Or in Welsh, ysbryd y cyfnod. (OK so I actually don't know if the concept of spirit of the times can be coined in a more appropriate phrase in Welsh; I am completely dependant on Google Translate at the moment - but go with me on this one). Things mythological are in the air - first Percy Jackson and the Olympians hit the theaters then Clash of the Titans. Now we get to see a new, free MMO (massively multi-player online) video game based on Welsh/Celtic mythology ! This game is based on the Mabinogian - a collection of Celtic myths pulled from Welsh medieval manuscripts. These are tales of love and loss, sex and magic, proud warriors and feisty maidens. And a magic cauldron - how can you beat that!
So I keep writing and plugging along on my own Celtic mythology based book- up to 62,000 words now. This is a labor of love but it will be ready for prime time soon!
PS this link takes you to a contest to win some really great accessories to take your online gaming to the next level- the contest closes May 24. Good luck and have fun!
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Monday, January 25, 2010
Back on Track
It's been a while. The end of 2009 was all about my day job, but we are in a new year with new focus! Lots of positive things happening:
1) I have a real sense on where I need to flesh out my book
2) I discovered my old website ( www.pretanicworld.com) has over 1000 unique visitors a month even though I haven't updated in 2+ years, so I am looking to get an actual website designer on-board to revamp and help me maintain the website.
3) Thanks to some guardian angels I will be getting to go to Ireland and see more of the places which until now I have only been able to imagine
4) I've gotten another 1000 words written this year (which is better than the last 2 months of last year combined!)
Got to run - much to do!!! I'll be back.
1) I have a real sense on where I need to flesh out my book
2) I discovered my old website ( www.pretanicworld.com) has over 1000 unique visitors a month even though I haven't updated in 2+ years, so I am looking to get an actual website designer on-board to revamp and help me maintain the website.
3) Thanks to some guardian angels I will be getting to go to Ireland and see more of the places which until now I have only been able to imagine
4) I've gotten another 1000 words written this year (which is better than the last 2 months of last year combined!)
Got to run - much to do!!! I'll be back.
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Developing my fictional world
I feel like I haven't done much - but in reality I have taken my book from novella to novel. I finally broke the 50K word mark.
I'm trying to find the balance between being descriptive and overloading the reader with too much detail. When I speak - I am a rambler. I have worked so hard to NOT ramble in my writing that I have made it too succinct.
It always comes down to balance, doesn't it?
I finished another round of edits, and I am getting the manuscript reviewed by another person. However, I know I have to increase the book by 50% so I have continued to write and fill out what scenes I keep identifying as needing help.
One weird problem I have - this book is written from a man's perspective, which I have been mostly successful to date - but I have both sex and kissing scenes in it. I'm having a really hard time writing these scenes in general but especially writing them like a man. Normally when I am struggling on a perspective or style issue, I try to read books I like which parallel that aspect - but I can't even think of an example of a sex scene written from a guy's perspective.
Ooh - just thought of one, but I can't remember the name or author of the book. It's about a Druid, at the time of Caesar, who ends up befriending Vercingetorix - there's a few "action" scenes, including some for ritual purposes, and the protagonist is a man.
Off to start googling and finding this book! If you can think of it - or have another recommendation - please let me know!
I'm trying to find the balance between being descriptive and overloading the reader with too much detail. When I speak - I am a rambler. I have worked so hard to NOT ramble in my writing that I have made it too succinct.
It always comes down to balance, doesn't it?
I finished another round of edits, and I am getting the manuscript reviewed by another person. However, I know I have to increase the book by 50% so I have continued to write and fill out what scenes I keep identifying as needing help.
One weird problem I have - this book is written from a man's perspective, which I have been mostly successful to date - but I have both sex and kissing scenes in it. I'm having a really hard time writing these scenes in general but especially writing them like a man. Normally when I am struggling on a perspective or style issue, I try to read books I like which parallel that aspect - but I can't even think of an example of a sex scene written from a guy's perspective.
Ooh - just thought of one, but I can't remember the name or author of the book. It's about a Druid, at the time of Caesar, who ends up befriending Vercingetorix - there's a few "action" scenes, including some for ritual purposes, and the protagonist is a man.
Off to start googling and finding this book! If you can think of it - or have another recommendation - please let me know!
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Still Pushing Through
I never expected to be struggling so much through these final stages. I need to get my revision finished this weekend, because I have someone lined up to copyedit starting next weekend. There is no way I will get writing done during the work week.
The goal for this work is to be able to start querying agents in January.
I am still working through the notes of the last round of edits/recommendations. She gave really great feedback, and this has been immensely helpful. It is really interesting to see how another person interprets the clues and foreshadowing I include throughout the book. This was exactly what I needed to see! She has also been really great in identifying scene or characters I need to flesh out to make it more satisfying to the reader.
On a side note, did you hear about the sister site near Stonehenge which has been discovered? The new nickname seems to be Bluehenge. I am trying to see if there is a way to appropriately include it in my book. I haven't gotten up to the Stonehenge and Woodhenge scenes yet, so I will probably see it this afternoon.
Here is a link if you want to read about this discovery: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-1217752/Henge-stones-Unearthed-site-monuments-little-sister.html
The goal for this work is to be able to start querying agents in January.
I am still working through the notes of the last round of edits/recommendations. She gave really great feedback, and this has been immensely helpful. It is really interesting to see how another person interprets the clues and foreshadowing I include throughout the book. This was exactly what I needed to see! She has also been really great in identifying scene or characters I need to flesh out to make it more satisfying to the reader.
On a side note, did you hear about the sister site near Stonehenge which has been discovered? The new nickname seems to be Bluehenge. I am trying to see if there is a way to appropriately include it in my book. I haven't gotten up to the Stonehenge and Woodhenge scenes yet, so I will probably see it this afternoon.
Here is a link if you want to read about this discovery: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-1217752/Henge-stones-Unearthed-site-monuments-little-sister.html
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