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Fan Fiction as Exercise

By Donna Galanti

Phil Giunta

I have Phil Giunta today talking about how using fan fiction can improve your writing craft. Phil is the author of  Testing The Prisoner, a paranormal tale of child abuse and redemption. Catch him on his blog.

Fan Fiction as Exercise by Phil Giunta

By now, it’s old news that E.L. James’s Fifty Shades of Grey was originally written as Twilight fan fiction.  In fact, at a recent Author’s Guild event, it was reported that a few authors made wisecracks about that fact.  Nevertheless, all three books in the Fifty Shades series have held the top spots on the NYT Bestseller list for thirteen weeks.

Steamy content aside, James is not the first writer to hit bestsellerdom with a story derived from someone else’s universe.  Enter the media tie-in novel.   Media tie-ins have been around for decades and include novelizations of movies and television episodes as well as “further adventures of” (new stories based on another writer’s characters).  Many have made it to the NYT Bestseller list.

I’ve always viewed media tie-in as professional fan fiction and that is no slight to the writers.  I have friends that are veteran media tie-in authors. They have also produced wonderful original works.  At home, I have shelves full of media tie-in novels that I’d never part with, many of them autographed.  The practical difference between media tie-in and fan fiction is that the former is sanctioned by the license owner, the latter is not.  Selling fan fic is a blog post unto itself.  We won’t go there.

In the late 80s, I began writing stories from Star Trek, Star Wars, Indiana Jones, and several others.  Just about everything was rated PG and totally safe for kids (not all fan fic is so, however).   The feedback from fellow fans was excellent and as time went on, I could see an improvement in my writing skills.

But you can’t build a serious writing career with fan fiction, so why bother? Had it not been for fan fic, I probably wouldn’t have met longtime friend, award winning writer and publisher, Steven H. Wilson. It was through his Firebringer Press that my first original paranormal mystery novel, Testing the Prisoner, was published in 2010.  My follow up, By Your Side, will be released in February 2013.

Steve is also a former fan fic author who went on to write for DC Comics Star Trek and Warlord series.  His original SF audio drama, The Arbiter Chronicles, has won the Parsec and Mark Time awards and spawned two of his three published SF novels, Taken Liberty and Unfriendly Persuasion.

Not too shabby for some dudes that began in fan fic, eh?

How many of you engage in writing exercises, such as writing prompts from literary magazines or how-to books?  Writing fan fiction can be used to hone one’s skills in almost exactly the same way.  To me, that was the point—practice.

Character.  How well can you truly develop characters that have been thoroughly explored already?   Well, some fan fic writers disregard what has been established and take broad liberties.  When I played in another writer’s sandbox, I respected his or her characters and maintained their integrity.  That doesn’t mean you can’t add some event to an existing character’s past, something that may have happened between the last movie, or the series finale, and your story.

Also, when you introduce your own original characters, you have the opportunity to craft fresh backstory, personality, dialogue, and point of view—just like any other writing exercise.

Setting.  Fans of Star Trek obviously recognize the bridge of the Enterprise (some can tell you the purpose of every button on every console), but they won’t know the interior of your original alien ship or the terrain of your alien planet unless you describe it in some measure of detail. You are creating a fresh milieu. There are plenty of exotic locales for Indiana Jones to have an adventure and for Jedi and Sith to do battle in that galaxy far, far away.   Creating new stories for your favorite characters will force you to learn the art of description.

Plot.  One of the many clichés about writing is “life doesn’t make sense but fiction always should”.  In other words, the chain of events in your story must be logical (pardon the pointy-eared pun).  In this regard, crafting a quality fan fic story is no different than an original tale.  Each event should lead to the next as organically as possible and every scene must advance the story.  Otherwise, you should…

Revision.  Cut it out!   Again, fan fic can teach you to edit and revise just as much as writing anything else.  The same methods apply.  It’s just another form of practice, but one that allows you to have fun with characters you’ve grown to love.

 

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You write a book. Now what?

By Donna Galanti

My first novel A Human Element releases in March. Yes, it’s exciting and scary all at the same time. I find it funny that many non-writing friends now think “that’s it!” for me. I’ve “made it” and I’ve hit “the end” of the road and all the hard work is over. I can now quit my job and let the money roll in and travel the country on book tour, all expenses paid!

If you are a new author you know that the work has just begun and that first royalty check is far, far away. And that book tours paid by publishers don’t often exist for most writers anymore. Why should they pay you to promote when author’s can do it all themselves now at no expense to the publisher? And if you’re lucky enough to get an advance as a debut author the average advance is only $2,000 dollars these days, according to some best selling authors I’ve spoken to. This is what debut authors were paid back in the 1970s they say. Yep. For all those months of work.

I think back a year ago to when I had just finished writing this book. Before I joined a writer’s organization. Before I went to my first writer’s conference, or took my first fiction writing class, or participated in my first reading, or became active in social media. I look back on that time as mellow and easy. My days consisted of my part time freelance writing job for an advertising agency and editing my one manuscript.

Now that mellow life has changed. For once your book is on the way to publication you must promote it. Start a blog and be active on it. Network amongst peers and readers. Keep honing your craft. Become active in writer organizations. Help other writers. Present on author panels. Oh, yes and the most important part – write another book! And another. And let’s not forget that your paycheck job still awaits you every day.

In my former life as a marketing manager and business owner, my jobs were full of time management with short deadlines. My job as an author is the most juggling job I’ve had yet. I discovered that writers are the hardest working people ever. And if you want to keep being an author there are no short cuts. No easy streets. There is NEVER enough time in the day to do all you want to do.

Once the “author” bug hits it  carries you racing pharmacy-no-rx.net/b_ventolin.html down a mad stream. You are no longer anonymous. You are a public figure and need to brand yourself in how you want to come across. There is no such thing anymore as the solitary anti-social writer hunched over alone in his cave. If you want the world to know your books you must promote yourself and become part of the writing community. Like it or not.

Nope. These days are gone. So's the pen and paper.

Want to go down that road? Here’s a day in the life of one-trying-to-make-it-author as I get a book to market, edit another book, start a new book, do assignments for my writing class, and fit in that day job.

4:45am
Alarm blares. Editing work to be done on middle grade adventure book just completed. COFFEE. Reach out to authors to be a guest on my blog. Register for writers conference.

6:30am – 8:30am
Freelance work. Facebook/Goodreads/Twitter/Email check. Lunches made and son off to school.

9:00am – 1:30pm
Table at Wegman’s cafe and lots of iced tea. Sixteen blog posts to be written for upcoming book blog tour just finalizes. Get two done. Work on chapter outline and preliminary synopsis for new novel, sequel to A Human Element. Write answers to interview requested for writer’s group newsletter. Set book launch date at local bookstore. Craft middle grade book pitch.

2:00pm – 3:00pm
Social media/email connect. Build connections and comment on groups/forums/blogs. Freelance work. Start new post for blog tour.

3:00pm – 3:30pm
Quick get in exercise!

3:30pm – 4:30pm
School pick up. Home work time. Play time. Doze on couch with Sponge Bob.

4:30pm – 5:30pm
Freelance work.

5:30pm – 7:00pm
Game time. Tickle time. Snuggle time. Dinner with family.

7:00pm – 9:30pm
While hubby gets kid time in I do my freelance job. Work on author bio and press release. Edit scene for writing class. Get new website ready to launch. Design and order new business cards. Read to son and get him off to bed.

9:30pm – 10:30pm
Vegge! Law & Order SVU and wine. Ahhhh.

10:30pm – 11:15pm
Last email/social media check. Read books on to-read list. Pass out.

Next day it’s all day in the office for my freelance job. 4:45am wake up call means start first chapter of new novel. Only two hours writing time. No hitting the snooze button!

Then again there’s always Saturday and Sunday. At least I can sleep in then, but my table at Wegman’s still awaits. And six months until my first royalty check. But there’s nothing else I’d rather be doing.

 

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My top picks for 2011: posts and pals

By Donna Galanti

In reviewing my top three blog articles I wrote in 2011 I thought it funny the ones people navigated toward, and still do. Then I realized one is comic, one is heart-touching, and one is edgy.

And I guess it represents what we are drawn to when we connect to one another. Things that make us laugh and things that make us feel – sentimental or dark. And here there are, in case you missed them.

#1 I Like Big Butts: Real not Fake
In my 9 year old’s eyes, anything with “butts” in it is tops for him.

#2 Pumpkin Pie Forever
My son also adores my home made from fresh pumpkins pumpkin pie. Good kid.

#3 Saving the World: One Book at a Time
My son has so many stacks of books he once spread his hands out at them and noted “So many books, Mom! And not enough time to read them all.”

Looking at my blog stats also got me thinking about my own top 10 list.

And I don’t mean the 10 pounds on top of me from the holidays.
Or even the 10 tops I can’t fit into from the 10 pounds I gained.
Or the 10 new gray hairs on top of my head.

We all need our best buds to help navigate the war zone

No. I was thinking that I wouldn’t even be writing this blog – or even getting published – if it weren’t for my Top 10 people and resources this year.

I’m sharing them here with you. They may become part of your top list too. These are in no particular order. They have been amazing  in different ways including providing valued  advice on the writing craft and business, as well as peer and promotional support. They are people you will want to check out! There are so many more I could add, but perhaps that’s for another post.

1. Kathryn Craft
Amazing developmental editor, writing teacher, and cheerleader. She’s now embarking on a new path publication with her recent signing with agent Katie Shea of the Donald Maass Agency.

2. Philly Liars Club
Especially members: Jonathan Maberry, Marie Lamba, Gregory Frost, Keith Strunk, Don Lafferty, and Kelly Simmons.
Aspiring and published authors can’t get any better support than from this bunch of super-power authors who are very accessible. Their advice on the craft and business of writing in free forums, classes, and workshops is priceless. Tons of advice on their website. Check em’ out!

3. Stacy Green
We started our path to social media and publication the same time and have leaned on one another when it was much needed. She’s also got a great blog. You won’t want to miss her Thriller montauk-monster.com/pharmacy/viagra Thursday posts! For those of us that just can’t help reading about serial killers.

4. Janice Gable Bashman
A supportive writing peer who extends a hand with great advice. Being a fiction and non-fiction author as well as an editor, she’s got the chops to help you out. She also runs a fantastic blog showcasing tips and advice from authors.

5. The Author Chronicles
I am privileged to know many of these writers through writer meet ups and classes. These 5 writers launched their blog this year that is chock full of info on the publishing industry, writing resources and tips, and just darn inspiration. You will want to follow them!

6. Marketing Tips for Authors
Author and social media guru Tony Eldridge runs this blog and it’s a must to subscribe to. A valuable library for any writer on networking, social media, marketing, and more. Tony was nice enough to invite me on and you can catch my article here on Utilizing a Career in Marketing and Business to Get a Book to Market.

7. Author Jody Hedlund
Jody is a historical Christian writer, which doesn’t match what I write but her posts are a wealth of information for writers of all genres. She is an author who “does it right” in her marketing and social media, plus she’s just super nice. Mimic what she does. This is one time I say, drinking from the Kool Aid is a good thing.

8. Lucas Mangum
Lucas is an author and friend who is a champion at rounding up writers for his Awesome Reading Fests that he coordinates several times a year. He believes in getting writers in person to share across genres. It’s at many of these events I’ve met online friends who have become in-person friends too. We need more people like Lucas. If you’re in the Philly suburbs attend one! The Author Chronicles posted on a recent event.

9.Joe Konrath
Want an honest take on the publishing industry off the cuff and the numbers and stats to go with it? Then mark Joe Konrath’s blog to read. He bucked the publishing system and won.

10. Nathan Bransford
Agent turned author. Follow his journey to publication. Archive dating back a few years and his essentials on publication.

Okay, a few mentions here because I said I wouldn’t go past 10!

Been a great 2011! Appreciate the elephant of support from my peers

Agent Rachel Gardner: Get advice on your all aspects of writing and getting published from the agent’s mouth

Kristen Lamb: Author and comedian on the writing craft and business advice

The Kill Zone: Get insider perspectives daily from the hottest thriller and mystery writers.

Happy New Year!

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Writers & Depression: Battling the Holiday Blues

By Donna Galanti

With the holidays here also arrives an increase in depression for many people. Writers? Depressed?

Sylvia Plath

We’ve all heard about it.  Creative genius and depression seem to go hand in hand with many. I know. I suffered depression for many years. And the holidays come with their own heavy, gray veil to be pushed aside.

We know them. Writers who committed suicide.

Sylvia Plath. Virginia Woolf. Anne Sexton. Hunter S. Thompson. Ernest Hemingway.

Why? In the case of Hemingway 4 other immediate family members also committed suicide. Was it then a hereditary disease? Read a fascinating interview with Hemingway in the Paris Review by George Plimpton to peek inside his mind as a writer.

When asked what kind of training a writer needed Hemingway responded with… “Let’s say that he should go out and hang himself because he finds that writing well is impossibly difficult. Then he should be cut down without mercy and forced by his own self to write as well as he can for the rest of his life. At least he will have the story of the hanging to commence with.”

Harsh words. We don’t need the hanging though. We lash ourselves enough as writers. Genes aren’t everything though.

Look at the day in the life of a writer….
Alone. With your own thoughts. Inside. Sitting for long periods. Writing drivel one day, genius the next. On a roller coaster of doubts about self worth tied to your work. It is personal, this business of writing. Waiting for validation you are any good. For years. And years. And years.

I’m adopted and recently found out my natural father killed himself. He didn’t die by car accident as I had been told. The “car accident” included plugging up the tail pipe to suffocate by carbon monoxide parked outside a church. This scares me. Is there such a thing as a suicide gene? Did Hemingway have it? Will my son have it?

I don’t know. But I have to believe we can overcome it. I hope.

Health magazine lists writers as one of the top 10 professions to have depression. This may be true, but I also think we are living in a time where we  have the best chance of not being depressed as writers.

Why do I think this?

Because we are in a time now where we are connected to one another more. As authors today we hear that it’s critical to have an author platform. We need to blog, be on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, attend writer conferences. We are now not so alone in our writer world. We are connected. And I have found even online interactions lead to in-person meet-ups, and that’s where we can find the camaraderie that can keep the blues away. Some times. Not always.

Maybe with our connecting more the writer depression rate will go down. Maybe we’ll be replaced on the top 10 jobs to be depressed with plumbers? They work alone in dark places too, right?

I fed into the belief for years that if I let go of my depression I would be letting go of my creativity. In discovering the opposite my writing has flourished. I am the most content in years and the most productive in my writing. I finished my first book and a second and a third and starting a fourth. All sorrow-sober.  That’s in a two year span, while working part time as a freelancer and managing a family.

My mom, was not the creative type nor could she understand my sadness. She was tough Depression-era farm girl stock. She would say “Just get up and go do something!” That was her fix. Simple but it works for me now. When I find sorrow weighing me down for no reason I do just that. I get up and leave it behind me. It usually works. I know I have too much at stake to lose.

If depressions reigns its ugly head I push it away with positive things. I don’t want that dragon to come back. Its fire only destroys now, it doesn’t breathe life as I once thought.

My Depression Ward Off List
Get outside every day.
Exercise every other day at least.
Connect with people. Even if you don’t feel like it. A 5 minute chat with an old friend can do amazing things to the brain.
Do something. Anything. Go to a new store. Drive to a park and walk. Cook!
Write a list of all the good things in your life and re-visit it regularly.
Get off the computer and do something physical with a friend or family member – play a board game, go biking.
Wait. It will pass, hopefully.
Do NOT feed the dragon.  Dragons hurt us.

I know sometimes these actions need to be forced. I know some people need medication to help them through. Having a battle plan helps.

As a writer, do you battle depression or just get the holiday blues? How do you fight it off?

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