Everywhere...

I'm often asked, 'Where do you get your ideas?' The short answer is:everywhere. It's like asking, 'Where do you find air to breathe?' Ideas areall around you."

--legendary American choreographer and dancer Twyla Tharp

Flat line...

“The hardest part of writing a novel is structuring the story in order to maintain suspense from beginning to end. I try to avoid a "flat line." If you were to diagram the pacing of the story, it has to continually rise — propelling the reader forward. The same principle is true whether writing for children or writing for adults.”

--Frank Peretti, Breakaway Magazine,

Tricia’s Thoughts:
Diagramming the plot is something both Frank Peretti and I agree on. When I’m plotting my novels, I always think, “What’s the worse thing that could happen now?” After that I think, “What can make it even worse?” This is an easy way to keep the pacing on a continually rise and produce a story that readers can’t put down.

Come Alive...

This quote was sent by my writer-friend Suzan Robertson:
Don't ask yourself what the world needsAsk yourself "What makes you come alive?"And then go do thatBecause the world needs people who come alive-Harold Whitman, Relevant Magazine, July/August

Tricia’s Thoughts:
If you could only write one more book, or one more article, what would it be? What one story makes you come alive?

Hey, what are you doing still reading this? Get writing! Like Harold Whitman says, "The world needs more people who come alive."

Health and the Writer by Camy Tang

Whether you’re a writer who also works a full-time job or are a busy stay-at-home-mom, it’s hard to stay healthy. I researched and figured out a bunch of tips and tricks to help me stay in shape without carving out of my precious writing time. I also found some tips to help me have just general better health. Pick and choose which of these will work for you.

Fit at any age

This article,
“Fit at any age” by Raphael Calzadilla from eDiets.com, is a good one not just for those in their golden years, but also for us who are not as fit as we’d like to be. He focuses on slow, controlled exercises, with emphasis on balance and flexibility.

Another good thing about the exercises is that they can be performed anywhere—in your office, in your bedroom, in the living room. You don’t need gym equipment. These light exercises are great during a quick break from the computer—not too time-consuming, not too difficult, but enough to get your circulation going.

Sacred...

“Henry says, 'I don't think writers are sacred, but words are. They deserve respect. If you get the right ones in the right order, you can nudge the world a little or make a poem which children will speak for you.'”
--Tom Stoppard, "The Real Thing"

Tricia’s Thoughts:

There’s a song I like called “26 Letters” by Ben Glover that really opened my eyes to the fact that with just those few letters we create words, stories, language. And with mere words lives and even nations cal be transformed. For example, when President Lincoln met Harriet Beecher Stowe he commented, “So this is the little lady that started the big war.” Her book “Uncle Tom’s Cabin” brought the plight of the Southern slaves to the awareness of a nation. So this is my prayer for myself and for you—that with God’s guidance we too can use simply letters and words to bring Him glory, changing hearts and touching lives.

Beastly Work...

This was sent by my writer friend Glenda Schoonmaker:

“Writing a book is an endurance contest, and a war fought against yourself, because writing is beastly hard work which one would just as soon not do. It's also a job, and if you want to get paid, you have to work. Life is cruel that way.”
--by Tom Clancy

Tricia’s Thoughts:
The other day I met someone who asked what I did. I told her I was a writer and her response was, “Oh, that must be so nice write at home whenever you want and not have to deal with work.” I didn’t argue, I just nodded and smiled. If only writers only had it so easy!

I like how Tom Clancy puts it, “Writing is beastly hard work.” It’s not easy for me, or any other writer I know. But it’s good work, especially when I must lean on God to get through the process. I think God planned on it being that way.

Health and the Writer by Camy Tang

Whether you’re a writer who also works a full-time job or are a busy stay-at-home-mom, it’s hard to stay healthy. I researched and figured out a bunch of tips and tricks to help me stay in shape without carving out of my precious writing time. I also found some tips to help me have just general better health. Pick and choose which of these will work for you.

Eat several small meals during the day.

Almost all physical trainers recommend eating several small meals a day rather than 3 large ones. Each meal should be only 200-300 calories, and you can aim for about 6 meals a day. This will keep your blood sugar levels stable and prevent a spike in insulin levels.

This is an area I struggle with quite a bit, but I understand that it’s important. I just have a hard time doing it because I lose track of time. I’ve thought about setting an alarm clock to remind myself to eat in three hours. I also don’t feel full enough after a small meal and I end up eating more. Bad Camy.

One way to help yourself with this can be to pack energy bars in your purse or stash them in the car so that you can munch on something at appropriate times while you’re running errands or playing taxi. Brainstorm for healthy snacks you and the kids can enjoy on the run, like peanut butter and celery. Also, be aware of your schedule and your tendencies so that you can plan on 6 small meals in your day. It might take some switching things around, but if it makes your body feel better to not have those blood sugar dips, then isn’t that worth it?

The Story Sensei Summer Sale

A writers’ summer event!

From now until July 15th, I (Camy) will be holding a fabulous contest for my Story Sensei critique service.

I will draw the names of TWO lucky winners! They will each receive:

A free synopsis critique – up to 10 pages single-spaced, a $40 value!

AND

A coupon for 25% OFF any manuscript critique – whether full or partial manuscript, any number of words. For a 100,000 word manuscript, that’s a savings of $250!

In addition, EVERYONE WHO ENTERS will receive a 10% OFF coupon for any service, whether synopsis, query letter, or manuscript critique (full or partial). For a 100,000 word manuscript, that’s a savings of $100, just for entering.

Go to my Story Sensei blog and post a comment to enter the contest!
http://storysensei.blogspot.com/

Make sure you leave some way for me to contact you.

Hurry! Contest ends in TWO DAYS, July 15th!

Process of discovery...

Writing became such a process of discovery that I couldn't wait to get to work in the morning: I wanted to know what I was going to say.

~Sharon O'Brien

Not Creation...

“What will be best in your writing is what you really do not know now. If you knew it all it would not be creation but dictation.”

--Gertrude Stein

Tricia’s Thoughts:
I’ve heard often heard the advice “write what you know.” I’m so glad that most authors don’t follow this advice. Research makes books richer, more interesting. So does imagination. Think, for example, of C.S. Lewis’ Chronicles of Narnia. Where would we be if Lewis only wrote about the world he could see, touch, experience.

Enjoy...

This quote was sent by my writing friend, Cindy Thomson. Thanks Cindy!

"Now is the time to enjoy our lives, enjoy the lives of those who have gone before us, and the lives of those who we have helped to bring us into this world. Write your stories, read your stories, enjoy who you are."

~Erma Bombeck, after she learned she was dying from cancer.

Health and the Writer By Camy Tang

Whether you’re a writer who also works a full-time job or are a busy stay-at-home-mom, it’s hard to stay healthy. I researched and figured out a bunch of tips and tricks to help me stay in shape without carving out of my precious writing time. I also found some tips to help me have just general better health. Pick and choose which of these will work for you.

Carbohydrate ratios.

Raphael Calzadilla from eDiets.com recommends that for each meal, no more than 55% of the calories should be from carbohydrates. It’s calories, not portion. So it DOESN’T mean that 45% of your plate is protein and fat and 55% is carbohydrates (starch and vegetables). Protein and fats have a lot more calories per ounce than carbohydrates, so portion-wise, it’ll be different depending on what you’re eating.

Denise Austin gives a good rule of thumb, especially if you’re eating out. Divide your plate like a pie. Half should be vegetables. One quarter should be starch. One quarter should be meat or protein.

Muscle, shock...

The editor's secret weapon, which she may never surrender, is the delete button. I used to tell my authors to go through their copy and take three words out of every sentence. The power you gain when you drop words gives you muscle, shock. You sound new and interesting to yourself.

--Harriet Robin, in Good blue-pencil editing becomes a lost art, USA Today, July 2004

Extraordinary...

"The experienced writer will give us characters--even in common walks of life--who seem extraordinary on first acquaintance."

--Sol Stein.

Health and the Writer by Camy Tang

Whether you’re a writer who also works a full-time job or are a busy stay-at-home-mom, it’s hard to stay healthy. I researched and figured out a bunch of tips and tricks to help me stay in shape without carving out of my precious writing time. I also found some tips to help me have just general better health. Pick and choose which of these will work for you.

Water, revisited.

Compute your daily water needs by multiplying your weight in pounds by .08. For example, a 150-pound person would multiply their weight times .08, which equals 12. This person's water needs are 12 cups per day.

Water not only keeps your muscles in good shape, it flushes out toxins and keeps away urinary tract infection. It also helps you think clearer when you’re fully hydrated.

Drinking enough water can increase your resting metabolism, meaning you’ll be burning more calories just by sitting still or sleeping. It can also help keep your digestive tract healthy.

Buy a larger water bottle at the grocery store so you can refill it less often than a glass or a small water bottle. You can also add a little lemon or lime to add sparkle to your water.

Camy Tang is a novelist also fighting the battle of the bulge. Find out more about her and her books at http://www.camytang.com/, or enjoy the read on her blog at http://camys-loft.blogspot.com/.