Distractions = Writer's Worst Nightmare

Distractions are the death of any writer. Seriously, ask one of us how many times we check our e-mail or answer a text message when we're supposed to be writing and I'm sure most will say, "Oh, yeah, I do that." Guilty as charged myself. That is why I have to write longhand during the first draft of anything. I take my notebook, my iPod and go sit on the couch (or to the local coffeehouse) and start writing. My favorite is to go outside during the spring/summer. I can't even use my laptop because if I'm in a place that has Wi-Fi, forget it! I'll be checking my e-mail and going on Twitter/Tumblr every 10 minutes.

Though my fingers are screaming in agony after writing, longhand allows me to feel connected to the story more. It makes me really look at the sentence I just wrote. Trust me, there isn't a single page that isn't marked with cross outs or arrows pointing somewhere else. But the reason why I probably love writing longhand is that I love the feel of pen on paper. It's such an intimate sensation. Once the first draft is complete, I can start using my laptop/computer. And even though I keep my cell phone with me for time check (since I always lose track of time when I'm writing), I occasionally check my e-mail, but I've become more disciplined in that area.

So try longhand every once in a while. I guarantee you'll remember how wonderful it felt to glide the pen across the paper. And with the internet not at your fingertips, you'll be more immersed in the story rather than wondering who commented on your Facebook status or answered your Twitter question. An extra tip: Getting out of the house is also good because you'll be inspired by the world around you instead of being surrounded by the same thing day in and day out.

A Day of Beauty and Writing

<~~ First off, this is normally how I sit when I'm writing. Since I often write longhand, this is how I look when I'm really thinking. Editing is the same thing. I already heart Sheldon Cooper (Jim Parsons) so this picture makes me love him even more. Moving on... Today is absolutely beautiful. 70 degrees and sunny :-) While I am a cold weather person, I do love the occasion spring day like the one we are having right now. I have officially completed the ending of Develop, which is the second book in the series I am working on. So now I have the first three chapters and the ending. Guess I have to write the middle. To add to my already idea filled mind, I wrote the plot to a companion trilogy dealing with the same premise (people with powers), but this one will take place in 1386!!! I can't wait because I've always wanted to write a period piece and the medieval era has been a favorite of mine probably since I first heard about the Black Death (don't ask).

On a slightly different topic, my favorite band (Poets of the Fall) has a new album out. It is amazing as usual. iTunes has all four of their CDs available for download so go listen to a few snippets. They are my biggest musical inspiration. Between them and Apocalyptica, Finland is hiding some kick ass talent.

Rainy Days

What I love about rainy days is that they are so fun to watch. There's nothing I love more than seeing the rain fall. Even better is opening my shades and keeping a notebook in my hands and writing while watching it. Though it sucks you can't go outside--though my sister and I do sometimes run in the rain--it offers a writer a great window (literally) to get some work done. Snow is the same way. So the next time it's raining, look out the window and just start writing.

From Food Taster to Magician

Fantastic series by Maria V. Snyder. I finished the last book today and I couldn't have asked for a better conclusion. Also knowing that she is writing another trilogy following a minor character from the last two books makes me happy. This is a talent you shouldn't ignore. I mean, come on, Poison Study starts with our protagonist locked in a dungeon! Who wouldn't want to keep reading? Fantasy fans will love the world Snyder creates and the characters are just as awesome. From Yelena, the sarcastic, bow-wielding heroine to Valek, the dangerous assassin who moves like a ghost. Ari and Janco, soldiers who banter like a married couple yet act as brothers to the young Yelena to Moon Man, the sometimes naked guide who gives "cryptic knowledge" with a smug smile. I loved everything about these books and I can't wait to start her other trilogy.

The Strange Art of Writing

Writing is a tricky process and all writers do it differently. Anyone who says we all write the same way is a liar and you should destroy them before they continue to corrupt you with their lies. Just kidding, but seriously...all writers write differently.

For me, I tend to like writing the story from beginning to end. However, there are moments when I just can't seem to continue. Working on Develop, I was having trouble moving the story along. Getting away from your work is important. Distance is key. But even going away and coming back it still wouldn't come. It then dawned on me that I kept thinking about the ending. Something about it wanted me to write it now. Forget the beginning, forget the middle, write the end. So I did. Once it was finished I went back to where I left off and was able to continue.

So I've learned this: You can write out of order and always make it flow later on. Amazing how you discover something new about your own writing process everyday.

R.I.P Corey Haim

News reports have all pretty much said the same thing: Around 3 am today actor, Corey Haim, was found dead from an apparent overdose. Haim was a child actor most known for his role in The Lost Boys. He starred opposite Corey Feldman for several other films afterwards. They even made cameos in the absolutely awful sequel, Lost Boys: The Tribe.

This made me sad because The Lost Boys is one of my favorite films and a huge inspiration to my writing for the way it blended horror and comedy. Haim also made movie quote history when he said, "Death by stereo."

He will be missed.

Random Ideas

I love when ideas just randomly come to me, especially at work. For example, today while going through some used history books this came into my head:

"I'm the son of a noble, I should not have to do this."
"I'm sorry, princess, would you like some gloves?"

The scene includes a dead guardian angel, who gets a job at a used bookstore to be closer to the girl he has to protect. Because the books are...well, used, his hands are getting a little dirty. He says the first line and the store owner comes back with the second.

Welcome!

Hi and welcome to my blog! This is pretty much where you'll get a run down of my life. Nothing too crazy, but then again you never know what life will throw at you. So look around, check out the links and I hope you enjoy your stay.