The Color Red

I admit it. I have a problem with red. I don't like it. And it's not just that it looks terrible on me either! Seriously, it's not. It's the red on white. Wait, I do love the flag and my country. So that red and white is OK. Here's the real reason;

RED INK ON WHITE PAPER MEANS YOU'VE DONE SOMETHING BAD! I know it sounds juvenile but that's my perception. What was it with red pens in the 1960's and 1970's anyway? Were there no other colors invented? Maybe I'm a bit neurotic, but whenever I got a school assignment back, I looked for those red streaks of blood to tell me what I was bad at. Occasionally, the teacher would use the same pen to write a compliment on the paper, but I quickly skipped over that and looked for the check marks, the "-2" and the "see me!"'s (how'd you like that grammar?)

I taught school for almost 15-years and I am proud to say I never, ever used a red pen to correct. Never! I used purple or green or whatever but not red. Heaven knows I did not want to create a phobia in on of my dear students! I loved them. Those who love, don't use red.

So, enough babbling. Back to the "red edit." It just so happens that they don't make red highlighters. I haven't found one anyway. And with my aversion to red, why would I look very hard. So, while my folder is red, my pen and highlighter for the red edit, are...pink. What does pink say?

Pink says pretty, happy, and soft. In editing, it says, "Whoopsie daisy, let's look at this tiny little thing again." It says, "You know, this was so good I'm embarassed to even bring this up, but let's look at this again."

Am I neurotic? Don't answer that. Anyone else have a red pen phobia? Don't answer that. No wait. Answer. No, don't...

What's up with the Rainbow?

I've tried lots of things when it comes to the editing process. I've read books and articles on the subject, talked to fellow writers, and gone to workshops. I can't say I've tried them all because many just didn't fit with my writing personality. But I did try some, only to figure out that they too, didn't fit me quite right.

Trial and error can be a frustrating experience. And I had my share of frustration as I wrote and rewrote, edited and revised. And then ended up where I started and no real idea how I got there or where to go from there. I got confused on what I had decided to change and what I hadn't, so I edited things I had decided not to edit. Does that make any sense at all? Yeah, well when you confuse yourself, that's not a good sign!

Finally, I came up with different colored edits and it has evolved to the colors of the rainbow. Why? Because I know them. I taught them to my kindergarten class when I was teaching. The order is; red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple. If you've been reading here, you've already read that my very, very first edit takes place on my word processor. The red edit is my first paper and pen edit.

As I move along with this series, you will learn what each edit entails. I have this delusion that maybe it will actually help somebody out there. But remember, no two writers have the exact same editing style. So take what you can use and trash the rest. Happy editing! ~Karen

Edit 2b: First Edit (red)

The first thing I ever wrote was on a typewriter like this one. I am very thankful for laptops!

Of all the lovely supplies I now have in hand, I am ready to begin. The red edit is the first printed out on paper edit. After printing the whole document, the fun begins. I use only my red (pink actually) highlighter, clips, and folder. In this edit I am looking at rather specific things. They are;

1. Does the story flow?
2. Did I put up roadblocks unintentionally?
3. Does the end of the chapter lead smoothly to the beginning of the next?
4. Does the end of each chapter make me WANT to read on?
5. Do the characters make sense? Are there too many? Too few?
6. Are there chunks of chapters or even entire chapters that just don't belong?
7. Did I research deep enough? Is there more I need to know?

So, I suppose you could call this edit an overview, a big picture edit. That's what it is, for sure. This edit looks at story, story, story! After the first edit on the computer, this one starts to be fun. But it's also full of perils; like whole chapters that I spent my blood, sweat and tears on that just don't fit. But if I'm scared to cut something, I do a copy/paste to another document...and THEN cut it out. Back to work. Whether you are on a first draft or a final edit, remember one thing...there will never be a perfect time to do this. So, write now...because it's later than you think. ~Karen

Step Two: Preparing for Edits

"Just gather the colors of the rainbow." photo: my sons in Hawaii.

I've talked to a few writers who were very impressed with my editing/re-vision process. I don't know that it's all that impressive. I think everyone has a similar system. I just employ a few juvenile elements to it and that makes it work for me. So, the first step is to go down to my local office supply store.

Here's my list:

7 Folders - the kind with a pocket on each side and three bendy things for hole-punched papers in the middle. See below for colors*
14 to 21 Paper Clips - the large colored kind that will hold 50 or so pages comfortably, and the small kind that will hold say, 20 pages. See below for colors*
7 Highlighters - smallish, so they can easily highlight just a few letters or sentences, without overlap. See below for colors*
7 Pens - ball point. See below for colors*

OK--so by now, you're probably thinking, what the heck is it with the colors. So here you go; you will need all items in the colors of the rainbow.

RED** ORANGE YELLOW GREEN BLUE PURPLE

There is one tiny glitch though. Even though red is a color of the rainbow, I get pink instead and call it red. I don't know. Well, I do. I just don't like to see red on the white page.

So, now that we have all our supplies, it's time to print out your first version of your book. C'mon...you can do it. I will too. More next time.

This is it!

I signed the contract. Not only did I sign it, but I also sent it the same way it came, via FedEx. So it's done. No turning back now and why would I want to turn back? I've been there. I've lived in limbo-land. No need to take another trip there!

I've been working on editing for several weeks now, so that won't change. But now, it's not just me and a handful of relatives waiting for the book, there's an actual publishing company and editor that are waiting for it. And of course, you--my adoring public!

I live in a very exciting place now. But reality is--it's a place I can't sit back and enjoy just yet. There is work to be done!

Step One: First Draft

"...let it marinate...like a roast on an autumn day..."

When I first write something, it is into my word processor. I admit that I do edit as I go. It's not from some deep philosophical writing process that I do this. It's mostly because I can't stand to leave something unclear or gramamatically incorrect. That said, I do not stop to analyze or even reread everything I write. I simply fix what I notice during this first draft and move on. Each day, I add to the manuscript. I don't reread what I wrote the day before unless I can't remember where I am. Even then, I just read the preceding paragraph or two.

When I reach the end, I have found that the piece needs to marinate. Seriously. It needs to sit there in it's juices like a roast on an autumn day. But in this case, the days may turn into weeks, months or occasionally years. But if I've waited years, I just figure it wasn't the manuscripts "time." More often it is 10 to 14 days. I force (yes I mean force) myself NOT to look at it. Not even a peek. In fact, I start on something else. I start something that is the polar opposite in some way. I might switch from adult novel to children's picture book. I might change from book to article. Whatever the case, I do something that will take my attention away entirely from the piece.

Upon returning to it, one of two things happens. I'll tell you which one is more often the case, at the end of this post. So, say two-weeks has passed. I now open the manuscript begin reading it from the title page. When I reach the page that has the proverbial "the end" typed at the bottom, I either think;

1. "Wow! This is great! Did I really write this? This is far better than I was thinking it was. I am a good writer afterall. I was born to write. Why wasn't I discovered years ago? Why am I not famous and popular and a guest on Oprah every other week?"

-or-

2. I read it and think, "Why in the world did I write this? Did I really spend that much time on this. This stinks to high heaven. No, I stink to high heaven. I've wasted my time and I can never get it back. I could have been learning to sky-dive or running for president of the United States. Where's the nearest bonfire?

So, did you guess which one happens more often than not? Oh, I want to hold you in suspense...but I won't. More often than not, it's #1 that happens. Really! Well, except for the famous and Oprah guest thing. Really, having time away from the project helps me to see it with new eyes. And my overall impression is usually (not always) that I'm a darned good writer. I know that we women aren't supposed to say wonderful things like that about ourselves, but what if it's true? So there, I said it.

Of course, the "new eyes" part of it also means that I now see mistakes glaring at me. I see where things don't make sense. I see grammar mistakes that jump out and accost me. And I see that lots and lots of work is in my future. Lots of work.

So, that has been the process for my current book, BREAKING THE CODE, too. There are four or five edits to go. More on those next time. So, what's your first-draft process? Do share!

Editing the Book

photo: my dog, Togo. "Could you just hurry up with the editing already?"

My book is written and has been for some time. But, like most writers, I worked and reworked; edited and re-edited; wrote and revised--the first 50-pages until they were sparkly and new. Why? Because most editors and agents ask for the first 20 to 50 pages. So, that's where my focus has been. And those first 50-pages got me a book deal. Exciting, right? Yeah, that and the realization that I have a lot more work to do.

I've never had a book deal before so I don't know how most people do this. But for me, I've come up with a system. I am a pretty driven and motivated person. I like lists. I like checking things off of lists. As I worked on the first 50-pages, I came up with a system that worked. So I am applying that to the rest of the book. I am over half way finished with this first edit (more on what that entails next time). The first few days were brutal. I let self-doubt move in with me. Well, I've kicked it to the curb now, so no more issues with that!

I'm in a rhythm now and moving forward every day. I won't simplify the process and insult every writer's intelligence. It's hard work. Some days are better than others. But every day that something gets written, or cut, or rewritten, or edited in or out--is a good day.

Contract Reaction

I have a busy life, OK - well, that's my excuse for now anyway. I got my first ever book contract yesterday and it took until evening before I opened it. I'm not sure why. I mean, I knew it was there for a few hours before I opened it. I was waiting for the perfect moment, I suppose. I don't think there's a perfect moment for things like this. I'd reveiwed the emailed version previous to this, so I wasn't expecting anything to surprise me really. Still, I should have ripped into that baby, right?

"This is it," I said to my husband and teenage son. "I'm opening my contract."

They glanced at me. I wasn't disappointed at their reaction though. Heck, I didn't know how to react so how in the heck could I judge their reaction?

I finally, very carefully and slowly tore off the FedEx strip from the top of the envelope. I took it out.

I had already reviewed the emailed version but this contract was shiny and new and pretty and symetrical. And STAPLED! Okay...random thoughts, I know. I have given up trying to figure out my reaction to this dream-come-true. My reactions make no sense; "I" make no sense. I read the cover letter, and then glanced at the first page. I looked up to see that my guys' eyes were glued to the T.V. again; the Boise State football game was on.

And the next thing I did, baffled even me!

I put the pretty contract back in the cardboard envelope and put it away. The end.

I do not understand my reactions to this whole thing. My friend, Chris says that I am in denial. Maybe so.

Anybody else want to analyze me? I think I need a therapist!

Signing Fear

This is an interesting time for me. Any day now, I will sign a contract for my book. I'm just waiting for it to arrive in my mailbox. It's what every writer wants, right? Right! Of course! So why then, am I suddenly scared about the whole thing? I've worked hard for this. I deserve this. I know that! But I seem to have contracted a bit of "performance anxiety." I won't even give voice (written down) to my fears, my "what if's" and "but...'s." It's not that I'm superstitious or anything; I just simply don't want to give it a place to reside in my brain.

So, here's the deal. I've used this blog for lots of things; a sounding board, a journal or diary, a place to share feelings, and a place to look for answers. But what has always remained is that it is a blog about writing. It will continue to be just that. As always, Write Now-because it's later than you think, Karen

Blog Viewing Habits

Photo: taken by Karen Alaniz on Safari in Sri Lanka, 9/2010. Caption: make your point before the whole herd decides to move on.

I'm just curious. I wonder if anyone has these little subconscious rules about viewing a new blog. I've noticed recently that there is a criteria I have for blogs, especially when viewing one for the first time. They are as follows;

1. Name That Post: Like a good book, I like a good title and a good first two or three lines. Grab my attention--quick!
2. Photo-op: I like to see a photo on the page, preferably one taken by the blog author. And I want a little caption too. Relate it to what you wrote. Don't worry--you can strrrreeeetch if you need to. I just want the photo, OK? It makes the page interesting to me and gives my eyes a place to rest to ponder what you've written.
3. Personality: I like to see your blog personality. Are you funny? Serious? Introspective? Fun-loving? Theological? Illogical?
4. Leeeength: Unless you are incredibly funny and I really, really like you, keep it short. I don't want to scroll down more than once or twice. Really! I'm just there to visit, not move in with you.

I have lots more to say, but I'll save that for another time. I mean, you will be back, right? Right? Do you have any until now unspoken blog rules swirling around in your head? Do tell.

Offer on my Book!

Photo: Lavinia, my namesake at Mt. Lavinia Hotel, Sri Lanka

I have an exciting announcement to make to my little blogity blog here. I have had an offer on my book, BREAKING THE CODE - A DAUGHTER'S JOURNEY INTO HER FATHER'S SECRET WAR! I spoke with the editor on the phone and believe it is a really good offer. More to come!

Analysis Paralysis

I can't take credit for the term-Analysis Paralysis - Thank you Randy - but never-the-less, it is so true. It's nothing new for me, actually, it's something that I clearly know well.

When I was freelancing, I would work on an article, edit like crazy, and then edit some more. And when I was done editing and it looked the best it could possibly look, I edited some more. I often found that once I had edited and, admittedly, over-edited, that I ended where I began. Yes, it's true. I ended up with very close to the exact words I had written after just one or two edits. And there was another problem. The editor's email typed into the space on the "to" box, my finger poised over the "send" button on my email, I was paralyzed. Yes, it's true. I could not hit that send button. I voiced my weakness on the website, Absolute Write and soon had many fellow writers to commiserate with. And the "Just Hit Send" thread was born. Over the next years, we encouraged each other to just do it; just get our work out there. And we were successful too. Many of us, me included, were published in regional and national magazines. Lesson learned. Right?

Not so fast. Fast-forward a few years. Add in an 8-year book project -- one that is the very heart and soul of who I am as a person. It is a project that only works when I add myself to it. I am brutally honest. It hurt to write it and it makes me cringe to read it; especially to my father. So much is riding on this book. I don't want to miss an opportunity to get it published just because I suck at writing the proposal, the synopsis, or the query letter. So again, that analysis paralysis has found a home. Currently, my manuscript has been requested by one agent and one editor. And I'm stuck. I've done the "edit until I end up back where I started" thing. I've done my research on proposal writing and synopsis writing and query writing. But it never feels right. And I guess, in writing this, I am realizing it will never feel right. And it's time to go back to that mantra, "Just hit send." So here I go. Wish me ... fingers that hit the send button faster than my brain can think. ~Karen

Title Change

A wise, writer-friend, suggested that my title, BREAKING THE CODE - A DAUGHTER'S JOURNEY, might not be enough information to draw the readers I want to. So, though it is a bit of a mouthful, the title is now, BREAKING THE CODE - A DAUGHTER'S JOURNEY INTO HER FATHER'S SECRET WAR. I think that says it far better. It gives a hint of the secret, as well as the hint that it has to do with some kind of war.

Titles are tricky, especially if you are immersed in the project. You forget that other people don't "get it" like you do. The code I refer to, for example, has a dual meaning, but of course the reader won't know that until they read the book.

Write Now! ~Karen

PNWA conference

The conference was fabulous! I got so much more out of it this year. I did get the coveted requests for proposal/pages from a few agents/editors, which is amazing. Very excited about that. But I also made a decision and with it a goal.

Decision: While it would be great to have the book published in the traditional way, with a big New York agent/editor getting behind it, that is not the only way. There are also smaller, independent publishing companies and there are many options now for self-publishing. So, I have decided that self-publishing is a real possibility for me.

Goal: By this time next year, I will be launching my book, one way or the other.

Reality: It's a lot of work, in a lot of areas that I am not accomplished in. But hey, live and learn, right. It keeps us young!

Realizing that I don't have to rely on the planets to align perfectly for my book to be published has given me a new excitement for the project.

Don't forget to, WRITE NOW - BECAUSE IT'S LATER THAN YOU THINK!

Pacific Northwest Writer's Association conference

I am so excited about the PNWA conference this year. I went a few years ago and it was good, but honestly, I didn't really know what I was doing. I made the best of it, but this time I actually have a plan.

My priority is my narrative nonfiction book, Breaking the Code - a Daughter's Journey into her Father's Secret War. Wish me good fortune! ~Karen

Bloom wherever you end up

I moved into my new writing room, thanks to my son moving out. Don't worry, he's an adult. My writing room is on the second floor of our house. I wanted a few plants up there so I put things that don't need a lot of attention. My Easter cactus made the cut. I bid on it at a benefit for someone. It was in full bloom with china white blooms. That was three years ago. I was told it would bloom once a year and it did. Problem is...it bloomed with either two or three blooms. Yeah, that's barely worth looking at. I did all kinds of crazy things to try to make it bloom. I put it in the dark basement for a month. Then brought it up and watered it like crazy. Nothing! I moved it to a place where I wouldn't be tempted to over-water it. Nothing. I put it in direct sun, indirect sun, in the corner, on the table. Nothing! So I gave up and decided it was a nice green plant and that memory of it in full bloom was one I'd just have to be satisfied with.

But then...

I moved it to my writing room. There are five windows along the east side of the house. Low and behold just a few weeks later, I noticed the first of 56 buds. And yes...I counted them! There may even be more than that because they bloomed at different times. I think it's a sign, don't you? A sign of what? I'm not sure. Maybe just that when the time is right and all conditions are right, I will be published. Or maybe it's that all the work you put into something can suddenly and overnight, start to bloom. Whatever it is, the end product is absolutely beautiful.

Oliver Wendell Holmes

"Many people die with their music still in them. Why is this so? Too often it is because they are always getting ready to live. Before they know it, time runs out." -Oliver Wendell Holmes

Coffee Perk

This is where I spend a lot of my writing time. A few days a week, I pack up my office-in-a-backpack and head down to Coffee Perk. It's a great change of scenery from the four walls of my writing room. Coffee Perk is literally right around the corner from Starbucks, in downtown Walla Walla, Washington. I started going there when I began hearing that only the national chains would survive our economy. And what I found, was a really wonderful place. Next week---photos of the inside.

Erin Dealey Rap

Adjusting Goals

Sometimes the goals I make for myself are a little on the crazy side. That's what happened here. When I got to the day to write for 7 hours, it was just too much. I was drained and unmotivated. And honestly, I do have other commitments that I can't just push aside. I am a daughter, a mother, a wife, a friend. Problem is, I'm one of those "all or nothing" people. I'll kill myself trying to make a goal I've set. And if I don't reach it, I bag the whole thing. I give up. For me, if the goal is to write 42 hours this week and I write only 30, I am a failure. I don't consider it progress even though it's still 20 more hours than I wrote last week. I know it makes no sense. In fact, it makes less and less sense as I write it here.

So, I'm trying to give myself a break and learn from this. My revamped goal for this week is;

Day 1 - 3 hours
Day 2 - 4 hours
Day 3 - 5 hours
Day 4 - 6 hours
Day 5 - 5 hours
Day 6 - 4 hours
Day 7 - 3 hours

Go Karen Go! Can anyone relate to my craziness? Anyone?