Beth Overmyer's Blog: The Blog of Beth Overmyer, page 44
July 21, 2014
Encouragement
Two encouraging quotes came my way today at just the right time:
Have a great week, guys!
Beth
Have a great week, guys!Beth
July 15, 2014
The Right Mood
My writing regimen usually goes something like this:
*doesn't feel like writing**surfs internet**writes a bit anyway*
There are some things that help me get into the right mood for writing, the main one being music. Music with lyrics can be distracting for some, and for me that's true sometimes, especially if the words really strike a chord with me. (Playlists could be a post of their own!) That's why John Williams gave us soundtracks!
Another thing that can influence my mood is my work space. While mine's always cluttered, I've taken to putting up photo copies of different works of art around my "office." When I take a break from staring at a glowing computer screen, it's nice glancing at something pretty and inspiring.
Scent is a tool I haven't utilized to its fullest potential. That sense is said to be the stronger memory trigger, and could thus set some pretty strong moods.
Taste is another sense I'm trying to use when I'm writing. If a character is eating or drinking something, it's always fun to have that on hand.
So, for my current work-in-progress, Scotch, a story with a heavy drinker (yes, I write regular fiction as well as YA/MG--under a pen name, though: S.M. Tinker) who I wanted to be French chic, here's how I set the mood:
Music: French Cafe music. It's a nice background sound, which isn't too distracting (since the words are all in French, of course), and it has a foreign flare to it, which puts me in a different state of mind. This enables me to better get into the head of my main character, the woman with a French-inspired flare.
Beverage: Butterscotch iced tea. I am no Hemingway, so I am dryer than toast (in the alcohol sense only, I hope!) But the amber liquid in a fun cup helps put me in touch with the side of me that relates to this alcoholic character. Plus, it's just plain fun!
Picture: Van Gogh's Starry Night. Again, French influence.
So, with those three things within reach, I am raring and ready to work on my novel.
How do YOU get in the mood to do YOUR work?
_______
#AmListening: David Bowie "Heroes"#AmReading: Essentials of Classic Italian Cooking#AmWatching: Julia Child's The Way to Cook
Currently, I have put my middle grade and young adult books on hold. This is just for a month or so, or until my beta reader is able to get back to me. So, what have I been spending my time? Writing fiction for an older crowd, but of course.
*doesn't feel like writing**surfs internet**writes a bit anyway*
There are some things that help me get into the right mood for writing, the main one being music. Music with lyrics can be distracting for some, and for me that's true sometimes, especially if the words really strike a chord with me. (Playlists could be a post of their own!) That's why John Williams gave us soundtracks!
Another thing that can influence my mood is my work space. While mine's always cluttered, I've taken to putting up photo copies of different works of art around my "office." When I take a break from staring at a glowing computer screen, it's nice glancing at something pretty and inspiring.
Scent is a tool I haven't utilized to its fullest potential. That sense is said to be the stronger memory trigger, and could thus set some pretty strong moods.
Taste is another sense I'm trying to use when I'm writing. If a character is eating or drinking something, it's always fun to have that on hand.
So, for my current work-in-progress, Scotch, a story with a heavy drinker (yes, I write regular fiction as well as YA/MG--under a pen name, though: S.M. Tinker) who I wanted to be French chic, here's how I set the mood:
Music: French Cafe music. It's a nice background sound, which isn't too distracting (since the words are all in French, of course), and it has a foreign flare to it, which puts me in a different state of mind. This enables me to better get into the head of my main character, the woman with a French-inspired flare.
Beverage: Butterscotch iced tea. I am no Hemingway, so I am dryer than toast (in the alcohol sense only, I hope!) But the amber liquid in a fun cup helps put me in touch with the side of me that relates to this alcoholic character. Plus, it's just plain fun!
Picture: Van Gogh's Starry Night. Again, French influence.
So, with those three things within reach, I am raring and ready to work on my novel.
How do YOU get in the mood to do YOUR work?
_______
#AmListening: David Bowie "Heroes"#AmReading: Essentials of Classic Italian Cooking#AmWatching: Julia Child's The Way to Cook
Currently, I have put my middle grade and young adult books on hold. This is just for a month or so, or until my beta reader is able to get back to me. So, what have I been spending my time? Writing fiction for an older crowd, but of course.
July 1, 2014
Attention Teen Writing Workshop Attendees:
If by some miracle you're reading this...
Remember that your short story must be no longer than 1,000 words (roughly four to five pages, double-spaced. It can be shorter!) It has to be something written at the workshop (you can totally rewrite) or inspired by one of the creative writing exercises we did.
Entries must be received (via email) no later than July 10, 2014.
Remember that your short story must be no longer than 1,000 words (roughly four to five pages, double-spaced. It can be shorter!) It has to be something written at the workshop (you can totally rewrite) or inspired by one of the creative writing exercises we did.
Entries must be received (via email) no later than July 10, 2014.
May 22, 2014
When I Grow up...
When I was young-er, I didn't know that I was going to be a writer. Some of the occupations I had in mind:
- Artist. I loved to draw - sometimes - but, well...
- Singer. I loved to sing, but...NO! I am not going to post a sound clip. I will not insult thine ears. (No modesty, but gospel truth: I can usually carry a tune. In a bucket. A rusty, dinged up, holey bucket.)
- Veterinarian. I loved (and still do love) animals, but math and science were not my strengths in school.
- Actress. I hate acting. Always have. For some odd reason, I kept telling myself that I loved it...or at least should love it.
At fifteen (maybe sixteen), I thought I was going write and publish poetry. But then there was and is a slight hurdle: I have a genetic flaw that ALLOWS ME TO READ YOUR MIND!
...
Still awake? Good.
Seriously, I can't hear stressed syllables. O_O I know: that's a slight problem. Yes, yes, there is free verse, but...
Anyway, fiction writing. My first "novel" was written when I was around twelve years old. My second one was started at age sixteen. It wasn't anything serious. I was just messing around.
I became more serious around age twenty. There were hints along this way that this was what I wanted and was able to do, such as encouragement from teachers, librarians, friends.
There was one teacher, two if I'm being honest, who really nudged me toward this path. They weren't English or creative writing teachers. A science teacher. A religion teacher.
They planted the seeds. God and time grew my love for the craft.
And here I am.
___
What led you to the path you're on today?
For those still in school: have fun, don't quit, and have a wonderful summer! Check this blog often, and scroll down for two creative contests.
Cheers!
- Artist. I loved to draw - sometimes - but, well...
- Singer. I loved to sing, but...NO! I am not going to post a sound clip. I will not insult thine ears. (No modesty, but gospel truth: I can usually carry a tune. In a bucket. A rusty, dinged up, holey bucket.)
- Veterinarian. I loved (and still do love) animals, but math and science were not my strengths in school.
- Actress. I hate acting. Always have. For some odd reason, I kept telling myself that I loved it...or at least should love it.
At fifteen (maybe sixteen), I thought I was going write and publish poetry. But then there was and is a slight hurdle: I have a genetic flaw that ALLOWS ME TO READ YOUR MIND!
...
Still awake? Good.
Seriously, I can't hear stressed syllables. O_O I know: that's a slight problem. Yes, yes, there is free verse, but...
Anyway, fiction writing. My first "novel" was written when I was around twelve years old. My second one was started at age sixteen. It wasn't anything serious. I was just messing around.
I became more serious around age twenty. There were hints along this way that this was what I wanted and was able to do, such as encouragement from teachers, librarians, friends.
There was one teacher, two if I'm being honest, who really nudged me toward this path. They weren't English or creative writing teachers. A science teacher. A religion teacher.
They planted the seeds. God and time grew my love for the craft.
And here I am.
___
What led you to the path you're on today?
For those still in school: have fun, don't quit, and have a wonderful summer! Check this blog often, and scroll down for two creative contests.
Cheers!
May 14, 2014
Submissions are OPEN!
Go ahead and send your artwork and/or short story to bethovermyer@gmail.com
Rules are listed in the two previous posts.
~Beth
Rules are listed in the two previous posts.
~Beth
May 5, 2014
Contest for Young Writers
The challenge:
Write a flash fiction ranging from 200 to 2,000 words using the following trope:
Rules: You must be between 8 and 14 years old to enter. By entering, you are signifying that you have a guardian's/teacher's permission to enter. Only participants with permission to enter will be eligible for prizes.
Fan fiction and poetry will be automatically disqualified.
Please, no language or excessive violence. This is a PG site ;)
You may enter even if you live outside the USA, but the only prize you'll be eligible for is an e-copy of In a Pickle.
You may send in your entry as soon as May 15, 2014 to bethovermyer@gmail.com with the subject line: YOUNG WRITERS . Entries will close on June 15, 2014 . Winner/s will be selected and notified by June 30, 2014. Prize/s will be award in July, 2014.
Misc.: Winners will be asked to have a guardian/teacher contact me via email (bethovermyer@gmail.com) in order to receive their prize. This is for safety reasons. Kids, never give out information without first consulting an adult.
Prize/s: To be disclosed
___Questions? Contact me: bethovermyer@gmail.com
Write a flash fiction ranging from 200 to 2,000 words using the following trope:
TIME TRAVEL
Rules: You must be between 8 and 14 years old to enter. By entering, you are signifying that you have a guardian's/teacher's permission to enter. Only participants with permission to enter will be eligible for prizes.
Fan fiction and poetry will be automatically disqualified.
Please, no language or excessive violence. This is a PG site ;)
You may enter even if you live outside the USA, but the only prize you'll be eligible for is an e-copy of In a Pickle.
You may send in your entry as soon as May 15, 2014 to bethovermyer@gmail.com with the subject line: YOUNG WRITERS . Entries will close on June 15, 2014 . Winner/s will be selected and notified by June 30, 2014. Prize/s will be award in July, 2014.
Misc.: Winners will be asked to have a guardian/teacher contact me via email (bethovermyer@gmail.com) in order to receive their prize. This is for safety reasons. Kids, never give out information without first consulting an adult.
Prize/s: To be disclosed
___Questions? Contact me: bethovermyer@gmail.com
May 4, 2014
Contest: Young Artists
What: A drawing contest for kids ages 8 - 14. You may enter even if you live outside the USA, but the only prize you'll be eligible for is an e-copy of In a Pickle.
Charlie Pickle's family crest, unfortunately, looks like an actual pickle speared by two toothpicks.
When: Starting May 15th, send your drawing (one per entrant) as an attachment to bethovermyer@gmail.com with the subject line "ART CONTEST." If you don't have access to a scanner, please have your guardian/teacher email me and we'll come up with a solution.
Deadline: June 15, 2014
Judging: I will choose my favorite entry/s by July 1, 2014.
Rules: You must be between 8 and 14 years old to enter. By entering, you are signifying that you have a guardian's/teacher's permission to enter. Only participants with permission to enter will be eligible for prizes.
Note: Your information will be kept private, and will only be used to send you your prize.
Prizes: To be disclosed
Draw a picture of what you'd like your family crest (a badge) to look like, along with a short (one to two sentence) written description.
Charlie Pickle's family crest, unfortunately, looks like an actual pickle speared by two toothpicks.
When: Starting May 15th, send your drawing (one per entrant) as an attachment to bethovermyer@gmail.com with the subject line "ART CONTEST." If you don't have access to a scanner, please have your guardian/teacher email me and we'll come up with a solution.
Deadline: June 15, 2014
Judging: I will choose my favorite entry/s by July 1, 2014.
Rules: You must be between 8 and 14 years old to enter. By entering, you are signifying that you have a guardian's/teacher's permission to enter. Only participants with permission to enter will be eligible for prizes.
Note: Your information will be kept private, and will only be used to send you your prize.
Prizes: To be disclosed
May 2, 2014
Watch This Space
I have not one but TWO contests coming up on this blog. If you're between the ages of 8 and 14--or know someone who is--you'll want to stay tuned!
Are you a young writer?
A young artist?
Sharpen those pencils, guys! Sunday and Monday I'll announce the rules.
Are you a young writer?
A young artist?
Sharpen those pencils, guys! Sunday and Monday I'll announce the rules.
April 24, 2014
Happy!
After breaking for a month...almost...I'M BACK!
Did you miss me? Thought not.
#AmListening to: Happy...on repeat
#AmReading: Wonder (confession: I haven't started this one yet. I've hit a slump when it comes to reading fiction.)
#AmWriting: Middle grade superhero adventure
#AmLookingForwardTo: In a Pickle's second birthday in December (yes, I dream waaaaay ahead.)
In a Pickle isn't available yet through OverDrive, but I am told that a library bought a copy or several for their outreach Kindles! So...YAY! *dances to HAPPY!*
In other news...It's still sunny*
'Night
___
*shout-out to my fellow Community nuts.
Did you miss me? Thought not.
#AmListening to: Happy...on repeat
#AmReading: Wonder (confession: I haven't started this one yet. I've hit a slump when it comes to reading fiction.)
#AmWriting: Middle grade superhero adventure
#AmLookingForwardTo: In a Pickle's second birthday in December (yes, I dream waaaaay ahead.)
In a Pickle isn't available yet through OverDrive, but I am told that a library bought a copy or several for their outreach Kindles! So...YAY! *dances to HAPPY!*
In other news...It's still sunny*
'Night
___
*shout-out to my fellow Community nuts.
March 29, 2014
That Spark (Saturday Ramblings)
I think you know where I'm going with this. That spark. The emotionally charged energy that directs itself at your creativity. That. Some know it as inspiration.
Sayings about inspiration abound, but the main one that writers hear is this: Don't wait for creativity in order to write.
That applies to painters (don't wait to paint!) and musicians and every other type of artist. But there's also something that artists need to do: Step back and assess. If something's not working, sleep on it. It's called rest, and I've been needing it lately.
I'm not taking a break from writing, per se. I'm taking a rest from pressure. Pressure actually doesn't turn a piece of coal into a diamond. Put pressure on coal and you have, well, coal dust. As faulty as that former statement is, there is a generous sliver of truth. Pressure can test and refine. A lot of times, pressure has positive results.
I guess all of this is an excuse to say that for the next few weeks, I'm going to be easier on myself and not force writing on myself. You can lead a horse to water, but don't stuff his snout in it for too long, 'cause he'll drown. Rest.
And while I'm resting, I'm going to reassess my platform. I'm a Christian first, a daughter/sister/aunt/friend second, and a writer third. Being a believer in Jesus Christ, I want to reflect that and not be a phony. I hope to do some good praying and reflecting in these next few weeks, and (try to) trust that when I come back to things with full(er) force, I'll be rested and more real.
~Beth____Do YOU need to take the pressure off yourself for a little while? Don't feel bad and don't be hard on yourself. We have Sundays for a reason ;-)
Sayings about inspiration abound, but the main one that writers hear is this: Don't wait for creativity in order to write.
That applies to painters (don't wait to paint!) and musicians and every other type of artist. But there's also something that artists need to do: Step back and assess. If something's not working, sleep on it. It's called rest, and I've been needing it lately.
I'm not taking a break from writing, per se. I'm taking a rest from pressure. Pressure actually doesn't turn a piece of coal into a diamond. Put pressure on coal and you have, well, coal dust. As faulty as that former statement is, there is a generous sliver of truth. Pressure can test and refine. A lot of times, pressure has positive results.
I guess all of this is an excuse to say that for the next few weeks, I'm going to be easier on myself and not force writing on myself. You can lead a horse to water, but don't stuff his snout in it for too long, 'cause he'll drown. Rest.
And while I'm resting, I'm going to reassess my platform. I'm a Christian first, a daughter/sister/aunt/friend second, and a writer third. Being a believer in Jesus Christ, I want to reflect that and not be a phony. I hope to do some good praying and reflecting in these next few weeks, and (try to) trust that when I come back to things with full(er) force, I'll be rested and more real.
~Beth____Do YOU need to take the pressure off yourself for a little while? Don't feel bad and don't be hard on yourself. We have Sundays for a reason ;-)
