A Great Writing Exercise: 10 Truths, 10 Lies #barrioblues

Very early this morning, I spent some quality time with Ricky Andrades in "El Encantado", the next story I'm finishing for my YA, Magical Realism collection which is coming out either in late September or early October.  Yesterday, my goal had been to spend more time fleshing him and the side characters out, but I got busy with work, then making dinner for the kids and my husband.  Asi que, this morning at around 12:30a.m., the writing bug woke me up, so I spent time writing a description of him, which I needed to do.

He needed more fleshing out, so I reverted to an exercise I teach in my creative writing class, 10 truths, 10 lies.  You can list more, but essentially, you list these qualities or untruths about your characters.  Below are the description, main goals, and lists:

10 Lies and 10 Truths about Ricky Andrades:

Height:  5 foot 8 inches.
Build:  Thin and muscular.
Hair:  Curly, sandy brown.
Eyes:  Dark brown.
Skin:  Darker than his peers.
Face:  Sculpted and handsome.
Voice:  Deep and slightly musical.

Main Desire:  To play professional baseball and go out with his neighbor, Sarah Isabelle Stan.

Truths

1. Ricky is 17.
2. Wants to drive a Dodge Challenger.
3. Is undocumented and wants to be a DREAMER.
4. Loves his mother and does chores when no one is looking.
5. Has a dog named Chucky.
6. Plays baseball.
7. Is an average student because he doesn’t try hard enough.
8. Prays the Rosary in the bathroom.
9. Has a severe crush on his neighbor but pretends to hate white people.
10. Has a complex about his large feet.
    

Lies

1. (Deleted to prevent spoiler.)
2. Drinks alcohol.
3. Goes to Church regularly.
4. Wants to work at the mechanic shop with his dad.
5. Wants to go to a university.
6. Would rather live in Mexico than the U.S.
7. Plays the guitar.
8. Is a virgin.
9. Looks up to his father.
10. Eats everything his mother makes for him.

You can also add 10 odd facts, but I don't bother.  Anyway, after I did the exercise, I was able to carry on with the writing, and it flowed well.

And that is all the time I have this morning!  I have to work on Union business and organize chapter finances, when I would rather be writing.

Oh, I do have one bit of good news.  I was talking to another faculty member who teaches creative writing, and she is going to organize a monthly gathering of other faculty who are writing novels or chap books or whatever creative form.  I am so excited!  I found out one of my colleague is working on a fantasy novel, which just goes to show, you just don't know where there might be a secret writing life. 

Today, hammer out your characters until they are sculpted to your satisfaction.  #barrioblues

Spending Time with My Next Book's Main Characters #barrioblues

For some writers, especially those of us who word vomit, spending time with characters may not seem as important as the act of writing.  I beg to differ. 

Most of my stories stem from well-crafted characters, whether they are major or supporting characters.  Asi que, this morning, I am spending more time with the characters from "Encantado" from my next Young Adult collection.  I have the ending in mind, and the major conflicts, but I need to flesh out Ricky Andrades (in my ghost story.  ha!).  I am also writing about undocumented issues in "El Encantado" and am making Ricky a DREAMER because that is the direction the story took.  It makes sense as many young people in the Chicago and elsewhere are DREAMERS, and I hope they like this piece.

I also have an idea for the cover and will reach out to my friend for support to paint it.  This will be a solo design, this round.  Yikes!

That's all I've got.  Keep sending me those creative vibes because I still don't have a title for my next book, which is not usual for me.  In fact, that is driving me bat shit crazy.  Ugh.

Be awesome and write or spend time with your creations.  Or all three.  #barrioblues

Onto Story #3 of My Young Adult, Magical Realism Collection & Upcoming Giveaway, Black Friday #barrioblues

Yesterday, on the road trip down here, to my writing cave away from home, I started writing the third story of my next book "El Encantado." Encantado could mean someone who is delighted, cursed, or haunted.  This will be my first attempt at writing any ghost story, and I am adding a twist.  However, I may have to delay the launch of this book, if it is to reach 150 pages.  There are so many legends that are a treat to infuse with my fiction.  There is El Cucuy, which legend says is an old man that carries a burlap sack and steals naughty children.  There is La Llorona, the weeping woman, who kidnaps children near bodies of water.  There are angels and saints that would make great characters.

Anyway, the writing playground is vast.

I have also been formulating the next giveaway for Thanksgiving and Black Friday holiday.  I am going to reduce the cost of all my e-books to $.99 and $0 when folks buy printed books. Unfortunately, I can't drop the cost of La Bruja del Barrio Loco, but people will still be able to buy it for $0.  I am also going to use Ingram to publish my next collection, if bookstores will take it.  I just won't be able to put it on Kindle Unlimited.

The other thing I am going to do today is to grow a pair of balls and put the foundation for a reading of my books for next month.  I haven't sent the email yet.  I figure if I'm not done with the collection, though I hope to be soon, I can read from WIPs.  I am also going to try another venue to distribute my books.

My retired librarian friend offered to help me connect with the central CPS library.  The head librarian likes to sponsor local authors, so I am hoping she will take my next book.  Now, I need a snappy title for it, that is attractive to moms and kids, but I haven't been able to come up with one.

My husband and I were brainstorming in the car, but nothing sounded appealing.  Send me inspiration this way.  Or else the title will be something lame like Grandmother's Magical Bedtime Stories.  I have never been stuck on a title before. This inertia is wholly annoying, but the writing is flowing, and that is what matters!  Once I am done with this collection, I am going to move on to finishing The Awakening (Book #3 in La Bruja del Barrio Loco) series and start revising The Harvest in real earnest.

Overcome your creative struggles. Write on. #barrioblues

Book 5 Needs a Title and My Next Story Concept

This morning, I got up at 1a.m. to prepare my classes and write.  Not much writing got done because my daughter, who sensed I was being productive at an ungodly hour, woke up and demanded my immediate attention.  I didn't get back to sleep until 5a.m.  Still, this morning, I thought about my next book a lot, and I am sad to report that I don't have a snappy title for my new short collection.  Usually titles come easy, but I am not sure that Rita vs the Duende quite covers it.  I hope something, some line pops from one of the stories.

Also, after turning ideas in my head, I decided I am going to write an original ghost story from a boy's point of view for the third story.  To date, I have not written a ghost story.  This concept will balance out the gender and points of view of the other two stories.  "Rita vs the Duende" is told from a 12-year-old tween's point of view.  "Descarado" or shameless is being told from an elderly woman's point of view.  I am thinking of changing that title to "When the Devil Came for Him" or something more descriptive.

I am also excited to be going on another writing vacation.  We are not sure where, but we have enough points for a free hotel stay.  Let's hope the printer is not out of ink or paper. Ha ha ha.

Write like you're life depends on it.  Someone's might.  #barrioblues

Third Story Idea and October Reading #barrioblues

Yesterday, at a fantastic birthday party with glorious cheese and yummy wine, I was talking to a number of the guests about my next collection coming out in September.  Hey, they asked!  I was explaining to another Chicana about the premises of my stories.  Would you believe she has never heard folktales about duendes or The Devil?  I was like, "How is that possible?"  So, I told her a couple of the folk stories.  I also gave hear a summary of the first two stories, and then, got stumped on the third.  Why?  I haven't written it yet, but I have a hankering for writing a ghost story.  Perhaps.  Or an angel story.  In any case, it will be PG-13.

I also got a chance to talk to my friend Brett.  Sadly, he will be out of town on his honeymoon in a  few weeks (okay, that is not remotely sad because he is going to Europe on a fantastic adventure with his gorgeous wife, where Trump is not president), and won't get to work on the cover for that piece.  However, he did say he wanted to help design the interior of the book for future pubs. I was like, "What?  What's wrong with my books?"  He had definite opinions on the layout that I hadn't thought about, so when he was time, we are going to review the last book La Bruja del Barrio Loco.  Now, I am pretty proud of my interior book designs, but I'm not going to say no to making them prettier.  I would love for the chapter titles to pop.

I also told him that I am going to simplify the design of my e-books.  I want them to look good on the Kindle and computer viewers.  All the fancy graphics and caps at the beginning of chapters can be off-putting.  They do look great on Kindle Readers, but I want some consistency.

Finally, let me tell about the next phase of my marketing scheme.  I am going to put the foundation for an October reading.  I have been a little hesitant with this move.  Why?  I am not used to reading my fiction.  I read poetry just fine.  I am not afraid of public speaking, but reading fiction takes a different skill set.  Therefore, I am going to reach out to my good friends who are actors or speech teachers to give me some pointers.  I am also going to videotape 30-minute readings and review them.  You see, I am actually pretty nervous about this next step, but I don't want to be like those boring authors that can't captivate their audience.  You know what I'm talking about.

Whatever you do with your writing today, do it with love and some courage.

Push the envelope and go to the next level in your writing career. #barrioblues  

Finished the Next Story for My Collection and Sent It out to the New Beta Reader (that took mega balls) #barrioblues #supergrandehuevos

Done!  This morning I revised "Rita vs the Duende" my next work in progress that will be aimed at Young Adults, and I added comments from a previous editor-friend. The story will be part of a short story collection for YA and will be out this month.  I was able to work steadily on it and make all the changes because I stayed away from social media.  Milagro!

Plus, (drum roll) I just took the leap and sent it to my new buddy Eddie. I also offered what I thought were specific feedback questions for him.  I listed them below, in case you are curious what this process could be like, now that I'm done breathing into the paper bag and hit send.  Just kidding.

Beta Reader Questions:

1. Is the backstory of the duende clear enough?
2. Is the use of Spanish and when Nana speaks Spanish clear?
3. Is the pacing too fast?
4. Are there gaps in the story you want filled?
5. General comments would be great.
6. In terms of grammar, I just want to make sure my word choice is varied and effective.
7. Also, please highlight or add side comments, if you do in-text comments, so I an clearly differentiate your suggestions.

Eddie has been "offline" today, and I suspect he is also in his writing cave, as I was all morning. 

This afternoon, my son invited me to watch a remodeling house show, and one of the suggestions for marketing was to have a recognizable hashtag. It just occurred to me that I hadn't been using one, which is stupid considering all the social media I use, so I am claiming #barrioblues. Get used to seeing it on all my posts, especially book promotions.  I don't think I will be using the #Resist tag because that has to do with my political life and not my writing.  Duh.

I hope you all have a great day writing and revising or whatever book stage you are at!

Let the synapses in your brain birth new ideas! Grow some super huevos grandes as you take risks. #barrioblues

Hitting the Library and Donating a Book

Today, I go on another book peddling adventure.  It will have to be short because I am going to the Harold Washington Library for another purpose, but a little bird in my local library told me one of the librarians at the main branch self-publishes and has his books on the shelf.  The libraries, in fact, take independently published books.  If I have time, I am going to fill out the right paperwork and submit my book or books, if they take more than one copy to send out into the library universe.  Wish me luck!

Yesterday, I also finally dropped off my book markers at 57th Street Books.  The funny thing is, I couldn't decide whether to put one or the other side face up, so I asked the worker, and he suggested I display both.  I have to say, they look pretty awesome.

I hope to print a bigger batch with my next paycheck because I am all out.

Well, I have a few golden moments to write because I was messing around on social media and wasted time.  Today, I am actually going to take a break from writing and grade all the assignments students have posted online, so I can have Saturday to work on my long short story "Rita vs the Duende". My beta reader-friend and I are going to swap this weekend.  I will let you know how that goes!

Keep writing and experimenting with marketing!  #Resist! 

Exciting News on the Writing Front!

I have a bit of amazing news! Well, it's amazing to me and has made my week.  I got a beta reader for my upcoming book!  I haven't worked with this writer, but he is working on a similar book, YA fantasy, which is set in the East Coast.  Mine is YA Magical Realism, but we are trying to capture a similar audience.  The premise of his book is great, and I can't wait to read it.

Prior to that, I found a beta reader in another writing group, but I have not been able to reach her, probably because she is in her writing cave. 

Still, I am so excited, because we are exchanging work!  (And I am sticking to my $0 budget.)

I am also going to work with my friend Brett on the next two projects, so he can design the covers.  I have enjoyed working with Adrian, but I need to reduce the spending on books and focus on advertising and professional copy editing.

Anyway, that is freaking awesome!

On the writing front, this morning I wrote the first chapter of The Awakening (Book #3 in La Bruja del Barrio Loco).  I have to brag that it is shaping up beautifully.  But that is all I will say because I have to go craft a flier for a scholarship event.

Celebrate great moments in your writing process and career!  #Resist!

Started My Next Book: The Awakening

The beginning of this draft goes a little something like this:
Chapter 1:  The Awakening in Pittsburgh

            Alexander Cobarrubias sat against the wall of his dark apartment, cradling a near-empty bottle of Bacardi. He fidgeted with his wedding band, rotating the ring, and took another swig. It was almost 6a.m., and his phone had been vibrating for the last thirty minutes; he knew it wasn’t the hospital paging him because he had three more days of leave left. Leave, he pondered on that word, but stopped as the phone irritated him into sobriety. It was his mother, no doubt, with her sixth sense, constantly checking in on him. At one point, she had offered to stay with him, but he had refused. I’m a grown assed-man he had thought when she asked, but politely declined. She was always hovering over him, even though he was 35. Yet he worried she would tell him, and Alexander didn’t want him to see this, an empty husk of a man, an epic failure, unable to protect those he loved most. He swallowed the rest of the contents in one punishing drink, and turned off the phone.

Sounds good for a draft, right?

This morning, I'm going to take a leap of faith and grow a pair of balls.  I'm going to ask for an extra beta reader from a writing group that is more serious and active than other groups I belong to.  I don't have an editor anymore, and parted amicably, but hopefully, I will be able to find a couple of reliable people to read my work. Yes, I will quid pro quo that shit.  Ideally, I would love to trade copy editing.  That's it folks!  I'm going for it.

Yesterday, I also went to the local library and dropped off my bookmarkers.  I also found out the library does review self-published books to put on the shelf, and I am going to submit a copy of La Bruja del Barrio Loco. Now, I haven't been to the Harold Washington Library in downtown Chicago in a long time, so this will be a treat.  If you  have never visited, it is a wonderful library with a great kid's section.  They also have a gorgeous top floor where they host events.  Anyway, I will keep you posted on how that endeavor goes.

That is all for today, sadly, I got up at 5a.m. to write a little bit because I have to grade these amazing diagnostics.  I have such a fine group of students this semester!  I know I always think highly of my students, but this group is truly awesome.  Their writing says so.

O.K., have a fantastic writing day!  #Resist!

The Great Giveaway Results and My Next Three Projects

First of all, I want to thank everyone who downloaded their free copy of La Bruja del Barrio Loco for the big Labor Day Weekend giveaway!  For my first giveaway, I think it was a great success.  Supporters, friends, and fans downloaded (drum roll please):  23 copies! I hope to get some positive reviews, even star reviews. This Labor Day, was  was chock full of writing victories:

1. I finished The Harvest draft, my first full-length novel! 
2. I surpassed 200 followers on my Facebook author page:  Barrio Blues and Other Totally True Stories. I also got more followers on Instagram and Twitter.  Please, follow me, and I will follow you (unless you are a fascist or racist).
3. I got new followers on my Amazon author page!  (Thank you fellow writers!)
4. I received my printed bookmarkers, finally! They look A-mAzing.
5. I also connected with a number of new writers and have put them on the list to review their work.  (But, I am only doing three a month.  If you would like me to review your book, please post your author name, title, and book link in the comments.)
6. Now, I can call myself a writer and not just say it's a hobby because it's not.  I don't mean I spend hours doing this work I love and have it interfere with my obligations (because I don't and I don't have hours to spend on my craft), but I am a writer who teaches at a community college, runs her union chapter, and is a devoted mom and wife.  I am all of these with great pride, love, and joy, and I deeply cherish the precious time I do have for writing. 

So, in that vein, I am taking the advice of another writer who suggested that I set the novel aside for a while. I am doing that because I need to get into the rhythm of writing and revising.  And I have three more projects for September and beyond: (1) The Awakening (Book #3 in La Bruja del Barrio Loco Series), (2) A set of three magical realism novellas for young adults; I am 2/3 done, and (3) My short story collection Down South Where the Water Is Warm, which I need to revise.  As you can see, I have my work cut out for this month.  I will have more news as I complete my next book.

OK my friends, have a fantastic day!

Believe in your writing; believe in yourself as a writer.  #Resist! 

Chapter 21 Done! Plus, Thoughts on Marketing Experiments.

That's right!  Chapter 21 of The Harvest is done: The end of this twenty year writing saga is near! The gods are also conspiring in my favor this morning because Aaron slept until 9a.m., and instead of going to a local corn festival, we are going to stay in, watch cartoons, and go out to eat, then shop.  That means I will be able to crank out one more chapter this morning.

This morning, I also decided to boost the giveaway on my Facebook author site:  https://www.facebook.com/drmariajestrada/.  Supposedly, Facebook is going to reach over 400 people.  I will let you now how it goes.  Though, to be fair, more people are being reached, and I just posted it ten minutes ago.  One of my metric goals is to get 100 new followers by September.  I have 68 new ones so far, and yes, they are mostly other writers.  We have to stick together, right?

John Green who I've promoted before, recommended hometown reads as another venue to grow a reader base:  https://hometownreads.com/books/the-long-walk-with-paranoia-the-corrido-of-andrea-quinta.  I posted links to my Amazon books there, too.  Not the books obviously but ways of getting back to Amazon, much like Goodreads.  However, the site aims at promoting local authors, so they also link the books to local bookstores and libraries.  I'm working on that too.  It is a great cyber-project, and I hope to buy a t-shirt to promote it.  I have enjoyed looking at other local authors' books.  The funny or not so funny thing is that I can pick out with almost 100% accuracy those books that are self-published because of the covers.

Well, that's enough marketing and promoting for the day. Oh, the Labor Day Weekend giveaway is going well!  The giveaway is going through Monday.  What?  Did you miss my previous ads or blog posts?  Well, you can get La Bruja del Barrio Loco on Amazon for free.  If you like what you read, give it a short, positive review!  In the future, I plan on doing a Black Friday price reduction on printed and e-books for the week, but first, back to my novel.

Stay the course!  Even if it takes 20 years+ to finish your novel, ahem.  #Resist