WINSTON AND THE LINT MONSTER (FIRST DRAFT INTRODUCTION)

National Novel Writing Month has been going on for a grand total of fourteen days. In that time, I've put in a lot of words and many hours in a quest to get rough drafts completed for a few easy reader chapter books. Here is a sample first draft opening of the second one called, "Winston and the Lint Monster."

Winston threw the television remote across the room. It hit the wall and shattered into three jagged pieces, leaving a quarter size rip in the orange and lime striped wallpaper. The fragments landed unceremoniously on the stained shag carpet in the living room. His first thought was, “What did I just do? Oh, well ... the clicker hasn’t worked right in a couple of weeks.” The TV had been stuck on the same channel for seventeen days, ten hours, and twenty-nine minutes. But who’s counting?

Winston wanted to change the channel to his favorite program, “Robot Wars.” But, the stupid electronic device had ceased to operate correctly for so long now that he wasn’t even sure if he’d remember what his favorite robot, Megatron, looked like. Instead, the British History Channel played old speeches from this guy named Churchill and showed clips of World War 2.

Frankly, he was tired of the programs. Sure watching military planes shoot, bomb, and get in dogfights in the sky over London was cool. But, he longed to watch something that was a little more modern. Ancient war clips and political speeches from some old guy named Churchill simply didn’t do it for him.

  

“Winston? What just happened?” questioned his Mom ...

What do you think? Would this opening catch your attention if you were an 8 to 12 years old reader? As always, feedback is appreciated ...

One Done, Two to Go for NaNoWriMo

The rough draft of "Macaroni and the Binky - The Novel" is done! It clocks in at a stout 17,309 words and sixteen chapters. I'm going to have to wield a heavy axe to cut it down to a more marketable 10,000 words or less in order to reach my target audience. *sigh* Time to start writing easy reader chapter book #2 for the month!

NATIONAL NOVEL WRITING MONTH REPORT (DAY 7)

NaNoWriMo Total Word Count for 7 Days: 

 

15,188 Words

  

I've completed the first thirteen chapters of "Macaroni and the Binky - the Novel." It's been both rewarding and tiring at the same time. And, yes, several hours of writer's block has intervened on this venture. But overall, I am satisfied with my progress so far.

 

Once the month of November turns over the driver's seat to December, I'm sure to have a boatload of editing and revising to do. But that is a good thing! Instead of multiple stories sitting in my head and collecting cobwebs, I'm being proactive and letting them see the light of day (in rough draft form for now, at least).

 

I only have another 34,812 words to go to meet my goal of 50, 000 words for this month! Wish me luck ...

YOUR STORY HAS BEEN SUBMITTED

After submitting my story, "Macaroni and the Binky," to a couple of agents and patiently awaiting a response for over four months (and getting none - not even a rejection letter), I decided to try something different.  It's only so long that I can keep barking up the same tree, ya know? 

I told myself when I began the submission process that I would give a few agents first crack at my work. If they rejected it or didn't respond to my queries, I would go a different route. Since not hearing even a peep from those professionals, I chose an alternate path to possible publication.

I know what you're probably thinking. "Did Moen decide to self publish?"

And the short answer to that question is, "No, not at this time."

Instead, I've worked like a dog to rewrite "Macaroni ..." yet again. This time, I've edited and revised it down to a lean and mean 497 words. I had to cut my story down to this size to fit the guidelines necessary to submit it for the Cheerios® Spoonful of Stories® New Author Contest. I'm crossing my fingers, toes, and other appendages and hoping maybe that this third time will be the charm.

While I patiently (yet again) await a response that will not arrive until mid October at the earliest, I plan to happily get on with my life. I have several more stories to write, fences to rebuild, camping spots to visit, hiking trails to explore, a classroom to set-up, and a supporting family to love.

Until next time, take care ...

AN INTERVIEW WITH (Children's Author?) JOHN GRISHAM

Apple invites authors to self-publish on iPad bookstore

Apple invites authors to self-publish on iPad bookstore

RECESS IS A COMIN'

I'd love to write for hours today
but I've gotta work instead,
Report cards are a waiting
and bringing a sense of dread.


So grade I must - oh yippee-yeah ...
(a sarcastic cheer breaks free),
But Summer beckons in two weeks hence
then recess springs for me.

SELF PUBLISHING ON YOUR MIND?

Have you ever considered self publishing your books?  Barnes and Noble recently announced that they will begin offering Digital Self Publishing for writers. But,before you jump into the deep end head first without a life jacket, I'd recommend that you thoroughly research the pros and cons of proceeding in this manner before coming to a decision. 

Here's a link to learn more about the B&N news. It should be noted that they are just one of a multitude of companies that provide this type of service. So, if you choose to produce and market your books in this way, shop around first ...



Barnes & Noble to Offer Digital Self-Publishing

Posted using ShareThis

WHAT GOOD IS A LABEL ANYWAY?

I spent time this morning adding labels to the blog posts I've written. Well, there was that, and listening to my 4 year old spell the word butt over and over again.

The tags I added to my posts will help potential readers locate this blog more easily. By adding key words, people conducting searches on the internet are more likely to find this site. Pertinent labels work as tiny advertisements, very similar to what you might come across in a newspaper or magazine.

My youngest child, coincidentally enough, also attracted attention by using a key word. He used the label butt to gain attention. It worked! His mother and I both asked him to report to our room for a quick discussion about proper etiquette.

So what is the point of a good label anyway? It attracts attention. Simple as that. And as more people are exposed to your writing, the better chance you have of gaining readers.

I'd love to write more, but it is time for me to sign off. It's not too often that we get sunny weather with temperatures in the 70's in Western Washington at this time of the year. So, I must take advantage of it and get outside to shovel some dirt. 

Have a happy weekend!

KINETIC ENERGY DELAYED

What to do, what to do ...

Here it is, a typical overcast and dreary Spring day in the Pacific Northwest. Wind gently tickling the tree branches outside and flinging the leaves into the already overfilled, soiled gutters of my house. The sun, not wanting to come out and play, hides noiselessly somewhere behind the ashen and lifeless clouds. And here I sit, alone, adorned in luxurious cotton PJ's, contemplating what comes next.

I am at a standstill. The brain wants to turn some of the potential energy I have into the kinetic type. But the body shamelessly disobeys.

I have several projects left to get to on the "Honey-do" list, but inspiration has regrettably wandered off somewhere unseen. Besides, the heat inside the house feels nice and toasty. There are comics and sports to catch up on in the Sunday paper and my backside is feeling pretty comfortable entrenched in the recliner. In my humble opinion, it's not a day to gallivant about doing the laundry or attempting to decimate the knee-high vegetation currently doing a poor imitation of something we affectionately call our front lawn.

The other hindrance to getting me moving today is an indecision about which book project to begin next. Since I completed the manuscript for "Macaroni and the Binky," I've yo yo-ed back and forth for days. I have a total of seven outlines constructed for stories. But, I can't decide which one I want to start on next.

Should I start on another story in the series I've plotted about Macaroni? Or, should I do a picture book that is completely different? Or, maybe should I work on one of the two middle grade/easy reader novels instead?

I guess having several stories to choose from is a good problem for a writer to be shackled with. I don't have to spend time waiting around for ideas to worm their way into my brain. I just have to decide. Easy, right?

*Lunch Break*

Well, I've decided. Cheese stuffed crust pizza slathered with pepperoni, mushrooms, and cheese unlocked the brain freeze. It does that sometimes.

So what am I going to do then? I've decided to finish composing a magazine article I began several weeks ago. Even though it wasn't one of the choices I mentioned above, it has been on the short list of projects. And since I am in the final editing and revising stages already, it's a piece of writing closest to submission.

Thanks y'all for helping me get unstuck!

Book Progress Update

After more than a year of toiling away, "Macaroni and the Binky" and my query letter are finished! I sent both out to the first choice agent on my list, and now am awaiting a response. I will update this blog as news arrives.

Before I hear back, I wanted to share the beginning paragraph of my query letter for all to see. If you have any feedback for me, please write. I'd love to hear what you think! Here it is:

Dear … ,

Macaroni and cheese, beloved around the world by children of all ages, never looked so tasty. But what happens when that creamy treat becomes a dog that romps all over the house causing destruction and mayhem? Will seven year old Bud, along with assistance from his enthusiastic and gravity challenged sidekick in a diaper, be able to stop the pandemonium before Mom finds out? “Macaroni and the Binky,” an action-packed picture book manuscript of 982 words, provides answers to these questions and more.

Does this pique your interest?

Editing and Revising

Raise your hand if you love to edit and revise your stories over and over again? Okay then ... That wasn't the overwhelming response I was expecting.

Really? There's not a single person out there who absolutely adores polishing their work over and over again until every single word shines like the North Star?

Ah, come on! I can't be the only one who loves to push, pull, and twist the things they've written ad nauseam as if shaping a lump of clay into the perfect shape. Can I? Apparently, since I don't see any hands raised in the room, I am.

Editing and revising are a pertinent part of the writing process that cannot be ignored. In order to present your manuscripts in the best light possible to potential agents and publishers, you must take as much time as is necessary to get it right. You only get once chance to make a first impression so it might as well be a good one.

Here are some the the steps that may help you:

1) Read your story aloud to yourself. Make notes of any possible changes.
2) Put your story away for two weeks.
3) Read your story aloud to yourself again. Edit/revise.
4) Put your story away for two weeks.
5) Read your story aloud to yourself one more time. Edit/revise.
6) Seek professional help. At this point, join a critique group or have a editor or other qualified individual read your work.  I recommend that you don't use a friend. They have trouble being as honest with you as is needed.
7) Evaluate based on feedback received from the professional(s). Does your story show promise? If so, proceed.
8) Edit/revise some more.
9) Find some students in the targeted age group for your story. Read your story aloud to them and get feedback.
10) Edit/revise, if necessary.
11) Seek professional help again. At this point, ask your critique group, editor, or other qualified individual read your work once again.
12) Repeat steps 1 - 11, as many times as necessary. 

Sounds painless, right? Not really? That's good. It shouldn't be.

The reality is that writing is hard work. I personally find it to be quite rewarding, and don't know what I would do if I couldn't express myself creatively. I sincerely hope that you enjoy it too. 

Happy writing!

End of Books?

With the release of Apple's new iPad electronic tablet style device, some pundits are speculating that the time-honored tradition of printing books on paper will end. Yep. Just like dinosaurs, the betamax, those white parachute pants with a tie in the front that I loved so much, and my svelte 32 inch waistline. Books are going to disappear forever.

Well, hold on there for a moment, naysayers. Don't throw shovels full of dirt over my beloved books just yet!

The print medium is definitely in a state of flux, and writers, agents, publishers, bookstores, and the like must change. But with some creative marketing and innovation, paper bound materials can survive, and even thrive in the future. Always look on the bright side, right?

As much as I love curling up with a good book to keep me company at night, I have to admit that the updated "Alice in Wonderland" ebook for the iPad looks pretty incredible. What do you think? Will the printed version of this medium survive the challenge?

Unpublished Author Contest Details

Cheerios is holding a Spoonful of Stories® contest for unpublished authors. If interested, details are available by clicking the link highlighted above. I've also included a related clip from notable author (and former elementary school teacher) John Scieszka. Good luck!

Blast from the Past

Howdy!

I've returned from a brief two week hiatus away from writing stories. The time spent away was not unexpected - duty called, and I needed to answer. But, because I've been hankering to take care of the editing and revisions percolating inside my brain, I feel like I have been out of the loop for a lot longer than 14 days.

So, here I sit currently, staring at the blank computer screen. Pooped! After spending many days devoted to assessing narrative and expository essays, organizing records, calculating and entering grades into an online grade book, copying report cards, and conducting parent/teacher conferences, I have an overwhelming desire to vegetate for a bit.

With sincere apologies to my readers, I am going to give into that feeling and do just that. Mañana ...

Running on Empty

It's late, and I'm tired! After working for several hours, I just finished writing the 13th (and latest - literally) draft of my "Macaroni ..." manuscript. Hurray!  

After lots of work and advice from others, I believe that my story is very close for submission. The characters seem real (finally) and propel the action forward at a logical pace. They are now integral to the plot, and don't feel like I just stuck them in because I needed to break up parts of long narration. I still want to edit/revise the newly added sections one more time before my Critique Group meeting this evening. But, for now, I'm too wiped out and must go to bed.

Good night, y'all. I mean, good morning everyone. Wish me luck?!!!

Where Have You Been?

I am back! Did you miss me? Or, are you the type of person that didn’t even notice that I was gone? After all, since there was nothing to read on my blog, you probably assumed that I must have fallen off the edge of the earth or experienced some other such calamity, right? Hopefully, you did miss hearing from me on a semi regular basis, and now are so tickled to read my tidbits of wisdom again, that you can hardly read the letters on this page through the crocodile tears of joy welling up in your eyes. (Hey! A guy can always dream, can't he?)

So then, why it has taken me so long to get back to my writing online? Well, I could say that I was just being lazy and get on with the rest of this blog. Or, I could use the excuse that I just haven't written anything that was worthy of appearing on my blog. Or, I could say that I won the lottery and I'm now independently wealthy, and that I no longer feel the need to share my thoughts with the world. But, none of these explanations would be accurate.

The real reason that I haven't been writing is because my computer bit the dust! Crashed! Died! Stopped working! It is swimming with the fishes!

The slow march to recycling bin was not unexpected though. My computer had been staggering along like a boxer who received too many vicious shots to the jaw in a fight. Dazed and stumbling around the electronic metaphysical ring, my PC had not hit the canvas yet. It was hurt, I admit. But, I figure it would recover enough to battle another day after it got rubbed down by the trainer with a warm towel and inhaled some smelling salts. Unfortunately, before I knew it, the referee stopped the fight. My laptop was declared the loser.

My heart stopped at about the same time my computer screen flickered to darkness. I knew that I had a myriad of story ideas, unprinted digital pictures, and other things on it that I needed to save. But, what could I do?

Luckily, I was able to get some flickering life back to my screen. I discovered that by grabbing the power cord and twisting it back and forth and holding it at an angle, I could get my PC to work for scant few minutes at a time. It was then, during the cold and dark month of January, that I, while swearing under my breath and manipulating that wire for all that it was worth, was able to retrieve most of my files. In this way, I was able to save most of my important stuff.

What did I learn from this incident? I learned some valuable lessons that I would like to share with you today. So here goes...

First lesson: Always, always, always, BACK UP the information stored on your computer prior to it crashing.

In other words, don't assume that your computer will work forever. I have a friend who works at a large electronics retailer who related to me that he’s noticed that many computers built today will only last from 3 to 4 years. I haven't researched this tidbit of information to find out if it was totally accurate. But, his message to me was quite simple: Nothing lasts forever. In other words, don't treat your manuscripts, pictures, artwork, research, web page designs, login information, or other items stored on your PC so frivolously. Back them up! I learned the value and wisdom of this first lesson the hard way.

Second lesson: Always, always, always, BACK UP the information stored on your computer prior to it crashing.

If you forget this lesson, refer back to the first lesson.

Third lesson: Always, always, always, BACK UP the information stored on your computer prior to it crashing.

Are you seeing a pattern here yet? You should. Here are some ways that I am attempting to keep my work and family memories safe for future generations. Hopefully, one or more of these ideas will work for you, too!

I have started to back up my stories and pictures at least once a week on an external hard drive. My preferred schedule right now is to upload my information on Sunday nights while watching TV. This is fairly easy to do, and relatively quick. I just have to plug in my USB cord to my computer which leads to my external hard drive and … voila.

Another thing that I am doing for safety reasons is to email myself the manuscripts and notes that I've written, edited, or revised. I try to do this as soon as I finish working for the day. Whenever I write a new draft or come up with new story ideas, I email them to myself from one email address to another as an attachment. I use two different online email service providers so that in case one of the companies self destruct for any reason, I have a backup of my work at the other site. Low tech, but effective.

The last thing that I do to protect my files is to cross my fingers, and hope that my hard drive never completely has a meltdown and self-destructs. (Is crossing your fingers really a strategy?) As I found out when my desktop PC crashed a couple of years ago, there are several companies that can save your pictures and files from your computer hard drive. You just have to drop off your computer with them for a few hours. If you're lucky, magic happens, and the contents of your computer are saved on a brand-new external hard drive that you get to take home with you. A fee is charged for this service, but I found it more than adequate in order to recover pictures of my precious kids, my beautiful wife, and my beloved pets.

To conclude, I hope you are as happy to hear from me as I am to be back writing on my blog again. It's been a while, but with a little luck and proper precautions, computer crashes and the destruction left in the aftermath, will be a thing of the past for me and for you. Take care!

Spies on a Mission

“Sign our books!”

“What?” I confusedly answered after this unexpected demand.

“Sign our books to prove that we fulfilled our mission!”

“What are you talking about?” I stammered, still perplexed by the order. This command was being given to me by three nimble and wrinkle-free explorers who had just entered my abode. The squad had silently snuck up behind me and almost caught me by surprise. If I wasn’t blessed with the magic of peripheral vision, I might have been totally stunned.

In spite of it being over 70 degrees inside my house, the three members of the dangerous looking crew had on long coats and hats, with packs on their backs whose contents remained unknown. They also carried with them in their hands what appeared to be maps and light emitting devices. The oldest clutched a pointed object of some sort. To say that these three seemed out of place would be an understatement. They looked dangerous, and set me on edge.

My heart raced as sweat beaded upon my skin, and my other senses became heightened. I instinctively began to flex my hands. I silently cursed under my breath. If only I had been wearing my glasses, I might have been able to put up a better defense against these intruders.

“C’mon, Dad!” whined the three little spies. “Just sign our mission books already so we can get back to our job.”

The three, who I now took to be miniature Moen beings, all thrust out their self-made mission cards at me. Then, they all said loudly in unison, “Sign!”

As the small paper card from the largest child got closer to my nose, the print on it became legible. The piece of paper had on it a list of “missions” that each kid was supposed to accomplish. The first task – “Sneak up on Dad.”

“Would you please hurry up?” said my oldest. She then handed me the pointed object she was holding – a pen. “We have a lot to get accomplished today, and don’t have time to waste!”

“Okay,” I replied, while rapidly taking the pen from her and signing each child’s mission card. I handed each slip of paper back with my signature written as “Dad,” to each respective child. Then I asked, “All set?”

“Thanks, Dad!” they happily said. Then, all three of my imaginative children took off in search of another adventure.

As they traipsed around the corner, I quickly wrote down the spy gear they each had with them. Here is what I learned that each professional undercover agent needs in order to conduct a mission successfully:

Powder-Puff Girls Backpack
Notepad
Hand Sanitizer
Dictionary
Chapstick
Pencil
Pen
Light
Club Membership/Mission Card

Perry the Platypus would be so proud!

What you just read above is my second draft of an incident that I jotted down earlier in the week. I often write down a few words, sentences, or phrases on paper, record my thoughts on my digital recorder, and/or write out ideas using my computer’s word processing program several times a week. Sometimes these tidbits become stories or even blog posts. Others just become detritus.

In either case, valuable additions to my creative writing process has taken place – I get ideas, I think about them, and I decide which ones may have some merit. Then, I further develop the ideas that strike me as worthy of development. Others, I discard.

After writing for a bit on the “winners” for my stories and blogs, I sometimes sadly learn that some of pieces I’ve spent added time on don’t work. Rats! All is not lost though. I put these back in my portfolio and hope that someday I’ll happen upon them again just like I would a time capsule. Maybe these canceled ideas will work at a later date, and I’ll be able to recycle them in the future?

Below is my original ramblings about the “Spies on a Mission” short story I developed more fully above. Can you notice the similarities between the two?


My four year old son, along with his older siblings, snuck up behind me last night and caught me by surprise. Then, as all good spies do when accomplishing a task, my kids had me check off and sign their self-made “mission” cards to verify that they had fulfilled their spy mission by sneaking up on me quietly. They even had their own pens just in case I failed to bring one from my mission control reclining easy chair. Inspector Clouseau would be so proud!

To Write or Not to Write: That is the Problem

“I can’t think of anything to write about, Mr. Moen!”

I won’t even try to count the number of times that I’ve heard this sentiment expressed in my classroom. The pathetic sounding wail first takes wings and wafts across the room and to my ears from at least one, and sometimes more, of my students when I ask them to sit down and write something. Heck, I even say this to myself on those occasions when I find it difficult to get started with my writing. Of course, I don’t usually add the “Mr. Moen” part at the end. That would be too weird.

Whatever the reasons behind the complaining by those under my guidance, I can relate. As a matter of fact, I am feeling that I don’t have anything to write about right now either. Maybe I should hurl myself upon the floor and flail around wildly kicking the ground? Or, I could scream at the top of my lungs until someone notices me? Or maybe I should just cry instead? Then, I would get out of having to jolt my brain into gear and compose a blog entry for today. Right?

Of course, maybe I’m having difficulty focusing right now because I am working in an environment that is truly not conducive for creative reflection. Right now I am repeatedly distracted by the vivid pictures and sounds of a football game blaring on the TV at the same time I’m writing this - Go Seahawks! All the while, I’m also within earshot of the happy sounds of two of my kids cooperatively playing a board game in the kitchen, bombarded by the noise of my 4 year old attempting to sing karaoke through an amplified toy, and am encountering a repeated barrage from my three dogs, noisily romping and fighting all over the living room, knocking over furniture and occasionally, a small distracted child.

So, what is it exactly that a person can do to overcome these instances of “writer’s block?” Well, I have a few pieces of advice that may help you become unstuck. Here are some things that have worked for me:

1) Sit down and write anything that comes to mind – This by far and away seems to be the suggestion that works the best for me. If you feel like you have nothing to say, write that down! Maybe you should start by writing about the weather, a fly buzzing near your head, or how excited you are to clean the toilets. The point is, you must keep writing no matter what! Usually, within 10 – 15 minutes of time, you hit upon a topic that strikes a chord with you. Then, words start to flow more easily.

2) Leave – Take a break and get away from your writing for awhile. Go for a walk, do housework, shop, or dance the tango. It doesn’t really matter what you do, as long as you get away from your prose for a bit. And, be sure to do something that allows your mind to totally escape from the task of writing. Otherwise, you will spend your time away fretting over what you still have left to compose.

3) Eat – I know … this is probably a horrible suggestion to make to those of us abundantly blessed with more than ample girth. (Dang government BMI charts!) But, based on years of personal research, I have found that my mood improves if I can get a little nourishment and chocolate into my body. Plus, a person gets the added benefit of putting the impending task off until the digestive secretions get kicked into high gear. No more rumbling in the tummy to distract you!

So there you have it. Writing, much like other talents in life, is a learned behavior. The more you practice, the better you become at it. So, I’d encourage you be persistent. Even though the job of putting your ideas to paper may seem exceedingly challenging, I believe that you can be successful if you incorporate some of the tips I mentioned above and keep working. Plus, the more advice and help you get along the way, the more confidence and aptitude you’ll acquire. Good luck, and keep writing!

Thankful

It's been a couple of weeks sent I last added to my blog. So, I feel like today is the time to give a short update about my writing aspirations and progress to my readers.

First off, do not be alarmed ... I am still working on my quest to become a published author. However, the time that I have to write creatively has been dramatically curtailed lately due to an unforeseen situation that has arisen in my life. I anticipate that all items will be resolved shortly, and I can return to a more regular writing schedule.

So, what was it that had me preoccupied? My wife and youngest child were involved in a car accident. Thankfully, both of them were not seriously injured. But, dealing with the insurance company (who has been wonderful so far), the car rental agency, an accident appraiser, the police department, and the body shop has taken my focus and energy away from my craft. Lately, I find myself spending more time worrying instead of writing. Yuck!

When all is said and done though, I believe that going through this rough patch will help me become a more disciplined writer. I understand that there will be things that come up in life that interfere with the creativity that flows from my gray matter and onto the written page. But, I also know that I can overcome these obstacles on my way towards my ultimate goal if I am persistent. I just need to take a deep breath, resolve whatever ails me, then write. Easy as pie, huh?

As I sit here today, the one word that keeps bubbling to the surface from my subconscious is: "Thankful." I am thankful that I am surrounded by my loving family. I am thankful that I have a teaching job that I love. I am thankful that I get to write stories for children. I am thankful that I have a warm house and a safe place to sleep in at night. I am also thankful for my 3 barking dogs, 3 singing parakeets, 3 quietly swimming goldfish, and a stack of laundry still left to do that is taller than my youngest child. All in all, I have a lot to be thankful for on this glorious, rainy and overcast day in Washington.

Thank you for stopping by!