Ciao, amici! What a whirlwind of a week! Mr. Muse returned. I had a book release. A friend visited with a cover reveal. My WIP took a turn I hadn’t expected—and I outline, for Pete’s sake. How did that happen?
The unexpected turn was more antagonist-related than monster-related, but it made something kind of cool really cool. And now I’m ready to turn my monsters loose. That’s why this quote from Stephen King really resonated with me this week:
I try to create sympathy for my characters,
then turn the monsters loose.
Lots of ups this week, and only a few downs. All in all, I can’t complain. I’m still worried about my deadlines, and now my daughter is coming home for a visit, which means less writing time. Does that make me worry more? Absolutely. Do I plan to work through the visit? Absolutely not. When she’s asleep or visiting friends, I’ll squeeze a few words in, but I refuse to give up family time. I see her so infrequently as it is, I can’t ignore her during the time allotted me.
I know I hit your inbox a lot this week. Thanks for putting up with me. I’m 99.99% sure I won’t post again until next week, so you’ll get a break. 😄
In the meantime, how about you tell me about the monsters you turned loose this week?
And now, this week’s writing links:
Posts by me, about my work, or at sites I contribute to:
Me
Story Empire
- Character Sheets | Me
- Scrivener as a Reference Library | P.H. Solomon
- Friday Book Share: A Street Cat Named Bob | Mae Clair
Posts by others in the industry:
- 5 Flash Fiction Tips | Aurora J. Alexander
- 5 Aspects of Strong Character Arcs | MFRW
- Juggling Multiple Projects | Fiction University
- So Much to Know about Writing Guns | Chuck Wendig
- Power of Character Arcs | Jami Gold
- Spot and Eliminate Stage Writing | K.M. Allan
- 11 Tips from Stan Lee | Standout Books
- How and Why to Treat Setting Like Character | The Creative Penn
- Book Promo: Do This, Not That | The Book Designer
- 4 Tips for a Successful Book Fair | Nicholas C. Rossis
- How to Write a Page-Turner, Part 2 | Fiction University
- Exclusivity vs. Wide Publishing | The Creative Penn
- Writing Procrastination | Anne R. Allen
- Visual Timeline in WP with Gutenberg | Natalie Ducey
- Recommending Books to Grow Your Audience | BookBub
- Limited vs. Tight POV | Fiction University
- 6 Superb Ways to End a Novel | Lorraine Ambers
- Backstory in Dialogue in Your Opening | Live Write Thrive
- 5 Mistakes Newbies Make that Kill Stories | Kristen Lamb
- 8 Dialogue-Killing Cliches | Standout Books
- The Final Edit | BookBoby
- How to Structure a Compelling Scene | Well-Storied
- Road Work | Kill Zone
- Publishing Options | Writers Helping Writers
- Layering: The Secret to a Stronger Plot | Standout Books
To make you smile:
- House was Clean Humor | Bluebird of Bitterness
- Every Dog Has His Day | Bluebird of Bitterness
- Snoopy Kiss | Random Short Stories
- Monday Funnies | The Storyreading Ape
- Monday Chuckles | Bluebird of Bitterness
- Groaner: Flamingo | Random Short Stories
- Twiggy Jousts a Windmill | John W. Howell
And when you’re done with these links, don’t forget to check out the sidebar, where you’ll find more links to some of my favorite sites.
Have a great week! Arrivederci!
Whew! Busy, busy. But you are right to spend the time with your daughter while she’s home. Family first (even if they drive you nuts or forget you really like chocolate-covered coffee beans and he works in a candy shop). I haven’t turned any monsters loose this week, but I am (trying) to do my homework. Today’s migraine just isn’t cooperating. Good thing the weekend is two days long 😀 Then again, three days would be better. 😀
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I’m nearly crippled with all the work I’m missing while my daughter is home. I’ll be bitc—complaining about it for weeks (later, after she leaves) but I’m not giving up my time with her. I have no idea when I’ll see her again.
Hope you’re over your migraine now.
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I just love when a character changes my thoughts. Enjoy your time with family.
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It can be a challenge. It can also be a lot of fun. Thanks, Michele.
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You definitely had a busy week, Staci – hope you had a fantastic visit with your daughter!
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She’s here as I type. Got in just in time for dinner yesterday. So happy to see her!
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Staci, you have had a busy week — but the unexpected in your novel sounds fun. I got a huge kick out of that quote. I don’t guess I’ve loosed any monsters (but if the man across the street tries to hit on me again I might). Rather my allergies have released a monster on me, and now I look like the Creature from the Black Lagoon. (And still the crazy stalker across the street — proof positive that he’s crazy.)
I’m happy that you’ll get to see your daughter for Mother’s Day. Hugs on the wing!
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Bad allergies here, too. So sorry you’re suffering through it. Be careful about that creepy neighbor. (Now I’m going to worry about you.) Hugs.
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Sorry… I meant it to be funny. But I admit it’s a bit unnerving. Everything will be fine. 🙂
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As long as you’re safe…
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Sounds like a fantastic, productive week, Staci. Thanks so much for another awesome share, and for including my post, as well.
Wishing you a lovely week with family. Happy Mother’s Day! 🙂
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Thanks, Natalie. Wishing you a Happy Mother’s Day, too.
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Family time is pretty important Staci. Enjoy her while you have her… the keyboard will always be there 🤗
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Couldn’t agree more, Jess. I’m really looking forward to her visit.
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🤗
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Reblogged this on Loleta Abi.
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Many thanks, Traci.
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You’re welcome, Staci!
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Love that quote, Staci!
Congrats again on the release of The Gate. I’m reading it now and had a hard time setting it down to sleep 🙂
Enjoy your mother/daughter time {{hugs}}
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I love hearing that, Jacquie. Thanks so much!
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You make hard work look easy, Staci. hope you have a restful weekend. Thank you for the link. 😁
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So sweet of you to say, John. Thank you.
And glad to have included your post.
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😄
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The whirlwind weeks just keep on coming! Happy Mother’s Day, Staci! Enjoy every moment with your daughter!!
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I’m glad your muse is hanging around:) That’s such a true quote by Stephen King. I’ve been working on the sympathy all week and ended up with another direction to explore. I hope you have a wonderful Mother’s Day and weekend with your daughter, also congrats on a successful release!
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I’m glad he’s here, too. I need his help.
Another direction is good. I love it when that happens. (I hope you do, too, and you aren’t stymied by this development.)
Thanks for the kind wishes, and have a wonderful weekend!
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Whirlwind, indeed, Jan. Thank you!
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Enjoy your family time. My week has all been job related, but I may have massaged one writing day into next week. Just one, but at this point I’ll take it.
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Sorry about the paycheck job. Mine’s been a bear, too. Hoping you get that one day!
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Thanks, me too.
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You’ve really had a wall-to-wall week but it’s all good stuff, so congratulations. It sounds like your muse really sparked your imagination. I love when stories take unexpected turns, because they always enrich the plot.
I didn’t manage much this week..a few blog posts but no other writing. And I started reading an excellent sci-fi novel called The Gate. I crashed in bed early last night with no reading time but I plan to make up for it tonight 😀
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It has been a busy week. I want to nap right now, and it’s only 8:00 a.m.!
Thanks, Mae.
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You have had a busy week. I don’t blame you for taking time off for your daughter. It’s worth it. And best of luck with your writing schedule.
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Thanks, Joan. I can’t wait to see her!
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Wow! 😀 A fabulous week for you, Staci and how amazing to have a turn in your WIP … the magic of fiction is that anything is possible and I love the quote from the King! I wonder what is going to happen to your character? Have a brilliant time with your daughter – precious moments! A very happy weekend to you all! 😀🌺
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Well, I’m keeping the surprise development a secret so I don’t reveal spoilers, but I am happy about it. I’m more happy about my daughter’s visit, though.
Wishing you a wonderful weekend!
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