tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7394587692407497552024-03-13T09:55:59.943-07:00ManuscriptionThe Caffeine-Induced Ramblings of an Aspiring Author.Lynn Andradehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16441055605537386816noreply@blogger.comBlogger64125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-739458769240749755.post-85126911464267841552011-08-23T19:25:00.000-07:002011-08-23T19:42:03.729-07:00All's Fair...I just finished a stint of volunteering at our county fair. It went...well? I'm just really glad that there's a whole year before I have to do it again. Between the heat, the insanity, and a stack of speakers right next to the building I was in, things could have been better. Although, between the heat, the insanity, and the massive amount of attendees, it could have been much worse. There is a lot to be said for the interaction factor. I've been stuck on a particular scene involving a particular age group that I managed to break through thanks to the real life examples walking around. I forget how valuable people-watching can be. Lol.
<br />Lynn Andradehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16441055605537386816noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-739458769240749755.post-66257634550847857852011-06-29T18:39:00.000-07:002011-06-29T18:59:32.691-07:00The past few months have sucked. Too much drama, too much chaos, and too many losses. <br /><br />I'm sorry so many of my friends and family are hurting. I pray that hearts are mended and that the wounds heal as quickly as possible. You're not alone and you can call on me any time, day or night.<br /><br />I love you.<br /><br />~MeLynn Andradehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16441055605537386816noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-739458769240749755.post-55356254822400256942011-03-15T16:08:00.000-07:002011-03-15T16:28:15.352-07:00Stupor-fied.I've spent the last few weeks in a medically-induced stupor. Not even the good kind where I'd get to see pretty colors; the lame kind where my brain is about as useful as a skull full of pudding. Oh, and to add insult to injury, the side-effects have turned back the clock to my moody teenage years. Yay! :/<br /><br />The blank pages are driving me insane. I wonder if it's worth the risk of writing like my 16-year-old self. *shudder* I might try it. Worst-case scenario I could always pitch it to a YA market. :DLynn Andradehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16441055605537386816noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-739458769240749755.post-50473897945729006612011-02-26T15:14:00.000-08:002011-02-26T16:15:25.625-08:00Karaoke and Impact.I started following this <a href="http://twitter.com/jcrtopp">guy</a> on Twitter. His name is Juan and he does karaoke covers of various rock and metal songs. If that's your thing, I highly recommend checking his<a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/elhombredeloskaraoke"> stuff </a>out.<br /><br />One of the songs he covers is Iron Maiden's <span style="font-style: italic;">Run to the Hills</span>. It's a back and forth perspective of their interpretation of Native and government interactions al la conquest and war. Also, one of my favorite songs. :)<br /><br />Now I mention all of this for a reason (aside from sharing the awesome-ness of a singer); there is a part in a verse that always got me thinking about impact. One of the lines of the song has the original version, as well as a radio edit. The third verse talks about how the soldiers think that "the only good injuns are tame." I've heard the version where the last word of that line is "dead," rather than "tame." I don't know which is the original and which is the edit, but the changing in either case fascinates me.<br /><br />Which word has more impact? Which version illustrates the point of the work best? Yeah, dead could be argued to be the ultimate in impact. After all, there's nothing with quite as much omph as death. But, in the confines of the piece, is it really the worst thing? To me, at least, it isn't. The usage of tame gives me the idea of domestication and loss of freedom. Taken into consideration with the story the song sings, a much more powerful sentiment than death.<br /><br />Of course, that may just be my background talking.<br /><br />I wonder if the songwriter meant to evoke this thought process? Hell, maybe they were only looking for a decent rhyme. I'd like to think that the construction of the verse a little more complicated than that.Lynn Andradehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16441055605537386816noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-739458769240749755.post-57040924491695609782011-02-18T10:49:00.000-08:002011-02-18T11:18:48.080-08:00No Excuses.I've fallen out of a lot of good habits. By a lot, I mean nearly every damned one of them.<br /><br />Writing everyday has fallen by the wayside.<br /><br />The weekly blog took a bit hit.<br /><br /> Online community participation? Ha!<br /><br />My attempts at being tidy and organized have imploded and created a rather amazing chaos across the house (think interior design by a category 3 hurricane).<br /><br />Anything remotely artistic has gathered so much dust that it's not funny.<br /><br /> I can't even remember where my workout clothes have managed to hide, let alone what they look like anymore.<br /><br />And has anyone seen the dog? We had four, right? Why am I only finding three? (Okay, that last bit about the dogs isn't true, but still.)<br /><br />It's so easy to let things slip away from you. Especially when it concerns the daily grind of a writing project. Even to the most devoted of writers, when faced with the necessities of daily living, getting that extra hour, or even that extra hundred words, can be a monumental difficulty.<br /><br />Seeing everything listed helps map out what I need to work on. Posting it for you all to see gives me extra incentive to work harder (NaNo mindset much?).<br /><br />I have plenty of excuses for my bad habits, my goal is to have none. <br /><br />:DLynn Andradehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16441055605537386816noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-739458769240749755.post-40690933838562961382010-12-30T22:17:00.000-08:002010-12-30T22:49:28.147-08:00Prevent Zombies, Cover Your Mouth.The running joke amongst my family and friends is that (on most days) I pray for the zombie apocalypse. I sometimes categorize people by their usefulness after the said zombie-fication of society. A few weeks ago, a friend said that she had seen something and immediately thought of me-a semi-automatic shotgun. Naturally, I was flattered. :)<br /><br />Why do I mention my preoccupation with the undead? Well, I've been thinking a lot over the last few days about the particulars of the spread of a zombie plague. Why the past few days? I've just had a lot of time on my hands due to the fact that someone gave me a nasty cold. Weird, huh?<br /><br />The manner of transmission is what really irks me: uncovered coughing and sneezing. Seriously? If we can't be bothered to cover our mouths with the common cold, how bad is it going to be with something far more serious? Get into practice now, people. You'll be thankful when you're not coughing up a lung (or your brain isn't being eaten).<br /><br />*Rant off*Lynn Andradehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16441055605537386816noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-739458769240749755.post-32160498412877964082010-12-15T15:41:00.000-08:002010-12-15T16:41:26.363-08:00Story Killers.I recently added the family room gaming console to my Netflix account. It's fun and I don't have to worry about taking DVDs orders when there are a ton of streaming titles available. Of course, it's wreaking havoc with my recommendations, but it's kind of fun in a weird way.<br /><br />Anyhoo, one of my recommendations (before the havoc) was an indie art house-type film called <span style="font-style: italic;">Valhalla Rising</span>. I had to watch it in two parts. The first reason was because of the sheer amount of very realistic violence and gore, the second was because of a fifteen second (at most) scene of sexual violence. Even now, a few days later, I'm still bothered by the movie. On its artistic merits, I cannot fault; the movie was, well, good. Sure it was artsy and kind of experimental, but it was, technically, good. But I still rated it a " did not like" because of the sexual violence scene. It ruined the whole thing for me. Even though all the disturbing aspects of the movie fit, I cannot and will not abide certain things in my entertainment choices.<br /><br />Now, playing Devil's Advocate, sometimes a story requires ugliness in order to be told, especially in reference to ugly topics. Bringing things into the light in order to deal with and bring awareness of said ugly thing is good, but waylaying a reader (or movie-watcher) with a disturbing scene strikes me as unfair. Impact is one thing, an ambush is entirely different.<br /><br />The range of issues people have when it comes to their entertainment is as varied the target demographic themselves. In my own house, one of my family members will not tolerate irreverent humor in any form (think Monty Python); another can't stand any denigration of marriage or monogamy; and still another can't stand anything that challenges masculine identity (again, think Monty Python).<br /><br />Personal preferences in entertainment isn't a bad thing (unless it's against the fellas in my Monty Python). I think that it's an aspect that some writers aren't prepared for sometimes. Sometimes you will write about something that irks a person, group, hell, maybe even an entire country. Not everyone will love your work and that's okay.Lynn Andradehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16441055605537386816noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-739458769240749755.post-15644617299950992762010-11-25T15:06:00.000-08:002010-11-25T15:16:31.395-08:00Coming Up For Air...Ack!<br /><br />It's been over a month since a posting. For that I am truly sorry. The craziness of my life has gotten the better of me for the better of that month.<br /><br />On the plus, the time was fantastically inspiring on personal and creative levels. I got to meet amazing people, learn amazing stories, participate in amazing things (and I know I'm using 'amazing' a lot, but it really was). And while I've only written and plotted a little on the projects I'm currently on, I think I have a very good reserve of inspiration going. :)<br /><br />So, again, huge apologies for the unintentional ignoring!<br /><br />Take care and Happy Turkey Day!Lynn Andradehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16441055605537386816noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-739458769240749755.post-19918834415496587852010-10-20T14:34:00.000-07:002010-10-20T15:53:30.893-07:00Unbelievable!I suppose I wouldn't be much of a writer if I didn't have an overactive imagination. A few weeks ago I went off on a tangent about a recent local business drama had the possibility of being international trade espionage. But my flair for the dramatic doesn't always serve me well. Yesterday I received a text from my Aunt concerning an visit to the ER by my Uncle. It was late when she sent the text saying everything was fine and that they'd call later. While I waited for that call, I received another text. This time from my baby brother saying that there had been an accident at his workplace. So while stressing out about the ER text, I'm stressing about the accident text, and my mind is going to dual worst-case scenarios. Ultimately I was proved to be stressed out for nothing; ER text ended up being hyper-extended tendons from coaching soccer, and accident text was a thankfully trauma-free operator error that didn't involve my baby brother (it did involve a 34 ton piece of machinery that somehow ended up on its roof, which confuses me still).<br /><br />Looking back at some of the things that were running through my head made me wonder why the worst-possible scenario is where I immediately went.<br /><br />I had a conversation awhile back that centered on readers and suspension-of-disbelief issues; some readers tended to lose interest in a story if a character was treated "too nice" by the author. Not that anyone can accuse me of being even nice to my characters (let alone too nice), but the idea fascinates me.<br /><br />Personally, I don't mind if a character has a nearly insurmountable task ahead of them. If they didn't, there wouldn't be much of a reason to be interested in the story. Frodo having a Mt. Doom lava vent running under his cute lil hobbit house wouldn't have been all that dramatic. Oh, get rid of the ring? Sure. *Plunk* That was easy! Danger, conflict, and drama are vital. But when the author (or screenwriter) is needlessly stacking the odds against a single character, I find that just as distracting as the "too nice" angle. But, to be fair, deus ex machina-type stuff gives me hives.<br /><br />I suppose, like with anything else, it comes down to personal preferences. One reader's view of kid gloves is another reader's view of chainmail sharksuit hand protectors. Or really itchy wool mittens, those are bad, too. :)Lynn Andradehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16441055605537386816noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-739458769240749755.post-52290879451609735232010-10-06T12:25:00.000-07:002010-10-06T13:21:04.035-07:00Fun and GamesAbout a month ago my partner-in-crime and I were asked to come up with a storyline for a game. This is a rather interesting endeavor to undertake. I mean, I like games, I play games, and games definitely require stories. But there's something about writing for a different medium that scares and intrigues a gal.<br /><br />There is so much possibility in the things one could do and see in the world that is created. Having the things that you see in your mind translated to a visual representation is a heady thought. Collaborating with a group of people, all with different skill sets, ideas, and tasks is something I haven't done. The mere thought of the result of the efforts gives me goosebumps.<br /><br />The past few week I've been wracking my brain as to how to go about this thing. A few ideas have been kicked around and well-received, but the framework is sorely lacking. But how are the ideas that are being developed going to work? Will they work? Etc. Then I realized, I'm getting WAY too ahead of myself with the things I'm obsessing about. I don't have to worry about anything but the story; remove the end result from the equation and just write. After all, programming is not my forte and not something I have to worry about. :D<br /><br />So my plan is to hammer out some intro-level storyline and cannon (crosses fingers) for everyone to work with. A story to serve as reference or just a jumping-off point for additional ideas.<br /><br />And guess which month gets allotted for it? Ah, November, how I've missed thee. :)Lynn Andradehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16441055605537386816noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-739458769240749755.post-53655543295760215322010-09-29T15:24:00.000-07:002010-09-29T15:37:37.335-07:00Decisions, Decisions...It's getting to be that time of year. Only about a month to go until NaNo. The jury is still out on what this year's project will be. I kind of want to continue the arc I'm on with the project from last year, but I think it might be fun to do something different. Stretch out and flex some different writing muscles. There are a bunch of different genre forums and it would be a lot of fun to eventually write one of each. Put scraps of paper in a basket and leave it to the luck of the draw.<br /><br />Hmm, well, I have a bit of time to decide. :DLynn Andradehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16441055605537386816noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-739458769240749755.post-90314150486275989272010-09-15T11:41:00.000-07:002010-09-15T12:38:57.845-07:00Fear and FishingI went and saw a movie last weekend. It was about evil of a residential nature. I think the genre and the format (adding an extra D to the equation) had a lot to do with the previews that they decided to show. There was either horror, 3-D, or horror shot in 3-D. I'm not a die-hard horror fan, but I'm finding the reasons that people are interesting.<br /><br />My father-in-law is currently a regular viewer of a newer fishing show that profiles an "extreme" fisherman that goes after river fish of the "OHMYGODITSMOBYDICK" variety. The last episode was on location in/on the Amazon river attempting to track down a catfish that can theoretically grow to a big enough size to eat a man whole. During the set-up, there was a lot of narrative supposition on the existence of such a creature. The funny thing was that each time the possibility of the man-eating fish came up, my F-I-L scoffed at the idea and repeated to himself how ludicrous and impossible it was.<br /><br />Now, I suppose that your curious as to why I jumped from the topic of horror to the topic of fish (but, to be fair, it was the topic of a man-eating fish). Now I've had (past-tense for good reason) friends that loved the horror genre for the vicarious kicks. I have friends that love the genre for the story, the special effects part and parcel to the experience. And I have friends that love the genre because of the social, political, and economic statements that are allegorically woven into the piece. But I think that the good portion of horror fans love the genre because maybe it give them a safe outlet to control fear.<br /><br />Now, as your average modern citizen, despite what the news screams at us on a nightly basis, we live pretty safe lives. We don't have to worry about huge cats jumping out of tall grasses as we look for tubers. We don't have to worry about unseen terrors bursting from a calm river as we gather water. We don't have to keep a roaring fire burning at the entrances to our homes to keep the unknown killers in the night from dragging us from its safety. But the fears that kept our ancestors safe for so many millennium are still lurking around in our DNA, prompting random reactions of terror from sources that aren't all that scary.<br /><br />Watching a terrifying movie or reading a chilling story lets us fire that fear up without ever having to really worry about consequences (big cats, sharp teeth, and such). So, next time you're enjoying a good and scary flick, thank those jumpy ancestors of yours, and rest assured that everything is alright. At least until the zombie uprising. :)Lynn Andradehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16441055605537386816noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-739458769240749755.post-54278518978201105592010-09-09T11:46:00.000-07:002010-09-09T12:15:07.866-07:00ReTweet?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAkICL3cy44x-kfOIJS8nShm4Evheruvr-gVRdvVJxeFMlGUA8fmpPiDCEj6jevfXBZSQfjHoQL-GbUQFc48gK1AEm0_yZxR5OG9fWNOpF-Biy-Fe9E68nNCCIyKcQLIwekzrpmZOTI9s/s1600/Bird.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 347px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAkICL3cy44x-kfOIJS8nShm4Evheruvr-gVRdvVJxeFMlGUA8fmpPiDCEj6jevfXBZSQfjHoQL-GbUQFc48gK1AEm0_yZxR5OG9fWNOpF-Biy-Fe9E68nNCCIyKcQLIwekzrpmZOTI9s/s400/Bird.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514993597651769938" border="0" /></a><br />I have the blahs today, so here's a picture of an adorable chick. :) Have a great day!Lynn Andradehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16441055605537386816noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-739458769240749755.post-473855376270187372010-09-02T10:48:00.000-07:002010-09-02T11:44:59.411-07:00Put Down the Tambourine.I'm the black sheep of my family. Well, in the context of this anecdote, the tone-deaf one. A bunch of my family and friends were hanging out the other day, and the good majority were in the mood to jam. My little brother was trying to get me to pick up one of the instruments in the house, assuring me that it was "in the blood." Besides, there were a few people there that were picking things up, despite being inexperienced at the instruments, and substantially kicking ass . Inexperienced did not mean talentless, and I know which acts not to follow. :D Besides, I'm more of a visual person. Once they get their thing going, I'm thinking more along the lines of stage design or management. It's been a while since I've busted out the ol' scarf and beret.<br /><br />So I got bored and decided to make a genre band. To tell you the truth, I'm only about 65% satisfied with the line-up. What do you guys think? Who would you cut/change/add in your genre band?<br /><br />Mainstream Fiction- Vocals.<br />Romance- Keyboard.<br />Horror- Runs the lighting.<br />Science Fiction- Synthesizer.<br />Fantasy- Lute.<br />Action/Adventure- Guitar.<br />Comedy- Kazoo.<br />Mystery- Horns.<br />Western- Harmonica.<br />War- Drums.Lynn Andradehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16441055605537386816noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-739458769240749755.post-36150812575643995822010-08-26T10:14:00.000-07:002010-08-26T11:38:25.641-07:00What Was That Again?I'm link-happy lately, mainly because I've been spending a lot of time online trying to keep my mind busy and typing as little as possible.<br /><br />This <a href="http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=CNG.74f06613ea91a1f1041b96c96477427f.561&show_article=1">article</a> got the old cogs turning. The idea of losing a language that has been around for thousands of years to something that has been around for less than one hundred is mind-boggling.Lynn Andradehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16441055605537386816noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-739458769240749755.post-50527892139899709552010-08-19T16:57:00.000-07:002010-08-19T17:40:13.800-07:00*Shuffle, Shuffle*Okay, so I have a love/hate view of zombies. I'm a huge weirdo. I know I've mentioned that I really don't like scary things, and zombies are scary things. So I have no idea why I'm so into the idea of submitting to a <a href="http://www.pillhillpress.com/zombie.html">Zombie Anthology</a>.<br /><br />There are tried and true components with your average zombie: the slow shuffle, the tattered clothes, and the unsightly complexion issues.<br /><br />But I read a fun<a href="http://www.cracked.com/article_18683_7-scientific-reasons-zombie-outbreak-would-fail-quickly.html"> article</a> the other day that made me rethink my thinking on zombies. The realistic approach is a little bit more horrifying than the traditional interpretation, don't you think?<br /><br />Maybe my lil zombies need a teeny revamp. Hehe.Lynn Andradehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16441055605537386816noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-739458769240749755.post-42797953381900912212010-08-12T18:17:00.000-07:002010-08-12T18:45:40.365-07:00Change of Scenery.I've spent the last two weeks in Texas Hill Country. There were things that required attending to for the past few years, during the height of summer, in 90+ temperatures and 70+ percent humidity...*sigh* I've never been tortured before (unless you count my friends love for the books that shall not be named), but I imagine that combination of heat and humidity is as close to water-boarding as I ever want to get.<br /><br />But as much as I hate the weather, though, is how much I love being around the family and friends that call that area home. <3<br /><br />It also tends to give me SO much material to work with and things to think about. From random thoughts inspired by random (really, <span style="font-style: italic;">really</span> random) conversations to the situations I find myself observing, the trip is always interesting.<br /><br />I sometimes forget how useful a change of scenery can be. Although, I think from now on I'll visit during the fall.Lynn Andradehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16441055605537386816noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-739458769240749755.post-16805490685133856822010-08-04T12:00:00.000-07:002010-08-04T12:00:02.921-07:00Filler.I used to draw. Years ago, for some unremembered reason, I stopped. Lately I've been trying to get back into the habit. When I have a pause in my writing, I'm filling up the margins with random doodles and whatnot. It's not much, but it's something. The act alone has me thinking of non-doodle projects. It also seems to help me get the brain jump-started when I sputter out. So it's win-win.Lynn Andradehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16441055605537386816noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-739458769240749755.post-8439289001404203782010-07-28T12:00:00.000-07:002010-07-28T12:00:03.621-07:00Location, Location, Location.I always find myself torn about story locales. I've lived in a lot of places (like, a ridiculous amount). So when I find myself telling a story where the setting isn't central to the plot, things just are kind of "meh." Which is unfortunate because my home in central Washington state. Anyone that is lucky enough to live here knows how much awesomeness there is to work with, which makes it doubly sad on my part.<br /><br />I'm conflicted on the whole idea of setting a story here. I mean, there's a difference between having something terrible happen in one of the little towns versus downtown Portland. Not that bad things don't happen in small towns. I think that it may be an easier to buy the idea that big city=big trouble.<br /><br />That, and it's less likely to impact me personally. With my luck, the book that would get huge (and, yes, I am dreaming big) would be the one set in my town. I would hate to have my favorite coffee shop or restaurant inundated with tourists. The west-siders are bad enough. ;)<br /><br />Who knows? Maybe one day I'll get over being selfish and share. Maybe.Lynn Andradehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16441055605537386816noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-739458769240749755.post-58602827068879436782010-07-21T10:54:00.000-07:002010-07-21T11:33:12.091-07:00How You Write It.I've been talking shop with a bunch of my friends, trying to get them to take that first leap into the literary waters. One of them said that she only wanted to write something where the bad guys wins. I thought it was a very good idea and proceeded to tell her of an author I heard had done a very interesting storyline where the protagonist and the antagonist were one in the same. I think I messed up, though, because it was similar to what she had been planning. I implored her to write it anyway. There's no way that the stories would be remotely similar. Look at the genre sections in book stores, how many boy-gets-the-girl stories are there? (Actually, I made a vampire-teen joke, but that seemed a little too easy a target.)<br /><br />There are theories about the number of story types that can be told. Some say seven, some say more. I don't know. What I do know, though, is that no matter the story type, different people will tell it differently.<br /><br />I really hope that my blunder doesn't keep her from writing her story. I think it's a fabulous idea.Lynn Andradehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16441055605537386816noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-739458769240749755.post-74815378011427742632010-07-15T12:54:00.000-07:002010-07-15T13:13:50.546-07:00*yawn*Sleep-deprived brain no work so good. :)Lynn Andradehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16441055605537386816noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-739458769240749755.post-37864199660538497962010-06-30T09:34:00.000-07:002010-06-30T13:01:14.007-07:00Sharing Is Overrated.I had a conversation with a friend that got me thinking. We were talking shop, and he mentioned that he'd always been interested in writing. My brain immediately did a little dance at the prospect of another writing compatriot. He said that he never made good on the endeavor because he had grammar and punctuation issues . Bah, mere mechanics, easily fixable. Just write the story and worry about that in editing. The mastery comes with practice. Then he got this sheepish look and admitted that another reason was that he was afraid that his friends wouldn't want to be his friends anymore upon reading anything he wrote. I smiled and welcomed him to the club; we meet every time we set pen to paper. :)<br /><br />That feeling is no small obstacle to overcome. It's terrifying prospect, especially when you're first starting out and everyone's threshold is different. For years the only thing that I would let anyone read was the stuff I had to write for school. It was easier to let people read the compulsory created work rather than the labors of love. I'm a lot better about it now, but I think the anxiousness never truly goes away.<br /><br />So what is it about the idea of having those in your inner circle read your work that bothers so many of us?<br /><br />Maybe it's the stranger factor? It's very easy to not care all that much about a random person's opinion. Less so when you're related to them. The insight angle? Perhaps a project is working through some personal issues or problems skillfully disguised as a post-apocalyptic action story (hey, I'm not here to judge issues). The chance of it being recognized for what it is may cause more trouble than you're prepared to deal with. At the very least, you may have to sleep on the couch or the promise of helping them move for the rest of your life. Or maybe, just maybe, it's the image issue? Nothing shakes the foundation of the image of a self-described scary chick than accidentally writing a kinda romance. *cough, cough* Not that I'd know anything about that type of thing.<br /><br />The most important thing, though, is realizing that you can work on those issues <span style="font-style: italic;">while</span> you're busy writing away. And the great thing is that you don't have to do anything you don't want to do. Whether you want to write stories for you and keep them under lock and key, great;or keep them among family and friends, also great; or pursue publication, that, too, is great. You see the theme? :)<br /><br />Like everything about writing, what you do with it depends on what you want out of it, and it's all great.Lynn Andradehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16441055605537386816noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-739458769240749755.post-30071476932849237362010-06-23T10:41:00.000-07:002010-06-23T11:07:50.245-07:00*Blink, Blink*Okay, I started today thinking about discussing editing. But then I checked in on my writing group's page and that just flew out the window. One of the ladies is on a lot of lists, most of the time, the lists are really cool and/or useful.<br /><br />Today, however, someone sent her a very...okay, I'm just going to say "niche" market: Zombie Erotica.<br /><br />Let that just sink in for a second.<br /><br />Now, the particular link stated it began as a joke, and I can support that idea. But, alas, that is not the only call for this genre, and the only one begun in jest. I'm just at a loss for words.Lynn Andradehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16441055605537386816noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-739458769240749755.post-36398187083728952362010-06-10T10:56:00.000-07:002010-06-10T11:16:51.319-07:00Recharged.The past few weeks have been rather stressful and have taken a toll on productivity. A few sentences here and there is not acceptable output, especially when my brain feels like jello.<br /><br />It's amazing how much a positive day can recharge you. A single upbeat day and, lo-and-behold, I have over three pages of plot points written and planned.<br /><br />My husband and I took a drive in order to visit a mutual friend and her daughter. We delivered a quilt that was initially a recovery gift for the little one that is now a "YAY, no surgery quilt." Good stuff.<br /><br />After that, we visited our second family, where I got back the rough draft of my current project. Positive feedback and a request for more is always a good thing. :)<br /><br />So now I think that my mental fog is moving on and leaving me in the clear. And if it decides to reappear before the weekend, it's in trouble; we have weather in the 80s a fleet of watercraft. The fog doesn't stand a chance. :)Lynn Andradehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16441055605537386816noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-739458769240749755.post-21559283864328182782010-06-04T12:36:00.000-07:002010-06-04T12:45:17.709-07:00Sigh.Okay, <a href="http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100603/ap_on_re_us/us_spelling_bee_protest">this</a> really irritates me. We shouldn't be advocating the purposeful move to make our language nothing more than internet-speak.Lynn Andradehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16441055605537386816noreply@blogger.com0