Real life has taken over my much preferred online life.
Someday, I'll make another intelligent post on here!
Monday, August 30, 2010
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Somewhere out there...
Because I write contemporary, it's not inconceivable that somewhere, at some point, the story I'm spinning has already come to pass, is happening right now, or will come true soon.
That theory just blows my brains if I think too hard about it, but in my mind, be it consciously or subconsciously, when I put my fingers to keyboard I really believe I'm telling someone's tale.
Sure, the names and settings are different, and each conversation runs a slightly different course, but somewhere out there in the big, bad world, there's a Liam telling a Tori to fuck off before stalking out the door.
There's a Kari living the best life she knows how while looking over her shoulder because there's something bad following her.
And there are Finn's and Kass' having explosive sex all over the place (hopefully!)
I really, truly believe that this conviction adds an extra spark to a writer's work.
True, I don't have the ability of changing the course of those people living parallel to what's in my imagination. It twists me up a bit that not everyone has a Happily Ever After like the characters I'm writing about.
But it's that bit of "real" that resonates with a reader, and makes them cheer, even for the assholes on their way to redemption.
So, next time you sit and put pen to paper, or fingers to keyboard, think beyond the story you're telling to the real people out there living it.
That theory just blows my brains if I think too hard about it, but in my mind, be it consciously or subconsciously, when I put my fingers to keyboard I really believe I'm telling someone's tale.
Sure, the names and settings are different, and each conversation runs a slightly different course, but somewhere out there in the big, bad world, there's a Liam telling a Tori to fuck off before stalking out the door.
There's a Kari living the best life she knows how while looking over her shoulder because there's something bad following her.
And there are Finn's and Kass' having explosive sex all over the place (hopefully!)
I really, truly believe that this conviction adds an extra spark to a writer's work.
True, I don't have the ability of changing the course of those people living parallel to what's in my imagination. It twists me up a bit that not everyone has a Happily Ever After like the characters I'm writing about.
But it's that bit of "real" that resonates with a reader, and makes them cheer, even for the assholes on their way to redemption.
So, next time you sit and put pen to paper, or fingers to keyboard, think beyond the story you're telling to the real people out there living it.
Monday, August 16, 2010
Yay!
I have another post planned for today, but I just got woken up out of a dead (dreaming stoopid plot bunnies) sleep to this delivery:
I haz a happy!!!
I haz a happy!!!
Friday, August 13, 2010
Total Meltdown.
Almost, at least.
You know that really sick feeling you get when something important to you is lost? You can picture that item, in perfect clarity, and superimpose that image everywhere you think to look.
Well, I wasn't feeling that when I couldn't find my notebook last night/this morning. Call it a sixth sense, but I always know when something is just misplaced, or really and truly lost. I could picture it, that blue cover with Happy Bunny saying some snotty comment, but I wasn't feeling sick. I knew it had to be in the house somewhere.
I searched and looked and actually lifted stuff up to look underneath (usually a surface scan is all the effort I put into finding something) but no notebook.
Finally, I got desperate enough to start checking under the furniture. I admit, I was starting to get a little worried I'd left it at work and someone would get curious and open it up.
Whooeeee... they'd be in for an eye full, let me tell you.
But then I found it. Waaaaay under my bed.
I think it's safe to assume who the culprit was, judging by the state of the cover and binding coils.
Stanley.
*forehead smack*
It's also safe to say the poor book will never be the same after his loving attention.
He's my "speshul" cat, and is constantly doing dumb shit like this. At 10 months old, I am still holding out the hope that he'll develop some sort of maturity; however, I will admit to a little niggling doubt.
Oh, well. That's what makes life with him so interesting.
You know that really sick feeling you get when something important to you is lost? You can picture that item, in perfect clarity, and superimpose that image everywhere you think to look.
Well, I wasn't feeling that when I couldn't find my notebook last night/this morning. Call it a sixth sense, but I always know when something is just misplaced, or really and truly lost. I could picture it, that blue cover with Happy Bunny saying some snotty comment, but I wasn't feeling sick. I knew it had to be in the house somewhere.
I searched and looked and actually lifted stuff up to look underneath (usually a surface scan is all the effort I put into finding something) but no notebook.
Finally, I got desperate enough to start checking under the furniture. I admit, I was starting to get a little worried I'd left it at work and someone would get curious and open it up.
Whooeeee... they'd be in for an eye full, let me tell you.
But then I found it. Waaaaay under my bed.
I think it's safe to assume who the culprit was, judging by the state of the cover and binding coils.
Stanley.
*forehead smack*
It's also safe to say the poor book will never be the same after his loving attention.
He's my "speshul" cat, and is constantly doing dumb shit like this. At 10 months old, I am still holding out the hope that he'll develop some sort of maturity; however, I will admit to a little niggling doubt.
Oh, well. That's what makes life with him so interesting.
Tuning In
I don't know about you, but music is a huge, and I mean HUGE! part of my daily life.
It's always on at the house, in the car, and more often than not I have my earphones stuffed in at work, grooving away to some tunes.
Now comes the don't-make-fun-of-me part - I loooove dance music. Adore it. House, Trance, cheesy-ass techno.. if it's got a baseline, I'll listen to it (at least once).
Don't get me wrong, I like mainstream, too. One Republic and The Script have spots in my playlist, but I'm much more interested in Tiësto's or Guetta's latest releases, and checking what's hot on bpmtv.com's charts.
As a result of the constant soundtrack in my life, it comes as no surprise that I find a lot of plot bunnies being born of lyrics. I guess this isn't an unusual phenomenon in the writing world.
I thought it would be fun (for me at least) to share some of the songs that pushed the direction of my stories.
And YES! they're dance-ish tunes. Get over the bass and listen to the melody and lyrics, I tell you!
One of my very first stories which I allude to every so often but will never speak of in detail was born of this song:
(Disclaimer: the video sucks. I just like the lyrics/melody)
Keep the Fire Burning by The Outsiders
In particular, the spot that starts about 1:45 into the song. <3 it. The thought of someone pushing hard to restore your faith in love, and standing right behind you, even through what feels like the end of your world, just speaks Romance to me.
For my current works, I don't have a particular one for Touch, so I'm skipping that one, but when I started writing DiD, there was one song in my playlist that had a lot of influence:
Dancing Into Danger by Novaspace
Um.. notice the title? LOL Yeah. The story ended up being called Dancing into Danger, although that may change. For now, though, it's DiD.
Although the lyrics in the song aren't all that deep, I just kept picturing some chick at a dance club, boogying her little behind off, and watching over her shoulder for The Bad Thing.
In the case of my story, The Bad Thing is an evil little bastard Kari calls The Perv. Dun-dun-dun! *cue dramatic music*
Okay. Moving on.
About a month ago, I heard a song on the satellite that I thought was pretty cool, and it stuck with me, although nothing immediately came to mind.
Then, almost 2 weeks ago, I decided I wanted to hear it again, so I pulled up the video on YouTube.
I sat there for probably 10 minutes after the song ended, a glazed look on my face and my mouth hanging open, while a vicious plot bunny scampered around my brain.
It's moments like that one that make me very glad I live alone. I'm sure I looked like I'd been poleaxed.
But I digress. So, VOILA! The catalyst for Forgiveness:
Touch by Natasha Bedingfield
The story is a lot darker than either the song or the video; however, the entire concept of how one life can unknowingly influence another is exceptionally intriguing to me.
And thus, Forgiveness was born.
I also thought it was hilarious that I'd been working so hard on a story named Touch, and a video of that same title spawned a whole new plot line.
Sometimes, I also find some lyrics making their way into my books. Altered, of course, to my own voice; however, the jumping off point may have been a word combination that got my mind or heart racing.
In the spirit of sharing, I'm going to post a couple of lines from DiD influenced by song lyrics. But first, I need to find my notebook where I have it written down. Cue hyperventilation, since I can't find it. (ack! check back later for the post, unless I really can't find it, in which case I'll be in full-blown panic mode)
Update: Found it, as per the post after this one. But, as I mentioned, I'm sharing a line of story that was a direct translation from a song lyric.
From John O'Callaghan feat. Sarah Howells - Find Yourself (beginning at :30 if you're interested)
"Bright lights on a starless night burn a hole in the dying day. Lookin' at life through a loaded gun..."
We stare at the blossoming stars, just beginning to burn through the burgeoning twilight.
"I feel like, no matter what direction I turn, I've got a loaded gun pointed at me. Do you have any idea what my life is like, Drew?"
To close, I love the fact that 20 different people can listen to the above songs, and come up with about 50 different plots to write. That's the real magic of music to me - it never affects two people the same.
If you're so inclined, I'd love to know what songs influenced or embody your writing!
It's always on at the house, in the car, and more often than not I have my earphones stuffed in at work, grooving away to some tunes.
Now comes the don't-make-fun-of-me part - I loooove dance music. Adore it. House, Trance, cheesy-ass techno.. if it's got a baseline, I'll listen to it (at least once).
Don't get me wrong, I like mainstream, too. One Republic and The Script have spots in my playlist, but I'm much more interested in Tiësto's or Guetta's latest releases, and checking what's hot on bpmtv.com's charts.
As a result of the constant soundtrack in my life, it comes as no surprise that I find a lot of plot bunnies being born of lyrics. I guess this isn't an unusual phenomenon in the writing world.
I thought it would be fun (for me at least) to share some of the songs that pushed the direction of my stories.
And YES! they're dance-ish tunes. Get over the bass and listen to the melody and lyrics, I tell you!
One of my very first stories which I allude to every so often but will never speak of in detail was born of this song:
(Disclaimer: the video sucks. I just like the lyrics/melody)
Keep the Fire Burning by The Outsiders
In particular, the spot that starts about 1:45 into the song. <3 it. The thought of someone pushing hard to restore your faith in love, and standing right behind you, even through what feels like the end of your world, just speaks Romance to me.
For my current works, I don't have a particular one for Touch, so I'm skipping that one, but when I started writing DiD, there was one song in my playlist that had a lot of influence:
Dancing Into Danger by Novaspace
Um.. notice the title? LOL Yeah. The story ended up being called Dancing into Danger, although that may change. For now, though, it's DiD.
Although the lyrics in the song aren't all that deep, I just kept picturing some chick at a dance club, boogying her little behind off, and watching over her shoulder for The Bad Thing.
In the case of my story, The Bad Thing is an evil little bastard Kari calls The Perv. Dun-dun-dun! *cue dramatic music*
Okay. Moving on.
About a month ago, I heard a song on the satellite that I thought was pretty cool, and it stuck with me, although nothing immediately came to mind.
Then, almost 2 weeks ago, I decided I wanted to hear it again, so I pulled up the video on YouTube.
I sat there for probably 10 minutes after the song ended, a glazed look on my face and my mouth hanging open, while a vicious plot bunny scampered around my brain.
It's moments like that one that make me very glad I live alone. I'm sure I looked like I'd been poleaxed.
But I digress. So, VOILA! The catalyst for Forgiveness:
Touch by Natasha Bedingfield
The story is a lot darker than either the song or the video; however, the entire concept of how one life can unknowingly influence another is exceptionally intriguing to me.
And thus, Forgiveness was born.
I also thought it was hilarious that I'd been working so hard on a story named Touch, and a video of that same title spawned a whole new plot line.
Sometimes, I also find some lyrics making their way into my books. Altered, of course, to my own voice; however, the jumping off point may have been a word combination that got my mind or heart racing.
In the spirit of sharing, I'm going to post a couple of lines from DiD influenced by song lyrics. But first, I need to find my notebook where I have it written down. Cue hyperventilation, since I can't find it. (ack! check back later for the post, unless I really can't find it, in which case I'll be in full-blown panic mode)
Update: Found it, as per the post after this one. But, as I mentioned, I'm sharing a line of story that was a direct translation from a song lyric.
From John O'Callaghan feat. Sarah Howells - Find Yourself (beginning at :30 if you're interested)
"Bright lights on a starless night burn a hole in the dying day. Lookin' at life through a loaded gun..."
We stare at the blossoming stars, just beginning to burn through the burgeoning twilight.
"I feel like, no matter what direction I turn, I've got a loaded gun pointed at me. Do you have any idea what my life is like, Drew?"
To close, I love the fact that 20 different people can listen to the above songs, and come up with about 50 different plots to write. That's the real magic of music to me - it never affects two people the same.
If you're so inclined, I'd love to know what songs influenced or embody your writing!
Friday, August 6, 2010
Plotting or Pansting?
Any writer will tell you that they're either a plotter or a panster, the latter being fly-by-the-seat-of-my-pants writing.
The very first story I wrote, I pansted the whole thing, and it was kind of a cute, trite, plot.
The next (DiD), I tried the same. It's now stalled out because I can't figure out where to go with it. Sure, Kari is pretty mouthy and I'm constantly writing bits and pieces on this story, but it's mostly emotion, no forward action.
I tried a combination on the next one. Did up a brief outline, loosely followed it and wrote. I got about 75% of the way through it before I figured out I wasn't very good at paranormal stuff, so I tried the combination again on the next one.
Didn't work.
Of course, one must always factor in the frustration that comes during any story-writing. Apparently a common occurance, I ended up bored of the story and hating it.
So, I went back to pansting for Touch. hmm.. that may be why I'm floundering about with it so badly.. LOL
This time, with Forgiveness, I'm plotting, outlining, plotting, and doing more outlining.
I've heard, from both faction of writers, how much each method kinda sucks.
Pansters complain that plotting takes the soul out of the story. Creates boredom because the excitement of discovering where the characters are going and who they're going to be is gone. It was all spent on the outline, rather than in the writing.
Plotters tell me that pansting makes for a chaotic storyline, that stuff is thrown in here and there willy-nilly and that the flow doesn't feel right. A lot of pansters find themselves written into corners with no way out (see DiD) or with plot-holes that a Mack truck could drive through.
In either case, I think it's the ability and responsibility of the writer to add the essence of excitement or patch up those plot holes in edits.
What do you think?
In the meantime, for me, plotting seems to be going well, this time at least! Only time will tell, I guess!
The very first story I wrote, I pansted the whole thing, and it was kind of a cute, trite, plot.
The next (DiD), I tried the same. It's now stalled out because I can't figure out where to go with it. Sure, Kari is pretty mouthy and I'm constantly writing bits and pieces on this story, but it's mostly emotion, no forward action.
I tried a combination on the next one. Did up a brief outline, loosely followed it and wrote. I got about 75% of the way through it before I figured out I wasn't very good at paranormal stuff, so I tried the combination again on the next one.
Didn't work.
Of course, one must always factor in the frustration that comes during any story-writing. Apparently a common occurance, I ended up bored of the story and hating it.
So, I went back to pansting for Touch. hmm.. that may be why I'm floundering about with it so badly.. LOL
This time, with Forgiveness, I'm plotting, outlining, plotting, and doing more outlining.
I've heard, from both faction of writers, how much each method kinda sucks.
Pansters complain that plotting takes the soul out of the story. Creates boredom because the excitement of discovering where the characters are going and who they're going to be is gone. It was all spent on the outline, rather than in the writing.
Plotters tell me that pansting makes for a chaotic storyline, that stuff is thrown in here and there willy-nilly and that the flow doesn't feel right. A lot of pansters find themselves written into corners with no way out (see DiD) or with plot-holes that a Mack truck could drive through.
In either case, I think it's the ability and responsibility of the writer to add the essence of excitement or patch up those plot holes in edits.
What do you think?
In the meantime, for me, plotting seems to be going well, this time at least! Only time will tell, I guess!
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Must. Read.
OooooOOOoooooo... some of my favorite authors have had recent releases! Time to talk reading...
First up is an author I've mentioned a few times - Kate Pearce. She's got a Tudor Vampire book out today, and I can't wait to get my grubby little paws on it!
First in a sexy new series that takes a bite out of the court of King Henry VIII
Yum.
Next up is RG Alexander's debut NY release (i.e. paper) POSSESS ME!
In the Big Easy, there's a legend women long for: a sexual voodoo spirit who can fulfill their darkest fantasies. And in these three steaming-hot novellas, he helps two New Orleans couples achieve the ultimate satisfaction...and may even find it himself.
In Release Me, Allegra heads down to New Orleans to heal her wounds, but she never expects to lose her heart to such a quiet, troubled man as Rousseau. She's even less prepared for the scorching, sexual spirit within him-and what he can do to her...
In Reclaim Me, Ben has loved Michelle as long as he can remember. But his beautiful artist has a way of running away from life-and what the pair could be. Leave it to the infamous spirit to help Ben prove to Michelle where she belongs: in his embrace...
In Redeem Me, it's All Saints' Day, the one day the voodoo spirit can walk the world in the flesh. When he bumps into Bethany, she might just be the reincarnation of a girl he once loved. Passion ignites, but can the couple overcome past mistakes and have a real chance at love?
Click here to purchase. Visit R.G.'s website or blog for all her latest news.
Who could resist that smokin' hot cover? I'd let him posses me any time... *fans self*
And to drop backwards a bit, here are a few others that have come out recently that I think you should pick up. Right now.
TALK DIRTY TO ME by Inez Kelley & Ginny Glass
NAKED by Megan Hart
LINGER by Maggie Stiefvater (This is Young Adult)
If you're in the mood for a short (or, too short in my opinion), check out Changling Thumbelina by Emily Ryan-Davis (available at Freya's Bower publishing)
And while you're at it, if you want a ridiculously addictive paranormal series that leaves you with a cliffhanger ending until the next release (JANUARY! gah.) then check out DARKFEVER by Karen Marie Moning. Loves it.
First up is an author I've mentioned a few times - Kate Pearce. She's got a Tudor Vampire book out today, and I can't wait to get my grubby little paws on it!
First in a sexy new series that takes a bite out of the court of King Henry VIII Desperate to defeat King Richard III and gain the English crown, Henry Tudor made a pact with the Druids that bound him and his heirs to the Druid’s deadly struggle against the Vampires. Ever since, the Llewellyns, an ancient Vampire slaying family, have been in the permanent employ of the monarchy.
Now Henry VIII is on the throne, and his father’s bargain has almost been forgotten. Until corpses drained of blood start turning up in the most inappropriate of places, including the king’s bedchamber. But are these people the victims of the Vampires-or of the Druids?
To save the king from a nameless assassin, Rosalind Llewellyn, Vampire hunter extraordinaire, must form an uneasy alliance with a known Druid slayer. Sir Christopher Ellis hails from a family that has protected the Vampires for centuries, yet Rosalind has no choice but to rely on his help. And with her life threatened and her loyalty tested, Rosalind may even have to acknowledge the unthinkable. This sworn enemy may be her soul mate.
Click here to purchase. For more information on the author, visit her website or blog.Yum.
Next up is RG Alexander's debut NY release (i.e. paper) POSSESS ME!
In the Big Easy, there's a legend women long for: a sexual voodoo spirit who can fulfill their darkest fantasies. And in these three steaming-hot novellas, he helps two New Orleans couples achieve the ultimate satisfaction...and may even find it himself.
In Release Me, Allegra heads down to New Orleans to heal her wounds, but she never expects to lose her heart to such a quiet, troubled man as Rousseau. She's even less prepared for the scorching, sexual spirit within him-and what he can do to her...
In Reclaim Me, Ben has loved Michelle as long as he can remember. But his beautiful artist has a way of running away from life-and what the pair could be. Leave it to the infamous spirit to help Ben prove to Michelle where she belongs: in his embrace...
In Redeem Me, it's All Saints' Day, the one day the voodoo spirit can walk the world in the flesh. When he bumps into Bethany, she might just be the reincarnation of a girl he once loved. Passion ignites, but can the couple overcome past mistakes and have a real chance at love?
Click here to purchase. Visit R.G.'s website or blog for all her latest news.
Who could resist that smokin' hot cover? I'd let him posses me any time... *fans self*
And to drop backwards a bit, here are a few others that have come out recently that I think you should pick up. Right now.
TALK DIRTY TO ME by Inez Kelley & Ginny Glass
NAKED by Megan Hart
LINGER by Maggie Stiefvater (This is Young Adult)
If you're in the mood for a short (or, too short in my opinion), check out Changling Thumbelina by Emily Ryan-Davis (available at Freya's Bower publishing)
And while you're at it, if you want a ridiculously addictive paranormal series that leaves you with a cliffhanger ending until the next release (JANUARY! gah.) then check out DARKFEVER by Karen Marie Moning. Loves it.
Monday, August 2, 2010
What the hey?
Um, did anyone else notice something weird?
It's August, people!
I think I may have blacked out for a couple of weeks or gone through a time-warp for most of July. Where did it go?
Maybe it's just that I didn't accomplish the things I'd wanted to that makes me feel like time skipped ahead by leaps and bounds.
Or, maybe I just really suck at time-management?
Hmm...
Nah.
Anyway, I'm determined to kick this writing stuff into high gear, so I hope you're along for the ride!
It's August, people!
I think I may have blacked out for a couple of weeks or gone through a time-warp for most of July. Where did it go?
Maybe it's just that I didn't accomplish the things I'd wanted to that makes me feel like time skipped ahead by leaps and bounds.
Or, maybe I just really suck at time-management?
Hmm...
Nah.
Anyway, I'm determined to kick this writing stuff into high gear, so I hope you're along for the ride!
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