Liz Strange's Blog, page 3
January 10, 2012
Independent Lit Awards - Short Lists
Hello-
Imagine my surprise to find out today that my novel Missing Daughter, Shattered Family made the short list in the mystery category for the Independent Lit Awards. I am so proud of this, regardless of the final outcome.
Huge congratulations and thanks to my wonderful editor Amanda Faris and to my publisher MLR Press.
Missing Daughter, Shattered Family at Amazon
Thanks,
Liz
December 20, 2011
YA author extraordinaire Judith Graves has stopped by....
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Theory and Practice Makes Your Writing ROCK!
When I was a kid, I took piano lessons for five years and at the same time taught myself to play guitar. Eventually I picked up the violin, and then the bass guitar. Though my only formal instruction was in piano, I was able to branch into other forms of musical expression because each new instrument had two common denominators:
The theory was the same.
Success came down to practice.
Each used the same notes, time measurements, song structure and the more I played – the greater my skill. Because of their shared foundation I was able to build upon what I'd learned in piano and transfer my knowledge to other instruments.
I feel the same way about the various formats I write in: lyrics, flash fiction, short fiction, novellas, novels, and scripts.
The theory is the same.
Success comes down to practice.
While I don't have any formal training in fiction, other than the single creative writing class I took in college, I've read and wrote, wrote and read, deleted and revised – learning the craft of writing by trail and error. Though I now have a handle on the basic tools I need to produce a decent story, I still have much to learn.
I like to share my discoveries with other aspiring writers and have posted a handy list of my personal "must have" tools / resources for writing fiction on my website…here. http://judithgraves.com/events/author-visits-2/writer-resources-to-die-for/
After recently diving headfirst into the world of screenwriting, I've established another list of resources I studied / absorbed / highlighted and stickie-noted to death which you'll see below.
What I didn't expect (but should have anticipated) is that the better I've become at writing scripts, the better I've become at writing and plotting – just about anything.
Screenwriting resources and the skills they impart translate well into the world of fiction. Nothing will teach you more about plot, character development and the need for conflict than the following resources. Even if you never intend to write a script, I encourage you to read a few of these…your fiction – and your readers – will thank you for it.
Then all you have to do is numerous hours of butt-in-chair practice. I know you can do it…
SCREENWRITING RESOURCES TO DIE FOR
Craft:
Save the Cat: The last book on screenwriting that you'll ever need - Blake Snyder. Ironically Save the Cat was the first book on screenwriting I'd heard other fiction writers talk about and thus the first one I purchased…but I do return to it again and again.
Save the Cat: Goes to the movies. The screenwriter's guide to every story ever told – Blake Snyder. Main plot points of films identified so you can make them happen in your own tales.
The Coffee Break Screenwriter – Pilar Alessandra. Fantastic resource for plot structure and dividing the task of writing a complete script into bite sized, manageable sections.
Your Screenplay Sucks: 100 ways to make it great – William M. Akers. I find this to be the best revision tool around. I use it for fiction manuscripts as well. It helps you identify problem areas and kick the snot out of them.
Four Screenplays. Studies in the American Screenplay: An analysis of four groundbreaking contemporary classics – Syd Field. Wonderful breakdown of Thelma & Louise, Terminator 2, The Silence of the Lambs and Dances with Wovles. In terms of understanding what makes a story work - this beast is priceless.
Cinematic Storytelling: The 100 most powerful film conventions every filmmaker must know – Jennifer Van Sijll. You'll never watch a movie the same way again…and it will help you place your fictional cast on your stage with more finesse and creativity than ever before.
Scripts (a la The Shooting Script series) – as with writing fiction, the best way to learn what works is to READ. Here are some of the scripts I've purchased, but I also follow the Scott Myers blog http://gointothestory.blcklst.com/ for script evaluations and industry insight.
A Knight's Tale – Brian Helgeland
Dan in Real Life – Pierce Gardner and Peter Hedges
Stranger than Fiction – Zack Helm
Juno – Diablo Cody
Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Once more with feeling (the musical script book) – Joss Whedon
SIDE NOTE: I also study other script formats, such as graphic novels. Here are some resources if you're interested…
Graphic Storytelling and Visual Narrative: Principles and practices from the legendary cartoonist – Will Eisner. Great insight in the development of comics and how to combine words with images.
Panel Discussions with industry storytellers – Durwin S. Talon. Everything you've wanted to ask about graphic novels…with real answers.
Panel One: Comic book scripts by top writers – Nat Gertler. Featuring scripts by Neil Gaiman, Jeff Smith, Kurt Busiek and more!
Learn more about this author:
Judith Graves
...YA fiction to die for...
UNDER MY SKIN, (Print edition in stores now - ebook via Kindle and Nook)
"A normal life? Now that's the real fairytale."
SPIRITED, (Available via Kindle and Nook now) - proceeds to literacy-based charity
"There's no rest for the wicked. Bestselling authors telling scary tales."
SECOND SKIN, December 2011
"What happens when you're both the beauty and the beast?"
SKIN OF MY TEETH, 2013
"It's all fun and games 'til somebody dies."
October 23, 2011
Writing Update
Hello-
Just a brief update since I haven't posted in a while. I went to Shriekfest in Los Angeles and had an amazing time! I saw lots of great films, talked to some interesting, talented people, and came back inspired and renewed. Following up on some leads from this. I will share when more info is available.
My latest novel, Missing Daughter, Shattered Family (David Lloyd Investigations), is out and has recieved some great reviews and positive feedback from readers. If you haven't had a chance to check it out yet, here's the LINK.
Also the third book in the Dark Kiss Trilogy is out.
I am hard at work on several projects at the moment, busy but happy to be writing! As always thank-you to all my readers and supportive reviewers.
Best!
Liz
September 20, 2011
Shriekfest 2011- I made the Finals
Well it's been a while since I've done an update, and with recent events I thought it was the perfect time. I am very proud to annouce that I made the finals in the Shriekfest 2011 screenplay competition for my work Nightwalker.
You can find out more about the competition here: Shriekfest
I will be talking about this amazing turn of events and about my writing career in general tomorrow morning on the CBC's Ontario Morning show. Hope you can turn in!!
Best!
Liz
Shriekfest 2011- I made the Finals
Well it's been a while since I've done an update, and with recent events I thought it was the perfect time. I am very proud to annouce that I made the finals in the Shriekfest 2011 screenplay competition for my work Nightwalker.
You can find out more about the competition here: Shriekfest
I will be talking about this amazing turn of events and about my writing career in general tomorrow morning on the CBC's Ontario Morning show. Hope you can turn in!!
Best!
Liz
September 11, 2011
Adrianne Brennan talks Writer's Block
Writer's block! Burnout! We all go through it and each of us have our ways of dealing with it. Here a list of mine, and why and how they work:
1) Keep more than one writing project going. If my Muse burns out on one, I can go to another. It keeps my projects from stagnating, my Muse from crapping out on me, and helps me to still get stuff done. I have at present three WIPs going on at the same time.
2) Write for yourself, don't write for deadlines. If all you want to do is write a crack!fic about your favorite fandom or a silly little piece that you'd never want to publish in a million years but you just have an ITCH to doit...just sit down and DO IT. As long as you're writing something, you're staying fresh--and you may get inspiration from doing it that will help with your current works.
3) Walk away from the keyboard!! It's okay to take a break. Infact, it's good for us and our writing. We may come back to find things wedidn't see before in our writing that needs work and therefore have a fresherperspective on the material.
4) When you're completely stuck, just do the things you love. I play World ofWarcraft online, watch episodes of Torchwood, read Doctor Who fanfic, exercise, take long walks--whatever allows me to relax and give my chance for my Muse toget new material. Sometimes even watching movies in similar genres that I'm writing in allows me to be able to get inspiration I desperately needed.
5) If you can, take a vacation--especially if it's related to what you're writing about. I have on limited times and budgets gone on a holiday that lasted all of one and a half days with a single night overstay. The purpose was to gauge the area--namely, the West Village in NYC--for the backdrop of mynovel, Blood of the Dark Moon. It not only turned out to be very educational for my book, but gave me a LOT of inspiration to fill in gaps in my story.
6) RELAX. Muses don't like to work under pressure. They like to be given candy and the freedom to run around. They do our best work for us when we're not wound up and barking orders at them, and the best way for us to do that is to make sure that we're in a good state of mind to be writing.
In conclusion, just remember...a happy Muse is a productive Muse. ^_^ The key is learning how to care and feed for yours so that it stays happy.
Adrianne Brennan
~ "Where love and magic meet" ~
http://www.adriannebrennan.com
Experience the magic of the Dark Moon series: http://www.adriannebrennan.com/books.html#darkmoon
Dare to take The Oath in this erotic fantasy series: http://www.adriannebrennan.com/books.html#the_oath
The future of psychic sex - Dawn of the Seraphs (m/m): http://www.adriannebrennan.com/dawnoftheseraphs.html
Adianne Brennan talks Writer's Block
Writer's block! Burnout! We all go through it and each of us have our ways of dealing with it. Here a list of mine, and why and how they work:
1) Keep more than one writing project going. If my Muse burns out on one, I can go to another. It keeps my projects from stagnating, my Muse from crapping out on me, and helps me to still get stuff done. I have at present three WIPs going on at the same time.
2) Write for yourself, don't write for deadlines. If all you want to do is write a crack!fic about your favorite fandom or a silly little piece that you'd never want to publish in a million years but you just have an ITCH to doit...just sit down and DO IT. As long as you're writing something, you're staying fresh--and you may get inspiration from doing it that will help with your current works.
3) Walk away from the keyboard!! It's okay to take a break. Infact, it's good for us and our writing. We may come back to find things wedidn't see before in our writing that needs work and therefore have a fresherperspective on the material.
4) When you're completely stuck, just do the things you love. I play World ofWarcraft online, watch episodes of Torchwood, read Doctor Who fanfic, exercise, take long walks--whatever allows me to relax and give my chance for my Muse toget new material. Sometimes even watching movies in similar genres that I'm writing in allows me to be able to get inspiration I desperately needed.
5) If you can, take a vacation--especially if it's related to what you're writing about. I have on limited times and budgets gone on a holiday that lasted all of one and a half days with a single night overstay. The purpose was to gauge the area--namely, the West Village in NYC--for the backdrop of mynovel, Blood of the Dark Moon. It not only turned out to be very educational for my book, but gave me a LOT of inspiration to fill in gaps in my story.
6) RELAX. Muses don't like to work under pressure. They like to be given candy and the freedom to run around. They do our best work for us when we're not wound up and barking orders at them, and the best way for us to do that is to make sure that we're in a good state of mind to be writing.
In conclusion, just remember...a happy Muse is a productive Muse. ^_^ The key is learning how to care and feed for yours so that it stays happy.
Adrianne Brennan
~ "Where love and magic meet" ~
http://www.adriannebrennan.com
Experience the magic of the Dark Moon series: http://www.adriannebrennan.com/books.html#darkmoon
Dare to take The Oath in this erotic fantasy series: http://www.adriannebrennan.com/books.html#the_oath
The future of psychic sex - Dawn of the Seraphs (m/m): http://www.adriannebrennan.com/dawnoftheseraphs.html
August 31, 2011
SHRIEKFEST 2011 - FINALIST
Hello Everyone-
So it's happened and I can't quite believe it!! I made the finals for Shriekfest 2011 with my screenplay Nightwalker. As such I have been invited to the weekend Festival in Los Angeles. Well, as a single mom of four and an emerging writer this is quite a financial stretch for me.
I wonder if there are some kind souls out there who would be able to help me make this happen. I am asking for SMALL donations of no more than $1-5 CAD payable thorugh Paypal. My email is lizstrange@bell.net
My promise is that if I sell/option this piece I will return all donations in full!!
My sincerest thanks to all that help make this some true!
Liz
Just thought I'd keep a running "Thank-you" for donations:
Danielle & Tony Baptista
Bertena Varney
Laurie Reifel
August 7, 2011
Michele Hauf is here to visit...
The wonderfully talented Michele Hauf is here to discuss a very interesting topic...one best left to her own words.
Werewolf Sex
That subject line will either make you cringe or smile. There's a certain squick factor involved when those two words get together, depending on how the scenario is handled. I just landed on Chapter Twenty-Three in my current work in progress, FOREVER WILD (Trystan Hawkes' story). I've typed in brackets [werewolf sex]. That page will remain blank for a while, days maybe, while I contemplate the scene, what it should involve, and how far I should push it.
One of the greatest challenges I have as a writer of paranormal romance fiction is the sex scenes between various 'creatures'. Vampires, I have mastered. Their sex can be pretty straight-forward, with an added bite. But werewolves? That's a touchy subject. While I usually rate my sex scenes on the medium scale, never too erotic, but not too tame, either, I always sit back andshake my head when a werewolf is involved. Why did I do this to myself? I wonder.
Because it is all my fault. I created my world. And in my world, the werewolf bonds during sex only when he's in werewolf form. That's the half man, half wolf form. For a pretty close approximation of my idea of what a werewolf looks like see the Underworld series (though I imagine them with more wolfie heads). And for a female werewolf to procreate she has to be in werewolf form. Makes it kind of a sticky situation if the werewolf is having sex with a mortal or other creature. I can only go so far on the page. I only want to go so far. You can step over boundaries easily. And I never want to upset the reader, or offend. On the other hand, to raise strong emotions in the reader is a writer's goal. So what to do?
I don't ever want to tread the lines of beastiality. But it's difficult when both hero and heroine are werewolves. So I think I've found a happy medium by alluding to what is about to occur and then slamming that bedroom door firmly shut. I want to get readers started on imagining what could happen, and then I'll leave it to them to continue on with the fantasy, or stop it when they get uncomfortable. But still, it's never easy for me to write that scene. And I don't think it ever will be easy, which is probably a good thing.
Now, I'd love to hear from you. How far is too far? Do werewolf sex scenes freak you out? Do you feel they are necessary to show the romance between the characters?
Visit Michele's website at: www.michelehauf.com
For more information about the characters in her Beautiful Creatures world: www.clubscarlet.michelehauf.com
July 31, 2011
Contest- Born of Blood and Retribution
In honour of the release of the final book in the Dark Kiss Trilogy, I am offering a chance for one lucky reader to win an e-book copy.
Here's what you need to do:
Tell me who your favourite characater introduced in the second book was and why. This cannot be Rachel, Giovanni, Charles or Eli. Just a brief snapshot.
Please leave your response in the comments section of this post. A winner will be announced August 15th.
Good luck!!
Liz
