Dear Reader Column 10-21-11

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Muffins and Mayhem, Recipes for a Happy (if disorderly) Life

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Dear Reader,

This week's writing question is from Kyla, a 14 year-old who reads at our Teen Online Book Club. My column isn't featured in the teen club, instead, every week a different teenager writes the Dear Reader introduction. Next week Kyla is our writer and who knows, maybe some day soon we'll be featuring one of her books at the Online Book Club.

"Dear Suzanne, my name is Kyla and I am 14-years-old and in 9th grade. I started writing my first chapter book three years ago. It was so much fun, yet so hard that by the time I'd finished the rough draft, I decided to write another book, while I did the revising of the first one. Ever since the first idea, which came from a dream, I've been getting idea after idea, as if I had flung open the doors of my brain, and imagination called out, 'Ideas without a writer, come here! Will take anyone! No exclusions for not being fully developed because I will fix you!'

But because I have so many ideas, I have found myself writing three books at once. Do you have any tips for NOT starting another book, just because it seems better than the others at the time?' Your new bibliophilic friend,"--Kyla :)

(Suzanne replies:) Kyla, you are an amazing young woman. I don't think there's anything wrong with starting a second and third book, while you're finishing the first one. But it sounds like you're frustrated because you'd like to complete one book, before starting another, which brings to mind the word, discipline. Writing is hard work. Most folks have trouble disciplining themselves to a daily writing schedule. They have the desire to write, but they never get around to actually writing. You have the discipline to write every day, but you need to find a way to follow through and finish a book.

Perhaps you could make a pact with yourself that you're going to work every day on your first book for at least 30 minutes, and only after you do that, can you bounce over to other writing projects.

Or, perhaps this is a time in your life to simply play with ideas: one, two, three, four books, play as much as you want, no pressure or guilt. And then one day, when the time is right, that little voice in your brain will say, 'Kyla, now is the time and here is the idea you've been looking for so you can finish your book.'

Thinking about writing your own book some day? What would the title be? Have a question about writing? Email it to: Suzanne@Emailbookclub.com

To see all of the questions readers have submitted, go to: http://www.emailbookclub.com/photo/writer-questions.html

Thanks for reading with me. It's so good to read with friends.

Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com
www.muffinsandmayhem.com

AUTHORBUZZ: You're going to love THE WINTERS IN BLOOM, by Lisa Tucker

Despite the secrets they've been keeping from each other since the day they met, David and Kyra consider themselves happily married. But when their five-year-old son disappears from their backyard, they're sure the kidnapper is someone they know. The big question is--whose past has finally caught up with them?

Lisa Tucker is waiting to hear from you. Sample her book, send her an email. Go to: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader and click on THE WINTERS IN BLOOM.

Comments

[Dolores]

Kyla really is an amazing young woman. Perhaps when Kyla gets a little older she can enter a contest or two. One of them is the 3-Day Writing Contest held every Labour Day weekend. From Friday at midnight until Monday at midnight one is to compose a book (and of course get a bit of editing in there.) My son entered 3 years in a row and last year was finally a winner. The prize? Having your book published. There is also another contest in November whereby one can write a book within that month and submit it. Good luck to Kyla in her writing career.
Suzanne, as I read your answer to Kyla's question I couldn't help thinking about quilters and all the UFOs (unfinished objects) that they have. Discipline could certainly assist them (and me.)