"The Creative Promoter" Blog Carnival: How to Find (^and keep), the Creative Spark!

Hello everyone,

Today's Blog is a departure for me, but one I hope you will all enjoy.   Whether you are a writer, artist, musician; creativity is the main drive behind any artistic endeavor.   See the other Blog participators here:  

http://www.fredcharlesart.com/blog/2015/3/30/the-amazing-creative-inspiration-blog-carnival

               

      As a writer, I am asked, “Where do you get your creativity from?”  It’s a good question.  Normally the answer comes with the response, “I could never do that!”  I used to be one of these naysayers.  I could never find creativity.  Before, I struggled to write down even the simplest idea.   Then I joined a friend at a Barnes & Noble workshop hosted by Nita Sweeney.  She teaches, and is approved to teach, the methods of Natalie Goldberg.  Natalie wrote “Writing Down the Bones:  Freeing the Writer Within,” and “Wild Mind:  Living the Writer’s Life. “ 

Nita Sweeney websites:

http://www.nitasweeney.com

http://bumglue.blogspot.com

                Natalie’s methods are simple, and distilled town to her “Rules of Writing Practice.   The rules are designed to keep the internal critic/editor at bay, and free the creative aspect of writing.   There is a time and place for the editor, but not in the initial creative process.  The rules are as follows:

• ·         Keep the hand moving, don’t cross out, worry about spelling or punctuation…just keep writing.   You can use computer, but I find it is better to warm up and use Natalie’s methods using pen and paper.  It unlocks a different part of the mind.
• ·         Go for the jugular.  Don’t shy away from writing what is coming up in your mind.   You are the only one who will read this, unless you want to share it.   So you can just let loose, and put it down.  This is where the energy is.   The power of your voice comes out in this process.
• ·         Go with first thoughts; which is hand and hand with the jugular.  First thoughts are where you are your most vulnerable, and before the critic can censor your words. 
• ·         Be specific.   Not red car, but cherry red Camaro.  Being specific brings life to your writing.
• ·         Lose Control.  Just let the words flow from your mind and onto the page. 
• ·         You are free to write the worst crap in the world/universe.   This is the rule I found most freeing to my creativity.  It allows me to write that first crappy/shitty draft.  It is what allowed me to complete a draft, which is called “Rough” for a reason.

Using these rules, freed my mind to be able to create.  No longer was I blocked, I was able to write whatever came to mind.  Once I had a notebook full of writing practices, I would wait about a month or two, and then begin to re-read.  Highlighting what jumped out at me; words, passages, sentences.   These I would add to a database/spreadsheet.  I notated what the highlighted sections where, what the prompt was, and the date (it’s very important to date your practice writing).  

Once finished, the snippets could be used to create more writing prompts (possibly allowing you to delve deeper into them).  You could also use them as story ideas, and also use in stories you are already working on.  Say you find a snippet of dialogue, and you figure out it can be used for a character in a current WIP (Work in Process).    Well, you have something that fits already written!

Other ways to stay creative; Music (soundtracks are better than using ones with lyrics).  Though I’m listening to Florence and the Machine right now.   I love her voice!   Walking in the woods or next to water also helps me to get in tune with the creative side.  I love to sit by a lake, river, or the ocean, and write.   It could be because I’m a water sign, but the writing flows better.

You can use other forms of art to spark other endeavors.    A lot of the creative processes are similar.   I also do photography, music, and beadwork.  Bead jewelry making, is like writing on the page Word after word, like one bead is added then another and another.  With Photography, you can use a photograph to spark setting ideas, story ideas, and poetry.   Music is the same basically, as writing too.  Music lyrics often come from poetry.  Basically doing anything creative is a process, a series of events, that lead to the completed whole.

Whatever form of art you do, inspiration is everywhere.  You just have to leave yourself open for it.   I find inspiration in art, photos, music, and in everyday conversations.  You can get the best ideas from listening into strangers conversations/events, newspapers, and other books.  If you get into a regular routine of writing (or arting of any kind), you will find creativity is all around.  If you follow the rules above, you open yourself to the endless possibilities to create, and your creative well will never run dry               

The Art of Marketing Part 2 The Book Release

Hello again everyone.  I'm finally finished with the move from heck, and raring to get back to work!    Last blog post was the first part of this series, "The Art of Marketing, Part 1 The Blog Tour."

http://velvetdelenn.blogspot.com/2015/02/the-art-of-marketing-part-1-blog-tours.html

With the advent of social media, holding book releases is much easier to do, and cheaper. You may use this advice in tandem with the first part of this series. The Blog tour can be before the release; using it to drum up interest in the book.  Or it can be done after the book is out.  I've been part of a few book release events on Facebook, and have been to ones before and after release.  I'm not much into Twitter yet, or the other platforms, but they can also be incorporated.  

It takes a lot of planning.  You have to pick a date and time (keeping in mind you may have people from a lot of different time zones participating).  Then you have to set up the Event, which can be done from your main Facebook page under "Events."  You can also do so from groups as well.  You should also post the link to Twitter, and everywhere else you have a presence.  Including your Fan page (next blog topic in this series).

The best social media site for book releases, that I have found so far is Facebook.   The straightforward layout makes it easy to set up and utilize.  The other thing about a book release, you can do it pretty much at any time, though for the aforementioned drumming up of interest, you probably should do so before the actual release date.

The successful event has the following elements:

• Games, they are fun, and they are easy to set up.  They are also good to get participation staying on the event page.  
• Interviews with the author.  Participants can post questions on the event page, and then the author can respond to those.    
• Prizes bring more people to the party.   They can be free copies of the book (ebook mostly); keychains with your book cover, bookmarks, etc.   I even got a bead bracelet from one.
• PLANNING-this is very crucial to the success (or lack thereof)

When you post a game on the event page, you give the respondents a time limit.    Then you "Close" the post (though folks can still respond, and that is not a bad thing).  You copy the names of the respondents, and add them to a randomizer program to select the winner.  You should only use that persons name once.

There are a few randomizers app online that will randomly select your winner for your games.   Here is one:  https://www.random.org/lists/  

The last thing I wanted to mention, it is somewhat easier if you have volunteers who help you out while you are on a break (be it potty, food, sleep).   They can be other writers as well, who you can also help out by letting them talk about their work as well, short bios are a good idea.    The volunteers can also run a game, or something else about your book.    Think of them as bridesmaids...they are there to enhance, but not overshadow the bride.   

With a bit of work, you can have a successful book release.  One advantage over one held live, you don't have to have food/drink.   But you could do an online one from the actual live one as well.  Live stream.  Whichever way you do a book release event, it is really important to make a good impression.  Thank everyone who came, and thank your host/volunteers.   After all, we writers do not live in a vacuum, and need our fans, and helpers.

The Art of Marketing Part 1 Blog Tours.

     I have been in a couple of blog tours before, and have enjoyed helping to promote my fellow writers. There are some do’s and don’ts that you have to remember in order to be successful. A Blog tour is a virtual one, held entirely on the internet.  It also may be called a Blog Hop. What you do is have other bloggers “host” your book/promotion, which in turn helps to advertise others blogs.

     Creating a blog tour requires preparation.  Having other bloggers post things to promote your work, means that you need to gather material for them to post.  This can include anything from Interview questions, story snippets, and character bios.  They should include links to everyone’s blog (those who are hosting), and also include a schedule of who is next up on the blog tour.  The blog tour is for the person who is needing promotion, but can, and should help build followers for the hosts.

     Part of the preparation is getting people to host your book. The next part is to make dates for it.   The third part is to make materials for it. 

     To get your hosts, you can put out a call to any writers group on Facebook (asking the admins first); or even send out a tweet from your twitter. You need to get people on board, because you want to try to get as many people as you can. This would make the tour one blog a day. So you have something every day.  

     

     You can also put out a questionnaire, of what the host would like to do for you.  This can be any of the aforementioned ideas.  Character Bio, Interviews (even character interviews), etc. You should have a calendar with whom is participating, and what they are doing.  That way you can put it on your blog, website, author page etc. 

     Do be polite, make sure you thank your hosts. I would even post links to their books and promote your hosts back. After all, this is all probably done for free, so it’s really nice to help the hosts out.

Don’t be an asshat!  You really only get a first chance to make a good impression.  Be professional, and polite, you will get much further if you do.

The next part of my blog won’t be out for a bit. My dog is having surgery for a mass on his hind end, my brother had a broken sewing needle in his foot (which caused infection to the bone), and a huge move in the next few weeks…so I have to take a rather large break from the blog.  Stay tuned, and keep checking.   The next Blog is on Book Releases.  You can also follow me on Facebook:  

https://www.facebook.com/LAnneWooleyAuthor

Book Review: The Noru; Blue Rose (The Noru Series, Book 1) by Lola StVil

Tribble Rating:   2 (out of 5)  Tribbles  I used to do book reviews for my Star Trek Fan Clubs Newsletter, this was my rating system; I think it is time to bring it back!

Fellow writer friends of mine told me about this book, and how bad it was.   I was intrigued in seeing why they thought it was so bad.   I thought, “It really can’t be that bad…”    But after reading, I was forced to agree with my fellow writers.    Here are some of the reasons I had to agree with them:

Continuity:

 In the first scene, our main characters Pryor Cains’ parents use their powers to stop all the humans in the area.  They do so without attracting the attention of the demons.  However, later in the novel, we are told that whenever one of them uses their powers, then the demons attack.   The author further tells us there is a potion that renders them invisible to the demons, but the invisibility is broken if they use their powers.  So where was the attack of demons in that first scene?

The other big continuity error was after the blow up of the path that was between the earth and the “Light.” We are told that Pryor’s parents (as well as the others parents), were now cut off from the Earth.  Pryor is on Earth side, her parents were on the “Light” side.  However here was her mother, who could not have known about her youngest child’s death (as he was also on earth); crying, and creating a storm on earth after finding out about his death.      Nowhere does she tell us that the bridge/pathway is repaired or a new one built.

“Data dumping,” or “Info Dumping”

The second problem I found was the constant “Data dumping,” or “Info Dumping,” that the author committed in this novel.    Data really should be revealed in the action/dialogue of the story, not exposition (or used very sparingly).  Especially when there is an action scene, there should be no extra info.  There are numerous times the author does this, but I’ll give you this example:


The scene is set in a warehouse, and the main character Pryor’s best friend is about to fall to his death…

                “Randy, no!” Key and I shout almost at the same time.  

Key gets to him before I do. In his hysteria, he shoves her, hard.  This is definitely not Randy’s day because Key’s boyfriend pops up on a Port just in time to see him shove her. 

                Aw crap, Bex’s gonna kill Randy.

Even if Bex wasn’t a Para and didn’t have massive wings, he would frighten most guys because of his sheer size.  Bex has broad shoulders, ripping muscles, and large hands.  Bex’s power is an all-consuming power that ball of light that drains evil.  In addition to the expert flying skills.

Bex doesn’t need his powers to hurt Randy.  His hands alone are enough.  He wraps them around Randy’s throat.  Randy can’t breathe much less talk.  His feet dangle helplessly in the air.  Key and I race up to them.

                “Bex, put him down,” Key says sternly. 

                “He attacked you,” the Para says, holding Randy’s life in his hands.

Bex pays her no attention.  Instead he tightens his grip on Randy.  Bex has always been protective, even to a fault.  He and Key have been going out ever since I can remember.  Bex isn’t just brawny and hot; he’s down right impossible to resist. 

He’s tall with spiky dark brown hair that somehow always stays in place.  He has these dreamy green eyes that pull you in so deep, you may never find your way back…. 

And while poor Randy is hanging in Bexs grasp, the author goes on to talk about Bexs’ smile, then Bex’s background; what kind of being he is, what his special powers are etc. Which has now interrupted the flow of the story.  It gets the reader out of the action, and that is something that a writer can’t afford to do.  

Also, she had already mentioned about Bexs’ sheer size, she really didn’t need the extra wording about his physical description.  Though it would have been better just to go with those details, showing why he was intimidating…maybe even describing the look that Randy gives Bex. 

The rest of the book has many such “Data Dumps.”    The way it could have been done is through showing.  The important information could have been done through action or dialogue.   She could have also put the info on each of the Angel “Species,” in a glossary.   

The Adult only Chapter

Lastly, about the “Adult Only” chapter.   There is a disclaimer on this chapter.  It says “Mature Content.  Younger readers please skip to chapter 12B.    This should never have been put in a “Young Adult,” novel.    Even with the disclaimer…what kid is not going to WANT to read it?    The disclaimer only makes it more attractive to read.   It really has no place in this novel, period. 

Summary:

Seriously, I think that everyone should read this as an example of how not to write a novel.  I have no idea if the author had any what we call Beta Readers go over this book.  Or even if it was edited much.   The continuity problems, and data dumps spoiled what was a promising plot.  I enjoyed some of the parts though, not all of it was bad.  But with the above problems, and the fact that there was a disclaimer section; well, let’s just say I was happy I got the book free.

The Art of the Divine

"Don't only practice your art, but force your way into its secrets. For it, and knowledge can raise men to the divine."

- Ludwig Von Beethoven

            This is the best quote I’ve ever seen about craft.  I’ve been doing this writing gig for almost 12 years (though I wrote before, I just took long hiatus’ and not seriously pursuing publication).   I now look back on my earlier attempts at writing, and ask myself “WTF were you thinking Lisa!  This is the worst crap ever!”

            It’s a journey, forcing your way into “…arts secrets.”   Art comes in after the edit/rewrite phase; it’s where the manuscript comes alive, the story vivid and crisp.  The first draft is called “rough” for a reason, it is the basis where art springs from, but by itself is not “art.”

            The “knowledge” part comes in using plot, flow, setting, character, voice and structure.  Like instruments in an orchestra that issue the notes on the page, the finished project is what the art is.  Early attempts are just part of the process.  You learn and grow as you find your voice.  That unique part of writing that tells the stories you need to tell, the way you need to tell them.

            Yet the “Divine,” eludes me.  It is almost in my grasp; uncatchable, unobtainable to my still novice hand.  I know what I want the final version to look like, but what I write/edit doesn’t match my vision of that divine.  Sure I have been able to finish poems and short stories….the novel is what eludes me.

            Perhaps this is the reason I find it hard to complete a novel?  Find it hard to start-finish, because I’m afraid it won’t reach its divine potential?   I am missing the spark of the divine, too tired to choose it, to find it within my grasping fingers.  I am too much of a perfectionist, when it comes to my writing.  I can’t just let it go.  Though ironically, I wouldn’t have it any other way.  

Searching the Haystack! And First Blog of 2015....Happy New Year!

     My friend and I were talking this morning about how he could be a “bad guy” to make himself more attractive to the ladies.  Note, this was a very tongue in cheek, not for real, joking around etc. conversation.   I was saying that short of kicking puppies/kitties/children, not getting put in jail, requiring bail sort of idea, then it was basically fair game.    Got to love conversations with writers.   

     So we were trying to come up with ways to be naughty, but not too naughty.  So I went to Google to look it up.  This was the exact phrase I used to search:

“What are some things that you can do to get into trouble, without requiring bail?”  

     So here is what Google pulled up:

 Figure 1

     Yea, not what I expected either. 

    What you have to do with any search engine, is to be as specific as you can.   Be the “needle” in other words…or you will always just get the “haystack! “ 

     So, for instance, today I researched “Query Letters vs. Cover Letters”   (there will be a blog follow up on this topic later).  This is the result:

Figure 2

     See the difference?    Much better, and the top results were exactly what I needed.   

     Now, let’s try to get the original search for what I was looking for narrowed down, and see what happens.

     The original (so you don’t have to scroll up)

           

             “What are some things that you can do to get into trouble, without requiring bail?”

     Maybe key words like “Trouble,” or just “Getting into trouble.”  

Trouble:

·  Taylor Swift - I Knew You Were Trouble - YouTube

► 5:58► 5:58

www.youtube.com/watch?v=vNoKguSdy4Y

·          

Dec 14, 2012 - Uploaded by TaylorSwiftVEVO

Buy Now: iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/red/id571445253 Music video by Taylor Swift performing I ...

·  Trouble (board game) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trouble_(board_game)

·          

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Wikipedia

Trouble is a board game in which players compete to be the first to send four pieces all the way around a board. Pieces are moved according to the roll of a die.

·  Trouble | Define Trouble at Dictionary.com

dictionary.reference.com/browse/trouble

·          

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Dictionary.com

to disturb the mental calm and contentment of; worry; distress; agitate. 2. to put to inconvenience, exertion, pains, or the like: May I trouble you to shut the door?

‎Troublesome - ‎Troublemaker - ‎Troubleshoot - ‎Troubled waters

·  Amazon.com: Trouble Board Game: Toys & Games

www.amazon.com › Toys & Games › Play Vehicles

·          

·          

Amazon.com, Inc.

But don't you get bumped back, or you're in Trouble; Trouble is a perfect travel game--car or boat motion won't upset the game's progress; It is indeed satisfying ...

·  Trouble - Metal legends...

www.newtrouble.com/

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Trouble

Jul 16, 2013 - The Distortion Field' makes history in the TROUBLE camp through the band's acquisition of a new lead vocalist, Kyle Thomas of Exorder and ...

·  Trouble - Merriam-Webster Online

www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/trouble

·          

·          

Merriam‑Webster

to make (someone) feel worried or upset. : to disturb or bother (someone). : to cause (someone) to feel pain. SCRABBLE fan? Try our new word finder! ».

Figure 3

     Nope.   Scratch that one. 

     “Getting Into Trouble.”   Definitely an improvement.

Figure 4

     But you see how narrowing it down, gave you more targeted results, and not just anything that mentioned the word?   Narrowing the field down, you spend less time and find what you need.  You may also not even find what you were looking for with the haystack approach.

     Comments and feedback are appreciated.    Happy hunting!

The Reindeer Strikes BACK!

The Reindeer Strikes Back.

NOTE:   This will be the last blog post of 2014.   I am in the process of moving, and won’t be able to work on anything writing related.  See ya next year!

Written by Randy Brooks, “Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer,” was first recorded in 1979 by a couple, Elmo Shropshire and Patsy Trgg [1](though she was not in the song at all.)   However, it would be 5 more years until it hit the charts.  The song is about a grandmother, “Grandma,” who got run over by a “Reindeer,” while in the midst of walking home on Christmas Eve.   The song has a few stanzas separated by the chorus:

                                “Grandma got run over by a reindeer,

walking home from our house Christmas Eve…

you may say there’s no such thing as Santa,

but as for me and grandpa we believe.”

                The song has also inspired several parody songs, a TV special (in 2000), and made many fans all over the world.   There have been plush toys made, and also animated specials.

So what is the purpose of this blog post?  What has possessed me to listen to this song again…risking life, limb, and song headache?  Well, I heard it every year from like 1984, to like 1990s.  Then for like 10 years, I didn’t hear it, and was very glad of this.  Did not even give it a passing thought;   until I happened in a Waffle House in 2000, and they were playing it on the jukebox.  I made the mistake of saying I had successfully managed to avoid it.  So of course the staff made it a point to start singing it when they would come by.  The one guy even said, “I wish I had a buck so I could play it over and over and over.”  But he actually redeemed himself when we started talking Classical Music.

Well, then I had another respite from it, and for around 14 years, I did not hear it…until today.   Walking into Scrambler Maries, they were playing it on the speaker.  I was like “NOOOOOOOOOOOOO!”  So now I have to suffer from the worse headache making song ever!   And now I pass it along to you.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xzV9DIL_vrM

You’re welcome!  And Happy Holidays!

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[1] Copyright 1984 by Kris Publishing (SESAC) and Elmo Publishing (SESAC)