My friends, it seems we have made it to the end of the 2nd Annual RRBC 30-Day Blogging Challenge. Hooray! Let me also congratulate the others who have joined in this challenge (all Rave Reviews Book Club authors): Nonnie Jules, Pat Garcia, Wanda Fischer, and Joy Lilley. I cannot overstate the rigor it takes to create new content every day for thirty days in a row. When you check out today’s posts later, please congratulate each one on their dedication to the writing craft.
As noted, all of us are writers. That is not the same as writing something to say every day. At least when I am writing, I rely on my muse to help me along the way. My muse is pretty busy, but her grace does not come on command.
As well, two of the participants live in Europe, so that adds another complexity. They have to finish their posts early to meet the posting deadline each day. All of our content has to be new, so we cannot simply copy something we said before.
But that is enough about those issues.
For me, tomorrow is my day to continue working on my other stories that are in the hopper. Too often, my stories take on lives of their own. I get side-tracked and suddenly do not even realize what I wrote. All I can do is shake my head, locate the spot where I lost control, and delete everything after that. Then I have to plan and write the story I had intended to tell. If that sounds difficult, you are correct. However, it is critical. Whenever I start a story, I have a plan in my head for what is going to happen and how the story will end. That original intent can never be forgotten. If I let it takes its own direction, it will be a mishmash which neither the reader nor I can understand.
I am hopeful that my next stories will be liked. I would love to be a best seller, but that is not my ambition. I only want to explain the world in my own words. Perhaps some people will connect with that, and my story can make a real impact, even if that impact is just a smile when they reach THE END.
I believe all authors feel that way too. We all want others to read our stories, and we all hope someone’s life can be better, or at least a little happier due to our words. In this crazy world, a little happiness is a great thing. The happier people are, the better the world will be for all of us.
If you have a story to tell, do not keep it a secret. There are people out there who would benefit from your words. A word of caution though. Writing a rough draft is hard enough, and that is just the start of the process. If you stick with it, you two can reach an audience and just maybe make a difference in the world, or just one person’s life. That should be enough. I wish you all the best.
Since this is the final day, please note all the author’s names I mentioned, and check out their stories. You just might discover your next favorite author. That would be great, wouldn’t it? Click the link below to connect to all the authors in the challenge. You will not be disappointed.
Congratulations, Karl! You did it! Your posts were always interesting and it was great getting to know you a bit more. Your dog photos didn’t hurt, either. I wish you the best in your writing ventures!
Blessings, and Happy Easter!
Patty
Our writing methods are so different, Karl. I never know how a story will end until I get there. My muse is dictatorial but she means well.
Congratulations on completing the challenge!
I think the way I write is more like Karen’s. I set out with a group of characters and they tell me where to go (sometimes, literally! LOL). I develop them and then allow them to take me in the direction that I believe they would want to go in. Sometimes they surprise me and take me somewhere I’d never imagined, sometimes it’s to more mundane places. But they seem to know more where they want to go than I do when I first create them.
Now that I finished this challenge, I want to start working on a short story I’ve had in mind for a while so that I can enter the Alpha-Omega short story contest. Gotta get cracking!
Thank you, Karl, for being on this marathon with all of us. It’s been a blast! Thanks to Nonnie, Pat, and Joy as well. We all couldn’t be more different, but spending a month together has been the experience of a lifetime.
Wanda
Wanda, thank you for your comments. My issue with plot lines is that I had an intended course (not specifics but keeping an eye on the ultimate message). When I move outside that, I end up with something I do not like. At times, I feel I will never reach the end. That’s when surgery is required to get back in line. I don’t know if other authors have that issue. Each time I fix it, I feel much better about my story.
Best of luck with your short story. My brain remains focused on novels. Passing was a rare exception. I felt I just had to share that as quickly as I could. I am so pleased that people like it. I wish you all the best.
Hi, Karl,
You’re more than a plotter than you think. I do a mixture of something similar, but I usually don’t have to delete anything unless it is not advancing the plot. It has been a joy getting to know you better. I hope you decide to move to a state or country warmer for you and Akiva. I know this change will do you good. If you’re ever in Europe, give me a shout-out, and maybe we can meet somewhere for coffee.
I would love that.
Take care of yourself, and I’ll see you around.
Shalom shalom
P.S We’re still celebrating Easter here. The Monday after Easter Sunday is called Easter Monday. I was in Church yesterday and did not go on my computer. It was time for me to get some rest. So, I’m sorry I’m late.
Thank you for your post, Pat. When writing, sometimes the plot gets away from me. Dozens of pages of stuff flows out. By the end, I realize I lost control. It is strange how that happens and I do not know why. Perhaps I need to ask my muse. As I mentioned in my posts, I have been to Europe several times (mostly Paris, but also several other destinations). At this point, I don’t know if I’ll return, but if I do, you will hear from me. Thanks again.
Dear Karl, I have so enjoyed reading your blogs. You are somebody I recognise as having a great strength of character. I so admire that. Thank you and for your support. Joy
Joy, your words were very kind. Thank you. I just try to do my best every day and be as honest as I can. Such honesty did not always help, but it was the truth. I enjoyed your posts very much. I’m glad you are having a great life. All the best.
Congratulations, Karl on completing the challenge. Thank you, too, for your heartfelt posts and photos, they’ve helped me to know you better. Good luck on your future move! I foresee Florida and white sand in your future.
Thanks, John. I am still deciding what to do next. North central Florida seems ideal, except when you consider the size of bugs over there and the sweltering heat. There are many 55 Plus communities in that area. The most famous is The Villages, which is fifteen or so miles south of Ocala, the city I have been thinking about. We shall see what happens next. Take care.
Congratulations Karl for getting through the 30 days. I know what its like having gone through the first blogging tour while having so much drama going on in my life. It certainly gave me a lot of material to post everyday.
Enjoy the break! 🤗🤗
Thanks again, Shirley. Creating new content everyday was difficult, but since I love to blather on about this or that, I managed to make it to the end.