Category Archives: Writing About Writing

Little blips about writing…

Letters of Questioning: Fickle Muse Will Return

So much to discus and inspire! Deep thoughts to be had or admired.  Here is the next installment of Letters of Questioning, my response to Dreamland’s Insurgents.

Dreamland’s Insurgents long live the Dream!,

I must say, I almost have to pity you, if you are finding my writing to be the highlight of humor in your reading list.  That said, I am ever so glad my twists and turns have delighted you.  My newer works, while still having that flair for the dramatic, and the twists you are coming to expect from me, seem to have a deeper undercurrent. I was even asked, after one such piece, if I needed a hug, seeing as its content was just a tish past twisted.

Speaking of punctuation, I must admit that many often criticize me in that regard. I am just a little too fond of… ellipses.  And maybe, just maybe, I like to add all the commas, even when they are not so necessary… Oi, and there I go, with a few to many of both.  But what are your thoughts? Punctuation is, I believe, one of the most undervalued tools in our tool belts as writers, and one that I think all too often, is overlooked.  Add to that, the right play on POV and I think they work flawlessly to really affect the readers’ emotional climate. So many stories are just written in some form of third person, and almost always have been through the fiction I have read, and yet, the writer has such power just by changing the POV.  Sprinkle in the right punctuation and you have a powerful duo!

As far as answering your questions about my fickle muses… Well, one never knows when or even where they might pop up!  And don’t even get me started on who they might be! Rest assured, however, you can be sure they will make more appearances. Just don’t count on them to be who you want, when you want, or where you want, because those bastards obviously have a mind of their own, and they are just powerful enough that I have no say in the matter. (But if you find some way to harness those guys, please, please, please let me know!)

“Shadow’s Savior” ahhhh that was a powerful piece. I find more and more, if you look deep in my writing, you will find there is a lot at work on those planes that I often don’t even realize.  Too often we are left cold, shaken, and alone, wondering what has happened to us, to our shadows, to the lives we meant to live.  I think I truly believe you are correct, that the struggle itself is the inspiration, or that “Bob Ross” look alike wouldn’t have been harvesting the writers’ tears!

Ultimately I can’t say that my own experiences with my muse are what inspired them, but I also can’t deny that my fickle muses are not exactly those tales, so take from that what you will! At the end of the day, all we can do is be a conduit to the life that haunts us, and the stories we are bound to tell.

 

As always I await your response,

Ravyn

 

As always, we love to hear from you! Our marvelous community! Would you like to be a part of the letters?  Hit us up!  Do you too have questions that are just burning to be answered?  Drop them in the comments below and they will make their way into our letters!

Blog Motivation

So having struggled to really find an idea that spoke to me for a few days now, I asked some friends what it is that they would like to see if they were looking to read a writing blog. One of the topics asked for was How to get and stay motivated to work on my blog. She went on to say, I have lots of posts in my brain, but have yet to find a way to hook my brain to my computer and download the posts.

This is a great topic! I have often found myself floundering. And it also gave me the idea for a couple posts, because in addition to this one, you get to look forward to a piece of fiction from me, dealing with the downloading from the brain! *grins* You know you are all dying to read that one! So, here we go, how to stay motivated:

  1. First off, try to have several posts done ahead. The reason I say this is because it is so much easier to maybe come back to it a little later if you really need to, without the pressure of, Oh My GERD, it is due to post in twenty minutes!!! *grins* and yes I have done that more than a time or two, hehehe.
  2. Secondly, keep an actual written list of your ideas. Update this list any time you have an idea, so that you have a ready place to go when you are not feeling inspired.
  3. Thirdly, write on a topic that actually interests you at the moment. Yes, you have created a marvelous list of ideas, but if they are not inspiring you at the moment, write on something else. Your lack of interest will show! You have thought of the ideas for a reason, so give them all the passion they deserve!

 

There you have it, three easy and quick steps for finding and keeping the motivation to write your blog posts! What do you do to find the motivation for working on your blog when you are feeling less than motivated? Do you keep a list of ideas? Do you just write randomly? Do you work ahead in your blog? Let me know!!!

NaNoWriMo Day 4 – Whoops…

Hey all, well, today I did not do as well.  But then, some days I struggle a lot more than others, and I have pushed my body past its ability, so everything slipped today!  But at the end of the day, that is still ok! I am still ahead of the game, and I still managed to accomplish some!  In all my goals!

Here is my progress report for today!

NaNoNov42015 I only managed a little more than a thousand words today, but… it is still moving forward!  Instead I vegged out with Criminal Minds, shhh, I am sure it is very important to my characters that I did this!

Well, how about you, my rabid readers?  Where are you on reaching your personal goals?!?  Do you sometimes take a break from the grind, even if it means missing out on keeping up with your goals?  Let me know!

NaNoWriMo Day 3 – Still on target!

Wow, I just can’t believe it! I am actually managing to maintain my goals for the month and I am three days in! I think that is a record for me!  I mean sure, I always manage to do it in the end, but this time… I have so many goals, more than just my writing goals to achieve this month and I am on par for everything so far!!!  I can’t believe it!

What is even cooler… I am writing this story in third person!  A first for me!  So we will see how it goes!  I am currently working on a playlist for my story, please bear with me, I will hopefully get that up for you soon!

Without further ado, here is today’s progress!

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A bit of today’s writing:

“Nice to meet you Lukas, I am Destiny” she responds. With her words it is as if little chimes are going off in both twins’ minds.
Glancing over her head at his twin, his eyes wide in shock they just stare at one another. Clearing his throat Markus responds, “excuse me, but… I couldn’t have heard that correctly, did you just say your name is Destiny? That can’t be right.”
“Yes, Destiny is my name, at least it has been for many years now.” She blinks slowly, looking back and forth between the twins.
“What the hell?!? This whole time …” Lukas rumbles.
“There is no way …” Markus says at the same time.
“What is going on here?” Destiny steps back from us, so she can see us both at once. “Is something wrong? I thought you were there to help, was I wrong?” Fear tinges her words, and reflects out of her eyes, making them both stop and look at her.
“We are here to help, I am sorry. Just some family prophecy, nothing for you to worry over.” Lukas says to her quietly.
Looking between the brothers, she can’t help but feel that something strange is going on. Of course she knew stepping in that alley life would change irrevocably. And that really isn’t all bad. Change is a good thing, but it just seems like she sees more than her fair share of change, and right now doesn’t feel like the best time for it. There is no stability, and without stability she feels change wont do any good!
Laughter erupts from Markus, “I am sorry, I can’t help it. All this time…” he leans against the wall and slides down it.
“Would you mind cluing me in? I would really like to know what is going on here!” Destiny comments, eyes narrowing dangerously. Her hair swirling around her head, caught in some mini vortex that no one else can feel at the moment, her eyes glowing silver.
Reaching out for her slowly, Lukas takes her hand in his and places it on his chest. “Please be calm Destiny and I will explain.” He waits as her hair settles and her eyes fade to her natural blue tones.
“I am calm.” She blinks up at him, and it is a long way up.
“Long ago, I don’t even remember how long we set out on this journey. We were told to find ‘The Destiny,’ so you can imagine our surprise when you tell us your name… after that rather intense dream, and the whirlwind of events that has led up to this moment. There is no such thing as coincident and my brother Markus and I, well… we tend to have a very steady life, not this chaotic cycle of change that seems to be swirling around us now.” Taking a deep breath he watches her steadily, waiting for her to respond.
Shrugging she murmurs “welcome to my life. Chaos and change is all around me, always. For as long as I can remember. Prolly as long as I have been chased. I couldn’t rightfully say. Of course, I don’t know who is chasing me for that matter, I just get the feeling when it is time to move on and I do. I am sorry if I have caused you trouble, I can find my own way if you prefer. I don’t want to bring you trouble!”
Markus stands back up, “Oh no! It is more than alright! You will be safe with us, I have a feeling that we are best suited to stick together. I am sorry for my outburst! But you have to see this from our perspective. I mean… all this time we have been looking for something, rather than someone. It is rather humorous when you see it that way.”

How about you? Are you meeting your goals for the month? Do you have a playlist for your story yet? Do you have a favorite piece of your story?

NaNoWriMo Day 2!

Wow… I can’t believe that I am so close to on target for my personal goals for this month! Only the second day in, but I am staying close to where I want to be!  I am rather excited about that!  So, here are todays stats…

NaNoNov22015 I am rather proud of myself! I have even managed to stay mostly on track for my house goals! I intend for it to be decluttered by the end of the month! To match so many wonderful changes that are happening in my life!

Are you ready for today’s excerpt, here it is!!!

The hair on her body starts standing on end. Carefully she glances around herself, looking for whatever or whoever it is setting off her radar. Looking behind her, she realizes that she is more than halfway down the alley, and he was at the end. Picking up her pace a little, she trips over an old boot that had been just laying in the middle of the alley. Putrid smelling water splashes up on her as she makes her way to the end, at least she hopes it was water. Shivering, nerves pulling at her, she takes a shuddering breath, trying not to breath the smells in too deeply. Glancing up, she sees a shimmer in the air. “Oh please be there, please be there, please be there” she whispers quietly under her breath. Just as a hand appears in front of her, and she looks up into the most amazing lavender eyes she has ever seen.
Reaching out and placing her hand in his “you found me” she says quietly, just as a loud jarring clatter comes from behind her and he pulls her forward and into his arms.
“Time to go, sorry, no time for pleasantries” his voice comes out a husky purr, and before she knows it they are moving, through time and space in a way she has not done for years. Things fly by in a blur, leaving her gasping for air.

I am up over five thousand words already.  How do you fair?  Are you gaining ground?  A challenge for you!  Add to your NaNo Novel a natural disaster, a bridge, and a boot, to any part of your story!  Please share in the comments below a snipit of your story, we would love to hear!!!

NaNoWriMo 2015!!!

NaNo-2015-Participant-BannerHey all! Oh man alive, life has just not slowed down for me at all!!! And what is more, NaNo started today and I am of course an ML again this year!  Then there is so much that has happened and going on in my personal life that I can’t keep up with anything these days! That said, I will try to be here at the very least with an update on my NaNo progress daily this month!  I hope that you have joined in the fray, it is not too late!!!  Join me on this amazing adventure!

Without further ado, here is my progress for today!  (2,744 words of my goal of 2,740)

NaNoNov12015  And just to share with you all, here is a little snippet from what I wrote today:

Looking down the short alley in front of her, it looks dark and gloomy even under the full light of the sun.  Danger lurking everywhere.  This is the place, she can feel it.  Just standing there, staring down the alley, she hesitates.  Feeling something big is going to happen.  Change.  Big, irreversible change.  Unsure of whether or not she is ready, but knowing that waiting will mean death, or possibly worse, she takes a steadying breath the smell of old urine and trash assails her as she takes the first step into the darkness.  Hoping against hope that the ray of light will be there.  “Man there are days I hate being me,” she mumbles quietly to the dark around her.  Pulling herself together she creeps forward, willing herself to continue.

That is all, I hope you enjoyed it!  Also, please join me in NaNo this November!  Let me know what you are writing on and share snippets of what you have going with me, I want to hear from you!

Guest Post – Camp Fail

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Our version of Tetris!

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Hey all, I know I have been gone a few days, sorry about that.  I was out helping my sister move! Lots of work and then no interwebs at the new place!  I am home, but beat, but I have a GREAT post to share with you all!  My great friend and cabin mate, StoryCoat, has some wonderful words for you, so here she is!

Camp Fail

Well, unlike my lovely cabin mate Ravyn, I did not make winner this year at camp. As I packed my proverbial bags to go home I wiped away tears of disdain at my camp fail! I nearly tripped over my lip as I headed out the door and down the trail to get on the last bus leaving camp. The bus for losers.  Ravyn bless her pea pickin’ heart, was long gone in that decked out bus for winners, banners flyin’ the whoops and hollerin’ lasting for miles down the road.
As I boarded the bus I nearly slipped on the puddle of tears dropped by others who failed to get their word count goal. I mounted the steps and stood looking at the bus full of heads hanging low, lower lips flowing over laps touching the floor of the bus. Whimpers coming from the mouths of those who had failed along with me. The bus was full, almost standing room only. (I’m also slow) Then it hit me. My lower lip zapped back up so fast it nearly bruised my teeth! We aren’t losers! We didn’t fail!! Heck! We’re on the bus!! WE ARE ON THE BUS!!! That means we took the time to at least make the effort to try. “WE ARE ON THE BUS!!” I shouted, “WE AIN’T LOSERS, WE ARE TRIERS AND WE TRIED!! WE GAVE IT A SHOT!!”
Then some little green kid looked up with teary eyes and said, “Yeah, but . . . there is no try. There’s only do or don’t do.”
“Okay,” I said. “So everybody who wrote something – anything at all for Camp NaNo raise your hand.” Every hand on the bus when up, including the little green kid’s. “Well then,” I said, “We all done did!! Maybe we didn’t do as much as we planned on doing but we did something which is a damn sight better than the millions who stayed at home doin’ nuthin’ sayin’ ‘oh yeah, dude that Camp NaNo sounds like fun. I’ma do that one of these days.’ By golly, WE got ON the bus, we came, we saw, maybe we didn’t conquer but we did a little bit and now we can go home proud of the fact that despite all the adversity we faced in the month of July, we wrote sumpthin’. Whatever it was, it counted. IT COUNTED PEOPLE!!”

You shoulda been there to hear all those long faces zapping back up to where they belonged. Even the little green guy got happy! The shouts of joy echoed for miles and miles. Sometimes it’s not whether you win or lose. Sometimes all that matters is that you made the effort!
Thanks, StoryCoat, for those amazing words of truth!  So long as you have even one word, it is one more word than you had before setting out on this Camp experience!  How about everyone else? Was camp a fail? Or did you manage to do “something”?

Letters from Camp: Last Letter!

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I can’t believe it, today is my last letter from camp.  I was going to tell you all about this great holiday that happens to be today, Uncommon Instrument Awareness Day, but… I am all sad.  I can’t believe that today is the last day of camp.  I have to tell ya though… I had a six thousand word day on Wednesday!!!  I couldn’t believe it!  I was super excited about that!

Oh, and about that Uncommon Instrument Awareness Day… well, not many people know this, but I play the harp!  I was going to post this great picture of my harp for you all, but I am away from home and I totally forgot to take a picture before I left.  But I might just add one in later, when I get home next week!  I also play the penny whistle and accordion!  I have a real love for different instruments and if I could have one of everything I totally would.  Someday I want to have a full size floor harp, a violin and I would like to also learn to play the bagpipes!

What about you?  Do you play any interesting instruments?  Share  unique fact about yourself with us!

Letters from Camp: Paperback Book Day, “Squee”

Camp-Participant-2015-Twitter-ProfileLet’s be honest here people… If you are a reader (and of course that is a big assumption on my part, but if you are following my blog I gotta believe you have some kind of like/passion/love for the written word) any time you walk into a bookstore, it is almost as if you are a 14-year old fangirl/boy!

I know that when I am around books, I am all like:

“my precious”

Well, today is going to be a rush, I am going to be gone for another weekend… You know, at that party camp!  (Ok, maybe it is just my sisters house, but still!)  So, since I am so behind and Camp ends in just a couple days, I am going to shoot for getting finished today and tomorrow morning!  Let’s see if I can!!!

What about you? Do you have that same response to books?!? What makes you “squee” like a little teenage fan?