8 days until Christmas! So, here are book recommendations. If you liked X then you might like X–of course, this is just my opinion. Let’s begin, shall we? If you liked… 1. Ann Patchett’s Bel Canto… …then you might like Captain Corelli’s Mandolin by Louis de Bernières.
9 days until Christmas! Too many cooks spoil the broth. Have you ever been so overwhelmed by all the experts, by all the blogs meant to help us, or by all the workshops with different (and perhaps contradictory) approaches to writing that you sit paralyzed at your keyboard? You’re certain that your WIP has committed […]
10 days to Christmas. I’m just gonna go ahead and apologize in advance for what I know will be a few weeks of sparse posting. Holidays, holidays with the husband’s family, holidays with the husband’s family who don’t speak English… You get the idea. It doesn’t help that the Muse and I seem to be […]
14 days to Christmas! Yesterday, I was considering the importance of setting goals. I usually thumb my nose at goal-setters and motivational stuff, but I realized lately that I shouldn’t because I am an obsessive goal-setter, I just never noticed it before. For example: While jogging: I’ll just go two more blocks, and then I’ll […]
Today is the day Pearl Harbor was attacked in 1941. As such, the film Pearl Harbor was playing on TV over the weekend. We watched. Big mistake. The film is beyond horrible, but there are some great lessons to be learned from it–-lessons that are cross-denominational for film and writing. Here are a few:
A bit more on inspiration today since it’s just been One of Those Days. But, it’s been an Awesome One of those Days. After over a month of outlining and research, I finally started writing last week. I’m pumping out two scenes per day (that’s, like, 2500 words), and it feels great! I’m inspired.
Lately, I’ve been following a Korean soap opera called “Heaven’s Fate” or (in Korean) 왕꽃 선녀님. It’s melodramatic, borderline absurd, and highly entertaining. Interestingly enough, I’ve managed to see some writing tactics in action–aspects in storytelling that apply both to written fiction and TV drama. Here’s what I’ve learned: Conflict, conflict, conflict! If it’s easy […]
I thought I’d briefly discuss the importance character plays in terms of plot. This is something my first manuscript really lacks, and I’m determined to get it right the second time through. Essentially, the plot should force the MC to act, but the actions he/she chooses are dictated by who the character is and what […]
Okay, so during the cold months of the year, I tend to read certain kinds of books. Books with snow/ice, books with dark settings and mysterious elements, or books that make me laugh. I’m a fantasy/sci-fi/classics reader, so that’s what my top 13 books consist of. 1. Jonathon Strange and Mr. Norrell by Susanna Clarke. […]
I just want to say on this beautiful Sunday that I appreciate everyone’s comments on my blog. They make me feel warm & fuzzy inside, and I love reading them. Keep ’em coming! Also, I hope everyone had a spooky Halloween, and now get ready! Today’s the first day of NaNoWriMo!! Are we all geared […]