Inspiration and Advice from the World's Best-loved Novelist
4 stars
nonfiction
This was like taking a creative writing course-- which makes sense given that Smith was the Writer in Residence at the Jane Austen's House Museum and teaches creative writing.
While the book is all set up using Jane Austen's life and writing and writing process, the exercises are entirely flexible and applicable to any genre.
I'm not really doing a lot of writing at the moment (because, um... life. kids. house. you know) but it certainly gave me things to think about.
I recommend this for any writer, but especially for those who enjoy Jane Austen. :)
Showing posts with label writing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label writing. Show all posts
Monday, February 20, 2017
Thursday, March 28, 2013
Guest Post and GIVEAWAY: EK Prescott
Please welcome author EK Prescott!!!
Metaphysics & Illusions in the Roaring
‘20s: EK Prescott on the Writing of The Ivy League Chronicles
Crafting
a story with paranormal elements from historical events was not as challenging
as one might think. In my new historical
mystery series The Ivy League Chronicles,
there are several continuing themes within each plot, one of which is
metaphysics. My goal in this series is to bring metaphysics and science
together. This was not difficult to place historically in the 1920s in that the
use of mystics was a common practice. In fact, the elitist, the character
setting of the book, always had a psychic at every event....if they were to be
considered anybody. Mystic Edgar Casey
and Helena Blavatsky, who created the Theosophical Society, as well as
witches/covens were common names and words during this time of American
history. So when creating an elitist day time TEA having a psychic at the party
was like putting on a glove. The metaphysical theme was easy to move forward
with the next goal – to explain the unexplainable events connecting the 2nd
Law of Thermodynamics, butterfly effect,
and chaos theory with the
movement of energy which takes several forms; from a sand anomaly to an
underground city which includes the Grand Ceremonial Chamber.
Another
theme which is a subset of metaphysic is the world of illusion. If I was back
in the classroom, I would love to have students find all the illusions in this
book and what part they play within the plot.
Deciding what is real and what is an illusion is a thread that evolves
within the development of the characters, the plot, and other themes - such as
true power. Are the events surrounding Maize's and Detective Professor Richard
Wikki’s investigation of the mysterious amulet true or part of an illusion
created by a shadow government? Are there layers of illusions as well as layers
of power in our world then and now?
In
fact, to highlight the metaphysical theme in the series The Ivy League Chronicles, a mystic travels with me on my
book tours (http://www.fivestarpublications.net/ivyleague/ivy_league_booktour). We offer a free psychic reading with any book purchase on
my book tours. I only bring the best! Hope to see you at one of the many events
we have planned this year in cities across the country!
-
EK Prescott, Ph.D.
ABOUT
The Ivy League Chronicles: 9 Squares
www.ivyleaguechronicles.com A former Scotland Yard detective, Richard Wikki, now a professor at
ABOUT THE AU
E.K. Prescott, Ph.D., has been an educator for 30 years, and has taught at the college level for the past 15 years. She spent many years as a high school English teacher, middle school principal, and national educational consultant.
Get Social with EK
Prescott!
- Facebook: ‘Like’ EK Prescott on https://www.facebook.com/EKPrescottWritesMystery
- Twitter: Follow EK Prescott on https://twitter.com/ekprescottwrite
GIVEAWAY!!!Comment on this post for a chance to win a copy of The Ivy League Chronicles: 9 Squares!! (US shipping addresses only please.)
Huge thanks to EK Prescott for telling us more about writing this book!!
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Monday, March 5, 2012
Shore Excursion by Marie Moore
3 stars
R- 2
Copy received for review through Tribute Books
I want to be really careful how I review this one.
It had the makings of a fabulous cozy. Really fabulous.
But it wasn't there. It was riddled with problems, from unbelievable situations to completely stupid character choices.
And you know what, I don't blame the author at all. I blame the editor/publisher.
Take it from someone who does a fair amount of (unpublished) writing-- you NEED a good editor. You need someone to say- hey this works, but this doesn't, no one's going to buy that decision from that character, this scene doesn't advance the story, etc. Because you often can't see what is obvious to a reader.
I hope this author keeps going. I hope she writes the second Sidney Marsh mystery and gets a better editor to help her get it done.
Sidney Marsh is a fabulous heroine, she just needs some help. :)
R- 2
Copy received for review through Tribute Books
I want to be really careful how I review this one.
It had the makings of a fabulous cozy. Really fabulous.
But it wasn't there. It was riddled with problems, from unbelievable situations to completely stupid character choices.
And you know what, I don't blame the author at all. I blame the editor/publisher.
Take it from someone who does a fair amount of (unpublished) writing-- you NEED a good editor. You need someone to say- hey this works, but this doesn't, no one's going to buy that decision from that character, this scene doesn't advance the story, etc. Because you often can't see what is obvious to a reader.
I hope this author keeps going. I hope she writes the second Sidney Marsh mystery and gets a better editor to help her get it done.
Sidney Marsh is a fabulous heroine, she just needs some help. :)
Monday, November 21, 2011
NaNoWriMo
The reports of my death have been greatly exaggerated.....
But then so have the reports of my wordcount.
Back to work with me!!!!
But then so have the reports of my wordcount.
Back to work with me!!!!
Friday, March 4, 2011
The End of the Cold War
So this whole Mrs. Pollifax kick was started off by a friend of mine and as she gave me a couple to borrow she said something interesting.
The end of the Cold War was a tragedy for writers of spy novels.
And while I see her point, I can't decide if I agree.
On the one hand, yes, you don't have the same spy/espionage set-up without the Cold War. But there are still plenty of CIA-ish thrillers being written, right?
The Russians are being replaced by terrorists, but is that a reasonable comparison?
So basically, I want to know what you think. Because my brain has turned to mush. And because I'm curious. And because really, I don't remember the Cold War.
The end of the Cold War was a tragedy for writers of spy novels.
And while I see her point, I can't decide if I agree.
On the one hand, yes, you don't have the same spy/espionage set-up without the Cold War. But there are still plenty of CIA-ish thrillers being written, right?
The Russians are being replaced by terrorists, but is that a reasonable comparison?
So basically, I want to know what you think. Because my brain has turned to mush. And because I'm curious. And because really, I don't remember the Cold War.
Friday, June 18, 2010
Guest Post-- Stephen V. Masse!
The second year out of college, I wrote my third novel.
I remember in digital clarity cranking that last page out of the electric typewriter, salivating over the recognition and financial stability I would soon have. The conventional wisdom at the time was to send the book to one publisher at a time, wait for a response, and if the work is returned, then send to another. Yah, right.
For years I followed the general rules while continuing to write other novels. I got really good at playing book traffic controller between the U. S. Post Office and every publisher in the country, starting with the big guys and working my way down to the smallest art houses. My cover letters to many well-known editors at several publishing houses were answered personally, though negatively. I saved money from my day job to pay for assessments of my writing, and also began to peddle the books around to literary agencies, with the same negative results.
Whoever said, “Do what you love and the money will follow,” never talked to a writer. Here I was after a decade or so of writing like a madman, and the only signings I was doing was when I signed my name on a customer’s wall: “Paint & wallpaper by Steve Masse, almost starving writer (date).”
Now fast-forward to 21st century. Imagine persisting like this for over thirty years. Frustrating just doesn’t begin to describe it! And well-meaning friends tell you that you must be doing something wrong, or you should try writing about (*fill in the blank), or my personal favorite, “you’re not ready for success.” Then imagine finally getting that book published, and within six months winning a literary award and getting a second contract for an electronic edition.
True story. Thirty-odd years.
Lesson learned: Do what you love, get your money some other way.
Lesson 2: You’ll probably have time for both.
About the author:
Stephen V. Masse was born in Boston, Massachusetts. Educated at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, he studied creative writing and historical biography, and was the author of a weekly column, "Out of Control." His first novel, Shadow Stealer, was published by Dillon Press in 1988. When not writing, he restores and renovates homes in the Boston area, and serves as an ambassador each year in the Santa Claus Anonymous fundraising benefit. You can visit his website at http://www.ajollygoodfellowthebook.com/. You can also learn more about him at http://www.stephenvmasse.com/.
"You're not ready for success"?! Oh no! That's terrible!
Thanks for dropping by!!
I remember in digital clarity cranking that last page out of the electric typewriter, salivating over the recognition and financial stability I would soon have. The conventional wisdom at the time was to send the book to one publisher at a time, wait for a response, and if the work is returned, then send to another. Yah, right.
For years I followed the general rules while continuing to write other novels. I got really good at playing book traffic controller between the U. S. Post Office and every publisher in the country, starting with the big guys and working my way down to the smallest art houses. My cover letters to many well-known editors at several publishing houses were answered personally, though negatively. I saved money from my day job to pay for assessments of my writing, and also began to peddle the books around to literary agencies, with the same negative results.
Whoever said, “Do what you love and the money will follow,” never talked to a writer. Here I was after a decade or so of writing like a madman, and the only signings I was doing was when I signed my name on a customer’s wall: “Paint & wallpaper by Steve Masse, almost starving writer (date).”
Now fast-forward to 21st century. Imagine persisting like this for over thirty years. Frustrating just doesn’t begin to describe it! And well-meaning friends tell you that you must be doing something wrong, or you should try writing about (*fill in the blank), or my personal favorite, “you’re not ready for success.” Then imagine finally getting that book published, and within six months winning a literary award and getting a second contract for an electronic edition.
True story. Thirty-odd years.
Lesson learned: Do what you love, get your money some other way.
Lesson 2: You’ll probably have time for both.
About the author:
Stephen V. Masse was born in Boston, Massachusetts. Educated at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, he studied creative writing and historical biography, and was the author of a weekly column, "Out of Control." His first novel, Shadow Stealer, was published by Dillon Press in 1988. When not writing, he restores and renovates homes in the Boston area, and serves as an ambassador each year in the Santa Claus Anonymous fundraising benefit. You can visit his website at http://www.ajollygoodfellowthebook.com/. You can also learn more about him at http://www.stephenvmasse.com/.
"You're not ready for success"?! Oh no! That's terrible!
Thanks for dropping by!!
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Author Interview-- Maria V. Snyder!! (And GIVEAWAY!)
Welcome to Maria V. Snyder!!! Maria was kind enough to drop by for a little Inside Out interview fun!
Britt- I know you wrote Inside Out the same way you wrote your other books, from reading other interviews, but was it hard to switch genres like that? From the fantasy to the dystopian/sci-fi?
Maria- It wasn’t hard to switch. All of my books have a certain amount of world building, and writing Inside Out was just a different set of rules and details I needed to keep track of. The biggest difference is I had to keep a calculator next to me when writing Inside Out – to make sure my metric was correct and keep track of the weeks and hours J My books focus on the characters so the setting and genre are just part of the background.
Britt- How do you handle working on more than one writing project at a time? Is it hard writing more than one series, not to mention the short stories? How do you switch gears?
Maria- I work on one book at a time, and I keep a notebook for each book that has all the information and details for that book written inside. The short stories I write between novels so I’m usually done thinking about that book before I start the short story. In order to switch gears, I’ll write notes about the story and just thinking about it for a couple days before sitting down and writing.
Britt- Do you ever get your different series mixed up? Details here and there that want to cross over? ;)
Maria- No. I think my notebooks really help when I’m writing. I forget details all the time, and have to go back to the book and re-read sections to make sure certain details are consistent throughout the series (like the names of horses and eye color).
Britt- If you were an Upper, what job would you choose?
Maria- Since I use to be a meteorologist before becoming a writer, I think I would be working in the Air Plant, making sure the air is clean enough for everyone to breathe.
Britt- If you were a scrub, what job would you be assigned?
Maria- There is a scrub quiz on the book’s website and I wrote the quiz. I just took it and answered honestly and it said I would be a Laundry Scrub – lol after doing six loads of wash yesterday, I can relate and it’s better than being a waste-handling scrub!
(LOL! I can totally relate. With a baby in the house I do at least.... 9? loads a week. I took the quiz too, and I'd be a shepherd, which made me laugh.)
Britt- Is there a real Sheepy? Is there a story behind Sheepy?
Maria- Yes there is a real Sheepy and Mama Sheepy – you can see their pictures on my website. You may have to scroll down a bit to see them. They are my son’s and have been his sleeping companions for many years. I think I included Sheepy because in Trella’s hard metal world there is nothing soft and fun. Riley is having a hard time getting her to trust him and she thinks Uppers are all spoiled and entitled. Sheepy is a way for Riley to reach Trella – not as an upper and scrub, but as two young adults. It’s his only toy from when he was younger and Trella slowly learns her biases about the Uppers might not be true. I’m a big believer in getting to know someone first before judging or categorizing them. Some people just don’t make a good first impression and some are shy.
Britt- What book that you were assigned to read in school impacted you the most?
Maria- To Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Lee. The story really struck a chord with me and I loved the main protagonist, Scout. My son is reading it now for school and he’s surprised by how much I remember.
I’d like to thank you for inviting me on your blog! If anyone is interested in my books, but want to know more or would like to read a chapter of the book, they can go to my website and read the first chapter of all my books at: http://www.mariavsnyder.com/books.php I also have a bunch of FREE short stories they can read at: http://www.mariavsnyder.com/shortstories.php And there is a special website for Inside Out that has a video and lots of cool stuff: http://www.whatsinsideout.com/
Thank YOU, Maria!!
Maria was also generous enough to offer a giveaway! One lucky commenter will get a SIGNED COPY!! WOOHOO!! You have until Friday night-- I'll draw a name Saturday morning!! (Leave an email address in your comment.) USA and Canada only, please. :)
Britt- I know you wrote Inside Out the same way you wrote your other books, from reading other interviews, but was it hard to switch genres like that? From the fantasy to the dystopian/sci-fi?
Maria- It wasn’t hard to switch. All of my books have a certain amount of world building, and writing Inside Out was just a different set of rules and details I needed to keep track of. The biggest difference is I had to keep a calculator next to me when writing Inside Out – to make sure my metric was correct and keep track of the weeks and hours J My books focus on the characters so the setting and genre are just part of the background.
Britt- How do you handle working on more than one writing project at a time? Is it hard writing more than one series, not to mention the short stories? How do you switch gears?
Maria- I work on one book at a time, and I keep a notebook for each book that has all the information and details for that book written inside. The short stories I write between novels so I’m usually done thinking about that book before I start the short story. In order to switch gears, I’ll write notes about the story and just thinking about it for a couple days before sitting down and writing.
Britt- Do you ever get your different series mixed up? Details here and there that want to cross over? ;)
Maria- No. I think my notebooks really help when I’m writing. I forget details all the time, and have to go back to the book and re-read sections to make sure certain details are consistent throughout the series (like the names of horses and eye color).
Britt- If you were an Upper, what job would you choose?
Maria- Since I use to be a meteorologist before becoming a writer, I think I would be working in the Air Plant, making sure the air is clean enough for everyone to breathe.
Britt- If you were a scrub, what job would you be assigned?
Maria- There is a scrub quiz on the book’s website and I wrote the quiz. I just took it and answered honestly and it said I would be a Laundry Scrub – lol after doing six loads of wash yesterday, I can relate and it’s better than being a waste-handling scrub!
(LOL! I can totally relate. With a baby in the house I do at least.... 9? loads a week. I took the quiz too, and I'd be a shepherd, which made me laugh.)
Britt- Is there a real Sheepy? Is there a story behind Sheepy?
Maria- Yes there is a real Sheepy and Mama Sheepy – you can see their pictures on my website. You may have to scroll down a bit to see them. They are my son’s and have been his sleeping companions for many years. I think I included Sheepy because in Trella’s hard metal world there is nothing soft and fun. Riley is having a hard time getting her to trust him and she thinks Uppers are all spoiled and entitled. Sheepy is a way for Riley to reach Trella – not as an upper and scrub, but as two young adults. It’s his only toy from when he was younger and Trella slowly learns her biases about the Uppers might not be true. I’m a big believer in getting to know someone first before judging or categorizing them. Some people just don’t make a good first impression and some are shy.
Britt- What book that you were assigned to read in school impacted you the most?
Maria- To Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Lee. The story really struck a chord with me and I loved the main protagonist, Scout. My son is reading it now for school and he’s surprised by how much I remember.
I’d like to thank you for inviting me on your blog! If anyone is interested in my books, but want to know more or would like to read a chapter of the book, they can go to my website and read the first chapter of all my books at: http://www.mariavsnyder.com/books.php I also have a bunch of FREE short stories they can read at: http://www.mariavsnyder.com/shortstories.php And there is a special website for Inside Out that has a video and lots of cool stuff: http://www.whatsinsideout.com/
Thank YOU, Maria!!
Maria was also generous enough to offer a giveaway! One lucky commenter will get a SIGNED COPY!! WOOHOO!! You have until Friday night-- I'll draw a name Saturday morning!! (Leave an email address in your comment.) USA and Canada only, please. :)
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Guest Post-- James Boyle
Notes to a Newbie
For those just beginning their writing career, or contemplating embarking on one, please accept a few humble words of advice.
First, if you want to be a writer, write. Hemingway said it best when someone asked him how they could be a writer: “Go somewhere and write.” So, go somewhere and write. Write every day. Set yourself a goal, say 1000 words, and write those 1000 words. Every day. The object is to write enough, often enough, that the mechanics of building sentences and paragraphs become second nature. You write your 1000 words a day for the same reason a musician plays scales, or an artist sketches. Practice.
Second, write what you know. This has almost become cliché, but it is often misinterpreted. This does not mean that if you're a high school student in Peoria, you can't write about commercial fishermen in Denmark, though that might be difficult. What it means is if you're a big fan of western fiction and have read every Louis Lamour and Zane Grey novel ever written, don't try to write an Agatha Christie style cozy mystery. You know the conventions, the rules, of western fiction. You know what works and what doesn't. Write a western. Write what you know.
Third, read. Read, read, read. Read everything you can get your hands on. Read fiction in your genre and out; read poetry; read history and philosophy; read the back of cereal boxes. Read like a writer. Watch how other writers put their sentences and paragraphs together. See how they handle dialogue and description. Notice what works well and why. Notice what doesn't and why. Every published writer is a teacher. Learn from them.
But mostly write and don't let anybody tell you you're wasting your time. You aren't.
Thanks so much for dropping by!! (I especially love that last line!)
For those just beginning their writing career, or contemplating embarking on one, please accept a few humble words of advice.
First, if you want to be a writer, write. Hemingway said it best when someone asked him how they could be a writer: “Go somewhere and write.” So, go somewhere and write. Write every day. Set yourself a goal, say 1000 words, and write those 1000 words. Every day. The object is to write enough, often enough, that the mechanics of building sentences and paragraphs become second nature. You write your 1000 words a day for the same reason a musician plays scales, or an artist sketches. Practice.
Second, write what you know. This has almost become cliché, but it is often misinterpreted. This does not mean that if you're a high school student in Peoria, you can't write about commercial fishermen in Denmark, though that might be difficult. What it means is if you're a big fan of western fiction and have read every Louis Lamour and Zane Grey novel ever written, don't try to write an Agatha Christie style cozy mystery. You know the conventions, the rules, of western fiction. You know what works and what doesn't. Write a western. Write what you know.
Third, read. Read, read, read. Read everything you can get your hands on. Read fiction in your genre and out; read poetry; read history and philosophy; read the back of cereal boxes. Read like a writer. Watch how other writers put their sentences and paragraphs together. See how they handle dialogue and description. Notice what works well and why. Notice what doesn't and why. Every published writer is a teacher. Learn from them.
But mostly write and don't let anybody tell you you're wasting your time. You aren't.
Thanks so much for dropping by!! (I especially love that last line!)
Friday, October 9, 2009
The Face of Evil
So, after posting about The Scarlet Pimpernel last week, I was thinking-- Some of literature's best characters... are totally evil.
For example-- Chauvelin (seen here played by a very young Ian McKellen) and Iago (seen here played by Kenneth Branagh). Love to hate 'em.
I mean, really, listen to Chauvelin singing "Where's the Girl?" and tell me there's not something freakishly compelling about the man.
No really, go, go listen now. I'll wait.
You can download it for 99 cents--Where's The Girl (LP Version)
or you can listen free if you have an account on Kazaa or Napster.Or you can watch it on Youtube-- not the most fabulous sound and it comes in part way through, but the best clip I found. (I don't like that they actually kiss in this one, though.)
But I digress. What was I talking about?
Oh yes, evil. Why is it evil is so compelling?
Iago is possibly one of the best-written characters in literature... and there's not a single nice or redeeming thing about him.
And we've already talked about Chauvelin's complexity and intensity. (And that song... *shivers*)
So what is it about these evil characters? And it's not just the men-- of all the characters in A Tale of Two Cities, the one that has stuck with me is Madame DeFarge.
And frankly, I think really good villains are harder to write. I know I could never match the complexity of Chauvelin. Not sure I'd want to try.
So what is it? Or am I the only one that's fascinated by the evil side of things? I'm not, right?
(To quote the fabulous Phineas and Ferb-- "A hero is a hero, but everybody loves a great villain.")
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Hail the Almighty Love Triangle
Actually, please don't. I'm getting sick of them.
There's only one good way out of a love triangle-- bring in another character to make two couples.
The more common ways out, however, are--
There's only one good way out of a love triangle-- bring in another character to make two couples.
The more common ways out, however, are--
- Kill someone off
- Make someone a bad guy
- Leave someone hurt and despondent
Now, assuming both guys (aren't all the triangles a girl and two guys? Seems like it.) are equally likeable, none of those solutions are going to make readers (or viewers) real happy. (Yeah I know, there's the occasional "everything just works out fine" but really, how many of those are there?)
But it gets so predictable. Last week my husband and I weren't even half-way into the pilot episode of a new (to us, anyway) tv series when we started discussing when the one guy would die since the other was clearly going to be the love interest in the long run.
Which brings up another peeve.
Why is it that tv shows feel the need to draw out romantic tension to the point of the insane??? I'm sorry, but if you let the characters get to the point where the only natural thing to do is put them together, will you please for the love of all that is good and holy STOP TRYING TO WRITE CRAZY SCENARIOS TO KEEP THEM APART! It's ridiculous.
But we've bought into this as a society. Shows tank when they give in and put the characters together. Now in terms of writing, I figure there are 2 reasons for this. One-- the show was not strong enough without the romantic tension, or it got so wrapped up in the romantic tension that it can't survive without it. Which I call bad writing. Two-- the characters shouldn't really have been put together to begin with. Which I also call bad writing.
Okay, I'm putting away my soapbox now. And having some chocolate. :D
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