Inspired Writing

A Little Saturday Evening Inspiration

noreply@blogger.com (The Writing Muse) — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 23:34:00 +0000

Dr. Seuss

noreply@blogger.com (The Writing Muse) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 21:27:00 +0000

Dr. Seuss was really a man ahead of his time. Although his story telling is sometimes a bit 'out there' (to some) with regards to terminology and storyline, the man certainly was able to speak to people of all ages and inspire them.

For instance, Oh, The Places You'll Go! is about life....creating our own lives. Having the ability to choose any direction we wish to.

And then there's Horton Hears a Who! :“A person's a person, no matter how small.”

Or, The Lorax: “Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, Nothing is going to get better. It's not.”

And, of course, How the Grinch Stole Christmas: “And the Grinch, with his Grinch-feet ice cold in the snow, stood puzzling and puzzling, how could it be so? It came without ribbons. It came without tags. It came without packages, boxes or bags. And he puzzled and puzzled 'till his puzzler was sore. Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before. What if Christmas, he thought, doesn't come from a store. What if Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more.”

Dr. Seuss knew how to get across emotion, understanding and how to set the tone for the story...and all of the characters are distinctive in their own whack-a-doodle way. Dr. Seuss knew how to tell a story.

“So the writer who breeds more words than he needs, is making a chore for the reader who reads.”- Dr. Seuss

Writing for Yo'self or Others?

noreply@blogger.com (The Writing Muse) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 03:57:00 +0000

Wow! Haven't been around in a long while. Time to get back into the groove of things.

So, currently, I am working on several projects, which always seems to be the case. I have one young adult project, Sacred Circle, that I have been working on for a number of years. I should mention that I finished it at one point, then last year decided to refurbish it. Hoping to be done that this year.

The second project, More Than This, is the one I worked on for Nanowrimo 2011. It would be great to finish that this year as well.

My third project is a collaborative effort. It is a biography/self-help/inspirational of sorts. Not my life story...someone else's. I have to say I am very excited about this project. I think it will bring about change. I'm fairly certain there will be many people who won't like it because it touches on a sensitive topic. But, I can't make everyone happy. Nor can I write for others. Writers should always write from their hearts. Readers know when a writer is writing from the heart or writing from ....well, not the heart.

Also, don't over filter what is being written. I tend to do this: filter out what I am saying because I think about that one person who might not like what has been said. Why? I should write for me, write from the heart. Go with the flow. There's no other way to write.

The World of Celebrity Books....

noreply@blogger.com (The Writing Muse) — Fri, 03 Jun 2011 16:32:00 +0000

Interesting article on celebrities and the books they "write".....

Read it here....

PS: I'm not shocked by a celebrity's use of ghostwriters...I just thought it was interesting.

Letting it Flow....

noreply@blogger.com (The Writing Muse) — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 18:17:00 +0000

Are you letting your words flow or are you standing in the way of progress?

We tend to get hung up on the phrase "Writer's Block".... but, what is it really?

It's about whether or not you are letting the ideas flow. It's not a physical ailment; it's not a disease; it's not a chronic condition... it's you getting in the way of who you really are as a writer.

So, as you write, are you letting the words flow or are you filtering them? Are you letting the thought process work itself out or are you letting the ego undermine your creativity?

Sometimes you have to push those words out and focus on nothing but what is flowing from your mind to your pen, typewriter, computer.... whatever.

You are the only one that allows your creativity or stands in the way of your creativity.

It's only you that can make that decision.

Good News.... Doomsday Has Been Reschedule

noreply@blogger.com (The Writing Muse) — Tue, 24 May 2011 16:55:00 +0000

Now that Doomsday has been rescheduled to October, I'm going to really shift it into high-gear and complete those writing projects that have been languishing in my desk drawer for a really long time.

Cheap isn’t Always the Best Price - eBookNewser

noreply@blogger.com (The Writing Muse) — Tue, 24 May 2011 16:53:00 +0000

Does cheaper mean increased sales? Or, does it mean you are chasing potential readers away? Interesting article on eBook pricing.

Cheap isn’t Always the Best Price - eBookNewser

Magic Seeds: The Art and Science of Book Discovery in Hollywood

noreply@blogger.com (The Writing Muse) — Tue, 24 May 2011 16:34:00 +0000

Part 2:

Magic Seeds: The Art and Science of Book Discovery in Hollywood

The 1,000-to-1 Long Shot: How Hollywood Decides What Books Hit the Silver Screen

noreply@blogger.com (The Writing Muse) — Tue, 17 May 2011 16:11:00 +0000

Just in case you were looking at making your book into a movie....

The 1,000-to-1 Long Shot: How Hollywood Decides What Books Hit the Silver Screen

Happy Ending or End of the World?

noreply@blogger.com (The Writing Muse) — Tue, 29 Mar 2011 03:36:00 +0000

Someone told me one time that they preferred an 'unhappy' ending to a 'happy' ending because it was more 'realistic' to what was happening in the world. Happy endings were too 'rose-coloured-glasses' for them.

I, on the other hand, prefer happy endings. There's too many crappy things in this world, why would I want to read an unhappy ending? I already see it on TV, hear it on the radio, read it in the newspaper.

Wait... that reminds me of The Pirate Movie!

Writing Day!

noreply@blogger.com (The Writing Muse) — Sun, 23 Jan 2011 21:22:00 +0000

It's kind of like a snow day but with writing! These full writing days don't happen very often for me and I love it when they do.

I have been quite productive today: working on freelance writing projects, working on my own writing, getting more clarity and perspective on my writing and where I want to go with it.

It rekindles my love affair with writing!

A New Year

noreply@blogger.com (The Writing Muse) — Fri, 31 Dec 2010 18:13:00 +0000

A new year is unfolding – like a blossom with petals curled tightly concealing the beauty within." ~ Unknown

The new year starts tomorrow and, looking back, I didn't achieve all that I wanted to.

So, what now?

Do I get mad because it didn't work out the way I wanted or do I see it for something else?

For me, I choose to see it as a time of appreciating contrast and further knowing of what I do want; of appreciating the things that did come into my life and that were enhanced in my life.

I appreciate the clarity and guidance it gave me and the ability (mentally, physically, emotionally) to move forward.Although I didn't accomplish those things I wanted to accomplish, it doesn't mean 2010 was a failure--It only means I became more focused.

There is always a choice: Will you follow your heart, your dreams, your goals and come to know who you truly are?

Or, will you stay stuck in the past of what should have been?

It's all up to you.

Have a Happy and Healthy 2011!

Is It Really About the Words or the Vibration Behind Them?

noreply@blogger.com (The Writing Muse) — Tue, 14 Dec 2010 03:13:00 +0000

Everything that doesn't kill you makes you stronger. And later you can use it in some story. ~ Tapani Bagge

I've been reading quite a bit on quantum physics/vibrational alignment/everything is energy... and my questions is: Are the things we write really about the words or is it about the vibration of the story?

Don't get me wrong-the words, the story, how it reads.... this is important. But, how do you explain the really bad books out there that managed to get published? It's not luck... no such thing. Not Karma... that doesn't exist. Not Lucky Rabbit's Foot, horseshoe or 4-leaf clover.... it's all vibration. It's the energy, the vibration of the story, of the writer... the entire energy that surrounds the work.

Does the writer believe in his/her work? What type of vibration are they 'giving off' in this whole process? Are they connecting to the vibration of those other vibrations that are searching for a piece of work like this?

Look at your writing and how you write it... what type of feeling surrounds it? Nervous, anxious, eager, happy, sad, depressed, excited, elated, resistant, grumpy, disconnected, bored, in-love....

Next time you write, tune in to how you are feeling about it. If it's positive, then you are on the right track.

If you are feeling any negative or resistant emotion, then step back and evaluate. There's no use in moving forward if you aren't passionate about what you are writing.

The Keith Hernandez Moment

noreply@blogger.com (The Writing Muse) — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 21:38:00 +0000

I love this post from Literary Agent, Nathan Bransford. Enjoy!

Writers, Authority, and The Keith Hernandez Moment

Writer’s Digest - Creating Characters: 4 Simple Exercises

noreply@blogger.com (The Writing Muse) — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 19:35:00 +0000

Here's something fun to do with your characters.

Writer’s Digest - Creating Characters: 4 Simple Exercises

I Write Like James Joyce

noreply@blogger.com (The Writing Muse) — Sat, 17 Jul 2010 01:31:00 +0000

If you are interested to learn who you write like, go to I Write Like by clicking on the link below called: 'Analyze Your Writing'.

It's not an exact science.... well, you know what I mean.

I write like
James Joyce

I Write Like by Mémoires, Mac journal software. Analyze your writing!

Free Words

noreply@blogger.com (The Writing Muse) — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 18:26:00 +0000

I love reading other people's writings. Even when they aren't 'writers', I love to read the flow of their words, understand where they are coming from.

It's either sweet music to my brain, like eating strawberries on a summer's day, or clunky, like a pair of wooden clogs.

It seems to me that those who let their words flow are in a different place--a place where their true-self resides. What do I mean? They write uninhibited. They write with no restrictions. They write without regarding how it may sound to others.

Instead, they let it go. "This is who I am. Like it or lump it."

There's something to be said about letting the words flow freely. Isn't there?

Magical Kingdom

noreply@blogger.com (The Writing Muse) — Wed, 12 May 2010 04:59:00 +0000

I just returned from the Magical Kingdom.... AKA Disneyland. This was my first time and I wasn't sure exactly what to expect. Was it going to be like Calaway Park but with a mouse? (Calgary's very own Wally World.)

Well, of course not. We're talking about Walt Disney here. I'm amazed at the amount of creativity and 'thinking outside the box' that goes into the place. The detail...making everything as Magical as possible.

Okay, okay. There isn't much thought that goes into charging $5 for a Hot Dog or $3.03 for a Coke. And maybe the Haunted Mansion wasn't so Magical after riding on the "Doom Buggy" for the third time...

The point is, creativity abounds....Everywhere. When you think that there couldn't possibly be anymore ideas or creations or new story lines....suddenly, someone comes up with something that touches millions of people.

Walt Disney said:
"If you can dream it, you can do it."

So, what do you want to create today?

Traitor Tears Betrayed Me

noreply@blogger.com (The Writing Muse) — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 04:53:00 +0000

Warning! The following content contains opinions on The Twilight Series and may not be suitable for some Twilight fans. Reader discretion is advised.

Let's be clear, I'm not a Twilight hater or lover...I'm a fence-sitter. And I openly admit to reading every single book in the series. Yes, it's true. The storyline managed to engage me, pulling me into its mystical vortex.

Even though the writing style occasionally irked me to the point where I wanted to slash my wrists and poke my eyes out, I persevered so I could understand what was so special about these stories compared to my.... 5.5 unpublished books. Uh-hmmm.

Anyway, this isn't about me.

Writers rarely read for pure enjoyment. Even if the intention is there, writers tend to study and dissect the book they are reading, especially if the genre is the same as theirs.

So, when something 'big' hits, a writer needs to know why. And, if the writing isn't exceptional, you are going to have some seriously ticked-off writers.

Don't get me wrong. I like to be supportive of my fellow writers because I would want the same in return. However, I still would want to dig deeper to discover why 'so-and-so's' book was published and not one of my 5.5 books....... (Right. This isn't about me.)

The point is, love it or hate it, The Twilight Series by Stephanie Meyer is here to stay..... well, at least till the Next Big Thing hits.

So, what started this blog post?
Click here to read a humorous discussion on the writing style of Twilight.

Hockey is Done....

noreply@blogger.com (The Writing Muse) — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 04:50:00 +0000

Minor hockey, that is. My son plays hockey and, as a hockey mom, it's a ton of work. The schedule is brutal for a 7 year old (and for a 40 year old).

Anywho, because I'm still recuperating from the hockey season, I'm going to be lazy and provide a link to literary agent Nathan Bransford's blog. He writes on queries and why they should be specific. Queries are something that most people have a hard time with....unless you have an agent, then you don't need to read this.

I will return with more musings next week after I let loose with a little post-hockey celebrating.

Feeling Rejected?

noreply@blogger.com (The Writing Muse) — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 21:47:00 +0000

I had to share this tid bit of information with all of you (my 3 fans): It's about being rejected by publishing houses, agents, magazine editors and everyone else in between.

Take heart my dear writer friends. So, you've been rejected. So what? Have you been rejected 11,100 times? Probably not.

Jacob Appel has. I kid you not. Over 11,000 times. That could certainly put a dent in a person's ego. He must be made of steel.
Check out Pimp My Novel.
Also check out Literary Rejections on Display.

The Flow of Writing

noreply@blogger.com (The Writing Muse) — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 20:22:00 +0000

The flow of writing. What is it? And why is it uber-important?

Being in the flow of writing means not backing down from your story and not editing your words before they hit the page. It means expressing yourself as you are and how you want to.

It's your book, dammit! Get your words out there and write like your fingers are on fire.

"But...but", you might stutter, "how does writing 'whatever comes out' get me an agent/publisher/on the best seller list?"

The point, and I know this is going to sound redundant, is that you let the words flow out of you. The next step, after you have your story on the page, is to go back and make the changes you need to make. But, stay in the flow of your self-expression.

Readers will see through you if your story is awkward. They will know when you are not writing as 'you' should be writing. It just won't flow.

I discovered a blog by a recently published author and I love it. This woman is funny and natural and I want to make her my new best friend. Her book isn't out till September, but, just by reading her posts, I want to read her book. There is nothing forced there.

If you want to check it out, go to Kiersten White's blog at Kiersten Writes.

Stay in the flow.

Imagination

noreply@blogger.com (The Writing Muse) — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 19:28:00 +0000

JK Rowling gives 2008 Harvard Commencement speech inspiring others to hold-fast to their imaginations and their dreams... no matter what. (Click on link underneath video if video doesn't load.)

J.K. Rowling Speaks at Harvard Commencement from Harvard Magazine on Vimeo.

Book Trailers: Marketing for Your Book

noreply@blogger.com (The Writing Muse) — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 21:19:00 +0000

I think I've been living under a rock for at least a year. I recently learned about creating Book Trailers, a fantastic and creative way to promote your book online.

I've perused a few trailers and they make me want to, at the very least, check the book out. Even if the genre isn't my 'thing'.

Here's a book trailer for Wake by Lisa McMann.

Let's see the trailer for Duma Key by Stephen King.

And Witch Fire by Anya Bast.

As you can see, not much money needs to be spent on creating these trailers. Add a few eye-catching pictures, a dash of tantalizing music and some snappy words (the most important ingredient) and you'll be reeling your readers into checking out your book.

Write or Die by Dr Wicked

noreply@blogger.com (The Writing Muse) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 21:12:00 +0000

A little something to keep you focused and on track during Nanowrimo (or any other time of the year). Write or Die by Dr Wicked helps you with your personal word count goal by keeping you in line if you aren't on target.... set your target word goal and decide if you want to experience Gentle, Normal or Kamakaze consequences.

Good luck and have fun.