What a Novel Idea!

So for the last couple weeks I've tried to pick up where I left off with National Novel Writing Month. After determining that the plot I'd attempted in November was unsalvageable, I stole my main characters from that story, and am now writing a new story featuring the two of them. I haven't gotten terribly far along yet in the actual writing phase, but I'm going strong on creating backstories for all my characters and in creating the world and history (it's a fantasy novel).

I've been doing a fair amount of reading on the side to get ideas for improvement. I'd recommend my favorites so far, Plot and Structure by James Scott Bell, and Characters and Viewpoint by Orson Scott Card (although, if you're looking for an updated version that includes exercises, try Characters, Emotion, and Viewpoint by Nancy Kress).

Easily the best book on novel writing in general, though, would have to be The First Five Pages: A Writer's Guide to Staying Out of the Rejection Pile by Noah Lukeman. I can only compare the quality of this book to that of Strunk and White's classic Elements of Style. The First Five Pages gave just the kind of specific instruction that I've been craving.

One rule to concise writing that Lukeman describes is to improve the quality and limit the overall number of adverbs and adjectives you use. Similarly, a longtime favorite of mine, On Writing the College Application Essay by Harry Bauld, offers profound advice on the subject: "Nouns are the bones of writing; verbs are the muscles....An essay flabby with adjectives [and adverbs] weighs a reader down." This gem by Mark Twain also illustrates the point: "Substitute 'damn' every time you're inclined to write 'very;' your editor will delete it and the writing will be just as it should be."

And now I should probably be getting back to my writing (and the cleaning of my room). My space is littered with mind maps detailing various internal conflicts, and I have yet to determine which character is screaming for a Magenta personality/aura. Perhaps I'll try this exercise, lifted from Inspired Creative Writing:

"Having trouble visualizing a new character? Write a list of twenty objects she might carry or wear. Don't think too deeply about this, just write down whatever comes to mind. Next, write a series of short sketches describing exactly how your character came by these items. Try to describe what the item means to her, and how she would feel if she lost it. You may never use these character sketches, but...they will give you--and your reader--a clearer sense of who your character is."

Reflections on Stake Conference: Be Optimistic

Today was the culmination of a three-day string of events that made up stake conference. There were so many wonderful speakers (including one of our old stake presidents whom I've only heard of before); even so, if I had to pick the one talk that made the greatest impression on me, I'd have to pick the talk of our current stake president, Chris Funk.

President Funk spoke last night on how we must never lose hope, and followed it up this morning with the thought that although many of us are called to bear extreme trials in our lives, there is cause to be optimistic.

We can take comfort in knowing that we have an all-loving and omniscient Father in Heaven and a perfect Savior who are ultimately in charge. Furthermore, we can find peace and optimism in doing three things.

First, know that light really does come after there is darkness. In the Book of Mormon, we learn that after the tempests, earthquakes, fires, whirlwinds and the three days of physical darkness that took place in the ancient Americas following Christ's crucifixion, those who survived the catastrophes did hear Christ's voice come to them. In our own lives, in our own upheavals and darknesses, we must remember that light will once again come to us if we but endure our trials.

Second, minister to others. After the people in the Americas heard Christ's voice come to them, Christ himself came down and ministered to them. If we expect more in blessings than we are giving in service, then we are not following the Savior's counsel. By serving others and following Christ's example, we will find great hope in our lives.

Finally, seek revelation. In Doctrine and Covenants 88:63, we are given the following commandment and promise: "Draw near unto me and I will draw near unto you; seek me diligently and ye shall find me; ask, and ye shall receive; knock, and it shall be opened unto you." If we will but pray for inspiration, it will be given to us.

By doing these three things, we really will find peace and great cause to rejoice, even in the midst of our struggles.