A Glimpse into My Writing Space

My Writing Nook

It’s all about the ambiance.

When I first started writing (see earlier posts My Why or Two cents), I had a composition notebook and an idea.

As I thought about it, I began jotting things down. I wouldn’t even say it was a book yet. I just had thoughts that I wanted to get to paper immediately, so I did. I drew; I scribbled; I brainstormed; I wrote. When I had the time, I’d then copy what I had written to a Word document.

Since I wrote Nav’Aria: The Marked Heir over the years, I took it all over the world. With my notebook or laptop, I could write essentially anywhere! Though I am easily distracted, especially at coffee shops. I love going there for chats with my girlfriends, but not for writing.

That is why I declared recently to my husband, “I NEED A WRITING SPACE.” And so here I am, sitting in my new office, feeling tremendously thankful, excited, and FOCUSED. This room radiates inspiration for me.

Build a Space that Breeds Creativity

Décor—

I wanted an area where I could have my books, knickknacks, and travel memorabilia around me. And I truly believe that it helps! Since claiming this space, I have already hammered out thousands of words. The creative juices are flowing!!

Music—

I have a passion for music, yet often it diverts my attention. As a vocalist, I like to hear other singers, listen to the lyrics, or sing along. I can’t write and sing at the same time, so I listen to classical music while I write. I love it… and so do my Pomeranians! They always have a good rest during writing time. Presently, they’re snoozing to Franz Schubert on Spotify.

Company—

Speaking of Pomeranians, it must be said, that they make for the best writing companions. Drogo and Nala love to rest in my office (I have beds available for them!), and this also brings comfort knowing they’re with me.

Lighting—

And lastly, I am a lamp girl all the way! I have two lamps in my office and am considering a third. I like having the nice lighting and a diffuser going. Again, it is all about the ambiance.

All of these together, create the perfect writing environment for ME personally. You may be reading this and thinking, NONE of that sounds appealing, and that is alright. We each have our own tendencies, and as a writer, it is important to find what works for you.

You Need Your Own Work Space (A Space that Works for You!)

I am not one to run out of ideas or words typically, but the motivation to actually sit down and write is another matter. By creating a designated, and welcoming space, I have now created an area that I want to frequent daily, and thus, I am creating at a much higher, and more consistent level than ever before.

“Protect the time and space in which you write. Keep everybody away from it, even the people who are most important to you.” — Zadie Smith

If you are considering writing, my best advice to you is (see my Two Cents post) to identify what space you create best in and try to accomplish that if/when possible.

Eliminate whatever distractions necessary to achieve your writing goals.

Having my own office has been incredible, but I realize that it was something that I had to work toward over the years. I hope that the designated space pays off, and you’re able to read the many works created in this very room.

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And what about you? Where do you like to write? Do you have a designated space? What is your preferred “ambiance” while writing? Let me know in the comments!

Most importantly, JUST KEEP WRITING. Speaking of which, I better get back to my manuscript!

Until next time!

January 25, 2019January 26, 2019

My two cents on the writing process!

Write it Down

There may be a story bouncing around in your head right now, that needs to get out on paper! WRITE IT DOWN. TYPE IT OUT. Plot, if you must. Whatever and however you can get that story written out is the key. It’s all part of the writing process— and to be clear, I mean YOUR writing process.

Now, yes, you may be thinking that is not what your professor, teacher, parent, favorite author told you, and that is fine. That is not what I was told either. And while sure, there is a method to writing compelling prose, and engaging readers with fascinating characters and settings which fit your specified genre and age group, you shouldn’t fixate solely on that- at least not initially, or else you run the risk of missing out on the creative journey.

“No tears in the writer, no tears in the reader. No surprise in the writer, no surprise in the reader” – Robert Frost

I spent countless hours researching the “how to’s” of plotting, worldbuilding, character development, editing, publishing, marketing- all of it. I think research is good, and ESPECIALLY important if you plan on trying to publish this beast, but don’t get overwhelmed over the next steps before even taking the first step!

The first critical step is to WRITE IT DOWN. You can’t do any of the above until you get the project started. Too often, we read about someone else’s process or work, and then compare it to our own. I don’t have an office like he does. I don’t have time to write like she does. I don’t have an English degree. I can’t afford to go to writing conferences. I can’t turn a phrase like _________. Sanderson is a writing machine; “I’m not worthy” (ok maybe that last one is just me… Brandon Sanderson is my hero).

The truth is: We all write in our own way.

If you can write what you want—even if that breaks from the norm—your passion will shine, and with it, your authenticity as a writer.

“So write your story as it needs to be written. Write it honestly, and tell it as best you can. I’m not sure that there are any other rules. Not ones that matter.” — Neil Gaiman

That is what makes new works so refreshing. I’ve read interviews where J.K. Rowling shared how she wrote the ending of Book 7 first–on napkins!–and then unraveled the story back to the beginning. I watched an interview with Nicholas Sparks who explained that he writes every day. I read that George R.R. Martin is more of a free-flowing writer, while Brandon Sanderson is an advocate for outlining. (He’d have to be, to make his whole Cosmere universe make sense!)

Though it is important to remember, that what worked for them, may or may not work for you.

Despite their differences, these writers do share one commonality however—they wrote their stories down. Their process, timeline and overall writing journey may vary, but they did it. They didn’t vacillate and let the fear of the unknown or the fear of rejection deter them from putting words on the page. Their ideas made it to the page and were then shaped into great stories.

“Focus more on your desire than on your doubt, and the dream will take care of itself.” —Mark Twain

You have to start with page one. Word one. No title? So what?! It will come. Start writing. Don’t think about if and how you can get to page twenty, or if you could ever reach 50,000 words or 100,000 words. Don’t even worry about the ending, or if it all flows together! Just start with one word. Form a sentence, create characters, and build a story. Eventually, your words will flow into chapters, and soon you will have a first draft. Way to go!

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Not the Traditional Way—And That’s OKAY!

I have learned a lot throughout my writing process. I started Nav’Aria: The Marked Heir eight years ago (see former blog post My “Why”) and did everything wrong according to most “writing tips”.

» I started writing/creating without an outline one day while working as a substitute teacher.
» I shared it all with my dad chapter by chapter.
» I took huge breaks in between writing, sometimes years while teaching.
» I edited and revised each chunk of content before moving on to write more.
» I hand-wrote large portions of it in a notebook, before typing. You see my point….

I didn’t write this book in a traditional way, and that is ok with me. Honestly, that is better than ok with me, because now when I look back at this book, I can honestly say, “look how far we’ve come!”

Honing My Craft

Moving forward however, I can use what I have learned to better improve my craft… and process.

» I have a new home office dedicated to writing. (It sure beats a composition notebook in a classroom full of teenagers!)
» I am keeping this project (sequel) more private by writing the first draft BEFORE sharing it with anyone… my dad included! Read some great writing advice here.
» I have an end goal, but I still do not use a traditional outline or know exactly where I’m headed chapter to chapter. (I write the first draft and then go back through to make the connections, make an outline, then add rewrites/revisions).

As I said, what works for me or other writers, may or may not work for you. That’s alright. That’s the beauty of being the one doing the creating.

I can’t wait to see what works you come up with! Happy Writing.

December 31, 2018January 2, 2019

One Gritty Unicorn

Do you remember being a child and visiting your grandparents’ home? Were there old treasures or heirlooms hidden amongst their possessions? Did the home smell of dust, perfume, or flowers?

I’ll admit, I did not have the closest relationship with my Grandpa, yet I do remember everything about his home, from the heavy cigar smoke, lingering smell of bacon from breakfast, to the gorgeous views at his mountain home. As a child I remember wandering around inspecting his unique art, books, plants, all while trying to avoid his terrifying, MASSIVE German Shepherd (don’t get me wrong, I grew up with German Shepherds myself and love them, but Clark was particularly aggressive and liked to nip when he could. My younger brothers can attest to that!).

My exploring usually took me to the painting, “The Beginning of the End” by Gene Waggoner, where my Grandpa would find me staring in wonder. The painting depicts a unicorn, but not just any unicorn. This creature was gritty, worn down, and dejected. It did not resemble the unicorns that I had seen as a child in stories and cartoons. I LOVED IT. This raw image alit my imagination.

When my Grandpa passed away in 2006, he left the painting to me. Gene Waggoner Artist

Over the years, I’ve taken the painting with me EVERYWHERE. It is presently hanging in my home office. As I look upon it even now, I wonder: What events has that unicorn gone through? What trials must it have faced?

This image inspired my own writing as I began to imagine unicorns at the forefront of a story rather than as the pretty, mythical creature sighted in a forest clearing or as the target of a hunt. I wanted more for a unicorn in a story. I wanted to see them as the main characters- the heroes and warriors- and so I wrote Nav’Aria: The Marked Heir with that in mind.

I hope you enjoy this depiction of unicorns. Maybe now you’ll see these impressive creatures in a new light as EPIC warriors and sentient characters.

December 15, 2018January 2, 2019

My “Why”

I started writing Nav’Aria while working as a substitute teacher in 2011. I had finished the novel I was reading by 3rd Period. For anyone who has ever substitute taught, you know that that does not bode well for your day. The students were testing. Without a book I faced a LONG day with nothing to do besides keeping an eye on the class to ensure the students eyes’ didn’t wander, etc.

As I sat there, I grabbed a notebook out of my purse (always have one just in case I have an idea or come across something I don’t want to forget) and began writing. My Grandpa had gifted me a painting of a unique unicorn that initially inspired my story. My youngest brother had recently showed me his new tattoo. As I sat observing the teenagers, I pondered the idea of warring unicorns, and a teen with a tattoo on his hand. Somehow my random musings, turned into the first pages of my book, Nav’Aria: The Marked Heir.

The story evolved into a little hobby—my secret summer project when I wasn’t teaching high school History. My family knew, but I kept it pretty quiet otherwise as I plugged along.

My husband and I adopted our daughter in 2017, and it was then that I got the inspiration needed to write the entire second half of the book in a two-week span. I PUMPED IT OUT. Apparently, that’s what had been missing: My why!

Did I actually want to finish this story? If so, why? Would I finally admit that I wasn’t just dabbling but actually had written a book? Did I really want to go after my goal of becoming an author, or stay complacent with half a manuscript?

***

Adoption has always had a huge place in my heart—and my writing!—and after years of working with struggling teens and then adopting my daughter, I realized that I wanted to finish the book for her- ‘for the “Darions” of the world’.

Darion’s story is not unique. Okay, let me back up… yes, having a glowing arm, encounters with unicorns, and living in a parallel universe is EPIC, but the idea of longing for a family, searching for his identity, and questioning his worth, is unfortunately, something many young people face today. There are millions of orphans globally, and thousands of kids in the U.S. who cannot go home due to tragic or dangerous circumstances.

Call-to-action!

How can you help a child TODAY? Perhaps begin the adoption process if you feel so led; Become a foster-parent or CASA volunteer; Sponsor a child in a third-world orphanage; Give to your local CPS; Donate to a reputable organization that helps women with micro-loans or children with school fees; Volunteer with a mentor program; Coach or sponsor an activity; Support a family from your church or school with foster kids. Whatever it is, help! Together, WE can support these children in their quest to belong.

And for the “Darions” reading this!

The teens struggling with self-doubt, loss, and a lack of family stability, I want to speak to you. YOU ARE IMPORTANT. YOU have a purpose. YOU have overcome much, and you can do much in your life. Seek positive role-models and influences. If you’re in a dangerous situation, please seek help. If you’re struggling with suicidal/depressive thoughts, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255. Keep working. Keep trying. Keep believing. And more than anything, remember:

YOU matter.

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Check out Nav’Aria: The Marked Heir and let me know what you think! Stay tuned for the sequel, Nav’Aria: The Pyre of Tarsin, to see how Darion will handle his ever-changing family bonds.

December 12, 2018January 2, 2019

Origin

When I was nine-years-old, my family moved from the beautiful state of Oregon, to the foreign land of Eastern Montana. Alright, so maybe its not “foreign” but in my child-like mind, it seemed anything but “home”, “beautiful”, or “exciting”. I had gone from having a HUGE extended family, a great circle of friends, a nice house, and room to roam in the Oregon forests, to a rental home in Billings, MT with no friends, no nearby relatives, and a lack of expectations for the future. My brothers became (and still are!) my greatest companions as we navigated the next chapter of our lives.

My parents bought 20 acres and built a log-home that we lived in until I was a Junior in high school. Though I would have NEVER admitted it at the time, that period- that simple, rural upbringing, was fundamentally the BEST possible scenario for my imagination to thrive. You see, we didn’t have much in the form of money, toys, or sources of entertainment- so we made it up! My brothers and I wandered the countryside pretending to be Ninja Turtles, Power Rangers, cowboys, archaeologists, explorers- you name it.

Another way I occupied my time, was with books from the library. From an early age, I had always loved stories- especially ones including different cultures or magical elements. My Dad, an avid reader himself, introduced me to historical fiction and Fantasy early on (my two favorite genres to this day!). Together we read, the Narnia series by C.S. Lewis, Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling, the Belgariad series by David Eddings. By 7^th Grade, I was reading Eye of the World (Book 1 of The Wheel of Time) by the late, great Robert Jordan. By high school, I was reading anything by Robert Jordan and Terry Goodkind, and by college, I read Brandon Sanderson and George R.R. Martin. My love for Fantasy influenced my aspiration to travel- to observe and appreciate the wonder and beauty of peoples unlike myself, to identify and learn about more historical/political themes, and to search for the good in others.

My obsession with reading was an escape-yes, but it grew beyond that. Stories became a part of me.

Epic tales are what fuel me, motivate me, and impact my teaching and parenting. We can learn so much from stories- fiction AND non-fiction. The universal good vs. evil themes, or the idea of overcoming great obstacles, perseverance, hope, faith, honesty, integrity, love, standing up for others, courage- there are boundless themes that shape us and impact our lives.

So, here I am a 32-year-old woman in Billings, MT publishing my first novel, Nav’Aria: The Marked Heir (Adult Fantasy). That confused, bitter, hurt kid would have never guessed that through that move- that simple country life- would have led her to this particular moment in adulthood when she was THANKFUL to have grown up in rural Montana, where her imagination roamed across the wild prairies of the Big Sky State