We’ve all met interesting people on our travels that come to mind when we’re writing and creating new characters for our stories. And while sometimes it is the physical characteristics that catch our eye, or mannerisms, or the way they speak – they can be the jumping off point for a very interesting character in your book that everyone loves or hates.
Maybe the check out girl at the grocer who constants chews gum and blows bubbles comes to mind. Or perhaps the dentist that hums old show tunes while he works sticks in your memory. The check out girl inspired a gum popping receptionist for the doctors office (in my case). There are no humming dentists in the story yet, but perhaps you’ll write about a serial killer that hums or sings while he does his thing.
You can never tell who will inspire you to write, so be aware and watchful for that someone memorable.
I'm sorry that I'm a day late with the blog this week. Things are pretty unpredictible around the home front right now and I've been missing out on my writing time.
It makes me think once again about how difficult it can be to make writing a priority when you have a day job, home, and family to care for. Generally I'd schedule time to write like any other appointment, but my calendar is full of the job and caring for my recuperating spouse who just had spinal surgery. My hands are full.
All of us will have times in our lives when we just can't get everything we want to do done. Right now I'm allowing myself a couple of weeks away from all my normal pursuits to concentrate on the situation. I don't feel guilty, it has to be done. You may have something similar occur in your life that can't be helped and you may use writing to cope. I've done that before, but it hasn't worked for me this time. I don't have the energy. Know this: since writing is so much a part of me and my life, I will NOT be away from it long. (I'm here aren't I?) Hopefully when something comes up that interferes with writing you'll not allow it to do so for long.
Plan for the time when you can resume your focus on what is important to you - your prose or poetry. Let your story reminate in your mind while you cook dinner or change the sheets. Jot down ideas that pop in so you don't lose them in the clutter. (I even have a note pad by my bed, but lately I've been sleeping like a rock and only waking up when something is needed during the night.) Let your characters talk with you while you shop for groceries (just don't forget the grocery list). And while you're brushing your teeth picture the next scene in your story.
It's all a part of the writers process, so even though I'm not camped in front of my laptop with soft acoustic music playing in the background - my fingers flying over the keys as I try to capture the story unfolding in my mind, I'm still "writing" just not in so many words.
Take care all,
BD
Websters dictionary says that Limbo is "A place or condition of oblivion or neglect." That's kind of where I'm at right now. My spouse had surgery and I'm hanging out at the hospital to help where I can (nurses are spread too thin) and give support to someone who feels terrible right now. It's hard sometimes. My meager tiredness and stress is nothing compared to the pain and frustration the patient has of being unable to move around or even lift yourself up off of the bed without pain or assistance. Nothing.
It would be good fodder for a story, but frankly I'm a bit foggy in the brain arena and can't put the words together. Instead I'm reading and catching a few winks in the chair when I can. Reading is good for the soul. I think I'll take an extra book to the hospital after I get a shower and a short nap. Might help.
Write on my friends.
BD
I picked up a copy of "Writing Basics" presented by the Writer's Digest Yearbook. Wow. It's crammed with good information. I haven't read all of it, but I have read about "The Anatomy of a Writer's Website" and "How to write your book in 15 minutes a day" as well as "Rough up your first draft." The Writer's Digest pubs are great resources, but this one has something for writers in all stages of their journey. There's information for beginners, grammer info, prompts and stuff about the business side of writing. Okay, can you tell I like this magazine?
I have subscribed off and on to Writer's Digest, the Writer, Poets & Writers, and occasionally pick up a Writer's Journal. They are all great resources. I've marked my old copies with post-it notes and put a one or two word comment, basically indexing the articles and information I want to be able to refer back to. Have I gone back to them? YES. Many times. The basics don't really change that much. But the industry does, so I'll continue to subscribe to one of the above mentioned pubs so I can get the latest author interviews and publishing business scoop.
I always feel like I make better decisions if I have good information. How about you?
Write on, my friends.
BD
What a fabulous writing day. I took my notebook to Panera and had a nice salad and write some scene ideas for my new book. (Patchwork Family, the sequel to Feisty Family Values.) Then I took my laptop and notebook to Borders and wrote for 2 1/2 hours. I rewarded myself with a Javakula for completing 10 pages, approximately 2500 words. I was on a roll!
Almost 1/2 way through the first draft and it feels like I'm really making progress. I'm still not sure how it ends yet, which I did in the first book. Nothing to worry about though, the story seems to be developing well.
My son and I are working on a new website, so once it's up and running I'll have excerpts from the novels on-line for you to read. Stay tuned.
BD
If you've never read the Evanovich Stephanie Plum series you are missing a great time. They are funny, fast paced, irreverant, sexy, and are packed with quirky characters.
I picked up a copy of Janet's book on "How I Write" and enjoyed it as well. For the beginning writer she has good insights and encouragement. She has tips for writers who are "emerging" into the publishing world. And gives excerpts from her books as examples. She talks about the creative process, her writing process, the publishing industry, marketing and promotion and gives good resource references.
Her recommended resource list is similar to mine in that it contains Stephen King's "On Writing" and Anne Lamott's "Bird by Bird", so it makes me feel like I'm on the right track as a writer. I'm adding this one to my list of "writers should read" as well. I suggest you writer buddies of mine check it out.
Oh, and she throws a little humor in, which is a trademark of Evanovich in my opinion. She not only cares about her readers, but she cares about us writers, too.
See you along the road,
BD
RSS Feed