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Monday, October 31, 2011

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.

Sunday, October 30, 2011

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.

Saturday, October 29, 2011

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.

Friday, October 28, 2011

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.

Thursday, October 27, 2011

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.

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

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.  

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

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.  

Monday, October 24, 2011

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!

Sunday, October 23, 2011

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!

Saturday, October 22, 2011

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.

Friday, October 21, 2011

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.

Thursday, October 20, 2011

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. 

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

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.  

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

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! 

Monday, October 17, 2011

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?"

Sunday, October 16, 2011

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.

Saturday, October 15, 2011

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.

Friday, October 14, 2011

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.

Thursday, October 13, 2011

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.

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

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.

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

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.

Monday, October 10, 2011

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.

Sunday, October 9, 2011

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.

Saturday, October 8, 2011

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.

Friday, October 7, 2011

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.

Thursday, October 6, 2011

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.

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

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.

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

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. 

Monday, October 3, 2011

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!

Sunday, October 2, 2011

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.

Saturday, October 1, 2011

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.