Author: The Regal Writer

Business writer, editor, blogger and communications consultant seeking to help people find their writing voice and tell their personal stories.

Favorite Books of 2022

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As 2022 comes to a close, I like to review what I’ve accomplished over the past year, especially what I’ve written and what I’ve read. I began the year with a target of reading 32 books. I’m proud to say that I have met that goal. I’m looking forward to matching or surpassing the same goal of 32 books in 2023. I’m well stocked on books and ready to go.

But first, I’d like to share my favorite reads of 2022. My list consists of a few favorite authors, and a few new names that I’ve always wanted to read. They are presented in no particular order.

My criteria for favorites is fairly simple and straightforward: tell me a good story. Keep me turning the pages. Start with a strong, enticing premise. Give me complex characters that I can sympathize with (most of the time). Give me a satisfactory ending. It doesn’t necessarily have to be a happy one (although I prefer that best) but one that makes sense and ties up all the loose ends to my satisfaction.

What about you? What books landed on your favorites list?

The Husband’s Secret by Liane Moriarty
Is it ever okay to keep secrets from your spouse or family? What would you do if you found a letter from your spouse to be read upon their death, only to find out a terrible, dark secret when you finally do read it many years later while they are still alive? That is the premise for The Husband’s Secret. It’s not one of Moriarty’s more popular novels, but it is one of her better ones. While it takes an impossibly long time for the contents of the letter to be revealed, what follows is an emotional journey showing how the letter impacts different characters in the story.

One By One by Ruth Ware
This is the first novel by Ware that I’ve read, and it likely won’t be the last. From page one, Ware took me on a fast-paced thrill ride up and down the slopes of the mountains in the French Alps. It reminded me a lot of Agatha Christie’s classic mystery And Then There Were None. The short chapters with alternating points of view kept me glued to the story, but there were times when I couldn’t sleep at night.

Vanishing Acts by Jodi Picoult
Picoult has a reputation for tackling some tough social issues in her books, which I appreciate. In Vanishing Acts, one of Picoult’s early novels, a woman’s life is turned upside down when she learns that she may have been kidnapped by her own father when she was a child. The story raises some interesting questions about the passage of time and how time can influence what we remember about key events from childhood. The ending with its quickly developing twists leaves the reader wondering what really happened so long ago, long after the story has ended.

The German Midwife by Mandy Robotham
Set during World War II in Nazi Germany, The German Midwife is a historical fiction novel about a Holocaust prisoner and midwife who is assigned a dangerous task: to serve as the midwife for Hitler’s pregnant mistress. Every day the midwife confronts her own prejudices toward the mistress and her unborn child, but in the end relies on her own common sense and medical training to protect the young mother and infant while risking her own life.

The Family Plot by Megan Collins
In this third book by Collins, a dysfunctional family with a weird fascination for true crime is at the heart of this story. When younger brother Andy is found murdered on their secluded island, his twin sister Dahlia is quick to blame his death on the serial killer that has terrorized residents for years. As it turns out, her eccentric family and the mansion they live in all hold the key to solving the mystery of Andy’s death. Written in first person from Dahlia’s POV brought me into the story along with her.

The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
If you’re a fan of magic and magic realism, then The Night Circus is a must read. The circus arrives in town without notice and is open only at night. Underneath the black-and-white striped tents is a unique experience full of amazing sights and smells. Behind the scenes is a fierce competition between two young magicians who have been trained for this purpose. Only problem is they fall in love with each other and that sets in motion a chain of events that threatens the lives of the circus performers and the circus itself.

The Messy Lives of Book People by Phaedra Patrick
This is the first book by Patrick that I’ve read, and I will definitely read others by her. I’m a sucker for any novel involving authors, books or bookstores, and this one did not disappoint. A house cleaner of a famous, reclusive author must carry out her employer’s last wish: to complete the author’s latest novel before her death can be formally announced to her adoring fans. I loved the way Patrick handled the conflicts in the story, and happily resolved all loose ends in a way that made sense and was satisfying.

The Mistletoe Inn and The Mistletoe Promise, both by Richard Paul Evans
Evans has made a career of writing heartwarming Christmas stories. I added both of these to my favorites list because they are also among by favorite Hallmark Christmas movies, although the books include some darker back stories. All the same they are both fast, easy reads that will warm your heart any time of the year.

Honorable mentions: The following titles didn’t make my favorites list, but they were quite good anyway and are worth reading.

Sanctuary by Nora Roberts
Virgin River by Robyn Carr
Drenched in Light by Lisa Wingate
Winter in Paradise by Elin Hildenbrand
Life is Sweet by Elizabeth Bass
Three Wishes by Barbara Delinsky

Thank you for reading my posts this past year. I look forward to continuing to share my insights about writing and reading in 2023. Until then, have a happy new year, and may all your publishing wishes come true!

Get Inspired to Write with These 12 Christmas-Themed Writing Prompts

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I struggled to come up with a suitable post for this week. Everything I came up with either seemed unexciting or not helpful for writers. Worse, I felt distracted by writing assignments, holiday preparations and a pending snowstorm.

Christmas time can inspire all sorts of stories. So it seemed fitting that I share with you one final gift for this holiday season – holiday-themed writing prompts. If you’re stuck writing and need some inspiration, maybe one of these ideas can drag you out of your writing slump.

Without further ado, here are my 12 Christmas-themed writing prompts. Enjoy!

  1. Write a story about a young woman who invites a friend for Christmas dinner at her parents’ house. But there is something distinctly different about her friend (like exceptionally pointy ears, for example).

  2. Write a story about something that happens during a performance of The Nutcracker, whether it happens backstage, onstage with the performers or in the audience. It could be two people having an argument, a mishap on stage, or a costume malfunction.

  3. Write a story about a dysfunctional family traveling together out of town for the holidays.

  4. Write a story about a couple enjoying the sights and sounds of Christmas or out shopping when they unwittingly witness a crime.

  5. Write a story about someone receiving a gift from a loved one that that they either don’t like or don’t want or need. How do they respond to the gift giver?

  6. Write a story about a group of people who participate in some sort of Christmas-themed contest – ugly sweater, scavenger hunt, window decorating, etc.

  7. Write about a character who, amidst running Christmas errands, runs into an old friend, former classmate, or former flame that they have not seen in nearly a decade.

  8. Write a story about a harried store clerk working during the Christmas rush.

  9. Write a story about a good, old-fashioned office Christmas party in which the CEO or a colleague makes an unusual announcement.

  10. Write about a New Years’ Eve celebration when festivities don’t go as planned.

  11. Write a story about a group of strangers that get stranded together somewhere on Christmas Eve due to a snowstorm, a power outage, closed roads, etc.

  12. Write a story about the filming of a Christmas movie – in the middle of the summer.

Merry Christmas and happy writing!

The Lost Art of Handwritten Notes and Letters

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Once upon a time handwritten notes and letters were as common as cell phones. These days, most of us rely on text messages, emails, and other types of messaging with our smart phones to communicate with people. Some see handwritten notes and letters as old-fashioned and too slow for today’s fast-paced world. But what they might lack in speed, I believe they make up for it in thoughtfulness and heart.

Why would anyone want to write a note or card when you can just send an email or text, you might ask? There are several reasons I can think of.

  • It’s more personal. The message is directed at you from another human being rather than an electronic device.
  • It’s more thoughtful. The person took care to think about what they wanted to say.
  • It’s not rushed. Writing notes take time, which means the sender isn’t dashing off a mindless text message they might regret later.
  • It’s more memorable. Handwritten notes tend to leave a stronger impression, while emails and text messages can be easily deleted.

I still have several notes I’ve received from grateful colleagues over the years. Every now and then, I pull them out and re-read them, especially when I’m feeling discouraged about something. Reading them always puts me in a more positive frame of mind.

Handwritten notes don’t take nearly as long to write as you might think. The key is to know what you want to say. Your message should be simple. Your handwritten note or card can be used to express any number of things, including:

  • Thank you for something they said or did to help you
  • An invitation to get together
  • Share a favorite memory
  • Express what they mean to you and that you’re thinking of them
  • Share condolences over the loss of a loved one
  • Wish them a happy birthday, anniversary or other special occasion

Now that you know what you want to say, think about how you want to say it. I recommend writing a few drafts of your message, which will give you a chance to test out different phrasings to see which one works best. When you are satisfied with the wording and tone, you can start on your note.

Choose a pen you feel comfortable with, and find a clean sheet of paper, note card, even an index card. Then begin writing. I like to date my notes so the recipient knows when the note was written. When you begin writing your note, consider the following tips:

  • Keep the message short and sweet. Three to five sentences should be sufficient. Experiment by using an index card.
  • Be yourself. Express yourself in ways the recipient might recognize.
  • Use a warm, lighthearted tone. Your practice messages can help you find that right tone.
  • Smile as you write. Somehow that smile seems to transfer onto the page. The reader can sense it when they read your note.
  • Add humor if you want, especially if you’re the type of person who likes to tell jokes or if you know your recipient will appreciate your humor.
  • Proofread your message. Make sure there are no typos or grammatical errors.

Handwritten notes might take a little more time and thought, but think how the other person will feel when they open up the envelope and see the note from you. There is something that is more heartwarming and expressive in a handwritten note. As long as they still touch people’s hearts, handwritten notes will never completely go out of style.

5 Ways to Deal with Distractions During the Holidays

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There’s a giant mug on my kitchen shelf that reads, “Don’t get your tinsel in a tangle.” It’s good advice for this time of year when life is full of distractions. Just when I need to concentrate on feature articles for clients, the pleasures of the season call to me. Add to that the pressures of shopping for gifts, decorating my living space, visiting family and friends, and watching Christmas movies. Distractions are everywhere. With so many activities demanding my time and attention, who has time to write?

While those pesky holiday distractions won’t go away any time soon, you can still work around them to accomplish your writing goals. Even a little bit each day is better than not writing at all. You may be surprised at how much you can accomplish in shorter writing sessions.

Here are my suggestions to avoid distractions and keep writing during the holidays.
 
Set smaller goals. You might be used to writing for an hour a day, or writing until you finish 1,000 words. Time may work against you during the holidays, so you might consider setting smaller goals. Instead of writing 1,000 words, aim for writing one page a day (or approximately 250 words). Or instead of writing for an hour, consider a 15-minute session.

Use index cards. One 3×5 or 4×6 card can hold several sentences, maybe one to two paragraphs. If you’re really pressed for time, grab one index card and jot down notes about plots or characters. By the end of the month, you will have collected enough ideas to start writing your next story in earnest.

Set office hours – and stick to them. If all you have in your schedule is 30 minutes when you first get up in the morning, set that time aside. More important, ask your family to respect our personal time.  

Set a timer. Use the timer on your phone or computer. Set it for 10 minutes or 20 minutes, or however much time you have. When the timer starts, write to your heart’s content, whatever comes to your mind. You never know where your freewriting will take you. When the timer rings, stop. Don’t worry about perfection. Focus on getting your ideas down on paper first; you can always edit later.

Write first thing in the morning. When you first arise, grab your cup of coffee or tea and begin writing. You’ll get it out of the way so you can enjoy the rest of the day. Or conversely, write before bedtime. Make a deal with yourself not to go to bed until you’ve written one page.

Of course, another option is to forget all about writing altogether and indulge in the holidays instead. Enjoy the celebrations, and use the holidays to gather inspiration. But as you do sip your egg nog and go caroling, take note of your surroundings. Spend time people watching, which could inspire characters for your next novel. Try activities you haven’t done before, like creating your own Christmas ornaments or cutting down a fresh tree. With every experience, note the sights and sounds around you. Remember to carry a notebook to jot down your impressions of the people, places and events you’ve seen. You never know if you might use them later.

There’s a preconceived idea that writing takes up huge chunks of time, which I think is why many of us avoid writing. And with the holidays comes too many distractions to ignore. By planning ahead and keeping a consistent practice with smaller goals and shorter writing sessions, you can accomplish your writing goals — and still enjoy the holidays.

Don’t let the holidays overwhelm you and derail your writing practice. Use it to your advantage to inspire fresh stories. When it comes time to start writing in earnest again, you’ll have plenty of ideas to keep you writing all through the New Year.

Do You Have a Holiday Writing Plan?

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I’m in the midst of several deadlines and haven’t had time to write anything new. The following post is repeated from several years ago (with a few tweaks), but it’s as timely and pertinent today as it was then. Enjoy, and have a happy Thanksgiving!

The holiday season is fast approaching. There is much to do – shopping, baking, decorating, attending parties, socializing with friends – you name it. On top of that are your usual obligations – work, school, housekeeping, family time, volunteer work, and self-care. There isn’t much time left for your writing practice.

Or is there?

It all depends on how you allocate your time.

If your writing is important or if you’re currently working on a deadline, eaching your writing goals is critical. To reach those goals, you need to have a plan. If faced with this dilemma, you have several options:

1. Put your writing practice on hiatus.

Going on hiatus will obviously clear the way for you to enjoy your holiday more without worrying about what your next essay will be about. Then when you begin working again, you come with a fresh eye. On the other hand, a hiatus can take you out of your writing rhythm. You could lose momentum on the current work-in-progress. Come January when you sit back down and review your story, you might lose sight of where your story is going. Then you may have to start all over again.

2. Decrease the time you spend on your writing practice.

This approach might make the most sense for most writers. You can still make progress on your current work while still making time for your holiday activities. Here’s how it works. If you currently write for one hour a day, you might decide to write for only half an hour. Or instead of writing six days a week, perhaps you only write three days a week. The scheduling is up to you.

3. Maintain the status quo in your writing practice.

To maintain your current writing schedule will mean reassessing your holiday activities. Are there any that have lost their meaning for you? Do you really need to go to every party you’ve been invited to? Can you skip sending out holiday cards or the holiday bar crawl? The choices are yours.

If you’re struggling to figure out how to maintain your writing practice during the holidays, here are a few suggestions:

1. Set priorities. How important is your writing? Make a list of all the activities that are important to you. Where does writing fall on that list? If it’s high on your list of priorities, you’ll likely make more time for it.

2. Make an appointment with yourself. Treat your writing as you would a doctor visit or a trip to the hair salon. Make an appointment with yourself to write, and put it in your calendar. When you see that you have three one-hour writing sessions in your calendar, chances are you’ll be more likely to stick to that schedule.

3. Set realistic goals. Be clear about what you want to accomplish. Make sure that goal is reasonable and achievable. Writing a 1000-word essay or a 3000-word chapter of a novel is probably more achievable than writing 50,000 words.

If you want to learn more about making a writing plan for the holidays, check out this post from the Books & Such Literary Management blog.

When you maintain a consistent writing practice throughout the holidays with all its assorted pleasurable distractions, you may actually feel more joyous throughout the season. Why? Because you know you’ve made a workable writing plan and are sticking with it. There is no other greater joy than to do what you love during the holidays.

 Is Your Story Idea Worth Publishing?

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Ever have an idea for a story that you thought for sure would become the next Great American Novel only to flame out when you couldn’t write past the third chapter? The truth is, not every story idea that crosses your mind is worth writing about. So how do you know which ones are viable as a novel or short story while others are better left as a stand-alone scene, or worse, dumped in the trash?

In a recent Reedsy webinar, author S. J. Watson spoke about the idea generation process and how writers can determine which ideas are worth developing. .

Watson said the idea generation process can be divided into four segments:
* Finding story ideas and recognizing them when they show up organically
* How to retain those story ideas
* How to determine if an idea has the potential to become a novel
* How to keep the original idea from going off the rails, and what to do if it does.

An idea is “a sense that something is possible,” he said, and they can come from anywhere around you. But he cautions writers to keep them close to the vest.

“Ideas are like hose pipes,” Watson said. “If you overshare an idea too soon with your family and friends, it might poke holes in it.” Once the holes are poked through, the story tends to lose its novelty and impact.

To generate meaningful and relevant story ideas, there are several things writers can do to prime the pump.

  1. Show up at your desk every day, even when you don’t feel like it. Ideas don’t show up automatically. You still have to put in the time and effort before ideas begin to flow.
  2. Observe your surroundings. Look out the window or take a walk. Notice something on the street that you don’t normally see, such as a mobility scooter or a three-legged dog. Then brainstorm different scenarios about what you see. You may surprise yourself by coming up with a viable story idea.
     
  3. Write when you’re half-asleep. The brain isn’t quite awake then and it can amplify the connection between seemingly different ideas. In this half-sleep mode, you’re less likely to censor yourself.

To retain your ideas, keep a notebook. Either carry one in your pocket or purse or use the Notes app on your phone. Any time you notice something in your environment, overhear a conversation, or get sudden inspiration, jot them down. Watson admits he rarely looks at his notes, but the act of writing ideas down helps him to retain those ideas for easy reference later.

Connecting the Dots
Which ideas are worth turning into a full-fledged novel? Watson said ideas begin with the sense that something big could happen, such as winning the lottery or getting into a car accident. They open doors to broader concepts, and they invite random scenes and characters to show up. You may have two seemingly unrelated scene concepts, yet there may be a thread that connects them within a single story.

Also ask yourself several questions about the story’s viability:

  1. Does the story idea stay with you, and do you feel a desperation to work on it? Some ideas come and grab you by the throat, demanding your attention.
  2. Can you visualize the protagonist or antagonist?
  3. Do you see the conflict? Do you know the characters’ goals?
  4. Most important, can the problem in the story be made to feel relatable, such as learning that a family member is terminally ill?

Another possible approach is to take other people’s ideas and remix the elements to make them your own, Watson says. Whatever approach you take, make sure you don’t second guess yourself.

Drifting Story Lines
If the story drifts from the original concept that you envisioned, you may need to make adjustments. If, at the 20,000 word mark, the story seems to be heading in a different direction than what you intended, take a step back and review the work you’ve done so far. If the changes in the story scare you or excite you, then keep going. You may be on the right track even if you don’t have a clear idea where the story is headed.

However, if the new direction of the story isn’t exciting, it may be a sign that the story is too safe. Watson suggests backtracking to the original spine of the story and starting over from there to regain the excitement. “Occasional drifting is okay, especially if it takes you to scary or exciting places,” Watson says. “If you drift too far away from the original intent of the story, it may need to be scrapped. Occasionally returning to the story spine can help you make sure you’re in the right place.”

Story ideas come in all shapes and sizes. Knowing which ones are viable as potential novels, and which ones aren’t can save you a lot of time and needless effort.

You can view the Reedsy webinar here.

Tips for Developing Suspense in Your Novel

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When you read a book, what is the one element that keeps you turning the page? Most likely, it is suspense.

Everyone has their own definition of suspense. Some dictionaries describe it as a state of excitement, anxiety or mental uncertainty. For works of fiction, book coach Samantha Skal defines suspense as “the question asked.”

It’s an odd definition, to be sure. But think about the myriad of questions you ask yourself, however subtly or subconsciously, as you read a story.

* Will the hero stop the bomb in time or will it explode?
* Will the couple get together at the end, or won’t they?
* Will she keep her baby or give it up for adoption?
* What will they do next?

“Suspense is the engine that keeps the story going,” says Skal who spoke at a recent Pro Writing Aid Romance Week event. “It increases reader engagement, reader satisfaction and improves pacing of the story.”

There are different types of suspense. There’s the big, scary kind where the serial killer terrorizes the town. Romantic suspense teases readers with the promise of two people getting together. There’s emotional tension, too, when the main character is battling internal demons, such as guilt or resentment. Finally there’s goal tension when readers wonder whether the character will finally earn that promotion or new job.

The simplest way to achieve suspense is to put obstacles in the way of the characters. Whether you’re writing a thriller, science fiction or a romance, several techniques can be used to add suspense to your story.

  1. Reveal inner thoughts and reactions of the main character. This is especially true if you’re writing in first person or third person close. By revealing the main character’s thoughts and perspective. In this way, readers are able to see the action in the same way and at the same time as the main character. So when the character feels tension makes an assumption about another character or misinterprets what they see or hear, readers witness that experience too. That moment when the character experiences a crisis creates tension that the readers feel.   

  2. Use hanging questions. Ending chapters with a hanging question often leaves audiences wondering what will happen next. For example, the character may ask themselves how they got themselves into such a mess, which may make readers wonder how they will get out of it. Hanging question keeps the action going, and keeps readers turning the page to find out what really does happen next. Make sure you answer the hanging questions right away, preferably in the next chapter. A word of caution though. If you have too many hanging questions in consecutive chapters, it can appear redundant. In other words, boring.

  3. Ramp up tension gradually. Skal suggests establishing tension as close to the action as possible. Then gradually ramp up the intensity with each chapter. At the halfway point of the story, something in the story changes, moving it in a new direction. At the resolution, wrap up all loose ends. But just to be sure you haven’t lost readers’ interest, add another twist or surprise revelation at the 95% mark.

  4. Emotionally manipulate your readers. Skal says it’s okay to do that since most readers expect certain things to happen at certain times in the story. In mysteries, for example, readers look for the mystery to be solved. In thrillers and suspense stories, they want to feel a low-grade fear the whole time, and they want to feel their heart racing.

  5. Be intentional about what you reveal – and when. Details about a character’s backstory, family history, and personality should be sprinkled throughout the story, when it makes sense to a particular scene. If you reveal everything at one time, it can be overwhelming for the readers. Also remember that if you mention a detail early in the story, it should have a purpose later on. For example, if your character notices a clock that has stopped early in the story, that detail should come into play later on.

Without suspense, your story won’t keep readers interested until the very end. By paying attention to these techniques, you can create stories that will keep readers turning the page.

12 Tips to Survive – and Thrive – National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo)

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Logo courtesy of NaNoWriMo

Hello readers: This is a repost from two years ago. In advance of NaNoWriMo, I wanted to share tips for getting through this challenge. The tips are just as helpful today as they were then. Enjoy, and good luck.

Have you always wanted to write a novel but weren’t sure how to get started? Maybe you’ve had a story idea swirling inside your brain for the past decade and just never made the time to write it. With November right around the corner, here’s your chance.

National Novel Writing Month is an annual creative writing challenge that takes place every November in which participants aim to write 50,000 words in 30 days toward a completed novel. The event is hosted NaNoWriMo, a nonprofit organization that encourages writing fluency and education for all ages. According to its website, the NaNoWriMo group believes in “the transformational power of creativity.”

Participation in this annual event has escalated from a mere 21 people in 1999 to 306,230 in 2017, according to the Novel Factory. You don’t have to sign up on their website to participate. You can do this in the comfort of your home, which is what I plan to do. While the goal is 50,000 words for the entire month, that is only the goal. If you can only achieve 30,000 words – or 1,000 words a day – that’s fine too. This is a personal challenge to motivate writers to write every day and work toward a larger goal.

Whether this is the first time you take part in the event or the tenth, here are some helpful tips for surviving this 30-day writing challenge. You can find other helpful tips here too.

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Outline and research your story ahead of time. Since you’ll be spending your November days writing, you’ll need to know what you’ll be writing about. Plan ahead. Plot your outline in advance. The Novel Factory has some awesome free downloadable tools to help you plan your story.

The same goes for research. If you’re writing historical fiction, do your research ahead of time. If you get to a place in your story where you need to do more research, make a note of what you need to do and come back to that place during the revision phase. Don’t get distracted by the desire to look up something or you will never get back to your writing.

Plan your schedule. With a hefty 50,000 word goal, you’ll need to plan how you will achieve it. That’s roughly 1,667 words a day with no days off, or 2,000 words a day with one day off each week. Those daily word goals can be daunting. So it’s important to plan how much you’ll be able to write. It might mean getting up an hour early each day to write, or doing mini sessions throughout the day. Remember, you don’t have to write in one huge chunk of time.

Try something new. Many writers use NaNoWriMo to experiment with their writing. It might be re-writing a current work-in-progress from an alternate point of view, or trying their hand at writing a different genre – science fiction when they normally write psychological suspense. This approach can be applied to your writing schedule too. For example, try getting up an hour earlier in the morning to start writing rather than waiting until the evening when you may be too tired.

Participate in live write-ins. If you’re looking to stay motivated throughout the month, check out a live write-in in your area. If you sign up at the NaNoWriMo website, you’ll be given locations of write-ins near you. With the pandemic, I imagine there might be virtual write-ins too. 

Work with a writing buddy. When you participate with a friend, you can motivate each other and help you through the rough spots. If you’re both competitive, set up your own contest to see who can write more words each day. Try putting a giant thermometer on your wall. As you complete your daily word count, fill in the thermometer with red to see your progress. Then compare your progress with that of your friend’s.

Be prepared to put some activities on the backburner. That may mean less time hanging out on social media, less time watching Netflix or Hulu or shutting off the TV. It could also mean spending less time socializing with your friends and fewer Zoom meetings. You’ll have to decide what you can live without for the short term while you work on your masterpiece.

Silence your inner critic/editor. As you write, turn off the internal critic who tells you that your work isn’t good. It’s easy to get sidetracked by negative thoughts. First drafts usually aren’t very good, so relax and just tell your story without judgment and self-criticism. The whole point of NaNoWriMo is to challenge yourself to write your story. There will always be time for editing later.

Avoid going back to the beginning. If you are ever tempted to read what you’ve already written or rewrite it, don’t. You may decide that your work is terrible and give up. Or you may want to start editing it, which only wastes time. If necessary, read the last page or two that you wrote to remember where you left off, but otherwise, keep a forward focus.

Find your writing rhythm. You may find one week into NaNoWriMo that you’ve hit your stride. That’s great news. If you get to the end of your 2,000 word goal and you still feel motivated to keep going, then by all means, keep writing. That’s one way to build up your word count early on in the challenge so if you feel a bit sluggish by the end of the month, you can slow down without harming your end goal.

Reward yourself when you reach milestones. When you get to the 5,000 word mark, for example, treat yourself to your favorite snack or watch a favorite movie. Set another reward at 10,000 words, 20,000 words and so on. Occasional rewards serve as great motivational tools to keep you writing.

Don’t beat yourself up if you don’t meet your writing goals. So you only wrote 30,000 words. Congratulate yourself for your accomplishment. That’s better than not writing at all. Remember the purpose of this event is to challenge yourself to make quick, steady progress.

Make time for exercise and fresh air. All work and no play can stifle your creativity. Make sure you get outside if the weather is nice, and go for a walk or a bike ride. It’ll help clear the cobwebs from your brain and you can return to your desk with a fresh perspective.

Most important, have fun with NaNoWriMo. Yes, there will be plenty of hard work involved, but stay positive. Look at how much you will learn and grow as a writer. No matter how many words you eventually put down on the page, you can be proud of your accomplishment as you see your story develop.

Magic Realism Brings Charm to Reading Fiction

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Who doesn’t love a little magic with their reading? I certainly do. Lately, I’ve been fascinated by magic realism, a genre that’s been around for decades but is getting more exposure of late.

Popularized in Latin-American fiction, magic realism combines surreal and fantastical elements in realistic settings. Fantasy slips into everyday life seemingly as if they belong there. But they don’t exist simply for the sake of entertainment. The magical elements are intended to question or emphasize real-world situations, whether they be societal, familial or emotional, among other things.

The works of Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Salman Rushdie and Isabel Allende are frequently cited as key players in this genre. Marquez’s book One Hundred Years of Solitude is considered a classic and a must-read for anyone who wants to explore this type of writing either as a reader or a writer.

What makes a story magic realism? Three key characteristics set it apart from other types of fiction:

  • The story is set in the real world, not in a make-believe setting.
  • The story contains magical and fantastical elements that have real-world implications, whether to question the political environment, society or familial environments.
  • The story is written as literary fiction but without traditional plot structure. The story may weave back and forth between the past, the present and the future.

Reading these types of stories requires an open mind. You have to be open to the nature of the fantastical and the surreal. Most important you need to suspend judgment about what is happening on the page.

I’ve read several of these stories over the past few years, from the light-hearted (Garden Spells) to the deeper exploration of a man’s identity (Song of Solomon). Some I liked very much; others not so much. But each one left me looking at the world a little differently. Isn’t that what writing is all about?

Are there any magic realism books you’ve read that you’d recommend? Share them in the comments.

Six magic realism titles I’ve read:

1.  Garden Spells by Sarah Addison Allen. One of the first magic realism books I’ve read. This one reminds me a lot of Practical Magic with its two magical sisters. I love the garden setting, especially the apple tree that throws apples at people.

2.  The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern. I loved this book by Morgenstern that pits two magicians against one another in a battle to the death – until they fall in love with one another. The magical creations at the circus are incredible.

3.  Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman. I have always loved Alice Hoffman’s writing, especially with the way she plays with plot lines and story structures. Historically, she has played with mystical characters and situations. PM is on the lighter side of her collection of works. It’s the first of a series about the Owens family who have been cursed in love for several hundred years.

4.  Like Water for Chocolate by Laura Esquival. Charming story about the youngest daughter in a Mexican family who longs to be with her beloved Pedro, but can never have a relationship with him because of a family tradition in which the youngest must take care of her mother until she dies. Tita is only able to express herself when she cooks.

5.  Song of Solomon by Toni Morrison. The story follows the birth and life of Milkman Dead, who was born after a man jumps of a roof while trying to fly. It’s a strange journey for Milkman, who grows up stifled and alienated. His aunt Pilate, a bootlegger and a conjure woman, becomes a central figure in his life who helps him understand his family’s past.

6.  The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake by Aimee Bender. When young Rose bites into her mother’s lemon cake, she begins to taste her mother’s emotions – that of sadness and longing. She learns to navigate life with her strange ability.  
Six magic realism novels on my reading list:

1.  One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez. When you talk about magic realism, Marquez’s book is considered a classic. It has set the standard that all other magic realism stories must live up to.

2.  House of the Spirits by Isabel Allende. Allende is on my list of must-read authors, and this title is considered a classic in the magic realism spectrum.

3.  The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey. This debut novel set in Alaska in the 1920s tells the story of a couple so desperate to have a child of their own that they create a child out of snow. The next morning the snow child is gone, but in its place is a real little girl, wild and secretive.

4.  The Midnight Library by Matt Haig. Imagine going to a library where one book tells the story of your current life, and all the other books describe your life as it could be if you had made different choices.

5. Land of Love and Drowning by Tiphanie Yanique. An epic family saga set against the magic and atmosphere of the Virgin Islands in the early 1900s. Orphaned after a shipwreck, two sisters and their half-brother are faced with an uncertain future, but each possesses a particular magic that will either hurt them or save them.

6. The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman. I’ve heard a lot of good things about Gaiman, so this title lands on my list. From Gaiman’s website, “This harrowing and bewitching tale of mystery and survival, and memory and magic, makes the impossible all too real.”



15 Ways to Honor National Book Month

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October is National Book Month! (Although if it were up to me, every month would be National Book Month.)

This is in important occasion for readers, authors, publishers, book sellers, and book lovers of all ages. It’s a month dedicated to literary pursuits, for snuggling up on the sofa with a hot beverage and bury yourself in a romance, fantasy or mystery.

This is not to be confused with National Reading Month which takes place every March. National Book Month is designed to encourage reading books of all genres, to support others’ rights to acquire and read books, and support authors and independent bookstores. If you love books and if you love to read, this themed month is one to savor.

So how can you honor National Book Month? Here are a few suggestions that are sure to keep you busy all month – and beyond. What is your favorite way to celebrate National Book Month?

1.  Enjoy a reading retreat. Set aside an entire weekend just for indulging yourself with a good book. Turn off the TV and streaming services. Instead, immerse yourself in the written word rather than watching it on the screen.

2. Read a new author. Scan the bookshelves at the library or local bookstore and find an author you’ve never read before. Perhaps it’s someone you’ve heard good things about. Or maybe you’ve never heard of them, but the book title and premise intrigues you. When you try new authors, you open yourself up to new ways of storytelling.

3. Re-read a favorite author. Re-reading a novel from a favorite author is much like wearing an old favorite sweater; it’s warm and comfy. If a lot of time has passed between readings, you may see something new in the story that you did not notice during the initial reading.

4. Visit an independent bookstore. Once upon a time, the existence of independent bookstores were threatened by big online retailers. But many years later, thanks to the dedication of avid readers everywhere, independent bookstores are alive and well. Show your support for booksellers by visiting a bookstore.

5. Visit your local library. For those who can’t afford to buy books, libraries are their go-to place for reading. These days, libraries are more than just a place to borrow books. You can also borrow DVD movies, audio books and music. Libraries are the ultimate literary community center of the neighborhood.

6. Join a book discussion group. There are numerous book discussion groups around and many of them specialize in a particular genre, such as mystery, current events or memoir. Check your local church, library or bookstore for one near you. If you can’t find a group that fits your interests, start one of your own.

7. Swap books with other readers. When you’re done reading a book, what usually happens with it? Most likely it collects dust on your bookshelf. Consider swapping books with a friend or neighbor so you both can enjoy them. Or set up a library in your apartment building so all residents can contribute their used books.

8. Set up a Little Free Library. These little free libraries seem to be popping up all over the place in recent years. With public libraries overflowing with books, the Little Free Library is the next best place to go to find books or donate ones you no longer want.   

9. Support local authors. Follow them on social media, comment on their postings, or attend an author book signing in person. Show them you appreciate their work. Authors often spend hours alone honing their craft before they can become published. Seeing fans in person gives them a feeling of satisfaction.  

10. Donate books. There are many non-profit organizations that collect books to pass on to people who don’t have access to them. One such organization is Chicago Books to Women in Prison, which responds to letters from women in prison and sends them books upon request from their library. Consider donating books you’ve already read so others may enjoy them too.

11. Carry a book with you wherever you go. Tuck a book in your briefcase, backpack or purse. If you’re out and about and you suddenly find yourself stuck in traffic, waiting at the dentist’s office or riding the bus, you can use the spare time to read.

12. Read a banned book. A surprising number of books are falling on the banned hit list in many areas of the country. Many of these books are banned because they are either considered sexually explicit, depict child abuse or contain LBGTQIA+ content, among other things. You can find lists of banned books on the ALA’s website as well as ways you can get involved in fighting book banning.

13. Listen to an audio book. If you can’t sit down to read, try listening to a book instead. Audio books make it possible to multi-task, so you can enjoy the latest best-seller while driving your car or cooking dinner.

14. Write a book review. Is there a book you absolutely LOVED? Or conversely, is there one that disappointed you? Write a brief review about it. Post it to your own blog (if you have one) or post on a review site like Good Reads.

15. Start writing your own book. So you won’t get published any time soon. That doesn’t matter. What matters is that you are inspired by the books you’ve read to start writing one of your own. National Book Month honors authors of all kinds, whether they’re published or not.