Mindful Monday

"Writing is a form of personal freedom. It frees us from the mass identity we see all around us. In the end, writers will write not to be outlaw heroes of some underculture but mainly to save themselves, to survive as individuals." -Don DeLillo

"There is a common belief that because most of us are literate and fluent, there is no need to serve an apprenticeship if we want to become a successful wordsmith. … That’s what I thought until I tried to write my first novel. I soon learnt that a novel, like a piece of furniture, has its own set of requirements, laws of construction that have to be learnt. Just because I had read plenty of novels didn’t mean I could write one, any more than I could make a chair because I had sat on enough of them." -Nigel Watts

"Creative writing is writing that expresses the writer’s thoughts and feelings in an imaginative, often unique, and poetic way." -Sil.org – What is Creative Writing?

-Owner's Don't Knock

Word(s) Wednesday

Word(s) of the week! Found something random online, thought I'd post the definitions for ya'll. It'll give your brain a little workout as well!

-Owner's Don't Knock

Agnomen - nickname

Selcouth - rare, strange, marvelous, wonderful

Vernorexia - a romantic mood inspired by Spring

The Sleepover

It was so amazing going over to Shayla's! We worked so hard on both of our books and got quite a bit done. We also had lots of chocolate. And got really tired. Haha..anywho, I'll get to the pictures now for you guys. Have fun!

-Owner's Don't Knock

(I think this is all the pictures...we didn't remember 'till the morning.)

Super Saturday-Special Secrets

Thought today I'd do something special and tell you a bit from my Special Big 10 Issue of Reader's Digest.

*The things in () is sort of a small explanation of whatever is listed*

-Owner's Don't Knock

10 Things For Every Writer's Bucket List

• Publish a Short Story (to have a sense of accomplishment)
• Go to a Writing Conference (to learn a bit more about what you're a part of)
• Freelance for Money (it's very empowering)
• Visit City Lights (because it's still there)
• Write/Publish an Essay (it feeds your brain)
• Take a Writing Retreat (to see how much you can accomplish w/o distractions)
• Write a Novel (because it's the biggie)
• Go to BEA/Score a Tote (it's a trip)
• Read Shakespeare (ridiculous)
• Fill in This Blank with Your Heart's Desire (because you know you want to)

Thinking Thursday-Tried & True Tricks

Just got another issue of Writer's Digest in the mail today! I swear this thing is sent from God. It always has exactly what I've been looking for at that time. It's so worth the teeny investment you guys. If you're serious about writing-or looking for fun, new ideas, Writer's Digest is the way to go! I'm telling you..

Anywho, the advice from today is straight from the magazine. Have fun!

-Owner's Don't Knock

PS-They're not in any order-I just randomly picked a few.

Tried & True Timeless Novel Advice

• "The writing of a novel is taking life as it already exists, not to report it but to make an object, toward the end that the finished work might contain this life inside it and offer it to the reader. The essence will not be, of course, the same thing as the raw material; it is not even of the same family of things. The novel is something that never was before and will not be again."
• "Plot is people. Human emotions and desires founded on the realities of life, working at cross purposes, getting hotter and fiercer as they strike against each other until finally there's an explosion-that's Plot."
• "The first sentence can't be written until the final sentence is written."
• "What the young writer is looking for is not a critic who will slap him on the back and say. 'Greatest things since O. Henry,' but rather the one who will toss the manuscript down in disgust, with 'You know better than that! It's rotten! Do it all over again!'"
• "If you tell the reader that Bull Beezley i a brutal-faced, loose-lipped bully with snake's blood in his veins, the reader's reaction may be, 'Oh yeah!' But if you show the reader Bull Beezley raking the bloodied flanks of his weary, sweat-encrusted pony, and flogging the tottering, red-eyed animal with a quirt, or him him booting in the protruding ribs of a starved mongrel and, boy, the reader believes!"
• "Genius gives birth, talent delivers."

Where'd That Come From? Wednesday.

Hello fellow avid readers! Hope you're all doing great today. I decided to start scheduling posts so you wouldn't be waiting for a week to read something new.

I thought today I'd tell you a bit about my book. Like, not a teaser. The nitty gritty stuff.

My novel is about a teenage girl that lives with her Uncle. There's murder involved, along with romance..well, a bit. Amazing twists and turns. Hopefully. Anywho, it's a paranormal/mystery type novel. I'm not good at writing happy stuff. For real, I suck.

I don't wanna give away too much information you guys! I'm trying to figure out what to tell you..'cause some things are still a bit foggy. Not sure if it'll stay or go.

I'm going to spend the night at Shayla's house this Friday, so hopefully that'll help with me getting finished with my Order Of Events and get me started on my Chapter Outlines!

Ta-Ta For Now.

-Owner's Don't Knock

Book Review

So about a month ago I wrote a post about one of my favorite books "The Thief". I also told you that I was going to read the other books and let you know how they are. Well let me tell you, Miss Turner is a writing wonder! All of her books are incredible and they've brought me to tears. And laughter. I've shouted in anger a couple times too...

To be quite honest Megan Whalen Turner is my favorite author (sorry Jane!). She is a bold writer, leaping into the story and expertly weaving it into a tale so intriguing that it's addicting. I made the mistake of checking out the last three books all at once and I was up until two in the morning finishing them (which wasn't smart seeing as I had to get up at 5:30). She has such a way of grabbing the reader with subtle plot twists and endearing characters. The tales seem simple and very up front, but that is simply because they are so well written. If I could write like her I'd be happy. I'd also be a published author...which would also make me happy...deliriously so.

So without further ado, I present the second book of this fabulous foursome:

The Queen of Attolia

Doesn't Gen look dashing handling that boat? *Sigh* I'd almost give up Darcy...here's the book's synopsis:

"When his small mountainous country goes to war with the powerful nation of Attolia, Eugenides the thief is faced with his greatest challenge. He must steal a man, he must steal a queen, and he must steal peace.

But his greatest triumph - as well as his greatest loss - can only come if he succeeds in capturing something the Queen of Attolia may have sacrificed long ago."

So this book has an immediate plot twist that makes you shriek "WHAT JUST HAPPENED HERE???". The twist, is good. The thrill as you wait for the next page, is good. Shrieking whenever you get hit by such awesomeness, is bad for your hearing.

So please read this book, it is incredible.

Oh and did I mention that it's a bit of a love story? No? Dang. Should have done that...

-Stoss Cue

Have any of you read books that you just absolutely love? I'm always looking for good reads. :)

Tuesday's Tips

Just a bit more creative writing tips for you all! Hopefully these things have helped you guys! If so, comment below, and if you've got your own tricks then share them to. Pretty please with cherries on top? Haha, I don't even like cherries.

This time it's prompts you can do.

-Owner's Don't Knock

1. Write about something ugly — war, fear, hate, cruelty — but find the beauty (silver lining) in it.
2. Write a poem about a first romantic experience or encounter.
3. He turned the key in the lock and opened the door. To his horror, he saw…
4. The doctor put his hand on her arm and said gently, “You or the baby will survive. Not both. I’m sorry.”
5. A twinkling eye can mean many things. The one that is twinkling at me right now…

The Right Name

Hey all!

Right now I currently trying to find the name for my capital city. Just some background on this city, it is freakin huge. Tucked away at the base of some large mountains with a natural harbor leading out to the sea, fishing and selling merchandise are a big part of this city's commerce. It has the School of the Muses (also undergoing a name change) and the army base headquartered there. Marble is a large part of the building materials used in the main structures, as well as some of the darker woods such as black walnut. There are a lot of white/dark contrasts. It is going to be beautiful! But I lack certain artistic skills to make it come to reality on paper...I will give it my best anyway (or ask an artistic friend to put it together ;D ). But back to the name...here's a list I am considering:

• Tylam
• Lethmore
• Lethchem
• Hillmore
• Dokmoor

Those are the ones I narrowed it down to and I like Tylam and Lethchem the best, but they still don't fit quiet right. Any thoughts? I will take any suggestions, compare them to my own then post a poll on the side so you guys can vote on your favorite. Have your names in by Saturday if you want them to be considered for the poll. I need help guys, any ideas will be welcome!

-Stoss Cue

Writing Tips

Sorry it's been so long. I'll get back to normal posting soon.

-Owner's Don't Knock

Brainstorm words or images about your topic. Don't stop to evaluate their worth. Keep writing down ideas. When you can't think of another word, wait a while. Often the most powerful idea will surface after you have cleared all the less valuable ideas out of the way.

Write a page or two with your eyes shut. It doesn't matter if you can't read what you've written. You are giving your mind permission to make "mistakes" and just get on with it.

Write with music in the background. Experiment to find the style that you like. I prefer baroque or classical music. One of my writing teachers needed country and western.

Give yourself permission to be emotional. If your writing begins to move you, experience the full emotion. Before your writing changes others it will change you.