On Alien Kittens, Writing Partners and Muses
As I prepared to write this guest post, Wookie, who came to live with me when she was about 3 weeks old, asked, "Chrruupp?"
I answered that I usually begin somewhat ahead of the story's actual beginning. That way I can give a little back story or history for my characters or the plot. I know I'll delete it before I try to publish it because 1) I don't want to bore my readers 2) I like to start the story where the plot begins or as close to it as possible. Does that mean I never use any of that material? No. Sometimes I filter it in as a flashback or in the character's thoughts or simply as a one-to-three sentence bit of background. Sometimes I'll use it as a prologue (though it has to really be important to the plot before I'll do that.)
Wookie seemed impressed. If you've ever met a cat, especially an alien kitten, you know that to impress them is quite a feat. With a flick of her pointy ears and a feline smile, she asked, "Mwawww?"
What is the hardest part of the writing process for me? I had to stop and think. Getting the story idea is fairly easy. Many of them begin with dream sequences (yes, I have odd dreams and no, it's not due to something I ate, lol). And I love research, so that's never a problem. But, with that in mind, I think the hardest part of the writing process for me is to NOT include every single bit of information that I've learned during the book's research. I love research and I love learning and I'm sure most readers do as well because readers are some of the smartest people on the planet. But I know I can get off the plot path easily by looking for ways to incorporate each intriguing bit of data that I find. That's my burden and I have to fight it every time I sit down to write ;-)
Wookie wandered over to a tiny sparkly pink ball with a long silky black feather, one of the first toys I ever bought her. Her hand paw slapped the ball, moving it across the room. She pounced on it in one of those incredible alien kitten movements that spans several feet without even touching the floor. I've always thought it was typical of an innate anti-gravity that cats seem to possess. She looked over her shoulder at me. "Prripp woa?"
Well, yes, I've always read a lot of Fantasy or Science Fiction. In fact, Andre Norton and Isaac Asimov were my early favorites. Both are noted Fantasy/Science Fiction authors but they both often had romantic elements in their work.
Ms Norton's style was spare, not a word wasted. She had a graceful writing style that lured a reader in and keep them firmly attached to the book and the characters. She could build intricate fantasy worlds so real, you wished you could visit them.
Dr. Asimov gave his science fiction stories real people which is what fiction stories are about even while he provided sound science or quasi-science in measured amounts. He knew that too many dry facts would turn a reader in a sleeper ;-)
Looking back, I've never been able to confine myself to either Fantasy or Science Fiction. I like to think that what I've done is combined fantasy and science fiction with romance to get a genre I call Science Fantasy Romance. I'm not going to say that I created the genre or coined the name for it but that is what I write.
Science Fantasy lets me stretch my imagination. I love mythology and the fantastical. I love science. As I said on another blog I visited recently, my novels follow the Arthur C. Clarke quotation: Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic. Heartstone has shapeshifters who wield laser swords, fly space ships, and have interplanetary transporter-style locations. They heal/diagnose with 'magical' stones or by touch. Altered Destiny has aliens that resemble Elves, dragons, space flight, alternate time lines and other cool stuff ;-) My goal is to make the 'magic' real and the science plausible without sacrificing the story or the characters.
Wookie abandoned her toy to attack a cardboard box. If you could hear it, you'd think of a boxer beating a punching bag. When the box was satisfactorily subdued (I'm not sure what its crime was, lol), she daintily sat and wrapped her long plush tail around her feet and winked at me.
I thought back over our 'conversation' and realized it would be perfect for this guest post. Now you know why Wookie, the alien kitten, is my writing partner and muse ;-)
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By Lynda K. Scott
Mundania Press
Science Fantasy Romance
Eric d'Ebrur is out of time. He must fine the legendary Heartstone and fulfill the ancient Gar'Ja bond he shares with the Stonebearer. But when he finds her, he discovers that love can be more dangerous than the Gawan threat. Eric can defeat the mind-controlling Gawan but will it cost him the woman he loves?
After terrifying episodes of hypersensitivity, Keriam Norton thinks she's losing her mind. When handsome shapeshifter Eric d'Ebrur saves her from the monstrous Gawan, she's sure of it. But insane or not, she'll find the Heartstone and, if she's lucky, a love to last a lifetime.
Available in print and ebook format
Buy Links: Mundania Press (use MP10 at checkout for 10% discount)
http://www.mundania.com/book.php?title=Heartstone
Amazon http://www.amazon.com/Heartstone-Lynda-K-Scott/dp/1606592335/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpt_3
by Lynda K Scott
Science Fantasy Romance
Available in ebook formats
Stranded on an alternate Earth, architect and Jill-of-all-trades, Liane Gautier-MacGregor must find her way back to her homeworld before she's enslaved...or falls in love with a man who is the exact duplicate of her ex-husband.
Devyn MacGregor's alter ego as the Reiver Lord is the only way he can fight the Qui'arel and their nefarious Bride Bounty, a tax paid with human females...until he meets the oddly familiar woman who claims he is her husband. And who sets in motion the rebellion that will either free his countrymen or destroy them.
Buy Links:
Amazon http://www.amazon.com/Altered-Destiny-ebook/dp/B00579FKFO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1308920443&sr=8-1
Nook http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Altered-Destiny/Lynda-K-Scott/e/2940012882417
Smashwords https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/79552
Thanks for having me! If you are a member or join my newsgroup before Oct 1, you'll automatically be entered into a drawing for a beaded crystal heart pendant. (Sorry, you must be a resident of the USA to win the pendant but a non-USA winner will receive an alternate prize to be determined at the time of the drawing.) Contest Rules are available at http://lyndakscott.blogspot.com/2011/09/new-member-only-contest.html
Posts
Oh what a fun post, ladies. Lynda, I love the descriptions of your alien kitten. I also live with one of those we recently acquired, and two put out older felines. Not to mention a domineering little dog from who knows what planet. And then there's the wolf pack... Anyway, your thoughts on writing and your creative process sound familiar, and your stories fascinating.
ReplyDeleteHi Beth! Isn't it fun to have alien kittens and wolf packs share your home...er, I mean isn't it fun to share their home? LOL Thanks for stopping by!
ReplyDeleteGreat post. I have 2 kitty muses who like to sit on the keyboard to get my attention. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteYour kitty does look like a Wookie! Great post and good interaction with your sidekick! Books sound wonderful!
ReplyDeleteI read this at 6:30 but had to take dgd to the bus stop. Annnyway- I got a kick out of alien kitten. Makes me miss my contest assistant- Trouble- who had to stay with my niece after the move (I'm not happy about it)...long story and a ill fil.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your process Lynda.
Hi Gale, LOL, If you ask, they'll probably say, in all innocence, that they're simply keeping the keyboard warm for you ;-) That's what Wookie would say.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by!
Alien kittens make wonderful writing partners, apparently! Thanks for a very fun post. Tell Wookie Princess Kitty says hi and suggests lying across your person's arms while they type is also helpful.
ReplyDeleteHi P.L.! Wookie agrees but refuses to wear the little hoodies. She doesn't like to mess up her 'do'. Vanity, thy name is Wookie ;-)
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by!
Hi Calisa! I'm sorry you had to leave your kitty, Trouble, when you moved. I'm glad you enjoyed the post ;-)
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by!
Hi Kate! Yes, alien kittens make great writing partners and they're fun creatures ;-) Wookie actually prefers lying on my shoulder so she can see what I'm writing and whisper suggestions into my ear (I'm happy for that - she's a big kitten and would probably cut off circulation to my fingers, lol)
ReplyDeleteLynda, our genre's are different (I write humorous contemporary) but I like how you construct your story, especially how you begin with backstory and then I like your technique for starting your story - then how you go back & delete some of it. I struggle with trying to put too much backstory in too soon. Your technique sounds like just the ticket. Thanks for sharing it. Love your cat!! Wookie sounds like an adorable friend! Have a great week!
ReplyDeleteJan Romes
Hi Jan! Sometimes we have to try different approaches to solve writing problems. Hope my approach helps you ;-) And Wookie says mwrow, yes, she is adorable, lol.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by!
Oh Wookie! I remember when he first came into your life, and how gorgeous is he.
ReplyDeleteI think anytime I see that Heartstone cover, I just beam like a crazy thing. It is so lovely to see that wonderful story out and available.
My huskies are my muses - wish I had an alien kitty too, but unfortunately, Siberian Huskies tend toward being alien hunters, so... maybe someday.
Great post!
Carolyn
Hi Carolyn! I hope you're still writing! You had some wonderful stories to share. Thanks for stopping by and give those gorgeous Huskies a hug for me!
ReplyDeleteCats are very unique animals, independant creatures. We serve them; they don't serve us.
ReplyDeleteYours sounds especially fascinating.
Hi Jacqueline! You're right about who serves who. That's why we also call Wookie an evil overlord, lol.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by!
It never occurred to me that my own cats might be aliens, but it explains a lot...
ReplyDeleteYou are so lucky to have Wookie, Lynda. She sounds like a great companion. My three guys take turns popping in for occasional hugs or to let me know I've been writing too long. Gotta love 'em! Best of luck with your wonderfully imaginative stories!
ReplyDeleteLynda, loved this post. I have two cats who make their home in my office. Bailey is shy and stays in my office, but Sebastian follows me around the house and sometimes sleeps on the corner of our bed at night.
ReplyDeleteMaeve, love your blog.
Thanks so much, Caroline! I was so happy to share my cyber-home with Lynda and Wookie today. I really appreciate everyone stopping by!
ReplyDelete:-)
Hi Cheryl, It's in their eyes. Take a look and you'll see ;-)
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by!
Hi Pat, yes, I am lucky to have a companion like Wookie. My daughter tells me Wookie is like a puppy the way she follows me from room to room. And she talks to me almost constantly, lol. Especially if I'm on the telephone - Wookie just doesn't think it's right that I can have a conversation without her doing her share of talking ;-)
ReplyDeleteHi Caroline! I often think that our furred friends are terrific inspirations for characters, or plots. Wookie insists I get writing on my next book which will have a small kitten, though not of the alien variety...I hope, lol
ReplyDeleteEnjoyed your post, Lynda! And what a lovely muse you have!! I am supervised by a cadre of five ferocious felines, so I can relate! :)
ReplyDeleteCheers!
Michael
Hi Michael! Thanks! And Wookie thanks you too. She says to tell your five ferocious feline supervisors to keep up the good work ;-) I think her evil overlord persona is sneaking out, lol
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by!
Maeve, thanks again for having me and Wookie visit your lovely blog today. It's been a lot of fun ;-)
ReplyDeleteThe pleasure's been all mine, Lynda! Come back for a visit any time. :-)
ReplyDeleteWhat a gorgeous cat and covers! Not that I didn't enjoy the post. I did, but I was blown away by the cat then the covers. Linda Nightingale
ReplyDelete