Photograph by jphilipson, PhilipsonPhotography.com
This is Our World; Let's Take Care of It
Writing a novel is a messy business because I had only a vague idea of where the story was going and knew nothing about story structure. Fortunately I connected with a terrific editor, Teresa Crumpton.
If you are a reader who would like to become a writer, I suggest reading, Scene & Structure by Jack M. Bickham, and other books on writing. When you have written something you think is publishable, find a good editor like Teresa. And be prepared to take criticism. You may not always agree with your editor - it is your book after all - but give the suggestion careful consideration. You may even find that the criticism is correct, but you find a new approach that is not what your editor suggests, but it puts you on a new and better path. My background is poetry which begins with words dancing around inside of me begging to get out. Once they do, I can use my intellect to shape them. It seems I need the novel to come out of that obscure place before I can shape it into something coherent. My Mother used to quote poetry to my brother and me when we misbehaved. Of course we didn’t consider her recitation punishment. Mother had a throaty alto voice and the poems she memorized were interesting. Her repertoire included: The Pied Piper of Hamlin, The Highwayman, My Last Duchess, and parts of Evangeline. It may have been those cadences that settled inside of me and initiated a love for words. Writing is hard work, but immensely satisfying. I'd love to hear from you. Write to me and I'll write back. |
Here is a writing-craft book
I highly recommend! Scene & Structure by Jack Bickham |
Contents of this website is Copyright Lorraine K. Sigle 2012 All rights reserved.