Ok. I lied.
I am depressed about cutting those twelve pages.
I know it's the right thing. I know the book will be stronger. But damn, that was a cute scene. It even had a sea serpent.
Linda's Literary Lair! Books for the intelligent, sexy, and curious.
Showing posts with label Nitty Gritty. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Nitty Gritty. Show all posts
Friday, December 11, 2009
Friday, November 27, 2009
Back on Track. And pissed off.
Ok, back to In Defense of Twilight, even though I hate it: Part Three.
As you may or may not know, I have a degree in Library and Information Science. Save the Dewey Decimal jokes - I've heard them all. We're going into the jungle of literary criticism today.
Library school gives you amazing perspective on popular culture. The criticisms aimed at Twilight for being misleading, wrong-headed, and a bad example to our youth have been fired at writing as far ranging as Harry Potter to E. B. White to the Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew to Tom Swift.
Yes, I'm serious.
Literary critics used to claim that reading these kinds of books as akin to feeding your child poison. After all, children are weak minded, you know.
To all the people who tell me that Twilight is going to tell women to fall for a gross, stalkery freak, I have one thing to say.
Women are not stupid.
Could it be possible that females are perfectly capable of discerning the difference between fantasy and reality??
When a young woman makes a poor choice in a mate, the example she's using comes from up close and personal observation of adults around her.
Not fictional characters.
If we honestly thought that women yearned for maltreatment, why don't we believe that every man reading a James Bond novel yearns to be shot, stabbed, tossed out of airplanes, dunked in arctic ice cold water, and have no emotional life to speak of?
Of course that is ridiculous - because we don't think men are stupid.
Why should we think our girls are stupid, impressionable, and helpless? Reading about Waif Bella does not turn a girl into a passive Waif. Reading about James Bond, the man with no sense of self-preservation, does not make a boy into a moron who thinks that getting shot is just business as usual.
Twilight (and romance) is popular because girls and women know it is fantasy. They get to experience what it is like to be passive Bella, or pretend they are dangerous Edward (more on that next time), or even learn how very wet the Pacific Northwest is.
What would the world look like if we believed that women were smart?
As you may or may not know, I have a degree in Library and Information Science. Save the Dewey Decimal jokes - I've heard them all. We're going into the jungle of literary criticism today.
Library school gives you amazing perspective on popular culture. The criticisms aimed at Twilight for being misleading, wrong-headed, and a bad example to our youth have been fired at writing as far ranging as Harry Potter to E. B. White to the Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew to Tom Swift.
Yes, I'm serious.
Literary critics used to claim that reading these kinds of books as akin to feeding your child poison. After all, children are weak minded, you know.
To all the people who tell me that Twilight is going to tell women to fall for a gross, stalkery freak, I have one thing to say.
Women are not stupid.
Could it be possible that females are perfectly capable of discerning the difference between fantasy and reality??
When a young woman makes a poor choice in a mate, the example she's using comes from up close and personal observation of adults around her.
Not fictional characters.
If we honestly thought that women yearned for maltreatment, why don't we believe that every man reading a James Bond novel yearns to be shot, stabbed, tossed out of airplanes, dunked in arctic ice cold water, and have no emotional life to speak of?
Of course that is ridiculous - because we don't think men are stupid.
Why should we think our girls are stupid, impressionable, and helpless? Reading about Waif Bella does not turn a girl into a passive Waif. Reading about James Bond, the man with no sense of self-preservation, does not make a boy into a moron who thinks that getting shot is just business as usual.
Twilight (and romance) is popular because girls and women know it is fantasy. They get to experience what it is like to be passive Bella, or pretend they are dangerous Edward (more on that next time), or even learn how very wet the Pacific Northwest is.
What would the world look like if we believed that women were smart?
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Caring for your instrument, part whatever.
While I was working out this morning, I came to the conclusion that even though I write with my hands, my bad knees have distracted me too long (like, since High School).
So I plan to call a physical therapist* after the holiday and see what can be done. If I don't blog about it, nag me to make sure I do it!
Oh, and
I hope you had a superb Thanksgiving. :)
*After many years of seeing a chiropractor for my headaches, I realized I wasn't getting better. I went to a physical therapist, got some amazing exercises, and now I have hardly any. And when I do get one, I know what to do!
So I plan to call a physical therapist* after the holiday and see what can be done. If I don't blog about it, nag me to make sure I do it!
Oh, and
I hope you had a superb Thanksgiving. :)
*After many years of seeing a chiropractor for my headaches, I realized I wasn't getting better. I went to a physical therapist, got some amazing exercises, and now I have hardly any. And when I do get one, I know what to do!
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
In Defense of Twilight, even though I hate it; Part Two
Today is the discussion of the Return of the Waif. *insert drum flourish here*
For anyone who is not as insane for archetypes as I am, here is quick introduction to The Waif from The Complete Writer's Guide to Heroes and Heroines by Cowden, LaFever, and Viders.
Bella is the Waif. Her purity is not merely her virginity, but also a sense of being unspoiled by greed, temper, or the cruelties of the world. She is also trusting and (more or less) kind. I personally find she is far too good of an example of the failings of the waif: impressionable, passive, insecure, and isolated. (pg. 77) As a Waif, Bella lets other people control her destiny, rather than pursuing her own interests. She's not even sure what her interests are.
Fairly obviously, the Waif has fallen out of favor with modern writers. I personally find it dull to write someone who refuses to act. But there is a reason why she is making a resurgence in literature.
The Waif appeals to the exhausted side of our personalities. The Waif rarely fights back or initiates action. Instead, she allows life to surprise her and take her where it goes.
Even the most motivated of self-starters get tired. There is something refreshing about letting go and allowing something or someone else to run your existence. And wouldn't it be restful to expect the best once in a while, rather than always anticipating the worst?
I think readers like Bella because everyone needs someone to take care of them every so often. It feels good to imagine taking your hands off the plow and letting another person till the soil.
I must admit, though, that I like it when a Waif decides to risk the blisters and dirt of her own labor.
I wonder if Bella ever will.
For anyone who is not as insane for archetypes as I am, here is quick introduction to The Waif from The Complete Writer's Guide to Heroes and Heroines by Cowden, LaFever, and Viders.
The Waif projects a child-like innocence, a soul-stirring susceptibility. She is naive, enigmatic, yet reslient. Everyone she meets wants to save her, but she can surprise people with her incredible inner strength and fortitude. She touches the vulnerable place deep inside all of us with her soft touch and wistful glance.... Her delicate fragility makes her an easy target. She always seems between a rock and hard place. She adapts to any situation she falls into without complaint. The Waif does not fight back; instead, she endures untold hardships untils she is rescued. (pg 76)
Bella is the Waif. Her purity is not merely her virginity, but also a sense of being unspoiled by greed, temper, or the cruelties of the world. She is also trusting and (more or less) kind. I personally find she is far too good of an example of the failings of the waif: impressionable, passive, insecure, and isolated. (pg. 77) As a Waif, Bella lets other people control her destiny, rather than pursuing her own interests. She's not even sure what her interests are.
Fairly obviously, the Waif has fallen out of favor with modern writers. I personally find it dull to write someone who refuses to act. But there is a reason why she is making a resurgence in literature.
The Waif appeals to the exhausted side of our personalities. The Waif rarely fights back or initiates action. Instead, she allows life to surprise her and take her where it goes.
Even the most motivated of self-starters get tired. There is something refreshing about letting go and allowing something or someone else to run your existence. And wouldn't it be restful to expect the best once in a while, rather than always anticipating the worst?
I think readers like Bella because everyone needs someone to take care of them every so often. It feels good to imagine taking your hands off the plow and letting another person till the soil.
I must admit, though, that I like it when a Waif decides to risk the blisters and dirt of her own labor.
I wonder if Bella ever will.
Monday, November 23, 2009
In defense of Twilight, even though I hate it: Part One
I have a lot of legitimate criticisms of Twilight. I read the first book, and never even tried any of the sequels. I have a strong disdain for passive heroines, and Bella is about as passive as it gets.
However, this is not about my baggage. It's about what makes this series resonate with so many people.
Let's talk about one aspect of Bella's passivity - namely, that you don't have to do anything to be considered worthy of love. You just have to be you.
We all seek to earn love - we get good grades (or bad grades), keep a clean house, save money, wear the right clothes and the right perfume, know all the outrageous sex tips, try to read someone's mind....
You get the picture.
But Bella is the object of Edward's obsession merely by sitting around, sleeping, and smelling really really good- all on her own. No special powers, no twisting herself into something she's not for approval, no Cinderella-type makeover to make someone notice her.
How powerful and hopeful of a message is that?!
You. Don't. Have. To. Earn. Love.
It's a radical thought in a society that tells women how they need to act to 'get a man'.
Twilight isn't my cup of tea, but it beats The Rules any day of the week.
However, this is not about my baggage. It's about what makes this series resonate with so many people.
Let's talk about one aspect of Bella's passivity - namely, that you don't have to do anything to be considered worthy of love. You just have to be you.
We all seek to earn love - we get good grades (or bad grades), keep a clean house, save money, wear the right clothes and the right perfume, know all the outrageous sex tips, try to read someone's mind....
You get the picture.
But Bella is the object of Edward's obsession merely by sitting around, sleeping, and smelling really really good- all on her own. No special powers, no twisting herself into something she's not for approval, no Cinderella-type makeover to make someone notice her.
How powerful and hopeful of a message is that?!
You. Don't. Have. To. Earn. Love.
It's a radical thought in a society that tells women how they need to act to 'get a man'.
Twilight isn't my cup of tea, but it beats The Rules any day of the week.
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Lazy Saturday morning
Today seems like a good day to talk about what books I think every writer should have. We all have our favorites, so why not share mine? ;)
If you only have one book on your shelf, make it Getting Things Done by David Allen. Too many people suffer from feeling overwhelmed by their dreams, wishes, and to-do lists. GTD (as the hipsters put it) shows you the way to feeling calm, creative, and on top of your game. If you don't have it, buy it, get it from the library, borrow it. It's a quick but intense read, and it'll make you much happier.
My next few are more writer-based.
I adore Carolyn See's Making a Literary Life. Her section on dealing with rejection should be required reading for every single person who yearns to write. No where else have I seen such down-to-earth and funny insights into why people say no, and how to cope with it.
A tacky title, but an awesome book is Write Away by Elizabeth George. I really like her comments on research, setting (my weakness), and brainstorming on her characters. It saved me a lot of hassle.
Old-school is awesome, so I suggest kicking it with Becoming a Writer by Dorothea Brande. She debunks the myth of someone stealing your ideas, tells you how to get started, and gives wonderful suggestions for feeding your head.
What do you keep on your reference shelf?
If you only have one book on your shelf, make it Getting Things Done by David Allen. Too many people suffer from feeling overwhelmed by their dreams, wishes, and to-do lists. GTD (as the hipsters put it) shows you the way to feeling calm, creative, and on top of your game. If you don't have it, buy it, get it from the library, borrow it. It's a quick but intense read, and it'll make you much happier.
My next few are more writer-based.
I adore Carolyn See's Making a Literary Life. Her section on dealing with rejection should be required reading for every single person who yearns to write. No where else have I seen such down-to-earth and funny insights into why people say no, and how to cope with it.
A tacky title, but an awesome book is Write Away by Elizabeth George. I really like her comments on research, setting (my weakness), and brainstorming on her characters. It saved me a lot of hassle.
Old-school is awesome, so I suggest kicking it with Becoming a Writer by Dorothea Brande. She debunks the myth of someone stealing your ideas, tells you how to get started, and gives wonderful suggestions for feeding your head.
What do you keep on your reference shelf?
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Tips and tricks.
Let's be honest. We all experience insecurity and fear about our writing. Everything from "It sucks", to "I suck" and everything in between.
It can paralyze an artist in a quagmire of self-loathing misery. Sometimes, though, it's possible to make a few steps out this nasty, leech-ridden, malaria-infested swamp
I call upon my 'tricks' to make it easier to find a shortcut. Here's few of my favorite tricks in no particular order, in a handy numbered list for quick reference. :)
It can paralyze an artist in a quagmire of self-loathing misery. Sometimes, though, it's possible to make a few steps out this nasty, leech-ridden, malaria-infested swamp
I call upon my 'tricks' to make it easier to find a shortcut. Here's few of my favorite tricks in no particular order, in a handy numbered list for quick reference. :)
- Change writing locations. I'll write in the library, different rooms in the house (I'm writing this now on my second floor landing), a coffee-shop (Starbucks is a cliche for a reason, folks!), or even just go outside. Something about a different visual geography can shake me out of a funk.
- Bribery is both functional and traditional. One of my critique partners says, "I don't need a lollipop every time I finish five pages." Well, I'm not nearly that mature. I love to bribe myself with hot baths, visits with my friends, a good movie - you name it. I try to avoid bribing myself with food, though. That way lies getting stuck in the different quagmire of body image issues.
- Ask for help. Somewhere out there, someone believes in you. Give them a call or an email. Say, "I'm going in. Cover me!" For some reason, this works really really well.
- Set a timer. When I'm exhausted and nearly falling out of my chair, I can fulfill my promises to myself by setting a timer for however long, and then letting myself rest.
- Read your work aloud. Something about hearing the story usually gets me ready to rock and roll.
- Crank your tunes. Turn that knob to eleven. Let the music drown out all those nasty, self-defeating voices.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
NaBlogWriMo?
Last night, a friend of mine challenged me to National Blog Writing Month. Better late than never, I say.
So, a few days into November, I will now attempt to write a blog entry every day.
*bites nails*
For my first entry, here is something I found online (but with no attribution, so if you know who wrote this, let me know!!)
How to feel miserable as an artist
(or, what not to do. Underline any that currently apply)
Can't you just hear it?
"Jayne Ann Krentz puts out how many books a year?! I'd better get seventy-five pages in by tomorrow!!
Yep. Works every time, let me tell you.
So, a few days into November, I will now attempt to write a blog entry every day.
*bites nails*
For my first entry, here is something I found online (but with no attribution, so if you know who wrote this, let me know!!)
How to feel miserable as an artist
(or, what not to do. Underline any that currently apply)
- Constantly compare yourself to other artists
- Talk to your family about what you do and expect them to cheer you on.
- Base the success of your entire career on one project.
- Stick with what you know.
- Undervalue your expertise.
- Let money dictate what you do.
- Bow to societal pressures.
- Only do what your family would love.
- Do whatever the client/customer/gallery owner/patron/investor asks.
- Set unachievable/overwhelming goals. To be accomplished by tomorrow.
Can't you just hear it?
"Jayne Ann Krentz puts out how many books a year?! I'd better get seventy-five pages in by tomorrow!!
Yep. Works every time, let me tell you.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
TMI alert!
One of the ways I try to keep my love scenes fresh and exciting is to keep a notebook of sexual fantasies and thoughts. Not just my own, but also ideas and experiences my friends share with me, or random ideas from the various media in my life.
I try not to judge or censor any of these, no matter how exotic or fantastical they may be. So I've got jottings about everything from tender heterosexual lovemaking by candlelight to tentacle sex to sex in outer space to.... Well, you get the idea. :)
Once people sense that you won't judge them for sexual thoughts, they can be remarkably forthcoming with ideas. Recently my husband and I struck up a general conversation with a gentleman in a restaurant's lounge . Once he found out I wrote romance, he suggested that the necklace our bartender wore would make a handy cock ring in a story.
Of course I wrote it down! I'm sure I'll use it somewhere.
So if you see me reaching for my purse during a conversation, keep talking!
I try not to judge or censor any of these, no matter how exotic or fantastical they may be. So I've got jottings about everything from tender heterosexual lovemaking by candlelight to tentacle sex to sex in outer space to.... Well, you get the idea. :)
Once people sense that you won't judge them for sexual thoughts, they can be remarkably forthcoming with ideas. Recently my husband and I struck up a general conversation with a gentleman in a restaurant's lounge . Once he found out I wrote romance, he suggested that the necklace our bartender wore would make a handy cock ring in a story.
Of course I wrote it down! I'm sure I'll use it somewhere.
So if you see me reaching for my purse during a conversation, keep talking!
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Remember what the Dormouse said...
Feed your head!
(sorry about the earworm, there, but it had to be done)
Something I always forget, but is of vital necessity - intellectual stimulation is the life-blood of writers and other artists. When I haven't seen art, listened to live music, or done any of those other life-affirming things, I have a very very difficult time writing.
Yesterday, I checked out the MC Escher exhibit at the Portland Art Museum. It was brilliant and eye opening.
The show had study after study for his pieces, original lithographs, and even the plates he used for his work.
What did I learn?
That art takes time. And, despite my natural tendency towards impatience, it is supposed to take time.
What a relief!
(sorry about the earworm, there, but it had to be done)
Something I always forget, but is of vital necessity - intellectual stimulation is the life-blood of writers and other artists. When I haven't seen art, listened to live music, or done any of those other life-affirming things, I have a very very difficult time writing.
Yesterday, I checked out the MC Escher exhibit at the Portland Art Museum. It was brilliant and eye opening.
The show had study after study for his pieces, original lithographs, and even the plates he used for his work.
What did I learn?
That art takes time. And, despite my natural tendency towards impatience, it is supposed to take time.
What a relief!
Monday, August 10, 2009
Inspiration! Imitation!
Elizabeth Gilbert on writing, creativity, and surviving fear.
I have a feeling I'm going to be looking at this video a lot. :)
I have a feeling I'm going to be looking at this video a lot. :)
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Buy the book!
My good friend Delilah Marvelle just sent me this email:
Despite being sold out of my first print run and going to reprint soon for my debut book, Mistress of Pleasure, Kensington will not be renewing my contracts citing lack of sales. So I have a favor to ask everyone. I am looking to do one last huge push for the second book coming out this August 4th, Lord of Pleasure, so that this series doesn't die a sad pathetic death.
I'm hoping everyone can help in any way by blogging, pitching, sending out newsletters, telling their brothers and sisters, ANYONE to buy the damn book when it comes out August 4th, to show to the publisher that this series DOES matter.
I'm also having a contest, which everyone can post everywhere.
The contest is as follows:
From August 4 until August 28, anyone who e-mails me at
Delilah@DelilahMarvelle.com with the School's quote from Lesson 27, will be entered to win one of three $50 Visa Cards. Winners will be contacted via e-mail by September 10th.
I appreciate all the support!!!
Mistress of Pleasure, Sold out
Lord of Pleasure, August 2009
Despite being sold out of my first print run and going to reprint soon for my debut book, Mistress of Pleasure, Kensington will not be renewing my contracts citing lack of sales. So I have a favor to ask everyone. I am looking to do one last huge push for the second book coming out this August 4th, Lord of Pleasure, so that this series doesn't die a sad pathetic death.
I'm hoping everyone can help in any way by blogging, pitching, sending out newsletters, telling their brothers and sisters, ANYONE to buy the damn book when it comes out August 4th, to show to the publisher that this series DOES matter.
You can also send them to my website www.DelilahMarvelle.com
The campaign is called Save the School of Gallantry Series. I'm also having a contest, which everyone can post everywhere.
The contest is as follows:
From August 4 until August 28, anyone who e-mails me at
Delilah@DelilahMarvelle.com with the School's quote from Lesson 27, will be entered to win one of three $50 Visa Cards. Winners will be contacted via e-mail by September 10th.
I appreciate all the support!!!
Mistress of Pleasure, Sold out
Lord of Pleasure, August 2009RT Reviewer's Choice Award Nominee,
N.O.R's Best Historical Romance of the Year
& Booksellers Best Award Double Finalist!
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