Hey folks, it’s been awhile since I’ve posted. No, I haven’t forgotten my faithful readers—the one or two of you who exist—it’s just been hectic. So many things going on outside the wonderful world of writing in the real world, from the day job to household chores and family events. One very exciting thing is my upcoming class on hair and skincare for Prairieland Herbs. Wait a minute, isn’t this a blog about writing? What’s that got to do with writing? In a strange roundabout way it has everything to do with writing, at least for me.

First off, I had to come up with a simple, yet enticing blurb for their site. Think of it as a short, to the point pitch to sell your novel, in this case to sell a class. Then an outline of what I will be covering, just like outlining your book. You have an idea and you need a map on how to get from point A to point B. True, I’m not big on outlines but I still need some sort of course of action to keep me on track, whether it is in writing or teaching this class.

Next, there’s the whole getting up in front of people and getting your point across. Akin to an oral explanation of your book or practice for book signings and other promotional events, maybe someday you’ll be sitting on one of those fancy panels at a convention.

Last, but certainly not least it gets me back in the game of cosmetology practice in the real world instead of just my alternate reality. As some of you know, I’ve centered my story around a stylist and her salon. It’s been a while since I stood behind the chair and had to impart some sort of information or service to someone other than friends or family. Sure, I remember doing these things but it’s a far cry from actually doing them. Hands on is some of the best research when possible and the gals at Prairieland have made it possible.

No related posts.

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

My drive to see myself in print was still there. My passion for the story was there, obscured but still there. My inspiration was all around me, from the doll resembling the main character to the music I played. But none of that mattered, because I’d lost ‘it.’

In April, we went to see Trans-Siberian Orchestra and talk about getting bitch slapped. I could see ‘it.’ I could feel ‘it.’ I could damn near taste ‘it.’ Tears welled, heart pounded, the hair on my arms stood with an electrical charge I hadn’t felt in quite a while. The high they exuded was so intense my mind reeled.

What I saw and felt was unrestrained bliss and fulfillment; they were doing what they wanted to be doing. They not only reveled in what they were doing but also shared it, showing me the error of my ways and what I’d lost. I didn’t know what I’d lost until that moment. ‘It’ was the unbridled joy of sitting at the keyboard, doing what I wanted to do, write.

Somehow, somewhere I’d lost the pure joy I felt when I sat at the keyboard. Writing had become work. Work?! No, I’m not channeling Maynard G. Krebs, but I do empathize with him. Yes, writing is work, but when you have that unadulterated love in the mix, it doesn’t feel like work.

Now I’m off to sit in paradise and work…I mean do what I want to be doing.

No related posts.

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Seriously, no matter how much I try I have less and less time to read. Not a good thing with my chosen profession of writing or the job I fell into at the library. Yeah, yeah, I know reading is fundamental for both.

Unfortunately, it’s not the same type of ‘fun’ it used to be. No longer the escape I took from reality, but my job. I can hear the sarcastic chorus of ‘Poor Amy, wish I had a job where I had to read.’ I can see the eye rolls and disgust that comes with my complaints. I also see the total lack of respect when I explain that I ‘have’ to read because of my jobs.

I understand for most reading is a luxury, a hobby, entertainment. Once upon a time, that’s what it was for me. My idea of a great night was a good book, munchies and something to sip. It still is, but now I look at that great book differently.

I rarely flip through the pages like a madwoman falling into the story, oblivious to the world around me. I take my time savoring every word, sometimes rereading passages to see how the author did what they did. Authors spend a lot of time doing the research, crafting the story, making sure it’s polished; their work deserves a little respect.

Not to say I ‘never’ devour a book anymore, there are a few authors who just suck me in and don’t let go until I hit the last page. Those usually end up in my keeper pile, reread after the initial glow is gone.

I also should factor in I don’t always read just one book at a time. At present, I’m reading three for learning purposes and pleasure, an urban fantasy, a science fiction and a paranormal romance. Then there’s the young adult for the library discussion group. Oh, almost forgot the two on writing–editing to be exact–and the pages my critique partner gave me.

Hmm, that’s a lot of reading. Maybe I should skip the housework and attack one of those books, after all it’s part of my job.

No related posts.

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

I’ve spent time on LinkedIn, LiveJournal, MySpace and FaceBook, fun and believe it or not informative.  I don’t mean what Aunt so and so is up to, yes, nice to know but there’s more to it than that.  I fought setting up both of the later pages, finally giving in and along came Twitter.  I couldn’t see the point in joining.  I mean really, who wants to read snippets of my day in 40 characters or less?  Reading my attempts at blogging are bad enough, right?  Oh wait, you’re reading this aren’t you?  Ooops.

Cheryl—you guessed it, the super talented chick who follows me every month—said, ‘Give it a try, you’ll be surprised.’  I gave in and have to admit I am surprised.  Surprised that people actually follow me—besides my Saturday Writers cohorts—hell, I’ve even got a few published writers reading my prattle.

Most of those I follow are industry professionals. Other writers, agents, editors, publishers ect.  Most of them willingly answer questions when asked.  Don’t ask them what the secret to becoming published is, by now you should know.  Butt in chair, fingers on keyboard!  Don’t try to get them to read your WIP or ask personal questions that are none of your business.  Things like that are just rude and unprofessional.

I’m not afraid to ask questions—I have and have received answers—I just find myself learning more by reading the tidbits they toss us.  Some of these little gems I’ve marked as favorites and I’ll share a few with you.

Yasmine Galenorn—I use “said” as little as possible. And I hardly ever use any other dialog tags. I use action to denote who’s speaking. For ex: “You actually kissed the zombie?” I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. “Yeah, it was gross.” He shuddered.

Rachel Vincent—My fight scenes must be written in layers. 1st: the blow by blow. 2nd: the pain and reactions. 3rd: internal thoughts. 4th: goings on around.

Laurell K. Hamilton—One of Hamilton’s rules of writing is: The more fantastic thing you expect a reader to believe the more real your reality better be.

Laurell K. Hamilton—Ray Bradbury said, “The muse cannot resist a working writer.” Sit down and write anything see if it breaks something loose. The worst thing you can possibly do is sit & stare at the blank screen, or paper, writing anything is more productive.

The obsession factor runs high with all of these sites, as said before you can lose yourself in them.  Will power is a must when using any or all of them.  Think of them as the carrot at the end of the stick, hit your goal and you are allowed to look.  If inspiration runs low set a timer and do a little reading, something may take spark.  When the timer goes off close the window so you won’t be tempted to peek and get back to work.

Now it’s your turn.  What if any social networking sites do you frequent?  Do you fall into the waste of time camp or do you find them useful?  Don’t be shy.  Share your opinions and what you’ve learned!  I’m listening, I mean reading…

No related posts.

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

This sudden feeling of nostalgia is brought on by a conversation I had with one of my co-Saturday Writers, Natalie.  We were discussing her latest work, something she’d written ages ago and decided to refine.  I’ll let her fill you in on the specifics, if and when she’s ready.

Just like time, stories evolve. Something once thought a lost cause can evolve into something workable.  My own longing for the past as well as my pack-rat habits have worked to my advantage.  Many of my failed starts and old research have evolved into my current work.

Disenchanted started out as an epic fantasy. My main character just wasn’t into the whole awe inspiring history I’d built or the breathtaking landscape I’d set the story in.  I won’t even mention her less than enthusiastic feelings toward the lack of modern conveniences.

I tried–I really tried–to make it work but it just didn’t fit.  There was no hope of breaking it in, making it comfortable.  I tried new viewpoint characters, but my original main just kept pacing around in my head.  I tried new ‘bad guys’ but she still wasn’t interested.  I tried new plot lines but she would just stand there checking out her nails.  I tried new settings but all she would do is lament about Iowa.  The day I caught her fiddling with another character’s hair was when it clicked.

“It’s about time you clued in,” she said.  “Write what you know.”

I was able to use most of my research and character notes.  Only two original characters survived, others were added or changed to fit.  The setting and basic plot were changed.  My epic fantasy became a contemporary fantasy.
This would have never been possible if I hadn’t kept the first attempts and all my research.  Natalie’s current work would never have become what it is if she had trashed the first story.

With 2010 right around the corner it’s time for something new, but don’t toss out the old.  As you begin breaking it in look back fondly at 2009 and hoard those memories and experiences.  You never know when you’ll have need of them.

No related posts.

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

As I rolled out the dough, it got me thinking.  These cookies and fantasy have a lot in common.  Like the mother-in-law and the cookies, most people assume fantasy is just for kids.  Not all fantasy books are for children and adults can enjoy even those that are.  I’ll admit to loving many books geared toward young adult and juvenile.

I know being a geek is cool now days, but when I was younger reading fantasy or scifi pretty much torched your social life.  Trekkies and Tolkien fans were looked upon as a social caste all their own.  Even the lower echelons of high school society looked down on the readers of scifi and fantasy.  Funny thing is many of those same bashers had fired a laser or yielded a sword of power.  Like my mother-in-law’s sister and the cookies, those books were their guilty pleasure.

Both scifi and fantasy have become more mainstream over the years.  It’s okay to carry one around in your pocket or read them in public.  I have to say some of this acceptance is due to another bastard genre, romance.  Romance comes in many flavors.  It has introduced things like the paranormal or futuristic to readers who would have never picked them up otherwise.

If you look closely you will find touches of the fantastic in many genres.  You probably just didn’t recognize it at the time.  From scientific discoveries and futuristic settings to myth and lore, all veiled in the literary or mainstream.

As an example how many of you have read a book where the main character, a dead little girl tells her story?  To me this book borders on the fantastic but is shelved in mainstream.  What about all you Stephen King lovers?  Anne Rice?  Alice Hoffman?  How about Heather Graham or Nora Roberts?

Browse the shelves of your local library or bookstore.  It’s no longer contained, caged in one section.  Instead it’s spreading, giving readers what they want and need.  From a trip into the farthest reaches of the galaxy to sexy monsters and super heroes, an escape from reality even if it is just for three hundred pages.

Some will continue to hide these books behind paper bag covers or the guise of another genre, never admitting their trips to these other worlds.  But that’s okay.  Sometimes we need to keep things to ourselves, making it special.  A sweet escape from reality, our guilty pleasure.

This Thanksgiving I’m thankful for all the authors who have made my not-so-guilty pleasure possible.

No related posts.

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Waiting for my dose of caffeine I sneak covert looks—okay, not so covert. I’m no Bond girl—at the woman.  Don’t go over there. Go over there. Hey, she deserves her quiet time before she has to stand there fielding questions from crazy fans like yours truly.  The little war raging in my head is cut short as she gets up to leave and comes to a complete halt when one of the librarians escorts her away.

Shoes Rachel Caine Tweeted About

With a sigh of relief, I silently thank the librarian for taking her away before I make a complete dork out of myself.  Problem is they don’t take her far enough.  They’re gathered at the front desk chatting and that’s when I notice she’s wearing the ankle boots she tweeted about.

There it is again no longer lurking in the shadows, but pushing to the surface.  Fangirl!  I fight the urge to squeal and point for that would surly turn into clapping and jumping up and down as I giggle.  I’ve got to get a hold of myself, no woman my age should be acting like this!  Hell, I didn’t act this childish when I was in my twenties and met Kip Winger.  And he kissed my hand.  Luckily the librarian leads her away.

With yet another sigh of relief I start watching for Cheryl.  Yes, that Cheryl.  Oops sorry I forgot you can’t see me pointing to my fellow SW buddy.  You can read about her take on our night out at Learn To Write Fiction.  I promise it will be a lot more polished, professional and educational too.  As I wait for Cheryl and her beau I wander the magazine racks and guess who is sitting just beyond them.  The little war starts again but I side with the little angel on my right shoulder and make my way toward the doors.

Now that little sigh of relief is triggered by the arrival of, oh so calm, Cheryl.  If I were her I’d head for the hills at the sight of my glazed eyes and flushed cheeks.  Instead she grins and shows me what I kick myself for not thinking of, her camera.

Five on the dot the doors open and we enter the conference room.  This is where Fangirl shows up again.  Rachel is doing a PowerPoint presentation and her desktop is projected onto the wall.  ‘Damn,’ I say to Cheryl, ‘I’m looking into a real writer’s computer.’  She laughs, but I feel like some big secret has been revealed to me.

When the program begins I manage to stop gawking and pay attention.  I even take notes.  The Hammer Films retrospect hits a soft spot, Fangirl of course is screeching in my ear, ‘She likes Hammer Films too!’  I’m a little more than tired of her and her antics, it’s become easier to ignore.  Then Rachel decides to do the drawing for the door prizes.

Fangirl & Rachel

One guess as to whose number she draws for the grand prize.  Fangirl…I mean mine.  Walking over to accept my prize—the audio of Glass Houses—I attempt to hold my breath.  Yeah, that works.  Instead of keeping my cool I stand there like a moron and try to hand her my ticket.  The librarian looks at me a little strangely, but hey I deserve it.

Once the program is over I get the extreme pleasure of meeting the people behind bringing Rachel to Iowa.  Rockwell City Librarian Sarah Weiss and her partner in crime Cosmetologist Angel Crouse. These girls are a delight and not only does one work in a library like yours truly, but the other is a stylist my previous profession!  Talk about a cowinky-dink.  The girls as well as Rachel graciously agree to let us post their picture and even their real names, none of that changing the names to protect the innocent stuff.  After all the only thing they are guilty of is bringing the magic that is Rachel Caine to Iowa and writing damn good books!

Angel, Rachel & Sarah

And with that we put Fangirl back in the shadowy recesses of my mind where she belongs.  Call her out at your own risk.  Pointing, clapping, jumping and much giggling will ensue.  Not to mention incessant babbling!
Amy

No related posts.

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

No related posts.

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

When I write, I put my emotions on display.  I draw on those feelings and infuse them into my characters.  To those of you who thought I really did write in the buff…well what can I say?  To each their own fantasies or nightmares whatever the case may be.

It’s a lot like method acting.  There’s nothing wrong with borrowing something that works and using it to your own advantage.  Actors don’t own the franchise on channeling emotions.  Songwriters, poets and yes fiction writers can and do use the same technique.

Writing naked is not an easy task, it means dredging up painful memories or embarrassing things you’d rather forget.  Like the time I wore two different colored shoes to work.  Hey, at least they were the same style.  Remembering that humiliation made it possible to describe how a character felt in an embarrassing situation.

Writing naked also has its drawbacks, you need to know where to draw the line.  Some memories are too fresh or disturbing to explore.  If you can’t delve into a memory without hurtling into the abyss don’t go there.  You need to be able to return virtually unscathed with the information you went after and the ability to impart it into your writing.

In a world of show don’t tell, I find stripping down and baring my soul a useful tool.  The reader doesn’t need to know what I’ve based those emotions on, only what my characters are feeling.  If I’m lucky and they feel the fury, panic, misery or elation, I’ve done my job.

Come on I dare you, step a little outside your comfort zone.  Strip down and write naked.  Metaphorically that is, unless you have a more comfortable chair than I do.  The fabric on mine leaves the strangest little marks.

Amy

No related posts.

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

By definition, a writer is anyone who writes.  Wow, that sure is broad.  Does writing a check make you a writer?  What about the kindergartener learning to print his name, is he a writer?

In my case do a handful of short stories count?  I was paid for them, but does that make me a writer?  I’ve taken classes, gone to seminars; does that meet the criteria?  I’ve read books on the craft, is that what it takes?  Then there’s that novel I’m reworking and the countless others I’ve never finished.

Am I a poser instead of a proser?

Doubt creeps in as the others in my writing group ask my advice.  What qualifies me to give it when my own works don’t grace the shelves of bookstores?  Belief spouts off opinions as Doubt and Fear peek out from dark corners and Reason screams, ‘What the hell are you doing?’

Doubt and fear as well as reason can be powerful tools.  They keep my head from expanding when I receive a complement and push me to do better when I get constructive criticism.  They can also keep you from moving forward.  Doubting your work can throw a blanket on your progress.  Fear can add water to that blanket and snuff the fire of inspiration behind the work.  Reason can become excuses or ‘reasons’ for not finishing.  Life gets in the way.  My critique group/partner found too many things that need fixing/fleshing out, so I’m just going to scrap the whole thing.  I have to have every detail spelled out for me before I start writing.  My personal favorite, I need to do more research.

Yes, life gets in the way, but if you want this, you have to make time to write.

Critiques are not for the overly sensitive, if you are, this is not the business for you.  On the other hand, you should pick your partner with care.  There are those with the soul intent of ripping you to shreds to make themselves feel superior.  If you truly believe in your story, don’t give up.  You can take the suggestions and run with them or choose to ignore them.  They are suggestions, not law, but don’t use them as an excuse to quit.

Personally, I don’t need a step by step instruction guide to make it through a story.  I do need a start and end point as well as a basic idea of where the story is leading me.  (Note: I’m not talking about the synopsis here, that is a post for another day or perhaps one of my cohorts will cover it.)  I used to outline every little plot point, but I learned that was an excuse for me not to finish.  Yes, I have to go back and clean it up after I’m done, but you have to do that anyway.  For some outlining works and I respect that, just don’t let it become an excuse for never finishing.

My favorite is the research excuse.  Oh no, I’m not reading for pleasure I’m looking at story construction.  I can’t write that part or flesh out that character because I need more research.  I’m not surfing the web I’m doing research.  I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve used this excuse.

Published or not, paid or not, writers write.  Writing is physically and mentally taxing on its own.  Don’t make it harder.  Try pouring all the time and imagination you put into making excuses into your writing.  You can either plant your butt in the chair, fingers on the keyboard and write or continue making excuses.

Unless you enjoy being a poser.

All complaints and comments can be sent to Amy a.k.a. the one who forgot to sign her post…

No related posts.

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

No related posts.

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

I’m knee-deep in the fleshing out of my latest humorous women’s fiction piece, tentatively entitled “Gemma.” I’m really digging where the story is going. The book idea came from a great opening scene that I’ve had forever, it just took a couple of years for the scene to tell me what it wanted to be when it grew into a novel. I know what Gemma’s arc needs to be, and I have other characters talking in my head telling me how they plan to contribute to her growth in both supportive and not-so-supportive ways. (*Note to self: Next month’s blog post to be about the challenges of starting with characters rather than story.)

Interestingly (to me), the more I work on this idea, the more I find that parts of my actual, real, often boring and sometimes comical life are making their way into the story. Of course there are autobiographical elements in nearly any work of fiction, even if they’re minor, like a character’s tendency to use a certain expression. But this time I’m taking big bits of Sara and assigning them to Gemma.

Starting right in the title, in fact. Gemma = Gretchen Elizabeth Mary Mueller Arnold (although her name was actually Mary Miller Arnold Mueller). That’s my mother and my grandmother’s initials, conveniently arranged. There’s a reason for that: my mother hid from life, and my grandmother chased life, and Gemma is the story of a woman’s progress from meekness to boldness.

There are more tangible connections. My grandmother makes an appearance in the story, setting into motion the external conflict. There are “Sara” details: during the two years my mother and I were on our own, we pretty much lived on breakfast. Since that was one of the happier times of my life, breakfast is something I hold dear and turn to during times of stress, and I pay homage to my love of all things breakfast by collecting waffle irons. Gemma, I’ve decided, also collects waffle irons, and there will be a scene with her having breakfast with her mother as a small child. I also have an unfortunate tendency to have funny but somewhat ego-bruising public calamities – ask me how I broke my leg in 9 places, or just last week ended up sandwiched between the treads of my staircase and a 300 pound sofa – and I’m assigning that talent to Gemma, as well.

In many ways, Gemma may be my James Frey novel, although I think there’ll actually be more truth in mine than there was in his. (My root canals have involved lots and lots of pain meds.)

As all this became more concrete in my mind, I began to wonder: how comfortable are you as writers really putting yourself in your stories? Could you put an emotionally raw personal experience on paper for the world to see, if you knew they might discover it was based on fact? What are you personal boundaries?

No related posts.

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Since my post falls on Christmas, I’ve decided a little fluff is in order.  I know, what’s new?  This month is just going to be a little more like cotton candy than cotton balls and I promise to keep it short and sweet.

For some reason that catchy little tune My Favorite Things from The Sound of Music keeps running through my head.  It got me thinking about the things I think I need when writing, spurring a writing exercise.  Trust me Weird Al has nothing to worry about, but here’s my little spin.

Cream in my coffee and Reeses at hand
Headphones in place, Duran is the band
Pictures of elves and fairies with wings
These are few of my favorite things

Blogs that advise and books that inspire
Reading to spark creative fire
Great swords and rings, sirens that sing
These are a few of my favorite things

Soda pop fizzes and chips that go crunch
Then I can type whilst I munch
Sitting here daydreaming, see what it brings
These are few of my favorite things

When the curser blinks
When the words stink
When the red pen looms
I simply remember my favorite things
And I don’t feel so doomed

I’m not a poet and boy do I know it, but it was fun.

Now it’s your turn.  What are some of the things you think you need to get you through that next scene?  Try penning it to the Twelve Days of Christmas.

On the first day of writing, I really need to have…a cold case of Dr. Pepper

On the second day of writing, I cannot live without…peanut butter M&M’s

You get the idea.

I shall return next year with something far less frivolous!

No related posts.

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

                The first thing I got was the knowledge that I have some great writing friends. They’re supportive and knowledgeable and ready to jump in with an answer to some unexpected research questions or a plotting problem or to offer up a heartfelt yet simple “You CAN do it!”

                The second thing I learned was that I can, when motivated, write very quickly. If I always wrote as much and as fast as I wrote during timed sprints, I could have a book done in weeks. Which would be great, if my plots were ever cohesive the first time around. And that leads us to discovered item #3:

                The plot of my current WIP was MIA. I had a good grasp of my character, a potential premise, but absolutely nothing happened to her. She had experiences. Lovely, uplifting, life-affirming experiences. All great things, but not the things required to make a book. At least not a book anyone but my grandmother (who is passed, unfortunately) would find gripping. Come to think of it, even she would tell me it was crap and to figure out how to make it a proper book.

                So, in my Nano experience, I wrote a lot of scenes (23,000 words worth!) and in the process realized more than anything I was getting to know my character rather than actually putting steps into place. I’m not the least bit unhappy about it. Now I know what Gemma’s story is, and now I know what needs to happen in the other 75,000 words I need to write (and then cut, cut, cut and add, add, add).  

                The point is, Nano may have been intended to get a book out in 30 days, but I think you can consider yourself a winner if your novel benefits from the experience, 50,000 words or not. Building writing relationships, learning about your own writing capabilities, and finding the core of your story are as important as getting those words on paper (or in my case, screen).

No related posts.

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Sure I churned out some short stories, but where was that novel I kept saying I was writing?  Most of them are unfinished in a drawer.  They’d make better scratch paper than reading material.  Then I got this brilliant idea and I decided this is the one.  The one I will finish.  Yeah, right.  I’ve been plunking away at it for, oh I don’t know, a couple of years maybe more.  Who keeps track?  It kept changing on me, too many directions at once, no solid plot line, a bunch of half-baked characters, in whole a disaster.  But something wouldn’t let me give up.  Might have been the characters knocking around in my skull.  Might have been the wonderful group of girls I joined.  Might even have been that I really, deep down believed it could work.

Speaking of those girls…One day I put on my big girl panties and admitted I needed support.  The kind of support your family and friends can’t give; only other writers—probably should add editors, agents and the rest of the publishing world-understand a writer’s mind.  Family and friends smile indulgently when you drift off into story land and pat your hand when you whine about your characters.  All the while thinking, why can’t she just get off her posterior and finish the thing already?  Other writers understand.  They’re going through the same things.  They don’t care when the words coming out of your mouth and your brain go in two directions at once.  So think twice about it being solely a solitary activity.

Putting 50k down on paper in 30 days and you can write crap with a capital C.  That’s the hard part for me in this challenge I still cling to my old habits.  Not as tightly but they’re still there in the background, wincing when something doesn’t sound right.  As stated in my last post I promised to finish Disenchanted by the end of the month and as I type this I’m over half done.  I started with 30k and set my goal to 80 so I would meet the requirement.  From my vantage point, I’ll not only meet that goal but probably over it.  That’s what this challenge has done for me, it pushed me, pushed me hard.

Moral of the story?  Yes, I need a stinkin’ writin’ group and fake or not a deadline is a powerful thing!

No related posts.

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Last month I was lucky enough to spend 5 days in San Francisco. Being a “native” Californian, of course I’d been to SF before, but it has been a while, so I took everything in with new eyes… and I noticed my writer’s brain was engaged. It’s a place that’s so rich in experience and history, it’s hard not to come away with ideas for places, characters, situations.

My hostess, a recently transplanted Iowan now residing in an apartment near Fisherman’s Wharf, thought it would be a kick to take a couple of the double-decker bus tours. The first one lead us all through the major areas: Union Square, Embarcadero, the Financial District, Chinatown, North and South Beach, and does a drive-by of Lombard Street. The potential stories found in that 45 minute bus ride alone were amazing: did you know any flat part of San Francisco is built on landfill, and much of the landfill is the corpses of ships that were abandoned during the gold rush? Did you know the history of the phrase “Sugar Daddy” can be traced directly to a statue in the middle of Union Square? Do you know which celebrities now call San Francisco their homes? Then we took the “Golden Gate tour” – and there I learned that Mark Twain said of San Francisco “The coldest winter I ever spent was the summer I spent here.” The incredible Presidio, which was the oldest US military base, is now being turned into private (rented – at $10,000 a month!) housing, and parts of it are being taken over by Hollywood to become studios for the guys and gals who brought us Star Wars. The Golden Gate Bridge has to be repainted pretty much continuously… when they finish one section, the others have all gone ragged looking. Many potential story ideas here.

But besides the great tours, I came back with some fantastic impressions of life in general in this new city. My hostess gets up each morning, walks to Peet’s (Starbucks is only for tourists!), grabs a coffee and hops on the trolley which she then takes to work. By getting on the trolley two blocks west of her apartment instead of the one a block south, she avoids the throngs of tourists who don’t know they have other options. On the ride to work, she passes the incredible Ferry Building where people shop for olive oil, bread, specialty mushrooms, chocolate, cooking utensils and then finish it all off with a glass of wine at the wine bar. Tons of story ideas there, too… And then once in her office, she has a glimpse of the whole hilly city, all its inhabitants, all its flavor. Here I have some color for my character’s life.

I took notes. I grabbed brochures and flyers and BART maps and napkins and took photos. I have a new folder marked “San Fran” and have included my scribbled ideas, memories, and questions on the cover while it protectively encases my memories so that I can dive in and bring up something wonderful sometime when I need inspiration.

So, what vacations have filled your head with writerly thoughts and ideas?

No related posts.

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Rachel Caine mentions her musical muse, Joe Bonamassa, in both.  Taking it a step further, Barnes & Noble cashes in with a display of CDs next to Stephenie Meyer’s books.  Nothing wrong with that, everyone profits, author, musician, bookseller and the fans.  Two forms of entertainment helping each other out.  Hollywood has been doing it for years, with music soundtracks and book to screenplay or vise versa.

The topic of this post maybe music, but writing is the focus of our blog, so back to the writing aspect.

The first short story I sold is based on a song.  At the time I didn’t think twice about it, who am I to question where the ideas come from?  I just played Shilo by Neil Diamond over and over, letting the story magically appear on the screen.  There were a lot of raised brows when I explained where it came from, no one got the correlation.  Not that I could blame them, the story doesn’t resemble the song in anyway.  It wasn’t supposed too, it’s Mr. Diamond’s song.  The story was something I pictured.  For those who ask where ideas come from this is a prime example.

I don’t feel the reader of any manuscript truly understands the meaning behind the words or where they come from.  I don’t even pretend to know what an author was thinking at the time.  When a writer explains what ignites an idea leading to a story, there’s a moment of oh, I can see that or that’s not what I thought it meant.  Once the words are on the page they are left up to the interpretation of the reader, how they feel about it, what it sparks in their imagination.  Just like listening to Shilo sparked mine.

At the time of that story, I didn’t think about how what I listened to affected my writing.  You don’t always notice environment–where you write, when you write, everything around you, all things that impact what and how you write–when you’re deep into a story.  The longer I’ve been doing this the more I pay attention.  Listening to something slow and weepy conveys depression and pain.  Classical makes me want to write epic fantasy.  Listening to country or southern fried rock can give my characters an easygoing attitude, at least on the surface.  Toss in hard rock and you probably will get some anger or violence.  I gravitate to certain artists or songs, each defining character, place or mood.

Look at your own music habits.  Is music one of your muses, or do you prefer silence or the sounds of nature?  Does it help you with characterization, motivation, inspiration, perspiration?  Does a certain song ignite a bonfire that can only be put out by becoming a story?

No related posts.

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.