Did you know that birth rates around the world are down? Yet population is rising. This is due to our ability (and obsessive need) to prolong life. Many of the strides we've made to prolong life are wonderful, but are we taking it too far when there is talk of bringing people back from the dead?
On the Today Show this morning (http://todayhealth.today.com/_news/2013/02/26/17101996-god-held-me-coming-back-from-the-brink-of-death-is-possible-says-doctor?lite), there was a guest author/scientist who is taking part in the discussion about bringing people back after they die.
Unlike a sci-fi movie, the return to life must occur within 8 hours after a person is considered a corpse (this is new knowledge). They (scientists) are working on how to do this without brain damage or any damage to the person, and they seem to have it nearly figured out. It's a matter of making the process available world wide (or even hospital wide). Depending on what city and hospital you end up in, you may or may not be brought back if you die.
How do you feel about this? I'm torn.
Having a loved one die is beyond painful, and I can imagine the urge to bring them back, but I'm torn as to how good of an idea this is. Maybe it depends on what killed them? Hmmm. I can't say. But ultimately, I suppose my Christan faith reminds me that no matter what we do or don't do, if God wants us to go home to him, there will be no fighting it. And if he wants to allow us to stay longer, he'll let that happen, too, via doctors or whatever means. So we may as well do everything in our power to save loved ones and ourselves (as is our instinct). That's how we should live anyway, right? Do everything "in our power" to accomplish whatever (even life) and let God take over where our own power falls short.
Keeping this in mind, the next time you see a family with more than the accepted 2 kids, smile instead of sneering (yes, I've heard many times of people sneering at families). From what I've read in many different sources, they are NOT the problem with population, in fact we need them to help balance the age demographic of our population. Right now we are headed to being top heavy with seniors (we may already be there, I'm not quite up-to-date). We need the young ones to refresh the world! ;)
The above statements are my interpretation and opinion. You are encouraged to share yours.
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
Monday, February 25, 2013
Outlines: love them or hate them?
I recently read an article about novelists and outlines. Some writers can't imagine trying to piece together a story without a tight, involved outline, and others wing it all the way. I fall somewhere in between precise and winging it. I think.
I begin with an idea for a story and a very rough idea of characters and setting, then put that "on paper". That's where I start, but once I begin the actual writing, I back-fill the outline. I let the story and characters develop as I go, then make notes on the outline rather than the other way around. It works for me.
It's best not to be too rigid about the writing process, allowing imagination to sculpt. But with that said, I also believe each writer must do what feels most comfortable to them and what works. What I've learned most recently is that there are no rules to how we create our stories, only suggestions. Don't box yourself in with rules, even if you created them. Be open to change your process as you go, as you learn and grow.
The creative mind needs wiggle-room and a safe place to experiment. This has not been an easy lesson for me (I'm a rule-follower!), but I'm getting it now and it feels fantastic. With my second novel, I'm feeling the exhilarating freedom of . . . well . . . freedom. And I love it! Rules have their place, but that place is not in the creative process.
So follow your own creative path and enjoy the process guilt free!
Here is a link to an article on advantages and disadvantages of writing:
http://www.dailywritingtips.com/to-outline-or-not-to-outline-that-is-the-question/
Link on how to write an outline:
http://www.wikihow.com/Write-an-Outline
I begin with an idea for a story and a very rough idea of characters and setting, then put that "on paper". That's where I start, but once I begin the actual writing, I back-fill the outline. I let the story and characters develop as I go, then make notes on the outline rather than the other way around. It works for me.
It's best not to be too rigid about the writing process, allowing imagination to sculpt. But with that said, I also believe each writer must do what feels most comfortable to them and what works. What I've learned most recently is that there are no rules to how we create our stories, only suggestions. Don't box yourself in with rules, even if you created them. Be open to change your process as you go, as you learn and grow.
The creative mind needs wiggle-room and a safe place to experiment. This has not been an easy lesson for me (I'm a rule-follower!), but I'm getting it now and it feels fantastic. With my second novel, I'm feeling the exhilarating freedom of . . . well . . . freedom. And I love it! Rules have their place, but that place is not in the creative process.
So follow your own creative path and enjoy the process guilt free!
Here is a link to an article on advantages and disadvantages of writing:
http://www.dailywritingtips.com/to-outline-or-not-to-outline-that-is-the-question/
Link on how to write an outline:
http://www.wikihow.com/Write-an-Outline
Monday, January 14, 2013
If you're not prepared to be wrong...
"If you're not prepared to be wrong, you'll never come up with anything original."--Ken Robinson.
I was watching a short video about schools and learning processes by phenominal speaker Ken Robinson (http://www.ted.com/talks/ken_robinson_says_schools_kill_creativity.html) when he made the above statement. I jotted it down and read it several times, letting the truth of the words sink in. I encourage you to do the same. The statement is profound for every one of us, but especially those of us fearful of taking chances.
Try to write without fear and filters. Or at the very least, don't let those things inhibit your writing, or curb your ability to let creativity flow. It sounds like a no-brainer, but it's surprising how our own internal filters (or neg. and fearful voices) can hold us back. Write with freedom and abandon, let it pour out of you. Filters, or editing, comes later. First create, then shape. But through it all, keep the above quote close at hand.
I was watching a short video about schools and learning processes by phenominal speaker Ken Robinson (http://www.ted.com/talks/ken_robinson_says_schools_kill_creativity.html) when he made the above statement. I jotted it down and read it several times, letting the truth of the words sink in. I encourage you to do the same. The statement is profound for every one of us, but especially those of us fearful of taking chances.
Try to write without fear and filters. Or at the very least, don't let those things inhibit your writing, or curb your ability to let creativity flow. It sounds like a no-brainer, but it's surprising how our own internal filters (or neg. and fearful voices) can hold us back. Write with freedom and abandon, let it pour out of you. Filters, or editing, comes later. First create, then shape. But through it all, keep the above quote close at hand.
Saturday, January 5, 2013
Change in this blog profile!!
Hello followers and visitors!
After a very long time agonizing over how to run this blog, I believe I've finally found my place. I've never written a blog, and I'm new to the blogging community, so none of this is coming easily or naturally to me. But after months (no exaggeration!) of trying (and failing) to come up with a topic to build my blog posts around, I think I've finally got it.
I was cleaning house without a single thought about blogging (confession: I haven't thought about blogging in weeks) when it (cliche alert!) hit me out of the blue. I'm going to blog about the process of writing and what I've learned and what I learn as I continue to grow into a better, stronger writer. That's an easy enough topic since I'm constantly striving to learn as much as I can about the craft of writing, and I'd be happy to share my knowledge. Remember, about 10% of writing is talent, the rest is hard work.
I write fiction with an emphasis on women's romantic contemporary fiction, but the advice and knowledge I share will be helpful to writers across the board, all genres, because writing is writing.
There is a basic knowledge and understanding we all need for success in writing as a career, then there is all the other stuff we as creative individuals will add. I'll have bits of both here for you.
Now, all that said and done, I'd like to begin with my first "tidbit": Write with the intent to place your reader into your world, or story (fiction or non-fiction).
Yes, I realize how obvious my above statement sounds, but really think about it. You might be surprised to find part - or possibly even all - of the above mentioned message got lost or misplaced when you sat down and "put pen to paper".
We as writers are not responsible for whether or not people like our work (this is important to remember), but we are responsible for getting them to "feel" the story. They should feel present, pulled into the story from beginning to end. If you've managed that, you've managed true success.
I know for myself, I was unconsciously too aware of trying to convince my readers to like the story that I lost sight of the true goal. Not totally or completely lost, but enough that I can feel the difference in myself and my writing now that my focus is better aligned.
If you are writing anything you want to have read, you'll always want the reader's pov in the back of your mind, but your best work will come through if you keep your story (and all that it embodies) in the front of your mind.
And that's it! The first post of this new blog form. I'm ready for the new year and all the success it has for me. I wish the best for all of you, too. Happy New Year!
*Please leave a comment with your thoughts or your own words of advice. ;)
After a very long time agonizing over how to run this blog, I believe I've finally found my place. I've never written a blog, and I'm new to the blogging community, so none of this is coming easily or naturally to me. But after months (no exaggeration!) of trying (and failing) to come up with a topic to build my blog posts around, I think I've finally got it.
I was cleaning house without a single thought about blogging (confession: I haven't thought about blogging in weeks) when it (cliche alert!) hit me out of the blue. I'm going to blog about the process of writing and what I've learned and what I learn as I continue to grow into a better, stronger writer. That's an easy enough topic since I'm constantly striving to learn as much as I can about the craft of writing, and I'd be happy to share my knowledge. Remember, about 10% of writing is talent, the rest is hard work.
I write fiction with an emphasis on women's romantic contemporary fiction, but the advice and knowledge I share will be helpful to writers across the board, all genres, because writing is writing.
There is a basic knowledge and understanding we all need for success in writing as a career, then there is all the other stuff we as creative individuals will add. I'll have bits of both here for you.
Now, all that said and done, I'd like to begin with my first "tidbit": Write with the intent to place your reader into your world, or story (fiction or non-fiction).
Yes, I realize how obvious my above statement sounds, but really think about it. You might be surprised to find part - or possibly even all - of the above mentioned message got lost or misplaced when you sat down and "put pen to paper".
We as writers are not responsible for whether or not people like our work (this is important to remember), but we are responsible for getting them to "feel" the story. They should feel present, pulled into the story from beginning to end. If you've managed that, you've managed true success.
I know for myself, I was unconsciously too aware of trying to convince my readers to like the story that I lost sight of the true goal. Not totally or completely lost, but enough that I can feel the difference in myself and my writing now that my focus is better aligned.
If you are writing anything you want to have read, you'll always want the reader's pov in the back of your mind, but your best work will come through if you keep your story (and all that it embodies) in the front of your mind.
And that's it! The first post of this new blog form. I'm ready for the new year and all the success it has for me. I wish the best for all of you, too. Happy New Year!
*Please leave a comment with your thoughts or your own words of advice. ;)
Monday, October 22, 2012
Curse or Blessing?
I thought I'd provide an update on my writing life for all of you fellow writers out there who may (hopefully) be interested. I imagine you'll find similarities in our perspectives.
At this point, I find myself working tirelessly to keep a good, optimistic attitude about my "choice" of craft. It's not an easy task to constantly fight the hag and her sister the nag who love to tell me I'm fooling myself, I don't have what it takes and I never will. Thankfully, it seems I have an even stronger voice (I believe from God) that always manages to talk over Hag and Nag, pounding them pack into place, allowing me to continue to move forward without quitting.
Sometimes I wonder if it's even possible to quit writing. I honestly don't think it is. Can any of us truly walk away (without a heavy spirit) from what is quite possibly a gift given to us before we ever thought to ask for it? For me, it would be akin to quitting eating, or drinking, or breathing. It's oddly a part of me, almost like a lung. I can survive without it, but it's not ideal. It's not easy to explain, this overpowering desire to write and to learn as much about the craft as I can possibly absorb into my little brain. Grammar, spelling (I mean, where would I be without spell check?!), voice and talent; these are among the things I strive passionately to strengthen and nurture.
This "calling" to write is both a blessing and a curse.
I call it a curse because no matter how frustrated or down I get about my abilities, I can't walk away. I just can't. Something always pulls me back to writing, to working more and working harder. I can suffer a less than glowing review of my novel, spiral into a state of depression or melancholy over it, but without fail, before I even realize what's happened, I'm right back writing again. The perpetual "getting back on that horse".
For good or bad, through ups and downs, here I am, a writer always in the making. Just as being human is always a work in progress, so is becoming, or being a writer. We do what we have to do, like it or not. It's just not a choice, is it? Saying it's a choice to write when every fiber of you craves the craft would be like claiming you have a choice to breathe.
Curse or blessing, I'm in it for the long haul. And the bottom line is . . . I love it!! And I hate it!
At this point, I find myself working tirelessly to keep a good, optimistic attitude about my "choice" of craft. It's not an easy task to constantly fight the hag and her sister the nag who love to tell me I'm fooling myself, I don't have what it takes and I never will. Thankfully, it seems I have an even stronger voice (I believe from God) that always manages to talk over Hag and Nag, pounding them pack into place, allowing me to continue to move forward without quitting.
Sometimes I wonder if it's even possible to quit writing. I honestly don't think it is. Can any of us truly walk away (without a heavy spirit) from what is quite possibly a gift given to us before we ever thought to ask for it? For me, it would be akin to quitting eating, or drinking, or breathing. It's oddly a part of me, almost like a lung. I can survive without it, but it's not ideal. It's not easy to explain, this overpowering desire to write and to learn as much about the craft as I can possibly absorb into my little brain. Grammar, spelling (I mean, where would I be without spell check?!), voice and talent; these are among the things I strive passionately to strengthen and nurture.
This "calling" to write is both a blessing and a curse.
I call it a curse because no matter how frustrated or down I get about my abilities, I can't walk away. I just can't. Something always pulls me back to writing, to working more and working harder. I can suffer a less than glowing review of my novel, spiral into a state of depression or melancholy over it, but without fail, before I even realize what's happened, I'm right back writing again. The perpetual "getting back on that horse".
For good or bad, through ups and downs, here I am, a writer always in the making. Just as being human is always a work in progress, so is becoming, or being a writer. We do what we have to do, like it or not. It's just not a choice, is it? Saying it's a choice to write when every fiber of you craves the craft would be like claiming you have a choice to breathe.
Curse or blessing, I'm in it for the long haul. And the bottom line is . . . I love it!! And I hate it!
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
George R.R. Martin writing habits...
I had a wonderful moment of discovery and validation this weekend as an author. On reading this month's edition of Writer's Digest magazine, I ran across an author I was unfamiliar with, but who I connected with in a surprising way.
Although George R.R. Martin writes fantasy (he's the author of the Game of Thrones as well as many others) and I write romantic women's fiction, we have very similar writing habits. What a fun (and I'll admit, validating) discovery!
So often I've come across authors who can release a new novel every year, or authors who say they write every day, usually completing a chapter a day. I do neither of these things. And I was beginning to think I was alone . . . until now.
In an interesting interview with Mr. Martin, I discovered it takes him a good five years between novels, even his sequels! He admits he's a slow writer, and his reasons are the same as mine. When he writes, he begins by going over what he wrote the previous day both to do a little editing and to build momentum. I do exactly the same thing. It may slow things down, but it works for some of us very well. He "admits" to only completing maybe 5-10 new pages a day (or when he writes) at most! That was wonderful to hear! I tire of hearing how some people complete a chapter a day, or more! No way. I just don't work that way, and now I feel a whole new freedom to comfortably be who I am, write how I write. It's wonderful.
We writers have all kinds of styles and habits, all of which are perfectly wonderful . . . IF they work for us. That's all that matters. If it works, it's perfect . . . for you, or me. Speed of writing isn't important, quality is. How we get there doesn't matter in the least, it's only that we get there.
So take comfort, we have much in common with one another and much that is not, but it's all just fine. We can celebrate together our differences, our outcome and our craft. ;)
Although George R.R. Martin writes fantasy (he's the author of the Game of Thrones as well as many others) and I write romantic women's fiction, we have very similar writing habits. What a fun (and I'll admit, validating) discovery!
So often I've come across authors who can release a new novel every year, or authors who say they write every day, usually completing a chapter a day. I do neither of these things. And I was beginning to think I was alone . . . until now.
In an interesting interview with Mr. Martin, I discovered it takes him a good five years between novels, even his sequels! He admits he's a slow writer, and his reasons are the same as mine. When he writes, he begins by going over what he wrote the previous day both to do a little editing and to build momentum. I do exactly the same thing. It may slow things down, but it works for some of us very well. He "admits" to only completing maybe 5-10 new pages a day (or when he writes) at most! That was wonderful to hear! I tire of hearing how some people complete a chapter a day, or more! No way. I just don't work that way, and now I feel a whole new freedom to comfortably be who I am, write how I write. It's wonderful.
We writers have all kinds of styles and habits, all of which are perfectly wonderful . . . IF they work for us. That's all that matters. If it works, it's perfect . . . for you, or me. Speed of writing isn't important, quality is. How we get there doesn't matter in the least, it's only that we get there.
So take comfort, we have much in common with one another and much that is not, but it's all just fine. We can celebrate together our differences, our outcome and our craft. ;)
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
Reading Ken Follett
Calling all readers! Any fans of Ken Follett? I've only read one book of his (The Pillars of the Earth), and it was wonderful. I admit his novels are loooonnnggg, but they are engrossing. Right now I'm reading "Fall of Giants", the first in his Century Trilogy. It's 985 pages long! I'm hoping it's a great book, or I'll be in for a frustrating read. So far, so good!
If anyone else has read or is reading this book, I'd love to hear from you!
I just finished "The Russian Concubine", so I'd say that after "Fall of Giants", I'll need to mix it up a bit and go to something lighter before tackling the second book of the trilogy. Thankfully, there's no shortage of books to choose from.
I may exclusively write romantic women's fiction, but I'm an eclectic reader. I love all kinds of books, including some memoirs and biography's, but mostly I enjoy fiction (with that ever important element of romance).
I've heard on more than one occasion that reading fiction in particular is a wonderful brain exercise. Reading is good on many levels, but apparently reading fiction adds another element. I would imagine it's due to the use of our imaginations, stretching them. We have to visualize and feel what the author is describing, unlike lazily having all that done for us in movies and television. Don't get me wrong, I love movies! It's just not a brain stimulating activity. ;)
Well, happy reading! May you always have a book at hand, even if it takes you many weeks to finish it. ;)
If anyone else has read or is reading this book, I'd love to hear from you!
I just finished "The Russian Concubine", so I'd say that after "Fall of Giants", I'll need to mix it up a bit and go to something lighter before tackling the second book of the trilogy. Thankfully, there's no shortage of books to choose from.
I may exclusively write romantic women's fiction, but I'm an eclectic reader. I love all kinds of books, including some memoirs and biography's, but mostly I enjoy fiction (with that ever important element of romance).
I've heard on more than one occasion that reading fiction in particular is a wonderful brain exercise. Reading is good on many levels, but apparently reading fiction adds another element. I would imagine it's due to the use of our imaginations, stretching them. We have to visualize and feel what the author is describing, unlike lazily having all that done for us in movies and television. Don't get me wrong, I love movies! It's just not a brain stimulating activity. ;)
Well, happy reading! May you always have a book at hand, even if it takes you many weeks to finish it. ;)
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