Miranda Atchley's Blog, page 55
August 21, 2015
Writing Confession #1
Let me tell you a little secret. I don't do a lot of planning when it comes to novel writing. I know, that's a no-no. But I just never seem to be able to buckle down and stick with a plan. Sure, I have a general idea of what's going to happen with the story, but I don't start out with a ton of details. I've heard of the "Snowflake Method" and read of other authors who plan out every little detail of their book, even down to writing biographies for supporting characters. And that all sounds fun, really it does, and I wish I could get into that, but I just can't. When I get an idea for a story, I just want to dive right in and start writing it. I'll just write whatever comes to me and sounds good. The story just flows. Often as I'm doing the mundane chores the day requires, like sitting outside with my grandma's dogs, taking a walk or cleaning, a line will just come to me. As soon as I can, I'll get my little notebook out and write it down and make a note to add it to the story when I can get to my computer. And sometimes those lines spark whole new stories of their own. It's quite a neat thing, really. Do I think this is a terribly professional way to write? No. It certainly would not be for everyone and sometimes I think I've lost my ever loving mind by not doing more prep work when it comes to writing. And who knows, maybe someday I'll finally come to my senses and start using the Snowflake Method or another more detailed plan to help me become more organized when it comes to story writing. But for now, this is what I do. Hope you all have a great weekend full of God, fun, family, friends and some great reading and writing! I'll catch you next week with some more writing talk. Until then....
-Miranda Atchley
It's A Great Big World
"I wrote these words on the highway,Let my heart take a turn,Sometimes did things the hard way,But it's a great big world."Great Big World by Children 18:3
I feel like this song kind of describes my life right now. Maybe not down to the "T" but it kind of captures the general feeling of my life at the moment. When I quit college, I knew I was going to work at becoming an author. And I did that. I spent about a year writing Stephanie's Story, earning the money to publish it by cleaning the church, and then released it on March 18, 2014. Now, before you go thinking I'm giving kids the green light to drop out of school, let me state that I don't recommend the road I've chosen to everyone. I think college educations are wonderful things for some people. Some people thrive in college and go on to lead very happy lives. But I was miserable because I wasn't doing it for myself. I went to college because I thought it would make everyone else happy. I thought people wouldn't like me if I didn't get a college degree. But I hated school and all I wanted was to write books. So I didn't go back after that first semester. I beat myself up for it for a long time because I thought a lot of people were disappointed in me. And I'm sure there were some people who weren't too pleased. But I'm realizing now that the people that matter most are happy for me when I'm happy. I don't have to earn their love. Since then, I've published two more books. No way am I living the lifestyles of the rich and famous. But that's not what it's all about. Sure, I'd love to make a great living and be able to buy my whole family nice new homes and cars and what not, but I'm not writing to be rich. I'm writing because this is what I was meant to do and this is what I love. I'm trying to make writing my living, trying to find new ways to sell books and trying to get some freelance writing work. Though it would be nice to be rich and famous, if I can only make ends meet, I'll be fine. As long as I get to write, that's all that matters to me. I know a lot of people look at a college dropout and think there's no way they can be a successful author, but I disagree. Ahem, Jane Austen never to college and people have been reading her novels for over two centuries.
Sometimes things seem bleak and hopeless. I'm not going to lie to you and say that I'm always positive and sure that everything will work out because I'm just like everyone else in that I worry about what will happen in the future. But God reminds me that I need to trust Him and I'm trying to get better at trusting Him. And with Him, I know that somehow things will work out for the best.
August 19, 2015
Thank You, God
Thank You, God, for giving me the ability to write.Thank You for blessing me with opportunities to do what I love.Thank You for helping me write the stories You want me to write.Thank You that I have two able hands that allow me to type on a keyboard.Thank You for giving me two eyes to see what I'm writing.Thank You for blessing me with the gift of reading.
Thank You for all that You do for me. I hope I never forget it.
August 18, 2015
Stepping Outside of Your Writing Comfort Zone
Sometimes it seems odd to think about writing characters that are totally different from ourselves. I mean, think of how much time goes into writing about a character. Describing them, developing their personality, voicing their thoughts and emotions, how they view the world and their opinions. There is a lot to it. Could I figure all that out about another real-life human being? I don't think so. Sometimes I don't even know myself that well. But I think it's different when you're writing a book. Personally I think it's a God-given talent that God has blessed me with. He gives me this wisdom to know these characters and their personalities as I go along. He helps me write the things I need to write.
I understand it could be scary to write about a character who is vastly different than yourself. For instance, the project I'm working right now on has a good deal more romance in it than my prior books and I've never even been on a date before. But, me being a human being and all, I have noticed the opposite sex, and that gives me something to draw off of. The fact that I've read romance novels doesn't hurt either. I can always use good ol' Gilbert Blythe as inspiration. Or perhaps the classy Mr. Darcy if the story's feeling a little debonair. It's a tough job I tell, ya, but somebody's gotta do it.
As for doubting yourself, let me remind you that a very well-known male author once wrote a book about a sixteen-year-old girl with telekinetic powers. I doubt that was based on real life experience any more than J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter. Look how well that turned out for them.
If you feel like you should write this story, then I say go for it. Sure, you may have to do a little extra research, but if you really like the story line, it should be interesting. God will help you write the story you're meant to write.
So take a risk, step outside of yourself and write something fun! Chances are you won't be sorry.
-Miranda Atchley
August 17, 2015
Writing Is Work
As a writer, do you ever feel misunderstood? Sometimes I do. It's mainly when I let myself get concerned with what other people think, which I'm trying to work on. One of the most frustrating things is knowing there are some people that don't consider writing a job. Not many people feel this way, but occasionally you'll run onto one such person. They just don't see how writing stories can be considered work. And I hate to admit it, but I've been guilty of looking down my nose at some other professions myself.
Like photography.
In the past, photography didn't seem like such a big deal to me. My thinking was, "How hard could it be to point a camera at an object and press a button?"
But I quickly learned that this is not the case. My sister-in-law is a photographer and one Easter she forgot to bring her tripod to church and asked me to snap a few family photos for her. Well, I tried, but it wasn't easy. All the different settings on her professional camera were so confusing to me. I didn't know what any of them meant, nor how to use them. And what I thought was going to be the perfect shot turned out lopsided even though it seemed I had the camera positioned at just the right angle. This experience quickly put me in my place and made me realize that there is a lot more work that goes into photography than I initially thought. And it doesn't end with just taking photos; photographers spend countless hours editing (note: that means using the program Photoshop, which makes absolutely no sense to me), they put a lot of effort into promoting their business, trying to find new clients, as well as working with clients in order to make the shoot all they're looking for, which is often quite a lot. And sometimes those clients are not easy to work with. Plus, as an author, photographers really come in handy. Since I've already expressed my lack of skills in the art photography, there's no way I could come up with the stunning covers or beautiful headshots for author bios I've seen some photographers produce.
I'm sure there are people that feel the same way about writing that I used to feel about photography. Similar can be said of any creative profession such as music, painting, cosmetology, etc... We're all quick to judge a book by its cover, claiming there's nothing to it and that these jobs don't matter. But where would we be without these things? Our lives would be incredibly dull. And we all know that God blesses each of uniquely in different areas of life.
I think it's important for us to look outside of ourselves and not just assume what we want about other professions. Just because a photographer or a writer's day looks a little different from yours does not mean they don't work hard. Look at it from their point of view, or better yet, try it out for yourself. Take a moment to see what all goes into another person's career, to really see how hard that person works. It won't take long. You may be surprised by what you find.
Sure, our jobs may not deal with things that people need to survive such as food, shelter, or clothing, but they're things people look forward to. People look forward to reading books to escape the everyday grind. People want to have professional photos of their family taken that can cheer them up when they're having a bad day. People want to listen to music and get their hair cut because it makes them feel better about themselves, their lives, even the world. Part of our jobs as artists is to make people feel good, to help them view things differently. But even more than that, our jobs feed our souls. What more could we ask for from a career?
If you put effort into something and work at it, then it is a job, no matter what. Just because it isn't typical doesn't mean it isn't work. We could all be a little more understanding of each other and respectful toward one another and the world would be a better place. And to all the photographers out there, I am extending my heartiest apologies. You all work hard and God has blessed you all with incredible talent. Because take my word for it, people sure as heck don't want me taking their picture!
-Miranda Atchley
Like photography.
In the past, photography didn't seem like such a big deal to me. My thinking was, "How hard could it be to point a camera at an object and press a button?"
But I quickly learned that this is not the case. My sister-in-law is a photographer and one Easter she forgot to bring her tripod to church and asked me to snap a few family photos for her. Well, I tried, but it wasn't easy. All the different settings on her professional camera were so confusing to me. I didn't know what any of them meant, nor how to use them. And what I thought was going to be the perfect shot turned out lopsided even though it seemed I had the camera positioned at just the right angle. This experience quickly put me in my place and made me realize that there is a lot more work that goes into photography than I initially thought. And it doesn't end with just taking photos; photographers spend countless hours editing (note: that means using the program Photoshop, which makes absolutely no sense to me), they put a lot of effort into promoting their business, trying to find new clients, as well as working with clients in order to make the shoot all they're looking for, which is often quite a lot. And sometimes those clients are not easy to work with. Plus, as an author, photographers really come in handy. Since I've already expressed my lack of skills in the art photography, there's no way I could come up with the stunning covers or beautiful headshots for author bios I've seen some photographers produce.
I'm sure there are people that feel the same way about writing that I used to feel about photography. Similar can be said of any creative profession such as music, painting, cosmetology, etc... We're all quick to judge a book by its cover, claiming there's nothing to it and that these jobs don't matter. But where would we be without these things? Our lives would be incredibly dull. And we all know that God blesses each of uniquely in different areas of life.
I think it's important for us to look outside of ourselves and not just assume what we want about other professions. Just because a photographer or a writer's day looks a little different from yours does not mean they don't work hard. Look at it from their point of view, or better yet, try it out for yourself. Take a moment to see what all goes into another person's career, to really see how hard that person works. It won't take long. You may be surprised by what you find.
Sure, our jobs may not deal with things that people need to survive such as food, shelter, or clothing, but they're things people look forward to. People look forward to reading books to escape the everyday grind. People want to have professional photos of their family taken that can cheer them up when they're having a bad day. People want to listen to music and get their hair cut because it makes them feel better about themselves, their lives, even the world. Part of our jobs as artists is to make people feel good, to help them view things differently. But even more than that, our jobs feed our souls. What more could we ask for from a career?
If you put effort into something and work at it, then it is a job, no matter what. Just because it isn't typical doesn't mean it isn't work. We could all be a little more understanding of each other and respectful toward one another and the world would be a better place. And to all the photographers out there, I am extending my heartiest apologies. You all work hard and God has blessed you all with incredible talent. Because take my word for it, people sure as heck don't want me taking their picture!
-Miranda Atchley
Monday Morning
The sun is rising, yet not fully out. There's a gentle breeze, for the weather is mild for August in Arkansas. I've got Sigur Ros playing quietly in the background and a glass of ice water to quench my thirst. My new characters are feeling quite chatty today. I better go quiet them down.-Miranda Atchley
August 15, 2015
Getting Back To Normal- The Life of a Writer
My writer's block is starting to let up. Now, I won't be so bold to say that it's totally gone, but it is getting better. I'm finally able to think of things to write. I started a brand new project that I'm loving. I won't spill the beans about it just yet, but I will say that I feel like God laid this story on my heart. The idea just came out of nowhere and the story is coming to me. Slowly, but surely. I really love it and it makes me feel good. It's like I'm beginning to get some of that itch to write back, like I can't stay away from the keyboard and I love that. As I'm planning things for this project, I'm remembering why I love my job. Thanks to God for helping me through this and thanks to the folks that prayed for me during this. You all need to keep praying for me and all the other authors out there because writer's block is tough! I hope you all have a good weekend. I won't be posting tomorrow because it is Sunday. Thanks for reading!-Miranda Atchley
August 14, 2015
Imaginary Friends
Do any of you other writers out there think about your characters as though they're real? Notice I said as though. I don't actually think they're real, sometimes they just seem real. I really don't think I'm the only one. I mean, we spend a lot of time thinking about these characters, finding out their likes and dislikes, their hopes and dreams, their trials and triumphs. It's only natural that they begin to feel real to us. For instance, anytime I see something purple I think of Stephanie. It's similar to seeing one of your friend's favorite things and thinking of them. And then there are those moments when you see people that look like your characters and that's always interesting. It's kind of surreal, in a way. Like the other day, I saw a girl with curly red hair and blue eyes and I immediately thought of Amy from Stephanie's Story. She just reminded me so much of the way I envisioned that character. I nudged my mom and told her, and she looked at me as though I were growing a second head. But that's just part of being a writer; sometimes people think you're crazy. There are times when I start to miss some of my old characters. Yesterday I looked through the Misfit Like Me document and as I scrolled, nostalgia washed over me. It made me miss Madeline, and sometimes I wonder what she's up to. Maybe she and Alice have been visiting during school vacations, Madeline making arrangements to go to art school while Alice still dreams of Cosmetology College. Sometimes when thinking of past stories I wonder if there needs to be a sequel. Sometimes the answer to that is no. This makes me wonder if that would hurt the characters feelings. I know they aren't real, it's just that I have an attachment to them. And maybe it's partly due to the fact that these characters are pictures of real life people. There really are girls like Stephanie, Madeline, Hayley, Amy, Alice, Leah, Reagan, Breanna, Karen, etc... out there and they all need Jesus and to be told that they're beautiful and loved. I don't know if reading this post helped you relate to me, or if I only managed to make you think I really am nuts, but either way I hope you enjoyed it.-Miranda Atchley
Dear Autumn
I'm listening to Eisley's "Currents" album, which has some fallish sounding songs on it, like the one I'm listening to right now, "Real World."The project I'm working on takes place during the fall.There's been a few cool breezes in the mornings and evenings.Some of the trees at my grandma's house are losing their leaves.Autumn, I'm ready for you.
August 7, 2015
Book Of The Week #15- The Singing River Series by Gilbert Morris
The Singing River Seriesby Gilbert Morris The Singing River Series is a historical fiction series that takes place during The Great Depression in fictional Fairhope, Arkansas. The four part saga begins as Lanie Belle Freeman, the oldest of four- soon to be five- children, is wrapping up her freshman year of high school. Her father, Forrest, is a logger who's starting a business of his own, which isn't easy. Lanie's mother is preparing to have her fifth child, but she isn't as strong as she should be. When Elizabeth passes after giving birth to Corliss, Lanie, who has dreams of going to college and becoming an author, quits school to care for the baby as well as her three other siblings, Maeva, Davis and Cody. And from there, things only get worse.Books in the series include:
The HomeplaceThe DreamThe MiracleThe Courtship
This was probably the first "adult" series I ever read when I was younger. I checked out each book from the library when I was thirteen. I probably didn't quite grasp all the concepts back then, but I really loved it as someone who's always been drawn to historical fiction. And though it is a book intended for adults, there was nothing in it too mature for my thirteen-year-old eyes. After all, the main character herself is fourteen when the series starts. There isn't any vulgar content going on here, and I would be comfortable recommending it to teenagers that like historical fiction. This series is full of heartbreak. It's set at a dark place in our country's history and the Freeman's seem to run into trouble each way they turn. But there's also humor in the story, as well as hope. From the kids starting up a business of selling "out house seat covers," to Cody preaching on street corners, and the Freeman's befriending eccentric Butcher Knife Annie, there are plenty of things to lighten the mood and show how we can find joy in the hardest times in life. I think this series is a prime example of how tight knit a family can be, especially in strenuous circumstances. After Forrest is wrongfully imprisoned, the Freeman kids have to help raise one another, earning money from odd jobs and thinking up ways to stay together, stay alive, and to free their father. Romance is a backdrop to the Singing River series. I have a conflicted view of "romance" novels. I hate the ones that are too cutesy and mushy and portray the woman as weak. But the romance in this series is much different. It's subtle and imperfect, which I think is the most "real" kind of romance. And Lanie is a very strong character, dealing with things girls her age should never even have to consider. Her suitors admire her strength and never belittle her, and for that I really enjoy the aspects of romance in this series. Overall, I think this is a great series that people who love Christian fiction and historical fiction would love. I give The Singing River series a 4 out of 5.
The HomeplaceThe DreamThe MiracleThe Courtship
This was probably the first "adult" series I ever read when I was younger. I checked out each book from the library when I was thirteen. I probably didn't quite grasp all the concepts back then, but I really loved it as someone who's always been drawn to historical fiction. And though it is a book intended for adults, there was nothing in it too mature for my thirteen-year-old eyes. After all, the main character herself is fourteen when the series starts. There isn't any vulgar content going on here, and I would be comfortable recommending it to teenagers that like historical fiction. This series is full of heartbreak. It's set at a dark place in our country's history and the Freeman's seem to run into trouble each way they turn. But there's also humor in the story, as well as hope. From the kids starting up a business of selling "out house seat covers," to Cody preaching on street corners, and the Freeman's befriending eccentric Butcher Knife Annie, there are plenty of things to lighten the mood and show how we can find joy in the hardest times in life. I think this series is a prime example of how tight knit a family can be, especially in strenuous circumstances. After Forrest is wrongfully imprisoned, the Freeman kids have to help raise one another, earning money from odd jobs and thinking up ways to stay together, stay alive, and to free their father. Romance is a backdrop to the Singing River series. I have a conflicted view of "romance" novels. I hate the ones that are too cutesy and mushy and portray the woman as weak. But the romance in this series is much different. It's subtle and imperfect, which I think is the most "real" kind of romance. And Lanie is a very strong character, dealing with things girls her age should never even have to consider. Her suitors admire her strength and never belittle her, and for that I really enjoy the aspects of romance in this series. Overall, I think this is a great series that people who love Christian fiction and historical fiction would love. I give The Singing River series a 4 out of 5.
