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Tuesday, February 15, 2011
New Adventures
Influences this Week- VACATION! Music: Memories Broken- Shelflyfe
I've gotta tell you, it's really hard to focus on a creative blog when I've been obsessed with numbers the past couple of months. I even had a nightmare the other night that I'd forgotten to write a blog for my day. (It's been a while since I've posted, since Hellie was so gracious to post for me during our hellacious snow storm a couple weeks ago.) The snow we've had this year is really messing with my schedule. I have a precise schedule I follow every year to get everything finished and on time. But when you spend weeks at home snowed in, that tends to mess with routines. And I'm a creature of habit. It's the only way my OCDs will allow me to function in the real world.
But despite every interruption from mother nature, I'm still going on my yearly escapade to Phoenix. I should be caught up with my responsibilities enough to get out of the office for a week. So starting Friday I won't be looking over tax forms, or 1099s from multiple insurance companies, or worrying about budgeting, or monthly finances. I'm going to enjoy the sunshine and absorb myself into another world.
I decided at the beginning of the year that this would be my year of firsts. I would finish Kiki's first book. I would work on my urban fantasy novel and start the process of building a new world within our dimension and beyond. (Also a first for me.) And I would start work on the second book in Kiki's series for NaNo 2011.
I'm in the process of overhauling Kiki's first book. NaNo books tend to have issues since it's all about pushing to get the words and not worrying about the quality. I knew it would have issues and I went into NaNo knowing the amount of work it would take to make the book start to finish. So with Kiki's first book “finished” (meaning a beginning and an end) I've made my new notes and will start adding in the scenes needed to make it flow and then I'll have to work on some flow in editing. I've got a full notebook in written notes, extra scenes and ideas to make it cohesive. The book plays out like a movie in my head. As the director, the characters allow me some creative licensing, but not a lot of wiggle room. Dex and Kiki really want in each other's pants. Tory says in no way, shape or form am I allowed to let Kiki and Dex get down and dirty. Or she will revolt and turn the second book into a free for all killing spree. Dex says I'm cruel mistress who has no sympathy for blue balls. *grin* Maybe some fan service to myself might be in order. Though, I might have to write a threesome. Which would be a first for me.
So getting back to my original thought. I'm going to world build for the first time in my writer life. We all know that Chanceroo is a pro at it. The drink slinger aboard the RWR has one helluva imagination. Her world building knows no bounds. She's my inspiration. I'm not creatively as free spirited as Chanceroo but I'm going to let my mind float around with some possibilities and go for it. Because in the words of Chanceroo once told me, it's my world. Anything and everything is possible and no one can tell me other wise because it's of my creation.
So I have a new notebook ready for notes and a brain ready to creative on my vacation. I'm looking forward to fleshing out my new dimension. Sort of like going on a new adventure with my new characters. Usually this is my least favorite part about writing. New places and faces always give me anxiety but I'm flush with excitement.
Are you adventuresome? What new thing are you going to try this year? New author, new genre? What do you like to see in your “new” world fiction? Anything that steers you away from a book right away?
I've gotta tell you, it's really hard to focus on a creative blog when I've been obsessed with numbers the past couple of months. I even had a nightmare the other night that I'd forgotten to write a blog for my day. (It's been a while since I've posted, since Hellie was so gracious to post for me during our hellacious snow storm a couple weeks ago.) The snow we've had this year is really messing with my schedule. I have a precise schedule I follow every year to get everything finished and on time. But when you spend weeks at home snowed in, that tends to mess with routines. And I'm a creature of habit. It's the only way my OCDs will allow me to function in the real world.
But despite every interruption from mother nature, I'm still going on my yearly escapade to Phoenix. I should be caught up with my responsibilities enough to get out of the office for a week. So starting Friday I won't be looking over tax forms, or 1099s from multiple insurance companies, or worrying about budgeting, or monthly finances. I'm going to enjoy the sunshine and absorb myself into another world.
I decided at the beginning of the year that this would be my year of firsts. I would finish Kiki's first book. I would work on my urban fantasy novel and start the process of building a new world within our dimension and beyond. (Also a first for me.) And I would start work on the second book in Kiki's series for NaNo 2011.
I'm in the process of overhauling Kiki's first book. NaNo books tend to have issues since it's all about pushing to get the words and not worrying about the quality. I knew it would have issues and I went into NaNo knowing the amount of work it would take to make the book start to finish. So with Kiki's first book “finished” (meaning a beginning and an end) I've made my new notes and will start adding in the scenes needed to make it flow and then I'll have to work on some flow in editing. I've got a full notebook in written notes, extra scenes and ideas to make it cohesive. The book plays out like a movie in my head. As the director, the characters allow me some creative licensing, but not a lot of wiggle room. Dex and Kiki really want in each other's pants. Tory says in no way, shape or form am I allowed to let Kiki and Dex get down and dirty. Or she will revolt and turn the second book into a free for all killing spree. Dex says I'm cruel mistress who has no sympathy for blue balls. *grin* Maybe some fan service to myself might be in order. Though, I might have to write a threesome. Which would be a first for me.
So getting back to my original thought. I'm going to world build for the first time in my writer life. We all know that Chanceroo is a pro at it. The drink slinger aboard the RWR has one helluva imagination. Her world building knows no bounds. She's my inspiration. I'm not creatively as free spirited as Chanceroo but I'm going to let my mind float around with some possibilities and go for it. Because in the words of Chanceroo once told me, it's my world. Anything and everything is possible and no one can tell me other wise because it's of my creation.
So I have a new notebook ready for notes and a brain ready to creative on my vacation. I'm looking forward to fleshing out my new dimension. Sort of like going on a new adventure with my new characters. Usually this is my least favorite part about writing. New places and faces always give me anxiety but I'm flush with excitement.
Are you adventuresome? What new thing are you going to try this year? New author, new genre? What do you like to see in your “new” world fiction? Anything that steers you away from a book right away?
Labels:
2011,
Quartermaster's Queries (Sin),
Sin
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43 comments:
Babies generally steer me away from a book right away. Sorry, Marn, Hal...it's just true. And religion...and my politics get in the way of some books...
But, ah, gee! Thanks! It is true, ya gots ta see yerself as the all mighty with a book and a world. You want the ocean pink? It's pink. You want the word slut to be a positive thing, it is! (Whether this sails with the reader isn't really up to you. Some will like, some won't. Ya do the best ya can!)
New stuff for me includes being a bonafide author at a convention for the first time. And being part of a panel...
And, scariest of all...having a clutter specialist come to the house in ten days to help me figure out how to get started on my stacks of crap...
You go, Sin! Hope Arizona temps are kind to you, though I'm sure it will be better than what you've faced this winter.
I'll be out and out of touch most of the morning. My morning, so not sure how often I'll be able to stop by!
Have a good blog and here's to the rum! And world building!
Chance, it's okay. Pregnant heroine's turn me away usually. This pretty much discounts most of Harlequin's lines. I don't mind babies, unless they take over the entire story. I change diapers all day in RL, I don't need to read about it. Trust me, I know it's not glamorous. Necessary, but not glamorous.
Adventurous. Not really. I used to be but I'm too busy now.
As for "worlds," I have difficulty with any world that is too unlike our world. I need enough similarities so that I don't have to think that hard. If I have to make it up entirely in my head, then I'm usually out. I don't want to do that much work when I'm reading.
But that said, I'm fine if it's close enough to the real world to give me a jumping off point. I couldn't do Lord of the Rings, but I'm totally fine with Sherrilyn Kenyon's worlds. Or I just read some of Joss Ware's post-apocalyptic books. I could visualize because it was close enough to our reality.
hahaha my own comment on my own blog needs moderation. *laughing*
*flipping back a shot* I might need a whole bottle to get through this beginning stage of learning how to build.
Chanceroo, that's too cool about the "clutter" specialist. A professional organizer. Sounds sort of like a dust bunny hitman. Very cool.
Marn, I like post-apocalyptic worlds as well. Mine is sort of in that realm, but a different dimension to our own. It mirrors ours, very similar in ways, but it's been destroyed by too much warring and beings wielding too much power.
Usually I'm not okay with the sci-fi genre, different worlds and aliens and life on other planets, etc. but there is something about this that grabbed my attention. I think Chanceroo has rubbed off on me.
I thought we said not to stand too close to Chance because of that!!
:) :)
*blows kisses to Chance*
I thought that's what you said about me too. "Don't stand too close to Sin or she'll ice pick you."
And I believe I warned against the poison dart eyelashes, not the ice picks. Just to clarify.
Hmmm.... Maybe we should all keep to the no close contact on the ship rule. It can get a little dangerous around here.
And just so you know when you write up my contract, I like a three foot bubble of personal space. Which is why I make my home in the crow's nest.
Hm, it's hard to tell which one is deadlier. Maybe we should find some test subjects.
Threesomes usually steer me away right away. *LOL* Do not like the competition. And before someone argues, "But what if it's two men fawning over you?" (Or replace fawning with the f-word of your choice.) I have to say, I can only give my full attention to one person at a time--so that means SOMEONE is getting ignored and then I'll feel guilty about it. And guilt and sex do not belong together. Well, they do, but you feel guilty after--not during. You want to enjoy yourself so you can feel as guilty as you like later.
Other things I steer clear of: Dukes. It has to be a pretty exceptional duke for me to bother.
I also steer clear of Regency heroines who act like sorority girls during RUSH week, historical novels that are neither historical nor even remotely probable (let alone possible), and dogs. It takes an even more exceptional dog for me to pick up the book. (Cats, you bet, dogs, not so much.)
Firsts for the year? I'm trying to make a quilt, which is a project I started this year. Of course, we know this is yet another procrastination tactic for writing--but I figure if I'm doing one or the other all year long, I should come out this year with something tangible. Either a whopper of a story or something warm to cuddle in.
I also have on my list to visit more museum stuff this year. Kansas City is going to have Princess Diana's dresses later this year--I'd love to go see that. And I hate driving in Kansas City, so you have to see what a concession it is that I'd be willing to drive there to see this.
As for “worlds,” I have difficulty with any world that is too unlike our world. I need enough similarities so that I don’t have to think that hard. If I have to make it up entirely in my head, then I’m usually out.
*LOL* This is so me! *LOL*
*Scribbles frantically* three feet...
Got it. :)
I hate to put too many parameters on things -- I have preferences, but I try not to deliberately exclude whole categories or tropes.
I have trouble seeing the appeal of dystopian or post-apocalyptic worlds, or stories that seem bleak or tragic (even if the characters overcome that) -- that may have more to do with my age, though.
Even with the things I'm not all that excited about, if it's somebody I know, I'll give it a try.
Good luck with your world building, Sin. I'm sure it will be imaginative!
Hellie, I'm not normally a threesome (or orgy) fan myself. I prefer no witnesses.
*note to self* DRD will never read a word I write unless I trick her.
Dear DRD,
How do you feel about experimental drugs? Hemp rope? Permanent implantation of a micro bug that allows me to read to you?
Just curious.
Sincerely,
Evil Twin
That reminds me of a story I heard on the radio this morning about some kids who robbed a place and poisoned the gold fish because they didn't want to leave any witnesses behind. You cannot make that shit up.
I'm at work! Still in pain, but I'm here. I'm jealous of your trip to warmer climes, but we're supposed to be spring-like by the end of the week so I'll survive.
I don't usually do the multi-partner thing either, but I really do want to read Suzanne Ferrell's story, so that'll be a first for me. I read that vampire one last year, which was the first and only for me.
Can writing your second book for the first time be a first? LOL! I've never finished one and moved onto another, but that's what I'm doing now. I'm really enjoying the plotting. Oh, and I settled on Elizabeth for my heroine. It fits perfectly.
I remember being a fan of the Mad Max movies, so I could do that. And we all sort of followed along with Star Wars all those years ago. But if I had my druthers and there was a mainstream book next to a alternate universe book, I'd go mainstream.
But I'm vanilla like that. :)
Dear Evil Twin,
I am intrigued to read your books so that I can see more precisely how your mind works.
I just hope I can afford all the therapy I'll need afterwards. (I may need to have a telethon to raise enough cash.)
Very truly yours,
DRD
Are you feeling any better, Ter?
Obviously these kids need to read "Sin's Guide to B&E and other shit you need to know."
Dear DRD,
I'll put you on my insurance plan. I hope you're into alternative methods.
Sincerely,
Evil Twin
I'm a bit better. Still never been pain free since Sunday. What I wouldn't give for a good vicodin right now. LOL! Running on about an hour sleep and I'm not allowed to have caffeine. I should be comatose on my keyboard by the afternoon.
This afternoon? I predict your comatose by 11 am.
How would you have done it differently, Sin? ICE PICKED the fish?
Feel like goldfish sushi, Hellie?
I'm actually much more awake than I thought I'd be. It helps that I have a ton of shit to do.
Don't overdo it dear.
No worries, all my work pretty much requires sitting on my ass in front of the computer. That I can do with little effort.
I'm rubbing off on people?
*sniffs shoulder
I'm sorry, I'll work on bathing more often. And I'll start polishing the glass with a clean towel!
I think, with world building, I fly a bit in the face of the rules (what else is new). I just refuse to write an encyclopedia of rules and set everything down before I write. I write and the world grows much as a character grows. Doesn't mean I don't have challenges and have to back and redo things. (Oh, that's right, they don't have bombs because the portals won't let them through...but I need a bomb... EXCEPTION!)
I think I give myself a certain number of exceptions in any world.
Now see, if you establish the reality of your world is no bombs, and then you break your own reality, that would bother me.
Some mage or magic technician could break the fabric of the portal to allow one in. There is ways to break your own rules through ingenious characters.
Even in our world all things are possible. Maybe not as plausible, but definitely possible.
I have to agree with Bo'sun. It would bother me you'd break your own world's rules like that. It's a reader expectation betrayal. I'm not against a good twist--but otherwise, I don't think it should happen.
Thinking about my story ideas so far, I think I fall into the UF type of world-building. It's always earth, just with a paranormal twist. Not sure I could create a whole new realm of possibility from scratch.
Although my WIP is a straight Contemp, a lot of my new story ideas are Paranormal or UF.
Now a story idea that does intrigue me quite a lot is the World-building within our regular world. Okay that makes no sense. How about this: I have this one character I think about a lot. And she is a daydreamer. Lives a completely seperate life in her daydreams and while sleeping. So, it's a world within a world sort of. Am I explaining this clearly? :)
For firsts - I will FINISH this damn book this year.
Yay! Scapey, me and you can finish books together this year! You can do it. I know you can!
I love the idea of living in a daydream world. That hold all kinds of potential.
I'm in general agreement with Ter and Hellie, but I'm also cautious about saying never. Too many times I've had a gifted writer persuade me to accept things I've sworn I could never accept--from plot points that I expected to pull me out of the story to moral choices I find deplorable.
I'm very selective about the paranormals (No vampires!)and romantic suspense I read, and I almost never read street/urban fiction or erotica. I've tried most subgenres under the romance umbrella, but my reading time is not infinite. Most of my leisure reading falls under the genres/subgenres I enjoy most--historical and contemporary romance, historical fiction, women's fiction, and mysteries. That's unlikely to change.
I may have mentioned this before. You can find Patricia Wrede's comprehensive world building questions on the Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers of America web site. They are divided by topic, so that you can check only those relevant for you. I found many of them helpful in creating my contemporary small town world, even though my world is far removed from sci fi and fantasy.
http://www.sfwa.org/2009/08/fantasy-worldbuilding-questions/
Oooh, Janga! I have saved the above link for my perusal later when I can look at it without interruption. Thank you!
I do think there are certain rules that once you make in world-building you shouldn't break, BUT there are HUGE name authors out there who basically make their whole worlds surrond the idea of breaking those rules.
In fact, many could argue in many books that just by the hero and heroine getting together it's breaking the rules of the world they are in. I mean the MAJORITY of Paranormals and UF are based on this.
AND I would argue that this same idea is behind so many historicals - the rich duke with the lowly governess - totally goes against the RULES of that world.
For me that's what makes fiction so much fun to read. I love bending the rules.
Janga, thanks for the link. I think world building for non-paranormal worlds is just as important as it is for paranormal ones. I think making sure you've thought about the city/town you've set your story in and the kinds of people who live there, their backgrounds and histories (not in huge detail, but to some degree), adds a more vibrant setting. It's the sort of thing that makes the really good authors stand out. (Robin Carr?--the Virgin series books--everyone wants to live there. Why? Because while she makes things comfortable enough we understand easily, she also makes them vibrant and rich, where we want to live there too.)
The setting for my first book was a fictional town that was basically my hometown. So I knew it as if I'd lived there, because I had. This new one is set in a real place that I've visited one time. Thankfully, it's small and close enough for me to visit again. :)
Well, it depends on how you break the rules... Bombs have never made it through the portals before, but there was this one time, and three made it. Jezebel found them all and saw two destroyed, kept one...
These little bombs made it through because of their innocuous nature until triggered... Weren't read as bombs...
Thanks for the link, Janga...I'll check it out!
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