by Charlene Teglia | Mar 21, 2005 | Uncategorized
Spring has arrived, and along with it the first Ellora’s Cavemen Legendary Tails volume! Just the thing for spring fever. I think that’s probably going to be my reward for meeting my goals for the rest of this month.
We have a lot to be thankful for around here so I’ve been writing a list of all my thankful things. It’s far from complete, but it’s really good to recognize it when something good happens. If you’re having a hard time getting started today, I recommend writing a thankful list!
by Charlene Teglia | Mar 20, 2005 | Uncategorized
I have pulled my 10-12K story forward to work on next week, which is a fairly reasonable goal. I know I’m going to have line edits for both DG and Spell before the end of the month, so I thought I’d concentrate on something short.
The story is one of my recycled pieces, in a way. I had originally written a fantasy tale that made me laugh hysterically but never sold. I found the idea too gripping to throw away, so I kept poking at it. Eventually I realized I could pretty much toss out everything but the core idea and start over and I’d have the makings of a very compelling E.C. type quickie. So that’s my project.
Before I wrote my first novel, I’d written a pile of short stories, most of which didn’t sell. (I think I’ve only published two short stories) When I pulled them out and starting looking at them again about a year ago, I realized that most of them contain the germ of a novel or novella and aren’t really short stories at all. I seem to pretty much just be a novelist when it comes to the kinds of ideas I have. So I’m slowly working my way through seeing which ones I want to recycle and recycling them.
I’m really happy to have a home for the kinds of stories I come up with, because the SF/F/Horror influence is so pervasive in my brain. The writers who made a profound impact on me as an early reader were Poe, Heinlein and Asimov. The first three novels I wrote, I was practically strangling myself trying to keep the weird stuff out. I abandoned my strongest story because it was beyond weird. (Yes, I’m going to finish it. My husband will kill me if I don’t. He wants to know what HAPPENS.)
Oddly enough when I made the decision to just write MY way and let it all out, I found a publisher. I mention this because so many writers are out there trying to do it “the right way” and getting nothing but frustration for their efforts, and have I ever been there. My advice now is “follow your bliss”. (Joseph Campbell was really right about that one.) There is no one right way. Everybody has their own way and the trick is finding it.
If you’re not a writer, I still believe in following your bliss. There’s a terrific book called “Do What You Love, The Money Will Follow”. Everybody has their right work and I don’t believe you can be happy until you find it. It’s also my theory that the greatest rewards come when you find your right work. (Rewards are not limited to the financial, btw.)
by Charlene Teglia | Mar 18, 2005 | Uncategorized
Got more than approval on my revisions for Dangerous; my editor LOVES ’em! I have one minor clarification to make and than it goes in for line edits and release scheduling. Huzzah! As soon as I have a firm date it’ll go on the front page next to the book blurb/info.
I’m so excited about this because I’m so very proud of this book. Technically, artistically, on every level. Dangerous Games is just something else. This is the book where I really trusted my voice and my process and let it lead me where it wanted to go for the first time and it’s stronger and tighter than anything else I’ve ever done.
About my what makes for erotic writing post that I mentioned earlier, I decided to make that my next RTB topic. The column’s done and it’ll post on the 22nd.
by Charlene Teglia | Mar 18, 2005 | Uncategorized
Post-project letdown seems to be an inevitable part of my creative cycle. Part of coping with it is expecting it and being prepared. Here are some of the things I do to cope:
Since I know I’m going to feel tired and more prone to self-doubt than usual, I rest and make affirmations about the work that I’ve finished. I pronounce the work good. I always strive to do my best and I affirm that. I remind myself that I felt this way the last time and will the next time and it has nothing to do with how well I did my job.
I do things to recharge my batteries, like taking longer-than-usual walks and catching up on my reading. If there’s a book I’ve been looking forward to curling up with, than reading that is a special reward for completing my project. When I’m working, I use the time between putting the toddler to bed and the time I go to bed to get pages done. When I’m not working, that’s time I get to spend on me.
This morning I finally finished reading the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People (yeah, it only took me 6 months) and the last chapter really describes how to keep going for the long term. Covey calls it sharpening the saw. I don’t see that phrase becoming part of my vocabulary. It sounds a little too much like the writer in The Shining. So I’ll just stick with saying that I recharge myself by getting some rest, reading and getting outside more. ; )
by Charlene Teglia | Mar 16, 2005 | Uncategorized
Well, sort of done, anyway. Woke up in the middle of the night wanting to tweak one section one more time. But I’ve sent it off and it’s done until the next round. (It’s never actually done until it releases, and then it’s still not done because there’s promo stuff) But I’m done for now.
Things have been hectic around here with the husband’s new job, the toddler’s sniffles and revisions. Before I dive into the next project I think I’ll probably spend a little down time reading.
Recent Comments