Marissa Priest's Blog, page 2
April 15, 2016
Life gets in the way
Someone recently reminded me that life is never easy. It's insane, stressful, and does what it can to toss you around. Lately, it's been getting in the way of my writing.
Not that I've stopped. It's just hard to juggle deadlines with emergencies popping up at every corner and stress wracking your body. Writing time interrupted by trips to doctors or when you physically can't stand to reach your notebook. A peaceful day interrupted when you start bleeding all over the place.
But I'm trying to keep going. My daily word counts are smaller but at least I've written something. Right now, the struggle is keeping my mind from staying in one place. My thoughts and ideas are frazzled and all over the place. Which I then stress about and feel worse.
Stress is the enemy. I need to figure a way to combat it.
Not that I've stopped. It's just hard to juggle deadlines with emergencies popping up at every corner and stress wracking your body. Writing time interrupted by trips to doctors or when you physically can't stand to reach your notebook. A peaceful day interrupted when you start bleeding all over the place.
But I'm trying to keep going. My daily word counts are smaller but at least I've written something. Right now, the struggle is keeping my mind from staying in one place. My thoughts and ideas are frazzled and all over the place. Which I then stress about and feel worse.
Stress is the enemy. I need to figure a way to combat it.
March 15, 2016
Pressing On
Thankfully, the Muse has not abandoned me. She's just decided to plague me with more ideas. While I wanted to dedicate all my time to submitting The Resurrected Thief and writing Fae & Fog, she feels I should be doing a bit more than that.
Both are still happening. But I've also started on the beginnings of two new fantasy books. I have little more than openings and outlines for each one. Working on multiple projects at once isn't too bad when there are no solid deadlines in sight. It just causes issues when the deadlines do appear on the horizon. And who knows when publishers will want to open the doors.
I am trying to avoid stressing myself too much with those thoughts. For now, I just want to keep writing. If I stay on schedule, I can have two new novels finished by the end of the year. The goal was to finish Fae & Fog by June, but that's flexible now. It's looking like I'll have the first half of two books completed by then instead. Which isn't really a bad thing, now is it?
Both are still happening. But I've also started on the beginnings of two new fantasy books. I have little more than openings and outlines for each one. Working on multiple projects at once isn't too bad when there are no solid deadlines in sight. It just causes issues when the deadlines do appear on the horizon. And who knows when publishers will want to open the doors.
I am trying to avoid stressing myself too much with those thoughts. For now, I just want to keep writing. If I stay on schedule, I can have two new novels finished by the end of the year. The goal was to finish Fae & Fog by June, but that's flexible now. It's looking like I'll have the first half of two books completed by then instead. Which isn't really a bad thing, now is it?
March 2, 2016
WIP Wednesday!
It's always exciting to see how a project comes along. I've been working hard at Fae & Fog while submitting The Resurrected Thief. It was supposed to be a serial of about ten parts detailing Esther's time in Eastern Europe. Here's a little snippet of the scene I'm working on now:
“Why did you come to the graveyard? What did you see?” she questioned him. Keeping her voice level proved difficult.
“I have an interest in the more unique aspects of the fae. Earlier, I detected a strange magic and pursed it without delay. It brought me to the church, where I saw you,” Arthur replied in a crisp voice.
Into the second part, I started getting some new ideas. In a lot of my work, characters spend a good deal of their time researching. They have to read and investigate clues and records. Sometimes, this can slow down the action. This was getting more than problematic in Fae & Fog. But! The Muse and I came up with a little fix.
The plot and mystery has not changed at all. Only the structure. It won't be a serial anymore, but a full length novel. I don't want to give too much of the twists away at this point. But I'm a lot more excited about it now.
Since I love the serial format, I am a little let down it won't be published that way anymore. I do intend on writing more serials in the future. Ebooks are really expanding this new format, and I love it. Though, just in case, Fae & Fog can always be reverted into a serial. Just in case the publishers aren't as excited about my new ideas as I am. Or maybe they prefer serials!
“Why did you come to the graveyard? What did you see?” she questioned him. Keeping her voice level proved difficult.
“I have an interest in the more unique aspects of the fae. Earlier, I detected a strange magic and pursed it without delay. It brought me to the church, where I saw you,” Arthur replied in a crisp voice.
Into the second part, I started getting some new ideas. In a lot of my work, characters spend a good deal of their time researching. They have to read and investigate clues and records. Sometimes, this can slow down the action. This was getting more than problematic in Fae & Fog. But! The Muse and I came up with a little fix.
The plot and mystery has not changed at all. Only the structure. It won't be a serial anymore, but a full length novel. I don't want to give too much of the twists away at this point. But I'm a lot more excited about it now.
Since I love the serial format, I am a little let down it won't be published that way anymore. I do intend on writing more serials in the future. Ebooks are really expanding this new format, and I love it. Though, just in case, Fae & Fog can always be reverted into a serial. Just in case the publishers aren't as excited about my new ideas as I am. Or maybe they prefer serials!
January 28, 2016
Coming to the End
I both love and hate coming to the end of a project. Doesn't matter if it's finishing editing, writing, plotting, whatever. I get all twitchy at the end.
It's a combination of excitement and nerves. I'm happy to be done, and happy to start something new. Then the nerves about what will happen with the finished project. We're working on the nerves, slowly but surely.
The Muse is currently flittering between three different ideas. Since my first solid deadline is in two months, I'm indulging her a bit. All three are for shorter fiction with rather large gaps in the outline. In the next few weeks, I'll try to control her a bit more. She's just struggling to settle into one plot line. Poor Esther is going through three different tribulations at the same time as a result.
Most of the time, I work better with solid deadlines. I have one set for myself at the end of February. But 10,000 words by then should be easy. Once the Muse settles down. Outlining is helping quite a lot. I used to never outline more than a few half formed ideas scribbled in margins. Now I have outlines for most everything. It helps me when the Muse decides to bounce ahead in the story. I can outline it now and then finishing writing the rest when she returns.
But I'm happy with how my projects are coming along. Lots of high hopes for 2016!
It's a combination of excitement and nerves. I'm happy to be done, and happy to start something new. Then the nerves about what will happen with the finished project. We're working on the nerves, slowly but surely.
The Muse is currently flittering between three different ideas. Since my first solid deadline is in two months, I'm indulging her a bit. All three are for shorter fiction with rather large gaps in the outline. In the next few weeks, I'll try to control her a bit more. She's just struggling to settle into one plot line. Poor Esther is going through three different tribulations at the same time as a result.
Most of the time, I work better with solid deadlines. I have one set for myself at the end of February. But 10,000 words by then should be easy. Once the Muse settles down. Outlining is helping quite a lot. I used to never outline more than a few half formed ideas scribbled in margins. Now I have outlines for most everything. It helps me when the Muse decides to bounce ahead in the story. I can outline it now and then finishing writing the rest when she returns.
But I'm happy with how my projects are coming along. Lots of high hopes for 2016!
January 14, 2016
Something Slightly New
For the new year, I thought I might try and new way of organizing my schedule. I tried it a few years ago, and it sorta work. I'm sure it would have worked better if I stuck to it. Which I will this time!
As ever, I have my year long calendar hanging from the wall with deadlines highlighted. Some are real, some are self imposed. I then mark off each day with the color corresponding to each series. Green for the Gaslight Hunters, Red for Black and Redd, Blue for the unnamed fantasy, and purple for the shorter works. This is more for my own curiosity. I want to see how much time each project requires. I also want to keep track of when I write the most and when I edit the most.
Next, is a blank notebook with one purpose only. Outlining my time. It might sound rather simple, but it helps me tremendously. The first page is the list of all the projects I want to finish this year, which are then ranked by "importance". Not that any story isn't important, but some are better along than others. I told myself I'd finish a totally new novel by the end of the year. This will help me when I finally am ready to start that. Right now, I'm guessing it will be in the late spring or early summer.
As discussed before, submitting to agents is the top priority right now. I have list of top agents and am working through it. I'm also trying to fit in a few shorts for new markets. And all that time waiting for responses means time to keep writing.
The list helps me pick what to write next. Book 2 of both the Hunters and Redd and Black are fully outlined and have the first chapter written. I keep stalling on doing more because I simply don't know which one will get picked by agents first. Then of course, what if neither do? That's why I'm trying to outline the fantasy series in my down time.
As of right now, I think I have everything fairly well balanced. We all know that could change at any second. This time, I have contingency plans for both successes and failures. I'm so excited for 2016, despite the rather bumpy start.
As ever, I have my year long calendar hanging from the wall with deadlines highlighted. Some are real, some are self imposed. I then mark off each day with the color corresponding to each series. Green for the Gaslight Hunters, Red for Black and Redd, Blue for the unnamed fantasy, and purple for the shorter works. This is more for my own curiosity. I want to see how much time each project requires. I also want to keep track of when I write the most and when I edit the most.
Next, is a blank notebook with one purpose only. Outlining my time. It might sound rather simple, but it helps me tremendously. The first page is the list of all the projects I want to finish this year, which are then ranked by "importance". Not that any story isn't important, but some are better along than others. I told myself I'd finish a totally new novel by the end of the year. This will help me when I finally am ready to start that. Right now, I'm guessing it will be in the late spring or early summer.
As discussed before, submitting to agents is the top priority right now. I have list of top agents and am working through it. I'm also trying to fit in a few shorts for new markets. And all that time waiting for responses means time to keep writing.
The list helps me pick what to write next. Book 2 of both the Hunters and Redd and Black are fully outlined and have the first chapter written. I keep stalling on doing more because I simply don't know which one will get picked by agents first. Then of course, what if neither do? That's why I'm trying to outline the fantasy series in my down time.
As of right now, I think I have everything fairly well balanced. We all know that could change at any second. This time, I have contingency plans for both successes and failures. I'm so excited for 2016, despite the rather bumpy start.
January 4, 2016
Non-Stop
How do you write like you're running out of time? Write day and night like you're running out of time. How do you write like tomorrow won't arrive? How do you write like you need it to survive? How do you write every second you're alive?
Like the vast majority of the Internet, I have been drawn into the incredible musical HAMILTON. I'm not normally one for hip hop and rap, but I love it. The above passage comes from the song "Non-Stop", where the ensemble remarks on how Hamilton can't stop himself from writing and writing.
For obvious reasons, it really struck me. Especially "How do you write like you need it to survive". Because that's why I do this. I need my writing to stay alive. (Another fun Hamilton reference!) I've seen a lot of writers reference this line, most notably Kameron Hurley. I really admire how much she has done in her writing. Lately I find myself looking to her blog for some reassurance that anything is possible in publishing.
Because I once again am setting high goals of myself. I'm seizing every opportunity that comes my way. While I'm still working on the balance between wild submissions and my sanity, I don't want to miss out on anything again. I really feel both my books are at their best right now. I'm proud of them and proud of myself. So I'm spending the first half of 2016 on agent submissions while building up the supporting books, shorts, and novellas.
But I'm no stranger to rejection. If I can't get any further, I'm going to try and switch gears. Not abandon the novels. Never! Simply start a new one and then push that on agents. I'll still send out the Victoriana when I can after that, but it won't be as wild as it is right now.
I just need a way to get my foot in the door. I know where I want to be at the end of this year. It's a feasible goal, but requires non-stop work. I'm ready for it. Honestly, I can almost taste it.
Like the vast majority of the Internet, I have been drawn into the incredible musical HAMILTON. I'm not normally one for hip hop and rap, but I love it. The above passage comes from the song "Non-Stop", where the ensemble remarks on how Hamilton can't stop himself from writing and writing.
For obvious reasons, it really struck me. Especially "How do you write like you need it to survive". Because that's why I do this. I need my writing to stay alive. (Another fun Hamilton reference!) I've seen a lot of writers reference this line, most notably Kameron Hurley. I really admire how much she has done in her writing. Lately I find myself looking to her blog for some reassurance that anything is possible in publishing.
Because I once again am setting high goals of myself. I'm seizing every opportunity that comes my way. While I'm still working on the balance between wild submissions and my sanity, I don't want to miss out on anything again. I really feel both my books are at their best right now. I'm proud of them and proud of myself. So I'm spending the first half of 2016 on agent submissions while building up the supporting books, shorts, and novellas.
But I'm no stranger to rejection. If I can't get any further, I'm going to try and switch gears. Not abandon the novels. Never! Simply start a new one and then push that on agents. I'll still send out the Victoriana when I can after that, but it won't be as wild as it is right now.
I just need a way to get my foot in the door. I know where I want to be at the end of this year. It's a feasible goal, but requires non-stop work. I'm ready for it. Honestly, I can almost taste it.
December 29, 2015
Writing Tips: Don't Get Sick!
Never ever ever get sick when you're writing. It's the worst thing in the world. Your brain is too muddled with all the aches and pains to focus on any words. You stare at the same page for two days straight, because you can't focus on getting to the next line.
I have two huge deadlines in January. This fever is trying its hardest to stop me. I refuse to let it. But at the same time, all I want to do is sleep. As a result, everyone in this scene is cranky. Maybe it could work. If only I could think straight.
I have two huge deadlines in January. This fever is trying its hardest to stop me. I refuse to let it. But at the same time, all I want to do is sleep. As a result, everyone in this scene is cranky. Maybe it could work. If only I could think straight.
December 20, 2015
The Wars in the Stars
Like most people this weekend, I spent my time with Star Wars. First, this will be a spoiler free post. This movie is incredible and everyone deserves that experience. So go see it right now! NOW!
I just have one little thing I want to share about it.
Rey is perfect. She's everything I wanted as a kid seeing Star Wars. When I was a wee child, my parents took me to see New Hope in one of those $1 afternoon screenings at the local theater. I was already a little nerd, and they wanted me to get the proper experience. I loved every second of it. Being a girl, I naturally loved Leia. She's strong and savvy. But I wanted to a Jedi more than anything. I wasn't any good at public speaking or leading, so I couldn't compare to her.
There were no female Jedis in the orignal trilogy. Then you catch little glimpses of them in the prequels, but they are always in the backgrounds. We were given Padme, who was similar to Leia. But she still didn't fill that hole in my young heart. So I had to pretend.
As I started to get into video games, I found the single greatest game. Jedi Knight: Jedi Academy. It was everything I ever wanted. It was the first game where I could make my own character and not play as the standard male hero. So I made my strong Twi'lek girl with her purple lightsaber. It was also the first game I played where your choices influenced the game and you had multiple endings. It was seriously everything I dreamed that Star Wars could be.
I just wanted the chance for a young girl, like me, to have adventures with the Force. Yesterday, I finally got to see it. I'm dying for the next one. I was so nervous it wouldn't be good, but it was what I had wanted. I have a few minor issues, yet they didn't stop me from loving every second of it. I was clapping and shouting in the theater with all the others. I want more of Rey and Finn and Poe. I want all the spin-offs.
Most of all, I'm finally happy that me, and all the other girls, finally get to see the adventure I always dreamed about having,
I just have one little thing I want to share about it.
Rey is perfect. She's everything I wanted as a kid seeing Star Wars. When I was a wee child, my parents took me to see New Hope in one of those $1 afternoon screenings at the local theater. I was already a little nerd, and they wanted me to get the proper experience. I loved every second of it. Being a girl, I naturally loved Leia. She's strong and savvy. But I wanted to a Jedi more than anything. I wasn't any good at public speaking or leading, so I couldn't compare to her.
There were no female Jedis in the orignal trilogy. Then you catch little glimpses of them in the prequels, but they are always in the backgrounds. We were given Padme, who was similar to Leia. But she still didn't fill that hole in my young heart. So I had to pretend.
As I started to get into video games, I found the single greatest game. Jedi Knight: Jedi Academy. It was everything I ever wanted. It was the first game where I could make my own character and not play as the standard male hero. So I made my strong Twi'lek girl with her purple lightsaber. It was also the first game I played where your choices influenced the game and you had multiple endings. It was seriously everything I dreamed that Star Wars could be.
I just wanted the chance for a young girl, like me, to have adventures with the Force. Yesterday, I finally got to see it. I'm dying for the next one. I was so nervous it wouldn't be good, but it was what I had wanted. I have a few minor issues, yet they didn't stop me from loving every second of it. I was clapping and shouting in the theater with all the others. I want more of Rey and Finn and Poe. I want all the spin-offs.
Most of all, I'm finally happy that me, and all the other girls, finally get to see the adventure I always dreamed about having,
December 18, 2015
My Brain is Turning to Pudding
But in a good way! Because today was semi-momentous. I finally got a response from my top choice of an agent. While not a request for the full manuscript, she did suggest some revisions. After that, she'll gladly take another look at Our Fathers.
So yay! It's not a total rejection! Her comments have lined up with the other rejections I have gotten in the past two months. I knew the first chapter needed some major work. But this is progress! I have potential!
Every little bit of good news is enough for me to celebrate. Hope is always good. I know what I need to do, and now I have major encouragement.
My time will be primarily focused on the rewrites then, but keeping up with Resurrected Thief too. I might drive myself to the brink of madness, but I think I can do it. I want to send them both out in the beginning of 2016, and I really think I can do it. So we write and write and write.
Never stop!
So yay! It's not a total rejection! Her comments have lined up with the other rejections I have gotten in the past two months. I knew the first chapter needed some major work. But this is progress! I have potential!
Every little bit of good news is enough for me to celebrate. Hope is always good. I know what I need to do, and now I have major encouragement.
My time will be primarily focused on the rewrites then, but keeping up with Resurrected Thief too. I might drive myself to the brink of madness, but I think I can do it. I want to send them both out in the beginning of 2016, and I really think I can do it. So we write and write and write.
Never stop!
December 15, 2015
"I found him to be unlikable"
Speaking from a shared experience, that is the one of the most annoying critiques an author can receive. First of all, what does it matter? There are plenty of unlikable people in the world. They still can be interesting and compelling.
Someone once said that about Bryan and I hesitated. I didn't want you to like him at first. He's rude, selfish, and immature. He's just starting to grow out of it as the first book progresses. Not everyone is a sweet and valiant hero from the first page. One of the major points of The Resurrected Thief is exploring his reluctance to do anything he doesn't want to. In the end, all his decisions but one are based on selfish motives. Honestly, Bryan doesn't quite loose his stubborn streak. by the end of the entire series. I'm not saying he's a bad person, but he has some major flaws.
We all do, and that's what makes the characters human. I don't think it would make for a good book anyway. I wanted both the reader and Bryan to share in the dilemma of not knowing what step to take next. Stay home or carry on? He's a fickle man, and it contrasts so much with Esther. She knows exactly what she wants to do and how to do it. In some ways, she's just as stubborn as Bryan. She's not without her dark secrets, of course. However, Thomas is an open book. Such three different personalities cause a lot of inner conflict. Their relationships with each other are just as important as catching a killer.
I want readers to care about what happens. Yes, liking the character helps but it isn't necessary. Their goals should be compelling, and I hope I've succeeded in that.
Someone once said that about Bryan and I hesitated. I didn't want you to like him at first. He's rude, selfish, and immature. He's just starting to grow out of it as the first book progresses. Not everyone is a sweet and valiant hero from the first page. One of the major points of The Resurrected Thief is exploring his reluctance to do anything he doesn't want to. In the end, all his decisions but one are based on selfish motives. Honestly, Bryan doesn't quite loose his stubborn streak. by the end of the entire series. I'm not saying he's a bad person, but he has some major flaws.
We all do, and that's what makes the characters human. I don't think it would make for a good book anyway. I wanted both the reader and Bryan to share in the dilemma of not knowing what step to take next. Stay home or carry on? He's a fickle man, and it contrasts so much with Esther. She knows exactly what she wants to do and how to do it. In some ways, she's just as stubborn as Bryan. She's not without her dark secrets, of course. However, Thomas is an open book. Such three different personalities cause a lot of inner conflict. Their relationships with each other are just as important as catching a killer.
I want readers to care about what happens. Yes, liking the character helps but it isn't necessary. Their goals should be compelling, and I hope I've succeeded in that.
