Is anyone else as heartily sick of the whole vampire craze as I am?
No, seriously. I get the classics - Bram Stoker (though I have no personal desire to read Dracula) earned a place in literary history. That's cool. But the recent trend towards glamorizing the evil undead has just gotten really, really boring, particularly as it's been paired with teen romance (a genre that makes me personally want to hurl rocks). Don't even get me started on Twilight, I'm warning you.
(IMHO, the only vampire novel worth reading is Robin McKinley's Sunshine. Just sayin'.)
(Also, the whole MHI series by Larry Correia, in which vampires are their traditional nasty selves and get slain. A lot.)
But the straw that just broke my camel's back? Vampire, the fragrance. No, really. Click the link. There you go. I'll wait while you clean up the mess. I mean for crying out loud, what's it supposed to smell like, O-positive? I sincerely hope this is a joke, but there is no holding of breath going on here.
Can we all please agree that this trend has run its course and call it a day? Er, night?
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Friday, July 8, 2011
Musical Storytelling
I know, it's been months since my last post. Things have been a little crazy - my brother got married, I quit one job, got another, and got promoted, and have been doing lots of training in the new position. Writing (of any kind) kind of got shoved to the side for a while.
However, I'm back working on my novel (RH) again, and it's beginning to take actual shape now, which is encouraging! I was thinking about it on the way home from work the other day, and realized that one of the problems I've had in structuring this thing is that I'm trying to write it like music.
I know, that doesn't make a lot of sense.
Think of a musical score. Something choral (because I'm more used to that than anything but solo piano). Handel's Messiah or Brahm's Ein Deutches Requiem are good examples - Bach's Magnificat is also brilliant for this. You have multiple vocal lines (anywhere from 4 to 8), one line for each voice part - soprano, alto, tenor, bass, etc. Then you have the accompaniment below it. Each staff is expressed in multiple dimensions (I'm ADHD, try to keep up) - say vertical (where notes appear on the staff) and horizontal (timing - the value of each note) - a dual-axis system. But you have multiple dual-axis lines here, all layered on one another, with all of the notes fitting perfectly together and complimenting one another.
I see stories the same way. You have the main plot (call it the melody) layered with multiple subplots (the harmonies), which sounds a lot simpler than the above explanation. They are each moving along the horizontal (temporal) axis, but each has different timing, and they are all layered together vertically (the notes themselves, or developments in the story), but shift around on that axis so different plot points are emphasized at different times, like notes or chords in music.
My problem is arranging all the "notes" and "chords" in the story so they harmonize well and make sense, so that the music of the story is something that flows well.
I have no idea if understanding this is going to be helpful in writing. I'll keep you posted.
However, I'm back working on my novel (RH) again, and it's beginning to take actual shape now, which is encouraging! I was thinking about it on the way home from work the other day, and realized that one of the problems I've had in structuring this thing is that I'm trying to write it like music.
I know, that doesn't make a lot of sense.
Think of a musical score. Something choral (because I'm more used to that than anything but solo piano). Handel's Messiah or Brahm's Ein Deutches Requiem are good examples - Bach's Magnificat is also brilliant for this. You have multiple vocal lines (anywhere from 4 to 8), one line for each voice part - soprano, alto, tenor, bass, etc. Then you have the accompaniment below it. Each staff is expressed in multiple dimensions (I'm ADHD, try to keep up) - say vertical (where notes appear on the staff) and horizontal (timing - the value of each note) - a dual-axis system. But you have multiple dual-axis lines here, all layered on one another, with all of the notes fitting perfectly together and complimenting one another.
I see stories the same way. You have the main plot (call it the melody) layered with multiple subplots (the harmonies), which sounds a lot simpler than the above explanation. They are each moving along the horizontal (temporal) axis, but each has different timing, and they are all layered together vertically (the notes themselves, or developments in the story), but shift around on that axis so different plot points are emphasized at different times, like notes or chords in music.
My problem is arranging all the "notes" and "chords" in the story so they harmonize well and make sense, so that the music of the story is something that flows well.
I have no idea if understanding this is going to be helpful in writing. I'll keep you posted.
Friday, April 29, 2011
Internal vs External
When you're telling a story, there are two major struggles you take into account: the external struggle (all the exciting stuff that happens on the page - physical battles, etc) and the internal struggle (all the more or less invisible character-building that goes on as a result of all the physical, external stuff).
Today I am trying to get my writing groove back after weeks of an appallingly unfriendly work schedule, and it is not working. At all. Not the way I want it to, anyway. All I seem to be able to focus on is my main character's internal struggle, which is nice and all, and kind of important, but really, really boring to read about. And I don't seem to be able to connect anything internal to the external.
Bleah.
I'm going to blame my lack of thyroid meds for this, turn off the computer, and go think about something else. I need to get ready for work anyway - hooray for closing shift. Will work my way back into this.
Today I am trying to get my writing groove back after weeks of an appallingly unfriendly work schedule, and it is not working. At all. Not the way I want it to, anyway. All I seem to be able to focus on is my main character's internal struggle, which is nice and all, and kind of important, but really, really boring to read about. And I don't seem to be able to connect anything internal to the external.
Bleah.
I'm going to blame my lack of thyroid meds for this, turn off the computer, and go think about something else. I need to get ready for work anyway - hooray for closing shift. Will work my way back into this.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Not Dead Yet; Writing Progress
I just feel like it. Have I mentioned how evil retail work is? It is. Very evil. Especially the crap hours. And the pay. And the customers. And the pay. And the hours. (Fingers crossed for tomorrow's interview.)
But I digress. Point being: not dead, just random. Thank you, jobs.
Despite the crappy work schedule, I have managed to get some writing done on work-in-progress #1, Rogues' Hollow (henceforth WIP:RH).* Which is awesome, because I have had the world's worst case of writer's block with this sucker for months. Like, 10 months. Maybe more. I lost count. However, last week (is it really only Tuesday??) I made a breakthrough and things have been flowing since, knock wood, turn around three times and spit.
I should explain: I've had the rough draft written for some time now, and make no mistake, it is rough. Frankly, it sucks. So I've been pulling the thing apart, tearing things down and rebuilding them for an age now trying to fix what's wrong and throw away the stuff that can't be fixed. It's been a great learning experience.
Because I'm ADHD, structuring anything, be it work, the novel I want to write, or whatever, is one of my biggest challenges. I've gotten really good at organizing at work, but it took years of practice. Writing? Ha. Even though I've known basically the story I want to tell, I have had an inordinate amount of trouble trying to put the thing together so that it works. (I'm sure this problem is not unique to ADHD, but trust me, that doesn't make it any easier.)
Then I got really, really lucky and found Holly Lisle's workshops for writers. I've been working with them for a couple of months now and absolutely love them. Maybe they're not for everybody, but they've really helped me break things down into manageable bits until finally, breakthrough. Here's hoping it keeps up. Shall I post progress reports?
*I actually have several WIPs all of a sudden. Here's the breakdown:
WIP:RH - Rogues' Hollow. Contemporary fantasy.
WIP:SC - Stupid Cupid. Murder mystery.
WIP:NB - The one with the French (Corsican) dwarf that doesn't have a title yet. Mangled history, but lots of fun.
WIP:HG - the Herb Garden. Not actually a WIP, but I do have a notebook devoted to it. Trying to design an herb garden to plant if spring ever comes to thisforsaken wasteland of a state.
But I digress. Point being: not dead, just random. Thank you, jobs.
Despite the crappy work schedule, I have managed to get some writing done on work-in-progress #1, Rogues' Hollow (henceforth WIP:RH).* Which is awesome, because I have had the world's worst case of writer's block with this sucker for months. Like, 10 months. Maybe more. I lost count. However, last week (is it really only Tuesday??) I made a breakthrough and things have been flowing since, knock wood, turn around three times and spit.
I should explain: I've had the rough draft written for some time now, and make no mistake, it is rough. Frankly, it sucks. So I've been pulling the thing apart, tearing things down and rebuilding them for an age now trying to fix what's wrong and throw away the stuff that can't be fixed. It's been a great learning experience.
Because I'm ADHD, structuring anything, be it work, the novel I want to write, or whatever, is one of my biggest challenges. I've gotten really good at organizing at work, but it took years of practice. Writing? Ha. Even though I've known basically the story I want to tell, I have had an inordinate amount of trouble trying to put the thing together so that it works. (I'm sure this problem is not unique to ADHD, but trust me, that doesn't make it any easier.)
Then I got really, really lucky and found Holly Lisle's workshops for writers. I've been working with them for a couple of months now and absolutely love them. Maybe they're not for everybody, but they've really helped me break things down into manageable bits until finally, breakthrough. Here's hoping it keeps up. Shall I post progress reports?
*I actually have several WIPs all of a sudden. Here's the breakdown:
WIP:RH - Rogues' Hollow. Contemporary fantasy.
WIP:SC - Stupid Cupid. Murder mystery.
WIP:NB - The one with the French (Corsican) dwarf that doesn't have a title yet. Mangled history, but lots of fun.
WIP:HG - the Herb Garden. Not actually a WIP, but I do have a notebook devoted to it. Trying to design an herb garden to plant if spring ever comes to this
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Of Knights and Dragons
I cannot fathom why a girl would want a "knight in shining armor." I mean, just examine that phrase a little. "Shining armor." Shining. Pristine. Untouched.
Undented. Unused. Untried.
Maybe I'm over-thinking the idea a bit, but I would personally prefer a knight in dented, scorched armor. Someone who has come up against the dragons in life, been knocked down, gotten back up, and kicked the dragons' collective butts. Someone who has earned every last dent and grown stronger from each one of them. Someone with whom I can compare dents and bruises, laugh about them together, then, when life decides to send another dragon our way, we can go out there together as partners and make dragon-kabobs.
Undented. Unused. Untried.
Maybe I'm over-thinking the idea a bit, but I would personally prefer a knight in dented, scorched armor. Someone who has come up against the dragons in life, been knocked down, gotten back up, and kicked the dragons' collective butts. Someone who has earned every last dent and grown stronger from each one of them. Someone with whom I can compare dents and bruises, laugh about them together, then, when life decides to send another dragon our way, we can go out there together as partners and make dragon-kabobs.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Tonight on Mikki Rake: Beets and the Women Who Love Them
Has anyone else noticed that eating beets (especially the super-yummy ones from your own garden) can have...hmm...interesting and colorful after-effects?
No? Just me?
Never mind then.
No? Just me?
Never mind then.
Sunday, March 20, 2011
White Wedding...or Not
I currently work at [Women's Clothing Retailer], and, this being spring, I'm starting to get lots of ladies coming in looking for dresses to wear at weddings; many of these women are mothers of the bride or groom. I am also noticing a disturbing trend: colorblind brides. At least I can only assume that is the cause behind such wedding color combinations as burnt orange and avocado green. (Really???)
Girls. Brides. Ladies. Let's talk. I don't care what current fashion trends are, what the bridal magazines say, or who is telling you that trendy color combo is a good idea. Red/black/white looks stunning, yes, but think about it for a minute. Forest green and sky blue? Nothing wrong with the colors individually, of course. Burnt orange and avocado green - for real? Are you wearing camo? Going hunting? More importantly, think about these color combinations and ask yourselves:
DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA HOW DIFFICULT IT IS FOR YOUR POOR MOTHER/BRIDESMAIDS/ANYONE TO FIND A DRESS TO MATCH YOUR WEDDING COLORS???? Do you realize the kind of pain you're putting these women through? These are women who care about you! Putting them through this is simply no way to treat them!
And consider when you look back on your wedding photos in 10, 20 or 30 years - the sheer, dated trendiness of it all will not inspire a positive response. Really. It won't. I promise.
Do yourselves - and everyone else - a favor: use a little common sense. And, if necessary, have the photos done in black & white.
Girls. Brides. Ladies. Let's talk. I don't care what current fashion trends are, what the bridal magazines say, or who is telling you that trendy color combo is a good idea. Red/black/white looks stunning, yes, but think about it for a minute. Forest green and sky blue? Nothing wrong with the colors individually, of course. Burnt orange and avocado green - for real? Are you wearing camo? Going hunting? More importantly, think about these color combinations and ask yourselves:
DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA HOW DIFFICULT IT IS FOR YOUR POOR MOTHER/BRIDESMAIDS/ANYONE TO FIND A DRESS TO MATCH YOUR WEDDING COLORS???? Do you realize the kind of pain you're putting these women through? These are women who care about you! Putting them through this is simply no way to treat them!
And consider when you look back on your wedding photos in 10, 20 or 30 years - the sheer, dated trendiness of it all will not inspire a positive response. Really. It won't. I promise.
Do yourselves - and everyone else - a favor: use a little common sense. And, if necessary, have the photos done in black & white.
The Crimson Pact
I just came across this by way of Larry Correia (author of the amazing Monster Hunter International novels - GO READ THEM NOW) - the next flash fiction reading period is through June 6, 2011. Any authors wanting to bowl someone over and get an anthology invite, now's your chance. More info here.
Sounds like fun. >: )
Sounds like fun. >: )
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Just call me "Nona"
Apparently I am an old European woman. Very old.
Not only do I have a bunion (here I just thought my right foot was wider than the left - don't laugh, if you saw my fat little duck feet, you'd understand!) and an unsightly, particularly long hair that grows out of my cheek, I have also started growing 3 or 4 equally unsightly extra-long hairs out of my chin. Lovely. Seriously. Hello tweezers, you're my new best friends. And we're just going to ignore the little downy stuff on my lip.
35, I thought we were going to get along. How could you betray me like this??
Fortunately, when I take myself out from under the microscope, I'm not half as hideous as all that sounds (please see photo at right - thank you). And let's not forget I've lost 14 pounds since December. Gotta focus on the positive, after all.
Now get off my lawn.
Not only do I have a bunion (here I just thought my right foot was wider than the left - don't laugh, if you saw my fat little duck feet, you'd understand!) and an unsightly, particularly long hair that grows out of my cheek, I have also started growing 3 or 4 equally unsightly extra-long hairs out of my chin. Lovely. Seriously. Hello tweezers, you're my new best friends. And we're just going to ignore the little downy stuff on my lip.
35, I thought we were going to get along. How could you betray me like this??
Fortunately, when I take myself out from under the microscope, I'm not half as hideous as all that sounds (please see photo at right - thank you). And let's not forget I've lost 14 pounds since December. Gotta focus on the positive, after all.
Now get off my lawn.
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