The Jim Butcher Writing Experiment - Round 2

[FYI, the JBWE (jib-wee) is based on Jim Butcher's LiveJournal notes]


There are 2 exercises to do this round. Here goes! 

The Jim Butcher Writing Experiment - Round 2

Part 04: It All Depends On Your Point Of View
a.    Experience the importance of having a strong char/knowing char:
       i. Pick one of your favorite shows from childhood; write about a normal day from the main character's POV
       ii. Pick one of your favorite shows from childhood; write about a normal day from a back/weak character's POV

My stab at the exercise coming soon. :)
Get started on yours!

Jim Butcher Writing Experience - Round 1 - My Take

Here goes my response or my take on the:

The Jim Butcher Writing Experiment - Round 1

The Most Important Thing An Aspiring Author Needs To Know

1. Write briefly about the thought that there is no such thing as a free lunch.

It almost like the law of thermodynamics... I forget which one, but I'm sure it doesn't matter.  The point is, that nothing can be had for free without impacting someone else.  If someone else is impacted, then you will be affected somehow, too.  It's best to put in the good work, earn that place, and pass on the wisdom gained along the way.  Winning the lottery may make you rich, but it won't make you wealthy-wise.  Work it to keep it. 

2. Explain how things can be simple, but not easy.

Sure.  Making a baby is relatively simple.  Egg + sperm + time = HELLO BABY.  Do I really have to tell you how NOT easy raising one is?  Worth every minute, but requires 2 minutes input for each.  Nurse that book, nurse that project.  One little bit at a time.  You'll have a grown kid and grand-kids in "no time."

3. Jot down 5 excuses you use to kill your dreams – and then destroy those excuses

1 - I don't have enough time.

2 - No one will like it.

3 - I don't have enough money.

4 - I don't know where to start.

5 - I don't know if it will be worth it.

Now to kill them - or at least get them bleeding:

1 - I make my own time.  as little as 5 minutes a day here and there is one step closer.

2 - Who cares?!  He who doesn't like it is NOT your target audience.

3 - Then do it on the cheap!  All hail open source software and Amazon KDP.

4 - How about writing down the 3 T's of the project: Task, Target, and Topic.

5 - Everything that helps you experience *something* is worth it.  Some more-so than others.  Learn to weigh.

What Is This Craft You Speak Of?

1. Explain how you think good writing is about influencing emotions

 I know that if I am not emotionally involved in a story or topic, I don't want to finish the book.  What is the last good movie you've seen that didn't keep you on the edge of your seat or wanting more?  Exactly.  In order for you to experience these things, someone has to do the 'influencing' in the (manu)script.  You want interest in your work?  You must interest them.

That's it for this round.  Next round coming soon!

The Jim Butcher Writing Experiment - Round 1

[FYI, the JBWE (jib-wee) is based on Jim Butcher's LiveJournal notes]

I am proud to announce that I have slaved over all of Jim Butcher's awesome writing notes. I've come to the conclusion that I would like to write mo' bettah. I believe going through his notes in an exercise format could really tune me up.

I will split these notes and exercises up over several different posts, to keep things more manageable. Plus, I want to do them all myself, too. I hope you'll get on board and do them with me! Let's practice writing and have some fun!

And here goes - I plan to do 1 post per bullet point. Or maybe a combo if they're pretty quick and easy.

The Jim Butcher Writing Experiment - Round 1

The Most Important Thing An Aspiring Author Needs To Know

1. Write briefly about the thought that there is no such thing as a free lunch.
2. Explain how things can be simple, but not easy.
3. Jot down 5 excuses you use to kill your dreams – and then destroy those excuses!

What Is This Craft You Speak Of?

1. Explain how you think good writing is about influencing emotions

Become a Better Writer - One Scheduled Free-Writing Session at a Time

I've finally decided to open up another blog.  Not one that really matters too much to anyone else but myself.

Still reading?  :)

A few days back, I did a "time inventory" on how I spend my "free time" at night.  I culled a lot of the crap stuff (like Empire Avenue, too much YouTube, and way too much stats checking for everything else).

So what?  What does this have to do with free-writing sessions?  Good questions!

I now have a lean and mean schedule go-by posted right smack in front of my face!  I have 2 main posts days (Sunday and Wednesday) for articles over on my main site: http://richardstep.com/.  But since I want to keep my writing mind fresh - I've scheduled free-writing sessions for the other days of the week.

I am going to use this blog as an archive of these creations.

I'll be testing out writing-craft tools, methods, ideas, or just plain messing around.

I realize I am talking to myself... but dog-gone-it... I'm okay with that.  I'm special.  People like me.  People like me, like me.  I like me.  Me.

What?  I need a nap.