is the shortened name for 'Incribe Christian Writers' Fellowship', an organization of Canadian Christian authors from all over the country coming together to encourage and equip one another as writers.
I learned so much during my short time and met many wonderful fellow authors - some published, some 'famous' and some neither of those, but great individuals none the less with something valuable to share.

Rudy Wiebe read from his newest collection of short stories at Friday night's banquet - a delightful piece called 'The Good Maker', and Blake Paul - singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist - graced the stage for a short 'concert' of sorts mixed with some impromtu worship music. Sigmund Brower was the keynote speaker for Saturday. What a privilege to be entertained by him while gaining such nuggets about 'story', audience', and making an emotional connection with readers. It has given me lots of fodder for further posts, so you can be sure I will be elaborating on all those points in the future.

It was also a time to focus on some of the 'business' of being an author - one of the aspects of writing that I have had to learn in leaps and bounds over this past year. I liked what one presenter, Brenda Leyland, had to say regarding blogging and other use of social media. In essence, she said "Blogging matters!" Social networking, including blogging, is a fundamental shift in the way people communicate. If one hopes to be successful in this day and age, you simply cannot ignore the need to be building a platform through these various methods. So next time my husband thinks I'm spending too much time on the internet, or my son makes fun of me for blogging, I have a ready answer. I'm just going about my business! (I've already tried to explain this, but to no avail ...)

I also came away with some VERY interesting insight into some of the other business aspects of getting published - queries, agents, pitches, selling rights, etc. - thanks to Sigmund Brower. I was surprised, and I'll admit, somewhat dismayed, when one person asked him how long it took before he could support himself fully through his writing. His reply was something like, "After about 10 novels and 60 YA books."  What?! If that is the case, we should all just give up, right?  On the contrary, I left the conference feeling even more invigorated to continue on and to become even more purposeful in my efforts to seek publication for more of my work. Thankfully, I've got a month's worth of ideas to follow up on as well as new sites to visit and publishers and agents to check out.

All in all I hope to go again next year. This is one conference that is 'do-able' for me since it is close to home and relatively inexpensive. Even though it was a rather small affair compared to some of the bigger conferences around, it was very valuable - if just to connect with so  many like minded people.  I can also see the need to try to get to some of the other bigger conferences in the coming year or two as well. If one is serious about being an author, it is something that is almost a necessity. Or so I've been told ...

Any thoughts on the topic?

Workshop Update and Other Promotional Possibilities

It's not too late to join the ECFL Proposal Workshop.  It starts on September 27, so don't miss out! Check the link for more details. We'll be discussing proposals, queries, synopsis, the 'elevator pitch' and so much more. Plus, our goal is to work through all of the above so that at the end of the workshop each member will have a ready to go pitch for one of their own novels. Sounds like a no-brainer to me! So contact Nike or Michelle by following the link.
You may also wish to go back to my previous post on the workshop to see the details there.
http://www.tracykraussexpressionexpress.blogspot.com/2010/09/proposal-workshop-at-edgy-christian.html

 On another note, I want to announce a brand new blog for book reviews called 'The Benterud Bookshelf'. This is a new venture by one of my daughters, Priscilla, who just happens to be the ultimate book worm. She has always LOVED her books, is very well read and has a widely ecclectic collection. She also happens to have a BA is English, so she knows her stuff! Anyway, not to overwhelm her or anything, but you may wish to check out her link. Who knows? She just might want to review your latest novel.

Fishing Without a Pole Revisited

Is anyone else out there enjoying the 'Stats' feature on blogger?  I just discovered it a few days ago and I must say I was surprised at some of the information I found there. For one thing, comments alone don't come close to telling you who is reading your posts and how often. Also, it has been quite valuable to see which posts seem to be getting the most traffic. Which brings me to the title for this post.

I was quite surprised to see that a post I did back in April called 'Fishing Without a Pole' continues to get a lot of hits and is my all time top post as far as people viewing it goes. Perhaps net surfers are expecting some advice on how to catch the big one. Sorry. It's actually a humorous anecdote about my writing obssession.

In any case, since it seems to be popular for whatever reason, I thought I would redirect all my new followers who may have missed it earlier. Check it out. All those thousands of viewers can't be wrong!

Cendrine Marrouat - Poetry For the Soul

I am pleased to host poet, journalist and translator Cendrine Marrouat on my blog today. Cendrine is the author of numerous books of poetry and currently resides in Winnipeg Manitoba. Welcome to Expression Express.
TK: As a poet, you state that you like to “tread on challenging ground”. What exactly do you mean by this?

CM: My poetry reflects the way I live my life. I always try to face the problems I encounter. As a result, I write on topics that a lot of people would avoid, mostly because of fear. One of them is death.

When my mother committed suicide in 2005, I did not experience grief in the way most would. I neither judged nor tried to understand my mother's decision. As a result, I grieved really fast. Acceptance is always the first step.

Since nobody has ever really come back from the hereafter to tell us what it looks like, who are we to draw negative conclusions? It is only in societies where the material is disconnected from the spiritual that people refuse to let go. Usually, they do not grieve a deceased, but the image they have of them.

So, with my poetry, I want readers to take the risk of thinking differently, of stopping judging the book by its cover. And most importantly, I want them to face their reflection in Life's mirror.

TK: How is poetry such an ideal format for expressing the spiritual aspects of life?

CM: Voltaire, the famous French writer and philosopher said that "Poetry is the music of the soul, and, above all, of great and feeling souls." Poetry is a celebration of the unsaid and reflects the evolution of the human mind. It teases, questions and forces people to face their inmost fears. The best poems appeal to the inner child in us.

TK: You have a number of published works of poetry. Tell us more about your latest release called “Five Years and Counting”.

CM: Five Years and Counting. A Journey into the Mind of Soul Poetry is a unique concept. I regrouped five years of poetry and arranged the pieces according to life's most important stages: birth and childhood, teenage years, adulthood and elevation. The last stage symbolizes man's understanding and realization of the ultimate fulfillment in life. In a few words, Five Years and Counting is the story of the endless growth of the human spirit.

TK: What brought you to write poetry and how is this a way of expressing yourself?

CM: I often joke that poetry is my stalker. I was forced to study it for six years at university (I am a former English major.) and we were not good friends at the time. Like my fellow students in the same field, I had to dissect every sound, word and line and then write long and boring essays. The way we were supposed to analyze poems was very rigid and left no choice for creativity.

However, one evening of January 2005, I suddenly grabbed a pen and a piece of paper and wrote my first poem. Within a week, I was smitten with poetry! I started writing in French, my mother tongue, and English followed a few months later.

Poetry allows me to connect with God. As such, there is no judgment involved. So, I am free to express myself the way I want.

TK: Can you give us a short sample?

CM: Here is an extract from Five Years and Counting. The piece is called "Fly Away."

Fly away. May peace be with you.


I will not cry because, in your adieu,


Your will was done; you saved us.


You sacrificed your body, but your soul


Soared and your flame is now whole.


One day, your true beauty will shine again.


So, fly away, my darling. May God bless you.


This poem is an example of "treading on challenging grounds." It is dedicated to the women who have experienced the loss of their own child. When I first published it, in 2005, it provoked an angry response from mothers. How could a person as young as me, dare turn such a difficult and painful situation into something positive? However, after a few months, the same women realized the point of the poem and thanked me.

TK: You are originally from France. What brought you to Canada?

CM: The desire to travel, meet different people and experience new things. I do not think that there is another country like Canada in the world. The freedom here is amazing.

TK: Is there anything you miss about your homeland?

CM: Overall, I would say that I do not miss France much, except for the food, close friends and family. I enjoy my life in Canada and do not think I could come back. Plus, I can cook my favorite French recipes whenever I want...

TK: What is your favorite part about living in Canada?

CM: I love simple pleasures in life. I love how relaxed and friendly people are.

TK: You are also a journalist and a translator. Tell us something about these aspects of your professional life.

CM: I have been a professional translator for seven years and have worked with clients around the world. The fields in which I specialize include medicine, literature, journalism, politics, marketing and business. It is an interesting but challenging profession. Globalization has been harmful.

I started writing for Examiner.com as a freelance journalist in April 2010. I promote art, culture, events, independent artists, and spirituality both locally and nationally. It is time-consuming but I really get a kick out of it. I recently interviewed Carmen Ruest, one of the founding members of Cirque du Soleil, covered some of the biggest events in North America, and have connected with some incredible people and artists. I have learnt a lot about Canada and its history as well.

TK: As a fellow playwright, I was interested to note that you have written a couple of plays. Can you tell us more about this and what you hope to accomplish through your dramatic efforts?

CM: I wrote two plays in 2007. In the Silence of Words is the story of a young woman who is at a turning point in her life. The choices that she will make may alienate her from her friends and family for ever. Sound in Mind and Body is a social-conscious poetry play. Each piece sheds light on a topic that people find difficult to talk about, including civil war, genocide and stoning.

To me, theatre is very similar to poetry. So, I have the same goals. I want people to think differently, open their minds to change and stop focusing on the differences between them. We must start celebrating what we have in common -- our humanity.

TK: Is there anything else you would like to add?

CM: First of all, thank you for having me as a guest on your blog. I am honored.

I am currently completing the new version of my first spoken word CD, titled Rizen. The album will be released at the end of 2010 and contain 18 pieces with music by Kevin MacLeod, Loren DiGiorgi, Bill Cushman and Tshombe Harris -- and sound effects. I wrote all the poems and recorded 16 of them; the last two feature the voices of artists April Sims and Tantra Zawadi.

I would also like to direct the two plays that I just mentioned. So I am currently looking for theatre troupes in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Finally, I am always looking for artists or inspirational people to spotlight. For those who fit the bill, visit http://www.cendrinemarrouat.com/freelancing.php and contact me.

TK: How can readers find out more and where can they purchase your work?

CW: People can find me at www.cendrinemarrouat.com or www.soulpoetrysite.com. From there, they will have access to my Examiner.com articles, some of my poetry, the store, etc. They can also subscribe to my monthly newsletter.

I am very accessible and answer all the e-mails sent my way. So, do not hesitate to connect with me through Facebook, Twitter and Myspace.


Biography
Cendrine Marrouat was born in Toulouse, southern France, in 1978. She holds a bachelor’s degree in English-to-French translation that she received in 2001 from the Université of Toulouse-le Mirail. Marrouat authored five collections of poetry and a spoken word album: And They All Rejoiced! Soul-Stirring Poetry, Short Poetry for Those Who Fear Death, Sortons des chemins battus. Poésie de l’âme (2006), Project: Heartbeats and Elevation (2009), Rizen (2009), and Five Years And Counting. A Journey into the Mind of Soul Poetry (2010). In 2003, she moved to Canada and became the first member in her family to permanently settle in a foreign country. Deemed completely bilingual, she has written in English and French for many years. Since the inception of her writing career, in 2005, she has been acknowledged as a unique voice in the poetic community. According to April Sims, “Cendrine is a profound writer who gives a voice, both through written and spoken word(s), to others that do not have a voice or are afraid to use theirs. Her words touch your heart and soul, because they come from her heart and soul.” Hailed by some as a Rumi-esque poet, her work is a reflection of her deep knowledge of English and French, her personal experiences, as well as her constant observation and study of the divine aspects of life. Thriving on challenges, her ultimate goal is to bring spiritual poetry to the forefront through Soulpoetrysite.com, the website that she created in 2005. She likes to tread on challenging grounds, something that many authors would not dare do. Death and Christianity are two of the most prominent topics in her poetry. As a result, her readers are invited on a journey that will change the way they think and experience life. Some of Marrouat’s poems appear in the Stellar Showcase Journal, e-Muse-zine and Vertikal Magazine. In 2009, she was chosen to contribute to The Significance of Music, Justin St Vincent’s project that was released as a series of books. She was also a guest on numerous Internet radio shows, including “April Sims A and E”, “Author Speak” and “Nesheba of ESpiritE”. A Translator by profession and a former Teacher, Marrouat also authored two plays, In the Silence of Words and Sound in Mind and Body (2007) that she hopes to direct someday. She writes for Examiner.com and contributes articles to WAGTi Media Group and WAGTi Radio. She is also an aspiring photographer, using her skills to create the covers of her books and CD. Her second spoken word album is currently in the works. Cendrine Marrouat is a member of the Manitoba Writers’ Guild and lives in Winnipeg, Canada.

School, School, School!

This month the authors at Christian Writers are blogging about 'School'. Now this is a topic I know about!  I have the somewhat unique perspective of being able to look at this topic from many sides. Let me break it down:

Public School Teacher: I've done my time in the public arena, let me tell you. I started out back in 1984 when I finished my teaching degree, and knew I'd found the perfect profession! Perhaps I was idealistic, but I seriously loved my job as an intern in a Saskatoon High School as a senior Art teacher. Several moves, pregnancies and choices to 'stay at home' to raise my own kids interrupted the 'bliss' (joking!), but throughout those years, I maintained my certification in five provinces/territories and did lots of substitute teaching to help supplement the family income. I did one year as a Kindergarten teacher back in the eighties - an experience that definitely reaffirmed my calling as a HIGH SCHOOL teacher. (I often jokingly say that the only small children I've ever really liked were my own. :)
I reentered the teaching force on a full time basis back in 2001, and for the most part, I still love my job. Of course, I teach all the things I'm passionate about - Art, Drama and English - so what could be better? (Being able to write full time, perhaps???) In any case, I can't imagine having to get up each day and go to a job I hated. For that, I am very grateful.

Homeschool Mom: During my 'stay at home' years, I decided to homeschool my four children. I had been fascinated by the movement even back in my University days when one of my professors at the College of Education told us he and his wife 'Unschooled' their children.  I did lots of reading and research, and finally took the plunge when my eldest daughter was going into Grade Four. What fun!  I love the creative appraoch, so we spent many happy years (nine to be specific) doing projects, reading good books, and just enjoying each others company and the discovery of learning that went with it. I used all kinds of different resources, but I always liked to put my own creative spin on things, so to speak. Charlotte Mason soon became my hero and I still try to incorproate much of her philosphy into my classroom.  She believed in reading lots of good books, learning English through 'real' writing and reading, Science through observation, Socials through History - basically, a classical education with lots of hands on. (Of course, her recommendation that children should be introduced to Shakespeare as early as Grade Two brought a resounding 'YES!" from this Bard Buff!) All in all, I think my children appreciated and benefited from those years we spend discovering together. I know I wouldn't trade them for anything.

Fourth Generation: Interestingly, I am a fourth generation teacher. In fact, most of the females on my mother's side were/are teachers or involved in the education industry in one way or another. I had wonderfully creative mentors within my own family to look to or to swap ideas with in both my professional career and my homeschool days. As I keep aluding to, my own mother has been such an inspiration to me in so many ways, that I can't say enough about her. She taught me (literally, she taught me Grade Six!) what a good teacher is supposed to look like, and I am honored to follow in her footsteps.

Still a Student: Okay, I admit it. I'm a nerd cause I love going to school. Honestly, I thrive on learning new things. Even though I am not formally taking any classes at the moment, I think it behooves each of us to remain life long learners - people who are curious about things and just want to learn more. I know I have been on a steep learning curve when it comes to marketing, promotions, and everything related to using technology. I also recognize my ongoing status as 'student' when it comes to the writing process itself. Finally, as a Christian, I know I will be a purpetual pupil as I sit at the Master's feet. 

My dear friend Jacqueline Millen - one of the most vibrant people I've ever had the pleasure to know - said it well when she stated that 'to stop learning and growing is to die'. She did die a few years ago at age 87, but let me tell you, she put her words into practice. Jacqueline was a petite little adventurer with a French Canadian accent who was young at heart to the end. She was seriously so much fun to be around - one of those people you actually WANTED to be near. Even in those latter years, she was trying new things, going places, and learning, learning, learning. She was fascinated by all kinds of topics, did lots of reading, tried new things (like line dancing and even climbed a mountain!) and always kept up with the latest fashions. (No frumpy 'granny' duds for her!) Most of all, though, she loved Jesus, and had a voracious appetite for spiritual food. She was the embodiment of the life long learner.

So, whether you are on the teaching or the student end of the spectrum; whether you homeschool or you are part of the public system; or whether you have been around for a long time or not so much - this is a great time to reflect on your own learning journey. Just when we think we've arrived there is something new around the corner. But then maybe the process is what is really important in this traverse after all.

For more in this blog chain, check the widget at the bottom right of this page.

Featured on "My Favorite Things"

Just a quick post to direct you to yet another feature and review of my book AND THE BEAT GOES ON on 'My Favorite Things". Thanks for hosting me Edna!

Lifestyle Overhaul

September is almost the next best thing to New Year's - for me it is often a time of 'resolutions'. (You know, those crazy 'vows' we make to ourselves to change our ways, set goals, etc., etc.) It must be the fact that September marks the beginning of the new school year, something I've been doing now, in one form or another, for a long long time.

This year was no exception. As a teacher, I am always faced with the dilemna at the end of the summer break of how I'm going to manage to fit everything into my life once school starts again. It has become especially difficult now that marketing and promotion has been added to my 'to do' list. As well, I have vowed (oh no, not that word again!) to make more time for my own writing this year - something that often gets pushed aside during the urgency of all the other tasks that come my way.

I have decided to keep a log book entitled 'Lifestyle Overhaul'. (Seriously) And I figure if I share it here in cyberspace I just might be more accountable. Hm. We'll see ...

In my log book, I have divided each day into four sections:
1. Spiritual
2. Fitness
3. Diet
4. Writing

In each section I will record that days activities (or lack there or in the case of 'writing' . . . )
I recognize first and foremost my need of a more disciplined approach to Bible reading and prayer, thus the 'Spiritual' label. I have often used devotional books of one kind or another, while other times I like to just read and journal. Hopefully this will keep me on track. Those days when I sleep in and don't have time for more than a 2 minute verse before I'm out the door will hopefully become fewer and far between.

Fitness - well, this speaks for itself. I'm tired of being out of shape, and let's face it, the older we get the harder it becomes ...

Diet. I am really serious about making some changes here. My doctor tells me I have high cholesterol, and I have had family members with heart disease. My clock is ticking and I don't want it to become a bomb!

Finally, the fourth category called 'Writing' is my attempt to manage my time better so that I actually have time to write creatively. Of course, I will also record my blogging, networking, query writing etc., but my ultimate goal is to find more time for the creative end of things. (FYI - I plan to try NaNoWriMo - Yikes! I think I must be crazy!!!)  This means that I am going to have to make some hard choices with my time and learn to say NO.  I have already decided to direct and produce only one play this year with my theatre troupe 'The KodiActs', I am limiting myself to serving as worship leader/coordinator at the church, and I have already said NO three times to other 'offers'. Baby steps, perhaps, but it's a start.

Anyway, I plan to keep you updated on my progress throughout the year (more for my sake than yours, I'm sure) but a few cheers from the gallery would be appreciated now and again! (As part of my 'overhaul' , how do you like my new profile photo? Courtesy of Trent Ernst and 'Eye For Detail' Photography.)

Proposal Workshop at "Edgy Christian Fiction Lovers"

Here's an exciting month long event you just might want to take advantage of! Some of my friends over at 'Edgy Christian Fiction Loves' are hosting a workshop that focuses on writing and preparing those fear enducing proposals that all authors have to face. (If you ever want to get published, that is!) I'm no expert on the subject, but I have offered my services as a co-leader along with a few of my other fellow writers at ECFL. Here is the schedule and info on how you can participate:

EDGY CHRISTIAN FICTION LOVERS PROPOSAL WORKSHOP SCHEDULE:
Mon 9/27 to Sun 10/3: The Pitch Sentence. We're going to start with the "elevator pitch" because that puts the entire novel into 25 - 40 words. This forces the writer to get to the nitty gritty, the essence of the novel. This one you memorize so you can rattle it off to an agent in an elevator.
Mon 10/4 to Sun 10/10: Agents and Small Publishers Who Work With Edgy Christian Fiction Authors. We'll spend the week discussing which agents, small publishers, and ebook publishers are most likely to offer a contract to an edgy Christian author. We'll each make up a list of people we can query and submit proposals to (with address, phone number, and email addy) .
Mon 10/11 to Sun 10/17: One Paragraph Pitch/Back Cover Blurb. A short synopsis of the story in 200 words or less. This is also memorized so it can be rattled off to an agent or editor at a conference appointment. Most agents and editors will let you read it off a card.
Mon 10/18 to Sun 1024: The Query Letter. This is basically a two paragraph pitch. When using it for the query letter, add query features.
Mon 10/25 to Sun 10/31: The One Sheet. This utilizes the same or a similar two paragraph pitch as the query letter, with a photo of the author, as well as particulars (name, address, phone number), and some other details. Some authors add a graphic.
Mon 11/1 to Sun 11/7: The Dreaded Synopsis. A chapter by chapter synopsis of the novel, leaving out all detail
Fee For The Workshop: $5- payable to Michelle Sutton...to be used for future Ning cost and other group expenses.
Head Leader: Nike Chillemi
You must belong to Edgy Christian Fiction Lovers to participate. Membership in ECFL is free. Here is a link to the site page...
http://edgychristianfictionlovers.ning.com/group/ecflproposalworkshop

Part 2 Examiner.com Interview

Part 2 of my interview with Cendrine Marrouat is up on examiner.com -  Once again, check it out and hurry back!

Examiner Feature Part 1

I'd like you to 'examine' Part One of my interview in 'Examiner.com' with journalist and poet Cendrine Marrouat. Thanks to Cendrine for taking the time out from her busy schedule to interview me. I will be hosting Cendrine later this month, featuring her newest release 'Five years and Counting'.
As always, I would appreciate it if you pop back and leave a comment so I know you're out there!

Story Construction

If you ever take the time to study various personality profiles, you'll know that not everyone works the same way. I enjoy analyzing the amazing variety within the human psyche, which is probably why I've taken quite a few different 'personality profile' tests myself over the years. I have also had lots of 'clinical' experience as a teacher. Different people learn in different ways and it is up to us, as educators, to try to facilitate learning for everyone, not just those that emulate what works best for us. The same is true for any occupation, including, of course, the 'writing life'. I'm sure if you asked ten different authors how they manage their time, how they plot their storylines, or how they develop characters, you would get ten different answers.
In todays's post, I am going to explain how the 'story construction' process works for me. This does not mean that it is the 'right' way, or the 'best' way, but just that I have come to terms with my own personality charactersitics and have learned what helps me tap into my creative juices best when writing.

First, of course, is the inspiration. This can be as varied as the world around us, and is something I blogged about a while back. Inspiration can be almost anything and can come from anywhere. But once that initial spark has been ignited, the next step for me is making an outline.

My outlines tend to start out as lists and then grow to become paragraphs as I flesh out the story line. This first stage is very loose, and I try to keep things flexible. I usually find that once I start writing, the story inevitably changes as the characters surprise me with their dialogue or another idea pops into my head.

My next step is developing detailed back stories for my characters. I love this part. I often write several pages about each character which does not always become part of the story itself. This includes family background, siblings, place of birth, key childhood experiences, likes, dislikes, schooling, etc. I find this really helps me in terms of motivation and even dialogue. I love to know my characters inside and out.

I usually keep both of these items handy as I begin the next stage. The next thing I do is write a detailed outline, chapter by chapter. Inevitably, this changes as the story changes and I often have to move certain events (or eliminate them altogether) but it allows me to make sure my chapters are flowing into each other and that each has a specific purpose, along with an opening hook, mini climax and something to maintain a sense of anticipation leading into the next chapter. If I think of some good dialogue, I insert it, but I don't worry too much about details. I just want to get the basic story line worked out. I also find that this really helps me to work out things like forshadowing and flashbacks. Of course, this stage is often very expository in nature,but it is simply to make sure that the ideas themselves get put on paper before they get lost.

Now, the 'real' writing begins!  I begin slogging through my outlines and fleshing out the ideas with description, dialogue etc. I find I often labor over the first few pages for DAYS. (Or longer) It is difficult to establish the voice, a hook, introduce the main character, setting and problem within the first few paragraphs without becoming too descriptive or expository. Even after I think I've got it, I usually come back to the beginning again and again and rework it - sometimes once the entire manuscript is finished.

I tend to rewrite and edit as I go, and I usually find I need to reread at least part of what I wrote the day before in order to get back in the 'zone'. However, I don't sweat to much over the first draft. My goal is to get the story written. Once the bones are there, I will go back and rewrite several times, adding, changing, or eliminating as I see fit. Of course, depending on my schedule, this often takes years. (Yes, I said years!)

For those who are frightened by this prospect, let me just say that I usually have more than one project on the go at once. If I get bored with one, I move to another. Also, because of the nature of my outlines, I can move to a scene that I 'feel' like writing and come back to finish one later that is stalling me.

I do not usually share my writing with a critique partner until I am satsified. Then, I will ask someone to read it (usually one of my daughters - they are all very honest and are well read.) From there I will make more adjustments. I have also used the services of professional critiquing agencies and have found them to be very valuable. These folks know their stuff and will give an honest assessment of your work, plus suggest changes. This is where a thick skin is necessary, but I have found it is one of the most valuable things an author can do.

Finally, there is always the need for a final edit. No matter how many times you go over your own manuscript, you will not catch all the mistakes. This is something you can get a critique partner to do, but I would suggest getting professional editing unless you already have a publisher that provides that service. Editing is essential!

There you have it - a story from start to finsh! Of course, your work is just beginning. Next there are pitches, queries, submissions, and then, if you are lucky enough to 'get the call', the publicaity and promotions monster will be out to consume your writing time.

(Thanks to my husband, daughter Lydia, and her husband Aren, who appear in the photos during the construction of our garage - one of summer projects)