Everyone's A Lit Crit!!!

As a creative artist, there is a moment of sheer bliss and utter satisfaction when you reach the conclusion of your song, poem or piece of art. For a writer this is also true for our minds wander to the next adventure and we are eager to get started. Yet, for the reader there are mixed emotions. How many times have you arrived to the ending of a novel (especially a series) where you invested countless hours of reading and participating in the emotional journeys of the main characters? Finally, when the happy conclusion presents itself there is a yearning for more? You suddenly realize, in your heart, the story is not done. You want to know what happens next and it's so hard to let go of the fact that you may just never know. There is a form of heartbreak that occurs and emptiness. Does this all sound a bit dramatic? Yes? Well, that's because those who love fiction, as I do, want that fantasy. Fan fiction has become the solution for many readers as a way to fill this void. Because of fan fiction many a great writers are born. What else inspires the great (and some not-so-great) writings of many creatives other than the inspiring writings of other authors? Even those who are criticized for their lack of writing skills in regards to grammar, structure and creative process have found success (e.g. Fifty Shades of Grey author E.L. James). Ms. James was able to capture her audience with captivating content rather than smooth word flow...a move which allowed her to boast 65 million copies of her books sold worldwide in 37 countries (surpassing the Harry Potter series). The sales outcome of this book is in direct opposition to what Goodreads Reviewer, Katrina Passick Lumsden's, describes as "[t]he only thing that made the first 4% of this book tolerable was the fact that I read it aloud to my younger brother, and his frequent commentary was amusingly distracting." Sorry Katrina....I believe over 65 million people disagreed with you. To add further, I"ll give you one guess where E..L. James acquired her inspiration to write these books? That's right...The Twilight Saga by Stephenie Meyer. Apparently, Fifty Shades of Grey started off as fan fiction but James soon found her characters taking on a life of their own. The Twilight Series books alone have sold over 100 million copies each and translated in over 39 languages (2010 Forbes statistics). Funny enough, one of the most respected and acclaimed authors, Stephen King, is quoted to say,
J.K. Rowling is a terrific writer and Stephenie Meyer can't write worth a dime. She's not very good." He says her secret is "writing to a whole generation of girls and opening up a kind of safe joining of love and sex in those books. It's exciting and it's thrilling and its not particularly threatening because they're not overtly sexual.(The Baltimore Sun)
My response to this is "So?" The fact is, in the marketing world this is what we call finding your "niche" market. Not every reader is going to like every kind of book, every kind of genre or every author that makes millions of dollars. People read fiction for enjoyment and believe it or not writers write (at least most do) for the exact same reason. So why not try? The way I see it, if you loved writing the book and you maintained the discipline and tenacity to finish it then kudos to you! Perhaps you will be the next James Patterson, Nora Roberts, J.K. Rowlings or Stephen King himself. Until then keep plugging away and write...write...write!

Ash Wednesday: Sacrificing for Lent

So, today is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent. Usually this is when people choose something they will give up until Easter or a fasting. My advice: whatever you decide to give up make sure it has transformative qualities to it. Let it be something of significance. For example, the year before last I let go of social media but found it was really no big deal to let go so it did not make a big impact. Instead of letting something go think about sacrificing your time instead: if you are not already doing this take half an hour and pray each day (it's okay if you've never prayed before), volunteer at a service organization or your church and/or stop wasting precious time away from your family doing the unnecessary and promise to have dinners together at home. Some people join gyms and start dieting, which is fine, however, make it a lifestyle change and not temporary sacrifices.

The Young Angels of Sandy Hook Elementary School

On this sorrowful day I thought I would share an article that offers a small ray of light.

https://ringsoflight.wordpress.com/

My December Challenge: Day 5

It was a great day! By the end of the day I had completed a very long chapter writing more than 1,000 words. I also managed on developing one of my characters even further. I find the first many chapters of my book is designed to get to know the initial personalities of my characters with some things altering and developing as we go along. It's exciting when I have to stop what I'm writing because its so good I need to dwell on it for a minute. I even found myself clapping my hands. Weird...I know! Oh well. :-)

My December Challenge: Day 4

Yesterday I was not as productive as I would like to have been. If you're like me each time you sit down and write you start by reading the chapter prior in order to get yourself back into the "zone". While this is a great method of connection it leaves the writer to falling into "editing mode". Don't get me wrong, the editing process is vital but I personally have chosen to do this on the end. Truth being if I was to spent all my time editing what I've already written I will never finish writing the rest of the book! Still, I did write and did edit...that's something to say the least. Today, I plan on working doubly hard to make up for it. So until tomorrow...

My December Challenge: Day 3

I am so stoked! Yes, I said stoked. Why? Because I can visualize the story coming into a turning point now. So many discoveries my characters are making about each other and themselves. I'm pretty sure when all is said and done there will be a lot of editing and reworking to do but knowing that I would have a finished product is the first step. I am still undecided as to whether I will self publish or send my work into a publishing company. I guess it will partly depend on the responses I get once I try to get feedback from other authors and my editor.

Yesterday, I managed on writing about 1000 words, keeping up with my social media responsibilities yet still do the laundry, cook dinner and clean up the kitchen; all while giving my kids (one at home and one in college) and my husband the family time they deserved. It's no wonder I had one of the best sleeps I've had in a long time.

Oh and remember, if you are a Twitterer you can follow me at @lorrper...Facebook @lperfictionwriter. If you would like to read excerpts from my book follow my book page @leyendadesangre

My December Challenge: Day 2

So far, I've taken care of my social network responsibilities...getting great advice from fellow writers is a must. There are so many great talents out there sometimes there is no need to reinvent the wheel. Just stand on the shoulders of those who came before  you.

My plan today is to read some, write alot and read some more. I will attempt to complete a chapter or two per day...as well as work on more character developments. I am still working through the outline process but it will take me a little time as I have written nine full chapters thus far. I've been thinking that I would like to take on the 10/10/10 Reading Challenge: 10 different novels from 10 different genres by 10 different authors (my adapted version perhaps). So, if you have any great book suggestion I would be more than happy to hear it.