How many of you are like me, and your writing life is in large part a secret?
I don't talk about it much, I never talk about it to work personnel. I rarely discuss my writing with my husband, or even family.
Most of that is from fear of criticism. And to make it worse, it's only the last six months or so that I've really been trying to network and connect with people.
I don't like the spotlight. Which is strange, considering my former lifestyle. However, it was a small club in a medium city. And when the stage did get packed, I did feel self-conscious.
I want to be more of a puppeteer-send a fantastic book out into the world and watch people enjoy it from afar (while collecting royalty checks, of course.)
I have given up on my writing several times. Swore it off, convinced that I will never make anything of it. Too much of the motivation was from the drive to make money off of it. Man, that was a mistake. Honestly, it's only been within the last two years that I've turned from that motivation to a pure inner motivation.
I'm working on being bold with my writing- demanding time for it and making good use of that time (i.e. staying off my phone.)
I eat, sleep and dream about it, my heart thrums for it. I can't get over it, so I might as well get on with it.
Hope you're all growing as writers (and people!) too.
#GoBold
KR
p.s. This post was in part motivated by the Harry Potter & J.K. Rowling's birthdays and the release of the Cursed Child- I was thinking back to when I first discovered those books and just how amazed I was by the world within. #JKRowlingWentBold
July 31, 2016
July 26, 2016
Word Whore
One quick entry before I a) eat dinner and b) Dive into Valiant Ambition by Nathaniel Philbrick.
( I'm usually not much for non-fiction reading, and especially not war recounts, but something about this book strikes me right so I'm going to give it a chance.)
I've been doing world building research. If I'm honest, I'm really diving into now, despite being fourteen chapters into the hot mess. (Do other authors do this? Am I right on schedule for this?)
World-building is so much fun! Creating a whole new place the way you want it (ok, we all know it's how the story wants it) and making characters, and "filling them out"--personality, wardrobe, special powers, dislikes, etc.
I have a LOT of world-building to do.
Other than that, I will be reading. While scrolling through my Instagram feed the other day, I kept seeing people reading, people reading, people reading. I have not done much writing this summer, at all. Well, I'm always listening to audiobooks to and from work, but I haven't read a physical book is a little while.
So that's what I'll be doing tonight. Catch you on the flipside.
KR
( I'm usually not much for non-fiction reading, and especially not war recounts, but something about this book strikes me right so I'm going to give it a chance.)
I've been doing world building research. If I'm honest, I'm really diving into now, despite being fourteen chapters into the hot mess. (Do other authors do this? Am I right on schedule for this?)
World-building is so much fun! Creating a whole new place the way you want it (ok, we all know it's how the story wants it) and making characters, and "filling them out"--personality, wardrobe, special powers, dislikes, etc.
I have a LOT of world-building to do.
Other than that, I will be reading. While scrolling through my Instagram feed the other day, I kept seeing people reading, people reading, people reading. I have not done much writing this summer, at all. Well, I'm always listening to audiobooks to and from work, but I haven't read a physical book is a little while.
So that's what I'll be doing tonight. Catch you on the flipside.
KR
July 23, 2016
Middle Slog
Working with moderate motivation today. However, I have hit the dreaded middle of the book, where I still have the plot road mapped, but it feels like the characters are moving through thick mud. When I manage to crank out a measly 500 words, it feels like a marathon.
What do I do when I need a serious dose of motivation? I go Author Blog hunting. My twitter (@kellyrwrites) is a great tool for finding them! \
I miss sitting in Barnes & Nobles, where I used to spend my Friday nights, once upon a time. I get so annoyed when I can't find a table next to a wall outlet though.
Ah, that brought back some memories. Another life, really not THAT long ago, but long enough to feel like a lifetime ago.
I can't even imagine what it's like to be like, eighty years old. How many lifetimes it must feel like you lived through. How many memories you've built up, how much tragedy witnessed, how much joy experienced.
I guess it's a night of waxing memorabilia, eh?
K
What do I do when I need a serious dose of motivation? I go Author Blog hunting. My twitter (@kellyrwrites) is a great tool for finding them! \
I miss sitting in Barnes & Nobles, where I used to spend my Friday nights, once upon a time. I get so annoyed when I can't find a table next to a wall outlet though.
Ah, that brought back some memories. Another life, really not THAT long ago, but long enough to feel like a lifetime ago.
I can't even imagine what it's like to be like, eighty years old. How many lifetimes it must feel like you lived through. How many memories you've built up, how much tragedy witnessed, how much joy experienced.
I guess it's a night of waxing memorabilia, eh?
K
July 16, 2016
Sneak Peak!
Chapter 1
In the semi-darkness, Maura stared down at the slumbering babies. Although they were snuffling and making occasional whiny noises in that innocent newborn baby way, Maura knew better. One of them would grow up to become a monster. They would both grow up to be killers.
I should just suffocate them both now, Maura thought briefly. Save everyone the trouble and heartache.
The moment passed, and Maura backed out of the nursery and silently shut the door. She turned and went back down the carpeted hallway.
She stood and watched the parents from the shadows. They were busy fixing dinner in the kitchen while their new charges slept for a few hours. There was a Dening hen stuffed to the wings on the island in the middle of the kitchen and Greg was busy tying up the bird’s wings. Malia was putting together a salad, and Maura was sure it was with vegetables they pulled from the garden in their backyard.
Greg and Malia moved around each other and the kitchen like old pros. Watching them from the shadows, Maura marveled. Their dinner making dance was so smooth, she felt a sharp pang of guilt, then pity. She had come here to murder the newborn twins, and she just couldn’t do it.
But not doing the job meant that these two people would suffer horribly. Along with a lot of other people.
Maura crept past the kitchen doorway, and let herself out of the back door.
July 13, 2016
July 08, 2016
Soft Dawn
Morning. It's a nice, peaceful morning. I've had smooch sessions with both of my fur babies, and they're now sprawled out at my feet.
I've received some questions about my writing schedule and writing studio.It's such a funny commonality with writers- we always want to know about other writers' habits, how they get their books written, where they do the writing at, what their studio looks like, etc. I am no exception- I fucking LOVE that shit.
During the week, I get up around 4:45 AM (okay, I'm giving myself too much credit here- I set my alarm for 4:45. The snooze button gets puts to work once or twice :D ) I immediately hit the coffee machine Go! button and while it's brewing I cuddle my fur babies.
I set my laptop on my dining room table and open up the sliding glass door curtains. The house is still shrouded in a half-light around that time, and it probably sounds strange, but I love the dawn low light- to me, it feels like a magical half-an-hour or so.
On the weekends, I usually get some writing done in the morning sitting on the couch (again, with the requisite cat on my lap). If I'm in the groove, I might get as much as three hours done.
As much as I've fought it over the years, the morning is my best time for writing. It's not seven pm when my brain is shot after work.
*sigh* And speaking of work.....
KR
I've received some questions about my writing schedule and writing studio.It's such a funny commonality with writers- we always want to know about other writers' habits, how they get their books written, where they do the writing at, what their studio looks like, etc. I am no exception- I fucking LOVE that shit.
During the week, I get up around 4:45 AM (okay, I'm giving myself too much credit here- I set my alarm for 4:45. The snooze button gets puts to work once or twice :D ) I immediately hit the coffee machine Go! button and while it's brewing I cuddle my fur babies.
I set my laptop on my dining room table and open up the sliding glass door curtains. The house is still shrouded in a half-light around that time, and it probably sounds strange, but I love the dawn low light- to me, it feels like a magical half-an-hour or so.
On the weekends, I usually get some writing done in the morning sitting on the couch (again, with the requisite cat on my lap). If I'm in the groove, I might get as much as three hours done.
As much as I've fought it over the years, the morning is my best time for writing. It's not seven pm when my brain is shot after work.
*sigh* And speaking of work.....
KR
July 05, 2016
It's Okay to Rest
I think I am finally learning how to relax. Maybe.
In the least, I am coming up with much more realistic to-do lists for after work. Before this revelation, I would have a list like this:
1. Do Laundry.
2. Transplant three tomato plants.
3. Water all the plants.
4. Finish Chapter 13
And then I come home after a busy, full Monday, and I look at the list and just laugh and laugh and laugh...
Nowadays, I recognize that I'm going to only get 2 out of the 4 done. And that's even a maybe depending on how much alcohol is consumed in the process.
Tonight, I got 2 things done. And I'm satisfied with that.
There's always tomorrow.
KR
In the least, I am coming up with much more realistic to-do lists for after work. Before this revelation, I would have a list like this:
1. Do Laundry.
2. Transplant three tomato plants.
3. Water all the plants.
4. Finish Chapter 13
And then I come home after a busy, full Monday, and I look at the list and just laugh and laugh and laugh...
Nowadays, I recognize that I'm going to only get 2 out of the 4 done. And that's even a maybe depending on how much alcohol is consumed in the process.
Tonight, I got 2 things done. And I'm satisfied with that.
There's always tomorrow.
KR
July 04, 2016
Literary Obligation
Today I am reflecting on Elie Wiesel's death.
What a life.
My earliest knowledge of him came in sixth grade, where Night was standard reading within the extensive Holocaust literature section of the agenda.
I had a morbid fascination with the Holocaust, especially the concentration camps. I found it unbelievable that people would do that to other people. My sixth grade mind didn't understand why the persecuted didn't just band together and overthrow the bad people.
Thinking about Wiesel and his legacy- written and otherwise- makes me question my own writing legacy. It makes the paranormal genre feel too frivolous and wasteful.
Granted, Night was written after horrific events that Wiesel lived through- it wasn't like he had been pondering how to produce a meaningful work that would touch millions of people. He needed to write Night, and his experiences were horrendously unique.
Before I piss off countless authors, let me clarify- the world absolutely needs fiction, in all of its many genres. Humans need to be able to immerse themselves in other worlds, meet strange people, go on wonderful journeys that they can't experience in real life. It lends color, perspective, and imagination to the world we live in, a world that is often very dark and awful.
However, with the knowledge of how words can spawn needed revolutions and desperately sought massive change, are we obligated to "fill a humanitarian quota"? Especially for those of us that dabble in the "frivolous genres" (this is my own personal opinion, not trying to piss anyone off. But compare Night to say, a paranormal romance- see what I'm driving at?)
Should we be satisfied at filling our genre, and hoping that our readers get enough out of our work to make it worthwhile? Or should we challenge ourselves to intersperse our normal writing with more meaningful work and cast a wider net of influence?
I am not trying to say that genre writing is easier, not at all. It still takes an incredible amount of discipline and planning and teeth gritting as heavier fiction or non-fiction. It's still sit-butt-in-chair-writing. Absolutely.
This post in large part is just me trying to organize my own feelings about it. I remember how my sixth grade teacher gave us very good, very in-depth questions to answer about Night. I don't remember any of those questions except for one- the one question that focused on the title of the book. I think it was something along the lines of, 'What do you think is the significance of the book's title? Why did Wiesel name this book, with this subject matter, Night?'
If the title of your book can be the cause of a 250 word essay, you're on the right path.
I'm interested in my readers' opinions on this subject. Please leave me comments, and if this post really got on anyone's nerves, understand I mean no malice. I myself write in the paranormal genre, and this post is just a reflection of my inner struggle about the importance of the genre.
KR
What a life.
My earliest knowledge of him came in sixth grade, where Night was standard reading within the extensive Holocaust literature section of the agenda.
I had a morbid fascination with the Holocaust, especially the concentration camps. I found it unbelievable that people would do that to other people. My sixth grade mind didn't understand why the persecuted didn't just band together and overthrow the bad people.
Thinking about Wiesel and his legacy- written and otherwise- makes me question my own writing legacy. It makes the paranormal genre feel too frivolous and wasteful.
Granted, Night was written after horrific events that Wiesel lived through- it wasn't like he had been pondering how to produce a meaningful work that would touch millions of people. He needed to write Night, and his experiences were horrendously unique.
Before I piss off countless authors, let me clarify- the world absolutely needs fiction, in all of its many genres. Humans need to be able to immerse themselves in other worlds, meet strange people, go on wonderful journeys that they can't experience in real life. It lends color, perspective, and imagination to the world we live in, a world that is often very dark and awful.
However, with the knowledge of how words can spawn needed revolutions and desperately sought massive change, are we obligated to "fill a humanitarian quota"? Especially for those of us that dabble in the "frivolous genres" (this is my own personal opinion, not trying to piss anyone off. But compare Night to say, a paranormal romance- see what I'm driving at?)
Should we be satisfied at filling our genre, and hoping that our readers get enough out of our work to make it worthwhile? Or should we challenge ourselves to intersperse our normal writing with more meaningful work and cast a wider net of influence?
I am not trying to say that genre writing is easier, not at all. It still takes an incredible amount of discipline and planning and teeth gritting as heavier fiction or non-fiction. It's still sit-butt-in-chair-writing. Absolutely.
This post in large part is just me trying to organize my own feelings about it. I remember how my sixth grade teacher gave us very good, very in-depth questions to answer about Night. I don't remember any of those questions except for one- the one question that focused on the title of the book. I think it was something along the lines of, 'What do you think is the significance of the book's title? Why did Wiesel name this book, with this subject matter, Night?'
If the title of your book can be the cause of a 250 word essay, you're on the right path.
I'm interested in my readers' opinions on this subject. Please leave me comments, and if this post really got on anyone's nerves, understand I mean no malice. I myself write in the paranormal genre, and this post is just a reflection of my inner struggle about the importance of the genre.
KR
July 02, 2016
Embrace Technology
Happy Saturday!
Today, I wanted to touch on embracing the different tech platforms that are available to writers.
If you're anything like me, you get your writing station all set up, and the writing goes well for a few days, and then one day, you are just not feeling it. This happens to me, and what I try is to switch up how and where I get my writing done.
Most early weekday mornings, I'm at the dining room table, on my laptop. I have my coffee mug filled and more often than not, a slumbering kitty on my lap. I tune up my Pandora, put on my headphones and (most) mornings can crank out at least 500 words before I have to start getting ready for work. (And while 500 a day is not a lot, by the end of the weekday, that's 2500 words. Remember to put things in perspective!)
But then the weekend swings around, and I sleep in a bit later. I'm more in the mood to chill on the couch (again, with the standard feline trapping me) and my phone becomes my writing tablet. I use the Blogger app to update this site, and Google Drive app to get some more words down for The Underbelly Series.
The message I'm trying to get across for those that get bored by their writing setup (and consequently, feel guilty by lack of writing progress)- don't be afraid to embrace different types of technology to get the writing done. Also, don't be afraid to move your writing studio around as well. It is often a godsend to switch up your scene- it can spark new ideas and get the ball rolling once again. Be fluid, and you'll be rewarded with more frequent bursts of inspiration.
KR
Today, I wanted to touch on embracing the different tech platforms that are available to writers.
If you're anything like me, you get your writing station all set up, and the writing goes well for a few days, and then one day, you are just not feeling it. This happens to me, and what I try is to switch up how and where I get my writing done.
Most early weekday mornings, I'm at the dining room table, on my laptop. I have my coffee mug filled and more often than not, a slumbering kitty on my lap. I tune up my Pandora, put on my headphones and (most) mornings can crank out at least 500 words before I have to start getting ready for work. (And while 500 a day is not a lot, by the end of the weekday, that's 2500 words. Remember to put things in perspective!)
But then the weekend swings around, and I sleep in a bit later. I'm more in the mood to chill on the couch (again, with the standard feline trapping me) and my phone becomes my writing tablet. I use the Blogger app to update this site, and Google Drive app to get some more words down for The Underbelly Series.
The message I'm trying to get across for those that get bored by their writing setup (and consequently, feel guilty by lack of writing progress)- don't be afraid to embrace different types of technology to get the writing done. Also, don't be afraid to move your writing studio around as well. It is often a godsend to switch up your scene- it can spark new ideas and get the ball rolling once again. Be fluid, and you'll be rewarded with more frequent bursts of inspiration.
KR
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