☀️It Dawned on Me… (#6)

Writing progress; when the culture promotes negativity, let's be counter-cultural at (in)courage; currently reading, watching, listening; quotable; peppermint ice cream recipe

Aug 30, 2023

Over the weekend I passed the 30K mark of the 80K words needed to complete the first draft of my first novel! That’s 37.5%, but who’s counting? 😜 I’m thankful August has been productive.

My husband and I took a little vacation, which was a writing retreat for me and covid recovery time for him (I still haven’t gotten it). A big, comfy chair by this window was my morning writing spot.

I wrote over 1600 words in one day at that wooden table with the blanket draped over it. I wish I’d brought it home with me! If you need a cozy, quiet rental near Helen, GA, I can certainly recommend one. 😍

When the Culture Promotes Negativity, Let’s Be Counter-Cultural at (in)courage 👍🏻

This month at (in)courage, I discuss our power of influence within our circles, and being a light in a negative world. Here’s an excerpt:

I paused in the middle of a writing session to open a new tab on my web browser. After years devoted to nonfiction, I’m twenty thousand words into the rough draft of my first novel (it both thrills and terrifies me to type these words). The differences between genres no longer overwhelm me, I can compose dialogue (yay!), and I’ve become comfortable writing from points of view beyond my own.

For my last two books, I researched articles in science journals. Now I study character development, and how to describe real places or fabricate fictional settings. I ponder fresh word choices and avoid overused clichés, employ techniques like “show, don’t tell,” foreshadowing, and cliffhangers, and know that HEA means happily ever after. Sometimes I’m so fully immersed in my fictional world that writing dialogue feels like eavesdropping, as if I’m taking dictation on my characters’ conversations.

Hop on over to (in)courage for the rest of the article!

Currently Reading, Watching, Listening 📖

My Fiction Writing Foundered for Years—Until My Kids Left for College

Our nest is far from empty, but we’ve graduated our last child, so I have fewer responsibilities. This article reflects on the challenges and timeline of the creative life amid family life.

Here’s a quote:

I know the creative life is different for everyone, but when I finally had the space in my home, it seemed that a space had cleared in my head as well.

Lately, I’ve been reading a combination of fiction and books about writing. I need to find comps—comparable titles—for my book. They can be similar in theme, plot, vibe, or character ensemble, even including movies, so there’s lots of Southern fiction on my reading list.

This week I finished Kim Michele Richardson’s The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek. I’ll admit, I had trouble engaging with it initially, but it explored both a fascinating piece of history and a genetic condition.

Amy Wallen’s How to Write a Novel is 20 Pies provided inspiration and several bookmarked recipes. It offers inside tips on the publishing industry.

I recently read Noah Lukeman’s A Dash of Style: The Art and Mastery of Punctuation. This book won't interest you if you can’t imagine punctuation being delightful. Otherwise, it’s a five-star read!

{FYI: I earn a small commission if you purchase through my Amazon affiliate links. This doesn’t affect your price. Find my Amazon Influencer page here.}

I’m so curious: Do you primarily read fiction or nonfiction?

Quotable 💬

“Some believe it is only great power that can hold evil in check, but that is not what I have found. It is the small everyday deeds of ordinary folk that keep the darkness at bay. Small acts of kindness and love.”

- J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit

Peppermint Ice Cream Recipe 🍨

Ice cream is one of life’s great joys. You’ll notice something fascinating about this recipe before you taste it: essential oils don’t freeze, so it’s easier to scoop!

I don’t know about you, but I’m ridiculously ready for fall! 🍁

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