Inspiration

For the Sci-fi folks. 

If this doesn't inspire you...

...nothing will!

Words Like Music

In a recent (fantastic!) Writer's Digest article, the author instructed would-be bestsellers to "use mood like a scalpel."

Personally, I have to write with music. Nothing sets the tone of a scene or even a whole novel as much as the soundtrack that runs through my head. My ipod playlist is littered with bizarre names that are, in fact, the titles of my future books ( :D  ). Or 'Writing I, II & III.'  Even I underestimated the power of these carefully crafted playlist until recently, when I was listening to my most recent novel soundtrack. Big Sister, who is familiar with the novel, was also listening.

A particular Song from a particular Movie began to play and Sister looked up with a pained expression to ask "Does someone die...?"

I blinked and, as any saavy writer would have responded said, "You'll have to finish it to find out."

...okay, I didn't say that. I blinked and stammered, "Uh. Maybe. I don't know. I haven't decided."

Of course, someone does die. The song that played is one of mourning, and anyone who heard would know it was a song of mourning, no matter their culture or previous knowledge of the originaly movie soundtrack, story or anything else.

If you write in silence, consider music. If you write with music, consider silence - you don't know how powerfully the music might be changing your intent.

As for the words you choose, use them very consciously. A sweet, awesome and vivid description may  not convey the mood you meant to.

The clouds scudded overhead like broken, crumbling tombstones.

...is very different from:


The clouds broke apart in the brightening sky like gray pearls washed on a pale shore.

Be aware of mood...and use words like music when you write.

Brief Update (no, really brief)

All right! So they have asked that we not share what was presented at the conference (which makes sense, as so many people paid and the professionals are giving their time and energy)... so I won't be doing that. But I will say that just in the first couple of days, this experience has been worth it. Heck, the first day and critique would have been worth it... so I encourage artists and writers out there to continue (or start!) networking, making connections, and pursuing opportunities to continue to grow in their craft and their professional knowledge of their field.

That's the takeaway so far... a conference is always good to get fired up and stay inspired - and reach higher.

And now it's time to take a nap before social time...

Conference Time!

Yes, I'm still alive! And I have been writing. Someday soon, this URL won't be a mere blog, but an actual website dedicated to the "professional" version of Yours Truly.

I slipped off from blog reading for a couple of weeks because, as useful and supportive as all the blogs are, at one point I just became saturated. I had all the information and ideas and daily scoops I could handle. I had to empty myself a little, settle, and get ready for more. Because this weekend is big.

I'm attending the SCBWI Carolinas 'Oh, The Places You Will Go,' writer's conference! I used to attend the local conference up in Montana every year, and I always came away refreshed, renewed, and buzzing with energy and motivation. This year I feel so much more focused, my writing is more streamlined, I have what might be shaping up to be a professional-level project well underway... and I'm ready.

If I don't post during the conference, I will certainly write after, offering some news and tips and anything else that inspires me after being surrounded by writing peers and generous professionals. I'm particularly excited to shake hands with Chris Richman from Upstart Crow, Literary. Their website is a great source of information (and entertainment!) for writers of all levels.

I hope all of you have a fantastic weekend too!


P.S... First piece of conference advice... don't get the idea, last minute, to print up business cards to hand out to new friends. Slapping together a design and trying to print it professionally (at home) will only stress you out... ;)