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Lately, I’ve been thinking about how much my other creative pursuits influence my writing — and even help me get through tough problems when I’m working.
There’s something about knitting, for me, that allows me to keep my hands busy and focus juuuuust a little, but frees the rest of my mind to work out a plot tangle or a question about character arcs. I’ve found the same thing in spinning (yarn, not exercise — ugh), and even calligraphy.
(Click to enlarge.)
I started wondering if some of my fellow Pub Crawlers had other creative outlets, as well. And yep. When I put out the call, they delivered.
JJ: I’ll start! When it comes to other creative outlets (or as I call them, other procrastinatory outlets ;-)), I tend to play my piano or guitar, draw, take pictures, or redesign my website. I think they all fulfill different functions; for example, I often redesign my website when I’m stuck or between drafts because fiddling with CSS and other types of code is soothing. There is something about typing one thing and have it show up as a concrete THING on the other end that is very, very comforting (especially when writing fiction, which is anything BUT concrete sometimes). I find it kind of mindless in the way algebra is mindless: simple enough to keep me occupied and let the subconscious wander free. (Which is why I am often redesigning my website when I am stuck.)
Music is less mindless to me, and I often play when I need to completely shut off and do something else for a while. I studied piano for 15 years, but when I play now, it’s less the classical stuff and more the “I just the heard the latest pop song and I want to do a cover” type of thing. Usually I cheat and figure out the chord progressions on my guitar first (I am a terrible, terrible, terrible formal musician. 15 years and I know fuck-all about theory.), or sometimes look up the tabs. Then I transfer the work to the piano. (Luckily, 99% of all the pop songs are the same four chords I-V-vi-IV.)
Sometimes, I doodle drawings of my characters. But that’s usually when I’m doing something ELSE and unable to write (that’s often at the day job). Doodling sketches of my characters keeps me in the right frame of mind for my story, but it also helps me figure out what they look like in my head. (I often post my doodles to Instagram and Tumblr. My doodles can also be found on my blog and Deviantart.)
If there’s a procrastinatory technique, then I will do it. Are you sensing a theme here?
Susan: I enjoy tap dancing, sewing, and blogging/newslettering. They all demand really different kinds of creative energy.
One thing that I started doing this year (and that I do a lot of now) is making my own body products and makeup. It’s like cooking crossed with chem lab. Lots of stirring and weighing and melting involved. Plus, you have to really understand how various butters or oils, oxides or clays interact–otherwise the consistency of the cream/lotion/lip gloss won’t be right. Or you might end up with a blush that’s TOO red or a pressed powder that’s so pale you look like a corpse. I find that all that mixing and melting and measuring requires just enough focus that I can’t totally zone out, but it also frees up enough headspace for my subconscious to work through story knots.
Erin: As most of you know, I was a web designer prior to jumping into writing. Design is still a huge outlet for me. Even though it’s related to writing, I absolutely love designing my own promotional materials (bookmarks, stickers, postcards, etc), as well as maintaining my website. I’m a bit type nerd, too, so I tend to collect (read: buy) way more fonts than I should.
Another huge distraction for me, while not necessarily creative, is getting outdoors. Walks, hikes, camping, canoeing . . . you name it. I find being outside, totally away from the computer/technology is one of the best ways to give my brain a break and reset the creative well, if you will.
Kat: I love all kinds of art, and I get really inspired watching people dance, or put on a play, or things like that. As for as things I actually do myself, though, I paint (mostly watercolor at the moment), and I’ve gotten into digital art (“painting” with a wacom tablet and photoshop) this past year or so. It’s a great creative outlet that’s not word-based.
I love photography as well, but since I’m mostly interested in portrait/lifestyle photography, my ability to do it is limited to the times when my friends are willing to play model
I post a lot of both my art and my photography on my Tumblr
Janice: I’m a graphic designer by trade, and I think that’s helped me a lot with being able to handle feedback without taking it personally. Clients always ask for changes and comment on my “art” and it’s helped me be able to see my creative work as a product and not just an expression of myself, and how the creative process can be a group effort to great success.
The last few years I’ve been drawing and painting for fun, and crazy as it sounds, I’ve been painting Nerf guns and toys. All of the guns were bright orange and yellow plastic when I started. My husband gave me a huge AT-AT toy for my birthday that I’m dying to paint. It takes hours, but it’s a lot of fun and very absorbing. It’s a combination of spray paint, fine detail hand painting and dry brushing.
(Click to enlarge.)
I’m not sure how “creative” this is, but I’m a gamer and I’ve feel having to make decisions about what to do it games and thinking about what that character would do (their motivations) has helped me plot my novels easier. It forced me to think about cause and effect and how character choices created effects and consequences. There’s also a lot of creativity in designing a game for friends and running one, almost like writing a book where you have no control over the characters, hehe.
–
Jodi Meadows lives and writes in the Shenandoah Valley, Virginia, with her husband, a Kippy*, and an alarming number of ferrets. She is a confessed book addict, and has wanted to be a writer ever since she decided against becoming an astronaut. She is the author of the INCARNATE Trilogy (HarperCollins/Katherine Tegen). *A Kippy is a cat.
I go to a lot of book related events, both as an attendee and as a presenter. Over the last year, I’ve been paying just as much attention to the audiences as I have the panels. Some authors capture attention, while others cause audience members to check their watches or phones.
What does this have to do with being an author?
Part of an author’s job is to capture and hold attention, and that applies to the events they do as well as the books they write. An off-putting author is one who probably isn’t going to see a long line at the after-event signing, while the author who engaged the audience and made them laugh probably will. I can’t tell you how many books I’ve purchased that I normally wouldn’t have, just because I liked the author during their panel.
Even if you’re an aspiring or first-time author there’s plenty to learn. One day you’ll be up there, and you’ll want to know the best way to present yourself and your books. Pay attention to how different authors interact with the audience and how the audience responds to them.
You can also learn a lot about summarizing your book by watching skilled authors present. Every panel opens with the authors saying a little about themselves and their books. Those who give a short, yet compelling pitch stand out from those who ramble and make their books sound generic or even boring. Hearing (and seeing) what works and what doesn’t is a great way to help you hone your own pitch.
Here are some common panel types and what they can teach you:
The Wallflower
This author might be brand new or just painfully shy, but she practically disappears on stage. She speaks so softly no one but the front row can hear her, and she doesn’t join in the panel discussions or have much to say when the questions fall to her. This is an author who might have a great book, but no one remembers (or hears) anything about it. She’s forgotten as soon as the panel is over.
Lesson Learned: People came to hear you speak, so speak up and be heard. Even if you’re shy and don’t feel comfortable engaging in a panel discussion, you’ll have a chance to answer the moderator’s direct questions. Make the most of them, even if you’re succinct in your answers.
The Attention Hog
This author is the opposite of shy, butting in while others are speaking and drawing all the attention back to herself. She acts like everyone came to see her, even if she’s the small fish on the panel. She answers every question (even ones not aimed at her) yet very little of what she says holds any value. This is an author who turns everyone off, and likely loses sales due to her personality.
Lesson Learned: Share your panel time and don’t be rude. People notice when you’re being a jerk, and even if your book sounded interesting, odds are they’ll skip it in favor of someone else they liked better.
The “Let Me Tell You About My Book”
This author just wants to tell you about her book. The whole time. Whether it’s appropriate to the question or not. She also frequently refers to her other books, even though no one asked her about them. This is an author who is so focused on selling you what she wrote she doesn’t notice the uncomfortable looks and people inching away.
Lesson Learned: There’s a fine balance between mentioning your book in context and intriguing the audience, and verbally spamming them. Try to talk about your book in a way that answers the questions and helps create a good panel discussion.
The Rambler
This author never gets to the point. She goes off on tangents, refers to vague details as if everyone knows what she’s talking about, and doesn’t come anywhere near answering the question. Even worse, she frequently drones on in the same monotone voice that puts people to sleep. This is an author who makes the audience wonder why she’s even there and they groan every time she opens her mouth.
Lesson Learned: Right or wrong, people often assume how you present yourself is similar to how you write. If you bore them while answering a basic question, they’ll assume your book is equally boring. Be interesting in both what you say and how you say it. Modulate your tone as if telling a story–pitch and inflection work like pacing when you’re speaking.
The “But I Wanted to Know More”
This author gives great answers, but she forgets to tell people about her book. Maybe she gives the title or genre, but no other details that would encourage people to buy it. This is an author who gets the audience’s attention, then fails to take advantage of it.
Lesson Learned: Don’t forget to tell people about your book. This is easily done during the introduction when people actually want to know a little bit about who you are and what you write.
The Huge Personality
This author has the audience’s attention right off the bat. She’s bold, personable, extremely likable and people just want to hang out with her. She often makes both the audience and the other panelists laugh, and spurs additional conversations through her comments. This is an author who sells books to people who never would have picked up the book otherwise.
Lesson Learned: Not everyone is blessed with a big personality, but everyone can learn from those who are. Be yourself and share some of who you are with the audience. They want to get to know you and the more they like you, the more apt they’ll be to try your book.
The Professional Author
This author engages the audience, makes them laugh, and teaches them something–either about her book or whatever the panel topic is on. She’s not afraid to disagree, but always does so in a way that’s respectful to the other panelists and offers a different view, not a criticism. This is an author who already has fans in the audience and will likely make new ones based on this event.
Lesson Learned: Being personable and professional is always a winning combination. Panels are lots of fun, but you’re also there to work, so treat your fellow panelists, hosts, and audience members with respect.
With authors responsible for so much of their own marketing these days, events are becoming more and more common. Every event is a chance to grow your readership and network with fellow authors and readers, so use the opportunity wisely.
Have you ever bought a book based on an author’s personality at an event? What made you try it? Has an author even made you not buy their book? (be kind–no names on these poor souls)
Janice Hardy is the author of the teen fantasy trilogy The Healing Wars, where she tapped into her own dark side to create a world where healing was dangerous, and those with the best intentions often made the worst choices. Her novels include The Shifter, Blue Fire, and Darkfall from Balzer+Bray/Harper Collins. The first book in her Foundations of Fiction series, Planning Your Novel: Ideas and Structure is out now. She lives in Georgia with her husband, one yard zombie, three cats, and a very nervous freshwater eel. Find out more about writing at her site, Fiction University, or find her on Twitter @Janice_Hardy.
Today I have a guest post on Janice Hardy’s blog! For the two or three of of you who are not familiar with Janice Hardy and her great upper MG fantasy trilogy THE HEALING WARS, please head over to her blog. There you will not only find my guest post on why I love writing for the younger end of middle grade, Laugh and Cry Like a Nine-Year-Old; you will find the most amazing and helpful collection on the internet of posts for writers. I think I got most of my education in story structure there!
Check back here soon for a guest post from debut author Nikkki Loftin and a giveaway of an ARC for her soon-to-be-released MG novel, THE SINISTER SWEETNESS OF SPLENDID ACADEMY!
Tonight’s chat provided particularly fascinating insight into author Janice Hardy’s road to publication, writing process and advice for up and coming writers! Janice Hardy, author of The Healing Wars: A long-time fantasy reader, Janice Hardy always wondered about the darker side of healing. For her fantasy trilogy THE HEALING WARS, she tapped into her own dark [...]
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Tonight’s chat provided particularly fascinating insight into author Janice Hardy’s road to publication, writing process and advice for up and coming writers! Janice Hardy, author of The Healing Wars: A long-time fantasy reader, Janice Hardy always wondered about the darker side of healing. For her fantasy trilogy THE HEALING WARS, she tapped into her own dark [...]
Related posts:
Are you ready for this? Two weeks ago we tried to discuss planning a series with Janice Hardy, author of The Healing Wars (Bk I: The Shifter, Bk II: Blue Fire), but due to technical difficulties with Twitter Janice was unable to join us. So this week I’ve invited her back, we’ve tested the system [...]
Related posts:
Are you ready for this? Two weeks ago we tried to discuss planning a series with Janice Hardy, author of The Healing Wars (Bk I: The Shifter, Bk II: Blue Fire), but due to technical difficulties with Twitter Janice was unable to join us. So this week I’ve invited her back, we’ve tested the system [...]
Related posts:
Is your stand alone novel mushrooming into something too large to contain within 350 pages? Has your publisher asked you for a second book with the same character? Join series writer Janice Hardy to discuss whether your stand alone novel has series potential, and how to spread plot over a series of books whilst still [...]
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4 Comments on TOPIC: Stand Alone Novel or Series?, last added: 10/7/2010
Cheers! I’m looking forward to it, too, though I think some carrot cake (aka rocket fuel) is required to keep me awake. The sun is shafting through the window, making me sleepy!
Veronica Rossi said, on 10/7/2010 3:44:00 PM
Fantastic topic, Lia! Really looking forward to it, – V.
Lia Keyes said, on 10/7/2010 5:24:00 PM
Rather self-serving, I thought… Sounds like you might join us tonight—great!
Is your stand alone novel mushrooming into too large a story to contain within 350 pages? Has your publisher asked you for a second book with the same character? Join series author Janice Hardy to discuss whether your stand alone novel has series potential, and how to design a plot over a series of books whilst [...]
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0 Comments on TOPIC: Stand Alone Novel or Series? as of 1/1/1900
JJ: I’ll start! When it comes to other creative outlets (or as I call them, other procrastinatory outlets ;-)), I tend to play my piano or guitar, draw, take pictures, or redesign my website. I think they all fulfill different functions; for example, I often redesign my website when I’m stuck or between drafts because fiddling with CSS and other types of code is soothing. There is something about typing one thing and have it show up as a concrete THING on the other end that is very, very comforting (especially when writing fiction, which is anything BUT concrete sometimes). I find it kind of mindless in the way algebra is mindless: simple enough to keep me occupied and let the subconscious wander free. (Which is why I am often redesigning my website when I am stuck.)
Are you sensing a theme here?
Susan: I enjoy tap dancing, sewing, and blogging/newslettering. They all demand really different kinds of creative energy.
I find that all that mixing and melting and measuring requires just enough focus that I can’t totally zone out, but it also frees up enough headspace for my subconscious to work through story knots.
Erin: As most of you know, I was a web designer prior to jumping into writing. Design is still a huge outlet for me. Even though it’s related to writing, I absolutely love designing my own promotional materials (bookmarks, stickers, postcards, etc), as well as maintaining my website. I’m a bit type nerd, too, so I tend to collect (read: buy) way more fonts than I should.
Kat: I love all kinds of art, and I get really inspired watching people dance, or put on a play, or things like that. As for as things I actually do myself, though, I paint (mostly watercolor at the moment), and I’ve gotten into digital art (“painting” with a wacom tablet and photoshop) this past year or so. It’s a great creative outlet that’s not word-based.
Janice: I’m a graphic designer by trade, and I think that’s helped me a lot with being able to handle feedback without taking it personally. Clients always ask for changes and comment on my “art” and it’s helped me be able to see my creative work as a product and not just an expression of myself, and how the creative process can be a group effort to great success.
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Excellent advice! I can hardly wait for tonight’s chat!
HeatherM´s last blog ..Barnes & Nobles Answer To Self-Publishing
Cheers! I’m looking forward to it, too, though I think some carrot cake (aka rocket fuel) is required to keep me awake. The sun is shafting through the window, making me sleepy!
Fantastic topic, Lia! Really looking forward to it, – V.
Rather self-serving, I thought…
Sounds like you might join us tonight—great!