Do you work for your inspiration?

I have internet for one more day before we take off for our 4-day drive tomorrow, so I thought I'd try and do a quick post. I haven't been able to get much writing over the past several weeks, and I find myself feeling panicked inside. I feel like if I don't get to my stories somehow I'll lose them.

Something I find interesting about being a writer is the fact that I have inspiration at the most random times and inconvenient places, yet I'm more likely to have that inspiration when I'm disciplined about making myself write everyday. It reminds me of something my parents used to tell me: Luck comes to those who are prepared, and the harder you work the luckier you get. From a writing perspective I think it would be appropriate to say: Inspiration comes to those who work, and the harder you work the more inspired you feel. At least for me this is true. What about you?

Friends for Life

Many of you know that Kasie (one of the other contributors) is my best friend. We were friends before either of us knew that the other was writing, so when we discovered that we were both in the middle of novels it just added another dimension to our friendship. We also happen to look alike. We get asked all the time if we're sisters (even though Kasie recently became a brunette). Here's a recent picture of us together. I think you'll see why we get mistaken for each other.
Another thing we share in common is a crazy sense of humor. It get's us in to trouble sometimes. Like the year we went to girl's camp together as leaders and were shushed by the other, older leaders. Or the time we were sitting in Sunday school together and couldn't stop giggling.

More recently we were invited to an "80's" party and decided to do our own version of the 80's. Yes, we dressed up as 80-year-old women, and no, we have no self-respect when it comes to getting a good laugh (who's going to go along with my hair-brained ideas when I move to Ohio in a week?). For your viewing enjoyment I thought I'd post a glimpse into the future of our friendship. If you really want a good laugh, blow up the group picture and check out our expressions. It makes me laugh every time!!

The Same, Yet Different

As writers I've noticed that there seem to be several experiences and personality traits we tend to share. For example, I've heard many a fellow writer speak of the voices in their head, or the characters that like to visit them at the most inopportune times. When I hear comments such as these, I don't think, wow, she's crazy! I think me too!!

I've also heard many of you speak of the highs of new ideas and finished books and the lows of self-doubt and feelings of inadequacy. Hearing your personal ups and downs often makes me feel that I'm not alone in this struggle to harness the muse.

We spend so much time talking about what makes us the same that today I want to talk about what makes us different, or maybe a I should say that I'm simply curious to know about you as an individual writer. I'll start...

I am a slow writer compared to the writers around me. I labor over each word, and I have a hard time moving on if I don't feel the last bit is perfect. I have deleted probably20-30 thousand words from my first novel and I'm still working on the ending (for the third time). I also have two versions of it: first person and third person.

My second book, which I'm only half way through seems to be coming much easier to me than my first, and I'm hoping to be able to overcome some of my perfectionist tendencies which can be so inhibiting. I enjoy writing abstract poetry and love writing personal letters to people I love. I also have a confession, sometimes I don't want to write at all. I don't want the pressure of feeling like if I don't finish my work I will be letting people down. Phew... glad I got that off my chest. :)

So what are you like as an individual writer? Maybe you're the same as me and we're similar in our differences.... hmmm.... feel free to get philosophical on the subject.

This is Wacky Wednesday!!

My day is officially titled "Wacky Wednesday," so I figure that is permission to write about whatever the heck I want to write about. So today I choose American Idol. No, this is not the first time I've written about that wonderful show. You may recall a certain controversial post written several weeks back about Adam Lambert and charisma. I was a 100% devoted Adam fan until last week... Are you gasping in shock. I know, it's shocking. After all my proclaimed love for Adam Lambert, he just lost that spark for me. I'm now a Kris fan all the way!

So this change of heart has made me ponder and ponder (is it sad that a T.V. show could take up so much of my mental time?). Why the change? The judges still adore him. Other artists adore him. America obviously still loves him. Why don't I? Here are the possibilities I've come up with and as usual, it makes me think of my characters.

1. Repetition- Adam is very distinct in his stylistic elements (e.g. the sticking his tongue out while singing really high). At first it drew me too him, but after a while it got old.

2. Over dramatized- He's a great performer, but sometimes I feel like he's acting like a rock star instead of being one. It doesn't always seem genuine to me.

3. He peaked too early- He was too good too fast, so now it's hard for him to amaze me.

I'll leave it to you guys to see how this might apply or not apply to any of your characters. Feel free to leave you thoughts in the comments, but I really want to know is, who do you think is going to win?!! And why are they your favorite? It's okay to say Adam. :) I still think he's incredibly talented!

Swimming up stream

Literature today is full of sex, violence, drugs and swearing. Sometimes trying to write an interesting and clean book can feel like swimming upstream. There's pressure out there to make your writing "gritty" or portray reality.

I was recently reading a book that I was enjoying very much. It's a story of a young girl who was genetically engineered and conceived as a donor for her sister who had cancer. I was really into it until about half way through the book when the author introduced several side character's stories and things they had done in their past. The writing became extremely vulgar. I was saddened an annoyed for two reasons. First because I felt the additions were 100% unnecessary and probably just added to make the book "gritty" and second because I knew I would never be able to recommend the book to a friend.

My favorite books are usually clean (Jane Austen, Harry Potter, Chronicles of Narnia, Lord of the Rings). I think there's a kind of depth and creativity in them that is lacking in stories that have to resort to gratuitous sex and violence to get people interested. I'm not trying to say that writers should refrain from writing about difficult topics (the afore mentioned books confront evil head on). But I think it can be done in a way that doesn't sensationalize or glamorize bad things. My own personal rule of thumb is to ask myself if something I'm writing would entice anyone to do anything wrong. I also often ask myself why I'm including something. Is it necessary for the story or am I hoping it will sell books. Not that selling books is a bad thing, just that I don't want to compromise and put something in a book that would be a negative influence because I think it might sell more books. What to include in a book is a very personal decision, and only the author can decide what they are comfortable writing about. And sometimes making that decision can be daunting.

I thought this was a funny video about going along with the crowd. Hopefully we're like the first man. :) He doesn't seem to be bothered by the group at all.

Can I steal Jenn's title? Busy, Busy, Busy!

I haven't done any writing (or reading) this week. I've been working hard to put together a party for my husband to celebrate his commissioning and the fact that he's finished all his course work for his PhD. It started off as a BBQ for friends and family and just grew and grew into a full scale party! It's going to be a lot of fun, but it's basically taken over my life for the past week.

So I'm going to share a craft idea this week that I'm having a lot of fun with. I'm using these as centerpieces for my tables at the BBQ. Sorry these pictures were taken with my phone because I left my camera at someone's house.

The party has a patriotic theme, and my husband loves treats, so I decide to make these candy dished and fill them with red, white and blue candy.





These are really easy and inexpensive to make and so cute! I bought terracotta pots and used shiny spray paint on them. Then I turn the pot upside down and use epoxy to attach the glass bowl (Walmart $4). I used the terracotta dish as the lid and epoxied a knob on top. Then I filled them with Candy. Ta da!

The votive candles have a smaller glass container inside with a tealight. In between the two glass containers I put salt in one and colored water in the other. Then I tied some patriotic ribbon around them.

Just the two of me

Consider this an exercise: How many times can I say 'so' and 'like' in three minutes?

Another appropriate title might be, 'How to Look and Sound Like a Ditz Without Actually Being One.'

What do you hope to accomplish?

"Either write something worth reading or do something worth writing."
Ben Franklin

I'm reading a book called, "Fablehaven" right now. It's the fourth book in a series by Brandon Mull, who happens to be an LDS author. I believe it's actually a middle grade book, though its more than four hundred pages and could easily appeal to older teens and adults. It's a fun action packed adventure with battles of good versus evil. There's nothing overtly religious or preachy about it; it's just good entertainment where the good guys win. Its the kind of book that I want to write.

I contrast that with another book I read last week (I won't mention the name), but it was a young adult fantasy that had a message of promiscuity and radical feminism. It left me feeling frustrated and upset that this is the message deemed appropriate for young impressionable teens. It also reinforced my belief that we can make a difference through our stories simply by offering an alternative to that kind of entertainment.

I don't imagine that anything I write will change the world. But I do hope that I will contribute to entertainment industry in a positive, uplifting way. I hope that I will write the things that I would want my children to read. The things that put messages of honor and integrity into their minds while fascinating and entertaining them. It's a modest goal, but one I hope will have an impact in some small way.

I also hope that my children will be influenced in a positive way by my desire to pursue a goal and develop a talent. I hope they will see that it is possible to find success in your chosen endeavors while maintaining your standards. And that they will see the joy that comes from exercising our creativity and also working hard. If my writing only influences them then it will have been well worth it.

What do you hope to accomplish with your writing?

I want to read you guys, so de-lurk!

So here's the opportunity and the challenge. I want to read your work. A first paragraph of your novel, a poem, a description of your favorite character, whatever you write, I want to read it! It doesn't have to be long. Just something to show us what you like to write about. This is a challenge for all the blog contributors AND readers AND lurkers. (I know you're out there, so de-lurk and let us get to know you.)

I'll start. I typically write novels, but I also enjoy writing poetry from time to time when I'm inspired, so here's one of my favorite poems. I wrote it for my sister.

Thrust upon a raging sea of transience
My decree of permanence is threatened
I sink deeper into the black, blue nadir
Drowning in my sea of strength
I wait for an arm to lift me up to weakness
Where for a moment, a breath
My lungs are free from heroic resolution
Forcing out the oxygen
I gulp in the free air and keep it
Reluctant to let go of life
Only for the hope of comfort
Distant from the harbor so long
An island of deceptive might
Gaze fixed on the tranquil shore


Your turn!

What is Charisma?

From Wikipedia...

Although difficult or even impossible to define accurately (due to an abundance of wildly diverse criteria in regard to the trait), charisma is often used to describe an elusive, even undefinable personality trait that often includes the seemingly 'supernatural' or uncanny ability to lead, charm, persuade, inspire, and/or influence people. It refers especially to a quality in certain people who easily draw the attention and admiration (or even hatred if the application of such charisma is perceived to be negative) of others due to a 'magnetic' quality of personality and/or appearance...

Despite the strong emotions they so often induce in others, charismatic individuals generally project unusual calmness, confidence, assertiveness, dominance, authenticity, and focus, and almost always possess superb communication and/or oratorical skills.

This subject has been on my mind as you may already know if you've read my personal blog. How do you define charisma? How do you make your characters charismatic? Is it an acquired trait or is it just there? Do we love and adore characters who don't have it? Or is it a necessity in literature?

Last night I was watching American Idol and Adam Lambert sang a remake of Johnny Cash's, "Ring of Fire." It was very weird, but incredible at the same time, and I thought to myself, there is somebody with charisma. Oodles and oodles of it. The judges were so mixed in their opinions, but I had to laugh when Kara said, "It was strange and left me confused and happy." I thought to myself, ditto. It would have been incredible strange if anyone else had performed it, but because it was Adam it was awesome!

I think it's that way in writing sometimes. The truly charismatic characters can get away with murder (literally), and yet we still find ourselves drawn to them. One character can say something outrageous and conceited and we love him, while a different character could say the exact same thing and we would think he was a slime ball. Charisma is just one more subjective, elusive issue we deal with as writers and sometimes we write our characters with it and sometimes no matter how hard we try it evades us.

Urban Ninjas

The "urban ninjas" in this video are jump artists. They perform amazing, dangerous feats in the run down buildings of the ghettos where they live in Russia. The first time I saw this video the first thing I thought was, why? But I think I understand a little better now; there's something within us as humans that gives us the desire to distinguish ourselves in some way, to excel at something. Even if it's just within our small circle. What amazes me is the risks we are willing to take to do that. For a writer the risk might not be physical injury, but it can be very personal. Revealing your work to others for critique or rejection is a big deal! But in the end I think we're better for it. We grow and gain confidence, while at the same time gaining humility.

Sorry to wax philosophical, but this has just been on my mind.

This is kind of a long video. I would suggest fast forwarding to 2:00. It's really amazing after that. Sorry for the Russian rap music. :)

What do you want?

I've been thinking very seriously lately about what I really want from my writing. At first it started as a hobby; it was a way to express my feelings, or entertain myself. It was also a means of communication. I often wrote notes, or letters, or poetry and gave them to people I loved. I always found that it was easier to formulate my thoughts when I was writing them. Then suddenly I found that there were stories coming to my head.

I remember a few years back my husband took me to a Josh Groban concert for my birthday, and I couldn't get the music out of my head. All I could think about were the stories that might inspire songs like he sang. I imagined what the people would be like, what they were feeling and thinking, what motivated them. I found myself unable to sleep at night. I had to write down my thoughts, even if it was just character descriptions or scenery. Suddenly everything around me inspired thoughts of stories. A song, a building, a beautiful view, a funny conversation, a striking person, a strong emotion, it all made me want to write.

After a while the writing itself became the motivation. I felt so excited when I was writing. Seeing my stories come to life was giving me a natural high. Then as I got brave enough to share them I realized how wonderful it felt to see others enjoying them. Naturally this led to thoughts of publication. I started to wonder if I could really do it. Were my stories interesting enough? Had I written them well enough? I began paying closer attention the the mechanics. I joined a writing group. I started blogging with you all. I also began delving deeper into the world of publishing and researching what it takes to get published.

Now that I'm almost done editing and polishing my first book and about half way through my second, I'm seriously wondering if I've taken the time to figure out what I really want. Every step seemed like a natural progression, but I wonder if I considered all the implications of being published.

Fortunately, writers seem to be better able to maintain their anonymity than other people in the entertainment industry (unless you're Stephenie Meyer), and though writing is not likely to make you filthy rich or super famous, it will require certain things. For example, a fairly large amount of traveling at certain times. It would also require meeting deadlines and being accountable for contracts. In essence I would be choosing to become a working mom. Granted it would be the best working mom gig out there, but it would still be work. Now don't get me wrong, I grew up with a working mom and she was amazing! And I realize that writing from home is a whole different ball game than working a nine to five job. But the reality is that I would be adding one more thing to my life, one more obligation. And there would be good and bad consequences.

So I think what I've realized is that I need to know for sure that what I'm doing is right. That the sacrifices are worth it. I'm at the point now where I need to decide how to proceed because I know that once I make the decision I won't look back. I'll put all my heart and soul into what I choose and if that means never sleeping so that I can be a mom and a writer then that's what I'll do. But if I know what I want and that I made the right decision when times are tough or stressful, I'll have the assurance that I did the right thing.

It seems like every writer I've met so far knows what they want. They never seem to doubt it. I'm curious to know what some of your goals are.

Quotable Quotes

There is one quote that sits at the top of my blog, It's by Flannery O'Conner. You may have already read it. It's the best expression of why I write. It says, "I write because I don't know what I think until I read what I say." That is so true for me. I can make sense of the world when I'm writing. I like to write letters to people to tell them how I'm feeling. I write in my journal to figure out why I'm feeling a certain way. I write fiction as an outlet for an excess of feeling or thought that has to be used up or it will drive me crazy and keep me up at night. :)

Good Quotes either express just how I feel, or enlighten me with a description of something that I didn't realize I felt until that very moment. Here are a few of my favorite quotes. I read them when I need a reminder of why I write, or how I should write.

So I would love to hear one of your favorite quotes if you would like to share.


Quotes

Write from the soul, not from some notion of what you think the marketplace wants. The market is fickle; the soul is eternal.
-Jeffrey A. Carver

How vain it is to sit down to write when you have not stood up to live.
-Henry David Thoreau

First, find out what your hero wants, then just follow him!
- Ray Bradbury

I am irritated by my own writing. I am like a violinist whose ear is true, but whose fingers refuse to reproduce precisely the sound he hears within.
- Gustave Flaubert

Observe, don't imitate.
- John M. Ford

A writer never has a vacation. For a writer life consists of either writing or thinking about writing.
- Eugene Ionesco

Wacky Wednesday - *Warning, no writing related content is contained in this post*

Life is funny. I think by now most of us have figured out that if you don’t learn how to laugh a lot than you’re going to be crying. My problem is that that I’ve learned to do both in abundance, and over years my giggle and tear reflexes have become extra sensitive (probably from over use). The result is that I laugh and cry at the drop of a hat and at the most inconvenient times ( Jenni’s post on her school assignment got me thinking about this [I think she has my same problem, at least the laughing part ]). So when do I laugh? When I was young I would laugh when I was getting in trouble. I wasn’t trying to be disrespectful; it was just my way of dealing with an uncomfortable situation. I also tended to laugh when other people were getting in trouble. As a result, I have the high distinction in my family of being the only child out of six who was ever slapped. Yep, right across the face, but don’t remind my mom about that one. It scarred her emotionally. Not me, I think it’s funny (of course I do because that would be inappropriate).

Some of my other favorite times to laugh would include: during very quiet church meetings, when my husband is upset at me about something (okay when anybody is upset with me, really), during family meetings, and inevitably when it’s time to pray. Just recently I started a prayer in front of my entire husband’s family with the words “We are thankful.” No introduction, no requisite beginning, I just went right into the prayer and then realized what I had done. I was so embarrassed that I laughed for like ten minutes which was bad since the food was getting cold, and my father-in-law insisted I still say the prayer. So eventually I giggled my way through.

Crying is another story. I cry at all the right times, when I’m hurt or frustrated, when I’m worried about someone I love, when something spiritual touches my heart, and when I see anything moving, like the Olympics, or a T.V. commercial, or a sad cartoon. See totally appropriate. Right??

I’ve come to terms with my emotional defects. I’ve actually learned to embrace them. I think my philosophy in life is be happy, or be sad, but don’t just sit around somewhere in the middle. Life’s too short to be vanilla all the time. Unless being vanilla makes you super happy than just go with it. I no longer chide myself for feeling emotions. If I’m happy, I smile, laugh, and hopefully bring joy into other’s lives. When I’m sad I cry and allow myself to be sad. I no longer think of sadness as bad. It just is. I’m not suggesting wallowing in self pity all the time. I’m just saying if I’m sad than I’m sad! I just go with it. When I’m angry… I lock myself in my room and give myself a time out.

In the end both crying and laughing have the same affect on our bodies. They both release endorphins which are those feel good hormones. So, experiencing emotions make us feel good. We were created to feel, and I relish that fact!

Wacky Wednesday

So today officially starts Wacky Wednesday. I feel so honored to host it. Erm...at least I think I feel honored. I should feel honored, right? So my Wacky Wednesday started off with a chance to read a totally awesome MS written by the indubitably hi-larious pair of writers known as Jenni James and Kasie West, aka Abigail and Riley (their teeny-bopper alter egos, which appear in their new book). Let me just say that having just finished their brilliant, hysterical book, and having known Kasie for quite a while now and corresponded quite a lot with Jenni, I can definitely say that these two are infinitely more qualified than I am to be in charge of Wacky Wednesday!

So here's my Wacky Wednesday idea (stick with me, it's somewhat related to the previous paragraph). I was thinking of ways to combine Kasie and Jenni's names to create a pen name for their book (not that they want one, I was just doing it for fun), and it got me thinking about pen names. So have you thought about that too? Are there any you would like to share. Here's a few of the ones I came up with for Jenni and Kasie.

Jenika Westames
Kasenni Jaest

Cakey Wheezer (okay that's actually just the name I use when I have to sign into some website to see something, but I don't want to give my actual information and recieve a ton of spam. Yes, I even have an email with this name, though I never ever check it.)