Since the completion of my first novel and work progressing on the second book, I’ve reflected on the writing process and what was learned and what advice I would share with someone starting the “Creative Writing Journey.”  I’ve categorized my thoughts and tips under several headings with the focus only on writing – not publishing, branding, sales or marketing which are topics for other blogs or articles.

Establish a routine:

1. Make writing a priority – develop a schedule for writing.
2. Read as much as possible but don’t waste time reading what you don’t like.
3. Research – read – write – edit – re-write. REPEAT.

1. Write your passion – love the process – take it and yourself seriously.
2. Learn the trade – attend seminars, join writers groups, subscribe to publications.
3. Share with others to gain insight, acknowledgement and assistance.
4. Be critical of your work – own up to your mistakes.
5. Anticipate down time – and possibly absences from writing – don’t despair.
6. Treat this as a business. The business of selling yourself (brand) and product.

1. Understand the basics: A story has: A character (the who), that Wants a goal
2. (The what), Is motivated (the why) But, faces an obstacle (the why not).                                                             
3. Establish a working title – even if you change it later.
4. Craft the opening statement and have an idea how you want to end the story.
5. Develop compelling characters with depth and dimension.
6. Break up narrative with properly placed and paced dialogue for reader interest.
7. Allow characters to unfold their motivations through action and dialogue.
8. Try not to confuse of bore the reader.

1. Prepare for the multi-phase writing process. Draft one – put every random thought down on paper or in the computer. No organizing. No editing. Draft two – locate the best parts. Analyze the materials to see what fits together. Print out the manuscript and be prepared to cut. Draft three – improve the work. Keep only what is vital and essential to the story.
2. Revisit the beginning once you reach the end – the story may have evolved so much during the writing process the opening line no longer fits the story.
3. Seek good professional editing.

What Rave Reviews Book Club (RRBC) has done for me!

How far this virtual organization has come in a relatively short period of time, is amazing. With the vision, talent and determination of the founder, Nonnie Jules, along with her board and team – together their skills, creativity, time and effort have forged a unique venture – Rave Reviews Book Club.

The Club provides a variety of activities and showcases for independent authors to assist in promotions of their books, blogs and brands. With the large selection of books and variety of genres, it’s the perfect one-stop shop for our author and non-author membership.

Whether you are an independent author or reader, you should consider membership in Rave Reviews Book Club. http://ravereviewsbynonniejules.wordpress.com.

“How we Profile, Promote and Propel” is not just a header on the website. These words remain the core of the Club’s mission. These words epitomize my experience and answer the question, “What Rave Reviews Book Club has done for me.”

I was Profiled as the “Spotlight Author” for the week of August 9-15, 2015. With this honor, I enjoyed a fun filled week with Blog Tours hosted by fellow members, an “On the Shelf” interview with President Nonnie Jules and was a guest on the Blog Talk Radio Show with host John Fioravanti, Vice President of the Club. This interview highlighted my writing journey and discussed my first novel, Son of My Father – A Family Dynasty available at:  amazon.com/dp/B00DIK570.

Another recognition this past spring, was being selected “Member of the Week” and received endless support and Promotion from my fellow members.

The ongoing social media support through generous tweets, mentions and retweets continues to Propel me.

I am most thankful to all who take the time away from their busy schedules to profile promote and propel the members and activities of the Club. This is an engaged, enthusiastic and supportive group of people. As I have been so warmly received and recognized, I do and continue to profile, support and propel the members of Rave Reviews Book Club.  There is a true sense of community in our Club with its international membership and I am pleased to be a member.

These great authors had some interesting ways, locations and methods for writing

Amantine Lucile-Aurore Dupin best known by her pseudonym George Sand wrote “A Winter in Majorca” in the town of Valldemossa on the island of Majorca, one of the Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean Sea, with her companion Frederic Chopin in a monastery in two small cells.

Truman Capote composed lying down in bed or on a couch with cigarettes and coffee early in the day switching beverages over to tea, sherry and martinis as the day progressed.

Vladimir Nabokov wrote his famous Lolita standing up all on index cards.

John Steinbeck preferred crafting his drafts in pencil and was known to have 12 sharpened pencils on his desk.

I find my most creative moments while I’m flying – away from all the normal distractions. When I’m working from home I like to switch from writing in the computer to taking notes and composing with pen and paper.

It all starts out with ideas running wild – concepts bouncing around in your head. Try and choose the writing tools and methods as well as the preference of writing location, to best serve your creative endeavors.

I welcome your questions or comments and am reachable at:

Peggy@peggyhattendorf.com

Author – Son of My Father-A Family Dynasty and Travel Editor – hers Magazine

Developing good dialogue should be easy since it’s basically a conversation with two or more people. We talk and converse with people everyday. However, we’ve all experienced times in discourse when we take pause – not really sure what to say or how to say it.

For the writer this is magnified as crisp and precise sentences must be developed not just for one but for a host of characters. Then the wording must appear authentic and thread seamlessly in communications between and among characters.

Dialogue is paramount and can make or break a story. Every word must be pondered, every word the proper fit and every descriptive term or adverb cautiously applied.

It’s the essential ingredient that progresses the movement and adds the dramatic touch and overtones to the narration.

Good dialogue commands the writer have an awareness and understanding of the differences in the way people speak and the length of their sentences. Consideration must be given to the use of inflections, slang terms, swear words and colloquialisms. An understanding of socio-economic status and circumstances, geographic locations, accents and regional dialects are also fundamentals in developing appropriate dialogue.

The process of writing dialogue must be viewed from several perspectives. There’s dialogue that requires us to get into the minds of our characters to understand their feelings, thoughts and motivations. Then there’s the scenes where we deliberately keep the character in the dark and don’t permit him/her to act or speak as if he/she has the knowledge of what’s about to happen.

Dialogue must be credible and believable. Dialogue must be meaningful, appropriate and at times dramatic. Dialogue must have rising conflict. Dialogue must be properly placed to interrupt and transition narration.

Dialogue that delivers on all these points will make the book vibrant and come alive in the mind of the reader.

I welcome your comments or questions and am reachable at:

Peggy@peggyhattendorf.com

Author – Son of My Father – A Family Dynasty

Travel Editor – hers Magazine

                                                                   Book Excerpt Blog

                                                                             From

                                                     Son of My Father – A Family Dynasty

To set the stage, Christiana Lynn Barrington and her father Jonathan Robert B       Barrington have just completed another major acquisition to add to their portfolio of companies under Barrington Holdings International. With the purchase of Sterling Hotels Worldwide, the company now owns the largest worldwide hotel and resort conglomerate.

Jonathan and Christiana were primed for this meeting and on their game. When the meeting concluded, Jonathan wore a wide grin. “That was a ballsy – sorry, Christiana, a sly move when you placed that signed document in front of them,” he said, beaming. “I couldn’t have done a better job. I’ve never seen you so assertive and hard-hitting.”

God I am my father’s son, she thought. The best of Christiana, the loving, nurturing and feminine creature (the Elizabeth side of the composition), most often remained buried when she was around Jonathan. In the course of business her two selves collided, hard and often.

There are links on my website for easy access to purchase a copy of Son of My Father – A Family Dynasty. I hope you will enjoy the book.

I welcome your comments or questions and am reachable at:

Peggy@peggyhattendorf.com

Author – Son of My Father – A Family Dynasty

Travel Editor – hers Magazine

“The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.” St. Augustine

Travel is my passion but when I travel governed with the intention of writing an article or blog – I’m guided with a different purpose and a submission deadline. As a travel writer, I must get fully immersed in the experience of travel using all my senses as well as aptitude and discernment. I must see the sites, the architecture and the people, hear the sounds and the rhythms of the city or town, feel and learn the history, customs, politics and religions, touch the products and smell the foods and environment.

I’m armed with a notebook from the moment I arrive at the airport until I return home and set it full of notes on my desk. I try to capture and write as much as I can when “I’m right there in the moment.” I ask questions, observe and records details – even the mundane and bizarre. It is important not to compare locations or places – but to fully embrace the present experience. On each trip, I add personal adventures or pursuits, to give my unique take on the location.

Armed with copious notes, brochures and other materials when I return home, I reflect on my overall impressions and most memorable places visited. I look at my own biases and assumptions and how some of these may have been transformed by the travel experience. I recount the day-to-day itinerary including activities, hotels, sightseeing and dining.

Now comes the moment of truth – the actual writing of the article or blog post.

When writing feature articles, travel journals, and literature, its paramount the content be enticing and thought provoking delivering imagery through descriptions and narration. Travel Guide Books while descriptive impart instruction, guidance and information.

As with all writing, finding the right words and phrases is essential – as to paint a visual picture in the mind of the reader. Determining a catchy title to the article sets the stage. The following italicized title and opening lines are from two recently published pieces of mine. “Summertime and the living is easy . . . No way! This summer it’s Adventure Travel,” The title draws attention to the piece. To keep momentum, I start with a strong opening to capture the reader’s interest. “Traveling over the holidays? Visiting family or friends? Contemplating a Holiday get-away? Here’s how to prepare . . . Hotels with Holiday flare . . . Christmas Markets to share . . . and vacation spots that will make you just stare . . . .”

Principally, travel writing transports the reader to a location and pulls at feelings, sentiments and emotions. It sets a strong image of place to orient and carry the reader into the story – drawing him into the action and leaving him compelled to want to journey to that destination. It sells the sizzle – the fantasy of travel.

I welcome your comments or questions. Thanks for reading,   Peggy

Author – Son of My Father – A Family Dynasty   &     Travel Editor hers Magazine