Doin' the Hustle Bustle

Sounds like a new dance move, eh? Nope. It's the I-need-to-shop-bake-party-entertain-and-how-will-I-ever-find-time-to-write syndrome. It's a virus that lays up pretty much every writer I know during the Christmas season. And to make matters worse, the ol' drink lots of fluids and get plenty of rest doesn't work for this one.

Finding time to work on a manuscript is tricky when life takes on warp-speed at holiday time. My solution? Cut yourself some slack. Live a little. Be present with your loved ones, not off in some story world in your head. Your ideas will still be there after December 25th.

But that doesn't mean you should stop writing altogether.

Hold on. I hear you. "But you just said put to put my pen away until after Christmas Day!" Not really. I merely suggest you set aside your WIP for a short while. You can be present with those you love and write at the same time. How?

Hand write out a Christmas card.
For years we've used those photo cards (which I still love). They're so easy! Slap a pre-printed greeting into an envelope and voila. Finito. How about this year, though, you write something on the back? Something for them to ponder. Something you love about them written in a creative way. Put those writing skills to use.

The gift of story.
How about write a Christmas story, print it out on super-cool paper, and roll it up like a scroll.  Toss that in a basket with a mug and some coffee or tea, and then cross that person's name off your gift list. And if you really want to add a personal touch, put that person into the story. What a treat for someone to snuggle up on a cold day with a hot drink and a wintry tale.

Become a Psalmist.
Christmas is all about the birth of the Savior of all mankind, Jesus. It's His birthday, so why not pen some prose to the King of Kings, listing his attributes, thanking Him for leaving heaven to come to this hovel just for you. Write a prayer to the one you love most, and if he's not at the top of your list of loved ones, then talk to me at michellegriep@gmaildotcom.

Publishing Possibilities

Got a short piece of flash fiction sitting around in a drawer? How about an epic poem you penned awhile ago? Or maybe a creepy little horror story you wrote one dark and stormy evening? Have I got a website for you!

places for writers is the absolute all-time best site to visit when you're hankering to enter a contest or looking for a place to submit something other than a novel. They are dedicated to getting wannabe writers published, so they keep the opportunities fresh and updated. It's a Canadian organization but provide information from sources outside of Canada as well.

Check it out then spread the word, especially to newbie writers who are looking for some writing credits.

Do's & Don'ts of Writerly Christmas Gifts

Need some help choosing the right something special for your writerly-type friend or family member? Never fear. I'm here to help.

The Power of Story

Some Sunday mornings, when our pastor goes all militant theologian on me, tossing out eight-syllable word grenades like I should know what they mean, I tend to zone out. But when he throws in a story...wham! I'm leaning forward in the pew, listening like a preschooler at library time, wondering how it's going to end.

What's up with that?

Story, that's what. Stories make our ears perk up, engaging us to a depth that resonates deeply in our brains. Something to do with neural coupling and all that (whatever that is). The bottom line is a story, broken down into it's basic elements, is a connection of cause and effect--and that is how we think. (If you'd like more detail than my simple analysis, check out Lifehacker's Science of Storytelling post here.)

Story is the most powerful way to disperse truth. Jesus knew that, hence his use of parables. When I write a novel, I have an underlying, Biblical truth that I try to get across to the reader without being too obvious. In UNDERCURRENT, it's sacrifice and forgiveness. Okay, so that's two, but you can't have one without the other.

So, novelists, next time you sit down to map out a new story, don't spend all your time figuring out your characters and plot. Be intentional about what truth you want to impart to your reader and weave it into your character's personalities and into the storyline. Engaging a reader with truth via the medium of story will leave a lasting impression...and if it's a Biblical truth, an everlasting impression.

Election Day's Not Over Yet

Yeah, I know. The president has been chosen, but I've got another election that's way more fun than politics. 

It's the Nominate Your Favorite Writing Blog contest. 

I realize that by presenting this contest here, on a writing blog, that this could be construed as a shameless bit of self-promotion. The ol' "Pick Me! Pick Me!" rallying cry. Not that I mind if you nominate Writer Off the Leash, the actual point of my mentioning this is so that you readers are aware of other writing blogs. I'm not the only fish swimming around out here in the writerly sea.

So check out the link and scroll down the comments where sites are nominated. You'll discover a ton more writing blogs. Never hurts to expand your reading horizons, eh?

Staying True

"To gain your own voice, you have to forget about having it heard."

~ Allen Ginsberg

Voice. Everyone's got one...even if you're mute. I'm talking about a writing voice. How you arrange words, what words you choose, even what words you avoid leave a distinct impression on a reader. That's your voice.

Agents and publishers are always looking for "new" voices...but what if they don't like your voice? Newsflash: they just might. Because a writer's voice is distinctive and writing is subjective, not everyone is going to love your writing.

Think of it as in the music realm. I happen to love Mac Powell's voice (from Third Day). He's my all-time favorite and I buy everything the man puts out. But (and I've always got a big but) some of my friends think he sounds like a frog (no offense, Mac). So either I--and Mac--can get angry and bitter about that, or I can keep on enjoying his music and let my friends enjoy theirs.

All this to say that your writing, your voice, is going to rub some people the wrong way. Don't make the mistake of changing your 'voice' to please everyone. You'll simply end up with a sore throat and the same percentage of those who won't like your writing, plus agents and publishers will turn you down flat. They know when someone is straining. 

Stay true and hold the course no matter what any mortal says.

Epic Nano Failure

NANOWRIMO is officially over for 2012. Friday night at 11:59 was the last shot to enter any more words on my word count. My goal was a very modest 10,000 words, well below the standard 50k. So...how did I measure up?

A dismal 7258. But hey, that's 7,000 words more than I had on Nov. 1st.

Sometimes I wonder if having a "For Real" deadline would help. If I knew I had a 90k manuscript to hand in by April 1st, I imagine I'd be typing my little fingers to the nub right about now instead of leisurely drinking a cup of java and contemplating taking the dog for a walk.

For those of you who did crank out the full 50,000, I not only give you a palm-stinging high-five, but a hip-check and military salute as well. Kudos to you!

Just because NANO is over, though, doesn't mean the writing should stop. Even my sluggish word count is no excuse to roll over and play dead. After all, it was the tortoise who won the race. Check out these other sites that will keep you accountable for pumping out more words:

Inky Girl
I actually like Inky Girl better than NANO. Oops. Did I say that out loud? This site fits in a bit better with my writing style. The goal here is either 250, 500, or 1k words per day for six days a week.

April Fools
If you're too busy to write during the holidays, there's another challenge coming up this spring called April Fools. Like NANO, it runs for a month. Unlike NANO, you set your own word count.

750 Words
On this site, you earn points for typing in 750 words every morning. It doesn't have to be only on your novel. It can be absolutely anything.

And those are only a few sites. There are many more. All that to say...get out there and write!