My Musical Muse: Ep. 1

Music is, aside from the writing itself, the biggest part of my creative process. Every now and then I come across a song, artist or album that I just connect with. It's one of those moments where you feel the lyrics and the rhythm in an emotional way, and it just fits. Or maybe I'm weird and don't emotionally connect with a lot outside of music. Whichever it is, this is currently my muse.

...but that isn't believable.

YA. Young-adult. Teen reads. However you want to say it, it's a genre that's been up in the air for the past decade or so. By publishers' standards, it's generally accepted that the main character falls between the ages of 12-17. Since the dawn of novels like Twilight, readers' ages have branched out in both directions. In fact, according to Publisher's Weekly, over half of readers who choose YA are in fact over eighteen with the majority being in the 30-44 year old range.

With readers being older than the characters they're reading about, YA novels have a taken a hit for being "unrealistic," "immature," or "over-the-top." While I agree those issues can pose a problem, I think many forget the true age of these characters. Don't you remember being seventeen? Just getting out of bed was cause for melodrama. That's the life of a teenager. I was a pretty reserved and level-headed teen, but I also remember that feeling of can't-live-without-you first love ... the love I thought would last forever. I remember the pain of not fitting in and constantly worrying about saying the wrong thing. Of feeling like a total pariah because I was different than everyone around me. Of getting stressed because my skin wasn't cooperating or freaking out because my favorite shirt was dirty, and I as supposed to meet my friends at the mall in an hour. 

Everything in my life was a code: blue, the-world-is-on-fire, how-can-I-continue-like-this level of importance. 

And that's how it should read in YA. People want to hate on insta-love. They get down on conflicting emotions and love triangles. They hate that characters seem "weak" or "indecisive." But at seventeen, it's impossible to decide what outfit you're going to wear that day let alone what your future holds, relationships or otherwise. 

We've lost sight of what drew us to YA to begin with: the innocence and the passion in each aspect of life. It's the time when you feel the strongest, the purest. You aren't jaded by the soul-sucking aspects of adulthood. You're free to feel things at their fullest, without reservation. You throw caution to the wind, and you live. That's the beauty of being a teen. It's not an excuse to act out or be reckless. There are boundaries even in youth. My point is, as a teen, you're a walking ball of crazy, and that's how it's supposed to be.

So, the next time you pick up a YA novel, appreciate the struggle of your high school aged character. See life through their rapidly-changing lenses. Relish in the victory being asked to the dance by their crush. Weep at the loss of their first love. Feel with every part of your being because you know they do.

I Killed an Adverb ... and I Liked It.

     "I believe the road to hell is paved with adverbs." ~ Stephen King, On Writing.  

Any seasoned writer has heard this phrase at least once in their life, yet it seems to miss the mark with many. I'm on the fence about them. Too often, writers tend to lean on adverbs like a crutch, using them as an excuse for lazy writing.

For example, "The book hit the floor loudly," is a sorry excuse of a sentence.

But what if that's what I'm trying to say? one asks.

Then say it better! If you want the reader to know the land is noisy, show them.

For example, "The book clattered to the floor." Better, right? Or this, "Pages fluttered against the wind before the book met the tile with an echoing crack." There are an infinite number of ways to improve the original sentence. It merely takes some effort! I assure you, it's worth the trouble. Once you learn to identify lazy writing, you soon begin avoiding it altogether. 

Things to Watch

Repetitive Adverbs: These would fall under the 'duh' category. Confession: I do this all the time, and I want to smack myself for it. 

For example, "Megan smiled happily." Well, yeah. How do most people smile, painfully? I realize one can smile and it be in sarcasm or even sadness. Most of the time, however, smiles are a result of joy, so smiling happily is redundant.

A few more examples would include, "Mindy bounced up and down excitedly," or "Todd paced back and forth anxiously." Again, there are times you'll need to clarify these actions to say more than the obvious, but it's rare.

Intensifiers: These are words which, you guessed it, intensify! Extremely, very, truly, honestly, massively, etc are all intensifiers. According to Grammar Girl, you should avoid these at all costs *except* in dialog ... if your characters are surfers. I truly ::wink wink:: love intensifiers, especially in YA. With teens, everything is bigger, stronger, and more intense. In my opinion, I find they work for me -- sparingly, of course -- because most of my characters are teens. I wouldn't recommend intensifiers if you're trying to be professional or in any way serious. 


Dialog Diatribe: This is one of the areas my editor calls me out every time. On occasion, I'm justified in using a particular adverb. These typically involve fast-moving scenes or places where there's already a lot going on, and I don't want to weigh it down. More often than not, adverbs attached to a dialog tag are a result of either unclear or lazy writing. Most of the time, the sentence should speak for itself. When you need more oomph, you add action. If all else fails, then and only then, you may use an adverb. But keep in mind, if you can read the dialog, and it's just as strong without the adverb, leave it out. 

The War of Worldcraft: Creating New Worlds

desigg.com

World building is one of the most important factors of a good story. It puts the reader in a place they've never been otherwise, so it's imperative they grasp the full concept laid down by the author. Unique details make this place its own universe filled with distinct (and oftentimes inhuman) characters, a government with unusual politics, and an unfamiliar social structure. The author has to take into consideration factors like the weather, varying laws, architecture, landscape, history, settings, biological factors such as animals and plants, mythology and so on. The more fantastical the world, the more building is required. The reader must have a good grip on your reality!

Some genres involve greater attention than others. My paranormal novel (The Willows: Haven) takes place on earth, but involves some non-human characters in enhanced places. The primary focus of my world building revolves around the social structure of this new society, the biological aspects of the beings themselves, some ancient history, a little architecture and mythology, and the law. This means I don't have to worry about creating animals like a chimera or filling the heavens with a purple moon. A good look at your story will determine which aspects affect your world-building.

This is a longer post, but I wanted to include everything I could! 
 

Social Construct/Law: This is an extremely important feature in Haven. The characters don't live under the same rules as humans. They have their own social constructs and hierarchies. Different laws govern most aspects of their lives, and it's very important that I make those laws clear to the reader. If the weight of their choices isn't felt, it defeats the purpose and loses power. What laws govern the world you've built? What are the consequences of breaking said laws?

Characters (Biology/Science): I don't want to get into "what" my characters are as I don't want to spoil it, but you already know they aren't human. While they have human traits, their biology is entirely different. The way they react to things in their environment, their preferences and requirements to thrive, are different from humans. It makes them what they are! This is one area where clear detail is imperative. If typical things such as food and sleep don't sustain them, something else does. Just like humans, there are requirements and limitations to flesh out here. The characters are as much a part of the "world" as the trees, unicorns, or space stations!

History: The history behind my characters' lives and situations is the basis behind the whole story. It's the thing that drives the plot. If there isn't reason for the characters to behave the way they do, then the story is going to fail. The events leading up to my protag's current state are the drive behind their social structure and law. Even if you don't have the history in your story, it's important to have it in your head. Cause must drive action, otherwise it's unrealistic. How did your world come to be? Is it a utopian society? Dystopian? What happened to land your world in its current state, good or bad?

Architecture: For most of Haven, the architecture is modern but hints at the life my protag experienced during her life. As the story unfolds, she's introduced to a society where the beings value nature and bend it to their purposes rather than destroy it. In a world where the characters are as much a part of nature as nature itself, I had to find a way to incorporate that. If you have a story set in the future, what about the buildings makes them unique? Is it their design? Is it some valuable or rare material that's never been seen or is at risk of disappearing entirely? What makes it special/scary/peaceful/exciting in your world?

Climate/Weather: For a lot of writers, weather isn't a big part of their story, but it's a part of your world nonetheless. What happens if your character gets caught outside in a storm without an umbrella? In my characters' world, nothing. They get wet. In Julie Kagawa's world, they get melted by acid rain. How does the weather affect your world? Is the ozone layer gone? Sounds hot and dangerous! Has the ocean risen to threatening levels? Have years of pollution damaged the Earth or is your character on a planet where it never snows?

Magic/Technology/Nature/Science: Do you have faeries walking around? Can they make potions? How about cyborgs? Do they have laser vision? Can your mermaids enchant people? Or do you characters live in the 21st century where iPhones are a dime a dozen, and like the rest of society, your guy can't function without telling his peers his every move through Facebook? Explore how magic, technology, and superhuman gifts play out in your world. 

Religion/Morality/Beliefs: Heaven knows we as people know where we stand on these issues. Why are these things important in your imaginary world? Are your characters at war over varying beliefs? Are your characters willing to go to the mats over a moral injustice? Or do they live in a world where immorality (by your unique world standards) is rewarded? Your world must have some code of standards to operate under, otherwise there will never be conflict.

Entertainment: How do you characters kick back after a hard day at work? What do they enjoy doing on the weekends or with their friends? Are they risk takers or bookworms? How does their playtime affect their lives?

There are countless aspects to consider when world building. Every tiny facet of life has to be addressed in some form or fashion and characterized if you want a believable setting. Find the balance in what to include.

Ask yourself a few basic questions and think about how it relates to your world.
 (borrowed from Janice Hardy)

• What is a normal day like for your protag? Your other characters?
• Who are your protag's enemies? (not just the antag, but people who don't like them) What social or economic group do they belong to?
• Who are their friends? What social or economic group do they belong to?
• What are the things your protag tries to avoid on a regular basis?
• What are things they try to get on a regular basis?
• Where do they fit on the social and economic ladder?
• Where do they live?
• Where do they work or go to school?
• What are some challenges living in that world present?
• What are some advantages living in that world present?

Happy writing!

Wordsmith Wednesday: Teaser #7

The objective:
Show us a scene from your current project. It can be creepy, adventurous, romantic, etc. Just a snippet to let readers see what they're in for!


The guidelines:
 * Must be from a current work-in-progress (WIP). Nothing already published.
 * You may choose from any section of the manuscript, but be mindful not to include spoilers.
 * Keep it clean and YA audience friendly, please. No erotica.
 * Stay under 300 words or about one page. It can be as little as a few lines if you prefer. We just want to give readers a chance to see everyone's selection.
 * Link back to Chirenjenzie to enjoy others' work as well!

 A little taste of The Willows: Thorn, book 2 in The Willows series.

“My mother—” I began.

“Made a decision for herself,” Allie interrupted. “The family’s laws don’t always make sense, but they’re expected to be followed. Your mom was just stronger than the law. You should be proud of that.”

I smiled. Of course Allie would think that way.

“I love that she found Charlie and lived a short but happy life with him.” I sighed. “But…”

“But you wish things had been different?” Allie finished.

I laughed without humor. “I learned some time ago that wishing doesn’t change what is, or was, or will be. Wishing is futile.”

“That stinks really bad of bitterness, Ash.” Allie frowned. “Don’t let disappointment convince you that wishing is a hopeless pursuit.” 

What are YOU working on now? Happy writing!

50 Shades of Malibu Barbie.

A friend and I were recently discussing reading and how we've long since believed books should have a rating system. She was telling me about a group of preteens who were giggling and pointing at a fresh shipment of erotica novels that had just made it into the bookstore, before one girl finally bought a copy. Say what now?

Movies, video games, even adult magazines have age requirements. Where is that rule for literature? Why isn't there a difference between Harry Potter, a relatively innocent story about a kid in wizard school and Crank, a hard-hitting, in depth novel about substance abuse? Those novels really shouldn't be in the same section, but unfortunately, the problem has gone from watching the train wreck to being in it.

Erotica has always been around, but I'm sure most kids would sooner read their comic books than deliberately seek out a sexually explicit novel. But with the recent explosion of the world-renowned 50 Shades of Grey, finding an over-the-top book isn't a problem. And really, with the epic coverage this very adult novel has received, why wouldn't a barely-teen be curious about the subject of her mom's wildly successful book club? I'll bet the money-makers in this situation didn't consider that.

But it brings us back to the original subject. Why can a thirteen year-old child walk into a bookstore and openly purchase an erotica novel? Who gets to say this is okay? I have two young daughters, and I realize I'm responsible for what they read, but that doesn't assure they can't get a hold of something they shouldn't, even accidentally. If they wouldn't be allowed to walk into a movie theater and watch Pretty Woman, they shouldn't be allowed to walk into a bookstore and buy it off the shelves.

What do you think? Do you think literature should be more carefully monitored?

Wordsmith Wednesday: Teaser #5

The objective:
Show us a scene from your current project. It can be creepy, adventurous, romantic, etc. Just a snippet to let readers see what they're in for!


The guidelines:
 * Must be from a current work-in-progress (WIP). Nothing already published.
 * You may choose from any section of the manuscript, but be mindful not to include spoilers.
 * Keep it clean and YA audience friendly, please. No erotica.
 * Stay under 300 words or about one page. It can be as little as a few lines if you prefer. We just want to give readers a chance to see everyone's selection.
 * Link back to Chirenjenzie to enjoy others' work as well!

Here's a scene from book two of The Willows series, Thorn.

"What a beautiful place," I marveled, peering around the most stunning garden I'd ever seen. Splashes of lavender and cream climbed a brick archway leading into yard encased by box hedges at least ten feet tall. A stream so clear it looked like glass laced around the edges, acting as a welcoming moat.

I skipped over the wooden bridge, pirouetting beneath a shower of delicate peach-colored petals falling from a nearby tree. My laughter dissolved till only a smile remained. I turned, reaching for Gabe, but came up empty.

"What are you doing?" I asked, looking between the entryway and him.

His brows settled low, his turquoise eyes stormy with conflict as he stared past me to the garden. His thoughts seemed a million miles away.

"Gabe?"

"Hmm?" His expression morphed into feigned disinterest.

"Aren't you coming?" I gestured toward the gate.

He hesitated a moment, his focus dazed as if he were lost in a memory. "Sure."

Gabe cast a furtive glance over his shoulder. He slid the bolt aside and pulled the gate back, motioning for me to lead the way. I passed through the archway, my fingers trailing across the aged brick, and entered an open courtyard. Yet another fountain adorned the entryway, only this was more than just a fountain. Water cascaded in a clear sheet, masking four marble beings behind a wall of liquid glass. The intricate carving left faces as beautiful and lifelike as the immortals they represented. A bubbling pool formed at the gray stone basin around their bare feet, the outer rim damp and darker than the rest. Rich moss grew from the chips and cracks, weaving pathways like tiny verdant fields. Somehow it felt almost alive, full of history and stories.

Wordsmith Wednesday: Teaser #4

The objective:
Show us a scene from your current project. It can be creepy, adventurous, romantic, etc. Just a snippet to let readers see what they're in for!


The guidelines:
 * Must be from a current work-in-progress (WIP). Nothing already published.
 * You may choose from any section of the manuscript, but be mindful not to include spoilers.
 * Keep it clean and YA audience friendly, please. No erotica.
 * Stay under 300 words or about one page. It can be as little as a few lines if you prefer. We just want to give readers a chance to see everyone's selection.
 * Link back to Chirenjenzie to enjoy others' work as well!

Another clip from The Willows: Thorn, book two in The Willows series! In this scene, Ashton is meeting a new character ... and one who really doesn't care for Ash's presence. I hope you enjoy this brief intro :)

A wave of mint smacked me in the face. At the same time, a curvy figure clad in white form-fitting satin slinked into view. Silky blonde hair cascaded around her shoulders, framing her oval face and high cheekbones. Icy blue pierced through me, raising goose bumps on my skin. Gabe shifted ever so slightly closer to me, his focus on the angel now standing an arm's length away. The woman’s pouty mouth turned up in a seductive smile as she drank him in. I had no idea if it was friendly or predatory, but possessiveness rolled off me in waves.

“Ruarc,” she drawled, using Gabe's birth name. “It's wonderful to see you again.”

He drew a tense breath. "Good evening, Linley."

"Lucan always believed you would return though I didn’t agree." She leaned forward and dropped a kiss on either side of Gabe's cheek, her hand lingering a little too long on his chest. "I’m happy to see for once I was mistaken." She peered up at him through long fluttering lashes.

I felt Gabe's posture stiffen at the same time as mine, and his hand wrapped around my wrist. I wanted to believe it was meant to be reassuring rather than what it actually was … him holding me back.

Wordsmith Wednesday: Teaser #3

The objective:
Show us a scene from your current project. It can be creepy, adventurous, romantic, etc. Just a snippet to let readers see what they're in for!


The guidelines:
 * Must be from a current work-in-progress (WIP). Nothing already published.
 * You may choose from any section of the manuscript, but be mindful not to include spoilers.
 * Keep it clean and YA audience friendly, please. No erotica.
 * Stay under 300 words or about one page. It can be as little as a few lines if you prefer. We just want to give readers a chance to see everyone's selection.
 * Link back to Chirenjenzie to enjoy others' work as well!



***Spoiler alert***

If you haven't read book one, there is a spoiler in this. Be forewarned!

Here's a clip from my upcoming project, The Willows: Thorn. It's book two in The Willows series.

Strange glowing torches lit the path on either side. I stared curiously at the green and blue flames that licked the insides of the glass orbs, intrigued by the color. Veins of water snaked around the outer edges of the pathway, slicing through the land in shallow ribbons. This place was as different from The Valley as the Dryads were from the Naiads themselves. Both were beautiful, but this forest somehow felt like home. I liked the wet mossy smell of everything and the way the moisture clung in the air like a blanket of water wrapped around me. It almost felt like swimming.  

A wide structure came into view through the line of trees ahead of us. The front glowed softly as hanging lanterns flickered and swayed in a gentle breeze, and the scent of lilac mingled with damp bark. Gray stone peered from behind a mantle of emerald ivy, the center point jutting out farther than the outer walls. A dark gate stood guard, baring its iron teeth at anything close enough to be a threat.

Let's hear your clip! Join the fun at Chirenjenzie :D

Happy writing!