Back to my writing roots

This past year has given me many opportunities to pivot and reconsider where I’ve been, both personally and professionally, and where I want to go – some of those opportunities were good (new job) and some were bad (losing my dad) but they all changed me.

A few years ago I wanted to change up my artistic outlet and made the change from novel writing to screenplays and after running into so many gatekeepers it made me rethink that choice and I came back to having more control over my destiny…but with a twist. Instead of writing for children, I found I really enjoyed writing female driven thrillers so I’m spinning those screenplays into novels.

The first one I’m working on is titled Freak Creek based on some suggestions from Les and one of our Wednesday Wanderings from last summer. I’m dedicating it to my dad – not because I think it is something he would particularly enjoy, but because of his unending level of support that he always gave for my writing (right behind Les who unfortunately has to live with my characters nearly as much as I do.)

So, with all of that said, the first draft (glorified outline really) is finished and is in the hands of the editor that I used to work with on the other novels. Editing was never one of my favorite parts, but in the last few years since I’ve done this I think I’ve learned to trust the process little more. I would like to be able to have it ready for it’s Amazon release on December 22, 2022 – again to honor my dad…but one thing screenwriting taught me is that you can’t rush these things – the story dictates when it’s finished.

Wrapping up NaNoWriMo

As November and National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) comes to a close today, I just wanted to give a quick update on the new novel FREAK CREEK.

It currently sits at 21,529 words which is a far cry from where I want it – but a great start! I’m also happy to share that it’s fully outlined and I know how it ends – which is always a good thing to know! Now the real work begins…revising and editing. It may not be the ‘fun’ part, but where the real magic happens.

So, my friends, remember as we get into the bustle of the holiday season that ANYTHING is possible. Remember to take time for yourself, whatever your happiness looks like to you, and hold your loved ones close!

NaNoWriMo

NaNoWriMo – short for National Novel Writing Month starts the 1st of November and runs all month. It’s a challenge where aspiring writers see if they can complete the first draft of a novel in 30 days. That breaks a 60,000 word novel into a goal of 2,000 words a day…every day…Whether it’s insane or motivating – I’m challenging myself this month.

WHAT? You’re writing another novel? But hasn’t is been like 5 YEARS since you’ve written a novel?

Yep – something like that. The last few years my focus has been on screenplays and I’m in the middle of an AMAZING screenplay (thanks Les for the inspiration on this one!) But screenplays are a somewhat of a personal journey and the idea, the story doesn’t get a chance to be seen by the world unless you are one of the lucky and very few who actually get a new idea made.

So….I wanted this idea and story to be able to get out there and be experienced, so I’m stretching my writing ability once more to see if I can write a book for adults.

GASP! Adult novel?

Not THAT kind of adult novel! After adapting the Crypto series into a screenplay, I found that I loved writing female-driven thrillers and mysteries and that’s what this one is all about!

Enough of the chit chat though – I realize I’m starting NaNoWriMo two days early but I’m a little rusty with this format and time’s a wastin’. So, if you try to find me in November, look on the other side of a screen where I’ll be typing away.

But please send me all the love and motivation that you can – I know that I have the best village around!

More to come in December!

My new writing partner

It’s been six weeks now, so I think it’s time to introduce my new writing partner hard at work!

So far he hasn’t shown himself to be another muse, like Kobi, or exceptionally good at hashing out ideas, like Les, but he does an amazing job of being quietly supportive and eager for a game of ball whenever I’ve been working too long!

Welcome to the tribe Bear!

One Step Closer

Today was a huge day here at Dragonfly Acres – a table read for THE STORM, the feature murder mystery screenplay that was optioned last May.

I’ve hosted some table reads for works in progress (WORLDS AWAY) and have always found them useful and grateful for everyone who participated in them – but today even more so.

It was all done over Zoom, which is the new normal for doing things now, but what made it the most fun was the professional actors who gave voices to my characters. Writers tend to stay is a bubble of sorts and while I’m used to hearing the different characteristics and ‘voices’, it was amazing to hear how others see those characters. Even more interesting is how two of the actors nailed the exact character who was in my head!

Nearly everyone was from Europe – which put a different spin on it, especially for one character who is extremely Southern!

After the table read, everyone had great ideas on ways to make the script even stronger and better and were very complimentary to me and my insecurities!

One more step closer to realizing THE STORM!

Thank you so much Jasmin and Annika for organizing this and believing in it!

Twas the Day Before Christmas

Twas the day before Christmas and all round the farm,

It was 80 degrees – So sunny and warm.

Les in his workshop and me in the stable,

Both puttered around- still spritely and able.

The horse were grazing out in the yard,

I had an idea – called them both to the barn.

Played with Kobi under saddle, he rode like a dream,

Groundwork with Midnight, how his blue eye did gleam!

Cricket sat purring while she laid in the sun,

She rolled on her back, wanting a rub.

A walk in the woods, we broke out in sweat,

The trails were all green and still mostly wet.

Back to the house to prepare for the night,

Supposed to freeze over, said the news with a fright.

Cover the plants, blanket the horses,

Drip water in the pipes and check weather sources.

The horses are tucked in, both snug in their coats,

They don’t mind the weather while munching on oats.

St. Nick will be cold, but we’ll fill him cheer,

Cookies for him, carrots for the deer.

Yes, Santa will come with gifts for us all

First stop by the barn and visit the stalls.

Then on to the house while still in a hurry

No time to stop, may get caught in a flurry.

But the gifts we all wish for don’t come from the store,

Peace, love and happiness – we can’t ask for more.

Twenty Twenty’s been scary, with Covid and all,

Twenty one will be better – for great and for small.

Keep a smile on your face and love in your heart,

The world will feel hope if we all do our part.

I can’t say it enough as well go through next year,

Keep your chin up – we have nothing to fear!

Things that go BUMP in the night!

It’s no secret that I love mythical creatures (cough, cough, hornless unicorns) and things that can’t be readily explained (cough, cough, ghosts)…but there is one that is my all time favorite…Bigfoot!

Florida has it’s own version of Bigfoot – the Skunk Ape and here at Dragonfly Acres we took it a step further and named her Swampy. Anyone who is familiar with the cryptozoology series or the short for WORLDS AWAY already knows all about Swampy.

When I was trying to think of a ‘creature’ for my next screenplay, I was researching all sorts of creepy mythical creatures and brainstorming with my favorite muse – Les. He kept coming back around to Bigfoot or Swampy. But I wanted SCARY – and Swampy is not scary…just misunderstood.

After going back and forth a couple of times, I conceded to use Bigfoot. I refuse to give away any more spoilers than that!

Again, with the visual assistance of The Internet Hippie to bring my vision into poster form – I present to you…MONSTERS

Another project finished!

I know that 2020 is a year for the books – but thankfully it has been a creative year as well. I just finished a project that has been rattling around for years now gone through many, MANY changes from novel to feature to now limited series – and title changes from Rebel Yell to Wild West Experience to…

UNBROKEN!

Hopefully great things will be coming from this little story soon and a VERY SPECIAL thanks to Jennifer Musselman @theinternethippie for always giving my words a picture!

Anyone recognize that beautiful horse?!

Motivations

Hi all! It’s been awhile and it’s been a crazy year since we last chatted. I know that you probably all are feeling the same pain.

Which leads me to my thought of the day – motivation and what motivates you…

As a writer, a new thought, idea or story is probably my #1 motivator, but sometimes it can be loved ones (here’s looking at you Les), beautiful weather (it was 69 degrees this morning), or just a good cup of coffee.

I’m currently trying to wrap up scripts on my two brilliant ideas from a few months ago – when the next brilliant idea for a script struck – I will tell you that a day inside my head is entertaining to say the least…

But I’m dying to know – what’s your motivation?

Hard Work and Validation

I know, I know – it’s been awhile…I’d like to blame the pandemic for the craziness and my lack of attention, but who am I kidding…most people know that I lived in a socially distanced, self imposed quarantine long before March.

I am, after all, a writer!

No, what has drawn my attention from all else is the writing, and rewriting, and editing for the sake of editing – not to mention the two new stories that are rattling around in my head at the moment …there’s not a moment of peace in there!

But – there is a pay-off – almost a light at the end of a very long tunnel…the latest feature script THE STORM has been noticed and optioned!

OK – what does that mean? More hard work…more notes, more editing, more bleeding on the page. It also means that I have a decent (and dare I say ‘good’) story at the heart of it all. It means that the voice in my head at 2 am that tells me I’ll never write anything ‘good’ is wrong.

It means – I am a writer!

So, my takeaway here isn’t to brag (although it does feel amazing to share), but rather to say DON’T GIVE UP…not when it’s hard, not when the muse is quiet, and especially not at 2 am when you can’t quiet the critic.

Someone, some where will find that diamond in the rough that’s within us all. They will validate all the work you’ve put in to whatever it is you are passionate about…but until then…

DON’T GIVE UP!