New links must be forged as old ones rust. ~ Jane Howard

 

Because of my illness, I'm a little late getting to my annual reflection. What I've discovered is that the past year is rich with personal accomplishments. Best of all, I'm surrounded by more friends and colleagues than ever before. Each of them, interesting and talented, adds something positive to my life. I'm not sure who came up with the idea that a writer's life is a solitary one. It's never been a goal for me. I make a point now of getting together with someone every week for a meal or drinks. No agendas, just sharing time together. Inevitably we walk away with new ideas and a feeling of friendship and support.

January 17, 2008

Gregory A. Kompes, Editor

ISSUE #161

Writer’s Pen & Grill (Las Vegas, NV) is a social networking evening for writers. Meets the 4th Wednesday of the month at 6:30 PM. Open to all. Visit http://www.PenandGrill.com for location and details.
Next Writer’s Pen & Grill meeting, January 23rd.

February 23 — Book Fair — 2pm-4pm
Gregory joins dozens of Las Vegas authors at this mega signing event fundraiser for the Henderson Writer’s Group. Barnes and Noble (567 North Stephanie, Henderson, NV 89014)

"Hi, my name is Gregory, and, I'm, a, recovering, comma addict."

 

"Hi, Gregory!"

 

OK, so I don't know of any official 12-step programs for bad writing habits. But, I do know that the first step to recovery is admitting I have a problem.

 

What's your worst writing habit? (It's OK to be honest; you're reading this silently to yourself, right?) Do you use too many adverbs? Do you embrace the comma splice? Are you forever using "to" instead of "too" or "lose" when you really mean "loose"? Does your writing tell rather than show? Do you use POV properly? Do you know what POV is ("Point of View") and do you use it consistently or does your POV change every paragraph...or even within paragraphs? Are run-on sentences your bad habit?

 

Now that you've admitted you have a bad habit, how do you fix it?

 

One of the easiest ways to improve your writing skills is by reading books on the topic of trouble. A recent search at my favorite online bookseller for "writing skills" turned up over 4,000 titles; as you can see, there isn't a shortage of book options. You can narrow your search by adding the genre (fiction, short story, nonfiction, etc.) or get specific (grammar, point of view). And, don't forget about your local library. You'll find lots of titles just waiting to be checked out.

 

Classes are another excellent way to improve your writing skills. The added benefit of classes is the social aspect they bring to your life. The financial investment for classes ranges from expensive, traditional degrees (bachelors, masters, masters of fine arts, doctorate) to inexpensive community college courses and workshops. Other options include online courses, personal writing coaches, single-day writer's workshops, and long-weekend writing conferences. Like books, courses can be broad topics or problem specific.

 

Not all books and classes will be right for you. When investing in your education do your homework by reading reviews, talking to fellow writers who have read the book or taken the course you're interested in, or participating in online forums where you can ask questions.

 

With a little study, anyone can recover from their poor writing habits. Just pick a trouble spot, admit you need help, and learn how to fix it.

By far, the most well-used and well-worn book on my writer's bookshelf is the Chicago Manual of Style. Now in its 15th edition, this is a guide for those who work with words; covering publishing formats, editorial style and method, book design and production, and everything in between. Now includes journals and electronic publications, reorganized and updated chapters. For writers, editors, publishers, proofreaders, indexers, copyrighters, and designers. Also available in a CD edition and an online edition.

 

Get your copy today!

1. Did you choose the writing profession or did it choose you?
It definitely chose me.  I’ve had stories in my head forever and while in jr. high school, I put pen to paper and my first novel was born - though it was very bad, I’m sure.

 

2. What is your background? (education, work, etc.)
I graduated high school with an acceptable GPA, but only made it through one and a half semesters of college.  I had a yearning to work rather than spend more years in a classroom. I did a series of oddball jobs, but finally landed a job that took some skill to keep me from being bored, but gave me a lot of down time in order to write.  That’s where I started my first real novel, one that I eventually got published.

 

3. When did you ‘know’ you were a writer?
I’ve always been a writer.  I felt like a ‘real’ one and could actually say “I’m a writer” when I got my first contract.

 

4. How would you describe your style of writing?
Deeply emotional. True to the heart.

 

5. What is your writing process?
I think I’m an oddball.  At least, my critique partners and writing buddies tell me I am. I don’t plot on paper or computer, but I don’t sit down to a totally blank slate and start from nothing.  I tend to live in my head for a few weeks, developing the characters, their histories, their future goals, before I stick them together.  Then I kind of ‘daydream’ their major scenes.  Once I feel comfortable enough that all those major scenes in my head will come together in some sort of form that’ll be readable, that’s when I sit down at the computer and put it down.

 

6. What was your path to publication?
A new year’s resolution. I had seven novels written and had a bunch of judge sheets from contests I’d entered that were downright lousy.  So, I made a new year’s resolution that before the end of January, I’d submit my book to a publisher.  It was rejected, but they did ask for a re-submission after some problems were fixed.  Since then, it’s been more hits than misses.

 

7. What is your favorite self-marketing idea?
I love the Internet because I’m severely shy. Promoting via computer is the best thing for me.  But, I’ve come to enjoy meeting people in person... in small groups.  My local writing groups and small conferences.

 

8. What are the biggest surprises you’ve encountered as a writer?
The great reviews my books have been getting.  People really like me! It’s a big difference from your critique partners or family or friends telling you  you’ve got talent.  When the meanies out there give you a 4 or 5 or recommended read, that’s when I really feel that maybe I’m doing something right.

9. How do you inspire yourself? What are your sources of creativity?
Absolute silence.  Anyone with children can probably relate.  When I can be alone and surrounded my not a single sound, that’s when my creative juices really get going.  I also love to drive.  Get out on back roads in the woods and take in the beauty and just let my mind roam where it will.

 

10. What is your proudest writer moment?
I made a five year plan when I got married.  One of my goals was to be published within those five years.  My first contract came through a month before those five years were up.  It was a very good day for me, to say the least.

 

11. What’s the best advice you were given about writing?
Don’t give up and not everyone’s going to like what you write, but someone will. And that getting published is a crapshoot.  25% skill as a writer; 75% luck in getting your book in front of an editor who’s in the right frame of mind to read your work.

 

12. What is your most embarrassing writer moment?
Turning in a book to my editor that I’d written several years earlier, and her asking  me if I was feeling ill.  I’d made many stupid errors, and she couldn’t believe I’d written that badly.  I wanted to crawl under my desk.

 

13. What business challenges have you faced as a writer?
Dealing with a publisher that wasn’t playing by the rules.

 

14. What is your writer life philosophy?
As long as I never give up, I’ll get where I want to be. It may not be today, probably not even tomorrow… but SOMEDAY I’ll make it as far as I want to go.

 

15. When you’re not writing what do you do for fun?
I love to travel.

 

16. Who do you like to read?
I will read just about any book that can grab my attention in the first 10 pages. Good plot, good writing, great emotion.

 

17. What’s your advice for new writers?
The same advice that was pounded into my head by critique partners who had faith in me. DON’T GIVE UP!!! This is a tough business and there’s so many bumps in the road to throw you off course or discourage you, you’ve GOT to be strong enough and want it enough to stick it out.  Every dog has its day.  You just gotta keep going, keep learning, keep striving, and eventually you’ll get yours.

 

18. What are you currently working on?
Having recently signed with an agent, I’m working on getting a couple full-length novels written that will hopefully sell to print publishers.

 

 

Bibliography & URL

ISSN 1554-0804

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Internet ACE: Building Your Online Self-Promotion Platform with Gregory A. Kompes — learn how build, brand, and expand your writing career using Internet Technology during this 10 week, interactive, online course. Begins May 5, 2008. $147. Register Today!