Uncertainties

There's an old saying in Spanish: "There's no date that doesn't arrive, term that won't reach an end, nor debt that doesn't get paid." So far in my life, I have found that these are words you can live by. As much as you dread a moment, a meeting, a change, you can't stop time from slipping by, getting you closer to that date with each ticking of the clock. As long and hard as a that gloomy period in your life seems to be, it'll reach an end and the sun will shine once more. And that last one, debts that have to be paid, looks a lot like karma--which I blindly believe in.

So, yeah. I find comfort in those words that have been repeated a million times over through centuries. They still ring true today. Actually, if you think about it, every uncertainty that enters your life walks by the hand of inevitability. Funny how two concepts so seemingly opposed can be in reality so closely related...

But why am I writing about this, you ask? Well, after all that stressing and depressing, our relocation to Montreal from Connecticut has finally arrived. We're here, in temporary housing while we hunt for the perfect house. We arrived to the West Island section of Montreal a week ago and it looks awesome. I don't know if I'm in denial or if my expectations of the move were so bleak that almost anything is good, but I actually am happy with the way things are going.

West Island is a predominantly anglophone area, which helps a lot to my positive thinking. We've heard amazing things of the school district and Welcome Programs in the elementary school, which has gone to relief at least 50% of the nightmares I was having. Finally, the area is so far from downtown Montreal--a good and a bad thing in itself--that it has the feeling of a small european town from a hundred years ago. Beautiful!

I know harder times are coming as school starts soon and my kids, who know less than the basics of french, will have to attend an all-french school. Still, I'm trying to concentrate on the positives. I'm determined to go back to that novel I've been working on for forever, and that means I won't be writing short stories for some time, but just the clicking, soft touch of the keys on my fingers feel so good! I missed writing so much and hadn't even realized it.

What can I tell to all of you reading this that are going through some stressful time? Confront your demons, grab the bull by the horns, embrace the inevitable. Dreading the fact will only bring you nightmares and a hell of an ulcer. If you take action and move forward, it might still be a trying time, but at least you'll be working on the solution.


Remember that IWSG is an awesome group where writers of all genres, published or still in the making, share their knowledge and support other writers. Help spread the love and visit the rest of the participating blogs, just click on the dedicated page of this blog. As always, thanks to ninja warrior Alex J. Cavanaugh for creating the group. Now go on and click.

Past, Present, and More Odd Places Where Inspiration Hides

There are a series of pictures circulating the internet where an old picture (usually black and white) depicting the scene of a murder or a historic event (like a war, or the burning of a building) is superimposed on the location where it happened as it looks today. One of such projects, the one that got my attention for the first time and the one I think started the whole craze, is the brainchild of NYC Press photographer Marc Hermann. It is a graphic reminder that the world we live in is full of forgotten stories. But it was while reading some of the commentaries that I found the idea that set my mind on fire. I'm not even sure where I read it, but I know it said something like "You never know where you're standing. The world is a cemetery."

Wow. What a statement, and it stuck with me. If you think about it, we've been living and dying on this earth for about 200,000 years (really, I looked). If every dead fellow from the first Homo Erectus to John the neighbor who died this morning were to raise from the dead, the earth would not be overcrowded. It would explode. At this point in our history, the dead far outnumber the living. It bears to reason that the same spot where you are sitting has witnessed at least one death (animal or human) in the past, and in that sense we are all living on top a cemetery.

That is a disturbing idea. And I love it, so naturally, I wanted to share it with you. I often write here about the strange places where inspiration hides. Authors of the past, artists, poets, filmmakers that drew inspiration from the darkest, most unlikely events. This project, The Daily News - Then and Now by Hermann has brought that experience to me. I can't wait to hear what you think of it. If you want to see the pictures, follow the link. I won't post all of them here because some are graphic and I want to let you decide whether to go ahead or not. But even if you don't want to look at them, the seed is still there. What sinister or interesting things might have happened on that same spot where your computer sits now? Do you know the history of the place where you live or work?

Given the facts I just presented above, odds are if you ask around, people you know will tell you stories. So I'm asking here. Tell me your story.

Park Slope plane crash in New York City
The wreckage after the crash of United Airlines Flight 826 and Trans World Airlines Flight 266 over New York City was well documented by the Daily News back in December 1960. Over 130 people were killed aboard the planes and on the ground in Brooklyn, making it one of New York's most tragic disasters. The crash also destroyed some buildings beyond repair. The ones that still stand can be seen in this compilation.
Source: The Daily News - Then and Now by Marc Hermann

July IWSG

So, I've been racking my brains trying to think of a good topic to post on the blog for quite a few weeks already. So far, nothing. I think the well of my ideas is going through a drought due to acute stress. Is funny how preparing to move to another country can do that to you. Anyway, this is the only lousy idea I came up with: A throwback Thursday kind of post minus the pictures (though if you find a way to add pictures in the comments, I'd be delighted. I LOVE pictures).

Lame? Maybe, just bear with me.

The idea is to think back to that time BEFORE you were part of the IWSG. How was your life like then? How did you feel as a writer? If you happened to stumble onto this blog and not be a part of the group, first let me tell you it's an amazing, supportive group and you should join. Second, you can still participate, just think of your life, say, five years ago. How much have you changed and what events were the drivers of such change? Do you feel it's been a possitive change? Go ahead, share. Do your best to paint a picture of yourselves at that time. It should be an interesting exercise!

Now, I'll go first. I joined the IWSG about three, maybe four years ago. I was beginning my writing carreer but didn't have much to show for. I had already a novella and a short story published, but since then about a year had passed without me writing much else. I was in French school for eight hours a day, then homework, family time, and cleaning time. Not much writer time for me and I felt guilty. I also was extremely insecure about my ability to write. What if those first success stories were a single, unique event? What if no other publisher would think my work was worth it? My books weren't selling like bread either, so fat chances that publisher would bet on me again, right? Maybe it was because I really had no talent.

I vowed to dedicate some time to my writing, at least to my blog, so I started participating in blog hops. That's when the real lucky break came for me. I met ninja writer Alex Cavanough in one of those blogs and was introduced to this novelty idea, a support group for writers struggling with confidence. Want to join? Hell to the yes!

At first it was a bit intimidating to open your soul for complete strangers to see, but to my surprise everyone was not only supportive, but their stories were so similar to mine! Turns out more often than not people expressed the same doubts and fears I was going through. I learned to cope, I got invaluable advice, and I went back to writing fiction.

Today I feel much more secure of myself, even after a new period of uncertitude in my live. I'm not writing as much as before, and my blog has fallen a bit on the wayside, but I know the writing bug is in me, ready to come back to live stronger than ever once the stress goes away. I'm trying to branch out now and write literary fiction; those are big boy's books now! I sent my first story to an editor friend of mine completely terrified that she would be offended at my lack of technique. I'm not too bad with grammar, but still, living with the stigma of "oh, you're not a native speaker" is a powerful thing. So I closed my eyes and hit the send button. Turns out she wasn't horrified. Of course the story needs loads of work, but that's okay. I'll learn the ins and outs of the genre as I learned with horror. The only way is up. However, I don't think I'd be so Kumbaya if it weren't for all the years of support from this group.

To all of those that have visited me over the years and offered words of wisdom and support, thank you. Know that you've made a real difference in my life. To those new to the group, welcome. Feel comfortable and free; we might be a bit crazy a times, but we're harmless. And we like to help.

Now it's your turn. Share away! And remember to clink on the dedicated page above to find a complete list of the participating blogs!

Beyond the First Sentence. Elements of a Strong Opening Scene

Readers around the world have heard it a thousand times: Hook the reader on the first line or lose them forever. And so, we fret over that first sentence. We dread it and we love it. We write it a hundred times and erase it a hundred and one. Most writers are never completely satisfied with their writing in general, oh, but that first line will give us nightmares.

Thing is, there are very few memorable opening lines in literary history. Even with the abundance of classics and well written, award winning stories. Contrary to what has been drilled into our heads, readers will go beyond the first line, and they'll stay with you if your whole opening is promising enough...

So, how to craft an enticing opening? I recently came across Les Edgerton's book, Hooked. It is an easy to follow, light read with a ton of great advice for writers, beginners and experienced alike.

I don't know you, but I started writing empirically, meaning I followed the example set by those authors I admired. I knew the elements of a good story because I had read many, but I couldn't necessarily name them. This book helped me do just that. It helped me grab concepts that before were ethereal to me and suddenly I could see things I hadn't seen before. For example, two of my stories where in a state of limbo. Even though I had told the story I wanted to tell, they seemed incomplete. Something was missing and I just didn't know what. Well Les Edgerton changed that.

While I will share with you some of that knowledge I found helpful, in no way am I sharing all there is to this book. If you find this article helpful, I cannot be emphatic enough: Get the Book. You won't regret it.

So here we go...

Every novel, short story, or flash fiction is composed of three basic elements:

The Inciting Incident: A single event or action that starts the domino effect of situations that'll drive the plot forward. This incident (In Titanic, for example, Rose's suicide attempt) will generate a...

Surface Problem: Resolving this problem is the final goal of your main character (Jack's interested in her, but even worse, she's interested in him). This is the motor that drives the whole story, and it must give us an inkling of the...

Story-Worthy Problem: This is the psychological inner workings of the character. At first the MC doesn't know what lies at the root of his/problems, but as he tries to solve the Surface Problem, the real, psychological problem becomes evident. (Rose lives under the control of her mother and husband-to-be. If she's to be ever happy, she needs to become the owner of her life.)

So, and this is where the real trick lies, a successful opening will show the reader in one single scene that inciting incident; it'll make it clear, or fairly clear, what the MC's motive will be; and it'll foreshadow the inner demons behind him/her cool facade.

Interesting, right?

Because scenes can be quite long and this is a blog, not a book, I won't include other examples, but go ahead, open any book you want and search for those elements. See them? Great, now pay attention at how the author weaved them seamlessly into the opening scene. Quite the trick, I know. And now's your turn to try.

For more examples of these elements and others, grab a copy of Hooked: Write Fiction That Grabs Readers at Page One and Never Lets Them Go.

Feeling Good about Writing

Holy cow! Can you believe it's already May? Wow, the year has really slipped by for me. All things considered, it's been a good ride so far, and thanks to all your support last month, I'm feeling much more positive about the impending move. So, when I was thinking on my post for today, I decided to dedicate it to a few words of encouragement instead of the usual angst. I'm hoping to repay your kindness with encouragement that will hopefully made you feel better. At least for today.

The path to create something subjective like art or novels is a difficult one. Not only are we confronted by our natural need of being accepted and loved, but we receive constant negative or derogatory comments. It seems the world thinks writing books or painting watercolors is as easy as changing socks. Every-freaking-body thinks they can write. I keep hearing from non-writers how they wished they had the time to write a book, 'cause they have these great ideas! Some of those ideas are actually great, but you and I know writing a book takes a whole lot more than time. We know because we do all kinds of time-bending and soul-gymnastics to write from the deepest, most personal nooks in our minds. And even if it were only about time, I usually wonder if these people think I do nothing but stare at my computer all day. Who raises my kids, cleans my house, cooks? And that's just because I'm lucky enough not to need a day job (thanks to God and the hubby for that!). While non-writers daydream and complain, every writer I know squeezes every last second of the day to manage a few words more.

So there. Give yourself a pat on the back!

But that's not our only daily triumph. We keep pounding the keyboard without any certitude that the many hours we've poured into our fictional worlds will ever see the light of day. And when we finish, we are confronted with the terrifying reality of searching for acceptance out there, in the real world. We send our babies to agents and publishers, hoping for the best and dreading the worst. We receive harsh criticism on a regular basis. And yet somehow, every time we find the strength to do it all over again. Just the fact that we've written THE END on something is a big accomplishment. Do you know the failure rate among wanna-be-writers? You have given a HUGE step forward. Your ms may seem like garbage to you now, and it is far from finished, but you have accomplished what millions before you have not.

So, there's another reason to think you're awesome!

And like I was saying just now, if you have send anything to a publisher or have queried innumerable agents seeking for representation, you are brave. It's not easy to put yourself out there and open to being rejected--which you most probably have experienced at least once. That requires courage! And to send your story to a new publisher/agent after it was rejected once, twice, or a million times requires not only courage, but tenacity. Those are the steppingstones to success.

So take a drink on your name, eat a celebratory donut with sprinkles on top, or a sunday. Recognize the strength in yourself on a daily basis, that way when your insecurities come a-knocking, you'll know what your heart and mind are made of. What you are writing/feeling/going through may not be good, but as long as you remember there's a grain of greatness in you, you'll find your way to the top.

Thanks to Alex for giving us this great outlet to vent/find support. Don't forget to click on the IW Support Group page on top this blog to visit more writers and keep spreading the good vibes!

My Whacky Dreams. Stressing Over Writing

Last night I had the whackiest dream since I decided to pursue a writing career. Because whacky is exactly what this blog needs--way too serious lately--as soon as I woke up, I decided I had to share it with you in all its crazy glory. Now, if you follow me, you know I always have something like five different projects going at the same time. All of them in different stages of (in)completion. Well, these days the number is more like ten. Yes, I'm working on nine different short stories and one novel. This makes me a very busy, worried, and sometimes confused writer. Two of these stories have me throwing my arms up in despair. I simply don't know how to take the story where I want it to go in an organic fashion, but what does this have to do with last night's crazy fest, you ask?

Well, judge for yourselves.

In my dream I was in a messy apartment. It was an old building in Mexico City. I knew because the walls were made of cement and the window panes were very thin. Around them, a black aluminum frame was held steady into the wall openings by a film of silicone. It was also clear to me that the owner of the place was a reader and a writer. Books were piled up all over the place. Scribbled notes littered the floor and every flat surface.

Kind of like Mr. Morris Lessmore's but creepier

I was wondering how the hell I had gotten there when Harlan Ellison walked in from his bedroom. Yes, by the look of things I was standing in the middle of the multi-awarded, writer of more that 1,700 short stories, and ground-breaking sci-fi anthologist Harlan Ellison's living/dinning room area. Apparently, he and I were on a first name basis, because he didn't threatened me with a baseball bat or tried to call the police. In fact, he acted as if he already knew I was there.

In his hands he held a manuscript, not too big but enough for it to be a short story. He seemed excited and proceeded to tell me all about it. That's when I remembered it was MY story. I had pitched it to him, seeking his advise to resolve the impasse in the plot I seemed to have reached. And what had the bastard done? Take it and write it as if it was his own.

Sonofabitch.

Good thing I didn't tell him the final twist. At least I could use that for a different story, right?  But wait, he kept talking all animated and sooo friendly. Maybe I had misinterpreted him. What if he planned to publish the story like a co-author thing? I mean, Harlan Ellison can publish whatever the hell he wants and if my name gets attached to his... Bum! A career is born. Also, it is more than a bit flattering to hear such enthusiasm from a renown writer about a story you came up with.

So I played along, all excited to see what he wrote. Of course I said yes when he invited me to grab a bite on the restaurant a few blocks from his house! Are you kidding me? Harlan, mah man!

"We'll discuss more of the details there", he says.

Aaaaand then my alarm clock woke me up.

Whoo! What a dream! But you wanna know what takes this whole thing to the next level of weirdness? First of all, and this goes without saying, but either way: I have never met Harlan Ellison. In fact, I have never read anything of his. *face reddens in shame* Also, Ellison's mean streak is infamous! He is abrasive and argumentative, and reputedly a bit full of himself. He in fact has described himself as "possibly the most contentious person on earth."

Sounds like the perfect person to ask for help, doesn't he?

The story he was so excited about is in fact a mish-mash of the two stories I was telling you about at the beginning. And to top it all off, my stupid alarm clock woke me up before Harlan spilled the beans on how to pass that roadblock I'm stuck on!

So what do you think? Do you have any strange dreams you care to share?

IWSG to the Rescue

I've been absent quite a bit lately. The first two months of the year are usually hard for me as I find my way into the productive streak of before Christmas break. This year has been particularly hard, you can tell because it is April and I haven't found my grove. Last week I thought I had it back, I wrote one third of a new story, completely plotted two more, and put in shape the outline for the novel I'm currently working in. Good, right? Then disaster stroke. I was informed that there is a very high probability that the place I call home now, won't be so for long. We'll probably need to relocate to another country as soon as this August.

Now, this might seem like not so tragic, certainly not writing-related. The thing is that we've moved quite a bit in the past nine years and I'm tired. When we came back to Ct and bought a house, I settled. I let my heart set roots. I pictured my kids running and playing around our beautiful pond until they were too old to be interested in mud pies. I made friends and felt part of the community. Now all that's about to change. Wherever we go, we have to start over, and we ain't coming back. That breaks my heart and has made it very difficult for me to concentrate in my writing.

There are so many things to take care off, so many goodbyes to say. I'm in a constant state of shock and sadness. I also know I have to snap out of it, my writing awaits and I can't keep making excuses to not go back to my projects.

I'll get past this. We'll get past this. And in the meantime, maybe killing off some character can prove therapeutic. Right?

IWSG is the brain child of ninja master, Alex Cavanaugh. Please stop by the many other blogs participating and share a few words of encouragement. The complete list can be found on the corresponding page on the top portion of this blog.