I'm posting early this week so I can catch up with y'all BEFORE the Hall of Fame game tonight. With the opening kick-off, another NFL season begins, and I, for one, will be glued to the TV when the Dallas Cowboys take on the Cincinnati Bengals. Have I mentioned I am a RABID Cowboys fan? I have been since hubby played college football and two of our friends were drafted by the ‘Boys. When we moved to Dallas in the late seventies, I thought I had died and gone to football heaven.
As the new season begins I am busy organizing the fantasy Pick ‘Em league that I run every year, sending emails out to last year’s players, etc. Meanwhile, the Cowboys have been in training camp since early July with grueling two-a-days in the Texas heat.
Wish I had stock in Gatorade!
I’ve watched quarterback, Tony Romo, since he was a third stringer in 2003 and saw him progress to a starter and team leader in 2007. He just keeps getting better every year. Analysts predict this might be the year the Cowboys regain the Super Bowl trophy. I can only hope…but I’ve heard that song and dance before.
Now what exactly does all this have to do with writing and me?
Hold your britches. I’m getting to that, but first a little backstory (UGG!)
As most of you know, I signed a three-book deal for my casserole mystery series with only 3 chapters written. Having just finished the first manuscript, I sent it off to my editor with a note asking what she needed from me before I started the second one. All she has at this point is a title, which she loves, BTW.
“Since the second one is already under contract, you don’t need to send me anything,” she replied.
Holy freakin’ crap! In other words, just write the book, Lipperman!
Being the procrastinator that I am, I haven’t written a word since “The End” on Book One two months ago. What’s up with that? Am I just a one-book wonder?
Fortunately for me, I had a night out with a fun group of writers who took my one line blurb and threw out a lot of plot ideas, most of which I’m using.(A shout out to my DARA friends. You gotta love group plotting with all those imaginations working together.) Since then, I have been doing a lot of research, and I think I’m finally ready to begin.
Tomorrow, BEEF STOLEN-OFF will be born. Being the obsessive plotter that I am, I’ll start with a sheet of paper and list all the plot points and go from there. I write mysteries with usually more than one bad guy and many subplots, so I have to get it straight in my head first. The best way for me to do that is to put the pen to the paper (I write longhand, remember? My mantra is BICHOP – butt in chair – hands on pen.)
So, like Tony Romo, I have actually been preparing for my first “pre-season” game for a few weeks now. Since Book Two is part of a series, I know who my returning players are and what strengths they bring to the table. I’m still looking at the rookies and the new players with a cautious eye to see if I can get a rhythm going with them.
Football is all about teamwork. So is writing. It’s you and your team of characters who have to come up with a winner, or no one will pay to see you play again.
Wish me luck with this. I loved the way DUCKS IN A ROW turned out, but I remember how paranoid I was about not being able to pull it off..about not making it something people might actually be willing to fork out eight bucks to read.
Also like Tony, I can only hope I am good enough to bring out the best in all the players around me. As for tonight’s game, a boisterous, fun-to-watch, ex Cowboy is making his debut with his new team, the Bengals. The man makes me laugh. In T.O.’s own words – bring your popcorn!!
So, how does your preseason go when you're starting a new manuscript?
Update: Cowboys 16 Bengals 7 Woo hoo!
53 comments:
I love football too although I am a Bears Fan. I can't seem to get over being angry about Coach Landry. Yes I know, it dates me.
I have enjoyed having Tony Romo on my fantasy team a couple of years ago.
Oh, and sense we are talking about writing congrats on the three book deal. So very cool.
Wow! Somebody reads blogs on a Sunday. Hey, Carole, I am still ticked over the Tom Landry thing, too and even more angry at the Jimmy Johnson deal.
Thanks for commenting. I checked out your blog and left a comment. Your granddaughter is beautiful, BTW.
I first start watching football during the big Steeler/Cowboy days. Watching Staubach and Bradshaw square off. Staubach maintained more class over the years than Bradshaw did.
Thanks so much for the comment on Nebraska.
I agree about Staubach although the Steelers are my number two team and I love Bradshaw, too. (I grew up around Pittsburgh.)
That aside, how do you start a novel, Carole?
You'll have another winner if you find room for your last supporting characters. And talk about support...you better pray Phillips isn't hurt bad. He made Romo look good. Uh, Super Bowl? Look out. The Vikings are loaded and you can bet Favre will be back. But your real competition will come from you know--who dat said gonna beat dem Saints.
Sorry. Have a soft spot for Li'l Bro Manning, but anything Manning will do. Including the commercials!
Best of luck with the mystery series! Sounds tasty! Looking forward to the reading feast.
too funny...
here I sit, in Canada, and on the wall behind me are two 1970's Cowboys Mirrors, one is the cheerleaders, the other maybe Tony Dorsett? Oh and the chair beside me, where the cat is sleeping is covered with a Cowboys blanket. There's Cowboy's beer coolers, and shirts and jackets everywhere! My hubby is a FAN, has been since dirt roads and wooden wheels.
And tonight, I continued to edit, with the Cowboys on tv. But I was working while he watched so I have no idea who won.
I looked up once when some poor guy got a helmet in the gut.
We used to be in lots of pools but now they're illegal here, except on-line, so hubby plays those.
This year, for the first time in many years, we'll both have weekends off so I'm looking forward to NFL SUNDAYS!
Well! That's not so nice since I'm in cincy and a BENGALS fan!! Thank goodness it was our second team and not our BIG guns. So you Cowboy fans watch out!!:)
I am so glad you are going to jump on those blank pages this week. I love starting something new. The excitement is great until you hit the 20k mark...
Go CHAD AND TO!
Sylvia, I nearly cried last night when Phillips went down. He goes for an MRI today, and an ACL tear is probably what they'll find. (How's that for passive voice!) Oh well, don't forget he played behind Witten and Bennett.
Last night's game really does emphasize the importance of supporting players.
Okay - off the Internet and on to plotting points.
Who dat will be a powerhouse this year for sure.
Good luck with the new book, Liz. I love to hear about other writers' processes. I'm a total pantster. With every book I swear I'm going to plot, but nothing actually happens until I sit down and write the thing. I've come to the conclusion that I'm actually plotting in my head during that lead up time.
Okay, not a football fan, but get the whole concept of teamwork. Love the group brainstorming. Have gotten the best ideas from that process.
Hey, Taryn, I would have guessed no less from you with the Manning thing. As a Cowboy fan, I hate the Giants and anything Eli Manning!! Love Peyton, though.
Thanks for the comments and the cute food pun.
Katt, tell your hubby he is a smart guy!! How could you do edits during the game??
Okay guys, nobody's telling me how they start a manuscript. Inquiring minds want to know!
I love how you've tied this to football. I'm not a huge football fan, although my son--who's twelve--plans to be the quarterback for Alabama. He's played football for four years now, after a few years of hockey, and he has his goals firmly set. He's better at goal-setting than me. His coach told me last week he has absolutely no doubt Caleb will the the Alabama quarterback when he's old enough. Scholarship, here we come.
Anyway, I LOVE LOVE LOVE the title of the second book, Liz, and I agree with you, thank God for brainstormers. I can't say how many times my CP has helped me when I was stuck on my plot. My stories start with an idea. I mull it over, jot down notes, mull some more, jot down some more notes, then I start a synopsis when I've got the general idea. Sometimes the synopsis is roughly finished before I start writing, and sometimes I have a chapter or so done first.
I've heard you say you write long hand. I can't imagine. I would have to constantly start over. My favorite button on Word is "undo" so I'd be in trouble. Do you use a pen or pencil? I can't wait until these books are out. I know with your sense of humor and your writing talent they're going to be awesome.
Tonya, I'm sending sympathy vibes your way...NOT!
I can't believe you love starting stories. I think I like ending them the best as that is where all my action usually is with a lot of drama. I had totally forgotten about the 20 K letdown, better know as the sagging middle. Yikes.
Clarissa, you pantsers totally amaze me. I do like the thought about always plotting in your head, though. It 's what I commonly refer to as writer's schizophrenia.
Thanks for stopping by. Where are you in the writing process? New story? Middle?
Debbie, I am one of those "guy-like" fans who watches nearly every NFL game on Sundays (We have the NFL Ticket with Direct TV.) I was in the band in high school (I know. I don't look like the band type, but I played a mean saxophone.)and boyfriend (now hubby) played football at the same school. I had to love it.
BTW, congrats on the double finaling in the Maggie.
Ahhh, Anita, you say the nicest things. I didn't realize you were a plotter, either. We are the minority, I think, although my guess is a lot of people are somewhere in the middle. I always start with an outline/synopsis but it usually never ends the way I initially say. I have character profile sheets that I use religiously and even those change several times.
As for your son and Alabama, getting a free ride to a good school is great. A quarterback, huh? He'll have the "Roll Tide" girls all over him.
I remember back when my hubby played football at Vanderbilt. We were married his Senior year and that was the year (the only year) they beat Bear Bryant's Alabama. I ran out on the field and he grabbed me and kissed me - with his helmet still on. Nearly broke my teeth!!
Thanks for commenting.
Anita, I forgot to say, not only do I write with pen, but I also only write with blue pilot point ones!! I am such a freak. I always transfer the chapter or scene immediately to the computer or I wouldn't be able to read my own writing since I write so fast when my brain is in the mood.
I use pencil on character profiles since they are ever-changing.
My pre-season is a lot shorter than yours, one of the perks of being a pantser. I'm usually thinking of the new books as I'm finishing the old one.
The bad part of my short pre-season is that about 1/3 of the time, I realize the book isn't working. If I'm lucky, that happens sooner than later.
Good luck on your plotting and writing!
Liz: You are too funny. I always love your posts. Now, you've reminded me to get back to work!
LOVE this post!! And I am seriously ready for some football!!!! I know I harrass you every year about Tony (cuz I love my Manning Boys!) but he really is a tough guy and a great player. He's had quite the career as a Cowboy. And I'm sorry, but the Giants are going to whoop his Dall-ass! And actually my super-soccer-goalie #2 son is making his debut on the Freshman football team this year. So you will see lots of posts, cuz this boy can RUN! he's looking to play wide receiver or corner (depending on if they make him choose offense or defense)
LOVE book two's title!!! And I can't wait to hear about the plot. I should take lessons from you on the plotting dept. I am such a pantser it's not even funny, but I'm beginning to see (especially for my mystery) that I will need to devise a spreadsheet (and I do love my spreadsheets). Just to keep my characters straight!(motive/suspect/aliby etc)
Still think you should write comedy! And now I know why you and tony have the same trainer...you just want to check him out in the locker room (grrr...you rabid fan!!)
Okay, about the writing pre-season.
Something as tiny as as sentence, or a sound, will make me open up my file labelled 'story starts'.
That's where I let an idea spill out on the page.
These are usually a short scene involving an interesting character - often a secondary character in my wip.
When I'm ready to begin a new project, I read through the 'story starts' and then go away for a few days to let them simmer.
I build the character's history in my head for sometimes days, before I open a new file and set sail. By then I have an idea of the conflicts, the mystery and the man.
Funny though, for the last week, while editing my wip, my new project poked at me so persistantly I gave in and wrote the first chapter!
Off to finish editing - should have this sucker sailing through cyberspace by the end of the day!
Football season is my favorite. Though mostly it's College Ball. GO UTES!
My hubby does fantasy football, we all get together and do the draft board. It fills pretty much an entire wall. It's a great night with a lot of computers hooked in because the players range from Alaska to DC with a hand full in Salt Lake City.
I apologize Liz, but I am SO NOT A DALLAS fan. Of course I have no team to brag on. Well I do but their hayday was back in 1972-1973, when the killer bees were alive and stinging in Miami. Yup I'm a die hard Dolphins fan. Every year I say we'll be back, and some year that will actually come true. Maybe this year?
Liz if I plotted like you, I'd never get the book done. I'm a Panster, then I fill in the sagging parts, then I go over to edit mistakes, then I go over it just to go over it, then it's off to the Critique partner.
OMG Liz I love the title too, and I love what I read of book one. Can't wait to read the rest.
Meanwhile my ass is in chair because I let July get away from me....so I now have to write 20 pages a day for three weeks in order to have 2 weeks to polish the sucker.
Ugh...never again!!!
Good luck to you, chica, and GO STEELERS!!!
Hey, Edie, as I said, you pantsers intrigue me. I hate throwing away any of the words I've written. I would die if I did what you do. But as in everything else in life, different strokes...
Thanks for stopping by. Folks, Edie is about to go on a writing journey that will interest all of us. When the time comes, I'll have her back to tell us all about it. Ooh..mystery.
Cassy, get back to work. You have a busy traveling schedule ahead of you.
Hope you get lots of writing done.
Give me professional bull riding any day. More excitement. Thrills a second-eight of them if lucky.
I start my preseason for the next before the current season ends.
Barbie - I love you! You always have not just a smile, but a huge grin on your face. It's infectious.
I hate that you love the Giants, though. And bring on the biggest NFL East rivalry and watch my Dallas boys kick some Jolly Blue Giant booty!!
Good luck to your son. May he score hat tricks every game. Did you know I played soccer on an over-thirty woman's team and coached my daughter's soccer team every year? I was a Sweeper.
See. What you guys don know about me could fill a book.
And what's up with spreadsheets? I am so spread-sheet illiterate and envy anyone who knows how to use them.
Thanks for stopping by. You write a pretty mean funny story yourself, BTW.
Guys, I'm off for my annual mammogram (think vice grip!!)
Keep the comments coming and I'll respond when I get back.
Now is as good a time as any to remind all you writing females out there to think back to when you had your last mammo and act quickly.
I love y'all too much not to remind you.
Liz, you're insane! A blue pen? Well, at least you transfer it to computer quickly before too much chaos ensues.
I always thought I was a pantser but I'm quickly becoming a plotter. I don't do outlines but just notes so I know where the story is going. I start writing before I know the end, but I have to know ahead of time where I'm headed. If not, all my good ideas come in after I'm finished with the book. I do a LOT of brainstorming early on.
I still have to remember to ask Austin's mother if she knew your husband. I don't know what year she attended Vanderbilt. I'll find out.
Liz, Spreadsheets are so easy. It's amazing all the cool things you can do with one. Except write a book. That they can't do.
Actually I've run across many people who can't figure them out.
TMI Liz but thanks for sharing. Been there, done that. Ain't no fun. They are very important for health.
Great post, Liz. I am definitely intrigued about your book after reading that title!
I'm a pantser, and I seriously don't know how you plotters do it. I'd get bored if I knew all of that ahead of time! LOL
I got an idea for a new WIP the other day, from a line in a song I heard on the radio. I don't know yet where the story is going, but I'm SO intrigued already--I can't wait to get to work on it.
Lindsay -- I'm glad you mentioned bull riding. :) I love watching it, but it's not as big here on the East Coast. I miss going to rodeos.
Donna the East Coast run from the area of Machias, ME to the tip of the FL keys. In CT at one of the casios and I also think Bridgeport the PBR holds events.
If you can email me off loop and I'll try to give you more specific info.
Lindsay, my son used to ride bulls. There's a whole other story.
Great Blog today.
Have fun making pancakes!
When he rode those must have been the longest 8 seconds of your life
I'm a basketball fan myself, Liz. Wishing you the best with your second book. I know you'll be the consummate pro, make your deadline. But have fun with it too. You may recall what Donald Maass said in the Breakout Novel. If you know who dun it, when you get to the end turn it and see what happens. Don't know if this will work for you, but I found it was great advice, even though I fought hard not to take it.
Have fun with that BUCHOK.
That Barbie Jo Bogart really is a woman of outstanding taste and discernment!
That Barbie Jo Bogart really is a woman of outstanding taste and discernment!
Linday, I can't keep up with all your posts. Ugg to bull riding. Ugg to spreadsheets. And Ugg to been there done that.
Enough uggs for one day.
How about a hug!
Katt, I also like the way you do your preseason. In the words of the late Old Blue Eyes, we all "Did it our way."
Thanks for commenting. Now get back to editing.
Mary, one of the tips I learned form the Grammar Divas' workshop in Orlando was to print the hard copy of your manuscript in blue instead of black. They said your eyes get used to black and miss the mistakes. I can't wait to try this.
BTW, the Grammar Divas are going to guest blog right here on M & M in October. I'll be sure and remind everyone because this is one post you will not want to miss.
And Mary, it's okay that you hate the Cowboys. Are you aware that an ex Cowboys coach is at the helm in Miami? All the good ones come from Dallas. LOL
Kari, you poor thing. I wish there was something I could do to help you. If you need any editing, I'm your girl. I love editing.
Anita, I think a lot of people are somewhere in between a pantser and a plotter. I am a true blue plotter. I have to know where I'm going, sometimes stopping to take a nap as when I am stuck since that is where I get my best ideas.
Okay, that's my story and I'm sticking to it.
Vandy beat Alabama in 1970. I don't think they've beaten them since.
Donna, glad I got you interested in my book. Every little seven dollars helps. (Shameless plug.)
I am fascinated that you came up with a book idea from a line in a song. I can't wait to hear more after you get it going.
The only good thing that comes from Dallas are the cheerleaders.
And hugs back
Donnell, I could never get into TV basketball, although I love it when I'm actually at a game. Football is a whole different animal. I could watch it all day long.
It's funny that you mentioned The Donald's advice since I did exactly that in a mystery that I'm waiting to sell. Every one of my beta readers said they guessed who the killer was about halfway through, so I changed it. Caught them all by surprise in the end. It's kinda like the Jenga post I did a while back. If you pull out the wrong clue too soon the whole mystery falls apart.
Hey, thanks for stopping by.
Taryn, are we having a two-for-one sale?? LOL
And for the record, that Barbie Jo is a great gal. She has only one fault and I think maybe you do, too. Her loyalty lies with the wrong team!!
Great blog and clever.
I say "you're welcome!" We had a blast helping you brainstorm. Keep us informed. The title is brilliant. oxoxox
Liz, finished the 3rd round, just printed 300 pages, and THEN I read your Blue Ink tip!
oh well, I think this baby is ready for the road, but I'll wait until morning when my vision is less blurry.
the new one is getting antsy for attention.
Hey, Mary, smooches coming your way.
To author - I'm not sure which one of my brilliant DARA friends you are but thanks for the help. I'm getting excited about this book. I'm only sorry I have to miss the next plot fest.
Katt - you go, girl.
Post a Comment