 If you like to read romance novels of all genres, join the writers of Romance Weekly as we go behind the scenes of our books and tell all...about our writing, of course! Every week we'll answer the same questions. Once you've read my blog, the link below will direct you to another. Tell your friends and feel free to ask questions or make comments.
If you've joined me from Jo Richardson, welcome! On to the questions... Does humour help or hinder you in your creative process? As a general rule, I try not to take myself too seriously. So I suppose the answer is humour helps me, by allowing me to step back from what I'm doing and relax. Empires will not fall if I do not write tonight. Neither with anyone die if my quota is not reached. For that matter, if I never sell another book, my life will still be pretty darn good. Now, if we're talking about writing humour, I'm a dead loss. I'm sure I've written some funny stuff - but there's a good chance I didn't write it on purpose! What is a favourite go-to book or movie you use to unblock a problem in your writing? I'm not much of a movie watcher. If I have a couple of hours free, I'm generally reading. And while a really good book can inspire me to work through any issues I have, sometimes I learn more from a book I don't enjoy. You know how it's easier to list negatives than positives? The same holds true when I'm reading. I can't always put my finger on why a book works – but I can usually figure out why I don't like it. Which sometimes points me in a better direction with my own work. What’s the most inspiring book you’ve read this week or month that’s generated a new idea? I've been re-reading Diana Gabaldon's Outlander Series (in preparation for Written in My Own Heart's Blood – please, no spoilers!!!). The whole time travel thing has always fascinated me (Quantum Leap, anyone?) especially how history can or can't be changed by a time traveller. So then I thought – what if a book someone read in the present, which seemed to be a science fiction novel, was actually a history book that someone had sent from the future as a warning? That's as far as I've gotten, but I think it's a pretty cool idea. Of course, there'd have be a romance... And now I invite you to visit Carolyn Spear and she what she has to say!
23 Comments
8/12/2014 04:39:12 am
I haven't read the Outlander series, though I've been told I need too. I ran a series idea by a beta reader a few weeks ago. She said it sounded similar to that series. Now I can't decide if I really should read the series or if it will influence me too much.
Brenda Margriet
8/12/2014 04:45:19 am
They've made a TV series out of the first book. You could try watching that instead of reading and seeing what it's all about.
I have read Outlander (many years ago), but I didn't finish the whole series. Maybe I should pick it up again to celebrate the new television series.
Brenda Margriet
8/12/2014 05:09:24 am
Time travel is too cool - but it can hurt my head when I'm reading it. I can't imagine what plotting it would be like. 8/12/2014 05:37:24 am
Loved the time travel idea. Can't wait to see where you take it. Haven't read the Outlander series, but heard good things. Might have to put that on the list for next month. :) Nice post.
Brenda Margriet
8/12/2014 05:56:45 am
You'll need more than a month to read them all. But I highly recommend them. The first has some pretty graphic, intense scenes, especially toward the end, but I couldn't put it down.
Brenda Margriet
8/12/2014 06:51:44 am
Thanks, Kim. But first I have to beat the current beast into shape. :)
Gemma Brocato
8/12/2014 08:52:21 am
I love that you use what you pinpoint in other books as things you don't like or keep the book from working to iron out your own work. I'll have to consider the idea.
Brenda Margriet
8/12/2014 08:55:54 am
Thanks, Gemma. We can learn so much from other authors. 8/12/2014 11:18:25 am
So much in this post that I need to comment on.
Brenda Margriet
8/12/2014 01:28:21 pm
Thanks, Victoria. And I look for that extra "u" all the time, too! Words just look wrong without it! 8/12/2014 11:44:54 am
I love time travel books. The Time Traveler's Wife is one of my favorite books. Great post.
Brenda Margriet
8/12/2014 01:29:22 pm
I haven't read that one, although I've heard good things. Have you read Susanna Kearsley's The Rose Garden? Another really cool time travel romance. 8/12/2014 12:31:39 pm
Your idea sounds like some of the conversations I have with my daughters- huge Dr. Who fans. The conversation generally ends with "Mom, forget it. You'll never understand." :(
Brenda Margriet
8/12/2014 01:29:59 pm
Time travel is like a snake eating its tail. But the possibilities are really cool! 8/12/2014 08:23:00 pm
Ah, I love your take on writing. Me too Brenda. Me too. And I also have not read the Outlander series but all my friends seem to be and I'm giving the TV show a go - I'm sure the books are better tho. ;) 8/12/2014 10:37:06 pm
The idea of time travel, especially in romance, always fascinates me too :D Haven't attempted writing one, but you never know!
jami
8/13/2014 04:43:49 pm
Oh, a girl after my own heart. I am a die hard Outlander fan. I have been beside myself waiting for the series, and I was not disappointed! Thanks for sharing!
Brenda Margriet
8/14/2014 01:12:56 am
It hasn't premiered in Canada yet, so I am still waiting. Am cautiously optimistic - your comment makes me slightly less cautious!
J.J. Devine
8/15/2014 12:00:25 am
You are so right. I usually have to reread or rewatch something over and over that I like to pinpoint why I like it and why it works. However, if I find something I don't like, I can usually pick it out right away. Great blog!!! 8/15/2014 02:11:48 am
I was introduced to the Outlander series three years ago, and I dove in head-first. When they announced that it was coming to Starz, I thought I was dreaming. Yes, I actually pinched myself, lol.
Brenda Margriet
8/15/2014 03:26:11 am
"Written in My Own Heart's Blood" is sitting next to my writing space - it will be my treat when I'm done re-reading the rest of the series. :) Leave a Reply. |