Sam Stone's Blog, page 20
November 6, 2011
Where ideas come from ...
This morning I woke at six am, and thinking it was an unGodly hour to get up on a Sunday, decided to make myself go back to sleep. That's easier in Autumn, as the morning was still very dark and so I let my mind drift onto the current novel, and posed myself a problem as I fell asleep. When I woke, two and a half hours later, the problem was solved and I could see for the first time all of the story for this book laid out before me. And particularly the extra plots that would be running through it, which was the subject of my problem.
This is one of the ways that ideas form for me - or indeed how literary problems sort themselves out.
David J Howe calls this the 'What if ...' and that's a good way of starting to thinking about what I perceive as 'the problem'. You can see his thoughts on 'The Power of If ...' HERE.
Half sleep germination has its problems of course. You could go back into full sleep and completely forget the idea that seemed so viable when you were drifting off. I know a few writers who keep a notebook beside the bed for such moments. That's never really worked for me though as I prefer to brood on ideas before committing them to the page in any form.
The other thing I do is people watch. Sometimes I don't even realise I'm doing it, but a moment of observation will appear in the strangest of places. In 'Demon Dance' for example, a conversation from my childhood surfaced in my memory and formed the dialogue of two incidental characters hiking in Llanberis. So even the things you observed as a child can be used to colour or create a scene or a character if the content fits.
Ideas spring from a casual comment, a fleeting conversation, sometimes they come from reading the works of others, which is why authors are often so well read. I have a habit of avoiding reading current fantasy or horror while I'm working. I prefer to read other things instead as I don't like to inadvertently take on someone else's ideas. It's better to create worlds with the surety that you aren't reproducing a world you've recently read about.
New writers, however, should read as much as possible. It's were you learn about your market place ... but I think that's another blog for another day.
If you want to know where ideas really come from though, I suggest you look deep into your own mind. My ideas come from deep inside mine. They are part of who I am. They are drawn from the things I've experienced in life (that's not to say I've met vampires, werewolves, aliens or been thrown through a time-portal back to the Garden of Eden). Normal, or abnormal experiences, however, are used to give the characters I write about genuine feelings and depth.I won't get into the old cliches about my childhood, or the things I've suffered. Everyone has been through experiences good and bad which a good writer uses to make their characters behave in a way that's believeable.
The reality is all the ideas should come from you.
A way to generate ideas of course is to brain-storm (PC fanatics will hate it that I use this term). Some people do this by writing a synopsis that works out all the kinks in the plot before they begin writing. It's a good method if it works for you as it gives you a road-map before you start, and makes it easier for you to write the full piece. Others do the 'What if ...'
Talking through the plot of a story, explaining it to someone else, can also help you come up with better ideas. I brain-storm with my partner David: he's great at making me think about things a bit more. He'll ask me questions about my characters and I realised that by answering the questions I was able to fully develop my own understanding of the characters and their behaviour - thus improving the narrative.
As you begin to explore the limit of the story the possibilities suddenly become boundless. Ideas are limited only by your own imagination. That's not to say all ideas are good ones. Some are non-starters. I sometimes dream new ideas. My story 'The Toymakers House', which features in my horror collection Zombies in New York and Other Bloody Jottings, came from a nightmare I had. I was writing the collection at the time, and so I was forcing myself to write one story after another. In many ways this is harder than writing an entire novel. Simply because a novel is based around one main theme, or idea, with set characters. Writing a collection meant I had to create many characters, many themes and plots and keep them all within around 8000 words each. 'Toymaker' wrote itself, as the nightmare was so vivid that I knew the location, the characters and the awful things the toymaker did before I starting writing. My subconscious mind had already created it. I don't really know where this 'idea' came from though - other than some inner recess of my resting mind. This doesn't always work out though. I had another nightmare recently that I woke from thinking this would make an excellent novel, but when I sat down to write up the synopsis I felt no real passion for the story and it just didn't have the same depth that 'Toymaker' had for me.
Fears and phobias are always good to use - especially your own. I have a fear of heights and this is enhanced because I also suffer occasionally from Labrynthitus (an inner ear problem that makes you feel dizzy to the point of falling down and being sick - not an aversion to the David Bowie movie!). When I'm in high places that dizziness comes on and I'm convinced I'll fall. The idea of vertigo as a plot is not an original one - but how you use it can be.
You see you can't just discuss 'where ideas come from ...' without exploring their execution. But I'll end my thoughts here for today and ask you the question that is frequently asked of me ...
'Where do you get your ideas from?'
It's hard to come up with one main answer isn't it? But I guess the ideas can come, in the first instance, from what inspires you.
This is one of the ways that ideas form for me - or indeed how literary problems sort themselves out.
David J Howe calls this the 'What if ...' and that's a good way of starting to thinking about what I perceive as 'the problem'. You can see his thoughts on 'The Power of If ...' HERE.
Half sleep germination has its problems of course. You could go back into full sleep and completely forget the idea that seemed so viable when you were drifting off. I know a few writers who keep a notebook beside the bed for such moments. That's never really worked for me though as I prefer to brood on ideas before committing them to the page in any form.
The other thing I do is people watch. Sometimes I don't even realise I'm doing it, but a moment of observation will appear in the strangest of places. In 'Demon Dance' for example, a conversation from my childhood surfaced in my memory and formed the dialogue of two incidental characters hiking in Llanberis. So even the things you observed as a child can be used to colour or create a scene or a character if the content fits.
Ideas spring from a casual comment, a fleeting conversation, sometimes they come from reading the works of others, which is why authors are often so well read. I have a habit of avoiding reading current fantasy or horror while I'm working. I prefer to read other things instead as I don't like to inadvertently take on someone else's ideas. It's better to create worlds with the surety that you aren't reproducing a world you've recently read about.
New writers, however, should read as much as possible. It's were you learn about your market place ... but I think that's another blog for another day.
If you want to know where ideas really come from though, I suggest you look deep into your own mind. My ideas come from deep inside mine. They are part of who I am. They are drawn from the things I've experienced in life (that's not to say I've met vampires, werewolves, aliens or been thrown through a time-portal back to the Garden of Eden). Normal, or abnormal experiences, however, are used to give the characters I write about genuine feelings and depth.I won't get into the old cliches about my childhood, or the things I've suffered. Everyone has been through experiences good and bad which a good writer uses to make their characters behave in a way that's believeable.
The reality is all the ideas should come from you.
A way to generate ideas of course is to brain-storm (PC fanatics will hate it that I use this term). Some people do this by writing a synopsis that works out all the kinks in the plot before they begin writing. It's a good method if it works for you as it gives you a road-map before you start, and makes it easier for you to write the full piece. Others do the 'What if ...'
Talking through the plot of a story, explaining it to someone else, can also help you come up with better ideas. I brain-storm with my partner David: he's great at making me think about things a bit more. He'll ask me questions about my characters and I realised that by answering the questions I was able to fully develop my own understanding of the characters and their behaviour - thus improving the narrative.
As you begin to explore the limit of the story the possibilities suddenly become boundless. Ideas are limited only by your own imagination. That's not to say all ideas are good ones. Some are non-starters. I sometimes dream new ideas. My story 'The Toymakers House', which features in my horror collection Zombies in New York and Other Bloody Jottings, came from a nightmare I had. I was writing the collection at the time, and so I was forcing myself to write one story after another. In many ways this is harder than writing an entire novel. Simply because a novel is based around one main theme, or idea, with set characters. Writing a collection meant I had to create many characters, many themes and plots and keep them all within around 8000 words each. 'Toymaker' wrote itself, as the nightmare was so vivid that I knew the location, the characters and the awful things the toymaker did before I starting writing. My subconscious mind had already created it. I don't really know where this 'idea' came from though - other than some inner recess of my resting mind. This doesn't always work out though. I had another nightmare recently that I woke from thinking this would make an excellent novel, but when I sat down to write up the synopsis I felt no real passion for the story and it just didn't have the same depth that 'Toymaker' had for me.
Fears and phobias are always good to use - especially your own. I have a fear of heights and this is enhanced because I also suffer occasionally from Labrynthitus (an inner ear problem that makes you feel dizzy to the point of falling down and being sick - not an aversion to the David Bowie movie!). When I'm in high places that dizziness comes on and I'm convinced I'll fall. The idea of vertigo as a plot is not an original one - but how you use it can be.
You see you can't just discuss 'where ideas come from ...' without exploring their execution. But I'll end my thoughts here for today and ask you the question that is frequently asked of me ...
'Where do you get your ideas from?'
It's hard to come up with one main answer isn't it? But I guess the ideas can come, in the first instance, from what inspires you.
October 27, 2011
Strange Little Girls
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It was my birthday last week and David said there was one more present to come but as I've been really busy lately I didn't think of it at all. Therefore it was a really nice surprise today to get my Stange Little Girl 'Sam' doll through the post.
The doll is custom made and comes with a certificate of authenticity.She's a 14" ragdoll and she's been designed to look like me. She's even got purple in her, wears a purple dress and a black corset.
I must admit I'm very impressed with the quality and workmanship and can heartily recommend Strange Little Girls, exclusive if you're looking for a gift for a special lady in your life.
Jo put up a pic of me with my Gothville storytelling-doppelganger on her site - you can see her blog here
Thanks David I'm delighted!
The doll is custom made and comes with a certificate of authenticity.She's a 14" ragdoll and she's been designed to look like me. She's even got purple in her, wears a purple dress and a black corset.
I must admit I'm very impressed with the quality and workmanship and can heartily recommend Strange Little Girls, exclusive if you're looking for a gift for a special lady in your life.
Jo put up a pic of me with my Gothville storytelling-doppelganger on her site - you can see her blog here
Thanks David I'm delighted!
October 24, 2011
This weekend I'll be at ... WATERSTONES BOLTON AND WREXHAM
WATERSTONES, Bolton, Lancashire. 29th Oct 2011
Sam Stone and David J Howe will be signing copies of my Hateful Heart, Zombies in New York and Other Bloody Jottings and talespinning for this special Halloween weekend event.
Time: 12-4pm Date: Saturday 29th October.
Address:Waterstones, 32-36 Deansgate, Bolton, BL1 1BL
WATERSTONES, Wrexham, 30th Oct 2011
Sam Stone and David J Howe will be signing copies of my Hateful Heart, Zombies in New York and Other Bloody Jottings and talespinning for this special Halloween weekend event.
Time: 12-4pm Date: Sunday 30th October.
Address:Waterstones, 9/11 Regent Street, Wrexham, LL11 1SG
Sam Stone and David J Howe will be signing copies of my Hateful Heart, Zombies in New York and Other Bloody Jottings and talespinning for this special Halloween weekend event.
Time: 12-4pm Date: Saturday 29th October.
Address:Waterstones, 32-36 Deansgate, Bolton, BL1 1BL
WATERSTONES, Wrexham, 30th Oct 2011
Sam Stone and David J Howe will be signing copies of my Hateful Heart, Zombies in New York and Other Bloody Jottings and talespinning for this special Halloween weekend event.
Time: 12-4pm Date: Sunday 30th October.
Address:Waterstones, 9/11 Regent Street, Wrexham, LL11 1SG
October 21, 2011
It all starts with stamina ...
The creative muscle is the same as any used in the body. Using your mind to create characters and worlds that people can believe, and writing that out into a cohesive story, takes a great deal of stamina.
When you go to the gym you don't expect to be able to lift heavy weights right away. You have to start off small and learn the limit of your strength. Afterwards the muscles ache. You feel tired. The exercise session was probably not as sustained as you would have liked it to be. It takes stamina to continue, working through the pain and exhaustion. After many months, and lots of practice that dedication pays off and you can lift more weights, exercise for longer and recover faster from the exertion. You feel fitter and your reflexes react quicker.
Using the creative muscle works in the same way. At first flexing that muscle is hard work and it hurts. You tire easily and you aren't as productive as you'd like to be. It takes stamina and dedication to write everyday - even if it is only a few hundred words. In a way you have to force yourself into a specific regime - just the same as you do when you begin a new exercising schedule.
If you want to be a writer you set aside an hour a day and make yourself write during that time no matter what. The only way to learn to write is to actually pick up the pen or switch on the computer and practice the art in the first place. This is hard to sustain as there are many distractions to take away that time and help you procrastinate.
It takes stamina, dedication and obsession to carry on.
Once you work the creative muscle, exercising it becomes as important as breathing. The pleasure of world building is hard but rewarding. I have friends who use exercise in exactly the same way. They feel energised by the work-out, even though at the beginning it was incredibly difficult to sustain. Writing a lot gives the same rush, but you can't get to that point without the first level of stamina.
As writing gets easier you set yourself longer and harder challenges. Write a novella instead of a story, or a novel instead of a novella. Each new challenge requires more stamina. Ultimately the enjoyment you gain from it makes the process easier.
When you get to the stage where you have a project you're proud of, the letter writing begins. The new challenge is summarising your novel in a two page synopsis, writing a letter that will interest an agent or publisher and coming up with a pitch that will blow-them all away. No mean feat.
You get rejection letters - it requires stamina, dedication, obsession and confidence to pick up that pen once more and write something else - only this time you want to make it even better.
This process can go on for years.
Keep your rejection letters - it takes real stamina to take on board the criticisms and use it to improve the next thing you send out.
Then at the end of all of that, you finally get something in print. You're proud of your achievements. People are willing to pay money to buy it. You get praised for it. Then someone says your work is 'rubbish' when they haven't even read it.
It takes stamina, dedication, obsession, confidence and common sense to walk away and not respond. It takes all of those things and a huge dose of passion to pick up your pen again and carry on.
It all starts with stamina ...
Do you have what it takes?
When you go to the gym you don't expect to be able to lift heavy weights right away. You have to start off small and learn the limit of your strength. Afterwards the muscles ache. You feel tired. The exercise session was probably not as sustained as you would have liked it to be. It takes stamina to continue, working through the pain and exhaustion. After many months, and lots of practice that dedication pays off and you can lift more weights, exercise for longer and recover faster from the exertion. You feel fitter and your reflexes react quicker.
Using the creative muscle works in the same way. At first flexing that muscle is hard work and it hurts. You tire easily and you aren't as productive as you'd like to be. It takes stamina and dedication to write everyday - even if it is only a few hundred words. In a way you have to force yourself into a specific regime - just the same as you do when you begin a new exercising schedule.
If you want to be a writer you set aside an hour a day and make yourself write during that time no matter what. The only way to learn to write is to actually pick up the pen or switch on the computer and practice the art in the first place. This is hard to sustain as there are many distractions to take away that time and help you procrastinate.
It takes stamina, dedication and obsession to carry on.
Once you work the creative muscle, exercising it becomes as important as breathing. The pleasure of world building is hard but rewarding. I have friends who use exercise in exactly the same way. They feel energised by the work-out, even though at the beginning it was incredibly difficult to sustain. Writing a lot gives the same rush, but you can't get to that point without the first level of stamina.
As writing gets easier you set yourself longer and harder challenges. Write a novella instead of a story, or a novel instead of a novella. Each new challenge requires more stamina. Ultimately the enjoyment you gain from it makes the process easier.
When you get to the stage where you have a project you're proud of, the letter writing begins. The new challenge is summarising your novel in a two page synopsis, writing a letter that will interest an agent or publisher and coming up with a pitch that will blow-them all away. No mean feat.
You get rejection letters - it requires stamina, dedication, obsession and confidence to pick up that pen once more and write something else - only this time you want to make it even better.
This process can go on for years.
Keep your rejection letters - it takes real stamina to take on board the criticisms and use it to improve the next thing you send out.
Then at the end of all of that, you finally get something in print. You're proud of your achievements. People are willing to pay money to buy it. You get praised for it. Then someone says your work is 'rubbish' when they haven't even read it.
It takes stamina, dedication, obsession, confidence and common sense to walk away and not respond. It takes all of those things and a huge dose of passion to pick up your pen again and carry on.
It all starts with stamina ...
Do you have what it takes?
October 17, 2011
BRITCON MN
I've been in discussion with BritCon MN for a few months now and I'm happy to confirm that David and I will be appearing at this exciting 3 day event in Minnesota next year, with Sarah Douglas and Frazer Hines.
You can follow the organisers announcements at :
BritCon MN on Facebook or BritCon MN Official Website
To book and for further information contact BRITCON
Date: 31st August to 2nd October 2012.
Address: Hilton Minneapolis Bloomington, 3900 American Blvd West, Bloomington, Minnesota, United States 55437
You can follow the organisers announcements at :
BritCon MN on Facebook or BritCon MN Official Website
To book and for further information contact BRITCON
Date: 31st August to 2nd October 2012.
Address: Hilton Minneapolis Bloomington, 3900 American Blvd West, Bloomington, Minnesota, United States 55437
October 16, 2011
This Week I'll Be At ... WIGAN WATERSTONES
WATERSTONES, Wigan. 22nd October, 2011
Sam Stone will be launching her new book, Hateful Heart, Book 4 The Vampire Gene Series, at this very popular store. David J Howe will also be there with his new collection talespinning.
Time: 12pm-4pm Date: 22nd Oct
Address: 61 The Grand Arcade, Wigan, WN1 1BH
Sam Stone will be launching her new book, Hateful Heart, Book 4 The Vampire Gene Series, at this very popular store. David J Howe will also be there with his new collection talespinning.
Time: 12pm-4pm Date: 22nd Oct
Address: 61 The Grand Arcade, Wigan, WN1 1BH
Brendan Sheerin
You meet some interesting people when touring Waterstones. Over the past few months I've followed in the footsteps of Katie Price and Christopher Paolini. Yesterday, while David and I were signing our latest books at Waterstones Preston, Brendan Sheerin of Coach Trip fame was also booked in at the store to sign copies of his autobiography.
I have seen the show a few times and quite enjoyed it but a close friend of ours watches it regularly. So never one to miss the opportunity to sort out an early Christmas present I watched the huge queue diminish and then tagged on the end to get the book signed.
As I waited I watched Brendan work and have to say I was very impressed with him as a person. There are many times when I've wonder at the popularity of a celebrity, the power of television seems to create many such reality stars - the Katona's of this world for example - that are a car-crash waiting to happen. The media loves this type and writes more about the negative stars than the positive ones. We are given the impression that most of these people are spoilt and unpleasant.
I could tell immediately that Brendan Sheerin was not a 'car-crash celeb' and deserves to be where he is today. He was, in fact, a genuinely charismatic, warm and affectionate person.
As I watched Brendan greet his adoring fans, treating each one like a long-lost friend, there was a feel-good atmosphere that rippled through the shop. Brendan made each person feel like he was interested in them. But this wasn't fake interest or showmanship. It was obvious he was delighted to be there and was enjoying meeting the people that make Coach Trip such a success: the audience. It was nice to see such respect given to the people who make celebrities a success.
Brendan, it truly was lovely to meet you and I wish you continued success. There are few genuinely nice guys in any industry, and I think you're one of them. Keep up the good work.
I have seen the show a few times and quite enjoyed it but a close friend of ours watches it regularly. So never one to miss the opportunity to sort out an early Christmas present I watched the huge queue diminish and then tagged on the end to get the book signed.As I waited I watched Brendan work and have to say I was very impressed with him as a person. There are many times when I've wonder at the popularity of a celebrity, the power of television seems to create many such reality stars - the Katona's of this world for example - that are a car-crash waiting to happen. The media loves this type and writes more about the negative stars than the positive ones. We are given the impression that most of these people are spoilt and unpleasant.
I could tell immediately that Brendan Sheerin was not a 'car-crash celeb' and deserves to be where he is today. He was, in fact, a genuinely charismatic, warm and affectionate person.
As I watched Brendan greet his adoring fans, treating each one like a long-lost friend, there was a feel-good atmosphere that rippled through the shop. Brendan made each person feel like he was interested in them. But this wasn't fake interest or showmanship. It was obvious he was delighted to be there and was enjoying meeting the people that make Coach Trip such a success: the audience. It was nice to see such respect given to the people who make celebrities a success.
Brendan, it truly was lovely to meet you and I wish you continued success. There are few genuinely nice guys in any industry, and I think you're one of them. Keep up the good work.
October 12, 2011
New Facebook Page
Yesterday I launched a new Sam Stone page.
This is going to be different from my old page in many ways.
Firstly, I will be using it more than my personal page in the coming months so all current news will go on there first, and secondly, I'll be offering an 'open house' to all writers, readers, reviewers and writers groups.
WRITERS: You can come along at anytime and post a blurb introducing yourself and tell us about your projects. I won't be offended if you post links to your latest books either.
READERS: I want to hear from you too! Tell us what you like or dislike in literature. It will be a friendly environment for people genuinely interested in fiction.
REVIEWERS: Post links to your reviews and blogs. We'd love to see and share them.
WRITERS GROUPS: Post your news. Tell us what you do and where.
So come along and join in the party. Start discussions or just join in. Post reviews. Tell us your news. Or sit back and read referrals for the latest books, stories and novels.
To join in the fun - click here : Sam Stone
Sam x
This is going to be different from my old page in many ways.
Firstly, I will be using it more than my personal page in the coming months so all current news will go on there first, and secondly, I'll be offering an 'open house' to all writers, readers, reviewers and writers groups.
WRITERS: You can come along at anytime and post a blurb introducing yourself and tell us about your projects. I won't be offended if you post links to your latest books either.
READERS: I want to hear from you too! Tell us what you like or dislike in literature. It will be a friendly environment for people genuinely interested in fiction.
REVIEWERS: Post links to your reviews and blogs. We'd love to see and share them.
WRITERS GROUPS: Post your news. Tell us what you do and where.
So come along and join in the party. Start discussions or just join in. Post reviews. Tell us your news. Or sit back and read referrals for the latest books, stories and novels.
To join in the fun - click here : Sam Stone
Sam x
October 10, 2011
This weekend I'll be at ... WATERSTONES PRESTON
WATERSTONES, Preston, 15 October 2011.
Sam Stone and David J Howe will be launching their new books, Hateful Heart, Book 4 The Vampire Gene Series, and talespinning: a collection of short horror stories, scripts and novel extracts at this very popular Lancashire Store.
Time: 12-4pm Date: 15th October.
Address: Waterstone's Preston, 3-5 Fishergate
Preston PR1 3LJ
Sam Stone and David J Howe will be launching their new books, Hateful Heart, Book 4 The Vampire Gene Series, and talespinning: a collection of short horror stories, scripts and novel extracts at this very popular Lancashire Store.
Time: 12-4pm Date: 15th October.
Address: Waterstone's Preston, 3-5 Fishergate
Preston PR1 3LJ
October 9, 2011
David is vindicated by the British Fantasy Society
The British Fantasy Society have found no wrong doing in David's role as Chairman. There have been a lot of terrible things inferred in the last few days which have been extremely hurtful. Now common sense prevails.
http://www.britishfantasysociety.co.uk/news/official-bfs-statement-concerning-award/
http://www.britishfantasysociety.co.uk/news/official-bfs-statement-concerning-award/
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