My writing group recently sponsored a contest. We were to come up with a complete story in six sentences. Submissions were submitted anonymously and voted on by the group. The stakes were high. David, the facilitator of the group offered to buy a cup of coffee (or tea) for each of the top three entries.
I love a good writing challenge and this one was fun and interesting. Each sentence had to carry weight, you needed to get the reader’s attention, and carry through with a story arc ending in a conclusion. All in six sentences. And what to write about? For me, the answer was written in the sky on a recent vacation to Orange Beach Alabama.
So here it is: Marry Me , a six sentence story by Debra VanDeventer.
Marry Me
From the shade of my beach tent, I see the plane that normally flies a “Bubba’s All-You-Can-Eat Shrimp” banner is now towing one that says “Will You Marry Me Lexi?”
Unlike the bronzed-buffed-beach guys on display in front of me, my husband wears knee-length swim trunks, a floppy hat and a long-sleeved shirt as he plays in the waves with our granddaughter. He’s not a beach guy, but he drug a wagon loaded with too much stuff across the hot sand and wrestled to set up the tent so I could relax in the shade. In the cooler, he’s packed my favorite lunch–a diet Coke and a ham-and-cheese sandwich–a recipe he’s perfected over our decades of marriage.
The plane makes another loop and I think how wondrous it is to find love written in the sky or in a perfectly made ham sandwich.
I hope Lexi says yes.
The Results?
Whoo hoo! Second Place out of 13 entries. Thanks David. Make mine a grande, two pump chai with almond milk.
Dedication:
This story is dedicated to my husband on the occasion of our 49th wedding anniversary we will celebrate this week. I’m so glad I said yes.
Threads of Thought
I love to take small moments and turn them into stories. With this mindset, a writer need only look around. Stories are everywhere! Try your hand at a six sentence story. Who knows? It may earn you a chai latte!
You’ll get by with a little help from your friends.
My bag is packed. I’m ready to go. Sorry, John, I’m not leaving on a jet plane. I’m meeting my critique group at the coffee shop soon.
In my writer’s bag I carry folders of notes for my critique group members, my lastest work to submit, and extra copy of my book (you never know who might want one…) a notebook, and my favorite black sharpie pen. I also pack a sharp #2 pencil with a good eraser. Sometimes, I change my mind about a critique.
Oh Babe, I need to go. But first, let me tell you why this meeting is important to me.
My Critique Group Makes Me a Better Writer
So, this is the obvious reason I need my critique group. There comes a point in my writing when I needed to give my work to another set of eyes. That line that I thought was so, so beautiful, turns out to be a cliche. It goes without saying, at the end of the day, I need to think outside the box and grab the bull by the horns… Did you realize I switched verb tenses in this paragraph? And where was I going with this part? See, I need my critique group even now. Group members provide fresh perspectives and offer ideas when I’m stuck.
Besides this, the give and take during critique sessions sharpens my writing skills. Looking closely at someone else’s work helps me to turn the same critical eye to my own writing.
My Critique Group Keeps Me Accountable
Our group has committed to meeting on a regular schedule and we make these gatherings a priority. We’ve established a deadline and agree to submit anything we want critiqued a week prior to each meeting. This motivates me to keep writing. My group also encourages me to “write it real” and they hold me accountable when I my writing strays from my true voice. http://seamslikeastory.com/write-it-real/
My Critique Group Provides Emotional Support
Sort of like a therapy dog, my group leads me in the right direction, calms me when I’m terrified, and picks me up when I’m feeling down. How does this work for a writer? Oh, let’s say you get your first one-star review on Amazon and think the world is ending or you thought you were on the right track, then discover you want to go in a whole different direction with your story and you have to throw out a month’s worth of work or you’ve submitted to many, many places only to learn it’s not the “right fit” and you are certain you are the worst writer in the world and…yeah. Our writer’s egos are fragile.
Where Can You Find These Amazing People?
So now you’re convienced that you do indeed need these people in your writing life. Where do you find them? For me, it started with a writer’s group that meets at our local library. I saw their meeting schedule posted on a flyer and joined in. From there, friendships and common interests developed and five of us formed a critique group. We’ve been meeting regularly for almost four years now. In addition, I partnered with a friend I’d known from my teaching days who is an accomplished free-lance writer. We meet now and then for lunch and exchange thoughts about our latest works-in-progress. Her insights are invaluable to me.
Here’s where I should mention that it takes time for a group or a partner team to establish the kind of trusting relationship that will survive intense, honest feedback. I’ve been lucky enough to have this, but it may take time to find the right group.
Also, keep in mind that groups evolve. Sadly, one of my group members is moving, but not too far. We will need to adapt, but we are committed to finding a way to keep writing and supporting eachother. When you open your writer’s soul to another, deep friendships develop.
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If you are looking for a fun, quick, summer read, pick up Out of the Crayon Box:Thoughts on Teaching, Retirement and Life now available at http://amazon.com/author/debravandeventer
For those of you who follow my blog, you know that I have recently spent a whirlwind five days finishing the first draft of my second book. You can find the hilarious recap here: http://seamslikeastory.com/diary-of-a-first-draft/ Now I’m thinking about what happens next. Every writer has their own process, but here are some thoughts from famous authors, and from personal experience with my first book: Out of the Crayon Box: Thoughts on Teaching, Retirement, and Life.
Anne Lamott (Bird by Bird) calls the first attempt the “shitty first draft” that all writers must get down. She says:
“The first draft is the child’s draft, where you let it all pour out and then let it romp all over the place, knowing that no one is going to see it and that you can shape it later.”
Do the first draft with the door closed.
Door Closed
Stephen King (On Writing) says that you should write the first draft with the door closed. By this he means this first draft is for your eyes only. You write it without the help or influence of others. Once that initial rough draft is done, celebrate your accomplishment! It’s a big deal! Then King recommends putting is aside for a period of time (he says 6 weeks.) During this time, work on something else. Then take your manuscipt out (door still shut) and read it all the way through with fresh eyes. Do this in one sitting if possible and make notes. Look for mundane things like misspellings, inconsistancies, repeats. Then look for glaring holes. Is the story coherent? How can I make it sing? Rewrite the parts that need work.
Things are looking better! Now it’s time to open the door…
A little help from my friends…
Door Open
Once you get it right, or as right as you can at this point, be brave! Open the door and let others read your manuscript. This could be a few trusted friends, your critique group, beta readers, or an editor. Listen to what this group has to say. This is the first time your words are traveling out of your head and into the mind of a reader and it’s a crucial step. Something that was perfectly clear to you, may not make sense to someone else. What is the reaction to your work? Are two or more people saying the same thing? Carefully consider the input from your readers, then, as a writing friend of mine once said, “See what rings true for you.” In the end, it is your work.
Back to the drafting table you go to make any changes you think are necessary.
You’re almost there!
Final Polish
Now you have things the way you want and your manuscript is glowing! Go back through for a final look (King calls this the polish) before publishing or submitting it. Yes, I know, this tweaking process could go on forever, but at some point, you must tell yourself that you’re done, that this is the best you can possibly do at this point in your writing career, the best you’ve ever done, and you are happy with it.
Publish/Submit
Finally, you are ready to send your beautiful work out into the world. Will you self-publish? Seek an agent or publisher? Query magazines? All excellent topics for future blog posts. But one thing is certain… there is nothing like seeing your work in print. You simply must send it out.
“When you make it real, it can gloriously travel to all sorts of places. Even a seemingly tiny story can deeply affect other people.” -SARK (Juicy Pens Thirsty Paper)
A published book arises from a stack of rough drafts.
Threads of Thought
As mentioned at the beginning of this post, each author has her/ his own process. What tips or advice would you give to others who are writing or thinking about writing? Add your comments below and join the conversation.
Seams Like a Story is a cozy blog that feels like a conversation with a friend over a cup of tea or coffee. (with no annoying pop-up ads) I’d love to have you be a part of it. Consider subscribing !
Here’s one of my sewing machines. She’s Swedish. Her name is Ingrid.
I name things. Of course I named my kids, and dogs and cats… and many, many goldfish (I was a kindergarten teacher and didn’t have the best track record with classroom pets) But I also name plants and inanimate objects. Is that weird?
The naming of plants:
Spike, the agave that followed us from the Midwest to Arizona.
Here’s Noelle, the Christmas cactus and her off shoot Jingles
Not all of my plants have names. Plants come and go. They die or get eaten by bugs or maybe you forget to water them. But I have a few favorites. Spike the agave has a special place in my heart. Ed brought him home from the greenhouse at the high school where he taught biology. When we moved to the desert, Spike thrived. Spike was the subject of my first ever published story, catapulting me to status of “Published Author”. (Ha, ha) I still have the check framed and hanging in my office.
Noelle was a gift from a student many years ago. She loves it here in by sunny window . She’s fickle, sometimes blooming at Christmas, but other times she blooms at Thanksgiving, or Valentine’s day or this year, she did a small bloom season at Easter.
One could argure that plants are living things and derserve to be named. But what about inanimate objects?
The naming of sewing machines…
You met Ingrid at the start of this blog post. I also have Kendra, my first sewing machine, a 1970s Sears Kenmore gifted to my at my college graduation. Then there’s Joyce a 1990s model Kenmore I inherited from my mother. I got the idea of naming my sewing machines from a visit to a vintage sewing maching booth at an antique mall in Indiana. The owner of the booth had names and personalities for each of her machines. I wanted to bring them all home! (I didn’t, but I went home and named all of mine.)
I recently purchased a new laptop named Dash. Dash is shiny, sleek, and fast, and helped me finish the first draft of my second book. I think we are going to make a great team.
And cars? Many people name their vehicles, but I don’t. Maybe it’s because I’ve never been a car person. As long my ride is dependable and gets me where I’m going I’m ok with it. Besides cars already come with names. We have “The Saturn” and “The Honda.” No need to elaborate.
Characters all around us.
This vintage swizzle stick is the main character in my story featured in the Desert Leaf Magazine
I used to think my tendency to name things was weird, but then I read something that one of my favorite authors wrote. I can’t recall which one it was, but she names things too. She said that it’s common for authors to attach names and personalities to things because we see characters all around us.
Characters all around us. I like this idea! The world is full of characters–people, plants, and yes, even inantamite objects, and as authors we have the privilege of creating their stories and bringing them out into the world. In fact, it’s our job.
Why can’t a vintage swizzle stick come to life and complain that its new owner is a teetotaler? And imagine a cantankerous agave inspiriring a couple from the Midwest to move to the desert?
How dull life would be without the storytellers of the world. Now go out, find YOUR characters, write their story, then find a way to send it out into the world! I can’t wait to see what you come up with!
Threads of Thought
Ok, come on. I know you do it too.
I’d love to hear some of your names for things.
Write your comments in the box below and while you’re at it, be sure to subscribe if you haven’t already done so!
Joy, the potted plant recommends Debra’s book. A cozy, quick read sure to make you smile!
The thought came to me during my critique group meeting last week. I’d been plodding along with my travel memoir, wititng it “bird by bird” (as Anne Lamott says in her book by the same title), or “city by city” as was my case. I would finish a chapter every 2-3 weeks and had it close to the end. One more section to go, but I was dragging my feet. It could have easily been one of those manuscripts that ends up in a drawer or computer and never gets completed. During that meeting, I knew I wanted to see it through.
“I’m going to finish my rough draft .” I said to my writing friends. Somehow saying it out loud helped me to commit to the project. I cleared my schedule for the week (easier to do when you are retired), put on some comfy yoga pants and a tee shirt, put my phone in the other room , and told Ed not to disturb me. Except for food. I estimated around 12,000 words to finish. Can I do that in five days? Not likely, but I plan to make a significant dent in it! Here’s my 5 day progress in diary form. Wish me luck! Ready, set write!
Monday
Ed surprised me by moving his office chair into my studio to use for the week, replacing the old wooden one I usually use. Nice upgrade! I put my phone in the other room (good move by the way) and shut my door. I was afraid I would sit here all morning with no words in my head, but I’d already started an interesting chapter on Celafu (where disaster strikes) and I had lots of thoughts on how to finish it. By lunch time I’d written 1,132 words and by early afternoon I’d finished the chapter and had logged in a total of 2,208. Not bad for a first day! I treated myself to a trip to Frost Gelato Shop. (It’s research. The word gelato had appeared in my story.) Goodbye Cefalu. Tomorrow we are on to Venice!
Tuesday
Now I know why it’s called a rough draft. Today’s writing is slow going. Most of it is rough. Ok, maybe all of it. I struggled most of the morning trying to find the “theme” or the “point” of this piece, but I just kept writing.
Took a break at lunch and then it came to me. 1,704 words for today. Stephen King says he writes 2,000 a day. (I’m currently reading his book “ON Writing”) But I’m not Stephen King. I’m happy to have gotten as far as I did. That brings my two day total to 3,912.
Wednesday
Ugggh. I had a hard time sleeping last night. I woke up twice with words running through my brain. “What if I said it this way?” “I could move this part over to here.” “What about this?” Yikes. Anyway…I was finally able to go back to sleep, but then slept later than usual. Ed and I went on a nice long walk this morning (otherwise I’d be developing a chair-shaped butt) then, I worked steadily until we went out for lunch. (no starving artist here) A nice break.
Finished up this afternoon. with 1,718 words today. 5,630 total . I was able to write a fun section on “masquarade.” It’s interesting. Sometimes, I don’t know exactly where Im going until I start getting words on the page. Often it comes together in ways I wasn’t expecting.
A total of 5,630 words so far.
I had fun trying to capture this trio in words! (FYI Saw these guys on a bridge in Venice. Does that look like a slinky on his head and around his neck? That’s how I described it. What would you say?)
A couple of Tylenol and I’m back in business. My theme song for today is “Unstoppable” by Sia. I’m surprised how fast time goes by when I’m writing. I almost worked through lunch. Ed had to come and remind me to eat. But I’m proud of myself. I’m a witer and for this week my writing is taking priority. Yay me! 2,103 words today… 7,733 total. Unstoppable.
Friday
Got an early start and am powering through today. I finished my chapter on Murano, and after lunch I wrote the last chapter. The very last chapter, and I’m IN LOVE with my ending (Though Stephen King says “kill your darlings”– what does he know? He hasn’t even read my ending) I cheered when I typed the final period. 10,379 words in five days!
I’m searching for the word to describe what I’m feeling right now. Stephen King says he does it for the BUZZ. This is often associated with being intoxicated (Full disclosure: I did celebrate with a limoncello spritz after I turned off the computer, I don’t recommend drinking and typing) But the word has a broader meaning.” a heightened mood characterized by feelings of euphoria, elation, and well-being.” That’s my word. Though is project is far from finished–there will still be the next draft, and the next, and the final editing– right now, I’m buzzed.
Threads of thought
What challenges have you faced in your writing or in other situations?
What word would you use to describe the feeling you get when you accomplish a goal you’d set for yourself?
Oh, and most importantly…how would you describe the “slinky” on the Masquerade Man in the picture? (this would be a big help to me-might even put me in “best seller” category)
I’d love to hear your thoughts. Leave you comments in the box below.
Here’s my first published book! A fun read! Take a look!
