Freedom Fighters

The fight for freedom—good versus evil—is a major theme in most novels, whether your MC is battling street thugs, zombies or intergalactic wizards. But freedom is such an enormous concept that it can be overwhelming to capture on the page. What does it truly mean to our characters?

Personal Stakes
Struggles rarely begin over something as immeasurable as the fate of the universe. Usually, they start closer to home and closer to heart. The trick is to figure out what—or who—your characters are fighting for and anchor their emotions, motivations and actions to that one specific rallying cry.

• Katniss didn’t fight to start a rebellion or free Panem. She fought to save her sister and, later, Peeta.
• Benjamin Martin in The Patriot doesn’t join the revolution because he wants an independent country. He joins because the troops kill his son.
• The Pevensies didn’t stay in Narnia just to help Aslan. They wanted to find their brother.

By narrowing the scope and making the fight more personal for your characters, you actually heighten the stakes for the reader. It might be hard for us to relate to a character who’s responsible for saving millions of lives, but we all know what it feels like to worry about protecting family and friends.

Broad Consequences
While specific and personal are powerful tools when setting stakes, the opposite is true for the consequences of battle. The bigger, the better. The more people affected, the more sweeping your story becomes. Your plot helps you determine how to build the action to move from personal stakes to fate-of-the-universe impact.

TV’s Supernatural is a great example of building consequences. During the first season, the brothers’ main focus is killing the demon that killed their mother. The stakes are extremely personal and the consequences of failure really only affect the two of them. However, as the seasons progress, the brothers’ actions affect more and more of their friends’ lives…then the fate of Earth…then the fate of Heaven, Hell and Earth. It keeps growing, yet it all ties back to those original personal stakes.

Worthy Opponents
Battles wouldn’t be nearly as exciting and freedom wouldn’t taste nearly as sweet if we didn’t have crafty villains to stand against the heroes. A well-written bad guy is sinfully fun to read. One way to make sure your villains measure up is to limit their mistakes. Sometimes writers allow their bad guys to make so many sloppy mistakes it borders on laziness. The hero always gets the lucky break just when he or she needs it.

But what if they didn’t?

What if you put as much strategy into your opponent’s battle planning as you did to the good guys’? It ups the ante and the outcome becomes less predictable, like two skilled chess players facing off. I think we all know the good guys will win in the end (with some exceptions), but at what cost? That question is what keeps readers turning pages.

Next time you’re in “battle mode,” keep these three factors in mind. And be sure to thank any military folks (US and others) you see. We may write about being on the frontlines of the fight for freedom, but they live it each day.

Why We Love Spec-Fic

Get ready to get tricksy! I’m jumping into the Something Wicked blogfest to spread my love for spec-fic. The folks over at Wicked & Tricksy started us off with three excellent questions, so away we go:

1. Name 3 of your favorite spec-fic stories (books, movies, tv shows, anything goes!)
First of all, someone was very cruel in limiting us to three. I’ve read a lot of amazing stories across all sub-genres of spec-fic, but my first love is fantasy.

Dragonflight, Anne McCaffrey
Space colonies and dragons – does it get any better? Lessa remains one of my favorite heroines to this day.

Wheel of Time, Robert Jordan
Readers tend to love the series or hate it, but it’s hard to beat Jordan’s characterization. I admire how even his throw-away characters have their own stories.

Stardust, Neil Gaiman
Adventure, comedy, romance, evil witches, falling stars – this movie has it all…and, oh yeah, Robert De Niro in a dress! Gaiman is a great story-teller and the movie did it justice.

2. Tell us why YOU love spec-fic – what plot line, character type, story trope, setting, time, place is your absolute favorite.
I confess my deep and undying devotion to spec-fic every time I enter a library or a Barnes & Noble. It takes the best elements of other genres—romance, history, suspense—and adds a touch of wonder and magic!

It has adventure, love, big glorious good-vs-evil showdowns, and characters that make us feel like we’ve known them all our lives. (And let’s face it, some fantasy series are so huge, that we probably have.) One of my favorite cover flaps of all time is from M.M. Kaye’s historical fiction epic, The Far Pavilions. It says, in part:

“We all remember certain sweeping novels we hated to see come to an end; it was almost like breaking up with someone we love…a passionate, triumphant story that excites us, fills us with joy, moves us to tears and makes us remember just what it is we want most from a novel.”

THAT’s what fantasy is for me. Ironically, of course, I have quoted how I feel about fantasy from a non-fantasy book. *grin*

I also once came across a fabulous comment from another blogger who said what he loves most about fantasy is the honor. He nailed it! There is a very precious and mysterious aspect to spec-fic novels that makes readers yearn to be part of some higher code and righteous struggle.

It lifts us up and transcends our current fast-paced, Me-centered, instant-info (and in many ways very wonderful) reality. It gives us characters to believe in and makes us believe there might be something out there worth fighting for.

I read and like many other genres, but I’ve never found one I love quite as dearly as fantasy. Whether it’s dragons, deep space, alternate worlds or vampires, I can’t get enough (especially the dragons!). 

3. Take a guess if you can: where do you see spec-fic stories going in the next two, five, ten years? What will be popular and how will the sub-genres have changed?
It’s hard to predict what’ll be on the shelves tomorrow, much less years from now. I do think the pace of books will continue to increase. YA and urban fantasy are the pace-setters right now with incredibly fast, tightly weaving action, and I think the other sub-genres of spec-fic will follow.

Although epic fantasy is dear to my heart, I also see that giving way to more futuristic, dystopian and alt-history subgenres.


So, now that I’m done singing its praises, what do YOU love most about fantasy? Share it here and hop over to Wicked & Tricksy to see what others say.

Handling the “I don’t know what the pirates do” Moments

“When the going gets tough, the tough…I don’t know what the tough do. I don’t know what the pirates do. I don’t know what anybody does.”

Joan Wilder, anyone? I admit I love Romancing the Stone! This quote comes from its sequel, Jewel of the Nile, when romance novelist Joan Wilder is bemoaning her writer’s block for a scene in her latest book (Involving pirates. I know, shocker, right?). She’s worried her career is over.

“I don’t know what the pirates do” moments describe that gut-clenching fear that comes when:
            a) You have no idea what happens next
            b) You realize you’ve lost all interest in your characters
            c) You’ve discovered a gaping plot hole and don’t even know
                where to start fixing it
            d) Some variation on one (or all) of the above

Raise your hand if you’ve ever felt that way. *raises hand*

So how do we pick ourselves back up and find our mojo again? I’m guessing most of us won’t be traipsing off to the Nile to do a documentary piece on a psychotic zealot like Joan did. Here are a few more down-to-earth tricks we can try:

Breathe
When the muse disappears and self doubts rear their ugly heads, you’ll want to cry or scream or throw things, and that’s fine, good even. Let it all out. Just don’t forget to breathe, too.

Go for a Walk
Getting outside does three excellently helpful things during “I don’t know what the pirates do” moments: 1) gives you fresh air, 2) gives you exercise, which gets the blood flowing and can spark inspiration, 3) gets you away from the computer where you might be evilly tempted to press delete on your momentarily-stalled Work of Awesomeness.

Do Something Outside Your Comfort Zone
There’s something to be said for the shock factor. If you put yourself in an unknown situation, not only does it pull your mind completely away from writing, it also gives you a new venue for ideas. Plus, you’ll probably have fun doing it, and fun leads to mojo…it’s a proven fact. So strap on that parachute, go to a movie alone, visit that new museum exhibit, whatever puts you in fresh surroundings.

Put on Your Favorite Tunes and Sing Along
Um…you don’t want to know how often I’ve pulled out the Bon Jovi air guitar during Livin’ on a Prayer. There’s something about music that acts like a salve. We connect with the lyrics, sing them at the top of our lungs, and suddenly all seems right in the world again.

Read a Great Book…Outside Your Genre
Nothing revitalizes my love for writing more than reading. Curling up with a great book flexes my imagination, heightens my emotions and energizes me! The key is to steer clear of anything that’s too similar to what you’re currently writing. I’ll still read fantasy, for example, but if I’m writing in third person, I’ll generally pick a fast-paced, first person novel to relax with. That way, you avoid all those nasty comparison traps we writers are so tempted to fall into.

Have Faith
A few years ago, I was in the midst of a crazy busy, frustrating time at work. I hadn’t written in weeks (a sure-fire way to make me uber cranky), and I couldn’t pull inspiration out of my ass if my life depended on it. One night, after staring at a blank screen for what seemed like forever, I sank to my knees in front of my laptop and sobbed, “It’s over.” I could just feel that dream slipping away from me. Within a week, I heard back (after 7 months) from a publication that accepted one of my short stories…my very first one. That was exactly the boost I needed.

This is a wacky business, but with a little trust, a lot of work, occasional wine breaks and good friends, we can beat the “I don’t know what the pirates do” moments. Never doubt it!

How do you handle your toughest writing moments? Bonus points for anyone who adds a favorite quote from Romancing the Stone or Jewel of the Nile!

Our Favorite Libraries

I’m not sure if it’s the lingering image of Belle’s incredible library or the fact that I got most of my childhood books from my local branch, but I love libraries! Something about the idea of a building dedicated entirely to books calls to me. (Plus, I secretly want one of those rolling library ladders.) It’s truly a great way to open the world of reading to anyone.
I’ve been in a lot of brilliant libraries over the years—small town, big city, winding staircases, dim lighting, you name it—but a few stand out as closest to my heart.

The Pauline Haass Public Library – Sussex, WI
This was my hometown library growing up. The original small, ranch-style building underwent a massive expansion and remodel just before I began high school. I still remember the musty smell of that old building. You had to comb through the books to find the one you wanted, and I thought it was a fabulous treasure hunt. I devoured Lois Walfrid Johnson’s Adventures of the Northwoods here.

When I was in high school, I organized the library’s Read Week with books, finger-painting and games galore for the kids. I worked closely with the Children’s Librarian until she left to pursue her Ph.D. in literacy education, and I still remember her as a great inspiration for my own writing path. (Mrs. B if you’re reading this *wave*)

Trinity College Library – Dubin, Ireland
If you haven’t gone to Trinity yet, buy your plane ticket right now. This place filled me with awe as no other library could. There is a sense of sacred legacy for all the texts that line Trinity’s shelves. The Long Room in particular took my breath away. It is exactly how I picture a library is meant to look, and I had to fight a temptation to jump the velvet ropes to read the ancient spines more closely. (I mean, there are two gorgeous floors of books and all I get to do is walk down one measly aisle?!) Also be sure to see Trinity’s illuminated manuscript collection and the Book of Kells. The time and painstaking attention to detail in these manuscripts kinda puts e-books to shame.

Milwaukee Public Library – Milwaukee, WI
It’s got a great selection and the architecture is stunning! I actually based one of my fictional castles after elements of this building. A few years ago, I did a “Royal Reading Event” for a client with three classrooms of first graders and Belle from Beauty and the Beast. It was incredible to see the kids’ faces as she read to them—that’s the power of a library.

So, what are your favorite libraries? Give them a shout-out!

The Writer's Travelogue: Smokies 2 - Character Development

Yesterday, we looked at the world-building elements I discovered on my Smokies hikes. Today, I want to share what I learned on the character side of the game – everything from specific feelings and experiences, to travel logistics. Enjoy!

How Does it Feel?

To hike up a mountain ridge: Compared to the gently rolling forests and hills I’m used to in the Midwest, the mountain setting was almost too thick to go “off trail.” I don’t think that’s going to be very useful for my book, so I’m sticking with open hardwood forests that occasionally have thicker areas.

To stand in an ice-cold creek: It feels absolutely wonderful after a hot day (Even when your feet cramp from the cold)! There are even a few deep pools that make great swimming holes.

The icy water can easily and quickly become a problem on cold days. Rocks on the river bottoms are slippery and uneven – people and horses would definitely risk breaking an ankle or leg during crossings.

95% of the time you can stand in these types of creeks, so there’s no life-threatening concern of being swept downstream. Exceptions: Fast-rising floodwaters and young children.

To stand under a waterfall: A waterfall is not a gentle spray if you’re standing beneath it—it’s a strong, consistent flow of water and it’s cold! Also, waterfalls vary immensely depending on the amount of rain and water flowing into them at any given moment. I saw one that was just a baby trickle. Unfortunately, most don’t naturally occur in a way that allows people to stand under them like a shower—it’s much more common to be able to climb above or below the falls.

Character-Building and Logistics
Travel Mileage: If you’re traveling just to travel, not doing anything else, you can crank out upwards of 15 miles a day. For character travel, on foot, and assuming various plot twists and events along the way, I’d set the daily travel limit to about 5-10 miles.

This will also depend on how much gear your character is carrying. My pack was about 35 pounds for a planned 6-day hike. If your characters are simply jumping from town to town, they can probably make it farther, knowing they’ll have a good meal and a bed at the end of the day without needing supplies. If they’re in the wilderness and have to carry their own items, it’ll take them longer.

Thank goodness for horses and magic; otherwise travel would take forever!

Group dynamics: Water (to drink or to play in) and rest bring people back together, and by the end of a week, you’re going to be arguing over little things. But there’s definitely a “we’re in this together” vibe.

Local delicacies: I struck out on this one. The roadside stands for Boiled Peanuts didn’t sound too appetizing, and the wild strawberries I tried were too little to be sweet.

The Writer's Travelogue: World-Building in the Smokies

I’m back from the great outdoors, and in addition to recharging my soul, I’ve refueled my imagination. Before I left for the Smokies, I knew I wanted to use my hiking time as an opportunity to get deeper into the head of one of my characters since her upbringing is in a similar region and really inspires her personality.

Those of you who read my last post know some of the insights I was hoping to discover, so here’s the post-trip report! Today, I’ll focus on the world-building elements and tomorrow I’ll tackle character details.

World-Building

Wildflowers: My new favorites are mountain laurel, which is absolutely stunning when it hangs over rivers, bluets and rhododendron (which I always thought was some variation of goldenrod – silly me!)

Rivers: I love me a good mountain stream, and now I have a much better understanding of their width, depth and speed. I knew I didn’t want my world’s rivers to be on a scale with the Mississippi, but the creeks I’m familiar with in the Midwest are fairly shallow and slow-moving compared to those in the mountains.

Twice during the trip, I saw firsthand what happens to a river during rain and flash-flooding.

Got some great writing tools in this category! I’m excited to draw on what I experienced about river dynamics, boulders, rapids and log-crossings. It’ll be especially important for one scene in my WIP, and because the main border of my central nation is formed by a river.

Wildlife: I’m outdoors a lot, so I’m pretty familiar with the typical “woods wildlife.” In the Smokies, I saw a lot of those critters (Bear, deer, turkey, grouse) and also a few not-so-typical creatures that authors might overlook: Lizards, salamanders and swarms of little lavender butterflies.

Weather: The thing that surprised me most is that you truly cannot see storms over the mountains while you’re actually hiking in them. On a couple days, we could hear the thunder over a nearby peak, but it stayed sunny above us until the storm was suddenly THERE. The undergrowth is simply too thick to see the sky or predict weather. Hmm…could be an interesting predicament to throw at my characters!

Colors: Green! The vibrant, exotic green that makes everything look fresh, mixed in with darker piney shades and smoky blue-greens. I especially loved the bright green moss on all the rocks near the creeks. In most places, green undergrowth had replaced the brown fallen leaves of last autumn, but in some cases dead leaves were still visible ground-cover.

It also surprised me how black the bears were. When I scanned the forests for them, I expected them to appear like the darker brown of a decaying tree, but they’re REALLY dark — almost unnaturally so. It helped me pick them out because seeing that pure black in the woods made me stop and look closer.

The skies are either an incredibly crystal bright blue or a bluish haze. At sunset, there’s a riot of color wrapped within a muted impressionist haze.

Sights and sounds: I know from my time in the woods that you truly can hear every little sound in the early morning forest – yes, even a mouse scampering across leaves. Creeks also are constant, recognizable sounds. If you camp beside one, you’ll hear variations in its rippling whenever an animal (or person) crosses the stream during the night.

In the Smokies, night took forever to come, and it came as a nice gradual slip into darkness. When I was in Glacier (Rockies), night came instantly and early once the sun dropped behind the peaks.

That’s all for now. I’ll be back tomorrow with round 2.

The Writer’s Travelogue: Going Off Grid

Me, on top of the Continental Divide in Glacier National Park a few years ago.

In a couple days, I’ll be off on a hiking trip in the Smoky Mountains, and I can’t wait to get out of the city and spend some time with friends! Getting away from it all and putting yourself in new, unknown surroundings can also be great writing inspiration.

I’m really excited about this trip because one of my WIPs features a character who grew up in a setting very similar to the Smokies. While I’m out enjoying the wild, I’ll also be taking notes about details that’ll help build my world and my character. Here’s my “pre-trip” list of questions to discover:

• What flowers are blooming in the mountains this time of year? What do they look like and smell like?
• Besides the typical wildlife (deer, bear, squirrels, birds), what other critters are active?
• What stands out in the sights and sounds of the woods? In early morning? At dusk?
• How does it feel – really – to hike up a mountain ridge, stand in an ice-cold creek or feel the spray of a waterfall?
• How many miles, realistically, can a person travel in a day? (And how many do they WANT to travel!)
• How do group dynamics change over multi-day travel?
• How do you describe the true colors of the woods and mountainside?
• What are the local delicacies?
• Any fun local terms or dialects?

Aren’t trips great? They’re a chance to explore new worlds and use those experiences to create yet another world on paper!

Check back in a few weeks for pictures and to see what I discovered.