I don't know about you, but this summer has certainly seemed to show all sides of life. The good and the bad. The happy, the sad. And everything in between.
When we write, we like to think we have techniques and tricks that help us convey all this through our characters. But sometimes, we need to simply step back and marvel at the intricate, delicate world in which we all live. It can be poignant and perspective-shattering (Or perspective-renewing), sometimes all at once!
This video says it better than I can. It originated in healthcare, but I think it applies to so many other things too. So, let's raise a glass to life and all its facets, and remember the others around us.
**Fair warning...Kleenexes may not be amiss for this one. It is some pretty touching stuff.**
No, not the bunny with the battery. It’s getting to be the end of summer and, if you’re anything like me, you’re simultaneously pooped from three months of fun events and feel completely behind going into the Fall. Eeep!
Stress and distractions can make it really difficult to get into a writing groove, and I’ve learned that I tend to be at my crabbiest when I’ve gone too long without writing.
So, what are we to do when we’re feeling frazzled?
I came across this cool concept in one of the articles I read for my MBA, and it applies perfectly to a writer’s life and level of busyness. Basically, it says instead of managing our time, we should focus on managing our energy level because that’s what truly drives us. If we’re doing something we love, the time crunch matters less than if it’s for something where we’re dragging our feet. I think this is true! I’m constantly amazed how re-energized I feel, even amid all kinds of other chaos, if I can just get in even a half hour of good writing time.
Here’s a quick quiz to gauge where you are. My advice? If you’re short in the body or mind category, take a break, catch your breath…the writing world will still be there when you come back. If you’re low on energy or spirit, on the other hand, maybe what you need is a way to clear items off your plate that allow you to focus more on doing what you love.
I first saw this book at Marie Landry's blog as part of a read-along and immediately knew I MUST get my hands on it. Why did I love it so, you might ask? Let me count the ways:
First of all, the cover. Can I even explain how perfect it is? Do you see it there? It is gorgeous! Right down to the details of her eyes and her scar.
Secondly, I'm a sucker for all things Robin Hood, and my cousin and I have had an ongoing inside joke about Will Scarlet for years. I think I'd had the book all of five minutes before texting her a pic of the cover: How awesome is this? Will Scarlet is a girl! And she looks badass! It's next on my list to read.
I'm a huge fan of plucky female characters who can handle themselves with weapons. Enter, Scarlet! A.C Gaughen writes her beautifully. Tough, tender, scrappy and stalwart. She's such a fun character to hang out with, and I loved watching her get into (and out of) trouble.
I'm a character author through-and-through, and characters are the biggest reason I fall in love with books. Every single character here shines. From Rob to John to Tuck to Gisbourne, Gaughen keeps them fresh and real while staying true to the time period and giving a nod to tradition. You can tell she truly loves the Robin Hood legends. This isn't written from a new perspective simply for a twist; everything fits into place and still honors the overall narrative. I cannot tell you how much I love and admire that decision on her part as an author.
Scar's dialogue. Think Huck Finn meets gritty streets of London. I fell in love with it from page 1, and it added immensely to Scar's character. Such a delight! It made me laugh (and almost cry) multiple times. It never felt heavy-handed, and when it does change, it does so with purpose. Honestly, everyone's dialogue is pretty stellar throughout.
Gaughen's attention to detail. This book is the rare combination of a wonderful, heartfelt retelling and an author who has mastered her craft to make it sing. There are so many great subtle lines or plot points, and scenes that are so poignant about life's truths without stalling the action. That takes skill, and it was a sheer joy to read.
A.C. Gaughen is a writer I immediately and deeply respect. She does so many things right in this book. She gives us fantastic, vibrant characters and a frankly awesome plot, and does so in a way that leaves a lasting impression and leaves us a little better for having read it. I am counting down the days until the sequel releases next February.
I don’t remember much about the movie Center Stage. I think I saw it once in college, but one scene has stuck with me.
One of the would-be ballet stars is frustrated in her studies and returns to the studio late at night only to find her teacher already there, practicing gracefully in the semi-darkness.
The teacher pats her hand along the dance bar and says, “No matter what happens, how bad it gets, how many distractions fight for your attention, always return here. It all starts here.”
I feel that way about good books or, really, a good story in general. It can be a book, a movie, a real-life tale. Something about the idea of great characters and stories that lift us up calls to me. For me, that’s where it all starts, and when I need a renewal, that’s where I always come back to. It gives me strength and happiness.
It’s so tricky to squeeze in enough time for it all, isn’t it? Seems like there aren’t enough hours in the day! I try to carve out about an hour a day for pure writing, and at least an hour on one weekday and on weekends for other miscellaneous writing things like blogs, queries, etc. It’s not a perfect system but works pretty well for me.
How about you? How do you manage your time?
How Often Do You Write?
How Much Do You Write in a Typical Day?
I’m between "At least a little everyday" and "Multiple times a week," and I usually get to 500-1000 words. No matter where we fall though, the best we can do is try to move even the teeniest bit closer to the dream each day. That's all any of us can ask.
There are so many wonderful songs, across so many styles and genres that can spark inspiration. The coolest part is that the same song can hit each of us in different ways, or we seek inspiration for the same writing mood from entirely different types of music.
Today, though, I want to highlight my favorite instrumentals. Songs that move me, heighten my emotions and leave me inspired without saying a single word.
Honorable mention:Love Actually Prime Minister’s Theme
I don’t think I could ever write to this one because it is always and forever associated with Love Actually in my mind, but it sure brings a smile to my face!
5. Boondock Saints Theme
Love this one for fast-paced scenes, where I’m trying to capture coordinated actions and close camaraderie on the battlefield.
4.Prince of Egypt:The Burning Bush
As close to the music of Heaven as you can get with mortal instruments. I've never heard wonder captured more beautifully in a song.
3. Lord of the Rings: The Breaking of the Fellowship
This has a “take me a away” quality that makes me think of starting on a grand adventure. Even though it conveys high stakes, it also makes me think of friendship. And I always envision running over green hills.
2. Requiem for a Dream
If I’m on a tight writing deadline, and I need to get in the mindset for a battle scene ASAP, this is my go to music. Awesome! (And, yes, the video is LOTR...again. But how can you not love it?!)
1. Last of the Mohicans: Promentory
The subtle building tension in this song cannot be outdone. Last of the Mohicans has been my failsafe writing soundtrack for years, and this song is simply incredible. It plays so well for so many different emotions, and for those moments where your characters are getting oh-so-close (to what they want, to each other) but they just can’t seem to touch. Also, for battle scenes, right in that moment when the good guy and bad guy first face each other across the field.
So, it’s been hot lately. Like really hot. Especially in my apartment…where I’m on my laptop basically every waking moment I’m not at work. And, you know, heat is not a laptop’s friend. I was dutifully checking blogs the other day when…
Me: Ah, lovely blog friends. What have you been up to this week? A new book deal, a cover reveal, a launch party! Huzzahs all around!
*Happens to touch the side of the laptop as fingers fly across keyboard in a fit of glee*
Me: Hmm…that’s a little warm. I actually think my finger just burned on the metal. Um, yikes. We need to fix this pronto!
*Looks around. Spots window fan humming away in mid-summer bliss.*
Me: Of course! The perfect solution.
*Stands in front of window fan holding the laptop like a crazy person while still trying to read and type.*
*Tests laptop heat level*
Me: Back to normal! My suuuuper-genius plan worked. Resume blogging and…..Action!
*Two minutes of frantic blog hopping later*
Me:*sniffing* Wait. Is something burning? …is that…oh crap, it better not be my laptop.
*Lunges for window fan again. Stands there for 10 minutes, effectively frightening a poor woman out walking her dogs who happened to look up and wonder why this strange person was standing in the window hunched over some weird object that was blaring music and typing like a one-handed fiend.*
Luckily, all is well in laptop land, but the window fan is not my first-ahem- creative solution. I used to freeze a damp hand towel and place it under my laptop’s cooling pad for a double-cool effect. And, yes, I do have one of those laptop pads with the built-in fan that is supposed to help keep it cool. I just use it waaay too often.
How about you? Have you ever had a feverish laptop? Any tricks to helping it beat the heat?
