Posted by Laurie DeSalvo Dec 31 2009, 12:01 am in resolutions, taking risks
It’s that time of year. Everyone is talking about New Year’s resolutions, planning, goal setting, and all that good stuff we believe will change our life for the better in 2010. I want to talk about a something different. In fact, something different is the very subject I want to broach.
This year, I am taking on a challenge to try something different with my writing.
I don’t mean trying a new process, taking a different approach to the same line or market, or just starting a new story. I mean stepping out of the comfort zone to write in two new subgenres. In the past I have said I would never, ever write in these areas. Why? Because I developed a vision of myself as a writer. A tagline for my writer identify. You know how the sentence goes–it’s what you tell people at conferences or friends who ask what you write: “I write quirky but sexy contemporary romance.” Of course, it’s great to brand yourself. However, for an unpublished author, still finding her niche, maybe the branding should be more like…penciling.
I have begun thinking this way because lately, I have hit a wall in the creativity department. For instance, in the last manuscript I drafted, the people sounded a little too much like people I created in another story. The words sounded too familiar. I felt hemmed in by my own expectations of the type of story I normally write. So I took a step back and asked myself a question:
Am I brimming with passion about this story?
The answer was no.
Uh oh, I thought. That’s not good. If I’m not connected, the reader won’t connect either. Furthermore, the books and subgenres I have felt most connected to in the last year are not in the same subgenre I have been writing.
Could it be that I changed and grew but I didn’t bother to let myself grow in my writing? What if the perfect subgenre is out there waiting and I haven’t tried to write it yet? Or what if I need to take the kinds of stories I am writing and shift them into something fresh and different?
So I am turning over a new leaf and a new year. This doesn’t mean that I am abandoning the kinds of stories I have written in the past, but it does mean I am expanding my toolbox. Who knows, maybe that magical moment will arrive where I just know this is where I belong. Or maybe it will be a bust. Either way, I will grow creatively by exploring new worlds, in new ways, with new ideas. I will walk forth with a fresh and different perspective that can only add to my work in the future.
What about you? Are you trying something different in 2010?
Posted by Tamara Hogan Dec 30 2009, 12:01 am in TV/movies, villains
I’m riveted by fictional villains. Sociopaths, psychotics, psychopaths, megalomaniacs, “The Big Bad”…whatever you call them, whatever their psychological damage – bring ‘em on.
Posted by Vivi Andrews Dec 29 2009, 12:15 am in ebook, jitters, new releases, Serengeti Storm, TV/movies
This weekend I saw the movie Nine. I adore Rob Marshall (director of Chicago), and I found myself duly wowed by the visual candy even as I was wrenched by the wrenching emotional drama. Nine, for those who’ve never heard of the Broadway play or current film adaptation, is the story of Guido Contini, an [...]
Posted by Danniele Worsham Dec 28 2009, 8:00 am in goals, motivation, resolutions
As each year draws to a close, I always find myself contemplating the coming year as if it were a blank slate – an opportunity to strive for something new and exciting. And being the plotter that I am, I must set a concrete path before me or I’ll get to the end of the [...]
Posted by admin Dec 24 2009, 12:01 am
The Ruby-Slippered Sisterhood wishes everyone a wonderful holiday season.
Posted by Shoshana Brown Dec 22 2009, 12:01 am in writing process
Long, long ago, I began my first manuscript. The words were flowing, and I was having a great time. And then, right around the time I finished Chapter 5, I got a brilliant idea. The kind of idea that was sure to land me an agent, earn me a six-figure advance, and catapult me to [...]
Posted by Jeannie Lin Dec 21 2009, 12:01 am in craft, fight scenes, TV/movies, writing tips
I knew when I sat down to write a story that I wanted to have swords in it. But I didn’t know a thing about how to write action. That breathtaking fight plays out well on the movie screen, but in writing? Turns out the best way to write an action scene is to NOT [...]
Posted by Diana Layne Dec 18 2009, 12:01 am in east german judge, facing rejection, handling criticism, perseverance
Ever feel like you’re a target on a bop bag? I’m not a betting person, but one bet I’d win: If you write targeting publication long enough, you’re gonna get knocked down. And if you want to survive and thrive in this business, you gotta learn to not stay flat on your rear, but bounce [...]
Posted by Rita Henuber Dec 17 2009, 12:01 am in helpful links, research
101 Research Sites Okay maybe it isn’t 101, but it’s close. I’m hoping my Sisters will come up with enough suggestions to make it to that number. I’m beginning with blogs and the number one is the Ruby Sisters. Any time you need us we are here. Ask a question. Don’t be shy. We all [...]
Posted by Liz Talley Dec 16 2009, 12:01 am in ideas, inspiration, muse
So does the title for today’s blog sound familiar to you? I know it does because every non-writer friend and family member has likely asked you, “How do you come up with the ideas for your stories?” My answer: It popped into my head.
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