tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81030366801765944892024-03-12T22:14:25.021-04:00Tiptoeing through MetaphorsThis is the home of my musings about the writing process. The end goal is publication. Follow me on my journey...Becky Pratthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04429858522237567233noreply@blogger.comBlogger21125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8103036680176594489.post-55593007519350355432012-09-26T15:36:00.002-04:002012-09-26T15:38:11.248-04:00Excellence in Writing<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Having been asked my strengths in my writing, I imagine the whole list of my weaknesses. I have decided to look at the areas I excel at with writing to keep my mind on the positives. There is a time to explore where we need to improve by all means. When I begin a project, I want to be in the best frame of mind that I can be. This is the way I overcome my inner critic that loves to mess with us all. Undermining our confidence, making us edit as we go or making us just plain give up, the inner critic is a tricky little bugger. Looking for the areas I excel, in my mind, means that I am better at somethings and not at others. I don't envision that long list of things that I am weak at or all the mistakes I have and will make throughout the project. The only thing before me is knowing I will hit my expectations in certain areas.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">The process of writing is so solitary. I can believe anything I want about my writing. I could believe I am worse than any other writer out there or my characters have no depth or any one of a hundred other lies. The delusions are the job of that critic. I shut that critic up. Every time I write, the urge to self-edit or rewrite things as I go never appears. I excel at deciding to follow my heart and mind as I "vomit" the story onto the page. This is the only way I have been able to get the full story written.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Writing by the seat of my pants is another of those positive things. With an idea, beginning and end in mind, I sit before my laptop and just go for it. Do I end up where I am going? Not always. Do things unfold as I imagined? Not usually. Do I surprise myself during the process? Absolutely! There is nothing more exciting then writing along and getting to the end of the scene then thinking "I never saw that coming". I let my characters talk and write their own stories. Not every person can write this way or wants to "allow" the characters to "speak". I am excellent at it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">The last thing I would like to touch upon is my characters. Having let many people read my different pieces, I am told that I capture the characters well. Their dialogue is great. And my stories really are character driven. It is a great pleasure to close my eyes and really see as my main character sees. The visions contained in that moment shape the story. I step into their bodies and think as I imagine they do. When writing young adult novels, this is important. No teenager wants to read about a 15 year old who talks and acts like she's 25. It doesn't work. For me, the key to this skill is reading. I devour book and book from great young adult authors. I see the depth they instill in their characters and the actions they take. Excelling in this area is the single most important thing to me as a write.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">It has been a joy to share with you the areas I excel at as a writer. To look at my weakness now would only stunt the progress on my current project. Weaknesses are best enjoyed during editing. Silence your inner critic and write your story as best as you can. It is time to continue with "vomiting" my story onto paper. </span><br />
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<em><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">This post was inspired my the </span><a href="http://merrygoroundtour.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">Merry-Go-Round Blog Tour.</span></a><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"> The tour includes more than 20 other authors who share their experiences with each topic. September's topic is "What are my writing strength?". Check back tomorrow for the strengths of </span><a href="http://theliteraryhub.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">G R Colorado.</span></a></em>Becky Pratthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04429858522237567233noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8103036680176594489.post-16005987326764956992012-09-10T23:22:00.002-04:002012-09-10T23:22:26.624-04:00There is always hope...<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">September 9 - 15, 2012 is National Suicide Prevention Week</span></strong></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Since that is this week, I thought I would take a few minutes to devote to this topic. It is very near and dear to me as some people may know and others may not. I can offer a little insight into my mind then.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Nine years ago, I felt like I was at the bottom of an abysmal place. The top of this pit had no light showing. I was scared and alone. No one answered my cries. I was nobody. As was normal for any given day, I drove to several locations and took care of work and personal errands. On my way home one afternoon, I veered my car towards the cement pilings under the overpass. A car honked and brought me back to reality and I swerved to avoid the crash. My mind raced with the anticipation of ending the pain inside. The light at the end of a tunnel of fear and terror. Several days later, my husband was in the car with me and he had to right the steering wheel of the car several times. It was time to seek help. But, was there hope?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">I was determined that I was not sick but the doctor started talking about bipolar disorder. The stigma surrounding that diagnosis was unnerving. I yelled at this doctor that I was not bipolar after listing my shopping addiction and my angry outbursts and the desire to die as well as strangle other people. Medications and several therapy sessions later, I was released back into my life to tough it all out.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Fast forward three years and we look in on a similar situation. Despair and depression are rampant. I hit a brick wall of a psychotic break. That very evening, I tried to strangle my husband and then planned to kill myself. After many tears and struggles, we made our way to the ER and the inevitable decision to sign myself into a residential facility. I learned many things during those several days. About myself and the way I let others treat me. Patterns from my past emerged and I had to deal with the demons of being sexually assaulted as well as physically abused during my teen years. All tough things to meet head on yet I did. I had to stop working because any stress caused breakdowns. My anxiety soared to new levels. There was no way for me to concentrate on anything for more than a few moments and interacting with people was impossible.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">For many days, weeks, months and even years after, my husband still has to hide knives and throw out sharp objects from time to time. These demons follow me around as well. I have found the best therapist a girl could ask for and learned the most important thing in this fight with depression and suicidal tendencies. <strong>There is hope</strong>. Every day you wake up is a win. Each breath is one more than the last. Loved ones can smile and interact with you another time.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Here's the thing that many depressed people fail to understand. Suicide is selfish. Plain and simple. You end your pain but think of the wake of destruction behind you. Parents, significant others, children, siblings, other family members and friends all mourn the loss of you. Each day they get up knowing that they will never be able to share that story with you. The children you left behind will never have a dad or mom to support them when they graduate from high school or get married. You will have grandchildren that never know you. This is the hope! That you can know that you will be missed. No one elses' life will ever be the same without you. As you fall down into that pit another time, look for your hope not the easy way out. These people who will miss you, they will much rather help you out of that pit. A gesture of their hand to pull you up and along is what they offer. Hope is what they offer.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For those of you who wonder, this is an extremely tough topic to discuss. This is the first time I have ever opened my mind and heart for all to see. I still struggle every hour of every day. I function at a sub-par level and hate every minute of it. Please be respectful! Thank you!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Please visit the </span><a href="http://www.afsp.org/"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">American Foundation for Suicide Prevention</span></a><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"> to educate yourself and see how you can help those that you love.</span></div>
Becky Pratthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04429858522237567233noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8103036680176594489.post-12414223007629864992012-08-26T13:48:00.000-04:002012-08-26T13:48:41.037-04:00To Be Read List<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This is a long list at our house! We have well over 1500 books in our library at the moment. My to be read new releases are on another shelf in the living room. And the range of genres and books vary greatly! Some may think we have ADD when it comes to making book choices. Our last trip to the book store included buying <em>Abrham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter </em>by Seth Grahame-Smith, <em>Atremis Fowl</em> books 5 & 6 by Eoin Colfer, <em>Lone Wolf </em>by Jodi Picoult and <em>Burned</em> by Ellen Hopkins. We also purchased <em>What to Expect when you are Expecting</em> and <em>What to Expect When your Wife is Expanding.</em> This is not a very cohesive reading list to most people but it works for us.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I enjoy popular fiction by strong female authors. Being a writer of mainly young adult fiction, I read as many different authors as I can in this genre. My secret passion lately has been H.P. Lovecraft. My Kindle is stocked full of his works. The varying degree of subjects and genres keeps me interested and reading at least a book a week. When this shelf empties out, I will head to my library to tackle novels my husband has collected which includes Shadowrun books as well as several Dungeons & Dragon franchise novels. We run the gambit here and do not discriminate.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The list of books is extensive so I can offer a short list of the authors that represent multiple books at once. Jodi Picoult, Eoin Colfer, John Green, Ellen Hopkins, H.P. Lovecraft, Shakespeare, George Orwell, Sarah Dessen and Julie Kenner. There are many others among the ranks but I will leave it here. All I can say is I read all the time and have no favorites!!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: x-small;">This blog was inspired by </span><a href="http://merrygoroundtour.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: x-small;">Merry-Go-Round Blog Tour</span></a><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: x-small;"> brought to you by </span><a href="http://www.fmwriters.com/"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: x-small;">Forward Motion for Writer,</span></a><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: x-small;"> a free web-based community for serious authors. Our topic this month was What's on your To-Be-Read List? Please head over to </span><a href="http://merrygoroundtour.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: x-small;">Merry-Go-Round Blog Tour</span></a><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: x-small;"> to see what other members are reading right now. Our next blog will be by G.R. Colorado. Stop by </span><a href="http://theliteraryhub.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: x-small;">The Literary Hub</span></a><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: x-small;"> to check out the To-Be-Read list.</span>Becky Pratthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04429858522237567233noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8103036680176594489.post-40101713976994863442012-07-26T23:33:00.000-04:002012-07-26T23:33:07.551-04:00It's all about the words...<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Books, words, stories, plots, characters. These are all the things that have accompanied me as long as I can remember. Each night before bed, I would kneel before my bookshelf and run my hands over all the spines of my favorite stories and my friends. The likes of Mickie Mouse, The Littles, My Little Pony and, of course, The Berenstain Bears. My dad would sit on the edge of my bed and read the same beloved stories time and time again. As I got older, I started holding the books and reading along. Until one day, I was able to read them by myself. At that point, I never stopped. I would devour a book in an afternoon and pick up another. Then another after that one. It was a passion. An escape. The characters WERE my friends. I felt their pain and happiness. The butterflies fluttered in my tummy during Charlotte's Web. Their world was my world.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My passion has always been the written word. Technology has advanced but the touch, the feel and the smell of a bound book comforts me. Turning the pages reminds me of those childhood years when I had no cares. This love made me the student I was as I wrote papers, stories and poetry for my own amusement and for assignments. In the beginning, I had many start and stop stories. More of thoughts and outlines to go back to later. My poetry was the number one thing for several years. I read every book I could get my hands on but my writing was poetry. Reaching the middle of high school, I ran out of academic classes to take so I signed up for Creative Writing. The first day of class we were handed 5 1/4" floppy discs to save our work on before we printed it off on dot-matrix printers. The sound of that printer kicking into action excited me. My words on the paper for others to read.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Almost 20 years later, I am still typing in front of a computer. My ideas flowing into a story. The birthing of a novel is a strenuous job. And I love it. My creativity can flow and I can say whatever I want. No one can tell me what is or isn't supposed to be in my stories. I am free to explore the depths of my mind. And I love it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This month's topic for </span><a href="http://merrygoroundtour.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Merry-Go-Round Blog Tour</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> for </span><a href="http://www.fmwriters.com/"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Forward Motion</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> is "Why am I a writer". My answer quite simply is: I love words. I cannot think of another reason better. Writing a story is setting down words to convey what is in my mind. Without words, there would be no writers or books to read. I am thankful to my dad for instilling the love of reading and the importance of it at a very young age. It has been a light in dark times. A beacon to show me my way through the mist of sadness. The time spent with a book is never wasted but a cherished time with old friends. Til we meet again...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Please go visit the writings of my fellow writers at </span><a href="http://merrygoroundtour.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Merry-Go-Round Blog Tour</span></a><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"> and see why they became writers themselves. Tomorrow will bring the writings of </span><a href="http://theliteraryhub.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">G R Colorado.</span></a><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"> Until next month, happy reading!</span>Becky Pratthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04429858522237567233noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8103036680176594489.post-50975961651145605702012-06-29T13:10:00.001-04:002012-06-29T13:10:18.112-04:00The art of Flim Flam<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">So, today is my day to rant about the treatment of women by the automobile industy. Women are not inferior to men. Each individual has strong points and weak points. Our skill sets are different. It is just human nature. All that being said, I see women being treated as less intelligent when it comes to car purchases and repairs. This morning was a perfect example.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">My husband works Monday through Friday from 8:00am until 5:00pm or later. This left the responsibilty of purchasing tires to me. Not generally a problem. We priced the tires and went to the local Discount Tire and asked for a price match. No problem there. I made an appointment and made my way to get the new tires. All was going very well until I was paying and the salesman offered to add an additional 2 tires for a total of 4. He explained that there was a rebate if we purchased a full set. I agreed and made my purchase for four tires of the specifications that I originally requested. No problems there.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">After waiting for the tires to be installed, I got into my truck and came home. The ride was nice and I realized how badly the tires were needed. The problem came next. My husband came home for lunch and immediately said, "Those aren't the tires we asked for. How much did he charge you and what did he say he was selling you?" I pulled out the receipt and sure enough, he had changed the tire model to the cheaper tire without telling me and did not adjust the price to reflect the change. A total difference of $62 after we repriced the tires we received. Would this have happened if my husband had went to the tire shop? I highly doubt it because he would have known they were wrong before he left the shop. He would have known to ask if they had enough of the correct tires in stock. I am not blaming being female on the swindle but my lack of knowledge. However, I do blame the salesman for flim flamming. He knew I didn't know much about tires because I did say so. I realize my limitations and he exploited that fact.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">My lesson was learned today. Firstly, that I need to be more aware of the reciepts when I handle car related transactions. Secondly, that Discount Tire is known for flim flam sales. And thirdly, I know my limitations and need to refuse to handle transactions that are outside of that scope.</span><br />Becky Pratthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04429858522237567233noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8103036680176594489.post-77890978281733947142012-06-22T03:12:00.000-04:002012-06-22T03:12:04.105-04:00Life's a Balancing Act<em><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In the month of June, Forward Motion's </span></em><a href="http://merrygoroundtour.blogspot.com/"><em><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Merry Go Round</span></em></a><em><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> blog topic is balancing life and writing. It is a tough topic for many reasons but everyone can relate. So, it is time to delve into my experience with the balancing act.</span></em><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">From the minute we are born, we must learn to divide our time amongst different tasks. The young baby has only a few things to balance: sleep, eat, cry... It is simple and the baby never has a worry because these things settle in well together. That is until they grow and need to learn new things like crawling, feeding themselves, walking and talking. The lesson begins.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Life prepares us slowly for the busyness of adulthood. We start out like that infant with limited abilities and needs. Slowly, new skills are learned and we grow to learn to balance physically as well as figuratively. Once you get the physical balance down, you start to run and never look back. Seems awesome, right? But what are you running towards? Adulthood. Responsibility. A life to balance all of your own roles in it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am a wife, an aunt, a friend, a daughter, a sister, a granddaughter, a homemaker and a writer. These are just the roles I fill today. As we start our family, a mother's role will be added. I toss my juggling balls into the air and hope for the best every day. My feet it the floor each moment with the sole purpose of not disappointing anyone in my life, myself included. However, I am the first person I sacrifice to take care of others. My time alone, my time to read and, of course, my time to write, These are the first things to go. My husband is taken care of as well as our home. My parents have been checked in on. My friends and other family members have all claimed their piece of me for that day. The quiet of evening takes over and the time to write turns into zoning in front of the TV to relax. But no more will I let my life run me!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My new resolve in life is to balance the personal life and my writing life so that each is fulfilling. I have a to do list each day. It includes the household activities that need tending to as well as my objectives for my writing. I am not looking at each aspect of my life as a chunk of time but as each task getting the attention it deserves. Today is writing this blog. Tomorrow I will start to create character profiles for my next project. Will I fail some days? I am sure of it but I still toss those balls in the air every morning. Hope for the best and expect the worst. You end up happily surprised at the end of the day.</span>Becky Pratthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04429858522237567233noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8103036680176594489.post-51304110450642117572012-01-26T22:32:00.000-05:002012-01-26T22:32:06.686-05:00You've got readers!Who is my Ideal Reader? That is a very good question. January is Ideal Reader month on the Forward Motion Merry-Go-Round blog. Each writer needs to take time and figure this out to see if they are meeting the needs of the reader.<br />
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I am lucky to be able to answer this question without a doubt. When I started writing, I wrote about what I knew. I know all about mentally ill pre-teens and teens. I also know a great deal about mental illnesses and how to deal with them. My first character came from past experience as well. I thought it would be awesome if teens could read about characters that are dealing with real life issues. Their issues! Hence, a target audience was born.<br />
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Will this work for all of my manuscripts? The answer is, of course, no. Over time things change in your works. The style, subject matter and audience all are looked at in a new light. We, as writers, should remember to adapt and examine our works. Then, and only then, can we know who our Ideal Reader really is.<br />
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Check out other writers Ideal Writers at <a href="http://merrygoroundtour.blogspot.com/">http://merrygoroundtour.blogspot.com/</a>Becky Pratthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04429858522237567233noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8103036680176594489.post-2623875675066154092011-12-26T20:19:00.000-05:002011-12-26T20:19:13.919-05:00Holiday Cheer!December brings many holidays to celebrate to everyone in our world. So this month, the Merry Go Round Blog Tour is discussing holidays. I will focus on what I know, Christmas. It is a blessing and a curse every year in so many ways. But no one wants to hear about the bad...<br />
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This year, my family descended upon my home yesterday afternoon. We have a very long yet narrow living room full of 15 people. The youngest was 3 months old all the way up to my grandma who is in her 70's. Everyone seemed to have a good time. Which is always a blessing because that means there are no arguments. My mom loves a peaceful holiday. Missing, of course, was my brother so it wasn't a perfect day.<br />
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My 3 year old grandniece was so precious. Every gift was special. Each outfit received a snuggle before it went on mommy's lap. Every toy opened was followed with the large eye, open mouthed "yay" even the books I gave her. It is so refreshing to see the enjoyment of the young ones.<br />
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I would be remissed if I didn't hit on the reason we celebrate Christmas. It is a time of year for giving and caring. As a Christian, we remember the birth of Jesus and the sacrifice he was born to make. We draw together as a family and give thanks as well as enjoy each other's company.<br />
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I hope each of you has had a blessed holiday no matter what religion or holiday you celebrate!Becky Pratthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04429858522237567233noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8103036680176594489.post-1304341291900773322011-11-26T14:55:00.000-05:002011-11-26T14:55:51.988-05:00Inner Workings of a WriterNovember is self-interview month on the Blog Tour. So I will attempt to ask creative questions and give honest answers. I hope this will offer insight into my mind for myself as well. Here we go:<br />
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<strong>What genre do you read?</strong><br />
I mainly read Young Adult novels because that is what I tend to write. I do read Chick Lit as well as Classics. However, I feel it keeps me current in topic and dialogue if I read what is being published now.<br />
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<strong>Do you have a favorite author?</strong><br />
Yes and no. Since writing in first person is hard for me, I greatly admire Barry Lyga. He does so with such style. A true inspiration. In general, though, I tend to like several authors. Jodi Picoult, Stephen King, Maureen Johnson, Alice Walker and many more.<br />
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<strong>Where do you get your subject matter from?</strong><br />
Simply from the state of affairs in our society today. As well as watching things in my own life unfold. My husband always says your life is the best writing fodder. I agree. A very awesome story came out of a birthday dinner last year. Look all around. There are stories everywhere.<br />
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<strong>What topics are the most important to you?</strong><br />
I tend to deal with mental issues in teens. From cutting to homosexuality to eating disorders. I have seen at least one deal with each of these types of issues. I know how the real situation occurs and I attempt to offer a learning experience that does not mirror that one but is also not a "happy" ending. I do not believe sugar coating the consequences teaches teens anything.<br />
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<strong>Who is your biggest supporter?</strong><br />
My husband, Dan, of course. He is my writing drill sargent. He keeps me going and makes it possible that I can write. I have friends also who are supportive which helps.<br />
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I hope this look into my brain and the logic I follow has enlightened you. Right now I am writing about Bulimia which is a subject near and dear to my heart. I wish you all a great weekend and healthy eating.Becky Pratthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04429858522237567233noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8103036680176594489.post-34154482711389798302011-11-08T03:48:00.000-05:002011-11-08T03:48:30.494-05:00Writer's Worst FearI just realized a writer's worst fear: the computer won't boot. I put it into sleep mode with a webpage open. Then I opened it and woke it up. Out of no where is shuts off. Now I have tried booting with and without storage expansion media several times and I get to the same place then off. I say this all to make a point. Save often and in multiple places!<br />
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I have a dropbox, thumb drive and main computer as well as the netbook I write on. However, none of my backups include the last 2000 words written. Devastation since my husband is sleeping and he is the computer technician who works 8 to 5 tomorrow. Another day lost in National Novel Writing Month. I am determined if I have to start over though.<br />
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A warning to all writers: make multiple copies everytime you save!Becky Pratthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04429858522237567233noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8103036680176594489.post-51234628118300910832011-10-26T00:31:00.000-04:002011-10-26T00:31:08.279-04:00Revision, revision, revisionOctober is a good month to discuss revision. It is such an important step in the writing process. And as many people know, November is National Novel Writing Month. It is a challenge to get you writing 50,000 words in 30 days. When I am writing, I never look back. To keep momentum, I look forward and follow my outline and notes. Preparing for November this year, I am looking at past novels and short stories I have written. The revision process was so important.<br />
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Revision is where the best writing comes from. You can fix plot holes and rewrite bad scenes. Picking up on mistakes I have made makes a stronger, tighter story. The more revision you do, the more sellable your novel will be in the long run. So I look forward to writing another novel this year but even more so, I look forward to revising another novel after the best two words: The End.Becky Pratthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04429858522237567233noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8103036680176594489.post-26326410826236815352011-09-26T01:34:00.000-04:002011-09-26T01:34:14.253-04:00Crossing LinesThe topic of September is crossing genres on our Merry Go Round Blog Tour from Forward Motion. Such a good topic for me as I plan my next novel. A lot of the stories I write follow along the lines of the Young Adult, Realistic Fiction line. With this in mind, I started to think about books I read and have loved and one thing keeps repeating in my mind. Every author crosses the borders of genres.<br />
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An epiphony if I have ever had one. It is not a new concept for authors to write young adult mysteries or fantasy/Sci-Fi novels. My personal opinion is that this keeps your readers interested on the journey you ar leading them on. The next plot twist is unexpected. <br />
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As I am research Bulimia for this novel, I have a quandry ahead of me. Should it be young adult or a 20-something woman dealing? Are we looking at the diet side or the mental health side? Is there another genre that fits this type of story better. Whatever I decide, I am sure it will cross over many lines and I will enjoy every minute of it!Becky Pratthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04429858522237567233noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8103036680176594489.post-21151812499053146182011-08-26T13:59:00.000-04:002011-08-26T13:59:04.831-04:00Vacation offers more than relaxationMy husband and I spent 6 days in Indianapolis this last month. It was a glorious time! Good food, good fun, and good ideas. We spent those days at Gen Con, the convention for gamers of all types. People watching was abound! So, when asked where my newest ideas came from, my only answer is Gen Con.<br />
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Meeting several new people and learning about their lives gave me story lines to follow. Plot bunnies started hopping through my mind. It wasn't until I saw a bulimic young lady that the story all fell into place! I am excited to get started on this project.<br />
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I have characters in my mind that I am going to be creating profiles for. An outline is not far behind. Then the real fun begins. I am diving into the dark places that drive the human mind to do the things that they do. I am excited to move forward!<br />
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Check back on the 26th of September for the next installment of the Merry-Go-Round Blog Tour.Becky Pratthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04429858522237567233noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8103036680176594489.post-4480652941842553692011-07-26T01:33:00.000-04:002011-07-26T01:34:32.099-04:00What books are on my nightstand?A question proposed by the Forward Motion Writing community Merry-Go-Round Blog tour for the month of July: what books are on your nightstand. Like many others, I do not have a nightstand. My bedroom is just too small. However, I have a 4" tall bookshelf in my living room that I call "To be read". As I sit here and write tonight, I see this shelf packed full of all the books I want to read. Each one seems like it should be next. The decisions are tough at the end of each book.<br />
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My tastes in books vary widely. I have classics, women's fiction, young adult fiction and lots of craft books. On the list right now is the Artemis Fowl series, the last two Jodi Picoult books, the Demon-hunting Soccer mom books, several books by Ally Carter, Sue William Silverman's memoirs plus craft book and other craft books. There is no rhyme or reason to this collection.<br />
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I just finished reading Goth Girl Rising by Barry Lyga which was quite interesting. Lyga can write a teenage girl like no other man I have ever read. I learn a lot everytime I read one of his books. He nails the mind-set of a girl messed up by the circumstances of her life. If you want to write in the first person or like young adult, give Barry Lyga a try.<br />
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I am currently reading Things we didn't say by Kristina Riggle. She is a local author from Grand Rapids, MI. She will be doing an author sign this Thursday in a local bookstore a little north of my hometown. She is a wonderful speaker and educated about things aspiring authors would like to know. She will be answering questions about the process and this book in particular.<br />
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Not on my shelf: World War Z by Max Brooks. I believe this is the next book to read. It is for a friend but I want to read it first. So, what is everyone else reading these days?<br />
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Follow me and other writers who blog at <a href="http://merrygoroundtour.blogspot.com/">http://merrygoroundtour.blogspot.com/</a>Becky Pratthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04429858522237567233noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8103036680176594489.post-39001368754902685222011-07-20T23:18:00.000-04:002011-07-20T23:18:01.511-04:00WIP Wednesday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAUXHws69CB3FI7Y5lSl6BGKg6EKqVqyXs0TFdCMNKH7i-UiU9eGUgTRfYnRw-HXeISJAGv40sS51t1W-VY1HdPsoJKGZ2Yct7Zjymg-cvDR7vCRS4OrmVrqD02AWHWYIe4GkdXiz9rqNZ/s1600/WIP_New.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAUXHws69CB3FI7Y5lSl6BGKg6EKqVqyXs0TFdCMNKH7i-UiU9eGUgTRfYnRw-HXeISJAGv40sS51t1W-VY1HdPsoJKGZ2Yct7Zjymg-cvDR7vCRS4OrmVrqD02AWHWYIe4GkdXiz9rqNZ/s1600/WIP_New.jpg" /></a></div><br />
This week has been eventful for me. I hit the publish button at createspace for the personal essay collection I have been working on for two years. It has been a heart-wrenching time. The essays cover the highlights of my life with my older brother. He passed away on April 22, 2009. The book includes color pictures and space at the end to journal your own memories about him. I gave the first copy to my mom and it was awesome to see the pleasure of the cover followed by the emotion of the manuscript. The Scorpion Guardian has it's own page: <a href="https://www.createspace.com/3633583">https://www.createspace.com/3633583</a><br />
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I have finished researching cutting and eating disorders for the mental health series. My next step is to research the Chicago area. I am still tossing around names for the town that the series will take place in right now. I am thinking of some place that resembles Schaumberg, IL. The city has wonderful memories. The atmosphere and people make you feel welcome. I welcome suggestions for town names.<br />
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I have been playing a lot of Shadowrun RPG the last few months, especially this week. I am now thinking about writing about the future and living life as an outcast. I am better at Young Adult but some Sci-Fi might be out there in the future. Stay tuned.Becky Pratthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04429858522237567233noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8103036680176594489.post-44921833474919213712011-07-16T22:38:00.000-04:002011-07-16T22:38:34.602-04:00Death and other stuffI have ignored this blog for ten days and even missed WIP Wednesday. Not really how I wanted to start out with this endeavor. It seems like every time you get a groove going, life throws curve balls right straight at you. That has been the last week.<br />
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Yesterday, we finally laid to rest the ashes of my mother-in-law. It has been a sad and lonely time for my husband and I. She is deeply missed but it feels good to have closure. But the closure of one emotion opens the flood gates for the What if's and How do we go on without her. It is a process. Grief, like many things, is a journey. I have buried two grandfathers and my older brother in the last two years. The unexpected deaths are the hard ones. My brother was only 37. My mother-in-law was 67. Both died too young. It is time to pick ourselves up, dust of our legs and move on with our lives. Enough of the sad stuff.<br />
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Writing has been going alright too. I started meeting with some fellow, local writers at the cutest little book store called the Book Nook and Java Shop. It is a cozy atmosphere and the employees are very nice. The people I meet are totally different than my critique group. Different lifestyles and backgrounds offer vast variety of opinions. I am looking forward to next Saturday when we meet again.<br />
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This week has been research week. I spent time looking into flashbacks and prologues. All things I struggle with on the mechanics end. I spent even more time working through the depths of websites on cutting and eating disorders. Some of the stuff out there is down right scary. The thoughts in young girls minds are hard to believe and our society planted them there. Absolutely amazing!!!!! It made me take a hard look in the mirror as I am struggling with weight loss. It seems like everything I do for my writing comes full circle back to my life. May I never need to go to a pro-ana or pro-mia site for myself!<br />
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Come back Wednesday for an new installment of WIP Wednesday and on July 26th, I will be guest blogging for <a href="http://merrygoroundtour.blogspot.com/">http://merrygoroundtour.blogspot.com/</a> which is a project started by the fabulous folks at Forward Motion Writers Community. Check in with them often as well. There are guest most days of the month.Becky Pratthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04429858522237567233noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8103036680176594489.post-7781561381325997022011-07-06T23:13:00.000-04:002011-07-06T23:13:45.941-04:00WIP WednesdayOkay, so I stole the concept from a writing buddy. (Thanks, Ray) I think it is a good idea so I am going to run with it. Each Wednesday I will try to update what things I am working on for the week and where I am at in my process. This week is a good news/bad news week for me.<br />
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Good news: I ordered final proof copies on a secret project that I have been working on in my spare time. I am not sure if I will let Createspace sell it or if I will try to go the traditional publishing route. We will see when the proofs are here and I give it more thought.<br />
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Bad news: I wrote a novel and a sequel. Then thought they should go into one book as two parts. So I started to edit and had my awesome critique group read it for me. Today I realized that they need to be separate and the second part needs to be overhauled, adding a larger plot through out the book so that it can stand alone. On the bright side, this will allow me to turn this project into exactly what I wanted from the beginning: a setting and a group of friends that would each get a book dealing with the problem they are struggling with at the time.<br />
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Good news: This will allow my mental health project to start from the ground up and be a better set of novels in the end. World building here I come. (Good news doesn't always come out of bad news but today is the exception.)<br />
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This next week will bring lots of world building and research about the Chicago area. Also more about the cutting behaviors that plague so many teens in our society. I have my own experiences and reasons for cutting but I want to find other girls' reasons.Becky Pratthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04429858522237567233noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8103036680176594489.post-59221492776497098822011-07-02T20:35:00.000-04:002011-07-05T13:41:07.882-04:00Blog Tour and July goalsAs I prepare for the holiday festivities, I am overwhelmed with all I want to accomplish this month. So, I will start with the easiest one. I belong to an online writing community called Forward Motion and we are doing a monthly blog tour. The website is: <a href="http://merrygoroundtour.blogspot.com/">http://merrygoroundtour.blogspot.com/</a> and I will be posting on the 26th of each month. The other writers are amazing so check them out each day. I fully intend to!<br />
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My personal writing goals are as follows:<br />
1. Finish my preliminary read through with line edits of The Cutting Edge<br />
2. Go through critique group's comments and figure out which ones to incorporate<br />
3. Read Proof copy my secret writing project and order more copies<br />
4. Read and comment on a critique group member's novel<br />
5. Make a new electronic copy of The Cutting Edge and enter edits<br />
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This seems like a long list and a bit overzealous. I am hoping I have not bitten off more than I can chew. I will let you all know on August 1st!<br />
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UPDATE: As of July 5th I have ordered my proofs. One item knocked off the list. Four more to go!!!!!Becky Pratthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04429858522237567233noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8103036680176594489.post-51083675888424111202011-07-01T12:06:00.000-04:002011-07-01T12:06:43.730-04:00Looking Back, Looking ForwardOn Monday, I set a goal for this week. The week isn't over yet but my goal is far from being reached. My nephew is visiting and my roommate's daughter is here. This sucks the motivation to edit right out of me, until today. The thunderstorms rolled in off Lake Michigan last night and the need to hibernate overwhelmed me.<br />
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This morning I woke to more rumbling thunder and the great desire to curl up in the chair with my book and edit. This afternoon should be quite productive! The next step is to start all over again next week. Set another goal and challenge myself to reach it. Offer myself an indulgence to keep on target. Whatever works to keep the forward movement of my writing career. Thank you to my online community at Forward Motion (<a href="http://www.fmwriters.com/">http://www.fmwriters.com/</a>) and National Novel Writing Month (<a href="http://www.nanowrimo.org/">http://www.nanowrimo.org/</a>). Both give me the push to become the best writer I can be.<br />
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My goal is within reach. Given Sunday is my 12th wedding anniversary and Monday is the 4th of July, I have confidence. I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend and can meet their goals by the end of the week.Becky Pratthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04429858522237567233noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8103036680176594489.post-77082885728109876912011-06-27T13:54:00.000-04:002011-06-27T13:54:22.248-04:00Setting GoalsAs Monday morning dawned, I thought of only one thing: what do I want to accomplish this week? Easy question, right? Not so much. Rolling out of bed, this thought faded as dirty dishes and pets to care for filled the first half hour. Phone rings and time for a shower. Writing? Not even a thought anymore.<br />
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Lunch having been eaten, I sat down at my computer. Now it is time to set a goal and make a plan for the week. If I publish it online, surely I will follow it. Umm, maybe. Facebook beckoned me first. Then the emails. Wow! ADD is in over-drive! Now I am ready to make my goals known. After I answer a text or two...<br />
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My goal this week is to finish the first read through with line edits on The Cutting Edge. My long term goal is to get the best manuscript I can ready for queries by the end of the summer. This is edit number 672 or something. We'll see how it goes. Wish me luck!Becky Pratthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04429858522237567233noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8103036680176594489.post-24101520143314898722011-06-24T16:07:00.000-04:002011-06-27T14:12:14.032-04:00about.meAs a way to get me social presence out there as an aspiring author of young adult and Christian young adult novels, I have started using about.me which serves as an online business card. It gives links to each social media outlet you use on in one place. This is a campaign run by BzzAgent to help get the word out there.<br />
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<img src="<a href="http://img.bzzagent.com/image/aboutme.jpg?Type=activity&Activity=8907819073&Campaign=4813611877&Uid=1226087&token=2cfc787f6539008a040734a4723bf546">http://img.bzzagent.com/image/aboutme.jpg?Type=activity&Activity=8907819073&Campaign=4813611877&Uid=1226087&token=2cfc787f6539008a040734a4723bf546</a>" alt=""/><br />
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My page is: <a href="http://about.me/becky_pratt">http://about.me/becky_pratt</a><br />
Check it out.Becky Pratthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04429858522237567233noreply@blogger.com0