11/4/19
Reinvent yourself!
It's interesting when you've been in a particular place in your life for a while. You can start to get comfortable and think that's all the world has to offer you. I'm proud to say that I'm "shaking things up" a little bit by delving into the world of self-publishing. It's been a challenge and yet I've enjoyed learning new things, meeting new people and experiencing a little more control over my writing. My first "success" story, I suppose, is that I now have a Christmas novella up on Amazon. It was time to reinvent myself a little...maybe it's your time, too! "A Neverland Inn Christmas"
11/30/18
When life derails your writing...
Being a writer is an interesting thing. The process of writing is so intrinsically tied up in who the writer is and requires such a personal investment, that it's only a matter of time before it gets derailed by various physical or emotional "boulders" that life tosses carelessly on the tracks. And the writer, blissfully surging along, finds themselves tossed like so much rubble onto the ground. Many will pick themselves back up, examine their wounds and rethink another path or mode of transportation. For others, the wreck seems too catastrophic and they retreat to tend to their wounds and wait until a sufficient amount of healing has occurred. I've discovered that I tend to do both.
Writing has always been my creative outlet, my "happy place," my bliss. Where I've felt understood, connected to a larger power, even loved. Life makes sense and I feel my purpose in it all. So, why would I ever abandon that, simply because life throws some challenge at me? Maybe because it's also where I feel the most doubt, experience the most frustration and can be overwhelmed by the sense that I can't ever be good enough. By walking a tightrope between those two worlds, it isn't hard to get thrown off balance and retreat to a place that seems safer--where I don't have to constantly be examining and interpreting life.
I guess that makes me a "fair weather" writer. When things are going well and I'm reasonably content, I don't mind looking back on past hurts and pain and trying to figure out how to represent the truth of those experiences on paper. But when I'm in the thick of it and see disaster all around me, I shut down the conduit of my creativity and go into survival mode--kind of like a victim of hypothermia, where all of my blood is sucked into my core, leaving my extremities exposed to the elements. It's like I'm willing to sacrifice an arm or a leg so my torso can survive. When the real answer is to get up and get moving!
A few people, when they find out I write, ask me how you get over writer's block. I used to give them an appropriate answer that you have to continue to write, even if it's just keeping a journal. That you push through the feeling and eventually it will go away. Because you're a writer and you're meant to write! It sounded really good at the time. But the truth of it is, you can't "get over" writer's block, because writer's block is really another name for fear. And fear doesn't go anywhere, it just becomes more manageable at times. Ask a tightrope walker twenty feet off the ground if they're no longer "afraid" of being suspended that high. I'll bet they say that they still get afraid, they've just had enough experience to know that even if they do fall, they were doing what they wanted and needed to do with their life--so what does it matter?
To truly be a writer, I have to allow myself to accept that there will always be an element of fear in what I do. Perhaps as I gain more experience and more confidence in my ability, I won't dwell on it as often. But I'll never completely be at ease with the knowledge that no matter how much success I might achieve or how far I go, the next second--I could fall.
Writing has always been my creative outlet, my "happy place," my bliss. Where I've felt understood, connected to a larger power, even loved. Life makes sense and I feel my purpose in it all. So, why would I ever abandon that, simply because life throws some challenge at me? Maybe because it's also where I feel the most doubt, experience the most frustration and can be overwhelmed by the sense that I can't ever be good enough. By walking a tightrope between those two worlds, it isn't hard to get thrown off balance and retreat to a place that seems safer--where I don't have to constantly be examining and interpreting life.
I guess that makes me a "fair weather" writer. When things are going well and I'm reasonably content, I don't mind looking back on past hurts and pain and trying to figure out how to represent the truth of those experiences on paper. But when I'm in the thick of it and see disaster all around me, I shut down the conduit of my creativity and go into survival mode--kind of like a victim of hypothermia, where all of my blood is sucked into my core, leaving my extremities exposed to the elements. It's like I'm willing to sacrifice an arm or a leg so my torso can survive. When the real answer is to get up and get moving!
A few people, when they find out I write, ask me how you get over writer's block. I used to give them an appropriate answer that you have to continue to write, even if it's just keeping a journal. That you push through the feeling and eventually it will go away. Because you're a writer and you're meant to write! It sounded really good at the time. But the truth of it is, you can't "get over" writer's block, because writer's block is really another name for fear. And fear doesn't go anywhere, it just becomes more manageable at times. Ask a tightrope walker twenty feet off the ground if they're no longer "afraid" of being suspended that high. I'll bet they say that they still get afraid, they've just had enough experience to know that even if they do fall, they were doing what they wanted and needed to do with their life--so what does it matter?
To truly be a writer, I have to allow myself to accept that there will always be an element of fear in what I do. Perhaps as I gain more experience and more confidence in my ability, I won't dwell on it as often. But I'll never completely be at ease with the knowledge that no matter how much success I might achieve or how far I go, the next second--I could fall.
10/7/15
The Rigors of Writing
Usually when you read a blog post about writing you're looking for valuable writing tips, like how to build your characters or develop your plot. But after I've jumped back into writing consistently, I've realized that there are other challenges to being a writer.
My back and neck ache!
After being hunched in front of the computer for hours, whether I'm in a straight-backed chair or trying to get comfy on the couch, it's not long before my muscles start tensing. My jaw beings to ache. My lower back throbs. So, I've asked my chiropractor (who also happens to be my husband!) for help. Here's what he told me:
1) Take frequent breaks. Okay, this one may not be easy, especially when your creative juices are flowing and you're almost through with a thought or scene. But seriously. If you've been sitting in one place for an hour, it's time for a break. So get up!
2) And while you're up, try some of these stretches.
*Clasp your hands behind your back and try to pull your elbows together. Stretch...breath...relax. Repeat!
* Find a doorway and press the front of one shoulder against the frame. Now step slightly forward, which will extend your pectoralis muscles. Repeat on the other side.
* With some deep breathing, tilt your head toward one shoulder. Now roll slightly forward until you come to the other shoulder, completing the circle backwards until you're back in neutral position.
4) For the ultimate break, completely relax by laying down on your back with a small neck roll underneath your neck. That will help to readjust the natural curve in your neck and counteract all that leaning forward we writers do. You deserve it!
5) Lastly, take into consideration your workspace. You should have your keyboard slightly below elbow height (like sitting at a piano). Keep your screen up more at eye level if possible. Your chair should be supportive and not allow you to slump. And if you have a small footrest to elevate your feet, that's helpful too.
So there you have it! Help avoid the rigors of writing so you can write on!
My back and neck ache!
After being hunched in front of the computer for hours, whether I'm in a straight-backed chair or trying to get comfy on the couch, it's not long before my muscles start tensing. My jaw beings to ache. My lower back throbs. So, I've asked my chiropractor (who also happens to be my husband!) for help. Here's what he told me:
1) Take frequent breaks. Okay, this one may not be easy, especially when your creative juices are flowing and you're almost through with a thought or scene. But seriously. If you've been sitting in one place for an hour, it's time for a break. So get up!
2) And while you're up, try some of these stretches.
*Clasp your hands behind your back and try to pull your elbows together. Stretch...breath...relax. Repeat!
* Find a doorway and press the front of one shoulder against the frame. Now step slightly forward, which will extend your pectoralis muscles. Repeat on the other side.
* With some deep breathing, tilt your head toward one shoulder. Now roll slightly forward until you come to the other shoulder, completing the circle backwards until you're back in neutral position.
4) For the ultimate break, completely relax by laying down on your back with a small neck roll underneath your neck. That will help to readjust the natural curve in your neck and counteract all that leaning forward we writers do. You deserve it!
5) Lastly, take into consideration your workspace. You should have your keyboard slightly below elbow height (like sitting at a piano). Keep your screen up more at eye level if possible. Your chair should be supportive and not allow you to slump. And if you have a small footrest to elevate your feet, that's helpful too.
So there you have it! Help avoid the rigors of writing so you can write on!
8/13/15
I'm back!
I'm back! I'm not sure how many of you missed me, but I have to admit I missed writing in my blog. I found other ways to write, ways that were more personal and could express my feeling of grief and pain, but now that I've had time to shed some of that weight I'm anxious to get back to the sense of normalcy that writing and sharing ideas with other writers/readers gave me.
And part of jumping back in has been to write another book. Just a tiny one...but it was just what I needed. I just finished up the edit for "Three Little Words," a romance compilation that I've shared with two other writers and that hopefully will come out the end of this year. It felt soooooooo good!
So no matter what stage of life you're in, whether you're writing proficiently or just for yourself, remember, you're always a writer and as a community, we're here for you!!!!!
And part of jumping back in has been to write another book. Just a tiny one...but it was just what I needed. I just finished up the edit for "Three Little Words," a romance compilation that I've shared with two other writers and that hopefully will come out the end of this year. It felt soooooooo good!
So no matter what stage of life you're in, whether you're writing proficiently or just for yourself, remember, you're always a writer and as a community, we're here for you!!!!!
6/23/13
This past few months have been difficult for me as far as my writing career is concerned. A close family member has become very ill and so I've been using my time to focus on family. But I think that even when difficulties arise in our lives to where our "commercial" aspirations aren't as important, there are always ways to keep writing an active part of our lives. Instead of writing books and articles, I've turned to writing in a journal and recording personal thoughts and feelings. Nothing we think or feel is every unimportant--and so it's crucial that they're not lost. And one day they could give me a reminder so I can tap into those feelings for a character or plot.
10/15/12
A Writing Prompt for Halloween
I have to confess Halloween is one of my favorite times of the year and I've gone a little overboard on classic movies lately. Let's pretend that all of the classic "villains" have met for dinnner. (The Mummy, Creature from the Black Lagoon, Swamp Thing, Blob, etc.) Write a paragraph describing what they'd be eating and drinking, what they'd be wearing to "dress up" and then present a dialogue between them as they discuss the pros and cons to being their particular persona.
8/9/12
Olympics for Writers
In honor of the Olympic games, I'd like to propose "Olympic" terms for writers!
Long jump: when a writer has submitted a manuscript several times and been rejected and then submitted again and...success!
Hurdles: the obstacles of lack of time, energy, money and confidence that appear when you take your eye off the goal
Synchronized: when you find out that another book with a similar context is coming out the same time as yours
Decathalon: the minimum number of times that you'll end up editing your manuscript
Gymnastics: all of the manuevers you have to do to get your work published
Vault: the only way to get over all of the criticism on Goodreads
100m Dash: how fast you'll have to work when your editor finally gets your last edit to you
Gold medal: the feeling you'll get from holding your first book in your hands
Long jump: when a writer has submitted a manuscript several times and been rejected and then submitted again and...success!
Hurdles: the obstacles of lack of time, energy, money and confidence that appear when you take your eye off the goal
Synchronized: when you find out that another book with a similar context is coming out the same time as yours
Decathalon: the minimum number of times that you'll end up editing your manuscript
Gymnastics: all of the manuevers you have to do to get your work published
Vault: the only way to get over all of the criticism on Goodreads
100m Dash: how fast you'll have to work when your editor finally gets your last edit to you
Gold medal: the feeling you'll get from holding your first book in your hands
6/26/12
The soul of a writer
Hello Readers. I'm sorry I didn't follow up on my posts like I said I would. There were some issues that prevented me from keeping up on a few things. But in coming back and getting my feet "wet" again, I'd just like to talk a little about being a writer.
When you're a writer, writing can feel like a lifeline when the world kind of spirals out of control around you. It's like a breath of normalcy when nothing seems normal. On days when I stop writing and get caught up in all of the other craziness that life brings I start to feel that "drift" away from myself. And I ask myself "why don't things feel right?" Then I begin to write and the clarity that comes is amazing! It's a pressure valve release, an inhalation after holding your breath. I feel like myself again.
If you're a writer, that's what writing is to you. It's hard for other people to understand--and it can be hard even for you to remember. But it's not just WHAT you do, it's WHO you are. To be, you have to write.
When you're a writer, writing can feel like a lifeline when the world kind of spirals out of control around you. It's like a breath of normalcy when nothing seems normal. On days when I stop writing and get caught up in all of the other craziness that life brings I start to feel that "drift" away from myself. And I ask myself "why don't things feel right?" Then I begin to write and the clarity that comes is amazing! It's a pressure valve release, an inhalation after holding your breath. I feel like myself again.
If you're a writer, that's what writing is to you. It's hard for other people to understand--and it can be hard even for you to remember. But it's not just WHAT you do, it's WHO you are. To be, you have to write.
5/1/12
LDStorymakers Conference
I'm off to the LDStorymakers Conference this weekend. I'm sure it will be a GREAT experience and I'll be sure to share some of the highlights here next month!
4/9/12
The Courage to Write
If you were to ask the average person about something that it would take courage to do, you’d probably hear answers like, “Parachute out of an airplane,” or, “Travel on your own to a foregin country.” Maybe even, “Get up and speak in front of a large group.” But I’d propose something else that takes at least that much courage: writing. Because in my mind, putting down your thoughts into words and presenting it to the world to be examined for the first time is every bit as thrilling as jumping out of an airplane, as new as venturing into unknown territory and as frightening as standing in front of a group of strangers.
So it’s probably why so many people don’t even bother.
It’s not that they don’t have the desire. In fact, one study proposed that nearly 80% of all Americans want to write a book–so whoever you are reading this, that probably includes you–but the bottom line is only 1% even attempt it. It appears that the same fears and doubts that keep us from doing a variety of new things also keep us from writing. “I can’t do something like that.” “I wouldn’t be good enough.” “I don’t know where to begin.” Well, I can’t make you a list of steps that will automatically take you from A to B and help you succeed when it comes to writing, but I can give you a little nudge by reminding you that achieving your dreams isn’t dependant upon when you finish, but when you start.
So find that courage to start . . . and write!
So it’s probably why so many people don’t even bother.
It’s not that they don’t have the desire. In fact, one study proposed that nearly 80% of all Americans want to write a book–so whoever you are reading this, that probably includes you–but the bottom line is only 1% even attempt it. It appears that the same fears and doubts that keep us from doing a variety of new things also keep us from writing. “I can’t do something like that.” “I wouldn’t be good enough.” “I don’t know where to begin.” Well, I can’t make you a list of steps that will automatically take you from A to B and help you succeed when it comes to writing, but I can give you a little nudge by reminding you that achieving your dreams isn’t dependant upon when you finish, but when you start.
So find that courage to start . . . and write!
3/29/12
Our Giveaway winner!
Congratulations to Holly J. for reading 10 books for our Read-a-thon. Wow! I hope there weren't any lasting repurcussions. Of course, trying to catch up on Whitney finalists is creating my own dilemma. I doubt I'll be able to read them all this year. I hope this was a fun month for all of you readers and I'll have an informative post on having the courage to write posted soon!
3/28/12
'Read-a-thon' over!
The 'Read-a-thon' giveaway ends at midnight, so post your reads in the comment section. Winner will be announced tomorrow morning! Don't forget to include your email address for me to alert the winner. Thanks again for entering.
2/27/12
'Venom' giveaway
My blog tour is now officially over, but it was so heavy on the reviews that I decided to do my own giveaway! I'll call it the "Read-a-thon Giveaway" So here's the scoop:
1) You need to be a member of Goodreads. It's easy to sign up. Just go to http://www.goodreads.com/
2) Contest will run from February 28th to March 28th.
3) Simply spend this next month reading! Then record the books that you've read on Goodreads with a "read" date between Feb 28-Mar 28.
4) Report back in the "Comments" section of this blog the number of books that you read--honesty appreciated! The person with the most will win! (ties will be decided by drawing names) The winner will be announced March 30.
5) Be sure to include an email address where I can let you know the winner. I'll also post your first name and last initial on the blog so you can double-check.
6) Twittering and/or posting this link on Facebook will be much appreciated! Spread the word!
(This blog is not associated with 'Goodreads' in any legal, ethical or moral way. The author will not be held accountable if there are any problems that develop from anyone attempting to read an unreasonable number of books! This contest is not intended to diagnose or treat any condition.)
1) You need to be a member of Goodreads. It's easy to sign up. Just go to http://www.goodreads.com/
2) Contest will run from February 28th to March 28th.
3) Simply spend this next month reading! Then record the books that you've read on Goodreads with a "read" date between Feb 28-Mar 28.
4) Report back in the "Comments" section of this blog the number of books that you read--honesty appreciated! The person with the most will win! (ties will be decided by drawing names) The winner will be announced March 30.
5) Be sure to include an email address where I can let you know the winner. I'll also post your first name and last initial on the blog so you can double-check.
6) Twittering and/or posting this link on Facebook will be much appreciated! Spread the word!
(This blog is not associated with 'Goodreads' in any legal, ethical or moral way. The author will not be held accountable if there are any problems that develop from anyone attempting to read an unreasonable number of books! This contest is not intended to diagnose or treat any condition.)
2/15/12
'Venom' blog tour
My latest title Venom is cruising along on its blog tour. I'll post links below and let you know if there are giveaways associated with the site. Unfortunately my Goodreads giveaway is over, but there'll be more so check back frequently!
Arranged by most recent:
Review: http://karendupaixwrites.blogspot.com/2012/02/book-review-venom-by-kc-grant.html
Review: http://jlloydmorgan.blogspot.com/2012/02/book-review-of-venom-by-k-c-grant.html
Review: http://weavingataleortwo.blogspot.com/2012/02/book-review-venom-by-kc-grant.html
Review and GIVEAWAY!: http://thebookbug-hogan.blogspot.com/2012/02/author-interview-giveaway-kc-grant.html GIVEAWAY over
Review: http://www.westoversleftovers.blogspot.com/
Interview and GIVEAWAY!: http://books4linda.blogspot.com/2012/02/venom-by-kc-grant-giveaway-and-author.html GIVEAWAY over
Review: http://www.ldswomensbookreview.com/wordpress/2012/02/10/blog-tour-review-of-venom-by-k-c-grant/
Review: http://www.marshaward.blogspot.com/
Review: http://www.mormonmommywriters.blogspot.com/
Reviews http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13379037-venom GIVEAWAY OVER
Review: http://gettingyourreadonaimeebrown.blogspot.com/2012/02/review-venom-by-kc-grant.html
Review: http://heatherjustesen.blogspot.com/2012/02/book-review-venom-by-kc-grant.html
Review: http://ldsfiction.blogspot.com/2012/01/venom-by-kc-grant.html
Review: http://ldswritermom.blogspot.com/2012/02/book-review-venom.html
Review: http://whynotbecauseisaidso.blogspot.com/2012/02/blog-tour-review-of-venom-by-kc-grant.html
Arranged by most recent:
Review: http://karendupaixwrites.blogspot.com/2012/02/book-review-venom-by-kc-grant.html
Review: http://jlloydmorgan.blogspot.com/2012/02/book-review-of-venom-by-k-c-grant.html
Review: http://weavingataleortwo.blogspot.com/2012/02/book-review-venom-by-kc-grant.html
Review and GIVEAWAY!: http://thebookbug-hogan.
Review: http://www.westoversleftovers.blogspot.com/
Interview and GIVEAWAY!: http://books4linda.blogspot.com/2012/02/venom-by-kc-grant-giveaway-and-author.html GIVEAWAY over
Review: http://www.ldswomensbookreview.com/wordpress/2012/02/10/blog-tour-review-of-venom-by-k-c-grant/
Review: http://www.marshaward.blogspot.com/
Review: http://www.mormonmommywriters.blogspot.com/
Reviews http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13379037-venom GIVEAWAY OVER
Review: http://gettingyourreadonaimeebrown.blogspot.com/2012/02/review-venom-by-kc-grant.html
Review: http://heatherjustesen.blogspot.com/2012/02/book-review-venom-by-kc-grant.html
Review: http://ldsfiction.blogspot.com/2012/01/venom-by-kc-grant.html
Review: http://ldswritermom.blogspot.com/2012/02/book-review-venom.html
Review: http://whynotbecauseisaidso.blogspot.com/2012/02/blog-tour-review-of-venom-by-kc-grant.html
1/5/12
A New Year of Success in Writing!
I've touched on this topic before, but as each new year rolls around, it just seems like the perfect time to address the idea that success in writing depends upon mainly one thing: YOU!
The goals you set for yourself will mean the difference between being a dreamer and becoming an author. Put all failures in the past and look ahead to your potential, whether that includes actually becoming published or simply starting the framework that you'll need to move in that direction. That framework will includes things such as:
1) Network with other writers--especially successful ones! Learn from their experiences, but be genuine in your interest. Authors have paid their dues and don't like to simply be "picked" for info.
2) Write your goals down. If they're only in your head, that's where they'll stay. Make them tangible. Write them and put them on your mirror, on the dashboard of your car. On your cell phone. Make a fake book cover with your title and name on it and SEE it happening.
3) Commit to write. You have to prioritize your writing. If you treat it like a hobby that comes after every other responsibility, big or small, it will fade away with your enthusiasm. Writers don't write because they like to all of the time, they do it because they want to succeed and to succeed they have to write.
4) Celebrate your successes. From an editorial in the newspaper to writing that Christmas letter, put your heart into it and be proud of your ability to do something that most people struggle with. Expressing yourself through words is a true gift, so be proud of it and others will, too.
The goals you set for yourself will mean the difference between being a dreamer and becoming an author. Put all failures in the past and look ahead to your potential, whether that includes actually becoming published or simply starting the framework that you'll need to move in that direction. That framework will includes things such as:
1) Network with other writers--especially successful ones! Learn from their experiences, but be genuine in your interest. Authors have paid their dues and don't like to simply be "picked" for info.
2) Write your goals down. If they're only in your head, that's where they'll stay. Make them tangible. Write them and put them on your mirror, on the dashboard of your car. On your cell phone. Make a fake book cover with your title and name on it and SEE it happening.
3) Commit to write. You have to prioritize your writing. If you treat it like a hobby that comes after every other responsibility, big or small, it will fade away with your enthusiasm. Writers don't write because they like to all of the time, they do it because they want to succeed and to succeed they have to write.
4) Celebrate your successes. From an editorial in the newspaper to writing that Christmas letter, put your heart into it and be proud of your ability to do something that most people struggle with. Expressing yourself through words is a true gift, so be proud of it and others will, too.
12/16/11
Christmas Giveaway Book Hop winner
Congratulations to Taffy who won a copy of Abish: Mother of Faith in the Christmas Giveaway Hop. I'm so glad to have met many new readers and wish you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays. Keep on reading!!!
11/7/11
Making characters come alive
They're the foundation on which your story will rest. Whether they're witty or charming, evil or innocent, you have to find a way to make your characters come alive. The best way to do this is to, simply put, give them a life. Here's a list of basic things you should know about each of the characters in your book so that you'll know what motivates them and how they'll react under any given circumstance.
Name:
Age:
Weight:
Height:
Birthdate:
Eye color:
Hair color:
Distinctive features (moles, freckles, scars, lisp, stutter, etc.):
Occupation:
Yearly salary:
Religion:
Marital status:
Children:
Hobbies:
Address:
Schooling:
Talents:
Short and long-term goals (this will affect motivation):
Needs:
Biggest fear:
Biggest dream:
Best friends:
Worst enemies:
So fill out this list for every character before you begin your book. Things can always be added or changed but this will keep you consistent throughout.
Name:
Age:
Weight:
Height:
Birthdate:
Eye color:
Hair color:
Distinctive features (moles, freckles, scars, lisp, stutter, etc.):
Occupation:
Yearly salary:
Religion:
Marital status:
Children:
Hobbies:
Address:
Schooling:
Talents:
Short and long-term goals (this will affect motivation):
Needs:
Biggest fear:
Biggest dream:
Best friends:
Worst enemies:
So fill out this list for every character before you begin your book. Things can always be added or changed but this will keep you consistent throughout.
10/8/11
Top Ten Horror Novels
I confess--I love a good scare. And this is the perfect time to get the hair on the back of your neck standing up and indulge your macabre without anyone thinking you're a little off. So if you're in a ghoulish mood, try one of these gruesome tales:
Anything by Stephen King could fill this list, but let's turn to some different masters of the craft:
1) Ghost Story by Peter Straub
2) Ghosts by Noel Hynd
3) Phantom by Deen Koontz
4) The House that Jack Built by Graham Masterson
5) Walkers by Graham Masterson
6) Usher's Passing by Robert R. McCammon
We shouldn't leave out some classics as well:
7) The Legend of Sleepy Hollow by Washington Irving
8) The House of Seven Gables by Nathaniel Hawthorne
9) any compilation by Edgar Allan Poe
10) OK, I cheated. The Shining by Stephen King
Anything by Stephen King could fill this list, but let's turn to some different masters of the craft:
1) Ghost Story by Peter Straub
2) Ghosts by Noel Hynd
3) Phantom by Deen Koontz
4) The House that Jack Built by Graham Masterson
5) Walkers by Graham Masterson
6) Usher's Passing by Robert R. McCammon
We shouldn't leave out some classics as well:
7) The Legend of Sleepy Hollow by Washington Irving
8) The House of Seven Gables by Nathaniel Hawthorne
9) any compilation by Edgar Allan Poe
10) OK, I cheated. The Shining by Stephen King
9/6/11
What to do with down time...
There's a problem that can develop for published writers when they finish one project and have yet to move on to the next. It's called "down time." You haven't put your foot solidly into the next manuscript and have the success of the last one to distract you--after all, there are book signings and appearances, the public clamoring for your attention! OK, maybe it's not that exciting. But it can be difficult to weather the lull that occurs and find that motivation to move past yet another blank page--or computer screen--and start to be creative again. You've probably also been editing for months without really having to create anything completely new. So what do you do?
The key is to stay creative in one form or another. When a manuscript is finished and you don't have that next solid project to jump into, use that time to develop other skills. Try a new form of writing: poetry, screen plays, satirical humor. Whatever. It can relieve some pressure in that you're not being expected to perform the same "tricks" over and over and it can be like a mental vacation from the usual workload. Or maybe just keep a journal for feelings and abstract ideas. Just write. It's like exercising and when a new inspiration hits, you won't have as difficult a time warming up those muscles again.
The key is to stay creative in one form or another. When a manuscript is finished and you don't have that next solid project to jump into, use that time to develop other skills. Try a new form of writing: poetry, screen plays, satirical humor. Whatever. It can relieve some pressure in that you're not being expected to perform the same "tricks" over and over and it can be like a mental vacation from the usual workload. Or maybe just keep a journal for feelings and abstract ideas. Just write. It's like exercising and when a new inspiration hits, you won't have as difficult a time warming up those muscles again.
7/29/11
Kindle is King!
OK, I admit it, I'm hooked. These past three weeks having my Kindle have been great. I've had to take one of my parents to the doctor a lot and so I bring my Kindle and when I finish reading one book, I've got another waiting! And I've been keeping a few on it for for my kids as well (YA and fairy tales) and so when we've gone on trips I know that I'll have something for them to read at bedtime or when they get bored. I'm already up to around 50 books--a lot of them free! So I'm going to put in my plug and say that if you haven't checked out an e-reader yet, do. There are a variety of styles and I've heard pros and cons about each. But I haven't had to recharge my Kindle yet and it was affordable and easy to use.
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