Tag: novels

Where Do Writers Get Their Ideas?

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Where do writers get their ideas? Maybe the question should be: where do writers not get ideas?

I signed up for a watercolor class at my local art league. It’s the same art league on which I based the center of intrigue in both The Reluctant Fortune-Teller and Getting Rid of Mabel.

I walked in and met my instructor, a Sicilian American called Carmelo. Carmelo wears his long wavy hair combed back from his forehead. When I told Carmelo that I had stopped taking classes here 25 years ago, he said, “Twenty-five years ago? How old were you then? Four years old?”

“That’s right!” I said. “I’m twenty-nine!”

I knew then that I would enjoy this class.

I told Carmelo and the class that I had to quit art back in the early nineties due to family needs, and have always missed it. I was finally returning. I added that I’d written two books that use that very art league as a setting.

“No way!” exclaimed Carmelo, tapping away at his phone. In a few moments, he’d bought both books, and another student bought one, too. I told the class that the local bookstore around the corner has copies, but instruction was beginning.

Carmelo taught us a watercolor technique. “See this waterfall? Watch. I’ll show you something called fumato. Fumato! It means ‘smoky’ in Italian. Now, watch this!” He pulled a dry brush skillfully down the white paper where the waterfall would be, dragging along just a little of the wet blue sky. He talked as he worked. “Any time you want to make it…what do you call it?… Foggy….What do you call it?… Misty… Fumato, fumato. What’s the word I’m looking for in English?”

“Smoky?” I asked.

“Do you speak Italian?” asked Carmelo in surprise.

“No. You just told us. Fumato means smoky.”

But Carmelo was already moving on.

“Don’t get too anxious about the trees. Have fun, like a child! Look at this! I go: blah-bi-dee-blah-bi-dee-blah! That way, you just relax, like when you were a kid, playing with your paints. Blah-bi-dee-blah-bi-dee-blah!”

I turned to another student and said, “I think I feel another book coming on.”

“Another book?” said Carmelo. “Am I going to be a character in your book? Hey! I like that! You can use my name! And my character can say, ‘Blah-bi-dee-blah-bi-dee-blah!”

“And ‘fuhgettaboudit!'” supplied another student.

“Right!” said Carmelo. “‘Fuhgettaboudit!’ and ‘Bah-da-bing, bah-da-boom!’ That’s what I always say. Ask anybody.”

The next time someone asks me, “Where do writers get ideas for stories?” I’ll answer, “Try your local art league.”

Norbert Reads the Cards for Bookseller Mary Webber O’Malley

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Norbert, the protagonist of the soon-to-be-published The Reluctant fortune-Teller, has been reading the cards of authors, and today he’s reading the cards of a dynamic bookseller, Mary Webber O’Malley of Anderson’s Bookshop in La Grange, Illinois. Anderson’s is the kind of book store that makes you want to buy bags full of books, because of the friendly and helpful people there, like Mary. Anderson’s is a huge supporter of authors and readers, and regularly has literary luminaries come for signings and interviews.

Mary’s question for Norbert concerns one of her own very favorite authors: Stephen King. On September 29, he and his son Owen King are coming to an Anderson’s event http://www.andersonsbookshop.com/event/stephen-and-owen-king

As Mary shuffled her cards amid the shelves and displays of books, she focused on this question: “Will I get a chance to speak with Stephen King when he comes to town in September?”

Here are the cards Mary drew:

Four of Clubs

Seven of Clubs

Ace of Diamonds

Six of Clubs

Nine of Spades

Ten of Clubs

Jack of Hearts

Here is Norbert’s reading:

Mary, I see here a preponderance of Clubs. This signifies popularity, friendly relationships and social occasions.

The Four of Clubs says that you are more popular and more well-liked than you realize, and that you should know that your sphere of influence is widening at this time.

The Seven of Clubs says to be on the look-out for a special new relationship in particular.

The Ace of Diamonds refers to your own special talent, which is powerful. There is a mighty force of creativity within you. This is also a card of magic, so the power has a magical feel to it; it is the ability to build worlds, to build something out of nothing.

The Six of Clubs refers to a “business meeting.” This may look like a regular business meeting, or it may look more like a social occasion that turns out to push you forward in business. Since it is right next to the Ace, this meeting is full of powerful potential.

Nine of Spades can mean various things. It may say “no” to your specific question, while at the same time saying look to the other cards for a direction toward what you really most want. Or, on the other hand, it may say, you are finishing one thing, and now is a time for renewal.

The Ten of Clubs indicates a time to heal and recharge. For you, this may mean drawing happiness, energy and encouragement from relationships.

The Jack of Hearts is a fun-loving person. I feel this is the card that represents you, yourself, and you are looking happily toward that healing-recharging card.

So, Mary, what we have here is a very social period, where your connections with other people are highlighted. Your own talent and power are in the forefront now, as well, and are instrumental in how things are playing out. Something that no longer serves you is coming to an end, and this is ultimately good, as it allows the new energy to flow into your life. Concerning your question, I advise you to see in your mind and feel in your heart the conversation with Stephen King. Feel the feelings that you will experience in that conversation, as if it is actually happening now. As you do, this will reveal to you information that will assist you as you move forward.

 

 

Mary Kubica Has Her Fortune Told

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Today Norbert, the main character of the soon-to-be released novel, The Reluctant Fortune-Teller, will be reading the cards for New York Times Bestselling author, Mary Kubica. Mary shuffled her cards in her home in the suburbs of Chicago, and sent us the seven cards she drew, along with her question for the fortune-teller.

Ok, my question for Norbert is this:

All of my novels have been set in Chicago.  Though I once thought Chicago would be the setting for all of my books, I’m considering changing it up for the next manuscript and moving the story somewhere else (perhaps some wonderful spot that would require a research trip!).  What should I do, Norbert?  Stay in Chicago or give another location a try?

 

The 7 cards I picked were (from left to right):

Jack of Clubs

Queen of Spades

10 of Diamonds

5 of Hearts

Jack of Spades

10 of Spades

2 of Spades

Here is Norbert’s assessment of Mary Kubica’s query:

The question you pose is an interesting one, Mary!

 First of all, I see a preponderance of black cards—five out of seven. This indicates that it will be most important to always maintain a positive mental attitude. The next thing I notice is all the face cards! My! Are these people in your day-to-day life, or characters in your next novel, I wonder?

Let’s see….

 The Jack of Clubs is a person with hidden depths and undeveloped potential; this could be a child or an adult. Could be either gender, but I have a feeling this one is male.

 Next, the Queen of Spades represents a perceptive and talented woman. I feel that this card is you, yourself.

 Now, the Ten of Diamonds is an extremely favorable card. It says, “Your project gains traction. Whatever you have been focusing on is ready to take off now!” This is a very good card for an author!

 The Five of Hearts can show a separation of loved ones; the important thing to know here is that you are safe, and ultimately, it all turns out well. Perhaps, in view of your question, this might mean you could travel for research and be away from family for a short time.

 Then you have the Jack of Spades—again, could be either gender, but I think this one is female: a younger version of you. So, could it be that you would be separated for a brief period from this young person in order to do your travel research?

 Next, you have the Ten of Spades, and this does show research and beginning a new work. Traditionally, it stands for new beginnings, learning and growing.

 Last of all you have the Two of Spades, which indicates a short delay, and that it may be hard to wait for what you want. While waiting, the cards always advise doing a small, random act of kindness, as it makes the time go faster, and is always good karma.

 Mary, it does look like you will be travelling to do research for a book that will really take off!

As you consider destinations, I have to suggest my own beautiful New York State, a land of green, rolling hills, winding roads, farms and forests. Or did you have the tropics in mind?

 Readers, what do you think about Norbert’s reading?

And do you have suggestions for the location of Mary Kubica’s next novel?

 

The Fortune-Teller Is In: Reading for Benjamin Ludwig

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The Reluctant Fortune-Teller’s main character, Norbert Zelenka, is a kindly, retired man who has trouble making ends meet, when three strong-willed seniors stage an intervention at his little white bungalow. They insist that he solve his financial woes by becoming a fortune-teller—just try it for the tourist season, they say. Their lakeside town, Gibbons Corner, N.Y., needs a card reader, and Norbert has been observing people all his life. The forceful ladies, known as “Carlotta’s Club,” will show him the ropes, and his story goes from there.

I hope you will enjoy reading about Norbert’s transformation as much as I enjoyed writing about it.

In a conversation with Benjamin Ludwig, the author of Ginny Moon, Ben suggested that Norbert might read his cards!

Please check out Norbert’s predictions, and tell us what you think!

Benjamin Ludwig shuffled his cards in New Hampshire and sent off a list of his seven cards to Norbert in the fictional town of Gibbons Corner, New York. The question he concentrated on as he shuffled was this: “Should I keep writing full-time, or write while I teach at a university?”

Below, you will find Norbert’s answer.

You have drawn the Eight of Diamonds, Two of Spades, Two of Clubs, Five of Hearts, Three of Diamonds, Two of Diamonds, and the Jack of Hearts.

You have a gift that is at the center of your question. This is your gift for writing; it may also be your gift for teaching. I see a minor delay here, in the Two of Spades, just a bit of momentary discomfort before a decision is made.

Be on the lookout for a social invitation, as shown by the Two of Clubs. This social gathering will bring you an opportunity that you might not expect.

The Five of Hearts shows a possible rift between friends or else a separation from loved ones, but have no worries there. Everything is unfolding for the best.

I see here a legal contract in the Three of Diamonds. It may be a teaching contract or a book contract. Whatever it is, it will be very good for you. Other people trust you quite naturally, because you are sincere.

Your spread ends on a very happy note, with the Jack of Hearts, signifying good times, celebration, and a fun spirit.

In regards to your question: really, you cannot go wrong. With these two options, both aligning with your heart, you will be fulfilled with either one. I would suggest you go with combining writing with teaching. It will give you the balance, the contrast, that will feed you both as a writer and a teacher.

How did Norbert do, on his first virtual reading?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What I Am Learning about Revision from My Agent and Editors

keziahfrost9 Comments
  1. I try to keep a light heart: Revision can be an expanding part of the creative process. With the right editorial people, revision can bring out the best in a story.

 

  1. I slow my roll: I’m not gonna lie: seeing lots of “suggestions for improvement” on my work inspires many (ahem) feelings. I now read those suggestions, put them away, do other things, and come back to the work in 24 hours, rather than respond immediately. Considered overnight, most suggestions have turned out to be spot-on, but I couldn’t see that at first glance. The suggestions that still don’t seem right simply become points for discussion.

 

  1. I read differently now. I can’t read anything without seeing where tighter editing might have improved a work—not only my own, but everyone’s!

 

  1. True confession: despite having a master’s degree in English and reading voraciously for decades, I did not know that every scene in a novel is supposed to move the story forward. I really did not ever grasp that fact! After working on revisions for my first novel, where I was asked “What’s the point?” about a couple of scenes, I learned that “It’s funny!” is not enough justification for a scene to exist. This has been a game changer for me! Now, when I edit my own work before sending it in, I ruthlessly slash every scene that does not advance the story. Or, if I love the scene too much to cut it, I add what that scene needs to make it an integral part of the story.

 

  1. I am grateful for everyone who takes the time to study what I have written and make suggestions which I may or may not follow. Every writer wants to be carefully read.

 

Please share your thoughts on writing and revision here!

 

 

Starting a New Novel: A Metaphor

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The 1980’s family is in the car, looking forward to their road trip. They’ve taken a couple of road trips before and the kids are dying to get going. But the driver—let’s call him “Dad”—is sitting up front fiddling endlessly with his roadmap.

The kids squirm. It’s getting hot in the car. “Can we just go already?” they whine.

Dad, the killjoy, won’t go until he’s selected all his routes, circled all his exits, and considered all the most interesting stopping places along the way. He knows the kids’ cry “Can we just go already?” will turn into “Aren’t we there yet?” before he gets to the first highway exit.

That’s just kids, he’s thinking. Wherever they are, they want to get to the next place. Dad is deliberate and steady. He’s not turning the key in the ignition until he’s thought it all out. Sure, there will be surprises and adventures he hasn’t pre-planned, but he’s not going to get his family lost. He’s not going to waste precious time on this trip.

Although to the kids, it feels like that’s all he is doing: wasting time with the boring map. They want to see stuff. They want to feel the wind in their hair. They want to take snap shots and have a good time. Sitting in the driveway, waiting for the fun, makes them want to slap each other.

Mom is alternately telling the kids to be quiet and let Dad concentrate, and then suggesting to Dad that maybe he has enough of the mapping done to get started. It is getting hot in the car.

I’ve been beginning this new novel for too long. That’s how it feels.

For my first novel, I used exercises from The 90-Day Novel, by Alan Watt, to plan it out. I also took an online novel writing course offered by Faber Academy in the U.K.

For my second novel, I used techniques from The Story Grid, by Shawn Coyne and Writing the Breakout Novel Workbook, by Donald Maass.

For my third novel, I am using methods from Story Genius, by Lisa Cron, and continue to refer to the other books listed above.

Maybe getting started on the writing of this, my third novel would have happened sooner if I’d stuck to methods I’d already learned, but I wanted to learn new things.

I have a huge pile of index cards for scenes and characters. I’m finishing up an outline which, like rules, is made to be broken. I’ve charted my plot points, but maybe I don’t have all the plot points I need yet, I worry insecurely. I’ve done a bit of research, but need to do more. I’m sort of ready. Not totally ready.

But hey. They do say, No surprise for the writer, no surprise for the reader.

There does come a point when it’s time to fold up the map and turn the key in the ignition. That point comes today. We’re on our road trip.

The kids holler and cheer out the window.