tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3649424089750316818.post829898354792093886..comments2024-03-27T03:14:07.652-04:00Comments on Seekerville: The Journey Continues: My Story ProcessMissy Tippenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05480008023330542958noreply@blogger.comBlogger83125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3649424089750316818.post-44465177634593290062018-05-18T13:20:41.863-04:002018-05-18T13:20:41.863-04:00So agree with the constant need for prayer every s...So agree with the constant need for prayer every step of the way, Debby. Thanks for reminding us all to start every writing day in the presence of the Holy Spirit, praying for inspiration and direction.<br /><br />Donna WichelmanDonnahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03884805737292751447noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3649424089750316818.post-66266905905104267152018-05-18T10:39:44.655-04:002018-05-18T10:39:44.655-04:00The deadline keeps me focused, Connie! Plus, I get...The deadline keeps me focused, Connie! Plus, I get into the stories and want to find out how the hero and heroine get together. I've got the framework, but sometimes I don't know all the little details until I begin to write.<br /><br />Hugs!Debby Giustihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09463321611980242375noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3649424089750316818.post-79049165089128017952018-05-18T10:38:11.920-04:002018-05-18T10:38:11.920-04:00Thanks for being with us in Seekerville, Winnie! I...Thanks for being with us in Seekerville, Winnie! I hope you realize that we LOVE readers!!! Your opinions and insights are helpful to us and we always appreciate your support!<br /><br />Hugs!Debby Giustihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09463321611980242375noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3649424089750316818.post-50138614287307436562018-05-18T10:36:52.427-04:002018-05-18T10:36:52.427-04:00HI Julie, the AlphaSmart is a small word processor...HI Julie, the AlphaSmart is a small word processor, first developed for special needs children. It's durable, lightweight, works on 3 AA batteries and has few editing functions. Writers started using them to get words written without that internal editor causing problems. I've had mine for years and rely on it for writing a fast first draft.Debby Giustihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09463321611980242375noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3649424089750316818.post-26645129845406886522018-05-18T10:34:04.684-04:002018-05-18T10:34:04.684-04:00Vince, I love your process and suggestions! You...Vince, I love your process and suggestions! You're right about choosing a scripture at the onset. I'm going to put that Vince-tip into practice. Also like the idea of posing questions for each scene/chapter. BTW, I often think of your RPP when I'm writing my stories.<br /><br />About weighing the GMC, if it isn't weighty enough, then I tweak the GMC until it better fits the story and character. Early on, I had to do that a number of times. Perhaps I started writing too soon...before I could "see" the entire story. Whenever I hit a bump in the writing road, I always review my GMC. Often the internal conflict is the problem. I haven't gone back to the initial wound. Sometimes we mention an internal conflict, such as the heroine doesn't feel worthy of love, but we need to identify the first time she felt that way. What happened? It's a turning point in her life and should play into the story. So my advice, always find that first incident that made the heroine have that flawed self-image.<br /><br />I love secrets too! In Countdown to Death each character, even the secondary ones, had a secret. The story was fun to write. Hmmm? Must add more secrets to my next book...<br /><br />Thanks, Vince! I always enjoy your comments!Debby Giustihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09463321611980242375noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3649424089750316818.post-47602864990977426292018-05-18T08:38:46.564-04:002018-05-18T08:38:46.564-04:00Thanks for sharing your writing process. You are a...Thanks for sharing your writing process. You are apparently very good at sticking to your schedule. I am looking forward to the final two books in this series.<br />Blessings!<br />Connie<br />cps1950(at)gmail(dot)comConnie Porter Saundershttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09234596850866029756noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3649424089750316818.post-14865168911277644092018-05-17T20:55:08.463-04:002018-05-17T20:55:08.463-04:00Thanks for this post, Debby! I'm not a writer,...Thanks for this post, Debby! I'm not a writer, but I so enjoy reading the Seekerville posts and getting to know some of you better. It's fun reading the comments and seeing everyone's reactions. Keep up the great work!Winniehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09906713469755821006noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3649424089750316818.post-83054610861552125792018-05-17T18:15:18.291-04:002018-05-17T18:15:18.291-04:00So interesting, Debby! I've never heard of the...So interesting, Debby! I've never heard of the AlphaSmart. :) <br /><br />Julie Garmonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09774724750356986307noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3649424089750316818.post-42056320907306934542018-05-17T17:34:36.089-04:002018-05-17T17:34:36.089-04:00Hi Debby:
This is a really good way to go about w...Hi Debby:<br /><br />This is a really good way to go about writing a story. I've copied it into my Scrivener Research file for instant reference no matter which project I am working on. I also have an AlphaSmart which has a wonderful keyboard but with the tiny screen my short term memory is over taxed! Can you really remember what you wrote a full page ago?<br /><br />An idea: I would move up some of your 'final checks'. I like to add the scripture first and have it reflect the moral premise. This way there is fusion from the start. I then tend to focus my prayers thru the lens of the MP and scripture selected. This makes me feel like my story knows I'm praying for it. <br /><br />I also like the write the last chapter first and make it a 'stand-up and cheer' powerhouse to sell the next book. This last chapter also acts as a shining city on a hill should I ever hit a sagging middle. I just look up, see the light, and think: oh, if I can only reach that city! I think doing this would even help pantsers as it gives their free-style wanderings a bright target to aim for. <br /><br />Talking about pantsers and plotters and plot-driven and character driven stories, you may have introduced a third writing dichotomy when you wrote that you work 30 minutes and then get something to eat. That may be more than nine meals a day. I hope you're a 'grazer' and not a 'wolfer'. :) Plotter, character-driven, grazer. <br /><br /> <br /> That brings up another point. You wrote: "Like a woman using a grocery scale, I weigh the GMC to determine if it’s worth the time and energy needed to write the story." <br /><br />How do you overcome the temptation to put your finger on the scale when it involves a story of your heart? <br /><br />Some more points: I like to write a few sample questions that will be raised in each chapter to keep the reader turning pages. That is I want to think in terms of raising questions instead of just telling the reader things. Lots of declarative info can be structured as questions in the reader's mind which become AE's to have answered. <br /><br />Lastly, I like to list some secrets that the major characters have. There's nothing like a whisper to get the room's attention.<br /><br />Just some very late in the party ideas!<br /><br />Vince <br />Vincehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12707773426729777989noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3649424089750316818.post-77222260274920828582018-05-17T13:27:37.417-04:002018-05-17T13:27:37.417-04:00Thanks for stopping by Seekerville, Tammie! I thin...Thanks for stopping by Seekerville, Tammie! I think all writers struggle. Well, maybe a few don't but I think most of us have those times when we don't think the story works! :)Debby Giustihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09463321611980242375noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3649424089750316818.post-38067277698094185872018-05-17T13:26:34.024-04:002018-05-17T13:26:34.024-04:00So glad you could travel back to KY! Such a beauti...So glad you could travel back to KY! Such a beautiful state. I always love going there. Our Farmer's Market isn't large but it's a fun stop and I always come home with produce and fresh baked goods. YUM!Debby Giustihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09463321611980242375noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3649424089750316818.post-24918953184653982982018-05-17T13:24:43.291-04:002018-05-17T13:24:43.291-04:00Patti Jo, you're always so encouraging. Thank ...Patti Jo, you're always so encouraging. Thank you, dear friend. My writing style is love it/hate it/love it! :)Debby Giustihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09463321611980242375noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3649424089750316818.post-4256301278463552972018-05-17T13:23:38.892-04:002018-05-17T13:23:38.892-04:00Laurie, thanks for sharing your process and for me...Laurie, thanks for sharing your process and for mentioning DragonSpeak and ProWritingAid. I'm not sure I could dictate a story. Are you visual or auditory? I can see where it would save your hand and arm though. I could use that as well. Thanks, Laurie, for your support!!!Debby Giustihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09463321611980242375noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3649424089750316818.post-8370623711420114592018-05-17T11:58:30.212-04:002018-05-17T11:58:30.212-04:00Wow, what great advice. Thank you very much. Nice ...Wow, what great advice. Thank you very much. Nice to know those who have published still struggle. Would Love to read your Amish suspense.Tammie Edington Shawhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01008513349986164730noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3649424089750316818.post-25977378749039093162018-05-17T11:37:44.901-04:002018-05-17T11:37:44.901-04:00Thank you, Missy!Thank you, Missy!Laura Conner Kestnerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02602442584400600203noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3649424089750316818.post-31877676975007367082018-05-17T10:42:48.583-04:002018-05-17T10:42:48.583-04:00Sandy, have a great trip!Sandy, have a great trip!Missy Tippenshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05480008023330542958noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3649424089750316818.post-57263440685606257632018-05-17T10:42:18.269-04:002018-05-17T10:42:18.269-04:00Jackie, I'm glad you had a chance for a trip b...Jackie, I'm glad you had a chance for a trip back to KY!Missy Tippenshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05480008023330542958noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3649424089750316818.post-26755853380446777002018-05-17T10:41:37.491-04:002018-05-17T10:41:37.491-04:00Patti Jo, you were up late like me! :) I actually ...Patti Jo, you were up late like me! :) I actually didn't go to bed until about 2 am. I have a feeling I'll need some caffeine soon. :)Missy Tippenshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05480008023330542958noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3649424089750316818.post-2687226426255901252018-05-17T10:40:29.320-04:002018-05-17T10:40:29.320-04:00Laurie, thanks for sharing your process!! I'll...Laurie, thanks for sharing your process!! I'll be sure to check out those folding white boards. What a great idea!Missy Tippenshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05480008023330542958noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3649424089750316818.post-38461585271340492752018-05-17T10:37:58.905-04:002018-05-17T10:37:58.905-04:00Laura, Hallee Bridgeman writes that way. She does ...Laura, Hallee Bridgeman writes that way. She does a really fast draft that's mostly dialogue. Then she goes back in layering everything else. If you haven't read her post, be sure to go to the archive and look her up.<br /><br />In fact, here's a link to her post: http://seekervillearchives.blogspot.com/2015/12/writing-in-layers.htmlMissy Tippenshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05480008023330542958noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3649424089750316818.post-84461452838802563332018-05-17T10:08:56.034-04:002018-05-17T10:08:56.034-04:00Hi Debby,
I'm a day late, but I'm so glad...Hi Debby,<br /><br />I'm a day late, but I'm so glad I stopped by. This is definitely a keeper post. Thanks.<br /><br />We went to KY over the weekend for Mother's Day and drove by a Farmers' Market. I miss those so much. Where I live now, there are little produce stands scattered around, but it's not the same.<br /><br />Thanks for sharing!Jackie Laytonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11921544145225306649noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3649424089750316818.post-58046366713359785952018-05-17T07:40:56.946-04:002018-05-17T07:40:56.946-04:00I wish it was a little bit of an easier process :/...I wish it was a little bit of an easier process :/ I've published two books, though I'm in the process of rewriting one of them (frowny face); I'm currently trying to publish a novella, and I've finished the first draft of another book, but I decided to stick around in the "feel elated" stage a little longer before I got to the "bashing my head on the wall" stage.<br /><br />The rest I'm still in the first draft stage.<br /><br />Brainstorming is invaluable!Nicki Chapelwayhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00975226105127466970noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3649424089750316818.post-86907899129847365142018-05-16T23:17:22.010-04:002018-05-16T23:17:22.010-04:00Super late stopping in, but wanted to say I LOVED ...Super late stopping in, but wanted to say I LOVED this post, Debby!! It's fascinating reading about the processes my favorite authors use, and it reminds me that even multi-published, award-winning, very successful Authors (like YOU!!) still have struggles as you write your story. But I love that you pray as you go along, and I'm sure that helps! <br /><br />Thank you for this wonderful glimpse into your writing. You are such an amazing Author and an inspiration. <br /> Hugs, Patti Jo <br /><br />P.S. I'm loving AMISH RESCUE and will be posting a review soon! :)CatMomhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09985658721138526298noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3649424089750316818.post-50555073090205941562018-05-16T23:14:49.822-04:002018-05-16T23:14:49.822-04:00Hi Debby, I'm glad some of us are still up! Th...Hi Debby, I'm glad some of us are still up! Thank you for a peek behind the curtain at your process. I remember when Alphasmarts first came out and I couldn't afford one even then. I have "Cold Turkey" on my computer though when I want to really concentrate. The book I just sold was the first one I wrote the synopsis for before I wrote the book. Coincidence? Lol, I don't think so...although the other three books I wrote that didn't sell I'd always used GMC as well. But I get the idea first, then the characters, and usually a couple of scenes in my head like a movie. I tend to see the story unfold in my head like a movie and get those strong scenes down first and write towards them or back to them, like James Scott Bell's book Write From The Middle. And I put Bubble comments in beside things I want to research or change, and change font colours to type in notes as I go in the first draft. I use Dragon Speak when I want to get large chunks down because I broke my left elbow and wrist last year and really needed to get that book done. Then I used ProWritingAid editing software to clean it up. I highly recommend both programs, although ProWritingAid is just an annual licence that you'll need to renew. Dragon Speak is a God Send if you're in the situation I was in, or if you just want to up your word count. It's easy once you've got the learning curve done. And it gives your wrists a rest for anyone with carpal tunnel issues. And if I'm recovering from a migraine I can dictate too. :) <br /><br />I'm also very visual so I'm old school and when I'm "pre-writing" like I am now for books 2 and 3 I've got white boards from Walmart that fold in two. I've got character photos, setting pics, maps etc. on them - the kind of stuff you do on Pinterest but I like it set up on a dining chair so I can just glance over at it. I print out bits of dialogue or quotes etc on it like a vision board. Keeps my head in the story and after I've taken my breaks (I tell Siri to set a 25 min timer and I type as fast as I can and take a 5 min stretch break) it gets me back in sync. I write from 10 to 4 as those are my most productive hours. So, that's my process so far. :) I have your books Debby so don't worry about putting my name in the draw!Laurie Woodhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14068922193439757745noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3649424089750316818.post-11795675517082527002018-05-16T23:04:55.947-04:002018-05-16T23:04:55.947-04:00Debby, I'm giving that a try, because I'm ...Debby, I'm giving that a try, because I'm writing the second and third books of two different series right now. But it's slow going. Like you said, writing is hard work. Yet I can't think of anything else I'd rather do.Laura Conner Kestnerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02602442584400600203noreply@blogger.com