I post a lot about writing but not much about what I read so I thought I'd share with you my recent reads;
First and foremost Memory of Light the last instalment in the Wheel of Time series. I've been reading WoT for the best part of 14years and it has been a huge part of my life the books traveling with me through everything. This last book was thrilling emotional and a journey I can't possibly begin to explain unless you have followed the characters through. For those that haven't discovered the magik of Robert Jordan sadly with his passing he could not complete the series but was picked up and masterfully completed by Brandon Sanderson.
Which links me nicely into the Mist born trilogy by Brandon Sanderson. A richly woven and fast paced fantasy trilogy a great introduction to his writing style. A wonderfully different spin on the worlds and ways of magik.
Patrick Rothfuss is my next author one I discovered just by browsing through my local book shop (something that can't really be done on line) The king killer chronicle I picked up and just couldn't put down. You are wrapped up in the characters world so deeply that you live and breathe every moment with them. Dark, violent and deeply moving another rich world of fantasy to discover.
My three recommendations for now, happy reading
Lauren
Thursday, 24 January 2013
Friday, 18 January 2013
Been a little while but back in the saddle
Sorry it's been a while since I've posted. Had a severe attack of my ME and fibromyalgia which knocked me totally off my feet. Slowly getting back there and resuming writing. Can't do as much as I'd like which is frustrating but at least it's coming along. It hasn't been all bad had ideas for a new trilogy to work on after me first is completed. That on its own is up lifting.
I find when my writing comes in fits and starts like it does at the moment it's easier to keep a note page scribbled how ever you wish that tells you what your characters are doing or have been doing up to that point in the story, helps avoid the dreaded writers block.
It's a short post today but will be doing smaller and more often over the coming months
Happy writing
Lauren
I find when my writing comes in fits and starts like it does at the moment it's easier to keep a note page scribbled how ever you wish that tells you what your characters are doing or have been doing up to that point in the story, helps avoid the dreaded writers block.
It's a short post today but will be doing smaller and more often over the coming months
Happy writing
Lauren
Friday, 21 December 2012
Method in the madness
While blogging, networking, tweeting and generally browsing the Internet I've found so many different people telling me how writing should be structured and planned. Now all of these methods are great don't get me wrong but I prefer to follow my muse and do the surgery during the edit. I'm not here to te you how to write each has their own style that works for them and sometimes it takes time to find it but here I thought I'd share my tips for getting a those over flowing ideas down if they are used or not it doesn't matter but I find nothing worse than something interrupting me mid flow.
1) use the margins if you write something and mid sentence want to add more but don't have the flow or the complete idea scribble a few words in the margin as a reference when you come back to it.
2) Don't worry about spelling that's not important and can be sorted out during the edit.
3) Not sure you have the right word but don't know the exact one you are looking for box it off or put it in brackets and come back to it when you have finished that session of writing.
4) Make sure you have something with you at all times to capture those random ideas that appear from no where you never know when they will come in handy.
These tips can make your work look at little crazy but it will help the ideas. Hope your writing flows and the word count keeps growing
Lauren
1) use the margins if you write something and mid sentence want to add more but don't have the flow or the complete idea scribble a few words in the margin as a reference when you come back to it.
2) Don't worry about spelling that's not important and can be sorted out during the edit.
3) Not sure you have the right word but don't know the exact one you are looking for box it off or put it in brackets and come back to it when you have finished that session of writing.
4) Make sure you have something with you at all times to capture those random ideas that appear from no where you never know when they will come in handy.
These tips can make your work look at little crazy but it will help the ideas. Hope your writing flows and the word count keeps growing
Lauren
Wednesday, 12 December 2012
Magik in writing
Its been a while since my last entry I'm afraid I've been rather unwell but I'm back in the saddle and here with a new entry.
After reading Mark Lawrence's blog today I felt inspired to write along a similar subject. Magik in books the back bone of all fantasy what ever the type. We create our rules and weave our way but it is easy to get bogged down explaining the systems of how it works. In my opinion magik should have an element of the unknown about it, this engages the reader saying that it should not be without some set of rules. Contradicting myself a little I admit. I take Wheel of Time by Robert Jordan and his magik system he slots in pieces here and there, explains a little about the male and female aspects of magik and briefly how it's channeled. It makes it more a part of the story rather and makes the reader feel that it is real and they are witnessing the act and without a full blown explanation, for example he says that a character channels and forms fire but doesn't say more than that this leaves the readers imagination to take a hold and paint their own picture.
I look at this aspect of my writing after the initial draft is done and the second draft begins that's when I can pick up and the little details that make sure not only the magik makes sense within the story but adds mystery and for the want of a better word magik to my writing.
My tip for this is look at your manuscript and if your magik needs to much explanation or your work is bogged down with it look at how it can be refined or broken down can parts be slotted in to different sections of the story. It takes practice and something I'm still learning to do myself. May your magik and your writing flow.
Lauren
After reading Mark Lawrence's blog today I felt inspired to write along a similar subject. Magik in books the back bone of all fantasy what ever the type. We create our rules and weave our way but it is easy to get bogged down explaining the systems of how it works. In my opinion magik should have an element of the unknown about it, this engages the reader saying that it should not be without some set of rules. Contradicting myself a little I admit. I take Wheel of Time by Robert Jordan and his magik system he slots in pieces here and there, explains a little about the male and female aspects of magik and briefly how it's channeled. It makes it more a part of the story rather and makes the reader feel that it is real and they are witnessing the act and without a full blown explanation, for example he says that a character channels and forms fire but doesn't say more than that this leaves the readers imagination to take a hold and paint their own picture.
I look at this aspect of my writing after the initial draft is done and the second draft begins that's when I can pick up and the little details that make sure not only the magik makes sense within the story but adds mystery and for the want of a better word magik to my writing.
My tip for this is look at your manuscript and if your magik needs to much explanation or your work is bogged down with it look at how it can be refined or broken down can parts be slotted in to different sections of the story. It takes practice and something I'm still learning to do myself. May your magik and your writing flow.
Lauren
Thursday, 29 November 2012
Getting feed back and writing the second novel
Like all writers out there I quite regularly seek feed back from anyone who reads my work but nothing is as valuable as a good honest review with constructive critique. I've found a great community of readers and writers on a website run by harper Collins called authonomy. You up load as much or as little of your work as you like and people can review your work and you theirs. I've had some great pointers about characters point of view and tips on how to improve the flow of my work just by adjusting and looking carefully at the punctuation. I can't recommend this site highly enough. There are some amazing and talented writers on there. Another thing I like is though the feed back is honest it's not slating so you don't need such a tough skin but always remember now every person is going to enjoy your work as much as others. I have to keep this in mind as it is easy to forget when you get a 1 star or poor review.
The second thing I wanted to talk about is writing the second novel. I'm currently working on Wings of Fire the follow up to Blades of Shadow and I must confess I'm finding this one harder to writer than the first. Difficult to pin down why exactly but I think it's down to the cross referencing and looking back I do to avoid continuity errors and to see how my characters have developed and how they may react to their new situations. I find a flow chart helps with this. It also helps me trace my ideas forward but I don't plan to hard as with all art no single idea is set in stone and parts can be rewritten etc.
Happy writing all
Lauren
The second thing I wanted to talk about is writing the second novel. I'm currently working on Wings of Fire the follow up to Blades of Shadow and I must confess I'm finding this one harder to writer than the first. Difficult to pin down why exactly but I think it's down to the cross referencing and looking back I do to avoid continuity errors and to see how my characters have developed and how they may react to their new situations. I find a flow chart helps with this. It also helps me trace my ideas forward but I don't plan to hard as with all art no single idea is set in stone and parts can be rewritten etc.
Happy writing all
Lauren
Wednesday, 21 November 2012
Writing with medical problems
It's been a while since my last blog entry. I apologise for that its been a roller coaster of a few weeks. But I'm back on the preverbal horse as it were and ready to ride.
Like all of us I find writing a great joy and often a great escape from the world. Now so more than ever as I have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia as well as ME. I thought I'd share my tips for when writing isn't so easy be it illness or problems etc and concentration can be shot.
1) Pace yourself easy to say difficult to understand. Write a page or so take a break for ten mins then have another go.
2) If you can't write don't be hard on yourself scribble your ideas down.
3) Take you're emotions, pain and note the descriptions of them down it can add the extra dimensions to your writing
4) Get someone to read your work just to point out those little proof reading errors that are easy to miss when you can't concentrate.
5) My final tip is don't be hard on yourself some days it will flow and other days it won't. Go with the flow and be gentle with yourself.
Love and creativity
Lauren
Like all of us I find writing a great joy and often a great escape from the world. Now so more than ever as I have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia as well as ME. I thought I'd share my tips for when writing isn't so easy be it illness or problems etc and concentration can be shot.
1) Pace yourself easy to say difficult to understand. Write a page or so take a break for ten mins then have another go.
2) If you can't write don't be hard on yourself scribble your ideas down.
3) Take you're emotions, pain and note the descriptions of them down it can add the extra dimensions to your writing
4) Get someone to read your work just to point out those little proof reading errors that are easy to miss when you can't concentrate.
5) My final tip is don't be hard on yourself some days it will flow and other days it won't. Go with the flow and be gentle with yourself.
Love and creativity
Lauren
Friday, 2 November 2012
Hints on submissions
I've seen a lot of questions and seen a lot of confusion about submissions and the guidelines for publishers so I thought I'd share some tips and lessons I've learned along the way.
I often get asked why it is so important to double line space, margins a certain distance etc and I explain it like this. When you go for a job interview you want to look your best the same applies to your manuscript. If you take the time it shows you are serious about what you are doing and make a good first impression.
1) Always always always read the guide lines they can vary from publisher to publisher.
2) Get used to typing in double line space it's what most publishers as agencies want.
3) Before you send any work proof read properly sounds simple but you will be amazed how many writers don't.
4) A good covering letter short sweet and to the point. This is another chance to make a good impression.
5) A synopsis needs to be short and concise no more than around 600 words. Include major plot points and the ending tell the story without telling the story.
I'm still learning the craft but these are tips I wanted to share.
Good luck with your writing and finding a publisher.
Lauren
I often get asked why it is so important to double line space, margins a certain distance etc and I explain it like this. When you go for a job interview you want to look your best the same applies to your manuscript. If you take the time it shows you are serious about what you are doing and make a good first impression.
1) Always always always read the guide lines they can vary from publisher to publisher.
2) Get used to typing in double line space it's what most publishers as agencies want.
3) Before you send any work proof read properly sounds simple but you will be amazed how many writers don't.
4) A good covering letter short sweet and to the point. This is another chance to make a good impression.
5) A synopsis needs to be short and concise no more than around 600 words. Include major plot points and the ending tell the story without telling the story.
I'm still learning the craft but these are tips I wanted to share.
Good luck with your writing and finding a publisher.
Lauren
Monday, 15 October 2012
Stepping into my third and forth books
As you know from previous blog posts I've been stepping out of my comfort zone so thought I would continue with my thoughts and feelings and how it's going. It's a very internal blog post this time around but as writers I think it's not only important to talk about the technicalities of writing but how it makes us think and feel as it is this that will impact on the reader.
Been carefully planning my next project as writing about domestic violence is far harder than I thought. It's not the subject matter it's getting the feelings emotions and thoughts in the right way in the right order. I have flow charts and plans all over my table. Non fiction seems to me harder to writer than fiction. As you know fantasy is my main genre and that is flowing well. I'm finding music while a write very soothing. I also find that because I am re visiting my past it is all the harder as it is so close to your heart. But I have encouragement from those around me and support.
Hope you have creativity with you
Lauren
Been carefully planning my next project as writing about domestic violence is far harder than I thought. It's not the subject matter it's getting the feelings emotions and thoughts in the right way in the right order. I have flow charts and plans all over my table. Non fiction seems to me harder to writer than fiction. As you know fantasy is my main genre and that is flowing well. I'm finding music while a write very soothing. I also find that because I am re visiting my past it is all the harder as it is so close to your heart. But I have encouragement from those around me and support.
Hope you have creativity with you
Lauren
Friday, 5 October 2012
Planning and inspired ideas
Often there are times when I get an idea a bolt out the blue as it were and I reach for the pad of paper or the note pad in my phone to jot down those elusive thoughts before they disappear into the ether. Lately I've found especially as my work is getting bigger that careful planning along side inspiration keeps my writing flowing smoothly. My favoured method of planning at the moment is rough flow charts I like to call character and story maps. Now a plan isn't set in stone and can be changed as much as the story does. I know my characters have been down several paths before I've found the right one. It helps especially when I get to a stumbling block we all have them that annoying point when your happily writing away and it all comes to a grinding halt. I can refer to the 'map' and most of the time find my way again. It's a skill and one I am still learning but rather than just plunging head long into an idea I reign myself in and do a small plan. Personally I think my writing has improved as a result.
In earlier posts I spoke about stepping out of my comfort zone and writing about domestic violence and my story and I'll be honest it's not been an easy start and I am finding that I am having to plan this very carefully. It's not my normal style of writing and I want to capture all the emotions and thoughts as well as actions with regards to this topic. Also with it being a subject that hits such a nerve with me planning allows me to take a clinical approach which sounds odd when capturing emotions but it allows me to look at the situation from all angles and capture events as a whole. I'll keep plugging away but I feel this will be a much slower process than my usual work.
Hope you are all have a creative and inspired weekend
Lauren
In earlier posts I spoke about stepping out of my comfort zone and writing about domestic violence and my story and I'll be honest it's not been an easy start and I am finding that I am having to plan this very carefully. It's not my normal style of writing and I want to capture all the emotions and thoughts as well as actions with regards to this topic. Also with it being a subject that hits such a nerve with me planning allows me to take a clinical approach which sounds odd when capturing emotions but it allows me to look at the situation from all angles and capture events as a whole. I'll keep plugging away but I feel this will be a much slower process than my usual work.
Hope you are all have a creative and inspired weekend
Lauren
Sunday, 23 September 2012
Stepping outside of my comfort zone
I think it's important as writers to occasionally step outside our comfort zone. Even if we are the only ones to see that short story or side project I think doing so improves the craft of writing that we are trying to perfect. I like to have a couple of side projects that I dip in and out of just to keep my work fresh. I often find I can draw things into my regular writing that I may otherwise miss. Last week I took what I thought was personally a brave decision to start a book around a subject that is very personal and dear to my heart. Domestic violence I have my own tale to tell but that is for my book. The reasons I decided to do this was on one hand personal and the other on a much wider level. One I want to help break the taboo that surrounds this topic and in the hope of speaking out more people will in turn speak out. The second is to exorcise a few of my own demons. I've been toying with the idea for a while now but after watching the film precious it really inspired me to take this brave leap forward. So over the coming weeks I'll be posting here on my blog my ups and downs and how I am progressing not only with the writing but how it is helping me as a writer. I fully expect this to be quite a journey but one that should help me become a better writer. Hope you will join me on the journey
Good writing
Lauren
Good writing
Lauren
Thursday, 20 September 2012
A great piece of advice I was given
Laid awake last night with my pain killers not working and my conditions running riot. I set about distracting myself jotting ideas into my phone and see who was on twitter and face book. I was given a fantastic piece of advice that's was so good I had to share. A fellow tweeter @RayneHall told me to jot down how the pain feels what it's doing and use it as a practical exercise for future works and writing in progress. Needless to say this not only set the creative side of me going but also provided a much needed distraction from the pain. So now if I do something clumsy or see a part of real life in can add to my work I joy a couple of sentences describing how and what. This is excellent not only for pain but emotions, anger, fatigue and can give your writing a far greater sense of realism. So once again I would like to thank @RayneHall for his wonderful tips and hope by sharing this with you all I can in some way return the favour.
Happy writing
Lauren
Happy writing
Lauren
Monday, 17 September 2012
Book 2 Wings of Fire and other projects
Seeing my book on good reads has given me a smile today my first 5* review on there gives me that little boost that we all sometimes need. I'm also quite excited to have finished the first draft to the follow on from Blades of Shadow, Wings of Fire, the hard work comes next the editing and the rewrites hoping to have it in print by the end of this year.
I would also like to take a moment to say thank you for all the support and feed back that has been given via Facebook, Twitter and Good reads.it means a lot.
I also have a couple of side projects on the go, a dream dictionary for those who like the more spiritual side of life.
The other is a collection of poems I've written over the years that I'm putting together. So quite busy on the writing front when my health allows.
In the coming weeks I'll be posting the first chapter from Wings of Fire for you to sample and let me know what you think.
Lauren
I would also like to take a moment to say thank you for all the support and feed back that has been given via Facebook, Twitter and Good reads.it means a lot.
I also have a couple of side projects on the go, a dream dictionary for those who like the more spiritual side of life.
The other is a collection of poems I've written over the years that I'm putting together. So quite busy on the writing front when my health allows.
In the coming weeks I'll be posting the first chapter from Wings of Fire for you to sample and let me know what you think.
Lauren
Tuesday, 11 September 2012
Editing
Ick like many of you writers out there you probably dread this word more than any other but it a necessary and critical part of writing but at times can be one of the most soul destroying things you can do. So here I thought I'd share a few of my tips for making it easier.
1) Take it one page at a time. Sounds obvious I know but it's all to easy to see an entire manuscript and try to rush. Go over each page with a fine tooth comb.
2) Coloured pens or fonts if you write onto a computer. Use them to make little side notes if there is something you need to go back to.
3) Don't be afraid to re-write. I've had moments where I have re-read what I have written and wondered "what the hell was I thinking when I wrote that" don't be disheartened the first draft is always raw.
4) Read it aloud, sometimes the best way to see if your writing flows is to read it aloud either to someone if you're feeling brave or just to yourself. Helps spot missing punctuation. With me being dyslexic I do miss a lot of punctuation.
5) Keep a dictionary handy as well as a thesaurus. Sometimes a the same world will crop up a lot this gives you a set of tools to your arsenal.
6) My last tip is remember the first draft is like a lump of clay and the editing and subsequent drafts are what form the final piece.
Hope these help
Lauren
1) Take it one page at a time. Sounds obvious I know but it's all to easy to see an entire manuscript and try to rush. Go over each page with a fine tooth comb.
2) Coloured pens or fonts if you write onto a computer. Use them to make little side notes if there is something you need to go back to.
3) Don't be afraid to re-write. I've had moments where I have re-read what I have written and wondered "what the hell was I thinking when I wrote that" don't be disheartened the first draft is always raw.
4) Read it aloud, sometimes the best way to see if your writing flows is to read it aloud either to someone if you're feeling brave or just to yourself. Helps spot missing punctuation. With me being dyslexic I do miss a lot of punctuation.
5) Keep a dictionary handy as well as a thesaurus. Sometimes a the same world will crop up a lot this gives you a set of tools to your arsenal.
6) My last tip is remember the first draft is like a lump of clay and the editing and subsequent drafts are what form the final piece.
Hope these help
Lauren
A little about me
I've wrote a lot about writing and what helps me get through writers block and story dev etc but looking at my blog there is little actually about me as a person. Like a lot of writers out there it's easy to get caught in a bubble. So for a few moments I'm going to step outside. As you know I already writing is my first true love but I'm also a massive fan of music. The flaming lips are prob my favourite band out there, alternative psychedelic rock. I collect vinyl and I know that is rare especially as I'm 27 and female. I am also an avid gamer, Xbox all the way for me.
I read almost as much as I write my favourite genre is fantasy but will read just about any book I can lay my hands on. I also collect tattoos I have 8 in total and hoping to add a 9th to the collection soon.
Just a little snippet into me and my life
Lauren
I read almost as much as I write my favourite genre is fantasy but will read just about any book I can lay my hands on. I also collect tattoos I have 8 in total and hoping to add a 9th to the collection soon.
Just a little snippet into me and my life
Lauren
Wednesday, 5 September 2012
Came across a thought....
Came across an amazing quote today that has made me feel very deep and philosophical it went like this "a good book can make an impossible life liveable" and the more I thought about it the more I thought about my own experiences in life. At times of great stress and pain I turned to reading for solace and even through the authors may not know it their work has pulled me through some really bad times. This I think was also part of the reason I threw myself so deep into writing. Not only an escape for myself but also the possibility that maybe somewhere someone is enjoying my work but also finding their escape. My way of giving something back I suppose. All writers have the ability to give this to our readers. So when you feel like putting the pen down in frustration or chucking that story away have a little faith in yourself because that story could one day be a life saver.
While I'm feeling deep thought I'd share a my way of dealing with those reviews that aren't so shiny because let's face it not everybody is going to like your work just same as not everybody likes mine but it's important not to just dismiss these points because we can learn to be better writers from it. My partner and quite possibly my toughest critic commented that sometimes my work lacks background description of scenery and places. I've taken this and wrote to my usual style but going back over my work in an edit I found the places that it could be put in. Rather than worrying about the criticism I used it as a way and a tool to improve my writing, and writing like any craft takes time often years to perfect an I know that with each page I write I'm learning more about my craft but also about my writing style and where it's strengths and weaknesses lie.
Hope your ideas are flowing and what ever you are reading is that great escape. Lauren
While I'm feeling deep thought I'd share a my way of dealing with those reviews that aren't so shiny because let's face it not everybody is going to like your work just same as not everybody likes mine but it's important not to just dismiss these points because we can learn to be better writers from it. My partner and quite possibly my toughest critic commented that sometimes my work lacks background description of scenery and places. I've taken this and wrote to my usual style but going back over my work in an edit I found the places that it could be put in. Rather than worrying about the criticism I used it as a way and a tool to improve my writing, and writing like any craft takes time often years to perfect an I know that with each page I write I'm learning more about my craft but also about my writing style and where it's strengths and weaknesses lie.
Hope your ideas are flowing and what ever you are reading is that great escape. Lauren
Tuesday, 28 August 2012
Story development
A dilemma I found myself in yesterday, what direction do I take my characters in, one in particular I had several ideas and found myself bogged down trying to write everything down and melding all my ideas together. So I thought I'd share a couple of tips I've come across with you all. In some ways I think this can be a main cause for writers block especially for me.
The first is something similar to a method drummed into me for revision when I was at school. I drew a flow chart tracking all of my ideas and how they would map out, with everything clear I could pick the best thread for my work.
The second and slightly more unusual method suggested to me was using tarot cards to map out a possible path for the character. Now you have to bare with me I did find this strange to start with and more than a little odd but gave it a go anyways. Now it's not fail safe and not one that I would use often but it did give a some ideas and a different perseptive on how my character may react to different situations and problems.
The third method is another I subject my partner to (I think a part of me must be a sadist) I take my rough manuscript and get him to read it. Sometimes a fresh set of eyes can give a new persepctive and also if you have an honest victim they can tell what is working and what isnt. If any of you are like me you know exactly what you are trying say but don't always get it down in the right way the first few times.
Happy reading and writing all.....
Lauren xxx
The first is something similar to a method drummed into me for revision when I was at school. I drew a flow chart tracking all of my ideas and how they would map out, with everything clear I could pick the best thread for my work.
The second and slightly more unusual method suggested to me was using tarot cards to map out a possible path for the character. Now you have to bare with me I did find this strange to start with and more than a little odd but gave it a go anyways. Now it's not fail safe and not one that I would use often but it did give a some ideas and a different perseptive on how my character may react to different situations and problems.
The third method is another I subject my partner to (I think a part of me must be a sadist) I take my rough manuscript and get him to read it. Sometimes a fresh set of eyes can give a new persepctive and also if you have an honest victim they can tell what is working and what isnt. If any of you are like me you know exactly what you are trying say but don't always get it down in the right way the first few times.
Happy reading and writing all.....
Lauren xxx
Friday, 24 August 2012
Dealing with writers block
The bane of all writers the dreaded writers block....
I know like many of you we get hit by this from time to time and the frustration it causes can make you want to turn the air blue with cursing and want to throw your lap top or pen and paper across the room. I got hit by this lately and thought I'd share my tips for breaking down writers block
1) Put the pen and paper down or turn the lap top off the more you try to force it the worse it gets.
2) Take a break for about half hour and chill don't think about writing or anything of the like.
3) Look for inspiration else where, read, draw, watch a movie something you know helps you get the ideas flowing. Yesterday Song of the siren covered by this mortal coil did the trick for me.
4) Talk your ideas through with someone, sounding your ideas out can help a lot. My partner is the guinea pig for many of my ideas.
Hope these tips are helpful if you ever do get writers block in the mean time I hope the writing and creativity flows
Lauren
4) Music my greatest salvation sometimes all it takes is a few notes or lyrics to spur the creativity on
I know like many of you we get hit by this from time to time and the frustration it causes can make you want to turn the air blue with cursing and want to throw your lap top or pen and paper across the room. I got hit by this lately and thought I'd share my tips for breaking down writers block
1) Put the pen and paper down or turn the lap top off the more you try to force it the worse it gets.
2) Take a break for about half hour and chill don't think about writing or anything of the like.
3) Look for inspiration else where, read, draw, watch a movie something you know helps you get the ideas flowing. Yesterday Song of the siren covered by this mortal coil did the trick for me.
4) Talk your ideas through with someone, sounding your ideas out can help a lot. My partner is the guinea pig for many of my ideas.
Hope these tips are helpful if you ever do get writers block in the mean time I hope the writing and creativity flows
Lauren
4) Music my greatest salvation sometimes all it takes is a few notes or lyrics to spur the creativity on
Monday, 20 August 2012
A beautiful weekend
What a beautiful weekend it has been this week. I've not done much in the way of writing been a little distracted by my sisters wedding. It was an amazing day simple and sweet with just close family and friends. Half way through the ceremony I was struck with divine inspriation and had a flash of an idea for my next book to work on. I dont know about you but I find ideas strike me at the oddest moments more often than not in the middle of the night. I reach for my trusty iphone and its note pad and put them in there before I can forget. (I would be lost without my phone)
My health has been a litte up and down lately and I know I have spoken about if before but I find writing a great escape and a great therapy. It doesnt matter what is going on in my world there is always a place that not only can I escape to but also have complete controll over.
With all these ideas in my iphone sometimes its difficult to keep focused on one project at a time I think excitement at starting something new can almost get the better of me.
At the moment I'm working on part two of my first trilogy A Ravens Tear. I've put the first chapter on here on an earlier post. Part two has a bit of a way to go yet but I'm hoping to have the prologe on here in the not to distant future. I would like some feed back on the atmosphere I'm trying to create in that openeing scene. Like all writers I am keen for feedback the postive and the negative so I can see where my strengths and weakness' lie.
As a closing thought if you are interested in supporting indie authors and their work the best thing anyone as a reader can do is leave feed back and reviews, Amazon, Goodreads and author blogs are a great place to start.
Wishing you all a fantastic week
Lauren x
My health has been a litte up and down lately and I know I have spoken about if before but I find writing a great escape and a great therapy. It doesnt matter what is going on in my world there is always a place that not only can I escape to but also have complete controll over.
With all these ideas in my iphone sometimes its difficult to keep focused on one project at a time I think excitement at starting something new can almost get the better of me.
At the moment I'm working on part two of my first trilogy A Ravens Tear. I've put the first chapter on here on an earlier post. Part two has a bit of a way to go yet but I'm hoping to have the prologe on here in the not to distant future. I would like some feed back on the atmosphere I'm trying to create in that openeing scene. Like all writers I am keen for feedback the postive and the negative so I can see where my strengths and weakness' lie.
As a closing thought if you are interested in supporting indie authors and their work the best thing anyone as a reader can do is leave feed back and reviews, Amazon, Goodreads and author blogs are a great place to start.
Wishing you all a fantastic week
Lauren x
Monday, 13 August 2012
Music, writing and marketing
With all the drama of the Olympics I must confess I've been distracted from more than just my writing. I am a great lover of of music and my vinyl collection as well as my pen has been idle. I often have music on when I am writing it gives me a sense of rythem and of flow. I often find my best ideas come to me while I'm listening to a piece of music or doing something compeltly inane. An iPhone has been a good send as I can tap any ideas as soon as I get them.
Marketing is another thing I've been distracted from, one thing I've found is that writing the book was the easy part marketing is another thing all together. Like most of us I'm happier behind a keyboard or with pen and paper in hand but that doesn't sell books. I thought I'd share a few of my ideas that don't cost the earth to help promote your work.
1- Make a business style card for your book and for your self Moo.com have good deals for new customers. I put the cover of my book on one side and twitter and email info on the back. I've given these to bookshops, left them at my local hair dressers and coffee shops along with some flyers I made.
2- Get in contact with local newspapers and local radio they are always interested in stories that involve real people from their area.
3- Email news programs there's no guarennte you'll get a rely but what have you got to lose.
4 - Contact libraries arrange readings
5- Volenteer to do a reading at local hospitals, children's wards if it's a children's book bring some happiness and spread the word
6- Posters where ever you can get them put up community notice boards are a good start
7 - Blogs and reviews get in contact with forums and blogs build a repur and then ask if they would do a review or a piece on your work
These are just a few ideas I've had and am trying out. My best advice be creative marketing doesn't need to cost the earth. Best of luck to all of you with your writing
Marketing is another thing I've been distracted from, one thing I've found is that writing the book was the easy part marketing is another thing all together. Like most of us I'm happier behind a keyboard or with pen and paper in hand but that doesn't sell books. I thought I'd share a few of my ideas that don't cost the earth to help promote your work.
1- Make a business style card for your book and for your self Moo.com have good deals for new customers. I put the cover of my book on one side and twitter and email info on the back. I've given these to bookshops, left them at my local hair dressers and coffee shops along with some flyers I made.
2- Get in contact with local newspapers and local radio they are always interested in stories that involve real people from their area.
3- Email news programs there's no guarennte you'll get a rely but what have you got to lose.
4 - Contact libraries arrange readings
5- Volenteer to do a reading at local hospitals, children's wards if it's a children's book bring some happiness and spread the word
6- Posters where ever you can get them put up community notice boards are a good start
7 - Blogs and reviews get in contact with forums and blogs build a repur and then ask if they would do a review or a piece on your work
These are just a few ideas I've had and am trying out. My best advice be creative marketing doesn't need to cost the earth. Best of luck to all of you with your writing
Thursday, 9 August 2012
Olympics and peeves as a reader
Wow what an Olympic games its been and not just for team GB but for others involved. I must confess it has distracted me from writing and blogging. I'm not afraid to say writing has been a struggle this week but the words are flowing again now and my health has taken a step on the up for the time being so I'm going to take advantage.
I saw a piece on Facebook today and thought I'd take the point and expand it further on my blog. As a reader (not a writer) what really puts you off a book or puts you off reading further so I thought I would share a few of my bug bears and I hope you share yours as it will help not just me but anyone whos reading and wants to be a writer:
- My main peeve is clunky plots that dont flow, sometimes a book starts with such promise but then looses it's sense of direction like it forgets what story its trying to tell.
- Characters I can't relate to, like everyone I love a good battle between good and evil but I like the murkey areas in between heros shouldnt be whiter than white and villians shouldnt be blacker than black
- Description for the sake of description just to fill pages, I like the scene to be set but I want to know what is happening to my character and their thoughts and feelings thats what we want to know. clothing and surroundings do not need to be described but not down to the atom. Its atmosphere that works from me.
What are your peeves as a reader?
I saw a piece on Facebook today and thought I'd take the point and expand it further on my blog. As a reader (not a writer) what really puts you off a book or puts you off reading further so I thought I would share a few of my bug bears and I hope you share yours as it will help not just me but anyone whos reading and wants to be a writer:
- My main peeve is clunky plots that dont flow, sometimes a book starts with such promise but then looses it's sense of direction like it forgets what story its trying to tell.
- Characters I can't relate to, like everyone I love a good battle between good and evil but I like the murkey areas in between heros shouldnt be whiter than white and villians shouldnt be blacker than black
- Description for the sake of description just to fill pages, I like the scene to be set but I want to know what is happening to my character and their thoughts and feelings thats what we want to know. clothing and surroundings do not need to be described but not down to the atom. Its atmosphere that works from me.
What are your peeves as a reader?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)