Getting Inspired

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I’m curious…what do you use for inspiration as you write? In an earlier post, I talked about music, but what else inspires you? Art, animals, food, wine (yes!), chocolate (double yes!)…do you catch yourself daydreaming of ideas and places your writing can go in places you don’t expect?

Yesterday I was getting a manicure/pedicure and while I was supposed to be blissing out, enjoying the wonderful foot and leg massage, my mind began to wander with a plot I’m working out. Before I knew it, I had come up with a direction for the story to go. All I had asked myself was, “where do you want this story to go?”  So did the massage relax me enough to allow inspiration to come through or just focusing on the question force me to think it through? The latter is probably more accurate, but if I go with the former, it means I’ll need to arrange more massages to get more inspiration :) Sounds good to me!

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Writers Mug

So, let me know in the comments or on my Facebook page…when and where do you get your best ideas? How do they come to you? Are you a lister, do you have to scribble everything down and work each element out, or does it just fall into your lap while you’re carrying on with your normal day?

The Big Bad Monster: Plot

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Plotting.

For me, just looking at the word creates some semblance of anxiety and dread. Plot is a necessary and sufficient part of romance. Plot has been defined by having three primary components: a beginning, a middle, and an end. Sounds simple right? My problem is not coming up with ideas, but when I have to put pen to paper, I struggle with filling in the minutiae and detail around the core idea, and building it up and into a full story intimidates me. The beginning is easy, but the rest…is hard.

Why can’t these great ideas write themselves? (Don’t we wish!)

So what should drive a plot? Action, character, emotion, a quest, a goal, moral? From my research into both writing and personal experience in reading, romances are character-driven. The emotional connection between the characters and how that drives action are the anchor and center of gravity for the entire book. You may hear authors talk about their characters as real people, alive as you and me. I have yet to create that type of relationship with my characters. I’ve been fleshing out their physical and mental traits, but I have not felt that “connection” that it seems so many authors have. Maybe it will come the more time I spend with these characters, shaping and molding them into ‘real’ people. I’ve heard having pictures of your characters help to create a connection; whether it’s a model in a magazine or a real-life actor/actress near your computer or notepad to help inspire their creation.

I can build the skeleton of a story, sparked by an idea, building out the plot points in general, but filling in the flesh, muscles, and organs of the story (which by now is becoming its own entity and individual-hence the body metaphor) is very hard for me. Why can’t it just come together easily and all the little in-betweens just happen?

This problem, to me, seems best attacked by the use of an outline. I hate outlines. I’m a Type A personality, so although you’d think this is a good thing for  Type A person, if a map is drawn, idea generated, plot decided…I feel stuck to it with little or no room of deviation. Outlines feel like the enemy because once I have an outline complete, I feel like I’m stuck on this track, moving from point to point until the end with little possibility of divergence.

I’m well aware of the fact that in reality, as the writer, I have the authority to deviate from the outline, or change it altogether. But I find it difficult to change the outline too much because I worry the story will unravel the more I change and alter it and will never get done. That being said, as I continue to educate myself on the components of writing fiction, I think an outline will be, at least for me, a necessary evil which will help me to create discipline and accountability to the ‘great idea’ which I’ve come up with in order to see it through to the end. I’ll let you know how this works out ;)

How do you work with plotting? How do you define the beginning, middle and ending? Is it based off of your characters’ relationships, or the quest/action they are taking part in? How do you organize your writing to stay on track and not to wander off? Do you use outlines or just write ‘by the seat of your pants’? I’d love to hear your thoughts, leave a comment below!

Setting the Mood for Writing

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How do you “set the mood” for writing?

Do you turn off the TV, turn down the lights, fire up a candle…? I’ve discovered more and more that turning off the TV is vital to writing productivity. It’s hard enough for me to sit down and discipline myself to write, but the TV is a huge distraction.

Currently, my most productive writing environment is sitting on my couch, spa (mediation) music playing in the background, one of my four kitties (it’s usually Cupcake, she’s the cuddler in the bunch) curled next to my leg with  a small toy tucked into her paw and typing on my laptop. I have a desktop computer in an office, but I’m much more comfortable wedged into the corner of the couch.

Speaking of music…as I mentioned above, I usually like to listen to spa-type music, especially Dean Evenson. Relaxation and mediation music is appropriate for most of my writing ambiance, but when I have to put together a particularly violent, intense or dynamic scene, different tunes are required. I’m one of those people particularly inspired by music, so I find it necessary to have something playing in the background while I try to increase the word count on my most recent work in progress (WIP).

I’d love to hear how you “set the mood” when you write? Leave me a comment below!

Cathedral Beach, New Zealand. Photo by Daniel Peckham

Cathedral Beach, New Zealand. Photo by Daniel Peckham

An Introvert Learns Lessons at a Writer’s Conference

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Last week I attended my first writer’s conference–well, it was actually a Pet Blogger’s conference but aimed at every level of blogger (and micro-blogger) writing about animals (pets, rescues, strays, you name it). I mentioned in my last post I was supposed to attend the 2012 Emerald City Writer’s Conference in Seattle, Washington last October, but Hurricane Sandy kept me away.

So I registered for the blogging conference months and months ago and because I live only 10 minutes from the conference location, I knew at least logistically, it would be an easier feat to attend rather than traveling across the country.

I knew a few people who were attending, albeit as an avid follower of their blogs, but no one personally. I’m an introvert by nature so it’s difficult for me to be in an environment with so many people, especially so many successful writers. As I checked in on Day 1 I spotted several famous bloggers and internally squee’d as my inner child fan wanted to run over and gush over how amazing their blogs were and how I much I enjoyed following them.

But my inner Miss Manners held me back, telling me they probably didn’t want to be bothered and that they’d likely be annoyed by me trying to chat them up. So I quietly sat nearby and looked through the conference schedule but constantly aware of their successful and well-known presence emanating just feet away. The workshops were divided up into Beginner, Intermediate and Pro level–I knew exactly where I belonged:  Beginner.

I wandered around the conference area, checking out the exhibits and displays and manged to hold a few conversations with exhibit minders (okay, okay I know I should be networking with conference attendees, but it was so much easier making conversation about litter pan scoopers and cat toys–seriously.)

I made my way to the first Beginner-level workshop focused on increasing ‘likes’ on Facebook and adding followers on Twitter. And God knows I need more Facebook followers (Hint, Hint–come on guys, I only have 7 right now, hook me up! ;) )

First, I was surprised to see the workshop was standing room only! I had a choice seat near the aisle where I could watch the presenter and diligently take notes. But as the presentation started, I noticed an older woman standing next to me trying to take in the talk but looking a little uncomfortable. I immediately offered her my seat (yes, the military training still comes out, I can’t, and probably won’t, ever let that go). She accepted and I sidled around to where there was a tiny space against a counter top with water and candy (internal fist pumping going on at being close to the sugar supply!) and was promptly rewarded with the worst view ever. A large white post blocked not only the slides for the presentation from my view, but I couldn’t see the speaker. I sighed and tried to focus on the expert’s voice.

As I was listening and because I couldn’t see the speaker, my eyes scanned the room to take in the other beginners attending the talk. Wait! I immediately recognized one of the attendees as a famous pet blogger up for four awards at the conference. What was she doing at a beginner’s workshop about getting more followers? I’d seen her numbers and believe me, she has a lot of followers!

Hm. Well, maybe being at the beginners workshops weren’t so bad, and if an expert blogger chose this particular event, maybe it was a good choice after all. Or, maybe it’s always good to get ‘back to the basics’ even if you are an expert. I couldn’t help but notice she was taking thorough notes and I can imagine will apply the recommendations successfully.

I attended a few more workshops, walked around and made more connections with more exhibit hosts (*sigh* I know) and entered a few raffle giveaways. I just couldn’t bring myself to start any conversations with people I didn’t know. I ended up winning a raffle prize…wait for it…odor control spray! Hey–it’s better than nothing, and with a male (spayed) kitty at home who for some reason always wants to pee next to the box and not in the box…it will go to good use (just for a note here…we use puppy pads now next to the box to avoid the stains/messes, there were some in the conference swag bag which made my day! Yes, it’s the little things).

As I followed my favorite bloggers on Facebook and Twitter during the three days of the conference, I realized many of them were meeting at night and for lunch as a big group outside of the conference-sponsored events; like a clique of old friends. This intimidated me even more, and I felt a little sad that I didn’t have a group to connect with like this. Yes, it was my poor-me moment. Hey, everyone’s entitled to have one (or five) now and then!

All in all, the conference was a good way to get exposed to a) what a large writing conference feels and looks like b) how events/workshops and activities are organized and how to choose the right one c) know that if I’m going to go to a conference in the future, it helps to stay at the hotel during the conference so it’s not easy to give up, leave, go home and pout about not having the courage to talk to anyone; and finally, d) know that I, at minimum, have a talent of conversing with exhibitors whose job it is to engage attendees in conversations. Well, at least I was guaranteed a willing conversational partner for a few minutes. Yes, I’ve taken note that I must work on that one.

One of my writer friends, Carmen Cook, (and high school classmates) whom I’ve reconnected with on Facebook and whose writing journey I’m following, shared a wonderful guest blog post today on Molly Greene’s Blog, written by C. Hope Clark, who edits FundsForWriters.com about preparing yourself to attend a conference, especially if you are a shy-type. I should have had this on hand for my blogging conference, but now I know! I’ll follow these recommendations for the Emerald City Writer’s Conference in October. The good news is, the Seattle conference matches newbie attendees up with mentors so there’s always someone to sit with at events; group dinners every night by genre and many other opportunities to engage with new people. I also ordered Clark’s book The Shy Writer Reborn for my Nook. I think it’ll be a good one for me as I work to tackle my lack of self confidence and marry that up with a desire to write and publish books (and gulp, eventually market them).

The pet blogging conference was well done (and my cats were thankful for the swag I brought home to them in the form of treats and toys). I’m just disappointed in myself for not making it a more enjoyable and productive experience. Lesson learned.

I’d love to hear about your experience at a writer’s conference (or other conference!). Were you nervous, excited, tongue-tied, talkative…? Leave me a comment and let me know. Oh! And one more shameless plug to go ‘like’ my Facebook page (*blink, blink*). There’s a ‘like’ button just to the right of this post–hey, look how easy it is! And I post a lot of fun pictures, jokes, articles and book recommendations. :)

Emerald City Writer’s Conference To Do List–#1 Book Flight (Check!)

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I’m over here doing a happy dance. I booked my flight today for the Emerald City Writer’s Conference in Seattle from October 18th through the 20th! I can’t wait to go! I was supposed to go last year, but Hurricane Sandy decided to make a direct hit near where I live and I was afraid if I flew to Seattle, I’d never make it back to the East Coast or I’d return to a house in shambles. 

So the flight is booked…will register soon and get my hotel room squared away. I’m really looking forward to this. I know it will help propel me forward and help inspire me to continue writing and to produce something fantastic by this time next year to submit to a publisher. (Fingers Crossed!) Have you attended a writer’s conference? What did you learn? I’m hoping to blog while I’m there so if you’re interested, you can follow me on my adventure.

 

 

Deported for looking ‘too handsome’?

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Omar Burkan Al-Gala with falcon

Omar Burkan Al-Gala with falcon

I’ll save you all the academic assessment of this decision by Saudi Arabia to deport a hunka hunka Arab burning love Omar Burkan Al Gala, but I will share my favorite picture of him. And yes, he will be one of the models for an upcoming character in my writing contest story…

http://blog.asiantown.net/-/17945/ladies–for-your-treat–the-man-who-is-deported-from-saudi-arabia-for-being-too-handsome

Writing contest?

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So I was skimming over my friends’ Facebook posts yesterday and one in particular caught my eye. It was a writing contest featuring historical swashbuckling, sword-wielding, kilt-wearing, and other-such warrior protaigonists…set at any point in history, but must star a warrior or honorable knight-like figure. I perused therough the options…and they varied–Scottish highland hero (don’t know enough about Scottish history), knight in shining armor (to be honest…boooorring), Samurai (Hmm! That might be interesting, although I’ve always been more of a Ninja person myself ;) ), Persian (! oh…that could be interesting!) That led me to think about one topic I know extremely well…Middle East history. I’ve been reluctant to write a romance set in the Middle East becuase I know what sells–the orientalist vision of a swarthy, sweaty, dark and dominating Arab Sheikh kidnapping a helpless Western woman and seducing her into his harem. *sigh* No thanks. I can’t promote that stereotype…but I often think it might be worth it to explore this a bit deeper and perhaps put forward an Arab hero who embodies the Middle East I know to be true. But will it sell??

I have some more thinking to do on this, but it’s an attractive idea pulling me in. The length is only 2,000-4,500 words which isn’t too bad. They (who? I don’t remember) say, “Write what you know.” Well, aside from law enforcement and military matters, I know Middle East history…I know Arabs and I know the culture, food, music and dance. Maybe there’s an idea in here somewhere, but is there an audience?