Brandon Mull

I am having SO much fun!!! Tonight I was able to attend the Pleasant Grove library where Brandon Mull, author of the Fablehaven series and The Candy Shop Wars, made an appearance at the Pleasant Grove Library here in Pleasant Grove, UT. It was an incredible turnout with people waiting outside unable to get into hear him speak. Brandon was excited to take the time to answer the questions of the audience, many from young aspiring writers, while I (an eager and aspiring writer in my own right) stood patiently in line to get his autograph.

It was a great opportunity and such a wonderful experience to see so many people excited at meeting a "real-live author." I loved the looks of anticipation on young and not-so-young alike. Oh how it will be so absolutely, positively awesome the day that I get to be the one signing autographs. I wonder how long it will take before I get writer's cramp.
I wonder what is the longest amount of time Brandon has gone without writer's cramp?

Two Down, More to Go

Whohoo!!!! Two short stories down and I've now been asked to write a few short stories for another magazine. I am finding that this is a wonderful experience to stretch myself and yet keep the brain focused on writing.

In the meantime, I've also been reviewing what I've already written for book two of the Nedaran Prophecy series. Already 49 pages written and every now and then I come across part of it that I wrote before I had my daughter and think "Wow, I wrote that?" I love that feeling. There is a certain exhilaration that comes from writing when you realize that it isn't a total piece of poo, but that some of it is really good. Then when you have finished the first draft you can go back and turn the good (mixed with poo) into absolute brilliance. Granted it might take a few tries, but the journey is a lot of fun.

My goal for this week is to finish reviewing what I've written so far for book two so that I can get going on writing the rest of it. I feel the story tugging and pulling at me during the day and even in my dreams at night. It's calling out to me begging for me to finish breathing life into it. Who can deny such a call when it comes to you.

Good luck in your own personal writing and don't give up. Your doing GREAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Short Stories vs Novels

I am currently working on writing a short story for an online magazine and I've learned that it is a whole different ball game to write a short story than a novel. You may think...short stories are short, right? So they should be easier to write. They shouldn't take as much thought and no where near as much revision. I have learned that it is just as hard, if not harder in its own way, to write a short story versus a full length book.

With a short story you have only a few pages to get your entire point across. You don't have as much time to flush out the details of the characters, the plot, etc. What's even more difficult is that I'm trying to write a funny short story. Right!!!! I am much more able to be funny when I'm talking to a person, then when I write. However, I am bound and determined to write a funny short story. I have a feeling that I will be going through several drafts before the editor even gets to take a peek at it.

So, my writing tip for the day...whether you are writing a full length novel or a short story you must put your best foot forward. You must do the work and put in the time to make it quality reading. It is rarely easy, but it is a wonderful thing when you read the final peace and realize "Hey, that is pretty good. Did I write that?"

Good luck and keep on writing.