Waiting to Be Known

Old photographs simply burst with story; to me, the backstory being the most intriguing, by far.

Who hasn’t looked at an old photograph and wondered:

who are these people?

what lead them to this place?

what are their dreams?

their fears?

their joys?

their sorrows?

their secrets?

what are they thinking?

what happened next?

what happened just before?

where did they come from?

where have they been?

where are they now?

An image offers only a single snapshot; one moment in time. Forever frozen. Forever fading. Forever far away.

The who, what, where of story. In a photograph. Secreted within a single frame. Waiting to be known.

On Writing: Deborah Kerbel

Next up on my guest blogger series, On Writing, is Deborah Kerbel. Deborah has written several children’s and YA books, most notably:

MACKENZIE, LOST AND FOUND (2008)

GIRL ON THE OTHER SIDE (2009)

LURE (2010)

And her most recent offering, UNDER THE MOON (2012)

 

If you haven’t yet read any of Deborah’s books, I’d suggest you start. Like, tonight.

 

And now, here’s Deborah’s wonderful take on writing:

 

Click for Deborah’s website

 

This might sound strange, but I don’t usually give much thought to the mechanics behind my writing until somebody asks me about it. It’s like trying to explain why I breathe. I just do. But that’s not what people want to hear from an author. And, when pressed, I have to admit I can come up with a better answer than that.

So yes, I must confess that there is something that compels me to cloister myself in my office and pound away at my laptop for hours every day. I’m sorry to say that the reason isn’t anything particularly exciting or altruistic…no, I don’t imagine changing the young adult world one book at a time. For me, I guess you might say it’s pretty selfish — I just love creating something out of nothing. I always have. There’s something powerful about starting with a raw idea, breathing life into it, watching it grow and spiral into a story and then, ultimately, releasing it into the world for readers to discover. The whole process is magical…like watching an illusionist conjure up a fluttering dove out of thin air. And it’s what drives me forward in my writing.

It’s no different than that feeling you got when you were a little kid and you sat down to draw a picture. Remember that giddy jolt of excitement you’d get when you’d pull out a blank piece of paper — so full of possibilities — and a fresh box of crayons? And remember the satisfaction you’d get, attacking the emptiness and filling it up with anything you wanted? No rules, no guidelines, no limits beyond the edges of the paper. A small universe waiting for you to define it.

I remember how, as a child, I’d get so caught up in the moment, the world around me would fall away and all that mattered was the story I was trying to tell in my picture. And when I was done, I’d hold the drawing up and revel in the finished product and that delicious rush of joy and pride achieved by making something from nothing. And then I’d run upstairs to show my Mom, bursting with the need to share my newest creation.

I guess a part of me hasn’t fully grown up because that feeling has never left me. I still love making something out of nothing and losing myself in the magic of the process. The thrill of uncovering the small universe hiding inside every blank page remains deliciously undiluted, even after all these years. The only difference is that now I tell my stories with words instead of crayons. And now, I get to share my creations with a much bigger audience.

Although my mom is still my biggest fan.

So in the end, that’s the reason why I write. Selfish? Yeah, maybe. But, just like breathing, it keeps me going.

Let it Ride in the Trunk

Here I am making dinner, but I haven’t been able to get this idea for a blog post out of my head for the last few days so I’ve got the laptop open on the counter and I’m jotting things down as I chop cilantro, mash avocados, and shred cheese. (can you guess what we’re having for dinner?)

I got caught up in a facebook conversation the other day that, when my husband noticed my involvement said, “Uh oh. I see you’re raging again.” Well, I wasn’t raging (really) and I practiced considerable restraint by limiting myself to only two comments when I coulda said a whole lot more. (Which, evidently, I’m going to do here, instead)

The topic that fueled my raging that wasn’t raging? The idea of a “Christian genre” in the arts. Let me just say that I’m not opposed to specifically Christian expressions for the purpose of worship; I totally believe in and respect that. Absolutely. But I am opposed to a label slapped on art forms for the purpose of separating them from “non-Christian” ones. So, since that facebook status forced me to revisit my views on this topic and I couldn’t shake it out of my head, I started thinking about how this issue relates to my own writing, especially being a writer who is a Christian. And also how this issue relates to the arts in general.

So, how did I (not) rage about “Christian genre” the other night? Well, I’ve got a few opinions regarding that topic, but I decided to focus on just one. (See? Restraint) Here’s an excerpt from one of my comments to give it to you in a nutshell:

One of the problems with the ‘Christian genre’ is that because its main goal has been to be ‘set apart’ in the creative arena, it has often sacrificed authentic human expression on the altar of message. When message trumps authentic expression, the art form will appear contrived, (because, essentially, it is) without exception.

Yeah, I’ve seen this in movies, read it in books, experienced it in paintings, heard it in songs: Maybe you have, too. In a desire to share with the world what is most important to them, some artists who are Christians have chosen to make the message they want to share the main focus of their art. And that makes it feel contrived, ultimately resulting in people turning away.

Now, before you go all “Yeah, those *%!@# Christians!” reread and replace the crossed out parts (below) with other things; things that different people are passionate about and want to share with the world. Maybe something that’s important to you.

One of the problems with the ‘Christian genre’ is that because its main goal has been to be ‘set apart’ in the creative arena, it has often sacrificed authentic human expression on the altar of message. When message trumps authentic expression, the art form will appear contrived, (because, essentially, it is) without exception.

Yeah, I’ve seen this in movies, read it in books, experienced it in paintings, heard it in songs: Maybe you have, too. In a desire to share with the world what is most important to them, some artists who are _________________ have chosen to make the message they want to share the main focus of their art. And that makes it feel contrived, ultimately resulting in people turning away.

See what I’m saying? This is a universal pitfall and no one is completely immune to it. We all have things we strongly believe in, things we wish other people would believe, too. Message is a part of who we are and we can’t get rid of it. Nor should we try to. But as artists, part of our responsibility in creating meaningful art with integrity and honoring our craft is by knowing when we are being tripped up by message. And this is why:

When a message (any message) or point (any point) is the main focus in art, authentic expression takes a back seat; the raw beauty of humanness that is crucial to creating vital, meaningful art is weakened. It’s limited. Overshadowed. Sometimes it’s lost completely. When we become absorbed with making sure we always include this, this, and this into our art from our repertoire of personal belief, our art is going to suffer. Why? Because we are more concerned about telling the things we believe to be true than we are about showing the things in our heart.

Human minds tend not to see eye-to-eye on very many things. But human hearts relate on numerous things. Tons of things. Things like love, loneliness, sorrow, joy, pain, anger, relief, frustration, confusion, fear, hope, shame, disappointment, desire, longing for peace. The best art identifies with those most basic instincts of our human hearts and puts them in the driver’s seat. The best art honors humanity as a whole and identifies with more than just a select group of people. The best art serves to expand and enhance viewpoints; to add beauty and value to the world, to our lives; to entertain and increase joy; to create a sense of solidarity among the human race.

Art deserves more respect than to be taken hostage, beaten into submission, and forced to deliver a message.

No question that I struggle with resisting the urge to take my writing hostage from time to time, myself, in my desire to share what’s important to me and what I value and believe with the world. I think it’s safe to say we all want to be true through our art; to have it express who we are as individuals, as creative beings, as intelligent thinking people. The good news is I think art most definitely lends itself to that, without being told how to do it. Since creativity is born in the soul and given wings in the mind, whatever lives within the artist will be evident in their art by default. No contriving required.

So, for the sake of your art; for the sake of all that is valuable, authentic, and meaningful; for the sake of your readers, watchers, and listeners: don’t let message take the driver’s seat. Confine it to the back. Better yet: take it hostage and let it ride in the trunk. That way it won’t be jostling up against anyone or up in anyone’s face. Some people, however, may choose to investigate what that quiet thump, thumping is that’s going on in the background. And once they dig around and discover what it is, they’ll decide what to do with it for themselves.

On Writing: Megan Crewe

Next up on my quasi-random blog series, “On Writing”, is Megan Crewe, YA author of GIVE UP THE GHOST and the newly released Contagionesque thriller, THE WAY WE FALL.

Click for Megan's website

Writing, for Love or Money

If I’ve learned one thing about the publishing industry over the years, it’s that you can’t take anything for granted. When I got my first agent, I assumed that meant a book deal was soon to come. It ended up taking a year. When I sold my first book, I thought that meant smooth-sailing from there on. It took two and a half more years and four more novels (one shopped and shelved, the others deemed unready) before I sold a second.

The book that was shopped without selling was one I’d written specifically to be bigger and more commercial, one my agent at the time was incredibly excited about and was sure would get snatched up quickly. The books I have sold are a little odd, a little difficult to categorize: a paranormal YA that doesn’t have a romance, an apocalyptic YA without the usual dystopian trappings of oppressive authority figures or flashy action sequences.

I’ve seen authors claim that if you write what you’re passionate about, then others will feel passionately about it too. I can’t say if that’s true. One of the novels I wrote that I loved the most received the most criticism from my critique partners, and I haven’t yet figured out how to fix it. But what I do think is true is the vast majority of us can’t predict what will sell and what won’t. We don’t know whether the book we’re writing right now will be one that sells in three weeks or three years or never.

Once I realized that, I could no longer see the point in writing anything I *wasn’t* passionate about. If I can’t tell whether others will love a book before I’m finished it, the least I can do is make sure I’m writing something *I* love. It certainly makes the writing process more enjoyable! And when I’m writing something that’s important to me, it never feels like time wasted, even if I’m not able to send it out into the hands of readers right away. I know that story will always be there waiting for the right time, and since I care so much about it, I don’t mind the wait.

Pick Your Poison

I have discovered the secret to writing a book.

Really. I have.

Okay, I won’t keep you hangin’; I’ll tell you straight up. Here it is:

Write the book.                                                                                                             

Profound. Insightful. Discerning.

Really. It is. Especially when you are as prone to postponement* as I am. I could easily be the eighth Dwarf, the hundred-and-somethingth Smurf – that’s how fully I personify postponement. From knocking something off today’s to-do list onto tomorrow’s to leaving half-drunk glasses of water all over the house til it looks like we live on the set of Signs, hey, if it can be done now why not just wait til later? There’s always later. Not to mention there’s always facebook. (And blog posts that need to be written.)

But facebook and blog posts and later don’t write books. Putting words in the document hiding behind the currently open window on the screen does.

*minimize* Er, no, not that one.

*minimize* No, not that one.

*minimize* Not that one, either.

*minimize* Bingo!

Postponement, visual noise, busy work, and other such time suckers in additional flavors can all be welcome – if not occasionally necessary – diversions if consumed in moderation. But they can quickly become toxic if gobbled in large quantities. Before you know it, you’ll find you’ve discovered the secret to writing a book is not talking about writing it, reading about writing it, writing about writing it, thinking about writing it, but actually writing the book and you’ll be surprised you didn’t think of it yourself. So pick your poison carefully and enjoy responsibly. And know when it might be time to eliminate it altogether, if only for a while.

Now if you’ll excuse me, I shall go sober up and write the damn book.

***

*I prefer not to use the term “procrastination”, for reasons evident below:

“Oh, she’s just procrastinating.” – Whoa, negative vibes, right?

“Oh, she’s just postponing.” – Much more optimistic, isn’t it? Full of promise and anticipation; rainbows and butterflies.

 Disclaimer: Postponer Smurf may conjure up positive spins to defend her poison whenever deemed necessary.

What’s one of your favorite books?

 

I’m seeking content for a blog post that will be a compilation of favorite books. I have shelf space dedicated to my favorites and often wonder what books other people dub as worthy to be set apart from the rest. Almost on a weekly basis, I post a facebook status that says, “What are you reading this weekend?” I do this mostly because I’m sincerely curious. But I also do it for the chance I might find my next best read out of the list. The only problem is that I’m asking people as they’re reading, not when they’re finished. And I’ve come to realize that I’d like to know what they think of the books once they’ve closed the back cover. So consider this request for feedback as my follow-up:

What’s been a favorite book of yours?

I could scour the internet in search of this kind of information, sure. But I’m not looking for the professional points of view of bloggers/reviewers/critics/publicists/etc … I’m looking for input from the people who authors have in mind when they write their books: those who read with nothing on their agenda other than their love of books and fabulous stories – READERS!

Can you help me out?

Please post a comment below naming one of your favorite books (I know it’s nearly impossible to have only ONE favorite book) and just a sentence or two about why it is. Once I have enough input I’ll categorize and blog it. I’ll help get you going:

THE BOOK THIEF by Markus Zusak – Told in the voice of a unique narrator who has a deeply vested interest in the story, this was the first book that reduced me to a puddle of tears by book’s end, not by way of a romantic heartbreak, but because I’d grown to love and care so deeply for the characters I couldn’t bear to have them leave me when they did - and in the ways they did.

Hope you participate! And please feel free to share this request. The more comments the better!

Writing a Novel is Like Amethyst

Insert:

thoughts of doubt
self-assurance
moments of psychosis
clarity of vision
frustration
adrenaline rushes
second-guessing
contemplation of self-brilliance
resignation
triumph

where appropriate

Click on image for higher resolution

 

 

On Writing: Cheryl Rainfield

Today I’m beginning a new blog series called, On Writing. It will feature guest posts by fellow torkidlit authors expressing their heartfelt responses to the question, “What, about writing, is most important to you?” Within these posts you’ll uncover hidden gems, and glimpses of the real people behind some of the books you love. (And some of the new and new-to-you books you will love.)

 

My first guest blogger is Cheryl Rainfield. Thank you, Cheryl, for sharing.

 

 

Some Ingredients You Need For a Powerful Novel

 

by Cheryl Rainfield

 

Cheryl Rainfield

 

I write about issues I deeply care about–abuse, oppression, healing, being queer. I can’t do otherwise–they’re things I *need* to write about. But I also think that it’s a smart choice if you want your work to resonate with people.

 

I think readers can sense the passion and emotional honesty that goes into writing something you care about, and I think they respond to that. Almost two years after SCARS was published I’m still getting reader letters every week from teens (and adults) who tell me how much SCARS moved them, how it made them feel understood, turn their life around, or help them. They write about how it felt like I was writing about them, their life, their girlfriend, or how they understand someone they love better now. They write to me intimately, like I already understand (and I usually do). I think what they’re responding to is the passion and emotional truths in my work, because I write about things I care about so much.

 

But I also write about something I needed to give voice to, something I needed to be heard about, needed to break silence about. I think that’s another important ingredient to writing fiction that reaches people–figuring out what it is you really need or want ot say, and infusing that into your work.

 

I also intentionally put compassion, hope, and healing into all my books; it’s important to me to make a positive difference in the world. I know that’s not every writer’s focus or goal, and some people speak out against having a “message” in a YA book. But I don’t believe that you can write *anything* without it having your opinion, slant, or world view in it, even when you’re trying to write it in a balanced way. And I think it’s actually a good thing to share our world view, most especially if we think it can help in some way. I also personally wouldn’t want to spend so much time and energy writing, editing, then promoting a book that I don’t care about. To me, that would feel empty. And as a writer, you have a chance to have your voice be heard. Why not wirte about something that matters to you?

 

In every one of my books, my main characters are strong-girl characters. Kendra from SCARS manages to fight threats, conditioning, and trauma to identify her abuser and bring some justice. Caitlyn from HUNTED consistently stands up against the great oppression against Paras, and tries to help anyone who needs her help, even when it puts her in danger. And Sarah in STAINED (forthcoming from Harcourt in 2013) fights back against her abductor–physically and psychologically–and finds a way to rescue herself. I love strong-girl characters, and I think it’s important that as girls and women we have positive, strong reflections back, to help counteract some of the sexist and weak images we constantly get baraged with in movies, TV, video. So it’s always something I include (and I wouldn’t want to write a girl character any other way). And, as a lesbian in a homophobic world, I always includue a queer character in my books (as long as I can), even if they’re a secondary character. I think it’s so important for LGBTQ youth (and adults) to have positive reflections–and *enough* reflections. But it’s also important for heterosexual people to read and absorb that queer people are normal, just a part of life, and likely someone they know. These things are very specific to my own worldview and what deeply matters to me; you’ll have your own values. Find what you care about and include it.

 

And, with every novel, I think it’s important that we write entertaining books that teens want to read. A message can be woven throughout story–I think it’s in every great story–but it has to be a well-crafted story that entertains the reader, makes them think and feel.

Writing what you care about will come through to your readers, and they’ll respond. I hope you write what your heart wants to write.

 

_______

 

Cheryl Rainfield is the author of SCARS (Top 10 ALA Best Books for Teens, GG Literary Award finalist) about Kendra, a queer sexual abuse survivor who cuts herself to cope and must face her past; HUNTED (just out) about Caitlyn, a telepath in a world where it’s illegal to have any paranormal powers who is on the run, and must decide if she’s going to stay in hiding to protect herself or take a stand to save the world; and STAINED (Harcourt, 2013) where Sarah, a teen with body image issues, is abducted and must find a way to rescue herself. Cheryl draws on her abuse and trauma experience to write her books, and writes from the heart.

 

This Faded Photograph

This image caught my attention yesterday. And it begged introspection.

It was taken somewhere in Hamburg in 1936. The details of exact location and occasion are relatively insignificant: The context is crystal clear. The audacity even clearer.

I stared long and hard at this faded photograph:

The claustrophobic crowd;

The unified movement;

The blind adoration of a skewed ideal;

The undeniable malleability of the human mind.

And the scandalous presence of single-minded courage in the midst of it all.

Scandalous.

Single-minded.

Courage.

It does not equal keeping in step with the masses.

It does not equal disregarding the masses.

Nor does it equal railing against the masses.

It is the tenacious decision to stand

Independent from the masses,

While remaining in the midst of them.

That is courage.

***

*I’d be remiss to not credit the name of this man: Mr. August Landmesser, the impact of your audacious acts of courage has outlived you. Thank you for the inspiration to do likewise.

Emerging

Down time drawing to a close.

Emerging from a necessary period of stepping back,

refocusing,

inhaling deeply,

replenishing reserves.

Preparing for the headlong, heartlong, possibilities-are-endless dive into research,

writing,

revising,

querying.

Anticipating storms.

And drought.

But optimistic to achieve splendid satisfaction

in the end.