This Story

Try, try again?

2011-04-19T17:41:00.001-04:00

New Year, New Goals?

2006-12-16T12:57:00.000-05:00

I don't believe in new year's resolutions. They always start out good but quickly fade away to nothing. Do you know anyone who has kept even one of his or her resolutions throughout the entire year?? This is why I don't plan to wait until the new year to set some goals. Since this is my 'story' blog I'll post my writing goals here (may as well). Maybe then I'll actually do some of them?

In my last post I mentioned finishing a book by the end of the year. Wellll, we know that isn't going to happen, now is it? I know the NaNoWriMo people would say 'YES' it can be done, but you know what they say about those crazy writers who actually try to finish a novel in a month (much less two weeks), right? Nevermind that I attempted that same competition this year only to fail (again) miserably. I can't seem to convince myself to spend much of my days (or nights) writing about stuff that will invariably end up as crap. I'm not being a pessimist, I'm being a realist here because very few people produce stellar work on their first try. I know, I know, to get good you have to start and more often than not you will start badly. But still.

So, what's my point then if I've already set my self up to fail? I will try, I just have to start smaller. That way it won't feel as if the crappy writing wasted too much of my time.

I've bought quite a few books on writing since July. I started out with "Writing For Quick Cash" (don't laugh), then I got "Characters & Viewpoint" (excellent book), "Writing a Novel" (not finished reading it yet), "The Elements of Style" (the Strunk and White writer's bible), "Story Structure Architect (not finished this one yet either), and "The 3 A.M. Epiphany" (a book chalk full of interesting exercises to spice up your writing and get those creative juices flowing). I also found "Simon & Schuster's Handbook for Writers" last week in one of my book boxes . Haven't had a chance to look through it yet though. And we can't forget reading good novels themselves, which I've done a lot of since July too (actually I've always been a good reader).

So, you see, I have no shortage of material to help me write. What are my plans then, you ask. Hmm, I think (and this has always been one of my problems - I think too much and have trouble choosing one of many) I'll do some of the exercises in the epiphany book and post them here. Once I've done, say, ten exercises then I'll reevaluate and determine my next step.

Purpose

2006-07-20T11:10:00.000-04:00

There is no inherent poetic reason why I want to write books. Yes, I said books - plural. I could talk about grand ideas of changing the world by publishing thought-provoking, paradigm-shifting books, but that is not what moves me to write. I want, rather, to focus on one person at a time. There is something magical about lifting words from a page and creating a world in your mind. I have always enjoyed this form of escape from the real world and it is this that I want to offer my readers. Reading is the least expensive form of travel but it is no way limiting. I want to give people the opportunity to get away. Of course, I also want to offer them new views of the world, helping to open their eyes to different perspectives. It would be a blessing to positively affect even one person in this way. I want to do for others what so many have done for me.

I want to publish at least two fictional novels. I don't necessarily want to be recognized as one of the great writers of our time, but I wouldn't shy away from it if that title was bestowed on me.

I do want lots of people to read my work. As they read I want them to be swept away, to get lost in the words and forget that they are even reading. I want them to recommend my books to others. I want to see my books in libraries and bookstores around the world.

I want to write works that my children would be proud of.

I want to write works that my church would not frown on.

My first goal is to complete a book before the end of the year 2006. From now that gives me five months. It may be daunting but it is in no way impossible.

2005-12-30T21:42:00.000-05:00

My personal paparazzi took this pic

2005-11-15T00:06:00.000-05:00

As usual, they were quite a pair. A handsome couple. They were well-dressed, well-spoken, drove a nice car, had 2.5 children. The perfect couple.
"Trianna, always a pleasure," replied the pastor.
"We're fine dear. Thanks for inviting us. Here, please accept our gift," said Mrs. Clement at the same time handing Trianna a baking dish.
"Ooh, what it this? It smells so good! I'm sorry I'm such a mess. Please, have a seat. Make yourself comfortable. I'll be back in just a minute."
After putting the pie in the kitchen Trianna rushed upstairs to her room. A quick glance in the mirror showed her just what she feared; that she really was a mess, at least by her standards. A few swipes with the brush tamed her wild mane. Her flushed face was easily cooled with the splashes of water from the bathroom sink. I wish I had time to take another shower. Just as Trianna got herself composed the doorbell rang again. This time there were no involuntary movements. Trianna glided back down the stairs to answer the door. One look through the peephole showed her it was the head elder and his wife along with the head deacon and his wife. It was then that Trianna realized she would be the only single person at the table.
"Elder and Sis. Brown! Bro. and Sis. Doole! I'm so glad you could make it. Come in, come in." The perfect hostess she led everyone into sitting room and offered them something to drink.
"Girl, si'down. I'm sure you been runnin' around all morning. Sit right here and let's chat awhile 'fore we eat." That was Sis. Brown. For an elder's wife Trianna found her to be a bit uncouth. The elder himself was always so reserved and sophisticated while his wife tended to be brash and outspoken. How ever did the two get on, Trianna wondered. Still, she sat and smiled. She wasn't normally the nervous type but for some reason she felt uneasy, sitting there as in front of a firing squad.
"I guess I could sit for a moment."
"So, how do you like the church so far? How have the members been treating you?" Mrs. Doole asked.
"Now, Vera, you can't ask questions like that," her husband lightly scolded her. Something in voice though made Trianna wonder if there wasn't more behind Mrs. Doole's words.
"Oh, that's alright. Most everyone's been nice to me. The youth leader has already asked me to help in the department."
"That's wonderful. It's good to keep busy. You know what the Bible says about idle hands."
"Vera!" her husband scolded again.
"What? I'm saying it's a good thing."
"Trianna," Pastor Clement cut in, hoping to break uncomfortable air that was settling around them, "In the body of Christ we are all members and we have our functions. No two are the same but we all work together for the same purpose. I am certain that you will be asset to the Youth Department. A young lady of your character and demeanor would undoubtedly be pulled in by a good many departments seeking your participation."

The evening went on with much less tension. They ate and laughed and by the end of the night all were on good terms. Even Mrs. Doole appeared more relaxed.

2005-11-10T22:48:00.000-05:00

This afternoon she was having guests over. Some people she met at her new church. She wanted to be friendly. Shouldn't they be the ones welcoming me? Either case, she was looking forward to the fellowship. Pastor Clement seemed like such a devoted shepherd. The members, well, every organization has it's bad apples, so Trianna didn't want to judge too harshly.
"Let me run upstairs and change quickly before anyone gets here," she mumbled to herself. Just then the doorbell rang. Oh my, I'm not even ready! Her hands flew to her blouse to straighten it and then down to her skirt to smooth it out. She tried her best to not look flustered when she opened the front door.
"Good evening, Pastor, Mrs. Clement. How are you? Please, come in."

2005-11-09T23:48:00.000-05:00

She shook her head but the snow still fell. In her mind. It was snowing. It was a blizzard. She couldn't see through to her real thoughts. Try as she might, things just weren't clear. Trianna Angeline. That's me. she thought.

The buzzer went off, interrupting her reverie, instantly clearing her head. Trianna glanced away from the window and down at the Bible in her hands. Psalm 90:1. She loved to read and study the Bible for herself, but sometimes it got to be overwhelming for her. It had only been a few months since she joined the church. She remembered what it was like before and shuddered at the thought of returning to such a time. Some memories were better left covered. She closed the Good Book and stood up, raising her arms and stretching her slender body. As she walked over to the window she could feel the heat radiating from it. The few people outside were walking quickly, with a purpose, heads covered, legs exposed. They went from point A to B then back to A again but to what end? Did they really have purpose, Trianna thought. It was time to check the food in the oven. Afterwards she thought she fancied a stroll in the shade herself. It had been a while and it was past time that she focused on getting the Lord's Temple into better condition. The smell of baking chicken had seeped through the house enticing anyone within range. Trianna opened the oven door and was greeted with a wall of heat. She sliced a piece of breast and put it to her lips after blowing on it profusely. It melted in her mouth. An oven mitt and two pot holders later the entree was seated next to the steamed vegetables and pasta salad.