Rules for writing fiction, from writers and one reader

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The UK Guardian recently asked a number of well-known novelists to give their top tips for writing fiction. The results range from the quirky to the deadly serious. Wonderful!

In response, Laura Miller at Salon.com, posted her list of what she, as a reader, advises writers of fiction. Excellent, and to the point.

Links:
The Guardian survey: http://bit.ly/10rulesforwriting
Laura Miller's article at Salon.com: http://bit.ly/bTKS7J

*****
Website: http://www.sandragulland.com/
Blog: http://sandragulland.blogspot.com/
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Twitter: http://twitter.com/Sandra_Gulland

Google Lit Trip: student guides wanted!

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I just found out about Google Lit Trip and suddenly I'm thinking (with a bit of fatigue, I confess) that I could make a "Lit Trip" for each of my books.

I already have a Google map for all the places mentioned in Mistress of the Sun. It probably wouldn't take too much to turn it into a Lit Trip.

My imagination takes off: embedded photos, both old and new. Passages from the novel. Travel notes!

It's meant to be a great tool for educators — and it is, clearly — but I think the general reader would enjoy it as well. 

Sigh! I have a novel to write. I'm hoping perhaps some students will take this on. There are several wonderful student-created Lit Trips on the Google site. One of my young readers created a website for Mistress of the Sun as part of a computer class. Imagine an English or History teacher assigning the creation of a Google Lit Map of a historical novel ... mine, for example. I'd be delighted to help.

Link for Google Lit Trips:
http://www.googlelittrips.com/GoogleLit/Downloads_etc..html

Link for the Google map of Mistress of the Sun:
http://bit.ly/MistressoftheSunMap

*****
Website: http://www.sandragulland.com/
Blog: http://sandragulland.blogspot.com/
Facebook: http://tinyurl.com/3xzbgv
Twitter: http://twitter.com/Sandra_Gulland

Writers' conference high

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This is going to be a short post, because I've had a long and very stimulating day at the San Miguel Writers' Conference, and another one tomorrow to come.

Tonight, at Barbara Kingsolver's speech (fantastic!!!), I sat next to a young woman, who told me that she had young children at home in L.A. She was working on a novel, and this was her first time away.

"It's an important step," I told her, remembering the first writers' conference I had gone to in Kingston, Ontario, the kids at home in the care of my hard-working husband. She was making an "investment" (of both time and money) in her desire to be a writer. "You are proclaiming your serious intention to the world."

Kingsolver's speech had us both in awe. When it was over, and everyone was standing, gathering their belongings, the young woman was busy, feverishly writing down Kingsolver's wisdoms. "I am a writer," she explained to the man sitting next to her.

Following her out through the throngs (of over 800 people!), I thought: Yes, and she's going to be a good one.


*****
Website: http://www.sandragulland.com/
Blog: http://sandragulland.blogspot.com/
Facebook: http://tinyurl.com/3xzbgv
Twitter: http://twitter.com/Sandra_Gulland

Bookplate fun!

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Readers write asking for signed bookplates, and I've long been meaning to make something special. I'm pleased with this one!

To make it, I scanned an old bookplate image, cleaned it up with Photoshop and printed it out on a 4x6 self-stick label.

For a signed bookmark, readers may email me through the contacts link on my blog:

http://sandragulland.com/contacts/index.html

Charting the writing process

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I love this chart on the writing process, posted by Sarah Eve Kelly on Twitter:

Right now, I'm making the editorial changes I scribbled onto the 1st draft a few weeks ago. It's a tedious mechanical process, but it suits me right now: lots to do, lots coming up, a persistent cold (life!).

Books: Miss you already

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I'm already feeling nostalgic about books, now that the ebook is so fully upon us. When reading, I often pause, and regard the book itself: the lovely ragged edges, the cover, the author photo. I love a book-lined room, love glancing over the books on my shelves, reveling in the memories that the books evoke. I love book clutter. And now I'm loving all this even more, with advance-longing against a time when all this might change.

Consider all the social aspects that have to do with books! When I love a book, I look forward to loaning it to friends. How will I get to know someone if I can't browse the books on their shelves? How will I know what people in lines, on airplanes, beaches, buses and subways are reading, if I can't see the cover? (Yes, I'm a snoop.)

I know, however, that I will love my ebook reader, once I take the plunge.

In defense, I tell myself that the time has come. We can't squander trees endlessly in the production of paper. I tell myself: the book will become more of an art-object, a treasure.

But already, facing a quickly-approaching future, I'm longing for the age that was, the age of books.