We're Moving!

It's true! Alice Benton's Blog will continue, but we are moving to another address. Our new year kicks off with a relocation from here at blog spot to AliceBenton.com. We want you to come visit us there. So, remember to return to us in 2012 on my website. You're invited of course and we want you tell your friends too.

We are starting next year with a week long birthday party! We will be turning one year old on Friday, January 6th and want to celebrate with you. So meet us at our new address on the 1st!


Link: AliceBenton.com

*Posts you may enjoy:

Blog Intentions
January 2012
What's Next?

You Wanna Write...Read

Lately, I have been fortunate enough to learn many things from various people on writing. Much of the information I have been able to gather has been a Godsend. While I must admit that I have been actively attempting to hone my craft, the best advice I can give an aspiring author is to read.

It is extremely important to peruse all types of literature including newspapers and magazines, but don't stop there. If you're writing a novel, you should spend as much time as possible reading novels. One reason to be well read in your field is to know what's out there. If your story is supposed to be innovative, you might want to make sure it hasn't been done a thousand times. Another reason to pour yourself into the task at hand is to simply see how things are done. Remarkably, many small questions you might have can be answered when reading a book. Just be careful to limit obtaining answers this way to trusted and well-seasoned authors.

I, for the record am a fan of doing whatever works for you. Keep in mind that your needs may change as you develop your skill. Seek help whenever possible. There are paid courses available everywhere! There are also some experts willing to give you information for free. Submerge yourself in the world of writing today!


Link:

Write to Publish

*Posts you may enjoy:

Maisha Walker & Message Medium
NYU Free Writing Classes
Panel Discussion on Social & Online Media Monetizing

NYU Free Writing Classes

New York University (NYU) School of Continuing and Professional Studies (SCPS) has done it again! This fall they are offering free writing classes. The four class series began Monday, September 26^th, but will end in December. One class will be held per month in the NYU Bookstore located at 726 Broadway, New York, NY from 6:30 to 8 p.m. The schedule is as follows:

Monday, September 26^th - Marc Acito - Introducing Story Structure

Wednesday, October 5^th -  Karol Nielson - Memoir: The Essentials

Wednesday, November 9^th - Ramin Ganeshram - Incorporating Food into Whatever You Write

Wednesday, December 7^{th -}  Lori Fischer - Five Traits Every Great Character Has In Common

NYU invites both aspiring, as well professional writers to attend. Each mini class is taught lecture style by Master teachers from the Writing Program at SCPS. They’ll autograph their books afterwards and advise writers too.

The first class was absolutely amazing!

Link:

http://www.nyunews.com/news/2011/09/26/26writing/

*Posts you may enjoy:

Book Ideas
Male Character's From Women Writers
Writer's Block

Book Ideas

You have a fantastic story idea. It’s rolling around in your head fighting to get out. You are absolutely certain that if you are allowed to pitch it, you would make millions. So, you ask anyone that is willing to listen, how to get started. Well, the answer is clear, just let the story out.

Ideas are great, but when it comes down to it your story will speak for itself. If your old school, dedicate a notebook to writing the story down. If you're more modern get to typing. There is even a solution for those of you who are not inclined to do either of the previously mentioned methods. Buy a recorder and speak your story into being. 

There is plenty of time to worry about next steps. In my opinion, the story comes first. Believe it or not, even the best of ideas can be forgotten with enough time and life interruptions. So don't rob yourself nor society of your enhanced literary views. Once the story has been created you can move on to the next step.

*Posts you may enjoy:

Male Character's From Women Writers: Writing For The Opposite Sex

Revelations

Writer's Block

Writer's Block

Lately, I have been experiencing a small bout of writer's block. I have never had it before and found it a little disturbing. My mind began to race, as I tried to figure out the answer to my question. Why now?


I don't know why others go through it, but my reason is now clear. I looked at my life, which revealed a change. My mind was cluttered because of issues I have been experiencing. I was getting lost in the natural.

I have to remember to pray and meditate always. It's very important because I don't want to give any more energy to problems. When I take time to clear my mind of negative woes, the words flow. My positive natural flow takes over. It urges forth things to communicate.

Regardless of what you may be blocking, set it free. Schedule time to breathe and clear your my mind.


*Posts you may enjoy:
Beauty in Pain on Facebook
Positive Decisions
Writing Male Characters

Male Characters from Women Writers: Writing for the Opposite Sex

To date, I have only ever gotten into writing one male character.  His name is Lem and there is an entire chapter in my upcoming 2011 novel, Beauty in Pain, dedicated to him.

 

I found the creation of Lem and his “voice” to be easier than I thought.  To tackle this fictional personality I referenced past history, stories I have heard, things I have seen and basic observation.  I did not focus on what I wanted him to say, how I wanted him to be or how this character could please.  My concern was purely how he fit into my story and was it believable.

 

After all, as women we know what men sound like.  So, I decided for the most part to trust my instincts.  I also had a male friend read that section.  He shared his opinion, as well as offered advice.  My friend mostly commented on inserting additional comments.  Some I agreed with and others took the story too far to the left.  This character is powerful and I would often down play him to position him correctly.

 

My advice to fellow women writers about their male characters is simple. First, believe in what it is that you know.  Believe me, you know more than you realize.  Second, abandon your need to fix him; making your character look perfect.  That isn't necessary because people are not perfect.  Third, consult other trusted writers.  Last, get a trusted male opinion while remembering it’s still your story.


Men, the same is true for you.  You've been talking to women you're whole life.  Accessing those previously held talks are where you start for the voice of your women characters.

*Posts you may enjoy:
Behind the Scenes Fact about Beauty in Pain Character Lem
Beauty in Pain (Upcoming Novel) Character Introduction - Lem