1) Find friends who share your goal for the retreat. If everyone is on the same page (literally)–writing pages or plotting or critiquing–then things will most likely run smoothly–as no one is interrupting another’s pursuits. For our weekend, the four of us all had books in progress that needed to be jumpstarted after the holidays. So our goal was simple: Pages. Lots of pages. We wrote on our own, we used group sprints (1k words in one hour) and took breaks together to unwind, chat about road blocks, to share music tracks. Then it was back to the pages. Relaxed, yet productive.

2) Find a good space. Jane Porter and I lucked out at a charity auction last year and sprung for a big condo in Palm Springs. The place was amazing. Far more than we expected–it was so perfect. Two large bedroom suites, an individual bedroom, big living room, dining area, big patios. Perfect–because everyone found their favorite spot and hunkered down to write. We were not shy about moving furniture around to suit our mood–including taking the dining room table out on the patio so we could eat and write outside. I loved the patio off my bedroom–bright light, privacy and fresh air. Perfect.

3) Collaborate ahead of time. We had a flurry of emails the week before–on goals, expectations, food, groceries, and it all came together quite effortlessly. At least it felt that way. We shared cooking, making coffee and tea. We took turns with those chores and were respectful of each other’s time.

4) Clear your head and keep a clear perspective. Too much writing and togetherness, especially for writers–since we are usually solitary creatures–can be a bit stressful. Take breaks. I went for walks. I went to mass. Closed the door on my room. And bit my tongue a few times. Anyone who knows me, knows that is me showing huge restraint. In other words, it is only weekend. And if things bubble a bit, well, consider that is writers being writers and it is after all, only a weekend.

5) Come prepared to work and share and learn. I had my scenes all mapped out, my notes in order and my pages with me so I could take additional notes as needed. I had them all in one of my Levenger Circa notebooks. I tend to think this is the way everyone writes–only to discover that everyone of us worked so very differently. The coolest part of the weekend were the times we each shared our writing process and explained how we work. Fascinating and so amazing. And yes, I will share what I learned.

©2012 Elizabeth Boyle Blog. All Rights Reserved.

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To that end, I polled a bunch of friends, tweeps and writers from all over and asked them: What writing books do you love? What has done the most for your creativity and career?

What I was looking for were books to fuel a year of creative growth, gaining and honing my skills and perhaps learning a few new tricks. Who doesn’t like new tricks?

So I present this recommended list of writing books. I have read some, some are now on order based on the marvelous writers who swear by them. A sort of Writer’s U at home. A staycation of self-improvement. So if you are game, consider picking one from the list each month and joining in. I’m going to be blogging about one book a month and sharing my own experiences and hope you can join in.

Even if you have no desire to write, creativity is not unique to writers, it resides in all of us. My hope is to inspire each and every one of you to find your own place to blossom and grow.

Making a Literary Life by Carolyn See. I have not read this one, but when I asked Liza Palmer her favorites, this title was out of her lips without any hesitation. Now on my TBR.

On Writing by Steven King. This is the audio version, because face it, it is Steven King reading Steven King.

How to Write Killer Fiction by Carolyn Wheat. Another book on Liza Palmer’s must read list. As she explained, “Don’t we all want elements of suspense in our novels to make them page turners.” True that!

Bird by Bird by Annie Lamont. This was Megan Crane/Caitlyn Crewes first choice out of the gate, and she’s picked a true classic, one that is on everyone’s list. But have to admit, I have never read it. Time to change that.

Save the Cat by Blake Synder. I love this book. It helps you see fiction through a screenwriter’s focused eye and keeps you on target. Love it!

The Courage to Write by Ralph Keyes. Another book on Megan’s list. Another for my TBR.

Writing from the Inside Out by Dennis Pulumbo.

The Art of War for Writers by James Scott Bell. I adore this book. The perfect pick up and read a short chapter for your daily kick in the pants. JoAnne Ross says it is a perfect book for “quick encouragement.” Can’t we all use that from time to time? Keep this book within reach.

Writing Down the Bones by Natalie Goldberg. Another one of those books that is always on the top of writer’s lists of inspiring and helpful books.

On Writing Well by William Zinsser

The Writers Journey by Chris Vogler. If you haven’t read this book, make this the first one you pick up. The best book on novel writing out there. And as Christina Dodd said, (and rightly so) “Not boring.”

Reading like a Writer by Francine Prose.

If You Want to Write by Brenda Ueland.

Writing Dialogue for Scripts by Rib Davis. Lori Wilde recommended this book and called it an “eye opener.” Another for the list.

Walking on Alligators by Susan Shaughnessy. This book is another one for quick inspiration and daily affirmations and exercises.

The Writing Life by Annie Dilliard.

How to Write Your Best Story by Philip Martin. This and the Annie Dilliard book both came with the recommendation: “Good advice, well written.” What more could you ask for?

Goal Motivation & Conflict by Deb Dixon. I will be honest. This book has never sung to me. But on the other hand, I know so many writers who rave and love it. I mean LOVE it. So I could hardly leave it off.

Break into Fiction by Mary Buckham and Dianna Love Snell. Love Mary Buckham–and her workshops are so popular. So if you can’t get to a workshop, then the book is the next best thing.

Scene and Structure by Jack Bickham. The quintessential and essential nuts and bolts book for every writer. Love this book.

Writing the Breakout Novel by Donald Maass. One of my all-time favorite books–a great nuts and bolts read for honing and making your novel standout.

Are there books that are missing from the list? Add your own in the comments and enter for a chance to win $100 Amazon gift card.

DRAWING TO WIN:

Rules:
This is how you can enter for a chance to win:

1) Leave a comment below and tell me which of these books you love, or what book does inspire you, or which one you want to read first.

and/or

2) Tweet the following: Feeding the Muse: All time best writing books. http://elizabethboyle.com/blog/?p=1908 Enter to win $100 Amazon gift card. @ElizBoyle #writingbooks

Do both and you are entered twice! I’ll give you all until midnight, PT, Saturday, January 14th to get your entries in.

Make sure to check back here Monday January 16th to find out if you won. You’ll have a week to claim your prize.

©2012 Elizabeth Boyle Blog. All Rights Reserved.

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Needless to say, when the clock struck midnight, I opened the door and said a hearty and happy “Welcome!”

What do I want to do this year? Lots of things.

I want to begin traveling again–and I have trips planned to So. Cal, Philadelphia, Baltimore and Denver. (Watch my Events page for details as I get them.) And hoping to add a few more destinations in there to round out the year.

I love seeing new places, getting a chance to meet some of you and of course, just strike out a bit on my own. As a stay at home mom and someone who also works at home, sometimes I just need to GET OUT. I’m sure there are plenty of you who can sing the chorus to that song. So here’s to getting out.

I want to write more. In fact I feel energized to write more. I went to a wonderful conference in October that I have to say probably renewed my love of writing more than anything has in years.

I couldn’t put my finger on any one thing about the conference (The Surrey International Writer’s Conference) but I came back just stoked to get writing. Perhaps it was meeting new friends, laughing my backside off, and hearing such wonderful writers share their truly inspiring stories. I loved every moment of that conference, even having my car searched by the RCMP before I could enter the hotel. (That is a story in and of itself!)

All in all, what I want to do in 2012 is push myself to try a new project and find a new joy in the ones I write for all of you. I’m working on my 20th book right now, and I truly needed that creative reawakening to revive and re-motivate my muse. She’s stoked to get storytelling as well.

And in the face of all this enthusiasm, I want to bring balance to my writing and personal life. I know that seems at odds with the two goals above, but I think it is in that finding balance that the creativity will continue to well up and I will be a better writer for it. There are so many other things I love doing: knitting, gardening, camping/hiking, exploring new places, spending time with the family–and this list is in no particular order, especially if you are my family. LOL. These things have to have their place as well and are very important to me. And they need to be in the forefront.

I’ll probably blather on a bit over the new year about my progress, as well as popping in with a few surprises I have up my sleeves. In the meantime, I would love to hear about your ideas, resolutions and plans as well. What are you planning on doing in 2012?

©2012 Elizabeth Boyle Blog. All Rights Reserved.

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View from inside the hotel. Once I got inside.

Nothing like a friendly, “Welcome to Canada” arrival with the hotel surrounded by RCMP.

All because former presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush are speaking at the conference hotel that day for a separate economic meeting. And even with all this security you discover a few days later, one attendee arrived with an ax in a garbage bag and blithely walked into the hotel with it. But that is an entirely different story.

Meanwhile, as I settled in, protesters took over an intersection:

The lively view from my room.

Aside from all the hullabaloo that welcomed me, I have to say this was the best conference, evah. Truly. I had so much fun. Met so many truly interesting and talented writers (Ivan Coyote, Micheal Slade (here-forthwith known as, Man with an Axe), Eileen Cook, Susanna Kearsley, Margaret George (Yes, I got to meet Margaret George!) and Anne Perry, whose opening address was in a word: breathtaking.)

Had a total fangirl moment with Margaret George, where I was gushing over how much I loved the Autobiography of King Henry the VIIth to several other writers, only to discover Margaret George was standing right beside me. I was completely embarrassed and in total awe. I read that book when I was like 20 and was mesmerized by it. I recently reread it and it still, 20 some years later, her writing holds the same power.

What is it about Canadians and sharp, deadly objects?

Loved it.

My advice: If you love writing, go next year for their 20th anniversary conference. And if you go and you meet a wild crew of women from Calgary, hang with those chicks. They are too much fun.

And then sit next to Mary Robinette Kowal, and ask her about Sting. Or about Sleeping Beauty. Either story is wonderful. Or do what I did, download her book, Shades of Milk and Honey.

RCMP. Hero material if ever there was one.

And yes, I did bid on a Mountie. At least I tried to bid on one. But that again, is another story.

©2012 Elizabeth Boyle Blog. All Rights Reserved.

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‘Cept with this blog. And since I am off to the Surrey International Writer’s conference in Surrey, BC (I think it sounds so cool to be able to say, “I am going out of the country,” even if it is only two hours north of my house). I am not making any promises that I won’t go all fan girl on Elizabeth George–whose writing I have admired for years. And I always love hearing what Donald Maass has to say. And I am going to sneak in and listen to what Bob Mayer because everyone says his workshops are incredible.

I hardly ever get to “go” to a conference and since writing is a craft, I never turn down an opportunity to refine my own–that and I just love learning–especially when it comes from writers I truly admire and respect.

And then I have to speak, which is probably why I’ve been so frantic. I have to give two talks, sit on a panel, and take part in Blue Pencil chats. Have no idea what those are, but as long as we don’t have to pick sides and use hockey sticks, I’m game!

Will try to post pics over on Facebook and will be making reports all weekend long via Twitter. ‘Cause I am totally addicted and it is like having a gossipy BFF at your side 24/7. Have a great week and a fun weekend.

E the Adventure Bound.

©2012 Elizabeth Boyle Blog. All Rights Reserved.

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Hey, boys, I’ve been putting off all kinds of things that I want to get going on (not just your requests) including:

• Planting my spring bulbs
• Learn to crochet a hexagon (following this tutorial: Hexagon How-To)
• Clean up my office
• Read about 2 dozen books in my TBR (CJ Sansom’s Revelation, anyone?)
• Write the workshops that I will be giving next month

Fun things. Interesting things. Things that will replenish the creative well (even the cleaning part) and get me ready for the book to follow Along Came a Duke. Which already has a name . . . But you will have to wait to find that out, (right along with the child who wants me to take him clothes shopping, and the other one who wants me to get him registered at the Y) just like I have to wait to get to my To Be Done list.

What’s on your “If I Wasn’t Up to My Neck in _______, I Would be Doing _______” list?

©2012 Elizabeth Boyle Blog. All Rights Reserved.

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Today’s questions are courtesy of: Erica Lynn Thrasher and Janelle Wilbanks.

Erica asked:

Do you find that you have time for social life when a deadline is approaching?

A social life? What exactly is that? To be honest, I’ve taken two days off from work this year. My birthday and to go see Harry Potter the other Friday. Pathetic, huh? Deadlines just find me really focused and everything falls to the wayside.

Deadline or not, I really don’t have much of a social life–save for writing related events–which I do enjoy. I truly love hanging out with my family and a tight, close circle of friends who are very dear to me. And while I adore traveling–love seeing new sights and sounds–about four days into the adventure, I start counting the days until I can be in my own bed.

Do you find you can write easier on certain days than you can on others?

Absolutely. Last week, I had an awful day of writing–couldn’t put two sentences together, doubted every scene I had in the book, couldn’t see the forest through the trees. Was ready to chuck the entire book. The next day, I sat down and all the things I had fretted over the previous day were still valid, but I could see solutions and was able to use that down day to make some good, solid revisions to the story that only made it stronger. Writing is a day by day process–you just have to learn to paddle through the ebbs and flow of creativity.

Janelle asked:

Do you think extraterrestrial life is possible?

Sure. Why not?

Blog Contest Winner:

Last week’s winner is blog commenter #47, Kristen s. Congratulations. Kristen, please Contact me before August 1st, with your mailing address. Thanks!

With my deadline looming, I am going to hold off on more Blog contests until September. But in the meantime, have you entered my website Contest? The drawing will be help August 31st and the prize is a new Kindle! Enter today.

©2012 Elizabeth Boyle Blog. All Rights Reserved.

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Quite frankly, I was sitting down to blog and getting a bit stumped. It could be that I am nearing my deadline, so I am just a bit focused, ahem, elsewhere. Happily, these questions have certainly refreshed the blog well, and I will probably use them for my Monday and Saturday blogs for a while. Or until you all are a bit stumped and beg me to write about something different.

I’ll start right off with the questions from Sheri Fridley:

Where do you get ideas for your characters’s names?

I get names from all over. I actually collect them–I have a small notebook and I write names down as I hear them, see them, read about them in the paper or a magazine. I’ll ask the clerk in the grocery store how they pronounce their name and how they got it. (Embarrasses my kids to no end!) Then I also have a stack of naming books, including my fav, A World of Baby Names by Teresa Norman. I also have several books on British place names and surnames (English Surnames) and their origins, which makes it easier to find the best names for the nobility, since many of their surnames and titles are based on specific places.

Finally, I’ve also donated naming rights for characters for charity auctions. This has helped raised a lot of money for autism research and family support, and gives me the challenge of putting a character into a story with a name that may be a little unusual. Good example? Jamilla Kounellas in Love Letters from a Duke. She became Princess Jamilla, and the inspiration for the Bachelor Chronicles‘s Nannies. I may never have come up with that idea without Jamilla’s generous donate to FEAT, and a great name.

How many books did you write before one was published?

I wrote five books over a five year period. Writing is definitely a craft that takes time, talent and most of all, practice.

What were those first books? Two historicals, A Crusader’s Heart, and The Spanish Blade, and two contemporary comedies, Debutante on Work Release, and When A Star Falls. After being kindly rejected all over the place, I settled in and wrote Brazen Angel which won the Dell Diamond Debut and went on to be published and eventually won the RITA for Best First Book. I can honestly say that if I hadn’t written the four books prior to Brazen Angel, I would not have sold that book.

(BTW, my first three Brazen books are currently out of print, but I will be bringing them out as e-books later this year.)

Frappe or latte?

12 ounce double shot nonfat latte with one raw sugar.

Thank you, Sheri, for these awesome questions. Come Monday, I will answer more questions from this Facebook post.

©2012 Elizabeth Boyle Blog. All Rights Reserved.

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A good pitch will convey your enthusiasm for your project, reveal the mood of the story and create enough excitement and curiosity in the editor to entice them to request a proposal. What pitching doesn’t need to be is a heart-stopping, frightening experience. No matter how you shake with unnecessary nerves or how badly you stutter through your pitch, chances are excellent that if your story fits the editor’s line and is something she is looking for, she will ask to see a proposal.

So relax. A good pitch will do the work for you. Your only task when you enter an agent/editor appointment is to have done your homework. Here are your pre-appointment assignments:

1. Can you explain your story in High Concept? High Concept (HC) is a Hollywood term for presenting a story idea in one line, which gives the audience an overview of the story plot and theme. Yes, you read that correctly, one line. If you’ve seen the movie, “The Player” then you are familiar with this method. The first step in preparing your pitch is to find your HC, which is essentially utilizing familiar plots, stories and myths in comparison to your story. When I started working on my book, STEALING THE BRIDE, I used the HC line, “It Happened One Night meets the Regency.” I once heard Susan Wiggs describe her book THE LIGHTHOUSE as “Beauty and the Beast in a lighthouse.”

2. Why High Concept works. Any time you use a familiar theme/story/fairy tale, it comes ready made with emotion, memories, and images. By using fairy tales, myths, beloved movies and legends that everyone is familiar with, you compare and contrast your book setting an immediate mood. You don’t need to spend a lot of time on back story or other elements of your plot, because the moment you use a HC pitch, the editor knows exactly what your manuscript is all about. If I were to say, “Romeo and Juliet with a happy ending,” you immediately know this is a story of star-crossed lovers from feuding families who don’t die at the end.

3. After the HC, what comes next? The body of the pitch tells the editor how you have spun a new take on a familiar story. A good pitch will create excitement about your story, reveal theme, entice readers with the conflict and convey the uniqueness of your story. In essence what I’m describing are the elements of a back copy blurb (BCB). Take four or five books that are similar to what you write and study the back copy, paying particular attention to the use of language and structure. One very important thing to remember: a BCB leaves you hanging as to story resolution, a good pitch won’t!

4. The real work begins. To start, divide a sheet of paper into three sections, heading one with the name of your heroine, the other, your hero, and the third, write in your HC line. Under each section, brainstorm at least twenty words that describe each of these headings. Try to avoid physical descriptions, rather think of words which describe the person’s essence. For the heroine of STEALING THE BRIDE, Lady Diana Fordham, I used words such as: spinster, daring, resolute, determined, inventive, crafty, sensual, risk taker, concealed, audacious, etc. These words reveal her personality, her conflict, her goals, her story. When you are finished, you have a project orientated thesaurus from which to draft your pitch.

5. Drafting your pitch. Take another sheet of blank paper and divide it again into three sections. In the first section, state your heroine’s goal, in the second, your hero’s, and head the last one as “Collision.” In the first two paragraphs, outline the conflict and goals for your heroine and for your hero. Again, read the copy from the back of several books and you’ll begin to see how these are crafted. As you work:

• Try to draw out the theme, mood or quality of the story by using words from your thesaurus. If the story is suspense, the audience should feel the drama in your story. If it is a warm and fuzzy romance, the audience should go away feeling the need for a cozy blanket and cup of cocoa.

• Next, make sure you have demonstrated that your heroine and hero’s goals/conflict are opposing. Simply put, show how your story conflict is “two dogs, one bone,” that the hero and heroine are in opposition. Show the editor that your story has depth and the hero and heroine are going to be battling from the first page to the resolution to have that bone.

• For what I call the collision paragraph, I try to demonstrate the romance of the story. Why these two people are so different or alike and why they will ultimately find love and romance. Again, this is a great place to draw your HC theme into the pitch, and look for language that will evoke the sexual tension/mood of your story.

• Finally, make sure your language includes your enthusiasm for your story. This is your 30 seconds of fame, make it the most memorable 30 seconds of your audience’s life. Leave them breathless with need to read your story.

6. Practice your pitch. Find someone who has never heard the elements of your story before and practice your pitch on them. Listen carefully to their questions, because these may well be the same questions an editor will ask, and you can either rework your pitch to fix the holes or have a ready answer with which to fill in the questions. Anticipate as many questions as you can about conflict, motivation, plot devices and the resolution, and then think out or write out your answers.

7. During the appointment. With so much time being spent discussing how to craft a pitch, there is little advice on what to do when you get there. In group appointments, listen to the questions the editor asks other authors. This will give you a good idea as to what the editor is looking for and what they don’t want to see. Refocus your pitch accordingly. Don’t ever monopolize the conversation, comment on other pitches, or interrupt anyone else. Politely introduce yourself, offer your HC line, and then after taking another deep breath and therefore allowing your marvelous idea to set the mood, give your complete pitch and then close your mouth and smile. Answer questions from the editor with direct, concise answers. Thank her for her time and ask her if she would like to see the complete manuscript or sample chapters and a synopsis.

8. After the appointment. Make sure you send the editor what they requested promptly. Sadly, editors say that they hear wonderful ideas all the time and then never see the manuscripts. Have it out to door and headed for New York as soon as you get back. Write “Requested Materials” on the outside envelope and remind the editor in your cover letter that you met at the RWA conference and the enclosed materials are what she has requested.

Good luck and see you in New York.

©2012 Elizabeth Boyle Blog. All Rights Reserved.

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1) My GLEE Inspired Conference Tips. Even if you have never watched Glee, there is advice here to that should be taken to heart. Believe me, conference can crush you like Vocal Adrenaline if you aren’t careful.

2) The Sure Thing. If you going to pitch anything at Nationals, please, do yourself a favor and read this.

3) How to Pack. This is crucial. Packing properly for RWA can save you a lot of heartache.

4) Most Important Advice Ever. Actually it should be first. I answer the most important question of all: Why go to conference. My answer will surprise you. Or hopefully it won’t.

5. What to Wear. Two words: Business Casual–as long as you feel comfortable in that. And by the way, the best dress I ever wore for the RITAs, which got nothing but compliments and “where did you get it?”, I got at the Goodwill for $9.95. The requisite dry cleaning was more expensive.

There’s my advice. If I left anything out and you have more conference questions, please post them in the comments and I will be happy to answer them.

Monday contest:

Win a Writer’s Package with some of my favorite writing tools and books.

Two ways to enter:
1) Leave a comment below with either a question about attending a writing conference or just writing in general.
If you are reading this on Facebook, you can only enter at my actual blog. http://elizabethboyle.com/blog/?p=1164. Facebook does not allow contests via their site.

and/or

2) Tweet the following: @ElizBoyle has some great conference advice on her blog and a contest for writers. http://elizabethboyle.com/blog/?p=1164 #RWA11

I’ll give you all until midnight, PT, Thursday, June 24th to get your entry in.

Make sure to check back here Friday June 24th to find out if you won.

Last week’s winner:

Karen R, who made comment #8 in my Monday, June 13, blog. Karen, please email me via my Contact page before Friday, June 24th to claim your prize.

©2012 Elizabeth Boyle Blog. All Rights Reserved.

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