"Jirka's Blog"

One of my favorite sites to visit when I'm looking for inspiration or just a new spin on things is "Jirka's Blog" at www.jirkavinse.wordpress.com . (And by the by, it's pronounced Yirka, not Jerk-a.) He's an incredibly talented photographer who has done some amazing depictions of what Disney princesses would look like in real life. I have to say, they are very impressive! He has an amazing eye for light and effects and I hope to see more, particularly in the Disney department. I'm kind of a sucker for Disney. :-)

-Grace

To the Late Nights

(Photo courtesy of "Greatist" http://refinery29.com )

If being a writer means putting in the hours, than I definitely want the night shift. For some curious reason, I am in my best creative mind at, like, ten p.m. Why is this? Don't ask me, but I do like working in the night time, yet cringe at the thought of taking night classes at the college. No disrespect to colleges or those with the stamina for that kind of thing after dinner, but I kind of prefer to get all of my schoolwork out of the way ASAP.
But I'm getting off topic again. Where was I? Ah, yes. I like the idea of writing at two in the morning. The whole concept sounds appealing to me, rebellious somehow. Take last night for example. I was out with my parents, sitting in on a martial arts class. I try to always have a notebook and pen with me, at the very least. Last night, however, was one of the rare exceptions where I got to bring a multitude of writing materials (three notebooks on three different stories, a drawing tutorial, erasers, two working pens). Honestly I didn't think I would be able to write anything because my mind had been pretty dry over the weekend. So I'm sitting at the table listening to Tai Chi music, when I bring out my notebook, close my eyes and think, "Okay, what scenes can I write at this very moment?" Remember the other day when I was talking about being frustrated with bringing out one of my villain's "evilness"? Well, I kind of built up to that, creating a scene in which my main character and her sister-in-law (yes, they are both women) are heading back home, when EvilChica recalls a rather tragic story of her best friend. I really like how it turned out, though I still have yet to put curser to digital paper. Hoping to do that tonight. In the meantime, I've created a document where I jot down all the witty quotes and character epiphanies. I'm having fun thumbing through my various notebooks rereading the snippets of dialogue and whatnot I wrote in teeny-tiny handwriting. Anyway, hopefully I'll stumble upon some glorious detail that will open the doors for some serious late-night writing.
Here's to that.

-Grace

One of My Stories

So I was just working on a scene for a story that I'm writing. It's coming along okay, but one of the things I could really do without is my so-called "writing process." I'll get an idea for a story, jot down some notes, think up a few names, and then start typing. Then after, like, one chapter, I get an idea for the sequel! I have one particular situation where I know what's gonna happen in the sequel to a story I haven't even written yet! Sound annoying? It is, but at least it keeps the juices flowing, you know?
Anyway, about this story, my protagonist has a pretty dark, tragic past (don't they all?), but I'm having a little trouble developing the enemy's exact character. I know I want them to be the enemy, I know they are despicable, cunning, and would make fellow-Thespians proud. But for this particular instance, I'm not sure how to show that evilness, the traitor beneath that delicate façade. Grrr. I want this to work --it has to work. They are in a market and the enemy has just purchased something apparently innocent, but when confronted about it they give a very weak defense. That's the gist of the scene, now I need the details. The enemy must have some kind of tell, however small it may be. And the protagonist must see this cruel fabrication. She must!

Ideas anyone?

-Grace

The Journey Has Begun

To the wandering eye, my family and friends, and those who Google at 2 a.m., welcome. I invite you to join me as I sail away with dastardly pirates, reclaim the throne of an unknown country, or simply claim sanctuary beneath a shady tree, notebook and pen at the ready. My name is Grace, and what is to follow is the inspiration, information, and hopefully publication of tales which have long since captivated me from the chilled, dewy morning to the darkest hours of the night. I look forward to sharing with you. The journey has begun.

-Grace