Currently, I'm in the process of setting up another blog. I'm pretty sure it's a crazy idea, but we'll see how things go.
Criminal Lines will be my main blog, Ashton's Diaries will be my place to journal about all things literary, and A Crime Writer's Kitchen will be an escape for all who love to cook.
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
I'm Back
Hello,
My readers have questions and I've written a statement below to help provide a brief answer.
Since 2006-2011 there has been a significant change in my life, personal and career wise. It has taken some time to catch up, which I'm still doing.
I have much to share and so little time to do it in. So bear with me while I work to build this blog into what you've been looking for. A place for the newest updates on my upcoming books and entries about my writing journey.
I appreciate all of my supporters. Thank you for everything.
Sincerely,
Marguerite Ashton
My readers have questions and I've written a statement below to help provide a brief answer.
Since 2006-2011 there has been a significant change in my life, personal and career wise. It has taken some time to catch up, which I'm still doing.
I have much to share and so little time to do it in. So bear with me while I work to build this blog into what you've been looking for. A place for the newest updates on my upcoming books and entries about my writing journey.
I appreciate all of my supporters. Thank you for everything.
Sincerely,
Marguerite Ashton
Saturday, March 10, 2012
A Day of Classics: The Picture of Dorian Gray – 1945
How many of us own a portrait of ourselves that will age while we keep our youthful appearance? Nobody.
The Picture of Dorian Gray is a very good film in which Dorian Gray, played by Hurd Hatfield, is manipulated by Lord Henry into making a wish in front of an Egyptian statue. Dorian offers his soul in return to keep his youthful appearance, not realizing the emotional consequences that lay ahead.
Soon a romance blooms between him and singer Sibyl Vane who is played by Angela Lansbury. When Lord Henry learns of the relationship, he tricks Dorian into playing a cruel joke in order to test her—which ends in tragedy.
Years pass and Dorian still remains unchanged. His portrait, on the other hand, begins to show Dorian’s age along with the physical and emotional scarring of the life he leads.
Stuck in his own personal hell, his secret begins to surface as his best friend, an old lover, and Sibyl’s family are on the verge of discovering the truth behind the “perfect” Dorian Gray.
What other movies do you suggest that may be similar?
The Picture of Dorian Gray is a very good film in which Dorian Gray, played by Hurd Hatfield, is manipulated by Lord Henry into making a wish in front of an Egyptian statue. Dorian offers his soul in return to keep his youthful appearance, not realizing the emotional consequences that lay ahead.
Soon a romance blooms between him and singer Sibyl Vane who is played by Angela Lansbury. When Lord Henry learns of the relationship, he tricks Dorian into playing a cruel joke in order to test her—which ends in tragedy.
Years pass and Dorian still remains unchanged. His portrait, on the other hand, begins to show Dorian’s age along with the physical and emotional scarring of the life he leads.
Stuck in his own personal hell, his secret begins to surface as his best friend, an old lover, and Sibyl’s family are on the verge of discovering the truth behind the “perfect” Dorian Gray.
What other movies do you suggest that may be similar?
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Catching Up
Due to a recent family emergency, I am currently behind on posts. Please bear with me as I catch up.
Thank you for your continued support.
Thank you for your continued support.
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
The Writer’s Workout Q & A with Guest Blogger: Christina Katz
So, what’s The Writer’s Workout all about?
The Writer’s Workout contains 366 ideas—one idea per day—intended to encourage writers into prosperous action. It reviews critical skills for every writer such as improving craft, learning to sell work, how and when to specialize, ways to keep learning and growing, self-promotion from the basics through advanced topics, and how to balance traditional publication with self-publication.
What makes The Writer’s Workout different from your first two books?
Like all my books, The Writer’s Workout is a mashup of various types of writing instruction. However this book contains a distillation of my experience, my students’ collective experiences over the past decade, and the universal experience of being a writer across the ages in the form of what I hope are 366 timeless quotes. This is my third book and it differs from my first two books quite a bit in focus, objective, and format.
How is The Writer’s Workout different from other writing books already out there?
One thing that makes The Writer’s Workout unique is that the rise and fall of the how-to curve is set against the backdrop of the seasons of the year. The seasonal backdrop helped me deliver advice for writers on four levels: beginner, intermediate, seasoned pro, and veteran—each paralleling a season: spring, summer, fall, or winter. The result, I hope, is one idea every day that will help writers find and maintain literary momentum all year long in these highly distracted times.
Some people say these are tough times for writers. Others say there are opportunities around every corner. What do you say?
I say we are living in a gig economy, where professionals are stringing freelance jobs together into creative careers. We’re all doing the best we can, finding and maintaining our momentum. Not only can The Writer’s Workout assist folks who are just getting started supplementing their income with writing, it can help people who have already been writing professionally recognize that there are more opportunities to build income streams writing than any of us have realized. And then it’s just a matter of choosing the goals that will best suit your goals.
How did you come to write The Writer’s Workout?
Prior to landing the deal for this book, I was offered the opportunity to write a different book about how to be an organized writer—a topic that, unfortunately, did not feel like a good fit for the way I work.
I recommended a former student for the job and started asking myself, if not that book, then what book did I want to write? Jane Friedman, then publisher at Writer’s Digest, and I sat down in an airport restaurant after the Writer’s Digest conference in January 2010, and brainstormed the idea that evolved into The Writer’s Workout. Basically, I wanted to encapsulate everything that I’d learned from working closely with hundreds of writers over ten years. Two years and many thousands of words later, here it is.
I understand your book is almost 400-pages long, yet you offer classes on writing “short stuff” and “micro-publishing.” How do you reconcile this apparent double standard?
You have to look at it this way: the book is 366 short pieces collected and placed in an order that creates a longer movement. That’s exactly how I was taught to write fiction in graduate school. This write short before you write long school-of-thought is also how I teach writers to draft and polish publishable work. We start short and then extend the jumps until, next thing you know, the writer is writing long pieces like features, e-books and even books. How? By pulling together shorter pieces to create longer pieces.
You have been called a “gentle taskmaster” by your students. What does this mean and why would writers need this kind of help?
A coach is a person who trains others to perform better. Every writer needs a kick in the pants now and then. This book has plenty of boots in the caboose and also acknowledges the challenging times we’re living in. Reading this book is like having a personal coach for your writing career, who holds you accountable to your potential, every day of the year. Get this book if you would like to have your own personal coach without the massive expense of paying for one. You’ll be your own best writing coach by the time the book is done.
Our workdays are constantly disrupted these days. What do you say to the writer who has trouble focusing and following through?
I rarely hear students in my training groups complaining about dramas or distractions in their lives. If something upsets their focus, it’s a major life disturbance like a trip to the emergency room, a spouse’s job loss, or a death in the family. That’s life calling, not a distraction.
Our attention can be hijacked by one hundred and one meaningless distractions per minute. I say turn up the focus and the distractions will fall away. Drama and distraction are not necessary for self-expression but they sure can impede it. I say keep the drama on the page. You can get hooked on making grounded creative progress just as you can get hooked on chasing every distraction and fanning the flames of every potential drama. The cure for discouragement is accomplishing a short-term objective every day.
I understand The Writer’s Workout originally had a different title. What was the original title?
The Writer’s Workout actually had three previous titles. I’ll share them if folks, who have read the book, will tell me which they think is the best match with the final version.
Any final comments you would like to make in closing?
At the end of the day, it does not matter if you are self-published or traditionally published, blogging or not blogging, a book-sniffer or a digital diva, a social media maven or a social media deer-in-the-headlights—what matters is that you cultivate the creativity that wants to be expressed through you. That’s your job. Go do it!
Christina Katz is the author of three books from Writer’s Digest: The Writer’s Workout, Get Known Before the Book Deal, and Writer Mama. Her writing career tips and parenting advice appear regularly in national, regional, and online publications. A “gentle taskmaster” over the past decade to hundreds of writers, Christina’s students go from unpublished to published, build professional writing career skills, and increase their creative confidence over time. She holds an MFA in creative writing from Columbia College Chicago and a BA in English from Dartmouth College. A popular speaker on creative career growth, Christina presents for writing conferences, literary events, MFA writing programs, and libraries. She is the creator and host of the Northwest Author Series in Wilsonville, Oregon, where she lives with her husband, her daughter, and far too many pets.
Learn more at ChristinaKatz.com.
The Writer’s Workout contains 366 ideas—one idea per day—intended to encourage writers into prosperous action. It reviews critical skills for every writer such as improving craft, learning to sell work, how and when to specialize, ways to keep learning and growing, self-promotion from the basics through advanced topics, and how to balance traditional publication with self-publication.
What makes The Writer’s Workout different from your first two books?
Like all my books, The Writer’s Workout is a mashup of various types of writing instruction. However this book contains a distillation of my experience, my students’ collective experiences over the past decade, and the universal experience of being a writer across the ages in the form of what I hope are 366 timeless quotes. This is my third book and it differs from my first two books quite a bit in focus, objective, and format.
How is The Writer’s Workout different from other writing books already out there?
One thing that makes The Writer’s Workout unique is that the rise and fall of the how-to curve is set against the backdrop of the seasons of the year. The seasonal backdrop helped me deliver advice for writers on four levels: beginner, intermediate, seasoned pro, and veteran—each paralleling a season: spring, summer, fall, or winter. The result, I hope, is one idea every day that will help writers find and maintain literary momentum all year long in these highly distracted times.
Some people say these are tough times for writers. Others say there are opportunities around every corner. What do you say?
I say we are living in a gig economy, where professionals are stringing freelance jobs together into creative careers. We’re all doing the best we can, finding and maintaining our momentum. Not only can The Writer’s Workout assist folks who are just getting started supplementing their income with writing, it can help people who have already been writing professionally recognize that there are more opportunities to build income streams writing than any of us have realized. And then it’s just a matter of choosing the goals that will best suit your goals.
How did you come to write The Writer’s Workout?
Prior to landing the deal for this book, I was offered the opportunity to write a different book about how to be an organized writer—a topic that, unfortunately, did not feel like a good fit for the way I work.
I recommended a former student for the job and started asking myself, if not that book, then what book did I want to write? Jane Friedman, then publisher at Writer’s Digest, and I sat down in an airport restaurant after the Writer’s Digest conference in January 2010, and brainstormed the idea that evolved into The Writer’s Workout. Basically, I wanted to encapsulate everything that I’d learned from working closely with hundreds of writers over ten years. Two years and many thousands of words later, here it is.
I understand your book is almost 400-pages long, yet you offer classes on writing “short stuff” and “micro-publishing.” How do you reconcile this apparent double standard?
You have to look at it this way: the book is 366 short pieces collected and placed in an order that creates a longer movement. That’s exactly how I was taught to write fiction in graduate school. This write short before you write long school-of-thought is also how I teach writers to draft and polish publishable work. We start short and then extend the jumps until, next thing you know, the writer is writing long pieces like features, e-books and even books. How? By pulling together shorter pieces to create longer pieces.
You have been called a “gentle taskmaster” by your students. What does this mean and why would writers need this kind of help?
A coach is a person who trains others to perform better. Every writer needs a kick in the pants now and then. This book has plenty of boots in the caboose and also acknowledges the challenging times we’re living in. Reading this book is like having a personal coach for your writing career, who holds you accountable to your potential, every day of the year. Get this book if you would like to have your own personal coach without the massive expense of paying for one. You’ll be your own best writing coach by the time the book is done.
Our workdays are constantly disrupted these days. What do you say to the writer who has trouble focusing and following through?
I rarely hear students in my training groups complaining about dramas or distractions in their lives. If something upsets their focus, it’s a major life disturbance like a trip to the emergency room, a spouse’s job loss, or a death in the family. That’s life calling, not a distraction.
Our attention can be hijacked by one hundred and one meaningless distractions per minute. I say turn up the focus and the distractions will fall away. Drama and distraction are not necessary for self-expression but they sure can impede it. I say keep the drama on the page. You can get hooked on making grounded creative progress just as you can get hooked on chasing every distraction and fanning the flames of every potential drama. The cure for discouragement is accomplishing a short-term objective every day.
I understand The Writer’s Workout originally had a different title. What was the original title?
The Writer’s Workout actually had three previous titles. I’ll share them if folks, who have read the book, will tell me which they think is the best match with the final version.
- The first title was: Read. Write. Grow.
- The second title was: The Everyday Writing Coach.
- The third title was: The Anyday Writing Coach.
- And the fourth and final title was: The Writer’s Workout.
Any final comments you would like to make in closing?
At the end of the day, it does not matter if you are self-published or traditionally published, blogging or not blogging, a book-sniffer or a digital diva, a social media maven or a social media deer-in-the-headlights—what matters is that you cultivate the creativity that wants to be expressed through you. That’s your job. Go do it!
Christina Katz is the author of three books from Writer’s Digest: The Writer’s Workout, Get Known Before the Book Deal, and Writer Mama. Her writing career tips and parenting advice appear regularly in national, regional, and online publications. A “gentle taskmaster” over the past decade to hundreds of writers, Christina’s students go from unpublished to published, build professional writing career skills, and increase their creative confidence over time. She holds an MFA in creative writing from Columbia College Chicago and a BA in English from Dartmouth College. A popular speaker on creative career growth, Christina presents for writing conferences, literary events, MFA writing programs, and libraries. She is the creator and host of the Northwest Author Series in Wilsonville, Oregon, where she lives with her husband, her daughter, and far too many pets.
Learn more at ChristinaKatz.com.
Monday, February 27, 2012
A Writer’s Library: Researching our Craft
Forensics: A Guide for Writers by D.P. Lyle, M.D.
This reference guide is a necessary tool for any writer needing to know the basics of forensics. It discusses DNA, autopsies, fingerprinting, and much more. I really enjoyed reading about the real-life case files and the history of the forensic system.
I learned more than what I wanted to, however, and I say this regarding the autopsies. After reading this section I avoided food for a while. I did, on the other hand, ingest new information that has become essential to my writing.
This is one of the main reasons I constantly harp on the need for us to do research. For example, if you are writing a scene that includes a character in ICU, you will need to know what machines are used and the rules associated with that floor. The reader will have a better sense of being there.
So take that extra time to read up on the subject you are writing about and take lots of notes!
You can find this book at Writer’s Digest Shop and Amazon.
This reference guide is a necessary tool for any writer needing to know the basics of forensics. It discusses DNA, autopsies, fingerprinting, and much more. I really enjoyed reading about the real-life case files and the history of the forensic system.
I learned more than what I wanted to, however, and I say this regarding the autopsies. After reading this section I avoided food for a while. I did, on the other hand, ingest new information that has become essential to my writing.
This is one of the main reasons I constantly harp on the need for us to do research. For example, if you are writing a scene that includes a character in ICU, you will need to know what machines are used and the rules associated with that floor. The reader will have a better sense of being there.
So take that extra time to read up on the subject you are writing about and take lots of notes!
You can find this book at Writer’s Digest Shop and Amazon.
Dear Blog: Life is Too Short
 |
| Life is Too Short |
After I finished the first paragraph, I stepped out to go get my nails done. While I was there I had an awesome conversation with my nail technician. I also got to meet his fiancée. They told me about their long six-year journey to be together and how much they were in love.
As I was starting to leave a woman came in and began talking about her job. She said her job was so stressful because every day she had to sit and listen to people argue about how much they hate one another.
Eventually the fighting needs to end. If you truly have the heart to make things right, then discipline yourself to do so. Trying to hurt someone in return because you are seeking revenge will eventually come back on you.
Sunday, February 26, 2012
A Day of Classics – Gaslight
The other day, the movie Gaslight with Ingrid Bergman and Charles Boyer caught my attention. The 1944 film is a classic and a mystery. I love Ingrid, and I think she played her role very well. I cannot imagine being driven insane by my husband…especially when he is doing it intentionally.
Ingrid’s character, Paula, carried herself with such regal grace as she struggled to keep her sanity. For instance, there was this pocket watch scene where Charles’ character, Gregory, puts a similar watch to his in Paula’s purse—during this whole time his pocket watch is in his vest. Gregory then decides to confront her during a classical composer’s performance, embarrassing her in front of the social elite.
When they get home, Gregory continues his tirade. She puts up an emotional fight and, at the same time, defends herself. All I have to say is thank goodness for the concerned Inspector Cameron who is played by Joseph Cotten. He steps in and helps prove to Paula that she is not going out of her mind.
What better way for her to get back at Gregory than by mentally torturing him while he is tied to a chair, waiting for the wagon to take him away. She teases him by…oh. That is enough…I cannot tell the ending of the movie!
Ingrid’s character, Paula, carried herself with such regal grace as she struggled to keep her sanity. For instance, there was this pocket watch scene where Charles’ character, Gregory, puts a similar watch to his in Paula’s purse—during this whole time his pocket watch is in his vest. Gregory then decides to confront her during a classical composer’s performance, embarrassing her in front of the social elite.
When they get home, Gregory continues his tirade. She puts up an emotional fight and, at the same time, defends herself. All I have to say is thank goodness for the concerned Inspector Cameron who is played by Joseph Cotten. He steps in and helps prove to Paula that she is not going out of her mind.
What better way for her to get back at Gregory than by mentally torturing him while he is tied to a chair, waiting for the wagon to take him away. She teases him by…oh. That is enough…I cannot tell the ending of the movie!
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
A Day of Classics: How Acting Led Me to the Write Road
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| Follow Your Road |
If you are not familiar with him, he was the dad on the family show The Wonder Years, and I loved him in it. The other night, I got to see him in a 1988 movie called David. I cried and I cried, because I was so frustrated watching that movie. I was thrown because of how well he played the role of a disturbed father which was a huge difference compared to his role as the grumpy dad on The Wonder Years.
He is a very nice guy when you meet him in person so it is hard to imagine him playing those kinds of roles. That is called acting. It is called honing your craft, and the same applies to us writers. The similarities in each artist’s performance, whether it is on screen or paper, are meant to touch an audience.
As a writer, our work needs to be critiqued and rewritten so that it is one of our best works of art. We need to do what it takes to make it a page turner. Just when you think your manuscript is complete, you realize that Chapter 2 should be where Chapter 1 was or that Chapter 8 is not needed at all.
The point I am trying to make is: focus on practicing your art and making it a creation in which forever you will be proud. Remember to keep your best hand forward.
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Keeping the Heart in Valentine’s Day
It is said that in 1381, Valentine’s Day was officially linked to romance with the help of an English poet by the name of Geoffrey Chaucer. Back then a simple gift and a hand-made card would have sufficed.
Now fast forward to present Valentine’s Day—a heavily commercialized holiday. For dating sites, restaurants, and flower shops, this day is a very busy time for them.
For the rest of us, it is a great way to introduce the concepts of sharing love and the acknowledgement of those feelings that someone is very special to you. It is a reminder that we need to take time from our busy world to show love to one another. Too many people only express love on certain days like today. Valentine’s Day needs to be a door opener, not an obligation.
What does Valentine’s Day mean to you?
Now fast forward to present Valentine’s Day—a heavily commercialized holiday. For dating sites, restaurants, and flower shops, this day is a very busy time for them.
For the rest of us, it is a great way to introduce the concepts of sharing love and the acknowledgement of those feelings that someone is very special to you. It is a reminder that we need to take time from our busy world to show love to one another. Too many people only express love on certain days like today. Valentine’s Day needs to be a door opener, not an obligation.
Monday, February 13, 2012
A Writer’s Library: Researching Our Craft.
The Criminal Investigative Function: A Guide for New Investigators by Joe Giacalone.
I loved reading this textbook. It was straight and to the point, and it provided a lot of information.
From reading this book I have learned about the protocols on handling a crime scene, conducting interviews and interrogations, search and seizures, but most of all, the real challenges that face investigators and their responsibilities to a case.
Not only is this a good tool for new investigators to use; it is also a helpful resource book for us crime writers.
Feel free to find out more about the author by visiting his website at JoeGWrites.com. There you will also find a link to order his book.
I loved reading this textbook. It was straight and to the point, and it provided a lot of information.
From reading this book I have learned about the protocols on handling a crime scene, conducting interviews and interrogations, search and seizures, but most of all, the real challenges that face investigators and their responsibilities to a case.
Not only is this a good tool for new investigators to use; it is also a helpful resource book for us crime writers.
Feel free to find out more about the author by visiting his website at JoeGWrites.com. There you will also find a link to order his book.
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Choosing a Writing Mentor
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Most importantly, she listens to what I have to say and then she turns around and tells me what it needs to be. With that, the focus she provides for me elevates my willingness to listen and learn. I am actually looking forward to the rewrites, and I am thriving on the energy to recreate.
I will confess it was not easy finding one. However, what amazed me was that my soon-to-be mentor was right there in front of me and I had no idea. I met her through networking and realized that she was the one that I wanted to work with.
I felt more at ease in my decision to seek her out after I sent her a nervous email and she responded.
Have you thought of getting a mentor?
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Celestial Musings
Seeing as I live and breathe crime fiction, I find myself stumped when I realize that I have been sucked into the Twilight Saga written by Stephenie Meyer. I had never imagined myself reading the books, and I blame my eldest daughters for introducing me to them.
Even though I enjoy reading the novels, I am more fascinated by the movies. The movies are like a vampire soap opera that I cannot tear myself away from. I was literally on the edge of my seat as part one of Breaking Dawn ended.
Yes, I am aware that I am two years too late for the whole “Team Edward” and “Team Jacob” obsession, but that is okay with me. I am for “Team Charlie” anyway.
As if this silly craze could not get any worse, my awesome husband purchased all four books for my birthday. I find myself being impatient while reading one book to get to the next.
So, thank you very much girls for getting mommy hooked. After this it is back to reading and writing about crime.
Please tell me, am I the only non-teen who has gotten sucked into this “Twilight Mania?”
Even though I enjoy reading the novels, I am more fascinated by the movies. The movies are like a vampire soap opera that I cannot tear myself away from. I was literally on the edge of my seat as part one of Breaking Dawn ended.
Yes, I am aware that I am two years too late for the whole “Team Edward” and “Team Jacob” obsession, but that is okay with me. I am for “Team Charlie” anyway.
As if this silly craze could not get any worse, my awesome husband purchased all four books for my birthday. I find myself being impatient while reading one book to get to the next.
So, thank you very much girls for getting mommy hooked. After this it is back to reading and writing about crime.
Please tell me, am I the only non-teen who has gotten sucked into this “Twilight Mania?”
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