S.A. Crow's Blog, page 6
June 14, 2023
Creating Distinctive Character Voices in Your Writing
As a writing coach, I always strive to help my clients create vivid and engaging characters in their writing. Recently, one of my clients and I discussed the importance of developing distinctive character voices. In this article, we'll explore the key factors that contribute to creating unique character voices and provide tips to help you master this essential aspect of writing. Whether you're a seasoned writer or just starting, read on to learn how to make your characters truly come alive on the page.
In addition to making your main characters stand out, creating distinctive voices for your side characters can also greatly enhance your writing. Minor characters who are well-developed and have unique voices can add depth and richness to the world you've created, making it more believable and engaging for your readers. So, don't neglect the supporting cast in your writing. Take the time to develop their personalities and speech patterns, and your readers will be rewarded with a more immersive and satisfying reading experience.
Understanding your Character(s) PersonalitiesWriters use many tools to create their characters and keep their personalities consistent throughout the work in progress. Here are a few tools authors use for character personalities.
-Western astrology is a system that assigns personality traits to individuals based on the positions of the planets and stars at the time of their birth. A writer can use this system to develop more complex and nuanced characters, by assigning each character a unique astrological sign and incorporating its corresponding traits into their personality. For example, a character born under the sign of Aries may be impulsive and competitive, while a character born under the sign of Pisces may be empathetic and creative. By using astrology as a tool, a writer can add depth and complexity to their characters, making them feel more like real people.
-Eastern astrology is another system that writers can use to develop more nuanced characters. Similar to Western astrology, it assigns personality traits to individuals based on the positions of the stars and planets at the time of their birth. However, Eastern astrology often emphasizes different traits and has different systems for assigning those traits. For example, in Chinese astrology, each year is associated with an animal sign, such as the rat, ox, or tiger. Each animal sign is believed to have specific personality traits, and a writer can use these traits to develop their characters. By incorporating Eastern astrology into their writing process, authors can create characters with rich and complex personalities that feel more authentic and relatable to readers.
-Myers-Briggs
Another tool and the one I use personally, that writers use to develop their characters' personalities is the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI). This personality test assigns individuals one of 16 personality types based on their preferences for four dichotomies: extraversion/introversion, sensing/intuition, thinking/feeling, and judging/perceiving. By assigning each character a unique personality type, writers can develop more nuanced and consistent personalities. For example, a character with an INFP personality type may be idealistic and empathetic, while a character with an ESTJ personality type may be practical and decisive. Incorporating MBTI personality types can help writers create characters that feel more realistic and well-rounded.
-The Nine Enneagram Type is another tool writers can use to create complex and well-rounded characters. This personality system assigns individuals one of nine personality types based on their core motivations and fears. Each type has distinct strengths and weaknesses that can be used to create unique character voices. For example, a character with a Type One personality may be principled and perfectionistic, while a character with a Type Seven personality may be adventurous and spontaneous. By incorporating the Enneagram system into their writing process, authors can create characters with deep inner lives and motivations, making them feel more fully realized and relatable to readers.
These are just a few ways to create personalities for your characters, both the main characters and side characters.
The Distinctive Voice ToolAnother tool for creating distinctive character voices comes from James V. Smith, Jr.'s book The Writer's Little Helper: The Distinctive Voice Tool. This tool focuses on five elements: vocabulary, verbosity, velocity, viewpoint, and venom. By manipulating these elements, writers can create unique and memorable character voices that stand out on the page.
-Vocabulary
Let’s start with the first part of this tool, character voices is through their vocabulary. The words a character uses can reveal a lot about their background, education level, and even their personality. For example, a character who uses lots of slang and informal language may come across as more casual and approachable, while a character who uses more formal language may be perceived as more educated or professional. Additionally, using regional or cultural colloquialisms can help establish a character's origins or background. By paying attention to a character's word choice and tailoring it to their personality and background, writers can create distinct and memorable voices that bring their characters to life on the page.
-Verbose
Another element of James V. Smith, Jr.'s Distinctive Voice Tool is verbosity, or how much a character talks. Some characters may be loquacious and verbose, while others may be more laconic and to-the-point. The amount a character talks can reveal a lot about their personality and their role in the story. For example, a character who talks a lot may be seen as more outgoing and sociable, while a character who is quieter may be seen as more introspective or mysterious. By paying attention to a character's verbosity and using it to reflect their personality and role in the story, writers can create distinctive and memorable voices that help bring their characters to life on the page.
-Velocity
Another element of James V. Smith, Jr.'s Distinctive Voice Tool is velocity, or the speed at which a character speaks. The pace of a character's speech can reveal a lot about their personality and emotional state. For example, a character who speaks quickly and with a lot of energy may be seen as more excitable or anxious, while a character who speaks slowly and deliberately may be seen as more thoughtful or deliberate. By paying attention to a character's velocity and using it to reflect their personality and emotional state, writers can create distinctive and memorable voices that help bring their characters to life on the page.
-Viewpoint
Another element in James V. Smith, Jr.'s Distinctive Voice Tool is viewpoint or a character's perspective on the world. A character's viewpoint can be influenced by their background, experiences, beliefs, and values, and can greatly affect the way they speak and interact with others. By paying attention to a character's viewpoint and using it to reflect their personality and background, writers can create distinctive and memorable voices that help bring their characters to life on the page. For example, a character who grew up in poverty may have a more cynical or jaded viewpoint on the world, while a character who had a privileged upbringing may have a more optimistic or naïve viewpoint. By using viewpoint to shape a character's voice, writers can create characters that feel authentic and unique.
-Venom
The final element in James V. Smith, Jr.'s Distinctive Voice Tool is venom, or a character's underlying emotional state. A character's venom can be revealed through their word choice, tone, and body language, and can greatly affect the way they interact with others. By paying attention to a character's venom and using it to reflect their personality and emotional state, writers can create distinctive and memorable voices that help bring their characters to life on the page. For example, a character who is angry or resentful may speak with a harsh or biting tone, while a character who is anxious or uncertain may speak with a hesitant or stuttering tone. By using venom to shape a character's voice, writers can create characters that feel authentic and unique.
Maintaining a consistent voice for each character.Maintaining a consistent voice for each character is essential to creating a believable and engaging story.
One way to achieve this is by keeping notes on each character's personality, speech patterns, and vocabulary.
This ensures that each character's voice remains consistent throughout the work and helps prevent them from blending together. Another way is to read dialogue out loud and ask yourself if it sounds like something that character would say. If it doesn't, make adjustments to ensure that the dialogue fits the character's voice. Finally, it's important to pay attention to a character's emotional state and how it affects their speech. A character who is angry or upset may speak differently than one who is calm and collected. By keeping these factors in mind and consistently reviewing and refining each character's voice, writers can create truly distinctive and memorable characters.
Also remember that you can always go back and fix this in revision by following each character through the work and checking their voice and personality and how they react and interact with the other characters and your world.
This article explores how to create distinctive character voices in writing by understanding character personalities, incorporating dialogue and dialects, using tone and word choice, maintaining consistency, and more. By paying attention to a character's vocabulary, verbosity, velocity, viewpoint, and venom, writers can create unique and memorable character voices that stand out on the page. Maintaining a consistent voice for each character is essential to creating a believable and engaging story. With these tips, writers can create truly distinctive and memorable characters that enhance their writing.
If you're interested in learning more about developing distinctive character voices or have any other writing-related questions, I offer free consultations on my Buy Me a Coffee page at buymeacoffee.com/sacrow.
Just click the "Consult" item on my page.
I'm happy to chat with you and help you take your writing to the next level.
How do you keep your characters' voices and personalities consistent and distinctive throughout your work?
I'd love to hear your tips and tricks! Feel free to comment below and let me know.
A Game of Thrones by George R. R. Martin
Huge Deal by Stephanie Brother
5 Year Journal by Brandy Bullock
Critical Role
June 7, 2023
Writing with AI: A Tool to Enhance Your Creativity
Dear fellow writers, I hear you. The fear of being replaced by cold, emotionless machines might keep you up at night. You might think, "What if an algorithm takes over my job?" Well, fear not, dear friend, because I have news for you! In today's world, emerging AI models are here to help writers, not replace them. So let me take you on a journey through the world of AI and writing, and show you how they can work hand in hand to create magic!
The rise of AI in writing has been gradual, but it’s been happening right under our noses. For years now, AI tools have been making our writing processes smoother. For instance, AI-powered software can help with spelling and grammar with programs such as Grammarly or ProWritingAid.
With a few simple clicks, AI-powered software can now accomplish what once took an editor hours of manual labor. Beyond editing, other AI models focus on generating ideas, researching, and even suggesting sentence structures. The best part? They all function as simple-to-use writing tools.
AI is not only aiding with minor writing tasks, but also producing written works with some of the best AI writing models out there. To show AI's capability, I articulated the previous sentence, and this one, with a mere command - it concluded the sentence for me!
However, even with such cutting-edge models, these artificial systems still need our creativity. They still rely on human input to generate ideas and concepts that those code-based tools can shape into something useful. They might know how to write, but they still need us to tell them what to write about.
AI tools still have a long way to go, so we must learn to use these tools as an enhancement rather than as a replacement for writing. We all know that writing is an art that requires creativity, imagination, and passion. And these are intangibles that an AI model cannot replace.
Despite AI writing creating sentences that are grammatically correct, it will never manage to stir emotions or tug at heartstrings like a human writer can. That can’t be coded. AI can be our ally, but it can never replace the creative soul of a human writer.
This partnership between AI and the human mind has already produced great success stories. Many writers and authors have used AI tools to explore new avenues of writing. For instance, the model can help the author experiment with multiple endings or plot angles for their stories. It allows for more interactive and engaging writing.
These models can also help with analyzing the feedback from the readers to improve and adapt their writing as per the reader's needs.
As I wrap up, let it be known that AI is here to help, to simplify our writing lives and cut out the drudgery of the hard work that we often put in. It's supposed to be a partner, an assistant that brings out the best in us. It does not have to be an evil threat but instead a small firestarter that sparks our creativity and helps us take our writing to the next level. Together, AI and writing have the potential to take our craft to new, unimaginable heights. So embrace the tool and let it help you get your creative juices flowing, don’t get left behind. There’s a reason they call it staying on the bleeding edge of technology.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uiZJYmY1CLc
AUTHOR BIO and linksKay is a seasoned author, content creator, and artist who has been weaving words and stories for more than 15 years. As a ghostwriter, she has breathed life into countless tales, her passion for writing illuminating every page. Currently pursuing a master's degree in English and Creative Writing, Kay is on a mission to hone her craft and explore the depths of her own imagination.
When she's not pouring her heart into her work, Kay cherishes the simple joys of life with her husband and two canine companions. Together, they explore the vibrant tapestry of the D.C. area, uncovering hidden gems and creating memories that inspire her stories.
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My links:
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkBo1N1I5rQwWdGZcKnacGQ
Art Store: https://www.etsy.com/shop/MuseInkCreations
Medium Page: https://bit.ly/kayparquetmedium
May 31, 2023
Why You Shouldn't Miss Out on the Third Novel in The Fire Series
Discover why S. A. Crow's newest novel deserves a spot on your bookshelf! In this gripping read, Steve, a freelance journalist and musician, fights to rebuild his life after exposing a sex trafficking ring with global connections. With the help of Mallory, his friend-with-benefits, Steve must navigate trust, love, and redemption. If you're a fan of romance and suspense, you won't want to miss out on this exciting new addition to The Fire Series.
Plus, sign up for S. A. Crow's newsletter to receive free novellas, giveaways, and more! Don't wait -- join the ranks of dedicated readers by subscribing to the latest updates.
Meet Steve, Your Next Book BoyfriendGet to know S. A. Crow's charming protagonist, Steve "Sexy Beast" Martin. With Ryan Reynolds-esque good looks and a heart of gold, Steve is the perfect addition to your book boyfriend collection. Learn more about more book boyfriends from the Fire Series.
Join the Street Team and Cover Reveal TeamBe the first to know about exciting updates and insider information by joining S. A. Crow's street team and cover reveal team. Chat with the author, participate in polls, and receive exclusive content. Sign up today!
Sign Up for the NewsletterStay up to date with everything happening in The Fire Series by signing up for S. A. Crow's newsletter. Subscribers receive a free novella, Home Fires, until October 1st, as well as other giveaways, featured authors, and special updates. Plus, keep an eye out for the upcoming release of the free novella Code of Fire in October!
Don't miss out on the latest from S. A. Crow and The Fire Series. Join the community today!
Jenn, I, and our dogs A.J. and Destiny are starting a journey from residential living to #vanlife. Join our adventure.
A Game of Thrones George R. R. Martin
The Last Girls Standing, Jennifer Dugan
May 24, 2023
My Fantasy Office The Myth of Having the Ideal Office
My fantasy office vs. my current officeEvery writer I know has an ideal or fantasy office. That office that lives in their dreams and holds all their dreams of productivity and inspiration. If only we had that office and unlimited time, we would be the writer we want to be, with enough creativity to spill a pile of books to the ceiling for our readers.
But the reality is that productivity is not solely determined by the environment, but also by personal habits and discipline. A fantasy office can be helpful in providing an ideal environment for writing, but it's still up to the writer to develop good habits and remain disciplined in their writing practice.
My Fantasy OfficeMy ideal office is a strange mix of dark academia and magic. It centers on traditional educational clothing, ancient art, classic literature, and classical Gothic architecture. It mixes magical elements of both paganism and mythological occult. Having an ideal workspace that enables creativity and productivity can be conducive to producing high-quality work. A fantasy office can provide a writer with a space that inspires them to write their best work yet, allowing their creativity to flow freely and their productivity to be off the charts. This can lead to a greater sense of satisfaction with the work produced and an increased sense of motivation to continue producing quality work.
In addition, having a fantasy office can help to reduce distractions that may exist in a less-than-ideal workspace. For example, if your current office has a lot of noise or clutter, it can be difficult to focus on your work and stay productive. A well-designed and organized workspace can help to minimize distractions and keep you focused on your writing.
My Current Office
My current office is a shared space with limited storage, located in the corner of my dining/living area. Although it is functional and makes me happy, it lacks the inspiring and distraction-free environment that my fantasy office provides. I share my office space with two of my roommates, Jenn is on my left and my other roommate is across the room.
I have a few pieces in my current office that match my ideal office, such as my keyboard and some of my art pieces. My keyboard is an important tool because it helps me feel motivated and productive every day. I also love my Raven art pieces which you may have seen in some of my YouTube videos or social media.
Despite my current office falling short in comparison to my fantasy office, I am still able to produce quality work thanks to my dedication and discipline.
Ultimately, a fantasy office can be a powerful tool for writers looking to improve their productivity and produce high-quality work. By providing an inspiring and distraction-free workspace, a fantasy office can help writers tap into their creativity and produce work that they are proud of.
My Next OfficeBig changes are happening in October when my roommates and I will be signing our last two-year lease on this house. Jen, AJ, Destiny and I will be starting our journey from residential life to van life. I will be sharing a computer with Jenn in the trailer and occasionally working on my tablet and my favorite keyboard out in the wilds of North Texas. With the trees, cicadas and big blue skies. It will look nothing like my fantasy office but I’ll feel like an explorer braving the wild to bring you all the stories of my heart.
In conclusion, our stories don’t come from an ideal office where our dreams of creativity and productivity spring from some magic well. No, they come from our heart and our desire to share our stories and characters with the world. It was fun to do this exercise with you. I would love to see your current office and your fantasy office and how much they match. Simply comment on this blog post or social media.
See you soon but first,
A Game of Thrones
Become A Fearless Writer by Nina Harrington
The Last Girls Standing by Jennifer Dugan *Thanks to BookishFirst for this ERC
Do you want to write a blog? Not sure how you will keep track of it. Check out this free Tracker that goes perfectly with the Blog Planner, its never too late to start a blog.
May 10, 2023
National Get Caught Reading Month
Grab your TBR list and join National Get Caught Reading Month! I was searching for something fun to research and join for May to help get my reading habit active again. What better way than by joining a campaign launched by the Association of American Publishers (AAP)? The campaign was launched in 1999 and is now a nationwide event. The goal of National Get Caught Reading Month is to promote literacy and inspire people to make reading a regular part of their lives.
The AAP works with publishers of books, journals, and more to help promote and encourage the current generation to get back into the love of reading. Many celebrities and even members of Congress support the Get Caught Reading event. Libraries will often set up areas dedicated to reading.
Get Caught Reading is a year-round campaign to promote the fun of reading books for all ages. Launched in 1999 by the Association of American Publishers, it is now managed by ,Every Child a Reader. Get Caught Reading provides teachers, librarians, and booksellers with free bulletin-board-sized posters of authors, artists, athletes, musicians, and beloved book characters “caught” reading a favorite book.
Every Child a Reader believes that introducing children to the magic of reading is a hero’s work. We support a diverse network of heroes—including educators, caregivers, librarians, and booksellers—by connecting book creators with communities, providing literacy tools and resources, and championing young people’s voices.
Picking up a good book can be one of the most beneficial things you can do for yourself. Reading is interesting and entertaining, but it can also have positive effects on your mental and emotional health. So, when you're engrossed in a good book, you're not just escaping the stresses of everyday life; you're also boosting your well-being!
Reading, even for pleasure, can promote lifelong learning. You gain information on events through history or current events by reading old texts or current articles. You stay informed on topics and are able to think about things critically. You are also exposed to a variety of ideas and topics that you might not have been exposed to. This can help you socialize more when in groups of people, either at the workplace or in social settings.
There are so many fun ways to celebrate National Get Caught Reading Month and show your love for books! One awesome way is to dive into a fresh read or reconnect with an old favorite. To make reading a regular part of your routine, try fitting it in during your morning coffee break, lunch hour, or even before bed. And why not join a book club or reading group to share your love of books with other bookworms and celebrate together?
We live in such a technical and online social age that finding other bookworms or book clubs is as easy as doing a search on your favorite platform. You can also check with your local library to see if they offer any types of meetings or clubs.
You can get involved in Get Caught Reading Month by sharing your love of books with your friends and family. You can also spread your love of reading to others by donating books to local schools or libraries or volunteering to read to kids at a community center or hospital. You can also join online challenges. For those who use Kindle Unlimited, there are challenges that you can unlock as you read through each month. These are fun little achievements that always encourage me to keep reading.
You can also start your own challenge with a group of friends! See who can read the most in the month of May! Make it even more fun by offering a small prize to whoever reads the most, like a gift card to their favorite bookstore!
Other ways to support the Get Caught Reading campaign
Keep a book tucked in your bag or car for when you are on the go, not just for yourself but for anyone who may be in the car with you. Ask your local library or bookstore to invite an author to read or speak. Give the gift of reading; donate books to a local library or community service. Ask if your local fire or police departments will take books as toys to give out to children. Contact your local Child Safe or Family Support Division and offer to donate books. Share your favorite books on social media.There are so many ways that you can support others and encourage their love of reading. If it hadn’t been for my grandma giving me books as soon as I was able to read on my own, I don’t know that I would have the same love for books as I do now. I always have something to read with me, either in paperback or on my Kindle on my phone. I want to help you find a passion for reading too.
Check out the following websites for more information on Get Caught Reading.
,https://nationaltoday.com/get-caught-reading-month/
,https://nationaldaycalendar.com/national-get-caught-reading-month-may/
Brandy Bullock is the owner of Starlight Fairie Design Company, along with the author of several journals on Amazon.
Co-owner of The Writing Buddy Program and Authorworks Creative Mastermind group. She's also a long-time guest author on this blog.
April 26, 2023
12 Questions about my Romance Suspense Novel Character; Nate
Are you a fan of romance and suspense novels? Do you love to get lost in the complex lives of characters who are torn between love and danger? If so, you won't want to miss this deep dive into the character of Nate, the protagonist of an upcoming romance suspense novel. In this article, we'll explore 12 key questions about Nate, delving into his background, motivations, strengths, and weaknesses. Join us as we take a closer look at this captivating character and the world he inhabits.
Welcome to the Fire Series, a collection of standalone romance suspense novels linked by the unbreakable bond of friendship. The first two books, "Into the Fire" and "The Fire Inside," have already captured the hearts of readers everywhere. And now, we're excited to announce the upcoming release of the third novel in the series, "If the Seas Catch Fire," set to hit bookstores in December 2023.
I’m drafting the 5th novel, we'll follow the story of Nate, a complex and captivating character torn between love and danger. As we delve deeper into his background, motivations, strengths, and weaknesses, we'll be taken on a thrilling journey of suspense and romance that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.
So buckle up and get ready for an unforgettable ride through the Fire Series, where friendship is as strong as family and love and danger are always just around the corner.
Who is Nate?Nate Rahner a.k.a. Quiet Death a nickname he picked up in the U.S. Navy SEALS. He is 32 and born in Hawaii. His heritage is Hawaiian, German, Irish, Pawnee.
If I had a chance to cast someone to play Nate in a movie?It would be Jason Mamoa
His motto in life is?Men of few words are the best men. -William Shakespeare
What is his childhood like?He was born in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii to his Hawaiian and Irish mother and his Naval officer German and Pawnee father. He had little interaction with his father. As an only child his mother worked hotel jobs to support them both. She remarried again to an abusive Naval officer. She then moved Nate and herself to a private community far off from the main islands that encourages getting back to their Polynesian roots.
How is he connected to the others in the Fire Series?He went through BUDs SEAL tryouts with Tony, Walt, Eliot, Malcolm, Vin, Dustin, and Brian.
What is his personality type?ISTP stands for Introverted, Sensing, Thinking, and Perceiving. This personality type is often described as practical, independent, and adaptable. ISTPs are known for their hands-on approach to problem-solving and their ability to stay calm in high-pressure situations. They are often skilled at mechanical tasks and enjoy working with their hands. ISTPs value their independence and are often reserved, preferring to work alone or in small groups. They are natural problem-solvers and are quick to adapt to new situations. However, they can sometimes be seen as insensitive or blunt in their communication style.
What is his positive traits?Nate has had several positive role models in his life, including his mother, who taught him the importance of loyalty and hard work, and his uncle, on the island who instilled in him a sense of duty and honor. The Navy and his SEALs instructors also played a significant role in shaping his character, teaching him discipline, teamwork, and perseverance. And of course, his teammate Tony, the team leader, has been a constant source of inspiration and guidance for Nate throughout his career. These role models have helped Nate become the skilled and dedicated professional he is today, and have instilled in him a deep sense of loyalty and commitment to his team and his country.
What is his emotional wound?Nate's emotional wound stems from his father's abandonment and rejection. Growing up, Nate had little interaction with his dad, a Naval officer who frequently left for long periods of time without warning or apology. His mother eventually remarried an abusive Naval officer, prompting her to move Nate and herself to a private community far off from the main islands. This experience left Nate with a deep-seated fear of rejection and an ingrained sense of self-blame, as he searched inwardly to determine what he may have done to contribute to the rejection. As a result, he struggles to form deep relationships with others and often keeps people at a distance, maintaining only shallow connections.
What is the lie that Nate believes?Resulting from a parent's abandonment, Nate believes that he is unworthy of loyalty or love because he was only loved by his mother because she had to. He is biased against couples in normal relationships because he doesn't believe he can trust and he feels that "normal" relationships don't exist. He believes that people in authority will let you down because they only care about themselves, and people always leave when times get tough, like the guys did when the early outs were offered. If you let someone in, they will only hurt you, like his dad and stepfather did to his mother. He mistrusts new people coming in and keeps everything professional, closing down emotionally before people can get too close, maintaining shallow relationships. He is fiercely independent and doesn't take many risks to avoid possible rejection. Nate's lie causes him to think and behave in ways that are unbalanced or dysfunctional, often creating friction in relationships. This looks like him being apathetic, callous, cynical, humorless, inhibited, withdrawn. He is unable to maintain a real relationship with women and is unable to truly trust his team.
What are some of his embarrassing moments?One embarrassing moment for Nate was when he got drunk at a team celebration and became overly affectionate and goofy with his teammates. As an ISTP, he is naturally reserved and independent, but when he drinks, he becomes more outgoing and playful. His teammates found his behavior amusing, but Nate was mortified and regretful the next day, feeling like he had let his guard down too much and shown too much emotion in front of his colleagues.
What is his best memory?Finishing SEAL’s BUD’s Hell Week and getting into the SEAL program with the buddies he made.
His favorite movie?An underappreciated film noir The Crimson Kimono (1959)
A Game of Thrones
Bratva Sweetheart
Letters to the Universe
5 Year Journal
Leir
Matt Baume on YouTube
Alt Shift X on Youtube
https://youtu.be/QVxgJXCglwI
April 19, 2023
12 Questions About My Newest Romance Novel Character
I’m happy to introduce the newest member of the Fire Series family. Everyone meet Emily Knox. The inspiration for Emily came from a few places in my twisted author mind. So today I would like to not only introduce you to the female lead in the 5th novel in the Fire Series “Fire from Ashes” that I’m drafting this month for Camp NaNoWriMo, but also show you how I go about this process.
Question 1) What's the case that inspired this story?My non-guilty pleasure is watching and listening to true crime cases. I subscribe to many true crime YouTube channels and podcasts. Since I write romance suspense and noir mystery stories it’s not that uncommon. One day while working on other projects I picked a true crime video to watch Cases with Surprise Twists.
The case that stuck with me was the serial killer Charlie Brandt. I was fascinated by the little bits I learned about his sister and that is where the story began to form for me.
Question 2) What about this case inspired the story?I’m fascinated with the fact that for many people the case is over. They listen, read, or hear the story of a crime and then they are done with the story. Yet for the people that these crimes ripple out to, it’s never done. I love to write the story of those people who have been affected by crimes.
Question 3) What's her name?The name Emily means "rival" or "industrious" and has English origins. In choosing the name for the female lead in "Fire from Ashes," I wanted a name that conveyed strength and determination. Emily's character is faced with many challenges and obstacles throughout the story, and I thought this name was fitting for her.
Question 4) Why doesn't she share the same last name as her brother?She doesn’t share the same last name as her brother where she picked their mother’s last name of Knox, her brother staid with their father’s family name.
Question 5) What tools I use to create and write my characters?Many authors use different devices to create and keep characters on track, from astrology signs, Enneagrams, and other devices. I personally use Myers Briggs personalities. I picked ENTP.
Question 6) What is the ENTP personality mean?The ENTP personality type is known as the "Debater" and is characterized by being quick-witted, curious, and innovative. They are often seen as charming and confident, but may also come across as argumentative or insensitive. ENTPs thrive in situations that require problem-solving and creative thinking, and may struggle with routine or repetitive tasks. They enjoy exploring new ideas and concepts and may have a tendency to play devil's advocate in discussions. Overall, ENTPs are adaptable and enjoy exploring all possibilities before making a decision.
I picked ENTP to match Nate’s ISTP personality.
Question 7) How do you use Myers Briggs Personalities to do a character arc?I search for the personality type and their fatal flaw in relationships. Since I'm writing romance before the suspense fixing their relationship flaws is the most important flaw for them to work on.
Thought Catalog's article Each Myers-Briggs Type's Fatal Flaw In Relationships (And What To Do About It) by Kathryn Stanley says for ENTP
Fatal flaw: UnreliabilityIt’s not so much that the ENTP wants to be unreliable as it is that the ENTP has got a lot going on. Knowledgeable and curious, ENTPs are natural risk-takers, constantly brainstorming ideas and – more so than almost any other type – actually acting on their visions, often without thinking much about consequences or how those who love them might be impacted. Though their charismatic nature and quick-witted cleverness will attract many, it’s their tendency to not want to feel an obligation to others or as if others need them that can make their partners feel neglected in their relationships. For partners who require a lot of attention and validation, the ENTP’s unreliable and occasionally “selfish” nature will put a lot of strain on the relationship.
What to do about it:For the love of God, do not stop saving the world. But know when you need to work on creating balance. While you’ll do best alongside a partner who values independence and can assert themselves, it’ll also be important that you learn to self-monitor. Knowing when to check in with your partner and see how they’re feeling can do a lot for upping for your reliability factor. If you can show your partner that they’re just as important as everything else that you’re taking on, they’ll be willing to stick it out while you’re out there being Batman. At the same time, carefully consider who you choose as a potential partner. You’re likely someone who easily connects with a lot of people, and with your desire to prove a point occasionally at the forefront of your actions, you may find yourself in relationships for the wrong reasons.
Question 8)How do you casting the character?I like to pick photos to base my characters off of. You will often find me browsing the application Pinterest you can follow me there.
Most of my female characters are women of curves and when searching for a plus sized model I found the perfect one for Emily.
Question 9) Is Emily based on a famous person?Yes! Johanna Dray.
Question 10) Who is Johanna Dray?Johanna Dray is a plus-sized model known for her curvy figure and stunning looks. She has thick, curly hair and striking features that give her a unique and captivating look. Her curves are a source of pride for her, and she has become an advocate for body positivity and self-love. Johanna's confidence and beauty make her the perfect fit for the character of Emily Knox in "Fire from Ashes".
Question 11) Does Emily have any abnormalities?Yes she's left handed.
She's also OCD
Question 12) What is the lie she believes?It's only a matter of time before what you love is taken from you so pick wisely and love hard.
I hope you enjoyed this journey with me and Emily.In this blog, I've introduced the newest member of the Fire Series family, Emily Knox. We've explored the inspiration behind her character, the tools used to create and write her, and even a bit about the model who inspired her appearance. Emily's character is one of strength and determination, facing many challenges and obstacles throughout the story. I hope you've enjoyed this journey with us and look forward to introducing you to Emily in "Fire from Ashes".
Of Saints and Shadows by Christopher Golden
Letters to the Universe by Kelsey Aida Roualdes
Essence of Elements: Leir by MirandaMagick
What History Forgot
Numbers
Crimson Peak
Girl with Dogs
I just got my copy this week of this journal by Brandy Bullock you can get it here and her other journals.
I'll be doing a stream that day to help raise awareness and raise money for our charity of the year Meals on Wheels America. You can subscribe and click the bell to my YouTube channel.
April 13, 2023
How Physical Clutter Affects Your Mental Health
How physical clutter can affect your mental health.
By Brandy Bullock
Guest Author
Recently I had to take a step back from my writing, creating and even some social events. Not because I was too busy or unable to meet deadlines but because the physical clutter around me was preventing me from working, socializing and even wanting to be at my desk. It wasn’t just my desk that was the problem though. There were things piling up around the house, junk mail, shipping boxes from Amazon orders, clothes that needed to be put away.
All kind of mundane things for some people, simple throw the boxes and the junk mail away and put the laundry away right? I need to make space to do those things, mentally and physically. This is actually very hard for me to write and admit too, don’t get me wrong my house isn’t dirty but it can be very cluttered.
I work outside of the house three days a week, my husband works four days a week at his full time job and then with me on the three days I work. My daughter goes to school and work. We are a busy family. So over time small things that should only take a minute or so sometimes build up.
Now you might be thinking but you are home four days a week. You can’t keep your house clutter free? No, I can’t because I have other health problems that keep me from being able to do those mundane tasks, I have what some people refer to as invisible illnesses. Chronic migraines and body pain, depression and anxiety. They sometimes paralyze me from being able to do something as simple as throwing out the junk mail.
I am not going to beat around the bush here, it is incredibly difficult to rationalize why I can’t throw away junk mail. I know it is junk and that I don’t need it. I know that keeping it means it is just taking up space on the table. But something inside me says “We need to hang onto this”. If someone else picks it up and throws it away I might experience a bit of anxiety, but I know that I really don’t need it.
So picture this, you got a couple orders from Amazon and we all know that some of those boxes are great boxes, so my brain says, we should hang onto those boxes. Even though we don’t need them right now, we might need them in the future. So we set the boxes to the side and the kids move them around, the cats play in them. But we still are not using the boxes. Do you think I get rid of them? Nope. Because my brain says that if we do then we will need them and not have them any longer.
So other than some irrational thought that I might need these items how else do they affect my mental health? The more that things pile up the more my anxiety increases about the amount of clutter, even a small pile of papers on the table. I get cranky about small things, why can’t I just get rid of it, why hasn’t someone else thrown it away? I stop being creative, I don’t even want to be in the space because of a pile of clutter.
It has been a long journey to find away to keep clutter at bay so that I don’t have to go through the binge cycle of cleaning and having long periods of time that I am unable to be creative. I have read dozens of articles and watched videos on how to declutter my space and keep it clutter free. But none of them seem to work long term for the way my brain works, it will help for a week or two but then there is like a short circuit and my brain says, this isn’t working, we are using too much energy trying to do it all.
So I have to decide between burning out trying to keep up with everything or figure out how to ignore the clutter that builds up around me. I don’t feel like there is a grey area to a middle ground. I am frustrated and that rolls over into my relationships, I am cranky and short tempered. I know it isn’t anyone’s fault. I know that this should be a simple remedy but still my brain has me convinced that we can’t keep it up.
I drop all my creative work. I stop engaging with friends, writing groups, I back out of events. But it doesn’t stop there, because I also don’t get anything decluttered, I feel defeated. I feel heavy. I try to ask my family, please help me and they do. I still feel heavy though because I haven’t done it. Now I feel bad for asking someone else to do the thing that I seem unable to do.
I have turned to a habit tracker to try to make sense of patterns of high and low energy. Tracking my days where I have migraines and my blood sugar is high. Those days seem to be the worst if I try to push myself to do even small tasks. I don’t set hard limits on how many days I need to do something, this is just a way for me to see if I can find a pattern in the chaos. So far it is working. I am able to see that on days where I have low energy I can still do some of the mundane things, throw out clutter, load the dishwasher (even if I don’t get it unloaded later). On days where I have migraines or high blood sugar, I allow myself the time to rest and I don’t force myself to do anything but focus on my health. Those days I ask a little more of my family.
Maybe it isn’t perfect, I will probably never have a totally clutter free house, but it makes the heavy feeling ease up, the feelings of needing to pull away from friends ease up and I can engage again. I can function at some level everyday and accomplish tasks. So now it is one day at a time, doing what I can while being aware of my energy level.
Other Guest Posts by Brandy Bullock
End of the Year Wrap-Up and Writing Accomplishments.
Links:
,https://brandybullockauthor.wixsite.com/brandybullockauthor
April 5, 2023
Review of a AI writing assistant
AI Assistance Programs for WritersAI assistance programs for writers are becoming increasingly popular. They can help with tasks such as grammar and spelling checks, sentence structure suggestions, and even content generation. These programs are designed to save time and improve the quality of writing, but it is important for writers to still use their own judgement and creativity when using them.
Using an AI writing assistance program for writing has its pros and cons. On the one hand, it can help writers save time and effort by providing suggestions for grammar, spelling, and sentence structure. It can also offer content generation capabilities that can help writers overcome writer's block. On the other hand, some writers may become overly reliant on these programs, which can hinder their creativity and originality. Additionally, some AI assistance programs may not be perfect and may offer incorrect suggestions, which can lead to errors in the writing. Therefore, it's important for writers to use these programs as a tool rather than as a replacement for their own judgement and creativity. AI-assisted writing programs can also cause problems when it comes to the writer's voice.
Today, I will review QuillBot, an AI-assisted writing program. I will cover what it is, how it works, the differences between the free and pro versions, the capabilities of the web extension for both versions, and the pros and cons of using QuillBot.
QuillBot, specifically, is an excellent example of an AI writing assistance program that can benefit writers in a number of ways. QuillBot reached out to me after reading my blog post "Tools to Boost Your Writer's Life" (https://shirleycrow078.wixsite.com/authorscrow/post/tools-to-boost-your-writers-life) and offered me the opportunity to use their program. As someone who is always looking to improve their writing, I was thrilled to work with the QuillBot team and see what their program could do.
While using QuillBot, I was impressed by its capabilities as an indie author, blogger, Medium web article writer, and writing group manager.
Who is Quillbot?QuillBot is an AI writing assistance program that can help writers with tasks such as grammar and spelling checks, sentence structure suggestions, and even content generation. It offers a free and premium version, as well as a web extension. QuillBot can be helpful for writers looking to improve their writing, but it's important to use it as a tool rather than a replacement for their own judgement and creativity.
What do they offer:Writing Tools:
paraphrasing tool summarizer co-writer plagiarism checker word counter translatorFree Grammar Tools:
Grammar Checker Proofreader Spell Checker Punctuation checker essay checkerCitation tools:
Citation generator APA Citation Generator Extensions for Chrome and WordStudent Resources:
Tools& Videos Educational CoursesKnowledge Base:
Paraphrasing guide AI Writing Assistant&
Blog
I’ve highlighted the tools I’ve used from the site and the Chrome extension.
This is a view of the home page after signing up for the free version. On the side, there are toggles for the Paraphraser, Grammar Checker, Plagiarism Checker, Co-Writer, Summarizer, Citation Generator, Translator, Premium version, Extensions, Help, and Contact.
I want to show you how I’ve been using the site the most by clicking on the "Co-Writer” toggle.
You can choose between a blank project or use an Essay, Blog, or Research paper template. I've mostly used this program to write blog posts and articles for Medium under my other pen name, Ann Crow. Since NaNoWriMo has started on April 1st I’ve used the program to summarize my scenes for when I go to revise this novel later.
Free Version vs. Premium VersionFree Version:125 words in the paraphraser, standard and fluency modes, 3 synonym options, 1 Freeze word of phrase, 1200 words in the summarizer and no credit card is required.
Premium Version:unlimited words, more modes, 4 synonym options, unlimited freeze words and phrases, 6000 words in the summarizer, faster processing speed, advanced grammar rewrites, compare modes (desktop only), plagiarism checker up to 20 pages a month, tone detection, paraphraser history.
Web extension
is helpful in helping when in other locations than the Quillbot desktop site.
ConsCons: The free version of QuillBot has limited capabilities compared to the premium version. Some suggestions made by QuillBot may not be accurate, which can lead to errors in the writing. Not every grammar checker is correct or in line with creative and voice choices an author might make. Becoming overly reliant on QuillBot can hinder a writer's creativity and originality.Pros: QuillBot can save writers time and effort by providing suggestions for grammar, spelling, and sentence structure. It offers content generation capabilities that can help writers overcome writer's block. The program is available in both free and premium versions, as well as a web extension. It can be helpful for writers looking to improve their writing.My overall impression of Quillbot.I enjoy Quillbot even though it isn’t my go to when drafting my novel. I’m surprised how easy it is to use these AI tools but they are tools and shouldn’t be used to replace a writers creativity and originality. Try it out for yourself and see how it works for you.
We’ve discusses the pros and cons of using AI writing assistance programs, specifically QuillBot. QuillBot is an AI writing assistance program that can help writers with tasks such as grammar and spelling checks, sentence structure suggestions, and even content generation. The differences between the free and pro versions, the capabilities of the web extension for both versions, and the pros and cons of using QuillBot. While QuillBot can save writers time and effort, it's important to use it as a tool rather than a replacement for their own judgement and creativity.
Current Project
I'm drafting Fire from Ashes book 5 of the Fire Series for Camp NaNoWriMo. As of this morning I'm at 4933 words total out of 30k words.
You can get updates about this and my other titles on Monday's Tea Time live Authortube videos.
Beyond Shame of the Beyond Series by Kit Rocha
The audio book of Legends and Lattes of the Legends and Lattes series by Travis Baldree
Essence of Elements- Leir a Wattpad story by MirandaMagick
Fire from Ashes playlist on Spotify
What History Forgot on Discovery +
YouTube live writing sprints
This notebook by Brandy Bullock find this and her other journals and notebooks on Amazon.
March 29, 2023
Top 10 Favorite Blogs of Favorite Authors
Finding new authors to read is fun!One of the best ways to find new authors is by reading what other people are reading. You can do this by following bloggers who write about books, or you can follow your favorite authors on social media. I have found a lot of great books this way! Another great way to find new authors is by joining book clubs or online reading communities. These groups often have discussions about books and recommend new authors to each other, which can lead to discovering hidden gems you may not have found otherwise. Today we are going to talk about reading author blogs. With a list of my top 10 blogs I read weekly.
Top 10 Blogs I read in no order of importance.This 1st one isn’t techniquely a blog but a Medium account
(she/her/pan) I’m not a well-behaved woman. I am an ally, amateur photog, content creator, novelist, empty nester, traveler, wife, & friend.
I teach writers how to make their stories matter by harnessing the power and psychology of storytelling, transforming their ideas into a masterpiece, and creating a lifestyle that makes their author dreams come true.
In the Crime Writers Resource page I’ve compiled links that contain everything a crime writer might need to create factually correct stories. I’ve also added in-depth craft resources, blogs, and more. Many contain information for all writers — fiction or non-fiction — regardless of genre.
Welcome to Creative Quill, the unique portal of wild imagination and immense fun. If you love reading about witches, magical creatures and legends, that's the place for you. Prepare for some major plot twists, meeting new book boyfriends and probably some cliffhangers.
Writers Write is a comprehensive writing resource for creative writers, business writers, and bloggers.
We have more than 1 400 articles filled with writing tips on creative writing, business writing, and blogging for you. We have a social media following of more than one million people.
Our motto at Writers Write is ‘Write to communicate’. We believe in the power of words.
Find the prompts, interviews, quotes, book recommendations, and other inspirational articles to help you write that novel, short story, article, or whatever other piece of writing you're currently working on...or that you want to write! Our Be Inspired sections are here to get the creative juices flowing. This site is where I grab our monthly writing prompt for my writing group ,On the Wings for Writers
Also known as Lady Writer.
I’m the creator of the ONE PAGE NOVEL – a fun method that allows you to plot your story on a single piece of paper.
Helping Writers become Authors
K.M. Weiland, the award-winning and internationally published author of acclaimed writing guides, such as Structuring Your Novel and Creating Character Arcs. I write historical and speculative fiction and mentor authors. Read More
Angela and Becca have a desire to help, support, and empower writers.
By no means is this the end all of author blogs you should follow but it is a great start on your journey through this wonderful world. Reading is a great way to escape from the busyness of life. Whether it's a good book or blog post that you find, it can be a wonderful way to relax and enjoy yourself. Take some time this week to read something new! Reading not only provides a temporary escape from the daily routine but also helps in enhancing vocabulary and knowledge especially from authors that have been where you are. It is a healthy habit that can be practiced by people of all ages.
Current ProjectMy prep work is coming to an end and I've already did a bit of drafting ahead of Camp NaNoWriMo
Hotel Secrets and Legends
The Magnificent Seven 2016 movie
Mary Shelley 2017 movie
Effie Gray 2014 movie
Frankenstein: The 1818 text audiobook
[image error][image error][image error]Get a coffee read each week in your email box from my other pen name Ann Crow where I write Urban fantasy noir mystery novels
Read writing from Karen Parquet on Medium. Author, writer, and sarcasm expert focused on self-development, self-care, and small business.
