Cole Goodwin Fiction

NaNoWriMo

2009-11-03T21:08:00.000-08:00

Ok. So I'm gonna give it a shot. God help me.

I'm two days late, but I'm up to 2712.

Tomorrow I'm gonna go to a NaNo write-in in the next town over. 6:00-7:45. Hopefully I can get just as much done!

Change...

2009-07-04T23:26:00.000-07:00

I know...I suck...and not in a good way. Just wanted to tell you I moved Worthy. There are also some new things in my port. Not great, but it's something considering life has been kicking me for fun.

You Ever?

2009-02-01T14:26:00.001-08:00

Come up with a story idea and have no idea how to write it?

Come up with a Title and no story?

Start a writing group?

Want to write but couldn't jump off that cliff?

Just pondering...

No Words

2008-11-08T21:52:00.000-08:00

Well that is not entirely true. I have many words and many ideas, but since I went back to school, all I get to write about are politics and rocks and other writers. It's tough. The characters are moving like liquid in my mind and I have promised them, once finals are over I will attend to their needs. They seem ok with it. I continue to work through, in my head, what I want to have happen. Of course there are some ideas that aren't quite fitting and may not until I get them on paper. I don't think I am being untrue to them, but making it the puzzle piece fit sometimes takes a few tries.

I have a couple of ideas for other stories. I am keeping a log of them so when I get the time I can get their tale on paper too.

Nothing like being made to write to make you miss wanting to write. Soon enough I'll be back on it though and I'm looking forward to it.

See ya then!

Update

2008-06-20T12:05:00.000-07:00

Nothing much going on. Been busy. Have been working on Worthy a little. What I need is a few uninterrupted hours fairly early in the day to plow through the next scene. Once I get that I will post another chapter. So, if you know how to get me those hours, let me know. That's all I have for now. Peace!

Political Poetry

2008-06-04T23:38:00.000-07:00

Politics

You've a mass of knowledge and information,
And don't know how to Wield it.

Your voice is loud and dominating,
And you don't try to Shield it.

Don't call this a discussion, when it's a battle,
And think that I don't Know it.

I may be quiet, and unassuming,
But I see clearly through your Bullshit.

What's Your Fantasy?

2008-05-21T22:02:00.000-07:00

I am collaborating on a story with one of my writing buddies, Sciwriter1. So check it out. It's called Oriel's Destiny. Leave some feedback and let us know what you think of it.

Also, I have added some more poetry to my port. I'm no poet that's for sure so any help and feedback you can provide would be great!

I've Been Punked

2008-04-16T22:50:00.000-07:00

So my good friend on WDC Sciwriter1 made me a birthday forum. I though he and everyone had forgotten hence the previous rant. I was sooooo hurt I was gonna take a break from the site for a while. They got me but good. Here is my birthday forum.

Rant

2008-04-15T00:36:00.001-07:00

So, I'm on this site, Writing.Com. They like to make bit of a deal over site birthdays. Mine is April 15th. I got an email from the site, and email from a newbie and a well wish from someone I happened to tell about it. I mean it's just after midnight, so I can't really be mad. But none of my "friends" have said anything. I do stuff around the site, set up birthday forums, participate in others, do fund raisers, and get no acknowledgment. So, ya, I'm hurt. I'm mad. I am not inclined to do anything for anyone there anymore. Eye for an eye.

VACATION!!!

2008-04-10T23:53:00.000-07:00

Soooooooo, I finally managed to update Vacation. I am now up to Chapter 4! Take a look if you'd like!

I'm Back!!

2008-04-07T01:15:00.000-07:00

Miss me? Yeah I know the answer to that. Well, I have been busy. Some good, some bad. Part of the good part, is I have been trying my hand at poetry. I don't understand it. It baffles me. But I try. So, if you don't mind, take a look and tell me what you think and how I can improve and what the hell I am doing! Thanks for the help!

Poetry Attempts

Update

2008-01-28T23:34:00.000-08:00

Hello, I know it's been a while. What can I say? I suck. LOL. Anyway, I only have couple items of note.

I updated "Meeting". Click on it to go there.

Second, I am involved in a Campfire called "House of Harlot" that is kinda funny. Check it out if you'd like. That's about all I have.

Oh yeah, you know Worthy moved right? There are no updates though. Again, yes I know...I suck.

The New Year is Upon Us!

2007-12-27T20:36:00.000-08:00

So it's almost that time again. New start, new beginnings. Most people take this time of year to proclaim New Year's Resolutions. I don't do resolutions, I prefer to call them goals. So here are my goals for the New Year.

I would like to get more organized.
I would like to employ better time management practices.
I would like to finish my novel.
I would like to work on my second novel.
I would like to put together a collection of short stories.
I would like to find a gentle mentor.

I think these things are all doable, and I hope to do them all.

Do you have any goals for the new year? Leave me a comment let me know, maybe we can help each other.

Best wishes to all of you and your family, may the new year bring you all your dreams.

Strangers

2007-12-02T22:08:00.000-08:00

Ok. I posted it. It's predictable and trite but at least I put it up.

Strangers

Pic Source

The Pattern is Full

2007-11-12T07:50:00.000-08:00

My muse has been circling around, like she wants to land but isn't quite sure. I tried to lure her down and she comes close but still no. Then I thought, maybe she would like to have a tangible representation of herself. So I set of too find one for her. I'm still looking but I think she likes the idea.

I already know what my dark muse looks like. We all know what happens when I let her out.

She is scary, seductive, waits patiently and is amusingly opportunistic. I can actually feel her now. She is pushing at my heart and soul, she wants to breathe life through me. It's hard to hold her back. I can feel her trying to push through my skin. Why is there such a comfort in her embrace?

Meet my dark muse...

Long Time No Post

2007-10-31T23:10:00.000-07:00

Shameless Plug

Check out my friend. He just published an ebook. Click on the book cover to go to the website.

I'm proud of you! Good job!

Nothing Good to Read?

2007-09-15T18:01:00.000-07:00

Well. I know I am not as well read as some of you are, but if you are looking for "Candy", have I got some books for you!

My best friend and, evidently, drug (book) pusher, loaned me one of her books while I was visiting. I spent the next, what, month, consuming the rest of the series. Nothing got done. NOTHING. These books are funny, smart, sexy and a good time. I hope you enjoy them:

BOOKS BY LAURELL K HAMILTON

Anita Blake Series:

Guilty Pleasures
The Laughing Corpse
Circus Of The d**ned
Lunatic Cafe
Bloody Bones
The Killing Dance
Burnt Offerings
Blue Moon
Obsidian Butterfly
Narcissus In Chains
Cerulean Sins
Incubus Dreams
Micah
Danse Macabre
The Harlequin

So, when I finished that series I looked around and thought, hmmmm, I enjoyed the Anita Blake series so well, why not try another flavor of Hamilton:

Merry Gentry Series:

Kiss Of Shadows
Caress Of Twilight
Seduced By Moonlight
Stroke Of Midnight
Mistral's Kiss

As I said before, my best friend is also my book pusher. So when she recommended another author to me, I did what any sane person would do. I ran. I mean did I need weeks of my life being sucked up by another prolific author? NO. So what did the pregnant dog do? While I was visiting, she actually pulled out the book and READ IT TO ME! I was up all night, and now I have finished 2 more of her books. I hate my friend with love. Here are the list of books by the other authour. I have only read 3, but I will list all of them for you. This is the series I am in the middle of:

Mary Janice Davidson

Series

Queen Betsy

1. Undead and Unwed (2002)
2. Undead and Unemployed (2004)
3. Undead and Unappreciated (2005)
4. Undead and Unreturnable (2005)
5. Undead and Unpopular (2006)
6. Undead and Uneasy (2007)

If the others are as fun as this one. I am clearly not getting anything done for months:

Alaskan Royal Family
1. The Royal Treatment (2004)
2. The Royal Pain (2005)
3. The Royal Mess (2007)

Cyborg series
1. Hello, Gorgeous! (2005)
2. Drop Dead Georgeous (2006)

Jennifer Scales (with Anthony Alongi)
1. Jennifer Scales and the Ancient Furnace (2005)
2. Jennifer Scales and the Messenger of Light (2006)
3. The Silver Moon Elm (2007)

Novels

By Any Other Name (1998)
Adventures of the Teen Furies (1998)
Love Lies (2000)
Thief of Hearts (2001)
Under Cover (2003)
Betsy the Vampire Queen (2005)
Derik's Bane (2005)
Really Unusual Bad Boys (2005)
Sleeping with the Fishes (2006)
Doing It Right (2007)
Swimming Without a Net (2007)

Omnibus

Secrets 6 (2000) (with Sandy Fraser, Alice Gaines, Angela Knight and Sandy Tetzlaff)
Naughty or Nice (2001) (with Lani Aames and Treva Harte)
Secrets: 8 (2002) (with Jeanie Cesarini, Alice Gaines and Liz Maverick)
Bad Boys with Expensive Toys (2004) (with Karen Kelley and Nancy Warren)
Cravings (2004) (with Laurell K Hamilton, Eileen Wilks and Rebecca York)
Men at Work (2004) (with Nina Bangs, Janelle Denison and Erin McCarthy)
How to Be a Wicked Woman (2004) (with Susanna Carr and Jamie Ann Denton)
Merry Christmas, Baby (2004) (with Susanna Carr, Donna Kauffman, Erin McCarthy, Lucy Monroe and Nancy Warren)
Wicked Women Whodunit (2005) (with Jennifer Apodaca, Nancy J Cohen and Amy Garvey)
In Other Worlds (2005) (with Camille Anthony and Angela Knight)
Charming the Snake (2005) (with Camille Anthony and Melissa Schroeder)
Kick Ass (2005) (with Jacey Ford, Angela Knight and Maggie Shayne)
Mysteria (2006) (with P C Cast, Susan Grant and Gena Showalter)
Valentine's Day Is Killing Me (2006) (with Susanna Carr and Leslie Esdaile)
Fangs Again: Bewitched, Bothered And Bevampyred 2 (2006) (with Susan Grant and Alesia Holliday)
Surf's Up (2006) (with Nina Bangs and Janelle Denison)
Over the Moon (2007) (with Virginia Kantra, Angela Knight and Sunny)
Demon's Delight (2007) (with Emma Holly, Catherine Spangler and Vickie Taylor)
No Rest for the Witches (2007) (with Lori Handeland, Cheyenne McCray and Christine Warren)

Collections

Perfect for the Beach: Some like it Hot / One Wilde Weekend / Blue Crush / My Thief / Hot and Bothered / Murphy's Law (2004) (with Janelle Denison, Lori Foster, Morgan Leigh, Erin McCarthy and Kayla Perrin)
Bite (2005) (with Laurell K Hamilton, Charlaine Harris, Angela Knight and Vickie Taylor)
Dead and Loving It (2006)

And of course I won't list all the books of Anne Rice and Patricia Cornwell and Iris Johansen. But you get the point.

Sorry you asked? Oh wait, you didn't! Too bad!

Worthy Update on Writer's Guild

2007-09-06T14:10:00.000-07:00

Yeah, I know, I know...I have put another chapter. Enjoy!

Bad Luck...

2007-08-30T17:19:00.000-07:00

So I had a notebook with my notes for my story I wanted to enter into The Gentleman's contest and I managed to lose it. So now I have to remember what I wrote. I have a very bad memory. I'm bummed. Oh well...Off I go to try to remember.

Back to School

2007-08-27T11:34:00.000-07:00

I'm out of the house. Visiting friends. She home schools her kids so it is my plan when the kids are working, I will be working. Today it is just getting some blogging done. After that, I will work on my entry to The Gent's contest. I am hoping my friend will help me with editing. I haven't asked her yet...

So, with that in mind. I am off!

Long Time No Blog

2007-08-20T23:28:00.000-07:00

It has been a while since I have blogged so I thought I would give you an update. I've been busy. I could go into it, but you don't really care do you? If you do, go check out my other identity.

As far as writing goes, I have started two Campfire Creatives at Writing.com. What is a Campfire Creative you ask?

Campfire Creatives are a fun and interactive way of writing with a group. Imagine sitting around a campfire with a group of your friends. The leader of the campfire begins a story that is then passed around the group for their input. With up to 25 participants, you never can tell where these are going to lead!

So one is called "Neverland" which is scifi/fantasy, and the other "The Adventures of Bouncy and Puppy". That one is erotica. If you would like to join one of them, email me and we'll talk about it. I think it will be fun.

I am also entering a couple of contests.

The Gentleman is hosting a contest. The Gentleman's Challenge #2. Well, I am trying to enter it. I haven't finished writing it yet. I made the mistake of reading other people's entries. They are sooooooo good! I'm a scared!

The other is a horror/scary contest hosted by Nathan Carter called An Obsession with Fear. I don't know if my entry is scary, but it scared the crap out of me!

So that's what has been going on with me.

I Formally Challenge Thee...

2007-07-31T00:00:00.000-07:00

The Gentleman has issued a challenge...

"I would like you writers to pick your favorite love song and then build a story around it where one lover has to sing it to the other. Some examples, they are at a karaoke bar, a singing contest or just in their bedroom."

I am going to enter. I started a story for it, written with pen and paper and am having a little trouble with the ending...I have to believe it will come to me with like the song did.

I feel pretty good about this. I am not sure it is a good story, but I am pretty happy that I took control of my muse to write it. Yay me!

Frankenstein, I Presume.

2007-07-19T15:21:00.000-07:00

My best friend is right. I love writing. She said she has never seen me as happy and excited about anything, as I am about writing. What do I do? I go find some writing websites, join the community and get help with my writing, because, although I love it, I am not very good. They are wonderful people! They help me...a lot!

But it seems this is an obsession best shared. So I encouraged someone to join the site and write some stories. They keep telling me about a novel that they want to write. I am encouraging. I say why not start off with some short pieces, just to get in the groove, post them on the site and get some feed back. I watch carefully...the wheels are turning. Then, like gold has been struck, EUREKA!! They have a short story idea. Why don't you write down some notes on it, ideas, feelings things like that, I suggest. Type 'em up before you forget. Evidently that is a great idea. Off they run! Next thing I hear is giggling and fingers on a laptop. *shakes head* I've created a monster. The rest of the night, they had that same glazed over look that I get when I am working out an idea. *sigh*

I grumble, but deep down I am welling with pride. Did you used to watch The X-Files? At the end of the credits, a little boy's voice says, "I MADE THIS!" I love that! Might be my favourite part of the show. Anyway that is how I feel about said friend. I just may be lonely for a while...

And you know what? That's alright by me! *beaming with pride*

On a different topic, I had a nightmare that made me wake up yelling. That hardly ever happens. People wonder why I don't watch or read horror, well, this is why. I have TERRIBLE nightmares. I actually suffer from a few reoccurring ones, but I won't go into it. I was thinking, this dream would make a good story. The dream was about a haunted house and possessed furniture. The only thing that would have made it worse is if there were creepy kids in the house. The problem is, just like I don't read romance, I write it. I don't read or watch horror but now I want to tell that story. I am just not sure how to go about it. I may ask for some help from my writing buddy Descent (nathan carter) he does twisted really well. And yes, that is a complement.

And thank you to Descent for providing me with the pictures for this post. How talented is he? Bastard. Some people get all the luck. I hate with love... *snicker*

Today

2007-07-14T23:56:00.001-07:00

I told you I knew I'd find my treasure. Well almost. An idea came to me while I was lying in bed waiting for a storm to roll through. I haven't written it yet, it is not done perculating but when it's ready, I will. If I force it, I am afraid it will turn out like Strangers, which sucked. Let's see...I think that's all I have to say.

Tell Tale Heart

2007-07-08T18:38:00.000-07:00

I'm in a strange place. I want to write, but I don't know what to write. I know what some of you want me to work on. My heart isn't in it today, for any of them. It's odd. I can feel my heart beating, even hear it, but I can't find it. I'm maneuvering through darkened corridors and port holes listening carefully to it's steady mummer. I'm not afraid or panicked, this isn't a monster movie moment. More of a searching moment. I think there is more, like it will be a treasure my heart has gathered for me when I find it, but it's not ready to be found yet.

Nothing New

2007-07-07T20:03:00.000-07:00

I haven't written anything myself so I thought I would plug a couple more people.

Check out Rick

and

Descent (nathancarter)

ExMuse Me?

2007-07-05T20:22:00.000-07:00

I haven't been doing much writing. My muse is avoiding my emotional turmoil. Can't say as I blame her. I would avoid it too. But, you know her, she's cowering somewhere. To pass the time, I have been spending time in a writers chat room. Looking for inspiration, help, encouragement, anything, and finding it!

I have been talking with some people and I had a very interesting conversation with someone called Wolffe. We were discussing our muses. I told him about my delicate one and he said he had chosen a dark muse. He also said he felt we had many muses. I thought about it and said that is probably true. In fact, I do have a dark muse myself. My dark muse I don't let out much. She scares people. People look at me like I need help or like I need to be committed or medicated or something. I let her out and she has seductive, dark things to say. I don't let her out because she is too good, and manipulative and easy to let stay. She is not good for me.

I also learned, while my characters are in control of the story, Wolffe let me know I am in control of my muse(s), and I need to learn how to manage them. I am learning how to do that. I let my Dark Muse out, and this is what she had to say.

Atrum Cella , Atrum Vita

If you would like to read some of Wolffe's work, just click on his name. He is very good.

...And We Have a Winner..."Meeting"

2007-07-01T23:44:00.001-07:00

Thanks to:

The B Word Poet
and
TALENT DRIPS EROTIC PUBLISHINGS

Read Meeting Ch. 1 Here
and Meeting Ch. 2 Here

How aMUSEing...

2007-06-20T03:10:00.000-07:00

So, I was stuck, for a long time. You know my muse...delicate and seriously hating emotional turmoil. Which is where I am, as well as my character. In order to get past that, I had to leave town. It worked. I think we will be ok now. I just haven't had the time to do more work. Maybe tomorrow.

*shaking head* Muses...

Pic Source

Meeting

2007-06-07T21:15:00.000-07:00

I uploaded new short story. It needs work. I didn't expect to post it. I hadn't even intend to do more work on it. I didn't expect I would spend much time on it. It was just a little piece of candy, a gift for a friend. But alas, it wanted to say more, so there is a second chapter. I am not sure if it will go beyond that.

So, if you want to read it, go ahead. If you don't like it, well, too bad, I wrote it for a friend, and they loved it...so there!

In any case, you can find it here.

Image Source

The Writer's Cafe Awards

2007-06-05T12:02:00.000-07:00

Wow! I have to say, I am surprised. Honestly. Also, humbled. We all know I think of my self as notthewriter. So I think this is weird. People must really connect with the tragic. I'm glad I was able to convey those emotions and people felt it. I feel so ill equipped to tell stories. I alway feel I don't know enough words. Some one once pointed out to me, that I did, in fact know enough words, being that I was able to understand what other people had written. So corrected, I say don't feel I have a fine enough grasp of the language to manipulate it, to make it do my bidding. That is the true gift, art.

But I thought I would share my victory with you. Thanks for reading. You can find my profile here, and Forget is here.

Vacation...Chapter 3

2007-06-04T15:32:00.000-07:00

Ok, so, I have updated Vacation. Good ol' Ethan and Naava are having a day together. You know where to find it! Hope you enjoy!

Now off to work on Worthy, I hope!

Muse(less)ings

2007-06-02T22:40:00.001-07:00

So, it would seem, I find myself with some time coming up. I'm hoping this will give me the opportunity to write some more. I did write a short little piece for a friend of mine. (You know who you are, *wink*) But that was a gift and not for popular consumption. If you would like to read it, you would have to ask said friend. Cryptic enough for you? Anyway. I have been procrastinating because I hate to emotionally beat up my characters and that is where I am. I should just buckle down and do it. It may require another trip to a pub or coffee house to do so. It seems I do better with a venue change for these things.

Also, I am in the midst of some emotional turmoil. So, we all know what THAT means. Muse is off some where else. She is such a delicate creature. Can't take any kind of strife that one. Only likes it when it is sunny and nice. I am afraid that won't be for some time. I guess I will have to find a way. Last weekend I wrote something like 123 words, and they were all crap. I've got to get past this. If any one has some advice, please, let me know.

I wish I had more encouraging news or something interesting to post, but I don't. I have made the decision, I will not upload more Worthy until I write more Worthy. I still have a lot I haven't posted, but I think I like to keep the buffer.

Anywhooooo, hope you all are well! Thanks for reading!

P.S. You do know that clicking on the link (words that are different colours and underlined will take you to the stories or other places, right? I thought so. You're pretty bright. :-) )

I've Been Tagged

2007-05-27T19:05:00.000-07:00

UPDATE

The Gentleman was kind enough to answer the questions that Bel had posed to some of us. Here are his answers.

(I also find it hilarious all you writers claim to be notthewriters. Carry on...)

First off, I don’t consider myself a writer. A teller of erotic tales would be
the more apt description of me, *Smiles* But to those of you who believe I am, I thank you very much!

1. Do you outline?

Nope… Suppose I should, but…

2. Do you write straight through a book, or do you sometimes tackle the scenes out of order?

I have yet to do a book, but as far as stories go, one scene at a time.

3. Do you prefer writing with a pen or using a computer?

I start a story with pen/pencil and paper. Once I have the general idea down, will switch to PC.

4. Do you prefer writing in first person or third?

First person, though I suffer from the ‘switching back and forth’ problem…
*Grins*

5. Do you listen to music while you write?

No.

6. How do you come up with the perfect names for your characters?

I try to be creative in my names, so the “Baby Name Book” comes in handy.

7. When you're writing, do you ever imagine your book as a television show or movie?

Sometimes. It helps me if I visualize the story as a movie to make sure the scenes are believable.

9. Do you know how a book is going to end when you start it?

I usually know who the story starts and ends, it’s the middle I have problems with, *laughs*

10. Where do you write?

A futon chair and a laptop at home, mainly. Sometimes will make adds at work.

11. What do you do when you get writer's block?

Read someone else’s work, usually gets the my muse back on track.

12. What size increments do you write in (either in terms of word count, or as a percentage of the book as a whole)?

Three or four paragraphs at a time.

13. How many different drafts did you write for your last project?

One, with MANY corrections.

14. Have you ever changed a character's name midway through a draft?

Not yet, but you never know.

15. Do you let anyone read your book while you're working on it, or do you wait until you've completed a draft before letting someone else see it?

It helps if I let some one read what I have already done to point out mistakes,
typos and such.

16. What do you do to celebrate when you finish a draft?

Place it on Writing.com and see what the reaction is.

17. One project at a time, or multiple projects at once?

Multiple, may be why it takes me so long to finish one story.

18. Do your books grow or shrink in revision?

My stories usually shrink in some places, grow in others.

19. Do you have any writing or critique partners?

Many of the writers on Writing do a fine job of critiquing what I write… so I guess that’s a, yes.

20. Do you prefer drafting or revising?

Revising, that way I don’t have to start all over again, *grins*. Not that I am lazy or anything…

*********************************************************

Tagged writer?

Thanks to Bel, I got tagged as a writer. Must say I love the compliment, but I don't merit the title. I hope one day I will, but it's fair to say that I don't deserve the title yet. Anyway, here I go.

1. Do you outline?

Not really. I have a sort of calendar where events I want to happen are, for lack of a better word, scheduled.

2. Do you write straight through a book, or do you sometimes tackle the scenes out of order?

Book! That’s a laugh, although I guess Worthy is turning into one. With Worthy, I do have scenes I have written that haven’t occurred yet. But, I keep those in my “idea” journal. The computerized version is in order.

3. Do you prefer writing with a pen or using a computer?

I like both. I am more efficient on a computer, but I LOVE the feel of pen to paper. I have another story I am working on that is completely hand written. I like that it slows me down. In fact, people have asked to read that one, for me to type it up, but I don’t want to. It is sort of my escape.

4. Do you prefer writing in first person or third?

Well, I want to be God, but I evidently have Point of View issues. Give my readers whiplash. I am working on it.

5. Do you listen to music while you write?

Sometimes.

6. How do you come up with the perfect names for your characters?

Names are the bane of my existence. I am inherently unimaginative and lacking in creativity. I used to name all my characters the same names. I also use names of people I know. So now everyone thinks I am writing about these people, which I am not. But, whatever. I am just so bad with names. I have a hard time remembering people’s names when I meet them. Bad. Bad. Bad. People were up in arms. Now I go online and find names, to appease people.

7. When you're writing, do you ever imagine your book as a television show or movie?

I see my stories as a movie in my mind, but fantasize about my stories becoming films? No.

9. Do you know how a book is going to end when you start it?

On the shorter ones, I usually do. I didn’t with Worthy but now I do. I don’t with the one in my hand written journal. I wait for inspiration to strike.

10. Where do you write?

I usually write in bed. I have now set up a desk area. I have also found, when I get stuck, if I go somewhere, coffee shop, pub, restaurant, I can get going again.

11. What do you do when you get writer's block?

I go somewhere, coffee shop, pub, restraint, I can get going again.

12. What size increments do you write in (either in terms of word count, or as a percentage of the book as a whole)?

Usually three to five pages.

13. How many different drafts did you write for your last project?

They are all drafts.

14. Have you ever changed a character's name midway through a draft?

No. I will change all the names in Worthy, though.

15. Do you let anyone read your book while you're working on it, or do you wait until you've completed a draft before letting someone else see it?

I have people who like to read scenes as I finish them. It helps me.

16. What do you do to celebrate when you finish a draft?

Put it online and wait for feedback impatiently.

17. One project at a time, or multiple projects at once?

Multiple

18. Do your books grow or shrink in revision?

My stories usually shrink in some places, grow in others.

19. Do you have any writing or critique partners?

Yes. I have a friend who I will go see for her to edit. I also publish on writers' cafe and the writers guild and one other site, hoping for feedback.

20. Do you prefer drafting or revising?

I do both simultaneously. I hate it when sentences do not flow right. Before a draft is finished, I've read the damn thing a gazillion times.

OK. Now, Bel has tagged all the writers I know except one, I will tag Kat and email the survey to The Gentleman. Hopefully he will not hate me and answer the questions. If he is kind enough to answer, I will post them here. It would be nice to get the perspective of someone who is about to be published. Maybe I can convince him it is his first interview. No? Well, I will try anyway.

Secret Identities

2007-05-25T18:47:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was a good day. Actually, it started the night before. There is a site I frequent to read people’s writing. www.Writing.Com It’s great. I have mentioned it before. If you have not gone there, shame on you! Anyway, the authors there are great. My practice has been to read stories whose titles catch my eye. If I like it, I go to the author’s port and begin to read all of their works. I have done this with a few authors, and I try to review and rate. All authors want constructive feedback. Even us non-writer writers. *coughthatmeansfromyoutoocough* There is an author who is one of my favorites. His pen name is The Gentleman. I've read every one of his stories and must have left him a million reviews. I can just imagine what he thought when he checked his email for the day. *In The Gentleman’s inner voice, “Jesus Christ! Who is this psycho bitch?”* (Thinking about it, I should ask him.) Anywho, we happened to be online at the same time the day before yesterday and exchanged emails. Turns out he is a really nice guy and clearly, incredibly patient to deal with my crazy ass. The next day I was treated to on and off instant messages with him, which made my already great day better! I guess what I am saying is, contrary to popular belief, I don’t go all fan-girl very often, but, how can I not when he is such a great all around guy and writer. So, if you please, go check out his stuff, one of his stories is about to be published. You can say you knew him when, too!

Oh yeah, and the reason my day was so good? Well you have to know my other secret identity to read about that! If you do, it will be posted there!

Another Vacation

2007-05-24T16:58:00.001-07:00

Ok. Ethan and Naava would NOT leave me alone. So, to appease them, I wrote another scene for them. I swear, posting these is the most nerve wracking thing I do. So check it out if you want. You have to be a registered user to read it.

I've Got Class

2007-05-19T20:23:00.000-07:00

I take a lot of ribbing from people I know about my writing. I claim not to be a writer, they claim I am. I don't feel like a writer and I also don't think I write very well. I have to fight for every word. If something comes easily, it is a gift and I am very happy to receive it.

So, in hopes to become a better non writer, I have signed up for a beginning writers course. It's 6 weeks. I am very excited. If it works out for me, there are a few more I will take; a grammar refresher course and a romance writing secrets course. Although, I may not take that one...being that I don't read romance novels, but that is what I like to write, I kind of like the idea I don't follow the "format". It probably won't get me published, but, I still can't believe anyone wants to read my stuff anyway.

Wish me luck. Classes start in June.

Is it weird I am soooooooo excited by this?

Today

2007-05-16T20:14:00.000-07:00

Well, I did some work on Worthy last night. The scene doesn't have the emotion and heartbreak I want. I will have to work on it. But in the mean time, I may upload another chapter for people to read. I am not sure. We shall see. Hopefully I will have better news for you later.

Strangers

2007-05-15T15:48:00.000-07:00

Ok. So I finished Strangers...it is CRAPTASTIC! I probably won't post it. I thought I might just abandon it all together, but then I would feel like a quitter. I just didn't have the love for it I did the other ones. That leaves me time to work on Worthy, Vacation, and Thomas (there is no link for Thomas because it is hand written in my journal and I have not typed it up yet.) They are all feeling neglected. I guess if I get enough requests for Strangers to be posted I will, but otherwise...no.

I may go to dinner tonight with a friend, if that is the case, I will not work tonight. If I don't I will. Nicole and Worthy are quite loud right now. I need to appease them.

Ok. That's all!

Today

2007-05-11T23:11:00.000-07:00

Worked on "Strangers" a little today. I am not liking it. I may not post it. I hope to work on "Worthy" tomorrow. I also hope to set up a desk area for me. We shall see.

Sneaky

2007-05-11T08:28:00.000-07:00

Ok. So I brought from home, a rewritable disc. I was thinking, I would take my stories off my personal computer and bring them over to my work computer and work on them...on the sly. Then maybe I could finish "Strangers". Unethical? Yeah probably, but in my defense, they don't pay me enough to do all the work I do here anyway. At least it LOOKS like I'm working. Yeah, I know, I am going to hell.

On another topic...GO WARRIORS! I'm not really a sports fan, but I feel bad that they have come so far and it took them so long to get here. I hope they win tonight.

Today

2007-05-10T21:31:00.000-07:00

I didn't get to finish Strangers today. Ran out of time. Hopefully this weekend I will get to finish it and do the next scene for Worthy. That is my plan. Keep your fingers crossed for me. I may even upload more chapters. I haven't decided yet. There is a way to set the website to email you when things are updated. So if that interests you, you should check in to it.

Idea

2007-05-09T22:27:00.000-07:00

So I had an idea for another short story. Which for me are like writing exercises. I am working on it now. I will try to finish it up tomorrow. It is called "Strangers". I'm pretty sure it's no good, but what the hell.

Muse

2007-05-09T15:53:00.000-07:00

So my muse is M.I.A. No surprise. She doesn't do emotional turmoil well. I know some people are more prolific when they are unhappy. That is not the case for me. I write better when I am in a good mood. So, today...bupkis. I have some notes that may turn into some sort of short, but I may not get to it today. I will have to do more mundane things I suspect. Hopefully one of those will include a peaceful nights sleep.

Stories

2007-05-08T19:31:00.000-07:00

UPDATE:

You will probably have to register to read the stories...but they don't send emails so don't worry about that.

So I guess I will link my stories so you can read them at your will.

You can find them all here, including "Worthy":

The are listed under nicbeast

http://www.broken-road.com/thewritersguild/index.php

You can find all the other stories, excluding "Worthy" at these locations:

They are listed under Cole Goodwin

http://www.writerscafe.org

http://www.writing.com

Please leave a review if you read them. I need all the feedback I can get.

Today

2007-05-07T21:45:00.000-07:00

Today...nothing happened except for creating this blog. Which is good. My muse seems to have taken a break. I often wonder where she goes. She and two of my characters from "Vacation" were hounding me for days. I gave them another chapter and now they seem sated. I thought I would get to work on Worthy but...no go. I think I am just too tired and still recovering from the Coachella Flu. It's ok. She will return. She always does. Usually at 4:30 in the freaking morning. Thanks. Appreciate it. It is getting late. I guess I will start making my way towards bed.