I think God is testing me. Because not 24 hours after I told a coworker that I tend to not get sick often, I come down with some nasty head/nose/throat thing that has stuck to me like glue for the past six days. Normally that'd be no biggie. I'd just sleep and it would go away. I so wish I could just do that and it would this time. Because not only am I working nothing but closing shifts this week, but it's inhibiting my ability to write.
My head just feels inflated and breaking off any creativity I might have. It's even kind of difficult to write this blog right now. But I'm trying. And I think that's something everyone should do.
Sometimes we hit road blocks that make us stumble on what we're doing or trying to accomplish. Especially, I think as creators (artists, crafters, writers, etc.), we have to make time for our fun job. And sometimes we get sick or family emergencies crop up or we're just basically told "No, you can't do that" by the world. Because there's not time for something fun or creative in this world. Right? That's what we're told, right?
Well, it's wrong. I love being creative and I love having the opportunity to delve into a world unknown to others except the readers that follow with me. That, I think, is a gift not enough people encourage in others. So I encourage you, whoever you are, to be the best creative person you can be. Strive for something extraordinary despite what gets in the way. And above all, have hope & faith. God's got this.
In a closing note, I have no clue if any of this made sense. Foggy brain...
Happy writing!
Currently (re)Writing: Unity
Currently Reading: The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
Currently Listening to: THIS.
Showing posts with label believe. Show all posts
Showing posts with label believe. Show all posts
Thursday, October 4, 2012
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
Amongst the Chaos
I'm telling ya, this month has been hard.
Initially, I thought this month was going to be cake. I'd write every day and I'd totally cream that 50,000 word goal of Camp Nano and I'd have a blast with my friends at a wedding earlier this month and I'd enjoy work and I'd do a million other things and still have time to do what I wanted.
That was wrong.
Not only am I way behind on my Arthurian lore piece (which has been a blast), but I've thrown another major weight onto my shoulders. In less than a month (WHAT?!), I am embarking on self-promoting my book hard core. I'll be attending an art show that my town does every fall and broadcasting my book as much as possible. That means coming up with marketing and advertising and figuring out if I can afford to buy everything that people need when they start a business and...and...I don't even know what else.
Do I buy T-shirts? What about a banner? And how about business cards? Who should I get to endorse my book? Will anyone endorse my book? What will grab someone's attention? Will what grabs my attention grab someone else's?
And all the while, I'm scraping by to meet a goal that should have only taken me a couple of days to complete. My brain feels like mush half the time and the other half I'm running rampant with ideas and thoughts and wishes and oh gosh I really should work out and I should rework my cover art and maybe I should...
This is what I've signed up for.
This is it kids. No one said it would be easy. The bills will come. The money will be tight. The nights will be long and the hours will be strenuous. You will feel stretched as you write in the odd hours. You'll feel exhausted after coming home from 9 hours of physical labor. But it's the greatest of writers, I think, that persevere through this difficulty and become something more.
Don't shy away from the challenge. Believe in yourself, even if you can't find the faith to. Somehow I do. And I think that's simply because I get by with a little help from my friends.
Currently Reading: The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
Currently Writing: Arthur
Currently Editing: Genesis
Currently Listening to: "Promise" by Steven Bergesen
Initially, I thought this month was going to be cake. I'd write every day and I'd totally cream that 50,000 word goal of Camp Nano and I'd have a blast with my friends at a wedding earlier this month and I'd enjoy work and I'd do a million other things and still have time to do what I wanted.
That was wrong.
Not only am I way behind on my Arthurian lore piece (which has been a blast), but I've thrown another major weight onto my shoulders. In less than a month (WHAT?!), I am embarking on self-promoting my book hard core. I'll be attending an art show that my town does every fall and broadcasting my book as much as possible. That means coming up with marketing and advertising and figuring out if I can afford to buy everything that people need when they start a business and...and...I don't even know what else.
Do I buy T-shirts? What about a banner? And how about business cards? Who should I get to endorse my book? Will anyone endorse my book? What will grab someone's attention? Will what grabs my attention grab someone else's?
And all the while, I'm scraping by to meet a goal that should have only taken me a couple of days to complete. My brain feels like mush half the time and the other half I'm running rampant with ideas and thoughts and wishes and oh gosh I really should work out and I should rework my cover art and maybe I should...
This is what I've signed up for.
This is it kids. No one said it would be easy. The bills will come. The money will be tight. The nights will be long and the hours will be strenuous. You will feel stretched as you write in the odd hours. You'll feel exhausted after coming home from 9 hours of physical labor. But it's the greatest of writers, I think, that persevere through this difficulty and become something more.
Don't shy away from the challenge. Believe in yourself, even if you can't find the faith to. Somehow I do. And I think that's simply because I get by with a little help from my friends.
Currently Reading: The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
Currently Writing: Arthur
Currently Editing: Genesis
Currently Listening to: "Promise" by Steven Bergesen
Friday, July 27, 2012
Sometimes I Say Things I Don't Think Come From Me
It's a long title, but fitting.
I've been having a lot of conversations like the one I'm currently having with a friend. We're both struggling with the uncertainties of life and growing up. Finding our paths in life and where we're meant to be. The answers elude us and we're left with shrugs and blank stares at the sky as we ask, "Okay, now what?"
As I was talking with her, I realized there wasn't anything I could really say to bring her comfort. So I told her the only word I knew that might help, which was to have faith.
To me, faith always requires some level of blindness. Some level of complete trust in something unseen.
In the midst of talking with her about this, I said, "It's when we're blind that we begin to see."
At first I thought, "That's stupid. Why would you even say that?" Then I thought about it. To me, it resounded around my head for a few seconds and then settled into my heart. It was true. It was something that I didn't really believe when I wrote it, but when I read it again, I realized it was something I needed to hear.
Become blind so then you can see.
Currently Writing: Arthur outline
Currently Reading: The Once and Future King by T.H. White
Currently Listening to: "Finale" from the DragonHeart Score
I've been having a lot of conversations like the one I'm currently having with a friend. We're both struggling with the uncertainties of life and growing up. Finding our paths in life and where we're meant to be. The answers elude us and we're left with shrugs and blank stares at the sky as we ask, "Okay, now what?"
As I was talking with her, I realized there wasn't anything I could really say to bring her comfort. So I told her the only word I knew that might help, which was to have faith.
To me, faith always requires some level of blindness. Some level of complete trust in something unseen.
In the midst of talking with her about this, I said, "It's when we're blind that we begin to see."
At first I thought, "That's stupid. Why would you even say that?" Then I thought about it. To me, it resounded around my head for a few seconds and then settled into my heart. It was true. It was something that I didn't really believe when I wrote it, but when I read it again, I realized it was something I needed to hear.
Become blind so then you can see.
Currently Writing: Arthur outline
Currently Reading: The Once and Future King by T.H. White
Currently Listening to: "Finale" from the DragonHeart Score
Saturday, July 14, 2012
The Seasons
Right now I'm not at a job I necessarily am enthused about. Working in retail for the rest of my life doesn't sound like my ideal position, but I'm always trying to remind myself that I'm where I need to be for the moment. Every day I make as valid an attempt I can at asking God to show me why I'm where I am. To help me endure the rough days and to praise Him for the good ones.
Yesterday, two good things happened.
The first of which was, three of my customers asked me about my necklace. I have a crown of thorns necklace that I've had since the year the Passion of the Christ came out. When I was younger (and even now), I'd had cross necklaces, but they always felt empty to me. The world had lost the understanding, the weight behind what the cross meant. How it could be beautiful and awful at the same time. I liked them enough, but I wanted something different. Something people would ask about.
I've taken to wearing the necklace every day at work. Just something small (like my promise ring), that can set me apart and maybe, just maybe, help witness to others. I'm sure I fail on a regular basis. But I still try.
Then yesterday, those three customers asked what it was. It opened the doorway for short conversations with each of them. One was definitely a believer, while one was obviously not. The last person that asked me was a woman who was faxing the death certificate of her best friend and sister-in-law.
I can only hope that somehow my brief talks with each of them helped them in some way.
The other good thing that happened was: I got a job nibble. One of my customers (not only is the mom to a once-fellow associate), has to clients that are editors for magazines. One of them is interested in me. So last night I emailed off my resume to her. I'm excited to see what happens with it. Because working retail, while it's great to have a job right now, is not what I want to be doing for the rest of my life. There's far too much I want to accomplish outside of these cramped walls and massive windows.
So wish me luck. And prayer. Prayer is always a good thing in times like these.
Currently Editing: Genesis
Currently Reading: The Once and Future King by T.H. White
Currently Listening to: "Promise" by Thomas Bergersen
Yesterday, two good things happened.
The first of which was, three of my customers asked me about my necklace. I have a crown of thorns necklace that I've had since the year the Passion of the Christ came out. When I was younger (and even now), I'd had cross necklaces, but they always felt empty to me. The world had lost the understanding, the weight behind what the cross meant. How it could be beautiful and awful at the same time. I liked them enough, but I wanted something different. Something people would ask about.
I've taken to wearing the necklace every day at work. Just something small (like my promise ring), that can set me apart and maybe, just maybe, help witness to others. I'm sure I fail on a regular basis. But I still try.
Then yesterday, those three customers asked what it was. It opened the doorway for short conversations with each of them. One was definitely a believer, while one was obviously not. The last person that asked me was a woman who was faxing the death certificate of her best friend and sister-in-law.
I can only hope that somehow my brief talks with each of them helped them in some way.
The other good thing that happened was: I got a job nibble. One of my customers (not only is the mom to a once-fellow associate), has to clients that are editors for magazines. One of them is interested in me. So last night I emailed off my resume to her. I'm excited to see what happens with it. Because working retail, while it's great to have a job right now, is not what I want to be doing for the rest of my life. There's far too much I want to accomplish outside of these cramped walls and massive windows.
So wish me luck. And prayer. Prayer is always a good thing in times like these.
Currently Editing: Genesis
Currently Reading: The Once and Future King by T.H. White
Currently Listening to: "Promise" by Thomas Bergersen
Thursday, July 12, 2012
Apologies
I've been taking my time in reading through Genesis via physical copy and have found many a mistake. So for those that have bought the book, I wish to extend my deepest of apologies. Not only have I probably put my worst foot forward, but I've wasted your time and well-earned money. You deserve better, as do my characters.
If you truly feel slighted, let me know. I will gladly purchase a new one for you and mail it to you. No one should be forced to keep something they don't like/can't use. And to be honest, I hope that my books keep you coming back to revisit the story. I know that they constantly beckon to me, but I've also written a story I knew I wanted to read.
News unrelated to my sorry excuse for a first publication:
Arthurian lore is eating at my brain. Reading The Once and Future King doesn't help matters. However, it still calls to my attention at nearly all hours. I can't wait till August so I can let my fingers fly across my keyboard in story-telling again. Exploring this story gets me excited. Many questions will be answered for me and even more will be posed, of this I'm sure.
With every road I travel down regarding my world, I find stories, characters and histories I find captivating. It's why I think I'm always searching down those roads. There's always more story to tell, if I really wanted there to be. Every world, I think, has the potential to grow into something harking of reality. It draws us in and can, if the author allows it, to enthrall and devour a reader's attention.
And that is my sincerest hope for you when you read my books. If I have not done this, well, then I have obviously forgotten something. Or perhaps something was lost. Regardless, it won't be recognized by a larger audience until I get a story that doesn't just grab me. Because boy, does it ever snatch my attention away. I was five minutes late from my lunch today at work because I was so caught up in a story I wrote.
As absurd as this is, I was giggling at my own writing - not because it was bad. But because I actually found it funny.
Lord willing, all will be as I strive for.
Currently Editing: Genesis
Currently Reading: The Once and Future King by T.H. White
Currently Listening to: "Live Like That" by Sidewalk Prophets
If you truly feel slighted, let me know. I will gladly purchase a new one for you and mail it to you. No one should be forced to keep something they don't like/can't use. And to be honest, I hope that my books keep you coming back to revisit the story. I know that they constantly beckon to me, but I've also written a story I knew I wanted to read.
News unrelated to my sorry excuse for a first publication:
Arthurian lore is eating at my brain. Reading The Once and Future King doesn't help matters. However, it still calls to my attention at nearly all hours. I can't wait till August so I can let my fingers fly across my keyboard in story-telling again. Exploring this story gets me excited. Many questions will be answered for me and even more will be posed, of this I'm sure.
With every road I travel down regarding my world, I find stories, characters and histories I find captivating. It's why I think I'm always searching down those roads. There's always more story to tell, if I really wanted there to be. Every world, I think, has the potential to grow into something harking of reality. It draws us in and can, if the author allows it, to enthrall and devour a reader's attention.
And that is my sincerest hope for you when you read my books. If I have not done this, well, then I have obviously forgotten something. Or perhaps something was lost. Regardless, it won't be recognized by a larger audience until I get a story that doesn't just grab me. Because boy, does it ever snatch my attention away. I was five minutes late from my lunch today at work because I was so caught up in a story I wrote.
As absurd as this is, I was giggling at my own writing - not because it was bad. But because I actually found it funny.
Lord willing, all will be as I strive for.
Currently Editing: Genesis
Currently Reading: The Once and Future King by T.H. White
Currently Listening to: "Live Like That" by Sidewalk Prophets
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Waiting...
The other day I wished an unofficial cousin a happy birthday. She wound up replying that she was excited about my book. I then replied that I was excited to see where it was God was going to take it. Then I sat back and thought about things.
I've been waiting my whole life to see where God will take this story.
That might be a gross exaggeration.
Regardless, I've been waiting a long time to see where it is God will take the story I've written. At first, when I hit submit on CreateSpace's website and nearly was pinching my eyes shut in terror, I was more scared than anything. But as the days have passed and as I've grown accustomed to my coworkers and friends asking how things are going and many people telling me how proud they are of me, I'm not so scared anymore. It's hovering somewhere out there, but I choose not to acknowledge it.
Now, I'm simply excited. I have no clue where this is headed. I don't know to what end this all will bring me. Only that I've done it. Only that I have faith that this will somehow be a doorway for my future. And if it turns out that this is actually a brick wall, well, then we'll start over. Try something different.
Life is a grand adventure. If we allow it to be.
I'm currently bombarding my room with noise and book-related stuff (poems my friend wrote, artwork, Nanowrimo awards, etc.). Every now and then, I really like when I'm the only person in the house. Later tonight I'm gonna try my hand at drawing concept art again. I'm on a kick with that.
Eventually I need to get back to reading The Once and Future King. August will eventually arrive and as I've mentioned before, I don't feel like just glossing over my next book.
Happy writing everyone!
Currently Editing: Genesis (via physical copy! It'll be a fun copy when I'm done with it.)
Currently Reading: The Once and Future King by T.H. White
Currently Listening to: "God's Not Dead (Like a Lion)" by Newsboys
P.S. - There's now a Kindle edition of book 1! Link is on the right for those who want to read digitally.
I've been waiting my whole life to see where God will take this story.
That might be a gross exaggeration.
Regardless, I've been waiting a long time to see where it is God will take the story I've written. At first, when I hit submit on CreateSpace's website and nearly was pinching my eyes shut in terror, I was more scared than anything. But as the days have passed and as I've grown accustomed to my coworkers and friends asking how things are going and many people telling me how proud they are of me, I'm not so scared anymore. It's hovering somewhere out there, but I choose not to acknowledge it.
Now, I'm simply excited. I have no clue where this is headed. I don't know to what end this all will bring me. Only that I've done it. Only that I have faith that this will somehow be a doorway for my future. And if it turns out that this is actually a brick wall, well, then we'll start over. Try something different.
Life is a grand adventure. If we allow it to be.
I'm currently bombarding my room with noise and book-related stuff (poems my friend wrote, artwork, Nanowrimo awards, etc.). Every now and then, I really like when I'm the only person in the house. Later tonight I'm gonna try my hand at drawing concept art again. I'm on a kick with that.
Eventually I need to get back to reading The Once and Future King. August will eventually arrive and as I've mentioned before, I don't feel like just glossing over my next book.
Happy writing everyone!
Currently Editing: Genesis (via physical copy! It'll be a fun copy when I'm done with it.)
Currently Reading: The Once and Future King by T.H. White
Currently Listening to: "God's Not Dead (Like a Lion)" by Newsboys
P.S. - There's now a Kindle edition of book 1! Link is on the right for those who want to read digitally.
Saturday, June 30, 2012
Faith
It's a funny thing. You have to just have blind faith sometimes about some things. Faith that something will work out the way you've been dreaming of. Faith of a promise being fulfilled with absolutely no proof that it'll actually come to pass. Faith that one day, your hurting friends will find peace.
I have to remind myself of these things. Because I can do very little on my own. All in all, I'm a fairly helpless creature.
Thus I have left the ledge and jumped off a cliff. Will I fly? Will I die? Will this be the end of a dream, or only the beginning? Or neither?
The absolutely beautiful, crazy thing is: I'm not worried.
Huh.
Happy writing everyone :)
Currently Rewriting: Unity
Currently Reading: Auralia's Colors by Jeffrey Overstreet
Currently Listening to: "Stars Burn Down" by Phillips, Craig & Dean
Thursday, June 28, 2012
Leaping, Hoping to Fly
Have you ever heard of CreateSpace? Two days ago, I hadn't.
Apparently, as a winner of NaNoWriMo, I can get 5 free copies of my book. Bound, pretty, and with a cover printed and all sorts of professionalism-ness that I'm yearning for.
The catch is, now it's out there for the masses too. Which means...inadvertently, I have unleashed End Game: Genesis into the world. In theory, I could cancel the account once I get my 5 free copies and maybe travel down this road later on in life. Or, I can just let it sit out there as I search for an editor. Does that make sense? Would an editor want someone who already has the book out for the masses through CreateSpace?
Now, almost at 3 in the morning, I find myself in this tangle of emotions. I'm elated and timid and excited and a little worried and a lot unsure. Have I made the right step? Is this where I'm meant to travel? Have I veered off the path I'm meant to stick to, simply because I'm impatient? Or, by some great grace of God, have I, in my terrified stumbling, wandered right where I need to be?
I simply don't know.
However, I'm not going to lie. When that proof comes and I have my book in professional bound-ness, I very well may scream out loud so high in pitch I won't recognize myself.
Currently Writing: Zero Point
Currently Reading: Auralia's Colors by Jeffrey Overstreet
Currently Listening to: "Lead Me" by Sanctus Real
P.S. - Today is my birthday. Around 7 this morning (only 4 hours away!), I turn 24. Let's hope for another amazing year filled with God's promises and possibly even some unknown adventures.
Apparently, as a winner of NaNoWriMo, I can get 5 free copies of my book. Bound, pretty, and with a cover printed and all sorts of professionalism-ness that I'm yearning for.
The catch is, now it's out there for the masses too. Which means...inadvertently, I have unleashed End Game: Genesis into the world. In theory, I could cancel the account once I get my 5 free copies and maybe travel down this road later on in life. Or, I can just let it sit out there as I search for an editor. Does that make sense? Would an editor want someone who already has the book out for the masses through CreateSpace?
Now, almost at 3 in the morning, I find myself in this tangle of emotions. I'm elated and timid and excited and a little worried and a lot unsure. Have I made the right step? Is this where I'm meant to travel? Have I veered off the path I'm meant to stick to, simply because I'm impatient? Or, by some great grace of God, have I, in my terrified stumbling, wandered right where I need to be?
I simply don't know.
However, I'm not going to lie. When that proof comes and I have my book in professional bound-ness, I very well may scream out loud so high in pitch I won't recognize myself.
Currently Writing: Zero Point
Currently Reading: Auralia's Colors by Jeffrey Overstreet
Currently Listening to: "Lead Me" by Sanctus Real
P.S. - Today is my birthday. Around 7 this morning (only 4 hours away!), I turn 24. Let's hope for another amazing year filled with God's promises and possibly even some unknown adventures.
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
One Year Anniversary
On June 18, 2011, I began writing my second book.
I pretty well haven't stopped since then. Since the moment I realized I finished my second book in under two months, I've let my fingers fly across a keyboard at all hours of the night, day and morning. Whenever I have a spare moment, I'm jotting things down. My pen and journal are my best friend when I'm at work on a fifteen minute break.
Now, I told myself a year ago, that I would see how much I could do in a year. Giving myself till June 18, 2012 to see exactly what I could accomplish. It seemed so far away. Yet now here I am. A year (and a few moments), later. 366 days - it was a leap year - warranted me a lot of work done. I think it was profitable.
About two months ago, I told myself I wouldn't count up the number of words I had written in the year. It was this little treat I would give myself when I reached the anniversary of my crazy writing-ness. So at midnight on June 19th (today), I tallied it all up.
5 books. 1 novella. 1 unfinished prequel and a started rewrite of my second book.
The word count, of my first year of crazy writing-ness is...
591,740 words.
...
I'm content.
I pretty well haven't stopped since then. Since the moment I realized I finished my second book in under two months, I've let my fingers fly across a keyboard at all hours of the night, day and morning. Whenever I have a spare moment, I'm jotting things down. My pen and journal are my best friend when I'm at work on a fifteen minute break.
Now, I told myself a year ago, that I would see how much I could do in a year. Giving myself till June 18, 2012 to see exactly what I could accomplish. It seemed so far away. Yet now here I am. A year (and a few moments), later. 366 days - it was a leap year - warranted me a lot of work done. I think it was profitable.
About two months ago, I told myself I wouldn't count up the number of words I had written in the year. It was this little treat I would give myself when I reached the anniversary of my crazy writing-ness. So at midnight on June 19th (today), I tallied it all up.
5 books. 1 novella. 1 unfinished prequel and a started rewrite of my second book.
The word count, of my first year of crazy writing-ness is...
591,740 words.
...
I'm content.
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
A Book in a Month?
I'm embarking on Camp Nano this June and (hopefully), this August.
The rules are the same. Write at least a 50,000 word book in a month. It sounds easy for me, but even as I think about it, I know it won't be. At the very least, it shouldn't. I did just graduate college - that means I need to find a job. Preferably soon.
One of the things I keep being told to press on though is the fact that I didn't write 5 books and a novella this year by accident. God did implement this somehow and it couldn't have just been a freak mistake for things to progress as far as they So even with my bills looming off in the distance, staring down at me, I'm trying to just remain calm.
Which I think is good advice for any recent college grad. Don't freak out. Just take the days one at a time. Continue to do your best in all that you do. So if it means you're going back to work in retail for the time being, okay. Be happy with the fact that you have a job, that you've been awarded the opportunity to make money. If you're heading off to some big company with a large salary, good for you. And if you're like me, scrounging about for a job and pleading with whomever may come across our way, just relax. It'll all be okay. Just keep working. Keep pushing forward.
Whatever you do and whatever you are, be the greatest of that. No one can do you better than you.
And I encourage all the writers out there to join Camp Nano. Even those that haven't thought to actually write. The first step is always the hardest. Trust me. After that, well, sometimes you can just let gravity do it's work. Take a step of faith and give it a shot. Writing a book isn't easy, but it can be one of the greatest things ever.
In other news, my sister-in-law is due to deliver her baby sometime in the next week. Wow, does time fly.
Happy writing!
Currently Reading: Green by Ted Dekker
Currently [Re]Writing: Unity
Currently Listening to: "Lost in Las Vegas" by Two Steps From Hell
The rules are the same. Write at least a 50,000 word book in a month. It sounds easy for me, but even as I think about it, I know it won't be. At the very least, it shouldn't. I did just graduate college - that means I need to find a job. Preferably soon.
One of the things I keep being told to press on though is the fact that I didn't write 5 books and a novella this year by accident. God did implement this somehow and it couldn't have just been a freak mistake for things to progress as far as they So even with my bills looming off in the distance, staring down at me, I'm trying to just remain calm.
Which I think is good advice for any recent college grad. Don't freak out. Just take the days one at a time. Continue to do your best in all that you do. So if it means you're going back to work in retail for the time being, okay. Be happy with the fact that you have a job, that you've been awarded the opportunity to make money. If you're heading off to some big company with a large salary, good for you. And if you're like me, scrounging about for a job and pleading with whomever may come across our way, just relax. It'll all be okay. Just keep working. Keep pushing forward.
Whatever you do and whatever you are, be the greatest of that. No one can do you better than you.
And I encourage all the writers out there to join Camp Nano. Even those that haven't thought to actually write. The first step is always the hardest. Trust me. After that, well, sometimes you can just let gravity do it's work. Take a step of faith and give it a shot. Writing a book isn't easy, but it can be one of the greatest things ever.
In other news, my sister-in-law is due to deliver her baby sometime in the next week. Wow, does time fly.
Happy writing!
Currently Reading: Green by Ted Dekker
Currently [Re]Writing: Unity
Currently Listening to: "Lost in Las Vegas" by Two Steps From Hell
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Entering Adventure
Tomorrow I'm going to the library to search for these books.
In all of my searching for agents and editors (although honestly, I've only really looked at agents), I had constrained myself to the Christian market. The idea of going into the secular world scared the tar out of me. It still kind of does, if I'm honest with myself. Although, for some reason, I've never actually thought that the Christian market was where my books were meant to land.
Let's look at things. There's the secular market, where you have, well, everything. Then there's the Christian market. It's where everything even remotely hinting at God gets thrown. Books there tend to wither and die. They're allegorical and annoying. Not that allegory is wrong. It's just wrong for me. And boring. Take Ted Dekker's Color series (Red, Black, White and Green). I read through the first three and knew all of the plot twists that were going to happen halfway through the first book. It made the reading of the other two to be irritating. There wasn't any surprise or suspense. I know he can write it, because Adam was pretty dang good.
All of this to say that my books are not allegorical. I sat back while talking with my mom and realized that the people I'm attempting to emulate (C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien), are not confined to the Christian market. In fact, when you walk into a book store and search for Narnia, it's in the children section while Lord of the Rings sits in the Fantasy section. These two titans of writing have straddled the line between the Christian and secular world.
I wish to do the same.
I guess that means that I'm heading toward where I think I need to be. The research begins and hopefully (fingers crossed), I'll be sending out proposals within the next month.
In the meantime, anyone reading this - do you pitch a series differently from a one book, stand alone novel? Seeing as I'm technically only sending the first book in my series to people for publishing, I am pitching the whole five-book series. Is that done differently? Do I need to be sure to mention it in a query letter? Or am I pitching the whole story arc itself?
Happy writing!
Currently Reading: Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins
Currently [Re]Writing: Unity
Currently Listening to: "Without You" by David Guetta feat. Usher
In all of my searching for agents and editors (although honestly, I've only really looked at agents), I had constrained myself to the Christian market. The idea of going into the secular world scared the tar out of me. It still kind of does, if I'm honest with myself. Although, for some reason, I've never actually thought that the Christian market was where my books were meant to land.
Let's look at things. There's the secular market, where you have, well, everything. Then there's the Christian market. It's where everything even remotely hinting at God gets thrown. Books there tend to wither and die. They're allegorical and annoying. Not that allegory is wrong. It's just wrong for me. And boring. Take Ted Dekker's Color series (Red, Black, White and Green). I read through the first three and knew all of the plot twists that were going to happen halfway through the first book. It made the reading of the other two to be irritating. There wasn't any surprise or suspense. I know he can write it, because Adam was pretty dang good.
All of this to say that my books are not allegorical. I sat back while talking with my mom and realized that the people I'm attempting to emulate (C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien), are not confined to the Christian market. In fact, when you walk into a book store and search for Narnia, it's in the children section while Lord of the Rings sits in the Fantasy section. These two titans of writing have straddled the line between the Christian and secular world.
I wish to do the same.
I guess that means that I'm heading toward where I think I need to be. The research begins and hopefully (fingers crossed), I'll be sending out proposals within the next month.
In the meantime, anyone reading this - do you pitch a series differently from a one book, stand alone novel? Seeing as I'm technically only sending the first book in my series to people for publishing, I am pitching the whole five-book series. Is that done differently? Do I need to be sure to mention it in a query letter? Or am I pitching the whole story arc itself?
Happy writing!
Currently Reading: Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins
Currently [Re]Writing: Unity
Currently Listening to: "Without You" by David Guetta feat. Usher
Thursday, May 10, 2012
Support to the Structure
I think I've said it before, but just in case: I'm lucky and incredibly blessed. I have family and friends who are not only reading my books, but they aren't afraid to tell me how it is. If they don't like something or don't understand something, they approach me on it. They give me ideas, theories, factual knowledge and creative outlet.
When I was asking Jeffrey Overstreet (find his books here), about advice on writing query letters and what have you, he didn't have any personal advice because he was discovered as a writer through his blog. Anyway, one of the things he mentioned to do was to be free with your books. Meaning to give them to lots of people you trust to read and give input on. If you're a fantasy writer, find someone who doesn't normally travel down that road and see if they'd be willing to read through the manuscript. You never know what might happen. It might help you strengthen your story beyond just the genre.
That's what happened to me when one of my best friends Dana read my novel. And she never liked fantasy before she met me. But she loves my books (I'm not being egotistical. She seriously loves them). She gives me all sorts of input about the characters.
Whereas my brother Josh won't hesitate to say, "Why are you doing this?" simply because he wants to make sure I have a reason. Then there're my friends Kara and Shelly. They'll basically tell me when the story is weak, when the characters change, when the description is lacking, and when a question that's vital is being asked.
But above this all, they never will lie to me. None of them will. They'll shoot straight with me. Despite them being my closest friends and family, they won't just say, "Oh, it was so good!" just 'cause they think I need to hear that.
All of this to say that I think writers should be willing to hand out their novels while they're still in the rough stages. It's hard and terrifying and awful. But, in the end, it will pay off. Getting feedback will help you look objectively at your story. Which is necessary to be sure that when you do go to edit, you aren't just leaving everything as it is because you think it's great. Because, sad to say it, but it probably isn't great the way it is. No book (or very few I imagine), is 'publish-worthy' on the first draft. Unless you're a genius. In which case, why are you reading this blog?
Trust people. Trust their side of things but remember - you are the author. If a friend gives a suggestion and it sucks, don't be afraid to say, "Um. No." However, don't just block it out. Sometimes those suggestions will lead you to answer questions you've been struggling with.
Happy writing.
Currently Editing: Unity
Currently Reading: Homecoming by Alaina Bargar
Currently Listening to: "Somewhere in the Middle" by Casting Crowns
When I was asking Jeffrey Overstreet (find his books here), about advice on writing query letters and what have you, he didn't have any personal advice because he was discovered as a writer through his blog. Anyway, one of the things he mentioned to do was to be free with your books. Meaning to give them to lots of people you trust to read and give input on. If you're a fantasy writer, find someone who doesn't normally travel down that road and see if they'd be willing to read through the manuscript. You never know what might happen. It might help you strengthen your story beyond just the genre.
That's what happened to me when one of my best friends Dana read my novel. And she never liked fantasy before she met me. But she loves my books (I'm not being egotistical. She seriously loves them). She gives me all sorts of input about the characters.
Whereas my brother Josh won't hesitate to say, "Why are you doing this?" simply because he wants to make sure I have a reason. Then there're my friends Kara and Shelly. They'll basically tell me when the story is weak, when the characters change, when the description is lacking, and when a question that's vital is being asked.
But above this all, they never will lie to me. None of them will. They'll shoot straight with me. Despite them being my closest friends and family, they won't just say, "Oh, it was so good!" just 'cause they think I need to hear that.
All of this to say that I think writers should be willing to hand out their novels while they're still in the rough stages. It's hard and terrifying and awful. But, in the end, it will pay off. Getting feedback will help you look objectively at your story. Which is necessary to be sure that when you do go to edit, you aren't just leaving everything as it is because you think it's great. Because, sad to say it, but it probably isn't great the way it is. No book (or very few I imagine), is 'publish-worthy' on the first draft. Unless you're a genius. In which case, why are you reading this blog?
Trust people. Trust their side of things but remember - you are the author. If a friend gives a suggestion and it sucks, don't be afraid to say, "Um. No." However, don't just block it out. Sometimes those suggestions will lead you to answer questions you've been struggling with.
Happy writing.
Currently Editing: Unity
Currently Reading: Homecoming by Alaina Bargar
Currently Listening to: "Somewhere in the Middle" by Casting Crowns
Monday, March 12, 2012
Fighting Through the Rubble
Despite having my computer crash and having to use a loaner machine that's super irritating and having none of my documents readily available to me, I'm continuing on with writing my fourth book.
This will either be the death of me or it'll be wonderful and I'll get a lot done. Or, further still, it'll be something that God's trying to keep me from and I'll lose everything in one giant fell swoop. I'd like to think I listen better than that. But, as we all know, I'm far too prone to falling down.
So onward I trudge, hoping that the six chapters on my laptop will be preserved through the power of God and that only the motherboard crashed.
Let's do this.
This will either be the death of me or it'll be wonderful and I'll get a lot done. Or, further still, it'll be something that God's trying to keep me from and I'll lose everything in one giant fell swoop. I'd like to think I listen better than that. But, as we all know, I'm far too prone to falling down.
So onward I trudge, hoping that the six chapters on my laptop will be preserved through the power of God and that only the motherboard crashed.
Let's do this.
Lent
This is something I don't normally do, although I'm beginning to wonder if perhaps it's a good option to follow. Giving something up for lent to focus on God's purposes and plans seems like a great idea. I mean, listening closer to His voice is always a good option, and why not follow something that encourages that behavior?
Without meaning to, I'm going to be somewhat participating in lent. See, on Saturday early afternoon, my laptop crashed. Probably the motherboard finally dying. Anyway, this caused for my weekend to look pretty much like this:
I walked around my flat aimlessly, watched lots of movies and TV shows, red a few chapters, and overall, did NOTHING.
I would love to give up my computer for lent. I would love to give up the constant stream of 'necessity' having a computer brings. However, in today's day and age, and especially in college, that is impossible. I've had professors emailing me all weekend and I only just got back to them this morning because my computer is shot. And you would think that removing a constant thread of work and glaring necessity from my life would make life easier.
It hasn't.
For two days I didn't know what to do with myself. I couldn't write properly because I wanted to look back at what I had written for my fourth book before I continued on. I couldn't get on and check my emails to see if any jobs had gotten back to me (none of them have, of course). I had none of the familiarity of my computer. It was gone, taken in an instant.
Am I that reliant on a piece of technology that when it's removed, I don't know how to live? It seems that way. That raises concerns for me. I shouldn't be so dependent upon a pile of plastic and pieces that culminates in a computer. And yet somehow I am.
I'm attempting to not let this bother me. However, I feel like an awful person for relying so heavily on my computer. I used to be someone who could go without it, and now somehow, I've reached a point where I feel as though I've gone bonkers without it!
Perhaps it has something to do with the fact that I haven't been capable of writing recently. At least, that's what I assume has happened.
Without meaning to, I'm going to be somewhat participating in lent. See, on Saturday early afternoon, my laptop crashed. Probably the motherboard finally dying. Anyway, this caused for my weekend to look pretty much like this:
I walked around my flat aimlessly, watched lots of movies and TV shows, red a few chapters, and overall, did NOTHING.
I would love to give up my computer for lent. I would love to give up the constant stream of 'necessity' having a computer brings. However, in today's day and age, and especially in college, that is impossible. I've had professors emailing me all weekend and I only just got back to them this morning because my computer is shot. And you would think that removing a constant thread of work and glaring necessity from my life would make life easier.
It hasn't.
For two days I didn't know what to do with myself. I couldn't write properly because I wanted to look back at what I had written for my fourth book before I continued on. I couldn't get on and check my emails to see if any jobs had gotten back to me (none of them have, of course). I had none of the familiarity of my computer. It was gone, taken in an instant.
Am I that reliant on a piece of technology that when it's removed, I don't know how to live? It seems that way. That raises concerns for me. I shouldn't be so dependent upon a pile of plastic and pieces that culminates in a computer. And yet somehow I am.
I'm attempting to not let this bother me. However, I feel like an awful person for relying so heavily on my computer. I used to be someone who could go without it, and now somehow, I've reached a point where I feel as though I've gone bonkers without it!
Perhaps it has something to do with the fact that I haven't been capable of writing recently. At least, that's what I assume has happened.
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