Lisa Logue's Blog, page 8
July 12, 2014
So Far
Photo courtesy of thebacklot.comSadly, this post has nothing to do with Supernatural. That will come later! No, this post is about the progress of book #3. Here's the road so far...
Currently, I am inching closer to the half-way point in this novel. I'm trying to keep the main plot pretty much under wraps because I don't really know where everything is headed yet. I don't want to spoil my most recently surge of inspiration. So here's a glimpse of my progress...
Not too shabby, considering I haven't written much in the last...oh, I dunno...three months? Talk about being in a lull! I will be posting more and more updates as I close in on finishing this novel. I've never been more excited and apprehensive about a book. Believe it or not, this one has me more nervous that the first one. Anyway, I digress.
Here's a little somethin' to keep you guessing :)
Breathlessly, I let go of my vampire-warrior lover and laid down on the stone bench next to Josiah. I was surprised that he didn’t say anything. Instead, he stared blankly at the ceiling, refusing to acknowledge anyone else in the room. It must have hurt to see all the love being shared, and not an ounce of it was for him. I almost wished it could be different. Almost.
Austin began the incantation. The language was completely foreign to me. It sounded like a mixture of Latin and Chinese. The more I concentrated, the clearer the words became and I realized he was speaking Elvish. Luz would be proud, I thought as I started drifting.
A body and a soul, existing as one. Spliced and separate, two are done.One to journey, one to stay.Midnight comes, that way they’ll stay.
Stay tuned for more updates and goodies!
xoxoxoLisa
July 3, 2014
Paranormal Booktivity: Beauty and the Beast: Ever After
Keep up to date on #BATB! Last week's recap is live now and stay tuned for this week's recap from my sister blog, Paranormal Booktivity!
Photo courtesy of The CW
Paranormal Booktivity: Beauty and the Beast: Ever After
Photo courtesy of The CWParanormal Booktivity: Beauty and the Beast: Ever After
June 12, 2014
Simply Smyrna Celebration
I live in a suburban city outside of Nashville, TN and periodically throughout the year the city holds festivals, or celebrations, for various reasons. Tomorrow night they are holding a celebration for the reopening of the train depot, which they've recently remodeled as the first step in the downtown revitalization project. Since they're holding this celebration my friend and I have decided to participate and support our city while they, hopefully, support us! If you live in or around Smyrna, TN please stop by!
Here are some photos of my supplies!
Here are some photos of my supplies!
June 8, 2014
Sunday Update!
Current progress:
Excerpt (unedited):
Rusty shackles adorned each wrist, confining me to the small dark space. I watched the shadows dance across the damp walls and I knew he was coming. I could smell his desire and hatred before he even entered the small dungeon. I’d only seen him a few times face-to-face, but he never attempted to beat the hell out of me. I guess he was saving his energy because I wasn’t telling him anything either way.
“So, are you enjoying your stay?” He asked with a crooked smile. I wanted to spit in his face, but reigned in my hatred momentarily.
I returned his smile with one of my own, “Oh yes! Would you say this is five-star? I couldn’t imagine anyone not wanting to stay here year-round. You’ll have to introduce me to your interior designer. I just love the random splashes of blood all over the walls. Really adds a flare, don’t you think?”
His eyes narrowed, but he continued smiling. “Hmm, you think you’re funny? I’m sure you wouldn’t mind adding some of your flare since you adore it so much. What do you say to that?”
I pulled myself up to stand against the stone wall and shrugged my shoulders, “Sounds like it could be fun. Why don’t you unchain me so I can grab a few paint brushes? If you wanted me to help you decorate, you could have just asked. No need for all the unpleasantries.”
The sting across my cheek from the back of his hand made my jaw hurt, but I didn’t let him phase me. No matter what he did, I would heal quicker than he would think possible. His magical bindings didn’t affect my powers as it did the others he’d previously kidnapped. I was just waiting for the right time to show him just what I was capable of.
“Now, I realize that you haven’t been properly introduced to the way we do things in our world, so let me be the one to make it very clear. Emerson has no power here. Even if, by some will of the gods, he showed up and tried to help he would be powerless. The Trylle have guarded ourselves from magical attacks for centuries and that hasn’t changed. If you answer my questions, you will not be harmed again. I will unfasten those chains and you can go back to the cell with the peasant-boy. Any questions?”
I spat blood onto the floor, “And if I don’t answer your questions, you’re planning to kill me. Is that right?”
His eyes blazed, “Kill you? No, I won’t kill you. I will make you wish you were dead. So, shall we begin?” He let loose a thin whip from around his arm. It barely dangled to the floor as it swung slowly with each step he took. The beast inside me stirred, but I wouldn’t give Nolyn the satisfaction of abusing my wolf, too. I would wait until he least expected it, than I would tear his fucking head off.
“Have you ever heard of the Soul Wells?” Nolyn paced a few steps to the left, then back to the right, as if circling his prey, waiting for my answer. “Have we already forgotten the deal? Do you need to be reminded?”
“I’ve heard of the Soul Wells. They’re in the old Elven kingdom,” I glared back at him.
He nodded, “Do you know what they’re used for?”
My head twitched as I reigned the beast in again, he stopped pacing and held the whip out in front of him, close to my pulsing arm. I gritted my teeth, “It holds the souls of the elves who’ve passed and their magic. It’s how elves used to have power. As long as they were cleansed in the wells, they’d be able to use the magic of their elders.”
Nolyn grabbed an old metal chair and sat down in front of me. He lit a foul smelling cigar, blowing the smoke into my face. My eyes stung, but I didn’t cough or move. I just stared back at him, waiting for his next question. “Do you know what happened to the Soul Wells?”
“Yes,” I winced. I didn’t want to tell him the truth, but I wasn’t sure how much he knew. If he suspected that Austin’s mother was responsible, he might try to hurt him and I wasn’t going to be responsible for that. “They were sealed a long time ago.”
Nolyn twisted the whip around his hand, making his knuckles white. “Yes, it was a long time ago, but do you know how?”
“It was a spell, I would assume. Nothing else would be so powerful. Of course, they could have just destroyed the power that the wells contained and then it could have sealed as a defense, but I would suspect a spell.”
“And what would make you automatically come to that conclusion?” He tightened the whip around his hand again, turning his fingers a disgusting shade of purple.
“I didn’t automatically come to that conclusion, I just gave you two possible answers. If it isn’t a spell, then something would have caused the wells to shut down. If it is a spell, that explains why there aren’t any elves left in the world with powers, if there are elves at all. I’m not sure what answer you’re looking for here,” I huffed and braced myself for another hit. I knew it was coming; I could see the anticipation on his face.
He exhaled another puff of smoke, “Shall I rephrase the question?” He stood up and took a few steps towards me, “Who told you it was a spell?”
I didn’t hesitate, “No one told me. I have magical blood running through my veins and enough magical friends to be able to make an educated guess. I’ve seen magic do crazier things and it seems like a logical explanation. I’m sorry if that isn’t the answer you’re looking for, but it’s the truth.”
He sighed, “Well, you are right about one thing. That isn’t the answer that I’m looking for. But you and I both know that it isn’t the truth. Don’t make me hurt that pretty face again, Adalia. I’ll give you one last chance to tell me how you know it’s a spell.”
I laughed, “A few months ago, I would have told you that magic didn’t exist and that places like this didn’t exist. I also would have said that people like you didn’t exist. Clearly, you think I have some type of connection to these Soul Wells, even though I’m not an Elf. From what I’ve read, only elves can access the Soul Wells. That in itself is a spell! Magic breeds magic and that is the only thing that tells me a spell is guarding what you seek.”
His face twitched, briefly revealing the evil behind the well kempt face. Still, I didn't falter. I leaned into the whip as it finally slashed into my bare shoulder. I closed my eyes and breathed through the pain. Over and over he flicked his wrist and the whip tore into my searing hot flesh. My body itched to change and heal itself, but I refused. If he knew the bindings didn't work against me, he'd only be more intrigued. As the last gash spread across my back, I fell to one knee. I was tired and dizzy, my energy pouring with blood and sweat from the slits that newly decorated my body.
I looked up at him through glassy eyes, "You were right. My blood has made a pretty good addition." I spat at his feet, "Any more questions, my prince?"
© Lisa LogueAll rights reserved
Excerpt (unedited):
Rusty shackles adorned each wrist, confining me to the small dark space. I watched the shadows dance across the damp walls and I knew he was coming. I could smell his desire and hatred before he even entered the small dungeon. I’d only seen him a few times face-to-face, but he never attempted to beat the hell out of me. I guess he was saving his energy because I wasn’t telling him anything either way.
“So, are you enjoying your stay?” He asked with a crooked smile. I wanted to spit in his face, but reigned in my hatred momentarily.
I returned his smile with one of my own, “Oh yes! Would you say this is five-star? I couldn’t imagine anyone not wanting to stay here year-round. You’ll have to introduce me to your interior designer. I just love the random splashes of blood all over the walls. Really adds a flare, don’t you think?”
His eyes narrowed, but he continued smiling. “Hmm, you think you’re funny? I’m sure you wouldn’t mind adding some of your flare since you adore it so much. What do you say to that?”
I pulled myself up to stand against the stone wall and shrugged my shoulders, “Sounds like it could be fun. Why don’t you unchain me so I can grab a few paint brushes? If you wanted me to help you decorate, you could have just asked. No need for all the unpleasantries.”
The sting across my cheek from the back of his hand made my jaw hurt, but I didn’t let him phase me. No matter what he did, I would heal quicker than he would think possible. His magical bindings didn’t affect my powers as it did the others he’d previously kidnapped. I was just waiting for the right time to show him just what I was capable of.
“Now, I realize that you haven’t been properly introduced to the way we do things in our world, so let me be the one to make it very clear. Emerson has no power here. Even if, by some will of the gods, he showed up and tried to help he would be powerless. The Trylle have guarded ourselves from magical attacks for centuries and that hasn’t changed. If you answer my questions, you will not be harmed again. I will unfasten those chains and you can go back to the cell with the peasant-boy. Any questions?”
I spat blood onto the floor, “And if I don’t answer your questions, you’re planning to kill me. Is that right?”
His eyes blazed, “Kill you? No, I won’t kill you. I will make you wish you were dead. So, shall we begin?” He let loose a thin whip from around his arm. It barely dangled to the floor as it swung slowly with each step he took. The beast inside me stirred, but I wouldn’t give Nolyn the satisfaction of abusing my wolf, too. I would wait until he least expected it, than I would tear his fucking head off.
“Have you ever heard of the Soul Wells?” Nolyn paced a few steps to the left, then back to the right, as if circling his prey, waiting for my answer. “Have we already forgotten the deal? Do you need to be reminded?”
“I’ve heard of the Soul Wells. They’re in the old Elven kingdom,” I glared back at him.
He nodded, “Do you know what they’re used for?”
My head twitched as I reigned the beast in again, he stopped pacing and held the whip out in front of him, close to my pulsing arm. I gritted my teeth, “It holds the souls of the elves who’ve passed and their magic. It’s how elves used to have power. As long as they were cleansed in the wells, they’d be able to use the magic of their elders.”
Nolyn grabbed an old metal chair and sat down in front of me. He lit a foul smelling cigar, blowing the smoke into my face. My eyes stung, but I didn’t cough or move. I just stared back at him, waiting for his next question. “Do you know what happened to the Soul Wells?”
“Yes,” I winced. I didn’t want to tell him the truth, but I wasn’t sure how much he knew. If he suspected that Austin’s mother was responsible, he might try to hurt him and I wasn’t going to be responsible for that. “They were sealed a long time ago.”
Nolyn twisted the whip around his hand, making his knuckles white. “Yes, it was a long time ago, but do you know how?”
“It was a spell, I would assume. Nothing else would be so powerful. Of course, they could have just destroyed the power that the wells contained and then it could have sealed as a defense, but I would suspect a spell.”
“And what would make you automatically come to that conclusion?” He tightened the whip around his hand again, turning his fingers a disgusting shade of purple.
“I didn’t automatically come to that conclusion, I just gave you two possible answers. If it isn’t a spell, then something would have caused the wells to shut down. If it is a spell, that explains why there aren’t any elves left in the world with powers, if there are elves at all. I’m not sure what answer you’re looking for here,” I huffed and braced myself for another hit. I knew it was coming; I could see the anticipation on his face.
He exhaled another puff of smoke, “Shall I rephrase the question?” He stood up and took a few steps towards me, “Who told you it was a spell?”
I didn’t hesitate, “No one told me. I have magical blood running through my veins and enough magical friends to be able to make an educated guess. I’ve seen magic do crazier things and it seems like a logical explanation. I’m sorry if that isn’t the answer you’re looking for, but it’s the truth.”
He sighed, “Well, you are right about one thing. That isn’t the answer that I’m looking for. But you and I both know that it isn’t the truth. Don’t make me hurt that pretty face again, Adalia. I’ll give you one last chance to tell me how you know it’s a spell.”
I laughed, “A few months ago, I would have told you that magic didn’t exist and that places like this didn’t exist. I also would have said that people like you didn’t exist. Clearly, you think I have some type of connection to these Soul Wells, even though I’m not an Elf. From what I’ve read, only elves can access the Soul Wells. That in itself is a spell! Magic breeds magic and that is the only thing that tells me a spell is guarding what you seek.”
His face twitched, briefly revealing the evil behind the well kempt face. Still, I didn't falter. I leaned into the whip as it finally slashed into my bare shoulder. I closed my eyes and breathed through the pain. Over and over he flicked his wrist and the whip tore into my searing hot flesh. My body itched to change and heal itself, but I refused. If he knew the bindings didn't work against me, he'd only be more intrigued. As the last gash spread across my back, I fell to one knee. I was tired and dizzy, my energy pouring with blood and sweat from the slits that newly decorated my body.
I looked up at him through glassy eyes, "You were right. My blood has made a pretty good addition." I spat at his feet, "Any more questions, my prince?"
© Lisa LogueAll rights reserved
June 7, 2014
What's your footprint?
Hello lovelies! How is everyone on this Saturday evening? I'm working on widening my online footprint, which includes being an active blogger. I've been practicing on my sister blog Paranormal Booktivity. It's shaping up to be a fun experience so far that I'm hopeful will expand. I'll continue to post about it here so you all can follow its progress and see what I've been up to aside from writing.
On another note, I decided that since I don't have much else going on, I'm going to just start posting excerpts on here from Fiery Secrets instead of linking them only to Facebook. It's not fair to the folks who don't normally use it and this way, all of the platforms will be able to see the link. I'm not sure how many of you will enjoy them, but I'm trying!
I will be posting my progress for this WIP as well. As I get closer to finishing, I will be on the lookout for Beta Readers. Please don't hesitate to let me know ahead of time if you'd like to volunteer.
Stay tuned for excerpts, photos, and other updates and don't forget to share with your friends! :)
Until next time!
xoxoxo
Lisa
On another note, I decided that since I don't have much else going on, I'm going to just start posting excerpts on here from Fiery Secrets instead of linking them only to Facebook. It's not fair to the folks who don't normally use it and this way, all of the platforms will be able to see the link. I'm not sure how many of you will enjoy them, but I'm trying!
I will be posting my progress for this WIP as well. As I get closer to finishing, I will be on the lookout for Beta Readers. Please don't hesitate to let me know ahead of time if you'd like to volunteer.
Stay tuned for excerpts, photos, and other updates and don't forget to share with your friends! :)
Until next time!
xoxoxo
Lisa
June 3, 2014
May 30, 2014
Anew
Hello lovelies!! It has been quite a month for me. I was very sick for two weeks, so sick in fact that I could do nothing but Netflix binge for about ten days. Doesn't seem so bad except it was an impromptu vaca that I definitely would have rather taken on a beach somewhere without the feeling yucky part. I guess it's just that time of year.
So, I've been pretty busy this week. Not only have I started finishing Fiery Secrets, but I've begun story boarding the remainder of the series and putting together my marketing package for the rest of this year. While I've started out slower than intended, I think things are finally picking up! I'll have more updates and information over the next few weeks. I'm expecting (if the planets align just so) to have Fiery Secrets completed before the end of June. I know I've said this like a BILLION times, but the difference this time is that I've changed the plot! I was trying to include too much into the story and it was driving me insane. After the decision to cut some of it out, I have been able to write without the anxiety. Guess I should have done that months ago, huh?
I'll leave you all with a new FS sneak peek. Catch you all soon!
xoxoxo
Lisa
“You’re insane. No, there isn’t a spell like that. Not to mention, even if there was I’d never do that to you. Christ, Lia! After everything I just witnessed you going through, you’d want me to kill you?” He shook his head and threw his hands in the air. “Of all the plans, you choose to go to the one place no one has even come back from. What makes you think you’d get back?”I watched his jerky movements. The veins on the side of his neck were strained. Each day he stayed with us became harder and harder to endure. “You.”He blinked hard, “What about me?”“If I don’t come back, you’ll never be free of this curse. I can’t let that happen. I can’t let you go back. He’ll do terrible things to you and it will be my fault. The only way to make sure that doesn’t happen is to break this covenant so you never have to go back.”Austin sighed and took my hand, “You don’t owe me anything, Lia. This covenant isn’t something you can just wish away. I’ve been dealing with it for six hundred years and trust me when I say I’ve tried everything."
So, I've been pretty busy this week. Not only have I started finishing Fiery Secrets, but I've begun story boarding the remainder of the series and putting together my marketing package for the rest of this year. While I've started out slower than intended, I think things are finally picking up! I'll have more updates and information over the next few weeks. I'm expecting (if the planets align just so) to have Fiery Secrets completed before the end of June. I know I've said this like a BILLION times, but the difference this time is that I've changed the plot! I was trying to include too much into the story and it was driving me insane. After the decision to cut some of it out, I have been able to write without the anxiety. Guess I should have done that months ago, huh?
I'll leave you all with a new FS sneak peek. Catch you all soon!
xoxoxo
Lisa
“You’re insane. No, there isn’t a spell like that. Not to mention, even if there was I’d never do that to you. Christ, Lia! After everything I just witnessed you going through, you’d want me to kill you?” He shook his head and threw his hands in the air. “Of all the plans, you choose to go to the one place no one has even come back from. What makes you think you’d get back?”I watched his jerky movements. The veins on the side of his neck were strained. Each day he stayed with us became harder and harder to endure. “You.”He blinked hard, “What about me?”“If I don’t come back, you’ll never be free of this curse. I can’t let that happen. I can’t let you go back. He’ll do terrible things to you and it will be my fault. The only way to make sure that doesn’t happen is to break this covenant so you never have to go back.”Austin sighed and took my hand, “You don’t owe me anything, Lia. This covenant isn’t something you can just wish away. I’ve been dealing with it for six hundred years and trust me when I say I’ve tried everything."
April 8, 2014
Bookstore
For anyone who has not visited my website in the last 24 hours, I now have a bookstore! It is currently in the testing phase, so there may be kinks that need working out, but it is running! If you don't have the link, click here and you'll be taken to my website.
Tonight, I am finishing up some non-LoS related work before I jump back into working on Fiery Secrets. I've promised some impatient friends that I would do my best to finish it before the end of the month and I am going to do my best to keep that promise. It has dragged on for much too long and, despite my doubts, I'm going to write this story as if it were my last. Next after Fiery Secrets will be a novella about another secondary character before I embark on the last book of the series.
In between, however, I will be releasing snippets of other works on Wattpad & Bookrix, so be sure to keep up with those. I am going to do my best to blog better. I have no earthly idea who reads my blog or what they even want to read, by dammit I'm gonna try!
Gotta go write some stuff now. See you folks on the flip side! (Yeah, I'm a 90's kid. So what, wanna fight about it? [Family Guy reference]) :p
xoxoxo
Lisa
Tonight, I am finishing up some non-LoS related work before I jump back into working on Fiery Secrets. I've promised some impatient friends that I would do my best to finish it before the end of the month and I am going to do my best to keep that promise. It has dragged on for much too long and, despite my doubts, I'm going to write this story as if it were my last. Next after Fiery Secrets will be a novella about another secondary character before I embark on the last book of the series.
In between, however, I will be releasing snippets of other works on Wattpad & Bookrix, so be sure to keep up with those. I am going to do my best to blog better. I have no earthly idea who reads my blog or what they even want to read, by dammit I'm gonna try!
Gotta go write some stuff now. See you folks on the flip side! (Yeah, I'm a 90's kid. So what, wanna fight about it? [Family Guy reference]) :p
xoxoxo
Lisa
April 6, 2014
How do you know it's time to stop?
I've been struggling this year to come up with something...anything. Each time I think I might be able to sit down and write, I can't seem to keep my own attention long enough to get anything done. I have no idea what's wrong with me, but is this a sign that I just need to stop writing?
Of course my heart screams at the thought, but what else am I to do? I know I'm not a great writer. Good writer, maybe. Perhaps I am just at a turning point with this whole endeavor. Maybe the spark has left me for the time being. Whatever it is, I just want it to go away and let me dive back into my fantasies and whimsical worlds that exist inside my head.
I don't think this is writer's block. If it were truly writer's block, I wouldn't have any ideas swirling inside my mind; waiting to be released. No, this is something else. The last book I wrote was good. I don't mean good by only my own thoughts, I mean good from those who've read it and flooded my inbox with "OMG" emails and "I want more!!" comments. I have inevitably set myself up for failure!
How can I make the next book better than the last? How can I keep the story going for two more novels, knowing exactly how I want it to end, and not have the books drag on forever and hold absolutely zero interest from my readers? How?!
I am stuck...plain and simple. I have no good answers for these questions. Instead, I've been staring at the same boring words I've written for a story that is supposed to be exciting and suspenseful. Love, war, betrayal, redemption and duty molded together and topped with a pretty little bow. How the hell am I supposed to make it all happen and not feel like every word is complete and utter crap-ola?
Any suggestions?
xoxoxo
Lisa
Of course my heart screams at the thought, but what else am I to do? I know I'm not a great writer. Good writer, maybe. Perhaps I am just at a turning point with this whole endeavor. Maybe the spark has left me for the time being. Whatever it is, I just want it to go away and let me dive back into my fantasies and whimsical worlds that exist inside my head.
I don't think this is writer's block. If it were truly writer's block, I wouldn't have any ideas swirling inside my mind; waiting to be released. No, this is something else. The last book I wrote was good. I don't mean good by only my own thoughts, I mean good from those who've read it and flooded my inbox with "OMG" emails and "I want more!!" comments. I have inevitably set myself up for failure!
How can I make the next book better than the last? How can I keep the story going for two more novels, knowing exactly how I want it to end, and not have the books drag on forever and hold absolutely zero interest from my readers? How?!
I am stuck...plain and simple. I have no good answers for these questions. Instead, I've been staring at the same boring words I've written for a story that is supposed to be exciting and suspenseful. Love, war, betrayal, redemption and duty molded together and topped with a pretty little bow. How the hell am I supposed to make it all happen and not feel like every word is complete and utter crap-ola?
Any suggestions?
xoxoxo
Lisa
December 20, 2013
Questions they always ask...
So I've been thinking a lot lately about how fans approach authors (something of which I am guilty) and how it sometimes seems cliche. I don't mean that they aren't truly fans or don't appreciate the work of said author, but I always see the same questions:
How can I get started writing?
How do I get published?
What do you recommend for someone starting out writing?
These are all very good questions, but I find myself answering them in a way I believe anyone should answer:
You just start. If it's something calling to you, just sit down and do it.
There are so many places online to publish, but don't fall for sites asking you to pay.
Again, just do it. If you're passionate about it, you will find it comes easy.
I don't know if I'm just lacking inspiration from outside influences or if I truly don't understand how there are people who don't know the answers. I suppose, for those who are very new, they are searching for some advice to see if they are on the right path. I can understand that, but I also grew up with the mindset that I could do anything I put my mind to, no matter what it is. Although something may seem impossible, I am the only one who can conquer those fears and accomplish my goals.
Maybe that's what writing has done for me- allowed me to actually be myself and that "better person" I aimed for. Nothing I write is perfect, nor will it ever be, and I honestly would rather it not. I want my true inner voice to come through, even if I've spelled something wrong or used a word in the wrong context. I'm human and I make mistakes and I'm alright with that.
Bottom line- writing is something that comes from within. No one else can tell you how to write or even how you should write. What pours onto the paper (or screen) is what is inside your head and you should be proud of it and its imperfections. Not sure how to get started? Just write something down. It doesn't matter what it is, just write it down. Even if it's a mess of jumbled words, do it. Eventually, you'll get used to writing things down that pop into your head and it will be easier to do and more words (and even sentences!) will follow. Don't be afraid to experiment and do what feels comfortable to you.
Writing evolves, just as you and I do. No two people I've encountered write in the same voice and you shouldn't want to either. Let your writing speak to who you are and what that inner voice tells you to say. The only recommendation I've ever known any writer to give to one who aspires to write is simply DO IT.
Good luck and may the force be with you! (Nerd, I know)
xoxoxoxo
Lisa
How can I get started writing?
How do I get published?
What do you recommend for someone starting out writing?
These are all very good questions, but I find myself answering them in a way I believe anyone should answer:
You just start. If it's something calling to you, just sit down and do it.
There are so many places online to publish, but don't fall for sites asking you to pay.
Again, just do it. If you're passionate about it, you will find it comes easy.
I don't know if I'm just lacking inspiration from outside influences or if I truly don't understand how there are people who don't know the answers. I suppose, for those who are very new, they are searching for some advice to see if they are on the right path. I can understand that, but I also grew up with the mindset that I could do anything I put my mind to, no matter what it is. Although something may seem impossible, I am the only one who can conquer those fears and accomplish my goals.
Maybe that's what writing has done for me- allowed me to actually be myself and that "better person" I aimed for. Nothing I write is perfect, nor will it ever be, and I honestly would rather it not. I want my true inner voice to come through, even if I've spelled something wrong or used a word in the wrong context. I'm human and I make mistakes and I'm alright with that.
Bottom line- writing is something that comes from within. No one else can tell you how to write or even how you should write. What pours onto the paper (or screen) is what is inside your head and you should be proud of it and its imperfections. Not sure how to get started? Just write something down. It doesn't matter what it is, just write it down. Even if it's a mess of jumbled words, do it. Eventually, you'll get used to writing things down that pop into your head and it will be easier to do and more words (and even sentences!) will follow. Don't be afraid to experiment and do what feels comfortable to you.
Writing evolves, just as you and I do. No two people I've encountered write in the same voice and you shouldn't want to either. Let your writing speak to who you are and what that inner voice tells you to say. The only recommendation I've ever known any writer to give to one who aspires to write is simply DO IT.
Good luck and may the force be with you! (Nerd, I know)
xoxoxoxo
Lisa
