Robin Murphy's Blog, page 14
May 22, 2012
The 20 Essential LinkedIn Groups for Aspiring Writers – Helpful Information from Online College Courses
padding-top:5px;
text-align:left;
}
May 14, 2012
Rejection Slips
So, I received another rejection slip…actually two. One from a publisher and an agent…sigh. I know that I am not alone in this situation, but it still tends to bring you down a bit.
I’ve read countless blogs, author facebook pages, etc. on how you need to pull up your boot straps and keep pressing on. I’m working on that thought process, but it’s so frustrating knowing there are sooo many authors out there and I sort of feel as though I’m lost in the masses.
I know these rejections slips will keep me moving toward my goal. I have to remember what’s behind the scenes of an agent or publisher when they read my query letter…that they actually read my query letter. That’s big. I know it doesn’t feel that way from the unfeeling response of “Thanks but no thanks”. But I guess I have to remember the big picture…because I’m receiving rejection slips means that I am sending out query letters, which means that I’m writing and taking that big step to put myself out there, which is huge.
How about any of you? What are your thoughts on rejections slips?
I must get back into my third book and continue writing. And I have to remember why I began writing in the first place…for me. I LOVE it and I. Must. Not. Stop. After all, I’ve received great reviews on the first book in my series…Sullivan’s Secret.
Okay, moving on, I feel better now. 
April 22, 2012
Sisters in Crime Presents “Booksellers and Librarians Solve Mysteries Every Day” Event April 21
Sharpsburg, MD, with its old-world feel, is an historic town named after Joseph Chapline’s friend, Horatio Sharpe, and was incorporated in 1832. The town is noted for The Battle of Antietam which was proclaimed the bloodiest one day battle in American history.
Nestled amongst the limestone, brick, and wood sided homes in town square sits the petite Sharpsburg library. It is one of eight branches within Washington County and hosts two librarians, Betty Holtz and Barbara Twigg. I had the occasion to work with Barb on Saturday and it was fun to have the opportunity to give something back to my library.
Barb was sporting the Librarians Solve Mysteries Every Day t-shirt and enjoyed showing it off to the patrons. She had a great exposition when asked why we were wearing the matching shirts.
It didn’t take long before I was cataloging books, searching the internet for themed photos for the teen summer reading program, and trying my hand at labeling crafty stars for the children’s reading challenge.
I also watched and listened as Barb helped local resident members find the right movie, use the computer, or just chat about the local history. They serve the community in so many ways to enhance art and culture and I was excited to give my time and be a part of their day.
So I want to thank Jim Huang and SinC for this opportunity. It reminded me how important our libraries are, no matter the size. Here’s to it becoming an annual event.
Robin Murphy
www.robinmurphyauthor.com
April 15, 2012
April 14, 2012
Ghost Hunters (TAPS) Fanatic
It’s no hidden secret for those of you who know me well, know that I absolutely love watching Ghost Hunters and Ghost Hunters International. I came onto the show about six or seven years ago and have never missed a show…well, if I did miss a show I immediately watched the episode on demand.
As I watched last week’s episode with one of Grant’s final remaining shows (i.e. Grant is leaving the Ghost Hunters show) I realized how this group has become a part of my life through countless hours of ghost investigating. Not only do I love what they represent and how they handle their clients, they’re just a great group of people.
I have always loved how compassionate Jason and Grant are when dealing with families, especially children, who are being haunted and don’t know who or where to turn. They take these situations seriously and make sure their clients can relax and continue to live in their homes. Now I’m sure many are skeptical that such a thing as ghosts exist, and everyone is entitled to their thoughts and opinions. But I’ve watched and listened to their evidence, and I’m convinced there is paranormal activity out there.
The other thing I realized over the years watching GH, is that it opened a curiosity that I didn’t realize I had. This curiosity is what brought me to my present passion in writing and how I have included ghost investigating in my story. I do use other elements (i.e. psychic mediums, murder, suspense, mystery), but having watched TAPS for so long gave me the best research I could have ever had for my fiction paranormal mystery.
So, in closing, I guess I just wanted to thank Jason and Grant for the creation of TAPS, and I am very sad to see Grant leaving the show. As he said, “This isn’t goodbye.” I’m sure he will appear in the future and will always remain in contact with the team and continue to be the great friend/brother he is to Jason. I’m just thrilled I found the show, not only to satisfy my own curiosity, but to have opened the creative side in me to find my passion in writing…and to use their investigations as research in my stories.
As Jason says, “Onto the next.”…fist bump.
April 10, 2012
Kicking My Negative Thoughts in the Teeth
So, I wake up at 5:30 a.m. and decide to roll over and try to fall back asleep…but to no avail. My mind began that usual restless game of doubt, fear, and lack of confidence. You know the one…where you as the writer have finished your novel and await the results from an agent or publisher. That tug of war flitting through your thoughts of whether you're good enough…"Yes I am…no I'm not".
I know I'm not alone in these feelings, and I worked very hard to press on through them as soon as my feet hit the floor to begin my day. But today it took a little longer to pick up my chin.
After I dragged myself to my day job, I caught a few emails on my phone from Twitter. There is someone new following me…oh look, it's another writer. When I published my first paranormal mystery Sullivan's Secret last year I was thrilled, shocked, and afraid all at once. I had no clue of how to set up an author platform. Thankfully, my publisher assited in teaching me the "ropes". I took the ball and ran with it and began my journey as a published author creating the "other side" of writing…social media marketing. But I had no idea just how many authors were out there.
A year has passed and I finished my second novel within the series and finalized the last rewrite hoping to reach a more traditional publisher, or even possibly land an agent…hence the reason for the early mind-boggling awakening this morning wondering why I haven't received a response.
There is also that void of when you've finished a novel and have only just begun the research to begin the next…you know that place where you're missing your characters and are trying to rejoin them again.
So I thought, okay Robin, enough is enough, quit your whining and do the thing that picks up your spirit…write!
And, here I am…writing. No matter what form of writing…be it my novel, email for work or to a friend, or my blog…whenever I can create through my keyboard I'm uplifted and rejuvenated.
So here's to all you author's waiting to be published, or are traditionally published or self-published…kudos to a job well done, no matter where you are in your craft. Keep your chin up, toss out those negative thoughts of defeat or self-doubt, and keep writing. Give someone a kind word or thumbs up on their blog or facebook author page. We all need it and deserve it.
One final thought, remember what Henry Wadsworth Longfellow said, "Perseverance is a great element of success. If you only knock long enough and loud enough at the gate, you are sure to wake up somebody."
Okay, I'm feeling much better…have a great day everyone!
April 5, 2012
The Best Ways to Find Ideas For a Good Story – Writer’s Digest
Where to Find Ideas For Novels Or Short Stories
It’s true that good story ideas will come to you if you learn to pay attention to what’s going on around you and recognize those moments when your mind has begun to creatively wander. But there are also other ways, and places, you might look for inspiration when you need a boost.
First Lines. Sometimes a compelling story idea comes not from any conversation overheard, or anything
you catch a glimpse of, but from a little voice that whispers a strange, interesting line in your ear … say, “I
have always had an irrational fear of first kisses” or “Her husband had become hooked on daytime soaps” or “For as long as I’d known her, Jenny claimed that her dream was to become the ninth Mrs. Larry King.” A good first line begins to suggest character, conflict, plot, tone, and theme the same way a compelling initial idea or image does. For example, what do you see present or suggested in the following first lines?
In the town, there were two mutes and they were always together. (Carson McCullers, The Heart
Is a Lonely Hunter)
Mother died today. Or maybe yesterday, I can’t be sure. (Albert Camus, The Stranger)
Something is wrong in the house. (Kathryn Davis, Hell)
Headlines. A well-written headline contains enough possibility to get our imaginations working in the right direction (since the headline writer wants us to be intrigued enough to wonder about the story behind the headline and read it). For the fiction writer, we need not read the piece that goes along with a good headline—and in fact we probably shouldn’t. Instead, the headline will make us want to know the story behind it and begin writing it. What really happened isn’t as important to us as what might happen.
Here are a few real-world examples to consider, any one of which might suggest a sustainable story idea:
•17 Burn At Same Time To Break Record
•S.C. Cheerleader Hunts, Kills 10-Foot-Long Alligator
•Game Show Looks to Convert Atheists
•Jedi Thrown Out of Grocery Store
Already I can picture this poor middle-aged master Jedi, five days of stubble on his face, holding onto his box of Captain Crunch for life. “You don’t want to throw me out,” wiggling his fingers in the manager’s
face as he’s pushed out the door. “You don’t want to throw me out …”
Titles. Sometimes inspiration for a book will begin before you’ve even hit the first chapter, with a title that starts you thinking. I suspect the reason for this is that good titles are often difficult to come up with, so when a good one comes along, it suggests possibilities immediately. Keep a page in your notebook just for title ideas. One of them might bring a story along with it.
Reading. At the risk of sounding obvious, good writers are first and foremost good readers. I realize that in our rushed lives—and this is especially true for the Nighttime Novelist, who has limited spare time
and wants to use it well—it can sometimes be difficult to slow down, sit down, and enjoy a good book. But there can be nothing more instructive, nor more inspiring to your work, than reading a book from
an author who does it right. (In fact, it often takes me longer to read a great book than a bad one, simply because every few pages I have to stop to jot down some idea inspired by the text.)
It’s true that you might want to avoid other writers when you’re in the midst of your own book, for fear of being influenced too much by what you’re reading or losing the sound of your voice; that’s a matter of personal preference. But reading consistently, and reading as a writer, can be a constant source of inspiration. Find writers you love, then find the writers they love. Reading is the best creative writing
course you’ll ever take.
Other Forms of Art. Finding beautiful art that speaks to you—no matter what kind—tweaks your artist’s brain and opens you up for creative thinking. So, if you ever find yourself bereft of inspiration, go out and see a film that’s been well reviewed, or rent a classic film you’ve never seen. Take a weekend trip to an art show or go browse the art books at the local bookseller. Put on that classic album you haven’t heard in a while, turn down the lights, and really listen to it (rather than having it on as background noise while you run errands or try to get chores done). You’ll likely find a few films, albums, or artists who particularly strike you, and to whom you’ll go back many times in the course of your career for new inspiration. For me, the last ten minutes of Federico Fellini’s 8½ does the trick. All those major and minor characters from the film joining hands and dancing around together like they’re in the circus. Maybe it’s the audacity of the ending I like best; seeing another artist unafraid of taking such a big risk encourages me to be brave in my own work.
The Best Ways to Find Ideas For a Good Story – Writer's Digest
Where to Find Ideas For Novels Or Short Stories
It's true that good story ideas will come to you if you learn to pay attention to what's going on around you and recognize those moments when your mind has begun to creatively wander. But there are also other ways, and places, you might look for inspiration when you need a boost.
First Lines. Sometimes a compelling story idea comes not from any conversation overheard, or anything
you catch a glimpse of, but from a little voice that whispers a strange, interesting line in your ear … say, "I
have always had an irrational fear of first kisses" or "Her husband had become hooked on daytime soaps" or "For as long as I'd known her, Jenny claimed that her dream was to become the ninth Mrs. Larry King." A good first line begins to suggest character, conflict, plot, tone, and theme the same way a compelling initial idea or image does. For example, what do you see present or suggested in the following first lines?
In the town, there were two mutes and they were always together. (Carson McCullers, The Heart
Is a Lonely Hunter)
Mother died today. Or maybe yesterday, I can't be sure. (Albert Camus, The Stranger)
Something is wrong in the house. (Kathryn Davis, Hell)
Headlines. A well-written headline contains enough possibility to get our imaginations working in the right direction (since the headline writer wants us to be intrigued enough to wonder about the story behind the headline and read it). For the fiction writer, we need not read the piece that goes along with a good headline—and in fact we probably shouldn't. Instead, the headline will make us want to know the story behind it and begin writing it. What really happened isn't as important to us as what might happen.
Here are a few real-world examples to consider, any one of which might suggest a sustainable story idea:
•17 Burn At Same Time To Break Record
•S.C. Cheerleader Hunts, Kills 10-Foot-Long Alligator
•Game Show Looks to Convert Atheists
•Jedi Thrown Out of Grocery Store
Already I can picture this poor middle-aged master Jedi, five days of stubble on his face, holding onto his box of Captain Crunch for life. "You don't want to throw me out," wiggling his fingers in the manager's
face as he's pushed out the door. "You don't want to throw me out …"
Titles. Sometimes inspiration for a book will begin before you've even hit the first chapter, with a title that starts you thinking. I suspect the reason for this is that good titles are often difficult to come up with, so when a good one comes along, it suggests possibilities immediately. Keep a page in your notebook just for title ideas. One of them might bring a story along with it.
Reading. At the risk of sounding obvious, good writers are first and foremost good readers. I realize that in our rushed lives—and this is especially true for the Nighttime Novelist, who has limited spare time
and wants to use it well—it can sometimes be difficult to slow down, sit down, and enjoy a good book. But there can be nothing more instructive, nor more inspiring to your work, than reading a book from
an author who does it right. (In fact, it often takes me longer to read a great book than a bad one, simply because every few pages I have to stop to jot down some idea inspired by the text.)
It's true that you might want to avoid other writers when you're in the midst of your own book, for fear of being influenced too much by what you're reading or losing the sound of your voice; that's a matter of personal preference. But reading consistently, and reading as a writer, can be a constant source of inspiration. Find writers you love, then find the writers they love. Reading is the best creative writing
course you'll ever take.
Other Forms of Art. Finding beautiful art that speaks to you—no matter what kind—tweaks your artist's brain and opens you up for creative thinking. So, if you ever find yourself bereft of inspiration, go out and see a film that's been well reviewed, or rent a classic film you've never seen. Take a weekend trip to an art show or go browse the art books at the local bookseller. Put on that classic album you haven't heard in a while, turn down the lights, and really listen to it (rather than having it on as background noise while you run errands or try to get chores done). You'll likely find a few films, albums, or artists who particularly strike you, and to whom you'll go back many times in the course of your career for new inspiration. For me, the last ten minutes of Federico Fellini's 8½ does the trick. All those major and minor characters from the film joining hands and dancing around together like they're in the circus. Maybe it's the audacity of the ending I like best; seeing another artist unafraid of taking such a big risk encourages me to be brave in my own work.
