Truth or Dare

So, I'm reading DASH AND LILY'S BOOK OF DARES by Rachel Cohn & David Levithan.

It's adorable (with the exception of a few F-bombs, which I admittedly dislike).

It got me thinking about dares. And truths. In the story, they share honest truths with each other and they also hand over some dares. I wouldn't dare do something like kiss a frog or stick my hand down a badger hole (my own dares--not those from the book--if you want to know what their dares are you'll have to read the book). Danger is not my middle name. But, would I dare to be honest with myself about what I would dare to do. With my writing, that is.

Would I dare to treat my writing seriously enough to write regularly?

Would I dare to give my characters the flaws they need so they can grow?

Would I dare to rewrite one of my manuscripts to make it stronger?

Would I dare to finish this blasted query?

Maybe. It's something I'm having to work on, that's for sure. And I don't use the term work lightly here.

How about you? Truth or dare?

Platform Building Campaign

Rachael Harrie is starting up her third Platform Building Campaign. I did her second and met lots of wonderful people. If you are interested in building your platform and meeting new fabulous writers, go here.

Write a Query Now? Are you Sure?

I have heard, in several different places, about writing a query before you actually start writing your first draft. It's supposed to help make sure you have all the right elements to your story. It can also give some ideas to help strengthen your manuscript. Then you don't have to rewrite.

So, I'm trying it.

And let me just say, it's not any easier to do before the ms is written than after.

But . . .

It has been a good experience and helped me define things that I hadn't before. I have been procrastinating actually writing this story because I want to be totally prepared before I write it. But I guess you are never completely prepared, are you?

Even though the query I wrote is definitely not something I would send out, it needs a LOT more work, but it helped ground me. I feel better prepared.

I would definitely recommend it and will most certainly do it again.

Now to open the blank document and start writing.

Monday’s Random Thoughts

1. I've been blogless the past couple of weeks. It's good to be back. I've missed everyone.
   
2. The outline is finally finished on my WIP and I'm scared spitless to start typing.
   
3. Just one word – WRITEONCON!! It's this week!
   
4. I have a very unwanted rash on my arms. It's driving me crazy. Note: When trying new lotion, only put some on a small area first.
   
5. I'm taking my oldest daughter to college today. It is so bittersweet. Good for her, sad for me.
   
6. We ate corn from our garden last night. Holy YUM!
   
7. I FINALLY got bookshelves for the huge stack of books piled in my office. HURRAY!!!
   

 

What's your random thought for today?