Laura Frances's Blog, page 2
November 26, 2016
I'd go stark raving mad!
Who we are is greatly influenced by those who raised us. Their experiences, nuances, character traits, and how they treat us. In the same way, our stories and characters will be greatly influenced by our own experiences and values. It's called our worldview, and it's important to telling a compelling story.
I'll share a little of mine with you.
Since a very young age, I have struggled with social anxiety. Hyperaware of all my awkward movements, emotionally sensitive to negative or uncomfortable interactions, uncomfortable with attention and even excellence, fearing what the people around me are thinking in regards to my every move...these are just a few of the difficulties I've learned to live with over the years. It gets easier as you grow, but the most tumultuous years for me were high school. As if those years aren't hard enough, sometimes the fear and panic was debilitating. I close my eyes and can draw up dozens of memories of sitting in the bathroom stall not wanting to go back out, trying to look busy so no one would talk to me, dropping speech class after acing my first dramatic monologue-because even though it was an adrenaline rush to do it well, the idea of doing it again was terrifying.
This is where I draw from when I write. At thirty, I have found peace with who I am. I don't see my social awkwardness as the curse I thought it was for so long. I know I am wonderfully made by a Creator who understands what I need more than I do. My weakness makes me need Him. I'm okay with that.
But when I'm writing characters now, I can empathize with many of their feelings. When my character is panicking, I remember that physically. When they're feeling strong after overcoming a fear, I get that too. I feel it deep in my gut, because in some way-at some point in my life-I've been there.
This is my worldview. It is a place I can confidently write from, because I feel strongly about it and have lived it. Does that mean all my protagonists will be teen girls struggling with social anxiety? No. But it does mean that for me, my written works are heavily influenced by my passion for overcoming fear. Sometimes it will be subtle, other times the main theme. But it is always there, because it is part of my worldview...my manifesto.
I encourage you to take the time to examine what your worldview is. I'm always reminded of that scene in Everafter when Prince Henry says,
"I used to think that if I cared about anything, I'd have to care about everything. And I'd go stark raving mad! But now I've found my purpose..."
Decide what you care about. What do you feel strongly about? Allow yourself time to develop a solid worldview, and then let the words flow from a more meaningful place.
Always,
Laura
I'll share a little of mine with you.
Since a very young age, I have struggled with social anxiety. Hyperaware of all my awkward movements, emotionally sensitive to negative or uncomfortable interactions, uncomfortable with attention and even excellence, fearing what the people around me are thinking in regards to my every move...these are just a few of the difficulties I've learned to live with over the years. It gets easier as you grow, but the most tumultuous years for me were high school. As if those years aren't hard enough, sometimes the fear and panic was debilitating. I close my eyes and can draw up dozens of memories of sitting in the bathroom stall not wanting to go back out, trying to look busy so no one would talk to me, dropping speech class after acing my first dramatic monologue-because even though it was an adrenaline rush to do it well, the idea of doing it again was terrifying.
This is where I draw from when I write. At thirty, I have found peace with who I am. I don't see my social awkwardness as the curse I thought it was for so long. I know I am wonderfully made by a Creator who understands what I need more than I do. My weakness makes me need Him. I'm okay with that.
But when I'm writing characters now, I can empathize with many of their feelings. When my character is panicking, I remember that physically. When they're feeling strong after overcoming a fear, I get that too. I feel it deep in my gut, because in some way-at some point in my life-I've been there.
This is my worldview. It is a place I can confidently write from, because I feel strongly about it and have lived it. Does that mean all my protagonists will be teen girls struggling with social anxiety? No. But it does mean that for me, my written works are heavily influenced by my passion for overcoming fear. Sometimes it will be subtle, other times the main theme. But it is always there, because it is part of my worldview...my manifesto.
I encourage you to take the time to examine what your worldview is. I'm always reminded of that scene in Everafter when Prince Henry says,
"I used to think that if I cared about anything, I'd have to care about everything. And I'd go stark raving mad! But now I've found my purpose..."
Decide what you care about. What do you feel strongly about? Allow yourself time to develop a solid worldview, and then let the words flow from a more meaningful place.
Always,
Laura
November 24, 2016
Firsts...
Firsts have a tendency to be awkward. First dates, first meetings...first tweets. This is the first post on what is hopefully the last blog I will ever attempt to start. I have a sickness, you see. I love to write. But over the years, I have changed my direction as a writer so many times. And as a result, have started and stopped a number of blogs.
I recently published my first book in the Young Adult genre. I self-published, self-edited (wince), and made my own cover. (You can check it out here if you're curious.) As you can imagine, this is taking up most of my thought processes right now. I'm learning how to market via social media, connecting with other authors, and seeking reviews. I don't mind doing all these things. But the work is hard. As the sole member of my marketing team, I have to shoulder all of it.
Self-publishing has transformed over the last decade. Writers now have publishing opportunities at their fingertips! I remember a few years ago when I discovered self-publishing. All my dreams were suddenly within reach. But I'm sure you've heard it said: I wish I knew then what I know now. I discovered self-publishing...and I rushed into it. I finished a short novel and threw it on Kindle in 'first draft' condition. And while I still believe in the story, the quality was lacking immensely. Reviewers where kind, and thankfully I didn't tank as an author. But I learned some hard lessons over the last few years.
The intention of this blog is to talk all things writing and reading. I'll talk about what I've learned so far, and what I'm currently working on. I'll review books that I come across. I'll offer suggestions from one self-published author to another.
There are many authors much more knowledgeable than yours truly. But if I can help you along in your process in any way, I'll be happy to do that!
Happy Thanksgiving, friends!
I believe in you!
Always,
Laura Fran
I recently published my first book in the Young Adult genre. I self-published, self-edited (wince), and made my own cover. (You can check it out here if you're curious.) As you can imagine, this is taking up most of my thought processes right now. I'm learning how to market via social media, connecting with other authors, and seeking reviews. I don't mind doing all these things. But the work is hard. As the sole member of my marketing team, I have to shoulder all of it.
Self-publishing has transformed over the last decade. Writers now have publishing opportunities at their fingertips! I remember a few years ago when I discovered self-publishing. All my dreams were suddenly within reach. But I'm sure you've heard it said: I wish I knew then what I know now. I discovered self-publishing...and I rushed into it. I finished a short novel and threw it on Kindle in 'first draft' condition. And while I still believe in the story, the quality was lacking immensely. Reviewers where kind, and thankfully I didn't tank as an author. But I learned some hard lessons over the last few years.
The intention of this blog is to talk all things writing and reading. I'll talk about what I've learned so far, and what I'm currently working on. I'll review books that I come across. I'll offer suggestions from one self-published author to another.
There are many authors much more knowledgeable than yours truly. But if I can help you along in your process in any way, I'll be happy to do that!
Happy Thanksgiving, friends!
I believe in you!
Always,
Laura Fran
