The Writing Life

An Inside Look At What Writers Go Through

By on Wednesday, April 11, 2018

Hello, readers!

When I wasn’t a writer, I know I always thought of writers as very inspiring people who were super wise, never had a problem thinking of stories, and thoroughly enjoyed the writing process.

But as I slowly became a writer myself, I soon realized that all of those ideas were so far from the truth

You may think we have it all together, but really…. we’re lost.

You can often find me lying around the house moaning and groaning because things in my story aren’t making sense, laughing like a maniac because my characters aren’t obeying my outline (therefore not heeding my commands), and maybe crying because the story feels like such a mess and I don’t know how to fix it.

We’re writers, right? Don’t we always want to write? Isn’t that all writers do, anyway?

How I wish it were so! 

There are more days than I’d care to count when I simply do. not. want. to. write. It’s like pulling teeth just to get me sitting at my desk, my laptop turned on, and my document opened. Can’t I just go watch my favorite show? Please? 

It’s not that I hate writing – I love it! But there are days when it’d be easier to get me to wash the car than to sit down and write. And that’s all because writing is hard. 

*screams* 

That’s me going through writer’s block. 

Whenever going through writer’s block you will find me a very different person. I quite literally go insane, become slightly depressed, and honestly have no idea what to do with myself. I feel so lost and like I have no brain. Writers block attacks me often and it is most certainly a form of torture, but as long as no one has any powers to possess poor, unsuspecting writers with writers block, we should be okay…..I think. O_O

It’s crazy just how true this, but I mean – when we’re writing we are becoming our characters. They really are a part of who we are.

If I write a character’s death I can become very depressed and my heart will ache for the rest of the night.

If I’ve been writing a lot of fight scenes, you’ll find me more serious and grumpy afterward.

If I wrote something super awesome and powerful, I will be completely giddy and hyper. You’ll think I just had way too much sugar than should ever be consumed in one sitting.

So the truth is – we writers don’t have it all together. We’re not all-wise and constantly full of inspiration. We often shout and scream and wail and cry, but in the end – wait why am I quoting Downton Abbey?

We also don’t always know what to say and have to use dictionaries, thesauruses, and the like to help us mold our sentences to the best that they can be.

Writing isn’t easy. It takes discipline, patience, and a lot of emotional energy out of you. But even with all the pain and tears of writing it is a beautiful thing that brings a smile to my face and makes my heart soar.
It’s something I love doing and something I will never let go of. <3 

Talk to me!

Were any of these facts new to you? What has been your perception of writers? And if you’re a writer, how do you relate to these facts? Do you have any more to add?

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Writing Advice

The Pros and Cons of Switching POV’s

By on Tuesday, April 3, 2018

Hello, readers!

I haven’t always been one for switching point of views (POV’s) in my stories, but when writing the second draft of True Colors, I knew that I really needed to do it. I needed to be able to step into Connor and Astrid’s minds and really be able to feel what they were feeling and see what they were seeing. 

It was hard at times because most of the time I wanted to stay in one mind through the book, but I know that overall it was good that I chose this route. Here’s why:

Switching POV’s allowed me to delve deeper into my character’s feelings and helped me understand each of them better. 

In my original draft I only wrote from Connor’s POV because he is the main character, but coming into the second draft made me realize how important it is to understand Astrid’s side, too. This story isn’t just about Connor – it’s also about the relationship he and Astrid share and in order for me to better develop that it just made more sense for me to write from both of their POV’s. That way I’m not only understanding Connor’s perspective and feelings, but Astrid’s as well. 

Without doing this, I didn’t know Astrid’s overall feelings toward him. I had an idea, but I didn’t understand her thoughts and feelings half as well as I did when I wrote from her POV.

Switching up POV’s also aided in adding more to my story. I was not only able to delve into their backstories a little more freely, but I was also able to write scenes that didn’t exist before.

For example, in my first draft there is a scene where Astrid learns a great secret and she won’t share it with Connor and he goes off, angry that she won’t share what she’s learned. This scene is more bent on Astrid’s perspective, so you don’t get to follow Connor and see where he ends up. 

But in my second draft I wrote the scene entirely from Connor’s POV and I felt like it was so much more powerful and beneficial to the story to be able to fully grasp his emotions and follow him when he walks away and see what he does. It’s such a huge part of the story that is the beginning of the end, so seeing Connor’s POV is way more beneficial. 

 

Switching POV’s definitely has it’s downside, though. I found myself (though completely unaware at the time) not switching POV’s enough or maybe even doing it too often because I wanted to see the other’s perspective.

I think in this draft I ended up making Astrid too big of a character because I was having too much fun with her. I don’t want to make Astrid bigger than Connor because overall this is Connor’s story. 

It’s so easy to get caught up in learning more about your characters through this method, so just be careful to keep the POV’s organized – like every other chapter or something like that. This makes it clean and your reader won’t be like – hey, it’s been stuck on __’s POV for four chapters now, what happened to ___?

So it definitely has it’s cons (and obviously I still need to work some things out in my book), but overall I think switching POV’s is great as long as it benefits the story. 

RECAP




  • Switching POV's can help you better understand your character



  • Switching POV's can aid in adding more depth and new scenes to your story



  • Switching POV's can assist in telling your character's backstory

Talk to me!

Do you switch POV’s in your stories? Do you like reading books with different POV’s? Why or why not? 

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Psst! Writers, be sure to check out this awesome giveaway at Story Embers! You could win five books to help you master your craft and also a free writing course! Check it out by clicking here!

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Inspiration

The Little Things + Giveaway Winner Announced!

By on Monday, March 26, 2018

Good morning, readers!

I don’t know about you, but I have always been all about the little things in life.

The sound of rain hitting pool water, creating splashes and ripples.

The smell of coffee that travels through the house in the morning.

Bright green grass contrasting a grey sky. 

The small, simple pleasures that brighten up our every day lives can serve not just as something to make us smile, but also as a huge inspiration.

As a writer I am inspired by many things – movies, TV shows, quotes, etc. But sometimes what inspires me the most are the little things in life. Things that I would never expect to serve as such a huge inspiration to me.

For example, the title for my sequel to True Colors came entirely from my mom. I was watching her make something in Adobe Photoshop and she said, “I’m painting away the darkness.”

I remember immediately writing that down because it sounded so neat to me and sure enough – I ended up naming the sequel Painting Away The Darkness.

I will always be so happy that I sat beside her as she worked that morning, because if I hadn’t, I don’t know what I would have named my book. Sure, I could have come up with something, but this title is absolutely perfect and probably something I wouldn’t have been able to come up with on my own. 

If I hadn’t been sitting beside my mom that morning, my mom wouldn’t have even said those words. She wouldn’t have been talking to herself like that. Isn’t that crazy? It’s almost like it was fate. I was meant to sit there at that time. My mom was meant to say those words so that I could name my book that when the time was right.

That little moment was meant to happen so that a spark of inspiration would light up inside of me and become the title for my book.

Guys, you’ve heard it all before, but it’s true – inspiration can come from anywhere.

Maybe your next big story idea will come to you in a dream.

Maybe your next character will be inspired by the cashier at the grocery store that you see every week.

Maybe the school you go to every day will suddenly inspire you and become a setting in your book.

Whatever it is – use it. Write it down instantly. Because inspiration can melt as quickly as it sparks.

This week I want to challenge you to pay more attention to the little things in life; not just for inspiration for your next big story, but for yourself. Because sometimes we take the little things in life for granted. What little thing we once enjoyed or was a part of our life for years – it can suddenly fade away without your even realizing it.

So look for the little things in your life and celebrate them each and every day. <3

Now, who is ready to find out who the winner of the $15 Barnes & Noble Giftcard is? I AM! 😀

The winner selected at random is none other than…. *insert drumroll here*

ANIKA WALKES! 

Congratulations, Anika! I am so excited for you! 😀

I will be emailing you soon about your prize, so be on the lookout for it! 

Thank you all so much for your love and support that you have shown me. I can’t tell you how happy it makes me each time I get a new comment or a new follower. You all are the best. <3 

Talk to me!

Where do you get your inspiration? What was one way something small greatly inspired you? What are some little things you enjoy in life?

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Uncategorized

Marking A New Life

By on Tuesday, March 20, 2018

So it begins!

I’ve always loved this season which is why I wanted to launch this blog on the first day of spring. Spring represents new life and this blog is just the beginning of a new life for me. 

This blog is my way of saying; I am dedicated to and passionate for my writing and I want to do whatever is needed for me to continue in my pursuit to be a published author. 

My goal for this blog is to share my journey with you. To show you the highs and the lows of being a writer, the achievements and the failures, the fun and the dread. 

Because writing may seem easy. I mean you just sit at a computer and type, write? But no, there is so much to learn and master and push through in order to write a good, solid book. We really do go through blood, sweat, and tears. (okay, maybe not the blood…)

So my mission here is to be honest with you about my journey, share my work with you, and hopefully inspire and encourage other aspiring authors to keep pressing on no matter what. We’re all in this together and the life of a writer is certainly no piece of cake. 

And you, dear reader, whether you are a writer or not, you are important to me. I will be sure to provide you with new content you enjoy each week. 

If you haven’t yet, be sure to head over to the “The Author” page to learn more about yours truly and please sign up for my email list if you haven’t yet.
You will receive an email whenever I publish a new post as well as a monthly update.

As a thank you for signing up, during the first week of my blog launch, you will be automatically entered to win a $15 Barnes & Noble gift card. Those already subscribed will also be entered for a chance to win.
I will draw a winner at random and announce the winner on March 27th. 🙂

Also, make sure to check out the post I wrote for Madi’s blog on how I push through writing even on the hardest days! 

On March 21st, Josie will be sharing an interview with Connor and Astrid – the two main characters from my book, True Colors 🙂

On March 23rd, Anika will be interviewing me and sharing some never before seen snippets from True Colors! 

You definitely will not want to miss these posts! And don’t forget to give their blogs a look and leave them a comment! They’re all such wonderful girls that I am happy to call friends 🙂 

Thank you so much for reading, subscribing, and being a faithful supporter!

Please leave a comment down below! I love meeting new people and interacting with my readers :)​

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Uncategorized

Never Before Seen Writing Snippets From True Colors

By on Tuesday, March 20, 2018

Good afternoon, readers!

Lately I’ve been thinking how not many people really know what my current WIP is all about and today is the day I change that! I’d like to share some snippets from True Colors with you today so that you can have a better look at what the story is about. These have never been shared publicly before and are entirely raw, unedited pieces of my work, so you’re in for a treat! ;D

   ”So, you’re him. You’re Connor,” Astrid said after a moment of awkward silence. Connor sighed and rolled his eyes. “Glad to have made an impression,” he mumbled.
   ”Well the stories they tell are something to behold,” Astrid said.
Connor scoffed, not making eye contact.
   Astrid leaned over, looking into his eyes again. Connor couldn’t understand why she kept doing that, but it was starting to annoy.
   ”You know, somehow when I look into your eyes I don’t see the raging, destructive man they describe,” she observed.
   Connor looked at her now, eyes narrowed. ”And what is it you see?” he asked.
She remained silent for a moment and then smiled sadly. ”Loneliness,” she said. Connor was taken back by this statement and the way it hit him made him feel uncomfortable. Why did that have such an effect on him?
   Connor arose and stepped out of the aisle. ”I’m not lonely,” he said.

   ”What could you possibly do to help me? You can’t change this,” Connor said, pointing to his hair.
   ”That is true to an extent ; you can not hide the truth. Our true colors always show here in Shano. However, there is always a way to change our appearance by our actions,” Zachariah said.
   Connor looked at him, eyes narrowed. “Don’t you get it? I can’t change who I am! No matter what I do to try to change, the anger – the hatred – it always wins,” he said.
    ”Of course it does. Because you do not believe that you can change. But I do, Connor. Everyone has the power within themselves to change who they are – if they truly believe the ability to change is in them,” Zachariah said.
   Connor sighed. This old man just didn’t get it. ”Believing you can change won’t make you change,” Connor mumbled.
   ”No…,” Zachariah began, leaving Connor wondering what could come next, “But it will give you the empowerment you need to do so,” he finished.  

   ”Sawyer, I told you to shut up!” Connor snapped.
”Oh, would you stop picking on Sawyer already?” Astrid said.
   ”Guys, come on, let’s stay positive here! Look, let’s head back to that cave we passed by earlier,” Alina cut in.
   ”Oh, yeah, go backwards, that makes sense.” Connor said, rolling his eyes.
Astrid scoffed as she turned toward Connor. ”Right now it’s the best option and that’s what we’re going to do,” she said as she turned back. Sawyer and Alina followed close behind.
   ”Who put you in charge?” Connor yelled out.
Astrid paused and turned back toward Connor. ”I did, since our real leader is too busy being a jerk to do any real leading here. Now either come with us or get lost,” she said firmly.

   He dreamed of Astrid, her body framed by the golden glow of the sun that set her eyes on fire. She stood by a lake surrounded by evergreen trees. The sun had started to go down and twilight had arrived. In the passing of the sun, her smile faded and in the darkness she was solemn and carried a heavy burden on her shoulders. Tears glistened in her eyes as she slowly turned, eyes locking onto his.
   This is when he saw himself. He was tall and menacing, his eyes burned with rage as he stared back at her. Astrid collapsed to the ground, drowning in her tears as he loomed over her.
He knelt down and lifted her chin so she would meet his gaze. His eyes softened slightly, but the rage returned in an instant and he struck her down.

I had so much fun writing Connor’s dream. It was one of those things that I hadn’t planned at all, but it just flowed and turned out to be a great opportunity to do some loose foreshadowing. I love when things like that happen! <3 

Let's Talk!

What are your thoughts on True Colors so far? Would you like to see more snippets in the future? Do you have any constructive criticism to share?

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Uncategorized

The Most Meaningful Lesson I’ve Learned as a Writer

By on Tuesday, March 20, 2018

Good afternoon, readers!

I’ve been writing since I was about 9 years old, but I didn’t start getting serious about it until I was around 13, which was 6 years ago now. 

I have written a lot since then – more short stories than I can count, approximately 5 bigger writing projects, and a few hundred blog posts. 
And after writing so many different things for so many years, you come to understand some of the most important lessons you have learned as a writer.

I’ve learned so much as a writer thanks to a lot of incredible people and resources I didn’t think I would ever have, but probably the most meaningful lesson I’ve learned as a writer is one I learned on my own. 

I’m a writer. The more I tell myself that, the more I believe it. And once you believe you’re a writer, it will never leave you.

Even during my dry seasons, when I just can’t seem to follow through with a story or open that Word Document and add some more words to my book,

Even when I feel like I can’t write anything good,

Even when I feel like giving up, the fact still remains that I am a writer and I always will be.

God designed me with the ability to visualize new worlds, arrange 26 letters into words that form a story full of heart and conflict, to be able to create characters for people to love and relate to. 

So no matter how down I get. No matter how many times I may want to quit, I know that I never will because this is who I am. The stories won’t stop coming to me just because I quit. They will always be there because;

I have the eyes of a writer.

I have the mind of a writer.

I have the heart of a writer.

And I will never let that go. 

It’s who God made me to be and I thank Him for that always.

Let's Talk!

What’s the most meaningful lesson you’ve learned as a writer? If you’re not a writer, what’s the most meaningful lesson you’ve learned as a reader?

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