Author: beccakinla

Ever wanted to write a novel?

beccakinla Jewish, nanowrimo, novels, the whole megillah, writing process Leave a comment
As some readers might know, November is National Novel Writing Month. Known as NaNoWriMo to insiders, participants sign up on the website, http://www.nanowrimo.org/, then commit to write a novel of at least 50,000 words by the end of the month. While some people find this task daunting, other people find it motivating and even exhilarating. The deadline gets people who’ve always wanted to write a novel but failed to follow the number one rule of writing (get your tush into a chair and start writing daily).
Intriguing? Well, even though it’s almost the end of the month, it’s not too late to participate! Barbara Krasner, who blogs at The Whole Megillah, is starting a Jewish version of NaNoWriMo to coincide with Jewish Book Month, which starts tomorrow (Nov. 21st).
Follow this link to get more details.

Jeremy Rosen’s Blog: Jewish Writers

beccakinla matisyahu, no beard, shave 6 Comments

I just read an excellent blog post about what makes a Jewish writer. Jeremy Rosen’s Blog: Jewish Writers

I’ve been wondering a bit about this myself. Right now, I’m looking at the comments I’m getting on the rewritten manuscript of my novel-in-progress from my “reviewers.” The book is a sci-fi novel with a very religious (read “traditional Jewish) premise…but I’m not sure that I want it to be published by a Jewish press exclusively for a Jewish audience. (Is it obnoxious to say that I want to write the literary equivalent of a Matisyahu song?) How much can I change the story to be palatable to a wider audience without sacrificing its Jewishness?
When I read a book by Saul Bellow or Phillip Roth (mentioned in the blog post listed above), I’m very uncomfortable. Yes, they are ethnically Jewish, but a lot of the content of their books is anti-Jewish in their religious/philosophical underpinnings. Is a book Jewish just because its author is?
Then again, does a Jewish writer have to write books that are Jewish in substance? If yes, are we talking culture or religion? There are books I’ve read that are not by religious Jews, but are completely consistent with Jewish ideals. On the other hand, I’ve read books by Orthodox authors that aren’t specifically religious in any way.
Any opinions out there?

The Right tools for the Write job

beccakinla how to write, journals, pens, tools, writing implements, writing process 1 Comment

Red Metal Tool Box Clip Art

(image from Clker.com)
Each writer has a unique toolbox of implements they use while writing.
I could be speaking metaphorically, but in this case, I’m talking about actual tools. Most writers have a very special relationship with computers, word processing programs, desks, paper, journals, pens, highlighters, folders, and the like. There are favorite brands and coveted models of all these writing implements.
Most writers have very strong opinions on at least some of these items. There are Moleskin fans, Mac devotees, people who swear by fat .9 mechanical pencil points, and others who want only a black Bic Stick with a fine tip.
Sometimes, I “test drive” pens. I’m not the only one–have you ever gone to store and found the display covered in squiggles and John Hancocks? Pentel, Biro, Bic, PaperMate, and Pilot all have their advocates. Check out this great blog with comparisons of different types of pens, markers, and paper for use by wordsmiths. http://apenchantforpaper.blogspot.com/
And here’s an example of how some writers creatively re-purpose items not normally associated with writing for their exploits. http://theemptypen.wordpress.com/2011/11/13/your-best-non-writing-writing-tool/
Recently, I caved into my cheapskate habits and purchased a $0.99 composition book to use as a journal. I think I’ll have to discard it soon…I’m not using my journal like I usually do.
This seems silly, but having the right instruments makes writing more pleasurable–and therefore, you’re less likely to avoid sitting down and getting to work. (It also helps to have a comfortable chair at your computer desk.)
Currently, I prefer a blue gel pen (Pilot is my fav), medium point only. My preferred notebook is hardcover with a spiral binding so that the pages lie flat. And a pretty picture on the cover helps. That’s for journaling, outlining, diagramming–all that pre-writing work. I sometimes do my very first draft in the notebook, too, but then I switch to the computer. I’m pretty flexible on the Mac vs. PC issue, but I HATE, HATE, HATE laptops.
Did I mention that authors have strong opinions on these subjects?
Care to share yours?

Inspiration?

beccakinla editing, reviews, revision, writing groups, writing process Leave a comment

So, I finally finished revising my novel on paper (complete with red ink) at some point early last week. However, I was having trouble actually typing the changes into the document. I’m not sure if I was nervous, bored with the project, or what. I kept finding excuses and wasting time, even with friends and relatives asking if I was finished.

And then the incredible happened…
On Friday morning (while my challah dough was rising), I figured that I should price the cost of making copies through both chain print shops and locally-owned ones. I was about to go to a locally-owned one that I’d heard was reliable and competitively priced when I found an online coupon for Staples Print & Copy services. The coupon was good for 30% off of a job that cost at least $30 AND IT WAS GOING TO EXPIRE ON SATURDAY!
Very motivating.
I had the project done by 1:30 and sent it off to the printer electronically before 2 o’clock.
Wow.
I’m very excited, but more than a little freaked out. I already have my new baby in the capable hands of one reader, with a cover sheet for feedback attached (and a stack of post-its). My writing group will, G-d willing, meet later this week. I’ll fork out a couple more copies at that point.
It’s funny how my mind works.

Almost ready to print and distribute to a selected few

beccakinla how to write, novels, writing process Leave a comment

I’m almost done (at last) my rewrite of the novel-in-progress. It’s still too short (over 30,000 words, but not by very much), it still has a few scenes that I think are a little lame, but the characterizations are more convincing, there’s better world creation, and I think the whole thing is more coherent. I’ve lined up a few writing friends (and a couple teens, too) to read the book and tear it to shreds.

That puts me at the point of printing the copies I need to distribute. As big as an investment of time that I’ve already put into this project, the copies that I need produce to hand out will require actual moolah. Moolah is not something we have a lot of around in the Klempner residence.
Here’s a link to an interesting post on the “MY WRITING LIFE” blog on this topic: http://learnedaboutwriting.blogspot.com/2009/04/printing-manuscript-terror-and-anguish.html
The author writes that even before making copies at a print shop, astonishing length of time and price of ink invested in that first manuscript at home is frustrating. Plus, a long document inevitably requires troubleshooting due to jams, misprints, and the like. Ugh. In this case, do-it-yourself may not be either the cheapest or best option.
I’m thinking of electronically sending my document to the local Office Depot or the like and having them do the entire thing. Time to do a little comparison shopping.
And then I have to reveal to my darling husband just how much I’m spending on a book that I may never even sell.

Just when you think the world is going to heck in a handbasket…

beccakinla harmony, interethnic, Jewish, LDS, modesty, Muslim, peace, shalom Leave a comment
Here are links to two articles with wonderful examples of how people can support one another despite sectarian differences.
A modest-clothing blogger who is a member of the LDS church bonds with the evangelist Christian, Orthodox Jewish, and Muslim women who visit her website.
Two Muslim cabbies from Pakistan buy out a struggling Jewish owned business and vow to keep it kosher.
And yes, I found the articles when wasting time I was supposed to be working on my novel.