Stuart Aken's Blog, page 316

Crazy Bookshelves.

Came across this and thought it might amuse those who actually own and read books.
http://www.buzzfeed.com/melismashable/20-insanely-creative-bookshelves
Enjoy.

Writing: a Slight Pause for Some Character Development

It has been a long day. The morning saw me working on Ch20, which is now to 3370 words and page 199. But I reached a point where, due to story development, I needed to conjure 8 new characters. I generally start such profiles with a picture (I have over 1500 on file, collected at random from the internet during searches for other things). These are classified into the two genders and split into age groups and hair colour, simply to make the filing more manageable. I also have a list of names I made up when I started writing the fantasy. Having settled on 8 names and decided on the mix of genders (5 male and 3 female in this case), I selected the pictures and then began the profiles. So far, I have 4 of the males done. The morning will see the others fleshed out and ready to join the adventure.
Meanwhile, I've been out to town, walking, with my wife. Collected currency for Kate for her holiday in Turkey, and sun tan cream and a new shower head. The fun I have when shopping! Don't know how I cope with the excitement. Also brought the Writing Contests page up to date. It now contains over 130 links to various competitons - if you're interested in such things, take a look under the tab above.
Of course, as I'm still recovering from the current spell of CFS, I've had to rest a few times and will do so again when I've finished this post; that'll be me for today.
And here is a local picture for you.

Author Patricia Mitchell Lapidus, Interviewed.

Patricia Mitchell Lapidus, a writer and a poet, is retired from two careers, one as a high school English teacher, and one as a social worker teaching parent skills and life skills to teen families.     Trish has published a memoir of her life in a community of spiritual hippies, Sweet Potato Suppers: A Yankee Woman Finds Salvation in a Hippie Village, the second edition of which is due out in 201l.  She has published poems in a number of literary magazines, including Green Hills Literary Lantern, Off the Coast, and Peregrine.  She writes articles for ezine@articles and for hubpages.  She maintains several blogs related to her writing and her family.  Swamp Walking Woman, a modern mythic fairy tale, and Gideon's River, a novel about family relationships, are available as eBooks and as soft cover paperbacks.  Red Hen's Daughters, her first book of poems is about farming life in the 1950s, the many questions a child asks, and about the transition to modern living.      Trish lives with her husband in New Haven, CT, where she hikes the beautiful trails of West Rock Ridge State Park, writes, and gives workshops at the New Haven Public Library.  She is an encourager of writers and, in her writing, a strong advocate for children, for parents, and for the dignity of all persons.      She has a Master of Arts in Teaching Secondary English from the University of Maine and a Bachelor's degree in English from Indiana University.       Trish uses the tools of Scientology in life and in her work.  Tell us about Gideon's River in a few sentences.
Gideon's River is a novel about the relationship between a timid mother and her angry son.  This story explores a common family drama we could call "the bully and the wimp" as it has come down through the generations.  Although traditional religion and modern therapies don't seem to have answers, the family does find hope in a surprising way.
How did you come to write this particular book?
In my work with families as a social worker I witnessed a lot of unhappiness.  It always struck me that people who clearly loved one another couldn't seem to refrain from hurting and alienating the very ones they needed most.  Also, as I took young mothers or couples to receive counseling, I found they often felt these "helps" didn't help.  I began to research the issue and found a sense of truth I wanted to share in story form.
If you have a favorite character in your novel, why that particular one?
I have quite a few favorites, but I'd say Gideon is the winner for me—because he won't sit still and let life run over him.  He insists on participating.  Of course, he gets himself into scrapes, but his efforts charm me and will charm the reader.  The novel is quite populated and there are a number of subplots that counterpoint Gideon's story.
Where and when is your novel set and why did you make these specific choices?
The novel is set along the Susquehanna River north of the Catskill Mountains in rural NY where I worked.  The town of Little Bridge is created from familiar landmarks.
How can people buy your books?
My books are available as soft cover paperbacks on amazon.com and as eBooks through smashwords.com or through eBook readers.
What qualities make a successful writer?
Love of words, of communicating with words, would be top.  Then, a great passion, such as my passion for helping children to live confident lives.
Who will be interested in reading Gideon's River?  
Anyone who enjoys a good story about relationships and personal growth will like this novel—especially parents who are still raising children and young people who are emerging from family into a separate identity.  This book is also for anyone who wants to take a rather long look at the history of family life.
To what extent are grammar and spelling important to a writer?
Not too important at first.  And you can always hire a proofreader later or ask a friend to read your work.  My advice to writers is not to worry about grammar and spelling while they are writing the first draft and making revisions, only later when it's time to polish.  Then you'll want your work to look professional.  No distractions of typos and such.
How do you know where to begin any given story?
I didn't know.  I tried several beginning.  Finally I let my editor show me the true beginning.
 How long does it normally take you to write a novel?
Full time, I wrote Gideon's River in about a month.  But I still had a lot of work to do to get the whole story fleshed out and organized.  Sadly, most authors must market their own books and this can slow down the writing of the next.
Who or what inspires you?
Other great writers.  In the case of Gideon, I look at other novels about young boys—Oliver Twist, Tom Sawyer, Harry Potter.  Tom Sawyer exists largely outside social foolishness.  That is his function, to see and show social assumptions for what they are.  Oliver and Harry begin in a certain amount of distress.  Oliver, whom we first meet in a dismal Victorian orphanage, is found and rescued by his rich grandfather.  Harry's existence in the home of his aunt and uncle is every bit as bleak, but he, too, is saved by prior pedigree, because his parents were magic and he has magic in his genes.  What we love about Harry is his confidence—in spite of his raising.  Gideon, like these boys, is in trouble, and Gideon works out his salvation without prior pedigree.
If there's a single aspect to writing that really frustrates you, what is it?
I have a hard time keeping track of what information I have already given my reader and what I have withheld in order to create tension.  I have to make a time line of the plot.
Is there any aspect of writing that you really enjoy?
I love how the characters come to life and make decisions.  For example, Gideon's friend Cody does something highly unorthodox to save Gideon.  I never felt I decided that.  I just watched the kid go and do it and I was shocked—but it worked!
Do you think writing is a natural gift or an acquired skill?
Probably some gift but certainly can be acquired.  If you want to write, you have the gift and all you need is some skills.
What single piece of advice would you give to writers still hoping to be published?
Be confident in yourself and your vision—and never give up!  Very few writer are successful early in their careers.  Mostly spend a lot of time finding the right actions to outlets.
What are you writing now?
I'm writing another novel set in Little Bridge and using some of the same characters.  Though, I have little time for it because of the marketing efforts, which are not all terrible chores, since I love giving speeches and workshops, writing articles, and so on.
Do you have a website or a blog that readers can visit?
Yes.  Readers can find out more about my work at www.fictionforfamilies.wordpress.com and at my recently acquired web page www.patricialapidus.com   For a wider look at my life and activities www.swampwalkingwoman.blogspot.com
Given unlimited resources, what would be your ideal writing environment?
I'm fortunate to have a quiet apartment with a computer where I can stand up—and a husband who flunked retirement and loves to volunteer at a local detox center.  We are good friends, and yet I do love being left alone to do my work.

Stuart's Daily Word Spot: Daedal

Image via Wikipedia
Daedal: noun - skilful or ingenious inventor, like Daedalus; a maze or labyrinth. 'The person who devised the first social network was a veritable daedal, a human being with real vision.'

Writing Continues in Spite of it All

After a day off work, I was determined to do some writing today, as it always improves me spiritually, which has  a positive physical effect as well. So, no writing group tonight (though, I wouldn't have been going even if I were feeling well, as the car has developed a leak in the exhaust so that it sounds like a boy racer's ride at present). I've managed to get another 2000 or so words done today; so I'm please with that.
Also, ordered a new printer to replace the one that will no longer work on this system.
Now, time to take yet another rest, in the hope I will continue to improve health wise. CFS is such a pain.

And another picture for your entertainment. This is the beach at Bridlington, just 8 miles up the road from here.

Stuart's Daily Word Spot: Cabbala

Image via Wikipedia
Cabbala: noun -   (also spelt -Cabala, Cabbala, Kabbala, Qabalah) ancient Jewish tradition of mystical interpretation of the Bible using esoteric methods; oral tradition; esoteric doctrine; mystic interpretation; occult lore.
'Judith reckons herself a real mystic, dealing in some weird cabbala that no one else seems to understand, and making the most unlikely connections in her own mind.'

Writing - Not Today

Regulars will know I rarely write on a Monday, due to longer hours at work and an evening spent at dance classes with my wife. And many will be aware I've been suffering CFS for over 7 years. Unfortunately, this condition, which never completely disappears, has returned this week due to a combination of slight over-exertion and some stress- causing incidents. As a result, I left work early today, so I could take the only action that has any positive effect in these circumstances; i.e. rest.
So, no writing tonight. I've dealt with my emails and followed-up on the author interview from yesterday, as I commit to this with every author interview I present.  But, for now, the only option is more rest. Perhaps tomorrow might permit some actual writing. I shall have to wait and see.
In the meantime, here's another local picture to please, inspire or inform.

Stuart's Daily Word Spot: Babu

Image via Wikipedia
Babu: noun - a Hindu title of respect, gentleman; Indian clerk or official who can write English; a derogatory term for an Indian who'd had some English education.
'That there Debdan is a real babu, you know; a proper gentleman worthy of real respect, not like those upstart coolies who think they know everything just because they've been to an English school.'

Lesley Cookman, Author, Interviewed.

Please tell us a little about yourself, Lesley.
Former freelance business journalist. I began to write short fiction and pantomimes in the mid nineties,  did an MA in Creative Writing in 2002/3 – putting the cart before the horse, this -  then began the Libby Sarjeant series.
Tell us about Murder to Music in a few sentences. 
The eighth in the Libby series, which are a sweetly old fashioned (!) cosy murder mystery series.
How did you come to write this particular book?
See above!
If you have a favourite character in your novel, why that particular one?
I love all my regular cast of characters.
Where and when is your novel set and why did you make these specific choices?  The series is set in a fictional village in Kent where I live. Readers tell me the village, Steeple Martin, is a character in itself. It has a proper map and everything!
How can people buy your books?
Er… (SA – the easiest way is through her website )
What qualities are needed by a successful writer?
Persistence and a thick hide.
What is your working method? 
Method? What method?
What single biggest mistake do beginners to writing make?
Not to read.
To what extent are grammar and spelling important to a writer?
Very.
How much revision of your MS do you do before you send it off?
I revise all the way through, so when I type "mss ends" it goes straight off to my editor.
To what extent do you think genre is useful in the publishing world?
It's obviously very important. If there was no categorisation, you might buy, say, Fotherington Towers thinking it was about an architectural gem and find out you'd bought a 1920s murder mystery.
Marketing is often considered a chore. What is your opinion on this issue and how do you deal with it?
It is a chore, but a necessary one. The publicist at my publishers does most of it, but I'm very happy to go and talk to people or participate in conferences or festivals. How else are people going to know about your books?
How do you know where to begin any given story? 
I don't! I just plunge in where angels fear to tread and sort it out afterwards.
What sort of displacement activities keep you from actually writing?
What doesn't!
Do you have support from family and friends, or a writing group?
My grown up children have always known what Mum does for a living and take it for granted. I've never belonged to a writing group, although I'm a member of the Romantic Novelists' Association, and have made lifelong friends there. Any support I need, or information on anything that comes up (the last was "What do you call those iron things you see on the walls of old buildings?") comes from them.
Is presentation of the MS as important as agents and publishers suggest?
YES!
How long does it normally take you to write a novel?
I publish two a year, but I suppose in reality it's about four months.
What are your inspirations?
Countryside, houses and money.
If there's a single aspect to writing that really frustrates you, what is it?
Not being able to get rid of the terror that assails you when you've sent off the latest mss.
Is there an aspect of writing that you really enjoy?
The achievement at the end!
Do you think writing is a natural gift or an acquired skill?
A bit of both. There are some people who will never be able to write something which is enjoyable to read however many courses they go on.
What are you writing now?  The ninth Libby Sarjeant book, Murder at the Manor.
Do you have a website or blog that readers can visit?
www.lesleycookman.co.uk there is a link to my blog on the website.
Given unlimited resources, what would be your ideal writing environment?
A country cottage with a view, preferably with a little bit of sea.
Where do you actually write?
In my small office, which is spectacularly untidy, in a small house in a small seaside town.

Stuart's Daily Word Spot: Abbey

Image via Wikipedia
Abbey: noun - the dominion or office of an abbey or abbot; community of monks or nuns; the building(s) occupied by such communities; church that was once an abbey or part of one.
'Abby wondered what it would've been like to live in the abbey in the days when it was inhabited by those monks she'd heard described as the randiest Christians ever.'