Please welcome our guest blogger today, Terron James author of "Insight" an epic YA fantasy set to release June 1, 2013.
I've been trying to think of different ways to address the same topics so my blog tour readers don't become bored. With that in mind, I'm going to approach this post a little abstractly. I want to talk about my magic fingers. That's right, magic!
When I initially began writing INSIGHT, I had created a detailed, chronological outline of what events needed to happen in the book. It wasn't until halfway through (on my first draft, mind you; INSIGHT is worlds different that the original draft, thank goodness!) that I finally discovered one of my most powerful keys to crafting engaging literature.
For those who have read INSIGHT, I'll be referring to the kidnapping, and I'll leave it at that. No spoilers here! I was following my usual protocol, "Alt-Tab"ing between my book and my outline as I laid out a scene where one character was reconnecting with a relative. They were speaking back and forth while eating breakfast and I became enveloped in their conversation, so much that I stopped looking back at my outline. Oh, the scandal! Before I knew it, there was a knock on the character's door and when she opened it, it was not who she (nor I) had suspected. It was someone else, reporting that a person had gone missing.
I still tingle when I think back to that epiphany! I remember gawking at the computer screen, then lifting my hands to stare at my open palms. "Where did that come from? I don't know, but I like it!" The resulting scenes became some of the best parts of INSIGHT, and some of my favorite parts to write. It took many days of retelling my experience, along with deep critical analyzing, before I finally figured out the secret.
Intuition.
I had accidentally shut off the "thinker" part of my brain and allowed my subconscious mind to take control; the part of my brain that instinctually knows what makes a great story. The creative side.
I've used this technique many times since, but I won't lie and say that it's always easy. It takes practice, discipline, and repetition to bring out this creative side of ourselves. Unfortunately, for most of us, adulthood squashed our imagination and creativity when we had to accept reality and responsibility. But don't give up! It's in there, screaming to be let out! We just have to figure out where to listen. I find mine in a good movie soundtrack and a tall glass of cherry Pepsi, on the rocks.
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Best,
Terron James
To find out more about "Insight" here:
B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/insight-terron-james/1104731879?ean=9780988649187
To find out more about "Insight" here:
B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/insight-terron-james/1104731879?ean=9780988649187
Amazon: http://amzn.com/0988649179
You can find Terron James online here:
Also find a giveaway in honor of the blog tour on the sidebar!!
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