6
Sep
Inspiration – Assignment #2
I love writing dialogue. In fact, it’s probably one of the things I do best. But there are still days I want to pull my hair out because everything my characters are saying seems trite or stilted. (Helpful hint: When your own characters’ conversations make you yawn, you have a problem.)
So, when I get stuck, how do I get those creative juices flowing again?
I listen.
One of the best ways to figure out how to write dialogue is to pay attention to how people talk–not just what they’re talking about, but also how they’re saying it. When you’re chatting with your co-workers, pay attention to how their style of conversation is a reflection of their various personalities. If you’re sitting in a coffee shop, listen to conversations going on around you–especially if those present represent a segment of the population about which you are writing (spoiled suburban teens, high-powered executives, firefighters on a coffee break, etc.). The more often you do this, the better you’ll get at writing dialogue that reflects your characters’ personalities and circumstances.
If you’re uncomfortable eavesdropping in a coffee shop or dissecting everything your friends say, try watching a few really well-made movies with snappy dialogue and make notes as you’re watching. A few of my favorites for aural voyeurism:
1) Gosford Park
2) Jaws
3) Orange County
4) Serenity
5) Tombstone
6) The Godfather
7) Steel Magnolias
8 ) Henry V (or really any fabulous adaptation of one of Shakespeare’s plays)
9) Fargo
10) Pretty much anything by comedy legends, Monty Python.
I read.
This seems like it should be a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised how many writers don’t bother reading much. I don’t know how someone trying to perfect his/her craft can get a feel for dialogue that works (or doesn’t) without reading what other people have written. There are certain writers who are masters at incorporating believable, engaging, and necessary conversations in their works.
Also, keep in mind that not everyone carries on a conversation in the same way. Some people are very direct and stay on topic; others live in Tangent Land. Do you have fave author whose dialogue leaves you in stitches or who seems to be able to show you everything you need to know about a character simply by how he talks to those around him? Next time you read this fave of yours, pay attention to how she pulls it off–you just might learn something!
I write.
Again, this should be a big “Duh,” but you’d be surprised…
When I was in grad school I didn’t have much time to write anything particularly long and involved (such as a novel), so instead I tried writing what I called “snippets.” Essentially, these were just short vignettes that told a story using nothing but dialogue. And I mean nothing–no speech tags, no narration, no description. The point was to use only what the characters were saying to tell the reader absolutely everything s/he needed to know about the characters, the setting, the action taking place–and to do so in a way that seemed naturally-occurring in the course of the conversation.
It’s harder than it seems, but it’s a great way to hone your craft.
So, here’s your assignment:
Write your own snippet of 3-5 pages that tells your readers everything they want to know about characters, setting, and the conflict between them. Then give it to a few beta readers and ask them to describe what’s happening in the snippet. If you’ve done well, they won’t even notice that dialogue is all that’s on the page. And if they aren’t able to sort it all out, get some feedback to figure out why. Revise the snippet incorporating any feedback you find valuable and give it to them again until they “get it.”
Good luck and happy writing!
31
May
Inspiration – Assignment #1
Walk among the dead.
No, I’m not talking about hanging out with your local zombies. I’m talking about taking a stroll through a cemetery–preferably one that’s old and full of history.
As you walk, read the names on the tombstones, the dates that defined their lives, the inscriptions of hope and faith that their loved ones carved in stone. The minute one of them really grabs hold of your imagination, start writing.
Write anything. Jot down your impressions in a 15 minute free writing session, write a poem, start a character sketch for a short story, write a back-story for the person buried at your feet. Just go with whatever form your creativity takes at that very moment. You might be surprised at the result.
Several years ago, I did this exercise in a secluded, nearly forgotten cemetery in rural Southern Indiana. I walked for probably half an hour before one of the tombstones really caught my attention. It was small and simple, a tiny marker for the grave of a six-month-old girl who had lived and died in the late 1800s.
So, what about this particular tombstone inspired me? Two things. The first was that the little girl shared the same unusual first name as my sister. Second was the inscription on the headstone, which I found utterly heartbreaking.
It was such a visceral reaction, I grabbed my notebook and let my thoughts and feelings flow. In the end, I captured my intense emotional response in a poem narrated from the mother’s point of view.
The poem was published a few months later.
So, go ahead and give it a try. Walk among the dead for a little while and see what they have to say. You never know where your stroll through the past could eventually lead.
Happy writing!
25
Apr
When people find out I’m a writer, one of the first questions that inevitably comes up is where I get all of the ideas for my stories.
Well, the truth is, I get inspiration from pretty much anywhere and everywhere–a news story, the lyrics of a song, a dream, a photograph, a snippet of dialogue between two people in front of me in line at the coffee shop, and–every now and then–from nowhere at all. I honestly don’t remember what was behind every single thing I’ve ever written, but there are a few AH-HA! moments that stand out in my memory for whatever reason, so I thought I’d share those with all of you.
1) My very first novel, way back when I was 14-years-old, was inspired by a series of dreams I had. And, as I recall, I was reading a lot of fantasy novels around then, which probably played a large part in what was on my mind. In particular, I remember two novels/series that were absolutely fabulous and had me hooked on the genre – The Oval Amulet by Lucy Cullyford Babbit and The Song of the Lioness series by Tamora Pierce. I’m generally not all that into YA novels, but I would definitely read these again.
2) A short story I wrote in high school called “The Weed,” which won something-or-other in my creative writing class, came about because of a particularly awful dandelion infestation in our yard that was choking out all the little violet wildflowers I liked to pick and put in a tiny vase on my desk. I remember sitting at my desk looking out the window (instead of doing homework) and fuming about the dandelions, and the idea for the story hit me. When all was said and done, I ended up writing a very dark short story about a precocious little boy battling to save his mother from nefarious forces. The weed was a metaphor. I came across the story again recently and was more than a little shocked by how much the main character I created twenty years ago resembles my eldest son. Adding to the weirdness–they share the same first name. (For the record, that’s where the similarities end. 
)
3) A contemporary romance I’ve been working on on-and-off for several years now was inspired by a single line from a song that I really loved in college. I’ve written loads of scenes for this story, but it keeps wanting to morph into a romantic suspense. I’ve set it aside to return to at some later date when I figure out which way I want it to go.
4) My vampire-like-creature project — Well, I honestly don’t recall where this one came from. I’ve loved vampire movies and books and have since I was a kid, so this was probably just a culmination of decades of watching horror movies that frustrated me because they weren’t love stories. I was also reading a lot by Lara Adrian, J.R. Ward, Lynn Viehl, and Alexandra Ivy, which I’m sure played a role in what I ultimately decided to write. Once again, what I started out writing and what I ended up writing are vastly different.
5) My angels and demons project came about after I watched a documentary on the Black Death. Incidentally, the story has absolutely nothing to do with the plague (although it is mentioned).
6) Red is the result of my eldest son asking, “Hey, Mom, what if….?”
7) A ghost story I’ve been planning draws upon personal experiences. The plot is fictional; some of the incidents depicted are not.
8) The idea for a paranormal romantic comedy that was this close to being my next project back in February came to me while reading Greek mythology with Professor. In keeping with my pattern, by the time I actually sat down and plotted out the story and did all my preliminary character sketches, Greek mythology didn’t play into it at all.
9) An epic fantasy novel that I’ve been writing in fits and starts since my late teens was inspired by Orson Scott Card’s novel, Ender’s Game. My story has absolutely nothing in common with Ender’s Game except that the main character starts out as a little boy who ends up being part of something much bigger than he’d ever anticipated.
10) My current project, which happens to be a futuristic fantasy romance, came about when I read a scientific article about the future of space exploration. I briefly toyed with the idea of writing this one as a sci-fi (a genre I really enjoy), but I quickly realized I needed to stick with planet Earth, and (of course) ended up going in a totally different direction.
Well, there you have it–a little glimpse inside my head. The thing is, what inspires me might not inspire you, and vice versa. The most important thing to remember is that inspiration is all around you. You just have to be open to it.
All that being said, there are going to be times when it seems like the Inspiration Fairy has gone AWOL and is nowhere to be found. In my next couple of posts I’ll share some of my favorite exercises for dragging that good-for-nothing beyotch back kicking and screaming. Stay tuned!
5
Apr
When you mention “organized crime,” most people think of such well-known names as Al Capone, Bugsy Siegel, or Lucky Luciano. Or maybe “organized crime” calls to mind such iconic films as The Godfather, Goodfellas, and Casino. But what about pirates? Smuggling rings? Outlaw motorcycle gangs? In his book, Organized Crime: An Inside Guide to the World’s Most Successful Industry, Paul Lunde touches on all of these groups and then some.
If you’re curious at all about the history of organized crime, this is a great overview that hits on crime organizations all over the world, from ancient times to the present. I found it fascinating and something of an eye-opener when it comes to the complicated culture often involved in crime organizations. Whether you’re considering writing about the Triads or La Cosa Nostra, the Yakuza or Tammany Hall, this is a great little book to help you get started.
*Disclaimer: In accordance with FTC Guidelines for reviews and endorsements, you should assume that every book recommended on maurabishop.com was submitted by the author/publisher or purchased via an authorized retailer. We do not accept money or favors in exchange for a good review.
6
Sep
A few weeks ago, my musical muses, Apocalyptica, released their most recent album, 7th Symphony.
If you’ve followed this blog at all, you’ll know I’m not only a huge fan of Apocalyptica, but I also have their music readily available when I’m writing and need a little inspiration. Considering how much I loved their previous releases, I had high hopes for 7th Symphony. I’m happy to say I definitely was not disappointed! It’s fantastic!
The music is sweeping and dramatic and haunting…and absolutely perfect for listening to while working on the rewrites of my angels and demons project. I couldn’t have asked for a more fitting writing “soundtrack.”
Although you’ll probably hear the tracks “End of Me” (feat. Gavin Rossdale of Bush) and “Not Strong Enough” (feat. Brent Smith of Shinedown) on your local hard rock/alternative station, three songs you won’t hear are among my favorites: “At the Gates of Manala,” “Beautiful,” and “Sacra.”
As much as I love the radio-friendly tracks, my favorite instrumental tracks really showcase the band’s talent and are a great blend of their classical roots and their heavy metal leanings. And when it comes to the creative process, I can’t help but be transported right into the plot of my story while I’m listening. (Talk about serendipity…)
Okay, so enough of my gushing. If you don’t have the CD yet, get on it, for crying out loud! Or, you know, at least give these three songs a listen. And when you completely fall in love with these particular tracks and hop over iTunes to buy the entire album, be sure to get the deluxe version; the two bonus tracks are worth it!
1
Jun
Some authors listen to music while writing in order to block out ambient noise and help them focus. I listen to music to immerse myself in a particular emotional state and set the mood for whatever kind of scene I’m preparing to write. (Call it method writing, if you’d like.) As such, my listening queue is often varied and wide-ranging sometimes drifting between such disparate artists as Disturbed and the Chieftains in the same day. However, one group that’s a constant in my writing soundtrack is Finnish symphonic metal band, Apocalyptica.
Their music, if you’re not familiar with them, is a fusion of classical music and heavy metal performed (for the most part) on cellos. Their stirring compositions are sweeping and romantic, and yet these guys definitely know how to rock it hard. No matter what I happen to be working on whether it’s a dramatic love scene or a thrilling battle between the forces of good and evil I know I can bring up Apocalyptica and be good to go. To put it another way: there are numerous performers whose music I enjoy, but there are few whose music moves me.
Recently, in a rather astonishing turn of events, I had the chance to meet my musical muses when I won tickets to a local rock festival and — joy of joys! — a meet-and-greet session with the guys from Apocalyptica.
How cool is that?!
Talk about an amazing opportunity! Not everyone can say she has met her muses in person! Even more incredible — these guys aren’t just exceptionally talented musicians, they’re also extremely nice. No self-absorbed prima donnas here, folks! Oh, and they’re also fantastic huggers. (Just saying.)
I’m looking forward to the release of Apocalyptica’s newest CD, 7th Symphony, which currently is scheduled to drop in August 2010. I guarantee I’ll be purchasing the CD even before I hear a single song as I’m certain this release will be just as moving and inspiring as the rest of their music has been and that their new compositions, like the men who perform them, won’t contain an ounce of the self-important pretension you’d expect to find in rock stars.
Two words, my friends: Wicked. Cool.
23
May
I just finished reading Dead Beat, a novel from Jim Butcher’s Dresden Files series, and I have to say, Butcher’s books just keep getting better and better. I didn’t think he could top Blood Rites (which had been my favorite thus far), but I dare say, he outdid himself again!
I discovered the Dresden Files books after the TV series came and went far too soon. Hoping to stop my bitching over the cancellation of the series, my HH bought the first several books for me the following year for my birthday. He then proceeded to bogart them, so I didn’t get around to reading the novels until around a year or so ago. And I was hooked.
Unfortunately, my reading time is rather limited, so it’s taking me a while to work my way through the series and catch up to the newest release, but it’s definitely time well-spent! If you’re a fan of mysteries, fantasies, paranormals and/or thrillers, you’d probably enjoy Butcher’s novels. At some point, he hits on all of these genres–sometimes all at once!
In addition to proclaiming my admiration as I reader, I also have to offer my thanks as a writer.
When I began writing Red, it was immediately clear to me that the protagonist’s story had to be in her own voice with no filtration from the narrator. This was a huge deviation from my normal writing M.O. and was both liberating and terrifying at the same time.
Fortunately, I started writing Red right around the time I started reading the Dresden Files series, which couldn’t have been more serendipitous. Butcher does such a fabulous job writing in the first-person, I think I would have been a lot more timid while writing had I not been exposed to such a fantastic example of how to carry it off. Butcher’s voice is, quite simply, fearless, and, as such, authentic–which, in turn, makes the stories much more engaging and enjoyable.
Aside from sharing the same genre(s), my manuscript has almost nothing in common with Butcher’s work, but inspiration can come from just about anywhere and in any form. And I was definitely inspired and have learned a lot about the more subtle nuances of telling a story from this point of view. I’m sure I still have a long way to go until I’ve mastered the craft, but that’s all part of the fun!
And so, as I continue to edit and refine Red in hopes of one day bringing the story to print, I offer a grateful nod to Jim Butcher for showing all us hopefuls how it’s done.
*Disclaimer: In accordance with FTC Guidelines for reviews and endorsements, you should assume that every book recommended on maurabishop.com was submitted by the author/publisher or purchased via an authorized retailer. We do not accept money or favors in exchange for a good review.
