The Waiting Game

I really should be studying since I have an unusually busy work week ahead of me, but I just had to pop in and vent about waiting on responses to works that are out in "cyberspace" somewhere.

While I completely understand that publications, both large and small, are busy - some wait times seem excessive. I have submitted my novelette to an ezine which pays semi-pro. Their wait time? 90 DAYS! That's right, three months. What?  Most  likely they are understaffed and overworked, but c'mon, you're killing us writers out here slowly - one empty inbox at a time.

I've still got another 39 days to wait. :-( 

I have another short story out there right now as well. This one was entered in a short story contest. Mercifully, or not, they give an exact date by which the WINNERS will be contacted. No email = you lost. So I have 6 weeks of waiting on that one. *sigh*

Waiting stinks. I suppose it's a good thing I have plenty of other things to keep my mind occupied in the mean time. (I guess that means I should get to my studying.)

Site of the Week - How to Write a Science Fiction Novel

First of all, I must apologize for missing last week's featured site. As some of you know, I've decided to apply to law school. I'm now in the process of studying for the Law School Aptitude Test (LSAT) and taking a business class as well. So, needless to say, I've been very busy.

I may miss a Site of the Week here and there for the next few months. I take the LSAT on June 7th. After that I will be doing self-study to become a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer. I would like to use my law degree to work with children either in a human rights capacity or to represent unaccompanied minors seeking refugee or asylum status in the U.S. So, I thought working with abused and neglected children would be a good place to start getting some hands-on experience.

Aaaaanyway, after that long-winded explanation, here's this week's site. :-) I needed a laugh after spending the afternoon puzzling over the logical analysis section of  my LSAT study guide (only about 70 pages left in that chapter, ugh). So, I couldn't help clicking on a link that popped up on my search that said How to Write a Science Fiction Novel. The page is hosted by eHow.com "how to do just about everything."

Ok, first off, I don't believe there is a formula for writing any type of novel. You can read popular (and not-so-popular) authors to learn from them. You may even read some advice books. But a comprehensive "how to" on writing a book that is broken down into 9 steps that comprise about 400 words and has a difficulty rating at the top of the page that says 'Moderately Difficult.' Sorry, I'm not buying into it.

My favorite quote is step 3 under the "writing" heading. "Remember to be playful and allow your characters to take on a life of their own in the situations and difficulties you expose them to. Trying to force an authorial agenda on a book results in an overlong political tract rather than a satisfying novel."

They also have links to writing Sci-Fi for kids, and general novel writing. If you need to laugh, I highly suggest checking them out.

Well, I believe my work here is done. ;-)

Have a great week everyone.

Site of the Week - Seventh Sanctum

Ok, so I've chosen a site this week that is just pure fun! :-)  We've all been there, staring at a screen thinking "This character needs a really awesome name, but what?" Well, look no further than Seventh Sanctum.  Their name generator page is a kick in the butt! Just as an example, I tried the extreme fantasy names generator and it came up with - Rose Runefinder.  The evil-sounding names generator gave me Uglatha. Yeah, sounds like some sort of slug-like creature to me.

Anyway, give some of their name generators a whirl. You might not use any of them, but it will definitely make you smile and it might even spark an idea.

Update on my writing life.

Well, I've been busy, busy with my writing. Trying to come to grips with a highly emotional scene for my historical fiction novel - which I'm finally making progress on - woo hoo!  And I also recently wrote a short story for an online magazine. Got the rejection letter today. Bummer. But I'm not too bothered by it. It was more an experiement in trying new subject matter and creating something specifically for a publication than anything.

I'm also working on another short story for a contest which ends on the 15th. It's a challenge, but a fun one.

 Over the past year I have become too comfortable working away at my laptop - safe and secure from the actuality of the writing world. I've decided it's time to stop ignoring the writing opportunities that come up while I'm working on my novel and get back out there.

So, what about all of you? Have you found yourself falling into a rut? Or perhaps just keeping your writing to yourself out of habit or trepidation? If so, what are your plans to break out of your comfort zone?

Nothing in life worth having comes easily. Taking risks is what it's all about! Go for it!

SIte of the Week - MITOpenCourseware

It is time once again for the site of the week. With tomorrow being Easter Sunday, I figured I'd better get it done tonight.

I've gone off the beaten path for this week's site. I feel that in order to create well-rounded works that are believable and fantastical, you have to be well-rounded yourself. No, I don't mean go out and buy a couple gallons of ice cream and start chowing. I mean expand your mental horizons. One excellent way to do this is to take classes online where you learn at your own pace.

But, I don't have the cash flow for that sort of thing!

Fear not! MITOpenCourseware is a website filled with FREE classes that you can download to your hard drive.

There is something that will interest just about anyone; from Anthropology to Physics. Most of the courses include a list of textbooks to buy so that you can follow along with the lesson plan. You can choose to buy the books, or just learn what is available in the online content, depending on how deeply you want to delve into the subject.  I have found some of their history courses to be invaluable to my historical fiction novel in progress.

So, expand your knowledge. You might find something that will spark an idea.   :-)

P.S. There are many other colleges and universities that provide free online classes. Check your own alma mater, or do a google search to find more free learning opportunities.