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Jul 12

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Find writing magic in your favorite movies and books, part 2

As I write my next book, I find it helpful to think back on what has excited me about other stories or characters.

In my last post, I shared a few of my favorite scenes or ideas from the movies. Below is my list of recent in-print favorites. These are either scenes, images, objects or themes that have stuck with me and made me wish I’d come up with the them.

Novels:

Karen Marie Moning’s “Fever” series.  In her fantasy world, “Death-by-Sex” Faes can turn their powers off and on, capturing a person with lust. One of these Faes uses a pearl necklace in a very erotic, highly charged way. It’s one of the most unique and memorable “sex” scenes (there’s no actual sex) I’ve ever read. This is one of those scenes I wish I’d written. I’ve written more about this in my post, “How to Write a Good Sex Scene.” Read more

Jul 11

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NPR’s Ira Glass on storytelling

I know more than a few people who told me that they wanted to write a novel, but their sentences didn’t match up with the image in their minds. So they quit. This video is for them and for all of us who need to remember that it takes daily practice to realize our “vision.”

Jul 10

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Find writing magic in your favorite movies and books, part 1

Have you ever read a book or watched a movie and some image or scene makes you think, “That’s brilliant! I wish I’d thought of that!”

Last weekend, I was working on my next book and began to wonder about my favorite scenes, objects, and ideas that have wowed me in print or on the screen.

What makes them stand out? Where’s the magic?

Below are a few movies that stand out for me and why.

Movies:

Evita – My hubby and I recently saw this movie again and both started bawling in the scene where Eva is dying and her husband, Juan Peron, carries her so tenderly up the stairs. He brushes off the hired help who is supposed to help his wife and carries her himself, cradling her in his arms. The gesture is so touching, it makes his love for her come alive. I’m reminded how powerfully an outward gesture can portray an inner emotion. Read more

Jul 9

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Five characteristics of a great children’s book

Part of writing well is analyzing what works in the stories I admire, love, and that stick in my mind long after I read them.

In May, Publishing Perspectives organized “What Makes a Children’s Book Great?,” a half-day event hosted by Scholastic Inc. For more insight about the topic from publishing experts and authors at the event, read this post by Dennis Abrams at Publishing Perspectives.

Richard Robinson, President and CEO of Scholastic Inc., shared these characteristics of what makes a children’s book great.

A great book:

  1. Contains a simple and original idea presented with clarity and great power. Read more

Jul 6

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6 tips for creating sustained energy in your writing life

This week, I’m reminded that writing is hard work in more ways than one. I’m working on a new book—brainstorming and following my 90-day plan–and am surprised at how much energy this takes.

After working for even two hours straight, going deep, and bringing up a plethora of ideas and information, I’m exhausted. I feel as if I’ve just run a race or swam for an hour. Actually, I feel more tired than if I’ve worked out because when I exercise, I usually get a rush of energy afterwards.

We writers need plenty of energy to accomplish our goals. Here are my top tips for keeping the mental gears well oiled while working on a new project: Read more

Jul 5

What you should know about the power of English teachers to promote your book

I’ve always had an appreciation for what English teachers do because of how mine influenced my love of reading and writing.

Here are a few reasons why writers, and especially those who wish to find a following for their books, should appreciate and respect English teachers. Read more

Jul 4

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What gifts are you sharing with the world?

On May 19, more than 100 members of the Vallès Symphony Orchestra and the choirs of Lieder and Friends of l’Opera and the Choral Belles Arts participated in this amazing “Flash Mob” in Sabadell, Spain. In celebration of the 130th anniversary of Banco Sabadell they performed Beethoven’s “Ode To Joy.”

Though it’s not really a flash mob, the clip is beautiful. I love how the musicians come together–a few at a time until the townsquare is overflowing with people. And I love how they’re all dressed in street clothes–as if, “oh, I just happened to be in the neighborhood…”

Music, like literature, lifts us out of ourselves and makes us want to be better. This five-minute video reminds me that we all have talents and gifts to offer others. What gifts are you currently sharing with the world? What gifts do you want to share?

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