Week of May 9th Writing Update…

Life has a way of creeping up on you and taking over and when you have teenagers this "life creep" can be overwhelming to any personal schedule or desire.

This was the past week. Now before you turn away in disgust, thinking I have not done anything with my writing again this week, take heart! I spent almost every night this week in my office doing at least something on this story so I have some updates for you all.

I have pretty well knocked out names for my main characters and that was really helpful. When I was struggling with this I went to the name generators out on the internet and used that to try and come up with names. I am not a fan of these things. The names they produce just seem phony to me. Don't get me wrong I think they are cool but the names they generate never seem to work in the stories I have been working on. If you need a name for a character and are really struggling to come up with one, these little tools might be what you need to jump start your story, but so far they have not worked for me.

The best thing I have come up with for names is just listening and observing. I have one character that I named based on a book my daughter was reading. The main character was Alice. I don't know why that name stuck but it did and I started messing around with it by adding a letter here or there. I finally landed on Halice. I like the sound of it and it fit with the names I have been using.

When I started working last weekend I had a ton of exciting things going on and I felt I could really crank out some scene ideas but I ran into a wall that stopped me dead. This has been a problem with my writing since the beginning and it drives me crazy! I will get an idea that is pretty cool and I will start to develop it when suddenly it becomes dull and boring causing me to stop. To be honest if I look back on some of those first attempts, they don't look as bad now. This can be a lesson for all of us: Leave a story alone for a while and maybe it will come back to life for you after time, kind of like a fine wine.

Anyway I found myself in that spot this week. I hate that! I really do, but I was determined to spend at least spend some time on this project each day.

Did I mention teenagers can throw a wrench in your plans? I have two of these creatures now and they seem to spew activities. I do not dare think I have free time until I check with the calendar. If I do not see purple ink (my daughter) or blue ink (my son) I feel a bit safer, but last week was busy! The quintessential teenage household, something almost every night or, at best, taxi service needed to and from these events. In light of this, my daughter had a play at school on Thursday that she had been working for a "No Talent Night". Normally I would be excited to see her perform because she has some real talent in this area if I do say so myself, but since I was already feeling down because of the wall I had hit, I was not looking forward to this time at school.

The very first play was an interesting one-act that I normally would not be excited about in the least (Other than the fact Alyssa was in it) but, as it turned out, it was the one thing that broke my block! I was so excited! I knew where I was going to start and how the important book in my story would be stolen! The only problem was that this one-act was the first of many little acts and I had to sit through them all!

When I finally got home I quickly wrote down the scene idea and by the time I was done I had three scene ideas. I know, that is not many but it is a start and I have others that are percolating just below the surface, just taunting me and energizing me to move forward tonight as well!

The next two weeks for sure will be no less busy than this past week but with all that is going on with this story I know, Lord willing, I will be in my office at least a little each night!

That's it for now. I hope to improve what I put in these updates but that is it for this past week of writing.

 

Keep faithfully questing for the Lord!

Bye!

 

Some Things that have Been Accomplished – May 5, 2008

I had a very productive weekend working on my story. I spent three hours Friday night, a couple of hours on Saturday and just a half-hour or so yesterday but I was wiped out from a whirlwind weekend. (The positive is that I still managed to work on the story at least a little bit.)

I filled out most of the details of my map (although I just realized I do not have a name for the overall land, but that's not very critical at this point), wrote several pages of back story that has enabled me to know where the story has come from and where I will take it to. I created a list of potential names for my characters but I have only settled on one name for sure for the female thief.

My next step is to corral the back story that is, get it organized so I don't have any conflicting data, finalize on character names and start creating scene cards.

No real surprises so far but I have added a bad guy point of view character and I have added an important book that the bad guy will be stealing.

My goal for this next week is to have names and some back story for the characters. I like doing this because it helps me to understand how they will act in any given situation and why they respond the way they do to said predicaments. I love the details!

I also want to have several scene cards made. I can use these to map out my story and using note cards allows me to lay them out and create an order that fits properly. The scenes will just be a sentence or two that I will expand for the novel. A fun exercise, I hope. (At least I have been told it's fun. I will let you know).

I also have a piece of software that I can use to do this. I might try using that; it would certainly keep things tidier…J

One thing I have realized through this process is that I do not have to get this done by Friday. In fact, I want to take what I have, start molding it into a story and massage it into a good story.

Another thing that has come to mind is that I am more focused on the cool items in the story and I need those to take a back seat to the characters. I want the characters to come alive and the goals they have will just boost their characters. I think that if the story is about a magical staff or an important book it will not have the depth I would like to get it to. We'll see what I can do.

 

I will send out another update later this week or next Monday.

 

Entering Back into Integrity – May 2, 2008

Ok so now my failure is complete, I have NOT been keeping up on my blog as I had promised! But in spite of my failure I have been given good friends that are doing their level best to keep me on track and I am GRATEFUL! It is encouraging.

I would like to let you all know that though I have not kept up on my blog I HAVE been working on my latest story and I will give you an update on that shortly.

Have you ever been in a candy store or a toy store when you have a little money to spend? You have been so good and your chores are done, your room is clean and you even cleaned the cat litter without being told. Now mom and dad give you your allowance plus a little extra because you have gone above and beyond and it's time to treat yourself.

You might have a few ideas of the kind of treat you plan on getting and what sort of things you will do with what you are about to spend your hard earned cash on.

Maybe you're going to buy a BIG box of candy and savor it over a long period of time. Or perhaps you have a whole day planned on how you will utilize your new toy. Boy, it's gonna be fun! And then…

And then you walk into the prescribed store and almost faint due to the overwhelming amount of treasure you find in there. There is a reason why the phrase "kid in a candy store" was coined!

It is overwhelming! Where do you start? What should you buy? It sometimes makes you want to turn right around and forget the whole thing. There is just TOO much!

This is what has been happening with my writing at this stage. I have so many bits and pieces that it's hard to know where to start.

Do I return to an earlier story that, as I read what I had written, I really liked but there's not a lot beyond that. I like a few of the names and the characters could fit in other story ideas but...

I have some cool maps of worlds that haven't even been explored yet; no more than an interesting shape but no substance. Snippets of ideas no longer than a paragraph, that sound so cool but they don't fit into anything else I am working on…."A kid in a candy shop"!

Not wanting to run away as my instinct screams for me to do…"TOO MUCH! RUN AWAY! RUN AWAY!" I have forced myself to enter into my haven, closing the door and staring at my scattered attempt at a story. One half hour minimum a day! That is the rule. Rules do have a tendency to be broken and this past weekend I was tied up redoing the website for the Grady Paul Larson Foundation. I think it turned out pretty good, for a beginner anyway, but it is quite simple. Check it out here if you're curious: http://gplfoundation.weebly.com/index.html

 

Now for the REAL update:

Some real frustration sets in for me when I don't have names for my characters. This is like working with a person who you know by sight but have never been introduced to nor have you take the time to introduce yourself. It's a very shallow relationship that. The same is true when I work with characters with no names. I can see them and hear them but they are distant to me.

I have, if you will recall, three characters so far that are heading for a meeting. Not a very popular meeting but a meeting nonetheless. I have them listed as #1, #2 and #3. (In my house you're a number not just a name!)

The first character is determined to get to a certain city (again no name! But I can see it!), the second is scared but compelled to go with the first. And last but not least, we have #3, a thief. She just came from said city after having stolen a large jewel. The jewel itself was not known in the city because it has properties that would cause the original owner to lose his head. He was not keen on reporting it missing, needless to say. That is where I am with the three main characters.

I have two ancient kingdoms that are legend to most but still exist: The Lost Kingdom and Evermore. I am strongly considering a new name for the Lost Kingdom but for now I get a great sense of peace simply having a name for something! J

This is where I am at this time. Due to the fact that my wife and I had a wonderful time conversing last night about any number of things I spent my writing time going over old ideas and story bits trying to pry out something I could use in my current tale. There are some possibilities but, you know some characters just do not belong in certain tails but those previous ideas can and do stir more ideas. It is amazing really...

 

Ok that is all for now. I hope to improve with my future ruminations but for now I am trying to get back to the level of integrity I promised in past missives.

Thank you, Lord for good friends like Greg and Rich.

Greg and Rich, Thank you for keeping me honest! I am striving to do better…

 

Bye for now!

 

 

The Beginning—April 21, 2008

It's about time! I'm back again.

The big news? My office or haven is now in a usable condition and I have been using it to work on my Bible study and on my writing.

I will post a picture soon but I just haven't done it yet. The only thing yet missing is the shelving. I am guessing that $40-50 will cover this final cost and complete the office.

I like it and it does what I want it to and it really has helped me focus more. I believe this is because it's MY space. I don't have to clean up for supper or when I go to bed, I can stay spread out and begin the next day where I left off the night before.

 

My intended goal is to keep a running log of the story I am working on.

What I have so far are three characters, two are friends and one is a thief.

The two friends have a need to get to the main keep of the land and the thief has stolen a valuable artifact from the keep and is heading in the wrong direction.

These three meet up for some wild and unexpected adventures that ultimately determine the survival of the people of this realm.

I realize this is very sketchy but it is in the very early stages of development and, in fact, I do not even have names for the characters yet. I do have a map though: The hallmark of any good novel! J The map does not make the novel but it adds an incredibly import dimension to the work. Just as when you're studying God's word it is nice to see the area on the maps that are usually provided at the end of the book, it is nice to be able to pinpoint where the characters are at any given moment in the plotline.

 

Well, it's not much but it is a start and I am excited about it and I will keep you posted. Unless I am making fantastic progress on a daily basis I will probably limit this update to two or three times a week just so you won't get too bored. Plus if I give away too much you won't need to buy the book once it's published! Now that's positive thinking! LOL!

 

Well, sail on in the Lord's grace, doing His work with your whole heart!

 

Bye!

There and Back Again—A Larson's Tale – March 25, 2008

 

 

"His [Elrond's] house was perfect, whether you liked food, or sleep, or work, or story-telling, or singing, or just sitting and thinking best, or a pleasant mixture of them all. Evil things did not come into that valley." This statement, made by one Mr. Bilbo Baggins, accurately told of the wonders of Elrond's little haven of rest in The Hobbit by J.R.R Tolkien.

I now have my own Rivendell. It occurred to me that like the fabled hideaway in the story my Rivendell also is a good place for quiet conversation, good food, good friends, reading a good book (there are lots of these!) or just having a quiet moment of thinking.

Elrond (Greg) and I have wonderful conversations that energize me and I leave Imladris with the gifts of fresh ideas and a new outlook on life; this has never failed to be true.

I go to Hesston in the hopes of being an encouragement to my friends as well, and to just enjoy their company, but I come away being the one encouraged.

This year we came away with more than we bargained for…

The Holmes have three wonderful daughters with distinctive and wondrous personalities and each one is fascinating to interact with and observe. Greg and Kelly do a superb job of raising those girls, they are a role model for other parents, and they have given us much good advice for our own children.

We picked up a plethora of new "Grace-isms" which I am sure Kelly and Greg will just shudder about but we are still laughing! She is so funny! Great blessings to all! "Not fair!" LOL! It is so hard not to laugh at times!

I also picked up a tremendous life lesson from this little girl:

Have what you want but want what you have…

I don't know the entire story but the gist of it goes like this:

Gracie and my daughter, Alyssa were outside playing and somehow (this is the fuzzy part) Grace was really excited about her dog Rosie Cotton. She hugged the dog and said, "I wish I had a dog like her!" (paraphrase) Alyssa said to Grace, "Grace, she is your dog!" And Gracie, in all of her four year old wisdom, said, "YEA!" Have what you want but want what you have… from the mouths of babes…

This was a great gift! Live life the way God intended. Enjoy what you have and don't fret about what you don't…it's not that important!

This year we also left with a new game: Settlers of Catan. What a cool game! They happened to get a duplicate for Christmas and they were not able to return it so they donated to the Fellowship of the Larsons. We will enjoy time with this game!

We were blessed to be a part of Greg's church this weekend also and Friday night the youth pastor, John, sang during the Good Friday service. What a terrific voice! I would have liked to talk with him but it did not work out that I could this weekend. He has been a great blessing to Greg and to Garden Community Church. (By the way, I know how to drive there by myself now! Long story not for this missive!)

When at last we pack up and head back out into the real world I leave as Frodo and his eight companions left in the "Fellowship of the Ring", with gifts beyond wonder, peace and a new view on the issues of life.

We had a precious time this weekend and though it is just an annual trip it is satisfying and renewing! We always take away much more than we give.

 

In case any of you are confused here is the final equation:

Hesston, Ks = Rivendell = Imladris J

Until next time, so long and fare thee well good travelers! May you also find your Rivendell!

A Haven Update

Here are a couple of pictures of my haven! It is almost done. We have a busy week so I won't be able to put too much time into the finishing but I would say 12-15 hours of work would do it.

A Journey’s End – March 8, 2008

I am getting closer. I had hoped to reach my destination long ago but I am now in sight of the end. The work on my office is almost completed.

I was thinking about this the other day and I couldn't remember when the idea first came into being. I have wanted my own space for forever but the reality that is my office space is a memory I can't recall.

I don't have pictures at the moment but I will once it is completed.

This past week I was able to get the last of the drywall put up and the joints mudded. I have had to put three coats on the walls to cover them properly and if it were scrutinized by someone of a professional background I'm sure it would not pass, in fact I fully expect some constructive criticism from my father who will be coming over Wednesday of this next week. Nevertheless, when all is said and done I will have my little haven and I fully intend to begin to write in earnest. I have been toying with a few ideas that will go into my first story.

I want to take the pieces that I have developed so far, spread them out and see if any of the parts that would fit together into a storyline that is not currently there. This is the exciting part of writing for me: Creation!

Once the office is completed and I begin writing I will start using this blog for its originally intended purpose: keeping you up to date with any progress I make.

Speaking of creativity, Alyssa has her play this next week thus the main reason for my folks visiting. They will come over Wednesday and dad will help me to finish the office, Lord willing. We will attend the play Thursday night and mom and dad will leave Friday afternoon.

On Saturday, Mike and Betty will come over and we will do the whole thing over again with the exception of the work in the office.

I am excited about writing and can't wait to have my office completed!

As I have said before, I don't what will happen with my writing but it would be a lie to say that it doesn't matter to me because it does.

I would love to get published. In fact I would love to become prolific in my writing. I will say that if I could even complete a novel and even if it never gets out the front door, I will have a great sense of satisfaction just having completed it. I am ready to roll!

 

Good-bye for now!