One Day with Donald Maass and the 2017 PPWC Prequel

By: Catherine Dilts

According to Donald Maass, New York agent and author of writing how-to books that push writers to new levels: "Your protagonist is your vengeance. Let him loose." 

I attended the Pikes Peak Writers Conference Thursday Prequel with Donald Maass on April 27. The program began as an add-on to the regular Friday through Sunday conference schedule. The Thursday Prequel has become such a success that it is now offered every year. Many of us who can’t attend the entire conference opt for this one full day.

One day with Donald Maass provided nearly an entire writing conference worth of inspiration and education. He opened by stating that our goal as writers should be to take the reader on an emotional journey. How do you do this? Not, as you might think, by getting the reader to feel what the characters feel.

 
I had attended a Maass workshop at the 2012 PPWC. Later that year I would sell my first short story and my first novel. Were the two events directly related? Hard to say, although the workshop certainly pushed my writing up a notch.

In many ways, back then I was like a high school kid sitting in on a graduate school class. I was definitely learning, but a lot of the workshop was over my head. Five years ago I did not know what I did not know. Now that I’ve been multi-published in short and long fiction, I was curious whether there was anything else I could possibly learn about writing.  Silly me.

This year’s Maass workshop was based on his book The Emotional Craft of Fiction: How to Write the Story Beneath the Surface. I had not read the book, but will have to obtain a copy now.

What this is not: An author creates a character who has an emotional experience. Let’s say – FEAR of walking into the creepy old house. In the course of reading the story, a reader experiences the fear exhibited by the character. Wrong.

What this is: Deeply thoughtful writing that creates emotional connection with the reader. "Finding the meaning in moments is what makes an emotional experience for readers." The reader must actually process the events, instead of passively observing them. 

How I interpret this: Just because the character entering the creepy house experiences fear doesn’t mean the reader will. The reader might think the character is Too Stupid To Live, and fail to connect with the character or the story. Writers have to dig deeper to cause an emotional reaction in the reader, beyond the obvious surface of the story. If you don't care about the characters, or have hope he or she can overcome the odds, you won't have an emotional reaction to the story.

Maass described cognitive evaluation - when we are surprised, we have to stop to process the situation. Generating this surprise comes from not going for the surface, the cliche, the obvious. The processing happens in our working memory. If readers pause to "chew on something," they come to their own conclusions. This emotion is his or her own. Instead of writing in camera shots, Maass suggested writers try a me-centered narration, which he called close third person.

Think of the novels or stories that have stuck with you. That keep popping up in your

thoughts at odd moments. Works that have changed you in some way. These aren’t necessarily classics – well-written genre fiction can have the same impact. These are the stories that connected with you emotionally, and perhaps even elevated the way you perceived your own experiences.

During the workshop, I jotted a dozen pages of notes for my work-in-progress. I was inspired to think in new ways about my characters, and imagined scenes that add layers to the story. I’m excited to start working on this project. Five years after my first published novel and short story, I still have a lot to learn.

About the Author: Catherine Dilts is the author of the Rock Shop Mystery series, set in the Colorado mountains, while her short stories appear in Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine. The Chemistry of Heroes, which appeared in the AHMM May 2016 issue, was a Derringer short story award finalist. Catherine’s day job involves environmental regulatory issues, and for fun she fishes, hikes, and runs. You can learn more about Catherine at http://www.catherinedilts.com/

Sweet Success Celebrates Catherine Dilts

The Chemistry of Heroes, a short story by PPW member Catherine Dilts, is a Derringer finalist in the Novelette category. The Derringer is awarded annually for the best short story in four categories - Flash, Short, Long, and Novelette. Catherine's story was published in the May 2016 issue of Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine. The winners will be announced May 1st.

Catherine's sixth story for Alfred Hitchcock, Unrepentant Sinner, appears in the May /June 2017 issue. She is the author of the Rock Shop Mystery series.

http://www.catherinedilts.com/

Quote of the Week and the Week to Come

“Know your literary tradition, savor it, steal from it, but when you sit down to write, forget about worshiping greatness and fetishizing masterpieces.”  ~ Allegra Goodman

Source: Wikipedia & Writer's Digest

Allegra Goodman, born in 1967, is an American author based in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Her most recent novel, The Cookbook Collector, was published in 2010. Goodman wrote and illustrated her first novel at the age of seven.

This week on Writing from the Peak:

April 17:  So, How Did You Get Your Book Published? by Margo Catts

April 19:  Improve Your Writing: Critique Someone Else’s by Bowen Gillings

April 21: Sweet Success Celebrates Catherine Dilts

Sit-Stand Desks and Affordable Options

By Catherine Dilts with Scott Miller

During the three part Ergonomics for Writers series, the sit-stand desk was suggested by ergonomics professional Mary Plehal. I have one at work, and lamented that I could not afford to purchase one for home use.

Scott Miller contacted me with his review of a sit-stand desk he purchased for his wife, and his DIY plans to make another for himself. That prompted me to check on-line, where I found a consumer evaluation of five desk variations. Now I have hope that I can rig up something to enable me to stand during writing marathons.

Here’s what Scott had to say:

I became interested in sit/stand desks a couple of years ago. Watched some customer eval vids on YouTube, checked out some models, but couldn't afford one at the time. The hand-cranked models seemed like they'd be too hard to use to change desk height several times a day (which seems to be the whole point). The electric models (at that time) ran about $1100, give or take.

Earlier this year my wife returned to work after a long illness and she was to work from home. We reopened the investigation into sit/stand desks. Found that Ikea had just added an electric sit/stand, and it was substantially cheaper than desks from others, but it lacked the memory feature. They call it the "Bekant" and it's $529. The top is kind of thin, but it's sturdy enough, and it went together easily. I even added a power strip to the underside along the back. She put her work computer on the left, her personal computer on the right, and uses the desk nearly every day. She changes the height several times per day and takes frequent breaks.

Ikea’s Bekant electric sit-stand workstation:

The website Life Hacker took a vote on the five best sit stand desk options. These cover a wide range of financial options, from top-of-the-line to DIY. Check out the article for different ideas. Here is one that you place on top of your existing desk:

The parameters for your selection will include cost, space, and physical needs. Sit stand workstation options can run from $300 to over a thousand. Working from home, you may have space limitations where a standard desk won’t fit. At work, my sit stand desk is mechanical. That is, I flip a lever and lift or lower my desk. You may need an electric version.

Scott Miller developed an idea for his own sit stand desk. He shared his DIY plans to accommodate a home office renovation:

My office will share a space with our library, in a skinny section of a big "L" shaped room. My current static desk is 29 1/2" deep. The depth is a limiting factor into the way my desk will fit into the skinny area. I'd love to get a Bekant desk for myself, but it's 2 inches deeper than my present desk. It'll work but I'd rather have the space. I'm pretty handy and have lots of useful tools, but the edging used on Bekant is a rubber strip (probably pressed into a groove) and the surface is like Formica. It's modifiable, but with no room for error.

Scott discovered that he can purchase the “guts” of an electric sit stand desk, including the desk base. He plans to add his own desk top.

But what sort of top? Ikea has a line of tables where the legs and tops come separately. Their "Gerton" table top is perfect for my needs. It's the same depth as my present desk, but 1 1/2" wider and only $90. Gerton is thicker than top on the Bekant desk and made of solid beech wood. Gerton is also cheaper than solid pine counter tops and the like from Home Depot. Beech is a nice hardwood which is visually similar to oak (color and the rays), but without the dark ring pores. Gerton is just wood--no finish. So it's wonderfully modifiable for the handyman. I could round the corners, and drill holes at the back for cables. Ikea also has a similar-sized top faced in natural cork, "Sinnerlig." Can't really modify this one (holes maybe), but I like Gerton better.

Scott estimates the cost of his DIY sit stand desk to be around $550, including shipping and tax.

Now it’s time for me to get to work on my own home sit stand desk! All I need are a couple bricks and a board…. Unless I can talk my handyman husband into adding one more project to his list.

About the Author: Catherine Dilts is the author of the Rock Shop Mystery series, while her short stories appear regularly in Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine. With a day job as an environmental regulatory technician, Catherine's stories often have environmental or factory-based themes. Others reflect her love of the Colorado mountains, fishing, and running. The third book in her Rock Shop Mystery series arrives October 10. You can learn more about Catherine and her writing at: http://www.catherinedilts.com/

Ergonomics for Writers Part Three: Stretching

By: Catherine Dilts:

Your muse is perched on your shoulder, pouring inspiration by the bucket into your mind. You are in the groove. Two hours into your marathon writing session, you notice an annoying twinge in your back. Your wrist aches. Or maybe there’s a pain in your neck you can no longer ignore.

You may not think of writing as a physically demanding activity. Sure, it’s not on the same level as construction work, waiting tables, or performing surgery. However, the repetitive motion of typing, the long hours sitting in front of a computer, and a poorly arranged workstation can take their toll. Stretching can prevent aches and pains, and alleviate them when they do happen.

In Ergonomics for Writers Part One, we covered posture and the correct adjustment of your chair and desk. Part Two explained how to avoid eye strain and wrist damage.

Professional ergonomist Mary Plehal shares her ergonomic tips for office workers. Even the most exercise-averse writers can benefit from these simple steps.

Aches and Fatigue

• Aches and fatigue are preventable and are a sign that ACTION should be taken
• Addressing aches and fatigue early can prevent a work injury or general ‘wear and tear’ that can lead to arthritis
• Inform your manager or supervisor immediately if you feel aches or fatigue
• Don’t assume you’re ‘just getting older’ or that aches and pains are to be expected

The Benefits of Stretching

• Reduced muscle tension and increased muscle length
• Improved joint mobility
• Enhanced muscle coordination
• Increased circulation
• Increased energy levels (from increased circulation)
• Delayed onset of muscle fatigue
• Enhanced performance in skilled activities
• Improved posture
• Mental relaxation

Safe Stretching Don’ts

• Don’t stretch cold muscles, warm up first
• Don’t bounce, go slow and steady
• Don’t compare yourself to others
• If you’ve had a hip replacement, don’t cross your legs or bend past 90 degrees during a stretch
• Don’t stretch to the point of feeling sharp pain
• Don’t wait until you’re sore to stretch

Safe Stretching Do’s

• Start with good posture before you stretch!
• Try to relax the muscle you are stretching
• Stretch in the opposite direction of your main work positions (that usually means backward)
• Breathe easy and deep, don’t hold your breath
• Take your time

Good Stretches for Office Work –

Below are 9 recommended stretches for writers.

Remember….

• A well adjusted chair combined with good posture will greatly increase sitting comfort
• No one position is good all of the time. Get out of your chair and move/stretch often.

When all else fails  –

The University of Michigan offers these details for computer stretches:

https://www.uhs.umich.edu/computerergonomics#exercise

But what if good posture and stretching don’t cure what ails you?

When to seek medical care: See a clinician if you experience:

• Constant pain
• Numbness
• Weakness
• Other problems that interfere with daily tasks

Conclusion-

This ends the three part series on Ergonomics for Writers. Many thanks to Mary Plehal, professional ergonomist. I hope you’ve been able to use tips for adjusting your work area, reducing eye and wrist fatigue, and stretching to avoid injury.

Other resources:

https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/etools/computerworkstations/

http://ergonomics.ucla.edu/office-ergonomics/4-steps.html

http://ergo.human.cornell.edu/DEA6510/dea6512k/ergo12tips.html

http://www.allaboutvision.com/cvs/ergonomics.htm

About the Author: Catherine Dilts is the author of the Rock Shop Mystery series, while her short stories appear regularly in Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine. With a day job as an environmental regulatory technician, Catherine's stories often have environmental or factory-based themes. Others reflect her love of the Colorado mountains, fishing, and running. The third book in her Rock Shop Mystery series arrives October 10. You can learn more about Catherine and her writing at: http://www.catherinedilts.com/

Sweet Success Celebrates Catherine Dilts Stone Cold Blooded

By Kathie Scrimgeour 

Congratulations to Catherine Dilts on the publication of her new mystery novel, Stone Cold Blooded – A Rock Shop Mystery (ISBN: 10: 1-893035-34-4 / 13: 978-1-893035-8, 325 pages, paperback and ebook, adult), was published October 10, 2016 by Encircle Publications LLC. It is available on Amazon.

When rock shop owner Morgan Iverson’s reclusive neighbor is blown to bits, she doesn’t believe his violent demise was accidental. Her hunt for clues collides with an invasion of alien hunters, and the heated campaign for a small town city council seat.

In book three of the Rock Shop Mystery series, a Triceratops brow horn may hold the key to solving a prospector’s Stone Cold Blooded death.

Catherine Dilts is the author of the Rock Shop Mystery series, while her short stories appear regularly in Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine. With a day job as an environmental regulatory technician, Catherine's stories often have environmental or factory-based themes. Others reflect her love of the Colorado mountains, fishing, and running.

Visit Catherine’s website at: http://www.catherinedilts.com/ or contact her via email at: catdiltsauthor@gmail.com

Are you a Pikes Peak Writers member and have something to celebrate? Big or small, we want to hear from you. Contact Sweet Success Coordinator Kathie Scrimegeour at ppwsweetsuccess@gmail.com

Ergonomics Pt 2 Eye Fatigue & Keyboard/Mouse Use

By: Catherine Dilts

Ergonomics for Writers Part Two: Preventing Tired Eyes and Aching Wrists

Mary Plehal, professional ergonomist, generously shared valuable information specific to writers. Last month, we covered correctposture and chair adjustment. Today we’ll learn how to prevent eye and wrist fatigue, proper desk organization, and monitor adjustment. Your particular needs should be verified by your health care practitioner.

What I take away from today’s tips is that we must adjust our work stations to suit our bodies, and not the other way around. As much as is possible in your situation, make your work environment ergonomically correct. Don’t let preventable aches and pains end your writing sessions early. The better you feel physically, the longer you’ll be able to write!

Prevent Eye Fatigue

Colorado is a dry climate. Dry eyes and eye fatigue are common. Mary’s tips will help you keep your eyes happy.

• The 20-20-20 Rule:
• Evert 20 minutes take 20 seconds and focus on something 20 feet away
• Closed Eye Rolls: Close eyes, roll eyes in different directions- up, down, side to side, circles
• Make sure your font is big enough for your viewing comfort
• Dry air? Consider moisturizing drops
• Avoid reading or doing crossword puzzles on breaks

Safe Keyboard Use

I have a tendency to stick my elbows out while typing, not unlike a chicken attempting to take flight. When I follow Mary’s next tips, I have less fatigue in my shoulders and upper back.

• Keep elbows close to sides
• Avoid repetitively or constantly bending wrist to the little finger side of the hand. People with broad shoulders or torsos may benefit from an ergonomic keyboard
• Use the lightest keystroke possible
• When not actively typing, rest your hands

Safe Mouse Use

That little critter next to your keyboard can be problematic. It’s not so much about your hand, as the position the mouse puts your wrist into, and where you place the mouse on your desk.

• Avoid repetitively bending your wrist toward the little finger side of your hand
• Position your mouse directly next to the side of your keyboard
• Consider a mouse that allows your hand to drape rather than hover (no gap should be between the mouse and your palm)
• A mouse that turns your thumb slightly upward prevents wrist contact pressure with the desk and rotates your arm in a more neutral position

Desk Surfaces

The next section some of you won’t like. I often claim I need the clutter, and that I know where everything is if people will just leave my stacks of junk alone. I have to admit, being organized has its advantages. Not only does a clean and tidy desk prevent fruitless searching for misplaced items, but it also has ergonomic benefits.

• Keep things organized and uncluttered. Clutter decreases mental focus and energy
• Make enough space for adequate keyboard/mouse space, wrist rests and forearm support
• Avoid contact pressure from resting wrists on desk edges- move your keyboard back or get a wrist rest (note: your body tolerates contact pressure better on the forearms than at your wrists)

Desktop Organization

• Keep frequently used items within reach
• Avoid frequently reading hard copy that is laying flat on the desktop to prevent neck bending and twisting

If a copy stand is used, place it in a location that is close to the monitor(s)

If a keyboard tray is used, don't place the mouse on the desktop if it requires reaching forward or to the side

Monitor Positioning      

No matter what type of monitor or desk you use, you should be able to make the following adjustments to encourage proper posture.

• The monitor(s) should be centered in front
• Monitors should be approximately fingertip distance away when reaching forward
• The top of the monitor screen should be approximately even with eye level
• For those people who wear multi focal or progressive lenses, the monitor should be lowered to prevent tipping the head back (consider task specific computer glasses)

Position Change

Now that you’ve gotten everything adjusted correctly, you need to cement all the settings, right? Wrong! Changing position relieves fatigue and prevents aches and pains.

• The best position is a new position– change positions frequently
• Tweak your positions slightly throughout the day:
• Move keyboard closer or farther away
• Move wrist rest closer or farther from keyboard or mouse
• Slightly change the tilt on the chair back
• Move the copy stand to the other side of the monitor
• Take micro breaks: Find reasons to stand up and move regularly

Non Traditional Work Settings

So you get your home work station adjusted correctly. That’s great, but what about when you work elsewhere? While traveling, at a coffee shop, or on a cushy chair in a sunny window?

• Regular long durations of laptop use are not recommended. Minimize sofa and coffee shop time
• When working on the sofa, place a pillow behind your lower back for support
• Pause frequently to stretch in the opposite direction of the position you’ve been maintaining (neck, back, hips, shoulders, hands)
• Try to create some forearm support on the tabletop or with pillows
• When at home, use a separate monitor and keyboard or a stand for the laptop and a separate keyboard (these are very portable and can be brought to a coffee shop)

 Thanks to Mary Plehal, professional ergonomist, we’ve learned about avoiding eye strain, and how to set up a work station correctly to minimize wrist fatigue. Join me next month for a continuation of the series. What happens when you do feel aches and pains? Stretching, the topic of next month’s ergonomic article, can help. Additional thanks goes to Mary Plehal for her professional advice and illustrations for Ergonomics for Writers!

About the Author:  Catherine’s fifth published short story appeared in Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine’s May 2016 issue. The second novel in her amateur sleuth murder mystery series, Stone Cold Case – A Rock Shop Mystery, is available on-line via Barnes & Noble and Amazon, and in e-book for Kindle. She anticipates a fall release for book three. With a day job as an environmental regulatory technician, her stories often have environmental or factory-based themes. Others reflect her love of the Colorado mountains, fishing, and running.

You can learn more about Catherine and her writing at:http://www.catherinedilts.com/

Ergonomics for Writers Part One: Quit Slouching!

By: Catherine Dilts

Writing can be a literal pain in the back. Or wrist. Or posterior. Don’t let bad habits ruin your ability to create. I am fortunate to work at a company that employs a full-time professional ergonomist. Mary Plehal kindly shared valuable information specific to writers. Your particular needs should be verified by your health care practitioner.

Perhaps your mother, or some other well-meaning person, urges you to sit up straight. Or outright nags you to quit slouching! Annoying though it is, your helpful posture "policeperson" is correct. Poor posture while you are writing can cause all sorts of problems.

How do you maintain correct posture, without the presence of the posture police?

Best Practices for Posture

While Sitting:

• Your head should be balanced over your shoulders
• Shoulders are down and relaxed
• The low back has an inward curve
• Knees are very slightly below hip level
• Elbows are close to the torso and forearms are supported
• Feet rest comfortably on the floor or on a footrest

I’ll bet just looking at this picture made you sit up straight!

Correct Adjustment of Your Chair

I know some of you are going to complain that you have no choice about your seating arrangements. You are a poor starving artist who only has a straight backed wooden kitchen chair, or who has to grab a stool at the coffee shop. Even under the worst circumstances, some of these hints can be implemented. Keep in mind that the goal is to adjust your seating to support good posture.

• First Adjustment:

Raise or lower the height of your chair so that your shoulders are relaxed at your sides and your hands are slightly below your elbows when your fingers are resting on the keyboard.

• Second Adjustment:

If your chair is too high, use a foot rest. The foot rest should be angled, especially if you wear shoes with heels. Knees should be slightly lower than hips. Very tall workers may need to raise their desk surface to accomplish this.

• Third Adjustment:

The height of your back rest should place the forward low back curve (lumbar support) of the chair into the small of your back.  This is the most common chair adjustment error. Most chairs have the lumbar support too low.

• Fourth Adjustment:

The tilt of the chair back should be in a very slight recline vs. straight up or tipping forward. This relieves pressure on the low back

• Fifth Adjustment:

There should be a 3 finger width gap between the front of the chair and the back of the knee.  Too much of a gap decreases support for the upper body. Too little or no gap decreases circulation and causes workers to scoot forward due to pressure behind the knee

Slide the seat pan forward or backward (if this adjustment is an option)

• Sixth Adjustment:

Arm rests. Typical problems:

Shoulder winging = Too wide

Shoulder elevation = Too high

Shoulder slouching = Too low

Forward leaning = Too far forward if they prevent you from getting close to your desk

Adjust armrests to eliminate these problems. If this is not possible, remove the armrests all together.

Best Practices For Standing

I am fortunate to have a sit-stand desk at work. I wish I could afford to have one at home! These desks allow you to raise and lower the surface. As you’ll learn in another installment of Ergonomics for Writers, changing positions is ideal to avoid fatigue. Consider standing while you write, if you have access to a stable surface of the correct height.

• Head and shoulders are balanced over hips
• Shoulders are relaxed
• Feet are hip width apart
• A foot rest is used intermittently
• Shoes are supportive
• The desk surface is approximately 2” below relaxed elbow height
• A standing mat is used on hard surfaces

Conclusion

Good posture is the key to avoiding physical fatigue while writing. Keep these suggestions in mind as you are creating your next novel. Breaking bad habits takes time. I find it helpful to pin posture reminders near my work area.

Join me next month for a continuation of the series. We will cover topics including desk arrangement, eye fatigue, and stretching.

Thanks again to Mary Plehal for her professional advice and illustrations for Ergonomics for Writers!

About the Author:  Catherine’s fifth published short story appeared in Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine’s May 2016 issue. The second novel in her amateur sleuth murder mystery series, Stone Cold Case – A Rock Shop Mystery, is available on-line via Barnes & Noble and Amazon, and in e-book for Kindle. She anticipates a fall release for book three. With a day job as an environmental regulatory technician, her stories often have environmental or factory-based themes. Others reflect her love of the Colorado mountains, fishing, and running.

You can learn more about Catherine and her writing at: http://www.catherinedilts.com/