Deborah Wright

No matter how much I love the cold–yes, I am a bit odd, why do you ask?–there comes a point during every winter in the Pacific Northwest when I miss the sun. Since we won’t be seeking the sun this winter, I decided to start sharing photos of trips past. Maybe the memory of heat and light will suffice for awhile. One can hope.

The following pictures are from the Caribbean cruise we took last March aboard Silversea’s Silver Cloud. We’ve taken several cruises (on other cruise lines), but this quickly became our favorite ship. The pictures are of the dockside at Roseau, Dominica on March 7, 2011. Enjoy!

Roseau, Dominica (3/7/2011)

Roseau, Dominica (3/7/2011)

Roseau, Dominica (3/7/2011)

Deborah Wright

I’ve decided to write the synopsis first. Gulp!

I’m still working out my writing process, so I can’t really call this a radical departure. Still, I’m having to change my mindset about synopsis writing and that is daunting. I’ve always viewed the synopsis (along with the query letter) as the most difficult part of writing. I’ve never liked writing them, but that was mostly because I could never really figure out what they should contain. I know there’s a lot of “how-to” information on the interwebz–God knows there are plenty of online workshops on the subject. And there are always workshops at RWA National, some combining synopsis with queries and pitches, some just on the synopsis. I’m not alone; synopsis writing is a topic that strikes fear in the heart of many writers.

However, something happened while I was frantically trying to figure out how to write the synopsis for The Lazarus Gambit. One of the links coughed up in a Google search led me to an article by Hope Ramsay titled The Seven Paragraph Synopsis on The Ruby Slippered Sisterhood. In it, she boiled the synopsis down to (what I’d consider to be) the bones of the story. Those paragraphs are enough on their own, if written well, but they also provide the framework for a longer synopsis, if required.

Once I’d written my initial seven paragraph synopsis of The Lazarus Gambit, I went right back and re-wrote it–five times. I’m still not 100% satisfied with it, but each time through was a learning experience. I’m rather embarrassed to admit it, but I think I may have learned more about the story than I did while I was writing it. Writing that synopsis was, for me, a revelation.

I’d always thought writing a synopsis before writing the story was: a) something only published writers did (for book proposals), and b) something that would kill the story for me (a fear I’ve long held). Part of the reason I believed writing the synopsis first would kill a story is that I truly thought a synopsis had to be several pages of detailed information. Trust me, that’s not what goes into those seven paragraphs. All you have room for is the essence of the story, not what happens in each and every scene. Like I said, a revelation.

My plan is to work on the seven paragraph synopsis first. I’ll be doing this with the understanding that it’s a very loose outline at this point and subject to change. But at least I’ll have a framework I can build upon. We’ll see how it goes. If it works, it’ll be another tool in my writer’s tool chest. If it doesn’t, well, no harm, no foul.

Deborah Wright

It became abundantly clear to me a few years ago that I needed to stop with the excuses and start moving. Last year, from spring to late fall, Mr. W and I decided to try to walk every day (at least, when the weather cooperated) for at least an hour. If we weren’t able to walk outside, I generally tried to do some sort of physical workout indoors, though I confess the word that best described those workouts was sporadic.

As part of my goal to lose weight and become more fit this year, I’ve committed to being active every day. In order to track our activity, I created a chart using Post-It flip-chart graph paper and taped it to the wall in a prominent place (using painter’s tape!). The chart is divided into 7 weeks, and each week is divided into days. Mr. W and I write our activities on the chart in brightly colored markers. It’s very satisfying to watch the chart fill up!

I’ve channeled my inner athlete and increased the frequency and intensity of my workouts. When we moved to Oregon, we knew we faced longer and more severe winters than we were used to in San Jose. Instead of joining a fitness club or gym, we invested in a couple of pieces of workout equipment for our home. First was a rowing machine. Mr W enjoys rowing, but for some reason I find it boring as all hell. However, I will occasionally row as a way of changing up my routine.

The second piece of equipment we purchased was a treadmill. Once I made the “be active daily” commitment, I started walking on the treadmill more frequently. I never thought I’d actually prefer working out using equipment, but I’ve fallen in love with my treadmill! In December, I was doing well if I walked for 40 minutes a couple of times a week (without raising the incline). I’m now walking on the treadmill at least 5 times a week for 60 minutes, and usually with an incline.

In addition to the treadmill (and occasional rowing machine), my workouts include yoga, light weight work, and a step routine–not always on the same day, of course. We’ve also taken up bowling as a fun and inexpensive way to keep active indoors during the winter. When we bowl, we use two lanes and rarely take breaks. I figure throwing a 12 pound ball down a lane for 60 to 70 minutes is a decent activity. :-)

My yoga routine is taken from Richard Hittleman’s 28 Day Yoga exercise plan. I’ve been using this book as a reference since I was in my teens and I put my own routine together from the exercises I enjoy doing.

My weight routine consists of using 3-5 lb dumbbells: bicep curls, military press, upright row, bent over dumbbell reverse fly, one arm standing tricep extension or tricep kickbacks. In the next few weeks I will start adding squats, lunges, pushups and situps to my weight work.

Here’s what a week’s workout might look like:

Day 1: Treadmill 60 minutes, varying incline from 7 to 3

Day 2: Yoga (20-30 minutes), Weights (3 sets of 10 each exercise)

Day 3: Yoga (20 minutes), Weights (2 sets of 10 each), Treadmill 60 minutes doing windsprints (alternating 60 second sprints with 60-120 second recovery), cooling down with fast walk for 10-15 minutes

Day 4: Yoga (20-30 minutes), Step routine (45-50 minutes)

Day 5: Bowling (60-70 minutes)

Day 6: Yoga (20-30 minutes), Weights (2 sets of 10 each), Treadmill 60 minutes, varying incline from 7 to 3

Day 7: Yoga (30 minutes)

Each week varies, of course, but so far this is fairly typical. I must say, I have more energy and feel better than I have in quite awhile.

How do you stay active during the winter? How about year around? I’m always on the lookout for additional activities to incorporate into my workout routines. :-)

Deborah Wright

Deborah Wright

1. What’s your favorite movie of all time?
   Casablanca

   This one was a no-brainer for me. Casablanca has been my favorite film since I first saw a butchered version of it on TV as a kid many (many) moons ago, and the uncut version is even better.

2. What is your favorite romance movie?
   The Quiet Man

   Another no-brainer for me. I usually watch romantic comedies, not heavy drama-type romances, and The Quiet Man is my all-time favorite. In fact, it’s second on my list of Top 10 Favorite Movies, right below Casablanca.

3. What movie makes you truly laugh every time you watch it?
   The Hallelujah Trail and North to Alaska

   This question was more difficult to answer because I generally prefer movies that make me laugh (or at least smile). However, these are two movies that always make me laugh when I watch them.

4. What is your favorite science fiction movie?
   Star Trek: First Contact

   I had to think about this one. There are better movies (2001: A Space Odyssey comes to mind) and more popular choices (Star Wars, perhaps, though funnily enough I consider the Star Wars franchise to be fantasy rather than science fiction), but First Contact is the movie I’d choose 7 times out of 10 when asked if I want to watch an SF movie.

5. What is your favorite fantasy movie?
   The Lord of the Rings (The Complete Trilogy)

   Unfair? Perhaps. But Tolkien didn’t write a trilogy, he wrote a very long book that publishers broke into smaller chunks. I view the movies as the same thing–one very long movie broken into three parts for easier viewing.

6. What is your favorite musical?
   Shall We Dance

   Give me any of the Astaire/Rogers movies and I’m a happy camper, but Shall We Dance is my favorite of the bunch.

7. What is your favorite animated movie?
   How to Train Your Dragon

   It used to be Toy Story (which I still love), until this movie came along. I thought it might be “cute, but ultimately forgettable” when I saw the previews, but I’ve watched How to Train Your Dragon several times and the story gets me. Every. Single. Time.

8. What is the scariest movie you’ve ever watched?
   Alien

   I don’t generally do scary, but I got talked into watching Alien (I didn’t know anything about it before agreeing to see it — a lesson I’ve learned not to do ever again). I’ve only seen Alien once and I’ve refused to see any of the sequels. Sorry, they’re just not for me.

9. What is the most suspenseful movie you’ve ever watched?
   Wait Until Dark

   Forget the purportedly scary movies — if you want a movie that’ll give you a heart attack, watch Wait Until Dark.

10. What movie made you think? Wouldn’t leave you alone even days afterward?
    The Killing Fields

    This was one of the most intense movies I’ve ever watched and it still haunts me to this day.

11. What is your favorite western movie?
    Rio Bravo

    This is one of my very favorite of John Wayne’s movies. Add Dean Martin, Walter Brennan, Ricky Nelson, Ward Bond, Claude Akins and Angie Dickinson, and have it directed by Howard Hawks and you’ve got a winner.

12. What is your favorite action/adventure movie?
    Raiders of the Lost Ark

    The movie that started it all is still the best, as far as I’m concerned.

13. What is your favorite “guilty pleasure” movie? By guilty pleasure, I mean movies that other people have either never heard of, or that might be considered “B” (do they make “C”?) movies.
    This one’s a tie between American Dreamer and High Road to China.

    American Dreamer is pure escapist fantasy/wish fulfillment for me.

    High Road to China stars a devilishly handsome Tom Sellek (only a couple of years into his role of Magnum PI). It was released the same year (1983) Raiders of the Lost Ark was first re-released. And while I love Raiders, I only went to see it once in the theater during it’s first release–I didn’t go see it again when it was re-released. I saw High Road to China, however, 3 times in one month. It was the first movie I ever went to see more than once. To this day I still quote it and laugh: “Remember, the ox is slow, but the earth is patient.” I can only dream that this will get a DVD release soon.

There it is for all the world to see. I suppose it’s telling that the majority of my favorite movies are pre-1990–hell, most of them are pre-1960!

Deborah Wright

I’ll admit it: I’m one of those statistics. I spent nearly 25+ years mostly sitting at a desk in my previous profession, especially in the last 10 years. And now, well, let’s face it, writing isn’t the most active of careers (yes, I’ve seen those “treadmill/desk” combinations, but personally, I’d rather shoot myself than use one).

In January of 2010, Mr. W and I made a “get fit” pact. We modified our diet and began exercising regularly. We both lost a respectable amount of weight that year and have kept it off (I lost 28 pounds and dropped two BMI levels). While Mr. W only has a few more pounds to lose, I’ve rededicated myself to making this the year I lose the rest of the weight–50 additional pounds. I thought I’d post updates occasionally on my progress. Who knows, maybe it’ll provide inspiration to others to start moving and to make healthier choices.

I don’t know about you, but I enjoy food. The biggest change we made in the food we eat was to cut out as much processed food as possible. The aroma and flavor of fresh food is amazing, and adding spices instead of butter and salt makes your taste buds come alive. Still, whenever the “D” word is used, my lizard brain automatically assumes the food I’ll be eating will be bland and tasteless. “Give me Chinese Food,” it begs, “or Tacos. And what about Pizza? Am I ever going to eat Pizza again?”

I’ll deal with Mexican food and Pizza another time. Right now I want to talk about Chinese food. I’ve steered clear of Chinese restaurants for the most part for almost two years now and that’s saying something, because we both love Chinese food. But so much of it is loaded with fat and sodium; the reward (eating it) just wasn’t worth the risks (high blood pressure, weight gain, etc.).

Last week the cravings were just too much. I had to come up with an alternative before we both caved in. I used to prepare elaborate Chinese meals, with stir fry, rice, egg rolls, and more. I don’t know why it didn’t occur to me before this that I could modify one of my stir fry recipes to be more healthy. There’s nothing earth shaking about my recipe, but it sure did the trick of curbing our Chinese food jones. Oh, and it’s simple to make (a must for me!). Adapt the following recipe to match your own preferences.

My Cooking tools:

• Non-stick wok or wok-shaped pan
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Rice cooker (I can’t cook rice without one!)

Ingredients:

• 1 large boneless, skinless chicken breast (or two small) cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/2 yellow onion, cut in wedges
• 1 tomato, cut in half and then in wedges
• 1-2 large crowns of broccoli cut into small stalks, trim stems to taste
• 1 can sliced water chestnuts, drained
• 3 green onions, trimmed and sliced length-ways
• 3-5 slices of fresh ginger
• 2 tsp light olive oil
• 1-2 tsp Oyster sauce (high in sodium, so watch how much you use)
• 1 Tbsp Hoisin Sauce
• 2 Tbsp garlic chili sauce (add more if you like it spicy, otherwise, adjust the Oyster/Hoisin to taste)
• pinch(es) of Chinese 5 Spices to taste
• Brown rice

Preparation:

Cook brown rice in rice cooker according to instructions (or however you normally cook it).

Cut up chicken and vegetables. Put broccoli in microwave safe dish with one Tbsp water. Cover with plastic wrap (vent one corner) and cook on high in microwave for one minute.

When rice is almost done, pre-heat wok. Be sure to have the pan hot (medium to med-high at the most) before adding 1 tsp of the olive oil (using a hot pan means not having to use as much oil). Add the ginger to the oil to bring out the fragrance. Remove ginger before adding the chicken (or leave it in if you like ginger).

Add the chicken and cook until chicken is just done. You don’t want it pink inside, but you don’t want to over cook it. Remove chicken from wok, discarding any liquid that was formed.

Add 1 tsp olive oil to hot pan and add broccoli, yellow onion wedges and water chestnuts. Add Oyster Sauce, Hoisin, and Chinese 5 Spices. Stir and heat through. Add tomato wedges and chicken, stir and heat until eveything is nice and hot (this will only take a few minutes). Add green onion just before removing from heat.

Divide and serve over 1/2 cup of brown rice. My husband likes to add Chinese mustard to his serving for additional heat.

Makes 2 servings

This was quick and easy to make, and healthy, to boot. Hope you enjoy it!

Cheers!

Deborah Wright

First up is an example career plan and goals for a pre-published writer who wants to be published via traditional publishing.

Long-Term Objectives (5+ years)

Remember, these objectives are the most fluid and subject to change; your “dream prizes.”

• Have multiple books published
• Have multiple books contracted
• Have at least one book on a Best Seller list

Medium-Term Objectives (2 to 3 years)

Remember, these objectives should seem very achievable if everything goes right

• Have an Agent
• Have at least one book published
• Have at least one book contracted

Short-Term Objectives (2012)

1. Complete at least the first drafts of multiple books
2. Learn more about publishing
3. Search for an Agent

2012 Goals for Career Plan #1

Remember, your goals should be specific, relevant to your short-term objectives, and they should have a deadline.

1. Complete first draft of book #1 by end of April/beginning of May (Objective #1)
   • Complete initial research by January 31st
   • Start writing February 1st
   • Write 1500 words per day until draft completed
2. Complete first draft of book #2 by end of October/beginning of November (Objective #1)
   • Complete initial research by July 31st
   • Start writing August 1st
   • Write 1500 words per day until draft completed
3. Attend RWA National Conference in July (Objective #2, Objective #3)
4. Read Romance Writers Report monthly (Objective #2)
5. Create list of “dream agents” (Objective #3)
   • Determine research method by mid-January (Writer Beware, Predators & Editors, Agents of authors with similar writing styles/genres, etc.)
   • Prepare initial list by mid-February
   • Revise list monthly
6. Query Agents on “dream” list (Objective #3)
   • Create and refine query letter by mid-March
   • Polish partial submission pages (up to 1st three chapters, depending on agent submission policies)
   • Query Agents on list starting in April (lather, rinse, repeat–i.e. on a monthly basis)

I’m sure you can think of more (or different) objectives and goals for this writer. Don’t forget, there’s no right or wrong about any of this–it’s all personal.

Next up is an example career plan and goals of a pre-published writer who has decided to self-publish. It’s a bit more sparse than the first plan because I’m not as familiar with self-publishing, so I’m not as sure about what might be realistic short-, medium-, and long-term objectives.

Long-Term Objectives (5+ years)

Remember, these objectives are the most fluid and subject to change; your “dream prizes.”

• Have multiple books published
• Have at least one book on a Best Seller list

Medium-Term Objectives (2 to 3 years)

Remember, these objectives should seem very achievable if everything goes right

• Have at least one book published
• Have multiple books ready for publishing

Short-Term Objectives (2012)

1. Complete at least the first drafts of multiple books
2. Revise and prepare one (already completed) book for self-publication
3. Learn more about self-publishing
4. Have a plan for self-publication

2012 Goals for Career Plan #2

Remember, your goals should be specific, relevant to your short-term objectives, and they should have a deadline.

1. Complete first draft of book #1 by end of April/beginning of May (Objective #1)
   • Complete initial research by January 31st
   • Start writing February 1st
   • Write 1500 words per day until draft completed
2. Complete first draft of book #2 by end of October/beginning of November (Objective #1)
   • Complete initial research by July 31st
   • Start writing August 1st
   • Write 1500 words per day until draft completed
3. Revise book for self-publication (Objective #2)
   • Choose strongest book by March 1st for first venture into self-publishing (criteria for strongest TBD)
   • Send book to multiple critique partners (at least 2) by mid-March
   • Complete final revisions by mid-August
4. Prepare list of online blogs and websites with articles about self-publishing by end of January (Objective #3)
5. Read articles from list of blogs/websites on a weekly basis (Objective #3)
6. Research how to create various e-book formats by end of April (Objective #3)
7. Research how to design book covers by end of May (Objective #3)
8. Research self-marketing / publicizing by end of August (Objective #3)
9. Research e-book pricing and payout (Objective #3)
10. Create a publication plan by end of November based on research done (Objective #4)

There you have it. If our fictitious writers revisit, revise and track their goals throughout the year, they should be well on their way to meeting their short-term objectives.

Is this the only way to create a career plan and set goals? That would be an emphatic NO. It’s just the method I find works for ME. Hopefully you’ll have found something worthwhile in all of this, and perhaps it will even lead you to create your first career plan–in whatever form works for YOU.

Cheers!

Deborah Wright

How, and whether, you achieve your career objectives depends on the goals you set. Creating realistic goals can make the difference between having your dream writing career and floundering around wondering why the things you want are always out of reach. So, how do you know if you’ve set the right goals?

1. Your Goals are Relevant
   The goals you set are the tasks that will help you achieve the short-term objectives you created in your career plan. If a goal isn’t directly related to that end, ask yourself the following:

   Is it really necessary? If your answer is yes, perhaps you need to revisit your short-term career objectives.

2. Your Goals are Measurable
   The only way to know if you’ve completed a goal is if you have something to measure your progress against. Whether it’s a quantity (for example, words written per day) or end product (completed manuscript) or some other measurement, be sure you have some way to measure success.

3. Your Goals are Attainable
   While you don’t want to set your sights too low, you also don’t want to set them too high. Only you can decide what’s reasonably attainable–these are your goals, not anyone else’s.

4. Your Goals Have a Deadline
   Open-ended goals aren’t goals; they may be career objectives in disguise. Achievable goals have a specific time frame or deadline associated with them. To hope you think of goals in this way, ask yourself the following questions:

   What tasks can I complete in six months?
   What tasks can I complete in three months?
   What tasks can I complete in one month?

Life is subject to change and so are your goals and career plan. You try to create goals that are achievable and relevant to your career plan, but sometimes you’ll have to adjust your goals to meet your current situation. Revisit your goals on a monthly or quarterly basis, whichever works for you. Remember–these are YOUR GOALS–you’re the only one who can determine if they still make sense or not.

I’ll end the career planning series tomorrow with examples of a career plan and associated goals.

Cheers!

Deborah Wright

Knowing you should have a plan is one half of the job; creating that plan is the other half. There are myriad ways to create a career plan and opinions will differ on which way is best. The bottom line is, use the method that works for you. What I use isn’t revolutionary, nor did I invent it. All it is, is the method that works for me.

1. Be honest with yourself.
   This is your career. Don’t worry about what someone else thinks you should do or achieve, or what any other writer is doing. They don’t matter; you do.
2. Create Long-Term Objectives
   Where do you want your writing career to be in 5 years? In 10?
   The further out you create your objectives, the more fluid and subject to change they will be, but they’re still important to write down.

   I think of my long-term objectives as my “dream prizes.” I know there are factors beyond my control that will no doubt affect whether these objectives are ultimately achievable. Having these objectives written down, however, motivates me, even when I’m not consciously thinking about them.

3. Create Medium-Term Objectives
   Where do you want your career to be in 2 to 3 years?
   These objectives should be more concrete and limited in scope than your long-term objectives. They may change, but at the time you write them down they should be things that seem very achievable if everything goes right. Achieving these should put you firmly on the path to achieving your long-term career objectives.

   I think of my medium-term objectives as my strategic plan. These are the things I want to achieve that I see as being just out of my grasp–the things that will make me have to stretch to attain them.

4. Create Short-Term Objectives
   Where do you want your career to be at the end of the year?
   These objectives will be the most specific and limited in scope of all, and they will be the basis for your yearly goals. Achieving these will move you several steps closer to achieving your medium-term career objectives.

   I think of my short-term objectives as my focused target, like the bull’s-eye in the center of a dart board or archery target. These are the objectives I’m focused on for the year. They are the objectives that are least likely to change for me (though they can be changed, if circumstance dictates).

5. Revisit and Revise Your Career Plan Regularly
   How often you revisit your career plan is up to you. I try to look at mine at least every six months or so, though I don’t always remember to do so. However, when I do revisit my plan on a regular basis, I find I’m much more successful than when I ignore it.
    

That’s all there is to it! Come on, admit it, that wasn’t so bad, was it? There’s something rather exciting in thinking about your career–your life–in such concrete terms, don’t you think?

Tomorrow I’ll talk about setting goals to help you achieve the objectives in your career plan.

Cheers!

Deborah Wright