Researching and reading to be a better writer...

8/23/2010

It was a crazy weekend! Busy, busy, busy! I honestly didn't get a lot of "writing" done for my book yet I was still "working" on my writing! Are you confused? I was beating myself up for not "writing" as much as I had planned when the month started until my wonderful and brilliant husband enlightened me.

Ed helped me to understand my researching for the book is part of my writing process! Duh...I learned that in a few of my writing classes - thank goodness he helped me open that filing cabinet drawer and clean out the cobwebs! :)

This evening's post is to help me and my fellow writing friends. If you are in the process of "writing" a book - remember there are an array of things required in order to make your writing successful and your end product a creative work others will want to read.

Items I have been doing over the weekend to "work" on my book so I can devote solid time to the actual "writing" - REMEMBER - RESEARCHING, REVISING, READING AND REVISITING THE PAST ARE PART OF THE WRITING PROCESS!

*Reading old newspaper clippings: I have every newspaper clipping about my sister's case cataloged in a binder and lamenated on poster board.

*Watching old home videos and/or home videos: To watch my beautiful sister talk to me on an old video stirs up such emotion - watching newsclips from those first days opens the wound and loss associated with not knowing where Heidi is - and brings back the rawness necessary to revise these first chapters.

*Reading other books! Good writers - read and read especially in their genre. I'm finishing a couple books now a friend loaned me for the summer. Once I complete these two books - my goal is to be reading memoirs and books about writing. (If you know of a good memoir - share the title and author on the BLOG - I'm going to frequent the library for some new titles.)

*Reading professional writing magazines: reading articles written by the experts in the field on how to write, market, seek an agent and publisher - all important stuff

*Reading my Gram's diaries starting on April 3, 1994! Enough said - they take me back quicker and closer than anything else.

*Writing other snip-ips that aren't the book - journaling, short stories, a little of this and that

*Keeping up communication with other writers on my Facebook and through this site -

*Responding to your emails: the encouragement and support I receive in the emails is amazing! I try to respond to each person who sends me a note - your prayers and words are empowering!

*Talking with key characters of my life and story: to remember and enhance my storyline by remembering and reliving those days

So although I didn't get a lot of "writing" done this weekend - the creative juices were working and ideas and Scripture verses have been jotted onto sticky notes for when I write this week!

Have a great week! Remember to respond with your favorite memoir for me to add to my reading list! :) Thanks!

Lisa :)

11 Comments

Burnetta

8/23/2010 02:12:21 pm

Oh, I never thought of that! You literally have to go back to "that place" in order to write about it. How hard that must be! I am so excited about your book and can't wait to have one in my hands. I mean if they are available to the public which I think they will be. Wow lots of work sure goes into writing a book. Don't know if I would be able to stick to it for a long period of time to finish my book of childhood memories. I have about 27 stories all needing editing. Who knows though. I pray right now that God brings things to your mind for enhancing your book. Amen

Ruth

8/23/2010 02:20:37 pm

What have I read that's a memoir? Hmmm... you've got me thinking...

Bekki (von Holtz) Lynch

8/23/2010 02:53:58 pm

Hi Lisa,
It's been a long time since i have seen you! I just wanted to say that I admire your bravery and dedication. Writing is not easy, especially when the subject matter is as difficult as yours. I remember April 3, 1994 like it was yesterday. I can't imagine your pain, but I do admire your spirit. If there is anything I can do to help you on your journey, please let me know. I've published in scientific journals and I would be happy to provide free editing or proofreading if you are interested.
I will keep you in my prayers.

Love, Bekki

Carol

8/23/2010 03:19:08 pm

There's so much more to the writing process than the actual writing! But all the preparation makes the writing flow.

Keep a journal and try to write something in it everyday. Many writers keep a journal. Keeping a log of your research is helpful, as well.

Read all you can! Don't feel limited to only your genre. Classics such as "To Kill A Mockingbird" and "War and Peace" are very inspirational and motivational. "The Diary of Ann Frank" is another good read. I find Nicholas Sparks' novels good for learning how to put emotion into a story.

I look forward to your book!

Ken

8/23/2010 04:05:57 pm

"Never have Your Dog Stuffed"- Alan Alda

me :)

8/24/2010 06:06:51 am

Burnetta -

It took me a couple years to realize why I had such difficulty with the revision and rewriting. Thankfully God helped me realize in order to revise - I had to reflect, remember and release! Some days are easier than others while others I'm so drained - I just need a nap. All is good and healing though...

Don't give up on your writings! I've been blessed with the writings you have shared with me in the past - one thing I have learned since 2006 when my first draft was written...it is all in God's timing! When it is God's time to complete your compilation - you will feel His presence guiding you each step of the way. I'll pray you hear Him when he brings them to you again. :) You are strong and can do whatever you put your mind to! I know that. :) Keep praying and writing! :) Lisa

8/24/2010 06:09:44 am

Bekki,

Thanks for the admiration but I'm not the one to be admired. I couldn't do this without God's strength and spirit - I struggle some days to remember and then to brave it on to paper for all to read. Difficult yet healing. My hope is once published, this will help other siblings living with the loss of their sibling. The grieving and healing is different...Thanks for the prayers and offer to edit. I'll keep that in my memory bank! :) Lisa

8/24/2010 06:23:35 am

Carol,

I agree the preparation makes the writing flow. I find I am always thinking about my writing - making notes and scribbles on whatever is handy until I can get home to make the actual changes. When I have the actual large block of time to write - it flows and I accomplish much. I work well with a timeline too. :)

My journaling has gone on the wayside lately and is one area I plan to involve 100% again. I'm always writing but not journaling and they are different - I like being able to go back and read the journal at a later date to see where I've been and where I can go.

I am a reader! I believe good writers, read! Thanks for all the suggestions both here and in my email. :) I read across the board yet as I do research on "memoir writing" - everything I've read suggest reading between 20 -50 books in the competition a year. I can't read that many, write, be a good mom and wife plus work but I will strive to include memoirs into the schedule. LOL I'm reading "Gone with the Wind" while reading other books currently - the writing is wonderful!

Thanks Carol! I'll be emailing you about that interview. :)

Lisa :)

8/24/2010 06:28:15 am

Ken,

I look forward to reading the Alan Alda book - I have many happy memories of enjoying Mash and movies Alan Alda with my dad as kid...and adult! :)

Thanks!
Lisa

susan

8/28/2010 04:28:35 am

enjoyed reading your updates and comments. hope your dreams become reality. look forward to the book. i know you will get there.

8/29/2010 02:58:05 am

Thanks Susan - your encouragement means the world to me!! I pray the book is a reality and other siblings affected by abduction will know they aren't alone and find healing. I also pray siblings who have experienced losing a sibling in a tragic manner, will be able to find some healing. Another prayer would be for the parents reading the book - that they would possibly understand what their children are going through. The journey is different for everyone! :) Thanks again, Lisa

One Sister's Journey...
Keeping it Real