Sierra Abrams's Blog, page 3
November 2, 2015
Music Monday (1) - Mating Ritual/Troye Sivan
WEEKLY MEME TIME.
I mean, hopefully weekly? I can schedule these easily, I feel.
I HAVE SO MUCH MUSIC TO SHARE, OKAY??? I want to share it with the world. So I thought every Monday I could post music that has inspired me the previous week for writing things. (And maybe even talk a bit about the characters who suffered new pains because of aforementioned songs.)
To begin with, we have:
I WEAR GLASSES // MATING RITUAL
Or...if you prefer YouTube (but Spotify is better SWITCH TO SPOTIFY)...
THIS SONG. It gives me so many romance-y feels in general, but it specifically worked for the characters I've been writing about since January, Levi and Bee. (You'll hear more about THE COLOR PROJECT soon!)
******
BITE // TROYE SIVAN
THIS IS A WEIRD ONE FOR ME. I don't normally like his type of music, but WOWZA HE HAS A BEAUTIFUL VOICE AND HIS MUUUUSIIIICCC. So, um, I'm addicted. This song is very gorgeous and angsty and specifically reminds me of a certain character of mine from a very long series I have planned. I can't reveal his name because spoilers. But expect angst. And long-harbored bitterness pitted against a beautiful, budding romance with a stubborn queen. DON'T ASK ME TO GIVE THEM A HAPPY ENDING BECAUSE I WON'T. *harrumphs*
*cries in a corner perpetually*
******
And that's it for this week! Already looking forward to scheduling next week's post!!
Any music you've been inspired by this past week?
I mean, hopefully weekly? I can schedule these easily, I feel.
I HAVE SO MUCH MUSIC TO SHARE, OKAY??? I want to share it with the world. So I thought every Monday I could post music that has inspired me the previous week for writing things. (And maybe even talk a bit about the characters who suffered new pains because of aforementioned songs.)
To begin with, we have:
I WEAR GLASSES // MATING RITUAL
Or...if you prefer YouTube (but Spotify is better SWITCH TO SPOTIFY)...
THIS SONG. It gives me so many romance-y feels in general, but it specifically worked for the characters I've been writing about since January, Levi and Bee. (You'll hear more about THE COLOR PROJECT soon!)
******
BITE // TROYE SIVAN
THIS IS A WEIRD ONE FOR ME. I don't normally like his type of music, but WOWZA HE HAS A BEAUTIFUL VOICE AND HIS MUUUUSIIIICCC. So, um, I'm addicted. This song is very gorgeous and angsty and specifically reminds me of a certain character of mine from a very long series I have planned. I can't reveal his name because spoilers. But expect angst. And long-harbored bitterness pitted against a beautiful, budding romance with a stubborn queen. DON'T ASK ME TO GIVE THEM A HAPPY ENDING BECAUSE I WON'T. *harrumphs*
*cries in a corner perpetually*
******
And that's it for this week! Already looking forward to scheduling next week's post!!
Any music you've been inspired by this past week?
October 29, 2015
Once Upon A Youth In Texas
No, I don't live in Texas anymore. (Sorry to all you Texas-livers and Texas-lovers, but I didn't love TX all that much.) I was born there, however, and it's where my story as a writer begins.
Just setting the scene here.
(Almost exactly what our land looked like...and everyone else's...for, like, 100 miles. I didn't like it. I LOVE THE CITY PRAISE JESUS HALLELUJAH.)
Okay okay, now we can get on with the actual story.
Once, there was a little girl named Sierra. At 7 years old, she wanted to write a book, but she didn't know how. She told her little sister (4 years old, at the time) that she wanted to write a mystery, but where do you begin with such things?
Do you start with characters? (Sierra didn't have any characters.)
Do you start with story? (Sierra kind of sort of had a story.)
Do you start with great writing? (Sierra did not possess the level of skill she believed she did.)
So, Sierra was stuck.
BUT THEN. She had the brilliant idea (and once again told the little sister Ember) "WHY DON'T I JUST START WRITING AND SEE WHERE IT GOES?"
So began a pattern for years and years to come. *coughs violently* (Who, me?!)
She didn't have any characters, so she made them up on the spot. She thought, What should I name these strangers? (The names are embarrassing so I won't put myself through telling the whole world.) She named them, not caring what anyone else might think.
Then she asked herself, I want this to be a mystery, but how? So she breathed purpose into these characters and gave them a place to go and a reason to go there (even if the rest of the book and the getting there was full of fluff. LEAVE HER ALONE SHE WAS 8).
AND THEN SHE WROTE A BOOK. (About teenagers. 8 years old and writing a YA contemporary mystery/thriller. MTB, guys, IT WAS MEANT TO BE.)
It was actually horrific and scrawled with Sierra's chicken scratch handwriting that didn't get better until she was eighteen, and it had no purpose or anything to it, but IT WAS THERE. ALIVE. A BEAUTIFUL, BREATHING THING. FULL OF ONE-DIMENSIONAL CHARACTERS. AND IT WAS SO WONDERFUL.
And Sierra decided then and there that she would write forever and ever, even if she did other things with her life.
That was the beginning of everything. 14 years have passed, and Sierra hasn't regretted a single day, moment, second of pain and anguish put upon her by her own characters and their misery.
The end... (Or TO BE CONTINUED???)
Also, comment and tell me your stories! How did you guys get started??
Just setting the scene here.
(Almost exactly what our land looked like...and everyone else's...for, like, 100 miles. I didn't like it. I LOVE THE CITY PRAISE JESUS HALLELUJAH.)Okay okay, now we can get on with the actual story.
Once, there was a little girl named Sierra. At 7 years old, she wanted to write a book, but she didn't know how. She told her little sister (4 years old, at the time) that she wanted to write a mystery, but where do you begin with such things?
Do you start with characters? (Sierra didn't have any characters.)
Do you start with story? (Sierra kind of sort of had a story.)
Do you start with great writing? (Sierra did not possess the level of skill she believed she did.)
So, Sierra was stuck.
BUT THEN. She had the brilliant idea (and once again told the little sister Ember) "WHY DON'T I JUST START WRITING AND SEE WHERE IT GOES?"
So began a pattern for years and years to come. *coughs violently* (Who, me?!)
Insert me telling you that I recently asked Ember if she remembers these conversations and she just laughed at me and said, NO I WAS FOUR YOU IDIOT. So. There's that.One day, at 8 years old, sometime at the beginning of the winter of 2001, Sierra grabbed a stack of lined paper and a pen and started writing.
She didn't have any characters, so she made them up on the spot. She thought, What should I name these strangers? (The names are embarrassing so I won't put myself through telling the whole world.) She named them, not caring what anyone else might think.
Then she asked herself, I want this to be a mystery, but how? So she breathed purpose into these characters and gave them a place to go and a reason to go there (even if the rest of the book and the getting there was full of fluff. LEAVE HER ALONE SHE WAS 8).
AND THEN SHE WROTE A BOOK. (About teenagers. 8 years old and writing a YA contemporary mystery/thriller. MTB, guys, IT WAS MEANT TO BE.)
It was actually horrific and scrawled with Sierra's chicken scratch handwriting that didn't get better until she was eighteen, and it had no purpose or anything to it, but IT WAS THERE. ALIVE. A BEAUTIFUL, BREATHING THING. FULL OF ONE-DIMENSIONAL CHARACTERS. AND IT WAS SO WONDERFUL.
And Sierra decided then and there that she would write forever and ever, even if she did other things with her life.
That was the beginning of everything. 14 years have passed, and Sierra hasn't regretted a single day, moment, second of pain and anguish put upon her by her own characters and their misery.
The end... (Or TO BE CONTINUED???)
Also, comment and tell me your stories! How did you guys get started??
October 27, 2015
Oh, look! A Wild NaNo Appears!
GUUYYYSSS NANO IS ALMOST HEEEERE!
I have a thing about NaNo.
I LOVE NaNo.
I love it because I love first drafts.
I love first drafts because you can make them as terrible as they can possibly be and IT'S TOTALLY ACCEPTABLE. The real stress comes in when you have to make your writing look nice and fix up little plot inconsistencies...etc. At least, that's how it works for me.
This year, I'll be writing a novel currently titled THE CURE THAT NEVER WAS. I've written the first 10K words because I like to get into the story a bit before I sell my soul to the devil have to write like a maniac. Coincidentally, the start of NaNo every year is my birthday, which pretty much spells out BEST BIRTHDAY EVER. I have every excuse to hide away in a hole and write. *is not a boring person at all ssshhhh no what are you talking about*
But anyway. I digress. Here is a little bit more about TCTNW:
THE CURE THAT NEVER WAS is about Aspen, a writer, whose best friend (Holly) has recently passed away after a long illness. Holly leaves Aspen with a challenge to cross oceans and continents and piece together the story Holly only ever dreamed of writing. Aspen must also put up with Holly's older brother Sebastian if she's going to accomplish everything...which may end up a good thing after all, if you know what I'm sayin'.
TCTNW is near and dear to my heart because my little sister's name was Holly, and she died when she was 5 months old. I wanted to tell the story about a girl who changed lives, even though her time on earth was short, because that's how my sister was.
I made a few collages to show the mood of the story and the characters... (I don't own any of these photographs!)
If you're a music geek like me, check out this nifty playlist-picture-thing (wow, many eloquent, so writer), or just follow the TCTNW playlist on Spotify.
I want to post a teaser soon, but for now, I'll just leave you all with this. What are you writing for NaNo? Leave links in the comments, or just give a synopsis, or whatever you want! I'm so excited!
If you want to follow my progress on MyWriteClub, click HERE. If you want to add me on the NaNo website (writing buddies FTW!), click HERE.
I have a thing about NaNo.
I LOVE NaNo.
I love it because I love first drafts.
I love first drafts because you can make them as terrible as they can possibly be and IT'S TOTALLY ACCEPTABLE. The real stress comes in when you have to make your writing look nice and fix up little plot inconsistencies...etc. At least, that's how it works for me.
This year, I'll be writing a novel currently titled THE CURE THAT NEVER WAS. I've written the first 10K words because I like to get into the story a bit before I sell my soul to the devil have to write like a maniac. Coincidentally, the start of NaNo every year is my birthday, which pretty much spells out BEST BIRTHDAY EVER. I have every excuse to hide away in a hole and write. *is not a boring person at all ssshhhh no what are you talking about*
But anyway. I digress. Here is a little bit more about TCTNW:
THE CURE THAT NEVER WAS is about Aspen, a writer, whose best friend (Holly) has recently passed away after a long illness. Holly leaves Aspen with a challenge to cross oceans and continents and piece together the story Holly only ever dreamed of writing. Aspen must also put up with Holly's older brother Sebastian if she's going to accomplish everything...which may end up a good thing after all, if you know what I'm sayin'.
TCTNW is near and dear to my heart because my little sister's name was Holly, and she died when she was 5 months old. I wanted to tell the story about a girl who changed lives, even though her time on earth was short, because that's how my sister was.
I made a few collages to show the mood of the story and the characters... (I don't own any of these photographs!)
If you're a music geek like me, check out this nifty playlist-picture-thing (wow, many eloquent, so writer), or just follow the TCTNW playlist on Spotify.
I want to post a teaser soon, but for now, I'll just leave you all with this. What are you writing for NaNo? Leave links in the comments, or just give a synopsis, or whatever you want! I'm so excited!
If you want to follow my progress on MyWriteClub, click HERE. If you want to add me on the NaNo website (writing buddies FTW!), click HERE.
October 21, 2015
Winner! (And apology)
Probably the first apology of many. I HAVE NOT HAD TIME TO SIT DOWN AND WRITE POSTS TO SCHEDULE.
This is very sad. I apologize.
I will never regret using this gif, tbh.
Lately, I have not had time. I worked overtime at work, got several side jobs, and had to fix some MASSIVE pain-in-the-butt chapters in my WIP. Ew.
So, I have not had time, but I will. I must. I have so many ideas and I cannot wait to get started!!!
Anyway - onto the winner. She's a writing friend if mine, and a dear, and I just adore her - BETHANY B.!!
Congrats, Bethany, and thank you for participating! I will be emailing you shortly. ❤️❤️❤️
Now, back to work! See you guys (hopefully) next week for some more intro posts and NaNo talk!
Xoxoxoxoxo
This is very sad. I apologize.
I will never regret using this gif, tbh.Lately, I have not had time. I worked overtime at work, got several side jobs, and had to fix some MASSIVE pain-in-the-butt chapters in my WIP. Ew.
So, I have not had time, but I will. I must. I have so many ideas and I cannot wait to get started!!!
Anyway - onto the winner. She's a writing friend if mine, and a dear, and I just adore her - BETHANY B.!!
Congrats, Bethany, and thank you for participating! I will be emailing you shortly. ❤️❤️❤️
Now, back to work! See you guys (hopefully) next week for some more intro posts and NaNo talk!
Xoxoxoxoxo
October 2, 2015
First Post (and writerly giveaway)
HIIIII I'M HERE
Finally, I'm writing a hello post. Finally, I'm sitting my butt down to just do it. *insert Shia LaBeouf gif that you don't actually want to see for the millionth time*
I'm going to keep this post pretty simple (and long because I apparently can't shut up ever). I want to make all sorts of grand plans for this blog and tell you all what I'm going to do, etc etc. But I really don't know. I have no idea where I'm going with this. All I know is that I want to talk about writing (erm, mostly ranting, if we're being honest) and possibly vlog some, too? Sometimes it's easier to talk things through out loud, instead of writing, because let's face it: I write all day every day.
(Me being very happy that I am now a brunette.)
Things you should know about me as a writer: I write every genre imaginable (or will attempt to in my lifetime); everything must be character driven; naming characters is my most favorite thing in the world (I have a lot of favorite things so don't be alarmed if I repeat this often); I plotted something out for the first time in my pantsing writing life (about 14 years); I am obsessed with Pinterest; I can't beta read while I'm editing a book because I get overwhelmed; I love romance with every bone in my body but the chemistry has to be *perfect*; and you can read a bit (a tiny tiny bit) about my books over here if you're curious.
(Me being dorky about something fangirlish.)
Things you should know about me as a person: I love tea (duh); I read everything I can get my hands on (also duh); I view myself as a very un-witty person...until I sit down to write a text or a witty character; I am obsessed with Pinterest (oh, you thought this was just a writing thing? hahahahahahahahaHAHAHAHA); I have a serious case of Book OCD (dubbed so by my younger sister) and I actually hyperventilate when a book is out of place; I'm a nanny to a tiny little boy who I love very much; I live in San Diego but I'm hurrying my butt out to Portland, Maine next September for at least a year (I want some seasons, please); I have literally the best friend on the entire freaking planet and no one in the world has experienced a relationship as incredible as ours (and don't you forget it); and most importantly, I love Jesus, because He loved me first.
(Portland, ME. I cannot even wait, you have no idea.)
Sometime soon I'd like to post a video, maybe just of me talking about boring things like books. *snickers* Okay but really. I have the best bookshelves and I'd love to show you all. And maybe the vlog will help me get more comfortable with taking videos of myself? It is weird. Just sayin'.
(Me-not-me trying to video like a human and failing miserably. At least, this is what I assume it will be like. *prepares self for mortification*)
For now I'll leave you all with this giveaway... I have worked as an editor before (check out Yearning to (Proof)Read) and consistently beta read for friends. I'd love to read the first 10 pages of your book and give line-by-line or pacing or character or whatever feedback! (We can discuss details later!)
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Finally, I'm writing a hello post. Finally, I'm sitting my butt down to just do it. *insert Shia LaBeouf gif that you don't actually want to see for the millionth time*
I'm going to keep this post pretty simple (and long because I apparently can't shut up ever). I want to make all sorts of grand plans for this blog and tell you all what I'm going to do, etc etc. But I really don't know. I have no idea where I'm going with this. All I know is that I want to talk about writing (erm, mostly ranting, if we're being honest) and possibly vlog some, too? Sometimes it's easier to talk things through out loud, instead of writing, because let's face it: I write all day every day.
(Me being very happy that I am now a brunette.)Things you should know about me as a writer: I write every genre imaginable (or will attempt to in my lifetime); everything must be character driven; naming characters is my most favorite thing in the world (I have a lot of favorite things so don't be alarmed if I repeat this often); I plotted something out for the first time in my pantsing writing life (about 14 years); I am obsessed with Pinterest; I can't beta read while I'm editing a book because I get overwhelmed; I love romance with every bone in my body but the chemistry has to be *perfect*; and you can read a bit (a tiny tiny bit) about my books over here if you're curious.
(Me being dorky about something fangirlish.)Things you should know about me as a person: I love tea (duh); I read everything I can get my hands on (also duh); I view myself as a very un-witty person...until I sit down to write a text or a witty character; I am obsessed with Pinterest (oh, you thought this was just a writing thing? hahahahahahahahaHAHAHAHA); I have a serious case of Book OCD (dubbed so by my younger sister) and I actually hyperventilate when a book is out of place; I'm a nanny to a tiny little boy who I love very much; I live in San Diego but I'm hurrying my butt out to Portland, Maine next September for at least a year (I want some seasons, please); I have literally the best friend on the entire freaking planet and no one in the world has experienced a relationship as incredible as ours (and don't you forget it); and most importantly, I love Jesus, because He loved me first.
(Portland, ME. I cannot even wait, you have no idea.)Sometime soon I'd like to post a video, maybe just of me talking about boring things like books. *snickers* Okay but really. I have the best bookshelves and I'd love to show you all. And maybe the vlog will help me get more comfortable with taking videos of myself? It is weird. Just sayin'.
(Me-not-me trying to video like a human and failing miserably. At least, this is what I assume it will be like. *prepares self for mortification*)For now I'll leave you all with this giveaway... I have worked as an editor before (check out Yearning to (Proof)Read) and consistently beta read for friends. I'd love to read the first 10 pages of your book and give line-by-line or pacing or character or whatever feedback! (We can discuss details later!)
a Rafflecopter giveaway
