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

Blog # 4 – Character motivation

“Motivation is the power behind plot.”  Elizabeth Moon

Why do characters act or do as they do?  The answer lies with motivation.

Since characters will not act unless motivated, it’s the writer’s job to ensure motivation is retained and understood for forward movement of the storyline.  An understanding of the motivation must be ensured not only with the character and writer but must be conveyed in a convincing way to the reader.

Some of the key motivators writers use to drive plot are: greed, resentment, revenge lust, love, glory, vengeance, knowledge, fear, hunger, joy, pain, sadness, guilt –  and the list goes on.

Reason or cause usually prompts the character’s actions.  But additionally, he/she must possess the requisite skills necessary to carry out the plans. .

If the reader deems the character is “acting out of character” or would not do what is written – the author has failed to deliver.  A gardener would not end up in an operating room performing brain surgery. A little exaggerated but you get the point.

Here are a couple of passages from my book, “Son of My Father – A Family Dynasty” revealing a character’s motivation.

“Constant self-examination plagued Christiana, as she tried to measure up, to meet, and to exceed all his expectations. She lived in the shadow of, yet in the likeness of, her father.”

“Marriage and family were overshadowed by Christiana’s career. She had to succeed. Failure was not an option.  ‘Barringtons never fail. Barringtons think only of success.’

Jonathan’s quote frequently appeared in her thoughts.”

Welcome your comments and ideas.  Thanks for reading.

Peggy

My husband and I were supposed to be out of town last week with my brother and sister-in-law. However, a call from our daughter requesting child care assistance made for a prompt change of plans.

The thirteen year old granddaughter had a “High School Presentation Night” and both parents desired to attend to talk with representatives from a number of parochial high schools.  We were to watch the two younger children for the evening.

My daughter mentioned the middle child had been home for three days with the flu.    

Armed with that information we readied for their arrival. We set up an infirmary downstairs in the family room (stocked the refrigerator, placed microwavable popcorn and soups on top the microwave oven) for the sick granddaughter. Additional nourishment was brought down and I continued periodic visual checks and talked with her when I could tear her away from her TV programs on the big screen television.

Dinner was prepared and served upstairs for the others before their departure to school. Shortly after the two of them left, (my son-in-law met them directly at the school); the youngest, the grandson, started to cough.  

He was still awake when they returned and after discussing and hearing the coughing fits; my daughter contacted the on-call doctor. With the call concluded my husband and daughter head off to the pharmacy to buy allergy medicine. The physician did not think it was the flu as the child was not exhibiting other symptoms.

Oh, I forgot to mention, my daughter was just recovering from a cold and my son-in-law now in residence was REALLY SICK.

Come Friday – the oldest granddaughter was the only one heading to school and my husband took her as he was heading to a meeting.  Friday evening – was very subdued – all were still sick – all were still here.

Saturday morning my husband had developed a sore throat – but still pushed through his day. My grandson’s persistent cough made for a very restless night and the sick granddaughter felt worse.  The parents marched off to the doctor with the two young ones in tow.  The oldest stayed with me.

Conclusion from their pediatrician – grandson had the flu and granddaughter added sore throat to her list of symptoms and had a throat culture done.

Everyone back here, except my husband who was at an all day seminar.

Now that MY WHOLE HOUSE WAS CONTAMINATED WITH GERMS – they decided the best alternative, so that we wouldn’t get sick, was to head home.

I explained we had already been very exposed and were here to help but it fell on deaf ears as they packed (taking another hour since they brought enough clothes and other belongings to be away for a month) and left in their two cars. The really sick ones drove home with my son-in-law while my daughter took the oldest to drama class.

Saturday afternoon – I unleash disinfectant throughout the house, clean countertops, wash all the laundry . . . but by evening, I was fighting something.

Sunday – Was still fighting it and stayed in all day. 

Monday – It was still with me . . . as I wandered off for another glass of orange juice.

Now it was too quiet around here – wished they were back germs and all.

Thanks for reading – welcome your comments.

Peggy

“. . . It’s not the stories – it’s the pain and the joy and the people who stay with us long after the stories are told . . .” John Geddes, A Familiar Rain

To escape into the lives of the wealthy and glamorous, if only awhile, is the reason many of us like fiction.

It transports us.

Writing a novel embracing wealth, power, fame and the luxurious life styles afforded such riches; I wanted to cast the female protagonist as one who epitomized the ultimate in beauty, style, and sophistication.

Christiana Lynn Barrington was created from that perspective. The reader starts to envision the character from outward physical characteristics.  She graces the room with her elegant five feet seven inch svelte and meticulously toned body, mesmerizing gray-green eyes, radiant skin, long thick wavy rich brown hair, and dressed in head-to-toe designer couture.

Refinement and pedigree carry her every move. She is a product of the best of both gene pools – her handsome intelligent father and gorgeous sophisticated mother.

Additional attributes are added. She’s fluent is multiple languages; pursues and enjoys swimming, tennis, skiing, power boating, traveling and reading. A pedigree education highlighted by Swiss boarding school and American Ivy League Universities, both undergraduate and graduate, charts her path to the corporate doors of Barrington Holdings International the family run multi-national conglomerate.

Soft-spoken, humble, gracious and warm hearted, for someone who “seems to have it all”, she remains grounded. Sometimes introspective and tormented with insecurities and self-doubt – “Constant self-examination plagued Christiana, as she tried to measure up, to meet, and to exceed all his expectations. She lived in the shadow of, yet in the likeness of, her father”.

Some of these qualities work to her detriment in the corporate setting as she is pitted against her egotistical billionaire father. Conflict and tensions are foreshadowed.

Accompanied by a picture (resembling my image of the character), I used the basic tenets: physical description, ethnicity, social class, family, education, spouse, residence, occupation, job skills, hobbies, recreation, personal qualities, health, tastes, clothing, culture, community activities, political affiliations, ambitions, fear, anxieties and personal philosophies, to design a blueprint to weave these distinctive details throughout the story.

To assure my character continued to have scope and depth, some of the concrete and symbolic character dimensions were revealed early in the storyline or at least foreshadowed.

Further character dimension was derived from conflict, personal stress, relationship tension as the story opened drawing the reader into the moment.

But not too much can be disclosed too soon.

Continuing the storyline, additional character details are divulged – quirky personality characteristics, painful setbacks or disappointments, meaningful and instructive experiences, and attitudes.  Each character starts to become “lifelike” with distinct characteristics, painstakingly crafted with specific determinations revealed through words, thoughts, dialogue, body language and actions.

In developing, adding, defining or refining the character (s) I continued to ponder these questions:

1. Has enough information been given to the reader to visualize the character?
2. Does the character elicit emotion – is he/she liked, loved, disliked or despised?
3. Does the character mature, change or evolve along the way or by the end of the story? Is it evident when change starts to take place?
4. Do the most powerful characters show vulnerability?
5. Do any allegiances change, terminate or get destroyed in the course of the story?

Even when we close or finish the book – the characters can live on and leave lasting impressions.

I welcome your comments and other ideas of designing fascinating characters. Thanks for reading.

Peggy

Peggy@peggyhattendorf.com

 “There are no shortcuts to any place worth going,”   Beverly Sills

This quote certainly held true with the writing and publishing of my first novel – Son of My Father – A Family Dynasty.  The following is the journey I took along with the tools I had or acquired along the way.

My interest in writing developed from my earlier careers commencing in the human services field where I held various executive positions which afforded the opportunity to compose and create technical and operational handbooks for staff and volunteers.

I then ventured into the travel industry and owned several travel management companies which led to the co-founding of a marketing consortium and nationwide independent contractor network with over 5000 members. A part of my job was to write daily travel briefings, supplier updates and a bi-weekly e-newsletter for this membership.

There was a road map of sorts to follow when writing for these focused groups with reference guides, employee manuals, travel supplier information and travel advisory bulletins etc.

Writing fiction, however, required a major retooling of my skills. Seminars, author readings and signings, webinars, research, conferences, periodicals all assisted in my learning process.

Here are some of the key pointers that helped me question and define my approach:

• Purpose (What is my aim or goal? Do I have determination and resolve?)
• Focus (What’s the central point? Do I have the concentration and vision?)
• Substance (What is the framework or essence on which I am to build?)
• Logic (Is there sound reasoning and thinking? Does this make sense?)
• Organization (What type of the process will be necessary?)
• Information (Do I have the enough facts and data? Need more research?)
• Knowledge (How will my experience and wisdom assist in this pursuit?)

 But a novel is meant to be enjoyed. It’s not a textbook. 

The following elements I learned remain benchmarks to good storytelling. Thus the list of prominent skills continues:

• Creativity (Do I have the imagination and inspiration?)
• Imagery (Can I form mental images of my characters?)
• Humor (Can I add wit? DO I have a sense of humor to carry me through?)
• Excite (Do my characters and plot stir emotions or feelings?)
• Entertain (Do my characters and plot hold one’s attention?)

This composite of cerebral and the emotional qualities, along with a convincing and compelling style, are vital to connect and engage the reader. The other essentials: character development, plot and pacing, entice the reader to want more and aim for the wow at the end.

But what comes first in the creative process – the character/ characters or the storyline?

For me it began with a character. Cautiously triumphant at the development of my protagonist, I thought the flood gates to the storyline would stream forth . . . . The most I pressed on, the more I took pause.

After months of contemplation, I experienced an epiphany.  Although reluctant to abandon the present characterization of my female lead, it was clear I couldn’t move her or the storyline forward without major adjustment.

I was weary with the character and knew if I was bored with her my readers too would lose interest.

The re-casting began. She would not longer be a “party girl” but rather would have a pedigree education (Swiss Boarding middle school and Ivy League university degrees), and a defining career running a worldwide conglomerate with her father struggling with the tensions and conflicts of their contentious relationship.

She was named Christiana Lynn Barrington. As the new creation of Christiana unfolded, I finally had my storyline. The pieces, the characters, the overall conceptual plan was formulated.

I developed a reference guide for each main character outlining the basic tenants and data (outward description, personality traits, disposition, temperament, style, achievements/goals, interests/hobbies etc.)

With the written narrative, I found a picture that captured the essence of the character. Attaching the resume behind the picture, I had a visual aid that I affixed on a bulletin board in my office for easy reference.

 Glancing at a picture of one of my characters – noting his sly grin, mischievous smile, penetrating eyes, – helped me pinpoint dialogue and plot development.

This approach to character development and writing motivation won me acknowledgement and narrative last year in Writer’s Relief.  This gave me a much needed confidence boost.

Now the story developed some bit and momentum.  My characters were forming, conflicts both personal and business ebbed and flowed, tension and intrigue was building.   

There truly were no shortcuts but I know the place I’m going is a place clearly worth going to.

My plan is to offer ideas and suggestions on writing cultivated and acquired from various sources, along with interesting tidbits about my passion for travel. In between you will find bits of irony, exasperation and humor that get us through the day.

I’d welcome your comments and am reachable at:

Peggy@peggyhattendorf.com.