Chrissy Moon's Blog, page 2
August 10, 2013
Inspired vs. Contrived
Earlier this week, I finished the rough draft for my first-ever short story, a little tale called “Loralee and The Green,” which will be released soon from 7DS Books (keep checking www.chrissymoon.com or www.7dsbooks.com in the next couple months for more information). It’s a psychological thriller with a dash of horror.
As you may or may not know, in February 2013 I became a published author with my debut novel, SURREAL ECSTASY, which is very personal to me. It’s also inspired. That’s the way my brain works – I have to be inspired to write. When I first made myself write SE, it started out as a YA novel. When I wrote it, I was disgusted to realize my effort was obviously forced, and had little inspiration.
So I put my notebook aside (didn’t have a laptop back in September 2011) and put it out of my mind. As I have noted in previous blog posts, words for SE’s chapter 1 just came to me out of nowhere, just like in the old days when I used to write poems, and the first couple of lines would just appear in my head. SURREAL ECSTASY is an inspired novel.
The emotions residing inside are real, and not just those of Morgan, our protagonist. The supporting characters also have real emotions that come from a genuine place inside my heart. Ree’s struggle to always be the exceptional being that is expected of him, Dess’ struggle to be patient with people who don’t see eye-to-eye with her, even Adim’s struggle of trying to persist when the world seems against him – I give these feelings as much reality as possible. I’ve always been an emotional writer.
My second novel, DAYDREAMER (coming this year from Ring of Fire Publishing, who also published my debut novel), is also inspired, but in a manner that’s quite different from SE. I wrote DAYDREAMER as I was writing SE, at first as a “break” from the intense, emotionally-draining writing that I had to do for SE. I’d write DAYDREAMER for fun, a story meant for teens that’s told in a more lighthearted manner, a story that still has serious issues but doesn’t have the grown-up sex, drugs, and profanity. I suppose I wrote DAYDREAMER to comfort myself from the intense SURREAL ECSTASY.
“Loralee and The Green” was fun and educational to write. I grew up a little morbid because I was exposed to horror movies at an early age, and I loved horror way before I even knew what paranormal even meant. I worshipped Hitchcock and Stephen King.
This may sound strange, but parts of this short story are inspired as well. A scene (that I can’t reveal right now) reminds me of something actually happened to me when I was a little girl. I think it was a prank played on me by my cousin, who to this day refuses to admit it was her doing. Either she did it, or my life really is one long horror movie. I’m not sure I want to know which it is.
Anyhow, I think I’m allowed to give myself a pat on the back. I think I’m writing at a pace which is a good balance between strong work ethic and making time for inspiration. Writing is art and art, as we all know, is best when it’s pure and inspired. Putting a little elbow grease into it and sometimes forcing yourself to work when you don’t feel like it can actually be beneficial as well. Like I said, I believe it’s all about achieving that perfect balance between the two.
Having finished all of this so far this year, I’m in need of a brief “recharging” period. I need to remember who I was without the writing, because if I don’t, the next manuscript that I work on (the sequel to SURREAL ECSTASY) will be contrived, and I cannot and will not do that to my own series.
So, I’m doing laundry and other boring chores. I’m playing Candy Crush and Disney City Girl on Facebook. I’m spending time with the kids, reading “Star” magazine, playing in the park, and eating extra dark chocolate gelato. Sitting here and typing this blog entry was the most time I’ve spent typing at a computer in a while.
I need this time to find Chrissy again, because I never want to deviate from my formula as a writer. I’m not saying that my method or my writing is better or worse than anyone else’s; it’s just my process, and I have to stick with it. Nor does it mean that I won’t learn and grow, because I’m learning every day, believe me. I’ll continue to grow and have new skills to put to use in future stories, but I will always retain that bit of inspiration, those small parts of my own emotions that I project into my work.
As you may or may not know, in February 2013 I became a published author with my debut novel, SURREAL ECSTASY, which is very personal to me. It’s also inspired. That’s the way my brain works – I have to be inspired to write. When I first made myself write SE, it started out as a YA novel. When I wrote it, I was disgusted to realize my effort was obviously forced, and had little inspiration.
So I put my notebook aside (didn’t have a laptop back in September 2011) and put it out of my mind. As I have noted in previous blog posts, words for SE’s chapter 1 just came to me out of nowhere, just like in the old days when I used to write poems, and the first couple of lines would just appear in my head. SURREAL ECSTASY is an inspired novel.
The emotions residing inside are real, and not just those of Morgan, our protagonist. The supporting characters also have real emotions that come from a genuine place inside my heart. Ree’s struggle to always be the exceptional being that is expected of him, Dess’ struggle to be patient with people who don’t see eye-to-eye with her, even Adim’s struggle of trying to persist when the world seems against him – I give these feelings as much reality as possible. I’ve always been an emotional writer.
My second novel, DAYDREAMER (coming this year from Ring of Fire Publishing, who also published my debut novel), is also inspired, but in a manner that’s quite different from SE. I wrote DAYDREAMER as I was writing SE, at first as a “break” from the intense, emotionally-draining writing that I had to do for SE. I’d write DAYDREAMER for fun, a story meant for teens that’s told in a more lighthearted manner, a story that still has serious issues but doesn’t have the grown-up sex, drugs, and profanity. I suppose I wrote DAYDREAMER to comfort myself from the intense SURREAL ECSTASY.
“Loralee and The Green” was fun and educational to write. I grew up a little morbid because I was exposed to horror movies at an early age, and I loved horror way before I even knew what paranormal even meant. I worshipped Hitchcock and Stephen King.
This may sound strange, but parts of this short story are inspired as well. A scene (that I can’t reveal right now) reminds me of something actually happened to me when I was a little girl. I think it was a prank played on me by my cousin, who to this day refuses to admit it was her doing. Either she did it, or my life really is one long horror movie. I’m not sure I want to know which it is.
Anyhow, I think I’m allowed to give myself a pat on the back. I think I’m writing at a pace which is a good balance between strong work ethic and making time for inspiration. Writing is art and art, as we all know, is best when it’s pure and inspired. Putting a little elbow grease into it and sometimes forcing yourself to work when you don’t feel like it can actually be beneficial as well. Like I said, I believe it’s all about achieving that perfect balance between the two.
Having finished all of this so far this year, I’m in need of a brief “recharging” period. I need to remember who I was without the writing, because if I don’t, the next manuscript that I work on (the sequel to SURREAL ECSTASY) will be contrived, and I cannot and will not do that to my own series.
So, I’m doing laundry and other boring chores. I’m playing Candy Crush and Disney City Girl on Facebook. I’m spending time with the kids, reading “Star” magazine, playing in the park, and eating extra dark chocolate gelato. Sitting here and typing this blog entry was the most time I’ve spent typing at a computer in a while.
I need this time to find Chrissy again, because I never want to deviate from my formula as a writer. I’m not saying that my method or my writing is better or worse than anyone else’s; it’s just my process, and I have to stick with it. Nor does it mean that I won’t learn and grow, because I’m learning every day, believe me. I’ll continue to grow and have new skills to put to use in future stories, but I will always retain that bit of inspiration, those small parts of my own emotions that I project into my work.
July 2, 2013
A Little Bit More About Ecstasy
If reading about Morgan's struggles in "Surreal Ecstasy" wasn't enough of a deterrent, take a look at the risks of taking ecstasy. Please be safe.
http://thedea.org/risks.html
http://thedea.org/risks.html
June 25, 2013
New Projects Coming!
Hi everyone,
Just a quick note to let you all know that I have 3 projects in the works.
1. A new YA novel, the first in a series, called "Daydreamer." I have already submitted my draft to my publisher, and it should be out this year. I'll update when I know the exact release date.
2. A thriller of a short story that will be part of an anthology, also probably released this year.
3. The sequel to "Surreal Ecstasy," of which I have about 70,000 words written.
Thanks for reading!
Just a quick note to let you all know that I have 3 projects in the works.
1. A new YA novel, the first in a series, called "Daydreamer." I have already submitted my draft to my publisher, and it should be out this year. I'll update when I know the exact release date.
2. A thriller of a short story that will be part of an anthology, also probably released this year.
3. The sequel to "Surreal Ecstasy," of which I have about 70,000 words written.
Thanks for reading!
April 8, 2013
Our Main Character
Morgan Constantina is an inspiration. She's a young woman with a barely-over-minimum-wage job and a bully for a boss. She loves art history, the Seattle Mariners, and reading fantasy novels. She has a hidden psychic talent that we will learn about soon enough, but isn't exactly the most observant person in the world. She is basically a strong spirit that has been encased in a too-trusting body.
Morgan has the potential to be happy, strong, carefree, and wise.
She has a few obstacles to overcome, but they are so personal and overwhelming, she's scared and isn’t sure she can come out ahead.
She has an abusive boyfriend who also uses emotional blackmail to keep her with him.
She has a judgmental mother who has always been indifferent to her and constantly lets her know exactly how much of a disappointment Morgan is to her.
Most importantly, she has very little confidence, self-worth, or motivation to change her dangerous lifestyle.
I stared intently at the sleek knife I pulled out and slowly kissed the side of the blade. Freedom from pain is coming, I thought. The only way out.
I had no thoughts as I passed out from blood loss. My brain was a blank slate, as empty as my heart.
That is, until she gets to know Dess a little bit better, and the two become fast friends, Dess enlightening her with some IDGAF words of wisdom.
After that, Morgan finds her own strength, making a life-changing decision.
If he did approach me and continued to be his nasty self, I would deal with it. I am not going to keep looking over my shoulder or stop living my life. I’m going to deflect these boulders that people keep throwing at me. If it results in certain people not talking to me anymore, fine. The trick is to develop thick skin and stop letting them get to me.
Well, once again, it appeared that I was to be alone.
And for the first time in my life, that sounded okay to me.
Morgan has the potential to be happy, strong, carefree, and wise.
She has a few obstacles to overcome, but they are so personal and overwhelming, she's scared and isn’t sure she can come out ahead.
She has an abusive boyfriend who also uses emotional blackmail to keep her with him.
She has a judgmental mother who has always been indifferent to her and constantly lets her know exactly how much of a disappointment Morgan is to her.
Most importantly, she has very little confidence, self-worth, or motivation to change her dangerous lifestyle.
I stared intently at the sleek knife I pulled out and slowly kissed the side of the blade. Freedom from pain is coming, I thought. The only way out.
I had no thoughts as I passed out from blood loss. My brain was a blank slate, as empty as my heart.
That is, until she gets to know Dess a little bit better, and the two become fast friends, Dess enlightening her with some IDGAF words of wisdom.
After that, Morgan finds her own strength, making a life-changing decision.
If he did approach me and continued to be his nasty self, I would deal with it. I am not going to keep looking over my shoulder or stop living my life. I’m going to deflect these boulders that people keep throwing at me. If it results in certain people not talking to me anymore, fine. The trick is to develop thick skin and stop letting them get to me.
Well, once again, it appeared that I was to be alone.
And for the first time in my life, that sounded okay to me.
Our Antagonist
The bad guy. The guy who knows just how to get under your skin and fill you with rage.
Our antagonist is Adim Garritty.
Adim is clever enough to accomplish much of what he sets himself out to do, but his self-centeredness, anger, and immaturity prevent him from growing as a person. His violent nature makes him lose the only woman he’s ever really loved.
Do we feel sorry for him? No. He is still a grown man. He had the choice to overcome his own issues and not abuse the trust that was given to him by Morgan. He must know that it’s wrong to hit and burn other people, especially the woman in his life.
But he won’t stop, so somebody has to do that for him.
A line and a scene from Adim:
“Fight me? You can’t fight anyone or anything, bitch. I’m stronger than you, and we both know it.”
He charged inside the house again, catching Ree off-guard and knocking him over. He aimed for Dess with his hands propped in front of him, as if he wanted to choke her. Ree recovered quickly and blocked him in a flash, throwing himself in front of his sister, forcing Adim’s hands to end up around Ree’s neck instead.
Our antagonist is Adim Garritty.
Adim is clever enough to accomplish much of what he sets himself out to do, but his self-centeredness, anger, and immaturity prevent him from growing as a person. His violent nature makes him lose the only woman he’s ever really loved.
Do we feel sorry for him? No. He is still a grown man. He had the choice to overcome his own issues and not abuse the trust that was given to him by Morgan. He must know that it’s wrong to hit and burn other people, especially the woman in his life.
But he won’t stop, so somebody has to do that for him.
A line and a scene from Adim:
“Fight me? You can’t fight anyone or anything, bitch. I’m stronger than you, and we both know it.”
He charged inside the house again, catching Ree off-guard and knocking him over. He aimed for Dess with his hands propped in front of him, as if he wanted to choke her. Ree recovered quickly and blocked him in a flash, throwing himself in front of his sister, forcing Adim’s hands to end up around Ree’s neck instead.
Our Sexy Leading Man
Just as every book might have a quirky character, every book has a leading man, a pure vision of perfection. This ‘hunk of holiness,’ as he (jokingly?) mentioned he’d like to be called, is the one and only REE RIOS.
Even without his powers to subconsciously attract them, women’s necks grow sore in ogling him constantly. They want to be near him. Simply put, they want him.
But he only has eyes for one woman.
A few of Ree’s lines:
My heart felt heavy and sick, utterly disgusted by the thought that anyone would want to harm this gentle, beautiful woman.
She remained silent and only wept. I held her protectively.
I love you, Morgan. I always have. Is it wrong for an angel to fall in love? Perhaps, yet my soul knows how I feel, and I cannot fight it. I love you.
I’ve worked very hard to get here, you know. So if you do respect me, then please respect my decision to sacrifice for you.
And finally, a word from Morgan.
And so, feeling completely exhausted, fulfilled, and in love all at once for the first time in Morgan Constantina's life, I fell into slumber next to Ree, sleeping a dreamless sleep since, after all, the man of my dreams was lying right beside me.
Even without his powers to subconsciously attract them, women’s necks grow sore in ogling him constantly. They want to be near him. Simply put, they want him.
But he only has eyes for one woman.
A few of Ree’s lines:
My heart felt heavy and sick, utterly disgusted by the thought that anyone would want to harm this gentle, beautiful woman.
She remained silent and only wept. I held her protectively.
I love you, Morgan. I always have. Is it wrong for an angel to fall in love? Perhaps, yet my soul knows how I feel, and I cannot fight it. I love you.
I’ve worked very hard to get here, you know. So if you do respect me, then please respect my decision to sacrifice for you.
And finally, a word from Morgan.
And so, feeling completely exhausted, fulfilled, and in love all at once for the first time in Morgan Constantina's life, I fell into slumber next to Ree, sleeping a dreamless sleep since, after all, the man of my dreams was lying right beside me.
April 7, 2013
Loving Dess
Dess Rios is without a doubt one of my favorite characters in the 'Surreal' series.
Her chapter in 'Surreal Ecstasy' was the easiest chapter to write. She's a little bit off, but there are good reasons for that. She has a tough exterior, but she is flawlessly loyal to the people she cares about.
Rare is the time I would write about her, or for her, and not have a huge grin on my face.
Example: Scene between Dess and an infatuated psychiatrist.
Psychiatrist: Would you like to have some of my OWN special wine?
Dess: That sounds pretty creepy, so I'm going to have to say no. Thanks, though. I appreciate the insanity.
Her chapter in 'Surreal Ecstasy' was the easiest chapter to write. She's a little bit off, but there are good reasons for that. She has a tough exterior, but she is flawlessly loyal to the people she cares about.
Rare is the time I would write about her, or for her, and not have a huge grin on my face.
Example: Scene between Dess and an infatuated psychiatrist.
Psychiatrist: Would you like to have some of my OWN special wine?
Dess: That sounds pretty creepy, so I'm going to have to say no. Thanks, though. I appreciate the insanity.
March 13, 2013
Surreal Series Book #2 Making Quick Progress
I'm making headway on Surreal Ecstasy's sequel!
No one is more surprised about this than I am, but I'm pluggin' along and connecting all the dots I had notes for, and amazingly - there is a good chance that it will be done way before my YA novel.
I went to write a blurb for this story, then continued on to make a somewhat more elaborate description, and before I knew it, I had an entire summary completed.
I'm excited about this one - I think you'll love it!
Book 2 will be called Surreal Enemies, and it's a story about the war between good and evil inside all of us, and the powerful, unforgettable force of family.
No one is more surprised about this than I am, but I'm pluggin' along and connecting all the dots I had notes for, and amazingly - there is a good chance that it will be done way before my YA novel.
I went to write a blurb for this story, then continued on to make a somewhat more elaborate description, and before I knew it, I had an entire summary completed.
I'm excited about this one - I think you'll love it!
Book 2 will be called Surreal Enemies, and it's a story about the war between good and evil inside all of us, and the powerful, unforgettable force of family.
February 19, 2013
Writing Surreal Ecstasy
Here is something I just typed in an email to a friend:
"This whole book came from inspiration that I couldn't entirely understand at first, and I was writing it before I knew who this character was or what her deal was."
I had literally just picked up a pen (didn't have a laptop at the time) and started scribbling in a notebook an entire passage that eventually became my first chapter. As I stated, I didn't know who this character was at all - I felt her feelings first, and they were powerful.
In my opinion, the most important issue about Surreal Ecstasy is Morgan's emotional journey as she struggles to put the intensely negative aspects behind her. For anyone who has had to deal with an abusive relationship, a drug addiction, low self-esteem, and a seemingly hateful mother, they will tell you that handling such changes are some of the most difficult things you could ever do. Especially all on your own.
On a slightly related note, I congratulate anybody who has conquered these inner demons. Becoming a strong person is a tough challenge, but if you love yourself, you'll take on that challenge, because you owe it to yourself.
This is the premise for Surreal Ecstasy. Yes, it is classified as paranormal, and these other-worldly aspects are also important. I have notes for more books of this new series, and each one will be bigger, more action-packed, with new characters and situations. However, most importantly, they will retain Morgan's emotional narration, as she still has much to learn and experience in her lifetime.
"This whole book came from inspiration that I couldn't entirely understand at first, and I was writing it before I knew who this character was or what her deal was."
I had literally just picked up a pen (didn't have a laptop at the time) and started scribbling in a notebook an entire passage that eventually became my first chapter. As I stated, I didn't know who this character was at all - I felt her feelings first, and they were powerful.
In my opinion, the most important issue about Surreal Ecstasy is Morgan's emotional journey as she struggles to put the intensely negative aspects behind her. For anyone who has had to deal with an abusive relationship, a drug addiction, low self-esteem, and a seemingly hateful mother, they will tell you that handling such changes are some of the most difficult things you could ever do. Especially all on your own.
On a slightly related note, I congratulate anybody who has conquered these inner demons. Becoming a strong person is a tough challenge, but if you love yourself, you'll take on that challenge, because you owe it to yourself.
This is the premise for Surreal Ecstasy. Yes, it is classified as paranormal, and these other-worldly aspects are also important. I have notes for more books of this new series, and each one will be bigger, more action-packed, with new characters and situations. However, most importantly, they will retain Morgan's emotional narration, as she still has much to learn and experience in her lifetime.
