Introductions
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| Michelle Karéne, biomedical engineer and aspiring children's book author. |
My Writing Process
PROJECTS
As a columnist, blogger, and author, I'm thrilled to share my projects and process. My column is published weekly and is a calmer, more structured version of my blog. It averages about 825 words in length and the only picture that runs with it is my professional mug shot. I write about everyday life, often drizzling my snarky take on the world with anecdotes about Hubby, my boys, my mother, our pets, friends and neighbors, and anyone else who crosses my path and fails to say, "Please don't mention this in your column!" I'm confined by what editors deem appropriate for my subject matter, although I have only been told to re-write my column twice in 14 years. On my blog, I can write about anything and everything. It can be 200 words or 1200. I can add interesting and descriptive pictures. My honest, unfiltered opinions can be, and are, shared. Sometimes I post new material two or three times a week. Sometimes I go a week or so without posting. My blog is an extension of the style I use in my weekly column laced with the freedom of expression I crave as a writer.
My children's books are the realization of a dream I had as an undergraduate at NC State University many, many years ago. Thurston T. Turtle burst forth from my psyche in the late 80s. The first book was published in 2010. My blog also serves as a website for the books, which are published through Jan-Carol Publishing. I am currently working on the manuscript for the fourth book, which will feature Mr. Possum in the title rather than Mr. Turtle.
STYLE
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| There are currently three books in the Thurston T. Turtle series. |
MOTIVATION
My children's books are a lifelong dream molded by my educational and professional background. My columns and blogs give me an outlet for sharing my take on the world around me. Money and fame were never a driving force for my passion. I write because it makes me feel good. I write because I love to paint the visions in my head with words and language. The blank page is my canvas. It calls to me every day. An apropos meme crossed my Facebook newsfeed this morning. The unattributed quote declared, "A real writer doesn't just want to write; A real writer has to write." Based on the quote, I must be a real writer.
SYSTEM
I typically have to write first thing in the morning. That's when the ideas sharply bounce inside my head and taunt me to make my way to the keyboard. Deadlines and goals have me writing whenever there is a need. Here is a basic overview of my writing process:
1) Before I get started, I have to make sure my typewriter sounds app is turned on. That way, when I type on my quiet, meek, non-intrusive laptop, it sounds like I'm typing on a circa 1962 manual typewriter. I don't know why this helps my creative process, but it does.
2) Free-writing helps me get everything down before I forget all the brilliant ideas that popped into my enthusiastic, inspired mind.
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| Pens, pencils, scraps of paper, coffee mugs, and tired feet typically adorn my writing space. |
2) Free-writing helps me get everything down before I forget all the brilliant ideas that popped into my enthusiastic, inspired mind.
3) Throughout the process, I have to periodically check social media outlets like Facebook, Google+, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter, and LinkedIn. Doing so helps absorb the affliction with which I was born--writers' ADHD.
4) Upon reaching a specific word count (825 for my column or the full manuscript for a book) I begin the editing process. For book manuscripts, the initial editing process requires chocolate and red wine for breaks taken after editing chapters. The wine calms my nerves. The chocolate keeps the, "Wow, if anyone saw this crap they'd question my writing abilities!" thoughts from taking over.
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| A glass of red wine at my favorite wine shoppe takes the edge off the editing process; especially when paired with dark chocolate. |
5) After writing and editing, I have to walk away from the project and let my brain work on it subconsciously. Once my brain has had time to mull things over, additional ideas will pop into my head. I'm typically hanging out with friends, grocery shopping, or working out when these editorial revelations hit me. Therefore, I never leave home without a notepad and writing utensil.
6) Upon finding my way back to my laptop, I incorporate the new ideas and revisions my brain so thoughtfully and generously brought to my attention while I was away from the project.
7) I always run spell and grammar checks. I don't always agree with my electronic reviewers, but I give them the chance to offer suggestions. Some I accept. Some I ignore after giggling at the limitations of modern technology.
8) Another editing trick I use is reading aloud. I catch more errors when I'm reading aloud than with any other editing process or tool. I like to save this editing method for times when I'm alone in the house. The plants and pets are much less critical than household family members.
9) Upon incorporating my final edits, I submit my work to the appropriate editor. This achievement also typically warrants red wine and chocolate, although in a celebratory capacity.
10) Finally, I have to mention social media again. Yes, I do check it often. But I also post and interact often. In today's digitally driven world, writers must be engaged in online conversations. Writers must have a presence in cyberspace. That is, unless your work is completely personal and not for sale.
9) Upon incorporating my final edits, I submit my work to the appropriate editor. This achievement also typically warrants red wine and chocolate, although in a celebratory capacity.
10) Finally, I have to mention social media again. Yes, I do check it often. But I also post and interact often. In today's digitally driven world, writers must be engaged in online conversations. Writers must have a presence in cyberspace. That is, unless your work is completely personal and not for sale.
Blog Hop Looking Forward
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| Bobbie Frazier, world traveler and children's author. |
Micki Bare, mother of three, wife, daughter & writer is the author of Thurston T. Turtle children's books.
Email: mickibare (at) gmail.com
Connect with Micki on Google+
Like Thurston T. Turtle on Facebook
Thanks for sharing your writing "system"! I like the wine and chocolate rewards. I might have to add these steps to my editing process.
ReplyDeleteThank you Micki for the opportunity to share my writing process and get a more productive way to Blog. I am looking forward to what lies ahead - I enjoyed your system approach and look forward to reading your books as I already enjoy reading your weekly columns!
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