I am one of those writers who almost always has music playing while they work. And this song in particular is one that I listen to quite often while writing, so, I thought I would share it with you.
Given the fact that when I typed 'Secrets' into youtube, this was the first suggestion to come up, I'm guessing this song is probably more popular than I originally thought. But, even if you've heard of it, maybe it's time for another listen?
Secrets - One Republic
Lovely, is it not?
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Graduation & College Stuff
So, I graduate from college on Friday, which is kind of weird to think about.
I have class that morning, starting at 8:30 AM, which includes one final exam and a group presentation. Fun stuff, that is, but not as fun as the fact that at 6:30 PM, I'm going to be wearing one of those spiffy looking cap and gown ensembles. Then I'll be walking across the stage thing they set up, and perhaps I'll come down the steps on the other side as a new person, but I doubt it.
Still debating on whether or not this is exciting or terrifying, but I guess I'll find out soon.
The best question, of course, is the all too famous: What are you going to do next?
Write. Sleep. Drink some coffee. Write some more. Drink some juice. Write. Eat. And maybe, just maybe, write some more.
The last class I'll be taking at this college?
Life Span Psychology.
Here's hoping that said course aids the writing process in some way. And, if it doesn't, I guess I'll probably know more about how my brain works by the end of it, which might be cool.
The End.
Actually, no, not the end.
What should I go to school for next?
I have class that morning, starting at 8:30 AM, which includes one final exam and a group presentation. Fun stuff, that is, but not as fun as the fact that at 6:30 PM, I'm going to be wearing one of those spiffy looking cap and gown ensembles. Then I'll be walking across the stage thing they set up, and perhaps I'll come down the steps on the other side as a new person, but I doubt it.
Still debating on whether or not this is exciting or terrifying, but I guess I'll find out soon.
The best question, of course, is the all too famous: What are you going to do next?
Write. Sleep. Drink some coffee. Write some more. Drink some juice. Write. Eat. And maybe, just maybe, write some more.
The last class I'll be taking at this college?
Life Span Psychology.
Here's hoping that said course aids the writing process in some way. And, if it doesn't, I guess I'll probably know more about how my brain works by the end of it, which might be cool.
The End.
Actually, no, not the end.
What should I go to school for next?
- Arabic Studies
- Linguistics and Language Etymology
- Creative writing
- French
- Italian
- Math
- Politics
- Psychology
Friday, April 15, 2011
Music Recommendation: Come Together
Today I came home from class with this song stuck in my head. I don't know where it came from, since I haven't heard it in months, but I have decided to share it with you, too. Because, honestly, who doesn't need a song stuck in their head?
Come Together - The Beatles
Anyway, hope you enjoy!
Come Together - The Beatles
Anyway, hope you enjoy!
Monday, April 11, 2011
Confession Time: Follow Up
After posting yesterday, I thought of a new take on this subject. Since I don't have much time right now, I'm going to have to keep this post brief, so let's get right to the point.
What if I just prefer novels that are, in essence, character studies?
I like plot, but it's always character that has me in the beginning, the middle and the end. So, if a lot of YA fiction is plot driven, is it possible that I feel less connected with it for that reason?
I think this topic has a lot of room for expansion, so I'll definitely come back to this later. But, for the moment, I'll leave you with a question.
What do you look for in books?
What if I just prefer novels that are, in essence, character studies?
I like plot, but it's always character that has me in the beginning, the middle and the end. So, if a lot of YA fiction is plot driven, is it possible that I feel less connected with it for that reason?
I think this topic has a lot of room for expansion, so I'll definitely come back to this later. But, for the moment, I'll leave you with a question.
What do you look for in books?
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Confession Time
Today, I have a story to tell you -- one that ends with a confession.
Once upon a time, I wandered into the YA fiction section of the bookstore and I never came out again... figuratively speaking, that is. It was there that I discovered fresh voices that were sharper and more in tune with everything. There were new stories about some pretty weird stuff, and genres mixed without divide. In some ways, it was like a little kid being set free in a toy store and told they could have anything they wanted. Time after time, I was enraptured with new characters and new story lines. I bought more books than I probably should have, considering the fact that I didn't have a job and was living off of holiday/birthday money gifts.
It was fantastic.
But these days? Well, let's just say that my gaze has taken to wandering once again.
The truth is, I've grown sort of bored with YA fiction.
A couple of months ago, I was going through the books in my room and I realized that there was one I had forgotten to finish reading. It was a YA fiction book that I had bought the year before and, almost immediately upon starting it, I grew very attached to it. In fact, I remembered raving about how much I liked it while I was reading it before. So, I decided to finish it up. There were only fifty pages or so until the end and I couldn't believe that I had left it alone in the first place.
Thirty minutes later, I was done with it and I was confused. Was that boredom I felt? Why didn't I care? A few months ago, that was one of my favorite books, so where were the amazing characters I had raved about? Where was the story line that had me hooked from the first page? Why did the ending -- the most important part of this particular novel -- feel like nothing more than sand slipping through my fingers? What, exactly, had I loved so much?
I couldn't answer those questions. So, I decided that I was having an off day and I put the book back on my shelf. Wrong time to read that, I thought. But then I looked at another YA book I had read earlier on, and I realized that I couldn't remember what it was about. I vaguely recalled a bossy secondary character and a club, but that was it.
From that point on, I made a point to observe what I felt after reading new YA novels. And, after another novel or two, I began to think that what I had felt and noticed that day was a fluke. I read new novels and I liked the characters and I felt empowered at the end of the book. But then, I noticed something new that I had overlooked before. A few days after I read the newest novel I had purchased, the details were getting fuzzy. I couldn't quite remember the character's voice and that great feeling I had after I read it had dissipated. My friend wanted to discuss the novel with me, and I found myself flipping through it just to find what chapters I had really liked. Only, what I really found was that nothing in particular had really stood out to me when I went back through it.
There were no lines that made me laugh. Not like the first time I read it. There were no characters with enough depth for me to really comment on. And the story line that I thought I loved when I first read it, well, that felt rushed and sort of flimsy. I am a little lost on what to say now, because the more YA novels I read, the more I'm finding that I have this reaction a few days later.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that all YA fiction has gone down the hole (There are still plenty of YA fiction books that I adore. For example, there's Sabriel by Garth Nix and Psyche in a Dress by Francesca Lia Block, both of which I will probably end up reviewing on here at some point.), but there is something in the YA market that is really losing me these days, and I can't quite pinpoint what it is.
If I had to take a guess, I would probably say that YA books tend to move a lot faster than other types of fiction. I think part of that is meant to keep the attention of the audience and to keep them wrapped up in the story, but I'm getting the feeling that these fast-paced, compact stories aren't capturing the weight of the plot, the characters and the details.
Of course, there's a chance that this is all just a phase for me. Granted, I haven't had any reemerging feelings of fondness for the books that have lost my interest so quickly -- even after several months pass -- but there's still a chance, and I'm willing to hang onto that for a while longer. Maybe in a couple months, I'll be back with a perplexed look on my face and a totally different opinion on this matter. But, for the moment, I am not sold.
PS: I'll still be finishing the 2011 Debut Author Contest. But after that is over, I think I'll be taking a break from reviewing YA books. I've got some wonderful other books that I would like to review for you, and I can only hope that you'll find enjoyment in other types of reading, too.
PPS: I have not reviewed books that are falling under this category of thought, so those authors whose books I have reviewed on here should not feel this is directed toward them. And, likewise, if I haven't reviewed a book that I said I bought, you can probably assume that I'm just busy and I haven't read it yet.
Once upon a time, I wandered into the YA fiction section of the bookstore and I never came out again... figuratively speaking, that is. It was there that I discovered fresh voices that were sharper and more in tune with everything. There were new stories about some pretty weird stuff, and genres mixed without divide. In some ways, it was like a little kid being set free in a toy store and told they could have anything they wanted. Time after time, I was enraptured with new characters and new story lines. I bought more books than I probably should have, considering the fact that I didn't have a job and was living off of holiday/birthday money gifts.
It was fantastic.
But these days? Well, let's just say that my gaze has taken to wandering once again.
The truth is, I've grown sort of bored with YA fiction.
A couple of months ago, I was going through the books in my room and I realized that there was one I had forgotten to finish reading. It was a YA fiction book that I had bought the year before and, almost immediately upon starting it, I grew very attached to it. In fact, I remembered raving about how much I liked it while I was reading it before. So, I decided to finish it up. There were only fifty pages or so until the end and I couldn't believe that I had left it alone in the first place.
Thirty minutes later, I was done with it and I was confused. Was that boredom I felt? Why didn't I care? A few months ago, that was one of my favorite books, so where were the amazing characters I had raved about? Where was the story line that had me hooked from the first page? Why did the ending -- the most important part of this particular novel -- feel like nothing more than sand slipping through my fingers? What, exactly, had I loved so much?
I couldn't answer those questions. So, I decided that I was having an off day and I put the book back on my shelf. Wrong time to read that, I thought. But then I looked at another YA book I had read earlier on, and I realized that I couldn't remember what it was about. I vaguely recalled a bossy secondary character and a club, but that was it.
From that point on, I made a point to observe what I felt after reading new YA novels. And, after another novel or two, I began to think that what I had felt and noticed that day was a fluke. I read new novels and I liked the characters and I felt empowered at the end of the book. But then, I noticed something new that I had overlooked before. A few days after I read the newest novel I had purchased, the details were getting fuzzy. I couldn't quite remember the character's voice and that great feeling I had after I read it had dissipated. My friend wanted to discuss the novel with me, and I found myself flipping through it just to find what chapters I had really liked. Only, what I really found was that nothing in particular had really stood out to me when I went back through it.
There were no lines that made me laugh. Not like the first time I read it. There were no characters with enough depth for me to really comment on. And the story line that I thought I loved when I first read it, well, that felt rushed and sort of flimsy. I am a little lost on what to say now, because the more YA novels I read, the more I'm finding that I have this reaction a few days later.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that all YA fiction has gone down the hole (There are still plenty of YA fiction books that I adore. For example, there's Sabriel by Garth Nix and Psyche in a Dress by Francesca Lia Block, both of which I will probably end up reviewing on here at some point.), but there is something in the YA market that is really losing me these days, and I can't quite pinpoint what it is.
If I had to take a guess, I would probably say that YA books tend to move a lot faster than other types of fiction. I think part of that is meant to keep the attention of the audience and to keep them wrapped up in the story, but I'm getting the feeling that these fast-paced, compact stories aren't capturing the weight of the plot, the characters and the details.
Of course, there's a chance that this is all just a phase for me. Granted, I haven't had any reemerging feelings of fondness for the books that have lost my interest so quickly -- even after several months pass -- but there's still a chance, and I'm willing to hang onto that for a while longer. Maybe in a couple months, I'll be back with a perplexed look on my face and a totally different opinion on this matter. But, for the moment, I am not sold.
What are your thoughts on this? Anyone else in the same boat?
PS: I'll still be finishing the 2011 Debut Author Contest. But after that is over, I think I'll be taking a break from reviewing YA books. I've got some wonderful other books that I would like to review for you, and I can only hope that you'll find enjoyment in other types of reading, too.
PPS: I have not reviewed books that are falling under this category of thought, so those authors whose books I have reviewed on here should not feel this is directed toward them. And, likewise, if I haven't reviewed a book that I said I bought, you can probably assume that I'm just busy and I haven't read it yet.
Friday, April 8, 2011
Music Recommendation: I Am Not a Robot
This week, I've been doing a lot of writing and research for my Independent Study course. And, like usual, I've had music blaring through my headphones to help me keep flow. I discovered this song a couple weeks ago, and it's been playing quite often over the last few days, so I thought I would share it with you!
Happy listening!
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Writing Tips: Top Of Your Game
Picture this.
You're a relatively new writer, and a week ago, you came up with the Coolest-Idea-Ever. Seriously, as soon as it popped into your head, you very nearly screamed in joy and then proclaimed yourself a genius. So you sat down, and you started writing. The first night, you wrote two whole chapters! The second night, you wrote three! Now you're almost done with your first novel, and you're really sure that it's the best thing you've ever seen.
You're going to share it with a few of your friends. Because, hey, they should get to experience the awesomeness, too. And then, once they're done reading it, you're going to e-mail it to a few agents with a query letter that you shouldn't even have to include because your manuscript is good enough to sell itself without any further assistance. Within a week and a half, you're definitely going to have a book deal, because you are just that good.
Of course, a few days after you handed it out to your friends, one of your friends calls you and says, "I didn't understand this scene." You explain it. They still say they don't understand it. You say, "Well, then, you just don't understand life." Then you hang up on them and wait for your real friends to call.
While you're waiting, you decide to post a few chapters online, because you would really like to get some feedback from people who aren't friends. And, besides, your friends don't read fast enough. You want responses now.
The thing is, ten minutes after you post the first chapter. You've gotten three hits and no reviews. Twenty minutes later, you've gotten one review and it says something like, "There's potential here, but the second scene doesn't make sense, the story seems rushed and this chapter seems rough. I recommend revising."
The world is clearly going crazy, because now two people don't get what you wrote.
But the truth is, the world is just as sane as it was a couple of weeks ago.
You're a relatively new writer, and a week ago, you came up with the Coolest-Idea-Ever. Seriously, as soon as it popped into your head, you very nearly screamed in joy and then proclaimed yourself a genius. So you sat down, and you started writing. The first night, you wrote two whole chapters! The second night, you wrote three! Now you're almost done with your first novel, and you're really sure that it's the best thing you've ever seen.
You're going to share it with a few of your friends. Because, hey, they should get to experience the awesomeness, too. And then, once they're done reading it, you're going to e-mail it to a few agents with a query letter that you shouldn't even have to include because your manuscript is good enough to sell itself without any further assistance. Within a week and a half, you're definitely going to have a book deal, because you are just that good.
Of course, a few days after you handed it out to your friends, one of your friends calls you and says, "I didn't understand this scene." You explain it. They still say they don't understand it. You say, "Well, then, you just don't understand life." Then you hang up on them and wait for your real friends to call.
While you're waiting, you decide to post a few chapters online, because you would really like to get some feedback from people who aren't friends. And, besides, your friends don't read fast enough. You want responses now.
The thing is, ten minutes after you post the first chapter. You've gotten three hits and no reviews. Twenty minutes later, you've gotten one review and it says something like, "There's potential here, but the second scene doesn't make sense, the story seems rushed and this chapter seems rough. I recommend revising."
The world is clearly going crazy, because now two people don't get what you wrote.
But the truth is, the world is just as sane as it was a couple of weeks ago.
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOX
I've been mucking about in the writing world for roughly seven years now. In other words, long enough for me to run across the above scenario and many other similar scenes. And when I first started writing, I fell into a mindset similar to that writer above.
I do a lot of reading online. And, once upon a time, I decided that I wanted to write for online writing communities like the ones I was reading in at that point in time. As soon as I decided that, I sat down and started to plot. Within a few short hours, I had something planned out that I thought was bound to be a hit. And after two more days, I had four chapters written. I was on roll and I felt pretty good.
I posted the first chapter somewhere under a name I don't even remember now. And, low and behold, I got reviews. Not one, like the writer above, but five -- positive ones at that. As soon as I saw that, I was smiling for days on end.
I was a the top of my game. My writing was great; perfect, even.
And it was that realization, that feeling, that shot me in the foot.
It took me a couple of years to pull my head out of the sand and realize my mistake. That's right, I said mistake. We have now reached the core of today's topic.
As far as I am concerned, the BIGGEST mistake a writer can make, is assuming that they are at the top of their game. I don't care how long you've been at this business, the minute you assume that you can't get any better is the minute you've started to fail.
Whatever you do, don't let your ego blind you.
If you think you've written something awesome, but people are saying they don't get it, don't blow them off. Just because someone said they didn't get it doesn't mean you've written something horrible, but consider the possibility that maybe you have written a doorstop, instead of a literary masterpiece. Look at your work and pretend you weren't the one who wrote it. Are you confused? Is it rushed? Could it be revised?
If you've got five positive reviews, ask yourself why you haven't gotten more than five. Pick up novels from the library or your local bookstore that are similar in storyline to what you've written, and read. What's different? That novel probably has hundreds of reviews. Granted, it's published, but there are a lot of readers online, too. Why don't you have hundreds of reviews?
Realize that you're not great, yet. And, instead of becoming discouraged, keep working at it.
They say that practice makes perfect, but that's not true. You will never be perfect. And that, my friends, is a good thing. That means that you always have room to improve, all you have to do is want to be better and put in the effort.
K. L. Stevens
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