The Write Way

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

NaNoWrimo

Hey readers!! Well, it's about that time again for National Novel Writing Month aka NaNo as some of us writers call it. Nano is where you get together with other writers in the world and you write a full novel in one month. I know it may sound difficult, but with the help of your writing buddies, and the Nano website, you can achieve it! www. nanowrimo.org gives you a specific writing schedule daily which is about 1600 words per day for the next four weeks, that's it! I know some of you may say it's easy and some of you may want to pull your hair out, lol. It's okay, we are all in this together and we can be each other's motivation. This is only my second time doing Nano and I must say my first time I was so nervous and didn't know what to expect. Although I finished the last Nano, this time i'm doing this different.

Here is a list of things I need to do before Nov.1st

1. Outline my novel

2.Research on the topic for my book ( My book is called Back Stabber) so I will research bullying, hazing, etc

3. Give my two main characters a full live from child to high school. Which includes, a birthdate, Zodiac Sign, Blood type, and a personality. ( Characters must be real people although they are fiction.)

4. Get my book cover done

5. Work on time management with the upcoming month. ( I'm also in school and have my own publishing company.)

6. Go over research and revise my outline if need be.

Suggested Materials for Nano:

1. Note cards

2. Pens/Pencils

3. Different color high liters

4. Laptop/Netbook/Macbook Pro ( Whatever you have)

5. I suggest you use other books that helps with Character Development, and your writing skills. (For me I have Dynamic Characters by Nancy Kress (Great Book!) , Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott and Plot &Structure by James Scott Bell

6. Get into your comfy place when starting to write your novel.

7. Have your snack and drinks available. ( Must have high energy when writing)

8. Find out what time of day works for you when writing. ( For me I write best after 1 am for some reason).

9 Finally, BREATHE and RELAX. It will be okay. I know it may seem stressful especially if you have a job and/or family. but you can do it! I will be your cheerleader!

10. Write On

You Can Do It!!!

Monday, October 1, 2012

"Stix" Jack of All Trades Master of None

Psalm 91:11

For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.

Stephen “Stix” Josey

“ Stix has done it again!” That’s right, Stephen Stix Josey. This man is a Jack-of-All-Trades, Master of Some! His award winning film, Angels Around Me, Stephen Stix Josey won Best First Time Director at the 2012 Philadelphia Independent Film Festival! Mr. Josey not only directs but he is an exceptional writer, producer, and actor! He realized that he wanted to be in the entertainment business when he was just a child. Just shy of four years old, Stephen had a love of music from dancing to playing with drumsticks. Stephen states that he held his drumsticks around so much that his family gave him the nick name “ Stix”. Making his own beats at an early age and playing for church, “ Stix” was a star in the making. Stix first got his claim to fame back in the early 90’s where he was into his first love music. Being fascinated with this aspect of music he had a yearning of wanting to learn more. While studying its craft, Stephen begin getting himself out there trying to make a name for himself. We all have to start somewhere right? And that is just what Josey did by making his own record that he produced and a rapper named Rock Wielder wrote the song. The hit was such a success that it was making it’s way on radio stations and being played like an A-track! Once his hit was successful Josey formed a movement titled LAB (Lyrics and Beats). He was then connected to an NBA basketball player who was connected to Bryant McKnight. Stix was then signed to Infamous/Loud Sony Records. Talk about God showing favor!! With him getting a lot of airplay it got a lot of people curious as to who this “ Stix” guy was! He’s worked with artist like John Legend and Remy! Now he has made his debut in the music world and then he graduated to film! What can’t this man do? As stated earlier, Mr. Josey is also a writer. He has written several scripts such as Angels Around Me, The Dirty Game, and Dream Chasers! Stix is great with his music but he is also an actor. He’s worked with many actors like Some of the Actors are Allan Thicke, Obba Babatunde, Lance Gideon, Renny Roker, Shyheim Franklin, Carl Clemons, Dave Faustino, Corin Nemic, Lucius Baston, Sheree Whitfield to name a few who has mentored him along with writer/producer/director/actor Conrad Glover who has helped groom me in film. He also was a producing programmer for PBS Florida. During this stage in his career, Stix learned and experienced a lot about television and film! I asked Stephen what his writing process was and he states, “ A lot of the ideas come to my mind and then I get to a computer and I start writing.” His advice to me was, “ Think about what I want my films to be like and start watching film geared toward that genre. Once you find a movie that like it and Google scripts of that genre.” During the interview that I did with Josey he was very humble and willing to give me a few pointers being new to the entertainment industry and film. Mr. Josey is one of my mentors and I’m blessed to look up to a man with such wisdom and humbleness. He could have easily looked down on me and said, “ find your own way.” But instead he has been gracious to answer the questions I have and show me the ropes of the business. You don’t find people like that of his stature everyday! I was honored to have a sneak peak about his new film that’s coming soon called The Dirty Game, but I won’t spill the beans. What I will say is to stay tuned; this film is going to be Fiyah! The story line is great, and the cast is even better!! This man is unstoppable! Mr. Josey the sky is the limit for you! Can’t wait to see what else will manifest from your talents.

Written by: Author Krystol Diggs

2% Talent, 98% Business, 100%Faith ~Stephen Josey

Saturday, September 22, 2012

Through Her Eyes

Hey readers!!! You must read my book Through Her Eyes. It's a story about a girl who is trying to find her way in life, love and to just belong. She goes through so many obstacles like getting her heart broken, loosing a child and even loosing family. Sad, huh? But she does get everything that her heart desires as soon as she starts to love herself. I know some of you make be thinking, "I've been through that before. " Through Her Eyes is a book that I believe both men and women can relate to. It's very captivating and it will make you want more. My thought process behind writing Through Her Eyes that this story is about my life. I had just gotten out of a relationship that hurt me so deeply. Truth is he left me for another woman and married her. I know, I know, " The nerve of him, right?" Well i'm over it now but hey, things happen! I'm just glad that God showed me that he wasn't my BOAZ but a BOZO! Any whoo, when writing the book I was the most vulnerable. I mean the passion was there and my emotions were on an ultimate high, I had no choice but to write and let it out. I had my Alize and my fresh tears paving the way the more that I wrote. The hurting that I was feeling from my ex leaving me was the validation that I need to write this book and move on with my life. So, once the book was completed there I was online looking for publishing companies, trying to get a deal, an agent, doing all these things that I knew that aspiring authors had to do just to get published. In that moment I found a publishing company in my state and I signed the dotted line. Now, you just read that I said I signed the dotted line. I didn't have it looked over by a lawyer or anything, I just signed my life away. Take it from me, GET A LAWYER TO LOOK OVER ALL CONTRACTS!! Things then were going well. My family was proud of me, I was proud of me for once for making an ADULT decision that wasn't going to leave or hurt me lol until it happened!!! My book was out for a whole year and there it was a check for $13.05!!!! Who would have thought that a publishing company did such of a thing?? In my heart of hearts I remember looking at the check in the mail and looking for Ashton Kutcher at the same time. But, once again I was glad to go through that experience because I learned a valuable lesson, THOROUGHLY RESEARCH THESE PUBLISHING COMPANIES BEFORE SIGNING ANYTHING!! So, I left that company, started writing my second novel and then the world of self publishing came to me. Long story short Through Her Eyes is a great READ and I suggest all people to read it, even your young adults. I was never taught that men will break your heart, people will disappoint you, and publishing companies will take your money if you let them. Below are just a few of the reviews that I received since the book was published in 2008. I attached a 5 star, 4 star, 3 star, and lower. As an author readers have their own opinion about the stories we put out there. I'm not offended nor do I feel some type of way when people give a bad review. I take some of their opinion and make my craft better as I continue to write. Since then I have re-released the book under my own company, Krystol Diggs Publishing and since then it has been on the Amazon's Best Sellers List twice. It's definitely a good read and that's my story Through My Eyes :)

Reviews:

5.0 out of 5 stars Melanie July 15, 2012

By Q. Brown

Format:Kindle Edition

I felt for the young girl Melanie. All she ever wanted was love and acceptance but instead she got pain & heartache. The ups & downs of her life made me want to reach out and comfort her through it all. It was always refreshing to read about her beautiful smile, she deserved it.I am satisfied with the ending, I won't give anything way though lol This was a good read & I would definitely read more of Krystol's work...

4.0 out of 5 stars Coming Out of the Dark, November 7, 2010

OOSA Online Book Club "O.O.S.A. Gets It Read!" (World Wide Web, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: (5ive Star Publications Presents) Through Her Eyes (Paperback)

Author Krystol introduces us to Melanie Woodard, a young African-American girl who's had it rough since she entered this world. She was born a premature baby weighing one pound to a mom strung out on drugs. Constant bullying for the color of her skin, molestation, and death are some of the issues Melanie has to deal with at an early age. As Melanie enters her young adult life, she is still trying to find her place in this world. She goes from one abusive relationship to the next without truly learning the lesson that each situation presents. You will find yourself crying for, screaming at, and cheering for Melanie as she fights her way through it all. Will Melanie ever be able to see the light at the end of the tunnel?

"Through Her Eyes" is a fast read. I would recommend this book to young female readers, so if they ever find themselves in similar situations as the main character they will know what not to do. The book would have been a perfect read if the author had developed the characters more. I felt as though there could have been more development to the story and characters.

3.0 out of 5 stars Melanie, April 16, 2010

L. Romich "Book Nympho" (Akron, oH) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE) (REAL NAME)

This review is from: (5ive Star Publications Presents) Through Her Eyes (Paperback)

THROUGH HER EYES by Krystol is a story told through Melanie Woodard's eyes. From early on, Melanie's life has been rough. When she was born, she weighed in at one pound and was hanging on life support, but right before the doctors pulled the plug she started breathing on her own. Later, her mother was strung out on crack and therefore left Melanie with her grandmother to take care and raise her. As Melanie comes into adulthood, she has quite a few tumultuous one-sided relationships with men. Just when she thinks she found the one person who could really love her and she could settle down with forever, life throws her an unexpected curve. Will Melanie ever find the happiness she so rightfully deserves?

THROUGH HER EYES by Krystol reads more like a personal journal with a little dialogue thrown into the mix. Unfortunately, I felt the story was a little too cut and dry. I felt this could have been a better story if the writing was more descriptive and the characters better developed. The story jumped around too much, leaving gaps that I wanted filled. Also, I felt the author may have been trying too hard in the last few pages to make something dramatic happen yet nothing dramatic really led up to it, and then the story just ended. THROUGH HER EYES by Krystol was a so-so read. With a little polishing, I am sure this would be a better book.

The book was provided by the publisher for review purposes.

Reviewed by Leona
APOOO BookClub
Final Rating: 2.5 stars

3.0 out of 5 stars Melanie, April 16, 2010

L. Romich "Book Nympho" (Akron, oH) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE) (REAL NAME)

This review is from: (5ive Star Publications Presents) Through Her Eyes (Paperback)

Thursday, September 20, 2012

Writer's Block

Of course we all have it that terrible thing when our minds just get quiet and the characters in our head stop talking to us. Yes, I'm talking about Writer's Block!! Whether we are writing a novel, movie script, or anything, it does happen. Some people believe that there is no such thing as writer's block. I believe there is. When I am going through writer's block, my mind gets into a hint of laziness and I don't feel like writing anything. Now, if we are in school and we have to write assignments, that's different. But when it comes to putting our ideas and thoughts on paper...nothing comes out! As I write this blog I sit and watch Sex and The City, the movie and Carrie is a freelance writer. She doesn't write for a long time due to the heart break she endures with Bigg. But, once she comes back to or is over her " writer's block" it's almost like magic has happened. Carrie gets back to her old self and continues to doing what she loves, writing. Writer's block can be brought on from many different things such as stress, anxiety, etc. But I say if you don't feel like writing, don't! We all get into our moods where writing is secondary to our life instead of our primary focus. At least I know that I have. For some people writing is a hobby and for other's it's their life. But what do we do when we can't write for our hobby or our life. Don't fret here are some tips to battle the disease of Writer's Block:

1. Implement a Writing Schedule.

Carve out a time to write and then ignore the writer's block. Show up to write, even if nothing comes right away. When your body shows up to the page at the same time and place every day, eventually your mind — and your muse — will do the same. Graham Greene famously wrote 500 words, and only 500 words, every morning. Five hundred words is only about a page, but with those mere 500 words per day, Greene wrote and published over 30 books.

2. Don't Be Too Hard on Yourself.

In fact, don’t be hard on yourself at all while writing. Anna Quindlin wrote, “People have writer’s block not because they can’t write, but because they despair of writing eloquently.” Turn the critical brain off. There is a time and place for criticism: it’s called editing.

3. Think of Writing as a Regular Job, and Less as an Art.

Stephen King, a famously prolific author, uses the metaphor of a toolbox to talk about writing in On Writing, intentionally linking it to physical work. If we think of ourselves as laborers, as craftsmen, it’s easier to sit down and write. We’re just putting words on the page, after all, one beside another, as a bricklayer puts down bricks. At the end of the day, we’re just creating things — stories, poems, or plays — only we use vocabulary and grammar instead of bricks and mortar.

4. Take Time Off If You've Just Finished a Project.

Writer's block could be a sign that your ideas need time to gestate. Idleness can be a key part of the creative process. Give yourself time to gather new experiences and new ideas, from life, reading, or other forms of art, before you start again.

5. Set Deadlines and Keep Them.

Many writers, understandably, have trouble doing this on their own. You might find a writing partner and agree to hold each other to deadlines in an encouraging, uncritical way. Knowing that someone else is expecting results helps many writers produce material. Writing groups or classes are another good way to jump-start a writing routine.

6. Examine Deep-Seated Issues Behind Your Writer's Block.

Write about your anxieties regarding writing or creativity. Talk to a friend, preferably one who writes. A number of books, such as The Artist’s Way, are designed to help creative people explore the root causes of their blocks. (Studying the lives of other writers can also provide insight into why you're blocked.) If your writer's block continues, you might seek counseling. Many therapists specialize in helping artists and writers reconnect with their creativity.

7. Work on More Than One Project at a Time.

Some writers find it helpful to switch back and forth from one project to another. Whether this minimizes fear or boredom, or both, it seems to prevent writer's block for many people.

8. Try Writing Exercises.

As much as it may remind you of your high school writing class, writing exercises can loosen up the mind and get you to write things you would never write otherwise. If nothing else, they get words on the page, and if you do enough of that, some of it is bound to be good.

9. Re-Consider Your Writing Space.

Are your desk and chair comfortable? Is your space well-lit? Would it help to try writing in a coffee shop for a change? Without being too precious about it — or turning it into another form of procrastination — think about how you can create or find a space you'll look forward to being in.

10. Remember Why You Started to Write in the First Place.

So now that we know how to overcome Writer's Block, let's put the paper to pen, fingers to laptop and get WRITING!!!!!!

No more of this:

But more of this:

" Writing is the best way to talk without being interrupted." ~ Jules Renard

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

The Paradigm( ScreenWriters Workbook)

The Paradigm is a blue of what your screenplay will look like.
Act I- Beginning
Act II- Middle
Act III-End
These three Acts DO NOT all have to be in the same order.

*Remember that the average length of a film is 2 hours long which makes the average screenplay 120 pages long.
I write my screenplays in Final Draft. I know some people who use Word, or a program called Celtx.
IF YOU ARE SERIOUSLY INTERESTED IN WRITING A SCREENPLAY YOU SHOULD:
1. Be reading ALL the scripts you can.
2. Watching every movie that you can afford.
3. Downloads screenplays for free. Some sites that have them are Simply Scripts.com or Dailyscripts.com.
( I have googled a lot of scripts and have been reading them that way.)
Act I- Unit of dramatic or comedic action
Act II- Unit of action that begins at the end of Plot Point I and extends through the end of Plot point II. ( This portion of the script is apprx. 50-60 pages).
Act II is about conflict and obstacles overcame. It's also a unit of dramatic action. Act II goes from the end of Plot point II. (Apprx. Pg.80-90 to the end of the screenplay.)
* Remember that resolution means solution.
Act I- Everything in Act I sets up your story.
A plot point is the story's progressive point.
Plot point I is the true beginning of your story. A plot point can be anything you want it to be as long as it moves the action forward.
Act II is the most difficult to write because it's the longest unit of action.
The function of Plot Point II is to serve the story progression.
Lije Plot point I, Plot point II can either be a decision, a line of dialogue, a scene or an action sequence-anything you want it to be.
Act III deals with the context of resolution other wise known as (the solution), remember!
Here are some questions to think about when filing out your paradigm sheet:
1. What is the solution to your story?
2. Does your character live or die, sink or fail, go on a trip or not?
These are some of the questions to be answered during the writing process of your screenplay.

Now try this exercise!! YOU READY??
Before you express your story know these things:
1. The Ending
2. The Beginning
3. Plot Point I
4. Plot Point II
These elements are the structural foundation of your screenplay. Once you know these four elements draw the paradigm. ( I provided that for you in the beginning of this blog.)
The exercise is designed to prepare you to structure your own idea so you can move into the next stage of your screenwriting process!!

Okay guys now that you have learned about the beginning stages, how research is important and the PARADIGM, let's get busy!!! The next chapter of The ScreenWriter's Workbook by Syd Field is Chapter 4 FOUR PAGES, where I will outline and post for you.
* Note, the notes that I post for you are MY notes from what I gather in the chapters that I read. I am missing some information but I outline what I think is important. Feel free to purchase the book yourself to get ALL of the information.

Tuesday, September 11, 2012

All about Author L.Leander

L.Leander

Exclusive Interview With L. Leander

1. When did you write your first novel? I began writing my first novel, INZARED, Queen of the Elephant Riders, three years ago.

2. What genre do you write? The Inzared series is Young Adult Historical Fiction. I plan to write a mystery next year.

3. What is the name of your latest novel and what is it about? INZARED, Queen of the Elephant Riders is my first (and latest) novel. Bertha Maude Anderson has no inkling of how famous she will become when she leaves her Appalachian home in 1843, joins a Gypsy Circus, becomes Inzared Queen of the Elephant Riders, finds love, solves a mystery, and begins to understand who she really is.

4. Do you find that being an author hard to generate readers of your genre? Truthfully, I haven’t heard from one reader who is in my targeted age group. Instead, I have an adult readership. That’s fine with me and so far it hasn’t been difficult to get readers.

5. I saw recently on your blog that you wrote about the KDP Select program, was that successful to you and did you generate sales? The KDP Select program was very successful for me. I held a very successful promotion, sales increased and I received more reviews.

6. What genres do you like to read? I’m pretty eclectic in my reading tastes. I love true crime, suspense, mystery, fiction, biographies, non-fiction – you get the drift. The only thing I’m not crazy about is Sci-Fi.

7. Are you open to reading different genres that aren’t your comfort zone, why or why not? Absolutely. With the Indie Movement and my love of reading I have been offered many novels that are not my favorite genre. I love that because I find new favorite authors. A book doesn’t have to be in a “genre” for me to like it. I’ll read anything that’s well written and holds my attention.

8. As an author myself I sometimes experience writer’s block. Do you experience writer’s block and if so what coping skill or mechanism do you use to get back into writing? Writer’s block is the black cloud that hangs over all writers, I think. It strikes when you least expect it and sometimes it’s hard to climb out of the funk. I have to make myself sit down and start writing, turn off the Internet, and focus. It always works, but sometimes not as fast as I’d like!

9. What is your writing process? I’m a “panster.” I don’t like outlining, although I do a minimal amount to keep people and events straight while I write. I need to be inspired and if I’m in a quiet room with a computer it’s not hard to find. Once I start writing I don’t worry about how many words or hours I write. When I’m done I stop and go back to my normal routine. Some days I write all day and others I write a couple of hours.

10.What advice can you give to aspiring authors? Never quit. Even if you get reviews you don’t like, people tell you you’ll never make it, you get writer’s block, or the manuscript you submitted doesn’t get accepted. I could paper a wall with all the songwriting rejections I got before I got published. Perseverance pays off, just like my dad always said.

11. What or who inspires you to write? My husband is a gem. He does household chores and leaves home so I’ll have quiet time. My daughter always has words of encouragement. My parents instilled the love of reading – how can I go wrong?

12. How long have you been conducting interviews, and do you think that process is difficult? Do you ever get nervous when conducting interviews? I’m new to conducting interviews but I don’t find the process difficult. I don’t get nervous because I am pretty used to being on stage as a singer/songwriter.

13. On a day that you are not writing, what are you most likely doing? Sewing, reading, knitting, painting, or playing music with friends.

14. Who are you favorite authors and have you had the pleasure of meeting them? My favorite authors vary. I love Thomas Hardy, Stephen King, Harlan Coben, Amy Tan, Barbara Kingsolver and Ann Rule. If I could meet any one it would probably be Stephen King. I have so many questions I’d love to ask him.

15. What’s next for Linda Baumann?

I’m currently writing the next book in the Inzared series. I expect it to be published in 2012 and the third will be written and published in 2013. I have other manuscripts in the works, but haven’t been inspired to work on them lately. I think a mystery is around the corner?