Friday, September 26, 2008

STRESS BUSTERS


What do you do for stress relief? You know, when the revision, re-revision blues set in. Or if you're like me, an unpublished author with a DAY JOB, taking writing classes, finding time to work on your WIP and trying to write the next best selling novel.


I read to relax or sketch, as you can see from the inserted picture that I did. (For those who don't know, that's Nightcrawler from the X-MEN.) But, am I really relaxing? Yes and no, I am usually relaxing for the most part but, if I'm reading I am noticing the style and voice of the author. I trying to figure out how she inserts humor at all the right times. I'm picking apart chapters for HOOKS. And looking for a satisfying ending or enough of one to lead me to the next book in the series.


So, when I'm sketching I'm relaxing, right? Yes and no, if I'm sketching an already known character, then yes right? No, I tend to sketch very imaginative creatures or people like, witches, wizards, demons, sword toting women etc. I also like to sketch the characters that I am developing in my WIPs. It helps to make them more real when I'm fleshing them out.


Hence the saying a writer is always working. I never really understood that saying until I started writing. Now I can't watch a movie without analyzing dialogue. LOL

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Blog changes


Hopefully this week, you will see some cool additions to Dark Whisper Blog Page. I am working on adding some videos, an introduction to the blog and news and article features. As a writer I know I am always looking for information and news regarding the craft of writing and publication.


I hope to have some of the changes completed by the end of this week. I enjoy visiting authors sites like Kim Harrison, Rachel Vincent and others, because they blog almost daily and have alot of interesting things to check out on their sites. I really enjoy Kim's format of answering fan questions usually within twenty-four to seventy-two hours (depends on if it's a weekend or holiday).


Anyway, I found this cute long sleve tee shirt at the top of my post at writer's stuff. I might order it:)


Later,

Melissa

Monday, September 22, 2008

Tools of the Trade

Thought I'd show the tools of the trade. Notice the cup of Java? Absoutely essential when you work a full-time day job, take writing classes and still have to find time to work on your manuscript/book. Today, it's playing catch -up with homework assignments, giving at least a good couple of hours to my WIP then off to work for a 12 hour night shift. Whew!

Yes, that's the teaser poster for True Blood on HBO. I don't get to watch it. (Struggling writer here:) can't afford HBO.) But, I have seen a couple of trailers via my computer. It looks pretty good. I've already read all of the Charlaine Harris books that it's based on. Hope it does well. Maybe my favorite author (Kim Harrison) will get her stuff turned into a movie. Fingers crosses while saying it. Well gotta go. WIP and homework is waiting.

Melissa

Saturday, September 20, 2008

Aspiring Writer

I'm an urban fantasy reader so, that's what I write. I am working on not one but, two manuscripts now with the help of my critique partners. Which made me wonder... How many of you guys are aspiring writers? If so, what are you currently working on? And how far are you in the process? Are you planning to write in only one genre or several? I currently am polishing off one manuscript, writing another and finished a short story for a upcoming contest. I will be looking for an agent soon.