Ansha's Blog

I just finished reading Cynthia DeFelice’s book Nowhere to Call Home. It was an awesome read. It was not a subject I would normally pick up but I did like the historical aspect.
I had originally wanted to read her new book Signal which has a sci-fi angle that I was curious to learn more about. But I settled for Nowhere and I’m glad I did.
The story of Frances Barrow as she becomes a hobo and flips trains during the great depression is a vivid, beautiful, heartfelt story.
I’ve decided I want to write just like Ms. DeFelice. Yes, that’s my goal. Not once did a scene drag. Not once was there a hint of author intrusion. Not once did I want to put it down. The story flowed. It moved me and it was wonderful.
And I want to write just like that!
Sooo, off I go to hunt down more of Ms. DeFelice’s books, and study the craft that she has honed so very well.
Thank you for writing a great book!
Now everyone go off and read!

In the shower today (that’s the only place I have peace), I remembered an event from childhood. I was 6 maybe 7. Our class had a gift exchange. I remember my mom bought a gift for the exchange that I desperately wanted. I can’t remember what it is now, but I do know it was fun and I couldn’t wait to see what other mom’s had bought for the exchange.

What other magical gifts would be inside the bag? The whole class was bristling with excitement. Our teacher stood at the front of the room with a large garbage bag. The huge black ones that only schools and institutions have access to.

One by one we stepped up to the bag to feel around and hope for the best gift.

Earlier we saw Julie put her gift in the bag. It was expertly wrapped. With a beautiful bow on top. Much prettier than anyone else’s. And we all wanted it.

I watched on pins and needles as each of my classmates went up to bag. Each time they pulled out a gift we held our breath. Nope. Not Julie’s gift, not yet. Then my name was called!

So excited, I ran up to the bag. I knew how to feel around and find Julie’s gift. I knew I was going to get it. I reached in and found that perfect bow, felt for the crisp edges of the neatly wrapped box. I found it!

I pulled it out and with a huge sigh from the crowd I walked away with my prize. I had the best gift of the whole bunch!

We had to hold on to our gifts until everyone had one to open. I sat with the box in my lap, the envy of every kid in the room. And I loved it. For once I was getting what I wanted. As the oldest of four siblings I was expected to share my things and give up what I wanted so the youngest (who cried the most) could have it.

But here and now I had the best gift, at last. And it was all mine!

Then came the moment of truth. When we all open our gifts.

I envision a barbie in a beautiful dress and decadent shoes. Or a doll baby with spoon and bowl.

What I got was a box of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs SOAP.
SOAP.

I looked around at my friends as they played with matchbox cars and makeup sets even the gift my mother had bought. And I looked down at my once perfectly wrapped, envy of everyone, box of soap.

I’m sure when Julie’s mom picked this out she thought the little green faces of each of the dwarfs were adorable. That anyone would love to have Seven little heads to use for scrubbing their hands. Not I. I was sorely disappointed.

I learned a few things.
1. Never judge a gift by it’s wrapping paper.
2. Never buy soap for a grab bag for 6 year-olds.
Far too cruel a thing to do.

I’m back to doing revisions on Gangsterland. Less than a month after sending it out our wonderful editor sent it back with a request for revisions. So now I have my cute excel checklist printed out and I’ve started checking off things already. Add to this scene, create more detail to this setting, give this character more depth. It’s all part of the plan to make this a great book.
I’ve also printed out a spreadsheet based on Donald Maass’ workbook. Complete with all 591 tasks. Which I will take one at a time and work into the story … have I mentioned I want to make this a GREAT story?
I also need to start seriously blogging on a regular basis. Keeps my fingers limber!

Yesterday was the day. Story Epiphany Day. I love those days. They often come at the end of a number of days spent harrowing at your lack of imagination and writing prowess. But you keep your brain locked on your idea. Raise questions about where the plot should go and keep pushing your brain to solve the problem of What Next?
And then out of the blue, POOF! A wonderful thing happens. All of a sudden things start to click into place. The ducks all line up. Opportunity meets preparation and WHAM! You’ve got the story idea that propels you to write the book.
It’s a very exciting time. So exciting I’m actually blogging about it!
So off I go to write about my story that involves Greek Myth and the String Theory.

Okay so I’m off to a slow start. But I’ve started! That’s important. I have to keep pushing through that’s all. Good luck to everyone!