Not this Muse. -->
Unfortunately.
But if you find that Muse
you pretty much don't need any other talent whatsoever to make it in this world. Let me know when you find THAT --> Muse and then we can be friends. Forever. Because they always play with stars exploding in the background.
Onto the topic. When I began really writing Breakers (I say "really" because I know the DREAM for Breakers came on the night/early morning of October 9th, 2009 but I didn't truly start turning notes into novel until April 24th, 2010 (and, ironically, I FINISHED the book on April 24, 2011 without ANY idea that the dates coincided. I, like all authors, am grossly sentimental and feel that wasn't a coincidence)), I think I was reading Harry Potter. I am both grateful and regretful of this. Harry Potter lent me a very astute tone of voice in my writing but plagued me with the assumption that excessive adverbs were okay.
They're not okay. Anyone with frustratingly conflicting opinions can promptly and determinedly fight me on this in an authoritatively polished tone. (Wasn't that a chore to read?).
But back to the topic (again). At the end of my Breakers writing experience was when I had JUST started reading the Hunger Games, which has since become an emotional bond after I got to spend a day with the cast and crew.
Unfortunately.
But if you find that Muse
you pretty much don't need any other talent whatsoever to make it in this world. Let me know when you find THAT --> Muse and then we can be friends. Forever. Because they always play with stars exploding in the background.
Onto the topic. When I began really writing Breakers (I say "really" because I know the DREAM for Breakers came on the night/early morning of October 9th, 2009 but I didn't truly start turning notes into novel until April 24th, 2010 (and, ironically, I FINISHED the book on April 24, 2011 without ANY idea that the dates coincided. I, like all authors, am grossly sentimental and feel that wasn't a coincidence)), I think I was reading Harry Potter. I am both grateful and regretful of this. Harry Potter lent me a very astute tone of voice in my writing but plagued me with the assumption that excessive adverbs were okay.
They're not okay. Anyone with frustratingly conflicting opinions can promptly and determinedly fight me on this in an authoritatively polished tone. (Wasn't that a chore to read?).
But back to the topic (again). At the end of my Breakers writing experience was when I had JUST started reading the Hunger Games, which has since become an emotional bond after I got to spend a day with the cast and crew.
What? I don't like pictures of myself, remember? Just imagine me smack dab in the middle in there. Minus the Liam. Heartbreakingly.
But what THAT book did for Breakers was encouraged me to write sharper, carve a more intense edge from the work. Jack it up a notch. I kept that in mind while editing too and can only hope it succeeded some.
The reason I bring up these influences is to demonstrate how reading is like eating. You are what you eat.
Fifty Shades of Grey? That's going right to your thighs. (And I must say this with only an analytical approach to the writing, as I wish not to bash any fellow author. But the writing in that book -- regardless of CONTENT -- is repulsive. You know it, I know it, and the check out counter at Costco knows it).
When you're writing, every single established author will tell you the same damn thing. Read. Read everything.
We're sick of hearing it.
But it's true. Reading and evaluating what you like and don't like, what works and what doesn't work, what you wish to replicate are all vitally important to writing. However, it's important to remember your OWN voice. Remember this is YOUR story and not J.K. Rowling's. Once you try and follow a style too closely, it hinders in your writing and it shows.
ALL NOVELS REQUIRE THEIR OWN STYLES. Some styles do NOT work for some novels. Make YOUR style work for YOUR story. Don't make Rowling's style work for your story.
The reason I bring up these influences is to demonstrate how reading is like eating. You are what you eat.
Fifty Shades of Grey? That's going right to your thighs. (And I must say this with only an analytical approach to the writing, as I wish not to bash any fellow author. But the writing in that book -- regardless of CONTENT -- is repulsive. You know it, I know it, and the check out counter at Costco knows it).
When you're writing, every single established author will tell you the same damn thing. Read. Read everything.
We're sick of hearing it.
But it's true. Reading and evaluating what you like and don't like, what works and what doesn't work, what you wish to replicate are all vitally important to writing. However, it's important to remember your OWN voice. Remember this is YOUR story and not J.K. Rowling's. Once you try and follow a style too closely, it hinders in your writing and it shows.
ALL NOVELS REQUIRE THEIR OWN STYLES. Some styles do NOT work for some novels. Make YOUR style work for YOUR story. Don't make Rowling's style work for your story.
As for my literary role models, that's quite simple. My dear friend in Australia and author of the NY Times bestselling series, The Ranger's Apprentince, John Flanagan. I love you, John.
A literary figure who I feel quite close to and whose picture is on my wall, C.S. Lewis. His intellect and humility inspire me.
J.R.R. Tolkien, depicted at his favorite tree. While I am one of the only fantasy authors who CANNOT cite him as an inspiration for my fantasy novels, it is his majestic world building, spiritual fortitude, and attention to detail that I admire. Not the sharpest picture of him, but it was the last known taken on October 9th. (Catch the date? I had to).
Again, I cannot even declare myself a crazy fanatic of the books, but the grace and genuine compassion Rowling possesses as an author is what I would hope to be.
Still *really* inspirational...
Whaaat....how did THAT get in here? Whoops...he's not an author....
But I think I might have a new favorite tree, too.
Dream on, my friends. Much love to each of you.
- S
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