Yesterday was my last meeting with the current Writer in Residence, David Poulsen. It was sad, as it always is. The writer in residence is such a great program and every year they find brilliant writers to fill the position. This past year was especially wonderful. David Poulsen is not only a talented author of many genres, he's also warm, funny and goes well beyond the call of duty to help emerging writers. Under his supervision I've learned a lot. I feel I'm a much stronger writer and editor than I was at the beginning.
Of course, the lessons I've learned won't end with his departure. His residency may be over, but my education is far from it. I have a long stretch of summer waiting to be filled with writing and editing. It's time to put those lessons to good use. And when September comes, bringing with it the arrival of the new Writer in Residence, I'll be waiting to see what they have to teach me as well. Although they have some pretty big shoes to fill.
Showing posts with label Writer in Residence. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Writer in Residence. Show all posts
Wednesday, May 8, 2013
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
A Barrage of Updates
I will admit that I'm phoning it in a bit this morning. Last night, my sister and I were at my mother's house making perogies. We made A LOT of perogies, had a lot of laughs and now my freezer is full and I'm exhausted. It's all worth it though. If you've never enjoyed the difference of real perogies versus those awful store bought ones, you really should. It's ridiculous.
I've actually been pretty busy on the home front these days. Aside from epic perogy making, I've been doing a lot of editing on the manuscript, trying to whip into reasonable shape before the current Writer in Residence, David A. Poulsen, finishes his residency. There's nothing like a deadline hanging over your head to get you to work hard. Although, honestly, I think a bigger reason for my current work ethic is turning off the TV. No, I haven't done the official turn off for the summer (I feel like there should be some kind of ribbon cutting ceremony or something), but I have been cutting way back, getting myself used to the abundance of free time it provides. I think the official turn off will come in May when the snow will finally be gone (I'm hoping!) and it's not so depressing to look out my window.
I know some of you have been wondering if I've been keeping up with my French lessons in preparation for my upcoming trip to Paris, and the answer is: yes! I try to make sure I do at least one lesson every day (although preferably more). Could I carry on a conversation in French? Not on your life. But, when I see French signs, or see French phrases in the books I've been reading on Paris, I actually understand a lot of them, which is very exciting. I can speak a few phrases, and there's a slight possibility I might be able to manage ordering in a restaurant, so I'm pretty excited. I still have two and a half months to go, so I'm kicking it into high gear. And I have to admit, I'm loving it. I've never been very good at learning different languages (and that hasn't changed), but my progress is encouraging and I'm having a lot of fun.
Thus concludes this random post of updates. Hopefully everything is going well on your end, as we slowly (oh ever so slowly!) creep into spring. What new happenings has the change of seasons brought into your life?
I've actually been pretty busy on the home front these days. Aside from epic perogy making, I've been doing a lot of editing on the manuscript, trying to whip into reasonable shape before the current Writer in Residence, David A. Poulsen, finishes his residency. There's nothing like a deadline hanging over your head to get you to work hard. Although, honestly, I think a bigger reason for my current work ethic is turning off the TV. No, I haven't done the official turn off for the summer (I feel like there should be some kind of ribbon cutting ceremony or something), but I have been cutting way back, getting myself used to the abundance of free time it provides. I think the official turn off will come in May when the snow will finally be gone (I'm hoping!) and it's not so depressing to look out my window.
I know some of you have been wondering if I've been keeping up with my French lessons in preparation for my upcoming trip to Paris, and the answer is: yes! I try to make sure I do at least one lesson every day (although preferably more). Could I carry on a conversation in French? Not on your life. But, when I see French signs, or see French phrases in the books I've been reading on Paris, I actually understand a lot of them, which is very exciting. I can speak a few phrases, and there's a slight possibility I might be able to manage ordering in a restaurant, so I'm pretty excited. I still have two and a half months to go, so I'm kicking it into high gear. And I have to admit, I'm loving it. I've never been very good at learning different languages (and that hasn't changed), but my progress is encouraging and I'm having a lot of fun.
Thus concludes this random post of updates. Hopefully everything is going well on your end, as we slowly (oh ever so slowly!) creep into spring. What new happenings has the change of seasons brought into your life?
Monday, March 4, 2013
A Book in Progress
As you probably know, for the past couple of months I've been meeting with the current Writer in Residence, David A. Poulsen. He's been working with me on my manuscript; the same rough draft that made me a winner in the June 2012 NaNoWriMo challenge. Because that's what you get with NaNoWriMo, a rough draft. Sometimes people think they'll have a publishable book at the end of those thirty days and I think it's important to note that although you might have a great first draft, it will need to go through the usual process of editing, more editing, still more editing, followed by even more editing. But that's a topic for another day.
Anyway, to get back on track, since writing the rough draft of my book in June, I've been editing it on my own and now editing it with David. He's been fantastic, and with his guidance I've uncovered certain plot holes and character flaws that I'm now correcting. And the truth is, this project is one that I'm really excited about. This isn't the first book I've written, but it is the first book that I've been really excited about. With this book, I get a stirring inside that whispers, "this could really be something!"
I won't have time to go through the whole book with David before his residency is up, but he has me pointed in the right direction. And when I've finished this wave of editing, I'll be sending it in for a manuscript evaluation service with the Saskatchewan Writer's Guild. And when that's done and I've done even more editing, I'll be letting certain friends and family read it, so they can give me their thoughts. I'll also be applying for a mentorship program in the fall, and hopefully continue my work on it with them. I want to give this manuscript a real, honest go. I want to give it every ounce of my effort and attention, so that hopefully, I can turn it into something really special. Something worthy of your attention. Stay tuned!
Anyway, to get back on track, since writing the rough draft of my book in June, I've been editing it on my own and now editing it with David. He's been fantastic, and with his guidance I've uncovered certain plot holes and character flaws that I'm now correcting. And the truth is, this project is one that I'm really excited about. This isn't the first book I've written, but it is the first book that I've been really excited about. With this book, I get a stirring inside that whispers, "this could really be something!"
I won't have time to go through the whole book with David before his residency is up, but he has me pointed in the right direction. And when I've finished this wave of editing, I'll be sending it in for a manuscript evaluation service with the Saskatchewan Writer's Guild. And when that's done and I've done even more editing, I'll be letting certain friends and family read it, so they can give me their thoughts. I'll also be applying for a mentorship program in the fall, and hopefully continue my work on it with them. I want to give this manuscript a real, honest go. I want to give it every ounce of my effort and attention, so that hopefully, I can turn it into something really special. Something worthy of your attention. Stay tuned!
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
Winter Prison
I know in some parts of the world, indeed even in this very country, spring is just around the corner. Not here. We have at least three full months left, and if I'm going to be totally honest, probably more. You really can't count on spring until May when you live in Saskatchewan. And as we move further into winter and its cold embrace, I'm feeling the need to hibernate more and more. No amount of sleep seems to be good enough. No matter what time I go to bed, I'm always wishing for a couple more hours when I get up. And afternoon naps are becoming a necessity.
Not only am I incessantly tired, but I can't seem to get warm enough either. Every day at work, there comes a point where my boss will suddenly announce that it's far too hot in our office and proceeds to turn the heat way down. I personally think she's crazy and would prefer that she turn the heat way up, but I'm alone in that regard. Everyone seems comfortable and warm, and I sit at my desk, bundled in my many layers and shiver. I've even started bringing a blanket with me to wrap up in, but it just makes me want to nap even more. It's a vicious cycle.
It doesn't help that the cold has prevented regular walks for our dog, who is prone to cabin fever. Leaving the house is a lengthy operation when you're living with a destructive Great Dane. Believe me when I say no where is high enough.
What is my point in all this? Well, there isn't one. It is just a cathartic rant to help keep the winter madness at bay. At least the continual presence of winter keeps me locked up and wrapped in blankets where I can write. I've been making good use of the time, too. I've been visiting the Writer in Residence, and with the Christmas rush behind me I'm back to editing my book, which feels pretty good. So, I guess there's a positive side to winter. I'm going to have to keep reminding myself of that if I'm going to make it through the next three months. And those of you out there already experiencing the first harbingers of Spring? Just keep it to yourself.
Not only am I incessantly tired, but I can't seem to get warm enough either. Every day at work, there comes a point where my boss will suddenly announce that it's far too hot in our office and proceeds to turn the heat way down. I personally think she's crazy and would prefer that she turn the heat way up, but I'm alone in that regard. Everyone seems comfortable and warm, and I sit at my desk, bundled in my many layers and shiver. I've even started bringing a blanket with me to wrap up in, but it just makes me want to nap even more. It's a vicious cycle.
It doesn't help that the cold has prevented regular walks for our dog, who is prone to cabin fever. Leaving the house is a lengthy operation when you're living with a destructive Great Dane. Believe me when I say no where is high enough.
What is my point in all this? Well, there isn't one. It is just a cathartic rant to help keep the winter madness at bay. At least the continual presence of winter keeps me locked up and wrapped in blankets where I can write. I've been making good use of the time, too. I've been visiting the Writer in Residence, and with the Christmas rush behind me I'm back to editing my book, which feels pretty good. So, I guess there's a positive side to winter. I'm going to have to keep reminding myself of that if I'm going to make it through the next three months. And those of you out there already experiencing the first harbingers of Spring? Just keep it to yourself.
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
The Truth About Guidance
Tonight I'm having another meeting with the current Writer in Residence at the public library. So far, it's been going really well. His help has been invaluable. Which got me to thinking a lot about guidance.
When you're an emerging writer, there's a lot to be desired. You don't have a lot of publishing credits, your writing/editing skills aren't quite where they should be and, if you're like me, you suffer from a crippling lack of confidence. You need help that you can trust, a hand to help guide you through the daunting process of building a successful career in writing. Which is why I think mentoring is so important.
Meeting with my first Writer in Residence, Alice Kuipers, was crucial for me. I know I wouldn't be where I am now without her. I would have given up long ago, curled in a little ball under the covers. She prepared me for the disappointments, the extreme amount of work and effort required and gave me gentle encouragement. But I'm not done needing guidance. In fact, I still have a long way to go. So, I'm meeting with the current Writer in Residence. And I'll probably meet with the next one.
Don't be afraid to seek out help. Apply for mentorship programs, visit your own local Writer in Residence if you have one. Classes and workshops are great, but nothing can make up for the one on one attention you receive from someone who's been there.
When you're an emerging writer, there's a lot to be desired. You don't have a lot of publishing credits, your writing/editing skills aren't quite where they should be and, if you're like me, you suffer from a crippling lack of confidence. You need help that you can trust, a hand to help guide you through the daunting process of building a successful career in writing. Which is why I think mentoring is so important.
Meeting with my first Writer in Residence, Alice Kuipers, was crucial for me. I know I wouldn't be where I am now without her. I would have given up long ago, curled in a little ball under the covers. She prepared me for the disappointments, the extreme amount of work and effort required and gave me gentle encouragement. But I'm not done needing guidance. In fact, I still have a long way to go. So, I'm meeting with the current Writer in Residence. And I'll probably meet with the next one.
Don't be afraid to seek out help. Apply for mentorship programs, visit your own local Writer in Residence if you have one. Classes and workshops are great, but nothing can make up for the one on one attention you receive from someone who's been there.
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