WIPs, Lightbulb Moments, and Virtuous Resolutions

The WIP

Finishing a novel means saying goodbye to characters, places, and adventures I’ve invested time and effort in creating, and a sense of loss accompanies their departure. However, this rarely happens till after the book is published. In early March, as I came to the end of the first draft of Book Three of my urban fantasy trilogy, I was surprised to be experiencing a degree of sadness, though this journey wasn't yet on the home stretch.

I had  settled on a title, but discovered the one I'd chosen appears on several books already...so back to scratch. And without doubt, I have several painstaking edits to complete before a version is ready to send to a professional editor, plus the cover, and formatting to organize before I say adios. Yet, after two and a half years with Tatya, Vanse, Forked Lightning, and not forgetting  Angelus, whose evil scheming knows no bounds, part of me already laments their upcoming departure from my internal landscape.

A Lightbulb Moment

I’ve found the best way to deal with this phase is to throw myself into writing something else straight away. While resting the previous books in the series, I’ve worked on a science-fiction nano novel written a few years ago, and this is about seventy-five percent finished. As I prepared to continue with this book, an idea I’ve been nursing for a while burst, more or less fully formed, into my head. The seed came from a business sign I'd noticed one day, and the instant I saw it something sparked in my brain, and every time I passed that way, I'd think about what kind of story this could be. Before I could start on the sci-fi revisions, a flood of potential images and ideas flashed through my mind about a new novel stemming from that sign - in the detective/mystery genre. Maybe I could write a novella? Three 20-25,000 word novellas could perhaps be published later in a single volume?

With the WIP laid to rest, I took a deep breath and plunged into an exciting new world. Five weeks later, I'm trying hard not to feel too smug, because I've completed the first draft of a novella. Yes, it’s more minimal than usual, because I wasn’t sure how many words I’d have to play with to stay within my target, but it currently lies resting snugly side by side with the WIP. I'll spend what’s left of my scheduled break with my older sci-fi friends,

Suddenly I feel like one of those TV chefs who have half a dozen pots on the boil, rushing from one to the other in a manic frenzy of chopping, stirring, and flinging spices into bubbling concoctions. But there the comparison ends, because I’ve no guarantee of producing a story readers will like, although the chefs always seem to serve an acceptable gourmet meal when they’re finished. But still, I live in hope, and the more I practice my craft… at least in theory… the better my stories should be!

Getting organized

I’m the first to admit I find it difficult to achieve the basic mind set needed for the marketing that an authorpreneur ought to do, and a dim light is slowly dawning that neither good intentions nor will power are enough to achieve my goals. But determination to change this around is growing. (Really? mutters my inner cynic. I’ll believe it when I see it.) A friend told me recently, if you want to get something done, you must have a plan of action. And even more necessary is writing down the steps needed to accomplish your goal.

Consequently, I’ve become a compulsive list compiler, but don’t laugh, because although I hang my head in embarrassment that after a year of checking out printing websites, I still hadn’t ordered any business cards, I can congratulate myself on achieving that goal! Well, they’re in the mail en route, and just now coming.

The second goal getting closer is setting up an email list of subscribers to a newsletter. (A Very Important step for the indie writer my research informs me.) By announcing it, I’m increasing my chances of attaining it, if for no other reason than to save myself a measure of embarrassment. I have considered, and investigated this previously, but as is my pattern, proceeded no further, letting the idea slide merrily off the cliff of virtuous resolutions, and into the muddy swamp of my subconscious where it's been partying with my other neglected goals. Step one is taken as I’ve signed up to mail-chimp, the to-do list is waiting, and hopefully everything will be in place for mid June. 

Today's Haiku

COFFEE SHOP

the muzak's fast beat

speeds the caffeine junkie's pulse

and time fast-forwards

Useful Links:

I'm officially a fan of Ashley's brilliantly tech savvy blog.

https://www.nosegraze.com/build-email-list/

Sacha writes a lively newsletter full of great hints and tips like the following post:

https://sachablack.co.uk/2016/02/29/7-tips-to-create-your-perfect-author-newsletter/

If you're a Wattpad member, I have several short stories posted on the site:

https://www.wattpad.com/teagankearney

And you can find me at the following sites:

https://twitter.com/@teagankearney

https://uk.pinterest.com/teagankearney

https://www.facebook.com/teagankearney

Thanks for visiting my blog, and please do leave a comment.

To all story lovers out there, good reading, and to those of you who write, good writing.

I'VE BEEN TAGGED!

                                  

WRITING PROCESS BLOG HOP!

I’m so pleased to be participating in my first blog hop as my good friend, Vashti Q Vega, tagged me for the Writing Process Blog Hop. Vashti is the successful author of a brilliant book, The Basement, and writes a popular blog, which I highly recommend you check out.

Here are the Writing Process Blog Hop rules: 

1.) Link back to the person who invited you to this Blog Hop.

With pleasure – here’s the link to Vashti’s blog: 

http://vashtiqvega.wordpress.com/author/vashtiqvega/  

2.)Name four writers who will continue this Blog Hop and notify them.

Here are my four nominations:

Squid McFinnigan is a brilliant short story writer with a unique voice who brings his characters to life so vividly, they take up residence in your imagination.

Paula Pencarrow is a storyteller and writer whose musings and reflections on her writing journey, and on life, are expressed with clarity and precision. Her posts are a great read.

A. Long, is a talented poet and generous soul who has a great sense of humour, and a good word for everyone. You can read his beautiful poems on his blog where he posts short stories, poetry and writes on various topics.

Alys Daniels-Creasey, is a young poet on a writing marathon,who posts her poems on a daily basis. Alys's poems address many topics, and she has a distinct voice. She is definitely a poet to watch, and I love reading her poetry.  

3.) Answer the four questions below:

What are you working on?

I ’m working on a paranormal romance written during last November’s NaNoWriMo, and just finished the first edit. At the moment I’m letting it rest for a few weeks - with difficulty because my imagination won’t let the story go!

It’s the first supernatural tale I’ve written, and I’m thoroughly involved with my characters’ struggles – it’s my twist on the eternal triangle. I have a title but waiting to be sure I won’t change my mind. 

How does your work differ from others in the genre?

Whew! That’s a tough question. Um... because I’m an individual and my stories reflect my unique perspective. (Does that sound convincing?)

Why do you write what you write?

Because I enjoy answering the question of what if, by delving into other, different lives. I think emotions – expressed or repressed – rule our behaviour and I want to explore how this impacts people’s lives. I don’t write in any one genre. My last novel (promo alert) An Unstill Life falls under the commercial women’s fiction banner, and is more character led than the current work, which contains more action.

How does your writing process work?  

Basically like this: 

   INSPIRATION: an idea hits me, and I fall in love with either the character or the premise.

   INCUBATION: Once I have the heart of the story, I incubate the concept for a while,

   returning to the idea over time, thinking about what I have so far, and pondering ideas. 

   I do this alongside whatever I’m currently working on, letting my subconscious share some

   of the work. 

   For example, my WIP is a trilogy and I’m incubating ideas for the second book in the 

   series. The characters are established and I have the basic plot, an notion for a subplot 

   and the conclusion, but the plot outline isn’t clear in any detail yet. Similarly I know how 

   the third book in the series opens, and how it needs to end but the rest is still hidden.

   PLANNING: Writing is a journey of discovery and I’m learning, that for me, the clearer  

   the outline, the freer I feel to expand and enlarge on it when I start writing the story. And 

   I’m discovering that what worked for my writing in the past, doesn’t work for me now, 

   and what works for me now, may not always work in the future. 

My writing process is not orderly; ideas come in bursts and I grab and expand them. One aspect or another is always churning around in my mind, and I jot down bits and pieces on scraps of paper or in various notebooks, so I'm a bit disorganized. Sometimes I think writing is similar to participating in an extreme sport – lots of hard work and discipline are necessary, but the thrills and the results are worth the effort. 

Writing Update

While I rest the WIP, I have a ton of plans to execute – first being to catch my breath, have a day off, and do nothing but read...the rest can wait! On the list is: research on background details for the current novel, see if I can get the WordPress site up, sort a few pieces to put on Wattpad - writer with GSOH seeking friendly readers etc., etc. It’ll be interesting to see how much I accomplish...

Today’s Haiku

past melodies lead

down hazy tunnels of time

to places I’ve lost

Useful Links: Check out these amazing bloggers – you're in for a treat!

http://vashtiqvega.wordpress.com
www.squidmcfinnigan.blogspot.com 

http://paulareednancarrow.com/

http://ajwrites57.blogspot.com/

http://80000words.blogspot.co.uk

I’ve hit a glitch in the 100 Happy Days challenge, as my laptop is moodily refusing to upload my pics, but please join me on Twitter and check out the ones I've posted at: teagankearney@modhaiku 

Thanks for visiting my blog, and please do leave a comment.

To all story lovers out there, good reading, and to those of you who write, good writing.

THE BLANK PAGE

I chose the word page rather than screen in the title, even though the majority of writers today use a computer, because those words ‘the blank page’ are evocative. They summon the picture of a writer, head bent, scribbling/tapping away, filling up that space in front of her/him. Words have associations, and the correct word summons images – you don’t have to describe every detail – the reader fills in the rest with their version of your story, because they already have a mind full of their own associations. I find these aspects of writing fascinating.

But back to today’s topic. 

Do you see that empty page/screen as a virginal expanse waiting to receive your creative output, or is filling this arctic vastness, a task you fear you’ll never complete? Yet even the most accomplished of writers bump up against hindrances to their work on occasion.

Such complications can be straightforward ones such as finding time and energy to write before, during or after work. William Golding wrote parts of Lord of the Flies while his pupils completed English exercises in his lessons; Tom Clancy was an insurance agent while writing his first novels; and P. D. James, author of the Adam Dalgliesh  crime novels, starting writing in her late thirties, worked till she retired, and is still writing at 93! 

I mention these, not to daunt, but to show that when someone has a story to tell, it’s an irresistible compulsion that nothing prevents. Information like this inspires me when I get lazy, because sometimes the flow isn’t going anywhere near that pristine surface waiting patiently to be covered with exquisite prose.  

Writer’s block can be a more problematic difficulty to overcome. When Janet Frame, the New Zealand writer, wrote her first novel, she started her day writing ‘The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog', repeating and interchanging it with ‘Now is the time for all good men to come to the aid of the party'. She was a guest of another writer, and felt obliged to look busy, but as time passed, her awkwardness disappeared and the automatic words turned into writing.

One notion to purge yourself of, if writer's block does occur, is the demand for perfection. The poet Louise Bogan used the phrase ‘the knife of the perfectionist’ and this attitude will kill your darlings before they’ve had a chance at life. Honing your work comes later.

Most writers develop particular routines around their writing practices, as habit is a powerful invitation for inspiration. Virginia Woolf wrote about discovering the diamonds of the dust heap, so don’t, whatever you do, sit and stare at that blank page.

My advice is free write, continue with your work in progress, start another project – maybe something different – poetry if you normally write prose or vice versa, but keep your writing muscle limber. When inspiration does come calling, you want to be ready!

Writing Update

I’m chugging (my favourite word for my progress) along with my WIP, working title: Vance, the Vamp. I wanted to write a supernatural tale and this name popped into my head  - the story followed the name. I do have a more serious title I’m considering, but leaving that decision till later. I’m up to chapter 18 out of 25, and life is suspended till I finish this draft. As I head into the climax, events are starting to heat with a tragedy or two sprinkled with a fair amount of angst and anger.

My other novel, An Unstill Life©, awaits a cover – it’s next on the list of preparation for publication - after I finish the current draft of Vance. Watch this space!  

Today’s Haiku

SPRING

river rises high

greedy waves lap at stone walls -

the bus speeds onward

Useful Links:

Read about the writing habits of successful authors:

http://www.brainpickings.org/index.php/2013/04/23/daily-rituals-mason-currey/

An interesting, and informative, post on writer’s block – with techniques for overcoming it.

http://io9.com/5844988/the-10-types-of-writers-block-and-how-to-overcome-them

I’m participating in the 100 Happy Days challenge (100happydays.com/), which I find a genuine mood lifter, so please check out my happy pics on Twitter at: teagankearney@modhaiku

Thanks for visiting my blog, and please do leave a comment.

To all story lovers out there, good reading, and to those of you who write, good writing.