Sunday, March 29, 2009
Book of the Month
Miley Cyrus's autobiography Miles to Go. In case you haven't heard, Miley is the star of the Disney show Hannah Montana, a show about a girl who is just your average kid half of the time, and secretly a pop superstar for the rest. Cyrus is also a very successful recording artist in her own right, with her latest album debuting at no.1 on the billboard charts. She may be only sixteen, but this girl is one of the most influential people in showbiz, so I was interested in what she had to say. (Who am I kidding...I bought it because I am a hardcore Miley fan.)
I am giving this 'book of the month' because it is one of the most open and honest biographies I have read. There are some incredibly sad moments and some very funny ones and overall it really gives a detailed insight into Miley's life. She may seem like someone who has it all, but this book tells how hard she worked to get where she is and the struggles she still faces.
I was really impressed with the detail she went into when discussing bullying, relationships and family. She talks about the reality of the media - that she doesn't really have that unattainable body that is portrayed in her photoshopped pictures.
It is geared towards a young readership, so if you're not already a Miley fan, (closet or otherwise) you should probably steer clear. But this is a great read for young girls and us older Miley fans.
Favorite quote: 'There are multiple sides to all of us. Who we are - and who we might be if we follow our dreams.'
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Monday, March 23, 2009
Done your Research?
"It's true that fiction relies on certain suspension of belief, but that won't occur if the reader senses poor research and a false presentation." Katherine Ramsland, The Criminal Mind - A Writer's Guide to Forensic Psychology
So true! Research is vital in order to have a convincing story. I used to think research was only for authors writing about very specific scenarios - like courtroom trials or autopsies. Then I found that most fiction requires detailed research, not just regarding the location in which the book is set, but also when considering character traits.
For example, a cold-blooded serial killer who possesses no signs of psychopathic traits or personality disorder will not prove very convincing. In contrast, subtle suggestions dotted throughout the story will make for a convincing character and contribute towards a satisfying plot.
The Internet is a great source of information, but for detailed case studies on areas such as psychology, law and forensics, professional journals provide invaluable aids. Some examples:
The American Journal of Forensic Psychology
Criminal Behaviour and Mental Health
The Journal of Social Psychology
Research doesn't have to be confined to the planning stages of your novel, it can be an ongoing pursuit throughout the writing process.
I spent today in the library doing research for my second novel and I left buzzing with ideas!
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Put Something On!
image source: we ♥ it
One thing I noticed when revising novel number one, was that my main character wore absolutely no clothes. Well maybe she did...but I never thought to mention them. Silly really, because she is 17, and 17 year-olds have a lot of clothes. So in the next draft I gave her some kick-ass outfits.
At first I found it difficult to come up with exciting outfits for her. I find it almost impossible to think up of outfits in my head, or to accurately describe clothes from memory. So I decided to use pictures. Initially I used magazine clippings. Although I have found some great outfits in magazines, sometimes they are just too 'styled', or too ridiculously expensive, even for an imaginary bank balance!
Then I discovered...fashion blogs. Places where real people with real budgets show off their latest finds from H&M and Zara and the like. I can spend hours trawling through these sites looking for the perfect ensembles for my characters.
Fancy giving it a go? Here are some fashion blogs to get you started:
Tip: Do remember to subtly incorporate outfits into the narrative and avoid needless lengthy descriptions.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Fun Times
image source: we ♥ it
The Dublin Saint Patrick's day parade was super fun. Unfortunately due to my limited stature, i could not see marchers that were not on stilts...but it was enjoyable nonetheless! I shall bring a pair of shoes similar to those above for next time. Afterwards we went to Jimmy Chung's all you can eat chinese buffet. Not very Irish but certainly delicious.
I just realised that I have sooooo much writing stuff to do this week! Lots of competition and grant application deadlines looming. Eek!
Happy St Patrick's Day Everyone!
Off I go to the Dublin parade. I have never been so I am very excited!
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Yay!
Stuff I ♥
image source: we ♥ it
♥Slumdog Millionaire - I really enjoyed this movie. Beautifully shot with a super soundtrack, it is just marvelous. Definitely deserved it's Best Picture Oscar.
♥Forever 21 - I bought two pairs of extremely comfortable denims from this store when I was in NY last May, and after many many washes they are still going strong.
♥Tea - I always have and always will enjoy a nice cup of tea!
And some extra love for....
Monday, March 9, 2009
A Beautiful Beginning
image source: we ♥ it
Be sure to put lots and lots of thought into the opening lines of your story or novel. You've got to have a great opening. It is an absolute necessity! This not only applies to those of us who are trying to impress agents and editors, but also those who plan to self-publish.
Basically there are three types of people in a bookshop:
1. The (Wo)Man on a Mission- someone who is looking for a book that has been recommended to them by a friend or colleague, or a book they have seen reviewed in the paper or on T.V. etc.
2. The Casual Browser - someone who is looking for a good book and who will go with whatever catches their eye.
3. Darren - an Engineer who never reads fiction but continually finds himself being dragged into bookshops because he has been lucky(?) enough to land a writer.....i.e. my boyfriend!
Once the (Wo)man on a mission has found what they were looking for, they often tuck their find under their arm and morph into the browser. When people are browsing books there are three things that determine whether or not they trot up to the cash desk.
1: The cover
2: The blurb
3: The first few lines - (the deal-breaker.)
I was in Easons bookshop in my hometown today. I went in with the intention of buying a magazine, but as usual gravitated towards the book section. I picked up Sophie Hannah's latest psychological thriller, The other half lives.
The cover isn't particularly eye-catching, but the title grabbed my attention.
The blurb was a real winner 'Why would anyone confess to the murder of someone who isn't dead?' (you're interested aren't you?!)
And the first line was..."I didn't want to go first."
I was immediately enthralled by this. I definitely wanted to find out what this character's deal was. So I made my way to the cash-desk and bought the book. Then I started to think just how important first lines are! The first line has become more important regarding purchases made through online bookstores too, with the introduction of the 'look-inside' facility, where shoppers can look at sample pages, including the first one.
Would you agree that the quality of the first few lines is a real deal-breaker?
"The truth is rarely pure and never simple. Modern life would be very tedious if it were either, and modern literature a complete impossibility!"
image source: dvd beaver
This is my all time favorite play. It is wonderfully funny and clever and has so many quotable lines! I read it before seeing it in the theatre, and enjoyed reading the text just as much as watching it on stage . I've seen one very good amateur production of it, but would love to see a professional one.
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Saturday Secret
image source: we♥it
I must confess that I haven't read many 'classic' novels at all. One of my resolutions was to read more this year. I recently bought I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith and Portrait of a Lady by Henry James. Do you especially recommend any other classics? I've read Jane Austen, Dickens and the Bronte sisters, but not very many beyond this. I spent a year studying drama and read most of the classic plays, so I console myself with this fact!
Friday, March 6, 2009
Start at the End
image source: we ♥ it
Write the beginning, then the middle, then the end. Why should it have to be like this? One of the best pieces of writing advice I ever got was - write the end before you get there. That way the end can never be unachievable, because it's right there in front of you. All you have to do is fill in the middle!
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Something Special
INKwell workshops are brilliant! I have attended several of them over the past two years. The first one I went to was entitled 'Women's Commercial Fiction'. My Mum saw the advert in the Times and cut in out to give to me. I am so grateful that she did! One of the speakers at the workshop was bestselling author Sarah Webb and she gave some really great advice. I am sure that I would not have completed my first novel within a year had it not been for this superb workshop. I also attended an INKwell crime writing workshop and got to meet the wonderful Alex Barclay and listen to her fantastic advice.
INKwell Workshops are affordable, convenient and above all amazingly inspiring.
INKwell website: http://www.inkwellwriters.ie
Just wanted to say a very big...
(image: creative commons)
to everyone who is following and commenting on my blog! I am new to this game so I am eternally grateful to you all.
Much love,
Laura x
"I write songs so that the person I didn't say those words to can hear them."
image source: nylon magazine
I read this quote by Taylor Swift yesterday. I really identified with it, as I tend to put a lot of what I didn't say into my books. I think this is a good thing, as it keeps characters interesting.
One of the problems i encountered with my second draft of novel number one, was that my character Jacki was too ordinary. I was told that in order to be able to carry a series of books, my main character had to be lovable - not just likeable. She had to be amazing in some way.
So I started to make her just that. That come-back that I didn't think up of until afterwards - Jacki came up with it straight away. Those words that I was much too frightened to say - Jacki said them. Those things that I was way too cautious to do - Jacki did them. Remember not to make your main character too realistic. Make her the kind of person that readers would like to be.
Twilight's Bella Swan is realistic in some ways - she's clumsy for example, but in other ways she's amazingly witty and strong-willed. Thus her character was interesting enough to carry four books. Sure, painfully realistic main characters can be interesting, but they rarely excite the reader enough to maintain their interest beyond one novel. So if you're thinking of writing a series, give lots and lots of thought to your main character, and to how their personality could be a real page-turner.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Fighting Words
image source: http://fightingwords.ie
It was such a fun experience. The students I worked with wrote a story about two goldfish, one of whom loved watching the Antiques Roadshow and pondering how much the pebble he sat on was worth!
They are still accepting volunteer applications so check out their website if you live in Ireland and are interested in sharing your love of writing. And you'll get to meet lots of other volunteers who love writing too!
Monday, March 2, 2009
Something Inspirational
One of my all time favourite quotes - by Dr. Seuss. Today is his 105th birthday!
Google.co.uk celebrated it in style with the above header.
The 3 books every writer should own
image source: foundddd!
●Writer's and Artist's Yearbook - includes detailed listings of agents, publishers, magazines/newspapers, competitions and events as well as a handful of superbly helpful articles by published writers.
●The Elements of Style by Strunk and White- the grammar bible and probably the only book on grammar that you will need.
●On Writing by Stephen King- I have seen this recommended by writers from all genres, over and over again. Part memoir, part guide book, all parts inspirational. You need this book!
There are so many other books to choose from. These are definitely my top three though. I'd love to hear your thoughts. Any other suggestions?
Laura x
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Things I ♥
image source: lovebot
♥The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold. My favourite book. No description would do it justice! I'm looking forward to the film adaptation directed by Peter Jackson. It's due out this December. The Irish actress Saoirse Ronan was cast as Susie Salmon. What a super role to win.
♥Notorious. The new Biggie Smalls film. I went with the 'lil bro and really enjoyed it. Are rappers modern poets? This film really made me ponder this. Now I think that they are.
And some extra love for...
♡The Wow (Women on Writing) blog. It includes lots of wonderful tips, info and inspiration for writers as well as links to lots of writer's blogs.
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