Glitter Glam Rainbow Bunny Death Pixies

Writing Exercise - Mixed Tapes/CD/Playlist

2011-11-14T04:00:00.000-08:00

I love music when I write, everything simply flows better with tunes bumping in the background. As a writing exercise, I will ask myself the following question:

"if where to make me a mixed tape/CD/playlist, what would be on it?"

Addie's Playlist
Calgary - Bon Iver
Dog Days of Summer - Florence & the Machine
Techno Fan - The Wombats
Wishing Well - The Airborne Toxic Event
Shine - Alexi Murdoch
Sabotage - Beastie Boys
Sara - Jefferson Starship
Guido's Song - Nine the Musical
Fast Car - Tracey Chapman
Breathe - Telepopmusik

Whenever I am writing about Addie, I throw her playlist, it is amazing how her character comes to life.

Some of my best playlists have come out of this writing exercise. I'd highly recommend trying it. If you need help, shoot me an e-mail.

1,000,000 words !?!?!!

2011-11-11T07:58:00.000-08:00

1,000,000?

Someday.

Someday. I’d like to write, 1 million words in a year or several books, short stories or novels. That is tall order for someone {anyone} who works a full time job and has many other activities {kids, social life etc.} going on outside of work.

I've been working on formulating an obtainable goal for myself. I’ve finally settled on 500k words for a year. I’ve managed to break the goal down into achievable parts –

Plain O’ Logistics

About 41,666 words per month {Not bad considering if I keep on pace with NaNo, I will have 50k worth or words} Or {broken down even further}
1370 words per day.

Do-able.

Other considerations -

Editing – My least favorite task but a necessary evil - decided I will edit as I go. If I am feeling smart, I will take my trusty iPad with me to work and edit on my lunch breaks.

Burn out - is always a risk in anything you set out to do however, I will rise to the occasion and figure out how to beat it and get the mojo back.... I realized it will never be the perfect time to begin. The key is to quit wishing, wanting, procrastinating my time and do something I truly

love.

Amazing what you'll do when you truly love something. You will move heaven, earth and anything in between to do it. Anyone care to join me on this venture? Let me know!

Happy writing!
XO, HRJ

The Tragic Hero

2011-11-09T05:00:00.000-08:00

Snape has to be one of my favorite characters of modern literature. He is multi-layered and complex, one moment he is the villain, the next moment he is a saint, he uses his cunningness for survival however it is not solely for himself.

When I am writing, I LOVE for my characters to have depth. I like my villains to invoke a sort of empathy. My heroes to create a sort of rage. In short, I don't want my characters perfect or too idealistic. When the characters are over simply or perfect, I there is a sort of disconnect from the reader.

I am working hard to write a Tragic Hero however I have discovered how incrediabilty difficult it is. I will keep working on it...

Happy writing!

XO,
HRJ

A lifeless hair cut begins a path of clear vision in writing

2011-11-06T20:12:00.000-08:00

Earlier this summer, I had to divorce my hairdresser/colorist of nearly 10 years. Why? His became too expensive. I am a woman on budget, I strongly believe in living within my means so, I set out on a quest, to find a colorist and stylist. The other day, I received a perfect technically correct haircut – great lines, every hair falls into perfectly into place…I don’t like it, at all. Why? It has no life to it. It doesn’t flirt, it doesn’t look like “me.” The results have let me in foul mood however, the stylist isn’t entirely to blame. I went into the salon with a half-assed vision and I did not bring pictures or other visual aids to help present my ideas.

This indecent reminds me of sitting down to write a novel with no vision. For some people the no vision process works very well however, for the rest of us writers, we need some direction. After all, there is a blank page waiting to be filled with wild whirling words!

I don't believe in "one correct pathway" to writing a novel. I believe the process is different for everyone. Over the years, I've taken ideas from other writers and applied them to my process. Most didn't work for me however the handful of tips I have kept, are beautiful!!! One of my favorite tool of the trade is creating a picture outline. (Like a storyboard, vision board or story map...all terms are correct - you pick whatever is best for your process...)

Here's what you do, plan one spending an hour...(trust me, you'll end up spending more but if you are pressed for time, 1 hour will do.)

Step 1 (Hunt and Gather - 5 minutes)

Head to the closet and grab all your old school supplies...

Yes, get out the scissors
glue stick
a piece of foam core (or other LARGE paper, Moleskine, or even a white board)
glitter sticks (my personal favorite)
fortune cookie fortunes,
colored pencils,
Markers, Mr. Sketch Markers (another favorite)
All the magazines you've been saving
Leaves or ticket stubs or anything else you can think of that might be a part of a story
Favorite pictures of actors that might play the part of your characters (or make up your own! Draw them out! Don't worry about being perfect, the pictures don't have to be, this is for you, your eyes only....)
Index Cards

Step 2 (Quick Plot - spend no more than 10 minutes on this section)

Take 3 index cards - write a sentence (or two) on what happens in the beginning, middle and end.

Take a few more cards write your main characters names, brief description of what they look like, what they are fighting for etc.

Step 3 (Assemble - 40 minutes)

Divide your paper in three sections, place index cards with the sentence for the beginning, middle, end on top of the respective positions. Take your elements from step 1 and visually create a story. Remember you can always change it....

Step 4 (Clean up & Post - 5 minutes)

Post the picture up in your writing space. Refer to it, when writing....

This is a great exercise for really thinking about your story in different thought process. Again, experiment and discover what works for you!

Happy Writing!!!!

XO,

HRJ

Traditional and multi-platform publishing

2011-09-29T01:00:00.000-07:00

The publishing world isevolving trying to re-invent its niche.

As an aspiring novelistwriter, it is both exciting and terrifying to watch the progression unfold. From where I sit, I believethe next evolution of the book is going to multi-media platform.

Photo by HRJ

The multi-media platformwill combine traditional publishing, self-publishing, e-formats (on the iPad,Tablets, Kindle, Nook, etc. etc.) along with social media and other elements.

In my humble opinion, wehave not maximized the potential of e-formats. Why not include coolillustrations and graphics along with text? Way back in the day, Jane Austen’sbooks contained really amazing illustrations to go along with the story! (I’veattached a cool link from the British Library.) Speaking of the BritishLibrary, wow! Um, the folks are really progressive in their e-book editions,you should see the copy of Alice Adventure Underground, by Lewis Carroll,available for your favorite mobile device FREE for the next two weeks! http://www.bl.uk/ebooktreasures/

Another idea, why not whensomeone buys a hardcover or actual physical copy of the book, offer a free (orlow cost) e-edition download!?!?

The movie industry doesthis, with movies. I purchase a Blue-Ray copy of a film, I get a free downloadof the film to my favorite mobile device.

It is time to be forwardthinking about the book formats. I love a beautifully bound book with amazingpaper however I also like being able to travel with 3000 books at myfingertips.

Happy reading, writing andpublishing!

XOXO - HRJ

Writers I Love - Paulo Coelho

2011-09-27T20:50:00.000-07:00

Photo of Book Cover by HRJ

Paulo Coelho, is one of my all time favorite writers. His books are sensuously well-crafted and insightful. (I could go on and perhaps in future blog posts, I will.) Aside from his writing, what I love about him, is his un-conventional way of presenting his body of work to his audience.

Paulo is traditionally published but he also gives his work away. Incredibly risky for any author (or artist), especially from a fiscal/business standpoint however, sometimes when you really believe in something, you must take risks.

As storytellers, our tales are meant to be shared with others. Stories help individuals understand their own lives. Sometimes a tale is meant to entertain or to teach. Whatever the reason, humanity feeds off the shards of mythos writers weave.

As a writer, when I release a story to the world, my intension is; may the story find it's way to whoever needs the message in the story. In Paulo's case, through his desire to share his work, his stories are known to millions through out the world.

My first copy of the Alchemist was downloaded from the internet. I read the entire thing in a few hours, after I was done; I went to the bookstore & purchased 4 copies - 1 for me, 3 for gifts.

To this day, I keep buying additional copies to give as gifts – I think my latest count is 24+. I have also gone on to purchase nearly everything he has ever written.

Today, the New York Times did an interview with him; I’ve attached the link…http://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/27/books/paulo-coelho-discusses-aleph-his-new-novel.html

A copy of the Alchemist –http://paulocoelhoblog.com/2008/05/11/the-alchemist-for-free/

In this case his risk paid off. I believe other well published writers have given away their work…Neil Gaiman immediately comes to mind.

I am interested to know fellow writers and publishers thoughts on giving away work. If you are so inspired, please comment below.

Happy reading and writing! XOXO - HRJ

Blogs I like : The Teller

2011-09-02T00:00:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday everyone! Welcome to: Blogs I Like, the Friday edition. AKA, if you need some time wasters while at work, waiting for the kids etc. Or if you need, "must look busy at work fodder" well, I am here to help you out! :)

This week is Crystal (one of the founding members of Minnesota Mermaids) she is budding author and photographer - her blog is about, whatever inspires her....check it out! http://writersdance.blogspot.com

Finding the Funny

2011-08-31T18:20:00.000-07:00

Photo by HRJ - Harvey & Snowman

Not sure of about you, but some times, I take my writing too seriously. After all, I am writing a NOVEL! Novels are serious! Right?! I am so caught up in writing serious prose, I forget to add humor into my story.

Photo by HRJ - Harvey Eating

I am not talking about using slap stick or grotesque humor, just little moments of lightness, could add a more connected element to your story. By simply adding a random chicken into your scene.....

**No stuffed chickens or glowing snowmen were harmed in the creation of these photos.

I Write Like

2011-07-19T21:59:00.000-07:00

OK, Pixie Gretchen Ash, asked an innocent question and attached a web link, let's just say I am hooked.
The site is called, I Write Like, right now, I am getting H.P. Lovecraft. I am still giggling about it.
Here is the website, if you want to play along...http://iwl.me

Writer Pryde

2011-06-30T16:07:00.000-07:00

The other day I walked into the living room to find my six year old son Harrison walking repeatedly into a wall.
“Harry,” I said, “What are you doing?”
“Oh,” he said (BANG!) “Nothing.”
“Really?” I said, “Because it looks like you are walking straight into that wall and then bouncing off it and walking straight into it again.”
He sighed tolerantly. “Mama,” he said, “I’m not walking into a wall. I’m trying to walk through it.”

Then he explained that he had been thinking about the X-Men, and in particular about the character Kitty Pryde, whose power is to be able to walk through solid objects. “I figure,” he said, “If I hold my breath and just keep trying, I’ll be able to do it, too.”
Now, this is when a more responsible mom would probably have told him to stop. After all, if he kept walking straight into walls he was likely to break his nose—and if he kept believing that he would have superpowers some day, he was likely to break his heart. But, try as I might, I couldn’t bring myself to say it.

See, being a writer is a lot like this. We believe that, if we keep walking into that wall—banging ourselves against that creative block, that hard part of the story, that closed publisher’s door—we will eventually develop the superpower of walking through it.

Impossible? Maybe. Except that I have known mutants who did it before, mutants who got good, got published, got through. I have even been that mutant myself and felt the giddy moment when the thing that was a solid block turns suddenly passable and I step through it as easily as a kid walking through the cool mist of a sprinkler on a long, hot summer day.

So I patted Harry on the head. “Carry on,” I said, “Just tell me when you break through.”
He gave me a thumbs up. “I will.” (BANG!)

You tell me, too, and I promise I’ll do the same.

Mentors & Authors Who Inspire the Death Pixies....

2011-06-23T21:14:00.000-07:00

WisCon 35, 2011 - Photo by HRJ
A group of fantastic author's reading their work!

I've have decided at least once a month, to highlight mentors to who have inspired me to keep writing and authors who have influenced my work (and life). It is only appropriate to begin this series with author and Death Pixie mentor, Kelly McCullough.

About 7 (or 8, give or take) years ago, a group of novice writers took a class at the Loft Literary Center, on how to write science fiction and fantasy. At first, I thought he was China Mieville! {He sort of looks like China.} Through the weeks we were together, Kelly taught the class how to build a world, develop characters, magic systems and how to start and run a writers group. Kelly has a straight forward, no non-sense approach to the craft of writing. His class inspired me to keep writing.

Not only is Kelly is an outstanding teacher. He is a phenomenal writer. He has penned several books and short stories. He has a new book coming out, called Broken Blade, it is available for pre-order. When he is not writing, you can find him blogging over at the Wyrdsmiths {his writer's group}.

I'd recommend taking a class from him and reading his body of work. :-)

PS......
Thank you Kelly for being approachable, honest and showing myself (the other Death Pixies) the ropes!!!

Writers With Wings

2011-06-21T21:19:00.000-07:00

Every summer our family makes butterflies from scratch. Okay, maybe not our whole family—it’s my partner Marcy who does most of the work—and maybe not completely from scratch: Marcy finds the tiny eggs clinging to the milkweed leaves in the alley behind our house, then keeps them in a bucket until they hatch into caterpillars. She feeds them milkweed and cleans their frass (that’s caterpillar poop to you lay people) until they are big enough to be moved into the little butterfly house she built out of mesh and wire. That’s where they start their transformation.

The Rede family never does anything small, so we usually have about twenty caterpillars—or “cats,” as caterpillar enthusiasts call them-- at a time, and almost all of them live to form a chrysalis, the sleek green pod studded with tiny golden dots like fairy gems. They hang, green ornaments decorating the bare twigs in their cage, until one day the chrysalis becomes transparent like a theatre scrim when the lights go up behind it, giving us an intimate glimpse of the damp new butterfly huddled inside. The butterfly slides out into the world and uncrumples its wet tissue paper wings and beats them to dry them and pump them full of life. And then the butterfly flies away.

But there are always a few caterpillars who don’t make it, and I’ve noticed that the ones who die usually die right when they should start making their chrysalis. The caterpillar gets in the right position, “J-hanging,” as they call it, upside down like the Hanged Man on the tarot card, its body curved like a fishhook set to catch its future self. But when it comes time to actually make the chrysalis something fails. One caterpillar may get partway done and then mysteriously quit, its half-chrysalis hooding its head like a shroud. Another caterpillar may not make a chrysalis at all. It just hangs there as its body gradually straightens and darkens, withering like a leaf on a vine until we sadly take it away.

Who knows why this happens. Sometimes it seems like the caterpillar got confused at the crossroads, mistook death for transformation and absent-mindedly stepped down the wrong path. Other times I imagine that the caterpillar just chickened out. After all, transformation is scary. I used to believe that the caterpillar simply spun a cocoon around itself and changed inside it, like we might duck under our comforter to put on our pajamas on a cold winter day, but that isn’t really the case. The monarch caterpillar actually becomes its chrysalis. What I used to think of as an outer covering is actually something that comes from inside; the caterpillar sheds its skin to reveal the chrysalis within. Pieces of the caterpillar are lost, edited out in the process. Anyone would be afraid.

I’m telling you this because I have seen so many writers do the same thing: the writer who seems to loose interest in her book just when she’s about to write the climactic scene, or the writer who creates brilliant short stories but never sends them out, or the writer who writes story after story but never quite gets to revising them. Writers who quit, for whatever mysterious reason, right on the cusp of transformation, right on the threshold of the next stage of their creative lives.

I have been that writer myself a few times over. Luckily, writers—unlike the “cats” at our house—have nine lives and then some. It is never too late to make this the moment when you push through to the next step, whatever that may be. I truly hope that this time you do, and that you find your wings on the other side.

MerCon

2011-06-12T19:08:00.000-07:00

I have been leaving mysterious tweets about, mermaid training. Concerned and amused family members, friends have been sending e-mails, asking for some sort of reasonable explanation. Here goes;

I love the water. I love to swim. Water sports in general, I am in. You would never catch me running a marathon however I would swim it in a heartbeat. In high school, you would find at the bottom of the deep end, hovering on my back looking upward the surface, with my fins. Holding my breath pretending I was a mermaid. During swim practices, I'd make-up mermaid stories while I swam laps. {I was a distance swimmer, this skill came in handy.} When I graduated high school, for the longest time, I wanted to move out to the west coast and become a professional lifeguard and surfer. I have not outgrown my love for the water and swimming. In fact, on my really bad days at work, I threaten to run away and join the mermaid show.

So far, I have not joined the mermaid show, yet. {Yet, being the operative word.} Right now, I simply write mermaid stories, draw mermaids and train for the day I am able to be a mermaid.

One day, I was listening to my web stream, when the host mentioned that there will be a mermaid convention in Vegas. I could not sign up fast enough! The second weekend in August, in Las Vegas is the first ever, MerCon! I have attached a nifty link! So you can read all about it!!!

I will write more about mermaids, writing and other fodder soon!

XO,
HRJ

Tangled Moments

2011-06-02T21:09:00.000-07:00

In Disney’s latest animation feature, Tangled, there is a well-written scene, where Rapunzel leaves the tower for the first time and becomes externally/internal conflicted. The scene moves from her saying, “this is so much fun!” To a imagine of her laying facedown on the ground in despair saying she is a, “terrible person.”

On the way to WisCon35, LA Rede and I were talking about our, “Tangled” moments as writers.

There are moments in the writing process where I think I am genius. Followed by instants of the inner critic rearing its ugly head, taking creative gusto and shredding it.

This manic nature of the, tangled moment, is unpredictable. This is where I usually pick up the phone and call one of the Death Pixies and sob, “tell me I don’t suck.” I’ve discovered, having another creative type to bare witness to your tangled moment, can help shift perspective also, taking a break and doing something completely physical like going for a walk, cleaning etc. helps shift perspective. Eventually the tantrum passes and creative flow returns.

My advice all hang in there (find a tender ear), and don’t forget to breathe.

XO,

HRJ

WisCon 35

2011-05-28T10:29:00.000-07:00

It is that time of the year again, where the Death Pixies converge to Madison to attend, WisCon! :-)

I will be making mini posts throughout the weekend!

Stay tuned!

Xoxox,
HRJ

Binge Writing part II - Binge Editing

2011-03-30T22:01:00.000-07:00

HRJ - iPad Art with PenUltimate, 2011

The chaos to the left is pretty much what editing process looks like - colorfully messy.

Editing. Yes, editing, my most painful part of the writing process however it is necessary.

I should clarify, I LOVE editing other people's work. I detest editing my own especially copy editing, to be honest, I could not tell you where a period goes. Nor what tense I should be using. Etc. This is mainly due to the fact, I had terrible English teachers in high school who told me I could not write. Or I should say, I could write but NONE of them, ever sat me down to hone my potential. Even though, I begged them to. They simply told me I could not write.

Everything I have learned about writing and editing I have learned by doing. Synchronicity has been kind to me, lead me to the members of the Death Pixies and other beautiful mentors along the way.

I know that someday, I will find a great copy editor, who can tell me where a period goes. Tell me what I need to do fine tune my work.

I feel very fortunate that I do have a great imagination, I know how to frame and tell a story. Generally, I do not struggle with building characters, plot line, story arch and worlds. {Yay!}

With all that being said....

During this process, I have made three discoveries

Binge editing is good for me sit down and hyper focus on this part of the process.
Editing {much like film making} generally will take 3x longer than originally projected {I told the DP that I would have pages to them by last weekend. Um, this has not happened, yet.}
I love writing/storytelling, I LOVE it, if I did not, there is NO WAY I would willingly subject myself to this process. {This is most important discovery...}

The binge process is working for me, so far....

I still have more to say on this topic but I will save it for another post.....

Until the next time, happy writing!

Binge Writing part I

2011-03-20T21:19:00.000-07:00

Digital Photo - HRJ, 2010

One of the many aspects I love about being a creative type is the ability to morph my process on a whim.

The other night, I spoke with fellow writer, former Death Pixie, {she has relocated to LA}, Gretchen Ash about cleaver time saving techniques {and other writing related matters.} Gretchen had mentioned how she was going to have a, "writing marathon this weekend."

That phrase haunted me all night long. By the time, Friday afternoon hit, I had an inspired idea, "binge writing."

I find it beautiful even though Gretchen and I had the same goal: to write as many words as we could over the weekend. Gretchen's term, "writing marathon" is her language, perfected and succinct. Whereas "binge writing," is me, I ravenously chaotic my process. No matter how the process is languaged, the results are same - finished material.

I digress.

By the time, I got home from work on Friday, I was ready to go.

Note - I did not go into this process without a plan. I am a strategic thinker, I always have a plan in the form of a mind-map full of words, phrases, paragraphs and drawings. During my lunch hour at work you can find me a coffee shop with my iPad creating. {I will explain more about this part of the process in part II}

The result from the weekend, 15K worth of words written.

Does anyone else have writing marathons? Or binge write? Any tips? Love to read about it.

I am going to pass out now....
XO,
HRJ

More inspiration

2011-03-04T05:12:00.000-08:00

Bird House - photo - HRJ

There are stories everywhere, they just need to find you....

Lil' Inspiration

2011-03-03T21:08:00.000-08:00

Bird - Photo by HRJ

I am a visual thinker. I see things in terms of pictures. When planning a story, I take photos, pull pages out of magazines or draw my own. The pictures help me create a feel and look of the story....

The above picture, is something that I snapped around the holidays...

I've become science fiction!!!

2011-01-18T20:03:00.000-08:00

I had a moment today, realizing the technology of science fiction has become reality for example -
{I've included some cool links..}

iPad - being able to read the NYT or a magazine on a full color, touch screen, iPad.
iPod - Who would have ever thought you could store 4,000 songs in a device the size of two fingers?
Skype - Ummm, I remember watching Star Trek were they are talking to each other through the screen?
Forehead Thermometers - No more sticking it under your tongue, this thermometer you touch on your forehead and it tells your temp. {It is sooo Spock!!}
Robot Vacuum - Yes, they do make them! My friends who have them love them!!!

I believe science fiction writers {and other artists} have the gift of being visionaries. I like to believe we inspire science and the world around us to invent new technologies...I am excited to what other ideas we inspire people to invent.

It is my hope that we encourage the inventions of conscious design; environmentally safe, using minimal resources, something that we can repair or recycle that does not fill up a landfill.

What I Learned Today

2011-01-16T09:56:00.000-08:00

Writing is like playing Pictionary: You may be tempted to just tell the reader something outright, but that would be like just blurting out the word you are supposed to be drawing. It's cheating and it takes all the fun out of it. Instead, your job is to make the reader think of the same thing you are thinking of, by drawing the most concise sketch you can (in scenes that use characters' actions and dialogue to get across what you want to say.) Today I worked on converting a bunch of "telling" to "showing" in my novel, turning a bunch of cheating into actual Pictionary. It was a lot of fun. (And it also helped me understand why some great writers are not necessarily great storytellers, why some people who can craft beautiful prose can not necessarily tell stories that grab me-- and, conversely, why some people whose writing isn't "perfect" can suck me into their stories instantly. The great artists aren't always the one's who win at Pictionary. Sometimes it's the clever stick-figure that gets the image across efficiently, and that's what wins the game.)

cross posted with "Children of the Night"

Creative Beginnings Contest.....

2011-01-09T20:30:00.000-08:00

Photo by HRJ - Anthropologie Store - Edina, MN

Let's have some fun!

We are going to have the first un-official GGRBDP contest!

Write a six word story about the picture on the left...
Submit your story in the comments section no later than January 31st at 11:59pm.
The Death Pixies will select the winner.
The winner will receive an original birch paper painting....made by your truly...{check out Heather Rachel Johnson for examples...}

Today.....

2010-12-26T20:59:00.000-08:00

To be perfectly transparent, I was post 2010 before it even began. Now that I nearly reached the end of another year, I cannot help but feel a sense of relief.

Since, Thanksgiving I’ve been in a deep introspection about my life and what direction I would like to head. I definitely know that I am at a critical choice point. In the next months what I choose to do and not to do will change my course of my destiny. I know I am not alone in this feeling. Others around me have expressed similar opinions.

With New Years only days away suddenly the intensity of destiny is magnified. People will be making resolutions. Anyone, who knows me, understands I do not believe in making New Year’s resolutions. I believe, if you feel the strong urge to change something, do it now. Take one-step towards the desired goal each day don’t wait until the New Year Day to begin. None of us are promised tomorrow.

My wish for anyone who: wants to write that novel this year, take a few moments {TODAY} to write a couple of sentences or the first paragraph. Or desires to paint or create something sit down at your kitchen table {or where ever you have the space} and do it. There will never be a perfect time or space. Today, is a good day to start.

Don’t make resolutions make goals. Break your goals down into monthly {daily or weekly} achievable steps. This will help especially if you are going from procrastination to making it happen.

Understand the choices you make to create or not to create something could dramatically affect your destiny. How many times, have you come up with an idea and opted not to do it. A period of time later, someone executed the same idea with a degree of success.

Embrace you destiny. Do it now.

For all you veterans who have an established artistic practice, congrats! Please share your insights, I know many readers would benefit.

Best of luck to one and all! May you accomplish your destiny.

To Kindle or not to Kindle?

2010-12-12T16:30:00.000-08:00

The photo to my left is my new Kindle. {I think it is only appropriate Charlotte Bronte, appeared as the screen saver when I shut it off. I did not even plan that!!!}

The Kindle was a gift, from my infamous friend, Mycroft {and company}. Mycroft is also voracious reader. In fact, we talk about books and literature more often than not.

To be completely transparent, I was ambivalent about the Kindle because I did not have one. Now that I have one, I LOVE IT! I was able to download all the classics, foreign language eBooks, a couple of romance novels and even a subscription to the New Yorker for a very reasonable cost!!!

What I like about the Kindle so far :

I live in a small space because my space is compact, I need to be mindful about I bring into it. I have had to downsize my personal library to comfortably function in my parameters. The Kindle helps me save on space.
Also, I will be traveling over the next year. It will be nice to take a little library with me.
I am also able to read a romance novel without being embarrassed about the cover. :-)
Magazine subscriptions - I love reading the New Yorker. The magazine is published every week. That adds up to a lot of paper being used. This is a great way to read the New Yorker, save a few trees and spend considerably less on subscription fees!

I will continue to purchase select 'hard copy' books at my favorite independent book dealers and used book shops. Nothing will ever be able to replace the love of turning pages and the smell of paper.

There is one draw back - no reading in the bathtub.

Time for a new story?

2010-12-04T09:33:00.000-08:00

Lately, I've been in deep thought. {Consider yourself warned...}

Thinking about the plethora of stories out in the world. Wondering why I keep on seeing/reading the same story over and over again? This hold true especially in Hollywood, how many times, have we all seen:

Boy meets girl, falls in love, looses girl, gets girl back....

Girl chooses family over her love? Then defies her family to 'win back' the love her life?

Child is sick, parent (usually the mother) goes to extreme to find a cure...

Or how about the girl good "taming" the bad boy? Better yet, how about the 'prince' rescuing the damsel in distress?

The list could on...

My challenge to all writers {and Hollywood}, let's dig deep into our imaginations and life experience to find new stories. Stories that go beyond the superficial paradigms of romance, power, desire into the anatomy of the soul....

Who is with me??????

Quotes - from C.S. Lewis

2010-11-29T19:59:00.000-08:00

My dear Lucy,
I wrote this story for you, but when I began it I had not realized that girls grow quicker than books. As a result you are already too old for fairy tales, and by the time it is printed and bound you will be older still. But some day you will be old enough to start reading fairy tales again. You can then take it down from some upper shelf, dust it, and tell me what you think of it. I shall probably be too deaf to hear, and too old to understand a word you say, but I shall still be, your affectionate Godfather, C. S. Lewis

This is the dedication page from the book: Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis.

I have started to re-read the series for the first time since the age of 10. I finally understand what the words underlined above mean. Let me encourage all adults to pick up a fairy tale and read it. I think you will get more out of it.....

Happy reading and writing!

Process - Pen and Paper - Moleskines and fountain pens

2010-11-22T21:13:00.000-08:00

The photo to the left, is a story I drafted while on my lunch break. It is written on a combination of scarps of paper and my Moleskine (imagine in the far right background).

Initially, I began writing the story in my Moleskine. I used the shards of paper to organize my thoughts and play with the time line a bit. I am a visual thinker so it helps me to play with ideas on note cards, napkins or anything else I can find.

I just wanted to share a snapshot of my process with you all. Also, I want to say that you can write anywhere, without your laptop or electronic device. Really. Next time your hanging at your favorite writing place, bring a pen and paper with you. (My favorite writing combination is a Moleskine and fountain pen.) Pen and paper? Sounds completely mad! Try it! :-) You might discover something about your process.

Re-Edit

2010-11-14T09:57:00.001-08:00

Oaaalalalala! I just re-edited my previous post. There were some glaring errors, I apologize.

Oh no, you didn't!?!?!

2010-11-13T16:29:00.000-08:00

Oh no, you didn't?!?!?!
Yes, yes, I did. Well, not exactly.

Here's the story.....

Come hell, high water or lots of snow - I have been participating in National Novel Writing in a Month, right now, I am sitting at 14k word count, ideally, I should be at 22k. I am not too discouraged or upset about my 37% word deficit. I am writing. At this point it all that matters to me - writing.

With that being said....

In the midst of the stream of conscious writing, I had a children's story appear in my head. Attempting to stay focused on my current project, I pushed the story out of my conscious mind into the realm of sub-conscious. What I did not fully understand the potential repercussions of my actions. The story began haunting me in dreams. In fact, the protagonist (who happens to be a fairy) began chasing me in dream time. She kept on saying, "oh no, you didn't just say 'NO' to me!?" In my dreams, the protagonist enlisted children to dump fruit over my head until this story is written. Finally on my lunch break on Tuesday, I wrote the first draft of the story. The story is short, it is a children's story. I am excited to have finished a story. Looking forward to illustrating the pictures for the book. Although, that will have to wait until NaNoWriMo is over.

I happy to report my dreams are back to 'normal'. No more protagonist chasing me around for now.....
:-)

When Do You Tell?

2010-11-12T12:31:00.000-08:00

"As for my next book, I am going to hold myself from writing it till I have it impending in me: grown heavy in my mind like a ripe pear; pendant, gravid, asking to be cut or it will fall." ~Virginia Woolf

"I think it's bad to talk about one's present work, for it spoils something at the root of the creative act. It discharges the tension." ~Norman Mailer

"Sleep on your writing; take a walk over it; scrutinize it of a morning; review it of an afternoon; digest it after a meal; let it sleep in your drawer a twelvemonth; never venture a whisper about it to your friend, if he be an author especially." ~A. Bronson Alcott

So, at what point do you talk about a project? I personally tend to agree with Norman Mailer that talking about a story too early in the process is a bad idea, simply because talking is so much easier than writing and if I can get a story out of my system simply by chatting about it I may lose my impetus to write it. The story goes flat like an opened bottle of ginger ale. Better to just let it stay shut-- or better yet, to shake it a little in my mind, so that when I do crack it open it has a little oomph. Plus, if I talk about a story too soon I run the risk of having someone accidentally squash it with a casual comment ("Oh, I read something just like that." "That sounds really complicated," etc.) Story ideas are fragile when they are new. Sometimes I start to describe a story to a friend, only to realize that it is still really just fragments, as hard to get a hold of as the memories of a dream. I get that Orpheus and Eurydice feeling: I have to get this thing out of the underworld of my subconscious before I can turn and look at it head-on. Expose it to the light too soon and it's gone.

And then, of course,there are times when I wouldn't share even if I could. It's a delicious feeling, having a new story idea-- warm and secret as a note from your crush tucked in the back pocket of your jeans. Sometimes I just want to savor it a little longer on my own.

But once a story has reached a critical mass of words on the page there comes a tipping point when I really want to talk about it, especially with other writers.
That's when I like my critique group the most. They come in like adoring aunts and pinch my story's little cheeks and never tell me that it looks like Winston Churchill and its diaper stinks. There's plenty of time for that later-- a whole critique process, in fact. But that's after I've gotten a little distance, when I'm ready to hear it.

Quote for the Day

2010-11-10T08:35:00.000-08:00

"For anyone who is: just keep writing. Keep reading. If you are meant to be a writer, a storyteller, it’ll work itself out. You just keep feeding it your energy, and giving it that crucial chance to work itself out. By reading and writing."--Robin McKinley

Quote for the Day

2010-11-06T16:58:00.000-07:00

"I have had a very thin time of it these days. My money ran out on Thursday and I have lived for four days on twenty-three cups of coffee."
--Vincent van Gogh

So, how's NaNoWriMo treating you? Caffeine intake up? :)

What am I doing?

2010-11-03T20:03:00.000-07:00

What am I doing?????????

By the time I hit the 1714^th word last night, I was ready to: scream, apologize to everyone and retract the commitment I made. As I have said in pervious posts, I am a slow writer. It takes me hours to write a single page. Days to pick out names for my characters. The fact I have output at least 1666 words per day to achieve 50k by the end of the month absolutely terrifies me. I do want to run and hide BUT I am committed. I am going to do this. NaNoRaMo is similar to running a marathon, you have pace yourself and work through the pain. Well, I am working through the pain.

For those playing along at home, here are my current stats:

Day(s): 1

Total words: 1714

Percent to Goal: .03%

Quote for the Day

2010-11-03T13:23:00.000-07:00

"You have to write the book that wants to be written. And if the book will be too difficult for grown-ups, then you write it for children." ---Madeline L'Engle

National Novel Writing Month

2010-11-01T19:54:00.000-07:00

Hi Writers!

National Novel Writing Month has returned!!! Are you in????

If you ever wanted to write a novel and needed a deadline, here is your chance! I encourage anyone who is interested to sign up! Discover what you can do! Build self-confidence! Build community. Learn how to forgive yourself and try again!

I would let you all know my user name on NaNoWriMo but I am trying to recover it from a few years ago. Apparently, you can only have one user name per e-mail. NaNoWriMo's server is running slow (as it should be!) :-)

I am still writing! I will keep you all informed of my word count.

Happy writing!!!!!

Perfection?!?! Or Wabi Sabi?

2010-10-28T19:44:00.000-07:00

In the infancy of my artistic career. I was overly concerned about making the 'perfect' piece. It had to be perfect; in fact, I would not show any of my work (writing or art) to anyone until it was PERFECT!

This phase lasted a long time perhaps too long.

Until one day, a college professor who happened to be a former Zen monk, engaged in thought provoking conversation about art (writing/life.) as recounted from the pages of my sketchbook:

· Know the rules.
· Learn to apply them to the best of your ability.
· Marking art is the blending of the soul and pulse of the cosmos, manifested in physical form.
· Be mindful of what you choose bring into the world.
· Understand nothing in this world is perfect-everything has a flaw.

Years later, I would come to know what his insights as, Wabi Sabi, which means flawed beauty is a Zen philosophy.

Wabi Sabi is used primarily to describe art but it can be applied to writing. In fact, this philosophy has brought me comfort in my writing process.

I love to write but I must confess it is difficult for me to express myself in complete sentences. From a young age, I had a series of teachers telling me, “you can’t write…. you are not a good writer… this paper is not good enough….”

Not once did any of my teachers in elementary, junior, or high school, sit my down and work with me on writing. I had a love, a passion, drive to do it but I was a not “liked” student in class.

I learned the writing skills I do have from practicing, reading other people’s work, Death Pixies and mentors.

What may take someone a few minutes, will take me hours. I’ve come to realize that I will never have prefect grammar; spelling or punctuation but I do know good copy editors (DP and other people). Whom I lovingly give a bouquet of red pens and tell them, ‘show no mercy.’

My manuscripts are returned looking like a valentine vomited on the page but I don’t mind. I know many of the ‘great’ authors did not have perfect grammar or punctuation, Jane Austin, the Bronte Sisters etc . What they did have was: a strong story; commitment to penning the story from beginning to end; an editor to clean up the page.

The best advice I can give all of you is:

· Write the story you want to write.
· Get it all out on paper.
· Revise to the best of your ability.
· Have your story critiqued and edited by others.
· Revise again.
· Send it out.
· Let go of perfection.
· Accept your work for its beauty and its faults.

Best of luck to you all!!!!

Drunken Sage

2010-10-18T21:00:00.000-07:00

Over the weekend, I planned out a couple of creative projects to work on over the next few months. I woke up this morning jazzed about bringing them to life but as the day pressed on, I became discouraged. My creative flow seemed to evaporate into the world around me.

In a state of utter frustration, I had a silent conversation with the Universe that went a little something like this - I don't know what you want from me!? Our relationship is manic, you give me great ideas and in a manner of moments all inspiration is gone. Empty. Frankly, I am tired of being empty. When I get home tonight, I am going to sit. Simply sit, in silence.

Tonight, I was on my way home from French lessons, on the bus I sat next to gentlemen who smelled like a distillery. We began talking, actually, he began talking to me. Asking me a bunch of rapid fire questions, in the mist of answers I began telling him about my ideas and my frustrations. One I was done with my monologue.

There was a long pause.

He held up his arm, "you see this?" He shoves his arm in my face.
"These are goosebumps. You have a special connection to the heartbeat of society. You have to use your artistic visions. Now, I am not trying to be all philosophical but I am speaking the truth. Most people get caught up in the cycle of the mundane. Us visionaries are destined for a different life. Not that we are any better everyone else but we've simply made different choices. You've found your talent. Now find your tribe."

I sat for a moment stunned - speechless, humbled.
I thanked Tom (that is his name). Told him to have a great evening. His witty reply, "I already have..."

The moment I walked in the door, I took my first 'action step' to bring my project into reality.

As I work away - I think, how poetic that guidance was delivered in the form of harmless drunken sage on a bus......

Quote of the Day

2010-10-13T22:13:00.000-07:00

"Talent is a universal gift, but it takes a lot of courage to use it. Don't be afraid to be the best....."

Paulo Coelho - The Winner Stands Alone

Community.

2010-10-07T20:56:00.001-07:00

Community.

I feel really compelled to write about this topic. I was inspired, a couple weeks ago, when listening web cast from Robert Ohotto, had entire an show dedicated to this topic, which I was moved to tears. Not in a bad way, in a “ I really needed to hear that message.”

I am going to speak to this topic from an artistic point of view.

Creating art (writing, painting, graphic design) is very solitary act. Hours upon hours are spent in a space creating. One trap, that I find myself falling into is, blocking out my peers, friends, family because I am so focused on the creation of my work. Long periods of time spent in this space, can leave to intense isolation and melancholy (or artistic funk). Humans are naturally social creatures. Whether we want to confess it or not we need human contact and interaction.

What I advise artists and non-artists, a like, get out at least couple times a month, for an hour. (I throw this out as a goal to start with especially for those of you work, have families, go to school or heavily booked.)To connect with other like minds. If you are writer, find a writers group. If you are a painter, find a painting group etc. Find your tribe.

There is a reason that rock groups exist, it is more difficult to rock out by yourself…..

I cannot begin to rave enough about the benefits about being in a writers groups. You have support, a group people to journey with you through the process. A place to talk “geek speak.” More importantly, it allows you to take a time out from being solitary and connect.

Geek Power!

2010-07-25T07:41:00.000-07:00

Here it is people, the ultimate microcosm of the culture wars, the Good v. Evil lucha libre cage match of the century: the cosplay activist geeks of Comicon counter-protesting against the bigoted right-wing "church" lead by Fred Phelps. Resistance is not futile after all! The Force is SO with us. http://www.comicsalliance.com/2010/07/22/super-heroes-vs-the-westboro-baptist-church/?sms_ss=facebook

Quote of the Day

2010-06-15T20:43:00.000-07:00

"Talk don't cook rice, baby!"
--Chinese Proverb

Okay, maybe a loose translation of a Chinese proverb. "Talk doesn't cook rice" might sound a little more Chinese. And proverby. Proverbial? Whatever.

Quote of the Day

2010-06-14T08:34:00.000-07:00

"Here's the thing. Whether you want to get on the tiger again is up to you. Nobody is going to push you. But you have to ask yourself this: what is more important than the life you deserve?"
--Perry Farrell, frontman of Jane's Addiction

Hello Kids, We're Back!!!!

2010-06-10T21:03:00.000-07:00

Hello to ALL our wonderful fans, friends and family!!!

The Pixies have returned!

Stay tuned for upcoming commentary!!!

Quote of the Day

2010-06-10T07:17:00.000-07:00

"Are you in earnest? Seize this very minute! Boldness has genius, power and magic in it. Only engage, and then the mind grows heated. Begin and then the work will be completed."

--John Anster

Quote of the Day

2010-04-05T20:10:00.000-07:00

"If I should sell my forenoons and afternoons to society, as most appear to do, I am sure that for me there would be nothing left worth living for... I wish to suggest that a man may be very industrious, and yet not spend his time well. There is no more fatal blunderer than he who consumes the greater part of his life getting his living." --Thoreau

Go ahead. Quit your day job.

Quote for the Day

2010-03-23T08:16:00.000-07:00

"Nature seems to exult in abounding radicality, extremism, anarchy. If we were to judge nature by its common sense or likelihood, we wouldn't believe the world existed. In nature, improbabilities are the one stock in trade. The whole creation is one lunatic fringe...No claims of any and all revelations could be so far-fetched as a single giraffe." --Annie Dillard, from Pilgrim at Tinker Creek

Happy, freakish spring!

Quote for the Day

2010-02-17T12:46:00.001-08:00

"Everything seems impossible until it is finished." --Nelson Mandela

Okay, so Mandela was talking about sweeping, revolutionary social change and I am just talking about writing one little book. But the sentiment remains the same.

Quote for the Day

2010-02-08T09:23:00.000-08:00

"Do anything, but for goodness sake do something weird." --Elsa Maxwell

Dog on the Blog

2010-01-30T20:46:00.001-08:00

Okay, this doesn't technically have to do with writing but I just had to share the fact that our family adopted a new dog today! Zeus is a one-and-a-half year old blue merle Great Dane. He comes to us as a rescue and is the world's biggest puppy-- at 120 pounds, he is quite underweight for his height, and he still has about six months worth of growing left to do. So far he is settling in nicely. He hasn't tried to eat any of our three geriatric cats and he is adorably submissive to Magic, our fourteen-year-old blind dachshund. The kids are thrilled with him. My two-year-old daughter Miranda spent the afternoon asking him over and over "What's your name?" and then telling me, dismayed, "He not talkin'!" She also kept encouraging him to sing along to Highschool Musical and was a little put out that he didn't just join in on the chorus. I can see why; Giant breed dogs really seem like people. When our St Bernard Chaucer passed away two years ago he left a huge hole in our family. Zeus is a very different dog-- a puppy, where Chaucer was a wise elder-- but I still have a feeling that he is going to fill some of that hole. Now, if I can only convince him not to cry for us all night, when we are upstairs and he is down... Wish us luck!

Finding your story

2010-01-28T06:43:00.000-08:00

Justine Larbalestier posted a great conversation between herself and Sarah Rees Brennan about their very different ways of finding their stories. Two great authors talking process, who could ask for more on a Thursday morning?

Free Fiction by Me :)

2010-01-20T22:22:00.000-08:00

Hi, all! So, for the first time I am posting a piece of my own fiction to my blog, Children of the Night. "Fire and Ice" is a YA paranormal romance short story that I hope will be the first in a very occasional series I'm calling "Deadtime Stories." I would love it if you would stop by and check it out at http://childrenofthenightya.blogspot.com/ Thanks!

Quote for the Day

2010-01-20T15:12:00.000-08:00

"Let us love winter for it is the spring of genius."
--Pietro Aretino

Are you feeling this? Does the cold weather help you to turn inward to your imagination? Do these indoor days mean fewer distractions to compete with your writing? I hope in the dead of winter your work is very much alive!

Deadlines or "Lifelines"?

2010-01-05T13:57:00.000-08:00

Is this how you feel when you're facing a deadline? Or are you one of those people who thrives when she's expected to produce? I tend to procrastinate but I'm getting better and ultimately I think I work better with a deadline since open-ended
projects don't always get done. Creative projects have a lot to compete with at my house since three young kids and a bunch of pets and a constant battle with house entropy take up most of my energy! Having a deadline on a creative project helps make it a priority. What about you? What's your deadline style?

It's That Time of Year Again

2009-12-31T09:09:00.000-08:00

Time for New Years writing resolutions! If you want to have a few witnesses to your good intentions for 2010, feel free to post your resolutions in the comments of this post and we'll do our best to encourage you and keep you honest :) Personally, in the past I have focused my resolutions on meeting self-imposed deadlines or increasing writing time, but this year I am starting by focusing on getting back to the things that make this writing thing fun for me. I am vowing in 2010 to disable my inner editor, at least for a while, since I have found that nagging little voice is really inhibiting me lately. What about you? Whatever you are concentrating on in this new year, I hope 2010 brings you plenty of writing joy and success.

Dangerous Wands

2009-12-25T15:10:00.000-08:00

Don't say I never gave you anything for Christmas. This parody of "Dangerous Minds" and Harry Potter is hysterical.
http://www.collegehumor.com/video:1925557

Happy Holidays!

Christmas Ghost Stories

2009-12-24T08:46:00.001-08:00

I'm talking about the Victorian tradition of ghost stories at Christmas over at Children of the Night http://childrenofthenightya.blogspot.com/ Come put a little spooky in your stocking!

Happy Solstice!

2009-12-20T21:16:00.000-08:00

My family and I are Wiccan, and one Wiccan tradition for winter solstice is to stay up all night telling stories while the Yule log burns as a way of passing the longest night of the year in the light of community. So, I'm hoping that the stories are flowing freely for all of you tonight. I think that, as folks who love to write and read fantasy and science fiction we have a special understanding of the battle and balance between light and dark, so blessed Solstice to you!

Writing from the heart.

2009-12-10T22:01:00.000-08:00

I fell into the creative void. Creative void, you know, the place where all artists go there at some point in their career. Or perhaps it is place where an artist visits over and over again. It feels like a vacuum where nothing – I do mean nothing can get in or out. As I began searching, asking myself, “what is going on?” I realized - I have a great process down: outlines, index cards, treatments, character sketches BUT is there point where writing efficiently can hamper creativity?

Yes.

OK? Now what?

Take a time out, do something different. Go to bed. (I usually stay up.)

A thought occurred to me this morning: I was trying too hard to be organized. I was micromanaging my world. I had to loosen up a bit. Allow myself to play in the world to maybe write other shorter stories in the world. Follow my heart a bit more….

I noticed,

I write better, when I write from the heart. I make less mistakes. There is passion and energy behind my words.

Whatever your process is honor it.
However, if you should fall into the void, try something different to jump-start your creativity.

The Wide World of Goal Setting

2009-12-03T21:46:00.000-08:00

The other day I made the most useful spreadsheet, this magical sheet contains every single writing contest and magazine deadline I am interested in. Whereas, I may not enter every contest, however as I finish stories, I have a plan on where I want to send them.

A great of setting goals with out the pressure.

Yummm....

2009-11-26T21:05:00.000-08:00

I'm posting about the connection between tofurky and vampires over at Children of the Night. Put down that drumstick and stop by!
http://childrenofthenightya.blogspot.com/2009/11/tofurkyvampire-connection.html

Happy Tofurky Day!

2009-11-26T08:03:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving, Death Pixie people! Your support, your thoughtful critique and your wonderful sense of fun are all on my list of things to be thankful for!

I'm wondering how everyone is coping with finding time to write over the busy holidays. I know that I myself am struggling already, and the winter holidays are just beginning! Are you able to make a date with yourself, in between the festivities? Or do you give yourself a vacation and relax your expectations?

Twilight, Twi-boys, Twi-hards, Twi-moms

2009-11-20T00:58:00.000-08:00

*SIGH*

That was the sound of millions of teenage girls, teen boys and moms.

New Moon, the movie, is FINALLY out!

I will not project my opinions onto you all until everyone has an opportunity to catch the flick....
(Translation: I will hold off a week or two....)

I had a great time seeing the people I met last time and meeting new people while hanging out in line.....

I'd like to give shout outs to the following:

My Twi-teen-girlfriends, it was great to see you all (again!) good luck with your junior year!

To my Twi-moms, who left the kids at home with the other parent, you have to admit, you had a good time! Sort of makes you feel young again. The lack of sleep is worth the life long smile of finishing the following phrase, "remember when i...."

To the Twi-boys who attended, it is a great way to pick up girls.... Specifically, to Jeff, I really think she likes you ask her out!
(Let me know how it goes!)

P.S.....To Alice Cullen/Alice Cullen's stylist, can I have your wardrobe? Please?

Proper Ettiquette or Hurry the Hell Up Already!

2009-11-19T13:38:00.001-08:00

So here is a little conundrum the more experienced writers out there should be able to shed some light on: When it comes to "beta readers" a term I thought was more ubiquitous than it apparently really is, how many do you ask? How long do you wait? And how do you go about gaining compliance from your beta readers? I've heard conflicting reports on this and i was wondering what people thought. I myself handed out three times as many beta copies as I got critiques or responses. What is the ettiquette in these situations? I really would rather not pick at people, since everyone's busy and all, but these are definitely people who actively asked to look my book over. I'm certainly not having hurt feelings, i was just wondering what people thought about this somewhat delicate balance of hopefullness, guilt, usefullness and nebulous non existant deadlines?
"Its not like you need it by a certain time, i'll get to it when i get to it."
True, i'm not under outside pressure, but i sure as hell ain't getting any younger and my brain is screaming "finish that thing and send it off somewhere. How valuable can beta critique be anyways?
So i'm asking, how valuable is it?

Writing Role Models?

2009-11-11T14:45:00.000-08:00

As some of you already know (because I've been geeking out about it for weeks!) I am currently taking a class about the Twilight phenomenon-- "Revamp: Writing and the Twilight Saga," being taught by Carrie Mesrobian at the Loft Literary Center here in Minneapolis. At our second class we talked about the fact that the books' protagonist, Bella, is in many ways a clean slate. She has no friends from her former school, doesn't share her memories of her past much, has no real hobbies, etc. Although this may be the secret of Twilight's success (because Bella's character is left so open-ended, it's easy for the reader to imagine herself in Bella's place and vicariously live the romantic fantasy), it flies in the face of what we usually think of as good character creation, which says that the more specific a character is, the better. As an exercise, we gave Bella a character make-over, each of us brainstorming how we would have made her different. The majority of people in our class wanted Bella to be more active, more opinionated, more secure-- more the confident young woman that we wish the YA readers of Twilight would emulate. This raised an interesting question for me: Do we as writers (and especially those of us who identify as feminist, and especially those of us writing for the supposedly impressionable youth) have any obligation to make our characters role models? And if we do, how do we do that without making our characters boringly perfect? How do we keep them flawed enough to have an arc, to have things to learn during the story? Are flawed characters still good role models? What do you think?

Quote for the Day

2009-11-06T08:15:00.000-08:00

Heather's post yesterday reminded me of this quote, prominently displayed on my bathroom wall (where all wisdom resides.) Of course, she's talking about a bigger political reality, but I think you could apply the thought to your own artistic visions as well.

"We are not asked to subscribe to any utopia or to believe in a perfect world just around the corner... we are asked to equip ourselves with courage, hope, readiness for hard work, and to cherish large and generous ideals."

-- Emily Greene Balch

Vision, promises, work....

2009-11-05T22:20:00.000-08:00

Perhaps one of my biggest challenges has been, creating a clear vision of what I want out of my artistic career. I know I am not alone in this process.

How does one create a vision?

Make a plan. Whatever comes to your mind. Begin there. You can always revise your ambitions.

Promises.

Make a promise to yourself, to move towards your goal. Believe in your power to achieve your goal, even through the difficult parts.

Believe in your ability to create what ever it is you desire. You must maintain your vision to see beyond the immediate.

Finally,

You must be prepared to work.

Step by step.

Day by day.

Books are for Girls

2009-11-02T09:56:00.000-08:00

So the other day i was listening to Sherman Alexie talking on MPR. He is a great writer with a varied background and had a lot of really interesting things to say, I suggest checking that interview out on their archives. One, of many, things that really stuck with me during his talk was when the interviewer asked him something about his audience. His response was something to the effect of, well i'd like it if young people and men like my books but since 80% of people who buy them are college educated, adult, white women, that's really who needs to like it.
I found that pretty suprising and I understand that it wasn't intended to be a literal statistic, but I just sent out a bunch of beta copies for the novel i am finishing. Guess who actually has read them and turned in critiques? Only adult, smart, women. My younger lady friend? Nope. My guys friends? Nope. Just the mid twenties plus crowd, so there's a little totally non-scientific survey in that same direction.
Another beta reader of mine said that part of it is that his wife buys them, reads them first, and he only reads the ones that get a good recommendation from her. I wonder about other peoples thoughts on the subject? Most of the people I myself know who actually read, are the ladies.... In fact almost exclusively ladies. I wonder why that is? I mean, I know lots of guys read, I mean I read all the time, but i definitely know way more women who do. Putting it into stark contrast, I gave my parents my book. They were so proud I had finished it, they took me out to dinner, did the whole proud parent thing, blah blah. Both equally gushy, supportive parents.
Bottom line: my mom read it, my dad hasn't.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

2009-10-31T07:53:00.001-07:00

...and a blessed Samhain to you all! Wishing you writing inspiration in the New Year!

Quote of the Day

2009-10-29T20:55:00.000-07:00

"All that I desire to point out is the general principle that life imitates art far more than art imitates life."

Oscar Wilde

What Teens Read

2009-10-29T08:08:00.000-07:00

Fascinating Publishers Weekly article about a Teenreads.com survey of YA readers. Although the publishing industry itself has been hit by these hard economic times, I found this survey very reassuring for authors of YA scifi and fantasy. http://www.publishersweekly.com/article/CA6703770.html

(X-posted with Children of the Night)

Bear Witness

2009-10-20T20:36:00.001-07:00

My current wip is a YA paranormal romance in which one of the characters is a lycanthrope. Recently, I wrote a scene in which another of the characters has to run from him when he is in werewolf form. I casually described the werewolf as bigger than a bear and talked about how fast he was and didn't think much of it. Then, last Friday, I had the fun of taking my son Harrison and my daughter Shanika to the Minnesota Zoo to see the Russian grizzly bear exhibit. Suddenly I was faced with actual bears and I found myself revisiting the words I had written. What does it mean to be "bigger than a bear"? The beautiful creatures swimming just beyond the glass weighed in at 700 pounds or more and had to put on about 400 pounds every year to prepare for winter. What did it mean to be incredibly fast? Although the huge animals looked lumbering, the sign by their cage assured me that one of their running strides was equal to four human strides. As I watched the bears swim, I imagined what it would really be like to run from one. Then I tried to imagine what it would be like to be one, or to be something like that-- that big, that powerful. I left the exhibit with a whole new notion of my scene, a new respect for bears and for my lycanthrope character-- and a new appreciation of writing. Because sometimes seeing the world through the lens of my writing makes me a more curious, interested person. As a busy mom trying to write my first book in my supposedly free time I often have to stay goal oriented just to keep my momentum going. But sometimes it is good to focus on all the benefits that writing brings to my life, like how my writing gives me an excuse to research things I wouldn't otherwise learn about, or how writing has introduced me to a host of fascinating people I might never have otherwise met, or how writing can turn an ordinary trip to the zoo into an encounter with something mythic.

How I spent my November

2009-10-19T04:41:00.000-07:00

I love nanowrimo. Making writing a first draft into a month long community celebration just works for me. This year I'll be using the November habit to force open a word production block. What has it done for you?

Future Fangrrl

2009-10-18T15:30:00.001-07:00

The Jedi knight is my daughter Miranda who turns two tomorrow. Happy Birthday, Panda, and may the Force be with you!

Cool Trailers

2009-10-17T12:29:00.000-07:00

Okay, you all know how I adore book trailers! Here's a link to the three finalists in the Kirkus Review's contest for student filmmakers. Each filmmaker was asked to create a trailer for an upcoming YA novel. I think the results are excellent. Take a look and vote for your favorite. http://www.barnesandnoble.com/kirkusbva/?cds2Pid=29166&linkid=1484858

More Writer Tough Love

2009-10-16T18:36:00.000-07:00

I was listening to one of my favorite writers and speakers, Carolyn Myss. She offered the following insights: (paraphrased from memory)

Writing is a job.
You must treat your writing like a full time job. (Even if it isn't.)
Every day, you must sit down at your space and write.

If you cannot commit to writing your novel because you lack the focus, then step away from your novel. Try something smaller, like journaling every day. Practice, talking about your day in metaphors, symbols etc. Also, work on expanding your vocabulary, and develop your voice.

Saboteur on the Road….

2009-10-15T22:25:00.000-07:00

The saboteur, we all have one.

What’s a saboteur?

A saboteur is that voice inside your head giving you every reason NOT to do something. Sometimes, it takes the form of the inner critic/editor…. No matter what you call, this ‘little voice’ can hinder us from finishing stories; prolonged side tracking (of goals) eventually leads one to self-destruct. (i.e. NOT finishing stories, revising and NOT sending them out, equals NOT getting published!)

What’s writer to do?

First of all, learn how to spot your saboteur. Ask yourself what is getting in your way; do you need a day off? What is it your afraid of? What are your excuses for not writing?

Secondly, find the solutions to the issues. There is more than one way of doing something, make a list. From the list, pick one solution. Give it a try. Try it for a three weeks (21 days), if that doesn’t work, try something else.

Ask yourself the tough questions: what is it you want? Are you willing to do whatever it takes to make it happen? How far are you willing to go for your dreams? Do you have the discipline, the focus, and the commitment to follow through?
This is a tough conversation to have with your self but an honest one. Especially, if you are not finishing your work (and its year 2, 5, 15 working on your novel.)

In the end, ultimately, you have to go toe to toe with the saboteur. Learn how to be comfortable with your saboteur; you become more confident in yourself.

From the Sketch Show

2009-10-10T21:00:00.000-07:00

See, we all have problems with Engish now and again :)

A note for the overwhelmed....

2009-10-08T22:35:00.000-07:00

Stop. Make a plan. Go. (And remember to keep on breathing.....)

Write It Wrong

2009-10-02T08:09:00.000-07:00

That is my mantra this week. I am coming into the final third of this draft of my book and, although the ending is pretty much written, there are scenes between here and there that don't exist at all. I have tried to plan them out in advance but I know there is going to be a certain amount of trial and error involved here. In some cases I'm going to have to try a few different alternatives before I know exactly how a plot point should go. So my goal is to just get words out without judging them too harshly or over-thinking to the point of paralysis. I am giving myself permission to "write it wrong" and hoping that in the end that helps me get it right.

The Multiverse and Visualizing Dimensions

2009-09-26T12:00:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite tropes involves traveling across dimensions and through the multiverse. I'll always remember the first time I read A Wrinkle In Time by Madeleine L'Engle, with it's wonderful description of folding the dimensions to speed travel through the universe.

Based on Rob Bryanton's Imagining The Tenth Dimension, this video will lead you step by step through visualizing the ten dimensions (and to the existence of the multiverse) in a deceptively simple way.

Writer Wellness

2009-09-24T21:10:00.000-07:00

Please note: the following blog post is NOT intended to replace the advice of healthcare professionals.

Writing & wellness, two words that don’t seem to fit together. In the various writer cons I’ve attended, I only remember seeing this topic only once however; it was under the name, “Writing & Exercise.”
So, here my ideas for maintaining wellness as you write. (I realize that most of these are common sense however, we all need reminders….) ☺

Get Sleep
In the macho sleep deprived culture we live in, sleep is under valued. A good solid night’s sleep does a mind and body good! So turn of the computer, put the mobile phones, PDAs to silent and sleep.
Exercise
This doesn’t have to complicated nor do you have to devote endless hours, a simple walk is fine, yoga class, bike ride etc. Whatever physical activity interests you. I’ve noticed in my process physical activity clears the head and centers me for hours in front of my laptop.
Eat Well
Food is fuel. A balance eating helps you: think clearly and sleep better.
Feed Your Soul
What is it that inspires you? Don’t know. Make a list of what you like to do, pick one thing. Try it.
Humor
Maintain your sense of humor. Laugh. It is good for the soul.
Meditation
This does not mean hours in sitting in a crazy pose. Keep it simple – sitting in your favor chair, by the lake, in the middle of your living room floor. Take five minutes of deep breathing will help clear your head.
Socialize
Writing is rather solitary. Take a time to connect with other writers, friends, family and strangers mono e mono. (Yes, step away from your computer and into the tactical world.)

Disney Ahoy!

2009-09-22T21:40:00.000-07:00

Oh my God, freaking out to hear that Tim Powers' book "On Stranger Tides" has been optioned by Disney so that elements can be used as the fourth Pirates of the Caribbean movie! How wonderful! Can't wait to see it-- anything involving both Johnny Depp and Tim Powers can't go wrong in my book :)
http://www.locusmag.com/News/2009/09/powers-novel-optioned-for-new-pirates.html

Publishing: Article from NYT

2009-09-20T12:56:00.000-07:00

Great article....

PREOCCUPATIONS
When Publishing Had Scents and Sounds
By JONI EVANS
Published: September 6, 2009
In scarcely 30 years, technology has transformed the office archaeology of the book business.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/06/jobs/06pre.html

Spec Fiction Phrases in French

2009-09-20T12:35:00.000-07:00

Important spec fiction phrases in French:

Je crois en licornes - I believe in unicorns

Je crois aux fées - I believe in fairies

J'adore les vampires - I adore vampires

Je suis sur l'équipe de Jacob - I'm on team Jacob

Je suis sur l'équipe-Édouard - I'm on team Edward

Où est mon vaisseau spatial - Where is my spaceship?

Your Story Rules

2009-09-19T14:19:00.001-07:00

The first short story I wrote in my adult life was about a werewolf. I asked a good writer-friend of mine to read it and he gave me a lot of useful feedback, but the comment I remember most is this: “Monster stories are all about the rules.”

Well, I suppose I should have realized that. After all, I was a teenager in the 80’s with five younger brothers, which translates into roughly six billion viewings of “Gremlins” --probably the ultimate monster rules movie. So once he said it, of course, I knew it was true. When I read a story about werewolves or vampires or zombies, I’m looking to see how the author is going to put his or her own spin on the rules. How will the monsters be made? Killed? What are their powers and limitations? At this year’s WisCon, the feminist fantasy and science fiction conference, I went to a panel on the “care of your vampire,” which was basically a group of vampire book authors comparing notes on the rules they used to govern the worlds of their stories. It was fascinating to hear how different their takes were, given the fact that they were working with the same folklore as a starting point. It occurred to me that, as a reader, I do not care so much what the rules are, as long as they are strongly stated and consistent. Your vampires may sparkle in the sunlight or they may turn to ash and—although both those choices have very different symbolic connotations and change the story dramatically—I am willing to buy either one if the author truly buys it. I am a theatre geek and one thing you learn in acting classes is that, when you play a character, you must make strong choices, regardless of what those choices may be, and commit to them completely in order for an audience to believe in that character. I think the same thing can be said of writing.

Now, I haven’t always felt this way. When I first started writing, I was afraid to give my stories strong rules. I was insecure in my ability to create a plot and I thought that rules would only trip me up, cause me to paint myself into a plot corner or to violate my own guidelines accidentally, invalidating my story. Besides, wasn’t this fantasy? Shouldn’t anything be possible? Since then, however, I have learned more about world building and I’ve come to understand that stories in which literally anything is possible—stories with no rules for their monsters or magic systems or what have you—are actually not that engaging. Reading one is like watching a tennis match without knowing the rules of the game. It’s not very exciting to watch, and you certainly aren’t tempted to jump in and
play. On the other hand, if you do know the rules of a game--or a story--you can easily move from observer to player. I remember reading Scott Westerfeld’s “Midnighters” series, YA novels that take place in a world with complex rules. One of the rules is that the monsters of the story are afraid of multiples of thirteen. In one scene, the characters have stuck thirteen knives in a door to ward the monsters off. When I read that one of the knives had been knocked loose from the door, I felt a real rush of panic. I had internalized the rules of the story so completely that I felt like I was a part of that story.
It’s an experience I never would have had if Westerfeld’s rules had been wishy-washy or the consequences unclear.

Now, this isn’t to say that you can’t have exceptions to the rules. In fact, the premise of many stories depends on there being someone or something for whom the rules don't apply. But you have to set up strong, consistent rules first and then violate them intentionally, for a reason. And if you do, you may find that your story functions on another level. Because monster stories are “all about the rules” in another sense, too: they are all about our society’s taboos and the consequences for violating them. But if we want to use our monster stories as a consistent metaphor for something in the world around us, we have to make the world within them air-tight first.

Writing advice

2009-09-17T20:50:00.000-07:00

Below is a link to writer, Po Bronson's website, specifically his advice to budding writers....

Love to know what you think of his insights....

http://www.pobronson.com/index_advice_to_writers.htm

Politics and Social Commentary in the Theme? Yup, especially science fiction and fantasy.

2009-09-17T00:26:00.000-07:00

There was an interesting little bit of scuffle over on the Wyrdsmiths Blog. Science Fiction and Fantasy writer Kelly McCullough read about someone making a bigoted remark involving the GLBT community. This guy followed a train of logic he sincerely didn't seem to understand the offensive nature of. Kelly called him out on it. Shockingly a few folks seemed to get a little irritated that a blog about fantasy and science fiction writing would veer, ever so slightly into the political.
Ummm... What? I'm not sure I caught that.
Have people been paying ANY attention to the science fiction and fantasy they have been reading? (The answer is, of course YES, but apparently some people are missing it.) Just to clarify: "it's almost all a metaphor for societal issues." Just about everything has ties into topics of significance. It's not just cheep, diversionary, shallow, dribble. I'll admit it's good for a thrill, but all the good stuff ties in. Hell, even vampires are commentary on sex, fear of sex, and fear of spreading infection through sexual or taboo acts.
Theme is an incredibly important element to writing. Maybe the MOST important. Why do we love Harry Potter? Because everyone had to go to school, grow up, and deal with bullies, and get picked on by people and caught up in situations we felt powerless to alter . I argue that did more for it's success than prose, humor, character, or even magic stuff.
Next time you write a story try picking out the social themes it will parallel first, or close to the start, I've found it actually opens up a huge amount of good stuff with a little creativity.

Quote for the Day

2009-09-10T20:28:00.000-07:00

Books are never finished, They are merely abandoned.
Oscar Wilde

Writerly Haiku

2009-09-09T11:18:00.000-07:00

Competition
Fall TV shows start.
So hard to write in prime time.
Characters, talk loud!

Sorry, Officer
Fixing chapter twelve.
Oh! Who put that red light there?
Writing while driving.

Plotted Out
Wish that I could cheat
Send in the damn cavalry
God in the machine!

ZZZZ....
Key marks on my cheeks,
Random letters on my screen
Fell asleep again!

Got one? Post it to the comments!

If You Like Vampire Stories

2009-09-08T10:58:00.000-07:00

Over on my blog Children of the Night I just posted a book recommendation for a new YA vampire romance anthology, "The Eternal Kiss: 13 Vampire Tales of Blood and Desire" edited by Trisha Telep. It features stories by Holly Black, Cecil Castellucci, Libba Bray, Lili St.Crow and a number of other excellent authors. For more http://childrenofthenightya.blogspot.com/

The Pixar Formula

2009-09-04T10:13:00.000-07:00

I'm in the middle of plotting out my WIP, so natually I took a break and went looking for a short cut. A friend had mentioned a formula used by Pixar to balance moments of pathos and fun. I couldn't find that, but I did find a bunch of good posts and articles about Pixar's creative processes and theories of storytelling.

The top three lessons I learned from reading about Pixar:
1. The first draft is just the first draft. Writing is rewriting.
2. Create a safe environment for yourself where you aren't afraid to fail, afraid of criticism or afraid of criticizing.
3. Work like crazy to make your story good, strive for greatness, but know perfection isn't attainable. Sometimes you just have to release it into the world.

And here are a few of the posts/reports I found:
Animation World Magazine recapped the lessons learned at Screenwriting Expo 5 which hosted a panel filled with Pixar writers and artists.

Jim Hill Media's Recap of the talk includes the rules Pixar set up for itself as they developed Toy Story.

The Animation Guild's Recap (amazingly, each blogger tells a slightly different and informative story).

The authors of Mavericks at Work talk about the business model of Pixar which also their creative practice.

Pixar's website posted a series of articles by a critic dissecting each film. Each is a thoughtful exploration of good storytelling.
Toy Story
Bugs Life
Toy Story 2
Monsters, Inc
Finding Nemo
The Incredibles
Cars

Finally, because I'm a mother of two girls, I'm linking to Linda Holmes great open letter to the good people at Pixar
Dear Pixar, From All The Girls With Bandaids On Their Knees

And Jon Lassiter's response -- more or less.

Craft of Writing - Revisions

2009-09-03T21:22:00.000-07:00

A great story is not written once, it is re-written. Writing a story is a process of revision - characters, plot lines, worlds changing
with mere keystrokes. When writing, one must allow the story to develop and cultivate, if the story prematurely stops, it loses energy.

Next time, you are at the keyboard, take a deep breath: cut, trim and refine sentences. Place the edits in a special folder (you may use the sentence(s) again somewhere else.) Allow the story to blossom to its fullest potential. You’ll be amazed at the results!

Quote for the Day

2009-09-02T21:47:00.000-07:00

(Graffiti on the side of a train, near my home in South Minneapolis. I snapped this while stopped at a red light just because it made me smile.)

What does your Writing say about you?

2009-09-01T23:40:00.000-07:00

I got mentally snagged by a little piece of a larger conversation the other day. Essentially we were discussing how much do you plan out ahead of time? How much do you have down, A.B.C. and how much is a more organic flow that just kind of happens? I'm sure there are as many ways to go about this as there are different stories to write, but what I was thinking about was how much does the way you go about a project say about you? In my experience the method almost always matches the personality. People and value oriented? Character comes first and they follow them through the story. Procrastinator? Action all at the end. Of course there are exceptions to this and as i got thinking about it I started pondering more about what your writing says about you as a person.
I know they say you put yourself in a story whether you try to or not, and obviously what you choose to write about definitely says a lot about what you are interested in, but i've seen wonderful examples that go deeper. I know a writer who is a loving, caring, thoughtful mother. She also seems to have a tough time with that whole: make bad things happen to your characters to ratchet up the tension part. She wants to nuture her characters. I know another writer who has moved all over the country for school and work, and her latest story is as choppy and fragemented as her life.
Going even a step further out, what does your genre say about you? We fantasy and science fiction folk are definitely the dreamers, and i'd like to propose this as quote of the day, since it's the quote of my life:

"... perhaps maddest of all is to see the world as it is, and not as it ought to be."

That's from man of la mancha. Apparently what THIS particular piece of writing says about me is that I am a little scatterbrained, and a huge theatre nerd.
Not sure if I have anything terribly enlightening to say on the topic, just wondering if anyone had any thoughts on it. I know my own writing is a fairly effective ink blot for my own personality.

My Top Ten Favorite Writing Spaces in the Twin Cities (in no particular order)

2009-08-27T22:26:00.000-07:00

Loft Literary Center – This one goes with out saying, the energy is great.

Guthrie Theatre – This is one of my favorite surprises of the city. They actually encourage people to come hang out in the space. I usually find a nice chair by a window, a cup of tea and write. Free Wi-Fi.

Aster Café – Home to a breath taking out door patio with one of the greatest views of downtown Minneapolis. The Wi-Fi may be a little weak while sitting on the patio however it should not matter, your writing. ;-)

Wilde Roast Café - Fantastic interior, great menu, they have everything from alcohol to coffee. Wilde Roast is especially wonderful on rainy days and in the fall and winter. A word of caution, it is really busy on Sunday mornings.

Second Moon – A popular Death Pixie haunt, it is simply a homegrown coffee shop. The barista’s are cool and if they have time, will ask you what your writing.

Dunn Bros Coffee on 3rd & 3rd in downtown Minneapolis - It is really quiet, almost like a library.

Common Roots – Organic foods, great tea selection and plenty of plug-ins for your laptop.

Riverview Wine Bar & Café – A regular Pixie meeting place.

Architecture library on the U of M campus –One of the best-kept secrets. You can actually sit in cool chairs that you may see in architecture magazines.

My place – I have to admit, I’ve done a fantastic job in creating a writing spot in my flat. Quiet, comfortable and Shakespeare sits in a flowerpot staring at me. What more could you ask for?

If anyone has recommendations on places to check out, please do not hesitate to respond. :-)

Contrast in Characters

2009-08-26T19:54:00.000-07:00

"Our interest's on the dangerous edge of things. The honest thief, the tender murderer, the superstitious atheist." ---Margaret Laurence

These words struck me as true. I think that, as writers, we are sometimes tempted to over- simplify characters because we are afraid that a character with too many contradictions in her nature won't be "believable." But sometimes the reason that we are drawn to characters, as writers and as readers, is because of the paradoxes in their personalities. When I first read the above quote, I thought of two things: First, I remembered a more experienced writer who advised me to create antagonists based on people I admired rather than people I hated, because the characters would be that much more interesting and complex. I have tried creating an antagonist based on someone I truly admire, President Obama, and the result was chilling. All the things I found so comforting in an ally--his unflappable calm, his fatherly sense of command, even his devotion to his family-- were truly intimidating in an enemy.
The other thing I thought about when I read this quote was a game I sometimes play in the car. I will read the bumper stickers on the cars around me and try to get a sense of who the owner of that car is trying to present herself to be. Then I'll try to think of something that contradicts that image and imagine a character based on that. For a simple example, that woman with all the pro-life stickers has had an abortion. When? Why? Or maybe it's just that the guy with the Bart Simpson stickers and the mud-flap girls graduated at the top of his med school class or the teenager with the punk radio station stickers is a violin prodigy or the VW van covered with peace stickers belongs to a former army general. I like to imagine what life circumstances would create these characters. I know that we can not make our characters as complex as real people-- this is fiction and a certain degree of simplification is necessary-- but I still find it interesting
when characters contradict themselves a bit.

Science Fiction Resistance

2009-08-25T11:15:00.000-07:00

The other night at dinner I was talking to my parents. These are two of the most supportive, open minded people around, just to establish that up front, but i still found myself launching into a long, fervent defensive explanation. This happens all the time actually. What was the point on which I had to explain yet again?
Why write science fiction and fantasy? Why not contemporary stuff? or plays? or drama? Why does it have to have magic in it?
I started with the usual, "It's what I love. It's what I'm good at etc." But i found myself, to my own suprise launching into a full scale defense of science fiction as a whole. I covered how it serves as a metaphor for social issues without being preachy, still being entertaining, and frankly, keeping people reading. Battlestar Galactica and Star Trek and the new Disctrict 9 are three fantastic examples of modern science fiction pushing itself to be socially relevant. Prison camps? The first on air inter-racial kiss? A gut wrenching look at how the human population treats immigrants? The metaphors are almost always clear, and yet no matter your point of view on the subject, people stick around and see the argument, because its presented in a way that is...well... cool.
In my latest story I talk a little bit about the "wierd kids, bullies, over use of psychiatric prescription drugs in young people, and parental sacrifice." I guarantee you a young person would be a million times more likely to finish a fantasy novel with those themes than to read the self help book, or a memior version.
America loves science fiction. Its just that not everyone is willing to admit it. Lost is one of the most popular shows on tv: totally science fiction. The biggest movies of last year? ALL science fiction. So why on earth when i say i write science fiction and fantasy, do I get wierd looks, and find myself explaining why that's what I write?
Any thoughts on Science Fiction Resistance? More importantly is this question: why do we write science fiction? As an artist we should always question our own work, even if the answer we land on is simply: "because its SO cool."

Quote for the Day

2009-08-23T12:06:00.000-07:00

"A poem is a serious joke, a truth that has learned jujitsu."

--William Stafford

Does that mean that it is possible to get your black belt in fiction?

Names

2009-08-21T10:18:00.000-07:00

I love clever character names. If I had to say, from my limited, English-speaking USian point of view, Dickens and Rawlings are two of the best namers of characters. And Pratchett, can't forget him. It seems to be all about onomatopoeia, word origins and connotations. If you have a few hours to spend, check out the character lists on David Perdue's Charles Dickens Page.

I have a terrible time naming my characters. I have a tendency to use place-holders, and when I first started, I used an"AAA" and "BBB" system. Now I tend to use the names of similar characters from books and movies or the names of people I used to know or would like to know. I'm trying to match impressions of characters, not facts or reality. When I know them better, I give them proper names, but I wish I could just find the right name immediately.

Are you the kind of writer who just knows your characters names, or do you labor over it like me? Do you have a favorite character name? Am I asking for trouble by admitting I use my impressions of real people in creating fictional characters?

From Mead to Moleskins

2009-08-20T20:30:00.000-07:00

All you need to write is: a pen, a Mead notebook or Moleskin, an idea - you can write anywhere, anytime and place. Diablo Cody penned an award winning screenplay in between stripper gigs in Crystal Court. There are countless tales of writers penning their stories in the craziest places. (I'd love to hear about the craziest place you wrote.) So, what are you waiting for? Bring your notebook and pen! Then next time your in the doctor's office or waiting for your children, whip it open and write!!!