Greatness = truth + light

What makes a great book?

You have to have all the key elements for a book to succeed: plot, character, dialogue, action. But what makes an ordinary book into an extraordinary one is a writer who understands life so well that their words mirror it in a way that reveals truth and light.

My favorite books are often simple, but the writing is so clear and evocative, even in simplicity, that it strikes some part of who I am. The Alchemist, The Little Prince, The Graveyard Book. These books become great, and not just good, because of the way that truth is expressed. There will be many who disagree, saying that books don't necessarily need to reveal truth, or even asking what is truth, but you know it when you find it, especially within the pages of a book.

Think back to all the stories that touched your life, that really made an impact on you. There was something a character said or did that resonated with who you are or who you want to become. So maybe the answer to the question is that a great book comes from a combination of truth flowing from the pen of a writer who has command of the language to the point where language is no longer important except that it conveys the world in a new and incredible light.

Is it worth it?

Today I received an email from Authonomy, the Harper Collins website where I have my book posted. No, it wasn't one of those emails, but some others had received some like that recently. It was to announce that three books from the site had been picked up by HC, one of which I love and know should be published.

The email left me elated for the writers, but after a bit, I felt a bit down as well. Why was that? Shouldn't I be excited for them? Shouldn't it give me hope that my own book will be published?

I've been sick with nausea the past 5 days, so I'll attribute my blues to that, but it really made me wonder if I can cut it as a writer.

Disclaimer: I know I'm still new to the whole novelist thing. I've been trying to get my book published seriously for a few weeks now. (I just finished writing the first draft in November.) So I have no excuses to be down about my writing prospects until I've walked uphill in the snow both ways to school, erm, I mean, submitted my book for years without a positive response. But even though I'm not one of the sorely tried veterans, I can still question myself, can't I? Isn't that part of being a great novelist?

So here it is: there are times where I really feel like I've written a great book. It's light, some may think it's a touch fluffy, but it's good all the same. It's not hard-hitting, in-your-face literary fiction. I write for teen girls. They like romance. At least I did when I was that age.

And my book has received good reviews from those who've read it. (Well, at least the beginning. It's hard getting people to read the whole thing.) So, why, then, am I feeling like I can't make it as a writer?

I think I'm finally realizing what an uphill battle this will probably be toward publication. I spent four years writing the manuscript and the past two months editing it. That editing will likely continue after I rest from it for a while, just so I can pick it up fresh later. I'm submitting it to contests. I'm starting to submit to agents. There's a lot of work involved, here, and it's already making me tired. Plus I've started working on a second book, so the process will just start all over again.

In addition to my full-time job of working as an editor, now I also have a full-time job writing and editing at night and on the weekends. I love it, don't get me wrong, but I never have a break, which is one big reason why I keep getting sick. I'll honestly push myself to the point of exhaustion because that's how I am. I've set deadlines for myself these next few months, and I plan to meet them.

What this all means (other than that I'm rambling again) is that I'll keep at it. I've had encouragement from readers and professionals alike. I know I can do this. My work is publishable, it is good. I just need to keep up confidence in myself, my work, and my dreams. I think I just need to remind myself of that every once in a while.

Random Thoughts

So, as I was eating some not-particularly-great shrimp just now, I had the thought: Would an animal be upset if it realized it would not be very tasty? That it, if the animal were looking down from animal heaven and saw me eating it, would it be sad to know I wasn't really enjoying the food?

Which brings me to another random thought. In the whole scheme of things, does it mean that the animal's life wasn't as worthwhile as another animal because it wasn't nearly as tasty? Say, the cow that became hamburger at McDonald's. Would it be jealous of a cow that turned into filet mignon? And what if it was the same cow, only parts of it were sent to different places. Would that make the cow happy or not?

And that leads me to my final point. Am I really appreciating the life that was taken so I could have something to eat? Do I take time—as many Native American cultures do—to thank that animal for becoming a delectable pork chop? Or do I just eat and never take time to appreciate that my food was once an animal? Or would I rather just avoid that thought altogether because it is rather sad to think of it being slaughtered?

What do you think?

P.S. I warned you it was random.

Better than fiction

What would you do if you met the hero or heroine of a novel you were writing? What would you say?

I just finished watching (for the umpteenth time) Stranger than Fiction, and that is exactly what happens to a prominent author. The man she was about to kill in her story finds her and asks her not to kill him.

How would you react to seeing them, standing there in the flesh?

I think I would be utterly fascinated, almost like a new mother glorying at a perfect child. I would want to look at her, hold her, comfort her for all the grief I put her through. I would ask her to stick with me through the story, wait to see the end. And I would be so proud that something that came solely from my thoughts had shaped into such a strong and beautiful person.

The thing I love most about this movie, though, is how hopeful and life-affirming it is. For a man who doesn't go outside his daily routine, to break that and finally live is such an amazing thing to me. How often do I get stuck in the humdrum aspects of my life and wish it were more exciting, more engaging? The only one who can take the fault for that is myself.

I cry every time I see him find passion for life while knowing he only has a short while left. I have an unknowable time on this planet. Am I living like the end was near? Am I jumping in feet first, damning the consequences as long as it is what I deem right and best?

Sadly, most often I am not. So my plea to all—including myself—is to live. Seek adventure, take a new road, learn to love living and forget the things that make it seem not worthwhile. Find the joy you can in the time you have. It's worth it.

A case of mistaken intent

It doesn't matter what you say. What matters is what they hear.

Or read, as the case may be.

I forget where I originally heard that, years ago, but it rings truer in this Internet age than I can ever remember. We move so fast—type fast, respond fast, think fast—that often the nuances of language are missed or ignored. Especially on internet forums, chat rooms, and email, there are so many ways to misconstrue what another has written.

So whose responsibility is it to avoid misunderstandings?

Everyone's, really. Both reader and writer have the obligation to:

1) write clearly and cleanly, taking care to avoid phrases that might be misunderstood or be hurtful;
2) read things carefully so the intended meaning is understood;
3) not jump to conclusions about what the other person meant;
4) ask questions if something isn't apparent or if there is a possibility of offense;
5) not shoot off a quick response that will make the situation even worse;
6) quickly and carefully resolve any issues that arise if there is a misinterpretation;
7) not hold a grudge or keep bringing it up once the misunderstanding has been resolved.

I'm not perfect at this, by a long shot, which is why I think it so important to be careful in what we say and write. I'm committing to be more thoughtful before I write or say something that could be construed as offensive, even if I'm only joking. Hurt feelings are hard to repair, so it's best to avoid the situation if at all possible.

Any thoughts on this?

Gratitude

In time for all the wonder that is Thanksgiving, I'd like to list some of the things I'm grateful/thankful for:

Friends (both in real life and online)
Good roommates
Church
Modern technology (like the internet and cell phones)
Washing machine (yay for clean laundry!)
Getting notes in the mail
Emails
Family
Thanksgiving dinner (mmm. . . pie, turkey, stuffing, potatoes and gravy. I could go on, but I'm making myself hungry)
Sweet potato pie
My car (Her name is Electra because she's electric red)
My job
My ability to write
Knowledge
Animals (including my dog, Frodo, and my cat, Cleona)
Hot chocolate
Good books
Curling up with one of those good books in front of a fire with that hot chocolate
Cozy nights at home
Girls nights
Chatting with friends
Gardens
Flowers
Wrapping presents (I really enjoy this for some reason)
Traveling
Cute calendars
My Mac (Once you go Mac you'll never turn back ;0)
Co-workers
Cooking
Imagination
Blogging
Journals
My mom

That's just a short list. I could go on, but I want to ask, what are you grateful for. Comment here or post your own list. If you post a list on your blog, link it here so I can see.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving. For all those not in the US, still take some time to be grateful. It does wonders for the soul.

I love you all!

Best Ever Chocolate Chip Cookies

I had a request for this recipe on another site, so I thought I'd share with everyone on my blog as well. Enjoy!

3 1/2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup butter
3/4 cup sugar
3/4 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 eggs, slightly beaten
2 cups chocolate chips*
1 cup chopped oats (optional)

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Sift flour together with baking soda and salt. In a medium bowl, cream butter, sugars, and vanilla. Mix in eggs. Beat in flour mixture, making sure to smooth out any lumps. Stir in chocolate and then oats if using. Drop dough by teaspoonful onto an ungreased baking sheet. Bake 9 to 11 minutes, or until golden.

*Use any combination of chocolate. Milk (or semisweet) with white is delicious. Try dark. Raspberry flavored offers a sweet variation. This recipe also works well with toffee, peanut butter chips, mint chips, you name it. Have fun and try out different combinations.

Notes: The secret to this recipe is adding enough flour. Most chocolate chip recipes don't call for enough, so you get flat, crispy cookies. Add at least 3 1/2 cups flour, but go by the feel of the dough. If it is too sticky or runny, add a bit more flour. If you happen to overdo it on the flour, add in a bit of butter or, in a pinch, some water to thin it a little.