Writing As Dakota Starks

Writing Again

2011-09-13T04:14:00.001-07:00

I have yet to return to my story. I am debating wether or not I want to change my pov. Do I want to stay in third person or switch to first person? I have decided to write a scene in both styled and see how it goes.

My Current Story

2011-06-11T06:20:00.000-07:00

Well I've been world building for the past two weeks. My writing teacher pointed out huge holes in my back story that I need to fix immediately. Not only that but characters and story lines that just didn't make any sense. You know how somethings seem like a good idea until they reach the paper. I have shored them up and gotten rid of a lot of it. Today I plan on putting my new and improved story on paper and resending the first chapter to my critique partners.

Revising My Story Plot

2011-06-03T07:01:00.000-07:00

My world building and general story plot needs work, so the last few days have been devoted to that. It is a bitter pill to swallow when it is pointed out to you that your characters aren't likable. I want to be a better writer so having it pointed out when I am only a few chapters in as opposed to halfway through the book. So this weekend will be devoted to rewriting the first four chapters and getting them out to my critique partners so that they will be able to follow the new direction that my story is about to take.

Chapter Three

2011-04-12T11:47:00.001-07:00

I will be starting Chapter 3 tonight and this is a pivotal chapter for me. It is usually were everything falls apart and I can't think of a single thing to write after it or my story never makes it to this point. I have some things in place this time to help get me over the hump. Wish me luck!

Until next time,

Dakota

Writing On My Mind

2011-04-04T08:07:00.000-07:00

I want to tip my hat to those writers who can write everyday without fail. I think about my story everyday but when I sit at the computer I get a big fat goose egg. I find that I like to write it out of paper first and then transfer it to my computer. So far I have not been able to come up with much sitting in front of the computer. I am beginning to think that I'm just a pencil and paper kind of girl. On the bright side though I am writing.

Chapter One is Done

2011-03-08T11:19:00.000-08:00

Well this weekend I got a Macbook Pro and started the long process of typing my new story into it. Yes I could easily email it to myself and get it on it that way but then I would not have the joy of typing the first chapter in. It is really a cool computer. I don't know a lot about all that it can do but I plan on learning it and soon. I have set up my writing schedule and I am currently trying to keep it going. I am starting Chapter Two right now and I realized that I forgot to introduce my hero. He was not going to enter the story until the fourth chapter and that was just way to late for a major player in the festivities. I am currently fixing my over sight. Well until next time.

The Writing Has Begun

2011-02-18T10:24:00.000-08:00

Hi All,

I'm back and I'm going to give you a status report. I am currently writing on a story that I actually know how it is going to end. I'm taking an online class over at Savvy Authors that has really helped me to get on track. Now if only I could get myself to write everyday I could catch up to were I'm supposed to be. I promise that right here on this blog I'm going to make myself be accountable and start writing everyday. The first step is to set up a writing schedule and stick to it. I must be dedicated if I truly want to see my dream come true.

Slayer In Our Mist Sample

2010-09-01T13:14:00.000-07:00

Before I knew it I was almost to the wall and had no choice but to take a blow from his broad sword. Taking a deep breath, I pointed my sword at him and remembered what my father had taught me about swordplay. Therefore, I was ready for the next hard swing, but what I was not ready for was the pain of taking such a blow. My father was obviously holding back whenever we spared that much was evident. My left arm started tingling and went numb down to my elbow, as if I had hit my funny bone on the corner of something. Knowing that he had me at a loss he kept coming and swung his sword again. Only this time I could not take the blow and his sword bounced off mine and sliced my left thigh open down to the bone.

Dropping his sword, Greg instantly placed his huge hands on the open wound, trying to stanch the bleeding as I collapsed to the floor stunned. The room was in total chaos as both the teacher and a couple of students ran to get the nurse.

“I’m so sorry, Riley,” Greg mumbled sincerely.

When the nurse arrived, she slowly removed his hands and to everyone’s surprise, the wound while still quite bloody was healing right before our very eyes. All eyes turned to me and all I could do was shrug. Hell I had no idea how it happened.

“What are you?” Greg whispered horrified.

I balked at answering for I honestly did not know what was going on with me. Yesterday I woke up from a dream and found myself floating above my bed. I crashed onto it as soon as I woke but that was beside the point. I could float and possibly even fly. I told my Father about it and the look on his face said it all. Slayers do not float, fly or anything else of that nature. He simply told me not to say a word to anyone until he looked into some things.

“She’s a slayer just like you. Now help me get her to her feet so we can get her back to my office,” the nurse ordered Greg.

Helping me to my feet, Greg still looked leery of me. I could not blame him though. How many people can heal right before your eyes? None I was willing to bet. Putting weight on my leg caused pain to shoot up it immediately. I gasped softly and tears gathered in my eyes. This was going to be a long walk to the nurse’s office. Greg took pity on me and lifted me off my feet as if I weighed nothing.

Blue Moon Sample

2010-08-31T14:16:00.000-07:00

Devin sat down on the supple white leather seats. Damn, this car is clean as hell, he thought as he put his hands on the steering wheel.
“Don’t get attached,” Alana playfully warned before walking around to the passenger side and getting in.
“What if I want too?” he asked looking so deeply into her eyes that she was sure that he could see her soul.
As if to prove the truth behind his words Devin brushed his lips across hers in a soft feathery kiss that left them both hungry for more. He felt a small tremor go through Alana’s body as he pulled her into his lap intent on satisfying his desire to taste her. Sliding his hands into her silky hair, he slipped his tongue between her parted lips. She tasted so sweet that he felt as if he could not get enough of her. Feeling his control slipping, Devin pulled away and took a deep breath.
Alana’s eyes fluttered open as she whispered, “Don’t stop.”
“Girl, do you know what you’re asking for?” Devin asked looking deeply into her lovely eyes watching as his words sunk in and blanketed the fire that he had seen burning in them.
His words were as effective as cold water being thrown in her face at cooling her ardor. Feeling the heat rising on her cheeks, Alana eased out of his lap and adjusted her shirt that had inched up during their kisses.
“I’m sorry, Devin,” she mumbled unable to look at him.
Devin gently cupped her chin and raised her eyes to his. “No need to be baby. I just didn’t want to do something that you’d regret in the morning.”

My New Approach to Writing

2010-08-30T10:31:00.000-07:00

I've unofficially been writing the next best seller for at least the last ten years of my life. There is just one problem though. All I have to show for my GREAT Novel is a hand full of unfinished books that never make it past the first three chapters. I've got to do better. I've made some rules for my writing.
THE RULES
1. Write everyday
2. Be more organized
3. Have a firm grasp of my characters and plot
4. I will enter the Golden Heart Writing contest next September 2011
I'm sure that I can think of more but for right now that is more than enough.

Let the writing begin!!!!!!!!!