Meet the Authors Event

I was pleased to join three other authors from Missouri and Arkansas to speak at a "Meet the Authors" event recently. Friends of the Library from the Webster County Library in Marshfield sponsored the small but mighty group of about 35 (from teens to retirees).

Each author--Allison Merritt, Pati Johnson Tierney, Kymberley Cook and I discussed our publishing stories (and sometimes woes) and recapped our respective books. It was interesting and everyone, of course, had a different path to publication.

I spoke about starting short (i.e., six-word memoirs and short stories in anthologies) to build publishing credits. Then, I discussed the novel that I started (and finished) a few years ago and why I switched genres  to children's picture books. The picture books have been a surprising joy in my life, and while I do plan to get back to novel writing, I will always, always, always write for children. My goal is to write at least one new picture book every year. I can't think of anything more important that children's literature and inspiring a child to read or write. And their precious faces and honest questions when I read to them just make my heart swell!

I'd encourage every author to force yourself to speak publicly. Many writers don't particularly enjoy public speaking--including me--but once in a comforting room with a supportive audience, the fears soon melt away.

L. to r.: Beth Carter, Allison Merritt, Kymberley Cook and Pati Johnson Tierney

Four genres were represented--thriller, steampunk fantasy, paranormal YA and children's picture books so the Friends of the Library heard quite a variety of fun writerly topics. Thanks to the Webster County Library for the invitation and to everyone who attended.

An Observation Exercise for Writer's Block

Recently, I saw a writer post that she hadn't written a word in six months. Not a word. Since my muse is usually in overtime skitting from project to project, it's hard for me to to believe writer's block exists, but it apparently does.

This writer said she had situational depression. While I don't know her, I tried to be helpful and suggested the following observation exercise which I learned in a college writing class. Thanks to my favorite writing professor, Jo Van Arkel, for this valuable lesson.

Choose a location--any location (inside or out)--and take your laptop or pen and pad with you. Then, using your senses write down EVERYTHING you see, hear, smell, taste, and touch.

Don't leave anything out. Scribble away and clean it up later. I promise this will get the words flowing. I even had to use shorthand to keep up with all of my senses and fast-paced surrounding!

For my assignment, I chose to go to a downtown bus stop. Soon, I was among intriguing people (hey, be nice) and the smell of popcorn from a nearby movie theatre that is long gone. I also smelled exhaust from passing cars and heard breaks screeching and cars humming. I could feel the cold concrete bench under my behind, the wind on my face, and saw birds swirl overhead. I took notice of everyone's clothes, perfume, hairstyle, and some very worn shoes. Then, I listened for dialogue. Yes, I happily eavesdropped.

While I don't remember the conversations, I do remember a story emerged between strangers. This suprised me and delighted my professor. I had planned to sit there for an hour, and as the windy day turned to dusk, I begrudgingly left my hard chair behind hours later. After all, I now had several handwritten pages to type.

This observation exercise is an easy, helpful way to get the words flowing. It also helps with realistic dialogue, new characters, and hones your senses.  After 20 years, I still remember it fondly as one of my favorite writing exercises. Try it and let me know how it goes.

Naming Characters

How do you choose names for your characters? Do you keep a list? Do you use names of family, friends and co-workers--or your dreaded former boyfriends?!!

Lately, I've noticed when writing in a hurry I "grab" the same character names too often, namely (pun intended) "Jenny" and "Sylvia." I don't know why but I do. Actually, my parents almost named me Jennifer but didn't like "Jenny" so they chose Beth. I happen to like the name Jenny so maybe that's why I use her as a character. I also tend to use "S" names quite a bit like Sarah and, yes, Sylvia.

When we're all spending too much time on Facebook or Twitter, I say we keep a running list of interesting names that we see online. At least we'll feel halfway productive while socializing. I often check the phone book (the real, heavy one--old school) for last names. Last names are particularly hard for me.

Of course, if you have an ethnic character from a country you're not that familiar with, you'll want to Google possible names so they are realistic.

Last but not least, I bought a baby book of about 5,000 names. That should keep me from tiring out poor Jenny and Sylvia! How about you? How do you choose names for your characters?

Exterior of Home-Made Car

Here it is! Many of you asked to see the exterior of this unique car after viewing the inside. Thanks for all of your great stories. I can't wait to print many of them out and share your flash fiction with the owner (once I track him/her down). And, in my mind, I thought it was green, but as you can see, it's brown with green wheels.

Let me know if this is what you expected it to look like!

Inheritance

This is an exciting Friday Fictioneers week since my photo is the prompt! I'm so pleased and cannot wait to read all of the 100-word offerings. If you haven't yet heard, my photo was taken in Florida (as I walked by this unique car in a parking lot). To my pleasant surprise, it placed first at the recent Ozarks Writers League annual contest. It's blue ribbon time!

Here is the interior of this cool, home-made car. I plan to print out a sampling of the FF stories and will attempt to find the owner the next time I'm in Florida. I have seen this car parked at the same restaurant twice so I'm hopeful we'll connect.

Beth Carter, Photographer (c)

INHERITANCE

By Beth Carter

Jenny sat on a sofa, avoiding the gaze of her trust-fund cousins. They had always looked down their plastic-surgery noses at her waitress job, but her sweet, funny uncle had loved her.

The attorney announced $100,000 would go to each grandchild for educational purposes. He then addressed her two cousins by name. “Your father has bequeathed his cattle ranch to you.”

Jenny stiffened, knowing how they loathed getting their hands dirty.

He turned to Jenny. “Your Uncle Clever left you his favorite car.”

Her smug cousins laughed while Jenny wondered how she would spend the $1 million she knew was under the floorboard.

Actually, I wrote TWO stories this week. Maybe I'm entitled since I took the photo. Maybe not.

Either way, please let me know which one you like best! Here's #2:

PRIDE AND JOY

By Beth Carter

Sylvia took a long sip of chardonnay as she studied Tina’s perfectly manicured nails and designer shoes—the nails and shoes Sylvia had long envied.

“You know, I thought I had finally found the right guy.”

“What happened?”

“We met at that new restaurant, ordered an expensive meal and drank a bottle of imported wine.”

“What’s wrong with that?”

Sylvia rolled her eyes. “Nothing. Everything was perfect until—”

Tina leaned forward. “Until what?”

“He offered to drive me to his yacht in his ‘pride and joy.’ When we got to the parking lot, he opened the door to THIS.”

Hope you enjoyed my two flash fiction pieces! Hop over to http://rochellewisofffields.wordpress.com

to read the other 100-word stories by our growing Friday Fictioneers.



My Winning Photograph

I was flabbergasted and beyond thrilled when I was notified that I had won FIRST PLACE in the annual Art & Photography Contest by Ozarks Writers League in February. I mean I almost needed garlic waved in front of my nose. To my dismay, I was out of state during the meeting to receive this honor. Still, it was amazing news.

As background, this was the first time I had entered a photography contest and it certainly won't be my last. Most of you know I am not tech savvy. Not in the least. I finally threw away my corded Princess phone (okay, it was almost that bad) and bought a new-fangled phone that has a great camera. Ever since my phone/camera purchase, I've been snapping pictures constantly. I'll run to catch a great shot, crouch, squint, try different angles, stand in the hot sun or on an icy patch--whatever it takes. I almost feel like a real photographer.

Okay, okay. I know you just want to see the winning photo. I entered a few and honestly thought a couple of wildlife photos might have a chance at placing. This award-winning photo caught me by surprise (a very pleasant surprise). It's funny. Really funny and is a home-made car by an ingenious person. I first took photos of the exterior but couldn't see the rich, humorous details inside. So, I got close to the car from every possible angle and came up with this... Note: It's best enjoyed in the 8" x 10" version.

Car spotted in Cape Coral, Florida. It really runs!

"Car Seats" photo by Beth Carter



Creative Writers

As I prepare to enter my first-ever photography contest, it occurred to me that writers not only write creatively, they are naturally creative people. To illustrate this, let me introduce you to several of my author friends who are extremely creative:

• Linda and Jan both write and paint
• Shirley writes and crochets
• Stephanie writes and makes beaded jewelry
• Brenda, Sharon, and Mike write and are award-winning photographers
• Amy writes, dances, acts, and is a magician's assistant
• Lonnie writes and plays instruments
• Mike writes, sings, and plays several instruments
• Linda writes and is a public speaking expert
• Claire writes and is an amazing cook (or so I hear!)
• Ruth and Linda write and read Tarot cards

I'm sure I've missed several, so please fill us in. Oh, and what's my claim to fame? I write, play the piano (albeit rarely) and have a new-found interest in photography thanks to my updated cell phone. (I'm currently shopping for an easy digital camera.) I also bought a Drawing for Dummies book because I would love to learn to draw and paint. Once in high school, I made a paper mache` clown that actually made it into the main hallway showcase at Central High School. That's big for someone who normally cannot draw stick people. I'd give anything to have that cute clown.

How about you? Besides writing creatively, are you a creative writer? If so, what is your creative outlet?