Honing My Skills

My 100,000 book challenge count has been stagnant lately as I'm in the process of re-reading a book I've already read and logged.  The book is Natural Born Charmer, by Susan Elizabeth Phillips, and the reason I've pulled it off the shelf is because I'm feeling the need to stop and reflect on my personal writing technique.

I'm four chapters into writing my 5th novel for Harlequin Blaze, and with this latest contract, I've scheduled a nice easy amount of time to write my next three books.  That means instead of focusing every spare moment on writing, I can afford some time to reflect and try to raise the bar on my craft.

I happen to have a horrible time with writing workshops.  I don't know why, but with every one I've joined, I duck out the minute I'm given an assignment.  Maybe I hate anything that looks like school.  Which is a shame, because I know there's a lot of talent out there being shared.  I also start nodding out the moment people get too deep into the intellectual discussions on loops.  I know lots of great chats go on about various aspects of writing, and I try like the devil to follow them.  But usually about half way through, it starts blowing over my head and I fade out.

Personally, I think I've got a very simple brain.  I don't know if that's good or bad.

But though I haven't had success with formal workshops, I recognize that I can't just ride the tide forever.  At some point, I have to make a concerted effort to continue to craft better stories.  And for me, one of the best ways I learn is by studying what's done right, this one in particular being SEP's Natural Born Charmer.

Given that the first time I read it, I got so into the story I forgot to pay attention to HOW she did it, I'm now going back over it, taking the time to study her structure, how she expresses a character's feelings, how we get such a vivid picture of these people, and how she keeps her books so entertaining when--really--there's not a lot in the way of plot (when compared to a romantic suspense or murder mystery, I mean).

I'm only on page 50, but so far, I've made the following notes for myself:

• Action.  Always action!
• What are his/her opinions?  What do they think about what's going on right now?
• Humor!  Make it funny! (pertinent to me because I write romantic comedy)
• How are they dressed?  Dress them in a way that makes a statement.
• What's right about this couple?  Drop subtleties amidst the conflict.

At the same time, I wrote down "Phrases of Inspiration".  Examples of particular passages that meant something to me for various reasons:

• ...her perpetually disorganized ponytail. (says so much in such a few little words)
• ...she balanced the pad on her ratty black track pants.  (ditto)
• That's when she got it.  She started to gag.  "No!  I don't want a yard.  I want to stay here!"

I particularly liked that last line because as I study my own writing, I need to get myself off speeding pulses and choked up throats.  At Book #5, I'm starting to run out of ways to express emotion, and that's one of the main reasons I picked up this book to see how SEP does hers.  I liked the fact that she expresses emotion in the form of action.  "She started to gag."  So simple, yet entirely effective.  And very visual.  More visual than, "Her pulse sped."  Who can see a speeding pulse?  Okay, we can feel it, and can sympathetically feel it for the character.  But a line like that lets you see and feel it.  I'm looking for more examples of that type of thing as I go on, because I really like them.

I have to admit, this is the first time I've ever gone through a work of fiction with pen in hand making observations.  And I don't know if, in the end, it will improve my craft.  But I think as writers, we've got to find our own ways to get better. 

So tell me:  For those of you who write novels, do you make a conscious effort to sit down and study your craft, either through workshops or discussions or books on the craft?  And what things have been most effective to you in helping you improve?

UNLEASHED, Harlequin Blaze, November 2008 - 2008 RT Reviewer's Choice Award nominee for Best Blaze!
FAST AND FURIOUS, Free eHarlequin On-Line Read, February 2009!!
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