Once upon a time I wrote a blog post on the amazing book This Is Not A Writing Manuel by Kerri Majors. If you haven't read it, you seriously need to. It's more directed towards teens/young adults, but I really think that a stockpile of information can be gleaned from Kerri's brilliance regardless of age.
Anyway, Kerri strongly suggests becoming a part of a writer's community. When I read that, I decided that I wanted a community to share my writing with. So I emailed some friends from all over the place (geographically) and asked if they would be interested in started a group where we would share and critique writing on a weekly basis.
The group went okay for a while, albeit not exactly what I had in mind. Most of the people who had joined had never really been in a writing group before that wasn't a class. It died off by the end of the year.
Earlier this year, I revisited TINAWM and decided that I really, really, really needed a writing group that actually, physically met. So, I googled writing groups in my area.
To my surprise, there actually was one that met at a cafe every Tuesday. But as far as I could tell, it was an adult group and I wasn't sure if teens were welcomed. So I sent the head lady an email, asking if she knew about any teen writing groups in the area.
And, badabingbadaboom, the next thing I knew, she had emailed be back saying no, she did not, but their people were interested in starting one! Then, some days later, another one of the writers emailed me inviting me to the group to discuss particulars.
Though no particulars were discussed, the group was an insane amount of fun. The members (for the most part) were all easily ten to thirty years older than me, but it was so cool. I didn't bring any work to be critiqued, but I learned so much by listening to them critique each other and reading their work.
Just being around other writers makes my soul so happy.
I'm actually going with them to a writer's conference at a university near my house next month. I AM SO. SO. SO. SOOOO EXCITED. I had business cards printed already and I keep staring at them.
Having writing friends does so much for your writing, especially if you can physically meet with them face to face. Even if you can't though, find yourself a critique partner! I don't think any writer should be without a critique partner. This is someone who you can vent to about your characters and bounce ideas off of. They can critique parts (or all of) whatever you're working on. And you can do the same for them, learning a lot about writing in the process!
It also helps in building a tough skin that is required for publishing. Having a person who genuinely cares about you and your writing makes it easy (or, at least, easier) to be critiqued, if you're not used to it.
The other awesome (probably the most awesome) thing about having a critique partner is that they'll a lot of times turn out to be one of your closest friends. (*waves* Hi, Jess!)
So! The moral of the post is DON'T BE AFRAID TO REACH OUT! If I had found the writing group but never emailed, then there would be no potential teen group, I couldn't have joined the adult group, and I never would have even heard of the writer's conference. Don't be afraid of how people will receive you...the worst thing that can happen is that they won't reply to your email, and how bad is that, really?
In addition to all that, same goes for blogging. I love the blogging community so much! My writing has grown exponentially thanks to y'all, I'm forever indebted. I love the friendships that have resulted in my activeness in the blogging world. Don't be afraid to comment, or even to send an email to a blogger! We don't bite, I promise.
Actually, that's so not true, I hate when people say that. I just realized that I hate when people say that, and now I'm all fired up. Of COURSE we bite. How do you think we eat?! By BITING. Unless you're a baby, then you don't bite. Well, actually, you do, you bite people, even if you don't bite food.
So moral number two: BLOGGERS BITE.
Have a fabulous remainder of the week everyone.
Showing posts with label Writing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Writing. Show all posts
Thursday, October 8, 2015
Tuesday, October 6, 2015
What My WIP Is Teaching Me
I am so excited about my WIP, which is a fantastical thing.
The fact that I'm excited, not the WIP. Necessarily.
It's a full blown high fantasy, full of magic and mystery and milk. Milk? Yes, milk. Actually, no, there's no milk, but "milk" starts with "m" and I was looking for another m word so I just stuck with that. What even is this paragraph?
This WIP presents a lot of firsts for me. I've been learning so, so much while writing and these characters have been stretching me in ways I didn't think was possible. I've realized that a lot of my characters are copies of each other as well. And it's not just me--I've come to realize this is how it is in most books. Even in books where we're lucky enough to come across a unique MC, the supporting characters all fall back into either black or white. Or vice versa. Unfortunately, people are neither black or white; our personalities are millions of shades of gray. There is so much originality in our world!
I've been working really hard on communicating that originality. I've been focusing a lot on the speech and reactions of certain characters. Also, I've been working hard on withholding information. In the movie The Lady in the Water (really bizarre movie, never watch it), there's a character who is a film reviewer or something like that. After coming home from a movie premier, he says that the movie was terrible because everyone walked around and said what they thought.
That really struck me. I'm an extrovert, and I definitely say what I think a lot...but I probably don't communicate fifty percent of my thoughts. Characters are really two-dimensional (if not even one-dimensional) when there is no distance between mind and mouth.
My MC is definitely more introverted than extroverted. That's been weird to write, because usually I write extroverted MCs. However, writing an introverted MC has taught me a lot. One, I can't rely completely on dialogue to tell the story. Dialogue is one of my biggest strengths, but a lot of times, I let it overpower my descriptions of the setting, body language, etc.
My dialogue has improved even more, though. I also had the realization that all of my characters talk similarly. Again, not realistic!
There is a large cast of characters in this WIP, and I was worried about making them all the same. Additionally, I was concerned that they would all just get lost and my readers wouldn't be able to tell the difference between them or remember them.
I've fixed this by the different things that they say. For example, I have one character who says everything twice. I have another one who never speaks besides when spoken to, another who asks a million questions, and other one who just talks constantly to fill the silence. Of course, these are general, but I've fleshed them out more in the story (as you'll hopefully see some day!) I've found that it's important to figure out how the character expresses himself verbally in the stages of pre-writing character development.
So! My mind is full of different characters, plot points, and great motivation for writing. Unfortunately, life has been absolutely crazy, so I haven't had as much time to write as I would like. However, I'm inching closer to completion...one word at a time.
What has your writing been teaching you lately?
(NANOWRIMO INFORMATION! Check out my profiles and friend me: adult site (A.M. Schlueter) and YWP site (schluetera656). If you're a teen doing NaNo and would be interested in joining an email-based NaNo support group, please email me: 11anniem@gmail.com! Don't know about NaNo? Visit ywp.nanowrimo.org or nanowrimo.org.)
The fact that I'm excited, not the WIP. Necessarily.
It's a full blown high fantasy, full of magic and mystery and milk. Milk? Yes, milk. Actually, no, there's no milk, but "milk" starts with "m" and I was looking for another m word so I just stuck with that. What even is this paragraph?
This WIP presents a lot of firsts for me. I've been learning so, so much while writing and these characters have been stretching me in ways I didn't think was possible. I've realized that a lot of my characters are copies of each other as well. And it's not just me--I've come to realize this is how it is in most books. Even in books where we're lucky enough to come across a unique MC, the supporting characters all fall back into either black or white. Or vice versa. Unfortunately, people are neither black or white; our personalities are millions of shades of gray. There is so much originality in our world!
I've been working really hard on communicating that originality. I've been focusing a lot on the speech and reactions of certain characters. Also, I've been working hard on withholding information. In the movie The Lady in the Water (really bizarre movie, never watch it), there's a character who is a film reviewer or something like that. After coming home from a movie premier, he says that the movie was terrible because everyone walked around and said what they thought.
That really struck me. I'm an extrovert, and I definitely say what I think a lot...but I probably don't communicate fifty percent of my thoughts. Characters are really two-dimensional (if not even one-dimensional) when there is no distance between mind and mouth.
My MC is definitely more introverted than extroverted. That's been weird to write, because usually I write extroverted MCs. However, writing an introverted MC has taught me a lot. One, I can't rely completely on dialogue to tell the story. Dialogue is one of my biggest strengths, but a lot of times, I let it overpower my descriptions of the setting, body language, etc.
My dialogue has improved even more, though. I also had the realization that all of my characters talk similarly. Again, not realistic!
There is a large cast of characters in this WIP, and I was worried about making them all the same. Additionally, I was concerned that they would all just get lost and my readers wouldn't be able to tell the difference between them or remember them.
I've fixed this by the different things that they say. For example, I have one character who says everything twice. I have another one who never speaks besides when spoken to, another who asks a million questions, and other one who just talks constantly to fill the silence. Of course, these are general, but I've fleshed them out more in the story (as you'll hopefully see some day!) I've found that it's important to figure out how the character expresses himself verbally in the stages of pre-writing character development.
So! My mind is full of different characters, plot points, and great motivation for writing. Unfortunately, life has been absolutely crazy, so I haven't had as much time to write as I would like. However, I'm inching closer to completion...one word at a time.
What has your writing been teaching you lately?
(NANOWRIMO INFORMATION! Check out my profiles and friend me: adult site (A.M. Schlueter) and YWP site (schluetera656). If you're a teen doing NaNo and would be interested in joining an email-based NaNo support group, please email me: 11anniem@gmail.com! Don't know about NaNo? Visit ywp.nanowrimo.org or nanowrimo.org.)
Friday, October 2, 2015
October Appreciation Post: Socks, Writing, and Happy Birthday Month
Last night, I was at my church for an event and one lady who works there told me how cute I looked.
"Very fally," she said. "Really adorable."
So what did I do? Proceed to rant about how much I love being able to wear socks again. I told her all about how I never wear socks in the summer and how I loved socks and it just felt so amazing to have my feet hugged again. As I neared the end of my rant, I started to realize how utterly weird I sounded and also that I was talking really loudly and people were listening. Oh, well. I'm a writer, I feel passionately about things. Things like...socks.
But seriously, last year for Christmas, I got a whole box full of the most amazing sweater socks and they are just so life changingly incredible. I'm joking.Not really.
Anyway.
October brings with it so many wonders (socks included). My mom always decorates our house so cute for fall, with little pumpkins and scarecrows and the works. The trees have finally started changing colors, slowly but surely. The sky is overcast and the temperature has dropped to the 50s. Homecoming drama is upon us. Thankfully, it hasn't touched me this year, which is refreshing.
October holds lots and lots of motivation for me. Motivation to wrap myself in my fleece sheets and sit in bed and drink hot cocoa all day long. Motivation to finally finish Lord of the Rings (I finally started reading it last month, totally in love). Motivation to be on Pinterest and read all of your blogs. Motivation to finish my novel.
Despite all the motivation this month is brimming with, I do not want to leave my house. At all. Unless it's to go for a walk or a hike...I cringe when I think of all my responsibilities. The world should just pause when it comes to October and stay paused for the rest of the year, with nobody allowed to leave their houses. All in favor?
October is also official unofficial NaNoWriMo prep month. I love seeing my Twitter feed be overrun by all y'all's prep posts. I'm SO PUMPED...but also low key dreading it.
I have yet to finish the novel I began last month, though I'm a little over halfway done. I really want to crank out as much writing before I graduate as I can, as I'm not exactly sure what next year will hold for me as far as writing opportunities are concerned. So I'm trying to squeeze in writing three novels. Kinda big for someone who took three years to complete her last book. (A book, I should mention, that needs to be completely rewritten.)
So the goal is for me to finish this book by the middle of this month, in time to speed-plan the next one. But we'll see how that goes...whatever happens, I know God's got it. Despite having large goals, I'm doing my best to just enjoy the ride. I'm really enjoying the novel that I'm working on now, and I'm trying to immerse myself in the moment rather than continually looking to whatever I have to do next.
October is also Respect Life Month. I like to look at it as one big birthday party month-- we're celebrating everyone's lives! Go thank your parents for giving you life! Also, I know lots of areas are doing things to stand up for people who don't have that right to life, whether it be babies in the womb or the elderly. If you can't participate in the events going on, be sure to not only be grateful for your own life, but also help make other people grateful for their lives by building up and affirming them.
Have a fabulous weekend everyone! And an absolutely wonderful October. Go drink some hot cocoa for me, and let me know what you're up to this month. OH! And add me as a buddy on NaNo...I'm schluetera656 on the YWP website and A.M. Schlueter on the regular site.
(ALSO...if you're a teen doing NaNo and would be interested in joining an email-based NaNo support group, please email me: 11anniem@gmail.com! Don't know about NaNo? Visit ywp.nanowrimo.org or nanowrimo.org.)
"Very fally," she said. "Really adorable."
 |
| Word art by moi |
But seriously, last year for Christmas, I got a whole box full of the most amazing sweater socks and they are just so life changingly incredible. I'm joking.
Anyway.
October brings with it so many wonders (socks included). My mom always decorates our house so cute for fall, with little pumpkins and scarecrows and the works. The trees have finally started changing colors, slowly but surely. The sky is overcast and the temperature has dropped to the 50s. Homecoming drama is upon us. Thankfully, it hasn't touched me this year, which is refreshing.
October holds lots and lots of motivation for me. Motivation to wrap myself in my fleece sheets and sit in bed and drink hot cocoa all day long. Motivation to finally finish Lord of the Rings (I finally started reading it last month, totally in love). Motivation to be on Pinterest and read all of your blogs. Motivation to finish my novel.
Despite all the motivation this month is brimming with, I do not want to leave my house. At all. Unless it's to go for a walk or a hike...I cringe when I think of all my responsibilities. The world should just pause when it comes to October and stay paused for the rest of the year, with nobody allowed to leave their houses. All in favor?
October is also official unofficial NaNoWriMo prep month. I love seeing my Twitter feed be overrun by all y'all's prep posts. I'm SO PUMPED...but also low key dreading it.
I have yet to finish the novel I began last month, though I'm a little over halfway done. I really want to crank out as much writing before I graduate as I can, as I'm not exactly sure what next year will hold for me as far as writing opportunities are concerned. So I'm trying to squeeze in writing three novels. Kinda big for someone who took three years to complete her last book. (A book, I should mention, that needs to be completely rewritten.)
So the goal is for me to finish this book by the middle of this month, in time to speed-plan the next one. But we'll see how that goes...whatever happens, I know God's got it. Despite having large goals, I'm doing my best to just enjoy the ride. I'm really enjoying the novel that I'm working on now, and I'm trying to immerse myself in the moment rather than continually looking to whatever I have to do next.
October is also Respect Life Month. I like to look at it as one big birthday party month-- we're celebrating everyone's lives! Go thank your parents for giving you life! Also, I know lots of areas are doing things to stand up for people who don't have that right to life, whether it be babies in the womb or the elderly. If you can't participate in the events going on, be sure to not only be grateful for your own life, but also help make other people grateful for their lives by building up and affirming them.
Have a fabulous weekend everyone! And an absolutely wonderful October. Go drink some hot cocoa for me, and let me know what you're up to this month. OH! And add me as a buddy on NaNo...I'm schluetera656 on the YWP website and A.M. Schlueter on the regular site.
(ALSO...if you're a teen doing NaNo and would be interested in joining an email-based NaNo support group, please email me: 11anniem@gmail.com! Don't know about NaNo? Visit ywp.nanowrimo.org or nanowrimo.org.)
Wednesday, September 23, 2015
Busy, busy, BUSY!
It's been a while since I have written about writing! Perhaps my subconscious is still recovering from my writing themed A-Z Challenge. Let me let you in on what I have been up to.
My main project has been drafting TBN (which, obviously, still has yet to be named). I started September with the goal of finishing by the end of the month...not quite sure if that is going to happen. The month has been so hectic. I worked twenty-six hours last week, plus add school, other volunteering obligations, and family stuff...it's been insane. There have been a few mornings where I have woken up an hour or two early because the day was so full.
But! The good news is, I'm just over half way done, so I have made quite a bit of progress. I have been enjoying this draft more than any other I've ever written. I've been told a million times to be okay with your first draft being crap, but I've never been able to actually believe it. For some reason, it's finally stuck this time around.
I have been able to completely accept my draft as it is and plow forward, just putting words on paper. I'm not judging my writing, which is huge for me. I know that I can write better but also that my draft is how it needs to be for now. It's okay, and it will get better.
Life is super beautiful when we learn to let go, let God, and accept ourselves, completely and totally, flaws and all.
By the way, thank you so much to all of you who commented kindly on the poem I posted a few weeks ago! I was blown away by your sweetness.
I have been cranking out more poetry, slowly but surely. I really wish that I could put music to it and write songs, but alas, I'm not that talented. I'm pretty excited about this poem I've been working on, based on Song of Songs and the Gospels. Perhaps I'll post it when it's ready?
I just wrote two essays last night for my NET application (just one to go!), which launched me into a very reflective mood that I have yet to break out of. The topics were my faith story and how my relationship with God has changed me. They were actually surprisingly hard to write! But the Holy Spirit took care of me and they're thankfully done. The last one I have to write is on two ways I can improve in the way I relate to people which will be very short because I'm perfect. Joking. I should probably start writing now because I might not be done by the time I graduate...
I've been pondering doing NaNo this year. Because, you know, I will have just finished a draft in need of major edits and am working an average of 15 hours a week...oh, and plus, I have to put together a youth rally/retreat for my dad's ministry. Oh! And school, essays and reading! Plus college visits! So why not do NaNo?!?!?! My crazy is showing.
There was only one year I was able to complete NaNo and it was absolutely awesome...and a long time ago. It's been five years since then, and I think it would be a great addition to my senior year. Also, I'm not sure when I'll be able to do it again. And I do have a story that I'm just itching to write...
Who else is doing NaNo? I was thinking about starting a teen NaNo support group via email. If you're interested, please leave your email in the comments below! Or shoot me an email: 11anniem@gmail.com.
What have you all been up to? Have a fabulous remainder of the week!
Monday, September 7, 2015
Inkheart, Plotting, and Moose Tracks: It's snowing in the summer!
Well, actually it isn't. It's ninety degrees where I live and I'm dying. Well, not literally. Actually, technically, yes, literally, we're all dying.
Happy Labor Day! I hope that you're all having a relaxing weekend. I just got back yesterday from some time with my extended family which was decently nice and produced some thoughts for a (hopefully) kick butt post later this week. So stay tuned.
Today I bring to you the adorable Alexa Winters from over at Summer Snowflakes (what a great blog name, am I right?!). Enjoy, then go visit her at her blog!
Heh. I actually had to think about this one for a little, lol, because I don't watch movies very often. BUT, I managed to remember: the last movie I watched was Inkheart and I loved it because the story is just so fascinating to me, and being able to read out your favorite characters or go into your favorite book is basically every bookworm's dream. Yet in the movie (and the book series) it kinda gets turned on its head and you see how there actually might be some problems with having such a power. :p Plus, it's just a really great, fun movie with crazy, quirky, amazing characters. One of my favorites for sure. :)
I saw Inkheart for the first time years ago, but I recently rewatched it with my siblings. My mind goes crazy with that story! It's so incredible, and especially great for writers. The book is awesome too!
What is one writing trait you'd like to improve on during this school year?
Hmm... I hadn't really thought about this, but now that you mention it, I want to get better at plotting. I'm a pantser so I really just write whatever comes to me at the time and, while that's fun, it also leaves an extraordinary amount of space for plotholes. :p So yeah, I'd like to get better at plotting my stories, so I can fix the plotholes with less pain, stress, and tears, and maybe keep some of them from happening in the first place. :)
I've been working at getting better at plotting for the past year and a half. It's a serious struggle (well, for me, anyway), but it's so worth it. I enjoy drafting so much more after putting in a lot of work with the outline. Plus, there are a lot of awesome plotting worksheets on Pinterest! ;)
Markers or crayons?
MARKERS. I love markers because I love watercolors but I'm very not good at painting. So markers give me a similar look but they're much easier to control than a paintbrush.
SAME GIRL!
I saw on your blog that you're homeschooled! *fist bump* How does homeschooling help your writing and how does it make writing more difficult?
*fist bump back* Homeschooling for the win, hehe! Well, for one thing, I can count writing as part of my schoolwork, and my mom is really cool about it. Last year, she even said I could take off math the entire month of November as long as I used that time to work on my NaNo novel. So yeah. She's amazing. :D
The only thing that's a bit more difficult is when I'm writing about public school or something, because I don't have any personal experience to draw on. I have to just trust TV, movies, and books (which are not always terribly accurate :p), and I often end up asking friends really obvious questions about school, then just hoping I get it right, lol
Ahhh that is so sweet!! I used to find that hard too, before I went to school (my freshman and sophomore years of high school), but there really isn't a whole lot to it.
Do you share your writing with anyone? If so, at what stage? (First draft, edits, etc.)
I do, and it depends. I used to ask for critiques only when my stories were as close to perfect as I could get them. Lately though, I've started asking earlier in the process, around second or third drafts, because, like I mentioned above, I've realized I need help with things like plotting and making sure the storyline makes sense.
Very smart! I do the same. Though, I think I struggle with the temptation of sharing too early sometimes...
Ten years from now, where do you hope to be with your writing?
Well, unrealistically, I want to be a bestseller with 20 million published novels (yes, I have that many ideas) and half of them made into movies, lol.
Realistically, I'd like to have published a few books and really be getting my name out in the market, but still writing and learning every step of the way. :)
You go girl! Best of luck to you.
What was your favorite part of this summer?
CAMP. I got to go a mission camp this summer and it was EPIC. We had the best time, just learning about God and having fun together, plus we got to serve Jesus, and the community. It was great. :D
That sounds amazing! The camp I went to was definitely one of my favorite summer memories as well.
What are you working on right now, writing wise?
I just finished a character-driven YA thriller (that has about a million plotholes, but whatever. Editing exists), I'm taking a break on my contemporary story, and I'm in the process of editing a dystopian with a friend. I also write some fanfictions and—obviously—my blog.
Oooh, busy! Good luck editing...definitely not my favorite.
Who is your favorite main character that you've ever written?
OH MY GOODNESS I DON'T EVEN KNOW. All of my babies are too adorable for words <3
However, I think I'm gonna have to say Elliot. He's the MC in my contemporary story (that might be called Sketchy Moments and might be called Low Expectations, I'm really not sure yet), and I love him because he's cute and sarcastic and broken and adorable, but also, he's my first original MC since I really got passionate about writing. So he'll always hold a special place in my heart. <3
Aww, author/character love. Gotta love it.
What is your current favorite song? How does music inspire your writing?
Hahaha, okay so here's the thing: I get so obsessed with music that I'm not even sure what my favorite song is. I LOVE IT ALL, lol, and I get randomly addicted to different artists, so my favorites can literally change by the day. By the hour, actually.
At this very moment, though, I'm going to have to go with either Flares or Paint The Town Green by The Script or Better Than Revenge by Taylor Swift. Honestly though, none of the above influence my writing at all. I mean, Flares a little bit (I could use it for a few characters maybe) but they're really just fun songs I listen to whenever—maybe while writing, maybe taking a break... just whenever. :)
I'm the same way. And I have never heard either song by The Script, I'm going to have to check them out!
What is your favorite ice-cream flavor?
Coffee. But also moose tracks. And mint moose tracks. And bunny tracks. And girl scout Samoa cookies.
I could probably go on for a while (but I will stop) because I really love ice cream. It also holds a very special place in my heart.
And I don't think that I could end that in a better way. So we're just going to leave it at that.
(Head on over to Alexa's blog!)
Sunday, August 23, 2015
Interview: The AMAZING Abigail Post
So this chica I had the privilege of interviewing months ago is absolutely incredible. Abigail Post is an incredible writer and I'm blessed to call her my friend. She is seriously one of the sweetest, realest people I have had the pleasure of interacting with who has provided me with so much support.
I hope you enjoy reading her brilliance as much as I did! Then leave some comment love and head on over to her blog =)
Q: Describe your writing process. You have an idea...then what?
A: If all goes well, and I’m not distracted like I usually am, the idea goes on paper. It’s usually just one line, such as “A man and woman fall in love during the End Times”. Then, depending on how many projects I’ve got going, over the next few weeks I start brainstorming until I’ve got ideas for a protagonist, an antagonist, and if I’m lucky, a few supporting characters.
Most of the time, the story ends up completely different than I first imagined it, which is the case with my recent WIP. It’s an interesting occurrence, and one day, I might discuss it. At any rate, after that, I come up with character goals and motives, a few plot points, and workout the story structure. Then, I “flesh out” the characters, and start writing.
Very interesting! For me, the process depends on the project. And hope to see a blog post about that particular interesting occurrence sometime in the near future! =)
Q: Favorite food?
A: Just one? Okay, um, probably Pad Thai. The waiters at my local Thai restaurant know me by name.
You know, I have never, ever had Thai. I'm not even sure I know what it is.
Q: Where do you look for/find inspiration?
A: Ooh, good question. I think it depends. Sometimes, my mind will wander into the deep recesses of the “What If?” universe, and a nugget of gold will pop up. Other times, I’ll read through Pinterest, or StumbleUpon, and stumble upon an article that piques my interest.
Ahhh only you, dear Abigail, could make an interview answer so poetic! I used to use StumbleUpon a lot about two years ago...I should get back into that. Amen to Pinterest! Pinterest's tagline should be "A Writer's Best Friend".
Q: Who is your "fictional boyfriend"?
A: Currently? Well, if I had to choose one…
Chris Redston from K.M Weiland’s Dreamlander. Sadly, though, he is interested in another woman.
Oh, woe is me, to resign to being a forgotten love!
Ahem, what’s the next question?
*SIGH* Why is that so often the case?! Moving on...
Q: What part of the day are you typically the most productive writing-wise?
A: Definitely the early morning, or what I’ve loving dubbed, Coffee Time. *insert Cheshire Cat like grin here*
Oooh! I've been getting more into writing early in the morning rather than late at night.
Q: Glitter or matte?
A: Matte, for its clean look.
I think each has its place, but I have to say, I have an incurable obsession with glitter. It's terrible, really.
Q: What is the best piece of writing advice you have ever heard?
A: Oh, gosh, that’s a tough one. I could go for a quote from one of my many Writer Crushes, but, I shall break my own conventions. I had a conversation with one of my favorite people the other day, and he uttered this interesting tidbit of wisdom:
“When analyzing successful fiction, one finds a definite pattern. The story either follows an accepted structure that’s proved successful, such as the Three-Act Structure, or is so vehemently flawed that the masses can’t help but marvel at its ridiculousness. I’m looking at you, Stephanie.”
Best defense of story structure, ever. Do you want to be another Stephanie?
HA. DEAD. Oooooh, Stephanie...(not you, Mom, I do really want to be you!)
Q: How do you use Pinterest with your writing?
A: I just surf around the home page, looking for pictures of fountain pens. Or, you know, search for cute puppy pictures. But you mean in a non-procrastinating sense, don’t you? Yeah, I figured as much.
Pinterest is a great story-boarding, and inspiration tool. Seriously, if you’re on Pinterest, and you’re a writer, there is no reason for you not to begin utilizing this program as a writing tool. I’m going to make everyone promise that after they read this post, they will begin to use their Pinterest account for story-boarding purposes. Now, hold up your right hands, and repeat after me “I will not let Pinterest go to waste, and in conjunction with my boards about cute puppies, I will design specific boards for my work-in-progress.”
There. Now, I shall divulge.
In Pinterest, I have a general story-board for my work-in-progress. It contains basic information about the story world, quotes that relate to the story’s plot, pictures of the settings I could use, and tidbits of knowledge that might be useful. Also, I have boards that represent the major characters in the novel. There, I’ve pinned quotes that sound like them, and pictures that resemble them.
Of course, I also save interesting writing articles to Pinterest, in order to keep them safe for later reading.
AGAIN. DEAD. You're killing me...that is all so true! And girl, repeating after you, loud and proud. Pinterest is awesome for a writing break as well as writing encouragement. Also, it can be a great tool for connecting writers. I owe the discovery of my most recent CP to Pinterest, actually.
Q: Do people know that you're a writer? Or is it something that only a couple people know?
A: Let’s just say I wish more people weren’t aware of this pursuit of mine.
While this debilitating secret is kept safe from strangers and most of those I come into contact with on a daily basis, enough people know. Believe me. All in all, I’d estimate over twenty people know. Not including nosy aunts known to interrogate unsuspecting nieces during Thanksgiving gatherings.
Verrrrry interesting! Those nosy aunts...I have a few myself, though I'd have to say, the uncles of yours truly definitely are quite nosier.
Q: Current favorite song? (Or one of them.)
A: You think you’re clever, don’t you? First, you make me answer with only one of my favorite foods, and now this. All right, I’ll be your huckleberry.
Donde Lieta sung by Sierra Boggess.
Oh, Abigail darling, it's because I am clever. Just ask my brothers. (Wait, actually, don't. Never heard of it! Looking up now.
Q: Who is "author goals" for you? (Which author would you most like to be like?)
A: It’s a tie between K.M Weiland and Bryan Davis. I admire the two authors for their literary achievements, especially Mr. Davis for his prolific writing. Also, I admire them for their interactions with their readers. They both have wonderful blogs, chat with their readers (either virtually or in person). Those are the traits I admire in writers: the willingness to talk with readers, talent, hard work, and ingenuity.
More authors I've never heard of! I shall check them out. (Literally...at the library...)
Q: Is there any person or situation that has influenced your writing? Either as a whole, or just a story or something?
A: Great question. Or, in other words, I’m about to tell a story.
All writers are influenced, in some way, by some thing. I think my writing’s influence comes from working with children. Most of them loved hearing stories about bravery, courage, and the like. Maybe it was because I enjoyed telling those stories, but, I digress. I’m a huge believer in getting children to read as early as possible. Heck, I’ve been known to read to wee, little holding babies.
So, the little ones influence my writing. I write for them.
End of story.
*Claps* Beautiful. *wipes tear* I love how you can get little ones to believe anything...that's what fuels my writing magic too, somewhat.
Q: What color is your bedroom?
A: Manila Tan, apparently. Imagine those little manila cookie things, and there you have it.
Ahhh. Sounds lovely!
Q: What made you start to take writing seriously?
A: I think seriousness entered my writing when I realized the impact of stories. As cliche as it sounds, have you ever really thought about it? I mean, “stayed up late at night biting your nails” thought about it? Stories have the power to make you laugh, cry, or question the sanity of human kind. So, I wanted my voice to join the literary chorus. Everyone has a story to tell, why not let mine be one of them?
AMEN to that! That is so brilliantly well put that it belongs on my Quotes Pinterest board. You go, girl.
So there y'all have it! Head on over to Abby's blog and check out more of her awesomeness!!
I hope you enjoy reading her brilliance as much as I did! Then leave some comment love and head on over to her blog =)
Q: Describe your writing process. You have an idea...then what?
A: If all goes well, and I’m not distracted like I usually am, the idea goes on paper. It’s usually just one line, such as “A man and woman fall in love during the End Times”. Then, depending on how many projects I’ve got going, over the next few weeks I start brainstorming until I’ve got ideas for a protagonist, an antagonist, and if I’m lucky, a few supporting characters.
Most of the time, the story ends up completely different than I first imagined it, which is the case with my recent WIP. It’s an interesting occurrence, and one day, I might discuss it. At any rate, after that, I come up with character goals and motives, a few plot points, and workout the story structure. Then, I “flesh out” the characters, and start writing.
Then, it’s all editing. Ya’ll know how that goes.
Very interesting! For me, the process depends on the project. And hope to see a blog post about that particular interesting occurrence sometime in the near future! =)
Q: Favorite food?
A: Just one? Okay, um, probably Pad Thai. The waiters at my local Thai restaurant know me by name.
You know, I have never, ever had Thai. I'm not even sure I know what it is.
Q: Where do you look for/find inspiration?
A: Ooh, good question. I think it depends. Sometimes, my mind will wander into the deep recesses of the “What If?” universe, and a nugget of gold will pop up. Other times, I’ll read through Pinterest, or StumbleUpon, and stumble upon an article that piques my interest.
Ahhh only you, dear Abigail, could make an interview answer so poetic! I used to use StumbleUpon a lot about two years ago...I should get back into that. Amen to Pinterest! Pinterest's tagline should be "A Writer's Best Friend".
Q: Who is your "fictional boyfriend"?
A: Currently? Well, if I had to choose one…
Chris Redston from K.M Weiland’s Dreamlander. Sadly, though, he is interested in another woman.
Oh, woe is me, to resign to being a forgotten love!
Ahem, what’s the next question?
*SIGH* Why is that so often the case?! Moving on...
Q: What part of the day are you typically the most productive writing-wise?
A: Definitely the early morning, or what I’ve loving dubbed, Coffee Time. *insert Cheshire Cat like grin here*
Oooh! I've been getting more into writing early in the morning rather than late at night.
Q: Glitter or matte?
A: Matte, for its clean look.
I think each has its place, but I have to say, I have an incurable obsession with glitter. It's terrible, really.
Q: What is the best piece of writing advice you have ever heard?
A: Oh, gosh, that’s a tough one. I could go for a quote from one of my many Writer Crushes, but, I shall break my own conventions. I had a conversation with one of my favorite people the other day, and he uttered this interesting tidbit of wisdom:
“When analyzing successful fiction, one finds a definite pattern. The story either follows an accepted structure that’s proved successful, such as the Three-Act Structure, or is so vehemently flawed that the masses can’t help but marvel at its ridiculousness. I’m looking at you, Stephanie.”
Best defense of story structure, ever. Do you want to be another Stephanie?
That’s what I thought.
HA. DEAD. Oooooh, Stephanie...(not you, Mom, I do really want to be you!)
Q: How do you use Pinterest with your writing?
A: I just surf around the home page, looking for pictures of fountain pens. Or, you know, search for cute puppy pictures. But you mean in a non-procrastinating sense, don’t you? Yeah, I figured as much.
Pinterest is a great story-boarding, and inspiration tool. Seriously, if you’re on Pinterest, and you’re a writer, there is no reason for you not to begin utilizing this program as a writing tool. I’m going to make everyone promise that after they read this post, they will begin to use their Pinterest account for story-boarding purposes. Now, hold up your right hands, and repeat after me “I will not let Pinterest go to waste, and in conjunction with my boards about cute puppies, I will design specific boards for my work-in-progress.”
There. Now, I shall divulge.
In Pinterest, I have a general story-board for my work-in-progress. It contains basic information about the story world, quotes that relate to the story’s plot, pictures of the settings I could use, and tidbits of knowledge that might be useful. Also, I have boards that represent the major characters in the novel. There, I’ve pinned quotes that sound like them, and pictures that resemble them.
Of course, I also save interesting writing articles to Pinterest, in order to keep them safe for later reading.
AGAIN. DEAD. You're killing me...that is all so true! And girl, repeating after you, loud and proud. Pinterest is awesome for a writing break as well as writing encouragement. Also, it can be a great tool for connecting writers. I owe the discovery of my most recent CP to Pinterest, actually.
Q: Do people know that you're a writer? Or is it something that only a couple people know?
A: Let’s just say I wish more people weren’t aware of this pursuit of mine.
While this debilitating secret is kept safe from strangers and most of those I come into contact with on a daily basis, enough people know. Believe me. All in all, I’d estimate over twenty people know. Not including nosy aunts known to interrogate unsuspecting nieces during Thanksgiving gatherings.
Verrrrry interesting! Those nosy aunts...I have a few myself, though I'd have to say, the uncles of yours truly definitely are quite nosier.
Q: Current favorite song? (Or one of them.)
A: You think you’re clever, don’t you? First, you make me answer with only one of my favorite foods, and now this. All right, I’ll be your huckleberry.
Donde Lieta sung by Sierra Boggess.
Oh, Abigail darling, it's because I am clever. Just ask my brothers. (Wait, actually, don't. Never heard of it! Looking up now.
Q: Who is "author goals" for you? (Which author would you most like to be like?)
A: It’s a tie between K.M Weiland and Bryan Davis. I admire the two authors for their literary achievements, especially Mr. Davis for his prolific writing. Also, I admire them for their interactions with their readers. They both have wonderful blogs, chat with their readers (either virtually or in person). Those are the traits I admire in writers: the willingness to talk with readers, talent, hard work, and ingenuity.
More authors I've never heard of! I shall check them out. (Literally...at the library...)
Q: Is there any person or situation that has influenced your writing? Either as a whole, or just a story or something?
A: Great question. Or, in other words, I’m about to tell a story.
All writers are influenced, in some way, by some thing. I think my writing’s influence comes from working with children. Most of them loved hearing stories about bravery, courage, and the like. Maybe it was because I enjoyed telling those stories, but, I digress. I’m a huge believer in getting children to read as early as possible. Heck, I’ve been known to read to wee, little holding babies.
So, the little ones influence my writing. I write for them.
End of story.
*Claps* Beautiful. *wipes tear* I love how you can get little ones to believe anything...that's what fuels my writing magic too, somewhat.
Q: What color is your bedroom?
A: Manila Tan, apparently. Imagine those little manila cookie things, and there you have it.
Ahhh. Sounds lovely!
Q: What made you start to take writing seriously?
A: I think seriousness entered my writing when I realized the impact of stories. As cliche as it sounds, have you ever really thought about it? I mean, “stayed up late at night biting your nails” thought about it? Stories have the power to make you laugh, cry, or question the sanity of human kind. So, I wanted my voice to join the literary chorus. Everyone has a story to tell, why not let mine be one of them?
AMEN to that! That is so brilliantly well put that it belongs on my Quotes Pinterest board. You go, girl.
So there y'all have it! Head on over to Abby's blog and check out more of her awesomeness!!
Thursday, June 11, 2015
A Blog Tour, a Break, and a BRAND new book!
I hope that you're surviving this week! I have an awesome YOU'RE ALMOST DONE IT'S NEARLY THE WEEKEND treat for you, after two quick announcements. Actually, they might not be quick, because, let's face it, I'm me and nothing is quick, but we'll see. I mean, look at this opening paragraph! It's already three sentences longer than I thought it was going to be. Now four. Now-- you know what, I'm just going to continue.
FIRST OF ALL, I want you to go over to the INCREDIBLE Rachel Pattinson's blog RIGHT THIS INSTANT and SIGN UP to be a part of her book tour, taking place this July! Rachel is a doll and deserves all the support the writing community can give her! So go read the details right now and AGAIN, sign up! (Wow, that whole paragraph is exclamation points. Except now it isn't.)
I'll wait. Waiting. Waiting. Oh my gosh, hurry up!
Okay...back to our regularly scheduled program...
SECONDLY, I'll be taking a break from blogging next week. (Wahhhh...I know, I'm crying too...I know, I know, it's okay...please, try to control yourselves. GOODNESS, it's just a week, not forever!) I will be at summer camp (a "high adventure, outdoor" summer camp-- oh goody! Just what I love--the outdoors!! Actually, I do, I'm just not very athletic and kind of a wimp. But the week is a summer camp/retreat week, so I'm looking forward to spending time with God and seeing what surprises He has in store for our relationship. Man, this is a lot to be in parenthesis. Maybe I should go back and edit so it's not in parenthesis. You know what, nope, I'm just going to leave it. Except I was taught in first grade by Sister Anger Issues that you don't have to read what's inside parenthesis. WELL, at this blog, YOU DO. SO THERE. Anyway...) I'll be gone Sunday through Friday (or maybe Saturday. See, is this a good use of parenthesis?! Yes, yes it is, thank you very much).
OKAY. Finally, let's get to the main point of this post, which is an interview with EMILY ANN PUTZKE. I recently participated in a book tour for her new release AIN'T WE GOT FUN. If you missed it, too bad. Just joking, here's my review of AWGF. But this time I'm not waiting for you to check it out, you'll have to do it on your own time.
Here's a little about Emily:
EMILY ANN PUTZKE and Gi Rowland have two big things in common: their love for God and coffee. Besides writing historical fiction, Emily enjoys being an aunty, photography, Irish dancing, spending time with family, attempting to play the guitar, reenacting, and reading. She loves polka dots, war movies, and all things vintage. Her first novella, It Took a War, was published in December of 2014. You can learn more about Emily Ann Putzke and her books at www.authoremilyannputzke.com and www.facebook.com/
Who is Gi, you ask? Well, you'd better read AWGF and find out!
And here's a lot about Emily:
AMS: When you were little (we're talking like five), what did you want to be when you grew up?
EP: Many things … a librarian, a cashier, a zookeeper, an artist. I started writing stories when I was about 6 or 7, so the author ambition followed shortly after.
AMS: What inspired AWGF? What was the writing process like?
EP: Emily Chapman and I had been wanting to write a story together for a while. We even started a story with handwritten letters, but we both got too busy. Then in December of 2014, Emily emailed me and suggested we try a new story and post the letters on our blogs as we went. We already had picked the names and the Great Depression for a previous story, so we took those and ran with them. We sent the letters through Googledocs, which allowed us both to be able to add suggestions/edits to each other’s letters. We exchanged a ton of emails, sorting out the plot and planning the ending letters.
What a great start to an amazing novel! Google Docs is basically my absolute favorite thing about technology, so incredibly useful.
AMS: What are the pros and cons of co-authorship?
EP: I love co-authorship because of the collaboration, camaraderie, and bouncing off each other’s ideas. Emily Chapman and I work really well together, and we had tons of fun writing AWGF. The hard part was being flexible, because sometimes our expectations and ideas differed. Also, there’s just so much to think about and coordinate that it was overwhelming at times.
That's awesome that you two were able to click over this. I loved reading AWGF because your writing voices and styles were different, but meshed well together. It does sound overwhelming, though! I'm sure it had its stressful moments.
AMS: Can you tell me about the publishing process for AWGF?
EP: The first thing we had to do after editing AWGF was get a cover and have the book formatted. We hired Rachel Rossano for both jobs, and she did such a great job! We chose to use my publishing imprint, The White Rose Press. We also had to purchase an ISBN, then upload the files to Createspace. Once the files are submitted to Createspace, we ordered proof copies to make sure everything looked ok, then approved it.
Amen to that! The cover is GORGEOUS.
AMS: What are you working on now? What writing brilliance can we expect next from you?
EP: I’m currently knee deep in rewrites for a novel titled, Resist. It’s based on the true story of Hans and Sophie Scholl, a German brother and sister who wrote a distributed anti-Nazi leaflets during WWII.
Sounds intriguing! I love World War II stories, especially true ones.
AMS: What are your summer writing goals?
EP: I’m hoping to finish the rewriting of Resist this summer, and also write a Sleeping Beauty retelling for the Rooglewood writing contest.
Oh, awesome! I'm debating about writing a retelling too...
AMS: What is your most recent favorite book?
EP: To Kill a Mockingbird. But I’m currently reading All The Light We Cannot See and I’m thinking it might be one of my favorites … but I haven’t finished it yet so I can’t say for sure!
LOVE LOVE LOVE To Kill A Mockingbird!! I read it about five years ago, and totally fell in love with it. Actually, now you mention it, I think I'm going to have to go back and re-read it this summer.
AMS: Is there a particular piece of writing advice you follow to a T?
AMS: What is your favorite kind of ice-cream?
EP: Definitely chocolate panda paws. I’m a chocoholic.
FIRST OF ALL, I want you to go over to the INCREDIBLE Rachel Pattinson's blog RIGHT THIS INSTANT and SIGN UP to be a part of her book tour, taking place this July! Rachel is a doll and deserves all the support the writing community can give her! So go read the details right now and AGAIN, sign up! (Wow, that whole paragraph is exclamation points. Except now it isn't.)
I'll wait. Waiting. Waiting. Oh my gosh, hurry up!
Okay...back to our regularly scheduled program...
SECONDLY, I'll be taking a break from blogging next week. (Wahhhh...I know, I'm crying too...I know, I know, it's okay...please, try to control yourselves. GOODNESS, it's just a week, not forever!) I will be at summer camp (a "high adventure, outdoor" summer camp-- oh goody! Just what I love--the outdoors!! Actually, I do, I'm just not very athletic and kind of a wimp. But the week is a summer camp/retreat week, so I'm looking forward to spending time with God and seeing what surprises He has in store for our relationship. Man, this is a lot to be in parenthesis. Maybe I should go back and edit so it's not in parenthesis. You know what, nope, I'm just going to leave it. Except I was taught in first grade by Sister Anger Issues that you don't have to read what's inside parenthesis. WELL, at this blog, YOU DO. SO THERE. Anyway...) I'll be gone Sunday through Friday (or maybe Saturday. See, is this a good use of parenthesis?! Yes, yes it is, thank you very much).
OKAY. Finally, let's get to the main point of this post, which is an interview with EMILY ANN PUTZKE. I recently participated in a book tour for her new release AIN'T WE GOT FUN. If you missed it, too bad. Just joking, here's my review of AWGF. But this time I'm not waiting for you to check it out, you'll have to do it on your own time.
Here's a little about Emily:
EMILY ANN PUTZKE and Gi Rowland have two big things in common: their love for God and coffee. Besides writing historical fiction, Emily enjoys being an aunty, photography, Irish dancing, spending time with family, attempting to play the guitar, reenacting, and reading. She loves polka dots, war movies, and all things vintage. Her first novella, It Took a War, was published in December of 2014. You can learn more about Emily Ann Putzke and her books at www.authoremilyannputzke.com and www.facebook.com/
Who is Gi, you ask? Well, you'd better read AWGF and find out!
And here's a lot about Emily:
AMS: When you were little (we're talking like five), what did you want to be when you grew up?
EP: Many things … a librarian, a cashier, a zookeeper, an artist. I started writing stories when I was about 6 or 7, so the author ambition followed shortly after.
Quite the extensive list!
AMS: What inspired AWGF? What was the writing process like?
EP: Emily Chapman and I had been wanting to write a story together for a while. We even started a story with handwritten letters, but we both got too busy. Then in December of 2014, Emily emailed me and suggested we try a new story and post the letters on our blogs as we went. We already had picked the names and the Great Depression for a previous story, so we took those and ran with them. We sent the letters through Googledocs, which allowed us both to be able to add suggestions/edits to each other’s letters. We exchanged a ton of emails, sorting out the plot and planning the ending letters.
What a great start to an amazing novel! Google Docs is basically my absolute favorite thing about technology, so incredibly useful.
AMS: What are the pros and cons of co-authorship?
EP: I love co-authorship because of the collaboration, camaraderie, and bouncing off each other’s ideas. Emily Chapman and I work really well together, and we had tons of fun writing AWGF. The hard part was being flexible, because sometimes our expectations and ideas differed. Also, there’s just so much to think about and coordinate that it was overwhelming at times.
That's awesome that you two were able to click over this. I loved reading AWGF because your writing voices and styles were different, but meshed well together. It does sound overwhelming, though! I'm sure it had its stressful moments.
AMS: Can you tell me about the publishing process for AWGF?
EP: The first thing we had to do after editing AWGF was get a cover and have the book formatted. We hired Rachel Rossano for both jobs, and she did such a great job! We chose to use my publishing imprint, The White Rose Press. We also had to purchase an ISBN, then upload the files to Createspace. Once the files are submitted to Createspace, we ordered proof copies to make sure everything looked ok, then approved it.
Amen to that! The cover is GORGEOUS.
AMS: What are you working on now? What writing brilliance can we expect next from you?
EP: I’m currently knee deep in rewrites for a novel titled, Resist. It’s based on the true story of Hans and Sophie Scholl, a German brother and sister who wrote a distributed anti-Nazi leaflets during WWII.
Sounds intriguing! I love World War II stories, especially true ones.
AMS: What are your summer writing goals?
EP: I’m hoping to finish the rewriting of Resist this summer, and also write a Sleeping Beauty retelling for the Rooglewood writing contest.
Oh, awesome! I'm debating about writing a retelling too...
AMS: What is your most recent favorite book?
EP: To Kill a Mockingbird. But I’m currently reading All The Light We Cannot See and I’m thinking it might be one of my favorites … but I haven’t finished it yet so I can’t say for sure!
LOVE LOVE LOVE To Kill A Mockingbird!! I read it about five years ago, and totally fell in love with it. Actually, now you mention it, I think I'm going to have to go back and re-read it this summer.
AMS: Is there a particular piece of writing advice you follow to a T?
EP: I love this quote by C.S. Lewis: “Even in literature and art, no man who bothers about originality will ever be original: whereas if you simply try to tell the truth (without caring twopence how often it has been told before) you will, nine times out of ten, become original without ever having noticed it.” I have that pinned above my writing desk and I find it really encouraging!
I have never heard that quote, but anything that comes from C.S. Lewis is pure gold, and that's the truth.
I have never heard that quote, but anything that comes from C.S. Lewis is pure gold, and that's the truth.
AMS: What is your favorite kind of ice-cream?
EP: Definitely chocolate panda paws. I’m a chocoholic.
Oooh, that was my childhood favorite!! Now I'm more of a vanilla girl.
Thanks so much to Emily for doing the interview!! I'll see the rest of you in a week, have a fabulous weekend!!! =)
Monday, June 8, 2015
Summer Goals and ANNOUNCEMENT.
So I finally sat down today and drafted up my goals for this summer. Actually, I had already put them on paper a few weeks ago, but the paper decided to go MIA (paper has a mind of its own, doncha know). This is take two.
1. AWAKEN-- my MS that I finished months ago. I'm still in love with it, which is a good sign, but it seriously needs some work that I've been putting off. It's like a room in my brain that I'm not ready to demolish but needs such a cleaning that it's exhausting to even open the door.
2/3. WILD-- probably not the actual name, so I should probably shoot for finding a name for that one, too. Anyway, I'm about fourteen chapters into the draft and have no idea what happens next, so I should probably get to outlining...
4. TBN-- is totally outlined. I love this story so much and I'm about six-ish chapters into it. It's kind of a companion to AWAKEN (which is the first in a trilogy--TBN will stand alone), so that's fun.
5. 1950s Concept-- I love the '50s so much. Thinking of doing a mystery/thriller kind of thing involving that time period along with deserted places (probably aquariums). I have a Pinterest Board for it (sort of), but I can't wait to discover the story further.
6. READ-- "What?! Anne Marie, you said these were Summer 2015 Writing Goals." Someone once said that a true writer is always writing. For me, that's so true, and the time that I'm most writing (besides when I'm actually writing) is when I'm reading. I really want to get into lots of classics this summer as well as some (non-raunchy) adult lit and nonfiction (think memoirs) as well as, as stated, writing books. Right now, I'm reading (writing related) Characters and Viewpoint by Orson Scott Card and Now Write! Screenwriting edited by Sherry Ellis and Laurie Lamson. If you have any suggestions (for any of those categories, but especially writing), I'm all ears! ...erm, or rather, eyes...
7. Blog-- so this really isn't anything new, I already try to blog three times a week.
BUT WAIT.
THERE ACTUALLY IS SOMETHING NEW.
WHAT THE HECK IS CLAMORING TO BE VISIBLE!?
Well. Let me tell you a story.
Once upon a time there was a magical writing goddess named Jenny who also happens to be incredibly humorous. Said goddess stumbled (do goddesses stumble?) upon my blog during the A-Z Challenge. Her blog is definitely one of my favorite stops on the internet, literally every time I visit I smile. ANYWAY. She has another blog, where she posts stories (I'll post the link when it's up and running again, right now she's taking a break) and I think that that is such a good idea.
I've tried out Figment and Wattpad, but it's all "oh you read mine and I'll read yours", which I really don't like. I feel like a lot of "writers" who use those sites don't particularly care about anything besides views. Also, a lot of it is just boy band fanfics (REALLY!? I hate fanfics so much, I'm sorry--but that's another post for another time) and porn, neither of which are my thing.
Personally, I wouldn't care if nobody ever read or commented on my blog...I write for me, y'all are just a bonus. But a really awesome bonus.
Anyway, one of my journals is completely dedicated to stories. Just random, free written stories. I decided, because of Jenny the Goddess, that maybe I should share some of said stories.
SO! Here it is. Blog number two, which will hopefully soon be filled with lots of stories, fictional and nonfictional and exaggerated and non-exaggerated (but you're going to have to guess which is which, because I'll never tell!).
Head on over to Clamoring To Be Visible and see Story No. 1: THE PROMISE OF COFFEE.
Love you guys.
Monday, May 11, 2015
Write Now Monday: Characters, Plotting, and Randomness--OH MY!
I had an absolutely fabulous weekend. My brother John Paul was confirmed, which was awesome. A bunch of relatives came in, including my best friend and cousin, Alex. So that was incredible. Then Mother's Day of course...I'm waiting until Friday to post a tribute to my mom, because her birthday is actually Friday. Stay tuned!
Today, I'mranting talking about my WIPs. Advance apologies if nothing I say makes sense. It's been that kind of day.
I've been learning so much about writing while being in the process of two different WIPs. If I was a mom, I might compare it to having two kids, but I'm not sure if that's the case, as I'm definitely not a mother. However, it's what I imagine having two children to be like. Each has its own struggles as well as joys. There are things that come easy and things that come hard. I love them both and pour myself out into both of them, but in different ways.
With WIP no. 1, I really love the plot. It's going to be a trilogy and the story is just awesome. At least, I think it is. I love telling it. With WIP no. 2, I really love the characters. I love forming them, getting to know them. I just want to jump in and hang out with them.
WIP no. 2 has shown me how much the characters in WIP no. 1 are lacking dimension. And the plot in WIP no. 2 is definitely not as smooth as the plot in WIP no. 1.
Ugh.
It's frustrating, because I love the plot in WIP no. 1. But the characters...so meh. And vice-versa with WIP no. 2. Kinda annoying.
I spent a lot more time outlining with WIP no. 1 and more time with character development with WIP no. 2. I like the main idea of what is going to happen in WIP no. 2, but it needs to be fleshed out more.
I have moments with both stories where I'm like THIS STORY IS TERRIBLE AND NOT GOING TO WORK AND I'M JUST GOING TO STOP WRITING AND HIDE UNDER MY BED but then my characters keep screaming my name and practically leave a trail of oreos to a pen and paper and I start all over again. Or when I'm just so flustered and like I HAVE NO CONNECTION WITH THESE CHARACTERS AND THEY HATE ME AND EVERYONE HATES ME SO I'M JUST GOING TO GO BECOME A HERMIT IN THE WOODS AND NEVER TALK TO ANYONE EVER AGAIN but then my fingers start to itch to describe what is going to happen next and I dive right back into it.
We writers, who are truly writers, are stuck. We can never stop.
I love it and I hate it, but I really, really love it.
On top of all this though, my allergies are seriously killing me. I think I've used about three tissue boxes up today and it's not even 1pm. I have work training this evening...and a bunch of paper work I still have to get in. Ugh. I very much dislike having to adult, it's very unpleasant. However, to end on a positive note, thankfully I have a job. And a very supportive mother who is willing to drive all over the city to get my papers signed. Love that woman.
Be sure to tune in Wednesday for my review on BONE GAP! Have a great week.
Today, I'm
I've been learning so much about writing while being in the process of two different WIPs. If I was a mom, I might compare it to having two kids, but I'm not sure if that's the case, as I'm definitely not a mother. However, it's what I imagine having two children to be like. Each has its own struggles as well as joys. There are things that come easy and things that come hard. I love them both and pour myself out into both of them, but in different ways.
With WIP no. 1, I really love the plot. It's going to be a trilogy and the story is just awesome. At least, I think it is. I love telling it. With WIP no. 2, I really love the characters. I love forming them, getting to know them. I just want to jump in and hang out with them.
WIP no. 2 has shown me how much the characters in WIP no. 1 are lacking dimension. And the plot in WIP no. 2 is definitely not as smooth as the plot in WIP no. 1.
Ugh.
It's frustrating, because I love the plot in WIP no. 1. But the characters...so meh. And vice-versa with WIP no. 2. Kinda annoying.
I spent a lot more time outlining with WIP no. 1 and more time with character development with WIP no. 2. I like the main idea of what is going to happen in WIP no. 2, but it needs to be fleshed out more.
I have moments with both stories where I'm like THIS STORY IS TERRIBLE AND NOT GOING TO WORK AND I'M JUST GOING TO STOP WRITING AND HIDE UNDER MY BED but then my characters keep screaming my name and practically leave a trail of oreos to a pen and paper and I start all over again. Or when I'm just so flustered and like I HAVE NO CONNECTION WITH THESE CHARACTERS AND THEY HATE ME AND EVERYONE HATES ME SO I'M JUST GOING TO GO BECOME A HERMIT IN THE WOODS AND NEVER TALK TO ANYONE EVER AGAIN but then my fingers start to itch to describe what is going to happen next and I dive right back into it.
We writers, who are truly writers, are stuck. We can never stop.
I love it and I hate it, but I really, really love it.
On top of all this though, my allergies are seriously killing me. I think I've used about three tissue boxes up today and it's not even 1pm. I have work training this evening...and a bunch of paper work I still have to get in. Ugh. I very much dislike having to adult, it's very unpleasant. However, to end on a positive note, thankfully I have a job. And a very supportive mother who is willing to drive all over the city to get my papers signed. Love that woman.
Be sure to tune in Wednesday for my review on BONE GAP! Have a great week.
Monday, May 4, 2015
Reflections
I woke up on May first feeling as though I was forgetting something.
Something was missing, there was something I had to do...oh wait, no there wasn't. It wasn't April anymore, and I didn't have to do a mad-dash and type out a bunch of words and prayed that somehow would make sense. Sometimes they did, sometimes I probably just thought they did. Happens.
This was my first year doing the A-Z Challenge.
I honestly don't know why I signed up for it. Perhaps mostly to get into posting more regularly and leave behind the sporadic posting schedule. Additionally, networking was definitely appealing to me. I LOVE meeting other people on the same writing journey as myself coupled with wonderful blogs.
The people I have been privileged to interact with as a result of the A-Z Challenge completely blow me away. I'm so impressed by their talent and dedication. Shout outs to just a few of my new favorite blogs:
There are so many more, and I hope to share them with you in the coming days.
Going into it, I knew it was going to be hard-to-impossible for me to post on some days. And turns out, it was. Some days got longer posts than others and some even got guest posts (thanks again to Faith, Anna, Becca, Jess, and Jen!) and there was even one that just got a link to a post. But I managed to come out even in the end.
I'm glad that I picked "writing" as my theme. It helped me organize my thoughts pertaining to writing. It provided some awesome self-reflection time for me, and I was able to evaluate my personal writing beliefs. I discovered that I did have a mental list of "rules" (some firm though some flimsy) though I didn't really know it. Furthermore, I discovered things that I subconsciously believe, which was kind of weird.
Thank you, thank you, thank you so much, darling readers. Your comments never fail to inspire me and make me smile. I write for myself and it never ceases to amaze me that people like it! You encourage me to keep going, to never give up on my dreams...so thank you.
Around here, you can expect me to be posting two to three times a week. Well, at least, I'm going to see how that schedule works out through the month of May and then reevaluate. I'm planning on doing writing related posts on Mondays, book (and perhaps movie and music) reviews on Wednesdays and posts about my life on Fridays.
Love you guys. Thanks for empowering me, encouraging me, and never failing to make my day better. I can't wait to put each and every one of your names into the acknowledgements page on my book some day.
How was the A-Z for you? If you didn't do it, do you think you might next year?
Something was missing, there was something I had to do...oh wait, no there wasn't. It wasn't April anymore, and I didn't have to do a mad-dash and type out a bunch of words and prayed that somehow would make sense. Sometimes they did, sometimes I probably just thought they did. Happens.
This was my first year doing the A-Z Challenge.
I honestly don't know why I signed up for it. Perhaps mostly to get into posting more regularly and leave behind the sporadic posting schedule. Additionally, networking was definitely appealing to me. I LOVE meeting other people on the same writing journey as myself coupled with wonderful blogs.
The people I have been privileged to interact with as a result of the A-Z Challenge completely blow me away. I'm so impressed by their talent and dedication. Shout outs to just a few of my new favorite blogs:
There are so many more, and I hope to share them with you in the coming days.
Going into it, I knew it was going to be hard-to-impossible for me to post on some days. And turns out, it was. Some days got longer posts than others and some even got guest posts (thanks again to Faith, Anna, Becca, Jess, and Jen!) and there was even one that just got a link to a post. But I managed to come out even in the end.
I'm glad that I picked "writing" as my theme. It helped me organize my thoughts pertaining to writing. It provided some awesome self-reflection time for me, and I was able to evaluate my personal writing beliefs. I discovered that I did have a mental list of "rules" (some firm though some flimsy) though I didn't really know it. Furthermore, I discovered things that I subconsciously believe, which was kind of weird.
Thank you, thank you, thank you so much, darling readers. Your comments never fail to inspire me and make me smile. I write for myself and it never ceases to amaze me that people like it! You encourage me to keep going, to never give up on my dreams...so thank you.
Around here, you can expect me to be posting two to three times a week. Well, at least, I'm going to see how that schedule works out through the month of May and then reevaluate. I'm planning on doing writing related posts on Mondays, book (and perhaps movie and music) reviews on Wednesdays and posts about my life on Fridays.
Love you guys. Thanks for empowering me, encouraging me, and never failing to make my day better. I can't wait to put each and every one of your names into the acknowledgements page on my book some day.
How was the A-Z for you? If you didn't do it, do you think you might next year?
Wednesday, April 29, 2015
Zzz, Don't Make Your Readers!
THIS IS IT.
GUYS.
I. MADE. IT.
*gasps*
Welcome, ladies and gentlemen, to the LAST post of the A to Z Challenge here at AM Station. I've spent the last month sharing my writing rules, opinions, and experiences. Hopefully you've learned something or been inspired! I have so, so enjoyed talking to all of you and meeting so many bloggers.
But! More on that on MAY 4TH! Be sure to check back!!
Perhaps I should have started with this post. But the alphabet doesn't start with Z, so that wouldn't have worked out too well.
DON'T MAKE YOUR READERS FALL ASLEEP! Because that's bad.
I have seen so many series of books become sooooooo boring after the first one. Divergent and Hunger Games are prime examples. Reading Allegiant and Mocking Jay felt like trudging through quicksand at some points.
Now, obviously, just like everything else here, these are just my opinions.
But to me, it felt like the excitement wore off for the author, and so it also wore off for me, the reader. This may not be true, maybe Veronica Roth was writing Allegiant with a butt load of caffeine in her system, but to me, it felt like not so much.
I've touched on this already this month, but WRITE WHAT IS INTERESTING TO YOU! If you're bored, then SWITCH THE SCENE, SWITCH THE POV, SWITCH THE TENSE, SWITCH SOMETHING.
I'm really not yelling. Okay, maybe. I'm tired. I CAN'T BELIEVE I'VE MADE IT THROUGH THIS MONTH.
*does happy dance*
Um, yeah, no. I'm in my bed and I am too lazy to even reach for my teddy bear that just fell. Joking. If I don't, the monsters under my bed will eat him.
When it comes to keeping blog posts interesting (hopefully mine are, lol, that would actually be really funny if they aren't and I'm giving advice on how to keep posts interesting--pretty typical) is to USE CAPITAL LETTERS. Joking.
Well, maybe not. If that's your personality, do it. Let YOU shine through in what you do. When people I know read my blog, they tell me that they can hear me saying the words in their heads. That makes me happy =) Don't be afraid to just be YOU and put yourself out there!
Don't don't don't don't mimic someone else, even if they are more successful. Find your voice and, for goodness sakes, don't bury it. Scream with it! Unless you're more of a whisperer. Just do whatever it is you do, and you'll be interesting and successful!
Another thing I'm told that keeps readers interested is to keep it short when it comes to posting.
I'm really bad at this one.
For school, my papers almost always exceed the word limit, even if the topic is something I HATE. I have so much to say! But, seriously, it probably helps to keep it short.
However, long is me. I write this blog for me, I write in general for me. I sound really selfish, but hopefully you know what I mean. I want to please myself and be happy with my words rather than try to go viral or mimic someone else. I like my mildly undiscovered corner of the internet, and I truly dearly love those who come and visit me.
SO... IT. IS. DONE.
How did the challenge go for you? And how to you keep your posts interesting?
GUYS.
I. MADE. IT.
*gasps*
Welcome, ladies and gentlemen, to the LAST post of the A to Z Challenge here at AM Station. I've spent the last month sharing my writing rules, opinions, and experiences. Hopefully you've learned something or been inspired! I have so, so enjoyed talking to all of you and meeting so many bloggers.
But! More on that on MAY 4TH! Be sure to check back!!
Perhaps I should have started with this post. But the alphabet doesn't start with Z, so that wouldn't have worked out too well.
DON'T MAKE YOUR READERS FALL ASLEEP! Because that's bad.
I have seen so many series of books become sooooooo boring after the first one. Divergent and Hunger Games are prime examples. Reading Allegiant and Mocking Jay felt like trudging through quicksand at some points.
Now, obviously, just like everything else here, these are just my opinions.
But to me, it felt like the excitement wore off for the author, and so it also wore off for me, the reader. This may not be true, maybe Veronica Roth was writing Allegiant with a butt load of caffeine in her system, but to me, it felt like not so much.
I've touched on this already this month, but WRITE WHAT IS INTERESTING TO YOU! If you're bored, then SWITCH THE SCENE, SWITCH THE POV, SWITCH THE TENSE, SWITCH SOMETHING.
I'm really not yelling. Okay, maybe. I'm tired. I CAN'T BELIEVE I'VE MADE IT THROUGH THIS MONTH.
*does happy dance*
Um, yeah, no. I'm in my bed and I am too lazy to even reach for my teddy bear that just fell. Joking. If I don't, the monsters under my bed will eat him.
When it comes to keeping blog posts interesting (hopefully mine are, lol, that would actually be really funny if they aren't and I'm giving advice on how to keep posts interesting--pretty typical) is to USE CAPITAL LETTERS. Joking.
Well, maybe not. If that's your personality, do it. Let YOU shine through in what you do. When people I know read my blog, they tell me that they can hear me saying the words in their heads. That makes me happy =) Don't be afraid to just be YOU and put yourself out there!
Don't don't don't don't mimic someone else, even if they are more successful. Find your voice and, for goodness sakes, don't bury it. Scream with it! Unless you're more of a whisperer. Just do whatever it is you do, and you'll be interesting and successful!
Another thing I'm told that keeps readers interested is to keep it short when it comes to posting.
I'm really bad at this one.
For school, my papers almost always exceed the word limit, even if the topic is something I HATE. I have so much to say! But, seriously, it probably helps to keep it short.
However, long is me. I write this blog for me, I write in general for me. I sound really selfish, but hopefully you know what I mean. I want to please myself and be happy with my words rather than try to go viral or mimic someone else. I like my mildly undiscovered corner of the internet, and I truly dearly love those who come and visit me.
SO... IT. IS. DONE.
How did the challenge go for you? And how to you keep your posts interesting?
Tuesday, April 28, 2015
Your Research, Doing
I probably am not the most qualified person for this post.
Well, actually, I'm very qualified for this topic of writing either. A seventeen year old girl, write for a whole month about how to write and aspects of writing?! Who isn't even published? Yeah, right, what could she know?
Maybe some of my opinions are "wrong" when it comes to writing. I definitely don't have the most experience on the block. But I have been writing ever since I could. I've found things out through trial and error and the advice of other writers. This all is what works for me, what I've found to be true.
So here is a little more me and my writing experience.
I have never actually had to do research for a book. Hence my unqualification. Which wasn't a word until now. Congrats, you saw first here, folks!
I probably should have for one of my novels (about a spy), but that never happened. Probably why that novel is now sitting somewhere in hard-drive space. Another one I should have done took place in LA, where I certainly have never been. That MS is keeping the other one company, equally as covered with virtual dust.
What I'm getting at is that not doing your research can cost you your novel.
I am famous for "Oh, I'll just keep going and I can fix it later" when something isn't working out. I'll plow right through the problems and patch up the holes later. Sometimes that's good. Sometimes it isn't. When it comes to research, it isn't.
Correction: I haven't had to research until a couple of weeks ago.
My WIP requires a lot of research because it has to do quite a bit with a lawyer, and I'm really unfamiliar with court and law stuff (see, I don't even know the correct terms). Research kind of scares me, to be honest. I would much rather work on my fairy tale where I just have to make everything up. Oh well, it's just something that's got to be done.
When I research, the first place I go to is Pinterest. There's some awesome infographics there and I can save it all in one place. Then onto other areas of the Internet. I haven't really used any books, just because I've found everything I've been looking for online.
I record the information in my binder for the current WIP. I'm a sucker for handwriting out my outlines and research, but I do sometimes save the websites to go back to later. When I remember to =)
How do you do research?
Well, actually, I'm very qualified for this topic of writing either. A seventeen year old girl, write for a whole month about how to write and aspects of writing?! Who isn't even published? Yeah, right, what could she know?
Maybe some of my opinions are "wrong" when it comes to writing. I definitely don't have the most experience on the block. But I have been writing ever since I could. I've found things out through trial and error and the advice of other writers. This all is what works for me, what I've found to be true.
So here is a little more me and my writing experience.
I have never actually had to do research for a book. Hence my unqualification. Which wasn't a word until now. Congrats, you saw first here, folks!
I probably should have for one of my novels (about a spy), but that never happened. Probably why that novel is now sitting somewhere in hard-drive space. Another one I should have done took place in LA, where I certainly have never been. That MS is keeping the other one company, equally as covered with virtual dust.
What I'm getting at is that not doing your research can cost you your novel.
I am famous for "Oh, I'll just keep going and I can fix it later" when something isn't working out. I'll plow right through the problems and patch up the holes later. Sometimes that's good. Sometimes it isn't. When it comes to research, it isn't.
Correction: I haven't had to research until a couple of weeks ago.
My WIP requires a lot of research because it has to do quite a bit with a lawyer, and I'm really unfamiliar with court and law stuff (see, I don't even know the correct terms). Research kind of scares me, to be honest. I would much rather work on my fairy tale where I just have to make everything up. Oh well, it's just something that's got to be done.
When I research, the first place I go to is Pinterest. There's some awesome infographics there and I can save it all in one place. Then onto other areas of the Internet. I haven't really used any books, just because I've found everything I've been looking for online.
I record the information in my binder for the current WIP. I'm a sucker for handwriting out my outlines and research, but I do sometimes save the websites to go back to later. When I remember to =)
How do you do research?
X by Ed Sheeran: How Music Inspires My Writing
I have been looking forward to writing this post all month. I basically thought I was the most clever person ever when I was able to tie in the topic of music with the letter X. Please, hold your applause.
Music is a huge part of who I am. Someone in my house is always singing, playing guitar, piano, or banging away on the drums. Usually, all of that is going on at once.
I love music. Seriously just love it. I love how it portrays truth and beauty, how it can lift your spirit. Or weigh down your spirit. Music has so much power. I love how it always tells a story.
Music tells stories. Just like I do.
When I was younger, I could never listen to music while writing. It was way too distracting. Now, I rarely write without listening to music.
Music pushes me forward.
Within music, I have found characters. I have found plots. I have found scenes. I have found answers and I have found questions.
Music is the ultimate short story.
When I'm writing a novel, or even a short story (which, in reality, is never very short), I usually put together a playlist of songs that go along with my story. Other times, I'll go to whatever my favorite Pandora station is or I'll just listen to random indie music that I don't know. Depends on my mood.
Some of my favorite writing musicians include Ed Sheeran, Needtobreathe, Mumford & Sons, Echosmith, Lorde, Birdy, and so, so many more.
How does music inspire your writing? Do you listen to music while you write? If so, who is your go-to musician?
Music is a huge part of who I am. Someone in my house is always singing, playing guitar, piano, or banging away on the drums. Usually, all of that is going on at once.
I love music. Seriously just love it. I love how it portrays truth and beauty, how it can lift your spirit. Or weigh down your spirit. Music has so much power. I love how it always tells a story.
Music tells stories. Just like I do.
When I was younger, I could never listen to music while writing. It was way too distracting. Now, I rarely write without listening to music.
Music pushes me forward.
Within music, I have found characters. I have found plots. I have found scenes. I have found answers and I have found questions.
Music is the ultimate short story.
When I'm writing a novel, or even a short story (which, in reality, is never very short), I usually put together a playlist of songs that go along with my story. Other times, I'll go to whatever my favorite Pandora station is or I'll just listen to random indie music that I don't know. Depends on my mood.
Some of my favorite writing musicians include Ed Sheeran, Needtobreathe, Mumford & Sons, Echosmith, Lorde, Birdy, and so, so many more.
How does music inspire your writing? Do you listen to music while you write? If so, who is your go-to musician?
Saturday, April 25, 2015
Using Writing As Revenge
Sorry I'm posting a day late (again) but birthday festivities consumed most of the day yesterday.
Seventeen. I'm so old.
Not really.
Anyway...today's, I mean yesterday's, post is on Using Writing As Revenge. As you would know if you read the title. Which, no doubt, you did. Anyway, this actually coincides quite nicely with celebrating my life.
Revenge is such a slippery term. I don't like the word. Or perhaps, what I dislike is what the word means. I've never been a big one for revenge.
I became close with someone last year, which was a really rough year. We weren't close for very long, due to the fact that he decided that, for some reason, he wasn't going to talk to me anymore. This literally tore me apart. I liked this kid, a lot. We definitely shared some awesome times together. I think what killed me the most was that I had been waiting all year for someone to let me in, to be okay with me, with who I really was. When he finally showed me this time after time and I'd begun to believe him, he completely threw me aside.
Wow. Thanks.
My immediate thought was why, accompanied by feelings of sadness and guilt. Eventually, I got sick of why because I couldn't figure it out. There simply was no answer. This made me mad, oh, it made me so mad.
The fact that he could just come, be well on the way to being my best friend, and then stab me in the back and silently walk away, a smile still etched on his face...whoa. Like, dude, no. There's never a good reason EVER to do that to anyone. But the fact that he did it without a reason...or maybe he had one and I'll never know. Still.
I wanted to have revenge on him, oh, I wanted to get back at him. I wanted to break him like he broke me. But I couldn't. I didn't even know where to begin. And after everything that this guy had put me through, I still had respect for him. Deep down, I wanted to forgive him. This desire prevented me from truly wanting bad for him. That made me angry, too. How I couldn't be properly angry with him.
The thing about revenge is that it promises to fix our problems. It promises to make it better, make us better, make the situation better, and make the person who hurt us pay. We want to force the other person to feel what we felt, to be punished. Revenge is a twisted desire for justice. And the thing is? That desire can never be quenched. We want to exact revenge because it gives us a sense of power, of control. But we're not in control.
Eventually, I learned that there was nothing I could do to this person to make me feel better. I still had to wrestle with feelings of guilt and hurt and rejection. Okay, so if I could hurt him? Then what? It made me just as bad as him. If there's anything I know about heartbreak, is that it's unlimited. There's not some weird equality thing that's like "oh, well, now he has a heartbreak so she doesn't have to."
The only thing I could do with the pain was give it to God. Give the friendship to Him. Give my feelings to Him. Yes, it hurt so badly to forgive this person. But I did, eventually, by the grace of God. And not only that, I forgave myself.
We are given pain for a reason. We are allowed to go through tough times and God is right there with us. You are not alone.
After everything with this person fell apart, my friends and I concocted various schemes to "make him pay". We literally thought of everything and, not going to lie, I wanted it. So. Bad. All of it, every single revenge plot. But God taught me that revenge is not mine. I am not in control. He taught me humility in letting go.
But God gave me so many talents. He gave me the gift of writing.
So I took the feelings from the friendship. I took the stories, from when we first started talking to when he stopped. And I poured all that out into my novel. I let the pain drip my fingers onto the pages, I let them absorb my laughter. God used my writing to heal me. With each word I typed, pieces of my heart shifted back into place.
Use your writing as revenge. Again, I hate the term. Revenge does nothing for you, and that's what it's for in the first place, isn't it? It's a selfish desire to punish someone so that you'll feel better. But it never makes you feel better. What you really want is to be whole again.
Since everything went down last year, I've experienced more intense pain and way more intense joy. God is so good and it is so good to be alive and to be able to love. With each big event in my life, though, I turn my hands towards heaven.
"God, what do you want me to do with this?"
And I always end up back at my computer, typing away. Or with a notebook, pen flying across pages.
So write. Write your pain, write your joy. Make your stories more realistic by pouring in your real pain, your real joy.
...and just imagine sending a copy of your published book to the person who hurt you. The person your villain is based of off ;) Let it go and let God work. He'll use your pain and He'll use your words.
Seventeen. I'm so old.
Not really.
Anyway...today's, I mean yesterday's, post is on Using Writing As Revenge. As you would know if you read the title. Which, no doubt, you did. Anyway, this actually coincides quite nicely with celebrating my life.
Revenge is such a slippery term. I don't like the word. Or perhaps, what I dislike is what the word means. I've never been a big one for revenge.
I became close with someone last year, which was a really rough year. We weren't close for very long, due to the fact that he decided that, for some reason, he wasn't going to talk to me anymore. This literally tore me apart. I liked this kid, a lot. We definitely shared some awesome times together. I think what killed me the most was that I had been waiting all year for someone to let me in, to be okay with me, with who I really was. When he finally showed me this time after time and I'd begun to believe him, he completely threw me aside.
Wow. Thanks.
My immediate thought was why, accompanied by feelings of sadness and guilt. Eventually, I got sick of why because I couldn't figure it out. There simply was no answer. This made me mad, oh, it made me so mad.
The fact that he could just come, be well on the way to being my best friend, and then stab me in the back and silently walk away, a smile still etched on his face...whoa. Like, dude, no. There's never a good reason EVER to do that to anyone. But the fact that he did it without a reason...or maybe he had one and I'll never know. Still.
I wanted to have revenge on him, oh, I wanted to get back at him. I wanted to break him like he broke me. But I couldn't. I didn't even know where to begin. And after everything that this guy had put me through, I still had respect for him. Deep down, I wanted to forgive him. This desire prevented me from truly wanting bad for him. That made me angry, too. How I couldn't be properly angry with him.
The thing about revenge is that it promises to fix our problems. It promises to make it better, make us better, make the situation better, and make the person who hurt us pay. We want to force the other person to feel what we felt, to be punished. Revenge is a twisted desire for justice. And the thing is? That desire can never be quenched. We want to exact revenge because it gives us a sense of power, of control. But we're not in control.
Eventually, I learned that there was nothing I could do to this person to make me feel better. I still had to wrestle with feelings of guilt and hurt and rejection. Okay, so if I could hurt him? Then what? It made me just as bad as him. If there's anything I know about heartbreak, is that it's unlimited. There's not some weird equality thing that's like "oh, well, now he has a heartbreak so she doesn't have to."
The only thing I could do with the pain was give it to God. Give the friendship to Him. Give my feelings to Him. Yes, it hurt so badly to forgive this person. But I did, eventually, by the grace of God. And not only that, I forgave myself.
We are given pain for a reason. We are allowed to go through tough times and God is right there with us. You are not alone.
After everything with this person fell apart, my friends and I concocted various schemes to "make him pay". We literally thought of everything and, not going to lie, I wanted it. So. Bad. All of it, every single revenge plot. But God taught me that revenge is not mine. I am not in control. He taught me humility in letting go.
But God gave me so many talents. He gave me the gift of writing.
So I took the feelings from the friendship. I took the stories, from when we first started talking to when he stopped. And I poured all that out into my novel. I let the pain drip my fingers onto the pages, I let them absorb my laughter. God used my writing to heal me. With each word I typed, pieces of my heart shifted back into place.
Use your writing as revenge. Again, I hate the term. Revenge does nothing for you, and that's what it's for in the first place, isn't it? It's a selfish desire to punish someone so that you'll feel better. But it never makes you feel better. What you really want is to be whole again.
Since everything went down last year, I've experienced more intense pain and way more intense joy. God is so good and it is so good to be alive and to be able to love. With each big event in my life, though, I turn my hands towards heaven.
"God, what do you want me to do with this?"
And I always end up back at my computer, typing away. Or with a notebook, pen flying across pages.
So write. Write your pain, write your joy. Make your stories more realistic by pouring in your real pain, your real joy.
...and just imagine sending a copy of your published book to the person who hurt you. The person your villain is based of off ;) Let it go and let God work. He'll use your pain and He'll use your words.
Tuesday, April 21, 2015
Relationships
Welcome back, folks, for more sass and sarcasm, and, hopefully, a little substance.
For the letter R, we're talking Relationships. More specifically, fictional relationships. Brace yourselves, because this might turn into a rant.
I hate hate hate HATE most fictional relationships. I think that they are so non realistic. Just because the characters aren't real doesn't mean the relationships have to be fake.
Literally this is about every YA romance (okay, not every, but the majority) summed up in a paragraph: Boy runs into girl. Exchanges glance. Something happens to them that makes them somewhat close. Then they either a) start "making out" or b) start dating. Am I right or am I right?
I should probably clarify. This does happen and it is real. People meet and starting dating a week, two weeks later. But that doesn't lead to a forever type of relationship.
So the thing with that kind of relationship though, is it's not going to last very long. If it does, it's not going to be a healthy relationship. Most likely, it will be centered on emotion and being physical (which could be anything from kissing to having sex). The emotion and physical pleasure is fleeting and is not what keeps a relationship together.
There are not positive outcomes to these relationships. Most books make it seem like meet, sparks fly, have sex, boom, forever. It doesn't work that way. The truth is, that that sort of relationship isn't going to last. It will fade. Not only that, but both people in the relationship will be left with a lot of hurt. Neither sex nor kissing nor intense emotions will keep a relationship going. And if sex is being had outside of marriage, the relationship is most likely going to go down hill, as that's not a good thing either emotionally or physically.
A strong relationship is one that is built on a strong friendship.
Friendship first is so underrated, both in real life and in the writing world when it comes to being friends first. When I come to a point in my life when I'm ready to date, I want to date my best friend. No, not just want--I refuse to date anyone who is less than my best friend. If I settle for anything less than that, what will the basis of the relationship be? Not a strong one, that's for sure. If I can't make a friendship strong, how will I ever be able to make a relationship strong? Relationships (and friendships) require work, they require insistence death to self and self-sacrifice.
So, my challenge to you, writers, is to examine your fictional relationships. Are they realistic? If they are intended to last forever, then what is the base?
One of my favorite books that is an AWESOME example of a healthy relationship is This Is What Happy Looks Like by Jennifer E. Smith. So amazing. Another great example is that of Harry and Ginny in Harry Potter. They were friends for YEARS before they started going out and their relationships was totally based on friendship and respect of each other. Ahhh. Just love it so much.
Monday, April 20, 2015
Poetry
So pleased to be hosting Becca, an amazing writer-friend from my creative writing group! Becca writes fabulous poetry and is such an inspiration. You check out some of her poetry on Pinterest here.
I've been asked about poetry before, what do I write it about, why do I write it, and of course, how do I write it? But my mental response is always how do you not write poetry? How do you release your emotions? How do you get what feels like a hundred pounds of sadness, love, pain, anything off of your chest?
I write poetry for numerous reasons, because I want to, because I love to, but most of all, because I need to. If I were an artist, I'm sure I would express my feelings by painting or drawing them, but I believe that words are the key. I love words, they can paint anything in your mind, from the sensation of a summer rain on your skin to a knife of pain in your chest to the fluttering feeling of a first kiss. And poetry, in my opinion, is the most beautiful form of words imaginable.
It could be a rhyme that sounds beautiful in your head or dancing off of your tongue, or the messy, free flow of bottled up emotions of any kind just leaving your mind. It's relatable, it's freeing, and it's amazing. I once read a quote that stuck with me because it was so true. It said, "Poetry is what happens when your mind stops working, and for a moment, all you do is feel." And it's absolutely true, when I'm writing poetry, I don't think about the things I'm writing, I just write. It's as if I'm bleeding from my pen and spilling everything inside of me. No poems are thought out, they're rarely planned, they just happen.
As the amazing Robin Williams said in Dead Poets Society, "…. And medicine, law, business, engineering, these are all noble pursuits and necessary to sustain life. But poetry, beauty, romance, love, these are what we stay alive for." And when you hit the point where writing it is as easy as breathing, you can't help but write. At this point, poetry is just a part of who I am as a person, and I couldn't live without it. I don't write poetry by planning out what I'm going to write, it's not a high school essay. I write what I feel. Did I have a bad day? Then I'll write a poem about what made that day bad, but I'll also write a poem about what makes life beautiful.
Poetry is truly what I stay alive for, but more than that, it's what keeps me alive.
Thursday, April 16, 2015
Outling
The writing of this post came just at the right point for me.
As I recently mentioned, I am in the midst of edits of AWAKEN. Lots of fun...joking, I am not a fan of editing. I needed something new to keep my creative juices flowing.
Enter...STORY WITH A NAME TBD.
I had this idea while reading some news headlines and I was just like WOW. WOW. Oh my gosh. I have to write this story. And, regardless of the million things I need to do this time of year, the idea would not go away. I was growing restless as it grew inside me. I literally could not sleep, I just keep feeling like I had words I needed to vomit. You're welcome for that visual.
I made a deal with myself. Finish three science assignments and you can start outline. Shake? Shake.
So I began to outline...
I have found that there is no exact formula outline. Perhaps for the specific writer there would be a specific formula, but overall, not so much. This is my outline process.
Well, scratch that. This my outline process for this particular WIP. I am literally constant with nothing my writing world. ANYWAY...
As I recently mentioned, I am in the midst of edits of AWAKEN. Lots of fun...joking, I am not a fan of editing. I needed something new to keep my creative juices flowing.
Enter...STORY WITH A NAME TBD.
I had this idea while reading some news headlines and I was just like WOW. WOW. Oh my gosh. I have to write this story. And, regardless of the million things I need to do this time of year, the idea would not go away. I was growing restless as it grew inside me. I literally could not sleep, I just keep feeling like I had words I needed to vomit. You're welcome for that visual.
I made a deal with myself. Finish three science assignments and you can start outline. Shake? Shake.
So I began to outline...
I have found that there is no exact formula outline. Perhaps for the specific writer there would be a specific formula, but overall, not so much. This is my outline process.
Well, scratch that. This my outline process for this particular WIP. I am literally constant with nothing my writing world. ANYWAY...
- Define my characters. This involves writing out character descriptions, hobbies, as well as negative and positive character traits. Additionally, depending on the character, I write out their relationships to other characters.
- Main story lines. These would be just two or three sentences about the main plot(s) of the story. Typically, I have two or three main story lines that I weave together throughout the course of the story
- Nitty-gritty details. Lastly, I plan out the scenes of the novel. These are sometimes super detailed or sometimes just a sentence. Depends on the scene...and my mood.
And there you have it, folks! What's your outlining process?
(Remember, I'll be posting Saturday's post a day late! Thanks for reading, have a FABULOUS weekend.)
Monday, April 13, 2015
Life: It's yours, write it!
(I would just like to point out that I just survived a near death experience. I was sitting at my laptop, typing away, being responsible and doing science...when I heard this demonic buzzing noise. I was instantly transported, mentally, to an earlier hour when I discovered a huge brown, papery bug with antennas and stringy legs on my window.
By huge, I'm talking half the size of my pinky. I have really long pinkies. Anyway, so I went to go get someone to kill this bug because...uh...I didn't want to break a nail...But I totally forgot until much later, when I slammed the window shut. Apparently, I have terrible short-term memory because I completely forgot AGAIN until about an hour-ish ago when I heard a demonic buzzing noise and saw a flutter of wings in front of my face. The mass of papery brown disgustingness landed on my keyboard and I slammed my laptop shut, literally swallowing screams of terror and jumping off my bed. Boom. For good measure, I applied some extra pressure. Crush. Cautiously, I lifted the lid...to discover squished a la bug. Yum. I used about twenty tissues to dispose of it.
Not quite sure why I'm telling you all that...but I survived. Guys, I survived.)
By huge, I'm talking half the size of my pinky. I have really long pinkies. Anyway, so I went to go get someone to kill this bug because...uh...I didn't want to break a nail...But I totally forgot until much later, when I slammed the window shut. Apparently, I have terrible short-term memory because I completely forgot AGAIN until about an hour-ish ago when I heard a demonic buzzing noise and saw a flutter of wings in front of my face. The mass of papery brown disgustingness landed on my keyboard and I slammed my laptop shut, literally swallowing screams of terror and jumping off my bed. Boom. For good measure, I applied some extra pressure. Crush. Cautiously, I lifted the lid...to discover squished a la bug. Yum. I used about twenty tissues to dispose of it.
Not quite sure why I'm telling you all that...but I survived. Guys, I survived.)
Today I present to you some brilliance written by the incredible Anna from over at WONDERFUL JOY.
When I was a little girl, I would put on plays based on stories I'd written. I'm talking outlandish costumes from my dress up box, a full cast consisting of all the neighborhood kids, and my parents and older siblings seated on couches watching. I loved creating something that people enjoyed (or pretended to enjoy, as my lovely big sister Erin would later tell me). I loved being the center of attention. I loved the happy endings. But most of all, I loved bringing a little literary magic into real life. It was a long time before I realized it was actually real life that made literature so magical.
Anne Lamott once said, "You own everything that happened to you. Tell your story." It's no secret that life can be hard. Sometimes bad things happen to good people, and sometimes good things happen to people who don't seem to deserve it. Sometimes your heart gets broken, and sometimes you get stabbed in the back. But as cliché as it sounds, the struggle is part of the story.
You own everything that's ever happened to you. The good, the bad, the ugly, it's all yours.
Annie had a wonderful post the other day about keeping readers interested and writing what you know. Like her, and many other writers, I used to be confused about the "writing what you know" rule. I got so confused that I actually started writing a book about a ballet dancer. I've now been dancing for eleven years, so I know quite a lot about ballet, but that's not what "writing what you know" really means. (The story was terrible anyway. The main character wanted to get the part of Clara in the Nutcracker, because the boy she liked was cast as the Prince. Then the main character's best friend got the part of Clara. DRAMA.)
What I really wanted to be writing was fantasy, but I thought I couldn't do that. After all, I had never experienced battles between to medieval kingdoms. I had never met a king and queen. I definitely had never dueled a wizard or sorcerer. I didn't know any of this stuff. So how was I supposed to write it?
Eventually, I started thinking about J.K Rowling. She was just a girl born to a poor family in England. She had certainly never ridden a broomstick or waved a wand or attended Potions class. Yet the world she'd created seemed so real to me. That's when I realized that maybe it was the simple (or sometimes not so simple), every day experiences that make your stories come to life.
J.K Rowling never had the darkest wizard of all time murder her parents, but she did lose her mother to multiple sclerosis. She never experienced the hopeless feeling associated with dementors, or heard their eager, rattling breath, but she did suffer from extreme depression. These experiences weren't pleasant or easy, but Rowling used the pain to give Harry a story. An amazing story, in fact, that has influenced countless lives.
When you create characters, don't think of them as characters. Think of them as real people, with real problems, real personalities, and real emotions. Sometimes we get so caught up in wanting to make the perfect character, that we forget characters aren't supposed to be perfect. They're supposed to be human. The heroes can make mistakes; the villains can make good choices. We must remember to put a bit of ourselves into all of our characters, that way they seem real.
If you don't put your life into your writing, your story won't come alive. Remember: you own everything that's ever happened to you. Now go tell your story.
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