Monday's Muse~Stolen Moment
Doesn't this picture just make you sigh? Well, okay, maybe not the guys who are reading. ;) Anyhow, you can see where my mind was last week as I tackled more revisions of book 2. Don't be deceived, though it's a strong undertone throughout the novel, romance is certainly not the main theme. But writing moments like the one pictured above are my some of my favorite scenes to write, I must admit. There is a lot of action, indecision, and confusion in the second novel.
I'm reading Spirit Bound~a Vampire Academy novel~and am enjoying it, though I'm starting to think editors at publishing houses care less about editing as a series goes on. There is a bit of lag time, telling, and 'ly's' in this one. Don't get me wrong, I'm still a huge fan of the author and so far would still recommend this book. I'm doing my best to read like a reader, not a writer. But I'm making a mental note to do my best to keep my editor engaged and interested in editing throughout my series.
Before I go I wanted to say welcome to my new followers. I'm honored that you've chosen to follow and hope you'll visit often. So, what inspired you last week? What are your favorite scenes to read or write?
I'm reading Spirit Bound~a Vampire Academy novel~and am enjoying it, though I'm starting to think editors at publishing houses care less about editing as a series goes on. There is a bit of lag time, telling, and 'ly's' in this one. Don't get me wrong, I'm still a huge fan of the author and so far would still recommend this book. I'm doing my best to read like a reader, not a writer. But I'm making a mental note to do my best to keep my editor engaged and interested in editing throughout my series.
Before I go I wanted to say welcome to my new followers. I'm honored that you've chosen to follow and hope you'll visit often. So, what inspired you last week? What are your favorite scenes to read or write?
Yes, that does make me want to sigh! I'm reading an ARC of Queens of All the Earth. The writing is AMAZING.
ReplyDeleteSounds like you really enjoy writing. It shows in your style. Now that my kids are back in school and the garden is nearly done I plan on getting back to it. The thing I like best is the shock. I want my MC to go through crap and make it out alive on his own volition. My favorite thing to ask is "how is he going to get out of this one?" I HATE when the MC is saved by some outside force that is mear coincidence. ie: the cops show up it the nick of time, the antagonist has a heart attack right before he kills everyone, the best friend who betrayed him has a change of heart and comes back in time to rescue him. etc. etc. It's like the author just gave up. Anyways, I might have to turn this rant into a blog post.
ReplyDeleteHeather, I sighed. And I know what you mean about reading like a reader and not a writer. Those stories that sweep me away... take me right out of that moment.
ReplyDeleteWhat inspired me? Near death approach, thunderstorms, and a sunrise... all of the above.
Aw, that is sweet. I'm a sucker for romance. But saying that, I do love me a good betrayal scene. I'm weird I guess. Ha.
ReplyDeleteThe pic is certainly sigh worthy. Good point about second and subsequent books. I'm dealing with that myself now. I've been reading Sarah Dessen over the weekend, and she does a lot of telling. I think some telling is okay and we've just become so versed in having everything "show". Sometimes it just comes down to style or pacing.
ReplyDeleteSweet picture, Heather. I've noticed that editing drops off after the author has become established, too. Even with a lot of bestselling authors. It's more than a shame. They should be called on it! (writing and becoming aware of how crucial good editing is makes a person militant, I guess.)
ReplyDeleteI think the moon inspired me. Honestly. I don't know where I get my ideas (;
ReplyDeleteWhat a great picture for inspiration. My cover artist sent me an image for THE LEGEND OF VICTOR STANDISH.
ReplyDeleteHere's the link for you to download the image:
http://hotfile.com/dl/129600087/3866fa7/Victor1.psd.html
what do you think of it? Should I say YES to it? Roland
Well the scene does make me sigh, but I'm a sap when it comes to romance as long as the writer doesn't drag it on and on. Read like a reader and not a writer. That is sound advice. :) I found myself too often editing already published novels. Hey, I don't get paid for that, might as well enjoy the read.
ReplyDeleteI love writing action scenes and, more recently, dialogue. I used to dislike dialogue. But it's interesting to play around with what characters are saying and watch how much of an effect a word here or there can change the conversation.
ReplyDeleteHmm...it's a little sexy, but I'm not sure about that dude's hair. Just saying:)
ReplyDelete*Also, in an effort to make blog reading easier, I am encouraging everyone to turn off "word verification" in your settings. It makes it hard for people on phones to comment. Just saying.
That is a great picture! I haven't read the Vampire Academy novels, but I see what you mean in other series - lack of editing to get it on the shelf faster. It really does have to be a great story to turn our writer mind off, doesn't it?
ReplyDeleteerica
Shannon, the title already has me intrigued!
ReplyDeletePhyllis, thank you so much! What a perfect question for a writer to ask themselves, sound like a great springboard for ideas! You really should post about it.
Karlene, yikes girl, you're inspirations are a bit frightening! Can't wait to hear all about it next month.
Karen, I'll let you in on a little secret, me too! Does that make us wicked?! LOL!
Elle, that's an excellent point. It's good to remember that we can over do anything, even showing.
Linda, they really should! Established or not, if the editing starts to lag too badly then I won't keep buying an author's books. Thankfully this one is getting better.
ReplyDeleteLorelei, it definitely inspires me!
Laila, lol, yes! I'm a sap too but it must be done well. :)
Golden Eagle, me too! On both action and dialogue. Fight scenes are my favorite.
Christa, I have to agree about his hair! Thanks for the heads up on word verification.
Erica, yeah I hate it when that happens. The series is definitely worth reading though! I started it when I was burned out on vampire novels and it blew me away.
I'm a sucker for the romantic scenes too. *sigh* I like that pic. :D I also like the action and heavy emotional stuff in general.
ReplyDeleteHi, Heather,
ReplyDeleteWell, as you know I was in Canada for almost two weeks. The stunning sights, sounds, smells, and shopping certainly inspire me!
I am on final edits and getting through them nicely because I actually didn't work at all. I really vacationed for the first time in years.
I hope you can drop by my blog and take part in my blogfest. It should be lots of fun. I know you're super busy and all with your book, but it will be a blast.
Lisa, I love it all too! A great mixture just can't be beat. :)
ReplyDeleteMichael, Canada is very inspiring! Did you see my Facebook update on how fantastic Spruce Knoll is doing on Amazon Canada?! I'm so touched. And of course I'll be checking out your blogfest!
Siiiiiiigh.... Actually those scenes are my favourite to write, too. I like to read a well-written romantic scene, too, and I also enjoy reading/writing action scenes or humorous scenes.
ReplyDeleteAlso? I totally agree with your comments to Michael - Canada is VERY inspiring ;-) (Of course, being Canadian, I might be biased... Lol!)
I totally sighed . . .
ReplyDeleteJennifer, thanks for stopping by! It's nice to meet you.
ReplyDeleteCrystal, mine too! I didn't know you were Canadian! Go Canada!!!
Melissa, :-)
Oh, yes, big sigh from me. Such a sweet, tender moment on the outside, but you know their emotions and hormones are raging on the inside. Ah. To be young and in love again...
ReplyDeleteI smiled at your observation on editors with series. I've noticed this, too, as if editors think such a seasoned writer shouldn't need such close attention. Just because we're experienced doesn't mean we're machines.