Wow. I am not a newbie, but this article kind of makes my head hurt. JA, its author, is not wrong. There are series I have stuck with because they started well or I was told just get through the first one or two and then it picks up. Of course, I pick up so many books secondhand because I contribute to the creation of so many books - my own and my authors'.
The thing is, a person still has to be discovered, talked about, and passed around the first time. The first book in the series. The first series in the repertoire. If you don't support your local author, they'll think they need to try something else to get your support, and won't write the next book in the series (they always have a sequel in their heads. They know what their characters are doing after THE END. Trust me.) because they think you're not interested. They want to please you. But when you give your support to authors who literally admit that they could turn out shit and outsell the great American novel these days, you're not helping. When you support your friend because they're your friend but you don't read what they write and you have NO IDEA how bad it is, you aren't helping. If you want better, then you need to help be part of that. It's possible, but it's hard work.
Phyl Campbell is Author, Mother, Dreamer, and Dr. Pepper Addict. And you can bet she's procrastinating on writing what she's actually supposed to be writing -- RIGHT NOW.
Showing posts with label #writing online. Show all posts
Showing posts with label #writing online. Show all posts
Wednesday, July 24, 2019
Wednesday, August 9, 2017
Action is not the same thing as Plot
As someone who teaches writing, I see a lot of things. One recently is that the young people I work with try to add things that happen without those things adding to the plot. The result of this is somewhat comedic -- how much STUFF can a character go through in a day?
Plot should be action. You probably don't want characters who just sit around talking. You want them to get up and kick ass -- at least every once in a while. But that action needs a focus point. While there are things (like weather-related disasters) that happen for no good reason, the plot should center around the question: "What does this character WANT?" and then describe the path and the obstacles to get that character to that place -- or help the character deal with NOT reaching that goal.
Authors CAN beat the crap out of their characters. Life does this, too. Some of the most dramatic stories involve wondering how much more a person can take. But the story is not the events. The story is how the person dealt with the challenges.
A character's drive doesn't have to be flashy, either. Fault in Our Stars and Perks of Being a Wallflower were both incredibly well conceived stories about people not looking to be much more than ordinary. A character does not have to be a superhero to be a hero.
Elementary school students have led me on perfectly ordinary adventures about nighttime rituals involving getting that last drink of water before bed. Middle school students have led me on bizarre quests in search of the perfect golden Ticonderoga. School and home plots have plenty tension and drive without murder and mayhem of the macabre caliber.
So plot with purpose (I'm certain someone has trademarked that, I mean no infringement). Focus on what drives your character to get up in the morning and stumble through the day. Or why your character is so overwhelmed that the bed is a sanctuary. You can do a lot with plot, and actions do drive that plot home. But actions for the sake of filling pages will cause your reader to be confused, put down YOUR book, and reach for something else.
Phyl Campbell is the author of I'm Not Writing a Book Today, the so-called procrastination guide for writers and other dreamers, and a number of other books in various genres (available on Amazon). Books she has published for young authors can be found on her website. They are also available on Amazon under their own authors and titles. Campbell lives and teaches in York County, PA.
Plot should be action. You probably don't want characters who just sit around talking. You want them to get up and kick ass -- at least every once in a while. But that action needs a focus point. While there are things (like weather-related disasters) that happen for no good reason, the plot should center around the question: "What does this character WANT?" and then describe the path and the obstacles to get that character to that place -- or help the character deal with NOT reaching that goal.
Authors CAN beat the crap out of their characters. Life does this, too. Some of the most dramatic stories involve wondering how much more a person can take. But the story is not the events. The story is how the person dealt with the challenges.
A character's drive doesn't have to be flashy, either. Fault in Our Stars and Perks of Being a Wallflower were both incredibly well conceived stories about people not looking to be much more than ordinary. A character does not have to be a superhero to be a hero.
Elementary school students have led me on perfectly ordinary adventures about nighttime rituals involving getting that last drink of water before bed. Middle school students have led me on bizarre quests in search of the perfect golden Ticonderoga. School and home plots have plenty tension and drive without murder and mayhem of the macabre caliber.
So plot with purpose (I'm certain someone has trademarked that, I mean no infringement). Focus on what drives your character to get up in the morning and stumble through the day. Or why your character is so overwhelmed that the bed is a sanctuary. You can do a lot with plot, and actions do drive that plot home. But actions for the sake of filling pages will cause your reader to be confused, put down YOUR book, and reach for something else.
Phyl Campbell is the author of I'm Not Writing a Book Today, the so-called procrastination guide for writers and other dreamers, and a number of other books in various genres (available on Amazon). Books she has published for young authors can be found on her website. They are also available on Amazon under their own authors and titles. Campbell lives and teaches in York County, PA.
Wednesday, August 31, 2016
Young Authors Open House Event
Now that everyone has gotten back into the rhythm of school, Ann and I are excited to present an Open House of the Young* Writer's Workshop on September 16, from 5-7 at the Ann Peden Jewelry and Artist Marketplace in Watkinsville.
Come see work by authors age six (and a half), ten, sixteen, and maybe a little older than sixteen who make Georgia their home. Order copies of their books and maybe get their autographs.
Learn more about the Young Writer Workshop, where both young and young at heart can find their voice(s) and make stories that can become real live books.
See the work done in Arkansas by young authors when I was living and working there. Ask me about special discounts, or pick up a list of their books which can be purchased on Amazon.
Play some writing and storytelling games -- Flash Fiction After Dark and the Four Favorites Game are my most popular.
And of course, while you are there, check out ALL the art and jewelry and unique gift items that Ann Peden's has to offer. For example, Ann made this owl bookmark right in front of my eyes!!
So again, please join us!
Open House of the Young* Writer's Workshop
September 16, from 5-7
Ann Peden Jewelry and Artist Marketplace
*Young and Young at Heart; Ages 5 and up welcome and encouraged!!
Come see work by authors age six (and a half), ten, sixteen, and maybe a little older than sixteen who make Georgia their home. Order copies of their books and maybe get their autographs.
 |
| Available on Amazon |
 |
| Available on Amazon |
 |
| Coming Soon!! |
 |
| Available on Amazon |
Learn more about the Young Writer Workshop, where both young and young at heart can find their voice(s) and make stories that can become real live books.
See the work done in Arkansas by young authors when I was living and working there. Ask me about special discounts, or pick up a list of their books which can be purchased on Amazon.
Play some writing and storytelling games -- Flash Fiction After Dark and the Four Favorites Game are my most popular.
And of course, while you are there, check out ALL the art and jewelry and unique gift items that Ann Peden's has to offer. For example, Ann made this owl bookmark right in front of my eyes!!
 |
| People that come out to see me at First Friday on Main in Watkinsville on September 2nd have an opportunity to snag a coupon for a free bookmark like this one (with purchase of one of my books). |
So again, please join us!
Open House of the Young* Writer's Workshop
September 16, from 5-7
Ann Peden Jewelry and Artist Marketplace
Ann Peden Jewelry
*Young and Young at Heart; Ages 5 and up welcome and encouraged!!
Tuesday, August 2, 2016
Published Books
I can't believe I have neglected to mention the first two GEORGIA books published through my creative writing workshop!!!
Six and a half year old Payton Ledford published I See a Rainbow. Payton drew all the pictures herself and dictated the story to me. Rainbow qualifies as a non-fiction PreK-Grade 2 textbook. In the book, you will learn the colors of a rainbow, where to find them, and that her favorite color is PINK!!
Her sister is ten year old Kayden Ledford. Kayden published The Three Best Friends. This is a book about friends and working to keep friends from becoming frenemies. I can see this book being really popular with 8-12 year olds who are having a rough time with friends.
You've got to check both of them out, along with all the books by the Arkansas Young Authors!!
Phyl Campbell is Author, Mother, Dreamer. She writes on a variety of topics: Education, Women/Feminism/Equality, Book Reviews, and Writing. Her books are available on Amazon. If you'd like to see her speak at an upcoming function, contact her via her website or Facebook page.
Six and a half year old Payton Ledford published I See a Rainbow. Payton drew all the pictures herself and dictated the story to me. Rainbow qualifies as a non-fiction PreK-Grade 2 textbook. In the book, you will learn the colors of a rainbow, where to find them, and that her favorite color is PINK!!
 |
| I See A Rainbow, available in Paperback or Kindle on Amazon. |
Her sister is ten year old Kayden Ledford. Kayden published The Three Best Friends. This is a book about friends and working to keep friends from becoming frenemies. I can see this book being really popular with 8-12 year olds who are having a rough time with friends.
 |
| The Three Best Friends, available in paperback and Kindle on Amazon.com |
You've got to check both of them out, along with all the books by the Arkansas Young Authors!!
Phyl Campbell is Author, Mother, Dreamer. She writes on a variety of topics: Education, Women/Feminism/Equality, Book Reviews, and Writing. Her books are available on Amazon. If you'd like to see her speak at an upcoming function, contact her via her website or Facebook page.Friday, July 22, 2016
Dates and a Guest Blog Post Link
OK. Here are some dates:
Saturday, July 23 -- 11AM West Broad Farmer's Market
I'll be doing storytime, handing out blank books for people to stop and make a book with, and all that jazz. Athens, GA!!
Tuesday, July 26 -- 1-4PM Ann Peden - Jewelry and Artist Marketplace
I'll be holding the PENULTIMATE Make A Book Summer Workshop for 2016.
Watkinsville, GA!!
And the AWA allowed me to guest post on their blog again. I really appreciate being part of this fantastic group. This is a guide to formatting in MSWord for CreateSpace.
I am getting better about formatting and teaching myself better practices for formatting books for Kindle as well as POD. I'd love to help you see yourself in print -- contact me!!
Comments are always welcome, whether here or on my FB page. Same goes for LIKES, SHARES, and offers of canned Dr. Pepper (though we may have to do that in person).
Saturday, July 23 -- 11AM West Broad Farmer's Market
I'll be doing storytime, handing out blank books for people to stop and make a book with, and all that jazz. Athens, GA!!
Tuesday, July 26 -- 1-4PM Ann Peden - Jewelry and Artist Marketplace
I'll be holding the PENULTIMATE Make A Book Summer Workshop for 2016.
Watkinsville, GA!!
And the AWA allowed me to guest post on their blog again. I really appreciate being part of this fantastic group. This is a guide to formatting in MSWord for CreateSpace.
https://athenswritersassociation.wordpress.com/2016/07/18/formatting-a-book-manuscript-with-ms-word/
(Kudos and thanks to Katherine for the beach scenes!!)
I am getting better about formatting and teaching myself better practices for formatting books for Kindle as well as POD. I'd love to help you see yourself in print -- contact me!!
Comments are always welcome, whether here or on my FB page. Same goes for LIKES, SHARES, and offers of canned Dr. Pepper (though we may have to do that in person).
Saturday, April 30, 2016
Shakespeare, Hawthorne, Poe and I Haven't Written Much Lately, and at Least I'm Not Dead
Was my last blog post really in January? Seems impossible.
But then, consider that I moved in February (and got sick), created a new FB page (Life in Georgia, you should go check it out), and have been doing a lot of things so that I have things to write about. Sometimes I even write about the things. Sometimes I share when I write about the things.
April was Camp NaNo, but the first week, my son and I drove back to AR for Spring Break, a birthday party, several friend visits, and a speaking engagement. We drove and only lost an hour, but I felt like I had jet lag that cost me another week. I made it to PTA events -- which is probably why I'm chairing a committee -- too tired to act like I didn't want it. And I do want to do well. I want my kid to be proud that I'm around before those teenage hormones fully come into play. But I only showed up to make adult friends that might have kids my son is friends with. Obviously I have learned nothing about the typical PTA... (I have met a few people that now know me by name. So far they seem really nice. I'm sure they are also not typical PTA of the type terrible tales are written!)
(Harper Valley PTA clip that I don't own -- all rights to their rightful owners, etc, etc.)
I BETA-read a friend's book in late March and handed it off in April. I can't reveal anything yet, but people are going to love it. Here's one hint (see image):
That's it -- that's all you get! And it isn't enough -- I promise!!
Anyway...
I met with many of the young authors during my Spring Break visit.
I collected the BETA readings of A Muse Meant over Spring Break. I edited for the last time (cross fingers) and handed it off to one last BETA reader. I'm excited about that.
My son and I started a story about the explanation and evolution of mermaids, and I'm working on that -- a very little. IDK if this cover works, but I kinda liked it:
I'm worried about all the tales I feel like I'm abandoning, and think I may have found a loophole to do a short story collection for a bunch of random fantasies I've half-baked. I wrote an intro and shared it with one of my young authors -- she took it and ran with a new dragon story that has not one thing to do with my introduction (as I had intended it). But she's got a new wonderful story in the works and her giddiness was catching. So I told her if all the young authors wanted to add shorts or if we wanted to write a story together -- whatever works and sounds like fun for as long as it IS fun!
And I have a Scavenger Hunt to arrange. "It'll be easy!" I said. "There will be zombies!" I said.
I say a lot of stupid things.
I have been and done more things. I have loads of half-written blog posts that I need to finish, type, and post.
One thing at a time, right? Sure... Let me know how that works out for you...
But then, consider that I moved in February (and got sick), created a new FB page (Life in Georgia, you should go check it out), and have been doing a lot of things so that I have things to write about. Sometimes I even write about the things. Sometimes I share when I write about the things.
(Harper Valley PTA clip that I don't own -- all rights to their rightful owners, etc, etc.)
I BETA-read a friend's book in late March and handed it off in April. I can't reveal anything yet, but people are going to love it. Here's one hint (see image):
That's it -- that's all you get! And it isn't enough -- I promise!!
Anyway...
I met with many of the young authors during my Spring Break visit.
 |
| Aren't they a wonderful looking group? And don't get me started on the talent! Ian's working on book #3, Cadence a new series, Bella book #3 and Ari book #2. #proudteacher |
My son and I started a story about the explanation and evolution of mermaids, and I'm working on that -- a very little. IDK if this cover works, but I kinda liked it:
I'm worried about all the tales I feel like I'm abandoning, and think I may have found a loophole to do a short story collection for a bunch of random fantasies I've half-baked. I wrote an intro and shared it with one of my young authors -- she took it and ran with a new dragon story that has not one thing to do with my introduction (as I had intended it). But she's got a new wonderful story in the works and her giddiness was catching. So I told her if all the young authors wanted to add shorts or if we wanted to write a story together -- whatever works and sounds like fun for as long as it IS fun!
And I have a Scavenger Hunt to arrange. "It'll be easy!" I said. "There will be zombies!" I said.
I say a lot of stupid things.
 |
| I did not create this Zombie Bingo Card. I was thinking that something LIKE this would make finding items out of order easy. We shall see. |
I have been and done more things. I have loads of half-written blog posts that I need to finish, type, and post.
One thing at a time, right? Sure... Let me know how that works out for you...
Thursday, April 9, 2015
#25Reasons to Celebrate!!
After ten years of writing, not writing, and hitting walls, #25Reasons is finally approved by CreateSpace (had some formatting issues) and should be available (live) on Amazon.com by this weekend.
The official launch date is May 2 at the WACO fairgrounds in Fayetteville, AR. At that time, I will also be launching Confessions of a Grammar Enthusiast*, which came out last month.
I don't know whether #AMuseMeant will be ready in time for a triple-threat launch. On one hand, hitting that final PUBLISH key always leaves me feeling very high. On the other hand, fixing formatting issues is both exhausting and brain frying. I sat outside yesterday (it was beautiful) -- rain was threatening, not too hot, windy -- and reattached the bumper pads to my son's trampoline. I need to spend more time outside (not counting time spent in a car). I've been wanting to get my publishing "to do" list knocked out, but sharpening the saw is also good for the heart, mind, and soul.
Next week is my 13th wedding anniversary, my son's 12th birthday, my son's birthday party, and the local Renaissance Faire. Time to get out and enjoy them!
*Since I don't know how long it takes CreateSpace and Amazon to fix things -- I found an error in the "About the Author" online section. Read at face value, it alludes that I jet-set between active teaching in Arkansas and working in a library in Lexington, KY. The Lexington library and ESL teaching experiences were vital contributors to the path that led me to Confessions, but I left Lexington in 2006 and am a full time NWA resident and muck-raker.
Phyl Campbell is the author of all the books you see above. She writes and teaches (privately or in workshops) in NWA. She is easiest to contact through Facebook: Phyl Campbell Author Page.
I don't know whether #AMuseMeant will be ready in time for a triple-threat launch. On one hand, hitting that final PUBLISH key always leaves me feeling very high. On the other hand, fixing formatting issues is both exhausting and brain frying. I sat outside yesterday (it was beautiful) -- rain was threatening, not too hot, windy -- and reattached the bumper pads to my son's trampoline. I need to spend more time outside (not counting time spent in a car). I've been wanting to get my publishing "to do" list knocked out, but sharpening the saw is also good for the heart, mind, and soul.
Next week is my 13th wedding anniversary, my son's 12th birthday, my son's birthday party, and the local Renaissance Faire. Time to get out and enjoy them!
*Since I don't know how long it takes CreateSpace and Amazon to fix things -- I found an error in the "About the Author" online section. Read at face value, it alludes that I jet-set between active teaching in Arkansas and working in a library in Lexington, KY. The Lexington library and ESL teaching experiences were vital contributors to the path that led me to Confessions, but I left Lexington in 2006 and am a full time NWA resident and muck-raker.Phyl Campbell is the author of all the books you see above. She writes and teaches (privately or in workshops) in NWA. She is easiest to contact through Facebook: Phyl Campbell Author Page.
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