Sunday, July 19, 2009
Getting into "the mood."
I've recently stumbled upon a new favorite author. There's nothing quite like the exhiliration of finishing a book, and knowing you've found someone you can read for years to come. Except maybe jumping online to find out they already have a 15 book back-list just waiting for you.Since I enjoy dark regencies, Nicole Jordan was recommended to me a few months ago, and I promptly forgot about it, until I read an article with her in the Romance Writers Report a few months ago. In it, she talked about writing dark angsty books, and than recently she found herself writing lighter books. And she said this was a good thing, as she no longer felt like she needed to slice open a vein before she sat down to write.
Now that's commitment to writing angst.
So naturally this got me curious and this weekend, I stumbled upon one of her books at the library. I raced home, curled up on the couch, and didn't move until I'd finished. Wow, was there angst. Beautiful, gut-wrenching, hold your breath because you're heart's pounding out of your chest angst.
I haven't read one of her new books, from the series she mentioned was lighter, so I don't know if she can keep the soul-deep characterication without the angst, but I'm curious to read them. But the whole thing got me thinking: How do you write angst?
I know there's several writers on this board who, like me, adore a dark, angsty, gut-wrenching story and love to write that kind. But even if you write puppies and kittens, there still has to be a dark moment, those last chapters where you think all might be lost.
So how do you write the sad scenes? The agnst? Do you need to "slice a vien" (so to speak - not literally please!) to get yourself in the mood to write angst? Do you swtich what kind of music you listen to? Make yourself cry?
Do you like reading agnsty books? Or prefer the lighter, happier kind of book? What authors rip your heart out with agnst?
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58 comments:
I like Sherrilyn Kenyon angst, but not Nicholas Sparks angst. I like the occasional angst of Jodi Picoult. I really, really, really loved the angst in Pirates of the Caribbean 3, when Will dies. That moment was absolutely horrible.
I've only written the black moment a couple times. Usually I try to keep it on the light side; I'm a very flippant pirate. GOGU was almost all angst (at least for me)--absolute drama-drama-drama 24/7. At one point, the WE channel was calling me and telling me to dial it back a notch. I guess they were running out of kleenex and Valium to calm the nerves. Of course, GOGU was the one where I couldn't decide if I was going to let the guy live. I opened the story with the hero getting shot; and the whole story was about the heroine who had fallen in love with this guy--who was not exactly a hero--and about how she fell in love with him, and about how he wasn't exactly who he appeared. But would he live? I was never sure. Neither was my heroine. Actually I think that helped with my angst. *LOL* I was just as stressed out as my heroine, wondering if he'd live.
My CP told me I had to let him live because she was in love with him, so I did.
When I wrote the scene in my first manuscript--another heroine dying (I sense a pattern--I have abandonment issues, clearly)--I listened to a lot of country music. Still do. Country music invented angst (then sold it to the WE channel).
If I want to write something angry or with sex, I break out my rock and roll; but if I want to write about love dying, I find the saddest country music I have and put it on repeat. Typically I write with a movie playing in the background, so I'll put on something angsty: The Notebook, Coal Miner's Daughter, Walk the Line...
I prefer my books on the lighter side--or at least have enough laughter and quips to balance the dark. I like my books to be both really. I don't mind angst. I just mind unbalanced angst. Life is not all hurting and pain. Life is also laughter and fun and puppies--so books should be both.
I like to think my books combine humor and angst, an odd combo to be sure. I beat up my heroine pretty badly in Tempting Eden, which is my darkest book, but the others are less heavy. I think serious issues can be given a light touch, just like life. Every time the camera pans across those women wailing in the street, I would prefer to see someone dealing with the tragedy with stoic dignity---which isn't as good theater but certainly admirable.
The dark twists in my writing come w/o benefit of music or mood-setters. The characters just snap after having quite enough input from me. ;)
Hal - I love the emo picture. LOL!!
I have no idea how I write my angsty scenes. No moodsetters either. I usually write in the dead of night, so I just kind of sit in the relative darkness and think sadness. And my current characters have some pretty sad backstory so I kinda think on that I guess.
Who does it well? Ummm.... I need to think about this more....
I totally dig that pic.
Everyone knows I'm down with the angst. I think in order to channel good angst feeling, you have to be able to tap that deep place inside of you. I think another way is to remember the inner teenager. LOL
Kim Harrison can really rip someone's heart out and feed it to them on a pretty platter. I adore her writing. I want one ounce of that ability. But like Hellion, I prefer my angst to be of the Kim Harrison brand and not Nicholas Sparks.
Hellie - I'm with you on which kind of angst. The whole Nicholas Sparks thing of someone's going to die by the end of this is no fun. The emotional turmoil angst where there can still be a happy ending (i.e. the hero or heroine doesn't drop dead), that I adore.
The WE channel called you and told you to dial it back - LMAO!! Now that's some drama! But I'm glad you didn't kill the guy in GOGU too. Your CP's write - if they were in love and you let him die, you would have been Nicholas Sparks. Grr. *g*
You write with movies on? I can't do that - I have to have music. Even if the TV is on and I'm drowning out the sound with music, I still end up staring at the screen and wondering what's going on. But yes, country music has great angst. You know that song "Better off a Memory" by Kenny Chesney? I *love* that song for writing angsty scenes.
Maggie - it's a combo that works though - light moments balanced out by angst. I think that's why I like Julia Quinn so much. I always laugh through the beginning, and then cry my eyes out at the end. SEP is the same way for me.
I love that your characters just snap and the black moment happens. I need to teach my characters to do that *g*
I can just see Marn and Sin in their respective homes, in the dead of night, with only the pale blue glow of the computer monitor, thinking up all these evil ways to make their characters hurt *g*
For some reason, I had you pegged as a music-sets-the-mood kind of writer, Marn. No moodsetters for you?
Sin **channel the inner teenager** - LMAO!! That's certainly one way. I was horribly angsty as a teenager (well, I guess we all were, seeing as how that's part of growing up).
I haven't read Kim Harrison, but I really want to. I have a stack of books to read to learn how to do prose and description better, and KH is at the top of that list.
You're the one who got me hooked on Anna Campbell and PC - I think you'd really like Nicole Jordan. Super hot sex with lots of angst - you'd love it ;)
PS. Ter, I read that email, and Leslie can bequeath you Paris, but that doesn't mean you're going to get him.
I need to pick up Nicole Jordan. This is not the first time I've heard you talk about her. I lost my library card (I have no idea where it went off to, but it pisses me off) so I need to get up to the library and look up the books and hold them so I can get a nifty email to remind me to get them. That's the only way I remember to read someone.
And I love AC and PC. Both are hellaciously good authors. I'm just glad I could share the love of a good book.
And it depends on my mood if I use music to set my scene. Sometimes my inner angst is just bubbling at the surface and I don't need an angst chaser to get started but there is always music going on in the background. Sometimes "Buttons" by PCD is not an appropriate song for killing someone. Unless your Leslie and your heroine is Gin.
I'm still half asleep and trying to plow through the mess on my desk but thought I'd try to be coherent over here for a minute. I LOVE angst. Must have it. Try to write it but not sure how well I do.
I can't really listen to music while writing unless it's instrumental. Been using movie soundtracks. Can't do it with the TV on at all. Too distracting.
I have several Nicole Jordan's on the TBR. But as I said at least a thousand times in the last week, I haven't gotten around to reading her yet. *sigh*
For historicals, Anna C. does incredible angst but so does Jo Beverly and Mary Balogh. For contempts, SEP has it in the bag but the queen really is LaVyrle Spencer. If you can read one of her books and not have some piece of your heart break off, you're a stronger pirate than I.
Sin - Two words - IN WRITING. And in green ink at that. Not sure how that's significant, but I say it is.
In writing doesn't mean anything to this pirate. Possession is nine tenths of the law babe.
My favorite way of having a movie on while I write is to put a movie into my computer. I play it in the background and write. So here I am listening to Owen Wilson say romantically charming things like: "I thought if that girl's not careful, she's going to find herself on the business end of my d*ck" and I just type away where Luc say something even more horrifying than that.
If I hear a particular Talladega Nights scene coming up, I will flip back to the movie and watch, then flip back again.
I try not to put on any movie where I have a major desire to watch it more than write. I would never put on just TV and try to write, because the mentality is "this is a limited product, you need to watch now because it won't be on later." Watching a DVD is different, because I can play it over and over until I can quote it in my sleep.
I do prefer my books on the lighter side - huge fan of cozy mysteries. BUT, I adore a good thriller with romantic elements!
In my writing, right now I'm liking sassy lighthearted fare.
The only time I've ever done angsty was after my mother died and every story I came up with was a melodrama. I've finally moved past that, and I seem to want to keep angst out of my life! LOL
http://www.eonline.com/uberblog/b134614_robert_pattinson_daniel_radcliffe_duke.html
I have to post this because it's hilarious.
Okay, back to angst and pain....
Sin - I might cry if I lost my library card. I love the library! (well, I can't go right now until I pay off my $2.60 in fines...lol!)
Hellie - that's brilliant, to do a DVD behind your writing screen. And what movie is that that Owen Wilson says that? Now I'm all curious...
Ter - I have to use music that I know well enough I won't be listening to the music. I can't write with new music, usually.
And those are some great recommendations - I'm going to have to hunt them down (when I have more time to read. Grr. I just got my list for this semester, and I have to read like 20 horror books - it's one or two books a week for the next four months. It breaks my heart that I'm not going to have time for romance).
hellie - "Your skin sparkles in the sunlight. I mean, it looks like something Elton John would wear for an encore!" LMAO!!! Thanks for posting that!
Sabrina - I love sassy dialog in books! It's always fun. And after angst in real life, it's hard to want to read it or write it.
I think Jimmy does a GREAT Edward impression. *LOL* And the blow up doll is just a riot.
Owen Wilson movie in question: The Big Bounce. (Lots of big names; actually pretty funny; but the characters are in and of themselves not overly likable because there are no "good" guys in the whole film. However, the fact that he spends all his time chasing the girl with the body--and she betrays him--and he ends up running off with the breasty brunette in bungalow 9 is just appropriate. It makes me very happy. *LOL*)
I thought it was a funny movie, but I can see where other people wouldn't find it funny. I had a movie friend who said, "I hate that movie because of that line, if a man said that to me, I'd kick him in the groin!"
And I had to think hard. Because if Owen Wilson said that to me, I'd think it was funny. However, I think if he said it to Terri, she'd kick him in the groin--why? Because Owen Wilson isn't that good looking to her.
I think if the right guy--who fired all your cylinders--came up and said that line, you'd laugh and think it's funny because hey, you'd like to wind up on the business end of his...well, you know. It's a bad pick up line, that's all. And the only difference between a good pick up line and a bad pick up line is how good looking the guy is who says it.
"And the only difference between a good pick up line and a bad pick up line is how good looking the guy is who says it."
Oh, so true. A guy you like, who's hot, can get away with saying anything. And personally, I thought the line was hilarious, but probably only because you'd already said Owen Wilson was the one saying it.
I'm trying to think of other bad pick-up lines, but to tell the (slightly embarrassing) truth, I don't I've ever had a guy try a pick-up line on me. Hmm...
I have to agree. That Jimmy Fallon skit would've been hilarious to see late at night.
I missed the blow-up doll. I had to turn if off because I heard someone coming up the stairs. **off to try to to watch it again**
For the record, I wouldn't kick Owen. But I also would never be on his business end of anything. However, he's a quirky little charmer, so I'd laugh before I walked away. LOL!
Silliest pick up line I remember - "You wanna pick up a six pack and f*ck or should we skip the beer?"
You can imagine my answer to that one.
Fallon did a better Pattinson than Radcliff, I think. But that is true that Pattinson's hair always looks like he's upside down. LOL!
LOL. That is very true. But it looks like bed head and inspires all kinds of bad thoughts.
Ter - "Or should we skip the beer" - LMAO!! wow. that guy was either dumb or really drunk.
Hal - He still has his kneecaps only because we were friends. He's the only guy who could get away with calling me Hooters. *rolls eyes*
Hooters. LOL! I wondered how he walked away on his own power after a line like that. You're right - only a friend could get away with that.
So I'm still finding my writing mojo, but it seems that i am partial to certain songs/types of music.
In particular, I seem to write faster (and better) with my silly Martini Time CD from Pottery Barn. Hilarious! Somehow "Whatever Lola Wants" is perfect fuel for my writing...not sure what that says about me?!
I love that song! And now I have my daughter addicted to it. LOL! It's on some compilation CD put together by Nora Jones that I pilfered from someone.
Hey, if that's what makes you write, go for it! I've found I write well with the song "Black on Blue" by Kenny Wayne Shepard. Not particularly partial to that song normally, but for some reason, when it's on repeat, my fingers just fly over the keyboard. *shrug*. As my favorite professor at school says, "If it makes you write fast and write better, than do it. If it doesn't, then don't."
OMG. I'm awake. With a throat that is a raw road...gag! Knew when I hit that third sneeze on the flight home I was comin' down wit' somethin'... Findin' it hard ta think... Angst. Oh, yeah.
Honestly, I don't think when I angst. I jus' do. Be drivin' and suddenly think a' somethin' terribly dastardly ta do in me MS, and I will sit down at Starbucks and I jus' do it. Sometimes I cry a bit, or grin like a demented clown. Music can 'elp when I know I need ta find some angsty thing...Listen ta lyrics and find inspiration. But not while I be writin'...
Sin, I weren't there when Leslie bequeated Paris ta Terrio, but I did see how she were grinnin' afterward...
chance - so you just honestly come by the angst *g*. Look at you trying to think up horrible things to do to your characters. Love it.
I need a throat lozenge. Or ten. Good thing it don't hurt ta type...
Aye, it be honest angst.
sorry you feel crappy! Sore throats always suck cause they just won't go away. At least you can use it as an excuse to lounge around the house and do nothing!
So sorry you're getting sick, Chance. And I was grinning, huh? LOL! BTW, I saw Chance's "grin like a demented clown" I think and it's scary. Poor characters.
I sound like I've smoked several packs of cigarettes but it's only from lack of sleep. If I catch something, I'm blaming Chance!
PS: Have not seen POTC3 and am really surprised Will dies.lol. Ah, late to the party I is.
Don't really know how what I write comes across. There are dark moments but I wouldn't say it's a dark book. Not completely anyway. But I haven't had to slice any veins to date(figurately or literally. Woohoo!lol).
Yay for not slicing veins! LOL. I feel like that sometimes - like I have to really depress myself to be able to write a particularly angsty scene. But I have no idea if it actually comes across angsty or not. *shurg*
Kelly - did I tell you I met Stephanie and Mary at the RWA book signing? They're super nice, and were so much fun to hang out with!
Steph and Mary are officially my favorite people on the planet. Now, if Kelly will just show up in Nashville next summer, I can add her to that list. :)
Will *sort of* dies. You'd have to see it to understand. LOL!
I just say POTC 3 a couple days ago (I'm a horrible pirate, I know!) but I already knew he died. The hubs didn't believe me until the sword actually went through this chest. Then he goes, "oh. huh." lol.
Hmmm. Reading angst - I can go either way, I like it all. Writing angst - probably, since I can't be comedic unless it's completely by accident. :)
Steph and Mary are totally awesome. But Terri, you definitely go on the fave people list, too!
Hey, Kelly! Thanks for jumping from the table to the ship. LOL! (I'm sure that makes sense in some alternate reality...) You are so sweet, thank you!
Your stuff is all serious? I can't write without large doses of sarcasm. Come to think of it, I can't talk without them either. LOL!
Oh, he DIES. He didn't SORT OF die, he died...and that movie has been out for 2 years now, so I'm sorry, but that's long enough for you to have seen it by now. *LOL*
LOL Hellie.
*snort* You and I must have boarded the same exhaustion train, because I followed that without any problem, LOL.
My stuff is mostly serious with random doses of light humor thrown in for good measure. Half of what I write is historical, so the sarcasm pretty much only comes out to play when I write contemporaries. I can imagine you'd have us rolling in the aisles - I still can't get the image of J Perry and the book bra out of my head!
Hal, that was cranky of me, wasn't it? You'd think I'd been partying my ass off for the last week in DC?
I always take it so personally when people don't rush out to watch the movies I personally recommended. *LOL*
Kelly, light humor--so it is more "comedy of errors" lightness than "ironic-sarcasm" sort?
I loved the first POTC, but I wasn't really blown away by the second one, and just happened to see the third a couple days ago. I mean, I'd seen enough bits and pieces of it that I pretty much knew the story, I just hadn't sat down and watched it, you know?
And no worries - I have that same reaction of how could not possibly *love* this movie? I'm still trying to get people to watch Semi-Pro, but apparently I'm one of the few people who found it so absolutely hilarious. *g*
Steph was the one who inspired me new bar drink/snack. Right, Terrio? I'm savin' it fer Friday, btw.
I keep wantin' ta fall asleep... I don't think this be gettin' worse, jus' there and a pain in the ass wit' bein' there.
Ter, Nashville is a no go. But Mer and Steph are my best friends and I'm happy you all like them so much.:)
How can you already know Nashville is a no?! It's a year off. I'll tell you the same thing I tell everyone else, just wait and see. (Or lie to me until next June.)
Y'all are going to love this new drink!
I was told Burning Bridges had all kinds of angst in it but if so, I have no idea how I did it...
Hellion, your CP told you you had to let him live so you DID??? Buck up, woman! If you wanted to kill the twit, you should have done it and laughed in your CP's horror-stricken face. (hahahahaHA! you should have laughed.) You should have dipped your pen in his blood and scribbled a few lines right across her coconut cream pie...
Of course, she was right, and you were right to listen.
And you're so right about country music and angst. That's why I can get all kinds of inspiration on a 15 minute car ride listening to my favorite country station.
Flout you, darling Dee? I'd never! And there's not a lot I wouldn't do.
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