Sunday, June 12, 2011

Music Inside

I have been watching the Shaina Twain series called "Why Not".
I over heard a one liner that a Doctor said to her and it really hit home.
"Most people die with their music still inside them" That is so true. That is also what any want to be writer has lingering in the back of their mind.
I have a need to make sure that I at least get part of my voice out for my family to have if no one else.

Also I was reviewing some things I wrote quite awhile ago and was genuinely impressed with he context and the flow.
I have some small portion of talent even if it is only in my own mind.

Monday, June 6, 2011

Grab you in the first chapter

I have started and stopped 3 books in the past week. These were listening to them on my ipod.
1 I got 3 discs in
1 I got 2 discs in
1 I got 1 disc in
Stopping each mainly because the story did not grab me right up front. I am also reading the sequel to Scarlet Pimpernel and find the first to be a bit slow but know that this is how she wrote and it will get better.
I have not written off the other books, I will go back and pick up where I left off some time in the future, but it brought to mind the importance of having your story, characters or setting jump out and grab the reader within the first chapter if not lines, or they are must likely to wander away never to give you a 2nd chance.

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

The art of Mapping

Some of the most enjoyable books I read have maps in them. Usually not more than 2 pages, tucked just inside the front cover.
I always refer to them several times in the course of reading the book. They are a great help when reading of new worlds or kingdoms etc.
I have played around several maps for my world where my stories are located.
This almost seems like a must as I start to write.
I don't draw well but can do well enough for me.
I even bought a small sketch book to do maps and layouts of towns and such.
I know I will never use them in the book when it publishes but they are invaluable as I create.