Great Starts

How do you like to start your stories? My favorite start is dialogue. My editor's favorite is action. We both agree that the story must start with a bang and hook the reader in the first fifty words or less.

For instance, from the short story "Truth or Dare" my original opening was:

"I hate you!" Sylvie Long muttered, scurrying down the cracked sidewalk. 

Now I really liked this because questions are instantly created in the reader's mind--who does she hate? Why? Why is she scurrying down the sidewalk? And 'hate' is a strong word, with much emotional power.

Under my editor's advice, the opening became: Sylvia Long heard Ned stomp up the steps and into the kitchen. 

At first glance, I cared less for this opening. But looking closer, I see there are questions here as well. Why is Ned stomping? What is going to happen between Sylvia and Ned (the man who stomps)?  The second opening has an advantage, too, since it introduces two of the three characters in this three-character short story, and the introduction is instantaneous.

By the way, Silvia Long still hates Ned. But something physical is going to happen before she voices that word. The build up makes her verbalization which comes later, even more effective than using the dialogue at the beginning.

When I teach creative writing, I advise my students to make a great opening, one that hooks the reader. The editor or the reader must be grabbed by the throat and pulled into the story ASAP. If that doesn't happen, the reader may only read the first line. As writers, we want the reader to read line one, paragraph one, page one, chapter one, and so on.

So take a look at your own story starts and ask yourself, does this make readers ask a question to which they must have an answer? If you start with dialogue, try a 'physical' beginning and see how it works. If you start with the 'physical' beginning, reverse that and try dialogue. 

Truth or Dare & Other Tales launches toward the end of October! Visit VJ Schultz on Facebook or at Amazon Author Central for updates and more information as it becomes available. 

www.facebook.com/VJSchultz   https://www.amazon.com/author/vjschultz

Milestone Reached -- First Book Signing

A new first--last Saturday I sold and signed four DEATH OF BIGFOOT & OTHER TALES books. That might not seem a huge thing to some people, but it was a milestone for me. Now I have sat on the other side of the table and autographed books for readers. Wow! And wow, again.

Before the event, the Ozarks Romance Authors' conference, all these questions ran through my mind: Who am I to be signing books? What if I spell a person's name wrong? What if I don't sell any books? What if I run out of books? What if I can't think of anything to write in the book?

"What ifs" are a writer's occupational hazard, because our creative minds are filled with those questions. I know mine is, but sometimes we have to turn off that little voice, or we may end up hiding in the corner with our hands covering our heads.

What I learned is prepare as much as possible, then breathe, smile and enjoy the moment. It is kind of like waltzing: learn the one-two-three steps, hold your form, and feel the music. Go with the flow.

I'm happy to say I did not spell names incorrectly, not did I make a huge, misshapen scratchy mess of what I wrote. My signature is even legible, and that really is amazing. Even more amazing is I am looking forward to the next book signing event at Wordfest on Saturday. Psst, hey there. Want to buy a book? Have I got a deal for you. :)

Walking the Walk

I am a writer. For the first time in quite a while, I know I am a writer. It is good to both talk the talk and walk the walk.

My first fiction book DEATH OF BIGFOOT & OTHER TALES is out both as an ebook on Amazon and as a POD print edition. Good reviews are coming in. The second book is underway and is scheduled to be launched by the beginning of October. I am walking the walk I have always dreamed of doing.

My only regret is that my mother passed before I got this far and before she could hold my book in her hands. She always encouraged my ambitions.

One thing that I have learned is don't wait to follow your dreams. The words may be often heard and said, but the wisdom is true.

My compilation of short stories would still be scattered manuscripts in my file drawer had I not been in a car wreck last December in which someone ran a red light and t-boned my car. While I am a walking miracle, having suffered only a bruised temple, various other bruises, and the lingering effects of whiplash, I know I might have been killed. God was looking out for me.

My close call made me think. What would have happened to all my writing? All those stories I had fun creating, the stories my friends and family enjoyed?

So, I did it. I set a goal to publish my works and I am in the process of achieving that goal. Fortunately, I have enough stories, long and short, for several books. Plus I am writing more. So, I don't see this endeavor ending any time soon.

I am a writer, an author, and I keep writing...and I am walking the walk.

Books of Paper vs e-Readers

Books feel substantial. I enjoy the heft of a book made of paper. The volumes have a certain feel and texture. Books have an energy all their own, almost a life force. They help raise our children, teach us wisdom, and get passed from generation to generation as blessings.

I own a Nook. Mostly it sits in my desk drawer. The habit of picking it up and reading books from this electronic device has not come to me. It is still a cool thing and miraculous because it contains a vast amount of knowledge within such a small space. A whole library resides therein. Amazing.

Because I am publishing my books on Amazon.com, I purchased a Kindle Fire. I am looking forward to holding it and playing with it and, even, reading books using the device. As soon as it arrives, I will start creating the habit. After 21 days using a Kindle to read books should not be strange, because it takes 21 days to create a habit.

I shall not give up reading books printed on paper. While I may enjoy the fun and convenience of my Kindle, I am loyal to the friends of my childhood. Still, I am excited by my new Kindle. I almost can't wait until it reaches my door. Making a new friend is always fun.

How do you feel about books, Kindles, Nooks, and other reading devices? Any tips on apps to get for the Kindle Fire?

Social Media Madness

Social Media Madness has bludgeoned me into submission! I surrender. Between Facebooking, Tweeting and Hooting, my mind is buzzing. Do you know what I mean?

What the heck are #hashtags and why do I want them? Is there any real purpose in posting to Facebook? Or in Tweeting on Twitter? HootSuite helps, but it is another thing to learn. AKKK!

Okay, now that I’ve let off some of the steam created by overheating my brain, I can be calm. Social Media is a good tool. Deep down I know it is worthwhile. 

This week, as an author with books coming out soon, I set out to tame my fear of these forms of communicating. After all my author page on Facebook and my Twitter account will help to get the word out when DEATH OF BIGFOOT & OTHER TALES is published.

These are blessed times we live in because information can be communicated in seconds all around the world. No longer do we have to depend upon a runner from settlement to settlement, sailing ships ferrying news, Pony Express riders carrying letters or the U.S. Post Office. Click, click, zap and what do you know?

So, my nerves are more settled now. My mind is at ease. Ah.

If you are curious about my author page on Facebook it is at www.facebook.com/VJSchultz  and you can follow me on Twitter at https://twitter.com/VJSchultz if you would like to do so.

How do you like Social Media? How does it help you in what you do?