A few people participated in yesterday's spontaneous It's a Sunday, Daylight Savings Time, Rainy Day Organizing and Writing Challenge Kind of Day. Thanks for being my challenge buddies! I used the opportunity to create a nice study area for the kids.
We live in a modest-sized home, built in the 1950's, before family rooms became the norm. I must admit, there are times I've complained to my husband about how we need to move--the house is too small for us--and he laughs. He likes to remind me how I fell in love with our neighborhood the first time I saw it, even insisting we put an offer on our house, sight unseen.
It's true.
I didn't care to see the inside of our home. My husband knew the family who owned the house. He'd been in the house plenty of times, so he knew what the house looked like. It needed a lot of work anyway, and if you knew what my old house looked like before we bought it, you'd know miracles can be rendered with hard work.
The thing is, we've lived in the house five years, and I've yet to make our house into a comfortable home. The bathrooms are original to the house (with colors I can't figure out how to match); the kitchen is still stuck in the 1980's with a 1970's formica wall (remember The Brady Bunch kitchen wall?). Add to this equation a living room that functions as a romper room/tv room, a dining room that functions as an eating area/office/paper catch-all and it's easy to see I'm no Martha Stewart.
Martha would know exactly how to organize and design the inner workings of my house so we could be efficient, neat and elegant. Me...well...not so much.
But, 2010 is a new year and back in January, I decided to stop whining about how the house didn't work for us and focus on creating spaces my family could enjoy. There's not much I can do to change the bathrooms and kitchen until we save more money, but as far as the ambiance, the comfort and utility of our home, that's something I can control.
My house is a work-in-progress. I've been decluttering, organizing, and cursing under my breath these past couple months, but it's definitely worth it. And the homework area! My kids were in shock yesterday and Spy Girl smiled. Not bad for my reluctant learner.
This all reinforced to me how important the setting is to the story. Most of us concentrate on our characters and plot, and think of the setting in an offhand manner. But remember, the setting helps make your story believable. It brings detail so your characters and plot come to life. Create a great setting and your story will thrive.
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And now to announce the winners from the It's a Sunday, Daylight Savings Time, Rainy Day Organizing and Writing Challenge Kind of Day. Drumroll...
Jeannine and Mike--you won! Send me your snail mail address to me at hipwritermama at comcast dot net and let me know your 1st and 2nd choices. I'll do my best to get you what you'd like.
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Write-a-Scene Writing Prompt: Work on your setting for a scene in your manuscript. What will help bring it to life? Is the weather unusual? The town? The environment? The smells? The geography? Put your setting under a microscope and watch for the little details. If you're writing fantasy, your setting is absolutely critical to your world-building. Be sure to pay extra attention.
How was your weekend?
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I recently went to my doctor's office for a routine exam. Even though I love knowing about all things medical, I hate feeling vulnerable, embarrassed and stressed in one fell swoop. There's nothing like being displayed for all the world to see to give one a jolt of adrenalin. Then to top it off, the check-out counter is right outside the examination rooms, to ensure no one skips payment or leaves without making any needed appointments.
As an administrator processed my payment, I noticed a fishbowl on the counter, with a little sign taped on the side: FISH FOR SOME INSPIRATION. A handmade fishing pole decorated the edge of the bowl, and little slips of paper, folded in half, waited at the bottom. You know how I'm a sucker for inspiration, especially when some guy is next to me, practically jumping over the counter to whisper to a customer service person the nature of his appointment. In my quest to tune him out and offer some privacy, I visualized INSPIRATION and reached into the fishbowl.
My catch of the day:
How true. Inspired, I searched for the administrator helping me so I could leave. In the meantime, she decided to multi-task and help someone else. The agitated man still stood at the counter and rather than look at him, I decided to fish again.
Writers need a lot of imagination to create stories, and this quote was perfect for me. I was ready to write and managed to capture the administrator's attention. The stressed-out man edged closer to me. I was still trying to offer the man some privacy by avoiding him, but finally realized the kindness he might need more was INSPIRATION. I looked the elderly man in the eye, smiled, and stepped aside.
I must admit, I reached in the bowl one last time and found this...
Yup. My writing is speaking to me.
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Write-a-Scene Writing Prompt: There are times we all find inspiration in the unlikeliest of places--in the doctor's office, at the bus stop, from a stranger, the loser boyfriend, during a math test, while riding a bike, maybe even watching a bug on a flower.
Let your MC do the same. Think of the setting, the seemingly insignificant steps, and then, let the AHA! moment work its magic. Is your MC alone? Or with friends? With family? Perhaps an enemy? What type of conflict is involved? Emotion?
Where was the unlikeliest place you found inspiration?
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And write, I will.
But first, I have to tell you about the portable plotting organizer I put together the other day for my new WIP. It's so simple, I can hardly stand it. It may very well keep me sane during my writing and revision process, and that, my friends, is HUGE in my book.
When I start a new project, I usually write a chapter or so, to see whether my muse is inspired to brainstorm. Next, I write the most basic of outlines and get to know my characters. Then, I plot away.
Plotting is hard work. It requires imagination, the ability to make the impossible believable, and incredible persistence, sometimes fortified with strong coffee or tea. I believe if a writer has a good system to organize plot, it makes writing so much easier. Or, at least it's a productive way to unleash writer's block angst. Can't figure out what to write next? Take out the system and hash it your plot. Over the past few years, I've tried post-it notes, wall charts, computerized spreadsheets, and journals. And while they all work, they didn't quite click with me for one reason or another.
Then, I discovered the beauty of the index card. This may sound strange, but scenes became much easier for me to visualize and then capture the written word. Color coded 3" X 5" cards are cheap, easy to store and rearrange. I love how easy it is to throw away an index card or two if an idea is pure crap. No more scathing notes to myself (within reason) or huge X's crossing out text. Need to change a few scenes around? Just move the index cards, no problem. I love how there's no organizational eyesores to clog up my brain with unnecessary noise. There's no need to obsess about how I'm going to clean up my plotting, because I can't read through all my scribbles. This clarity of focus helps me concentrate on writing, which is always a very good thing.
Two years ago, Spy Girl came home from school with math facts written on index cards, fastened by a loose leaf ring. I was smitten. If you love office supplies as much as I do, you'll understand why I had to go to the store.
See the pretty cards all fanned out? These loose leaf rings are a lifesaver. I don't have to worry about losing the sequence of events. Instant peace of mind.
I recently came up with a new idea for a manuscript. It freaked me out since I'm still putting the finishing touches on PB, plus I have a few other manuscripts in the works. But, who am I to say, "No," to my muse? So, I went to the store to pick up some index cards, and found this index card organizer.
It may not look very impressive, but I practically drooled over it. Colored index cards, holes already punched in, 2 loose leaf rings, and 2 tabs. All of a sudden, I had the urge to figure out the best way to use this, and soon discovered
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January. January. January.
I despise how I've allowed these four syllables to throw me into a funk these past few years. It's not supposed to be this way.
January is meant for new beginnings. We say farewell to the old year and herald in the new. We write up our New Year's Resolutions and try to commit to becoming thinner, fitter, smarter, better, happier, and kinder. We shovel the snow and enjoy adrenalin-pumping winter activities like skiing, skating, snowboarding. And let us not forget January is named after the Roman god, Janus, the god of gates and doorways, of beginnings and endings.
I've alway loved planning out my New Year's Resolutions, but lately, it's difficult to muster up the enthusiasm to set them in stone, to be reviewed in the next year. (Yes, I do this sort of thing.) I blame it entirely on being cursed blessed with a January birthday. Think it's hard to write down New Year's Resolutions? Try it with a January birthday. This double whammy ensures twice the pleasure of reflecting on what hasn't been done. And if you're in your forties (gulp), when every new year becomes more precious, the success and failure of each goal becomes a critical analysis. And yes. Sometimes when you see good things, well-deserved things happen to people you like and respect, sometimes it's hard to tell the Green-Eyed Monster to leave you alone.
Even with friends and family.
Some friends invited us over to their house for dinner on Saturday. They bought a new construction home and it is Spectacular, with a capital S--all the latest and greatest of shiny things. Radiant-heated bathroom floors. Stainless steel kitchen appliances. Custom designed kitchen. Beautiful, big windows. Huge flat-screen tv... Shiny. Shiny. Shiny. When I came home, all I could see was my house, stuck in the 1960's, overshadowed with imperfections. Big Time.
The next day, I picked Ninja Girl from a friend's house. They invited me in to see their stunning kitchen remodel with incredible slider doors to their backyard, overlooking their personal skating rink.
"This should be you." The Green-Eyed Monster gnashed her teeth. "You've been living with old appliances and a run-down kitchen for years. It's not fair!"
"It's not in the budget right now. Soon." I hesitated.
"Ah, but think what you could do if you knocked down some walls in your kitchen." She curled her slimy hands around my shoulder and shone a light around my dumpy kitchen. "Hire an architect, order designer cabinets. Spare no expense! Look what you've put up with. Don't you deserve better?"
I grabbed a tape measure and started drawing out a plan. Man. I deserve a dream kitchen. The Green-Eyed Monster is right. Fuhgeddaboutit. It should be mine. I deserve it just as much as anyone else. Why do they get the nice kitchen? They're younger than I am. I work just as hard as they do. I deserve it. Fuhgeddaboutit. Forget I need to replace Sophie, my eleven-year-old car first. Forget about our plan to wait another year to replace the cabinets. Forget about the budget. Forget about... Gah!
The nice thing about getting older is I'm no longer a prisoner of the Green-Eyed Monster. She can reel me in, but now, I've accepted I'm wise enough to know there is a time for everything. It's easier to let the Green-Eyed Monster know her place. Sometimes, it's enough to know good things do happen to people, the people you are happy for, and that your time will come.
Work hard. Use the Green-Eyed Monster for motivation and inspiration, to nip at your heels and help you work harder. Great things WILL happen to you. Soon enough.
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Write-a-Scene Writing Prompt: Let's face it. Mos
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"Mom, I forgot to mail my letter to Santa!" Spy Girl flew into the kitchen this morning, envelope in hand. "Do you think it's too late?"
For the past few years, I've been waiting to have the talk with Spy Girl about Santa. Her friends have been dropping comments since the second grade, and despite the doubt cast by naysayers, Spy Girl's belief in Santa is much stronger. She'll defend Santa to anyone who tells her otherwise. As far as I know, Spy Girl is the only fifth grader in her school that still believes.
I'm cool with this.
Write-a-Scene Writing Prompt: There are times your MC is going to face opposition from people who have different convictions. This may be a matter of right vs. wrong or life vs. death, or it can be something where both sides are right, depending on upbringing, maturity, religious beliefs, race, etc.
Write a scene where your protagonist is faced with an opposing view, but has a different belief. Is this an easy situation, where both sides agree to disagree? Or is there something at stake, where winner takes all? Or perhaps the situation is more complicated and there is no clear winner. Emotion and conflict should factor in big time in this scene(s). Good luck!
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Life seems to get in the way of my writing. The flu, three children, a husband, managing office work that piles up faster than I can organize, housework, soccer, too much homework to supervise, holiday pressures, and general doldrums have provided more than plenty of opportunity for numerous excuses and bad creative behavior.
When I do write, my husband and children sometimes get resentful of my time away from them, voicing their disappointment when I'm at my laptop. My writing is usually done on the sly, in tidbits, spread thin.
Right now, writing seems to be my double-edged sword. If I write, chaos erupts and my family is unhappy. If I don't write, the household runs more smoothly, but I'm restless. It's a tough balancing act to maintain peace in my writing world, where sacrifices must be made, and sometimes it's difficult to see how, and if, we can all win.
Gah! I don't mean to sound so dire, for my children are the world to me and I will move mountains for them. Deep down, I know they believe in me and my writing, in a shout-it-from-the-rooftop type of way, but they are young and they still need me. As I do them. And that helps me get through the tough days.
I'm writing about this because sometimes it's just nice to know there are people out there who understand how difficult it is to write when others depend on you, but write anyway, and find a way to make their dreams come true.I want to be that person. I will be that person.
I am that person.
And I know you are, too. That is all.
Write-a-Scene Writing Prompt: Write a scene where your protagonist is faced with a double-edged sword--two choices--one favorable, one not so much. What does your protagonist do? Why? How do others react? Remember to evoke emotion, conflict and consequences.
Now get your butt in the chair and write.
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Spy Girl had her birthday party over the weekend. Fifteen friends stopped by to help her celebrate. Her birthday theme...a Rockin' Movie Party.
The Jonas Brothers greeted the girls when they came into the house. Let me tell you, the one thing I neglected to purchase were ear plugs, which I should have worn, along with ear muffs.
Unfortunately, I didn't have the foresight to take pictures of the screening room (AKA the living room) before the party, so you'll have to picture it. Tiny lights sparkled along the walls. Blue and green streamers hung along the fireplace mantel, windows and doorways. And the concession table: full-size Skittles and Starburst, blue margarita plastic glasses (Spy Girl arranged them into a pyramid), root beer, lemonade, and of course, lots of popcorn with marshmallows.
Yes, you read it right. Popcorn and marshmallows. Pop a big batch of popcorn. Pour popcorn into a big bowl. Sprinkle salt and tiny marshmallows over the hot popcorn. Yum!
The girls descended on the movie treats and found a place to sit on the rug and sofas. Spy Girl chose Zorro and in hindsight, it wasn't the best movie for 15 girls of varying tastes. I think it was too much adventure for half the girls, who wanted to see a chick flick.
After the movie, I served dinner: pasta and meatballs, garden salad with croutons and my homemade focaccia.
Then, came the karaoke sing-off. Let me tell you, if there is one thing you should have at your disposal during a party for a group of girls, it is a karaoke machine. HUGE hit! We have an awesome machine, with two microphones and camera. Perfect for this group of girls. They sang and danced and sang some more. I loved how some of the shyer girls became rock stars when they had their chance at the microphone.
We also did photo shoots with the Jonas Brothers. Nick, by far, was the favorite, and the girls swooned and shrieked. And I realized my husband, He Who Doesn't Have a Good Name Yet For My Blog, did the smart thing by high-tailing it out of the house.
The girls then danced and sang some more. They were disappointed when their parents came to pick them up. All in all, the party was a success. Most importantly, Spy Girl had a great time.
As for the goody bags, I found these pins....
I also made CD's of Spy Girl's party music and put them in these great jewel-colored cases. Then, I put a CD and a couple cool pins in a green striped cellophane bag and tied them up with a pearl blue ribbon. 
Write-a-Scene Writing Prompt: What kind of celebration will be part of your MC's life? Is it a coming-of-age celebration, a cultural or religious holiday, or perhaps a secret society induction? Keep in mind, the celebration doesn't have to be traditional. Remember to share the significance and the emotions it should evoke. Have fun!
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Today is a half-day of school and it figures I will be without Sophie, my ten-year-old car. Sophie has been working hard to keep us safe. It's time to bring her in to get some work done.
Spy Girl isn't too happy Sophie won't be with us. A bunch of 5th grade girls made plans to go into the center of town, have lunch and shop. Spy Girl wasn't included and she wants Sophie to whisk her away to the movie theater or someplace else where she won't have to run into her friends. I find this so strange since all these girls are coming to Spy Girl's birthday party this weekend.
I'm trying to be cool about the whole thing, but of course I'm a little upset since I don't want to see my child left out. More importantly, I don't want to feed into her disappointment and make her think this is horrible. However, I'm also relieved--I'm not ready to have my just-turned-eleven-year-old walk around town, unsupervised, in the midst of middle schoolers and high schoolers who will be hanging around, enjoying the half-day off from school.
It'll be interesting to see what happens this morning at school, if new plans are made for this afternoon...
Write-a-Scene Writing Prompt: There will be times when your protagonist won't feel like part of a group. Write a scene where your MC doesn't fit in. Is it her choice? Does it bother him? Describe the situation and the other players. Dig deep to find the motivating factor.
Don't be afraid to let your inner teen out and reveal insecurities. Remember to show the emotion and conflict! Be brave!
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You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You must do the thing which you think you cannot do.
Be not afraid of life. Believe that life is worth living, and your belief will help create the fact.
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We went apple picking today. I almost had a heart attack when I saw the entrance fee. If you need a better view, click on the photo. This is a haven for little kids. There's a huge play area--complete with moonbounce, petting zoo, jungle gyms, climbing walls, a maze, haystack climbing stack, etc.
But, I digress.
There were four lines of people waiting to gain entry. I couldn't help but notice that once some people paid the fee, they handed tickets to the folks behind them. This went on for some time, a few people shared these tickets, while most tucked them away for later use. Of course I was curious what this was and found out soon enough. Included with my receipt were 4 coupons for 50% off the next visit (1 coupon per person). I admit, I was small-minded enough to be jealous of the lucky people who saved money. For a moment.
Because what I noticed, was even better. Once I gave away my tickets, I bored my girls with an informal 10 minute observation on human behavior--specifically--paying it forward.
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Remember Veruca Salt in Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory? This spoiled young girl wanted everything--a golden ticket, an Oompa Loompa, a golden geese, the golden egg--ALL Right NOW!
Not everyone knows what they want. Sometimes it's wrapped up in immediate gratification or based on current trends. Or maybe it's reflected in the mood of the day. There's a certain level of respect, albeit a very thin one, we should offer Veruca, as she absolutely without a doubt knew what she wanted, how to articulate it, and by the way, if you didn't understand, it was all to be delivered right now. Yes, she was extreme and yes, she did fall on unfortunate circumstances, but she had her moments to shine and exploited used them to her advantage.
It's hard to wait for the things we most want. It's even harder when you're young, when patience is a foreign word, and you believe you deserve the world. Think about this as you discover what your MC wants most and how to get this to happen in your story. Hey, even better, use the following Magic Questions. Proceed with caution...if used properly, you'll find your story transformed. If not, you'll have one cluster@#$#.
REMEMBER These Magic Questions:
- What does your character want most?
- What is the main thing that will drive your MC to reach her goal?
- What kinds of things will your protagonist do to get what he wants?
- When push comes to shove, what makes your character reach into inner reserves to get what she wants?
- How does this influence others around him?
Write-a-Scene Writing Prompt: Write a scene where your MC finds resistance when acting upon desires. I know, I know. Your manuscript needs to be built with scenes like this. So, get writing! Remember to ask yourself the questions I've noted above, before writing each scene. These questions are magic. They will help drive your story forward and create a compelling story. Come on. Try it!
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I started this blog over 2 1/2 years ago because of a dare. My sister insisted that if I really wanted to become a published author, I'd better conquer my fear of having people read my work. Her solution? A blog.
"Get yourself out there," she said. "Blogging allows people to read what you've written. If you're lucky, you'll find a great community of support. You really need to practice letting go."
She had a point.
"Bet you don't have the nerve."
Gah! I had no choice.
Despite my doubts, because of my little sister, who not only is a fantastic artist but also an incredible writer, I wandered into the unknown and emerged a winner. I've been blessed with new friends, my on-line critique group, and my involvement in readergirlz, the WBBT/SBBT, and the Cybils. When I started blogging, I never thought anyone would read my blog, and to discover that there are people who stop by on a regular basis...well, that pretty much makes my day. It's wonderful to be part of such a supportive community and for that, I am so grateful. To think it all started with my sister.
A big hug and thank you to my sister. And a big thank you to all of you--THANK YOU!
Now after all this, it may surprise you that I've been remiss in some acknowledgments. *hangs head in shame* A few people have stopped by over the past couple months to leave various awards. There's really no good excuse for this...I've been quite negligent on passing them along. Please forgive me.
Since I'd like to spread the wealth, I'm going to share these awards over the next couple weeks. Here's the most recent--a very cool award that's “the result of a discussion about what the acronym BLOG stands for, and the creative responses to the question.”--The Blogman Award:
Thank you to Jim Harrington - Quotes on Writing Blog for this honor.
Here are the rules:
1. Tell us your favorite hero/superhero (it doesn't have to be Batman, after all) and why.
2. Copy the badge and post it on your blog.
3. Present the badge to five (the number of points on a Batarang) other worthy bloggers.
4. Post links to the five people you nominate.
5. Comment on their pages to let them know they have been nominated.
As you may remember, I'm up to my eyeballs in superheroines. Wonder Girl just turned six and I'm still planning her Wonder Woman birthday party for her friends. Sadly, it's slim pickings for girls and superheroines, which really ticks me off--is it too much to ask for superheroine party supplies? While I'm at it, what about a superheroine with a normal figure and proper attire? Sigh. Thankfully, we have a fun party theme--a Super Heroine Training Camp Party. Details later.
As for my heroine, without a doubt, it's my sister.
I'm having a hard time choosing just five people. This award is so cool, I'd love to share it with all of you. Who is your favorite hero/heroine?
Write-a-Scene Writing Prompt: How does your protagonist express gratitude? Write a scene where your MC needs to show appreciation to someone. What do they do? Not do? Are they reluctant to give thanks? Enthusiastic? This gives you a chance to dig deep into your MC's personality. Have fun with this!
Want a writing prompt tied with a contest? If you're under 25, enter the readergirlz writing contest by September 25th. The winning work will be posted on readergirlz author-in-residence Beth Kephart's blog. The winner will also receive a signed copy of UNDERCOVER by Beth Kephart-- a beautiful, beautiful book. What are you waiting for? Write away!
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Here's a video of Christopher Vogler, creator of The Writer's Journey for screenwriters, describing The Hero's Journey for the movie, The Matrix. Watch this video for a quick synopsis of The Hero's Journey.
Write-a-Scene Writing Prompt: Watch this video carefully and map out The Hero's Journey for your protagonist. If you dare, write a scene/chapter based on one of these steps:
1. ORDINARY WORLD
2. CALL TO ADVENTURE
3. RELUCTANCE or REFUSAL OF THE CALL
4. MENTOR
5. CROSS THE FIRST THRESHOLD
6. TESTS, ALLIES, AND ENEMIES
7. APPROACH THE INMOST CAVE
8. ORDEAL
9. REWARD
10. THE ROAD BACK
11. RESURRECTION
12. RETURN WITH THE ELIXIR
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If you didn't have a chance to stop by the readergirlz chat with Kristin Cashore last night, you can still go over and read the transcript. Kristin was awesome, GRACELING much loved, the conversation delightful, and I'm going to go all fangirl here--not only were we lucky to have Kristin who wrote my favorite kick-butt novel of last year...Megan Whalen Turner was there! Megan Whalen Turner of the fantastic ATTOLIA series! Truly a wonderful surprise.
Write-a-Scene Writing Prompt: Today's your MC's lucky day! Write a scene where your protagonist receives an unexpected surprise of the good kind. ie: a love note, a phone call, a fantastic prize, a visit from the fairy godmother, a glance from a much wanted admirer, finding out he/she is the heir to an incredible fortune, etc. This should be fun scene to write, after all the conflict building and crazy emotion we've stirred up these past few days. Remember to think happy, happy thoughts and the luck will surely rub off on you.
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Sometimes, it's hard to keep moving toward a goal.
You're not feeling well.
There are too many things on the To-Do List.
The house is a mess.
The family needs attention.
You don't know how to say, "No," when asked to volunteer in yet another role at your kids' school.
People ask when your book is going to get published and wonder why it's taking so long.
Did I mention the house is a mess?
Yet, you keep going on. Because it's what you want. It's soaked into your bones, your very being.
You find slips of time and keep writing. And writing. And writing.
Despite the doubt. Despite the naysayers. Despite everything.
Be persistent. It will get you to your goal. Need another nudge? Just listen to Ray Bradbury.
Write-a-Scene Writing Prompt: What does your protagonist need to accomplish? What is the motivation and hold back? What is there to gain? to lose? Write a scene where your MC needs to demonstrate persistence at all costs. Does he/she succeed or fail? Let your protagonist suffer. Lots of conflict and emotion are needed here! Happy Writing!
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It took less than 50 seconds before Taylor Swift's big moment over winning MTV's VMA Top Female Video Award was ruined, right in the middle of her acceptance speech. In one gracious move, during her own winning moment for Video of the Year, Beyonce gave the grateful 19-year-old a second chance. A brilliant move and a gracious act of kindness.
Which act will you remember more--the repugnant behavior OR the incredible grace that lifted a teen up?
Write-a-Scene Writing Prompt: We don't have control over many situations. Write a scene where it's time for your protagonist's Big Moment, ie: first date, first kiss, prom queen, scholarship, award, contest, etc. Create the anticipation, the agony of the wait, the hopes and fears, and let the scene unfold. Emotion and tension should fill the pages. Is your protagonist a good winner/loser? Or a bad winner/loser? Happy Writing!
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The Prayer by Celine Dion and Andrea Boccelli is simply beautiful and helps fill the need when words of comfort simply can't lift the pain. I offer you this breathtaking duet of grace and hope on this day.
Write-a-Scene Writing Prompt: There are times when your protagonist needs to remember the past and hold it close. Write a scene where your protagonist honors someone, something, some place. Bring it in with a close camera lens and let the emotions flow. This doesn't necessarily have to be heart-wrenching, but let it be hopeful. Peace.
Blog: HipWriterMama (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Writing Challenge, Write-a-Scene Writing Prompt, Add a tag
Sometimes, no matter how good the intentions, you need a little bit of a nudge--a reward--if you will, to get in the right mind set. PB needed a break from me and since for the first time I had NO children around, I finally did what I HATE most to do when surrounded by my angels.
I went shopping.
What an experience! I forgot what it was like to browse in stores and came back home a new woman. Especially as I discovered the LUSH vegan handmade lotions. What a godsend! No dairy or egg! Safe for Ninja Girl, as long as there are no nut ingredients. Most of you are probably scratching your head, wondering what on earth I'm writing about.
Did you know many beauty products (soaps, shampoos/conditioners, lotions, makeup, etc.) contain some derivative of milk, egg, or nuts? Label reading extends to all products that enter our household. It's an eye-opening experience--it's disappointing to walk away from all the shiny new potions that promise to make me much younger and improved to read all the chemical ingredients, in fine print, on things we eat or put on our skin. Do we really need to put things like 1,4-dioxane, formaldehyde, phthalates, lead and other heavy metals on our body? I don't think so.
It was a treat to read the LUSH product labels--most of the ingredients are natural organics and as for the synthetic ingredients, they are far less than what's in most labels. Made me so happy I treated my girls (and me) to a couple lovely potions. Now I can't stop smelling my hands, the scent is so wonderful. Ahhh!
But, I can write. Time to focus on some sensory details.
Write-a-Scene Writing Prompt: Time to reward your protagonist. Write a scene where your protagonist gets a break from the conflict and refuels before the next crisis hits. How comfortable is your protagonist with the treat? Still on edge, waiting for the other shoe to drop? Or totally immersed in the good times? Happy Writing!
Blog: HipWriterMama (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Research, Writing Challenge, Write-a-Scene Writing Prompt, Add a tag
Needless to say, drop off for kindergarten did not go well this morning. Princess Rock Star wasn't herself and wouldn't stop crying. It proved quite challenging to get her into the classroom. If not for the kindergarten fiasco, I think things would be quite different. However, I'll never know.
I love our school, especially the way they handle Ninja Girl's food allergies. I know the person meant well, but it didn't work for my child, and for that, I am so disappointed the person couldn't figure it out. Thanks, Everyone, for your good wishes for Princess Rock Star. I am so grateful.
Of course, with all this excitement, I deviated a tiny bit from my writing plan. I still wrote, but the regularly scheduled program had to be interrupted for sanity's sake--I had to clean the house.
Let the chorus begin.
The windows needed some sparkle and since it was a beautiful day, I figured I'd tackle them. There's a bay window in my living room, measuring six feet across. The windows pull out for easy cleaning, and as there were quite a few little fingerprints on them, they were my first project. Windex and paper towels in hand, I sprayed and wiped, and the inside windows soon gleamed.
The middle section gave me a little trouble. Every time I opened the bottom 3 1/2 foot-wide window, it slid right back down. After pulling the window out, I discovered the right side pin was off the runner. An easy fix, I thought, and climbed up the window ledge to align everything back into proper position. After some fiddling, I figured out one side of the window needed to be lowered a few inches, to maneuver the pin from the other side back in place. What I failed to factor in was how heavy this double-paned, 1970's monstrosity would be and why I, at 5'3", thought I'd be able to lift this 3 1/2 foot-wide window, all by myself.
Everything fell into place. The pin slid in the runner, and I slowly lifted up the left side of the window to even things out. I'm so pleased at this point, ready to crow about my fix-it-skills to my husband, when the weight of the window became a bit much and snap! The window totally came out and both runners flew up the casing.
Did I mention I'm standing on a 1-foot-wide window ledge, 2 1/2 feet from the ground, holding a 3 1/2 foot by 2-foot double paned, insulated enormous glass beast in 78 degrees, with sun glaring in my eyes, and thirty minutes before I have to pick up Princess Rock Star from school, and I hate it when I can't fix things, especially when I have to explain what happened to my husband?
I knew how to get this to work, and I proceeded to line the pins up with the runners. Everything was going smoothly, when the window shifted too much on one side, I lost my balance and fell to the ground, knocking over a lamp, the window crashing with me.
Needless to say, a good superhero I would not make--no flying away for me. But, I am lucky --escaping with a few bruises, scrapes, and some aches that are surfacing as the day goes on. As for the window, it didn't break, though a corner cracked open with about 2 inches of exposed glass. We also have a deep gouge in the wood floor, guarded by our sofa.
Our handyman told me later, looking at the window and then back at me--in shock? dismay? speechless? respect?--I am one lucky person--people have died from this type of thing, from this particular manufactured window. Gulp.
And for those who are curious, he fixed the window in ten minutes flat.
Two good things came from this.
One: The first thing my husband said when I called him in a panic, "Are you okay?"
Two: This escapade proved to be incredible research for a particular scene in PB.
Write-a-Scene Writing Prompt: Research is an important key to making your scenes believable. Conduct some research, ie: research via the Internet or go to the library and hunt for books pertinent to your subject, sit in the park and observe mannerisms of people around you, go to the museum to look at artifacts, listen to how teens talk, learn how to do things your protagonist loves to do, interview experts, make something happen, etc.
Layer in the details into your scene (be sure to touch on the 5 senses) and watch your work come to life.
Happy Writing!
Blog: HipWriterMama (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Writing Challenge, Write-a-Scene Writing Prompt, Add a tag
Spy Girl and Ninja Girl had a great first day of school yesterday. They're happy about their teachers, thrilled to see their friends, and ready to get to the learning.
Of course there is always one who needs to be different...Princess Rock Star. Her first day of school was today. When she woke up this morning, she claimed illness, but quickly revived to play an early round of tennis before school. My husband brought Princess Rock Star to her class--we figured there would be less meltdown possibilities with him in charge...
However, we didn't count on the UNKNOWN.
About ten minutes later, Husband called me up, his voice strained. Things didn't go so well. When he brought Princess Rock Star into the building, someone greeted them, and then a woman swooped out of nowhere, behind them (where the doors are), said she'd bring Princess Rock Star to her class and grabbed her hand.
Princess Rock Star freaked.
Husband had no idea who this woman was, why she approached them from behind without identifying herself first, and he tried to calm down Princess Rock Star--the woman still clutching her hand. He helped bring Princess Rock Star into the classroom, where the woman proceeded to pry Husband's and Princess Rock Star's hands apart. Princess Rock Star cried more. At that point, Husband asked woman to leave them alone and let Princess Rock Star compose herself. Princess Rock Star calmed down, once she realized the woman gave her space, asked for a tissue, wiped her eyes and nose, kissed Daddy, and then walked into the morning circle and sat down.
It turns out, when I picked Princess Rock Star up after school, she was all smiles. Her school day turned out okay after all.
BUT, she's not looking forward to returning in the morning and seeing the woman...it made quite an impression on her. Princess Rock Star had a meltdown this evening, asking if I would stay outside her classroom the whole time tomorrow. She wants her own personal guard.
I wish Princess Rock Star had good memories of her first day of school, but this one is going to scar her for awhile.
How's that for the modern way of separating child from parent on the first day of school?
Write-a-Scene Writing Prompt: Sometimes we just have to do things we don't want to do. Write a scene where your reluctant protagonist is faced with agonizing torture, but must go through it, ie: school, dentist/doctor appointment, promised best friend something, clique pressures, save the kingdom, etc. What's the outcome? Remember, conflict and emotion is key!
I have been on this same kind of a kick with my house (can't do a darned thing with the bathrooms, but by golly, I can organize the place and make it more user-friendly). I feel kind of overwhelmed sometimes when I start thinking about doing things to my house because it seems like SO DARNED MUCH, but really what I need to do is remember to focus on some kind of smaller task--not the house as
Adrienne, <br />You're cracking me up with the cork wall. You're right about working on smaller tasks. It's hard to remember when there is so much I want to change. But, I'm finally coming to terms with the baby steps. Good luck with your projects!
What a great post. It's true that setting drives our plot and characters more than we realize. It is the frame for the picture and so important to develop in any story. Good luck with your own home projects!
I love what you say about setting being equally important to your story, Vivian. It makes the world lush and rich. Setting is like adding salt to any recipe - it enhances the flavor and deeps all the existing flavors already there. Yay to setting, I say!
Welcome, Kid Lit Writers! Thanks for stopping by.<br /><br />Thanks, Heather!