Fantasy Books Make the Best Movies- Revisited

I love fantasy movies!  They have a lot of excitement and interesting things presented in their films.  They make in very enjoyable for someone who really likes a good story with some imagination.  There are some very good movies out there that are based off of fantasy books.  I love these movies because they seem original.  I think fantasy books make the best movies.  Some fantasy movies based on books are How to Train Your Dragon based on the book by Cressida Cowell, Hugo based on the book The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick, and Inkheart based on the book by Cornelia Funke.  I really like these movies.  I love it when I can read the books and watch the movies based on them.  They are fun to see.

What I Like to Read For Christmas

I love to read and hear stories around Christmas time.  It is fun to experience a different perspective from another character or person.  It is one of those many themes where we are interested in what other people are going through, whether it is real or not.  In this case, Christmas is about being concerned for other people out of kindness.  I love to read science fiction books for Christmas.  It adds to some of the lovely settings we see for Christmas.  When I read science fiction books, I get excited about the settings and surprises that I see while I read them.  There are a lot of surprises at Christmas time; good and bad.  There is no doubt science fiction books will have some surprises in store when you read them.

What Inspires the Writer In Me- Romance Books

The smell of roses.  That is what inspires the writer in me to write romance books.  When you think of it, it is the idea of the smell of sweetness from the roses that is inspiring.  The roses themselves do not inspire me to write a romance book.  It is all about the idea of the roses.  In this case, the smell of roses inspires the writer in me.  When I think of this, I apply to it to other everyday situations.  For example, a gift from a loved one can be just as sweet, or maybe something or someone you just care a lot about.  This applies for a good plot in romance books.  This is something for the writer in me to enjoy.  I love the smell of roses to be applied in my romance books!

Science Fiction Books Make the Best Movies- Revisited

I love it when science fiction books are made into movies.  They are one of my favorite genres.  I love movies with a plot from a science fiction book.  Some of the best and most interesting plots come from science fiction books.  There is so much entertainment to find with movies and books.  When you have both of these, it is like a special package!  I like to see the story form a science fiction book be made into a movie.  I think they compliment each other very well, and it makes some of the best entertainment to enjoy!  Some science fiction movies based on books are Cocoon based on the book by David Saperstein, Contact based on the book by Carl Sagan, and Starship Troopers based on the book by Robert A. Heinlein. 

The Power To Write- Get Inspired

     As writers, we all face many of the same challenges that vary in degree from time to time.  Writer's block: time, lack of inspiration, hesitation, life and other challenges outside of your writing career, are some of the most broadly known problems to us all.  If these dilemmas hit us it's hard to get back to writing.  Sometimes writing a little is better than writing a lot of material that does simply nothing but depress you.  If writing keeps you going from day to day, don't give it up!  Turning to your characters and your novel can comfort you more than anything.


     List what you like and dislike about your characters.  List what the reader might like or dislike about the characters.  Sometimes a nice look at your novel in this way can open up new possibilities for character developing and sharper ideas.

My Book- A Movie?

     Have you ever told yourself that you were born a writer, so to speak?  Or that you've always been interested in writing; a young story teller.  Are you?  If that's true then you have an advantage over us all!


     Do you remember playing toys with a friend or sibling and being able to make up scenes on the spot?  That's your advantage.  Going back to those times, it was so easy to make up a story.  You knew the characters you were playing as much as you knew yourself or your friend.


     What? - It's not the same thing.  Well, of course it is!  Writing is much more difficult than playing out a story, especially if you're a youngster, but now you have literature on your side.  Our dilemma is the force that we put on our writing, which in many cases is severely needed in order for the book to be finished.  Remember how it felt to make your story like a movie?  You imagined in your mind the twists and the turns of your character's bodies that were not at all possible for your toy figurine to make.  If only writing was as playful as story making, we'd all be better off.  But it can be just as fun!

What I Like to Read For Christmas

I find many genres interesting to read for Christmas.  I really like action genres with some kind of bad situation that you have to get out of.  I think it adds to the excitement of Christmas.  I also like to read action books that have an adventure to take you on.  I love action books that are creative, and have details added to this genre.  A new form of action that I haven't seen before is always something that I want to read.  I like the unexpected in action books.  It is one of my favorite parts in action books.  When you add those action books with nonstop action, you can't get a more exciting book to read!  Books like this are so fun to read!  There is nothing better than some nonstop action for bad situations and adventures to celebrate for the Christmas holiday.  

The Fun In Reading Western Books

I have fun reading western books.  I love the hardships characters may go through in these books and the endless areas to explore in the wild.  I like the land and the nature.  All of these things are what makes it fun for me to read western books.  It is fun to read about a western story with all of the land and wild and the characters that live there.  Not just the wild, but all of the action within these settings.  I love to read western books with a lot of action in them.  They make fantastic reading and something to have fun with and enjoy.  I have so much fun when reading western books!

What Inpsires the Writer In Me- Poems

Poems are so creative for the writer.  It is fun to write poems.  I love how they focus on something that is sometimes beyond my understanding.  They often give such details about life and just about anything.  What inspires the writer in me to write poems is when I think about life and things that go by so slowly.  Often we go so fast by things in life and do not even notice them.  Catching these details inspires the writer in me to write poems.  I love poems like these because they often cause you to stop and think for a moment.  For a writer like me, this is the best part.

Just In Time- Science Fiction Books

You are just in time to hear about this topic of science fiction books.  When reading about time, science fiction books are so much fun.  I love to read about time travel in science fiction books.  Just in time, they give you a great read.  Just in time, science fiction books give you so much suspense.  That is something great to have when you are reading these books.  The time may be flying by, or in slow mode.  Science fiction books just in time make these books worth reading ten times over.  Time is so important to so many people, I can't imagine without it.  When I read science fiction books just in time it makes my day.

Books That Lighten Up My Day

There are books out there that are the kind that really lighten up my day.  When I read them they lighten my day up by the way they reach me as an audience.  It usually depends on the mood I am in, but generally books that say that you are not alone in the midst of chaos and characters facing challenges are some of my main ones.  Whether it is one of my best days or worst days these books always lighten it up.  It can come in with any genre, and it is unique for every book.  I like to look for these books in particular a lot of the time because I like books that seem to have this purpose.  They lighten up my day, even if it can't get any better.

What Inspires the Writer In Me- Fantasy Genres

I love fantasy genres because it seems like they have no limits on possibilities to write about.  Anything that you can imagine can become part of your fantasy book.  That is truly an amazing part of fantasy genres.  It inspires me just to think of the endless possibilities in fantasy genres.  This is one of the things that really inspires the writer in me to write fantasy books.  I think of how there are no limits in my fantasy book.  For a writer like me, with a wild imagination, it always inspires me to write a fantasy book when I do this.   

My Favorite Settings In Science Fiction Books

I find that science fiction books are so fun to read!  Part of what makes them so fun to read is their endless variation of settings.  Science fiction books are one of my favorite genres.  My favorite settings in science fiction books have to do with things that we are currently researching, and finding new things everyday.  A lot like the movie Jurassic Park.  This is one of my favorite movies.  I love Jurassic Park's settings.  These types of settings will continue to be my favorite for science fiction books because they never get old.  We are always finding things like dinosaur bones and prehistoric plants and objects.  As we do, there is always a different picture painted as to how they looked and lived.

Comic Books Make the Best movies- Revisited

Some of the best movies I have seen are based on comic books.  Comic books make for a lot of entertainment for the reader.  Some movies based on comic books are Daredevil based on the book(published by Marvel Comics), Dylan Dog: Dead of Night based on the book Dylan Dog by Tiziano Sclavi, and Fantastic Four based on the book (published by Marvel Comics).  I really like comic books and all of the artistic creativity put into it by the author and artist.  I think that is one of the best parts about reading comic books.  Writing is an art within itself.  When you combine the both it is fantastic to see.  They make the best movies!  I anticipate many of these when I hear of them in the movies.

Horror Books With a Christmas Setting

I am a horror book fan.  For Christmas I would like to read a good horror book with a Christmas setting.  This sounds fun.  I love to read horror books.  One with a Christmas setting sounds interesting.  I have watched some horror movies before with a Christmas setting, so I thought it would be fun to read a horror book like this for Christmas.  A Christmas setting is such a great place for people to be distracted.  Like in the movie I watched, you could have a murderer walking around in a perfect disguise.  There are so many different horror plots that can fit into a Christmas setting.  Who knows, I may be inspired to write one of my own over the holiday.  This horror genre, along with the Christmas setting, really does make for some entertaining books to read for Christmas.

Writing Ideas- Activities For Your Book

     Sometimes when you come across a stump in your story making process, "taking a break" or ignoring the problem is exactly what you want to do.  Put your story away and let the piece boil for a while.  If you have been cramming ideas into your book, trying to make things work, this will work even better for you!  Within the first night you might have "possibilities" for your book.  But hold off for a couple more days or so and see the results!


     Even though you might think you found the perfect way to write it, try to leave it be.  Your mind will expand even further in the direction you want to go.  Pause.  Don't try to remember anything you think of, just let it come and go without pressure.  You'd be surprised at how well you remember what you thought of when you let your subconscious take control.

The Power To Write- Get Inspired

     Enjoying the writing process is the way to go!  If you have trouble writing make sure you take some time to "sit" on the problem.  And when you do, the first step is to see the solution within the problem.  Tell yourself that there is no problem.  Because the problem is your solution.


     It is absolutely good when there is a problem in the story.  If the problem wasn't a problem at all then solutions wouldn't matter and polishing your story would have no meaning.  Problems stand out to let us know that the story can be improved.  Start telling yourself that problems . . . are good things.

Writing Ideas- Activities For Your Book

     Like viewing the earth from outer space, seeing your book from above with all other books brings you back to reality.  (Maybe my book isn't as big as I thought it was....)  But seeing from a distance also misguides you at times.  Everyone should look at their career this way to see how they could improve.  Just don't let it scare you.


     Of the many benefits, one is that you can see how your book correlates with other books of the same genres.  You might notice that the climax in most westerns happen around the same points in time as your western does, for example.  Your books add up along with all the others.  Taking some time to see how is beneficial and interesting if you really take some time to think about it.

What Inspires the Writer In Me- Short Stories Continued

I love to read and write short stories when I am on a vacation.  It is the perfect time to get some ideas down and then get right back to your fun activities.  I have time to get some work done and go back to my vacation.  I find this fun to do because it purely inspires me to write a short story.  A vacation is what inspires the writer in me to write short stories.  It doesn't have to be a long one.  It can be a mini vacation.  And it doesn't have to be an expensive vacation to inspire the writer in me.  Sometimes something I truly enjoy and spend the day on count as a vacation to me.  It really inspires the writer in me when I take vacations like an all day gardening trip to my backyard, or play tennis all day.  I take a short break whenever I feel like it, and how long I feel like it.  During this time I love to read and write short stories.  When I am on my vacation I can reflect on some of the ideas I am putting in to my short stories.

Horror Books Make the Best Movies- Revisited

I have fun reading horror books.  They always manage to take you by surprise in some way when you read them.  I think they make the best movies because of their element of surprise.  Some horror movies based on books are The Ring based on the book Ring by Koji Suzuki, The Howling based on the book by Gary Brandner, and Hannibal based on the book by Thomas Harris.  I like books and movies where you are taken by surprise.  The best part about it is that you are waiting for something to take you by surprise, you just don't know when.  Horror books make great entertainment to read and see their movies!

What Inspires the Writer In Me- Western Genres Continued

What inspires the writer in me to write western genres is when I think of things that used to mean a lot when we people settled in America, but no longer has that kind of significance to it.  For example, it used to mean a lot to travel a couple miles.  Now that is not the case.  This western way of life is inspires me in itself.  As a writer, I like to look for these things that interest me.  When I think about some of these examples it continuously inspires me. This is a whole new way of life that can always be found in western genres.  I love to read and write genres like these.  The writer as well as the reader in me never get bored!

My Favorite Things In Science Fiction Books

I have a list of things that I have read in science fiction books.  They are some of my favorite topics in science fiction.  I could go on for each of these topics and explain why I like them, why they fit so well with science fiction books, and the interest they bring to science fiction books.  That is why they are my favorite.  Some of these things are amazing ideas.  Here is a list of my favorite things in science fiction books:

• Time travel
• robots
• zombies
• eternal life
• superpowers
• scientific discoveries
• scientific technology
• illusions

The Fun In Reading Mystery Books

There is a lot of fun to reading mystery books.  The settings, along with the plots never get boring!  I love to go along with the characters and find some answers in the books that I read.  There are so many ways to go about solving a mystery and each of these mystery books have a different way to take you.  That's what I love about them.  I like to experience something unique within each book that I read.  You never have the same mystery with the same answers.  It is fun to predict some answers to come and be taken by surprise.  Whether it is pure entertainment or you happen to take something away from reading this book, it is always fun reading mystery books!

You can read more on what mystery books have to say below:

Writing Ideas- Activities For Your Book

     Describe yourself as a character.  On the days that you choose this writing exercise, try to change yourself slightly in stances, beliefs, flaws, and strong holds.  This helps to develop good character invention skills;  i.e. learning to walk in their shoes.  As you develop different characters in this way change up on some days, putting a particular "you" character into a situation and really try to ask yourself what you would do.  Be honest.  You can learn different takes on stances and what actually keeps people in line with what they know is right and wrong.  Anyone can slip or slack on certain issues but it is the amount of discipline and to the degree of discipline that they project onto themselves that makes them who they are.  And to a certain point, that can change every day.  Make your characters ALIVE.

Writing Ideas- Activities For Your Book

     One of the best ways to overcome writing obstacles is to write.  And I mean write anything!  That's easy to say, I know, but enacting it may not be as hard as you think it is.  In fact, I'm sure you've done it in the past already!  Yeah, you might say, tried, failed, and gave up!  If that's the case, you didn't exactly do it the way you should have.  Listen up fellow writer!


     When faced with writer's block or any dilemma, it is best to embrace the hold that your mind has put on you rather than fight it.  Figure out the extra somethn' your brain wants for the story.  The only way to figure this out is to wait.  By "wait", I mean keep on until it comes to you.


     Keep on writing even if you think the material is trash.  To get to the final masterpiece your brain must cycle through other ideas and rule them out.  Even if you have it all planned out, sit through the block until the action finally starts. - Write.

My Favorite Settings In Horror Books

I love horror book settings.  Horror books with settings that seem realistic to the reader are my favorite.  Like in the mall, you may think that everything is normal, but that is hardly the case.  That is my favorite part in horror books.  Settings like this are ideal for a horror story.  Behind the scenes there is an evil being.  Horror books make things possible that aren't in order to scare you.  It is fun to read these stories.  I never get tired of the settings in the horror books that I read.  They really do add to the plot.  Horror books are one of my favorite genres to read.

What Inspires the Writer In Me- Science Fiction Genres Continued

Science fiction genres are one of my favorite genres to read!  Science in itself has so many possibilities out there to explore, and science fiction goes to the moon with all of these possibilities.  Anything that is way out there and can be explored or studied is a potential plot.  There are unlimited possibilities with science fiction genres.  What inspires the writer in me to write a science fiction book is when I think of the interests that I have related to science.  Everything around us can be related to science in one way or another.  I have so much fun reading science fiction books.  It is hard not to think of these things to inspire the writer in me.  That is another reason why I love science fiction genres.  They relate so much to the world around us.

Mystery Books Make the Best Movies- Revisited

One of my favorite reads are mystery books.  I love it when I am reading one of these books and I see the mystery get solved!  That is one of the best parts for me when I am reading mystery books.  The other best part for me is when I get to see these books made into movies!  Some movies based on mystery books are Water for Elephants based on the book by Sarah Gruen, The Rite based on the book by Matt Baglio, and I Am Number Four based on the book by Jobie Hughes and James Frey.  I love to read mystery books.  The best part about them is when you can read them and get the best of both worlds.  It is fun to see these books and how their movies turn out.  They really make the best movies!

My Favorite Settings In Action Books

The settings that I like in action books are the ones that make the character feel boxed in like they can't get out.  Some of my favorite are settings like a crowded city or town and settings with a small room that is hard to get out of.  I think these make great action settings.  They are my favorite settings for action books because it creates a lot of tension needed for action settings.  For me, the more tension the better in action settings!  They are also my favorite settings because it makes it almost impossible for the character to escape, which leads them to do some fighting.  I like action books that have settings like this.  It is always fun to see what is coming next in these books!

Writing Ideas- Activities For Your Book

     On a writer's good day he/she can give advice to fellow writers if asked to.  Because the writer is up to beat that day, recieving many ideas, the ideas coming to him can quickly come to life in words.  If you can do this, or have helped someone in this way, it's no wonder the day you can't write becomes "a dying day".  Frustrated and eager minds quickly label failures in this way.  So, I'll bet you want someone like you on those days.  But why not have you.


     On those good days take some time after you write or on breaks to give a quick note on what motivated, inspired, or helped you write.  Then on the bad days, open up this note and read for yourself some helpful tips on what can get you going.  After all, who is better to help you than yourself.  You know what to warn yourself of and how to get that mind of yours going.  The pure feeling of opening the note can give you the inspiration you need, as you remember how good it felt to write on that good day of yours.

The Power To Write- Get Inspired

     A writer asked himself if this is where he belonged.  Where?  As a writer, of course!  Even though he is identified as a writer here and is actually asking as a writer, he still wants to be sure that is what he is.  A writer is a writer.  The question that should be asked is whether or not this is who he wants to be.


     If you are writing and ask this question, you should know that you are already a writer.  And yes, this is where you should be.  Someone who writes loves to write.  With things that we love there will always be hard and troubling times that we must learn to deal with in a way that puts us back on track with what we love.  Because we love something, we want to do it right and not mess it up - that is what can be stressful.

The Writer And The Reader- The Author That Cares

          When motivation kicks in and we are on a role, nothing can stop us!  Ideas are coming...and going...  What happens when inspiration is there but what we have is not coming out in words.  There is only one thing you can do:  If information is already accredited, the story is developed and all that is left is writing it all out, be silent.  -  In other words, relax.


     Like I have said before, a scattered mind only gives scattered results.  So you must wait until something develops.  This is just part of the writing process that we always expect to skip every now and then.  Writing a book takes time.  And no matter how short on time you are, do things in the order that they come to you.  Wait to write until you feel like writing and don't force it.


     Don't get me wrong, sometimes pushing through things can get you to where you needed to be quite successfully, but it is all on the time that you decide to do it.  You know best!

My Favorite Settings In Western Books

Every western book has some kind of wonderful scenery.  This is one of my favorite parts in western books!  I love settings with the sun setting or rising in western books.  They are my favorite.  It can mean the beginning or end to the story.  It can also symbolize the start or end of a new part in a character's life.  Settings with the sun are my favorite because they can symbolize so many things.  If they do not symbolize something, they add something great to the surroundings that the story takes place.  A setting with the sun gives a great impression to the reader.  I think it adds something great to the story!  

What Mystery Books Have to Say

Mystery books have a lot to say.  They have a lot to say about your imagination and what mysteries could be out there in our life today.  Pretty much anything without an explanation would be a mystery.  Mystery books will tell you that.  They say where the mystery is, whether it is a true story or something that is just unexplained in life, and tell you what the answer could be.  This is all very interesting, but there is much more to what mystery books have to say.  They may be telling you to seek out answers for things you don't know about.  Mystery books may also tell you to avoid finding answers so you don't suffer the consequences.  They may say something about a life lesson from a common mystery that people may encounter.  Mystery books may offer a word of advice for dealing with the unknown.

Romance Books Make the Best Movies- Revisited

Romance Books always have something to say to the reader.  They speak to the heart.  They play on our emotions every time.  Romance books make stories that are hard to forget.  They make the best of us when we are looking for something uplifting.  I think they are the best stories we are looking for.  They are becoming very popular.  So many times we see them mixed in with other genres.  Of course, their movies make the best stories, and make the best of us too.  Some movies based on romance books are Enchantment based on the book Take Three Tenses by Rumer Godden, Forrest Gump based on the book by Winston Groom, and The Firm based on the book by John Grisham.  I love reading romance books.  They make the best movies!

What Inspires the Writer In Me- Fantasy Genres Continued

I enjoy writing and reading fantasy genres.  Every time I open up a fantasy book the writer in me cannot put it down.  My love of reading and writing fantasy genres is the cause of this.  What inspires the writer in me to write fantasy genres is when I think of objects that are not alive, and give them human characteristics.  This can seem like nonsense, but you could end up with something extraordinary.  The thought of that inspires me.  It is fun reading fantasy genres that have something like this.  For example, Ella Enchanted with the talking book.  Another example would be trees that talk and have human faces.  The writer in me does not push these ideas away.  They are great story material for fantasy genres!

The Writer And The Reader- The Author That Cares

        As an author, you know why you write.  You love to!  There are countless reasons for every writer.  So reminding yourself on these reasons are healthy ways to keep you writing and inspired.  Don't give up!


     If you're down on yourself or frustrated with your writing progress, and reminding yourself of these reasons doesn't help, try thinking of your audience - the many waiting to be inspired by your words.  Why do the readers read?  They share a lot of the same reasons that you have for why you write.  The writer and the reader share a deep connection.  Concentrating on this relationship is inspiring.

Writing Ideas- Activities For Your Book

     Do you ever feel happy reading your mail or emails?  Do reminders in the mail help you stay on track?  Here's an idea:  there is someone who wants to see you finish your book and is emailing you constantly, everyday, to remind you and to give suggestions.


     Okay if the message isn't worth seeing you might end up with a crowed inbox, but say that it is worth it.  Sometimes ideas roll in and suggestions of ways to go in the story.  Who?  An agent.  No.  A publisher?  I wish.  A friend?  hmmm....you might call it that.  It's a character from your book!


     What?!  Ha, ha!  A character from your book is a very important individual to be speaking to you because they know how much your book has to offer.  There is no one else who has that special insight.  The author that spends valuable time to put together something that can be shared and provide a joyful experience for those who read the material, should be as eager as the character in their book to get this thing finished!

Writing Ideas- Activities For Your Book

     When faced with a writing dilema, or writer's block, the writer can go with the flow and work with the dilema by going at the pace he/or she is alloted.  We like to think that we can rush our way through the block in our mind and end up with something to work with, but in reality, a book takes time to create.  If you could come up with something that fast, you're like a computer!  Why not have it pre-written, for crying out loud?  Where's the joy in creating the story?

Mystery Books Make the Best Movies- Revisited

When there is a mystery, it is always entertaining.  Mystery books are a big part in all the mystery stories that we like to hear about.  That is why they make some of the best movies.  Movies are a part of the big part of the mystery every one is talking about.  The best part about it is that they are so unknown, it is left to the imagination.  The mystery can go on and on forever.  Here are some movies based on mystery books:  The Da Vince Code based on the book by Dan Brown, The Black Dahlia based on the book by James Ellroy, and Kiss Kiss Bang Bang based on the book Bodies Are Where You Find Them by Brett Halliday.  Some of the best mysteries sparked are covered in mystery books.  It is not surprising that these stories are so popular in the movies.  These are great movies and good reads!

My Favorite Settings In Fantasy Books

Just by having a good imagination you can come up with millions of settings in fantasy books.  My favorite fantasy books have something that is out of this world within the story.  I like fantasy books that have to do with this because it adds extra imagination to the story.  I have fun reading books like this.  My favorite settings in fantasy books are those that have this kind of extra imagination going on in the background.  Settings with extra imagination add to the fantasy part of the plot in the story.  I have a lot of fun with these settings because they are so open to your imagination.  I really like those settings with things not there for any particular reason, but to add to the drama in the story.  Like dark settings.  It just kind of adds to the plot going on in the story.  

Short Stories Make the Best Movies Revisited

There are some great short stories out there.  These stories give a lot of imagination to the reader.  Stories that are short are fun to read because you can reflect clearly on the story after reading it.  I find it very entertaining to read short stories.  The best time for me to read short stories is when I am familiar with the movie.  It is enjoyable when I am able to see movies off of the short stories that I have read.  Here are some movies based on short stories:  From Beyond based on the short story by H.P. Lovecraft, Impostor based on the short story by Philip K. Dick, and The Last Mimzy based on the short story Mimsy Were the Borogoves by Lewis Padgett.  I like to see movies like these.  They give me more reflection on the story that I read and they are just entertaining to watch.  Short stories really do make some of the best movies!

What Inspires the Writer In Me- Western Genres Continued

Western genres are some of the best genres to come by.  They have original material that is worth reading.  What inspires the writer in me to write a western book, is when I think of situations that would be exciting, and put these situations in a remote place in the wild.  I like action westerns.  This is what inspires a writer like me to write a western.  I think of action plots, and then place them in a western setting.  I can think of many plots to fit in with any other western settings.  As a writer, I have fun coming up with the settings to fit in with the plot.  These are the kind of stories in the western genres that I like to read and write about.  They are exciting and fun to experience, no matter which role you play, reading the story, or being the writer.

The Power To Write- Get Inspired

     Are you facing a writing dilemma.  Most often it's either ourselves, or time getting in the way.  Taking time out to sort through the problem is necessary.  Time can be a stressful thing, but time will go on with or with out you.  Further, it will go on regardless of the way you feel; nervous wreck or calm and sufficed.


     Chances are you will eventually find a solution.  Just remember that a clouded mind brings clouded results.  The best way to deal with a writing dilemma is to relax.  The writing problem can be resolved much easier this way.  Though it's hard to do, be it writer's block, writing dilemma and any other problems, we all know that a clear mind is the best way to go if we can get there.

My Book- A Movie?

     Not only do tough questions put forth an awesome story line, but they also relate the reader to the character and to the scene at hand.  Put us there, right then, with that person(s).  We like to be on the edge of our seats, to cry, to laugh and to be embarrassed.  We want it to happen to us, because we're there. Right?  Are we there?


     Find out by asking the tough questions.  They are fun for both the reader and the writer.  Like in our previous example, saving one person out of a group of people that we love would be the most difficult thing to do both mentally and physically because we would be straining to save just one more person even though we know that we simply can not.


     Just think of what we do when we watch a movie.  Lots of the times we say, "I would have done this..." or "I don't know what I would have done!".  The author leaves its audience thinking and that's exactly what you want them doing!

Writing Ideas- Activities For Your Book

     Answering questions can be your worst nightmare.  In many situations around the world it is the fear that we might answer them wrongly or draw the wrong impression from our response.  The writer certainly has questions he/she must be able to answer about their work.  They have to know the answers to the questions because for most of these questions, the author has already asked it to himself (sometimes instinctively, without knowing).  The author has character questions to answer as well.  But when relating to your story line, have you asked the "tough questions"?


     Asking tough questions can bring forth story ideas and room for development.  For example, who do I save first?  Knowing that there is a possibility you will not be able to save everyone, put in an extreme situation, and think of what you would do if you and the people you know were the characters.  How horrible it would be for these characters in their dying moments to see you choose from them in order of importance.  We do this all the time when watching movies and reading books.  We relate to the characters in this way.  We try to feel what they are experiencing.

What Inspires the Writer In Me- Horror Genres Continued

Horror Genres enlighten on one of our favorite senses to feed on...FEAR.  What makes you scared, will make it interesting.  What inspires the writer in me to write a horror book is when I think of what makes me afraid.  What makes me afraid the most is when I realize I can get hurt.  Even those that seem to be fearless seem to get a little scared when they know that they can get hurt.  It would certainly hurt if you fell off of a building, or to came face to face with a killer clown.  I think of these things when I want to be inspired to write horror genres.  What would be one of the most fearful things for me is to come face to face with a killer clown.  That is what works for me!

Romance Books Make the Best Movies- Revisited

Romance books are fun and entertaining.  They make some of the best movies.  Romance books focus on things unique to the characters.  Their movies are unforgettable.  Some movies based on romance books are Letters to Juliet based on the book by Lise Friedman, Nights in Rodanthe by Nicholas Sparks, and Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen.  Each of these books follow and focus on something that is different about each character and their lives.  Romance books make nice stories and have a unique experience for each reader.  I love how there are different characters in every romance book that I read.  They make some of the best movies to me because they focus on these things.  It is fun to see these characters in real life when you watch romance movies based on books.  These are good reads, and the movies are fun to watch.    

What Inspires the Writer In Me- Mystery Genres Continued

I love to be inspired to write mystery genres!  Solving a mystery is like a game to me.  Everyone solves a mystery when they watch a movie, research the unknown, or try to figure something out that is just not working for them.  A writer can find plenty of mysteries in life when writing a mystery book.  An excelent supernatual mystery is "The Buck", by Danica Knutson.  It starts out with the game of a hunter, and takes a different turn from there.  There is a good mystery in this book that has you solving it like a game throughout the story.  A lot of us find it entertaining to figure these out.  A mystery book is the perfect opportunity for this kind of entertainment.  What inspires the writer in me to write a mystery book is when I think of it as a game to play.  I consider it like a hobby for the time being.  Something that I enjoy spending time researching, even though I will not find out the answer.  I might even play a game of clue to inspire me!  A game with a mystery inspires the writer in me.  It is exciting to do this.  That is what works for me.

My Favorite Settings In Science Fiction Books

One of my favorite settings in science fiction books is when there is a lot of light.  I like settings like this because they stand out.  It is fun to read science fiction books that take place in these settings.  Light is such an awesome thing in science.  We always wonder why it is there and where it is coming from when we see it.  I think it is a great place for a science fiction plot.  Light can mean many things in science fiction settings, simply because of the mystery behind it.  It can remain a mystery throughout the book as long as the writer chooses it to be.  This makes for great settings in science fiction books because you can still have a plot going on in the book.  Some settings that I like that have to do with light are the sky in the daytime, a star in the distance, and a place with bright colors.  Settings with light give off different perspectives in science fiction books.  For this reason light is one of my favorite settings in science fiction books.

The Power To Write- Get Inspired

     You, the writer, have a passion to write.  It's a hobby that will be a part of you forever.  To become inspired is the driving force behind the scenes.  We inspire ourselves to write even when we are unaware that we are doing so.  It keeps us writing, keeps people reading, keeps the dreams alive and the world turning.  Our writing turns into inspiration for others all around the globe.  Remember why you write.  Constantly remind yourself of the many reasons why you write.

Writing Ideas- Activities For Your Book

     Being able to answer basic questions about your book and story line is essential for the novels sake.  It is in these basic questions that we sometimes assume to know already but don't, that every author should be able to answer, and the simplicity brings on a broader perspective as you go from one question to another or idea that develops into material used in your novel.  Ask yourself these basic questions, but go even further to ask character questions.

     For example, try thinking of basic questions that people ask themselves in the real world.  "What am I doing?"  "Who am I?"  "What now?"  All of these questions provide large range thinking and developing of character.  For instance, my favorite, "Who am I?", can help you expand on your characters, and know them better, by helping them answer the questions.  What does this character think of himself?

     You might even use some of the questions that you came up with in your book.  And when your character gets to a certain emotional point, one of these questions might arise.  You will relate to your character's feelings and help the reader to also.

Writing Ideas- Activities For Your Book

     Writer's block is complicated at times, but the solution is always easier than the problem.  Ask yourself some basic questions.  Sometimes the answer is found through understanding what the problem actually is.  Try it.  You might not know as much as you think you do.  Thus, the writing problem could be created from a lack of information.


     If you can answer the "basic" of basic questions (real simple ones), then you can move on to other possible culprits to your writing dilemma.  But chances are, that if you take some time to do this the problems will work themselves out as you will move along the right direction and begin to write your book again, the way you wanted to.

What Inspires the Writer In Me- Young Adult Genres Continued

I love the idea that young adult genres have their own unique style.  It is fun when you read a young adult book.  You experience something unique about it.  What inspires the writer in me to write a young adult book is to think of that specific genre it is going to fit into.  Like action genres, for example.  Then I would think of what a young adult would find as action in their own lives.  After that I would revolve a plot around that point of action in their lives.  You could also mix a couple genres and apply this as well.  This really does work to inspire the writer in me because there are so many things that a young adult would relate to in these genres in their own life.  It provides endless ideas to be inspired by.

Action Books Make the Best Movies- Revisited

Action books are some of the best forms of entertainment.  Most of the time the characters face a fight or flight situation.  There is always a different situation for each story, and many times within the same book.  For this reason, action books never get old.  They make the best movies!  It is always surprising to see the movies based on action books.  A new light is brought on the story.  Some really good ones I thought of today are The Bourne Supremacy based on the book by Robert Ludlum, Sahara based on the book by Clive Cussler, and Wanted based on the book by Mark Millar.  These were some good movies and great books.  

What Inspires the Writer In Me- Short Stories Continued

I love it when I can read a short story!  The writer in me loves to be inspired by other writers.  One thing that really inspires me to write a short story is to feed my love and enjoyment for them.  I have fun reading short stories.  The more I love what I am doing, the more it inspires me to write a short story.  I always enjoy writing short stories, but when I want to really be inspired to come up with something original, I read some short stories.  This gets my mind going to think of the subject I am dealing with.  You do not have to read the genre you are writing on.  You just need something to re-live the enjoyment and love that you have for short stories.  Have you ever heard a song and decided you wanted to play it?  If you are a musicain you might.  It might get them going on one of their own works.  Same goes with writers.  They make their own music.  

Romance Books Make the Best Movies- Revisited

There are so many romance stories out there.  It is a very popular genre.  It is very common now days to see this genre mixed in with many other genres.  Like action, science fiction, and horror movies, for example.  There is such an art to writing these genres that creates something truly unique.  Some romance movies based on books are The Adjustment Bureau based on the book Selected Stories of Philip K. Dick, Home in Indiana based on the book The Phantom Philly by George Agnew Chamberlain, and The Town based on the book Prince of Thieves by Chuck Hogan.  It is fun to see these genres at their best.  These are good reads, and their movies are exciting to see!

The Power To Write- Get Inspired

     Positive thinking brings positive results in countless situations.  Of the many benefits you can give yourself, being healthy is an important example; to name one.  But positive thinking is a writer's best friend.  A healthy mind is achieved by good thoughts, uplifting spirits; one might call it inspiration.


     Sometimes you can use encouragement from a friend, a thoughtful gesture, an interest in your progress/well being, etc.  But everyone faces times where none of that help comes or comes too late.  So we must learn to inspire ourselves.  People can be very good at inspiration.  You are probably good at inspiring others.  So inspire yourself!


     If writer's block strikes, make good use of it, or take a break all together.  Learn to tell yourself It's okay.  Learn to be happy for what you have already achieved - no one can take those accomplishments away!

The Writer And The Reader- The Author That Cares

     Can we have a moment?  Allow the reader to talk, "have a moment", with the character as he calls them aside.  Furthermore, allow the reader to "know" your character.  Let them be able to weigh the goods and the bads in each of the characters that are presented no matter the length of their part in the novel.  From a walk-by on the street to the one who owns the screen the reader should be able to see who's there and to make judgements if they wish.  Don't make the reader shy to judge.

Writing Ideas- Activities For Your Book

     Pay attention!  Have you told yourself that recently?  I have.  Sometimes I can't stay focused on what I'm writing on my novel and end up jumping around and saying "what if's".  Other times, I draw a blank, and go no where.  Every time I stall I kick myself mentally and talk to myself.  The times that hurt are when I don't and waste my time dreadfully.


     To help I began to make a list of the comments that I tell myself while writing.  I keep the list of quotes by my writing desk where it is very visible.  Each time before I write, I look at the list and I find it is easier for me to stay on track this way.  I do say, I never thought I'd be quoting myself.

Fantasy Books Make the Best Movies- Revisited

It is always fun to re-live fantasy stories when you see the movie based on the book.  They make some great and original movies!  Some fantasy movies based on books are Jumanji based on the book by Chris Van Allsburg, The Indian in the Cupboard based on the book by Lynne Reid Banks, and Bridge to Terabithia based on the book by Katherine Paterson.  Some of my favorites are Eragon based on the book by Christopher Paolini and Escape to Witch Mountain based on the book by Alexander Key.  I like it when I can enjoy a fantasy story more than once.  Movies like Escape to Witch Mountain and Bridge to Terabithia have had several remakes.  In this case it is fun to see the new ones over again. 

What Inspires the Writer In Me- Children's Books Continued

I really enjoy writing children's books.  What inspires me to write a children's book is when I look at our history.  Children's books act as an enjoyment for children, as well as a lesson that is taught.  The writer has a number of options with their lesson when writing a children's book.  When I think of writing children's books, I think of those lessons of history.  It hardly needs to be complicated.  Maybe about a past president or invention.  It is great when children can relate to books.  It is exciting when they realize they are relating with the story.  A writer can give children this opportunity to learn.  It inspires me when I can put these lessons in my children's book.  Children look at basic models when growing up.  It is always good when you can have models of our past that inspires them when growing up.  

Poems Make the Best Movies- Revisited

I love the different ways in which poems speak to you.  It shows that words have so many meanings.  The actions and meanings of these words can speak loudly in a movie based on these poems.  That is why they really do make the best movies!  Some movies based on poems are Troy based on the poem Iliad by Homer, The Raven based on the poem by Edgar Allan Poe, and The Grinch based on the poem How the Grinch Stole Christmas! by Dr. Seuss.  A lot of these are classics.  There is always enjoyment in seeing words come to life and speak loudly through poems.  They make great stories! 

My Favorite Settings In Action Books Continued

There is a lot to look forward to in the setting of an action book.  I like settings where characters are already struggling to survive.  In a fire, for example.  There would be a lot of tension with any action in this setting.  Any action in this setting would give a further threat to some hard times.  In this type of a setting the reader does not know what to expect.  Another example would be a famine area.  I like settings to take place in these areas.  The main character does not necessarily have to be there.  I just like how it feeds the imagination.  You ask yourself, "How are they going to survive?"

What Inspires the Writer In Me- Mystery Genres Continued

It is in our nature to find things out and solve mysteries.  We are getting even better at it with our technology these days for solving crime.  Maybe it is our moral conduct or our nosiness that drives us to solve crimes.  Whatever it is, we certainly have contributed to the cause.  I think it is more of a moral conduct that inspires my imagination to write mystery books.  Although, there are many times when it is my curiosity or nosiness that inspires me to write a mystery book.  It is kind of like asking the question "who stole the cookie from the cookie jar?"  What inspires you to find out the answer?  Is it your curiosity or your moral conduct to save the cookies.  It is a funny scenario, but I find myself inspired by both!  Whether it was curiosity or moral conduct depends on the person who is writing the mystery book.  An example of my own would be creating a mystery on what is causing mass blackouts around the world.  I would be inspired to write this mystery for moral conduct because I would think it needs to be stopped and I do not like being left in the dark.

Short Stories Make the Best Movies- Revisited

Short stories give a great amount of focus on an interesting topic.  It is fun to see these stories come out in a feature film.  Movies based on short stories portray an image of the topic covered in the book that only furthers your imagination of the story.  It is nice to see these short stories re-lived in a movie.  They are a great read, like taking a break for a cup of coffee.  Movies based on short stories are The Body Snatcher based on the short story by Robert Louis Stevenson, The Call of Cthulhu based on the short story by H.P. Lovecraft, Children of the Corn based on the short story by Stephen King, and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button based on the short story by F. Scott Fitzgerald.

The Buck is a touching short story that would make a good read.

Books Make Their Own Music Continued

Writer's make their own music, and their books are there to prove it.  There are many books out there that have been made into a song.  Some songs based on books are All Is Not Well based on the book Wicked by Gregory Maguire, Terror Train is based on the book The Dark Tower by Stephen King, and The Thing That Should Not Be is based on the book The Call of Cthulhu by H.P. Lovecraft.  I like songs that have a story to tell!  The writer did a good job and their books make the music meaningful.  Like all songs have some purpose, it is neat because these tell the story from a book.

Western Books Make the Best Movies- Revisited

Western books reveal some of the best times with wide open ranges to explore.  With this comes a lot of unknown.  Western books make a great and exciting story.  You get the chance to experience this once again when you see movies that were based on western books.  There is an opportunity to re-live the beauty and excitement that takes place in the wild, which is covered in these stories.  Some of the movies based on western books are The Last of the Mohicans based on the book by James Fenimore Cooper, The War Wagon based on the book by Clair Huffaker, The Cowboys based on the book by William Dale Jennings, and All the Pretty Horses based on the book by Cormac McCarthy.

My Favorite Settings in Science Fiction Books

Settings for science fiction books have unlimited possibilities.  Science is such a broad subject in its own to explore, and even more when you add imagination.  The exciting thing to me for science fiction books is part of exploring things that have never been seen or thought of.  This is exactly what writers bring to the table.  This imagination is what I like to see displayed in the setting of a science fiction book.  Avatar is an excellent example.  The writer had such a unique vision of the setting of this science fiction book.  Some of my favorite settings are places that I have not been, and want to see.  I like to add some science fiction to these places.  Maybe a setting up in the clouds, with some new wild species of birds and a golden colored sun.

What Inspires the Writer In Me- Horror Genres Continued

Talking about horror genres probably brings some of the most gruesome horror books to mind.  Whether they tend to be gory, terrifying, or both is the art of the writer's ideas.  They appeal these things to you while working with the plot of the story.  In my opinion, I think I like the scary part the most!  What inspires me to write horror books is when I think of things that I would avoid out of fear.  For example, I would not hang around a place that is dark with sounds of zombies moaning.  That's for sure.  After that, I would think of possibilities that force me to be in this situation, like if it was dark every where and I honestly did not know where I was headed.  Of course the list goes on.  No matter how brave we may be there is going to be some frightening situation that we would avoid at all costs.  I find that I relate to horror books like this.  I often agree with the writer that I wouldn't want to be in the place that the horror book is taking me.  This makes it even more exciting to read their book.  When I use this as my inspiration I like to think that my readers will feel the same when going through the plot in my horror book.

Inventions Inspired by Books

Hi, there!  This is a very special post I took an interest in lately.  It excites me when I see people inspired by books.  Real push throughs in science with technology are based on...science fiction books!  Naturally the real-life inventions took the spotlight.  These were things made by man that were thought to be only imagination.  But the ideas pushing the invention forward made it possible.  Inventions inspired by the ideas of a writer's science fiction book are indeed possible.  Such science fiction books that were the starters of an invention are Runaround written by Isaac Asimov, and the Star Trek book Mission to Horatious by Mack Reynolds.  The book Runaround was one of the inspiring ideas leading up to the invention of robots and the book Horatious was part of the Star Trek series leading up to the invention of the cell phone.  Gulliver's Travels by Jonathan Swift is the first of many books leading up to the invention of the computer.  Of course, this list never ends, and we are just talking about inventions!  There will be some more to come for another time.

Writing Ideas- Activities For Your Book

     Finding a writing group, or writing partner is sometimes necessary depending on the individual author.  Whether it is frequent or on a need-to-do basis, sharing has its many benefits.  And if you've run into trouble, and haven't tried it yet, you should give it a shot!


     Socializing with others always gives an extra edge to the subject, may it be the inspiration, another take on the matter, an insight otherwise not seen, or only the satisfaction of your voice being heard, a writing friend is full of surprises, and the list could go on.  Many authors have gone through this process.  Some seek writing groups, others go from one writing group or one individual to another to share their work, and still others simply read their work to a family member.


     You don't even have to speak of your current work.  The process of "speaking about writing" is soothing in itself.  Some writers develop a whole new idea that would not have come up if they hadn't used both of their heads to do it.  Some people join to write a book together.  You never know where writing may take you if you pull yourself up to your greatest ability.

Comic Books Make the Best Movies- Revisited

I never get bored of comic books!  These books truely have unique ideas that make great movies.  It is becoming increasingly popular to see movies based on comic books.  I thought that I would revisit this post once again to update the list on these fantastic stories.  Some movies based on comic books are Watchmen and Men in Black.  Some more recent ones are Green Lantern and Captain America.  Some of my favorites are Blade and Hellboy.

The Writer And The Reader- The Author That Cares

     Writing is something we love, it's something we work towards and build; like a relationship.  To feel down about your writing is just a strive to perfect something you care about.  To be blocked, i.e. with writer's block, is a tender moment in time when you or your mind simply has nothing to say at the moment.  Think about actual books and their story line.  There are times when a character(s) aren't sure where to move, or come to a point of affection that can only be answered by silence; by thought.  There's nothing wrong with this pause.  When you embrace it, maybe find something else to write, is when you will let the author in you take control.

My Favorite Settings in Comedy Books

While there are a lot of different types of comedy that may or may not appeal to you, there is one common setting for these books that seems to stand out as my favorite place.  Settings that focus on normal life are my favorite settings in comedy books.  Now you may be thinking "BORING!" , but you can have a lot of fun with things that appear to be normal under comical circumstances.  I like settings with real places in life that people have to deal with and work under on a daily basis.  I know there has been a time for all of us when we are minding our own business, and something comical comes up.  All of a sudden you are smiling to yourself thinking "Oh gosh."  Yes, some ideas may be coming to you now!  People do funny things and end up in funny situations.  I find myself looking back at times that I find comical now.  These kinds of settings are my favorite for comedy books.

Science Fiction Books Make the Best Movies- Revisited

I love the chance to re-live a great story over and over!  I always get my chance with science fiction books!  Some of the best movies that I have seen are based on science fiction books.  It is about time this genre gets revisited again for some more books and their stories to be re-lived.  Some popular movies based on books that you can re-live are Children of Men based on the book The Children of Men written by P.D. James, Jurassic Park written by Michael Crichton,  and Battlefield Earth based on the book by L. Ron Hubbard.  Some of my favorites are Planet of the Apes by Pierre Boulle, Body Snatchers based on the book The Body Snatchers by Jack Finney, and Congo based on the book by Michael Crichton.

What Inspires the Writer In Me- Romance Genres Continued

Romance genres are so unique in that they provide a story that fits in with a single human emotion.  What is even more inspiring to me is that this emotion is mixed in with so many others along with it and can be seen as part of the climax of the story.  I am inspired to write a romance book when I think of this.  I elaborate on how different emotions can fit in with the main emotion.  I also focus on bringing in the main emotion in the book to the climax of the story.  Maybe in a book the main character might be forced to leave their loved one behind in the climax during a battle.  The main character would fight to stay alive.  I would find a way to mix other emotions into the story as well.  Maybe regret if the main character was not sure if their loved one is still safe or not as the story develops.  There are so many emotions, and so many ways for the writer to incorporate them into their book.  People are filled with countless emotions.  This is one of the many reasons I am continued to be inspired to write a romance book. 

Literary Fiction Books Make the Best Movies

Literary fiction genres have some rules of their own.  I like that these books bring out the human aspect and focus on them so much.  Literary fiction books definitely separate themselves from other genres.  I also like how these books can fall into additional genres as well.  Of course, some of the best movies are based on these books.  Some popular movies based on books are The Three Musketeers by Alexandre Dumas, Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen, and The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger.  Some of my favorites are The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold and The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien.  I enjoy these types of books.  You really can see the characters come to life with their thoughts and feelings!

My Book- A Movie?

     Just as a director decides on so many different aspects relating to the film making process, a writer must do the same in his/her book and can learn from the questions that are raised and the types of solutions that are offered.  Think of how the cameras are set in a scene, and the (mood) being captured in so many different ways.  The script should bring the point of view to life; providing more narrow and decisive camera options.  An author can do the same.


    Camera angles, for example, change numerously throughout a scene, but make no mistake; every angle has a purpose.  When thinking of this idea enough one can almost see the cinematic techniques within a novel.  Take some time to focus on these ideas.  When watching a movie or reading a book, do this also.

Writing Ideas- Activities For Your Book

     Poems based on books enlighten the world around us.  If you need a writing exercise or even some inspiration pull out your favorite book and write a poem describing it.  Since songs are so much like poems, I like to pick a song that reminds me of the story and listen to it before I begin my poem.  This is so fun!  While writing you remember all the memories of reading this book and now you are describing that joy in writing.  Don't worry about not doing justice to the novel, just go with it.  It actually brings more popularity to the novel, and it puts you in writing mode.  Think of it as a book review.

Writing Ideas- Activities For Your Book

     Find out how books or movies are balanced.  Think of all the climatic points and weigh their importance.  You can think of good versus bad outcomes.  If you do this enough you'll notice trends relating to certain genres.  Sometimes it begs the question, "Is their an ideal pattern to genres?"

     A story usually satisfies both needs for problems and solutions so that there is a clear and defined ending.  On occasion, horror books or movies have one bad thing happen after another and leave the conclusion with another bad happening.  Some movies and books end on a happier note and seem to lean the total balance that way also.  Others are equal in presenting both life's trials and satisfying outcomes.  Can you feel the balance in your own book?  As you add things on both sides of the scale, eventually you have picked apart your novel and the weight is either equal on both sides or leaning toward one.

What Inspires the Writer In Me- Action Genres Continued

Action genres are so fun.  They provide a way to get the reader on the edge of their seat nonstop.  I think the writer experiences just as much when they are writing this as the reader does, if not more!  I love to be inspired by these genres.  Something that inspires me to write an action book the most would be things that I would find very difficult to do.  Of course, finding a bomb and disabling it would be a very hard and stressful situation to be in.  Trying to stop a train before it heads towards a broken bridge would be another.  These situations would inspire me to be able to write an action book that would keep my readers on the edge of their seat.  Naturally my character would be doing all of the work and risk all of the danger.  Something I could live with.

Novella Books Make the Best Movies

Novellas are special in that they give the reader a good book to read that is a little longer than the normal short story.  I love it because if I want to carry out the story a little more, I have time to finish the extra bit at the end because it is shorter than a novel.  It is exciting to see this carried out into a movie.  Some popular movies that have been based on novellas are A Christmas Carol based on the book by Charles Dickens, The Invisible Man based on the book by H.G. Wells, and The Mist based on the book by Stephen King.  Some of my favorites are I Am Legend based on the book by Richard Matheson, The Time Machine based on the book written by H.G. Wells, and Apocalypse Now based on the book Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad.  These books make a great break to sit down and enjoy.    

What Inspires the Writer In Me- Short Stories

How do we know whether we are going to write a short story, novella, or a novel?  As writers I think we get a feeling.  Something inspires us.  I like to write short stories.  What inspires me to write them are situations that I could put myself in for a moment.  Kind of like a short break.  Maybe a moment to drink a cup of coffee, or a walk in the park.  A story that centers on something like this that gives the reader a break is my idea of a short story.  I also get inspired when I think of situations that center on emotion.  I focus on a specific emotion of anger, sadness, happiness, or fear.  These are situations that I can put myself in as well.  Writing about a happy situation would be a kid that lost a tooth, or  winning a sports game.  I would use a sick person and a dying pet for a sad situation.  No matter what genre the story, I like to think of these things to start with.  That is what works for me!

What Inspires the Writer In Me- Short Stories Continued...

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My Favorite Settings In Mystery Books

I love to solve mysteries!  My favorite settings for these types of unsuspecting books are settings that are fast paced, like in a busy city.  Anything can happen in these places.  There are a lot of clues to look for.  Now to be more specific, I find a setting like in a bar, or in an apartment, where there a lot of people around to be most interesting.  There you will definitely find a lot of potential suspects and clues.  Anything that keeps me in the unknown for as long as possible makes a good mystery book to me.  I think it is fun when I read a mystery book to see how the character can solve a mystery in a setting like this, and yet stay sharp and focused.  

Writing Ideas- Activities For Your Book

     Have you ever tried using symbols in your story?  Whether you choose to or not, it can be fun thinking about it.  If you are having a slow day, thinking of one thing to symbolize another idea, emotion, meaning, person, etc. can help you define your piece a little more and point you in the direction that you need to be taking when you begin writing for the day.  Among the many possible examples, here's one:  Say someone remembers a lost loved one by her favorite color, they wake to an early morning sky with that color all around them.  (further meaning)  They feel like that person has spoken to them, painting the sky to say hello.  If you don't use the piece, it's still an uplifting thinking process to put you into the writing mode when needed.

The Power To Write- Get Inspired

     The writer's experience is a novel in itself!  We go through so many adventures and trials both in our books and in real life.  Every author's experience is different!  How fun is that?  Our readers only get to go through half the fun that we do.  It's like some of those movies where people leave on a quest, go through and learn so much, and actually have a great, unforgettable time.  But once they're back home - they never want to do it again - they don't want to leave.  If people who don't write could go through what we do, without the hassle of writing, I'm sure they wouldn't forget it either.  It's fun, self-fulfilling, and it makes you full - as if to say, " the cake was the best cake I've ever had and my stomach's so full there isn't room for any more." -  Ha, ha - it's kind of like kids when they're worn out.  Give them time and they'll go at it again.

Writing Ideas- Activities For Your Book

     Sometimes writing a poem for your story can help bring out the details you must focus on.  What I call a "writer's block" poem takes apart what you know of your novel and the keys that your character holds to it all.  Find the most important set back that a character experiences and his/her adoration and link the two together.  Basically, tell the characters story in summary, focusing on key details, and let it be in their psychological world, if you will.  For example, a problem should be symbolized  by something, or by the setting (dark, gloomy, etc.).  The long term goal or happiness that the character experiences everyday can be symbolized by many things; usually it's best to have it go along with the setting and other symbols.

What Inspires the Writer In Me- Religious Genres

Whether you have a religion or not, religious books always will show you a message of right and wrong.  Many other genres can be found within this genre.  The great thing about this is that you can relate it to any part of life if you choose to.  Whether it is action, romance, or drama, you can relate to the message.  All books have a message.  I'm inspired to write a Religious book when I think about things to learn in life.  I also think about things that people need to stand up for.  Some common examples are the right and wrong choices to be made, and good and evil.  Just by thinking of these choices I have an infinite amount of material to use for my book.   There are a lot of right and wrong choices to be made.  There a lot of variations of good and evil.  This changes even more with each individual.   

My Favorite Settings In Horror Books

I love creative settings with horror books.  Something truly unique makes the danger of the setting come to life when you want it too.  This is kind of like when you see a ghost.  You usually are not expecting to see one there.  My favorite settings in horror books are in hometowns, where people live.  I am sure you have read some good books with this setting!  It is my favorite because it makes you feel right at home.  Now I will be more specific.  I find that settings with people taking trips to the store, or to a friends house to be some of the scariest settings I have come across.

What Inspires the Writer In Me- Fantasy Genres Continued

Fantasy books bring out something extra to any story or plot.  I love it when you have this out of this world idea fitting in with a story.  I mentioned before that I like to think of ordinary things to inspire me to write a fantasy book.  This time, to inspire the writer in me to write a fantasy book, I think of things that would normally be a bad situation, and make it a rather pleasant one, or vice versa.  For one, I would think of something I would be horrified with if I had to be there.  An example of a situation like this would be falling in the sky, or drowning in the ocean.  I would turn this into a pleasant situation by being able to fly, not fall, and to breathe underwater.  On the opposite side, I would like to read books.  Although, I would be horrified if I could not get out of one!  It might be pleasant at first, but sooner or later I would want to get back to my life.  I can only imagine if it was a horror book!  

Books Make Their Own Music

Recently, I did a post on how poems seem to work like music to a writer.  I looked into this some more, and writers really do make their own music!  Not just the flow of their words into a book, but literally.  There are books out there that have been made into songs.  One is the book Nineteen Eighty-Four by George Orwell.  This was made into a song by David Bowie.  Some other popular songs are One played by metalica based on the book Johnny Got His Gun by Dalton Trumbo and White Rabbit based on the book Alice's Adventures in Wonderland written by Charles Lutwidge Dodgson under the name Lewis Carroll.  Writing is an art, and so is music.  It is no wonder that these two come hand in hand.

The Power To Write- Get Inspired

There hasn't been a movie without a soundtrack.  Every movie has one.  Music brings out the feelings/emotions, problems/tensions, direction, and mood/setting of a subject matter.  Although the reader may not be able to read with music playing, the words on the pages play themselves out as such, and the writer of a book can certainly apply this technique to "feel" the material that he writes.  You might even find that your book is inspired by a song.  If nothing else, the song could inspire you.

The Power To Write- Get Inspired

     It's never too late to write your book!  If you enjoy writing, keep it that way.  Writing is a gift you've been given.  The awesome part to this gift is that it is one meant to be shared with others.  It starts as your own inspiration and then grows to inspire many more hearts.  But the only way it can come out of your pocket is if you write for yourself and no one else.

     Relax when you write.  A lot of the time, if you think about writing as an art, you become patient and keen for detail like an artist, painting a portrait.  If writing in your pajamas makes you relax, then do just that.  If drinking a cup of coffee, etc. will help, then have a cup.  Maybe you're thinking about writing a scene where a character from your novel is in his/her pajamas, or a small impression of a cup of coffee; if so, this might bring you into character as well.

My Book- A Movie?

     We've put our book on the big screen; thought of it as a movie, looked at visual techniques, and much more.  But have we put ourselves in the character's shoes?  Like an actor knows his script and becomes the character in mind, body, and soul, authors must play the part of every character in their book.

     So, can we become as close to the character as the cast of a movie becomes to each of their roles?  I say yes.  It's hard, but I think we manage to get to this point in different ways.

     Screen writing has it's advantages in this area.  The writer can put forth a setting, actions, and appearances as plainly and matter-of-factly as I would tell you in conversation.  But still, when taking an acting class in college, I really did question  whether the author was able to to put as much time in getting to know his characters as I was.  I remember pairing up with partners and helping each other in many exercises that we did.  Mossing around the campus, we "walked like our character".  Other times we were in conversation as our character.  It definitely helped me play my part.  Sometimes I wish there was a writing class like this; helping each other get to know and develop our characters.  When it's a class, it's not as embarrassing to do these activities.

YA Books Make the Best Movies

Young adult genres are in high demand just because there is a whole new audience craving some good literature from their favorite genres!  Naturally, there is much excitement when this YA book is brought to life in the movies.  Some classics are Lord of the Rings based on the book by J.R.R. Tolkien, Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson, and The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis.  Some more are The Call of the Wild written by Jack London, I Am Number Four by James Frey and Jobie Hughes as Pitticus Lore, and The Lightning Thief written by Rick Riordan.  One of my favorites is The Vampire's Assistant based on the book The Saga of Darren Shan by Darren Shan.

What Inspires the Writer In Me- Poems

Poems provide a special part of inspiration to our minds.  They feed the imagination of all things into a form, like music.  I am inspired to write poems when I think of all things that come naturally to me.  I think of how my flowers and trees blossom from a seedling to a beautiful peace of work, like artwork, the excitement I feel when I have won a match in tennis, and the world around me as I take part in these things.  These things come naturally to me, like music comes naturally to a musician once they have learned their piece.  With poems, writers make their own music!  That is what works for me.

Action Books Make the Best Movies- Revisited

Action books have continued to inspire, like always!  They have kept up their pace in the movies.  I thought it was about time to make an update on this post.  Do you wonder why I love action books?  They always seem to snap you out of your every day routine that we are all so used to.  Particularly the characters.  You think "Man, I would not have been ready for that."  Here are some more of my favorite action books that have been made into movies: Die Hard was based on the book Nothing Lasts Forever by Roderick Thorp, Die Hard 2 based on the book 58 minutes written by Walter Wager, and Shutter Island based on the book by Dennis Lehane.  There are some great movies coming out, so there will be another update soon.  

My Favorite Settings In Books- Action Genres

As I mentioned in one of my previous posts, I do love the appearance of a familiar setting for books that I read.  When I am reading an action book, I like there to be an appearance of something calm, and pleasant.  I also like it when the book starts off with action, or in a dangerous place.  I like to be surprised when I open the book, and not know what to expect for a setting until I read.  I like it when there is a description of the characters along with the setting.  One of my favorites is a dark spooky place where people manage to make a living and live there.  Of course, there are so many options, I just leave it to the writer to introduce a fit setting.  I trust the setting will be a perfect place for some battle ground!

Writing Ideas- Activities For Your Book

     Expanding your vocabulary to include terms that describe your character, a chapter, book, scene, or genre opens up the door for new ideas to come flowing in.  You may never use any of them, but they inspire you to write with that defined tone.  I decided to search "horror vocabulary" to see what comes up and defined horror with a few words of my own also.  Here is a link to some horror vocabulary words:

Vocabulary list #1

Vocabulary list #2

     Notice how there are always contrasting tones to the one that you choose.  In a horror book there will be "scary words", and there will be words that make you calm; and unprepared for what is to come.  In a romance there will be words of love and words of conflict.  We already know this as writers, but it put me in a writing mood!

Writing Ideas- Activities For Your Book

     Has writer's block struck again?  Relax, your story is not going anywhere- hand it over to the pros!  Try letting a character from your book write the story.


     The character is in a climax, he's at the edge of that cliff, and actually feels much like you right now- frustrated, exhausted, and challenged.  They'd laugh if you told them that they could write the rest of the story.  But then they would realize, it's no joke.  Imagine their emotions, and the outcomes they make for themselves.


     Did the character create an even better story?  Has this new author written you over?  Ha!  By the time this is finished, you might feel like the character yourself!

Writing Ideas- Activities For Your Book

     We have all experienced Writer's Block at one time or another, but what about when it's the other way around- too many ideas leave us cycling off a cliff to a dead end (to our death...)?  Just today I had too many expectations, wound up with a migraine, and what did I do?  After getting rid of the migraine, I wrote this post.  Going back to #1 on my list of ways to cope with writer's block I realized I could apply the same techniques to this situation.  I'm looking back on these activities to smooth out my writing- and my mind.


I revisited this post about 6 fun ways to cope as well as the newer activities that I have listed in the past. Don't forget: making a list of small adorations, bringing a poetic sense into the picture, the trash book, character group meetings, physical stimulation, and gift cards.

What Inspires the Writer In Me- YA Genres

Young adults are looking for something to inspire them.  At this time they can relate to your books more than anything.  Just thinking of this makes me inspired to write a YA book because I love to make a difference and impact people.  This is a whole new audience, and you can reach out to them in any genre or genres in itself.  I look to my experiences in life and think of the different things this audience is looking for.  They love just about all the possibilities we do, but they are learning as they go, and have much to learn.  They love the creation of imagination and conflicts to overcome, such as good and evil.  I use my imagination to feed into these things.  I look for situations that they would like to find themselves in, or find themselves get out of.  Maybe the usual in some cases, like a break from school life. 

My Favorite Settings in Books

I love it when books are set out in someplace familiar to me.  Just the appearance of a familiar environment makes me feel right at home with the story.  One of my favorite settings are family environments.  I can see the characters interacting and get a feel of how they fit in.  Whether it is action, romance, drama, or horror I love to meet the characters this way.  I like to meet the characters at work in their lives.  It is almost like meeting the character's base.  Someplace I think I might know helps me relate to the story, and it remains that much more vivid in my mind.