Wednesday, July 29, 2009

The Inspiration Vacation

Have you ever wondered, as a writer, why we have those moments when nothing looks right on paper, our vocabulary slips, and our motivation refuses to comply to our pressing demands? There must be a reason for this, and there is. Some call it Writer's Block, others say that their Muse is missing, but I have a new theory...

Inspiration Vacations.

This is when your engrossing inspiration feels pushed to the limit and wants to vacate from your mind, A-SAP, leaving you to wander aimlessly as you attempt to paint that perfect scene in you mind or figure out if Jimmy should throw the magic ruler at the Evil Overprinciple or escape into Recess Land. This may not be a simple lack of inspiration, but a matter of seasonal affect. When do you write the most? When do you write the least? After eleven years of harnessing this craft, I've come to the personal realization that I can't write diddly-squat in the Summertime. I've never been able to. Everything that I type up feels forced, jumbled, and totally unorganized. However, the Spark returns when the leaves fall, and this carries me through until the budding of spring. So, no worries. Inspiration cannot take a perpetual vacation. It has to return eventually. It sure has a lot of work to do!

Updates: Still drafting chapter 7 of the collaboration, and though I'm happy to be into the first chapter break, I feel that this installment may turn into a rather extensive one. Standing at 3,600 words so far, it may become the longest chapter in the book yet. Concise. Think concise.

There is nothing new to report on The Dragon's Heart, except that, again, more children in the neighborhood are eating it up like hot fluffy scones. I missed the writer's meeting last week, and I apologize for my absence. However, I discovered a new critique group organizing in my area, so I went to the first meeting last night. Very nice. A weekly critique group is what I could use right about now.

In other news, I spent the last weekend shampooing the carpets at my place, watched some fireworks, attended a fun family reunion, and made my first attempt at cooking an authentic Oriental dish; Homemade Miso Ramen. So... Good...

That's all for this week. Be sure to check in now and then, because...

"You never know what the tide will bring." - Castaway

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Ascending the Mountain

Nothing like the great outdoors to clear the mind, no?

After a tough week at work, doing what I could without the aid of a co-worker, I breathed some of that fresh mountain air at Sundance and melted into a folding chair. We built a fire and I drew up some maps for other projects. That's what I call camping. Of course, other plans had yet to be undertaken.

The next day, at 7 am, my wife and I attempted the ascension of Mt. Timpanogos, nearly 12k feet in elevation. Unfortunately, we were unable to reach the top, even though we could see the summit. Ice pack had blocked the trails, making the final climb more dangerous than either of us wanted to attempt. After accidentally sliding down one of the ice packs, we didn't want to take any chances. However, going up that mountain was an incredible adventure, surmounting a 17 mile hike, resulting in achy legs and a gnarly sunburn. It's a sight that can only be appreciated by actually going there. The mountain, I mean. No one really wants to appreciate a sun burn.

And how appropriate is it that some characters of mine will be going up a mountain soon? Very.

This week: I plan to continue the intricate process of chapter 7, as well as wrap it up before things get too busy around here. And there's the monthly writer's meeting this week. I always look forward to associating with other writing talents, share a few stories, and build up each other's motivation to stay the course on the writer's journey. No new developments with The Dragon's Heart, only that more kids in the neighborhood are reading and enjoying it.

Grab yourself a snowcone. It's hot out there!

Monday, July 13, 2009

The Kids Love It

Good morning, and what a great morning it is. Warm. Sunny. Provided directions to a lost meat inspector on the way to the office. Yep. Nothing like being a helpful human being, even on the way to work.

This week's post has one theme revolving around it; young readers. In over a month of hearing no feedback, I learned that my sister had loaned a copy of The Dragon's Heart to her friend's son who just graduated from High School. He read the whole thing in FIVE HOURS and loved it. Also, I loaned a copy to a girl in our neighborhood (age 9) who read it in about four days, and said that she liked it. Little did I know that she had talked about it with other kids in the neighborhood with great enthusiasm. As a result, another girl, about her age, as well as her whole family, are in possession of my copy and eating it up like frosted flakes. Great. now I want some cereal. Also, a relative of my wife read it too. As a result, she can't wait to read more. I think word-of-mouth is spreading faster than I imagined, especially from the intended audience. Thanks to everyone who likes and wants to read my schlock. It keeps me encouraged.

News: Tapping foot patiently for the publisher's feedback on the above mentioned book. My collaborative partner is gone on a cruise for a couple weeks (lucky!), but he left an outline for the next three chapters for me. Chapter 7 has begun in full swing. Once that is done, there will be no stopping until chapter 10 is reached.

Anyone else want to see the new Harry Potter? I don't know when I will have the chance to, but it sure looks promising. The reviews are quite impressive. Have a great week, everyone!

"Give me two words to describe that hollow shell sitting on your neck, and I'll take back everything I've said" -untitled project.

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

I'm Being Monitored

(Start the creepy music)

It's nothing serious. Just a Holter Monitor test. Remember that passing out thing I did a while back? Yeah. That's why I'm wearing one. So itchy. But, you have to do what the Dr. ordered, right? The good news is that it's only for 24 hours, and I had it strapped on yesterday. Soon, in a matter of hours, I will be FREED from my WIRED prison!

It is my hope that you all had a wonderful 4th of July. Mine was, shall we say, a BLAST!

News: Chapter 6 is done and being reviewed by the collaborative committee. That means I can work on chapter 7 now. Which is perfect. Finally I can start the journey once this next chapter is over. I know. That's a lot of chapters before starting the quest, but it's a fun build up. Promise.
There is still no word yet about Shadow Mountain. I feel more and more tense about it as each week passes.

Take care this week, and be careful with those hot irons!