Endings and Hamstrings

There’s no doubt in my mind that one of the most challenging aspects of writing a novel is the ending. In the revision process for Klutzhood, I had to redo the ending three times.

One thing I have discovered, however, is that it’s impossible for me to write towards a pre-planned ending. The best approach for me is to delve into the story, beginning with a situation from which the characters grow. Events unfold, and I have to have confidence that the ending, unknown as I write, will emerge.

Maybe my approach to life should be more like that.

One of my non-writing obsessions is cross-country ski racing. This week, I’m taking part in the Masters World Cup being held at Sovereign Lake, near Vernon, B.C. In my first race– a 30 kilometre skate ski race– everything went as well as I could have hoped. I had a respectable finish with a personal best time.

But in my next race– a 10 kilometre classic race– the proverbial wheels fell off. I fell near the start and pulled my hamstring. I tried to ski on, but by four kilometres, my body started shutting down– a condition I later learned is called vasovagal response. My race, with all its expectations, was done.

Certainly I was greatly disappointed, but then, this episode got me thinking.

Maybe I should approach life more like my writing. Maybe I should drop into the situation and see what outcome emerges, rather than getting all stressed about achieving imagined expectations. Thank you hamstring!

(Photo by Peter Jobbins)

Just Write!

In Salmon Arm on February 18, 2011, I'll be appearing at the conference shown below, along with Gail Anderson-Dargatz, Harold Rhenisch, and a host of other writers and teachers. Don't worry. For some reason, the brochure PDF I got looks kind of spooky with the negative images, and all. But really, we're not a negative group, and it should be a very ____________ (PROVIDE YOUR OWN SUPERLATIVE) day.

I'll be doing a bit of a reading in the morning, then giving a workshop called, "Jumper Cables for the Imagination." Anyone brave enough to show up will be able to try out some of my creative writing tricks for writers young and old.

Unfriendly Giants

The Big Ceilidh Fiddle

One of the great landmarks in Sydney, Nova Scotia is the Big Ceilidh Fiddle. Canada seems to be a land of giant things. There's the giant hockey stick in Duncan, B.C., the giant Easter Egg in Vegreville, Alberta, the giant cross-country skis in 100 Mile House, B.C. and now, if you drive along Deep Creek Road between Armstrong and Salmon Arm, you'll pass the giant push lawn mower. Believe me, it's worth the trip!

All of these giant things inspired for the short story for adult readers, "Unfriendly Giants," which appears in the December edition of Other:_________ magazine. I don't want to disappoint any T.V. fans out there, so I'll forewarn you that Jerome and Rusty do not appear in the story. Nor is there a chair for one who likes to rock or a chair for two to curl up in. In spite of these shortcomings, please check the story out if you manage to get your hands on a copy of this magazine.

Happy Holidays!

On behalf of Buddy, Deedee, Arlo, Pinball, Rocko, Cedric, Mr. Butterworth, Trixi, Martin, and the newest members of our team, Max and Diggory, I'd like to wish everyone an enjoyable holiday season full of all the good things in life.

And, maybe it's just me, but I have a feeling 2011 could be a good one.

The Box of Shocks

NEWSFLASH!

The Box of Shocks

That's the tentative title of my new novel due out in 2011 with Orca Books!

Beware of hidden boxes buried in basement floors!

Watch out for dogs that chew on old cars and metal appliances!

Be cautious standing on the edge of bridges!

Never go trick or treating at a pseudo-zombie's house!

Never trust a parrot that doesn't talk!

Never use too many exclamation marks!

Watch for further details!

First Line Triggers

If you want to have some fun, try these first line triggers on for size and see what your mind conjures up.

I knew I was in trouble when . . .

My grandma always told me never to . . .

The last thing in the world I wanted to see was . . .

I should have known that it’s impossible to . . .

I’ll never forget the sight of . . .

It was confusing to see . . .

When I opened the washing machine, I looked in and found . . .

Who would have known that . . .

When I opened my birthday present, I was shocked to see . . .

My life changed with the arrival of . . .

It didn’t turn out to be a very good idea when my friend suggested we . . .

If you come up with some good first sentences, not so good first sentences, or whatever, drop me a line and let me read them.

Open With a Blast

Let's use those jumper cables for the imagination once again, shall we.

Great writing begins at the beginning– with a great opening sentence often referred to as . . .

THE HOOK

In writing a story, sometimes it’s that first spectacular sentence which launches you, as a writer, into the story. In other words, the story flows from the first sentence.

So, what makes a great opening sentence?

There are no rules, but it seems to me, a great opening leaves the reader in a state of curiosity, asking questions like, “What’s going on here?” “Where is this story going?” and so on. The reader’s curiosity has been tweaked, so they feel compelled to read on.

At least, that’s my theory. Stay tuned for some specific suggestions on how to create such mind-blowing opening sentences.