The Secrets or The Disaster
Typically Santa would be blogging about something profound, but…I’m not sure where she is. Or her blog. So I’m going to pirate her spot for a very important decision blog.
Meaning there are TWO online workshops I want to take, but I don’t want to take them at the same time because I know I will only have time for one of them. (Bo’sun is taking two, but she’s an overachiever like that.)
http://lowcountryrwa.com/online-workshops/#2010
I blame the Write Chic blog for even bringing them to my attention–darn though brilliant ladies!–and now I’m torn between the class about Goal-Motivation-Conflict-Diaster AND the one about Characters and Secrets. The GMCD would be great for me now; however, the character-secret one, well, that was just looks way interesting. Plus I think Eve is hiding a secret (though she won’t tell me what it is) and I don’t know if this is the sort of class that might reveal it to me. If I could find them being offered again later this year, I’d take one now and one later, but I can’t see that as an option.
So…what shall I take, pirates? Secrets or Disasters?
February 2nd, 2010 at 9:51 am
Hmm. I would say the GMC class. Your characters always have lots of secrets.
I agree, they both sound good and I’ve never been disappointed with any class I’ve taken from the Lowcountry chapter.
February 2nd, 2010 at 9:52 am
I’m at work and suffocating under my email inbox. I’ll get here as soon as I can. Not looking good for the next few hours.
February 2nd, 2010 at 10:05 am
Wow, we have to choose between disasters and secrets? I love both disasters and secrets but I’m all emo like that.
Um, I think I prefer secrets, if I have to pick. Though a good disaster, particularly in fiction, is useful.
I can see why you’d want to take both. I like both.
February 2nd, 2010 at 10:10 am
*LOL* I’m sorta leaning toward the GMC class (I could always use a refresher course in it), but the secrets keeps calling to me. *LOL* (I can never identify my characters having secrets. *LOL* Well, other than Ben. The man practically born with a secret. I think I’ve accepted that my current characters don’t really have secrets. Not of the earth-shattering variety.)
February 2nd, 2010 at 10:11 am
Terri, no worries. Try not to stab anyone. Talk to you when you can.
February 2nd, 2010 at 10:13 am
See! See my problem!!! Don’t they both sound wonderful? But I can’t do both effectively. I tried to take one just about goals or sparking your creativity, and the instructor was clearly a proponent of Singapore teaching. I thought I was going to be caned for not having as good goals as everyone else. I thought it would just be a fun class, but it was just a lot of work.
So I am not making that mistake again. I can already tell there will be massive homework for both of these classes, and I barely type my two pages a day as it is.
February 2nd, 2010 at 10:53 am
Muchas gracias for the shout out to our blog! It takes forever to put together those workshop posts so it’s very nice to know that people found it helpful.
Both of the workshops sound fantastic! However, my vote is for the GMCD class. Maybe for selfish reasons…I struggle with that particular topic. So yah, maybe you shouldn’t take my advice. Then again, disaster is involved. I like disaster.
February 2nd, 2010 at 11:01 am
Steph, I was in a massive hurry throwing up this blog, but I’ve now gone back and added a link to your blog (and used the correct name. It’s Write Chic, not Writer Chic!)
It was a very comprehensive blog and very, very good. Very inspirational…I swear I wanted to take practically every class offered!! Everyone should go look at that blog and look at the classes available…
February 2nd, 2010 at 11:05 am
I’ve already weighed in on this discussion. Disasters, of course. Always disasters. Disasters are the key to everything.
February 2nd, 2010 at 11:13 am
I agree with you! I’ve taken two classes at once and didn’t do justice to either of them. The secrets one does sound good…
February 2nd, 2010 at 11:13 am
wow, both of those courses sound awesome.
Personally, I’d take the secrets course. The primary information in the GMC course, while excellent, can also be learned through reading a Dwight Swain book (I highly recommend any of them!) and Debra Dixon’s GMC book. Character secrets, on the other hand, just sounds amazing, new and refreshing. And even if this GMC exact course isn’t offered again, a similar one will be.
In fact, I may have to jump into the secrets workshop. I have a protagonist who is keeping all sorts of secrets! Hmmmm….
February 2nd, 2010 at 11:16 am
Off the top of me head, I’d go for secrets…but I’ll read up on the two and reserve the right ta change me mind.
As always.
February 2nd, 2010 at 11:17 am
dude. Steph, that blog on workshops is amazing!
February 2nd, 2010 at 11:19 am
I agree with Hal and you, Hellion, about the workshop blog. Really useful information organized well. I could have used the one on rewriting before I finished my edit from Hell.
February 2nd, 2010 at 11:34 am
Okay, we’re up to 3 vs 3 on the workshops.
Dee, you’re not allowed to now pick Secrets. You’re supposed to be helping me! *LOL*
February 2nd, 2010 at 11:39 am
If you pick secrets, I’m going to do it with you.
February 2nd, 2010 at 11:49 am
Dude if you pick secrets, then I can do disasters and we can exchange notes! Hello!!!
What Dwight Swain book do you recommend? I know books are good, but there is something about a well-done class where you’re working through it that lightbulbs it for you.
Believe me, the Debra Dixon class is much better in PERSON than in book format. It just makes more sense.
February 2nd, 2010 at 12:00 pm
ohh! Yes! of course! We can swap notes…
total blond moment there…..intelligence now rebooting and will be back momentarily…
I’ve heard that his Author” is worth its weight in gold. Though I totally agree that a class can really help more than just reading through it. I can totally see how GMC in person and out loud works better.
February 2nd, 2010 at 12:01 pm
Uh, that was supposed to be:
“Techniques of a Selling Author” is worth its weigh in gold. I erased the wrong half of that sentence
February 2nd, 2010 at 12:07 pm
It better be. *LOL* I am getting that impression. Even the used copies are going for $17. Amazon will sell it to you for $20. (I’m so spoiled to major discounts.)
Hmm.
I’m still thinking. As I said in the blog: the GMC seems most useful (esp since I’m bad about identifying how to make my scenes sequels–you know the yes-but or no-furthermore), embracing MORE conflict and making it worse for everyone. I need a class titled, “It Can Always Be Worse” with techniques of HOW to make it more awful for all your characters all the time. Taught by Charles Dickens, obviously.
But the secrets is so alluring! *LOL*
February 2nd, 2010 at 12:25 pm
Whatever you decide for now, Hellie, surely you’re taking “The Pirates Guide to a Successful Publishing Career.” LOL! I’ve never taken an online class–or an offline one, for that matter–except for a couple of creative writing courses in grad school that were, predictably, geared for the aspiring writer of “serious literature.” But the “Marketing for the Introvert” may persuade me to give one a try. I really need that one.
February 2nd, 2010 at 12:32 pm
*coming up for air*
I’d go with the secrets one. As Hal mentioned, GMC courses run all the time offered by several different chapters/instructors. That secrets one sounds good and unique and once you learn your characters’ secrets, you learn their motivation AND their conflicts.
I say SECRETS!
February 2nd, 2010 at 12:34 pm
except for a couple of creative writing courses in grad school that were, predictably, geared for the aspiring writer of “serious literature.”
I’d love to see the syllabus for this class.
Objectives:
1) how best to kill off your main characters
2) how best to leave your readers with an unhappy ending
3) how best to sneer at “fluff writers” who wish to make money rather than make a statement
4) how best to be ‘artistic’ and ‘creative’ with punctuation, paragraphing, and verb tense to make the biggest statement about your literature
February 2nd, 2010 at 12:36 pm
Ooh! With Bo’sun’s weigh in, the secrets has NOW pulled ahead!! And I like the whole “secrets” are the key to the motivation…and the “you can take GMC later.” *LOL*
February 2nd, 2010 at 1:21 pm
I’ve now read course descriptions and have to go with the sectets one… I love Swain’s book, but the secrets class really does sound fun. And I’m all for the fun!
February 2nd, 2010 at 1:22 pm
I’ve now read course descriptions and have to stick with the secrets one… I love Swain’s book, but the secrets class really does sound fun. And I’m all for the fun!
February 2nd, 2010 at 1:28 pm
It’s Groundhogs Day and I’m living Bill Murray’s life! Again!
February 2nd, 2010 at 1:30 pm
*LOL* I love Groundhog’s Day. One of Bill’s best movies.
February 2nd, 2010 at 1:32 pm
Oh, and just because you’re living Bill’s life doesn’t mean you get to cast two votes.
Disasters: 3
Secrets: 5
February 2nd, 2010 at 1:40 pm
I wasn’t trying to cheat and get two votes, Captain. I went back and read the descriptions of the workshops…and wish I’d seen them before they started…
Though the way I’m feeling today, probably a good idea I’m not taking a class.
I need a very big drink and an uzi.
So, I’m also living Sin’s life!?
February 2nd, 2010 at 1:49 pm
I’m having dejavu… what is “SECRETS!” from? A past RWA? Am I going crazy?
Groundhogs are so freaking cute. I just want to cuddle with one. I’m sure it would gouge my eyes out but that’s beside the point.
February 2nd, 2010 at 1:51 pm
I’m sure it would gouge my eyes out but that’s beside the point.
That would be a whole different movie!
Groundhogs Day…The REVENGE!
February 2nd, 2010 at 1:55 pm
*LOL* Steph, the SECRETS was a RWA Conference inside joke. One of the free books that got passed around–erotic literature.
February 2nd, 2010 at 1:56 pm
I’m having an ELF moment with that Groundhog imagery. “Does someone need a hug?”
February 2nd, 2010 at 1:56 pm
Oh yes! Memory? Jogged.
February 2nd, 2010 at 1:57 pm
Chanceroo, LMFAO. You think I carry around an uzi?
February 2nd, 2010 at 1:58 pm
All I can see is the Caddyshack rat popping up out of the ground with an uzi now and chewing on a cigar.
February 2nd, 2010 at 2:02 pm
I think you would if you could, Sinsister.
Ah, no lines at Starbucks…
February 2nd, 2010 at 2:10 pm
Sin – I figure you’re MO answer to Ziva. Or Fiona…
February 2nd, 2010 at 2:10 pm
that would be for Missouri… that is where you live, right? I’m really have a seriosly FU day…
February 2nd, 2010 at 2:17 pm
As someone who adores both Ziva and Fiona, and is also from the glorious state of Missouri, I second Chanceroo’s opinion that Sin is Missouri’s answer to such badassery.
February 2nd, 2010 at 2:17 pm
I think Sin and 2nd are both smoking weed and not sharing with the rest of the class.
Biotches.
February 2nd, 2010 at 2:18 pm
Hal is in on the weed too? Am I the only one not invited to the circle? What am I, the Jackie of the group?
February 2nd, 2010 at 2:23 pm
I’ll share. Come over here, honey, I’ll even smoke you out.
February 2nd, 2010 at 2:23 pm
Yeah, well…you’re so mean, we’re not sharing…
February 2nd, 2010 at 2:23 pm
how did Uzi’s even come up today, anyway?
February 2nd, 2010 at 2:23 pm
*LOL* While I’ve seen some of NCIS and none of Burn Notice, I will take that as a VERY high compliment. I’m feeling very badassery today.
And if I had some, I’d march my ass down- what, 6 blocks- and share and then the day would really kick some ass.
February 2nd, 2010 at 2:24 pm
I have no idea where the Uzi came from. Apparently I tote it while walking to the mailbox.
February 2nd, 2010 at 2:24 pm
Oh, god, Hal is going to hotbox Hells. I’ve got to get video on that.
February 2nd, 2010 at 2:26 pm
I brought up the Uzi… It’s an uzi day…
February 2nd, 2010 at 2:28 pm
Dude, I’d meet you three blocks. Let’s blow this Popsicle stand.
February 2nd, 2010 at 2:29 pm
I’m totally having one of those montage Will Ferrell moments where him and the crew are walking to some ’80’s hairband music down the street and kicking ass. LOL
February 2nd, 2010 at 2:31 pm
I think I brought up the uzi…
February 2nd, 2010 at 2:34 pm
it’s groundhog day. We can use that as the excuse.
February 2nd, 2010 at 2:36 pm
Who knows who brought up the Uzi. Now that it’s here don’t take it away from me. I’ve grown attached to it.
February 2nd, 2010 at 2:36 pm
That’s one weapon I’ve not used yet. *pondering* How could I make that work… Hm.
February 2nd, 2010 at 2:40 pm
I just like how it’s spelled and sounds… Something sexy about it.
Sin, with an uzi…in the conservatory.
February 2nd, 2010 at 2:43 pm
Bond wouldn’t have a chance. LOL
February 2nd, 2010 at 2:51 pm
Man, Sin…you’d love Fiona…her being a weapons dealer and knowing guns like Betty Crocker knows recipes…
February 2nd, 2010 at 2:53 pm
I heart her already. When and if we get cable, I must start watching that show.
February 2nd, 2010 at 2:56 pm
My favorite Fiona quote is: “I got such a good deal, I may actually be better at buying guns than shoes. And believe me, I’m very good at buying shoes.”
February 2nd, 2010 at 2:57 pm
LMAO, quite possibly that is my favorite quote of all time.
February 2nd, 2010 at 2:58 pm
My favorite scene with an Uzi still has to be Sally Sweets getting of a bus in an evening gown, carrying an Uzi.
For those of you who don’t read Stephanie Plum, think a really big, black, transvestite, decked out in evening wear, running down gang-bangers with a school bus, and then climbing out in heels, carrying an Uzi. Priceless!
February 2nd, 2010 at 2:59 pm
Favorite Fiona scene? When she was playing soldiers with that little boy and teaching him about sniper rifles and all…with his little gi joes.
February 2nd, 2010 at 3:00 pm
Gee, we hijacked Hel’s blog… Which class won?
February 2nd, 2010 at 3:01 pm
And is there an uzi involved in either class?
February 2nd, 2010 at 3:06 pm
Secrets won. I’ve signed up.
February 2nd, 2010 at 3:08 pm
yay! I’m going to sign up too. We’ll do it together
February 2nd, 2010 at 3:10 pm
Woohooo!
February 2nd, 2010 at 3:10 pm
Hasn’t it already started?
February 2nd, 2010 at 3:13 pm
today’s the deadline to sign up.
February 2nd, 2010 at 3:19 pm
Yep, today is the deadline for these two courses. (I might look at something for March next. *LOL*)
February 2nd, 2010 at 3:19 pm
Have I mentioned I’m having a brain dead day? ;(
February 2nd, 2010 at 3:20 pm
I just can’t face a class this month… Yeah, maybe March.
February 2nd, 2010 at 3:21 pm
Okay, I think I got signed up. I sent in the email form thingy, and paid via paypal. Hopefully it worked *g*
February 2nd, 2010 at 3:21 pm
There’s a plotting for pantsers, 2nd. You should try that.
February 2nd, 2010 at 3:22 pm
Yeah! That’s what I did too. I’m already going, “Why haven’t they emailed me an invite to the group yet?” I need to settle down. *LOL*
February 2nd, 2010 at 3:25 pm
LOL! I was thinking the same thing. I’ve actually never done an online workshop before, so I’m just going to (virtually) follow you around and do what you do
February 2nd, 2010 at 3:25 pm
OK, I may have to take the “Pirates Guide…” class. That author sounds like my long lost sister!
February 2nd, 2010 at 3:27 pm
Dude, weren’t you paying attention that the last time I tried a class I was nearly caned for not participating effectively?
February 2nd, 2010 at 3:30 pm
To kinda-sorta-paraphrase SIN
I say Secrets, of course. Always Secrets. Secrets are the key to everything.SecretsSecretsSecrets
February 2nd, 2010 at 3:31 pm
Wow, that is like the third time you’ve mentioned canes…you trying new things out, Hel?
February 2nd, 2010 at 3:34 pm
And I’m thinking of an interesting plot for a story … SINuzi the SecretShoeShopper-slash-Spy!
February 2nd, 2010 at 3:34 pm
Julie definitely remembers the joke. *LOL*
And Secrets has definitely won the day. *LOL*
February 2nd, 2010 at 3:34 pm
2nd, if I was going to try out new things, I’d try the weed, not the caning.
February 2nd, 2010 at 3:45 pm
Dude, weren’t you paying attention that the last time I tried a class I was nearly caned for not participating effectively?
No!!!! LMAO! That’s freakin hilarious!
February 2nd, 2010 at 3:50 pm
And it was a class about SPARKING CREATIVITY! But I kept getting dinged for not having very good GOALS for myself. And finally the teacher was all, “Well, if that’s what you want. Just remember to do this again later when you have more time to reflect.”
And it wasn’t like goals for writing. It was goals for life. “Where do you see yourself 5/10/20 years from now?”
Clearly saying something like, “I see myself STILL working here, getting cost-of-living-raises and wondering if I will even endeavor to write something that isn’t totally bizarre.”
I was THAT student. You know, the student that makes you regret you went into teaching.
February 2nd, 2010 at 4:36 pm
LOL. Wow, I had no idea online workshops were so intense *g*. I’m that student too. I actually had a professor at school last month roll his eyes when I raised my hand to answer a question. Yeesh. lol.
February 2nd, 2010 at 4:39 pm
Or …
Since we’re talking about positive life goals here
… how about discribing yourself as The Student that makes you Happy that you didn’t?
February 2nd, 2010 at 5:16 pm
Yeah, Jules, that’s exactly the sort of word play she kept insisting on. Tomato, tomato…
Honestly.
February 2nd, 2010 at 5:24 pm
Oooo! Was she a westcoaster? Sounds like one a’ me hippy-dippy friends!
But try to imagine a goal like…world peace…
February 2nd, 2010 at 5:28 pm
She might have been. I’ve tried to block her from my mind.
My student worker is hippy-dippy. She was talking about her sociology class–gender issues, et al, and how modern young men behave. She was totally flabbergasted that men would actually categorize women as either someone to marry or someone to screw.
After I showed a decided lack of surprise or outrage at this news, she asked me when men would outgrown this obvious flaw. I laughed at her until she left the room in a huff.
She means well. Bless her.
February 2nd, 2010 at 5:40 pm
Hey, men do outgrow this flaw. Boys don’t. Even big, grown up boys. 40, 50,60 year old boys.
But yeah, ain’t it fun when the young and innocent get all outraged?
February 2nd, 2010 at 9:22 pm
*wicked grin* It IS fun. I mean, I remember thinking, when I was young, that if I just dated an older guy–like 24, 25–he’d be so much more mature than my fellow 18-year-olds. It was so appalling to learn how wrong that thinking was.
Now I’m old and I just have given up hope. Now if any of them shows remotest intelligence, I have to work on not looking completely flabbergasted. Which never works because I’m a horrible actress.