Friday, May 17, 2013

In This Reader, There is a Writer: Settings


Last year I opened up and shared a bit of my writing.  Since then I've gotten more brave in wanting to talk about my writing, and not just keep it to myself.  Am I throwing my words around for everyone to read?  Not quite, but it is something I am becoming more comfortable talking about.  Sometimes I need that feedback from my peers, and other times I love to listen to those who do write, what their struggles may be and how they work through them.

I go through spurts where all I want to do is write, and other times writing feels like the furthest thing from my mind.  During those moments when I do feel like writing, I don't shy away from it.  I'll open my current writing project, or perhaps dabble with a new idea, and just let my thoughts and imagination run wild.  It's quite fun, actually.

One thing I've found to be true about my writing (and also about what I read), is my connection to the setting.  When I can visualize a scene, right down to the temperature of the air and the smells that float by, it sparks something in me and I can place myself inside the story.  If you know me, then you know how much I adore a story set during the summer months.  There's just something about it that has always played up my imagination.  So I thought, why not write a story set during the summer?  And so, that's become my latest project.  It's still very, very new, but I am having fun with where it's going so far.

And yes, it's a summer romance.  Would you expect something different? haha

I recently heard a published author speak about their settings, and whether they use real places, or make up their own.  I found this interesting because there are pros & cons to using both.  I write contemporary stories, so the places I think up could be real.  Are they actual destinations on a map?  Not exactly.  I like the idea of my settings to be inspired by places I've been to, but not necessarily be that exact place.  It's more fun to tweak it and make it my own.

Here's a tiny excerpt of what I'm working on currently:

Stepping out onto the deck, I glance around at the familiar surroundings. Weathered planks stretch out under my feet, beckoning me forward. I walk across the deck and down the few steps that open up to a small patch of grass. It definitely needs to be mowed, so I make a mental note to grab some gasoline for the lawn mower while I'm in town tomorrow.

The air hangs loose just over my head, slowly drifting downward to settle in the tall grasses around my bare legs. I imagine snakes wrapping themselves around my ankles and paranoia sends me briskly to the boat dock just ahead. The water laps against the pilings, another familiar sound that I associate with summer spent here. Slipping out of my flip flops, I take a seat on the edge of the dock, letting my legs dangle over. The sun is setting just over the horizon in a burst of oranges and golds, creating shimmers of light as the sun touches the water's surface. As I take in the beauty around me, I let out a sigh. Finally, it feels like home.


9 comments:

  1. I love your writing style, G! It's very descriptive in a good way! I can picture the scene in my mind and it makes me want to go there. :)

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  2. Aw Ginger, this is gorgeous! Loving the picture as well. If you ever need a pair of beta eyes, I'd be happy to read your words :)

    <3Farrah

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  3. I am a big fan of summer and of romance so I think this is a great way to go :) FWIW, I worked at a book publisher for almost 6 years and I've read and advised on many proposals (not as an editor, as a saleswoman) and I think your voice, at least from those two paragraphs, is strong. I can really get a picture of what you're describing. Good luck with whatever direction you choose to take it in!

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  4. The picture is so pretty! Love it! And your book sounds so good! Your writing style is so descriptive and I love that! Good luck! :)

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  5. I love this, very you. Summer and romance, what's not to love? After reading this along with the snippet you shared last year, I can't help but imagine you with a published book in the near future. You're very talented, especially when it comes to writing ♥ Happy writing!

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  6. Love your writing style with your descriptive language which really helps to take me there. :) Now I want to keep on reading. Ahem.

    Shannon
    http://www.irunreadteach.wordpress.com

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