Gather ’round for some blogging fun. Today we celebrate the random in lists of thirteen whatevers.
Tag: Darla
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What is a Novel?
As I type this far ahead of time in anticipation of my National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) participation, I’m thinking nearly constantly about what I want to write. I’ve still got nearly the whole of October, though, so I’m silly to be so obsessed.
All the same, it’s led me to wonder just what defines a novel. The word is a noun, obviously. Answers.com offers these definitions:
1. A fictional prose narrative of considerable length, typically having a plot that is unfolded by the actions, speech, and thoughts of the characters.
2. The literary genre represented by novels.The word is also an adjective: Strikingly new, unusual, or different.
More than anything, I would say this defines what I really want to produce next month. Let’s hope I’m well on my way. Happy writing and/or reading to you!
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Developing Character
I’m increasingly interested in whether other writers use some form of character sheet. Even if done haphazardly, it’s a practice that seems increasingly vital as I have so many different WIPs in various stages of completion.
I’ve seen all sorts of questionnaires and charts but still haven’t really utilized them. I mainly started doing some basic listing of character traits so that I don’t forget details. It seems like the plots develop my characters and vice versa, not like a character wakes up in my brain and demands a say.
The more likely scenario is that a scene from a dream kicks off a tale. It might even be something more esoteric like a strange phrase or unusual name popping into my head. Then, the characters grow from what I put on the page. Some days the process does feel almost like I’m taking dictation. I love when that happens.
If you write, what is your method? I’d enjoy learning how different folks create their unique voices for story.
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Thursday Thirteen
It’s that day of the week again. We hope you enjoy this fun blogging tradition:
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NaNoWriMo
If you’re involved in the writing community, you’ve surely seen these NaNoWriMo participation badges in various shapes and sizes. As I write this a few weeks in advance, I can only hope my opening effort honors the event.
To be honest, I am equally excited and nervous at the moment. Writing has never created such a mix of emotions before. I’m telling myself this is a good thing. A minor shake-up is good for us, right?Time will tell if I have that many words in me for one story. So far, I’ve tended to author much shorter pieces. In fact, such a tale is due to be published any day in a science fiction m/m erotica anthology. So I should be on cloud nine anyway, right? That said, I guess I am.
Breathe, Darla. Better.
So much of every day’s outcome depends upon our attitude, right? And taking things day by day is the only way to reach any goal. I hope your attitude is great, your day is good, and that you’re joining me in the truly international National Novel Writing Month.
May good things come your way whatever you choose to do!
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Thursday Thirteen
Photos, quotes, movie titles, you never know what you’ll get on a random Thursday list. Come join us in seeing what’s up:
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Stopping to Smell the Roses
My pause along the side of the road didn’t actually involve flowers. All the same, the analogy fits and I can’t resist sharing.
The other day I watched a hawk practically fall out of the sky. Without anyone driving behind me, I literally pulled the car over to see what the creature would do as it obviously alighted upon some prey.
Sure enough, the bird used its talons to strangle the life out of something. That sounds harsh, but the savage beauty completely captivated me.
As I stared the creature leaned back, lifted shoulders shifting its wings, and appeared for all the world like a person stomping on something. Then the bird used that wicked beak to lift the now-limp form, flipped it in the air, and swallowed the mole with one gulp.
Still with no cars coming up behind me, I nonetheless resumed my drive as the hawk took flight. We matched speed at around twenty-five miles per hour for several yards before the majestic creature settled on a perch, presumably to digest.
So, that was my minor brush with nature’s raw beauty. Have you seen anything amazing lately? I’d love to hear about it.