One day
it will be so clear
what you thought
was the end,
was just the beginning.
Some doors are hidden
until you are ready
to open them.
~cwpoet
Writing quotes #writing #poetry #beautifulquotes
Writing – where do you start #amwriting #stories #creativewritng
I have been writing for so long now that it is hard to remember where I started, but writing does start somewhere—it starts with a daydream.
Daydreaming is awesome.
There is something wonderfully fresh about a new daydream. When the blank space opens up to allow the industry of imagination to begin. The ideas that take hold can go in many directions.
That’s OK.
When it starts you have no preconceived ideas or constraints.
You know it’s the one
Life is full of daydreams.
Some are better than others. Some are worthy of a second look.
You know it’s the one when your conscious and subconscious keep coming back for another visit.
You explore it, you examine it. After a while you just know it’s right.
You have to start somewhere
When you find a new story, it is so hard to know where to begin.
Do you plan? Plough right in? Decide the end? Character profiles?
Aaaarrrhhhh!
Finding your flow.
After a while you stop worrying about the plan, the beginning, the ending, your characters, because they all just sort themselves out.
You strap in, get ready, and prepare to enjoy the ride.
Author interview – Laura Daleo @AutLauraDaleo #authorinterview #bookboost
Today I have the pleasure of introducing author Laura Daleo who will be sharing her thoughts on reading and writing, and details of her Book, The Vampire Within.
Laura on Writing
Where do you get your ideas? My ideas come from listening to music
Why motivates you to write? I love telling stories
How many hours a week do you spend writing? I have a day job so mostly on weekends
Best thing about writing? Getting lost in the worlds I create
Your biggest writing distractions? My day job
What are your favorite books or sites you go to for writing tips / advice? I really don’t have a particular place – if I want to research something, I Google it
How long does it take you to write a book? Usually about 1 year
Have you ever cut anything from your book and why? Never
Least favorite thing about writing? Finding the time
What do your friends and family think about you being a writer? They think it’s fabulous
Most important things a writer should spend money on? Advertising and marketing
Least important things a writer should spend money on? Paying for book reviews
How do you measure your success as a writer? I tend to look at the number of followers, readers and subscribers, and if this number keeps growing
What advice would you give to yourself if you were starting the writing journey again? I finished my first book, Immortal Kiss, in 1996 and really didn’t pursue it. I would tell myself to go full speed ahead, be persistent, and get that book published!
As a reader
What is your favorite genre(s)? Tell us more about why you love them? Dark fantasy. I love reading about a character perceived as evil and where the author has made them vulnerable so I would care about them.
What is your favorite book quote? “Listen to them—the children of the night. What music they make!”
Favorite book hero and / or villain and why? Vampire Lestat – he paved the way for vampires to be individuals
If you could have a signed copy of a book by an author (dead or living) what book would it be and why? Interview With A Vampire by Anne Rice – She changed everything for vampires with this book.
About your Book…
You are living in your latest novel. Where are you living, and what is it like?
Los Angeles was all pretty normal until I woke up one day craving blood, with no idea why. I set out on a quest for answers. I visited a physic, checked out a vampire club, traveled to a vampire haven, met a ton of vampires, and took part in a magic ritual just to find out what was wrong with me.
Brandon Cass is not your average teenager. He has a taste for blood. As his hunger for blood strengthens, Brandon sets out on a quest for answers. He comes face-to-face with the dark force which controls him and learns what he must endure to reclaim his soul.
About Laura Daleo
Laura Daleo was born and raised in San Diego, California. Her love for writing began in junior high. She is best known for her love of animals and shares her home with her three furry kids.
You enter a new world every time you open a book #books #reading #quotes
Why readers love the underdog #writing #amwriting
In all aspects of life, people are drawn to the underdog.
- the geek who saves the planet and gets the girl/boy, while the jock is passed by.
- the outsider team with part-time players who topple the mighty favorite with the money and star players.
- the ‘David’ meets ‘Goliath’.
- the poor farm boy / girl who becomes the great warrior / saves the universe / becomes the hero of the quest.
There is a reason why we love the underdog, and it all comes down to psychology.
As a writer, understanding the reasons and psychology behind our love of underdog characters can greatly help us when we are crafting our work.
Why do we love the underdog?
1. Challenge
As the saying goes, no pain, no gain.
The greater the effort required, and the closer, more nail-biting the ending is, the greater our sense of fulfillment and achievement. While there’s nothing wrong with natural talent (who doesn’t want it), stories are not made out of millponds, we need challenges that require a gargantuan effort to overcome.
And our trusty underdog delivers.
2. Reverse psychology
When we back a ‘winner’ that gives us the same euphoric winning feeling. So, while the underdog by definition is the least likely to win, we have been conditioned by the stories we have read, watched and heard to expect the underdog to win.
3. Pleasure at others misfortune.
Yes, humans are sick bunnies. This is the whole reason why shows like ‘the office’ are so popular. We love watching other people fail from the comfort of our safe lounge chair. Evil hands are rubbed together as our hapless hero faces an uphill battle just to stay afloat.
4. Equality
You are all sighing in relief now! No, humans are not completely evil. While we love to wallow in the misfortune of others, there is a huge thrill when the underdog perseveres, overcomes their many misfortunes, and endures challenges along the way….as long as they succeed.
And in those few stories where they don’t succeed, we often feel cheated.
Life and society is full of ebbs and flows.
Great civilizations rise and fall, and the only thing that is certain in the uncertain nature of the world, is that nothing stays the same.
The top team will not remain the top team for ever.
Good and evil.
Power and poverty.
Every dog will have its day.
How we love to love the underdog.
