A Pat On The Back, Or A Kick In The Ass?

Some people need a pat on the back now and then. They are motivated by positive reinforcement. When they accomplish something, some encouraging words are all they need to keep on accomplishing things.

Other people, however, need a kick in the ass to get something done. I don't mean that they should be torn a new one, or chewed out. But what they need to get something accomplished, and to keep on accomplishing, is someone who will hold them accountable. Someone to prod them, sometimes firmly to get off their butts, and do what they need to do.

Depending on the situation, I could use either one. Sometimes, I can get a lot done, and a simple word of encouragement will keep me going.

This year, with my writing, I am needing a kick in the ass. I should have had at least 2 or 3 short stories or novellas written, and so far, I haven't been able to motivate myself. I certainly need a kick in the ass to get going.

What motivates you, a pat on the back, or a kick in the ass?

Two Drops Of Red

All you'll ever see is my shadow.

All you'll feel of me is a cold breeze.

All you'll hear of me is a whisper in the night.

The barest scent of death is in the air.

By the time you know I'm there- I'm gone.

The only signs that I was ever there...

A growing darkness,

A spreading chill,

And two drops of red.

To Outline, or Not To Outline?

Some writers fully outline their entire book before they start writing, others just start with an idea, and start writing from there. There are certainly advantages and disadvantages to both.

Personally, when I write, I just start with an idea of the story that I want to tell, but I don't sit down and write out an outline first. I usually just sit down and write. Without the rigid structure of an outline, I feel that the story flows more freely and naturally. I let the characters and the situations determine what happens next.

One disadvantage to not having an outline, however, is that the story can get too far off track. Sometimes that can be a good thing, and sometimes it is bad. It can be fun trying to decide how to get the story back in the direction that you want it to go. Or you can just go with the new direction and see what happens. But there are times when the story goes off track, and you just can't get it going in the direction that you want it to.

So, I tend to write without an outline, or if I use an outline, a very loose one which allows more freedom in my writing. What about the rest of you authors out there. Do you use an outline or not?

My First Piece Of Fiction

Last night, for some reason, my mind wandered back, a long time ago, to the first piece of fiction I wrote. It was way back in Kindergarten, when our teacher gave us an assignment to write a short piece involving eggs. Everyone's work was compiled into a book, and everyone got a copy of it. I have no idea if my mom still has it, sitting up in the attic or something.

Anyhow, I can still remember what I wrote.

"The four eggs lived together."

That's it. Just the one sentence. That was my first piece of fiction. I know it isn't much, but hey, I was only 5 years old.

Are There Any Stories Left To Tell?

One question I've seen come up, and a question that I often have myself is... "Is my story really original?"

That's a valid question. After all, how many stories have been written over the course of history? Probably millions. It is quite possible that stories similar to yours have been written, not just once, but many times. If so, then how can your story be original. The answer is easy. Your story can be original if you make it yours.

Let me give an example from photography. How many pictures are there of Haystack Rock, in Cannon Beach, OR? Take a look online, and see how many pictures you find. You'll find pictures of Haystack Rock taken from the north, from the south, and directly in front of the rock. You'll find pictures taken in the morning, in the evening, in the afternoon, in sunny weather, in cloudy weather. You'll likely find hundreds of photos of Haystack Rock, or of any landmark. But take a close look at the photos. Even though the subject is the same, each photo is different. Each photographer takes a slightly different photo.

Stories are the same way. You may find a similar plot in many different stories, but each author tells the story a bit different. One may write in first person, another in third person. One author may have a fantasy setting, another a science fiction setting. One may write using a historical setting, another may use a fictional setting. Each person will take a story idea and write it in their own style.

Are there any stories left to tell, when millions have already been told? Yes, there are. There are still millions of stories left to be told. As writers, it's our job to go out there and tell them.

Vampire's Kiss

VAMPIRE'S KISS

You sense me hiding.
From the shadows I stalk.
You try to avoid me.
As closer I get, the faster you walk.

You try to flee.
You try to hide.
Yet within a heartbeat,
I'm there at your side.

You stare deep,
Deep into my eyes.
You cannot move,
Your whole body paralyzed.

Your neck is exposed.
With one single bite.
Your blood flows to me,
As you hold me tight.

You thrill to my touch,
My every caress.
Your life flows to me,
And to you, my death.

Your darkest desire,
Your deepest pain.
You cry out your longing.
Again and again.

I continue to drink.
Your life's single spark
Starts to grow dim,
and fade into dark.

We end the embrace,
The blood ceases to flow.
I fly quickly away,
And soon, you'll know.

How much you want,
How much you'll miss,
How much you need,
The vampire's kiss.

Welcome 2012

2012 is finally here. My wife and I were certainly blessed in 2011. We had a chance to go on a Mediterranean cruise, and my new nephew was brought into the world just before Christmas. At the same time, 2011 was a year that we were sorely tested. Income dropped severely, while at the same time expenses went up. I was diagnosed with diabetes in September, and in November, my wife suffered a pulmonary embolism and spent a few days in the hospital.

2011 is now behind us, and I am looking forward to 2012. I have a feeling this is going to be my year, and nothing is going to stand in my way. If I find anything in my way, I will find a way around, over, or through it.

I've set myself some ambitious goals as far as writing. This year, I plan on writing 10-12 short stories and novelettes, 3 or 4 novellas, and to get two of my novels re-written and edited.

I know this will take a lot of my time, but I know that I can do it. 2012 is going to be my year.