So, I've officially joined NaNoWriMo. (My username is Brandi_Fey, if you want to friend me!) I've never done NaNo before because, honestly, I'm more of a muse writer. When the muse hits me, I write. It could be 50 words. It could be 5,000. Just depends. So, this is a bit intimidating for me. I'm not one of those writers who usually has a word goal. (Which is probably why I've only finished two novels so far.)
But I've decided to use this NaNo to finish my YA fantasy "The Morgue Tree" (see sidebar for excerpt). I've only written 3,000 words and then stopped because I couldn't figure out where it was going. But in anticipation of NaNo, I've been brainstorming and coming up with some pretty intriguing ideas. If they work, however, is another thing.
What I'm going for in Morgue Tree is an Alice In Wonderland feel (but without the acid), because the Tree is part of Morgan's (the MC) subconscious. But it has another twist and another influence (a very evil one).
The world that I'm creating here is part of, and yet separate from, ours. The residents of Mirror Lake actually call the world we occupy the Other Side. I've been playing with this and exploring some fairy legends and I like where they're taking me. But I doubt I'll make Morgan and her friends actual fairies, but they will be Fae in a way, with weird powers and abilities. Not quite human. But not too special/powerful.
Lots of ideas brewing, which is a good thing. Also, did I mention that I'm doing this sort of like Shiver? From the viewpoints of two different people, in first person. I'm having fun with it at the moment (and it keeps me from being bored) but I'm not sure if it's going to work in the end. We'll see.
So what about you? What kind of ideas do you have brewing for NaNo?
Friday, October 29, 2010
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Book Review: Beautiful Creatures
I put off reading Beautiful Creatures because I thought it was just another teen vampire novel. I'm happy to say there wasn't a vampire in sight (though one character did come close).
Set in the small, backward town of Gatlin, S.C., the story is told from first person POV. And, here's another nice twist, the POV character isn't female. The male MC, Ethan, tells the story from his POV. Even though this story was written by two female writers--Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl--the MC felt genuinely masculine (if not overly so) and had the same thoughts, hopes and dreams that I imagined any sixteen-year-old boy would have. (Except that he's maybe a little more in touch with his feelings; or at least more honest about them.)
Enter the new girl. (Didn't see that coming, did you?) Lena Duchannes is an odd one. Dark-haired, pale, but (of course) gorgeous, she wears a lot of black and writes on everything. Everyone immediately dislikes her because she's "not like them" and the name-calling and nastiness ensues. Ethan, of course, is drawn to Lena in a way he can't explain and becomes her champion...becoming an outcast in the process. A bit predictable, yes, but the setting and MC's take on things make it a worthwhile read.
But if you were thinking Lena might be a vampire, you're wrong. She's a witch. (Completely redeems the book in my eyes.) And she's also cursed. (Of course.) When she turns sixteen, she will either become a Dark or Light witch. The choice isn't hers, and the countdown begins. Ethan and Lena try to discover a way to prevent her from becoming a Dark witch as they explore their feelings for each other (and the nightmares they share). It turns out that the small town of Gatlin has more secrets (and more magic) than anyone could have ever guessed or suspected hidden under its southern pride and confederate sympathies.
This was a fairly fast-paced book. (I read it in two days.) The characters were interesting and there were enough twists and turns to keep me guessing. The thing I loved most about this book, however, was that the title referred not to the witches (or Casters, as they preferred to be called), but to humans. As Macon Ravenwood (Lena's uncle and the closest thing to a vampire in the book) says, "Humans are such beautiful creatures." (Roughly. I don't have the book on me at this time, but that's the gist of what he says.)
A pretty good YA book (and the Civil War history was really interesting). Out of five stars, I give it four.
The sequel, Beautiful Darkness, is now out in hardcover. I'll put it on my to-read list.
Set in the small, backward town of Gatlin, S.C., the story is told from first person POV. And, here's another nice twist, the POV character isn't female. The male MC, Ethan, tells the story from his POV. Even though this story was written by two female writers--Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl--the MC felt genuinely masculine (if not overly so) and had the same thoughts, hopes and dreams that I imagined any sixteen-year-old boy would have. (Except that he's maybe a little more in touch with his feelings; or at least more honest about them.)
Enter the new girl. (Didn't see that coming, did you?) Lena Duchannes is an odd one. Dark-haired, pale, but (of course) gorgeous, she wears a lot of black and writes on everything. Everyone immediately dislikes her because she's "not like them" and the name-calling and nastiness ensues. Ethan, of course, is drawn to Lena in a way he can't explain and becomes her champion...becoming an outcast in the process. A bit predictable, yes, but the setting and MC's take on things make it a worthwhile read.
But if you were thinking Lena might be a vampire, you're wrong. She's a witch. (Completely redeems the book in my eyes.) And she's also cursed. (Of course.) When she turns sixteen, she will either become a Dark or Light witch. The choice isn't hers, and the countdown begins. Ethan and Lena try to discover a way to prevent her from becoming a Dark witch as they explore their feelings for each other (and the nightmares they share). It turns out that the small town of Gatlin has more secrets (and more magic) than anyone could have ever guessed or suspected hidden under its southern pride and confederate sympathies.
This was a fairly fast-paced book. (I read it in two days.) The characters were interesting and there were enough twists and turns to keep me guessing. The thing I loved most about this book, however, was that the title referred not to the witches (or Casters, as they preferred to be called), but to humans. As Macon Ravenwood (Lena's uncle and the closest thing to a vampire in the book) says, "Humans are such beautiful creatures." (Roughly. I don't have the book on me at this time, but that's the gist of what he says.)
A pretty good YA book (and the Civil War history was really interesting). Out of five stars, I give it four.
The sequel, Beautiful Darkness, is now out in hardcover. I'll put it on my to-read list.
Monday, October 25, 2010
Monday Madness: Better Late Than Never
Oops. Yep, I know, I'm late. Sorry. Usually I write these things ahead of time and pre-schedule them to avoid this, but, yeah. I've been busy.
So, this Monday, I would like to talk about procrastination.
Or get around to talking about procrastination. Look! Something shiny!
Ahem. Okay, seriously, procrastination is a writer's best frenemy. It's fuzzy and cuddly and oh-so-much-fun, until you realize that you haven't written two sentences in the three hours you've been on your computer.
So, if you're like me and haven't finished your short story because there are just so many cool websites out there, here are some tips for overcoming procrastination:
1. Stay away from technology. No computer. No TV. No Kindle/e-reader. Not even a radio. Grab some paper, a pen and a hard surface and go at it the old fashioned way. (Also, stay away from windows.)
2. Use Write or Die. This is a handy online tool (and FREE) that will help you overcome writer's block or lack of motivation or both! And did I mention it's free?
3. Have a brainstorm session. By this I mean that you just write whatever pops into your head. Write without editing or worrying if it's good enough.
4. Set yourself a goal with rewards/punishments. For example: If I write 1,000 words today/finish this scene/finish this chapter, I can go have ice cream. If I don't, I have to pick up rocks in the backyard. (But this only works if you're the type to stick to your rewards/punishments. If you have ice cream either way, it defeats the purpose.
So what about you? How do you tackle procrastination?
So, this Monday, I would like to talk about procrastination.
Or get around to talking about procrastination. Look! Something shiny!
Ahem. Okay, seriously, procrastination is a writer's best frenemy. It's fuzzy and cuddly and oh-so-much-fun, until you realize that you haven't written two sentences in the three hours you've been on your computer.
So, if you're like me and haven't finished your short story because there are just so many cool websites out there, here are some tips for overcoming procrastination:
1. Stay away from technology. No computer. No TV. No Kindle/e-reader. Not even a radio. Grab some paper, a pen and a hard surface and go at it the old fashioned way. (Also, stay away from windows.)
2. Use Write or Die. This is a handy online tool (and FREE) that will help you overcome writer's block or lack of motivation or both! And did I mention it's free?
3. Have a brainstorm session. By this I mean that you just write whatever pops into your head. Write without editing or worrying if it's good enough.
4. Set yourself a goal with rewards/punishments. For example: If I write 1,000 words today/finish this scene/finish this chapter, I can go have ice cream. If I don't, I have to pick up rocks in the backyard. (But this only works if you're the type to stick to your rewards/punishments. If you have ice cream either way, it defeats the purpose.
So what about you? How do you tackle procrastination?
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Monday, October 18, 2010
Monday Madness: What To Do When They Just Don't "Get It"
There have been times when I've written something that was simply on fire. I loved it. LOVED it. So I submit it for critique with bated breath, crossing my fingers and hoping they love it too. (For those of you out there further along in the publishing process, you might have experienced a similar feeling with submitting query letters.) But then the responses come back and you realize what you were so enthusiastic about has other people scratching their heads.
My first (and suppressed) reaction is always: What do you MEAN you don't get it? What don't you understand? He's a unicorn-dragon hybrid who breathes underwater! What's not to get??? (Ramble into incoherence.)
My second is: What don't you get?
It's always best to ask for specifics. If they can't be specific, you have my permission to stick your tongue out at them and move on (JOKING). But, seriously, if they can't pinpoint what's bugging them about your story then try to find someone who can. In most circumstances, once the first person puts a finger on what's bothering them, the others will usually chime in with "Yeah, that's what I meant!"
Third: How would you recommend fixing it?
Sometimes your critters will offer you suggestions on how to clear up what they "don't get." Maybe it's scene clarification or a more detailed description of the unfolding events, etc. Maybe it's just inserting one word. But usually you get an awesome brainstorm session from the don't-getters in the end and (who knows?) you might end up with an even more awesome story than before.
(Just a side note here: A reader who doesn't get it is NOT the same thing as a reader who doesn't LIKE it for whatever reason. But even for the latter, if they can't give you a reason for their dislike, it's best to just make a mental note "OK, so-and-so doesn't like it" and go on with the story. Not everyone is going to jive with your story, but they should all be able to at least "get it.")
My first (and suppressed) reaction is always: What do you MEAN you don't get it? What don't you understand? He's a unicorn-dragon hybrid who breathes underwater! What's not to get??? (Ramble into incoherence.)
My second is: What don't you get?
It's always best to ask for specifics. If they can't be specific, you have my permission to stick your tongue out at them and move on (JOKING). But, seriously, if they can't pinpoint what's bugging them about your story then try to find someone who can. In most circumstances, once the first person puts a finger on what's bothering them, the others will usually chime in with "Yeah, that's what I meant!"
Third: How would you recommend fixing it?
Sometimes your critters will offer you suggestions on how to clear up what they "don't get." Maybe it's scene clarification or a more detailed description of the unfolding events, etc. Maybe it's just inserting one word. But usually you get an awesome brainstorm session from the don't-getters in the end and (who knows?) you might end up with an even more awesome story than before.
(Just a side note here: A reader who doesn't get it is NOT the same thing as a reader who doesn't LIKE it for whatever reason. But even for the latter, if they can't give you a reason for their dislike, it's best to just make a mental note "OK, so-and-so doesn't like it" and go on with the story. Not everyone is going to jive with your story, but they should all be able to at least "get it.")
Friday, October 15, 2010
Hooray for Friday!
I'm super excited for this weekend! My mom, cousin and I are going to Afton, Okla., for their monthly swap meet! Yay! Animals! Yay! Flea Markets! Yay! Awesome Mexican food! I'm seriously looking forward to this. :D
And, what my husband doesn't know, is that if they have kittens there...I might be returning home with one. Muahahaha.
So, what about you? Have any awesome plans for the weekend?
And, what my husband doesn't know, is that if they have kittens there...I might be returning home with one. Muahahaha.
 |
| How can you resist me? |
So, what about you? Have any awesome plans for the weekend?
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Good News! I'm not dead!
I'm on the mend. Finally. I suffered a setback over the weekend because I had a severe allergic reaction to my antibiotics. Only one day left to take them and I have a reaction! Gah! But, I'm better now. My skin has returned to its normal hue and my brain is halfway functioning. So, yay!
I have good news to share, as well. (Besides that I'm not dead.) I recently submitted a story to an anthology and it passed through the first round of submissions. That's not to say that it won't be rejected the next round, but it made me happy that it wasn't so horrible it garnered an instantaneous rejection. So, smiley face!
I really needed that boost, too, because my enthusiasm has been flagging again. (Though I partly blame that on being ill and on medication.) Hopefully this will give me the spark I need to continue on with my novels (which have been gathering dust (or mold, take your pick) on the thumb drive). I'm liking this short story writing, however, because it gives me a sense of accomplishment. It only takes me a few hours to finish a rough draft, compared to a few months for a novel. And editing/revising is SO much easier. But, of course, short stories have their own set of challenges, which I'm enjoying grappling with. Rawr!
I've been considering participating in NaNoWriMo this year. I've never done it before (because I'm awful about sticking to a writing schedule), but maybe this is the time for it. I could really use another complete novel. I'm think YA. I might even cheat a little by using Morgan's Tree. But since it's only like 3K, it wouldn't be cheating too badly, right? Plus, I really want to finish it and this might give me the motivation I need.
I have good news to share, as well. (Besides that I'm not dead.) I recently submitted a story to an anthology and it passed through the first round of submissions. That's not to say that it won't be rejected the next round, but it made me happy that it wasn't so horrible it garnered an instantaneous rejection. So, smiley face!
I really needed that boost, too, because my enthusiasm has been flagging again. (Though I partly blame that on being ill and on medication.) Hopefully this will give me the spark I need to continue on with my novels (which have been gathering dust (or mold, take your pick) on the thumb drive). I'm liking this short story writing, however, because it gives me a sense of accomplishment. It only takes me a few hours to finish a rough draft, compared to a few months for a novel. And editing/revising is SO much easier. But, of course, short stories have their own set of challenges, which I'm enjoying grappling with. Rawr!
I've been considering participating in NaNoWriMo this year. I've never done it before (because I'm awful about sticking to a writing schedule), but maybe this is the time for it. I could really use another complete novel. I'm think YA. I might even cheat a little by using Morgan's Tree. But since it's only like 3K, it wouldn't be cheating too badly, right? Plus, I really want to finish it and this might give me the motivation I need.
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