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Posted in Writing

Starting Over

Posted on by Kassandra Carrillo

In all my lifetime (say 2 decades and some), I have lost two major stories that I remember. Actually it might be more than two -I’m sure it is more than two but I can’t seem to remember what other stories were on that flash drive. When I saw I lost everything, I lost everything. All my character sheets, images that inspired me, any notes I might have made regarding the plot that I can’t remember . . . the edited version that I was so proud of.

Unlike the first time, I didn’t cry. My sister might have disliked me very much on that day but she forgave me. I think. As a matter of fact, a novel currently named Darkest Night (co- authored by my sister and I) has been lost twice. And yes, this is the novel I threw away by mistake underneath my lunch tray when I was in high school. My physics teacher freaked out when I came into class crying . . . ah, memories.

And once again, ladies and gentleman, I have lost other stories (I’m being redundant, aren’t I?). My flash drive mysterious disappeared from my purse. And why was I carrying a flash drive in my purse? Because I tend to need my flash drives when I don’t have them. It’s a complicated relationship. Long story short, whatever is on that flash drive is gone for good.

It’s not like I had any personal information on there. I hope . . .. no, I think it was only for stories. Stories that I don’t remember where on there and that I would have to rewrite again. In the long run, it was like I lost my 270 page novel that I want to publish. I guess there is a silver lining? But now that I think about it, I might have all those documents stored in Dropbox. Of course, they’re unedited but that beats trying everything up again, right?

Plus, I like to hand write all my stories on paper first before I even think about typing it up in a word document. Not only can I write really fast, I can also edit at least twice before the story ever goes into a digital format. On paper I can cross things out and just think about what to write next. To me typing something up in on a computer kind of finalizes the whole process – even though it doesn’t – my brain just thinks that way. That also explains why I had so much trouble editing my papers in college.

However, if there is a lesson to learn about all of this ( a lesson I taught myself), is that starting over isn’t all that bad. At least for me, I can remember vaguely what I wrote and can replicate some of the same sentences from before. It also gave me room to step away from the manuscript. Sure it is possibly the worst type of break but it is a break nonetheless.

I mentioned before that I write my stories out and keep those pages even after I’m done with them (for the most part). I can always go back and retype them and although there was plenty of despair in my chest, I powered through it. All I can do is write. Any anger towards myself won’t really make a difference. I like to see this as another obstacle I need to overcome.

 

Thank you for listening to my rant. Until next time,

Kassandra.

Posted in Uncategorized, Writing

Coming Back to a Habit

Posted on by Kassandra Carrillo

Before I had ever attended college, I can clearly remember a time where I used to write every chance I got. I can clearly remember writing even during some of my high school classes, lunch . . . I was in creative mode all day. Gradually over the years, that sort of commitment changed. My writing schedule consisted of many two or three hours a week when I wasn’t reading novels for classes, writing papers, studying, going to class, working, etc. My concentration focused more on getting good grades and passing my classes (didn’t want to retake anything mostly because I didn’t have the money for it). The worst part was when I did get a break, I took a break.

Sure I had creative writing classes where I got to read short stories, write them and critique them and that experience taught me a lot. What I really missed the most was writing for myself and not for a participation grade. Saying that, now that I have the time to write, I’m not writing as much as I should or used to and I miss that. In part I think it is because I have spent so much time revising and editing that the creative side of my brain has shut down temporarily.

Not to mention that I’m waiting for more of my beta readers to give me feedback. I’m slowly working on book two of what I call the Half Blood Series. I’m not actively on wattpad which is sad because I really like the community. Wow, it feels like I’m just throwing myself a pity party.

So, now I have to get back into the driver’s seat and write. It’s time to wake up that creative side of my brain. I heard about some advice a few years ago and I didn’t think I would ever use it but I think I have to. I got to set a specific time to write. Sure I might write at work for a few minutes sporadically but now I have to take the time to sit at my desk and write. Of course that probably should come after my priority list of what I’m going to write.

I’m still working on the last chapter of a book for wattpad and somehow it has been difficult to finish. Anyways, I should also look at how to form a habit and how to break other habits too but in the long run ease into the driver’s seat will be better. I’m hopeful that soon I’ll be able to write twenty pages like that one miracle day. After all, writing is a process.

Posted in Uncategorized, Writing

My ‘Preparation’ for NaNoWriMo 2016

Posted on by Kassandra Carrillo

It’s a bit early for National Novel Writing Month (which starts Nov. 1 until the 30th) but I can’t help but think about it. It’s 1.5k+ words a day just to finish on time. Plus, most of my social life during that month is next to nothing. I can’t read many books. I can’t any videos games. It’s a dark times ahead for me. BUT . . . I have made a different blog for NaNoWriMo 2016 and later this year, I’ll be linking it to my main blog. If you have noticed, I did change the layout and I added a page with NaNoWriMo 2014 and you can read all about how I didn’t finished my goal but ended up almost half way. I hope that this year I will be more successful because I won’t be attending graduate school until wayyyyy later. And I don’t have an excuse.

So, I have been working on getting my first novel published; the one I wrote almost five years ago and edited many, many times. I only bring this up because I have started to work on the second book. For the most part, I have the overall plot and subplots figured out. It can be tweaked a bit more but that’s not going to stop me from writing a few scenes.

We’re four months away from November (give or take) and I’m planning on sending out my query letters by the end of the summer. Hopefully, more of my beta readers have finished reading my story by then. Fingers crossed. Technically, I could start writing the second book during November but I think it would be better to seriously start writing the second book now.

It seems like my creative side and planning side are unbalanced at the moment. A part of me knows that if I don’t have some idea of where the story will go then, there are problems later on. Another part jut wants to write and not care about the little things. That can all be fixed through editing. Where do I draw the line? I don’t think I will be able to finish writing the second book any time soon. Perhaps I’ll get much of it done but knowing me, I’ll rewrite the same scene over and over again until I like it.

Or perhaps I’m over thinking this. Maybe all I need to just keep writing. Usually, inspiration hits when I’m writing. Right now, the only thing going for me is that I got time.

(Rants also help me come up with ideas.)

Posted in Resources

My List of Resources

Posted on by Kassandra Carrillo

This week I’ll share with you my list of go to websites when I need extra help in my writing. There are plenty of websites out there and I’m not saying some are better than others. I will say, however, that I have mostly stuck with the following websites because they have worked out for me so far. For the most part, this list is biased toward fantasy tools but there are other websites too.

1.Evernote

I use Evernote to jot down notes, story ideas that pop into my head, and copy down urls. Since I have the app, I can access all my notes on my phone so I don’t always have to be in front of a computer. There’s a free basic version that I think works well and the websites has other features you can pay for.

2. Donjon

This is a website for fantasy generators and it also has information/generators for D&D and science fiction as well. It has a world generator that you can customize and the websites shows an image of your map which is really cool.

3. Seventh Sanctum

This is another website with generators. This is more diverse than Donjon because you can generate armor, weapons, magic, technology, superheroes, and anime and manga.

4. Chaotic Shiny

This website does focus on fantasy (I’m finding a theme here). There’s generators for culture, people, places, accessories with a wide variety.

5. Fantasy name generators

Although it says fantasy, this is primarily a name generator for many things; places, real names, descriptions, and pop culture. For those of you who play WoW, Guild Wars, Diablo, this website is for you. There are generators for every race in the games; Warhammer 40k, LOTR, and so much more.

6. Plot Generator

I don’t use this one often but you can pick the genre you’re thinking about writing and fill in some blanks. With a click of a button, you get your plot. It might not be what you want to write about but I think it’s a good way to start.

7. Writers Plot Idea Generator

This is another plot generator but the website includes plot twists, character name, character profile, and location generators.

8. Fiction Factor

This websites has articles on writing and tips. There are also other genres they talk about with their own website like fantasy or horror.

9. Pronounce names

I use this website when I have no idea how to even pronounce a character name. This situation falls under all the names I make up in my head (or on a generator).

10. Celtx

Primarily I use this website for my scripts but they all have a novel function that you can use. They also have app that can be downloaded.

 

The list isn’t perfect and it all tailored to what I need.  If there are other websites out there that are really great, please tell me. I’m open to any suggestions on other websites that I can use. Like I mentioned, I don’t have all the list of resources but I found these very helpful.

Posted in Methods, Writing

Increasing Word Count

Posted on by Kassandra Carrillo

While rewriting a project, currently called Crimson Queen, it hit me that I only have less than 40k words. Plus, it’s a fantasy novel. Double punch. Make it triple. Right off the bat I knew that I could beef up my description a bit, perhaps add some flashbacks, and do a little more world building. When I really think about, perhaps my plot is too linear and needs more conflict than what I currently have.

Thinking back on what must have been my thought process was that I was more focused on the plot and making sure I didn’t get lost somewhere in the chapters. In practice, I think I was off to a good start. Most first drafts aren’t going to be perfect and mine is no exception. Perfection comes in many rewrite (IMHO). I talked about telling versus showing a few weeks ago and this ties back to that. Rewriting parts of a book that shows what the character is going through (he was anxious) with good description (his heart thundered in his chest. Every breath was strained) then it you add more words to your story.

Below are some suggestions that I have found, used and will used in future projects if the occasion calls for it again:

Pacing

Have you ever gotten to a really good part in your story and you just wanted to put it on the page? I have. Just recently I wrote a scene where a Council looked over information and discussed about the explosion in town and, although I don’t have the full word count, I’m sure it is less than 500 words. It’s fine to want to have everything on paper but going back and rewriting the scene to add tension, conflict or something that moves the story forward will help on the long run.

Subplots

I like subplots. To me, they add conflict and tension between characters that might even distract them from their main goal. It prevents the story from being too linear and they’re also a way for you to develop and/or flush out your character whether it’s your protagonist or not. Or you can develop these subplots further.

Minor Characters

We interact with a lot of people over the course of the day and they have a story of their own. The people in your stories are no exception. I’m guilty of not giving my minor characters enough page time and they pop in and out because the plot demands it. Give them more page time and have them talk or interrupt your character when their on their way visit a family member in the hospital. Or something like that.

New Characters

This kind of goes hand in hand in minor characters. These can be anyone from a friend from the past, a new guy, the guy that lives next door but you just noticed. There’s always an opportunity to complicate things for your character. That first prize art contest, have a new guy show up and he can paint/draw anything. Make him/her a rival and see where that goes.

Description

Use with care. Beef up those scenes that might need an extra push to make the world seem alive. When your characters are talking, don’t let them stand on white space. Have them move around the room or store. Have them pick up things. Do you stand still when you talk to someone? I don’t.

Complications

Nothing should go according to plan. That’s a motto I live by. Well, not really but I do some times. Saying that, if your character is racing to the hospital (different example, I promise) because his/her friend just cut their finger on a razor, you bet you have to pull them over or have their tire get a flat. This does sound cruel but you get the gist. Nothing should be easy because it isn’t.

Anything else I miss? What do you do to increase your word count? What works for you? What doesn’t? Thanks for stopping bye. Until next time.