Weird Dreams

I think my subconscious is plotting a new story or working kinks out of a current project. Why would I think that? You ask. Because my dreams have been weird lately. And when my dreams get that way I write them down. Sometimes during the recording, those dream fragments take on new life and become a story. As to where the dream last night goes or fits I don’t know, yet. 

Lawrence Block writes in several of his books on writing about “training your brain”, namely your subconscious to develop plots while you sleep. Hmmm love this idea. He theorizes if you devour books and authors you have a passion for you can develop mental memory of how that type of story is put together.

For example romance, back in the day I would read four and five romance novels at a time. I trained my brain on what elements make a romance novel a romance novel. And as I result my writing has some of tbe romance flavor to it. Or it feels that way. Now I read more fantasy and mystery and those elements are slowly blending into my writing. As my writing is influenced so to are my dreams. I do wonder how long it takes to train a brain.

So I am off to see what strange journey my brain has in store tonight. Cheers, james

Proofreading

On Facebook I am friends with an up and coming author, Liam Reese. After reading “A Huntman’s Fate”, the prequel to his soon to be released new book. He sent out an inquiry about interest in joining his Proofreading Club. I was intriqued and I signed up. Now don’t get all excited, volunteer status only and there is a whole passel of us doing it. However it has rekindled a small spark of the joy I find in writing. Yes, I know editing and proofing is a royal, but necessary pain. I once read it is easier to read and learn from bad writing than good writing. Now I am not saying this author is bad. In fact I have quite enjoyed his writing style and stories. By helping him, I help myself become a better writer. 

Showing is hard, telling is so much easier and yet it sticks out when you can see first hand in a work in progress. Once you can see it and understand it, it becomes easier to spot in your own writings. Or would be if I wasnt’t hiding from them by blogging. 

If you are interested in a new fantasy author check out Liam Reese and A Huntman’s Fate. He is on Facebook and is a nice feller. Also I will suggest checking out Sean Hinn and his Epic Fantasy FB group. They are a hoot and full of great book suggestions.

Cheers, james

Journaling

I have been spending more and less time with my journals lately. My commonplace/everything journal is almost empty. I get an idea and it doesn’t seem to make it into my journal. On the other hand my personal journal is getting more attention. Dreams, thoughts and life take up its creamy pages. 

On the other hand my blogging ideas seem to have dried up. I have started at least four posts over the last six months and abandoned them. I have been battling Stress for the last few months and it has taken a toll on this blog, my writing and me. Putting these words down, I can feel something shift inside my head. Maybe I can finally pull myself from this hole and get back into regular schedule and writing. 

Cheers, james