First review is up on my blog under reviews. Check it out.
P.S. I am always looking for new Young Adult Fantasy books
to read. If you have any suggestions let me know. I will post
a review once I am done reading.
Sincerely,
R.J. Ropsen
Monday, October 31, 2011
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Update on Novel
After two weeks of writing:
[x] Finished my 1st draft last week; 80 pages & 18,000 words.
[x] Got all my ideas down for my novel in my 1st draft.
[x] Started my 2nd draft focusing on tone and word choice.
[x] Wrote 33 pages in 2nd draft, around 8,000 words.
[x] Fixed my prologue so it flows better and is more exciting.
[x] Finished writing 3 chapters working on 4th chapter.
[x] Read sections of my novel out loud making sure it flows well.
[x] Finally picked title for my novel.
[x] Realized this book will be the 2nd in a series.
To do list tonight:
[ ] Try to complete the next chapter of my novel!
Wish me luck!
[x] Finished my 1st draft last week; 80 pages & 18,000 words.
[x] Got all my ideas down for my novel in my 1st draft.
[x] Started my 2nd draft focusing on tone and word choice.
[x] Wrote 33 pages in 2nd draft, around 8,000 words.
[x] Fixed my prologue so it flows better and is more exciting.
[x] Finished writing 3 chapters working on 4th chapter.
[x] Read sections of my novel out loud making sure it flows well.
[x] Finally picked title for my novel.
[x] Realized this book will be the 2nd in a series.
To do list tonight:
[ ] Try to complete the next chapter of my novel!
Wish me luck!
Monday, October 24, 2011
10 Fantasy Books I've Enjoyed Reading
Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling
Bartimeaus Trilogy by Jonathan Stroud
The Giver Series by Lois Lowry
Wrinkle in Time by Madeline L' Engle
Among the Hidden by Margaret Peterson Haddix
Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card
The Last Book in the Universe by Rodman Philbrick
The House of the Scorpion by Nancy Farmer
City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau
Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer
Sincerely,
R.J. Ropsen
Bartimeaus Trilogy by Jonathan Stroud
The Giver Series by Lois Lowry
Wrinkle in Time by Madeline L' Engle
Among the Hidden by Margaret Peterson Haddix
Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card
The Last Book in the Universe by Rodman Philbrick
The House of the Scorpion by Nancy Farmer
City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau
Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer
Sincerely,
R.J. Ropsen
Sunday, October 23, 2011
What works for me as a writer?
Here are a five things I have discovered work for me as a writer.
1. Having a netbook.
My netbook allows me to write anywhere, and I take it everywhere. I got a used netbook for around $150, and I have been using it a lot. Now I can write in the car, at a park, or even at a restaurant that has free Wi-Fi.
2. Writing my first draft as quick as possible.
After the first 30 pages of my first draft I was having a hard time thinking of what was going to happen next. I was too worried about how my writing was sounding and could not come up with any ideas. So instead, I decided to write without correcting anything, and as fast as I could. This helped me with my ideas and I was able to finish my first draft in a week. Now I can go back and work on the tone of my novel.
3. Finding the best time to work.
I have found that 11pm to about 4am works best for me. This is when everyone else is in bed, so I have no interruptions. Without distractions I am able to write considerably better.
4. Reading books in the same point of view as my story.
I got a few books from the Library that I really enjoyed reading, which are in the same point of view as my story. When I looked at the novels again, this time I studied them as a writer. What did I like in there writing? What worked well for them? This made it more clear what I was lacking in my own novel.
5. Reading my novel out loud when I am writing.
Now I am working on my second draft, and am trying to develop a good tone and flow. I tend to write a couple of paragraphs and then read them out loud. This helps me see what flows well and what does not. Reading aloud also allows me to edit my work better. Because I am reading slower I can see the errors in my writing.
Sincerely,
R.J. Ropsen
1. Having a netbook.
My netbook allows me to write anywhere, and I take it everywhere. I got a used netbook for around $150, and I have been using it a lot. Now I can write in the car, at a park, or even at a restaurant that has free Wi-Fi.
2. Writing my first draft as quick as possible.
After the first 30 pages of my first draft I was having a hard time thinking of what was going to happen next. I was too worried about how my writing was sounding and could not come up with any ideas. So instead, I decided to write without correcting anything, and as fast as I could. This helped me with my ideas and I was able to finish my first draft in a week. Now I can go back and work on the tone of my novel.
3. Finding the best time to work.
I have found that 11pm to about 4am works best for me. This is when everyone else is in bed, so I have no interruptions. Without distractions I am able to write considerably better.
4. Reading books in the same point of view as my story.
I got a few books from the Library that I really enjoyed reading, which are in the same point of view as my story. When I looked at the novels again, this time I studied them as a writer. What did I like in there writing? What worked well for them? This made it more clear what I was lacking in my own novel.
5. Reading my novel out loud when I am writing.
Now I am working on my second draft, and am trying to develop a good tone and flow. I tend to write a couple of paragraphs and then read them out loud. This helps me see what flows well and what does not. Reading aloud also allows me to edit my work better. Because I am reading slower I can see the errors in my writing.
Sincerely,
R.J. Ropsen
Friday, October 21, 2011
First Drafts
Here is something I found entitled, "How Good Is Your First Draft?". I thought it had a good take on first drafts so decided to post it. Check it out.
Sincerely,
R.J. Ropsen
Sincerely,
R.J. Ropsen
Thursday, October 20, 2011
The Beginning
Over the years I have read countless stories and have developed a passion for reading. I have enjoyed books by Lois Lowry, Orson Scott Card, Jonathan Stroud, J.K. Rowling and many other authors. These books have brought joy to my life, submersing me in worlds I could hardly even imagine.
One day I decided that I wanted to create a book that allowed others to enjoy themselves as much as I had. This idea started at a young age. When I was a child and the teachers asked us what you wanted to be when you grew up; I wanted to be a writer. Now I am taking a chance and am starting my very first novel.
I hope that you will join me as I begin my journey. I will continue to post along the way, as I will surely continue to write.
Sincerely,
R.J. Ropsen
One day I decided that I wanted to create a book that allowed others to enjoy themselves as much as I had. This idea started at a young age. When I was a child and the teachers asked us what you wanted to be when you grew up; I wanted to be a writer. Now I am taking a chance and am starting my very first novel.
I hope that you will join me as I begin my journey. I will continue to post along the way, as I will surely continue to write.
Sincerely,
R.J. Ropsen
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