Hello fellow IWSG'ers! Welcome to the first IWSG meeting of 2015. That 5 at the end of that number is hard to believe, isn't it? I feel like the year 2000 and all the hype and hysteria surrounding Y2K was just a few years ago. I know I'm old when time moves that quickly.
Since our group has been around for a while now Alex and the other organizers have asked us to share a brief intro with this month's post. So if you don't know me already, I'm Julie and I am the author of three books - Polar Night, The Ghosts of Aquinnah, and Polar Day, which will be released on February 5, 2015. I also wrote a novella called The Turnagain Arm. I write fiction with more than a hint of the paranormal and I love dark stories of all kinds. I just debuted my new author tagline - "Mysteries Untethered by Time" - this week. I'm an animal lover and if you're around this blog for any length of time you're sure to meet my dog Clancy and my cat Nate. In addition, I'm (slightly) obsessed with Game of Thrones and The Walking Dead. And finally, I'm a sports nut and rabid Ohio State Buckeye fan who is over the moon that my Buckeyes are in the National Championship next week. :D
As to my insecurity, I am actually super excited about some ideas I have for new books but also struggling with total anxiety and convinced I will never get the books written. One idea involves my Polar Night and Polar Day detective Danny Fitzpatrick with a new supernatural adversary - an extremely malevolent ghost. The other takes place during World War I here in my hometown of Cincinnati and is a bit like my Ghosts of Aquinnah book in that it is a historical story that also involves a ghost. It's safe to say I really love writing about ghosts!
But in spite of the fact that I have these ideas hopping around in my brain I've only managed to write one measly chapter, the first chapter for the Cincinnati book. I know I need to just sit down and write but I can't seem to focus. Perhaps I need to go back to this muse that has worked for me in the past.
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| http://www.jimchines.com/2011/04/comic-amusement/ |
One of my goals for this month is to visit members of the group who are new to me, so I hope to meet lots of new people while also catching up with old friends.
Happy IWSG, all!
Hi Julie.
ReplyDeleteYour "heart lies with the ghosts", so it's the way to go. Works for you.
I'm looking forward to Polar Day.
That comic is perfect! LOL
Writer In Transit
January IWSG co-hostess.
Good luck to your Buckeyes!
ReplyDeleteI like the sound of your WWI story. Hope more chapters come to you soon.
Good luck! Sometimes that focus eludes me too. Then I just write something crazy and my muse will come running in to tell me that's not the way it goes. :)
ReplyDeleteYou write excellent ghost stories, Julie! I'm excited for your new ideas. You will get them written. I know it. :)
ReplyDeleteBoth of those ideas sound intriguing!
ReplyDeleteSomething that helps me get the words down - setting a timer for short chunks of time forces me to move the story forward and not second guess everything like I usually do. That's what revisions are for. :)
I like this idea. I'm going to try it.
Delete@Michelle, that's a good way to put it about the ghosts, very true. Thank you!
ReplyDelete@Alex, I can't wait for the game. :)
@Christine, thanks, maybe I will try just writing something crazy like that to get the muse going LOL.
@Loni, thank you!
@Madeline, that's what I am terrible about - second guessing before I even get started. Thanks for the tip.
@Karen, I hope so, thanks.
I get that a lot too; I get a great idea and feel so daunted by it, so unworthy and not up to the task, that I stall and stall and stall. But the only way to write it is to write it, you know that. Some days I only manage 200 words an hour, but we just have to keep at it, don't we? Best of luck with your writing and upcoming book launch.
ReplyDeleteAngeline
Time does fly by doesn't it! Congrats on the two new stories! You'll put it all together - sometimes stepping away lets the unconscious develop the story and then it's non-stop writing! Good luck!
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year! There is nothing wrong with ghosts. I love reading stories about ghosts. Don't worry, you will make progress. Starting new stories or developing ideas always take a while for me, but once the writing comes, I make progress fast. Wishing you well.
ReplyDeleteI need that muse too. I wrote a sentence earlier, and my head seems to think I've done enough today!! :-/
ReplyDeleteI have faith that your story will come together. I'm looking forward to Polar Day.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on your upcoming book release! And you'll find a way to get those stories written. I find progress can be slow sometimes, and that's okay.
ReplyDeleteLove the graphic. Debbie Ohi has really funny writerly graphics also.
ReplyDelete@Angeline, we do have to keep at it, so true. Thanks and best of luck to you as well!
ReplyDelete@Yolanda, I hope so, thanks.
@Murees, glad I'm not the only ghost lover LOL. Thank you.
@Annalisa, that sounds like how I've been. A sentence is almost too much for me LOL.
@Elizabeth, thank you!
@Cherie, I hope so, I've been sooo slow. Thank you.
@worddreams, oh, I will have to check out her site. :)
You're a Buckeye fan? I'm a Cyclone fan. I'm not sure we can be friends... just kidding! :) I really do need a muse like that, all the time. Good luck this year!
ReplyDeleteGreat intro! You are an amazing writer - I know you can write those new novels! Happy 2015!
ReplyDeleteThat muse is hilarious. A good ghost story is such a fun read! Happy New Year!!
ReplyDeleteElsie
Julie, Happy New Year! Can't wait to read Polar Day. And I'm in the same boat, finding time to write more. Good Luck and much success in 2015!!!
ReplyDelete@Krista, no, we definitely can't be friends LOL. Thanks and good luck to you as well.
ReplyDelete@Tyrean, aww, thank you!
@Elsie, I totally love the must LOL. Thanks!
Thanks Cathy and Happy New Year to you as well. :)
ReplyDeleteLOL! I like your muse. I've been happy with new ideas introducing themselves--after a rather dry spot. Some of them are nothing more than brief sketch on paper. But I do have a persistent idea for a sci-fi story. Hmm. I love to read sci-fi just haven't written much of it. Challenge and a good idea. We'll see. :-)
ReplyDeleteSia McKye Over Coffee
LOL I'm pretty sure you could take him, but since he's motivating you... :-)
ReplyDeleteHere's my link if you'd like to drop by :-)
Anna from Shout with Emaginette
Oh yes, I call that the new idea anxiety. It happens every. single. Time. Sigh. Maybe someday I'll be able to start something new without feeling it... but I can say that I have NO DOUBT you'll finish these and many more!!!
ReplyDelete(I have always loved that muse cartoon, BTW :) )
Keep writing despite the insecurities. Celebrate the successes!
ReplyDeletePlay off the Page
You've got some great sounding ideas so I am sure the muse will return real soon to help you. Maybe she is just having a slightly extended holiday season!
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year, Julie. Look forward to hearing how you are progressing next month.
Hi Julie, I too am super excited about a few new ideas, as well as super anxious, whether I will get the time to write them and do justice to them :(
ReplyDeleteHehe, that's a pretty effective must and just about the only one that works for me. It's awesome that you're starting off the new year with not one but TWO great inspirations!
ReplyDelete@Sia, good luck with your sci-fi idea! I think that would be really challenging to write as well and admire those who are so good at it.
ReplyDelete@Anna thanks and thank you for stopping by this week, I'm so glad to meet you and look forward to visiting.
@Liz, it's a classic LOL. Thanks!
@Mary, good advice, thanks!
@Suzanne, LOL I think she has been on holiday for 6 months at least. Happy New Year to you as well.
@Rachna, I hope we will both find the time and inspiration, good luck!
@Nicki, I can never say no to this muse. :D
You always have great ideas and your new project sounds so exciting. I think it's fun that your books have to do with the word "polar" but your background is of a lush forest with water that looks very comfortable to stick your feet into.
ReplyDeleteHa, I kind of wish my muse would hold a gun to my head, but he's too lazy...Good luck with your new ideas! I'm sure you'll be able to get them out.
ReplyDeleteOh man, I hear you...except I'm trying to get my brain chugging around this pregnancy. It definitely makes for a difficult time writing, but we'll get there. I love shiny new ideas and I'm wishing you SUPER success with yours.
ReplyDeleteYes, Julie. It is hard to believe there's a 5 at the end of this new year. I remember when my 4 kiddos were little. I never thought we'd get to having one now a junior in college with our second child graduating from high school this June. So strange... Makes me want to write a story about time speeding up in different ways for different people but living in the same time. (Confusing, but that's how I feel at times.) Here's to both of us finding some progress with our muse this month!
ReplyDeleteSend me that muse, Julie! I'll return him so you can get those ideas down ASAP. Promise. Good luck with the next project(s).
ReplyDeleteYeah, I definitely need that muse some days. I want to read those stories, so you need to get them written.
ReplyDeleteLove that muse! However, with three books done, not sure if you need him anymore. Good luck to you. I hope you have good news to report next month, too.
ReplyDelete@Michael, LOL, I know, I hesitated to use this background but it was the only green I could find and I am too hopeless to make my own. :D
ReplyDelete@Sarah, I can send this one over to you if you want ha.
@Crystal, thanks and I'm sending you the same wishes!
@SA, oh, that sounds like a really cool story!
@Lee, I will send him right away. But don't blame me if someone gets hurt. :D
@Mary, thank you, I will try.
@Jenn, I hope so, thanks!
Um...It is only January 7th:) I think you should not be too hard on yourself. All these ideas sound great and you have a book coming out!! Congratulations and be proud of what you have done. This is so wonderful. I still have my Christmas decorations up:)
ReplyDeleteOh, man. That cartoon is hilarious. Yes, that's the way I feel sometimes. I know what you mean about wondering if you can do what you want with a story. That's where I'm at with my SciFi.
ReplyDeleteThose sound like great story ideas, Julie! Sometimes when we have too many ideas floating in our head, it's hard to focus and write. Taking a deep breath and starting slow with one idea always helps me. Good luck!!
ReplyDeleteThat sounds like a great goal for the month, Julie. The more writers you meet, the more you'll learn.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with the muse. When you're done with him, send him over to me. I could always use a few more muses.
Oh, yes. yesyes yes yes yesssss. I need that muse.
ReplyDeleteLOL.
@Birgit, hey, nothing wrong with keeping your decorations around. :)
ReplyDelete@Donna, I hope we can both figure out our stories and get them done.
@Chrys, thanks, a deep breath is definitely always good.
@Ken, I will send him over weapon in hand. :D
@Huntress, it sounds like lots of us need him LOL.
Sometimes taking time away from a story helps to recharge our inspiration and motivation. If you're not feeling it right now, trying to force it won't make it come any faster.
ReplyDeleteHi, Julie,
ReplyDeleteHad to laugh when I saw the illustration. SO FUN! I feel just like you... I need my muse to put a gun to my head. At least you wrote several new things in 2014 and now you have a fabulous new story coming out next month! SO happy for you!
LOVE you new tagline, btw... it's FANTASTIC!
ALL the best in the coming year!
Me, again...
ReplyDeleteI just noticed your header.... LOVE IT! Nicely done!
I have that problem, too. I never not have a story idea, but I can't work on more then one project at a time. It' is so cool to learn new stuff about people. Have a great 2015.
ReplyDeleteGreat cartoon. I need a Muse like that. :)
ReplyDeleteI try to visit new people each month, too. I made it through the first 60 last month--this month I've only made it from 60-77! Some (like you) I read anyway! Yes, we definitely need someone to make us keep our butts in our chairs and write, write, write.
ReplyDeleteLOL - One of my favorite writing cartoons! I need that muse oh so badly. I'm glad you have those ideas running in your head, I too have no shortage of ideas...but I also don't much written for them. Ah well, new year, eh? You'll get to them and they will be great!
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year! ;)
S.K. Anthony: Organizing New Ideas — IWSG (18)
Those are some great obsessions to have...I suffer from them as well. Haha. I still need to read A Dance with Dragons before Season 5 comes out. Wow..your 3rd book is coming out in just a few weeks. Exciting! Happy New Year. :)
ReplyDeleteCheck under the bed. Sometimes my muse hides under the bed.
ReplyDeleteEveryone is pretty Buckeyes obsessed up here in Dayton, too. Except my poor husband. (He grew up in Michigan.)
Good luck with your upcoming release! Both books sound like they'll be interesting, so I hope you get yourself motivated. Get writing! Walking Dead and Game of Thrones were both up for favorite television series tonight on People's Choice Awards. They were beat out by Big Bang Theory, but I figure more people have access to that show.
ReplyDeleteHi Julie - ghosts and more ghosts - but sounds like you're in the right mood for the moment - so go for it ...
ReplyDeleteJust enjoy your writing - and that you do .. good luck and have a happy 2015 - cheers Hilary
I have the same problem as you right now. I just can't seem to stay focused when I write. Here's hoping we can both over come it. Your muse idea is a good one. :)
ReplyDeleteLove love your new banner and line! Good job! I need to do that as well, and soon! I laughed at the cartoon, which is soooo right. Though we are not "new" IWSG friends, I always enjoy dropping by your blog. Thank you for leaving a comment on mine, and I wish you a happy new year!
ReplyDeleteThat's such a huge problem isn't it? So many idea's and not enough time! Wishing you a great 2015 (and yes, I feel old as well!) and lots of great writing time! x
ReplyDeleteHey, you've got some great ideas and that's half the battle! Maybe just try writing out a scene from each and see what grabs you. I'm sure taking a step back or maybe even focusing on something else will make the way forward apparent. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteYep, that's my muse, too. She gets around :)
ReplyDeleteMuch as I love Jim C. Hines's work, I don't think I'd write well in that situation. O_o My Muse tends to badger me to get started, though, and demands sacrifices of chocolate. I'm not sure if the two are related.
ReplyDeleteBut I hear you on having a lot of ideas and wondering if you'll ever get them written. I'm in the plotting stage for six different projects, and they're all at different places, so I can't help thinking that I won't get them all written. It's not a great feeling, but I tell myself to just focus on what I feel like writing most, and not to worry - the work I've already done doesn't go away if I don't touch it for a long time. Eventually, I'll get to it all. (I think.)
Ha! Love that muse graphic! So, so true.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with your ghost book! I think it sounds fantastic!
I feel your pain. Lots of ideas and lots of unfinished projects. I need that muse.
ReplyDeleteIt's curious that your anxiety pops up at the beginning. I'm always in a positive state of mind when I start a new story. The anxiety pops up in a later stage.
ReplyDeleteStopping by a little late for the IWSG! That 5 on the end of the year has me doing double takes too; 2010 does NOT feel like 5 years ago, more like 2. While Y2k seems a long time ago, 15 years?? More like 10. Yikes. Seriously, yikes.
ReplyDeleteI hear you on having ideas and then being anxious about them. Think of all the people you encounter who say "I have an idea for a book!" and then never do anything about it. I used to be that person too. The fact you have written is a huge accomplishment. Taking ideas and doing something with them is a great thing to celebrate :)
Woo HOO! Another new book coming out next month! (On my hubby's birthday, so I won't forget!) Congratulations! I can't wait to read it.
ReplyDeleteTell your muse to stop picking on you... you're doing just fine without a bullet in your head.
Love the comic and ghost stories :)
ReplyDelete