We all have things that inspire us. Excite us. Images that take our breath away. Some people do collages or create vision boards. I use a nifty site called Pinterest to organize mine.
I have a board for my wish list, one for favorite places, books I love, anything Gamer Girl, and a newly added one for my Inspiration Room I hope to have someday.
While my sick brain has a hard time forming sentences, my Muse doesn’t rest. Apparently she decided a week off was plenty. Yesterday I got some dialogue and character notes for one of my stories (better yet, one of the three I’m not focusing on…). And last night, or this morning, whatever you want to call 2 AM, I woke up from a dream and had to write down some of the images.
In my dream, the world was ending and yet the sight of a couple mermaid children playing in the water still brought joy. I couldn’t let that image go to waste.
Some say the Muse isn’t real. That it’s merely hard work and a good imagination. But moments like these make me wonder. When ideas seem to come from nowhere, or at least no where inside myself. Especially when I’m not feeling an iota of creativity in my sick slump. And somehow the Muse gets through.
I may not have the energy or brainpower to put these ideas to much use right now, but I have certainly been taking notes. Do you ever get inspired at the least likely of times?
Yesterday, B and I went on a walking field trip down to Family Dollar. He bought a new monster truck and a pen and pads of paper. I bought some goodies, of course. The best ever shortbread cookies (especially for the $1 price) and a pack of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups.
Or, at least goodies was all I planned to get. While looking through the store, I saw this box. Beautiful, with butterflies and music notes and flowers, and that vintage looking background. I held it, caressed it, oohed and ahhed. Set it back on the shelf and moved on.
I changed my mind a few times as we wandered the aisles. My practical side argued that I had no use for it. Didn’t know what to put in it, or where to display it. Just pretty clutter.
My pink side said: buy it for yourself! Like when you bought that gorgeous notebook last year. You deserve it. Why do you need a reason for everything? It’s only five dollars. Looking at it will make you happy, even if you never fill it. It’s like a 3-D bliss book. So many things that just make you happy. Any buyer’s guilt would vanish as you gaze at it. This box is simply YOU.
So I bought the box.
It’s 9.5” x 11.5”, and 5.5” deep. Any suggestions on what I could put in it?
I recently read Robin McKinley’s PEGASUS. It may be only book one of two, but I wouldn’t let that stop you from getting it. McKinley has long been one of my favorite authors. In fact, THE HERO AND THE CROWN and THE BLUE SWORD were the books that introduced me to fantasy and made me want to write fantasy. I want to create wonderful worlds and real characters that stick in your heart. Her words create an escape.
And PEGASUS is no exception. I love it! The relationships between the pegasi and the humans isn’t a perfect one. Besides the language barrier, their cultures are vastly different. They may coexist peacefully, but how can they ever understand each other? Then one friendship changes everything. Princess Sylvi is bound to her own pegasus, Ebon. This is tradition in noble houses. But it’s different for Sylvi and Ebon, as they can actually speak to each other without the aid of magicians. And it turns out not everyone *wants* to understand the pegasi. Is their ability a threat or a blessing?
I loved flying with the pegasi, and growing with Sylvi. The descriptions are beautiful, the characters memorable, and the story one that will weave its way deep into your heart. I am looking forward to book two.
I got lucky and won an advanced copy, but now PEGASUS is available for everyone to buy. So what are you waiting for?
Saturday we went to see Avatar in 3D. We’d heard good things about it, and one friend was ready to pay for our tickets he was so insistent we see it in theatre. The 3D took a little to get used to. At first I was all too aware of the effects. But once I got into it, boy was I in. Wow. I love how James Cameron used the 3D to create immersion rather than to go out of the way to throw things at you. What a stunning world he created. I want to live on Pandora!
In addition to a beautiful setting, I thought the rest of the world building was amazing. How the entire world was networked, the culture, the symbiosis, the bioluminescence, the avatar system. The Na’vi looked amazing. This is the first movie we plan on spending the extra money and getting the blue-ray version. The graphics are that good.
The story itself may have been predictable, but most are. It’s not about the ending, its about the journey itself. And this one had me caring and fully immersed. Absolutely loved it.
Yesterday marked the end of the Muse Online Writers Conference. This was my 2nd year participating. I always make sure to sign up for a variety of workshops, because I never know which ones I’ll end up most interested in. Last year I got the most out of two poetry workshops – one on breaking creative blocks, and the other on creating a chapbook. This year my favorite courses were very different.
The first was the Dialogue Workshop with Devon Ellington. I started a new story just for the workshop. It was one already in my idea file (#2 from my NaNo ideas), but only very basic, one paragraph idea. I didn’t get much critique on the dialogue itself, which reassured me I shouldn’t over think the dialogue that comes naturally. What I really learned is that I can form an emotional connection to characters that I’m only beginning to know. I can write entire scenes with only a vague idea of plot. What an eye opener that was. Very reassuring with NaNoWriMo around the corner. I didn’t get through all the assignments, but really enjoyed and benefited from those I did.
The other course that really impacted me was Facing Your Fear of Writing with Tamlyn Leigh. She set us up to discover our own answers, through use of our inner two year olds. On that note, I have to share one way this has affected me beyond the conference.
My son woke up during the night, and I was up for an hour. I went to bed tired and frustrated, fully expecting to be cranky in the morning. But I woke up and my inner two year old was right there, making it impossible to be in a bad mood. I turned on some music for her, and I feel like I can do anything. This day is beautiful and promising.
One other beautiful thing about the Muse Conference was the opportunity to pitch to editors and agents. Through a live chat, I pitched EotF to an agent. Despite incredible nerves, I kept my head above water. She requested pages and a synopsis. Those are with her now, so hopefully she likes them enough to ask for more. Whatever the response, I’m grateful for the experience.
At the end of the month, registration will open for next years conference. I’m already marking my calendar. October 11-17, 2010. I’ll post another reminder once it opens up. For a free conference, that I can attend from my computer, the Muse Online Writers Conference offers a wealth of information and is worth every moment.
5,000 Questions... My answers so far...
556. What do you need advice about? writing a synopsis. I'm pulling my hair out on this one. (And obviously procrastinating.)
557. Have you been half-asleep and have you heard voices? yes. it's very odd being awake enough to hear people talking, yet asleep enough that you can't move even a finger. I wonder if that is what being in a coma is like?
558. Do you have a good luck charm? My graduation necklace, a silver '01'. I used to wear a necklace more often. I had forgotten how many I own. They give me a focus for my fiddling. Which reminds me of the downside. My son also likes to fiddle with them... which is why I stopped wearing them regularly.
559. Should animals have the same right to life as people? ooh, this is a toughie. I'd have to say no. there are animals designated (by God and man) for use as food. And at times it is needed to put an animal down because it is a danger to humans. Do they deserve to be tortured, or killed needlessly? Absolutely not. But Man comes first.
560. What is your least favorite body part? My legs. I hate having to shave them. Yet when I don't, they itch and feel ugly. When I do, I tend to nick myself; and next thing you know, they are prickly again. Ick. There is no winning.
561. Do you enjoy British comedy? I haven't seen enough to give a general yes or no. Most of what I've seen I haven't cared for, but I've recently been introduced to Dr. Who. I've only seen one episode so far, so am currently undecided. But it wasn't an immediate 'no'.
562. Are there ever happy endings or does nothing end? there are happy endings, but they do not end a person's life, merely a part of their story. like a book. the characters lives go on after the end, but they can have a "happy ending" for this event or storyline.
563. What is your worst trait? My initial instinctive answer is procrastination. but I think the root trait is deeper than that. Worrying. Worrying what people will think, if I'll get it right, if any of it matters, if anyone is reading, if I'm good enough. Worry, worry, worry. Sometimes my brain won't shut it off.
564. Is the world more beautiful because of love? yes. we see so much more when we love and feel loved. our senses are opened to new things. it's easier to be optimistic, and thus everything is beautiful.
565. What is the essence of you? dandelion seeds. I could explain, but I'll let you interpret that. ;-)
566. What really inspires you? music, stories - both the true and the fanciful, soaking in sunlight while lying on the grass listening to the sounds of the world
567. Have you met your soul mate? yes. but I also believe there are multiple soul mates, perfect matches, out there for each person. It's a matter of proximity and timing.
568. Is everyday a special occasion? every day should be, but no. Sunday, when B was sick and threw up in his ramen... not so special an occasion. Unless you look at it in the way that it's special because it doesn't happen frequently. Hmm. Back to point of view.
569. What sound would you rather hear than any sound in the world? rain. it's a soothing backdrop. I could live without hearing my loved ones, as long as I feel them. Relates to my love languages being quality time and physical touch, not words of affirmation.
570. Of the following which word best describes you:
natural: this is me! my hair dries naturally, I only wear make-up on special occasions, and I'm myself - what you see is what you get.
outgoing: definitely not
polite: I try, but sometimes I do or say things without thinking
quick thinking: sadly, no
571. Do any commercials make you want to break your TV? yes!! The Ikea commercial for their sales. Crazy lady, thinking she's getting a steal of a deal, running out to the husband and parked car... "Start the car! Start the car!" Kill the crazy high-pitched lady!
572. Have you ever lost your religion? no. even when I wasn't following it, I never discarded it. make sense?
573. Do you want to share your life with someone? yes! I AM sharing my life with someone (well, two someone's). One of my fears is being alone.
574. Where ARE the wild things? hiding, but their space is slowly being invaded, leaving little undiscovered.
575. Would you rather have a child genetically related to you or an adopted child? either. both deserve unconditional love and welcoming arms. If I hadn't been able to have children, I would definitely have adopted. Though getting a child genetically is cheaper, and the process is a bit more enjoyable. However, I don't want to go through the being pregnant again (see previous question) and would definitely adopt if we decide we want another child (yes, this is something my husband and I have discussed). For now, very happy with just one.
576. If I had a birthday party would you come? "I" being the person who created this list of questions? No, I do not know you. I rarely go to birthday parties of people I do know.
577. What seemingly impossible thing is POSSIBLE? the flight of a bumblebee.
578. What song do you love to sing out loud? The Ballad of Eleuteria. It's one I wrote myself. I'll often sing it in the shower, or while waiting for the bus to drop off my son.
579. Have you ever run through the woods naked and played in a stream (you should)? Nope
580. Have you ever taken long solitary night walks? yes. see number 413 for a specific memory.
5,000 Questions... My answers so far...
546. What would you like to protest against? Black Friday
547. What or who do you support? Obama. He looks to be a very promising President.
548. If you found out you were pregnant today, would you have an abortion? No. I really, really, really don't want to be pregnant again, but I would never snuff it out if it was obviously meant to be. Though there would likely be much stress and panicking. (Praying this scenario doesn't actually get played out.)
549. Do you like picking out greeting cards or would you rather write your own? Greeting cards! Just cause I write, doesn't mean I can think of something warm or witty to say every time, and why should I when someone else has already done the work.
550. Do you like to be thought of as mysterious? No. I'm not against the idea, but I certainly don't promote it or get a thrill off it. I don't know that anyone has ever described me as mysterious...
551. What is the most magical thing that has ever happened to you? A mere few days after blogging about a lack of books to read, a package with an ARC magically appeared on my doorstep. So much better than being notified of winning a drawing through email. Just BAM, there when you most need it.
552. How would you tell your friend his or her fly was open in public? I'd whisper "your fly is open." Though I am not the most observant person, and would more likely be on the receiving end.
553. Does a good friend tell you you've got something in your teeth or pretend not to notice it? A good friend would tell me, to prevent further embarrassment.
554. The world has many secrets. Have you learned any? Will you share it? Life is all about belief. Each person has a different reality, tied to their perception of the world. The important thing is recognizing the existence of these realities, and not discounting someone because theirs is very different from your own.
555. Are there any bands you like so much that you want to get their music video collection on DVD? no. even when using YouTube for music purposes, I usually have it in the background, listening but not watching. I'd much rather have the CD.
5,000 Questions... My answers so far...
471. What is one interesting fact you know? The twelve days of Christmas technically starts on Christmas Day and ends on January 5th. January 6th is Epiphany, the celebration of the Wise Men bringing gifts. For some it is a tradition to give gifts on all of the twelve days. The 12th day of Christmas, the last day of Christmas, is January 5th.
472. Do you talk to yourself? All the time.
Do you talk to your pets? I'm sure I would if I had one.
473. Do you believe that humankind has a future in space (will we live there some day)? We are living in space. We are not outside space. I don't know if we'll survive to explore and live on other planets.
474. Would you rather wear clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty or more delicate outfits? Comfort is more important that dirt or delicacy. Since I'm not one for delicate outfits for that reason (not as comfy), I'll go with the former.
475. How do you 'live life to the fullest'? Don't let obstacles stop your dreams. Keep striving, be yourself, be happy.
476. Are you sloppy or a neat freak? sloppy
477. Would you rather have a trunk full of nickels or half a trunk full of dimes? half a trunk of dimes. dimes are smaller, so it would be more money with less actual coins to put in the coin machine.
478. What is the worst mistake you've ever made? Basing my self confidence off my relationships. I made plenty of mistakes during the HS/dating/relationships phase. I hurt a lot of people. I was so clueless and selfish.
479. Are you in good health? well, I'm not in bad health
480. Are you patriotic? yes, but not overbearingly so
If you are a Joss Whedon, Neil Patrick Harris, Nathan Fillion, or Felicia Day fan, and haven't yet seen "Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog", you are missing out! Even if you're not (yet) a fan, check out the awesomeness of this three act online musical in all its comedic goodness (and evilness). Hulu has it on their free streaming again (reportedly for the next four months). We will be buying the DVD when it becomes available. Go! Watch! Enjoy! I myself will have it playing in the background so I can listen to the awesomeness of the songs until I can sing along. If streaming doesn't go so well for you, it is available on iTunes as well.
Here be preview:
5,000 Questions... My answers so far...
301. List 5 things you have not experienced that you would like to experience before you die.
A. experience the incredible
B. walk on a beach
C. see my byline on a book
D. a tour of a castle
E. climb a pyramid (Egyptian or Mesoamerican)
302. Will you try to accomplish any of these things within the next year? I will work toward 'C'. 'B', 'D', and 'E' require money which I do not have, and 'A' is something harder to plan on.
303. What do you feel controlled by? Money. Shortcomings.
304. If Jesus appeared to you and told you that the moon was made of green cheese would you believe him? No. Even Jesus can make a joke, right?
305. What is one thing you are sure of? My family loves me.
306. At what part of the day do you feel the most alert? Usually late afternoon.
307. Have you ever played in a band? No
308. Have you ever stared into the ocean thinking 'early creatures crawled outta that'? No.
309. If not, what do you think of when you are staring into the ocean? I've only had the opportunity to stare into the ocean a couple of times, and my thoughts weren't on early life, but rather how wonderful it was living in that moment. Wondering if I would see a dolphin, wishing I could touch the water, and watching the light play on the water.
5,000 Questions... My answers so far...
In a previous entry I skipped a question and promised to return to it.
289. What's the most incredible experience you ever had?
Webster's dictionary has the following definition for incredible:
1: too extraordinary and improbable to be believed
2: Amazing, Extraordinary
I've written about some incredible phenomena, but haven't experienced any of them myself. And I don't think watching documentaries, YouTube, and reading books about the incredible actually counts as experiencing it. I'm sure I've used the word to describe something but didn't mean it in the true sense of the word. It's hard to remember times I've really felt that awe of "wow, is this really happening?" (at least in the amazing, not the horrifying, kind of way). I want to feel that more. I want to see a UFO, defy gravity, have a panther for a pet.
One incredible experience does come to mind. I think it stands out in my memory because the rest of that day was anything but. My first date was for a school dance. I asked out a guy I'd had a crush on for a while. For the day date, we grouped up with my cousin and her date. We went to the canyon, had a picnic, and hiked up to Bridal Veil Falls. It was March, and the falls were still frozen. We climbed right next to the waterfall, and it truly was incredible. The outer shell was ice, but you could see the water flowing beneath. Absolutely beautiful.
Sadly, the date went downhill from there. At the top of the mountain my date carved another girls name into the rock; at dinner, he made fun of my eldest brother; then at the dance he taped a paper to his shirt for some of the photos (don't ask) and hardly wanted to dance at all. Needless to say, neither did I at that point. I seem to remember leaving early. Not the best first date, but at least I did have that one incredible experience to take out of it.
"To see the world for a moment as something rich and strange is the private reward of many a discovery."
~ Edward M. Purcell
"We live in a wonderful world that is full of beauty, charm and adventure. There is no end to the adventures that we can have if only we seek them with our eyes open."
~Jawaharlal Nehru
"The world is full of strange phenomena that cannot be explained by the laws of logic or science."
~Dave Barry
This world is an amazing place. There are many natural phenomena that could almost come from a fantasy novel. I'm going to describe some of these for you, focusing on the 'wow' factor rather than the science behind them. Links provided show pictures and more info. Most of these can also be seen on YouTube if you search. Perhaps some of these wonders can inspire you.
The Auroras (Northern and Southern Lights): This effect is probably the most well-known of those I'm going to mention. Glorious light shows in the sky, green and red curtains of light above the horizon. Known by the Cree as the Dance of the Spirits.
http://www.exploratorium.edu/learning_studio/auroras/
Broken spectre: A rainbow halo surrounding a shadowy figure. Also known as a Glory Ring or Brocken Bow. An effect of light and fog. It seems as if a ghost comes through a tunnel of light.
http://www.atoptics.co.uk/droplets/globrock.htm
Ball lightning: Balls of light, traveling through the sky. Wrath of a thunder god? Or chariots of fire? No short lived streak of light, but a life determined to continue.
http://www.daviddarling.info/encyclopedia/B/ball_lightning.html
Fire rainbow: The sky on fire, wisps of cloud as flame and smoke. A wide rainbow band.
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2006/06/060619-rainbow-fire.html
"Relámpago del Catatumbo" (Catatumbo lightning): " Arcs of light in the sky, messages between the clouds, never-ending storm. This almost permanent storm has been used as light for ship navigation, giving it another name - Maracaibo Beacon. The lightning has no thunder, as if you were watching a window into another world.
http://fogonazos.blogspot.com/2007/06/catatumbo-everlasting-storm.html
The Rain of Fishes: In Honduras, the Lluvia de Peces, or Rain of Fishes, occurs a couple times each year. A huge storm blesses the people with living fish, inspiring a yearly festival to celebrate the phenomena. A modern manna from the heavens.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lluvia_de_Peces
Pink lake: This is one that inspired a location in my own story, a blushing lake filled with a goddess' tears. Shallow waters, filled with salt, shimmering shades of pink and purple.
http://www.galenfrysinger.com/senegal_pink_lake.htm
Some say that magic is merely science that has yet to be explained. But even those with solid science explanations retain their awe, there magic. Let a little of this world's magic influence your own.
