Oh—the
never-ending search for a fabulous blog-topic!
What is a gal to do when one is knee-deep in JaNoWriMO, embarking on a
second date with a new CP, researching Victorian Glastonbury and can barely
come up for air except to read fabulously hilarious and scintillating blogs by
other writers who have obviously rationed their precious time better than
I. (Yes, that was one sentence.)
As a newbie
to the blogosphere, I have been so encouraged and welcomed by many of you who
have reached out and somehow found me in the myriad blogs that exist. You have taken valuable time and read my
words, left comments and shared in the communal blogging-bowl. Thanks so
much. Not only have your witty words and
candid thoughts inspired me, but your sense of community has made me aspire to
that level of kinship, and so today, I wanted to share some of that bountiful
harvest with others.
I must herald
the call to all those bloggers interested in a challenge of the alphabetical
sort. Our secret ninja guide and mentor,
Alex J. Cavanaugh, whose blog is the veritable mecca to those of us thirsting for manna
in the chaotic sea of choices has information regarding the A-Z Blogfest which
sounds like good fun and should hold yet unearthed gems for upcoming blogs. If you need to know anything about the writerly
world, (or pit toilets) go ask Alec.
There you will also find the “Insecure
Writers Support Group”, (badge is in my sidebar) a wonderful blog-hop with a blog-flavor for
everyone. Try a double-dip! Alex’s blog
is veritable treasure trove of inspiration and support. Get thee hence and become a member of the
Ninja Army.
Proof that I
am truly a secret member of his minions is this talisman, which the Ninja Gods
left for me to find recently.
M. Pax is
also offering a fun blog-hop called "Back from the Future" starting March 1st. Since I find myself dealing with the theme
of time-travel (of sorts) in my current MG novel, how could I refuse? The prompt will draw you in and get that writer's brain working...so prepare to be involved!
Hart Johnson’s always titillating “Confessions of a Watery Tart" provided not
only laughs during a harried week, but thoughtful introspection as well, first
on her high-larious piece about memory—or lack of it. (I would tell more, but I have quite forgotten
it.)
Her clever poll
about “What kind of writer are you?” got me to thinking, and I so enjoyed
reading all of the comments.
Have a great
week everyone, and in closing, and to keep those lovely, inspirational comments
coming (to someone deep into researching a place) I would like to pose a
question: How do you research/prepare to write about place
and setting? Do you draw maps, or stalk
Google-Earth like some strange cyber-tourist?
Do your characters follow real streets or just hang with “lane” and “road”. Do you use your Aunt’s old house or create a
new one? How much is too much? If you are writing fantasy, do you first create
the place you are writing about, or does it create itself along the way?
