New Ideas

I have a new idea for another book that could turn into a series. Again, I'm working on a project that takes me back through history. What's up with that? At least this time it's not ancient history, only about 300-400 years instead of 3000. The research is great. I'm learning things that give me insight into my life today.

Looking at the culture of then explains some of my culture now. This is so fascinating! I can't wait to tell you what all I find. I'm really excited about this new idea. I haven't decided on the plot, yet, but when I do you can count on it being action-packed and having to do with my culture.

I've got to get back to the research end of this. C'ya.

The Gaps in Life

Yesterday I was sitting in one of the critique groups a belong to. We were discussing the differences in age related thought. It struck me as funny that each of us belong to several different groups, those formed by age, economics, or profession. Then there a the separators of region, politics, and faith. I have to remember to keep all of this in mind to create rich characters.

Today I'm working on a story with a 12 year-old male protagonist. What helps me some is remembering my brother at that age, but what helps the most is watching boys at sports meets or in the mall, wherever they congregate. Boy thought is very different from girl thought. Their actions tend to be larger than those of girls, although it does appear to be changing some.

What is the most interesting to me is watching the 'mating dance'. Male and female alike have a need for the other to see them as attractive and neither wants the other to know that they know they're being watched. Then the fun begins.

The guys become more masculine and cool (they don't use that word so much anymore). Making a point of making sure the intended girls is watching is very cool behavior and conversation. And when he works the nerve up to approach her, he puts on an air of extreme confidence. It's really fun to watch.

Come to I think it, that's the same at every age.  I guess we don't really change so much. Kids still need to be different, especially using clothes, speech, and the shock factor to set them apart from adults. For me it was Afro's, mini-skirts, and lots of color. Today it's emo, skinny jeans, and the color isn't so much on the clothes now it's in the hair.

The more things change, the more they stay the same.

Research

I've been thinking about a new story. One that takes place around the 16th century. That means it's back to the library. I always start with general history. What was happening during that period. Who was in power. For this book, I'm most interested in trade and trade routes. Then I'll look into piracy to see how that would effect my characters. England and Spain were big traders during that period and had command of the seas, and so was Portugal.

These are the things that will give me hints about the culture of the time and area. It gives me some insight into daily life and values for the characters I'm building. I get an idea of their hopes and dreams, fears and concerns. It even helps me to understand disease and medical treatments of the time.

I'm really excited about what I'll learn. It's like a treasure hunt. Some writers I know hate this part, but I love it. It's a window into another world. I get a picture of some of the ways it has effected the world I live in and shaped the people in it.

I often learn strange bits of trivia, random facts. I love these nuggets. I'll keep you posted on the cool stuff I find.

Fear and Trembling

Today I submitted to a writing contest. I did it with fear and trembling. Part of the anxiety was due to my fear of not being proficient with computers. I was afraid that I would hit some snag or glitch and I wouldn't know what to do about it. But I got prayed-up and plowed right in.

I managed to log in with very little problem. Then I started inputting the information. I clicked the save button and I got this screen that said it was 'working'. The screen stayed like that for some time. I didn't really pay much attention to it or become concerned. I just assumed that there were so many people logging in that the server might have been overloaded and it was just taking some time to get the job done.

So I waited and waited. I waited for two hours! Finally I asked my daughter what she though about it. She said that I could be right or that something went wrong with the connection. I asked her how could I tell the difference. She told me to open another window and see if it would let me log in. I did and everything went smoothly from there.

What's really sad is that I was prepared to sit in front of the computer and wait for it to finish 'working'. It probably would have gone on like that all night. And there I would be sitting and waiting. I am so not of the computer age and culture.

Now I'm ready for a long, hot, bubble bath. Calgon, take me away.

And Here We Are Again

Today I was thinking what I should say in this blog. A sage blogger told me that I should write whatever I happen to be thinking about. So here goes.

I was reading another blog, one by a writing professional, who remarked about writing with characters of color. I absolutely am in favor of including everyone. I don't think someone should stick a description on a character just to include someone of color. That would be a bit insulting. But if they made the character a whole person including their culture, minus the stereotypes, it would not only be complimentary, but helpful. It doesn't matter to me if the writer is one of color or not, so long as they do it well.

What does bother me is that these professionals stated that it is easier for a book with characters of color to be published if the author was not of color. I can't tell you how crazy that makes me. It's not only crazy, it's infuriating! I could brush it off if it was only one person's perspective, but I keep running into it over and over.

I write with characters of color for many reasons: a) they look like me; b) they fall within my standard of beauty; c) this is a culture I am most familiar with; and d) there aren't that many inclusive  mainstream books. Does this mean that I will only write with these characters? Never. If I did that, I would be as guilty as those who never include them, besides that's not what my world looks like whether public or intimate. So, when you read something of mine, you'll get a peek into my world.

Sincerest Apologies

I must truly apologize. I've been quiet thinking about what I want this blog to be. My first entries had to do with writing struggles and my determining how I want to be perceived. I guess that is still has been resolved, yet.

I know that the way I want the world to think of me is as a 'great' writer. It isn't important to me that my chocolateness be the determining factor of whether or not people read what I write. Quite the opposite is true. I want to be known for my craft.

So the question remains: what part does culture play? It's still very important to me that my grandchildren are able to see themselves in my characters and that children of color have heros and heroines that look like them. With that said, it is most important to me that the world-at-large enjoy what I write.

I don't want to be shelved in an area that has only to do with who my parents are. I want to be right there on the shelves next all other books of my chosen genre. How to pull this off is still a dilemma that I haven't yet found the answer. For one thing, I still have to write the piece that makes it onto those shelves!

So the my mind churns on. But that doesn't answer the more immediate question: what direction should this blog take? I still want it to be about writing and culture. I don't want it to be a place of ranting.

As my fingers fly across the keyboard, ideas begin to form in my mind. They're not ripe enough to pick yet, but when they are I'll be sure to let you know.